Everyone spent the night so we would all make it to rehearsals. It was closed rehearsals for those who don't know the inner workings of the Card captors. Since Rika's group knew this they were allowed to watch the rehearsals, but they were amazed at the uses we had with our magic.
"Tomoyo, why did you have to wake us up like that?" Miho asks yawning then looked around. "Where's Sakura?"
"Sigh, well she used a magic that I hate." Tomoyo shakes her head and Syaoran just guessed which card I used.
"Did Sakura use the Silent and the Lock on the room?"
"Yes. She is proving to be more conniving than I would have imagined. Kai break into the room and kidnap her please."
Kai who was the only one who didn't need sleep just snaps awake like she just sentenced him to death. "Why must I get Saku-chan?" Tomoyo and the rest of the CCS group just stare at him.
"Because, you're the only one who can do it. After all, you were Kaitou Magician at one time in your life. So naturally you're the only one who could get to her without getting kicked out by the Silent, Kai-kun." Rika's group and Miho just stared at Kai for a moment before they believed the information they had just been told.
"WHAT! Kai you're the Kaitou Magician!" They had all screamed. Kai stares at them blankly when Chiharu says, "Then you're the one who saved me from the monster during the Best Couples Contest. You're the one who was stealing from everyone all the time. You are also Miho's brother, Miho's all-star perfect brother was the best thief and a delinquent! Kakkoi!!" Chiharu and the other girls even Erika and Miho sigh in awe. Syaoran, Eriol, and Eron sweat-dropped while Kai doubled over and the other guys all get super jealous of the magnificent Kai.
"I don't know if I can. The only person I ever kidnapped was Mei-chan over here. If I can I will but I don't think I can capture Saku-chan successfully." Kai says a little worried at the consequences that await for him if he ticks me off.
Miho and Meilin go over to Kai and push him out a window. "Kai, if there's one person who can do it, it's you. After all, you successfully took me when I didn't want to be captured. If you don't then the only one left is," Pointing to the sleeping Syaoran, " him. And we don't want his wrath upon us."
"At least Sakura won't beat us all to a pulp if angered. He beat Eriol in a duel. Clow Reed's reincarnation, once the greatest magician of his time. That is no easy feat, and then he ran off to help Sakura-chan whom was under the influence of the Obedience thanks to someone." Miho glared at Erika and everyone sweat-dropped.
"Well I did love the movie I made with it. I just loved to see Eriol get hit with that dragon." Tomoyo said and Kai finally surrendered.
"Fine! Be right back with Sakura-chan. You all happy now!"
Kai disappeared in an instant without a trace to where I was sleeping. As easy as breathing, he picked open the window and jumped into the deathly silent room. Kai practically flew across the room and took off a cloak he was hiding and placed it over my sleeping body. As quietly as Kai could, he slung me over his shoulder and leapt out of the window landing with grace in front of everyone again.
"Hey thief, did you get Sakura or what?" Erika spat very angrily at being woken up.
With an elegant bow, Kai laid me on the ground and took the cloak off making it turn into millions of sakura petals. "It was harder than usual since I couldn't make a sound but I got the task done. But I am not going to wake her up, I still want to be friends with Saku-chan and stealing her from her house isn't something Sakura would condone. So one of you must do the dirty task."
The group was looking at me as if I would kill them if I was awoken. Tomoyo was taping as usual and Syaoran was awake in some form. No way was Miho, Eron, or Kai going to try and wake me up, afraid I might endanger them with my magic. The only ones not afraid of waking me up were Toya, Yue, and Kero; since they wake me up all the time on a daily basis. Erika was just there when Syaoran got irritated at everyone for doing nothing.
"Why are you all afraid of waking Sakura? She won't get too mad at you since it was her fault. Letme wake her up," taking out one of his ofudas, he casts the spell, "Tsuyu shourai!" Water comes out of the ofuda and drenches me.
Jumping up at the cold, I scream, "Who poured water on me?" Everyone points at Syaoran with his ofuda in his hand. "Why did you pour water on me? I'm soaking wet!" Tomoyo hands me a towel so I could dry off.
"I was just waking you up since everyone was too scared to wake you. We have to get to rehearsals anyway so it was either drenching you with water or shaking you awake. I thought it was justified since I used an ofuda instead of a bucket of water." Syaoran turns around as I glare at him but he continues the conversation. Anyway, I could have woken you up in a more indecent manor like going into your dreams again but I thought it better with the water.
Shaking my head I sigh, "How can I not get pissed at someone who drenches me with water then hear an apology like that. I can't believe you Syaoran, how could you be so mean and underhanded like that?" I walk inside to change into some clean clothes still upset at what Syaoran did to me in front of everyone. How can he just be so and cold all the time! I never do anything to cause such actions against me. I'm not going to speak to him at all today, not until he apologizes to me sincerely.
The limo took us to school and we began our nightmare rehearsal sessions. Syaoran was mad at me for not accepting his very rude apology and didn't talk to me at all.
"Sakura! Take this seriously we have but three weeks to get this right! Syaoran, please stop being dumb and act out your part correctly." Meilin yells at us after we mess up four times.
Tomoyo sighs and turns to Eron, Erika, and Kai. "Well we are going to have to skip their scenes for now. How about we start with your tirade Eron, so we can make some progress before class begins in twenty minutes." They agree and Miho and Eron being; while the rest go into the audience seats to watch.
Eron is on the side about to enter and glances at me. I smile and after a moment's hesitation, he smiles wickedly before getting into character. Miho begins, 'So Prince Eron storms into his castle with undying fury at what he found out between his fiancé, Princess Sakura, and the Prince of darkness.
"Gather all forces, form all armies! WE'RE RAGING WAR!" Eron screams as if remembering Syaoran beating him up a few years ago.
Erika comes running across the stage to find out what is happening. "Dear… son, whatever is the matter? Why are you shouting all these threats of war?"
'The queen comes toward her son with worries of her own about the cause of all his rage. Her son looks so contorted by rage, he looks as if he could kill anyone at a moment's notice.' Geez, how can Eron act so convincing and look so atrocious during rehearsals? He must be remembering what happened between him and Syaoran a few years ago. 'A stranger comes in with a crossbow. An assassin of his highness, and the only person whom can kill someone with precision five-hundred meters away with a bow!
"There you are! What took you so long, Tanaka Mikai? I called for you an hour ago! Go out and kill that vile prince of Clow! NOW GO!!" Eron yells and everyone claps.
"Okay, class is about to begin so we will pick up again at five this afternoon. Thank you for your work." Tomoyo says and we all leave the auditorium.
I head up to Eron and congratulated him. "Wow Eron, that was terrific. But how did you get such rage in you in a few moments? You looked like you could've killed someone for real." Eron laughs and I stare at him very confused.
"I remembered what I did to you a few years ago and tapped into that fury. Then I remembered what he did to both of us and got more rage and inspiration than I usually have. I probably should hold back on the fury during the actual performance so I don't frighten the audience. Thanks for the praise; I was hoping you would like my performance." Eron holds the door open for me and I enter the classroom. "Your smile encouraged me to try my best on that stage. Do you mind if I ask if you want to rehearse with me at lunch?"
"Sure. I would be delighted to rehearse with you during lunch, Eron." I walk towards my seat having Syaoran glare at Eron the entire class for what had happened. Before the math teacher got into the classroom, Syaoran tapped on my shoulder. Turning around I stare at an insanely mad glaring Syaoran. "What is it?" I say in a bored tone just to irritate him a little.
"Don't you dare act so indifferent? You know what I want to talk to you about. Why are you rehearsing with 'him' during lunch? I thought you had more sense than that! How dare–" I cut him off and glare at him.
"I do have a right. As far as I'm concerned, you are just a selfish person. You have no right to tell me what to do until you apologize for this morning. Now shut up before we get in trouble with the teacher." I say coldly and everyone who heard the conversation shudders. The teacher that walks in is none other than Ms. Mizuki herself.
"Hello everyone. Most of you know me already but for those who don't, my name is Kaho Mizuki. The math teacher broke her leg yesterday and is stuck in the hospital for a week. She will be in a cast for roughly a month and a half, plus rehabilitation. I hope we all get along for these next two months." Ms. Mizuki looks over to me and I smile genuinely pleased to have her as a teacher again.
The class loved having her as a teacher also. All the boys in the class were all ecstatic to have a gorgeous single woman instead of some old hag. The CCS group was happy to have their member with them instead of a stranger, making the trouble of keeping calm during class and have an act on. The class went by very quick and we were dismissed to lunch. Miho and Kai came in the classroom shocked to see their cousin in the room and Miho slipped up.
"Cousin Kaho, what are you doing here? I thought you would still be in Tomoeda elementary subbing there instead of here! It's so great to see you!" Miho hugged Mizuki-sensei and Kai just walked over towards us.
"Now, now Miho. You should go and say hi to Sakura before she starts rehearsing with Eron-kun. I'll see you at practice in a few hours." Kaho says patting Miho's head and she nods.
Kai stares at me and Syaoran looking away from each other and as far away as possible while discussing the play. Tomoyo and Eriol are just putting up with the argument while the twins are of course taking sides. "Having a small fight are we?" Kai jokes and Miho glares at him.
"Shut it, Kai-sempai or I'll tell everyone you're Kaitou Magician." Miho hisses and Kai hides behind Syaoran escaping from an angry Miho.
Eron stands up and throws his trash away. "Sakura, are you ready to begin rehearsing? Or are you still eating?"
Nodding, I gather my script and say, "Of course I'm ready. So I'll see you guys after lunch okay?" I glare at Syaoran and everyone sweat-drops knowing I was doing this to get back at Syaoran. Eron and I walk out of the classroom and Syaoran punches the wall out of frustration. Staring at the hole, bystanders were trying to figure out what caused such fury while the others were afraid to go near him.
"Dear Li-san, why don't you just apologize to her instead of showing normal people your true strength? Or challenging her to a fencing contest to relieve stress?" Eriol suggested glad he wasn't Eron or the source of Syaoran's anger.
"No! I'll do no such thing. I'm going to stand my ground." Everyone shakes their heads knowing how stubborn we can be.
"Sakura?" Eron says trying to get my attention. I snap out of my trance and see we are on the roof.
"Yes, Eron-kun?" I hope he doesn't notice that I was trying to find a way to challenge Syaoran.
"I was wondering if you forgot to speak since you looked like you were in some sort of trance." I look at my script and blush. Laughing Eron continues, "You were so funny when you were spacing out, I thought it was because of the script. Do you want to–" The bell rings and we get our scripts. "Well we can always try later." I nod also laughing.
As we entered the classroom, we see the class divided down the middle. Half the class was with Syaoran, Erika, Miho, and Tomoyo while the other half was with Eriol, Kai, Meilin, and Kaho Mizuki. Looking from Syaoran to Eriol to Eron, whom all seemed to know what this was about I get irritated. "What's going on here? Why is the class divided in two?" I finally ask as the bell rings, seeing no one moving.
No one answers my question and I start to get pissed. I go outside the classroom and release my staff. If no one will answer my questions then I'll force them. "Obedience, Libra, make all those inside this classroom tell me the truth and answer my questions!" The cards go inside the classroom and I return my staff to a key. "Now, why is the room divided in two and what is going on here?" This time I got Tomoyo to answer me.
"The class is divided in two because there is Team Li and Team Kinomoto. The people with Syaoran are on Team Li including me. People with Mizuki-sensei are on Team Kinomoto including you and I would think Eron-kun. So there is a big class rivalry going on because of the two original rivals in our group."
"Thank you. Return to your forms as cards, Libra, Obedience." Two pink cards come to my hands and I sit down at my desk, purely disgusted at what everyone was doing. Syaoran sitting at his desk tapped me on the shoulder. "I'm not going to acknowledge you as my rival; you are just so selfish that I'm not even going to speak to you after this moment until you apologize. In rehearsals, just remember that I'm acting." I sigh and look up at the board to see what our next class assignment is.
Mizuki-sensei was writing something in English and most of the class couldn't read it but I knew what she was writing. "Now, who can give me the answer to this question?"
Raising our hands both Syaoran and I say Libra at the same time. Mizuki-sensei nods and continues, "Now can you tell me what Libra would be used for? Li-kun?" Syaoran shakes his head so she turns to me.
"In some terms, Libra would be to make others tell the truth even if they don't want to."
"Very good. Do you understand the point I'm making Kinomoto-san?" I nod my head and she smiles again. "That's good to hear. For our next lesson we will be learning about the theories of magic. Now I know that this is a 'myth' and magic isn't real but I for one believe in it." The class groans with the exception of the gang.
I sit there trying to concentrate but Syaoran was badgering me with so many things that I lost it. "Dang It! Stop Bothering Me! I'm Trying To Learn! No One Wants To Hear An Apology From You! Get Out Of My Head Already." Realizing where I was, I look around the classroom and see almost everyone looking at me as if I went mad. "Sorry" I say sinking back into my seat when Mizuki-sensei came over and gave me permission to go to the infirmary.
I take a quick glance before I leave the room and see Syaoran still looking at me and I feel a little bad about earlier but then recalled this morning. Quickly shutting the door behind me, I run to the infirmary to get some rest. I lay on the bed falling asleep when I feel sorry about what I'd done.
Sometime later, Syaoran comes to the infirmary to see how I was doing and sees that I'm fast asleep. He sits on my bed and watches me for a little while. He noticed I was slightly flushed so he felt my forehead pulling it away immediately. Guess I really shouldn't've used my ofuda on her like I did. Good thing I can cool her fever down because of my training when I went back to Hong Kong. Placing his hand over my forehead, he chanted something in Chinese and I felt a lot better. Syaoran left after he cooled my fever and I woke up right before rehearsals began at 4:58 in the afternoon.
Running into the auditorium, I see that I was the last one to get there as usual.
"Sorry I'm late. I fell asleep and just woke up. Did I miss anything?" The gang shakes their head and I sigh. "Where do you want us to begin?"
"Sakura-chan, I was hoping you would start at the beginning with Eron-kun. But I was wondering…" Tomoyo looks away nervously and I get scared.
"Wondering what?"
"Wondering if you can use the Age to make yourselves five years old." I double-over for a second and she twiddles her thumbs. "It's only to make the play more authentic and we will say they were students from Tomoeda elementary. Please Sakura-chan, no one will know that it's the real you except for us." I look at the rest of my friends and they think that it's a good idea. Then I look at Eron who seems as displeased about the idea as I am.
"Well what do you think, Eron-kun? You would also be changing. It's only fair that you would get a say in it."
Eron looks away and mumbles something that I can't hear. He looks at me with sorrowful eyes; I feel helpless for him. "I can deal with it. I agree if you do use the Age card, though I may not change back to my normal age."
"What do you guys mean?" Rika asks from the chairs. Not understanding why we were talking about ages.
Ignoring her comment, I speak. "Do you have any unresolved issues at five that you want to talk about? I know what that feels like to stay in a body you don't like." Syaoran mutters "I know better than you do."
Eron shakes his head and I look at him closely. Shaking my head I agree to it. "So let me get my staff out. Key that hides the power of the Stars, I, Sakura, command you, Release." Grabbing hold of my staff, I take out my cards. Finding the Age was easy enough and I say, "Turn me and Eron into five year olds. Age!" A baby come out and sprinkled me and Eron with dust. When all the dust cleared, I was a short five year old girl with short brown hair and a large staff in my hands. Eron was the same height as me but with short violet hair and a frown on his face.
"Daidouji-san don't you dare bring that stupid camcorder out. I will personally destroy it without batting an eye." Eron hisses and everyone steps back a bit.
"Can we get started now? The sooner I get back to my normal age the better. I hate having to look up to everyone like this."
Kaho begins, "In a realm, there are three countries that have been at war for a long time. But the wars have ceased and now they all have an heir of their own, all the same age. The country of Stars was blessed with a princess while the countries of Darkness and Clow had princes. The country of Clow has stated that they will not let a person of another country have the hand of their prince; so the other two countries had decided that they would meet every summer as soon as they turned five years old.
I enter with Kaho/Mizuki-sensei and see Eron walking up towards us with Erika. "Hello there, my name is Sakura-hime. I hope we can be good friends." I held out my hand and Eron takes it and bows.
"Prince Eron. Nice to meet you, Princess Sakura. I can't wait to hang out with you all summer." Eron says, kissing my hand. Suddenly everything gets blurry and I pass out. I hear everyone gather around me but I can't open my eyes. Someone lifts me off the ground but I can't tell who and put me in a warm bed. I hear things like 'She's running a high fever' and 'What are we going to do?' but don't pay attention to them. I had no idea that the Age's effect was reversed and I was seventeen again. I fall deep asleep and have that nightmare again only this time it was much more vivid.
Three figures with cold murderous blue eyes all staring in a shower of cherry blossoms. I hear one of them saying "Were coming. Don't you dare think that you will escape from us. You and all your friends have met your match." Suddenly all of the cherry blossoms turn to flames as I ran towards them.
Bolting up, I realize I was dreaming. I find that I was soaking wet and I see its sweat. I look around and notice a familiar dent in the floor. The only place I know with a dent like this is Syaoran's room. But why would I be in Syaoran's room, if I passed out, I would be in the guest room where I was when I lived here so long ago. There was a knock on the door and I say come in. Eron walks in and seats on the bed.
"I was worried when you suddenly collapsed. Syaoran picked you up and took you here, don't see why though. I thought you two were still fighting?" Eron looks worried and I see that we're our normal ages.
"I don't know why. Suddenly everything went black like when the Dark card was used but it was only on me. It's almost as if a similar card to the Dark is out there running amuck. It will be bad if it gets out of hand. Any idea what this card could be?" I look around to see if I could feel a presence but nothing comes.
"Maybe but there have never been much about these kinds of sporadic dark forces. So I can't help you out much since we cast out most of the normal dark forces. I'm sorry us 'Dark Ones' can't be of much help to you anymore." Eron says with regret.
I walk towards Eron, who is dejected from not being able to help and wallowing to himself, and hug him. Eron places his arms around me and hugs me back quietly sobbing to himself. I'm happy that I'm able to do this much to comfort him, Eron is one of my best friends and it's sad that I can't do more for him.
"Thanks for always caring for me, Sakura." Eron says as he lets me go. I smile at what he said and follow Eron out of the room. The only one who was waiting for me was Tomoyo; Eriol, Kai, and Syaoran were in the guest room doing something totally different.
I walk towards the room but am blocked by one of Eriol's barriers. I smash my hand against the barrier but it doesn't break. Irritated, I use the Sword to cut through the stupid barrier to find out what the strongest and craziest magicians were up to. When the barrier went down, they looked up surprised to see me moving and using my magic.
"Hiragiizawa, I thought you said that she wouldn't be able to get in here. How are we going to keep this from her if she even sees inside the room? I knew we should have taken away her key while she was unconscious." Syaoran whispers to Eriol and I tilt my head.
"Well I thought that she wouldn't be able to use her powers anymore with that dark force still near." Eriol replies and they argue about it while I'm standing here very curious about what they're doing.
Once they're done arguing, Kai is dragging me away from the room and Eriol was casting some kind spell to hide the room from me and me alone. Syaoran was cooking dinner and didn't even say one word to me, almost like I was invisible to him.
I went home a little while later, escorted by Eron and watched by Kai. Almost as soon as I walked into the house, Touya came out expecting to see Syaoran but saw Eron instead. "What are you doing here?" Touya demanded somewhat more happy than usual with his interrogation.
"I escorted Sakura home. I don't see how that can be wrong or immoral at this time of night."
"Thank you Eron-kun, for walking me home. Onii-chan, we should get to bed so come with me." I say pulling Touya away from the door.
"Then I'll see you at school tomorrow?" Eron asked with a bit of hope in his voice.
Smiling I turn around "Of course I'll be at school tomorrow. We have classes and rehearsals." I say closing the door seeing Eron nodding at me happily.
I head to my room thinking about how kind Eron has been while Syaoran was being ridiculous once again. Eron has always been courteous to me even while we were enemies. I don't see why we can't become anything more than terrific friends. Closing my door, I change and say good night to Kero-chan.
The next three weeks were horrendous and Syaoran still wasn't talking to me. The class was divided and having bets on which one was going to give in and apologize first. The Chang twins weren't helping in the matter since they were the two people arguing the most about our fight.
"Eron, you're obviously not thinking straight. Clearly Sakura is going to be the one to break first. Syaoran is the most stubborn, crazy, cold-hearted person when he wants to be." Erika says during our free period.
"Erika, maybe you can't remember clearly but when it comes to Sakura, Syaoran is the most normal and kind-hearted. He will most definitely be the one to break first. Or have you forgotten that Sakura can be completely stubborn and she has much more will power than Li Syaoran ever has." Eron said and my 'team' all cheered. Erika just stared at her twin in complete and utter shock that he dared challenge Syaoran to a bet without actually saying it. Syaoran looked at Eron and nodded for a split second, making Eron smile at the acceptance of the bet.
At the end of the last rehearsals at nine o'clock after the final touches of the performance, Tomoyo applauds with joy. "That was wonderful. The best you guys have ever performed. I can't wait until the weekend when you will perform in front of a real audience. Congratulations, we are finished."
"Hurray! We're Finished!" Every single one of us screamed. I looked over at Syaoran who was still holding my hand from the final scene and he lets go immediately. I feel as if I have been dumped so I head over to the exit when someone taps my shoulder.
I turn around expecting to see Syaoran but see Eron instead. "Hey Eron, isn't it wonderful that we get to take a break." I say trying to mask my disappointment.
"Definitely great. Sorry if you didn't want to talk to me. You were expecting 'him' to be the one behind you. Mind if I take you home?" Eron asks slightly bemused.
"I was going to be going home with onii-chan but don't you want to take Erika home?" Eron slaps his head and mutters sorries. "It's okay." I say waving bye to Eron with some respect and get in the car with Touya.