CHAPTER SEVEN: Truth and True Feelings
A/N: Should Sakura remained in her past? Deep down in her mind, she had always felt guilty about not being able to sustain Yue/Yukito when she was changing the Clow cards into the Sakura cards. She also felt regret towards Touya, who had to give up his powers to Yue/Yukito. Maybe that's why the time dimension twisted and she ended up trapped in her fifth-grade life and body. After all, the cards do respond to their Mistress's heart and wishes. Will the future change because of her actions? Every little thing could result in a large different in the complex equation of destiny, like a small stone causing a tiny ripple that spreads to create more ripples in a pond. Why can't Eriol stop time to save Sakura? Or is this just .... Destiny?
Hey, sorry for all the rambling, but I'm trying to get a feel of the chapter before I write it. Heh heh heh, as usual, all reviews are much appreciated, and any ideas are very welcomed!
PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
"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.
Chapter Seven: Truth and True Feelings
"I don't know what you are talking about, Kero-chan!"
"SA-KU-RA! Don't give me that! I know something's wrong with you! Why are you always so tired nowadays? Why are you forcing yourself to the limit, trying to increase your powers? Is there a threat that you feel, why don't you just confide in me?" Question after question shot out of Kero-chan's mouth, while he flails his stuffed paws in frustration.
There was a moment of silence while Kero-chan tried to catch his breath. Sakura brows drew together, and her lips curved downwards. With a troubled look on her pale face, she was struggling within her turbulent mind.
Oh Kero-chan, how I wish I could just tell you the truth! But I really don't know how it would affect the future. But.....actually I believe that I'm already changing the future by increasing my powers forcefully, and my goal IS to change the fate of Onni-chan. I don't want him to sacrifice his powers because I'm too weak to sustain Yue and Yukito-san! So, I guess.....I guess I should just tell Kero-chan the truth.....
"Kero-chan, please calm down. I have something to tell you, but you've got to promise NOT to tell anyone else. OK?" Sakura raised solemn eyes to Kero- chan's and waited for his reply.
"OF COURSE, I promise. Now, please tell me what's bothering you." Kero-chan nodded and settled down on the edge of Sakura's desk, sensing it's going to be a long talk.
Sakura gulped and started. "I'm from the future, and......" She was rudely interrupted by Kero-chan. "WHAT?" Sakura glared at him, "If you would just like me continue?" Kero-chan sighed impatiently and gestured for her to carry on. Trying to be as precise and straight-to-the-point as possible, Sakura related all the events that resulted her ending up in the past. Luckily, there were no more interruptions from Kero-chan, so she managed to explain everything in a fairly short time.
"I see. But I still don't understand why you are forcing yourself to raise your powers rapidly." Kero-chan inquired.
"I can't tell you too much about the future; it may change things. All I can say is that I know Yue and Yukito-san needs my power to sustain them, and that's why I've been pushing myself a little nowadays." Sakura hoped that this answer would satisfy Kero-chan.
"I see, ok, I understand. But don't tire yourself out okay? You must also take time to rest. You look really exhausted." Kero-chan said with concern.
Sakura smiled, "Thanks, I will." Then she turned serious and said, "Kero- chan, please promise me again that you won't tell anyone, especially Yue."
He hesitated before promising Sakura that. She heaved a sigh of relief, and relaxed. "Kero-chan! You have no idea how much I wanted to talk to someone about this!! But I was so worried! Well, I'm still worried, but I guess everything will turn out alright in the end!"
Kero-chan grinned, glad that Sakura is still her optimistic self. But his smile faded when Sakura said, "Now that I don't have to pretend I'm going shopping anymore, I won't be getting you any more snacks when I go for my meditation!" She had a mischievous glint in her eye, and smirked.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Sakura-sama! Please please please buy me snacks!" Kero-chan pleaded shamelessly, while Sakura just hummed a tune and ignored him. She felt her heart lift, and for the first night since she was back in the past, she had a dreamless and restful sleep.
However, a few miles from Sakura, someone was not sleeping so well.
Moonlight shone through the windows into a traditionally Japanese decorated bedroom, casting its glow on a young motionless form on a futon. Yukito-san was deep in slumber, but in the back of his sleeping mind, Yue was thinking about his new mistress.
Sakura, what are you up to? Is there some new danger? But I don't sense any. Why are you driving yourself so hard to raise your magic? Is it because you are simply power-hungry? No. You are not that type of person. Or....did you know that we guardians need your power as fuel to live? No, you can't know that, unless, Keroberos told you. But I suspect he didn't. Then, why?
Also, the strange dream that I had the other night. What does it means? Is it a prediction of the future? I'm so confused. Ever since Sakura became my new mistress, my mind has been clouded with many foreign emotions. I don't like this. I don't want to feel this way; it impairs my perception. I think I'll just retreat to the back of Yukito's mind and join him in sleep. And tomorrow, tomorrow I will get some answers from Keroberos.
The next morning was uneventful, as Sakura did her share of chores before proceeding to the forest for her usual meditation. Touya was working part- time and Fujitaka had gone off for a couple of days for an out-of-town seminar. The house was silent, except for the occasional cheering or grunts of frustration from Kero-chan, who was playing a new video game. He was so absorbed in getting to the next stage of the game that he jumped in fright when someone got into Sakura's room.
"Keroberos." Yue had come through the window, and was now hovering a few inches off the floor next to Sakura's bed.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!!! Don't scare me like that Yue!" Kero-chan wailed. He got even louder when the TV screen showed 'Game Over'. Sighing sadly, like a puppy that got kicked in the rain, he turned to Yue.
"What is it Yue!!! I almost got to the next stage, stage 43!! I spent the whole morning on it and now! Game over! Are you happy? Huh? You some kind of sadist?" Kero-chan rambled on and on, venting his frustration on Yue. But Yue just looks at him with those unfathomable eyes and simply waited for Kero to calm down by himself. After 10 minutes of crying bloody murder, Kero-chan finally stopped and looked at Yue inquiringly.
"It's about our Mistress. Did you talk to her?" Yue asked simply.
"Yes! Er, I mean no....." Kero-chan bit his lips as he recalled his promise to Sakura not to tell anyone the truth.
Yue raise his eyebrows and stared pointedly at Kero-chan. Kero-chan cracked a nervous smile and averted from Yue's eyes.
"Keroberos, you have always been such a lousy liar." Yue said in a mocking tone.
"Hey! Who said I was lying! Is keeping a promise considered lying huh? Ah, I mean....well....." Kero-chan had blurted out more than he intended to. Yue smirked inwardly, satisfied that his taunt has managed to get to Keroberos. Ever patient, Yue waited for Kero-chan to spill it all out. He folded his arms and and gave a look at Kero-chan, as if to say 'I won't be leaving till you answer my question.'
Giving a frustrated cry as Kero-chan struggled with himself, he finally lost to his ever-talkative nature. Besides, Yue has a right to know, being Sakura's other guardian. But Kero-chan decided to just tell Yue a little, not everything Sakura has told him.
"Sakura came from the future, to the past to right a mistake she made. She knows she has to sustain us through her fledging powers, so she's trying so hard to increase them. That explains why she's so tired all the time."
Yue was confused. "Then what happened to the present Sakura?"
Kero-chan shook his head. "Apparently, something went wrong with the time dimension, and she ended up in her fifth-grade body instead."
"And what mistake did she make?" Yue asked further.
"I can't tell you that. And don't ask anymore, cuz I already broke my promise to Sakura. She's afraid that telling others the details of their future will change the past. We both know how unstable the 'Return' is, and how delicate the timeline is." Kero-chan replied solemnly.
Yue nodded, and left the house. He soared high up into the clear blue skies, his mind clouded with questions. Why did Sakura come back? When did she come back? Is that why she won me in the judgement so easily? Because she already knew what will happen? That would explain why she wasn't shocked when I transform from Yukito to my real form. And, and the familiar way she treats me, as if we have known each other for a long time.
Is this all fate? All predestined? I feel like a puppet that has no control over anything. Clow didn't care to ask me how I feel too. He just planned everything and we are just to follow them. To be sealed in a book till the cardcaptor candidates are chosen by Keroberos. And I, Yue, as the judge, am to determine who is worthy to be the new Master. No matter that I didn't want a new master. No, my feelings aren't important, I just have to perform my duty. That's all I am really, a tool to Clow's plans. I'm so sick of it all. Why, why do you treat me so, Clow? I...I loved you...
Unshed tears shone in his silver orbs flecked with violet. But they didn't fall. They stayed in his sad eyes, like the turmoil that remained in his heart all these years. Conflict between love for Clow, and hating him for dying, for leaving him to carry out his plans. He felt as if his heart is torn in two directions. It hurts every waking moment, but he has long learned to hide his feelings behind a pair of seemingly emotionless eyes and expressionless face. "And I call Keroberos a liar." Yue thought with a wry smile. He spread his white-feathered wings and started to fly back to Yukito's house.
The clear skies were suddenly darkened with thick grey clouds, signaling an impending storm. Sakura barely had time to snap out of her meditation when a drizzle turned quickly into a downpour, and she was soaked to the skin in no time. She ran out of the forest, trying to avoid the puddles that are forming rapidly in the muddy ground. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!" Sakura slipped on a wet patch and fell forward. Her head hit a small rock embedded in the grass, and she was out cold. The rain was merciless as it continued merrily, heavy fat drops beating on the unconscious form lying facedown in the isolated forest.
Yue was nearing Yukito's house when he sensed Sakura's aura cut off abruptly. He zapped to the forest, to the spot where Sakura usually meditate. A mile off her usual spot, he saw her. Terror that he didn't know he is capable of feeling seized his heart. Despite swearing to just perform his duty as a guardian and not feel anything else, he couldn't help but be absurdly frightened by Sakura's unconscious form. Pushing these emotions aside, he swooped down to her side. "Mistress?" There was no answer, just as he expected, she was unconscious. Despite the heavy downpour obstructing his view, something caught his eye. Streaks of red were trailing from her forehead to the watery ground. Got to attend to her wound and out of the rain first, Yue thought with the calm he didn't feel. He gathered her in his arms and searched for a shelter nearby. To his surprise, luck was on his side, and a small cave was just a stone's throw away.
The cave was not small as Yue first perceived; it was tiny, just enough space for the two of them. As a result, Yue had to let Sakura's head lay on his lap, as there wasn't enough space for a full body stretch. He tried to staunch the flow of blood from her wound and to his relief, it was a fairly easy task. Then he tore a small white strap from the edge of his robe as a bandage. Carefully and gently, he wrapped it around Sakura's head wound. As his cool hands brush over Sakura's forehead, she shivered. Concerned, he checked her temperature and his hands jolted in alarm. She was freezing! He frowned, not knowing what to do. Sakura curled up in a ball as she tried to in futile to keep herself warmer. "Mistress?" Yue became aware of her movements and wondered if she is awake. Again, silence was his only reply. He let out a soft sigh, and then mentally berated himself for not thinking of it sooner. He conjured a ball of fire and let it float in front of himself and Sakura, a safe distance away. It seemed to help as Sakura's tensed body relaxed and she stop shivering.
"Yue.....I'm sorry." Sakura mumbled unconsciously. Yue was startled. Her eyes were still closed. Is she having a dream? Yue thought. Sakura continued with her mumbling. "Yue...I miss you..."
Yue stilled. But the next words that came out of Sakura's mouth were even more shocking. "Yue....I love you....don't leave me...."
And then there was just the sound of the pelting rain and the sound of heavy breathing. For the first time in his entire existence, he had to gasp for air, feeling like he has flew a few hundred miles non-stop.
What??? She....she LOVES me? But nobody ever does! Why? From the way she behaves around Yukito, I would have thought that she likes Yukito. But she loves me? Yue was totally befuddled. He looked down at Sakura with a wonder in his eyes.
No! She's just confused. That's it. The hit on her head must have affected her thinking. She doesn't know what's she talking about.
Yue calmed, convinced that Sakura was just talking rubbish. But his heart beat faster when she snuggled her face into his well-toned stomach with a sigh of contentment.
Yue didn't dare to move, no, he couldn't move. His mind was blank, and blood rushed up to his head. Though his face remained pale, his ears blushed to its tips. Sakura stirred, and her eyes fluttered open.
"Huh? Where am I.....Hoeeeeee!!!" Suddenly she realized she was lying in Yue's lap and her whole face flushed red. She sat up and apologized profusely. "Yue-san! Gomen!! I didn't know, ah, I, SORRY!!!" Her head bowed as she didn't dare to look up at Yue.
"You...feel better?" Yue asked softly.
"Oh! Yes! I guess I just tripped and bang my head on something hard. No problem!" She rubbed her forehead and found the bandage. "What's this?"
"Your head was bleeding from the fall." Yue stated flatly, betraying none of the emotions he felt.
"Ah, you helped me bandage the wound? Arigatou." Sakura beamed at Yue, happy that he's so concern about her. He gave a curt nod. Sakura cringed at his cold response. Yue saw her flinched and felt guilty for a fleeting moment. They remained in awkward silence. Sakura stood up when the rain stopped.
"Let's go....argh!" She stumbled on a piece of rock in the cave and fell backwards. Expecting the cold hard ground to receive her fall, she was surprised to feel two strong arms coming round her waist. She twisted around and felt her ears burn when she found herself in Yue's embrace. Her head tilted up as Yue's bent down, and their lips accidentally brushed together briefly. The shock in her emerald-green eyes were reflected in Yue's silver ones. Both felt a jolt of electricity coursing through their bodies. The walls of the cave seem to close around them, pushing their trembling bodies together. Sakura's breath came out in a whoosh, and Yue could feel its warm tickling his chill lips. They eyes remained locked together in a shared intimate gaze that neither was able to break.
In a trance, Sakura felt herself drowning in those silver pools of Yue's. Acting on her instincts, Sakura tiptoed and pressed her rosy lips to Yue's pale ones. She half-expected him to draw back, but he didn't. He froze for a moment, before he threw caution to the wind. His pent-up passion flooded out and he deepened the kiss with a slant of his lips. Sakura was in heaven. She poured her all longing and love into this one kiss, wishing it would never end. Her soul lifted and her heart fluttered, beating its wings in the cage of her chest.
Yue's arms lifted Sakura off the ground, supporting her entire weight. Her head went dizzy with delight. She wrapped her arms around Yue's waist, hands curled on his back. Their noses rubbed together lovingly, while their lips melted each other's hearts like chocolate left in the sun.
The cave suddenly seemed too hot as their bodies heated in the passionate kiss. The hurt Yue felt for so long disappeared as warmth crept into his frozen heart. A thought sneaked into Yue's mind- This is where I belong. For the first time, his insecurities faded away, leaving a wonderful feeling of being loved. Sakura however, have a strange fleeting thought- His kiss.... tastes like Yukito-san's.....
They finally broke apart reluctantly to catch their breaths. Sakura realized that she had made the first move and shyly duck her head down, hiding on Yue's chest. Yue was silent, but he loosened one of his arms from Sakura's waist to stroke her hair tenderly. They remained in this position for some time, both not wanting to leave each other's embrace.
Yue had doubts about his actions, about kissing his mistress, but he has no regrets. Even if she were to abandon him the next moment, he would have this memory with him for the rest of his miserable existence. He could no longer deny his feelings, strange as they were. After Clow died, he had been so sure he would never love again, but he's wrong. Though the love he felt for Sakura is not as strong as what he had felt for Clow, it's a spark. And a spark can grow to be a raging fire. A budding love, fragile, sweet and beautiful. Like a rosebud that's starting to bloom, the scent tantalizing yet fresh with innocence. He looked down at his new love, and sighed in happiness for the first time since Clow died.
Sakura heard him sigh and mistaken it for regret. She struggled out of his hug and turned away. With a sob and tears threatening to fall from her eyes, she said to Yue. "I'm sorry....if you are offended by my kiss...I'll just leave." And she took a quick step forward, intending to run back home as fast as she can. A hand gripped hers, swinging her to face its owner. Yue cupped her cheeks gently, and saw her tear-filled eyes. He sighed again.
"Mistress, I don't regret it. You don't have to leave."
Sakura seems offended for a moment. "Sakura, please call me Sakura."
Yue hesitated. But he accepted her request. After all, they had just kissed, and he didn't want to upset her anymore.
"Sa-ku-ra." The word seemed foreign and he had to force it out.
Sakura mouth curved upwards, and she looked at Yue. She finally saw his true feelings for her, for he had lowered his barriers to show her what he felt. There was no need for words. Sakura knew that she loved Yue more than he love her now, but she has hope, and every confidence that their love will grow. They came out of the cave hand-in-hand, into the sunshine.
Suddenly, Sakura's head whirled and a black hole emerged, wrenching her out of Yue's hold. "Yue!!!!!!!!!!!!" She screamed, as she was sucked into the darkness. Yue dashed forward and tried to follow, but he was repelled. The word that he seemed to have difficulty saying aloud moments ago flowed freely from his lips now. "SAKURA!!!!!!!!"
=====TBC=====
A/N: A cliffhanger. Hah hah hah! Aren't I evil! Bet you thought Yue and Sakura was going to live happily-ever-after when they kissed huh? But I did bring you the long-awaited and promised KISSING scene between Yue and Sakura! Review! And in case you are wondering why the kiss between Yue + Sakura is so...er..chaste compared to Yukito + Sakura, PLEASE REMEMBER that when Yukito kissed Sakura, she was fourteen! And when Sakura kissed Yue, she's only 11! OK! I'm not sick enough to imagine an 11-year old French- kissing and caressing Yue all right! Actually I CAN BE sick enough to do that, but since this is not rated, I better not, heh heh heh.....
Please review! I need reviews to motivate me! Please please please! Thank you kind sirs and madams!
A/N: Should Sakura remained in her past? Deep down in her mind, she had always felt guilty about not being able to sustain Yue/Yukito when she was changing the Clow cards into the Sakura cards. She also felt regret towards Touya, who had to give up his powers to Yue/Yukito. Maybe that's why the time dimension twisted and she ended up trapped in her fifth-grade life and body. After all, the cards do respond to their Mistress's heart and wishes. Will the future change because of her actions? Every little thing could result in a large different in the complex equation of destiny, like a small stone causing a tiny ripple that spreads to create more ripples in a pond. Why can't Eriol stop time to save Sakura? Or is this just .... Destiny?
Hey, sorry for all the rambling, but I'm trying to get a feel of the chapter before I write it. Heh heh heh, as usual, all reviews are much appreciated, and any ideas are very welcomed!
PREVIOUS CHAPTER:
"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.
Chapter Seven: Truth and True Feelings
"I don't know what you are talking about, Kero-chan!"
"SA-KU-RA! Don't give me that! I know something's wrong with you! Why are you always so tired nowadays? Why are you forcing yourself to the limit, trying to increase your powers? Is there a threat that you feel, why don't you just confide in me?" Question after question shot out of Kero-chan's mouth, while he flails his stuffed paws in frustration.
There was a moment of silence while Kero-chan tried to catch his breath. Sakura brows drew together, and her lips curved downwards. With a troubled look on her pale face, she was struggling within her turbulent mind.
Oh Kero-chan, how I wish I could just tell you the truth! But I really don't know how it would affect the future. But.....actually I believe that I'm already changing the future by increasing my powers forcefully, and my goal IS to change the fate of Onni-chan. I don't want him to sacrifice his powers because I'm too weak to sustain Yue and Yukito-san! So, I guess.....I guess I should just tell Kero-chan the truth.....
"Kero-chan, please calm down. I have something to tell you, but you've got to promise NOT to tell anyone else. OK?" Sakura raised solemn eyes to Kero- chan's and waited for his reply.
"OF COURSE, I promise. Now, please tell me what's bothering you." Kero-chan nodded and settled down on the edge of Sakura's desk, sensing it's going to be a long talk.
Sakura gulped and started. "I'm from the future, and......" She was rudely interrupted by Kero-chan. "WHAT?" Sakura glared at him, "If you would just like me continue?" Kero-chan sighed impatiently and gestured for her to carry on. Trying to be as precise and straight-to-the-point as possible, Sakura related all the events that resulted her ending up in the past. Luckily, there were no more interruptions from Kero-chan, so she managed to explain everything in a fairly short time.
"I see. But I still don't understand why you are forcing yourself to raise your powers rapidly." Kero-chan inquired.
"I can't tell you too much about the future; it may change things. All I can say is that I know Yue and Yukito-san needs my power to sustain them, and that's why I've been pushing myself a little nowadays." Sakura hoped that this answer would satisfy Kero-chan.
"I see, ok, I understand. But don't tire yourself out okay? You must also take time to rest. You look really exhausted." Kero-chan said with concern.
Sakura smiled, "Thanks, I will." Then she turned serious and said, "Kero- chan, please promise me again that you won't tell anyone, especially Yue."
He hesitated before promising Sakura that. She heaved a sigh of relief, and relaxed. "Kero-chan! You have no idea how much I wanted to talk to someone about this!! But I was so worried! Well, I'm still worried, but I guess everything will turn out alright in the end!"
Kero-chan grinned, glad that Sakura is still her optimistic self. But his smile faded when Sakura said, "Now that I don't have to pretend I'm going shopping anymore, I won't be getting you any more snacks when I go for my meditation!" She had a mischievous glint in her eye, and smirked.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Sakura-sama! Please please please buy me snacks!" Kero-chan pleaded shamelessly, while Sakura just hummed a tune and ignored him. She felt her heart lift, and for the first night since she was back in the past, she had a dreamless and restful sleep.
However, a few miles from Sakura, someone was not sleeping so well.
Moonlight shone through the windows into a traditionally Japanese decorated bedroom, casting its glow on a young motionless form on a futon. Yukito-san was deep in slumber, but in the back of his sleeping mind, Yue was thinking about his new mistress.
Sakura, what are you up to? Is there some new danger? But I don't sense any. Why are you driving yourself so hard to raise your magic? Is it because you are simply power-hungry? No. You are not that type of person. Or....did you know that we guardians need your power as fuel to live? No, you can't know that, unless, Keroberos told you. But I suspect he didn't. Then, why?
Also, the strange dream that I had the other night. What does it means? Is it a prediction of the future? I'm so confused. Ever since Sakura became my new mistress, my mind has been clouded with many foreign emotions. I don't like this. I don't want to feel this way; it impairs my perception. I think I'll just retreat to the back of Yukito's mind and join him in sleep. And tomorrow, tomorrow I will get some answers from Keroberos.
The next morning was uneventful, as Sakura did her share of chores before proceeding to the forest for her usual meditation. Touya was working part- time and Fujitaka had gone off for a couple of days for an out-of-town seminar. The house was silent, except for the occasional cheering or grunts of frustration from Kero-chan, who was playing a new video game. He was so absorbed in getting to the next stage of the game that he jumped in fright when someone got into Sakura's room.
"Keroberos." Yue had come through the window, and was now hovering a few inches off the floor next to Sakura's bed.
"AHHHHHHHHHH!!! Don't scare me like that Yue!" Kero-chan wailed. He got even louder when the TV screen showed 'Game Over'. Sighing sadly, like a puppy that got kicked in the rain, he turned to Yue.
"What is it Yue!!! I almost got to the next stage, stage 43!! I spent the whole morning on it and now! Game over! Are you happy? Huh? You some kind of sadist?" Kero-chan rambled on and on, venting his frustration on Yue. But Yue just looks at him with those unfathomable eyes and simply waited for Kero to calm down by himself. After 10 minutes of crying bloody murder, Kero-chan finally stopped and looked at Yue inquiringly.
"It's about our Mistress. Did you talk to her?" Yue asked simply.
"Yes! Er, I mean no....." Kero-chan bit his lips as he recalled his promise to Sakura not to tell anyone the truth.
Yue raise his eyebrows and stared pointedly at Kero-chan. Kero-chan cracked a nervous smile and averted from Yue's eyes.
"Keroberos, you have always been such a lousy liar." Yue said in a mocking tone.
"Hey! Who said I was lying! Is keeping a promise considered lying huh? Ah, I mean....well....." Kero-chan had blurted out more than he intended to. Yue smirked inwardly, satisfied that his taunt has managed to get to Keroberos. Ever patient, Yue waited for Kero-chan to spill it all out. He folded his arms and and gave a look at Kero-chan, as if to say 'I won't be leaving till you answer my question.'
Giving a frustrated cry as Kero-chan struggled with himself, he finally lost to his ever-talkative nature. Besides, Yue has a right to know, being Sakura's other guardian. But Kero-chan decided to just tell Yue a little, not everything Sakura has told him.
"Sakura came from the future, to the past to right a mistake she made. She knows she has to sustain us through her fledging powers, so she's trying so hard to increase them. That explains why she's so tired all the time."
Yue was confused. "Then what happened to the present Sakura?"
Kero-chan shook his head. "Apparently, something went wrong with the time dimension, and she ended up in her fifth-grade body instead."
"And what mistake did she make?" Yue asked further.
"I can't tell you that. And don't ask anymore, cuz I already broke my promise to Sakura. She's afraid that telling others the details of their future will change the past. We both know how unstable the 'Return' is, and how delicate the timeline is." Kero-chan replied solemnly.
Yue nodded, and left the house. He soared high up into the clear blue skies, his mind clouded with questions. Why did Sakura come back? When did she come back? Is that why she won me in the judgement so easily? Because she already knew what will happen? That would explain why she wasn't shocked when I transform from Yukito to my real form. And, and the familiar way she treats me, as if we have known each other for a long time.
Is this all fate? All predestined? I feel like a puppet that has no control over anything. Clow didn't care to ask me how I feel too. He just planned everything and we are just to follow them. To be sealed in a book till the cardcaptor candidates are chosen by Keroberos. And I, Yue, as the judge, am to determine who is worthy to be the new Master. No matter that I didn't want a new master. No, my feelings aren't important, I just have to perform my duty. That's all I am really, a tool to Clow's plans. I'm so sick of it all. Why, why do you treat me so, Clow? I...I loved you...
Unshed tears shone in his silver orbs flecked with violet. But they didn't fall. They stayed in his sad eyes, like the turmoil that remained in his heart all these years. Conflict between love for Clow, and hating him for dying, for leaving him to carry out his plans. He felt as if his heart is torn in two directions. It hurts every waking moment, but he has long learned to hide his feelings behind a pair of seemingly emotionless eyes and expressionless face. "And I call Keroberos a liar." Yue thought with a wry smile. He spread his white-feathered wings and started to fly back to Yukito's house.
The clear skies were suddenly darkened with thick grey clouds, signaling an impending storm. Sakura barely had time to snap out of her meditation when a drizzle turned quickly into a downpour, and she was soaked to the skin in no time. She ran out of the forest, trying to avoid the puddles that are forming rapidly in the muddy ground. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!" Sakura slipped on a wet patch and fell forward. Her head hit a small rock embedded in the grass, and she was out cold. The rain was merciless as it continued merrily, heavy fat drops beating on the unconscious form lying facedown in the isolated forest.
Yue was nearing Yukito's house when he sensed Sakura's aura cut off abruptly. He zapped to the forest, to the spot where Sakura usually meditate. A mile off her usual spot, he saw her. Terror that he didn't know he is capable of feeling seized his heart. Despite swearing to just perform his duty as a guardian and not feel anything else, he couldn't help but be absurdly frightened by Sakura's unconscious form. Pushing these emotions aside, he swooped down to her side. "Mistress?" There was no answer, just as he expected, she was unconscious. Despite the heavy downpour obstructing his view, something caught his eye. Streaks of red were trailing from her forehead to the watery ground. Got to attend to her wound and out of the rain first, Yue thought with the calm he didn't feel. He gathered her in his arms and searched for a shelter nearby. To his surprise, luck was on his side, and a small cave was just a stone's throw away.
The cave was not small as Yue first perceived; it was tiny, just enough space for the two of them. As a result, Yue had to let Sakura's head lay on his lap, as there wasn't enough space for a full body stretch. He tried to staunch the flow of blood from her wound and to his relief, it was a fairly easy task. Then he tore a small white strap from the edge of his robe as a bandage. Carefully and gently, he wrapped it around Sakura's head wound. As his cool hands brush over Sakura's forehead, she shivered. Concerned, he checked her temperature and his hands jolted in alarm. She was freezing! He frowned, not knowing what to do. Sakura curled up in a ball as she tried to in futile to keep herself warmer. "Mistress?" Yue became aware of her movements and wondered if she is awake. Again, silence was his only reply. He let out a soft sigh, and then mentally berated himself for not thinking of it sooner. He conjured a ball of fire and let it float in front of himself and Sakura, a safe distance away. It seemed to help as Sakura's tensed body relaxed and she stop shivering.
"Yue.....I'm sorry." Sakura mumbled unconsciously. Yue was startled. Her eyes were still closed. Is she having a dream? Yue thought. Sakura continued with her mumbling. "Yue...I miss you..."
Yue stilled. But the next words that came out of Sakura's mouth were even more shocking. "Yue....I love you....don't leave me...."
And then there was just the sound of the pelting rain and the sound of heavy breathing. For the first time in his entire existence, he had to gasp for air, feeling like he has flew a few hundred miles non-stop.
What??? She....she LOVES me? But nobody ever does! Why? From the way she behaves around Yukito, I would have thought that she likes Yukito. But she loves me? Yue was totally befuddled. He looked down at Sakura with a wonder in his eyes.
No! She's just confused. That's it. The hit on her head must have affected her thinking. She doesn't know what's she talking about.
Yue calmed, convinced that Sakura was just talking rubbish. But his heart beat faster when she snuggled her face into his well-toned stomach with a sigh of contentment.
Yue didn't dare to move, no, he couldn't move. His mind was blank, and blood rushed up to his head. Though his face remained pale, his ears blushed to its tips. Sakura stirred, and her eyes fluttered open.
"Huh? Where am I.....Hoeeeeee!!!" Suddenly she realized she was lying in Yue's lap and her whole face flushed red. She sat up and apologized profusely. "Yue-san! Gomen!! I didn't know, ah, I, SORRY!!!" Her head bowed as she didn't dare to look up at Yue.
"You...feel better?" Yue asked softly.
"Oh! Yes! I guess I just tripped and bang my head on something hard. No problem!" She rubbed her forehead and found the bandage. "What's this?"
"Your head was bleeding from the fall." Yue stated flatly, betraying none of the emotions he felt.
"Ah, you helped me bandage the wound? Arigatou." Sakura beamed at Yue, happy that he's so concern about her. He gave a curt nod. Sakura cringed at his cold response. Yue saw her flinched and felt guilty for a fleeting moment. They remained in awkward silence. Sakura stood up when the rain stopped.
"Let's go....argh!" She stumbled on a piece of rock in the cave and fell backwards. Expecting the cold hard ground to receive her fall, she was surprised to feel two strong arms coming round her waist. She twisted around and felt her ears burn when she found herself in Yue's embrace. Her head tilted up as Yue's bent down, and their lips accidentally brushed together briefly. The shock in her emerald-green eyes were reflected in Yue's silver ones. Both felt a jolt of electricity coursing through their bodies. The walls of the cave seem to close around them, pushing their trembling bodies together. Sakura's breath came out in a whoosh, and Yue could feel its warm tickling his chill lips. They eyes remained locked together in a shared intimate gaze that neither was able to break.
In a trance, Sakura felt herself drowning in those silver pools of Yue's. Acting on her instincts, Sakura tiptoed and pressed her rosy lips to Yue's pale ones. She half-expected him to draw back, but he didn't. He froze for a moment, before he threw caution to the wind. His pent-up passion flooded out and he deepened the kiss with a slant of his lips. Sakura was in heaven. She poured her all longing and love into this one kiss, wishing it would never end. Her soul lifted and her heart fluttered, beating its wings in the cage of her chest.
Yue's arms lifted Sakura off the ground, supporting her entire weight. Her head went dizzy with delight. She wrapped her arms around Yue's waist, hands curled on his back. Their noses rubbed together lovingly, while their lips melted each other's hearts like chocolate left in the sun.
The cave suddenly seemed too hot as their bodies heated in the passionate kiss. The hurt Yue felt for so long disappeared as warmth crept into his frozen heart. A thought sneaked into Yue's mind- This is where I belong. For the first time, his insecurities faded away, leaving a wonderful feeling of being loved. Sakura however, have a strange fleeting thought- His kiss.... tastes like Yukito-san's.....
They finally broke apart reluctantly to catch their breaths. Sakura realized that she had made the first move and shyly duck her head down, hiding on Yue's chest. Yue was silent, but he loosened one of his arms from Sakura's waist to stroke her hair tenderly. They remained in this position for some time, both not wanting to leave each other's embrace.
Yue had doubts about his actions, about kissing his mistress, but he has no regrets. Even if she were to abandon him the next moment, he would have this memory with him for the rest of his miserable existence. He could no longer deny his feelings, strange as they were. After Clow died, he had been so sure he would never love again, but he's wrong. Though the love he felt for Sakura is not as strong as what he had felt for Clow, it's a spark. And a spark can grow to be a raging fire. A budding love, fragile, sweet and beautiful. Like a rosebud that's starting to bloom, the scent tantalizing yet fresh with innocence. He looked down at his new love, and sighed in happiness for the first time since Clow died.
Sakura heard him sigh and mistaken it for regret. She struggled out of his hug and turned away. With a sob and tears threatening to fall from her eyes, she said to Yue. "I'm sorry....if you are offended by my kiss...I'll just leave." And she took a quick step forward, intending to run back home as fast as she can. A hand gripped hers, swinging her to face its owner. Yue cupped her cheeks gently, and saw her tear-filled eyes. He sighed again.
"Mistress, I don't regret it. You don't have to leave."
Sakura seems offended for a moment. "Sakura, please call me Sakura."
Yue hesitated. But he accepted her request. After all, they had just kissed, and he didn't want to upset her anymore.
"Sa-ku-ra." The word seemed foreign and he had to force it out.
Sakura mouth curved upwards, and she looked at Yue. She finally saw his true feelings for her, for he had lowered his barriers to show her what he felt. There was no need for words. Sakura knew that she loved Yue more than he love her now, but she has hope, and every confidence that their love will grow. They came out of the cave hand-in-hand, into the sunshine.
Suddenly, Sakura's head whirled and a black hole emerged, wrenching her out of Yue's hold. "Yue!!!!!!!!!!!!" She screamed, as she was sucked into the darkness. Yue dashed forward and tried to follow, but he was repelled. The word that he seemed to have difficulty saying aloud moments ago flowed freely from his lips now. "SAKURA!!!!!!!!"
=====TBC=====
A/N: A cliffhanger. Hah hah hah! Aren't I evil! Bet you thought Yue and Sakura was going to live happily-ever-after when they kissed huh? But I did bring you the long-awaited and promised KISSING scene between Yue and Sakura! Review! And in case you are wondering why the kiss between Yue + Sakura is so...er..chaste compared to Yukito + Sakura, PLEASE REMEMBER that when Yukito kissed Sakura, she was fourteen! And when Sakura kissed Yue, she's only 11! OK! I'm not sick enough to imagine an 11-year old French- kissing and caressing Yue all right! Actually I CAN BE sick enough to do that, but since this is not rated, I better not, heh heh heh.....
Please review! I need reviews to motivate me! Please please please! Thank you kind sirs and madams!
