Vixen:: Oh My...I got the cutest request in one of my Reviews...
Sakura:: What did it say?
Vixen:: That I keep Kero his normal sugar obsessed self. Adorable!
Sakura:: That gets me thinkin...How come Kero-chan isn't fat from eating all those cakes?
Vixen:: Well...you see...ummmm...I don't know. With his eating habits, he should be a big blob by now.
Kero:: (In another room) I heard that!
Vixen:: (whispers) No you didn't.
Syaoran:: (Walks in with chocolate ice cream)
Sakura:: (T.T) Syaoran too!
Syaoran:: What?
Vixen:: How do you and Kero both not gain weight from eating so much junk?
Syaoran:: (grins) Cause guys don't gain weight. We gain muscles. Girls on the other hand...
Vixen & Sakura:: :O Oh no you didn't!
Syaoran:: (continues to enjoy icey goodness) Oh I did.
Vixen:: (Angry) Get Him!
Syaoran:: Gotta Go! (poof)
Sakura:: (pouts) No fair. I was gonna steal his ice cream while you beat him up.
Vixen:: Ewwww... Well since I don't get to hit that Li Brat...Lets get on with the story.
Sakura:: Yay! Onward to Chapter 3 of...
Hidden Treasures!
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Sakura Kinomoto- 17 Syaoran Li- 20
Fujitaka Kinomoto- 47 Yelan Li- 45
Touya Kinomoto- 24 Eriol Hiiragizawa- 21
Sonomi Daidouji- 43 Meiling Li- 18
Tomoyo Daidouji- 18 Nakuru Akizuki/ Ruby Moon- 25
Naoko Yanagisawa- 19 Rika Sasaki- 18
Chiharu Miharu- 18 Yukito Tsukishiro- 25
(Do not worry. As the story progresses and new characters are added, I'll add their ages up here as well. So be on the watch.)
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(Previously)
That night, Eriol and Nakuru took the Li's private jet. Their destination? Tomoeda, Japan. Their mission was to find the Book and bring it, along with it's new owner, back with them to Hong Kong. They were expecting any and everything when they arrived. But what they didn't expect was to find the Keeper of the Book already waiting for them.
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(Tomoeda, Japan 10 am)
It was the day after Fujitaka had arrived home and gave Sakura her special gift. As a thank you, Sakura had decided the night before to throw her father a big Welcome Home Feast. But when she opened her refrigerator that morning to choose her ingredients, Sakura found no food. Just milk and some eggs.
"What? I just bought some food yesterday!" she mumbled angrily as she made her way upstairs to get dressed and to grab her small messenger bag. "Maybe I'll make a quick trip to the market. If I hurry, Dad won't even know I was gone." She thought out loud as she stuffed her new Book into her bag. Throwing her bag on the bed, she opened her closet and picked out a pair of faded jeans and a white tank. While she went to take a quick shower, a small yellow toy silently climbed in and made itself comfortable. A little while after, Sakura came out and dressed.
Slipping on a pair of flipflops and grabbing her bag, Sakura rushed down stairs. When she reached the front door she silently slid it open, not wanting to wake her father who had decided to sleep in.
It took Sakura only a few minutes to reach the market by foot. The Market was an opened area where merchants and farmers from all over japan came to sell their produce and other goods. It was The place to buy goods.
Sakura had been there for little over an hour and was just finishing up her shopping when Tomoyo appeared.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo squealed as she tackled Sakura.
Managing to escape Tomoyo's death grip, Sakura took a few steps away from the hyper girl. "Ohayo, Tomoyo. What are you doing here?"
"I came to buy some cinnamon for mama's tea. But they're all out." Tomoyo pouted but then smiled widely as an idea hit her. "Why don't you come with me to get some ice cream!"
"Tomoyo, I would love to but Otou-san should be awake by now. I should really get home." She explained as she tried to walk home. But Tomoyo was quick.
Tomoyo whipped out and grasped Sakura's arm in a death grip. "I insist." she replied. "Plus, I saw the stain on that dress I made you. You owe me." as Tomoyo dragged her down the street to the nearest Ice Cream Shop, Sakura was lost in her own thoughts.
"Well, some ice cream does sound nice." she thought. "Plus, I have this weird feeling I shouldn't go home right now. How strange."
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(Sakura's House)
While Tomoyo and Sakura were off enjoying ice cream, darkness befell the Kinomoto House. Just moments after Sakura had left that morning, a strange car had parked in front and had yet to move. In side, two dark figures planned their attack.
"I say we just barge in there and get the Book." Nakuru argued. It had been at least an hour and all they had down was fought. They had arrived in Japan early that morning and nearly took all day to find Kinomoto-san's House. They were tired, hungry, and now grumpy.
"No. We should use the element of surprise." Eriol explained.
Nakuru roll her eyes irritably. "Eriol, this isn't some stupid spy film. We don't need 'the element of surprise.' We should just walk in there, grab the Book and the Owner, and leave!"
Eriol sighed. "It's not that easy."
"It is that easy!" She screamed. "He's home alone and there's no witnesses in sight. Plus the announcer on the radio said that the power lines would be down in this district because of construction. It's perfect!"
He sighed again. "Whatever. Let's just get this over with. I'm tired and I want to sleep."
Nakuru grinned. "Then lets go kick ass."
They left their rental car parked out front and made their way to the front door. Knocking, they waited. When no one answered, they knocked again. This time a man in his late 30s early 40s answered.
"Hello." the man greeted as he smiled at the new comers.
Eriol smiled back. "Hello sir. I am Eriol Hiiragizawa and may I just say I'm a huge fan!" Eriol gushed as he grabbed Fujitaka's hand and shook it vigorously.
Fujitaka smiled even more. "Ahhh..a fan of history I see."
Nakuru looked at Eriol. 'A fan of History?' she thought. 'Yeah right.'
Eriol ignored her balant stares and nodded. "I am. I've read many of your books. I heard you had returned from your adventure in Egypt and just had to visit." he explained.
Nakuru rolled her eyes as Fujitaka bought the obvious lie.
"Well, I am honored to meet someone so interested in my line of work. Not many are." Fujitaka smiled.
'He just keeps smiling.' Nakuru observed. 'Kind of creepy.'
While Eriol and Fujitaka rambled on, Nakuru took a peek inside. It looked normal enough. There was a coat rack and a small waste bin by the door. The front hall led down and had three openings. The first one was closest to the front door and seemed to be a living room. Judging by the tile on the floor, the second door way was a kitchen. Across from the kitchen was a set of stairs leading up to the second story. 'Three bedrooms and two bath' Nakuru remembered. Before landing in Japan. Eriol had looked up the set up for Kinomoto-san's house. The prints seemed to be real. So far, it looked like a normal house. Or at least Nakuru thought so. One thing stumped her though. There were pictures covering the walls in the front hall. Most of them were of a young man and a seemingly younger girl.
'His kids maybe?' She asked herself.
When she returned her attention to Eriol, she noticed that Fujitaka was looking at her while Eriol rambled on. Turning back to look at Eriol, Fujitaka asked, "Would you nice people like to come in for some tea?"
Eriol was surprised by the man's outward question. How could someone just invite strangers into his house willingly?
Nakuru, seeing Eriol frozen, spoke first. "We'd very much like that, Kinomoto-san."
Fujitaka smiled as he led them into his home. "Just have a seat in the living room and I'll be right back with the tea." He said as he left them and walked in to the kitchen.
Sitting on a couch, Nakuru almost sighed in bliss. 'No more stiff air plane seats or hard car seats. Just nice cozy couches.'
Eriol took a quick seat beside her before directing his attention to the room they occupied. "He apparently has kids." He mumbled to himself.
Nakuru nodded as she relaxed more into the couch. "I noticed when I saw those pictures in the front hall."
Eriol looked at her. "Do you sense anything strange?" he asked her.
Nakuru sat up a bit at the question. "No. It's just a normal house. But..."
Eriol tensed. "But what?" he pestered.
Nakuru looked at him. "I can feel a small trace of power. Just a bit. I think it's coming from a room upstairs. It runs from the stairs all the way out the door."
Eriol nodded. "We'll need to check upstairs first then."
Nakuru shook her head. "What about Kinomoto-san? I mean he might have brought the Book here but I don't think he opened it."
Eriol sighed as he raked a hand through his already messy hair. "Maybe one of his children?" he asked as he looked at her.
She seemed to be contemplating this. "Maybe" she answered. "I'll need to check upstairs for the Book. I can't sense it but maybe some is covering it's tracks."
Eriol nodded and began to respond but quieted when Fujitaka walked in with the tea.
"Here. This will hit the spot." He smiled as he sat the tea on the table in front of the couch.
Eriol nodded as he grabbed a cup and poured himself some tea. "You have quite a nice house Kinomoto-san."
"Why thank you. I've lived here since my oldest was born." he replied faintly as he poured a cup himself.
"You have kids?" Nakuru asked as she followed the men's example and poured herself some as well.
Fujitaka smiled her way. "Yes, I have two. I wouldn't expect you to know since I strictly keep my business separate from my personal life." he stated as he sipped his tea.
A phone rung in the other room and Fujitaka excused himself. When he had left the room, Eriol turned to his cup resting in the table. There was still a bit more than half left and Eriol would need it. Reaching into his jeans pocket, he pulled out a small packet.
Nakuru eyes widened as she watched him pour the packet's contents into Kinomoto-san's tea. "What are you doing?" she hissed.
Eriol lokked at her before stuffing the empty packet back into his pocket. "I'm bringing the Book's owner with us." he calmly stated.
She shook her head. "But I thought we agreed that he wasn't the owner." She argued.
Eriol shook his head at her. "If you had payed any attention, you'd notice that there is a small magical presence around him. I think he is the owner." he responded.
Nakuru rolled her eyes. "Whatever. But when we get back and Syaoran punishes you for bringing the wrong person, don't come whining to me." she mumbled turning around to finish her own tea.
Eriol rolled his eyes. "Won't happen because I'm not worng."
Fujitaka returned not too long after their argument ended.
"Sorry." he smiled apologetically. "I had to take that call."
Eriol, being nosy, asked, "Business?"
Fujitaka laughed. "Everything is business." he said jokingly.
Eriol laughed as well, while Nakuru just looked at the two men. Clearly not getting it.
Fujitaka and Eriol talked some more while they finished their tea. It saddened Nakuru to see Fujitaka finish his. He seemed like a nice man. It was just a shame he had to cross paths with the Book of Clow.
Fujitaka had just finished his tea when he abruptly stood up. "I'm terribly sorry but I'm suddenly feeling unwell. Here, I'll escort you to the door." He said as his guests stood as well. He made it to the front hall before flopping down in a chair. "I feel so tired.." he mumbled as his eyes started to slip close.
Eriol winked at Nakuru and then walked over to stand by Fujitaka. "Maybe you should take a nap, Kinomoto-san." he whispered softly.
Fujitaka nodded his head weakly before leaning his head to rest on the wall. "Yes. A nap sounds quite well." He mumbled as his eyes closed completely.
When he was sure Fujitaka was asleep, Eriol turned to Nakuru. "You go upstairs and look for the book. I'm going to go find some rope to ty him up." He said as he walked towards the kitchen. Nakuru took one last look at Fujitaka's sleeping figure before turning and bounding up the stairs. Upstairs there were 5 doors. Making her way though the first three, Nakuru found Kinomoto-san's bedroom, a bathroom, and another bedroom. However, while Fujitaka's looked lived in, this bedroom looked almost abandoned. Just a bed, a small dresser and a few boxes. Exiting and continuing to the next door, she found another bathroom. This one packed with makeup, many hair products, and other girly things. Not even bothering to look through that mess, Nakuru moved on to the last door. Opening it, she was almost over come with the power coming form within. Stepping inside, she saw a freshly made bed, a small dresser and a few items of clothing strewn about. She searched the room but found no book. All she found was a few school report cards and a dust bunny hiding behind the door. Giving up, she made her way downstairs.
When she stepped into the front hall, her eyes flew to Eriol who had some how tangled himself in the rope. Untangling him, she began to bind the unconscious man. Eriol watched her until she was done. Looking at her, he could see the disappointment in her eyes.
"Where's the Book?" he asked.
Nakuru couldn't look at him as she whispered. "It's not here."
He exploded. "What do you mean it's not here? It has to be!"
Nakuru to her chances and took a quick peek. Eriol looked like he was about to literally explode.
She sighed. "It was here. But it's not right now."
Eriol swept a hand through his hair, sighing as well. "Well let's get back."
Nakuru spun to look at him. "What about the Book?"
Eriol just looked at her. "If he's the Keeper, the Book will come. And even if he's not, when could always trade him for the Book." He muttered as he hooked his arms around Fujitaka's. "Now help me get him to the car."
With Nakuru's help, they managed to get Fujitaka into the car. While Eriol walked around to the driver's side to get in, Nakuru took one last look at the house. Tearing her eyes away from the house, she slid into the car and Eriol quickly sped away.
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(Nearby)
During the time that Fujitaka had invited the strangers in and was kidnapped, Sakura had been tortured. Tomoyo, after harshly yelling at her for staining her favorite dress, had forced Sakura to pay for their ice creams as punishment. After ice cream, Sakura had tried her best to run to freedom when Naoko and Chiharu had arrived and she was forced to buy them ice cream as well. Then they had excitedly gossiped with Tomoyo and poor Sakura was forced to listen. But she did find out a few interesting thing. Like how one of her old friends, Rika Sasaki, was now engaged to their former elementary teacher, . Rika had always had a crush on Mr. Terada but to actually discover that they were now engaged came as a true surprise to Sakura.
'Where was I while all of this happened?' Sakura wondered as she sat there, listening to Tomoyo go on and on about her new designs.
Finally, Tomoyo and the rest of her friends had to leave. Sakura loved them to death and was glad to have them as friends but that didn't stop the little dance she did in her head when they were finally gone.
Sakura immediately started home after they left. Not wanting to stick around and have one of them come back. Sakura was almost home when a strange feeling hit her. It made her dizzy and she had to stop at at crosswalk to calm herself. No sooner had she stopped, a slick black car raced by. Sakura gasped in surprise. If she hadn't of stopped, she could have been ran over! Cautiously looking both way before crossing, Sakura ran the rest of the way to her house. When she reached her road she instantly noticed the difference. It was quiet on Crescent Moon Lane. No dogs barking. No cars passing through. Not even a bird chirping. It was just...quiet. Reaching her house, she quickly slid inside. Hanging her bag on the coat rack, she slid her shoes off and made her way into the kitchen to make some tea. Noticing the odd silence in her house, Sakura stepped back out into the front hall. The house felt somehow different to her. Making her way into the living room, Sakura noticed the tea set on the table. There were three cups set out so apparently her father had had guests while she was gone.
'Speaking of my father...' She thought. 'Where is he?' She had seen his shoes by the door so she knew he had to be there.
Thinking he might be upstairs, Sakura calmed herself before climbing the stairs. They creaked noisily below her feet. Stepping onto the landing, she looked around. Everything seemed normal. Stepping into her father's room, she noticed it was empty. The fear started to seep in as she quickly checked each room. Lastly, she reached her room. She was frightened. What might be waiting for her behind her door? Taking a deep breath, she turned the know and threw the door open. The door connected with the wall with a bang. Looking in, Sakura held back a gasp. Her room was a mess.
'But it was clean when I left.' she panicked. The wind blew outside, making the house creak and moan. Rushing down the hall and down the stairs, Sakura made a dash for the phone in the kitchen. Dialing a few numbers, Sakura nervously waited until someone picked up.
"Hello?"
Sakura felt tears fill her eyes, some escaping and dripping down her face. "Tomoyo-chan!" she sobbed into the phone.
"Sakura? What's wrong?" Tomoyo asked worried.
Sakura cried harder. "T-they..I-I...C-Come get m-m-me."
"Where are you?" Tomoyo asked, already slipping on her shoes and making her way to the limo in her driveway.
"M-M-My H-House." Sakura cried as she slowly slid to to the floor.
Tomoyo nodded to herself then replied. "I'll be there soon. Just stay there." she hung up.
Sakura sat there curled in a ball on the floor as the house continued to make noise. She could barely see the setting sun through the kitchen window.
"Tomoyo-chan. Hurry." she whispered as she hugged herself tighter.
Soon the sun set and Sakura lost herself the darkness.
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Vixen:: (yawn) Well it's like 4 in the morning so I'm going to bed.
Eriol:: Don't forget the Reviews Vixen-sama.
Vixen:: Oh yeah...just three this time.
Kero:: That's right People! 3 Reviews and the future shall be revealed!
Vixen:: To make things fun. The Third reviewer get Kero-chan. =)
Kero:: (O.O) Nani?
Vixen:: Yeah. The Lucky Third Person To Review Gets Kero-chan. Well good night guys.
And don't forget to review!
Bye!