Konnichiwa minna-san! I apologize for the ridiculous wait for this chapter, a little thing called college has taken over my life. I was supposed to put this up two months ago but my computer crashed then I killed my power cord and had to wait forever for everything. Well I'm back and I'm hoping that I won't be so late on updating. I changed my penname again and I promise this will be the last time I do so!
Happy Reading!
Chapter Twenty-six: Returning to The Madness
Cerberus looked over at his younger brother, //Why hasn't the spell worn off yet?// he thought, //It's been two days and he still can't move.//
"Oniichan," Nakuru called, "What are you doing?"
"Trying to figure out why the spell hasn't worn off yet," Cerberus said, "He should be alright by now."
"Those children did do a number on him," Nakuru said,
"I can't believe that I'm saying this but I wish Eriol was here," Cerberus said, "He would know how to deactivate the spell. Fugitaka can deactivate spells but he's still new to magic and he's worried that he'll make the effects of the spell permanent."
Nakuru sighed, "Sakura-chan said that oniichan did wake up this morning," Nakuru said, "He still couldn't move but at least he woke up."
"I know," Cerberus said, "The spell rendered him unconscious almost instantly. I have a feeling that it was a multi layer spell and the layer that paralyzed him has yet to deactivate."
"You're right,"
Cerberus and Nakuru turned and watched as Sakura's mother materialized in front of them.
"How much longer is it going to last?" Nakuru asked.
"He should be able to move be the time Sakura-chan gets home from school," Nadeshiko said, "He'll wake up soon and he should be able to move by then."
"Are you sure?" Nakuru asked
"Positive," Nadeshiko said, "Good luck Kero-chan, Nakuru-chan." With that she vanished again
"I really hope she's right," Nakuru said
"No she's usually right," Cerberus said,
"Let's hope so," Nakuru said
"Sakura-chan," Tomoyo said, "How's Yue-san doing?"
"He finally woke up this morning," Sakura said, "Now we just need to wait for the spell to ware off completely."
"I don't think it will take all that long," Syaoran said, "His magic seemed rather strong yesterday."
"Tomorrow's the full moon," Sakura said, "He'll finally get his strength back. I just hope that nothing happens. I have a feeling that those people are going to try something."
"Do you know when Eriol-kun is coming back?" Tomoyo asked
"He said with in the next two or three days," Sakura said, "He's moving back here."
"Great," Meiling said, "The creepy kid is coming back. Why do all the creeps seem to follow us around?"
"Well people with power are attracted to other people with power." Syaoran said
"But Daidouji and I don't have any power," Meiling whined
"Well you're always hanging out with me and Daidouji is always hanging out with Sakura," Syaoran said,
"I guess you're right," Meiling said,
"I just hope that Yue-kun is able to join us tonight," Sakura said, "It would be a shame if he had to miss the picnic."
"You're having a picnic?" A voice asked, "Can I come?"
The small group turned around, "Eriol-kun!" Sakura said, "Welcome back!"
"Oh great," Meiling said, "The little creep's back."
"Hello," Eriol said with a smile, "It looks like I'll be in the same class as you guys again."
"When did you get back?" Sakura asked
"Just this morning," Eriol said, "Which is why I was so late today."
"So has anything happened?" Eriol asked
"Yue-kun was attacked the other day," Sakura said, "He was under a paralysis spell for a few days and he still can't move."
"I wouldn't worry about it too much Sakura-san," Eriol said, "The full moon is tomorrow, Yue's power levels are probably pretty high."
"That's good to know," Sakura said
"Oh and about that picnic," Eriol said, "Can I come?"
"Sure," Sakura said,
"The creep probably would have come with out a proper invitation," Meiling said
"Too true, my cute little descendant," Eriol said with a smile, "Too true."
"Don't call me that!" Meiling yelled
He could hear muffled yelling as he started coming around for the second time in several days. He opened his eyes and realized that his arms and legs didn't have that numb pins-and-needles feel anymore. He slowly and carefully tried to pull his hand into a fist and found that his muscles obeyed him. He then slowly sat up and hoped that his legs would obey him like his arms did.
"I want cookies!" Nakuru yelled
"Well I want cake!" Cerberus yelled
"Cookies!"
"Cake!"
"Cookies!"
"Cake!"
"Now, now," Fugitaka said trying to stop the two bickering guardians, "You can have what you want."
"COOKIES!"
"CAKE!"
"Enough! You can both have what you want!"
"Yue!"
"Oniisan!" Nakuru cried, "You're alright!"
"Aw," Cerberus cried, "I lost again!" He paused, "Oh no, oh no, no, NO! I have to kiss the brat now!"
Yue raised an eyebrow, "The brat?" He asked, "What were you two betting on anyway?"
"When you would wake up," Nakuru said, "I said today and Kero-nii said tomorrow. Kero-nii you owe me nine sticks of pokey!"
"What does that have to with kissing the brat?" Yue asked, "Who is the brat anyways?"
"Well the brat is the kuzo's cousin," Cerberus said, "And if lost the bet I have to give Nakuru nine sticks of pokey and kiss the brat."
"That didn't really tell me who the brat is," Yue said
"Meiling," Cerberus murmured while staring at the floor
"What!?" Yue exclaimed as he started laughing, "You have to kiss Meiling?"
Nakuru and Cerberus just stood there staring at Yue in utter shock, "Do you think the spell messed with his head?" Nakuru asked, "He's laughing."
"It must have," Cerberus said, "He never laughs."
"The spell didn't mess with his head," Fugitaka said, "He finds it funny." He tuned to Yue, "It's good to see you up and about again, Yue-kun."
"Oh yeah," Cerberus said turning to Yue, "How are you feeling anyway?"
"It's about time," Yue said, "My limbs are still a bit stiff but other than that, I'm fine."
"You haven't eaten in a few days," Fugitaka said, "Are you hungry?"
"Yes," Yue said, "I am."
"What do you want?" Fugitaka asked, "I made bento boxes for Cerberus and Nakuru. Would you like one?"
"Sure," Yue said,
"What do you want in it?" Fugitaka asked, "I've made tempura, dumplings and yasai."
"Just yasai," Yue said, "I don't eat meat."
"Alright," Fugitaka said, "It should be ready in a few minutes."
"You had us really worried," Nakuru said, "Especially Sakura-chan. She blamed herself for what happened to you."
Yue sighed, "I know," he said, "She told me this morning. I wish she wouldn't blame herself for these things. She had no control over what happened to me."
"Sakura can't help but feel that way," Cerberus said, "She was trusted to take care of us. Obviously if something happens to us she's going to feel bad and blame herself."
Yue sighed again as a bento box was placed in front of him, "Thank you,"
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, Yue-kun," Fugitaka said, "Sakura-san is just trying to be your friend."
"I know," Yue said
"Tadaima!"
"Welcome home, Sakura-san," Fugitaka called,
"I've brought some friends over," Sakura called as she took her shoes off, "Is that alright?"
"Of course it is," Fugitaka said, "I'll make you some snacks."
"Thanks," Sakura called as she entered the kitchen, "Oh, how's Yue-kun doing?" she asked softly.
"He's fine," Fugitaka said, "He's upstairs talking in his room."
"So the spell wore off?" Sakura asked
"Yes it did,"
"That's great," Sakura yelled as she ran out of the room, "Tomoyo-chan, Syaoran-kun, Meiling-chan, I'll meet you in my room in a few minutes!"
Yue could hear Sakura yelling from downstairs. He smiled softly to himself, Sakura was acting like her normal cheerful self. //Good// he thought, //She's probably over the whole incident//
"Yue-kun!" Sakura cried as she entered the room panting slightly from running up the stairs, "I'm so glad you're alright! I was really worried about you."
"Thank you," He said, "Did anything else happen while I was unconscious?"
Sakura shook her head, "No," She said, "It's been pretty quiet lately."
"Sometimes that not a good sign," Yue said, "They're planning something for tomorrow and I wish I knew if they are going to come after me or you."
"Tomorrow's the full moon," Sakura said, "I have a feeling that those people are going to do something tomorrow but I don't think it will be as bad. You'll be at your full strength for the first time in nearly a month."
Yue shook his head, "I'm not going to be at full strength," He said, "My power levels are still down from where they normally are at this time. There's something that is preventing my powers from reaching their peak. I can't seem to figure it out," He said, "It just makes no sense."
"Could it be from what has happened to you?" Sakura asked
"I don't think it is," Yue said, "I could be…but I don't think it is. This is different, this isn't some kind of exhaustion." He glanced at Sakura, who had a worried look on her face, "Don't worry about," he said, "I'm not in any danger. Forget I even told you about it."
"No," Sakura said, "Thank you for being honest. Oh we're having a picnic tonight if you're interested."
Yue smiled lightly, "I'll be there."
Sakura smiled, "I'll be in my room if you need me." She said as she ran out of the room.
"Mistress, it seems as though Kinomoto and the judge will be participating in a picnic tonight. Should we attack then?"
"No Gesshoku, Both reincarnations, and the future head of the Li Clan will be there. If you two were to strike tonight you would both be killed. Besides that girl you told me about will also be there, wait until tomorrow when the judge can put up a good fight. Tell Sora that tomorrow she'll have permission to attack Kinomoto."
"Yes Mistress," The boy said as he walked away. //Sora-sama's not going to be happy about this, but orders are orders// he thought. He walked into the room where the blue and black haired girl was sitting reading a book, "Sora-sama, Mistress has not granted us permission to attack them today."
"What!?" Sora cried, "But why!? Judge is still weak from the spell we put on him the other day. This is a perfect opportunity to get him!"
"Mistress said that the reincarnations and the future head of the Li Clan will be there."
"Who, Li boy?" Sora asked, "He's a pushover!"
"Mistress also said that we should attack tomorrow when the judge is at his strongest," Gesshoku said, "She has also granted you permission to attack Kinomoto tomorrow."
"Are you serious!?" Sora exclaimed, "I can attack Kinomoto tomorrow!?"
"That's what Mistress said," Gesshoku said,
"In that case I had better get ready for it." Sora said, "Tomorrow is going to be a great day!"
Yue and Fugitaka were packing the food for the picnic when the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Yue said as he headed to the door. When he opened the door he came face-to-face with Eriol, "What are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Eriol said, "I heard that you're going on a little excursion with included provisions and I just happened to merit an invitation."
Yue had half a mind to slam the door in Eriol's face but he stepped aside and allowed the blue haired boy to enter.
"I see the spell wore off," Eriol said, "That's good."
"There's something I want to talk to you about later," Yue said softly,
Eriol nodded, "Your power levels are lower than they should be," He said, "Am I correct?"
Yue gasped then nodded, "I can't seem to figure out what it is. It's not exhaustion."
"No, it's not," Eriol said, "If it was exhaustion you wouldn't be here talking to me, you would still be unconscious." He paused, "I don't think you have anything to worry about, it doesn't affect the way you use magic or how you feel."
"Yue-kun," Sakura called as she entered the room, "We're almost ready to go. Ah Eriol-kun, when did you get here?"
"A few minutes ago," Eriol said, "Yue was kind enough to let me in. I brought some cookies for the picnic."
"Cookies!?" Cerberus exclaimed as he flew into the room, "I might actually have to like you for the day because you brought my favorite food!"
"Kero-nii," Nakuru said, "I thought cake was your favorite food." She then paused as she realized who was standing in the room, "Eriol! When did you get here!?"
"I got back to Japan this morning," Eriol said, "We're staying here from now on."
"We'll be living in Japan again!?" Nakuru cried, "Can I go to Sakura-chan's school?"
"We'll see," Eriol said,
"Sakura-san," Fugitaka called, "Are you ready?"
"Yeah," Sakura called, "Hold on, I'll go get Tomoyo-chan, Syaoran-kun and Meiling-chan."
It was the perfect night for a picnic. There was a nice breeze and it was pleasantly warm.
"I can't believe he fell asleep," Meiling said as she looked at Yue who was leaning against a tree fast asleep
"It's still a little warm for him," Cerberus said, "And I'm sure he's still recovering from the spell he was under."
"No," Eriol said, "It's just the heat bothering him."
"It's not going to make him sick is it?" Sakura asked
"No," Eriol said, "It's not warm enough for that, he's just feeling a bit drowsy." He turned away from Yue, "So, aside from being stalked what has everyone been up to?"
"Tomoyo-chan and I are going to be in a competition later this month," Sakura said, "It's going to be my first one."
"Well I wish you both the best of luck," Eriol said,
"I'm working on new outfits for Nakuru-chan and Yue-san," Tomoyo said, "And Sakura-chan of course."
"Tomoyo-san," Eriol said, "There's something that I've been meaning to ask you for a while. Do you remember the time I was working at the shrine on New Years Day a few years back?"
"Yes," Tomoyo said
"What was the outfit and situation that you wanted to see Sakura-san in?" Eriol asked
If it had been anyone other than Tomoyo they would have probably gotten embarrassed, but since it was Tomoyo her eyes gained an evil glint and she smiled, "I don't think I can say that with Sakura-chan's father around." She said
The rest of the group just stared at her minus Yue, who was still asleep, "Just exactly do you think about before you go to bed at night?" Meiling asked
"Oi," Touya called, "Keep it G-rated."
"Let them be To-ya," Yukito said, "They're having fun."
"Kero-nii," Nakuru called, "You still have to uphold your part of the bet!"
"What bet?" Cerberus asked, "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Kero-nii!" Nakuru called
Cerberus sighed and flew up to Meiling, "Ano," he muttered
"Oh this is going to be good," Nakuru giggled, "Oniichan, wake up," She muttered in Yue's ears, "You're about to miss something good."
Yue opened his eyes, "What do you want?" He asked
"Kero-nii is about to uphold his part of the bargain," She said, "Tomoyo-chan, you might want this on video."
"I'm already on it," Tomoyo said as she held her camera to her face
"What do you want, bath sponge?" Meiling asked
Cerberus didn't say anything he just kissed Meiling on the lips.
"He did it!" Nakuru cried, "He actually did it! On the lips too!"
"BATH SPONGE!" Meiling roared, "What the hell was that for!?"
"She's gonna kill me!" Cerberus said as he flew towards Yue and hid in his hair
"I'm so glad I got that on camera!" Tomoyo exclaimed happily, "Now I have 'Kero-chan's first kiss!'"
"What's going on here?" Sakura asked. She was confused about the entire situation.
Meiling walked up to Yue, "I believe you have something I want," She said
"Please Yue," Cerberus whispered in his younger brother's ear, "Don't give me to her." Yue paid no attention to his brother's plea and grabbed him, "Yue what…what are you doing!?"
"This is pay back," Yue said, "For every prank you've ever pulled on me."
"You wouldn't," Cerberus said
Yue raised an eyebrow, "How do you know?" He then handed his brother over to the irritated Chinese girl, "Have fun."
Meiling smiled and snatched the small sun guardian, 'Don't worry I'm not going to kill you," She said, "Sakura-san, do I have permission to borrow this thing?"
"Yes," Yue said before Sakura could answer, "You have permission."
"Yue!" Cerberus yelled, "You're twisted! I hate you right now!"
Syaoran sighed and walked up to Eriol, "Can I stay at your place tonight?" He asked, "I don't want to listen to the two of them yelling back and forth all night."
"Sure you can, my cute little descendent," Eriol said with a smile
Syaoran grimaced, "Thank you," He said as he cursed himself for willing setting himself up for a night of torture.
"Sakura-san," Fugitaka called, "It's getting late we should head home."
"Hai," Sakura called
"I think I'll be heading home as well Sakura-chan," Tomoyo said, "I'll see you tomorrow in school."
"Bye Tomoyo-chan," Sakura called
"I'll see you tomorrow," Meiling called, "Don't worry you'll get this back I one piece!" She waved Cerberus around.
"I'll see you all tomorrow," Sakura called as she followed Yue and her father.
Tomoyo stood there waving at her best friend when Eriol walked up to her.
"Tomoyo-san," He said nervously, "There's something I wanted to ask you before I went back to England…but I couldn't figure out how to do it."
"What is it Hiiragizawa-kun?" Tomoyo asked
"Tomoyo Daidouji," He said while blushing furiously, "Will you…go out…on a date with me?"
Tomoyo smiled, "Yes," She said, "Yes Eriol Hiiragizawa, I will go out with you."
FINALLY! It's done! Like I said I had to deal with a hellish semester in collage and not one but two computer crashes. Chapter twenty-seven is written I just need to type it and I will have it up in about a week!
Ex-shark-V-005