Tied By Fate
By: pnaixrose
Disclaimer: Do I own CCS? Nope...
Chapter 6: Technical Problems
Tomoyo's eyes brightened as she pointed to the statistics screen in the main hall. Her friends, who were currently waiting for the game the end, gasped as they saw that only two groups were left: Group #04: Kinomoto Sakura & Tsukishiro Yukito and Group #07: Li Syaoran & Kinomoto Touya
As Tomoyo immediately whipped out her camera to record Sakura's finalist stats on the screen, Rika's brown eyes widened. "They're almost done in there! They're both in the Final Section. They probably grouped their teams together."
"Yeah. But they'd better hurry up soon," Yamazaki said, "They only have 12 minutes left."
"I wonder if one of them will win!" Chiharu exclaimed.
"Better yet!" Naoko added, "I wonder what the last monster looks like!"
At this Tomoyo smiled and focused the camera on Naoko's face. "I can tell you one thing, Naoko-chan. Sakura-chan's going to be freaked out when she sees it!" Tomoyo giggled. "She's going to kill me..."
"You know what the final monster looks like!" Naoko said, amazed, "Tell me, tell me!"
Tomoyo just smiled and continued recording the screen one last time.
"You know, Tomoy-chano," Rika said curiously, "You know a lot about this place. How come?"
"Yeah," Eriol said with the same curiosity, "I'd like to know too."
As she put away her camera, she looked at her friends and smiled again. "I'll tell you when Sakur-chana wins this game!"
"You never know," Yamazaki interrupted, "Maybe Li-kun's group will win this. You've gotta admit, it's pretty impressive that both Li and Kinomoto have over 1000 Points."
As Yamazaki and Tomoyo debated over who would win, Eriol, although trying to keep his voice very subtle, was heard muttering.
"Did you say something Eriol?" Chiharu asked, turning to the boy with glasses.
Eriol smiled. "Oh it's nothing. I was just saying that maybe both Sakura and Syaoran can win this."
"How? I thought only one group can win," Naoko inquired.
Tomoyo thought for a bit as Eriol didn't respond. "Well, technically, you're right. Only one group can win this game. But remember, they're allowed to group up...so if Yukito and Touya lose in there, Sakura-chan and Li can group up. Is that what you mean, Eriol?" she asked the azure eyed boy.
Eriol smiled at Tomoyo. "Wow Tomoyo...right on the target." He clapped his hands as she blushed.
"Hmm..." Chiharu mused, "That maybe true. But I think it's quite impossible for that to happen. After all, Kinomoto and Tsukishiro are quite good."
'Don't worry Chiharu-chan, I'll make sure it'll happen," Eriol said. Then with a quick mysterious wink to Tomoyo who realized what he was doing, he excused himself.
With him gone, the three girls, Rika, Naoko, and Chiharu erupted on Tomoyo.
"Whoa Tomoyo-chan!" Chiharu exclaimed, her eyes bright, "It's as if you two are meant for each other!"
"Yeah, she's right you know. You knew exactly what he was thinking even if he didn't tell you!" Rika said in great awe.
"You guys are the cutest couple!" Naoko exclaimed, "Both of you are so mysterious, nice, friendly, smart, clever-"
Tomoyo giggled and laughed. "You think so?"
"Yeah!" the three girls said in unison. All three's faces were bright with excitement.
"Well..." Tomoyo blushed, still red as a tomato but still as lady-like as possible, "He is pretty cute, ne?"
The three girls squealed loudly, which caused Yamazaki to cover his ears and sweat drop when he saw that people around him were staring.
"I knew it, I knew it!" Naoko said excitedly, "Tomoyo-chan likes Eriol-kun!"
"Jeez, Naoko-chan! Keep it down!" Tomoyo said still blushing. She looked around cautiously to see if Eriol was there. Seeing that he was gone, she sighed in relief.
"Why don't you tell him, Tomoyo-chan?" Rika asked, "I think he feels the same towards you too."
"Well," she whispered, "I don't know..."
"Don't force her," Chiharu urged, "She'll never tell him if it's forced on her."
The girls continued to crowd around Tomoyo, allowing no oxygen for her to breathe. As they continued asking her both embarrassing and interesting questions, she just gave a small sigh and a blush. No wonder Sakura didn't like it when her friends asked about Yukito.
Yamazaki, the man of the group, rolled his eyes and sat back down on the waiting couch. "Girls..." he muttered staring at the big stat screen. He covered his ears again as another squeal erupted. "I hope Eriol-kun comes back soon. Where'd he go anyway?"
"H-Hoee..." Sakura whispered as they walked through the final cave. It was dark and creepy and worst of all, it looked absolutely real! Stalagmites and stalactites were all around the area, almost leaving them no room to walk through. It was dark as night and sounds of water dripping slowly was heard echoing through the cave.
"Don't worry, Sakura-chan," Yukito said with a smile as Sakura drew closer to him. "It's all fake."
"Pshh," Touya said evilly, "That's what they say isn't it?" he said with a smirk.
"Onii-chan! Shut up!" Sakura yelled. Her yell echoed through the cave which quieted the three down.
But one tussled haired boy was quiet through the whole thing, observing the scenery with mild interest. The people who made this place did do a good job on this. It even made him shiver a bit as they walked...a bit.
"Where's the monster? We don't have much time left," Syaoran questioned.
"It should appear soon. It's located at the end of this tunnel, where it expands into a big cave area." Yukito answered.
"Good, let's get this over with," Syaoran muttered, "This game is as boring as heck."
Sakura smiled. "Wow Li, you're really brave," she said admiringly.
Li shrugged, ignoring her smiling eyes. "Whatever..."
Suddenly a deep wail was heard, bouncing off the tunnel's walls.
Sakura shivered at the scary sound. Why'd this game have to be so scary! She frowned as she drew even closer to Yukito who smiled at her. She blushed. At least one good thing was benefiting from this place. And that was Yu-ki-to-san!
Feeling the bubbly feeling once again inside of him, Syaoran growled, greatly annoyed. He flashed a glare at Sakura who realized what had happened and smiled sheepishly, still blushing.
The playful mood between the two was broken with another louder wail and at this Sakura actually screamed, almost being as loud as the howls.
"Sakura, calm down, kaijuu!" Touya yelled.
She turned pale as they neared the entrance to the real cave. Yukito wasn't lying when he said it was big. It looked three times bigger than the IMAX Theater Sakura had gone to on her freshman fieldtrip. And even then, she hadn't seen anything as big and hollow as that. Her thoughts on the area were suddenly interrupted when she heard the amber eyed boy speak.
"Damn this place is huge..." he said, matching her thoughts. Then he pointed to something shiny all the way at the other end of the cave. It was the treasure chest, completely opened to expose glittering gold and jewels overfilling it. The chest stood on top of a small rock-like pedestal, indicating its importance. "Good," Syaoran grunted, walking a bit faster, "Let's get the treasure and get outta this place."
"Wait Li!" Sakura yelled as the boy grew farther away from him. She ran to him to catch up, leaving the college men behind. When she reached his side she still tried to keep up with his quick pace. "We still have to be careful," she said panting, "There's still a final monster remember?"
Syaoran didn't even look at her. "Oh, forget it and let's hurry up," he said.
A bright light was emerging from an empty hall. In this hall was an odd scene. Eriol stood in the center of the golden, glowing, circular symbol of Clow Reed. He carried a huge staff with a sun at the end with one hand as he closed his eyes, concentrating hard. The staff emitted red light as he was just about finished with his spell. Then, he opened his azure orbs and suddenly everything disappeared. The light, the staff and the magic circle were all gone. Eriol smirked as he pushed his slipping glasses up. He congratulated himself for his good work as he started walking away from the hall. Suddenly Tomoyo appeared in front of him, looking into his smiling eyes curiously and he stopped walking.
"Eriol?" she said quietly.
Eriol smiled in return. "Hello, Tomoyo," he said simply. Then he started walking again. She caught up quickly.
"Well? Did you do something?" Tomoyo whispered.
He was about to reply with something witty as always, but he stopped. His energy had just suddenly left his body and he began to stumble instead of walk. Everything became very blurry and he felt his eyes giving up on him, suddenly fatigued.
"Eriol? Are you okay?" Tomoyo asked as he stopped walking. Suddenly he started to fall forward and Tomoyo quickly but in surprise caught him. "Eriol!" she screamed, frightened by that weak smile he gave her. His breath grew quick and his eyes tired. His temperature had suddenly become really high as Tomoyo held him.
"I-I guess helping a friend can have its downsides...my magic has become weaker than I thought..." he whispered quietly.
As Sakura and Syaoran were walking side by side, they suddenly felt Eriol's aura, Clow Reed's aura, and abruptly stopped. At the same moment, they looked at each other, confirming what they felt. But as quickly as it had come, it vanished. Instead, the loud wailing was heard and Sakura suddenly jumped into his arms in fright. "H-Hooeeee!"
Syaoran was surprised at the sudden contact and for one second, a small blush was seen on his face. He felt her warmth pervading through him as he stood there stupidly and dumbfounded. He blushed a teeny bit more when the girl, her arms wrapped around his neck, gripped tighter to him. I mean, what teenage boy wouldn't want to be in his position right now? All alone –well kind of- in a dark scary cave where the girl jumps into your arms scared out of her wits and you're the only one to comfort her...a guy can get weird ideas in his mind...yes even Syaoran. He's still a guy isn't he? But he stubbornly waved the feelings and ideas away. "Argh!" he yelled, "Dammit, Kinomoto get off!"
Sakura pulled away suddenly, realizing whom she was hugging. She blushed sheepishly. Whoa...did she just hug Li Syaoran? In all the time he had been in her life, she has never ever thought once about hugging the guy. He seemed to be one of those people who hated any kind of physical contact. Great...just great. Here she was trying to make friends but she had to jump into his arms even though she had a good idea he hated hugging people. Boy, was it hard to please this guy. "S-Sorry..." she said.
The wailing was heard again this time at a higher pitch and even louder. Sakura and Syaoran turned around, realizing that the sound was coming from behind them. They saw Touya and Yukito a far way back looking around in confusion, their laser guns ready in their hands. Suddenly the wailing was heard over and over again.
"What the fuck..." Touya said looking around cautiously, "Is it supposed to be doing that?"
"No," Yukito said, just as confused as his friend, "It sounds like it's out of control!"
Suddenly they saw the monster behind them growing closer and closer. The huge monster looked like a skeleton with no legs in a brown torn cloak, but the skeleton was transparent, indicating that it was a ghost. It had long clumps of hair still in its scalp and frightening, glowing red eyes. As its torn up cloak flew behind it as it floated in midair, it revealed rotting, nasty skin still sticking on some parts of it's bones. As it opened its bony jaw showing rotting yellow and orange teeth, it let out that same wail they had been hearing while flying at top speed towards Yukito and Touya. Of course out of instinct they ran.
"What the hell!" Touya screamed, "It isn't programmed to be chasing people around!"
Yukito yelled as they ran, "Maybe it's a malfunction?"
As the figures of Syaoran and Sakura came closer, the two adults saw their widened eyes. Touya, who momentarily forgot that this was only a game, yelled at Sakura. "Sakura! Get out of here!"
"Onii-chan! Yukito-san!" Sakura yelled, seeing the ghost flying close behind them. "It's a gh-gh-gh-ghost!" But even as frightened as she was, she regained her courage and was about to run towards them when someone grabbed her arm.
"Oh no you don't," Syaoran said, "We gotta find somewhere to hide for now..." Then he ran to the side, momentarily forgetting the treasure chest, pulling the frightened girl behind him. Syaoran desperately looked around for anything they could hide behind as he ran. Then he spotted a perfect one; a huge rock that can hide both of them even if they stood up. "Something weird is going on here!" he said as they reached the rock. They panted for breath while hiding behind it.
Then Sakura's emerald eyes widened. "Onii-chan! Yukito-san!" she said in fright, remembering her brother and his friend. She was yet again about to go and find them when Syaoran grabbed her arm.
"...Stay here," he growled, feeling her intense worry and terror filling him up inside. But as she tried to squirm out of his grip, he began to become irritated and grabbed her shoulders, pushing her against the rock. It was then when she stopped struggling, realizing that Li was furious. She looked at his mad amber eyes through his eye visor almost with the same terror that she felt when she had seen the monster. The feeling of intense anger from him filled her inside as she trembled.
Syaoran pinned her against the huge rock, losing his temper with her. What the fuck was she thinking? There was something definitely not right and she goes and tries to run to the monster? What if the monster could actually hurt you? What if it was actually real! She shouldn't go and just run into trouble like that! Syaoran's thoughts were frantic, but as he gripped onto her shoulders and saw her frightened eyes looking directly at his, he realized that now Kinomoto wasn't scared of what was going on with her brother and his friend anymore. She was scared of him. He felt it from her and knew it was true. Syaoran felt her shivering and he immediately let go of her. Why did he get so angry when she was about to get hurt out there? Why was he so...worried?
"S-Sorry," he said, avoiding eye contact with her. She nodded slowly now seeing how angry Li Syaoran can really get. It was frightening actually. She didn't want to see him like that again.
They heard the sound of laser guns shooting and remembered the two college men. A loud scream was heard and then the wailing. Then finally an eerie silence filled the cave. Sakura's eyes watered as she thought of her brother and his friend once again. Syaoran looked at her sadly. He had to admit. It was getting pretty freaky now.
As Yukito and Touya stopped running, their legs tired, the monster stopped before them almost as if it were watching them carefully. They however weren't as relaxed as the monster. They held out their guns before them, shooting it as much as they could. But then, even after about ten shots from both of them, it was still alive and it wasn't even retaliating, nor moving at all. But suddenly, the monster multiplied itself and surrounded the two.
"-the hell!" Touya yelled, his gun trembling in his hands. He didn't know where to shoot now. At least about five of the same monster circled them.
"That thing wasn't programmed to do that either!" Yukito yelled shooting blindly at all the monsters.
Suddenly the monsters, still unfazed by the laser guns, floated closer to them. Yukito and Touya's eyes widened in dread, seeing the monsters draw near. They stood back to back, scared out of their wits. Touya screamed as he shot at the monsters blindly before all the monsters lifted up their bony, sharp claws. "DAMMIT!"
Then the monsters brought down their arms and wailed loudly. Silence then followed.
"Eriol-kun are you all right?" Chiharu asked the worn out teen. He was leaning against the couch, panting tiredly. A few beads of sweat ran down the sides of his head.
His friends were crowded around him worriedly. As soon as he had gotten back, he suddenly became so tired.
"I'm fine..." he said panting. "Must've been all that excitement from inside the game."
As his friends continued fussing over him, Tomoyo stood a foot away from the crowd, knowing that Eriol was lying. She stared at him sadly as he sat on the couch almost unable to move. Tomoyo sighed. It was obvious that what Eriol was feeling was side affects from using a large amount of magic. She had thought that when he had given half of his magic to Sakura's father, that he wouldn't be able to use great amounts of magic anymore. But it seemed that she was wrong. He probably could still use a lot of magic if he really concentrated and even gave up some of his energy for the spell. But she wondered. Was proving his theory about Sakura and Li-kun being destined to be together worth Eriol becoming weak? She knew that he would be better in a few minutes when the spell was complete but still...was it worth it? Eriol really wanted to help Li. He wanted him to laugh and smile and do everything any other teen would do. And both Tomoyo and Eriol knew that the only person they knew who would be able to do that was Sakura. Tomoyo almost grew angry at Li. Did he know how much Eriol was undergoing for him? And yet he treated Eriol with no respect! She hoped that Li will change quickly...that way, Eriol wouldn't have to waste his magic on him.
The silence unnerved the two as they stood quietly. Even though Sakura knew that Li didn't like to be too near to people, she stayed close to his side, their bodies almost touching. She was scared out of her wits and right now she didn't really care if Li would push her away or not. Actually, she didn't really notice. She was too scared for Yukito and Touya. What if the monster was real? What if they were out there right now breathless and lifeless? She shut her eyes tightly, feeling fear sink in. She didn't know whom the fear belonged to; Li or her. But it was probably both of theirs.
Syaoran looked at the girl with concern. She had her eyes shut tight in terror and she was trembling violently. Two people who were very dear to her might have been hurt out there...no wonder she was so frightened. Before he knew what he was doing, he had grabbed her shoulders but gently.
Sakura felt hands on her shoulders and abruptly looked up at Li. But not like before when she had irritated him. His grip was loose and gentle, almost comforting. She smiled a bit. Li Syaoran was trying to make her feel better.
"Kinomoto," he whispered in her ear, "I just realized...didn't you bring your doll with you?"
Sakura's eyes widened in realization. Of course! She had brought Kero with her! She reached into her pocket where he was hidden and brought him out. But she gasped.
"K-Kero?" she asked the motionless thing in her hands. It had its eyes closed and was breathing slightly.
Syaoran sweat dropped. "It's...asleep!"
Skaura looked up at him with worried eyes. "No! He's not! He would have never fallen asleep...especially since he knew this was a game. He had been talking about coming here all week! No way would he fall asleep!" she said.
"Give him here."
Sakura handed her guardian to him, wondering what had happened and also a little frightened. Syaoran held the small thing in his hands as he eyed it closely. It was then that he felt an aura from the stuffed doll sinking into his fingers.
"He's been forced to sleep," Syaoran stated, "It's a spell, he won't wake until the caster wants it to."
Sakura gasped. "What!" She grabbed Kero from his hands and shook the poor thing. "KERO! OY! KERO! Wake up!" she cried desperately, "I have pudding for you! Oh c'mon wake up! I thought I was the only one who could control you!"
"That's true," Syaoran said thoughtfully, "But it seems the caster has strong magic too..."
"Can you tell who the caster is? Who cast this spell on him?" she pleaded with her watery emerald orbs.
Syaoran looked at the doll carefully, narrowing his eyes. He had known Hiiragazawa was up to something. He just doesn't know what it is. Why would Hiiragazawa put a spell on his former guardian who now aids Kinomoto? Weren't they...best friends or something?
"I-I don't know," he lied. He didn't want to inform her that her good friend Hiiragazawa Eriol was the one responsible. He wanted to find out what the guy was up to first.
"So that's why Yue didn't come out when Yukito-san was in trouble either..." Sakura said sadly.
"Speaking of them," Syaoran said letting go of her shoulders, "Let's go look for your brother and his friend..."
"Hai..."
They walked out behind the safety of the rock, Sakura trailing close behind Syaoran. As they walked slowly, they cautiously looked around for anything unusual, but nothing seemed odd at all; no monster, no wailing. When they reached the spot where they had first left the two college men, they were gone. Nothing was there except the bleakness of the cave.
"Where are they?" Sakura whispered, tears starting to well up in her eyes.
Syaoran was about to try to comfort her when the wailing abruptly started again. Their eyes alertly scanned the cave, but still nothing. The wailing was heard again, even louder this time and that's when Sakura grabbed onto Syaoran's arm in fright.
"It's okay Kinomoto..." he said, his voice low. Then, irritated by the constant wailing, he grabbed his pendant necklace which was hidden under his shirt and dropped his useless laser gun to the floor. Using his other hand which Sakura wasn't clinging on to, he held the red pendant out in front of him. Then Sakura watched in wonder as he mumbled some words under his breath and the pendant started glowing. Suddenly instead of a pendant in his hand, there was a sword. It was a beautiful sword; long, glistening, with a golden hilt in the shape of a wolf, a red piece of short red rope hanging from the hilt with the pendant at the other end, and most importantly, it was sharp...really sharp.
"Would you stop with the wailing!" Syaoran shouted in aggravation, "Just come out and get me, dammit!"
Then as if it had heard his call, the monster appeared floating in front of the two teens. Sakura gripped on to her companion's arm tight as he tried to console her without uncovering his soft side. "Kinomoto! Blood's not flowing through my arm with all your gripping!" he scowled.
"S-Sorry..." she said but she simply did not stop her shaking nor loosen her grasp on him.
The ghost's bony jaw opened as it roared another battle wail. Then, it swooped down at them, its long bony fingers ready to grasp their flesh.
But as if he had sensed the ghost's movements, Syaoran evaded its attack as he jumped out of the way pulling Sakura close behind him. Then the ghost swooped down again and again, but just the same, Syaoran and Sakura dodged it. Suddenly, as if it were aggravated, the ghost stopped attacking for a moment and moaned loudly in anger. Then its image flickered for a moment and then it multiplied into two.
"Fuck..." Syaoran mumbled under his breath. The situation was not helping, especially with Kinomoto hanging on to him like that. Sweat drops appeared on the side of his head as he wondered what to do while the monsters were wailing. They couldn't run now...they couldn't turn their backs to those creeps. What to do...what to do...
Sakura glanced at Li as the feeling of worry and anxiousness filled her. It was his worry and anxiety she was feeling no doubt, the 'bond' was letting her feel his feelings again. But it was also mixed with her own fear and concern. Then she realized that she was slowing Li down. She was sure that he would be able to maneuver easier without her on his arm so she quickly parted with him although she was still very scared.
Li raised an eyebrow at her. "You okay now?" he said while still keeping an eye at the monsters that were wailing and wailing without stop.
Sakura took a deep breath and nodded. She had to be brave. She couldn't cower in front of this guy and show him that she couldn't handle these things by herself. "Yeah..." she said. Then with a smile she added, "I am the Card Mistress you know."
Card Mistress or no Card Mistress she was still afraid of ghosts. But of course, he hadn't said that out loud.
He watched her as she quickly took out her key from around and neck and transformed it with a couple of words. With a bright white light, it turned into a pink wand with a star at the end.
Then with almost no time in between, she had taken out a pink card with an odd looking creature on it. "Fiery!"
As she touched the Card which she had thrown into the air with her wand, Syaoran watched as Fiery seeped out of its Card form and into its original form. It looked like a boy with hot, fiery eyes of arrogance and flames covering his whole body. With one of its smile to its master, it swooped down into the ghosts at top speed with a confident face.
"That's one of the four Element Cards, Fiery. It's said to be the strongest out of the Elements and the most confident. Nice choice, Card Mistress..." Syaoran said with a hand to his chin.
Sakura smiled in triumph. He actually complimented her? But it was impressive how he knew so much about the Card. She watched with pride as Fiery swooped through the ghosts, enclosing the two in its embers.
Syaoran frowned. "But..."
At this the ghosts flew through the angry flames and jumped at the surprised Fiery.
Sakura gasped. "What the-"
"Kinomoto, think carefully. Even though Fiery is a powerful attack Card, the ghosts are ghosts. They cannot feel attacks of any sort...plus, there are two of them which will beat Fiery once they have a chance to jump out of his flames," Syaoran said.
"Hoeee..." Sakura said sadly. How embarrassing. He really knew what he was talking about and here she was the Card Mistress. Maybe he should be the owner of the Cards instead...
Syaoran glared at her, feeling what she was thinking. "Kinomoto, it's not wise to think such thoughts especially when they're about to attack any minute now..."
Then as if on cue, the two monsters lunged at them while they dodged with ease. But while they dodged all the attacks, Sakura was still thinking about what to do.
Oh, think Sakura, she told herself. There must be someway to defeat these monsters. But what could defeat ghosts? Every Card she had wouldn't help with defeating ghosts. Darn those evil, scary ghosts. What on earth could defeat something as evil as them? Wait a minute...evil...how do you defeat evil?
Sakura's eyes widened in realization as she thought up a solution. "That's it! Light defeats evil!" she shouted with glee.
Since she was distracted on her thoughts, she practically jumped when she heard Li's growled orders. "Kinomoto! Pay attention!"
Right then, the two ghosts suddenly swooped down at Sakura and Syaoran, each taking one person. They were thrown far back as a result of the impact. Both of them were surprised as they fell on the ground. This was definitely not a normal virtual monster. You wouldn't have felt the pain from the attack if it was.
As they were on the ground in pain, a couple of feet away from each other, both their HP lowered. Syaoran's to 800 and Sakura's to 300. It had taken 800 HP off. One more hit and they would be dead...maybe even literally.
Syaoran slowly got up from the ground, using his sword for support. The ghosts were merged back into one now and was heading towards Sakura's body which was still on the floor, trying desperately to get up again.
As she tried to get up, she felt a sudden burst of pain from her right foot. She groaned. What a perfect time to get a sprained ankle. She felt pain run up her leg every time she moved her ankle. But since she was so determined in trying to sit up, she didn't see the ghost coming her way.
The ghost drew closer and closer ready to pounce on her. Syaoran's amber eyes widened as his heart started beating faster. Everything went blank...his pain suddenly didn't hurt...everything didn't seem to matter...except her. Without thinking he shouted her name. "SAKURA!"
Her eyes immediately looked up at the voice of her name...her first name. But she couldn't be bewildered by the sound of her name coming from his lips right then. She saw a ghost coming slowly towards her, ready to finish her off. She tried to get up but her foot was still in deep pain. Helplessly and vulnerable, she lay there on her back, watching the ghost with fear. She trembled as she saw the ghost right above her, its arms ready to pierce her flesh. Her eyes shut quickly as she screamed a high pitch scream in terror and waited for even more pain to fill.
Suddenly, she heard an angry scream. "FUCK OFF!"
Opening her eyes slowly, she saw a figure in front of her. As her eyesight focused, she saw Li's back fighting off the ghost furiously. He took out a piece of yellow paper with Chinese writing on it. "God of Wind! Descend!"
A sudden, roaring gush of air swept through the ghost, blowing it a few yards away.
Sakura watched as Li glared one last time at the ghost and quickly turned and crouch down beside her. "You okay?"
Sakura, still shocked by the near death situation, nodded slowly. At her reply, she saw Li reach down for her. He grabbed her arms with his own strong ones and pulled her to stand.
She let out a sudden yelp as she put weight on her right foot. "Ouch..." She grabbed onto Li's arms for support.
Syaoran looked at her carefully, his arms still helping her stand. "Looks like you got a sprained ankle," he said, stating the obvious. "Here, you can lean on me," Syaoran said without thinking. As soon as he said it, Sakura looked at him with wide eyes. The feelings of caring and concern filled her up...feelings she never would have thought he had.
Syaoran immediately scowled realizing what she was thinking and tried to cover up his concern. "Oh c'mon, Kinomoto!"
She nodded once again as she continued to lean on him.
Suddenly the irritating wailing was heard once more. The ghost appeared in front of them looking particularly angry.
"Kinomoto, now!" Li yelled still holding on to her.
Without wasting time she took out another pink Card and touched it with the tip of her wand. "LIGHT!"
A bright light appeared from the Card as Light's form took shape. She was a pretty woman, with her figure completely draped with the color white except for the outlines of her body and clothes. She was glowing in a bright light and as she opened her empty white eyes, she glowed even brighter. The light was so strong and Sakura and Syaoran had to shield their eyes from it. However, the ghost was fortunately unlucky. The light pervaded through it as it wailed his wail one final time. It cringed in the bright light until it slowly dissipated into nothingness.
As the light disappeared and return to its Card, Sakura's wand disappeared the same time Syaoran's sword turned back into a pendant.
Sakura smiled brightly at Syaoran. "It's gone!"
He nodded. "Good."
But Sakura's smile started to fade. "B-But...Onii-chan and Yukito-san..." Her grip on Syaoran tightened as she trembled.
Syaoran was silent as her eyes started to fill with water. What could he do? What was he supposed to do? He usually didn't like it when girls, whether family or not, cried in front of him. He felt her sadness flowing through her and he frowned.
Suddenly Sakura felt something move in her pocket. "Hoee?"
Li blinked at her. "Huh?"
Sakura's pocket wriggled more and out came the yellow furball; our lovable, talkable Kero.
He rubbed his tired eyes as he yawned and floated in midair.
"Whoa...I don't know how but I just fell asleep. So anyway Sakura! Did you win, eh, eh?"
When his blurry vision cleared, his small eyes widened and his face angered at the sight of Sakura holding on to Li Syaoran tightly. "HEY! GAKI! WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?"
Eriol's eyes fluttered completely open when he felt his energy returning. The spell was done. He sat up on the couch and found Tomoyo looking at him with a relieved smile on her lips. His eyesight blurry, his hand went up to his face and found that his glasses were no longer there. Suddenly Tomoyo held something out to him; his glasses. He took with gratefully and placed it on. His vision cleared.
Tomoyo smiled. "When your energy started leaving you, you collapsed on the couch a few minutes ago. Chiharu and the rest went to get some water and a cloth for your head. Seems like you won't need it now though."
Eriol nodded, returning her smile. Then with a final look around to see that no one was too close to hear their conversation, he turned to her. "It's done."
Tomoyo's eyes widened with delight.
Syaoran and Sakura, Sakura still leaning on him, neared the treasure chest...their goal for winning. Kero flew close to them, watching the Gaki out of the corner of his eyes for any sudden, unapproved movements. Sakura had finally broken up their fight with an urging that they were running out of time. But it was true. Only half a minute remained.
"Well here it is..." Kero said looking over the chest overfilling with glittering gold and jewels.
Syaoran and Sakura nodded, both exhausted from the day's events. "Let's get this over with..." Syaoran said.
He and Sakura leaned over the treasure and reached out for it the same time. The second they touched the chest's hard wood covering, an alarm bell sounded. Lights flashed in different colors and Syaoran and Sakura looked around in confusion as Kero quickly flew into Sakura's pocket in a flash. Confetti started to fall from the ceiling as Sakura looked at Syaoran and smiled.
"Looks like we won."
He nodded.
"You know Li, you're not that bad...you're decent even when you want to be," Sakura said happily.
"Whatever," he replied barely looking at her. But of course, he could feel her happiness through that stupid 'bond'. But there was confusion mixed in with that happiness. And he was confused himself. It wasn't everyday he saved a girl without thinking and then let her hold on to him for support for her sprained ankle. And it wasn't everyday that he called a non-relative girl by her first name...he just hoped that she didn't notice...oh how he hoped...
Just then swarms of employees entered the cave screaming and cheering. They headed towards the two teens. Two particular employees caught Sakura and Syaoran's eyes. A tall, dark hair one with a stern look on his face and a shorter silver haired on with glasses and a calm, cheerful expression on. The swarm of people crowded around the two.
"Yukito-san! Onii-chan! You're all right!" Sakura said happily with relief. "I-I thought you-"
Yukito blinked. "What's wrong Sakura-chan? It was a virtual monster after all."
Sakura smiled. "Y-Yeah. Right. I was just worried..."
Just then Touya stepped in. "Oy! Sakura-chan, what are you doing holding the Gaki like that!"
While Tomoyo, Eriol and the others waited patiently on the couch after Eriol had fully recovered from his sudden tiredness a few minutes before, the large screen which told the players' stats suddenly went blank.
"What happened?" Naoko asked, worry etched in her eyes.
A wave of whispers filled the waiting area filled with other eliminated players and their friends. But only one person smiled, fully aware of what was happening. Tomoyo, with a grin on her lips, grabbed her camera and pressed the power button on. Then she pointed it towards the huge double doors which led to the paths for the game.
Music started playing; loud, cheerful music. Then confetti and balloons streamed down from the ceiling. People turned as the double doors opened with a bang and emerged all the employees streamed out. Finally, two people draped with pieces of confetti in their hair appeared last; Syaoran with his usually emotionless face and amber eyes and Sakura with her eyes glittering with excitement. She was still holding on to him tightly, letting him be her support for her sprained ankle.
Everyone burst into applause. Someone had done it. The first people to finish the game were them.
They were outside now, Syaoran and Sakura in front of the entrance and the crowds of people watching, including the people from the still long waiting line.
Someone was talking, congratulating the two teens, one of the head employees. "–and we all congratulate you, Li Syaoran and Kinomoto Sakura for being the first ever to complete this game."
Everyone started cheering and clapping although their own dreams of being the first to finish the game were extinguished. But after all, there was always second place.
Tomoyo and the others were applauding the loudest and of course Tomoyo had her trusty camera situated in front of her, recording the lovely scene of Sakura winning.
"And now, the owner and maker of this attraction will now present you with your prize!" the announcer said.
From the huge double doors, a woman with short brown hair, a blue business suit, and amethyst eyes walked out towards Sakura and Syaoran. Sakura gasped as she realized she knew who it was. "S-Sonomi-san!" she exclaimed in surprise. Syaoran just looked at the woman in confusion.
Everyone looked at Tomoyo who was still busily recording the happy scene.
"Tomoyo-chan, you didn't tell us your mother was the one who made this!" Chiharu exclaimed.
"Well, you didn't really ask," Tomoyo replied smiling. Her friends sweat dropped.
"But now it all makes sense..." Eriol said thoughtfully. "Tomoyo really knew a lot about this new game, didn't she?"
The others nodded.
Well of course she would because her mother was the owner and maker of it. After all, Tomoyo's mother is the head of Daidouji Corporation, a wealthy and well known business. Wasn't Tomoyo the one who suggested this place in the first place?
The others all understood now and looked at Tomoyo with smiles on their faces. She sheepishly smiled. "Looks like I'm found out."
Suddenly after all the cheers and woops, Sonomi started talking into the microphone and the group of friends quieted to hear Tomoyo's mother speak.
"I really hope all of you have enjoyed this new public attraction, 'The Trail's Trials.'" Another wave of cheers. "But I am proud to announce the names of the first people to finish this game ever... Kinomoto Sakura and Li Syaoran!" Sonomi stopped a minute to give Sakura one of her loving smiles. "And of course, you have a prize! Aside from having your names engraved on the plaque which shows people who have completed this game, you'll have a three day cruise in Daidouji Corporation's cruiser with five people of your choice! Congratulations from the entire Daidouji Corporation, including myself!" Blasts of cheering erupted and Sonomi took a bow. She walked over to Sakura and gave her a big hug.
"Congratulations Sakura-chan! It's definitely no surprise that you're the one to win this! You and your boyfriend that is. He's rather quite a catch he is! Keep him, Sakura-chan, he's definitely a keeper." Sonomi winked.
Sakura blushed bright red as Syaoran made a disgusted face. "B-But Sonomi-san, we're not-"
"Well I've gotta run!" Sononmi said smiling. "I'm a really busy woman. I ran out of a meeting just for this. Ja ne, Sakura-chan!" Then giving her one last quick hug, Sonomi rushed as fast as she could in her high heels towards a waiting limousine.
Sakura looked at Syaoran with a smile. "Wow. This is really exciting seeing all these people cheering..."
Syaoran shrugged. "I guess."
"You know, I really had fun even though I was deathly scared...thanks for teaming up with me," Sakura said.
"Sure..." Syaoran said simply, his face straight.
With an even happier smile she leaned towards his ear and whispered something inaudible to other ears besides his. "By the way...I'm really happy..."
Taken aback with surprise at her sudden whisper, he asked. "Why?"
Sakura with those delightful emerald eyes of hers replied back, "Because you called me Sakura."
Syaoran bit his bottom lip in worry. Shit...she did noticed after all...