Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ A New Breeze Breaks ❯ A Shared Dream ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: I don't own CCS or CC.

Note to Readers:

READ BEFORE STARTING STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In my version, Syaoran leaves without fully understanding his feelings for Sakura. Now that he's returning- as an older and shall we say, more adult-like boy- those emotions are going to be incorporated with the fun things of hormones! I am so evil, but I had to. This should be a fairly serious story though, but I still want to have some fun with it. It's a new kind of experiment for me, so enjoy!

A New Breeze Breaks

carpetfibers

Chapter 1: A Dream and a Return

A looming darkness rose up to her eyes. Far below her, the faint roar of pounding waters coursed through the canyon. She stood at the cliff's edge, her wand stretched out before her. Dancing around her were her cards, each familiar face illuminated by a pink glow. She laughed, her fingers reaching out to touch them. A steady warmth traced through her as each card swelled closer, pressing toward her. Her feet stepped back from the cliff's edge as she followed her cards. The rush of the river and the darkness of the cliff's void seemed to dim as each step carried her farther away.

And then the warmth turned cold.

She stopped, her emerald eyes flashing wide as her cards, her Sakura cards began to flash, their individual lights screaming out brightly. She tried to bring them back to her and slowly, to her horror, they began to fall. One by one, the lights darkened, and then finally died. She reached out desperately, trying to reclaim the warmth of just moments earlier. She swept out her wand, calling to her cards, but only an emptiness came.

Frightened, she raced forward, and the cliff rose up to meet her. Just barely, she stopped at its edge, the river's cry filling her ears. Her cards... a deep sorrow filled her. Again, she called out to them, begging them to return to their mistress. The cold swept into her, driving down her blood and into her heart. A darkness consumed her, and she fell forward. A low voice came to her mind as she fell, the cold winds tugging at her hair and whipping at her tears.

'As they die, so will you. The final test. You must be judged worthy.'

And all fell dark.

* * * *

He woke up gasping. It had been the same dream, again. For weeks, every night, he had glimpsed into this dream that was not his own. Barely understanding it, vaguely remembering it- this had been the first night that he woke with full clarity. He had finally recognized the girl at the cliff's edge and heard the final words. And he knew with an equal clarity that he had to return.

It was time for Syaoran Li to return to Japan. The Card Mistress needed him.

Quickly, he drew from the bed and pulled out the trunk that had followed him to Hong Kong those three years ago. He hadn't opened it since his return, leaving the memories and thoughts from that time captured in its seams. Almost nervously, his hands juggled with the clasps and pulled the lid open. The faintest of scents flew forward, filling his mind with a thousand different images, all of them centered around one person.

He had made up his mind three years ago, as he had watched Japan pull away from the plane below, that he'd save his emotions and memories for a time when he could return. He'd devote himself to his family and the Li Clan, and believe that the day would come when he would make decisions for himself. Absently, his hand went to the faded green tunic of his Clan. The last time he had worn this had been in Japan.

Syaoran had left without understanding the strange emotions that had almost suffocated him. He had left without trying to understand. And when his Mother had laid her severe eyes on him, there had been only disappointment to see such weak things in her only son, in the Clan's Chosen One. And so, he had closed up those uncertain parts of his heart with this trunk.

Now that it stood open, his amber eyes fell on the photos and objects from a time that felt like centuries ago. A hand made scarf was tucked in the corner, and with it came the memory of the kind girl who had given it to him. He pushed it away, afraid of the sudden increase in his heart beat. He grabbed for the pictures, the top one falling away to reveal a thin girl with honey colored hair and bright green eyes. She was twirling under a tree, her arms holding a stuffed bear and she was smiling. Syaoran longed to put the picture away, tear it up, throw it away, burn it- do anything to get the image away from his mind.

But it was as it always was. It made no sense, the effect this girl had on him. He had run from it once before. His Mother had shown it to be a weakness not needed in their Clan's future leader. All the training and sensibilities he had intoned their warnings. He didn't understand it. Why was it that she could do this to him? Even now, with three years of time and hundreds of mile of distance between them, the emotions from his youth felt stronger than ever.

And now he would be returning. The dream had been enough to convince him. There was a new danger rising, and it's target was this girl, the Card Mistress.

Syaoran thrust away the photo, and started putting in the clothes and books that he would need. His Mother would be angry when she learned of his departure. Meiling was sure to pitch a fit of huge proportions. His sisters would most likely gossip themselves silly. But none of them would be in Japan. His frown deepened. The Elders were bound to get angry, but once again, they'd have no real say in his decision. He was fifteen now, just a year from his entrance into the Clan's manhood. He had already passed the most important of tests- and at the age of ten. By all standards, including the Clan's, he was an adult.

With a faint snap, he closed the trunk's lid. Its wheels clicked and clacked against the tiled floor, the sound shut out with the closing of the front door. Without turning around, Syaoran Li walked away from his house. He was finally returning to Japan, as he had promised that same girl three years ago. She had been his rival, his partner, and finally his friend. And now, he would return to protect her once more.

Ignoring the rush of his blood, he looked into the night sky that towered overhead. This same sky looked down on her, the Card Mistress, Sakura Kinomoto.

"I'm coming back. I've kept my promise..."

He closed his eyes and stepped forward. I've kept my promise...Sakura.

* * * *

She woke to the sound of her alarm blaring. An overcast sky greeted her and for a moment she forgot entirely where she was. She had had that dream again. But again, she could remember nothing. A dull ache focused on her heart, and Sakura Kinomoto turned over to knock her alarm off the shelf. Another day, another morning.

"Kero-chan?" she called out, rubbing at her eyes. Immediately, the small yellow guardian rose from his drawer, one of Tomoyo's night caps strapped over his ears.

"Sakura?" he asked.

"Ohayo!" she yelled and then laughed. Rain or no rain, dream or no dream, she had the feeling that today was going to be a great day.

Still laughing, she leapt from bed, picking up her alarm to replace it on the shelf.

"Gomen, Alarm-san. I didn't mean to throw you."

Keroberus could only stare in puzzlement. Lately it had seemed as if his mistress was worried, or at the very least subdued. This was the first morning in days that she seemed to be her normal cheery self. At first he thought it had something to do with her father and brother being gone. Touya had left with Yukito for a year to study in Europe. They were to spend their time going from country to country, school to school, studying. Sakura's father had been called to teach at a university in northern Japan. Touya had left two weeks ago, and her father just two days earlier.

Sakura was by herself.

Well, thought Keroberus, not entirely by herself. She has me and Tomoyo and her friends at school.

Still though, he knew that she had to be missing her family. Despite the smiles and reassurances she had given her father and brother before they left, she was probably a little scared to live on her own, and lonely.

"Sakura?" Keroberus asked.

"Yes, Kero-chan?" Sakura answered, pulling her high school uniform over her head. She had to admit, she certainly liked the smooth black lines of Seijou High School's colors better than her prior uniforms.

"I'll make you breakfast!" he yelled back, racing out the door. Sakura stopped pulling on her sleeves and stared.

"Kero-chan make breakfast?" she said aloud. A smile whipped across her cheeks. He wanted to make her feel better. "Arigato, Kero-chan."

It certainly was going to be a great day. Thunder sounded loudly and Sakura winced. A great day! Rain or no rain...

* * * * *

"Have you heard, Tomoyo-chan?" A grinning girl with large glasses stood in front of Tomoyo Daidouji, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

"Heard what, Naoko-chan?" The violet haired girl replied lightly. As usual her best friend was running late.

"We're going to have a new transfer student today!" Naoko cried, her eyes sparkling.

"Honto? A new student?" Another girl joined the group, her short brown hair pinned to the side today.

"Hai, hai, Rika-chan! I heard from the assistant teacher in class 1-A. We're going to have a new student." Naoko dropped her hands and stepped back to include yet another girl who had just entered the class.

"Ohayo! Did you hear about the new transfer student?" The girl's matching braided pigtails trailed down her shoulders and she pushed one back as she joined her friends.

"Naoko-chan was just telling us, Chiharu-chan," Tomoyo replied, smiling brightly at her long time friend.

"Eh? Naoko-chan always learns everything first! How do you do it?" Chiharu pouted good naturedly.

"I have psychic powers," Naoko joked.

"Did you know that once everyone had psychic powers? Yes, we didn't even need to speak. Everyone simply sent thoughts through their mind. Eventually though, people got tired of not hearing anything, and so they tried speaking. They loved it so much that they stopped using psychic powers entirely, but that still doesn't-"

"Takashi-kun! Stop lying!" Chiharu grabbed her boyfriend's ear and yanked him down into his desk. "You promised!"

Takashi popped open one eye and grinned. "Hai, hai, Chiharu-san. I'll be quiet."

Tomoyo hid her laughter behind her hands. They would never change. She glanced back up at the room's entrance. Sakura was running later than normal. She had invited her best friend to stay with her while her family was gone, but she had refused. It was just like her Sakura-chan, trying to be so independent. She probably was worried that she'd bother Tomoyo. Tomoyo sighed happily. Her best friend was just so kawaii when she was like that.

Another sigh escaped her. Kawaii wasn't quite the right word for her friend anymore. Beautiful would be more like it. Her Sakura-chan had grown up a lot in the past years. She had grown out her hair and now it grazed past her shoulders. She had sprouted up, it seemed almost overnight, and while Sakura would never notice it, she had developed into a girl that any boy would stop to look at. Already, Tomoyo had had to beat off would be suitors. She didn't trust these boys, with their hormone driven ways. Her Sakura-chan was too innocent for those kind.

Tomoyo turned her eyes to the window beside her. She had promised Sakura's brother to watch out for her. It had been almost too much for Touya when he had seen his little sister grow up into such a... such a.... Tomoyo giggled out loud. She could picture Touya's face perfectly when Tomoyo had inserted her own word there.

"Oh, Sakura-chan, you're so innocent and kawaii!" she said to her best friend's empty desk. The bell for first hour chimed and Tomoyo looked up expectantly. Sakura should appear through the doors any moment now. Silently, she counted off in her head. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, and one...

A black and green blur skidded past the door and then dove in. Sakura stood panting just inside the door, her bag clutched against her heaving chest.

"I made it..." she panted, staggering into her classroom. It didn't seem to matter how early she woke, she always arrived late.

"Ohayo, Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura said as she fell into her seat, leaning forward as she tried to catch her breath.

"Ohayo," Tomoyo replied, a sudden longing for her camcorder coming over her. Sakura-chan was just too kawaii when she was out of breath!

"Tomoyo-chan?" Sakura asked worried, peering at her friend's suddenly starry eyes.

"Sakura-chan is just too kawaii!" she cried, and Sakura face faulted.

"He he he."

"Good morning class." Their instructor stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. "I'm glad to see you made it in time today, Kinomoto-san."

Again, Sakura sweat dropped and tried to hide behind her bag. She glanced at the empty desk next to hers. This was the first year that she and Tomoyo hadn't sat by each other. Their first year teacher was young, but very strict. He had planned all the seating to a 'T' believing that having best friends sit beside each other would surely cause problems with talking. Funny though, Sakura thought, how he didn't think to separate Chiharu and Yamazaki.

"Students, before you pull out your assignments from yesterday, we have a new transfer student. Some of you may remember him from elementary school."

Sakura straightened in her seat, her heart suddenly pounding. It couldn't be! Could it?

"Li Syaoran, please come in."

Sakura's mouth fell open as she looked up expectantly. A few seconds passed and the teacher called out again.

"Li Syaoran? You can come in now."

Slowly the door opened, and in he walked. He looked so different from how she remembered, yet still the same. He had grown taller, much taller, and his face had narrowed accenting the rich brown of his eyes and the dark mahogany of his hair that still fell across his forehead messily. Her eyes traveled across his face as a realization slowly came to her. He had come back!

"Hoe!" she yelled suddenly, leaping from her chair. The entire class stared at her and with a stark blush across her cheeks, she sat back down. How embarrassing.

Tomoyo hid her laughter, her eyes still on their old partner from the card capting days. Li-kun had finally come back. Silently, she wondered if he had ever figured out his feelings toward Sakura. She watched as he resolutely kept his eyes on the floor, even as he walked to his seat next to Sakura. A plan came through her mind as she realized how many new scenes she would have to record in her Sakura-chan's life.

Syaoran hadn't imagined that he would be put in the same class as her, yet alone the same school. It was almost too much for him when he walked through the doors and saw her staring at him with those green eyes of hers. And then, to have that teacher put him right next to her. There was no way he would survive the day without doing or saying something stupid. Desperately, he kept his eyes anywhere but on her. He'd be fine if he didn't look at her.

Sakura wanted to say something to him right away, like when had he come back and how long he was staying and why of course. But the teacher immediately started glaring in her direction, and she shrunk back. She didn't think her Kaikato-sensei liked her very much, although she was unsure why. She would have to ask Tomoyo some time. In the meantime, she'd just focus on the lecture and save her questions for lunch.

Syaoran eased considerably once he realized that Sakura was paying attention to the lecture and not him anymore. Still, he kept his eyes forward. From the corner of one though, he glimpsed the long stretch of her leg from beneath her skirt. It was lightly tanned and well toned. It was definitely a nice leg... Mentally, Syaoran slapped himself. A nice leg? Since when had he noticed legs? A red flush filled his cheeks. This was going to be a long day...

* * * * *

"Did you see where Li-kun went, Tomoyo-chan?" Sakura asked, her green eyes skimming across the school grounds.

"I think he went over by the pond," she replied, hiding her smile behind her hands. Her Sakura-chan was just too cute like this! She'd bring her video camera for sure tomorrow.

"I wanted to talk to him, but he left so quickly when we were dismissed."

"I'll watch our lunches while you go find him."

"Arigato, Tomoyo-chan! I'll be right back!" Sakura leapt up and ran towards the grove of cherry trees that surrounded the pond. Tomoyo smiled brightly. Kawaii!

Syaoran leaned against the center tree, his head scrapping against the bark. It had been such a strange reaction in the classroom. Sakura had always made him feel a little awkward, but never had he had such thoughts. After all, she was just his friend... well, had been his friend at least. Three years was a long time; who knew how'd she think of him now. He closed his eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of the trees. The rain from morning had piled on the blossoms, driving their perfume downwards. It was almost dreamlike the sensations the fragrance gave him. A flash of green eyes and a well sculpted leg swept across his vision and he blinked awake. Where were these thoughts coming from?

He had only been here since this morning and already he was in a turmoil. His Mother would be disappointed.

"Li-kun?" He stiffened at the nearness of the voice and slowly turned his head. She was only inches from his face and smiled brightly. "Li-kun, I found you!"

A scarlet blush filled his face as he quickly turned again. Since when had she grown lips like that?

"It was such a surprise when you walked in this morning, Li-kun! I was so happy to see you again!" Sakura knelt in from of him, smiling. "Did you just come back?"

"Yeah," he stuttered, trying desperately to not look at her. Didn't she realize that her shirt fell forward when she leaned like that?

"Are you staying long?" she asked, still oblivious to his discomfort.

"I'm not sure," he answered.

"Oh, I'm so glad to see you, Li-kun!" Overcome entirely, Sakura rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him, hugging him. She released him almost immediately. "Li-kun left so suddenly, and well..." She stopped, suddenly bashful. "I missed you!"

Syaoran stared at her in a bit of subdued shock. He had almost forgotten how she did that... always saying what was on her heart. She was just so innocent... He blinked rapidly, the rush of blood that had filled him at her touch fading away.

"Th-thank you," he said at last, his frown lapsing into a small smile.

Sakura only smiled happily, and jumped up. "Tomoyo-chan's waiting for me. Don't leave too fast after school!"

She ran off, spinning around only to wave and smile. Absently, he waved back.

* * * * *

"I'll see you tomorrow, Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura called out to her friend. Tomoyo waved back as her body guards pulled the car away. She turned around to the boy standing behind her. "I'm going to make you dinner, Li-kun!"

He started, blushed, and then nodded, falling into step beside her. She skipped happily, mindless of the occasional puddle she stomped through.

"Hey- you're getting all wet," Syaoran pointed out after the third puddle had soaked her skirt, pasting it against her legs.

"Huh? " She looked down, finally noticing that she had soaked herself in her energy. "Ooops. It's okay though, I'll just change when I get home."

Syaoran stopped in his steps as a sudden image flashed: a girl with honey colored hair and green eyes reaching down to pull off her shirt. A white stomach appeared and then up...up...up

He blinked and slapped himself across the face. Sakura turned around, surprised by the sudden red welt on his face.

"Li-kun?" she asked worriedly.

"It's nothing," he said curtly, avoiding her eyes and marching forward.

She nodded and followed beside him, content in the silence. Syaoran was back!

She pulled open the front door and tucked off her shoes. She started up the stairs and then called back down.

"I'll be right back; I'm just going to change real quick."

Syaoran blushed and nodded. He was NOT going to have another of those images. Not in her house... He pulled off his shoes and walked into her living room, glancing at the photos on the wall. It seemed so quiet. He glanced back at the door's entrance. Her father and brother's slippers were missing. But he didn't think they were anywhere in the house. Were they gone on a trip?

He sat down on the couch and leaned back. What was he even doing at her house anyway? He had promised himself that he wouldn't allow those emotions from three years ago to interfere. He wasn't going to be weak.

"Would you like some tea, Li-kun?" Sakura appeared before him again, surprising him. He glanced down at her outfit and immediately looked away. Didn't she have something else she could wear other than that short skirt?

"Y- yeah."

"Okay! One moment!" she jumped away, almost bouncing with energy. It was so great to have him back. She reached for the tea set, her thoughts remembering that day from three years ago when he had left. She had chased him to the airport and made him promise to come back. He had looked so strange as he left, so sad it had seemed. But now he was back! Her good friend was back.

The teapot hissed, and she poured the hot water into the pot and picked up the tray. Absently, she wondered where Kero-chan was. Had he gone out?

"Li-kun, tea's ready." Sakura placed down the tray and carefully poured the tea. Syaoran took the cup from her, careful not to meet her eyes.

She sipped at her own, almost blissful in the company of her long gone friend. The silence dragged on, and Syaoran felt his own discomfort rising.

"Where's that stuffed doll?" he finally spit out, thinking of nothing else to say.

Sakura paused for a moment, as if in thought. "Hmm... you know, I'm not sure. He wasn't in my room, or in his drawer. Maybe he went out?"

"Oh, okay."

And the silence carried on again.

There was a sudden clatter as Sakura put down her cup and retrieved Syaoran's. "Come help me with dinner, Li-kun. I wanted to ask you about Hong Kong."

Syaoran followed her into the kitchen, his mind absently noting that her shirt seemed to hug her waist rather nicely. A blush filled his cheeks for the umteenth time that day. This was getting ridiculous...

Sakura leaned over to withdraw a pot and pulled out some vegetable from the fridge. "How's Meiling-chan, Li-kun?" she asked.

"Fine, I guess. I haven't seen her very much since she started senior high." Ever since he had returned from Japan, Meiling had become less and less of a companion. It had almost seemed like she had been avoiding him.

"So why did you come back, Li-kun?" she asked, her voice suddenly soft as she continued slicing the cabbage.

"Have you been dreaming at all?"

Sakura dropped the knife and looked up surprised. "You've been seeing it, too?"

Syaoran nodded, suddenly comfortable with the conversation.

She looked down, her normally smiling face twisted into a sad frown. "I can't remember what it is I'm seeing, though. I've tried and tried, but all I can remember is feeling very sad and a deep pain."

"I don't know how, but somehow I've been seeing your dream. I finally was able to remember it all and that's why I came. I think someone's going to come after you, Sakura."

She started slightly when he used her name, but then shook her head. "But Kero-chan would surely know if there was some danger, wouldn't he?"

Syaoran nodded. "He should, but not if it's a new danger, or it's something more powerful than us."

"More powerful than us?" Sakura echoed.

"I think you should talk it over with Yue. He might know something."

She shook her head, pieces of her hair falling into her face. "I can't. Yukito-san and Touya left to study abroad. I don't want to disturb their trip."

"Then with your father. He does have half of Clow-san's power. Maybe he's sensed something."

Again she shook her. "Otou-san's gone as well. He's teaching up north."

Syaoran put down the noodles he was cutting. "You're by yourself?"

She nodded, immediately pasting on a smile. "Hai! But I'm fine! I don't mind. I have Kero-chan after all, and there's Tomoyo-chan as well."

Syaoran stared at her smile. She was obviously trying to convince him, but he wasn't. It wasn't safe to have her by herself. What if this unknown power were to attack her at night? That fluff ball couldn't always be counted on to guard her, not if the power was stronger than the guardian. No, she couldn't stay alone. But what then?

He opened his mouth when suddenly a surge of energy ran through him. Beside him, Sakura suddenly doubled over, her hands wrapped around her waist. Her face was contorted in pain.

"Sakura! What's wrong?" He caught her just as she began to fall.

"It h-hurts. Li-kun- it hurts!" Tears coursed down her cheeks as she clutched at her stomach. Syaoran held her helplessly as she continued to twist and moan. The surge of energy flashed strongly one second more and then faded. In his arms, Sakura fell limp.

"Sakura? Sakura!" He felt for a pulse and found one, faint but at least strong. "Thank goodness," he whispered. He swept her up into his arms and carried her upstairs to her bed. Beside her desk, the book containing her Sakura cards glowed faintly, the first flap opened. He eased her into bed, drawing her blankets tightly around her.

Worriedly, he picked up the book containing her cards. The book's aura resonated with Sakura's own but beneath it there was a blotch of darkness, as if there was a link missing in the cards' connection. A suspicion picked at the back of his mind and he dug through the cards. He stopped finally as his hand fell on the fourth card. The normally pink hued energy was dark, absent of any energy or power. The Sweet card was completely black.

The words from the dream crept up into his mind.

'As they die, so will you. The final test. You must be judged worthy.'

As they die, so will you... a dull horror fixed itself on his mind. Her cards, Sakura's cards- someone was draining them of their energy. He glanced down at the unconscious girl, and the horror increased. As they die, so will you...

He wouldn't let that happen. No matter what.

* * * *

Author's notes:

Howdy all! Up til now, I've only written furuba stuff, but I just finished watching the entire series and the movies. Ah, I am totally in love! So yeah, the story may seemed very hurried but it should slow down. I'm just setting stuff up. Oh, and yeah, isn't Syaoran's growing predicament fun? Seems like Syaoran has hormones! HOHOHOHOHOHOHO!!!

Anyway, have fun with the next chapters!