Chapter 7: Nakuru's Passage
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," Nakuru murmured, shoving her hands into her pockets as she strode quickly through the tall grass. Sometimes, it was better to just sit there and let Eriol explain everything before she got impatient and yelled at him to hurry up.
Things were going well, sort of. If her memory and senses served correctly, she was only a few miles from Spinel's current location. She'd only gotten a brief glimpse, but she was almost certain she was heading for the right place.
There wasn't any time for second guessing herself, anyway.
She came out of the grass and found herself at a fork in a dirt road. No direction looked any more promising than the other, but she couldn't just stand there wonder about it. She decided to go left and had only taken a single step when she nearly slipped in a puddle that hadn't been there before.
Curious, she looked down.
"Oh, right. Almost forgot about that."
She looked up again, squaring her jaw, and continued walking. There were many more puddles now, but she was determined to keep going. To her credit, she walked for ten more minutes before her foot landed wrong in a puddle, and she slipped, falling into the grass and dirtying her clothes in the process.
"Crap. I really liked this skirt, too."
Nakuru pouted slightly, and absently wondered what the chances were of flagging down some trucker by showing a little thigh. Of course, she hadn't seen a car in over an hour, so probably not very likely at all.
She stood up, brushed herself off, and gasped as a sharp pain made itself known in her side. Biting back the whimper that threatened to escape her lips, Nakuru looked down at herself again, and then back at the road. Pushing all other thoughts from her mind, she concentrated on walking the next few feet, until her legs finally gave out, and she fell to her knees.
"Ah, damn it," Nakuru muttered, right before she collapsed into the dirt.
In her final few moments of consciousness, she tried to look on the bright side. Spinel would have no trouble finding her. He'd be flying, no doubt, and there was no way he could miss her with a bird's eye view.
All he had to do was follow the blood puddles she'd left.
"Are you sure you don't have a headache, Spinel?" Tomoyo asked again.
"It's not that," Spinel insisted, growling softly. "It's something else."
"Are you sure it's not the spell, then? You said you didn't do this kind of thing often."
"It's…a different kind of pain. Something I know I should recognize, but…I don't."
"Something from your days with Eriol?"
Spinel nodded. "It would have to be. But I don't know what."
"Is it really important?"
"I think it is, yes. But…he's probably just trying to get me to bring you back."
"Maybe," Tomoyo said. "But if it's causing you pain…"
"I'll be fine. I've experienced much worse," Spinel assured her. "Remember, I lived with Nakuru for a time."
"Oh, you don't really mean that, Spinel. Deep down, I bet you actually like her as much as I do."
"I find it difficult to like anyone that can't ever appreciate peace and quiet, Daidouji-san."
"Difficult, maybe, but not impossible."
Spinel opened his mouth, most likely to protest, but in that moment, his eyes glowed blood red.
Tomoyo gasped and backed away. "Spinel? What's wrong?"
Instead of answering, Spinel simply vanished into thin air, leaving only a single drop of blood in his wake.
Eriol was not completely sure he should be here, but in truth, he couldn't imagine going anywhere else.
Nakuru's room, even though he couldn't recall ever going inside it, was exactly as he'd pictured it. There were a multitude of stuffed animals lining the bed, various shades of pink and purple decorating absolutely everything, and an overwhelming sense of undying cheerfulness in the air.
The sight almost turned his stomach.
He carefully sat down on the bed, and noticed that he had disturbed a stuffed wolf. Without thinking, he reached out to straighten it, only to pause as he caught sight of his hand, still stained dark red with Nakuru's lifeblood.
Eriol jerked his hand away, surprised to find himself panting. This was not how things were supposed to be, he realized. Not at all how they were supposed to be.
Nakuru had followed him around for the better part of an entire day, continually pushing until he had finally, reluctantly given into her demand. How weak he had been. How strong she had been. How ironic that the spell she asked for required that their positions be reversed. Even now, Eriol was a still a little dumbfounded. Having purposely halved his power years ago, he had assumed that his Guardians would be impacted as well. For whatever reason, this hadn't applied to Nakuru (given recent events, perhaps it didn't apply to Spinel either). She was even more powerful than when he'd first created her. Nakuru was much stronger than she should've been, in fact. At any rate, he hadn't really been keeping a close watch on her, so he had no definite idea of when her magic had grown so dramatically.
Now, though, he was sure. Nakuru's power had grown twice. Tripled, really. First, in response to Eriol weakening himself. Then, in response to Spinel leaving his service. The only question was if the escalations had occurred naturally, or if Nakuru had activated them through sheer force of will.
Through all his mistakes, she had sought first and foremost to protect him. She was a better Guardian than anyone had known, including Eriol himself.
And he had repaid her years of loyalty by killing her, at her own request.
It had been so horrible.
As Ruby Moon, she would've been so powerful that Eriol would've just embarrassed himself, trying to harm her at all. They'd both agreed that her false form was best, though it was the last thing Eriol had wanted. Ruby Moon wouldn't have bled at all, where as Nakuru…did.
Even then, she was so strong, barely crying out at all as he struck.
Eriol, on the other hand, couldn't even bear to look as he landed the mortal blow, and felt the flesh of her waist tremble and moisten with blood beneath his fingers.
When it was done, she'd shown no trace of regret. Nakuru had even drawn Eriol into her arms, kissed him, and thanked him one last time before she left. Her final, blinding smile broke his heart every time he pictured it.
Eriol cursed himself for a fool. As much as he claimed to love Tomoyo…Nakuru had loved him more. Not in the same way, but greater despite that. Why was it that he hadn't realized that until it was too late?
"Nakuru-chan…I'm sorry," he whispered, his bloodstained fingers digging painfully into his leg. "I'm so, so sorry…"
Tomoyo had known better than to ask questions when Spinel returned abruptly, with Nakuru's limp body draped over his back. Instead, she helped him get Nakuru into bed, and from there, it was largely guesswork.
Spinel told her right away that stopping the bleeding was more a cosmetic measure than anything else, but it was something to do, and Tomoyo couldn't just sit there and watch Nakuru bleed all over the place. For his part, Spinel stood watch over his former partner every moment, his gaze always lingering on the gaping wound when Tomoyo changed the dressings, which she had to do quite frequently.
"Is there a reason the blood won't stop?" Tomoyo asked in a hushed tone, even though Nakuru had yet to regain consciousness.
"It's a mortal wound," Spinel said. "More than that, it's a magical one. The blood would only stop if she were healed, or…if it was too late to do anything for her."
Tomoyo tried her best to remain calm. "So what do we do?"
"Stay with her," Spinel replied simply. "I can try to transfer some of my magic to her if she wakes up, but I doubt it will work. Most likely our different 'brands' are no longer compatible, and it would only make her worse."
"Isn't there anything else we can do? I can't just…sit here."
Spinel was silent for a long moment.
"Spinel, please!"
"Keroberos and Yue might be more helpful, but calling them might be a bad idea."
"Why?"
Spinel sighed. "Because they'll want to know how Nakuru got this way. And then I'll have to explain how this is largely my fault, and yours, and Eriol's, and even Nakuru's. Accepting blame won't make her any better."
"What about Eriol?" Tomoyo asked. "Wouldn't he know something about-"
"He wouldn't be of any help in this case, Daidouji-san."
"Why not?"
"There are only two people who could've ever wounded Nakuru in this particular way, because it involves…well…unmaking her. Literally. And one of those people is dead."
"He couldn't have," Tomoyo whispered, shaking her head.
"Nakuru is dying, Daidouji-san. What do you think could possibly keep Eriol from being with her?"
"I'm going to call Sakura," Tomoyo said quietly. "We can sort out who gets blamed for what after we've saved Nakuru."
Spinel offered no further protest as Tomoyo quickly left the room. That was just as well, because the moment she had gone, a trembling hand lightly stroked his neck.
"You're back, Suppi-chan," Nakuru whispered, a weak smile on her face. "I'm so glad."
Spinel regarded her with suppressed anger in his eyes. "You're a fool, Nakuru. You always were."
"And you always called me on it," Nakuru murmured in agreement, patting his nose fondly. "But I'm still happy to see you."
"Why did you do this?" Spinel demanded. "Why would you ask Eriol to-"
"I missed you," Nakuru said simply, closing her eyes as her head fell to the side.
Spinel sighed as the sound of her shallow breathing reached his ears. "Damned fools, the both of you," he muttered, shaking his head.
It would've been easy for Sakura to transport them directly to Nakuru's location. Syaoran, however, had seen the wisdom in allowing a bit more distance, more out concern for the ailing Guardian than fear of error on his wife's part. If Spinel was in the midst of trying to heal Nakuru, the last thing they wanted was to pop in him and startle him.
However, Syaoran realized as soon as they arrived that things were very bad. There was a prominent trail of blood on the side of the path, and Kero only needed a slight sniff to confirm that it was Nakuru's, and a slightly longer one to point them in the right direction.
Sakura appeared remarkably calm despite the blood. Syaoran suspected that it was the only way for her to approach the situation at all, if she was going to be of any help. It made him prouder to be her husband, and without really thinking about it, he grasped her hand firmly.
She laced her fingers through his with practiced ease, but didn't look at him. Syaoran understood, as he was one of several people that could make Sakura's heart melt with but a glance, even now. It was his strength that she needed now, though, and he was more than willing to give it to her.
Yue predictably looked bored, and this was no real surprise. He always seemed to have some sort of grudge against Nakuru. Syaoran wasn't sure if he'd felt outclassed the one time they fought, or if he resented her replacing him as a Guardian of Clow, or both.
The cabin came into view within seconds, and Kero transformed into his true shape before padding inside.
Tomoyo met them a moment later, and despite how worried she seemed, Syaoran noticed that she knelt in front of, and even hugged and kissed Keroberos before greeting the rest of them. It was the most affection and attention he'd ever seen anyone give a Guardian. Keroberos was a little surprised, but welcomed it all the same. Clearly, having Spinel for a Guardian had given Tomoyo a new respect for them all.
Tomoyo's eyes met Sakura's gaze as she rose to her feet, but neither of them said a word. Sakura was still adjusting to the idea that her friend had some magic now, and it was bit difficult for her to just squash that protective instinct she'd developed over the years. Finally, Sakura offered a hesitant smile, and ventured forward to give Tomoyo a slight hug and a peck on the cheek. Syaoran couldn't tell if Sakura had limited her affections because of the situation, or some personal matter with Tomoyo that she hadn't told him about.
"Nakuru is sleeping. Spinel's with her now," Tomoyo said quietly. She paused, and then asked, "Have you heard from Eriol?"
Syaoran shook his head.
"Oh…I see," Tomoyo replied, clearly disappointed.
Syaoran gently took her arm and guided her to the nearest chair. "Sit. I'll make some tea while the others check on her."
Tomoyo nodded faintly, no longer really listening.
Sakura flashed her husband a grateful smile before she left the room, followed by Keroberos and Yue.
"I take it things didn't go well when you confronted Hiiragizawa?" Syaoran asked when they were gone.
Tomoyo laughed softly, bitterly. "I wouldn't know. I couldn't face him. I just…ran away and hid. I didn't think it would even phase him. But it must have, because he…he…" She shook her head, brushing tears from her eyes.
"Don't assume the worst, Daidouji-san. Things are not exactly what they seem."
"So you mean Eriol didn't try to kill her because of me?" Tomoyo asked.
Syaoran closed his eyes. "You're still twisting it. Hiiragizawa would never harm Akizuki; you've seen them together. It was physically impossible, anyway. She was more powerful than him. Has been for a long time now."
Tomoyo's head jerked up. "What?"
"He may possess more magical knowledge and skill, but in terms of raw power, Akzuki has him…and others who shall remain nameless…beat. By a lot. So trust me when I say that he couldn't hurt her this badly if he tried, unless she wanted him to."
"But…that's not…that can't be right. Nakuru's harmless. She isn't…"
"You assumed the same thing when you met Hiiragizawa, didn't you? And he turned out to be the reincarnation of the world's most powerful magician. If you didn't know Sakura the way you do, you might think the same of her. Just because Akizuki didn't have a reason to use the power doesn't mean it wasn't there. It just means that she was wise enough to conceal it. You already know she isn't human, and you've seen her best Yue. Are you still unable to accept how powerful she really is?"
"She's so nice," Tomoyo said helplessly.
"Which is precisely why we're here to help her," Syaoran replied. "I have to admit, I never really made an effort to get to know her. Why don't you tell me more about her?"
As he'd hoped, this was a distraction that Tomoyo welcomed. As she launched into singing Nakuru's praises, Syaoran desperately hoped this wouldn't be considered having a life flash before anyone's eyes.
"That is quite a predicament you've found yourself in, Eriol. But I'm sure you'll work everything out in the end."
"It's more than just that, I'm afraid. I…I hurt a dear friend of mine very badly. I fear I might never see her again."
"Ah, I thought it might be more than problems in love. I think your friend will have to decide which is greater: the friendship you share, or the pain you caused her. Even if she chooses the pain, if you feel the friendship is worth saving, you'll have to fight her on it."
"I should hope not. She's very strong-willed."
"Hmm. In that case, I don't think you have a thing to worry about. Such people are often very stubborn, especially when it comes to holding on to their closest friends. But you knew that, didn't you?"
"It helps, hearing it from someone else. By the way, this tea is excellent."
"Is it? My daughter suggested it to me, actually. I was given strict instructions not to make it until you dropped by for a visit. I was actually going to sneak a little taste when you showed up. Odd how things work out, isn't it?"
"Yes. Quite."
"I'm not sure what else to do for you, Nakuru," Sakura admitted with a frown.
"It's fine, Sakura-chan," Nakuru murmured, squeezing her hand. "You've done enough. Thank you."
Sakura clearly didn't feel the same way. It had taken a great deal of power just to close the wound. But Nakuru wasn't showing too many signs of improvement. The whole time she'd been bleeding, she'd been losing magic as well. Until that was replaced, she wouldn't be able to do much of anything.
"She will live, Sakura," Keroberos assured her. "Her life won't be the same, but she will live."
"But there has to be something…something else I'm not thinking of," Sakura insisted.
Keroberos and Nakuru shared a knowing look, but neither said a word.
"We should let her rest, Sakura," Keroberos added after a moment. "She's had a very long day."
"You're right, Kero." Sakura smiled. "Nakuru, you'll call if you need anything, right?"
Nakuru nodded, placing a light kiss on the back of Sakura's hand. "Now, get out," she ordered playfully. "I need my beauty sleep."
Sakura and Keroberos quietly left the room, and Nakuru sighed softly, closing her eyes for a brief moment. When she opened them, she was no longer alone.
"I was wondering if you were even going to come in and say hi." She sniffed haughtily. "Didn't even bring me any flowers or a get well card, did you?"
Syaoran said nothing.
"Well, what is it? I know you didn't come in here just to visit."
"We've never been alone before. Do you know why?"
"Hmm. If I had to guess, you didn't want to develop another magical 'crush,' right?"
There was a faint tinge in Syaoran's cheeks, but nothing else. "I've figured it out. It wasn't just the magic I sensed in Yukito. It was the emptiness." He paused. "The hunger. He needed someone." He reached out and pressed his fingers to her forehead. "I have that same feeling now, only it's stronger. You need someone, too."
"You're sweet, but I'm pretty sure you're taken."
"There are…other ways," Syaoran said. "But first, do you know of a spell that'll keep the others out? I have a feeling Yue might try to stop me."
"Oh, I can do one better than that. How about a spell that absorbs their magic, so you have more to work with? I have a feeling you'll need it, whatever you're planning."
"I'll do it on one condition." Syaoran stared into her eyes. "Do you want to live?"
"You mean because it's my fault I'm like this now."
"I'm certainly not going to waste my magic if you don't want this."
"It's not a question of if I want to. I have to. It would destroy Eriol if I didn't. Which would be bad for Tomoyo. And even worse for Sakura. I bet even you might find it a little unpleasant. So you see, I have to live. Everyone needs me too much. They can't help themselves. I mean, LOOK at me!"
"Arrogant until the end, I see."
"But it's not the end, is it? That's why you're here."
"I suppose it is."
It was amazing, how much things had changed.
Spinel had only very recently taught Tomoyo to sense and see magical auras. During the lessons, he'd warned her that some magical beings had the ability to alter or completely erase their auras, so that they couldn't be sensed at all.
Clearly, Tomoyo still had quite a bit of work ahead of her. She'd never sensed any aura at all from Nakuru, and she'd only seen Spinel's because he made it obvious for the lessons. On the other hand, she could always tell when Syaoran was near, but maybe that was because he used magic so often.
Spinel had not, however, warned Tomoyo how overwhelming some auras could be. So she was completely caught off guard when Sakura walked through the door. It was very much like trying to stare into the sun, or being in the presence of a goddess. Just standing near Sakura made Tomoyo feel about an inch tall. Fortunately, sensing auras was something Tomoyo had to consciously work at, so choosing not to sense them was even easier. But the mere memory of Sakura's aura made her tremble in…well, fear.
So it was with some difficulty that Tomoyo continued to drink her tea, considering that Sakura was sitting right next to her. It was possible that Sakura didn't know how to alter her aura, or maybe she had a reason for not doing so. At any rate, it would probably be considered rude to ask, so Tomoyo kept her mouth shut.
"Having magic really changes things, doesn't it?" Sakura asked suddenly.
Tomoyo nodded without really thinking about it. She nearly jumped when Sakura placed a hand on her knee.
"Have we grown so far apart, Tomoyo?" Sakura asked softly, a hint of hurt in her tone.
It took considerable effort to place her hand over Sakura's and keep it there. "I'm afraid so, Sakura. We're different people now."
"Are we still friends, at least?"
"I hope so."
"Can I tell you a secret then?"
Tomoyo was startled. "I…guess so."
Sakura leaned closer, lowering her voice. "I can almost always tell when someone's heart is in pain." She squeezed Tomoyo's knee lightly. "Talk to Eriol. Tell him how you feel. You'll never be able to move forward if you don't take the first step."
"Could you come with me?" Tomoyo found herself asking.
Sakura smiled brightly. "Of course. In fact, why don't we-"
At that moment, Yue suddenly flew past them, his face frozen in a terrible scowl of anger.
"Yue-san?" Sakura called out in surprise, rising to her feet. "What is it?"
Yue didn't answer as he landed in front of Nakuru's door and attempted to enter. However, the moment he laid a hand on the door, he hissed in pain and stepped back, cradling his injured hand.
Sakura walked over and seized his hand, studying it carefully. Apparently satisfied, she released him. "Now, would you tell me what your problem is?"
Yue's eyes narrowed at the door. "Your husband," he said, putting as much venom into the word as he could, "is committing a forbidden act. He must be stopped at once, before-"
"If Syaoran has enough sense to put a ward on the door, then he clearly knows what he's doing. Leave them alone for now. I'm sure they just want some privacy."
"But, Mistress, they-"
"It'll be fine, Yue-san," Sakura assured him, taking his arm and dragging him away from the door. "If whatever Syaoran's doing in there requires punishment, I'll be the one to handle it."
"Nothing like a brush with death to make a girl feel fresh and new," Nakuru sighed, stretching her arms. She was about to hop out of bed when she became aware of a certain weight in her lap.
Syaoran had collapsed across her, his head resting on her thigh. He seemed…wilted somehow, and Nakuru felt a pang of guilt as she lightly stroked his brown hair.
"Guess that was a pretty big meal I had. But don't worry, I'll be sure to leave you a huge tip when the time comes." She raised her voice and shouted, "Everybody come see my scar!"
Syaoran groaned quietly, wincing at the noise, and Nakuru patted his head soothingly as Tomoyo and Spinel rushed in, followed by Sakura and Keroberos. Yue was notably absent, but no one seemed to mind.
"What happened?" Tomoyo asked, looking thoroughly confused. "What did Syaoran do?"
"Something only he could've done," Sakura replied, leaning over to kiss her husband's head. "He sealed away his magic…inside Nakuru."
Tomoyo stared at her. "I don't understand."
"You like flowers, Tomoyo-chan?" Nakuru asked abruptly.
"Huh? Um…yes, I suppose."
"Well, look at it this way. Syaoran's magic is a flower in bloom. He repackaged it into a seed, and gave it me to grow, because I have healthier soil. Once the flower's bloomed again, I'll be free to give him back a much stronger seed, and keep the flower for myself. Understand?"
"Uh…I guess," Tomoyo said slowly. "But does this mean Syaoran doesn't have any magic now?"
"Very little," Nakuru corrected. "He'll be sleeping a lot longer, and more often, too. Like Yukito used to."
"But why Syaoran?" Tomoyo whispered. "Why not me? I would've gladly given up my magic for you."
Nakuru smiled and pulled Tomoyo into a big hug. "I know you would've, and I really appreciate the thought. But, I needed a LOT of magic. Yours wouldn't have been enough. Syaoran's had his magic a long time, so it's nice and strong. And remember, it's just a loan. I'll give a portion of it back one day."
"It's still a fairly large sacrifice," Spinel pointed out, gazing at Syaoran with new respect. "Especially for someone he didn't particularly care for."
"I managed to persuade him," Nakuru replied simply, beaming at Spinel. "But now that that's taken care of, there's one more little matter to attend to."
"There's something else you need?" Sakura asked.
"Well, it's not me who needs it, but yes. You all have to come to my house right now, especially those of you who have been avoiding doing so for whatever reason. And I'd really appreciate it if no one made a fuss, because I would just hate to have to go through this deathbed business again so soon."
Spinel refused to look guilty. "I will go if my Mistress wishes it."
"I'll go," Sakura volunteered. "Kero and Yue can take Syaoran home. Anyway, I need to have a talk with Eriol. And I suspect I'm not the only one."
Nakuru looked expectantly at Tomoyo. "You're not going to make me beg, are you? I mean, I just nearly DIED here…"
Tomoyo knew, of course, that Nakuru was going to keep bringing that up until she got what she wanted. And it didn't hurt that there was plenty of guilt to go around concerning Nakuru's near-death experience. Aside from that, it was time she spoke to Eriol, before he did something even more rash.
"I'll go," Tomoyo sighed, and it was very hard not to cheer up a bit when Nakuru grinned at her.
Next Chapter: Eriol faces the music.
