RECAP: Ahh! I’m listening to depressing music and having myself a pity party! TOO CLOSE TO THE END! Last chapter... they got to Eriol’s...Sakura managed to get drunk, finally found Syaoran... yay! Tomoyo is having difficulty with her feelings of old memories... Eriol’s mean to her. They stay the night and decide to figure things out in the morning.

Chapter 9 - Quoting Nightwish

Syaoran squinted one eye open. Sunlight hit it rudely. He shut it again. His arm ached unpleasantly. He slowly retreived it out from under what a second later he acknowledged as Sakura’s arm. He rolled over and stretched his sore arm, yawning a nice large yawn before settling back into sleep. Something rolled into him. Sakura’s soft hand slipped around his stomach. He moved away from it, irritated at the disruption.

"Syaoran," Sakura giggled, shaking his arm.

Syaoran rolled onto his stomach, pulling the pillow over his head.

"Syaoran-kun!" Sakura giggled even more, shaking his body full force.

"Mmph!" He responded in a muffled voice. Syaoran yawned into the bed, trying to settle back to sleep. Soon a pair of hands were tickling him. He wriggled uncontrollably, finally swatting at her with his pillow and sitting up. She laughed brightly at the sight of his completely ruined hair. He shivered.

"It’s so cold in here..." He finally said in a rusty morning voice. Sakura nodded in agreement, keeping the blanket pressed close against her. She hadn’t yet bothered to put her shirt back on for Syaoran hadn’t either. She smiled looking at his uncovered self. It was a nice thing to wake up to.

"I guess it’s a problem that comes with living in a castle," She responded dryly.

Syaoran shrugged, then pulled the blankets tightly around him, collapsing back down. "Why do you have to get up so early?"

Sakura laughed, laying down to face him. "Early? When I was in Hong Kong, you were getting up at four thirty. It must be like... at least ten thirty out there..."

Syaoran looked over to the window. She was right, he supposed. "I guess..."

"I really hope Tomoyo isn’t looking for me..." Sakura said, biting her lip guiltily. How would she explain that she slept with Syaoran? It was going to be a little uncomfortable. Not like anything happened... She sighed and forced another smile. Syaoran had hidden his face against the bed, presumably sleeping again. "We really should get up, you know?"

Syaoran let out a long sigh, then turned his head to face her again. He blinked at her blankly.

Sakura smiled. "I can still see your dreams."

Syaoran glared at her, then panicked as he tried to recall what he had dreamt about. It was likely to be something very dumb and perverted. He bit his lip hard, trying to remember.

"It wasn’t anything bad," Sakura finally reassured. She curled up in the blanket, shivering. "You were running from something I think. Then it caught up... I don’t really get it."

Syaoran nodded slowly. That was good. At least she wouldn’t think he was the sad hormonal mess he was. He looked towards the window where light glowed in. It looked like an overcast morning. He didn’t mind. Waking up beside her was more than he could ask for. And that thought pestered him, making him feel like something was wrong. He pushed the thought away. I’m going to be damned happy for once in my life if it kills me.

Sakura smiled watching him, feeling completely content. She had finally found him. His amber eyes blinked back at her, watching her closely. "You think you will bring your bike to Japan?"

Syaoran hid a small grin, finding a more comfortable place on his pillow. "I could..."

Sakura smiled happily. "I always thought those things were so dangerous and stupid... But you are really cool with them..."

Syaoran smiled back his equivalent of a smile. Her eyes held steadily on his. He reached to her cheek and brushed her hair out of her eyes. She smiled more in response and scooted closer to him, leaning against his chest. He held her gladly.

"It’s gas efficient," Syaoran finally responded.

Sakura laughed. "I’m sure it is..." She breathed in deeply, loving the air around him. It seemed so unreal to finally have him. She hadn’t thought she would ever get to this point. It had seemed like a dream. Something to motivate her, never to obtain. "You know, you’re so much cooler than I am."

Syaoran smiled absently, staring at the window over her head. He occupied himself with brushing through her hair. It was difficult not to notice she had neglected to find her shirt since their previous night’s endeavors. I suppose... it’s a good thing, she’s able to be so comfortable with me...Amazing, really... after how many times I’ve screwed over her trust.. "And you’re too good for me. You’re perfect. It equals out I guess."

Sakura grinned. She liked that theory. She hugged him tightly to convey her opinion. The room didn’t seem so cold anymore. "I don’t want to get up," she confessed aloud, using it as a hopeful prompt he might agree and compliment her some more.

"We have to now but... in Japan, it won’t be like this..."

Sakura smiled wistfully. That future seemed so far off. It seemed impossible. Why am I still doubting him? He’s not going to die, it’s just a stupid dream. A ploy to ruin us. She moved away enough to look at him while talking to him. "I can’t believe..."

Syaoran smiled weakly. "Me neither."

Sakura smiled hopefully. "We should have been like this a long time ago."

Syaoran nodded in return, his eyes seeming sad. He looked at her for a long while, then looked towards the window. "But it’s fine. We’ll just start over."
Sakura smiled with determination. She nodded, then sat up and gripped the blanket in one hand in a sad attempt to cover herself. She held out her hand. "I am Kinomoto Sakura. Nice to meet you."

Syaoran grinned, half because of her making a joke, half because his eyes were enjoying the sight of her. She was definitely the most beautiful on his list. He took her hand and shook it mockingly, pulling her closer at the same time. "Kinomoto Sakura, you may be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen."

Sakura blushed brightly, taking her hand back and wrapping herself in the blanket tightly. "Quit lying. Besides, I’m not a woman yet. I’m only 17."

Syaoran rolled his eyes. "Well, you look it."

Sakura attacked him with another free hug. "I love you so much!" Before any silent response time had a chance to sit in, she kissed him. He kissed her back, pulling her tightly against him before she had a chance to get away. She complied willingly. After she was adequately lightheaded, she drew back. She grinned a grin similar to one of a drunk man and let out a sigh. "If I could wake up like that every morning, I think my over all attitude and energy level would go up about 100%."

Syaoran nodded in agreement. He was about to respond, but stopped, hearing something from by the door. He looked towards it. Tomoyo and Chindra were talking loudly out in the hallway. He glanced back to Sakura. Her smile had fallen. He sat up. "I guess we should get up. We aren’t exactly in the safest of environments."

Sakura nodded reluctantly, then turned towards her side of the bed to search for her shirt. She found it on the floor near her pillow. She picked it up and sat boldly uncovered for a few seconds while she fixed the sleeves from being inside out. She glanced at Syaoran. He had his back to her and was already pulling his shirt over his head. She hastily put hers on and buttoned it. He turned to her, evaluated her situation, smiled shyly and turned away. She finished the top button, got up and climbed to the other side of the bed and sat next to him.

"So... do you think they’re still out there?"

Syaoran shrugged. "Probably not. They probably went to look for Eriol again or something."

Sakura bit on her lip nervously. "Well.... it would be kind of weird if I just appear out of your room..."

Syaoran shrugged again.

Sakura sighed, then looked towards the door in a forlorn self pity. "Well..." She forced herself on her feet. "I guess I’ll just go... out... there..." She stepped hesitantly towards the door, then turned to Syaoran. "What are you going to do?"

Syaoran shrugged. "Go out too, I guess."

"At the same time?"

"Why not?"

Sakura sighed, chewed on the inside of her lip, then shrugged helplessly. "I guess..." She brushed through her hair quickly. "Do I at least look awake and normal?"

Syaoran nodded, getting to his feet as well. "Perfect."

Sakura blushed and smiled weakly. "Well... you too."

Syaoran smiled in good nature and headed to the door with purpose. "We’ll go eat breakfast, then find Eriol wherever he is hiding..." He opened the door without hesitation. Sakura followed him, cowering behind the door’s cover and trying to see whether Tomoyo and Chindra were out in the hall or not.

They were.

Sakura smiled weakly at Tomoyo’s surprised expression and searched quickly for an explanation. "Hey...I, um, was just waking him up, are you guys... going for breakfast?"

Tomoyo nodded slowly, giving Syaoran a suspicious look before looking back to Sakura. "I went by your room an hour earlier, Sakura-chan. Were you feeling alright?"

Sakura paled. "Oh, ah-"

"We were working on battle plans. Have you seen Hiirigizawa-san yet, Daidouji?"

Sakura gave Syaoran a grateful look. He ignored it.

Tomoyo didn’t seem convinced, but was too concerned with the immediate question to comment. "Ah... not today..."

Syaoran looked down towards the stairs, then back to the group of girls. "I’m assuming you guys want to go talk things over with him first?"

Sakura nodded adamantly. Tomoyo did as well. Syaoran let out a forlorn sigh, going quiet.

Sakura looked to Tomoyo and Chindra after watching Syaoran for an unsure second. "Have you guys eaten yet?"

Tomoyo shook her head. "We were just about to ask Syaoran if he knew where you were."

Sakura smiled weakly. "Well... I’m here!"

There was an awkward pause just miliseconds long enough to be considered awkward.

"Let’s go eat then, I’m starved," Chindra broke in. Sakura smiled gratefully and hurried towards the stairs. Tomoyo was quick to be next to her. She could feel her friend’s curiosity weighing down on her. She smiled an elusive smile, slowing back beside Syaoran. He walked quietly, looking around in his usual on-guard prestige.

"You think Hiirigizawa-san will sit down and listen to us now?" Chindra asked once they were approaching the doors to the dining hall.

"He’s probably busy working," Syaoran mumbled. Sakura gave him a sour look.

"He’s not going to hide forever," She countered. They walked through the open doorway into the large room. A table set a different way than the previous night was the center of attention. It had the largest and finest array of breakfast foods Sakura had ever seen. She breifly thought of Kero, always wanting to scarf down good food. She shut it out of her mind and slowed in front of the table.

"He sure isn’t," Syaoran responded dryly, looking around the empty room. He sighed and looked back to the table. The three girls were carelessly indulging on the many different foods Eriol or one of Eriol’s minions had set out earlier. He begrudgingly surrendered to pouring himself a cup of tea, maintaining a careful eye on the room. It didn’t look like Eriol was going to show.

Sakura sat down in one of the large chairs around the table to fully enjoy her waffle experience. It was, without a doubt, the best waffle she had ever eaten. Leave it to Eriol. She munched happily on it for a while, closely resembling a squirrel that has found a prime acorn. She glanced over at Syaoran, who sipped a cup of tea with contempt. She smiled and looked back to her waffle, taking another bite and smothering it in syrup. She paused before chewing in a moment of reflection. Maybe I should be a little more cautious... She looked towards the shut doorway across the room. She looked back at her waffle guiltily. I need to be on my guard... It’s Syaoran’s life this is about! Sakura noticed Tomoyo’s curious smile from beside her. She smiled sheepishly. Tomoyo’s dying to know what really happened...

"So what do you think we should do?" Chindra asked, plopping down in the chair next to Tomoyo.

Sakura looked breifly at her friend, then looked towards Syaoran in hope for guidance. He was suddenly very interested in his cup. "Um..." She sighed a long sigh, then shrugged. "Look for him.... I guess.... I mean, maybe we could ring a bell and get that butler guy to come give us some information."

Chindra chewed thoughtfully for a moment. "Well... you said you guys were working out battle plans. What did you come up with?"

Sakura stopped her fork midway to her mouth, freezing for a moment. She set it back down on the plate, trying with all her might not to look at Syaoran. "Oh, ah... just, you know... nothing we could really use... now, persay... more like... in the small chance Eriol chooses to battle us..."

Chindra blinked at Sakura blankly. "Um... did you write them down or anything?"

Sakura shook her head, trying desperately not to notice Tomoyo’s amused grin.

"We should just go look for him," Syaoran said simply from the end of the table where he still stood.

Sakura glanced at him, then back to Chindra. The dark haired girl was looking a little worried at their ability to work as a team. "We could, I guess."

Chindra nodded reluctantly. "And just... ask him about it?"

Sakura smiled feebly. "I guess we-"

"Sorry to interrupt," An older, scratchy and monotonous voice echoed into the room. Everyone turned abruptly to find the creepy old man gliding into the room. He seemed to think they were sitting somewhere in the far wall, because his eyes stared ahead regally. "Hiirigizawa-sama wishes me to inform you he will be occupied until brunch. He sends his highest regrets for any inconvenience this may be causing you."

Sakura smiled grimly. "So he’ll... be in here around twelve?"

The man nodded. "Correct." He turned in a way that would have made a ghost shudder and floated his way back out of the room.

"Bullshit," Syaoran muttered under his breath, looking towards the far doors. He glanced at Sakura. She seemed to be accepting it. He set his empty cup down and headed purposefully towards the doors.

"What are you doing?" Sakura called after him, about to jump up and run after him.

"Teaching the bastard a lesson about hosting manners," Syaoran called over his shoulder, stopping in front of the doors. He wasn’t sure where they went, but he was hoping it was a shortcut towards Eriol’s study. He opened them. The smell and warmth of a kitchen greeted him. He looked around for a moment, then reluctantly headed back into the dining hall. Sakura watched him expectantly. He continued wordlessly back towards the way they came.

"Where are you going?" Sakura asked, getting to her feet and walking after him at a much slower pace.

"Finding him," Syaoran replied in irritation.

"It’s not a good idea to split up," Sakura said quickly, quickening her stride.

"And it’s not a good idea to be waiting for him mindlessly like robots. There is no reason he can’t see us now," Syaoran stopped, turning to talk to her to emphasize his point. He forced himself to stay strong as her sympathetic green eyes melted away at him.

Thinking she was a safe distance away from Tomoyo and Chindra, Sakura allowed her deep concern to show through. "Please, Syaoran-kun, don’t go off by yourself," she said in a lowered voice.

Syaoran looked at her for a moment, then passed her into the dining hall. "I don’t have to go by myself." He looked back to her seriously. "But you guys want to wait. And I don’t. I’ll be fine, if I’m not back in an hour, then worry."

Sakura’s eyes widened. "An hour!?"

Syaoran let out a long breath. "Half an hour."

Sakura let out her own breath in retaliation. "Fine. But one minute more, and I’m going to spend all my energy looking for you. Got it?"

Syaoran glanced at his watch, then nodded. Sakura reluctantly walked back to her seat, well aware of Tomoyo and Chindra’s eyes on her.

"He’s got a half hour," she explained.

"Ah," Tomoyo said, looking back to her glass of juice and swirling it around. Sakura watched absently, then sighed. Tomoyo smiled freely at her friend. "So!"

Chindra leaned onto the table, watching Sakura expectantly.

Sakura’s cheeks heated up. "What?"

Tomoyo rolled her eyes. "I went to your room bringing you some medicine cause I thought you’d wake up with a headache from last night, and I find you’re in Syaoran’s room! How early did you go over? Or was it last night?"

Sakura let out an embaressed breath and looked across at the wall, indignant. "That’s.... not... I mean....Nothing happened."

Tomoyo pouted, giving a wimpering smile. Chindra mimmicked the expression immediately.

"Things are better, if you’re wondering," Sakura muttered in defeat.

Tomoyo smiled warmly. "Obviously. So you two finally straightened out and I missed it?"

Sakura smiled weakly. "I... guess..."

Chindra reached over to clap her friend on the back. "Good for you!"

Sakura let out a long breath, then pushed her chair out from the table quickly. "Yes. Well. We should get to doing something constructive, no?"

Tomoyo giggled, shaking her head. "Why don’t you go after Li-kun, Sakura-chan?"

Sakura bit her lip wistfully. "I guess I ...wait! You’re probably planning to video tape us or something, aren’t you?"

Tomoyo mocked an expression of utter shock. "Why would I ever do something like that?"

Chindra shook her head, smiling. "Maybe he’s right. Maybe we should all go looking for him."

"We could... but I mean... what’s the big deal to wait?"

Chindra shrugged. "I dunno.... I guess... why wait?"

"I think we should," Tomoyo said quietly. Sakura looked at her questioningly. "Wait, I mean. It will make both parties happier to meet at an agreed time, rather than barge in on him, whatever he’s doing."

Sakura looked down the hall longingly towards Syaoran’s moving aura, then back to Tomoyo. Makes sense.... I guess... She sighed and shifted onto her other leg. "Well... what do we do until then?"

Tomoyo smiled in pleasant thought, then shrugged. "I suppose you two could work on what exactly you’re going to say to him."

Sakura chewed on the inside of her cheek, then nodded. It sounded sensible. "I guess..."

Tomoyo grinned wickedly, holding up her camera. "And then you can tell me all about what you did last night!"

Sakura rolled her eyes and headed towards the stairs. "I told you. Straightened things out. I think he trusts me now."

"So did any action or certain keywords bring upon this blessing of trust?" Chindra asked, jogging up the stairs besides Tomoyo.

"N-not... really," Sakura mumbled, thinking back for her own remembering pleasure. I didn’t really say one thing, did I? Just repeatedly apologized to him... then he set me in the bed and the rest is history... She blushed slightly just thinking about it. She realized Chindra and Tomoyo were both watching her. She blushed even more. "So, who’s room are we going to?"

Tomoyo shook her head, laughing. It would be some time before Sakura ever told her the full story. "Yours. You have all of the Cards and everything."

Sakura nodded agreeably. She led them into her room, biting her lip as she saw the dresses she had laid out earlier the previous day. It had been a while since she had been back in her room. She shrugged it off and sat comfortably on the edge of her bed. "Well!"

Chindra sat in a large plushy chair facing Sakura. "Well," she responded more calmly.

Silence settled for a moment. Sakura let out a sigh. She looked towards the window. The overcast sky cast a glow into the room that seemed to suck the color right out of everything. She smiled grimly as Tomoyo watched her, then looked back to the floor. "Well, what can we really talk about? I’m going to ask Eriol why my cards are still being a pain. He’ll probably say something smart that makes no sense, and then explain in a casual way he wants them back. Then we’ll try to bargain and ... and who knows."

Chindra let out a glum sigh, looking out the window. "You have a nice view," she commented, then looked back into the room. "Well, what must be done must be done. We’ll be alright, in the end."

Sakura twisted the edge of her blanket around her fingers. "Yeah," She responded absently.

"You’re still worried about Li-kun, Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo guessed.

Sakura looked up, slightly startled. She had been avoiding that stupid dream. She had finally gotten Syaoran. This time they weren’t going to split apart for some petty miscommunication. She forced a smile. "I’m just worried about how demanding this is going to be, that’s all."

Tomoyo nodded in agreement, then smiled sympathetically. "You and Li-kun are unstoppable. Don’t worry."

Sakura blushed and shook her head, then looked back to the window. The outdoors looked so inviting. She wished she could just take Syaoran and run off, run away from all of the stress and responsibility. She brushed back her hair unconsciously and switched gears. "Did you see Eriol-kun last night, Tomoyo-chan?"

Tomoyo looked up seeming alarmed. She blinked it off and let out an unreadable sigh. "Yes," She answered quietly.

Sakura thought back to everything Syaoran had said the night before. Watching the way her friend had just turned from hopeful to sad, it was hard not to believe she held some feelings for him. Sakura tried to not become unsettled. "What did he say?"

Tomoyo looked towards the window as if her mind was temporarily stepping outside for some air. She blinked once and calmly responded. "He does not wish to trouble you so."

Sakura blinked blankly for a moment, exchanged worried looks with Chindra, then nodded slowly in response. She watched her friend carefully. She seemed to be normal. Sakura ventured further in. "Do you... do you feel for him, Tomoyo-chan?"

Tomoyo smiled a sad smile at Sakura, surprising Sakura with how upfront she could be. "Eriol is a sad person. I feel bad for him."

Sakura smiled weakly at the response and nodded, then let out another breath. "Well... It is kind of sad he lives in this huge house all alone. But I guess... being so powerful does that to a person."

"Hiiragizawa-san likes being alone," Chindra said bitterly. She let out an annoyed sigh, then looked toward the door. "But... I guess no one is completely bad."

Sakura nodded absently, her thoughts drifting once more. I hope Syaoran is doing okay... She searched out for his aura. It was burning brightly not too far from where they sat. Syaoran. Merely thinking about him made her feel a bit more content with the situation. She shuffled impatiently, wanting to be at his side again. It’s stupid letting him run off. I’m just asking for him to get hurt. He’ll probably challenge Eriol to some duel or something. The thought worried her. She looked at the door.

"Sakura-chan, just go find him. I’m sure he’d love to have a nice walk with you. You can clear your minds before you finish things with Hiiragizawa-kun."

Sakura smiled sheepishly at Tomoyo. "Am I that obvious?"

Chindra grinned. "Yes. You are."

Sakura shook her head, then hesitantly got to her feet. "Well... I’ll meet you in the dining hall a quarter to twelve?"

Tomoyo nodded agreeably. "Perfect."

Sakura smiled, then walked a quick stride to the door. She paused for a moment. "Demo! No taping!" She disappeared into the hall and broke into an excited sprint down the stairs.

Tomoyo smiled watching Sakura, then shook her head. "Those two are so lovesick, it’d be good for them to get it out of their system."

Chindra nodded in agreement. "Yes. So they’ll be able to think clearly."

Tomoyo smiled and nodded. "Precisely."

Chindra smiled for a while, thinking about them. "They’re so funny. I hope I may be as fortunate in the love department."

"Botan’s just waiting back at home, probably not knowing what to do with himself..."

Chindra rolled her eyes. "Shut up! I don’t even really like him....that much."

Tomoyo smiled a knowing smile. "A camera doesn’t lie."

Chindra’s eyes widened. "You didn’t!"

Tomoyo got to her feet abruptly, smiling slyly. "I’m going to go for another walk, I think." She rushed out the door, Chindra at her heels demanding the truth.

_________________________________________________________

She has no reason to hurt me. No motivation. No logical reason whatsoever. Syaoran continued stealthily along a wall in the garden, feeling Eriol’s presence closer than ever. He glanced down at his watch. He had fifteen minutes before he needed to make his way back to her as promised. He climbed through some vines and found himself at a corner of a tall stone wall. He peered around it cautiously. A long hall leading to a single wooden door stretched before him. He looked over his shoulder, then made his way down the path.

Really, no reason. She had just been trying to keep me safe. I was an idiot for not seeing that. It hadn’t made any sense. I had been so sure she felt the same way. Why hadn’t I been able to put that together? I was just too absorbed in my own self pity to notice... Syaoran reached the door. It was locked, probably with some kind of enchantment. He muttered a lock breaking spell and pulled at the door. It didn’t budge. He pushed into it with his shoulder. Nothing was accomplished, asides from the acquisition of a very sore bruise. He stood in front of it in irritation for a moment, then hurried back to the long wall to continue looking for another way in. He glanced at the vines on his way by. They were strong and sturdy. He looked up. They reached a window about two stories up. He looked back over the garden. He would be putting himself right in the open. He couldn’t risk it. He hurried back down his original trail, looking for another door.

The sky had darkened progressively since he had been out. It looked like rain would be coming down any moment. For now, there was an unusually cool breeze blowing across the courtyard. A misty fog seemed to envelope everything in a dull grey. How appropriate. Syaoran looked deeper into the garden. Everything seemed to hold some kind of magic. It was unnerving. He could feel the magic collecting in the heavy air. It seemed to weigh down on him with unprecedented apprehension. He blocked it out, continuing in a calm manner. The well was ahead of him. It stood in a patch of empty green grass, its unusually faded stone base stark against the washed stone walls around it. Syaoran kept a scrupulous eye on it.

The wind blew heavily, causing everything in the courtyard to animate. Syaoran looked around in vigilance, ready to call out his sword if necessary. The wind died down, leaving only an echoing rustle of trees. Tall flowers settled into a lazy wave under the wind’s whim. He cautiously came into the open low grass around the well, scaling down the wall quickly. Light from within the well caught his attention. He glanced at it warily, then back into the garden. It may just be a trap to lure him further into the open. But as he felt through the garden with his mind, it seemed harmless and empty. He checked it a second time to be safe, then cautiously approached the well’s edge.

The unmistakable flicker of a flame was contrasting to the dark of the well. He called out his sword immediately, his hand tightly gripping the hilt. He could feel Eriol’s magic everywhere around him. It seemed to distort anything else that may be lurking about in the maze of a garden. He tried to get a clear perception of what it may be, but only found Eriol’s magic becoming stronger. The flame flickered directly below the ladder. Syaoran called out a cautious attack that would shock his opponent unconscious. An unpleasantly high shriek made Syaoran lean over the edge of the well in desperate worry. He was met with his own attack reflected back at him at a much weaker rate, knocking him to the ground.

Weakened as it was, it was still quite a painful experience, and Syaoran found all his limbs reverberating with the eletric sensation. He rolled onto his side, shuddering, then tried to reach his sword. Stretching his arm caused an unbearable ache. He recoiled his arm quickly against his chest, flexing his fingers.

"Syaoran-kun!" Sakura shouted in surprise, edging cautiously over the top of the well. She ran quickly to his side, kneeling beside his head. "I’m sorry, I didn’t-"

"It’s okay," Syaoran coughed out, trying to regulate his breathing. He forced himself to sit up. The electricity running through him disagreed and forced him back down with a painful groan followed by a few curses. Sakura smiled weakly, hesitating before patting him empathetically on the arm. It caused him to curse again. She quickly took her hand back and looked to her side. His sword lay thrown from him. She picked it up, studying the engravings on the hilt. It was quite a pretty peice of metal. She lowered it to her side and watched him, feeling stupid. He slowly sat up again, this time staying up. He shook his head vigorously a few times, then rubbed his eyes.

"I really thought it was ..." Sakura let her sentence trail off. She looked back to Syaoran’s bright amber eyes. He didn’t seem to be holding it against her.

"I could’ve hit you and knocked you unconscious. Be glad it hit me instead."

Sakura frowned, indignant. "What, you’re saying I couldn’t handle that kind of a blast?"

"No," Syaoran said, carefully getting to his feet. He straightened one leg. It complied. He stood. "Neither one of us could handle that kind of a blast without it being weakened by say... reflecting off a shield, first."

Sakura smiled weakly, then stood up beside him. She unconsciously noticed his taller heigth. She held out his sword for him. He took it from her and slid it into its sheath. Sakura watched him googly eyed for a moment. She snapped back to reality. "I’m assuming you never found Eriol."

Syaoran shook his head, still feeling a little weak. "I thought you were him. His magic’s everywhere."

Sakura nodded. "I know. I was hoping I would find you down in that well, but ... ugh. It was creepy."

Syaoran nodded absently, his eyes scanning over the garden. He felt like he was being watched. Nothing different showed to him. He searched out with his mind. The premisis felt devoid of any life. He sighed and looked back to Sakura. She was still smiling at him. He managed a small and confused smile back, then started back towards the wall. "Well, you shouldn’t be following me. You want to negotiate, and if I find Eriol, that’s not something I plan on doing."

Sakura smiled weakly, falling in step beside him. She looked over the dreary courtyard. It felt good to breathing outside air. She took in a lungful, then looked at Syaoran again. You fiery warrior Syaoran. I seriously have got to be the luckiest girl in the world. She skipped along to convey she felt that way. Syaoran watched her out of the corner of his eye but said nothing. Finally she could bear their silent walk no longer.

"Tomoyo told me she feels bad for Eriol-kun."

"Oh?" Syaoran responded, not feeling very interested. He saw something moving out of the corner of his eye. He unsheathed his sword and turned around in a flurry of speed, finding himself only threatening a nearby waterfountain. He sheepishly returned his sword to its sheath.

"Yeah...." Sakura answered, watching him warily as he returned his sword. "I’m not really sure...what’s going on there. But I guess... in the end, it doesn’t really matter. In a matter of days I’ll be sitting around in Japan, bored and riding Moondust around for fun instead of battling..." She glanced hopefully at Syaoran, expecting him to say something about how he would be there in Japan with her, taking her for rides on his bike and taking her out to fancy Italian restaurants. He said no such things.

Instead, he responded with a surprising, "No way."

Sakura frowned and looked up from her daydream. "What?"

Syaoran had stopped, his eyes fixed on a door across the garden. Sakura frowned at him, then looked over at the door, frowning at it. It didn’t give any obvious clues. "What?" She repeated.

"I tried to open that door, earlier," Syaoran explained, working things out in his mind.

"Oh..." Sakura responded knowingly, shoving a hand into her pocket and nodding with intelligence.

"Your friend just walked right through it," Syaoran finally continued, watching it.

Sakura frowned. "What? Tomoyo-chan?"

Syaoran unsheathed his sword, heading straight across the garden. Sakura hurried after him, pulling on the arm with the sword with concern. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"Finding Eriol," Syaoran replied factually, marching around a square of particularly red flowers.

Sakura reluctantly took her hand off his arm, her eyes glued on him in worry. "You’re not going to... to use that with Tomoyo-chan, are you?"

Syaoran frowned, glancing at her quizically. "Why would I want to hurt your friend?"

Sakura shrugged. "I dunno. You saw her go through the door and took your sword out right away..."

Syaoran shook his head as if it explained everything, then slowed as they reached the single door. He reached to open it. It was locked once more. He spoke another spell. The door remained shut. Sakura decided to try to help out. She said her own spell. The door remained impervious. Syaoran leaned his sword on the ground, scowling.

Sakura watched him scowl, recognizing it as the thinking frown. "So... why would Eriol let her in and not us, right?"

Syaoran let out a long breath. "Easy. He’s using her."

Sakura frowned, shaking her head. "No. Maybe he just wants to see her."

Syaoran gave Sakura a look implying immense stupidity, then looked back to the door. "Because Eriol has so many friends..." He said dryly.

Sakura shook her head. "No, it makes sense. Maybe Eriol does like her. Maybe she’s a sort of... weakness for him."

"Or maybe she’s a sort of weakness for you. She already screwed you over once, Sakura."

Sakura glared at him. "She didn’t. Eriol did. This is the real Tomoyo. She’s smart."

Syaoran let out a long sigh, then looked away in defeat. "Fine. It doesn’t really matter."

Sakura nodded gladly, then looked towards the garden again. Another cool breeze wafted through. Flowers bent in its wake. The statues stood unbothered. Sakura looked back to Syaoran. He looked perturbed, but not unpleasant. She smiled at him, then headed back out into the garden.

"So what are we doing out here? Like... what’s your strategy, exactly?"

Syaoran followed after her, restoring his sword to its sheath once more. "Find Eriol."

"Aha," Sakura responded, slowing to get in step with him. They walked quietly for a while. Sakura enjoyed the outside for what it was worth. A few drops of rain began to spatter down, but not enough to find shelter from. She decided to make light conversation.

"Do you think we can get along when things are normal?"
Syaoran glanced at her for a moment. He felt the emotions he had been so convinced he had gotten rid of so long ago. He was glad he hadn’t been able to annihilate them completely. "How so?" He asked, returning his watchful eyes ahead of them.

"Like, we’re so used to having exciting things going on all of the time. They say relationships based on those kind of situations don’t last."

Syaoran tapped his fingers on the sheath of his sword absently. "First of all, we’re an exception to about every rule ever made by those psychologists and anthropologists that like to make statistics. And secondly... we’re perfectly compatible."

Sakura smiled at hearing him say that, eyes watching some pretty blue flowers wave about ahead of them. "I suppose so, but... Okay. We have to have some things in common, I guess... Like... like, um... we both like chocolate. I think, right?"

"Yes," Syaoran confirmed, refusing to show any sign of amusement.

"And..." Sakura continued, looking thoughtfully at the sky. She gave an exasperated sigh. "And... what? I mean, really. What do we really have in common? We’re both used to saving the world, but I don’t know if that counts."

Syaoran let out a long sigh, trying to let all of his anxieties about her fade. They did, but very slowly. "Maybe it’s what we don’t have in common that makes us compatible."

Sakura pondered it for a moment. She understood what he meant, but wanted to hear further on the subject. "What do you mean?"

"If you were like me, I think I would hate you. Actually, I think we would end up killing each other."

Sakura smiled weakly at the thought. He was probably right. "Yeah... you’re right."

"So, we sort of balance each other out."

Sakura nodded in agreement, liking this arguement. She glanced at her wrist. She didn’t have a watch. She picked up his hand to check the time. He paused for a moment to see what she was doing, then walked and complied with letting her figure out the time.

"We’re going to be meeting Eriol at lunch soon," She said, squeezing his hand before letting it drop back to his side.

Syaoran reluctantly checked the time and nodded. They would be meeting in the dining hall in another twenty minutes. He let out a sigh. He had hoped to get a talk in with Eriol before the rest of them. It seemed this wasn’t going to happen. He watched Sakura for a moment. She smiled happily at him. He couldn’t help but allow a small one back.

"Do you want to go back, then?"

Sakura nodded. "It’s going to take us at least half that to get back to our rooms. I still haven’t changed since..." She trailed off, turning slightly pink. Syaoran grinned at her.

"Me neither." He turned and began heading the other direction wordlessly. Sakura followed him.

Sakura sighed, thinking back to the night before. She had never experienced so many hormones at once. She jittered just thinking about it, feeling a little more than ashamed at her behavior. "I’m um...I’m sorry that I started to... that I came onto you like that."

Syaoran bit into his lip to keep from smiling. Soon it wasn’t necessary, for his own pile of shame and regret settled onto his shoulders. He let out a sigh of disgust with himself. "You have nothing to be sorry about. I just wish... I mean, I’m honored you would be willing to... But... I wish you wouldn’t waste yourself on me. I wish you’d find someone who deserves you."

Sakura tried to keep from feeling hurt, reminding herself he was just trying to look out for her. It didn’t work. "I hope you don’t mean that," She mumbled, looking at him carefully before looking to the ground. He only responded by looking at her with suddenly sad, sorrowful eyes.

"If I was sure there was someone who could keep you happy and safe and really deserved you then... yes, I do," Syaoran finally said, feeling torn as he said it.

Sakura let out an annoyed, shakey breath. "But... but you-"

"I," Syaoran cut in, reading her mind, "Would live out a miserable, desperately depressed existence, yes. But it would be worth it."

Sakura managed a weak smile. "The only way I’m going to be happy is if you’re happy. So, I guess we’re just stuck with each other."

Syaoran said nothing for a while. Sakura became a bit paranoid of what he was thinking. She was thoroughly relieved when, after returning his sword away, he took her hand in his. She continued across the last of the garden in complete contentment. Syaoran seemed almost happy as well. They broke hands only when they reached the door the inside. Sakura smiled ecstatically when Syaoran paused to kiss her softly before opening the door for her. She skipped beside him all the way to her room.

_________________________________

Tomoyo grinned despite herself, zooming in ridiculously close as she read Syaoran’s body language. Sure enough, he leaned in to kiss Sakura. She let out a happy breath, then stood up and shut the camera off as they disappeared into the other side of the house. The window cut into the stone next to her had given her a glimpse of the cute couple. Seeing them head across the garden holding hands had been too good to pass up. Even with her own problems, she couldn’t abandon following up on the cutest couple she had ever seen. It seemed to lighten the severity of the situation with its mere positivity.

"Tragic, isn’t it?"

Tomoyo stiffened at the cold voice from behind her. The hallway seemed to drop in temperature just enough to be noticeable. She didn’t bother to turn around. "Beautiful, not tragic," She corrected.

"Ah, but beauty always comes with dark thoughts. Pure goodness is not as appealing as it may sound." Eriol stepped up to her side, his blue eyes camly looking over his garden. He blinked once, then looked to Tomoyo. She stood rigid. "You are so persistent. Do you really feel you can make the slightest difference here?"

Tomoyo looked out into the garden, refusing to let him stir her. "You did not have to unlock that door for me, Eriol-kun."

If Eriol was taken aback, he hid it well. He returned his eyes to the window. "I cannot help but to find you quite amusing. You and your friends with your psychological romances and dramatic splurges of emotion... It is quite something to look upon. I’m afraid this house has become quite dull with the absence of drama."

Tomoyo looked at him, hopeful. The grey light streaming into the window cast shadows on his face, accenting his firm, composed smile. She looked down sadly at their feet that stood a small distance apart. "Is it that you envy them that you must cause them grief?"

Eriol’s eyes flickered a twinkle of laughter. He shook his head. "Jealousy is for the diminutive and trivial. One of the lowest emotions your ignorant race seem to experience on a frequent basis."

"You are human as well, Eriol-kun."

"I have found a rationality beyond your understanding. But yes, I suppose I cannot escape the fact that I was once like you." He went silent for a moment, thinking on this. He returned to the first question. "They are aware they cannot last. My survival ensures that."

Tomoyo looked at him with sad, glazed eyes. "It doesn’t have to be."

Eriol cast one last calm look out the window, then turned and stepped into the hallway further. "Unfortunately, it does." He paused for a moment, his back to her. Tomoyo continued to face the window, her eyes holding on the light outside. He let out a short breath, then began walking away.

"Eriol," Tomoyo said, nervously raising her voice. She heard his footsteps stop. "I have one thing I wish you to answer."

Eriol was quiet for a moment. He turned to face her, calm, poised, and in control. "I will be meeting you and your friends shortly. Ask me your questions then."

Tomoyo frowned, finally turning to look upon him. His blue eyes measured her as a teacher would view a student. "It does not concern them."

"Then," Eriol said, turning back the way he was going. "I do not wish to answer it."

Tomoyo watched him walk coolly away, already sensing his mind drift to other things. She felt tears welling in frustration. She pushed them back, catching up to him with determination. "You are so terrified of what you once felt. Why? What harm did it cause you?"

"I felt nothing," Eriol muttered, his walk speeding just slightly. Tomoyo noticed it and continued on, hoping she was unsettling him. That was the only sign she was having any affect whatsoever.

"Why do you keep lying?" Tomoyo persisted, hurrying to catch up with him.

"Why would I lie?" Eriol questioned back, his eyes looking purposefully in the direction he walked.

Tomoyo finally reached his side, though she had to practically jog. "Because you’re afraid."

Eriol smiled a small smile, continuing calmly on his walk. "And why would I be?" "Because you are afraid of losing control," Tomoyo said without any doubt of its accuracy, her grey eyes firmly planted on him as they walked.

"Why would I lose control feeling something so insignificant?"

"Because you don’t understand it and that fact, the unknown, scares you."

Eriol finally slowed to a stop, looking in the distance as if collecting his thoughts. He startled Tomoyo as he looked at her with a calm, patient smile. It was not what she was expecting, nor what she hoped for. "I’m sorry it bothers you, Tomoyo-san. It is flattering to be given such sincere concern, but you are clearly mistaken in your understanding of me. I am alone. That is who I am. And I do not desire nor need your attention. Now please, find your Sakura-chan and support her. She has use for you."

Tomoyo stared hard at Eriol, willing some kind of emotion to flicker across his eyes. She had seen it there before. So many flashes of her memory reminded her of what he had been. He did not have to be alone. Yet he chooses. Eriol had already turned, still smiling pleasantly, and let himself through a door. Why did he make me who I was for those years just to do this? She looked at the door for a while, trying to find an easy decision to make. Nothing lay before her. She let out a breath and turned back around, heading towards the courtyard.

I did not expect anything of it. Still, she could not help but feel as if she had failed. I cannot do anything. I am weak. I am powerless. There is no reason for him to be overcome by me. Perhaps I was being foolish, thinking he could possibly feel. Feel for anything, for that matter.

The walk back was a quiet one. Tomoyo forced her mind to silence, numbing herself temporarily. Eriol was right. Sakura needed her to be on her side. I always was on her side. But Sakura would want nothing more than for Eriol to be saved instead of destroyed. She walked through the memorized paths of halls. She had walked them so many different times, all within sharply contrasting circumstances. The stairs were ahead of her. She looked towards the large clock on the far wall. They would be meeting Eriol in fifteen minutes. It would be the end of all hope. It would result in the end of him. She was powerless to stop it.

Tomoyo took a composing breath and forced herself up the stairs. Immediately she was greeted with the sound of shreiking.

- - - - - - -

"Syaoran, don’t cut it!" Sakura cried, eyes glued to the large monstrosity scaling the far hall wall.

Syaoran let out out an annoyed sigh, keeping track of the spider’s progress. His sword was ready to cut down the eight-legged fiend, but Sakura was openly opposed to that strategy. Chindra was cowered behind Sakura, being the first to sight the spider. Unluckily for her, she had sighted it crawling onto her foot. He reminded himself of what he was doing. "What do you want me to do, then?" He asked in irritation, edging closer to the wall. The spider was starting to get high. It would be so high that if he sliced it with his sword, it would be dropping a good distance to the ground.

"Just... I dunno..." Sakura shuffled a few steps further towards it, staying safely behind Syaoran. "Electrocute it or something."

"Electrocute it," Syaoran repeated skeptically. Sakura nodded fervently. Syaoran rolled his eyes and stepped carelessly close to the spider, reaching out his sword. "Look, we need to conserve magic. This is ridiculous." He swatted the spider down with his sword. Sakura let out a shriek of terror, as did Chindra. He followed the spider’s progress. It was scurrying unbelievably fast towards Sakura and Chindra’s cowering positions. They split and ran a clear distance to the side. Tomoyo appeared in the stairway. Syaoran paused long enough to give her a suspicious scowl before pinning the huge spider to the floor with his sword. The spider twitched around as it tried to grasp life, then finally stilled. Sakura let out a releived breath.

Tomoyo approached, frowning with curiosity. "What... happened, exactly?"

Syaoran glanced at her warily. "The spider did."

Sakura brushed past Syaoran, wanting to get a closer look at the spider when it was available for studying. "Look at this thing, Tomoyo-chan. It’s huge!" She knelt down hesitantly. Syaoran sighed in defeat and leaned his sword against the wall, keeping the creature pinned down. Chindra moved in slowly, her eyes never shifting from the spider.

"Yes," Tomoyo said, trying her best to become interested. She grinned at the annoyed look Syaoran had on his face as he walked further from them. Always trying to act so disinterested. I’m sure Sakura will break him of that in time.

"It crawled on my foot!" Chindra said, her voice barely recovering from hysterics.

"So... you guys were all out here?" Tomoyo asked, looking up from the spider.

Sakura nodded, her eyes still glued to the floor. "This thing must be a tarantula! Honestly... But yeah. We were meeting out here to talk about everything and were just sitting on the floor. Then all the sudden Chindra screamed-"

"Really, I mean, if you felt that thing crawling across your foot... you would scream too!" She bent in to observe it more closely. Hair covered most of its fat, lengthy legs. It hardly looked dead, even with a huge sword going through it. A leg twitched slightly. Chindra shreiked and jumped back. "It moved!"

Sakura’s eyes widened. She had thought she had seen something out of the corner of her left eye. She shuffled back silently, her eyes glued to the nasty arachnid.

"That is quite a spider," Tomoyo agreed. "Oh. It, um, it did move."

Sakura jumped to her feet, backing to Syaoran’s side. He was looking overly interested in some far away inanimate object. She gave him a desperate look. "Can you kill it?"

Syaoran sighed, looking to the spider. It was causing them a good amount of greif. He had to admit, it was quite big. And quite ugly. And probably quite dangerous under the right conditions. He wordlessly walked over and took hold of his sword. He ground it around a few times, giving everyone the complete satisfaction that the small beast was dead, then pulled his sword off. The spider was peirced through and through, and was stuck to the end of his blade. He pushed the spider off with his shoe, experimenting for a moment how gross it would be if he stepped on it.

"Don’t do it," Sakura said, reading his mind. "There’d be spider guts everywhere, all over your shoes..."

Syaoran let his foot hover in midair, fascinated with how tall and thick the spider’s body was. It would have taken some effort to step on this spider. He finally put his foot back on normal ground, holding back a grin at Sakura’s relieved sigh. His held-in-grin diminished as he noticed Tomoyo present at the scene. I wonder what she discussed with Eriol this time? Tomoyo shifted uncomfortably under Syaoran’s glare and gave him a curious look. Sakura noticed and decided to interfere.

"So... should we... go meet Eriol or what?"

Syaoran glanced towards the stairs. He let out an annoyed sigh. I can’t beleive he’d be so low. It’s not in his style to be this pathetic. Maybe he really is afraid of us. I guess, I mean, he doesn’t really stand a chance of winning. He zoned back into Sakura and Chindra’s conversation.

"Well, I’ll let you do the talking. But if anything goes out of hand, I’ll be the first to strike at him, the coward."

Sakura smiled weakly at Chindra’s enthusiasm. She could see how either Syaoran or Chindra could be so excited about battling. The thought of being home in Japan and finally having Syaoran to herself seemed much more appealing. She glanced at him to find a bit of comfort in his determined scowl, then nodded in determination. "Alright. No beating around the bush this time. We’re going to make an executive decision."

Tomoyo laughed at her friend’s expression. It was a sad mock of the scowl Syaoran had on his face. She began walking towards the stairs next to Chindra. Her laugh dissolved quickly. This isn’t going to be very comfortable. Why must he keep lying? Why must I persist? She rolled it around in her mind for a while. A countering arguement came quickly. Because he needs to be saved. I cannot lose sight of the truth. Even with him continuously denying it. I feel it to my core. I can’t let him down. Not when he is in such desperate need.

"You can still see those spider guts on your sword," Sakura commented, eyeing the shining metal Syaoran carried unsheathed at his side. Syaoran glanced down at the edge of the blade, grinned a small satisfied grin, and continued looking towards the end of the stairs with the anticipation of violence only Syaoran could possibly enjoy. Sakura watched the blade swing freely next to his leg and bit into her lip. "Are you going to just... leave that out?"

Syaoran looked back to his sword a second time, then brought his eyes up to Sakura in a look that answered with a firm yes.

Sakura glanced at Chindra and Tomoyo to see if they found it a little bit of a bad idea. They didn’t seem to have an opinion, and if they did, they wisely chose not to voice it. "Well..." Sakura started, slowing as they reached the level floor, "I mean... maybe we shouldn’t go in all threatening and stuff. Like... that way we can catch him off his guard, or... something."

Tomoyo couldn’t help but give a weak smile to the look of amazement that swept its way across Syaoran’s face. Sakura didn’t seem to notice. "Catch Eriol off his guard..." He repeated, seeming to find it quite humorous. Syaoran finally sighed. "I’m not putting my sword up."

They slowed in front of the hall doors. They were shut. Sakura turned to Syaoran, hoping to persuade him with an added expression. "But.... I mean, I know I certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable negotiating with someone if they had a sword laying across the table..."

Syaoran rolled his eyes, let out a sigh of impatience, and looked at the large wooden doors in front of them. "You remember the last time we were here?" He asked, causing a sudden burst of alertness from Tomoyo. Chindra listened in casually. Sakura glanced worriedly at Tomoyo, then nodded reluctantly at Syaoran. "And," he continued, unbothered by the audience, "Do you remember when I told you not to go with Eriol? And you did?"

Sakura nodded again dismally. "Yes, I know-"

"So what happened, exactly?"

Sakura glanced at his sword, then looked at the door, sour she was being proved wrong. "I know, but it just seems... I dunno..."

"Sakura, that bastard locked me into some kind of desert illusion with no way out. The only reason he didn’t win right then was because I happened to have sealed your cards without you knowing. I’m not going near him unarmed now, when he knows what we want to do."

"Okay!" Sakura said, throwing her hands in the air in defeat. "But just... don’t like... set it on the table or anything."

Syaoran gave her an exasperated look, scowled at the surpressed laughter from Tomoyo and Chindra, then pulled the heavy door open and let himself inside.

The first thing his keen eyes noticed was the figure entering from the opposite end of the room. Syaoran’s eyes immediately narrowed and his fingers unconsciously gripped the hilt a little tighter. Eriol smiled pleasantly back, slowing behind his large chair. He kept a level stare with Syaoran’s glare for a moment, then looked over the girls to adress them. Syaoran watched his eyes carefully. They never rested upon Tomoyo. He frowned in suspicion, then continued to march right up to him, sword menacingly off his side. Sakura hurried after him, trying to keep him from doing anything rash. Eriol only looked back at Syaoran coolly.

"I see we’re ready to come to a very diplomatic conclusion for our mutual problem, Li-san."

Sakura had to use some will to keep from laughing at their contrasting spirits. Eriol seemed to be enjoying the whole thing. Syaoran, on the other hand, looked mortally offended and ready to cut clean through Eriol’s neck. She took the initiative and sat down, hoping Syaoran would follow. He did, only after Eriol sat, and kept perched on the edge of the chair. Tomoyo sat across from her and Chindra placed herself next to Eriol. Sakura felt much better sitting next to Syaoran this time.

"No more skating the truth, really, Eriol-kun. We can’t stay much longer. We need to agree on something, whatever that entails," Sakur announced boldly.

Eriol’s blue eyes looked into her for a second that made her feel completely exposed to him, mentally and physically. She squirmed in her chair. Eriol leaned back, having a pleasant expression on his face. Sakura watched him in awe. He must practice that in the mirror every day. No way could anyone be so calm without tons of practice.

"I see," He replied, still collecting his response. Chindra took the pause to jump in.

"You took a year of my life away from me, Hiirigizawa-san. You can’t even explain yourself. You need to fix what you screwed up and leave Sakura-chan alone."

Syaoran held in a smile at the terrified look Sakura gave her friend. He was glad someone was starting the ‘discussion’ right. He looked to Eriol, hand ready on his hilt for whatever he would choose to do. Eriol didn’t flinch.

"Well, if I may ask, what exactly do you propose for a compromise?" Eriol asked, his eyes glueing on Chindra in the way they had been on Sakura few seconds before.

"I propose," Chindra spat with an equal composition Sakura hadn’t known she possessed, "That you agree to leave her alone so we don’t have to fight."

Eriol gave a small smile and dropped his eyes to the table in front of him. For the first time he looked like he was actually considering their opinions. But his eyes came back up, remaining unchanged from his pause of reflection. "I would love nothing more than to relieve you of this stress, Sakura. But the only way that is going to happen is if the cards return to my posession."

Sakura frowned. He always had to make things so complicated. "Why do you keep saying that? I want the cards. There’s no reason for you to keep hassling me about it. They’re mine now, and I’m keeping them."

Syaoran gripped tighter on his sword, longing to jump up and take Sakura’s worst enemy down for her. They could go right home and be able to start over. He let out a long sigh, scowling at Eriol. Eriol did not heed him any attention.

"Sakura-san, the cards are not yours. They never were and they never will be. And that means you cannot keep them."

"Eriol, are you-like... Are you completely forgetting that the cards were once Star Cards? Not Clow Cards. Star. Star Cards."

"I know what the cards did, Kinomoto-san. I’m fully aware. But you don’t realize it was just all part of the cycle they were meant to complete. They-"

"What the fuck are you talking about, Hiirigizawa? What the fuck is the point of giving your magic away just to take it back again?" Syaoran asked, having had it with listening to Sakura’s weak debate.

Eriol looked like he was finally having to use some constraint. "The point is I’m doing what’s best, taking them back."

"What is this Eriol-kun, really? What’s the point of putting me through all of this just to take it back again?" Sakura asked, trying to ease the tension a little.

"So he can play fucking God, that’s why," Syaoran grumbled, using all of his self control to keep himself perched on the seat.

Eriol actually glared at Syaoran for the first time. "Thank you for that impartial judgement, Li-san. It’s rare I have the opportunity to be analyzed by a blameless person such as yourself. There-"

"Wait," Sakura cut in, glaring at both of them. "Look, Eriol, I’m not going to just give you these cards. I don’t care what you say, you gave them to me. I fought for them. You can’t just take a gift back. So take that possibility out of your mind."

Eriol let out a long sigh. "You just don’t understand, Kinomoto-san. There is more to this than who gets to keep the cards."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "What! What’s so special about them? If they’re so important, why’d you give them to me in the first place?"

"It’s a game," Chindra cut in, glaring at Eriol with a new understanding of anger. "It’s just one big game to you, isn’t it Hiirigizawa-san? You never meant to pass down the gift of magic into our family’s, but when you... when Clow Reed fell in love with them, he made those choices.... and you feel you have to correct them."

Eriol glared levelly at her, blinking rythmically. "It was a mistake to be corrected," he restated.

"You fucking bastard. I should have killed you the first time we were here."

Eriol narrowed his eyes back on Syaoran. "You were not a murder then as you are now."

Syaoran scowled back equally, sliding his sword around to a more mobile position. "You don’t know what the fuck I am."

"Stop, Syaoran," Sakura mumbled almost subconsciously, lost in her train of thought. Just a game... all along? What is the point of that? Why would he have put me through the tests he did just to take them back...? If he wanted to take the cards back, why didn’t he steal them before?

"And neither does she. What do you plan to do with her when this boils over, Li-san? Take her back to Hong Kong and fuck her too?"

That had been it for Syaoran. He had jumped up almost faster than Sakura’s eyes could follow with his sword outstretched for Eriol’s neck. Sakura barely managed to enchant him with a slowing spell and tackle him to the ground before the tip of his blade grazed across Eriol’s dodging flesh. Syaoran shook off the spell and was cursing under his breath at her within a second later. Eriol straightened his shirt and let a small grin escape.

"I see I struck a nerve."

Syaoran attempted to lunge for a vital artery in Eriol’s neck but was stopped once again by Sakura’s vocal and physical pleadings.

"Eriol," Sakura said, slightly out of breath, "What does this mean? If we battle you and win, will you leave us alone?"

Eriol gazed at Chindra for a moment, then back at Sakura. "I cannot give you any certainty."

Sakura finally dropped her tight hold of Syaoran’s arm and sighed. "You won’t agree to any solution, will you?"

Eriol blinked calmly. "I have explained my standards for the compromise."

"He’s just asking to die," Syaoran mumbled, inching his way closer as Sakura’s attention drifted.

"It’s ridiculous, Hiirigizawa-san. You’re not even compromising. What you’re causing is unnecessary. It doesn’t have to be like this." Chindra frowned with an intense sincerity, refusing to be intimidated by him.

"Unfortunately," Eriol said, standing up and causing another erruption of movement from Syaoran, "It does."

Sakura could feel the strong weight of Clow Reed’s magic press upon her. It bent the space around her as if time itself was tearing apart and the room was collapsing into the space it left behind. She tried to shield herself from it, but was unable. Her eyes were unable to focus on the room. Eriol’s casting something stupid... She did her best to retaliate, but the spell was too far along to prevent. And, blinking a few times to adjust her eyes, she found herself back in the same room. Everything was exactly as it had been, minus everyone else in the room. Sakura looked around, frowning for a moment. She let out a slow breath, refusing to panic.

He’s just trying to scare me. Put me in an illusion, a dream where I’m all alone. There’s always got to be a way out. Sakura took a deep breath and looked around, trying to clear her mind. "Syaoran!" Of course that’s pointless... but...better safe than sorry... "Syaoran-kun!"

Sakura sighed a frustrated sigh and stepped towards the far door. Her foot step echoed against the walls, painfully loud. She hesitated with incertitude, then took a few more steps towards the door. There won’t be anyone in any of the other rooms of the house. It’s pointless to walk around looking for others... Sakura couldn’t help but escape into the hall. It was, as she thought, empty. She hurried up the stairs to their rooms. Each was equally empty, as if the strewn out clothes and messy suitcases of her friends had been untouched for an eternity. She slowed to a stop, forcing her mind out to look for auras. Nothing. She realized her mind was clear of any magical presences. The thought unnerved her a little.

If I’m within a giant magic spell... why don’t I feel magic? Or... is that just Eriol trying to frighten me again. That must be it. But... this is so strange. Why would he put me in an empty version of his house? She called out her staff and cautiously continued down the hall. He’s just stalling. I wonder if he’s trying to run away? But... he couldn’t run away and hold this spell from a far distance... He’s probably just hoping we’ll waste all our energy in here trying to get out... I hope Chindra’ s okay. I wonder... where Tomoyo is?

"Syaoran!" Sakura called again, impulsively. Oh Eriol... what are you doing? She followed the far set of stairs down to a dark hallway she had never explored before. She stopped in thought. Maybe the spell is only on this house. She jogged back towards the main stair and hurried to the first floor. The large oak doors loomed in front of her. She reached for the handle and pulled. The door didn’t budge. She checked the locks and repeated the process. After the door did not inch, she tried kicking it. The resulting sore toe was the only response. She sighed in defeat and called a magic spell that would have been strong enough to open any normal door. Of course, Eriol’s doors were anything but normal, and sizzled with energy as her attack was absorbed into a shield.

So he’s sealed his house within a shield. Alright... well...let’s see if he sealed all the exits? Sakura took off at a sprint, knowing all time was valuable, and hurried down the vague recollection of halls to the hidden well many floors below. The sunlight passed quickly, leading Sakura into the deep darkness of the underground. She slowed only as much as necessary and refused to become frightened. Only when she thought she would be coming up on the stairs did she stop her blind run.Carefully feeling her way across the stone floor beneath her, she made her way down the first step...

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Tomoyo blinked a few times, adjusting to the quiet solitude of the room. Eriol had not yet made any move to acknowledge she still sat in his presence. He only sat entranced with his own spell, working hard to keep it strong. She moved ever so slightly in her chair, looking from empty seat to empty seat. She looked back to Eriol. His blue eyes burned with an abnormal determination. She waited for him to recognize her. He didn’t.

"Where did you send them?" She asked, using all constraint to keep a calm, smooth voice.

"Away," Eriol muttered almost subconciously, not breaking his concentration.

Tomoyo sighed. "Why do you bother?"

Eriol was silent long enough to fool Tomoyo into thinking he wasn’t going to answer before he did. "I am showing them how weak they really are."

Tomoyo frowned. That could mean a number of things. She looked across the gap of chairs between them. She let a breath of frustration escape. "You sent them somewhere where their largest fears lie?"

"In a matter of speaking... I suppose so..." Eriol mumbled, staring in front of him as if watching an invisible television. He blinked once to give Tomoyo a spiteful look. "Of course, it’s not difficult, being that you are all afraid of the same thing. Being completely alone is something unthinkably overwhelming." His eyes blinked back out of focus.

Tomoyo glued a skeptical glare on him. "And you fear it most of all, Eriol-kun. You have feared it so much that you have convinced yourself it is what you desire. You are a fool."

Eriol’s eyes came back to her in a furious scowl. "I have the power to send you away not to come back. Is it plain stupidity and ignorance that keeps you from understanding that?"

Tomoyo smoothly slid over into the chair next to him, staring with a rare and wild display of emotions in her eyes. "You didn’t."

Eriol held his scowl for another second before he had to focus on holding up some part of multidimensional spell.

"All these memories... everything... I know it’s true Eriol! You once recognized your weakness and faced it. Now that I have been gone so long, you feel abandoned. There is no need for you to continue like this. I am here."

Eriol made no move, ignoring all that she had said.

Tomoyo frowned with determination and grabbed his hand, disturbing his spell. He quickly freed his hand from hers and pushed her away, frantically trying to recontain the dissolving magic in front of him. Tomoyo regained her balance leaning against her chair, staring at him desperately. His eyes searched in front of him wildly, looking for his order and organization. She felt hope wash over her. He was losing control.

With a surge of new found confidence, Tomoyo stepped hesitantly towards him. Eriol pushed himself from the table, standing up and taking a few feeble steps back while trying to piece together the spell in front of him. She stepped forward persistently, watching his focus slowly melt away as he tried so hard to familiarize himself with something solid. She gently touched his face. He didn’t blink. She took one more step closer and kissed him.

His fingers dug into her shoulders, threatening to push her away as well as cling to her desperately. She held him in until he finally did push away, his wide eyes pressing her for control and composition. His hands did not leave her shoulders.

"Why must you do this to me, Tomoyo?"

Tomoyo swallowed hard from the mix of emotions hitting her. She forced a small smile. "You needn’t be a prisoner to yourself any longer, Eriol-kun."

Eriol’s eyes softened, despite the rigid stance the rest of him held. He blinked and looked away, allowing himself to revel in the confusion for a moment before forcing himself into familiar collection. He couldn’t salvage his spell. It had been broken.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

hahahaha.... every now and then... when things are just so depressing all the time... you just have to laugh. You’re probably saying to yourself "wtf kind of ending is that? it’s like she just stopped writing at some random spot!" Well. Yeah. I did. But you know, this is doing loads of good for everyone! Because now I can start the last, FINAL chapter EVER anew... I mean.... LAST! VERY LAST! And everyone’s going to hate me. Sorry!

Anyways... what to say...I dunno. I mean... there’s been some terrible writing going on. Such rough ideas just thrown together and given out to the public. Ugh. I’m sorry! I may... possibly put another story up after this one... I’m sure we’ll all notice some rather LARGE parallels... Ugh. Yeah. Not much to say. Eriol and Tomoyo? What’s up? Has she succeeded? Sakura has been enjoying some good Syaoran company. Too bad it’s all too good to be true. I’m a little bitter about relationships right now...pardon my pessimism.UGHJKSLDFGJH trusting people just gets you into trouble! May that be a word for the wise!

I’m using this author’s note for terribly selfish purposes... On the upside....I’m going.... TO A NIGHTWISH CONCERT! It’s all the way in April! But who knows, that may be when that last chapter makes its way out! YAYAYAYAYYAYAY! TUOMAS HALOPAINEN, YOU’RE MY HERO!

Comments are always welcome. I know I’m slow and a bad person. If you feel the need to reinforce that then... lol...whatever.

[email protected]

or aim/yahoo Syaoranchic

ja mata!

-Syaoran fan 4 ever and ever and ever and ever!

Hey if you want to check out an ubernerdy site me and my friends made for our filming hobby, you’re more than welcome to stop by geocities.com/ktggproductions . I’m the kt. It’s totally... not finished at all. But yeah. I’m cool like that, and we film stupid fantasy movies. Just like our Tomoyo-chan. What a weird mood. Later!