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date | Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:53:12 -0500 |
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1 Title: Seal Cards2 Subtitle: Epitomes of Love3 Author: Matthias Engel aka MysticMew4 Feedback: Solarsenshi@gmx.de5 Status: Alpha6 Fandom: Card Captor Sakura (manga)7 Rating: PG-13 (with some scenes bordering on R)8 Category: Romance, Action/Adventure9 Pairing: Sakura/Tomoyo10 Timeline: Sequel to "Happy Years"11 Summary: There are two more cards Clow created. Our couple must learn12 that even great mages are not prone to mistakes.13 Sub-Summary: When a vacation goes a little different than planned, can14 Sakura control herself from loving Tomoyo "too much"?15 Distribution: MSD (www.catstrio.de), Shoujo Ai.com (www.shoujoai.com),16 ff.net (www.fanfiction.net), Mediaminer (www.mediaminer.org), Moonlit17 Nights (http://jrem.net/moonlit/tsFics.html) others may follow. If you18 like this fic for your story, please tell me, I'm not likely to put19 stones in your way, but I like to know where it goes.20 Legal Disclaimer: This story features two females romantically21 involved with a few (hinted) mature notions. If that is illegal where22 you are or entirely not your thing, turn around and leave now.23 Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura belongs to CLAMP and assorted24 companies, I claim no right on the characters and original storyline.25 Story Disclaimer: Seal Cards: Epitomes of Love(c)2003 by Matthias26 Engel28 ******************************30 Foreword32 And it's time for the last one. This one will be done in two parts.33 That has more something with style than necessity though. This is the34 first part and this one will have a few more mature themes, the35 delicate stuff will be handled in special, additional file though.37 ******************************39 Seal Cards: Epitomes of Love40 Based on the works of CLAMP41 Story Concept by Matthias Engel43 ******************************45 <July of 1997 (Sakura>46 There was a lasting silence in the small room. The curtains were47 closed and only the soft glow of daylight shining through their veil48 illuminated the table in front of me. But I could see perfectly well.49 I wouldn't even need to see the eight cards spread in front of me.50 This was a much more complex method of card reading than the simple51 one Kero hat shown me all the years back. Yet, judged by the situation52 at hand, this was rather appropriate.53 I stared intently at the two middle rows and the top card. Once54 again the same. Just like every time I attempted to see what the cards55 could tell me. I had tried this countless times in the past but the56 big picture would just not change, nor would it completely make sense57 to me. There was just one thing that was for sure. The premonition,58 beyond doubt, was about Her.59 I squeezed my eyes shut. I thought I had conquered those60 memories but after telling Tomoyo three months ago, I couldn't help61 but recall some of the horrible scenes that had driven me straight62 from that future into this one. Kuso, I hated myself for making Tomoyo63 worry so much. The accusations had cut right through my heart. I knew64 on some level they were mostly frustration but...65 *Don't you trust me?*66 That one had hurt. Of course I did trust her. She was the cause67 of why I had come back here, she was why Time had even let me, she was68 the sole reason that I was able to settle back into a remotely normal69 life - as normal as life can be for one of the most powerful people on70 Earth. I had long since given up on the notion that I was the most71 powerful person. Maybe being the strongest mage was true. However, in72 my old time I had met enough other groups of magic users to which my73 power seemed to be a trifle... And none of them had stood a chance74 against Pandora.75 Amazingly enough, after the talk with Tomoyo the tension within76 us had pretty much been turned upside down and nowadays we were almost77 inseparable. I feared that closeness a little since that had been one78 of the things that had troubled me back then. It still did. I would79 feel embarrassed but my mind was too old to be ashamed of the80 thoughts. And I wouldn't think twice about letting Tomoyo know just81 how much I loved her if not for the simple fact that we were both only82 fourteen. I had never quite imagined this would become a major problem83 of the transition but it seemed I had miscalculated. Lately my84 feelings for the lavender-haired girl had blossomed more and more into85 something greater and more passionate. My adult mind and teenager body86 were having a hard time coming to terms how to react to this.87 Kami, I am a little pervert!88 Okay, maybe it wasn't this bad but I was wondering what the hell89 was wrong with me. This had begun about a year ago, slowly at first90 but then more steadily. At first I thought it was just my teenage body91 beginning to mature but at times the love, and the desire spreading92 from that love, became so strong I was barely able to keep my hands93 off of Tomoyo when we were snuggling or something. I had to put some94 distances between us, yet I had chosen the wrong method as it seemed.95 The resulting frustration from both sides nearly drove a wedge between96 us. That was dealt with and resolved now, the feelings between us97 though had only been intensified and I was silently already preparing98 a last will, because if I should really lose control and Sonomi-kaasan99 found out...100 I chuckled ruefully. I WAS overreacting, not to mention101 distracting myself from the reading and its expected and depressing102 outcome. Compared to that, my little physical problems were rather103 insignificant. Sighing audibly, I slowly turned around the last card.104 Woody was the association, the first card. Woody stood for many105 things, for which one was nature itself, or Life if you want. In106 short, I assumed, it meant Earth itself would face a crisis soon. At107 least that made the most sense from what I expected to come. So108 basically, it was a call from Earth for help.109 Then came Mirror, Time and Illusion. They were the cause of the110 current situation. From experience I knew that Mirror and Illusion111 often were substitutes for other unknown elements the cards couldn't112 represent, or at least couldn't represent with the cards available.113 Together with Time at the center it would normally not make much114 sense. However, I knew that Mirror and Illusion most likely pointed at115 the two other Forbidden Clow Cards, those that were responsible for116 Pandora's release in my time. I hadn't known that then but I knew now117 after talking to Time - as little as she did reveal -, Kerberos and118 Yue. And the more I learned about this, the more my belief grew that119 Clow was just as imperfect as any other human being and not nearly as120 foreseeing as Eriol said his prior incarnation had been.121 The Light, the Dark and Erase in the next row, presenting the122 solution. Alright, the solution was not so more like a pointer, a123 guide, a way of what had to be done to assure an outcome in the mage's124 favor. The solution could point at powers, people, a lot of things. It125 could also be a gamble, since the solution could also turn into an aid126 for the problem. The combination was a little weird for my taste.127 While I could see Light and Dark together, I couldn't really place128 Erase. Erase could be another substitute or it could mean something129 completely different. I had some vague theories but that is all they130 were. Vague.131 Which leaves the last card. The location, the Where.132 Shadow.133 As expected. Once again, the location was clouded into shadows,134 unrevealing darkness. I had desperately hoped that for once I would135 get a clue where to look for the Seal Cards but once again no hint was136 given to me. The thing was I could feel the distant presence of a card137 but by their sheer magnitude I suppose they were probably very far138 away.139 Picking up the cards, I returned them to the book and stretched.140 This was getting me nowhere and tomorrow we would all make a small141 trip. I had agreed to the idea readily, seeing this as a chance to142 make up it up to Tomoyo for our little fight and just relax for143 awhile. Summer break had just started and the weather was ideal. A144 part of me wished that we could go alone but I didn't really mind the145 rest of the family coming along. This was going to be fun and maybe I146 could forget about the cards, the uncertain future and dark memories147 for awhile.149 ******************************151 (Tomoyo)152 Whistling a happy tune, I made my way to the front of the Kinomoto153 residence. It had been a nice day and the evening sun was still warm154 and pleasant. Perfect weather for a vacation. Adjusting the bag over155 my shoulder I made a note to myself not to pack so many things the156 next time. Of course I had reminded myself the last time to do so and157 look where it had gotten me158 Not that the little problem was of any significance to the more159 important things in life at the moment. Sakura and I had finally come160 around and while I was pretty sure that she hadn't told me everything,161 I was simply too happy right now to care. I had overreacted after all162 and chided myself enough about it already. I knew deep down that163 questioning Sakura's trust had hurt my girlfriend and I wished164 desperately I could take it back somehow. Being confronted with how165 much Sakura depended on me when she revealed some of her secrets to me166 had made me feel so ashamed of myself. Sakura was quick to scatter167 those worries though. And since we both felt too guilty about the168 whole matter for different reasons we came to the agreement that this169 would simply just not happen again.170 And the make up was definitely exquisite. I never thought you171 could be so close to a person. I had also thought I was already much172 more attached to a person than normal, even back then in Elementary173 School, at an age there that was rather strange. Especially since the174 relationship part hadn't come for another two years. However, seeing175 us now, aside from school we barely spent a minute alone anymore. The176 strength of our feelings was rather overwhelming even by me. Not that177 Sakura wasn't worth every last ounce of attention but it was as if our178 guilt over the whole accident had undergone the drastic change from179 "turning fire into water".180 My thoughts were interrupted as I looked up, coming to a stop a181 few feet from the front door. Touya stood there with a grin. "I182 suppose saying "Welcome" as if you are a guest, just doesn't do it183 anymore, hmm?" It was remarkable how much the two of them had in184 common. While physically not all that similar, Sakura and her older185 brother had a lot of hidden character traits that often made them more186 alike than they'd ever admit being.187 He moved forward, taking the bag not even waiting or actually188 expecting a request. After all this time I was still a little189 surprised - pleasantly so - as how easy Touya had accepted me.190 Compared to Syaoran that is. Knowing me prior probably had helped191 things a little and even with most of his sight gone - Sakura said it192 was returning very slowly - he had always been rather perceptive.193 Something I admired about him in a way.194 "Arigato," I said, following him into the house and slipping out195 of my shoes. Okaasan had made it pretty much clear to Sakura that she196 was to treat our home as hers and while it had never been said this197 way from the Kinomotos before, the offer was obvious in small things198 like this or the way the treatment had gradually changed from that of199 a normal guest to that of a permanent houseguest or resident even.200 Sakura's home had also become my home and it didn't really matter201 anymore where we were or who would stay with whom. Either way, IF we202 were together, we were at home.203 Touya shrugged, putting the bag down next to the staircase.204 "It's okay. I'll bring it up later. The monster has been in her room205 for awhile again, maybe you can get her to come down and eat206 something."207 I wasn't sure whether to give into the humor or the sigh. On one208 hand it saddened me to hear that Sakura obviously was still troubled209 by her worries. I couldn't fault her, knowing what I did learn so far.210 Sakura had such a good heart and she wanted to protect everyone,211 especially the people she loved and feeling so helpless had to be212 hard. I never really realized how hard it had to be until I learned213 the truth of the events of her timeline. Still, I wished she wouldn't214 think that she had to take all the responsibility upon herself, almost215 as if she was desperately trying to do it all alone. That is why I216 insisted so much on the vacation when the idea was brought up one217 evening we had all sat together in this very house. The idea for a218 little boat trip was spontaneous but once everyone had gotten into it,219 the plans were quickly made. Hopefully this could get Sakura's mind220 set on something different at least for a little while.221 I finally managed a small giggle. I found it funny that Touya222 still called her "monster", even more so than when my girlfriend was223 younger. I supposed that it had become more of an affective nickname224 than the gentle teasing it had once been.225 Already a few steps up the stairs I stopped and turned slightly226 to look back at Touya. "Doesn't it bother you at all?" I had meant to227 ask the question for awhile now. Sakura had come clean about her time228 travel by now. While both her brother and father had suspected229 something already, Sakura had felt obligated to talk to them about230 this after realizing how much concern it had caused me and how much it231 had to have an impact on her family. The whole thing was taken232 relatively well, she had let out a few things she told me exclusively,233 but other then that most of what I learned was revealed to the rest of234 the family.235 Touya looked at me thoughtful for a moment. "Not really. It's a236 little weird sometimes. And I admit I feel helpless knowing all that237 has happened already or will happen or... well, you get the point." I238 smiled wryly, knowing full well the confusion talking about this239 caused me sometimes. "I am just amazed that YOU are taking all this so240 well. Doesn't it bother you in the slightest, I mean... She's not241 exactly the girl you fell in love with anymore. I believe it is much242 harder for you, as her girlfriend, than it is for me, as a brother."243 I didn't really need to think about my answer. Staring directly244 into Touya's eyes - well, as much as you can from a higher vantage245 point -, I said softly but with a firm voice nonetheless, "I wouldn't246 be that - her girlfriend - if Sakura-chan hadn't done what she did.247 She is still Sakura, all the little details are still there. You can248 see it too, I know that. When you truly love someone, you love249 everything about that person. The positive as much as the negative.250 Tell me, Touya-oniisan, would you turn down Yukito-san if the same251 would have happened to him."252 The dark-haired, young man stared back stunned for a moment,253 then his eyes softened and he shook his head slowly. "No. Never."254 I smiled fondly. "Good. Then we understand each other." I turned255 back to resume my ascent. "We'll be down for dinner in a few minutes."256 I swear I heard him mumbling something along the lines of "if you were257 able to separate long enough to walk down the stairs", smiled to258 myself and proceeded to Sakura's room.260 ******************************262 (Sakura)263 As I leaned back after putting the cards back into the book, I264 realized how stiff I had become. This happened a lot. Often I tried to265 figure out a reading for hours not even realizing the passage of time.266 It was a good thing I still did physical activities frequently to keep267 my body in shape. It would be a little early to suffer from back268 problems...269 My eyes had drifted close for a moment and now they only270 fluttered open for a short moment before the movements of skilled271 hands rubbing my shoulders made me sigh blissfully - though I hadn't272 made up my mind if it was involuntary or not yet. I had to be pretty273 absorbed to not even notice Tomoyo coming up or slipping into the274 room. Usually I could tell from far away already when she was present.275 Not to mention that I tried not to show her just how much I took the276 whole thing to heart... and often failing miserable at that task.277 "Do you have to torture yourself. Even a day before vacation?"278 Tomoyo asked softly, her voice barely a whisper and close to my ear. I279 suppressed the shudder wanting to run down my spine at her closeness280 and the feelings her warm breath tickling my skin invoked. I wished281 nothing more than to...282 What was wrong with me?283 Fighting down the primal urges of my - entirely too young - body284 I focused on her question, with some effort. "You know I must. If I285 don't find a way to prevent the seal from breaking than..." I trailed286 off, not wishing to speak further in fear of calling back the haunting287 images of a future long since past. A future that might become reality288 again if I didn't...289 "I know you will find a way. You always do. But that you still290 have a few years, right? Don't push yourself so hard."291 I let go of another content smile as the hands moved from my292 shoulders to my neck and further down my back with patient precision.293 Tomoyo could really give one hell of a massage. "How can you be so294 calm about this. I told you what happened. I stood no chance against295 that... thing. I..." I turned around albeit my body's vehement296 protests, fixing a startled Tomoyo with an intense gaze. "She killed297 you, right in front of my eyes. I... I won't..." I could feel tears298 stinging in my eyes and was a little bit surprised at the emotional299 surge that had triggered such a strong response. I usually was much300 calmer nowadays but Tomoyo managed with her mere presence alone to301 create that overwhelming urge to love, to protect, to cherish and302 always hold onto this incredible gift. I couldn't maintain my shields303 around her for long. "I will never let this happen again," I finished,304 trying to make my voice sound firm but it was more a croaked whisper.305 "Never..."306 Before I even knew what was happening we were kissing. And not307 just the chaste kiss of children or young teenagers but laced with a308 mixture of passion and need. My arms went around Tomoyo's waist on309 instinct drawing her closer, basking in the heat of the contact. Not310 just the physical but also the spiritual one. Our kisses had become311 that much bolder lately and they weren't always initiated by me.312 Tomoyo proved very quickly that this important aspect of life was as313 much one of the skills she was so good with, just like all the others.314 And so I found myself relenting briefly as the kiss began to involve315 tongues rather quickly, that sweet scent, so distinctive Tomoyo,316 filling my mouth, literally drinking up all the troubles, concerns and317 fears of only a few moments ago.318 Finally Tomoyo drew away but only a few inches. I am sure my319 face was flushed since hers definitely was. A part of me was320 disappointed at the lack of contact and wanted to reengage right away,321 taking this to places I steadfastly refused to even let myself think322 about. The beautiful lavender-haired girl had her fingers tangled in323 some strands of my hair falling in disarray over my face. "I know,324 Sakura-chan. I know you will always be there to protect me. I told you325 that a long time ago and my belief has not changed. You have taken all326 those risks and changed your future already. Your beautiful heart will327 find a solution when the time is right. Please, don't burn yourself328 out. That won't get us anywhere and brings you only more pain. I hate329 to see you suffer."330 I stared in amazement at this magnificent creature. What in all331 the world had I done to earn such trust, such loyalty, such love from332 this gentle and kind girl. When I was young and unknowing of her333 feelings I had often felt a little embarrassed. But never scared. I334 knew some people who experienced our interaction wondered why I wasn't335 scared of Tomoyo's devotion. Yet, I could never be scared of such a336 wondrous thing. Now, I was simply amazed and every time she looked at337 me like this, so completely without doubt, utter faith in her gaze338 that I would never let her come to harm, I knew that I wasn't worth339 it. But yet, it always created a confidence in me so strong that I340 felt like being able to strike down any foe ever trying to harm this341 otherworldly creature that I could dare call my girlfriend.342 "I don't deserve you," I whispered, one hand softly stroking the343 pale skin of her cheek. I had never felt like this before. Not with344 Syaoran, never with him. That realization had come gradually but by345 now I was certain that while a part of me would always love him, my346 statement that the love for him and Tomoyo was an equal one had long347 since expired. The magnitude of love I felt for Tomoyo know had348 definitely exceeded what I ever had felt for the Chinese boy. "But I349 love you more than anyone or anything else in this world," I said,350 making sure she understood completely what I was implying.351 Tomoyo's smile was radiant, her blue eyes sparkling as if the352 sun was reflecting on the clear surface of a lake. I leaned forward353 again, touching my lips to hers, leaving my gaze glued on those354 brilliant orbs. Sensual at first I felt that inner fire once again355 igniting with renewed intensity and for several seconds I completely356 lost myself in the feelings, tongues meeting in a slow dance,357 passionate but not forceful. So much unlike Syaoran's kisses. This358 was... softer, slower and at the same much more intense.359 "Hey, monster! Get down here, dinner is ready!"360 I blinked my eyes, realizing only now that somehow Tomoyo had361 found her way into my lap and my hands were resting on her buttocks,362 Tomoyo's arms were around my neck, clinging tightly as if afraid to363 fall apart if she should let go. I blinked again, slowly drawing away364 and tentatively altering my grip from my girlfriend's behind to hold365 her around the waist again. I didn't want to let go but there was that366 slight spark of embarrassment that I had let myself go so far. But I367 didn't really feel all that bad about it, after all Tomoyo seemed368 quite content where she was.369 "Wow..." I whispered, my breath a little shallow from the370 exchange. I could feel some sweat on my forehead and was rather aware371 that both of our body temperatures had definitely risen to a372 noticeable degree. "That was..." I wanted to say "too close" but373 honestly, I had to agree with Tomoyo's definition.374 "Intense. Amazingly intense..." Tomoyo responded, equally375 breathless and I was fascinated at how much that sparkle in her eyes376 had even more increased but now it was more like... I wasn't sure I377 actually wanted to know the answer to that because I wasn't sure right378 now if I could control the following consequences.379 "We should... uh, get downstairs... Dinner, you know...?" I380 tried lamely, my mind not yet fully restored from one of the most381 passionate moments between us yet. Tomoyo just nodded, also a little382 out of it.383 It was only with a lot of effort and after another few minutes384 of regaining some composure that we managed to follow my brothers385 request. Touya was giving me the most annoying smirk all evening.387 ******************************389 <About two days later (Tomoyo)>390 There was one thing that was for sure about life with Sakura. It never391 was boring. I had known this right away when I met her. I knew that I392 just had to put an effort into at least befriending the genki brunette393 or my life would be so much duller. This experience had only grown394 when Sakura came back for me and devoted her attention almost solely395 upon me. The things we did on a regular basis when going out, other396 couples probably never even encounter half the excitement and the397 wonders Sakura managed to produce.398 I had noticed that Sakura liked to use the cards rather often399 for those special occasion but also other everyday life stuff. For400 example creating a nice atmosphere with Glow or Flower, lightening401 candles with Firery or often just flying around with Fly. Sakura had402 developed a close bond with her cards, that much was for sure. "Don't403 they mind doing all those things for you?" I asked, turning my head404 towards Sakura. The question was more a rhetorical one with just a405 touch of curiosity I could guess the answer already.406 Sakura laughed lightly and I could feel just the tiny bits of a407 ripple around us that felt like... giggling. "Don't worry about that.408 The cards actually want to get out and play whenever I let them. While409 they don't mind being in the book, they like to do things outside,410 interact with the world, you know." Sakura gazed at me adoringly and I411 felt my cheeks flush, a reaction the lovely girl had managed to bring412 forth more and more in the last days. The passionate scene from the413 evening two days ago was still present in my mind and this hasn't been414 the only occasion. "And they like you, too, so they like to do things415 that make you happy." The blush deepened and I melted into the416 following kiss that was much to brief and chaste for my taste...417 Blinking I tried to clear my foggy mind, snuggling closer to418 Sakura who had one arm around my waist so that we wouldn't be419 separated, not that any of us minded the contact. The water around us420 was cool but not freezing. I believed this to be an added side effect421 of Watery other than providing an air bubble to breath and right now422 the movement as well. We already had been swimming quite some while423 but right now we were content to enjoy each other's presence and let424 Watery do the stirring, so to say.425 The ocean down here was a captivating sight. Especially this426 way, without diving gear or other such limitations. Only our bodies427 and normal senses experiencing what no ordinary human would usually be428 able to do. Not for that long and surely enough not as deep as we were429 already. This definitely had been one of Sakura's best ideas involving430 the cards up to now. We had left the world above the surface already431 far behind, exploring the wondrous depths of the ocean.432 I hadn't expected something like that - Sakura always managed to433 surprise me with those things - when we set out yesterday morning for434 the beach and then a trip with our family yacht. Okaasan had actually435 been glad to have a use for it after all that time. In all my life we436 had only gotten to make use of it once and I had been almost too437 little to remember it then. Now, the yacht served as the perfect tool438 for some nice, relaxing days. Okaasan had been excited to participate439 in the family vacation and readily provided the boat even though it440 visibly got to her to spend so much time in close company to Sakura's441 father. They managed to behave most of the trip but a few hours ago442 the tension had escalated and everyone had retreated hastily to other443 parts of the yacht to evade the coming war zone. Yukito and Touya had444 went below deck and Sakura came up that we should probably go even445 deeper with a twinkle in her eyes. I had had barely enough time to446 prepare myself - thankfully we already had been in our bathing suits447 for the purpose of sun bathing - before Sakura grabbed me and jumped448 into the calm ocean, activating Watery in the process.449 The feeling was extraordinary. The ocean was calm on this clear450 summer day and the flow was gentle, encompassing the two of us.451 Somehow Watery had managed to make it so that we could breathe452 underwater but still feel the water and move freely. Therefore we were453 treated by the embrace of the wet element, washing over our skin. It454 didn't even sting in the eyes!455 Right now we were resting from swimming so much, gently floating456 through the vast ocean, letting Watery push us forward. And once again457 we found ourselves in one of those moments. The place was a little458 odd, I admit, but as usual neither of us cared very much and while we459 weren't even kissing, just the contact was enough to hold us captured460 in the moment. I could feel Sakura's hand lightly stroking my bare461 skin and shivered. Not from the cold of the water but from the sudden462 heat coursing through my body, making my skin tingle.463 Oh, I wasn't stupid. I was pretty much aware of the sexual464 tension. There was just no other way to describe it. Both of us were465 rather mature for our physical age and that was even more true in466 Sakura's case. It had taken me some time to figure out that the whole467 Pandora issue hadn't been all that had my girlfriend bothered lately.468 I hadn't been totally sure at first but the level of passion in our469 kisses, the lingering touches, the closeness. The encounter the470 evening before our departure wasn't the only one and they had become471 even more heated. No, by now I was pretty sure that Sakura had472 definitely trouble suppressing urges she surely felt entirely to473 improper for our physical age.474 How did I feel about this? I honestly wasn't sure. I would lie475 if I said that the rising passion between us didn't scare me a little.476 Just a little. I hadn't thought in this direction at all until a few477 months ago but now I found myself wishing at times that Sakura would478 just go ahead and... See, that's what I meant. Where I could479 understand and tolerate that Sakura's older mind might harbor such480 thoughts, I know that for me they were rather... early. Not481 impossible, but early in their appearance. And entirely too strong to482 be natural.483 At the same time the feelings were exhilarating and I felt484 myself craving the attention, the sensations of drowning in Sakura's485 love and passion, wishing nothing more than to just let go and feel.486 This was frightening in itself but more like a thrill, a good,487 exciting thrill I had entirely no idea how to deal with. I just knew488 if Sakura as much as asked I would jump at the chance and that scared489 me again, just a little.490 Out of the corner of my eye I spotted something and was491 partially grateful for the interruption of the moment. Because as much492 as a big part of me wouldn't object I think the setting would be more493 than a little awkward. Not too mention, we'd probably traumatize poor494 Watery!495 "Hey, there's a cave down there!"496 Sakura blinked, a look of disappoint crossing her features that497 almost made me giggle. I suppressed that reaction though and pointed498 down. We were rather close to the bottom I think. The water was499 getting murkier here. Less light was reaching us from the surface and500 it was a little hard to make out the cave's entrance. Sakura and I501 looked at each other, confirming our mutual curiosity and made our way502 into the cave.504 ******************************506 (Sakura)507 Emerging from the water we were both surprised and amazed to find a508 cave that huge. Sure, there probably were enough on the ocean floor509 but when did you ever get the chance to see them. Not that any of us510 was paying much attention to our surroundings. Watery went back into511 card form and then to subspace for the moment with nothing more than a512 thought. My eyes were pretty much glued to Tomoyo and there was a513 conflict inside of me whether to praise or curse myself for my514 impromptu idea. Kuso, Tomoyo was sexy in that dark blue bikini,515 drenched by the ocean water and therefore highlighting the young516 girl's curves pretty well.517 This was ridiculous. Something was definitely going on here. I518 mean something other than my dirty adult mind and developing teenage519 body. As much as I did love Tomoyo this was getting out of hand and I520 was pretty sure that my control was only a few percent from521 evaporating into thin air. I mean, I had actually kicked Touya for522 flirting with Tomoyo. He did that sometimes and I know very well that523 it was never more than teasing. And still I had actually hit him, he524 had been throwing wary glances my way the whole trip. And the poor boy525 from when we arrived at the beach who dared to... wanted to ask Tomoyo526 out or something. I swear he must have run straight to his mommy after527 the menacing look I had given him - thankfully that had been all. My528 emotions couldn't suddenly be so out of control. Not naturally...529 "Sakura?"530 Gah!531 Tomoyo was standing right in front of me, blue eyes focused on532 me in a wordless, yet demanding expression. I was being drawn into the533 liquid pools, drowned in a sea of happiness and love. I might have534 jumped at the touch, her hand on my cheek, caressing slightly in a535 circular pattern. "What are you afraid of?"536 Crap, she always knew me so well, that hadn't changed in the537 most aspects of my life even after traveling back in time. With the538 exception of the Pandora happenings and my growing desires she had539 always managed to read me like a book. It seemed the latter was about540 to experience the same fate.541 "Tomo-chan... I..." I breathed, my voice taking on a husky tone,542 feeling her other coming around me, one hand settling on my back. A543 surge of immediate desire rushed through me and my mouth couldn't544 decide whether to be dry or the complete opposite. I couldn't finish545 the sentence but looking into her eyes, I knew it wasn't necessary.546 "You don't have to be afraid for my sake, Sakura-chan." I gasped547 when she dipped her head slightly to the side and moved forward to run548 her lips over the skin on my neck. My arms tightened around her,549 almost crushing her lithe form against mine even if that small voice550 that was calling me names was still there. It was fading fast.551 "I... I don't want to hurt you... This is not how..."552 Tomoyo looked up again and before I could even guess her553 intentions her lips were upon mine. The kiss was sending hot waves of554 tiny flames through my whole body. Her lips were crushed against mine555 and I leaned into the passionate, desperate contact without even556 thinking. The last bit of rational thought was more or less leaving me557 right now.558 Coming up for air after almost a full minute, I realized that559 our hands had become much bolder. Tomoyo's hands were just resting560 under the hem of my bikini top and mine were already all the way561 there. The desire created between us had reached the force of a562 tornado. I could see the desperation and need reflected in Tomoyo's563 eyes.564 "Do you really want to fight this?" Tomoyo asked in her usual565 soft, lightly musical voice but still somehow managing to let it sound566 seductive. "We can't fight this any longer, you know that."567 Can't fight...? A jolting sensation of recognition passed568 through me and for just a single moment I managed to tear myself away569 from the powerful thrall both of us were under. No, not so much a570 thrall as the rise of emotions to its maximum. Right here, right now,571 around us...572 Love was here.573 Love, one of the Seal Cards. Time had told me that the reason I574 felt its presence nearing was because the original seal was more or575 less encompassing the whole planet, both elemental powers overlapping576 each other. It had been a steady stream, unyielding and without a577 flaw. Until Clow tempered with those ancient archtypes and bound578 powers where he should have not. After realizing his mistake and that579 he couldn't control the elemental powers, he had placed the cards580 inside the original seal, reestablishing the power but not the flow.581 The flow had been destroyed, its flawlessness lost. To make the flaw582 as tiny as possible the cards were moving around in the seal in a more583 or less stable orbit. It was no surprise to realize that this had584 given Pandora her opportunity. Clow's actions to fix his mistake had585 not been enough after all.586 The realization came at a rather bad moment though and most of587 my thoughts on the matter were just like a background image. I was588 aware of it, I was aware of the enormous presence so similar to Time589 back then, yet I couldn't do anything about it. I didn't have the590 willpower anymore to call upon some counter spell. I simply didn't591 want to stop!592 And with a groan of resignation I brought my hands up around593 Tomoyo's neck, drawing her in. My breath was creating tiny goose bumps594 against her skin, my voice long since having lost the battle to hold595 pack the passion and longing. "I love you so much, Tomo-chan. Even if596 this is not entirely our doing, I want to make you happy. Do you trust597 me enough with this?" I said the last bit with the utmost seriousness598 I could still muster in this situation, yet I was unsure if I could599 take a negative answer anymore.600 "I told you already," Tomoyo whispered back, her voice mirroring601 my own open desire. "I will always be safe with Sakura-chan. I have602 faith that Sakura-chan will always save me and keep me safe."603 Proceeding to kiss me again, I simply let go, my body almost sighing604 in relief, welcoming whatever shall come.606 ******************************608 (Tomoyo)609 Slowly, with the speed of a turtle climbing a hill my senses returned610 to awareness, my spirit floating back down from that place somewhere611 far above the heavens where it had climbed to... some time... ago. I612 really had NO idea how much time had passed, how long we had been in613 the cave or lying on the cold ground warmed by a small friction of614 magic - but I really didn't care where it came from right now.615 The tremors had finally subsided and my body lay in total peace,616 every muscle relaxed and surely not able to obey any command in the617 near future. And I felt GOOD. Kami, did I feel good. I had really been618 a little... unsure when I gave in to my desires. Yet, seeing Sakura619 suffer even more, trying to hold herself back, inhabitations had been620 thrown out of the window. Very, very far away. And it wasn't like I621 had not wanted. We loved each other after all, so it couldn't be a bad622 thing, just... a little early maybe. It wasn't like we were still ten623 or something. That would have been rather illogical.624 Feeling Sakura move slightly from her position spooned up behind625 me, I shifted slightly and craned my neck to look behind me. Her face626 was producing a stronger result than the Glow card could... even627 though I was sure the expression was mirrored on my own. I smiled628 widely, feeling giddy and in a state of utter bliss. I've never felt629 so much in the right place like now. I was sure that was what I was630 meant to be, where I belonged to be. Right here, in Sakura's arms,631 enveloped in a warm blanket of love. Body, mind and soul.632 I could see the hint of regret and shame in Sakura's eyes though633 and was quick to dispel these feelings. With some effort I managed to634 command my body to turn around in the tight embrace. Brushing some of635 the brown hair that had fallen into Sakura's face out of the way, I636 leaned in to place a soft, lingering kiss on her lips, gazing637 adoringly into green eyes. Sakura smiled faintly. "You keep giving the638 most special gifts in the most special ways. You are such an amazing639 person."640 Sakura's smiled turned into a more genuine one. "That wasn't all641 my doing. Don't you feel different somehow?"642 I was puzzled at her question. "What do you mean? Of course I643 feel different!" I said lightly teasing.644 Sakura laughed heartedly and the sound was such a lovely thing645 to my ears. "No, no, I mean. About the desire between us. Just until a646 few minutes ago..." She let the sentence linger and I suddenly647 realized what she meant. The whirlwind of feelings had ceased to be648 more gradual, more normal. I had first though this was only and effect649 of the afterglow but there was a little more to it. I didn't know how650 I could tell the difference, I just did. So when Sakura said this651 wasn't completely her doing then did that mean...652 I blinked almost audibly and was already in the process of653 sitting up despite the protests of my body before Sakura pulled me654 down again gently but persistent. "Yes, I am sure its one of the Seal655 Cards. I told you about them, right?" I nodded, wondering why we were656 still lying here. Not that I WANTED to move, mind you. "It must be657 Love. But its moving very slowly. We can easily catch up, don't rush658 now. I, personally, feel like being defiant and not rush after it the659 way it played with us." Sakura chuckled and run one hand through my660 open hair, drawing out a sigh from me in the process. I had went to661 tie it into a ponytail in the last months but was seriously662 considering to leave it open again in order to experience the663 wonderful sensations my girlfriend's fingers in my hair produced more664 often. Hmm, girlfriend didn't seem right anymore. Lover? Mate? It had665 felt a lot like mating on a level and I couldn't quite believe that666 this all had been the card's doing.667 "You mean Love made us do all this?" I asked curiously, showing668 my disbelief at the possibility.669 Sakura shook her head slightly, drawing me closer until my head670 rested contently under her chin, almost nestled comfortingly in her671 small chest. I let go of another sigh and could practically feel672 Sakura's smile in response. "No, the way I understand it is that Love673 cannot produce false feelings. It can only take what is there and674 amplify them. The stronger the feelings the more they are amplified.675 And Love doesn't do something on its own since the card is embedded in676 the seal. It is a natural side effect. Clow played with something you677 can't just simply control. The magic he bound into a card was so678 strong that, even ineffective, it puts out incredible power."679 I listened carefully and would have nodded, had I not been so680 comfortable right now. Instead I said in a lightly teasing voice, "So681 you DID want me THIS way..." I grinned to myself, feeling Sakura shift682 a little... not uncomfortably but surely enough embarrassed. Even if683 her mind was older she was still such an innocent creature at times.684 "It's okay. You didn't hurt me and it was the most wonderful gift685 other than your heart that you could ever have given me."686 Sakura's arms tightened around me even more. "I love you. I687 really do. More than anything. That wasn't just because of Love. I688 promise you, I will always love you, forever."689 I lifted my head slightly, meeting her downward gaze of690 unrestrained, unconditional love with one of my own. "I love you, too.691 More than I could ever put into words."693 ******************************695 (Sakura)696 You'd expect after the whole mess I'd feel guilty. You'd expect I697 would want to harm myself for ever letting my urges get the better of698 me. You know what? I really didn't care anymore. The experience was699 just so... glorious. And Tomoyo didn't regret it either. You could see700 it in her body language or every other part of her. She could probably701 be lightening a Christmas tree right now and I surely wasn't very far702 behind.703 I wasn't sure whether or not to give Love a piece of my mind704 when we caught up with it though. On the one hand I knew that705 logically seen the card had pretty much no control over its effect.706 Yet, the timing was rather... inappropriate. I still couldn't believe707 we did THAT down THERE. I mean, sure, I love to treat Tomoyo to708 special things in special places. The cards really like to be useful709 and they really like to make Tomoyo happy too, both of us actually.710 However, this was rather shooting over the top. As I said, now I711 didn't regret it anymore. It was done with and I was not about to712 destroy this eternal memory of a first time with thoughts of713 self-blame and guilt when my... lover looks like I couldn't have714 possibly made her happier today.715 Anyway, after resting a few minutes longer, we finally returned716 to the surface. The recovery was only one reason why I wanted to stay717 down there for awhile. No, and the other was NOT to enjoy the feel of718 Tomoyo's naked form against mine... Kami, I must be blushing madly at719 this thought, I could tell from Tomoyo's almost smug look - Tomoyo and720 smug! No, that had not been the reason... although it was an added721 bonus. Staying still for a short while would allow Love to pass on a722 little further and therefore lessening the chance of a fallback into723 emotional overload.724 I was very glad I decided on that because I REALLY didn't want725 to know what happened up here on - and mostly likely in - the yacht a726 few minutes ago while we had our own encounter below the surface. We727 might have just stood there for another minute or so before either of728 us could override the shock to our system at the scene playing in729 front of us. I glanced at Tomoyo with a totally bewildered look and730 saw my girlfriend - I would stick with that for now, the other term731 sounded TOO mature for our physical age - equally flabbergasted.732 "Didn't you say Love only amplifies what is already there?" she asked.733 I turned pack to the couple at the helm of the yacht, engaged in734 a - pretty intense - lip lock, blissfully unaware of having an735 audience... and probably just as unaware of what they were doing in736 the first place. I shrugged at Tomoyo's question, rather perplexed737 myself. "I honestly have no idea. It's not like even Clow himself738 understood what exactly he created there." Grinning slightly I put my739 hands on my hips and cleared my throat loud enough for the two adults740 to hear.741 There was a very short silence and it seemed as if the world742 itself just stopped breathing for a timeliness moment, awaiting the743 inevitable apocalypse. Then, as if someone dropped a sledgehammer744 between them the two parental figures of our group literally jumped745 several feet apart. Otousan looked rather baffled... well, stupefied746 actually and I could see from the look on Sonomi-kaasan's face that747 was just about turning from speechless consternation into smoldering748 rage that he would probably not survive the following moments if I749 didn't intervene.750 "Save it!" I shouted, drawing their attention immediately and751 succeeding in flustering both of them speech- and motionless again.752 Right now I regretted not explaining to them about the Seal Cards as I753 had done for Tomoyo but I really didn't want to waste anymore time. I754 could sense Love was actually picking up speed... which was strange755 since the paths of the cards were supposed to be stable. "We don't756 have time for this now. There is a card here I need to catch and its757 moving away right now. So if any of you would be kind enough to get us758 moving." Granted, I would normally never take such a... commanding759 tone with my father or Tomoyo's mother. But I knew where this was760 leading when I didn't intervene and I really had no time for this. I761 could feel in every fiber of my being that this was my chance, my only762 chance to change something about the future I had experienced.763 Just that moment Kero-chan choose to make his appearance, coming764 from below deck and looking rather agitated. "What's going on?" He765 looked around at the scene, arching a tiny eyebrow at the still rather766 shell-shocked-looking adults and then turned to me. "Sakura? I felt767 the presence of a card. Is that...?"768 I nodded at his unfinished question, already trying to track769 Love. That was funny, I cold feel something else too. Was that the770 other one? If yes, that would be more coincidence when I believed in.771 Isolating Love for now I felt it rapidly moving westwards.772 "Quick, Otousan, turn the boat around, its picking up speed for773 some reason!" I yelled running to the back of the yacht, staring out774 over the ocean intently. I could see something moving in the distance.775 It was to tiny to really make out and for someone without magic776 probably impossible to see at all.777 Otousan meanwhile had snapped out of his shocked state long778 enough to take over the controls and pull the boat around, pushing the779 engine to top speed. "Tomoyo, get Yukito, I'd rather like everyone780 together and who knows if I might need Yue. Love isn't actually781 dangerous - I think - but I'd rather be safe." Tomoyo nodded and took782 off. I was pretty sure Yue must have sensed what was going on too and783 was probably already on his way. Hopefully he was because I could more784 or less guess what Love did to him and Touya, considering what it did785 to the rest of us. I really hoped Tomoyo wouldn't catch them in an786 embarrassing situation.787 "I better take care of this before we all go crazy trying to go788 near that thing," I said more to myself, only realizing Kero was next789 to me at his squeak when he obviously figured out what exactly I was790 implying. Well, that couldn't be helped now.791 Taking the key from its resting place I invoked its ancient792 powers and drew Time from subspace. Better to fight Fire with Fire, or793 something like that. "Time!" I called out. "Encase us in a bubble of794 your power!" There was a bright flash of crimson-purple energy and the795 sensitive eye could see the dim, almost completely transparent field796 of temporal energy enveloping the yacht. I heard Otousan gasp and797 realized suddenly that he actually could see all this. Of course he798 could, I told myself, since he has part of Clow's magic now.799 "Don't worry, just stay on course." I reached out once again,800 confirming my earlier observation. "See the small object in the801 distance?" Otousan nodded. "Follow it!"802 If I could have it any other way I really wouldn't want to803 endanger everyone. But seeing as if I might never be able to come so804 close again, I had hardly a choice left. Besides, the Seal Cards were805 not really... active. Therefore I hoped it wouldn't be all that806 dangerous.808 ******************************810 (Tomoyo)811 I found them alright. And I found them just as expected in their cabin812 doing... err, the same that we did... Not that I would tell them that.813 Of course I had had the decency to knock or wanted to... until the814 cabin door was flung open and I was almost flattened by an agitated815 Yue. Thinking back on it I should really not be surprised but the816 sudden change from the powerful yet sweet experience below the surface817 and the serious situation above was rather sudden and I was a little818 nervous, I admit. I knew this was important for Sakura - heck, it was819 important for all of us in the long run. I didn't think I've seen820 Sakura so... confident before. She usually was not the type to give821 commands like that. That was a fact that was easily reflected onto her822 cards who she treated more as friends than as tools.823 I hadn't even realized I complied with her order without a824 question before I was halfway below the deck. That was an amazing825 discovery in itself because I found out just then that there was826 something else to Sakura I was sure neither of us had seen so far. The827 attributes of a natural leader. Not some great military genius or828 whatever you want to call the equivalent for a mage. No, years of829 training had given her an air of confidence that often leaked through830 in many aspects of every day life but really developed in a serious831 situation like this one. Making new discoveries about Sakura has832 always been one of my favorite things, especially since I knew so much833 about her already, seeing new things was rare and often served to add834 another special flair to her magnificent personality.835 As I said, I literally bumped into Yue, Touya following looking836 a little as if he just woke up - which might be true. I shot him a837 knowing smirk - to which the older Kinomoto sibling just shrugged and838 grumbled something - before I turned back to Yue. "You better go up.839 Sakura wanted you there just in case. I get it, you are quite aware840 what just passed us?" The faint blush tingling on his cheeks was841 answer enough for me.842 Yue nodded and was already up the stairs before I could make any843 more comments. I glanced back at Tomoyo and raised an eyebrow at his844 questioning stare. Oops, he isn't suspecting anything, is he? The845 young man didn't elaborate on the look, just grinned and then shrugged846 his shoulders. "Let's go up as well. I must admit I am curious. I have847 heard about all this from Sakura and you but I've never really had the848 opportunity to see it."849 Emerging outside a short while later I spotted Sakura standing850 in the middle of the spacious deck, her star wand transformed into a851 size I had never seen before. It was reaching a bit over her head and852 was planted firmly into the ground below. Sakura had her eyes closed,853 seemingly in deep concentration. Kerberos - transformed into his real854 form - and Yue stood a couple of feet behind her and seemed a bit855 unsure about their actual purpose.856 "What's that?" Touya asked next to me and pointed ahead of the857 yacht speeding westwards towards the small group of little isles in858 the distance. Funny, I hadn't noticed them before. There were several859 things I took note of that I know I definitely shouldn't. First of all860 their was a very faint glimmer around the ship. Like a force field of861 some kind. I had felt the emotional increase fade when I went under862 deck and was pretty sure now that whatever Sakura did was responsible863 for it. But I didn't think I should be able to see the magic at all.864 Yet I did and I also saw the sparkling sphere in the distance,865 coming closer very quickly. The orange-golden orb seemed to radiate866 purest light to my eyes.867 "Um... That's Love, I think. I hope the shield is going to hold868 its effects off." I said, not sure why I revealed my knowledge of869 actually seeing all this. I guess I was subtly seeking confirmation870 that I wasn't going crazy. Sakura had told me that Touya's second871 sight was gradually returning so he should be able to pick up those872 things.873 "Yeah, it's heading straight for that isle. I have the feeling874 that is no... wait a second... You can see all this?"875 I shrugged helplessly.876 There was no time for further research on the subject though.877 Sakura's father had finally managed to catch up with what was878 apparently the card. Suddenly the boat jerked, the engine almost879 coming to a complete spot. I flashed Touya a grateful smile for the880 steadying hand but my attention was quickly drawn back to the glowing881 sphere. Love was hanging in the air looking for all it was worth like882 a tiny star in the middle of the day. I was a little surprised at the883 sudden stop in movement but either the card realized that she couldn't884 escape - not that the term was accurate in the first place - or she885 sort of knew what was going to happen. Kero-chan told Sakura once and886 she told me in return that all the Clow Cards were automatically drawn887 to the new Master or Mistress. There was a connection between the one888 that was chosen to become their wielder and the cards themselves. I889 had no idea if this was the case with Love but I believed it to be890 very likely.891 I could see the sprite-form of the card - another thing I wasn't892 sure whether I was supposed to do this or no - and Love looked a893 little confused and uncertain. There was something else there though.894 I didn't know how I could tell. It wasn't my observations skills that895 much I was sure of. However, somehow I just KNEW that Love was896 tremendously lonely.897 Glancing at Sakura I waited to see what she would do or if she898 detected the same thing I just did. The Card Mistress had applied a899 lot of unorthodox methods capturing some of the Clow Cards, often900 rather trying to make the cards trust her and let themselves be901 captured rather than to engage into a heated battle. Therefore I902 wasn't really surprised seeing Sakura's tense and concentrated903 demeanor suddenly change. For a moment confusion crossed her features904 before she relaxed, her eyes softening and her grip around the staff905 not so firm anymore.906 Kerberos and Yue were about to move forward when without even a907 command Fly's wings materialized on Sakura's back. My girlfriend908 looked back with a reassuring smile that halted the two guardians even909 though one could tell they weren't really fond off the idea.910 The winged girl was about to ascend, then stopped and turned a911 look in my direction. Her eyes finding mine. Quite frankly I had no912 idea what exactly happened but when Sakura held out a hand towards me913 I stepped forward and took it in my own without a word. There was not914 even the thought of hesitation or surprise when I felt something wash915 over and through my body. Identical wings to the ones Sakura was916 sporting burst into existence but my movements were almost917 trance-like. Only one thing was for sure that I trusted Sakura,918 complete and unconditional trust. The level of communication at this919 moment was higher than anything before and somehow we just knew what920 we had to do.921 To the casual observers though - even the magical-apt ones - the922 moment we were on a level with the spectral figure of Love, we923 literally vanished from sight.925 TBC (soon)927 Author's Notes929 Yes, I know I am evil.930 I said it would be two parts and I actually planned this out a little931 differently. The second part was supposed to take place some time932 later. Love was supposed to be captured already... I just realized933 that for what I wanted to do I had to do it in a shorter period of934 time and the ending was just such a nice point to end the first part.935 Don't worry though. I suppose I'll be out with the next part very936 soon. Maybe even before Christmas (don't hold me to that).937 I hope I managed to describe the emotions in here in the way I wanted938 them to be represented. This installment started a little slow on the939 writing side but began to pick up pace and intensity fast.940 I admit the moment I chose to reveal about what the Seal Cards are was941 rather... odd. Forgive me please, Maia decided to let this story run942 wild halfway through, I actually planned on... say, two more scenes943 from the start of the trip... I really think it's awkward and maybe I944 actually add those later on. Please tell me if it seems too out of945 place and I change that.946 Anyway, things are slowly picking up on the suspense end. The last947 part will probably actually have some action and wrap things up for948 that little pre-series.949 I am not sure if I’ll write the actual lemon scene or not. I planned950 to but am not so certain right now.952 I hope you enjoyed yourselves again. If you did, then leave me a note953 (mail, review whatever).955 Ja ne, yours957 Matthias