CHAPTER SIX: Reliving the Past
A/N: Sakura's stuck in the past, and she's going to relive her judgment as a Clow card Mistress all over again. Will she be stuck in the past forever, going through her life again till she's back to her present age of 14 years old? Or will there be help somewhere? Could she resist her urge to tell someone what's going on and will that change her past? Heh heh heh, I don't know either....let's see, shall we?
A very big thank you to all the reviewers and readers out there! I wouldn't have gotten the story out so quickly without your support! Thanks for the motivation guys and gals! More review please! More More More!
PREVIOUS CHAPTER: They sat together in comfortable silence. Sakura was the first to rise. "Yukito-san, I better head back home. See you tomorrow at the archery match."
"Bye, Sakura-chan, see you tomorrow."
And Sakura left, with anticipation for tomorrow.
====================================== The next morning, Sakura prepared lunchboxes to bring to the archery match. Though she didn't do the task with as much gusto as she does normally. Part of her was excited to see Yue again, yet dreading the judgment. She really didn't want to fight Yue, but there's no other choice. Of course, she has the confidence to win Yue, having fought and won him in her past. She pushed these unhappy thoughts out of her head and headed for Seijou High, Yukito-san's school, the place where the match is held.
After meeting up with Tomoyo and Syaoran, they sat down where the audience is supposed to sit and watched the match. Tomoyo made some comments on how Yukito and Mizuki sensei were both very good at archery, but Sakura could only nod in silence, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a sense of heaviness in her heart. Tomoyo was so absorbed in the match that for the first time, she missed Sakura's mood. Syaoran was also busy watching Yukito- san, whom he still has a little crush on.
Sakura's POV: Oh Yue, do I really have to fight you? Of course I do, I know, but....How I wish I'm back in the present, where you are starting to warm up to me a little. Though you always try to hide your concern for me behind your cool expressionless façade or nonchalant replies, I know better. You are much more like Yukito-san then you know. Both of you so kind and gentle, but Yukito-san is better at expressing himself than you, that's all. I really miss you so much Yue, it hurts. But soon, soon I'll get to see you again, safe and sound, and that's all that matters to me.
While Sakura were occupied with her thoughts of Yue, the other guardian, Keroberos was watching Mizuki-sensi warily. She suddenly sensed that someone was watching her, and missed her shot, losing the match to Yukito. Tomoyo and Syaoran clapped, and Sakura followed after she snapped out of her thoughts. Yukito soon joined them for lunch, and Sakura tried to act as normal as possible, not wanting to raise suspicions or causing worry among her friends. She was about to take the paper cups when she realized that Kero-chan is gone. "Hoeeee!!" Then she remembered that Kero-chan is having a talk with Mizuki-sensei, and she sighed with relief. They others stared at her strangely, and she just shrugged, smiling sheepishly. The group had a great lunch, and soon everything was consumed. (A/N: Hard to have any leftovers when Yukito's around)
They packed up as the sun dipped down, casting red-orangey rays across the town. Sakura didn't bother looking for Kero-chan this time, knowing that he's ok and will join her soon enough. Once Kero-chan returned to her side, they sensed the last Clow card- Earthy. Without hesitation, she ran behind a nearby tree and changed her key into a staff. Using the sleep card quickly, she put the passer-bys to sleep. Then she summoned Fly and flew to Kero-chan. The ground was starting to crack up, and big chucks of earth shot up from the ground. Ignoring Mizuki-sensei who's still awake as Sakura already know her real identity, she shouted to Tomoyo to stick with the teacher. Mizuki-sensei seemed surprised at this. Sakura remembered that the sensei is not affected by the Earthy, so Tomoyo should be safe with her. She signaled to Kero-chan to follow her as she flew up to the sky, searching for the last Clow card.
Kero-chan shouted, "It's the Earthy!" And Sakura nodded calmly. "Yes, and we have to find it soon." Kero-chan was taken aback at Sakura's calmness, but he focused on helping her trace the whereabouts of the Earthy. "It's there!" Kero-chan pointed out almost at the same time that Sakura discovered it. She swooped down and use the Woody card. In a matter of minutes, the Earthy was overcome and captured. Kero-chan transformed into his original majestic state. Sakura smiled and said, "Welcome back, Keroberos." Kero-chan grinned, "Hey! You recognized me!" Then his expression turned solemn as he blamed himself. "If Earthy is not the last card, I would have regained my powers sooner, and be more of a help in capturing the cards." Sakura hugged him and shook her head, "You have already been a GREAT help! Now, let's go back to the others."
Tomoyo and the rest didn't recognize Kero-chan of course. But they soon caught on after Kero-chan explained things. Tomoyo happily brought out Sakura's new outfit and Syaoran's usual traditional green robe, to commemorate the capturing of all Clow cards. She commented that Kero-chan looked a bit sad, and Sakura kept quiet, knowing fully why he's sad. Kero- chan's worried about me, but he doesn't need to. I won't lose. Sakura thought, as she wrote her name on the last card. Tomoyo asked, "Both Syaoran and Sakura has the Clow cards, so who will be the Master/Mistress?" Kero-chan looked at Mizuki-sensei, while Sakura looked at the still sleeping Yukito. But not for long, for Yukito rose into the air as his body shone with an ethereal white light. The Clow magic seal appeared beneath his body, and white wings sprang forth from his back. They enveloped his entire body, and Yukito was gone, replaced by a being with feathery white wings, long silver hair and cool silver-violet eyes.
Kero-chan exchanged some words with Yue, while Sakura could only stare at Yue with longing and relief. Yue, I'm glad you are alright. I thought I would never see you again after you transferred all your powers to me, to save me. Oh Yue, how I wish I can rush towards you and hug you, but I know how the present you will react. I must be calm and face the judgement. Sakura thought with tears shinning in her eyes. She rubbed a hand over them and took a deep breath.
"So, you two are the candidates for the judgement." Yue walked towards Sakura and cupped her cheeks. He was surprised to see her calm and staring into his eyes with recognition, and......something foreign. But his face was expressionless when he made some cutting remarks to her and Syaoran, pronouncing the start of judgment when he reached the top of Tokyo Tower. Syaoran was first. Sakura already knew what the result would be. She bowed her head. Kero-chan was encouraging her, telling her that she'll definitely be ok. She nodded in silence. She didn't trust herself to speak. Seeing the way Yue had looked at her had affected her more than she expected. He didn't recognize me! I'm nothing but a candidate he must defeat! Of course, what else did I expect anyway? I must concentrate, I mustn't lose this judgement! Sakura finally set her confused thoughts in order as a determined look appeared in her eyes. She's prepared to fight!
Soon, Syaoran was back by her side. He had lost. Sakura felt her mind go blank as her body rose involuntarily to the air. She found herself on top of a tall building, facing the Tokyo tower. Not wanting to prolong this any longer than she can, she focused her energy and willed her Clow staff to change into the Star staff. The night sky rained with shooting stars. Once she did that, she was transported to another dimension, where she met Clow. "Sakura, this is your star power, power that's not from the dark, or the sun or the moon, but your own star power. It may twinkle faintly now, but its light supports itself, and even the smallest star will grow." Clow left Sakura with these words of encouragement before disappearing and transporting her back to the reality.
She used the Windy card to capture Yue, careful not to hurt him in the process. Yue didn't even get the chance to use any magic against her. Yue was shocked and speechless. "How did you???"
Sakura's eyes softened and she walked towards Yue. Her hands reached out and she said gently, "I know I cannot replace Clow, and I never want to be a Master to you, just a friend." Yue was surprised, but soon his expression was replaced with one of quiet resignation. This girl has won fair and square, and the Moon is definitely a fair judge. Moreover, though he didn't want to admit it, he was touched by her kind words. A friend? Nobody had ever wanted to be friends with him before. With his false form, Yukito, yes. But not him, not the cool and unapproachable Yue who keeps everyone at a distance.
He asked Sakura to close her eyes and pronounced her the new mistress of the Clow card. She sighed in relief, and joined her friends who were waiting for her. Mizuki-sensei was pleasantly surprised that she didn't even need to use the Moon Bell, and she smiled happily. Touya, hiding in a quiet corner, saw the whole judgment thing, and was also relieved for Sakura.
Keroberos and Yue transformed back to their false forms and joined Sakura with her friends.
THE END
JUST JOKING!!!!
OKAY, BACK TO THE STORY
Sakura was happy to passed the judgment, but she's now worried about Yue. She knows that Yue needs her power to sustain himself and Yukito's form. But she's still too weak to do that. No, wait a minute, she's not really a fifth grader, so she should have her 14-year old aura. It was the holidays, so she had some time to gather her aura, and to find a way to return to the present as well. Not wanting to be disturbed nor to alert anybody, she would often go to the small forest at the edge of the town to practice her magic. She hoped to regain her original powers, so that Touya doesn't need to transfer his powers to Yue/Yukito. This incident was one of the worst thing she had experienced, the sense of helplessness and guiltiness at not being able to help Yue, Yukito and also causing Touya much suffering. She vowed to herself that it would not happen a second time.
Thinking back, she remembered that once the new terms starts, Eriol-kun will be transferring to her school, and to motivate her in changing the cards into Sakura cards by plotting a series of events. Not wanting to disrupt the history too much, she decided to raise her power first, so that she'll be able to transform the cards with ease later. And also, more importantly, she needs to sustain Yue and Yukito. With a grim expression, she returned back to the task of meditation. (A/N: Sorry, I have absolutely no idea how they increase their powers, so I just thought of meditation)
She hadn't want to bring attention to herself, but as her aura grew stronger, a perceptive guardian noticed energy surging within him, and decided to pay his new Mistress a little visit.
Sitting in the middle of a clearing in the deserted forest, Sakura was deep in concentration in her meditation. Suddenly her attention was distracted by a new presence in the forest. She recognized the aura almost immediately. Sighing inwardly, she thought, "So much for not alerting anyone." Before Yue could announce his arrival, Sakura spoke. "Hello Yue- san. You are looking for me, I think?" Yue flew to her as she stood up and flicked some stray leaves off herself.
"Yes." Yue answered coolly, but his heart was thumping at Sakura's attitude. Why is she so quick to note my presence? And her tone, so soft and...familiar, as if she's speaking to a friend she's known for a long time. Much like how Touya talks to Yukito.
"What is it, Yue-san?" Sakura looked up at Yue, who was levitating a few inches off the ground. She waited patiently for Yue to explain the reason for his visit.
"Your powers are increasing rapidly." He stated.
"Oh." Sakura seemed to take what Yue had said as a compliment. Not sure of how to answer to this rare compliment from Yue, she fell silent.
"Why?" Yue asked simply, being a person with few words.
Sakura didn't know how to answer him. She couldn't tell him the truth, could she? No, Yue can't know, it may change history. Suddenly, her heart grew heavy at the burden of keeping all these secrets in her heart. She can't even touch him!!! Or can she? Her longing was so strong that she acted before her mind registered it.
Taking a tentative step forward, she reached out to lightly stroke him on his cheek. "Yue..." She murmured with tenderness. Yue was too shock to move. His mind was in turmoil. WHAT IS SHE DOING? Touching my cheek so.....so.....tenderly and calling my name in that tone! AND I'M LETTING HER? Why? But.....it feels so comforting. I haven't been touched in years, not including when I was in Yukito's form, of course. Her presence calms me, warms my heart, as much as I try to deny it, I feel....I feel something for her......something that's been buried for so long...ever since...CLOW.
With a jerk, Yue snapped his head backwards, removing Sakura's touch from him effectively. Sakura flinched, but lowered her hands. She sighed sadly.
Did I make her sad by doing that? But what do I care? I don't care for her! I will only perform my duty as her guardian and nothing else! There's only one person I ever cared for, and he's gone.....
Sakura noticed Yue's sad but gentle expression. He must be thinking about Clow-san again. Of course, he still misses him badly. Wanting to console him, Sakura said softly, "Yue-san, you must miss Clow a lot." Yue stared at Sakura with disbelief. How did she know what I was thinking?
As if reading his mind, Sakura continued. "Because you have a gentle expression on your face when you think of him. An expression I almost never see on your face." Yue looked deep into her eyes, and found them full of kindness and understanding. He turned his head away, not sure how he should react to this new discovery about his Mistress. She's not kidding when she said she wants to be friends. Words may be false, but the eyes never lie. Her eyes are filled with the same kindness and understanding when she won me in the judgment. Maybe I can trust her a little. Just a little, though.
Sakura could feel Yue's emotional barriers lowering bit by bit, and she's encouraged. Smiling, she folded her legs beneath her and sank to the ground with fatigue. She's tired from focusing her energy on the meditation since morning, and didn't want to stand for longer then necessary. Soon she'll have to return home as the sun is setting.
Yue frowned when he noticed her tiredness, the way her weary bones creaked when she sat. "What's wrong?"
"Huh?" Sakura was puzzled at the question.
"You look tired."
"I'm alright, don't worry about me." She smiled reassuringly.
Yue stiffened. Why do you lie to me? It's obvious you are exhausted. And of course I'm not worried about you, just doing my duty of a guardian to ensure the well being of my mistress. Wait, could her exhaustion be linked to the surge of power in me recently? Is she tiring herself out from trying to increase her powers? But why? She couldn't possibly know that she has to sustain the Moon guardian and its false form, could she?
Yue glanced at Sakura, and found her lying unconscious on the ground. "Mistress!" He went to her side and tried to wake her. She was out cold. A light snore surfaced from her. Yue relaxed. He shook his head, and decided to let his false form do the job of sending her home.
"Huh? What am I doing here?" Yukito looked around the dark forest in puzzlement. He started to walk a few steps when he noticed Sakura lying on the ground. "Sakura-chan!" After he discovered that she had fallen asleep. He chuckled. "What a place to fall asleep! I better send you home before To- ya gets worried." He lifted Sakura with surprising strength for his frail- looking pale arms and strode out of the forest, heading towards her home.
Inside the body of Yukito, Yue was dreaming.
This is.....Sakura-sama's room. I remember it from Yukito's memory. What am I doing here? A movement in the bed caught his eye. Someone is there?
That teenage girl, she looks so much like Mistress, only older. She seems sick, shivering and moving restlessly in bed. Huh? Tears? Why is she crying?
Someone's walking into the room.....ME? That person looks exactly like me! What in the world?
Hey! What do you think you are doing? Yue exclaimed as he saw 'himself' stroking the girl's cheeks and wiping away her tears. But the person who looks like him in the dream ignored his question. Then 'he' leaned forward and was about to kiss her when Keroberos appeared and shouted something happily.
Then the scene shifted as Yue sees 'himself' alone with the Sakura-look- alike. 'He' was unbuttoning her top. Yue's eyes popped out in alarm. "HEY STOP THAT!!! WHAT AM I DOING? I mean, what is HE doing?" Yue tried to avert his eyes, but he couldn't move an inch. He was trapped in this dream, forced to watch 'himself' doing these unspeakable acts to a defenseless girl who resembles Sakura so much. Little did he know that 'he' was just being helpful and changing Sakura out of her wet clothes to prevent her from getting worse.
Yue sighed with relief when he noticed the other 'him' dressing the girl back in a pajamas top, but his relief was short-lived. He nearly burst when he saw 'himself' taking off her skirt. "OH MY GOD! PLEASE DON'T LET THIS GO ON..." Unfortunately, nobody heard Yue's pleas. Soon her skirt came off and Yue's eyes were involuntarily drawn to her exposed legs. He gulped, and......
And Yue woke up. He was sweating mentally in Yukito's body. "What in the world was that dream???" His usual calm self was shattered as he remembered the dream he just had vividly.
The next day, Yue could sense Sakura's aura in the forest again. Yes, her powers are definitely growing. But when he saw her again through Yukito's eyes, he frowned. Yukito had been invited to Sakura's house for dinner, and so Yue was able to 'see' his mistress. He noticed that she seem more tired than yesterday, and he was concerned. Though she tried to cover her tiredness with cheerful smiles, Yue could see through them as forced. He decided to have a talk with Keroberos to find out more about this puzzling situation.
When Yukito left Sakura's home after dinner, Yue took over immediately. He flew to Sakura's room and peered inside. Seeing only Keroberos (in his false form) playing video games and nobody else in the room, Yue flew in through the open window. "Keroberos, follow me outside, we need to talk." Without waiting for a reply, he left Sakura's room and waited for the other guardian to follow him. Faintly, Yue could hear Keroberos cursing lightly. "WHAT DO YOU WANT!! I'm nearly completing the game ya know?" Keroberos glared at Yue angrily as his tiny wings flapped impatiently.
"This is not the place to talk." Yue took off gracefully into the air and headed for Yukito's house. He tossed a glance back to make sure Keroberos was following him. Satisfied that he was, Yue landed on Yukito's roof and waited.
Keroberos huffed a little before he demanded. "OK NOW YOU CAN TALK RIGHT?"
"You noticed anything wrong with our Mistress recently?" Yue asked solemnly. (A/N: Heck, he's always solemn anyway...)
"Now that you mention it, yes. Her powers are increasing daily. I told you she's worthy to be the Clow cards mistress." Kero smirked.
"And that's ALL you noticed?" Yue replied coldly.
"Of course not! She behaving a little strangely, always going out shopping and getting snacks for me, but hey, who's ever complain of having extra food eh?"
"All you can think about is food!! Are you not her guardian? Didn't you notice her tiredness? Did you really think she's really shopping EVERYDAY like she tells you?" Yue finally exploded. Not the red-in-the-face kind of explosion, but a cold-till-your-bones-are-chilled type.
"Huh? Yes, she does seem more tired than usual, but she told me that's because shopping is actually a pretty strenuous activity...hey what do you mean? Do you think she's lying about her shopping? Why would she want to do that? If she's not shopping, then what does she do everyday outside???" Kero scratched his head in bewilderment.
Yue sighed, and wondered again why he had such a dense fellow-guardian. "I saw her in the forest, meditating, trying to increase her powers. In fact, I think she's there everyday since she became our mistress."
Kero's eyes widened in surprise. "But why would she want to hide this from me? I could have helped her! It's a good thing she's so hardworking...wait a minute! Why is she trying so hard to increase her powers? Did something happen?"
"Precisely. NOW you get my question. Why, why is she doing this? And to the point of exhaustion! Didn't you see the dark rings under her eyes, how she had grew thinner, and how she drags herself when she walks?" Yue said with a barely suppressed impatience in his voice.
"Huh? YOU noticed all that?" Kero gave Yue a suspicious look.
Yue folded his arms across his chest and replied nonchalantly, "Hey, I see all that through Yukito's eyes, he's concern about Sakura, not like someone I know." It's at these times that I appreciate having Yukito as a false form.
Kero decided to ignore the jibe Yue made, and sank into deep thoughts himself. Ya, now that Yue mentions it, Sakura really does seem more tired nowadays. But why would she push herself so hard? She must be hiding something from us! I will find out from her as soon as I can. With a resolved look, Kero promised Yue that he would ask Sakura what's going on. Yue nodded with satisfaction.
"SA-KU-RA!" Kero-chan flew at Sakura when she entered her bedroom.
"Huh? What's wrong Kero-chan?"
"Why don't YOU tell me what's wrong." Kero-chan asked seriously.
Oh-oh, I can smell trouble coming. Sakura thought worriedly as Kero advanced towards her.
====TBC==== A/N: So, how do you find this chapter? Pretty long huh? I spent the entire night getting it done. My mum's getting suspicious of all the dark eye rings beneath my eyes too. But ANYTHING for Yue and Sakura!! Ok, please do review, looking forward to it really!! Zzzzzzzzzzzz must sleep now zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
A/N: Sakura's stuck in the past, and she's going to relive her judgment as a Clow card Mistress all over again. Will she be stuck in the past forever, going through her life again till she's back to her present age of 14 years old? Or will there be help somewhere? Could she resist her urge to tell someone what's going on and will that change her past? Heh heh heh, I don't know either....let's see, shall we?
A very big thank you to all the reviewers and readers out there! I wouldn't have gotten the story out so quickly without your support! Thanks for the motivation guys and gals! More review please! More More More!
PREVIOUS CHAPTER: They sat together in comfortable silence. Sakura was the first to rise. "Yukito-san, I better head back home. See you tomorrow at the archery match."
"Bye, Sakura-chan, see you tomorrow."
And Sakura left, with anticipation for tomorrow.
====================================== The next morning, Sakura prepared lunchboxes to bring to the archery match. Though she didn't do the task with as much gusto as she does normally. Part of her was excited to see Yue again, yet dreading the judgment. She really didn't want to fight Yue, but there's no other choice. Of course, she has the confidence to win Yue, having fought and won him in her past. She pushed these unhappy thoughts out of her head and headed for Seijou High, Yukito-san's school, the place where the match is held.
After meeting up with Tomoyo and Syaoran, they sat down where the audience is supposed to sit and watched the match. Tomoyo made some comments on how Yukito and Mizuki sensei were both very good at archery, but Sakura could only nod in silence, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a sense of heaviness in her heart. Tomoyo was so absorbed in the match that for the first time, she missed Sakura's mood. Syaoran was also busy watching Yukito- san, whom he still has a little crush on.
Sakura's POV: Oh Yue, do I really have to fight you? Of course I do, I know, but....How I wish I'm back in the present, where you are starting to warm up to me a little. Though you always try to hide your concern for me behind your cool expressionless façade or nonchalant replies, I know better. You are much more like Yukito-san then you know. Both of you so kind and gentle, but Yukito-san is better at expressing himself than you, that's all. I really miss you so much Yue, it hurts. But soon, soon I'll get to see you again, safe and sound, and that's all that matters to me.
While Sakura were occupied with her thoughts of Yue, the other guardian, Keroberos was watching Mizuki-sensi warily. She suddenly sensed that someone was watching her, and missed her shot, losing the match to Yukito. Tomoyo and Syaoran clapped, and Sakura followed after she snapped out of her thoughts. Yukito soon joined them for lunch, and Sakura tried to act as normal as possible, not wanting to raise suspicions or causing worry among her friends. She was about to take the paper cups when she realized that Kero-chan is gone. "Hoeeee!!" Then she remembered that Kero-chan is having a talk with Mizuki-sensei, and she sighed with relief. They others stared at her strangely, and she just shrugged, smiling sheepishly. The group had a great lunch, and soon everything was consumed. (A/N: Hard to have any leftovers when Yukito's around)
They packed up as the sun dipped down, casting red-orangey rays across the town. Sakura didn't bother looking for Kero-chan this time, knowing that he's ok and will join her soon enough. Once Kero-chan returned to her side, they sensed the last Clow card- Earthy. Without hesitation, she ran behind a nearby tree and changed her key into a staff. Using the sleep card quickly, she put the passer-bys to sleep. Then she summoned Fly and flew to Kero-chan. The ground was starting to crack up, and big chucks of earth shot up from the ground. Ignoring Mizuki-sensei who's still awake as Sakura already know her real identity, she shouted to Tomoyo to stick with the teacher. Mizuki-sensei seemed surprised at this. Sakura remembered that the sensei is not affected by the Earthy, so Tomoyo should be safe with her. She signaled to Kero-chan to follow her as she flew up to the sky, searching for the last Clow card.
Kero-chan shouted, "It's the Earthy!" And Sakura nodded calmly. "Yes, and we have to find it soon." Kero-chan was taken aback at Sakura's calmness, but he focused on helping her trace the whereabouts of the Earthy. "It's there!" Kero-chan pointed out almost at the same time that Sakura discovered it. She swooped down and use the Woody card. In a matter of minutes, the Earthy was overcome and captured. Kero-chan transformed into his original majestic state. Sakura smiled and said, "Welcome back, Keroberos." Kero-chan grinned, "Hey! You recognized me!" Then his expression turned solemn as he blamed himself. "If Earthy is not the last card, I would have regained my powers sooner, and be more of a help in capturing the cards." Sakura hugged him and shook her head, "You have already been a GREAT help! Now, let's go back to the others."
Tomoyo and the rest didn't recognize Kero-chan of course. But they soon caught on after Kero-chan explained things. Tomoyo happily brought out Sakura's new outfit and Syaoran's usual traditional green robe, to commemorate the capturing of all Clow cards. She commented that Kero-chan looked a bit sad, and Sakura kept quiet, knowing fully why he's sad. Kero- chan's worried about me, but he doesn't need to. I won't lose. Sakura thought, as she wrote her name on the last card. Tomoyo asked, "Both Syaoran and Sakura has the Clow cards, so who will be the Master/Mistress?" Kero-chan looked at Mizuki-sensei, while Sakura looked at the still sleeping Yukito. But not for long, for Yukito rose into the air as his body shone with an ethereal white light. The Clow magic seal appeared beneath his body, and white wings sprang forth from his back. They enveloped his entire body, and Yukito was gone, replaced by a being with feathery white wings, long silver hair and cool silver-violet eyes.
Kero-chan exchanged some words with Yue, while Sakura could only stare at Yue with longing and relief. Yue, I'm glad you are alright. I thought I would never see you again after you transferred all your powers to me, to save me. Oh Yue, how I wish I can rush towards you and hug you, but I know how the present you will react. I must be calm and face the judgement. Sakura thought with tears shinning in her eyes. She rubbed a hand over them and took a deep breath.
"So, you two are the candidates for the judgement." Yue walked towards Sakura and cupped her cheeks. He was surprised to see her calm and staring into his eyes with recognition, and......something foreign. But his face was expressionless when he made some cutting remarks to her and Syaoran, pronouncing the start of judgment when he reached the top of Tokyo Tower. Syaoran was first. Sakura already knew what the result would be. She bowed her head. Kero-chan was encouraging her, telling her that she'll definitely be ok. She nodded in silence. She didn't trust herself to speak. Seeing the way Yue had looked at her had affected her more than she expected. He didn't recognize me! I'm nothing but a candidate he must defeat! Of course, what else did I expect anyway? I must concentrate, I mustn't lose this judgement! Sakura finally set her confused thoughts in order as a determined look appeared in her eyes. She's prepared to fight!
Soon, Syaoran was back by her side. He had lost. Sakura felt her mind go blank as her body rose involuntarily to the air. She found herself on top of a tall building, facing the Tokyo tower. Not wanting to prolong this any longer than she can, she focused her energy and willed her Clow staff to change into the Star staff. The night sky rained with shooting stars. Once she did that, she was transported to another dimension, where she met Clow. "Sakura, this is your star power, power that's not from the dark, or the sun or the moon, but your own star power. It may twinkle faintly now, but its light supports itself, and even the smallest star will grow." Clow left Sakura with these words of encouragement before disappearing and transporting her back to the reality.
She used the Windy card to capture Yue, careful not to hurt him in the process. Yue didn't even get the chance to use any magic against her. Yue was shocked and speechless. "How did you???"
Sakura's eyes softened and she walked towards Yue. Her hands reached out and she said gently, "I know I cannot replace Clow, and I never want to be a Master to you, just a friend." Yue was surprised, but soon his expression was replaced with one of quiet resignation. This girl has won fair and square, and the Moon is definitely a fair judge. Moreover, though he didn't want to admit it, he was touched by her kind words. A friend? Nobody had ever wanted to be friends with him before. With his false form, Yukito, yes. But not him, not the cool and unapproachable Yue who keeps everyone at a distance.
He asked Sakura to close her eyes and pronounced her the new mistress of the Clow card. She sighed in relief, and joined her friends who were waiting for her. Mizuki-sensei was pleasantly surprised that she didn't even need to use the Moon Bell, and she smiled happily. Touya, hiding in a quiet corner, saw the whole judgment thing, and was also relieved for Sakura.
Keroberos and Yue transformed back to their false forms and joined Sakura with her friends.
THE END
JUST JOKING!!!!
OKAY, BACK TO THE STORY
Sakura was happy to passed the judgment, but she's now worried about Yue. She knows that Yue needs her power to sustain himself and Yukito's form. But she's still too weak to do that. No, wait a minute, she's not really a fifth grader, so she should have her 14-year old aura. It was the holidays, so she had some time to gather her aura, and to find a way to return to the present as well. Not wanting to be disturbed nor to alert anybody, she would often go to the small forest at the edge of the town to practice her magic. She hoped to regain her original powers, so that Touya doesn't need to transfer his powers to Yue/Yukito. This incident was one of the worst thing she had experienced, the sense of helplessness and guiltiness at not being able to help Yue, Yukito and also causing Touya much suffering. She vowed to herself that it would not happen a second time.
Thinking back, she remembered that once the new terms starts, Eriol-kun will be transferring to her school, and to motivate her in changing the cards into Sakura cards by plotting a series of events. Not wanting to disrupt the history too much, she decided to raise her power first, so that she'll be able to transform the cards with ease later. And also, more importantly, she needs to sustain Yue and Yukito. With a grim expression, she returned back to the task of meditation. (A/N: Sorry, I have absolutely no idea how they increase their powers, so I just thought of meditation)
She hadn't want to bring attention to herself, but as her aura grew stronger, a perceptive guardian noticed energy surging within him, and decided to pay his new Mistress a little visit.
Sitting in the middle of a clearing in the deserted forest, Sakura was deep in concentration in her meditation. Suddenly her attention was distracted by a new presence in the forest. She recognized the aura almost immediately. Sighing inwardly, she thought, "So much for not alerting anyone." Before Yue could announce his arrival, Sakura spoke. "Hello Yue- san. You are looking for me, I think?" Yue flew to her as she stood up and flicked some stray leaves off herself.
"Yes." Yue answered coolly, but his heart was thumping at Sakura's attitude. Why is she so quick to note my presence? And her tone, so soft and...familiar, as if she's speaking to a friend she's known for a long time. Much like how Touya talks to Yukito.
"What is it, Yue-san?" Sakura looked up at Yue, who was levitating a few inches off the ground. She waited patiently for Yue to explain the reason for his visit.
"Your powers are increasing rapidly." He stated.
"Oh." Sakura seemed to take what Yue had said as a compliment. Not sure of how to answer to this rare compliment from Yue, she fell silent.
"Why?" Yue asked simply, being a person with few words.
Sakura didn't know how to answer him. She couldn't tell him the truth, could she? No, Yue can't know, it may change history. Suddenly, her heart grew heavy at the burden of keeping all these secrets in her heart. She can't even touch him!!! Or can she? Her longing was so strong that she acted before her mind registered it.
Taking a tentative step forward, she reached out to lightly stroke him on his cheek. "Yue..." She murmured with tenderness. Yue was too shock to move. His mind was in turmoil. WHAT IS SHE DOING? Touching my cheek so.....so.....tenderly and calling my name in that tone! AND I'M LETTING HER? Why? But.....it feels so comforting. I haven't been touched in years, not including when I was in Yukito's form, of course. Her presence calms me, warms my heart, as much as I try to deny it, I feel....I feel something for her......something that's been buried for so long...ever since...CLOW.
With a jerk, Yue snapped his head backwards, removing Sakura's touch from him effectively. Sakura flinched, but lowered her hands. She sighed sadly.
Did I make her sad by doing that? But what do I care? I don't care for her! I will only perform my duty as her guardian and nothing else! There's only one person I ever cared for, and he's gone.....
Sakura noticed Yue's sad but gentle expression. He must be thinking about Clow-san again. Of course, he still misses him badly. Wanting to console him, Sakura said softly, "Yue-san, you must miss Clow a lot." Yue stared at Sakura with disbelief. How did she know what I was thinking?
As if reading his mind, Sakura continued. "Because you have a gentle expression on your face when you think of him. An expression I almost never see on your face." Yue looked deep into her eyes, and found them full of kindness and understanding. He turned his head away, not sure how he should react to this new discovery about his Mistress. She's not kidding when she said she wants to be friends. Words may be false, but the eyes never lie. Her eyes are filled with the same kindness and understanding when she won me in the judgment. Maybe I can trust her a little. Just a little, though.
Sakura could feel Yue's emotional barriers lowering bit by bit, and she's encouraged. Smiling, she folded her legs beneath her and sank to the ground with fatigue. She's tired from focusing her energy on the meditation since morning, and didn't want to stand for longer then necessary. Soon she'll have to return home as the sun is setting.
Yue frowned when he noticed her tiredness, the way her weary bones creaked when she sat. "What's wrong?"
"Huh?" Sakura was puzzled at the question.
"You look tired."
"I'm alright, don't worry about me." She smiled reassuringly.
Yue stiffened. Why do you lie to me? It's obvious you are exhausted. And of course I'm not worried about you, just doing my duty of a guardian to ensure the well being of my mistress. Wait, could her exhaustion be linked to the surge of power in me recently? Is she tiring herself out from trying to increase her powers? But why? She couldn't possibly know that she has to sustain the Moon guardian and its false form, could she?
Yue glanced at Sakura, and found her lying unconscious on the ground. "Mistress!" He went to her side and tried to wake her. She was out cold. A light snore surfaced from her. Yue relaxed. He shook his head, and decided to let his false form do the job of sending her home.
"Huh? What am I doing here?" Yukito looked around the dark forest in puzzlement. He started to walk a few steps when he noticed Sakura lying on the ground. "Sakura-chan!" After he discovered that she had fallen asleep. He chuckled. "What a place to fall asleep! I better send you home before To- ya gets worried." He lifted Sakura with surprising strength for his frail- looking pale arms and strode out of the forest, heading towards her home.
Inside the body of Yukito, Yue was dreaming.
This is.....Sakura-sama's room. I remember it from Yukito's memory. What am I doing here? A movement in the bed caught his eye. Someone is there?
That teenage girl, she looks so much like Mistress, only older. She seems sick, shivering and moving restlessly in bed. Huh? Tears? Why is she crying?
Someone's walking into the room.....ME? That person looks exactly like me! What in the world?
Hey! What do you think you are doing? Yue exclaimed as he saw 'himself' stroking the girl's cheeks and wiping away her tears. But the person who looks like him in the dream ignored his question. Then 'he' leaned forward and was about to kiss her when Keroberos appeared and shouted something happily.
Then the scene shifted as Yue sees 'himself' alone with the Sakura-look- alike. 'He' was unbuttoning her top. Yue's eyes popped out in alarm. "HEY STOP THAT!!! WHAT AM I DOING? I mean, what is HE doing?" Yue tried to avert his eyes, but he couldn't move an inch. He was trapped in this dream, forced to watch 'himself' doing these unspeakable acts to a defenseless girl who resembles Sakura so much. Little did he know that 'he' was just being helpful and changing Sakura out of her wet clothes to prevent her from getting worse.
Yue sighed with relief when he noticed the other 'him' dressing the girl back in a pajamas top, but his relief was short-lived. He nearly burst when he saw 'himself' taking off her skirt. "OH MY GOD! PLEASE DON'T LET THIS GO ON..." Unfortunately, nobody heard Yue's pleas. Soon her skirt came off and Yue's eyes were involuntarily drawn to her exposed legs. He gulped, and......
And Yue woke up. He was sweating mentally in Yukito's body. "What in the world was that dream???" His usual calm self was shattered as he remembered the dream he just had vividly.
The next day, Yue could sense Sakura's aura in the forest again. Yes, her powers are definitely growing. But when he saw her again through Yukito's eyes, he frowned. Yukito had been invited to Sakura's house for dinner, and so Yue was able to 'see' his mistress. He noticed that she seem more tired than yesterday, and he was concerned. Though she tried to cover her tiredness with cheerful smiles, Yue could see through them as forced. He decided to have a talk with Keroberos to find out more about this puzzling situation.
When Yukito left Sakura's home after dinner, Yue took over immediately. He flew to Sakura's room and peered inside. Seeing only Keroberos (in his false form) playing video games and nobody else in the room, Yue flew in through the open window. "Keroberos, follow me outside, we need to talk." Without waiting for a reply, he left Sakura's room and waited for the other guardian to follow him. Faintly, Yue could hear Keroberos cursing lightly. "WHAT DO YOU WANT!! I'm nearly completing the game ya know?" Keroberos glared at Yue angrily as his tiny wings flapped impatiently.
"This is not the place to talk." Yue took off gracefully into the air and headed for Yukito's house. He tossed a glance back to make sure Keroberos was following him. Satisfied that he was, Yue landed on Yukito's roof and waited.
Keroberos huffed a little before he demanded. "OK NOW YOU CAN TALK RIGHT?"
"You noticed anything wrong with our Mistress recently?" Yue asked solemnly. (A/N: Heck, he's always solemn anyway...)
"Now that you mention it, yes. Her powers are increasing daily. I told you she's worthy to be the Clow cards mistress." Kero smirked.
"And that's ALL you noticed?" Yue replied coldly.
"Of course not! She behaving a little strangely, always going out shopping and getting snacks for me, but hey, who's ever complain of having extra food eh?"
"All you can think about is food!! Are you not her guardian? Didn't you notice her tiredness? Did you really think she's really shopping EVERYDAY like she tells you?" Yue finally exploded. Not the red-in-the-face kind of explosion, but a cold-till-your-bones-are-chilled type.
"Huh? Yes, she does seem more tired than usual, but she told me that's because shopping is actually a pretty strenuous activity...hey what do you mean? Do you think she's lying about her shopping? Why would she want to do that? If she's not shopping, then what does she do everyday outside???" Kero scratched his head in bewilderment.
Yue sighed, and wondered again why he had such a dense fellow-guardian. "I saw her in the forest, meditating, trying to increase her powers. In fact, I think she's there everyday since she became our mistress."
Kero's eyes widened in surprise. "But why would she want to hide this from me? I could have helped her! It's a good thing she's so hardworking...wait a minute! Why is she trying so hard to increase her powers? Did something happen?"
"Precisely. NOW you get my question. Why, why is she doing this? And to the point of exhaustion! Didn't you see the dark rings under her eyes, how she had grew thinner, and how she drags herself when she walks?" Yue said with a barely suppressed impatience in his voice.
"Huh? YOU noticed all that?" Kero gave Yue a suspicious look.
Yue folded his arms across his chest and replied nonchalantly, "Hey, I see all that through Yukito's eyes, he's concern about Sakura, not like someone I know." It's at these times that I appreciate having Yukito as a false form.
Kero decided to ignore the jibe Yue made, and sank into deep thoughts himself. Ya, now that Yue mentions it, Sakura really does seem more tired nowadays. But why would she push herself so hard? She must be hiding something from us! I will find out from her as soon as I can. With a resolved look, Kero promised Yue that he would ask Sakura what's going on. Yue nodded with satisfaction.
"SA-KU-RA!" Kero-chan flew at Sakura when she entered her bedroom.
"Huh? What's wrong Kero-chan?"
"Why don't YOU tell me what's wrong." Kero-chan asked seriously.
Oh-oh, I can smell trouble coming. Sakura thought worriedly as Kero advanced towards her.
====TBC==== A/N: So, how do you find this chapter? Pretty long huh? I spent the entire night getting it done. My mum's getting suspicious of all the dark eye rings beneath my eyes too. But ANYTHING for Yue and Sakura!! Ok, please do review, looking forward to it really!! Zzzzzzzzzzzz must sleep now zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
