Hey! It's me again. I hope everybody missed me **hears crickets**
-_-;; Oh well. I hope you like this chapter, even though I
don't think it's very good. I just
didn't wanna keep you all waiting ^.^
Don't forget to
review! Please? I need it, I have very low self-esteem at the
moment :(
~*~*~*~
The next morning, Syaoran stood above Sakura, shaking her fiercely. The girl's dormitory was empty except for them, everyone else having gone down to breakfast. The last thing they needed was to be late on their first day.
She groggily opened one eye and peered up at him. "Ohayo, Syao-kun. . . ." She sighed dreamily before drifting back off to sleep.
Syaoran blushed at the name, and then groaned when he realized that she was snoring softly again. "Forgive me Sakura." He pulled out his sword and a piece of paper with Chinese writing on it [(what are those things called?)]. He muttered something in Chinese, and suddenly, a large quantity of water rained down on Sakura.
"Hoeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!" She cried, jumping out of the soaking wet bed. She stood for a second, chest heaving, gasping for breath, before she turned on Syaoran.
"I-I-I-I-" He stuttered. Sakura didn't know that one of the reasons he was stuttering was because of the way her wet bed clothes, however childish, clung to her well developed body. Instead, she stalked menacingly toward him, green eyes blazing. She called out her Star Wand, and used the Sword, then proceeded to chase him around the dormitories, sword raised, and yelling very un-Sakura like things.
"Sakura! I'm sorry! But we're going to be late!" At the word late, Sakura suddenly stopped and remembered that it was the first day of classes at Hogwarts.
"Hoe! Why didn't you tell me!?!" She cried, running around frantically, trying to get ready. Syaoran sighed and shook his head. No sooner had he relaxed, than Sakura grabbed his arm and was yanking him through the portrait hole and down the stairs to the Great Hall for breakfast.
They burst through the doors and noticed that the schedules had already been passed out. Both were slightly out of breath, but not significantly. They dropped into their seat next to Harry and gulped down the pumpkin juice in front of them, piling their plates with food at the same time.
"Here, I kept your schedules for you." Harry said, handing them slips of paper.
"Fanksh." Sakura said with her mouth full of rice. She glanced at it and saw that they had Transfiguration first with Hufflepuff, then Care of Magical Creatures with the Slytherins. After lunch was Divination, then Charms again with the Slytherins. And that was just today.
Next to her, Syaoran was stuffing his mouth with food as well, hurrying to finish before the first class, which people were already leaving for. Both of them finished in record time and raced off to the Transfiguration classroom.
~*~After Class~*~
"Wow, Sakura that was great!" Ron exclaimed. They had just exited Transfiguration [(for those of you who don't pay attention)], where they were asked to turn a book into a bat. The only two that got it were Hermione, who ended up with a vampire bat that had tried to bite everyone, and Sakura, who ended up with a rare white fruit-bat that, like her owl, had the faintest colour of pink at the tips of it's wings. Most of the others, including Syaoran, only managed to make their books flap about and collide in the air.
Behind Ron, next to Neville, Hermione seethed with anger. "Her-Hermione, are you okay?" Neville squeaked.
"Buzz off!" She mumbled. The group [(Harry, Ron, Sakura, Syaoran, Hermione, and Neville)] walked down the large marble [(are they marble?)] stairs that led outside to the lawn where the Slytherins were waiting. Sakura smiled brightly and waved to Touya, who was sulking around Hagrid's hut and glaring at Syaoran who glared back.
"A'right. Now, I wan' each 'o yeh ter get into groups 'o five." Hagrid bellowed, appeared from behind his large cabin. "We'll be startin' off righ' o'way this year. Got lot's ter do." Every student did as they were told. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Syaoran, and Sakura were in one group.
"I hope it's not more Skrewts." Ron said warily.
"Right. Now, this year, we'll be workin' on tamin' beasts. As the year goes on, the beasts'll ge' more'n more ferocious, but if yeh listen ta wha' I say, yeh shouldn' be in any danger." Hagrid continued. "The first thin' yeh got ter know 'bout taming any animal, is ter ne'er act like yer be'er than they are. Be humble, be kin', and don' be scared." Most of the students were looking around curiously, wondering what sort of animal, if any, they were going to tame today.
"We'll star' off wit something a lil' advanced. Touya, would yeh bring ou' Moonshine please?" Touya left Syaoran reluctantly with one last glare and went behind the cabin. He came out a little while later, holding onto a think leather leash. Eyes widened as 'Moonshine' followed lazily behind.
He was a large, grey, white, and silver Gryphon. The feathers on his head faded from gleaming white to a dark, nearly black, grey. His lean body was covered in snowy fur that, like his mane, turned almost black at his heels. His folded wings were tipped in silver that matched his gleaming eyes. He spread his wings and stood majestically, glittering in the sunlight, leaving the entire class, including the Slytherins, in awe.
However, one group of Slytherins fast recovered. "Well it's obvious who this teacher favours," Malfoy commented. "A Gryphon for Gryffindor. Why couldn't it be something more cunning; like a snake?"
"Oh shut up, Malfoy. Can't we have at least one class without your stupid mouth going off?" Ron snapped.
"Of course you'd say that, Weasley. Look, its wings are silver. Maybe if you get a couple of feathers, you can sell them." Malfoy retorted.
"Knock it off, Malfoy." Harry said, glaring at the Slytherin boy. Everyone in the class, including Hagrid and Touya, had turned their attention to the bickering students; all but one person.
Sakura kept her emerald green eyes trained on the magnificent beast, who in turn, kept its silver orbs on her. They stared at each other while insults, fists, and curses were thrown. Slowly, Sakura's feet seemed to bring her forward against her will. And then she heard a voice in her head, not unlike the voice of the Sorting hat, but much, much deeper.
Do not be afraid, Mistress of the Cards,
said the gentle voice. I will do you no harm.
A-are you, Moonshine? She asked tentatively, and the large beast nodded its head.
That I am. By now, Sakura's feet had carried her within arms length of the Gryphon, and she knelt in front of it, stretching a hand out to pet its silver beak.
Demo, why are
you here? And why can you talk to me?
I am a messenger and a judge, nothing more, he said and bowed his head for her to run her fingers through his
mane. For now.
A judge? Like Yue?
Yes, like Yue. There are terrible things coming, Mistress of
the Cards; things that one, alone, cannot face. You have been summoned to this place of magic for a reason. Still, keep in mind: it is not your destiny
to behold.
It can't be, can it? I already fulfilled my destiny; I became the Mistress of the Cards. Sakura was getting more and more confused. She had done what she was supposed to, she had captured and upgraded the cards. Why should she live out someone else's destiny?
True, you have fulfilled that part of your destiny. Now, you must right past wrongs, and ensure
that good shall triumph over evil. To do
these things, you will have to become stronger.
Stronger. . .
? Sakura
sighed. Don't tell me I have to face more trials. I've had enough of those with Eriol
The Gryphon
mentally smiled. Ah yes, Clow Reed's Half Incarnation. We were sure he would be here as well. Yes, you will be facing more Trials. However, this time, your performance in these trials shall determine the
fate of the future, the fate of the past, the fate of the world. My parting words to you, Mistress of the
Cards, tell no one of things to come.
How am I supposed to tell them if I don't even know myself? She asked. But all she got in reply was a low yet kind growl from deep in his chest. Why won't you answer me? The fate of the future, the fate of the past? How can that be? The fate of the world, in my hands? What if I don't wan that kind of responsibility? I just wanted to be a normal kid. I captured the cards, I did my part. Why can't I just be normal? Why won't you people just leave me alone? Why must it be like this? The fate of the future, the fate of the past, the fate of the world. . . . Her last thoughts, before she saw black.
Syaoran watched the scene in uninterested silence. Three against one and still the blonde was winning. He briefly debated joining in the heated argument-he had to admit, it did look kind of fun-but decided against it, as Sakura probably wouldn't approve. Though, it was usually about now that she would try to interfere and stop everyone so they could make up or go their separate ways. He knew she wasn't too big on confrontation; and that was one of the reasons he loved her so much. For her, there was always another way instead of jumping into things. And if there wasn't, well, she was supposed to be the most powerful sorceress in the world now. He was sure she could handle it.
She had grown so strong in the past five years. She became more confident and less dense. Syaoran sighed in sadness and wished he had been there to watch her grow. Maybe then he wouldn't feel so left out now. Being away from her for so long had taken its emotional toll on him; but seeing her again had convinced him that she no longer needed him to support her. So for now, he would just stand by and watch.
Standing true to his depressing self-appointment, Syaoran turned and expected to find Sakura next to him or even behind him; but not kneeling in front of the Gryphon.
"Sakura?" he asked softly. "Sakura, are you okay?" No answer. "Sakura?" He asked a little louder. Still no answer. He walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. She felt normal. "Sakura what's the matter, what are you doing?" For the third time, there was no answer and Syaoran began to get worried. He looked around. Mostly everyone was still watching Harry Potter and that other kid. Standing further away from the crowd was Touya.
As much as he hated to, Syaoran turned away from his beloved Cherry Blossom and stalked, rather stiffly, over to her evil onii-chan.
Touya leaned with his back against Hagrid's cabin, one long leg bent and propped a few feet off the ground. He watched the scene with minor amusement mingled with much boredom and a few strands of agitation. He really wished someone would stop their bickering so he could get on with helping that giant of a man teach his class. He had almost gotten mauled many a time trying to calm the strange looking beast before it suddenly became calm and followed him willingly. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Chinese Gaki slowly and rigidly walking towards him.
Out of habit, he pasted his normal gaki-glare on the boy and saw that he followed suit. Once he reached the older boy's side, however, it wasn't an insult or something equally pointless that came out of his mouth. "Something's wrong with Sakura." He said plainly through clenched teeth, as if trying to avoid any conflict.
Once the small phrase was out, Touya's first instinct was to strangle the gaki for hurting his sister; until he realized that 1-he probably didn't do anything, which really didn't bother Touya because as far as he was concerned any reason to strangle him was a good one; and 2-his sister would probably kill him, then fall into a deep depression which would shatter her now happy life, locking herself away from all civilization until she either became a nun, or withered away into nothingness.
Pushing aside any thoughts of strangulation, Touya glanced behind Syaoran and saw his sister kneeling on the ground in front of the Gryphon. He walked over to her and gently put a hand on her shoulder, kneeling down beside her. "Sakura? Is something the matter?" No answer. "Sakura?" He asked a little louder. The Gryphon was nodding its head and pawing the ground. "Sakura what's wrong? What's the matter?" He began to get frantic. His sister wasn't answering, wasn't moving. He put a hand under her chin and soon realized that she wasn't breathing either.
"Sakura! Wake-up! Please?" He called loudly so the whole class heard. They all turned to she the two boys, Sakura and the Gryphon. Hagrid was ecstatic.
"Now see 'ere, Sakura's dun it. She 'as calmed the Gryphon and is now being permi'ed to pe' 'im." He began saying.
Syaoran ignored the lesson and knelt down on the other side of Sakura, trying desperately to wake her. He and Touya began yelling in her ear, shaking her as best they could, but it did nothing. She stayed with her eyes closed, hand outstretched towards the Gryphon's beak.
Syaoran, noticing this, looked at the poor beast with malice in his eyes. "What have you done to my Sakura-chan!?!" He yelled at it. Touya ignored the comment, trying instead to get Sakura back to consciousness. In reply, the Gryphon rumbled deep in its chest. It was not a menacing sound, more of a laugh, really. And suddenly, Sakura collapsed on the ground.
Hagird, who finally sensed that something was wrong when she wouldn't move, took charge immediately. "Alrigh' everyone stay back!" He ordered. "Yeh," he pointed to Touya, "make sure Moonshine stays calm. Yeh," he pointed to Syaoran, "take 'er to the infirmary." Touya let out a growl of frustration that was instantly silenced by a look from Hagrid. He grumbled under his breath while grabbing the rope around the Gryphon's neck.
Syaoran stared at Sakura for a little while, debating if he should use one of his charms to make her float, or just carry her. "Use the floating spell," Hagrid offered.
Syaoran looked away. "I-I don't know how." He mumbled.
"Oh, honestly!" Hermione took out her wand and stepped forward, ready to swish and flick. But she stopped when she suddenly found Syaoran in front of her.
"You will not touch Sakura, you bakameushi." He said in a low, ominous tone. She immediately stepped back in fear and watched him walk over to Sakura. He bent down and scooped her in his arms and lifted her back up and started the trek to back to the castle.
Sakura woke up unsure of how long she had been asleep. She was still a bit tired, but more hungry than anything. She was only able to see what was above her, and that was stone. She turned her head to the side and saw more stone. She turned her head the other way and saw black fabric. She looked up again and saw the determined face of her Syao-kun.
"Syaoran-kun, what are you doing?" She asked sleepily. He stopped and looked at her, as if for the first time. Then he smiled a rare smile that made Sakura go all warm and tingly inside.
"You're finally awake." He said softly.
"Yeah, how long was I out?" She put a hand to her head, wishing away the sleepiness.
"Since just after class started, I guess. I kinda lost track of you after Harry and that other guy started arguing." He replied guiltily.
Sakura giggled. "You don't have to keep an eye on me, Syaoran, I'm a big girl." He blushed. "And, you can put me down now, I'm pretty sure I can walk."
Obediently, and somewhat regretfully, he placed her gently down on the stone walkway. They were in a deserted hall somewhere near the infirmary, class just about to end.
"Is it almost lunch time? I'm really hungry." Sakura said, taking a few steps forward. Syaoran nodded, but stayed in place. "Oh, good. Lets go to the Great Hall then."
Again, Syaoran nodded, then sighed sadly. "Are you sure you're feeling okay?" He asked, still standing in that one spot.
Sakura nodded furiously in reply not turning around. Suddenly, she stopped and faced him, some ten feet away. "Syaoran," she said almost inaudibly, "I know you think I don't need you anymore." She said surprising him. He voice was soft and her eyes were sad. "But, the truth is, I do. I need you more than ever. You, and Eriol, and Tomoyo, and everyone else." She walked back to him. "I need you to be there for me, like you have always been. I need you to comfort me like you used to." She continued with a hint of pink on her cheeks taking his hand in hers. "I need your strength, because I'm afraid that I'm not strong enough." She smiled at him while still holding on to his hand.
Syaoran nodded. Maybe I should tell her now, he thought. Maybe I should tell her that I always want to be there for her. As he contemplated this, his face grew a dark shade of red.
Sakura lost her rare moment of maturity [(a.n.-I'm not saying she's immature, but she's not usually this deep, ya know?)] with a loud "Hoe?" She looked confusedly at Syaoran. "Syaoran-kun, what's wrong with your face? It's all red. . . ."
Syaoran, who was startled by her sudden Sakura-ness, became thoroughly embarrassed and looked down at their hands, still clasped together.
Sakura's emerald eyes followed his gaze and they stared at their hands for a while before finally jumping apart with a mingled "Eh!?!" and "Hoeee!!!" both a very bright shade of red [(a.n.-like from the second movie, when they see each other again for the first time, and Sakura runs into him, and well if you saw the movie you know what I'm talking about. If not, you're missing out and should go find the movie somewhere on the internet cause they didn't release it on DVD yet ;_;)]
"Uh, why don't we go down to the Great Hall now?" Syaoran suggested. Sakura nodded and they both walked in awkward silence, the halls beginning to fill with students from the end of class.
~*~*~*~
I debated writing more, but thought against it. I want to start on the next chapter cause I got a really good idea. BTW, the next chapter'll be completely from the HP gang's POV, with a little bit of the CCS gang, but not much ^.^
I'm sorry, I know this chapter was lame and not that good. I tried to put more action in it, but I can't think of anything! Not until the battles start anyway, but that won't be for. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . at least another . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . four chapters. Maybe.
Well, don't forget to review. I'm sorry it sucked!!! **cries** Next chapter will be better, I PROMISE ^.^
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV Review PLEASE
