Konnichiwa! Gosh, I haven't updated this quickly in a loooong time. Well, just to let all you people out there, this fic has very few chapters left…like approximately three or four at the most. *Sniff!* I ought to feel fulfilled at reaching the ending of my first story, but I will be missing all of you guys so desperately. Seriously! Well, my muse is working full time and I have tons of ideas to cram into the few chapters I have left. There is only one wish I have:

It would be my greatest joy if this fic could get 100 reviews. That's my goal. As my first fic, I strongly desire to see this one end with at least 100 reviews. So, please, I'd adore all of you if you review. Really.

Well, that's done. Let's roll…

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Somewhere Over The Rainbow

by Zenin

Chapter Nine: Con Cuidado

It was well past midday when Meilin and Sakura stopped to rest. They had chosen a small, shallow cave scooped out of the side of the mountain to ward off the way-too-playful wind. Sakura smiled contentedly as she withdrew the large bedsheet from her backpack. She tied two ends together in a large, tight knot; then climbed a few feet up the wall of the cave to firmly jam the knot into a small crevice. That done, she repeated the process with the other two ends of the sheet; forming a rough, yet somewhat comfortable hammock.

"Cute," Meilin remarked shortly. She dug in her pack and pulled out her CD's and CD player, fumbling to find the desired CD. "Who taught you how to do that?"

"Touya. He learned that when he was a trail guide," Sakura replied cheerfully. "Come have a seat. It's a lot better than sitting on the ground."

"I like sitting on the ground. I'm used to it."

Sakura grinned. "You sounded just like Syaoran when you said that." She smiled dreamily. "You're so lucky to have grown up with him, Meilin."

"Kinomoto Sakura, do you think I am blind?" Meilin snapped. She stood and pushed Sakura down into her hammock. "Sit. For once, I will have my say."

Sakura was shocked, to say the least. "H-hoe?"

"Look Kinomoto, no use trying to hide it. I know."

"Know what?"

"Stop being so innocent! You love Syaoran!"

Oh, Kami-sama...I am so dead. Sakura thought, blushing with embarrassment. "Meilin, I--"

"Shut up."

Sakura quieted, shrinking down in her seat as Meilin paced the cave, clearly frustrated. "Look Kinomoto, if you ever want to win something, you have to put out an effort! I'm tired of watching you two dance around the subject. It's getting on my nerves."

Sakura was speechless.

Meilin whirled around, pointing her finger straight at Sakura. "He's too damn stubborn to tell you!" she announced. "So you have to tell him."

Sakura was rooted to her place in shock. "W-wha--?"

"Tell him you love him, Kinomoto." Meilin said flatly. "Or I swear I'll do whatever I can to make you miserable for the rest of your life."

"Meilin, what if he doesn't…love me back?"

Meilin gave a short laugh, rolling her eyes. "You really are pathetic, Kinomoto. Can't you see? He adores you. Everyone can tell except for you and your extremely thick head."

Sakura looked quizzical. "Is that why you dragged me all the way up here?"

"How else was I to get you peeled away from him? You're always spending time together, always fluttering your eyelashes at him…it's enough to make one ill. Well, I've decided that you must either tell him, or forget about him, because I don't know if I can spend my entire life watching you two flirting."

Sakura smiled wryly. "But I thought that you had…well, kinda claimed him."

"You think?" Meilin asked dryly. "Look, I've fallen out of love with him a long time ago. I just couldn't stand watching you two. It made me want to hurl."

Sakura grinned. "Well, I'll try. Let's have some lunch now and then head back." She glanced at Meilin's lunch skeptically. "Um, you made your own lunch?"

Meilin glanced at Sakura. "Con cuidado qué usted dice sobre mi almuerzo."

"Hoe?"

Meilin tried it again, this time with much more emphasis. "Con…cui-cuidado…"

Sakura frowned quizzically. "Meilin, I demand you tell me what you just said. It's not nice to call people names in other languages."

Meilin groaned with frustration. " ¡CON CUIDADO! ¿Comprende? Espera para una segunda... ¿Que es mi problema? ¡Por que no puedo hablar mi lengua! ¡Necesito ayuda, Kinomoto! Oh, dios querido... Necesito ayuda. ¡Necesito ayuda, necesito ayuda, necesito ayuda!"

She was becoming frantic. Sakura was absolutely in the dark as to what Meilin's problem was. "Meilin…No, wait, Meilin. Stop talking. Please? For heaven's sake, Meilin, will you shut up?"

Meilin quieted, an annoyed expression on her face. Sakura massaged her forehead, then looked Meilin square in the eye. "We are going to go back now. Forget lunch, let's just grab our stuff and go."

They girls quickly bundled their things together. Sakura searched in her backpack for the cards and found, much to her annoyance, that Kero and Hoshi had taken them again (Sakuuuraaa, I need them to 'splain the delicate workings of Clow Cards. And you don't need 'em; nothing's attacked in weeks. Besides, Hoshi doesn't believe me when I say--")

Sakura calmed as she felt the Key brush lightly against her neck. She grabbed it, thankful that this was no candy dispenser this time, and closed her eyes. Please, she begged silently, reaching out her mind to call the Cards. Wind whipped around her, stirring up dust and whirling her curls around her face. She opened them, green eyes blazing as wings sprouted from her back.

The wind died down and Sakura floated lightly with a gentle flap of her wings, her eyes thankful. "There. Let's go, Meilin."

+==+==+==+

Syaoran was having a pretty boring day. There was absolutely nothing to do. He had already spent four hours training. The day had been proclaimed a free days, so no activities were posted. Yamazaki tapped his fingers at their small table.

"What to do, what to do…Hey! How about we graffiti the entire camp?"

Hakaru groaned and threw his pillow at him. "Right. That would get us removed from this camp on the last week we're here. Brilliant."

"I was joking, okay?"

Syaoran had even visited Yukio earlier, shocked at the change from his recovery. He was actually kind of fun to be with, but whenever Syaoran happened to mention Sakura or even the name Kinomoto, Yukio's eyes would soften. Syaoran didn't like that.

Sakura's my girl. No, wait! I didn't mean that! I mean, well, she's so sweet and all. I mean...what do I mean? Argh! What is my problem today?

Oh, I know…

Shut up! Stupid voice...

So, not only are delusional, you're also calling yourself stupid. Going up in the world, aren't we now?

He shook his head furiously, about to debate more when a shriek of laughter hit his ears. He sat up, interested. Anything would be better than sitting and arguing with himself. Syaoran stood and walked over to the window. Akashi yawned and walked over beside him.

"Looks like someone is having a good time in Cabin Four."

Syaoran frowned. "Something's weird. I can feel it. It's worse than usual…the magic."

Akashi raised his eyebrow. "You think it's Xiefa? Sure sounds like her…"

"No, I know my sister's laugh. That's not Sakura either, or Meilin. Akemi?"

Chen sat bolt upright. "That is not Akemi!"

Akashi turned and smiled eerily at him. "Interesting that you should know."

The guys turned their attention back to the window. Hakaru, Yamazaki, and Chen got up and joined them, just as a tiny, impish figure staggered from Cabin Four, howling with laughter. To complete the rather odd scene, a large mass of arms and legs tumbled from the skies, rolling with the momentum of their landing. A strident Spanish voice could be heard over Emiko's laughter.

"¡Pensé que usted sabía volar! ¡Usted idiota! ¡Habría podido romperme el cuello!!"

Sakura untangled herself wearily then turned to pull the backpacks off of Meilin. "Sorry about the rough landing, Meilin."

Meilin staggered upright, glaring. " ¡Idiota!"

Sakura ignored her and turned to drag the bags into Cabin Four. She stopped in her tracks as Emiko stumbled towards her, giggling breathlessly. "Sa-Sa-Saku-Sakura! I can-n't….sto-o-op!"

Sakura's eyes widened and she dropped the bags. Meilin shoved herself between the two, gesturing wildly. " ¡Necesito ayuda también!" She turned and eyed Emiko skeptically, then waved her hand dismissively. "Usted es aceptable. ¡Sakura, me fija primero!"

Sakura covered her ears and walked inside, shutting the door.

For a moment, the air was still, broken only by the wheezing chuckles of Emiko. Then,

"SAKURA!! AYUDA!"

"Sa-Sa-Sakura…Hellllllppp!"

"POR FAVOR!"

"Please! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!"

Akashi grinned. "Meilin's got quite a temper…"

"What the heck is wrong with her?" Syaoran frowned. "I didn't even know she knew Spanish."

Akashi shook his head. "She doesn't," he replied calmly. "Apparently, she's having difficulty speaking Japanese, or any other language for that matter. I guess another card has found its victim."

Sakura emerged from her cabin, accompanied by Hoshi. The orange creature flared, sending light tendrils of magic into Meilin and Emiko. The tendrils wrapped tightly around the girl's arms and legs, forcing them to walk into Cabin Four, and out of public view. Sakura followed them in and shut the door.

Syaoran straitened. "She'll need help," he said decisively. He picked up his sword, then changed his mind. "I don't think this will help." Simply grabbing his ofudas, he strode out the door, across the clearing and into Cabin Four (discreetly knocking on the door first. All would have gone well.

Note the "would".

Syaoran flew out of the door, bright red. He stumbled backwards, tripping on himself and falling to the ground, still scrambling backwards. Sakura appeared in the doorway.

"Syaoran? What's your problem?"

"I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I….ummmmmmm…I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-I--" Syaoran covered his eyes, flushing the brightest of reds. "Oh Kami-sama…"

To add to his discomfort, Xiefa and Akemi chose that moment to arrive from the cafeteria. Xiefa paused, confused at the combination of screams, laughter, and the sight of her brother shoving his face into Rainbow Pond. Her questions were answered the moment she saw Sakura. Her face flushed, and she quickly ran forward, dropping all that she carried.

"Sakura! Get in the cabin. NOW."

Sakura backed into the cabin as the girls followed. The door slammed, and silence once again reigned in Rainbow Square… aside from the gurgles emitted by Syaoran.

+==+==+==+

Xiefa shoved Sakura into the bathroom and rounded on Hoshi. "Now look what's happened! Your brothers and sisters suddenly take over the camp, all in one day and you expect Sakura to be able to catch them all? I'm not blind, you know. I have enough magic to see what's going on."

Hoshi was a fiery orange. I cannot believe that they did this. This is so irresponsible…

"Irresponsible nothing! That's no excuse! My brother virtually saw Sakura naked! I--"

A shriek came from the bathroom. "WHAT?!"

Hoshi waved a paw, sending a wave of orange magic to settle over Xiefa's and Akemi's mouths. Be quiet. I need to think.

Sakura hurled from the bathroom, almost breaking down the door to get out. Her eyes blazed with fury. "Hoshi? What is going on?"

The tiny creature leapt lightly into her arms. I'm sorry this happened, Mistress. Three cards just attacked. The Laughter, The Speak, and The Reveal.

Sakura calmed down, still red, but functioning. "I could use the Voice card for Laughter..." She paused. "No, I couldn't. If I used the Voice card, it would steal not only Laughter, but also Emiko's voice. If I reversed it to give Emiko her voice back, Laughter would go back with Emiko's voice."

Hoshi puffed up his fur. The Reveal can reveal all. Use the Reveal to capture Speak, and use Speak to capture Laughter.

"But how do I capture The Reveal?"

Create something the Reveal cannot reveal. But Sakura--

Sakura sat down, and promptly shut out everything, from Hoshi, to the giggles and Spanish muttering. I wanted to hide something, what would I do? She rubbed her forehead tiredly. At home I have my secret box, where I hide all sorts of stuff. But people could open the box...no, they couldn't. Not if was…locked. Wait, that's it! The Lock! I'll use the Create and the Lock to make something, out that something in a box I create and then lock it! Reveal cannot reveal what's inside...only what's outside!

She sat up happily and withdrew the Key. About to put her plan in action, she paused suddenly, overtaken by another thought. But even if it could reveal what's inside...what would I use then? It managed to reveal that I was the Card Mistress at the Medieval Fair...and it managed to--to show my figure to those with magic. So I guess it can reveal what's hidden. That's its job. But what if nothing was hidden? It cannot reveal nothing.

Sakura's eyes brightened and she grabbed the Key. Wind whipped around the small cabin, swirling around Sakura as she spoke her command.

"Illusion Card! Create an illusion to fight the Reveal! Illusion!

An image appeared, a sweet, white haired boy of around six years of age. He had passive blue eyes and a gentle smile. Reaching forth his hands, he beckoned to the Reveal's magic. A cool, green mist drifted from Sakura and wrapped around the illusion. There was a brilliant flash of light.

Once their vision cleared, Sakura saw a green haired beauty sitting on the floor, hair rumpled and a shocked, yet slightly amused expression on her face. She stood gracefully, passing a hand through the illusion that was still hanging in the air. She turned to Sakura, smiling.

"Well done, Card Mistress. That was very tricky…I must say, I'm impressed."

Hoshi trotted over to her, fur raised indignantly. That was absolutely the most childish thing I have ever seen! Making the Mistress uncovered before a man! Irresponsible!

The emerald maiden simply laughed, waving a hand in Emiko's direction. "No, that's the most childish thing you have ever seen."

Sakura nodded agreeably. The green maiden turned and bowed politely as Sakura raised the Staff.

"Rainbow Card, return to your power confined! Green!"

The girl turned into mist which swirled into a card, showing a picture of the lovely girl grinning mischievously. The card drifted into Sakura's hand, just as the door slammed open.

Hakaru burst into the cabin. "Xiefa, Syaoran needs help…he just passed out!"

"Idiota!"

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Okay, listen up, folks. Again, the demand for S+S in this fic is now at an all-time high. So, I know I said that this chapter would have tons and tons and tons of S+S. Unfortunately, as the chapter grew longer and longer, I decided to put my special idea into the next chapter. Now, this next chapter will be arriving soon, but as usual, I often lose momentum and get discouraged. Yes, I know. Weird. Still, it's my first fic, and I can't have S+S in every chapter. But this coming chapter is the chapter of all chapters for S+S. So, I ask you, please be kind to this chapter. I tried really hard to get out and spent tons of time planning it. And, once again, pleeeaaassse review. I need the support.

Can you believe I actually forgot to thank all the reviewers of the last two chapters? How could I? ^_^

Azure Rosas -- I'm am soooo happy that you love my story! I know exactly how you feel about the check-ff.net-every-day-to-see-if-this-story-has-updated thing. I am so sorry it took so long to get out chapter nine (cough…eight, actually). It was absolutely unacceptable to have taken sooo long to write it. Gomen nasai! ^_^;

Sakura Kinomoto -- Aw…Kero didn't like being duct-taped? (Whispers to Kero) There'll be more Twinkies for that, okay? (Turns back to S.K.) And S+S moments will abound in the next chappie! Muahahahahahahahahaaa!!! I really hope you'll like it…

sana-chan -- I completely agree with you. Seriously, people. Here and now, may it be proclaimed that I do not agree with a gay Syaoran. Syaoran will always be straight, got it? Always. (Everyone sweatdrops) Well…it's true. ^_^ I'm glad you like my story!

Yutai -- ^_^ Sorry about your headache. But thank you very much for reviewing! Next time, make sure you have a large bottle of aspirin ready beside the computer… ^__^

Singing Angel -- Yes, isn't it weird? Rainbow Cards can turn into virtually any species…but they can't control what gender they become. Thus, when Hoshi wanted to help Sakura, he became a human (and was verrry embarrassed to find himself a girl). ^_^ He is still very much a guy, no matter what he shapeshifts into. Oh yes…he can be tons of fun.

dev -- Yay! Hi dev! Um…I don't know about allying myself with squirrels, 'cause you're absolutely right about how priggish they are. They're always looking in mirrors, for one thing. Tsk. What is the world coming to, anyway? ^_- Oh yes, Syaoran is verrry hot. Verrrrrrrry, very, very, very, veryveryveryveryveryveryvery-- um…you get the point. I think he's the best. Too bad there are no guys like him in the real world. *Sigh*

masterofwords -- I'm sorry! I know the others were better… This next chapter should leave them all behind though. I shall never abandon my stories. (Unless some freak accident occurs and I am either dead…or removed from computer access for the rest of my life). Sigh…I feel so guilty. But don't worry, I am fully recharged from muse-less-ness, and I am returning! *Thunder booms, lightning flashes, an all-out chaotic storm in background* ^_^ Gomen nasai!

Emerald-eyes -- Hi! Did my advice help? *Chews fingernails nervously* Did it? Well, arigatou for the reviews! Would you like me to send you a preview of the last few chapters I update? 'Cause I can, if you'd like. The cleaved quote is from a real book called The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf, which is such a good read. You should check it out from the library. It is excellent. I never laughed so much since the first book in the Princess Diaries trilogy came out.

crystal-chan -- Yu-Gi-Oh! is different. I just saw an episode on the TV. Different, but okay. I still like CCS best. And I wish Nelvana would fix the ending. Of CCS, I mean. They ended it wrong! W_R_O_N_G!!! I could just cry. Yes, Yukio was an absolute jerk and dweeb…that is, until Sakura accidentally wiped out all his memory. ^_^ He had to go back quite a few years, and even then, he wasn't too proud of what he found out.

Jesus Freak -- *Grins* I knew you this time! Ha! Yes, the Eustice thing is easy to figure out…sorta…maybe…Argh! I know what to look for now. And I have recruited a team of hunters to search for his head. MUAHAHAHAHAHAA!! He shall be destroyed!!! And the cliffhangers are happy…I do so hate to take them away. ^_^ You know what? I had an entire e-mail all set up for you, and then the computer did this weird thingummie and erased my e-mail when I tried sending it. Meh! Why me? I'll try it again…

faline -- Must…type…re..response…Ugh….too…haaarrdd… ^__^ Thank you for reviewing! How come Mother? is stalled? Well, I shouldn't talk. I mean, I'm the one who was doing the same thing. Taking forever to update. The guilt! Well, I hope to ear from you soon. Tried to email you for the update thing, but it got returned. Then again, I might be typing it wrong, as I did with dev's…

Nadeshiko -- Hi! I was worried. I didn't know if anyone would be able to see the scene the way I see it in my mind. They're not just sentences to me, they're scenes. That should explain why it is sometimes hard for me to write. Sometimes, I just can't find the words to create the scenes with… But I am sooo glad to know that you could see them! Yay! Well, thank you for reviewing! I really appreciate the morale boost.

sei -- Whoops… I let it slip too much, didn't I? And now she's hyper, isn't she? And I'm in trouble, aren't I? Did you save a cookie for me? *Ducks baking pan* AAHHH!! Forgive me!! I know it took a while, but I'm back, I really am! *Shrieks* Thank you for the review anyway!!!

Peachblossom4416 -- I'm glad my answer seemed to help. Since I hadn't heard the song, only read the lyrics, I wasn't too sure whether you wanted to hear and, if so, whether you'd enjoy hearing it. I'm glad you like my story! Happyhappyhappyhappy!! And I hope you've enjoyed the last chapter and soon, this one!

SakuraJade -- *Shrieks happily* Thank you for reviewing! It was such a nice review! Yes, I have done some research, mostly on the CCS. A few months before I became an author here, I went all over the internet (thus discovering how many things differed between CCS and Cardcaptors). And as for the karate stuff…I am proud to say that I have some personal experience in that. I have studied it for several years, and soon (hopefully, if I don't keep missing class) I may be promoted to black belt! ^_^ The next things I plan on researching more are archery, fencing, and dancing. C'mon, dancing can increase your speed and agility…

Dawn the Espeon -- Yes…I guess I do know a bit about fighting… *Grins evilly* Could that be because I'm a little rebel? o_O *Laughs* Yes, well, for more information on this topic, look above and see my previous comments! ^_^ I'm so glad you enjoyed reading this story! Thank you for your review!

Destiny's Prophet -- Well, the song Syaoran and Sakura sang as a duet is something Lea Salonga sang. I never heard it, but since I know she had a pretty voice, I thought "why not?" I think it's called We Could Be In Love, something like that. I hope this helps. Anyway, you will see more about the Green Card in this chapter. Yes, more fun is on the way…

Wings of Fire -- Thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you like my story and I hope to hear from you more! *Sigh* I always get a bit tongue-tied when is comes to new reviewers… *Turns red* Umm, the weather's great today…nice and windy… ^_^

J -- Konnichiwa! Well, there isn't much left, unfortunately. Yeah, I know. Roy G Bv. That's six colors, and she had only captured two. Well, thanks for reviewing!

nikki -- Well, yeah, it is a bit too late…^_^ But that's okay. Chen's spoken for, from now on…

kirjava-chan -- Well, I've updated! Since masterofwords reprimand, I've decided to try to get things out sooner. -_- It's gonna be tough… *_* but with all my beautiful reviewers, I can do anything! *_-

© 2002 Zenin Industries