Disclaimer: I do not own any characters of CCS for they belong to Clamp,
however, I do own the plot to the story...-^_^-
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In case you are wondering:
~*~: Change of scene / change of POV / starting of story
' ': Characters' thought
" ": Characters' speech
* *: Characters writing on whiteboard
~ ~: Song
Summary: Tomoyo had found out that she liked the reincarnation of Clow Read on the day he left for England after Sakura had transformed all Clow cards into Sakura cards...However she also knew that there was already someone else in his heart. Devastated, she shut herself off from everyone, including her best friend. What will happen if she turned into a mermaid, will her heart freeze or will her love save her from the cold-hearted beings?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
- Chapter 5: Tomo-e, first meeting -
"When was the last time you saw her? Also, what did she look like?"
These questions were all directed to the youth with an ever- smiling face, and baby-textured, jet-black crew cut hair. Yamazaki, as he was called, held a finger to his chin in deep contemplation.
"Erm...I think it occurred just a few days ago, or was it just yesterday? Ah, I'm very sorry, but all of my senses just fled me when I saw that mermaid...By the way, there's someone else with her. It's pretty weird to say this to you, but the other one seriously looked like Tomoyo-chan. As for your other question, Hiiragizawa-kun, she always had her hair in two high plaited braids. Not sure about the colour of her hair though, since I always sighted her at night..." and he went on to describe her features, and her estimated height. Eriol just listened intently, all the while noting down everything mentally, that might be vital information.
"Ne, tell me. Why are you so interested in this? I thought you guys did not believe a single thing that I have said?" Yamazaki asked, puzzled. Sakura smiled and shook her head nervously, while trying to think of some excuses. Syaoran cleared his throat.
"Since apparently Yamazaki had already seen the mermaid, then wouldn't it be safe in letting him know why we're so interested? Besides, I have this feeling that he can help us." Eriol nodded, then turned to Yamazaki.
"There's a high possibility the other mermaid that you have saw are really Daidouji-san...There's no harm in letting you in on what we are really doing, since you seems really enthusiastic about that other mermaid."
"Something...happened to Daidouji-san?" Yamazaki asked, concern etched on his face. For a boy who likes telling tall stories, Yamazaki sure was observant and serious when it came to his friends, and of course, everyone noticed it.
Sakura went on to tell him about how they were having a picnic when Tomoyo saw someone about to drown. However, not only did she fail to save the drowning person, but also she had disappeared herself.
"Well, worry not. If that girl is really Tomoyo-chan, then I know how you can find her!" Yamazaki said confidently.
"How?"
"Well, for starters, I know where the mermaid always go when she's here, on land. In fact, you all knew this kind person who gave accommodation to that lovely girl."
"Nani?! You should have tell us earlier!" Syaoran huffed. Everyone sweat-dropped.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* Rika-chan, we'll be out the whole day today, but we'll come back in time to help you prepare dinner, all right? * Chiharu showed her friend the small, portable whiteboard. Rika nodded and send them to the front door.
"Have fun, you guys. Don't forget to look at your surroundings and be careful. I heard that the Mothers are looking for the two of you," Rika murmured. Both girls nodded, a bit gravely and bade Rika a silent good- bye before leaving. Even as they were away from the waters, they found it hard to enjoy themselves fully with the Mothers so close on their tails.
* Ne, Chiharu-chan, could we stop by the crafts store? I need to get some fabric for the costumes I'm making. * Tomoyo wrote. Chiharu gave her assent, then stopped.
* Ano, where's the shop? Haven't exactly been here for a long time... * Tomoyo looked at the sheepish expression on her partner's face, then chuckled silently.
* Precisely why I am going to lead the way, since I haven't been isolated by the sea for long...Come on, let's make our way now, we don't exactly have all day. Besides, people are starting to stare...* Chiharu looked around, and Tomoyo was right. People were staring at both of them, as if they were doing some kind of a play.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What exactly, are we doing in front of Terada-sensei's home?"
"Remember I said that there was a kind person, who had gave accommodation to the mermaid when she was here? And that I had said that all of you knew this person well. That person was Terada-sensei," Yamazaki answered.
"You mean to say, that Terada-sensei is related to the mermaid? Wow, I didn't know..." Sakura mused in wonder. Eriol shook his head slightly. 'Sakura-san never ceases to amaze me with her innocence...'
Out loud, he said, "I highly doubt that Terada-sensei is related to her in any way." Both his descendant and Sakura gave him a look that obviously stated their confusion. Yamazaki, however, was not surprised.
"You are right, Hiiragizawa-kun. But it is a fact that they might be related, not by blood relations, though. You do know that Terada-sensei had married a woman who's around our age."
It was pretty obvious what Yamazaki was implying. Though they had never met their teacher's wife, for it would put him in a difficult position, since his wife was still schooling after all. But, there was no doubt about it. His wife was highly likely to be related to the mysterious mermaid, in some ways if not by blood relations. Eriol shifted his graze to the modest two-storey whitewash house in front of him and frowned. No matter how hard he tried, there wasn't any sign that Tomoyo was in the house. However, he could pick up traces of Tomoyo's aura from the house.
Yamazaki went to the front door and pressed the doorbell, all the while waiting patiently for the occupants inside to answer the door. A few moments later, the door opened to reveal a petite, pretty face, framed by a soft mass of ear-length, brown curls.
"How may I help you?" the young woman asked, surveying the group standing in front of her house.
"Good afternoon, my name is Yamazaki Takashi. These people are my friends, Li Syaoran, Kinomoto Sakura and Hiiragizawa Eriol," Yamazaki introduced, gesturing at each of his companions respectively. "We're students of Terada-sensei and we are wondering if we could impose a short visit on him..." The woman smiled sweetly, then stepped back and open the door wider to let the four unexpected guests in.
"Oh, you are students of Yoshiyuki-san. Please wait in the living room while I get him down..."
"Sorry to suddenly impose on both of you," Sakura greeted politely on her friends behalf. Terada's wife smiled and shook her head.
"Iie, We hardly have any guests over at our home. By the way, I'm Rika and please, do make yourselves at home." saying that, she left them in the living room to call her husband down. A minute later, Terada appeared in the living room with a mildly surprised expression on his face.
"What brings you here? Having difficulties with your holiday work? Ah, Hiiragizawa-kun, nice to see you again. Here to visit your friends?" Terada greeted.
Eriol stood up and bowed politely, "Likewise, Terada-sensei. However, I'm here in Tomoeda for a purpose. Yamazaki-san told us that you and your lovely wife had played host to someone whenever she is here for a visit. May I know if she is present, at the moment?" Terada looked at him with a weird expression and was about to ask why when a voice interrupted him.
"Sorry for the wait, tea is ready," Rika came into the living room, carrying a tray loaded with tea and sweets. A slightly tensed silence ensued not long after, as Rika served tea to the guests. Sensing the uneasiness, Rika decided to break the silence by asking her husband what they were talking about when she was making tea.
Terada cleared his throat nervously, and began fiddling with his cup of tea, as he always does when he's in a nervous or uneasy mood. "Hiiragizawa-kun is looking for Chiharu-chan..."
"Not only Hiiragizawa-kun, but all of us are looking for her as well, especially Yamazaki-kun. Please, it is really important that we speak with her," Sakura pleaded, desperation evident in her frantic emerald eyes. Rika peered at Sakura curiously, then sigh.
"Ah, she was here a moment ago, actually. But she went out and will only be back before dinner. However, I would love it if you could stay for dinner. The more the merrier. After all, if you stay, you can get to see the pretty friend who was with her on her visit this time, ne, anata?" Rika said, looking to her husband for support. Terada nodded, then realised something.
'Matte...isn't that new mermaid Daidouji? Why didn't I realised it before?' He then looked at Sakura's worried face and at Syaoran, who had his arms around his girlfriend, murmuring soothing words to calm her down. He then looked at Eriol, who sat there, with his usual placid expression and at Yamazaki, who strangely, seemed a little excited.
"Ano, may I ask...you people wouldn't happen to be looking for Daidouji-chan, are you?" Terada asked cautiously, to see their reactions. Eriol looked at him intently. Terada tried hard not to look away from his intense, dark eyes - Eriol just had a way to make people feel unnerved, no matter what situation it was. The trance was broken when Eriol spoke up.
"Daidouji-san was here." It was clearly more of a statement than a question.
"Tomoyo-chan? Then it is true..." Sakura trailed off.
"Eh? You know Tomoyo-chan? Oh never mind...so, are you staying for dinner?" Rika asked, yet again. All four glanced at each other, and all agreed to stay simultaneously. While one agreed because he could get to see the mysterious mermaid called Chiharu, the other three do so for the sake of getting Tomoyo back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* We should hurry, or we will not be home on time to help Rika- chan prepare dinner. * Both females had gone to the penguin park so Tomoyo could get started on her costume making. However, She was so engrossed in her work that both forgot the time. Thus, they were rushing home right now.
However, when they were about to reach home, Chiharu stopped walking. Her expression changed from that of a cheerful one to that of one filled with subtle fear. Tomoyo, seeing the abrupt change from her newfound friend, stopped as well.
* What's wrong, Chiharu-chan? * Tomoyo showed her whiteboard to her partner.
Shakily, but swiftly, Chiharu penned down her thoughts and showed Tomoyo her own whiteboard.
* Sing now! Don't ask why, I'll tell you later if we are able to get away...Just sing, quickly! * Tomoyo read silently. Seeing such frantic look, Tomoyo had no choice but to oblige. Positioning her clasped hands under her chin, she began a song familiar to her since elementary schooling days.
~ Kumo ma ni odoru hikari
Sougen ni furi sosogu kisetsu...ima hajimaru ~
Slowly, a crowd that was mostly made up of male population had gathered to hear the ethereal, angelic voice.
~ Kake yoru tomo no koe ni
Furi mukeba soko ni...itsumo kawaranu egao
Soshite hizashi wa kagayaku ~
Somewhere, someone was having difficulty making her way through the crowd to get to the two mermaids.
"Damn it, how am I going to get to them with this crowd closing on them? Not to mention the crowd are mostly men!" came the sharp, severed voice that was filled with disdain, at the moment.
"Relax, my dear...As the Chinese saying goes: A water can aid the boat in sailing smoothly, it can also cause the boat to capsize. You should, instead feel proud of yourself that you have find such rare treasure, such beautiful voice. I must say, this new 'daughter' of yours has cause quite a stir among the boys," a smooth voice, with feminine richness, drawled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rika was having idle chat with the polite gentleman - Hiiragizawa Eriol - when she frowned, and abruptly, she stood up.
"Chiharu-chan and Tomoyo-chan are in trouble...I need to go out for a while," Rika murmured suddenly, as she heard the unmistakable siren voice.
~ Fuyu no itetsuku michi wo yuku toki...
Sarige nai...hagema shini...
Ikudo tasuke rare tadarou ~
Sakura's head jerked up in recognising the song. Tomoyo had dedicated that song to her when she sung for the elementary school competition. "That's Tomoyo-chan's voice...Yamazaki-kun, where are you going?" Everyone turned to see Yamazaki in a trance, his dull, unseeing eyes hardly blinked as he stood up and walked to the entrance.
"He had fallen under the Siren's voice, Chiharu-chan hardly uses her voice. And when she does uses it, it would only mean she has sensed the Mothers' presence," Rika explained hurriedly.
"But Syaoran-kun, Eriol-kun and Terada-sensei weren't affected..." Sakura said, confusion written all over her face.
"No time to explain, someone stop Yamazaki-kun, please..."
"Rika-san, I'm coming with you."
That one voice stopped Rika's frantic fumbling. She turned to Eriol, who had now stood up, his face as placid as ever. She nodded, not having the time to argue or protest. Having another with her would be better than going alone.
"Anata, please help to entertain the guest while I'm gone. I'll be back in time to make dinner, okay? Thank you." Rika gave her husband a quick peck on the cheek before making her way out of the house, with Eriol following close behind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~ Kimi no you ni... kimi no you ni...yuuki kureru hito deitaiyo... ~
Tomoyo had somehow immersed herself into her song that it took a while before she felt Chiharu nudging her. She opened her eyes, but continued to sing. She read the words on Chiharu's whiteboard.
* The Mothers are around, keep on singing and wait for Rika to come... Meanwhile, we have to keep moving around so that they will not be able to get to us, even if they can get past the crowd. * Tomoyo sweat- dropped nervously, but didn't dare to stop singing. Instead she nodded.
While she concentrated on singing, she put her trust in Chiharu by letting the girl pulled her along, going in random direction sporadically. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the cavalry arrived. Rika managed to passed through the crowd of lovesick, mesmerised men, all the while pulling someone along behind her.
"You girls okay? We should get back now, but how? The Mothers could be somewhere, waiting for you to walk right into their trap..." Rika asked, while pondering over how they could get out of the crowd without the Mothers' notice.
"I can help, Rika-san." Tomoyo's eyes widened when she heard the voice so familiar to her, since elementary grade...since he left for London.
Hiiragizawa Eriol stood right before her very eyes.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
WoLfePaws: Here's the fifth chapter for you...Sorry for the late update once again...*bows in apology* Muse of Inspiration had been too busy to visit me so this came to be a little late...by the way, the lyrics you saw is the song sang by Tomoyo [duh...]. Part of the title is named after the song. I don't owned the song as well, so...Special thanks to all who had taken the time and effort to read and review, esp. D a r k n e s s in H e a r t for the encouraging words to sooth my pathetic, flattened ego [go read her stories, she's a really talented writer] and Andhera for following this fic so closely...
Shannon [anonymous reviewer] - If you're reading this, I would like to apologise for confusing you like this with my flawed summary. I had made a few corrections to my summary...do hope you're satisfy, if not...well, I cannot help it, since this is how I write*sheepish* Thanks for pointing out that mistake to me anyway. I appreciate it, since you have took the time to read and review my story [plz note that I'm not being sarcastic, in case you've mistaken]
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In case you are wondering:
~*~: Change of scene / change of POV / starting of story
' ': Characters' thought
" ": Characters' speech
* *: Characters writing on whiteboard
~ ~: Song
Summary: Tomoyo had found out that she liked the reincarnation of Clow Read on the day he left for England after Sakura had transformed all Clow cards into Sakura cards...However she also knew that there was already someone else in his heart. Devastated, she shut herself off from everyone, including her best friend. What will happen if she turned into a mermaid, will her heart freeze or will her love save her from the cold-hearted beings?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
- Chapter 5: Tomo-e, first meeting -
"When was the last time you saw her? Also, what did she look like?"
These questions were all directed to the youth with an ever- smiling face, and baby-textured, jet-black crew cut hair. Yamazaki, as he was called, held a finger to his chin in deep contemplation.
"Erm...I think it occurred just a few days ago, or was it just yesterday? Ah, I'm very sorry, but all of my senses just fled me when I saw that mermaid...By the way, there's someone else with her. It's pretty weird to say this to you, but the other one seriously looked like Tomoyo-chan. As for your other question, Hiiragizawa-kun, she always had her hair in two high plaited braids. Not sure about the colour of her hair though, since I always sighted her at night..." and he went on to describe her features, and her estimated height. Eriol just listened intently, all the while noting down everything mentally, that might be vital information.
"Ne, tell me. Why are you so interested in this? I thought you guys did not believe a single thing that I have said?" Yamazaki asked, puzzled. Sakura smiled and shook her head nervously, while trying to think of some excuses. Syaoran cleared his throat.
"Since apparently Yamazaki had already seen the mermaid, then wouldn't it be safe in letting him know why we're so interested? Besides, I have this feeling that he can help us." Eriol nodded, then turned to Yamazaki.
"There's a high possibility the other mermaid that you have saw are really Daidouji-san...There's no harm in letting you in on what we are really doing, since you seems really enthusiastic about that other mermaid."
"Something...happened to Daidouji-san?" Yamazaki asked, concern etched on his face. For a boy who likes telling tall stories, Yamazaki sure was observant and serious when it came to his friends, and of course, everyone noticed it.
Sakura went on to tell him about how they were having a picnic when Tomoyo saw someone about to drown. However, not only did she fail to save the drowning person, but also she had disappeared herself.
"Well, worry not. If that girl is really Tomoyo-chan, then I know how you can find her!" Yamazaki said confidently.
"How?"
"Well, for starters, I know where the mermaid always go when she's here, on land. In fact, you all knew this kind person who gave accommodation to that lovely girl."
"Nani?! You should have tell us earlier!" Syaoran huffed. Everyone sweat-dropped.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* Rika-chan, we'll be out the whole day today, but we'll come back in time to help you prepare dinner, all right? * Chiharu showed her friend the small, portable whiteboard. Rika nodded and send them to the front door.
"Have fun, you guys. Don't forget to look at your surroundings and be careful. I heard that the Mothers are looking for the two of you," Rika murmured. Both girls nodded, a bit gravely and bade Rika a silent good- bye before leaving. Even as they were away from the waters, they found it hard to enjoy themselves fully with the Mothers so close on their tails.
* Ne, Chiharu-chan, could we stop by the crafts store? I need to get some fabric for the costumes I'm making. * Tomoyo wrote. Chiharu gave her assent, then stopped.
* Ano, where's the shop? Haven't exactly been here for a long time... * Tomoyo looked at the sheepish expression on her partner's face, then chuckled silently.
* Precisely why I am going to lead the way, since I haven't been isolated by the sea for long...Come on, let's make our way now, we don't exactly have all day. Besides, people are starting to stare...* Chiharu looked around, and Tomoyo was right. People were staring at both of them, as if they were doing some kind of a play.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"What exactly, are we doing in front of Terada-sensei's home?"
"Remember I said that there was a kind person, who had gave accommodation to the mermaid when she was here? And that I had said that all of you knew this person well. That person was Terada-sensei," Yamazaki answered.
"You mean to say, that Terada-sensei is related to the mermaid? Wow, I didn't know..." Sakura mused in wonder. Eriol shook his head slightly. 'Sakura-san never ceases to amaze me with her innocence...'
Out loud, he said, "I highly doubt that Terada-sensei is related to her in any way." Both his descendant and Sakura gave him a look that obviously stated their confusion. Yamazaki, however, was not surprised.
"You are right, Hiiragizawa-kun. But it is a fact that they might be related, not by blood relations, though. You do know that Terada-sensei had married a woman who's around our age."
It was pretty obvious what Yamazaki was implying. Though they had never met their teacher's wife, for it would put him in a difficult position, since his wife was still schooling after all. But, there was no doubt about it. His wife was highly likely to be related to the mysterious mermaid, in some ways if not by blood relations. Eriol shifted his graze to the modest two-storey whitewash house in front of him and frowned. No matter how hard he tried, there wasn't any sign that Tomoyo was in the house. However, he could pick up traces of Tomoyo's aura from the house.
Yamazaki went to the front door and pressed the doorbell, all the while waiting patiently for the occupants inside to answer the door. A few moments later, the door opened to reveal a petite, pretty face, framed by a soft mass of ear-length, brown curls.
"How may I help you?" the young woman asked, surveying the group standing in front of her house.
"Good afternoon, my name is Yamazaki Takashi. These people are my friends, Li Syaoran, Kinomoto Sakura and Hiiragizawa Eriol," Yamazaki introduced, gesturing at each of his companions respectively. "We're students of Terada-sensei and we are wondering if we could impose a short visit on him..." The woman smiled sweetly, then stepped back and open the door wider to let the four unexpected guests in.
"Oh, you are students of Yoshiyuki-san. Please wait in the living room while I get him down..."
"Sorry to suddenly impose on both of you," Sakura greeted politely on her friends behalf. Terada's wife smiled and shook her head.
"Iie, We hardly have any guests over at our home. By the way, I'm Rika and please, do make yourselves at home." saying that, she left them in the living room to call her husband down. A minute later, Terada appeared in the living room with a mildly surprised expression on his face.
"What brings you here? Having difficulties with your holiday work? Ah, Hiiragizawa-kun, nice to see you again. Here to visit your friends?" Terada greeted.
Eriol stood up and bowed politely, "Likewise, Terada-sensei. However, I'm here in Tomoeda for a purpose. Yamazaki-san told us that you and your lovely wife had played host to someone whenever she is here for a visit. May I know if she is present, at the moment?" Terada looked at him with a weird expression and was about to ask why when a voice interrupted him.
"Sorry for the wait, tea is ready," Rika came into the living room, carrying a tray loaded with tea and sweets. A slightly tensed silence ensued not long after, as Rika served tea to the guests. Sensing the uneasiness, Rika decided to break the silence by asking her husband what they were talking about when she was making tea.
Terada cleared his throat nervously, and began fiddling with his cup of tea, as he always does when he's in a nervous or uneasy mood. "Hiiragizawa-kun is looking for Chiharu-chan..."
"Not only Hiiragizawa-kun, but all of us are looking for her as well, especially Yamazaki-kun. Please, it is really important that we speak with her," Sakura pleaded, desperation evident in her frantic emerald eyes. Rika peered at Sakura curiously, then sigh.
"Ah, she was here a moment ago, actually. But she went out and will only be back before dinner. However, I would love it if you could stay for dinner. The more the merrier. After all, if you stay, you can get to see the pretty friend who was with her on her visit this time, ne, anata?" Rika said, looking to her husband for support. Terada nodded, then realised something.
'Matte...isn't that new mermaid Daidouji? Why didn't I realised it before?' He then looked at Sakura's worried face and at Syaoran, who had his arms around his girlfriend, murmuring soothing words to calm her down. He then looked at Eriol, who sat there, with his usual placid expression and at Yamazaki, who strangely, seemed a little excited.
"Ano, may I ask...you people wouldn't happen to be looking for Daidouji-chan, are you?" Terada asked cautiously, to see their reactions. Eriol looked at him intently. Terada tried hard not to look away from his intense, dark eyes - Eriol just had a way to make people feel unnerved, no matter what situation it was. The trance was broken when Eriol spoke up.
"Daidouji-san was here." It was clearly more of a statement than a question.
"Tomoyo-chan? Then it is true..." Sakura trailed off.
"Eh? You know Tomoyo-chan? Oh never mind...so, are you staying for dinner?" Rika asked, yet again. All four glanced at each other, and all agreed to stay simultaneously. While one agreed because he could get to see the mysterious mermaid called Chiharu, the other three do so for the sake of getting Tomoyo back.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
* We should hurry, or we will not be home on time to help Rika- chan prepare dinner. * Both females had gone to the penguin park so Tomoyo could get started on her costume making. However, She was so engrossed in her work that both forgot the time. Thus, they were rushing home right now.
However, when they were about to reach home, Chiharu stopped walking. Her expression changed from that of a cheerful one to that of one filled with subtle fear. Tomoyo, seeing the abrupt change from her newfound friend, stopped as well.
* What's wrong, Chiharu-chan? * Tomoyo showed her whiteboard to her partner.
Shakily, but swiftly, Chiharu penned down her thoughts and showed Tomoyo her own whiteboard.
* Sing now! Don't ask why, I'll tell you later if we are able to get away...Just sing, quickly! * Tomoyo read silently. Seeing such frantic look, Tomoyo had no choice but to oblige. Positioning her clasped hands under her chin, she began a song familiar to her since elementary schooling days.
~ Kumo ma ni odoru hikari
Sougen ni furi sosogu kisetsu...ima hajimaru ~
Slowly, a crowd that was mostly made up of male population had gathered to hear the ethereal, angelic voice.
~ Kake yoru tomo no koe ni
Furi mukeba soko ni...itsumo kawaranu egao
Soshite hizashi wa kagayaku ~
Somewhere, someone was having difficulty making her way through the crowd to get to the two mermaids.
"Damn it, how am I going to get to them with this crowd closing on them? Not to mention the crowd are mostly men!" came the sharp, severed voice that was filled with disdain, at the moment.
"Relax, my dear...As the Chinese saying goes: A water can aid the boat in sailing smoothly, it can also cause the boat to capsize. You should, instead feel proud of yourself that you have find such rare treasure, such beautiful voice. I must say, this new 'daughter' of yours has cause quite a stir among the boys," a smooth voice, with feminine richness, drawled.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Rika was having idle chat with the polite gentleman - Hiiragizawa Eriol - when she frowned, and abruptly, she stood up.
"Chiharu-chan and Tomoyo-chan are in trouble...I need to go out for a while," Rika murmured suddenly, as she heard the unmistakable siren voice.
~ Fuyu no itetsuku michi wo yuku toki...
Sarige nai...hagema shini...
Ikudo tasuke rare tadarou ~
Sakura's head jerked up in recognising the song. Tomoyo had dedicated that song to her when she sung for the elementary school competition. "That's Tomoyo-chan's voice...Yamazaki-kun, where are you going?" Everyone turned to see Yamazaki in a trance, his dull, unseeing eyes hardly blinked as he stood up and walked to the entrance.
"He had fallen under the Siren's voice, Chiharu-chan hardly uses her voice. And when she does uses it, it would only mean she has sensed the Mothers' presence," Rika explained hurriedly.
"But Syaoran-kun, Eriol-kun and Terada-sensei weren't affected..." Sakura said, confusion written all over her face.
"No time to explain, someone stop Yamazaki-kun, please..."
"Rika-san, I'm coming with you."
That one voice stopped Rika's frantic fumbling. She turned to Eriol, who had now stood up, his face as placid as ever. She nodded, not having the time to argue or protest. Having another with her would be better than going alone.
"Anata, please help to entertain the guest while I'm gone. I'll be back in time to make dinner, okay? Thank you." Rika gave her husband a quick peck on the cheek before making her way out of the house, with Eriol following close behind.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~ Kimi no you ni... kimi no you ni...yuuki kureru hito deitaiyo... ~
Tomoyo had somehow immersed herself into her song that it took a while before she felt Chiharu nudging her. She opened her eyes, but continued to sing. She read the words on Chiharu's whiteboard.
* The Mothers are around, keep on singing and wait for Rika to come... Meanwhile, we have to keep moving around so that they will not be able to get to us, even if they can get past the crowd. * Tomoyo sweat- dropped nervously, but didn't dare to stop singing. Instead she nodded.
While she concentrated on singing, she put her trust in Chiharu by letting the girl pulled her along, going in random direction sporadically. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the cavalry arrived. Rika managed to passed through the crowd of lovesick, mesmerised men, all the while pulling someone along behind her.
"You girls okay? We should get back now, but how? The Mothers could be somewhere, waiting for you to walk right into their trap..." Rika asked, while pondering over how they could get out of the crowd without the Mothers' notice.
"I can help, Rika-san." Tomoyo's eyes widened when she heard the voice so familiar to her, since elementary grade...since he left for London.
Hiiragizawa Eriol stood right before her very eyes.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
WoLfePaws: Here's the fifth chapter for you...Sorry for the late update once again...*bows in apology* Muse of Inspiration had been too busy to visit me so this came to be a little late...by the way, the lyrics you saw is the song sang by Tomoyo [duh...]. Part of the title is named after the song. I don't owned the song as well, so...Special thanks to all who had taken the time and effort to read and review, esp. D a r k n e s s in H e a r t for the encouraging words to sooth my pathetic, flattened ego [go read her stories, she's a really talented writer] and Andhera for following this fic so closely...
Shannon [anonymous reviewer] - If you're reading this, I would like to apologise for confusing you like this with my flawed summary. I had made a few corrections to my summary...do hope you're satisfy, if not...well, I cannot help it, since this is how I write*sheepish* Thanks for pointing out that mistake to me anyway. I appreciate it, since you have took the time to read and review my story [plz note that I'm not being sarcastic, in case you've mistaken]