A new begining

by coco cookie

The CC screw are 16 in this storie - new cards, a new force...when Sakura and Syaoran meet up, he swears he has no more feelings for her - is dat really true? How can they eva defeat da enemy if their love is shattered? PURE S+S!!

11. Now who are you? chapter 8

A New Beginning – chapter 8

"Now who are you?"

Coco cookie: Okay everyone, I'm baaaacccccckkkkk!! ^_^ And I now feel so refreshed! Still, I think I flunked History – but since I totally aced German, then it doesn't matter. Now all I gotta learn is French and da five languages are all over - WOOHOO! One good thing is dat I don't have to learn Italian again - and let me tell ya, dat Italian is BORING. I had to do it for 2 years :=(

ATTENTION TO ALL PEOPLEZ

You may be wondering what dat last weird chapter was all about – well I did NOT upload it just for more chapters. I apologize to da people who may have thought that, as I should have told u before, but I didn't get the chance. Anyway, I still thanx all my nice reviewers for reading this story (*sigh* These sentences are not making sense - but I'm not bothered to fix 'em up)

Here is da reason for y I did it:

Every time I upload a new chapter, it's in word document. Except I realized dat a lot of things change if I do this and I have to space everything to make it appear. This is a total bummer and a pain to my a$$. And I also noticed how other authors could do all this kewl stuff to their chapters and I'm like, "What da hell?!"

So I wanted to try saving da chapter as html - but I was worried something would get stuffed. So I decided not to risk my hard work and just type up some boring stuff to see how it went. Dat was da 'This is not a new chapter' junk.

* * * * *

"I am not impressed. How did she manage to capture two cards without failure?"

All though his voice was calm, Sakura could easily see he was annoyed; he continued to drum his fingers on the arm rest, the sounds echoing through the dark, eerie room. He sat hooded in his cloak, veiled in mystery with only parts of his blonde hair showing through.

"I beg you master - just wait for me to explain," a boy said nervously. He was hunched over in a scared and respectful bow - he was so completely shrouded in darkness that Sakura only just managed to glimpse a look at him.

Over and over again, she rubbed her bare arms as she shivered - not because she was cold, but because she was scared. Looking around with wide eyes, she thought [How did i get here? Did he make me appear in a dream again?] But that couldn't be possible - she stood in perfect view beside him, though he never looked her way or spoke to her.

"Hurry and talk - i have just enough patience to listen to you."

The boy nodded as he bowed even lower; his clothes sweeping the floor. [He's got on Chinese clothes] Sakura thought startled. It was a fine work of embroidery; golden dragons against blood-red silk - only someone rich could afford such things.

"Master, the cards I sent out were some of the weakest we have - it is no surprise she sealed them. I just did it to see her power and her skill." He laughed. "By the look of it, she's nothing but an amateur."

Sakura clenched her fists angrily. [How dare he! If he hasn't noticed, i haven't used magic for 6 years - it's not my fault if I'm a bit rusty.]

"Still...isn't there a boy? I've seen him in the visions of my jade basin many times - he has quite a power." The cloaked man raised one of his hands to admire his silver ring. "Of course, he is no match for me."

The boy nodded frantically in agreement. "His name is Xiaolang." As he said it, Sakura saw him quiver slightly and a look of regret appear on his face. [What is going on...]

"Is the next card you plan on releasing strong - or just another bait for observing her?"

"The other 8 cards she has to seal are not all great challenges - but," he snickered, "The faster she seals them, the faster we can unleash the 'Power of Posses' and the gems."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. [Those forces...Kero told me about them some time ago....]

The cloaked man laughed. "Yes of course - seeing her die after such a struggle will be fun. Finally I shall take revenge on my brother - and have some amusement on the way." He sighed. "It is a pity though. She is quite beautiful..."

Sakura waited intently to hear more - but it didn't come. Instead the surrounding suddenly darkened - until she was in a room by herself with no idea of what was around her. Frantically she ran around - but it was hard to know if she was even moving, for the darkness confused her and her surrounding never changed.

Don't panic mistress. I need to talk to you.

A blue light suddenly appeared in front of Sakura - and slowly, the appearance could be made out. It was the Dream! Startled, Sakura fell back. "Hoe! I never released you - how'd you get out?!"

The Dream glided around her a few times, her long straight hair brushing Sakura's shoulders as she went. The rest of the cards and I see danger - I am the only way that we could warn you. Seeing that Sakura had calmed down and was watching her carefully, the Dream continued. She spoke with her mind, and not with her mouth. You need to learn as much about him as possible. That is why I woke you up to see this image - he has an apprentice.

Sakura nodded. "Thank you. But still, with Eroil, Kero and Syaoran's help, aren't we able to defeat this new enemy? Doesn't fate make Musaki and I cross sometime in the future?"

Don't say Musaki - he is not the one. Utterly shocked and confused, Sakura's eyes widened. She was about to protest but the Dream stopped her. He has the spirit, but not the name nor appearance.

"Hoe! You're not making any sense -"

Please mistress, I don't have much time to talk - there is one more important thing I must tell you. Slowly as she said the last words, she began to fade and dim visions of Sakura's room reappeared. With her hands in front of her and her head lowered, she whispered, Don't always rely on the boy - he shall leave you when you least expect it. You need to find your true power and achieve it by yourself.

* * * * *

Resting her oven mitts on the bench, Sakura let her mind wander away. [What did it mean? The boy? That must be either Asumi, Eroil...or Syaoran. Still, who would do such a thing to me? They are all so nice and my close friends] Sakura pouted. Asking the Dream for the answer wouldn't work - she already tried it. Once the dream had ended, she brought out the card and released it. But once she begged it for the answer, the Dream would not tell - it only retreated to its card and refused to come out.

"She's lounging off again!" A hard tap on the head made Sakura yelp. "Heellooo,' Mirano said slowly as if speaking to a toddler, "Aren't you part of the team? In other words, shouldn't you help?"

"I am!' Sakura protested. "Or I was...I'm waiting for the chicken to finish in the oven."

As Mirano was about to snap something back, Syaoran rested a hand on her arm. "Leave her alone - she has some thoughts she must deal with." When he looked up at Sakura, he cast her a look that clearly said, "You're lucky this time. I'm not helping you again." Then turning back to the platter of food that he was assigned to, he went back to work.

Sakura smiled gratefully at him. Ever since that Saturday night, he'd been behaving more like the Syaoran she knew - well not exactly. [Who cares] Sakura thought as she giggled. [I like him the way he is.]

Seeing this, Asumi immediately grew jealous. He would have gone right over and placed some charm on her, if he had not been buried under the stack of shopping receipts. "God Rika-chan...how much money do you girls spend?"

"Only good recipes come from good ingredients," Noako said firmly.

"But the amount you pay is fit for a king - a couple of kings actually."

Suddenly the rest of the group emerged with their entree platters before them. Tomoyo would wander from one to the other in deep thought, inspecting the colour scheme and appearance. Asumi wasn't bothered at all - his only interest in the whole thing was to hold Sakura's recipe for her, smiling and being all gentleman-like. Eroil, when he saw no one was looking, would pinch off a bit to try.

"Hope that one contains snake venom," Syaoran drawled when he caught him in the act.

"If it is," Eroil smiled cheerfully, "It tastes awfully good."

Eventually Tomoyo chose the one Takashi made. "I love the idea of food from different countries...and this Thai food is perfect! Maybe we can add some Vietnamese (I love Vietnamese food - mmmmmm) food later-"

"And Chinese!" Sakura exclaimed excitedly. Clasping her hands in delight, she faced Syaoran. "You can teach me to make dumplings!"

"In that case,' Mirano cut in, "teach me too!"

* * * * *

Cutting off her yawn just in time, Sakura slumped in her chair. Math's is just sooo boring. Looking around at the rest of the class, she realized they managed to follow what he was saying easily. [Of course - they understand all of this. But for me, I don't at all - and he never bothers to stop for me.] It was funny; how no matter what she did, he just never approved of her - but with everyone else, he did. Even after Syaoran's rude move the other day, Ono sensei now made him one of his star pupils. [It just isn't fair...]

Finally unable to hold back the feelings of sleep and the boredom of the class, her eyes finally drooped shut...

Mistress, I cannot tell. It is destiny that you are to find out by yourself - by your strength and your power alone.

Sakura reached out toward the Dream anxiously. "Please," she begged, "I just want to know which boy you are talking about."

The Dream shook her head sadly. You will be very upset-

"But that's what supposed to happen isn't it?" Sakura continued. "What's the difference between facing it now and later?'

You will be very upset. Then once again, the Dream began to retreat away into the darkness.

"KINOMOTO!!"

Instantly Sakura's eyes fluttered open as she bolted up straight in her seat. "HOEEE-"

"Over and over again you have come to class late - now you dare to make me more agitated by falling asleep in my class!" Ono sensei roared. "Detention after school for two hours!" With one last menacing look at her, he strolled briskly toward the front of the class.

Watching this with interest from the side, Asumi smiled. Ever since the new boy came along, Sakura's only thought was on Li - and he always had to play second best. But today, it'll be different.

Folding a paper airplane, he aimed it especially toward the ceiling light which would surely catch the teacher's attention. It did.

"Who is now corrupting my lesson?" he demanded angrily as he turned around. Instantly he cast his gaze on Sakura - just then, Asumi spoke. Raising his arm, he said politely, "It was me sir."

Ono sensei was rather taken back by the bold move. But in a second, he was back to his normal self. "Detention!" he growled.

* * * * *

"Unless my eyes have mistaken me, I am sure ASUMI-KUN has just gotten into detention with SAKURA, ne?" Tomoyo whispered innocently to Syaoran. "Wow, a whole hour together..."

"With no one around them," Eroil finished simultaneously as a wide grin appeared on his face. "They could get up to ANYTHING."

Syaoran glared deadly at the both of them. "So?" he questioned as he tried his best to hide his clenched fists, "why should I care?" The words turned out slurred and muffled because of his gritted teeth.

"Oops!" Tomoyo exclaimed with fake shock, "I could have sworn you were turning purple when Asumi was sent to detention - silly me, must have been my imagination." She flapped a hand at him. "I mean, only guys who truly care about a girl would react like that."

"Which is why Asumi is a perfect example," Eroil cut in, "he knows exactly when he is needed most."

"Shut up," Syaoran hissed as he narrowed his eyes. "I don't want to talk-"

"Sakura deserves someone like Asumi," Tomoyo said thoughtfully as she ignored Syaoran.

"Absolutely," Eroil replied with a nod. "He can bring her all the happiness in the world."

Unable to stand it any longer, Syaoran banged his hand onto the table. "Who said she's more happy with him? I'll bet you've never seen her more cheerful then when she's with me - I make her laugh and smile more then anyone!" Once the words left his mouth, he turned bright red - not just because of what he said, but because he yelled it at the top of his lungs. Some people began snickering - his fan club (the girls who found him better then Asumi) began giggling between them because they thought he was talking about them. "He's so kawaii," a girl whispered to her friend. "Just look at the way he blushes!"

The only one who didn't find this amusing was Ono sensei.

"DETENTION!"

* * * * *

"You two," he instructed as he shoved a bucket of water into Sakura's and Syaoran's hands, "Are to scrub the floors of this cafeteria until they shine like stars."

[Or your bald head] Syaoran thought as he glared at him. Looking reproachfully at the bucket in his arms and the mop that lay on the floor, he swore silently. He would absolutely KILL Eroil and Tomoyo once he got the chance.

"Li," the teacher suddenly began as he glanced at him, "I am so ashamed of your behavior today. I could have sworn you were a good kid - just like Mirano." He turned his gaze to Asumi, "You too - you always did well and behaved properly."

After letting the bucket down (because it was too heavy and was filled with a couple of litres), Sakura plucked up the courage to ask him, "How about me?"

Ono sensei frowned. "Beyond what words can express." Then turning to Asumi, he said, "Follow me - I have word for you somewhere else."

"Hey," Asumi began startled, "Aren't I going to mop the floors too?" [Shouldn't I get to work with Sakura?]

"No boy. You're coming to help me file my folders," Ono sensei replied evenly. Then he motioned to Asumi to follow him.

Making sure that the sensei wouldn't notice, Syaoran cast Asumi a smug look. "Hope you have fun," he snickered.

* * * * *

"Hey, the teacher really hates you doesn't he?"

Sakura stopped mopping for a moment as she stretched her sore back. "Hai... he's been like that since my first lesson with him." She stopped talking to smother a yawn; the dream left her so tired that she felt like she had not slept at all. Even the party that was days ago still made her sleepy. Then with a sigh, she reached down to mop the floor - when suddenly Syaoran grabbed onto her arm.

"Silly girl," he scolded as he kept her green eyes locked with his, "You should get some rest if you're so tired."

"Hoe! But then you have twice as much-"

"Sit," he instructed as he forced her down onto a bench. When she was about to protest, he placed a finger onto her lips to silence her. "Now while you rest, tell me about the dream."

Sakura's eyes widened. "How did you know about it?"

Syaoran sighed. "Well seeing that all you've been doing is stare into space and fingering the gem, it's a little obvious about what's been on your mind." Her narrowed his eyes at her as a frown appeared on his face. "You could have told me Sakura."

She gulped. "Hoe! I was going to-"

"Not."

"Okay, okay," she said reddening. "I'll tell you it right now then." But when he continued to glare at her, she smiled as sweetly as possible, hoping that he would stop it.

"I'm not going to forgive you Sakura," Syaoran drawled, "so don't bother trying it."

* * * * *

Resting her arms on the windowsill, Sakura sighed. "I hope Naoko isn't going to kill me for not being there to help her - still, she's doing really well." As she looked back to Syaoran, she realized he had a funny expression on his face. [Guess I'm boring him] Sakura thought. "Well what I'm trying to say, is that I just wish we could get out of here." [With the athletics being just tomorrow, she may want me to help her out a bit more.]

There was a moment of silence between the two as Sakura continued to watch the sky and Syaoran...um...having a perfect look at her backside. He had always realized how nice she looked in her school uniform - and it wasn't until now that he especially favored the short blue skirt. [Oh god, what is wrong with me?] Turning his face away with blush creeping up his cheeks, an idea just struck him.

"Hey Sakura?"

"Hmm?"

"You want to get out of here right?"

Sakura nodded slowly. "Hai..."

He folded his arms as he leaned on the wall behind him. With a childish smile on his face, he said, "By any chance, is the card Twin making you think of anything?"

Sakura shook her head. "No - well now yes, since you just mentioned it."

Syaoran sweatdropped. [Sakura...] "Well what power does the Twin possess?"

"It makes a twin of the person or thing."

"Yes..." he moved his hand in a motion indicating that she should continue. "Now is it making you think of anything?"

"No," Sakura replied blankly as she peered at him with large green eyes. Then suddenly she smiled as she clasped her hands together in excitement. ("Finally you're getting it," Syaoran muttered). "Hoe! Does the Twin have a new power?'

BAM!

"No Sakura!" Syaoran shouted as he got back up from the floor. "We can use the Twin to create an alias - don't you understand now?"

Sakura frowned. "But that's against the rules..."

"Screw the rules," Syaoran replied casually, "I don't want to spend my time as a janitor - do you?" He just cut off her 'Hoe' as he began to talk again. "You want to help Naoko for tomorrow and I want to get some business done...doesn't my idea sound reasonable?"

Reluctantly Sakura wrapped her hand around her necklace. "I guess so...." Then as she lifted out the Twin from her deck of cards, she suddenly paused. "Maybe we should help Asumi out as well-"

"Leave him," Syaoran said instantly as his usual frown returned to his face.

"If I didn't know better," Sakura said slowly as she placed her finger on her chin thinking, "I would say you didn't like Asumi." She smiled brightly at him. "Of course, that's just silly isn't it?"

* * * * *

Feeling utterly refreshed from her run and the shower she soon had afterwards, Sakura hummed softly to herself as she climbed the multiple stairs that led to Syaoran's apartment. With every step she took, her heart beat wildly; she had absolutely no point in visiting him. But for some reason, she just wanted to know he was nearby and close - like spending time with him was the best thing in the world.

Finally as her eyes fell onto the familiar door, she knocked. [Calm down - it's not like seeing him is a crime.] While waiting, she began playing around with the pocket of her tracksuit jacket. Underneath she had on a white sleeveless top and jogging shorts.

"If you must entertain yourself that way, you should at least come in where it's warmer."

Syaoran stood at the door with the usual amused look on his face. Seeing that Sakura was speechless, he motioned toward the lounge. "Well?"

Walking in, Sakura exclaimed, "Why do you always manage to creep up on me like that?" She placed her hands on her hips as she tried her best to glare at him "It's really scary you know."

He folded his arms and said tauntingly, "You should see yourself when you're glaring at me."

"Hoe! Don't be mean!"

"I'm not, it's just that you never know how to answer back."

Turning away and folding her arms in a cute way, Sakura grumbled. "Fine then Li Syaoran." Ignoring his chuckling that made her even more embarrassed, she walked off into his room. As always, the fresh smell of leaves from the garden filled the room. She realized giggling, that he was no neat freak and his room was nothing but chaos. Clothes were thrown over the chairs and desks - not to mention the huge pile of books...

Soon afterwards, Syaoran followed her into the room. "Hey, who said you could come into a man's room?"

Sakura laughed. "Man? You?" Then her tone turned serious as she pointed to the books. "How come you never told me that you were researching? I could have helped!"

"You? But you were already tired and it's all boring work..." His words trailed off as he realized they made no difference as she stubbornly grabbed one book and seated herself onto his bed.

"Sakura," he said warningly as he reached out to take it back.

"I'm reading," she replied in a singsong voice as she opened to the first page. He watched her intently; noticing how her face became startled - and when she realised that he was watching - hurriedly masked it.

"Here," he sighed as he handed her a different book, "you could at least choose one that's in Japanese."

* * * * *

"Why, aren't my favorite couple so cute?"

Startled, Syaoran and Sakura glanced up from their reading. Time seemed to fly by as they discussed things; how when the Dream was talking about 'he has the soul of Musaki but not the name nor appearance' she meant that being as old as he was, Musaki must have reincarnated into someone new - just like Clow Reed. ("Oh god Sakura," Syaoran had sighed, "you should have at least been able to understand that.")

Eroil smiled his huge grin, it spreading from ear to ear. "Are you cosy Sakura? Cause if you're not, I suggest trying the 'snuggle-up-close-with-Syaoran' technique. It always works."

"Eroil," Syaoran said warningly as he clenched his fists. He immediately got up from his spot.

"Wait a second," Eroil said as he reached out a hand to stop Syaoran in his tracks. "I brought you cookies." He held out a plate of freshly cooked ones, "chocolate ones," he added with a grin.

"We are here to work," Syaoran said slowly as he fixed a cold stare with his brown eyes. Still, the sound of chocolate made him feel hungry and his nose tickled at the thought. [Or maybe just trying these will be okay....]

As if backing up his thought, sudden knocking was heard from the window in his room. All of them turned curiously - it was Kero! Even with the thick glass between them, Kero's voice could be easily heard over it. "COOKIES!! GIMME NOW!!"

"Hoe! Why are you here?" Sakura asked as she opened the lock and the window strung open. But in a second, Kero bounced in and charged at the food. "Um...well you can answer that later then."

"Hey!" Syaoran yelled as he too went over to the plate of cookies. "Don't eat them all you pig! They're specially made for me and Sakura!"

* * * * *

"Stupid books," Syaoran cursed as he slammed another one shut. "They don't tell us anything." Turning to Kero who was now munching on a packet of chips, he scorned, "Can't you tell us anything you stupid guardian?"

"I told you all I know," Kero snapped. "You could at least be more grateful you Chinese brat."

Syaoran sighed as he rubbed his sore head. [Nothing...not one single piece of information....] Glancing at the clock he realized it was now two in the morning. Stretching his cramped muscles and his aching back, Syaoran yelled angrily, "I can't believe how useless this whole fucken-"

"Shh," Eroil interrupted as he pointed to the person beside him.

Finally looking up in Sakura's direction, Syaoran realized that she had long since fallen asleep. Her soft brown hair had escaped her hair tie and now drifted carelessly. She had fallen asleep leaning onto the bed, her rosy cheeks nuzzling into the soft material. Syaoran realized, as his eyes softened, that she had tried her best to stay awake; her hands pointed firmly to some words in the book as if she was desperately fighting the urge of sleep. [Poor her - she isn't used to staying up for so long.]

After a long time of silence, Eroil spoke.

"She needs to sleep here for the night," he hinted as he glanced at Syaoran. "I mean, she's already so tired and it would be a pity to wake her." Then with particular emphasis, he added, "And I don't think we should move her into the extra room - she'd be a lot better off sleeping on your bed." Indicating to her, he said, "She is right next to it - why move her so far away?"

Syaoran made no sound - but it seemed he agreed.

"Fine," grumbled Kero as he began glaring at Syaoran, "as long as he isn't in this room."

"But that's the whole point," Eroil sighed.

* * * * *

CRASH!

Clutching the blankets closer to her, Sakura bit her lip to stop herself from screaming. She hated thunder. It made her almost as scared when there were ghosts around - Touya always said that monsters came out when there was a storm.

Letting her eyes adjust to the total darkness around her, she realized with a fright that this was not her room. The smell...the way things were placed... And as she rubbed her arms, she saw that she still had on her clothes.

Shakily, Sakura got out of bed and wandered over to the door. [Should I go through? Maybe I'll be able to find out where i am...this place seems so familiar] Then just as she wrapped her fingers around the doorknob, a bolt of lightning struck again.

"Hoe!" Hurriedly she pulled open the door and ran wherever her senses took her. [Anything's better then listening to thunder all night.] As if this confirmed her decision, she quickened her pace as she turned another corner. Too occupied with trying to remember her surrounding, she didn't notice the stack of books that were piled on the floor...

BAM!

"Hoe!"

Trembling now as she slowly opened one eye, she realized that she hadn't been badly hurt - it was all thanks to her soft landing. Wait a sec...soft?! As if to add to her shock, the thing beneath her moved and grunted.

Immediately Sakura shot back screaming. Her cries seemed to awaken the thing as it suddenly sat up, rubbing what seemed to be its eyes. (After all, it is totally dark) Seeing her, it bent forward and reached out a hand.

"Hoe! Get away from me!" she cried as she moved further away.

"Sakura-"

"AHH! You know my name?" She screamed even louder.

It reached out again and took her arm firmly in its grip. "Sakura clam down, it's only-"

"Let go!" In her fury, Sakura picked up the nearest thing - a book - and threw it at 'him'. (I'm sick of writing it')

"Syaoran," he finished. Then raising a hand quickly, he easily blocked the book from hitting him - Sakura didn't see this of course.

"Hoe! Syaoran! I'm so sorry," she cried as her eyes widened. Taking his arm in her hand, she babbled, "I didn't hurt you did I?" Then hugging his arm to her chest, she wailed, "I'm just sooo sorry!"

Turning a bright red, Syaoran tried to take his arm back. "Sakura, I'm perfectly-" He didn't get to finish as Sakura suddenly smothered him in a hug. Looking up from her spot on his lap, she cried, "Will you ever forgive me?"

But he didn't really hear her question - he was just absolutely grateful that the room was dark. He was now completely certain that his face was the color of a ripe tomato - and slowly if she held him any longer, he was probably going to turn purple. Still secretly, he liked it.

* * * * *

Coco cookie: wat can I say dis time eh? Was this chap rather...crap? I had to sorta rush it folks - plus after not writing for 3 weeks, this is quite a funny experience.

Now for all ya Syaoran lovers out there, you can keep him. I have now decided that Rei/Ray from Beyblade is just sooooooooooooooo kewl ^_^ and cute...I love da voice too.

Don't ya people reckon dat Eroil looks like a cuter version of Harry Potter? And speaking of Harry Potter, da second movie is coming out in like 2 weeks - YAY! It's not like i like Harry Potter (I reckon he's lameo and da story's dumb - my fav author writes waaaaaayyyyy betta stories - no offence to u guys out there) but da movie is just beyond kool.

Does anyone here go on neopets? Cause if ya do, here's a funny thing u may like to try out; U noe how u can talk to petpets right? Well type in 'Fuck you' and it replies, "Oiy! This is a children's site - no swearing!"

By da way, a pic of da Slip has been scanned up and if ya wanna get notified when a new chapter of my story is up, join my mailing list!!!!!!! It's on my site k?

From now on, please direct some of your praise to my friend/editor Vicky *applause applause* She helped me check my spelling and comprehension to make the best of my story - THANKYOU!!!!!