Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ when the world cries ❯ Tokyo Sleeps ( Chapter 3 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Some things are revealed, some things aren't. A new face. Turns out the citizens of Tokyo are in a "deep sleep." Sakura and the others run to Tokyo to fix this little problem.

Anime/Manga: Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.29.2005 | Updated On: 03.29.2005 | Pages: 28 | Words: 22.3K | Visits: 224 | Status: Completed

when the world cries | Ch.II: Tokyo Sleeps | Fire Temptress

Not only in japan and Hong Kong, but all over the world did clouds cover the sky and rain fall from the Heavens. Especially in high lands did floods form, and rivers rise. All in just the past few days the rain had fallen. It would hail at times, and storm, and other times it would lighten into gentle rain-pour. There'd be days where it would storm nonstop, and times where it settled at a faint drizzle -- but of course, the rain would kick up again.

It was all over the news. It was what everyone talked about. It was what left children, adults, seniors, weather reporters, scientists, and typically meteorologists, completely and utterly baffled. No one could begin to comprehend or grasp the idea of why it's been raining nonstop. It was just not normal.

Some people suggested that the end of the world was starting, that, another extinction such as what the dinosaurs had gone through years ago was happening. Doomsday, you could say. But others argued that that could only happen if an asteroid crashed into earth. Some offered the possibility of the atmosphere cracking, the atmosphere that protected earth from space, and allowed them oxygen.

To put it simply, the thought that the world was going to end was heavily hanging in everyone's mind, immediately spreading world-wide panic like some wild plague.

No one suggested that something of the unknown was happening to earth -- which was the case. Human kind could not understand what was going on, so they turned to other possibilities to fill in this gap, instead of turning to the unknown as a possibility. In this time, no one accepted the unknown anymore, considering human kind grew so much over the hundreds of years since their start. They felt they understood everything now, that they've reached their pinnacle of knowing and knowledge, that they've outsmarted the unknown from creeping up on them.

They felt that anything was possible now, and if anything was impossible, it was surreal, and therefore, unknown. So they frowned upon the unthinkable. It was not accepted. It would be mentioned, yes, but just for a few laughs, and as a joke.

But let the truth be known, what was happening to Earth and the endless cycle of rain was beyond human comprehension. It fell under the "unknown" and the "unfathomable." And only those of the "unknown," would ever be able to understand -- such as those with magic; magic which was as real as the very hands with which humans write with; as real as the person standing next to you.

It was quite sad, really, how everyone became so... meticulous over time.

A pair of sapphire eyes gleamed amusedly behind circular spectacles, water raining down on this figure. But his glasses were untouched by the rain, and he could see clearly as if the sun were out, and no rain fell at all.

He crouched down and brushed the tips of his fingers against solid ground. He could feel the shivers and tremors of anxiety that ran like waves throughout the Earth's crust.

The Earth herself is part of the unknown, as is space, and yet human kind does not see that...

The sapphire-eyed man stood back up, straightening himself.

The Earth has a reason to be worried then -- as do all of us.

Two figures appeared on either side of him, or one figure and "a half." Spinel Sun and Ruby Moon, in their false forms: Spinel Sun as a small, flying teddy bear, similar to Kero, and Ruby Moon looking like any normal school-girl, under the name of Nakuru.

"The sky is falling!" Nakuru exclaimed with such genuine cheeriness.

Spinel Sun rolled his eyes, drawling out in his dull voice: "And that's something to be happy about?"

"Oh stop being so pessimistic, Suppi-chan!" Nakuru chided, wagging a finger at her fellow Guardian.

He scowled. "I am not Suppi-chan."

"Whatever you say..." she started in a singsong voice, walking ahead of the other two, "...Suppi-chan."

Spinel Sun sighed, and turned to face his Master. "I will never understand why you created her to be so annoying."

Eriol Hiiragizawa eyed his Guardian with a smile. “For amusement, my dear Spinel Sun, for amusement.”

He shook his round little head.

One of the many mysteries of the world: Eriol and his definition of amusement.

**********************

“…From Japan and to the states of America, rain has completely engulfed the world. No one can explain these phenomenal and unexplainable events. It's as if `the sky is falling,' as so many claim it to be, but who can blame them? Floods are starting to form throughout the world, such as in California, throughout the United States and several European and Asian countries. Meteorologists are speechless. Not even they can understand what is happening. The whole world is up in panic…”

And the voice got cut off there as the television was turned off. There was a sigh, and an exchange of uncertain looks between emerald and amber eyes.

“…This is weird,” was all Sakura mumbled, setting the remote down.

Syaoran could only nod in agreement.

They were still gathered in the living room of the Kinomoto Residence, just that it was close to nearing nightfall now. They spent the day in silence, everyone anticipating and waiting patiently for Syaoran to explain what had happened earlier, and how they were being pursued by those… shadow creatures.

But he would not speak of it yet, and he forbade Meiling to do so, either. He was intent on waiting, but for what? Not many of them knew.

Tomoyo and Meiling had left a bit earlier to go stop by at the Daidouji Mansion. She needed more film so she could capture, quote, “More kawaii moments of Sakura-chan and Li-kun!” (A sigh from Sakura and Syaoran was followed). Kero had accompanied them, feeling it his duty as a gentlemanly Guardian to protect both girls, just in case more of those shadow creatures sprung up. But it was more like he was hoping Tomoyo would give him more chocolate goodies.

Touya and Yukito left for work a long while ago, and as did Fujitaka. Yue dropped by earlier, but left, saying he will be coming back later on as soon as the sun set.

And so, it was just Sakura and Syaoran at the moment, and they were taking the time to stare openly at each other, but each one lost in their own thoughts. It was becoming hard to believe that Syaoran was there in Japan, and that the other was real. After so many years of not seeing each other, it was like they were seeing each other for the first time. Both had grown so much, physically, mentally, and magically.

Syaoran could tell that Sakura didn't waste away her time relaxing and lazing back, even though all of the Clow Cards were converted into Sakura Cards. She has been training, for he could feel her increase mingling in her aura. But just how much, though? How much more of her powers was she hiding from him? How much as she truly grown?

It was the same with Syaoran. Sakura could feel just how strong he has become, and so much more. But she knew he was concealing more of his powers, and the true extent of it, just as she was. Their magic was at its relaxing point, at a state of calmness where they kept the rest hidden, for not all of it was necessary to show.

Neither knew who was more powerful, but that did not matter. At least… not at the moment. They were just happy that Syaoran was there. They were happy. Really… happy… Nothing mattered. Not the rain pouring outside; not the unexplainable events. At this moment in time, what mattered more was each other.

Sakura smiled to herself.

He's gotten handsome and more mature since I've last seen him. He's still Syaoran, the same Syaoran I remember from before, before he had left for Hong Kong. But just how much of him is still the same?

Will I have to get to know you all over again, Syaoran?

She knew she would. Just sitting there and studying him, she could already feel the difference and the growth of maturity he went through over the past couple of years. His golden amber eyes gleamed with such collectiveness and calmness, unlike the cold stare he normally had. They swam with wisdom, but how much was unknown. They told their own story about what he went through, the hardships he had to face; an untold story.

A hidden story that was bolted away, such as most of his other emotions. That was one of the things that was still the same about Li Syaoran. He took care to keep everything hidden and not known. That was a habit he just could not get over.

But he was more open. He was more calm. He was much older and more wise. He was not that same little boy who had first tried to take the Clow Cards from her. He was not the same boy who was once her rival. He was not the same boy who would run off in a fit of blushes whenever she was around… He had grown.

As did she.

But Syaoran could not understand how much she had grown or how much she had matured, other than from her magical and physical appearance. Those were obvious changes. She was still that same happy-go-lucky girl he could recall from the faintest parts of his memory. She was still as optimistic as ever, with that same smile that made him want to smile.

She still had that same affect on him as before. But this time, like him, she learned to conceal some of her emotions. He couldn't read her as openly as he used to. She wasn't a wide-open book anymore. Then again, if there was one person who could ever understand Sakura, that was Syaoran.

Overtime, they'd begin to comprehend how much the other had really changed.

But for now…

Sakura stood up, having been sitting on the couch opposite of Syaoran, and walked up to him, pausing in front of him. She then leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck, enveloping him in a silent hug that Syaoran returned.

There were no words. There were no questions.

There was no need for them.

“Eee…”

Sakura and Syaoran froze when hearing that sigh/squeal. They both groaned, and quickly withdrew, standing up straight and turning to face the door. They didn't hear it open, and so, were not aware that Meiling and Tomoyo were standing at the door (Kero hovering), with Tomoyo holding her dreadful video camera and recording them.

Stars were in her eyes. Kero was twitching, and Meiling was grinning widely.

“Tomoyo-chaaan,” Sakura whined, blushing.

“Hohoho!” Tomoyo laughed triumphantly, turning off her camera. “I'm so happy! I can finally put all of my video-taping into recording Sakura-chan and Li-kun!” Happy was putting it lightly though. Ecstatic would be a better word. After all, she went years without having these moments to tape, which means, she was getting bored.

Syaoran shook his head.

Tomoyo. Still as weird as ever.

**********************

“I don't see why you insisted on having us walk,” Nakuru grumbled, brushing her hair from over her shoulders. “It's very tiring, Eriol-sama, and my feet are hurting!”

“This is good exercise,” Eriol replied, smiling that calm smile of his. He glanced over the horizon. “And the sun hasn't set yet. We must waste time.”

“Why do we have to wait until sunset?” Spinel Sun asked, perched on Nakuru's shoulder.

Eriol's smile widened. “Because. I'd like to arrive at exactly then. And it adds more suspense to the others.”

Spinel Sun shook his head, and Nakuru rolled his eyes.

“You really are strange, Eriol-sama.”

“No… Just different.”

They stopped at the gates of a homely, yellow-painted home, but before they walked up the porch, they spotted a figure flying towards them.

“Nice of you to join us, Yue,” Eriol greeted the Moon Guardian as soon as he set down and withdrew his wings. Yue simply nodded in acknowledgement, and the four went up the pavement, up the steps, and stopped at the door. It was completely dark the second Eriol knocked.

There was a moment of silence, followed by the rustling of the door being unlocked, and then it was pried open. Sakura, who was the one who answered it, blinked, and then grinned.

“Took you long enough, Eriol-kun,” Sakura chided, taking a step aside to let the four in. None of them were wet even though it was pouring outside. And Sakura had been expecting their arrival, obviously, from the way she greeted them.

“It's nice to see you, too, Sakura-san,” was Eriol's reply.

She grinned, and closed the door.

Meiling and Tomoyo were the only ones surprised by Eriol's, Nakuru's, and Spinel Sun's appearance. Syaoran was sitting calmly on the couch in a meditative state. Kero was sprawled next to him.

“What are you doing here?” Meiling flat-out asked, pointing at Eriol incredulously.

“Why, you act as if you don't want me here?” the half-reincarnation said, feigning hurt. He settled himself on an armchair, folding his hands together with Nakuru standing on one side, and Spinel Sun relaxing on the arm.

He smiled, waiting for everyone to get settled around him. Syaoran remained in his meditative state.

“I'm sure you're all wondering what's going on?” Eriol inquired. There were nods.

“Just spill, Hiiragizawa,” Meiling stated impatiently.

He made a gesture with his hand. “What I have to say can wait until my dear kawaii descendent explains to us what you and he had encountered last night.”

Everyone turned their eyes on the silent Li Syaoran. He remained frozen, before slowly opening his eyes and sighing.

**********************

The airplane had lifted off into the air, leaving Hong Kong Airlines and heading straight for Tokyo. Meiling was sitting on the window-seat. She had to beg Syaoran to switch seats with her, since she liked to have a good view. Syaoran, although not caring where he sat, preferred to see his cousin beg, but eventually, he saved her more pride-shattering moments and gave in.

But anyway, it was sometime during their flight when Meiling had woken up after sleeping for a bit, when she looked out her window and noticed something… dark and globby on the airplane's wing. She showed Syaoran, but as soon as he looked, it was gone.

He claimed his cousin was going crazy.

But after the plane set down in Tokyo, and they had gotten their stuff and went outside to call over a cab, that… dark and globby thing showed up.

“Look, Syaoran! There!” Meiling exclaimed, tugging on his sleeve and pointing.

He whipped around, and indeed, there was a shadow creature, lurking its way towards them with its red eyes gleaming darkly and threateningly through the darkness. Syaoran looked surprised. You couldn't blame him. You'd be taken aback, too.

But yeah. As soon as they spotted that thing, all of the other shadows seemed to come alive - each one gliding across the ground and forming into something similar like the first one that had appeared. The creatures attacked, and Syaoran and Meiling were forced to run instead of waiting for a cab. They ran blindly towards Tomoeda, Syaoran following the feel of Kero's and Sakura's aura, letting that guide him.

There weren't much cars driving out in Tokyo. On the contrary, everything was quiet. No one was out wandering the streets at night. Normally you'd have your stray car here and there, but… nothing. Billboards flashed colors and lights remained on in some buildings. The streetlights continued to flash red, yellow, and green. Syaoran and Meiling were the only ones running wildly down the street.

Along with those creatures.

The city, it seemed to be sleeping.

Water splashed around their legs as they ran like there was no tomorrow. Some of the creatures could be seen, forming into the ground and gliding across before they formed again, pounding on all fours. But they couldn't be heard. They were silent and stealthy, hardly detectable if it weren't for their red eyes.

Syaoran glanced over his shoulders, his golden amber eyes gleaming brightly in contrast against the night.

“Keep going, Meiling,” he shouted to her, slowing down before facing the shadow creatures.

Meiling paused for a moment, frowning, but she did as her cousin bid and kept running.

(AN: This is when the cool music starts playing, y'know, like in movies and all with the background music. -is all giddy-)

He dug through his shirt and pulled out the orb that hung around his neck before summoning his sword. Rain slid along the blade, drenching it. The shadow creatures slowed to a stop when seeing one of its preys had halted.

Syaoran pulled out an ofuda, Chinese characters imprinted clearly on it. Electricity seemed to spark and jolt to life, outlining the characters before he tossed it out in front of him, slamming the tip of the sword against the paper whilst calling out:

“RAITEI SHOURAI!”

The skies flashed repeatedly, the clouds rumbling, and the rain pouring harder, before the flashes became solid bolts of electricity and struck down at the creatures. Some of them scattered, and others sunk into the ground. One of them was struck by it, but it turned into some sort of liquid, and then reformed itself.

Syaoran scowled.

Damn it.

They then lunged at him, like shadows trying to keep up with their solid forms, but they were shadows. So that didn't make much difference. Syaoran was ready for them though as he took a defensive stance, sword held firmly in hand. He swung his weapon in an arc as soon as they were near, the water flying and scattering like diamond shards falling slowly into oblivion. He sliced it up, slashing his way through the creatures, thus making them split before they surrounded him.

Syaoran stood at the very center, circled by these unknown creatures. His golden amber eyes narrowed, eyeing each one warily, yet with such calmness. One of them leaped at him, a clawed-shaped hand raised. He ducked down, and stabbed his sword up. It went through the thing's abdomen, and it let out an ear splitting screech that Syaoran couldn't help but wince slightly at. The creature wrapped its hands around the sword and slowly started to push itself away from the blade. It dropped back to the floor, the narrow hole disappearing.

It eyed Syaoran with its red eyes, and he simply returned the stare with a steady gaze before hacking his weapon down at the thing once more. It rolled to the side, and another leaped at him from behind. He twirled around and sent a roundhouse kick at the thing's head. More were encouraged, and jumped at him all at once.

He saw their attacks before they even attacked. He saw them ready to make a move before they actually made a move. He knew where they were coming from. He knew what they were planning. He could sense what they were about to do. He was a step ahead of them, and so, therefore, ready for them.

His sword twirled in arcs and cut smoothly through rain and through shadows. The blade buzzed, droplets of water spinning out and flying wildly through the air. Puddles of water sprayed into the air from each pounding step or run he took. Water flayed from the locks of his hair and spilled around him. His golden amber eyes remained focused on his enemies. His lips stayed locked in a firm line. No emotion showed on his face. His eyes flashed brighter.

And still, the city remained sleeping, oblivious to the fight going out in broad nighttime. Anyone who would've taken the time to look out their windows would've noticed them fighting.

The streetlights continued to change - Red. Yellow. Green.

The billboard lights flashed brightly in the night, colors of blue, pink, red, and yellow gleaming in the city of Tokyo.

**********************

“…And after a while, I stopped trying and ran to catch up to Meiling,” Syaoran finished off. “As soon as we made it to Tomoeda, I called Sakura. And now, here we are.”

Eriol smiled, his elbows resting on either arm of the chair with his fingers folded. His eyes twinkled in obvious amusement. “Lovely story, Syaoran. I think you would be a wonderful storyteller.”

The said person scowled at his ancestor.

“What happened to the creatures though when Sakura-chan came?” Tomoyo asked curiously, having recorded everything Syaoran told him. It was such a shame she wasn't actually there to record him doing the fighting. It would've made an awesome clip.

“She chased them off,” Meiling piped up. “Something Syaoran wasn't able to accomplish.”

Sakura sweat dropped, and Syaoran eyed Meiling.

“Ano, Eriol-kun? Want to explain what's been going on now? And what are those… creatures?” Sakura asked. Everyone faced him.

He didn't say anything at first, but instead, removed his glasses and rubbed it clean with the hem of hits shirt. He set it back on his nose, adjusting it, all the while still grinning. And then he spoke up. “…Those things are known as Shadow Demons. They live in the shadows, as you can figure out, and they're very hard to defeat. They cannot be destroyed, but simply chased off, such as you did, Sakura-chan, with the Light Card.

“When the light is turned on, the darkness disappears, hence why only light can drive away these Shadow Demons. They can only live in a dark environment, and only come out at night. The thing is…” Eriol paused at this, his gaze trained on the floor, “demons are not allowed to walk on Earth's grounds. Not even Shadow Demons. There's a gate that locks them out from our world, and separates them from us. Even if they tried, they wouldn't be able to get through it…”

“And yet, they're here,” Tomoyo added, understanding where Eriol was heading with this.

He nodded. “Something or someone must have destroyed that gate. As soon as it was destroyed, demons were and are able to walk freely upon Earth, unsettling the balance between both worlds. The Earth senses this, and so do all unnatural forces. That's the reason why it's been raining these past few days: our planet is disturbed… and worried.”

There was silence.

Yue was standing quietly against the wall, arms folded over his chest, and his eyes closed. Kero was sitting perched on the window sill, silent as well.

“…The unbalance of both earth and the demon realm started about exactly one hundred years ago,” Eriol then continued. “World War three sparked the fall of the gate.”

Meiling looked skeptical. “What would a war have to do with the unnatural?”

“Oh, but a whole lot, Meiling,” Eriol replied calmly. “Much more land and casualties was lost and destroyed in world war three than was in world war one or world war two. Too much blood has been spilled on Earth, and each time this happens, our world cries. We just do not know it. Our planet's disturbed, and has been disturbed by the inhabitants of it. It's becoming weak, and as are the Four Guardians which protect our planet. As soon as either become weak, so does the strength of the gate, thus making it able to break freely through.

“And the fact that world war three was not caused by national disagreement, but instead by another unnatural force has everything to do with what is going on today.”

Everyone was confused now, save for four certain guardians.

“Four Guardians?”

“How?”

Eriol leaned back in his seat. “What is causing the world's power to crumble cannot be said, nor can any explanation be given by me. All will be clear in due time.”

And he smiled that ridiculously mysterious smile of his.

That smile that made Syaoran wish to punch his face in, just so he'd stop smiling.

“…Why do you smile like that?” Syaoran asked irritably.

“Is there something wrong with my smile?” Eriol retorted with his own question, feigning confusion and hurt.

“Yeah, there is, actually.”

“Well, that's too bad, my dear kawaii descendent.”

“Why do you insist on calling me that?! How much times must I tell you not to call me that? Do you not listen to me?”

“…Hmm? Did you say something?”

“¬_¬…”

He flashed Syaoran a crooked grin.

Sakura shook her head, before interrupting, “Anyone up for a cup of tea and cookies?”

All that Eriol had told them left their minds temporarily, deciding it best not to deal with any of that stuff at the moment.

**********************

The “shadow demons” lurked freely throughout Tokyo. After having been warded away by Sakura, they retreated far, far away and back to Tokyo, from where they had chased Syaoran and Meiling. They were free to walk around. No one was around to notice them. No one was up to notice them.

Tokyo sleeps.

Not just any normal slumber. There'd still be people wandering the streets at nine o'clock at night. The streets have been deserted throughout the whole day. Only outside visitors and car poolers drove into Tokyo for work, but when they arrived…

They fell asleep, too.

Peace reigned the once usual crowded city. All that could be heard was the endless falling of rain pounding against buildings and concrete ground.

All that walked the streets were the shadow demons as Tokyo slept.

A darkness hung over the city, not just from the dull rain clouds, but from a shadow that was cast over it.

On the roof of a skyscraper, a figure could be seen, standing at the ledge in a calm posture. His cloak bellowed from the wind that blew, and rain pound incessantly against him. A hood shielded his face, hiding most of his features in shadows. All that could be seen was the satisfied smirk gleaming on pale skin. Behind this figure a billboard flashed with several ads, emitting colors of blue, hot pink, and yellow - the bright light causing the cloaked person to look but a dark silhouette.

Around the figure's neck hung a necklace. The pendant could not be seen, for it was kept in a black pouch, tightly secured at the neck with golden-red beads dangling on the ropes that bound it shut.

Thunder rumbled in the sky, and flashes of lightning danced behind the clouds. As soon as the light died down, another figure appeared next to the one on the roof. This one was sitting on the ledge, one leg dangling freely, and the other perched so that one arm was resting lazily on the knee. A violin rested at his side.

They were both watching the demons scattered across Tokyo.

“…We've waited a century for this moment, and now it's finally happening…”

“More than a century,” the first figure corrected.

The second one smiled. “Yes. Quite true. Everything's going smoothly.”

“Indeed…”

“You're not much of a talker.”

Silence.

“…And you never were much of a talker…” The second person sighed and made a gesture with his hand. “Anyway, what are we to do now?”

“Just wait.”

He turned his head a bit so he could look up at the one standing, and nodded, before turning to look back at the shadow demons.

Tomoeda

“I don't understand…” Sakura murmured, glancing at the clock. “Otou-san, Onii-chan, and Yukito-san should've been back by now…”

She frowned.

Nakuru nor Yue were with them anymore, having gone outside to do some scouting to see if they could find any more of those shadow demons.

“Maybe they're stuck in traffic?” Tomoyo suggested, trying to reassure her friend. “I'm sure they're fine though, Sakura-chan.”

She nodded, albeit uncertainly. It never took any of them to come back home so late… Even when they were running late, or stuck in traffic. That was when Nakuru came back, having barged through the door without knocking. She looked terribly pleased about something.

“You guys… will never guess what!”

Eriol raised an eyebrow.

“…Those shadow demons. Yue and I found them in Tokyo,” she started, all too happily. “And not only that, but something's up with the citizens. Everyone's sleeping. And I mean everyone! The streets are completely deserted.”

Everyone looked surprised, except for Eriol, whose eyebrow raised further. “Interesting…”

“Oh no! So this means… Otou-san, and Onii-chan, and Yukito-san probably fell asleep, too,” Sakura said, standing up immediately. She looked at the others. “We should go check out what's wrong.”

They all agreed.

After grabbing their coats and pulling on shoes, everyone was out the door and into the pounding rain in an instant. As they ran, Sakura glanced at Eriol and Ruby Moon (Nakuru having changed into her true form). Neither of them were wet. It seemed as if the rain went right through them, instead of drenching them.

I so have to find out how Eriol does that…

As they ran, Kero transformed into Keroberos, and Suppi changed into Spinel Sun. Eriol had leapt on to his Sun Guardian's back, and Meiling and Tomoyo climbed on to Keroberos' back. Sakura summoned her Star Staff and called out the Fly, wings thus sprouting from the head of the staff. She hopped on to it, Syaoran hopping behind her, and the group took off into the air.

They could already see the Tokyo Tower standing tall, yet far. It was lit up, like it was every night. The whole city was lit up. From afar, it didn't seem like there was anything wrong, but as they got closer, they noticed that the bart station was no longer running, there were no cars driving, nor was there any signs of movement or life.

“Look!” Sakura exclaimed, pointing downwards as they soared over Tokyo.

Tomoyo turned her camera downwards, and everyone looked in the same direction. Shadow Demons swarmed the sleeping city, wandering around and damaging everything in sight. They all touched down on the street, Sakura calling back Fly.

As soon as they were down, the creatures started to advance towards them, hissing. Sakura whipped out a card and tossed it aimlessly forward, bringing the tip of the Star Staff slamming down on it.

“Light!”

A spirit of heavenly elegance flew out just as she was summoned, gliding smoothly into the night sky with hair billowing behind her. A smile was plastered on her sharp face as her bright eyes fell upon the shadowed creatures. The spirit then became a brighter color with white rays that stretched out across the streets and enveloped everything around them in whiteness.

The shadow demons shrieked and backed off, sinking into the ground and diving off to where the light could not reach them. Sakura called back Light, and she willingly returned to her card form.

“What I don't understand,” Meiling started, “is why they even attacked me and Syaoran in the first place…?” Tomoyo turned her camera to the black-haired girl. “And how come everyone in the city is asleep?”

“Maybe it was Syaoran's magic that attracted them to you?” Eriol mused, looking around thoughtfully.

“And it's probably all of our magic that is attracting them to us right now,” Syaoran grunted, pointing.

True to his word, the shadow demons were coming back as soon as Light disappeared.

“It's useless fighting them though,” Keroberos pointed out, thus turning to Eriol. “Can't you do something?”

Tomoyo turned her (waterproof) camera on Eriol. He was smiling that ever so pleasant smile of his that drove everyone, Syaoran in particular, nuts. The half-reincarnation then shrugged, and everyone sighed, shaking their heads.

“We're just going to have to tear our way through,” Syaoran said. “I sense another presence up ahead.”

“Let us handle this then,” Keroberos said, him, Spinel Sun, Yue (having flown down to them when seeing them arrive), and Ruby Moon taking a step forward.

All four guardians lunged at the creatures. Yue sent ice shards flying at them, whilst Ruby Moon and Spinel Sun sent beams of energy towards the center. Fire formed within Keroberos' mouth, slipping through his fangs before he fired it at the demons. They all scattered, and a path was formed. The others ran after the guardians as they blasted their way through. Syaoran and Sakura remained at the rear, sending lightning bolts and flashes of light at the creatures as they tried to come in from behind.

Tomoyo was having a field day - her camera darting here and there in order to capture the excitement. Her eyes were alight with stars as she captured every single thing on film. Just like the old days…

And then, the sound of a fine violin being played drifted clearly through the damp air. The shadow creatures stopped, before disappearing into shadows. Everyone looked confused at first, and then Meiling pointed straight forward, and at a cloaked figure who stood beneath a street lamp, playing a violin.

They all just stood there for a while, watching the unknown person play, listening to their music, before that person stopped and brought the violin and bow down to their side. As soon as the figure did that, there was a sound of two bodies dropping to the ground, followed by the clattering of a video camera.

“Meiling! Tomoyo!” Sakura exclaimed, crouching down at their sides. “Nani…?” she mumbled, checking either of them. “…They're… They're sleeping.”

“Of course they are, Card Mistress,” a voice said. They all turned to look at the cloaked figure, who had stepped out from beneath the street light and approached the group. He or she stood a few feet apart from them. “I put them to sleep, just as I put the whole city to sleep.”

“Why'd you do it?” Syaoran demanded.

They could've sworn they saw a smile sketched on that pale face. “Why, I needed something big to attract the attention of the Card Mistress, and of you, Li Syaoran. And I needed to make sure that those only with magic would come.”

“Well, you have our attention. What is it you want from us?” Syaoran inquired, an eyebrow raising to make a perfect arch.

“I simply wanted to apologize for the hastiness of these shadow demons,” the figure stated smoothly. Several red eyes glared at them from the shadows, and hisses followed in pursuit. “And for attacking you and chasing you throughout Tokyo. But I must say, it was all very amusing.”

“To you, maybe,” the amber-eyed teen muttered beneath his breath, before speaking up: “What else is it that you want from us?”

“Oh, I didn't really want anything,” he replied casually, smiling. “I just wanted to meet you all face-to-face. I've heard many, many things about you all… Especially of Eriol Hiiragizawa. The half-reincarnation of Clow Reed, yes?”

Eriol grinned charmingly. “That is correct.”

“Yes…” he mused. “You do hold a striking resemblance to Clow Reed…” He then smiled again. “Well, it's a pleasure to finally see you again, Clow Reed.” But anyone with a good sense could hear the hint of sarcasm dripping off his voice.

“Likewise, Hyoutsuu.”

“You know him, Eriol?” Sakura asked, her and Syaoran looking thoroughly confused.

The four guardians were silent.

“Since he knew Clow Reed, then yes, I know him,” Eriol replied calmly, making a gesture with his hand. “Why do you insist on wearing that hood, Hyoutsuu?”

“Just a test to see if you'd recognize me without having to see my face,” the said person responded. “How did you recognize me though, Clow? Was it my aura? My voice?”

“Actually, it was your playing. How could I ever forget such music?”

“They sound as if they're friends,” Sakura mumbled to Syaoran, whose eyes were narrowed at the two. “And I don't think this Hyoutsuu is any friend of ours…”

He could only nod in agreement.

Hyoutsuu smiled at Eriol's response, before reaching up and removing his hood. He was a handsome boy, looking to be about their age, but in reality, so much older. He had dark raven hair that reached barely past his shoulders, and golden eyes with narrowed pupils; inhuman eyes. Panther eyes. Other than his eyes that made him look different and… unique… was the marking below his right eye. A black marking that consisted of a circle, with a crescent moon beneath it.

“Ano, Eriol?” Sakura spoke up after having a good look at this `Hyoutsuu.' “How do you know him?”

“That brat there,” Keroberos interrupted, much to Sakura's and Syaoran's surprise, “is a demon. Just like those damned shadow creatures.”

“Hoe… You know him, too, Kero-chan?” Sakura asked, looking more confused than ever. “Is Syaoran-kun and I the only ones who does not understand what is going on here?”

“Your magic-less friends,” Hyoutsuu offered.

“And them, too, of course. But they're `sleeping'!” Sakura huffed. “I'd like to know what is going on here?” She placed her hands on her hips and glared demandingly at everyone (other than Syaoran and the sleeping Meiling and Tomoyo, of course).

“Ahh, but knowledge is gathered overtime,” Hyoutsuu stated in a matter-of-fact-tone. “Patience is virtue, in this case. Your mind will most likely overload from so much information in one night. It is best to learn one thing every now and then.”

Syaoran scowled. “And who are you to tell us what is best and what is not?”

“He is right, Syaoran,” Eriol cut in. “How we know him does not matter, not at the moment. What matters is getting dear Hyoutsuu to take his spell off of Tokyo.”

“It's that bloody violin of his,” Keroberos growled. “We have to destroy it.” He crouched down, in a pouncing position, when Spinel Sun's calm voice drawled out:

“Don't be so hasty now, Keroberos. You should know by now not to be thoughtless when it comes to him.”

“Oh be quiet, Su -“

“He's right, you know, Kero-chan,” Sakura scolded lightly before turning to face Hyoutsuu. “Ano, Hyoutsuu-san, onegai… Can you please remove your spell?”

One of the demon's eyebrows raised, amusement glinting obviously in his golden eyes from the courtesy and manners that the Card Mistress was displaying, even to a “malicious and threatening villain,” such as himself. “Why. No one's ever asked me to do something so nicely before. I think I just might remove my spell now. But not at the moment. I wouldn't want these petty humans to awake to see them,” he made a gesture at the shadow demons, “or you lot, of course. Now's not the time for them to be aware of us.”

He grinned widely, so his canine-like fangs on either of his eyeteeth were visible. “And I'd rather talk more with you.” Hyoutsuu then made a gesture with his hand. “And you can put away your weapons. I have the shadow demons restrained, and I give you my word that I shan't attack.”

Sakura looked hesitant, but transformed her staff back into the key. Eriol never summoned his staff in the first place. Syaoran was not so lenient and chose to keep his sword out. He narrowed his golden-amber eyes warily and distrustfully at Hyoutsuu.

“Cautious one, I see,” the demon mused, studying Syaoran. He smiled lopsidedly. “How peculiar. You look so much like your great-great grandfather. And you remind me so much of him. That proud look; cocky and confident, and yet quite… emotionless. And those same eyes. How can I ever forget that glare?” He chuckled to himself. “What's-his-face again…? Ah yes, Li Xiao Lang. Your name-successor.”

Syaoran's eyes slightly widened, interest flashing in his eyes, but that gleam was gone as soon as it came.

“It's hard to forget such a man…” Hyoutsuu trailed off, studying the silent Syaoran. His lips were pursed in a firm line, and his eyes… Those golden-amber eyes that gleamed brighter when in rage, stared at him blankly, confidently, steadily - never once wavering. And his aura beamed with the same confidence that his eyes showed. But both were concealed - his emotions and his magic. The extent on how far his emotions ran, and how strong he really was, was hidden; locked away.

His panther-like eyes then fell on Sakura Kinomoto, who blinked as soon as he looked at her.

“Hoe…?” she murmured to herself, fidgeting somewhat.

Hyoutsuu was more amused with Sakura. She seemed far too innocent to be the Card Mistress; to be the successor of the Clow Cards. But of course, he knew better. Although her emotions weren't as hidden away as Syaoran's, or her expression wasn't as confident as the boy's… She still proved to be an equal to Syaoran with her powers.

…Now what was that saying again?

Never judge a book by its cover?

Yes, yes. That's it. Hyoutsuu smiled to himself. He seemed to be smiling a lot lately. He then glanced at the dark, rainy sky, before looking back at the others. “…Lovely weather we're having, yes?”

Yue remained as blank as ever. Ruby Moon rolled her eyes. Keroberos snorted and glared. Spinel Sun looked bored, as always. Syaoran looked exasperated. Sakura sweat dropped. Tomoyo and Meiling continued to sleep. And Eriol…

“Why yes, I agree,” was his reply. “Wonderful day to sit inside for a cup of tea.”

“I quite agree,” Hyoutsuu said pleasantly.

“This is becoming boring,” Ruby Moon harrumphed. “Eriol-sama, let's go now. The weather is starting to get to me. And it's not like we're doing anything here but standing and waiting to catch pneumonia…”

“You lot are immune to sickness,” Syaoran pointed out, eyeing Ruby Moon and the other Guardians. While they, and Eriol, weren't wet, him and Sakura, and the sleeping duo, were simply and positively drenched!

“Ah yes, of course,” Ruby Moon mumbled.

“Yue-san? Nakuru-san? Can you bring Tomoyo-chan and Meiling-chan back to my place?” Sakura asked, turning to the said guardians.

“Of course! Beats staying here!” Ruby Moon chirped, picking Meiling off the ground. Yue complied quietly and gathered Tomoyo up in his arms. “Nice seeing you again, Hyou-kun!” Ruby Moon called out in a singsong voice before her and Yue unfurled their wings and took off, disappearing into the night sky.

Hyoutsuu waved them off.

“Tomoyo-chan's going to be upset when she wakes up,” Sakura murmured to herself. “She fell asleep during her video-taping…”

…Anyway,

After Ruby Moon and Yue left, Syaoran pointed his sword at Hyoutsuu. “You and those… shadow demons go back to where you belong. You do not belong on earth,” he commanded, tone firm.

“It is not for you to decide who belongs where, Syaoran,” Hyoutsuu said, fiddling with the bow of his violin. “Who died and made you ruler of this planet?”

Syaoran's eyes only narrowed more.

Hyoutsuu sighed and waved his hands defensively. “Geez. You Li's can be so uptight sometimes. We'll go now, but that doesn't mean we won't be back.” He then flashed a charming grin, typically in Sakura's direction, before sweeping into a polite bow and vanishing in the blink of an eye.

The shadow demons were gone as well.

“What a way to spoil our fun, Syaoran,” Eriol said, feigning a disappointed sigh. “Let us go now, too, then. Knowing Hyoutsuu, he's still here in Tokyo, and will not awaken everyone until we have gone.” He made a gesture with his hand. Spinel Sun crouched down on his hunches, allowing Eriol to climb on, before rising back up on all fours.

“You know, Eriol, you owe us one huge explanation,” Sakura pointed out, her and Syaoran hopping on to Keroberos' back.

The Sun Guardians flew into the air and headed back to the Kinomoto Residence.

“I know, Sakura, but in due time,” was his reply, his gaze trained forward, and a smile still on his face.

All three of them couldn't help but glance over their shoulders though when hearing the sound of a violin being played, drifting smoothly and clearly through the air.

**********************

Hyoutsuu watched them disappear from his perch on a skyscraper, the same one he had stood on earlier. He had his violin tucked beneath his chin and chest, playing it with such exactness and expertise of one who had years and years of practice and experience with this piece of instrument. He played his music for a while, before coming to a stop and letting his violin and bow rest on his lap.

Slowly… very slowly, like flower buds shyly peeking its way open on the first day of spring, Tokyo began to reawaken. And as soon as everyone started to reawaken, the city started to come back to life. No one seemed confused as to where they were, or what had happened to the day. It was as if… that period of time in which they slept never happened; as if their time of sleep was never wasted, but instead, completed in some way. There were no questions. Instead, previous conversations were continued. Cars that had halted in the middle of the streets started to move again. Workers returned home.

Life went on, all unaware of what had previously taken place; of what had happened.

His golden eyes trained on a little girl dashing to catch up with her mother, having fallen behind in order to tie her shoe. She was holding a yellow balloon, and not an umbrella. Her mother was the one with the umbrella. But she was wearing a raincoat.

Her balloon slipped from her grasp and fluttered into the air, the rain not being able to hold it down. The little girl cried out and made an attempt to run and catch it, but it went too high. Her mother took her hand, making a promise to buy her a new one, and the mother and daughter continued walking.

Hyoutsuu watched the balloon drift higher and higher, nearing him. He smiled, and caught the string in his grasp. He watched the yellow balloon bob side to side leisurely.

“Pop,” he murmured, and pop went the balloon. It hung limply in his grasp, and Hyoutsuu let the popped balloon drop to the ground, smiling pleasantly to himself.

“So how did it go?”

Hyoutsuu didn't have to turn around in order to know who it was that stood behind him now.

“Smoothly,” he replied simply. He then added: “And quite amusing. You were right. Clow Reed was amongst them, and so were the Four Guardians, along with Xiao Lang's successor, and the Card Mistress.”

“But Eriol Hiiragizawa is only the half reincarnation,” he reminded.

Hyoutsuu turned around to look at the standing figure, who was leaning calmly against the billboard behind him. “Who is the other half, then?”

He stared off in the distance, thoughtfully. “That… I do not know. I'm assuming he or she will make their appearance known.”

Hyoutsuu nodded. “What of the Card Mistress and the Li boy?”

“What about them?”

“What are we going to do with them?”

“Why, nothing…yet.”

“Wouldn't it be easier to just deal with them now?” Hyoutsuu asked incredulously.

He shook his head. “No. Not now. For none of us is at our limits yet. And when it comes to those two… especially since Hiiragizawa is around, things must be taken slowly. Very slowly and with caution. We can't slip up, not after waiting more than one hundred years.”

Hyoutsuu didn't make any response. There was no need to. Instead, he asked one last thing: “What are we to do now?”

A smile played across the figure's face as he fiddled with the pouch hanging from his neck. “Sit back and watch.”

**********************

Sakura and the others had arrived home only to find Yue, and Nakuru. Meiling and Tomoyo were awake, and with blankets wrapped around them. The two Moon Guardians had blankets ready for Sakura and Syaoran as well.

“What happened?” Meiling demanded as soon as they were in.

Kero and Spinel Sun (in their false forms), settled themselves in front of the fire.

“Let me get us some dry clothes,” Sakura said, “then we'll explain.” She looked at Syaoran thoughtfully. “…Hmm, you can use some of Touya's old clothes.”

After she got them fresh clothes, and they all changed, the group gathered back in the living room. Yue's wings were gone, and he was leaning calmly against the wall next to the fireplace. Eriol was sitting in an armchair, and Nakuru was just coming out of the kitchen with steamy hot chocolate.

“Arigatou, Nakuru-chan,” Sakura said gratefully.

“So…” Meiling started.

“What happened?” Tomoyo asked. “I think when I fell, I accidentally switched my video camera off.” She let out a heavy sigh of disappointment.

“Don't worry,” Sakura reassured, “you didn't miss much. It was all just talking…” And she fell into an explanation of the Hyoutsuu guy, how he had put them to sleep with the playing of his violin, what they had talked about, and that Eriol and the Guardians knew him from previous encounters during Clow Reed's time.

All (human) eyes were on Eriol once more. His sapphire eyes were trained on the flames dancing in the hearth, and he blinked, turning to look at them, as if noticing they were just looking at him. “…Nani?”

“I did say you owed us one huge explanation,” Sakura pointed out. “Well, here's your chance, Eriol! Explain away!”

He simply smiled. Before he could get anything across though, the front door opened, and in walked Fujitaka, shaking his umbrella outside before closing it and removing his trench coat. He paused, and smiled pleasantly.

“Why, hello Hiiragizawa-san, I didn't know you were here,” Fujitaka said. Eriol flashed a smile in return. “And I apologize for being late. It was terribly traffic in Tokyo.”

Touya and Yukito have their own apartment, by the way.

Sakura creased her brows, her and everyone exchanging confused looks. Did Fujitaka not remember sleeping a whole day away…?

“Ano, Otou-san?”

“Hmm?” he could be heard, having entered the kitchen in order to make some dinner. “Hai, Sakura-chan?”

“…How was your day?”

“It was quite fine,” Fujitaka responded, much to their surprise. “Although, I was a tad bit late to my first lecture. All of my other classes went fine. Then I had to go to a meeting, followed by some paperwork. And then there was that dreadful traffic.”

Her father was a professor at Tokyo University, and an archeologist.

“Oh, alright,” Sakura said, blinking.

They all came to the conclusion that him, and possibly every other Tokyo-citizen, dreamt the whole day away. It must've been a very realistic dream, too.

“Strange…” Meiling mumbled, speaking all of their thoughts.

“Strange indeed,” Eriol agreed, grinning so his pearly white teeth could be seen. “Hyoutsuu is a strange man, as I'm sure you've noticed, Sakura and Syaoran. Knowing him, he made them all live in a dream-world, close to reality, and they all shared the same dream, as we share reality.”

They nodded in understanding.

“But although Hyoutsuu seems lenient and careless,” Eriol continued, his voice becoming soft and less casual, “he is not someone you should cross. He is a demon, as Kero-chan so kindly pointed out before. A high ranked demon. Those shadow demons are nothing compared to him.”

Their ears were open. They hung on every word, waiting… anticipating… for when he'd tell them how he, or Clow Reed, knows this Hyoutsuu.

Eriol paused, noticing all of their expectant expressions, and debated whether or not he should tell them.

“Oh come now, Eriol-sama,” Nakuru interjected. “Just tell them, or I'll tell them for you.”

He made a gesture with his hand. “Fine, fine…”

Finally! The moment of truth…

“Clow Reed once had encounters with Hyoutsuu, and other people such as himself,” Eriol explained, elbows resting on the arms of the chair, with his fingers clasped together. “About one hundred years ago, or so, was the last encounter, during the time of world war three.” He then paused again, and grinned. “And that pretty much sums it up.”

They all fell.

They could've figured that out on their own…

But they knew there was so much more that Eriol was not telling them. And one way or another, they

were going to get it out of Eriol. Somehow. Someway. They will.

In the meanwhile -

“Did you guys fight in the war?”

“What other people are there like him?”

“Will we meet them?”

“What about Kero-chan and Suppi-chan? And Yue and Nakuru?”

“You never did tell us who the Four Guardians were -“

“Were Hyoutsuu and these other people the `unnatural' causes of the world war you spoke of earlier?”

“Eriol!”

“Hiiragizawa!”

“We demand to know!”

He chuckled to himself in obvious amusement before silencing them by holding his hand up. “Is it not

pretty obvious who the Four Guardians are?”

There was silence. Then it dawned on them - typically Sakura - who the Four Guardians were. Syaoran knew ever since he first brought them up. Meiling and Tomoyo just weren't so sure. Sakura looked at Yue, at Kero, and at Nakuru and Spinel Sun.

“…How come you never told me, Kero-chan?!” Sakura asked, sounding appalled.

“You never asked,” was Kero's reply as he smirked, settling himself on his Mistress' head.

She eyed him, before looking back at Eriol.

“And, yes, Hyoutsuu and these other people were… a factor for world war three,” the half-reincarnation stated. He left it at that. Sakura and them didn't bother to ask any more questions, for they knew they would not be able to get anything more out of him.

They spent the rest of the time in silence, until:

“Dinner's ready!”

Later On

The fire was just barely crackling in the fire, looking dim and lost in the logs, having reduced to faint flickers of blue, orange, and red. Eriol, Nakuru, and Spinel Sun had left in order to return to the mansion they had previously occupied during the old Card Capturing days. Meiling, Tomoyo, and Syaoran were spread out in sleeping bags. One of them was not occupied.

Sakura could be seen sitting by the windowsill, Kero perched on it, and both were gazing out quietly, no words spoken.

“Kero-chan? What are we going to have to do?” Sakura questioned in a whisper, turning to look at her little guardian; her guardian who has been with her ever since she unlocked the Clow Book. “Will it be difficult?”

The teddy bear remained silent at first, before replying in the same tone of voice, “Nothing is ever easy, Sakura-chan. I'm not going to lie to you. It will prove to be difficult. Probably your most difficult challenge yet…”

He left out the fact that her card capturing days would be nothing compared to what was in store for them.

Sakura nodded slowly in understanding, then turned her gaze back outside into the rainy night. Kero sighed and fluttered his wings, preparing to go lay back down. “Let us go back to sleep now.”

“You can,” Sakura said, making a gesture with her hand. “I'll go sleep soon, I promise.”

He nodded and fluttered off to her pillow, where he made himself comfortable.

The Card Mistress watched the rain falling, counting the days the weather has been like this. Close to a week now, she summed up, and there were no signs of it letting off.

She was silently replaying in her mind everything that had happened today.

“Too much blood has been spilled on Earth, and each time this happens, our world cries.”

Is that why it was raining? Because Earth was crying? …Was blood being spilled this very second? This very day? Was blood being spilled everyday?

Did the Earth cry like this during World War III?

It was just now she was realizing that none of the schools, or throughout her years of schooling and taking history, was there any lessons on World War III. It was just a known fact that it had happened, but exactly what had happened was not quite known. No one questioned about it. It was something that was accepted, but just not talked about.

For anything that was unknown was never talked about - not in this century.

“And the fact that world war three was not caused by national disagreement, but instead by another unnatural force has everything to do with what is going on today.”

Sakura frowned. Humans were becoming terribly close-minded. Their own close-mindedness would most likely be their own extinction, she concluded, sighing.

She decided to put all that into the back of her mind… for now. Sakura was about to stand up and slip into her sleeping back, when a flash outside caught her eye. It was a flash of several colors, that she barely noticed dashing down the street. But as soon as she saw it, it was gone.

She blinked, and shook her head.

Must've been my imagination…

Stifling a yawn, the Card Mistress crawled back into her sleeping bag, and as soon as her head hit the pillow, she fell asleep.

**********************

He was standing in the middle amongst the circle of pillars with that same expression on his face - one of absolute calmness. It was hard though to tell what emotions were struggling within him, for his amber eyes were blank. But he was standing at the center, hunched over, body covered with scratches and bruises. His clothes were torn and tattered. His hair messier than normal. And he was breathing heavily.

He looked as if he were about to collapse. He looked so tired… so weak and vulnerable to the point that it made her heart and insides twist in agony. There was a symbol beneath him, but of what, she could not make out. She could make out the aura of a barrier that extended from pillar to pillar, keeping him

encased at the very center.

She wanted to call out his name. She wanted to reach out a hand to him. She wanted to run to him. She wanted to break this so-called barrier. She wanted to hold him and help him stand…

But she couldn't. She couldn't.

To be continued.

Fire Temptress: Godddd, this took me forever to write. Gotta love temporary writer's block, yeah? -grumbles- Anyway. I take back what I said about Fujitaka being the half-reincarnation of Clow Reed. I think I might have someone else. Or, I definitely will have someone else. So, in this story, let's all pretend Fujitaka is not the reincarnation of Clow Reed, `kay? ^_^

And I know there are currently a whole bunch of gaps in this chapter. It was hard for me to write this without giving everything away. T__T Not too fond of this chapter.

But yeah. I hope it was still decent, nice, etc. You know. Anyway, please leave a review! And I'll see if I can get another chapter up before my spring break ends (if I don't go anywhere).

-FT

Btw - I apologize for all the italics. I have no idea why it's like that, and no matter what I do, mediaminer is being a pain and the italics just won't… go away. -_-