Chapter 10- All's Fair in Love and War
"REALLY?!" Tomoyo asked impatiently. "Do you really have a plan to stop Koji?" Mia nodded and grinned. "It's so simple a four-year-old could think it up. But seeing that performance by Koji, I'd say a four-year-old is far more intelligent than him." Syaoran whispered, "Why don't we take this outside where THEY aren't listening?" Syaoran pointed to the group of girls standing right behind them, listening intently. "Good idea. I'll tell you outside after we change." Tomoyo turned to the girls. "Sorry, but we really have to go. We'll be back tomorrow!" The girls all sighed. "Okay. Good- bye." "Yeah, see you later."
A few minutes later, Syaoran finished changing and emerged from the cave to meet up with the other girls. "So, what's the plan?" Syaoran asked, straightening her bow. Mia grinned. "Quite simple, really. All you have to do is fall madly in love with Koji." Syaoran turned pale. "WHAT?! NO WAY IN HELL!" Mia laughed. "Well, I don't mean literally! We just need you to pretend that you are in love with him. Just act as if you were his girlfriend." Syaoran slowly took a few steps back. "No! That's where I draw the line! I've dressed like a girl, acted like a girl, taken baths with girls, but I refuse to be anyone's girlfriend, especially to that pig! You saw that he was trying to remove my bathing suit WHILE I was threatening him! Just imagine what he might attempt if I was acting like I liked him? I don't even want to think about it." Mia chuckled. "What if I told you that if you did this, we would not only stop Koji, but you'd get him at close range and trapped until you could beat him half to death?" Syaoran's look of fear turned to a small grin. "Alright. I'm in. What's the entire plan?" Mia laughed. "I knew you'd see it my way."
Spinnel leaned over the top of the cave. "Hmm. I think Master may want to hear about this."
Everyone huddled in together. "Okay, this is the entire plan. Tomorrow, Koji said he would be here tomorrow. That's when we strike first. All we have to do is." Mia started to whisper quietly. When the entire plan was laid out, Tomoyo gasped. "MIA! That's sneaky, low, and underhanded. I LOVE IT!" She grinned, but Syaoran sighed. "I'm still not sure if I'm willing to do this." Tomoyo laughed. "You can do it, you little heartbreaker!" "Heartbreaker?" Sakura giggled. "I like the plan! It's a lot better than just sitting around and waiting for Koji to make the first move." Mia clapped her hands together. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, we set the trap!" Syaoran shook his head. "I don't know. It seems a little too cheap." Mia turned to Syaoran. "There is one lesson you must learn: All's fair in love and war! There is no cheating. If you don't do this, Sakura may disappear. How can you let that happen?"
Mia turned Syaoran around to meet eye to eye with Sakura, who was pouting and starting to cry. "Please, Syaoran? I don't want to disappear." Syaoran broke down. "Alright! I'll do it! Just stop the puppy dog eyes! But don't think I won't get my revenge still. After this is all done, I'm going to make sure I get what's coming to me." Mia nodded. "Fine, you can have your so-called 'revenge,' but you have to follow the plan EXACTLY." Syaoran nodded his head. "Alright. It's a deal."
Kero came flying in from above. "Hey! You guys! I got some great news!" Sakura smiled and hugged the beast. "Kero! I'm so glad you're okay!" He grinned. "I'm better than okay! I think I may have found not only what is making Kumiko so happy, but it may be the deciding factor in how this mission goes! Follow me!"
The group ran along the trail Kero led them as fast as they could. Mia said to him, "You know Kero, we have some good news of our own! We may have found the perfect trap for Koji. Come here and I'll tell it to you." Kero flew next to Mia's mouth as they ran. "Uh-huh? Yeah? Really? HA HA! Koji is in love with the gaki? That's priceless!" Syaoran grabbed Kero and squeezed him tight. "Do you want to end up as a piece of a wardrobe again?" Kero wailed his arms and shook his head. "No! No! I'm sorry! Okay?" She let him go. "Now come on, all of you! I'll show you Kumiko's little secret!"
A few minutes later, the five of them reached the beach as the sun was setting. "The beach? What are we doing here? We should have brought our bathing suits with us!" Tomoyo asked impatiently. "Hush. Let's stand over there behind those rocks." Kero said, pointing to a group of tall, gray, rocks on the edge of the sand.
They made there way to the boulders and hid. "Okay, what now?" Syaoran asked. "Listen! Also, take a peek at the couple behind us staring at the waves! They've been there all day." They all slowly rose to their feet and peeked their heads around the rocks. Mia squinted her eyes and said, "The sunset is too bright. I can tell the girl on the left is Kumiko. It's definitely her. But who is that to her right?" Syaoran stared hard at the two figures. "I can't tell, either. Come on, let's get a better view." Syaoran started to climb up the rocks until she could almost see over the top of the rocks. "Rats. I'm just a little too short. Hey! What are you doing?" Sakura started to climb up the rocks and onto Syaoran. "Give me a boost! You're 16, so you're the tallest."
Syaoran lifted Sakura onto her shoulders and she leaned over the rocks. Tomoyo whispered, "Can you see anything?" "Yeah! The view up here is much better. That's definitely Kumiko. Now. the other girl. Wait! That's no girl! I think. I think that's Hitoshi!" "HITOSHI?!" The other girls cried out. "Yeah! Syaoran, do you think you can hold someone else up, too?" Syaoran nodded. "I think I can hold one more."
Tomoyo climbed up onto Syaoran's left shoulder. "Hey! Look at that! The dark brown hair like Touya. he cute little ears. and most of all, those perfect emerald eyes! That's Sakura's ancestor if I ever saw him."
In the distance, Kumiko and Hitoshi faced each other and they shared a few words. "What are they saying?" Sakura asked. "I think they're saying good- bye." "HOEEEE! You mean it's over already? It was just getting started!" Tomoyo raised one finger. "Wait a second!"
Kumiko and Hitoshi embraced and slowly brought their faces closer and. "Look at that! Are they going to kiss?" Sakura yelled. Tomoyo gasped. "It looks that little pep talk you gave her paid off!"
"Whoa! Sakura! Tomoyo! Stop shaking so much! I can't hold you up!" Syaoran started to shake. "HOEEE!" Sakura fell backwards off Syaoran's shoulders and Mia caught her. She set her down and caught Tomoyo who fell next. "Arigotou, Mia!" Tomoyo said. "That was close!" "WAAHHHH!" Syaoran fell backwards and landed on her head on the hard ground. Sakura gasped. "Syaoran! Are you alright? Oh, my God! She landed on her head! Are you alright? Say something!" Syaoran slowly turned her head. "S-S-Sakura. do me a favor." "What is it?! Please be okay!" ".Don't yell in my ear. I have a terrible headache." Sakura laughed nervously for a moment. "Sorry! Come on; let's get you home. You're bleeding a little bit. Nothing serious, but you probably shouldn't walk tonight."
A few minutes later, Sakura and Mia lifted Syaoran and Tomoyo and Kero treated the wound on her head. They eventually arrived at the house after about 20 minutes and they laid Syaoran down on the bed and tucked her in. Tomoyo put some bandages on around the cut. "Just get some rest. You'll be fine in the morning." Sakura said. "I know! I'll go see if we have the ingredients for honey-milk. That always cheers me up when I'm sick or injured."
There was a knock at the front door.
"On second thought, I'll go get the door first. Be right back!" She opened the door. "Hello, can I help you?" Sakura said. There was a young, short, girl with long black hair. "Hello. Is there a young woman named Syaoran here?" Sakura nodded. "Yes. Do you know her?" The young woman nodded. "I work down at the potion shop. She requested a specific potion, but I told her my grandmother wouldn't be back for a few days with the ingredients. However, she has returned earlier than expected and she felt so bad about not having the potion in the first place that she has brought her a little present." She held up a small velvet bag. "Can you give this to her? And tell her that the potion she wants should be ready within the next few days, though it may need to settle for a while after it's done." Sakura nodded. "Sure! That was very nice! Arigotou! Sayonara." Sakura closed the door and headed back to the guest room.
She put the bag on top of Syaoran's bag. "What's this?" Syaoran asked. "Some woman from the potion dropped it off. She said her grandmother returned and your potion should be ready very soon, but her grandma felt so guilty that she gave you this gift. Go on! Open it!" Syaoran sat up and opened the bag. "What the--? More potions?" Syaoran wet searching through them. "Strength enhancer, speed enhancer, invisibility, and-" Syaoran gasped as she lifted one specific potion from the bag. "This is. Mia, I think I just found one way to make our plan even better as well as give that Koji guy the shock of his life!" Mia smiled. "Really? What is it?" Syaoran turned to Tomoyo. "But first, I have a favor to ask you."
An hour later.
Kumiko came home, still acting happy and carefree. "Hello, Kumiko!" Sakura said as she was preparing dinner. Kumiko just sighed. "Well, you look like you're in a good mood again!" Kumiko smiled. "Yeah. and it's all thanks to you, Sakura! I took you advice and ignored all those insults and self pity and I had. At first, it wasn't easy, but it has gotten much easier. Thank you." Sakura blushed. "It was nothing, really! I was just telling the truth!"
Tomoyo giggled, sewing up an outfit in her hands. "Would this have anything to do with anything you did today?" Kumiko laughed nervously. "No! Of course not! I'm just happy overall! I don't know what you're talking about! .Say, Tomoyo, what's that?" Syaoran held up some cloths into better lighting so she could sew better. "Oh, Syaoru got a little bump on the head today." "Oh my! Is she alright?" Sakura nodded. "There's a little blood, but she'll be fine." Tomoyo continued to work. "Anyway, she asked if I'd work on a special outfit just for her. I just finished a special surprise for Sakura and her, so I figured I'd do it for her." Sakura put a pot of rice down. "I didn't think she was one who really cared about fashion. Oh well. I better go take her and Mia some dinner."
"I won't do it!" "Come on, say it!" "No way!" "Syaoran, if you don't practice, you'll never get it right in time and this whole thing could blow up in you face!" Syaoran sighed. "Fine! 'You know, you're really handsome up close.'" "Perfect!"
Sakura walked in to the guest room with three bowls of rice to see Mia sitting on Syaoran's bed with Syaoran still in it. "Hee hee! You're getting better, Syaoran! If I didn't know any better, I would say you've always been a girl!" Syaoran blushed deeply. "This is so humiliating." Sakura placed a tray of rice down in front of each of them. "Don't be embarrassed. Just think of all the good this will do. We can all go back to living a normal life, especially you. Well, normal for us, anyways. I have the feeling we'll see more strange things once we return." Syaoran stared at the full moon out the window as she stuffed rice into her mouth. "I don't know, I have a bad feeling about this."
The next day, all of the girls headed towards the hot springs as planned. Once they had put on their swimsuits and stepped into the springs, everyone was silent. Not even the young girls who would have normally been swarming over Syaoran said a word. They knew Koji would show up any minute. They knew he was watching nearby. They just sat in wait.
Stomp
They all turned around and saw Koji step out of the shadows of the cave. "Syaoru, my sweet." He tossed her a bouquet of red roses whose petals blew in the wind when Syaoran caught them. "I have returned. Please let me know how you feel. I must have you!" Syaoran turned to Mia, who nodded. Syaoran stood up and walked towards Koji. "Now listen. I'll tell you this once, and only once."
"I LOVE YOU, KOJI!"
His entire face lit up. "You. you. you. REALLY?!" Syaoran wrapped one arm around Koji and slowly moved her hand through his hair. "Yes, it's true." She curled a strand of his hair on her finger. "I realized it last night. I pushed you away because I was in denial. I couldn't be in love. but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I was in love with you."
The other girls had their jaws dropped as they watched Syaoran in action.
"You know, you're really handsome up close." Koji's face turned red. "I can't believe it! This is the happiest day of my life!" Sakura smiled. "You should have heard her talking about you all night!" Koji smiled from ear to ear. "I. I don't know what to say! Just kiss me!"
Koji leaned forward to kiss Syaoran, but she leaned back and instead of her lips, Koji kissed Syaoran's stomach. A giant sweat drop rolled down her face. "Ummm. actually, I have a better idea to make this more. romantic. Meet me back here tonight at midnight. Champagne, candlelight, fine food, the works. I'll make sure this will be a night we'll never forget." Koji smiled and let go of Syaoran. "I see. That would be much better, away from prying eyes. I shall count the seconds until we meet again! Sayonara, my love." Koji pulled out the Orb of Teleportation and disappeared.
The girls behind Syaoran looked furious. "Syaoru, how could you?" "Yeah, what happened to beating him to a pulp?" "What happened?" "How could you do that?"
Syaoran simply ignored them as her face turned red. "AUGH! I think I'm going to be sick! I can't believe he tried to kiss me! If he had, I'd be looking for a new mouth!" The girls looked on in confusion. "What the heck are you talking about? You just told him you were in love with him!" Syaoran turned around. "LOVE him? I can't stand the pig! Did you see the way he was looking at me? A little eye contact would have been nice instead of him staring at me chest. He's such a pervert." "Wait. you mean you were just TEASING him?" Mia laughed. "It's just phase one of our plan to get our revenge on the poor fool. We'll get him back! But we'll need your help for phase two. Are you girls in?" They all smiled. "You bet!"
A half hour later, everyone was hard at work preparing for the big event. Sakura and Syaoran started to boil water over an open flame so they could begin cooking later. A pair of girls hung Japanese lanterns on the side of the cave. Mia and Tomoyo set up a small table with white tablecloth, silverware, and candles. "I got the champagne!" A girl screamed as she ran back. Kero landed beside Sakura and whispered, "I wrote the note telling Kumiko we'll be having a campout at the beach tonight so she won't worry." Within three hours, it was all ready. "Well," Mia said, wiping the sweat from her forehead, "that's it. We're all set. Phase 3 may now begin. You all know what to do, right?" Tomoyo smiled. "Syaoru, I left the things you wanted in the desired spot. I wish you would tell us what you wanted with that stuff. You keep telling us you have some big surprise in store, but you won't tell us what. Oh well, we'll find out soon enough. But first, the final touch!" Tomoyo tossed Syaoran and Sakura a pair of cloth. "What are these?" Sakura asked. "The matching dresses, of course, try them on!"
Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other in their new outfits. "Wow! That's adorable!" A girl cried out. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say they were twins, only one's a little older!" They both wore a long, red, silk dress that extended to their feet. The dresses were both strapless. They both had sandals made of reed. Tomoyo even gave Sakura a matching red bow. "I love it!" Sakura exclaimed. "Well, at least it's easy to move in." Syaoran observed. "Now. we wait."
Hours passed without event.
Mia looked up at the moon. "I'd say it's about 11 pm to 11:45. I think it's time. Everyone, take your places!" Everyone except Syaoran made a run for it and got out of sight. Syaoran stepped just outside of the cave. The girls had taken the bamboo fence down and left the hot springs exposed. All they had to do was wait.
Footsteps came in the distance. Syaoran took a deep breath and calmed down. "Alright, this is it. Just stay calm, and resist the urge to try and drown him in the hot springs. for now."
Koji slowly walked into the light of the lanterns. "Hello, my love. We meet again. and all of this is for us?" Syaoran nodded as she walked towards him. His eyes bulged as she approached. "My darling, you look simply dazzling!" Syaoran laughed flirtatiously. "Why, thank you! Come, let us eat before we do anything. I have a meal fit for a king all set out, with the finest of champagne."
They sat down at the table beside the springs. Candlelight was glowing on their faces. There was fish, rice, noodles, soup, salad, and anything they could have wanted. Koji lifted his wine glass and said, "I propose a toast, to us!" "To us!" "And our love" Syaoran's hands started to tremble. "And. our.. l-l-love!" They both took a sip of their wine.
(Author's Note: Syaoran hates the taste of wine. His was really just grape juice, but Koji didn't know that.)
Syaoran used his training with Mia to eat like a perfect lady. Koji, however, ate like a pig. He ate rice with his hands, slurped his soup, made a mess with his fish, and got salad dressing on his face. "Sheesh, this guy is a total slob!"
As soon as they finished, Koji belched. "Now that we have eaten, my darling, what shall we do?" Koji leaned forward and rubbed his hand up and down Syaoran's back. He gave an evil grin. ".As if I didn't already know." Syaoran wanted to just deck him, but she stayed cool. "Stay calm. stick to the plan. Just ignore him." Syaoran stood up. "Why don't we take a nice little bath together? I know we'll have a LOT of fun. If you take my meaning." Koji's face lit up. "Oh, I think I know what you mean." Koji took off his jacket, shirt, and shoes and just jumped right into the hot springs. "What are you waiting for? Come on in!" Syaoran laughed. "Err. Actually, I have a special surprise I have in store JUST for this occasion!" Koji smiled even more. "Really? This is getting even better! Just hurry back!" Syaoran smiled. "Just let me slip out of this dress and into something more. suitable for the occasion."
Syaoran darted into the cave. "Now is my chance. Look at that fool. relaxing as if I were actually going to come in there with him. time to make it all happen." Syaoran took off her dress and tossed it out the front of the cave. It was too dark for Koji to see her, but he saw the dress come out, followed by her shoes and underwear. He grinned from ear to ear as he thought his perverted thoughts.
Syaoran grabbed the potion that had been left there as she slipped on what Tomoyo had given her. "It's too big. Oh well, that won't be a problem in a minute." She took the ribbon out of her hair. "Well, bottoms up." Syaoran drank the entire bottle of the mysterious concoction.
"Are you ready, my sexy dream boat?" Syaoran sighed. "Oh, I'm ready. I just hope YOU ARE!" Syaoran said in a deep voice. "Huh? Is there something wrong with your voice?" Syaoran laughed. "No, but you'll wish that that is all it was!" Syaoran charged out of the cave, armed with a sword.
She leapt into the air. but she was no longer she! 'She' was a 17-year-old man! The only clothes he wore were a pair of jeans he had Tomoyo make for him. Koji jumped back out of the springs and barely dodged his blade. "Who are you?! What did you do to my angel?!" Syaoran didn't say anything. He merely kicked Koji across the jaw and began to pummel him in a flurry of attacks.
Sakura, Tomoyo, Mia, and the other girls stood in shock with their jaws dropped. "How did he. That is, he didn't. umm." Mia stuttered. Syaoran lifted Koji high above his head. "SAKURA! NOW!"
Sakura snapped out of her trance-like shock and prepared herself. "Key that hides the power of the Stars, reveal your true form to me! By our contract, I, Sakura, command you! RELEASE!" Sakura tossed a Sakura Card into the air. "WINDY CARD! BECOME A BINDING CHAIN!"
The Windy Spirit left the Sakura Card and flew around Koji until it had a tight grip around him and he couldn't move. Syaoran could finally let go. "YES!" All of the girls snapped out of their shock and raced towards Koji who was laid out and completely immobile on the ground.
Koji sighed. "I can't believe it. The greatest night of my life. shattered, once again by Kinomoto and her pathetic friends. I just have one question." He turned to Syaoran. "WHO ARE YOU? What have you done with my Syaoru, my true love? I swear, if you have harmed one hair on her head." Mia sighed. "You don't get it, do you, Koji?" Syaoran sighed. "You know who I am? I'm Syaoran! I thought I told you to remember that name." Koji's eyes widened. "YOU'RE the brat? But he's only a little kid." Syaoran grabbed the bottle of potion he drank before and put the label in his face. "Healthy Strong Boy #17?" Koji read aloud.
"Wait, I don't get it." "Does this mean you all have magic powers?" "Hey, where IS Syaoru?" "Yeah, where did she go?" "I hope she's alright." "Well, she couldn't have gone too far since all of her clothes are right here. She's probably just embarrassed to come out." "Well, wouldn't you be embarrassed if you were naked in front of strangers?"
Koji started to plead. "Please! Answer me! Where is Syaoru?" Syaoran just sighed. "I AM Syaoru." "WHAT?!" All of the girls exclaimed. "YOU?! But how can you be my love? You're lying!" Mia replied, "There was a mix up down at the potion shop. It turned Syaoran into a girl. Then we found out you loved 'Syaoru,' and decided to use that against you."
Koji's face was that of utter shock, sadness and disgust. "You didn't! You couldn't! No. You all make me sick! When I get free, I swear. I'm going to- " Mia grinned. "I don't think you're going anywhere. Sakura, go ahead."
Sakura threw a Clow Card into the air. "ARROW CARD!"
A graceful female archer rose high into the air and pulled a glowing light blue arrow from her quiver. She placed it in her bow and pulled back, carefully aiming for Koji as everyone backed away. The Windy Card held Koji tighter as he struggled.
"What's going on up there?" Kumiko asked herself. "First Sakura and everyone disappear for the night, and now there seems to be some weird light coming from the hot springs!"
Koji looked infuriated. "No. I won't let this. You've all ripped my heart out. I can't let you stop me. You've killed my glorious leader, Sadin, and now you've taken away my one true love." The Arrow Card released its arrow and it whizzed through the air. "I WON'T ALLOW DEFEAT!" The arrow split into 40 different arrows that all plummeted to Koji.
"YARGH!" Koji pushed with all his might against the Windy Card. The arrows came closer, but with one final burst of strength, Koji flung the Windy Card off of him. He grabbed the Orb of Teleportation that lay at his feet and vanished. The arrows showered the ground where Koji once sat. "Where'd he go?" Syaoran asked.
Click. Click.
Koji appeared behind Syaoran, holding one pistol in Syaoran's back and one aimed at Sakura. "Well, it appears once again I find the two of you at gunpoint. You both sicken me. You played with a man's heart. Even I wouldn't do that. too much."
Syaoran smiled. "You know, you may want to look behind you." Koji lifted the gun pointed at Syaoran higher. "So, first you deceive me, now you try to trick me with the oldest tactic? Don't mock me." Sakura smiled. "Well, don't say we didn't warn you." Koji grimaced. "What do you take me for? An id-"
SMASH!
Koji fell to the ground face first. Above him, stood Kumiko holding a large stick. "So, first, you try to destroy my life and now you threaten my friends? Sakura helped me, and I'm not about to let you and your hatred keep me from repaying her the favor." Everyone clapped. "Way to go, Kumiko!" She blushed. "It was nothing! I couldn't just watch you all get hurt! I-huh? Who are you?" She stared at Syaoran. One of the girls added, "Yeah, I was wondering that too. I thought I heard you say that YOU were Syaoran and Syaoru. But that's impossible. Syaoran is a little boy and Syaoru is a teenage girl. And you. Well, you're obviously not either of those!" Syaoran sighed. Let me explain it for one last time. I AM both Syaoran and Syaoru. There was a mix up at the potion shop that turned me into Syaoru. Originally, I was Syaoran. In fact, that's who I am now, just a bit older." Sakura nodded. "Yes, I recognize it! You're just as handsome as when I saw you like this before!"
Everyone stared at Sakura, except for Syaoran, who was hiding his face because he was blushing. It took a few moments for her brain to register what she had said. But as soon as it did, her face turned bright red. "Uhh. what I meant was. ummm. I have seen Syaoran like this before and I just remember the way he looks!" She laughed nervously as a sweat drop rolled down her head.
One girl laughed. "No, you were right the first time! He's a cutie!" Syaoran's face brightened. "No, really, I'm not." "Don't be so modest! Nice muscles, smooth skin, an adorable face, untamed hair." "Please say you don't have a girlfriend, because I want to be it!" "No, I want to!" "Me!" "No, me!" Syaoran rubbed his forehead. "This has been a LONG week."
Sakura started to turn red in anger and jealousy. She wrapped herself in Syaoran's arms. "I'm very sorry, but he's taken." Everyone stared. "Wait, you mean you two. are a couple?" "That's so cute!" "I love it!" Sakura once again realized what she had said and blushed. "Ummm. actually, I meant. he's taken. too much. time away from his job! You see, he works up in a city north of here to support his family. but we decided to all take a trip and our ship was washed ashore, so we've been searching for the right trail back! So, we'll be leaving soon." Everyone frowned. "You're leaving soon?" "That's too bad." "If you're leaving, we need to throw you a going away party!" "Yeah, that's a great idea!" "I can cook the meals!" "This is going to be so much fun!" "What do you guys think?" Syaoran yawned. "Can we at LEAST wait until morning? I'm beat." Sakura and Tomoyo nodded in agreement.
Mia said, "Yes, let's all get some well deserved rest. But first, we should finish of. HEY! WHERE DID KOJI GO?!" They all looked down to see that Koji had disappeared. "Oh, my God! He's gone! Everyone stay calm. I'll deal with him." Syaoran said as he grabbed his sword that had been dropped on the ground.
In a flash of green light, Koji reappeared on top of the hot spring's cave. "You may have won this round, Kinomoto and Li, but I will be back. And next time, I won't go so easy on all of you. Actually, I have a better idea. Maybe I won't kill you next time. I'll just destroy your heart, as you did to me! Sayonara!" Koji pulled out the Mirror of Time and summoned a portal open.
Mia's finger glowed a bright green. She aimed it like a gun at the portal. "TIME TRACKER!" A bright light surged through the air and shot through the portal. "Time Tracker?" Syaoran asked. "Yeah. That's the name I came up for that attack. Now I can tell what time period he's in."
The girls and Kumiko stood in disbelief. They still didn't know what was going on. "Where did that guy go?" Kumiko asked. Sakura laughed. "Don't worry. I think he won't be showing his face around HERE anymore." She clenched her chest in relief. "That's good. I still feel kinda guilty about hitting him." Tomoyo laughed. "Don't feel bad. He had it coming. But why don't we all just go home for now and sleep?" Sakura yawned. "Yeah. let's talk about everything in the morning. I never stay up this late."
The next morning.
Sakura and Syaoran were the last to wake up. They both put on new clothes, including a green kimono for Syaoran that one of the girls loaned him because all he had were those jeans he wore the night before. When they stepped out into the kitchen, they heard a noise from outside. They stepped out the front door and. "SURPRISE!"
"Hoe? What's this?" Sakura asked. Kumiko smiled. "You have been such a great help, that we decided to throw you all a good-bye lunch!" Syaoran scratched his head. "Lunch? But it's so early in the morning." Mia pointed towards the sun. "Is the sun all the way in the west in the morning? It's about 3 pm! You've been asleep for so long we thought you were in a coma!" Sakura and Syaoran laughed nervously. "Well, we never have stayed up so late before!" Sakura said. Tomoyo smiled. "Don't worry, Sakura. We anticipated that and we made a special lunch for you! Take a look."
Across the long table was a feast large enough to feed a village. Actually, it looked as if the entire village had shown up to eat! Fish, rice, soups, salads, fruits, vegetables, anything they could think of was there. Sakura and Syaoran took their seats at the end closest to the house next to Kumiko, Mia, Tomoyo, and the girls who had helped out at the hot springs. Sakura's stomach growled loudly. She blushed deeply. "This looks great! I haven't eaten since lunch YESTERDAY!"
A young boy with deep green eyes came up from behind Kumiko and hugged her. "I hear you are the ones who have been helping Kumiko with her self-esteem. I want to personally thank you." Tomoyo smiled. "You must be Hitoshi then. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Sakura agreed. "Yes, I've wanted to meet you face to face." Mia nodded her head. "I'm glad to finally see you in person ever since I heard about you." Hitoshi laughed. "I'm nothing special, really! But I must admit it. I could never love anyone more than I love Kumiko." The couple blushed deeply. Mia laughed. "Hmmm. I wonder if there is anyone else here at this table who could possibly say that." She eyed Sakura and Syaoran. They both just blinked, completely oblivious to what Mia was saying. "Hoe? What are you talking about?" "Who is this couple?" Mia sighed. "Never mind."
Shortly after lunch began, the girl from the potion shop approached Sakura. "Pardon me, Sakura, but have you seen Syaoran-san?" Syaoran raised his hand. "That's me." The girl looked baffled. "What do you mean? Syaoran is currently a girl." "Your grandmother packed me a little bit of #17." The girl was furious. "Her vision is getting worse by the day! I wish she had TOLD me about that! But anyways, I have your potion right here." She handed it to him. "It needs to simmer for a day or so, though. Just wait 24 hours until you drink it. Syaoran beamed with delight. "Don't worry, just as long as I have it, I'm fine." "Good. I hope to see you again soon." "Sayonara."
The young girl was about 15 feet away when she turned around. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot!" She came back. "Do you still have that bag of potions?" Syaoran nodded. "Of course. Here." He handed her the bag. She opened it up. "Now, I remember what my grandmother told me. These are new and improved formula. Everything in this bag is temporary." Syaoran's eyes shrunk. "You mean. I won't be a boy for that long?" The young woman thought for a moment. "Oh dear. you're right. This means you will become a girl again, soon. Wait, never mind. The effects of the 'Healthy Strong Boy #10' aren't temporary, so they'll override these effects. Plus, the potion should be ready before you change back. So feel free to use ANY of these potions, alright?" Syaoran wiped the nervous sweat off his forehead. "That's good. Be sure to thank your grandmother for me." "I will. Good-bye, Syaoran, Sakura, and everyone."
Mia smiled as she looked at Syaoran. "Well, now, that wasn't so bad, was it? You have your potion, Koji is gone, and we can go home, soon. You even got a free gift bag of potions out of it."
That's when the idea hit Syaoran. "You know, speaking of free gifts, I have something for all of you, my friends. Be right back." Syaoran ran into the house. Sakura leaned over to Tomoyo and Mia. "Hey, when do you think we should tell Syaoran his hair is still about 2 or 3 feet long and braided?" She giggled. Mia sighed. "You mean you haven't told him.? Good! This is so funny!" Tomoyo thought a loud. "But I like his hair like that! It's cute and very original for a boy. Especially at his age."
A moment later, Syaoran came out of the house carrying a wine bottle and three wine glasses. He set one down in front of Sakura, Tomoyo, and Mia. "In my family, we have a tradition. After certain major accomplishments, we treat our friends to a special drink of our family's special imported wine." He poured a small amount into each of the girl's glasses. Sakura gasped. "Wait, isn't this some sort of rare wine or something?" Syaoran nodded. "Yes, it's a very rare and expensive wine. But don't worry, it is only three glasses and it is a special occasion. I think we all deserve it. But I'm afraid this is all I can serve. It is customary to serve only three glasses." Mia scratched her chin. "Only serve three glasses? That's the weirdest tradition I've ever heard. Are you sure about that? And you're not going to have ANY?" Syaoran shook his head. "Weird or not, tradition is tradition. And the server is never to drink any. I forget where it originated from, but it has been in the Li family for generations. Enough talk, drink up!"
All three girls took a small sip. "Mmm! This is delicious!" Syaoran smiled. "I'm glad you like it. And there is very little alcohol, so don't worry about being affected by that, especially with these small glasses." Mia thought aloud. "You know, it is great, but I can't help but notice it smells familiar. sort of like a place we were at recently. Anyway, this is strange. First you say you want revenge on us for all the humiliating experiences over the last week, and now your treating us to wine. This is so unlike you, Syaoran!" He laughed. "Trust me, it isn't." Tomoyo finished all of her wine in a giant gulp. "That was excellent. but I'm starting to feel. weird." Sakura said, "That's weird, me too." She scratched her head. and felt something awkward. "Huh?"
Sakura felt some weird object jutting out of her head. It was thin and. furry. Everyone one at the table stared in absolute amazement. No one said a word. Sakura reached for a mirror she had in her bag. She stared into it and her eyes shrunk. "HOEEEEEEEE!"
Syaoran burst out into laughter. He couldn't hold it in any longer. "YOU TURNED ME INTO A CAT! MEOW!" On top of Sakura's head were two auburn and furry cat ears and a long auburn tail stuck out of her skirt. Even her teeth looked more like that of a cat. Syaoran managed to stop laughing and wipe his tears away long enough to explain. "Well, a half-cat half-girl, actually. I knew you'd fall for it! My family has no tradition like that! All the 'wine' really is grape juice mixed with a potion from the shop. It was too easy!" Sakura turned to Tomoyo and Mia. They, too, were cats. Tomoyo had black ears and a tail, and Mia had white ears and a tail. All of them had cute pink inner ears. "Tomoyo, say something!" Tomoyo stood up and walked over to Syaoran. "I have only one thing to say to you."
"THANK YOU! I LOVE IT! IT'S SO KAWAII!" Sakura, Mia, Syaoran, and everyone else's jaws dropped. "I can't believe this! The ears, the tails, the teeth. They are all so adorable! I only wish I had brought something to match with them." Syaoran could only stare in disbelief. "Maybe I should have thought about how Tomoyo would react a little more." Mia wagged her tail in discontent. "And how do you think we'll get back to normal?" Syaoran laughed. "Don't worry, you heard what that girl said. The potions are all temporary. In a few days, you'll be fine. Until then, you'll all just be my little pets!" Sakura gave a small hiss as a vein popped up on her hand. err. paw. "Well, I think we've all had a good laugh. Can we go now?"
Kumiko frowned. "You're leaving? Already?" Syaoran nodded. "Yeah, we have a lot to do." The girls from the springs snuck up from behind and all hugged Syaoran at once. "Please don't go!" "We're going to miss you!" "You've been so nice!" "Not to mention you're the most handsome guy here." "No contest there!" Syaoran sighed angrily, but once he saw Sakura's angry cat face, he managed to calm down. "Sorry ladies, but we have no choice. Like Tomoyo said, we're on a long journey, and we can't waste any more time." He snickered. "Besides, I probably should get the kitties home for their nap!" Sakura and Mia gave him an evil glare.
Hitoshi leaned over Kumiko's shoulder and gave her a kiss on the cheek. They both blushed. He asked, "Will we ever see you again?" Tomoyo shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe, maybe not, but we had fun, and we'll never forget you. Just keep hoping!" Kumiko smiled. "Alright, we'll hope. But we will meet again one day. I can just feel it." There was a moment of silence as Sakura, Syaoran, Mia, and Tomoyo stood up, grabbing their bags and walked off towards the horizon.
Everyone from the village waved good-bye as the group set out. When they were out of sight, Kero popped out of Sakura's bag. He panted heavily. "I thought I was going to die! I couldn't breathe!" Kero-chan glanced up. "So, what did. I." He glanced at their ears. "WHT HAPPENED TO YOU GUYS?!" Sakura hissed quietly. "Syaoran turned us into cats." Kero rubbed his own head and tail. "Oh no! He did it to me too!" Sakura giggled. "Kero, you've always had big ears and a tail." He scratched his head and smiled. "Oh, yeah! I guess I forgot."
Tomoyo put down her backpack and searched through it. Sakura asked, "Meow? What are you doing?" "Aha! Here they are." Tomoyo jumped up and pulled all of the girls together. "Hey! Watch it! What are you. no, don't do that!"
When Tomoyo let go, all of the girls wore a small black leash with a bell on it around their necks. "What the.?" Mia asked. "Aren't they perfect? The match with our ears and tails!" A sweat drop rolled down everyone but Tomoyo and Kero's heads. Kero even asked, "Hey, what about me? Can I have one?" Tomoyo smiled. "You really want one? Hold on! I'll make one out of these left over materials. I'll just slip this bell onto here and. I'm done!" Kero gazed at his bell. "Wow! This is so cool!" "I'm glad you liked it." Syaoran sighed. "I'll never understand her."
Sakura groaned. "Meow. can we just go already?" Syaoran nodded. "Maybe I'll see if I can use this potion as soon as I get back. I'd like to be my ten year old self again, soon." Mia hissed. "Wish I could go back to normal that fast." Sakura pulled out her key. "Key that hides the power of the Stars, reveal your true form to me! By our contract, I, Sakura, command you! RELEASE! Mia, in what time period is he?" Mia concentrated. "He's. returned to the present? That doesn't make any sense. but. Let's go!"
"Time Card, return us to the present!" In a flash of blinding light, the travlers disappeared, a mission completed.
To be continued.
"REALLY?!" Tomoyo asked impatiently. "Do you really have a plan to stop Koji?" Mia nodded and grinned. "It's so simple a four-year-old could think it up. But seeing that performance by Koji, I'd say a four-year-old is far more intelligent than him." Syaoran whispered, "Why don't we take this outside where THEY aren't listening?" Syaoran pointed to the group of girls standing right behind them, listening intently. "Good idea. I'll tell you outside after we change." Tomoyo turned to the girls. "Sorry, but we really have to go. We'll be back tomorrow!" The girls all sighed. "Okay. Good- bye." "Yeah, see you later."
A few minutes later, Syaoran finished changing and emerged from the cave to meet up with the other girls. "So, what's the plan?" Syaoran asked, straightening her bow. Mia grinned. "Quite simple, really. All you have to do is fall madly in love with Koji." Syaoran turned pale. "WHAT?! NO WAY IN HELL!" Mia laughed. "Well, I don't mean literally! We just need you to pretend that you are in love with him. Just act as if you were his girlfriend." Syaoran slowly took a few steps back. "No! That's where I draw the line! I've dressed like a girl, acted like a girl, taken baths with girls, but I refuse to be anyone's girlfriend, especially to that pig! You saw that he was trying to remove my bathing suit WHILE I was threatening him! Just imagine what he might attempt if I was acting like I liked him? I don't even want to think about it." Mia chuckled. "What if I told you that if you did this, we would not only stop Koji, but you'd get him at close range and trapped until you could beat him half to death?" Syaoran's look of fear turned to a small grin. "Alright. I'm in. What's the entire plan?" Mia laughed. "I knew you'd see it my way."
Spinnel leaned over the top of the cave. "Hmm. I think Master may want to hear about this."
Everyone huddled in together. "Okay, this is the entire plan. Tomorrow, Koji said he would be here tomorrow. That's when we strike first. All we have to do is." Mia started to whisper quietly. When the entire plan was laid out, Tomoyo gasped. "MIA! That's sneaky, low, and underhanded. I LOVE IT!" She grinned, but Syaoran sighed. "I'm still not sure if I'm willing to do this." Tomoyo laughed. "You can do it, you little heartbreaker!" "Heartbreaker?" Sakura giggled. "I like the plan! It's a lot better than just sitting around and waiting for Koji to make the first move." Mia clapped her hands together. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, we set the trap!" Syaoran shook his head. "I don't know. It seems a little too cheap." Mia turned to Syaoran. "There is one lesson you must learn: All's fair in love and war! There is no cheating. If you don't do this, Sakura may disappear. How can you let that happen?"
Mia turned Syaoran around to meet eye to eye with Sakura, who was pouting and starting to cry. "Please, Syaoran? I don't want to disappear." Syaoran broke down. "Alright! I'll do it! Just stop the puppy dog eyes! But don't think I won't get my revenge still. After this is all done, I'm going to make sure I get what's coming to me." Mia nodded. "Fine, you can have your so-called 'revenge,' but you have to follow the plan EXACTLY." Syaoran nodded his head. "Alright. It's a deal."
Kero came flying in from above. "Hey! You guys! I got some great news!" Sakura smiled and hugged the beast. "Kero! I'm so glad you're okay!" He grinned. "I'm better than okay! I think I may have found not only what is making Kumiko so happy, but it may be the deciding factor in how this mission goes! Follow me!"
The group ran along the trail Kero led them as fast as they could. Mia said to him, "You know Kero, we have some good news of our own! We may have found the perfect trap for Koji. Come here and I'll tell it to you." Kero flew next to Mia's mouth as they ran. "Uh-huh? Yeah? Really? HA HA! Koji is in love with the gaki? That's priceless!" Syaoran grabbed Kero and squeezed him tight. "Do you want to end up as a piece of a wardrobe again?" Kero wailed his arms and shook his head. "No! No! I'm sorry! Okay?" She let him go. "Now come on, all of you! I'll show you Kumiko's little secret!"
A few minutes later, the five of them reached the beach as the sun was setting. "The beach? What are we doing here? We should have brought our bathing suits with us!" Tomoyo asked impatiently. "Hush. Let's stand over there behind those rocks." Kero said, pointing to a group of tall, gray, rocks on the edge of the sand.
They made there way to the boulders and hid. "Okay, what now?" Syaoran asked. "Listen! Also, take a peek at the couple behind us staring at the waves! They've been there all day." They all slowly rose to their feet and peeked their heads around the rocks. Mia squinted her eyes and said, "The sunset is too bright. I can tell the girl on the left is Kumiko. It's definitely her. But who is that to her right?" Syaoran stared hard at the two figures. "I can't tell, either. Come on, let's get a better view." Syaoran started to climb up the rocks until she could almost see over the top of the rocks. "Rats. I'm just a little too short. Hey! What are you doing?" Sakura started to climb up the rocks and onto Syaoran. "Give me a boost! You're 16, so you're the tallest."
Syaoran lifted Sakura onto her shoulders and she leaned over the rocks. Tomoyo whispered, "Can you see anything?" "Yeah! The view up here is much better. That's definitely Kumiko. Now. the other girl. Wait! That's no girl! I think. I think that's Hitoshi!" "HITOSHI?!" The other girls cried out. "Yeah! Syaoran, do you think you can hold someone else up, too?" Syaoran nodded. "I think I can hold one more."
Tomoyo climbed up onto Syaoran's left shoulder. "Hey! Look at that! The dark brown hair like Touya. he cute little ears. and most of all, those perfect emerald eyes! That's Sakura's ancestor if I ever saw him."
In the distance, Kumiko and Hitoshi faced each other and they shared a few words. "What are they saying?" Sakura asked. "I think they're saying good- bye." "HOEEEE! You mean it's over already? It was just getting started!" Tomoyo raised one finger. "Wait a second!"
Kumiko and Hitoshi embraced and slowly brought their faces closer and. "Look at that! Are they going to kiss?" Sakura yelled. Tomoyo gasped. "It looks that little pep talk you gave her paid off!"
"Whoa! Sakura! Tomoyo! Stop shaking so much! I can't hold you up!" Syaoran started to shake. "HOEEE!" Sakura fell backwards off Syaoran's shoulders and Mia caught her. She set her down and caught Tomoyo who fell next. "Arigotou, Mia!" Tomoyo said. "That was close!" "WAAHHHH!" Syaoran fell backwards and landed on her head on the hard ground. Sakura gasped. "Syaoran! Are you alright? Oh, my God! She landed on her head! Are you alright? Say something!" Syaoran slowly turned her head. "S-S-Sakura. do me a favor." "What is it?! Please be okay!" ".Don't yell in my ear. I have a terrible headache." Sakura laughed nervously for a moment. "Sorry! Come on; let's get you home. You're bleeding a little bit. Nothing serious, but you probably shouldn't walk tonight."
A few minutes later, Sakura and Mia lifted Syaoran and Tomoyo and Kero treated the wound on her head. They eventually arrived at the house after about 20 minutes and they laid Syaoran down on the bed and tucked her in. Tomoyo put some bandages on around the cut. "Just get some rest. You'll be fine in the morning." Sakura said. "I know! I'll go see if we have the ingredients for honey-milk. That always cheers me up when I'm sick or injured."
There was a knock at the front door.
"On second thought, I'll go get the door first. Be right back!" She opened the door. "Hello, can I help you?" Sakura said. There was a young, short, girl with long black hair. "Hello. Is there a young woman named Syaoran here?" Sakura nodded. "Yes. Do you know her?" The young woman nodded. "I work down at the potion shop. She requested a specific potion, but I told her my grandmother wouldn't be back for a few days with the ingredients. However, she has returned earlier than expected and she felt so bad about not having the potion in the first place that she has brought her a little present." She held up a small velvet bag. "Can you give this to her? And tell her that the potion she wants should be ready within the next few days, though it may need to settle for a while after it's done." Sakura nodded. "Sure! That was very nice! Arigotou! Sayonara." Sakura closed the door and headed back to the guest room.
She put the bag on top of Syaoran's bag. "What's this?" Syaoran asked. "Some woman from the potion dropped it off. She said her grandmother returned and your potion should be ready very soon, but her grandma felt so guilty that she gave you this gift. Go on! Open it!" Syaoran sat up and opened the bag. "What the--? More potions?" Syaoran wet searching through them. "Strength enhancer, speed enhancer, invisibility, and-" Syaoran gasped as she lifted one specific potion from the bag. "This is. Mia, I think I just found one way to make our plan even better as well as give that Koji guy the shock of his life!" Mia smiled. "Really? What is it?" Syaoran turned to Tomoyo. "But first, I have a favor to ask you."
An hour later.
Kumiko came home, still acting happy and carefree. "Hello, Kumiko!" Sakura said as she was preparing dinner. Kumiko just sighed. "Well, you look like you're in a good mood again!" Kumiko smiled. "Yeah. and it's all thanks to you, Sakura! I took you advice and ignored all those insults and self pity and I had. At first, it wasn't easy, but it has gotten much easier. Thank you." Sakura blushed. "It was nothing, really! I was just telling the truth!"
Tomoyo giggled, sewing up an outfit in her hands. "Would this have anything to do with anything you did today?" Kumiko laughed nervously. "No! Of course not! I'm just happy overall! I don't know what you're talking about! .Say, Tomoyo, what's that?" Syaoran held up some cloths into better lighting so she could sew better. "Oh, Syaoru got a little bump on the head today." "Oh my! Is she alright?" Sakura nodded. "There's a little blood, but she'll be fine." Tomoyo continued to work. "Anyway, she asked if I'd work on a special outfit just for her. I just finished a special surprise for Sakura and her, so I figured I'd do it for her." Sakura put a pot of rice down. "I didn't think she was one who really cared about fashion. Oh well. I better go take her and Mia some dinner."
"I won't do it!" "Come on, say it!" "No way!" "Syaoran, if you don't practice, you'll never get it right in time and this whole thing could blow up in you face!" Syaoran sighed. "Fine! 'You know, you're really handsome up close.'" "Perfect!"
Sakura walked in to the guest room with three bowls of rice to see Mia sitting on Syaoran's bed with Syaoran still in it. "Hee hee! You're getting better, Syaoran! If I didn't know any better, I would say you've always been a girl!" Syaoran blushed deeply. "This is so humiliating." Sakura placed a tray of rice down in front of each of them. "Don't be embarrassed. Just think of all the good this will do. We can all go back to living a normal life, especially you. Well, normal for us, anyways. I have the feeling we'll see more strange things once we return." Syaoran stared at the full moon out the window as she stuffed rice into her mouth. "I don't know, I have a bad feeling about this."
The next day, all of the girls headed towards the hot springs as planned. Once they had put on their swimsuits and stepped into the springs, everyone was silent. Not even the young girls who would have normally been swarming over Syaoran said a word. They knew Koji would show up any minute. They knew he was watching nearby. They just sat in wait.
Stomp
They all turned around and saw Koji step out of the shadows of the cave. "Syaoru, my sweet." He tossed her a bouquet of red roses whose petals blew in the wind when Syaoran caught them. "I have returned. Please let me know how you feel. I must have you!" Syaoran turned to Mia, who nodded. Syaoran stood up and walked towards Koji. "Now listen. I'll tell you this once, and only once."
"I LOVE YOU, KOJI!"
His entire face lit up. "You. you. you. REALLY?!" Syaoran wrapped one arm around Koji and slowly moved her hand through his hair. "Yes, it's true." She curled a strand of his hair on her finger. "I realized it last night. I pushed you away because I was in denial. I couldn't be in love. but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I was in love with you."
The other girls had their jaws dropped as they watched Syaoran in action.
"You know, you're really handsome up close." Koji's face turned red. "I can't believe it! This is the happiest day of my life!" Sakura smiled. "You should have heard her talking about you all night!" Koji smiled from ear to ear. "I. I don't know what to say! Just kiss me!"
Koji leaned forward to kiss Syaoran, but she leaned back and instead of her lips, Koji kissed Syaoran's stomach. A giant sweat drop rolled down her face. "Ummm. actually, I have a better idea to make this more. romantic. Meet me back here tonight at midnight. Champagne, candlelight, fine food, the works. I'll make sure this will be a night we'll never forget." Koji smiled and let go of Syaoran. "I see. That would be much better, away from prying eyes. I shall count the seconds until we meet again! Sayonara, my love." Koji pulled out the Orb of Teleportation and disappeared.
The girls behind Syaoran looked furious. "Syaoru, how could you?" "Yeah, what happened to beating him to a pulp?" "What happened?" "How could you do that?"
Syaoran simply ignored them as her face turned red. "AUGH! I think I'm going to be sick! I can't believe he tried to kiss me! If he had, I'd be looking for a new mouth!" The girls looked on in confusion. "What the heck are you talking about? You just told him you were in love with him!" Syaoran turned around. "LOVE him? I can't stand the pig! Did you see the way he was looking at me? A little eye contact would have been nice instead of him staring at me chest. He's such a pervert." "Wait. you mean you were just TEASING him?" Mia laughed. "It's just phase one of our plan to get our revenge on the poor fool. We'll get him back! But we'll need your help for phase two. Are you girls in?" They all smiled. "You bet!"
A half hour later, everyone was hard at work preparing for the big event. Sakura and Syaoran started to boil water over an open flame so they could begin cooking later. A pair of girls hung Japanese lanterns on the side of the cave. Mia and Tomoyo set up a small table with white tablecloth, silverware, and candles. "I got the champagne!" A girl screamed as she ran back. Kero landed beside Sakura and whispered, "I wrote the note telling Kumiko we'll be having a campout at the beach tonight so she won't worry." Within three hours, it was all ready. "Well," Mia said, wiping the sweat from her forehead, "that's it. We're all set. Phase 3 may now begin. You all know what to do, right?" Tomoyo smiled. "Syaoru, I left the things you wanted in the desired spot. I wish you would tell us what you wanted with that stuff. You keep telling us you have some big surprise in store, but you won't tell us what. Oh well, we'll find out soon enough. But first, the final touch!" Tomoyo tossed Syaoran and Sakura a pair of cloth. "What are these?" Sakura asked. "The matching dresses, of course, try them on!"
Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other in their new outfits. "Wow! That's adorable!" A girl cried out. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say they were twins, only one's a little older!" They both wore a long, red, silk dress that extended to their feet. The dresses were both strapless. They both had sandals made of reed. Tomoyo even gave Sakura a matching red bow. "I love it!" Sakura exclaimed. "Well, at least it's easy to move in." Syaoran observed. "Now. we wait."
Hours passed without event.
Mia looked up at the moon. "I'd say it's about 11 pm to 11:45. I think it's time. Everyone, take your places!" Everyone except Syaoran made a run for it and got out of sight. Syaoran stepped just outside of the cave. The girls had taken the bamboo fence down and left the hot springs exposed. All they had to do was wait.
Footsteps came in the distance. Syaoran took a deep breath and calmed down. "Alright, this is it. Just stay calm, and resist the urge to try and drown him in the hot springs. for now."
Koji slowly walked into the light of the lanterns. "Hello, my love. We meet again. and all of this is for us?" Syaoran nodded as she walked towards him. His eyes bulged as she approached. "My darling, you look simply dazzling!" Syaoran laughed flirtatiously. "Why, thank you! Come, let us eat before we do anything. I have a meal fit for a king all set out, with the finest of champagne."
They sat down at the table beside the springs. Candlelight was glowing on their faces. There was fish, rice, noodles, soup, salad, and anything they could have wanted. Koji lifted his wine glass and said, "I propose a toast, to us!" "To us!" "And our love" Syaoran's hands started to tremble. "And. our.. l-l-love!" They both took a sip of their wine.
(Author's Note: Syaoran hates the taste of wine. His was really just grape juice, but Koji didn't know that.)
Syaoran used his training with Mia to eat like a perfect lady. Koji, however, ate like a pig. He ate rice with his hands, slurped his soup, made a mess with his fish, and got salad dressing on his face. "Sheesh, this guy is a total slob!"
As soon as they finished, Koji belched. "Now that we have eaten, my darling, what shall we do?" Koji leaned forward and rubbed his hand up and down Syaoran's back. He gave an evil grin. ".As if I didn't already know." Syaoran wanted to just deck him, but she stayed cool. "Stay calm. stick to the plan. Just ignore him." Syaoran stood up. "Why don't we take a nice little bath together? I know we'll have a LOT of fun. If you take my meaning." Koji's face lit up. "Oh, I think I know what you mean." Koji took off his jacket, shirt, and shoes and just jumped right into the hot springs. "What are you waiting for? Come on in!" Syaoran laughed. "Err. Actually, I have a special surprise I have in store JUST for this occasion!" Koji smiled even more. "Really? This is getting even better! Just hurry back!" Syaoran smiled. "Just let me slip out of this dress and into something more. suitable for the occasion."
Syaoran darted into the cave. "Now is my chance. Look at that fool. relaxing as if I were actually going to come in there with him. time to make it all happen." Syaoran took off her dress and tossed it out the front of the cave. It was too dark for Koji to see her, but he saw the dress come out, followed by her shoes and underwear. He grinned from ear to ear as he thought his perverted thoughts.
Syaoran grabbed the potion that had been left there as she slipped on what Tomoyo had given her. "It's too big. Oh well, that won't be a problem in a minute." She took the ribbon out of her hair. "Well, bottoms up." Syaoran drank the entire bottle of the mysterious concoction.
"Are you ready, my sexy dream boat?" Syaoran sighed. "Oh, I'm ready. I just hope YOU ARE!" Syaoran said in a deep voice. "Huh? Is there something wrong with your voice?" Syaoran laughed. "No, but you'll wish that that is all it was!" Syaoran charged out of the cave, armed with a sword.
She leapt into the air. but she was no longer she! 'She' was a 17-year-old man! The only clothes he wore were a pair of jeans he had Tomoyo make for him. Koji jumped back out of the springs and barely dodged his blade. "Who are you?! What did you do to my angel?!" Syaoran didn't say anything. He merely kicked Koji across the jaw and began to pummel him in a flurry of attacks.
Sakura, Tomoyo, Mia, and the other girls stood in shock with their jaws dropped. "How did he. That is, he didn't. umm." Mia stuttered. Syaoran lifted Koji high above his head. "SAKURA! NOW!"
Sakura snapped out of her trance-like shock and prepared herself. "Key that hides the power of the Stars, reveal your true form to me! By our contract, I, Sakura, command you! RELEASE!" Sakura tossed a Sakura Card into the air. "WINDY CARD! BECOME A BINDING CHAIN!"
The Windy Spirit left the Sakura Card and flew around Koji until it had a tight grip around him and he couldn't move. Syaoran could finally let go. "YES!" All of the girls snapped out of their shock and raced towards Koji who was laid out and completely immobile on the ground.
Koji sighed. "I can't believe it. The greatest night of my life. shattered, once again by Kinomoto and her pathetic friends. I just have one question." He turned to Syaoran. "WHO ARE YOU? What have you done with my Syaoru, my true love? I swear, if you have harmed one hair on her head." Mia sighed. "You don't get it, do you, Koji?" Syaoran sighed. "You know who I am? I'm Syaoran! I thought I told you to remember that name." Koji's eyes widened. "YOU'RE the brat? But he's only a little kid." Syaoran grabbed the bottle of potion he drank before and put the label in his face. "Healthy Strong Boy #17?" Koji read aloud.
"Wait, I don't get it." "Does this mean you all have magic powers?" "Hey, where IS Syaoru?" "Yeah, where did she go?" "I hope she's alright." "Well, she couldn't have gone too far since all of her clothes are right here. She's probably just embarrassed to come out." "Well, wouldn't you be embarrassed if you were naked in front of strangers?"
Koji started to plead. "Please! Answer me! Where is Syaoru?" Syaoran just sighed. "I AM Syaoru." "WHAT?!" All of the girls exclaimed. "YOU?! But how can you be my love? You're lying!" Mia replied, "There was a mix up down at the potion shop. It turned Syaoran into a girl. Then we found out you loved 'Syaoru,' and decided to use that against you."
Koji's face was that of utter shock, sadness and disgust. "You didn't! You couldn't! No. You all make me sick! When I get free, I swear. I'm going to- " Mia grinned. "I don't think you're going anywhere. Sakura, go ahead."
Sakura threw a Clow Card into the air. "ARROW CARD!"
A graceful female archer rose high into the air and pulled a glowing light blue arrow from her quiver. She placed it in her bow and pulled back, carefully aiming for Koji as everyone backed away. The Windy Card held Koji tighter as he struggled.
"What's going on up there?" Kumiko asked herself. "First Sakura and everyone disappear for the night, and now there seems to be some weird light coming from the hot springs!"
Koji looked infuriated. "No. I won't let this. You've all ripped my heart out. I can't let you stop me. You've killed my glorious leader, Sadin, and now you've taken away my one true love." The Arrow Card released its arrow and it whizzed through the air. "I WON'T ALLOW DEFEAT!" The arrow split into 40 different arrows that all plummeted to Koji.
"YARGH!" Koji pushed with all his might against the Windy Card. The arrows came closer, but with one final burst of strength, Koji flung the Windy Card off of him. He grabbed the Orb of Teleportation that lay at his feet and vanished. The arrows showered the ground where Koji once sat. "Where'd he go?" Syaoran asked.
Click. Click.
Koji appeared behind Syaoran, holding one pistol in Syaoran's back and one aimed at Sakura. "Well, it appears once again I find the two of you at gunpoint. You both sicken me. You played with a man's heart. Even I wouldn't do that. too much."
Syaoran smiled. "You know, you may want to look behind you." Koji lifted the gun pointed at Syaoran higher. "So, first you deceive me, now you try to trick me with the oldest tactic? Don't mock me." Sakura smiled. "Well, don't say we didn't warn you." Koji grimaced. "What do you take me for? An id-"
SMASH!
Koji fell to the ground face first. Above him, stood Kumiko holding a large stick. "So, first, you try to destroy my life and now you threaten my friends? Sakura helped me, and I'm not about to let you and your hatred keep me from repaying her the favor." Everyone clapped. "Way to go, Kumiko!" She blushed. "It was nothing! I couldn't just watch you all get hurt! I-huh? Who are you?" She stared at Syaoran. One of the girls added, "Yeah, I was wondering that too. I thought I heard you say that YOU were Syaoran and Syaoru. But that's impossible. Syaoran is a little boy and Syaoru is a teenage girl. And you. Well, you're obviously not either of those!" Syaoran sighed. Let me explain it for one last time. I AM both Syaoran and Syaoru. There was a mix up at the potion shop that turned me into Syaoru. Originally, I was Syaoran. In fact, that's who I am now, just a bit older." Sakura nodded. "Yes, I recognize it! You're just as handsome as when I saw you like this before!"
Everyone stared at Sakura, except for Syaoran, who was hiding his face because he was blushing. It took a few moments for her brain to register what she had said. But as soon as it did, her face turned bright red. "Uhh. what I meant was. ummm. I have seen Syaoran like this before and I just remember the way he looks!" She laughed nervously as a sweat drop rolled down her head.
One girl laughed. "No, you were right the first time! He's a cutie!" Syaoran's face brightened. "No, really, I'm not." "Don't be so modest! Nice muscles, smooth skin, an adorable face, untamed hair." "Please say you don't have a girlfriend, because I want to be it!" "No, I want to!" "Me!" "No, me!" Syaoran rubbed his forehead. "This has been a LONG week."
Sakura started to turn red in anger and jealousy. She wrapped herself in Syaoran's arms. "I'm very sorry, but he's taken." Everyone stared. "Wait, you mean you two. are a couple?" "That's so cute!" "I love it!" Sakura once again realized what she had said and blushed. "Ummm. actually, I meant. he's taken. too much. time away from his job! You see, he works up in a city north of here to support his family. but we decided to all take a trip and our ship was washed ashore, so we've been searching for the right trail back! So, we'll be leaving soon." Everyone frowned. "You're leaving soon?" "That's too bad." "If you're leaving, we need to throw you a going away party!" "Yeah, that's a great idea!" "I can cook the meals!" "This is going to be so much fun!" "What do you guys think?" Syaoran yawned. "Can we at LEAST wait until morning? I'm beat." Sakura and Tomoyo nodded in agreement.
Mia said, "Yes, let's all get some well deserved rest. But first, we should finish of. HEY! WHERE DID KOJI GO?!" They all looked down to see that Koji had disappeared. "Oh, my God! He's gone! Everyone stay calm. I'll deal with him." Syaoran said as he grabbed his sword that had been dropped on the ground.
In a flash of green light, Koji reappeared on top of the hot spring's cave. "You may have won this round, Kinomoto and Li, but I will be back. And next time, I won't go so easy on all of you. Actually, I have a better idea. Maybe I won't kill you next time. I'll just destroy your heart, as you did to me! Sayonara!" Koji pulled out the Mirror of Time and summoned a portal open.
Mia's finger glowed a bright green. She aimed it like a gun at the portal. "TIME TRACKER!" A bright light surged through the air and shot through the portal. "Time Tracker?" Syaoran asked. "Yeah. That's the name I came up for that attack. Now I can tell what time period he's in."
The girls and Kumiko stood in disbelief. They still didn't know what was going on. "Where did that guy go?" Kumiko asked. Sakura laughed. "Don't worry. I think he won't be showing his face around HERE anymore." She clenched her chest in relief. "That's good. I still feel kinda guilty about hitting him." Tomoyo laughed. "Don't feel bad. He had it coming. But why don't we all just go home for now and sleep?" Sakura yawned. "Yeah. let's talk about everything in the morning. I never stay up this late."
The next morning.
Sakura and Syaoran were the last to wake up. They both put on new clothes, including a green kimono for Syaoran that one of the girls loaned him because all he had were those jeans he wore the night before. When they stepped out into the kitchen, they heard a noise from outside. They stepped out the front door and. "SURPRISE!"
"Hoe? What's this?" Sakura asked. Kumiko smiled. "You have been such a great help, that we decided to throw you all a good-bye lunch!" Syaoran scratched his head. "Lunch? But it's so early in the morning." Mia pointed towards the sun. "Is the sun all the way in the west in the morning? It's about 3 pm! You've been asleep for so long we thought you were in a coma!" Sakura and Syaoran laughed nervously. "Well, we never have stayed up so late before!" Sakura said. Tomoyo smiled. "Don't worry, Sakura. We anticipated that and we made a special lunch for you! Take a look."
Across the long table was a feast large enough to feed a village. Actually, it looked as if the entire village had shown up to eat! Fish, rice, soups, salads, fruits, vegetables, anything they could think of was there. Sakura and Syaoran took their seats at the end closest to the house next to Kumiko, Mia, Tomoyo, and the girls who had helped out at the hot springs. Sakura's stomach growled loudly. She blushed deeply. "This looks great! I haven't eaten since lunch YESTERDAY!"
A young boy with deep green eyes came up from behind Kumiko and hugged her. "I hear you are the ones who have been helping Kumiko with her self-esteem. I want to personally thank you." Tomoyo smiled. "You must be Hitoshi then. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Sakura agreed. "Yes, I've wanted to meet you face to face." Mia nodded her head. "I'm glad to finally see you in person ever since I heard about you." Hitoshi laughed. "I'm nothing special, really! But I must admit it. I could never love anyone more than I love Kumiko." The couple blushed deeply. Mia laughed. "Hmmm. I wonder if there is anyone else here at this table who could possibly say that." She eyed Sakura and Syaoran. They both just blinked, completely oblivious to what Mia was saying. "Hoe? What are you talking about?" "Who is this couple?" Mia sighed. "Never mind."
Shortly after lunch began, the girl from the potion shop approached Sakura. "Pardon me, Sakura, but have you seen Syaoran-san?" Syaoran raised his hand. "That's me." The girl looked baffled. "What do you mean? Syaoran is currently a girl." "Your grandmother packed me a little bit of #17." The girl was furious. "Her vision is getting worse by the day! I wish she had TOLD me about that! But anyways, I have your potion right here." She handed it to him. "It needs to simmer for a day or so, though. Just wait 24 hours until you drink it. Syaoran beamed with delight. "Don't worry, just as long as I have it, I'm fine." "Good. I hope to see you again soon." "Sayonara."
The young girl was about 15 feet away when she turned around. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot!" She came back. "Do you still have that bag of potions?" Syaoran nodded. "Of course. Here." He handed her the bag. She opened it up. "Now, I remember what my grandmother told me. These are new and improved formula. Everything in this bag is temporary." Syaoran's eyes shrunk. "You mean. I won't be a boy for that long?" The young woman thought for a moment. "Oh dear. you're right. This means you will become a girl again, soon. Wait, never mind. The effects of the 'Healthy Strong Boy #10' aren't temporary, so they'll override these effects. Plus, the potion should be ready before you change back. So feel free to use ANY of these potions, alright?" Syaoran wiped the nervous sweat off his forehead. "That's good. Be sure to thank your grandmother for me." "I will. Good-bye, Syaoran, Sakura, and everyone."
Mia smiled as she looked at Syaoran. "Well, now, that wasn't so bad, was it? You have your potion, Koji is gone, and we can go home, soon. You even got a free gift bag of potions out of it."
That's when the idea hit Syaoran. "You know, speaking of free gifts, I have something for all of you, my friends. Be right back." Syaoran ran into the house. Sakura leaned over to Tomoyo and Mia. "Hey, when do you think we should tell Syaoran his hair is still about 2 or 3 feet long and braided?" She giggled. Mia sighed. "You mean you haven't told him.? Good! This is so funny!" Tomoyo thought a loud. "But I like his hair like that! It's cute and very original for a boy. Especially at his age."
A moment later, Syaoran came out of the house carrying a wine bottle and three wine glasses. He set one down in front of Sakura, Tomoyo, and Mia. "In my family, we have a tradition. After certain major accomplishments, we treat our friends to a special drink of our family's special imported wine." He poured a small amount into each of the girl's glasses. Sakura gasped. "Wait, isn't this some sort of rare wine or something?" Syaoran nodded. "Yes, it's a very rare and expensive wine. But don't worry, it is only three glasses and it is a special occasion. I think we all deserve it. But I'm afraid this is all I can serve. It is customary to serve only three glasses." Mia scratched her chin. "Only serve three glasses? That's the weirdest tradition I've ever heard. Are you sure about that? And you're not going to have ANY?" Syaoran shook his head. "Weird or not, tradition is tradition. And the server is never to drink any. I forget where it originated from, but it has been in the Li family for generations. Enough talk, drink up!"
All three girls took a small sip. "Mmm! This is delicious!" Syaoran smiled. "I'm glad you like it. And there is very little alcohol, so don't worry about being affected by that, especially with these small glasses." Mia thought aloud. "You know, it is great, but I can't help but notice it smells familiar. sort of like a place we were at recently. Anyway, this is strange. First you say you want revenge on us for all the humiliating experiences over the last week, and now your treating us to wine. This is so unlike you, Syaoran!" He laughed. "Trust me, it isn't." Tomoyo finished all of her wine in a giant gulp. "That was excellent. but I'm starting to feel. weird." Sakura said, "That's weird, me too." She scratched her head. and felt something awkward. "Huh?"
Sakura felt some weird object jutting out of her head. It was thin and. furry. Everyone one at the table stared in absolute amazement. No one said a word. Sakura reached for a mirror she had in her bag. She stared into it and her eyes shrunk. "HOEEEEEEEE!"
Syaoran burst out into laughter. He couldn't hold it in any longer. "YOU TURNED ME INTO A CAT! MEOW!" On top of Sakura's head were two auburn and furry cat ears and a long auburn tail stuck out of her skirt. Even her teeth looked more like that of a cat. Syaoran managed to stop laughing and wipe his tears away long enough to explain. "Well, a half-cat half-girl, actually. I knew you'd fall for it! My family has no tradition like that! All the 'wine' really is grape juice mixed with a potion from the shop. It was too easy!" Sakura turned to Tomoyo and Mia. They, too, were cats. Tomoyo had black ears and a tail, and Mia had white ears and a tail. All of them had cute pink inner ears. "Tomoyo, say something!" Tomoyo stood up and walked over to Syaoran. "I have only one thing to say to you."
"THANK YOU! I LOVE IT! IT'S SO KAWAII!" Sakura, Mia, Syaoran, and everyone else's jaws dropped. "I can't believe this! The ears, the tails, the teeth. They are all so adorable! I only wish I had brought something to match with them." Syaoran could only stare in disbelief. "Maybe I should have thought about how Tomoyo would react a little more." Mia wagged her tail in discontent. "And how do you think we'll get back to normal?" Syaoran laughed. "Don't worry, you heard what that girl said. The potions are all temporary. In a few days, you'll be fine. Until then, you'll all just be my little pets!" Sakura gave a small hiss as a vein popped up on her hand. err. paw. "Well, I think we've all had a good laugh. Can we go now?"
Kumiko frowned. "You're leaving? Already?" Syaoran nodded. "Yeah, we have a lot to do." The girls from the springs snuck up from behind and all hugged Syaoran at once. "Please don't go!" "We're going to miss you!" "You've been so nice!" "Not to mention you're the most handsome guy here." "No contest there!" Syaoran sighed angrily, but once he saw Sakura's angry cat face, he managed to calm down. "Sorry ladies, but we have no choice. Like Tomoyo said, we're on a long journey, and we can't waste any more time." He snickered. "Besides, I probably should get the kitties home for their nap!" Sakura and Mia gave him an evil glare.
Hitoshi leaned over Kumiko's shoulder and gave her a kiss on the cheek. They both blushed. He asked, "Will we ever see you again?" Tomoyo shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe, maybe not, but we had fun, and we'll never forget you. Just keep hoping!" Kumiko smiled. "Alright, we'll hope. But we will meet again one day. I can just feel it." There was a moment of silence as Sakura, Syaoran, Mia, and Tomoyo stood up, grabbing their bags and walked off towards the horizon.
Everyone from the village waved good-bye as the group set out. When they were out of sight, Kero popped out of Sakura's bag. He panted heavily. "I thought I was going to die! I couldn't breathe!" Kero-chan glanced up. "So, what did. I." He glanced at their ears. "WHT HAPPENED TO YOU GUYS?!" Sakura hissed quietly. "Syaoran turned us into cats." Kero rubbed his own head and tail. "Oh no! He did it to me too!" Sakura giggled. "Kero, you've always had big ears and a tail." He scratched his head and smiled. "Oh, yeah! I guess I forgot."
Tomoyo put down her backpack and searched through it. Sakura asked, "Meow? What are you doing?" "Aha! Here they are." Tomoyo jumped up and pulled all of the girls together. "Hey! Watch it! What are you. no, don't do that!"
When Tomoyo let go, all of the girls wore a small black leash with a bell on it around their necks. "What the.?" Mia asked. "Aren't they perfect? The match with our ears and tails!" A sweat drop rolled down everyone but Tomoyo and Kero's heads. Kero even asked, "Hey, what about me? Can I have one?" Tomoyo smiled. "You really want one? Hold on! I'll make one out of these left over materials. I'll just slip this bell onto here and. I'm done!" Kero gazed at his bell. "Wow! This is so cool!" "I'm glad you liked it." Syaoran sighed. "I'll never understand her."
Sakura groaned. "Meow. can we just go already?" Syaoran nodded. "Maybe I'll see if I can use this potion as soon as I get back. I'd like to be my ten year old self again, soon." Mia hissed. "Wish I could go back to normal that fast." Sakura pulled out her key. "Key that hides the power of the Stars, reveal your true form to me! By our contract, I, Sakura, command you! RELEASE! Mia, in what time period is he?" Mia concentrated. "He's. returned to the present? That doesn't make any sense. but. Let's go!"
"Time Card, return us to the present!" In a flash of blinding light, the travlers disappeared, a mission completed.
To be continued.