*I don't own Card Captor Sakura or any of the original characters.
*Keep in mind that everyone is 17.
Destiny Challenged
Chapter 9
Amora
The Pieces Fall Together
*******
Sakura drifted in and out of consciousness. Colors swirled around in her mind. One moment she thought she heard her brother yelling at someone. The next time she opened her eyes, she was in her bed. Taking a glance at her alarm clock, it read 9:45 am. Thinking it was all a dream, she tried to get up but then she felt the pain in her leg.
"Itai!" she shouted in pain, realizing that everything had happend. The attack. Her fainting. It had actually taken place. Sakura wondered how she had escaped, and made it home.
"I hear that you're awake Kaijuu," Touya said interupting her thoughts. "I don't think you should move on that leg. It needs to heal properly."
"I guess you're right. How did I get here Onii-chan?" she asked.
Touya stared softly at his sister. He knew she was expecting the worst from whatever she was fighting. It pained him to see her like this but it hurt him even more to know that he was powerless to prevent it.
"Kaijuu," he began. Usually when he called her that she would have some biting remark or kick him in the shin. However, the tone he used showed so much affection that Sakura looked up and smiled. He sighed and began again. "Tell me what happend last night." Seeing her shocked expression, he continued. "Don't deny it Sakura. I've known since you were 10 years old that you have some magical abilities. And the reason you eat so much dessert is because of the living stuffed animal you keep around. He explained all this Clow Card business to me a few hours ago."
~Flashback~
As Touya checked on Sakura who was still sleeping, he spotted the yellow stuffed animal that had been in her possession since she was 10. He knew it was alive, but now had to get it to admit to that. Thinking fast, he went downstairs and made a batch of chocolate pudding that filled the biggest bowl he could find. Going back up to Sakura's room, he picked up Kero who had somehow changed positions since the last time he saw it. Bringing him downstairs, he held the seemingly inanimate object in front of the bowl of pudding and waited.
In three seconds, you could see the beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. Touya smiled and waited for another few seconds. Unable to take the simple torture anymore, Kero came to life.
"PUDDING!" he screamed as he dove head first into the bowl. Touya chuckled and waited patiently for Kero to devour the entire contents of the bowl. Seemingly satisfied with the response, Touya started his questions.
"So was that good for you stuffed animal?" he asked. Kero's actions seemed natural and seemed to be well practiced.
"I AM NOT A STUFFED ANIMAL!" Kero shouted and got in Touya's face with a fist waving in front of him. "Now you're starting to sound like the stupid Chinese gaki!"
Touya's eyes widened in surprise, denial, and then finally anger. "What do you mean? I'll kill myself before I resemble that kid in any way!"
Kero chuckled. "I guess we both hate his guts hun? How did you find out about me anyway?"
Touya smiled when he heard this. Finally, someone else who shares his feelings about his most hated adversary. "I saw you talking with my sister. Besides, I can sense magical auras. That's how I learned about Sakura possessing magic. So what has she been doing for the past 7 years?"
Kero pondered whether or not he should reveal any information. In the end he didn't find any reasons not to. He already knew enough. "Well, I think you better sit down because it's a long story." As Touya complied, he continued.
"It all started with a man named Clow Reed..."
~End Flashback~
Sakura's eyes widened with this bit of information. "You knew all this time?" she asked increduously. Touya nodded.
"I was attacked last night," she stated wearily. "I was walking home with Jutsun-kun but we got in a argument, and he ditched me." Tears were forming in her eyes as she spoke of Jutsun. He had been so cold to her. She remembered the words she uttered afterwards.
Touya saw her tears and growled. This Jutsun kid would pay for hurting her. But he had to control his anger to listen to the rest of her story.
"After I ran away, someone yelled out my name. I wasn't sure so I turned and looked. This guy in a black hood was standing there and I couldn't see his face. I did the first thing I thought of and ran, but he caught me and threw me against a wall. I tried to stand up but he stabbed me. He told me that his master would be pleased. I thought I was going to die! He slapped me after I screamed for help and I fainted. I-I was so scared!"
Sakura was sobbing hysterically now. Touya looked ready to kill but put his anger aside and gave his sister a comforting hug. He let her cry on his shoulders for ten minutes trying to calm her down.
"Shhh...It's ok Sakura. You're safe here. Everything's alright."
When the crying subsided, Sakura lifter herself from his shoulder teary-eyed. "Thank you, Onii-chan."
Touya nodded and waited for her to continue.
"So how did I get here?" Sakura asked after thinking.
"Some kid brought you here. I thought he had hurt you but he was wounded too. Guess it was him that saved you." Touya said gruffly still not trusting the mysterious kid who brought her home yesterday. There was something about his eyes that looked familiar...
"Who was it? Eriol-kun? Yamazaki-kun?" Sakura asked going on naming everyone who she thought would risk their life for her.
"I didn't know him. All he said was he was a friend from school. I was about to grab him and demand answers but you were injured."
Sakura smiled her thanks. "What did he look like then?"
Touya thought for a moment before answering. Now that he thought about it, he didn't get an extremely good look at the kid except his eyes. "It was raining and dark outside, but I can tell you he had blue eyes. His hair was either dark brown or black. I think he was about my height, maybe a little shorter."
'Who had blue eyes? Eriol did but Onii-chan would know him. Besides, Eriol has purple hair. Blue eyes and dark hair...Shaolang-kun!? Whould Shaolang really risk his life to save me?' Sakura thought as her heart began beating faster.
"Shaolang-kun..." she whispered softly to herself but also loud enough for Touya to hear.
"Eh? So you know this kid?" He questioned.
"Hai!" Sakura said happily. "Shaolang-kun is my new friend! He moved here a few days ago from Hong Kong. He's really smart in math so he's going to tutor me in return for me showing him around Tomoeda."
"Hong Kong! But isn't that where the gaki lives!?"
Sakura was confused by his sudden outburst, but then realized what he was talking about. "Yeah," she said sadly. "Hong Kong is where Li-kun lives..."
Touya saw his sister's reaction and cursed silently. He wondered why she even cared about the kid. He had tried to beat her up didn't he?
"You can miss school today so I take you to the doctor soon," he said trying to change the subject. "That shirt bandage won't be sufficient for long."
"Hoe?" Sakura hadn't realized that a piece of fabric had kept her from bleeding to death. At closer inspection, her theory was confirmed. It was a boy's Seijou shirt. On the front, the name "Li Shaolang" was neatly sketched on. Sakura saw this and blushed.
'He really did save me!' She thought happily. "Hanyaaannnnn..."
"Hun? Why are you so 'Hanyan'?"
"Shaolang-kun..." she whispered dreamily. "He's so kawaii. Sweet. And caring..."
Touya raised an eyebrow. "Hmph. Whatever Kaijuu. Just be careful from now on." Glancing at his watch, he realized the time. "The doctor's appointment is at 10:30. We have to go soon." With that, he left the room and waited for her to get ready.
As soon as her brother left, thoughts about yesterday came crashing into her mind. She had been attacked but surprisingly, that wasn't what her mind was thinking about. She knew that she would end the relationship between her and Jutsun. If this were to happen a week ago, she would have been heartbroken. But to her surprise, it didn't bother her in the least. She felt that it was getting in the way of something. Something much bigger.
'Shaolang-kun' she thought. 'I dreamed about you, and you came that day. I called for help and you came right away. Could this be destiny? Could you be my one and only? Li Shaolang...I think I'm falling in love with you...'
*******
"So have you accomplished your mission Shinjee?" Kiryle asked without looking up. Shinjee had just finished recovering from his wounds received from Syaoran. He now held a deep grudge against this human. How could such a pathetic creature hurt him as he had done?
"Yes sir," Shinjee automatically replied. It was the truth. His mission was to prevent her from participating in any upcoming battle. Or so he thought.
"So she is dead.," Kiryle questioned without emotion. It really didn't matter whether she lived or not. As long as she doesn't interfere with his destiny he was content.
"No sir," Shinjee answered with his head bowed. Kiryle looked up for a moment waiting for an explanation of events. Surely this one girl could not have beaten him so bad that it took 7 hours to recover from with magic? When Shinjee first came back, he was unable to speak; coughing up blood if he tried. His skin was burned and chared and he was badly bruised.
"I stabbed her, and she fainted. Then from nowhere, Li Xiao Lang showed up. The only reason he beat me was because he took me by surprise. He is no match for me if he doesn't have that advantage."
Kiryle raised an eyebrow. Somehow, he doubted the fact that the only reason Li Xiao Lang won was because of surprise. He kept silent throughout the explanation.
'I guess I'll let this fool keep his pride. A follower with good morale is a follower that is easy to control.' Kiryle thought with a grin.
"Very well," he said after hearing the whole story. "I shall give you your next mission." At this Shinjee looked at him expectantly. "I want you to go capture Touya Kinomoto. If he puts up a fight, you may use force, but do NOT kill him."
"Yes sir!" Shinjee saluted and left leaving Kiryle to ponder over things.
'So Apsu wants to see me again,' he thought with distaste. 'I hate kissing up to that stupid bitch but I guess I have to for now. I can't kill her. At least not yet.' With that, he disappeared to meet with his "superior".
*******
Sakura had a bad feeling about going to the doctor. On the entire way there, her magical senses were on the edge. She could barely sense the magic that was present but it was there nonetheless. She bit her lip and hoped that her instincts were wrong.
Touya saw her hands on her magic key. Realizing what that meant, he kept his senses alert. If they attacked his sister again, he would be there this time.
After an uncomfortable 15 minute drive, he parked the car and stepped out. As he went over to help Sakura, something inside told him to turn around. He did and came face to face with a figure garbled in black. His green eyes were glaring at them both.
"So we meet again, Card Mistress!"
Realizing this was who attacked his sister on the previous night, Touya felt anger flare inside of him. "Get the hell away from my sister you son of a bitch!" he screamed menacingly.
"Tsk tsk Kinomoto. Who says I'm after her anyway?" Shinjee said seemingly amused. Touya was about to attack when he heard Sakura behind him.
"Firey! Release and Dispell. Firey!" Flames shot out at the figure. He seemed bored and waived his hands. The fire instantly dissapated.
"I've had enough fire for one day," Shinjee explained calmly like it was no big deal. Sakura tried everything she could. Watery, Shot, Arrow, nothing seemed to work. She was still weak from yesterday. While she was recovering, he fired a black beam from the palm of his hands. Realizing it was heading straight towards her, she jumped out of the way in the last second landing on her injured leg. The building behind her exploded and knocked her forward further injuring her leg.
When Touya heard his sister's screams, he charged. He tried to throw a right hook at the still standing Shinjee but was caught centimeters away from it's destination.
"You Kinomotos bore me," he yawned and sent a knee into Touya's stomach. Touya kneeled over in pain.
Without a seconds hesitation, Shinjee took the handle of his blade and connected it with the back of Touya's head. Summoning a portal, he picked up the unconscious Touya and jumped in disappearing seconds before another magical attack struck. Sakura stared helpless at where her brother had disappeared.
"NOO!!! Onii-chan!!" She screamed and fell to her knees. The onlookers were gaping silently and police sirens could be heard but she didn't care. She broke down and cried.
A/N: I always felt that Sakura's brother meant a lot to her. She probably loves him the second most out of anyone. Who's first? Hmmm...
Please review. I appreciate all the ones I'm getting and they just make me want to write more. Thanks.
*Keep in mind that everyone is 17.
Destiny Challenged
Chapter 9
Amora
The Pieces Fall Together
*******
Sakura drifted in and out of consciousness. Colors swirled around in her mind. One moment she thought she heard her brother yelling at someone. The next time she opened her eyes, she was in her bed. Taking a glance at her alarm clock, it read 9:45 am. Thinking it was all a dream, she tried to get up but then she felt the pain in her leg.
"Itai!" she shouted in pain, realizing that everything had happend. The attack. Her fainting. It had actually taken place. Sakura wondered how she had escaped, and made it home.
"I hear that you're awake Kaijuu," Touya said interupting her thoughts. "I don't think you should move on that leg. It needs to heal properly."
"I guess you're right. How did I get here Onii-chan?" she asked.
Touya stared softly at his sister. He knew she was expecting the worst from whatever she was fighting. It pained him to see her like this but it hurt him even more to know that he was powerless to prevent it.
"Kaijuu," he began. Usually when he called her that she would have some biting remark or kick him in the shin. However, the tone he used showed so much affection that Sakura looked up and smiled. He sighed and began again. "Tell me what happend last night." Seeing her shocked expression, he continued. "Don't deny it Sakura. I've known since you were 10 years old that you have some magical abilities. And the reason you eat so much dessert is because of the living stuffed animal you keep around. He explained all this Clow Card business to me a few hours ago."
~Flashback~
As Touya checked on Sakura who was still sleeping, he spotted the yellow stuffed animal that had been in her possession since she was 10. He knew it was alive, but now had to get it to admit to that. Thinking fast, he went downstairs and made a batch of chocolate pudding that filled the biggest bowl he could find. Going back up to Sakura's room, he picked up Kero who had somehow changed positions since the last time he saw it. Bringing him downstairs, he held the seemingly inanimate object in front of the bowl of pudding and waited.
In three seconds, you could see the beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. Touya smiled and waited for another few seconds. Unable to take the simple torture anymore, Kero came to life.
"PUDDING!" he screamed as he dove head first into the bowl. Touya chuckled and waited patiently for Kero to devour the entire contents of the bowl. Seemingly satisfied with the response, Touya started his questions.
"So was that good for you stuffed animal?" he asked. Kero's actions seemed natural and seemed to be well practiced.
"I AM NOT A STUFFED ANIMAL!" Kero shouted and got in Touya's face with a fist waving in front of him. "Now you're starting to sound like the stupid Chinese gaki!"
Touya's eyes widened in surprise, denial, and then finally anger. "What do you mean? I'll kill myself before I resemble that kid in any way!"
Kero chuckled. "I guess we both hate his guts hun? How did you find out about me anyway?"
Touya smiled when he heard this. Finally, someone else who shares his feelings about his most hated adversary. "I saw you talking with my sister. Besides, I can sense magical auras. That's how I learned about Sakura possessing magic. So what has she been doing for the past 7 years?"
Kero pondered whether or not he should reveal any information. In the end he didn't find any reasons not to. He already knew enough. "Well, I think you better sit down because it's a long story." As Touya complied, he continued.
"It all started with a man named Clow Reed..."
~End Flashback~
Sakura's eyes widened with this bit of information. "You knew all this time?" she asked increduously. Touya nodded.
"I was attacked last night," she stated wearily. "I was walking home with Jutsun-kun but we got in a argument, and he ditched me." Tears were forming in her eyes as she spoke of Jutsun. He had been so cold to her. She remembered the words she uttered afterwards.
Touya saw her tears and growled. This Jutsun kid would pay for hurting her. But he had to control his anger to listen to the rest of her story.
"After I ran away, someone yelled out my name. I wasn't sure so I turned and looked. This guy in a black hood was standing there and I couldn't see his face. I did the first thing I thought of and ran, but he caught me and threw me against a wall. I tried to stand up but he stabbed me. He told me that his master would be pleased. I thought I was going to die! He slapped me after I screamed for help and I fainted. I-I was so scared!"
Sakura was sobbing hysterically now. Touya looked ready to kill but put his anger aside and gave his sister a comforting hug. He let her cry on his shoulders for ten minutes trying to calm her down.
"Shhh...It's ok Sakura. You're safe here. Everything's alright."
When the crying subsided, Sakura lifter herself from his shoulder teary-eyed. "Thank you, Onii-chan."
Touya nodded and waited for her to continue.
"So how did I get here?" Sakura asked after thinking.
"Some kid brought you here. I thought he had hurt you but he was wounded too. Guess it was him that saved you." Touya said gruffly still not trusting the mysterious kid who brought her home yesterday. There was something about his eyes that looked familiar...
"Who was it? Eriol-kun? Yamazaki-kun?" Sakura asked going on naming everyone who she thought would risk their life for her.
"I didn't know him. All he said was he was a friend from school. I was about to grab him and demand answers but you were injured."
Sakura smiled her thanks. "What did he look like then?"
Touya thought for a moment before answering. Now that he thought about it, he didn't get an extremely good look at the kid except his eyes. "It was raining and dark outside, but I can tell you he had blue eyes. His hair was either dark brown or black. I think he was about my height, maybe a little shorter."
'Who had blue eyes? Eriol did but Onii-chan would know him. Besides, Eriol has purple hair. Blue eyes and dark hair...Shaolang-kun!? Whould Shaolang really risk his life to save me?' Sakura thought as her heart began beating faster.
"Shaolang-kun..." she whispered softly to herself but also loud enough for Touya to hear.
"Eh? So you know this kid?" He questioned.
"Hai!" Sakura said happily. "Shaolang-kun is my new friend! He moved here a few days ago from Hong Kong. He's really smart in math so he's going to tutor me in return for me showing him around Tomoeda."
"Hong Kong! But isn't that where the gaki lives!?"
Sakura was confused by his sudden outburst, but then realized what he was talking about. "Yeah," she said sadly. "Hong Kong is where Li-kun lives..."
Touya saw his sister's reaction and cursed silently. He wondered why she even cared about the kid. He had tried to beat her up didn't he?
"You can miss school today so I take you to the doctor soon," he said trying to change the subject. "That shirt bandage won't be sufficient for long."
"Hoe?" Sakura hadn't realized that a piece of fabric had kept her from bleeding to death. At closer inspection, her theory was confirmed. It was a boy's Seijou shirt. On the front, the name "Li Shaolang" was neatly sketched on. Sakura saw this and blushed.
'He really did save me!' She thought happily. "Hanyaaannnnn..."
"Hun? Why are you so 'Hanyan'?"
"Shaolang-kun..." she whispered dreamily. "He's so kawaii. Sweet. And caring..."
Touya raised an eyebrow. "Hmph. Whatever Kaijuu. Just be careful from now on." Glancing at his watch, he realized the time. "The doctor's appointment is at 10:30. We have to go soon." With that, he left the room and waited for her to get ready.
As soon as her brother left, thoughts about yesterday came crashing into her mind. She had been attacked but surprisingly, that wasn't what her mind was thinking about. She knew that she would end the relationship between her and Jutsun. If this were to happen a week ago, she would have been heartbroken. But to her surprise, it didn't bother her in the least. She felt that it was getting in the way of something. Something much bigger.
'Shaolang-kun' she thought. 'I dreamed about you, and you came that day. I called for help and you came right away. Could this be destiny? Could you be my one and only? Li Shaolang...I think I'm falling in love with you...'
*******
"So have you accomplished your mission Shinjee?" Kiryle asked without looking up. Shinjee had just finished recovering from his wounds received from Syaoran. He now held a deep grudge against this human. How could such a pathetic creature hurt him as he had done?
"Yes sir," Shinjee automatically replied. It was the truth. His mission was to prevent her from participating in any upcoming battle. Or so he thought.
"So she is dead.," Kiryle questioned without emotion. It really didn't matter whether she lived or not. As long as she doesn't interfere with his destiny he was content.
"No sir," Shinjee answered with his head bowed. Kiryle looked up for a moment waiting for an explanation of events. Surely this one girl could not have beaten him so bad that it took 7 hours to recover from with magic? When Shinjee first came back, he was unable to speak; coughing up blood if he tried. His skin was burned and chared and he was badly bruised.
"I stabbed her, and she fainted. Then from nowhere, Li Xiao Lang showed up. The only reason he beat me was because he took me by surprise. He is no match for me if he doesn't have that advantage."
Kiryle raised an eyebrow. Somehow, he doubted the fact that the only reason Li Xiao Lang won was because of surprise. He kept silent throughout the explanation.
'I guess I'll let this fool keep his pride. A follower with good morale is a follower that is easy to control.' Kiryle thought with a grin.
"Very well," he said after hearing the whole story. "I shall give you your next mission." At this Shinjee looked at him expectantly. "I want you to go capture Touya Kinomoto. If he puts up a fight, you may use force, but do NOT kill him."
"Yes sir!" Shinjee saluted and left leaving Kiryle to ponder over things.
'So Apsu wants to see me again,' he thought with distaste. 'I hate kissing up to that stupid bitch but I guess I have to for now. I can't kill her. At least not yet.' With that, he disappeared to meet with his "superior".
*******
Sakura had a bad feeling about going to the doctor. On the entire way there, her magical senses were on the edge. She could barely sense the magic that was present but it was there nonetheless. She bit her lip and hoped that her instincts were wrong.
Touya saw her hands on her magic key. Realizing what that meant, he kept his senses alert. If they attacked his sister again, he would be there this time.
After an uncomfortable 15 minute drive, he parked the car and stepped out. As he went over to help Sakura, something inside told him to turn around. He did and came face to face with a figure garbled in black. His green eyes were glaring at them both.
"So we meet again, Card Mistress!"
Realizing this was who attacked his sister on the previous night, Touya felt anger flare inside of him. "Get the hell away from my sister you son of a bitch!" he screamed menacingly.
"Tsk tsk Kinomoto. Who says I'm after her anyway?" Shinjee said seemingly amused. Touya was about to attack when he heard Sakura behind him.
"Firey! Release and Dispell. Firey!" Flames shot out at the figure. He seemed bored and waived his hands. The fire instantly dissapated.
"I've had enough fire for one day," Shinjee explained calmly like it was no big deal. Sakura tried everything she could. Watery, Shot, Arrow, nothing seemed to work. She was still weak from yesterday. While she was recovering, he fired a black beam from the palm of his hands. Realizing it was heading straight towards her, she jumped out of the way in the last second landing on her injured leg. The building behind her exploded and knocked her forward further injuring her leg.
When Touya heard his sister's screams, he charged. He tried to throw a right hook at the still standing Shinjee but was caught centimeters away from it's destination.
"You Kinomotos bore me," he yawned and sent a knee into Touya's stomach. Touya kneeled over in pain.
Without a seconds hesitation, Shinjee took the handle of his blade and connected it with the back of Touya's head. Summoning a portal, he picked up the unconscious Touya and jumped in disappearing seconds before another magical attack struck. Sakura stared helpless at where her brother had disappeared.
"NOO!!! Onii-chan!!" She screamed and fell to her knees. The onlookers were gaping silently and police sirens could be heard but she didn't care. She broke down and cried.
A/N: I always felt that Sakura's brother meant a lot to her. She probably loves him the second most out of anyone. Who's first? Hmmm...
Please review. I appreciate all the ones I'm getting and they just make me want to write more. Thanks.