*I don't own Card Captor Sakura
*AU
Beauty of the Heart
Chapter 2 - Quick to be Judged
Amora
*******Tomoeda*******
Syaoran groaned as the morning light pierced through his defenses. Squinting to his left, he realized that he didn't have an alarm clock. With some difficulty, he sat up and went to take a shower. As he passed the bathroom mirror, the horrors of the day before crashed into him full force. It wasn't a dream. Every embarrassing and humiliating moment was reality.
Groaning at what was to come, Syaoran mentally prepared himself for the countless mental and physical jibes. Looking down, he realized that his old clothes no longer fit. He had shrunk in height but had doubled his original waist size. He would need to go shopping for clothes before anything else.
As Syaoran wandered to the lobby of the complex, the landlady gave him another toothless smile.
"Good morning! If you're looking for breakfast, I'll advise you to go to the Hiiragizawa Café that's three blocks from here. It's the only restaurant around here that will serve people like us. The others are too snobbish for their own good."
At this Syaoran narrowed his eyes. "Surely people can't be THAT narrow-minded..."
"Take my advice. I've seen many like you who have suffered from society's ignorance and judgment. The results aren't pretty. They usually suffer from chronic depression or something worse."
Syaoran nodded. 'When this is over,' he vowed, 'I'm going to do everything I can to change what people like me have to go through. Nobody deserves to suffer through this.' As he stepped out the door, the old lady looked quizzically at him. There had been such fire in his eyes. She could tell that he was determined to make changes. She sighed sadly as she thought of what would happen to him.
"Hey you! Get outta here!" A shop owner yelled and threw Syaoran out when he tried to ask for directions. As the other customers glared at him for making a scene, Syaoran nodded solemnly and walked out with his head bowed. Rounding the corner, he saw a bright blue sign that marked the place he was looking for. Hiiragizawa Café.
"Welcome to the Hiiragizawa Café sir! Er...you are a sir right?" A hostess greeted. When Syaoran growled, she nervously apologized and led him to his seat. As he was handed a menu, Syaoran took the opportunity to look around.
The place was very well decorated. With its crystal chandeliers and marble flooring, it could pass for a high-class haven. In the middle of the café stood a white marble fountain that strangely resembled a digital camera. Syaoran blinked several times but the image remained the same.
'The owner must be loaded.' Syaoran thought to himself as he scrutinized the customers. A majority he could easily pick out as the social elite with their sharp tuxes and slick hair. Others were normal families enjoying their Sunday mornings. Feeling out of place, Syaoran immediately looked down at his menu. Hopefully nobody noticed him as he sat in a tiny booth off to the side.
"How are you doing today Sir?" Syaoran's thought were interrupted by an enigmatic voice that contained a deep English accent. Looking up, he saw someone with piercing blue eyes and wavy purple hair. A small smile donned the face of the newcomer lighting it up with mystery. "I highly suggest the Oaxacan Chocolate Mocha Cake."
Syaoran stared at the newcomer for a moment before grinning. "I believe I will. Thank you for the suggestion."
"It was my pleasure sir. May I sit down?" Syaoran raised his eyebrow and nodded. As the stranger took his seat, Syaoran examined him once more. Even though Syaoran was no expert in how men appeared, he had no doubt that this man in front of him would be found 'dashing' by women everywhere. Why he was associating with someone of Syaoran's appearance was baffling.
"I hope you like our establishment." As Syaoran looked at him quizzically, he continued. "I am Eriol Hiiragizawa."
"H-Hiiragizawa? You're the owner?" Syaoran managed to choke out before coughing up the water he just drank. As he stared at the stranger incredulously, a grin appeared on Eriol's face.
"Don't be surprised. Not many people recognize me. Not even all the employees know who I am."
Syaoran nodded. "I see. But why are you associating with the likes of me? It would hurt your status if we are seen together."
Eriol scoffed at this. "Nobody knows who I am remember? And even if they do, what does it matter to me what they think?"
After hearing those words, Syaoran smiled and held out his hand. "My name is Li Syaoran. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad that there's some decent people left in this world after all."
Taking the offered hand, Eriol shook it. "Are you new to this area Li-kun?"
"I just arrived in Tomoeda yesterday. I'm transferring here from Hong Kong for a few months. Where is the nearest high school?"
Eriol looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. "It's Seijou. That's the school I attend. I want to continue my education even though I- " he was cut off by yelling.
"Hey Hiiragizawa!" came a rough voice from the front side of the café. Both Eriol and Syaoran turned to face a pair of dark brown eyes glaring at him. "I want you to stay the hell away from my girlfriend!"
Eriol rolled his eyes. "Of course Tsuyoshi." He said sarcastically. "I would never dream of coming between the two of you."
As Tsuyoshi turned his attention from Eriol to Syaoran, he smirked. "What the hell are you doing Hiiragizawa? You shouldn't lower yourself to a state where you associate with genetic malfunctions like that!" he said gesturing towards Syaoran. At this, every eye in the restaurant turned towards the trio and silence ensured.
"I'd appreciate if you didn't talk about my customers like that. It's very rude." Eriol said calmly. He stared at Tsuyoshi until the latter broke eye contact. With one final glare towards Syaoran, Tsuyoshi turned and left kicking the entrance open. Eriol sighed and turned back to Syaoran.
"I guess everyone knows who you are now." Syaoran said slowly. "Well arigatou anyway." Eriol started to reply but he was cut off. "So what was he talking about?"
"That baka thinks I'm going for his girlfriend. He can't get it through his thick head that I already have one. Maybe he can't get over the fact that our girlfriends are best friends with each other and I hang out with them both."
Syaoran chuckled. "Well I have to go register for school. Thanks for your company Hiiragizawa-kun. I'll see you at school." Eriol nodded and they shook hands once more before Syaoran got up and left. As soon as he was out of sight, the hostess came over and approached Eriol.
"I really feel sorry for him..." she said softly. Eriol grinned when he heard this.
"There's no need. Li-kun will be fine." He replied and then added silently. 'Besides. In a few days, you'll be begging my descendant to look your way.'
******
"What! You want to enroll in my school? Hahaha! Name one reason why I should!" The principal took one look at Syaoran before he burst out laughing. Syaoran was desperately trying to plead his case but to no avail. Finally, he stuffed his hands into his pocket and pulled out a wad of bills. The principal immediately stopped laughing and eyed the money hungrily.
"Tell you what kid. If you give me that and promise to keep silent, I'll let you enroll in this school. Hell, I'll even forge some documents and have you placed in any class you choose. Deal?"
Syaoran considered the terms and sighed. It seemed that bribery would be the only way to get into a decent school in his physical form. He nodded.
"Excellent! But money or not, I can't let you enroll with what you're wearing. Go buy some new clothes and then we'll talk." As Syaoran left, the principal was left to wonder about the transferee.
'What an ugly kid!' He thought. 'I hope that it won't hurt the school's reputation too bad with him here. The money better be worth it. Maybe I can get the other kids to harass him until he leaves...'
******
"How much is this outfit?" Syaoran asked a salesperson about an outfit that caught his eye. It was an entire outfit of spandex that was guaranteed to "Stretch to any size and back". Maybe he could wear this to capture cards.
"Our normal price is $199, but since it's you, I'll give it to you for $799. Take it or leave it." The salesperson sneered.
"That's robbery! What would the Japanese Civil Liberties Union say about that?" Syaoran demanded. The salesperson gritted his teeth but relented.
"Very well. I'll sell it to you for the marked price. But don't ever come here again!" As he rung up the order, he refused to bag the item. Furthermore he refused to give Syaoran his change.
"Fine. I won't ever shop here again but you haven't heard the last of me. I'll be back!" Syaoran declared before leaving a very angry employee behind.
Ignoring the harsh stares he was receiving, Syaoran went into the restroom and changed into his new outfit with tremendous difficulty. The spandex was indeed stretched to the limit. As the last occupant of the restroom left, a sudden tingling sensation invaded his senses. The room spun around as Syaoran felt dizzy and collapsed to the ground unconscious.
Opening his eyes moments later, Syaoran got up. He gasped as he stared into the mirror. His old self was back. Wasting no time jumping for joy, he instantly felt the tug of his magical senses and followed them to where they were pointing.
As he ran to where his senses were directing him, Syaoran once again noticed that he was being stared at. He noted that the animosity and disgust of the previous stares were gone. In addition to that, the only people who stared at him were girls. Shaking the thought from his head, he ran on.
As Syaoran approached the place where he was being led, he materialized his sword. Hearing screams from the nearby park, he instantly hid himself in the bushes. Peering out of the brush, he gasped at the sight before him.
"This is the sword card Sakura! Be careful!" A small winged animal shouted to his left. A girl of around his age appeared.
"Ok Kero-chan!" She said and dodged a swipe from a phantom sword that Syaoran guessed was the sword card. It wasn't the fight that had caused Syaoran to gasp quietly though. It was her. This girl who moves with the grace of a goddess and had the beauty of Aphrodite herself. Her enchanting emerald green eyes and strong pink aura captivated Syaoran as he followed her angelic dodges of the card's attack. The spell was broken as the tiny animal shouted when the card disappeared.
"It's hiding Sakura! Don't rely on your eyes! Use your magical senses!" it screamed as the sword card materialized behind her. "Behind you Sakura!"
As the card was about to skewer her from behind, Syaoran jumped into the fight. Using his own sword to parry the attack, he successfully caused the card to miss its intended target by mere centimeters. He sighed in relief as the sword card retreated above them. Standing in front of a bewildered Sakura, Syaoran glared at the card.
"I am Li Xiaolang, and you Card of Clow, are mine!" Syaoran snarled and charged the card. It seemed to accept his challenge and descended at its new target. As Syaoran blocked and parried with the sword card, Sakura examined her savior and blushed.
As she continued to stare, she noted his deep glowing amber eyes that were burning with determination. His sharp cheekbone complemented his frown of concentration. The skintight bodysuit he wore left little to the imagination. It clung onto every muscle and outlined his strong chest, shoulders, and washboard abs. She blushed further as her eyes traveled even lower. Her concentration was broken as she heard him scream an incantation.
"Raiden Shorai!" Heavy bolts of lightning immediately hit the card from all directions. As the attack went on, she could feel the card weakening. As if acting on cue, Sakura took out her wand and sealed the card as soon as the attack as over. It hovered for a moment and to her surprise floated to her savior.
Syaoran caught the card and turned to the girl smiling shyly. He walked over to her slowly and handed her the card. Sakura took it unsure of her actions. As she stared at him wonderingly, he turned and started to walk away.
"Matte!" Sakura yelled as she saw him leaving. "Thank you for everything..." she whispered to him as he turned his head to face her. Her blush intensified as she saw a smile light up his face. It was infectious and she soon found herself smiling as well.
"Always Ying Hua. We will meet again..." with that Syaoran turned and disappeared.
"Hey! Who was that kid?" Kero demanded.
"I don't know Kero-chan." Sakura replied holding the newly acquired card close to her rapidly beating heart. "But I intend to find out..."
End of Chapter 2
Scenes From Chapter 3:
"Wow check out the new freak in town."
"I was in the presence of an angel last night."
"You're Tsuyoshi's girlfriend?"
"I'll always protect you Ying Hua. No matter what..."
A/N: Syaoran heard Kero call out Sakura's name so being as fluent in two languages as he is, he did a quick translation even though she doesn't know what it means. I've read fics where authors claim that Sakura's name is Ying Fa but if you translate it literally, cherry blossom is pronounced Ying Hua in Chinese. I have no idea where the other spelling comes from.
As always, thanks for reading and reviewing my fics.
*AU
Beauty of the Heart
Chapter 2 - Quick to be Judged
Amora
*******Tomoeda*******
Syaoran groaned as the morning light pierced through his defenses. Squinting to his left, he realized that he didn't have an alarm clock. With some difficulty, he sat up and went to take a shower. As he passed the bathroom mirror, the horrors of the day before crashed into him full force. It wasn't a dream. Every embarrassing and humiliating moment was reality.
Groaning at what was to come, Syaoran mentally prepared himself for the countless mental and physical jibes. Looking down, he realized that his old clothes no longer fit. He had shrunk in height but had doubled his original waist size. He would need to go shopping for clothes before anything else.
As Syaoran wandered to the lobby of the complex, the landlady gave him another toothless smile.
"Good morning! If you're looking for breakfast, I'll advise you to go to the Hiiragizawa Café that's three blocks from here. It's the only restaurant around here that will serve people like us. The others are too snobbish for their own good."
At this Syaoran narrowed his eyes. "Surely people can't be THAT narrow-minded..."
"Take my advice. I've seen many like you who have suffered from society's ignorance and judgment. The results aren't pretty. They usually suffer from chronic depression or something worse."
Syaoran nodded. 'When this is over,' he vowed, 'I'm going to do everything I can to change what people like me have to go through. Nobody deserves to suffer through this.' As he stepped out the door, the old lady looked quizzically at him. There had been such fire in his eyes. She could tell that he was determined to make changes. She sighed sadly as she thought of what would happen to him.
"Hey you! Get outta here!" A shop owner yelled and threw Syaoran out when he tried to ask for directions. As the other customers glared at him for making a scene, Syaoran nodded solemnly and walked out with his head bowed. Rounding the corner, he saw a bright blue sign that marked the place he was looking for. Hiiragizawa Café.
"Welcome to the Hiiragizawa Café sir! Er...you are a sir right?" A hostess greeted. When Syaoran growled, she nervously apologized and led him to his seat. As he was handed a menu, Syaoran took the opportunity to look around.
The place was very well decorated. With its crystal chandeliers and marble flooring, it could pass for a high-class haven. In the middle of the café stood a white marble fountain that strangely resembled a digital camera. Syaoran blinked several times but the image remained the same.
'The owner must be loaded.' Syaoran thought to himself as he scrutinized the customers. A majority he could easily pick out as the social elite with their sharp tuxes and slick hair. Others were normal families enjoying their Sunday mornings. Feeling out of place, Syaoran immediately looked down at his menu. Hopefully nobody noticed him as he sat in a tiny booth off to the side.
"How are you doing today Sir?" Syaoran's thought were interrupted by an enigmatic voice that contained a deep English accent. Looking up, he saw someone with piercing blue eyes and wavy purple hair. A small smile donned the face of the newcomer lighting it up with mystery. "I highly suggest the Oaxacan Chocolate Mocha Cake."
Syaoran stared at the newcomer for a moment before grinning. "I believe I will. Thank you for the suggestion."
"It was my pleasure sir. May I sit down?" Syaoran raised his eyebrow and nodded. As the stranger took his seat, Syaoran examined him once more. Even though Syaoran was no expert in how men appeared, he had no doubt that this man in front of him would be found 'dashing' by women everywhere. Why he was associating with someone of Syaoran's appearance was baffling.
"I hope you like our establishment." As Syaoran looked at him quizzically, he continued. "I am Eriol Hiiragizawa."
"H-Hiiragizawa? You're the owner?" Syaoran managed to choke out before coughing up the water he just drank. As he stared at the stranger incredulously, a grin appeared on Eriol's face.
"Don't be surprised. Not many people recognize me. Not even all the employees know who I am."
Syaoran nodded. "I see. But why are you associating with the likes of me? It would hurt your status if we are seen together."
Eriol scoffed at this. "Nobody knows who I am remember? And even if they do, what does it matter to me what they think?"
After hearing those words, Syaoran smiled and held out his hand. "My name is Li Syaoran. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm glad that there's some decent people left in this world after all."
Taking the offered hand, Eriol shook it. "Are you new to this area Li-kun?"
"I just arrived in Tomoeda yesterday. I'm transferring here from Hong Kong for a few months. Where is the nearest high school?"
Eriol looked thoughtful for a moment before replying. "It's Seijou. That's the school I attend. I want to continue my education even though I- " he was cut off by yelling.
"Hey Hiiragizawa!" came a rough voice from the front side of the café. Both Eriol and Syaoran turned to face a pair of dark brown eyes glaring at him. "I want you to stay the hell away from my girlfriend!"
Eriol rolled his eyes. "Of course Tsuyoshi." He said sarcastically. "I would never dream of coming between the two of you."
As Tsuyoshi turned his attention from Eriol to Syaoran, he smirked. "What the hell are you doing Hiiragizawa? You shouldn't lower yourself to a state where you associate with genetic malfunctions like that!" he said gesturing towards Syaoran. At this, every eye in the restaurant turned towards the trio and silence ensured.
"I'd appreciate if you didn't talk about my customers like that. It's very rude." Eriol said calmly. He stared at Tsuyoshi until the latter broke eye contact. With one final glare towards Syaoran, Tsuyoshi turned and left kicking the entrance open. Eriol sighed and turned back to Syaoran.
"I guess everyone knows who you are now." Syaoran said slowly. "Well arigatou anyway." Eriol started to reply but he was cut off. "So what was he talking about?"
"That baka thinks I'm going for his girlfriend. He can't get it through his thick head that I already have one. Maybe he can't get over the fact that our girlfriends are best friends with each other and I hang out with them both."
Syaoran chuckled. "Well I have to go register for school. Thanks for your company Hiiragizawa-kun. I'll see you at school." Eriol nodded and they shook hands once more before Syaoran got up and left. As soon as he was out of sight, the hostess came over and approached Eriol.
"I really feel sorry for him..." she said softly. Eriol grinned when he heard this.
"There's no need. Li-kun will be fine." He replied and then added silently. 'Besides. In a few days, you'll be begging my descendant to look your way.'
******
"What! You want to enroll in my school? Hahaha! Name one reason why I should!" The principal took one look at Syaoran before he burst out laughing. Syaoran was desperately trying to plead his case but to no avail. Finally, he stuffed his hands into his pocket and pulled out a wad of bills. The principal immediately stopped laughing and eyed the money hungrily.
"Tell you what kid. If you give me that and promise to keep silent, I'll let you enroll in this school. Hell, I'll even forge some documents and have you placed in any class you choose. Deal?"
Syaoran considered the terms and sighed. It seemed that bribery would be the only way to get into a decent school in his physical form. He nodded.
"Excellent! But money or not, I can't let you enroll with what you're wearing. Go buy some new clothes and then we'll talk." As Syaoran left, the principal was left to wonder about the transferee.
'What an ugly kid!' He thought. 'I hope that it won't hurt the school's reputation too bad with him here. The money better be worth it. Maybe I can get the other kids to harass him until he leaves...'
******
"How much is this outfit?" Syaoran asked a salesperson about an outfit that caught his eye. It was an entire outfit of spandex that was guaranteed to "Stretch to any size and back". Maybe he could wear this to capture cards.
"Our normal price is $199, but since it's you, I'll give it to you for $799. Take it or leave it." The salesperson sneered.
"That's robbery! What would the Japanese Civil Liberties Union say about that?" Syaoran demanded. The salesperson gritted his teeth but relented.
"Very well. I'll sell it to you for the marked price. But don't ever come here again!" As he rung up the order, he refused to bag the item. Furthermore he refused to give Syaoran his change.
"Fine. I won't ever shop here again but you haven't heard the last of me. I'll be back!" Syaoran declared before leaving a very angry employee behind.
Ignoring the harsh stares he was receiving, Syaoran went into the restroom and changed into his new outfit with tremendous difficulty. The spandex was indeed stretched to the limit. As the last occupant of the restroom left, a sudden tingling sensation invaded his senses. The room spun around as Syaoran felt dizzy and collapsed to the ground unconscious.
Opening his eyes moments later, Syaoran got up. He gasped as he stared into the mirror. His old self was back. Wasting no time jumping for joy, he instantly felt the tug of his magical senses and followed them to where they were pointing.
As he ran to where his senses were directing him, Syaoran once again noticed that he was being stared at. He noted that the animosity and disgust of the previous stares were gone. In addition to that, the only people who stared at him were girls. Shaking the thought from his head, he ran on.
As Syaoran approached the place where he was being led, he materialized his sword. Hearing screams from the nearby park, he instantly hid himself in the bushes. Peering out of the brush, he gasped at the sight before him.
"This is the sword card Sakura! Be careful!" A small winged animal shouted to his left. A girl of around his age appeared.
"Ok Kero-chan!" She said and dodged a swipe from a phantom sword that Syaoran guessed was the sword card. It wasn't the fight that had caused Syaoran to gasp quietly though. It was her. This girl who moves with the grace of a goddess and had the beauty of Aphrodite herself. Her enchanting emerald green eyes and strong pink aura captivated Syaoran as he followed her angelic dodges of the card's attack. The spell was broken as the tiny animal shouted when the card disappeared.
"It's hiding Sakura! Don't rely on your eyes! Use your magical senses!" it screamed as the sword card materialized behind her. "Behind you Sakura!"
As the card was about to skewer her from behind, Syaoran jumped into the fight. Using his own sword to parry the attack, he successfully caused the card to miss its intended target by mere centimeters. He sighed in relief as the sword card retreated above them. Standing in front of a bewildered Sakura, Syaoran glared at the card.
"I am Li Xiaolang, and you Card of Clow, are mine!" Syaoran snarled and charged the card. It seemed to accept his challenge and descended at its new target. As Syaoran blocked and parried with the sword card, Sakura examined her savior and blushed.
As she continued to stare, she noted his deep glowing amber eyes that were burning with determination. His sharp cheekbone complemented his frown of concentration. The skintight bodysuit he wore left little to the imagination. It clung onto every muscle and outlined his strong chest, shoulders, and washboard abs. She blushed further as her eyes traveled even lower. Her concentration was broken as she heard him scream an incantation.
"Raiden Shorai!" Heavy bolts of lightning immediately hit the card from all directions. As the attack went on, she could feel the card weakening. As if acting on cue, Sakura took out her wand and sealed the card as soon as the attack as over. It hovered for a moment and to her surprise floated to her savior.
Syaoran caught the card and turned to the girl smiling shyly. He walked over to her slowly and handed her the card. Sakura took it unsure of her actions. As she stared at him wonderingly, he turned and started to walk away.
"Matte!" Sakura yelled as she saw him leaving. "Thank you for everything..." she whispered to him as he turned his head to face her. Her blush intensified as she saw a smile light up his face. It was infectious and she soon found herself smiling as well.
"Always Ying Hua. We will meet again..." with that Syaoran turned and disappeared.
"Hey! Who was that kid?" Kero demanded.
"I don't know Kero-chan." Sakura replied holding the newly acquired card close to her rapidly beating heart. "But I intend to find out..."
End of Chapter 2
Scenes From Chapter 3:
"Wow check out the new freak in town."
"I was in the presence of an angel last night."
"You're Tsuyoshi's girlfriend?"
"I'll always protect you Ying Hua. No matter what..."
A/N: Syaoran heard Kero call out Sakura's name so being as fluent in two languages as he is, he did a quick translation even though she doesn't know what it means. I've read fics where authors claim that Sakura's name is Ying Fa but if you translate it literally, cherry blossom is pronounced Ying Hua in Chinese. I have no idea where the other spelling comes from.
As always, thanks for reading and reviewing my fics.