Ametrine: I'm here. Isn't that enough? Plots are easy, it's writing them out that's hard. -.- It's probably just the weather anyway. Why am I in first anyway? Are we alphabetical?

 

 Forever3330: ^,^; I’m here because Ametrine and I recently began exchanging e-mails with story ideas, and somehow ended up talking about co-writing. So…yay! Um…I think I just put you first because…O.o; Hmm, good question. ~.^ ~~Forever3330~~ ^.~ 

 

 Disclaimer: We don’t own anything we don’t own. At all.

 

 	It started with the dreams.

 

 	If it weren’t for the reoccurring dreams with the woman dressed in black, I never would have even thought of doing it. Magic was just a thing for Sakura and other real magicians to work with. It could be really dangerous and tended to backfire from what I've seen of it.

 

 	But the dark woman was so reassuring, and walked through each step so clearly... Even taking time to explain what each Arabic symbol meant, and how it affected the final magic. After the first few weeks, it even seemed a little like a hybrid between cooking and poetry. Of course in the morning it was always just another dream, teasing against the edge of my memory.

 

 	Just a few weeks ago, before the winter break, while shopping with Naoko for Christmas gifts, she found a great new bookstore just on the edge of town. There was 'sakura' in the name so it couldn't have been that bad. And it's pretty hard to keep Naoko away from a bookstore when she had 'That' look in her eyes anyhow, so it couldn't have hurt to make a little detour. She said it would take only a moment.

 

 	If I knew that book was there, I don't know if I would have gone. Sometimes I'm sure that I would have anyway. It called to me before I even got into the tiny shop. A little magnetic hum at the back of the store called me to it, stuffed between Wiccan self-help books and Feng Shui primers, a simple hardbound.

 

 	It wasn't even in Japanese, though some of the pages were dog eared, and there was a copyright that said the book was printed sometime in middle of the sixties, but I had to have it! It was the same book the woman in my dreams was teaching me from, and I could even make out a few familiar symbols. I can't explain it in words, but I just had to have it; my entire being knew that.

 

 	The straw haired red head at the counter was extremely helpful, throwing in an Arabic to Japanese dictionary at no extra charge. I have no idea why she was smiling so much, or why she kept tripping over herself while working, but it really did come in handy later.

 

 	Which brings me up to this point. If not for the dreams, I wouldn't be sitting in the bell tower, with this jacket the only thing between me and freezing, the old book in one hand, a piece of chalk in the other. Scribing the characters onto the bell is very calming though. It's like they want to be on the brass, and I'm just helping them. It really is quite pretty, and all the lines and shapes flow from my mind to their places, as if on their own. Before, I thought magic was something that was just given based on luck, and only exciting people could do it. I never thought of it as simple or anything even the slightest bit calm. Even Sayoran's mother never made it look... simple. She was sharp and clear cut, not at all like what I can do.

 

 	...I mean what I'm doing... does this mean I can do magic now? I don't know... If this works... Well if it works, the cards get a Christmas gift. If not, the chalk washes away with the snow. None the wiser. Well, it's almost eleven thirty, and all the characters are in place. In about half an hour we'll see if this works or not. I should get home before mother starts to worry. I hope Sakura doesn't mind. It's just one day.

 

 ~

 

 Stolen Holiday~~A Cardcaptor Sakura Fanfiction

 

 By Forever3330 and Ametrine

 

 ~

 

 	Waking up has never been something I was good at; lately, though, it’s been getting harder. Kero said something that confused me... I think it had to do with the season? Not to say that I dislike waking up. I very much like waking up, with the warm sunbeams dancing over me, coming from the slits in my blinds.

 

 	Tumbling out of bed, throwing on whatever my hand happens to touch, running a brush through my hair, it’s all routine. I yank open Kero’s drawer, ready to greet him, as I promised I would make him pancakes, and decided to remind him. “Oi, Kero, I’m-” My sudden scream echoed throughout the house.

 

 	“What?! Sakura?!” My door swung open loudly and Touya was beside me, gasping for air, snow shovel in hand, dressed for the outdoors. “What’s wrong?”

 

 	The words were out of my mouth before I even thought about it. “Kero’s a stuffed animal!” Indeed, there he sat, yellow cotton and buttoned eyes. Ah, poor Kero. I knew him well.

 

 	“Kaijuu...” Touya is staring at me as if I’m insane. “He’s BEEN a stuffed animal.”

 

 	“Er... haha... I knew that... ” I smile sweetly. “Bad dream?” He rolls his eyes and storms off. This gives me time to examine Kero-chan. It really is true. But why, and HOW, had THAT happened?!

 

 	It does not take me long to find the Cards are gone.

 

 	And so is my magic.

 ~

 

 	It’s something I’ve done ever since I could understand how to do it: meditation. Every morning, as soon as I wake, and every night, before I go to sleep. Reaching for my center, my magic, it’s so natural I don’t even need to think as I do it anymore. The calm of the room, the hard wood beneath me, all is as it should be.

 

 	Beneath my eyelids, it seems as if the entire world is black and red with bright flashes of light, the lightning that will one day be me. My hands tremble at the thought. One day, it WILL be me.

 

 	Ah... don’t I have a date with Sakura today? I was so excited last night I could barely sleep. Now, though, I’m not. I don’t know why... probably just stress. Time to meditate.

 

 	...

 

 	“WHAT’S GOING ON?!”

 

 ~	 

 

 	Exactly like cooking. Yes, I know one deals in secret pacts made at the beginning of time, and the other deals with eggs and milk, but magic and cooking are very similar.

 

 	Take scrambled eggs. Crack, beat, season, and heat. It's almost funny in a way how similar everything is when you stop and look at it. it's all a series of repeatable actions in the long run. 

 

 	I really don't have anything planned today. Sakura's present needs to be dropped off. Sayoran's present too, I think. It's too bad Meiling isn't in town, but I sent her gift last week. I hope she likes it. Touya and Yukito's are all wrapped and ready. Then I just have to worry about getting Kero's and Yue's done today. 

 

 	Wait? Is it okay get two different gifts for two people sharing the same body? Oh well, two gifts never hurt anybody.

 

 	Mother won’t be in until really late tonight, as she was planning on spending the day distributing toys for charity. And I already have her gift ready, so I think that covers everything.

 

 	Most of the maids are gone today. It is the holidays and they do have family to visit. In fact, some of the guards have even taken the day off. That in itself is a little weird, but I've been getting older, and Mother doesn't seem to think I need as much security. It is still good to know she cares, though. 

 

 	Maybe I should call Sakura, just to see if she's awake yet. 

 

 	No. There's no school today, and I really wouldn't want to worry her needlessly.

 

 	Still, I wonder if that spell worked last night. I could almost laugh at myself really. Me? Casting spells and magical incantations? Of course it didn't work. People have to study for years to do magic, otherwise everyone would be doing it.

 

 	Though that still doesn't explain that nagging feeling at the back of my neck. It's almost like... Well, it's just weird. Like a cross between forgetting your keys and being on a roller coaster just before the big drop... It's not easy to describe, it just is.... you know?

 

 ~

 

 	This is bad. I could already feel grandmother's cane rapping against the back of my head like she used to do during my training.  "You aren't Worried. The matriarch of the Li clan is never Worried. Stop being Worried." She would say that over and over again, like a mantra.

 

 	It was always capital. Being Worried was simply not allowed. Worried people in the family tended to result in large amounts of property damage. So I'm technically not Worried. Just... highly unsettled. Yes.

 

 	When I had set to my meditation this morning, I went through each of my normal rituals. The centering, the focusing, expanding the self to flow along with nature. The most important of all the rituals to check the welfare of my children. While my daughters were fine, I had absolutely no idea how my son was. It's wasn't like he wasn't there, I just could not find anything out about him.

 

 	Here I am, one of the most powerful mages of the modern era, and I could not see what was happening to my own child. To say I was a little upset would be like saying the sun was a little bright at times. Which is why I can feel grandmother's cane, even though she's long past. I tried to find the Card Mistress, her little friend, her brother, Yue, Yue's Human form, Keroberos, anyone who might even be near my son, all with the same 'not now' response. It was like the entire area was moved far into deep space and away from my view.

 

 	I have heard of spells that could hide people, but most of those were very individual specific. To hide more then one person would take a great deal of power, more so considering how strong my son and his friends were. Are. There shouldn't be enough power on the planet to hide all of them at once. It would take at least a Dragon to hide the Card Mistress alone for any length of time.

 

 	Motioning to one of my retainers, smiling softly at the fact this one didn't run as soon as I grew angry, I had a message sent. "Please have Meiling come visit me as soon as possible." 

 

 	If what was happening was going after mages, Meiling would be safe, and would be able to keep me up to date on what was happening. My husband may be upset that I used the private jet on a holiday, but it would be the only way I would be sure she could get there in time, with any extra equipment she would need. Weapons were usually so hard to get through customs these days.

 

 	Hopefully Meiling would try to stay low profile though. I wouldn't want Sayoran to think his mother was spying on him. Like last time.

 

 	But I’m not Worried.

 

 ~

 	

 	Booooorring.

 

 	At the first scream I got my hopes up, but it was probably just The Mistress finding her cards and magic missing. Although I have to admit that watching Touya run and trip in the snow repeatedly was very funny.

 

 	When Dark-sama told me that the cards would be released, I jumped at the chance to watch over Sakura for the day. If she didn't have magic, every nasty in the area would come running for a shot at her power! And who better to protect her then The Fight card herself. Me. And considering The Mistress rarely actually used my Card in battle, I spend a lot of time bored. Why, if she used me more often, she wouldn't even have half the problems she had now. Not that she had a lot of problems anyway, but the point stands.

 

 	Of course, I didn't know EVERYbody's magic would be on the fritz. Now the only people who knew enough to go after her would not even want to visit the area. It's a known fact that magicless wizards can be knocked down by a strong wind. Or it had been last time I checked.

 

 	If I were back in my village, I would go hunting like this all the time. Find a nice snowy tree, and hide in the branches until something eatable like a deer or a tiger came by, then beat it up and come back with a feast. Of course, this time I’m just suppose to follow, not pummel, so bodyguard duty still really isn't that fun. Fun was hitting something. Preferably fleshy and pulpy. Not sitting in a tree watching The Mistress, with Power and Sword close behind.

 

 	And Power was just too young to be much fun. All she does is stand under the tree asking 'What's she doing now?'. Every two or three minutes. And it's a little hard to strike up a conversation with Sword. Even when he's not just a sword.

 

 	And watching The Mistress in the shower wasn't any fun either. Just once I'd like to spar against that 'Li' kid... either one of them. I remember sparring the girl, but she must have gotten better by now. And she was still fun to fight last time. That's all the twins would talk about after being captured. And the twins could barely put up a fight before I met them. So I am honor bound to fight them both at some point. Master/Student relationship and all that.

 

 	Guard duty sucks.

 

 ~

 

 	“Gotcha. Stay out of sight at all times.” I almost groaned, repeating Ieran’s words again into the cell phone I had been given as I stood at a crowded street corner in Tomoeda, still slightly sleepy from being woken and thrown onto a jet with a small, blurry explanation, a coat, and a phone. Also a little money. “And don’t let Sayoran know I’m here. Right.” I snapped the phone shut, hoping the older woman wouldn’t call me back. If I was to figure out what was going on, I’d rather get to it, and not worry about the rules.

 

 	I wish I had managed to do my hair. It’s long, annoying, and in the way. But then, I just thought it would be a normal talk about the family with Ieran. Stupid mistake. At least I had gotten clothes on. I stretch my arms, watching the streets around me. Time to get answers. But from who?

 

 	Trailing Sayoran was... just out. Unless it was as a last resort for now. He’s getting too good at sensing me around. I’ll have to check if he’s alive, of course. Oh yeah. Check for life, then figure it out. I start moving towards my destination, quietly slipping through the laughing groups of people, who tended to stop RIGHT in front of you. Sayoran will be, if he was alive, on his morning run. If I sit in a tree somewhere along his usual path, I’m likely to see him. If he is alive of course.

 

 	Cousin, what the heck have you gone and done THIS time?

 

 	I would have continued that train of thought, most likely with a few choice swear words, but for the hand gripping my shoulder. I groaned silently. Please not Sayoran. And looked up to...

 

 	“Meiling-san?” One of Sakura’s friends. With the glasses. Oooh, Shiny. Not important! Name. What was the name? She was smiling, whatever the case. “What are you doing back in Tomoeda?”

 

 	“Er... uh...” Very smooth. What was that NAME? “Ah, NATSU!” Seeing the somewhat startled look, I felt a sweatdrop form, and laughed nervously. “I mean, Natsu-san, it’s nice to see you.” Cue nervous laughter. “Um... I’m just here to... look around. Nothing much.”

 

 	The other girl blinked several times. “So you’re here to spy on Li-kun?”

 

 	Why am I staring? Am I staring? “NO!”

 

 	“Oh. Then I suppose you don’t need to know where he is.” She smiled. Obviously she knew where Sayoran was.

 

 	Two choices. Blunder around and hope to find my cousin, who tended to be erratic in times of crisis, or just accept the other girl’s help. “Okay, so I’m spying on him. Where is he?”

 

 	“Can I come along?”

 

 	Staring once more, I just twitched. Not that I was staring before. Why do I have to bump into the curious ones?

 

 	“Well, you want to know where he is, don’t you?”

 

 	Why did I have to run into someone who was smart? Why not…someone stupid? “Oh, whatever. But you’d make it snappy!”

 

 	Natsu smiled. “Well, he should be out at the school. He’s supposed to help set things up for Archery club. Oh, and if you try to leave me behind, I’ll tell him.” She added the last as an afterthought, still smiling.

 

 	I really need to take the rooftops next time.

 

 ~

 

 	Christmas Eve sucks. 

 

 	"Nakuru, are you coming down or not?" One of my familiars. A being I created with my own two hands will not listen to me. At all. Not even in passing like she usually does.

 

 	"Not until you make 'it' go away!" 

 

 	She won't even leave her room. Just because she can't float around in her genderless form now. And the other one is about as responsive as a stuffed animal. Spinel's body is limp and lifeless, like any other stuffed toy. His eyes still sparkle with intelligence though, so I'm not going to let him go. Maybe he will be angry for being treated like a doll. Maybe he will be afraid of it happening again. Maybe he'll never turn back. The last scares me, slightly. But all intrigue me in a way.

 	

 	I've never been 'normal' before. 

 	Maybe it's different then what it was like before?

 	I wonder if I'll like it? 

 	I wonder how long it'll last? 

 	I wonder how it happened?

 	I wonder if I'll enjoy going back?

 

 	"I can't make 'it' go away. Lots of people deal with things like 'it' all the time. 50% of the world's population if I remember correctly. Except slugs I think. I'm pretty sure that's why they invented underwear so early on." 

 

 	I wonder if 'normal' people have to deal with stuff like this too.

 

 ~

 

 	He can’t be normal. For the past hour, he has been staring at me. He’s done it before, I mean, but not quite like this. This is just... scary. I can’t move in the least, and his big fat face is BLOCKING the TV screen. Sakura put me down here, with a whispered promise to pick me up after her date with Sayoran. Sakura’s like that, though. She must have thought I’d feel more comfortable down here.

 

 	If only she knew...

 

 	“You’re alive, aren’t you?” He’s poking me AGAIN, with those damned chopsticks.

 

 	Not TODAY, I’m not! So just leave me alone!

 

 	He appears content to just poke me with the sauce-covered things and babble to himself. If I could move he would be in trouble. As it is, I’m not sure why the heck I can feel myself being poked when I can’t move. “Magical. And it’s connected to Sakura.”

 

 	Oh no, not this talk AGAIN!

 

 	“Everything is.”

 

 	I don’t want to hear the theories! Not the theories! PLEASE not the theories! I’ll be good, I swear!

 

 	“It all started when...”

 

 	Sakuraaaaaa... come home soon!

 

 ~

 

 	It’s odd how much fun being... ’human’ can be. We’ll never be completely human, I mean, but this is very close. Still... we all do possess our... qualities... not magically, but more in a talent way. Like Fight and Power. They are still strong, just in a more... human way. But they have more experience then a normal human should.

 

 	Watching them is fun. Arrow is trying to teach Small to shoot an arrow correctly. So far, not much has gotten done there. Big is having somewhat more luck, though she hits other people’s targets just as much as her own.

 

 	I refused the offer, however polite it may have been, with a shake of my head. Currently, I feel slightly worried. For the entire time we have been out, Song has been silent. And being silent is my job, not hers. It’s in my name.

 

 	She came with us immediately, avoiding Flower. Which was odd within itself. I had thought they would go and shop or something. But then, most of our ‘groups’ were odd enough. Let’s just hope no one gets into too much trouble…

 

 	A sigh escapes my lips. That was impossible. I don’t know why, but I think that today we’ll manage to get into a lot of trouble. I know that Dark-sama made sure everything was set, and she spoke to me once of the exact spell used, but...I just dislike being without my magic. And being human doesn’t seem all too interesting as of yet.

 

 	Something sharp slams into my side, and I gasp in the sudden pain. Song’s elbow? I look at her, trying to glare, but she’s pointing frantically at the entrance on the other side of the room. What?

 	Oh, shit.

 

 	Somehow I get the feeling the Li boy would not be... pleased... to find us all out. He may not SENSE us, but seeing us would not help our case. I stand from our bench, swing Small into my arms and grab Arrow’s elbow, dragging them out the exit. Song pulled out Big behind us.

 

 	“Oh dear. I think he saw us.” Big’s voice is cheerful as ever, yet calm. “He looked rather... surprised. What to do, what to do?”

 

 	Then there was a sudden Darkness around us, and I got the distinct feeling we blended into the shadows. I glanced over even as the Li boy ran out, and looked around, then went back inside, a frown etched on his face.

 

 	Shadow, who looked at the moment like a teenaged boy, was looking at us blankly. I’d forgotten how losing even most of his magic didn’t stop the odd effect he had on shadows. It was just something about him, I guess. But he was surprisingly human, all the same.

 

 	“Shadow, stop that.” Arrow looked at him sharply, and the shadows retreated, leaving the rather sheepish boy. If anyone could make him look sheepish, it was Arrow. She turned her gaze to Song and I after a moment, glaring. “He was half way across the room before you warned us. Why didn’t you tell...” She trailed off, then trained her gaze on Song alone, remembering who I was. “We might have been caught! You should have spoken up sooner!”

 

 	Song burst into tears, leaving us all very confused. Small wiggled out of my arms to go wrap herself around Song’s legs, looking confused.

 

 	Arrow backed up, not quite used to this reaction. “Um... I mean... are you okay?” The other girl only sobbed louder.

 

 	Shadow and I exchanged a look. What was going on? I tapped my throat once, confused as to why Song had yet to speak.

 

 	The boy turned back to the other four, shrugging. “Song.” His voice is cold and detached, though he looks somewhat amused. “You haven't spoken today yet.” They stared at him, Song still sobbing. He shrugged again, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Silent said so. Well... she just pointed it out.”

 

 	Arrow looked back at Song. “Well?”

 

 	“It’s...” Squeakgaspbreath, “Horrible!” After saying those two words through sobs, she went back to full-heartedly crying.

 

 ~ 

 

 	I'm sure everyone thought I would have gone shopping first, but they're completely wrong. I snuck into the library first. I needed to see what the world's history had been like while we were in the book.

 

 	I know Clow had only good things in mind while we were hibernating, but for gosh sakes I missed the 60's!? How can Flower, The Flower have missed the flower child era? It's utter blasphemy I tell you. Blas*Phem*Ey.

 

 	But there was this really great thrift store I saw along the way, so I got this great gypsy skirt, and this great tie dye top, and this really cool headband, all on the cheap. Though I wish these Japanese would just stop staring at me. Why it's almost disconcerting. It's like they never saw a girl go all out or something.

 	I'm sure everyone also thought that Dark-sama came up with this all on her own. Please. She may be the one of the most powerful of us all, but that girl is completely helpless when it comes to coming up with present ideas. I think one year before she became a spirit she made onion soup. As a birthday gift. So I gave her a few subtle hints. 'Oh wouldn't it be nice to have the day off?', 'You wouldn't happen to know any way we could go catch a movie?', 'You know, Christmas is coming up, and nothing is fated to destroy the Earth for a while...'

 

 	I know Dark is not the queen of party time, but Light is still too delirious for her own good. I know The Mistress still hasn't figured out about her cute little friend, but Light and Dark were living together for years, and she still didn't figure out why Dark-sama was so clingy until after they were cards. It's so sad in a way. Why does true love end so badly most of the time?

 

 	I must think happy thoughts though! Windy, Watery, Firey, Earthy and Wood are so cute together. They were planning on going to see a movie, I think. Wood really should have been Woody, but I guess Clow was working off a four element system and not a five, and really didn't feel like making a Metally card. Yeah, I guess that would have been confusing. I really do hope we can go the entire day without blowing something up. 

 

 	The last time we all got the day off, we caused so much havoc, even Yue got mad. Which is weird in and of itself. He gets this really cute blood vein on his forehead, and he really tries not to scream, but you can tell he's just about to blow up. He may have picked up most of Dark-sama's yin, but he's still way more likely to get angry then her.

 

 	I wonder if Voice found Song? It's unusual for cards that are so similar to avoid each other. It'd be really strange if Song had a crush on... No, that'd just be silly. We have enough drama as it is with Kero trying to... "Get the white chocolate, he likes that a lot more." What was I thinking? Oh bother, I forgot. Was it about honey? I always liked honey.

 

 ~

 

 	I keep looking at the candy counter, trying to figure out what to get Kero. I finished Yue's scarf over an hour ago. It still took longer then usual though. Maybe I picked up a cold from being out on the tower last night. Everything seems so much more plain today. It's weird, like something is missing, and I can't put my finger on it. It doesn't help that I feel so tired and stuffed up. Maybe I'll take some sinus medicine when I get home.

 

 	I can't even decide what type of candy to get him. There's too much noise in the mall this time of year, and people are pushing and darting around. Completely ignoring anything or anyone they don't care about. It really doesn't seem or feel very nice like this season should be.

 

 	Should I get the chocolates, or the licorice? I know he'll eat anything I give him, but I want him to like it. Maybe he'll like the hard candy roses? There's just so much to choose from. I can't quite decide.

 

 	"Get the white chocolate, he likes that a lot more."

 

 	I jump at the voice. It sounds so familiar, but I look around only to see an overly extravagant American swishing away from me, cutting through the crowd like a knife. So many loud colors, all clashing together... But it works, in a way at least. Maybe I should make something like that for Sakura some time.  

 

 	"I'll get the white chocolates I think." The words leave my mouth as an after thought. Maybe I can catch up to that American woman. She has to be American. Who else would color their hair that pink? She might be another magician like Sakura. That would explain alot. But her voice. It was very familiar, but I just can't place it. It's like it's on the tip of my tongue. I hate that feeling. Just on the edge between knowing and not knowing.

 

 ~

 

 	I hate this feeling.

 

 	The phone. I keep staring at it, and it just won't ring.

 

 	I know I sent Meiling there only a few hours ago, and I know she just called an hour or so ago, but I'm still worried.

 

 	Correction, I am unnerved. I take a slow deep breath. Calming thoughts. If Sayoran was having a problem he would call home. Unless he was locked up in a dungeon some where, being beaten with in an inch of his life. Forced to tell family secrets, while screaming out for assistance of any kind. Helpless against...

 

 	'Calm Down!' I almost yell at my self. Sayoran is 16 now. He's a very good magician and a decent fighter. He's trained his entire life not to be taken advantage of. He probably isn't being tortured. It's just your imagination going wild. Meiling is going to call any second now and say he's fine, and everyone's fine, and there is no sadistic torture going on.

 

 ~

 

 	This is some kind of sadistic torture.

 

 	This movie is bad. I mean a love story, about bitter rivals. This is such a 'chick' flick. Sakura seems to be interested in it, so I'm not too worried. I really want to ask her about my magic, but we got here so late I didn't have time. Maybe after the movie. I really want to ask her about the cards I saw.

 

 	The Cards I think I saw. Of course, I may just be going insane. I went to set up the equipment for the Archery club, and I thought I saw The Arrow and The Small. I didn't get a good look, and they were dressed differently, but I'm pretty sure I saw them. I think. They did practically vanish into thin air.

 

 	Looking around the theater, there are mostly women in here. The big pack of five a few rows behind us are the most obvious, just chattering away in the darkness. Anything would be better then this movie. Anything.

 

 	I almost jump as Sakura takes my hand and smiles at me. I smile back but... I still feel nothing. Nothing at all. Maybe it has to do with why I lost my magic. If I can feel like I did before, maybe I can get my magic back.

 

 ~

 

 	I wish the movie would end. I mean, it's a nice movie, and it's fun, but I just don't feel all that excited. I like being here...I just feel like I should be somewhere else entirely. Somewhere different.

 

 	The girls behind us are still chattering. They seem happy. I smile at that, though. I remember doing something much like that with Tomoyo and Naoko and Rika and Chiharu. And, amazingly enough, Meiling. That was fun.

 

 	I wish I could be in that memory again

 

 	"Sakura!" I blink, looking up at my boyfriend, who's now standing. Won't he block the movie? I look back at the screen, and finally notice it's blank. I must have been staring at it for several moments. Heh. "Don't you have to meet your friends? I thought you were all going on a picnic."

 

 	"Oh. Right." That would be fun! I don't know why, but Sayoran is staring at me.

 

 	"I'll come with you."

 

 	"Hoee?" I feel the familiar sweatdrop form.

 

 ~

 

 	I never thought you could speak without words. Or anything. But I guess you can, because Silent manages.

 

 	Right now she's just sitting by me while Shadow and Arrow teach Small and Big to climb trees in the park. 

 

 	I wonder who Silent was, before she became a card. What was her past like? I can't help but be curious.

 

 	Silent taps my shoulder softly, then points something out. I turn to look, and see Voice and Jump. I feel myself pale. I'd rather stay here and not talk. Please?

 

 	Voice turns and waves, running towards us, leaving Jump to chatter with a raven near the iced-over pond.

 

 	Since when did begging work?

 

 ~

 

 	Okay, I did miss them.

 

 	Being out and free was fun, but I did miss them. Watery, and Firey, and Windy, and Wood. The other cards are confused when they look up to us. Sitting almost at the top of the Hierarchy, and we spend so much time together. And all they see is us fighting.

 

 	Firey picking on Wood, Wood teasing me, me picking on Windy... And there's always some kind of argument between us. Firey is still upset about having to sit through that whole movie. So we're going to go get ice cream to appease her. Of course, Watery hates ice cream, so everything evens out again.

 

 	That's just how we are. Not friends, not sisters, not lovers, not rivals, but all of them at once. It's very hard to explain, because it simply is. Like the how the sun will rise tomorrow. It doesn't have to, it simply will happen.

 

 	"What are you thinking about?" Windy has her arms around me, nosing her way into my hair. I always liked that.

 

 	Firey grumbles to the side of me, "It's Earthy, she's always thinking." She tried her best to sound upset, which was completely ruined by the fact she was trying her best not to smile as Watery dragged her by the hand through the crowded mall.

 

 	"Just stuff. Random Stuff."

 

 ~

 

 	“I wish I could fly like you.”

 

 	The cheerful voice came from above me in the tree, and I tilt my head back, to see who has found me, hidden away. I hate crowds and people in general; the deeper areas of the park are nice and quiet. Glow’s familiar face stares back at me, though different in her magicless form.

 

 	“Why?” I look back at the lake I had been watching; the ducks still there had not quite figured out that the ice would not let them swim, and pushed against it with all their might. One broke through a bit and quacked loudly, victorious, before returning to the battle. I feel my mouth twitch, but hold it still.

 

 	I hear a rustle, and the other card drops to my branch, settling. “You know why.”

 

 	Yes. I knew why. It was freedom and dreaming all at once, and a land where few ventured, but for the winged-folk, such as myself. Though not today. I don’t mind it as much as I might; the others were enjoying themselves, and that was a comfort. I’m just out of sorts on the land. I need the wind beneath my wings. I need my wings. The calm of the sky...

 

 	“D’you think you can take me flying sometime?” Glow whistles something, an arm outstretched, eyes intent on a dove that sat two trees over.

 

 	The dove answers, if only because I am there, and she recognizes me as one of the winged-folk. But then again, it may just be because it is Glow, with her own special something.

 

 	I watch some of the others, seeing them as a hawk may, from far away, then look back at my friend as the dove settles on her arm. Glow laughs, and I smile. “Maybe. Sometime.”

 

 ~

 

 	I look at her. She looks at me. "But everything's covered in snow."

 

 	She still looks at me, like it's the sanest thing anyone has ever said, "Chiharu has created some strange traditions for the holidays. Most holidays really."

 

 	"But who in their right mind has a picnic in the snow? It just doesn't make sense!" I know I was losing my temper, but... well it was just plain frustrating. First we get to the archery club, apparently just missing my cousin by a few minutes. Ieran was very happy to hear that someone had seen him though, but she still wanted me to try figure out what was wrong.

 

 	"Naoko-chan!" someone shouted, and I turned to see the ponytailed girl running up towards us. I remembered her from school a while ago, but her name was... was... this was Chiharu?

 

 	"Wait a second, Naoko?" Natsu's starting to blush next to me, as I finally make a very important connection. "Why did you tell me your name was Natsu?!"

 

 	"Actually, I didn't tell you that was my name, I just didn't correct you."

 

 	I can feel the sweatdrop forming on the back of my head again, with Naoko laughing nervously at me, and Chiharu studying her friend, smiling at some faint thought of her own, "Good to see you too, Meiling-san. Are you here to spy on Li-kun?"

 

 	Rooftops. Sticking to the rooftops next time. Better yet, just going to say no. 'Sorry Ieran-sama, I just caught a bad case of the Death'.

 

 	Chiharu still smiles though, the fallen look on my face more then enough of an answer for her. "So, do you two want to help me get set up?"

 

 ~

 

 	How? The concept is just downright foreign to me. Song, uses her voice to sing. Voice, uses her voice. they should fit together better. Admittedly sometimes Voice uses it a bit too frequently, and without regard to anyone around her, or common indoor/outdoor voice rules but still. And Silent is... just that. She never says anything. Ever. And not because she can't either, just because she doesn't want to.

 

 	But it does make sense, really. Voice is always pleading for attention, and Song is usually on the receiving end of all that. Why, now that I think of it, Song hasn't gotten a word in edgewise against Voice in... what, a century? The way her head is just bobbing as Voice talks at her. It really is quite depressing.

 

 	Happy thoughts! Silent isn't moving much though either, in fact the way she's holding on to Song's hand through Voice's tirade is quite cute. Why, they've been sitting there together since... well, at least thirty, no, forty... about an hour... well, the first time I passed through the park at least.

 

 	I really hope they like their gift. Because I'm not getting them flowers again.

 

 ~

 

 	“And then the crowds. I mean just droves and droves of people. And none of them would even think of stopping." How long is she going to go on? "Can you imagine it? An entire island of people that put so much importance on being polite forgetting it all for one stupid capitalistic western holiday? It's just improper, that's what it is." She's only been talking for maybe 15 minutes, and the only thing I can do is wonder how she doesn't dehydrate right in front of us. 

 

 	"And these Americans, they don't even care to learn the language of a country they're visiting..." I feel sorry for Song. How often does she have to put up with this? More then a few minutes, and I'm already going insane. "Then have the audacity to tell me to slow down, and that I'm speaking too fast! What's the deal with that?"

 

 	Then the weirdness starts... Almost out of nowhere, Flowery appears. No cloud of blossoms, no poof of magic, just as if she was just 'There' in a great swoosh of air and multicolored fabric. And she grabs Voice, wrapping one arm around her arms to keep her from squirming, the other hand covering her mouth, Voice only able to let out a squeak of surprise.

 

 	"Voice dear? One, shut up for a second. Two, there's this wonderful sale you just have to see." And she picks her up, like a mother carrying an errant child, and walks away. I could have sworn I saw Voice's eye bulge in surprise, but I'm not sure if it was from being told bluntly to be quiet, or from the promise of a sale.

 

 	Only one thing is able to escape my lips as we watch Flowery merrily wander away with her captive, "Okay, that was pretty weird."

 

 ~

 

 	"Okay, that was pretty weird." Yeah, Shadow got that one right. I just barely nod in agreement as I feel Song's hand soften around mine. She was starting to squeeze it a little tightly there for a moment, but now her entire body is starting to relax. She's even starting to lean against my shoulder. It really doesn't feel so bad really...

 

 	"So, did you tell her yet?" Again Song jumps, but this time it's Dream staring at her. Both of us really. For some reason, Dream has kept the body of an eight or nine year old child, but her wide eyes still seem hold too much knowledge for even her to understand.

 

 	"Oh? Not yet? I can come back later." And she walks off. Just like that.

 

 ~

 

 	It’s slightly amusing to watch from a distance, I suppose, our annual picnics. The oddest one is the one that falls on Christmas Eve Day. There’s many people out and about, doing the last-minute shopping I refuse to ever have to do.

 

 	We’re not all as bundled up as it would be thought, I know; after a few years, you build up a immunity. Although the picnics have been getting... smarter. We even have a tarp now. Meaning we all stay somewhat dry. And Yamazaki brought us a heater this year, a new edition. And, of course, everyone brought the usual offerings of food, which made a feast when added together.

 

 	Well, it’s a feast if you know what to avoid. And really, it is the thought that counts. Just don’t eat anything Chiharu made and you’re fine. Well, you have to pretend to eat it, but everyone has learned to bring really large purses to these picnics. Yamazaki eats it, though. And Chiharu tries too, even though you can tell she knows it’s bad. But we all do try to eat a little before resorting to the purses. What are friends for?

 

 	Everyone else cooks fairly well, depending on the dish. Avoid any seafood made by Naoko, but eat her deserts. Sakura’s food is okay, so long as you steer away from her sushi. Eat anything made by Yamazaki or Tomoyo. Me? I don’t know about my own skills.

 

 	This year we even have one more person. Well, so far. Only Naoko, Chiharu and I are here. And Meiling. Nice to see her again. I wonder if she’s here to spy on Li-kun? She should really think about taking the rooftops next time.

 

 	In any case, today feels odd. I don’t know why. It just does. And I’ve seen more then my share of odd people today. They all seemed nice enough, I mean. But just really, really out of place.

 	“I think it’s all set.” Chiharu smiled back at us as I carefully set down the large container of hot chocolate. It’s a good thing we’re all sixteen, and old enough to drive, or we’d be back to lugging this all from home. That always was the worst part.

 

 	Really, I think it’s lovely to have a picnic in the snow. You can see almost the entire park from this hill, with it’s large Sakura tree. I love when it’s in bloom, but it is just as lovely when it isn’t. The entire park, stretching out, is covered in sparkling white, a pure color that the colors of spring and summer and autumn match but cannot defeat. None of the colors can defeat another; they are all beautiful in their own unique ways.

 

 	I’m just happy I get the chance to celebrate in all of this with the people I care for. My friends. And even if the one I love most isn’t here, this is really a wonderful day. I hope there are many more like it to come.

 

 	“Rika-chan?” Chiharu’s giving me her suspicious look. She has this odd idea that if someone doesn’t speak for more then five minutes they’re up to something. That tends to make Tomoyo and I the plotters of this group. Chiharu is a little paranoid, being a girl with five older siblings so it's understandable.

 

 	“Sorry.” I smile, wondering what I could possibly be up to. I can’t really think of anything I want to plot. “I was thinking about the snow.”

 

 	She makes a ‘hmph’ noise and turns around, searching for the others, before turning back to Naoko and Naoko’s prisoner. “So... you look nice today, Naoko-chan. Don’t you think so, Meiling-san?”

 

 	What does that have to do with anything? “Um... Sure?” I can tell the Chinese girl is just trying to give Chiharu the answer she wants, so she can be left alone. If she’d known Chiharu as long as I have, she would know that particular tactic doesn’t work on Chiharu. It has the opposite effect.

 

 	“Sure? Just ‘sure’?”

 

 	“Chiharu-CHAN!” Naoko glared at the other girl from her seat on the tarp.

 

 	“What? Is it so wrong to ask a perfectly INNOCENT question Naoko-chan?”

 

 	“With you, nothing is never innocent.” The glasses-wearing girl muttered under her breath.

 

 	Chiharu raised an eyebrow. “WHAT was that?”

 

 	“Nothing!” Naoko smiled as innocently as possible.

 

 	“Um…I’m still not sure why I’m here.” Meiling put down the cup of hot chocolate I had just given her, blinking.

 

 	“To pay me back for an hour of being called Natsu.” Naoko said, sipping her own hot chocolate, blanching, most likely from the heat, and then shoving a hand-full of snow into her mouth.

 

 	“See? The snow is helpful.” Chiharu should not be started on why a picnic in the snow was genius. She’d go on forever. I hand her a cup of hot chocolate, to shut her up ahead of time.

 

 	“Of course it is, Chiharu-chan. And we’re all having a lovely time, aren’t we?” Naoko nods enthusiastically at my words.

 

 	“Whatever. I think it’s insane.” Meiling muttered. It’s really too bad Chiharu heard that one.

 

 	“INSANE?!”

 

 	“Yeah. It’s freezing outside.”

 

 	“It is NOT!”

 

 	Meiling stood, hot chocolate abandoned. “It is so. And... oh shit.”

 

 	“What are you... is that Sakura-chan and Li-kun?” Chiharu blinked several times.

 

 	“And Tomoyo-chan.” I point out, smiling.

 

 	“Oh no! I have to hide! Hide... hide...” Meiling turns around several times, frantic.

 

 	Chiharu pushes Naoko at Meiling. “Naoko-chan! Take her and run!”

 

 	“What the heck are you talking about?”

 

 	“We’ll die before we reveal Meiling-san is here spying on Li-kun.” Chiharu said, looking... worried? Oh, she’s up to something. “We’ll just have the picnic some other time. Tomorrow maybe. HURRY! We’ll meet back here tomorrow at the same time!”

 

 	“Um... okay.” Naoko figures that Meiling is more important then figuring out what Chiharu is on, and grabs the other girl’s hand before running off.

 

 	I blink, confused. “What are you up to?”

 

 	“What makes you think I’m up to anything?” She smiles, and I look at her. And look. And look. “Okay, so I’m up to something. Don’t be so uptight. They’re cute together, aren’t they? Now, let’s go tell the others the picnic has been rescheduled. Yamazaki-kun’s behind them.”

 

 ~

 

 	Chiharu has always been... eccentric? I know the term has been used to describe me more often then would be considered polite, but it really fits Chiharu so much better. Normally she plans everything out so meticulously, right down to how many forks she sits out before serving soup, 'Just in case'. With how Yamazaki acts, one could think it's even genetic. It's just something about the way she is.

 

 	Which is why her cancelling on the spot is so unusual. By the way she's acting, I would almost guess she was lying, if I couldn't already tell from the way Rika looks just as surprised by her story. Sakura and Sayoran however have always been a bit gullible, so I'm sure they'll buy it. And if Chiharu feels strongly enough about it to lie about why she's postponing it until tomorrow, I won't blow her cover.

 

 	 I think the story has something to do with Naoko, a sick grandmother, and 'female problems', but I'm not paying all that much attention. I'm a little more disturbed by what happened a few minutes ago.

 

 	After getting Kero's present, I ran into Sakura and her boyfriend. And no, I didn't see that American woman again. Not that I didn't try. But Sakura was happy to see me.

 

 	Actually happy, not that fake laugh, 'Oh Tomoyo, good to see you', you'd expect when running into a friend in the middle of a date. A relieved happy. Like she wasn't happy before she saw me. That... that can't be right.

 

 	I smile and nod at Chiharu, as Yamazaki starts to add in some of his 'wisdom' to the story, but I'm still wondering. Why would Sakura be happy to see me? If she wasn't having fun on her special date, what was happening?

 

 	Maybe I'm just over reacting though. I know Li-kun loves Sakura, and that's just the way it is.

 

 ~

 

 	"Let's work on this again dear. Repeat after me: 'How are you doing today?'"

 

 	"How are you doing today. It's really such a...<murpfle>" Talking tended a bit hard when you had food forced into your mouth. Sushi in this case.

 

 	When I had darted off with Voice in tow, there actually was a sale involved. I found this great little all-you-can-eat sushi bar on the way back from the mall, so I decided to treat Voice to a free meal and complimentary relationship lesson. "Let's try this again. When you are having a conversation, you randomly stop to let the other person talk as well. Understand?"

 

 	"Of course I understand. But no one I talk to ever wants to talk, no matter how much I...<mergle>" 

 

 	In fact, to work around Voice's major flaw, I've got a great training regime based on shoving whatever food is on my plate into her mouth when ever she starts on one of her tirades. "Okay lets try again. Remember, The period means stop."

 

 	"Oh come on, no one ever wants to talk to me. When ever I go to say hello they just... <mugph>"

 

 	Okay, this might take a while. I wonder if she likes wasabi?

 

 ~

 

 End Part One.