Vanilla Skies

Chapter One: The Problem, What Were They Thinking!

            Love is a fascinating concept. There can be feelings of a wondrous extent, the typical 'floating on air' syndrome or the ever-present soft sigh of some form of happiness. Of course there's the emotional roller coaster that follows. Happiness cannot be achieved unless one is willing to work.

            Love will always be there, regardless of the consequences and the blocks.

            Happiness, however…

            Happiness must be earned.

**

            "So she got in all right?"

            Eriol chuckled and leaned back into the easy chair. "Must you worry so? She's fine, she told both Tomoyo-chan and I that she was fine and that she would help."

            "I didn't think that-"

            "She's here and you have nothing to worry about. Sakura-chan isn't the same girl that left eleven years ago. She's stronger and more aware of herself. I tell you, the Clan and yourself have nothing to worry about. And you can start getting those apologies ready, descendent."

            "Baka… I know she can take care of herself, but I just don't want-"

            Eriol shook his head. You'd think after several years of putting himself through misery, his descendent would finally understand. "It takes one to know one, baka. I will see you tomorrow." He sighed and hung up the phone.

            "Gaki," Eriol muttered to himself.

            "Still hasn't changed, eh master?"

            He turned to see Suppi residing on the couch behind him, eyes peaking with interest. "Then again," the small animal began. "Neither have you."

            Eriol chuckled and sat down. "I still have my charm," he responded. "But instead of changing I've grown. And that I'm thankful for."

            The animal sighed. "You really love Tomoyo-san, don't you?"

            His expression darkened. "Hai, of course. I'd do anything for her."

            "Anything."

**

     The streets of Tokyo were busy with all kinds of life. Women in bunch, moved from store to store. Children ran through the streets to and from, trying to find an arcade that wasn't crowded to spend money in. She missed Tokyo. It was a decision she had come to long after she got off the plane from London and was greeted by both Eriol and Tomoyo. She missed the sights and the sounds. And, she thought with a smirk. There was no fog.

            "So," Tomoyo began, whirling around to face Usagi and her. "We've been to the outlets and the mall, don't you think its time to eat at least?'

            Usagi shrugged. "Whatever is good for you…"

            Sakura snorted and shook her head, strands of hair escaping the loose bun a top her head. "It's called a collective decision, oneechan. You can say yes and no. I've heard you argue before, remember?"

            "I'm well aware of my capabilities, imouto. I recall saying that I wasn't going to make any collective decisions until I was in dire need of doing so."

            Sakura stuck her tongue out and Usagi smirked, causing Tomoyo to giggle. "You guys are funny when you fight," she spoke, laughing. She stopped. "How about we eat here? I hear it has great milkshakes."

            She nodded. "It's better then coffee."

            "I happen to enjoy coffee."

            "I know-"

            Sakura froze. There was something in the air, something dark and forewarning. She could literally feel her heart pounding in her ribcage.

            Thud-thud.

            "Extra, Extra! Body of student found! Death still pending uncertain!"

            Thud-thud.

            The energy was rising around her and the ground began to spin. What was going on? She felt as she was supposed to go and do something, but what? She was feeling dizzy…

            Thud.

            "Sakura?"

            Tomoyo's arms were clutching her, helping stand on her shaky legs. She gave a small smile of reassurance and her eyes wandered to Usagi.

            Thud-thud-Thud.

            There was only one time when she had seen Usagi's expression as dark as the one she wore. Her eyes followed where the other woman was staring. Three men all in dark trench coats stood blocking their entrance into the small diner.

            "Usagi-san," one finally spoke. "It's been a long time."

            And behind them, for a fleeting moment, Sakura could have sworn she had seen someone. Her eyes widened.

            "Rika?"

**

            "So he's sure?"

            "I spoke to him after he spoke to Li-sama. He's sure of himself. He has changed a great deal, you know."

            Sigh. "I know. It's kind of sad that we can't have any funny anymore."

            "You're such a child, Ruby Moon."

            "And you're a pompous ass, Suppi-chan."

            Sigh. "I just hope this isn't has damaging as the previous extravaganza, the clan caused."

            "Hai, it's a journey that they must pass…"

**

            She was as gorgeous as he remembered. Blazing blue eyes were filled with so much emotion; he couldn't decipher anything she was feeling. Her sliver hair was swept up halfway, silver masses falling gently against her shoulders. She wore a short black skirt with a button down red cardigan. Her mile long legs were encased in tall leather boots.

            The little girl that he had once adored and even called a sister was now a woman.

            And she was pissed.

            "Usa-chan," he began softly. She said nothing in turn, motioning for the others who were accompanying her to go inside the café. The smaller of the two companions gave her a worried look, but she shook her head, gaze returning to the three of them.  Nokoru sighed. She was going to be difficult. He moved to step forward, but Suoh step forward.

            "We know coming back must be difficult…"

            She raised a slender eyebrow and cocked her head to the side. Her eyes went to each one of Akira, Suoh, and then lingered on him. He, however, couldn't bring himself to face her. "You don't know a damn thing," she spoke softly, the tone of her voice worn.

            "We need to speak with you," Akira tried.

            "About what? I thought that all complications were cleared or at least that's what we were told when we left…"

            "We weren't-"

            She held up her hand, motioning for them to stop. "There is nothing to say. I'm not here to reminisce. I'm here to keep a promise." She stopped, glaring at all of them. "Leave me alone."

            "Usagi…"

            "Past be past…"

**

            "So she knows Imonoyama-san…"  Tomoyo breathed from their spot near the window. She turned back to Sakura. "Daijibou?"

            "Hai," Sakura breathed. "I-" She shook her head, burying her head in her arms. Warmth. What did Rika have to do with this? She sighed. The presence of darkness had almost bee unbearable to sit through. She had felt like she was being suffocated. Memories from so long ago

            "She's very secretive, ne?"

            Sakura said nothing, watching as Usagi went to enter the café. She looked at Tomoyo. "Oneechan has had a tough life," she responded quietly. "I don't know much of anything about her, but I know I can trust her and that I can rely on her help. She's a good person, Tomoyo-chan and that's all that needs to be said."

            Before Tomoyo could respond, Usagi slipped in next to Sakura. "Genki desu ka?" Sakura gave her a reassuring smile and slid the large coffee mug to her friend.

            "Hai, just a little shaky otherwise I'm a-okay."

            Tomoyo coughed. "I didn't know you knew Imonoyama-san."

            Usagi's eyes darkened and Sakura watched as the grip on her mug caused her knuckles to turn white. "That was a long time ago…"

            "So," Sakura interrupted, earning an appreciated glance from Usagi. "Eriol-kun told me that there's a meeting tomorrow. Know anything?"

            Tomoyo was silent for a moment, breaking her gaze and staring out the window at the busy streets. "Tomorrow night," she began softly. "Tomorrow night we are going to sit in a meeting with the Li Clan to get to the bottom of this problem."

            Sakura froze.

            "Tomorrow night, we will be speaking with Syaoran."

**

            ^^;; Cliffhangers, got to love them huh? Hope you enjoyed this part!

Disclaimer: I do not claim any ownership to any of the following animes: CLAMP Campus Detectives, Cardcaptor Sakura, Sailor Moon, and in the future X-1999. I would graciously accept, however ownership of Touya any day.  ^^

            Dedication: As always my oneechan… Love ya!

            Chapter Two: Bitter Reunion

Syaoran remembers one horrible night that changed his life while Sakura braces herself for another encounter with the Li family. Tomoyo faints and there's a strange guy outside Usagi's window. And the mysterious shadow strikes again…