La la la, la la la, la la la, la-la! Oh, konichiwa! Yep, I'm back with yet another chapter! The FOURTH chapter! Happy, happy, happy! Oh, and for all you Meilin fans out there, "Things are looking up. I've been looking the landscape over, and it's covered with four-leaf clover. Yes, things are looking up…" Bwahahahahahahaha! Although nothing may happen this chapter. Just be patient. Oh, and I changed the name of the team, Wishing Well. It doesn't sound so weak now. Is that better? *sniff* Anyway, have fun! Oh, thank you so much for your encouragement, Wind Goddess! It really means a lot to me! Arigatou!
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
by Zenin
Chapter Four: Revelations
Syaoran drew his sword and did a complex series of techniques with it, as he contemplated the past few days. He'd been avoiding Sakura ever since the capture of the Cut card, two days ago. Why did I kiss her hand? Here I am, I'm supposed to be engaged to Meilin, and yet, I felt like kissing Sakura on the lips instead. It was so tempting… Could I be…in love? No. Not I. I'm supposed to marry Meilin. It's my duty. After all, I did promise, even though it was a long time ago.
(Flashback)
Five year old Meilin Li smiled adoringly up at six year old Syaoran Li. It was Meilin's birthday, and even though she bugged him all the time, Syaoran had gotten Meilin exactly what she wanted: a tiny mockingbird. It trilled sweetly in a beautiful cage that Syaoran had carved himself.
"Oh, Syaoran! Thank you! You're so wonderful, Syaoran!"
Syaoran turned red and turned his face away to hide his embarrassment.
"Syaoran?"
"Hm?"
"Will you marry me?"
"WHAT?!" Syaoran stepped away nervously.
"No, not now, silly. When we're all growed up," Meilin said sensibly.
A doubtful look crossed his usually stoic face. Syaoran tilted his head to the side, and thought for a moment. Then he shrugged his shoulders with indifference.
"I guess so."
(End flashback)
Syaoran shook his head. He hadn't planned on marrying anyone. But then he had remembered that the Clan would need an heir to fill in his place when he was no longer there. At least he wouldn't have to marry a stranger if he married Meilin. Then, five years later, he had met Sakura. She had captivated him, just with one glance of her green eyes. Even when he had acted cold and cruel towards her, she had always forgiven him and tried to be his friend. She was amazing. Now he knew that the only person that he could love was Sakura Kinomoto.
Love…where did that come from? And yet, it's true. I'm in love with Sakura.
See? HA! I told you! I told you that you were in love!
Great. It's the conscience thing again. This time Syaoran ignored it and glanced at his watch. It was 7:35, twenty-five minutes before breakfast. He could go take a shower and still make it on time. He walked out of the martial arts room where he'd been practicing and made his way through the fencing room. The sword master was there, doing some techniques of his own. The master stopped and saluted Syaoran, inviting him to a one-on-one mock duel. Syaoran accepted and they began.
"I see you have been taught well." Master Kyan commented.
"I've been training since I was five."
"Do you also happen to know martial arts, by any chance?"
Syaoran blocked a high strike and proceeded to twirl his sword in a butterfly sweep. "Yes."
Kyan blocked, his black eyes twinkling. "I saw you training yesterday. You are very good." He stepped to the left and lunged, Syaoran quickly angling to the right.
"So what are you hinting at, Master Kyan?"
"Perhaps you could train the ones who wish to learn martial arts."
Syaoran stopped, shocked. He quickly brought his sword up to guard his chest, but was too late. The Master slashed towards his neck, stopping before he hurt Syaoran.
"What do you mean?" Syaoran asked, bowing respectfully to the winner.
Master Kyan bowed in reply, then motioned Syaoran to have a seat on one on the narrow benches that ran along the wall. He put away his sword and sat next to Syaoran.
"I also know martial arts, but this year there have been too many people wanting to learn sword play. I have no time to teach those who want to learn. Most of the people who had signed up for martial arts have crossed their names off of the list when they learned that Master Shotobu was no longer here. There is only one person who still wishes to learn, but as I said, I have no time. Perhaps you could teach this person."
"Who is it?"
"I don't remember. I just glanced at the list, didn't read the names. Anyway, as you know, the fencing, archery, and martial arts lessons start today at 1:00. I'll have my hands full. Can you do it?"
Syaoran looked thoughtful. "I guess I can."
"Good!" Master Kyan said, standing and heartily clapping Syaoran on the back.
For such a venerable man, he had a strong arm. Syaoran stumbled forward and quickly regained his balance.
"I better be going."
"Right…right…" Kyan murmured, his thoughts already on the lessons.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
When Syaoran reached the Food Court, breakfast was half finished. Sakura and Akemi were laughing together as Meilin tried convincing the Condiment Woman to give up her water gun. Xiefa was debating about different facts with Yamazaki and Hakaru.
"I tell you, ketchup originated in China!" Hakaru said firmly.
Xiefa shook her head in exasperation. "Look, I've lived in China my entire life, and it did not originate there!"
"You guys are both wrong, "Yamazaki said calmly. "Ketchup was made by elves who worked in volcanoes. You see, ketchup is not made from tomatoes; it is actually made out of molten lava. The elves added some chemicals that made the lava stay liquid and not hot."
"That's not true!" Xiefa said.
"Hey, have you ever tasted molten lava?" Yamazaki pointed out.
Hakaru shook his head sadly. Meilin ran by, the Condiment Woman following and spraying ketchup and mustard all over her.
"Heeheeheehee! Ketchup! Mustard, ketchup!?! Ketchupketchupketchup!?"
Breakfast was soon finished and everyone headed to the Main Hall for the schedule. Shikimo and Reina grinned as they watched everyone kick their chairs before sitting down. Shikimo got the microphone out and began.
"GOOOOD MOOOORRRRNIIIING!!!!!"
There were a few groans from the campers as they covered their ears. Reina punched Shikimo lightly on the arm and took the microphone away from him.
"Sorry. Um, as you know, today the archery, martial arts, and fencing lessons will begin at 1:00. Try not to kill anyone, please! We are going to have a surprise competition tonight after dinner. The surprise is, we aren't going to tell you what the competition is on. But it will be fun…maybe… Also, tomorrow will be "Medieval Day". We will be dressing up in the traditional clothing they wore back then, eating the type of food they had, using the same manners (that doesn't mean speech. Please don't try to talk the way they did. It's too…painful), and having a dance. It's gonna be fun, so don't miss out! Okay, um, I think that's all for the schedule. Get in your teams and prepare for whatever we have planned."
Sakura looked up as Syaoran sat beside Hakaru and Yamazaki. Why has he been avoiding me? I thought that we were friends… It's the way he acted when I first met him. Cold and distant…
"Today we will be having a scavenger hunt. Pair up with someone in your team. Each pair will be given a separate list and when the team gets back together here, the entire list should be complete. Team Weirdos, here are your lists. Team Hoshi, here are yours. Team Winners, yours. Team Fierah, here's yours."
Each team sent a person to get their lists. Sakura walked up and waited for hers.
"Hey, sexy girl. What's your name?" someone said from behind her.
She turned, and glared at Yukio. His cold blue eyes traveled over her body, making her flush angrily.
"Who are you?" She said icily.
"Yukio Tsukishima. I'm with Team Winners. Why don't you join us; you'd make a wonderful addition to our group."
"No thanks." Sakura said coldly, turning away.
"You shouldn't turn away from me, babe."
Sakura turned back towards him and slapped him hard. He rubbed his face and shook his head, amused.
"Whoo! Go Sakura!" Akemi shouted, cheerfully waving from her seat. Chen clapped a hand over her mouth to shut her up.
"What's your name?" Yukio repeated.
"My name is Sakura, not that it's any of your business." she said, quickly grabbing her team's lists and leaving. Yukio stared after her with a strange look in his eyes.
Syaoran had seen the whole thing and inwardly cheered as Sakura slapped Yukito. Good shot, Sakura! I wish I was the one who'd been able to hit him!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
The scavenger hunt had gone well, aside from the fact that Sakura and Syaoran had been paired together. Syaoran has remained painfully silent, and Sakura had given up trying to make conversation with him after about the fourth try.
At lunch, Sakura decided to take her food out on one of the many trails.
"Why? Why is he ignoring me?" she muttered as she walked along a trail leading to the Lone Mountain. The mountain was of the tallest in the area, with several large tunnels and caves. People had been known to have disappeared when trying to explore them.
Sakura was oblivious to all as she walked, sipping a small cup of hot tea.
"Why?"
As if answering, a small robin perched on a nearby branch and regarded her with a round beady eye, chirping merrily.
"Do you know?" Sakura asked it.
The robin cocked its head and trilled several notes that sounded like it was saying, Of course I know why.
"Well, well, well. Isn't this charming? The sweet Cherry Blossom, talking to birds."
Sakura whirled around and saw Yukio leaning against a tree. He smirked.
"You really shouldn't walk in the woods alone. There's no telling what will happen."
"I believe I can take care of myself." Sakura said evenly.
"I still hate the idea of you out here, alone. Mind if I join you?" he asked, walking over in front of her. She backed away cautiously.
"Actually, yes, I do mind."
He smiled calmly and came even nearer to her.
"Keep your distance, please," Sakura said. The way he was looking at her made her feel uncomfortable. What if he tries to do something? What could I do?
"Ah, my sweet. I would never _dream_ of hurting you. All I want is to get to know you better," Yukio said, taking her hand.
She tried to pull away, but he only tightened his grasp. He placed a kiss on the tips of her fingers and leaned forward to kiss her lips.
*SPLASH!*
"OW!"
Sakura had dumped her hot tea in a *cough* most disturbing region of his body. He fell to his knees, gasping as he recovered.
"I told you to keep your distance," Sakura said, turning to leave to leave.
Strong hands suddenly grabbed her, twisting her to face her captor. It was Devon, one of Yukio's friends. He smirked.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Yukio had sufficiently recovered and smiled at her, making her even more uncomfortable.
"You have spirit. Now you are even more attractive. I must admit, I admire spirit," he said, coming towards her as Devon held her still.
"Sakura!"
Syaoran came bolting through the trees towards them. He had heard Sakura scream as he was hiking on a trail running parallel to the one Sakura had taken, so it hadn't taken him much time to come. Yukio spun around quickly, and was met with Syaoran's fist. He crashed to the ground as Devon released Sakura and turned to fight Syaoran. Syaoran did a spinning back kick to Devon's stomach. The boy turned purple and staggered away, followed by Yukio.
"Well, that was interesting…" Sakura said shakily.
Syaoran looked down into her green eyes.
"Didn't you promise to take care of yourself?"
"Syaoran, nothing happened. I dumped my tea on Yukio, which kinda gave me some time. But then the other guy came, and they were too many for me."
He began laughing hard. "Can you promise me another thing?"
"What?"
"Don't go into the woods alone again." He said seriously.
"But Syaoran—" She made the mistake of looking up into his brown eyes. Placing cool fingers beneath her chin, he lowered his head and whispered, "Promise, Sakura." She never resists the puppy eyes.
Sakura felt herself getting lost in his eyes.
"I—"
"Promise?" he asked, bending lower to hear her words.
"Uh…um…no."
This was a shock. Syaoran straitened.
"C'mon, Sakura, I just want you to be safe."
"Don't worry, I can take care of myself. Besides, will you promise to have someone accompany you on the trails, too?"
He paused.
"I thought so," Sakura said smugly as they headed back to camp.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Akashi watched from behind a bush as Syaoran lifted Sakura's chin to look in her eyes. He shook his head with amusement as he watched Sakura blush and look away. It's just as I thought. They're in love with each other and they're both too dense to figure it out. This should be fun… he thought as he walked back to camp. I gotta tell Akemi, she'll help. And so will Hakaru, Chen, Yamazaki, Emiko, and Xiefa, if I know them. Operation "Get Together" has now commenced!
As soon as Akashi got back, he rallied everyone to Cabin Four.
Akemi sighed. "You know, I kinda thought that she wouldn't fall for him. We girls have to stick together—"
Chen rolled his eyes. "You're so feminist, Akemi."
Akemi began throttling him as Yamazaki looked peacefully on.
"They remind me of me and Chiharu…"
Xiefa interrupted them. "Um, Akemi, you're strangling him..."
Akemi released Chen reluctantly and the meeting began.
"So, what do we do about them, hm?" Hakaru asked. "They seem fine to me."
"That's because you don't have a romantic bone in your body!" Akemi replied. "What they need is a PUSH in the right direction," she said, shoving Chen off his chair for an example.
*THUMP!*
Chen groaned. "Akemi…"
"Oh, sorry, Chen." she said apologetically.
"I love you, Chen." Akemi's voice said.
Akemi dove on top of Hakaru and began throttling him. Akashi cleared his throat and everyone turned their attention back to him, ignoring Akemi and Hakaru.
"We haven't much of a plan, for now—"
"GASP!"
"And I was thinking that we should start out slow—"
"GAG!"
"Perhaps with a simple—"
"WHEEZE!"
"Akemi, dearest, um, could you stop choking Hakaru? It's kinda disrupting the meeting…"
"Oh, whoops…"
She let go of the blue Hakaru and sat back down on her chair. Hakaru collapsed on the floor with a gurgly thud..
"Anyway, I believe Plan A is already prepared," Emiko said with a grin.
"Huh?" everyone said, confused. Even Hakaru managed to rasp out a questioning, "What?"
Emiko nodded. "Sakura signed up to take karate, and Master Kyan told me that he asked Syaoran to teach the people who want to do martial arts. I checked the list, and the only person on it, is Sakura."
"KAWAII!" Xiefa shouted joyfully.
Everyone sweat-dropped.
"Well, that's taken care of. You guys can go back to your cabin now," Akemi said as she forcefully pushed the boys out. "Goodbye!"
With that said, she slammed the door shut.
Chen shook his head.
"Akashi, your sister is—"
The door opened.
"DON'T THINK I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!"
*SLAM!*
"…charming!" Chen finished, sweat-dropping.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Syaoran stretched and began limbering up. It was almost 1:00, and time to teach the martial arts student. Master Kyan was already busy with about fifteen students in the other room.
The door opened and in stepped a slender figure, clothed in a pair of loose cotton pants and a pink sleeveless shirt…
"Sakura?!" Syaoran gasped, feeling his face flame. Me teach her? Heh, heh. This can't be happening…
Sakura was equally as shocked. "Syaoran, you're taking lessons too?"
He coughed.
"Actually, I'm teaching."
She paused. "You're my…sensei?"
He nodded. Baka blush. Baka, baka, baka—
She interrupted his thoughts. "So I guess the lesson can begin now, right?" Why the heck is he hitting himself?
He stopped smacking his forehead with his hand. "Um, I…I-I…um, yeah…okay."
The lesson began. He taught her the basic punches and kicks and found out that she already knew them. In fact she was a natural at karate. Soon after teaching her a kata (system of techniques), he had a small sparring session.
"One of the things a Chinese martial artist is known for is his leg sweep. He'll use it over and over. Most of the Chinese katas contain leg sweeps. So you'll need to know how to counter a leg-sweep attack. Here, I'm going to do a leg sweep, and I want to see how you are going to defend yourself against it."
He quickly slid his leg towards hers. She easily flipped backwards over his sweep. Gymnastics sure helped prepare me.
Syaoran smiled, rather impressed.
"That was good. However, if you had injured your back or muscles in the fight before they swept your leg, you would not be able to use that move. Let's try it again."
He began sweeping her leg, but she slid it six inches back, then stomped on the back of his knee, leaving him kneeling, facing away from her. Grabbing his hair, she jerked his head back to her hip and lightly chopped his neck. She then let go, blushing. He turned and looked at her with amazement in his amber eyes.
"That was technique number twenty-four, from the Japanese Ishinnryu system of karate… How did you know that?"
She blushed confusedly. "I didn't. It just…came. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
He interrupted. "No, it's perfect! Do you realize that you are basically a green belt in Ishinnryu? You have a strange talent for this…" He got to his feet, running a hand through his messy brown hair. "Let's see how much more you're hiding from me."
He continued throwing techniques, noticing how quickly she learned. By the end of the lesson, she had learned fifteen new techniques.
"Now lets try one more 'surprise' technique," Syaoran said. He grabbed her wrist, jerking her off balance. She step forward, twisted the captured wrist quickly to break his hold and grabbed his wrist. Reaching around behind him, she grabbed his shoulder and threw him over her hip. He lay on the floor, dazed.
"Yeah, that was a good lesson today."
Sakura offered a hand to help him up. Syaoran took it, eyes twinkling mischievously, and pulled sharply. She teetered off balance, then sprawled on to the floor beside him.
"Surprise."
"Syaoran!"
He laughed.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Dinner was good, as always. They had rice pilaf, assorted vegetables, and dim sum. Green tea was brewed and placed in small pots on each table. People ate quietly, conversation heard over the soft clinks of silverware on dishes.
Yamazaki grinned and stood, one finger in the air as he spoke.
"Did you know that in Taiwan, people eat their dinner off of wheat plates so that they can eat their plates afterward?"
"Lies!!!" Meilin cried exuberantly as she brought out the lie mallet that Chiharu had given her.
She began chasing him throughout the Court, overturning tables and dishes. Shikimo and Reina took after her, and there soon was a large group of people running around and happily rioting.
Sakura sipped her tea, watching them. "It was a lie?"
"BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!"
Xiefa shrugged. "I guess so…"
*Crash!*
"Oww…"
Akemi stood. "Oh, why not!"
She began running after Chen and Hakaru, who yelled and began screaming.
"The Demon Chick! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"
Syaoran arrived late, just in time to have the Condiment Woman dump a bucket of dim sum on his head.
"HAHAR!! KETCHUP!!!"
He wiped his eyes ruefully.
"Why is it always me?"
Xiefa looked indignant. "It's not just you, Sakura and I have also been targeted many times."
"Oh, forgive me, please," he said sarcastically.
"You're forgiven." Xiefa said graciously.
"Arigato."
Sakura suddenly shrieked and dropped her cup. "HOOOEEE!!!"
Syaoran reached down to pick it up, then noticed a faint orange color fading from it. He touched it, and it immediately burned him.
"ITAII!!!!"
"What happened?" Xiefa asked.
Sakura rubbed her hands. "I was going to get a drink of tea when the cup suddenly got very hot. I burned my hand and dropped the cup, but by the time it hit the floor, the tea was evaporated…"
"It was glowing orange, too." Syaoran added.
Sakura sighed. "Must be the next Rainbow card. Sometimes I can sense them, sometimes I can't. Like when the tree fell, I didn't sense that."
"Rainbow cards?" Xiefa questioned.
"Yeah, they're a new set of cards. Eriol read about them in one of Clow's books after one of them attacked me at school."
Syaoran gritted his teeth when Sakura mentioned Eriol. Blasted @$#%$% #%#!!!
"Syaoran, are you okay? You look kind of weird," Xiefa said, placing a hand on her brother's forehead.
Stupidbakagakifreakhalfancestorgrrhorribletwisteddemonicmaniac!!
Xiefa began laughing as she read her brother's thoughts.
"Must be about Eriol," she said with a giggle.
Sakura looked blank. "What's wrong with Eriol?"
"Never mind."
The riot was over soon, and everyone grumblingly went back to their seats and finished their dinner. Reina and Shikimo walked up to the raised platform, smiling.
Reina grinned cheerfully. "So how you guys doin'? Are you having fun yet?"
A few cheers sounded, punctuated by the gentle waving of broken furniture limbs used in the riot.
"That's great! Well, as you know, tonight is the singing competition. This competition is against cabins instead of teams, so pick the best singer in your cabin and let's hear their voices! The competition will be held at the Main Hall in thirty minutes. Dress nicely, now!"
Xiefa cheered ecstatically. "I can torture my brother now! Bwahahahahahahaha!!!!"
Akemi, Sakura, and Emiko raised their eyebrows questioningly. "What do you mean, Xiefa?"
Xiefa grinned sadistically. "You'll see…"
Meilin walked up, dragging a battered mallet behind her. "I should be the one our cabin chooses! I can sing really well."
"Well, let's test everyone at the cabin, okay?" Akemi said. Everyone agreed and left for Cabin Four.
When they reached the cabin Xiefa pulled out a CD player and put on "The Prayer."
"Okay, Meilin, sing the first part."
Meilin began.
"I pray you'll be our eyes, And watch us where we go, And help us to be wise, In times when we don't know. "
Her voice was nice, but it was lacking something. Emiko tried it next, but one thing was quite certain, she could NOT sing. She laughed and passed it back to Xiefa, who sang very well. Then Sakura got a chance. Everyone hushed as her voice rang out clear and soft.
"I pray you'll be our eyes,
And watch us where we go,
And help us to be wise,
In times when we don't know.
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way:
Lead us to a place,
Guide us with your Grace,
To a place where we'll be safe—"
Xiefa looked at Sakura with amazement and began singing the duet part.
"La luce che to dai—"
"I pray we'll find your light,"
"Nel cuore resterò."
"And hold it in our hearts"
"A ricordarchi che,"
"When stars go out each night"
"L'eterna stella sei Nella mia preghiera"
"Let this be our prayer,"
"Quanta fede c'è,"
"When shadows fill our day"
Their voices melted together beautifully.
"Lead us to a place,
Guide us with your grace, Give us faith so we'll be safe.
Sognamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternità!"
"La forza che ci dai," Sakura sang.
"We ask that life be kind," Xiefa sang.
"E'il desiderio che,"
"And watch us from above,"
"Ognuno trovi amore,"
"We hope each soul will find,"
"Intorno e dentro a sé."
"Another soul to love."
Their voices blended together again in sweet harmony.
"Let this be our prayer,
Just like every child,
Just like every child,
"Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace,
Give us faith so we'll be safe.
E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salverà."
Sakura laughed at everyone's shocked expressions.
"That was fun," she said cheerfully
Xiefa looked at her. "You are the one who's going to represent cabin Four."
Now it was Sakura's turn to look shocked. "Hoe?"
"Yup."
"But—but you sing a lot better than I do…I mean, I can't do that…It's in front of everyone and I'd just mess up and…Meilin! Meilin should sing!"
Even Meilin shook her head.
"Yeah right, I'd make a fool of myself after hearing you. Sakura, you are going to sing. If not for us, for your okaa-san."
Sakura's breath caught in her throat. Okaa-san used to sing and play the piano. Otou-san said she had a beautiful voice. Would you be watching, Okaa-san? Will you hear me? Sakura shivered nervously. "Okay, I can do it."
"Good," Xiefa said. "Here's the song I want you to sing. Now let's get you dressed properly. Here's a cute burgundy dress. That should work. C'mon girls, let's get Sakura ready!"
Twenty minutes later, Sakura emerged; wearing a short, sleeveless burgundy dress with dark, rose-colored cherry blossoms embroidered along the bottom. Her hair was swept up in a twist, with a few curls framing her face. The Key was fastened around her neck, looking like just a fancy necklace.
Xiefa surveyed her, a pleased expression in her black eyes.
"That'll do, pig."
"'PIG'?!"
"It's a quote from…never mind. I'll be right back. See you at the Main Hall in five minutes!"
The girls watched her leave. Sakura frowned confusedly.
"Pig?!"
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Xiefa burst into Cabin Eight, completely ignoring the boys' protests. Syaoran was in the bathroom, changing his clothes.
"Who's singing for you guys?"
Akashi cleared his throat, "I was—"
"Syaoran needs to sing!"
Hakaru, Chen, and Akashi raised their eyebrows. "Why?"
"Have you ever heard him sing?"
Akashi thought for a moment. "Umm, no."
"He's really good," Yamazaki said. "I heard him sing once."
Xiefa nodded. "Just trust me. Make him sing. Besides, won't it be fun to see his trapped expression?"
"She's got a point there," Hakaru said gleefully. "Besides, if he can't sing, I'll sing for him. You know."
Chen nodded. "So what song should he sing?"
Xiefa pulled out some music and handed it to him. Chen looked at it, raised his eyebrows even higher and laughed.
"This is going to be interesting!"
Syaoran emerged from the bathroom, wearing a dark green shirt and black cargo pants. His hair was still as wild as ever, giving him a certain boyish charm. He glared at Xiefa, his amber eyes smoldering.
"What are you doing here?"
Xiefa checked her watch. "Oh, gee, we're going to be late! Well, see you guys there! Good luck, Syaoran!"
Syaoran turned to the four boys, glaring.
"What is going on?"
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Shikimo grabbed the microphone and began to sing in a cracked, wavering voice. Reina snatched it back and hit him over the head with it.
"Ahem…Okay, so let's hear from the girls' cabins first, starting with Cabin One."
A small girl with sandy hair walked up and began.
"Dancing bears, painted wings, Things I seem to remember, And a song someone sings, Once upon a December—"
Gosh, I get tired of that song! Not that it's bad or anything. It just gets old after a while… Sakura thought as the girl's breathy voice continued.
The song ended and Cabin Two sent up the next victim, a rather plump brown-haired girl.
"CAN'T HELP LOVIN' THAT MAN OF MINE!!!"
The boys all cringed and cowered down in their seats as the girl belted out the song, winking at any boy that dared look at her. Reina sweat-dropped as the girl finished, and called Cabin Three to surrender their contestant. A thin girl with bleached blond hair walked up and began singing her selection.
"I wish I was in Carrickfergus, Where the castle looks out to sea. I would swim over the deepest ocean, For my love to be with me…"
Not bad, Sakura thought. If there's any competition, it would be her.
"Cabin Four, you're up," Reina said.
A wave of nervousness swept over Sakura as she stood and walked to the platform. Oh Okaa-san, help me, onegai. Help me! She twisted her hands in front of her, closed her eyes, and began singing.
"Half the world is sleeping,
Half the world's awake,
Half can hear their hearts beat,
Half just hear them break.
I am but a traveler, in most every way.
Ask me what you want...to know.
What a journey it has been!
And the end is not in sight,
But the stars are out tonight
And they're bound to guide my way
When they're shining on my life,
I can see a better day.
I won't let the darkness in.
What a journey it has been.
I have been to sorrow,
I have been to bliss,
Where I'll be tomorrow,
I can only guess.
Through the darkest desert,
Through the deepest snow,
Forward, always forward, I go…
What a journey it has been.
And the end is not in sight;
But the stars are out tonight
And they're bound to guide my way.
When they're shining on my life,
I can see a better day.
I won't let the darkness in,
What a journey it has been...
Forward, always forward...
Onward, always up...
Catching every drop of hope
In my empty cup.
What a journey it has been.
And the end is not in sight,
But the stars are out tonight
And they're bound to guide my way.
When they're shining on my life,
I can see a better day.
I won't let the darkness in,
What a journey it has been...
What a journey it has been..."
There was silence, then deafening applause as Sakura opened her eyes. She had sung the song beautifully, her voice ringing clearly in the crowded Hall. Syaoran stared at her, transfixed as she blushed and ran off the stage to her seat. I never knew she sang so well. It's a wonder the Song Card never took her voice instead of Tomoyo's. Sakura's an angel…my angel. He stayed like that, gazing at Sakura, not even hearing four boys' songs.
"Cabin Eight is next," Shikimo said.
Yamazaki nudged Syaoran. "It's your turn. Here's your music."
Syaoran stared at the music in disbelief. No…That's music my sister listens to…I hate this song…No decent guy should ever sing this-this indescribable…
"Syaoran! Go!" Chen whispered forcefully.
Syaoran stood and walked to the platform. Xiefa's going to pay for this.
He adjusted the microphone and began, his voice low and smooth.
"I've heard time and time again, how things fall apart,
How nothing lasts forever. Well, they're wrong.
'Cause through the thick and thin and the nights that seemed so long,
You were there, without a worry, you stood strong.
You've got the key to my heart, right here in my arms,
I'll keep you safe and warm.
And you'll never have to worry, never want for nothin',
'Cause I'm—I'm the prince you charmed."
Girls sighed blissfully as he sang. He was wonderful, the way his dark hair fell into his brown eyes, his voice so smooth and low. Sakura blushed as she found herself gazing into his eyes, mesmerized by his song. *Wouldn't it be great if he was singing to me?* She blushed harder as he looked directly at her and kept singing.
This is for you, Sakura.
"It seems so long ago, that my world was upside down,
When my life was filled with tears and the skies were gray,
But then you came around
I never felt love so profound.
I never knew that happiness could feel this way.
You've got the key to my heart, right here in my arms,
I'll keep you safe and warm.
And you'll never have to worry, never want for nothin',
'Cause I'm–I'm the prince you charmed.
I'll shout it out to the heavens,
Thank God for your love and all the things you do.
You've got the key to my heart, right here in my arms,
I'll keep you safe and warm.
And you'll never have to worry, never want for nothin',
'Cause I'm—I'm the prince you charmed."
Again, deafening applause greeted Syaoran at the end of his song. Akashi was impressed.
"You're right, Yamazaki, he is good. In fact, he's great. He has a really good voice."
Yamazaki nodded. "I heard him once and he was good then, but I've never heard him sing this well before."
Reina and Shikimo blinked. "Okay, will the judges please submit their conclusions?"
Two people in the back stood and handed in the votes.
"Okaaay…The winner is…huh? Hm. It appears we have a tie. The winners are…Sakura Kinomoto and Syaoran Li."
(A/N: Whoa, HOW did you see THAT coming?)
Everyone applauded, standing up and cheering. As soon as the commotion died down, Reina whispered something to Shikimo, then spoke.
"And now, since you two did so well, we want you guys to do something special together."
Syaoran and Sakura looked at each other, Syaoran smiled charmingly at Sakura while Sakura blushed heavily.
"You guys shall do a duet. Here's the song." Shikimo said as he handed them their papers. Syaoran studied his, going over the music in his mind. Sakura looked at hers and found she already knew it.
"And to complete the thing, we proclaim you Singing King and Queen for the night." Shikimo said as he placed a tiara on Sakura's head and a crown on Syaoran's head. Everyone cheered, except, of course, Cabin Seven. They were too busy glaring at Syaoran. The music started and Sakura began, her voice sweetly echoing in the now-quiet auditorium.
(Sakura)
"Be still, my heart!
Lately its mind is on its own.
It would go far and wide
Just to be near you."
(Syaoran)
"Even the stars
Shine brighter, I've noticed,
When you're close to me."
(Sakura, blushing)
"Still it remains a mystery…"
(Together)
"Anyone who's seen us
Knows what's going on between us.
It doesn't take a genius
To read between the lines.
And it's not just wishful thinking,
Or only me who's dreaming,
I know what these are symptoms of…
We could be…in love."
(Sakura) "I ask myself why
I sleep like a baby through the night.
Maybe it helps to know You'll be there tomorrow."
(Syaoran, lowly)
"Don't open my eyes.
I wake from the spell I'm under;
Makes me wonder how…"
(Sakura)
"How I could live without you now?"
(Together)
"And what about the laughter?
The happy ever after
Like voices of sweet angels
Calling out our names?
And it's not just wishful thinking,
Or only me who's dreaming.
I know what these are symptoms of…
We could be in love."
(Syaoran)
"All my life I have dreamed of this,
But I could not see your face."
(Sakura)
"Don't ask why two such distant stars
Can fall right into place."
(Together) "Anyone who's seen us
Knows what's going on between us.
It doesn't take a genius
To read between the lines.
And it's not just wishful thinking,
Or only me who's dreaming,
I know what these are symptoms of…
We could be in love.
"Oh, it doesn't take a genius
To know what these are symptoms of…
We could be...
We could be...
We could be in love."
Applause filled the Main Hall as they bowed together. Shikimo and Reina grinned sadistically.
"And now, the 'royal couple' will have the honor of serving us all dessert!"
The crowns were whisked off of Sakura and Syaoran's heads and they were shoved into the kitchen to scoop fifty bowls of ice cream. Syaoran grumbled to himself in Mandarin as he began rapidly dishing out several bowls.
Sakura was not doing so well. She strained at a tub of neapolitan, levering the spoon against the edge of the tub. The scoop gave suddenly, sending a blob of ice cream flying across the counter and onto Syaoran's face.
"Oh! Er, gomen nasai, Syaoran."
He wiped some off, then grinned wickedly at Sakura.
"No!" Sakura cried out, figuring out what he was going to do.
*SPLOT!*
A scoop of fudge ripple hit Sakura on the side of her neck. She rescued it before it slid down her blouse, and glared at Syaoran. Using the scoop as a lever again, she sent a huge ball of strawberry right on Syaoran's chest.
"Ohhh, you're going to get it now!" Syaoran cried, hefting a tub of half-melted ice cream and dumping it on her. Sakura shrieked as it poured over her head.
"That does it…"
Xiefa and Akemi widened their eyes as Sakura called out the Staff.
"Sweet card! You know what to do!"
The tiny pixie nodded gleefully and an avalanche of ice cream suddenly knocked Syaoran flat.
Sakura finished dishing out the ice cream with the help of the Sweet card. She washed her hands and calmly exited, leaving Syaoran under a heap of chocolate. Xiefa and Akemi helped Syaoran out of the heap and as soon as he was out, it disappeared. He gasped for air. I'm in love!
Akemi tripped the dazed Syaoran, leaving him to discuss ice cream with himself as she and Xiefa left. You rule, Sakura!
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Sakura showered and got into her nightgown. *I feel really weird.* She climbed into her bunk and pushed her blankets away. I'm really hot, all of a sudden, she thought. I don't feel good at all. Wait a second, maybe Kero can help…
"Kero?" she croaked weakly.
Kero flew from his hiding place in her drawer and came to her, still licking a tiny ice cream cone that Sakura had saved for him.
"What's up, Sakura? You don't look well at all," he said worriedly.
"I feel really hot…too hot…ohhh…" Sakura groaned and went unconscious.
Kero looked closer. Sakura was glowing a faint orange, the color growing stronger by the minute.
"She fainted! Wait a sec…Oh no…Another Rainbow card!"
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There's the FOURTH chapter! Oh, I'm so proud! PLEASE REVIEW!!! Reviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreviewreivewreivewreview!!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!! *Runs from people carrying tranquilizer guns*
*Comes back* REEVIIIEEEEW!!!