A/N: Hm... After getting so far, I've begun to wonder? Having gone through this set of chapters. Part of me wants to do another one of the same series... Just another way round...
Even though I've got a few tasks on and have just finished digital Naruto 01 right now. Though unlike this, it will be a one time series that will not be gone over again. But Cardcaptors is different to me and it feels like it could have been so much more different. But I want to stick with what I've done. I've made this world. And as an author, I must keep going to finish the time line.
Hm... I need to sort out meiling... I don't want her paired with Li simple fact because of them being cousins... It's not right and I need someone... Tomoyo... Or someone else... Hm, someone will have to step in Li's line. All depends how... Anyway, enough pondering. Time for the chapter to begin.
Chapter 18
Naruto stared out the window at the sun, he yawned, and he'd really need to plan his training from now on. Of course, there was something in the air, a clow card perhaps? His senses seemed to have heightened, or it could have been the fact he'd been training so hard, his magic was still a bit peaked. So it was picking off the fine tune of magic. Naruto glanced down to the pendent on his chest and frowned slightly before he sighed. He was a terrible friend.
"Yuki..." Naruto spoke and the fox appeared in white swirls of energy. "Let's go." The fox nods.
"It's going to be interesting see what it's like at your school... If your work is that hard, you shouldn't have trouble..." Naruto sighed as he walked down the hall to the stairs.
"That's your opinion. It's harder for someone like me..." The fox eyed Naruto before looking forward. Sakura and Genpaku were getting their footwear on.
"Ready to go Naruto-chan?" Sakura asked as she glanced to Naruto's school projects. Naruto nods. "We'll get it there for you..." Genpaku smirked.
"Up for a race? But remember to be safe about it... We can't have ourselves flying into cars and what not." Naruto nods remembering that one time Genpaku had slammed into the side of a car that stopped into the corner. The results were less than amusing for the male, even if he was barely able to dodge massive damage to his face. "Okay... Let's go." Naruto grinned as he grabbed his board and Sakura and Genpaku tied Naruto's things to their bikes.
With Sakura Kinomoto she was brushing her hair as she finished getting ready. Kero was flying round her in a buzz. "Hey, Sakura. You're up awfully early today." Sakura smiled as she glanced to the small guardian. She had every reason to get up early today.
"Today's the beginning of the new trimester! I can see everyone again..." Sakura glanced to the half heart on her desk. 'And spend all day with Naruto-kun...' Kero leaned close while Sakura seemed to be daydreaming with that smile on her face.
"What you thinking?" Kero asked curious. "You've gone all red." Sakura blinked and shook her head. She needed to focus. There were more things to be focusing on than her blond friend at this time. She had to get going. At that, she stood to gather her things. "That girl was strange weren't she...?" Kero mused as it remembered yesterday with that strange girl.
"Yeah... I wonder if Naruto-kun will talk to Li about it?" Sakura pondered as she picked up her bird house. "I'll see you later Kero-chan." Sakura spoke as she left her room. Her tou-san smiled, he was about to call her. Sakura smiled as she met her father at the base of the stairs.
"Hm, I've just finished you box lunch." Sakura smiled as she quickly fetched it from the kitchen. "Have a good day."
"Hai!" Sakura called as she left on her skates. Her brother just rolled up on his bike and spotted his younger sibling leave.
"You're early today." Toya mused as Sakura glanced over.
"Of course." Toya glanced up to the sky curiously.
"Is it going to rain today?" Sakura growled and Toya moved back a step, he may kid about, but since his sister had been taken under Sakura Haruno as a student. He had to be careful; he didn't know what the Haruno girl been teaching Sakura besides healing. So he wasn't about to find out right now.
"Neither of you have extracurricular activities today, do you?" Both glanced to their tou-san and gave a resounding no. "I'm coming home early today as well, so I'll make a feast tonight." Sakura cheered at this and both bid farewell as they left for school. Yukito met them along the way. Yukito glanced over having seen the smile on Sakura's face not leave from the moment they'd all met up this morning.
"You look very happy." Sakura glanced over and nods. Toya glanced slightly to his sister.
"It's probably because we're having a feast tonight."
"That's not it!" Sakura spoke. 'Well... There is that... But it's just great travelling with Yukito-san again... It's great...' Sakura smiled. 'I wonder where Naruto-kun is right now?'
"Oi! Gang way!" The group glanced back as they saw Sakura, then Genpaku shoot by with Naruto holding onto the back of his brother's bike. "Oi Naruto! Let go, you trying to hurt yourself?!" Genpaku called as he peddled. Naruto grinned and glanced back.
"See you later Sakura-chan!" Sakura smiled and waved as she watched the group speed on.
"There they go again..." Toya muttered with a blank face. "Always at the beginning of a new school term, their little race. Heh..." Toya smirked. "To bad Genpaku learned from that error..." Toya for one was in stitches when he saw Genpaku's little spiral over the car. It was one of the few times anyone witnesses Toya laugh so hard.
Yukito chuckled at his friend before glancing back to Sakura. "So there's a feast over at your place tonight, Sakura?" Sakura glanced over and nods.
"Hai! Tou-san said it was because he was coming home early tonight." Yukito chuckled.
"Is that right?" Toya glanced back as the pair was talking.
"By the way..." Toya started. "Did you see the news last night, Sakura?" Sakura glanced forward curious.
"What?"
"The one about how a black-belt in karate got beaten up on the streets last night." Toya stated.
"I saw that one!" Yukito spoke as Sakura listened. "I heard that the opponent was a girl."
"I didn't know about that." Sakura spoke as she glanced from her brother to Yukito and back. Toya held a smirk as he took a poke at Sakura with his next comment.
"I had thought it was you, Sakura. You're a monster after all..." Sakura growled and refrained from throwing the birdhouse. She was really itching to teach her brother a lesson. But held her tongue and waved her brother and Yukito off as Naruto stood waiting at the gate.
"Hey Sakura-chan." Sakura smiled.
"Hey Naruto-kun..." Sakura noticed all Naruto's things weren't with him. "You take it in already?" Naruto nods.
"Yep, I thought I'd come out and say hi. Plus I was saying hello to a few friends as well... Oh, I haven't seen Li either. So I haven't gotten to ask him about the 'you know who.'" Sakura nods as they walked.
"I'm glad you're being friendly with Li... Least we shouldn't have any tension when gather clow cards." Naruto shook his head.
"There's always going to be tension, he wants the cards... We are gathering the cards... Just that right now, I feel I should act more as a friend, than as the rival. He's got some trouble and as his friends. We should help him." Sakura nods at Narutowith a smile, Naruto must be in a real good mode. Naruto stopped and fisted his palm as he remembered something. "Oh and Sakura-chan..." Sakura nods as Naruto leaned close and Sakura blushed, though Naruto was too busy remembering his collected thoughts to notice. "I think there's a clow card about... Not here... But somewhere active, I felt it this morning..." Sakura looked over curious as to how Naruto was so sure. The blond glanced over and smiled slightly. "I... I was training last night and I still have some built up magic, so I could sense it." Sakura nods and smiled.
"Arigatou Naruto-kun..." Naruto smiled and slowly stopped as Sakura walked on. Naruto glanced down and sighed before clenching his fist and his eyes. He couldn't say it... He sighed; he'd need to say something soon. Sakura smiled as she entered the classroom. "Ohayou!"
"Ohayou..." Two students replied as Sakura gave a nod and walked over to Tomoyo.
"Ohayou gozaimasu." Tomoyo called with a smile.
"Ohayou, Tomoyo-chan." Tomoyo smiled and looked as Naruto sat down, she had wondered where he went since his stuff was left there.
"Ohayou, Naruto-kun." Naruto glanced up and smiled with a wave.
"Ohayou... Tomoyo-chan..." Naruto spoke as he glanced out the window as he rested on his right elbow. The door opened to the class and Li walked in. Li looked like he'd been through hell. "Man Li..." Naruto spoke aloud. "You look like you've been attacked by my oji-san's fighting toads." Li didn't say anything as he sat down. "Whoa... She can't be that bad..." Naruto muttered as he looked on at the male.
"I'm starting homeroom now!" Everyone turned to attention at their teachers call as he walked to the front of the class and set his book down. "Today starts the second trimester. Did you all do your summer vacation homework?" Everyone but Li gave a resounding agreement and their teacher nods and stood straight. "By the way, we have a new friend that is joining us for this new trimester." Naruto glanced over and watched as Li's face seemed to become more panicky. "Let me introduce her to you." The door at the back of the class slid open and Meiling stood there as Li looked up, he really was jumpy. Naruto didn't say anything, but considering the girls current actions and what she said yesterday. Li had some defined reasons to be as jumpy as a cricket.
"It's Meiling..." Tomoyo muttered as Sakura looked on as well at the black haired girl.
"Oh," their teacher spoke as he had expected the young girl to come from the door he entered from. "You can come over here so I can introduce you..." The girl walked in and walked up right behind Li who looked on nervous. The girl's features soften as she looked on sadly.
"I told you I wanted to go to school together with you..." Meiling muttered before hugging the boy round the neck. "You're so mean, Syaoran!" The boy looked on the verge of chocking from the death grip. The small group of three looked, none of them could think on what to say. The teacher coughed and called her forward. He wrote her name down on the black board.
"So anyway, we have a new transfer student from hong kong. Meiling Li. She's a cousin of Syaoran Li."
"Let's just hope she doesn't start saying that stuff she said yesterday..." Naruto muttered to Sakura and Tomoyo. Li over heard, but didn't bother to say anything.
Luckily it did hold true and she never said a word. Li was thankful for that, he didn't want his class hearing this. Lunch came and Naruto was able to give Li the quick escape, having been in the school long enough, Naruto knew a secret route or two. Li sat by a tree while Naruto sat in the tree. "So tell me Li... How did it begin? How did it happen? You don't seem to like it..."
"What Meiling's been saying..." Li muttered. "H-hang on..." Li spoke looking up. "Why am I even talking about this with you?" Naruto sighed.
"Sakura-chan's happy I'm beginning to get along with you... I should make the effort. Plus, you are a guy in need of help. And I am the friend to help." Li stared blankly forward.
"Anyone but you would be nice..." Naruto grunted at that as he looked about the school grounds. "But... I guess having someone understand would help." Naruto grinned.
"Excellent. So tell me, how did this little thing with your cousin happen? Is it a family thing?"
"No..." Li muttered before he sighed. "I guess..."
"I'm quiet curious also." Li jumped as Naruto glanced round to see Genpaku on the fence in a crouch. "Yo Naruto... I was wondering why you were round here... Normally you run here if you've done something wrong... But..." The male spoke jumping down and patting the dust off his legs. "This seems like a thing that only someone with experience, can help with..." Naruto nods in agreement.
"Onii-san's right here Li." Naruto spoke leaned over. "Onii-san should be able to help. Oh... Onii-san, I told Li about mine and Sakura's past." Genpaku nods.
"Then it will help even more as I won't have to twist my words... So, Li... Let's hear it, sounds like girl troubles..." Li sighed. Having had only a family of older sisters and with his tou-san having passed on... It would be helpful.
With that he explained of his simple kind act to his cousin to get her bird back. Had lead to Meiling announcing her feelings she'd gathered over time, and damning he'd agree to the terms which he also told the pair.
Genpaku sat back and looked up as he found this kid rather intriguing. "Li... To be honest, you have one out." Li perked up at this. "You die..." Naruto snorted and laughed as Li paled when Genpaku's hand glowed with fire. The male, waved his hand. "I kid... I kid Li..." Genpaku spoke as he sighed. He stood and stretched. "It's more heard of in my word in clans like the Hyuuga or of the now deceased clan of the Uchiha. Though that was with people in the clan who followed it like the bible..." Genpaku said as he shook his head.
"But Meiling sounds like a girl who fell for the kindness of a boy. You were the one to help her and probably because no one would. She could have fallen for you... It's common among young girls... A friend of mine named Itachi had similar trouble. Though..." Genpaku glanced away and shook his head. "Anyway, girls tend to fall for boys far easily. It's we guy's. Who unless know what that feeling is. Can then understand it. But you sound like you haven't had any female contact... Besides family maybe." Li nods slowly. "You hadn't begun to figure out feelings at your age, even I and Sakura-chan. Never really understood till we were... Maybe a bit older... Then there's the talk..." Genpaku shook his head again and both Li and Naruto looked to each other confused. "But anyway, enough of the dancing about the answers. She said if you found someone else that you could hold your feelings too... She'd not marry you." Li nods. "Then I do believe that maybe more female contact is needed. I'm sure Sakura Kinomoto would make a fine bride."
"Onii-chan!" Naruto roared, not too pleased by that comment. "Not Sakura-chan..." Genpaku looked up and grinned.
"I kid... I kid... You like Sakura-chan... I understand Naruto... I was only pulling your leg." Naruto huffed. "I agree with Naruto though... Not Sakura Kinomoto..."
"O... Kay..." Li muttered confused and glanced up at the blond.
"There are a lot of young ladies that you'll get to know here... I'm sure as time goes, you'll find your girl. Don't go looking for it. It will come in due time."
"I see..." Li responded. Genpaku smiled and crouched down by the young lad.
"You're an okay kid... But I do think..." Li yelped as Genpaku ruffled the kids head. "You need some male bonding... I know what it's like without a tou-san... Though Naruto and I are without a Kaa-san also..." Naruto glanced down. "So from here on out..." Genpaku said putting a friendly pat on the kids shoulder. "You're going to be enlisted into our group as my Ototo..." Genpaku stood and walked to the fence. "I'll catch you later!" With that he jumped the fence and walked off. Both stared blankly before it dawned on them.
"Nani?!" Both roared.
"Ah, there you are Naruto-kun... Li-kun..." Both turned to Yamazaki.
"Hey Yamazaki..." Naruto spoke hopping down.
XXXX
"Meiling seems like a nice girl." Chiharu spoke as she, Sakura, Tomoyo, Naoko and Rika sat together in a small spot round the school eating lunch. Rika nods.
"I'm surprised she was Li's cousin... I wonder why she transferred here." Sakura and Tomoyo smiled nervously would be best not to say.
"Li seemed to be a little gloomy, though." Naoko mused and Chiharu nods as she heard something and looked to the sound.
"You're right." Her face lit up with a smile. "Yamazaki-kun." Sakura smiled as she saw Naruto.
"Naruto-kun..." Both waved as Li walked behind them in a somewhat normal state. Having talked to Genpaku it had seemed to have given some straighter thoughts. But he was still left with the trouble that plagued him.
"Wow, that looks delicious." Yamazaki spoke as he looked at the food Chiharu was eating.
"You're having lunch too, Yamazaki-kun?" Chiharu asked and Yamazaki gave a short nod.
"Yeah, I was thinking of eating with Li-kun and Naruto-kun in the cafeteria..."
"They should put ramen on the menu." Naruto stated as he stretched. "Seriously, it's not un healthy."
"But that amount you eat Naruto-kun..." Sakura spoke as she looked at the blond blankly. "It might be considered so." Naruto gave a playful scowl before smiling.
"Hasn't caused me a problem yet..."
"Syaoran!" Li twitched and slowly looked back as Meiling came running their way. She latched herself round the male as she hugged him. He thought he might be in the clear... Sadly not so. "I made lunch!" She let go and Li just looked on glumly. "Come on, let's east together!" Li mentally sighed as he grabbed Meilings wrist and pulled her aside.
"Meiling, come here for a minute..." Meiling blinked.
"What?" The group looked on as the two put some distance between them and the group. "What is it?"
"Meiling..." Li spoke out quietly as he let go and faced the girl.
"What?" His cousin looked on blankly.
"This is a school!" Li stated, in hopes to try get Meiling to see that her actions, have far more effect here. But she didn't seem to see it though as she turned to the bench.
"That's why it's in a lunch box." She sat down and set the food aside. "If this was at home, I would serve these on dishes."
"That's not what I mean..." Li spoke; she couldn't act as she does around school. It's not best thing for him really. Meiling may not mind, but he did if people found out about this agreement of hers.
"Oh, Syaoran, you still don't like Konnyaku?" Li looked on in defeat. Why did she not see what he was getting at? "Don't worry; I didn't put them in here."
"That's not what I mean either..." Li sighed.
"Don't worry; I put your favourites, shimp siumai, in here as well."
"You know..." But Li didn't get to finish as Meiling put food in his mouth. Now he no choice but to eat, otherwise it could hurt her feelings if he moved that aside to continue his speech.
"I'm a good cook, right?" Meiling asked.
"I-I guess..." Li didn't disagree that wasn't bad for food. But once he realised he'd been side tracked by tasty food, he got back to what he was talking about. "What I mean is... Why are you here in the first place, Meiling!?" Li called out quietly. He didn't want them to be over heard, he'd been meaning to talk about this, but her sudden appearance yesterday and time after sort of left it hanging in the wind.
"Because no matter how long I waited, you didn't come back, Syoaran." Meiling replied.
"That's because I'm not going back until I get all the clow cards." Li retorted. She knew all this.
"Isn't someone collecting them already?" Meiling asked as she took a bite of her lunch. "Just like in the fortune you saw in Hong Kong, Syoaran?"
"I explained it yesterday, didn't I? That was..." Meiling blinked and looked to Sakura curiously.
"That girl?" Li nods.
"So anyway, I still need a little while to collect them all. So you can go back to Hong Kong now, Meiling..."
"I see..." She spoke standing. Li sighed with relief, finally. "I'll help you Syaoran," or maybe not. "So that you won't lose against her or her blond boyfriend..."
"A-actually their..." Li spoke as he tried to sort that out, he didn't want something been thrown about because of something she assumed by how he explained it.
"Leave it to me!" Li looked on defeated. "If we combine our powers, we're invincible!" Li sighed, maybe... Going back to Hong Kong would save him from more trouble... But the thought of giving up the clow cards that were left, even if he had none yet. Still made him determined to get them.
The group of girls looked on at the pair as Meiling laughed. "She seems to be having fun." Tomoyo commented.
"I guess..." Sakura muttered before going back to her food. For some reason, she couldn't help but worry. Though as she took a bite of her food. Naruto's words came back to her this morning. A clow card, she'd have to get ready tonight then... But then having heard Naruto say he was training... It sounded like he was not saying something... And finally Li's comment from that field trip finished as her food hit her gut. For some reason, she didn't feel so good after that bite. 'Naruto-kun...'
But the day got more difficult with Meiling glaring on at Naruto and Sakura for some reason during P.E. What they had done... They weren't sure. The day came to a very unhelpful day and though Naruto had wanted to ask what Meilings problem with them was. But the lad was dragged away so they were out of luck.
"Well..." Naruto muttered as he and Sakura walked home. "That was very.... Interesting for the first day back." Sakura nods with a sigh. "Don't let Meiling get to you... She's probably annoyed with us as we're gathering the cards instead of Li." Sakura glanced over. "That's what I can think..." Naruto turned and smiled. "I'll see you later tonight then..." Sakura blinked confused. "Did you forget? Clow card is about."
"Oh..." Sakura muttered before forcing a smile. "Later..." Naruto held a slight smile and walked off. Sakura mentally sighed, she wondered as she watched the blond's back. She didn't want to think it, they been friends for so long and with her feelings of the blond... But with everything that's happened lately. Sakura could only sigh, deep down, she was losing her trust in Naruto.
'I've got to say soon...' Naruto mused as he looked to the sky. 'She should know of what I've been doing...' Naruto returned home with his thoughts clouded. "Hello!" Naruto called as Yuki jumped down and went up stairs. "Onee-chan? Onii-chan?! Ray-san!" Naruto called out. He received no response and shrugged. They must be all out. He headed upstairs and threw his bag down and walked back into the hall while Yuki rest on the pillow. Naruto grabbed a towel and went for a wash. As the water struck Naruto his mind wondered as he stared, looking at the dropping water.
'..."That face you made when I found you... It's the same one that night..."...' Naruto put a hand to his face as he clenched his eyes shut. '... "I can't do anything... Even protect you Sakura-chan... If I hadn't been so scared of what was in front of me... I would have been able to stop you from walking off the side and I wouldn't be like this. I wish I'd been stronger..."... "All I do is run or just weigh you down... I wonder if I'm even worth helping you..."...'
'I'm a terrible friend.'
'..."Naruto-kun... Don't say that, you're important to me when we face clow cards..."... "I am?"... "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have the courage to do what we've done. It's your courage that helps me, it's why when you worry, then I worry. So when I see you ready to face what we do, your smile helps me through it. You're an important role, to the team and as my friend."...'
'I don't deserve to be her friend.'
'... "Sakura-chan, as I said before we will get stronger together. Do you promise that whatever happens we'll stay together to the end?"... "Of course!"...'
'What kind of person breaks a promise to someone so close?'
'..."Oji-san... I will do it... I don't know if I have made an error before it's too late. But to protect Sakura-chan... I will take that chance."... "Welcome to the kitsune order... Naruto Uzumaki-san..."...'
'My best decision... And my most foolish...'
'..."My sensei, the one who's been teaching me magic... Is the Kyuubi."...'
'She smiled and forgave me... And I only stepped on it by going on...' Naruto sat tucked up on the floor on the shower. The chakra burn still visible, he'd been able to get by it by saying it was rash from a plant during the summer today. But how much longer would it stay? Naruto looked up as the water continued to fall and his tears mixed with the water. The only place he could let the hidden emotions he held back was in the one place it could wash it away. Naruto sighed as he looked on. 'If I told her... I don't think she'd forgive me this time... What kind of friend does stuff like this behind their back... I promised I'd tell her... She forgave me and I stood on that friendly hand...' Naruto wanted to do something, anything to take this inner turmoil away. But he knew he was the cause, he made this and he was the one who has messed up his friend ship.
Slowly Naruto stood and reached out for shampoo. He'd continue to be her friend as long till she put it together. After that, he'd hand over the clow cards and vanish. He really wanted to say it... That he really truly cared for Sakura...
But... With what he's done... What did that really tell him? It wasn't even worth it to even say those words.
Naruto entered the bedroom and Yuki looked up. The fox was connected to him, she'd no doubt sense the turmoil. But said nothing as she lay back down. Kyuubi wouldn't be able to say anything... Naruto looked up at the swords on his wall. Naruto got changed and walked down stairs to watch TV. As it got late Naruto stood and walked into the kitchen, the news paper was there and he looked at it. "...." The phone rang and Naruto began his way there. "Yuki-chan!" Naruto spoke as he walked up to the phone. But he stopped before picking it up. He looked on for several seconds and turned to the door. Yuki glanced over and then landed on the blonds shoulder.
"Aren't you going to answer it?" Naruto shook his head as he put his trainers on.
"I already know who and why their ringing." With that the call went onto voice message.
"Hello? Naruto-kun, it's me Sakura-chan. I'm heading to Penguin Park, if it's a clow card..." The door shut and Naruto sighed as the fox looked at the blond as he put his board down.
"Let's go..." With that he took off. 'I've made my choice...'
Sometime later in the park, Sakura stood with Kero in her new battle costume as Tomoyo filmed. Sakura glanced about slowly with worry. "Naruto-kun's late Tomoyo-chan... I'm worried." Tomoyo glanced about also.
"He's normally first or here at the same time as we arrive. It's rare for him to be late..." Sakura frowned as she held her staff.
"Naruto-kun's been different lately..." Sakura sighed. Why doesn't he say anything? Tomoyo looked on at Sakura worried; she wondered what was wrong with the blond also. It was doing something to the bond he and Sakura had together. Kero sighed and glanced about.
"Forget about Naruto, Sakura." Sakura glanced up. "Feel it? The presence of the clow card?" Kero asked looking out to the lake. Sakura walked up and closed her eyes as she concentrated. Tomoyo watched on with her camera.
"Yeah," Sakura muttered as she opened her eyes. "I feel it as well." Tomoyo lowered her camera slightly.
"Then the girl in strange clothes that attacked all the martial artists..." Up above on a lamppost, Meiling appeared.
"It's a clow card." The group glanced up as Meiling jumped down.
"Meiling." Sakura spoke as Kero looked on at the girl, where's the kid too?
"So you're here looking for the card as well." Meiling spoke.
"Then, you are too?" Sakura asked curiously. Meiling smiled as she stood looking onto the group.
"I'm going to capture it and hand it over to Syaoran. The card is Syaoran's!" Meiling stated as she pointed at Sakura.
"Nani?!" Kero spoke, who did this girl think she was? The small guardian flew up and Meiling blinked surprised by the small creature's actions. "I won't let things go your way! Sakura is the only cardcaptor that I accepted!" Meiling looked on curiously before gripping Kero by the cheeks as she looked pondering what it was.
"What is this? Your guardian beast or something?" Kero did not like the treatment as he tried to wiggle free.
"Let go of me!" Kero spoke as best he could. Sakura gave a mild glare at how Meiling was treating Kero.
"Kero-chan is the beast of the seal of the clow cards." Meiling let go with a yell like she'd been burn by how water.
"This thing that looks like a bath sponge?!" (My favourite bit.) Meiling stammered. Kero glared at the comment.
"I dare you too say that again!" Meiling gave the guardian no more attention and batted Kero aside.
"Well," Meiling began as she walked towards the pair. "Even if the beast of the seal is on your side, Syaoran has me!" Meiling glanced about. "Where's your boyfriend? Chicken out or something?" Sakura blinked with a red blush before catching the rest.
"Naruto-kun didn't chicken out!" Sakura growled. She was never an angry person, but she didn't like it when someone badmouthed her best friend. It was one of the things that could get to her easy.
"Then where is he?" Sakura's anger faded as she found she couldn't answer. She glanced down a bit, where was Naruto? "No matter... Syaoran is going to win." Meiling stated as the water behind Sakura and Tomoyo exploded. The three turned to the white pale blue skinned girl with whiter hair. Dressed in a blue battle suit. The figure stood on one of the stone pillars that fenced the lake.
"That..." Sakura muttered. "That must be the strangely dressed girl that the news people were talking about." Tomoyo lowered her camera and glanced to Sakura.
"Oh, I don't think her clothes are 'that' strange..." Sakura looked on dumbfounded. Only Tomoyo...
Kero regained his composure from being insulted and looked at the clow card and moved to Sakura's side as clow card gave a martial arts style bow and Sakura gave a short one. "Sakura! That's the fight card!" Sakura looked from Kero back to the girl. The fight card's blue eyed locked onto the group and it rushed toward them.
'So fast!' As fight jumped and lashed out with its right, Sakura and Meiling jumped to evade as Tomoyo stepped round casually. "Kero-chan..." Sakura spoke.
"Fight is a card used solely for martial arts combat." Sakura glanced to Kero then forward, Naruto would be so much help. "So it has the tendency to challenge stronger and stronger people!" Sakura glanced down to her staff and glanced forward as she twirled it in her hand and moved it to slip it tight under the bow at the back.
"I'm not as good as Onee-chan... But I can try..." Fight turned from Sakura as she put up a fighting stance and its attention turned to Meiling. Sakura blinked confused "Huh? What does this mean?"
"Fight is challenging that kid for a battle." Meiling smirked as she held up her battle stance.
"You can come attack at any time!" Fight rushed forward and lashed out with 4 strikes, too which Meiling evaded and delivered a powerful kick, sending fight flying and into the fence post.
"Sugoi..." Sakura muttered, that was quick impressive.
"You can't even do this, and you're looking for clow cards?" Meiling spoke and Sakura turned her attention to the girl.
"I can fight... Just that, fight challenged you not me..." 'Plus Naruto-kun could have handled the card better than I could.' Sakura glanced back to fight as Meiling retorted.
"Syaoran is going to find the cards." Fight got up from its stunned state and lashed out at Meiling. The girl glanced to fight casually and dodged before going on the attack. Sakura blinked as she noticed something.
"This isn't good..." Sakura spoke as Kero glanced to her. "I recognise what fight's doing... She's studying Meiling's ability before getting ready to fight back."
"You sure?" Kero asked. Sakura nods.
"I've seen Naruto-kun and Genpaku-san fighting enough to know that Meiling's in trouble..." True to her word, Fight caught Meiling's wide kick to the head and Meiling looked on surprised before fight swept the girls leg out.
"Meiling!" Sakura called as she took off as Fight jumped to finish the fight. 'Please work...' Sakura pushed chakra through her feet and jumped. "Argh!" Sakura punched forward with her right and sent Fight flying. Sakura landed in a crouch as Fight bounced into the bushes.
"All right Sakura!" Kero cheered. "That's putting you're ninja skills to the test." Sakura took a breath as she looked at her right palm. Maybe... Maybe she really could do this. Sakura turned to Meiling.
"You okay?!" Meiling growled and stood on her own as Sakura tried to help.
"I'm fine... I just slipped." Kero smirked.
"Slipped her?" Meiling glared at Kero ready to return her comeback when a voice broke through the group.
"Meiling!" The group turned to the boy in green, Li didn't look too pleased. Meiling's face lit up as she ran over.
"Syaoran!" Li held up his hand to stop her and Meiling looked confused till he held his palm out flat.
"I told you not to come here. Now give me the compass you had Wei use." Meiling growled.
"I told him not to tell!" Li held his gaze at his cousin.
"He was worried about you Meiling, so he told me."
"What's going on?" Sakura asked curiously as Kero smirked and floated over head.
"Looks like she was acting separately to the kid." Meiling glared at Kero.
"What do you mean kid?" Kero smirked even more so.
"Calling you two 'kid' and 'gaki' is good enough."
"Why you!"
"Meiling!" Li spoke as he waved his hand in a demanding fashion.
"Why did she need Wei-san to use the compass?" Sakura asked as Kero floated back to Sakura's side.
"This gaki doesn't know where the cards are by herself." Sakura glanced over. "It looks like she has no magical powers." Meiling gave an annoyed look at Kero.
"Are you sure?" Sakura asked and Kero nods.
"It's really strange for someone in the Li clan."
"L-Leave me alone!" Meiling spoke as she tried to keep her cool. She looked to Syaoran who held his annoyed gaze and she handed the compass over. "It wouldn't move if I used it." Li took it off her as she looked down upset. "So I had Wei help me. But even Wei couldn't find out the exact location, so I had trouble finding it."
"Meiling." Li spoke. "Finding clow cards isn't a game. You could find yourself in danger just like a few minutes ago."
"I was just caught off guard."
"Being caught off guard can cost you your life." Meiling looked down defeated.
"Li seems rather masculine there." Tomoyo muttered behind Sakura as Kero huffed.
"He's still nothing compared to me, though." Kero stated with confidence.
"Just go home now," Li spoke as he held his compass out. "And keep Wei company..." Li glanced over as the compass lit up and he followed the whereabouts of the clow card till it was behind Sakura. "Sakura, behind you!" Sakura turned as Fight burst out and Sakura was able to push Tomoyo aside as Sakura dodged and jumped back with a couple of flips. Sakura skidded and looked up as she held a serious gaze.
'Naruto-kun... I don't know why you're not here... But if you were, you'd be the one fighting... I'll take up where you would.' Sakura formed her hand sigh and took a breath as she concentrated. Sakura Haruno had been teaching her medical combat of the best kind. A ninja medic on the battle field has to be able to fight. That was what the slug sannin had done. So Sakura had sorted to teach Sakura a steady hand to hand combat. Sakura stood side on and gave the motion for Fight to attack. Fight tensed and rushed Sakura. Sakura dodged and evaded several strikes as Li glanced about.
"Where's Naruto too?" Tomoyo shook her head worried.
"I don't know... He's never missed a chance to help Sakura-chan... Something's wrong..." Tomoyo muttered as she put her camera up.
Sakura dodged the right punch and lashed out, Fight blocked, and Sakura lashed out again before jumping back. 'I can't have fight learn my capabilities... I need to get the opening I need. It's like with Onee-chan with power...' Sakura's eyes widen. 'That's it!' Sakura ducked and drew her staff and swung which caused fight to jump back. Sakura quickly drew out power card. "Grant me the strength needed to win! Power!" The card burst to life and Sakura twirled the staff back around as Sakura felt he flow of power through her form. Sakura tensed and rushed forward. 'One clear strike!' Sakura flicked hand signs.
"What's Sakura-chan doing?" Tomoyo muttered confused.
"Bunshin no jutsu!" Two more Sakura's appeared and fight glanced at the three carefully. Sakura narrowed her eyes. 'Chakra into the legs and...' One dashed forward and went up in smoke before the other followed and fight turned to strike but found only smoke before striking out. Sakura burst forward as she released the chakra and landed a powerful punch to fight. The force sent fight flying into the tree and two more.
"All right Sakura!" Kero cheered as Meiling and Li looked stunned. "Now hurry and seal it!" Sakura nods and ran round as she pulled her staff back out and twirled it in her grasp. Fight slowly sat up and looked as Sakura swung the staff above her head.
"Return to the guise you were meant to be in! Clow card!" Fight turned to into blue mist and filled the see through card before it became whole. Sakura smiled as she caught the fight card. Out of sight Naruto watched on from the tree's. He sighed as he pushedleaned off the tree.
"Hm..." Naruto smirked as he turned and walked off. "Guess I'm not needed any more... That's good." Naruto muttered as he held his gaze looking on in the direction. "I was worried, that Sakura-chan couldn't handle something like that, but she seems to have it under control."
"I thought you were going to tell her the truth?" Yuki asked confused.
"Not right now... She should be glad she did this without my help." Naruto gave a sad smile. "Least I know, when I've told Sakura-chan... She won't have any trouble without me anymore."
'Human's are such emotional beings...' Yuki mussed. All this over the feeling of love. As the pair faded into the night the group walked over to Sakura as she marvelled the card she'd caught.
"Well done Sakura-chan." Tomoyo spoke as she and Kero moved over to her. Sakura nods with a smile. Kero crossed its arms.
"Least now we don't have to rely on that blond kid... Abandoning us like this..."
"Kero-chan..." Sakura spoke to her guardian. "Naruto-kun didn't abandon us..."
"Then why did he not turn up? I mean this kid's been really funny lately..." Kero stated as he looked at Sakura.
"I bet he didn't even want to show his face." Meiling spoke up. Li glanced to his cousin.
"Meiling..." The girl glanced to Li.
"What? Why come when he knows he stood no chance..." Li sighed, he really needed to give all the details about the pair before she starts acting all cocky. "He's probably at home watching TV."
"Naruto-kun's been helping me since day one." Sakura spoke determined. "He's not a coward."
"Fooled me..." Sakura clenched her fist. "And from what I could tell, he's not even trust worthy... What sort of teammate is that? He sounds like someone who should be tossed aside. Not even worth the trouble if he's too scared to fight." Sakura growled, Meiling knew nothing of Naruto. One incident and she seems like she knew him.
Beneath the loving and friendly person that Sakura was, rage boiled. Sakura glared hard and Tomoyo jumped, what was that?
"Shut up!" Sakura roared.
In the park, Naruto stopped as his body shook and pain racked his brain. "The... hell...?" Naruto yelled as he knelt down. "What's going on...?!" Naruto called. But in a moment, it calmed. Naruto blinked. "What just... What was that?" Naruto asked as he slowly stood. He'd never had that happen before. But with everyone else, there was a stunned silence in the air.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo called in shock first as she watched Sakura knock Meiling down. This was so unlike Sakura.
"Meiling!" Li called as he moved to her side. He looked up to question Sakura's actions when he saw the horror in the girl's eyes.
"I..." Sakura muttered. What was going on? She never lashed out like that. Slowly she stepped back. "G-gomen!" Sakura called running off.
"Sakura!" Kero called following. Tomoyo turned to the pair and gave an apology and ran after the pair.
As Naruto walked on he rubbed his head. Something didn't feel right about that... It was like... Rage? Naruto stopped as he froze in place, his mind went into danger mood as he felt something horrible. He turned back and glanced about the dark park. He wasn't sure what he felt just a second ago. Naruto glanced left and right. It was clearly focused on his being. "That feeling..." Naruto muttered. Yuki looked at the blond curiously.
"Naruto-san?" Naruto glanced about worried. "What's wrong?" Naruto shook his head and walked off in a faster pace.
"N-nothing Yuki-chan..." Naruto glanced up. 'It felt like... Like someone wanted me dead... Was that, killing intent?' Naruto asked himself as he walked off.
Up in the tree's a figure watched on from the shadows. A smirk form on his face. "He's good... To sense that so easily, he's not just been living a peaceful life..." The figure crouched. "Good..." Slowly the figure began to vanish in the floating leaves in the wind. "I will avenge their deaths..." With that he vanished.
"By taking the lives of the youngest off spring to the Kinomoto and Namikaze clans..."
XXXXXX
Man... It took so long... But I've decided now, that in the next two chapter which will be a part one and two. Will deem Naruto and Sakura a pairing proper. (spoiler)
But what is going on with Sakura Kinomoto?
Why is Naruto so sure that the secret he's been hiding will end his friendship and put an end to his cardcaptoring with Sakura?
And who is the figure that is after the pair's lives?
Most will be answered in the most dangerous event to come when Naruto and Sakura's lives are on the line when their trapped in loop with a powerful foe... Will they come out alive? Heh, find out next time.
04: Just around the corner. : 6HZ featuring Emilie Barlow
There's a point on the horizon
Where the mountains meet the sea
Just around the corner
Great possibilities
Where every tomorrow
All around the world
Still holds a promise
To every boy and girl
Chorus:
Now we're getting warmer
Look, here comes the future
Just around the corner
Just around the corner
Now we're getting warmer
Look, here comes the future
Just around the corner
Just around the corner
Hey boys
Hey girls
Hey boys
Hey girls
Hey boys
Hey girls
Hey boys
Hey girls
(Oooh....)
We made a promise
We cross the heights for keeps
Now everything that's old is new
Great possibilities
From the mountains to the sea
Great possibilities
Now we're getting warmer
Look, here comes the future
Just around the corner
Just around the corner
Now we're getting warmer
Look, here comes the future
Just around the corner
Just around the corner
(aaaa!)