Cardcaptor
Sakura
Parallel
Fates
Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura. It rightfully belongs to CLAMP, Kodansha, and other licensees.
Disclaimer 1: All new characters in this fan fiction are rightfully mine. I created them! Anyone steals them will get a whooping!
Disclaimer 2: No profit is accumulated while on this venture. My boredom seeks to fuel me.
Chapter 1: Ordinary Day/ Things to Come
Tsukimine Shrine had never looked more splendid on a starry night. The lanterns lit down upon the winding stone-cobbled roads, leading to the giant oak tree that stood proudly in the temple's core. Its branches swayed amongst the wind's perpetual dance as the green foliage above illuminated in a bright glow. I stood by the gates, the wind blowing ever so softly against the cherry blossom trees of the gardens, their petals floating around me. My guardians stood on each of my side, lingering anxiously beside me, and yet anticipative of the event unfolding before us. The wind began to blow strong gusts, and the lanterns began to dim sharply.
Flashes and barrages of images began to ring through the shrine, the pictures chiming to a music box echoing though the place of pilgrimage. A staff, three silhouettes, figures and shapes I have never seen before. Amongst the faint light emitting from overhanging lanterns, three dark figures stood atop the shrine's gates, two resembled my own guardians whilst the other stood tall, long robes flailing subtly despite the wild tempest. Images continued to appear, faster, brighter, the shrine befalling a scene of swirling dark clouds and flourishing wings. A force, a mystical atmosphere brewed a dark enchantment, an evil unimaginable.
The figure above the gates continued to stand in the wind, its eyes gazing at me with compassion and warmth. Yet a deep black pool rested from within its depths, emptiness, and an unrelenting void that consumed the soul. The night sky grew darker as the stars disappeared from above one by one, until, what was left of Tsukimine Shrine was only left in darkness.
"W-A-I!"
The alarm clock rang through the room, its echoed chime bouncing against the pink walls surrounding the young youth in bed. The sunlight seeped through the blinds in small rays that showered over the head of the bed, whilst the chill of the morning crept down the curve of the young girl's spine. A loud yawn escaped her lips as her hand roofed over her mouth, stifling the intensity of her slumber. She grasped her hand over the clock, shutting off the consistent ringing and placing it over the bedside table. Her dreary eyes gazed around her room patterned in bright bands of the dawn rising.
"What was that all about?" she quietly asked herself, rubbing her eyes of sleep. She slowly turned to her bedside and eventually raised herself onto her feet. She stretched her limbs and walked towards her window, opening the shades as a shower of sunshine poured through the pane. She squinted momentarily from the morning light's brightness, awaking to another new day. With the amount of energy retrieved from her sleep, she paced towards her closet and reached for her school uniform piled within the confines of her less-organised wardrobe.
"Sakura-san! Breakfast is ready!" hollered a voice from below, the smell of breakfast catching her nose.
"Hai!" she replied, grabbing her school shoulder bag amongst the pile of clothes cluttered everywhere.
At her writing desk, a small shelf was left ajar, a small creature slept in deep slumber within its space. He mumbled in his sleep of sweets and desserts. Startled, Sakura turned towards the desk, staring at the little bundle sleeping within. He awoke slowly, standing from his bed and leaning over the shelf's edge.
"Is it morning already?" he asked drearily.
Sakura smiled as she walked towards her bedside drawer, kneeling over to face the little creature. "Hai, and it's my first day," she replied.
The creature flew leisurely out of the shelf, facing his master and best friend as he floated above her. Sakura slipped into her top, hurrying her morning routine as she ran towards her dressing table, giving her hazel locks a quick brush.
"You're really excited about your last year of Senior High, are you?" the creature asked inquisitively.
Sakura rushed around her room, finding her school briefcase and diverting her attention to her guardian. "Of course Kero-chan," she answered, with a cheerful smile across her face.
"You do realise your powers are growing stronger."
"Hai."
"And there is always a consequence to a magical response, especially increase of power. I'm only warning you for your own good Sakura."
Sakura stood blankly in confusion with a baffled look crossing on her face.
"I can tell," he continued in thought. "Those trials of practice you've been through caught my attention last year. Alongside Tomoyo's fashions and utilising your friend's vivid imaginative creations, your abilities have matured powerfully than in the past. There is a reason behind it. But what it is, I'm not sure."
Sakura stood in silence as she reflected upon the words of her guardian, reminiscing the growth and development of her magical abilities. Reasons unbeknownst to her filled her concerned thoughts of this mutual escalation of power, yet they forewarned a larger design.
The past six years of her life drifted by as a normal schoolgirl life. Now, she had transformed into a budding eighteen-year-old teenager attending what is her last year of Senior High: Grade 12. Albeit her normal life running by her for all these years, Sakura never neglected her magical abilities and powers of a Cardcaptor and Card Mistress of her Sakura Cards. To her, she felt responsible for the growing control and respect for the cards, and so continued to train every now and then in sharpening her skills as Card Mistress. Yet, a foreboding sensation ran through her, underlining her responsibility and transforming it into a matter of priority and preparation for a greater purpose.
Sakura's thoughts jarred under Kero-chan's impressions and concerns as she shook her head out of thought, smiling down at her little guardian.
"Kero-chan, I think it's your imagination," she reassured earnestly. "There isn't anything else that could happen in Tomoeda. It's been years."
Kero-chan's eyes saddened. "I know, but I'm just concerned," he counselled. "Just be careful."
Sakura nodded her head in response to Kero-chan's concerns and began heading for her bedroom door. Her dream was all she could focus on at the moment. The wild and frantic imagery that perplexed her own reasoning came to baffle her. She just could not point out the meaning behind it. Sakura did not want to worry Kero-chan about it either for it had been years since she had dreams of foresight. However, she could not help but to consider the possibility that her upsurge in power had stimulated this foresight. Yet, the time was too soon to judge, or pass on judgement, of the event and thereafter.
Sakura reached for her bedroom doorknob, ready for the day ahead of her. However, Kero-chan interrupted her train of thought, as well as her actions.
"Ano, Sakura?" he asked politely.
Sakura turned around to face her guardian. "Yes?" she asked.
Kero-chan scanned her for a while with a disconcerted look on his face. "Are you going to your first day in that?"
Sakura peered below, observing her uniform apparel for the day. She had slipped on her shirt, however she failed to change out of her loose pyjamas, the distinct pattern of teddy bears imprinted on its cotton fabric.
Below, within the kitchen of the Kinomoto household, Fujitaka was busy making breakfast and waiting patiently for the only residence left to arrive for the morning.
"H-O-E-E!" cried a voice from above, Fujitaka's head impulsively swinging towards the ceiling. Although startled, he smiled in content regarding Sakura's habits, chuckling under his breath silently in the kitchen.
"Ohaiyou," greeted Sakura, finally reaching downstairs in full school uniform.
"Ohaiyou gozaimasu," greeted Fujitaka back, placing the breakfast meals upon the kitchen table.
Sakura walked towards him, laying her school briefcase by the table's legs and turning towards her mother's portrait, which had still stood upon the mahogany piece for all these years.
"Ohaiyou," she quietly addressed the portrait, her mother's never-ending smile returning her welcome. Sakura took a chair and sat by the table, the breakfast all readied and placed for the both of them.
"This looks great," she commented.
"Well, I'm glad," replied Fujitaka, seating himself opposite Sakura.
"Itadakimasu!" they both exclaimed in respect. As they began consuming their morning meals, Fujitaka gazed at his daughter with benevolent eyes and a contented smile.
"So, are you meeting up with Daidouji-chan today?" he asked.
"Not today," replied Sakura politely. "I'm planning on meeting Syaoran-kun by the end of the cherry blossom lane, if that's not too much trouble Otou-san."
Fujitaka nodded in reply, smiling contently at his teenage daughter. "Of course, there's no trouble at all."
Sakura smiled softly at her father's gracious acceptance. She had, for some time, grown a deep bond that she and Syaoran now shared. But, she had also fully realised of her father's approval of the matter, growing more accepting of her relationship with Syaoran. In all that was right, Sakura wished most people were as understanding and kind as her father.
The morning meal was consumed and the dishes were cleansed and cleared. Sakura rushed towards her front porch as she began setting her roller-blade gear and her roller-blades.
"Itte kimasu," exclaimed Sakura, skating out of the front gate and down the road.
"Ittarasshai," replied her father, watching her leave around the corner. Fujitaka stood by the semi-open gate as he slowly smiled contently to himself. From behind his tall figure, a transparent hand laid gently upon his shoulder, its light skin reflecting against the morning rays of sunshine.
"You've raised her very well, Fujitaka-kun," remarked a soft female voice behind him.
Fujitaka lowered his head softly, his eyes displaying warmth and tenderness. "I couldn't have done it without your help, Nadeshiko-san," he replied, turning towards the small figure behind him.
Before him stood his wife, Nadeshiko, shining upon him the same tender smile as her portrait had always displayed. She smiled contently and sweetly at her husband with supportive air resonating from her touch. Fujitaka gently returned the smile, facing his wife with utmost respect and love.
Much to Fujitaka's surprise and overwhelming emotions that ran through him, the sight of his wife created a storm of emotions within him, of sadness and happiness. It was from that time and onwards that he had the pleasure of seeing his wife despite the situation placed upon him. It was the sensation of being able to talk with her once again, even in death, to help him with what life had thrown in their family's way, and of future obstacles as well.
Sakura skated through the quiet streets of the morning in her neighbourhood, passing by many houses before reaching the cherry blossoms that ran down the long lane towards school. The trees danced above in the quiet breeze as their blooming cherry blossoms floated above her like snow. Whilst making her way down the lane, Sakura spun herself backwards in mesmerisation of the scene that unfolded before her eyes. The softness of the petals that fell from above rushed by her in a pink kaleidoscope against the blue skies. Gazing around the mystical atmosphere of the cherry blossoms, images flashed in her mind again of the staff, the figures, and the shrine amidst the serenity of that starry yet dark night. Although her body continued to skate down the lane, her face stood motionless as she waltzed into deep thought.
What's with that dream? she wondered, her eyes continuing to stare above her. Is it true that Kero-chan might be right about this? Thoughts ran through her mind as the scenery before her sped slowly by her. Albeit the extremities of her concerns, she spun to face the lane and continued skating the path ahead of her. The words of Kero-chan and of her own dream experiences bounced around in her mind, the idea catching itself onto her mindset over the mystical matter.
Sakura shook her head in confusion as she held her face in fluster. Sighing faintly, she looked ahead of her destination, spotting a figure standing alone with a bicycle by his side. She beamed in happiness as she sped herself towards the end of the lane. Memories flooded back from her past morning travels with her elder brother, Touya, and always meeting up with Yukito whom used to wait for the both of them down by the path's end. The recollections of her old self transformed before her, as the figure replacing Yukito's spot turned around and smiled with content as she approached him. She slowed down to halt quietly, beaming her smile upon his presence.
"Ohaiyou Sakura," greeted Syaoran, holding onto his bicycle.
"Ohaiyou gozaimasu," greeted Sakura back.
"Shall we?"
Sakura nodded happily as Syaoran hopped onto his bicycle and rode off alongside her. Both students paced themselves towards Seijou High as they conversed and waited for the day to unfold before them.
The school chime sang its melodic tone throughout the school as it signalled the beginning of the morn. Inside cubicle 12-B, everyone waited for the class to begin, the room filled with chatter and conversation. Syaoran and Sakura swung the sliding doors open and greeted the class within, most of the others greeting back to the couple. Both Sakura and Syaoran entered the cubicle together, looking around the classroom for any seating that was available to them.
"OhaiyouSakura-chan," waved Rika standing by the large windows in the cubicle.
Naoko, Chiharu, and Takashi turned their heads towards the couple as smiles appeared on their faces.
"Ohaiyou," greeted Sakura back.
"Ohaiyou," greeted Syaoran also.
"I can't believe we're all in the same class again," remarked Chiharu starry-eyed.
Sakura smiled softly in response as the same elated feeling rushed through her being. "Hai, it must be coincidence," she replied sincerely.
"This is great," remarked Naoko. "Our last year of Seijou High and we can end it with all of us together."
The group had been separated for the majority between middle school and high school, and as such, it had been quite some time the group ever got themselves together due to this division. However, Sakura felt pleased to have the last year of Senior High with all of her old-time friends. It was reliving the old days of elementary once again; with the exception of the group's change and growth over the years they have known each other.
Chiharu and Takashi were now in a budding couple relationship, almost on par with Sakura and Syaoran. However, Chiharu still had to always point out Takashi's lies that he still kept up with. Takashi, still the big fibber he had been, always found it more fun in that way. Naoko had broadened her creative horizons to new and high levels as she had always created most of the school plays within any given grade she attended. She had produced many wonderful performances, ranging from the romantic to the adventurous, and still had that knack for creative writing. Rika had always been the mature student out of the group, and to this day had always resonated a mature air towards others. In sense of it all, she still kept Terada-sensei's engagement ring since her years in elementary, and now wears the small golden piece of jewellery everywhere she goes, including school.
Sakura smiled once again as she looked around the large cubicle. "Is Tomoyo-chan in this class too?" she asked inquisitively.
"She's over there reading," replied Chiharu as she jabbed her thumb towards the end of the classroom.
A docile figure seated not too far from the group, her long hair flowing down her shoulders, and her eyes attentively engrossed in the thick narrative before her.
"She really is into those history novels," commented Naoko as Sakura cocked her head towards Tomoyo.
A wave of awkwardness washed over Sakura as she laughed faintly under her breath. "Well, that's Tomoyo-chan for you," she remarked.
Syaoran stood beside Sakura in amazement, yet with a blank expression plastered upon his visage. He sighed in mild content, observing Tomoyo from the distance that he stood.
"Did you know that back in the ancient days of post-war, ninjas were professionals in their field since their birth?" began Takashi with a matter-of-factly tone in his voice, capturing the attention of Sakura and Syaoran away from Tomoyo.
"Hoee?" asked Sakura out of curiosity alongside Syaoran staring at Takashi in interest.
Naoko sighed softly under her breath whilst Rika softly smiled. Chiharu, however, grew annoyed at another Takashi lie as her rage boiled within her.
"Back in those days," began Takashi. "There was a fortuneteller, who foretold that a huge war would wage against two clans even though they have both been allies from wars beforehand. One clan, hearing this tragic news, planned to retrieve every baby their clan had delivered and began their training then. Soon, years passed on and –"
"We all get the message Takashi-kun," interrupted Chiharu, grabbing Takashi's school collar with an arrogant look on her face.
Both Sakura and Syaoran stood in confusion as Chiharu dragged Takashi across the room towards their desks ahead of them.
"Don't worry, I'll tell you all about it," Takashi reassured.
"That's the last thing they, or I, need," bluntly remarked Chiharu.
"Did he really mean that?" asked Sakura quietly.
Rika smiled upon her gullible friends in content. "You know Yamazaki-kun," she replied. "He would grab any small opportunity to fool one of you."
Syaoran sighed in ignorance and Sakura smiled in embarrassment realising Rika's implying remark upon the both of them.
"Sakura-chan," called a voice from behind, diverting Sakura's attention in its direction. Tomoyo sat by her desk with the novel placed before her on her mahogany desk. Sakura walked over towards her best friend and placed her briefcase on the desk neighbouring to her.
"Ohaiyou Tomoyo-chan," greeted Sakura as Syaoran followed her lead towards his desk.
"Ohaiyou Daidouji," waved Syaoran, seating himself in front of Tomoyo. She smiled softly in content.
"Ohaiyou," she replied. "How have you both been?"
"Wonderful," replied Sakura. "It's great to finally see each other at school now."
Syaoran nodded in agreement with Sakura's joy. Tomoyo smiled at the warm reception.
"Hai," she concurred. "It's great to finally spend some time together."
The room lowered in voice as the class teacher entered into the bustling room overrun with teenage students. Everyone took to their seats, readying their minds for the new school year. However, towards Sakura's amazement, her eyes focused on the teacher's reposed demeanour. His familiarity within the young girl echoed early thoughts in her mind, reminiscing old memories of her elementary days.
It can't be, she thought inwardly.
Although class arrangements surprised her enough for the start of the day, the presence of the class' home teacher astonished her in her thoughts as Terada-sensei placed his papers on the stand. He flipped through numerous amount of paperwork and stood before the class with a confident attitude and a smile upon his youthful face.
"Well, it seems there are a few familiar faces around here," he assumed as he gazed over the class of teenagers. "I hope this will be a delightful and wonderful experience for all of you, as final-year students of Seijou High."
Students faintly rose in voice with anticipation of the coming year. Sakura sat apathetically upon her seat as her eyes stared off into the desk before her. Thoughts of the morning discussion between herself and Kero-chan began to emerge into her mind once more. Syaoran turned towards Sakura, watching over her anxious air and also feeling tension from within her. The day began apprehensively for Sakura, despite the everyday normal consequence that is life.
School progressed normally, regardless of Sakura's mild concern over the morning's experience. The group had gotten to re-introduce each other and catch up on their recent activities and events from over the years. They had gotten to know each other all over again, although Takashi attempted many times to rekindle his tall-tale fibs throughout the day with Chiharu continually ceasing his many antics. But as everything has a beginning, all must come to an end and everyone bid each other farewell after this school day.
The skies were still clear with the sun beginning to set above the horizon. As everyone departed school for their warm homes, Sakura, Tomoyo, and Syaoran walked towards the school gates among the groups of students passing them by. Reaching the curb of the street, the three stood waiting for Tomoyo's ride with Syaoran holding onto his bike, and Sakura suited in her roller gear.
"Sakura-chan?" asked Tomoyo beside her best friend.
"Hn?" replied Sakura rolling along her roller skates.
"I've been working on another costume lately and was hoping you can try it on in action again. Would you?"
Sakura smiled awkwardly despite the dreamy grin Tomoyo had plastered on her face. She sighed inwardly and returned her smile in gentle repose.
"Un," she brightly answered.
Syaoran, standing beside Sakura, placed a hand on her shoulder as she turned in response to his gentle touch. Facing towards him, Sakura witnessed the concern and worry that was written across his face.
"You weren't yourself today," stated Syaoran. "Has something been on your mind?"
Sakura lowered her head towards the cement paving, her thoughts rushing through her mind in a blur. Despite the inner anxiety she felt, she perked up with a bright smile towards Syaoran.
"No, nothing's wrong," she replied. "I've just been thinking lately."
Although white lies never suited her well, Sakura had only felt self-conscious of how the day had unfolded concerning the morning. Sakura's mind had been wandering all day, contemplating on the details of events that had developed throughout the day. Did they connect together for a purpose?
Kero-chan's words echoed through her mind, his concerns of her growth in magical power secretly overwhelming her for the entire day. She was troubled, yes, but the situation of troubling others over such concerns would, in her mindset, create a worse case scenario. It was not too long for the three teenagers as a limousine drove up towards the curb and parked beside them. Female bodyguards departed from its glazed confines suited up with sunglasses and all.
"Daidouji-san," called one chaperon leading the young teenager to her seat.
Tomoyo bowed in respect and walked towards the limousine, entering into its softer interiors, as did her bodyguards. "Konbanwa," she farewelled as the limousine departed.
Sakura and Syaoran waved back as they watched the car drive off down the street and out of sight. The school had now turned empty, as most to all students had already disappeared from the school premises, leaving only the two young teenagers by the curb of the street.
Sakura turned to Syaoran as he did to her, both with smiling faces, the warmth radiating from their presence felt between them. After everything they had been through, Sakura and Syaoran both felt whole together. An on-going relationship blossomed between them for three years as the both of them shared a strong link between each other. Like Sakura, Syaoran also proceeded into practicing and honing his magical skills as a sorcerer and a warrior, physically and mentally. It was apparent that on some occasions, Syaoran would join Sakura in one of her many training battles against Naoko's creations to test his own strengths and abilities, and aid in finding his weaknesses.
Syaoran wrapped an arm around Sakura as she leaned her head upon his shoulder, savouring the time they had alone before departing off of school grounds. He looked down at her with concerned eyes.
"There is something wrong is there?" he asked.
Sakura looked up at him, sighing deeply as she immediately dropped her eyes towards the concrete footpath below.
"You just didn't want Daidouji to know," he continued, reassuring her feelings inside.
Sakura raised her head towards Syaoran once more as she pulled away from the floor, yet did not look at his eyes. "Un," she quietly answered.
"What is it?"
Sakura slowly looked into Syaoran's eyes with concern filling her own. She breathed slowly in nervousness. "I think something's going on," she answered, pausing herself from any further judgements.
Syaoran stood in confusion, still keeping contact with Sakura's well being.
"I mean, I think somethingmight happen soon," she explained. "But, I'm not sure if it's just my imagination or not."
Concerned, Syaoran grew stern over the matter, his guess as good as any over Sakura's inner conflict. Placing his bike on its resting pedal, he immediately held onto Sakura's shoulders gently as he turned directly towards her.
"Sakura," he began. "If you feel something's wrong, please speak up. I don't want anything happening to you."
Sakura grew hesitant, yet she felt the warmth of affection Syaoran displayed to her. Albeit the concern Syaoran had shown and the reassurance he provided, Sakura alone could not find the right reasons for informing Syaoran over something so sudden. Let alone, something that had only happened just that day. Yet, she felt uneasy over the situation that could possibly be true.
"Syaoran," she began. "I… I had a… I had…" She began to stutter whilst Syaoran eyed her in calm disposition.
Despite the couple's discussion, the whirring of a car echoed in the distance as it drew closer towards the school. Losing their attention, both Sakura and Syaoran looked towards the sound of the engine as it stopped abruptly by the street's curb, scaring the two young teenagers. Both Syaoran and Sakura jumped in surprise as Sakura held onto Syaoran's chest whilst Syaoran clutched her in his arms.
The blue Honda stood beside them as the windows rolled down by its passenger seat, revealing a familiar young man in the driver seat.
"Konnichiwa," replied the driver his wryly grin shining at the couple's scene.
Recognising the driver, Sakura turned cross and pouted. "Onii-chan!" she yelled in aggravation. "Don't you ever do that again! You hear me?"
Touya smirked once again at his sister's display. "No problem, Kaijuu," he teased.
Sakura began to fume under pressure. Despite being a teenager, she still had to deal with her older brother Touya still calling her a monster.
"Come on, jump in," he said, opening the passenger door.
Sakura's anger withered away as it was replaced with confusion. "Hoee?" she asked.
"Otou-san asked for me to get the groceries and pick you up on the way."
The recent turn of events caught her off guard as she turned towards Syaoran still somewhat catching his breath from the sudden fiasco. She sighed inwardly due to her brother's presence, yet still wanted to tell Syaoran about her troubles.
"You can tell me later," reassured Syaoran, catching Sakura out of her small trail of thought. "I'll be waiting."
Sakura gently smiled at Syaoran, as did Syaoran returning her smile. She entered her brother's vehicle, closing the passenger door behind her. It was times like these that she wished everyone were like her father, accepting. The majority of the time she took just entering the car was filled with icy daggers and glares from both males present. She only hoped one day they both got along with each other.
The two teenagers bid their farewells as Touya began to drive down the street. Sakura looked back at Syaoran from the side mirror as she watched him mount his bike and cycle away from the school. The questions that popped into her head began to circle. How would she tell him of her dream? How would today be any way significant of that? She only had time, and only time would take her.