Konnichiwa Minna-san
Konnichiwa Minna-san! I'm back with chapter sixteen. I don't really have any author's notes for this chapter. So I'll let you start reading right after the disclaimer.
Disclaimer: CLAMP owns Cardcaptor Sakura and the characters including Akane-chan.
Happy reading!
Chapter Sixteen: New Friends and Old Acquaintances
Yue was feeling very well rested when he woke the next morning. The headache he had had for at least a week was gone and for the first time since the separation he felt his full strength.
"Good morning Yue-sama," Dream said as Yue sat up, "How are you feeling?"
"Better than I have in a while," Yue answered, "You may return to your card form."
"Thank you, Yue-sama," Dream said as she returned to the book.
"No," Yue said smiling lightly, "Thank you."
"Ooh, ooh, I want chocolate pudding today," Cerberus said, "Then vanilla tomorrow…and…um…oh yeah cherry gelatin…and cake!"
"Now Cerberus you can't eat all of that,' Fugitaka said.
"You would be surprised,"
"Yue!" Cerberus cried, "You're up already? I wasn't expecting to see you for another day or two."
"Good morning to you too, oniisan," Yue said listlessly.
"You're looking well this morning," Fugitaka said.
"Thank you," Yue said, "I'm feeling better than I have in a few weeks."
"That's good," Fugitaka said, "Sakura-san will be happy. She was very worried about you. Now, what would you boys like for breakfast?"
"Ooh, ooh pancakes, pancakes!" Cerberus called, 'I want pancakes!"
"Is that alright with you, Yue-kun?" Fugitaka asked.
"Would it be possible to make them without milk?" Yue asked, "I'm lactose intolerant."
"I know of your allergy," Fugitaka said, "I can make a batch using soy and a batch using milk."
"Me first!" Cerberus cried, "Me first!"
"Shut up oniisan," Yue said, "When was the last time you ate something?"
"Uh…when Sakura had breakfast," Cerberus said,
"Oniisan, It's been a few days since I've had a decent meal," Yue said.
"Cerberus," Fugitaka said "I'm going to make Yue-kun's breakfast first."
"Yue always gets the special treatment!" Cerberus cried, "It is true the youngest always gets spoiled!"
"Oniisan, stop acting like a child," Yue said.
"Well, the Yue we all know and love is back," Cerberus said,
"What in the world is that supposed to mean?" Yue asked.
"Well, you just woke up and you're in a bad mood," Cerberus said, "I missed that side of you."
Yue sighed as Fugitaka placed a plate of pancakes in front of him, "Thank you," he said.
"Yue-kun, after I left the other day, how long was it until you lost consciousness?" Fugitaka asked.
"Not even five minutes," Cerberus said, "Then he scared me half to death by falling down the stairs."
"I don't remember that," Yue said as he picked up another piece of pancake with his fork.
"Of course you don't," Cerberus said, "That was after you fell unconscious. Yue, you have no idea how worried I was. You're temperature was the highest it had ever been your magic was growing weaker by the minute then at one point you…" Cerberus' voice dropped, "you nearly died…"
"Oniisan…" Yue said quietly "I'm alright now. I survived the fever, thanks to Sakura-chan…"
"Yue-kun," Fugitaka said "Would you mind getting the paper, Sakura-san forgot this morning."
"Hai," Yue said as he left the room.
"You made him leave the room on purpose," Cerberus said.
"Pardon me for asking but, do you think that Yue-kun is weak?" Fugitaka asked, "Please give me an honest answer."
"Yue is one of the strongest people I know," Cerberus said. Yue, who was just about to slide open the door, froze. "He has faced more hardships than the rest of us have combined. Then he managed to face them with a sense of grace that only Yue can pull off. Yue knew that when he ended the final judgment he would sever his ties to Clow's magic and he would start relying on Sakura's power. He also knew that Sakura's magic wasn't nearly enough to sustain him. Yue knew that there was a good chance that he would die before Sakura transformed all of the cards." Cerberus paused, "One last thing, Yue should not have lasted the amount of time he did. Yue had enough magic to last about two maybe three months after the judgment yet he lasted eight. Yue has an iron will that I can only dream of having."
Yue stood in a daze, his hand centimeters from the door handle. He couldn't believe what he had just overheard. Then the door slid open and Yue was shocked out of his daze.
"Sorry about that Yue-kun," Fugitaka said.
"No it's alright," Yue said after a few moments.
"Are you alright?" Cerberus asked, "You looked kinda dazed."
Yue smiled lightly, "I'm alright oniisan," Yue said as he walked back into the kitchen.
'Yue,' Cerberus thought, 'What are you hiding?'
"Your breakfast is ready," Fugitaka called.
Cerberus remained in the living room, his gaze focused on the wall in front of him. Then he found himself face to face with Yue. "Huh…what…?"
"And you say that I am slow in morning," Yue said, "We called you for breakfast four times already."
"I'm coming," Cerberus said, "And you are slow in the morning, you just won't admit it." He then flew over to Yue's head, "What are you hiding?"
"Nothing," Yue answered.
"Don't lie," Cerberus said, "You heard me didn't you? Please, do not forget what you have just heard."
Yue nodded and walked back into the kitchen again.
"So, I see you have finally decided to finish your breakfast." Fugitaka said he then turned to Yue, "Yue-kun are you aware of the reason why you where sick?" Yue shook his head, "There were people who were weakening your defenses through your dreams."
"I didn't think that such a thing was possible." Yue said.
"It is possible," Fugitaka said, "But you need not worry about that anymore, they have been stopped." He paused, "Just remember Yue, anything is possible in the world of magic, you of all people should know that."
Yue nodded again, "May I be excused?" He asked as he stood up from the table with the empty plate in his hand.
"You don't have to ask Yue-kun," Fugitaka said, "But yes you may be excused."
"Thank you," Yue said as he put his plate in the sink then headed to Sakura's room.
When Yue entered Sakura's room Cerberus was playing video games and eating his breakfast.
"What are you playing?" Yue asked.
"Panel de Pon," Cerberus said, "Why?"
"It looks interesting,"
"Do you want to play me?"
"What in the world does that mean?"
"Do you want to try and beat me?" Cerberus asked.
Yue cautiously picked up the other controller, "Show me how to play and I'll try."
"All right!" Cerberus yelled, "Let's watch the instructional video!" After they watched the video Cerberus put the game in multiplayer versus mode, "Are you ready to lose?"
"Eh!" Cerberus cried as the stack on his side of the screen hit the top, "How…how did you beat me? That was just a fluke, let's play again and this time you get so lucky."
After losing yet another match Cerberus was outraged, "Beginner's luck Yue, beginner's luck."
"You're not paying enough to the blocks," Yue said, "there were several times where you could have beaten me but you focus on your score too much."
"Let's play again!"
When Sakura came home from her rehearsal Cerberus was pouting over a bowl of ice cream.
"What's wrong Kero-chan?" Sakura asked.
"Yue beat me at Panel de Pon fourteen times!" Cerberus cried, "And we only played fourteen matches!"
"Where is Yue-kun?"
"He's in your room beating all my records in Panel de Pon."
"How is Yue-kun feeling?"
"Oh he's fine," Cerberus said as he took a large bite of ice cream, "He's back to his usual 'I hate mornings' and 'I'm just gonna criticize everyone,' attitudes."
"Thanks Kero-chan," Sakura said as he walked out of the kitchen.
"Everyone likes Yue better than me!"
Sakura walked into her room as Yue was putting the video games away.
"Welcome home Sakura-chan," Yue said, "How was your rehearsal?"
"It was good," Sakura said, "How are you feeling today?"
"I'm at full strength for the first time in quite some time," Yue said, "I'm fine now."
"That's good," Sakura said, "Oh do you want to go shopping later on?"
"Who else is going?" Yue asked.
"Tomoyo-chan, Rika-chan, Yamazaki-kun, and Chiharu-chan," Sakura said.
"Sakura-san there is someone here to see you." Fugitaka called
"Tomoyo-chan?" Yue asked.
"No Tomoyo-chan had to go home first," Sakura said as she went into the living room followed by Yue.
"Kinomoto-san!"
"Meiling-chan?" Sakura said as the Chinese girl threw herself at the surprised Japanese girl, "What's wrong?"
"I couldn't stay there anymore, I just couldn't," Meiling cried, "There's something wrong with Syaoran! He called me yesterday muttering something along the lines of 'I have failed to kill the judge.' Then what really scared me was he mentioned your name and I decided to come here as soon as I could."
"Calm down Meiling-chan," Sakura said, "Yue-kun and I are alright. Don't worry about it, you can stay as long as you need to."
"Thank you so much Kinomoto-san," Meiling said.
"Please Meiling-chan, we've been friends for a long time," Sakura said, "Call me Sakura."
"Arigato, Sakura-san."
"Oh do you want to come shopping with Tomoyo-chan, Chiharu-chan, Yamazaki-kun, Rika-chan, Yue-kun and I?" Sakura asked as she picked up Meiling's bags.
"Really?" Meiling asked
"Sure," Sakura said, "The more the merrier. Just let me change and figure out what to do with Yue-kun's appearance."
"So where's the bath sponge?" She asked Yue.
"Hey, who are you calling a bath sponge?" Cerberus said, "So where is the Ku-"
Yue placed his hand over Cerberus' mouth, 'Oniisan don't, she's upset."
"Is that anyway to greet a guest?" Meiling yelled, "I guess Clow Reed Never taught you any manners, bath sponge."
Yue sighed and glanced at the floor.
"What's wrong with him?" Meiling asked.
"He hasn't gotten over Clow yet," Cerberus said, "He's still sensitive to stuff like that."
"Knock it off Oniisan," Yue snapped.
"What's going on here?" Sakura asked.
"Nothing," Yue said.
"What are we going to do about your hair?' Sakura asked.
"Imagine me with more human features," Yue said, "Then use your magic to change my appearance. Then allow me to access the changes at my will."
"Sorta like a temporary form?" Sakura said
"No," Yue said, "More like a disguise."
"Alright," Sakura said as she closed her eyes and imagined a more human-like Yue. Then her magic surrounded Yue and when it faded Yue's silver hair was a bit longer than shoulder length. His eyes were more of a gray and his skin was a bit darker.
"Not bad at all," Cerberus said, "Yue looks human. I bet your head is lighter, you haven't had a hair cut in years."
"I'm going out with Sakura-chan and a few of her friends," Yue said.
"No fair!" Cerberus cried, "Yue's so lucky!"
"We'll be home later Kero-chan," Sakura called, "Don't cause too much trouble."
"NO FAIR!"
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo called as Sakura, Meiling, and Yue approached the park.
"Sorry I'm late!" Sakura called back, "There were a few unexpected things that came up."
"Meiling-chan!" Chiharu called, "When did you get here?"
"Just this morning," Meiling answered, "It was a spur-of-the-moment vacation."
"Did Li-kun come?" Yamazaki asked.
"No something came up and he had stay in China," Meiling said, "So should be get going?"
"Hai," Tomoyo said, "Rika-chan is waiting for us at the shopping center."
"I don't believe we've met," Yamazaki said as he saw Yue. "Kinomoto-chan is he a friend of yours?"
"My father adopted him on one of his Canadian expeditions," Sakura said, "His name is Shaun Reed." As Sakura said the mane she made a mental note to speak with Yue about it later.
"Well let's get going," Chiharu said.
As the group walked off Sakura looked over at Yue, "Yue-kun," She said softly, "About the name I gave you…"
"Don't worry about it Sakura-chan," Yue said, "I like the name Shaun."
"Reed-kun," Yamazaki called.
"Please call me Shaun," Yue said he was not particularly fond of his last name.
"Alright Shaun-kun tell us about yourself," Yamazaki said.
"In Canada I was a second year high school student," Yue said, "But here in Japan I'm a first year high school student."
"What school do you go to?" Yamazaki asked.
"I'm home schooled," Yue said.
As Yue and Yamazaki talked Sakura and Tomoyo talked.
"Sakura-chan, Yue-san is looking better today," Tomoyo said.
"He slept well last night," Sakura said, "That's all he really needed."
"That's good," Tomoyo said, "I was worried about him. He looked so weak yesterday."
"Oi, Sakura-san, Daidouji-san you're bringing up the rear!" Meiling called.
"Ah gomen." Sakura called as she and Tomoyo ran to catch up.
When the group reached the shopping district Rika was already there.
"Sorry we're late," Sakura said.
"Don't worry about it," Rika said, "I just got here."
"Should we get going?" Chiharu asked
"Alright," Sakura said. She then looked over at Yue, "Just tell me if the heat gets to be too much."
Yue nodded, "Don't worry," Yue said, "I don't think that will be much of a problem today."
"That's good," Sakura said.
"Sakura-chan," Rika called, "Is he a friend of yours?"
"Actually he's kinda my older brother," Sakura said, "My father adopted him in Canada."
"What's your name?" Rika asked Yue.
"Shaun Reed," Yue said.
"It's nice to meet you Reed-san," Rika said.
"Please call me Shaun," Yue said.
"Is Canada a nice place?" Rika asked, "I've always wanted to go."
"It's nice," Yue said, "It's a lot colder there."
"I heard that in Canada there are rock men that roam the mountains looking for…" Yamazaki cut in
"Hai, hai," Chiharu said, "Rock men… where do you come up with these things?"
"Well I also heard that in Canada people worship hockey." Yamazaki said
"Who in the world would worship hockey?" Chiharu asked.
"The Canadians of course,"
"Hiiragizawa-kun," Yamazaki said, "It's good to see you again. Are you visiting for the summer?"
"I'm actually looking to move back to Japan," Eriol said, "I heard you where planning on going shopping and I was in the area. Do you mind if I join?"
"Not at all," Sakura said, "Come on!"
After going to several clothing stores the group came across an instrument store.
"Do you mind if we stop here?" Tomoyo asked, "I need more reeds."
"I wanted to stop here anyway," Sakura said.
"I need more sheet music," Rika said.
As Yue walked into the quaint music store he found himself wandering over to the violins. There was a violin on display he picked it up and was met with a flood of memories.
Flashback Yue
The harsh sound of a violin being bowed incorrectly filled the room.
"I can't do it Clow-sama," a five year old Yue said as he put the bow down.
"You're not being patient enough Yue," Clow said, "You need to give it more time. You only just started, give it another try."
Yue put the violin and bow in the ready position and attempted to play the difficult instrument again but was once again met with a screechy failure.
"I can't do it Clow-sama," Yue said, "I can't make it sound like you."
"I don't want you to make it sound like my playing," Clow said, "You need to give it time."
"Can you play for me one more time?" Yue said, "I like hearing you play."
"Alright Yue," Clow said as he took the violin from the young boy, "Don't be so serious, have fun with music," Clow put the bow to the violin and began playing.
The sound of a violin filled the store causing the customers as well as the employees to look towards the source of the sound.
"Sakura-chan…" Rika said, "It's Shaun-kun…"
Sakura looked over to the violins and saw that Yue was indeed playing the violin.
"Oh my…"
"He's so good…
"Is that boy a violinist?"
"He can't be any older than fifteen…"
"I've never heard anything so beautiful in my life…"
When Yue finished the piece of music, everyone in the store broke into applause. Yue then carefully put the violin back and bowed.
"Excuse me son," The store owner said, "May I ask how long have you been playing the violin?"
"That was my first time in over ten years," Yue said.
"That's incredible," The owner said, "Over ten year… May I ask you how old you are?"
"I am fifteen years old," Yue lied; there was no possible way Yue could tell his real age seeing that he was really two hundred thirteen years old.
"Have you ever played any other instruments?" The owner asked.
"I've tried flute and clarinet," Yue said, "and I played piano when I was younger."
"I'm the Band director at Tomoeda Junior high," The shop owner said "Could you possibly stop by for tomorrow's rehearsal?"
"That shouldn't be a problem," Yue said, "My sister is in your band, Kinomoto Sakura-chan."
"Oh really," the store owner said, "She's a good kid. Does she practice?"
"She practices everyday," Yue said.
"Shaun-kun," Sakura said, "Are you ready to go?"
"Hello Kinomoto-san,"
"Hello Tatake-sensei," Sakura said, "I see you've met Shaun-kun." She looked over at Yue again, "Are you ready to go?"
Yue nodded, "It was nice meeting you," He said.
"Thank you for stopping by," Tatake said, "I'll see you tomorrow."
"That was amazing Shaun-kun," Yamazaki said.
"That was a beautiful piece of music," Chiharu said, "What is it called?"
"Schubert's Ave Maria," Yue said, "It is one of my favorites."
"Are we ready to head to Tokyo Tower?" Chiharu asked, "We'll take the train from here," She said, "But let's get smoothies first. I heard that this place has the best fruit smoothies."
"What kind of smoothie would you like Shaun- kun?" Yamazaki asked.
"I can't have milk," Yue said, "I'm lactose intolerant."
"Let's skip the smoothies today," Chiharu said, "Let's just head to Tokyo."
"No you can get smoothies if you want to." Yue said, "I wouldn't mind, I'm used to it."
"No it's alright," Chiharu said, "There's a train pulling into the station now so we won't have time for smoothies."
"Sakura-chan you didn't tell me that we were going to Tokyo Tower," Yue said.
"I'm sorry," Sakura said, "I completely forgot, If you're bothered by it we can head back home."
"No, it's fine" Yue lied, "Don't worry about it."
Sakura sighed, "Are you sure?" She asked, "You don't sound too thrilled at the idea. If you don't want to go we can head home."
"No," Yue said, "It really is alright. I'll be alright."
"Hey, how are you holding up?" Sakura asked Yue as they stood on the train.
"I'm alright," Yue said. He was a little bit apprehensive about going to Tokyo Tower. He knew that going would bring up memories that he tried so hard to suppress.
"You're thinking about the judgment aren't you?" Sakura asked.
"More or less," Yue said beginning to feel sick to his stomach due to his nerves.
"Calm down," Sakura said, "You're beginning to look really pale," she paused, "Why are you so worked up about something that happened nearly four years ago?"
"Now arriving at Tokyo Tower Station, repeat, now arriving at Tokyo Tower Station."
"Come on let's go," Chiharu said.
As they got off the train Tomoyo and Sakura walked behind Yue, "Yue-san doesn't look very well," Tomoyo said, "Is the heat bothering him?"
"No," Sakura said, "This time it's his past. For some reason remembering his past will almost always make him feel sick."
"Hey Shaun-kun, you don't look so hot," Yamazaki said, "Do you feel alright?"
"Yeah," Yue said.
"Let's go to the observation deck," Rika said.
One the elevator to the deck Sakura stayed close to Yue, "Yue-kun are you sure you're alright?" Sakura asked, "You really don't look well."
"I'll be alright," Yue said, "Don't worry, if I sit down and take it easy, I should be fine."
"Sakura-chan, look!" Chiharu called, "It's a group from Tomoeda Elementary."
"I wonder what grade their in?" Rika asked as a girl with red ponytails ran by.
"Akane-chan wait up!" another girl called.
"Girls, no running,"
"Terada-sensei!" Sakura, Chiharu and Rika called.
"Hello girls," Terada said, "How are you doing in junior high school?"
As Rika and Chiharu talked to their old teacher, Sakura watched as Yue slowly walked over to the sitting area.
"I'm still teaching fourth, fifth and sixth graders," Terada said, "I'm here with a group of fourth graders today."
"I'm going to see if Shaun-kun is alright," Sakura said as she excused herself and walked towards the sitting area.
Yue sat on one of the benches with his head in his hands. He was trying to suppress the flood of memories that was threatening to engulf him.
"Oniisan," a young girl's voice came, "Are you alright?" Yue looked up and was met by a young red-haired girl wearing the uniform for Tomoeda elementary. "You look sad. Are you feeling okay?"
"Yeah," Yue said, "I'm alright."
"That's good," The girl said with a smile, "My name is Akane, What's your name?"
"Shaun," Yue said as he felt himself becoming more relaxed as Akane continued smiling. The young girl's carefree and cheerful manner was reminding him of Sakura when she had been that age.
"Shaun-oniisan, come look at view with me," Akane said as she ran to the window, "Come on!" Yue slowly stood up and walked towards the windows and the girl, "Isn't it pretty?"
"It is," Yue said, 'why was I so worried about coming here?' he thought, 'it's not that bad.' But as Yue continued gazing out the window, the flood of memories that had been threatening him since the train finally overpowered his will.
Flashback Yue
"You may be different, but you're still Yukito-san after all!" Sakura screamed at him.
Not particularly caring for the girl's last comment, he slashed his hand through the air and the girl flew back several meters. As the girl struggled to get up he took to the sky, summoned his ice shards and shot them at the girl. The girl then summoned the fly card and flew as far away as she could.
"You cannot defeat me by just running away," He said as he took off towards the girl as fast as he could. The girl could only gasp in shock as Yue brought his hand through the air and relentlessly attacked the girl. "If you're not going to fight with all of your power then the judgment is over." He brought up his bow and aimed for the struggling girl.
"Something…I have to do something…" The girl said, "I have to use a card that won't hurt Yue-san or Yukito-san…that's it…Wood!"
"No!" Cerberus called.
As the branches sped towards him he stopped them and the girl gasped. He then aimed his bow about two meters from the girl and the tendrils ensnared her. "Wood is a card controlled by the moon," He said, "This is it, you have lost."
"I…lost…?" the girl asked
"Yes you have lost," He said, "and the catastrophe will befall this world."
"What is the catastrophe?"
"We will forget," he said, "Everyone who had anything to do with the cards will lose their memory of the ones they care for the most."
Eriol watched as Yue was dragged deep into his past and he frowned, 'Yue you need to stop letting your past control your life,' he thought, 'it's pathetic.'
"Shaun-oniisan!" Akane cried as Yue's eyes slid shut and he fell forwards, "Shaun-oniisan what's wrong?" She asked as she tried to keep Yue from bashing his head on the hand rail.
"Shaun-kun!" Sakura called.
"Oh my," Tomoyo said as she helped Sakura and Akane with Yue.
"Arigato onesan," Akane said
"What happened?" Sakura asked as she gently set Yue on the floor.
"I don't know," Akane said, "We were looking out the window and he collapsed. Is he sick?"
"I'm not sure," Sakura said as she put her hand to Yue's forehead, "But he's not warm at all so he probably got a bit dizzy in the heat."
"Onesan you look familiar," Akane said, "I feel like I've met you somewhere before."
"What is your name?" Sakura asked.
"My name is Akane,"
"Akane…why does that sound so familiar?" Sakura asked.
"Are you the little girl who found Chao-chan?" Tomoyo asked
"Chao-chan!" Akane called, "I remember him, how is he doing?"
"He's doing well," Sakura said, "Akane-chan could you go and get a wet paper towel?"
"Hai," Akane said as she ran off.
"Yue-kun," Sakura said as he began stirring, "What happened?"
"Vision," Yue muttered as he opened his eyes.
"Are you alright?" Tomoyo asked
Yue shook his head, "I worried too much," He muttered, "I feel sick."
"Here onesan," Akane said as she handed Sakura the wet paper towel.
"Thank you Akane-chan," Sakura said as she looked towards Yue, "The good thing is you don't have a fever. Can you sit up?"
"Yeah," Yue said as he slowly sat up.
"Do you want something to drink?" Akane asked as she held up an unopened water bottle.
"Yes thank you," Yue said as he took the water bottle from the girl.
"Sakura-chan!" Chiharu called, "What happened? You went off and never came back, is everything alright?"
"Yeah," Sakura said, "Shaun-kun got a little dizzy."
"Is he alright?" Chiharu asked, "Should we head back?"
"No," Yue said, "Don't cut your outing short because of me."
"Shaun-oniisan," Akane said, "You're not feeling well and you should go home and rest. Don't overexert yourself!"
"Alright I will," Yue said.
"Akane-chan we're getting ready to go," Another girl said.
"Alright," She said, "Bye-bye!"
"We should get going too," Rika said, "It would be best."
"Yeah let's go," Chiharu said, "Are you coming Hiiragizawa- kun?"
"No," Eriol said, "I have a few errands to run in this area so I won't be going back with you."
"Alright," Chiharu said, "We'll see you around."
On the train ride back to Tomoeda Yue kept his eyes closed and his head in his hands. He couldn't believe just how aggressive he had been during the judgment. He just sat there trying to recall everything he had done to protect Sakura.
Flashback Yue
He stood by Sakura and watched as the sky became a swirling vortex of water. He quickly grabbed Sakura around the middle and took to the sky dodging the powerful jets of water. Thinking that it would by him some time he brought up his shield but the powerful streams of water broke through his shield as if it was only paper. Instinctively he dropped Sakura and took the blow that knocked him into a tree and nearly rendered him unconscious.
He watched from Yukito's eyes as the teddy bear the teenager had been holding became shrouded in an aura and levitated out of his hands. He shoved Yukito out of the way and took control as the stuffed toy grew to titanic proportions. The bear looked at Sakura then swung its massive paw at the stunned girl. He flew towards Sakura and grabbed her around the middle flying her to safety or so he thought. As he reached the bear's eye level a paralyzing weakness wracked his body. 'No, not now,' he thought as his wings began to de-materialize. He quickly positioned himself so that he would take the brunt of the fall, 'Sakura, I'm so sorry…' He hit the ground harder than he expected to and if it had not been for the concern in Sakura's voice he would have allowed himself to lose consciousness.
"At this rate I will soon lose the ability to return to this form."
"You can't last on Sakura's magic alone can you, Yue?"
He gravely shook his head, "Yukito is eating more in an unconscious effort to maintain my energy but it's not enough." He said, "These new cards are requiring all of Sakura's power. She doesn't have any power to spare us…at least you can sustain yourself…I cannot…"
Cerberus sighed, "What should we do? With these new forces around Sakura will be needing out assistance more and more. We can't risk staying in our temporary forms al the time anymore but at the same time we can't risk your magic."
"I don't know," He muttered, "But we mustn't tell Sakura," His voice dropped more, "She can't be aware of my weakness and more importantly its cause. If she knew about this she would do something rash to try and help and I don't want her to do that."
"But Yue," Cerberus said, "If we don't figure something out soon…"
"I'll cease to exist…"
He clutched Sakura and he shielded her from the onslaught of broken glass.
He turned as he heard a horses' whinny and he saw several fiberglass horses headed towards Sakura. He stepped in front of Sakura and brought up his shield, shattering the fiberglass creatures returning them to their lifeless state.
"It's doing this…?" He asked as a shadow appeared above them. He looked up and leapt out of the way of the ship that was about to kill them.
He watched as Sakura jumped on the roller coaster track and he cursed himself for not grabbing the girl as the jump card was taken away and she had to run from the train that was threatening to knock her to her death. She called on the time card and she confronted the void card.
"Careful time is weakening!"
"Why are you doing this?"
"It's no good time's disappearing!"
The card's magic failed Sakura was knocked from the track and he lost his temper completely.
"Do you not listen to us?" He yelled as he unleashed an onslaught of powerful shards at the small girl. When he saw that the attack had been ineffective he brought up his bow and aimed for the girl. Before he could release his powerful arrow a black bubble surrounded him and Sakura screamed for him. He felt the card breaking down his body and magic and he waited until the last minute to release his attack, 'Good luck Sakura…' he thought as his body was completely broken down.
"Yue-kun we're back in Tomoeda," Sakura said as Yue slowly opened his eyes, "Are you feeling alright?"
Yue nodded, "I was just thinking."
"Are you sure you weren't sleeping?" Meiling asked, "Bath sponge told me just how much you like to sleep."
"Come on guys," Chiharu said.
"I'm sorry for cutting your outing short," Yue said.
"Don't apologize Shaun-kun," Yamazaki said, "You did do anything wrong. Just worry about feeling better."
"Take it easy Shaun-kun!" Chiharu called as they parted ways.
"Yue-kun, will you be up for a training session tonight?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah," Yue said, "I'll be alright if I sleep for a while."
"So sponge toy was right," Meiling said, "You do like to sleep."
"I need to replenish my strength," Yue said, "Visions drain my energy."
"Yeah alright," Meiling said, "Quit making excuses."
"No it is true," Sakura said, "Or at least I think it's true."
"Great now they're both against me," Yue said with a laugh.
"You've really changed," Meiling said, "Last time you were so distant and now you're friendlier." Meiling leaned closer to Yue's ear, "You like Sakura-san don't you?" Yue's eyes grew wide, "You do, don't you? I won't tell her, your secret is safe with me."
After another five minutes the group made it back to the Kinomoto house and Sakura was the first to enter the house.
"Tadaima!" Sakura called as they entered the house and took their shoes off..
"So how was your little out without me?" Cerberus said angrily.
"It was good," Yue said as he headed towards his room, "I'm going to rest for a while."
"What happened," Cerberus said,
"He had a vision," Sakura said, "He said he wanted to train tonight so he must be alright."
"Alright," Cerberus said, "Just leave him be. He'll wake in a few hours."
"Come on Meiling-chan," Sakura said, "Let's start dinner."
"I want Modern Yaki!"
"Alright Kero-chan modern yaki it is."
Whew another chapter down! I'm not sure when I'll update again, but it won't be very long from now so just sit tight. There will be a bit more action in chapter seventeen so it won't take long to write. Keep me happy by reviewing to my story and thank you to all those who have reviewed in the past!
K.F.1