Syvonair: KONICHIWA!!! TADAIMA (I'M BACK)!!! *Snicker*
Meiling: YO!
Syvonair: HOW ARE YOU GUYS?
Meiling: YEAH, SYV-CHAN HASN'T BEEN UPDATING RECENTLY SO ALL OF US HERE WANNA KNOW WHATCHA ALL BEEN UP TO!
Syvonair: Okay, since I think you are all probably deaf by now, me and Meiling-chan will tone down. *Giggle* so, like she said, what have you guys been up to? Gomen for not updating sooner, it's just that my school is starting and I'm so excited!
Meiling: Yeah, she's a complete weirdo! Who would actually be excited for school?
Syv I'll use Syv starting this chap 'coz it kinda gets tiring if I have to keep writing Syvonair. I just wanted you guys to know that you can call me that too. It's sort of like a nickname. ^^: Hey! I can't help it! I miss my friends! I haven't seen them in like 2 ½ months! So sue me for getting excited to see them again after such along while!
Meiling: Good idea! I'll sue you!
Syv: *vein mark starts appearing* Then I wouldn't be able to update this story!
Meiling: Oh yeah…oh well! I could update it!
Syv: AS IF!!! Anyway, I'm gonna get on with the thank you list before some loudmouth here delays it any longer.
Meiling: WHAT DID YOU SAY?
Syv: *ignores Meiling* So, I would like to thank the following for reviewing my story.
Anonymous/rosalind
Enchantress Azure
arrow-card- you didn't have to repeat your review so many times. ^^;;;
Anonymous/michelle- I was wondering what happened to you. You didn't review for the second chap and I thought you lost interest in my story. ^^ I'm glad you're back!
Sakura G
Anonymous/cool kagome
Anonymous/sakura princess
Syv: So that's done. Now what's next? *Thoughtful expression* Ano… *realizes someone is screaming* Oh Meiling-chan, nani (what)?
Meiling: *face is purple* I WAS TALKING TO YOU!
Syv: ^^; *laughs nervously* Gomen Meiling-chan! L-let's say the disclaimer shall we?
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the CCS characters. I didn't steal them either! I just umm…borrowed them…yeah borrowed them! That's it! So don't sue me, I didn't do nothing bad!
Meiling: *muttering* Yeah right…
Syv: Anyways, do you think it's time to start the story?
Readers: YEAH!!!
Syv: Okay, let's start!
(Translation) ~only for uncommon words
'Thoughts'
"Talking"
Author note
In the last chapter: Syaoran just smiled at her as he watched the sleeping goddess before him. He turned to the window for just a moment before turning back to Sakura. 'What's bothering you Sakura?'
Sakura had stayed in the hospital for a week so the doctors could check on her and make sure she was really ready to leave. She did get injured pretty badly so they were unsure if it was a wise decision to let her leave so early. But Sakura didn't like to stay in the hospital for very long. After all her mother did die in a hospital bed similar to the one she was in, so she convinced them she was fine and they finally agreed to let her go.
Sakura had just arrived home and was staring at the outside of her home, enjoying the feel of being back home. Syaoran had walked her home and was insisting on staying until he made sure Sakura was safely inside, but she told him to go home already. After all, he had watched over her the whole week and Meiling was probably waiting for his return. And, she told him, what could happen? She was just on the front step of her home. Nothing bad could possibly happen to her.
'Yeah, nothing bad could possibly happen,' Sakura thought as she reached for the doorknob.
Suddenly, Sakura felt an unknown yet familiar aura. She whipped around searching for any signs of the person who wielded this dark aura. She couldn't quite remember where she felt this aura before as she looked around alert for any signs of danger.
Soon, a shadow appeared before Sakura. At first, it was just some dark void but it slowly started to shape itself. Right before Sakura's eyes, the void formed a head, then a neck, followed by the body, and lastly, feet. The dark void soon became solid and took in colours.
When the transformation was complete, what was once a black shapeless shadow was now the redheaded boy who put Sakura in the hospital in the first place.
"Omae (you)," Sakura muttered.
"Hai, Card Mistress. It is I, Xue."
"Xue… What do you want from me?"
The redheaded boy who called himself Xue sighed before turning his gaze back to Sakura.
"How many times must I repeat myself," he asked before smirking and saying, "Come with me to my Master."
"Iie! I won't come with you!"
"Iie? So you don't care about your dad and brother?"
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, "What about 'touchan and 'niichan? What did you do to them?"
Seeing as he got Sakura's attention, Xue put his pointer finger on his chin in a thinking manner before looking up and saying, "Hmmm…whatever are you talking about?"
"Don't fool around with me! Return them now!"
"Ah, ah, ah! You have to come with me first or you won't see them again," Xue smirked.
Sakura looked at him suspiciously, "How do I know if you'll even return them?"
"You don't. You'll just have to try it if you want to see them again."
Sakura glared at him, unsure of what she should do. He laughed an evil and cold laugh, mocking Sakura.
"I'll give you until sunset to decide, Cherry Blossom. Meet me at the Penguin Park once you've decided. Until then," with that, the redhead vanished in the blink of an eye.
Sakura glared at the spot the boy had stood just a moment ago before her eyes softened and she burst into tears. She sat down on the front step sobbing uncontrollably. Suddenly, warm hands wrapped around her as she looked up. She saw concerned amethyst eyes staring back at her accompanied by a yellow orange ball with wings.
Inside the Kinomoto Residence, Sakura was sitting on the couch hugging her knees crying. Tomoyo and Kero had reduced it to silent sobbing after constant words of comfort. Tomoyo had called Eriol, Syaoran and Meiling the moment she got Sakura to sit on the couch. She was rubbing Sakura's back, trying to console her while waiting for their three friends to arrive. Soon, the doorbell rang. Tomoyo looked at Sakura, unsure if it was wise to leave her alone. Deciding it would only be for a short while and she was with Kero anyway, she hurried to the door and let the three teens outside in to the house. As soon as the three teens were inside and the door closed securely behind them, Tomoyo hurriedly explained the situation.
"I was on my way to visit Sakura right after you called, Li-kun. I wanted to make sure she was fine and at the same time return Kero-chan. When I was near, I saw someone sitting on Sakura-chan's front step. I hurried toward the person and I found out that the person was a girl. I heard the person crying and I thought it was just some homeless orphan or something. When I wrapped my hands around the girl, she looked up and I recognized Sakura-chan. I brought her inside and I called you right after. I tried to get her to tell me what was wrong but she just keeps crying and won't answer me."
As soon as they all heard Tomoyo's explanation, they all ran to the living room where Sakura was still sitting on the couch in the same position Tomoyo had last seen her doing with Kero staring at his Mistress. Her sobbing increased a little but otherwise, she didn't look too bad. Syaoran was the first to go to Sakura. Sakura looked up, not recognizing immediately who was in front of her. When realizing it was Syaoran, Sakura's feet dropped to the ground as she hugged Syaoran's waist sobbing into his shirt.
Syaoran, surprised at first by Sakura actions, was unsure what to do when he unconsciously put his arms around Sakura. Tomoyo ran to Sakura followed by Meiling then Eriol. They tried to comfort her, at the same time, trying to get her to say what has gotten her so upset. Sakura didn't respond and just kept crying as they all looked at her worriedly.
When Sakura's sobbing finally decreased, they asked her to explain to them what happened. Sakura slowly looked at them and they all thought she was going to cry again when they saw her eyes glaze over with fresh tears.
"Xue…took…'touchan…'niichan…must go to him…if I want to see…them again…decide by…sunset…Penguin Park."
At first, they didn't seem to understand what she said since she was talking in a soft voice. She tried to repeat it a little louder without bursting into tears. Unfortunately, a tear escaped as it slid down her face. Syaoran looked at her with concern and sympathy as he wiped the tear away with his hand. Sakura looked up at him forcing a smile. It was a poor attempt though, and it looked as if she was going to burst into tears but she managed to contain them.
Once all of them had understood what happened, they all looked at each other thinking of a way to help out Sakura. They were deep in thought when Meiling asked a question.
"Sakura-chan, who is Xue?"
"The redheaded boy I fought with last time," was Sakura's answer.
Meiling's eyes widened in surprise as she cried out, "Him!"
Syaoran growled in anger as he thought to himself, 'that guy is gonna pay! Why won't he leave Sakura alone? What does he want with her?'
Kero barred his teeth and let out a low growl voicing out Syaoran's thoughts, "That guy is so dead when I get my ha-paws on him! Why is he attacking Sakura in the first place?"
Eriol had on a grim expression and Tomoyo was clutching his hand tightly. He softly patted Tomoyo's hand as if assuring her that everything will be all right in the end.
They were too deep in thought that they didn't notice Sakura's sobbing had reduced to hiccups. She slowly got up and everyone looked at her questioningly. She headed to the kitchen mumbling something about tea when Tomoyo got up saying she'd help her. They all stared at her, concern written all over their faces.
In the kitchen, Sakura was persuading Tomoyo to go back and that she would make the tea herself. Tomoyo, on the other hand, said she wanted to help.
"Sakura-chan, let me help you!"
"Iie, I want to do this alone so I can get my mind off certain things. Onegai Tomoyo-chan?"
Tomoyo wasn't sure if she should agree. She made a quick decision then answered Sakura.
"Okay, are you sure you'll be all right alone?"
"Hai."
"Be careful then. And call me if you need any help, okay?"
"Hai, arigatou Tomoyo-chan."
"Dou itashimashite (you're welcome)," was Tomoyo's reply before she left.
Sakura smiled at her friend before proceeding to get the necessary ingredients to make the tea. But Sakura had lied about making the tea alone to get her mind off the matter at hand. She wanted to get Tomoyo out of the way so she could escape without any of them noticing. She hurriedly made the tea and placed the teacups and teapot on a tray. She then hid from view and pulled out her star key. She silently transformed it into the star staff and pulled out a card.
"Mirror," Sakura whispered before making her staff touch the card.
A huge mirror appeared before Sakura. In the mirror was the reflection of a girl of about Sakura's age with long hair flowing all around her and wearing a strange garment. The girl in the mirror slowly took a step forward and when the girl was fully out of the mirror, a girl who looked exactly like Sakura appeared. Everything about her was the same as Sakura. Every fabric of Sakura's clothes was also on the girl and every strand of the girl's hair perfectly matched Sakura. Sakura smiled satisfied.
"Mirror, serve the tea to them when I leave and try to be sad and just listen to what they say. Don't tell them who you are and don't tell them where I went, okay?"
"Hai, demo… will you be all right?"
"Daijoubu! Try not to let them notice the switch yet. They'll probably notice it when I'm far away already. Turn into your card form when they leave to look for me, okay?"
"Hai, kioskete (take care)."
Sakura smiled at the card's concern. Even though it was just a card, it was her friend.
"Arigatou Mirror," with that she left through the window.
Once Mirror couldn't see her mistress, she took the tray and entered the living room. The four teens were talking of a solution to Sakura's problem and they were all deep in thought that they didn't notice the switch. When Tomoyo saw Sakura carrying the tray, she hurried to help. The two girls put the tray on the table before serving tea to the others.
'Something doesn't seem right,' Eriol thought to himself.
"Arigatou Sakura-chan," Meiling said oblivious to the real identity of the person in front of her.
Syaoran nodded his gratitude before smiling at her not knowing it was someone else. Eriol smiled at Tomoyo as she served him his tea. They all didn't notice a change in the person they all loved. Sakura-or should I say the Mirror card-smiled inwardly knowing at the rate they were going, Sakura would be far from here.
The four teens, besides the Mirror, and Kero were thinking of possible solutions to the problem. The Mirror took on Sakura's earlier position hugging her knees all the while pretending to be sad, though not much of pretend anymore when she realized that one of the people taken was Touya. If you guys didn't know, in the series the Mirror card has a strange attraction to Touya. Not a love attraction, just a friendly one.
'Sakura,' Syaoran thought as he looked at the girl all huddled up on the other side of the couch.
That's when Syaoran noticed something. Sakura seemed different. She looked exactly like Sakura even with the tearstains on her cheeks but something was different. He tried to see Sakura's aura when he noticed it.
Everyone else was thinking of a solution to Sakura's dilemma when Syaoran stood up suddenly. They looked up at him questioningly.
"Where is Sakura," Syaoran demanded as he walked to the girl.
The Mirror card was shocked. She saw Syaoran looking at her a while ago but she didn't know that he already figured it out.
Eriol stood up too after checking her aura before saying, "He's right. You aren't Sakura-san, you're the Mirror card. We'd like to know where Sakura-san is. We're worried for her."
The Mirror card got up and smiled at them before shaking her head.
"My Mistress said that I'm not to tell you where she went. Gomenasai."
Syaoran stared at the Mirror card for a moment before turning around and running to the door. He exited the house in a hurry, the others right behind him. When they were all gone, the Mirror card turned back into its card form flying to Sakura.
Syaoran, on the other hand, was hurrying to Penguin Park where he knew Sakura would be. Eriol moved alongside him with the girls and Kero trailing behind.
"It's almost sunset, we have to hurry," Syaoran instructed.
Eriol nodded his head before smirking and saying, "My half daughter is very smart. Using the Mirror card to give her time to escape."
"SMART? She could have told us! If something happens to her, I'll…I'll…ah," Syaoran was frustrated.
When they reached Penguin Park, they saw Sakura standing there with her star staff out and Xue standing in front of her, sword ready.
"Sakura!"
Sakura turned around smiling, as if expecting them. The two boys quickly ran to Sakura all the while summoning their weapons, while Kero turned into his true form teeth barred. Yue appeared a little while later sensing his Mistress was in trouble. The two girls hid by the bushes with Tomoyo capturing everything on video and Meiling sweat dropping.
"You shouldn't have come," Sakura said in a soft voice.
"And why shouldn't we? You're our friend and we don't make friends fight alone," Syaoran answered while glaring at Xue.
Eriol nodded at this before adding, "After all, someone here lo…"
He wasn't able to complete his statement since Syaoran covered his mouth knowing almost immediately what he was gonna say. Sakura was confused though.
"Hoe? What did you say, Eriol-kun?"
"Nandemunayo (nothing) Sakura-san," was his amused reply.
Sakura was still confused but decided there were more important things at hand. She glanced back at Xue who was smirking at them. She glared at him, disgusted by his smug attitude. She just wanted to wipe the smug expression off his face.
"Where is 'touchan and 'niichan? What did you do to them? Show them to me," Sakura demanded.
Xue smirked, "Fine, fine! I'll show them to you. Demo, you cannot have them until you decide to come with me."
Sakura glared at him in reply. His grin seemed to have widened seeing as how Sakura was helpless. With a flick of his fingers, Touya and Fujitaka appeared. They were tied to a post unconscious.
"Otouchan, oniichan!"
Sakura was about to run to them when Xue stepped in front of her. He smirked and his sword materialized in his hand. Sakura jumped back and brought out a card using it to transform her staff into a sword before glaring at him.
At first, neither moved. They just glared at each other and trying to decide who would make the first move. Then Sakura suddenly charged, sword above her head. Xue had raised his sword in order to block the attack. He grinned for what seemed the millionth time before pushing her and jumping backwards. He dashed towards her at an incredible speed. Sakura wasn't that surprised at his speed considering she had already fought him two times. She brought out another card.
"Dash!"
Sakura matched his speed and she blocked his attack. He kept attacking and she blocked in return. They both jumped away from the other before charging again. Xue thrust his sword at Sakura as she dodged it running around him. She raised her sword and was about to hit him when he sped away from where she was standing. Sakura was just about to turn around when she heard a laugh behind her that made her shiver. She froze in her place fearing for the worst. Suddenly, she heard the sound of metal colliding echo throughout the park.
Sakura turned around to find Syaoran blocking Xue's sword. He stopped the sword from touching Sakura. She glanced at him worriedly.
"Akiramenai (don't give up) Sakura," Syaoran said through gritted teeth.
Sakura looked at him before replying, "Hai!"
Her fear was replaced with determination. She looked at Syaoran for a moment.
"Gomenasai Syaoran-kun," Sakura said loud enough for Syaoran to hear before pushing him out of the way at the same time jumping away too, "None of you are allowed to interrupt anymore. I'll do this on my own."
Sakura smiled at all of them before facing her opponent again. She bent down into a fighting stance before charging at him, sword ready for a thrust. That's when she noticed it. There was something in Xue's eyes that seemed different.
Syaoran rolled on the ground stopping beside Eriol. He had heard Sakura but he wasn't sure if it was such a good idea to let her fight him alone. He was about to run to her when Eriol stopped him.
"Sakura-san doesn't want us to help her so we shouldn't try to," Eriol said in a firm voice.
"Demo, Syaoran protested.
"Let's help Sakura-san out in another way," was the calm reply.
"How?"
Eriol looked at the place where Touya and Fujitaka were, unconscious. Syaoran followed his gaze wondering what he meant. Once Syaoran saw where the magician's eyes rested, he understood. They looked at each other in understanding as they walked into the shelter of the trees.
No one else noticed the boys' disappearance. Sakura was too preoccupied with Xue and so was he. Yue and Keroberos were taut with fear for their Mistress. Meiling was watching Sakura in awe as Tomoyo caught all that happened on tape.
"Die Card Mistress!"
Sakura was fighting for her life as she blocked each of his attacks. She was still wondering what was different about him as she was suddenly pushed back. She immediately focused on beating him. She had to think of a strategy.
'How? How can I beat him?'
Sakura racked her brains for a solution. She had to beat him if she wanted her dad and brother back. She was slowly moving back as each hit by Xue's blade came in contact with her own.
Syaoran and Eriol, on the other hand, were moving stealthily in the cover of the trees surrounding the park towards the two unconscious figures on the other end. They hid their auras in case Xue took notice of their disappearance. They could hear the sound of metal colliding as they moved closer to their target. They had to pass many obstacles such as hiding in between trees, ducking under overhanging branches, and jumping over roots of big trees all in silence. They moved closer and closer to their destination with each step they took. After countless obstacles, they made it to the clump of trees just behind the two unconscious captives. They moved closer to the posts, careful not to be seen by Xue.
Once close enough, Eriol and Syaoran cut the bonds that held the two captive quickly and quietly. As Syaoran was cutting Touya's bonds, he woke up to see Sakura fighting some boy he didn't know. He was about to shout to Sakura when Syaoran noticed him and clamped his hand over the older boy's mouth. Angered by this, Touya would have kicked Syaoran but Syaoran quickly whispered to him that if he made a sound, Sakura could die. Hesitating at first, Touya finally agreed to keep quiet as the two crawled into the safety of the trees. Eriol quickly followed with a semi-conscious Fujitaka.
As sleep and weariness finally left the two older boys completely, Eriol and Syaoran explained the situation, admitting hesitantly about Sakura's and their involvement with the Clow Cards and all. As soon as they finished, Fujitaka was shocked but thanked them for telling him the truth. Touya, on the other hand, wasn't the least bit surprised. Syaoran was curious as to why that was so.
"Aren't you surprised about it all," Syaoran asked.
"I knew," was Touya's calm reply.
"How?"
At this Touya just smirked and didn't say anything. Before Syaoran could press the issue any further, Eriol said that they should head back to the others. The other three nodded as they silently retraced their steps to where Tomoyo and Meiling were hiding.
Tomoyo and Meiling were glad that they were all right and they gladly offered the two older ones to stay with them. Before another word was said, Yue and Kero appeared beside the girls.
"Kero-chan, Yue-san, you're not supposed to show yourselves," Tomoyo said hastily.
"It's all right. They know," Eriol said gently.
Tomoyo looked at him in surprise before slowly turning her head to see Fujitaka glancing fondly at Sakura's guardians.
"So you are the ones responsible for keeping Sakura-san safe. Arigatou guzaimas (thank you very much)," Fujitaka said sincerely.
Kero and Yue both nodded their acknowledgement before Yue turned to Touya.
"Glad to see you again," Touya said, half grinning.
Yue nodded in response before leaving the shelter of the trees to return to the battlefield. Meanwhile, Kero looked at Touya.
"I knew there was something funny about Sakura's doll. I have powers sort of," Touya said to Kero as if answering an unspoken question.
"That woman, Mizuki Kaho, also," was his reply.
"Hai."
Kero nodded to him before following after Yue. The four teenagers all looked at Touya with surprise however Fujitaka seemed undisturbed. He just smiled at Touya in understanding as Eriol and Syaoran both got up.
"We're sorry but we must help our friends. Please stay here so you may be safe," Eriol said in a neutral voice while nodding to Syaoran.
Syaoran left the safety of the bushes followed by Eriol. The remaining four still hiding in the bushes peeked out to watch the scene before them.
While they were talking, Sakura was having a hard time trying to think of a way to beat Xue at the same time save her dad and brother. She was having difficulty in blocking Xue's attacks as it became stronger with each hit. Sakura jumped back before pulling out another card.
"Power! Fight!"
A pink aura surrounded Sakura as the cards gave her power. She charged at Xue again, their swords colliding. This time, Sakura was the one pushing Xue backwards. She pushed even harder as he tried to stop himself from moving any farther. Sakura took that chance as she tripped him. He rolled away as soon as he came in contact with the ground. Sakura charged for him again trying to hit him. He raised his sword in attempts to block her attack as her blade came into contact with his. She pushed him down with the strength of power as she kicked his sword out of his grasp where it landed a few feet away with the blade stuck in the ground.
She put the tip of her blade by his throat threateningly.
"Return 'touchan and 'niichan," Sakura said in a firm voice.
"Sakura!"
Sakura turned around to face whoever had spoken. Syaoran reached where Sakura was standing.
"Kinomoto-san and Touya-san are with Meiling and Tomoyo already."
Sakura smiled at him before facing Xue again. Unfortunately, she was too slow. She had given Xue time to trip her. She fell on Syaoran as Xue rolled away from her. He jumped up and grabbed his sword before facing her.
Sakura had gotten up and was facing Xue, sword ready. When she looked into his eyes, she noticed a new emotion from when she first met him. She couldn't quite place it. Before she could find out what it was, Xue spoke.
"Hmmm…you have gotten better since the last time Card Mistress. I was too easy on you. I look forward to seeing you again."
With that Xue vanished and Tomoyo, Meiling, Fujitaka and Touya ran out of the bushes. Sakura was still looking at the place where Xue stood a moment before. When she heard her name, she turned around to see everyone running to her. She pushed Xue to the back of her mind for now. She'd figure out what was different about him sometime else.
Sakura smiled at her four friends and two guardians before hugging Fujitaka. Touya was standing beside her smirking. She was glad that the two of them were fine. Syaoran and the others just watched her, happy for Sakura. That's when Sakura remembered her staff was still out so with the cards that had returned to their original form in her hand. She grinned sheepishly at Fujitaka and Touya.
"So, I guess you know already," Sakura said.
"Hai," was Fujitaka's reply.
She nodded before speaking for the others, "I think it's time we go home, ne?"
They all nodded in return as Sakura, Syaoran and Eriol transformed their weapons into their inconspicuous state while Kero changed back into his false form and dived into Sakura's pocket as Yue turned back into Yukito. Yukito didn't seem surprised at all when he found himself in the park with Fujitaka, Touya, and the four teens all there. He just nodded at them and smiled remembering his other self.
Everyone seemed happy again as they made their way to their homes. There was enthusiastic chatter as they all headed towards the Kinomoto residence first. When they arrived there, Fujitaka thanked them all as he led Touya inside the house to leave Sakura to talk with her friends. Yukito had taken a turn somewhere before the house so he wasn't there anymore.
As Sakura looked at her friends, she smiled. No matter what, her friends were always there for her. They helped her throughout everything. She was glad to have such friends.
"Gomenasai for leaving you guys without saying anything awhile ago," Sakura apologized.
"It's okay. We all know you were just trying to protect us," Tomoyo answered for them all.
"Yeah, but you should tell us next time! You can't do everything by yourself you know! We can help you," Meiling scolded.
Sakura smiled, "Hai, arigatou Meiling-chan!"
Syaoran looked at Sakura. He was glad that she was happy again. A sad face didn't suit her. He smiled at that thought. No one else but Eriol saw him and he had an idea for the soft smile on Syaoran's lips.
The three teens then said their goodbyes as they made their way home. Sakura smiled at the retreating figures. As soon as she couldn't see them anymore, she entered her house. Fujitaka and Touya had already gone to their rooms as Sakura passed saying goodnight. As soon as she reached her room, she grinned at the familiar sight of Kero sleeping on her bed. She covered the guardian with a blanket before changing into nightclothes. She closed the light as soon as she finished then went to her bed. She lay down, waiting for sleep to take over. Wind entered the open window of her room playing with her hair as she tried to fall asleep. When she closed her eyes a pair of crimson eyes formed in her mind. She bolted up in her bed remembering the foreign emotion displayed in the boy's eyes. Seeing as she wouldn't be able to get to sleep anyway, she quietly walked to her window. She looked up at the night sky filled with the merry twinkling of stars.
Meanwhile, when Sakura thought that Xue had left, he had actually just jumped on a nearby tree, hiding his aura from the unsuspecting teens below. He watched as the joyous family reunion took place. Envy found its way into his eyes as it reflected threateningly in the bright light of the full moon. Envious of what, he didn't know. He was an emotionless assassin that greatly enjoyed a kill. But now, memories of the days before he lost his emotions surfaced.
It was a sunny day that signalled a wonderful morning. A small boy of about seven with short striking blood red hair and crimson eyes that seemed to hold a dancing fire in them wearing white pants and a matching white shirt could be seen running around a beautiful meadow filled with fragrant flowers. Birds and butterflies seemed to get the infectious playfulness of the smiling boy. The flowers seemed to join in the dance too as the soft warm breeze blew petals around the air. The boy could be seen jumping up and down trying to catch them until he tripped over a hidden rock where he landed face down on the grass. When he got up, his infectious laugh filled the air. He got up again jumping in the cool breeze.
"Tiaouhuo is so genki (energetic)," a melodic voice said.
The voice belonged to a beautiful woman with striking curly red locks of hair as the boy that reached her ankle. She was fairly tall with creamy white skin and deep blue eyes that clearly stand out. She wore a bright yellow summer dress that blended with her hair and eyes making her look like a blazing fireball.
A deep voice that sounded like thunder echoing throughout the meadow replied, "Yeah, he's just like his 'kaasan when she was younger."
The voice belonged to a muscular man with sandy brown hair tied back in a ponytail and crimson eyes that brought the light into his face. He wore a sleeveless white shirt that clearly showed his muscles and dark brown pants that reached just below his ankles.
The couple, clearly the father and mother of the boy, looked at each other smiling contently. The small family seemed happy. Nothing looked as if it could destroy their happiness. Unfortunately, there was something that could destroy their happiness and it would forever stain their lives.
"Tiaouhuo! Bento (lunch)!"
"Hai 'touchan!"
The happy family sat down to eat the food they had brought with them. Excited chatter filled the air as the boy known as Tiaouhuo talked about all the things that entered his mind. Questions he wished to ask, things he wanted to know, answers he wanted to learn, and whatever entered his mind was voiced out as the couple explained what they could to the little boy. As soon as they finished eating, dark clouds formed above them.
Thinking it was going to rain, the couple took the little boy and their belongings to a nearby tree that could serve as shelter from the supposed storm. When they were all under the tree, they stared confused at the dry land. When they looked up, they saw the dark clouds gathering right above the tree they were under. Suddenly, lightning struck the place right in front of the surprised family. Thunder roared as the smoke that formed from the lightning's impact cleared. Where the lightning had stricken stood a figure cloaked in black. Nothing much could be said about this figure except for its dark cloak and golden eyes that seemed to absorb all light instead of reflecting it.
The figure then spoke in a deep loud voice that shook the earth, "This day has been predicted long before you were born. This prophecy shall now come true by my hand! Sacrifice yourselves to fulfill this prophecy!"
With that, before the young boy's very eyes his mother and father became translucent figures or so called spirits that seemed to be lifted from the ground by some ethereal force. The cloaked figure lifted his hand as a golden ball the size of an orange appeared out of nowhere. The spirits of the two figures slowly went into the golden orb as every sign of their existence vanished except for the young boy.
"'Touchan, 'kaachan… WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM!!! "
The boy's eyes slowly started to dilate as the boy's hair grew longer until it reached his shoulders. The boy's shirt and pants seemed to change colour as he slowly rose from the ground. His clothes soon changed into a blackish colour and a raging fire erupted from the boy. He looked as if he were a fireball ready to burn everything in its path.
The cloaked figure stood calmly in front of the boy as his golden eyes glittered menacingly. The boy who had completed his transformation stood before the cloaked man.
The boy glared at the man before saying in a fiery voice, "Return 'touchan and 'kaachan or else you shall die."
"Die will I," the man said in an amused voice that enraged the boy even more, "Your spirit shall be mine whether you like it or not!"
"NEVER!"
Before the boy could make a move, the cloaked figure stretched out the hand with the golden orb. The orb glowed brightly as the figure recited an incantation.
"Soul and spirit,
Body and blood,
Though merged we are not,
With me shall you rot!
YOUR SPIRIT HAS FOUND A WORTHY OWNER YOUNG BOY!
ME!"
Suddenly, the earth seemed to shake as the boy felt a strong force seem to enter him. He felt a heat almost unbearable inside him. He didn't know exactly how he was able to prevent himself from screaming or even standing at that. He just stood in front of the cloaked figure as his eyes slowly became heavy. Before he knew it, his world had become black.
The redheaded assassin sitting atop the tree lifted his hand to his head.
'What was that? Who were those people? I only recognize one of them, the cloaked man…he is Master.'
Syv: TA-DA! IT IS FINISHED!!!
Meiling: FINISHED? WHAT DO YOU MEAN "FINISHED"? THIS STORY ISN'T DONE AT ALL!
Syv: BAKA MEILING-CHAN! I MEANT THE CHAPTER IS FINISHED! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT THE STORY BEING FINISHED?
Meiling: *sheepish grin* Oops…misunderstanding…
Syv: *sigh* Never mind…so my faithful readers…how was it? Now you know who that guy is and I bet you can guess who the little boy in the flashback is. If you can't…WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!!!
Meiling: Grrrr…Xue, huh? I'M GONNA BEAT THAT GUY SO BADLY THAT HE COULDN'T LIFT A FINGER WITHOUT SCREAMING IN PAIN!
Syv: Maybe I should make Xue kill Meiling-chan…
Meiling: WHAT DID YOU SAY?
Syv: Nothing, nothing. So don't forget to review before you go, okay?
Meiling: YEAH! IF YOU DON'T REVIEW SYV-CHAN'S STORY, I'LL BEAT YOU UP!
Syv: MEILING-CHAN! *Covers Meiling's mouth while laughing nervously* She didn't mean that! Honest! It's all right if you don't review. I don't mind! Really! Well, we'll go now… *drags Meiling away screaming*