3. Honestly OK
As soon as the plane landed she was even more restless. Not a single moment had passed in which she pondered what to do. During the night she managed to sleep a bit but her premonition dream woke her with a gasp. Syaoran tried to comfort her as he grabbed her bags.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes…why do you ask?"
"Last night"
"Oh! I-I felt something on my leg and got scared"
"A monster afraid of another monster?"
"No brother, nothing like that"
Her tired green eyes closed when a yawn suddenly came up. She snapped them open as a soft touch was felt in her shoulder.
"You need some rest Sakura-chan"
"Yukito, thank you but I just need to do something first"
"If you're in such a hurry we'll stop there first. Yuki and I can go to the hotel by ourselves if you want."
"Daidouji-san is waving, the cab must be ready. Come on, I got your luggage"
London's weather was very gloom to them. The streets were busy and it appeared as if every person out there was minding their own business, avoiding getting into trouble. When the cab stopped, the young magic girl let out a sigh. Kero heard her from inside the bag; he would ease her worries once he was in a safe place.
The place was magnificent, a two story victorian house; the walls were covered by smoky toned bricks, the windows were large enough to let the sun shine in all it's glory, delicate curtains were hung, some windows had a kaleidoscope of colors for they were made by pieces of different types of glass. A high roof was the color of a desert sunset. In addition to the luxury was a typical English garden, filled with variety, aromas and textures.
I felt her…she had not gotten out of the cab yet but her presence filled me. Sakura and her friends had come to see me. My emotions took hold of me so I asked Kaho to get the door quickly. With puzzling eyes she answered but went anyhow.
"All is working out, don't you think?"
"Eriol…"
The two magical creatures before me just lowered their heads. No need for chatter, their hearts told me of their concern and wish to help. To ease their pain I just smiled and spoke truly from the heart
"Thank you…I know your feelings. You don't need to say much. I'll get better. Please wait in the other room, she's coming with guests"
"Eriol!!"
The door swung open as she raced towards me. Gently, the strands of her almond hair were laid before me. She felt so ashamed of crying in public that she chose to hide her expression. My lap was used as a pillow.
"I'm sorry. I promised myself I wouldn't cry but--"
"It's ok." With unexpected strength I managed to hug her
"You're pale…when Miss Mizuki told me about you. I packed as soon as I could"
"You're such a good friend Sakura. I'm lucky to know you"
That helped…her crying ceased and a full tone of red covered her face.
"Where are my manners? Please excuse me, you remember everyone, yes?"
She moved to the side so I could see them. They reserved a serious face; Tomoyo-san smiled a bit, still the awkward silence filled the air.
"Welcome to London. Tomoyo-san, you look more beautiful than I remember. Li-kun, my…I can tell you have been training. Kinomoto-san and Tsukishiro-san, thank you for your visit. It's very kind of you to bring them here."
"No problem."
"Mizuki-san, can you bring us some tea?"
"I'll help you Kaho"
"Allow me to help too"
"Yuki, you should stay"
Tsukishiro hesitated but after glimpsing to the young ones, he accepted to stay behind.
"We can talk now. Tell me everything. I promise I'll do my best"
"Kerberos should hear this too" Yue showed himself once the others left. Even though he was displeased with the sad scene, I could tell he was anxious to ask.
"Right! Kero?"
The mention of his name made him sprung into the air, his wings flapped rapidly from all the tension he held back. Kerberos remained silent for some seconds. He analyzed Eriol's estate with some discretion. Eriol beckoned him to get closer.
"You look very pale. What kind of force are we facing here?"
"Kero! Be more polite"
"Let him be Sakura, being straight forward is one of the qualities I miss from him. Besides, he is right. We should talk before the others get here"
"Is there a problem if I stay?"
"No Tomoyo-san, the mistress herself trusts you. There must be a reason. I like having all my friends close. Ruby Moon! Spinnel!"
In a dashed they appeared…and so the meeting began. Ruby Moon blew a kiss to Yue as hello, while Spinnel gave a disapproving look to Kerberos.
"It all started 5 weeks ago. This powerful magical presence made an introduction in the city. Strange happenings started to emerge all over the place. Physical destruction, people disappearing in large numbers, ghosts sightings…it's as if the city has gone mad."
"Ghosts? O_o"
"I investigated with Ruby, Spinnel and Mizuki-san. I fought toward these forces, only to realize it's just one."
"Who is it Eriol?" Yue was ready to go into action, Ruby Moon hissed.
"Anxious for a battle, are we? Don't recommend it, you look out of shape to me. Hasn't your mistress trained you? What bad habits you have"
" I know a worst one (interrupting)" Kerberos snapped at her.
"Silence you two!" Their bickering was annoying Syaoran-kun.
"I…don't know for sure. It resembles a magician I faced a long time ago but this power is beyond of what he could do. The worst thing is that it's only the beginning."
"There have been more incidents?"
"Yes Li-kun. I have sealed those powers into cards but it's not enough. The cards are restless for they seek their true master. They won't submit to anyone, you have to use a lot of energy and magic. As things go on, I feel them get stronger and they might break the spell I put on them. If any more time passes it will be impossible to capture the remaining--"
I took a rest form all the talk. My body ached for some peace and quiet, some sleep and lots of rest. The need for oxygen was shown as gasps for air. Cold sweat covered my body and faintly I remember the others getting worried and calling for help.
This is everything I recall from that day
Morning came quickly. Soon, in one day, St. Gabriel's Academy was to start its summer courses. The young foreign students had this thought as the simplest and less important of all. Because even though they traveled far to cover some academic duties, the health of their friend and the fate of a land were in their hands.
At the hotel, Touya and Yukito got up early to study for the contest; Kinomoto-san asked his sister to call him if anything relevant occurred. Syaoran and the others prepared for a new day.
"Don't feel bad Sakura. We had to leave him so he could rest" Tomoyo reassured her friend that her decision was a wise one as their breakfast was being served.
"I know it's just that…I wonder what else we need to know. He couldn't finish telling us"
Almost in whispers her responses were given since another set of people were present.
"Sakura, you look tired dear. Couldn't sleep last night?"
A young woman in her mid-thirties held a vase with exquisite flowers. The impression you could get form her was of a kind and gentle woman.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Bates, I guess I'm still a bit tired"
"If you wish, you may take a nap Sakura" Sweet brown eyes smiled at her. A blush covered the japanese's cheeks, she realized this lady look like her mother: Same long and wavy hair, same kind disposition, same amiable spirit. What set her apart from the motherly vision were the color of her dark blonde hair and more focused nature.
"Huh? No! I'm fine. Although, may I take the rest of my breakfast in my room?"
"Uh…sure if that makes you feel at ease"
"Edward will be down in a minute or two, so go right ahead"
As she leaned over the table to pick her plate, her best friend whispered cautiously
"You're going to talk to Kero I assume. Don't worry about us, take your time, ok? ^_^"
"Thanks"
Edward Bates, a successful business man, greeted his guest as he passed her in the stairs. His face lighted up when he saw his wife. Tomoyo liked this man very much for he looked like her father. His hair was a deep jet black, combed in a similar fashion. Eyes as blue as the sea and skin as white as snow.
"Good morning Kero, care for some breakfast?"
"Good morning Sakura"
"Huh? You are more serious than other times. "
"Well I don't feel like myself today"
"We all don't…come on, let's eat"
In a very slow motion he faced her and flew calmly to the table in the center of the room. Without saying much he started to eat. Sakura on the other hand, just stopped completely.
"Why aren't you eating?"
"…After this we can go see him. I think that by now he might have recovered…some, maybe."
"Sure…"
"Listen up! I just realized! I-I now know that mopping around isn't helping much so—I'm going to stop, ok?"
"As you wish"
"And I want you to stop too. I need you Kero…I need Kerberos by my side. You are such a good friend, always cheering me on and having faith in me. Even with my freaky dreams you help. So…so…stop it! Ok? I won't cry if you won't"
"I haven't…"
Unshed tears were in his face. Her guilt had doubled after seeing his guide's spirit down. Her heart couldn't take it anymore. With that same light of hope that always got her out of major difficulties, she comforted her guardian with a hug.
"Don't…pretend. I'll be ok…but I need you to be ok too. We have faced abnormalities before, right?"
"Sakura…"
Feeling her touch against his, was pure bliss. If only he could have human form like Yue. If only Clow had wanted him to be her only guardian, for her heart and body…just for a minute in time…
Thoughts of this nature and the moment present made him blushed a healthy tone of red.
"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! You're so red! I guess I hugged you very tight"
"Uh…guess so. Alright kiddo, you convinced me. Let's finish the meal and visit Eriol!"
"That's the Kero I love"
End of Chapter 3
Song: "Honestly OK" by Dido
Author's Note: O.k. I'm very curious to know what you think about Kero's crush. *avoids getting hit with bricks* Whaaaa? Oh don't give me dirty looks. It could happen. But putting that aside, I think it's developing quite nicely. The Sensei thought so. For all of you who are curious: I will make the SDTK happen. I'm making a cover CD art and everything for later download is anyone is interested.
Cya!