Title: Echoing Lullaby
Author: Ice Lady
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own Cardcaptor Sakura.
Ice Lady: Hi! Welcome to my first (and hopefully not last) story! Sorry to all the S+S fans, but this is a Yue and Sakura fanfic. I hope you guys enjoy it and please please please review and let me know your comments. I am open to any suggestions. Thanks.
**********
Chapter 1: Crying in the Night
The waxing moon shone brightly, the stars twinkling in the cloudless sky. A perfect night. Sakura smiled wistfully at the stars from her window, silver moonlight giving her hair a luminous quality. She turned and slipped into bed. "Good night, Kero-chan." She said.
Kero smiled at her, then flicked off the lights, thinking to himself as Sakura drifted off to sleep. She seemed a little more cheerful today. Ever since 'the Incident' happened, Sakura had been solemn and withdrawn, barely laughing. Now, she was beginning to heal, to open up once more, and this made Kero glad. Tired of thinking, Kero closed his eyes and gave into the waves of sleep the Sandman sent his way.
He didn't even sense the flicker of magic.
The glimmer of magic was brief, then out of it stepped a cloaked figure. Dark eyes shone from under the hood, looking around. The shadowy form held a squirming bundle against its chest, holding tight, lest the precious package slip from its fingers. From the bundle came a small gurgle, sounding thunderous in the still, night air. The figure stooped downwards, a few curly wisps of hair slipping out of the hood. A tiny hand reached out from the blankets and grasped the hair, tugging on it. The dark eyes shone with amusement, then, as if recalling something, grew melancholy.
The figure hugged the baby gently, then walked silently up the front door of the Kinomoto house. Two hands cautiously set the baby down on the doorstep, careful not to jar or drop it. One hand stroked the infant's cheek as the other reached into a pocket to pull out an envelope. The envelope was set down next to the baby as a soft voice said, "I am sorry, little one. You will be safe here. Don't worry."
The hands drew back, and the figure stepped away. One last look, then a flicker of magic. The cloaked figure was gone.
The baby began to cry.
**********
Sakura stood in a meadow of green, a light wind tousling her hair. Flowers sprouted up between the thick blades of grass, faces full of color. Above her shone the merry face of the sun, dominating the cloudless blue sky. Sakura's heart lifted as she bent over and plucked a flower. Such a wonderful fragance. Tucking it behind one ear, she wandered aimlessly, blinding following her knowing feet. The scene calmed her tumultous mind, a sense of freedom releasing her from her sad memories.
Catching sight of a blooming sakura tree, she stopped short. The outlines of a few figures went nearly unnoticed, their forms shadowed by swirling cherry blossoms and their faces obscured by distance. Sakura stepped forward, the wind swirling around her.
The breeze carried a faint strain of a lullaby, sad and haunting. Yet for some unexplicable reason, it pleased her at the same time. Sakura closed her eyes and listened carefully, the melody twining comfortingly around her. She sank down in the grass and flowers, allowing the lullaby encircle her in its peaceful voice.
A hand laid on her shoulder, comforting and reassuring.
Sakura's eyes snapped open in surprise. She attempted to turn, but found herself frozen on the spot. Who was it behind her? The lullaby ended abruptly. In its place, the sound of a baby crying filled the air.
**********
Sakura awoke, her eyes wide open. She sat up, completely awake, as if she had just crawled into bed. Somewhere she heard a child crying. Immediately she got out of bed, her feet sliding into pink, fuzzy slippers. She padded over to Kero's drawer and tapped it with a slender finger. "Kero-chan! Wake up!"
A snore greeted her words.
Sakura rolled her eyes and opened the drawer to find a dozing Kero. "Kero-chan! Pudding!"
Kero instantly woke up. "Pudding! Where? Give it to me!" He shouted.
Sakura stifled a giggle. "Sorry, Kero-chan. I had to wake up you somehow." She shrugged.
Kero glared at her and flew up to her face. "You can not kid around with pudding." He stopped abruptly, his tiny ears picking up on the sound of crying. "What is that awful sound?" He asked, frowning deeply in thought.
"A baby. It's coming from downstairs." Sakura explained. "Let's go see." She exited her room and went downstairs, Kero floating behind her.
Sakura turned to flick on the lights, when she lost her balance. A brief yelp escaped her lips as she began to falling down the steps.
A pair of arms shot out into the air and managed to catch her just before she hit the first step. Strong but gentle hands helped her back onto her feet, steadying her lightly. Sakura looked up into Yue's violet eyes. "Yue-san! T-thank you."
Yue nodded and released her.
Sakura had separated Yue and Yukito a year ago. Yue lived in the spare room in the house, though he was often in Fujitaka's library. He was constantly reading, and hardly ever spoke to anyone. Sakura rarely saw him during the day.
"What are you doing up, Sakura-sama?" Yue asked.
Sakura gestured toward the door. "There's a baby crying. Yue-san, can you wake up Otou-san and the others? I might need help with the baby."
Yue nodded and went upstairs.
Sakura and Kero walked to the door. She reached out and twisted the cool metal knob, then slipped the door open. They were met by the chill of night air.
Wrapped securely in warm blankets laid a small baby. The infant stopped crying and peered up at her with curious green eyes. They studied each other for a moment. Without warning, the child's face crinkled. Panicked, Sakura made a move to quiet the baby. She stopped, however, when she realized that the child was smiling up at her, gurgling happily.
Immediately, Sakura cooed and picked up the baby. "You are so cute!" Sakura giggled.
Kero rolled his eyes. Females.
Sakura went back into the house and sat on the couch, cradling the infant. Kero followed, forgetting to close the door.
A few seconds later, the sound of multiple feet clambering down the stairs broke the silence of the house. Touya, Yukito, Fujitaka, and Yue peered out from the stairwell. Staring mutely at the young woman holding a child, they silently ventured further into the living room. "Where did that come from?" Touya demanded.
Yukito strided over to the door to close it, when he noticed an envelope. He grabbed it and shut the door, inspecting the writing on the envelope. Yukito handed it to Sakura. "Your name is on it." He said.
Sakura gave the baby to her father and opened the letter, reading it aloud:
"To Kinomoto Sakura, the Mistress of the Sakura Cards:
"I know that you are kind and gentle. You have strong magic and protect those you care about strongly. I beg you, please take care of my baby. Her name is Akina. I know that you will protect her well. She is not safe with me right now, but she will be safe with you. When the dangerous time for me has passed, I will reveal my identity to you, and I will come and get Akina. Please take care of Akina for me. Thank you."
Sakura set down the letter. "Her name is Akina. 'Spring flower.' Pretty name. I will take good care of her." She announced.
"Hey, wait a minute. You have no idea who this person is! Someone could be tricking you!" Touya protested.
Sakura didn't answer him, but stared at the letter. The baby giggled as Fujitaka rocked her. Sakura finally stared up at him and spoke. "No. The parent isn't tricking me. I know who this person is."
Yue stepped forward and took the letter. "So do I."
"Who is it?" Yukito asked.
Sakura sighed and rubbed her eyes. "It's just a feeling. The person...I feel like I know who it is. But I don't know the name."
Fujitaka gave Akina to Sakura. The infant smiled up at her. Sakura smiled back. "She's so cute. Otou-san, can I please take care of her?"
Yukito looked at Sakura and Akina. "You know...I think Akina-chan likes you." He observed with a smile. Touya frowned at the scene.
Fujitaka paused. "I have to think about it, Sakura-san. Touya-san, Yukito-san, Cerberus let's go into the kitchen to get the child something to drink."
Since they had no formula, Fujitaka warmed some milk instead. He was replacing the milk cap when he glanced up at the others. "Should we let Sakura take care of the child?" he inquired.
"No." Touya stated, distrustful.
"Yes." Yukito answered. "After...'that' happened...Sakura-chan has been sad and lonely. I think taking care of a baby will give her something to look forward to. She wants to feel needed again and the baby will do just that."
"I agree." Kero said, eating a cookie. "She seems so happy with Akina-chan right now."
Touya sighed and crossed his arms. "I guess I am outnumbered. Okay, I'll go with it, just for the kaijuu's sake."
Fujitaka nodded. "Then Sakura-san will take care of the child."
In the living room, Yue watched his mistress cradle the infant. She appeared much happier. Yue didn't see why. The baby just seemed to fuss and giggle. Sakura glanced up to catch Yue staring at her.
Yue quickly looked away as the others came back from the kitchen. Yukito handed Sakura a bottle. Fujitaka cleared his throat. Sakura glaced up at him expectantly. "Sakura-san, you may take care of the child."
Sakura squealed in delight and hugged the baby to her. "Thank you!"
Yukito saw Touya smile a little at his sister's happiness. Yukito grinned. Touya and his sister complex.
Outside the house, a different shadowed figure glared. Two cold eyes narrowed with fury. The child needed to be destroyed. He would make sure of it.
**********
Author's Notes:
Well, the first chapter is pretty boring. There will be more Y+S scenes later and action as well. Basically I am just starting off the story with Akina appearing. I hope you liked it. Please review. Ice Lady likes reviews.
I want to thank Abby McD for helping me with this chapter. She practically co-authored it. ^_^
If you like Y+S stories you should read Starlight, Starbright by Ann, The Girl Who Stole the Moon by Sakura Tsukino, and (my favorite!^^) Strange Morality by Abby McD.
Thanks for reading,
~Ice Lady~
Email: IceLady656@hotmail.com
April 3, 2002
Author: Ice Lady
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own Cardcaptor Sakura.
Ice Lady: Hi! Welcome to my first (and hopefully not last) story! Sorry to all the S+S fans, but this is a Yue and Sakura fanfic. I hope you guys enjoy it and please please please review and let me know your comments. I am open to any suggestions. Thanks.
**********
Chapter 1: Crying in the Night
The waxing moon shone brightly, the stars twinkling in the cloudless sky. A perfect night. Sakura smiled wistfully at the stars from her window, silver moonlight giving her hair a luminous quality. She turned and slipped into bed. "Good night, Kero-chan." She said.
Kero smiled at her, then flicked off the lights, thinking to himself as Sakura drifted off to sleep. She seemed a little more cheerful today. Ever since 'the Incident' happened, Sakura had been solemn and withdrawn, barely laughing. Now, she was beginning to heal, to open up once more, and this made Kero glad. Tired of thinking, Kero closed his eyes and gave into the waves of sleep the Sandman sent his way.
He didn't even sense the flicker of magic.
The glimmer of magic was brief, then out of it stepped a cloaked figure. Dark eyes shone from under the hood, looking around. The shadowy form held a squirming bundle against its chest, holding tight, lest the precious package slip from its fingers. From the bundle came a small gurgle, sounding thunderous in the still, night air. The figure stooped downwards, a few curly wisps of hair slipping out of the hood. A tiny hand reached out from the blankets and grasped the hair, tugging on it. The dark eyes shone with amusement, then, as if recalling something, grew melancholy.
The figure hugged the baby gently, then walked silently up the front door of the Kinomoto house. Two hands cautiously set the baby down on the doorstep, careful not to jar or drop it. One hand stroked the infant's cheek as the other reached into a pocket to pull out an envelope. The envelope was set down next to the baby as a soft voice said, "I am sorry, little one. You will be safe here. Don't worry."
The hands drew back, and the figure stepped away. One last look, then a flicker of magic. The cloaked figure was gone.
The baby began to cry.
**********
Sakura stood in a meadow of green, a light wind tousling her hair. Flowers sprouted up between the thick blades of grass, faces full of color. Above her shone the merry face of the sun, dominating the cloudless blue sky. Sakura's heart lifted as she bent over and plucked a flower. Such a wonderful fragance. Tucking it behind one ear, she wandered aimlessly, blinding following her knowing feet. The scene calmed her tumultous mind, a sense of freedom releasing her from her sad memories.
Catching sight of a blooming sakura tree, she stopped short. The outlines of a few figures went nearly unnoticed, their forms shadowed by swirling cherry blossoms and their faces obscured by distance. Sakura stepped forward, the wind swirling around her.
The breeze carried a faint strain of a lullaby, sad and haunting. Yet for some unexplicable reason, it pleased her at the same time. Sakura closed her eyes and listened carefully, the melody twining comfortingly around her. She sank down in the grass and flowers, allowing the lullaby encircle her in its peaceful voice.
A hand laid on her shoulder, comforting and reassuring.
Sakura's eyes snapped open in surprise. She attempted to turn, but found herself frozen on the spot. Who was it behind her? The lullaby ended abruptly. In its place, the sound of a baby crying filled the air.
**********
Sakura awoke, her eyes wide open. She sat up, completely awake, as if she had just crawled into bed. Somewhere she heard a child crying. Immediately she got out of bed, her feet sliding into pink, fuzzy slippers. She padded over to Kero's drawer and tapped it with a slender finger. "Kero-chan! Wake up!"
A snore greeted her words.
Sakura rolled her eyes and opened the drawer to find a dozing Kero. "Kero-chan! Pudding!"
Kero instantly woke up. "Pudding! Where? Give it to me!" He shouted.
Sakura stifled a giggle. "Sorry, Kero-chan. I had to wake up you somehow." She shrugged.
Kero glared at her and flew up to her face. "You can not kid around with pudding." He stopped abruptly, his tiny ears picking up on the sound of crying. "What is that awful sound?" He asked, frowning deeply in thought.
"A baby. It's coming from downstairs." Sakura explained. "Let's go see." She exited her room and went downstairs, Kero floating behind her.
Sakura turned to flick on the lights, when she lost her balance. A brief yelp escaped her lips as she began to falling down the steps.
A pair of arms shot out into the air and managed to catch her just before she hit the first step. Strong but gentle hands helped her back onto her feet, steadying her lightly. Sakura looked up into Yue's violet eyes. "Yue-san! T-thank you."
Yue nodded and released her.
Sakura had separated Yue and Yukito a year ago. Yue lived in the spare room in the house, though he was often in Fujitaka's library. He was constantly reading, and hardly ever spoke to anyone. Sakura rarely saw him during the day.
"What are you doing up, Sakura-sama?" Yue asked.
Sakura gestured toward the door. "There's a baby crying. Yue-san, can you wake up Otou-san and the others? I might need help with the baby."
Yue nodded and went upstairs.
Sakura and Kero walked to the door. She reached out and twisted the cool metal knob, then slipped the door open. They were met by the chill of night air.
Wrapped securely in warm blankets laid a small baby. The infant stopped crying and peered up at her with curious green eyes. They studied each other for a moment. Without warning, the child's face crinkled. Panicked, Sakura made a move to quiet the baby. She stopped, however, when she realized that the child was smiling up at her, gurgling happily.
Immediately, Sakura cooed and picked up the baby. "You are so cute!" Sakura giggled.
Kero rolled his eyes. Females.
Sakura went back into the house and sat on the couch, cradling the infant. Kero followed, forgetting to close the door.
A few seconds later, the sound of multiple feet clambering down the stairs broke the silence of the house. Touya, Yukito, Fujitaka, and Yue peered out from the stairwell. Staring mutely at the young woman holding a child, they silently ventured further into the living room. "Where did that come from?" Touya demanded.
Yukito strided over to the door to close it, when he noticed an envelope. He grabbed it and shut the door, inspecting the writing on the envelope. Yukito handed it to Sakura. "Your name is on it." He said.
Sakura gave the baby to her father and opened the letter, reading it aloud:
"To Kinomoto Sakura, the Mistress of the Sakura Cards:
"I know that you are kind and gentle. You have strong magic and protect those you care about strongly. I beg you, please take care of my baby. Her name is Akina. I know that you will protect her well. She is not safe with me right now, but she will be safe with you. When the dangerous time for me has passed, I will reveal my identity to you, and I will come and get Akina. Please take care of Akina for me. Thank you."
Sakura set down the letter. "Her name is Akina. 'Spring flower.' Pretty name. I will take good care of her." She announced.
"Hey, wait a minute. You have no idea who this person is! Someone could be tricking you!" Touya protested.
Sakura didn't answer him, but stared at the letter. The baby giggled as Fujitaka rocked her. Sakura finally stared up at him and spoke. "No. The parent isn't tricking me. I know who this person is."
Yue stepped forward and took the letter. "So do I."
"Who is it?" Yukito asked.
Sakura sighed and rubbed her eyes. "It's just a feeling. The person...I feel like I know who it is. But I don't know the name."
Fujitaka gave Akina to Sakura. The infant smiled up at her. Sakura smiled back. "She's so cute. Otou-san, can I please take care of her?"
Yukito looked at Sakura and Akina. "You know...I think Akina-chan likes you." He observed with a smile. Touya frowned at the scene.
Fujitaka paused. "I have to think about it, Sakura-san. Touya-san, Yukito-san, Cerberus let's go into the kitchen to get the child something to drink."
Since they had no formula, Fujitaka warmed some milk instead. He was replacing the milk cap when he glanced up at the others. "Should we let Sakura take care of the child?" he inquired.
"No." Touya stated, distrustful.
"Yes." Yukito answered. "After...'that' happened...Sakura-chan has been sad and lonely. I think taking care of a baby will give her something to look forward to. She wants to feel needed again and the baby will do just that."
"I agree." Kero said, eating a cookie. "She seems so happy with Akina-chan right now."
Touya sighed and crossed his arms. "I guess I am outnumbered. Okay, I'll go with it, just for the kaijuu's sake."
Fujitaka nodded. "Then Sakura-san will take care of the child."
In the living room, Yue watched his mistress cradle the infant. She appeared much happier. Yue didn't see why. The baby just seemed to fuss and giggle. Sakura glanced up to catch Yue staring at her.
Yue quickly looked away as the others came back from the kitchen. Yukito handed Sakura a bottle. Fujitaka cleared his throat. Sakura glaced up at him expectantly. "Sakura-san, you may take care of the child."
Sakura squealed in delight and hugged the baby to her. "Thank you!"
Yukito saw Touya smile a little at his sister's happiness. Yukito grinned. Touya and his sister complex.
Outside the house, a different shadowed figure glared. Two cold eyes narrowed with fury. The child needed to be destroyed. He would make sure of it.
**********
Author's Notes:
Well, the first chapter is pretty boring. There will be more Y+S scenes later and action as well. Basically I am just starting off the story with Akina appearing. I hope you liked it. Please review. Ice Lady likes reviews.
I want to thank Abby McD for helping me with this chapter. She practically co-authored it. ^_^
If you like Y+S stories you should read Starlight, Starbright by Ann, The Girl Who Stole the Moon by Sakura Tsukino, and (my favorite!^^) Strange Morality by Abby McD.
Thanks for reading,
~Ice Lady~
Email: IceLady656@hotmail.com
April 3, 2002