*Thanks a bunch for the reviews. They really mean a lot to me. I'll try harder to measure up to your expectations. I hope you'll like this chapter. DAYBREAK Chapter IV Start

The cherry blossoms had begun to fall and the pink carpet of petals overshadowed the lush green grass of the hospital's park. There were other people on the park, perhaps taking advantage of the last days of spring just as they were. The trio stopped by a large cherry tree and Tomoyo gratefully dropped the burden on her shoulders to the ground. She placed her camera on the side as well as she began to lift things off her bag. One by one, small packages appeared, wrapped in colorful papers and ribbons. Next came a huge lunchbox with four layers, which was quickly followed by what looked like a whole box of cake by Sakura's favorite shop, Le Soufflé. Tomoyo groped the deep hole of her bag until her arm could hardly be seen. She frowned in annoyance and then quickly regained her smile as she pulled out a huge blue blanket. Finally, she placed a fairly large canteen on her side and sat down, obviously pleased with herself.

                Sakura had to smile. She had to admit that Tomoyo was always prepared. From the corner of her eye, she saw that Nami was both impressed and amused. Sakura looked at her friend once more but was shocked to see the camera directly in front of her. Sakura shouted in surprise. She backed up and lost her balance, causing the chair to tip over. She lost her grip on the handle and she rolled over, hitting the back of her chair in the process. Luckily, the soft grass cushioned her fall and stopped her momentum even before she could roll over again. Her two friends sighed in thanks that they had chosen a flat area. They ran towards her, stifling a laugh.

                Sakura lay on her back, staring upwards. Her emerald eyes gleamed with excitement and a rush of adrenaline that she had almost forgotten. She was thrilled and exhilarated just as she had felt when she was still the Card Mistress. She knew she wanted it, the thrill and the danger, no matter how much she said she wanted to be normal. She was part of magic and magic was part of her and that was what was normal for her. She followed the petals as they slowly drifted through the air with her gaze. She began to laugh at the irony of it all.

                "Are you alright? I'm really sorry. I didn't think you'd be that surprised." Tomoyo said as she knelt down beside her friend.

                "It's ok Tomoyo. Everything's in place." Sakura said, lifting herself to face her friend.

                "Are you sure?" Tomoyo placed a hand on Sakura's forehead as if to check her temperature. "You might have banged your head somewhere along the fall."

                Sakura shook her head. "Well, actually I did but it doesn't really matter." She flashed her friend a smile. "I've had worse done to me than this and I've survived. Don't think much of it."

                Tomoyo nodded and then quickly brought out her camera in front of her. "But to tell you the truth, I got some really good footage there!" A mischievous smile played down her lips as she giggled. "You were so cute, shouting and rolling along like you did. And I think I saw a speck of red underwear somewhere. Someone's been very naughty lately!"

                Sakura gasped as her face blushed bright red. She tried to stammer out a defense but could find none that would change her friend's mind. Instead she pouted and placed a false wounded expression on her face. She began to speak in a sort of baby tone, which Tomoyo found absolutely adorable. "You're so mean, Tomoyo! And to think I thought of you as a friend. I feel so betrayed!"

                "Of course I'm your friend. Rest assured that this tape would not be seen by anyone else unless they pay me a handsome fee."

                    Sakura was flabbergasted. Tomoyo began to laugh. "You didn't really think I'd do that to you, did you? Oh, Sakura! You're as gullible as ever! Have some faith! And besides, if I ever do that, it's gonna be really expensive so no one else can afford it."

                Sakura smiled unsurely.

                "So where did you get that naughty little thing?" Tomoyo asked.

                Sakura blushed even brighter. She tried to avoid the conversation by looking away but Tomoyo easily followed her with her camera. Sakura secretly wished she would drop dead so that she wouldn't have to answer.

                "I gave it to her as a gift. I thought it would look absolutely perfect on her, don't you think?"

                The two girls looked up and saw that Nami had finally caught up with them, pushing the chair in front of her. Tomoyo's azure eyes grew wide and so did her smile. Sakura groaned in embarrassment.

                "I agree. But isn't it a little too daring for her? I mean, she's only fifteen and she does have a reputation for being naïve, innocent and child-like. I've always thought she would start with the cooler tones first, like dark blue or purple and work her way up." Tomoyo said excitedly.

                Sakura nearly fell. "Child-like? Naïve? Is that what everybody thinks of me?"

                Nami nodded in comprehension. "But I think it's the perfect color to shatter those perceptions of her. Red is the color of passion, love and womanhood. And it's perfect for her white skin!"

                "Yes. That's true too. But how in the world did you ever manage to get her to wear that?"

                "Oh, I threatened her a bit."

                "Really?"

                "Why yes. I'm very good at blackmailing, threatening and convincing."

                "Stop it! It's embarrassing!" Sakura whined but the two paid no heed.

                "Then, do you think you could get her to wear a matching bra?"

                "Why not? But she doesn't have big ones yet. She'd have to wait until they grow."  

                Tomoyo nodded. "And what do you think about black. I'd say they're a little more sensuous and mature."

                "Hmm..I can arrange for that."

                "No way I'm wearing black underwear!" Sakura shouted. Crowds looked at her curiously and she felt herself melting at their stares. She slowly backed up, defeated, to her little corner and placed her hands over her head as though it would help make her invisible. She could still feel stares on her. The redness spread to the back of her neck and arms.

The two merely giggled and continued their conversation.

"Which do you think is better though, lacy or plain?" Tomoyo inquired in a serious tone.

Nami scratched her chin in thought.  "I don't think she's ready for the lacy ones yet. It took me so long to make her wear the red one. It might take longer to make her wear black. I say we take it a step at a time."

"You're right."

"Oh, I'm glad I met you, Tomoyo. We actually agree on so many things."

"Absolutely! After all, anyone who thinks Sakura is cute is ok by me."

"I agree. Although I do think she'd look even cuter if she learned how to dress more daringly."

"I know. I've been trying to tell her that but she doesn't listen. Oh, and I would love to see her in a two piece suit, like the black one JLO wore in her video."

"I saw that one! That really stringy revealing one? It would look perfect on her!"

"Do you think we could get her to wear it though?"

"It's possible, with a lot of 'convincing'."

"Tomoyo clapped her hands giddily. "I can't wait!"

"Me too!"

Sakura dropped her head in exasperation. "I'm dead," she grumbled. She was fuming at how the two were talking about her as though she wasn't there.

The two girls laughed once more, oblivious to the curious and unbelieving stares of the passersby. Sakura felt her face and neck burn but the two didn't seem to mind. They were stuck in their own demented world where she was the subject of a total make over. She groaned even louder as she buried her face under her folded arms. The picnic remained untouched and forgotten.

A strange feeling tugged at her senses. It was faint but familiar. There was something stirring in the air. Sakura quickly looked up, her green eyes scrutinizing her surroundings. Something's wrong, she could feel it. It was a feeling she had known for so long and had almost forgotten. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the source of the sensation itself but found none. She quickly opened them and shakily stood up. Both Tomoyo and Nami noticed the change in her actions and scrambled to help. Sakura turned her attention towards the sky where she had felt the stronger change. It was darker than it had been just a few minutes ago. Heavy thick clouds had appeared overhead, a sign of impending rain. A gush of cold wind lashed at their faces and left chills down their spine.

"This isn't right!" Nami hollered above the howling wind yet her voice was barely audible to the two beside her. She brought the two close to her, enclosing them in a tight embrace. All around, she could see people rushing towards the hospital for cover. She decided it was the best move for them as well. "We have to get back. Looks like there's a really strong storm coming. But I don't understand. We're months from the cold season!"

Tomoyo tucked her camera inside her light sweater, which was no match for the wintry chill of the air. She shuddered and moved closed to her friend. "Sakura! What's wrong? Do you sense something?"

Sakura looked at her in panic, her jade green eyes swimming in both fear and anticipation. She winced. Her hair had lashed at her eye, carried by the unforgiving wind. "It's coming Tomoyo, something's coming. I can feel it. It's cold and dark."

Nami looked down at the conversing teens. "What are you talking about?" She looked desperately around. They were the only ones left out in the open park. The grounds had been deserted. She did not wait for an answer. Bringing them closer to the wheelchair, she quickly lifted the recovering girl and placed her on it. "Tomoyo! Stay close! We have to get to cover!"

Tomoyo nodded, worry indented in her amethyst eyes. "Sakura feels something. Could it be a Clow Card? But the whole set is under Sakura's power now!" she thought to herself. She turned to look at her friend with a questioning gaze and found that Sakura's held the same question. What could it be?

Nami began to push and Tomoyo carefully stepped in pace so that she was directly beside the nurse. She looked up, almost afraid of what she would see. The sky had grown even darker than before and the black clouds seemed to press on them from above, as though they were too heavy to keep afloat. She saw sparks of light cover the sky as the roaring sound of thunder assaulted their ears. They cringed in surprise. Nami squared her shoulders and pushed on even harder, determined to bring the two teens with her to safety but the strong wind deterred her best efforts. Her legs were beginning to numb as she plowed her way through the soft ground. Heavy rain began to pelt down on the three.

Tomoyo surveyed her surroundings in alarm. The wind howled even harder as its power grew stronger. Her eyes widened as she saw the smaller trees bend to were the wind blew them, their roots yielding one by one. She could feel her own footing slowly loosen. A realization struck. If they didn't hurry, they would be carried away! She squinted. The rain fell down hard and heavy on their backs and heads. It was painful, as though bombarded by a thousand pebbles and the heavy mist began to surround their lone bodies. They could hardly see anything, much less where they were going. She reached for Sakura's hand instinctively and felt that it was shaking.

Tomoyo's eyes grew wide. "Oh no! I forgot!"

Both Nami and Sakura looked at her in panic. "Forgot what?"

Tomoyo's brows furrowed into a frown as she contemplated on whether to tell the two. She looked at Sakura pleadingly, her eyes hoping that her friend would understand. She looked down then at her friend. Sakura stared, struggling to understand. Tomoyo made a small box with her hands and then held it in one as though she were carrying something. Nami looked at the two in a mixture of agitation and impatience. Sakura's emerald eyes widened and then quickly turned small in a disappointed frown. "We can't do anything about your bag, Tomoyo! We have to get out of here! I can feel it coming closer. It's looking for us!"

Nami sighed in relief. "I thought it was something important! Forget it. The storm's here. We need to get back to the hospital!"

Tomoyo looked down, frustrated. She looked up at her friend for help but found none. She shook her head. "I have to find it! You don't understand! There's something in there that you can't lose!"

Sakura twisted on the chair to look directly at her. Tomoyo could sense that she was now in utter terror. "What is it? What's in there?"

Tomoyo looked up at Nami and then at her friend. Sakura's delicate features had contorted into a fearful frown. She had understood. If it was something her friend couldn't say in front of Nami then it could only mean one thing..

"I-I have to get something Nami." Sakura's voice was filled with worry. "Please bring Tomoyo back with you. "

Nami looked at her in both awe and surprise. A roar of thunder brought her back to her senses. She tightened her grip on the handles of the chair. "Are you crazy? You're going to get yourself killed! I don't care whatever it is she forgot. Your lives are far more important."

Sakura bit her lip. "That's just it! It's my life! It's a part of me I have to protect!"

The woman looked at her dumbfounded. She saw the sincerity in the girl's eyes as well as the determination. She shook her head. "You can't! You can hardly walk! How are you supposed to stand alone in this storm?"

"I don't know! I just have to!" Sakura struggled to her feet.

"I'll go!" Without another word Tomoyo sprinted through the mist, her form quickly dissolving from view. The two were stupefied, remaining in silence for a few seconds.

"Tomoyo! No! Come back!" Sakura shouted. "You can't go alone! It's coming Tomoyo! Come back!" She jumped to her feet, her eyes stinging with tears for her friend. "Come back!"

Nami held her back and pressed her to herself. Sakura struggled to get free but the woman would not let her go. She gently caressed Sakura's hair, calming down the girl's sobs.

"She has to come back. It's coming. She'll be killed!"

"Shh! It's ok. I'm sure the gods will protect her. You have to believe in her."

"But you don't understand! It'll kill her! She's in danger! Let me go!" Sakura summoned all her strength and pushed herself away from Nami. She nimbly stepped under the nurse's arms when she tried to grab for her and then scrambled after her friend.

"Sakura no! Come back! Come back you stupid girl!" Nami shouted, her amber eyes filling with tears, her voice beginning to croak. "Come back!" She fell to her knees sobbing. It was happening all over again! She was loosing a child once more, no two, and she could do nothing to save them. "Shinta! Dear gods, help them! Please keep them safe! Don't take them away!"

*********

                "Tomoyo! Tomoyo! Where are you? Tomoyo! Answer me!" Sakura fought the urge to just drop to her knees and cry. She could hardly see what was in front of her. The heavy mist had rendered everything invisible and the pounding rain made it only worse. Her tears clouded her emerald eyes and she wiped at them furiously. She fell. She was now knee-deep in the muddy ground. She labored to stand and keep her balance, using her hands to push off from the ground and keep her stance. Once she felt secure with her footing, she continued on, ignoring the growing fatigue in her legs and arms. She shouted once more, making it even harder for her to breathe. "Tomoyo!" She quickly looked behind her. She had felt something near. Or was it in front? Around her? She couldn't figure it out. It was as though she was being blasted by an unknown aura with no specific origin. She staggered but quickly regained her balance and momentum. She trudged on, heaving. "Tomoyo!"

                She felt something solid brush her hand. She groped through the mist and rain until she found it once more. The wind howled fiercely, threatening to lift her off her feet. She heard a distant rumble of thunder, which sent goose bumps crawling through her skin. She shivered in her thin hospital gown, soaked and clinging to her skin. She felt hot and cold all at the same time and she thought she would lose consciousness at any moment. She leaned her head on a sturdy tree, though it was leafless and obviously battered by the unforgiving storm, it was the only one left standing for as far as she could see or feel. She stood still to catch her breath, seeking help from the tree's life aura.

                A scream.

                Sakura alertly opened her eyes. "Tomoyo!" She pushed herself from the tree to stand, thanking it for what little strength and protection it had offered her. She ran as fast as her weary legs and the soft ground would allow her. She felt the fear from her friend rise up through the mist as if a beacon in the dark. Sakura trudged towards it. She followed the chilling scream and the rising fear. Tomoyo had been hurt. She could feel it. Sakura's eyes watered once more as she toiled through the knee-deep mud and slippery ground, through the blinding mist, painful rain and relentless wind to find her friend. "Tomoyo!"

*********

                Tomoyo blinked. She was sprawled along the base of the large cherry tree where they had thought to have their picnic just a while back. She was dazed from the impact and she could feel that something had been dislocated. Slowly, her vision cleared up, focusing on the yellow bulk just a hand length away from her. She cringed. She struggled to lift herself off the ground but soon realized that her right arm would not be cooperating. She stifled a cry as she reached out with her other arm. She could almost reach it!

                She heard a menacing cry behind her and before she knew it, she had been lifted off the ground. She couldn't breathe, couldn't scream, her broken arm fell dangling to her side. She clutched the invisible hand at her throat in fear. It tightened its grip, slowly pushing the life from her lungs. Tomoyo gasped for breath. Everything was growing dark once more. "Sakura."

                Her chest tightened. It was happening once more. She felt her heart quicken its pace as though she had run in a marathon. I'm going to die? Unbearable pain shot through her head. It felt as though someone were hammering her head from the inside, like something wanted to burst out. She screamed.

                She was sprawled once more on the ground. The thing had thrown her. But she couldn't move. Tomoyo's eyes slowly opened. She saw the bag. It was just in front of her. If only she could reach it. If only she could move her hand.

                "Tomoyo!"

                "Sakura?" she whispered.

                Sakura was standing in front of her, defending her from whatever it was that had attacked her. But she wasn't well. Tomoyo could see this. She was heaving in breaths and her knees were buckling beneath her. Tomoyo felt tears spring from her mauve eyes. Her friend was in even more danger than she was. She had not yet recovered and had absolutely nothing to defend herself with. She was going to die. She would definitely lose her best friend now unless some miracle happened. She had to do something!

                Tomoyo stretched her arm. She had to reach the bag! She felt pain all over her body as she tried to move. It was as though a thousand needles had stuck themselves all over her body. She was slowly sinking into the soft ground. She raised her head, determination blazing in her eyes. She moved herself forward, pushing with her other hand as well as her feet. She reached out, the tips of her fingers finally touching the soaked cloth. She smiled. She pulled it towards herself.

                Sakura looked around furiously, her wet hair slapping on her face. She didn't care. She could feel a strong power emanating around her, an aura calling to her own. She could sense it but could not see it. Her heart pounded in her chest. She feared to look behind her, afraid that she had been too late to save her friend. But it wouldn't matter anyway. She felt helplessness weigh upon her, as heavy and painful as the rain that pelted down her back and face. She shivered in the cold. She could almost see the frosty air escape her lips. Even if she did survive whatever was coming for her she would definitely die of hypothermia. Either way, there was no turning back. She knew she didn't have the strength to carry her friend through the mud and she would rather die than abandon Tomoyo. She had to face this once and for all for the sake of her friend. She closed her eyes, calming her aura as she reached out to the unknown force. She had to coax it to come out. It would be easier to run from something visible.

                She scanned the surrounding perimeter with her aura, her senses awake and in full alert. It was tugging at the back of her mind. It was teasing her. This was nothing like the Clow Cards she had once captured. It was stronger, smarter, and had a mind of its own. It knew how to play before the kill. It was like a beast, crafty and menacing. Her heart began to pound. She had found it!

                She opened her eyes. It was coming towards her, something blurry. It was too fast. She found herself rooted on the ground. She couldn't move.

                "Sakura!"

Sakura jerked around and by instinct, caught something in her hands. She opened her shivering fingers. Her eyes grew wide with a newfound hope. She called out words that came through as second nature. She had said it so many times that it had been ingrained in her heart and mind. "Key of the Star, with powers burning bright, reveal the staff, and shine your light. Release! "

                She opened her eyes, emerald orbs clouded by fear and horror.

                Nothing had happened.

                Tomoyo looked up at her friend. "Sakura!"

                Sakura looked up, muted in her terror. She stood still, staring up at her attacker. She could feel the wind rushing down at her, enveloping her in icy coldness. She felt calm all of a sudden. Her eyes shone bright as she smiled vacantly at her opponent. She held the key close to her heart, waiting for the inevitable blow.

                Tomoyo screamed. "Sakura!"

                "I-I'll be with you soon Syaoran. Wait for me."