CHAPTER THREE: AND SO IT BEGINS
A cloaked figure stood beneath a tree, leaning against it in a relaxing manner. His startling emerald green eyes darted around, looking for someone until his gaze finally fell on a girl. 'So, why did you call me for?' asked the girl. 'I have a favour to ask of you,' answered the cloaked. He whispered a few words and they parted with grins. 'No problem,' said the girl. Her own indigo eyes were flashing in cold and detached amusement.
Several people walking by blinked as one moment they saw two figures talking and the next, both vanished.
The students of Class 13-A sat around, idly chatting. Takashi was, as usual, surrounded by a wide-eyed audience while Chiharu stood nearby her hands twitching to strangle him. Rika and Naoko were discussing about a book they had to read over the holidays. At the back of the classroom, Syaoran, Tomoyo, Eriol and Mei Ling gathered there. 'I wonder where's Sakura,' said Tomoyo, anxiously, 'I hope she's all right.' Mei Ling laughed in reply. 'Don't worry, she'll be fine. She's still late even though she's already 16 years old.' Just as she said that, a ring of the school bell signaled the start of lessons.
Terada-sensei clapped his hands. 'Okay, everyone, please take your seats,' he said, even as the students slid into their seats. Two desks were still empty, however. Syaoran looked at the door and couldn't resist counting, 'Three...two...one.' Suddenly, the sliding door opened with a loud bang and at the doorway stood a panting and very flushed Sakura. 'Gomenasai Sensei,' she apologized, bowing low. Terada-sensei just smiled. 'Don't worry, Sakura,' he said, 'You're right on time.' Sakura smiled in relief and slid into her seat. 'What happened today?' asked Syaoran, leaning forward. 'Kero broke my alarm clock, again,' answered Sakura. 'Class, settle down,' announced Terada-sensei, interrupting their conversation, 'We have a new student.'
A girl entered and a hush followed her entrance. Most of the boys' jaws had dropped open and their eyes bulged while the girls were green with envy. Her long silky black hair complemented her pale but slightly flushed features perfectly. She had the dream figure of any girl and walked with a graceful air. But her most enchanting feature was her two indigo eyes. 'Watashi was Erika Yae Ling desu,' she said, her melodious voice filling the silence, 'Hajimemashite.' The name struck a core in Syaoran but he dismissed the feeling as uneasiness.
Immediately, all gazes turned to Daidouji Tomoyo. The popular and well-like girl had enchanted all the boys in the school, with the exception of Syaoran, while Kinomoto Sakura, with her ever ready smile and kind ways was a close second. Now, another girl found herself on the list. Terada-sensei waved his hand over to the empty seat in front of Eriol. 'Erika, you can seat there.' With everyone's eyes on her, she took her place and smiled her most enchanting smile at her classmates. Seeing that Erika was comfortable, Terada-sensei began his lesson and with difficulty, the students buried themselves in the world of algebra.
Though outwardly she looked demure, Erika had a scheming mind. She noticed the way the boys threw smiles at her but only had eyes for two. Her quick eyes had also caught many of the girls looking secretly at Syaoran and Eriol. 'They are cute,' she thought, giggling girlishly, 'I must get to know them.' Feeling the eyes of the boy in front of her, she smiled at him and in his happiness, dropped his book. But while Erika was evaluating her classmates, her classmates were doing the same to her. Tomoyo and Sakura just felt happy they had a new classmate. Syaoran and Eriol shared a silent mind conversation. They could feel a very, very faint aura. Mei Ling was staring at Erika with a look of absolute loathing. 'How could they think that she is more beautiful than me,' she muttered, under her breath.
Soon, another bell rang followed by the scraping of chairs on the floor. 'Okay, class, remember to do your homework,' said Mitsuki-sensei, amidst the noisy chatter. She sat at her desk as the students streamed out but stopped Sakura. 'Sakura, please be careful,' she whispered, 'I can feel danger all around you.' To Syaoran she said, 'Sakura needs you now, more than ever.' With that, she swept out the door, leaving a very stunned Sakura and Syaoran.
Mei Ling stamped her foot impatiently. 'Where were you two?' she demanded. 'We were talking to Mitsuki-sensei,' answered Syaoran as Sakura proceeded to tell them about their mysterious conversation. 'Well, she is a very powerful sorceress, you know,' said Tomoyo, 'and a descendent of Clow Reed.' 'But not direct,' Eriol reminded her. 'Ummm...Do you mind if I joined you?' interrupted a soft voice. 'Yeah, no problem,' answered Eriol, turning to Erika. Are you sure about this? Syaoran's doubtful question rang in Eriol's mind. We have to learn something about her. Anyway, the boys will envy us for befriending three of the most beautiful girls. At this Syaoran blushed and Eriol's eyes twinkled in amusement. They made their way to the courtyard.
Indeed, true to Eriol's prediction, many boys were shooting looks of envy at them, which set Syaoran flushing even more. As for Erika, she was bathing in the attention of the other girls. 'This is my favourite place in the school,' said Sakura, as they sat beneath a large tree by a small stream. Erika looked around and for the first time that day felt warm all over and not just outwardly. 'We haven't introduced ourselves yet,' said Tomoyo, 'Watashi was Daidouji Tomoyo desu.' 'Hajimemashite, Kinomoto Sakura desu,' said Sakura, with a beaming smile. Eriol kissed her hand. 'Hiiragizawa Eriol desu.' Syaoran said stiffly, 'Li Syaoran desu.' And finally Mei Ling introduced herself grudgingly, 'Watashi wa Mei Ling desu.'
Erika felt her emotions stir as her gaze fell on Sakura, who was holding Syaoran's hand. But then, her spitefulness kicked in as her eyes caught on Eriol. 'Let the games begin,' she murmured. Subtly, she moved to stand beside Eriol. 'So, are Sakura and Syaoran a couple?' she asked, 'They look cute together.' Eriol nodded. 'They've been together for a year,' he said. Erika moved closer and her indigo eyes met those of Eriol's. 'And what about you? Don't you have a girlfriend or something?' she asked. Eriol shook his head. 'I'm surprised. You're so cute, you know,' murmured Erika, flattering him. Eriol just smiled.
Tomoyo did not know why but she felt jealous, very jealous actually. Here she was, standing in front of him and yet Eriol paid more attention to the new girl. She was no more beautiful than her, than that so-called Erika and yet...and yet...Tomoyo had fallen in love with Eriol but no one knew about this, not even Sakura. It was a secret she kept closely guarded in her heart. But she could no longer stand there unfeelingly watching Erika flirt with Eriol. With tears brimming in her eyes, she fled, leaving her shocked friends. 'Tomoyo! Chotto matte ne!' yelled Sakura, running after her.
Erika watched Tomoyo go with a malicious smile. 'One down and three more to go,' she murmured, 'Soon, Card Misstress, you will be mine.' She snuggled closer to Eriol and locked gazes with him. Swiftly, she brushed a light kiss on Eriol's cheek.
Unfortunately for her, Eriol was not paying attention. Instead, he stared after Tomoyo, longing to go after her but Erika held him to the spot. Go after her. Mei Ling and I will distract Erika. Eriol turned to Syaoran, surprise written all over his face. Syaoran silently urged him to go but he protested. No, I'll stay here. Eriol was worried. He could now feel Erika's aura and it was much stronger. She was a very powerful sorceress in her own right. Be careful, minnasan.
Tomoyo cried her eyes out, her tears blinding her vision. How dare he...how dare he...! Just then, someone grasped her shoulder. 'Tomoyo, doshita no?' asked Sakura but Tomoyo slapped her hand away. 'Go away,' she muttered. 'Demo...' protested Sakura. 'Didn't you hear me! I said GO AWAY!!' screamed Tomoyo, spinning around. Sakura gasped. Tomoyo's eyes were red and tears streamed down her cheeks.
Sakura just held her hand in concern. 'What's the matter? I'm trying to help you, Tomoyo,' asked Sakura, 'What's wrong?' For some reason, her friend's questions just irritated her. 'How would YOU know how I feel,' she screamed, startling Sakura, 'I'm prettier and smarter than you and yet you get a boy's attention while I remain in the background.' She laughed hysterically. 'Everyone knows me as the sweet Tomoyo, the kind Tomoyo, the Tomoyo who just stands by and films while Sakura fights.' Now, tears started again. 'You think I like it, to be thought that I am inferior to you. The truth is, I'm more talented, I'm more enchanting and yet I can't even get a boy to like me.'
A loud slap sent Sakura to the ground. 'You think you know how I feel! You're wrong!' she screamed, 'Get away from me, you...you STUCK-UP SPOILED BRAT!!' With that she ran off, leaving a very hurt Sakura, who was close to tears. 'Tomoyo, I just wanted to help you,' she sobbed, 'We've been friends so long. What did I say?'
Syaoran, Mei Ling and Eriol later found Sakura sprawled on the ground, sobbing her heart out. Quickly but gently, Syaoran gathered the distressed girl in his arms. 'What happened, Sakura? Tell me what happened,' he murmured anxiously, 'Where's Tomoyo?' Sakura turned a bleary gaze to Syaoran. 'She screamed at me, that I was a stuck-up spoiled brat and ran away, crying,' she answered, scrubbing her tearstained cheeks, 'We have to find her. She might be in trouble.' Sakura tugged Syaoran insistently. 'The Tomoyo I know is not like that.' She looked around at the disbelieving faces around her.
Looking down at Sakura in her condition, almost made Eriol's heart stop. 'Tomoyo can take care of herself,' he said, coolly, 'Our main priority is you. Kotono might come after you.' Syaoran hugged Sakura tightly, turned to Eriol and said, 'No, Mei Ling and I can take care of Sakura. You go after Tomoyo.' Eriol was about to protest but the look on his descendant's face stopped him. Nodding, he ran off into the direction Tomoyo took off to. 'Where's Erika?' asked Sakura. 'I don't know. Maybe she slipped off,' answered Syaoran, but his suspicions were aroused. There was something about that girl he just didn't trust. Once again, something tugged at him but he pushed it away.
Unknown to them, Erika stood hidden in the shadows of nearby trees. Smiling slyly to herself, she slipped away.
Tomoyo ran onwards heedless to the stares she was getting. All she wanted to do was get away from Sakura, from everything and everybody. Part of her wanted to go back to her friends and apologize like none of this ever happened but part of her was telling her that if her friends didn't come after her it meant they weren't her friends and didn't care for her. Anger and despair filled her and she drove herself on, harder and harder.
Finally, her rage spent itself and she stopped to look around. To her shock, she was in the forbidden part of the school grounds where many legends began. She gazed at the falling flowers. It was kind of enchanting actually but also kind of eerie...Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm. 'Who's there?' she squealed, spinning around sending a shocked Eriol to the ground. 'Calm down Tomoyo,' he said, wincing, 'It's just me.' Tomoyo stared at him. 'You came after me,' she whispered, disbelievingly.
Just then, Eriol sensed a sudden burst of magical powers. 'Get down!' he hissed, pulling Tomoyo behind some bushes as well as masking his and her aura. They watched as a cloaked figure materialized in front of them. 'So, did you do what I asked you to,' the figure enquired. 'Yes, the Card Mistress has just lost a very close friend,' answered a familiar voice. It did not surprise Eriol when Erika greeted the figure. Tomoyo, however, was shocked. Only Eriol's hand on her mouth stifled her quiet gasp.
Erika looked around. Her instincts told her that someone was there and her sharp eyes confirmed that as she spotted the tip of the school cap sticking out of the bushes. There's someone listening to our conversation. Her voice echoed in the figure's mind as she waved her hand and fished out Tomoyo. 'Well, well, if it isn't the sweet and popular Daidouji Tomoyo,' she taunted, 'You know, I've been going easy on you. It's time I make sure you never go back to the Card Mistress.' She summoned a spell.
'ELEMENTS OF LIGHTNING AND THUNDER, STRIKE NOW I CALL TO YOU!'
Tomoyo was stunned when Eriol jumped up and diverted the attack. Erika smiled. 'So, Eriol, you're also here,' she said. 'Get away from here, Erika,' ordered Eriol, coldly, 'Leave Kotono.' Erika giggled. 'Fine if that's what you want.' She turned to leave but not before pulling a fast one on Tomoyo. 'Send my regards to the Card Mistress and Li Syaoran.'
Eriol pushed Tomoyo away and the bolt struck him. 'ERIOL!' screamed Tomoyo, rushing to his side. Though pale, Eriol looked okay. 'Don't worry. It just hit my arm,' he said, clutching the wound. Tomoyo immediately tore a strip of cloth and bandaged his arm. 'Why did you do that, Eriol?' she asked softly. Lifting her chin and staring into her eyes, he said simply, 'Because I love you.' Tomoyo gazed into his eyes. 'And I you,' she murmured softly.