Image of the Day

Image of the Day

Saturday, June 02, 2007

CardCaptor Sakura Remastered IV Episode 1 (10)

December 31st

Sakura couldn’t sleep. She had just woken up from a particularly vivid
“vision”.

She knew she should be focusing on it, but it was so strong in her mind
that she could remember it without much effort, but still she had to
write it down (she missed on the warnings of a few visions in the past
because she didn’t write it down and it’s something she hasn’t stopped
regretting since).

As she finishes putting her thoughts to paper she sighs, looking over at
Tomoyo, smiling. She looked so beautiful while she slept, as if not a
care in the world troubled her in her sleep. Once that wasn‘t the case,
but ever since that incident on the ice her visions had lessened and
lessened. They were still there in some respects, but they didn‘t affect
her as much anymore.

Sakura’s hand gently brushes away a few hairs away from her forehead,
her face so peaceful as she slept quietly next to her.

The notes in Sakura’s hand drew her attention back, her vision laid out
in writing---

* * * * * *

Tokyo Tower

It was night, and yet Lunaris glowed brightly in the sky above--- it was
then she realized that it had to be the past, because the moon was
sitting before a real sun--- in eclipse.

It was that day, the last day with Eriol and---

A dark shape flew past her, causing Sakura to tense. But instead of
Eriol’s servant Spiner Sun, it turned out to be a man in black as he
slams into a tree out of breath.

“JACK GET UP!!” a woman yelled from behind, causing Sakura to snap about
to a sight she thought she’d never see. Above, in the air, two figures
drifted about each other, striking at each other with staff and bare
hands looking for an opening in the other’s defenses. One was obviously
Eriol, the other---

“Catherine?”

She tensed her muscles, waiting for him to take another swing with his
staff, powered to full, before she dodged and shot back at him with a
full charged energy blast knocking him out of the air and into the
ground hard. “---” she sneered (but too far away for Sakura to hear her
words), raising one hand into the air, flattening the palm upwards
towards the sky. “EVISCERATOR---” (a energy disc formed in the air above
her hand, charging to full) “---DISC!!” she screamed, whipping her arm
about and launching the disc straight down at Eriol, nearly cutting him
in two before he teleported away leaving the disc to cut into concrete
where Eriol once laid.

Suddenly, another form flies past her, rolling onto the ground
unconscious as a new person comes into the open. It was Eliza, her face
slightly bloodied as she wipes the liquid from her lower face, teeth
clenched. “No gender thing vs. multi gender girl? No contest.”

Though she remarked in a flippant manner, she wasn’t in a witty mood
right now, her body shaking abit and signs of blood on her uniform shows
she had a fierce fight with Eriol’s other servant. From a distance she
could hear more fighting but turned to focus again on the fight between
Eriol & Catherine. She was too far to hear their words, she could only
see them talking as they caught their breath. She wished she could move
closer to hear, but she didn’t seem to want to move. Her limbs wouldn’t
obey her at all.

Catherine charged Eriol all out, his hands barely able to catch her’s as
she rushes him, their powers igniting the air about them as they
struggle against each other in mid air, Catherine’s face shrouded in a
murderous expression as she screamed at him, but her words failed to
reach Sakura’s ears.

From behind her she heard a shriek and---

* * * * * *

That was it. She stopped writing at that point because she woke up
before she saw anymore.

The memories of the dream was beginning to fade, so Sakura felt
reassured that she did the right thing by writing her thoughts down. Her
handwriting was a little sloppy, and she jotted things down in a bit of
a rush, but still the general idea of what the vision showed her was
here on paper. Proof positive that Nina wasn’t always right about her
when it came to things like this.

Then, suddenly, thoughts of her making love to Tomoyo popped into her
mind wiping out the last of the memories. She sighed, lying back down as
she remembered those tingly lovely feelings. Maybe Nina was right about
one thing, she was easily distracted these days. Unconsciously she let
out a low slow moan, her hands rubbing her breasts, pinching at her
nipples as she did. The memories were very addictive.

“You look happy.” she heard a voice whisper, making her freeze up, “Am I
missing anything?”

“---hoe---” Sakura whined, realizing that Tomoyo was awake, staring at
her from her side of the bed with a gentle smile on her lips and eyes
focused on Sakura‘s hands, “I could have done that for you. You didn‘t
have to start without me---”

“I---I didn‘t want to--- wake you---” she stammered, words failing her
as she tried to talk but only gasped and choked on words slowly getting
the meaning out as she spoke. “I--- I was remembering earlier and---
well and---” Tomoyo picks up the notepad and reads it (reading light on)
while Sakura sits there staring, sweatdropping as she watched. As she
finishes she nods her head, closes the book, and turns her gaze back to
Sakura. “Bad visions?”

“I’m sorry---” she whispered, head lowered, “I---”

Her words vanish as Tomoyo’s lips press to her own, silencing her
explanation in a kiss.

“You‘re so sweet, but I don‘t want you to hesitate in sharing your
problems with me.”

“---why---”

“Sakura-chan---” Tomoyo responds, holding the brown haired girl’s hands
as she speaks to her, “I want to be there for you, and if there’s
anything troubling you all you have to do is ask and I’ll help you
anyway I can. You know I will.“

“I don’t want to be a burden to you---” Sakura moaned, head lowered only
for Tomoyo to raise it up (two fingers held firmly beneath her chin) so
the two locked eye contact. “You‘ll never be a burden to me,
Sakura-chan, never.”

“---Tomo-chan---”

Tomoyo draws Sakura close, holding her tight as she speaks, “No matter
what we’ll always be there for each other, OK?”

Silence reigns as the two hold each other, their feelings being
expressed in ways that didn’t need voice for conveyance. They each
understood each other, and that’s all that mattered.

“One day we’ll be married. One day. When you and I are--- and we‘ll live
happily ever after.” Tomoyo whispers, her arms holding Sakura tightly.
“I wish we could marry today.” she sighs, knowing that they agreed to a
date already in their hearts. When the cards were all recaptured, and
changed back into Star Cards, then they would marry (when peace was
restored and everything was right with the world again).

Their hands strayed, lowering to their sides, and then their hips,
brushing of fingers against each girl’s soft naked thighs. “Then we‘ll
give Mirra away as she marries Hikaru, our beautiful daughter marrying
her beloved and then---”

“HOE???”

Two fingers gently press against her lips. “Later, Sakura-chan, I‘ll
explain later.”

Sakura wanted to know more about this announcement, but one look at
Tomoyo said to her that this wasn’t the time to ask, their bodies
falling back into the bed as they kissed and rubbed their bodies
together, their passions igniting again as they came closer and closer
together---

* * * * * *

December 31st (Morning)

The announcement was not far in coming, and one person was disappointed
in it’s delivery.

“No fair.” Nina remarked glumly, “We didn’t even get to see all this?
Nuts!”

Several hours have passed and it was now daylight. As everyone gathered
in the kitchen for breakfast Mirra and Hikaru were relating their
decision to become engaged to anyone who’ll listen (which was a great
deal of people in the house). Sakura was confused while Tomoyo sat by
her side comforting her lovely (though befuddled) significant other.

“It all sounds quite sweet and beautiful.” Tina noted, smiling at the two happy young women, “I’m sure you’ll both be quite happy on your wedding day… whenever that is.” (winks at Nina) “Just as we’re happy just as we are. Right?”

“I‘d still like to get married don‘t you know.” Nina sighs, blushing at the sudden shift of attention by Tina. “Well what are we doing today? It being New Year’s Eve and all that. We‘re going to party, right?”

Fuu entered the room and bowed slightly, drawing Sakura‘s attention away
from Mirra/Hikaru for a few seconds, “We have visitors this morning. A
Mrs. & Mrs. Shai’zhan to see Sakura.”

At this Nina scoffs, leaning back in her chair. “Gee, wonder who THAT
could be.”

“Pwhee?” Sakura muttered, confused even more than she was a minute ago.

As Fuu leaves the kitchen Meilin and Xai Shar enter, all smiles. Meilin
was wearing casual pants and a red dragon t-shirt with cute matching red
shoes, Xai Shar was wearing her usual uniform (as Keiko & Rena often did
whether they were working or not). “Meilin?” Sakura gasps, confused,
“Who---”

“It’s their future married last name isn’t it.” Nina noted, looking
straight at Meilin. “Shai’zhan is a Palominian name--- your changing
your last name?”

“It’s a beautiful last name!” Meilin huffed, bowing slightly to Tomoyo
as she entered, “Good morning, remember my promise?”

“I remember.” Tomoyo nods, “We’re going to celebrate your wedding
engagement today. Congratulations.”

“Hoe??” (Sakura replied, barely remembering the event though Tomoyo
remembered)

“Hoe.” (Nina repeated, scoffingly)

Tina shifts her weight in her chair to bring her attention to
Mirra/Eliza, “That’s great! You two can celebrate your engagement today
too!” Both girls blushed at the sudden attention Meilin & Xai Shar gave
them as they turned to look at the two. Suddenly Meilin smiles and gives
Mirra a slight smack on the back as she laughed abit. If this was meant
to settle down the two’s nerves? It didn’t help one bit.

“Let’s go downstairs and set up then.” Nina suddenly announced, taking
the spotlight off of the two (to their relief). As they walked out of
the kitchen, Mirra seemed confused. “But we’re already downstairs.”

“We’re going down to the holochamber. We can set the celebration up down
there.”

“Phwee?” Mirra whispered, in trademark Sakura fashion.

* * * * * *

The holochamber was already on when they entered.

The setting was inside of Tokyo Tower, the observation deck now set up
for a party with tables of food and a karaoke machine, and there was
also a huge TV set to one side with ample seating and a few smaller sets
to another side with video games hooked to them. “I like to be prepared
just in case.”

“She’s been planning this for weeks.” Tina proudly whispers, cheeks blushing as she watches Nina hustle about making sure everything was in it’s proper place.

Mirra felt someone grasp her hand, and realized it was Hikaru. She
seemed a little nervous about the setting, but quickly smiled and waved
off Mirra’s concerns with a wave of her free hand. Mirra nodded her head
and went back to looking around. Hikaru was worried, but she always
tried to shield it when Mirra was around. And she accused her of hiding
things. Mirra shook her head briefly as she pushed those thoughts away
for the time being. When she was ready she would say what was troubling
her, but for now she just wanted to spend the day with Hikaru and enjoy
herself. That’s it.

“The food’s real by the way, I just used the replicator to set the
buffet. Help yourselves and I’ll get some of the events started so
people can relax. Remember it’s a party today so everyone have fun!”

As the groups began to break apart to try some of the food or one of the
play areas, Hikaru pulled Mirra to one of the tables for a bite to eat.
Feeling abit famished herself she followed, mouth watering abit as she
did.

* * * * * *

Eventually, someone had to ask the burning question of the day.

“So, whose tying the knot first?”

“Phwee?” Sakura blanked out, eyes growing wide.

“Is there an echo in here? I keep hearing that same noise over and over
Again.“ Nina remarks with a slightly nasty expression on her face,
which only vanished the minute Tina gently kisses the green haired woman on the head.

Eventually the question was going to come up, and it would have to be Nina that would ask the question on everyone’s mind. As they sat around the table eating lunch, their eyes bounced from person to person waiting for the first one to answer that question.

The group consisted of the three marrying couples in question (Sakura/Tomoyo, Nina/Tina (in theory though law still was against them) and Meilin/Xai Shar). Meilin was decked out on a couch lying contently in the taller Palominians’ gentle grip using her breasts as pillows, the two plucking crackers & cheese from a tray on the table near to them.
Sakura and Tomoyo sat side by side, and so did Eliza/Nina.

As Nina finished asking the question, all eyes roamed about as everyone
looked at each other. Tina, smiling her usual calming smile, was first to speak. “Nina’s just a little cranky that we still can’t marry, but if we could she’d want our wedding to be a Christmas thing so we could have our wedding night on Christmas Eve.”

“We’re marrying on May 15th (Xai’s birthday).” Meilin offered.

“---hoe---” Sakura face faulted, looking nervous as everyone turned to
look for her answer, of which she presently had none to give. Tomoyo
quickly “steps” in and covers her, “We haven’t decided yet.”

“Is it going to be this year?” Xai asked, only to receive a warming
smile (but not answer) from Tomoyo. “We’ll let you know when we
decided.”

“Whatever.” Nina relented, dropping the subject for the time being. “How
many more cards does Sakura need to seal anyway?”

Sakura suddenly blanked out, her face going as expressionless as it
could possibly get. Once again she had been asked a question that she
wasn’t ready for. “What?! You mean you don’t even know??”

“I wasn’t keeping count!” Sakura cried out, defending herself. It’s
true. She was more focused on Tomoyo than the amount of cards she had
sealed since the beginning, though off hand she would have guessed
about a dozen or so cards to date.

“Sigh---” (Nina began counting cards on her fingers) “Let’s see--- Jump,
Fly, Illusion, Create---”

“Don’t forget to minus six cards for those who became human.” Tomoyo
added, to which Nina scowled, “I know that! I know--- made me lose
count. 1-2-3-4---”

Silence. Sakura and Tomoyo exchanged glances as they waited for a reply.

“Anytime today, Einstein.” Keiko called out from another nearby table,
listening in the whole time. “SHUT IT!” Nina screeches, counting again
(lost her count again). Finally, which much fanfare she came up with the
number--- “You captured 13 regular Clow Cards (unlucky number 13!)”

“Is that it? Not counting fan cards--- I---” (Sakura bows her head)
“---it’s 13 cards.”

“Unlucky number 13.“ Nina corrected, glancing about at the others
nervously. Keiko, on the other hand, overhearing the conversation from
her seat, huffs her breath. “13 cards out of a possible 46? That’s only
a bit over 25%!”

“I’M SORRY!!” Sakura cries, her shoulders slumping as Tomoyo pulls her
over to console her.

“Can you do better?” Nina asks, turning around to look at Keiko. “You
haven’t caught card one.”

Keiko : “Neither have you so don’t go on about my catching skills!”

Nina : “Why you nothing.”

Keiko : “Oh shut up. You and your “unlucky number 13”!”

“Waahh!!” Sakura blurts out, eyes tearing up as Tomoyo redoubles her
efforts to calm her.

Tomoyo : “Your making Sakura upset. Cut it out.”

“Ignore them.” Xai Shar tells Sakura, her strong hand gently patting the
distraught Clow Card Mistress on her back. “They‘re just bickering like
little girls and have no sense of---”

“WHAT DID YOU SAY?!?” (Keiko & Nina)

“Never mind.”

“You OK, Sakura-chan?” Tomoyo whispers, wiping the few tears from
Sakura’s cheeks as she nods her head briefly. “I guess--- I’m sorry---“

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.” Tomoyo assures her, quickly
glancing over at the others as she speaks, “Your doing the best you can
under the circumstances.”

“I don‘t feel like I‘m doing my best.” Sakura lamented, settling back
down to rest her head on Tomoyo’s strong and supportive shoulders. “I
wish I was as good a magician as everyone thinks I am.“ Suddenly Sakura
stops, and thinks for a second, “Power & Fight wouldn’t have run away
from me if I was a better mistress to them.“

Tomoyo sighs, giving Sakura a big hug as she chides Sakura gently.
“They did what they felt was right. Nobody ran away from you. You’re the greatest.”

“Thank you, Tomoyo-chan.” Sakura whispered.

* * * * * *

Day turned to night, outside as well as in the holochamber.

The “sky” in the room was now glimmering with “Stars” (distant dream
moons) in the hours between dusk and the time when the planet’s rotation
swung it into view of the Central Hub. Everyone was in party mood still
as they counted the hours slowly to midnight. Each minute that drew the hour closer made the moment all the more exciting.

The game systems were in hot use as the day’s “tournaments” were rolling
along. By now enough was played to make a place for the winners and not
so lucky players (who were having a hard time winning) to face off
against each other.

Umi, Gaia, Light/Dark (who rotated turns each turn) & Fuu were in the
undesirable section for those who were having a difficult time playing
the games, and they were all widdled down there after losing a few times
during the day. However, for being in the “loser’s” bracket, they didn’t
mind as long as they were together. That’s all that mattered.

Sakura, however, had found an excuse to sneak out and was upstairs, in
her kitchen, gently working a skillet as she cooked. She felt a little
more at ease when she experimented with cooking, somehow trying to cook
something edible eased the stress off of her (even if she stressed later
when it came time to figure out whether what she made was (in fact)
edible or not).

She was doing a simple thing, having taken the spaghetti from the fridge and tossed it into the pan with the meat sauce to warm it up quick on the top of the stove before serving it (something Nina taught her). As she checked her progress she felt two arms wrap around her waist (without hindering her ability to cook) and that brought a smile to her lips. “Can I have some?”

Sakura suddenly began to sweatdrop--- it WAS Tomoyo behind her (as she
knew), but she wanted to eat her cooking---- Sakura nodded her head
quickly, her hand fumbling abit to shut down the heat before she plated
the food and served it (with nervous hands) to Tomoyo (and herself of
course since she made extra without meaning to, she just threw
everything in without thinking). “It smells good.”

“It’s only reheated food you made.” Sakura lamented, seating herself
down next to Tomoyo.

“It’s still made with love so let’s eat.”

“---I’ll have some---” Sakura musters, smiling as she digs in and
finds--- it is good. But then again, she thinks to herself, it is
Tomoyo’s cooking after all. She had known abit more about cooking than
Sakura and Sakura thrived to learn as much as she could from her dark
haired lover in the kitchen but never felt confident enough in her
skills to cook anything complex without her supervising. Still, Tomoyo
had faith in Sakura’s skills even if Sakura didn’t at times.

As Tomoyo took another mouthful she looked at Sakura with curious eyes.
“Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” she lied, face blushing. However Tomoyo wasn’t going
to be put off so easily, she smiles as she pokes one of Sakura’s cheeks
as she chews on her food. “I know you better than that.”

Sakura swallows hard, fumbling with her fork and words as she tried to
cover up badly. Finally she lowers her head and sighs, “I’m failing some
of my grades.”

“I know.” Tomoyo nods her head, feeling the heat from Sakura’s body as
the other girl blushed red from embarrassment. “But your grades can’t be
the only thing---”

“What kind of father am I going to be if I can’t even be a good role
model in school for---”

“Oh.” Silence reigns for a few seconds, “I can help you with your
grades---” (stops) “---but Sakura-chan, are you really such a bad
father?”

“---I don’t know---” she admitted truthfully, “I should have talked to
Mirra about Toya instead of brushing it off, I can’t muster the courage
to speak about sex with her and---”

“Well you never been a father before. (Even your own father would never
have thought that one day his precious girl would be somebody’s father).
But don‘t worry, I‘ll help you.”

“Thanks---“ (blushes) “I wouldn’t even know how to begin to explain it
to papa that---“ Sakura sullenly recollects, moping as memories of her
father overwhelm her, “---papa---” Suddenly she fells Tomoyo’s hand
under her chin as the dark haired girl raises her head to look her
straight in the eyes, “I envy you. I wish I had a father as loving and
understanding as yours.”

“Tomo-ch--!” (Tomoyo shushes her) “It’s Ok. I don’t mind talking about
it--- it’s Ok.”

“----tomo-chan---”

The two embrace before going back to eating, Sakura smiling a little if
only to be brave for Tomoyo, as the other watches her with a worried
expression (hidden under a sincere smile).

* * * * * *

In their bedroom, away from the others (still downstairs partying to
midnight), Sakura clears her throat and looks ahead sternly.
“Mirra-chan. I want to talk to you today about--- about---”

“Go on, Sakura! You can do it!” Tomoyo cheered her on from the
sidelines, watching Sakura from a chair set near the bed where she was
sitting. “I want---” Sakura stammers, blushing, “I WANT TO TALK TO YOU
ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES!!”

The stuffed toy Sakura did not react, it simply sat there and stared at
the real Sakura without showing the slightest hint of emotion,
however--- “Mirra would be freaked by that.”

“You did kind of yell it all of a sudden.” Tomoyo relented, her thoughts
trying to gather, “Maybe you should try another approach?”

Weakly Sakura nodded, and tried again. “Mirra-chan? I want to ask you---
I mean tell you about--- I mean about when two women--- fall in love
and--- I---” (blushes) “---it keeps staring at me.”

“Mirra is going to be just as attentive when you speak to her.”

“But it’s looking at me funny!” Sakura cried, pointing at the toy. “It’s
like I’m talking to little me!”

“I see---” Tomoyo pondered, “Let’s try something else.”

* * * * * *

“---and I wanted to talk to you today about when two women in love start
to--- feel urges--- I mean when two women fall in love they naturally
feel the urge--- I mean----” Sakura sighs, reaches forward and squeezes
her “audience” (“(laughter)”) “I feel stupid now.”

“Ok.” Tomoyo sighs, “Maybe “Ticklish Hamtaro” wasn’t a good idea for
Mirra’s stand in.”

* * * * * *

“When two women fall in love one day they feel these urges--- and
they--- they---” (Sakura sighs again) “---where did you get that
pillow?”

Tomoyo blinks, then looks at the huge pillow of a naked Anime girl with
an aroused expression. “Umi. She said it looked like Gaia and she
sometimes likes to tease Gaia by---”

“HOEEE!!!” Sakura whines, falling backwards into the bed.

“---sorry----” Tomoyo apologized, quickly removing the pillow from the
room.

* * * * * *

“When two women fall in love they feel the urge to--- express that love
by--- by making love--- and sometimes that means--- deep full
lovemaking--- and---”

Umi kicks her feet mindlessly listening as she yawns. “Want me to talk
with her? I could make it very easy so even she can understand it.“
(Sakura leans forward interested) “I can just start with telling them
about sex, and then get Mirra into a strap on and pounding into little
Hik---”

Umi lands outside the bedroom door on her rear a few seconds later, with
a sharp “AHH!!!” from Sakura as she slams the door shut behind her. Umi
huffs her breath and goes back downstairs. “She asked.”

* * * * * *

Sakura stares wide eyed, shocked out of her mind.

“That’s OK.” Tomoyo assures Light/Dark, moving towards them, “I’m sure
Sakura can manage just fine without--- uh--- visual aids--- thank you.”

The two leave before the scene becomes anymore hot, though Sakura ends
up taking an hour off to “catch her breath” (of which Tomoyo is more
than glad to “help” her cool down).

* * * * * *

Sonomi blushes a bright red, and fidgets at the question posed to her.

“---actually, I never really talked to Tomoyo about the birds and
bees---”

“Pwhee!?!”

Tomoyou blushed, “After father raped me and mama found out, she wanted
to teach me loving proper sex so she showed me the birds and the bees
first hand and---”

“HOEEE!!!!”

Sakura covered herself with the blankets and refused to come out (no
matter how much Tomoyo prodded the shape beneath the blankets). Sonomi
blushed and excused herself, whispering to Tomoyo as she stood up,
“Maybe we shouldn’t tell her about “it” either.” Sonomi offers, to which
Tomoyo nods her head whispering back, “I’m afraid Sakura-chan isn’t
ready for “it“ just yet---”

“HOOOEEEEE!!!!” Sakura screamed, covering her ears--- she apparently
could still hear them.

“---sorry---” Tomoyo offered the shape beneath the blankets that was
Sakura Kinomoto.

* * * * * *

“When you two make love for the first time,” Sakura softly whispers,
looking her straight in the eye, “I want it to be as beautiful as when
Tomo-chan and I make love. But you have to be patient. One day, when
it’s right for both of you, you’ll make love and it’ll be the most
beautiful thing you ever did---” Sakura sighs, “It didn’t come out
right!”

Tomoyo nods her head, “It came out fine!”

“I felt like an idiot having to rely on you---”

“You did perfect.” Tomoyo smiles, nodding her head as she did, “I’m
going to cherish those words when Hikaru and I are ready to make love!”

“Your playing the role to the hilt.” Sakura sighs, “But it’s over now. I
have to---” (stops) “---Tomoyo-chan?”

Tomoyo changes into Mirra. “Thanks, Sakura-pa--- ???”

Sakura, wide eyed and shocked, throws herself back beneath the blankets
crying. Tomoyo comes out, blushing from ear to ear, “----”

“I think I made Sakura-papa cry.”

“That’s alright. She’s just cranky because it’s late. Why don’t you
return to the party and we’ll be back shortly---” Tomoyo nudges Mirra
aside and sits down, “Sak---”

“YOU TRICKED ME!!!”

“I’m sorry.” Tomoyo whispers, crawling on top of Sakura and leaning down
to whisper in her ear, “I wanted you to talk to Mirra and and she
thought being me would help your nerves---”

“I’M SO EMBARRASSED!!!”

Sakura cried and cried, face buried into her pillow--- until she felt
herself being flipped over onto her back, “!” Tomoyo quickly straddles
Sakura’s belly and holds the other girl down, face stern, “I won’t let
you cry for doing a good deed for our daughter! You’re the best partner
a woman could want in a lover and the best parent! Please don‘t---”

“Tomo-chan YOUR HURTING ME!!”

Tomoyo gasps, eyes going wide as she leans back in shock, releasing
Sakura. “Sakura-chan! I’m SORRY! I---” Sakura leaps up, tackling Tomoyo
down hugging her tight, “I just want to be perfect--- like you are---”
she cried, holding Tomoyo tight. “You never fail any tests, you always
know the right things to say, you never wake up late or get embarrassed
about the slightest thing! Your so perfect!!”

“---I’m not perfect---” Tomoyo sighs, holding Sakura close. “I can’t be
perfect without you by my side, because I fall apart if I know your not
near. I can’t be perfect when I depend on you so much that it hurts to
not be near you like this even for a short while. I wish I was perfect,
then I wouldn’t smother you.”

“---you don’t smother me---”

“I only want you to be happy. I don‘t want you to feel sad for anything
in the world.”

“---tomo-chan---”

Tomoyo suddenly lightens up, smiling as she encourages Sakura to fondle
her breasts as she pulls her top off, “Your smile is the thing that
brightens my day, even when I‘m in a naughty mood.”

Without another word Tomoyo continues to undress Sakura, whose face is
burning red from blushing, “Sorry---” she mustered. “That’s Ok. Now your
going to be a happy gi---” Sakura pulls Tomoyo close and hugs her tight.
Tomoyo’s words fail her as she lies in Sakura’s arms, and sighs in
contentment.

“I’m always happy as long as your with me.”

The two kiss passionately, their clothes falling away as their passions
heat up.

* * * * * *

The “skies” above the Tower were clear. The party was now in it’s final
stages.

Everyone was standing around watching the holo clock and preparing to
count down the seconds to midnight. Though it was a well established
fact that they were, in fact, counting down the time to Midnight in
Waking Tokyo (in the Waking World of reality) since Time didn’t mean
much other than something the people of the Realm of Dreams clung onto
--- a safety blanket of either memories of live in reality or of the
place which birthed the realm in the first place.

One minute remained.

The party became silent as everyone counted down, partners pairing off
to hold hands.

Sakura/Tomoyo held hands, staring up into the night sky as they waited
for the fireworks.

Ten--- Umi/Gaia held hands and looked up.

Eight--- Hikaru rolled herself onto her back, still in Mirra’s grasp, as
they looked up from their resting place on a soft patch of grass under a
holotree (with a clear view of the sky through the branches).

Six--- Light and Dark embraced Fuu, her smile growing warmer as she gave
herself to her two companions willingly allowing them to slow dance her
about the “roof” of the tower, giggling lightly as they danced into the
new year.

Four--- Sonomi kissed Windy, whispering Nadeshiko’s name---

Two--- Nadeshiko cried, her new “body” trembling beneath Sonomi’s touch
as she wished she could rush to Sakura and hold her, tell her that she‘s
been by her side for months now--- but she promised Sonomi she wouldn’t,
even though she often forgot and came close to telling her “secret”---
Sonomi held her tight as a tear fell down “Windy’s” cheek.

Then “Midnight” hit, and the skies above Tokyo flared as fireworks began to go off, as everyone rang in the new year with a bang.

* * * * * *

Meanwhile, in the Shining Star.

He fell asleep late. He wasn’t a social animal, and didn’t want to
party even if it was the new year… until he met her, then things changed for him. His dreams used to keep him up, but now the new love of his life managed to fill him time just fine. His visions, which were intense and vivid, were now flesh and blood reality.

As long as she was there, he was whole again.

He was Syaoran Li, no longer would be Master of the Clow Cards, he wore
new clothes (as a SpellThrasher), and had a new life. He could no longer
bear to wear the clothes of old (the Li Family ceremonial clothes) after
he failed so miserably to become Master of the Clow Cards. He only
wanted to disappear off the face of the Earth--- but then, one day, he
woke up (like everyone else) in this place and it was as if they were
always meant to be there, and lived their lives there.

For some, the change affected them in personal ways and everything
changed.

For Tomoyo it meant she knew her father longer than before, with dire
consequences.

For Syaoran, it meant he saw his mother in a different light.

He could never talk about it, but the first day he awoke in the Realm of
Dreams was truly the first day of his life. His sisters all moved away,
to relish this new world--- but he wanted to change his life, to be more
than he was--- and he found that in the Guardian Academy on the Central
Hub. It changed him, and made him a new man after that. With his new
powers he returned to the Shining Star, and found life had changed while
he was gone. His sisters had all taken husbands, the woman he jilted for
a better life (Meilin) had fallen in love with her mentor and planned to
marry her, and Sakura--- she left him a long time ago (after the passing
to this world) to be with Tomoyo. So, effectively, he had a new life but
was quite alone.

He still had his faithful servant and mentor, but he wanted something
more--- that’s when the dreams started. They were always in the same
place, with the same woman--- someone he couldn’t forget even now as she
held him in her arms. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen,
and the greatest surprise she held for him was the day she actually became his one and only, in a past “version” of the events happening now. When “CLAMP School” came and changed everything.

But now, at the appointed time, CLAMP School did not arrive into the skies above, and things have changed from the frantic events that transpired before… at least, he hoped that was the case.
But still all was right in the world, he had her and that’s all that counted to him. He loved her dearly, and thought the world of her.

After lovemaking they laid in bed together, cuddled close. He sighed,
feeling her soft flowing hair and felt as if they were back in his sleep “dreams” and not in the “reality” they lived right now. She smiled, and chided him as if she read his thoughts and whispered that they would never part now, never. He nodded his head, feeling the pull of “sleep” drawing him away from her once again, though she would never be far away from him now.

She held him tight, and whispered his name as she sang him to sleep.
She always knew how to make him happy. The last thing he remembers as he drifts into sleep was whispering her name.
“Eliza Destiny -- I love you.”

“I know.” she quietly answered, a tear running down her cheek as she held him tight, unwilling to let him go. “I know.”

To Be Continued Next Week

Sunday, May 27, 2007

The Continuation of Sakura...

I thought I saw shoujoai's fanfic section back on it's feet, so I have to look into that. Anyway hopefully I can get the 4th Remastered (newly rewritten and revised) up and ready before too long.

That and go back to work on Azkaban, and spend time pushing that forward fanfic wise into new terrain.

I'll try to get something posted next weekend (the first weekend in June).

CardCaptor Sakura Remastered III Episode 10 (10)

CardCaptor Sakura Remastered III Episode 10 (10)
Inspired by the original CCSakura fanfic “A Dance to Remember” by Clayton Overstreet.

She undid the laces in the back that held it together and carefully pulled it on, loving the feel of the soft fabric against her skin. Then she slipped on the stockings and put her feet into the shoes. As expected everything fit perfectly.
Sakura stood in front of her mirror for a while looking at herself. She felt like a princess and loved the way the dress caught the light and shimmered as she walked.

Kero, escaping the watchful gaze of Cloud for the time being, had flown into the room while she was in the shower and was sitting on Sakura's dresser. Sakura smiled at him and twirled in her dress. "What do you think Kero?" Kero looked her over and gave her a thumbs up (sorta) to which she stopped and looked at him. "I thought you said you usually wasn’t one to judge human beauty.” at this Kero blushes. “I don’t need to judge it to know you look great in it!" Sakura blushed and bows, taking abit of weight off of Kero‘s shoulders unknowingly.

"Thanks Kero. I hope Tomoyo likes it." Kero smiled and nods his head up and down furiously. "She likes anything you wear Sakura! Remember that costume she made you when you went after the Illusion card and ended up fighting Mimic?" Sakura blushed. "I liked that costume. Anyway I just wanted your opinion on this one." She turned to leave the room. "I'll see you when I get back Kero. Good night."

"Good night Sakura." Kero said, flying back to his room where Cloud was already waiting, no doubt Wii Sports or Rayman was already waiting for him as well as snack foods and sodas for a long gaming session ahead of them. This time, he silently vowed to himself, he was going to beat her. This time for certain!

* * * * * *

Meanwhile
As she walked downstairs she saw the mostly everyone was there. Besides the residence of the house (Sonomi, Fuu the maid, Light & Dark (in their maid outfits), Umi (Water), Gaia (Wood), Windy (who Sonomi seemed to be comforting for some reason) and a few bodyguards)) there were also Nina, Tina, Keiko, Eve (just arrived) and a rather nosy Misho who couldn’t climb on Keiko’s shoulders fast enough to get a good view of the dress. “It’s beautiful!“ she gasped, to which Keiko growled, “Yeah that’s nice and all, so get your frickin’ butt off my head already!!“

Nina whistled in a nasty way and gave her a thumbs-up sign. "Nice dress, Snoozer! Don‘t fall aslee --” (pak) “Uh… Tina…”
Sonomi nodded in agreement. "You really are beautiful, Sakura. You look just like your mother -- bless her heart and soul." She finished, smiling back at Windy who blushed at the sudden attention, yet kept silent. As if on cue, everyone broke into applause (including Keiko who still had Misho balanced on her shoulders, face scrunched up as she regarded the wildly clapping Nekochanian on her back). "Thanks you, everyone!” Sakura spoke loudly, bowing to everyone. “You've all been really great about all of this. I appreciate it, I really do."

“We’ve been good because we’ve been waiting for the big show!” Nina hooted, before getting another firm tap to the top of her head from Tina to silence her. Sonomi hugged her, wiping a few tears from her face as she did. "I already peeked at my daughter’s dress, but she wouldn’t let me look at yours -- I’m so proud of you --“ (blushes) “-- it’s like your already family and we haven’t even had a wedding yet!“

“Pwhee?!?“ Sakura suddenly felt all the blood rush out of her as she turned pale, thankfully Sonomi kept talking. “Like we told you Sakura, we're just happy that you and Tomoyo are so happy together and that all that matters to us." Tina nodded, one hand rising to gently cup Sakura’s cheek, her eyes firmly beholding her as she did, "Besides, mistress now has to find less reasons to tease you if she knows what’s good for her."

Sakura nodded her head, to which Nina reluctantly did likewise, “I guess.” (a large smile overcomes Nina) “Come here you!”

"Thanks Nina!" Sakura cheerfully cried out as she hugs Nina, holding her tight -- until she finally pushed Sakura away with a look on her face, “ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT already!! Sheesh!!“ (walks off to the kitchen) “One step at a time dammit! Hmph. I don‘t care anymore anyway. I‘m going to eat now --“ Sonomi smiles down at Sakura. "Are you sure you don't want anything to eat? (At least before Nina eats it all)."

“I HEARD THAT!!” Nina yelled in reply.

“I hope I didn’t wrink --?“ (the dress, wrinkled abit, suddenly straightened itself out again and made itself presentable to Sakura’s shock) “Uh -- I did that.“ Eve admits, blushing. “Simple care spell. It’ll keep the dress pretty, stain free, 100% intact and it’ll even withstand the wash.“ (Sakura smiles at that, realizing that one wrong washing adventure with her not knowing how to care for the dress could have meant it’s demise). Sakura looks at the clock, her heart beginning to race abit. Tomoyo wanted to surprise Sakura so she left early to meet her at the convention center. "No thank you, Mrs. Dai-- I mean Sonomi-chan.” (Sonomi insisted months ago that Sakura stop being so formal around her and call her Sonomi from now on, though she was still having a hard time remembering to do it.) “There will be food at the dance and I don't want to take the chance of getting anything on my dress before Tomoyo has a chance to see me in it."

“There WILL be food, right?“ Keiko asked, looking up at the Neko on her shoulders to which Misho frowned. “Yes, dammit, there WILL be food -- one time I have a dessert party and she thinks everything I hold with food is going to be cakes.“

"Alright.“ (Now Eve was talking, handing Sakura a small watch which she puts on her wrist) “Tomoyo is waiting at the center. This --“ (pointing at the watch) “-- is a tracker watch. Similar to the Seeker that Rebecca has but compact. It can tell you where someone or something is, how far, and also can give you the quickest course somewhere. It also has a Shield Projector, a homing beacon, a water spell to repel rain or water splashes, and a way to track individuals. Just say their name and it’ll do a tracking search for them and display it on the maps mode.“

“----“ (Sakura rotates the watch about a few times) “Where’s the time.“

“uhhh -- there wasn’t enough room on it for that (how embarrassing) -- uhhh -- sorry about that…” Eve mutters, face blushing red, “Anyway Misho’s limo will pick you and Tomoyo up afterwards so no worries about a ride.“

“Here you are, Sakura-chan.“ (Tina pushes a commlink into Sakura’s hand) “Please either put that in your purse or clip it onto your dress. Nina wanted you to have it just in case of emergency.“ Sakura nods as she slips the commlink out of sight. "Tell Nina thank you for me. And thank you, Eve, for the watch." Nina calls out from the kitchen suddenly, "YOU’RE WELCOME!“ Sakura blushed as Sonomi steps in. "I think Nina cares about you more than she lets on, she‘s actually quite sweet at times."

“NO I DON’T, AND NO I‘M NOT!!” (Nina) "Alright, alright. But when you get back you have to tell us everything Sakura.”

“I don’t care!” (Nina)

“Where?”

“Living room, Sakura.” (Eve)

“Ok.” Sakura looked up at everyone and smirks. Nina really did care about Sakura, even if she didn‘t want to admit it to herself. "I'll tell you all what I think you need to know and you'll like it."

“TOLD YOU SO!!” (Nina) Everyone (including Sonomi) blushed, relinquishing that maybe they wanted more juicy details than even Nina thought they deserved. Everyone suddenly turns on Keiko, who continues to stand to one side staring nonchalantly. After a few seconds she blushes and waves them off. “Alright! Alright! I wanted to know too! Climb off my back -- speaking of which…” (Keiko flips Misho off her back and into the couch and, having rid herself of her excess “baggage“, she walks into the kitchen with Eve behind her to eat).

“It's time to go meet Tomoyo anyway.” Misho remarked, pulling herself off the couch, a definite frown on her face. “Come on, Sakura. I’m chaperone so we’re taking my limo to the dance.” The sound of everyone going to eat followed the two out the door as they headed to the car port and Misho’s waiting limo.

* * * * * *

The ride down was pretty exciting, sitting in the back of Misho’s huge limo all alone (Misho was driving tonight because she gave her driver the night off). Sakura only wished she was with Tomoyo. When they got to the Convention Center, Sakura whistled in amazement. The huge complex was far bigger than the images she saw on the news. When they pulled up to the building a valet took the limo off of Misho’s hands as someone opened Sakura’s door and another person escorted the two inside the huge complex. Once inside they simply had to follow the signs all the way to the dance, which was nearly going to start.

The huge hall that Misho rented was converted into a giant dance hall, with a long table for food and drinks, several dozen small tables for people to sit and enjoy their food, and a large area just for dancing. Two live groups (one an instrumental section for slow dances, and one a live rock band for those wanted something faster) was set up, each taking turns with a huge billboard behind them displaying what song was being played, and what song was coming up next so people could keep track of what‘s playing and when to dance to what beat.

Sakura glanced anxiously about the huge dance hall while Misho spoke with one of her assistants to insure everything was going smoothly. Minutes later she was pulled aside by a tall woman wearing a Freeworld Alliance uniform similar to Nina’s and the two talked in seclusion. Somebody tapped Sakura on the shoulder, it was Rebecca (another of the chaperones) dressed in her best formal Judgment uniform blacks. "She'll be out in a minute. One of Misho’s people says she was in one of the center’s private suite’s bathrooms all afternoon trying to make sure everything was absolutely perfect."
Sakura smiled as Rebecca pointed towards the door she would be entering through, her heart racing as she waited anxiously.

Finally she saw the door sweep open in a grandiose manner as Tomoyo stepped out into the dance hall, bringing everyone to a dead silence as they looked on. "Woooooow---” Sakura stammered, her eyes locked on her, “She’s beautiful."
Tomoyo was wearing a dress that matched her perfectly except that instead of it being Grimmland gold with silver trim, it was breathtaking Elfin silver with gold trim. Trinity, Rebecca’s companion, arranged for elfin silver silk to be delivered to Tomoyo, which she used to make the dress from, laced with Grimmland gold silk. She did the same for Sakura, but in reverse (Grimmland gold trimmed with Elfin silver). A gold hair band glittered on her head and Sakura's breath caught in her throat as Tomoyo began walking towards her, the crowd parting to give her room.

She noticed that Tomoyo had permed her hair so that instead of hanging down like it normally did it was in waves. Rebecca nodded her satisfaction with the dress and smiled, watching Trinity’s reaction from the bandstand (where she was jamming with the rock group on guitar) as she couldn’t stop staring at the beautiful gown. Tomoyo was so incredibly happy that she almost seemed to be glowing, and perhaps she was considering the material she wore was pure Elfin silver. It was then that Sakura noticed the key around her neck. A perfect replica of her sealing wand key, right down to the finest details.

She quickly snapped out of her thoughts as Tomoyo kissed her on the cheek. Once they were together, they sat down at one of the tables as Trinity lead those dancers with shorter skirts through a rousing rock opera tune she particularly loved. Once seated, Tomoyo turned to look at Sakura and blushed slightly. "Well, what do you think?" Sakura was breathtaken for quite a few moments, but she quickly recovered her wits and spoke with a soft awed voice. "You so beautiful, Tomo-chan! And I love these dresses! They‘re--- they‘re---" Tomoyo smiled and leaned in for another quick kiss. "I’m glad you approve. You look beautiful too, Sakura-chan. Even better than I could ever have dreamed."

They both turned towards the stage and watched Trinity get the crowd of students jumping with her high stylin’ loud music which had everyone excited and cheering. Tomoyo suddenly motions to the beautiful ribbon gracing her dress’s front--- only for Sakura to realize that there was a small video camera staring at her if she looked close enough. "I want to get everything on film. Misho also promised me all the footage her people are shooting so we could have something to remember our dance by." (At that Sakura sweatdropped a little, realizing that she had once again figured out how to get a camera into the action, and in such an innovative way too.) “How did you get one so small?”

“Misho gave it to me. It’s a surveillance camera used by Alliance Command for sting operations. Films in full color and can even lock onto the person it’s shooting and drown out the “background noise” to pick up their words only. I’m thinking of using it for future Card Captoring adventures.”

“You are---?” Sakura smiles, knowing that she’d no doubt bring home lots of great (and the occasional embarrassing) shot for her series of Card Captor Sakura animes her animation company released. While listening to Trinity’s rousing music, Sakura looked around for their friends. The first people she recognized was Xai Shar (the Palominian Judgment) and Meilin walking in next to each other. The two seemed rather mis-matched, with Xai towering a full head and shoulders over Meilin, yet they were very happy being together.

Xai Shar was wearing her dress black uniform (Keiko brought it out once when Sakura’s class did Sleeping Beauty for Misho’s yearly Christmas talent show, and explained that it was worn only for special occasions), while Meilin was wearing a beautiful white dress with red Chinese dragons all over it. She was also wearing light blue gloves, but it was the dragons that caught Sakura’s attention.

Sakura smiles at the images and remembers how Meilin, when she dropped in on Sakura and Tomoyo while they were home after Tomoyo returned from the hospital, told them about how she spent a few weeks with Xai at a real Chinese Dragon Retreat over in The Shining Star (the dream continent of Hong Kong). The dragons were actually quite friendly, and when they shape shifted they resembled beautiful Chinese lords and ladies who walked with dignity and spoke with elegance and yet kindness. She was quite a fan of theirs, and it seemed that they were also fans of her because they had heard of her exploits in Japan and admired her. She really enjoyed her time with Xai at that retreat, because it was the place where their love flourished, blossomed, and became as strong as it is today.

The Retreat was also one of the things Meilin missed about being away from home, and she promised herself that she and Xai would visit the dragons again when she returned to The Shining Star. When she saw Sakura and Tomoyo she waved and Xai bowed slightly, gesturing politely, before moving on back to their table (plates of food in hand). They looked around and soon spotted Chiharu walking in with Yamazaki (who Keiko had “affectionately“ nicknamed “Yama the Liar“). As it looked like the instrumentals were about to play a soft dance next, Tomoyo and Sakura looked at each other. They were both plainly nervous and some how that made them both feel better. Sakura squeezed Tomoyo's hand and she returned the gesture, her free hand double checking the mimi camera set into her ribbon, her nerves tense as the music started in low. Together they stepped up onto the dance floor and began to dance on the first soft musical score that was played. The song was gentle, light and yet sweeping in it’s tones and scoring. The two found themselves simply swept away by it as they danced and danced, the two of them being the only things that mattered at that moment.

As the music ended they found their friends, and joined them at a larger table to eat. The girls had broken off into their own group, leaving their dates to talk and eat with the other guys. Meilin and Xai was there too, Xai catching half the girl‘s eyes as they couldn‘t stop staring at the tall Palominian at the table, her horse like features crinkling abit as she was clearly nervous under the watchful gazes of the girls. So, for Xai, it was a good thing when the girls focused their attentions to compare dresses, which directed attention away from Xai since she was wearing her formal uniform.

Sakura smiled at them and said, "You all look great." Meilin looked at them, and gestured towards them. "Well we don't have anything on you two, you look like a matched set." Tomoyo blushed as Sakura told them she had made the dresses. Everyone congratulated Tomoyo on a job well done and told her that they were even more sure than ever that she'd be a great fashion designer one day. Sakura glanced around the room and saw Misho standing in the back, wearing her best evening dress (cut extremely low in the back so her tail could hang out unencumbered to swing freely) as she was talking to Miss Mitsuki who had volunteered as another one of the chaperones. Misho, her back shivering as if she could fee her gaze, turned and gave her and Tomoyo a thumbs up. Miss Mitsuki, upon seeing Misho’s movements, also saw them and immediately walked over to talk to them.

It was a good thing Nina passed on playing chaperone, or someone would have been muttering about the “walking 8 ball“ right about now. "My you all look perfectly lovely." All the girls blushed simultaneously and thanked her for the compliment. Just then, Trinity retook center of her stage area and got the crowd back on it‘s feet again. "Alright!! ARE YOU READY FOR JAM AGAIN??” The crowd roared it’s approval, answering ‘yes’ at the same time. "Then those who love to jam grab your partners and come out onto the dance floor!"
The ones who could (or wanted to) found their dates and headed out to the dance area again, Trinity already warming up for another epic rock opera piece she picked to get the crowd jumping. “That’s Trinity for you.“ Sakura heard behind her, noting that Rebecca was near her again, “The first song to start had to be a fast paced one. That was her deal for signing up as part of the musical selections for the dance.” Rebecca sits down, looking over Sakura‘s shoulder at the dance going on in high gear behind her as she went back to eating, “She’s a hit, no doubt about it. Everyone seems to enjoy her high style of loud music. The lighting effects are particularly nice too, strobe lights, and lasers that had been set up made the room look like it was spinning---” (takes a sip of her soda) “---I thought Trinny was going to drop a bundle of kittens on the spot the minute Misho told her that she wanted the special effects safety checked to make sure nobody had seizures or anything. I mean she nearly went ballistic. I never seen her so wired up about a performance like she was for this one--- it came to the point that she almost started sleeping with the equipment to make sure it wasn’t damaged! That girl can be such a perfectionist at times”

After the song there was a break as Trinity prepared another rousing full out song, during which Tomoyo and Sakura headed over to the food table for seconds. Admittedly, the two had skipped out on everything but breakfast and a small lunch so they were famished right now. Misho, true to her word, had stocked a fine assortment of food for the dance.
The table setting looked like a dining room meal from a Harry Potter movie, with a large amount of food available for any tastes with enough sodas and juices to keep the entire party well supplied in a non-alcoholic way for the entire night. Tomoyo went to get a bottle of soda for each of them while Sakura got them some plates of chicken steaks, garlic pasta (in a light butter sauce), and an assortment of crackers and cheeses for quick energy.

They took their time eating, talking with their friends as they did, and when they were done eating the instrumentals were up again as second, slower song had started. Tomoyo had already noted some of Misho’s “camera pods” overhead, and some of her people shooting footage on the ground, but to make sure she had Misho hold her spare video camera while she and Sakura danced. Each of them had one hand on the other's waist and the other on a shoulder. Sakura and Tomoyo looked into each other's eyes the whole time. It wasn't until much later that they noticed most of the others had stopped dancing.

In fact aside from themselves there was only one other couple left on the dance floor: Xai and Meilin. Sakura looked around and saw her friends smiling at them from the side along with everyone else. She whispered in Tomoyo's ear. "I think we've been set up."

"I think you're right." Suddenly from the stage Rebecca’s voice cut through the music. "It seems we have a bit of a contest on our hands. I have here a request from the majority of the people here to keep playing music until I either run out, or one of these happy couples drops." Sakura and Tomoyo glanced at Xai and Meilin. Xai looked back with a rather wide smile on her short snout and shrugged while Meilin smiled at them. "I could dance all night long--- you two are up to it, aren‘t you?" Sakura glanced at Tomoyo who smiled and nodded. She looked back at Xai and said, "You're on!"

The assembled kids cheered them on and started clapping their hands to the music. Sakura didn’t want to look away from Tomoyo. Half because she couldn’t tear herself away from Tomoyo’s beautiful eyes, half because she figured Trinity was throwing a major fit and pouting because her “time” on stage was being stolen away. Occasionally, a few of the dancers joined in just for fun. As they danced to the music Sakura and Tomoyo stared into each other's faces. Hours passed, and from time to time Trinity organized a “ring dance” about the two slow dancers with hot music just so she had something to do, but that didn’t seem to phase the two in the slightest who had campods over their heads playing soft music just for them while they danced under a “hush light” generated from the bottom of each campod (usually for interviews in loud situations) which kept Trinity’s loud music out.

Finally, Rebecca announced the last dance of the evening. Everyone crowded onto the dance floor as a soft, slow song filled the hall. Sakura and Tomoyo moved closer together, leaning on each other as they danced. "This has been the best night of my life Sakura-chan. Thank you." Tomoyo whispered in her ear. Sakura smiled and nodded. "Mine too, Tomo-chan. Mine too." Sakura looked up over Tomoyo's shoulder and saw Meilin leaning against Xai, obviously tired from all the dancing. Xai was doing the dancing now for the both of them, smiling as she led Meilin, holding her up in her strong arms. Sakura grinned at her and winked, to which Xai made a gentle “hush” motion as she put a finger to his lips.

Sakura nodded softly and she turned back to Meilin. Finally the song came to an end and everyone applauded. Sakura and Tomoyo took a seat and rested their legs for a minute. Misho came up and handed Tomoyo her camera back and smiled at them. "You two were great out there. That really set the mood." Sakura smiled at her. "Thank you Misho."
Tomoyo smiled at her as well, "I hope it wasn't too much trouble taping us like that." Misho smiled and shook her head. "No problem. And just so you know, I’m not planning on selling copies or anything. Everyone who is walking about and filming are just carrying transmitter cams, the actual footage is being stored in a locked down system that only myself and a few people can access. We’ll make the copies and wipe the hard drives clean ourselves so no unauthorized copies are made. Will that be alright with you?"

"Deal.” Tomoyo nodded, giggling abit. “So what are you doing the rest of the night?" At that Misho shrugs. "Ah. Boring night and there’s nothing good on TV, so I was thinking of visiting my baby sister in Hawaii and seeing how she’s doing. I have a tech shuttle waiting for me on the roof so I‘m going right after I leave the dance. Rebecca is going to drive you two home in my limo, by the way." Sakura smiled and checked her watch. "Well it's almost time for the limo to come pick us up. Say hi to your sister for us.“

With a slight flourish in her bow, Misho nods and turned to walk off, headed towards the private entrance she used when she first entered. As she did this, Sakura and Tomoyo looked around at the people filing out of the dance. Trinity, who was happier than Sakura would have thought she’d be after what transpired, was packing up her guitar and instructing the cleaning staff on packing the band’s things away. A huge cleaning staff was already packing out the dishes, while a group called “People For The Ethical Use of Party Foods” was packing away the food in time-lock cases (preserving the food) to be sent to Nina’s underground base she kept under Sakura‘s school. Sakura could almost guess the first day back menu for the staff commissary, “Chicken steaks and garlic pasta in a light butter sauce” being one of her guesses. Xai and Meilin passed them on the way out, Meilin being held up by one of Xai’s arms wrapped around her waist as they made their way to the exit.

As they passed, Meilin smiled at them and waved slightly. "You two were great out there. Almost as good as Xai and me." At that Xai smirked, a few of her strong teeth showing through her smile as she leaned over and nuzzled her face against the top of Meilin’s head. Sakura looked at the two and nodded, "Thanks Meilin." As they walked outside, Sakura took Tomoyo's hand and lead her out the huge doors and through the corridors until they reached the front (the signs were now in reverse helping people out instead of in). Rebecca & Trinity were waiting as they stepped outside, the staff eager to help the two in as the driver who brought the limo to the front passes the keys to Rebecca.

She smiles at them as they climb into the back seat.’ As the limo sets off back to the Daidouji Estates, Rebecca makes for some small talk through the limo‘s speaker system.
"So did you two have a lot of fun? (Keiko‘s going to faint when she finds out that there was actual food at the event! I had that food group give me some of it so I‘m going to bring it in for everyone to eat.)"

“Pwhee?” Tomoyo smiles at her. "You honestly didn’t think anyone was going to fall asleep without milking us for details about the dance, did you?“

“Yeah---” Sakura nods, blushing. Everyone was no doubt wide awake and curious as heck, and there would no doubt be a ton of questions to answer once they stepped through the front doors. Thankfully they had video of the event to show to deflect their questions for the time being. “It was great, wasn’t it?” Sakura remarked. “It was. Wait until you see the DVD I’ll make of it! It’ll be my best work yet.“

“Tomo-chan---“ Sakura sighed, knowing that Tomoyo was only kidding her--- to a point. She knew in a few days there would be a new DVD up on the shelves of their bedroom and it’d be of the dance. Still, it would be nice to keep those memories alive forever--- those happy memories. Rebecca laughed. "You tape everything!” (silence) “Even Alliance Command doesn’t tape as much things as you. I swear if you didn’t go into animation you would have ended up a TV News Reporter! I'm only sorry that I have to stay over at your place tonight and watch the watery mouths as everyone drools over the footage! (I find displays like that over something so non-hentai to be rather disturbing!) Are you sure you two are alright? Sharing this stuff with them? Not like it’s their business to know, you know that. I could always stop off at a 24 hour store, buy supplies, and “lose” you two and those supplies at Sakura's old house if you‘d rather have the night to yourselves."

Sakura shook her head, "No, that's alright." To which Rena became rather silent. She must have been staring backward for a second before focusing on the road, her thoughts mulling over the next thing to say. Then--- "Just checking. Don't worry about it. I‘ll stuff them all full of food and they‘ll fall asleep faster than you can say “Blockbusters“. Anyway, once they’re out like lights you'll have the whole remainder of the night to yourselves. I took Tomoyo to buy you a few new DVDs to watch and--- hold on.“ (silence) “OK. Nina ordered you a pizza and it’ll be sitting in the second cylinder back home exactly 15 minutes after we arrive.“ (again, silence) “Tricky devil hiding a teleporter in the second cylinder like that after Tomoyo left for the dance." The ride back let Tomoyo and Sakura rest their tired legs, and ponder the “story“ they would tell everyone about the dance.

The dance itself? It had lasted for over four hours, but to them it seemed like an eternity. When they got home they all walked inside, knowing what was coming--- What they saw, however, surprised even Tomoyo. At first the house was rather empty, or so it seems. But once Sakura found the note in the kitchen they knew exactly where everyone was. Nina had opened up the downstairs Holochamber and everyone was there broken up into groups of four in this huge simulation of a giant rec room playing Mario Party 8 on the Wii. The strangest thing was seeing Sonomi, fixated on her move, as she was competing against Windy, Umi & Gaia. As they walked in everyone paused their games and all eyes fell upon the two. With a slight smirk Tomoyo presented the video (made on the way home with some equipment in the back of Misho’s limo) for everyone to see. This, of course, was a first cut and Tomoyo would spend all day tomorrow with all the copies to make a better final cut, but for now that all they needed to see. The room was shifted into a theatrical setting and everyone took their seats as the room darkened, and the film began. Before the two finally managed to sneak off to bed, everyone had given them several rounds of applause and a few standing ovations. Clearly the video was a hit, and this was only a rushed first draft--- they already were anticipating the final cut and talking about it (while playing MP8) as the two snuck away to go to bed to eat the pizza, watch a little TV, and fall asleep.

* * * * * *

That night was the best night they had in awhile, and yet Sakura knew that it was just the beginning for them. As she laid in bed, holding Tomoyo’s sleeping form snug in her arms, she thought about the dance--- and it made her happy. And it seemed to make Tomoyo happy too. That night she only had good dreams, and from that point forward she used her happy memory of that night to push away any bad visions while holding onto the good ones. It was as if that night was made just for them. And, in a sense, it was. Or so it goes at least.

Next : CardCaptor Sakura Remastered IV (all new revisioning)