Chapter 4

Tomoyo? Is that you? called Sonomi as Tomoyo entered the living room.

Tomoyo said as she walked over and embraced her mother. As usual, Sonomi was working late, her laptop set on the coffee table where she was.

Is that the design for the new phone model, Kaa-san? asked Tomoyo, as she leaned over to look at the laptop screen.

Yes it is. Isn't it lovely? There are going to be so many move features in this one. I'll give some tryouts to you as soon as we get them ready. Sonomi smiled then looked over her laptop to see Eriol, Kaho and Nakuru standing at the door. Nakuru was holding a black stuffed toy cat. Tomoyo, are those your friends?

Oh, Hai! They need a place to stay Kaa-san, they just came from England.

I'll take care of it then, they can have the guest rooms on the west wing, she said as she got up and walked over to the group, extending a hand to Eriol. I'm Daidouji Sonomi, Tomoyo's mother.

Hiragizawa Eriol, said Eriol as he accepted the handshake. He smiled as he introduced the rest of the group to Sonomi (although he left out Spinel Sun on purpose).

Ah! I see your friend here likes stuffed animals too, Tomoyo! said Sonomi as she saw the black cat-look-a-like that Nakuru was hugging. [Suppi: -_-*] I think that would make a great design too! It'll match perfectly with that other stuffed toy thing that Sakura-chan has, neh? Sonomi said excitedly as she rushed back to her laptop, a huge smile stretching across her face.

Kaa-san! Kaa-san! Tomoyo called. It was no use; Sonomi was glued to the laptop. Embarrassed, Tomoyo turned back to face Eriol. . I'll lead you to your rooms then, since my mother ummm. seems a little busy.

As she walked, Tomoyo could feel her heart fluttering in her chest. She felt as if million butterflies had been trapped in her stomach. Eriol's here, in my house. She felt her cheeks getting warm as a blush spread itself across them. I should take this chance to tell him. She turned around to take a peek at Eriol and the others, only to find Eriol walking hand in hand with Kaho. And there was that gentle' way which he was looking at her which sent a pang through her heart. She continued to watch them sorrowfully as they looked at each other with gentle eyes'. Disheartened, she turned away from them, her gaze wandering back to the corridor ahead of them. Maybe I should let them have a suit then *

We're here, Hiragizawa-kun. It took pains to continue calling him that way.

Soka, well then, arigatou, Daidouji-san. Eriol released Kaho's hand to open the door for her. The doorway widened to reveal a huge suit. Its windows stretched to the ceilings, and overshadowing them were heavy curtains made of purple-coloured velvet trimmed with gold, the colour of royalty. There was a king-sized bed to the left of the room with covers that were the same royal purple with elaborate patterns drawn on them in gold. It had four tall golden bedposts with a veil that hung from them, weighed down by golden tassels. To the right were a fireplace and a bookshelf. An exquisite leather chair stood near the fireplace on a beautiful Persian carpet. There you go, Kaho, this room's for you. I'll see you tomorrow morning. The room really is beautiful.

Kaho nodded in agreement as she stared a moment longer before entering. Oyasumi nasai, Eriol, she said before closing the doors behind her. Eriol turned to Tomoyo.

So, where's the next room? he asked. Nakuru was standing next to him with the same questioning look on her face.

I ummm, I thought you were going to share a room with Mizuki-sensei. Tomoyo said, slightly confused.

Oh no, Kaho and I have always had separate rooms, even in our house in England, chuckled Eriol.

. So maybe she still had a chance. Tomoyo's heart lightened at the thought. Maybe she would tell him her feelings then, but probably not yet. She felt she wouldn't be able to take the heartache if he by chance, rejected her. She wanted to be sure of her position first.

But if you'd like, Eriol continued, I could always share the next room with Nakuru and Suppi.

Ok then, you can have the matching suite. Its just here, Tomoyo said, pointing to the next room. They walked over to it and Eriol, Nakuru, and Spinel Sun found themselves staring into a room the colour of emerald green with a layout identical to the one before. This will be your room if plan to stay here longer, Tomoyo said as she smiled.

Arigatou, Daidouji-san. You're really too kind, said Eriol as he and Nakuru stepped into the room. Matta ashita. He smiled. Behind him Nakuru was waving vigorously without realising she still had Spinel Sun in hand [Suppi: -_-***]

Oyasumi nasai, Hiragizawa-kun, and Nakuru-san. Tomoyo turned to walk back to her room. Her head was spinning with a thousand thoughts. Why had it always been so easy to analyse other's feelings in the past, like with Sakura and Syaoran, but when it came to her own personal matters in modern day its was just the opposite. Why? Even when she was attracted to Sakura she was in complete control over the matter. She didn't go around like a sick puppy, brooding day and night over her own feelings. No, she was sure of herself then. So why can't I be sure of myself, now? What was making matters so different from those in the past? She leaned her back against the corridor wall and sighed. Perhaps, it was time for a mother-daughter talk.

* ~*~*~*~*

[a few days later]

Sakura was sitting upright in a split second. Her eyes were dizzy with the aftermath of the shock as she tried to focus on who had woken her up. Kero-chan! You scared me! she said as the fuzzy yellow mass in front of her focused to form the outline of the sun guardian. He was apparently, covering his ears.

I told you long ago not to scream into my face like that! said Kero. My poor ears he moaned as he continued to clutch huge ears on the sides of his head. And to think all I wanted to do was wake you up for school so that you wouldn't be late, he mumbled to himself.

Oh. Gomen nasai Kero-chan! said Sakura, giving him a quick little bow. I best get up then. She stretched her limbs, then pushed the covers off her and slid her feet into the slippers at the side of her bed.

Will you be meeting with Eriol and the others after school? asked Kero.

I think so, we decided on that last night. And today's the last day of school! said Sakura delightfully. She counted her Sakura cards and kept them in a beautifully decorated pink box (courtesy of Tomoyo), and then she packed it into her bag along with the rest of her schoolbooks.

Ok, then I'd better come along as well, said Kero as he flew into her bag through the small opening made by the zip. BE SURE TO BUY SOME SWEETS OK?

[sweatdrop] said Sakura as she zipped up the bag hastily, not wanted Touya or her Dad to hear Kero. Kero's muffled cries for food went on. Downstairs, Fujitaka had prepared breakfast for the family.

Fujitaka called up the staircase. Breakfast is ready! Come and get it while its still warm!

Sakura yelled as she thundered down the stairs. she greeted her dad and her brother. Then she turned to look at Nadeshiko's photo.

Ohayo Kaijuu. You're early today I see, observed Touya.

NAN DES TEH?? Sakura waved her fist angrily while Touya chuckled contentedly.

*~*~*~*~*

Wai!!! I'm so glad school has ended! said Sakura as she stretched her arms above her head. She was walking out of class with Tomoyo and Syaoran at her side. Students were still rushing out of school as they left the school grounds.

We have to go to Daidouji's house now don't we? asked Syaoran. Eriol had called them up the previous night to inform all of them. I wonder, what's the progress on the meteor. He also mentioned that the meteor would be making contact soon. I wonder, how soon?

said Sakura. She looked at him inquisitively. Shaoran-kun, what are you thinking about?

Nan demo nai, he said reassuringly. He took Sakura's hand in his as they continued walking with Tomoyo. The two girls started to discuss about lunch, but Syaoran was deep in his thoughts. When the meteor hits, will I be able to help Sakura? What if all goes wrong still? He heard bits of the girl's conversation as he continued to think.

lunch absolutely delicious love it.

Really? can't wait

made some new costumes! he had no doubt who that line belonged too. wear it meteor hits! He looked at Sakura who was already blushing [with a huge sweatdrop]. Syaoran couldn't help but think of how adorable his girlfriend looked whenever she was flustered. He was sure Tomoyo-chan would be video camera ready when the meteor hit. It was typically Tomoyo.

Not too long later, they arrived at the Daidouji mansion. The huge iron gates creaked open as the three teenagers walked into the beautifully trimmed garden. The side bushes lined a pathway that led to the main door. Syaoran plucked a flower from the bush and gently slid it into Sakura's hair. He blushed as she looked in surprise at him, then turned away bashfully as she snuggled lovingly against his side; her wordless thank you.

You two go on without me, the maid will lead you up to the dinning room. I have to go get something first, said Tomoyo as she smiled and ran towards the east wing.

Hoe? I wonder where she's going now? said Sakura.

They followed the maid into a large dinning area where Eriol, Kaho, and Nakuru were waiting for them. Suppi was lying on the under the table, waiting for the food fest to begin. Sakura and Syaoran sat to the right of Eriol facing Kaho and Nakuru; Eriol was sitting at the head of the long rectangular table. As soon as Sakura placed her bag on the ground, Kero rushed out to meet Suppi.

Nice to see you again, Sakura-san, and you too Li-kun, said a smiling Eriol. Before he could continue, Tomoyo rushed into the room.

Sorry to have kept all of you waiting, but I just had to go get the packages Mother said would arrive today. She opened the bag she held in her hand and displayed its contents. These are the new handphone models that my mother just came up with. Lying on the table with three pairs of pink-coloured phones with Kero key-chains, and three dark purple-coloured phones with Suppi key-chains. She passed the pink phones to Sakura and Syaoran, and the dark purple phones to Eriol, Kaho, and Nakuru. We'll be able to keep in touch this way, Tomoyo said cheerfully.

Sakura looked at her phone while memories of the first time Tomoyo gave them a phone resurfaced in her mind. She smiled. Arigatou, Tomoyo-chan! Syaoran on the other hand, seemed to look as if he detested having another pink phone. Demo Tomoyo-chan, what about Yukito-san? Sakura asked.

Well my mother didn't get to see him, so she didn't make one for him, Tomoyo explained.

Lunch was served shortly, though Eriol seemed to be urging speed as they consumed the luxurious spread of food before them. Tomoyo also took note to dismiss the maids early for privacy. he said after everyone had finished eating (with the exception of Nakuru), I'm something very important to tell you. The meteor is very close to Earth now. It might even be entering the Earth's atmosphere as we speak.

Sakura cried as her hands flew to the sides of her face.

There's no need to panic, Sakura-san, what you need to do now is make sure nobody gets to the meteor before we do. We'll need the help of the Sakura cards. Just as he said this, the sky began to darken. The clouds were slowly transforming from their bright and sunny state to a deep and angry shade. Eriol looked out the window at the storm that was beginning to form. It's time.

If so, then please come with me Sakura-chan, said Tomoyo. I've got the new costume ready for you. Thank goodness I was able to finish it up last night.

[6^_^]

*~*~*~*~*

Syaoran blushed as Sakura emerged from behind the dressing room curtains. Tomoyo must really be chocking up experience to be able to cook up something like that. After so many years of making Sakura's costumes, Tomoyo's skill at her job had not slackened a slightest bit; in fact, it had improved tremendously. The costume Sakura was wearing was dark maroon in colour. It was a short sleeveless dress with long white gloves and boots that ran up to her thighs. On the dress were printed patterns of white-coloured stars with silver sparkles outlining them. She had a long cape too with the same star patterns outlining the ends. On her head she wore a tiny and elegant silver tiara with crystals embedded in it. Syaoran couldn't help but stare.

minna-san, how does it look? asked an extremely shy Sakura. Ruby moon squealed in delight at the dress while Syaoran continued staring.

said Eriol smilingly. He and Syaoran had on their robes by now. Tomoyo was going absolutely ballistic over the successful turnout.

SUGOI Sakura-chan!!! she exclaimed, clasping her hands together, It looks so good on you! Her eyes were starry as she looked on at her latest design.

Syaoran-kun, anou what do you think?

Realising she needed his encouragement, Syaoran snapped out of his daydream-stare. It's beautiful, Sakura, he said lovingly.

Not long after that, the group ventured out of the mansion. Tomoyo was following closely behind everyone with her camera in hand. Kaho had decided to stay in.

Sakura said as the moon guardian flew toward the group. I'm glad you're finally able to join us.

Yukito had just finished his work shift, Yue said. He looked up to see the raging dark clouds; swirling round in circles they had formed a dark hole in the center. The rain was beginning to come down hard, feeling more like bullets than drops of water. Yue summoned a protective shield over the group as they gazed at what looked like a portal in the center of the clouds.

Key that hides the power of the stars, reveal thy true form to me! This, by the covenant, Sakura commands you! RELEASE! The key whirled and extended to form the star staff which Sakura took in her hands.

The Sakura card glowed as it took the form of a little fairy. Swiftly and nimbly, Sleep flew over the vicinity, spreading over it its sleep powder. Remember, Sakura kept telling herself, the meteor possesses positive magic, so there's no need to worry. But it was a little hard to believe so under such weather conditions. Soon everyone in the buildings and in the streets had fallen asleep. The dark clouds continued to circle around the portal as a beam of light shot straight through the portal from the sky. Within the blink of an eye, the meteor had flown through the portal and was aimed and some buildings Northwest of where Sakura and the group were standing.

Quickly, get to the meteor before it hits the buildings! Eriol instructed the moon guardians. Yue and Ruby moon flew quickly towards the incoming black mass. We'll follow them on the sun guardians, Eriol said to Sakura. She and Syaoran sat on Cerberus while Eriol and Tomoyo sat on Spinel Sun. Soon they were flying after Yue and Ruby moon.

There it is! said Yue. He extended a hand towards it and aimed. Immediately a glowing moonbeam shot out from his hand at the meteor and surrounded it in a soft glowing blue shield, suspending it in midair.

I'll help you, said Ruby moon. She extended her hand and shot a glowing red beam at the meteor. Yue felt the weight of the meteor lighten after she did so. Together they carried the suspended meteor to Sakura and Eriol.

Arigatou gozaimasu, Yue-san, Ruby moon-san. I'll take it to the ground now, said Sakura as she smiled gratefully at the guardians.

called Sakura, pointing her staff towards the card. Float wrapped itself around the meteor as the moon guardians released their hold over it. The meteor descended gently, landing without a sound on the street bellow.

What is it? asked Cerberus as they landed in front of what looked to be a black sphere. Eriol got off Spinel Sun and walked toward the sphere. Closing his eyes, he pointed his Sun staff at it. No sooner had he done so did the walls of the sphere shatter as if they were made of glass, and fell to the ground in tiny pieces of black. They disintegrated upon touching the pavement.

The shattered sphere revealed wings, white coloured wings, wrapped around each other in the way the guardians' wings were when transforming. Without the help of the Float card, the enclosed wings hovered in midair.

Reveal thy true form, commanded Eriol.

Obeying his command, the wings parted. As they parted, so did the dark clouds of the storm, and the sun beamed down upon the unveiling of the creature, as if in agreement. The group gasped at its revelation. There in front of them, was a being which looked like Yue. It had long silken hair the colour of the gentlest blue imaginable. Clothing it was a Prussian blue halter with sleeves made of black veils and a pair of long flowing pants that looked a lot like the ones Ruby moon wore. On it's chest lay an embedded jewel, yellow in colour. Eriol seemed to recognise the gem. Slowly, the being opened it's eyes. They were piercing blue, the kind of blue that the oceans could only but in a faint imitation, try to portray. One would feel you could see right into the being's soul by one look of it's eyes, for they looked clear as crystals. But Sakura saw that they were clouded with something, some secret. The being glowed as the sun continued to shine down upon it, the storm already seeming nothing more than a faint memory.

(I'll refer to the being as a she' from here on)
where am I? she asked. The voice was silken sweet, almost like a song altogether. The being flew lower to face Eriol. Clow? Why do I sense his power, coming from you? she asked in confusion as she cupped his face in her pale hand.

Who are you? And how do you know about Clow? asked Yue.

The being turned to look at the one who had questioned her, only to look more confused than before. YUE? Is that really you? She flew over to him and threw her arms around his neck, embracing him passionately.

Shocked, Yue pulled away from her instantly. WHO ARE YOU?

Recoiling at her rejection, the being looked at Yue, her clear eyes reflecting hurt and confusion. She descended to the ground in disappointment, the sun's glow fading behind her. Sensing her grief, Sakura walked up to her and took her hand in hers.

Daijoubu, we'll take you home now, ok? she said comfortingly.

No need for that, said Eriol. He lifted a hand towards the being and immediately she collapsed onto Cerberus, who ran over just in time to cushion her fall.

Why did you do that for? demanded Syaoran.

We need to get her indoors quickly. I don't think Tomoeda's residents would appreciate a long time gap made by an unusual

said Sakura. With that the group flew back to the Daidouji mansion, whereupon Sakura broke off the sleeping spell.

*~*~*~*~*

* In the manga, Tomoyo observed that Eriol looked at certain people with 'gentle eyes'. They were mostly people he cared about, (Sakura and etc) and the one receiving the 'gentlest' look being Kaho.

Translations
 Kaa-san: Mother
Soka: I see
Oyasumi nasai: good night
Nan des teh: what did you say
Nan demo nai: nothing
Anou: something like 'uh' or 'um'
Minna: everybody
Kirei: beautiful
Sugoi: wow
Wakarimashita: I understand

Scribbles
Thanks for the reviews guys ^_^ you know who you are. They really cheered me up. Ok, now about the story stuff. I managed to finish this off in one day with my eyes ending up like @_@ so do inform me if there are any stupid mistakes in there. I felt that a lot of my descriptive sentences really sucked in this one _ yeah you gotta agree with me there, they do sound eeky. About Tomoyo, I actually thought of keeping her cool cuz that's the way she was with Sakura, but then I decided to change it to add in a little flavour ^_~ after all, people do change during their teenage years (take it from me, bwahahaha XD). So to all Tomoyo fans, I'm sorry if you don't like the change much 6^_^ gomen nasai!!! Here we have a little revelation about Eriol and Kaho's relationship again. I decided to put it down that even though they are a couple, they aren't acting like a married one yet (yes I know they share a house together in England), I mean, the boy's only 16 (Clow reincarnate or not)! Oh and another major apology to the E&T fans, they aren't together yet and yes, Eriol's still all smitten with Kaho. But I can promise you that they'll be together in this fic ^_^ just you wait and see (another reason to keep reading on!). We also finally get to see our mystery character after soooo long. I bet you guys forgot all about her once you got to chapter 2. So that's about it for now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and do continue giving me your much appreciated feedback ok? *begs you with bambi eyes* pleeaase?