Chapter 13: "What should I do with you?"
Disclaimer/Author's notes/Random thoughts of insanity: Oh, look, it's me working on this story finally! ^_^ Now, before I go on, be forwarned! This contains Shoujo-ai (female/female) situations, but not to freak out too much, it's nothing explicit or scary, 'cause, well...I'm not to good at that sort of thing. Oh, and even though I do write this sort of thing I am...how did this one person put it? Straight as an Ironing board. As usual, I don't own CCS or anything related to it, just Chang Liu and Hikari. Review please! Suggestions are welcome! Character thoughts are in brackets ^_^
Sakura looked over to Tomoyo, as the two walked down the darkened Hong Kong street. Sakura had felt a large power and wanted to investigate, and, of course, she wasn't about to go anywhere without Tomoyo tagging along. They had escaped from the hotel room with pure luck, and the fact that the males slept like logs. Except for Kero-chan of course, who woke up as soon as Sakura moved slightly, and ordered for her to take him along. As soon as they were on the street, Kero-chan transformed into his true form, Cerberos. Sakura was once again wearing one of the eccentric costumes that Tomoyo had dreamed up, only this one didn't make her look like a cat. "I'm beginning to think that I was dreaming Tomoyo."
"Don't give up now," Tomoyo urged, camcorder in hand. "You can't be wrong about this Sakura. After all, you have all the cards! Your powers are strong, so you can't be horribly wrong about sensing that power." Her violet eyes then widened as she noticed something. "Is that Syaoran?"
"He doesn't look too happy," Cerberos quipped. "Obviously he wouldn't be out here dressed like that if he just wanted a midnight walk." Tomoyo gave him a glare, and the Guardian beast of the Clow shut his mouth.
"Where?" Sakura asked immediately, looking around. She then saw the young Li with Meiling, and they looked incredibly worried. "Syaoran!!" Running over, she caught the young man's attention and noted the extremely worried look on his face. "What's the matter? Why are you guys out so late?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Syaoran commented tonelessly.
"Syaoran, what's the matter? And where's Hikari?" Sakura questioned, now becoming really worried about Syaoran's expressionless face.
"She's been kiddnapped," Syaoran explained, looking directly into Sakura's green eyes. "And only one person could have the power to do such a thing."
"Chang Liu," Tomoyo finished for Sakura, who was apparently stuttering on the name. "Do you guys have any idea where she might've taken Hikari?"
"None," Meiling answered. "She could be masking her power from Syaoran so that he can't sense her. But I don't have any idea of where she could be. You sensed something, didn't you, Sakura? Do you know where Hikari is?"
Sakura looked at the normally aggressive Li and was a bit floored. She hadn't seen Meiling this sensitive and vulnerable in...well, ever. But she understood why Meiling was so scared. If truth be told, Sakura was just as scared. "I did sense something," she confided, "but as soon as we got out here, it got a lot more weak." The Card Mistress rubbed her chin, trying to come up with a way to locate Chang Liu, and not wake up the entire neighbourhood. "Syaoran, maybe we could combine our powers and--"
"Maybe I can be of assistance," a familar voice said from behind them. All four of them whirled around to see Eriol Hiiragizawa, also dressed in his cerimonial robes, but minus the hat. Spinel Sun and Ruby Moon stood behind him.[That would've been great for a cliff-hanger! ^_^] "It's definately possible that Chang Liu would mask her powers from Syaoran, and Sakura would get only a little sniff of her power. But she's on the right track. We could combine our powers and flush out Chang Liu that way." He looked to Syaoran, who looked as if he'd seen his mortal enemy. "And Syaoran, don't give me that look. We all want to find Hikari just as much as you do."
"So you followed us too to Hong Kong?" Syaoran inquired, eyebrow raised.
"You think you're the only one involved in this?" Eriol retorted, scoffing. He looked at Cerberos. "And you don't have any idea where they are? Hmph, some Guardian."
"May I remind you, Eriol," Cerberos began, trying to restrain himself from pouncing on the boy, "that Chang Liu is like nothing we've faced before. So, my powers aren't the ones we need right now to locate her. But if you three do combine your powers, we should be able to locate where she is. I'll give you that much."
"I feel special now," Eriol muttered, rolling his eyes. "Syaoran, give me your hand."
"No."
"Syaoran."
"Fine." Syaoran extended his hand to the blue haired boy, who grasped it tightly.
"Sakura, put your hand on top of ours." Sakura nodded, and did as Eriol instructed. Eriol closed his eyes, and the other two did the same. "Ancient power of Clow, combine our powers to find the one who threatens our peace." The three were covered in a golden glow, and a strong wind blew past them, and a golden beam of energy made a beeline to the northeast. Eriol then opened his eyes, and saw the beam of energy. "Northeast...that means she's across the city."
"And Hong Kong's so big," Tomoyo whispered, as she looked out at the neon lighting of downtown. "I think we have our work cut out for us guys."
"Yeah," Sakura nodded. "Fly card! Release and dispell!" Immediately, two white angel wings appeared on her back, as well as Syaoran. It was a nice little variation that Sakura found out she could do, with thanks from the advice of Kero-chan. "Meiling, Tomoyo, you two can get a ride on Cerberos, and Eriol, I'm sure Spinel Sun would give you a lift?"
"Of course," Eriol nodded. "Let's go. We don't have time to waste."
"Wait," came another voice. The group turned around this time to see Yue. "I want to come with you." (I must come with them. There's a strange connection I feel to this young girl. It can't be anything other than the fact we have the same allignment. In any case, I'm going with them. No question.)
"Sure," Sakura nodded. "Let's go!" And the group took to the air, following the beam of golden energy, which now emitted from Eriol's palm. (I just hope we get there in time...)
* * *
Chang Liu smirked as she watched her captive sqirm against the confinement of her chains. She had taken the liberty of changing her captive's clothes, and now Hikari was wearing a white version of Chang Liu's outfit, with black designs. "Just like a lamb being led to slaughter," Chang Liu began, the smirk still present on her beautiful face. "It's useless to resist, you know. Those chains are specially made to nulify your powers. So you can't get out. You're my little plaything."
"Like hell I am," Hikari spat, as she rattled her chains again, as if that would magically break them. "I am no one's *plaything* and I'm sure as hell not yours!" (Damnit, I'm so weak! If I'm so damn strong, why did she capture me so easily? What if the prophecy's wrong? What if I *can't* defeat Chang Liu? What if she wins?) Hikari hung her head at the possiblity. It was certianly a possibility. (Syaoran....I'm so sorry...)
"Giving up so soon?" Chang Liu asked, her hands firmly placed on her hips. "You're not what I expected. I wanted to have a little fun with your fiery spirit." She moved closer to Hikari, leaning in, and before she could say something, Hikari's feet shot up and connected with the older woman's stomach. Chang Liu clutched her stomach and glared at Hikari. "You little....! Heh, I see what you're doing. Playing possom? Well then. Guess I'll just have to get my revenge." She ran a hand down Hikari's face and smirked as Hikari snapped her head away.
"Don't touch me," Hikari hissed, glaring at her.
"You're not one to pass orders, now are you? I'm not the one chained up to a wall, so your orders are void," Chang Liu explained in an infuriating 'because-I-know-more-than-you' tone. "And since your little friends can't sense my power, there's no one to save you." Suddenly, Chang Liu pressed her lips against Hikari's, claiming the younger woman's mouth in a heated kiss. She pushed her tongue into Hikari's mouth, exploring the wet, unfamilar cavern.
Just as Chang Liu was about to go further, Hikari's feet rose up again, knocking the older woman back. "I *said* don't touch me," Hikari snapped, her breathing going in ragged patterns. "I don't know what the hell you were thinking, but stay the hell away from me!" (She's trying to psyche me out. But I did enj....no! I didn't! It's just a tactic to break me. Can't say it isn't working to a degree. Stop thinking like that, Hikari! You need to find a way out of this! Now think...what do you know that can counter-act this? . . . . .of course! You don't need to transform to get out of this!) Chang Liu wrinkled her nose, wondering what the younger girl was smiling about.
"What's gotten you so happy?" Chang Liu asked, as she rubbed her hip.
"Do you really feel the need to tie me up?" Hikari asked, rattling her chains for effect. "I mean, if you're so powerful, then why do you have me tied up?"
"You're trying to trick me into getting you out," Liu said, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you were better than that, Reed. This is so clear that I don't even need to diginfy your plea with a response. You better just shut your mouth and wait until I'm ready to deal with you again." She turned around, walking to another room, probably to heal the bruises Hikari gave her.
"Power of Clow, power of might, surrender your power, to the child of night," Hikari whispered, and looked up to see the metal of the cuffs turn red. (I just hope I don't burn myself too badly. The last time I tried this I suffered first degree burns. But this is when it counts...and I can borrow Liu's power to do this too. Thank you Grandfather.) "I call upon the power of Clow, lend me the spirit of Fiery to release me." Hikari bit her lower lip as the metal of the cuffs began to glow even redder, causing the pain to increase dramatically. (I can do this. It's just a little pain, I can take it...who am I kidding?! This is KILLER!) She couldn't scream, not unless she wanted to be used as a punching bag by Chang Liu. The Guardian of Syaoran bit her lip a little too hard, and soon she broke the skin, causing a small, but steady stream of blood to run down her mouth. But in a few more moments, she burned the metal cuffs off, and rubbed her wrists. "I have to remind myself never to do that again." (I'm glad Chang Liu's not here.)
Hikari thought too soon, however, as Chang Liu came back out, perfectly fine. Liu's eyes widened, and she let a hiss leave her mouth. "How did you escape? I was sure I drained your power!" She seemed completely furious with the fact that the younger woman was free. Hikari was still feeling the effects of literally burning herself to freedom. "No matter. I'll have to knock you out cold to make sure you don't escape." Hikari didn't reply, but put her guard up, as Liu charged at her. Quickly, she dodged the first shot, and stuck out her foot, hitting Liu straight in the stomach. Liu retaliated with a right hook to Hikari's jaw, making the youth stagger back almost to the wall. Just as Liu was about to connect with a spin kick, Hikari ducked, causing Liu to hit the still hot metal, well, what was left of the cuffs. Liu's feet were not covered with shoes or anything, so she was in a great deal of pain as her bare feet hit the hot metal.
The young Guardian took advantage of Liu's disadvantage by doing a knee lift to Liu's stomach, then brought her hands together, hammering the Soceress to the ground. Just as she did so, she saw Syaoran, Sakura, Meiling, Tomoyo, and Eriol, along with Yue, Cerberos, Spinel Sun and Ruby moon crash through the north stain glass window. "You guys don't have to make such a big entrance you know." They all turned around at whiplash speed at the sound of her voice. She could figure why they all had such wide eyes, as she wasn't such a pretty sight. The blood had been splattered over her shirt, yet still fell neatly from the corner of her mouth. Hikari wiped the spot with her forearm, a faint smile on her face. "So, how are you guys doing?"
"What silly question," Yue smiled, as he came over. He moved a stray lock of Hikari's hair back, his hand almost careful not to touch her face. "We're all fine, but what about you? Are you all right? You don't look--"
"That great, I figured," Hikari nodded, looking towards the ground. "I'm okay....in a lot of pain, but you know, I'll be okay..." Syaoran came over, and gave her a tight hug. "Hey, how you doin', Xiao? Hope I didn't worry you too much." She blinked a few times, wondering how much longer it was going to be until she passed out.
"Let's just say I almost had a heart attack," Syaoran smiled. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah....fine....I'll be able to...go...back...." Hikari drifted off, as she promptly passed out into Yue's arms. Sakura looked to Meiling, who had a small smile on her face. The situation was a little funny, considering the small bit of irony in Hikari's claim to being okay. Yue was surprised at her sudden collapse into his arms, but seemed relieved that she was okay.
Eriol had a small smile on his face, as Ruby Moon looked a bit miffed at the scene before her eyes. "It seems like Chang Liu is out cold for a bit," Eriol observed, checking her pulse. "She's alive, but is going to be hurting in the morning. Seems like Hikari gave her a run for her money." He smiled, glad inside that Hikari was able to give Chang Liu such a beating without transforming. (She is indeed the one chosen to defeat Liu. I just hope she can keep it up.)
"I'm glad she's okay," Sakura nodded, as Cerberos nodded. "Yue looks to be greatly relieved too." The said Guardian was holding Hikari like she was the most precious thing in the world, careful not to disturb her slumber.
Yue lifted her up in his arms, and looked down at her, a smile on his face. (I'm so glad she's okay.) He then raised an eyebrow, as if to question his recent thought. (I'm glad? Why? Is it because of the connection I feel with her? Do I. . .have feelings for her? But I am void of any emotion.....I can't...) Yue's icy blue eyes flashed with worry, with concern with this sudden realization. (I do have feelings for her. But I thought. . .I guess there's a first time for everything.) He looked down at her, she looked so inncocent in her sleep, and Yue smiled faintly.
"Yue." The white haired Guardian of Sakura turned to Cerberos, whom of which had called him out of this thoughts. "I believe we should get Hikari back to the Li house with Syaoran and Meiling, and ourselves to the hotel before Fujitaka and Touya notice that we're not there."
"I agree, Cerberos," Yue nodded. Quickly, the large group exited the large building the way they came, and without any further interupptions, got Hikari, Syaoran and Meiling back to the Li house, and had to hurry like mad to get back to the hotel before sunrise. Yue, however, chose to stay out for the last few hours of the night, assuring Sakura that he'd be back before Touya or Fujitaka woke up. The winged Guardian sat on the rooftop of the hotel, gathering his thoughts. (I wonder, are my feelings for Hikari purely out of the fact that our allignment is the same? That we were made by the same magic? But she's not like me...she's human. Clow Reed granted her the power to transform into a Guardian...That connection. It's powerful. It's almost as if...did Clow Reed give me a soulmate? He couldn't have. It's not possible for a creature made of magic to love. But what is this strange feeling then? The sun's about to rise. I better return to my borrowed form.) Yue came back inside the hotel room, and after sliding into the bed beside Touya, transformed into Yukito.
Chang Liu had woken up furious. She couldn't believe that the brat had beaten her up and escaped. That was the final straw. She wasn't going to dance around it any longer. The time to open the Gate was fast approaching, and Chang Liu wasn't going to fail. Failure wasn't in the Chang Clan's vocabulary. Hikari Reed/Kiseki wasn't going to stand in her way. If she had to destory all of Hong Kong before she opened the Gate, so be it. Liu wiped the spot on her mouth where a large cut had opened up, and cleaned herself of all the blood. (You may have escaped this time, Hikari, but I assure you, your life will end by my hands, and I will have the Tear of Destiny. Remember, I drew first blood, and I will draw the last. Whether it be yours or Syaoran's doesn't matter to me. It'll definately be Syaoran's, but I wouldn't mind getting rid of you either. I will rule this dimention, as well as the others!)
The long haired Sorceress' fist snapped a punch to the mirror, shattering the glass into a thousand small chards. The reflective peices were arranged in such a way that it still showed Chang Liu her reflection, although they were in an abstract formation. She growled, and the peices shattered into even smaller ones. "Failure isn't an option. I will succeed. And if it means I have to destory every one of these pathetic mortals, then so be it. I won't let that weak Hikari Reed stand in my way. Sakura and her little Guardians won't interfere either. Eriol Hiiragizawa, Clow Reed's reincarnation. Your powers are useless in this battle. They'll all die."
* * * *
Author's notes: Man, is she po'd or what? I would be too, considering...anyways, that's another chapter done and checked. How'd you like it? Anything you'd like to see? Anything that I messed up? Did I insert a dub name in there somewhere? Feedback is always welcome! If you've got suggestions, let me know, I always like to get second opinions and the like. See you on the flip side, and keep it real all! ^_~
Disclaimer/Author's notes/Random thoughts of insanity: Oh, look, it's me working on this story finally! ^_^ Now, before I go on, be forwarned! This contains Shoujo-ai (female/female) situations, but not to freak out too much, it's nothing explicit or scary, 'cause, well...I'm not to good at that sort of thing. Oh, and even though I do write this sort of thing I am...how did this one person put it? Straight as an Ironing board. As usual, I don't own CCS or anything related to it, just Chang Liu and Hikari. Review please! Suggestions are welcome! Character thoughts are in brackets ^_^
Sakura looked over to Tomoyo, as the two walked down the darkened Hong Kong street. Sakura had felt a large power and wanted to investigate, and, of course, she wasn't about to go anywhere without Tomoyo tagging along. They had escaped from the hotel room with pure luck, and the fact that the males slept like logs. Except for Kero-chan of course, who woke up as soon as Sakura moved slightly, and ordered for her to take him along. As soon as they were on the street, Kero-chan transformed into his true form, Cerberos. Sakura was once again wearing one of the eccentric costumes that Tomoyo had dreamed up, only this one didn't make her look like a cat. "I'm beginning to think that I was dreaming Tomoyo."
"Don't give up now," Tomoyo urged, camcorder in hand. "You can't be wrong about this Sakura. After all, you have all the cards! Your powers are strong, so you can't be horribly wrong about sensing that power." Her violet eyes then widened as she noticed something. "Is that Syaoran?"
"He doesn't look too happy," Cerberos quipped. "Obviously he wouldn't be out here dressed like that if he just wanted a midnight walk." Tomoyo gave him a glare, and the Guardian beast of the Clow shut his mouth.
"Where?" Sakura asked immediately, looking around. She then saw the young Li with Meiling, and they looked incredibly worried. "Syaoran!!" Running over, she caught the young man's attention and noted the extremely worried look on his face. "What's the matter? Why are you guys out so late?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Syaoran commented tonelessly.
"Syaoran, what's the matter? And where's Hikari?" Sakura questioned, now becoming really worried about Syaoran's expressionless face.
"She's been kiddnapped," Syaoran explained, looking directly into Sakura's green eyes. "And only one person could have the power to do such a thing."
"Chang Liu," Tomoyo finished for Sakura, who was apparently stuttering on the name. "Do you guys have any idea where she might've taken Hikari?"
"None," Meiling answered. "She could be masking her power from Syaoran so that he can't sense her. But I don't have any idea of where she could be. You sensed something, didn't you, Sakura? Do you know where Hikari is?"
Sakura looked at the normally aggressive Li and was a bit floored. She hadn't seen Meiling this sensitive and vulnerable in...well, ever. But she understood why Meiling was so scared. If truth be told, Sakura was just as scared. "I did sense something," she confided, "but as soon as we got out here, it got a lot more weak." The Card Mistress rubbed her chin, trying to come up with a way to locate Chang Liu, and not wake up the entire neighbourhood. "Syaoran, maybe we could combine our powers and--"
"Maybe I can be of assistance," a familar voice said from behind them. All four of them whirled around to see Eriol Hiiragizawa, also dressed in his cerimonial robes, but minus the hat. Spinel Sun and Ruby Moon stood behind him.[That would've been great for a cliff-hanger! ^_^] "It's definately possible that Chang Liu would mask her powers from Syaoran, and Sakura would get only a little sniff of her power. But she's on the right track. We could combine our powers and flush out Chang Liu that way." He looked to Syaoran, who looked as if he'd seen his mortal enemy. "And Syaoran, don't give me that look. We all want to find Hikari just as much as you do."
"So you followed us too to Hong Kong?" Syaoran inquired, eyebrow raised.
"You think you're the only one involved in this?" Eriol retorted, scoffing. He looked at Cerberos. "And you don't have any idea where they are? Hmph, some Guardian."
"May I remind you, Eriol," Cerberos began, trying to restrain himself from pouncing on the boy, "that Chang Liu is like nothing we've faced before. So, my powers aren't the ones we need right now to locate her. But if you three do combine your powers, we should be able to locate where she is. I'll give you that much."
"I feel special now," Eriol muttered, rolling his eyes. "Syaoran, give me your hand."
"No."
"Syaoran."
"Fine." Syaoran extended his hand to the blue haired boy, who grasped it tightly.
"Sakura, put your hand on top of ours." Sakura nodded, and did as Eriol instructed. Eriol closed his eyes, and the other two did the same. "Ancient power of Clow, combine our powers to find the one who threatens our peace." The three were covered in a golden glow, and a strong wind blew past them, and a golden beam of energy made a beeline to the northeast. Eriol then opened his eyes, and saw the beam of energy. "Northeast...that means she's across the city."
"And Hong Kong's so big," Tomoyo whispered, as she looked out at the neon lighting of downtown. "I think we have our work cut out for us guys."
"Yeah," Sakura nodded. "Fly card! Release and dispell!" Immediately, two white angel wings appeared on her back, as well as Syaoran. It was a nice little variation that Sakura found out she could do, with thanks from the advice of Kero-chan. "Meiling, Tomoyo, you two can get a ride on Cerberos, and Eriol, I'm sure Spinel Sun would give you a lift?"
"Of course," Eriol nodded. "Let's go. We don't have time to waste."
"Wait," came another voice. The group turned around this time to see Yue. "I want to come with you." (I must come with them. There's a strange connection I feel to this young girl. It can't be anything other than the fact we have the same allignment. In any case, I'm going with them. No question.)
"Sure," Sakura nodded. "Let's go!" And the group took to the air, following the beam of golden energy, which now emitted from Eriol's palm. (I just hope we get there in time...)
* * *
Chang Liu smirked as she watched her captive sqirm against the confinement of her chains. She had taken the liberty of changing her captive's clothes, and now Hikari was wearing a white version of Chang Liu's outfit, with black designs. "Just like a lamb being led to slaughter," Chang Liu began, the smirk still present on her beautiful face. "It's useless to resist, you know. Those chains are specially made to nulify your powers. So you can't get out. You're my little plaything."
"Like hell I am," Hikari spat, as she rattled her chains again, as if that would magically break them. "I am no one's *plaything* and I'm sure as hell not yours!" (Damnit, I'm so weak! If I'm so damn strong, why did she capture me so easily? What if the prophecy's wrong? What if I *can't* defeat Chang Liu? What if she wins?) Hikari hung her head at the possiblity. It was certianly a possibility. (Syaoran....I'm so sorry...)
"Giving up so soon?" Chang Liu asked, her hands firmly placed on her hips. "You're not what I expected. I wanted to have a little fun with your fiery spirit." She moved closer to Hikari, leaning in, and before she could say something, Hikari's feet shot up and connected with the older woman's stomach. Chang Liu clutched her stomach and glared at Hikari. "You little....! Heh, I see what you're doing. Playing possom? Well then. Guess I'll just have to get my revenge." She ran a hand down Hikari's face and smirked as Hikari snapped her head away.
"Don't touch me," Hikari hissed, glaring at her.
"You're not one to pass orders, now are you? I'm not the one chained up to a wall, so your orders are void," Chang Liu explained in an infuriating 'because-I-know-more-than-you' tone. "And since your little friends can't sense my power, there's no one to save you." Suddenly, Chang Liu pressed her lips against Hikari's, claiming the younger woman's mouth in a heated kiss. She pushed her tongue into Hikari's mouth, exploring the wet, unfamilar cavern.
Just as Chang Liu was about to go further, Hikari's feet rose up again, knocking the older woman back. "I *said* don't touch me," Hikari snapped, her breathing going in ragged patterns. "I don't know what the hell you were thinking, but stay the hell away from me!" (She's trying to psyche me out. But I did enj....no! I didn't! It's just a tactic to break me. Can't say it isn't working to a degree. Stop thinking like that, Hikari! You need to find a way out of this! Now think...what do you know that can counter-act this? . . . . .of course! You don't need to transform to get out of this!) Chang Liu wrinkled her nose, wondering what the younger girl was smiling about.
"What's gotten you so happy?" Chang Liu asked, as she rubbed her hip.
"Do you really feel the need to tie me up?" Hikari asked, rattling her chains for effect. "I mean, if you're so powerful, then why do you have me tied up?"
"You're trying to trick me into getting you out," Liu said, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you were better than that, Reed. This is so clear that I don't even need to diginfy your plea with a response. You better just shut your mouth and wait until I'm ready to deal with you again." She turned around, walking to another room, probably to heal the bruises Hikari gave her.
"Power of Clow, power of might, surrender your power, to the child of night," Hikari whispered, and looked up to see the metal of the cuffs turn red. (I just hope I don't burn myself too badly. The last time I tried this I suffered first degree burns. But this is when it counts...and I can borrow Liu's power to do this too. Thank you Grandfather.) "I call upon the power of Clow, lend me the spirit of Fiery to release me." Hikari bit her lower lip as the metal of the cuffs began to glow even redder, causing the pain to increase dramatically. (I can do this. It's just a little pain, I can take it...who am I kidding?! This is KILLER!) She couldn't scream, not unless she wanted to be used as a punching bag by Chang Liu. The Guardian of Syaoran bit her lip a little too hard, and soon she broke the skin, causing a small, but steady stream of blood to run down her mouth. But in a few more moments, she burned the metal cuffs off, and rubbed her wrists. "I have to remind myself never to do that again." (I'm glad Chang Liu's not here.)
Hikari thought too soon, however, as Chang Liu came back out, perfectly fine. Liu's eyes widened, and she let a hiss leave her mouth. "How did you escape? I was sure I drained your power!" She seemed completely furious with the fact that the younger woman was free. Hikari was still feeling the effects of literally burning herself to freedom. "No matter. I'll have to knock you out cold to make sure you don't escape." Hikari didn't reply, but put her guard up, as Liu charged at her. Quickly, she dodged the first shot, and stuck out her foot, hitting Liu straight in the stomach. Liu retaliated with a right hook to Hikari's jaw, making the youth stagger back almost to the wall. Just as Liu was about to connect with a spin kick, Hikari ducked, causing Liu to hit the still hot metal, well, what was left of the cuffs. Liu's feet were not covered with shoes or anything, so she was in a great deal of pain as her bare feet hit the hot metal.
The young Guardian took advantage of Liu's disadvantage by doing a knee lift to Liu's stomach, then brought her hands together, hammering the Soceress to the ground. Just as she did so, she saw Syaoran, Sakura, Meiling, Tomoyo, and Eriol, along with Yue, Cerberos, Spinel Sun and Ruby moon crash through the north stain glass window. "You guys don't have to make such a big entrance you know." They all turned around at whiplash speed at the sound of her voice. She could figure why they all had such wide eyes, as she wasn't such a pretty sight. The blood had been splattered over her shirt, yet still fell neatly from the corner of her mouth. Hikari wiped the spot with her forearm, a faint smile on her face. "So, how are you guys doing?"
"What silly question," Yue smiled, as he came over. He moved a stray lock of Hikari's hair back, his hand almost careful not to touch her face. "We're all fine, but what about you? Are you all right? You don't look--"
"That great, I figured," Hikari nodded, looking towards the ground. "I'm okay....in a lot of pain, but you know, I'll be okay..." Syaoran came over, and gave her a tight hug. "Hey, how you doin', Xiao? Hope I didn't worry you too much." She blinked a few times, wondering how much longer it was going to be until she passed out.
"Let's just say I almost had a heart attack," Syaoran smiled. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah....fine....I'll be able to...go...back...." Hikari drifted off, as she promptly passed out into Yue's arms. Sakura looked to Meiling, who had a small smile on her face. The situation was a little funny, considering the small bit of irony in Hikari's claim to being okay. Yue was surprised at her sudden collapse into his arms, but seemed relieved that she was okay.
Eriol had a small smile on his face, as Ruby Moon looked a bit miffed at the scene before her eyes. "It seems like Chang Liu is out cold for a bit," Eriol observed, checking her pulse. "She's alive, but is going to be hurting in the morning. Seems like Hikari gave her a run for her money." He smiled, glad inside that Hikari was able to give Chang Liu such a beating without transforming. (She is indeed the one chosen to defeat Liu. I just hope she can keep it up.)
"I'm glad she's okay," Sakura nodded, as Cerberos nodded. "Yue looks to be greatly relieved too." The said Guardian was holding Hikari like she was the most precious thing in the world, careful not to disturb her slumber.
Yue lifted her up in his arms, and looked down at her, a smile on his face. (I'm so glad she's okay.) He then raised an eyebrow, as if to question his recent thought. (I'm glad? Why? Is it because of the connection I feel with her? Do I. . .have feelings for her? But I am void of any emotion.....I can't...) Yue's icy blue eyes flashed with worry, with concern with this sudden realization. (I do have feelings for her. But I thought. . .I guess there's a first time for everything.) He looked down at her, she looked so inncocent in her sleep, and Yue smiled faintly.
"Yue." The white haired Guardian of Sakura turned to Cerberos, whom of which had called him out of this thoughts. "I believe we should get Hikari back to the Li house with Syaoran and Meiling, and ourselves to the hotel before Fujitaka and Touya notice that we're not there."
"I agree, Cerberos," Yue nodded. Quickly, the large group exited the large building the way they came, and without any further interupptions, got Hikari, Syaoran and Meiling back to the Li house, and had to hurry like mad to get back to the hotel before sunrise. Yue, however, chose to stay out for the last few hours of the night, assuring Sakura that he'd be back before Touya or Fujitaka woke up. The winged Guardian sat on the rooftop of the hotel, gathering his thoughts. (I wonder, are my feelings for Hikari purely out of the fact that our allignment is the same? That we were made by the same magic? But she's not like me...she's human. Clow Reed granted her the power to transform into a Guardian...That connection. It's powerful. It's almost as if...did Clow Reed give me a soulmate? He couldn't have. It's not possible for a creature made of magic to love. But what is this strange feeling then? The sun's about to rise. I better return to my borrowed form.) Yue came back inside the hotel room, and after sliding into the bed beside Touya, transformed into Yukito.
Chang Liu had woken up furious. She couldn't believe that the brat had beaten her up and escaped. That was the final straw. She wasn't going to dance around it any longer. The time to open the Gate was fast approaching, and Chang Liu wasn't going to fail. Failure wasn't in the Chang Clan's vocabulary. Hikari Reed/Kiseki wasn't going to stand in her way. If she had to destory all of Hong Kong before she opened the Gate, so be it. Liu wiped the spot on her mouth where a large cut had opened up, and cleaned herself of all the blood. (You may have escaped this time, Hikari, but I assure you, your life will end by my hands, and I will have the Tear of Destiny. Remember, I drew first blood, and I will draw the last. Whether it be yours or Syaoran's doesn't matter to me. It'll definately be Syaoran's, but I wouldn't mind getting rid of you either. I will rule this dimention, as well as the others!)
The long haired Sorceress' fist snapped a punch to the mirror, shattering the glass into a thousand small chards. The reflective peices were arranged in such a way that it still showed Chang Liu her reflection, although they were in an abstract formation. She growled, and the peices shattered into even smaller ones. "Failure isn't an option. I will succeed. And if it means I have to destory every one of these pathetic mortals, then so be it. I won't let that weak Hikari Reed stand in my way. Sakura and her little Guardians won't interfere either. Eriol Hiiragizawa, Clow Reed's reincarnation. Your powers are useless in this battle. They'll all die."
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Author's notes: Man, is she po'd or what? I would be too, considering...anyways, that's another chapter done and checked. How'd you like it? Anything you'd like to see? Anything that I messed up? Did I insert a dub name in there somewhere? Feedback is always welcome! If you've got suggestions, let me know, I always like to get second opinions and the like. See you on the flip side, and keep it real all! ^_~