I'm back, with chapter three! I'm glad you guys are really enjoying this cause I enjoy writing it. As said before, there are numerous main characters, and I always will try to get some in every chapter. This chapter will have some new people! Well, hope I haven't kept too many of you waiting. So here goes it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Card Captor Sakura. It all belongs to Clamp.
Learning to Live (Chapter 3): For Tomorrow
The open ocean was the most perfect thing in the world. It's blues and greens, and other hidden colors made the most beautiful picture. It's exotic creatures, and calm waters. Today, though, the waters seemed to brim with a new life. Something important was going to happen. But what could be so? Akusui Oodobi gazed over the massive sea of water. He couldn't tell what it was, but something important was coming. He was no longer able to common with the waters like before; no longer able to blend with it, but he still had a small connection to it.
He'd been confused that day, when he was given freedom, but never the less enjoyed his new life. However, thinking of that day man him quiet sad. After given the freedom, he had started to run off, but decided to stay around, and wait to see the others.
The red and yellow light blazed for a moment before going out. A burning heat could be felt for only seconds, as the light died. There wasn't any commotion for a time, until a figure stirred from where a card once had been.
" I would rather die as an untamed card, than to live and be one of you!"
' The shock was evident to everyone, but I . . .'
As the last figure to be changed dashed away in a rage, the mistress holding the staff looked to those who stayed with a sad look. Before she could speak, the guardian Yue called her over to a nearby tree.
' They found me, unconscious curled up as close to my body as I could muster. I had been too affected by what happen.'
The waves crashed lightly on the shore, and the birds overhead cooed softly. Akusui Oodobi
stared out passed the horizon, before brushing his fingers over his check. The memory always scared him, but at the same time, always made him feel empty. He got up quickly and turned away from the shore. He had somewhere to get to. And when he did, he would find out why his heart felt so empty.
" Mom, how much longer?"
" Not too long, Tsukiyouji." Sakura chided her son.
The airport was a big place, but it had been so long since she had been to one. Of course, over the years it had been remodeled a few times, but still it was somewhat the same. Sakura looked at a piece of paper she had with her. 'Now where is...'
Tsukiyouji kept watch on his young sisters. They were pretty much as bored as he was, except Rein, who was busy playing with a bounce-ball. 'Man, this is getting tiring. And I'm hungry.'
"Mom, lets get lunch!"
" We'll be going out as soon as he arrives."
"When?"
"Soon, Hun, soon. Don't worry."
The boy sighed, as he looked back to his sisters. If only they could sit down, and not have to stand for so long. It was getting tiring and his two sisters didn't look any happier. Tsukiyouji blinked. Two?
" Ball, come back!"
Tsukiyouji turned his head just in time to see Rein disappear into a sea of people.
" Rein!" He shouted as he began to run after her.
" Tsuji! Stop!" Shouted Arashi. Her brother stopped when he heard her call, by his nickname he gave him.
" But, Rein-"
" Rein?!"
Sakura had just looked down for a second, how could she lose the tiny girl in just that second. She looked around frantically for the little Rein. Rein herself was not aware that she was getting quiet far from her mother and siblings. She was contently chasing after her ball that had gotten away from her. She was getting tired until the ball stopped at the foot of a tall man. She stopped in front of him, at first afraid to go for the toy. The tall man looked down and smiled at her, picked up her ball and handed it to her.
" Is this yours, Raindrop?" His gentle smile and features instantly made her feel warm and safe.
" Hai!" She cheered happily as she took the ball.
" I'm trying to find someone, and I think you may be able to help me." He patted her head. Rein looked a little confused at first, but then grabbed the man's hand and began to take him back over to her mother. If the man needed help, then of course her mother would help. She didn't know why, but she felt very safe around this man.
" Rein! Rein!" Sakura called out, frantically looking all around for the tiny clad blue girl. She spotted an officer and was about to go to him until she heard Arashi.
" Okasa-san! It's Rein!"
Sakura turned back to see the littlest member running up to her mother. Sakura hugged her daughter tightly as she came up.
" Rein; don't ever wander off like that again."
" Okasa-san, I met a man who needs help finding someone. You can help him!"
Sakura put her daughter down as she puzzled over what Rein was saying. Rein began walking back, and towards a very tall man. He was thin, had black hair, green eyes that where framed by a thin pair of glasses, and well dressed in an English type suit. His kind features smiled to her as she smiled back. Sakura walked to him and hugged him gently, which he returned.
" Eriol-Kun, how long has it been?"
" Quiet a time indeed, Sakura-Chan. How are you?"
He smiled lightly, and gently kissed her hand; an old English custom.
Sakura blushed lightly.
" I'm fine." She smiled. " I see you've met my daughter Rein."
" Yes, she helped me find you."
Rein smiled brightly.
" And my other two daughters, Arashi and Kumori."
The two girls stepped out, and waved.
" So you adopted the three triplets."
Sakura laughed lighted.
" More like they adopted me. My son however, is of my own blood."
Tsukiyouji stepped out a little more and extended a hand.
" I'm Tsukiyouji."
Eriol smiled and accepted the hand.
" It's nice to meet you Tsukiyouji."
Eriol looked at the boy and could see how much like Sakura he did look like, yet how much like someone else as well. Eriol turned back to Sakura.
" The resemblance is striking." He said lightly.
Sakura knew of the two ideals that Eriol meant, and nodded, feeling bad a the sudden memory. She quickly collected herself.
" So, now that you're here, how about we get something to eat?"
" That would be nice." Eriol smiled and nodded.
Rein looked back up to Eriol, who's pant leg she'd been clinging to for the last ten minutes.
" You smile a lot."
Sakura laughed, while Eriol chuckled lightly, and bent down and placed a hand atop her head.
" That's because I feel my best when I smiled, and I feel I look better when I smile."
This in turn just caused the little girl the smile her brightest. After that, they began making their way back to the parking lot, when they had to stop. Many people were blocking their way to the gates.
There was a woman who looked like a Martial Artist, dressed in an elaborate blue outfit, with a smaller girl slightly behind her, dressed in red. A woman with a nice green summer dress stood next to the others. She looked like she would spend her days in gardens. Another pair of women standing next to the garden lady wore green and pink clothes, with decorated aprons, both with the words: ' Herbs-n-Flowers.' Next to the two shop owners, were two eleven year olds. One wore baggy type clothes and had long hair, and she carried a big gun. (Sakura briefly worried.) The other girl wore a more flowing outfit, like the first woman had; yet she sported a giant archery bow on her back. Next to them stood what appeared to be a tall cloaked man, but the shadows from the cloak's hood hindered any real site. He was holding a big long thick chain, considering that sitting next to him, attached to the change was a big whitish yellow looking tiger (" Kitty! ") that seemed to have a bit more fur sticking in unusual places. As menacing as it looked, the two teenaged looking girls, who looked like singers, weren't the least bit worried. Lastly, A tall slender woman, whom you could feel was mysterious in every way, wore a nice summer fancy dress, while quietly looking on, as her smaller kimono donned companion smiled gently. She looked a small trifle like Sakura, but there were considerable differences.
They all looked like a strange bunch, but every one of them were the same; they all had something in common. One by one they all walked up to the family bunch, and hugged, or bowed, to the guest. Then they turned to the mother of the family, and did the same.
" On behalf of all of us, we welcome you back to Japan, Clow-sama. . .Eriol-sama." Said the Martial Artist.
" And we are glad to see you to, Sakura-sama, and we thank you, for all you've done." Said one of the shop owners, as she handed Sakura a bouquet of flowers.
" I'm glad to see that you've adapted well to life, and that you're all making a wonderful living. I wish you all well, in the future to come." Eriol bowed to them all.
" I'm just happy that you are all happy." Sakura smiled and took in the scent of the flowers she'd been given.
They all smiled, and bid their adieus, and one by one, left back to their respected homes, or businesses.
After a moment, Tsukiyouji looked back at the two adults.
" Did I miss something?"
They both laughed and continued on their way. The two talked, and caught up on old times. It wasn't long before they were all back at the Kinomoto household. Eriol had been over to the house a few times before, when they were young. By the looks of things, nothing much had changed, except some of the furniture and decorations. The four kids trampled off to their rooms and left the two adults in the hall. Soyokaze
walked in, gliding past then and said that she'd see what the children were up to. Sakura nodded, silently thanking Soyokaze for the quiet time.
" Please, make yourself at home. I'll get some drinks."
" Thank you." Eriol smiled kindly as he sat down on the sofa in the living room.
After a few moments, Sakura had brought out two drinks with a few refreshments; some sweets.
" So how are things back home?" Sakura placed the tray in front of her and Eriol. She sat across from him.
" Things are nice. Nakuru is keeping busy, and Spinel is still reading." Eriol smiled, taking up the drink.
" I think I wrote you about Yue and Kero, right?"
" Yes. That's unfortunate, that you do not get to see them."
" Yeah. But it's for the best." Sakura sipped her drink.
" You really think so?"
Sakura put her drink down.
" No. I miss them dearly, but it was something that they had to do. I couldn't let my feelings and selfishness get in the way of their wishes."
Sakura's musings were cut short as a soft knock came to her door. She pardoned herself to see who was there. Upon revealing the person, she smiled brightly and gave a small cheer.
" Tomoyo-Chan!" She happily said as she hug her best friend.
" Sakura-Chan, it's been a while, ne?" She replied softly, returning the hug.
It was true the two girls hadn't seen each other in a long time. Tomoyo had been touring the world with her career. She was a fashion designer; mostly for plays and big movie productions, but her designs were used worldwide. She was also a Shoujo Doujinshi writer, but there was less demand with that part of her life, and it was mostly for hobby anyway. She would call her best friend whenever she had time to call; always updating her with the latest news in the different countries she visited. She had just gotten back from Switzerland, and she was finally one her two month rest period. What better way than to spend her first work free day, than with her best friend. Sakura was special to Tomoyo; and both of them knew it. However, Tomoyo had never told Sakura her exact true feelings about her, for the simple fact that when Sakura was happy; so was she. She had finally told her during the time Sakura was pregnant with Tsuki. Sakura never condemned her for it, but was a bit scared of the new revelation. However, Sakura understood that Tomoyo understood that Tomoyo would always be her best friend, even though she was sorry to not return her the same-shared feelings. The two had just grown closer because of it.
" It's so good to see you. You must come in and have some tea."
Tomoyo put her things down near the door to slip off her shoes. Then she noticed another pair.
" Oh, I'm not intruding am I? I see you already have a guest-"
" Who would love to see you again, Tomoyo-Chan!" Sakura smiled warmly as she lead the girl into the living room.
" What do you mean aga-" Tomoyo stopped as she saw the other guest.
" Hello, Tomoyo-Chan. It's been some time." He smiled and kissed her hand.
" Eriol-Kun. You look well." She smiled back.
Sakura came back out from the kitchen.
" Here you are Tomoyo-Chan." She gave her a cup.
" Arigatou. So what brings you here, Eriol?"
" I came to visit the old place, and old friends." He smiled.
" I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to see you again. I almost had over stay in Switzerland. It's a very beautiful country."
" Yes. I've taken trips there. The snowy peaks are breathtaking." He sipped his tea.
' That isn't all that's become so.'
" Would you like to come with us tomorrow Tomoyo-Chan? We are going to go to the park. It'll be like old times." Sakura took a sweet.
" Thank you, that sounds wonderful, but I already promised the day to my mother." Tomoyo smiled.
" How is she?" Sakura asked.
" She's doing well, but I miss her."
The three of them began to chat idly until the wee hours of the morning. Eriol was staying with Sakura, and was using Fugitaka's old bookroom as a guest bedroom. It had been converted a while ago, and it was like a cozy downstairs bedroom, with it's own hidden library. It was nice to have company again. Sakura set her alarm clock for early that morning. She'd get up and make a big breakfast for everyone. She slipped into her bed and relaxed as she felt the sheets wrap her tense body. The pillow was soft and warm as she faded into a dreaming sleep. Tomorrow would be such a great day. Little did she know how great it would be.
The birds chirped in the trees quietly in the distance. The light breeze gently rustled the leaves, and made the cherry blossoms release their petals. Sakura watched idly as her four children played around the park, near the old King Penguin Slide. She smiled as she saw how Tsukiyouji would act with them. He had really grown fond of the three little girls that Sakura had taken in. He was a wonderful 'Onii-Chan', although sometimes a bit over-protective. She, herself, was sitting under an all too familiar tree with Eriol. They'd brought lunch for a picnic and to enjoy the day. Currently, Sakura was eating a noodle dish she'd cooked up, while Eriol had himself content with some takoyaki. The young woman sighed contently to herself.
" It's so pleasant today. I look forward to my spending of time with you." Eriol said quietly.
" Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy your time here." She smiled to him.
" Sakura?" Eriol turned to her, his expression didn't seem to change, but it did shift to give off a serious air.
" Yes?"
" I didn't want to ask you on the first day back, and I hope I'm not being presumptuous on the subject; may I ask what happen with you and Li?"
Sakura was shocked for a moment; mostly because she had remembered that she never had really told Eriol of what had happen with her and Li. Sakura calmed slightly and seemed to get slightly saddened, but she shock her head.
" It's all right. I forgot that I never mentioned about what happen with us. I'm sorry."
" It's all right; it's your personal affaires." He commented.
Sakura nodded and prepared her thoughts. It still made her uneasy to talk about what happen in the past, but the worst of it was over. She'd come to terms with what had happened in the past, but it wasn't like there was no remorse. She let go of a breath she had collected, and looked up to the English gentleman before her.
" We were young. It all seemed so real. I really do think we were in love, at a time, but it was becoming more of-of a close friendship, I guess. I just don't know how to explain it, really. Over time, I guess the things we did together became more of a common thing, and we could feel the affections slipping."
Eriol watched Sakura as she belayed her story. He was sad to know that the couple hadn't stay together like everyone originally thought. However he never displayed the thoughts that surfaced visibly.
" After he got the letter from his family, about his mother's illness, he said he needed to see her. I understood the reason, yet I was being a bit stubborn at the time. We had a few arguments before he left, but the night before; I told him that I was sorry for it all. He kissed me one last time, and told me something that I didn't understand, but didn't want to challenge. ' We all must live according to what is given to us. This may be for the best.' A few months later I got a letter from him, telling me his mother had sadly passed away, and that he was going to stay with his family. It hurt to lose two people I held close to me, but remembered what he told me. It's almost like he knew."
Sakura blinked and drew in a breath. She grew quiet to clear her mind and was startled to feel something soft brush against her cheek, removing some tears she hadn't realized were there. She looked up to see that Eriol had brushed away the tears with his thumb, his hand pulling away from her cheek, giving her his trademark smile.
" I thank you, for giving me your trust."
The night had come to quickly. However, it didn't take away the beauty it offered to the people who looked upon the clear night sky. The group had since went home, and the little ones were put to bed, but Sakura and Eriol had stayed up late, talking about the things of yonder on the back porch that Sakura had built last summer. All track of time was lost as they rekindled the memories. Some were good, some hurt, and some made them laugh. After a while, Sakura had gotten up and walked to the edge of the balcony porch. She looked over the sky with a pleasing look. Eriol joined her, handing her a drink and taking a sip of his own.
" It's all so mysterious." She smiled.
" One of many in life."
" Did you get enough to eat?" She turned to him.
" Yes, it was very delicious, thank you. I could say the same thing for you." He grinned at her.
Sakura blinked in confusion as she looked back at him. He brought his hand up to her, and softly ran a finger over the corner of her mouth. She could feel her face heat up at the gentle touch, and new she was
blushing. She could also feel the gaze in his eyes pulling her into his own little world, yet remained in the spot she stood. There was no such thing as time for her at this moment, and at that she could feel something inside her burning for something she didn't know. Instinct told her to close her eyes, and she obeyed.
' Please. . .'
She didn't know why she thought it, or what she was really asking it for, but it went as quickly as it came. Sakura suddenly felt her body flare instantly, as if caught in a flame, followed by a sudden chill and became a sensual sensation pulsing through her body. Slowly, her mind began to register the feeling around her. The was a gentle pressure, a cupping feeling along her neck, yet that wasn't all. She felt something soft against her lips. Yet, it was barley touching her. Was it this that had caused the flaring in her in? Time resumed once again, and slowly, the world around her began to fade back into existence. She opened her eyes slowly to see ardent green eyes gazing back at her intently. For the first time, Sakura could read Eriol's expression. Even with his calm demeanor look, she could see almost every feeling: happiness, sadness, jealousy, grief, anger, the list went on. However, she could see two things that spoke volumes among the others.
Guilt and Affection.
And that worried her a little.
And then it was gone.
" Ah. ." " I . ." The spoke softly in unison.
" It's. .quiet late. We could get some rest." Sakura spoke softly, looking back and forth from him and the ground.
" That's advisable." He replied, equally as quiet.
" You needn't worry about the dishes. I can get them in the morning. You can come in when you're ready." Sakura bowed slightly and turned towards the house. Eriol looked up slightly at the stars, before inhaling a quick breath and followed foot. Sakura was halfway up the stairs when she heard him call her name.
" Sakura-San." Eriol said quietly.
She thought she heard hesitation in his voice, and wondered upon that, but frowned slightly on hearing the formal address.
" I'm sorry if I disturbed you. I didn't mean to hurt you." He continued.
" It's all right. It wasn't and was to be expected. We'll talk in the morning. Goodnight, Eriol-Kun."
" Goodnight, Sakura-San."
Sakura made her way up to her bedroom and got herself ready for bed. Despite the thoughts that constantly ran through her head at the moment, she successfully managed to dress properly and slipped under her covers easily. She lay awake for some time, reflecting on what had just happened and the events that had occurred that day. He kissed her. A real kiss and not a customary hand kiss. She awed at the feeling she had had and how it felt to have her body heat up and cool down. Was that caused by their 'literal' magic? She then visualized the way he looked at her after it.
' That look. . '
Sakura turned over in her bed as she reflected the day. She suddenly felt nervousness in her stomach. He'd given her that same look before, a few times before. He had wanted to kiss her all day. Sakura clutched the covers to her closely, and closed her eyes, letting sleep take her over her subconscious mind.
~~~~~~~~ End ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh I'm SO sorry for the long delay! This chapter was hard to structure, but now it's done and the next one will come quicker, I promise! Be on the look out for some Ranma 1/2 Fics I am currently working on too! Thank you all for being so patience.
~Van the Key of Lain
