AN- Yes! I'm back! And in a short amount of time as well whahahhahaha I'm proud of myself. ^-^
Dedication: I dedicate this chapter to my three lovely sister's Eva, Suki, and Monmon
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS nor Secret Garden. They belong to their awesome creators Clamp, and Frances Hodson Burnette
The Secret Garden
Chapter 12: Baby Steps
By: Kittyangel
Rating: G
Just as Syaoran had promised to Sakura spring had come to the manor. All over the country side flowers bloomed into new buds. Baby animals were being born, along with the robin's eggs. The weather started to turn warmer from it's harsh cold.
The next day just as the sun was barely rising above the moor lands, all the staff to Misselthwaite Manor gathered around the grand staircase. The awaited anxiously for what was to happen, many of them whispered amongst themselves as they did so.
Sakura stood at the bottom of the stairs almost giddy with anticipation. Beside her stood Syaoran, ready and alert for what needed to be done. Soot was perched on his shoulder, the bird cawed and ruffled it's feathers in the long wait.
Madison also stood by them, she fiddled with a strand of her dark hair and bit her lip.
I really hope we are not caught today She thought to herself as she waited for Eli I would hate to see what Master Craven would do to us if he found out. She casted a sideways glance at Sakura and Syaoran who were quietly talking amongst themselves. I hope they know what they are doing, dragging me into this she sighed Why did I ever agree to do this in the first place??.
*Madison's Flashback Mode*
Madison helped Sakura get ready for bed. She brushed the locks of Sakura's long auburn hair in silence thinking about what Sakura had said earlier about the garden.
"Are you sure you really want me to know?" Madison questioned out loud.
Sakura turned around, and gently smiled at Madison.
"Of course! I wouldn't have told you if I didn't trust you" Sakura said as she took the brush from Madison and made her set down. "I mean your like my best friend" Sakura trailed off as she started to brush Madison's hair. "Is that ok if I call you that?"
Madison smiled gleefully.
"Of course! I've always thought of you as mine as well".
"Well speaking of which…" Sakura trailed off to think of what she could say "Eli is going outside tomorrow, and…. I would really like it if you would join us in the garden tomorrow."
Madison spun around and stared at Sakura wide eyed.
"You want me to go with you?! Why?!"
"Because I really want you to be there to share the experience, and plus…" Sakura trailed off yet again a smirk playing on her face "I bet Eli would like it if you joined us…"
A blush spread over Madison's face at Sakura's words, she sighed irritably.
"Fine I'll go, but!" she blushed some more "I-It's not for that reason!"
Sakura giggled.
"What ever you say Madison."
*End of Madison's Flashback Mode*
Madison sighed.
Oh yea it was because of that reason a blush played on her face as she thought about the sapphire blue eyed boy.
She didn't get to finish her thought, however , for a hush fell over the crowd. At the top of the stairs the footman stood and in his arms he carried the young master. He descended down the stairs, and when he got to the bottom he gently placed the boy in his old wicker wheelchair.
Mrs. Medlock who was at the front of the line came forward, a blanket in hand. She tucked it around Eli's legs muttering to herself as she did so. Finally when she was done she stepped aside to let him talk.
"I am going outside today" Eli announced in a very big voice, which startled half of the staff. "If the fresh air agrees with me, I shall go out everyday."
Mrs. Medlock chuckled and stepped forward.
"Surely not everyday-"
She was cut off when Eli interrupted.
"Yes I shall" he said in a very stern voice which made Mrs. Medlock step back into her position. "When I go" Eli continued "Nobody is to come near the gardens, no staff, and no gardeners, the only staff member that is allowed is Madison" All the staff's eyes went to Madison causing her to blush from all the attention "Is that clear with everyone?"
Sakura who was listening the entire time couldn't help but smile how rajah like he was being without even realizing it.
"Everyone must keep away" Eli was saying "Until Sakura and I are home, then I'll give word for everyone to go back to their normal jobs."
"Very good, sir," said the head gardener.
Eli leaned over close to Sakura and whispered:
"What is it they say in India when you want everyone to leave?"
Sakura leaned in close and whispered:
"I have spoken, all depart."
After hearing this Eli cleared his throat and raised his hand to the crowd in a very rajah like way.
"I have spoken, all depart."
The staff started to go back to their duties around the manor. Some of them created a pathway for the young master to the door. Syaoran stepped behind Eli's chair and wheeled him to the door. Sakura, and Madison followed talking excitedly to themselves.
When the doors was open the fresh spring air whipped onto their faces. A smile spread over Eli's face as he sucked in the fresh clean air of the moor. Sakura smiled as her heart skipped a beat with the excitement that was swelling inside of her. Madison could hardly contain herself either she skipped ahead of the wheel chair and looked from left to right to make sure no one was coming.
When she gave the signal that all was clear and smile spread over Eli's face.
"Faster!" Eli urged them.
Syaoran broke into a run pushing the chair as he went, Sakura also broke into a run pulling the chair. Madison laughed gleefully running up beside them.
Finally they came upon the door, Sakura took a deep breath and turned to Madison and Eli.
"Here we go" she said as she stuck the key into the door.
Eli shut his eyes, Madison took in a deep breath.
Slowly and carefully Sakura and Syaoran carried the wheelchair down the garden steps. Madison followed suit, a look of awe on her face at all the beauty that surrounded her.
As Sakura and Syaoran carried the chair down the steps Eli spoke up:
"I wish I could help you guys"
"Don't worry" Syaoran spoke up "We'll have you walking with us before you know it."
"Me? Walk?" Eli questioned out loud "Do you think I could?"
"Well you have legs like us don't you?" Syaoran reasoned.
Finally they reached the bottom of the stairs where Syaoran wheeled Eli up beside the pond. Sakura walked over to Eli and whispered in his ear.
"You can open your eyes now."
Eli slowly opened his sapphire eyes he blinked at the bright colors that surrounded him. The garden was in full bloom.
"yes.." Eli whispered to himself "I imagined this".
Every kind of flower imaginable seemed to be blooming in the garden. It looked like rainbow of many different colors. The scents that filled the air was intoxicating to the nose. A light breeze rippled the lake and for a split second Eli could have sworn he saw a figure standing by the swing, but when he blinked again it was gone.
Sakura took the blanket from Eli's lap, and laid it down on the grass so everybody could sit down on it. Syaoran carried over a baby deer and laid it down beside Eli. He gently stroked the deer and looked up into the bright sky.
"I'm going to come here tomorrow" Eli said happily "and the day after, and the day after that."
Madison smiled warmly at him, and couldn't help but notice how much cuter he looked in the sun.
The robin who was perching on a high branch flew overhead. Eli watched it fly over onto the far side of the wall of the garden. Just then Eli's eyes widen in horror when he saw a face of a man appear over the wall.
"Who is that man?" Eli questioned out loud trying not to show the panic in his voice.
Sakura's breath was caught in her throat as she stared up at the man.
"Ben Weatherstaff…."
Ben Weatherstaff glared angrily down at Sakura and shook his fist at her.
"You miserable little heathen!" he shouted "I couldn't bare the first time I laid my eyes on you!"
Sakura stood up angrily and marched over to wall, Ben continued to rant.
"I always wondered why you got on my good side" he said "It must have been that fool robin!"
"It was the robin who showed me where the door was!" Sakura yelled up angrily at him.
Madison walked timidly up beside Sakura to show her support if needed. Meanwhile, Syaoran helped Eli back up into his chair, and quietly wheeled him over to where the conflict was taking place.
As soon as Ben saw Eli his breath was caught in his throat. He blinked a couple of times, he was pretty for sure he knew who the boy was. He heard so much rumors about the boy he was sure that it was him.
"You're the little cripple" Ben said out loud his voice shaking.
Anger bellowed up inside of Eli.
"I'm not a cripple!" Eli shouted angrily. "Who said that I was? Because I am not! I am not!"
With determination playing in his blue eyes, Eli grasped the arms of the wheelchair. Slowly, he pulled himself up using all the strength in his arms.
Sakura held her breath.
"You can do it.." She whispered to herself.
Madison watched in awe, her breath stilled.
"Yes Eli you can" she urged.
Slowly almost drawing up to his full height, Eli planted his weight on his thin legs.
"Look at me!" Eli yelled in triumph "Just look you!" he yelled up to Ben who was watching in awe.
Sakura let out a squeal of joy.
"You did it!"
Slowly Eli eased himself back into his chair. Ben couldn't help but stare at the boy. He heard that the boy would never be able to get out of bed, but now he stood right in front of him. He couldn't believe it. In all his years working at the manor he thought he would never even see the boy. A salty tear trickled down his cheek he hastily wiped it away before the children could see.
Eli sighed and stared up at Ben.
"Well now that you're here" Eli stated " You must help, whenever we need you, but you must make sure your not seen by anyone."
Ben smiled a withered old smile.
"I've been coming here for sometime now, and no one has seen me."
A questionable look came over all their faces but it was Eli who spoke up.
"How?" he questioned "It's been locked for ten years."
"Like I was doing today" Ben informed them "By climbing over the wall, but as you can see I'm not as young as I used to be" he sighed "If I didn't the poor roses would have died a long time ago, your mother was very fond of this garden."
When Eli heard the word 'mother' his ears perked up.
"You see, she asked me to tend to her roses" Ben explained to the them. "She wouldn't allow anyone else but me, when she-" Ben stopped in mid-sentence trying to hold back tears "When she….went away the orders were never to step foot in this garden again. But I still came. She gave her orders first you see."
"I'm glad that you did" Eli said as he smiled up at the man, having new fond respect for him. "Please come inside at once!"
So Ben climbed over the wall and joined the children in the garden. As the days wore on, they came every chance they could. One day, Syaoran brought a baby lamb that he found that morning. He was feeding it with a bottle of milk, and holding in protectively in his arms. The little lamb was really hungry so he drank up the milk fast. When he was finished Syaoran carefully let the little lamb go.
"Off you go" Syaoran said.
Sakura watched as the little lamb tottered away unsteadily, the little legs were shaky but the lamb managed.
Eli was also watching the lamb with great interest. His legs are like my own Eli thought to himself I wonder if I could walk as well…
"Help me up" he said to Syaoran.
Syaoran took a hold of his arm and helped him stand up. Sakura also got to her feet and brushed the dirt off her hands. Madison who was tending to a flower patch near by watched with anticipation. Making sure that Eli had his balance Syaoran let go.
"You can do it Eli!" Sakura chanted holding out her hands to him.
Madison also got up and went to stand by Sakura.
"Yes Eli you can!" she also chanted holding out her hands to him.
Slowly Eli took a step, then another. He couldn't believe it but.. He was walking! Slowly he made his way to Sakura and Madison's open arms. Slowly, one step at a time. Finally he reached Madison's open arms she gave him a smile and turned him around.
"You can do it" she was saying in his ear, causing him to blush, but also giving him new strength.
Slowly he made his way back to Syaoran. Sakura and Madison followed slowly behind till finally Eli reached Syaoran's arms.
They cheered in triumph.
"You did it!" Sakura squealed hugging him.
"I told you so!" Syaoran said in a joking manner hugging him also.
"I knew you could do it!" Madison said happily hugging him.
"It was because of you" Eli said startling Madison "If you hadn't have given me that last hopeful cheer I never would have made it" he trailed off and gently kissed her cheek "Thank you".
Madison blushed crimson red.
"Y-your welcome…"
Sakura smiled at the two and gave Syaoran a smile, he smiled back and walked up beside her.
"How do you know all these things?" She questioned to him.
"What?"
"How did you know that Eli would be able to walk?"
Syaoran smiled.
"I didn't" he stated startling Sakura "But.." he trailed off and took her hand in his "I knew we could make him walk, if he had you to cheer him on… I mean… I know I could."
Sakura blushed, but smiled up at Syaoran with shining green eyes. Slowly she lifted herself up onto her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you" With that said she ran back over to where Madison and Eli were talking.
Slowly Syaoran reached a hand up to the cheek where she had kissed and blushed.
AN- Soooooooooooooooooooooo how did you like it? Are you proud of me for updating in a short amount of time? Hehehe well please review and if you have to flame me do it nicely!
Kittyangel
Dedication: I dedicate this chapter to my three lovely sister's Eva, Suki, and Monmon
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS nor Secret Garden. They belong to their awesome creators Clamp, and Frances Hodson Burnette
The Secret Garden
Chapter 12: Baby Steps
By: Kittyangel
Rating: G
Just as Syaoran had promised to Sakura spring had come to the manor. All over the country side flowers bloomed into new buds. Baby animals were being born, along with the robin's eggs. The weather started to turn warmer from it's harsh cold.
The next day just as the sun was barely rising above the moor lands, all the staff to Misselthwaite Manor gathered around the grand staircase. The awaited anxiously for what was to happen, many of them whispered amongst themselves as they did so.
Sakura stood at the bottom of the stairs almost giddy with anticipation. Beside her stood Syaoran, ready and alert for what needed to be done. Soot was perched on his shoulder, the bird cawed and ruffled it's feathers in the long wait.
Madison also stood by them, she fiddled with a strand of her dark hair and bit her lip.
I really hope we are not caught today She thought to herself as she waited for Eli I would hate to see what Master Craven would do to us if he found out. She casted a sideways glance at Sakura and Syaoran who were quietly talking amongst themselves. I hope they know what they are doing, dragging me into this she sighed Why did I ever agree to do this in the first place??.
*Madison's Flashback Mode*
Madison helped Sakura get ready for bed. She brushed the locks of Sakura's long auburn hair in silence thinking about what Sakura had said earlier about the garden.
"Are you sure you really want me to know?" Madison questioned out loud.
Sakura turned around, and gently smiled at Madison.
"Of course! I wouldn't have told you if I didn't trust you" Sakura said as she took the brush from Madison and made her set down. "I mean your like my best friend" Sakura trailed off as she started to brush Madison's hair. "Is that ok if I call you that?"
Madison smiled gleefully.
"Of course! I've always thought of you as mine as well".
"Well speaking of which…" Sakura trailed off to think of what she could say "Eli is going outside tomorrow, and…. I would really like it if you would join us in the garden tomorrow."
Madison spun around and stared at Sakura wide eyed.
"You want me to go with you?! Why?!"
"Because I really want you to be there to share the experience, and plus…" Sakura trailed off yet again a smirk playing on her face "I bet Eli would like it if you joined us…"
A blush spread over Madison's face at Sakura's words, she sighed irritably.
"Fine I'll go, but!" she blushed some more "I-It's not for that reason!"
Sakura giggled.
"What ever you say Madison."
*End of Madison's Flashback Mode*
Madison sighed.
Oh yea it was because of that reason a blush played on her face as she thought about the sapphire blue eyed boy.
She didn't get to finish her thought, however , for a hush fell over the crowd. At the top of the stairs the footman stood and in his arms he carried the young master. He descended down the stairs, and when he got to the bottom he gently placed the boy in his old wicker wheelchair.
Mrs. Medlock who was at the front of the line came forward, a blanket in hand. She tucked it around Eli's legs muttering to herself as she did so. Finally when she was done she stepped aside to let him talk.
"I am going outside today" Eli announced in a very big voice, which startled half of the staff. "If the fresh air agrees with me, I shall go out everyday."
Mrs. Medlock chuckled and stepped forward.
"Surely not everyday-"
She was cut off when Eli interrupted.
"Yes I shall" he said in a very stern voice which made Mrs. Medlock step back into her position. "When I go" Eli continued "Nobody is to come near the gardens, no staff, and no gardeners, the only staff member that is allowed is Madison" All the staff's eyes went to Madison causing her to blush from all the attention "Is that clear with everyone?"
Sakura who was listening the entire time couldn't help but smile how rajah like he was being without even realizing it.
"Everyone must keep away" Eli was saying "Until Sakura and I are home, then I'll give word for everyone to go back to their normal jobs."
"Very good, sir," said the head gardener.
Eli leaned over close to Sakura and whispered:
"What is it they say in India when you want everyone to leave?"
Sakura leaned in close and whispered:
"I have spoken, all depart."
After hearing this Eli cleared his throat and raised his hand to the crowd in a very rajah like way.
"I have spoken, all depart."
The staff started to go back to their duties around the manor. Some of them created a pathway for the young master to the door. Syaoran stepped behind Eli's chair and wheeled him to the door. Sakura, and Madison followed talking excitedly to themselves.
When the doors was open the fresh spring air whipped onto their faces. A smile spread over Eli's face as he sucked in the fresh clean air of the moor. Sakura smiled as her heart skipped a beat with the excitement that was swelling inside of her. Madison could hardly contain herself either she skipped ahead of the wheel chair and looked from left to right to make sure no one was coming.
When she gave the signal that all was clear and smile spread over Eli's face.
"Faster!" Eli urged them.
Syaoran broke into a run pushing the chair as he went, Sakura also broke into a run pulling the chair. Madison laughed gleefully running up beside them.
Finally they came upon the door, Sakura took a deep breath and turned to Madison and Eli.
"Here we go" she said as she stuck the key into the door.
Eli shut his eyes, Madison took in a deep breath.
Slowly and carefully Sakura and Syaoran carried the wheelchair down the garden steps. Madison followed suit, a look of awe on her face at all the beauty that surrounded her.
As Sakura and Syaoran carried the chair down the steps Eli spoke up:
"I wish I could help you guys"
"Don't worry" Syaoran spoke up "We'll have you walking with us before you know it."
"Me? Walk?" Eli questioned out loud "Do you think I could?"
"Well you have legs like us don't you?" Syaoran reasoned.
Finally they reached the bottom of the stairs where Syaoran wheeled Eli up beside the pond. Sakura walked over to Eli and whispered in his ear.
"You can open your eyes now."
Eli slowly opened his sapphire eyes he blinked at the bright colors that surrounded him. The garden was in full bloom.
"yes.." Eli whispered to himself "I imagined this".
Every kind of flower imaginable seemed to be blooming in the garden. It looked like rainbow of many different colors. The scents that filled the air was intoxicating to the nose. A light breeze rippled the lake and for a split second Eli could have sworn he saw a figure standing by the swing, but when he blinked again it was gone.
Sakura took the blanket from Eli's lap, and laid it down on the grass so everybody could sit down on it. Syaoran carried over a baby deer and laid it down beside Eli. He gently stroked the deer and looked up into the bright sky.
"I'm going to come here tomorrow" Eli said happily "and the day after, and the day after that."
Madison smiled warmly at him, and couldn't help but notice how much cuter he looked in the sun.
The robin who was perching on a high branch flew overhead. Eli watched it fly over onto the far side of the wall of the garden. Just then Eli's eyes widen in horror when he saw a face of a man appear over the wall.
"Who is that man?" Eli questioned out loud trying not to show the panic in his voice.
Sakura's breath was caught in her throat as she stared up at the man.
"Ben Weatherstaff…."
Ben Weatherstaff glared angrily down at Sakura and shook his fist at her.
"You miserable little heathen!" he shouted "I couldn't bare the first time I laid my eyes on you!"
Sakura stood up angrily and marched over to wall, Ben continued to rant.
"I always wondered why you got on my good side" he said "It must have been that fool robin!"
"It was the robin who showed me where the door was!" Sakura yelled up angrily at him.
Madison walked timidly up beside Sakura to show her support if needed. Meanwhile, Syaoran helped Eli back up into his chair, and quietly wheeled him over to where the conflict was taking place.
As soon as Ben saw Eli his breath was caught in his throat. He blinked a couple of times, he was pretty for sure he knew who the boy was. He heard so much rumors about the boy he was sure that it was him.
"You're the little cripple" Ben said out loud his voice shaking.
Anger bellowed up inside of Eli.
"I'm not a cripple!" Eli shouted angrily. "Who said that I was? Because I am not! I am not!"
With determination playing in his blue eyes, Eli grasped the arms of the wheelchair. Slowly, he pulled himself up using all the strength in his arms.
Sakura held her breath.
"You can do it.." She whispered to herself.
Madison watched in awe, her breath stilled.
"Yes Eli you can" she urged.
Slowly almost drawing up to his full height, Eli planted his weight on his thin legs.
"Look at me!" Eli yelled in triumph "Just look you!" he yelled up to Ben who was watching in awe.
Sakura let out a squeal of joy.
"You did it!"
Slowly Eli eased himself back into his chair. Ben couldn't help but stare at the boy. He heard that the boy would never be able to get out of bed, but now he stood right in front of him. He couldn't believe it. In all his years working at the manor he thought he would never even see the boy. A salty tear trickled down his cheek he hastily wiped it away before the children could see.
Eli sighed and stared up at Ben.
"Well now that you're here" Eli stated " You must help, whenever we need you, but you must make sure your not seen by anyone."
Ben smiled a withered old smile.
"I've been coming here for sometime now, and no one has seen me."
A questionable look came over all their faces but it was Eli who spoke up.
"How?" he questioned "It's been locked for ten years."
"Like I was doing today" Ben informed them "By climbing over the wall, but as you can see I'm not as young as I used to be" he sighed "If I didn't the poor roses would have died a long time ago, your mother was very fond of this garden."
When Eli heard the word 'mother' his ears perked up.
"You see, she asked me to tend to her roses" Ben explained to the them. "She wouldn't allow anyone else but me, when she-" Ben stopped in mid-sentence trying to hold back tears "When she….went away the orders were never to step foot in this garden again. But I still came. She gave her orders first you see."
"I'm glad that you did" Eli said as he smiled up at the man, having new fond respect for him. "Please come inside at once!"
So Ben climbed over the wall and joined the children in the garden. As the days wore on, they came every chance they could. One day, Syaoran brought a baby lamb that he found that morning. He was feeding it with a bottle of milk, and holding in protectively in his arms. The little lamb was really hungry so he drank up the milk fast. When he was finished Syaoran carefully let the little lamb go.
"Off you go" Syaoran said.
Sakura watched as the little lamb tottered away unsteadily, the little legs were shaky but the lamb managed.
Eli was also watching the lamb with great interest. His legs are like my own Eli thought to himself I wonder if I could walk as well…
"Help me up" he said to Syaoran.
Syaoran took a hold of his arm and helped him stand up. Sakura also got to her feet and brushed the dirt off her hands. Madison who was tending to a flower patch near by watched with anticipation. Making sure that Eli had his balance Syaoran let go.
"You can do it Eli!" Sakura chanted holding out her hands to him.
Madison also got up and went to stand by Sakura.
"Yes Eli you can!" she also chanted holding out her hands to him.
Slowly Eli took a step, then another. He couldn't believe it but.. He was walking! Slowly he made his way to Sakura and Madison's open arms. Slowly, one step at a time. Finally he reached Madison's open arms she gave him a smile and turned him around.
"You can do it" she was saying in his ear, causing him to blush, but also giving him new strength.
Slowly he made his way back to Syaoran. Sakura and Madison followed slowly behind till finally Eli reached Syaoran's arms.
They cheered in triumph.
"You did it!" Sakura squealed hugging him.
"I told you so!" Syaoran said in a joking manner hugging him also.
"I knew you could do it!" Madison said happily hugging him.
"It was because of you" Eli said startling Madison "If you hadn't have given me that last hopeful cheer I never would have made it" he trailed off and gently kissed her cheek "Thank you".
Madison blushed crimson red.
"Y-your welcome…"
Sakura smiled at the two and gave Syaoran a smile, he smiled back and walked up beside her.
"How do you know all these things?" She questioned to him.
"What?"
"How did you know that Eli would be able to walk?"
Syaoran smiled.
"I didn't" he stated startling Sakura "But.." he trailed off and took her hand in his "I knew we could make him walk, if he had you to cheer him on… I mean… I know I could."
Sakura blushed, but smiled up at Syaoran with shining green eyes. Slowly she lifted herself up onto her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you" With that said she ran back over to where Madison and Eli were talking.
Slowly Syaoran reached a hand up to the cheek where she had kissed and blushed.
AN- Soooooooooooooooooooooo how did you like it? Are you proud of me for updating in a short amount of time? Hehehe well please review and if you have to flame me do it nicely!
Kittyangel