Aiya minna-san! As usual arigato for reading and supporting this fic! Gomen ne once again for taking so long. It's just that I'm working very hard on this fic's website which can be found at http://welcome.to/syaoran Anyway, this chapter is being released in celebration of my birthday, March 4! I hope you all enjoy this episode as much as I did when I was writing it! It's a bit long! And also if you want to contribute your artwork email me! Oh yeah, if any of you have caught Sigmund and Roy's (I'm not sure of the name) show at Las Vegas, Raiju looks exactly like the white Siberian blue-eyed lion that they have on the show!
Card Captor Syaoran
Chapter 4: The Truth Card?
Syaoran stared gloomily out of his window. The rain was pouring down hard on the panes, creating a steady rhythm of pitter-patter of the falling raindrops. Lightning would streak across the sky every so often, briefly illuminating his solemn face with its bright light. Syaoran closed his eyes, trying hard not to torture himself with the memory of the harsh words he had said to his beloved that night.
*flashback*
"No Kinomoto you can't capture these cards!" Syaoran said silently, disrupting the air of celebration around them.
" What d'ya mean Sakura can't capture the Syaoran Cards, brat?" Kero reacted to his words violently.
" What I meant, stuffed toy, is that since I AM the only one who can capture them anyway then there would be no reason why she should even try capturing them!" Syaoran retorted as he stared the small lion cub down.
"But Syaoran I want to help even though I can't capture them myself!" Sakura said gently reaching out to hold his hand in hers. "You were there to help me and rescue me each and every time I was in trouble capturing the Clow cards. I-I just want to do the same thing for you." She said brokenly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Syaoran violently cursed himself, the look of pure hurt and disappointment on Sakura's face was not lost to him. He knew that what he had just done had hurt her and what he was about to do would greatly hurt her even more but still he couldn't risk her getting hurt just because of something he had to do.
Syaoran roughly pulled his hand out of hers and said, "I don't need your help! I can do this by myself!" Then before loosing his nerve, he spat out vehemently, "You would only be in the way!"
The second he had said those words he immediately regretted it. The look of hurt in Sakura's eyes had intensified into pure pain and the tears that had filled her eyes were now coursing down her flushed cheeks. He had to get away! For he knew that if he stayed a moment longer, he would have lost himself in her clouded emerald eyes.
He abruptly turned away for them, and with all the strength he had left warned her for the last time, "Do not get involved."
And now he was here. Alone, staring out into the cold stormy night, his guilt and love for the girl he loved so helplessly slowly eating him away.
Suddenly, muffled knocking reached his ears. What the? He thought curiously as he approached the front door. Xian was already asleep. Who could it be at this late hour of the night? It couldn't be Raiju for he was surely out with his brother pigging out on ice cream or some other sweet. Besides, it was pouring too hard for Raiju to attempt flying home. Maybe it's a Syaoran Card? Syaoran thought as he quickly summoned his sword.
The muffled knocking grew louder and more insistent. Cautiously with his sword in hand, Syaoran opened the door. Out of nowhere something flew in, catching him off guard and colliding with him so hard he fell flat on his back.
"What in heaven's name took you so long? I nearly froze to death out there!" a cold shivering snow-white guardian beast demanded sourly. Then catching sight of Syaoran's sword that was dangerously near him, he said bewilderedly, "And what the hell are you doing with that sword? Is that how you greet friends at night?"
Syaoran, who was a bit dazed by the blow, peered blearily at the wet lion cub that was sitting on his chest. Then smiling sheepishly he put his sword away. "Gomen nasai Raiju! I didn't know it was you!" Syaoran apologized. Raiju merely crossed his arms and huffed, still sour for missing out on 'ice cream' and getting so wet.
At that point, Syaoran noticed that his poor guardian was shivering, he bundled the little cub in his arms and headed for the kitchen. He took a towel out of a drawer and began to gently rub the lion cub dry.
"Arr youse alrrgghhhttt?" Raiju said through the fabric.
"What?" Syaoran said as he took the heavy cloth off Raiju.
"I said, are you alright? You left kind of abruptly." Raiju asked in concern.
Syaoran hesitated a minute before nodding his head, he wasn't quite ready to burden anyone with his problems. He turned away, headed for the stove and began making Raiju some hot tea. Suddenly he felt a small paw on his shoulder, as he turned around he was faced with a very concerned guardian beast.
"You can tell me anything, you know." Raiju said quietly.
Syaoran, for once, graced him with one of his rare smiles and said gratefully, "I know."
And for the remainder of the night, they sat there drinking tea in comfortable silence.
THE NEXT DAY
Sakura woke up to find yet another stormy rainy day awaiting her. She sighed as she stumbled towards the bathroom to bathe and change for school. She grumbled gloomily as the cold water hit her back. The chilly weather was doing nothing to ease her mood. She had not slept a wink after last night. She had tried quite hard to shut her eyes and rest but each time she did, she was tortured by Syaoran's handsome face. And each time she pictured him she'd also seen the buried anger etched in his fine features, not to mention hear the harsh words he had said to her. She had successfully hidden her hurt from Tomoyo and Kero the night before but as she lay alone in her bed, she knew she couldn't hide it from herself as fresh tears had sprang unto her eyes each time she was tortured by the memory.
She shook her head, trying to clear her confused mind. And as she finished dressing for school, she heard Kero knocking, well, more like pounding the door.
"Hey Sakura! What are you doing in there? Do you want to be late again? It's already past seven!" Kero chastised his young and terribly unpunctual mistress.
A loud grunt of "HOE?" met his announcement and Kero couldn't help but smile despite of himself. She was just so adorable at times. No wonder that Li kid loves her so much. Kero grimaced at the thought of Syaoran and bit down a curse. He knew that Raiju was right. He knew that deep inside his twisted, warped miniscule brain, Li Syaoran thought it was best for Sakura not to interfere because he didn't want her to get hurt. In truth, a part of Kero wanted to do that, for he would never want to see her in pain but another part of him knew that Sakura shouldn't be treated like a porcelain doll. Sakura could handle her own in a battle and she had proven herself countless of times even receiving a few choice compliments from a hesitant Syaoran every now and then.
And he also knew full well that Li Syaoran's indifferent uncaring act towards Sakura was just that, nothing more than an act. It was sorely obvious to everyone except maybe Sakura that he was still crazy about her and she reciprocated that feeling. Why they would torture themselves so with this denial was beyond his comprehension.
"Hoe! I'm late!" Sakura shouted as she ran past Kero startling him out of his thoughts.
"Bye Kero!" Sakura said to him as she headed for the door with her bag in hand.
"Bye Sakura! And don't forget my sweets when you get home!" Kero yelled after her, practically drooling at the thought of the delectable sweets she might bring home.
"I will!" she shouted as she bumped hard into someone. She raised her eyes and was met with Touya's hazel ones. What is Touya doing here? She thought as she readied herself for his usual teasing of his Kaiju. Wasn't he supposed to be attending class at Todai University?
Touya felt someone bump into him just as he was coming up the stairs and as he looked down he saw that it was his baby sister. Touya smiled and said sweetly, "Sakura-chan, I made pancakes earlier this morning just for you! Over there by the table, I hope you like them!"
"Hoe?" Sakura exclaimed as she peered at her cheerful oniisan. Was this really Touya that was in front of her? Suddenly remembering the time, she cursed under her breath and started for the door, shouting, "Gomen, Touya! I'm late! I have to go!" But just as she neared the door, Touya blocked her way still grinning like crazy and holding a brown paper bag in his hand.
"Here, Sakura-chan! I packed some for you just in case!" Touya said cheerfully at his little sister unaware that she was gaping at him.
"Who are you and what have you done with my brother?" Sakura exclaimed at the still smiling Touya.
Touya's smile grew wider as he patted his sister's head and said, "Sakura-chan, you're so silly!"
Before Sakura could interrogate Touya even further, she ran out the door remembering she was late. "Ohayo Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura greeted her bestfriend as she met her.
"Ohayo Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo returned her greeting with a smile. Then seeing her troubled face she asked, "What's wrong?"
Sakura sighed and began explaining, "Well, for one thing we're late again! And I'm not sure sensei will appreciate that!"
"But you've never been this disgruntled for being late before." Tomoyo interrupted.
Sakura nodded and continued, "True but then there was also that incident with Syaoran-kun last night." Her voice faded as she fought down the feeling to burst out crying.
Tomoyo gasped and mentally smacked her head for forgetting how deeply affected Sakura must have been after last night. She must feel so awful! I know she still loves him although she denies it! She thought. Then hurrying to comfort Sakura she said, "Sakura, gomen for being so insensitive! I'm so-"
Sakura shook her head and dismissed Tomoyo's apology, determined not to let her hurt show. "I'm okay! Another thing that's gotten me so confused is that Touya's acting very un-Touya like!" she quickly said, desperately wanting to change the topic.
Tomoyo understood her wishes and left it alone. Following her lead she said, "Really? Touya's here? Isn't he supposed to be at the university? How is he acting?"
"Very weird. First he didn't tease me at all or call me 'Kaiju' when I bumped into him then he made me pancakes for breakfast. He never does that! And when I told him I had to go he gave me this." Sakura held up her brown paper bag.
"Wow! That is weird!" Tomoyo shook her head in amazement. That certainly didn't sound like the Touya they knew. Something was definitely wrong. "A Clow card? One that makes crabby people –um-er- nicer?" Tomoyo wondered out loud.
Sakura groaned inwardly. "You mean a Syaoran Card." She corrected her. "I don't sense anything but then again since these are Syaoran cards maybe only Syaoran can sense them?" she said thoughtfully.
"Or maybe Touya decided to change into a more sensitive, cheerful and loving human being." Tomoyo interjected. The two girls looked at each other and burst out laughing. "No way!" they giggled.
And as they ran to beat the homeroom bell, Sakura could not help but wonder what Syaoran was doing at that very moment.
Meanwhile…Syaoran smoothed a wrinkle off his clothes and looked up at Xian. "Ready?"
"Hai!" Xian nodded. And with that, the two of them walked out the door.
Back to school…"Sakura Kinomoto! Tomoyo Daidouji!" the teacher exclaimed at the two girls who were trying to sneak unnoticed into the class.
Sakura and Tomoyo froze in their tracks and looked up sheepishly at their sensei, "Hai, Seishiro-sensei?" Both of them preparing themselves for the usual scolding followed by a detention slip.
"You're late again! How wonderful!" Seishiro told them, then facing the class she said, "Sakura and Tomoyo are late today! Isn't that great? Let's all give them a big round of applause!" And with that the whole classroom started happily cheering and applauding them.
Sakura and Tomoyo sweatdropped. What the hell was going on here? Where they playing some kind of practical joke? But before they could question them, the teacher had already told them to sit down.
Seishiro-sensei started, "Okay, today we are going to study about the wonders of Trigonometry." The class broke into a wild cheer of "Hooray Trigo!" causing Tomoyo and Sakura to be more bewildered by their classmates' behavior.
"Okay class!" Seishiro-sensei said with a smile and clapped for their attention. "But before we begin I would like you all to welcome two new classmates who have come along way to be here!" She walked over to the door and ushered them in. "Please welcome Li Xian and Li-
"Syaoran!" Sakura gasped as she caught sight of the familiar auburn-haired boy. She was so concerned over these morning events that she had failed to notice that his aura was nearby. He was dressed in their Tomoeda High uniform. But unlike the other boys on him it looked elegant and princely, maybe because he was still wearing that radiant emerald band on his forehead that he had worn the night before.
Seishiro-sensei smiled at the pale Sakura and said, "Oh good you know Syaoran-kun! In that case, Syaoran you may take the seat behind Sakura."
Syaoran, his expression unreadable, started to walk towards his seat just like he had a hundred times before. He quickly glanced at Sakura's face, noting that she was pale and her body was rigid. She's probably mortified that I'm here. He thought sadly. Kuso! Why did the elders insist upon my continuing my study of Japanese culture? He thought as he gloomily stared out of the window.
Okay. Keep your cool, Sakura. She lectured herself as she tried to steady her rapidly beating heart. We've been over this before. She said to herself. You lost your chance. You aren't supposed to love him anymore. Oh god! He looks so kawaii! Baka! You just decided not to do that! Her mind swam as different conflicting thoughts filled her head.
"Kinomoto-san!" Seishiro-sensei called on her startling her out of her bewildered thoughts.
"Hai? Seishiro-sensei?" she replied as she stood up dreading the teacher's response.
"What is the Pythagorean theorem?" Seishiro-san asked her with a smile.
Sakura blinked and stared blankly at her as she desperately racked her brain for the answer. She hung her head when she came up with nothing and said, "Gomen Seishiro-san. I-" she stopped when she heard someone whisper, "a squared plus b squared equals c squared." Her eyes widened when she realized it was coming from behind her. Then she smiled widely and answered the teacher with confidence, "a squared plus b squared equals c squared."
Seishiro-sensei grinned unaware of what had just happened and said, "Very good Sakura-chan! You really are getting good at this!"
Sakura sweatdropped and as she took her seat she whispered softly to Syaoran, "Arigato Syaoran-kun."
Syaoran berated himself the second he realized what he was doing. He should have kept his mouth shut! But the situation was so familiar to him that he had reacted almost instinctively. Everything was like before. It was as if he never left. The essential things were the same. Tomoyo was sitting next to Sakura while he was positioned behind her, staring at the same head he had stared at a million times before. That's why when she couldn't answer the sensei's question, it came naturally for him to help her. Just like he did before. But it's not the same! Things have changed! He argued with himself. I can't live in the past! But as he caught Sakura's soft words of gratitude he couldn't help but think that he did the right thing.
Recess time…Syaoran took out a sandwich and handed another to Xian.
Xian bowed slightly and thanked his master, "Arigato, Syaoran-sama."
Syaoran winced slightly as he noted some people looking curiously at them. "Xian, you better stop calling me your master before people get suspicious!"
Xian looked horrified at the thought of not giving him proper respect. "But, Syaoran-sama, I-I can't do that! That's one of the highest disrespects a guardian could ever do to their master! The elders would surely kill me if I-"
"The elders aren't here now are they? Besides people would get suspicious to hear a teenager calling another boy their master!" Syaoran explained.
"Well, that huge shiny emerald orb in your golden band isn't necessarily inconspicuous either!" a muffled voice coming from Syaoran's bag argued.
Syaoran grimaced as he pushed Raiju's head further into the bag. "I should have left you at home!" he said to the tiny lion cub.
"And what? Let me die of boredom? Not to mention sugar deprivation!" Raiju argued.
"You know what? I've got to introduce you to the TV." Syaoran said.
"TV? Who is that? Do I know him?" Raiju asked curiously.
Syaoran sighed as he took a cupcake and shoved it into the bag. "Here, just don't move and talk so much. It's bad enough people think its weird Xian calls me his master but now they think I'm crazy because I'm talking to my bag!"
"Yey! Chocolate my favorite!" Raiju exclaimed as he took it greedily from Syaoran's hand.
Syaoran blushed as the people around him stared and said defensively "What? I happen to love chocolate?"
Syaoran sighed exasperatedly. Between Xian's worshipful attitude towards him and Raiju's constant outbursts, it looked like it was going to be a long day of babysitting his guardians.
A few feet away…Sakura unconsciously stared at the huge cherry blossom tree in the middle of the school grounds, which consequently was where Syaoran was standing. Suddenly she saw a hand pass over her eyes and as she looked up she was met with Tomoyo's smiling face.
"A penny for your thoughts?" She asked Sakura knowing full well what or better yet who she was thinking about.
Sakura blushed and said quietly, "I was just thinking how nice it was of Syaoran to help me back there. I was shocked because I thought he hated me. " Then she said softly, " It was almost like old times…"
"Then come on!" Tomoyo said as she pulled Sakura up.
"Hoe? Where are we going?" Sakura said confused.
"Why to Syaoran of course! You said it was like old times, right? Well, in the old days we all eat together so come on!" Tomoyo said with a smile as she lightly pushed her friend towards the tree.
"Iie Tomoyo! I said it was almost like the old days! Things have change!" she said shaking her head violently. "We're not even friends anymore..." she added weakly.
Tomoyo shook her head stubbornly and said, "Look Sakura, I know you still love Syaoran. Although you still deny it", she continued as Sakura started to object, and I know its quite impossible for things to go back to the way they used to be. It's still worth a try to at least get his friendship back. You were great friends." She finished. Although you both were better at being more than friends. She added silently to herself.
Sakura slumped her shoulders in defeat. She knew Tomoyo was right and she did want to be with him even if it's just as a friend.
"Besides if we don't hurry someone else might grab Syaoran!" she added mischievously while glancing at the herd of blushing girls that were staring lovestruck at an oblivious Syaoran.
"Ooh! He's so dreamy!" they heard one squeal.
"He's so dashing! I love that beautiful golden band on his head!" another said.
"Oh! I bet he's a prince! A prince from a faraway land, searching for his dear princess! And I'm his princess!" one said dreamily.
Sakura felt her blood boiled as she overheard their lovestruck remarks. Her eyes began to twitch as she was filled with jealousy. Didn't they know that she and only she was his princess! With fire in her eyes, she began to walk towards the girls ready to straighten them out when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Tomoyo smiled at her bestfriend who was literally steaming with jealousy. She restrained Sakura and said to her, "Come on Sakura! Syaoran's this way!"
At the mention of Syaoran, her jealousy subsided, now she was just nervous. What if he rejected her offer of friendship? What if he rejected her? She gnawed on her lip as she nervously approached him.
Syaoran straightened himself as he felt Sakura's sweet aura nearby. I wonder why she's approaching me? He thought.
As Sakura and Tomoyo stopped, Xian quickly stepped in front of Syaoran. His ruby eyes staring warily at Sakura. He had gathered from his master's actions that the girl had hurt Syaoran in the past and he would not give her a chance to do it again. His body was tense and ready for anything as he stood protectively in front of Syaoran.
Syaoran sighed as Xian stood over him. He knew Xian didn't trust easily. But somehow the thought of Sakura as a threat to his safety seemed ridiculous. Not that Sakura couldn't be if she tried. He knew full well that Sakura had it in her to kick his butt but he also knew that she would never try. Although being near her was a threat emotionally, it would never be one physically.
"Stand down." Syaoran said to Xian. And with that, Xian retreated to his place behind Syaoran but not without giving Sakura a cold stare.
Sakura shuddered as she caught Xian's distrustful stare; she would've left then and there if it weren't for Tomoyo's hand grasping hers.
Tomoyo smiled warmly at Syaoran and said to him, "Hi Syaoran-kun! We were wondering if you wanted to eat with us? Right Sakura? She asked her giving her friend a nudge.
"H-hai! Please join us!" she stammered nervously while staring intently at her shoes.
Syaoran studied her rigid form before shaking his head. He couldn't trust himself to be around her. Although the thought of being friends again was certainly a nice one he knew he would always want more and that was impossible. In the end he'd just be hurting himself. "Gomen. We can't-"
"Onegai Syaoran-kun!" Sakura cut him off as she heard him declining. She wanted so much to be his friend, at least his friend. "I know we've had a bad past and I truly am sorry." She started. More sorry than you'll ever know. She thought wistfully. "And I know it isn't easy for you to be near me and I know you hate me right now but-"
"I don't hate you." he interrupted. I could never hate you. He added to himself.
Sakura's eyes lit up and she continued, "I'm glad. Please let's stay friends at least? We were great friends right? I know it sounds totally unfair of me to ask this of you, especially since I-I" She bit back her tears and swallowed her remorse as she struggled to continue, his intense stare not wavering one bit. "Gomen! We just want it to be like old times when we were all friends you know? But I know that is impossible and I'm not expecting you to-" Sakura cut herself off as she realized how foolish she sounded. She knew he would never give her anything but an indifferent stare. He would never offer his friendship to her again. And she deserved it. She lost him. She didn't deserve anything from him even his friendship.
Sakura bowed solemnly and said, "I have just realized how foolish I am being. Gomen if I have disturbed you. I know that getting back what we had, our friendship is but an impossible dream. Gomen." She finished weakly as she turned away.
But just as she was walking off a voice stopped her dead in her tracks, "Well, I wouldn't say impossible. Maybe a bit difficult but you know me." Syaoran said with a casual shrug. "Nothing is impossible."
Sakura could hardly believe her ears. Was he actually saying that they could be friends? Sakura whirled around so fast she almost knocked Tomoyo over. She quickly walked up to Syaoran and asked him breathlessly, never leaving her eyes from his slightly smiling face, "Do you mean we could be friends again?"
"It's worth a try. But hey! I meant what I said yesterday, you still can't capture the Syaoran Cards! That's something I have to do." He added silently.
Sakura was so giddy she could have agreed to anything he could have said. Smiling like crazy, she held up her pinky and said, "We're friends again, right?"
Syaoran sighed inwardly as he began to berate himself for his stupidity. His mind started to go through the long list of why he shouldn't be even friends with Sakura but as he caught sight of her cheerful face he knew he couldn't deny her his friendship. I guess friendship isn't such a bad thing especially when you don't have any other choice. He thought glumly.
And after a few moments of tense silence and against his better judgment, his pinky wrapped itself around hers and gave it a mild shake.
"Friends." Syaoran mumbled.
After School…
Syaoran walked slowly beside Xian as they went home that day. His mind in deep thought of a girl with honey-colored hair and emerald eyes. Baka! Baka Syaoran! He berated himself. You should have just kept your mouth shut and walked away! I am so stupid! He was so preoccupied in lecturing himself that he didn't even here the voice that was calling him.
"Syaoran! Syaoran-kun!" a voice called out from behind them. Xian snorted and didn't turn around. Syaoran snapped out of his thoughts and turned behind him knowing full well to whom the voice belonged to.
Sakura who was running finally stopped in front of them. "Phew! You guys sure walk fast! Didn't you here me calling you?" she asked him as she tried to catch her breath.
"N-no! Gomen I-we didn't hear you." Syaoran explained while he tried to avoid her gaze.
Sakura smiled, unaware of his discomfort and said, "Tomoyo was picked up by her bodyguards because of some important thing she had to do. Would you mind if I walked home with you today?"
Syaoran hesitated a moment before nodding. A walk home couldn't possibly hurt, could it?
Say something Sakura! She thought as she stole another sideways glance at Syaoran. The three of them have been walking in silence for quite a while now and it was getting pretty awkward. But what would I say? I can't just act as if absolutely nothing happened! That would be stupid! She thought. You could ask him about his wife. A nagging voice inside of her answered. Hi-his wife? She thought as she recalled her conversation with Kero last night after Syaoran had stormed away.
*flashback*
"That Li kid thinks he's so tough! Why I oughta!" Kero fumed moments after Raiju and Syaoran had left.
"Kero, Sakura soothed her raging guardian, you know Raiju is right! Syaoran only acts that way because he thinks it is for the best."
Kero sighed and settled himself on Sakura's shoulder. "I know. I know. But it still doesn't seem fair for you to be excluded in this just because that brat is crowned the Li clan's master!"
"HOE? Syaoran is the Li clan's master already?" Sakura exclaimed in surprise.
Kero nodded and continued his tirade, "I'm sure of it! The emerald band on his head and his red robe are articles that only the reigning Li Clan's master can wear! And I'll bet my desert tonight that he is the youngest one yet! That's why that gaki is even more arrogant! He's probably married too! Since all Li clan masters are! Ha! He and his she-brat cousin make a lovely pair!"
Kero was so engrossed with his indignation that he didn't notice Sakura's face had paled when he mentioned Syaoran was probably married but Tomoyo did.
"Hoe? Married?" Sakura echoed weakly.
"Married Sakura? No! No! Kero said Syaoran was probably harried! Harried by his cousin who's always around him so much and nagging him, right Kero?" she asked the bear cub with a warning glare.
Kero sweatdropped at having realized what he had just said and how insensitive he had been to Sakura's feelings. "Uhh- yeah of course! Harried! That's what I said!"
Sakura smiled vaguely at them and nodded her head, not believing them for a second and said, "Yeah. Harried."
"NANI? Why is it snowing?!" Syaoran's bewildered shout brought Sakura back to the present and as she whipped her head about she saw that everything was being quickly blanketed by snow.
"What? Snow?" Raiju asked dumbfounded as he jerked his head out of Syaoran's bag.
"Oh hi Sakura!" he happily greeted her when he noticed her.
"Hoe?" exclaimed as she dusted off snow from her hair. Snow in the middle of July? This is crazy! Or it could be the work of a Clow-um Syaoran card! She thought. "Um Hi Raiju!" she greeted the small guardian back.
Syaoran was thinking the very same thing as he turned to them and pointed at the park. "Let's take cover at the Penguin Slide it's the nearest thing here!"
Sakura nodded as she began to follow Xian and Syaoran.
Once they were all inside, Syaoran quickly summoned his sword and used his magic to create a small fire with a few of the sticks that were lying around.
"The snow can't be anything natural! It's July for crying out loud! It doesn't snow in July." Sakura exclaimed as she huddled nearer to the fire.
Syaoran nodded slowly. "It's a Syaoran Card. I am positive. I can sense its presence nearby." Then curiously he added, "Do you sense anything Sakura?"
Sakura closed her eyes and tried to concentrate but all she could think about was how intense Syaoran's eyes were on her. She gave out an exasperated sigh and shook her head, "No. I don't think so."
"Weird things have been happening since last night. A rainstorm suddenly appeared out of nowhere yesterday. I have never seen it rain so hard in Japan! Have you, Sakura?" He asked her.
"N-no." she answered him as she recalled the scary lightning that had accompanied last night's sudden storm. "It had rained so hard that I heard on the news a few streets were flooded."
"And now it's snowing! Could it be an elemental card?" Syaoran thought out loud.
"Uh Syaoran, she interjected, I don't know if this means anything but I have experienced more weird things today too."
"Go on." Syaoran prompted her, eager to solve the mystery card.
"Well, when I woke up. I was late as usual so I began to hurry out of the house but as I was on my way out, Touya came out of nowhere offering me pancakes! He never does that and he was supposed to be in class at Todai. Touya never misses his classes! He was also very happy and that is very un-Touya like!" Sakura explained.
Syaoran suppressed the smile that was tugging at his lips as he tried to erase the mental picture of a genki Touya. "True that doesn't sound like Touya but maybe he was just happy about something and he didn't have classes today." he said thoughtfully.
Sakura nodded but argued, "That's not the only thing! Tomoyo and I were also late today and when we got there, Seishiro-sensei didn't even raise her voice! She even smiled and applauded us for our tardiness! And when she said we were going to study Trigo, the whole class was half crazed in delight! Now tell me if that is normal!"
Syaoran's face was grim. So it wasn't an elemental card after all. Seishiro-sensei and Touya could've been just in a good mood but High School students actually cheering for Trigonometry? Now that was freaky. Something definitely wasn't right.
"That is weird." Raiju said. Suddenly he began to shiver. And as his emerald orb began to glow so did the one on Syaoran's band.
"Syaoran-sama, It's here." Raiju said quietly.
"I know." Syaoran said as he stood up and grasped his sword. With a warning look he said to Sakura, "Stay here."
"But I-" Sakura began to protest.
"No." Syaoran shook his head, his eyes beseeching but his voice was firm. He turned his gaze to Xian who was beside him. "Stay here and guard her with your life." he ordered.
"Hai! Syaoran-sama I will!" Xian said obediently.
And with a last look at the two his eyes rested on Xian. "Thank you." he said softly to him as he ran out into the snow.
Syaoran ran into the snow-covered playground. He shielded his eyes from the falling snow and asked Raiju, "Do you see it?"
Raiju shook his head as his small wings battled against the harsh freezing wind. "No! I can't see it anywhere! But it's around I can feel it!"
Syaoran nodded. So could he. The card's magic was very strong. What card is this? Syaoran thought for the nth time.
Suddenly the snow stopped. An eerie voice called out, "Finally you show yourself cardcaptor! It sure took you long enough!"
Syaoran snorted and merely readied his fighting stance. "Well, since we're all here why don't we begin? There's no point matching wits all day, now is there?"
"Impatient aren't we? We'll get there soon enough, boy." the eerie voice retorted and as it did, it slowly walked out of its hiding.
Syaoran flinched as he saw the card. What the hell was that?
Raiju also couldn't suppress a look of disgust. I don't recall Clow Reed-sama making such a weird looking card! He thought.
The card looked like a man and a woman combined into one body. It looked perfectly human except half of it was male and the other half was female.
It threw its head back and laughed. It spoke in a creepy voice that sounded like two people talking in unison.
"I am so delighted you find me revolting. Now are you just going to stand there and stare? You are too arrogant, boy! You dare mock me although you don't even know what card I am or how to beat me! I will enjoy seeing you die!" And with that it launched into an all out attack, landing a series of powerful blows and kicks on Syaoran's stomach.
Syaoran flipped out of the way after a few blows hit him. Clutching his stomach in one hand and grasping his sword with the other, he held his ground for a moment and then began charging the card. As he thrusted, the card dodged him but not well enough to avoid his attacks. As the fight wore on, it had acquired some nasty wounds.
Kuso! This boy is fast! Strong too but I can still beat him at this game. He has yet to discover which card I am and that is to my advantage! It thought to itself. Then it chuckled softly as it picked itself up from the ground. It's a good thing Raijiku is so forgetful!
"Raiju! Anything jogging that memory of yours yet? What card is this?" Syaoran said as he warily eyed the card that was getting up.
"Augh!" Raiju shouted in exasperation as he raked his head with his paws. "Gomen, Syaoran-sama! Nothing yet! Just keep it at bay for a little while longer!"
"Is that all that you've got?" the card taunted Syaoran with it's eerie voice once it had finally gotten up. "I should have known not to expect too much out of a boy. Why you're barely out of your diapers! "
Syaoran gritted his teeth and tried to reign in his temper. If his sword wasn't powerful enough to stop it, his cards would be. He pulled one out of his pocket and held it up to his band and chanted his ancient summon.
"Syaoran Liquid Fire RELEASE!" He touched the tip of his sword to his glowing emerald orb and instantly the sword was filled with a raging fire. Syaoran charged at the card with renewed fervor, his flaming sword in hand ready to inflict serious bodily harm on the card.
The card waved its arms in a circular motion at the charging cardcaptor and instantly Syaoran's path was covered with blankets of snow but as Syaoran came near them he swiped them off with his fire sword and everything melted as they yielded to Syaoran's Liquid Fire.
MEANWHILE INSIDE THE CAVESakura was inching towards the opening, trying desperately to see if Syaoran was alright and if there was something she could do to help.
"Syaoran-sama said you can't go out." Xian's cold voice sliced the awkward silence that enveloped them.
"I-I know that but I have to help him! It's the least I could do after all that he's done for me!" Sakura reasoned.
"Do you not have enough faith in my master's abilities?" Xian asked her, anger penetrating his impassive face.
"No! No! It's not that! I know he can do it on his own but still I-" Sakura sighed and gave up explaining her reasons to him. It seemed impossible to get through to him. As she slumped her back on the wall she felt a lump on her back pocket. Trying to hide her excitement, she carefully reached for that object and pressed a button. Kero, Tomoyo please get here soon! She thought desperately as the light on her communicator blinked.
The card distanced itself from Syaoran as he raged on. Slicing and thrusting at everything the card threw at him. The freezing snow was no match for the Liquid Fire Card. The card gritted its teeth as it watched Syaoran yet again penetrate its attacks. Something had to be done. And as Syaoran drew near, the card waved his arms again in a circular motion only this time snow wasn't falling from the sky, the sky itself was turning black! Daylight had turned into night and as a crescent moon hung from the heavens, the card took its chance and disappeared in the cover of darkness.
"What? You can't hide forever Syaoran Card! I will capture you!" Syaoran shouted into the night.
A cold laugh met his remark. "Who's hiding?" it retorted from somewhere unidentifiable. "Why I am merely carefully plotting my next move. It's called strategy, boy! Didn't they ever teach you that while they were training you? Oh yes I forgot they didn't train you! They probably just handed you the title because you are the direct descendant of the great Clow Reed."
Syaoran bit back his simmering anger. He knew what the card was doing and he wasn't about to take its bait. "You're doing it again. Maybe you're the Blabbermouth Card."
The card thought quickly as it diverted Syaoran's attention by trying to anger him. It's wandering silver eyes finally settled on the penguin slide Syaoran and Raiju had emerged from. Wasn't there two more with him? Ah yes the boy and the girl. They would do as wonderful leverage! And with that last thought it put its plan into action.
And before Syaoran could do anything, he heard a blast from behind him. He turned around; his mouth flew open as the realization of the explosion hit him. "Sakura! Xian! NO!" he cried in anguish knowing it was too late. And as he watched the Penguin Slide crumble, he felt himself crumble too. "It can't be! It just couldn't be! Not like this!" he growled his knuckles whitening as he griped his sword.
"Syaoran! Over here!" he heard a voice calling to his left. He slowly turned, not fully believing his ears. And as he did the sight of Sakura floating up in the air beside Xian, unhurt and unscathed welcomed him. Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't scare me like that! I thought I lost you both for good!"
Sakura smiled sheepishly at him as her feet touched the ground and said, "Sorry."
"Hmm... You're both still alive. How annoying." the card's voice shattered their little reunion as it revealed itself once again.
"HOE?" Sakura grunted as she saw the card. Xian of course remained indifferent.
Syaoran tensed as he heard the card and positioned himself in front of Xian and Sakura. "Leave them out of this! This is between you and me!"
"On the contrary, boy, they seem like they want to get a little bit of the action, don't you?" the card directed its question at the two.
"You little girl, the card pointed at Sakura, you look like you've got something to prove. Why don't you give me a try? You have magic within you. What are you afraid of? Aren't you good enough?"
"I-I do want to bu-but-" Sakura stammered under the card's intense gaze.
"And you, it turned to Xian, aren't you ashamed of yourself? You're master is laying his life on the line for you isn't it supposed to be the other way around? Or have things change in this present world?"
"Syaoran-sama, it's true. It isn't right for you to be protecting me when I should be protecting you." Xian said as he hung his head in shame.
"Nonsense! I protect whomever I deem worthy of protecting and nothing, not rank nor social standing would prevent me from doing so!" Syaoran snorted.
"Yeah! That's right!" Raiju shouted his support.
"Impressive. This is the first time I've ever heard a Li Clan master say a thing like that." the card said thoughtfully. "But despite that you know I still have to kill you all."
Syaoran took out another card from his sleeve and chanted his incantation. As he finished he held the card up to his emerald orb and when it began to glow, he shouted, "Syaoran Defense Card! Release and Dispel!"
As the magic was sent forth, all four were instantly enveloped in a powerful defense shield. "No one is dying. Not on my watch!" Syaoran said defiantly.
The card clenched its teeth as it attacked the four with all its might. "It's a bit cold tonight, isn't it? Then let's make it hot!" it said as an inferno of flames closed in on them but the defense card held its place. "Nah! I rather like it cold!" it said as freezing winds and biting snow replaced the hot flames. "Ah! I know lets add a little rainstorm complete with thunder! It never rains in July!" it said gleefully as it continued to wear the defense card down.
Syaoran visibly sagged as the defense card struggled to do its job. Through clenched teeth he told Sakura, "Use the Shield Card now Sakura!"
Sakura nodded, summoned her wand and quickly called upon the Shield Card. The Shield Card came just in the nick of time for as it released its power; the Defense Card's powers were defeated.
The mystery card laughed at their efforts. "Fools! Don't you know that I am a Syaoran Card!" and with that it attacked the Shield Card with vengeance, determined to take the Clow Card down.
"Syaoran! The Shield Card is weakening!" Sakura said in despair as it felt the Card's powers diminish.
"Hold on! Sakura! I'll think of something!" Syaoran said hastily. What will I do? The Shield Card's power is about to run out! Maybe I should use the Time Card? But will I be able to fight after I used it up? I haven't handled it for a while now. But his thoughts were interrupted by the mystery card's triumphant yell.
"Yes! I did it! I defeated your pathetic card! Now it is time I defeat you! You really should reverse your tactics. Boy, for a Li Clan master you sure are slow." the card taunted him.
It's summer and it never snows in the summer. It's the middle of July too and rainstorms never occur at this time of the year. It was day then the Card turned into night. Oh no! Raiju thought. "WAIT! I got it! I know which card this is Syaoran!" Raiju burst out excitedly.
"Nani? What is it?" Syaoran exclaimed with anxiety.
"Be careful Syaoran! It's the-" but the guardian beast never got to tell him for the card had struck him with its magic. And as Raiju was enveloped in the card's wicked spell, his shining blue eyes turned into a dull lifeless shade of black.
"So Raijiku, you aren't as forgetful as you seem?" the card smiled evilly.
Syaoran griped his sword and demanded, "What have you done to him? I told you this was between you and me! Leave them alone!"
The card's malicious smile grew even wider as if it was amused by the cardcaptor's anger. "Then it wouldn't be as much fun. He was about to tell you who I am and I won't accept any master who can't even figure that out by himself! I dare you, Li Syaoran. Tell me who I am."
Syaoran remained silent as he racked his brain for an answer. Their lives depended on that answer but he was still unable to come up with a viable conclusion. He needed more clues and more time.
"I can't, he replied slowly, you haven't given me enough clues."
The Card snickered, "Like hell I didn't! The answer is right in your face and you still can't see it! Very well, I will tell you who I am and then kill you." With a quick motion, the card was in front of Syaoran. "I am the Truth Card."
Syaoran looked at the card with doubt. The truth card? That doesn't make sense! How can the Truth Card have elemental powers! He thought. "I don't believe you," he said calmly.
"You want proof? Then you shall have it!" the card snarled in his face. It turned to Sakura and then to Xian with a quick hand movement they were both enveloped in the same spell Raiju was in.
"Stop it! I told you not to involve them!" Syaoran yelled in fury as he charged the Card blindly with explosive force. "Let them snap out of it now!" he demanded as he continued to slice the card into bits.
"No." said the card and in reply Syaoran drove his sword into the Card's chest. As he pulled it out of the card, he said in a low growl, "Think very carefully about what you are going to say when I tell you this. Let them go!"
For a minute the card stared at Syaoran and flinched at the raging fury that was blazing in his eyes. He wasn't just angry, he was stark raving mad! But then he remembered he was a Syaoran Card and said firmly, "No." and before Syaoran could drive the sword into it again, it effectively distanced itself from Syaoran.
"You said you wanted proof, well, here's your damn proof!" and with that the card snapped its fingers and instantly Xian, Sakura and Raiju came to life. "As I am the Truth Card. I will reveal to you what all of your so called 'friends' really think of you!" it said.
A dull-eyed Raiju turned to Syaoran, "You know what I never liked you! I hate that you are my master! I hate that I got stuck with a snobby kid who thinks he's hot stuff when he's nothing but an arrogant boy! And most of all I hate you! The only reason why I am nice to you is because Clow Reed, my TRUE master, wanted me to guide you. I am only obeying you because I am knowingly obeying my master, Clow Reed's orders!" Raiju spat out vehemently.
"No! Raiju snap out of it! Fight the card's power! I know you don't mean that!" Syaoran said desperately.
"Oh? Don't I? Coz I sure as hell know that I do! You, Li Syaoran, are a disgrace to the Li Clan! They made a mistake in inaugurating you as their leader! Why Clow Reed-sama would turn in his grave if he knows what a weak boy you are!" Raiju said. "You should be punished!" Raiju said as his green aura filled his small body. He was engulfed in green light and seconds later, a massively huge lion beast with golden wings stepped out of it. "And I, Raijiku, Guardian Beast of the Syaoran Cards will be the one to execute your punishment!"
Syaoran gaped at the huge beast. That was his Raiju? Then he understood. Raiju's true guardian form has revealed itself but didn't they only do that when the guardians' felt a strong uncontrollable emotion? But that would mean Raiju's anger was real, that what he had said was true. Syaoran shook his head stubbornly. No! This can't be! I won't believe it! This is not the Truth Card! He thought. Just then he felt a scathing pain on his left arm. He jumped reflexively a few feet back and examined his arm. The whole sleeve of his robe was clawed off and streams of blood were streaking down from his arm to the ground.
Raiju paced himself and readied his attack. But Syaoran was aware of his intent and managed to invade his claws entirely. And as Raiju attacked and Syaoran blocked, he continued to cajole his fallen guardian to struggle against the card's magic.
"Stop." the card interrupted them. Raiju immediately obeyed and stopped, leaving Syaoran to catch his breath and bandage his arm. "Why? Why aren't you fighting back?" the card ask him.
"It's simple. I don't believe you. You are not the Truth Card." Syaoran said calmly as he finished bandaging his arm with the cloth from his other sleeve.
"Stupid and stubborn. Quite a combination for a cardcaptor." the card snorted. "You won't believe one, then maybe you'll believe three." it said.
"How pathetic. And to think I used to date you." a voice from his right said sarcastically.
No! Not you too Sakura! He thought in agony.
"My master, Li Syaoran?" Xian threw his head back and laughed. "It is I who should be your master! You deserve nothing of what you have!" Xian said condescendingly.
"No! That isn't true! I do deserve everything that I have! I've worked hard for it! Damn it! Ever since I was a child I've started working for this! I have missed my childhood because I was training! Snap out of it, Xian!" Syaoran shouted.
"Good Lord, is he always this loud?" Xian said ignoring Syaoran's words.
"No. He's usually the insensitive silent type." Sakura said. " I don't know what I ever saw in him. Good thing I got rid of him the second I got a chance."
Syaoran felt Sakura's words like a physical blow. Out of all of them, her words had hurt the most. But he shook his doubts away and held on to his faith in them. He was sure that they were only under the card's spell and that it wasn't the truth card, wasn't it?
"The world needs to be cleansed from worthless shit like you!" Xian said crudely.
"Yeah!" Sakura agreed as she took out five cards from her pocket. "Firey! Windy! Shadow! Watery! Shot Card!" she summoned her most powerful cards. "Kill him!" she pointed at the bloody Syaoran. The cards hesitated for a moment as if confused by their mistress' commands but obeyed them all the same.
Xian raised his arms above his chest and made an X then yelled ferociously, "Dragon Fist Slash Technique!" Instantly slashes of power came barreling after Syaoran who was already having a tough time dodging the Clow Cards' attacks.
Syaoran winced as he felt a burn on his leg and then hurriedly jumped to his left to avoid the Shot Card. He couldn't keep this up any longer. Something had to be done. Sharp pain was already shooting down from all of his body. He was loosing a lot of blood too, compliments of Raiju's razor sharp claws.
Suddenly the mysterious card appeared on his left side as he continued to block Sakura, Xian and Raiju's attempts to kill him. "Fight. Fight for your life, Li Syaoran! Can't you see that they never really felt anything for you but hate? You should be fighting back! You should be angry at them too!" the card told him.
"NO! I don't believe you! I know who they are! They are my friends! It is you who's making them this way! It is your evil power!" Syaoran shouted at the card as he tried to slice it with his sword but as he did the Shot Card hit him. He fell and landed soundly on the ground. Then with a sudden burst of inspiration, he struck the mystery card and said, "Lie Card! Return to your power confined! Lie Card!"
But instead of transforming into Card form, the card in front of him merely laughed. "God, you are pathetic! I told you I am the Truth Card!"
Syaoran shook his head, disbelief in his wild eyes. Why isn't it changing! It should be a card by now! Is it really the Truth Card? No! That can't be! He thought wildly.
"You know what your problem is, boy? Your weakness. Your feelings are a weakness. Your feelings of loyalty and love for these three are your weakness. They, the card said condescendingly as he pointed to Raiju, Sakura and Xian, are your weakness."
The card was shocked when his remarks were met with laughter. Syaoran, bloodied and hurting, was laughing his head off. The Card stared at him in confusion. Had he gone mad? "What the hell are you laughing about?" it demanded sourly.
"Why isn't it obvious? I'm laughing at you." Syaoran said coolly as he stood his ground. "They are not my weakness, you stupid card. They are my strength and in a few minutes you will know that too." Syaoran said evenly. He then thrusted his sword unto the earth and knelt down. "Raiju, Xian, Sakura. I trust you all three with my life, with everything that I have. I know you would never want to hurt me and it is only the card's powers manipulating you."
As he was talking, all three were advancing him. His words doing nothing to soften the murderous look on their faces. His heart was pounding rapidly against his ribcage as he desperately held on to his trust in them. The card couldn't be the truth card! This can't be true! The color drained from his face as he watched them draw nearer, their weapons of choice held high. Everything inside of him screamed at him and told him to get up, to fight or run for his life but a little piece of him, that thing called the heart told him to hold on. To trust them to break out of the card's spell and to believe that they would never really hurt him.
While he listened to his heart and ignored everything else, he faced the three bravely and said softly, "Do your worst." And as Sakura's wand, Raiju's powerful paw and Xian's Dragon Fist descended upon him, a lone tear escaped his steadfast eyes and died slowly on the blood soaked ground.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Tune in to next episode of Card Captor Syaoran for the conclusion of today's episode! What will happen to Syaoran? Will he die at the hands of the people he loved and trusted the most? What the heck is that card anyway? And where are Kero and Tomoyo when you need them? Watch out for the next episode for the answers!
Aiya minna-san! So did you enjoy it? I hope you did! Please email me at syaoran_kun@rkfan.com or sign the feedback book to tell me what you think! All forms of feedback are welcome! Arigato minna-san and be nice it is my birthday! ^_^;