A/N: Right, so here's the sixth chapter! I'm going to get some more action here...You can give some advice if you wish. XD Thank you all for reading and reviewing!

And now, I'm going to announce that there will be a change of point of views from now on...This will have our main-character man, Eriol Hiiragizawa, sharing some of his lovely POV's...Hehe. Also, I stopped using the Japanese honorific names like 'kun' and 'chan'. Hope it doesn't bother anybody too much.

Disclaimer: I don't own Card Captors... I'm just a hopeless fan writing stories about my favorite couples.


Chapter Six: So that's what it was...

Eriol's POV

...I thought I was in love.

When Mizuki Kaho entered my life...I thought that...it was truly love.

Her beauty...her smile...her entire self was so endearing to me...

Especially...her love for me.

When she said she loved me, I was ecstatic, elated, joyful...I thought I had finally found my true love.

And now, looking back...remembering the times we spent together...I realize...

Her love for me was not what I felt for her.

"Eriol-kun, when I look at you, I feel love...motherly love..."

"You're like a son to me, Eriol..."

"...I wish my future son was as mature as you..."

"Sometimes, when I see you looking at me...I feel as if you're saying something else..."

"Behind that smile...hidden in your eyes...I see another feeling that I cannot return."

"...Eriol, I do not love you in that way... no, I love you in an entirely different way, so..."

"Please don't love me like that."

I thought that I, being the reincarnation of the famous Clow Reed, would always be right...never make mistakes...never mistaken love.

I was wrong.

There was never any love for me in the first place. At least...not the kind I wanted.

My first love...I never knew it would come to this...

And I can't put the blame on anybody else...but myself.

Tomoyo's POV

I've been anxious many times before. I can't count how many times I've felt worried and nervous about something. But out of all of them...I think this is one of the worst cases of anxiety I've ever faced.

Or perhaps I ate something weird...? Nah. I'm immune to the influences of the Great Cotton Candy. Sadly, Rika isn't.

First off, I was playing a game of Mouse-and-Cat against four tall, powerful males that have influenced human kind one way or the other.

Secondly, I was putting all my friends in danger, including Rika, who is at her time of the month and looks like she'll either faint or kill someone.

Thirdly, there is no thirdly.

Hiiragizawa's glasses seemed to be the only thing visible in the darkness as my friends and I approached his posse at the entrance of the maze. Looking up at the dark, foliage wall reaching ten feet above my head easily, flashbacks of a similar setting appeared in my mind...

About eight years ago, Sakura and I were visiting the shrine because of some rumor my cousin had heard. A maze appeared out of nowhere, revealing that it was a Clow Card. Syaoran and Meiling had come to try and capture the card...

That time, while we were in the maze, I was scared. I may not have seemed like it, holding up the video camera while calmly recording my friends like I would at a picnic. Heh, back then I was extremely tight and non-emotional. I liked to be conservative and quiet, observing others from a safe distance. It was times like in that maze that I knew fully well I was human. 100 human.

Now, as I stared at the dark entrance of the new-but-not-so-different maze, I firmly set aside my fear and try to be brave for my friends. Last time I had lied to myself. But this time...

This time, I would destroy that fear and do what a real Daidouji would do.

"We're ready," I informed calmly, glancing at the blue-haired guy standing at the hedge's shadow. Behind me, Sakura was taking long breathes, in an effort to calm down and back me up. I felt warm gratitude and admiration for my cousin, knowing it was hard for her to be so non-emotional like this.

Hiiragizawa nodded. Syaoran-kun and the others circled around us girls as we waited for the signal.

"Well, good luck. You'll need it..." Kei Inasu said. An audible thump could be heard. "Ow! You little witch...!" I didn't turn around to see who had caused him pain, focusing only on the entrance. Any moment now...

"Go." Hiiragizawa's deep voice stirred my spirit and with a determined air, I stepped into the maze.

I would prove to them and myself that I can be human. So human that my fear can be destroyed. So human that I can make mistakes...like this whole bet.

Well, anyways...enough of my deep mind chitchats.

I lead the way for a while, adjusting to the dark and overcoming the initial panic. At the first separating of the path, I stopped, turning to look at my friends. Ah, they were all so loyal...such good friends they were. Hey, why are they all staring at me?

"Um..." I said, not knowing what else to say.

"Hey, let's stick together, okay?" Chiharu said quickly. We all glanced at each other. Naoko shook her head slowly.

"If we stay together then it'll be easier for the guys to catch us." Her reason sounded very true, to our reluctance. "I think we should split up," she continued, her glasses flashing. "That way we have a better chance of finding the exit and getting out of here." At this, we brightened and nodded.

"I think Sakura, Rika and Chiharu should be together, since Rika's not feeling at her best and Sakura and Chiharu can protect her," I suggested. I really wanted Sakura and Rika to be with me, but I wasn't much of a fighter. Naoko on the other hand...

"And Tomoyo can be protected by Naoko the Black Belt Master! Or, er, Mistress!" Sakura exclaimed happily. Yes. Indeed, Naoko was a black belt and her defensive skills were pretty impressive. The rest of didn't know she even took Tae-kwon-do until she told us she was going to the championship matches last year. We all went to it, and were impressed at her skills.

And now, those same skills will protect me! I was saved!

"Okay, I think it will work," Naoko agreed. She put a finger on her chin and had a thoughtful expression. "Hmm, I wonder how we can get out of here..." Suddenly, inspiration hit me like a truckload of banana. Oh. Eurgh. Mental image not good.

"I've got it!" I exclaimed. "We can find the exit by placing one hand on the wall and then call each other if we made it!" I grinned happily at the girls' smiling faces. I was a genius! Well, I'd already thought of that idea when I was younger.

Chiharu's face fell. "Yeah, but how do we call each other? We don't have our phones." Our spirits fell once more. She was right. We didn't have any phones, or walkie-talkies. I bit my lip and looked up at the dark sky. Time was running out. Soon the guys would be entering the maze...if they were following their rules at all.

"I know!" Sakura said, snapping her fingers. "We can make a special sound! One that none of the boys will guess..." This idea brought up our hopes again as we bran stormed for a good signal.

"What about we make cat noises?" Naoko suggested. I raised an eyebrow. Cat noises? As in... "Like, meow." Ahh.

We'll be like cat-girls. Meooow.

I forced a light smile and looked each of my dear friends in the eye. "Well..." I said slowly, "...Let's do this."

"Ten minutes is up!" A shout came distantly. All of us widened our eyes at each other. It was time. "We're coming in!" I think Syaoran shouted that.

Simultaneously we all split up into our respective groups. Naoko and I took the left while Sakura, Rika and Chiharu took the right. Soon, all I could hear was Naoko's and my steps.

It was so silent and dark that the air around me felt heavy. As I followed Naoko through the twisty passages, I thought about what to do once I got home. Or, rather, IF ever I got home. Hoping that I did, I prayed that my mother did not find out about my late-night activities.

Again, I suddenly wondered why I was doing this. Why did I keep challenging Hiiragizawa? Was the reason so obvious to me that I didn't even stop to think about it? Wait...I DID think about it. But still, it didn't make much sense. After all, I could have given up a long time ago instead of putting up with this...useless feud. I could have turned back from this bet and go back to my normal life. Instead of wandering in a haunted maze at night, I could be staying at home watching late night movies. Or at least eat some ice cream and gain weight.

What was it that made me stay like this? What made me want to continue the bet like it made sense...? Like it was necessary. Was it Hiiragizawa? Was it really he? Had I fallen victim to his handsome looks without knowing it? What was it...?

"What was that?" Naoko's sudden voice brought me out of my thoughts. I noted the slight urgency in her tone and looked around me carefully. She had stopped walking, her head craning to hear a noise I didn't catch. I was about to ask her what it was when suddenly I heard the noise too.

It sounded like footsteps.

Rustle, rustle.

When you hear rustling like that you know it can't be good.

Naoko grabbed my arm as we stared toward the direction of the noise, fear clutching our hearts as images of a haunted ghost flashed in our minds. It could have just been one of the guys sneaking up on us, which we would have thought of if we were thinking rationally. But, we weren't thinking rationally.

Rustle, rustle.

Now images of a bloody, pale corpse dragging broken chains pounded in my head. From the grip Naoko had on my arm, her thoughts weren't entirely different from mine. I don't know why we weren't moving, but then we were too terrified to do anything. The rustling sounds became louder.

And it remained that way for at least five minutes. Since nothing was jumping out at us, we began to relax, beginning to think it was a false alarm. A big gust of wind hit us, rustling the leaves on the hedges and gently brushing my skirt. I breathed a sigh of relief. So the rustling was just the wind...

Naoko gave a shaky laugh and let go of my arm, leading the way down the path again. I followed, smiling.

We had not gone five steps when a loud crashing noise came out of absolutely nowhere. It sounded like Armageddon or something equally as terrifying. Both Naoko and I screamed. Then, after a startled moment passed, we released our breaths and laughed. It was just the wind again. "It's pretty windy tonight, eh?" the brunette commented light-heartedly. I smiled.

"Yeah, it sure is," I answered; looking behind my shoulder to see what possible trail the wind might have left behind. Hmm, just some branches and a pair of glowing eyes that was directly next to my face.

...Eyes...EYES...Oh—

I let out a nice, long scream. Hmm, my scream was high-pitched like those valley girls in scary movies. Really, I should try out for horror movies... Naoko, Black Belt Mistress, flew to my side as soon as I finished screaming. Once she spotted the pair of eyes I quickly stepped aside, allowing her to start beating up whatever the thing was.

"Ow! OW, you little wench! Stop—STOP DAMN IT!" The voice was familiar, and I realized it was Syaoran. Well, well, well, so it was Hiiragizawa's best friend. And Sakura's best enemy. Hmm, interesting...especially now that he, the bundle of high and intimate importance, was at the mercy of Naoko (and me! Even though he scared the crap out of me). The brunette pinned him down easily, a triumphant look on her face.

"What should we do with him, Tomoyo?" Naoko asked, her glasses flashing. From where I was standing, Syaoran seemed angry, shocked, and a little put out. I guess he thought his targets would be a little gentler...but then, Sakura's not exactly gentle... Ohh, I'm onto his little plan. He's such a sneaky person.

I smiled and pondered, "Hmm, I'm not sure, Naoko. Since he was about to capture us..."

The amber-eyed boy glared up at me from the ground. "It's called 'hunting' Daidouji. It's the main point of the freaking bet!" He struggled heroically for a bit, but Naoko held him down firmly. "Anyways," he growled, "you can't just keep me like this forever." For a moment his face cleared, and he smirked. "There are others 'hunting' for you too."

At this, I felt unsettled. Maybe it was because the word 'hunting' seemed much more terrifying than 'capturing'. But, the prospect of three other guys 'hunting' us down in the darkness flipped my stomach.

Naoko furrowed her eyebrows, the familiar deep-thinking expression on her face. "Well, he's got a point." My face fell. I knew what she was going to say. "Sorry Tomoyo, I'm afraid you're on your own now. Don't worry, I'll take care of him," she patted the scowling guy's head, "and any other sissies who come in my way." She gave me a confident smile. Syaoran scowled harder.

"Really now? And I wonder how you'll attempt to manage that." A new voice joined our nighttime conversation. I spun around and saw the tall figure of Kei Inasu standing imposingly in the middle of the path. The moonlight illuminated his handsome face and the auburn-brown strands in his eyes. I admired how good-looking he was...before remembering the possibilities of his presence.

"Tomoyo. Go." I turned back to Naoko, who was glaring at Kei with very intense eyes. She didn't look at me as she ordered, "Run like hell right now."

Either it was because of the deadly look on her face or the fact that she said 'hell' for the first time ever that I indeed ran like hell.

As I once again ran down the maze path, turning blindly on corners, I kept thinking, Naoko saved me. She sacrificed herself for my escape. She saved me. She saved me. She saved me... So NOW what was I supposed to do?

Well duh, you win this bet! Find your way out of here!

Oh no. Please don't tell me that was...my conscience.

...It wasn't your conscience.

...Dang it. This is absolutely fantastic. My conscience is choosing this moment to rear its ugly head and tell me what to do (AKA "advise"). Aren't consciences a bit overrated and cliché?

I am not overrated, cliché, or ugly. I am what came with your brain. Along with your heart, lungs, body, voice and all that humanly stuff. Now listen to me and don't stop running.

Jeez, now my conscience is going to spew off some random advice. And it's bossy as heck. I pouted. But I kept running and listened to it anyways.

...Don't stop acting simple. Life isn't all that complicated. It's only complicated when you make it complicated. Tomoyo, you're...I'm...we're only human. So when a problem arises in your life, deal with it the way a human will. The only way you can.

If I didn't have any clue what my conscience was telling me, I would have been like 'WAAH?' And anyone who's listening on this conversation is probably thinking exactly that.

Keep running.

I made a face, realizing I had indeed stopped running, but did as my conscience said. Was there anything else it was going to tell me...?

Yes. There's a shadowy figure standing in the middle of the path before you.

How fascinating. I looked ahead and—gasp—saw a shadowy figure. Surprise, surprise.

You can stop running now.

Right. Got it. Excellent idea. Superb. Right away. Don't want to be running into Hiiragizawa now, do I?

Eriol's POV

If only I could prove that I'm only human. Isn't it just that? I'm only the reincarnation of that magician. Why is it that everyone think I'm so wise? So talented? So gifted? So lucky? So...above human?

I'm only human. There's no way I can't be. So how can I prove that even I make mistakes? Why is it that everyone expects so much from me? Even her...Kaho...

Even she had expectations.

How can I get everybody to listen...to understand that I am not Clow Reed? What is so magnificent about me? There's nothing spectacular in me that surpasses a human...especially...

When I make mistakes about love. Love. What is love? Isn't that one of human's greatest mystery? Isn't that one of human's greatest flaws? A flaw that I made? So doesn't that make me human enough?

I'm not great...yet to other people I stand as some kind of deity...a mythical god... someone whose knowledge and wisdom shines so brightly. Is there anyone who knows that I'm human? Somebody who realizes that I have flaws...and won't be disappointed in me.

People respect and admire me to the point that they truly think I am a superior. Even to the point that...

To the point that even I believe it. Even I set up expectations for myself...

And if even I can't understand that I am only human...

Then who can?

Tomoyo's POV

Once upon a time, I used to have a slight crush on Eriol Hiiragizawa. I admired the way he handled situations so calmly and smoothly, and even respected his knowledge and wisdom that surpassed an eleven-year old. But of course, back then I knew he was only the reincarnation of Clow Reed. I wasn't naïve and daft like some people.

The fairy-tale ends with me not having a crush on him anymore (mark, the period he and Syaoran became popular and the whole high school deal). I basically end up hating him. Not really. But something along those lines.

All this went through my mind as I stared at the dark-haired boy (no, young man) ahead of me in a matter of 3.5648 seconds. I would continue to gloat about my superior skills in thinking, but the current issue at hand is more important.

I swallowed silently and gazed determinedly at him, showing no weakness whatsoever. He reminded me of those Discovery Channel animals, where they pounced upon the first sign of weakness in their prey.

If I showed one little slip Hiiragizawa will pounce. Not physically of course...I hope.

"Your friends are all down," he said quietly. His eyes didn't express any emotion behind those glasses and I bit down a frustrating growl. My friends couldn't have lost. He was just bluffing. If they were captured then that would mean... "You're alone now... Daidouji."

Somehow, coming from Hiiragizawa, the words sounded intimidating. Maybe it was the way his low voice carried no emotion...expect maybe amusement. If it is I'll kill him. Hmm, rather violent there, Tomoyo... Or the way his eyes flashed behind those wire-rimmed glasses. Or maybe it was the way the clouds chose the moment to quickly cover up the moon, effectively throwing the already dark maze into shadows.

Or maybe it was the way he was slowly and deliberately stepping toward me.

Oooh got it right! Not that it's a good thing.

With each step he took brought him closer to me, and my eyes widened. I was frightened. If he caught me, I would lose, and if I lost, that would mean succumbing to his will and that would mean letting my friends down and THAT would mean... no good. No good at all whatsoever.

Before the menacing Clow-reincarnation got within two feet of me, my whirling mind finally focused and a brilliant idea flashed in my head. With an odd squawk that caught in my throat, I pointed over Hiiragizawa's shoulder and gasped loudly.

"Look! Look over there! Look! Look at that! Look at it! Look! Look! LOOK!"

Oh, brilliant idea, Tomoyo. Really, you're one sharp mind, aren't ya?

And, the worst part... Hiiragizawa was just staring at me with those expressionless eyes, probably wondering if I'd gone insane. Well, he's a little late in that department.

My finger happened to be pointing at his forehead due to the movement my other arm had caused as I flapped it like a headless chicken. Again, a flash of inspiration flashed in my mind and without hesitation, I poked his forehead...hard.

I must have either miscalculated my poke or Hiiragizawa had his guard all the way down, because he stumbled back a couple of steps. He blinked and stared at me incredulously, probably now confirming that I was completely insane.

I bit my lipbriefly and flashed the shocked male a sweet, honey-golden smile.

And sprinted down the path at full speed, knocking the taller guy down on the way.

Hmmm. I must not know my own strength. Nor the value of my life.

Normal POV

Sakura, Chiharu and Rika were scared witless. Twice they heard screams, most likely coming from Naoko and Tomoyo. Not only that, but they passed by a hedge wall carved out to look like a smiley face a total of five times.

...Make that six times.

The emerald-eyed girl sighed in defeat and slumped onto the grass, barely noticing the dampness. "You guys, I don't think this is working."

Chiharu sighed also and leaned against the smiley-hedge wall, closing her eyes. "Yeah, you're right." She opened an eye and glanced Rika, who was leaning against the hedge also. "You okay Rika?"

The pale girl in question nodded, smiling wearily. Sakura groaned and buried her head in her hands. "Maybe we should split up. That way we can find the exit faster." The brunette lifted her head to look at her friends. "Who knows? Maybe Naoko and Tomoyo found a way out."

Rika closed her eyes and sighed quietly. "That's...a good idea Sakura." The emerald-eyed girl glanced at her sharply but didn't say anything.

Chiharu was about to launch into a lengthy commentary that included insulting some certain males, when she heard something odd. Her brow furrowed. "Hey," she whispered, "you guys!"

Both girls turned to look at her. She was craning her neck to hear something. "Do you hear that?" The red-haired girl glanced at them. "I think...I think someone's coming!" At that, all three girls galvanized into action and stood to the shadows together.

Thump. Thump. Rustle. THUMP.

They all held their breaths. The sounds became louder.

THUMP. THUMP. RUSTLE. CRASH. "What the--?" A familiar male voice said. As soon as a figure came stumbling into view on the path, Sakura stuck her foot out, successfully tripping the person. The person fell. A muttered "OW" could be heard.

Sakura wasn't a Card Captor for nothing. As soon as the figure tried getting up, she body slammed on top of it.

"Hey! What the heck? Get off me! Who are you! Don't kill me!" Chiharu and Rika warily stepped out of the shadows, watching Sakura pin down the figure. "Mercy! Spare me! I swear I'm not the one you're looking for! I beg for mercy!"

The clouds moved away from the moon, lighting up the maze path once more. All three girls blinked upon seeing who the figure was.

Chiharu raised an eyebrow. "Yamazaki?"

Indeed, it was Yamazaki. Though it was hard to tell because of his dirt-covered body and the leaves and branches sticking to his clothes. He spit out a leaf and gazed up at Chiharu and Rika. With a characteristic grin, he spoke cheerfully, "Well, how are you lovely ladies on this fine evening?"

Both Sakura and Chiharu were taken aback by this unexpected greeting, but Rika wasn't. In fact, she snapped.

"You dare ask how we are?" Rika spoke softly, stepping forward. Now everyone turned to stare at her. She glared quite dangerously at the male. "After all this torture, all this useless activity, all this pain and suffering, all these stupid tricks, all this...this..." she puffed her cheeks like a blowfish, trying to get the word out.

"Hell?" Yamazaki offered.

That was all Rika needed.

Eriol's POV

I've found that person. The one that understands who I really am.

Since when have I ever felt that my life was normal? Possibly not before I met Sakura Kinomoto. Even before then I was so serious, so intent on studying magic, so...

So high of expectations...for myself, of course.

Expect for a few friends, I've never met anybody that didn't have some kind of idea of me. Some vague opinion that I was a superhero of some sort. I have never met a single person...at least not that I know of...

Until now.

The way that person acts is peculiar, even to the point of questioning their sanity. But their intentions behind their actions tell otherwise. This person that barely knows me...yet understands me perfectly...they realize that I am human. They show their knowledge of this so clearly that it is amusing...and ironic.

I know this person's view of me. I know enough that they know I am a human being. And that they hate me only because I am too human.

Tomoyo Daidouji.

It's only too bad she tried (and succeeded) in bodily harming me, because otherwise, we'd be best friends. I would have made sure of that. She's the first person I've come across that actually accepted, and thought for granted, that I was, and am, HUMAN.

I'd be damned if I let her go so quickly.


A/N: Uh, I'm sorry for not really updating a little earlier. I've been kind of procrastinating. That is not a good habit for any author to have. Well, I'll try and update some more...if the story's coming along okay. Thank you much!