A/N: Here we go again! I'm updating a few days earlier than usual. Thanks
for the reviews, everyone; I'm glowing with pride. Before I begin:
anzpride, thanks for the compliments about the rhyming...most of the time,
that's the hardest part to do. But once I have an idea about the next
chapter, the words just come to me. Will you be continuing your story?
Maybellina, don't worry, Takashi and Chiharu won't be breaking up or
anything. That's about all the answers to the questions I got.
Foreword: For those who don't know, in the manga (Japanese comic books) there is a relationship between student, Rika Sasaki, and teacher, Mr.Terada. It doesn't work that way in my story, though. I'm creating a new character, and his name is Kai Ichimaya (where 'Kai' rhymes with 'fly'). There just aren't enough male characters!
~*~*~*~*~
Disclaimer:
CCS is owned by CLAMP (lucky them!).
~*~*~*~*~
Destined Love
By: Beloved
Dedicated to (as usual!) all my readers, from the CCS authors who took the time to review, to my family and friends who support me. It's also dedicated to Kan-chan, because it was her idea that motivated me to write this chapter!
Chapter 6: A Different Perspective
~*~*~*~*~
It was the last day of summer vacation. All the signs of autumn's arrival were there. Temperatures dropping, leaves changing, students grumbling about having to go back to school where hard work will be waiting for them. All students, except for one girl with short dark red hair, and profound eyed, which held the wisdom that went past her seventeen years of age.
Rika Sasaki couldn't wait to go back to school. Unlike her comrades, she counted the days to when school would start instead of how many days until the summer would, unfortunately, come to an end. In many ways, she was like her friends in the area of having hopes and dreams for the future. Still, there was something that set her apart from the others...she was in love with their teacher.
~*~(Seijou High)~*~
It was the first day of school. Everyone was bustling about, greeting people whom they haven't seen for months. Rika went straight to her desk; good-naturedly waiting for the one she loved to arrive. Meanwhile, she observed her surroundings.
Sakura Kinomoto was sitting on top of her desk, talking quietly to Syaoran Li who was standing in front of her with his arms casually, yet protectively, around her waist. Sometimes, it surprised Rika to see how much love was shared between the two. Didn't he give her death glares the first time he saw her? Well, their relationship probably had to do with the reason why they would always go running off together. Rika didn't know what they were doing, but she didn't pry, because she knew that she wouldn't like anyone looking into her own personal life.
Then there was Eriol Hiiragizawa who was caressing the face of a giggling Tomoyo Daidouji. Rika always thought her amethyst-eyed friend didn't like Eriol, maybe even afraid of him. She had to admit; the discreet teen with sapphire eyes did smile too much for his own good. What was he hiding? Could somebody be that happy of a person? Whatever it was, Tomoyo must of let down her shield at one point over the summer, because the two looked even closer than Syaoran and Sakura themselves...if that was possible.
Rika's gaze then travelled to Takashi and Chiharu. Rika was surprised to see Chiharu since her long time friend moved away a while back ago. She came back to Toemoda, and when Rika asked why, Chiharu gave Takashi a loving look, and she told her that her heart belonged here.
Five minutes before class began. Rika was beginning to get impatient, but she kept her comportment. She waited two months, five minutes wasn't going to kill her. All of a sudden, Rika had the feeling that she was being watched. She quickly turned her hear to the left, only to catch a glimpse of a dark head of hair turning to face the front as fast as he could. Rika smirked. Was her classmate actually looking at her? She couldn't tell. She only had eyes for one man, and he was making his way through the door that very moment.
"Good morning, class, and welcome to another wonderful year at Seijou High," said Yoshiyuki Terada cheerfully. Just as he expected, he received an unenergetic groan in return.
The teacher looked at his class fondly. He had taught them ever since they were ten, and his heart stayed within the personalities of his students. He came to appreciate Sakura's kindness towards all, Syaoran's quiet and reserved manor, Tomoyo's imp like qualities, Eriol's secrecy, Takashi's lies and ability to spin tall tales on the spot, and Chiharu's power to control the stories before they caused chaos. Then there was Rika. He knew she felt something for him. He could see it every time she looked in his eyes. Still, the teacher never had the heart to tell her that her feelings would not take her anywhere. Mr.Terada knew that her father was always away on business, and Rika needed a male figure in her life. Naturally, she chose him, but he knew that he couldn't be the one who belonged in her heart. He was already in love with another...
~*~(School Yard)~*~
Just like any other day, the first day of school came to an end. The teen with the black hair couldn't have been more embarrassed. He couldn't help it that he had fallen in love with the red haired beauty. All he wanted to do was steal a glance at her before class started. There was no way that he could have expected that she was going to look in his direction.
But Rika Sasaki did turn her head, and found him gazing. Kai Ichimaya had always admired her from a far. She seemed so mature, and she had a certain way of presenting herself. As if she was always trying to get someone's love.
Kai sadly smiled at himself. Rika would never have to work for his love because she already had it. Nonetheless was his love something that she'd ever want. He was too shy to even go up to even go up to talk to her, let alone ask her a question that he kept very close to his heart.
~*~(Picnic Tables)~*~
"Syaoran! It's been two weeks and we haven't gotten any closer to finding the next card!" complained Sakura.
"Don't worry, Sakura," Syaoran said gently. "If we could catch the first five cards, this one shouldn't be any different."
"Since it's been so long, it probably has to deal with people at school," suggested Chiharu, who knew all about Sakura, Syaoran and Eriol's magical skills since the group thought it was only fair that she should be part of the secret too.
"You and Syaoran created these cards out of the power of your love," Tomoyo began saying to her best friend. "A certain card seems to be looking out for someone who made a wrong choice, and someone who likes her, but he's too shy."
The group looked around. Naoko Yanagisawa had her nose buried in a book. She didn't seem to be having any problems. Rei Takahashi was spending her spare time working on her sprinting. She had no time for relationship problems, because she was also taking care of her dog, Hoppy, who she named after a creature she found when she was ten, but disappeared because 'Hoppy' was the Dash Card. Then there was Rika, sitting all by herself, staring dreamily at...Mr.Terada?
Sakura gasped at her new discovery as she covered her mouth in shock.
"Rika's in love with Mr.Terada!"
Everyone around his or her emerald-eyed companion was just as surprised as she was. But as they thought about it, the more it made sense. Rika had feelings for their long time teacher, and it would only end up with her getting hurt.
"You know, Kai Ichimaya really likes Rika, and that's no lie," said Takashi. "It's just that he doesn't have enough courage, and all he does is look at her because he feels as if she would never like someone like him."
"Okay everybody," said Eriol in a spirited voice. "It's encouragement time. If we don't act fast, Rika will be suffering from a broken heart, and then we'll never be able to get the next card."
Sakura knew that she and her friends had to be quick. Magic waits for no one.
~*~(Near the trees)~*~
This was her chance. Rika was ready to approach her long time love, and tell him her feelings with her heart in her hands. Mr.Terada looked so handsome standing along side a cherry blossom tree whose petals were slowly starting to fall. His spiked hair gave him a boyish look, while his face showed all the signs of maturity and adulthood. There was no other person Rika wanted to love more. She was sure that he felt the same way. All of her conversations with him made her believe that he deeply cared about her well-being. She thought it was about time she revealed her feelings. However, right before Rika was able to get close enough to her teacher, another women beat her to him. The women older than Rika had long blond hair and clear blue eyes. Rika saw how Mr.Terada's face lit up when he saw the woman. She saw how he drew her in his arms to give her a kiss. Finally, to her horror, Rika saw the man she loved go down on his knee to propose to the one he loved. The teen saw enough, as she turned to run away with tears flowing down her face.
The pain was indescribable. It felt like someone stabbing her tender heart over and over again. She felt weak, unloved, and oh, so alone. Why did she ever have to fall in love? It only leads to pain and suffering in the long run. Love was useless. What else does it lead to? Marriage and business trips so people won't even be together? Love is a weakness; something that makes all shields go down, and makes anyone vulnerable to the hard knocks of life. Rika made a decision. She would never fall under love's powerful spell ever again.
~*~(School Yard)~*~
Kai couldn't believe his eyes. Beyond the fences, he saw something that shocked him. His beloved Rika was crying tears of emotional pain. Who could have done such a thing to someone so innocent? As he watched, he saw Sakura, Tomoyo and Chiharu doing their best to comfort their friend. But Rika just ran away, probably not wanting to be around people who already had love in their lives.
The ebony haired teen's heart went out to poor Rika. Nevertheless, what can he do? All of a sudden, Kai felt a strong hand resting on his shoulder.
"It pains the heart to see a girl that way, doesn't it?" asked the voice behind him.
Kai turned to see who was speaking to him. It was Syaoran, who was accompanied with Eriol and Takashi.
"But what can I do?" Kai questioned. "I might do something in front of her that I'll really be embarrassed about! What if I do I do something that would make her feel worse? What if..."
"There's no point to jumping to conclusions if you don't take a chance!" added Eriol. "You'll never know until you try!"
Kai smiled at his three classmates who put enough light on the situation for it to make sense.
"You guys are right," said Kai with a new burst of confidence. "There's no point to staying in the shadows. I'm going to talk to Rika, and I'll just hope for the best!"
Syaoran, Eriol and Takashi watch Kai walk away with a smile on his face, and a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"It looks as if you guys had better luck with Kai, than we did with Rika," said Sakura's sweet voice from behind them.
The trio turned around, and they all smiled at their girlfriends.
Syaoran drew Sakura in his arms, and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"We managed to get Kai over his shyness," he informed the girls.
Tomoyo went to Eriol to wrap her arms around his waist, and to rest her head on his shoulder.
"Rika was so upset," she said sadly. "We had no idea how much in love she was with Mr.Terada.
Takashi turned Chiharu around to wrap his arms around her waist from behind, and rested his chin on top of her head.
"At least we got Kai going in the right direction," Takashi murmured, half of himself lost in the scent of Chiharu's hair.
Chiharu giggled with Takashi's actions. "Rika is going to need someone who can be a pillar of support for her," she said. "Kai is perfect because he isn't in any relation, and he's nice enough of a person to ease her pain."
~*~(Near the trees)~*~}
Rika was huddled under another cherry blossom tree with her knees brought up to her chest, and her arms around her legs. A never-ending supply of tears was still streaming down her face. Sakura, Tomoyo, and Chiharu tried to talk to her, but the red head didn't want to hear any of it. They already had boyfriends, and the powers of love were kind to them. What did she have? All she had was a broken heart.
Kai was getting closer to his weeping secret love. With a bouquet of wild daisies in his hand, he was getting ready to talk to her.
'No turning back now,' Tai thought to himself.
The black haired teen cleared his throat. Rika looked up, and gave him a confused look.
'Why would any guy ever want to talk to me now?' she mentally pondered.
"Um...these are for you," Tai shyly said, handing Rika the flowers that seemed to suit her so well. "I...uh...thought they could cheer you up."
Rika blushed, and weakly smiled at the boy who was being so nice to her even if he didn't have to.
"Gosh, thanks Kai..." she began. "That was so thoughtful of you. Have a seat?"
Kai saw the hopefulness in Rika's deep eyes, and silently sat next to her.
"I guess you want to know why I'm crying like a baby," Rika said in a strained voice, forcing out a weak laugh.
The teen frowned, as he said, "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to."
Rika softly smiled at his caring qualities. At first, she saw Kai as just another classmate. Now she's discovering a whole new side to the teen. He was so compassionate, and he seemed trustworthy.
"Please Kai. I'd like to at least get some of it off my chest," insisted Rika. "You see, I'm... well... suffering from a broken heart.
With those words, she burst into a new batch of tears.
There was only one thing Kai wanted to do at the moment. Even though he debated whether or not to follow he instincts, Rika's tears moved him in ways that he'd never imagined. Slowly, giving Rika plenty of warning before hand, Kai wrapped his arms around Rika, and she let herself be held. Slowly, as she was letting her guards down, she was able to take in Kai's warmth, and she found herself healing from the pain. To Rika's surprise, all that hurt before was slipping away as Kai's arms were protecting her from harm.
"Thanks Kai," Rika whispered as her tears were coming to an end. "You really helped me get through this. I thought I wasn't going to be able to trust another guy again. But then you showed up, and somehow, you made things better again."
"I couldn't stand it to see you crying," Kai confessed quietly. "Say Rika...what do think of the idea of the idea of the two of us becoming friends?"
Rika gave Kai her first real smile ever since her heart underwent the emotional torture.
"I like the idea a lot, Kai," she admitted. "I'm glad you brought it up. I feel so much better now that you're here with me. I'd love to be your friend."
With those words spoken, a card discreetly slipped away, going full speed ahead towards its creators.
~*~(Syaoran's House)~*~
Syaoran was helping Sakura out with her math homework when a card slipped under the door, and changed into its free form. The spirit was shaped in the type of a motherly figure who wanted to fix problems, and make things better. Her eyes were silent, and it looked as if she was ready to listen to anyone's thoughts or worries. Her arms were strong, yet gentle, and they seemed perfect to wrap anyone in a hug if they ever were to need it.
"Hello, my name is the Heal Card," the spirit introduced. "I knew Rika was going to have a rough time accepting the fact that the person she lobed had a fiancée. To make the transition as smooth as possible, I needed someone that cares for her deeply, so I could channel my power through him. Kai was the best candidate, but he wouldn't have been capable to help Rika until he got over his shyness. You have all done well, my children, and I am very much proud of you. Now, before I am sealed, I leave you with this clue to help everyone for the next quest:
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WILL BE MUCH TROUBLE, THE CAPTURE LIES WITH THE WORK OF A DOUBLE. SO CARDS YOU ALREADY HAVE SHOULD BE OF USE, THE UPCOMING SPIRIT ISN'T FRIENDLY WHEN LOOSE.
"Thank you very much," Sakura said humbly. "We appreciate your confidence."
The Heal Card gave her masters one last smile before she was sealed.
"See I told you that there was no need to worry!" Syaoran teased.
"Oh, be quiet, you!" answered Sakura as she pretended to push him, but only brought him closer instead. "What would I do without you?"
Syaoran looked deeply in Sakura's emerald eyes, and seriously said, "I think you'd go crazy."
"Syaoran!" Sakura said in a surprised tone.
Before she was able to say anything else, Syaoran pulled her close, and ended the discussion with a long, soothing kiss.
~*~*~*~*~
To be continued...
A/N: So what did you think of this chapter? Would you like to see more of Kai and Rika in the future chapters, or did I already write enough about them? Do you like my fiction world of 'lollypops and rainbows' or would you rather have me write more about strife? Come on everybody, please review! The least you could do is answer my questions! Don't forget to check out negareboshi's story Wild Wild West. It's so good, and you can find it right under my favourite stories. Finally, if you didn't already, please submit you vote to Rhea chan concerning the CCS poll. Look for my next chapter soon!
Foreword: For those who don't know, in the manga (Japanese comic books) there is a relationship between student, Rika Sasaki, and teacher, Mr.Terada. It doesn't work that way in my story, though. I'm creating a new character, and his name is Kai Ichimaya (where 'Kai' rhymes with 'fly'). There just aren't enough male characters!
~*~*~*~*~
Disclaimer:
CCS is owned by CLAMP (lucky them!).
~*~*~*~*~
Destined Love
By: Beloved
Dedicated to (as usual!) all my readers, from the CCS authors who took the time to review, to my family and friends who support me. It's also dedicated to Kan-chan, because it was her idea that motivated me to write this chapter!
Chapter 6: A Different Perspective
~*~*~*~*~
It was the last day of summer vacation. All the signs of autumn's arrival were there. Temperatures dropping, leaves changing, students grumbling about having to go back to school where hard work will be waiting for them. All students, except for one girl with short dark red hair, and profound eyed, which held the wisdom that went past her seventeen years of age.
Rika Sasaki couldn't wait to go back to school. Unlike her comrades, she counted the days to when school would start instead of how many days until the summer would, unfortunately, come to an end. In many ways, she was like her friends in the area of having hopes and dreams for the future. Still, there was something that set her apart from the others...she was in love with their teacher.
~*~(Seijou High)~*~
It was the first day of school. Everyone was bustling about, greeting people whom they haven't seen for months. Rika went straight to her desk; good-naturedly waiting for the one she loved to arrive. Meanwhile, she observed her surroundings.
Sakura Kinomoto was sitting on top of her desk, talking quietly to Syaoran Li who was standing in front of her with his arms casually, yet protectively, around her waist. Sometimes, it surprised Rika to see how much love was shared between the two. Didn't he give her death glares the first time he saw her? Well, their relationship probably had to do with the reason why they would always go running off together. Rika didn't know what they were doing, but she didn't pry, because she knew that she wouldn't like anyone looking into her own personal life.
Then there was Eriol Hiiragizawa who was caressing the face of a giggling Tomoyo Daidouji. Rika always thought her amethyst-eyed friend didn't like Eriol, maybe even afraid of him. She had to admit; the discreet teen with sapphire eyes did smile too much for his own good. What was he hiding? Could somebody be that happy of a person? Whatever it was, Tomoyo must of let down her shield at one point over the summer, because the two looked even closer than Syaoran and Sakura themselves...if that was possible.
Rika's gaze then travelled to Takashi and Chiharu. Rika was surprised to see Chiharu since her long time friend moved away a while back ago. She came back to Toemoda, and when Rika asked why, Chiharu gave Takashi a loving look, and she told her that her heart belonged here.
Five minutes before class began. Rika was beginning to get impatient, but she kept her comportment. She waited two months, five minutes wasn't going to kill her. All of a sudden, Rika had the feeling that she was being watched. She quickly turned her hear to the left, only to catch a glimpse of a dark head of hair turning to face the front as fast as he could. Rika smirked. Was her classmate actually looking at her? She couldn't tell. She only had eyes for one man, and he was making his way through the door that very moment.
"Good morning, class, and welcome to another wonderful year at Seijou High," said Yoshiyuki Terada cheerfully. Just as he expected, he received an unenergetic groan in return.
The teacher looked at his class fondly. He had taught them ever since they were ten, and his heart stayed within the personalities of his students. He came to appreciate Sakura's kindness towards all, Syaoran's quiet and reserved manor, Tomoyo's imp like qualities, Eriol's secrecy, Takashi's lies and ability to spin tall tales on the spot, and Chiharu's power to control the stories before they caused chaos. Then there was Rika. He knew she felt something for him. He could see it every time she looked in his eyes. Still, the teacher never had the heart to tell her that her feelings would not take her anywhere. Mr.Terada knew that her father was always away on business, and Rika needed a male figure in her life. Naturally, she chose him, but he knew that he couldn't be the one who belonged in her heart. He was already in love with another...
~*~(School Yard)~*~
Just like any other day, the first day of school came to an end. The teen with the black hair couldn't have been more embarrassed. He couldn't help it that he had fallen in love with the red haired beauty. All he wanted to do was steal a glance at her before class started. There was no way that he could have expected that she was going to look in his direction.
But Rika Sasaki did turn her head, and found him gazing. Kai Ichimaya had always admired her from a far. She seemed so mature, and she had a certain way of presenting herself. As if she was always trying to get someone's love.
Kai sadly smiled at himself. Rika would never have to work for his love because she already had it. Nonetheless was his love something that she'd ever want. He was too shy to even go up to even go up to talk to her, let alone ask her a question that he kept very close to his heart.
~*~(Picnic Tables)~*~
"Syaoran! It's been two weeks and we haven't gotten any closer to finding the next card!" complained Sakura.
"Don't worry, Sakura," Syaoran said gently. "If we could catch the first five cards, this one shouldn't be any different."
"Since it's been so long, it probably has to deal with people at school," suggested Chiharu, who knew all about Sakura, Syaoran and Eriol's magical skills since the group thought it was only fair that she should be part of the secret too.
"You and Syaoran created these cards out of the power of your love," Tomoyo began saying to her best friend. "A certain card seems to be looking out for someone who made a wrong choice, and someone who likes her, but he's too shy."
The group looked around. Naoko Yanagisawa had her nose buried in a book. She didn't seem to be having any problems. Rei Takahashi was spending her spare time working on her sprinting. She had no time for relationship problems, because she was also taking care of her dog, Hoppy, who she named after a creature she found when she was ten, but disappeared because 'Hoppy' was the Dash Card. Then there was Rika, sitting all by herself, staring dreamily at...Mr.Terada?
Sakura gasped at her new discovery as she covered her mouth in shock.
"Rika's in love with Mr.Terada!"
Everyone around his or her emerald-eyed companion was just as surprised as she was. But as they thought about it, the more it made sense. Rika had feelings for their long time teacher, and it would only end up with her getting hurt.
"You know, Kai Ichimaya really likes Rika, and that's no lie," said Takashi. "It's just that he doesn't have enough courage, and all he does is look at her because he feels as if she would never like someone like him."
"Okay everybody," said Eriol in a spirited voice. "It's encouragement time. If we don't act fast, Rika will be suffering from a broken heart, and then we'll never be able to get the next card."
Sakura knew that she and her friends had to be quick. Magic waits for no one.
~*~(Near the trees)~*~
This was her chance. Rika was ready to approach her long time love, and tell him her feelings with her heart in her hands. Mr.Terada looked so handsome standing along side a cherry blossom tree whose petals were slowly starting to fall. His spiked hair gave him a boyish look, while his face showed all the signs of maturity and adulthood. There was no other person Rika wanted to love more. She was sure that he felt the same way. All of her conversations with him made her believe that he deeply cared about her well-being. She thought it was about time she revealed her feelings. However, right before Rika was able to get close enough to her teacher, another women beat her to him. The women older than Rika had long blond hair and clear blue eyes. Rika saw how Mr.Terada's face lit up when he saw the woman. She saw how he drew her in his arms to give her a kiss. Finally, to her horror, Rika saw the man she loved go down on his knee to propose to the one he loved. The teen saw enough, as she turned to run away with tears flowing down her face.
The pain was indescribable. It felt like someone stabbing her tender heart over and over again. She felt weak, unloved, and oh, so alone. Why did she ever have to fall in love? It only leads to pain and suffering in the long run. Love was useless. What else does it lead to? Marriage and business trips so people won't even be together? Love is a weakness; something that makes all shields go down, and makes anyone vulnerable to the hard knocks of life. Rika made a decision. She would never fall under love's powerful spell ever again.
~*~(School Yard)~*~
Kai couldn't believe his eyes. Beyond the fences, he saw something that shocked him. His beloved Rika was crying tears of emotional pain. Who could have done such a thing to someone so innocent? As he watched, he saw Sakura, Tomoyo and Chiharu doing their best to comfort their friend. But Rika just ran away, probably not wanting to be around people who already had love in their lives.
The ebony haired teen's heart went out to poor Rika. Nevertheless, what can he do? All of a sudden, Kai felt a strong hand resting on his shoulder.
"It pains the heart to see a girl that way, doesn't it?" asked the voice behind him.
Kai turned to see who was speaking to him. It was Syaoran, who was accompanied with Eriol and Takashi.
"But what can I do?" Kai questioned. "I might do something in front of her that I'll really be embarrassed about! What if I do I do something that would make her feel worse? What if..."
"There's no point to jumping to conclusions if you don't take a chance!" added Eriol. "You'll never know until you try!"
Kai smiled at his three classmates who put enough light on the situation for it to make sense.
"You guys are right," said Kai with a new burst of confidence. "There's no point to staying in the shadows. I'm going to talk to Rika, and I'll just hope for the best!"
Syaoran, Eriol and Takashi watch Kai walk away with a smile on his face, and a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"It looks as if you guys had better luck with Kai, than we did with Rika," said Sakura's sweet voice from behind them.
The trio turned around, and they all smiled at their girlfriends.
Syaoran drew Sakura in his arms, and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"We managed to get Kai over his shyness," he informed the girls.
Tomoyo went to Eriol to wrap her arms around his waist, and to rest her head on his shoulder.
"Rika was so upset," she said sadly. "We had no idea how much in love she was with Mr.Terada.
Takashi turned Chiharu around to wrap his arms around her waist from behind, and rested his chin on top of her head.
"At least we got Kai going in the right direction," Takashi murmured, half of himself lost in the scent of Chiharu's hair.
Chiharu giggled with Takashi's actions. "Rika is going to need someone who can be a pillar of support for her," she said. "Kai is perfect because he isn't in any relation, and he's nice enough of a person to ease her pain."
~*~(Near the trees)~*~}
Rika was huddled under another cherry blossom tree with her knees brought up to her chest, and her arms around her legs. A never-ending supply of tears was still streaming down her face. Sakura, Tomoyo, and Chiharu tried to talk to her, but the red head didn't want to hear any of it. They already had boyfriends, and the powers of love were kind to them. What did she have? All she had was a broken heart.
Kai was getting closer to his weeping secret love. With a bouquet of wild daisies in his hand, he was getting ready to talk to her.
'No turning back now,' Tai thought to himself.
The black haired teen cleared his throat. Rika looked up, and gave him a confused look.
'Why would any guy ever want to talk to me now?' she mentally pondered.
"Um...these are for you," Tai shyly said, handing Rika the flowers that seemed to suit her so well. "I...uh...thought they could cheer you up."
Rika blushed, and weakly smiled at the boy who was being so nice to her even if he didn't have to.
"Gosh, thanks Kai..." she began. "That was so thoughtful of you. Have a seat?"
Kai saw the hopefulness in Rika's deep eyes, and silently sat next to her.
"I guess you want to know why I'm crying like a baby," Rika said in a strained voice, forcing out a weak laugh.
The teen frowned, as he said, "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to."
Rika softly smiled at his caring qualities. At first, she saw Kai as just another classmate. Now she's discovering a whole new side to the teen. He was so compassionate, and he seemed trustworthy.
"Please Kai. I'd like to at least get some of it off my chest," insisted Rika. "You see, I'm... well... suffering from a broken heart.
With those words, she burst into a new batch of tears.
There was only one thing Kai wanted to do at the moment. Even though he debated whether or not to follow he instincts, Rika's tears moved him in ways that he'd never imagined. Slowly, giving Rika plenty of warning before hand, Kai wrapped his arms around Rika, and she let herself be held. Slowly, as she was letting her guards down, she was able to take in Kai's warmth, and she found herself healing from the pain. To Rika's surprise, all that hurt before was slipping away as Kai's arms were protecting her from harm.
"Thanks Kai," Rika whispered as her tears were coming to an end. "You really helped me get through this. I thought I wasn't going to be able to trust another guy again. But then you showed up, and somehow, you made things better again."
"I couldn't stand it to see you crying," Kai confessed quietly. "Say Rika...what do think of the idea of the idea of the two of us becoming friends?"
Rika gave Kai her first real smile ever since her heart underwent the emotional torture.
"I like the idea a lot, Kai," she admitted. "I'm glad you brought it up. I feel so much better now that you're here with me. I'd love to be your friend."
With those words spoken, a card discreetly slipped away, going full speed ahead towards its creators.
~*~(Syaoran's House)~*~
Syaoran was helping Sakura out with her math homework when a card slipped under the door, and changed into its free form. The spirit was shaped in the type of a motherly figure who wanted to fix problems, and make things better. Her eyes were silent, and it looked as if she was ready to listen to anyone's thoughts or worries. Her arms were strong, yet gentle, and they seemed perfect to wrap anyone in a hug if they ever were to need it.
"Hello, my name is the Heal Card," the spirit introduced. "I knew Rika was going to have a rough time accepting the fact that the person she lobed had a fiancée. To make the transition as smooth as possible, I needed someone that cares for her deeply, so I could channel my power through him. Kai was the best candidate, but he wouldn't have been capable to help Rika until he got over his shyness. You have all done well, my children, and I am very much proud of you. Now, before I am sealed, I leave you with this clue to help everyone for the next quest:
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE WILL BE MUCH TROUBLE, THE CAPTURE LIES WITH THE WORK OF A DOUBLE. SO CARDS YOU ALREADY HAVE SHOULD BE OF USE, THE UPCOMING SPIRIT ISN'T FRIENDLY WHEN LOOSE.
"Thank you very much," Sakura said humbly. "We appreciate your confidence."
The Heal Card gave her masters one last smile before she was sealed.
"See I told you that there was no need to worry!" Syaoran teased.
"Oh, be quiet, you!" answered Sakura as she pretended to push him, but only brought him closer instead. "What would I do without you?"
Syaoran looked deeply in Sakura's emerald eyes, and seriously said, "I think you'd go crazy."
"Syaoran!" Sakura said in a surprised tone.
Before she was able to say anything else, Syaoran pulled her close, and ended the discussion with a long, soothing kiss.
~*~*~*~*~
To be continued...
A/N: So what did you think of this chapter? Would you like to see more of Kai and Rika in the future chapters, or did I already write enough about them? Do you like my fiction world of 'lollypops and rainbows' or would you rather have me write more about strife? Come on everybody, please review! The least you could do is answer my questions! Don't forget to check out negareboshi's story Wild Wild West. It's so good, and you can find it right under my favourite stories. Finally, if you didn't already, please submit you vote to Rhea chan concerning the CCS poll. Look for my next chapter soon!