A new beginning – chapter 9

"The Athletics"

Coco cookie: Here are some giveaways to u guys - Meiling is gonna appear soon and even though Syaoran is gonna leave Sakura, I didn't mean it as in PHYSICALLY - think of love.... feelings...^_^ Got something to ponder about no? Still don't worry - S+S will eventually get together, I promise. Did u people also realize that Syaoran is being nicer to Sakura?

Key (I forgot to mention this last week didn't I?):

Da starry things indicate a new setting.

Da braces are thoughts.

* * * * *

"Sakura!' Tomoyo exclaimed, "You must be very excited about today to come this early!" Then nudging her with her elbow, she teased, "Of course, spending time with Li-kun is your favourite thing no?"

Turning red, Sakura cried out in protest – only her cry seemed more like a feeble yawn. Glaring at Syaoran who had walked with her to school, she cried, "It's all your fault! I could have slept for at least another hour." She paused to smother a yawn and then rubbed her tired eyes. She could still remember the rude awakening…

~FLASHBACK~

"Go away," Sakura yawned as she burrowed her head into the pillow. "I wanna sleep-"

"It's past 7!"

"I know," she shouted at the door, "That's why I want to sleep!"

"Sakura! We'll be late!" Syaoran persisted. "I know we had a long night but you need to get up on time-"

"We can get to school," Sakura interrupted as she flung a pillow onto the door, "Just let me sleep for another hour." Yawning, she fell back onto the bed and drew the covers over her.

"Sakura!" Syaoran roared from the other side, "This is my apartment – and you're sleeping in my bed! So listen to me!"

"Make me!" a stubborn voice shouted. "Come in here and make me!"

"How can I? You're not even dressed!"

~FLASHBACK ENDS~

Syaoran sighed. "Sakura, you should be happy you're here on time. That way you won't miss any of the activities-"

"Yes I will! I'm so tired I'm going to just fall asleep on the course!"

"Well at least you could sleep on a bed, wasn't up to two in the morning, and wasn't sat on during the night."

"Hoe! Don't blame me again – I said I'm really sorry!"

"I wasn't blaming you-"

"Yes you were you meanie!"

Watching with exasperated looks on their faces, Tomoyo and Eroil exchanged looks. "Oh well," Tomoyo sighed, "at least Sakura looks cute when she's agitated."

* * * * *

After they got off the bus, they went over to the grassy plain of where the P.E teacher was going to speak to them.

"Can you believe we're forced to do sport?" Mirano complained to Syaoran. "It seriously destroys my nails! You see this one," she held up her index finger right in front of his nose, "It cost a manicure of $20!"

"Hmm," Syaoran nodded. Watching how Asumi was practically carrying Sakura in his arms, he felt like puking. She was in no mean more alert then before. [Maybe I was a bit harsh on her] he thought regretfully. [And I guess this is the way that God wants to punish me]

"Students!" the gym teacher's voice easily boomed over the noise of hundreds of people. "As you are all aware and excited about, we have the athletics on today!" Replies were mainly cheers - with the occasional groans.

"Remember students that at all times, age races will be held - 100m to 7km. Afterwards, there is the renowned finals where the best runners are chosen and then the semi-finals!"

"But of course, beside these races, there is the high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin and discus." Then motioning to the building behind him, he said, "And the shops and food stores are all there. Also as you all know, from Monday to Friday next week we have the camp in the Oki islands - make sure that you rest well and pack everything you need this weekend." With that he walked off to supervise some courses and the mob of people began to spread around the place.

"You want something to eat?" Asumi said kindly as he continued to hold Sakura up. She shook her head as she smiled brightly up at him, "Arigato, but I'm not hungry."

"Sure? Not even a drink?"

Sakura paused as she kept her finger on her chin thinking. "Hoe...well maybe a bottle of iced water would be nice." She had no need of saying more as he immediately winked at her and went off.

"I'll buy you some other stuff too while I'm there," Asumi called behind his shoulder. Then breaking into a jog, his well-shaped muscular body sped along the track easily. Watching him go, Sakura felt herself smile gratefully. He was always so nice to her - helping her in everyway possible...

"Do you think it would be too late to ask him to get a packet of lollies?"

Jumping back in alarm, Sakura realized that Kero had (once again) hitched a ride in her backpack.

"Of course," Kero continued thoughtfully, "don't let him get the licorice packs - urgh! They are the worst stuff ever!"

"Kero!" Sakura exclaimed as she clamped a hand over his mouth, "not so loud! We don't want everyone to see that a doll is alive-"

"DOLL?!" Kero shoved her hand away. Staring at her with watery eyes, he cried, "How could you insult me like that?!"

"Hoe! Sorry!"

Kero smiled as he flew right into her face. "Easily forgiven!"

Sakura giggled as she wrapped him into a hug. "Kero? Have you been taking lessons from Syaoran?" she asked suddenly. "Now you always seem to be able to sneak up on people."

"HIM? The BRAT?!" Kero snorted loudly. "Like I would - how could you think of such a thing Sakura?"

"Hoe! Sorry-"

"I'm so proud of you!" Kero cut in. "I saw how you told him off in the morning - you were brilliant! Finally he gets what he deserves!" Then punching the air with his little fists, he exclaimed, "Next time you just have to pound him here.... and here...

Sakura sweat dropped. "Kero..."

* * * * *

"She moves in steadily...."

"Running at a great speed...."

"Jumps-"

"Soars Chiharu, it's a better word."

"Ah thanks Rika. Now where were we...and she lands!"

"Perfect 10!"

Then getting up to cheer wildly like the small crowd that had gathered, Chiharu waved her imaginary pompoms around. Seeing them, Sakura blushed - they were just so nice... Sweeping back the loose strand of hair that had fallen across her face, she got off the mat and went over to join her friends. [So now I've finished the high jump, long jump and javelin - next I'll have the first round of the age race]

"Come on Sakura," Chiharu said as she began tugging her in the direction of the picnic area, "we're all waiting for you so we can start eating lunch."

"Hoe! You guys go first - I need to check when the 16 year race is going to start."

Already off, Chiharu and Rika waved behind their backs. "Okay! Meet you later!"

Turning to the direction of the bulletin board, Sakura realized that one of her shoelaces had become untied. Sighing, she bent down to do it up. Then that's when she felt it - the card.

At first there was nothing, her nimble fingers moved around easily. But as she prepared to get up, she felt the power. It was hard to explain the force - just like something incredible was pushing down on her and forcing her to the ground. Her breathing became sharp gasps for air as her lungs felt compressed like the rest of her body. It was unbelievable pain - she couldn't move as some bright light kept her pinned down. It was even hard to open her eyes and look around - she felt like a whole mass was on her.

"Help," she gasped as she clenched desperately onto the grass she lay on. [I need to do something; I have to find a way to grab onto my staff... I am the Clow mistress] Still her words didn't really help - the only movement she could manage was a slight twitching of her fingers. Without knowing why, she let the word 'Syaoran' cross her lips. [Please help me Syaoran...I need you....] Then as if he had heard her, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching.

"Sakura!"

She felt strong arms lift her up and hold her, as the strange force melted away. Opening her eyes that had been painfully shut, she realized that she was staring right up into brown eyes. "The card..." she gasped.

"I know, I felt it."

* * * * *

"I can't believe it Sakura! Thank you for all your help!"

Sakura smiled happily. "You did most of the work Naoko - we trained hard together."

In her excitement, Naoko jumped about from one foot to the other. "I've never been chosen to go into the 7km semi-finals! I'll pass this grade for sure!"

"You weren't chosen," Sakura corrected, "you achieved it with your hard work." That was true; she felt so proud of Naoko. It was great to see the smile on her face and knowing that she had done something good for her friend. Suddenly the speaker announced something.

"Every student chosen to compete in the 7km semi-finals please report to the track field. Race begins in approximately 5min."

Looking around, Sakura realized that Syaoran wasn't there. [Guess he already left - he's early for everything.] Her green eyes darkened in disappointment; he could have told her he left. [He was so sweet when the card had attacked me...but now he pretends I'm not even there.]

"Come on Sakura," Asumi urged as he and Naoko stopped running to wait for her. "We're going to be late!"

* * * * *

Glancing at her watch, Sakura realized she was going well for time; she was around the third person from the front in the race. Now she would just go at a steady yet fast pace until they would each the end of the course - then she would speed up.

The track they had to follow was just a clearing in the bush; trees and plants surrounded the whole place, blocking out most of the sunlight. She had to watch her step because the ground was not flat and more like a bush walk.

For around half the way, the weather remained sunny and dry - but suddenly clouds gathered together and darkened. Before long a small drizzle rained down on them.

Sakura sighed as she trudged on; her clean white joggers were now splattered with mud. She fingered her necklace with growing impatience - should she bring out one of the cards and make it sunny again? Kero was probably going to kill her since she wasn't supposed to use cards for anything other then magical purposes. [But of course, he is probably inside drinking hot chocolate instead of running in the rain]

Soon the drizzle worsened and formed large lashes of rain and wind. Sneezing with the effort to keep going and stay as warm as possible in her little shirt and shorts, Sakura could feel the cold from in and out of her body. She only had about 1 km to go and she was still at the front - with quite a lot of time to spare too.

Then suddenly as she turned a sharp corner, she felt Clow power again. Pausing, she closed her eyes to sense exactly which direction it came from. Her left.

Hesitating, she realized that if she went this way she would lose her way off the track and maybe get lost in the bush. But...she was the Clow mistress and it was her job to stop the cards from creating trouble. Not only that, but she had to prove to everyone that she was could do it; her dream and what Syaoran had said to her last Saturday repeated in her mind.

Taking a good look at the amethyst, she tucked it back into her pocket and made a gap in the plants for her to pass through.

* * * * *

Dodging from its attack, Syaoran brought out one of his elemental cards. Throwing it down, he slammed his sword into it. "Thunder! Come to my aid!" But as the bolt of lightning streamed toward the Gravity (yep - dat's da card. Stupid name though, sorry can't think of anything better), it vanished into a large flashing light and ran with full force toward the attack.

[What does it think it's doing?] Syaoran thought gaping. [It'll damage itself] But he spoke too soon; anything the card forced itself on was struck down. The full force of gravity was against the bolt of lightning, making it fall onto the ground and disappear after meeting with dirt.

Seeing that its foe was now taken care of, the spark of light returned back to its normal self briefly. The Gravity was in one way silent and graceful - in another threatening and ferocious. It had long hair that in some places was tied up and wore a long dress that was suited for battle. Seeing Syaoran, its eyes danced as if mocking him.

Syaoran frowned. Taking out anther elemental card, he prepared to strike with it - until the Gravity held him back.

"What the?" Syaoran tried to pull his sword down onto the card, but his hands were stuck in mid-air. While he was trying to move again, the Gravity moved in for the final attack. It went full force onto Syaoran, pinning him down and increasing the pressure that was on him. The huge force was mainly on his ribs and he knew that if this continued, they would probably crack. As if his thoughts were confirmed, his chest stung ferociously and he gritted his teeth to try and ignore the pain.

Suddenly the Gravity cried out in pain as some strong gush of wind struck it to the ground. Seeing that it was caught off guard, Sakura immediately took her chance and struck out again. Now that it was completely unconscious, she raised her staff over it and chanted, "Spirit of the dark forces, I, Sakura command you. Return to a new shape of contract! Sakura card!" Then immediately the spirit retreated into its card form.

Since that was over, Sakura focused all her attention onto the person who lay painfully on the ground. Running to him and holding him close, she choked, "Are you okay?" The rain still pelted down hard on them; soaking their clothes and covering them in mud. But it didn't matter to her - she was worried about someone much more important.

* * * * *

Finally after a while, Sakura and Syaoran found their way back onto the track. He was alright - insisting that he could walk by himself and needed no one's help. (Probably because the thought of Sakura holding him up was too good to be true) But he limped slightly and any movement that jolted his chest made him wince.

"Look," he stated as he pointed in front of them, "we're just by the finish line." That was true - they were only about 100 metres off.

Sakura shrieked in excitement. There was no way she could beat the record now but at least she could go home knowing she came first. She was about to break off and run, but stopped as she turned around to look at him. It hurt her a lot to see him in such discomfort and immediately she felt her sight blurring.

"What? Aren't you going to speed home?" he teased.

Sakura bit her lip. "Hoe...but I can't leave you..."

"Don't be stupid. I'm perfectly fine - it's just a minor cramp." Giving her a shove in the direction of the race, he said, "Now go." For a moment they just stared at each other - Sakura's eyes pleading to Syaoran that she didn't want to leave him. But eventually she gave up and decided to run.

Zooming down the track, she saw that there were 20 runners before her. She smiled; easy. She could outrun them instantly. But as she approached the twentieth runner, she saw that it was Naoko. Slowing her pace so that she stayed right behind Naoko, thoughts began crossing her mind. [If I make it to the front, Naoko will be pushed back to the 21st spot...and the coach said that she would only pass if she was one of the top 20 runners...]

Now the choice was simple.

Stopping in her tracks, Sakura watched her friend run on until she finally reached the finish line.

* * * * *

"Why are you still out here?" Syaoran joined her on the park bench; the area was mainly deserted as the other students were all inside the building, shielding from the rain. Still this spot here had a large tree over it and most of the rain was held off - except for small drops that rolled of the leaves.

"And you haven't put on anything dry either." Sighing, he took the jacket from his shoulders and draped it over her cold, wet body. "Here," he instructed as he handed her a cup of hot chocolate, "this will help warm you up."

Finally tearing her eyes away from the scenery she was looking at, she protested, "But you need this," then suddenly she stopped as she raised her hands to her nose, "ACHOO!"

He snorted. "Look who's talking? We all had the common sense to go inside except you - now look who's getting sick." Then softening his gaze, he added, "You had us worried, we thought you were lost."

Sakura smiled absentmindedly. "I'm fine."

"Wow, that's so convincing," he remarked sarcastically. Then eyeing her mud-stained clothes, he said, "why don't we go inside and you can have your clothes cleaned up?"

She shook her head, her auburn hair flying so close to his face he could smell the shampoo she had used to wash it. "I want to stay out here for a little longer..."

Once again there was silence as they both listened to the continuous motions of rain. "Why'd you give up in the race?" Syaoran finally asked.

"I didn't give up." Sakura turned around so her emerald eyes bore into his. "But I decided someone needed the victory more then me." Still by the way she said it, she must have been disappointed in her failure to obtain her record.

"Don't hide it," Syaoran said instantly, "I know you're upset. And don't you know by now that you should tell people how you feel?"

"Like for example your ribs still ache?" Sakura teased as she poked him playfully.

Turning red, Syaoran cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Anyway...as we were saying?"

Sakura sighed as she pulled the jacket closer to her. "The thing is, I shouldn't feel upset. She's my friend - I care about her and wish her the best. I feel that way about all of my friends. My family too. They mean everything to me." Taking a sip from the hot chocolate, she added, "so losing a race isn't a big sacrifice for the people I love." Looking up at Syaoran with the color slowly returning to her cheeks, she smiled. "Now isn't it my turn to help with your problems?"

* * * * *

Coco cookie: as I write this, I'm sick with da cold. ACHOO! oooo...I feel horrible....

Did this chap sux? Cause I wrote more then half of it while I was unwell so my mind is stuffed badly. Anyway, thanx to all da great people who review - if ya don't, please do as it means a lot to me.

THANK U VICKY FOR EDITING MY STORY! IT MAKES MY LIFE ALOT EASIER ^_^

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