Okay, I'm back! This is the third chapter so far and I am very proud of myself! This is my most favorite chapter so far; I hope you like it! My muse (the Condiment Woman. No, I'm serious, she really exists. One time, my sister and I went to a McDonald's, and this old woman cackled at us and said, "Ketchup? Mustard? MUSTARD?!?" and started throwing packets at us. We got away as soon as we could) was helping me along on this one! Sorry it's taking so long, I can't get on the computer very often and I write best with a computer, even though I use notebooks for chapter outlines. Anyway, on with the story. You've heard the disclaimer twice already, soooo that's that.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

by Zenin

Chapter Three: Fierah

It was nighttime, the stars spreading across the sky like diamonds against black velvet. Most of the camp was asleep, but I was still disturbed about the day. I mean, who wouldn't be disturbed? Yesterday I almost broke my neck falling in the gym, today I almost was smashed by a demonic tree, and on top of that, Meilin keeps accusing me of trying to hit on Syaoran. Not that that would be bad… Syaoran just doesn't seem to feel the same way for me that I feel for him. Then there was that weird disappearing act of Emiko, who didn't come back until after lights out; with that secretive smile in her hazel eyes. And when I had come to, I found out that Akemi had slapped Syaoran because she thought he had mishandled me. I must admit, the look on his face was priceless when Akemi forced him to come over and apologize for saving my life.

Lying in my bed, I began to feel the strange power I've felt often for the past few days. I got out of my bed, slipped on some shoes, and went for a walk, trying to sense where the magical force was coming from. It led me to the training building. I stepped inside, touching my neck to make sure the Key was there. This time I hadn't forgotten it. The training building was a two-room building; one room was used for martial arts and the other for fencing. I walked across the fencing room, noting the pile of swords in the corner. I was about to check in the martial arts room, when a burst of the strange power came from behind me. I whirled around and brought out the Key.

~Normal POV~

"O Key of the Star,

With powers burning bright,

Reveal the Staff,

And shine your Light!

Release!"

At first nothing happened. She paused, and let down the Staff, looking around the room. Then a slim sword began to glow red. Humming, it rose into the air, as if it was being held by someone, and pointed itself at Sakura. What could it be? I've already captured the Sword card. She pulled out the Sword card.

"Sword card, come to my aid!"

Nothing happened.

"Whoops, that's the way Syaoran does his elemental spells…heh… Sword card, release and dispel!"

A beautiful, slender sword materialized in her hand. Almost immediately the duel began. The glowing sword attacked, sweeping down towards her head. She sidestepped, blocking up, hilt to hilt, then broke away, sliding in to deliver a half circle sweep. *Wait a second, * she thought, as she repelled another blow. I can't attack because there's nothing holding the sword! Fear began to fill her as she countered each attack, faltering more and more as the fight went on. Then the red sword came down, under and up, catching Sakura's hilt and shearing the blade from the hilt. Sakura's sword clattered upon the ground, useless, and turned back into the Staff. She leapt away, barely escaping a thrust towards her heart. Which card can stop this? Which card??? Wait a second, I know…

"Shield, release and dispel!"

The card released, just as the red sword swept up and down upon her head.

~Syaoran~

Syaoran rubbed his cheek, muttering curses in Mandarin as he remembered Akemi's righteous wrath. Now he knew why the boys called her "Demon Chick". He flushed as he remembered the scene.

(Flashback)

"Meilin, give it a rest." Syaoran said, and turned back to waking up Sakura.

Akemi strode towards him as he lifted Sakura in his arms. She faced him, her red hair shining brilliantly and her gray eyes snapping.

"You pervert! You could have saved Sakura without groping her!" Akemi cried, slapping him.

Syaoran straitened angrily.

"GROPING HER?! I saved her life!"

"Yeah, I bet that's what they all say. You were just trying to get close to our lovely Sakura! And look, you made her faint!"

"I—"

"I demand you apologize!" Akemi cried, then took Sakura from him and marched off to Cabin Four with the limp Sakura in her arms. The rest of the girls left, shaking their heads disapprovingly at him.

(End of flashback)

He had apologized, all right. Sakura had smiled sweetly at him, making it all worth while.

Syaoran stood and stretched. Something was compelling him to go for a walk, and he knew better than to deny his instincts. He'd be awake all night if he ignored them. Not bothering to put on a shirt, he strapped his sword to his back and crept outside. The power seemed to be calling him, telling him to go to the Training Building. He paused beside the Rainbow Pond. It was quite an unusual pond. First it would be blue, then fade to purple, then a fiery red-orange, and finally, a clear emerald hue. Sometimes, all the colors would swirl together and the water would become a dazzling white. The power flared suddenly, breaking Syaoran out of his reverie. He ran into the Training Building, stopping quickly.

Sakura had her sword out and was fencing a flying red sword. Her hair was swept back into a ponytail, with the usual bangs curling down either side of her face. She was in her nightgown and it was obviously hampering her as she ducked to the side, narrowly escaping a swing at her neck. Then her sword broke and changed back into the Staff. The crimson sword swung up and slashed down towards her head.

"Shield, release and dispel!"

A golden bubble encased her, but Syaoran could tell that even the shield wasn't going to last for long under the constant attack. It trembled as the red sword swung upward, preparing to deal the final blow that would break the shield.

"NO!!!" Syaoran yelled.

Sakura turned and saw him. Their eyes locked, amber and emerald, as the sword slashed down upon the shield. Syaoran felt his aura wrap around the shield, strengthening it a hundred times over. There was a sound like rolling thunder as the sword exploded against the impact of hitting the reinforced shield. A red cloud flowed from the fragments, forming a young girl with red hair and eyes. Two swords were strapped to her back and around her waist was a belt holding several knives. Sakura got ready to seal the girl.

"Sakura card, return to your power confined!"

Nothing happened. The girl raised a slender eyebrow questioningly. Then Sakura remembered.

(Flashback)

"I remember reading something in one of Clow's books about rainbow cards or something…Expect the unexpected, Sakura."

(End flashback)

"I've got it! Rainbow Card, return to your power confined! Red!"

A bright light surrounded the girl. She bowed and whispered,

"You will do as our mistress, but there are many more challenges you will face. Only then, will you have truly proven your worth. I am but the first of those challenges, Card Mistress Sakura."

With that she swirled into her card form. The card floated to Sakura and rested in her hands. It was a deep red color, with a picture of the girl, slightly smiling, and on the bottom it read: "The Cut".

Then Sakura remembered Syaoran. She turned to him and blushed when she noticed that he wasn't wearing a shirt. He had a very finely toned body.

"Thank you." she whispered softly, glancing at her feet to hide her blush.

"Why didn't you tell me? What if you had gotten hurt?" he asked irately.

Her head snapped up and looked at him confusedly.

"I mean, you know, then the cards wouldn't have a mistress and they'd probably release themselves and destroy things…"

"Oh." Her head went back down, hiding pain-filled eyes.

He sighed. Baka, baka, baka kuso! "Sakura, look at me."

She obeyed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He gently took one of her hands.

"I want you to be careful, not just for the cards, but also for your friends. We all would be very, very upset if you got hurt. Promise, Sakura. Promise you'll be careful."

"I promise."

He suddenly realized that he was still holding her hand. Pulling her close, he kissed it, whispered, "Thank you," and quickly ran out the door.

She stood there, gazing at her hand, a dazed expression on her face. Then her shoulders slumped. Just friends…

The next day dawned, sun shining, birds singing, and—

"Yo, Kinomoto, WAKE UP!!!" Meilin said, giving Sakura a solid thwack with her pillow. She'd been trying to wake Sakura for the past half hour. Akemi, Xiefa, and Emiko had gone ahead to the Food Court, promising to bring back some breakfast. Sakura snorted and rolled over.

"Not time…need…sleep…"

Meilin giggled evilly as she filled up her Super Soaker water gun with ice water. This is going to be great! But before Meilin could begin her shooting rampage, a group of clowns burst into the cabin, cheerfully waving paddles.

"HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FROM ALL OF US TO YOU! WE WISH IT WAS OUR BIRTHDAY, SO WE COULD PARTY TOO!!!! BUT SINCE IT'S NOT OUR BIRTHDAY, MAY WE JUST SIMPLY SAY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY BIIIIIRRRRTHDAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

They surrounded Meilin and began smacking her with their paddles.

"Let's see…sixteen, is it? Harharharhar!!!"

*SMACK!*

*THWACK!*

*THUD!*

*SLAP!*

*CRA--*

"STOP!!! IT'S NOT MY BIRTHDAY!!!"

The clowns immediately stopped, rather disappointed. The leading clown, one featuring huge buckteeth, frizzy green hair, and a large red nose, spoke up.

"It'sh not?"

Meilin rubbed her sore body. "No, it's not!"

The clown looked down at his gigantic floppy shoes and scuffed them sadly. Then a bright look of hope spread across his face.

"Ish it anyone elshesh birshday?"

Meilin thought for a second.

"Oh, I know! Syaoran's birthday is July 13…That's tomorrow. Why don't you give him a nice wake up call then?"

The clowns all cheered excitedly.

"How old ish he going to be?"

"Seventeen." she replied calmly, picking up her water gun which she had dropped.

The clowns gathered around her and shook her hand joyfully.

"Thanksh! Thanksh a bunchsh!!"

They all left, tripping over themselves and each other, laughing exuberantly.

"Harharharharharharharharharharharharhar!!!"

Meilin smiled. "Now time for Sakura… Muahahahahahahahahahaha!"

+=+=+=+=+=+=+

A sopping wet, shivering Sakura stumbled into the Food Court, with a cheerful looking Meilin behind her. She sogged her way to the nearest table and sat with a slushy thud. Her friends stared at her.

Emiko cleared her throat. "So, um, what happened to you?"

"Please don't ask, Emmy." Sakura said tiredly.

Xiefa smiled ruefully. Meilin definitely had a part in this, if I know her. With a flick of her wrist, Xiefa made a nearby hand towel float to Sakura. Dry yourself off with this, she thought to Sakura. Sakura accepted it gratefully and began drying herself.

Just then, the Condiment Woman hobbled by and squirted ketchup, mustard, and relish all over them. Chortling merrily, she shuffled quickly away before anyone had a chance to react.

Akemi wiped relish from her eyes. "I'm guessing that that was the infamous Condiment Woman you guys were talking about?"

Sakura and Xiefa nodded as they used napkins to clean their ears.

"Heh. Well, she works here at the Food Court."

"What?!"

"Yeah. So you should get used to seeing her around."

"Great."

Syaoran came over and slid into a seat, looking curiously at Sakura.

"So, Sakura—"

"I know, I know…You want to know why I'm sopping wet and covered in ketchup, right?"

"Um, yeah—"

The Condiment Woman quickly passed by, squirting stuff all over Syaoran.

"Well, now you know." Xiefa said smugly.

"Hey, that was my Super Soaker she was using!" Meilin exclaimed.

After breakfast, they headed over to the Main Hall to get the day's schedule. The counselors smiled at everyone as they filed into the building and sat in the seats sectioned off for their cabins. Akemi kicked the legs of each chair of the Cabin Four division.

"What are you doing that for, Akemi?" Sakura asked curiously.

"You'll see," Akemi said grimly.

A bunch of boys from Cabin Seven were watching the girls and guffawing to each other as they made their way to their division. The counselors were watching them with evident anticipation.

"Watch." Akemi said, pointing to them.

The boys, who had laughed at Akemi's antics, all sat in their chairs at the same time.

*Crunch!*

The chairs collapsed, and the boys sprawled onto the floor confusedly. The chairs legs had been sawed halfway through, a regular camp trick played by the counselors on newcomers.

"You have to be careful, 'cause even though the counselors are here to keep us from killing each other, that doesn't stop them from playing tricks on us," Akemi pointed out. "I've been coming her for the past six years, so they know that I and my teammates aren't going to fall for their tricks. Still, you should always check and make sure."

Xiefa, Sakura, Meilin, and Emiko nodded, respect for their cabin leader gleaming in their eyes.

The counselors got up on the raised platform and began outlining the day's events.

"Okay, welcome to Camp Skittles, Rainbow Valley! We hope you have a great time this year, make new friends, win some games and competitions, etc. Even though there might be some bumps along the way," they glanced at the Cabin Seven boys, who were glaring at them. "We still hope that your stay here will be enjoyable and stress-free! Now, here's what's happening today:

From 10:00 to 11:00, we'll be doing games and stuff in here. Lot's of fun, don't miss out. You have a free hour to wander around and hike from 11:00 to 12:00. At 12:00 there's lunch. From 1:00 to 3:00 you can have lessons in archery, fencing, rock climbing and martial arts. Oh, um, Reina just told me that the martial arts teacher has, um…What? Oh… The martial arts teacher has quit on account of…strange occurrences happening in the Training Building? Whatever. He's not there any more, so whoever knows martial arts or karate, you guys can use that room to practice in. Okay, the fencing instructor is still available so you can learn how to fence if you wish. From 3:00 to 4:00, we'll have Team Skills time. This tests how well you work together as a team. It's really important for the competitions that are coming up in another week or so. Anyway, from 4:00 to 6:00 you have more free time, and at 6:00 there's dinner. Cleanup crews will be assigned for lunch and dinner; we will be rotating cabins for each day. A paper will be on the bulletin board to tell you which cabin will be working on what day.

At dinner, we will tell you what will be happening from 7:00 to 9:00. From 9:00 to 10:00, more free time and at 10:00, lights out. No exceptions. You'll need your rest for what we have planned." Shikimo smiled cheerfully at the wary looks he received.

Reina took over. "Alright, today, we are going to chose names for our cabins. You know, team names. Try to be inventive 'cause you're going to be stuck with that name for the entire summer. After that, we'll play some 'getting to know you' games. You have fifteen minutes to come up with a name, starting…now."

The campers huddled into their respective groups.

"Oh, wait!" Reina said suddenly. "I'm sorry, I forgot to tell you. This summer we're going to put a girls' cabin with a guys' cabin and the two will be one team. Here's the match-ups: Cabin One—Cabin Five…Cabin Two—Cabin Six…Cabin Three—Cabin Seven (I'm so sorry, girls)…Cabin Four—Cabin Eight. Now get together and make up a team name! Also chose your team leaders, one girl, one guy."

The cabins got together and began planning. Syaoran, Yamazaki, and the rest of their cabin came over and sat down, carefully kicking the legs of their chairs before seating themselves. Akemi smiled.

"You guys catch on quickly."

"That's because they have me on their team," Akashi said, sitting next to Sakura. Syaoran glared at him angrily. Akashi noticed the "look" he was receiving and smiled at Syaoran pleasantly.

"Where's Yukio?" Yamazaki asked.

"Oh, he decided to join a different cabin. Cabin Seven, I think," Hakaru said.

"Good. He should fit right in," Syaoran muttered.

"So, what are we going to name our team?" Sakura asked.

They all thought for a few minutes. Then names began coming.

"Nadeshiko?" This was obviously Sakura speaking.

"Cherry Blossom?" Surprisingly, Akashi said this.

"Fierah?" This was from Yamazaki.

"Fierah??" Everyone echoed.

Sakura looked perplexed. "What does it mean?"

"It's ' fiery ones' in some sort of language, I forget which one. Something that sound exotic, mysterious, and strong. What do you think?"

"I think we should name our team 'Little Wolf'," Meilin said.

Everyone sweat-dropped.

"Well, personally, I like the name 'Fierah'," Akemi said.

"So do I," Sakura agreed.

"Let's vote then. Who thinks 'Fierah' is a good name for our team?" Hakaru said.

Everyone gradually raised their hands.

"Good. 'Fierah' it is."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Whoa…this chapter was getting a bit long. Plus my muse just left me. Heh. Well, I hope you like this. The next chapter should be better. PLEASE review!