The Past Returns

A Tale of Magic and Love

A sunbeam shone brightly through a crack in the blinds, illuminating Sakura's face as she slept. The warmth of the sun felt like a gentle embrace, a stark contrast to the turmoil of the night before. Slowly, Sakura opened her eyes, her gaze moving around the room. The soft, golden light filtered through the blinds, casting a warm and reassuring glow. Turning to her side, Sakura couldn't help but smile as she looked at her small guardian, Kero, who was still lost in his dreams, muttering something about food. Sakura's giggle, though soft, felt like music in her ears, a sign that her heart was lighter. Stretching out her arms above her head, Sakura let out a contented sigh. The weight that had pressed upon her chest the night before had lifted, and a newfound sense of calm washed over her. She looked at Kero, grateful for his silent support. "Thanks, Kero, for listening to me last night," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I'll make you something really nice to eat today as a thank you."

As she spoke those words, Sakura felt a renewed sense of determination and purpose. The emotional storm had passed, leaving behind a clear and hopeful morning. The room, once dim and suffocating, now felt like a haven of warmth and comfort.

-------

Fujitaka was busy cooking breakfast in the kitchen as Sakura walked in.

"Morning, Dad," Sakura greeted with a smile, sitting down at the table.

"Good morning, Sakura. How did you sleep?" Fujitaka asked his daughter, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Sakura hesitated, her gaze dropping to her plate. With a touch of regret in her voice, she admitted, "Well, you see, I summoned one of my Cards without my Star Staff and flew off out the window."

Fujitaka's expression shifted to a thoughtful frown. "Yes, I know. Touya told me last night about what happened, although there are a few missing pieces I would like to know."

Sakura took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her actions. "I let my emotions get the better of me, and my magic got out of control, but I promise to work hard at this and not let it happen again."

Fujitaka smiled warmly at Sakura as he reached out to ruffle her hair. "That's my girl. We all make mistakes, but it's how we learn and grow from them that matters."

Sakura glanced up at her father, a mix of emotions swirling in her eyes. "I do have a question, though, Dad. How did I get home after I passed out?"

Fujitaka's eyes softened. "Li brought you home along with Touya and Yukito last night. Li made sure you were safe and in bed."

"Syaoran? Syaoran was there? How did he know about last night?" Sakura asked, her confusion evident.

"Touya called him after you took off last night," her father explained calmly.

Sakura was speechless for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise. She never expected her brother to reach out to Syaoran, let alone ask for his help.

Fujitaka, sensing her thoughts, spoke up. "You can talk to him tonight; he's staying for dinner."

Sakura looked at her father in amazement, then a bright smile crossed her face. She got to her feet and hugged him tightly, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and a growing determination to mend her relationships and become a more responsible Cardcaptor.

----

At the Li residence, Syaoran was engrossed in his sword practice in his bedroom, the steel blade slicing through the air with precision. While Meilin was attempting culinary exploits in the kitchen, the clatter of pans and the occasional muttered exclamation evidence of her efforts.

Syaoran, lost in his training, was caught off guard when his bedroom door swung open, slamming against the wall.

"Guess who's here, Syaoran? Kinomoto!" Meilin grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling.

"Ah!" Syaoran jumped, nearly cutting his hand as he tried to regain his composure. "Meilin, please don't burst into my bedroom like that."

Meilin grinned, unapologetic. "Sorry, I couldn't resist. But seriously, guess who's here?"

Syaoran blinked, his mind still catching up. "Wait. Sakura is here?"

"Yes!" Meilin replied with a hint of frustration. Syaoran's reaction was almost comical.

Sakura's grin greeted Syaoran as he rushed into the living room, his heart racing from the surprise.

"Sakura, what are you doing here?" Syaoran asked, attempting to regain his composure.

"My dad told me that my brother asked for your help last night," Sakura replied, her gaze unwavering.

Syaoran ran a hand through his tousled hair, still trying to catch his breath. "I must admit, I was taken aback by your call, and then hearing your brother's voice on the line... I thought I was in for a stern lecture."

Sakura nodded, her curiosity evident in her expressive eyes, which carried a hint of determination. Unspoken emotions lingered between them, creating a charged atmosphere.

"I never anticipated that your brother would reach out to me for help," Syaoran confessed, shifting his weight with a hint of unease.

Sakura couldn't help but let out a nervous chuckle. "Well, it might have something to do with me summoning one of my Cards without my Star Staff, all while my emotions were running high." She chuckled again, finding the absurdity of it all amusing. Syaoran's amber eyes widened in astonishment.

"Sakura!" Syaoran exclaimed, a blend of astonishment and worry colouring his voice. He promptly moderated his tone, keenly observing the hint of fear in Sakura's gaze.

"I'm sorry, Syaoran, I didn't mean to. Really, I didn't do it on purpose," Sakura replied, her voice tinged with profound sadness. She averted her gaze from Syaoran. "Thank you for last night; I appreciate it."

As a solitary tear traced its path down her cheek, Syaoran tenderly cupped her face, his thumb gently wiping it away. Sakura's eyes met his, and for a moment, the world seemed to dissolve around them.

Now, with her gaze fixed on him, Sakura yielded to an irresistible impulse. She wrapped her arms around his neck, closing the gap between them with deliberate steps. Syaoran's fiery amber eyes locked onto hers, holding her in an enchanting trance. They closed their eyes in unison, drawn together like magnets in slow-motion. Their hearts raced, yet beat in perfect synchrony. As their arms tightened around each other, they were pulled irresistibly closer, and their knees grew weak. They leaned into the embrace, suspended in a moment that seemed to stretch infinitely

A/N; (Edited 22/04/24)

Cliff-hanger!!! Oh my god. I wonder what will happen next?