Authoresses Notes: Yay, one year ago, I became a member of fanfiction.net! One year anniversary! Hehehe! It's here! I finally sat down and wrote this…including the speech Jenny makes . hardness! And that first quote thingy, the very first line of the speech…it's referring to X-1999 if u didn't know…u probably do, but… Don't blame me if it's kinda weird…whadya expect from a lil kid like me? whew...and just in time! hehehe…so…in this chapter I included the second ending song from Chobits. I just wrote the English translation though…but on the very bottom I put the Japanese…I dunno why…but it's a great song, I'm so addicted to it now! O.O Well the chapter's not too long, but…at least I tried.
DISCLAIMER: Okies, I dun own CCS…CLAMP does…or the song 'Ningyo Hime' sung by Tanaka Rie...that's from another of CLAMP's works, Chobits…or the saying 'their destiny was foreordained' from X-1999 also another of CLAMP. Yeah, they're all CLAMP…not me. I just got this storyline I made up
Loud clapping started as Jenny rose from her seat, smiling faintly. She quickly got to the stage platform in the front, unfolding her speech. This is it. Make it count. Wiping the golden colored tassel out of her eyes, Jenny began…
Transformations
By AutumnIllusion
Chapter 10: The roads we take
Their destiny was foreordained
That was a concept in a book I once read. In it, the characters were all playing a part in fate. There was a path to choose, paving the way for something unavoidable. I felt bad for the characters, all puppets in the hands of destiny. I felt sad for those characters, which had no options to escape their doomed future. But people make their own destinies. Everything changes. Live life to the fullest. By saying that, I don't mean to measure it in victories. Do what you want, but at the same time don't be careless. We've all made it here standing, not meaning just us students. We have to give credit to the teachers who didn't kill us after all we've put them through...paper balls, hour long detentions, running in the hallways...and more than they should know. So then again, even if we're here today, it doesn't mean we don't have bandages and broken bones. That's okay though. Always know there's someone who's going to miss you, whether it's out of love or hate. Be selfish. Do things to make you happy. Because…ten years from now…we'll be old! Nah, we're just supposed to have more 'knowledge' in us. Don't live to fill those expectations unless they're your goals. There's a difference between changing for your benefit, and changing for the 'better' of everyone else. Don't ever change to make someone happy, if you aren't too. So what have I just told you? Truthfully, I'm not completely sure. There are so many concepts I want to try to get through to you. I don't expect you to follow them though. Things just happen, without warning. People are all different, inside and out. I don't want to change you. It's just an idea to run through your mind, possibly going right out the other ear. I don't care if you never remember this after this day, just remember it now. People…we pave our own roads, and there's no one to blame, no one to take credit for but yourself.
It all came out right. Jenny smiled and took her last pause, finishing the official part of her speech. It wasn't anything incredible, just the truth. Just her truth. And she had one more thing to say.
"And still, I want to say one more thing for new beginnings. This is for a special someone: I'm so sorry for not trusting you; I made a bad decision. Can you forgive me, Syaoran Li?"
It was a path, paving the way for something unavoidable. In the midst of the students, Syaoran sat in his seat, speechless the moment he heard those words. A mix of "Aww!" "Kawaii!" and "Heh, my ex never did that for me," came from the audience. The look in Jenny's eyes on this day, this beautiful day was…too innocent, too perfect to bring down…
Be selfish. Do things to make you happy.
Syaoran swiped those words away and stood up. "Sure Jenny, of course." And to add more of a touch for the crowd he added, "I guess that means you forgive me too, eh?"
Jenny nodded. Syaoran nodded. Sakura giggled. Tomoyo steadied her camera. Everything was perfect.
"And now, we start the distributing of the diplomas. First, Tara Abigails…"
Later
The day stayed cloudless, simply a blue sheet hanging over the people. There was a scheduled lunch the high school was holding, set right on the graduation grounds. Congratulations were exchanged from every direction, laughing accompanying it. Syaoran made his way past the crowds, looking...where were those emerald eyes?
"Syaoran!"
He beamed, and turned around, "There you are, I've been looking all over for you, S-" and was face to face with Jenny.
The tassel still swinging back and forth, obviously Jenny had been running to catch up with Syaoran. "Really? I couldn't find you either, at first…finally I saw Sakura, and she said she saw you in this direction…" she went on.
Syaoran's mouth dropped to the ground, and a sweatdrop replaced his head, all without Jenny's notice. "Uh, where did you-"he started to ask for where she had run into Sakura.
Jenny held up her plate, "The food? Oh, you didn't even eat yet?" she handed him a slice of watermelon, "eat, before you dehydrate," she teased.
Syaoran dropped his shoulders and took the watermelon. "Thanks Jenny," he smiled, really trying to make it pure. It came out successfully, but anyone else would call it the smile you give your classmate when they hold the door open for you, or when your friend invites you to a party…just a friendship smile.
Jenny took Syaoran by the hand and led him to the front of one of the food tables. "Here ya go!" she passed him a plate.
When Syaoran had gotten his food, the couple walked over to under the shade of some trees. All over the grounds were trees, varying in different kinds. At most people were already sitting, just like having a picnic. They found one where people hadn't completely settled in yet, and sat down. Syaoran leaned against its sturdy trunk. It was…a cherry blossom tree.
Just on time, Sakura and the gang found their way over to the tree.
"Hi Jenny!" Sakura called and waved happily. She grabbed her arm and led her over to the side.
"I did it!" Jenny squealed. She passed on some grapes.
Sakura popped one into her mouth, "See, it worked out fine!" she grinned, "Syaoran really is a great guy…you're a lucky person,"
Jenny laughed, "Of course, I've always known I'm lucky," she joked.
"Don't let him go, okay?" Sakura continued lecturing, with her smile still spreading. A moment of quiet passed between the two, and Sakura couldn't help but notice something that she lacked…something…maybe it was just missing Brendan. Or maybe…maybe it was Syaoran getting back together with Jenny…nah, it couldn't be anything…
"So how does it feel to be a graduate, my cute lil descendant?" Eriol popped up, and he held the camcorder that Tomoyo usually kept by her side. Actually, Tomoyo was nowhere to be seen...something like the chorus performing by the stage.
"Phweee!" Sakura yelped in surprise. She fell over, anime-style. "Eriol-I-didn't-see-you-there!" she gasped out and patted her heart.
"Hey, Sakura, you seem a little denser than usually now, huh? You looked like you were dazin' off just now," Meilin bit into an apple.
Yamazaki stepped up too, "Speaking of dazing off…it's a bad thing to do. Very risky. That's the most vulnerable time for the shadow walker to get you!"
"Hoeeee?!"
"Yes, I'm afraid it's true."
"What's the 'Shadow Walker'?"
"Why, don't you know? As I was saying, most of the time it comes when-"
"Takashi Yamazaki, bet your butt back over here, and take your lies with ya!"
"So...what does it look like?" Sakura asked carefully, thinking of the possible times 'Shadow Walker'
"Don't worry about it Sakura, it's not real," Chiharu patted Sakura's head maturely.
Yamazaki pouted playfully, "Aww, Chiharu, you ruin all my fun,"
Chiharu grinned, "And your point?" none the less, she hugged Yamazaki.
Eriol waved her to the side, "As I was saying, what's it like? I need an answer, lil descendant. If not, Tomoyo won't have any records,"
Syaoran glared sarcastically, "Eriol, don't call her that, weirdo. First, no one gets what it means, and second, you have a girlfriend," he punched Eriol's shoulder lightly…kind of.
Smirking, Eriol's glasses seemed to shine in the daylight, "Heh, fine. So Sakura, what do you think?"
"It's great! But I'm gonna miss everyone!" Sakura squealed.
"Hai," the group of friends agreed.
"Hey kaijuu," a voice mocked. Sakura maintained the smile on her face, and ignored her brother, without even having to look him in the eye. "Wassup Toya?"
"Here," Toya started to hold out a congratulations bouquet, from him, Fujitaka, and Yukito.
Still, before Toya could hand over the flowers, Yukito whispered a suggestion. Toya frowned rebelliously, but obeyed. Turning to face Syaoran, he shoved the bouquet to him.
"Why ya givin' this to me?!" Syaoran asked like Toya was insane.
Toya flicked Syaoran's forehead, "Brat, I mean give them to Sakura!" she hissed.
Fujitaka chuckled, watching the scene from the side.
Syaoran sweatdropped slightly, "Why me?"
Toya ignored the question. "Take care of Sakura," he flatly remarked.
Raising his eyebrow, Syaoran simply said, "Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
Yukito tried to hide his laughter, amazed at Syaoran's denseness. He just shook his head, a smile creeping up his cheeks. "Toya, what are you, giving Sakura away? I know you don't get along with her, but…" he joked. Sounds like as if she were getting married or something, He mussed from afar.
"Take-care-of-Sakura-don't-hurt-her-we'll-be-watchng-you-and-make-her-smile-got-that?" Toya demanded, but only so Syaoran could hear.
Syaoran blinked, and then turned the slightest shade pink. "Uh, you don't think we're-"
"I missed part of the ceremony." Toya shot back, pretending he had missed Jenny's speech. It was easy to tell he would just ignore what he wanted.
"Eheheh…I'm you know, me and Sakura aren't—"suddenly pink carnations were about two centimeters away from his face.
"Take them, loser." There was something in Toya's eye, something Syaoran couldn't place. It was something he already knew, something that Syaoran would just…have to trust.
Syaoran rubbed his forehead...aiyaa…"Fine." he gave in. It wasn't like he had much of a choice. He was now in the death grip of Toya, and there were only two options: giving the flowers, or prepare for major tissues and a subscription of Alegra. "Achoo!" he added, but snatched the flowers anyway. He approached Sakura from behind, and tapped her shoulder.
"Hai?" she turned around in the most angelic way ever…an angel dressed in a navy blue graduation gown with gold colored lining. Her hair seemed to float around her in slow motion as she faced Syaoran, and from behind it revealed glittering orbs of the deepest green.
"Uh," Syaoran held out the flowers, "It's from your brother,"
Sakura grinned, "Heh, stinky baka didn't even give them to me himself…Hehehe." She cradled them in her arms. "Thanks for getting them here for me,"
"No problem," Syaoran said coolly. 'No problem' his mind echoed back to him. What kind of a stupid line is that?! He mentally…no, it came out physically, cursed at his actions. =P
Jenny and Syaoran
For a while, the cherry blossom tree seemed to be swarmed with other classmates passing by…some saying their hellos or goodbyes, congratulations or thanks. Most of them whispered their happiness for Jenny. Syaoran sighed. It was frustrating, getting pushed to the back of the line to speak to Jenny. But then again, maybe it was good to stall time. And maybe…maybe he wouldn't have to break up with her. I could…start acting really…different! He searched for a solution. And she would end up breaking up with me, all by herself, he frowned, nah, I can't do that to Jenny. He looked at Jenny, laughing with some other girls on the side. She looked so innocent, like a child who had woken up on Christmas to find everything the wished for. The concept was the same…she wished he would come back. And he gave it to her. She could go on like this forever, He thought, and never know of pain. Wouldn't that be better for everyone?
"Syao?" Jenny inched closer to Syaoran now that the others were gone, finally only them two sat under the tree.
"Hmm?"
Jenny pulled up her knees to her chest, but not for warmth. "I'm…glad we're together again. Right?"
Syaoran finally looked towards Jenny. "Yeah," he croaked the words out softly. Maybe…he could try to like her again. It would be best for everyone.
Jenny closed her eyes and leaned in for the kiss. Their lips brushed on each other, just a short sweet, childish kiss. Guilt took Syaoran over.
And then…
Next was the choir. Their voices cut clearly through the air, capturing the attention of everyone…almost. That familiar amber eyed student racked his brain, trying to find a solution, make everything work. But then again…it was too late. Syaoran's thoughts were only cut through, finally, when they all faded to one voice.
The voice was soft, but every word rang through. Amethyst eyes glittered and the voice went for a high note, hit it, went for a lower, hit it again. There was nothing like the sound of Tomoyo's voice. It was the closest thing to comfort Syaoran's worries for the moment…to get his mind of that green eyes girl, if only for a few minutes.
At night, the town is quiet like the bottom of the ocean
I continue down the road by myself
Guided by the distant voice
I keep searching for the soft blue light
And Sakura? Her eyes held no trace of sadness, regret, or any of that kind…at first. How was Brendan? She couldn't help but lean to her side, and discreetly glance towards him.
Hey I discovered myself within
And my spirit calls out to me
No matter how far away I am, I can hear it
He winked at Ruri, flashing that familiar smile, the one he had once given Sakura. That Brendan, he must be one of the few of our dear characters completely content on this day. Do we worship or envy this?
The silver light burns within every room
I walk around hoping for it anywhere, surely
This was one of the other rare characters who we can worship or envy for their ability to have no idea. No idea of the ivy vines creeping up the back wall, no hint of the bad. But then again, maybe she knew. Jenny was the type that you'd expect to know these things. Maybe her mind had filtered it, and only good thoughts were left, and dreams turned to reality.
Hey I found you
And so, without leaving you again
No matter how much I hurt inside I'll always be near you
I'll never release your hand that I held
His eyes were weak. Water tried to wedge itself up into his amber orbs, as if trying to cool them down. Still, he could hold back the tears, and that's what he did. Syaoran wasn't going to ruin this day for Jenny too, no, he wouldn't.
Hey I found you
And so, without leaving you again
No matter how much I hurt inside I'll always be near you
Forever
Forever
----- Translation -----
yoru no machi ha shizuka de fukai umi no you tsudzuku michi ni tada ATASHI hitori dake tooi koe o tayori ni aruite yuku no zutto sagashiteru sotto hikaru aoi hikari nee ATASHI o mitsukete soshite yonde KOKORO de donna ni hanareta toshite mo kikoeru kara gin no akari ga tomaru sorezore no heya kitto doko ka niha iru to negai nagara aruku nee ANATA o mitsukete soshite nido to wasurezu donna ni mune ga itakutemo soba ni iru no tsunaida te o hanasanai kara nee ATASHI ga ANATA o mitsukete soshite nido to wasurezu donna ni mune ga itakutemo soba ni iru no zutto zutto