"So let's state the facts here: the book of Sakura is based on the existence of stars, and uses a combination of the Mystes and outer sources of flame. The book contains 53 cards, which each performs a unique action. It also has two guardians that are sun and moon based. This Hougu was originally created by a man named Clow Reed, and is a dream-seer. Does that all sound right to you, Kinomoto?" Shana queried, listing off the things they established in Satou's house.
"That's all that I know of. But, how do flame affect Hougus and Mystes so much? The magic I use is just how much I could control at a given time." Sakura Kinomoto, age 14, asked. She had already summoned Yue and Keroberos, and shown their true forms. According to Margery Daw, they were just an extension to the books powers and nothing was particularly important. The cards were also found to be embedded with complex Jiziahou, which Margery insinuated that was for the card's unique traits.
"Like we told you earlier Sakura-san, flame is the basis of existence, and Mystes are created when Hougu interact with a person's flame," Yuji commented, and noticed that there was suddenly a light pink Unrestricted Spell flowing from Sakura to her book. "Margery-san, is this the proof we are looking for to say that Sakura and the book's Flame is shared?" pointing at the new spell flowing across the table.
"Hmm?" somehow without anyone noticing Margery was already showing a tinge of pink on her cheeks, while holding a glass with a bottle of unidentifiable wine beside her. "Oh, this." She grasped the Jizaihou and pulled out a copy of it, and started an analysis of the code.
"Hey, Satou, go fetch me another bottle of what ever I just had, and quick," as she downed the glass with one swift motion.
Sakura, new to the group, was the least to say shocked at the mature Flame Haze's drinking habit, but looking around, she realized that the boy named Satou had left with no complaints and everyone else seemed indifferent.
I guess Margery Daw is a heavy drinker then, she thought to herself. She looked at Yukito and Kero, which the latter had fallen sleepy and lied down in Yukito's lap.
On the other hand, Shana began thinking about what to do with Kinomoto Sakura now. If she left her alone, not only would she lose a potential ally (and she knew now how helpful they are in the long run) but also lose the Mystes and Hougu to the hands of the Bal Masqué. However, she did not know yet how capable she was.
"Sakura, for now let us see your abilities."
"Hoe? But Shana-san, do we do it here? Shouldn't we move elsewhere?" After all, many of her cards abilities were quite destructive, The Hope more so than the others.
"Of course." Shana intoned. "Hey, Margery, you're finished with the scanning right? We'll be taking our leave now, so you can end them now."
Pouring another glass of wine, the Chanter of Elegies waved her hand as if shooing away the Unrestricted Spells and ended them before replying, "Go ahead," and continued in downing another glass. Shana, Sakura, Yuji, and Yukito, who had Kero-chan on his shoulder, got up and began to leave. In the hallway, they found Satou carrying another bottle of spirits (no, not souls and ghosts, the other one) and the four gave them their goodbyes.
As Yuji watched Keisaku closed the door, Sakura innocently asked, "Shana-san, is Margery-san always like that? I-I mean, does she always order around Satou-san for everything she needs?"
As Shana walked down the street, she glanced at Yuji, then Sakura, and grumbled; "She's always like that, and that human does that out of his own free will."
"Hoe?" Sakura realized that out of all the people there, Satou seemed to be the only one without any powers, and wondered how he learned of the Crimson Realm and its inhabitants. But still, am I really a Mystes? It just doesn't seem quite right, Sakura thought to herself. "Ne, Shana-san, Sakai-san, where exactly are we going?"
Yuji smiled back at her reassuringly. "We're going to the riverside, since it's less crowded there and quiet." Sakura nodded, showing some recognition. In the end, it was much less stressful talking to Sakai-san for Sakura. After all, Shana naturally had an intimidating aura and her way of speech was not very warm in general, as if she would snap at one at any given moment. Her grip around her star key tightened and she quickened her pace to keep up.
The trio finally arrived at the hill where Yuji and Shana usually performed their training. That night it happened to be a full moon, which casted shadows across the plain area. They paused at a spot, and Shana motioned for Yuji to back away.
"Now, let's begin Sakura," Shana called to the middle-schooler as a familiar red light tinted the area around them.
A/N: Okay, so to let everyone know, this is more of a Shana-verse fic than a Sakura one (implying that it includes all of CLAMP's works), and I realized that I should have done the category list in relevance, not alphabetical order. Since Shana's world is a bit less complex than CLAMP's, I will be sticking to Flame and such (really, I think that if I were to add Yuuko and the people of the Clow kingdom, this plot would implode on itself).
Why do I feel like the ending is now totally predictable… And oh dear, I forgot about Carmel-san! Oops… But don't worry! She shall come (eventually). Hopefully I can update soon.
End of author's blabbering.
Read and review please!
As of 5/4/12, this story has been declared dead. Adoption is up, please PM me.