A/N: God, this is taking forever. Thank heavens for reader patience. The whole lot of you are absolutely cracking!
By my reckoning, the Sword Card episode took place a day after the Thunder Card. But I could be wrong. You see, I've never actually seen a single episode of Card Captor Sakura, the original Japanese version. Not one. I've seen most of Cardcaptors, but of course that's not much use if you like your obsessions to have a little more depth than "Oh, a Card! I'm going to catch it. No, I'm not going to explain why or anything; that's above the average viewer's intelligence". So all my information is gathered from summaries and sites. Moonbrat's Cherry Blossoms is absolutely essential to this fic; I wouldn't know what I was doing otherwise.
Bear that in mind, please forgive any mistakes I changed Keroberos to Cerberus. One day I'll add in the Silent Card episode, Peacewish. Until then, enjoy.
xxx
Tuesday 12th June, 1998
Hi, Klao.
My dear boy, are you alright?
I don't really know. I feel kind of numb.
I feel terrible that things have happened this way.
Every time I think about what's happened, I feel like something is crushing me into the ground. I don't want to eat. I don't want to sleep. Everything is wrong and nothing has turned out how I thought it would. I hate Kinomoto. I didn't want to go to school today but Wei made me; all day I glared into the back of her head and wished she didn't exist.
It's not fair to blame this all on her. She probably stumbled into it with no idea what was happening; she's probably quite frightened.
I don't know. I don't care. All I want is for her to be far, far away from here, and for yesterday never to have happened. She even tried to thank me for my 'help' last night. 'Help'! I shouldn't have been 'helping' her; I should have been the Cardcaptor. All morning she was disgustingly chatty, asking me questions about my robes and Hong Kong. I don't know what she's playing at, whether she's trying to get inside information to use against me or something, but I'm not fooled by it and I made sure she knew I wasn't impressed.
Perhaps she was just curious.
Probably. She wouldn't have the wit to dream up something like getting inside information. One thing was weird, though; she said she'd seen my robes before. In a dream or something; that sheds some light on the strange way she acted last night when I jumped down from the tower. I wonder… I mean, I suppose I can't deny that she does have some power, untrained and undisciplined as it is. Maybe… maybe the Cards sent out a vision, and she caught it! Maybe they expected me, as the Li heir, and knew what I looked like! She might have just perceived the will of the Cards!
Perhaps Sakura has some kind of telepathic or prophetical ability. It wouldn't be unheard of.
Hm. Anyway.
Japanese schools have some odd rituals, as well… a boy called Yamazaki Takashi told me it was my turn to be the Nichoku, a kind of school helper I suppose. I had to clean the board, write reports, and – wait for it – sing and dance at recess. Weird. Must be a Japanese school thing.
Er…
Anyhow, Kinomoto proves herself more clueless every day, every hour. She actually fell asleep in class. I can't think of anything more disrespectful! Terada-sensei woke her, and told her she obviously needed to go to bed earlier, if she felt the need to sleep in class. I privately congratulated him. What a rude thing to do; she has no respect.
Last night must have tired her out.
Last night tired me out. I don't fall asleep when people are giving up their time in order to teach me things.
Yes… well, you're perhaps a little more rigorously trained in self-discipline.
I'll say. I don't think self-discipline is in her vocabulary.
Her friend that came along to the Thunder Card capture last night sits next to me. Her name's Tomoyo; apparently she knows all about the Cards, Keroberos, the sealing staff, everything. So much for job confidentiality. But… I don't know, in a weird way, I kind of trust her. She seems pretty down-to-earth and responsible. Clever, too. She actually got higher marks than me in our maths test. I might even have liked to be friends with her, in a different situation.
But she's infatuated with Kinomoto, of course; everyone is. Seems like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. She's the darling of Tomoeda; sweet, pleasant, generous, good at school (though nothing special, of course), good athlete, on the school cheerleading squad. Cheerleaders, I ask you. I knew she had to be a baton twirler, the way she handled the sealing staff.
Quite the all-rounder. Syaoran, I know you sound calmer than you were yesterday, but I still think you're a little in shock. How are you feeling about staying in Japan?
I don't know… I just don't know, Klao. And I still have to explain all this to Wai. I don't want to go through it again. He knows I've been out doing things involved with magic, but he hasn't pressed me about it yet – that's his way. And – oh, Klao – what about Mother?
What can I say to her? What can I do? She put all her trust in me, she sent me out to Japan, she arranged so much for me; and now, after three days, I've already failed! How can I ever hope to honour my family again? It's just like… a horrible dream! Klao, I'm living in a nightmare!
Oh my poor boy, I can't bear for you to be so upset. You're not a failure. I feel terrible that things have happened this way; I wish I'd had foresight enough to prevent it.
I just can't stand the thought of coming home in shame! My whole family; Mother, my sisters, even Mei Ling; what will they think of me? It's over before it's even begun! I just want to curl up and never speak to them again. I can't face telling them all I've failed…
Believe me, Syaoran, I wish more than anything that you hadn't been so overlooked. It was a gross negligence. But please listen to me; your part in this is not over. This girl will need you – the Cards will need you. Sakura Kinomoto is new to all this, inexperienced and probably quite scared. It's your job to oversee things – every project needs supervision. You have knowledge, you have training. You are intelligent and strong. When put to it, you are calm, objective and thorough. Think of your good qualities. You have not failed.
But I'm not the Cardcaptor.
It doesn't matter. There is no 'leader' in this quest. Everyone who contributes is valuable. Think of last night; yes, Kinomoto has been pronounced Cardcaptor, and has the staff, but would she have been successful if it weren't for you?
She sealed the Thunder…
Yes, she did. And how did she seal it?
She – she used the Shadow Card.
And who advised her to use that particular Card, instead of Windy?
I did.
What would have happened if she had used Windy?
Windy isn't strong enough to deal with Thunder. The Card would have been damaged, and Thunder left unsealed.
Who stopped the Thunder Card's lightning from striking the bell tower, saving you all from bad injuries?
I did.
Who transformed Thunder into its true form, enabling its capture?
I did.
Don't leave for Hong Kong. Stay. You are needed.
…
Klao? I… feel a bit better.
…
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Tuesday 12th June, 1998 (later)
Klao! I don't have time, really, but I just HAD to tell you – there's magic, Klao, something's happening. I'd literally only just closed you when I felt it. I used the Rashinban and it's pointing a bright beam of light steadily between the houses. I'm already in my robes and have my sword – I shouldn't really be writing now because I need to get there before Kinomoto, but I just had to let you know. I'll fill you in later!
Tuesday 12th June, 1998 (later)
I'm home again, and my finger's bleeding again.
What happened?
That – that thing - bit it again. TWICE. Stupid plush toy.
Oh, you mean Cerberus…
It's NOT Cerberus! Not how I imagined him, the beautiful Guardian Beast with the golden eyes! I refuse to acknowledge that… thing is part of the tradition I've grown up on! It – it's nothing but a joke, a sick joke!
Oh dear. Did you find what was causing the Rashinban to react?
Yes… the Sword Card. It had turned up at Kinomoto's house, would you believe, and she hadn't realised it until it was too late. It makes me so angry! A lot of people were endangered because of her negligence!
Try to stay calm, Syaoran. Start from the beginning.
I followed the Rashinban beam to her house. As I turned the corner into her street, I saw three figures struggling on the pavement. Kinomoto was crouching on a low streetlamp, looking terrified. Tomoyo was at the gate, crying out for her to look out. Another girl, one from our class I think (I found out later that her name is Rika) was standing before the lamp holding none other than the Sword – as I ran to them, she swiped viciously at Kinomoto.
She didn't- she didn't hit-
Relax, Klao. Kinomoto wasn't hurt. Sadly.
Syaoran…! I know you're less than fond of her, but that is a truly awful thing to say! I'm ashamed of you!
I… I'm sorry…
Don't apologise to me. Never, EVER wish hurt on another person. It's a dangerous gamble, especially when you're strong in magic. Can't you see that?
I…
I know you're right, of course you are, I shouldn't have said that. I came here to protect people, not hurt them. It was wrong of me… please don't be angry, Klao…
…I know you didn't mean it, Syaoran. But you should NOT throw tempers around lightly. I got a bit angry then, but it's only because I understand how damaging that kind of path can be, and I don't want to see you going that way.
I'm sorry. Believe me. I know I shouldn't have said that; I got carried away.
Never mind; let's forget it. I'm sorry I startled you. Do carry on with your story…?
Alright. And I'll remember what you said.
Well, Rika's slash cut the lamp entirely in two. Kinomoto had fallen to the ground, and Rika was raising the Sword over her. Tomoyo was sobbing with fright. The thing is, though – Kinomoto had the sealing staff in her hand, but she wasn't using it! She was just lying there holding it. Rika brought the sword stabbing down towards her but by then I'd reached them, and used my sword to block the attack.
I stood and faced the Sword. It was obvious that Rika was possessed; her eyes were blank and unfocused. I drew my sword back, as did she. But then Kinomoto…
I'm sorry, Klao, but I'm going to get angry with her again. She grabbed my arm, activated the Jump card and pulled us both into the air. We landed in a bush some way off.
I was FURIOUS with her. How DARE she pull me about like that? I was about to separate Rika from the Sword Spirit! She said she did it because didn't want me to hurt her friend. Well, honestly, what does she think I AM? I came here to protect people! I would have fenced with Rika, and twisted the Sword from her grip, then Kinomoto could have sealed it. Now she was half a street away from us, still possessed, alone with Tomoyo by the gate. Tomoyo might have been killed. Did Kinomoto think of THAT, before she left her best friend with an unsealed Attack Card? No, she didn't, because she DOESN'T think.
Then, all of a sudden, she ran away, yelling to the plush toy to make sure me and Tomoyo stayed where we were. I was almost screaming. SHE, order ME to stay put while she goes off and fights a Card? Was SHE going to fence with it? She wouldn't know the first thing about martial arts. I yelled after her – something I probably shouldn't have, actually – and the plush toy bit my finger. It doesn't seem to be able to do anything else.
Anyhow, I still wanted to see how Kinomoto would fare fencing the Sword. But no; she took out the Illusion Card. So that's another one she has; I really, REALLY want to know how many she's caught so far, it's absolutely killing me. I mean, I know she hasn't got Firey and Earthy, because the plush toy isn't able to become the true Guardian Beast yet, but how far away is she from completing the set? And HOW has she managed to catch any at all? She's so incompetent!
So you've said. But what did she do with the Illusion Card?
Oh, yes. Well… I suppose it did work, after all. But she had extra information! How was I to know seeing Terara-sensei would bring Rika out of her trance? My method would have worked as well. It's-
Terada-sensei? Your teacher?
Kinomoto made the Illusion call up the image of the person Rika most wanted to see. I couldn't quite see it properly, because of course the Illusion is individual to everyone who perceives it (I'm sure Kinomoto wouldn't know THAT), but from the hazy outlines it looked like Tereda-sensei. Rika murmured something, too – it could have been his name. And while she was fixated by the Illusion, Kinomoto smacked her wrist and loosed her grip on the Sword. I was a bit surprised she knew how to disarm someone by shocking the wrist-muscles, I have to admit.
So, Tereda-sensei was the person Rika most wanted to see?
Yes. Bit strange, I mean, I enjoy school, but I wouldn't count my teachers among my favourite people.
Perhaps Rika – well - likes her teacher?
Perhaps. Girls are weird like that.
So, Rika was separated from the Sword Spirit, and Sakura sealed it.
Yes.
But how did the Spirit possess her in the first place?
It turns out that the three girls were buying brooches on the way home from school. The Sword had disguised itself in the shape of a small ornamental clasp, which Rika chose. They all went to Kinomoto's house, where later they put the brooches on, and Rika was possessed. Which means that the Card was right next to Kinomoto for hours before she realised what it was, and even then it was because it manifested itself, not because she sensed it.
There was… just one other thing. We were all standing in Kinomoto's driveway. Rika was in a dead faint; she had been ever since the Sword was sealed. I wonder if everyone in the world will know about the Cards before Kinomoto's through! But anyway. That… that strange boy that turned up, you know, in the playground when I had a standoff with Kinomoto's brother?
I remember. He offered you a nikuman.
…Yes. Well, he- turned up again. He asked what was going on. And he… he came over to me, and looked at my finger where the THING had bitten it, and asked if I was ok… and I felt the same as yesterday. Nervous and hot and stupid. I couldn't think of anything to say, so I just ran. I felt like such an idiot. He- he was just looking at me, in this concerned way, and my tongue dried up and my mind froze… I don't know. I don't know what's happening. He said he was looking for Touya, who must be Kinomoto's brother, so I suppose he's one of his friends.
How strange… perhaps this boy…
…
Yes, Klao? What were you going to say?
I… nothing, Syaoran. That's very odd indeed. I hope you're not too disappointed about today.
I don't know. It hurts to see Kinomoto with the staff, andCerberus as a petty toy. It really hurts. And she sealed the Card by herself, without my advice. So don't try to tell me I'm essential to this quest this time. I'm still thinking of leaving Japan.
Well, I won't, but only because I know that deep down, you actually realise that you are. You saved her life; you blocked the Sword's attack. She'd be in two pieces if it weren't for you.
Well… you're right. As usual. I suppose she would. Lucky for her I'm around, actually… for a while.
If you want to leave, Syaoran, there is nothing that I or anyone else can do to stop you. But by staying, you are ensuring that you are a part of the Cards history, and a valuable peace-keeper. It would have been a disaster today without you. If you leave, you'll be forgotten in the story of the Cards. You'll have thrown away your chance at playing a part in their capture.
Klao. That was evil.
But you'll stay.
I… oh, maybe! Maybe. I want to be part of the Cards' history. You know how to get your way, don't you? You're not a Sorcerer for nothing, after all.
Of course. Would you expect any less? You'll thank me one day.
Oh, Klao. You're one of a kind. I'll think about it, alright?
Well, that's good enough for now, I suppose.
Wai's calling me for tea. I'll write in again tomorrow; I want to find out what Rika knows, among other things. I'm sure you'll want to be kept posted.
As always! Speak to you soon, Syaoran.
Bye, Klao.
A/N: Once again, I just want to say how touched I am by the brilliant reviews I've gotten. And by that, I meant that you reviewers have actually told me what you like and dislike about this fic. Constructive criticism is so valuable, and I'm really impressed at the time people have taken to tell me what I could change to make this better.
It's true, SSCherryBlossomII, this fic looks to be ridiculously long and slow... I'm trying to find a balance at the moment. I want to get a good story-pace going, but it's so tempting to include every little thing I want to that the fic ends up being drawn-out and stagnant. Bear with me, I'll try my best to rectify it!
Also thank you for the compliments you gave me. I'm very flattered you're impressed with my writing. Yes, Klao's advice is all straight out of my own head, but it's really just a mixture of grandparent's ramblings, film clichés and some old fable cards I found under my bed. Likewise, I didn't do as much research on Chinese culture as I should have - notice one time I skipped over Klao's request for Syaoran to tell him about the state of China at the time; I have no idea about Chinese politics. Silly me.
Cherry-Chan, thank you for the names, although I knew who most of the CCS characters were before I started writing... I, also, hate and despise Nelvana. (cue angry mob, pitchforks, torches)
Heather, as far as I know, the derogatory term Syaoran used to address Sakura was 'baka'... translated into 'moron', I believe. Got that from the CCvsCCS site. Also, you pronounce 'Klao' the same way as 'Syao' in Syaoran. Thank you for your sweet comments :)
Everyone else - you are all excellent people. I will send virtual sacks of sherbet to each and every one of you.
Toodles!
Rumms xxx
