Thanks to my reviewers!
To mevneriel: Thank you for your kind comments!
To Kasumi: Thanks for your encouragement, and for liking Kuro! There's another cute and new character coming up next chapter, I hope you'll like him too! Hehee
To Mistress Sakura: Arigatou! I'm evil, but I'm going to get worse in this chapter Mwahahahahaha!
To Kella: My writer's block is gone, for the time being, but I'm quite busy recently. Nevertheless, your reviews and more reviews from my dear readers will motivate me to update faster! The next chapter is going to touch a little bit on Sakura's past life………and the story's going to get more complex! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
CHAPTER 15: PAIN
-----------Back in the Past, when Sakura's a Fifth-grader-------------------
Yue had felt betrayed when he saw, through Yukito's eyes, that Sakura was talking to a boy who had Clow's aura. He retreated to the back of Yukito's mind, wanting to avoid the hurt that he felt. Sakura and Eriol were oblivious to this, as they didn't sense Yue's aura.
Sakura soon recovered from her bruises and wounds, having a couple of days resting at home. She made use of the time to mediate using the suggestions Eriol had pointed out to her, and her powers improved by leaps and bounds. Feeling that Sakura needed not only praise for her efforts as well as wanting to cheer her up after the previous unfortunate event, Kero-chan had approached Tomoyo for help. She taught him a cool Hawaii dance, and made a tutu skirt for Kero-chan, complete with a matching necklace made of tropical flowers. She also volunteered to film the dance down, so she visited Sakura after school on the day of Kero-chan's 'performance'. Kero-chan, not wanting anyone to laugh at him besides Sakura, and Tomoyo (who wouldn't laugh at him because she's so kind) had made sure that nobody was home when he carry out his dance.
Sakura was glad to have Tomoyo's company, though she still doesn't know what's in store for her. "Tomoyo-chan! Thanks for dropping by with the lesson notes for me!"
"You are welcome, Sakura-chan! How are you feeling today?" Tomoyo asked, checking the bruises on her body. They seemed to have all faded.
"I'm great! I'll be going to school tomorrow, boy I really missed classes and all my other friends!" Sakura smiled eagerly, looking forward to tomorrow.
"Ah, Kero-chan actually has got something for you, to encourage and cheer you up." Tomoyo said, signaling to Kero-chan who was waiting outside Sakura's bedroom.
"Huh? What……….." Sakura's words died in her throat when Kero-chan flew in. Around his neck was a chain of beautiful flowers, and on his waist…….
"A green straw skirt???" Sakura asked in amazement.
Tomoyo played the song, "He Mele No Lilo" in the animated film, "Lilo and Stitch". Sakura's jaws dropped open in surprise.
Without an ounce of embarrassment to be in such a ridiculous get-up, Kero-chan puffed out his small orangey chest and dance to the music. He was a natural performer, making smooth moves as his tiny hands and legs executed the Hawaii dance Tomoyo taught him. (A/N: Please imagine the dance at the beginning of Lilo and Stitch, where a group of Hawaiian ladies were dancing on the stage…hehheheheh)
There was a moment of stunned silence; before Sakura fell to the floor laughing so hard she thought her sides would split. Kero-chan stopped and glared at her, trying to act offended, but secretly happy that his plan to cheer her up has succeeded. "Hey Sakura! What's so funny? I AM a GREAT dancer, isn't it?"
"Haahaaaheeeheeehahahaaa……..So-so-sorry Kero-chan, it's just that…..it's really very funny! Hahahahaaaa!" Sakura laughed till tears rolled down her eyes.
Kero-chan winked at Tomoyo, and she smiled, glad that Sakura's happy again.
After Sakura treated Kero-chan to an extra large piece of chocolate cake and saying goodbye to Tomoyo, she went up to her room. She thought about the things that had happened to her since returning to the past. And as her love for Yue and Yukito grew even more, she began to wonder what would be their fates after she dies. Never again did she want them to go through the pain of fading, waiting helplessly for the day when they would become non-existence.
I wonder if there's a way to keep my powers stored up somewhere, to sustain Yue and Yuki even after I die. With the weird dreams I've had and the incident where I was almost………. I realize that life is truly fragile, and anything could happen in the next moment.
Can my magic be stored in a card, sort of it being frozen till they are needed by Yue and Yukito, in case their new master cannot sustain them again like I was? Can a person's magic remain in the mortal world after they pass away? If there are…….oh I hate to think about it but I have to…….g-g-ghosts in this world, that means we could probably remain in this world after we die. I still remember the time I went Hong Kong and met the lady who loved Clow-san so much, she waited for him years after she had died.
Then it should be possible to seal my magic up somewhere, waiting for the specific trigger to unleash it? But I remember Kero-chan saying that it's a very difficult spell, and require a lot of magic and willpower. I will become stronger, for their sakes! I will find a way to solve this problem! I'm sure everything will be all right!
With these determined thoughts, Sakura settled to meditate again. While her powers grew, it attracted unwanted attention………….those of Kuro.
Sakura was so absorbed in her training that she had lost track of time, and a soft knock on her door brought her back to reality.
"Yes, coming!" She called out cheerfully.
"Sakura-chan! Dinner is ready." Yukito smiled at her as she blushed. Sakura had forgotten that Yukito has moved in with them.
"Hai! Arigatou Yuki!" She walked downstairs with him to the dinning room. Fujitaka and Touya were already seated.
"Kaijuu, you are late for dinner, everyone was waiting for you." Touya complained.
"Kaijuu ja nai!" Sakura wanted to stamp on his feet, but refrained from doing so as Yukito was still standing beside her. Fuming, she went to her seat and they chorused, "Itadakimasu!"
Yukito was eating less than usual, and Touya asked with concerned, "What's wrong Yuki? You are not eating well."
He shook his head and smiled, "No, I'm fine."
Touya frowned but said nothing. Sakura was also casting worried looks at Yukito. Even though her powers were increasing, and Yukito doesn't need to eat as much now, he was still eating too little today.
Yukito was worried about Yue, who had remained sleeping in his mind ever since he found out about Sakura and that boy who had Clow's aura. What happens if Sakura needed protecting? Although Yukito is fast and athletic, good with archery and sports, he doesn't have the confidence to deal with the strange events surrounding Sakura. Nevertheless, he would risk his life to protect her.
Touya had to work part-time after dinner, so he left after giving Yukito another look. Fujitaka had to work in the basement, and Sakura was left alone with Yukito.
"Yuki, do you need help with packing your stuff?" Sakura offered shyly.
"Sure, thanks Sakura-chan!" Yuki and Sakura went to his new room and started opening some of the boxes, placing the things neatly into the cupboard. They worked together in comfortable silence. As Sakura was tiptoeing and placing an item on the top shelves, she tripped and fell backwards. Yukito saw this and rushed forward to catch her. Somehow, they landed on the narrow bed, with Sakura lying on her back and Yukito looming over her. Their bodies were entwined and Yukito blinked, seeing Sakura's dazed eyes inches from his face.
"Sakura-chan……." Yukito looked down at her blushing face with a smile.
God, she's so beautiful.
"Yuki………" Sakura blinked as her warm sweet breath caressed Yukito's cheeks softly. Yukito's glasses had fell on the floor somehow when he had dashed forward to save her from falling, and Sakura could know see his light amber eyes clearly. They were captivating. She didn't want to, and couldn't tear her gaze from his eyes.
I'm drowning in your eyes.
Closing the distance between them slowly, as if giving Sakura time to move away if she wishes to, Yukito pressed his lips on Sakura's gently.
Can I really kiss you?
Her hands came around Yukito's neck, fingers feeling the smooth strands of silver hair. Yukito smiled against her rosy lips, and parted them with a persuading push of his tongue. Sakura's sweet mouth opened a little to allow Yukito to enter.
You taste so sweet.
She was jolted by the electrifying currents running through her body, and gasped in delight. Yukito was obviously feeling the same way, as he started breathing more heavily into her mouth. The magical bond between them, as Mistress and Guardian was even stronger now; strengthened by the love they have for each other. They felt every fiber of their being come alive, filled with glowing magical power and love. Their senses became more sensitized, as the smallest touch could send delicious shivers up each other's spine.
I have never felt more alive.
Yukito rolled his tongue around hers, sucking on it tenderly. The pleasure she derived from that was exquisite, and she whimpered softly.
Am I in heaven?
Yukito nibbled her bottom lip gently, and slides his mouth down to her bare throat, brushing feather-light kisses lower, and lower, till he finally stopped at the base of her throat, just above the v-shaped opening of her pink blouse.
Your skin is like velvet.
Sakura's chest was heaving from sensual feelings she's having, and slipped her trembling fingers into the Yukito's hair, marveling at its texture.
Your hair is like silk.
They remained locked in embrace for a while, with Yukito resting his head on Sakura's chest, and her hands toying with his hair. She pressed a loving kiss on top of his crown of silver hair and rested her chin on it, rubbing her cheeks slowly against the soft, silky tresses.
I love you.
Yukito sighed in bliss. Sakura had made his worries about Yue disappear entirely during their kiss.
I love you, forever.
Without both of them knowing it, they fell asleep together on his bed.
Kero-chan was already deep in slumber, and didn't even notice that his mistress was not in her bedroom.
Fujitaka was working overnight in the basement for his speech tomorrow, so he didn't noticed anything either.
Touya was so tired after his part-time job that he went straight up to bed, not checking on Sakura like he usually does.
The next morning…………..there was going to be mini-chaos in the Kinomotos' Residence.
--------The Next Morning-----------
Fujitaka hadn't slept a wink last night, and had left the house without breakfast this morning, to prepare for his speech in the University. Touya was then the first person to wake up. He dressed and headed to Yukito's room, intending to wake him up. Knocking once on the door, he entered, and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
Lying on Yukito's bed was Sakura AND Yukito, both of them still asleep. Sometime during the night, they had shifted unconsciously to make themselves more comfortable. Yukito is now lying on his back, his arms snugly around Sakura. Sakura's entire body was laid vertically on Yukito's, with her head resting on his chest. One of her hands was palm-down on Yukito's right thigh, while the other curled around his shoulder. Sakura's left leg wedged between Yukito's legs, while her right one was half-wrapped around his left leg. They looked extremely cozy, and intimate. (A/N: it's at times like this, describing this sort of thing, that I truly wish I could draw decent Manga. Pictures tell a thousand words.)
For the second time in his time, Touya shouted at both his best friend and sister.
"YOU TWO WAKE UP THIS INSTANT!" He roared, causing the birds chirping outside the window to flee in fright.
Sakura and Yukito woke up almost immediately, and they were too disoriented at first to know what's wrong. Then they starting blushing together at the compromising position they are in. Sakura tried to get up but her knee hit Yukito's more sensitive region, causing him to groan in pain. She apologized profusely, while Yukito smiled, trying not to grimace. Sakura rolled over and out of his bed, and Yukito sat up, scratching his head in puzzlement.
"Huh? Good morning To-ya!" Yukito greeted his friend cheerfully, ignoring the angry vibes coming from him.
Sakura stared at her brother in horror. "Onni-chan……wait…..don't jump to the wrong conclusion…ah…." She shut her mouth after he gave her a ferocious glare.
Touya was shaking with rage. "YUKI!!!!!!!!! YOU PROMISED ME! NOTHING BESIDES KISSING TILL SHE'S OLDER!"
"Ah, but we didn't do anything besides kissing last night. We just fell asleep together, that's all." Yukito explained calmly.
Touya was still angry, but he knew his best friend would never lie to him. He's starting to feel a little silly for his over-reaction, and grunted, "Keep it that way." Turning to Sakura, he scowled. "Next time sleep in your own room, you kaijuu."
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh ONNI-CHAN!!!!" Sakura fumed, as Touya walked out of the room. Yukito laughed and ruffled Sakura's hair affectionately. "Let's get ready for school, ne?"
"Hai!" She beamed and rush upstairs to change.
The days swiftly went by without Sakura having another strange dream. She changed many more Clow cards into Sakura cards with the help of Eriol's planned actions, and her bigger magical powers as a result of her training harder. But Sakura was finding Yue's behavior very odd. Whenever Eriol's planned events happen, Yue and Kero-chan will be with her, though she doesn't really need their help, as all she has to do is to change the cards. Other than those times, Yue wouldn't appear. And when Sakura tried to talk to him during those events, he would give her one-two word answers. It's almost as if…………he's angry with her, even though he doesn't show it. She decided to ask Yukito about this.
Yukito was waiting outside Sakura's school gates as usual, so they can walk home together. "Sakura-chan!" He waved as Sakura approached.
"Yuki!" They walked hand-in-hand, and then it started raining. A drizzle turned into a storm as the rain beat down on them mercilessly. Running, they seek shelter under the huge slide that's shaped like a penguin, in the park.
Yuki took out his handkerchief and wiped the rain droplets on Sakura's face. "Arigatou, Yuki." Sakura smiled.
Then her expression turned serious. "Yuki, I want to ask you something, please tell me the truth, ok?" She looked deep into his puzzled eyes.
"Yes Sakura-chan, what's the matter?"
"Is Yue angry with me?"
Yukito was taken aback by her question. "Why do you ask that?"
"He hasn't spoken to me much for a long time now, and when I look into his eyes……….they are so cold." She shivered involuntarily.
"Sakura-chan, I won't lie to you. That day, when you wanted to be alone, Yue asked me to take over so that he can watch over you without you knowing. He saw you with a boy who has Clow-san's aura."
Sakura gasped in shock. "No………" She had tried so hard to keep it from everyone, especially Yue, and still…….
"And Yue is angry, he's angry with me isn't it?" Sakura took his hands in hers, her voice trembling. Yukito hesitated.
"Tell me! Please!" Sakura pleaded. He closed his eyes and nodded.
"I'm sorry, Yue, so sorry, please forgive me." Tears fell from her eyes. Yukito rubbed them away tenderly. "He will forgive you in time, when he manage to think things through." He consoled her.
"Can I talk to Yue please?"
Yukito shook his head sadly. "Sakura-chan………ever since that day, Yue has been sleeping in my mind. He only wakes up when something strange happens to you, and at all other times, he remains in slumber."
He added. "I tried to talk to him, but he doesn't want to listen. He's shutting me out as well."
Watching the rain pouring down, Sakura remembered the day when Yue had saved her, bringing her to a cave for shelter. It was raining heavily that day too. They had their first kiss then. Just a few months, and now, Yue doesn't even want to see her unless she's…………
Yue only wakes up when something happens to me. So does that mean I have to wait for Eriol's next event to see him? But even if I do see Yue, will he want to talk to me? He doesn't even listen to Yuki, his other half.
If he gives me the chance to explain things, what would I say? Tell him I knew Eriol is Clow-san's reincarnation? That it was part of his plans for us to fall in love with each other? Wouldn't Yue feel that he's being manipulated? I think, Yue already feels that way. That's why, that's why he wants nothing to do with me other than doing his duty as a guardian, which he is bound by magic to be so.
Have you stopped loving me, Yue?
Sakura's heart gripped in pain. Her shoulders slumped, and it was like her life was draining away. Somewhere along her thoughts, she had stopped crying, and now all she felt was numbness, the natural reflex of the mind to block out immense pain.
Yukito felt her pain, and hugged her. To his surprise, she pushed him away and ran out into the rain.
"SAKURA!" He shouted and chased after her.
I deserve Yue's anger and his rejection, because I have lied to him. Not only him, I have hid the truth from Yuki as well. Why isn't Yuki angry?
Sakura used her Fly, and wings sprouted from her back. She flew up into the sky, ignoring Yuki's shouts. Feeling the rain beat down on her face, she smiled bitterly, a smile that holds no joy, but self-directed anger and sadness.
Yuki, you are just too kind. But even you wouldn't forgive me when I tell you that I have kissed Eriol, and betrayed both of you. I was too naïve, I shouldn't have believe that the truth would stay hidden, shouldn't have thought that I would be forgiven and you will continue to love me. No. I'm so stupid I hate myself.
And as if the skies had heard her thoughts and agreed with her, they meted out their punishment on her. A lightning bolt flashed among the dark clouds and strike Sakura down. Her wings disappeared as her body jolted with agony. She fell down onto the cold hard pavement, unconsciousness. Her battered body laid on the concrete as blood begins to seep out of her, making the rainwater on the ground turn crimson red. And the rain continued, beating down on her freezing motionless body ruthlessly.
TBC
A/N: I'm so cruel, to have a happy Kero-chan and Sakura at the beginning, a romantic scene in the middle, and angst, pure heartbreaking angst at the end of this chapter. *mwahahahahahhaa* Will Sakura die? Nah, she's the main character, besides, that's not the way she had disappeared in the future, according to Touya. But the future can shift, remember? It all depends on what Sakura does in the past. If she hadn't confronted Yuki about Yue's strange behavior, she'll disappear after having more "Kuro" dreams. But now…….ah…….the wheels of destiny is once again rotating……….
