Hey there! I know it took me a long time. If I told you the entire story, it might end up longer than what I wrote for chapter 12. (hehehe.) Anyway, I guess you're wondering about what's going to happen next huh? Well, I won't keep it long anymore. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Hope you still stick around for the next chapters. It's getting good.I promise! Special thanks to Sakura 2649 and Kirara2289.
Chapter 12 The Hour of Judgement
As the man placed Sakura down, he then turned and conjured ice crystals and shot it to where the magic was coming from.
Sakura looked up and saw him.
"T…thank you." She said.
He then looked down at her.
His stare was a little cold.
It had let a chill run down Sakura's back.
The next thing she knew, Shaoran was by her side and was asking her if she was all right.
"Sakura?" He said.
She then turned to him with a puzzled stare.
She wasn't able to speak.
"If you don't want to get hurt, get away from here now." The man then spoke.
Sakura snapped back into reality.
Shaoran was about to drag her to a more safe distance when Sakura said, "I have no idea who he is but I cannot just leave him here alone."
"Sakura this is not the time to argue."
"I'm not. You promised me that you wouldn't treat me any different."
"Yeah and where did it get you last time?" Shaoran said, raising his voice a little.
Sakura was a little surprised.
It was the first time Shaoran had raised his voice on her.
But she didn't let him know.
"I'm not a little kid and I can take care of myself. I take everything that's happening to me as a learning experience. You tell me that I'm the Card Mistress. How can I be worth the title if you will not let me learn from my mistakes? You said so yourself, this is not the time to argue. When I took this on, I knew what the challenges and problems I have to face. Don't hide me from it because sooner or later I will have to face it. Let's just do our job." Sakura said.
"Fine. But if you get hurt, you're on your own." Shaoran said.
"Works for me." Sakura replied.
Eriol then approached them.
"You two alright?" He asked.
Shaoran didn't reply.
Eriol just took that as a yes.
Sakura turned to him and nodded.
"Where's Rei-san?" She asked.
"He'll be coming soon. Don't worry." Eriol replied.
"We have to get out of here. I have a bad feeling that this is an ambush." Shaoran said.
"Hey, where did that man go?" Sakura asked, finally noticing that the man who had saved her was missing.
"What man?" Eriol asked innocently.
'Finally, you've awaken from your sleep…Yue.' Eriol silently added.
"There was a man here a moment ago. I sensed that he had a lot of magic." Sakura said.
"Let's talk about that later shall we? We have more important things to worry about." Shaoran said.
Out from the corner of her eye, Sakura had spotted Rei.
He was wounded.
She ran to help him.
"Are you alright?" She asked.
He looked up at her and nodded.
"We have to get you out of here." Sakura said as she helped Rei join the others.
Then, then all noticed that everything was so silent all of a sudden.
'Oh my...it is an ambush as Shaoran had said.' Sakura said to herself.
"Be ready for anything all of you. They have a gem with them. They will be stronger than what they seem." Eriol said.
"A gem? They are sure fast. No one can say how many gems they possess now." Rei commented.
"Don't talk. You'll drain your energy more." Sakura whispered.
He just looked at her.
He saw determination in her eyes.
Soon, attacks from all directions broke loose.
"There are too many of them." Rei commented.
"I don't think I will be able to last that long." Eriol commented.
Sakura turned to him and finally saw blood streak down his right arm.
"Eriol, you're hurt badly. Why didn't you say anything?" Sakura asked.
"This isn't much." Eriol.
"Are you sure Hiiragizawa? You don't look good." Shaoran commented as he looked at him slightly from the corner of his eye, trying to fend of as much attacks as possible.
Sakura did her share by calling on the power of the Watery, Firey, Earth and the Windy.
She called the powers of the four elements.
But they noticed that their opponents weren't weakened.
"Soon, we will be trapped if we don't do something soon." Shaoran said.
He had a feeling the Mulian army had something more powerful at hand and they still hadn't put it into play.
He was right.
Just as he finished his sentence, the Mulian army unleashed their most powerful attacks yet.
Fearing for the worst, Shaoran and Eriol stepped in front of both Rei and Sakura.
Sakura didn't want them to get hurt.
'Please no...there must be something...what card could I possibly use?' Sakura told herself.
She was starting to panic.
Rei sensed her tension being so close to her.
But before Rei was able to comfort her, she found the answer.
The next thing they knew, they heard Sakura yell, "Time card show me your true power!"
A huge gust of wind soon came around them.
After a split second, they noticed that time stopped all around them.
They turned to Sakura.
She was calm but deep in concentration.
"Please help Rei-san. I don't think I will be able to hold this for too long. Let's get out of here while we can." Sakura said.
Eriol then helped Rei by assisting him and leading him away.
Sakura closed her eyes.
She was having trouble holding on to the power.
The time card was much too strong than what she expected.
'Just a little more, Sakura. Just a little more…you must give Rei and the others time to escape.' She told herself over and over again to keep her motivated.
Suddenly, she felt a hand hold her hands on her staff.
Sakura opened her eyes and saw Shaoran looking down on her.
"I can't just leave you can I?" Shaoran said as he knelt in front of her.
"I will help you. We can put our magic together to buy us some time to get out of here." He added as he placed his other hand on top of hers.
Sakura smiled and said, "Thanks. I underestimated the power of the card. Kero didn't tell me it would be this strong."
Shaoran just shook his head.
"No wonder you always get into trouble."
"Hey!"
"You better learn to listen to more sensible people who really knows what they're talking about instead of that cotton ball."
"Shaoran!"
"If you don't want to take some advice, well it's your call. But don't come running to me and say that I didn't warn you."
"Then I ask you now…can you teach me some stuff? You do know that I wasn't able to finish my training."
"Do I have a choice? Fine. I'll teach you but I'm warning you, I'm a very strict teacher."
"I think I can survive."
"I doubt it."
"Then I'm doomed." Sakura said.
Shaoran couldn't help but laugh at her.
Sakura was surprised to hear him laugh.
Ever since they met, she hadn't heard him laugh.
That was the first time.
"What!" Sakura said.
"Nothing. You're just so gullible Sakura. Did you know that? No one will be able to resist laughing at you." Shaoran replied.
Sakura didn't say anything.
She just remembered Touya.
Shaoran sensed this.
"I'm sorry." He said.
"For what?" She asked.
"I think I hit a nerve there."
"No. It's nothing really. I just remembered Touya. He used to laugh at me for no reason at all. Anyway, forget about it."
Shaoran decided to just drop the subject.
Soon, the time card had fully fulfilled what it was commanded to do.
"Let's get going." Shaoran said as he grabbed Sakura by the arm and dashed off.
"How is Rei-san doing?" Sakura asked as Tomoyo stepped out of the young Emperor's room.
"He's sleeping at last. I was able to persuade him that you were doing fine and that there is nothing left to worry about." Tomoyo said.
"Thank goodness. But why was he worrying so much about me? To tell you the truth, I feel really bad that I wasn't able to do anything to help him or prevent what had happened." Sakura said.
Sakura was pacing herself slowly, following Tomoyo.
Tomoyo sat at the sofa that was at the middle of the room.
The room was quite vast as it was where the Emperor, his family, council and friends would usually rest and relax.
The room was lit by a beautiful chandelier at the middle of the room.
It was a simple place yet it was full of character.
There was a living room set that was covered with beautiful velvet and golden lining.
The emblem of the kingdom was intricately and delicately handmade into the carpet that was spread across the floor.
The crest bearing the golden dragon and the jade sword, symbolizing the Empire, gave the room the feel of nobility and expressed the heart of the kingdom.
There were two doors leading into the room.
They were at either side of the room.
One led to Rei's bedchamber while the other led to the throne room.
Glass window-doors covered one side of the room, revealing a balcony, which over looked a part of the city and the garden below.
It was slightly open.
The wind was blowing gently on the white, transparent curtains.
Eriol was sitting at one chair near the fireplace.
The fire was burning steadily.
Eriol didn't speak.
He just kept his gaze on the two ladies.
As Sakura sat beside her best friend, Tomoyo said, "You can't blame him Sakura. He worries about you not just because you are the Card Mistress but because you are one of his friends now. Besides, he and your brother were quite close when he was alive. They were trained together so I believe he feels that he owes it to your brother that he should take care of you as well."
Sakura stared at Tomoyo, not knowing what to say.
She then turned to Eriol.
Sakura smiled and asked, "How about you Eriol-san? Are you alright?"
Eriol smiled and said, "I'm fine Sakura-chan. Thank you for your concern."
"That's good." Sakura said in relief.
"Sakura-chan, I have been meaning to talk to you." Eriol said.
"About what Eriol-san?"
"About your powers. As I have seen, you are strong but you still have no firm grasp on it. I now can see why you wanted the Emperor or me to keep the gems." Eriol said.
Sakura just nodded.
"Kero has been helping me but I still haven't got it right though." Sakura said.
Eriol smiled and said, "The Sun Guardian had done well and so have you. You will get it someday."
"I know Eriol-san. I must have in faith in that so that I may help you all." Sakura replied.
"You better rest now Sakura-chan. You have been through a lot today and you must regain your strength." Tomoyo commented, noticing that Sakura was trying to fight her drowsiness.
Sakura smiled and said, "I know but will you all alright?"
"Of course we will Sakura-chan. Please rest and when everything is a lot better, we will talk again." Eriol said.
Sakura smiled again and excused herself as she left the room.
Tomoyo couldn't help but smile as she watched Sakura leave.
Eriol was watching her.
"Ah, so you've noticed that there is something going on too Tomoyo- chan?" Eriol said.
Tomoyo looked at him and smiled.
"Yes Eriol-san. When it comes to Sakura, I make it my business to know. But it's really hard to miss this time." Tomoyo replied.
She then shook her head.
"But still...Sakura has no clue." She added, almost laughing.
"Yes. She really has not clue at the moment." Eriol commented.
"That's Sakura for you. She's a very sweet girl but she could be dense sometimes. She just doesn't want to hurt other people. It would hurt her two times more if she does." Tomoyo answered.
Eriol seemed amused with the conversation.
"Tell me Tomoyo-chan, do you think our friend, Li Shaoran, would change that?" He asked.
Tomoyo's smile broadened.
"I think so. He had already changed her somehow as she had changed him greatly. I've never seen Li-san so attached to anyone before aside from his family. But he's not even this 'nice' to his family except his mother. He wants so much to protect her that he would do anything in his power to do just that. Though I can see that there is still some conflict inside of him. But...I shouldn't be surprised that Sakura had this effect on him." Tomoyo answered.
"I feel the same way Tomoyo-chan. It's interesting how things will turn out from now on even though there are a lot of things in our hands right now." Eriol said.
Tomoyo nodded.
"But I feel that it won't be long before the conflict clouding Li Shaoran's heart would cease to exist. The truth will soon let itself be free from that storm." Eriol commented.
"Yes. That's true. Both of them will soon give in to what they really are feeling." She answered.
Eriol stood and made his way to the slightly open window-doors.
He then said, "They try so much to fight what is inside. But I do understand why? There are a lot of things that they are burdened to do and it's not easy just to balance them all…especially for Sakura. She just lost her family, almost lost her life, hunted by the Mulian army, learning that only she has the power to free us from the bondage and now learning that there are gems to be collected, it is too overwhelming for her."
Tomoyo then said, "That is true. It overwhelms her greatly even though she tries to show us otherwise. I know her well and it's really her to project this so that we will not worry about her."
"Sakura is strong and so is Shaoran. Together, they will become even stronger. I have a feeling that they would be able to pass everything fate throws at them." Eriol commented.
"I have to admit...I admire their spirit. Who would have thought things to unfold like this?" Eriol added as he turned to face Tomoyo.
He was met only with a gentle smile and a nod of agreement.
Then, the door leading to the throne room opened.
A knight came running in and knelt before Eriol.
"Hiiragizawa-san, General Tsukihiro had just arrived." He reported.
"Report. Give me every detail and don't leave anything out." Eriol said.
"Yes sir! He was alone sir. He's severely wounded. It's a miracle that he still alive and walking on his own. We had brought him already to the medical wing and summoned a doctor. The doctor is now examining him." He reported in detail.
Eriol then nodded and dismissed the knight.
Eriol then turned to Tomoyo.
She stared at him too.
Eriol knew what she wanted to say.
"Tomoyo-san, don't worry. He's going to be fine. Shall we?" He said as he approached her and offered a hand.
Tomoyo took it and stood.
She then said, "Eriol-san, please...let's not tell Sakura now. She'll worry greatly and won't be able to rest."
"Yes of course. Let's just hope that everything will be better tomorrow." Eriol replied as he opened the door.
They then made their way towards the medical wing.
As they opened the door to one of the rooms, they saw that the doctor was there by Yukito's side.
Yukito was asleep in the bed.
His head, chest and right arm were bandaged.
Tomoyo was shocked with the sight.
She didn't even realize that there were tears falling from her eyes.
Eriol noticed so he took out his kerchief and handed it over to her.
At first Tomoyo didn't know what to do with it.
When she realized that there were tears on her face, she took it and thanked Eriol.
The doctor then stood and started packing his kit.
He turned and saw the two.
He bowed slightly and gave a reassuring smile.
The doctor then said, "I don't know where the people you keep close to the Emperor come from but I'd say that they are a blessing from above. They are simply full of miracles. This young man will be fine. All he needs now is rest. He should be fine in a few days and would have fully recovered in a few weeks. I will come back tomorrow to check on him, Sakura and the Emperor. Good night Sir…Lady."
"Thank you doctor." Eriol said as he accompanied him to the door.
Tomoyo signed in relief and walked towards Yukito.
"Tomoyo-chan." Yukito said as he slowly opened his eyes.
Tomoyo just smiled.
"Thank goodness you're still one of the living." She said.
Yukito smiled.
"How's Sakura…everybody? Are you all alright?" He asked.
"Yes we are. The doctor said that you should rest. Why don't we talk tomorrow when you have rested?" Eriol answered.
"Hiiragizawa-san."
"He's right Yukito-san. Rest now. We'll all talk tomorrow. We'd worry more…especially Sakura...if you don't rest now." Tomoyo said.
Yukito just smiled and drifted off to sleep.
The next morning…
Sakura had woken up early that morning.
She couldn't sleep that well because she was bothered by a dream…a dream she knew wanted to tell her something and yet she didn't know what.
She got up from bed and changed.
Somehow she felt uneasy that morning.
As she went out of her room and walked down the corridor to see how Rei was doing, her thoughts were interrupted when she suddenly heard Shaoran's voice from behind her.
Sakura turned and greeted him.
"What are you doing up so early?" He asked as he approached her.
Sakura just smiled and replied, "No reason."
"You're really the worst liar I've ever met."
"Ok fine. I can't sleep. There…satisfied?"
"So you felt it too then?" Shaoran commented.
"Felt what?" Sakura said blankly.
"Sakura, I can't believe you sometimes. Anyway, there's something going to happen. I just know it."
Sakura didn't say anything.
That was what she was just thinking.
Shaoran noticed that she had stopped walking.
He turned back and asked, "What's wrong?"
Sakura then smiled and set aside the thought.
She shook her head and joined him.
As they headed the end of the hall, Shaoran said, "Sakura, I don't know if I'm the right person to tell you this but...I was told last night that Tsukihiro had arrived."
"Yukito's here? Where?" Sakura said.
"Don't get your hopes up just yet. There's more. He was severely injured and is the medical wing at the moment. But I've got word that he's doing fine and that he's out of danger." Shaoran said.
Shaoran couldn't believe how Sakura retained her calmness even though there was worry written all over her face.
Usually Sakura would have been in tears by the mere mention of the news.
Well, that was what Shaoran was expecting.
Sakura then said, "At least he's alright now."
Shaoran was taken aback.
"Sakura, something's the matter isn't it?" He said.
Sakura didn't reply at all.
"Sakura."
"Come on Shaoran. Let's go. I don't want to talk about it just yet." Sakura said as she started walking towards the medical wing.
"Sakura." Shaoran said as he grabbed her arm.
Sakura just stopped walking.
She didn't turn to look at him.
"Sakura, look at me." He said.
Sakura wouldn't.
"Sakura." He said again and motioned her to turn.
That was when he noticed that Sakura was crying.
"I'm sorry Sakura. I didn't mean to hurt you." Shaoran said, hoping to help calm her feelings.
"Why are you apologizing Shaoran? You didn't do anything. After yesterday…I feel that it's all happening again. I don't want to cry anymore but I just have to let it all out. I'm sorry." Sakura said.
Shaoran took his handkerchief and wiped her tears away.
This gesture didn't surprise her anymore for he had done it before.
It seemed to her that he was always there to wipe her tears away.
"I told you before that everything is going to be alright. You might be tired of always hearing it not just only from me but from everyone else."
Sakura couldn't help but smile.
Shaoran always knew how to make her feel better.
"Are you ready to talk about it?"
Sakura nodded as she wiped the last of her tears away.
"So what's bothering you?"
"Shaoran, I just don't know…it feels so strange...you're right...something is going to happen…soon." Sakura said.
'Could it be what Hiiragizawa was telling me about?' Shaoran thought within himself.
"Shaoran, come on. Let's not worry about this now. Let's go see how Yukito-san and the others are doing." Sakura said, giving him a reassuring smile.
Shaoran thought twice before allowing himself to be led by Sakura to the medical wing.
As they were about to enter, Rei, Eriol and Tomoyo were heading out.
"Good morning Your Highness, Hiiragizawa-san, Lady Tomoyo." Shaoran said as he bowed to them.
Rei then motioned him to rise.
Sakura then greeted them too.
"How are you doing? Are you feeling better?" Rei asked Sakura.
Sakura just smiled and nodded.
But Shaoran, Tomoyo and Eriol knew better.
Eriol knew that any minute now the hour of judgment would begin.
Both Shaoran and Tomoyo knew that there was something great bothering Sakura.
They could feel her nervousness.
But Rei was content with Sakura's answer.
"How about you Rei-san? How are you feeling?" Sakura asked.
"I'm doing fine now. Thank you for asking. We just came to check on Tsukihiro-san. The doctor said that he's doing much better now than he did last night. He said he couldn't believe on how fast Yukito is recovering. The doctor is there now, still examining him and the others." Rei answered.
Sakura just nodded.
Rei then opened the door and led them all back inside.
Before they entered Yukito's room, the doctor came out.
"Ah, Lady Sakura. It's good to see that you are doing better now." He said.
"Yes doctor. Thank you." Sakura replied with a smile.
"You are lucky young ones. You seem to deal with injuries like no other, making my job easier. The young general is doing better than last night. I was surprised myself when I removed some of his bandages. It is as if he was never injured in the first place. Anyway, if you'll excuse me, I have to tend to the others. Good day." The doctor said as he bowed to them all.
He then left.
It didn't come as a surprise to any of them.
They all had known Yukito for a long time and this wasn't new.
Eriol, in particular, knew why.
He had placed Yue to sleep centuries ago and now was awakening in the person of Yukito Tsukihiro.
Now that the hour of judgment was coming closer, Yue was starting to manifest himself more.
As Sakura was about to open the door, Kero came flying in towards her.
"Sakura." He said as he approached.
Sakura turned to him and smiled.
But then Kero's wings wrapped around him and he started to glow.
Soon, a yellow beast was in front of her.
She took a step back in surprise.
A lion with a crown and long wings stood in his four paws with great dignity.
"Sakura, don't be frightened. It's me Kero." It said.
"K...kero?" Sakura said.
"Yes. This is my true form." Kero explained.
Sakura just shook her head in disbelief and then smiled.
She took another step back but was surprised when she had bumped into someone.
She quickly turned and saw Yukito, smiling down at her.
"Yukito-san, I think you shouldn't be-" Sakura started to say.
But then he took was engulfed by light and soon had transformed too.
Sakura gaped.
The man that had materialized in front of her was the man that had saved her the day before.
It was the same cold stare and form that had saved her but brought chills down her spine.
Tomoyo then approached Sakura.
But Kero blocked her.
Tomoyo looked at Kero.
Kero just shook his head and said, "You must not. The hour of judgment is at hand."
(To be continued...)
Well, what do you think? I know it took me a long time to write and update this chapter but trust me it couldn't be helped. I've started the next chapter but I don't know if it will take me as long. Please just bear with me and please, please send in your reviews. I really want to know what you think about it.
Michiko