AN: Aiya minna-san! Yosha! Despite loosing the first copy of chapter 5 (a virus infected my diskette!), going through my finals (it ain't easy upholding a 3.75 GPA you know!) and threats of bodily harm to my person if I didn't finish this (some people just go crazy with cliffhangers!) I'm back with a finished copy of chapter 5! Yay! Again I'm so sorry for the terribly long delay of this chapter!
Card Captor Syaoran
Chapter 5: The Truth About the Truth Card
Last time on Card Captor Syaoran...
Smiling like crazy, Sakura held up her pinky and said, "We're friends again, right?"
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.
A mysterious and powerful Syaoran Card had also made its unexpected appearance.
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?"
And so a long hard battle is drawn out between Syaoran and the mystery card. In the end he was pitted mercilessly against the very own people he had sworn to protect. And in an astounding show of courage and faith, he cast away his sword and laid his life on line to prove that this card was not the truth card. But was he right?
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.
He swallowed painfully and tried to steady his wavering gaze but as he did so his eyes locked onto Sakura's. His hazel orbs beseeched Sakura's cold lifeless black ones. Searching for an indication, for some sign that the Sakura he knew and loved was still inside there somewhere. He found none. His heart sank but he shook his head. If he was going to die, he shall do so honorably! Besides there was still something he needed to do if he was ever going to find peace in the after life.
"Sa-sakura..." he started out painfully as he felt more of his blood soak the wet ground. "I-I always m-meant to tell you b-but." he coughed violently as he shivered in the cold. "I-I never had the ch-chance." he hissed painfully as the burns he acquired from the Shot card continued to sting his pale skin. "S-sakura, I-I just wanted you to k-know that-that I-I l-love y-"
"S-Syaoran?" a weak voice interrupted him. His eyes snapped open as he turned his head towards the sound of the voice. Could it be? Was he right all along?
"I-is t-that y-you, Syaoran?" an unsteady Sakura asked him, her dull black eyes was slowly being tinted with her usual green. She was shivering violently and sweat was glistening from her skin. Visible signs that she was still struggling from the card's grasp.
"Y-yes Sakura! It's me! You can do it! I know you can! Break out of it's spell!" a relieved Syaoran yelled encouragingly.
"S-syaoran-sama? M-master?" two voices to his left weakly called him and his heart leapt in joy to see a recovering Raiju and Xian as well.
He nodded joyfully and encouraged them too. "Break out of its spell Raiju, Xian! I know you can!"
"Augh! What the hell is going on here? Didn't I just order you to do something?!" the card began shouting viciously at the struggling three.
Syaoran smirked as he slowly got up and said, "Looks like I'm right now doesn't isn't it?" Then recovering his sword, he pointed it at the card, "You are not the Truth Card!"
"Ooooh! I am so scared! He thinks he's finally figured it out! I'm not the Truth Card! What do you want a boy scout badge?" the card mocked him.
The card then said to him, "I may not be the Truth Card but then again who's to know? You still haven't told me who I am and that, my dear stupid boy, is your weakness! You may be strong and powerful in your ways of magic but I think there's a big chunk missing up here!" it taunted as it pointed to its head.
"But of course we can't have Raiju telling you now, can we?" and with a snap of its fingers all three fell writing in pain to the ground.
"No! Damn it! I told you not to involve them!" Syaoran shouted in rage as he ran to the three who now laid haphazardly on the ground. "Sakura! Raiju! Xian! Are you alright? Talk to me!" he exclaimed as he shook them. Thankfully he still found a steady heartbeat on all three.
"Oh! Don't wet your pants little boy! There still alive, merely indisposed." the card smirked at him.
Syaoran gritted his teeth and gripped his sword so hard his knuckles turned white. How dare it play with his friends lives!
Syaoran turned to face the card once more but found that it was gone. Hiding once again in the cover of darkness. Concentrate Syaoran! You can figure this out! he said to himself. He closed his eyes, ignored the Card's taunting and concentrated on figuring out what card it was that he was dealing with.
Various images flashed through Syaoran's mind...
"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."
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"Uh Syaoran, she interjected, I don't know if this means anything but I have experienced more weird things today too."
"Go on." he 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.
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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!"
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And as he drew near, the card waved its 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.
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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.
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"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."
Syaoran opened his eyes and began solving the puzzle of the mystery card in his mind.
It never snows and rains heavily in July because it's hot and it's summer. Touya was nice and considerate so unlike his usual crabby self. Seishiro-sensei applauded Sakura and Tomoyo's tardiness which is the opposite of what she should have really done. It was day and the card turned it into night! My friends are not my weakness for I know they are my strength. All the card does is turn things upside down! he thought carefully.
"I got it!" he then shouted triumphantly. Clutching his sword, he saw a movement in the corner of his eye and quickly followed it.
"You might know who I am or then again you might not! But either way you have to catch me first!" the card laughed inanely thoroughly enjoying their little game of cat and mouse.
Syaoran gritted his teeth as he tried his hardest to catch up with the quickly moving card but alas his injuries were now taking their toll as he felt his energy decrease and his body weaken. Finally stopping for breath, he managed to hide atop of a huge tree. He had to change his strategy! This was getting him nowhere! Not only was he loosing blood and energy but he didn't know how much longer he could stay conscious!
"Come out, come out wherever you are!" the card mocked him from somewhere below.
Syaoran struggled to remain his calm and his consciousness. There has got to be a way to distract the card long enough for him to transform it! But at that very moment nothing came to mind. Augh! he grumbled in frustration. Think Syaoran, you idiot! Think! You can get yourself out of this! he berated himself. But not without help...he thought dejectedly as he felt himself weaken even more. He cast a hopeful glance at his friends only to be disappointed for all three were still out cold.
"Hiding is so not your forte." a disdained voice called out from directly behind him. And before he could react, the card quickly did a round-about kick that sent him flying soundly to the ground. "Pathetic." it grunted in disgust at the struggling Syaoran who was having difficulty standing up.
Great Kami! I need help! he thought desperately as he tried to stand up. He had never felt so alone in his entire life. For once he, Li Syaoran, the boy who was always too stubborn and proud to ask for assistance was ready and willing to accept another's help! Well, a lot of good that little revelation would do! There's no one here to help! Syaoran thought sarcastically. Syaoran shook his head as to dispel his bitter thoughts. There has got to be a way out of this! I know there is! he thought determinedly. His slender pale hands gripping his sword's handle. His eyes wandered over to his fallen guardian beast.
Raiju, I need you...please.
Suddenly a blinding flash of jade filled the still air. Syaoran covered his eyes with his free hand as he tried to peer in through the bright light. What was going on? His eyes widened as he saw past the bright light. It seemed like the sudden burst of energy was coming from Raiju! Syaoran stared at the rising Raiju, his eyes unblinking as he was drinking in the magnificent sight. There now standing before him was his Raijiku in his true splendor. His massive tall frame standing alert, his powerful golden wings neatly tucked behind his back and the orb in the center of his forehead was shining brightly. Curiously he reached up at his own band and found that it was also shining as if in response to Raiju's power.
"I am here, master." Raiju said in a deep powerful voice.
Syaoran could not help but grin at his beloved guardian. For in his moment of need, he had called...and he had answered.
Syaoran heard the card clapping from behind them. "Wow! That was impressive! Bring in the showgirls boys! You're ready for Las Vegas!" it said sarcastically. Then turning to Raiju it mocked him, "Great lights show by the way. You should call me if you're ever want to do birthday parties."
Raiju growled and began pawing the ground, ready to tear the insulting card into bits but still he refrained from doing so.
"Well, I hate to ruin a good party! But this is getting old and you two must die! So..." the card said as it readied its final attack.
Raiju looked over his fallen master who was still standing undaunted even though it was clear to anyone that he had suffered greatly. Burns were still scalding his skin, blood was still seeping freely from his wounds and yet he still stood bravely, ready to die fighting. It was then that Raiju realized that he wouldn't ever let him. He would never let Syaoran die fighting for Syaoran's life had come to mean more to him than his own.
Blind rage began to build up inside Raiju as he continued to survey his master's wounds. He had indeed been injured a lot for Raiju was sure had Syaoran been any other man, they would have been dead by now. Raiju spread forth his wings and flew directly at the advancing card.
"You will pay for my master's pain!" he shouted as he opened his mouth and breathed scathing fire. HELL'S RAGE! A massively huge fire power blast hit the card squarely in the chest and sent him flying to the ground. And even as the card lay still on the ground the flames were still eating it away. The tongues of fire relentlessly licking the card painfully into ashes.
Syaoran watched in awe as Raiju executed an attack he had never seen before. "Wow! That-that was awesome!" he whispered softly to himself.
Raiju fought to steady himself as he walked over to the card but stumbled as he neared it. Executing one of the most powerful and rarest guardian attacks had taken its toll on him. But as his mind was drawn into the cold abyss of unconsciousness he brought with him the last words the card had said to him right before he blacked out, "But it is you, not I, who is responsible for your master's pain..."
"RAIJU!!!" Syaoran started to run to his fallen guardian but abruptly stopped as he realized the card might get up and attack again although he couldn't see how since the card was now lying stiffly on the ground. But still he couldn't take that chance. He then gripped his sword and using all of the powers he had left, he pinned down the card and held his weapon up high.
"Tell me, boy, who am I?" the card asked him almost calmly even though hot embers were still burning it.
"You are the REVERSE CARD! REVERSE CARD! Return to your power confined! Reverse!" he shouted confidently as he embedded his sword deep in its center.
The card smiled serenely and accepted its fate. "Ahh, you finally figured me out. You are truly the chosen one for he is the only one who can maintain his ground even though the world around him is turned upside down. You have the gift of seeing the truth in the myriad of lies for you see things not with your eyes but with your heart. And now accept my power of reversal. Use it well." And with that the reverse card morphed into its hidden card form.
Syaoran let himself fall soundly to the ground. "Phew! Am I ever glad that this is finally over!" he exclaimed in relief. He turned his head to the right and was greeted with the welcoming sight of all three of his friends slowly being revived.
"Ouch! My head hurts!" Sakura exclaimed as she rubbed a sore spot at the back of her head.
"Tell me about it! I feel like I've been hit by a bus! Are you ok, Xian?" Raiju asked the boy that was slowly getting up from his position on the ground.
"As well as can be expected." Xian said timidly.
Sakura's eyes widened as she came in full view of the massive Raijuku. "HOE?" she exclaimed.
"Wh-what? What? Why are you staring at me like that? Do I have something on my face? What?" Raiju asked her apprehensively, unaware of his own transformation.
"Is this normal?" Sakura asked the massive guardian beast as she pulled out a mirror and pointed to Raiju's reflection.
"Nani? What the hell happened? Why did I transform?" a panic driven Raiju stared at his own reflection.
"Hey guys! Over here!" a voice called out from behind them.
"Oh my god! Syaoran! What happened?" Sakura shouted as she ran to the hurt Syaoran who was struggling to get up.
Xian quickly followed Sakura to his fallen master. Raiju began to follow suit but suddenly stopped when he caught sight of his bloodied paw. Curiously he turned his paw over and saw a torn red cloth snagged on his claws. Before he could investigate further however his attention was caught by a scream from a terrified Sakura. He quickly used his massive golden wings and flew to them.
"What happened?" Raiju demanded as he caught a glimpse of a still Syaoran laying on the ground.
"I-I don't know!" Sakura managed to yell in tears. "I-I was just running over here to see if he was okay when he-he collapsed!"
"His heart is still beating but it is very weak." A grim Xian informed him.
Sakura then clutched Syaoran near and began crying hysterically. She couldn't loose him! Not now! Not ever! No! "What happened? Who did this to you, Syaoran? Was it that awful card? Who? Who did this to you?" she asked him through her tears.
Raiju's eyes snapped open as realization finally dawned on him. He quickly examined Syaoran's bloodied body. He had burns all over and most of his cuts had an X pattern. Raiju swallowed painfully as he took Syaoran's left arm and carefully turned it over. And blanched at what he saw. There in his paws was the evidence that confirmed his fears. Syaoran's arm possessed long claw marks that had ripped his flesh and was now streaked with oozing blood. Raiju felt hot tears trickle down his face as he answered Sakura's hysterical cries, "We did."
Now that Raiju, Sakura and Xian know that it was they who put Syaoran in his condition, what will they do? And will Syaoran recover from all this? Tune in to the next episode of Card Captor Syaoran to find out!
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AN: