Hey reviewers and readers! I've finally had time to type up the second
chapter. Please don't be made about how late it is. I'll try to do better
next time. Well, I better not keep you from this chapter. Keep reading!
Sorry for taking approximately three months. Well, on with the chapter!
Disclaimer: CCS belongs to Clamp but not me.
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"Okay class. Today we are going to go on a cruise, so bring extra clothes," Mr. Terada said as we ate breakfast in the restaurant. "Meet in front of the hotel in half an hour."
I walked up to my room and prepared to go on the trip. I put some scrolls in my pocket for an emergency. Eriol stood in my doorway.
"Are you coming or not?" he asked, his hands on hips, a backpack on his back.
"Let me grab one more thing," I said, snatching my bag and sunglasses and putting on my jacket. "Ready."
Sakura and Tomoyo were out in the hall, walking towards the elevators. "Wait up Tomoyo!" Eriol called and they both turned around. (AN: Eriol likes Tomoyo! Eriol likes Tomoyo!)
"Hey Eriol. Hey Syaoran," Tomoyo greeted as we caught up with them. Eriol turned a nice shade of red for once at the same time Sakura started muttering.
"I…I'm going to take the stairs," she stammered. (AN: After that earlier experience with elevators, I'm not surprised. ::evil grin::)
"I'll come with you," Tomoyo suggested.
"N…No! Um…I'll meet you on the bus," Sakura countered and took off running towards the stairs.
We got into the elevator and it was crowded. Not as bad as last time, but still. Luckily, it didn't get much worse, but I was still relieved when we finally got off. Somehow, I was able to sit anywhere, but next to Sakura. With a sigh, Yamazaki sat down next to me as Chiharu sat next to Sakura.
"What's with you?" I asked.
"Well, Chiharu has been wanting to sit next to Sakura, but she really wanted to keep me 'in line,' if you know what I mean," he explained. (AN: I hope that isn't a lie. Wait a sec, I wrote the story so I should know! Lemme see. Hm. It's not a lie, I guess, but I'm still not sure.)
I sighed, remembering my first encounter with Yamazaki. That had been quite interesting, as I remember.
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We reached the docks after a half an hour bus ride. I got off and looked around. A big cruiser was the only boat that was docked.
"Okay. I'm Nick and I'll be your guide for the week," a man said as we filed onto the cruiser. There were three levels on the boat and the middle level had a dance floor.
"Same room mates that you had at the hotel will be the ones on the ship. Come to me and get your room number," Mr. Terada said and Eriol went to get our room number. (AN: I'm evil and I know it, but they're gonna be across the hall from Sakura and Tomoyo. That might be a small problem if Eriol is prone to sleepwalking. ::evil grin:: And hopefully, he doesn't use magic when he's sleeping too.) I walked around, looking at the ship.
"We have room 10 which is right across the hall from Tomoyo and Sakura," Eriol commented, grinning evilly. I sighed as we walked down the hall to our room.
There were two bedrooms and a bathroom. I tossed my stuff in one of the bedrooms and looked around. There was a bed, a closet, and a dresser. There also was a window, overlooking the ocean. I walked back up to the top deck. Sakura and Tomoyo were sitting at the snack bar. I went over to a stool and ordered a soda.
"There's going to be a dance every night. Are you going?" Tomoyo asked. (AN: I couldn't resist the urge to do that and it's for very good reasons.)
"Of course! It'll be fun even if I don't dance with anyone. I could tape you and Eriol dancing if you want me to," Sakura suggested.
"That'll be great. Oh. Hey Syaoran," Tomoyo greeted, turning Sakura's attention to me.
"Hi. Are you going to the dance tonight?" Sakura asked, smiling.
"I'm still debating about it, but probably yes," I replied and Sakura's smile got bigger. "I'll see you later."
I got up and walked outside. I leaned against the rail and watched waves go past the cruiser. Dolphins were swimming along with the cruiser, leaping the waves. Someone came over and stood next to me. I didn't need to look at him to tell that it was the Devil.
"The ocean is very calm, but there is always a calm before a bad storm hits," he said and I turned to look at him.
"How would you know that?" I asked, glaring at him.
"Magic, descendant. The storm will hit tomorrow during tomorrow's dance. Be prepared for the ship will sink," Eriol replied, walking away. I shook my head and turned to watch the sunset. The sky was streaked with reds, oranges, purples, and blues.
"Wow. The sky's beautiful," Sakura breathed, coming to the rail.
'Just like you,' I thought, almost saying it out loud. "Yeah. It sure is," I agreed, relieved that I hadn't given away my feelings towards her. (AN: Pure, sweet…)
We stood in silence until the sun went down.
"Oh my God! The dance starts in like five minutes! I'll see you there!" Sakura called, running off. (AN: SUGAR!!!!)
I went down to my room and changed into a jean jacket and black pants. When I was done, I went back upstairs to the dance floor. It was already crowded with my classmates. I made my way to a chair in a corner and sat down. The music slowed down and a girl I didn't even know came up to me.
"You want to dance?" she asked.
"No," I replied, scowling and she walked away. (AN: That gotta hurt for the girl.) I scanned the crowd and saw Sakura. She had Tomoyo's camera in her hand and was filming Tomoyo and Eriol dancing. Sakura lowered the camera and I was able to see what she was wearing. It was a sleeveless top and short shorts.
'Damn. She looks hot. Next slow dance I'll ask her,' I thought to myself. A little annoying voice filled my mind; the voice of Satan himself.
'Hey descendant. Have you checked out Sakura? Ask her to dance.' (AN: and then ask her to sleep with you tonight.)
'Go away Eriol.'
'Come on. I know you want her.'
'Leave me alone. You're bugging me.'
'That's my job. By the way, Sakura just spotted you.'
'I bet you pointed me out to her.'
'Nope, but here she comes.' (AN: ::cough:: LIAR ::cough::)
"Hey Syaoran," Sakura said, standing in front of me.
"Hey. Uh…do you want to dance during the next slow dance?" I asked, blushing.
"Sure," she replied, giggling uncontrollably. Honestly, giggling should be illegal. (AN: I totally agree…NOT!! ()
She walked off, almost skipping with happiness.
'Nice going descendant. You really hit big.'
'Shut up and leave me alone.'
'Why should I? I love rubbing things in.'
'Just leave me alone.'
'Fine, but remember that the storm comes tomorrow and the ship will sink. You need to keep close to Sakura.' (AN: Will he ever shut up about the 'storm' thing? NEVER! YOU CAN'T TAKE AWAY OUR FREEDOM!!)
'Go away.'
I shut my mind from his communication and slouched in the chair. His words of a storm kept running through my mind. Another slow dance started and I stood up. Sakura came over to me and put her arms around my neck, pulling me close to her. I put my arms around her waist and we started dancing. A red light shone in the corner of my eye and I quickly glared at it. (AN: Satan's eye! Run for your life!) It didn't go off. I heard Sakura sigh and felt her head on my shoulder. (AN: Blush meter 1-100. Blush reading 75)
'Teach me your ways, O Leader of the Li Clan.'
'Go away.'
'Why should I?'
'Because I want you to.'
'To hear is to obey, O Leader of the Li Clan.'
'Don't make reference to the Li Clan again or you will get it.'
'Okay, all powerful Syaoran.'
'I can't win can I?'
Nope. Hee, hee, hee.'
'Don't mention anything about me being the next leader of the Li Clan to anyone, especially Sakura.'
'Okay. Your secret is safe with me unless I'm tortured for information.'
'You swine.'
'Oink, oink.'
'Very funny.'
The song ended and I quickly pulled away from Sakura. Tomoyo had her little grin plastered on her face and Eriol looked really smug. I scowled at them and went back to my chair for the rest of the dance. (AN: Why would anyone do that?) When the dance ended, I went back to my room and laid down on my bed. Soon I closed my eyes and tried to go to sleep.
After the dance ended, I went out on the deck to get a breather. I was still blushing from my dance with Syaoran. He is so sweet and really handsome. (AN: Awe. She's in love.) The ocean looked black with little windows of light. The sky was full of stars and the moon was full. I sighed and shivered as a cold breeze blew from the ocean.
"Here Sakura," Syaoran said, putting his jacket over my shoulders. (AN: Hey! He's supposed to be in his room!)
"Thanks Syaoran," I responded, blushing and smiling at the same time. I leaned on the rail, looking out over the ocean. I pulled Syaoran's jacket tighter around me at another breath of wind.
"Why are you out here?" Syaoran asked, looking at me.
"I wanted to be by myself, away from Tomoyo, for a little while. Also, I needed a breather after the dance, if you know what I mean. Why are you here?" I countered.
"I couldn't sleep. Also, Eriol told me something that worries me," Syaoran responded, sighing.
"Can you tell me?" I asked. Syaoran frowned as if debating it.
"There is going to be a bad storm tomorrow during the dance," he said finally.
"And?" I asked, knowing by the look on his face that there was more.
"And the ship is going to sink," he finished, his face full of mixed feelings. My mind was full of bad thoughts and my face reflected those thoughts.
"Don't worry. We'll be safe," Syaoran said, putting his arm around me. My face got really warm. (AN: Blush meter 1-100. Blush reading 99)
"I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow," I said quickly, walking away, unaware that I still had his jacket.
"Okay," Syaoran called after me. I went to my room and sat down on the bed, still in my clothes. I was warm, so I took off the jacket and remembered that it was Syaoran's. I buried my face into it and breathed deeply. I was in heaven. (AN: Get your mind off him!)
After changing into PJ's and climbing into bed, I tried to sleep. My mind was full of what Syaoran had said about a storm and the ship sinking. Horrible thoughts filled my mind again and I shook my head, trying to get rid of them.
"I can't believe that the ship is going to sink. I mean, it can't be possible. Eriol should be able to prevent if unless it is made by a magician more powerful than himself, I think," I muttered to myself before rolling over and falling asleep.
I watched Sakura leave, still wearing my jacket. I sighed and looked back out over the ocean. The stars reflected on the always-moving ocean. I was about to turn around when I felt a very powerful presence coming from about a mile away. I strained my eyes in the darkness and picked out the silhouette of a small pleasure boat.
"What is that doing out there? Land isn't for about fifty miles and they'll probably run out of fuel before they're in sight of land," I said aloud to myself. The craft was soon swallowed up in the rolling fog. An interesting and slightly horrifying thought filled my mind. "What if…what if the magician, who is going to cause the storm, owns that boat and is on it right now? I need to get Eriol and ask his opinion about this," I muttered, rushing to my room. "Eriol! Get up! This is very important!"
"What…what is?"
"Come with me, quickly."
As we rushed back to the railing, I felt the presence start to disappear. We reached the railing, slightly out of breath.
"Do you feel a magical presence?" I asked and Eriol closed his eyes, but only for a moment.
"How could that be? He's been dead longer than Clow Reed. This just isn't possible," Eriol said, a look of confusion on his face.
"What isn't possible? Tell me what isn't possible," I said anxiously.
"The Rogue, Love, Hate, Music, Destruction, Fun, and Freeze cards were made by Clow Reed's grandfather, a lesser, but still great magician. He died when Clow was twenty and the Ancient Cards disappeared without a trace. It is written in a book that when the Ancient Cards' creator returns, they will become active once again, waiting to be captured by the Card Mistress. After the Card Mistress has captured four of the seven cards, the creator will try to destroy the Card Mistress," Eriol explained.
"That can't be right," I retorted, slightly nervous about Eriol's statement.
"The creator is sending a storm to kill Sakura. No one else will be hurt. If Sakura is to live, someone must take her place or be stupid enough to try and save her, but he must succeed," Eriol said calmly as if commenting on the weather.
"I'll take her place," I said after a few minutes of silence. (AN: Awe! How sweet!)
"Syaoran. Syaoran. That would break her heart and she would be vulnerable. The creator won't stop until all the cards are sealed. What you need to do is protect Sakura. Never leave her side," Eriol responded. (AN: I'm evil and I know it. This is almost as good as SyaoranSword's The Science of Torturing Syaoran. Almost, but not as good. I completely recommend that you read it, if you haven't already.)
'Kuso. This is going to be one hard task. Not to mention, embarrassing,' I thought. "Should I tell her about this?" I asked.
"No. It will worry her even more. Let's go to sleep. You'll need your energy when the storm hits," Eriol said and we went back to our room. I was quick to fall asleep, but my dreams were cursed nightmares.
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I woke up and put on my swimsuit. I had seen a pool on deck and planned t go swimming. When I reached the pool, I saw that I wasn't the only one. Sakura, Tomoyo, Chiharu, Rika, Yamazaki, and Eriol were playing Marco Polo.
I tossed my towel on a chair and dove straight in. Sunlight filtered through the water, making it seem magical. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I swallowed water in surprise. (Kero: Did he drown? ::looks hopeful::) My head broke the surface and I stood, gasping for air. (AN: Nope!)
"Sorry about that. Are you okay?" Sakura asked when I stopped coughing. (Kero: Kuso!)
"Yeah. And just so you know, I'm staying right next to you at the dance. Never know if we might need our powers," I quickly whispered to Sakura, not wanting anyone to overhear.
"Okay. Are you sure that there is going to be a storm tonight?" Sakura asked.
"Yes. And it is being created by a very powerful magician. In fact, it is the same magician who created the Ancient Cards."
"HOE?! That guy is still alive?!"
"He did the same thing as Clow Reed, only we don't know what he looks like."
"You got to be kidding me. Honestly. Two reincarnations. My mind is being screwed with completely."
"I'm not kidding."
"Why didn't he show himself before?"
"Well. I promised Eriol that I wouldn't tell you."
"You better tell me Syaoran or you're going to get your butt kicked." (AN: Uh-oh. Sakura is getting mad. Run, Syaoran, run!)
"Uh. After four of the seven cards are sealed, he shows himself in one way or another."
"Syaoran. There's something that you're keeping from me. What is it?"
"Sorry Sakura, but I've already told too much."
I dove under the water and quickly swam away from Sakura. I looked back and saw her swimming towards me. I went up for air.
"Hey Syaoran! Want to play water volleyball?" Yamazaki asked.
"Sure," I responded and swam over to them
"It's guys verse girls," Sakura said, scowling at me. (AN: Are you sure? I mean, one of them could be a girl.)
"That's unfair," Eriol protested.
"I'll film the game, so that it will be three on three," Tomoyo suggested, getting out of the pool.
The game started with Sakura serving the ball directly at me at like fifty mph. I barely had time to hit it back over. Eventually everyone dropped out, leaving me to play against Sakura. I almost got a black eye. (AN: That would have been funny, but for some odd reason, I'm on a nice streak at the moment. Hopefully it's not permanent.) I think that she was using the Power card. Honestly, no one could serve that hard. (AN: Actually, I had some girls on my volleyball team who served really hard, so it is possible.)
"Had enough?" Sakura asked, a grim expression on her face.
"What do you think?" I retorted, scowling at her for the first time since God knows when.
"Yes," She taunted. Since when did she taunt someone?
"Well. Strike one. Big N.O," I replied, serving the ball with all my might.
Eventually everyone left, leaving me alone with Sakura stuck in hell-bitch mode.
"Okay Syaoran. Time to get down to business. Why won't you tell me about the creator and why the storm is coming?" Sakura pleaded. Wait, since when does Sakura plea to know something. I'm so confused. Must have been something I ate. Maybe the sushi was rotten. (AN: Isn't sushi always rotten? Just kidding, honestly. Sushi is actually really good. ^_^)
"Okay, okay. Um. Er," I said, thinking hard.
"You better start now," Sakura threatened, returning to hell-bitch mode.
"Um. The creator only shows himself to…"
"To what?"
"Uh. You don't want to know."
"Yes I do. TELL ME NOW!"
"To kill the Card Mistress."
"To what the Card Mistress?"
"Let me put it as delicately as I can. Destroy, eliminate, get rid of." (AN: I love myself. ( ::sigh:: If only I was as good as JadeWing.)
"In other words, kill?" Sakura asked, dazed. I nodded and she looked at me as if I was crazy. Then she dunked herself and came up laughing. "You're kidding me."
"No. Why would I kid about something this serious?"
"You're serious that the creator wants to kill me."
"Absolutely."
"Positive?"
"Yep."
"Dammit. First Eriol, now this other magician. When will the insanity stop?!?!?!?!" (AN: Never! Mwha ha ha ha ha ha! Please note: at this point Sakura is pulling out her hair. Thank you.)
"Calm down. You won't die. I promise, okay? No one will hurt you as long as I'm around," I said, grabbing her hands before she could pull out any more hair.
"I do dare say that he loves her. What do you think Takuya?" (AN: Crazy person is talking who is also known as Takazawa, Clow Reed's grandfather.)
"I agree with you Master." (AN: Another crazy person who is also known as Takuya, Takazawa'a guardian and guardian of the Ancient Cards.)
"Too bad my grandson, Clow, didn't join us instead of them. He would have had the best time with us. Same with Spinel Sun and Nakuru."
"Of course Master. But can we convince him now to come to our side?"
"No. For he is in love with the Card Mistress' friend."
"What about kidnapping her friend and forcing Master Clow to come over to our side?"
"I thought about that, but then the Card Mistress would have come also. I can't let the Card Mistress know who I am until right before she dies."
"But won't Master Clow or the other boy use his magic to raise her from the dead?"
"Hopefully, her body will never be found, for only I know how to raise the dead without a body in front of me." (AN: This crazy person, Takazawa, needs a new hobby. I shall have a contest for his new hobby in a few days. Just kidding! ^_^ LOL!)
"Ah. You are very wise Master Takazawa." (AN: Not really, just really stupid.)
"Sakura. You're hiding something," Kero said as I brushed my hair.
"There's a very powerful magician out to kill me. It's Clow's grandfather. A storm is coming tonight and the ship is going to sink all because of this magician. I don't know what to do," I sighed and put my brush away.
"First of all, I'm going to be with you to the dance tonight," Kero said.
"But Syaoran said that he would protect me," I countered.
"He wouldn't know how to protect a fly," Kero muttered and I grabbed him in my fist. "Hey. I was just joking."
"You need to find Yue and come back here. Wait somewhere where you won't be seen," I commanded and Kero flew off. I sighed and finished getting ready for the dance.
"Are you ready Sakura?"
"Yes Tomoyo."
"What's the matter? You look scared."
"It's nothing."
"Yes it is. You normally aren't one to be scared unless it involves ghosts."
"Well, this could involve a ghost; me as a ghost."
"Someone's trying to kill you?" (AN: NOOOO!!!! Damn N*sync!!! Not that song again. Will Rosie 105 get some better music!?!?!? ::chucks radio out of window:: ::sigh:: Finally. Peace and quiet.)
"Yes me. The Card Mistress."
"Who is it?"
"The creator of the Ancient Cards."
"You mean Clow's grandfather? That's a scary thought."
"Yeah I know. And he's going to try and kill me tonight!"
"Kuso. During or after the dance?"
"During the dance, a storm is going to hit and the ship is going to sink."
"Man. That's bad luck. Where's Kero?"
"I sent Kero to get Yue and to come straight back."
"That's good. Is there anything I could do?"
"Um. Stay calm no matter what happens, I guess. Oh. And do what Syaoran tells you."
"Okay, but what about you?"
"I…I'll be fine." (AN: I don't want to spoil what's gonna happen but I just gotta say this. NO, YOU WONT BE FINE SAKURA! Thank you.)
"Sakura! Tomoyo! Hey, we're over here!" Rika called, cutting our conversation short.
"Hey Rika! Chiharu! What's up?" Tomoyo replied as we walked to where they were. Yamazaki, Eriol, and Syaoran soon joined us.
"Have you heard? A hurricane is supposed to hit this area pretty soon," Yamazaki said.
"Yamazaki! Quit lying," Chiharu responded, hitting him over the head.
"But it is true," I retorted.
"Oh. In that case, sorry Yamazaki," Chiharu apologized to the prone figure on the floor.
"Hey! This is my favorite slow song!" Tomoyo said as the DJ started playing "All Or Nothing" by the American group, O-town. (AN: Sorry, but I couldn't think of any other slow songs and the radio, yes it's a new radio, started playing it.) Eriol and Tomoyo started dancing as we looked on.
"Tomoyo is enjoying herself. Why not you?" Syaoran hinted.
"Okay. I'll enjoy myself," I said, smiling. We moved out onto the dance floor and started dancing.
Right when the song ended, the storm hit.
The storm started right when I let go of Sakura. The ship rocked dangerously and we lost our balance. A wave crashed over the rail and started pulling Sakura out to sea.
"Sakura! Grab my hand!" I shouted.
"I can't Syaoran!" Sakura shouted back.
"Don't tell me what you can and cannot do! Just grab my hand!"
"You're too far away!"
I reached out as far as I dared and caught her wrist. "Gotcha! Now hold tight!"
I felt her fingers close around my wrist and I pulled hard. Sakura was almost safe when another, more powerful wave swept over us. Too soon, Sakura was holding on to one of my fingers. Another wave and Sakura lost her hold. (AN: MWHA HA HA HA HA!!)
"No! Sakura!" I shouted and was about to jump overboard, but Yamazaki and Eriol restrained me.
"Syaoran. Get some sense in your head," Yamazaki said as I struggled against his and Eriol's holds.
"You would do the same for Tomoyo or Chiharu if you were in my place," I growled.
"Let him go. Someone needs to save Sakura and Syaoran is the strongest swimmer among us," Tomoyo said and they let me go.
"Attention! Please put on life jackets and get into the lifeboats! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!" Nick shouted and everyone started panicking. I noticed that Tomoyo wasn't freaking out. She must be grieving for Sakura. I winced at Sakura's name. A brilliant idea came to my head. (AN: Brilliant yet stupid or stupid but brilliant.)
"Tomoyo. Get in a lifeboat and shout when I call to you after getting Sakura. Got it?" I explained quickly, taking off my jacket, and shirt and handing them to her.
"Okay, but be careful," Tomoyo said as I dove in the water. A faint glow was coming from a staff with a star on it about a hundred feet below me and the distance was increasing fast. The staff belonged to Sakura!
I pushed myself down, following the staff. As I got closer, the eerie glow fell on someone's arm and hand. I grabbed the staff and the person's hand. After pulling the person close, the light died as Sakura's face came into view. I put my arm around her waist and started swimming to the surface. My lungs felt like they would burst and my legs on fire. I didn't think of anything except getting to the surface safely. My head broke the surface and I breathed in huge gulps of air. The ship was gone, but I could pick out the silhouettes of the lifeboats and the voices of my classmates. A flashlight turned on and scanned over the lifeboats. I saw Tomoyo's face in a lifeboat and started swimming towards the boat.
"Tomoyo!" I called when I was about twenty feet from the lifeboat that she was in.
"Over here Syaoran. Do you have Sakura?"
"Yeah, but I fear the worst."
"You don't mean that Sakura is dead, do you?" Rika asked, joining in on the conversation. I reached the side of the lifeboat.
"Eriol. Yamazaki. A little help here?" Chiharu called and they appeared at the edge of the boat. I lifted Sakura up as far as I could, and Eriol and Yamazaki pulled her in. I pulled myself in and Tomoyo handed me my shirt and jacket.
"Sakura isn't breathing!" Chiharu said as she and Rika started panicking.
"Kuso. Not again. Do I have to?" I whined.
"Well. Last time this happened, you were the only one brave enough to do it," Tomoyo said, making me remember the day that I had wanted to forget forever.
"Fine, but one quick request. No filming what so ever and no photos either," I responded, glaring at Tomoyo specifically.
"Okay, but hurry up before she dies, dammit," Rika said impatiently.
'Here I go for the fourth time in saving her life. By the way, where's Kero?' I thought to myself, before starting to give mouth-to-mouth to Sakura. (AN: I'm evil and proud of it, thank you very much. ^_^ ()
As soon as I pulled away, she coughed up water, but didn't wake up. Everyone was waiting with baited breath. (AN: I was just wondering, how can you bait breath?) I checked her breathing and pulse, which were both okay.
"She'll live if we keep her warm," I said, draping my jacket over her prone figure.
"He saved her Master. What are you going to do now?"
"I don't know, but we do have two hostages; Keroberos and Yue." (AN: Betcha didn't think that I would do that, did ya? Mwha ha ha ha ha ha!!!)
"Could I suggest something?"
"Go right ahead Takuya. I'm listening."
"What about using the boy. He has magic, but he isn't as powerful as you. Use him to destroy the Card Mistress."
"Yes. What a great idea."
"Release us now," Yue commanded.
"If you use Syaoran, Sakura would do anything to save him. Even if it means killing herself," Keroberos growled. "But we will stop her. Sakura always asks our advice and we will tell her to do something else."
"Well, well. My hostages decided to speak up. If she listens to you two, then I will have to make imposters."
"Master Takazawa. A ship approaches."
"We will leave now, but not before I lay a quick spell that might save us from thinking up another plan." (AN: Wonder what's up my sleeve? You'll find out soon enough! ^_^ )
My eyes were half closed when I felt a very powerful presence that quickly vanished. I looked around and saw the lights of a ship coming towards us.
"Look everybody! We're saved! Get up!" Yamazaki shouted and soon everyone around our boat took up the cry. I was about to join in, but something made me look to the ship. It was about ten yards away and coming in fast.
"Look out! The ship is going to ram us!" Eriol called and everyone in the lifeboat jumped out. I was about to jump when I remembered Sakura. I went back to her and had just picked her up when the ship broke the lifeboat.
I went under and felt the barnacles on the bottom of the ship cut deep into my back. I started sinking just as the propellers almost cut of my head. I was weak from the loss of blood, but I forced myself to the surface, knowing that my life and Sakura's life depended on me once more. I surfaced and looked around.
The ship was a mere pinpoint in the distance, with no other boats near by. I swam to some floating wreckage from the lifeboat and hauled Sakura and myself onto it. I shivered slightly, wishing I had a big blanket and some Advil. I sat down next to where Sakura was laying. Now it was time to play the waiting game.
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The sun beat down merciless for the third day in a row. I predicted the time to be about ten o'clock, because my training included telling time using the sun. I had been able to construct a small lean-to from objects from the cruise ship that had floated to the surface. The lean-to made very little shade, which I gave to Sakura by carrying her over to it. My back had stopped bleeding, but it was still sore.
My mind turned to my family. They didn't have the Gift, except Mother. It was hard to think of my family at a time like this.
Noon came along with a terrible need for cold water. A ship, about ten miles away, traveled east and at that point, I wished that I had a two-way radio or a walkie-talkie.
Sakura's condition got worse as the day went on. She looked worse than the time that she had captured the Cloud Card. I wasn't feeling good either, but I needed to keep moving in case a ship went by.
My vision blurred and I got a really bad headache. My thirst doubled then tripled. I sat down just as everything started spinning. My eyes focused on a ship before I blacked out.
I opened my eyes, but shut them again against the blinding light. A door clicked open and shut. I felt a hand on my forehead and my eyes snapped open.
I had IV's running into my arms and a monitor was bleeping with my heartbeat. I looked at the person who owned the hand.
"Touya!" I exclaimed hoarsely.
"Hey squirt. Feeling better?" he asked and I nodded energetically. The door opened again and Tomoyo entered with Eriol. Touya glared at Eriol as they approached.
"You gave us quite a scare, Sakura. But I'm glad that you're okay," Tomoyo said, sitting in a chair next to the bed, smiling.
"It's not over yet. The creator will try again, you know," Eriol reminded us.
"Let him try. I could use some practice," Touya growled, scowling at no one unparticular.
"But Touya. You don't have your powers anymore," I countered.
"That's true, but…" he said thoughtfully.
"Touya Kinomoto. Don't make me hurt you," I threatened. "What are you hiding from me?"
"Something, but I can't tell you." (AN: He's just as bad as Syaoran.)
"You better tell me." (AN: It's one of those nice sibling arguments. Now let's move on!)
"Nope."
"Touya!"
"My lips are sealed."
I closed my eyes and felt a magical presence coming from Touya.
"You got new powers from someone, didn't you?" I asked, glaring at him. He nodded. "Who did you get them from?"
"Dad."
"He has magic too?"
"Yep."
"But…"
"But what squirt?"
"But why didn't he tell us?"
"He said that he was going to wait until he absolutely needed to reveal it." (AN: I know that in the manga version, which I have, Fujitaka walks in on them after Sakura defeated Eriol. I just had to change that part a little to the 'Americanized' version for this story.)
"Oh."
"Sakura. How are you feeling?" Tomoyo asked, stopping the conversation.
"Just great Tomoyo," I responded, smiling.
"That's good. You were in critical condition when the ship found you and Syaoran," Eriol commented.
"How long have I been out since they found us?" I asked.
"A week. The doctors didn't think that either of you would survive," Touya stated.
I woke up to silence and a blinding light. At first, I thought that I was still out on the ocean, but there was no rolling movement of the waves or the smell of salt. I sat up and looked around. I was in a hospital room for the first time since Father died. (AN: I was just wondering, when was that? In any of the manga and anime, he never mentions that. It's confusing me.)
"Well, look whose up," a nurse said, bustling in.
"Where am I?" I asked as she checked an IV tube running into my arm.
"You're in a hospital in Honolulu. It's been a week since the ship found you and the girl floating around about a hundred miles out at sea," the nurse responded before leaving.
'I was out for a week? Man, that is a long time. I wonder if Sakura is okay,' I mused, settling back down in the bed.
'Hey are you okay?' Eriol's voice entered my mind.
'Yean if you would get out of my mind.'
'When did you get up? I've been trying to reach you for an hour.'
'About five minutes ago.'
'Oh. No wonder.'
'Have you talked to Sakura?'
'Yeah. She's fine. She asked about you.'
'That's good.'
'Guess what.'
'What now?'
'Touya got his powers back.'
'Dammit. How?'
'Their dad.'
'He has powers? Since when?"
'Yep. A long time, but he never told Sakura or Touya about it until now.'
'Great. Just great. Now Touya has powers and I can't fight in this condition.'
'I better go. Tomoyo will probably want to say hi to you later, so I'll see you then.'
We stopped communicating and I sighed with relief. Talking like that really uses up energy, so Sakura doesn't communicate that way very often. I closed my eyes and tried to relax. My mind went back to where I last remembered being. The door clicked open and I opened my eyes and sat up.
"Are you feeling better?" Eriol asked, grinning evilly like usual.
"Yeah. Just fine," I responded.
"Sakura was asking about you. She wanted to come with you, but the nurse wouldn't let her," Tomoyo said, smiling her little smile.
"Nothing keeps you down for long," I commented and Tomoyo smiled more.
"Oh yeah. Touya wants to talk to you. In private," Eriol said.
"I won't let him," I retorted.
"But he has magic again."
"So I'll use mine against him."
"You can't."
"Why not?" (AN: It's midnight and I can't figure out why I'm still up. Maybe it's because I need to finish this chapter. Maybe not. If I could figure it out, I'd tell you.)
"Because you're not in the right condition to use it. And even if you could."
"Fine." I gave in to Eriol just to stop the argument. They left as Touya came in. He looked the same, but I could feel magic coming from him.
"What do you want?" I demanded.
"I want to thank you for saving my sister. Tomoyo explained everything to me and I appreciate what you did. If it weren't for you, Sakura wouldn't be here," Touya said, fiddling with something in his pocket. I was stunned. Touya was actually thanking me. After all the arguments and fights between us, he was thanking me. (AN: No he's not, he's…Oh nasty! Never mind I won't go into that.) My mind was in a whirl. This was more than I could handle.
"You're…you're welcome," I responded, dazed.
"Yeah. Well. I can't be with her all the time and you're with her most of the time, so you can watch her," Touya replied before leaving the room. I was really tired, so I decided to take a nap.
"Okay Takuya. He's asleep. You know what to do."
"Yes Master. It won't take too long."
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"Did you get it?"
"Of course. He almost caught me, but I was able to get away. Have I ever failed you?" She held up a glass globe with a green mist swirling inside.
::sigh:: Finally, after thirteen pages, the second chapter is done. Time to start working on the next one. And all the other stories that I have. A writer's work is never done. Keep R+Ring my stories and Sapphire Midnight's and JadeWing's and Aliet Faslami's (even though she doesn't do CCS). ::yawn:: Time to go to bed. See ya later! (
Disclaimer: CCS belongs to Clamp but not me.
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"Okay class. Today we are going to go on a cruise, so bring extra clothes," Mr. Terada said as we ate breakfast in the restaurant. "Meet in front of the hotel in half an hour."
I walked up to my room and prepared to go on the trip. I put some scrolls in my pocket for an emergency. Eriol stood in my doorway.
"Are you coming or not?" he asked, his hands on hips, a backpack on his back.
"Let me grab one more thing," I said, snatching my bag and sunglasses and putting on my jacket. "Ready."
Sakura and Tomoyo were out in the hall, walking towards the elevators. "Wait up Tomoyo!" Eriol called and they both turned around. (AN: Eriol likes Tomoyo! Eriol likes Tomoyo!)
"Hey Eriol. Hey Syaoran," Tomoyo greeted as we caught up with them. Eriol turned a nice shade of red for once at the same time Sakura started muttering.
"I…I'm going to take the stairs," she stammered. (AN: After that earlier experience with elevators, I'm not surprised. ::evil grin::)
"I'll come with you," Tomoyo suggested.
"N…No! Um…I'll meet you on the bus," Sakura countered and took off running towards the stairs.
We got into the elevator and it was crowded. Not as bad as last time, but still. Luckily, it didn't get much worse, but I was still relieved when we finally got off. Somehow, I was able to sit anywhere, but next to Sakura. With a sigh, Yamazaki sat down next to me as Chiharu sat next to Sakura.
"What's with you?" I asked.
"Well, Chiharu has been wanting to sit next to Sakura, but she really wanted to keep me 'in line,' if you know what I mean," he explained. (AN: I hope that isn't a lie. Wait a sec, I wrote the story so I should know! Lemme see. Hm. It's not a lie, I guess, but I'm still not sure.)
I sighed, remembering my first encounter with Yamazaki. That had been quite interesting, as I remember.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
We reached the docks after a half an hour bus ride. I got off and looked around. A big cruiser was the only boat that was docked.
"Okay. I'm Nick and I'll be your guide for the week," a man said as we filed onto the cruiser. There were three levels on the boat and the middle level had a dance floor.
"Same room mates that you had at the hotel will be the ones on the ship. Come to me and get your room number," Mr. Terada said and Eriol went to get our room number. (AN: I'm evil and I know it, but they're gonna be across the hall from Sakura and Tomoyo. That might be a small problem if Eriol is prone to sleepwalking. ::evil grin:: And hopefully, he doesn't use magic when he's sleeping too.) I walked around, looking at the ship.
"We have room 10 which is right across the hall from Tomoyo and Sakura," Eriol commented, grinning evilly. I sighed as we walked down the hall to our room.
There were two bedrooms and a bathroom. I tossed my stuff in one of the bedrooms and looked around. There was a bed, a closet, and a dresser. There also was a window, overlooking the ocean. I walked back up to the top deck. Sakura and Tomoyo were sitting at the snack bar. I went over to a stool and ordered a soda.
"There's going to be a dance every night. Are you going?" Tomoyo asked. (AN: I couldn't resist the urge to do that and it's for very good reasons.)
"Of course! It'll be fun even if I don't dance with anyone. I could tape you and Eriol dancing if you want me to," Sakura suggested.
"That'll be great. Oh. Hey Syaoran," Tomoyo greeted, turning Sakura's attention to me.
"Hi. Are you going to the dance tonight?" Sakura asked, smiling.
"I'm still debating about it, but probably yes," I replied and Sakura's smile got bigger. "I'll see you later."
I got up and walked outside. I leaned against the rail and watched waves go past the cruiser. Dolphins were swimming along with the cruiser, leaping the waves. Someone came over and stood next to me. I didn't need to look at him to tell that it was the Devil.
"The ocean is very calm, but there is always a calm before a bad storm hits," he said and I turned to look at him.
"How would you know that?" I asked, glaring at him.
"Magic, descendant. The storm will hit tomorrow during tomorrow's dance. Be prepared for the ship will sink," Eriol replied, walking away. I shook my head and turned to watch the sunset. The sky was streaked with reds, oranges, purples, and blues.
"Wow. The sky's beautiful," Sakura breathed, coming to the rail.
'Just like you,' I thought, almost saying it out loud. "Yeah. It sure is," I agreed, relieved that I hadn't given away my feelings towards her. (AN: Pure, sweet…)
We stood in silence until the sun went down.
"Oh my God! The dance starts in like five minutes! I'll see you there!" Sakura called, running off. (AN: SUGAR!!!!)
I went down to my room and changed into a jean jacket and black pants. When I was done, I went back upstairs to the dance floor. It was already crowded with my classmates. I made my way to a chair in a corner and sat down. The music slowed down and a girl I didn't even know came up to me.
"You want to dance?" she asked.
"No," I replied, scowling and she walked away. (AN: That gotta hurt for the girl.) I scanned the crowd and saw Sakura. She had Tomoyo's camera in her hand and was filming Tomoyo and Eriol dancing. Sakura lowered the camera and I was able to see what she was wearing. It was a sleeveless top and short shorts.
'Damn. She looks hot. Next slow dance I'll ask her,' I thought to myself. A little annoying voice filled my mind; the voice of Satan himself.
'Hey descendant. Have you checked out Sakura? Ask her to dance.' (AN: and then ask her to sleep with you tonight.)
'Go away Eriol.'
'Come on. I know you want her.'
'Leave me alone. You're bugging me.'
'That's my job. By the way, Sakura just spotted you.'
'I bet you pointed me out to her.'
'Nope, but here she comes.' (AN: ::cough:: LIAR ::cough::)
"Hey Syaoran," Sakura said, standing in front of me.
"Hey. Uh…do you want to dance during the next slow dance?" I asked, blushing.
"Sure," she replied, giggling uncontrollably. Honestly, giggling should be illegal. (AN: I totally agree…NOT!! ()
She walked off, almost skipping with happiness.
'Nice going descendant. You really hit big.'
'Shut up and leave me alone.'
'Why should I? I love rubbing things in.'
'Just leave me alone.'
'Fine, but remember that the storm comes tomorrow and the ship will sink. You need to keep close to Sakura.' (AN: Will he ever shut up about the 'storm' thing? NEVER! YOU CAN'T TAKE AWAY OUR FREEDOM!!)
'Go away.'
I shut my mind from his communication and slouched in the chair. His words of a storm kept running through my mind. Another slow dance started and I stood up. Sakura came over to me and put her arms around my neck, pulling me close to her. I put my arms around her waist and we started dancing. A red light shone in the corner of my eye and I quickly glared at it. (AN: Satan's eye! Run for your life!) It didn't go off. I heard Sakura sigh and felt her head on my shoulder. (AN: Blush meter 1-100. Blush reading 75)
'Teach me your ways, O Leader of the Li Clan.'
'Go away.'
'Why should I?'
'Because I want you to.'
'To hear is to obey, O Leader of the Li Clan.'
'Don't make reference to the Li Clan again or you will get it.'
'Okay, all powerful Syaoran.'
'I can't win can I?'
Nope. Hee, hee, hee.'
'Don't mention anything about me being the next leader of the Li Clan to anyone, especially Sakura.'
'Okay. Your secret is safe with me unless I'm tortured for information.'
'You swine.'
'Oink, oink.'
'Very funny.'
The song ended and I quickly pulled away from Sakura. Tomoyo had her little grin plastered on her face and Eriol looked really smug. I scowled at them and went back to my chair for the rest of the dance. (AN: Why would anyone do that?) When the dance ended, I went back to my room and laid down on my bed. Soon I closed my eyes and tried to go to sleep.
After the dance ended, I went out on the deck to get a breather. I was still blushing from my dance with Syaoran. He is so sweet and really handsome. (AN: Awe. She's in love.) The ocean looked black with little windows of light. The sky was full of stars and the moon was full. I sighed and shivered as a cold breeze blew from the ocean.
"Here Sakura," Syaoran said, putting his jacket over my shoulders. (AN: Hey! He's supposed to be in his room!)
"Thanks Syaoran," I responded, blushing and smiling at the same time. I leaned on the rail, looking out over the ocean. I pulled Syaoran's jacket tighter around me at another breath of wind.
"Why are you out here?" Syaoran asked, looking at me.
"I wanted to be by myself, away from Tomoyo, for a little while. Also, I needed a breather after the dance, if you know what I mean. Why are you here?" I countered.
"I couldn't sleep. Also, Eriol told me something that worries me," Syaoran responded, sighing.
"Can you tell me?" I asked. Syaoran frowned as if debating it.
"There is going to be a bad storm tomorrow during the dance," he said finally.
"And?" I asked, knowing by the look on his face that there was more.
"And the ship is going to sink," he finished, his face full of mixed feelings. My mind was full of bad thoughts and my face reflected those thoughts.
"Don't worry. We'll be safe," Syaoran said, putting his arm around me. My face got really warm. (AN: Blush meter 1-100. Blush reading 99)
"I'm going to bed. See you tomorrow," I said quickly, walking away, unaware that I still had his jacket.
"Okay," Syaoran called after me. I went to my room and sat down on the bed, still in my clothes. I was warm, so I took off the jacket and remembered that it was Syaoran's. I buried my face into it and breathed deeply. I was in heaven. (AN: Get your mind off him!)
After changing into PJ's and climbing into bed, I tried to sleep. My mind was full of what Syaoran had said about a storm and the ship sinking. Horrible thoughts filled my mind again and I shook my head, trying to get rid of them.
"I can't believe that the ship is going to sink. I mean, it can't be possible. Eriol should be able to prevent if unless it is made by a magician more powerful than himself, I think," I muttered to myself before rolling over and falling asleep.
I watched Sakura leave, still wearing my jacket. I sighed and looked back out over the ocean. The stars reflected on the always-moving ocean. I was about to turn around when I felt a very powerful presence coming from about a mile away. I strained my eyes in the darkness and picked out the silhouette of a small pleasure boat.
"What is that doing out there? Land isn't for about fifty miles and they'll probably run out of fuel before they're in sight of land," I said aloud to myself. The craft was soon swallowed up in the rolling fog. An interesting and slightly horrifying thought filled my mind. "What if…what if the magician, who is going to cause the storm, owns that boat and is on it right now? I need to get Eriol and ask his opinion about this," I muttered, rushing to my room. "Eriol! Get up! This is very important!"
"What…what is?"
"Come with me, quickly."
As we rushed back to the railing, I felt the presence start to disappear. We reached the railing, slightly out of breath.
"Do you feel a magical presence?" I asked and Eriol closed his eyes, but only for a moment.
"How could that be? He's been dead longer than Clow Reed. This just isn't possible," Eriol said, a look of confusion on his face.
"What isn't possible? Tell me what isn't possible," I said anxiously.
"The Rogue, Love, Hate, Music, Destruction, Fun, and Freeze cards were made by Clow Reed's grandfather, a lesser, but still great magician. He died when Clow was twenty and the Ancient Cards disappeared without a trace. It is written in a book that when the Ancient Cards' creator returns, they will become active once again, waiting to be captured by the Card Mistress. After the Card Mistress has captured four of the seven cards, the creator will try to destroy the Card Mistress," Eriol explained.
"That can't be right," I retorted, slightly nervous about Eriol's statement.
"The creator is sending a storm to kill Sakura. No one else will be hurt. If Sakura is to live, someone must take her place or be stupid enough to try and save her, but he must succeed," Eriol said calmly as if commenting on the weather.
"I'll take her place," I said after a few minutes of silence. (AN: Awe! How sweet!)
"Syaoran. Syaoran. That would break her heart and she would be vulnerable. The creator won't stop until all the cards are sealed. What you need to do is protect Sakura. Never leave her side," Eriol responded. (AN: I'm evil and I know it. This is almost as good as SyaoranSword's The Science of Torturing Syaoran. Almost, but not as good. I completely recommend that you read it, if you haven't already.)
'Kuso. This is going to be one hard task. Not to mention, embarrassing,' I thought. "Should I tell her about this?" I asked.
"No. It will worry her even more. Let's go to sleep. You'll need your energy when the storm hits," Eriol said and we went back to our room. I was quick to fall asleep, but my dreams were cursed nightmares.
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I woke up and put on my swimsuit. I had seen a pool on deck and planned t go swimming. When I reached the pool, I saw that I wasn't the only one. Sakura, Tomoyo, Chiharu, Rika, Yamazaki, and Eriol were playing Marco Polo.
I tossed my towel on a chair and dove straight in. Sunlight filtered through the water, making it seem magical. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and I swallowed water in surprise. (Kero: Did he drown? ::looks hopeful::) My head broke the surface and I stood, gasping for air. (AN: Nope!)
"Sorry about that. Are you okay?" Sakura asked when I stopped coughing. (Kero: Kuso!)
"Yeah. And just so you know, I'm staying right next to you at the dance. Never know if we might need our powers," I quickly whispered to Sakura, not wanting anyone to overhear.
"Okay. Are you sure that there is going to be a storm tonight?" Sakura asked.
"Yes. And it is being created by a very powerful magician. In fact, it is the same magician who created the Ancient Cards."
"HOE?! That guy is still alive?!"
"He did the same thing as Clow Reed, only we don't know what he looks like."
"You got to be kidding me. Honestly. Two reincarnations. My mind is being screwed with completely."
"I'm not kidding."
"Why didn't he show himself before?"
"Well. I promised Eriol that I wouldn't tell you."
"You better tell me Syaoran or you're going to get your butt kicked." (AN: Uh-oh. Sakura is getting mad. Run, Syaoran, run!)
"Uh. After four of the seven cards are sealed, he shows himself in one way or another."
"Syaoran. There's something that you're keeping from me. What is it?"
"Sorry Sakura, but I've already told too much."
I dove under the water and quickly swam away from Sakura. I looked back and saw her swimming towards me. I went up for air.
"Hey Syaoran! Want to play water volleyball?" Yamazaki asked.
"Sure," I responded and swam over to them
"It's guys verse girls," Sakura said, scowling at me. (AN: Are you sure? I mean, one of them could be a girl.)
"That's unfair," Eriol protested.
"I'll film the game, so that it will be three on three," Tomoyo suggested, getting out of the pool.
The game started with Sakura serving the ball directly at me at like fifty mph. I barely had time to hit it back over. Eventually everyone dropped out, leaving me to play against Sakura. I almost got a black eye. (AN: That would have been funny, but for some odd reason, I'm on a nice streak at the moment. Hopefully it's not permanent.) I think that she was using the Power card. Honestly, no one could serve that hard. (AN: Actually, I had some girls on my volleyball team who served really hard, so it is possible.)
"Had enough?" Sakura asked, a grim expression on her face.
"What do you think?" I retorted, scowling at her for the first time since God knows when.
"Yes," She taunted. Since when did she taunt someone?
"Well. Strike one. Big N.O," I replied, serving the ball with all my might.
Eventually everyone left, leaving me alone with Sakura stuck in hell-bitch mode.
"Okay Syaoran. Time to get down to business. Why won't you tell me about the creator and why the storm is coming?" Sakura pleaded. Wait, since when does Sakura plea to know something. I'm so confused. Must have been something I ate. Maybe the sushi was rotten. (AN: Isn't sushi always rotten? Just kidding, honestly. Sushi is actually really good. ^_^)
"Okay, okay. Um. Er," I said, thinking hard.
"You better start now," Sakura threatened, returning to hell-bitch mode.
"Um. The creator only shows himself to…"
"To what?"
"Uh. You don't want to know."
"Yes I do. TELL ME NOW!"
"To kill the Card Mistress."
"To what the Card Mistress?"
"Let me put it as delicately as I can. Destroy, eliminate, get rid of." (AN: I love myself. ( ::sigh:: If only I was as good as JadeWing.)
"In other words, kill?" Sakura asked, dazed. I nodded and she looked at me as if I was crazy. Then she dunked herself and came up laughing. "You're kidding me."
"No. Why would I kid about something this serious?"
"You're serious that the creator wants to kill me."
"Absolutely."
"Positive?"
"Yep."
"Dammit. First Eriol, now this other magician. When will the insanity stop?!?!?!?!" (AN: Never! Mwha ha ha ha ha ha! Please note: at this point Sakura is pulling out her hair. Thank you.)
"Calm down. You won't die. I promise, okay? No one will hurt you as long as I'm around," I said, grabbing her hands before she could pull out any more hair.
"I do dare say that he loves her. What do you think Takuya?" (AN: Crazy person is talking who is also known as Takazawa, Clow Reed's grandfather.)
"I agree with you Master." (AN: Another crazy person who is also known as Takuya, Takazawa'a guardian and guardian of the Ancient Cards.)
"Too bad my grandson, Clow, didn't join us instead of them. He would have had the best time with us. Same with Spinel Sun and Nakuru."
"Of course Master. But can we convince him now to come to our side?"
"No. For he is in love with the Card Mistress' friend."
"What about kidnapping her friend and forcing Master Clow to come over to our side?"
"I thought about that, but then the Card Mistress would have come also. I can't let the Card Mistress know who I am until right before she dies."
"But won't Master Clow or the other boy use his magic to raise her from the dead?"
"Hopefully, her body will never be found, for only I know how to raise the dead without a body in front of me." (AN: This crazy person, Takazawa, needs a new hobby. I shall have a contest for his new hobby in a few days. Just kidding! ^_^ LOL!)
"Ah. You are very wise Master Takazawa." (AN: Not really, just really stupid.)
"Sakura. You're hiding something," Kero said as I brushed my hair.
"There's a very powerful magician out to kill me. It's Clow's grandfather. A storm is coming tonight and the ship is going to sink all because of this magician. I don't know what to do," I sighed and put my brush away.
"First of all, I'm going to be with you to the dance tonight," Kero said.
"But Syaoran said that he would protect me," I countered.
"He wouldn't know how to protect a fly," Kero muttered and I grabbed him in my fist. "Hey. I was just joking."
"You need to find Yue and come back here. Wait somewhere where you won't be seen," I commanded and Kero flew off. I sighed and finished getting ready for the dance.
"Are you ready Sakura?"
"Yes Tomoyo."
"What's the matter? You look scared."
"It's nothing."
"Yes it is. You normally aren't one to be scared unless it involves ghosts."
"Well, this could involve a ghost; me as a ghost."
"Someone's trying to kill you?" (AN: NOOOO!!!! Damn N*sync!!! Not that song again. Will Rosie 105 get some better music!?!?!? ::chucks radio out of window:: ::sigh:: Finally. Peace and quiet.)
"Yes me. The Card Mistress."
"Who is it?"
"The creator of the Ancient Cards."
"You mean Clow's grandfather? That's a scary thought."
"Yeah I know. And he's going to try and kill me tonight!"
"Kuso. During or after the dance?"
"During the dance, a storm is going to hit and the ship is going to sink."
"Man. That's bad luck. Where's Kero?"
"I sent Kero to get Yue and to come straight back."
"That's good. Is there anything I could do?"
"Um. Stay calm no matter what happens, I guess. Oh. And do what Syaoran tells you."
"Okay, but what about you?"
"I…I'll be fine." (AN: I don't want to spoil what's gonna happen but I just gotta say this. NO, YOU WONT BE FINE SAKURA! Thank you.)
"Sakura! Tomoyo! Hey, we're over here!" Rika called, cutting our conversation short.
"Hey Rika! Chiharu! What's up?" Tomoyo replied as we walked to where they were. Yamazaki, Eriol, and Syaoran soon joined us.
"Have you heard? A hurricane is supposed to hit this area pretty soon," Yamazaki said.
"Yamazaki! Quit lying," Chiharu responded, hitting him over the head.
"But it is true," I retorted.
"Oh. In that case, sorry Yamazaki," Chiharu apologized to the prone figure on the floor.
"Hey! This is my favorite slow song!" Tomoyo said as the DJ started playing "All Or Nothing" by the American group, O-town. (AN: Sorry, but I couldn't think of any other slow songs and the radio, yes it's a new radio, started playing it.) Eriol and Tomoyo started dancing as we looked on.
"Tomoyo is enjoying herself. Why not you?" Syaoran hinted.
"Okay. I'll enjoy myself," I said, smiling. We moved out onto the dance floor and started dancing.
Right when the song ended, the storm hit.
The storm started right when I let go of Sakura. The ship rocked dangerously and we lost our balance. A wave crashed over the rail and started pulling Sakura out to sea.
"Sakura! Grab my hand!" I shouted.
"I can't Syaoran!" Sakura shouted back.
"Don't tell me what you can and cannot do! Just grab my hand!"
"You're too far away!"
I reached out as far as I dared and caught her wrist. "Gotcha! Now hold tight!"
I felt her fingers close around my wrist and I pulled hard. Sakura was almost safe when another, more powerful wave swept over us. Too soon, Sakura was holding on to one of my fingers. Another wave and Sakura lost her hold. (AN: MWHA HA HA HA HA!!)
"No! Sakura!" I shouted and was about to jump overboard, but Yamazaki and Eriol restrained me.
"Syaoran. Get some sense in your head," Yamazaki said as I struggled against his and Eriol's holds.
"You would do the same for Tomoyo or Chiharu if you were in my place," I growled.
"Let him go. Someone needs to save Sakura and Syaoran is the strongest swimmer among us," Tomoyo said and they let me go.
"Attention! Please put on life jackets and get into the lifeboats! This is not a drill! I repeat, this is not a drill!" Nick shouted and everyone started panicking. I noticed that Tomoyo wasn't freaking out. She must be grieving for Sakura. I winced at Sakura's name. A brilliant idea came to my head. (AN: Brilliant yet stupid or stupid but brilliant.)
"Tomoyo. Get in a lifeboat and shout when I call to you after getting Sakura. Got it?" I explained quickly, taking off my jacket, and shirt and handing them to her.
"Okay, but be careful," Tomoyo said as I dove in the water. A faint glow was coming from a staff with a star on it about a hundred feet below me and the distance was increasing fast. The staff belonged to Sakura!
I pushed myself down, following the staff. As I got closer, the eerie glow fell on someone's arm and hand. I grabbed the staff and the person's hand. After pulling the person close, the light died as Sakura's face came into view. I put my arm around her waist and started swimming to the surface. My lungs felt like they would burst and my legs on fire. I didn't think of anything except getting to the surface safely. My head broke the surface and I breathed in huge gulps of air. The ship was gone, but I could pick out the silhouettes of the lifeboats and the voices of my classmates. A flashlight turned on and scanned over the lifeboats. I saw Tomoyo's face in a lifeboat and started swimming towards the boat.
"Tomoyo!" I called when I was about twenty feet from the lifeboat that she was in.
"Over here Syaoran. Do you have Sakura?"
"Yeah, but I fear the worst."
"You don't mean that Sakura is dead, do you?" Rika asked, joining in on the conversation. I reached the side of the lifeboat.
"Eriol. Yamazaki. A little help here?" Chiharu called and they appeared at the edge of the boat. I lifted Sakura up as far as I could, and Eriol and Yamazaki pulled her in. I pulled myself in and Tomoyo handed me my shirt and jacket.
"Sakura isn't breathing!" Chiharu said as she and Rika started panicking.
"Kuso. Not again. Do I have to?" I whined.
"Well. Last time this happened, you were the only one brave enough to do it," Tomoyo said, making me remember the day that I had wanted to forget forever.
"Fine, but one quick request. No filming what so ever and no photos either," I responded, glaring at Tomoyo specifically.
"Okay, but hurry up before she dies, dammit," Rika said impatiently.
'Here I go for the fourth time in saving her life. By the way, where's Kero?' I thought to myself, before starting to give mouth-to-mouth to Sakura. (AN: I'm evil and proud of it, thank you very much. ^_^ ()
As soon as I pulled away, she coughed up water, but didn't wake up. Everyone was waiting with baited breath. (AN: I was just wondering, how can you bait breath?) I checked her breathing and pulse, which were both okay.
"She'll live if we keep her warm," I said, draping my jacket over her prone figure.
"He saved her Master. What are you going to do now?"
"I don't know, but we do have two hostages; Keroberos and Yue." (AN: Betcha didn't think that I would do that, did ya? Mwha ha ha ha ha ha!!!)
"Could I suggest something?"
"Go right ahead Takuya. I'm listening."
"What about using the boy. He has magic, but he isn't as powerful as you. Use him to destroy the Card Mistress."
"Yes. What a great idea."
"Release us now," Yue commanded.
"If you use Syaoran, Sakura would do anything to save him. Even if it means killing herself," Keroberos growled. "But we will stop her. Sakura always asks our advice and we will tell her to do something else."
"Well, well. My hostages decided to speak up. If she listens to you two, then I will have to make imposters."
"Master Takazawa. A ship approaches."
"We will leave now, but not before I lay a quick spell that might save us from thinking up another plan." (AN: Wonder what's up my sleeve? You'll find out soon enough! ^_^ )
My eyes were half closed when I felt a very powerful presence that quickly vanished. I looked around and saw the lights of a ship coming towards us.
"Look everybody! We're saved! Get up!" Yamazaki shouted and soon everyone around our boat took up the cry. I was about to join in, but something made me look to the ship. It was about ten yards away and coming in fast.
"Look out! The ship is going to ram us!" Eriol called and everyone in the lifeboat jumped out. I was about to jump when I remembered Sakura. I went back to her and had just picked her up when the ship broke the lifeboat.
I went under and felt the barnacles on the bottom of the ship cut deep into my back. I started sinking just as the propellers almost cut of my head. I was weak from the loss of blood, but I forced myself to the surface, knowing that my life and Sakura's life depended on me once more. I surfaced and looked around.
The ship was a mere pinpoint in the distance, with no other boats near by. I swam to some floating wreckage from the lifeboat and hauled Sakura and myself onto it. I shivered slightly, wishing I had a big blanket and some Advil. I sat down next to where Sakura was laying. Now it was time to play the waiting game.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The sun beat down merciless for the third day in a row. I predicted the time to be about ten o'clock, because my training included telling time using the sun. I had been able to construct a small lean-to from objects from the cruise ship that had floated to the surface. The lean-to made very little shade, which I gave to Sakura by carrying her over to it. My back had stopped bleeding, but it was still sore.
My mind turned to my family. They didn't have the Gift, except Mother. It was hard to think of my family at a time like this.
Noon came along with a terrible need for cold water. A ship, about ten miles away, traveled east and at that point, I wished that I had a two-way radio or a walkie-talkie.
Sakura's condition got worse as the day went on. She looked worse than the time that she had captured the Cloud Card. I wasn't feeling good either, but I needed to keep moving in case a ship went by.
My vision blurred and I got a really bad headache. My thirst doubled then tripled. I sat down just as everything started spinning. My eyes focused on a ship before I blacked out.
I opened my eyes, but shut them again against the blinding light. A door clicked open and shut. I felt a hand on my forehead and my eyes snapped open.
I had IV's running into my arms and a monitor was bleeping with my heartbeat. I looked at the person who owned the hand.
"Touya!" I exclaimed hoarsely.
"Hey squirt. Feeling better?" he asked and I nodded energetically. The door opened again and Tomoyo entered with Eriol. Touya glared at Eriol as they approached.
"You gave us quite a scare, Sakura. But I'm glad that you're okay," Tomoyo said, sitting in a chair next to the bed, smiling.
"It's not over yet. The creator will try again, you know," Eriol reminded us.
"Let him try. I could use some practice," Touya growled, scowling at no one unparticular.
"But Touya. You don't have your powers anymore," I countered.
"That's true, but…" he said thoughtfully.
"Touya Kinomoto. Don't make me hurt you," I threatened. "What are you hiding from me?"
"Something, but I can't tell you." (AN: He's just as bad as Syaoran.)
"You better tell me." (AN: It's one of those nice sibling arguments. Now let's move on!)
"Nope."
"Touya!"
"My lips are sealed."
I closed my eyes and felt a magical presence coming from Touya.
"You got new powers from someone, didn't you?" I asked, glaring at him. He nodded. "Who did you get them from?"
"Dad."
"He has magic too?"
"Yep."
"But…"
"But what squirt?"
"But why didn't he tell us?"
"He said that he was going to wait until he absolutely needed to reveal it." (AN: I know that in the manga version, which I have, Fujitaka walks in on them after Sakura defeated Eriol. I just had to change that part a little to the 'Americanized' version for this story.)
"Oh."
"Sakura. How are you feeling?" Tomoyo asked, stopping the conversation.
"Just great Tomoyo," I responded, smiling.
"That's good. You were in critical condition when the ship found you and Syaoran," Eriol commented.
"How long have I been out since they found us?" I asked.
"A week. The doctors didn't think that either of you would survive," Touya stated.
I woke up to silence and a blinding light. At first, I thought that I was still out on the ocean, but there was no rolling movement of the waves or the smell of salt. I sat up and looked around. I was in a hospital room for the first time since Father died. (AN: I was just wondering, when was that? In any of the manga and anime, he never mentions that. It's confusing me.)
"Well, look whose up," a nurse said, bustling in.
"Where am I?" I asked as she checked an IV tube running into my arm.
"You're in a hospital in Honolulu. It's been a week since the ship found you and the girl floating around about a hundred miles out at sea," the nurse responded before leaving.
'I was out for a week? Man, that is a long time. I wonder if Sakura is okay,' I mused, settling back down in the bed.
'Hey are you okay?' Eriol's voice entered my mind.
'Yean if you would get out of my mind.'
'When did you get up? I've been trying to reach you for an hour.'
'About five minutes ago.'
'Oh. No wonder.'
'Have you talked to Sakura?'
'Yeah. She's fine. She asked about you.'
'That's good.'
'Guess what.'
'What now?'
'Touya got his powers back.'
'Dammit. How?'
'Their dad.'
'He has powers? Since when?"
'Yep. A long time, but he never told Sakura or Touya about it until now.'
'Great. Just great. Now Touya has powers and I can't fight in this condition.'
'I better go. Tomoyo will probably want to say hi to you later, so I'll see you then.'
We stopped communicating and I sighed with relief. Talking like that really uses up energy, so Sakura doesn't communicate that way very often. I closed my eyes and tried to relax. My mind went back to where I last remembered being. The door clicked open and I opened my eyes and sat up.
"Are you feeling better?" Eriol asked, grinning evilly like usual.
"Yeah. Just fine," I responded.
"Sakura was asking about you. She wanted to come with you, but the nurse wouldn't let her," Tomoyo said, smiling her little smile.
"Nothing keeps you down for long," I commented and Tomoyo smiled more.
"Oh yeah. Touya wants to talk to you. In private," Eriol said.
"I won't let him," I retorted.
"But he has magic again."
"So I'll use mine against him."
"You can't."
"Why not?" (AN: It's midnight and I can't figure out why I'm still up. Maybe it's because I need to finish this chapter. Maybe not. If I could figure it out, I'd tell you.)
"Because you're not in the right condition to use it. And even if you could."
"Fine." I gave in to Eriol just to stop the argument. They left as Touya came in. He looked the same, but I could feel magic coming from him.
"What do you want?" I demanded.
"I want to thank you for saving my sister. Tomoyo explained everything to me and I appreciate what you did. If it weren't for you, Sakura wouldn't be here," Touya said, fiddling with something in his pocket. I was stunned. Touya was actually thanking me. After all the arguments and fights between us, he was thanking me. (AN: No he's not, he's…Oh nasty! Never mind I won't go into that.) My mind was in a whirl. This was more than I could handle.
"You're…you're welcome," I responded, dazed.
"Yeah. Well. I can't be with her all the time and you're with her most of the time, so you can watch her," Touya replied before leaving the room. I was really tired, so I decided to take a nap.
"Okay Takuya. He's asleep. You know what to do."
"Yes Master. It won't take too long."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Did you get it?"
"Of course. He almost caught me, but I was able to get away. Have I ever failed you?" She held up a glass globe with a green mist swirling inside.
::sigh:: Finally, after thirteen pages, the second chapter is done. Time to start working on the next one. And all the other stories that I have. A writer's work is never done. Keep R+Ring my stories and Sapphire Midnight's and JadeWing's and Aliet Faslami's (even though she doesn't do CCS). ::yawn:: Time to go to bed. See ya later! (