CCS: A CHANGE OF KINGDOM Chapter 6: Reflections, a card captor sakura fanfic

Fanfic writer's note: I appreciate everyone who reviewed my story, thus far. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Foreword: During the last moments of the battle against the Dark Spirit, Sakura calls upon the spirit of the Hope card. Unexpectedly, Sakura watches as the Dark Spirit, the Hope card, and another unknown presence negotiate and come upon a conclusion. In confusion and brokenness, Sakura finds herself lost and without hope… or is there…?

Card Captor Sakura: A Change of Kingdom

Chapter 6: Reflections

Touya was in his room, as he was looking through the textbooks of the upper division math courses. He slightly tilted his head, as he was getting not only bored but tired of looking into the books for so long. He sighed as he lifted his head and let it fall back, closing his eyes to relax for a few moment before resuming his studies. A light knock on the door opened his eyes. The door opened as Yukito came in with a tray of fresh fruits and a cup of coffee. Yukito beamed with a bright smile as he let it down on the desk, where Touya was sitting. Touya smiled back as his best friend took up a chair and sat next to him.

"Still studying for that exam tomorrow, huh?" Yukito asked.

"Heh…yea. I still have a good three hours before I knock out. Man, I knew I shouldn't have procrastinated…" Touya chuckled a little, as he slid his right hand through his hair. He then reached for the cup of coffee, (ah the good college life) and looked at Yukito, "Thanks, Yuki."

Yukito returned a warm smile, but his smile slowly faded into a worried expression. Touya was starting to nibble on some fruits, as Yukito began to speak up. "Um…you know, Touya…" Touya gave his friend his attention, as he spoke up, "Hm?"

Yukito looked back at him, quite unable to fix his eyes directly at Touya's eyes. "Well…I was wondering…just…about some things…"

Touya looked worried now, "Is…something the matter…?"

"…What would you do if your most treasured friend couldn't be with you anymore…?"

Touya was silent as his eyes didn't seem to completely register the question. He thought about it, nonetheless, as he stared into space for awhile. Yet Touya simply looked back at Yukito, "Hmm…I'm not too sure…" A moment of silence passed before Touya presented his thoughts, "If you couldn't be with the one you cared for… I suppose there is nothing to it…when the opportunity shows itself; you find a way to get back together. In other case, if there is a reason they can't be together… then why should they neglect the reason? Even if it's for some small reason…if something as trivial as a reason is built between you and your closest friend in the first place..." Touya looked somewhat bitter as the scene of his last time with Kaho Mizuki flashed through his mind, "…then there is no point in finding a way to come closer…because sooner or later…another reason to not stay together will present itself…"

Yukito looked at Touya surprised by his answer. "Oh…I see…" Yukito looked uncertain and Touya clearly noticed something was wrong. "Yuki… something's wrong isn't it…?" Yukito just grinned, "You know me too well… sorry, Touya. Right now I'm not going to share it with you. Maybe later…" Yukito got up as he headed for the door, Touya thought maybe he should probe it out of him, but he knew that wasn't necessary. Yukito was his best friend, if he wanted to tell him or needed to, he would. Touya got out of his chair, as he decided to walk his friend out.

In the meantime, Sakura and Syaoran were walking side by side. Sakura looked at Syaoran, who obviously looked as though he had many things in mind, just as she did. Sakura wanted to lean closer to his side, but found her cheeks blushing so she resumed to her usual position. She turned to look back at him. His eyes looked weary, his clothes a little messy, and his sleeves dirty from falling many times. She realized she didn't look any better either. She sighed as she put her right hand up to put her bangs behind her ears. Syaoran spoke up, which made Sakura jump a little. "How are you feeling?" Sakura shrugged as she was trying her best to think about all that has happened. "Truthfully, I don't know what I'm feeling…sometimes I feel scared…unsure…and I guess a little discouraged…" Sakura looked back at him, as she tried to pull a smile. He returned a concerned look. He leaned closer to her and he gave her shoulder a reassuring grip. "It'll be all right… no matter what happens… this wasn't the first time we were put into a position like this…" She smiled and nodded, "I know…it's justit's different from the battles before. I feel as though, my entire being is tied into this fight…" Syaoran looked a little puzzled as he said, "What do you mean…?"

Sakura shook her head, "I don't know how to explain it either, but every time we're against the phantom, I feel my heart shaken, my mind unfocused, my whole body fall limp, and I don't know, something in my heartmy soul…I feel like I forget who I am or why I am or …… I don't know…" Syaoran noticed Sakura was more than just tired, her hands were shaking and her lips were quivering. Syaoran came closer, as his hand was reaching for her hands. Unfortunately, a familiar voice stopped his advance to comfort her.

"Sakura?"

Sakura and Syaoran both looked up as they noticed they were already in front of her house. Yukito and Touya just came out of the house, and they noticed Sakura and Syaoran standing and facing one another. Touya, the one who called out to his sister, looked intently at Syaoran, as his eyes grew big after recognizing who he was. Syaoran returned a cold and nonchalant stare back at him. Though they're not enemies, they aren't anything close to being brothers or friends either. Yukito and Touya walked towards them, as Sakura quickly wiped her eyes from the tears that started as she talked with Syaoran. Yukito gave a worried look to Sakura and Syaoran, "Did…uh…something happen? Sakura-chan, why are you crying?" Sakura shook her head abruptly, "Oh oh No no no, I- I wasn't"

"What? Sakura? CRYING?" Touya ran to his sister's side as he examined her. Then he stared back at Syaoran with a look that could kill, "You….What did you…" Touya suddenly stopped as he started to examine Syaoran's dirty and tattered clothing, and he turned back and looked at Sakura whose clothes was also quite dirty and unkempt. Syaoran just returned a calm look. Touya then glared at him, "What happened to you guys?" Syaoran turned away, looking a little annoyed, "None of your business…" Touya's eyes flared, "Why you little…"

Sakura looked so confused and shocked with a worried expression. "AH ONICHAN don't look so angry at Syaoran-kun. It was nothing… really!"

Yukito laughed, "Just like old times, huh Touya?" Touya and Syaoran returned a smug look at him as they both grumbled and turned away from one another. Touya then retorted, "Well…. Aren't you going home yet, kid!" Sakura looked angry at her brother, "MUO, ONICHAN!" She went over to Syaoran quickly as she gave a quick bow of apology for her brother, "Sorry, Syaoran-kun, I'll see you at school tomorrow. Yea?" She gave a sweet smile at Syaoran, as he returned a warm look, "Good night then…" He turned around and nodded at Yukito, who replied, "See you around, Syaoran." Then Syaoran returned a once again similar nonchalant look at Touya, who returned the similar glare.

As Syaoran walked away, Sakura turned around angry at her brother, "ONICHAN! Why do you have to be so mean to Syaoran-kun, all the time! MUO!" Touya then put his hand under his chin, thinking intently, "Hmm…still can't trust him…." A huge sweat drop floated on top of Yukito's head as he sighed. "Hahaha, well then, I'll be going back home then." Sakura looked back at Yukito, "Oh, Yukito-san, I hope to see you again soon. Walk home safely." Yukito smiled, "Thanks, Sakura. Good night guys…" Touya waved good bye, "I'll see you tomorrow, Yuki." Yukito started to walk away, but Sakura turns to look towards the way Syaoran walked away, which made Touya obviously unhappy.

"Hey, monster Let's get inside! Hmph!" Touya started going inside the house, as Sakura somewhat pouted, and followed after her older brother.

"Isn't that something you should be asking yourself, young lad? After all……isn't that the reason why you left your home to come here…?" Sakura blinked in confusion while Syaoran gave a look of surprise towards the figure. "Yes…you know perfectly well … all things you've learned… all except ……hmm…yourself…"

Remembering the strange words from the Phantom, Syaoran shook his head. "It doesn't make sense… talking as though he knows what's going on… in my life…"

"…My my…if that is so, won't you tell me…" The figure took another step forward. "…Who are you?"

Syaoran had a look of defeat, for no answer came to his mind. Feelings of emptiness and loneliness filled Syaoran's thoughts. These thoughts were not distant, but familiar to him. As though it was a battle he fought before, only to have to return and fight again. His face became blank as though he wished he had never encountered this figure.

Syaoran looked back at his talisman. Tracing the artistic details on the inscriptions and metallic designs with his thumb, he sighed. He knew somehow exactly what Sakura was feeling and thinking.

"I don't know how to explain it either, but every time we're against the phantom, I feel my heart shaken, my mind unfocused, my whole body fall limp, and I don't know, something in my heartmy soul…I feel like I forget who I am or why I am or …… I don't know…"

Syaoran closed his eyes, reflecting upon the events of his life that led him back to the placed he called home. From the time, he left Japan after helping Sakura capture the greatest Clow Card, the Void Card; he clearly remembers the rigorous training he went through. Sitting inside the small training dojo, eleven year old Syaoran waited for his new instructor. Suddenly, two shadows loomed over the steps. Syaoran looked towards the door, as he saw his mother standing with a tall man. The tall man had a strangely cold glint in his eyes. His age was uncertain, but he did seem around his late twenties or early thirties. He was physically well built, having stern facial features. His gray hair was long and thus tied in a long pony tail. He wore a traditional black Chinese robe, richly adorned with designs of dragons. In his right hand, he held a short metal rod that had a golden emblem on both ends of the rod. Syaoran got up and bowed, knowing fully well that this man was his new instructor. The man walked into the dojo. Every part of his footsteps echoed softly, as his mother's soft footsteps were heard from behind. The man spoke up in his deep voice, "So…Ieran-sama, this is your youngest child?"

Syaoran's mother nodded. "Yes, and my only son, Akui-san." Akui took a step forward Syaoran as he simply watched. Akui, however, raised his hand and nearly hit Syaoran on the side of his head, but Syaoran quickly blocked with his much smaller hands. Akui quickly moved the same hand again to strike Syaoran, who ducked it. Syaoran was clearly caught off guard but lucky enough to avoid his attacks. Syaoran narrowed his eyes, realizing that this new instructor was already testing his skills. Akui was too quick for Syaoran, for soon, Syaoran was not the one defending but rather retaliating. Akui grinned with amusement, as Syaoran struck back. Akui, however, didn't take a moment to waste. He stopped all Syaoran's attacks with his metal rod. Syaoran's hands were red; he realized that striking the metal rod had already begun to bruise him. Syaoran's mother simply stood from afar, watching the entire battle. Syaoran then began to see the Akui's rod that came to strike his shoulder, but Syaoran quickly grabbed the rod, instead of blocking it. He held it firmly, and pulled himself closer to Akui to kick him, but Akui grinned as he twisted the rod slightly, and pulled, letting the true length of the rod be revealed. Syaoran was surprised as the balance of his grip on the rod was lost. Akui let go of the rod and with the same hand, struck Syaoran's hand. As Syaoran lost the grip on the rod, Akui grabbed the rod from falling and used it to trip Syaoran. Syaoran fell on his back and before he could get up, he felt the cold metal staff against his cheek. Akui stared down on him, obviously not proud that he beat a boy so young of age. He then lifted the staff and twisted it, making it return to its original shape. Syaoran panted as he slowly got back up. Syaoran held his wrist, for it started to swell already from all the hits from the rod. Akui turned around and looked to Syaoran's mother.

"It seems he has passed the test, Ieran-sama. I shall start instructions as early as tomorrow…" With this, Akui bowed his head to Syaoran's mother, who also bowed her head slightly less than him. Syaoran stared at Akui, who simply walked out of the dojo. Though Syaoran didn't notice during the entire fight, he realized that his new instructor never raised the left hand while sparring him.

The next few years, Syaoran trained with the mysterious man named Akui. Syaoran did not care less whether Akui would be his permanent instructor, but something about this man seemed surreal. Akui was obviously not interested in mentoring Syaoran in anything else but martial arts and the Chinese arts. Throughout the five years, Syaoran trained with Akui, Syaoran did not learn about his instructor beside his name. Akui was strict, as well as demanding of Syaoran's physical and mental capabilities. Though Syaoran started feeling distant and uncertain about his instructor, his mother was nonetheless pleased with Syaoran's quick improvement with his skills. Thus, Akui was asked to stay longer with the family.

It was Syaoran's twelve's birthday. Syaoran walked into his room, as he was finding a change of clothes to begin his training again. Suddenly, as he was changing his shirt, Meilin burst into the room. Meilin, with her hair in two long ponytails, furiously blushed and screamed. "AHHHHHHH! SYAORAN!" Syaoran quickly hid himself behind the door of his closet, yelling back to his cousin, "MEILIN! THE LEAST YOU COULD DO IS KNOCK BEFORE YOU COME IN!" Meilin ran out of the room again, shutting the door tightly behind her. Syaoran sighed, as he finished changing quickly before his impatient cousin might storm into his room again. As he was ready to open the door, he heard Meilin giggling on the other side of the door. Suddenly, the door flew open and Meilin jumped into the room. "ARE YOU DONE YET? GEESH, takes you so long just to get dressed, Syaoran" Syaoran jumped back and looked smugly at his cousin, "Meilin… what's going on now?"

Meilin giggled, "What do you mean, what's going on? Don't you even know what today is, silly?" Syaoran shrugged as he started to gather his belongings to head towards the dojo. He didn't want to forget anything to make Akui grow angry and throw down a punishment. "Syaoran! Today is your birthday! Don't you even remember?"

Syaoran didn't look back at her, as he was getting his talisman (sword). "Even if it was my birthday, I'm busy with training. I don't have time to celebrate…" Syaoran turned around as he saw Meilin get a sneaky grin on her face. "Tehehe, well, I suppose sosince you must end your training quickly to meet ahem you know who…" Meilin winked as she walked closer to Syaoran, "Which reminds me, this came for you today! Teehehee"

Syaoran looked surprised as he received a box addressed to him. Looking at the return address, it was from Sakura. He couldn't help but pull a grateful smile. He looked back at Meilin, who smiled sweetly back at him. "Thanks, Meilin…" Meilin laughed and said, "No need to thank me, NOW OPEN IT NOW! I'm so CURIOUS of what's inside!" Syaoran sat down on his bed, as Meilin plopped right next to him. Though Syaoran didn't want to show it, he felt a warm sensation swell inside. It's been a few months since he spoke to Sakura through the phone. Syaoran smiled as he opened the box, after tearing away at the postal tapes. Meilin peered over and saw that it was a video tape. "OOOOH!" Meilin seemed almost more excited than Syaoran. Syaoran took out the video tape and examined it. He looked at Meilin and grinned, "Well, another one of Sakura and Tomoyo's screening. Care to watch it?" Meilin laughed and jumped back up from the bed. "Would I dare? Tehehhe, what if she says something to you that I shouldn't be hearing?" At this Syaoran couldn't help but blush, "Hmph, well then, you don't have to watch it with me." But Meilin quickly jumped in front of Syaoran, "BUT! Since you so insist I shall accompany you and watch it, tehehhe. LET's GO!"

Turning the tape on, Syaoran and Meilin looked intently towards the screen. Syaoran smiled as he heard Sakura's sweet voice again. On the screen, Sakura turns around in a cute flowery dress, probably made by Tomoyo again.

"Uh…how does it look on tape, Tomoyo-chan?"

"Tehehe, it looks just fine, Sakura-chan." Kero flies in from the side, letting his plump head, cover half of the screen.

"Geck why do I have to be in the video for that brat's birthday!"

"KERO-CHAN be nice!"

"Fine fine… geesh." The screen shook a little as Kero disappeared from the screen.

"Tehehe…" Tomoyo came next to Sakura as they both bowed to the screen and yelled, "Happy Birthday, Syaoran-Kun!"

"Though it's been a while, we wanted to let you know that people here still think of you and just so that you wouldn't forget anything here, we'll show it all in this tape." Sakura smiled as this sweet moment disappeared with Kero's nonstop complaining.

"Okay, this thing is getting heavy now Sakura Tomoyo ack, I'm gonna drop it!"

"Teehehe, hai hai." Tomoyo walked towards the screen. The screen was cut off as it resumed to the next scene. The scene switched back and forth to various people, including Rika, Takashi, Chiharu, and Naoko. The next screen showed Sakura attempting to make a cake with the sweet card. Sakura smiled as she looked towards the screen.

"Eh…it's been a while since I used any of my cards, Syaoran-kun. But I did practice a little, so I'm sure I could do this right. Tehehe." Kero's voice interrupted. "Hehehe, not to mention all the cards you started to mess up on, making everything float around and even" Sakura's face turned pink quickly, "Muo, Kero-chan!" Kero and Tomoyo's laughter could be heard from the background. Sakura closed her eyes, as Syaoran looked with a warm smile. He realized the less he sees her, hears her, and senses her near, he starts to miss her more and more. Sakura called on her staff, "Release!" And she twirled it around and finally struck The Sweet card. "SWEET!" Sakura then took out another card, "FLOWER!"

Meilin smiled as she saw a wonderful bouquet was created as well as a gorgeous cake. "WAH Haha It worked!" Sakura smiled as she looked at the screen again. Meilin giggled, "Tehehhe wow, they really must have had fun making this video. Neh, Syaoran?"

Suddenly, a loud clamor was heard behind them, as they whirled around. Akui stood behind them, staring wide-eyed unto the screen. Syaoran quickly got up, as did Meilin. "Uh- sensei…teacher, in Japanese…"

Syaoran noticed Akui dropped his staff. Akui stepped forward, not taking his eyes off the screen. Meilin looked quite puzzled as she stared back at Syaoran. Akui narrowed his eyes, his face marked with anger, bitterness, and confusion. "Who is that person…?" Syaoran looked back at the screen and quickly back at Akui, "She's my friend, Sakura…"

Akui looked at him again, "How is it that she possesses the Clow Cards…?" Syaoran started at Akui, wondering what could have made Akui so bewildered. "Uh…they were once called Clow Cards, but now, they belong to her. Those are now the Sakura Cards………Akui-Sensei, is something the matter…?" Akui looked at Syaoran, returning his face to the normal cold stare. "……..no…." Then Akui turned around and started walking away. Akui turned to look at Syaoran, "I expect you to be prepared for training in the next five minutes…"

"Yes, sensei…." Syaoran nodded. Syaoran and Meilin turned around to take out the tape, which was finished. Yet, Syaoran froze as he heard Akui mumble something to himself, and under his breathe speak with such anger, almost a growl, "Clow…Reed…" Syaoran slightly turned his head towards Akui, who picked up his rod and walk out of his room. Meilin scoffed, "Hmph… what's wrong with him again…?"

Syaoran knew from that moment, something was terribly wrong with this situation. How is it ever possible for Akui to know who Clow Reed was? It was evident that he held a great grudge or bitterness towards Clow, but that's not possible, unless he once associated with Clow Reed. Syaoran felt every bit unsure about continuing his training with Akui. Yet, three more years passed and here he finally was, back in Japan with Sakura. Syaoran stopped walking, as he already approached his home. Going into the apartment room, he was welcomed by his butler, Wei. Wei was quite surprised at Syaoran's messy attire, and asked whether everything was all right. Syaoran didn't want to spend so much with details that he returned a terse answer and quickly went to clean himself. Letting the faucet run with water, he let the sink fill up. As he was prepared to wash his face, he abruptly stopped and stared at his faint reflection.

I feel like I forget who I am or why I am or …… I don't know…

…Who are you?

Syaoran closed his eyes with frustration as he simply stood over the sink.

"Five years…and nothing has changed with you... for those five years, all I did was take a look at you and find no other than Clow Reed's shadow. Are you even capable of carrying the silly title and prestige of his name again… carving that path……for what……" Syaoran opened his eyes, and looked back at himself. He sighed and started to wash his face.

Meanwhile, Yukito was standing by himself inside the park, close by his home. Suddenly, a large figure appeared behind him, rising from the ground. The shadowy figure walked closer to him. Yukito turned around with a serious face. His face seemed to be different, not the same compassionate and gentle face as he usually present his close friends. The figure spoke with the same deep resonating voice, "Have you made your decision…?"

Yukito's face softened, as though he was feeling hesitant. "I…"

"If you do not make a decision quickly…I will have no power to help you…" Hearing this, Yukito looked up, surprised and shocked.

"What do you mean, you can't help me… I thought we had a deal here, Akuma…"

"Yes, you are correct... but one who knows every persons' coming and going has begun to change our plans…Soon, Yue and Cerberus will have their eyes opened. Their souls shall be made new and their hearts made whole. The truth about their existence will be revealed and they shall gain more power than now. And if that happened…"

Yukito bit his under lip, "If that happened… Yue will be set free, just as you have told me before, Akuma. I could feel myself disappearing… I am losing my identity again and again, I keep trying to fight back…but… it seems as though all my nightmares are coming to life…I…I can't let that happen…"

Akuma walked closer to Yukito, "So what do you say…" Akuma raised his ghastly and shadowy right hand, and offered it to Yukito, "Do you agree to give me what I asked for, then….?"

Yukito raised his eyes and peered into the darkness behind the large cape of Akuma . 'Sorry… Touya…Sakura…' He nodded, and a great darkness surrounded him as Akuma's figure seemed to dissipate like tattered clothing. As the tattered cape fluttered in the air, each one slowly twirled about and the moment the pieces reached the ground, its shape altered and became a shape of a black ravens, which shrieked loudly and flew into the sky above them.

--------Preview of Next Chapter----------

The Sand covered the entire park, as a large portion of the streets looked as though it were a desert.

Sakura: "Sand! No! Return!"

Syaoran: "It's no use! It won't react to your commands…"

Touya, wiping the coffee table during his part-time job, bumps into a girl of pale complexion, with hazel eyes, and grayish hair--- almost similar to Yukito's physical features. "Excuse…uh…"

Syaoran looks up and sees Akuma hovering over him and Sakura…Adelah holds out her hand to Sakura, who returns her a confused look.

Girl smiling at Touya: "Haven't we met before?"

Suddenly, a knock is heard on the wall of the classroom, as everyone's eyes gaze up. Sakura jumps up from her seat with a look of shock, finding at the door a young handsome pale boy. "It's been a while…everyone…"

"ERIOL-KUN!"

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