Konnichiwa Minna-san! I updated sooner this time! There's not much to report for this chapter so you can get reading right away.
Disclaimer: I don't own Cardcaptor Sakura or the characters, but the plot is all mine!
Happy Reading!
Chapter Twenty-seven: Trying to Remember
Eriol was quiet pleased with himself. He had somehow managed to get back to Japan early enough to attend the afternoon classes. He had managed to spend quite a bit of time with Yue and Cerberus without making at least one of them want to kill him. And he managed to work up the courage to ask Tomoyo to go out with him all in one day.
"You look happy Eriol," Spinel said
"I had a good day," Eriol said as he got into bed,
"I feel kinda bad for Kero-nii," Nakuru said, "Meiling-chan looked like she wanted to kill him. Do you think he'll be alright Eriol?"
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Eriol said, "Now I would love to talk with you two all night but I have school tomorrow and I was up almost all night last night."
"Okay," Nakuru said, "Good night Eriol!"
"Good night," Spinel said
"Good night you two," Eriol said as he shut his eyes and slipped into an uneasy sleep.
"Did you want to see me?" A young girl asked
"Yes I did," A man responded, "We have important matters to discuss."
"If it has anything to do with what happened to the little brat, I didn't do it." The child said
"I'm not saying you did," The man said, "But you were supposed to be watching him when it happened."
"You shouldn't have had me watch him then," The girl said, "He's not my responsibility."
"What did I tell you when I created him?" The man asked
"That I'm to watch and care for him until he develops magic," The girl said in a mock tone,
"And I expect you to do just that," The man said
"He's finally asleep," Another male voice came
"That's good," The first man said, "How is he?"
"He's still in a lot of pain,"
The man sighed, "I'll see what I can do about his injuries," He said, "Until then we're going to hope that he stays asleep." He then directed his attention at the girl, "I no longer need your assistance. You're free to go."
"Fine," The girl said as she left the room
Once the girl left the conversation picked up again, "Cerberus, did you happen to see what happened today?"
"Not really," Cerberus said, "She took Yue off somewhere then about five or so minutes late she comes back screaming something about Yue falling over the cliff. Yue said he was pushed but he doesn't like her and she doesn't like him so I have no idea what to believe."
The man sighed, "I don't know what to do," he said, "but there's just something about her that unsettles me."
"She found out about Sakura," Cerberus said, "Perhaps she's jealous that she's not going to inherit the cards."
"Her magic's not compatible with the cards," The man said, "She would never be able to use them." Then before the two could say anything else they heard a sound from outside the room and footsteps that quickly died away.
"I think she heard us, Clow" Cerberus said
"I know,"
She was absolutely angry. //That damn Sakura girl again// she thought //Why does she get to inherit the cards? I should get them, I'm next in line to become the head of the family and this Sakura girl is some stranger who hasn't even been born yet// She found herself standing in the doorway of a very young child's bedroom, //I'll make them pay big time// She thought as she walked into the room and up to a small bed where a small boy with shoulder length sliver hair was sleeping. //If I can't have the cards then I'll have to take this boy instead//
Clow and Cerberus continued their conversation until both of them felt a strong feeling of distress and terror.
"Yue!" Cerberus yelled,
"Hurry Cerberus," Clow called as he ran from the room
"You do realize that this is probably her doing right?" Cerberus said
"Yes, I know," Clow sighed
"You need to do something about her," Cerberus said, "Before she kills him! For some reason she doesn't like Yue and she's probably going to take all of her anger out at him."
Clow sighed, "I know Cerberus," He said, "But what do I do?"
"She's your responsibility," Cerberus said, "And you need to figure it out."
The two got to the roof where they found the girl holding Yue over the edge of the roof.
"What do you think you're doing to him?" Clow yelled over the heavy wind and rain
"Since you won't let me have the cards, I'm taking him from you," She yelled
"You magic isn't compatible with the cards," Clow called trying to reason with the girl before she killed his youngest creation, "Even if I did give them to you, you wouldn't be able to use them!"
"You should have thought of that before you started creating them!" The girl yelled
"You mother's magic was much different then mine," He said, "There was no way I could create the cards incorporating that kind of magic."
"Well you should have asked for mother's help then!" The girl yelled dangling the boy dangerously over the edge of the roof, "Oh wait, mother died in child birth because you couldn't save her or my little brother!"
"Magic cannot solve ever problem," Clow said
"Well then," the girl said, "Good luck trying to solve this one." She then took the boy and threw him off the roof.
"Yue!" Cerberus cried
Clow then pulled three cards out of his pocket, "Fly!" he yelled, "Windy, Wood bind her!" He then leapt off the roof and hoped that he would be able to catch the boy in time.
Nakuru and Spinel stood by Eriol's bed as he tossed and turned in his sleep.
"What's wrong with him?" Nakuru asked
"I think he's having a nightmare," Spinel said, "But he does appear to be feverish."
"I'll be right back with a cool cloth," Nakuru said as she ran off
"Spinel…" Eriol muttered as he opened his eyes
"Eriol are you alright?" Spinel asked
"I seem to have come down with something," He said as he sat up a bit.
"Eriol you're crying," Spinel said
"I'm sorry," Eriol said as he wiped his eyes, "I just had a really disturbing nightmare."
"What was it about?" Spinel asked
"I think it was a flashback of some sort," Eriol said, "Yue and Cerberus were in it, but there was also a girl that I can't seem to recall. All I know is that Yue was really young and he was in some sort of danger. I wish I could remember who the girl was."
"Don't worry about it tonight," Spinel said, "You're not well."
"I'm back, Suppi," Nakuru said as she walked back into the room, "Eriol, you're awake, are you alright?"
"I've come down with something," Eriol said, "I'm going to need you to call the school tomorrow for me."
"Okay," Nakuru said, "Do you need anything else?"
"No," Eriol said, "I'm sorry for disturbing you so late. Both of you can go back to sleep if you want."
"Hai," Nakuru said, "Good night Eriol. I hope you feel better in the morning."
"Good night Nakuru," Eriol called as Nakuru walked from the room, "Good night Spinel."
"Good night Eriol."
Sakura and Tomoyo were rather worried when Eriol didn't show up for school the next day.
"I wonder why Eriol-kun isn't here," Sakura said as she took her seat in homeroom, "I hope he's okay."
"He said he wasn't feeling well this morning," Syaoran said
"The creep's probably just tired," Meiling said, "He did get back from England yesterday morning. I'm sure he's fine."
"We should visit him later," Sakura said,
"Do you even know where the creep lives?" Meiling asked
"I'm sure we can find out," Sakura said sheepishly
"Sheesh Sakura-san," Meiling said,
"Don't worry I know where he lives," Syaoran said
At that moment the teacher walked in and homeroom started.
After a hellish night of torture Cerberus was happy to be back at home.
"Oniisan," Yue said as he looked at his brother who had been non-stop complaining since Meiling had brought him back, "I understand that you were "tortured" all night but enough is enough."
"You have no idea how bad it was," Cerberus whined, "She dangled pudding in front of my face then ate it!"
"Well you shouldn't have kissed her then," Yue said
"I didn't have a choice Yue," Cerberus said, "Nakuru made me."
"Imotosan didn't make you do anything," Yue said, "You kissed Meiling with your own free will."
"But it was part of our bet," Cerberus said
"Then you shouldn't have agreed to the bet," Yue said as the phone rang, "Now stop whining so I can hear the person on the phone." Yue picked up the phone, "Hello?"
"Good morning Yue,"
"Eriol?" Yue asked, "Why aren't you in school?"
"I spiked a fever last night," Eriol said, "Is Cerberus back yet?"
"Yeah, "Yue said, "Do you want to talk with him?"
"Yeah that would be good," Eriol said
"Oniisan," Yue called, "Eriol wants to talk with you."
"Eriol?" Cerberus asked, "Shouldn't he be in school?"
"He's staying home sick today," Yue said,
"Yeah," Cerberus scoffed, "I'm sure he's real sick." He then took the phone, "What do you want?"
"I think I had a vision last night," Eriol said, "But either I don't possess all of Clow's memories or the fever was really messing with my head and I can't figure it out. Either way I need your help with something. After Clow created Yue did he put him in the care of a young girl?"
"Huh, what?" Cerberus said, "A young girl? No, after Clow created Yue he was put in my care."
"Are you sure?" Eriol asked, "The thing I saw last night seemed pretty real. All I know is that she was bitter about Sakura inheriting the cards and she had it out for Yue. I think she may have pushed him over a cliff and threw him off the roof of Clow's house once."
"Wait," Cerberus said, "There was a girl named Kaire who lived with Clow for a while. Could it have been her?"
"No it wasn't Kaire," Eriol said, "Kaire's aura was different then the aura of the girl from my dream last night. And if I recall correctly Kaire's magic was compatible with the cards. The girl from last night could not use the cards at all."
"I don't know what to tell you," Cerberus said, "Kaire was the only girl that ever hung around Clow's house."
"Alright," Eriol said, "Well I'm going to go back to bed and get more sleep. I'll talk to you later."
"Alright," Cerberus said, "Bye."
"Oniisan," Yue said, "What was that all about?"
"Eriol thinks he had a vision last night," Cerberus said, "Besides Kaire do you remember there being any other girls living with Clow when you were younger?"
Yue thought for a while. Then an image of a young girl with ice blue eyes and long dark hair appeared in his mind. For whatever reason this image cause a wave of terror to wash over him and he started to grow weak at the knees.
"Yue, What's wrong!?" He could here Cerberus yelling in the distance. What was going on? Who was girl and why was he so afraid of her?
"Keep going a little bit farther Yue you'll see it in a minute." A girl's voice resonated in his head and his entire body throbbed.
"Yue!" Cerberus yelled from a distance again. He was beginning to black out. Why was this child making him feel so weak?
"Since you won't let me have the cards, I'm taking this brat away from you!"
"YUE!"
Cerberus watched as Yue was dragged into the memory. //Dammit this can't be good// He thought, "Yue, what's wrong!?" He called hoping to pull Yue out of the memory before he succumbed to it. But it didn't work; Yue just remained there his violet-silver eyes still empty. //Dammit// Cerberus thought he transformed just in case Yue decided that he was going to pass out. "Yue!" He called again and he still did not get a response. Then Yue's eyes closed and he fell backwards. "YUE!"
He slowly came around to something tapping his face. What had happened? Who was that girl? Why was he on the floor? He slowly opened his eyes and found that he was resting up against his brother.
"Hey," Cerberus said softly, "Are you alright?"
"Oniisan…" Yue muttered, "What happened?"
"That's what I was hoping you could tell me," Cerberus said, "But you passed out. Do you remember what you saw?"
"Barely," Yue said as he sat up, "All I remember is a young girl with ice blue eyes and dark hair. And for whatever reason, I was terrified of her."
"We should call Eriol back," Cerberus said, "He needs to hear this. I just can't believe you remember something I've forgotten."
Yue stood up and walked over to the phone and dialed the number for Eriol's house.
"Hello?"
"Imotosan, it's Yue," He said, "Is Eriol awake?"
"No," Nakuru said, "He just fell back to sleep. What do you need?"
"I think I may have some information on the girl he saw in his dream last night," Yue said,
"Oh good," Nakuru said, "So Kero-nii was able to remember something about her."
"No actually I was able to remember something about her," Yue said
"Really?" Nakuru asked, "You were actually able to remember something from your childhood? Do you want me to wake Eriol?"
"No," Yue said, "But we can stop by if you would like."
"That sounds good," Nakuru said, "Do you need our address?"
"No, that won't be necessary," Yue said, "You're not all that hard to find."
"Yeah," Nakuru said, "All you would have to do is follow our aura."
"Alright," Yue said, "We'll see you in a little bit then."
"Okay," Nakuru said, "See you then."
Yue then hung up the phone, "Get ready Oniisan," Yue said
"Do I have to go?" Cerberus whined
"Yes you do," Yue said, "Now come on."
It was not a fun walk for Yue. Cerberus complained the entire time and Yue was at about the end of his patients.
"Oniisan I swear if I hear another word out of you I'll let Meiling keep you over night again," Yue said, "Or I'll tell Sakura-chan not to give you any sweets for a week."
"Okay, okay," Cerberus cried, "I'll be good!"
When the two got to the house Nakuru was waiting for them at the door.
"You two got here quick," Nakuru said
"Well you do live about five minutes away," Cerberus said
"That's true," Nakuru said, "Would you like some lunch?"
"Just some rice is fine," Yue said, "You don't have to go crazy, but please, no tricks."
"I wasn't going to," Nakuru said,
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Cerberus exclaimed, "What was that? Did you just say that you weren't going to prank his food? Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm just a little tired," Nakuru said, "After Eriol woke up feverish I couldn't get back to sleep."
"It's the full moon," Yue said, "Are you sure you're alright?"
"When the master is under the weather it translates to the guardians in the form of fatigue,"
"Eriol," Nakuru called, "What are you doing up?"
"I was hungry and Spinel was sleeping so I figured instead of waking him, I could go down to the kitchen," Eriol said, "It take you two are here because one of you remembered something."
"Yeah," Cerberus said, "After I mentioned it to Yue we went into a violent vision."
"Did you?" Eriol said as he looked towards Yue, "Do you remember what you saw?"
"Sort of," Yue said, "All I remember is seeing a girl with long dark hair and ice blue eyes."
"I couldn't see the girl's eyes but her hair was longer," Eriol said, "What else do you remember?"
"I was absolutely terrified of her," Yue said, "I did hear her voice. It was rather high pitched and it definitely belonged to a younger girl."
"So you heard her talk," Eriol said, "What did she say?"
"She said something along the lines of, 'If I can't have the cards, then I'm going to take this brat away from you.' And that's when it ended." Yue said, "I woke up on the floor."
"I'm going to call Sakura-san and ask her if I can do a reading," Eriol said, "Perhaps on of the older cards remembers more. Or we can ask Sakura-san to use the Return but that probably wouldn't work because Clow created the Return after Nakuru so it probably wouldn't remember."
"Windy would probably remember," Yue said, "She was the first card created."
"That's true," Eriol said, "I'll ask her." He paused, "Oh Yue, the woman in your dreams, have you ever seen her face?"
"No," Yue said, "I have never seen her face. Every time I see her, I'm either too far away or my vision is too dim and blurry to see her face clearly."
"Okay," Eriol said, "If you ever see her clearly let me know what she looks like."
"I will," Yue said
At that moment the doorbell rang, "That's probably Sakura-san and Tomoyo-san," Eriol said, "Nakuru will you go get the door?"
"Hai!" Nakuru called as she ran to the door
Eriol turned to Yue and Cerberus, "I take it you two will be staying for a while." He said
"I guess," Yue said,
"Hello Eriol-kun," Sakura said as she walked into the kitchen, "Syaoran-kun said that you weren't feeling well so we thought we'd stop by."
"Thank you Sakura-san," Eriol said
"Yue-kun, Kero-chan?" Sakura asked, "What are you doing here?"
"There was something that Eriol wanted to talk to us about," Yue said, "So we came over."
"That was nice of you," Sakura said, "I won't stay too long then."
After a while, Yue felt the same presence he had felt during the new moon. It still bothered him but this time it wasn't making him feel sick.
"What is that?" Nakuru moaned as she held her head.
Yue sighed, "It's coming from the park," He said. He knew exactly what this was it was a trap to get Sakura and this time he wasn't going to fall for anything again. "I'm going to see what it is."
"Yue-kun," Sakura called as Yue transformed, "Let me help you!"
"No, Sakura-chan," Yue said, "I can do this on my own."
With that Yue left the house leaving everyone in the room very confused.
So I decided to torture Eriol this time around. This chapter did not go the way I had originally planned but it works. Next chapter is mid-point and should be up soon. Let me know what you thought. Oh and the girl in Eriol's vision is an original character.
Ex-Shark-V-005