Welcome to chapter 7 of Flower in Ice! Thanks to Blue-Jellee, Blackrose108, and Cherry Tiger for supporting me thus far. I'll try to answer some of your questions now.

Blackrose108: You mean the face that Fuu saw? I thought it was obvious... Oh, and: "Where are the typos? Find them so I can kill them!" Yes, remember the "oeo" now. Haha, we have so many inside jokes from school it's not even funny. Ok, yes it is.

Blue-Jellee: It's no problem! And I look forward to reading the next chapter of your CCS fic.

Cherry Tiger: I modeled her after someone I know. I'll post who on the very last chapter of this fic, so watch for it!

Everyone else who is reading this, please review! Until I started writing, I didn't know how important reviews are for a writer. So, if you want to see more of this story soon, review so I have something to keep me going.

Disclaimer: Everyone belongs to CLAMP-sama... /cries.../


Chosen... Of water...

The water drained away, leaving Umi sitting on the cement, completely dry. She held a glowing feather, the same as Fuu's, which flowed into a single globe of light that had a spiral in its depths. An arm of the spiral detatched and reached into her heart. As the light filled her, she caught a glance of a face of blue, distorted as if it was mirrored by water.

Rescue...

-0-0-0-

The magic of the fountain automatically dispersed all spells previously cast on whatever was thrown into it. But this was one it could not free. The ice was self-sustaining, and also wrought from the highest form of magic in Clow/Cephiro. Unable to escape, Sakura sunk deep into the mystical water.

-0-0-0-

"That's... weird..." Hikaru finally spoke.

They all sat on a white bench in the park, talking about the day's events.

"Once was freaky enough, but twice? Who's doing this?"

Fuu laughed lightly. "I don't want to go home now, because I'm afraid something will happen to you, Hikaru. What if an earthquake hits you or something?"

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. I'm a martial artist, remember? I can take care of myself."

They accompanied Fuu to her archery club, but had to leave when Hikaru didn't have enough money to pay the entrance fee.

Umi and Hikaru parted ways, the blue-haired one rushing home to start on a Science report.

-0-0-0-

Syaoran strapped on the flame sword Hien. It was a gift (gasp! Gift?) from Yuuko when he gave her his world-traveling payment.

After Syaoran filled Yuuko in on the situation on Clow, she called to Watanuki.

"Please get that again, would you, Watanuki-kun?"

"That, Yuuko-san?" he complained. But he dashed right off to do Yuuko's bidding.

When he had departed, Yuuko was left alone in the room with Syaoran. She held up a hand, and a small ball of light appeared in her hand. It expanded and lengthened into the shape of a sword. As the light faded, Syaoran glimpsed a familiar shape. The powerful bladethat had been denied him in the Fairy Park of Edonis now formed before his eyes.

"I-is that... Hien?"

Yuuko smiled.

"Another traveler who happened to chance upon my humble shop left this as payment in return for my services. I think it would rather go with you."

"B-but... How much more will I have to pay?" Syaoran asked, instantly suspicious.

Yuuko chuckled at his expression.

"This is free, believe it or not. Preferred customer benefits and all that. On that note, what do you have to pay me this time?"

Syaoran gulped and riffled through his pockets. He'd come with nothing, or so he thought. His fingers withdrew, a necklace from the Fairy Park clinging by its silver chain. Syaoran had wanted to give it as a present to Sakura, but he had never found the courage.

Yuuko's eyes caught the glint of magic that the necklace gave off.

"Why, that'll do just fine!" She reached over and gently pulled it from Syaoran's grasp.

Just then, Watanuki returned with that.

He held a white medium-sized bundle in his arms. It poked its head up.

"Syaoran-kun! How nice to see you again!" Mokona Modoki squeaked.

"Ah, Mokona! So you made it back here safe?"

"Of course! It's one of Mokona's 108 secret techniques." The living marshmellow suddenly acquired a mysterious gleam in its eye.

-0-0-0-

"There are going to be some serious changes around here!" Emeraude declared. "From now on, everyone shall refer to me as the Most High Princess of Cephiro. Oh, and raise the taxes 20. I want to build a new garden."

Inwardly, she snickered at the nobles who bowed before the golden throne she sat on.

They'll never suspect... Heh...


/Points at YOU/

Review. Now.