::Sighs:: Once again, I manage to mess up. but do not worry! This is my
longest chapter ever! 11 Pages on Microsoft Word, so enjoy!
Chapter 5- Protecting Sakura
(Author's note: Wherever you see a little * go to the bottom of the chapter
for a translation of Japanese word[s])
Riiiiiing! Riiiiiing!
Syaoran quickly woke up in drenched in sweat. He shut off his alarm clock. "Huh? What? I just went. does this mean.?" Syaoran jumped out of bed and ran to the calendar. "Friday the 3rd? And Sakura was killed on Friday the 10th. So that means it worked! We're in the past! I've gone back in time!"
Syaoran quickly took off his clothes and tossed them onto his bed. He hopped into the shower, got dressed, and grabbed a quick breakfast as fast as he could. He ran for the door with a piece of toast still in his mouth. He rounded the corner and saw Sakura sitting on a step putting on her roller blades. Syaoran's eyes began to water. She was alive. ".Sakura. SAKURA!" Syaoran shouted as he charged down the street towards Sakura. She lifted her head in curiosity.
GLOMP!
Syaoran hugged Sakura as tight as he could, swinging her around in his arms. "Oh, thank God you're here!" Sakura's face turned bright red as she waved her arms and legs all around her, struggling to get free. "ACK! .Air! Can't. breathe! Syaoran!"
Syaoran started to blush as he dropped Sakura. "Oops! Sorry, Sakura." Sakura's face would have returned to normal in a few minutes, but it remained red as she blushed. "Umm. well, it's just that you've never really ran up to me and hugged me. Especially like that. It just feels awkward. And what is stranger is Kero did the exact same thing to me! He didn't even let me get out of bed! And this on the morning I have to get up extra early to help clean up the classroom before school." Syaoran quickly remembered. "Oh yeah! Where is Kero? I need to talk to him." Sakura looked confused. "YOU want to talk to KERO?! Well, he's in my room. Big brother already left, so don't worry about him." Syaoran gave her a quick hug and ran up to her room.
A sweat drop rolled down her head as Syaoran upstairs. "Syaoran and Kero are both acting affectionate and talking to each other? Did I die and go to another world or something?"
Syaoran burst through Sakura's door. "Kero?" He was flying around the room, cheering loudly. "YES! IT WORKED, IT WORKED, IT WORKED!" Kero yelled. "My Mistress is back!" Syaoran smiled. "Yeah. She's back. We have another chance to save her! I can still barely believe it!" Kero looked down and hovered in front of Syaoran. "Oh, hey. I didn't hear you come in. So, I take it you saw that Sakura is back!" Syaoran chuckled. "Even if I hadn't, I think your little dance in the air would have told me." Kero landed on Sakura's bed. "So, what do you want?" Syaoran sat down in a chair. "Well, now we need to decide-"
Sakura's phone rang. "Hold on." Kero said. "It's probably Tomoyo." Kero picked up the phone, which was twice his size. "Hello? Mia! Oh, it's you! How are you? Did everything turn out alright? Yeah, Sakura's fine. Actually, she already left for school, but Syaoran is here. Alright. Oi*, it's for you."
"Hello?" "Syaoran! It's Mia. I called you at your house, but you weren't home. So, I hear Sakura is alive and well." Syaoran sighed in relief. "Yeah, she's perfectly fine. Don't worry about her." "Good. Well, here's the problem. I may know about Koji now, but it will still take me a while to get back to Tomoeda. So, I won't see you for a while. But I will leave as soon as I can go." "Alright. Hey. wait a minute. Mia, I just thought of something. If you knew our phone numbers, why didn't you just call and warn us?" "Sigh. I tried, but the lines were busy. and the ship I took to get there was going to leave any minute. I didn't think THAT could happen to Sakura, so I didn't worry." "Well, I guess that makes sense." "I gotta go, but I'll be there as soon as possible. And take good care of Sakura! Bye!"
Kero looked up at Syaoran. "So, what did Mia want?" "Just letting us know she'll be here as soon as she can. But now, we need to talk about something. I think we need to stalk Sakura." Kero looked angry. "STALK HER?! No way! I'm not going to let you." "Wait! I didn't really mean stalk, more like follow. Someone has to be with Sakura at all times just in case Koji shows up. You can watch over her at night, Tomoyo can watch her during school after we tell her what's going on, and I can watch her after school until night. Koji said he might strike at a different time." Kero nodded. "Well, I guess that's alright. But I think we'll need to be extra careful in one week, since there is still a very good chance he'll strike at the same time. Koji probably said he might attack at a different time just to throw us off guard. And I think we should do whatever it takes so Sakura doesn't become suspicious. I mean if we are protecting her, there is no need to make her worry. Say, if you are here, who is watching Sakura?" "." There was a long silence.
".YOU GAKI! GET OUT THERE AND WATCH HER!"
Eriol sat in his chair at his house grinning. "It seems my suspicions were correct. My cute little descendant has a plan to protect Ms. Kinomoto. But I doubt he'll be able to handle this one on his own. I may need to. 'volunteer' my assistance."
Sakura was walking into the classroom when Syaoran reached her, out of breath. "Syaoran! What are you doing here so early? It's my turn to clean the classroom." Syaoran clenched his chest to catch his breath. ".Ummm. I just wanted." He panted, "to help. you this morning." Sakura smiled. "Thank you! You've been so nice this morning! I don't know what's different, but I like it!" Syaoran began to blush as he walked through the open door to help Sakura with her work.
At lunch, Sakura, Syaoran, and Tomoyo all sat together and talked about what to do after school. Rika ran over to their table. "Sakura! Come with me! Some students are helping to design the new cheerleading outfits and they need some help!" Sakura smiled. "I've been waiting for this all week! Where are they?" "In the art room number 2." Sakura stood up. "Excuse me, Tomoyo, Syaoran. I'll be right back." Sakura followed Rika into the school.
"Hey! Wait for me, Sakura!" Tomoyo said as she stood up, but Syaoran grabbed her shirt and pulled her back down. He said to himself, "better get this over with."
"Tomoyo, I need your help, first." "Sure! What do you need?" "It. It's about Sakura." Tomoyo smiled brightly. "Oh, I see! So, do you need my help picking out the right flowers or an early birthday present?" Syaoran reddened. "Umm. well, not exactly. Now listen, this is very serious. I believe. someone may be after Sakura." The smile on Tomoyo's face disappeared. ".What do you mean 'after her?'" Syaoran sighed. "I can't tell you how, but I have evidence that this old enemy of Sakura's named Koji is planning on. killing her." Tomoyo began to turn paler. "Wh-wh-what?!" "Now, I don't want to tell her that. She will be okay because we are going to protect her! All you need to do, is that if you are ever alone with Sakura, and you are being followed by a 14 year old with short black hair and thick glasses, get Sakura into anyplace where Koji wouldn't dare try anything in fear of being caught. With us around, she'll be fine." Some of the color returned to Tomoyo's face. "Well, I suppose if we are guarding her, it's okay. I'll do my best." "Good. Then let's just be sure either you, Kero, Yue, or I are watching over her. And let's not tell Sakura about this. I don't want her to worry. She will be fine." Tomoyo smiled again. "Ok, sure! See you, Syaoran!" And Tomoyo ran off to join Sakura and Rika in the art room.
The rest of the day progressed as normally as can be. Sakura walked out of the school after her cheerleading practice and began to walk home. "Hey, Sakura! Wait up!" Syaoran ran up to her. "Syaoran? What are you doing here? School ended an hour ago. Shouldn't you have gone home? Don't tell me you were waiting there for me an hour." Syaoran blushed. "Well, I. actually, I was. But I had homework, so I just did it right here while I waited for you." Sakura began to blush. "So, umm. what did you want to wait for me for?" Syaoran's face turned even redder. "Well, ah. no reason, really. But would you like me to walk you home?" Sakura, too, had her face turn a brighter shade of red. "Oh! Err. yeah! I'd like that."
A few minutes later, they both walked down the road to Sakura's house. Syaoran periodically turned his head around to see if anyone was following them. "Syaoran, what's wrong?" "Huh?" "You keep looking around, like you're waiting for something." "Umm. no. I was. just looking at the Sakura blossoms. They're at full bloom now."
(Author's note: Sakura blossoms are cherry blossoms. Just about every CCS character is named after a type of flower.)
They both walked over to a wall, over which stood a tall Sakura tree. Sakura gave a delighted sigh. "I just love Sakura trees. The flowers are so beautiful." A Sakura blossom floated down off the tree and landed in Syaoran's hands. "Oh. here." Syaoran slipped the flower into Sakura's hair. "Aww. thank you!" Their eyes met. They stared for a moment, not saying a word. not moving a muscle.
Sakura finally moved. "Oh. we're at my house already." The sun was starting to set behind them on the horizon. They both blushed and stepped closer. "Syaoran. umm. th-thanks for walking me home. I really enjoyed it." "Ah. yeah, I liked it too. So. same time tomorrow?" Sakura nodded. "Err. sure! Well, see you tomorrow morning. But. Syaoran?" "Huh? What is it?" Sakura held her hands on her lap and avoided eye contact. "It's just that. you've been acting a little. more. affectionate lately and. I kinda like it." Sakura hugged him, and quickly ran off, covering her face with her hands to hide her red cheeks. Syaoran sat in silence with his hair blowing in the wind. He looked up at the sky, which was quickly turning black with night. He walked over to a small part of the wall under the Sakura tree and sat there, staring up at the stars as they faded in.
Sakura ran up to her room and sat down on her bed. Kero was already asleep. She looked out her window and saw Syaoran sitting on the wall, watching the stars. She blushed lightly, took the blossom from her hair, and held it close to her heart.
The weekend passed uneventfully. Tomoyo watched Sakura on Saturday when Fujitaka took them to the art museum, which was too crowded for Koji to attack, and on Sunday Kero watched from Sakura's bag while Yukito, Touya, and Syaoran joined them at the beach.
The next two school days passed in a similar fashion. Syaoran would wake up and walk with Sakura to school. Tomoyo watched over her at school Syaoran would wait for her after school and walk her home. Then, he'd sit outside for a while, just staring up into the night sky, deep in thought. He had almost forgotten about Koji. He only wanted to be at Sakura's side.
The next day.
Syaoran hopped out of bed and stared at the calendar. ".It's the 6th. it's coming closer. to that day. We may need to be extra careful from now on." Syaoran got dressed and was headed for the door, but as soon as he opened it.
"We need to talk. NOW." "TOUYA! Umm. I mean, uhh. Touya, what are you doing here?" Touya looked angry. "Cut the innocent act. You've been following my baby sister everywhere. I see you every morning following her to school, stalking her on the way home, and then just sitting outside, waiting for her at night." Syaoran's face turned bright red and a sweat drop rolled down his face. "No, no, no, no! That's not true! It's just. ummm. well, we are friends, and since we take the same road to school, I figured we could walk together!" Touya scowled. "I don't believe that for a second. If that were true, why would you sit outside our house everyday after dark? You're up to something. I don't know what, but I have no intention of letting you hurt my sister. So just stay the HELL away from her, got it?"
Before Syaoran could reply, Touya had turned around and was walking away. "Dammit. I have to keep an eye on Sakura still. but Touya will kill me, and there will be no one to protect Sakura! .Unless. Unless they don't know I'm watching!"
Syaoran hopped onto the wall he always sat on to see the stars and leaped behind some bushes. "At least this way I can keep a watch on her." Syaoran stared into Sakura's window, hoping to see her. He even had a pair of binoculars with him just in case. Syaoran sat there for about 5 minutes when he heard a door slam in Sakura's room. "Ah! She's here." Syaoran waited. Eventually, Sakura stepped in front of the window. wearing nothing at all but a dripping wet bath towel!
Their eyes met. Both of their faces turned bright red. Syaoran tried to apologize, but it all came out in stutters. "I. Err. I didn't mean. err. ah." Sakura's face started to turn bright red, but in anger. "You. You." Sakura grabbed an object at her side and tossed it out the window. Syaoran fell backwards on his head when Sakura's alarm clock smacked him dead on in the face. "HENTAI*!!!" She slammed her window closed.
Syaoran sat motionless on the ground, when he saw a clenched fist over his face. "What did I just tell you? I can't even walk to school without seeing you hiding in our bushes." Touya said. Syaoran laughed nervously before jumping to his feet and running as fast as he could with Touya in pursuit. "Now you're spying on my sister after her shower?! You're gonna pay, you little perverted gaki!" Touya yelled from behind Syaoran. Up ahead, Yukito was walking down the street, carrying a big, brown bag. "Oh, good morning, Syaoran. I picked up some food down at the store. Would you like to-" Syaoran continued to run, ignoring Yukito's offer. "Huh. I wonder why he's in such a hurry. Oh! Touya!" Yukito reached out and wrapped his arm around Touya, stopping him cold. Syaoran continued to run even as Touya was stopped. "That was close. saved by Yukito. but I have to figure out how to watch Sakura." He rubbed the small cut on his forehead. ".And apologize before she throws more than an alarm clock at me."
Syaoran tried to talk to Sakura at the beginning of school, but she wouldn't listen.
Syaoran sat down at lunch with a large bloodstained bandage on the left side of his face. Tomoyo sat down next to him. "Syaoran, what's with the bandage? And why is Sakura not talking to you? Let me guess, those two are somehow connected." Syaoran nodded. "Touya wouldn't let me follow Sakura anymore. So I kind of decided to watch her in secret. but when I saw her. she. well, kind didn't have many clothes on by mistake. Or ANY at all, really." Tomoyo even blushed. "Oh. that would explain it." Syaoran sighed. "I. I just want to be with Sakura. to be around her. but Touya won't let me. I just. I. I'll do anything it takes, but now she's so mad at me."
"Is. is that true?" Sakura said as she walked up from behind a tree. "Did you really only wait for me out there because of Touya?" They both started to blush. "Umm. well. yeah, it is. This morning, as I went to leave and wait for you, Touya was at my door." A vein was about to pop on Sakura's forehead. "Touya. How many times do I have to tell him not to do that?!" They all sighed. Sakura put her hands on her lap and blushed even worse. "I. I was really mad, but I know it was so unlike you to do that. I just couldn't believe you would do it. Now it all makes sense." "Well, I don't want you to worry, Sakura." Sakura sighed. "I'm not worrying. I- Tomoyo, how long have you been holding that video camera?" Tomoyo smiled. "Ever since you two got so cute! This will make a great addition to my collection of cute Sakura moments!" Sakura and Syaoran both sighed in unison. "So, Syaoran, are you going to wait for me after school?" Syaoran stared at the ground. "I would. but Touya." "You leave Touya to me. You just wait." Syaoran lifted his head and tried hard to smile. "Umm. okay. I'll be there." "Great! See you then!" Tomoyo giggled. "This just keeps getting cuter and cuter by the minute! I'm not missing this!" Syaoran just sighed. "Tomoyo, will you ever change?" She smiled. "Nope!"
Sakura didn't have any practice after school, so she immediately went to Syaoran who waited at the front of the school. Sakura began to blush as she walked up. "Well. ummm. it is kind of early. so. do you want to do something?" Syaoran stood up from his seat against the wall. "Ah. ok, that sounds good. How about if we go get some ice cream?" Sakura smiled a giant smile. "That sounds great! Touya is at another new job, so we won't have to worry about him." Syaoran sighed in relief and thought, "Well, that's one less guy to worry about. So if I can just stay by Sakura's side, especially in an area like the ice cream area, she'll be fine. Koji will have to give up one day." Sakura ran ahead. "Ha! I'll beat you there!" "Oh, no you won't, Sakura!" And they both dashed towards the ice cream parlor together.
Once they had placed their orders, Sakura and Syaoran took a seat outside at a table. "Syaoran, I'm really sorry about what happened earlier today. does it still hurt?" Syaoran rubbed his wound. "Not really. A little bit, but not much. I've felt worse. But my pride still hurts pretty bad." A sweat drop rolled down Sakura's face as she blushed. "Gomen-nasi*. I made a big deal about it. I should have trusted you more." "Don't worry about it. Wounds heal. I'm sure if I were in your place I would've done something like that."
A strawberry sundae was placed in the center of the table. "I'm sorry, but we're out of chocolate ice cream, so if you want to reorder." "TOUYA?!" Sakura and Syaoran exclaimed. "What? Sakura? And. YOU!!! What did I tell you this morning! I warned you I'd-YOW!" The veins in Touya's neck nearly popped out as Sakura stomped as hard as she could on his foot. Keep in mind, she still wore the roller blades she put on during her race with Syaoran. "Stop doing this, Touya! I personally asked Syaoran to come with me! Not the other way around! So just calm down! He's not trying to hurt me! Stop being so overprotective!" Touya growled. "Very well, then. May I take your reorder, SIR?" Sakura smiled. "No, thank you, big brother. We'll just share mine!" Touya tried to hide his anger, but not very well. "VERY WELL, then. Please, enjoy." And Touya stomped off.
They both shared Sakura's strawberry sundae as they chatted for what seemed like forever. Syaoran looked at his watch. "Wow. It's 5:00 already. I hadn't noticed." "5:00?! HOEEEE!" "What's wrong?" "I have a big homework assignment due tomorrow! I'm sorry, I gotta go! See you tomorrow!" She stood up and hugged him quickly. "Thank you! I had a wonderful time! Meet me after school tomorrow, as always!" And Sakura dashed off, leaving Syaoran blushing as the sun set behind him.
Syaoran paid the bill and was walking home, thinking about the whole day. "Hi!" Tomoyo suddenly jumped out. "Ah! Where did you come from?" Tomoyo giggled. "You mean you didn't notice me taping the two of you for the whole time you were there?" "You were what?" "Oh, of course! You were much too busy paying attention to each other you didn't even notice me at the next table!" Syaoran blushed. "Umm. well, uh, the sun was in my eyes over there." Tomoyo laughed. "Really? That's weird, because I was sitting in the opposite direction of the sunlight!" "Umm. err. Oh, shoot, I just remembered. I. I gotta go!" And Syaoran ran as fast as he could down the road, but shouted, "Now you watch Sakura, okay?"
Syaoran dropped down onto his couch. He thought about their day and he smiled. But the phone rang and he picked it up. "Hello?" "It's me, Kero." "Oh, what's going on?" "Listen, gaki, I know we don't like each other, and we don't like working together, but for a few days, I think we might have to. I don't know what it is, but I've been getting these weird feelings everyday, and they've been getting stronger." "Weird feelings?" Syaoran asked. "Yeah. it's like I can sense this power. evil power. and it gets stronger everyday. like it's getting closer." "KOJI!" Syaoran exclaimed. "Yeah, that's what I think it is. So, if this feeling is only getting stronger, I think it's time to take extra precautions. For starters, at least you and I should be with her, or at least Tomoyo and I." Syaoran nodded, even though there was no one to see it. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." "Well, at least Tomoyo is here now, and since I'm ready, he won't dare try anything tonight. See ya, gaki. CLICK." Syaoran dropped the phone and took a look at the calendar. "The 8th. Tomorrow is the 9th. and Sakura was killed on the 10th. It must be Koji. Sakura, I won't let you down." And Syaoran went to bed after a light dinner.
The next morning, Syaoran quickly got ready for school and rushed to Sakura's house. There wasn't a minute to spare. As he approached it, he heard a shriek come from Sakura's room. "SAKURA! HOLD ON, I'M COMING!" Syaoran burst through the door and into Sakura's room. "Sakura, what's wrong?" "HOEEEEE! I've got that big math test tomorrow!" Syaoran fell backwards onto the floor with his legs sticking up. Kero used that time to sneak into Syaoran's bag and hide.
They both quickly ran outside to avoid Touya, who hadn't left yet. Sakura sat down and put on her roller blades. That's when Syaoran could feel an evil presence in the air. ".Kero was right, I can feel it. Maybe it's just because I know about him, but. it feels stronger than ever. Is he here?" Kero poked his head out of Syaoran's bag. "I take it you sensed the power already?" Syaoran nodded. "Well, we best be on guard today." Kero dived back down before Sakura noticed him. "Ok, I'm ready." And the two kids both set off for school.
Throughout the day, Syaoran kept as close an eye on Sakura as was humanly possible. During gym, he had Tomoyo be extra cautious. They couldn't take any chances. After school, Sakura and Syaoran were walking home when she turned to him and said, "Syaoran, you've seemed a bit nervous today. Is. is it because of the evil energy in the air?" Syaoran gasped. "You know?!" Sakura nodded sorrowfully. "It's. it's just that I've sensed it for about a week. I've tried to shrug it off, but I just can't. It is getting stronger." Syaoran was impressed. He thought to himself. "Wow. she must be getting stronger. Her magic must be increasing so rapidly if she could sense that long before Kero and me." Sakura started to cry. "I. I don't know what it is. It's starting to scare me. And it's weird. Ever since a week ago, all those weird tests, those strange feelings led me into a trap and I ended up changing a card into a Sakura Card. But this new feeling isn't like that. it just scares me." Syaoran held her tight and wiped away her tears. "Don't worry, Sakura. I'll always be here. No matter what. I feel it too. But I'm not going to let you down." Sakura dried her tears with her hands. "Arigotou. Li-kun*." And Sakura walked home, which was only a few feet away. Kero left his bag and flew up. "Hmm. her magic awareness is rising quickly. Even I couldn't sense it that fast. Tomorrow we must be really careful." And Kero flew up to Sakura's window, to make it seem like he had been there all day.
Syaoran started to walk home, but he turned and gave one last look to Sakura's house before walking home. ".Sleep well, Sakura."
Syaoran stood in front of Sakura as Koji aimed his gun at Sakura's head. "SYAORAN! HELP ME! Sakura screamed out. But the faster Syaoran ran the farther Sakura disappeared into the darkness. Syaoran watched Koji slowly pull the trigger while Sakura had a horrified expression on her face. Bang.
Syaoran quickly sat up in his bed, covered and soaked in sweat. "A. a dream? Ugh?! That evil energy. It's never been so strong.! But how did it get so large? I mean, even if I didn't feel it last time because I was unaware, there is no way I wouldn't feel it now." Syaoran's phone began to ring. "Hello?" "It's me, Kero! Look, did you just feel a surge of some kind of evil magic in the air?" "Yeah. I have for a while. It's getting stronger." "Well, I sense it too. It's even making it hard for Sakura to sleep. Hell, I even think Touya senses SOMETHING. Whatever it is that's doing this, I have the feeling it's coming today!" Syaoran stood in silence. "Hello? Hey, Syaoran, are you still there?" "Err. yeah. Sorry, I just had this dream. Koji. he got Sakura." There was a moment of silence between both of them. ".Dammit, that's not good." Kero said. "I have a feeling that it is trying to say something to you. We'll both have to keep an eye out. Good luck. Come over as soon as you can." Syaoran hung up. ".4 a.m. Well, I might as well get ready." Syaoran took off his clothes and showered. He got dressed and cooked up a big breakfast. "I'm going to need my strength." He looked around for anything that may come in handy for helping him guard Sakura, but he didn't find anything. "Well," he took a deep breath, "it's time to go."
Syaoran walked to Sakura's house. He met up with Sakura on her front steps, on time for a change. Sakura was rubbing her head. "Ah, that evil energy. it's too much to bear! What is going on? I can barely think!" Syaoran rubbed his head. "I don't know! I can't even sense where it is coming from. but it's getting stronger!" They both got up and started to walk to school. They didn't say too much. It felt like their minds were being clouded. It was hard to think.
Snap.
Syaoran turned around and was about to summon his sword. But he saw it was merely Eriol, apparently stepping on a twig. "Oh, good morning, Sakura, Syaoran. How are you?" Syaoran put away his pendant and calmed down. "Oh, we're alright. But we have to go! See you later." And Sakura and Syaoran both ran off to Tomoeda Elementary. Eriol chuckled. "So, I was right. This spell is affecting everyone with any magic powers. I think Koji must be using it to try and confuse our sense. I may have to pay close attention to them."
The rest of the day went pretty normally. But the air was still full of evil energy. When Sakura, Syaoran, and Tomoyo all walked out of school, they started to head for home as Sakura and Tomoyo talked. "Sigh. Tomoyo, how do you always ace these test when I always fail?" Tomoyo smiled. "I'm not that good! I got a couple of questions wrong. no, wait, that was yesterday's quiz. I didn't get any wrong today! Sorry." A sweat drop rolled down Sakura's head. Syaoran sighed. "I did pretty well. But it was sorta hard to concentrate." Syaoran thought to himself, "I probably shouldn't mention I remember the answers from before I went back in time." Sakura sat down on a bench. "I just don't get this stuff. and all this evil magic energy in the air didn't help either." Tomoyo looked on confused. "What evil magic?" Syaoran sighed. "It's like some sort of evil presence is in the air. Sakura, Kero, and I can all sense it. It's like it's blocking us from concentrating. I can't tell where it is coming from." Tomoyo frowned. "Oh. that's too bad. but, I'll treat you to something special! Let's all go to the aquarium for some dinner, and then we'll go to the mall and I'll find some new materials for some kawaii outfits?" Sakura smiled and laughed uneasily. "Well, I'm alright with the first part, but I'm not sure about the second part." Tomoyo giggled. "I'm just kidding! .I have plenty of materials! I've got these great new costumes all planned out." A sweat drop rolled down both Sakura and Syaoran's heads as Tomoyo began to rant on about how great and cute Sakura will look.
"Uhh. Tomoyo? Can we go? The aquarium closes at 10:00 tonight, and at this rate, we'll be here long after midnight if you keep talking and don't let us go." Syaoran rudely pointed out. Tomoyo stuck her tongue out at Syaoran teasingly. "Oh, alright. We'll go." And they all walked off to the aquarium.
"Oh, KAWAII!*" Sakura exclaimed staring at the cute pair of angelfish in the tank next to their table. Tomoyo, naturally, was getting it all on tape. "So, Sakura, what exactly is this 'evil energy?' I still don't understand." Tomoyo asked innocently. "Hoeee. I still have no idea really." Syaoran shook his head. "I'm not sure either. But I have an idea. I think it is some kind of distraction. like someone doesn't want us to know they were here, so they emit all of this energy so we can't detect them." Sakura thought for a moment, holding her chopsticks to her lips. "Do you really think so?" "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure. It's just a theory."
The waiter placed their meals down on their table and Sakura went back to watching the fish beside her, constantly giggling at their cuteness.
After dinner, they walked around the fish tanks watching together until Tomoyo looked at her watch. "Oh shoot, it's 5:45. I need to get home and work on that new outfit." Sakura quickly turned away from the fish that moments before had her captivated. "5:45?! Now I'm really going to be late! I promised Touya and dad I would cook dinner tonight before they got home! I'm sorry, I have to go!" Sakura ran as fast as she could out of the aquarium to her house. Syaoran got a sinking feeling in his gut. Tonight was Friday the 10th! The day Sakura was killed. all this energy building up. It had to be it!
"SAKURA! WAIT!" Syaoran ran as fast as he could, disregarding everything that got in his way. He jumped over anything and everyone that blocked him. He raced out the door and could spot Sakura on the horizon. "SAKURA! PLEASE WAIT!"
As Syaoran rounded the corner, and arm reached out and wrapped around his neck. "Now you're chasing my sister? I warned you, gaki." Syaoran pulled himself free of Touya's grasp and started to run. "I don't have time for this!" Touya grabbed him by the arm. "Then make time! What do you want with my sister? You still follow her everywhere. I want you to-" Syaoran couldn't take it anymore. He didn't have a moment to spare. Syaoran dropped to one leg and gave Touya a sweeping kick from behind that caused him to fall backwards and land in a bunch of empty cardboard supply boxes. Touya tried to stand as Syaoran ran, but he landed on his face when his foot got stuck in all of the used supplies for the store.
"Dammit, I must save Sakura! And the evil presence is getting stronger! Hold on Sakura!"
Syaoran approached Sakura's house and saw the young Card Captor standing in front of the gate leading to her front door. "Oh thank God she's alright." Syaoran walked next to Sakura, but before he could speak.
Click.
Syaoran turned his head. The sky was now pitch black, but Syaoran could make out a figure in the darkness. It was Koji, holding a gun in each hand. "Welcome, Syaoran. You're late. It isn't very nice to keep your murderer waiting, you know!"
Sakura started to cry. "Syaoran, I'm scared! Who is he?" Syaoran moved to comfort her, but Koji clicked the other gun. "I wouldn't move. I'll get both of you. for killing my master Sadin!" "Sadin?!" Sakura exclaimed. "Yes.. my master. the perfect ruler of the world. you destroyed the world's only chance of salvation and my dreams of power! Dammit, I want revenge! At first, I was originally planning to just murder Sakura, and then go back in time to kill and steal the souls of all your ancestors to help me revive Sadin! I would solely bring the world to a new golden age!" Koji laughed. "I hope you enjoyed my little spell! It is a magic shield. Basically, it blocks anyone from sensing where magic is coming from, so there was no way you could tell when or where I would come from! But enough talk. now DIE!" Syaoran jumped to one side and shoved Sakura to the ground as Koji fired both guns.
Syaoran's flesh burned as the hot lead pierced his skin. Syaoran screamed in pain as he fell face first to the ground. "SYAORAN! SYAORAN, ARE YOU OKAY?!" Sakura screamed. Syaoran didn't answer. Koji stepped forward into the light of a lamppost on the side of the road to reveal a cynical smile on his face. "It's all in vain. Stop your struggling." He pointed a gun at each one of them, both of them lying on the ground. "Good-bye." Koji began to pull the trigger when a large panther-like creature pounced out of nowhere and swiped at Koji. Koji kicked the creature and shoved Spinnel away. Koji had apparently gotten stronger since their last encounter. He lifted to fire at this panther, but Keroberos landed behind him and attacked Koji. Yue dived in from the sky and picked up Koji from under Kero and punched him in the nose. Before he could land, a blow came from Ruby Moon in the shadows, and Koji landed at the feet of yet another shadowy figure. The glasses of this last shadow, and a golden scepter with a sun and moon, reflected the little light briefly before a surge of lightning flowed from Eriol, shocking Koji in a blinding flash.
"Hold on Sakura!" A familiar female voice rang out in the distance. The panther and the two other shadowy figures disappeared almost as fast as they had appeared. Mia ran up and spotted Koji, guns in hand, slowly standing up. "Oh, no you don't!" Mia charged up a shot of fire, and sent Koji reeling. Both of his deadly weapons landed on the ground. Koji was left unarmed. But he reached into his coat in the darkness and pulled out the Mirror of Time. A portal opened and Koji jumped into it without a word. Mia's finger glowed an emerald green. She held her hand like a gun and fired a green burst of magic into the portal before it closed.
All the while, Sakura sat at Syaoran's side. "Syaoran, oh, please be okay! Speak to me! Don't die on me!" Syaoran turned his head. "Don't worry. it's over now. I'll be fine. Remember back in that prison? I was shot then. Granted it wasn't two bullets in the same arm." Sakura looked at Syaoran's arm as it bled all over the ground. ".Trust me, Sakura." Syaoran said with tears in his eyes. "I'll be okay." Sakura hugged Syaoran tightly and cried. With one arm, Syaoran hugged Sakura and buried his face in her chest, trying to hide his own tears.
Syaoran rested his head on the ground. "Syaoran. please hold on. I'll get an ambulance! Just please be okay." Syaoran gave a small smile. "Don't worry. as long as you are fine, I will be too." Syaoran closed his eyes and passed out.
To be continued.
*Definitions: Kawaii: Ultra-super cute Gomen-nasi: The formal way to say I'm sorry -kun: Put on the end of a boy's name. When Sakura said "Li-kun," it was the equivalent of saying "Mr. Li." Similarly, -chan is added to a girl's name. For example, Tomoyo-chan. -Chan may also be used to show affection, like how Sakura refers to Touya as Touya-chan. Oi- Hey Hentai- Pervert
Chapter 5- Protecting Sakura
(Author's note: Wherever you see a little * go to the bottom of the chapter
for a translation of Japanese word[s])
Riiiiiing! Riiiiiing!
Syaoran quickly woke up in drenched in sweat. He shut off his alarm clock. "Huh? What? I just went. does this mean.?" Syaoran jumped out of bed and ran to the calendar. "Friday the 3rd? And Sakura was killed on Friday the 10th. So that means it worked! We're in the past! I've gone back in time!"
Syaoran quickly took off his clothes and tossed them onto his bed. He hopped into the shower, got dressed, and grabbed a quick breakfast as fast as he could. He ran for the door with a piece of toast still in his mouth. He rounded the corner and saw Sakura sitting on a step putting on her roller blades. Syaoran's eyes began to water. She was alive. ".Sakura. SAKURA!" Syaoran shouted as he charged down the street towards Sakura. She lifted her head in curiosity.
GLOMP!
Syaoran hugged Sakura as tight as he could, swinging her around in his arms. "Oh, thank God you're here!" Sakura's face turned bright red as she waved her arms and legs all around her, struggling to get free. "ACK! .Air! Can't. breathe! Syaoran!"
Syaoran started to blush as he dropped Sakura. "Oops! Sorry, Sakura." Sakura's face would have returned to normal in a few minutes, but it remained red as she blushed. "Umm. well, it's just that you've never really ran up to me and hugged me. Especially like that. It just feels awkward. And what is stranger is Kero did the exact same thing to me! He didn't even let me get out of bed! And this on the morning I have to get up extra early to help clean up the classroom before school." Syaoran quickly remembered. "Oh yeah! Where is Kero? I need to talk to him." Sakura looked confused. "YOU want to talk to KERO?! Well, he's in my room. Big brother already left, so don't worry about him." Syaoran gave her a quick hug and ran up to her room.
A sweat drop rolled down her head as Syaoran upstairs. "Syaoran and Kero are both acting affectionate and talking to each other? Did I die and go to another world or something?"
Syaoran burst through Sakura's door. "Kero?" He was flying around the room, cheering loudly. "YES! IT WORKED, IT WORKED, IT WORKED!" Kero yelled. "My Mistress is back!" Syaoran smiled. "Yeah. She's back. We have another chance to save her! I can still barely believe it!" Kero looked down and hovered in front of Syaoran. "Oh, hey. I didn't hear you come in. So, I take it you saw that Sakura is back!" Syaoran chuckled. "Even if I hadn't, I think your little dance in the air would have told me." Kero landed on Sakura's bed. "So, what do you want?" Syaoran sat down in a chair. "Well, now we need to decide-"
Sakura's phone rang. "Hold on." Kero said. "It's probably Tomoyo." Kero picked up the phone, which was twice his size. "Hello? Mia! Oh, it's you! How are you? Did everything turn out alright? Yeah, Sakura's fine. Actually, she already left for school, but Syaoran is here. Alright. Oi*, it's for you."
"Hello?" "Syaoran! It's Mia. I called you at your house, but you weren't home. So, I hear Sakura is alive and well." Syaoran sighed in relief. "Yeah, she's perfectly fine. Don't worry about her." "Good. Well, here's the problem. I may know about Koji now, but it will still take me a while to get back to Tomoeda. So, I won't see you for a while. But I will leave as soon as I can go." "Alright. Hey. wait a minute. Mia, I just thought of something. If you knew our phone numbers, why didn't you just call and warn us?" "Sigh. I tried, but the lines were busy. and the ship I took to get there was going to leave any minute. I didn't think THAT could happen to Sakura, so I didn't worry." "Well, I guess that makes sense." "I gotta go, but I'll be there as soon as possible. And take good care of Sakura! Bye!"
Kero looked up at Syaoran. "So, what did Mia want?" "Just letting us know she'll be here as soon as she can. But now, we need to talk about something. I think we need to stalk Sakura." Kero looked angry. "STALK HER?! No way! I'm not going to let you." "Wait! I didn't really mean stalk, more like follow. Someone has to be with Sakura at all times just in case Koji shows up. You can watch over her at night, Tomoyo can watch her during school after we tell her what's going on, and I can watch her after school until night. Koji said he might strike at a different time." Kero nodded. "Well, I guess that's alright. But I think we'll need to be extra careful in one week, since there is still a very good chance he'll strike at the same time. Koji probably said he might attack at a different time just to throw us off guard. And I think we should do whatever it takes so Sakura doesn't become suspicious. I mean if we are protecting her, there is no need to make her worry. Say, if you are here, who is watching Sakura?" "." There was a long silence.
".YOU GAKI! GET OUT THERE AND WATCH HER!"
Eriol sat in his chair at his house grinning. "It seems my suspicions were correct. My cute little descendant has a plan to protect Ms. Kinomoto. But I doubt he'll be able to handle this one on his own. I may need to. 'volunteer' my assistance."
Sakura was walking into the classroom when Syaoran reached her, out of breath. "Syaoran! What are you doing here so early? It's my turn to clean the classroom." Syaoran clenched his chest to catch his breath. ".Ummm. I just wanted." He panted, "to help. you this morning." Sakura smiled. "Thank you! You've been so nice this morning! I don't know what's different, but I like it!" Syaoran began to blush as he walked through the open door to help Sakura with her work.
At lunch, Sakura, Syaoran, and Tomoyo all sat together and talked about what to do after school. Rika ran over to their table. "Sakura! Come with me! Some students are helping to design the new cheerleading outfits and they need some help!" Sakura smiled. "I've been waiting for this all week! Where are they?" "In the art room number 2." Sakura stood up. "Excuse me, Tomoyo, Syaoran. I'll be right back." Sakura followed Rika into the school.
"Hey! Wait for me, Sakura!" Tomoyo said as she stood up, but Syaoran grabbed her shirt and pulled her back down. He said to himself, "better get this over with."
"Tomoyo, I need your help, first." "Sure! What do you need?" "It. It's about Sakura." Tomoyo smiled brightly. "Oh, I see! So, do you need my help picking out the right flowers or an early birthday present?" Syaoran reddened. "Umm. well, not exactly. Now listen, this is very serious. I believe. someone may be after Sakura." The smile on Tomoyo's face disappeared. ".What do you mean 'after her?'" Syaoran sighed. "I can't tell you how, but I have evidence that this old enemy of Sakura's named Koji is planning on. killing her." Tomoyo began to turn paler. "Wh-wh-what?!" "Now, I don't want to tell her that. She will be okay because we are going to protect her! All you need to do, is that if you are ever alone with Sakura, and you are being followed by a 14 year old with short black hair and thick glasses, get Sakura into anyplace where Koji wouldn't dare try anything in fear of being caught. With us around, she'll be fine." Some of the color returned to Tomoyo's face. "Well, I suppose if we are guarding her, it's okay. I'll do my best." "Good. Then let's just be sure either you, Kero, Yue, or I are watching over her. And let's not tell Sakura about this. I don't want her to worry. She will be fine." Tomoyo smiled again. "Ok, sure! See you, Syaoran!" And Tomoyo ran off to join Sakura and Rika in the art room.
The rest of the day progressed as normally as can be. Sakura walked out of the school after her cheerleading practice and began to walk home. "Hey, Sakura! Wait up!" Syaoran ran up to her. "Syaoran? What are you doing here? School ended an hour ago. Shouldn't you have gone home? Don't tell me you were waiting there for me an hour." Syaoran blushed. "Well, I. actually, I was. But I had homework, so I just did it right here while I waited for you." Sakura began to blush. "So, umm. what did you want to wait for me for?" Syaoran's face turned even redder. "Well, ah. no reason, really. But would you like me to walk you home?" Sakura, too, had her face turn a brighter shade of red. "Oh! Err. yeah! I'd like that."
A few minutes later, they both walked down the road to Sakura's house. Syaoran periodically turned his head around to see if anyone was following them. "Syaoran, what's wrong?" "Huh?" "You keep looking around, like you're waiting for something." "Umm. no. I was. just looking at the Sakura blossoms. They're at full bloom now."
(Author's note: Sakura blossoms are cherry blossoms. Just about every CCS character is named after a type of flower.)
They both walked over to a wall, over which stood a tall Sakura tree. Sakura gave a delighted sigh. "I just love Sakura trees. The flowers are so beautiful." A Sakura blossom floated down off the tree and landed in Syaoran's hands. "Oh. here." Syaoran slipped the flower into Sakura's hair. "Aww. thank you!" Their eyes met. They stared for a moment, not saying a word. not moving a muscle.
Sakura finally moved. "Oh. we're at my house already." The sun was starting to set behind them on the horizon. They both blushed and stepped closer. "Syaoran. umm. th-thanks for walking me home. I really enjoyed it." "Ah. yeah, I liked it too. So. same time tomorrow?" Sakura nodded. "Err. sure! Well, see you tomorrow morning. But. Syaoran?" "Huh? What is it?" Sakura held her hands on her lap and avoided eye contact. "It's just that. you've been acting a little. more. affectionate lately and. I kinda like it." Sakura hugged him, and quickly ran off, covering her face with her hands to hide her red cheeks. Syaoran sat in silence with his hair blowing in the wind. He looked up at the sky, which was quickly turning black with night. He walked over to a small part of the wall under the Sakura tree and sat there, staring up at the stars as they faded in.
Sakura ran up to her room and sat down on her bed. Kero was already asleep. She looked out her window and saw Syaoran sitting on the wall, watching the stars. She blushed lightly, took the blossom from her hair, and held it close to her heart.
The weekend passed uneventfully. Tomoyo watched Sakura on Saturday when Fujitaka took them to the art museum, which was too crowded for Koji to attack, and on Sunday Kero watched from Sakura's bag while Yukito, Touya, and Syaoran joined them at the beach.
The next two school days passed in a similar fashion. Syaoran would wake up and walk with Sakura to school. Tomoyo watched over her at school Syaoran would wait for her after school and walk her home. Then, he'd sit outside for a while, just staring up into the night sky, deep in thought. He had almost forgotten about Koji. He only wanted to be at Sakura's side.
The next day.
Syaoran hopped out of bed and stared at the calendar. ".It's the 6th. it's coming closer. to that day. We may need to be extra careful from now on." Syaoran got dressed and was headed for the door, but as soon as he opened it.
"We need to talk. NOW." "TOUYA! Umm. I mean, uhh. Touya, what are you doing here?" Touya looked angry. "Cut the innocent act. You've been following my baby sister everywhere. I see you every morning following her to school, stalking her on the way home, and then just sitting outside, waiting for her at night." Syaoran's face turned bright red and a sweat drop rolled down his face. "No, no, no, no! That's not true! It's just. ummm. well, we are friends, and since we take the same road to school, I figured we could walk together!" Touya scowled. "I don't believe that for a second. If that were true, why would you sit outside our house everyday after dark? You're up to something. I don't know what, but I have no intention of letting you hurt my sister. So just stay the HELL away from her, got it?"
Before Syaoran could reply, Touya had turned around and was walking away. "Dammit. I have to keep an eye on Sakura still. but Touya will kill me, and there will be no one to protect Sakura! .Unless. Unless they don't know I'm watching!"
Syaoran hopped onto the wall he always sat on to see the stars and leaped behind some bushes. "At least this way I can keep a watch on her." Syaoran stared into Sakura's window, hoping to see her. He even had a pair of binoculars with him just in case. Syaoran sat there for about 5 minutes when he heard a door slam in Sakura's room. "Ah! She's here." Syaoran waited. Eventually, Sakura stepped in front of the window. wearing nothing at all but a dripping wet bath towel!
Their eyes met. Both of their faces turned bright red. Syaoran tried to apologize, but it all came out in stutters. "I. Err. I didn't mean. err. ah." Sakura's face started to turn bright red, but in anger. "You. You." Sakura grabbed an object at her side and tossed it out the window. Syaoran fell backwards on his head when Sakura's alarm clock smacked him dead on in the face. "HENTAI*!!!" She slammed her window closed.
Syaoran sat motionless on the ground, when he saw a clenched fist over his face. "What did I just tell you? I can't even walk to school without seeing you hiding in our bushes." Touya said. Syaoran laughed nervously before jumping to his feet and running as fast as he could with Touya in pursuit. "Now you're spying on my sister after her shower?! You're gonna pay, you little perverted gaki!" Touya yelled from behind Syaoran. Up ahead, Yukito was walking down the street, carrying a big, brown bag. "Oh, good morning, Syaoran. I picked up some food down at the store. Would you like to-" Syaoran continued to run, ignoring Yukito's offer. "Huh. I wonder why he's in such a hurry. Oh! Touya!" Yukito reached out and wrapped his arm around Touya, stopping him cold. Syaoran continued to run even as Touya was stopped. "That was close. saved by Yukito. but I have to figure out how to watch Sakura." He rubbed the small cut on his forehead. ".And apologize before she throws more than an alarm clock at me."
Syaoran tried to talk to Sakura at the beginning of school, but she wouldn't listen.
Syaoran sat down at lunch with a large bloodstained bandage on the left side of his face. Tomoyo sat down next to him. "Syaoran, what's with the bandage? And why is Sakura not talking to you? Let me guess, those two are somehow connected." Syaoran nodded. "Touya wouldn't let me follow Sakura anymore. So I kind of decided to watch her in secret. but when I saw her. she. well, kind didn't have many clothes on by mistake. Or ANY at all, really." Tomoyo even blushed. "Oh. that would explain it." Syaoran sighed. "I. I just want to be with Sakura. to be around her. but Touya won't let me. I just. I. I'll do anything it takes, but now she's so mad at me."
"Is. is that true?" Sakura said as she walked up from behind a tree. "Did you really only wait for me out there because of Touya?" They both started to blush. "Umm. well. yeah, it is. This morning, as I went to leave and wait for you, Touya was at my door." A vein was about to pop on Sakura's forehead. "Touya. How many times do I have to tell him not to do that?!" They all sighed. Sakura put her hands on her lap and blushed even worse. "I. I was really mad, but I know it was so unlike you to do that. I just couldn't believe you would do it. Now it all makes sense." "Well, I don't want you to worry, Sakura." Sakura sighed. "I'm not worrying. I- Tomoyo, how long have you been holding that video camera?" Tomoyo smiled. "Ever since you two got so cute! This will make a great addition to my collection of cute Sakura moments!" Sakura and Syaoran both sighed in unison. "So, Syaoran, are you going to wait for me after school?" Syaoran stared at the ground. "I would. but Touya." "You leave Touya to me. You just wait." Syaoran lifted his head and tried hard to smile. "Umm. okay. I'll be there." "Great! See you then!" Tomoyo giggled. "This just keeps getting cuter and cuter by the minute! I'm not missing this!" Syaoran just sighed. "Tomoyo, will you ever change?" She smiled. "Nope!"
Sakura didn't have any practice after school, so she immediately went to Syaoran who waited at the front of the school. Sakura began to blush as she walked up. "Well. ummm. it is kind of early. so. do you want to do something?" Syaoran stood up from his seat against the wall. "Ah. ok, that sounds good. How about if we go get some ice cream?" Sakura smiled a giant smile. "That sounds great! Touya is at another new job, so we won't have to worry about him." Syaoran sighed in relief and thought, "Well, that's one less guy to worry about. So if I can just stay by Sakura's side, especially in an area like the ice cream area, she'll be fine. Koji will have to give up one day." Sakura ran ahead. "Ha! I'll beat you there!" "Oh, no you won't, Sakura!" And they both dashed towards the ice cream parlor together.
Once they had placed their orders, Sakura and Syaoran took a seat outside at a table. "Syaoran, I'm really sorry about what happened earlier today. does it still hurt?" Syaoran rubbed his wound. "Not really. A little bit, but not much. I've felt worse. But my pride still hurts pretty bad." A sweat drop rolled down Sakura's face as she blushed. "Gomen-nasi*. I made a big deal about it. I should have trusted you more." "Don't worry about it. Wounds heal. I'm sure if I were in your place I would've done something like that."
A strawberry sundae was placed in the center of the table. "I'm sorry, but we're out of chocolate ice cream, so if you want to reorder." "TOUYA?!" Sakura and Syaoran exclaimed. "What? Sakura? And. YOU!!! What did I tell you this morning! I warned you I'd-YOW!" The veins in Touya's neck nearly popped out as Sakura stomped as hard as she could on his foot. Keep in mind, she still wore the roller blades she put on during her race with Syaoran. "Stop doing this, Touya! I personally asked Syaoran to come with me! Not the other way around! So just calm down! He's not trying to hurt me! Stop being so overprotective!" Touya growled. "Very well, then. May I take your reorder, SIR?" Sakura smiled. "No, thank you, big brother. We'll just share mine!" Touya tried to hide his anger, but not very well. "VERY WELL, then. Please, enjoy." And Touya stomped off.
They both shared Sakura's strawberry sundae as they chatted for what seemed like forever. Syaoran looked at his watch. "Wow. It's 5:00 already. I hadn't noticed." "5:00?! HOEEEE!" "What's wrong?" "I have a big homework assignment due tomorrow! I'm sorry, I gotta go! See you tomorrow!" She stood up and hugged him quickly. "Thank you! I had a wonderful time! Meet me after school tomorrow, as always!" And Sakura dashed off, leaving Syaoran blushing as the sun set behind him.
Syaoran paid the bill and was walking home, thinking about the whole day. "Hi!" Tomoyo suddenly jumped out. "Ah! Where did you come from?" Tomoyo giggled. "You mean you didn't notice me taping the two of you for the whole time you were there?" "You were what?" "Oh, of course! You were much too busy paying attention to each other you didn't even notice me at the next table!" Syaoran blushed. "Umm. well, uh, the sun was in my eyes over there." Tomoyo laughed. "Really? That's weird, because I was sitting in the opposite direction of the sunlight!" "Umm. err. Oh, shoot, I just remembered. I. I gotta go!" And Syaoran ran as fast as he could down the road, but shouted, "Now you watch Sakura, okay?"
Syaoran dropped down onto his couch. He thought about their day and he smiled. But the phone rang and he picked it up. "Hello?" "It's me, Kero." "Oh, what's going on?" "Listen, gaki, I know we don't like each other, and we don't like working together, but for a few days, I think we might have to. I don't know what it is, but I've been getting these weird feelings everyday, and they've been getting stronger." "Weird feelings?" Syaoran asked. "Yeah. it's like I can sense this power. evil power. and it gets stronger everyday. like it's getting closer." "KOJI!" Syaoran exclaimed. "Yeah, that's what I think it is. So, if this feeling is only getting stronger, I think it's time to take extra precautions. For starters, at least you and I should be with her, or at least Tomoyo and I." Syaoran nodded, even though there was no one to see it. "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." "Well, at least Tomoyo is here now, and since I'm ready, he won't dare try anything tonight. See ya, gaki. CLICK." Syaoran dropped the phone and took a look at the calendar. "The 8th. Tomorrow is the 9th. and Sakura was killed on the 10th. It must be Koji. Sakura, I won't let you down." And Syaoran went to bed after a light dinner.
The next morning, Syaoran quickly got ready for school and rushed to Sakura's house. There wasn't a minute to spare. As he approached it, he heard a shriek come from Sakura's room. "SAKURA! HOLD ON, I'M COMING!" Syaoran burst through the door and into Sakura's room. "Sakura, what's wrong?" "HOEEEEE! I've got that big math test tomorrow!" Syaoran fell backwards onto the floor with his legs sticking up. Kero used that time to sneak into Syaoran's bag and hide.
They both quickly ran outside to avoid Touya, who hadn't left yet. Sakura sat down and put on her roller blades. That's when Syaoran could feel an evil presence in the air. ".Kero was right, I can feel it. Maybe it's just because I know about him, but. it feels stronger than ever. Is he here?" Kero poked his head out of Syaoran's bag. "I take it you sensed the power already?" Syaoran nodded. "Well, we best be on guard today." Kero dived back down before Sakura noticed him. "Ok, I'm ready." And the two kids both set off for school.
Throughout the day, Syaoran kept as close an eye on Sakura as was humanly possible. During gym, he had Tomoyo be extra cautious. They couldn't take any chances. After school, Sakura and Syaoran were walking home when she turned to him and said, "Syaoran, you've seemed a bit nervous today. Is. is it because of the evil energy in the air?" Syaoran gasped. "You know?!" Sakura nodded sorrowfully. "It's. it's just that I've sensed it for about a week. I've tried to shrug it off, but I just can't. It is getting stronger." Syaoran was impressed. He thought to himself. "Wow. she must be getting stronger. Her magic must be increasing so rapidly if she could sense that long before Kero and me." Sakura started to cry. "I. I don't know what it is. It's starting to scare me. And it's weird. Ever since a week ago, all those weird tests, those strange feelings led me into a trap and I ended up changing a card into a Sakura Card. But this new feeling isn't like that. it just scares me." Syaoran held her tight and wiped away her tears. "Don't worry, Sakura. I'll always be here. No matter what. I feel it too. But I'm not going to let you down." Sakura dried her tears with her hands. "Arigotou. Li-kun*." And Sakura walked home, which was only a few feet away. Kero left his bag and flew up. "Hmm. her magic awareness is rising quickly. Even I couldn't sense it that fast. Tomorrow we must be really careful." And Kero flew up to Sakura's window, to make it seem like he had been there all day.
Syaoran started to walk home, but he turned and gave one last look to Sakura's house before walking home. ".Sleep well, Sakura."
Syaoran stood in front of Sakura as Koji aimed his gun at Sakura's head. "SYAORAN! HELP ME! Sakura screamed out. But the faster Syaoran ran the farther Sakura disappeared into the darkness. Syaoran watched Koji slowly pull the trigger while Sakura had a horrified expression on her face. Bang.
Syaoran quickly sat up in his bed, covered and soaked in sweat. "A. a dream? Ugh?! That evil energy. It's never been so strong.! But how did it get so large? I mean, even if I didn't feel it last time because I was unaware, there is no way I wouldn't feel it now." Syaoran's phone began to ring. "Hello?" "It's me, Kero! Look, did you just feel a surge of some kind of evil magic in the air?" "Yeah. I have for a while. It's getting stronger." "Well, I sense it too. It's even making it hard for Sakura to sleep. Hell, I even think Touya senses SOMETHING. Whatever it is that's doing this, I have the feeling it's coming today!" Syaoran stood in silence. "Hello? Hey, Syaoran, are you still there?" "Err. yeah. Sorry, I just had this dream. Koji. he got Sakura." There was a moment of silence between both of them. ".Dammit, that's not good." Kero said. "I have a feeling that it is trying to say something to you. We'll both have to keep an eye out. Good luck. Come over as soon as you can." Syaoran hung up. ".4 a.m. Well, I might as well get ready." Syaoran took off his clothes and showered. He got dressed and cooked up a big breakfast. "I'm going to need my strength." He looked around for anything that may come in handy for helping him guard Sakura, but he didn't find anything. "Well," he took a deep breath, "it's time to go."
Syaoran walked to Sakura's house. He met up with Sakura on her front steps, on time for a change. Sakura was rubbing her head. "Ah, that evil energy. it's too much to bear! What is going on? I can barely think!" Syaoran rubbed his head. "I don't know! I can't even sense where it is coming from. but it's getting stronger!" They both got up and started to walk to school. They didn't say too much. It felt like their minds were being clouded. It was hard to think.
Snap.
Syaoran turned around and was about to summon his sword. But he saw it was merely Eriol, apparently stepping on a twig. "Oh, good morning, Sakura, Syaoran. How are you?" Syaoran put away his pendant and calmed down. "Oh, we're alright. But we have to go! See you later." And Sakura and Syaoran both ran off to Tomoeda Elementary. Eriol chuckled. "So, I was right. This spell is affecting everyone with any magic powers. I think Koji must be using it to try and confuse our sense. I may have to pay close attention to them."
The rest of the day went pretty normally. But the air was still full of evil energy. When Sakura, Syaoran, and Tomoyo all walked out of school, they started to head for home as Sakura and Tomoyo talked. "Sigh. Tomoyo, how do you always ace these test when I always fail?" Tomoyo smiled. "I'm not that good! I got a couple of questions wrong. no, wait, that was yesterday's quiz. I didn't get any wrong today! Sorry." A sweat drop rolled down Sakura's head. Syaoran sighed. "I did pretty well. But it was sorta hard to concentrate." Syaoran thought to himself, "I probably shouldn't mention I remember the answers from before I went back in time." Sakura sat down on a bench. "I just don't get this stuff. and all this evil magic energy in the air didn't help either." Tomoyo looked on confused. "What evil magic?" Syaoran sighed. "It's like some sort of evil presence is in the air. Sakura, Kero, and I can all sense it. It's like it's blocking us from concentrating. I can't tell where it is coming from." Tomoyo frowned. "Oh. that's too bad. but, I'll treat you to something special! Let's all go to the aquarium for some dinner, and then we'll go to the mall and I'll find some new materials for some kawaii outfits?" Sakura smiled and laughed uneasily. "Well, I'm alright with the first part, but I'm not sure about the second part." Tomoyo giggled. "I'm just kidding! .I have plenty of materials! I've got these great new costumes all planned out." A sweat drop rolled down both Sakura and Syaoran's heads as Tomoyo began to rant on about how great and cute Sakura will look.
"Uhh. Tomoyo? Can we go? The aquarium closes at 10:00 tonight, and at this rate, we'll be here long after midnight if you keep talking and don't let us go." Syaoran rudely pointed out. Tomoyo stuck her tongue out at Syaoran teasingly. "Oh, alright. We'll go." And they all walked off to the aquarium.
"Oh, KAWAII!*" Sakura exclaimed staring at the cute pair of angelfish in the tank next to their table. Tomoyo, naturally, was getting it all on tape. "So, Sakura, what exactly is this 'evil energy?' I still don't understand." Tomoyo asked innocently. "Hoeee. I still have no idea really." Syaoran shook his head. "I'm not sure either. But I have an idea. I think it is some kind of distraction. like someone doesn't want us to know they were here, so they emit all of this energy so we can't detect them." Sakura thought for a moment, holding her chopsticks to her lips. "Do you really think so?" "To tell you the truth, I'm not sure. It's just a theory."
The waiter placed their meals down on their table and Sakura went back to watching the fish beside her, constantly giggling at their cuteness.
After dinner, they walked around the fish tanks watching together until Tomoyo looked at her watch. "Oh shoot, it's 5:45. I need to get home and work on that new outfit." Sakura quickly turned away from the fish that moments before had her captivated. "5:45?! Now I'm really going to be late! I promised Touya and dad I would cook dinner tonight before they got home! I'm sorry, I have to go!" Sakura ran as fast as she could out of the aquarium to her house. Syaoran got a sinking feeling in his gut. Tonight was Friday the 10th! The day Sakura was killed. all this energy building up. It had to be it!
"SAKURA! WAIT!" Syaoran ran as fast as he could, disregarding everything that got in his way. He jumped over anything and everyone that blocked him. He raced out the door and could spot Sakura on the horizon. "SAKURA! PLEASE WAIT!"
As Syaoran rounded the corner, and arm reached out and wrapped around his neck. "Now you're chasing my sister? I warned you, gaki." Syaoran pulled himself free of Touya's grasp and started to run. "I don't have time for this!" Touya grabbed him by the arm. "Then make time! What do you want with my sister? You still follow her everywhere. I want you to-" Syaoran couldn't take it anymore. He didn't have a moment to spare. Syaoran dropped to one leg and gave Touya a sweeping kick from behind that caused him to fall backwards and land in a bunch of empty cardboard supply boxes. Touya tried to stand as Syaoran ran, but he landed on his face when his foot got stuck in all of the used supplies for the store.
"Dammit, I must save Sakura! And the evil presence is getting stronger! Hold on Sakura!"
Syaoran approached Sakura's house and saw the young Card Captor standing in front of the gate leading to her front door. "Oh thank God she's alright." Syaoran walked next to Sakura, but before he could speak.
Click.
Syaoran turned his head. The sky was now pitch black, but Syaoran could make out a figure in the darkness. It was Koji, holding a gun in each hand. "Welcome, Syaoran. You're late. It isn't very nice to keep your murderer waiting, you know!"
Sakura started to cry. "Syaoran, I'm scared! Who is he?" Syaoran moved to comfort her, but Koji clicked the other gun. "I wouldn't move. I'll get both of you. for killing my master Sadin!" "Sadin?!" Sakura exclaimed. "Yes.. my master. the perfect ruler of the world. you destroyed the world's only chance of salvation and my dreams of power! Dammit, I want revenge! At first, I was originally planning to just murder Sakura, and then go back in time to kill and steal the souls of all your ancestors to help me revive Sadin! I would solely bring the world to a new golden age!" Koji laughed. "I hope you enjoyed my little spell! It is a magic shield. Basically, it blocks anyone from sensing where magic is coming from, so there was no way you could tell when or where I would come from! But enough talk. now DIE!" Syaoran jumped to one side and shoved Sakura to the ground as Koji fired both guns.
Syaoran's flesh burned as the hot lead pierced his skin. Syaoran screamed in pain as he fell face first to the ground. "SYAORAN! SYAORAN, ARE YOU OKAY?!" Sakura screamed. Syaoran didn't answer. Koji stepped forward into the light of a lamppost on the side of the road to reveal a cynical smile on his face. "It's all in vain. Stop your struggling." He pointed a gun at each one of them, both of them lying on the ground. "Good-bye." Koji began to pull the trigger when a large panther-like creature pounced out of nowhere and swiped at Koji. Koji kicked the creature and shoved Spinnel away. Koji had apparently gotten stronger since their last encounter. He lifted to fire at this panther, but Keroberos landed behind him and attacked Koji. Yue dived in from the sky and picked up Koji from under Kero and punched him in the nose. Before he could land, a blow came from Ruby Moon in the shadows, and Koji landed at the feet of yet another shadowy figure. The glasses of this last shadow, and a golden scepter with a sun and moon, reflected the little light briefly before a surge of lightning flowed from Eriol, shocking Koji in a blinding flash.
"Hold on Sakura!" A familiar female voice rang out in the distance. The panther and the two other shadowy figures disappeared almost as fast as they had appeared. Mia ran up and spotted Koji, guns in hand, slowly standing up. "Oh, no you don't!" Mia charged up a shot of fire, and sent Koji reeling. Both of his deadly weapons landed on the ground. Koji was left unarmed. But he reached into his coat in the darkness and pulled out the Mirror of Time. A portal opened and Koji jumped into it without a word. Mia's finger glowed an emerald green. She held her hand like a gun and fired a green burst of magic into the portal before it closed.
All the while, Sakura sat at Syaoran's side. "Syaoran, oh, please be okay! Speak to me! Don't die on me!" Syaoran turned his head. "Don't worry. it's over now. I'll be fine. Remember back in that prison? I was shot then. Granted it wasn't two bullets in the same arm." Sakura looked at Syaoran's arm as it bled all over the ground. ".Trust me, Sakura." Syaoran said with tears in his eyes. "I'll be okay." Sakura hugged Syaoran tightly and cried. With one arm, Syaoran hugged Sakura and buried his face in her chest, trying to hide his own tears.
Syaoran rested his head on the ground. "Syaoran. please hold on. I'll get an ambulance! Just please be okay." Syaoran gave a small smile. "Don't worry. as long as you are fine, I will be too." Syaoran closed his eyes and passed out.
To be continued.
*Definitions: Kawaii: Ultra-super cute Gomen-nasi: The formal way to say I'm sorry -kun: Put on the end of a boy's name. When Sakura said "Li-kun," it was the equivalent of saying "Mr. Li." Similarly, -chan is added to a girl's name. For example, Tomoyo-chan. -Chan may also be used to show affection, like how Sakura refers to Touya as Touya-chan. Oi- Hey Hentai- Pervert