Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Dimensions - Part 2 ❯ Dimensions 2 - Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
web hosting domain names email addresses related sites

April 19, 2001

Card Captors

"Dimensions II - Test of Evil"

By : The MOUSE............................

Daidouji Tomoyo watched her best friend's somber expression carefully as she pinned this one's hair up in a pair of cute and elegant twists tied with ribbons of white silk. The Li Clan Elders had announced shortly after noon that day that tonight's dinner would be a formal affair, a kind of celebratory reception to mark Li Syaoran's return to his family after so long and to celebrate the obviously wonderful relationship the Clan shared with the new Card Mistress. This had once again set Tomoyo into her designer mode. Patterns for the most exquisite gowns popped up in her mind for her two friends and for herself. With Li Lerae and Syaoran's Sister's help she found the perfect fabrics and was finished the gowns in record time. She had finished doing hers and Meilin's hair a little while ago and was now putting the finishing touches to the sorceress's light auburn locks. She always did love playing with Kinomoto Sakura's hair. It was just the right length to allow for any variety of hairstyles. But this particular hairstyle would look so much better if the teen Mistress of the Cards would only smile one of her brilliant and addictive smiles. Tomoyo turned her head to Li Meilin Rae adjusting the delicate straps of her shoes as she sat on the edge of the bed. The violet-eyed videographer gave her a silent, questioning look to which the ruby-eyes Chinese girl merely shrugged at a loss.

"You know, the Elders are expecting you to smile at tonight's dinner." Meilin pointed out hopefully.

Sakura blinked as if coming out of a deep trance. "Nani?"

"Are you okay?"

She sighed heavily and looked down at her hands neatly folded in her lap. "Sort of. I was just thinking about what Clow Reed wrote about Mummaro's Gate." She paused. "He was the most powerful sorcerer of all time and he couldn't stop it, just bury it again. So how are we supposed to stop it?"

Meilin grinned in reassurance. "With teamwork."

"Teamwork?"

"Hai." Tomoyo agreed readily as she pinned fresh cherry blossoms in her friend's hair. "Clow Reed was alone when he went up against the Gate. He hadn't created the cards yet so he also didn't have Kero around either. You're not alone. You'll have both Li and Kero and the Clow Cards on your side."

"You can't fail." Meilin concluded, still grinning.

The tiniest of smiles touched Sakura's lips. "I guess you guys are right." She forced a laugh. "I'm being worried for nothing, ne?"

Her once-rival-now-friend stood and gave her a confident smile. "You'll see, Sakura, everything will turn out right. It's… It's when things are at their darkest that you shine your brightest."

Sakura stared at her in awe, then smiled genuinely. "Arigatou, Meilin."

She merely grinned brightly in response, proud of her own inspirational words.

Tomoyo hooked an arm with Sakura's. "We'd better get going. There's such thing as being fashionably late, but I don't think the Elders here would appreciate that. Besides, I can't wait to see Li's reaction to this dress on his Cherry Blossom."

With this said the three teens left the room, arm in arm, Sakura at their center, laughing away whatever fears or anxieties they may have had left.

* * *

"Argh! I'm the Guardian Beast of the Seal, not a jungle gym!" Keroberus cried out from under a pile of children.

Li Syaoran stood off to the side and watched the spectacle in concealed amusement. He just couldn't bring himself to smile yet, no matter how ridiculous Keroberus appeared buried under all the warrior's young Nieces and Nephews. He hated these kinds of fancy parties. As a boy his Okaa-san had forced him to attend since he was to someday become his Clan's leader. He had to know who was who and why family politics worked the way it did. He had to learn his Clan's little intrigues to use them to his advantage. This particular social gathering was no different than the others had been. His Okaa-san and the Elders were planning to drag him from important Clan member to member when Sakura arrived, to help him build ties for the future and to introduce Sakura as an important future part to the Clan. To make matters worse he could see his Cousin, Higato Allan, hovering around the edges of the vast Reception Hall. The warrior kept a clandestine eye on him, watching him stalk the room, always returning to the door as if waiting. He didn't have to wonder who he was waiting for. Given the first opportunity he would cause trouble. And then there was that girl with the deep sienna eyes. Try as he might to ignore her and look the other way she would always appear in his line of sight. It was very annoying, but he knew that if he showed her any kind of attention she would no doubt see it as an invitation for something more. If she was so willing to do everything possible to get noticed by him then there was no mistaking her intentions either. He sighed and brushed that matter from his mind like the tiny fleck of lint he brushed from his sleeve.

"You know, kids, I'm sure your Uncle would just love to join in on all this fun." the Guardian Beast suddenly suggested coyly.

Before he could even begin to protest, the teen warrior/sorcerer was mobbed by his youngest relatives who effectively dragged him to the floor. He mock struggled against them, unable to stop the laughter that bubbled up within, hearing the shocked and surprised gasps from his older relatives all around at the sight.

"I'm going to get you for this, cotton fluff!" Syaoran laughed in warning to the Guardian.

"Oh, yeah? I'd like to see you try under all those kids, gaki!" he retorted.

A few minutes later the children stilled and quieted as if sensing the subtle shift in the crowd. This gave both the sorcerer and the magical beast a chance to regain their breaths. Noting the awed hush in the room they both sat up and turned in the direction everyone was staring in. Keroberus smiled proudly as Syaoran felt his mouth go dry at the vision before him.

There stood Li Meilin Rae, Daidouji Tomoyo, and Kinomoto Sakura all wearing Tomoyo's latest creations. When and where she had found the time to create these clothes was a total mystery. Meilin's dress was velvet of a dark burgundy color and tailored just so as to completely expose one arm and shoulder. A bouffant sleeve covered the other arm. A slit ran up one of her legs and a black velvet choker completed the look. The dress Tomoyo wore was simpler, but by no means less elegant. She was complete clad in midnight blue accented in flecks of gold dust. Her arms and throat were covered, gold trimmed cutouts exposing the curve of her shoulders and the hollow between her collarbones. Her skirt was also slit the length of her leg.

But, by far, Tomoyo had once again reserved the most spectacular creation for Sakura. The dress was a silvery white with flower and leaf patterns imbedded in it that remained invisible to the eye until the light hit them at just the right angle. Her throat, from midway up her neck, was covered from sight by the shimmering material. Both smooth shoulders and slender arms were left bare. The dress, though dress was as inadequate a word to describe it as pond was to describe the ocean, seemed to hug every delicate curve perfectly, falling straight about her legs, twin slits running from hem to hip to subtly reveal smooth, bare legs. A deep blush of embarrassment tinted her cheeks at all the attention she was receiving. Carefully extracting himself from the pile of children, Syaoran stood and approached the angel that had blessed his miserable life with her presence.

"Just when I thought you couldn't possibly get more beautiful you go and prove me wrong." he told her with a tender smile, taking her hands in his.

This caused her blush to deepen, a shy grin adorning her lips. Then it became playfully seductive. "And you are more regally handsome than ever, my noble wolf." she told him as her eyes gave him an appreciative once over.

He, too, wore white in the form of crisply pressed dress pants and a solid silk shirt. He suddenly tugged her closer, gently warming her lips with his own in a lingering embrace. A thrilled shiver raced up along Sakura's spine at how bold and tender he was. She vaguely heard the surprised gasps from the crowd, and somewhere the delighted squeal from Syaoran's four Sisters, but paid very little attention to them. Her mind was occupied by the thousands of pleasant sensations assaulting her senses. His scent of spice, sandalwood, and autumn leaves filled her nostrils as he kissed her so tenderly it was heart aching.

"Kawaii!" Tomoyo squealed, pulling her video camera from out of nowhere and training in on the embracing couple. "First spontaneous kiss, and I got it on tape!" Meilin laughed happily and clapped her hands softly.

Both Card Captors chuckled silently. Let her think it's our first, Syaoran whispered in Sakura's mind as he released her lips.

It's safer that way, she agreed, gazing at him fondly. Then, "I get the feeling Li-san and Tomoyo planned this somehow." she smirked as she pinched the silk of his shirt.

He chuckled, tucking a stray lock of her hair behind her ear. "No doubt that's the case, but who's complaining?"

"Mesuinu, for one." she giggled.

"And Higato." He frowned. "Who's Mesuinu?"

She smiled. "Your Cousin." He cocked his head to one side, still confused. "She's one of the four you had to pick from."

"One…?" He blinked suddenly. "Oh!" He then frowned playfully, fists on his hips. "How is it you know her name?" he teased.

Sakura poked his stomach gently, making him squirm. "I have my spies."

"Let me guess. They go by the names of Meilin and Tomoyo."

The mentioned teens grinned proudly. "We've been keeping an eye on her specifically." Meilin informed. "Li-san and your Sisters heard things and they don't trust her either. The others aren't a threat, but Mesuinu… She's dangerous."

Syaoran near growled, pulling his beloved sorceress closer to himself protectively. "Great, more trouble."

"Minor trouble." Tomoyo grinned. "You guys concentrate on the Gate and each other, but like I really have to tell you that, and we'll handle running interference with Higato and Mesuinu." She tugged at Meilin's arm suddenly. "And until the trouble starts, you have got to introduce me to those kawaii hunks over there." and she practically dragged the laughing ruby-eyed girl away to a grouping of men across the room from them.

Sakura giggled softly as she watched her friends go. "With any luck she'll find someone to distract her enough to forget about video taping for a while."

"Not in this lifetime." he quipped. "Her camera is her drug and she's addicted to it beyond all hope."

This got Sakura to laugh. Syaoran looked at his adored soul mate, letting his aura brush against and mingle with hers. Even a few hours was far too long a time to be away from her. He could joke about Tomoyo being addicted to her camera all he wanted, but he too was addicted. Addicted to the mortal goddess standing at his side. Her aura was always so warm and so bright, just like her personality. Even the darkest room could light up in her presence. He felt content just gazing at her fondly, memorizing every tiny detail about her as if he would never see them again. The way the dim evening lights caught the golds of her honey auburn hair and added to the rosy hue of her soft skin, making her seem to glow ethereally. The way her smile could make even the most hardened man melt and smile in return, becoming putty in her delicate hands. And how her emerald eyes glimmered in mirth even when no smile adorned her lips. And she was his. He laid a warm hand on her cool bare shoulder hesitantly, unsure if he was still worthy to touch her. The move caused her to turn to him, her indescribable eyes meeting the sunset golds of his own. A light giggle tinkered from her throat.

"Ohayo, dreamer." she quipped.

He blinked. "Nani?"

She merely smirked playfully. "Caught you red handed in a deep contemplation."

Syaoran smirked as well, his arm slipping around her slim waist. "Hai, a very lovely visual contemplation."

Sakura giggled shyly. Flattery will get you everywhere, she sent coyly.

He tugged her closer to himself. I know and here's hoping.

She blushed furiously, giving his chest a light tap in chiding. Her eyes began to wander about the busy Reception Hall at all the people. There were a few young children running around between the adults, but already the attendants and nannies were busy gathering then up to take them off to bed. Some of the youngsters protested a bit, but the rest went quietly. This finally gave Keroberus the chance to stand and stretch, immediately heading for the tremendously long dinner table afterwards.

"Leave it to him to think of food right away." Syaoran quipped.

"One of his two greatest loves." Sakura stated with a smile.

"What's the other?"

"Zylon Warriors." she answered matter-of-factly and they both laughed.

A little girl suddenly broke away from the group of children, being herded towards the exit, and ran up to the Card Captors. She couldn't have been much older than two years, her chubby little legs carrying her across the room with amazing speed. Barely slowing her momentum, no doubt unable to, the child latched her plump arms around Sakura's knee, holding on for dear life as she squealed in delight. The sorceress yelped in surprise, then smiled down at the tiny cherub.

"Ohayo. Where did you come from?"

The child giggled at the attention and held her arms up to the sorceress. "Up!" she demanded adorably.

Sakura chuckled. "Hai, hime." and she lifted her up in her arms.

Most of those standing near the young couple turned and smiled at them. At that moment, had a complete stranger walked into the room and seen them, one would have sworn these three were a family. The young sorceress was cuddling the child preciously, the sorcerer's arms wrapped protectively around his partner's waist as he smiled whimsically at them both.

Now at eye level the little girl stared at Sakura in sheer awe. Syaoran chuckled. "There's a reaction I know all too well."

"Pretty." the child cooed.

The Card Mistress smiled sweetly. "Not as pretty as you, hime. And a pretty girl like you needs her beauty sleep."

She shook her head vehemently with a pout. "Play."

"No, sleep." she patiently corrected her.

"Play!" she insisted. "Akira wanna play!"

"I'll handle this one." Keroberus announced as he approached the three. "Would Akira like to play with Kero?"

Little Akira made grabbing motions towards the Guardian Beast of the Seal. "Big kitty!"

Sakura carefully placed the child on her Guardian's back, vainly trying to hold back her laughter at the look of distaste on his face. Though the name was slightly better than most of the ones Syaoran had used, it was still a name that was slightly belittling to the beast's pride. Exaggerating his movements to cause the child to bounce around, Keroberus lumbered off towards the attendants already leading the rest of the children away.

"Guardian Beast and babysitter." the sorceress chuckled as she watched them go.

The warrior smirked. "He's getting his practice in early."

She blinked, pausing for a moment, then faced him in puzzlement. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing… for now." he winked. "C'mon, Okaa-san wants us to meet a few people." and he steered her towards the Clan matriarch, keeping a hand to the small of Sakura's back.

* * *

Higato watched the happy couple from a distance, fuming at every tender display of affection they showed each other. He had been just as stunned as the rest of his relatives at the Card Mistress's appearance when she had entered the Reception Hall. He had been almost certain the heavens were missing an angel that night. She was striking. No one living girl could be that beautiful so naturally. She had to be supernatural. He had just about recovered enough to race up to her and compliment her on her appearance in an attempt to at least win a smile from her and some small favor in her eyes, but once again his Cousin had beat him to her. He had watched them exchange sweet pleasantries, then had gasped in horror while his relatives had gasped in shock when Li had kissed her, right there, in front of everyone. And the lithe cheerleader had done nothing to stop him.

Allan stifled a growl at that recent memory. His steel grey eyes watched the teen Card Captors join Li-san speaking with some other of their relatives. Everyone bowed in deep respect to the duo. Higato recognized most of those they spoke to. Heads of large companies, political leaders, and a few military leaders, all much older than the teens, but all showed the deepest regards and loyalty to them. Allan knew they had to show Li their obedience since he was to become the Clan's leader, but why did they show this to Kinomoto as well?

He abruptly blinked at the thought. He's not…! By the Grand Dragon, I won't let him! he screamed inwardly.

He joined the crowd as they all moved towards the long table to sit down for dinner. By pure luck he managed to grab a seat not too far away from the head of the table where the Elders, Li, Li-san, lovely Kinomoto and her friends all sat. A free seat had been left between Meilin and Daidouji Tomoyo, no doubt for the Guardian Beast when he returned from helping with the children. From where he now sat Allan could keep a watchful eye on his heart's desire. She was perfectly elegant during the dinner, a bright infectious smile on her face as she spoke pleasantly to the Elder on her right, her hand clasped tightly with Li at her immediate left. Never once did the Card Captors release each other's hands throughout the entire meal. Every so often Allan would see Li pick a choice morsel from his plate with his chopsticks and carefully hold it up to the sorceress's lips. She would giggle innocently and allow him to feed her with the greatest of care. The Elders would smile and nod to each other in clear approval. Every so often he would hear Daidouji giggle happily as she videotaped the young couple flirting with each other. And in the background to it all was Li's Sisters squealing and cooing in delight at the simply adorable scene between their little Brother and the sorceress.

Everyone knew how stoic a warrior young Li was, dedicated to his tasks and unwavering in a duty given. This is what made his actions to the emerald-eyed beauty all the more surprising. The usually emotionless Little Wolf was completely enamoured to the Cherry Blossom to the point where he didn't care what anyone saw them do or thought about them.

To the grey-eyed teen it was as if the two were flaunting the fact that they were together. Allan scowled his most hateful glare at them both when the warrior/sorcerer leaned over to Kinomoto to kiss her bare shoulder and whisper something in her ear, making her blush deeply. Higato's hand closed over his dinner knife, but a sudden force held his wrist in place to restrain him.

Patience, Higato, the hollow voice from before chided in his mind. Your task lies elsewhere. I have someone else to arrange for the Little Wolf's departure. Bide your time.

* * *

Mesuinu sat at the far end of the lengthy table, yet saw everything going on between the outsider and Xiao Lang thanks to a small disk nestled in the palm of her hand. The wraith from the other night had helped her experiment with her magic, teaching her certain spells that were certainly very handy for the jilted girl. She frowned when she saw Xiao Lang kiss the Card Mistress's shoulder.

That should be me! she fumed. I should be the one sitting at his side! I should be the one he keeps so close! I should be the one he kisses! Her frame began to tremble ever so slightly in rising fury. When must I act?

Soon, child, the voice placated softly. The time draws very near. Gather your strength. I will tell you when the time is right.

She closed her fist over the disk and dug deep into herself, calling on every recess of magic she possessed for her task. Such lovely pain she would cause the sorceress before she took what rightly belonged to her. It was perfect.

You will feel the pain I have felt at your arrival, little witch. Xiao Lang is mine!

* * *

Both Sakura and Syaoran stiffened slightly at a sudden, insistent yet gentle crackle of electricity along the edge of their senses. All previous thoughts of contentment and affection faded to the backs of their minds as they concentrated their attention on this new occurrence. They could feel it collecting to a point that was as yet undetermined. Nonetheless, to Syaoran, this was a very bad omen. The warrior's hand tightened around the sorceress's hand as his piercing wolf eyes covertly scanned the Reception Hall and all its occupants. To his eyes everyone seemed normal enough, enjoying their meal, performing their duties. Nothing seemed out of place, yet where was this feeling coming from. Sakura shot a quick glance at Keroberus seated across the table from her. The golden beast was so engrossed in the pile of sweet desserts before him that he didn't seem to notice the strange magic floating in the air collecting to a point nearby.

Does anyone of your family feel that too? she asked her partner.

No. I don't think anyone else is strong enough. We've had more practice at keeping our senses alert because of the cards.

She looked at him. This isn't a card.

He met her mesmerizing eyes. It's much darker, he agreed. Much colder, yet…

… familiar, she completed.

Hai.

The sensation suddenly seemed to explode in intensity and everyone with even the slightest hint of magic in them felt it undulating around them. Hushed, frightened murmurs began to spread through the Reception Hall as people tried to figure out where the sensation of building magic was coming from. At a loss they all turned to those seated at the head of the table expectantly, mainly at the Card Captors. Both teens frowned at their surroundings as they stood slowly, scanning the Reception Hall with their magic senses for the point of origin of this strange feeling. Sakura walked to the other side of the table and, with her eyes closed, walked steadily along the length of the table behind those seated. Syaoran did the same on his side of the table. Their hands were held up just inches behind the napes of each person as they probed each aura in turn. One of those in the room had to be the source. So far none of the ones they passed were it, but they could feel themselves drawing closer. All eyes were on them, watching, and waiting, feeling the light ripple of energy from them as they searched.

* * *

Sienna-eyed Mesuinu struggled to keep up her calm façade as the Card Captors drew ever nearer to where she sat. She could feel them, see them searching the souls of everyone, one by one. They were getting much too close to discovering her. She had to act soon or all her efforts would be for nothing. Worry began to eat at her nerves.

When must I act? she demanded inwardly.

There was a pause that felt like an eternity. Had her benefactor abandoned her?

Now! the wraith suddenly commanded.

* * *

Sakura felt herself recoil suddenly as if a live electrical wire had run her through. She opened her eyes and found dark sienna orbs glaring at her. The sorceress's green eyes widened slightly as she took an involuntary step back in fear, stunned by the amount of hate swimming in the girl's dark eyes. Their eyes locked as Mesuinu stood deliberately slow, the ex-bride-to-be's stare refusing to release the sorceress's gaze. Sakura felt frozen in place, as if time was moving in slow motion. She could hear Syaoran shouting a warning to her, could see him running to rush to her side from the corner of her eye, but her gaze was fixed on Mesuinu. Her feet felt rooted to the floor.

What's happening to me? the sorceress demanded of herself, nearing a state of panic.

"Feel pain, little witch." Mesuinu growled low in menace, an evil grin on her ruby lips. "Feel the lovely pain you have caused me."

Just as he rounded the end of the table Syaoran saw his beloved soul mate drop to her knees, her face contorted in deep agony. The pained cry from her lips tore his heart apart. Seconds later his own senses were assaulted by a pain so acute the he felt suddenly paralyzed. There was no one place that hurt more than the others. It was as if all his pain receptors were ordered to fire off all at once. He fell to the unforgiving floor to the sound of Sakura crying out in sheer agony as she curled into a fetal position. He was mirroring her pain, felt what she felt, felt it arcing across their link in torrential waves to attack his senses as well. She screamed out his name, both desperate for help and comfort and remorseful that he too had to share the unbearable sensation. Those of the Li Clan leapt to their feet, some rushing to the Card Captors' aid while others charged at the smug looking Mesuinu. No one seemed to be able to reach the girl. All who tried were thrown backwards unceremoniously. With a mighty roar Keroberus leapt forward and stood over the writhing body of his Mistress in protection. He bared his fangs and claws to the attacker hoping to scare her into stopping her magical assault. Instead of the reaction he was hoping for, the girl laughed.

"Hai, oh, mighty Guardian Beast of the Seal, protect your precious Mistress of the Clow Cards. She's not the one I'm after in the first place."

Stunned faces watched the avenging teen turn away from the person everyone had originally believed was her target. Who she did turn to sent a cold chill up everyone's spines.

Her target was Li Syaoran.

Syaoran managed to raise himself to his knees despite the pain and looked up. He saw the girl, one of his distant Cousins who he was supposed to have chosen from to be his wife, begin to walk towards him, her pace deliberate and full of purpose. None of his Clansmen seemed to be able to stop her approach. Behind the girl he could see the Guardian Beast standing over his Mistress's huddled body as he watched the scene helplessly. Tears filled Sakura's green eyes, her eyes locking with the warm amber of her beloved soul mate's eyes. Syaoran could feel the crackling bolts of energy surrounding the sienna-eyes Mesuinu as she approached him, but he didn't give her the twisted satisfaction of watching her draw nearer. His eyes were for Sakura alone, watching and feeling her struggle against the painful magical attack.

Syaoran…? her mind half questioned, half pleaded.

He focused his whole being on his beloved sorceress. I have faith in you, he sent her, hoping she understood.

Sakura blinked, having seen his eyes momentarily flash a brilliant white. An overwhelming sense of reassurance seemed to fill her as she felt Syaoran's presence brush her soul in a lovingly tender caress. The tiniest of smiles touched her lips and she stared back at him.

I will find you, she sent him, somehow knowing he would soon be leaving.

Syaoran blinked in surprise when her eyes flashed a scintillating white, but at the same time he felt reassured by it. He, too, knew he would be gone within the next few moments. How he knew this was a mystery even to him. But at the same time he was beyond certain that no matter what Sakura would find him. It was a strange role-reversal, it had always been his job to protect and save her from harm. Now it was her turn to save him from whatever this was.

Oblivious to everything save her apparent victory, Mesuinu came to stand next to the kneeling object of her affection and toyed with his earthy brown hair in affection. "Xiao Lang is mine, outsider." she directed to the Card Mistress. "I will make him see that. I suggest you not be here when we return. It'll save you being rejected so publicly."

I will find you, Sakura sent again softly just as a dark sphere surrounded Mesuinu and the girl's prize.

The sphere abruptly darkened and contracted in on itself, vanishing in the blink of an eye. The pain she had been suffering left the young sorceress at the same time as the sphere disappeared from sight. Shock held the Reception Hall in a deep, stunned silence. No one dared to speak, still not believing what they had just witnessed. Slowly Sakura raised herself to her knees and just stared at where her love had once been, a look of sheer determination on her face.

"I promise." she whispered fiercely.

To Be Continued…


web hosting • domain names
Powered by Ampira