Once upon a Time

Chapter 3

Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura belongs to CLAMP, not me.

Konnichiwa everyone! Thank you so much for the reviews!

Sorry for the delay in updating any stories! I've been extremely busy, with school, homework, and practice. Maybe this weekend I'll post up two chapters to make up for it, one in this fic and one in another.

On with the fic!

A.N- This chapter is a little poetic. I think it's because of all the different writing that I had to do in school…^_^

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Da Dum. Da Dum. Da Dum.

Blackness…

The Stars…Gone from my view…

Da Dum. Da Dum. Da Dum.

My hands…they're disappearing…

Panting, Sakura yanked up from bed, her weary eyes already open. Last year, she was a heavy sleeper, her alarm always moment too late, for she kept hitting the snooze button. But this year was different, as Sakura usually slept lightly. Sometimes she didn't sleep at all.

Dragging herself out of the room, Sakura pushed open the door, expecting to see an empty expanse of vast halls. Instead, she saw someone huddled on the floor.

"Tomoyo-chan!" she exclaimed. What was she doing there? Quickly, she covered her mouth; she didn't want to wake her friend. Draping a blanket over the sleeping girl, Sakura crept down the stairs and towards the door.

Just as she was about to reach for the doorknob…

"Where do you think you're going!" demanded a gruff voice.

Whirling around, Sakura saw Syaoran. Crossing his arms over his chest, the amber-eyed boy glared at her.

"N-n-nowhere!"exclaimed Sakura, sweatdropping. "W-what are you doing here?" The mean look in his eyes was scaring her. She'd never seen him that mad before.

"Do you know what you tried to do yesterday?" interrogated Syaoran.

"Yes. So what? It's not like anyone cares anyway."

Suddenly, Syaoran laughed. A laugh replete with harshness, bitterness. "Fine Sakura. Go. Do whatever you want. But don't expect me stand by and watch you kill yourself."

"Stop! Stop talking to me like I'm an insubordinate, underneath you. I know what I'm doing! Leave me alone!" screamed Sakura.

Grabbing the doorknob, Sakura flung it open, the hinges creaking as they slammed against the wall. Throwing a frown at the scowling boy, the girl ran out, the vociferous breeze fanning her hair as she ran barefoot, the harsh stones cutting her bare skin.

Wincing, Sakura fought to hold the gasp from the wounds on her feet. She sensed Syaoran behind her. Ever since their old cardcaptoring days, Sakura could perceive Syaoran's presence, and Syaoran the same with her. It was helpful in defeating enemies, but now it seemed annoying and a hindrance.

From the top of the stairs, Syaoran watched her. Why was she so independent? Didn't she know he would always be there for her, just like she'd always been there for him?

"Sakura! Wait!" he called.

Whirling around, Sakura answered," What?"

Tossing her a jacket, Syaoran replied," It's cold. Wear this. And I'm coming with you."

Grateful, Sakura slipped it on. Her old pink cardigan, the one she had forgotten at Tomoyo's house so many years ago. A soft pink, the hue of cherryblossoms on a spring morning.

"Thank you, Syaoran-kun," replied Sakura softly.

"Hey. No problem, "said Syaoran. At her somber and reflective countenance, Syaoran apologized," Listen. I'm sorry for yelling at you earlier."

A small smile on her lips, Sakura whispered," It's ok. I know I've been acting selfish lately, so I deserve it. I don't know what I would do without you and Tomoyo."

The two figures walked in comfortable silence, enjoying the serene song of the birds, and the way the breeze felt rolling on their skin. Slowly, Sakura's cold hand fell into Syaoran's warm one.

Her hands were so delicate, infinitely small in his. So icy…Like a fading bottle crashing across the waves, to be scattered among the ocean rivets in innumerable directions. There would be no reason to live with out her. No reason to pull himself from the abyss of dreams, of nightmares and mixes of reality.

"Sakura…I-I"

Smiling radiantly, the glow over her face spread across her features, lighting up her soul. It was the first time she had smiled like she used to. She was beautiful.

"Thank you Syaoran."

"No, thank you," he whispered, transfixed by her gentle aura.

Taking her by the hand, Syaroan led her to a pond. Together, they looked into the translucent water, their image reflected off the infinite molecules of liquid.

"What do you see?" asked Syaoran curiously.

An old legend decreed that whatever was seen in the lake was the truth. Nothing deceived the trustworthiness of the sea. Lucid and pure like a mirror, only the heart was reflected.

"I-I see you. And me. " answered Sakura, uncertain of the question.

"I see a girl who is capable of facing hardships and adversity, coming out unscathed ontop. A girl who always smiles. " corrected Syaoran.

Sakura giggled, the rich sound of light, silver bells. "You're lying."

But when she turned to see his amber eyes, the intensity and sincerity in those bottomless orbs caught her off guard. It was the truth. No one could have those eyes and lie.

"No I'm not."

Then Sakura's stomach rumbled, and she turned red. "Hehe…I guess I'm hungry."

"It's my fault. Come on, I'll take you to a nice restaurant."

"For breakfast?"

"Yes, my treat."

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The next day

"Syaoran, are you going to wake her up?" prodded Tomoyo.

For the last few days, Syaoran had slept in the guest bedroom at Tomoyo's house, to be near Sakura. He helped her pass the days, and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Reluctantly, Syaoran shook Sakura's shoulders. He didn't want to disrupt her peaceful slumber. An angel with a slight smile gracing her lips. The world was vibrant flowers in the field of dreams. Upon opening her eyes, she would find the sorrow and pain that was unrelenting, draining the air of its lightness and strength.

Excruciatingly, the eyes slide open, revealing shining orbs of emerald green within. Sweet lips curved upwards, and then a "Syaoran-kun? Is that you?"

Unwilling to leave the sanctuary of warm blankets and a soft mattress, the girl pulled herself out of bed. Bony hands rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and soon she was looking up at her two friends, who stood indecisively by the door.

"I don't bite, "remarked Sakura softly, unsure why her friends were treating her indifferently.

Immediately, Tomoyo's face changed, from pity to her old expression of veneration. "Of course! Let's go shopping!"

"Shopping?"

"Yes. Remember all the fun we would have laughing at ridiculous outfits and trying on new clothes?"

Sakura closed her eyes pensively. Digging through the cobwebs, which were her memory, she vaguely recalled a time of exuberant joy. But it felt like so long ago…Like she'd grown up, and didn't appreciate the simple joy of the sun's ray on a cold day. A second Sakura, one who didn't know herself.

"I don't think so, Tomoyo,'' she said softly.

"Oh. I'm sorry for asking," added the girl hastily.

"No. Thank you for offering. But maybe…when I'm ready. Some other time."

"That sounds good."

"Tomoyo! Time for your singing lesson!"announced Sonomi, from downstairs.

Sighing, Tomoyo answered, "Be right there okaa-san!" To her friends, she appologized, "Gomen, demo I'll see you later. Enjoy your day Sakura-chan." Before she descended the stairs, she squeezed Sakura's hand, a guesture of reassurance.

The room empty except for Sakura and Syaoran, it seemed unnaturally large. "Well, what would you like to do today?" asked Syaoran.

"Well…," began Sakura hesitantly, "I don't think you want to come."

"Of course I do. Where?"

Her throat closed upon her, and she had to fight the tears that threatened to flow down. "The-the graveyard. I want to visit onii-chan and otou-san, "she replied quietly.

Taking her hand, Syaoran lifted Sakura's chin. "Sakura. I would do anything for you. Let's go."

Sakura smiled, but the full meaning of the words wasn't understood.

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Fujitaka Kinomoto

Loving father. Faithful friend.

Touya Kinomoto

Kind son. Protective Brother.

These were the few words that commemorated two lives upon earth. A cotton tissue pressed suffocatingly against her nose, Sakura didn't bother to hide the tears that were coursing down. Her otou-sam, her onii-chan. How had this happened? Of course it wasn't true. It was too ridiculous. How could she imagine a life without Touya's teasing, or her otou-san's gentle smile?

It wasn't true. She refused to believe it. An eternal nightmare that would never end, never the respite received when the glow of the sun pierced through the shadowy wold of monsters.

"Syaoran-kun, it isn't true, right? Tomorrow I'll wake up, and see it's all bad dream."

Onii-chan…tomorrow he will call me a kaijuu, and I will step on his feet, yearning for the day when I will be the tallest tree in the world, taller than even onii-chan. So that I may one day beat him in his own game. And otou-san…on the morrow, the mouthwatering scent of pancakes will waft to my nose, and after stomping eagerly down the stairs I will witness the harbingers of another sun, the smile of a kind father. It's not true, right?

With eyes of passionate hope, Sakura looked to the young man beside her, whose eyes were sad as hers. But no words of solace were uttered by his voice, for there was none. Instead, he held her in his arms as she cried, tears that would only pass with the coming of the world's merciful time.

And so they stood. What was presumed to be a day of enjoyment and freedom was the day for yet more tears, and yet more sorrow. But with sorrow comes the belief that tomorrow will be better. And perhaps our heroine will smile, or the faint glimmer of humor in her beautiful eyes. And if not, there will always be our favorite hero to pick up the pieces.

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Awwwww…what did you guys think? Hehehe…please review! It would mean a lot to me, since I'm taking time to write this. As for other chapters, look forward to an update later this week or early into next week. In my "creative process" I'm working on "hidden princess" "love your enemy" and "misunderstandings." But "enchanting duel" seems to have grabbed my attention at the moment, so the next one up will most likely be from that story. Once again, thank you for the support. It's what makes writing an extra plus!

Eeek…isn't school killer? Well, I seem to have it under control now, so expect more updates. Sorry to those who are waiting for my stories; they're almost ready!

Ja ne!