Do You Remember Me? I Remember You
By Rainbow Dreamer and co-author Cryst and Ying Fa
*Dedicated to Cryst and Ying Fa, who have helped me with this story. If it weren't for you both, none of this would of happened. Arigato.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT, I repeat, I do NOT own CCS. It belongs to Clamp! I think you all know though, that this story is my own and every idea is of my own. Yep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I HAVE A NEW FIC! Hehe. I know, I know, I'm not even done with this one yet, but as I was thinking what to write, I had this marvelous idea for a story so I wrote it. It's titled "Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids." A very nice title, don't you agree? Anyhow, it would be greatly appreciated if you would review that story as well. And since I got myself into this mess of having two fics at once, I'll try my BEST to get a new chapter up.
IF YOU REVIEWED FOR THE LAST CHAPTER, LOOK FOR YOUR NAME UNDER SPECIAL THANKS BELOW!
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Lilyflower: My drama queen! Hehe. It's the necklace? Hmm.. That would be interesting actually. Ryoko? Poor red-headed him is involved in all this?!
Kan-Chan: I must say here that women have a great sense of intuition. Hehe.
Orchid Angel: What do you think? Is Kali good or bad? So far most have labeled her as "bad." Your idea?
Usagi yf: GOMEN. If you checked your mail at jen_net1924@hotmail.com, I have written you an apology letter since this is the second time, although I did note receive a review from you last chapter. Don't know. Guess fanfiction can be a little weird sometimes. Anyhow, deepest apologies.
Emma: Thanks for reviewing so fast! Hehe.
Keetra: LOL. The part about the perfectionist made me laugh. Hehe. And about the cussing back. LoL.
Sweet Madison: My smiley girl! Hehe. Glad you're so glad. Thanks ever so.
SKC: Thank you for allowing me to use abbreviations; its less time consuming. What kind of evil is Kali? You, my friend, have to figure that one out by yourself.
Crystina: Hehe. Added what in, by the way?
Sakura Potato: Wow. you actually replied about your three thanksgivings. Heheh, it sounded quite interesting actually. And besides. the more to be thankful of! And thank you for being so understanding; it's really nice of you.
Idiot2002: Kali's trouble? Is she?
Cherryz Angel: Hmm. you agree with Idiot2002 that Kali's evil huh? You guys both seem to hate her a lot. Hehe. We'll see if she is. But for now, here's the next chapter.
Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Glad you're so happy.
Emerald Rose: Hehe, sorry about the cliffhanger. And here's your "more." LoL. And I'm glad that you think my fic's getting better.
Archangemon: Once again, I thank you for your comments. I will see if I can change my style of writing and maybe be not so redundant. One cannot become a good writer without good and bad reviews, and because of that, I thank you.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:
"Damn!" A loud curse filled the quiet room. A few restless bodies stirred in their sleep. "Damn!" The voice came again, this time more harsh. "Meiling, wake the hell up!" The voice continued raspy.
"Um. What?" The girl asked, blinking her ruby red eyes sleepily. "Wha." Then her senses hit her quickly and automatically, she brought her guard up. "What in the hell happened?" She demanded.
"Don't ask me!" The voice retorted, brown eyes glaring back at his cousin. "I woke up to find the three of you asleep."
"But we were just." She looked around her surroundings. Tomoyo and Eriol were beginning to wake up.
"Eating, I presume." Syaoran answered, gesturing to the food. He bent down and touched them. "They're stone cold. What happened to you guys?" He asked.
True to his words, most of their food were untouched and were cold. Meiling stared at the food intently, trying to put together what had happened while the four of them were asleep.
"What has happened?" Eriol asked, clearly knowing that situations were serious. Meiling didn't bother replying and all Syaoran glare around the room with his sharp amber eyes.
"Eriol?" Tomoyo asked, her lily eyes portraying the confusion she held inside. Eriol hushed her quietly and enveloped her into a one armed hug tightly. She sighed softly and leaned into his warmth, yet her brows were knitted together worriedly.
"I don't know the hell why we fell asleep." Meiling growled, her hands into fists, "but I plan to figure it out."
"How long?" Eriol asked.
"Two hours," Meiling replied, pointing to the clock. Eriol frowned. How could they have fallen asleep, especially while they were eating? It was most likely impossible. It must have dealt with magic but there wasn't a trace of magic anywhere. He had spread out his magic but felt nothing.
"Did you feel anything?" Syaoran asked.
Eriol shook his dark blue hair no. "Have you? You were actually sleeping sleeping," He replied.
Syaoran paused and looked at his three friends who were studying him intently, waiting for an answer. "I've been losing my magic slowly," He replied quietly, quite ashamed of himself for not being powerful enough. He had been trained his whole life to keep his pride up and now he has let that come down.
"When?" Was Eriol's only reply. No pity or sympathy; that would of hurt.
"Since the day I got sick. It was slowly and I didn't think much about it until the doctor came." Syaoran replied.
"Don't worry. I'm sure there is a way to figure this all out." Tomoyo quipped, trying to add some cheerfulness. "I'm sure Sakura's all right and she should be coming soon right? And Yukito will be here as well."
"I hope she is." Syaoran whispered. "But somehow things just don't feel right. I can't put a finger on it exactly but I can sense it."
"Same." Eriol supported. "And I'm almost positive that some magic has been going around while we were 'asleep.' Someone's trying to stop us from stopping things to get worse."
"Duh!" Meiling cried, frustrated. "I damn hope Sakura's all right or I'll bite the next person that frustrates me!"
The three just stared at her weirdly, but then they had gotten use to her anger.
"Oh. Syaoran. Kali came a while ago before we um. fell asleep. She left a get well gift on your desk." Tomoyo said, after a while. She was starting to clear her mind and sort things out.
Syaoran frowned slightly, but headed over to his desk. Opening the bright blue wrapping paper, he found a sky blue scarf. Meiling suppressed a giggle that came from her mouth. Clearly she could not imagine Syaoran in a sky blue scarf with bright yellow suns on the ends. Tomoyo smiled slightly, but warned Meiling not to laugh too loud in case to be glared or yelled by Syaoran.
Instead, nothing happened. The two cringed, waiting for his harsh remark. None came.
"Syaoran?" Meiling asked worriedly.
"I remember something like this." He started. His fingers ran over the material and discovered that Kali had made the scarf herself. "But different.."
Syaoran opened a small card that in her neat handwriting printed "Syaoran, hope this will prevent you from getting sick. Thank you for everything you've done. I hope you really do get well soon. Love, Kali."
"Love?" Meiling mimicked in a valley girl voice. She rolled her eyes. "Don't make me die laughing."
Tomoyo ignored her remark and looked at Syaoran who was looking at the scarf. The purple haired girl frowned. A scarf?
She racked her memory for a scarf Sakura had given Syaoran. No doubt the memory was about Sakura; that was the only person he couldn't remember clearly. She found herself a many years back when Syaoran had just came to Japan for not even about a year. If she remembered clearly, it was a time when they were still card capturing.
"Eriol, we need to go to my house," She said urgently. "I need to look in my tapes for something."
"Syaoran?" Eriol asked, wondering if it was okay to leave.
"Just keep your guard up." Syaoran replied, tossing the scarf on his bed. There was no use thinking of something; he couldn't remember it. Besides, the magic now was more important anyhow.
Eriol nodded. "You're the one to be careful, with your magic fading as well." He replied. Syaoran winced; he just had to bring that up again.
Eriol and Tomoyo quietly left the room to Tomoyo's house. She knew that she could find what she wanted in her tapes.
*** Beijing. ***
"SAKURA!" Kero yelled as he flew over to his mistress who was in middle of a wide-open field and battling some unknown substance. He changed into Cerberus in mid air, his eyes blazing fire.
"Kero! Stay out of this!" Sakura called back. "Its strong!" She called back, dodging a watery attack from this shadowy figure. It was almost invisible but flashes of its orange magic were present.
The enemy, upon sensing the sun guardian's arrival, shot a watery attack at the fire beast.
"Kero!" Sakura yelled. "Shield! Protect Kero!" She demanded, throwing the Sakura card into the air.
Kero was about to shield the attack by his wings, but a faint pink bubbled saved him. "Sakura, don't waste your energy!" he called back, flying up away from the enemy for a while.
"Lightening!" She called out. The shadowing figure seemed to move, its presence shifting a bit. As she was watching the water electrify, her joys were shattered when the figure changed its attack.
Before Sakura could decide what to do next, the figure shot a dark blast towards her. Her mind reeling, she called upon jump and quickly ran away, but was hit sharply on her left shoulder that sent her flying. Kero cried and zoomed down to save his mistress. The figure stepped between them and blocked him with water that was impenetrable.
"SAKURA!" The guardian roared, wanting to go to his mistress. He charged and breathed his hottest fire upon the water wall, but nothing prevailed.
"Ugh." Sakura moaned lightly at her left shoulder but struggled to get up, her staff still tightly in her hands. What had hit her? It was unlike anything she had met before. And who was this that had this huge amount of power without her noticing before?
Then she noticed Kero trying to get to her, but the wall divided the two. "Kero!" She cried, running over to him. Kero frantically made motions, but voices were unable to be heard. At the last moment, she knew what he wanted to tell her.
But it was too late. A black ball of darkness was shooting right at her. "Shield!" She cried, spinning around on her heels quickly.
It was coming; it was too fast. Shield appeared quickly, wanting to protect its mistress. Yet, the force came down, shrinking the distance between Sakura and the shield. Sakura stubbornly held her staff in her hands. What would she do now?
The figure crackled evilly and added a huge amount of pressure on the shield. The shield was shaking, trying its best to protect the mistress it loved so much. Sakura sensed its determination and smiled softly. She placed a hand on shield lovingly and closed her eyes. She could feel the shield's pains and that hurt her.
"No, Sakura. You can't do that," Kero pleaded, once he knew what the mistress had in mind. "Onegai, Sakura.. "
Her card seemed to know what was about to happen as well, for she strengthened her barrier. It wouldn't let her mistress get hurt.
Sakura felt what it was doing. "Arigato," She whispered.
The card stubbornly built up on its protection. Sakura smiled sadly. She could feel the darkness that hit her slowly draining her energy and perhaps magic as well. She closed her eyes.
"Shield, come back." The mistress whispered. The card defied the order for a while, the shield flashing lightly. But slowly, the card went back to its own form for it was Sakura's orders.
"NO!" Kero cried. He slammed forcibly against the wall. Damn! Why was he so useless? He was to protect her!
Sakura bowed her head, a tear sliding down her cheek to the floor. "Gomenasai," She whispered, but her hands still clutched her staff firmly. She could feel the blackness coming right at her.
She closed her eyes and let what was to come come.
Kero roared angrily, refusing to admit this result.
The cards were glowing a bright pink, wanting to save and protect their mistress whom loved them so much.
"Gomenasai, Kero." Sakura whispered. "Sakura cards, Tomoyo, Eriol, Meiling, Otosan, Oniichan, Wei."
"Gomenasai, Syaoran." She said and bowed her head.
Something flared up suddenly in the young girl's body. She looked up and found that a familiar green aurora was protecting her in a form of a shield. The black flames had disappeared.
"Syaoran.. " She whispered. She raised her staff into a fighting stance. What had she been thinking of? Tossing her life away when she had so much to live for?
And she knew that Syaoran still loved her. Still knew who she was. His magic here to protect her was enough for her. The way he protected her in every of her battles was enough. He was enough.
Sakura touched the green aurora and the green magic went inside her. She smiled; it was as if Syaoran was right there with her.
"Light!" Sakura called. "Attack." She commanded authoritatively. Light obeyed and flew towards the figure, shattering the dark flames that were coming towards Sakura.
The figure looked at her and disappeared suddenly. Light smiled and flew back into its card form. All of the cards glowed a bright pink, expressing their happiness before turning back to their original form.
The water barrier suddenly collapsed and Kero came charging out. "SAKURA!" he roared. "Don't you ever dare do anything like that again! I felt so. helpless."
"Oh Kero," Sakura whispered. "Gomen." She hugged the sun guardian tightly.
"I really thought that you would die right then." He whispered. He was really afraid of that.
"I promise I won't do something foolish like that again." Sakura apologized.
"Promise?" Kero demanded. Sakura smiled meekly.
"Hai." She replied. She turned and looked up at the sky. "Arigato Syaoran."
Kero watched as the mistress closed her eyes, folding her hands in front of her chest into a prayer. He knew that Syaoran had protected her somehow right then during the moment of peril.
*** Hong Kong. ***
Syaoran was lying on his bed, resting with his eyes closed. Somehow he seemed worn out. Suddenly a magical tie came to him.
"Arigato Syaoran." A familiar female voice whispered in his head as she sent a vibe of strong magic into his body.
He sat up suddenly on his bed. He felt much more powerful magically than before. "Who are you?" He questioned silently.
There was no reply but in his magic he could sense a familiar warm aurora.
"Sakura?" he whispered. He walked to the window and placed a finger on the cool glass pane.
*** Somewhere ***
"Kami, can't you do anything right?" A voice demanded angrily. "You fool!" It was womanly voice, her voice rising.
"He did nothing wrong." Another womanly voice, though sounding more experienced. "Now we do know what's with them."
"What do you mean nothing? Have you forgotten the reason why we were sent here? It was not to kill." The first voice demanded.
"I have not forgotten." The older one stated calmly. "True; he had done more than what was needed, but it showed what they feel."
"Gomenasai." The third voice interjected. "I should of used another way."
"Oh. gomen. I guess I was over reacting. I don't want to see them worse than they are now." She stated.
"Now that that's settled. How shall we progress?" The older woman asked. "Time's running out. We need them."
The three nodded and disappeared into thin air, a white feather of most delicate flew down from the sky.
*** Beijing. Sakura's POV ***
Urgh. My head was spinning and I just couldn't think right. I slowly opened my heavy eyes and stared at the gray ceiling. I blinked again. Didn't I have a white ceiling in my room?
"Thank Kami you're all right." A voice said relieved. I blinked and registered what I had heard for a while.
"Kero?" I asked. My head was buzzing so hard it was hard to think straight.
"The one and only." He replied, flying up to my face. I smiled warily at his words.
"Where am I?" I asked, looking around. It was a neat and orderly room with only a desk, computer, and a closet.
"Um. you see you were hurt so bad that you kind of fainted in front of our apartment room." Kero started to explain. "And that red headed kid came along and brought you along to his house."
"Ryoko Kai?" I asked unbelievably. Yes, this was his room with his precious guitar leaning against the wall.
A polite knock came from outside the room. Kero immediately turned into a doll and Ryoko came in. "You're awake? You should have called me." He reprimanded me lightly.
"What happened?" he asked as he changed the wounds on my left arm carefully. I winced lightly at the pain.
I refused to answer his question. "How long have I been here?" I asked.
"For about five hours." He responded. "What happened? You were so hurt when I found you."
"Thank you." I replied calmly. "Can I call my Otousan to tell him I am fine?" I asked, avoiding the subject clearly.
"Hai. The phone's right next to you," Ryoko responded. I thanked him kindly yet in his eyes there was a streak of stubbornness.
I called my father and told him that I was at Ryoko's house. He said that he was aware of that because Ryoko had called him. It was certainly nice of him to do so. He and I talked a while and he promised that he would come home earlier and carry me back home. I smiled at myself. Everyone was so caring and nice to me. I was such a fool for tossing my life away just then.
Ryoko was waiting for me at outside the room with his light green eyes looking at me, expecting an answer.
"Well?" He asked, his arms crossed. He followed me to the kitchen where I helped myself to a bowl of warm soup that he had made on the stove. He filled a bowl for himself as well.
"Well?" He demanded, more forcefully this time. I just sipped my soup.
"Sakura Kinomoto, you are not leaving until you tell me the reason why." Ryoko stated clearly. "I helped you there and I think I deserve to know what I've saved you from."
I sighed and looked at him. His light almost clear green eyes were stubborn as his chin was set in such an obstinate angle. "I sometimes get dizzy in the head from the lack of iron in my blood," I lied. Chiharu had that sometimes and that forced her not able to actively do sports in fear that she would faint.
"And you run?" he asked unbelievably.
"Uhh. I know I shouldn't be, but I take pills to make me better." I lied, trying to act guilty. I could feel Ryoko's eyes staring hard at me, wondering if I had told him to truth or not.
"I should go home now," I whispered quietly, breaking the silence. Ryoko nodded from his thoughts and politely took his bowl and mine to the sink to rinse. I walked upstairs to grab my bag and put Kero safely inside.
Being a gentleman that he was, he walked me back to my apartment even though it was only a few steps away. But it was uncomfortable, for he didn't even say one word. He just kept looking at me, sending shivers down my back.
"Um.Thanks Ryoko. It was very kind of you." I thanked politely. He just nodded but he made no effort to me. His green eyes were getting on my nerves.
As I turned to leave, I felt his warm hand on my wrist, holding me back. "Wha-" I started, looking back at him. Before I could do anything, he had pulled me close and was looking into my eyes intently.
"Ryoko, I really need to go," I blabbered. He was getting scary.
He just tilted his head slightly. And before I knew what was happening, he was bending down on me.
I pushed him away with my hands, yet his grip was still strong. "Ryoko, please!" I begged, tears running down my cheeks. He wiped them away gently before claiming my lips on his own. More tears flowed down my face as I tried to push away, not even responding to his kiss.
His kiss, however, was light. Ryoko pulled away suddenly when he caught what he was doing.
He gulped; I could see his Adam's apple moving up and down uncomfortably. "I really like you Sakura." He whispered, looking up at me, with tears swimming in his eyes. My eyes widened just a bit.
"I really do." He insisted when I didn't reply. More tears flowed down my cheeks. I just stood away from him when he wanted to wipe them away.
"Onegai, Sakura." He begged me.
He walked a few steps toward me. With how many steps he walked towards me, I walked away from him until I felt my door behind my back.
I used a bit of magic secretly to get the door unlocked. "I can't love you." I whispered, while turning the doorknob. "I love Syaoran," I whispered. With that I opened my door and locked it behind me quickly. I leaned against the door and heard his footsteps fade away faintly.
Kero flew out of my bag and patted my shoulder comfortably. "You did the right thing, Sakura." He confirmed. "I'll call to see if Yue has arrived in Hong Kong yet."
"Oh, right." I echoed. Magic, Sakura. There's something wrong here. Forget Ryoko! I shook my head and made a mental note to tell Otosan that I was going back to Hong Kong. Touya was there, so maybe he'd be more able to let me go back.
*** Hong Kong. Syaoran's POV***
I could hear someone calling my name, her voice begging through tears. A tinge of pain surged through my heart; I couldn't bear to hear her cry.
"Don't cry," I thought, biting my lip. Her voice was so familiar.
Her crying only got more desperate. Then I heard those words. The words that stunned me for a while.
"I can't love you," the female voice stated whimpering. "I love Syaoran." her voice clear in the end.
She loved me?
She?
Kami ... It couldn't be here was it? It was she all along? Her?
Oh, Kami, why didn't I notice earlier? All those small signs and her smiles at me. And those teary eyes when she first saw me.
She loved me.
Kami. The most frustrating thing was I didn't know my feelings for her. I looked at the scarf, the blue and yellow one on my bed.
I was torn between my past and present.
How the future would end was a mystery to me.
Kami, help me.
*** How was it? GOMEN for not updating soon! As you have known from reading my author's note or the story itself, I have been starting a new fic! Hehe. I love my new fic and this one as well. But my new fic. how would you say it? Well. more original is what I have been receiving lately. And more sweet as well. Please review that story as well, and thanks for those who already have! And I'll STILL be continuing this story as well.. I'll probably be alternating between the two. Gomen for not updating in SO long. I know you've all been disappointed.
I still love you all who are reading this and I hope this chapter has been going well with everyone.
Much love, Rainbow Dreamer.
By Rainbow Dreamer and co-author Cryst and Ying Fa
*Dedicated to Cryst and Ying Fa, who have helped me with this story. If it weren't for you both, none of this would of happened. Arigato.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT, I repeat, I do NOT own CCS. It belongs to Clamp! I think you all know though, that this story is my own and every idea is of my own. Yep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I HAVE A NEW FIC! Hehe. I know, I know, I'm not even done with this one yet, but as I was thinking what to write, I had this marvelous idea for a story so I wrote it. It's titled "Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids." A very nice title, don't you agree? Anyhow, it would be greatly appreciated if you would review that story as well. And since I got myself into this mess of having two fics at once, I'll try my BEST to get a new chapter up.
IF YOU REVIEWED FOR THE LAST CHAPTER, LOOK FOR YOUR NAME UNDER SPECIAL THANKS BELOW!
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Lilyflower: My drama queen! Hehe. It's the necklace? Hmm.. That would be interesting actually. Ryoko? Poor red-headed him is involved in all this?!
Kan-Chan: I must say here that women have a great sense of intuition. Hehe.
Orchid Angel: What do you think? Is Kali good or bad? So far most have labeled her as "bad." Your idea?
Usagi yf: GOMEN. If you checked your mail at jen_net1924@hotmail.com, I have written you an apology letter since this is the second time, although I did note receive a review from you last chapter. Don't know. Guess fanfiction can be a little weird sometimes. Anyhow, deepest apologies.
Emma: Thanks for reviewing so fast! Hehe.
Keetra: LOL. The part about the perfectionist made me laugh. Hehe. And about the cussing back. LoL.
Sweet Madison: My smiley girl! Hehe. Glad you're so glad. Thanks ever so.
SKC: Thank you for allowing me to use abbreviations; its less time consuming. What kind of evil is Kali? You, my friend, have to figure that one out by yourself.
Crystina: Hehe. Added what in, by the way?
Sakura Potato: Wow. you actually replied about your three thanksgivings. Heheh, it sounded quite interesting actually. And besides. the more to be thankful of! And thank you for being so understanding; it's really nice of you.
Idiot2002: Kali's trouble? Is she?
Cherryz Angel: Hmm. you agree with Idiot2002 that Kali's evil huh? You guys both seem to hate her a lot. Hehe. We'll see if she is. But for now, here's the next chapter.
Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Glad you're so happy.
Emerald Rose: Hehe, sorry about the cliffhanger. And here's your "more." LoL. And I'm glad that you think my fic's getting better.
Archangemon: Once again, I thank you for your comments. I will see if I can change my style of writing and maybe be not so redundant. One cannot become a good writer without good and bad reviews, and because of that, I thank you.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO:
"Damn!" A loud curse filled the quiet room. A few restless bodies stirred in their sleep. "Damn!" The voice came again, this time more harsh. "Meiling, wake the hell up!" The voice continued raspy.
"Um. What?" The girl asked, blinking her ruby red eyes sleepily. "Wha." Then her senses hit her quickly and automatically, she brought her guard up. "What in the hell happened?" She demanded.
"Don't ask me!" The voice retorted, brown eyes glaring back at his cousin. "I woke up to find the three of you asleep."
"But we were just." She looked around her surroundings. Tomoyo and Eriol were beginning to wake up.
"Eating, I presume." Syaoran answered, gesturing to the food. He bent down and touched them. "They're stone cold. What happened to you guys?" He asked.
True to his words, most of their food were untouched and were cold. Meiling stared at the food intently, trying to put together what had happened while the four of them were asleep.
"What has happened?" Eriol asked, clearly knowing that situations were serious. Meiling didn't bother replying and all Syaoran glare around the room with his sharp amber eyes.
"Eriol?" Tomoyo asked, her lily eyes portraying the confusion she held inside. Eriol hushed her quietly and enveloped her into a one armed hug tightly. She sighed softly and leaned into his warmth, yet her brows were knitted together worriedly.
"I don't know the hell why we fell asleep." Meiling growled, her hands into fists, "but I plan to figure it out."
"How long?" Eriol asked.
"Two hours," Meiling replied, pointing to the clock. Eriol frowned. How could they have fallen asleep, especially while they were eating? It was most likely impossible. It must have dealt with magic but there wasn't a trace of magic anywhere. He had spread out his magic but felt nothing.
"Did you feel anything?" Syaoran asked.
Eriol shook his dark blue hair no. "Have you? You were actually sleeping sleeping," He replied.
Syaoran paused and looked at his three friends who were studying him intently, waiting for an answer. "I've been losing my magic slowly," He replied quietly, quite ashamed of himself for not being powerful enough. He had been trained his whole life to keep his pride up and now he has let that come down.
"When?" Was Eriol's only reply. No pity or sympathy; that would of hurt.
"Since the day I got sick. It was slowly and I didn't think much about it until the doctor came." Syaoran replied.
"Don't worry. I'm sure there is a way to figure this all out." Tomoyo quipped, trying to add some cheerfulness. "I'm sure Sakura's all right and she should be coming soon right? And Yukito will be here as well."
"I hope she is." Syaoran whispered. "But somehow things just don't feel right. I can't put a finger on it exactly but I can sense it."
"Same." Eriol supported. "And I'm almost positive that some magic has been going around while we were 'asleep.' Someone's trying to stop us from stopping things to get worse."
"Duh!" Meiling cried, frustrated. "I damn hope Sakura's all right or I'll bite the next person that frustrates me!"
The three just stared at her weirdly, but then they had gotten use to her anger.
"Oh. Syaoran. Kali came a while ago before we um. fell asleep. She left a get well gift on your desk." Tomoyo said, after a while. She was starting to clear her mind and sort things out.
Syaoran frowned slightly, but headed over to his desk. Opening the bright blue wrapping paper, he found a sky blue scarf. Meiling suppressed a giggle that came from her mouth. Clearly she could not imagine Syaoran in a sky blue scarf with bright yellow suns on the ends. Tomoyo smiled slightly, but warned Meiling not to laugh too loud in case to be glared or yelled by Syaoran.
Instead, nothing happened. The two cringed, waiting for his harsh remark. None came.
"Syaoran?" Meiling asked worriedly.
"I remember something like this." He started. His fingers ran over the material and discovered that Kali had made the scarf herself. "But different.."
Syaoran opened a small card that in her neat handwriting printed "Syaoran, hope this will prevent you from getting sick. Thank you for everything you've done. I hope you really do get well soon. Love, Kali."
"Love?" Meiling mimicked in a valley girl voice. She rolled her eyes. "Don't make me die laughing."
Tomoyo ignored her remark and looked at Syaoran who was looking at the scarf. The purple haired girl frowned. A scarf?
She racked her memory for a scarf Sakura had given Syaoran. No doubt the memory was about Sakura; that was the only person he couldn't remember clearly. She found herself a many years back when Syaoran had just came to Japan for not even about a year. If she remembered clearly, it was a time when they were still card capturing.
"Eriol, we need to go to my house," She said urgently. "I need to look in my tapes for something."
"Syaoran?" Eriol asked, wondering if it was okay to leave.
"Just keep your guard up." Syaoran replied, tossing the scarf on his bed. There was no use thinking of something; he couldn't remember it. Besides, the magic now was more important anyhow.
Eriol nodded. "You're the one to be careful, with your magic fading as well." He replied. Syaoran winced; he just had to bring that up again.
Eriol and Tomoyo quietly left the room to Tomoyo's house. She knew that she could find what she wanted in her tapes.
*** Beijing. ***
"SAKURA!" Kero yelled as he flew over to his mistress who was in middle of a wide-open field and battling some unknown substance. He changed into Cerberus in mid air, his eyes blazing fire.
"Kero! Stay out of this!" Sakura called back. "Its strong!" She called back, dodging a watery attack from this shadowy figure. It was almost invisible but flashes of its orange magic were present.
The enemy, upon sensing the sun guardian's arrival, shot a watery attack at the fire beast.
"Kero!" Sakura yelled. "Shield! Protect Kero!" She demanded, throwing the Sakura card into the air.
Kero was about to shield the attack by his wings, but a faint pink bubbled saved him. "Sakura, don't waste your energy!" he called back, flying up away from the enemy for a while.
"Lightening!" She called out. The shadowing figure seemed to move, its presence shifting a bit. As she was watching the water electrify, her joys were shattered when the figure changed its attack.
Before Sakura could decide what to do next, the figure shot a dark blast towards her. Her mind reeling, she called upon jump and quickly ran away, but was hit sharply on her left shoulder that sent her flying. Kero cried and zoomed down to save his mistress. The figure stepped between them and blocked him with water that was impenetrable.
"SAKURA!" The guardian roared, wanting to go to his mistress. He charged and breathed his hottest fire upon the water wall, but nothing prevailed.
"Ugh." Sakura moaned lightly at her left shoulder but struggled to get up, her staff still tightly in her hands. What had hit her? It was unlike anything she had met before. And who was this that had this huge amount of power without her noticing before?
Then she noticed Kero trying to get to her, but the wall divided the two. "Kero!" She cried, running over to him. Kero frantically made motions, but voices were unable to be heard. At the last moment, she knew what he wanted to tell her.
But it was too late. A black ball of darkness was shooting right at her. "Shield!" She cried, spinning around on her heels quickly.
It was coming; it was too fast. Shield appeared quickly, wanting to protect its mistress. Yet, the force came down, shrinking the distance between Sakura and the shield. Sakura stubbornly held her staff in her hands. What would she do now?
The figure crackled evilly and added a huge amount of pressure on the shield. The shield was shaking, trying its best to protect the mistress it loved so much. Sakura sensed its determination and smiled softly. She placed a hand on shield lovingly and closed her eyes. She could feel the shield's pains and that hurt her.
"No, Sakura. You can't do that," Kero pleaded, once he knew what the mistress had in mind. "Onegai, Sakura.. "
Her card seemed to know what was about to happen as well, for she strengthened her barrier. It wouldn't let her mistress get hurt.
Sakura felt what it was doing. "Arigato," She whispered.
The card stubbornly built up on its protection. Sakura smiled sadly. She could feel the darkness that hit her slowly draining her energy and perhaps magic as well. She closed her eyes.
"Shield, come back." The mistress whispered. The card defied the order for a while, the shield flashing lightly. But slowly, the card went back to its own form for it was Sakura's orders.
"NO!" Kero cried. He slammed forcibly against the wall. Damn! Why was he so useless? He was to protect her!
Sakura bowed her head, a tear sliding down her cheek to the floor. "Gomenasai," She whispered, but her hands still clutched her staff firmly. She could feel the blackness coming right at her.
She closed her eyes and let what was to come come.
Kero roared angrily, refusing to admit this result.
The cards were glowing a bright pink, wanting to save and protect their mistress whom loved them so much.
"Gomenasai, Kero." Sakura whispered. "Sakura cards, Tomoyo, Eriol, Meiling, Otosan, Oniichan, Wei."
"Gomenasai, Syaoran." She said and bowed her head.
Something flared up suddenly in the young girl's body. She looked up and found that a familiar green aurora was protecting her in a form of a shield. The black flames had disappeared.
"Syaoran.. " She whispered. She raised her staff into a fighting stance. What had she been thinking of? Tossing her life away when she had so much to live for?
And she knew that Syaoran still loved her. Still knew who she was. His magic here to protect her was enough for her. The way he protected her in every of her battles was enough. He was enough.
Sakura touched the green aurora and the green magic went inside her. She smiled; it was as if Syaoran was right there with her.
"Light!" Sakura called. "Attack." She commanded authoritatively. Light obeyed and flew towards the figure, shattering the dark flames that were coming towards Sakura.
The figure looked at her and disappeared suddenly. Light smiled and flew back into its card form. All of the cards glowed a bright pink, expressing their happiness before turning back to their original form.
The water barrier suddenly collapsed and Kero came charging out. "SAKURA!" he roared. "Don't you ever dare do anything like that again! I felt so. helpless."
"Oh Kero," Sakura whispered. "Gomen." She hugged the sun guardian tightly.
"I really thought that you would die right then." He whispered. He was really afraid of that.
"I promise I won't do something foolish like that again." Sakura apologized.
"Promise?" Kero demanded. Sakura smiled meekly.
"Hai." She replied. She turned and looked up at the sky. "Arigato Syaoran."
Kero watched as the mistress closed her eyes, folding her hands in front of her chest into a prayer. He knew that Syaoran had protected her somehow right then during the moment of peril.
*** Hong Kong. ***
Syaoran was lying on his bed, resting with his eyes closed. Somehow he seemed worn out. Suddenly a magical tie came to him.
"Arigato Syaoran." A familiar female voice whispered in his head as she sent a vibe of strong magic into his body.
He sat up suddenly on his bed. He felt much more powerful magically than before. "Who are you?" He questioned silently.
There was no reply but in his magic he could sense a familiar warm aurora.
"Sakura?" he whispered. He walked to the window and placed a finger on the cool glass pane.
*** Somewhere ***
"Kami, can't you do anything right?" A voice demanded angrily. "You fool!" It was womanly voice, her voice rising.
"He did nothing wrong." Another womanly voice, though sounding more experienced. "Now we do know what's with them."
"What do you mean nothing? Have you forgotten the reason why we were sent here? It was not to kill." The first voice demanded.
"I have not forgotten." The older one stated calmly. "True; he had done more than what was needed, but it showed what they feel."
"Gomenasai." The third voice interjected. "I should of used another way."
"Oh. gomen. I guess I was over reacting. I don't want to see them worse than they are now." She stated.
"Now that that's settled. How shall we progress?" The older woman asked. "Time's running out. We need them."
The three nodded and disappeared into thin air, a white feather of most delicate flew down from the sky.
*** Beijing. Sakura's POV ***
Urgh. My head was spinning and I just couldn't think right. I slowly opened my heavy eyes and stared at the gray ceiling. I blinked again. Didn't I have a white ceiling in my room?
"Thank Kami you're all right." A voice said relieved. I blinked and registered what I had heard for a while.
"Kero?" I asked. My head was buzzing so hard it was hard to think straight.
"The one and only." He replied, flying up to my face. I smiled warily at his words.
"Where am I?" I asked, looking around. It was a neat and orderly room with only a desk, computer, and a closet.
"Um. you see you were hurt so bad that you kind of fainted in front of our apartment room." Kero started to explain. "And that red headed kid came along and brought you along to his house."
"Ryoko Kai?" I asked unbelievably. Yes, this was his room with his precious guitar leaning against the wall.
A polite knock came from outside the room. Kero immediately turned into a doll and Ryoko came in. "You're awake? You should have called me." He reprimanded me lightly.
"What happened?" he asked as he changed the wounds on my left arm carefully. I winced lightly at the pain.
I refused to answer his question. "How long have I been here?" I asked.
"For about five hours." He responded. "What happened? You were so hurt when I found you."
"Thank you." I replied calmly. "Can I call my Otousan to tell him I am fine?" I asked, avoiding the subject clearly.
"Hai. The phone's right next to you," Ryoko responded. I thanked him kindly yet in his eyes there was a streak of stubbornness.
I called my father and told him that I was at Ryoko's house. He said that he was aware of that because Ryoko had called him. It was certainly nice of him to do so. He and I talked a while and he promised that he would come home earlier and carry me back home. I smiled at myself. Everyone was so caring and nice to me. I was such a fool for tossing my life away just then.
Ryoko was waiting for me at outside the room with his light green eyes looking at me, expecting an answer.
"Well?" He asked, his arms crossed. He followed me to the kitchen where I helped myself to a bowl of warm soup that he had made on the stove. He filled a bowl for himself as well.
"Well?" He demanded, more forcefully this time. I just sipped my soup.
"Sakura Kinomoto, you are not leaving until you tell me the reason why." Ryoko stated clearly. "I helped you there and I think I deserve to know what I've saved you from."
I sighed and looked at him. His light almost clear green eyes were stubborn as his chin was set in such an obstinate angle. "I sometimes get dizzy in the head from the lack of iron in my blood," I lied. Chiharu had that sometimes and that forced her not able to actively do sports in fear that she would faint.
"And you run?" he asked unbelievably.
"Uhh. I know I shouldn't be, but I take pills to make me better." I lied, trying to act guilty. I could feel Ryoko's eyes staring hard at me, wondering if I had told him to truth or not.
"I should go home now," I whispered quietly, breaking the silence. Ryoko nodded from his thoughts and politely took his bowl and mine to the sink to rinse. I walked upstairs to grab my bag and put Kero safely inside.
Being a gentleman that he was, he walked me back to my apartment even though it was only a few steps away. But it was uncomfortable, for he didn't even say one word. He just kept looking at me, sending shivers down my back.
"Um.Thanks Ryoko. It was very kind of you." I thanked politely. He just nodded but he made no effort to me. His green eyes were getting on my nerves.
As I turned to leave, I felt his warm hand on my wrist, holding me back. "Wha-" I started, looking back at him. Before I could do anything, he had pulled me close and was looking into my eyes intently.
"Ryoko, I really need to go," I blabbered. He was getting scary.
He just tilted his head slightly. And before I knew what was happening, he was bending down on me.
I pushed him away with my hands, yet his grip was still strong. "Ryoko, please!" I begged, tears running down my cheeks. He wiped them away gently before claiming my lips on his own. More tears flowed down my face as I tried to push away, not even responding to his kiss.
His kiss, however, was light. Ryoko pulled away suddenly when he caught what he was doing.
He gulped; I could see his Adam's apple moving up and down uncomfortably. "I really like you Sakura." He whispered, looking up at me, with tears swimming in his eyes. My eyes widened just a bit.
"I really do." He insisted when I didn't reply. More tears flowed down my cheeks. I just stood away from him when he wanted to wipe them away.
"Onegai, Sakura." He begged me.
He walked a few steps toward me. With how many steps he walked towards me, I walked away from him until I felt my door behind my back.
I used a bit of magic secretly to get the door unlocked. "I can't love you." I whispered, while turning the doorknob. "I love Syaoran," I whispered. With that I opened my door and locked it behind me quickly. I leaned against the door and heard his footsteps fade away faintly.
Kero flew out of my bag and patted my shoulder comfortably. "You did the right thing, Sakura." He confirmed. "I'll call to see if Yue has arrived in Hong Kong yet."
"Oh, right." I echoed. Magic, Sakura. There's something wrong here. Forget Ryoko! I shook my head and made a mental note to tell Otosan that I was going back to Hong Kong. Touya was there, so maybe he'd be more able to let me go back.
*** Hong Kong. Syaoran's POV***
I could hear someone calling my name, her voice begging through tears. A tinge of pain surged through my heart; I couldn't bear to hear her cry.
"Don't cry," I thought, biting my lip. Her voice was so familiar.
Her crying only got more desperate. Then I heard those words. The words that stunned me for a while.
"I can't love you," the female voice stated whimpering. "I love Syaoran." her voice clear in the end.
She loved me?
She?
Kami ... It couldn't be here was it? It was she all along? Her?
Oh, Kami, why didn't I notice earlier? All those small signs and her smiles at me. And those teary eyes when she first saw me.
She loved me.
Kami. The most frustrating thing was I didn't know my feelings for her. I looked at the scarf, the blue and yellow one on my bed.
I was torn between my past and present.
How the future would end was a mystery to me.
Kami, help me.
*** How was it? GOMEN for not updating soon! As you have known from reading my author's note or the story itself, I have been starting a new fic! Hehe. I love my new fic and this one as well. But my new fic. how would you say it? Well. more original is what I have been receiving lately. And more sweet as well. Please review that story as well, and thanks for those who already have! And I'll STILL be continuing this story as well.. I'll probably be alternating between the two. Gomen for not updating in SO long. I know you've all been disappointed.
I still love you all who are reading this and I hope this chapter has been going well with everyone.
Much love, Rainbow Dreamer.