Chapter 13 Life Training

Ryu, Sakura, Kenishiro and Shiho made their way towards the hospital. There they were surprised to have met up with the Principal. There was a grave expression on his face. They didn't need to be told what had happened. It seemed that the heart attack proved to be really grave that it became fatal in a couple of days. It was a heavy loss. Even if they had just met Narumi Seiji a short while back, their respect towards the man ran deep. Their admiration and respect towards him was real. They knew that they would never forget the things he had taught them and how he had touched their lives in a big way.

The Principal finally introduced them to Naruhito. They were told that he was the eldest among Narumi's six children. They estimated his age to be around mid-forty's. He greatly reminded them of Narumi. But it was clear that the sudden death of Narumi took its toll on him and the rest of the family. They paid their last respects before the Principal and Naruhito ushered them to proceed with their duties.

The four decided to separate so that they could cover more ground. Armed with their cameras, they went around started to check on the others as they were fulfilling their individual missions for that morning. As Sakura walked down the streets, she saw Shaoran and another senior class president. They seem to have already gathered what they needed and were on their way to the glass sculpting shop. Sakura smiled as she took a picture. They didn't seem to notice. Sakura smiled again and called out, "Hey guys! Wait up!"

They turned towards her. They were surprised actually to see her.

Sakura smiled as she ran up to meet with them. "So? How's it going? You two doing ok?" She asked.

"Try lost." Shaoran commented.

Sakura was a little taken aback. "Lost? But you were never like not good with directions…you seriously can't find the glass sculpting shop?" Sakura teased.

Shaoran smirked. "Very funny but I was kinda going for not knowing why the hell we are subjected to glass sculpting when we are supposed to be having a leadership training." Shaoran answered.

Sakura laughed. "I was just playing around, Shaoran, geez. Bite my head off will you? You know if you don't loosen up, you'll grow old early." She said. "But anyway, don't worry. We've anticipated that you guys would be feeling that. We know exactly how that feels. We went through that sort of thing, remember? Just do the things that you guys have been tasked with and you will eventually know that it's not for nothing." Sakura added as she smiled at them.

"Sakura, can I ask you something?" The senior president said. Sakura turned to him and nodded. "I know this is not a game and you guys wouldn't be playing us. But how come the class presidents are subjected to sifting through trash to get glass to make something, while the vice presidents have to create fans using gold leaves, secretaries become electricians and treasurers into shrine cleaners or something?"

Sakura smiled and walked towards him. She then took some bottles from him. She then lifted it up and let the sun's rays run through it. Sakura squinted and smiled. She then said as she was studying the piece of glass, "Sometimes when we see things in new light, we get blinded by it. We either close our eyes or continue looking foolishly. Those who close their eyes follow their initial reactions and well they miss something that they could have seen if only they looked. Those who continue to look foolishly maybe considered fools for awhile but then they discover this hidden treasure that truly opens their eyes."

Sakura smiled and gave the bottle back. She then said, "We are not forcing you to proceed. As a matter of fact, it's ok if you don't finish this mission. That is your choice. Just be prepared to live the path you choose because once it's chosen, you cannot turn back. It would be a shame though if you don't discover the meaning for yourself though it might also mean that you are not ready. Either way, it's really ok. I guess it all boils down to the fact that there are things which I cannot answer for you and the answers you are looking for will come at the right time."

He looked at Sakura. He was rather speechless. He took the bottle back. Sakura smiled at him. "Well, if you guys don't need me to show you where to go or if you don't have any more questions, I guess I better be going. I need to check on the others as well." Sakura said. She smiled at them and turned to leave.

"Hey, Sakura." Shaoran then said. Sakura stopped and turned to face him. He smirked and said, "I've got one last question." Sakura turned to him. She somewhat felt that she knew that he had something under his sleeve. Shaoran approached her and said, "When this is over, will I eventually understand why I'm feeling that I'm losing my best friend?" He said it in a low voice so that only Sakura would hear.

Sakura bit her lip but forced herself to smile. "Get back to work, Shaoran. I can't cover your ass if you don't make the deadline. I can't authorize an extension." She answered.

Shaoran smirked. "I thought you'd give me a 'cryptic' answer as well. But I guess it's asking too much." He said.

Sakura laughed but replied, "Not a chance." But then she answered in a low voice so that he'd be the only one to hear, "You're still my best friend and nothing can ever change that. You just tend to think too much that you blow things out of proportion." Shaoran smirked.

Sakura smiled at them and left. She started to make her way towards a different direction than what they were supposed to take. As she walked down the street, she wasn't sure if she had done the right thing. Shaoran's question struck her. She knew that Shaoran was a very sharp, intelligent person and it was his specialty to spot that sort of thing. She couldn't help but wonder how long he had been thinking that. But still it made her smile. Shaoran hadn't really confronted her the way she had expected. He was less than hostile about it. He had actually allowed the space between them. It seemed that he had given her the liberty to distance herself a little with all the things that were happening. She shook her head. It wasn't the time to start thinking about it. She had other things at hand that she needed to deal with before she could allow herself to her thoughts.

By noon, all of the officers seemed to have finished what they were tasked to do. Sakura and the others could see that they were pretty worn out from the morning's adventures and misadventures. They smiled at them and told them that they had an hour to freshen up and get things together before the afternoon's activity was to begin. Some really hated the idea that they were once again left in the dark while others were just relieved that the morning's activities were over. It somewhat made them a little anxious on what they should expect for the remainder of the training camp. Some dreaded the thought that maybe they were going to exchange jobs. The student council hid their smiles and laughter. They didn't know that later that day they would be taken by surprise as well.

At one, the student council had all of them meet in one place. Ryu then said, "Alright then. Now please group yourselves according to your year and section or club."

Scuffling was heard for awhile coupled with murmurs from the crowd. They wondered what they were going to be subjected to this time. Ryu then stood in front of the seniors' group, Sakura with the juniors, Shiho with the freshmen and Kenishiro with the clubs respectively. Ryu then said, "Ok. Now you guys have to create a lamp per class or club. The catch here is that every one of you must be able to apply the things that you have learned this morning. It must be seen in the outcome. The materials will be given to you but how to do it will be purely up to you guys."

As the student council was giving out the materials per group, they began to ask, "Why do we have to make a lamp now?" Ryu and the others smiled at them and kept saying that they would understand when it was all over. Some were really frustrated with the vague answers coming from the student council members. But they had no choice but to comply.

The student council allowed them to find their work space and when they were certain that everyone was working, they started doing the rounds. They smiled inwardly as they saw that all were coming up with impressive work. It was a pleasing thought that they were still giving their very best amidst all the frustrations.

By six, all lamps were in. One by one, they presented their work to be sure that it was actually working and that all had contributed to it. As each group finished their task, they were given the time to relax and do whatever they wished until they were called again for the last agenda of the day. As the last group left the room and the student council was wrapping things up, Naruhito joined them. They honestly hadn't expected him there especially in the advent on his father's death.

"Seiji-san. Forgive me for saying this but…is it really alright if you come here now?" Sakura asked.

He gave her a sad smile. He then said, "This was my father's last wish. This is my father's legacy. It is an honor to be here in his name. I will finish what he had started. Now, if you all would be so kind enough to ready yourselves, eat something and I will meet all off you outside at exactly seven pm." He then went on to talk with the Principal.

Ryu, Sakura, Shiho and Kenishiro looked at each other. They didn't say anything as they resigned to the request. They excused themselves and left to tell the others and prepare themselves as well. They had no idea what was going on. It wasn't part of the original plan.

Sakura had a bad feeling about what they were about to do. She had this feeling, the same feeling that her brother would always make her feel whenever he would tease her as a kid. Secret shivers ran through her spine. She told herself that she was being silly. She was almost an adult. She shouldn't let childhood fears bother her anymore. She kept it all to herself. She hadn't noticed though that Shaoran was studying her movements ever since he thought he saw her body register fear that he was all too familiar with at a glance. He decided to keep an eye on her just in case.

As they all gathered outside the Inn, Naruhito and the Principal went in front of the group. They then divided the group into two. They divided the group randomly. Sakura, Shaoran, Rika found themselves in one group with several others while Ryu, Shiho, Kenishiro were grouped in the other.

Naruhito or the Principal didn't offer an explanation as they ushered the group into different directions. Naruhito took charge of Sakura's group. Naruhito led them to this big, dark cave by the sea shore. Sakura gulped inwardly. She never did like big and dark places especially if there were some folklore surrounding them. No one seemed to notice her agitation aside from Shaoran.

Naruhito then spoke up. "Listen everyone. You will be paired randomly. You are to enter this cave. You will need to place these candles at the shrine at the end of this tunnel. Then come back out to let the next pair enter. Once we've done, we will all enter and I will take you at another end of this shrine, to a place by the sea to tell you its secrets."

He then looked at Sakura. "Kinomoto-chan, if you please…" Sakura looked at him quite surprised. "Is there a problem?" He asked.

"Ah no, no. Um…alright…" Sakura answered as she stepped forward. She took a deep breath and was almost reluctant to enter but she knew that she had to go…to top it all off…she just had to go first…

Suddenly she felt someone take her hand. She turned around and was surprised to see Shaoran. He had grabbed her hand. He quickly asked Naruhito, "It is alright if I'm her partner, right? You did say that it's a random thing."

Naruhito gave a nod. Shaoran then started to lead the way, pulling Sakura along. "Hey…wait…Shaoran…" Sakura said but it was no use so she allowed him to drag her along.

The further they went inside the cave, the darker it became. They were both silent. Shaoran knew that Sakura was really uncomfortable about it. He was about to say something but then he heard Sakura say, "Hey, thanks…for volunteering in accompanying me inside this cave…it kinda gives me the creeps."

"Yeah I know. You've been agitated since we left the Inn. It's not too hard to figure that one out. You know you really shouldn't let your brother's teasing get to you like this." Shaoran answered. He then heard her laugh a little as they both grew silent again.

Armed with only a flashlight and unlit candles that were to be lit and left at the shrine, the darkness seemed daunting as well as the silence. Shaoran then decided to say, "I heard you started figure skating and ballet. It's pretty cool."

"Oh that." Sakura said and paused a little bit but then proceeded on to say, "I just thought of trying something new. It's not too bad. I'm starting to discover this part of myself that I never thought I could do before like being able to perform in front of thousands of people by myself and have the confidence to make those hard figure skating routines, that sort of thing. As for ballet, well I don't know how to feel about that just yet."

Shaoran then remembered the day that he went with Tomoyo to watch Sakura skate. She really good and it was simply amazing to watch her perform. What did he expect anyway? Sakura was always very athletic. But he did have to admit that she was really good for a beginner.

"So, I know it's not any of my business but…how are you and Rika-san doing? I hope you guys aren't having any problems or anything." Sakura said which brought Shaoran back to reality.

"We're ok."

"Ok? Just ok? You know you can really be a little too vague some-" Sakura said but suddenly stopped. Shaoran felt that she was no longer holding his hand.

He turned and directed the light at her. "Sakura, are you-" Shaoran started to ask but then his eyes flew wide open when he was what had tripped Sakura.

She seemed to haven't seen it yet. He quickly covered her eyes with one of his hands. "Hey, what's that for? If you hadn't noticed I can barely see with the flashlight, thanks for taking all of my vision." Sakura said sarcastically.

Shaoran was a little uncertain about things. Suddenly he started to feel that there was something definitely wrong with how it felt around them.

"Shaoran…please…don't do this…you're scaring me…" Sakura then said when Shaoran didn't answer her.

Shaoran knew that she was afraid. It was very clear in her voice. He embraced her, careful not to let the light touch near where they were. "Sakura, don't be afraid. I'm here. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." He whispered.

Sakura could tell from his voice that there was something definitely wrong from his voice. She then started to feel around her. To her surprise she started to feel this hand. It was cold. It didn't seem real but it sent goose bumps all over her body. "Shaoran…tell me I tripped on a rock or a piece of log…please…because I can feel a slight dampness and I think I can touch a h..ha…hand…" Sakura said as her voice faltered with fear.

Damn. Shaoran thought as he let go of Sakura a little bit. He then started to help her up when he saw Sakura's face register shock from seeing something behind him. From out of nowhere a man's face emerged. His eyes were bulgy and red-shot. His facial hair added to his gruesome look. Hair wild and everything.

"Watch out!" Sakura shouted.

(to be continued…)

Maybe it's a little shorter than the rest but I just had to cut it there. Hehe. Please do review. Thanks.

Michiko