4. Hunter
By 10:30 in the morning, the group arrived at the luxurious mansion once more. No word was spoken; no glances were given to each other. It's a funny thing how delicate situations like this can bring people together. After the last attack I had, the four guardians were being nice between them, Kinomoto-san came with the group to support his sister, and Yue showed true anguish on his face.
"Good morning Eriol"
"Good morning Sakura. Please everyone come in. I feel much better thank you."
Very quietly they got in to see me. I felt somewhat better; smiling eased the tension a bit. The clock kept moving forward, making its 'click-clock' rhythm.
"Mizuki-san and the others must be exhausted from last night's incident. Why don't you get some sleep?"
"Kaho, it's ok. I'll be here" Serious toned Kinomoto-san interrupted her reply before she got the chance to answer. She nodded and left along with Ruby Moon and Spinniel.
"I'm fine, I want to stay and hear if that is ok" Blinking back some sleep, Syaoran talked back. The night was very long and as the others were coming in and out of the room to aid me, he stayed in the library researching about the incidents and similar symptoms on other mages.
"These cards… resemble mine in a way" Four rusty colored cards floated from a desk near by, to Eriol 's side. Around the frame of the card was the image of a golden chain. At the top of the card, Eriol's magic sign was there. The magical forces 'sealed' had a similar appearance as the ones Sakura used: Unique fashion, beautiful faces but with an odd disturbing gesture.
"They look like Sakura cards. Although they have a handsome presentation, their behavior is very feisty. I had a hard time controlling them. They are not fully sealed for my power is weaker. The spell on them is temporary."
"How did you seal them?" Yue had a suspicion about the sealing.
"I had to borrow some power"
"From who?" Kerberos was losing patience with every second
"Kaho…" Touya kept himself looking out the window, while having his arms crossed and only glimpsing from time to time with a poker face. His body became like stone after hearing and imagining his ex-lover giving her power to the boy. Yue's suspicion was right.
"You are correct Kinomoto-san. I didn't take all of it, just some. She could gain more power by practicing her skills and resting from time to time. Myself on the other hand…"
"It's ok…tell us" The Card Mistress took hold of his hands.
"As a new power or card was sealed: My power decreased, I got more and more exhausted until my body couldn't keep up. Now I'm here, in bed and asking you to help me finish this."
"But maybe, isn't this the side effect? I mean, when Sakura converted the Clow Cards into Sakura Cards, she was falling asleep afterwards. Couldn't it be the same thing?" Daidouji's memory came back to her as the image of Sakura sleeping at school, on the way home or in the park.
"Yes and no. For the sealing I use the same spell for the Clow Cards with some adjustments. One has to use more power for this, but I am also losing strength as if every card is slowly draining more energy than the necessary one. "
"What makes you think Sakura can handle it? If the original creator is having trouble with this…what if Sakura gets ill? (Or worst)" The golden creature questioned his former master with a passion. Eriol studied his words and tone; he gave a small chuckle as a response.
"Please Kerberos, behave and recall. Clow has always been awkward with his decisions. He knows more than he is telling us for sure. Either that or he is willing to risk everything for a twist of fate."
"Am I that eccentric? I won't deny I enjoy a little suspense" Eriol gave a Cheshire cat smile and everyone felt a bit scared of him.
"We will manage. I know I can handle this because I'm not alone, here we have the greatest powers reunited: Four guardians, a direct descendant, a moon priestess, two wonderfully clever friends and the two masters of Cards. We can handle this. I assure you"
I was very surprised and joyful at her reaction. She matured over the years while remaining the child within her. Kerberos watched her closely with a loving expression, smiling unwillingly at her Mistress determination to fight.
How sweet… and surprisingly entertaining.
"Alright! Which ones you have Eriol?" Blue eyes light up at the sound of action and danger coming up. It was sure she had some designs in her mind by now.
"The Brake, The Armor, The Wings and The Invisible. Be careful to not touch them or getting too close"
Waving a hand made it possible for the Cards to move around. The Moon Guardian got curious about their appearance so he came closer; in a second one of the cards attacked by activating a dark aura. The mystic vibe let out purplish static shock, which cut Yue in the cheek. His mistress got worried about him but all he did was sigh and close his eyes.
"The names are kind of…" Li-kun was a bit embarrassed about this
"Corny?"
Carefree Sakura let out without thinking. Having reflected on her answer in a second, she stopped talking and blushed
"I was going to say 'peculiar' but…yeah"
"Hey, don't look at me. I just seal them and nothing else. The Brake destroys things. The Armor takes that form and protects. The Wings are bat wings and well…fly. The Invisible makes you unseen for the others."
"Is there…"
Everyone turned to the window and focused on Touya's words
"Will I be participating in all this? I don't have magic in me anymore"
"That's right…you don't"
My words must have affected him somehow, for he turned in a state of confusion and precaution. Maybe he could read my mind, knowing that his presence had a use in this journey.
"But I do require you take good care of Tsukishiro-kun"
"How is that? Might the situation affect my other form? Touya can't be in danger just for me. I can battle on my own"
"Don't be foolish. We need to cover every possibility of problems or complications. I think that is a good idea. Onii-chan can keep an eye on Yukito if he starts feeling bad. I won't take chances on this. I ask this to you as a friend. If you refuse it…then…you have to take it as an order."
How amazing. Young Sakura had developed a certain character for the guardians. They have been more friends than mistress and guardian, but extreme events require extreme measures.
"Fine…"
By the late afternoon, everyone was more cheerful. Kaho and the others had a good nap and joined us for a bite in the garden. Syaoran tried to spend some time with his love, but Tomoyo kept pulling Sakura away to take her measurements and to consult designs with her. Ruby Moon returned to her human form, she pulled Touya to her side every chance she could and told the group about her success as a model. Yue disapproved of her using her false form for commercial purposes, but she just ignored him. Kaho enjoyed the sun and serving sandwiches, every once and a while she gave me a loving look and whispered some things…that I'm not going to share. ^_^
Kero-chan and Souppy were battling each other for the sweets on the table. It was going perfectly until a visit showed up.
Mister Spencer and Miss Agatha are here to see you master Eriol"
My guests stopped their amusing chatter and quickly tried to look normal. Kero and Souppy went behind some bushes as Tomoyo turned her camera off and put her designs away, Syaoran put some magic books away, Yue turned into Yukito who was a bit confused about his presence there and Ruby Moon tried to behave herself.
"Send them in Rupert"
"Good afternoon Eriol" Two persons stepped in the garden. One was a tall and slim man in his early twenties. The other was Eriol's classmate, Agatha.
"Good day to you. Please, let me introduce you to my friends. Agatha, Jeremy, these are: Sakura Kinomoto, Tomoyo Daidouji, Syaoran Li, Yukito Tsukishiro, and Touya Kinomoto." As they were named, each one gave a sign of hello and waited for the next thing.
"Pleased to meet your acquaintances. Welcome to England" Jeremy became a little nervous as he watched the group; he passed his right hand over his straight auburn hair, as like trying to remember what to say. His gray eyes scanned the scenery trying to think of something to say. Agatha gave him a hand.
"Excuse my brother, he is kind of shy. I am Agatha and this is Jeremy. Delighted, are you enjoying your stay?"
"Oh yes miss Spencer, we are" Sakura tried not to be nervous but her rosy cheeks gave her away.
Agatha smiled "There's no need to be nervous doll, you now have some new friends"
"Uh…ah! I remember now! Agatha said you were sick Eriol. How do you feel?"
The Spencer boy hand me a lovely summer bouquet as he spoke but kept his eye elsewhere.
"Very good, thank you"
"So are you coming tomorrow? I can talk to the professor if you wish"
"There's no need for that. I will attend tomorrow"
Her eyes seemed to shine when she saw Kaho, who only smiled back. It was amazing to me how two women could react and talked without even saying a word. Kaho stopped her gesture when she saw Agatha get closer to me to fix my hair.
"Very well…some strands…they were in your eyes"
Couldn't contain myself any longer a soft chuckle escaped my lips. Agatha got surprised at my reaction and only grinned.
"Agatha, we should go now, it's getting late"
"We should be going too Eriol. We had a nice time but we need some rest" The young mistress gave a sign to the others for their leaving, and they all got up from their chairs.
"Big plans for tomorrow?" A male voiced asked nervously. Jeremy had his eye on a certain dark haired beauty the whole time….
"School" Syaoran replied, feeling uncomfortable around the pair.
"Oh that's right. I remember now. Kinomoto, Daidouji and Li. You three are the new classmates at St. Gabriel's"
"How did you—"
"I am class president of your group. My…it's a small world after all. Since we are going to be classmates, do you want us to give you a ride?"
"We can take the subway, thanks" Touya was feeling a bit irritated. The girl's gestures and self-confidence resembled Ruby's a lot. She didn't jumped Eriol, but her easy and sleek ways were much more threatening to him.
"Where are you staying?" Jeremy smiled at Tomoyo who just blushed a bit and smiled back.
"With a foster family in Main Street" Very cheerfully Sakura replied.
"What a coincidence, we live in that street"
"Oh…well…I guess we are leaving now Eriol. Do you mind?"
"Not at all Sakura, go and have a good night. Thank you for your visit and please call me if anything comes up"
"I ask the same of you"
"Awww…Touya, can't you stay a bit longer?" Nakuru tugged on his arm and pleaded with puppy eyes.
"No, Yuki and I have to go—now!" He pulled his arm back and rather gave Yuki a tug.
"We're going, we're going"
"See you tomorrow Syaoran ^_^"
"Good night my love, have a good night sleep. Call me if anything happens" He kissed her on the forehead and bid her goodbye.
As soon as they left, Nakuru returned to her true form and Souppy and Kero came back. The last one was displeased. I knew what his tiny head was thinking so I came forward to ask something related to that thought.
"They're gone. I'm sorry you couldn't say good night to them. Sakura asked me…"
He turned curious at the message she left for him
"To say to you: Be good, don't fight while you're there and take good care of Eriol for me."
"Oh…nothing else?"
"No…we should talk one of these days Kerberos, we really should. ^_^"
The gang stopped at the hotel for Touya and Yukito; afterwards they decided to take the long way home. Jeremy and Agatha wanted them to have just a glimpse of what London would offer them. They passed the Tamesis and a site or two, until they finally got home.
"Well this is mighty impressive. You're staying with the Bates?" The London girl enquired.
"Yes, do you know them?" Tomoyo asked Jeremy very politely.
"Know them? They're practically family. You see, our mother's job keeps her out of the house very often. Since we were kids the Bates have offered to take care of us when she's not there. Um, well…we live three houses down"
"Wow! That's amazing!" Sakura got genki by the idea of her new friends living so close and having them on school.
"We leave you here, ah! Here comes—Good evening Mrs. B"
"Good evening Agatha, you've meet the girls?" She came out wearing an apron and with some flour on her cheek. "Are you two staying for dinner?"
"No ma'am thanks. Mum is coming this evening so…"
"It's ok Jeremy, I understand. Come on girls, wash your hands."
"Alright! See you tomorrow!"
"Good night Tomoyo! Have a good rest"
"Thank you Jeremy, you too"
After supper the girls went upstairs to bed. Sakura was relieved that Eriol was feeling ok, that meant everyone in the mansion, would sleep ok. The group divided at night due to their activities. Touya and Yukito stayed at a hotel that sponsored the academic contest, Tomoyo and Sakura stayed with the Bates since they were very good friends with Sonomi and offered the girls their house for the summer. They had no children of their own so with true happiness they wanted their guests.
Syaoran stayed with Eriol since they were family after all, Kero joined him just for caution. The Bates might see Kero fly around one day and that would require a lot of explanation.
The mansion was very quiet, the only sounds heard came form outside the windows, it was very windy. My eyes popped open as I felt excruciating pain all over my body. My voice seemed to fail me. My entire being gasped for air but when I tried to scream, no sound was heard. A magical presence could be felt from deep inside me. I turned to notice Spinniel and Kerberos sleeping near the fire. After a few minutes, which felt like hours, I could breathe normally again as well as speak.
The morning was filled with fresh air and pure sunlight; the parks and people were busy going from one part to the other. Eriol joined his friends that morning for the beginning of the summer course. They went to pick him up at his house for he insisted on walking and enjoying the sights. Kero got a chance to see Sakura again and even gave her some of his favorite cookies to eat at lunchtime.
The teacher, Mr. O' Brien, was a man in his thirties. His hair was a chocolate brown with some strands of gray. His black eyes scanned the room. He always wore suits, had the clean-cut look and used reading glasses. He introduced the trio to the class.
Sakura and Tomoyo became very popular with the boys and several girls, as Syaoran with the rest of the females. The last one kept his cool and serious expression like when he entered Tomoeda. The girls on the other hand were happy making new friends and getting the attention and politeness of their fellow classmates. During a free hour Agatha came up to him.
"Hello Li, enjoying it so far?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your classmates and such. Well…I didn't expected Tomoyo and Sakura to have so many admirers on the first day. Huh…I thought she was your girlfriend."
"That's right." By this time, he was getting annoyed by her remarks "I don't have to say anything, Sakura isn't the type of girl who would do something to disrespect me or the people around me" Agatha got impressed by the way he looked into her eyes, like giving her a warning to not piss him off. She just smirked
"Really? Oh don't take me wrong; I'm sure she is a very good girl. It's just that if I were you I would be careful."
"I have nothing to be afraid of" He then got up to look at Sakura. She was being attended by a number of people, her happiness made him smile. "Sakura isn't like the other girls; those who talk freely and do as they please without thinking about their behavior and how other people may take it…get my drift?" The English girl was just fascinated by the boy's words. He showed to be a passionate and reasonable person, and she LOVED it.
"Perfectly" And added to the response a sneaky grin.
Syaoran left the classroom to get some water; Eriol followed him a bit worried.
"Don't let her get to you"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"She is…different. Agatha might seem like insensitive but that's not true. That's her way of befriending you."
"Oh?"
"You've made quite an impression on her, that's all. Give her some time."
"She reminds me of Nakuru-san and how she treated Touya-kun"
"Oh don't worry. No jumping on you will occur ^_^"
"Thanks…" Eriol saw his job was done and turned to go back until…"Eriol? Please don't tell Sakura about what happened. She might get worried"
"No problem ^_^"
The sun started to set as we all finished with our duties. Tomoyo and the others had to stay in order to learn rules and places at St. Gabriel's. Jeremy Spencer volunteered to show them around, all to be close to our darling Tomoyo. My health was well; no attacks were shown during the morning and afternoon.
I had the strange cards with me in case something might come up…
Intuition of a magician…never fails
"Have you heard the news? A lot of accidents have happened through the city today."
"What kind?"
"All of them, traffic, work, you name it. The victims said that their attention was distracted by unusual sightings." Jeremy was really getting into this and tried to impress Tomoyo "Of course, nothing will happen to you…uh, guys while I'm around"
"I'm sure of that" Tomoyo responded with a sweet smile.
"What kind of sightings?" Syaoran asked very curious.
"They saw things that weren't there…"
"Like illusions?" Sakura asked concerned and cautious.
"Something of that sort"
The Spencer siblings were taking us home when my energy went away. My stomach felt like it was about to burst into flames. The fetal position I put myself into helped just a little. Agatha worried and asked Jeremy to take me home. Once there, Kaho opened the door and hurried me upstairs with the help of Jeremy and Syaoran. They carried my sick self and went on home after being dismissed by Kaho.
The sun guardian came up to his mistress after all the commotion, with the unknown cards, which floated and beamed with a dark aura, as well as instructions.
"NOW?! He wants us to leave now? We can't leave him like this!"
"Listen Sakura, it's not because of that…the pain he feels and the cards are reacting together. That means there is another force hitting the city as we speak. "
"Oh…"
"Come on Sakura! London waits for the Card Mistress" The sound of a camera being turned on was thanks to Tomoyo, who was now ready for an adventure. "And to think your first capture with be in your English school uniform ^o^"
"Uh, ok? o_O" She turned to with a loving smile to her love "Syaoran?"
"I'm ready"
"Alright! Kero, where is the force attacking?"
"The Astronomy Observatory on the hills"
Ruby Moon and Spinniel agreed to keep an eye on Eriol and informed them if anything would happen via cellular with Tomoyo.
"RELEASE!"
"Fly!"
Beautiful white wings spread on the back of the Card Mistress. Her friends rode on the back of Kerberos back. Quickly they arrived and sensed a mischievous force on the site. Sakura stepped back and felt a slight headache as she tried getting closer. Kerberos ran to her side for aid.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes…it was just too much for a second there."
"Do you remember Eriol's instructions?"
"Yes…I know the spell"
"Yue isn't here yet, I'll be your second hand if you let me"
"No Kero, Syaoran can help me out…I want you to take care of Tomoyo for me"
"But I"
"Tell you what, if things get sticky, get her to safety and come back, ok?"
"Yes…" Kerberos lowered his head feeling sad of not staying by her side. Syaoran took his place and the hunting began. They started by entering the building; hall-by-hall was monitored until their attention was fixed on the auditorium.
As soon as they crossed the doors, they closed shut and had the group confined. A shadowy presence with a shiny object on its hands moved quickly from one side to the other. Syaoran used his summoning of the thunder god, which only caused damage to the chairs in the room and the blast of the door.
"Its getting away, come on!"
"Syaoran! Wait up!" As they run, Tomoyo squealed with delight for having the chance to tape Sakura once again in battle. All went serious when they found Syaoran slightly injured in another room. His left arm had been burnt with the thunder attack he got.
"What happened?"
"It reflected my attack by using the shiny object" He bent down to fix the wound with a handkerchief "Be careful, we can't use something too rough or it comes back to you"
"That's the least of our problems, look which room where in" Tomoyo pointed to the enormous telescopes which led to the roof. Expensive machinery was around them. "If you over do it, you might destroy the entire place"
'What now?"
"Sakura, try the spell"
The Card Owner closed her eyes and began chanting…
"ANCIENT FORCES OF DARK AND LIGHT,
BRING ME THE POWER TO MAKE THIS RIGHT,
SEAL THIS BEING TO WHICH I ASK
DEVOTION AND TRUTH IN ITS TASK…"
The magical force heard Sakura and interrupted her by giving her sight of the place. Sakura got confused and turned to see the others; they looked very far from her and seemed to be getting farther from her.
"Tomoyo! Syaoran! Kero!"
She tried to run to them as hard as she could but didn't catch up. Meanwhile, the others saw Sakura running far from them and into the gardens. Kerberos flew as fast as he could but it was no use…
Just then some crystal spears surrounded each side. Around Sakura and the others. When this happened, their sight corrected and saw that they were outside. Right above them was Yue, who had prevented them of going near the end of the hill. The dark presence wanted to escape by going into the building again, but Yue and Kerberos attacked with their respective spears and fireballs. That helped slow it down…for now.
"Sakura! Try again"
"I'm going to need your help! Stand in the seal with me! Kero on the sun! Yue on the Moon!"
They both ran to their mistress and let their energy flow into the Sakura Seal.
"ANCIENT FORCES OF DARK AND LIGHT,
BRING ME THE POWER TO MAKE THIS RIGHT,
SEAL THIS BEING TO WHICH I ASK
DEVOTION AND TRUTH IN ITS TASK
MAGIC OF EAST
MAGIC OF WEST
LET THIS ENERGY BE CONFINED
TILL ITS TRUE MASTER MAY BE FOUND…
SAKURA SEAL!"
The shadowy presence shined with intensity to reveal its true form. It had the appearance of a young girl, with long straight hair pulled up in a ponytail; her bangs almost covered her almond shaped eyes. She wore what might resemble a medieval dress with lots of ribbons and lace. In her hands was a round looking glass. She gave a tricky smile and became a rusty colored card. It had chains around it and this time, the Sakura seal on top. Below, the name was given…The Vision
She had done a very good job; for as soon as they captured it, my breathing eased. The attack was minor when they managed to slow it down I suppose. After that, they came back to the house and I explained. The Vision is a card used for great distances, it acts like a telescope, magnifying glass, and things of that sort. The object on the hands of the card could be transform into these items, it could also play with other peoples vision and make them see things closer or farther from the true distance. Very tricky card…
"I thought it was going to be more easy"
"Why is that?"
She turned to me very sad and frightened. She started to let some tears roll down her cheeks. We were the only people in the room. Her replies had some tears in them…crying was good for the soul.
"I don't know…I feel so stupid and naïve"
"You're nothing like that"
I started stroking her hair. Again, she was resting her head on my lap. I guess my resemblance of Fujitaka is what put her at ease.
"Oh no? I let my guard down…if Yue hadn't arrived we would be dead by now"
"You'll do a good job sealing them"
"What comes after that?"
"The true master shall come"
"Huh?"
"You'll be fine…"
"You knew…and yet you let me do it on my own"
"Remember why I tested you before?"
"Because it was necessary. And now?"
"Because there's no other way…"
Sakura was exhausted and went home after a while. Yue and Kerberos wanted to sleep as well…it appears there's a hard time coming for them…and their companions.
End of Chapter 4
Song: "Hunter" by Bjork
Author's Note: Her first capture. You know? the songs just go perfectly with each chapter. There will be some rock but mainly pop. I get the feel that Sakura would be a pop lover. But don't worry, I won't over do it. Thanx for the reviews! Keep it up ^_^ *gets pom poms and wear a cheeleader outfit*
Go Tenshi! Go Tenshi!
Cya!