Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ The Subtle Knife ❯ Chapter 4

Chapter 4! *Authoress grins*

There's no romance yet. These things do take time to develop, and I can't see Syaoran or Yue as the romantic type, really…

Cards talk in italics! And no, I don't own CCS no matter how much I wish I did! There, I've disclaimed and now you can't sue me.

Chapter 4

 

You have a nice voice.

“You're exaggerating, Song. The only reason I was able to sing for that long was because you were with me.”

The spirit shook her head. You have a fine voice. But I don't think Voice will run off with it. Master Yue wouldn't be too pleased. Besides, he liked your singing.

“I suppose, since he didn't tell me to stop.”

No! He honestly did…

“I couldn't tell. I'm just glad it wasn't something else he wanted.” He gave an involuntary shudder. If Yue had wanted…

No, he wouldn't dwell on that now.

“Song, may I ask you a personal question?”

Of course you may ask, Syaoran, but whether I answer is my decision...

“Was… was Yue - I mean, Yue-sama in love with Clow Reed?”

Song gave a single nod, and then shook her head, no more words. He got the picture. This topic was not to be discussed within the castle.

Well, that made sense. Yue was truly loyal to Clow's memory then. Clow had been gone for almost a hundred years…

A hundred years…

He stopped short, and began mentally calculating…

That fit the time frame Ruby Moon was concocting perfectly, and yes… so she wanted him to kill Yue before a hundred years were up. Why?

He had no idea. He didn't' like that feeling. “Is there a library in this castle anywhere?”

I'll show you. Song took Syaoran's hand and dragged him down several flights of stairs. Crystallized bookshelves spiraled to the ceiling, covered with lengthy tomes.

Syaoran thanked her, and then buried himself in his reading.

It was time to do some research.

 

Several days and dusty books later, Syaoran was no closer to his goal than he had been. He was now practically living in the library, only leaving to bathe and eat, and even then, Create had helpfully placed his room right next door…

Yue was annoyed.

 

“No.”

But Yue-sama, if I go without you, Cerberus-sama will! Firey protested.

“That brother of mine… wait. He threatened you?” Yue's voice had dropped to absolute zero level.

Firey quailed underneath his glare. Well… I couldn't speak ill of Cerberus-sama…

“It's not that hard to understand. Yes or no?”

Firey flushed. I-I shouldn't say anything else…

“Well, you've already spoken. What did he do?”

Firey gulped. He said… that if you didn't come, then…. He'd send me to wreck your palace and drive you out…

Yue narrowed his eyes. What was Cerberus up to?

The sun guardian was overstepping his bounds. This was Yue's country. He had no wish to leave, but threatening the cards, well… that was another matter.

“Very well. I shall go.”

Thank you, Yue-sama!

“I'm not doing it for your sake. Leave.”

Snow looked sympathetic as she escorted Firey out.

 

How long has he been like this?

Who knows? His grief still plagues him.

Poor Yue-sama…

Shh! Don't say such things! They will make him angry…

How can you stand it here, Snow?

Perhaps it is because I fall under the control of the moon, but we are all cold, as cold as he, so they say, so it matters not…

Firey nodded, as she waved her sister farewell and flew off.

 

“So he'll come?”

Firey nodded.

“That's all. Dismissed. I'm sure Yue will be happy when he sees what I've gotten for him! It'll get him out of his rut if nothing else does!”

I hope so, Cerberus-sama… * for both our sakes… *

 

“Syaoran.”

His head snapped up, and he hastily put down his book and went into a bow as Yue entered the library.

“I am journeying to the Sun Kingdom tomorrow. You are to accompany me as my attendant. The climate is far too warm for any of my card spirits.”

“Yes, Yue-sama.” He said, polite as always.

“Prepare whatever luggage you deem necessary. We shall stay no more than a week.”

“Yes, Yue-sama.”

“That is all.” Yue left, and Syaoran hid a sigh.

This was more complicated than he had thought…

“Will you be all right?”

I'll be fine. Freeze reassured him. And the others fear not the heat…

Syaoran nodded, then frowned. Did he actually care about the Cards? Impossible! They were only with him because…. No.

These four had chosen him, chosen to accompany him, for some reason that he could not fathom, and Snow and Song, also, seemed to be…

Why were they helping him get close to Yue?

Surely they knew he intended to kill the moon guardian? Why, then? Was it because, as Fight had said, that he had not hurt Yue yet?

But he would have to, correct? Eventually…

 

Yue was on his way upstairs when he frowned. Syaoran still wore those gray garments he had worn when he had first entered Yue's service. Though they were laundered every two days while he slept, it simply wouldn't do…

He had counted the weapons the musician carried, four daggers and a sword, and against Fight, he had proven himself.

However, his talent seemed to lie in music and not in the martial arts, so Yue hadn't bothered to confiscate his weapons. It was highly doubtful that even if Syaoran were to attempt an assassination, he would succeed.

“Create, he needs suitable clothes to wear to Cerberus's land. Prepare him several garments in white, properly ornamented.”

Yes, Yue-sama… the palace whispered…

 

Syaoran returned to his room to find three sets of clothing lay out on his bed. They were all pristine white, Chinese-style jacket and pants, heavily worked with silver thread and even the slight glitter of sapphires of diamonds. The pants were simple enough, and after a quick shower, he changed into them, followed by a simple white shirt, but with protection magic - Shield's work, Snow whispered to him - woven in deftly, and over that, an elegant robe of sheer white silk worked with silver… He slipped his feet into slippers of more white and silver, marveling at the perfect fit, but of course, Create was magical…

What on earth should he pack though? He hadn't been here long enough to ascertain Yue's habits, besides his desire to be left alone.

Just in case though, his flute and weapons went into his pack, along with the extra clothes. Well, if they were going to Cerberus's palace, they would most likely have good service… so no need to pack food and all that… a few books he was currently studying… he sighed and finished. Well, hopefully, this was enough…

 

End Chapter

Completed 5/25/05

Yue: …

Phantomness: Well, I'll have to write romance sometime I suppose…