Hey there! How are you doing? Well before anything else, I want to thank those who sent in their reviews. . .those who allotted some time to read my work.
Onigiri Momoko: Thank you for that review that you sent in a few days ago. At least I was about to here from someone.
Anyway, I won't keep this long. I do hope you guys enjoy reading the next chapter though.
Chapter 14 Sakura Cards
After Sakura changed into something dry, Tomoyo led the way to the hall where the others were.
"You did well, Sakura-chan." Eriol commented as both Sakura and Tomoyo settled at the nearby sofa.
Sakura smiled and thanked Eriol.
"This doesn't end here, am I right, Eriol-san?" Sakura suddenly said.
Eriol smiled back at her.
"You are right Sakura-chan. There are still a lot more things to come so you must prepare yourself for that." Eriol said.
"I believe Li could help you there." Yukito said as he entered.
Sakura turned quite surprised. She then smiled at Yukito to welcome him.
"How are you feeling Yukito-san?" She asked.
"I'm doing fine, Sakura. You don't have to worry about me." Yukito then sat in front of her. "I've gotten word that Yue, I mean, I had already found you worthy to be the Card Mistress. I want to congratulate you with your accomplishment."
Sakura just smiled at him and replied, "I was kinda surprised that the other guardian is you. I guess Onii-chan was right."
"That doesn't come as a surprise." Yukito replied.
"Yes, it doesn't. I've always known that Kinomoto Touya had possessed a great amount of power. I'm sure he knew what was coming before they left Omida for the last time." Eriol replied.
"Yes. He did. Oh no I think I lost the crest my brother gave me." Sakura said as she remembered what the parcel Yukito gave her contained. She had forgotten all about it after all that had happened.
"You mean, this one?" Shaoran said as he took it out of his pocket. "I knew that you didn't notice it when we were attacked but I managed to find it and keep it." He added as he handed it over to her.
Sakura smiled at him and thanked him.
Suddenly, Sakura's pendant began to shine brightly. It seemed to be reacting to the crest Sakura was holding.
But as suddenly as it started it ended.
"What just happened?" Sakura suddenly said.
Eriol then replied, "That was the beginning of your hunch Sakura. But don't worry. I can assure you that there is nothing going to happen tonight so you better get some rest. Tomorrow you and Li should start training because even I don't know when the next step is going to happen."
Sakura just nodded. She excused herself and went out of the room. She didn't exactly feel like going to sleep but she knew she had to rest. But she decided just to look at the sky for a while.
"Li you better follow her and talk to her about what's ahead. I'm sure you have an idea of what's going to happen next." Eriol said.
Shaoran just gave a nod and also excused himself to follow Sakura.
Tomoyo couldn't help but grin at their situation.
"How come I get the feeling that you are pushing those two together?" Tomoyo commented. She was trying really hard to contain her laughter.
Eriol smiled and said, "As so you've noticed. But it seems to me that those two still don't have a clue."
"Yes. Sakura could really be dense. She may be a very innocent and sweet girl but boy is she dense." Yukito commented.
"So you've noticed it too, Yukito-san?" Tomoyo said in amusement.
"I think that neither of the two would like to admit that in the near future." Rei said.
"Let's just wait and see how things will turn out, Rei-san." Eriol said.
They just nodded.
"So, Yukito-san, what made you decide to retain your other form? You are free now to be in your true form." Eriol said.
"Keroberos and I had decided that it is better this way. Sakura would have wanted us to be in these forms anyway. It would be easier for her to cope with all the things and the sudden changes that are happening." Yukito replied.
"You seemed surprised Yukito-san." Rei commented. Yukito turned to him in confusion. "I noticed that you hesitated accepting her hand when she offered it to you when the challenge was over. What was that all about?" He added.
Yukito then replied, "Since my other self had already came out, we now share each other's memories. I remember Clow Reed and even though we were really close with out creator, we never expected his successor to treat us the way Sakura-chan's treating us now. Yue is just surprised but once our memories fused together, the feeling faded and he finally understood."
"You do know that she would need your assistance now more than ever?" Eriol said.
"Yes. Touya had already prepared me for this. I know Li would have the major role in this and Touya knows that but Keroberos and I also have a lot of things to do before the next phase is to start." Yukito replied.
"Next phase? Pardon me but you guys lost me there. If the next stage had already began, then that means that you guys and Sakura only have little time left." Tomoyo said.
"Yes. That's right. That is also the reason why I sent Li to brief Sakura about what's to start tomorrow. She needs to prepare herself mentally aside from physically. She's already prepared spiritually so that is no longer the problem." Eriol replied.
"What can we do to help?" Tomoyo said. She knew that Rei also wanted to know that. She glanced and met Rei's gaze and then both looked at either Eriol or Yukito.
"This time, we all have our part. Tomoyo, things will get pretty rough from now on. So as her best friend, you should always be there for her. I know I don't need to say that because you already are but you must remember that there is a fine line where you could render some assistance to her and where you should stay back and just give your support. Do you understand?" Eriol said as Tomoyo nodded.
"Your Highness, what you could do is help us in her training. You had trained with her brother once, more than I so you know more about his moves than I do. I'm sure that would help her a lot, making her comfortable. I would be like her brother is actually fighting her." Yukito said.
"Are you sure she's up to it? I mean, ever since it started, I don't think Sakura has been able to recover fully." Tomoyo said with such concern.
"I think Sakura has the final say on that." Yukito replied.
"But. . ." Tomoyo started to reason out.
"I know you are concerned about her Tomoyo-chan but you know very well that once she sets her mind on something, there is no stopping her." Yukito replied.
"You're right." Tomoyo replied in defeat.
"Besides, I don't think will let this cross her path when she is not ready to take it on." Eriol said.
Tomoyo just nodded. But no matter what they said, they could not sooth her troubled heart. She knew that it was normal for her to feel that way because she was her best friend. She knew that Sakura had been through a lot since two months before. The least thing she wanted to happen was to see Sakura hurt more.
Outside. . .
Sakura found her way towards one of the big balconies that had an overview of the garden.
She really didn't feel tired.
There were a lot of questions in her mind. No matter how she tried to shut them out, they seem to overpower her will more. She was anxious of what was ahead. She knew that there was something big awaiting not only her but all of them.
Sakura gazed at the starlit sky.
It was a magnificent scene. The stars were up high, twinkling, sharing with the world their gentle glow. The moon was full and breathtaking.
Just looking up at the night, lovely beyond made her smile. It made tranquility prevail in her restless heart, soul and mind.
Sakura couldn't help take in the gentle, cool breeze. She closed her eyes and tried to savor the sweet scent of serenity. It seemed to make all her burdens seem bearable.
"It's good to see that you're doing fine now." Came Shaoran's gentle, reassuring voice.
Sakura just let out her breath slowly and gently opened her eyes. She then turned to face him and smiled.
Shaoran just stood next to her and gazed up to where Sakura was looking up.
"It's a beautiful night, isn't it?" He suddenly commented.
Sakura gazed up again. She then replied, "Yeah. . . it is. It seems to grow more beautiful as each day passes. . .or is it just me?"
Shaoran gave a short giggle and turned to her. He then answered, "Yeah. . . it's just you. I think everything becomes more beautiful in your eyes as you stare at it longer."
Sakura just smiled.
"Aren't you tired or anything?" He asked.
She just gestured no. "I don't know but. . ." Sakura started to say. She then turned back to sky and took another deep breath and smiled before continuing, "It's just. . .for the first time in two months, I finally had convinced myself that I can be someone. . .someone worth while."
Shaoran just gave her a small smile. "You will always be someone worthwhile, Sakura. Remember that. If you're not someone special, do you think fate would be giving you all these things? I remember my dad telling me once before he died that fate never gives us things that he knows we are not ready to take. It took me awhile to figure that out just like you."
"My brother used to tell me that too. Even though we never really gotten along, he still gave me some good advice even though it was hard at times to distinguish if he's really serious or not." Sakura replied. She laughed a little at the memory.
"I guess it's not necessary for me to ask if you really liked having a brother. Me, on the other hand, I admit that there were times before when I wished having a brother a least than having only sisters." Shaoran replied.
"You don't like having sisters?" Sakura asked curiously.
"It's the same with you. Even though there are times when they get in my nerves, I still think they're really great sisters, caring and everything. Just your typical sibling." Shaoran replied.
Sakura just smiled.
"What?" Shaoran couldn't help but ask.
Sakura just laughed at him. "Nothing. It's just the first time you've talked admiringly about your sisters. Last time, you just told me some stuff not really what you thought about them."
"I just figured that you would be amused by the story that's all. You seem a lot more distracted since we got here." Shaoran said.
"It's that obvious huh?"
"No. Not really. It's just that I've learned to read you more than when the first time I met you."
"I'm that readable huh?" Sakura said and then gave a sign. "So I guess Tomoyo and the others have noticed that too."
"I don't know. But you will eventually." Shaoran said.
"Shaoran, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"When did you first start training?"
"My father taught me at a very young age. It was necessary in our family that every male born should start the training young as well as for the girls with traces of magic." Shaoran explained.
"Was it hard? I mean. . .when I first started out, I wasn't really aware what I was getting myself into. It was really hard for me."
"If you love what you do, you don't need to think if it's hard or not because it would be natural for you to do your best and achieve your goal." Shaoran replied and smiled.
"You're right. I admit that I loved if after a time. For one, it made me spend more time with my brother and my dad whom I rarely see."
"You're worried about tomorrow. Am I right?" Shaoran said.
Sakura hesitated a little. "Yeah. It's hard for me not to."
"I guess my words before had its toll on you."
"It's not that. I'm actually grateful that you are a strict teacher because before you reach that point, you must first be a faithful follower, which is great. It's just. . ."
"Enough worrying Sakura. I think you know me well enough by now that I won't do something that would put you in immediate danger." Shaoran just then dropped his pride and said, "We both are hardheaded and if I could do it, so can you."
Sakura just smiled. "Well, there is no turning back now. I'm ready to face what's ahead."
"I won't go that gentle on you when training starts."
"Don't worry. I don't expect you to. My father and my brother didn't and that made all the difference."
"Do you remember where they left off?"
"Yeah. They started teaching me how to utilize all my other senses without using my eyes."
"Ok. Now I know where to start."
Sakura smiled and said, "I promise I won't give you any more trouble than I already have."
"What makes you think that you're trouble?"
"My brother used to say that trouble is my middle name." Sakura said, remembering her brother's exact words. It was one of those memories that would now make her smile.
"Well we shall see if that's true in the coming days. Won't we?"
"Yeah. . . Hey do you mind accompanying me for a walk?"
"Sure. But only for a while. You better get some rest because we will start early tomorrow."
"Now where have I heard that before?"
"Don't tell me. . .Kinomoto used to tell you that?"
Sakura just laughed. "No even close." She said.
Shaoran just looked at her. Sakura just smiled at him. "Come on." She said as she took his hand and led him to the garden. He just allowed himself to be dragged.
Once there, Sakura pointed to the sky and said, "You see that?"
"Where?"
"That group of stars up at the sky. . ."
"Yeah. . . draco. . .why?"
"You'll see why it is my favorite constellation." Sakura said as she her pendant and held it up high.
"What are you doing?" Shaoran asked.
Sakura just smiled and said, "You shall see. . ."
The pendant suddenly started to glow.
A soft and gentle glow was cast of by the shimmering pendant.
Sakura then took out the crest that had caused the same reaction earlier.
"Sakura. . ." Shaoran started to say.
"Shhh. . .Now we shall see why it reacted earlier." Sakura replied.
As each second passed, the glow seemed to be getting stronger.
Sakura closed her eyes. Shaoran couldn't help but step back and shelter his eyes from the bright light starting to engulf everything around them.
Rei and the others were walking down the corridor at the very moment, heading for their rooms when they saw the light coming from the garden.
They quickly got to the nearest balcony to see what was going on.
"Eriol-kun, what is that?" Rei asked.
"That, Your Highness, is Sakura revealing half of her power." Eriol said, smiling.
Back at the garden, Sakura started to float and was in the center of it all.
Shaoran had no idea what was happening. He watched in amazement at the things that were unfolding in front of him.
From above Sakura's hand, her pendant was starting to change form. It started to spin gently but little by little, it grew faster and faster.
It suddenly stopped and Sakura was once again back on the ground. She smiled and opened her eyes.
The crest was no longer in existence. The pendant was no longer like a bird of some sort but bore the form of a star.
"Sakura. . ." Shaoran said as he approached her. She looked at him and smiled. "What did you just do?" He asked.
"Something that I had to do. . ." Sakura just said as she extended her hand and placed the new pendant on Shaoran's hand.
"But I don't understand. How does this have anything to do with draco?" Shaoran asked.
"How did you think I got here when this is the first time I've been here?"
Shaoran couldn't answer. "Draco had always guided me in every challenge that I've faced. When I changed the eye of the serpent back, each time I would look up at draco, it seemed to be brighter than before. Then I remembered what my grandfather told me when I was younger. . .that whenever I was lost and desolate, the only thing I needed to do was look up and draco would always be there to shine and give me light. Now, I've found the star inside of me, a star that I wish could one day be worthy to shine with draco." Sakura said. Shaoran just smiled at her. "Indeed, one day, your star will find its way to the sky where it rightfully belongs." He said.
"You did well Sakura." Came Eriol's voice which made the two look at his direction. Eriol was standing there, together with Yukito. He had told Tomoyo and Rei to proceed to their rooms when they insisted they come with him. He told them that he must talk with Sakura and the others alone.
"Eriol-san. . .what?" Sakura started.
"We saw the light and I figured that you might have something to do with it and I was right, wasn't I?" He replied.
Sakura didn't say anything, just simply gave a small smile.
"Another set of challenges are to come from now on. Li Shaoran will help you prepare yourself physically for it. The two guardians, Keroberos and Yue will be helping you understand fully the cards and your power." Eriol explained.
Sakura just nodded. "Eriol-san, thank you." She just said.
The next day. . .
It was still early in the morning. The sun hasn't even risen yet. It was still dark outside and the breeze was cold.
Sakura was already awake. She sat slowly, careful not to wake Kero up. She slowly got up from bed and stretched. She freshened up and slowly made her way outside.
It was still dark but she managed to make her way outside without making any noise. It was still so quiet and usually that silence would frighten her because of what her brother would usually tell her but at that moment, she seemed to have overcome her fear.
It had been a while since she last had training. She was still a little nervous but it was normal for her to feel that way because she felt like that every time they would start.
Sakura then decided to meditate for a while. She sat down and closed her eyes. She then started to feel everything around her. She felt the peace that was currently floating in the air. She heard someone approaching but she just couldn't distinguish the footsteps. She readied herself just in case it was an intruder.
As the footsteps grew near, Sakura could feel her heart skip a beat. Even though she was ready to jump and defend herself at any second, it was still hard for her not to feel anxiety.
The man then reached out to her but Sakura sprang into action. They found themselves in combat for a few seconds. But when Sakura opened her eyes, she saw that it was only Shaoran. She quickly stepped back.
"Good morning. Sorry about that." She quickly said.
"Good morning to you too. I didn't expect you to be up this early. Anyway, are you sure they haven't taught you about that at all?" He replied.
"Sorry. . .I still haven't mastered it though." Sakura replied.
"You will with a little more practice. So, couldn't sleep?" He said.
"Not exactly. I slept ok. I guess it's just a habit of mine to wake up early when there's training. My brother was strict about time so. . .you know. . .I didn't have that much choice since it was him who was teaching me." Sakura explained.
"I thought your dad was also teaching you?"
"He did. But my brother was the one who taught me most of the time. So, what will we be doing?"
"Controlling your magic for starters. Last night, when you went off to bed, I was told that that was only half of your true powers. We must now work to bring it all out and you must also learn how to control it. Are you ready?" Shaoran said.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Sakura replied.
"Ok." Shaoran then took out his globe-like key and transformed it into a sword. "Transform yours and we'll start by using the sword card."
Sakura did as she was asked. She took out the pendant and tried to change it into her staff. But it didn't work. Sakura was surprised and confused why she couldn't change it.
"What's wrong?" Shaoran asked.
"I have no idea. I can't change it." Sakura replied.
"Try again." Shaoran instructed.
Sakura tried and tried but she just couldn't change it. She was getting disheartened. Shaoran could sense this so he said, "There are no failures. You will only fail if you stop trying."
Sakura looked at him and smiled. "I suppose you're right." She said.
"Now why don't you try it again? Maybe you'll get it this time." Shaoran said.
Sakura just took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. Suddenly, she heard a voice speak to her. She opened her eyes and said, "Did you say something, Shaoran?"
Shaoran was baffled. "What are you talking about? I didn't say anything. It couldn't be someone else because it's just the two of us here."
Sakura just shook her head. "Never mind it. Maybe it's just all in my head." She said. But then she heard the voice again. Sakura attempted to open her eyes but this time she couldn't.
"Fear not my child. I only come to give you some assistance." The voice said.
"I've heard your voice before. Yes! You're the one who spoke to me before."
"Indeed I am. Now my child, the past had already lapsed so don't treat the present like what you used to in the past." The voice replied.
"But what does that mean?"
"Think Sakura. The answer is already inside of you. It's time to let it out."
Sakura then opened her eyes.
"You ok?" Shaoran asked. Sakura just looked at him. "Shaoran, if someone told you that the past already elapsed so don't treat the present like what you used to in the past, what do you think is written between the lines?"
"Why?"
"Just answer my question please. . .I just need to know your answer. . ."
"Well, I'd say that you should be open to something new and not dwell on the past alone. Now do you mind telling me what's really going on?" Shaoran said.
By this time the sun was starting to rise.
"I am the owner of the cards. I am your creator. I order you to release the power." Sakura just said and as soon as she released her words, her new pendant began to shine. Soon it transformed itself to her new staff.
"Ok. That answers everything." Shaoran just commented.
"You sure you didn't hear anything or perhaps it was really you by any chance?" Sakura said.
"I don't know what you're saying but I think we should take a break for a while. You're really starting not to make sense." Shaoran replied.
"No. It's probably nothing. I know that it may sound weird but. . .I think I hear Clow Reed talking to me. . ." Sakura said.
"Clow Reed? Are you sure?"
"Positive. I've heard his voice before too."
"How could that be? He died a long time ago."
"I know. . .it's just. . .I just have this strong feeling that's all."
"That's possible. You are his successor." Shaoran replied.
"I suppose. . ." Sakura replied as she got the sword card from her pocket.
"Are you ready, Sakura?" Shaoran asked.
Sakura then nodded. "Then call upon the power of the card." Shaoran said. "Not so fast." They heard Yue say. That was when they saw Yue and Keroberos (in his true form) approach them.
"As guardians of the book, we must be here for your training." Yue said. Keroberos just nodded.
"Very well then." Shaoran said. "Whenever you are ready Sakura." He added.
Sakura then tried to summon the power of the card but like what had happened with her staff earlier, she could not do it.
Suddenly there was a strong light that engulfed both Yue and Keroberos. It was so strong that they could not breathe.
Sakura could hardly believe her eyes. She didn't know what to do.
"Sakura, the answer must be in the cards." Shaoran said.
"I know but I can't summon their powers. What shall I do?"
"Don't say you can't Sakura. You can. Believe in yourself and in your powers. If there is anybody who could do this, it's you." Shaoran quickly said.
Sakura just stood there for awhile, thinking of what she could do. . .what she could use to stop what was happening to her friends.
'If I changed how to summon my staff, then I also have to change how to call forth the cards. This must work. Their lives are on the line. I cannot afford to fail.' Sakura said.
"I am your creator. Hear me out. My name is Sakura and I order you to change. Shield Card!" She said as she summoned the power of the shield card.
It had worked to her relief. Soon, both her guardians were back on the ground with her, grasping for air.
Tears streamed down her eyes as she hugged both of them.
Yue seemed to be taken aback with the gesture.
Sakura finally broke away and said as she wiped her tears, "Are you guys alright?"
Both just nodded in reply.
"For a minute there I thought I lost you two." She said in relief.
"You will never lose us Sakura-chan. That is why we are here. . .to assist you in anyway you can." Keroberos said.
"That's right mast- I mean, Sakura-chan. Look at your card." Yue said.
He then handed her the new shield card.
Sakura had managed to change it from a Clow card to a Sakura card.
That was the first time she noticed it.
"Eriol was right. This is indeed only the beginning." Sakura commented.
She then turned back to her two guardians. She then said, "Are you sure you two are alright?"
"Yes Sakura. Now, you must go back to your training. Who knows what will happen next so you better prepare yourself." Keroberos said.
"For the first time you are making sense cotton ball." Shaoran commented.
"Hey watch it Gaki!" Kero replied.
Sakura couldn't help but giggle.
There were indeed some things that will never change no matter how you twist and turn the world.
She just shook her head as she stood up again.
For another hour, they trained and trained. Shaoran could see the determination in Sakura's eyes. He also found out that she was the type of person who would never complain.
After awhile, he was finding it difficult for him to fight Sakura while holding back, trying very hard not to hurt her.
When they did call it quits, they sat down for awhile.
"You are a fast learner, Sakura-chan." Yue commented.
Sakura just smiled at him.
"Good morning everyone." Came Tomoyo's voice as she approached them.
"Good morning Tomoyo." Sakura greeted.
"You guys are up early. Are you guys through?" Tomoyo asked.
"Yes. We shall resume some time today. I'll just inform you Sakura." Shaoran said.
Just as Sakura was about to ask him something, Tomoyo said, "Good. Come Sakura. Rika, Naoko, Chiharu and I want to show you something." Tomoyo then started to drag Sakura away.
They just heard Sakura say, "See you later guys."
"She will be beating you soon, Li if you don't watch your back." Kero commented.
"Yes. I know. But there is more to come." Shaoran replied.
"He's right. There is indeed more to come. We have to make sure that she's ready to face it. We won't always be there by her side." Yue said.
"Yes we will." Kero defended.
"There are only things we could do. There will be challenges that only she could face. She would have to over come them alone and without out assistance." Yue said.
"She'll get through it. I just know she will." Shaoran replied.
"Yes. She will." Kero finally said.
Yue then changed back to Yukito. He then said, "We also have to be heading back to our training Li. We have to see that the others knights are in shape too. With the attack like the one a few days ago, we can't afford to let our guards down." He then led the way.
Shaoran just followed him in silence.
Kero was left there. He then changed form.
That was when Seiki spotted him. He called out, "Hey Kero! There you are. I've been looking for you. I'm heading to the kitchen. Do you want to come?"
"Of course I do! Do you really have to ask that?" Kero replied as he followed the young boy.
"It looks like the Card Mistress had been successful in changing her staff and one of the cards." Spinel commented.
"Yes. She's a remarkable young woman. She still has a long way to go until she reaches magic maturity." Eriol commented.
"What are you planning next, Eriol-san?" Spinel asked.
Eriol just smiled and replied, "I will make sure that time will prepare her for the challenges that are about to begin. She must be ready before the inevitable fate breaks into the world."
"I still don't understand why you have to conceal your identity though. Wouldn't it be easier for the both of you?" Spinel commented as he finally closed his book.
Eriol settled down in his chair and took off his glasses, revealing the most striking blue eyes.
"The time will come when she will find out but right now, she's not supposed to know who I really am, nor could she see you." He said.
"Whatever you say Eriol-san." Spinel just replied.
He then got another book from the shelf and started reading.
'Yes. The time will come when everything will be revealed Sakura. I know in the mean time you will do your best to change all of the cards that will come. It is essential for you to succeed.' Eriol thought.
He then got up and went for the door.
"I will be back later, Spinel." Eriol said.
Spinel didn't say anything as he was absorbed into what he was reading.
Eriol just smiled as he went out of the door.
He then met up with Tomoyo and Sakura.
"Good morning ladies." He greeted.
"Good morning Eriol-san." The two greeted back.
"Where are you two heading in such a hurry?" He asked.
"I don't know exactly. Tomoyo said that she wanted to show me something. Do you want to tag along?" Sakura said.
"If it's ok with the two of you." He replied.
"Don't be silly Eriol-san. Of course it is ok. Come, come. The other girls are waiting." Tomoyo said as she led the way.
(To be continued. . . )
Well, I've finally finished chapter 14. Well, I won't say much. I do hope that you liked reading it. Please do send in your reviews. I would really like to know what you think about it so far. Thanks!
Michiko