Syaoran's Special: Small Wolf’s Most Precious Birthday

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Japan, July 13…

"I can’t believe you caught a cold on your birthday,” Sakura said reproachfully, bringing a tray with a water glass and pills up to Syaoran’s bedside.

“I can’t either,” Syaoran replied dryly, propped up against his pillows in the bed covered with a deep forest green blanket. Though he took a sip of the icy glass of water, he tossed the pill aside.

Wrinkling her nose, Sakura commented, “You won’t get better if you don’t take your medicine. Anyway, you still didn’t tell me what made you stand outside in the cold rain for hours. That was plain stupid.”

Smiling sadly, Syaoran remembered how the previous day, he had received a phone call from his eldest uncle, who was the second head of the Li Clan and his father’s eldest brother. Sakura had been out with her friends, supposedly buying him a present at that time.

Coughing up as he did whenever Uncle Wutai spoke to him, he had said, “Uncle? Ah, I wasn’t expecting you…”

“Of course I would call for my nephew’s birthday; it’s tomorrow, right? July thirteenth?” his uncle had replied. “It’s almost been a year since you left home.”

At that moment, Syaoran wished that it had been his youngest uncle calling, the one he liked best. Yet, it was his least favorite uncle. He feebly corrected, “It’s been three quarters of a year.”

“Same thing. The most important years of your life, and you’re idling off far from home. Remember, you are not just anyone, Syaoran, you are representing the mighty Li Clan who bears the blood of the celestial Dragon Emperor of China,” his eldest uncle stated, without hiding the disapproval in his voice. “When I was your age, I was training in seclusion the arts of the most complex sword fighting, meditating and polishing up my skills.”

“I bet you had no life,” muttered Syaoran under his breath. From childhood, he had never liked this stiff, proper uncle, who had apparently despised his father as well.

“Excuse me?”

“Ah, I said that I’m not idling off. I’m busy here, fighting off the Dark Ones, and getting first hand training to the level which I will never have at home,” Syaoran hastened to reply. He couldn’t help chuckling, for he certainly improved in making excuses. When he was younger, he would never have dared to talk back to his sharp-tongued, critical uncle.

Scoffing, his uncle asked, “You call that training? I call it more of foolishness, helping a girl who used to be your rival and someone you shamefully lost to for control over the Clow Cards, which rightfully belong to the Li family. Just like your father. Losing to some silly senseless girl with no association to the Ancient World of the Great Five Force Magicians.”

“What do you know about my father?”Syaoran retorted hotly.

“Well, you’re old enough to know now. My younger brother, Ryuuren, was a naïve fool to fall in love with a young Japanese girl and forget his whole mission of tracking the Clow Card Book and bringing it to our family. I knew it was a mistake to make a 17-year-old boy pass the Li Clan Ordeal and become our Chosen One. Thank goodness he came to his senses and returned to Hong Kong before he caused any more damage. It was bad enough that he failed to accomplish his mission. Then, the prominent Li family went ahead and made a 10 year old boy their new Chosen One. It was insanity to make a little boy the Chosen One; in my days, the Chosen One was well over twenty, sometimes thirty, a warrior who had proved his worth to the Clan. And sure enough, the son also screwed up the second chance to take the Clow Cards.”

In a cold voice, Syaoran stated, “I don’t mind you criticizing me most honorable Uncle Wutai, and I deeply apologize for my disappointments to the family. But don’t criticize my father. Don’t act like you know; you’ll never understand what Father went through. If you could have done any better, you should have tried to be the Chosen One in your time; but even if you tried, you wouldn’t have accomplished anything because you are close-minded. You don’t know love, and you don’t know honor, courage, and faith. The time had arrived for us to open into a New World, where we accept the new changes and the new flow of thought. The reason why Father was the Chosen One was not because of his extraordinary coordination, skill, or powers. It was because he could learn and take that extra leap to fight against all odds.”

His uncle dissolved into a violent fit of coughing. His nephew had never spoken to him in that tone before. It was as if… as if Li Ryuuren, his youngest brother, as alive again. The voice, that cocky attitude coming from the young boy—it was the same. He remembered after Ryuuren had returned from Japan, he had changed from a hot-tempered boy to a mature young man. When he mocked Ryuuren for failing to bring back the Clow Cards, Ryuuren had replied calmly, “You don’t understand anything, do you brother. This experience wasn’t about a mission. What I went through for the past two years wasn’t about winning or losing—it was about struggling, fighting with the truth, finding who I am inside. Some times were painful, some times were joyful. Yet, the two years spent built me to a stronger person—or else, I would never have survived the last battle. I would never have been to leave the one I loved if I didn’t learn to become the unwavering person I am now. I don’t care what the family thinks of me; I have no regrets. But don’t think you know better than me.”

Dark chestnut haired, blazing sapphire eyed, handsome Ryuuren was still vivid in Syaoran’s uncle’s mind. Li Wutai hadn’t been sad when Ryuuren passed away. Yet, he felt ashamed of this fact. Finally, he replied rigidly, “Syaoran, I didn’t mean to criticize your father. I’m just wishing the best for you. I don’t want you to waste your life.”

“I think I know what is best for myself,” Syaoran answered coldly. “My life is my life.”

“Well, it is what I would wish for my son, were he alive,” his uncle replied, putting on a hurt tone. “Are you sure you don’t want to come back.”

Something in Syaoran’s heart jolted. What his uncle would wish for his son, if he was alive. Li Leiyun. For a moment, Syaoran had almost forgotten that Leiyun, his favorite cousin, had been the son of his least favorite uncle. A coldness swept through Syaoran? Leiyun. Would he have carried out the mission better if he was the Chosen One? Yet, he was dead. Nothing he could do about it. Cutting the conversation short, Syaoran said, “Thank you for calling me Uncle, but no, I will not go back until I am ready to.” Then, he hung up the phone.

Afterwards, he had a sudden rush to run, escape, break free. Instead, he calmly walked outside, taking a deep breath of the musty humid night air. There was a strange urge in which he wanted to see Sakura right at that moment. And it impossible, since Sakura was out with her friends. Living a few months with her in the same apartment made him take her for granted. Sakura running around in the morning, finding her school tie and the other pair of her knee socks. Sakura waiting for him after school, when soccer ending. Running to the school production rehearsals together. Cooking meals, squabbling, doing laundry. Talking together during nighttime.

He had been forgetting his duty to his family. Not once during the past months had he thought about being the Chosen One—the one chosen to represent the Li Clan and put aside everything to do what was best for the family. His father did that. He gave up his love for Nadeshiko and returned to his family.

As he stood outside, thinking, it began drizzling, then pouring. Summer rain matted his dark brown hair to his forehead, trickled down his forehead, and soaked his shirt.

It seemed like hours later, when Sakura came back, holding a green umbrella. His green umbrella. As she came down the dark path leading to the apartment, she squinted, and then gasped. Running up to the soaked Syaoran, she exclaimed, “Syaoran! What are you doing, standing here and getting all soaked?”To her surprise, he toppled over against her.

His amber eyes focused again, and he croaked, “Eh? I was waiting for you.”

Steadying Syaoran, Sakura asked, “In the rain? Why? You could have waited in the house.”

“Did you notice the all stars are gone?” Syaoran murmured, gazing up at the clouded night sky.

“Hoe?” Sakura turned around. “Well, if you want to watch stars, you should go more into the countryside.”

“Watching Vega of Lyra always made me feel safe. Vega’s gone, also...  But you’re here, Sakura."

“Are you sure you’re all right?” Sakura asked, concerned, pressing her palm to his forehead. It was burning hot. “You have a fever! Figures, you’re all wet. Come, let’s go inside.”

Overnight, Syaoran caught a severe cold; the first time in five or so years.

~~~~~~

“I thought you never got sick.” Sakura stated, as she fiddled with the flower vase, adjusting some pink Chinese peonies, Syaoran’s favorite flower. The sweet aroma of the flower drifted through Syaoran’s bedroom. “I feel bad. I wanted to give you a great birthday, like the one that you gave me. I was going to invite everyone and have a big party for you.”

“It’s all right,” Syaoran said in a muffled voice, reaching for more tissue. He didn’t really fancy big parties, anyway.

“Can’t I use the Heal card on?”Sakura asked.

“No. I told you to only use it for important things,” he told her impatiently.

“Well, don’t you consider yourself important?”

“Not really,” Syaoran replied, shrugging. Why wouldn’t that pounding headache go away?

“I should get you some honey milk, then,” Sakura concluded. “Onii-chan always does that for me. Oh, do you remember when you got sick, back in the Clow Cards days, and I came over to make you honey milk?” I think that was the first time I saw you in pajamas. It was cute, seeing the tough and mighty Syaoran in green pajamas. “You remember that time though, right?

“I’m not sure,” Syaoran replied blandly.

“Oh.” Sakura looked crestfallen. “Well, rest for now. Call me if you need anything.”

Syaoran watched Sakura gently shut his door, her emerald eyes downcast. Of course he remembered. He remembered the joy he felt when he saw that Sakura had worried about him and came over to his house to make delicious, warm honey milk when he was sick, back in elementary school. They had been rivals, but she had cared for him like a friend. He remembered that strange, warm feeling he felt in his mind as he repeated her name in his mind. Sakura. It came so naturally to his mouth now, yet at one point, he only called her a rude form of “you,” omae. Why did he hurt her and say that he didn’t remember that time? He had an urge to call her back and tell her that he remembered, and thank her for that moment. Yet, he didn’t.

To Syaoran, special days and holidays didn’t mean much. Another day was just another day. It was the prominent Li clan’s tradition for the father to teach his son the skills to become a warrior of the clan. Yet, at the young age of three, his father, Li Ryuuren had passed away. Being the youngest of four sisters and an eccentric mother didn’t help the situation. This led to Syaoran depending mostly on his elder cousin, Li Leiyun, who was seven years older than himself.

Li Leiyun, son of the eldest of Syaoran’s uncles, Uncle Wutai, had been the pride of the family, for even at a young age, he had shown promising swordsmanship, discipline, responsibility and the virtues of a true Li warrior. With friendly sky blue eyes and an encouraging smile, Leiyun had always kept an eye of Syaoran, almost like a real brother. It was Leiyun who told Syaoran most about his father, Li Ryuuren, for Leiyun had been close to his uncle before he passed away.

Syaoran’s earliest memories was that of endless toiling and training of martial arts, struggling to hold up a sword about as big as he was tall, and being whacked off balance when he made a mistake. Yet, once in a while, this thought flickered. He tried to keep a cool, emotionless exterior, yet inside, he was as vulnerable as any other boy, though he did not admit it to himself. While much of his earlier childhood was dim in his mind, Syaoran still clearly remembered his fifth birthday, which had been his happiest one.

~~~~~~

Syaoran, age 5, Hong Kong…

“Hayaa!!!” Young Syaoran at age five spun around and kicked out with his short yet supple right leg and attempted to flip over and land across the training field with a smooth stick. He landed in an awkward position, head of heels.

Little Meilin, also age five, ran up to him and asked, “Syaoran!!! Are you all right?”

Giving a gruff grunt for an answer, Syaoran stood up again, brushed the dirt off his training clothes, and began the staff drill once more.

“Aunt Ieran,” Li Leiyun, age twelve, began. “For a little boy, Syaoran is far too serious. He needs to play around and have fun like the other children.”

Sighing, Ieran, Syaoran’s mother, replied, “I do agree. Yet, he such a solemn boy. He doesn’t really fit in with the other children. And he himself stated that he’d rather be training and become a warrior.”

Ruefully smiling, Leiyun commented, “I shouldn’t have told him so many stories about Uncle Ryuuren. But Syaoran always asked about Uncle Ryuuren, and I always told him how Uncle was a brave and heroic warrior, the Li Clan Chosen One and the Bearer of the Li Five Force Sword.”

“Oh, Ryuuren wasn’t that perfect of a person,” Ieran said, smiling. “He was only human. Not only was he hot-tempered, grouchy and selfish, but stubborn and obstinate; he always had to have things his way. All the same, I chased after him madly when I was a girl.”

Surprised, Leiyun asked, “You did, Aunt? But both you and Uncle Ryuuren seem like such perfect people.”

Laughing, Ieran replied, “Far from that. Although, Ryuuren did improve after he came back from Japan, let’s see? He left when he was 17, and came back one or two years later. We married soon after he came back, at such an early age. Which maybe was lucky because he died early. But never mind that. I don’t see why you would envy us, Leiyun. You are the pride of our family now.”

Bashfully, Leiyun ducked his head. His light tan hair blew in the July wind. “Actually, I was just thinking that Syaoran’s birthday is coming up soon. And I would like your permission on something.”

“Go ahead. It’s yours. Your fifth birthday present,” Syaoran’s mother told him gently on a bright summer morning of July 13th, leading little Syaoran to a large box.

Puzzled, Syaoran stared up with round amber eyes, and asked, “Birthday present?” It was like a foreign word to him. Hesitantly, he opened the lid of the box.

“Arf! Arf arf!!!?A tiny puppy jumped out of the box and began licking little Syaoran’s face. For a second, Syaoran looked astounded, and gazed up at Leiyun and his mother, then at his four sisters.

Bending down, Leiyun held the puppy still for Syaoran to see. The little golden puppy squirmed, but at the same time panted happily. Leiyun added, “It’s a month old puppy. A golden retriever; the most faithful and loyal of dogs. Your own pet.”

“Golden retwiever?” Syaoran repeated, staring at the frisky dog. “For me?” He didn’t even have to hold out his arms; the puppy jumped right up on his laps and rubbed its nose on Syaoran’s shirt. For a second, Syaoran looked startled, then broke out laughing. It was a change to have a boy’s childish laughter ring through the house. It was rare that Syaoran laughed. He squeezed the puppy into a tight hug; his head hung down and his chestnut brown bangs covered his eyes. Finally he whispered, “Thank you.”

Leiyun understood his little cousin’s feelings. Yet, he had a strange feeling that if Syaoran would have tears in his eyes if he knew how to cry. Yet, Syaoran was different from other children, somewhat queer. He never cried. He never showed much emotion.

Ruffling Syaoran’s hair, Leiyun said, “It’s all right. Now, what are you going to name him?”

Silently, Syaoran stared down at his puppy. What would his father have named the golden retriever, his favorite type of dog? Without a second thought, he stated, “Vega.”

“Eh? What kind of puppy name is that?” asked Fanren, one of his four sisters, laughing out loud.

“Don’t you even know the star constellation?” little Syaoran asked impatiently. “Vega, the brightest star of the Lyre constellation.”

“You remembered that your father’s favorite star was Vega of Lyra, didn’t you?”Leiyun asked.

Smiling brightly, Syaoran nodded.

“Vega of the Lyre?” his sister, murmured. “Hmm? it doesn’t exactly sound like a name for a dog.”

“How about ‘Eagle’ for a nickname?” Leiyun suggested.

Syaoran’s mother chuckled, “Why don’t you just call him ‘Dog?’”

Shaking his head, Leiyun explained, “Vega, in Latin means Swooping Eagle, I think.”

“Eagle,” Syaoran pronounced; he liked the sound of it, powerful, yet smooth, vibrant and deep. The puppy replied with a bark.

So, the nickname Eagle stuck to Vega, Syaoran’s faithful golden retriever.

End of Syaoran’s  fifth birthday flashback…

~~~~~~

“Sakura, what’s your favorite star?” Syaoran asked, as he walked out of his room a while later, plopping on the couch, his head feeling wooly from the cold.

“I told you to stay in bed because you’re sick,” Sakura scolded, shutting the oven. “You never listen to me.”

“I can’t stand just lying in bed doing nothing,” Syaoran grumbled.

Sakura untied her apron and walked over to the living room, sitting on the sofa facing Syaoran. She sighed. “I guess this must be your worst birthday, being cooped up inside with a cold.”

“Hardly,” Syaoran replied. “My worst one was my tenth; the Li Clan Elders made me climb this really high mountain and pass all these difficult obstacles up there, supposedly passing the test to officially become the Chosen One. It was awful. I was tempted to give up the whole thing. But, that would be breaking my word, and I was stubborn, so I endured it.”

“Oh.” Quickly, Sakura’s mind processed that Syaoran’s tenth birthday would have been soon after his cousin, Leiyun’s death. She still remembered one thundering night, when Syaoran gave her a glimpse of his childhood. At that time, she had felt closer to him than ever before. For some reason, she had a strong urge to reach out and take Syaoran’s hand in hers.

Then, Syaoran continued, “But, it was also my most prideful and significant birthday. The elders officially named me the new Chosen One of the Li Clan. The Inner Council of Elders had accepted me. I decided at that point that I will win no matter what and fight till the end, that I won’t disappoint my family. Then…”

“Then?” Sakura tilted her head, questioningly.

Ruefully, he replied, “Then I met you.”

This made Sakura jump. What did that mean? She asked straightly, “Do you regret it? It was because of me that you didn’t become the Clow Card Master.”

“No, I don’t regret it,” Syaoran replied. When Syaoran could barely walk, he had promised his father that he would become a strong warrior like him. Though Li Ryuuren did not live to see Syaoran grow, Syaoran held his father in his heart. The other promise he made was to always protect Sakura. He never wanted to break either vows.

“You know, we never exactly fought each other straight out. We only competed with each other over the Clow Cards. If we ever fought each other face to face, you would have won. You had more experience, power, and motivation.”

Shaking his head, Syaoran corrected, “No, I wasn’t more powerful than you.”

“You know you’re lying. You know you could have won me,” Sakura replied. “Yet, you never challenged me to fight and instead always helped me and protected me.”

How do you think I could fight someone I loved? Syaoran thought.

There was an uncomfortable, melancholy silence. To lighten the mood, Sakura asked, “Well, what was your happiest birthday, then?”

Slightly grinning, Syaoran replied, “I guess my fifth. I didn’t have that many memorable birthdays, anyway. Leiyun and my family got me a puppy, a golden retriever.”

“The most faithful of dogs,” Sakura murmured.

“Right,” Syaoran replied, suddenly looking much happier since yesterday.

“I never had any pets, unless you count Kero-chan. It would be nice to have a dog for a companion. I always wanted one."

"He he... I can be your faithful pet, if you want me to," Syaoran suggested, bending his head down for Sakura to pet. Laughing, Sakura petted Syaoran's tousled soft brown hair. It surprised her that such cute, childish sides existed to Syaoran.

"Hmm... A Syao-chan for a pet... seems like a good idea!" Sakura said.

Turning more serious, Syaoran commented, “It was an odd birthday present, since at that time, I didn’t really care for pets.”

“What did you name the puppy?”

Rather embarrassed, Syaoran mumbled, “Vega. Do you know the star, Vega of the Lyre? My father pointed out the constellation to me when I was little, telling me it’s the star that he always wished upon. I have no idea where the North Star is, but I know where Vega lies in the sky. So I named my dog Vega. Don’t laugh; I was only five at that time, okay?”

“Hey, I’m not laughing. I think it’s a perfectly good name for a puppy. It’s really pretty. There’s a chord about it that I like. Vega? It’s a name I heard before, I don’t remember where, though. That’s what you meant last night, when you were standing outside in the rain. You were trying to see Vega, the star. Your father’s favorite star.”

“Eh? Yeah.?Yesterday, he had been standing in the rain, staring at the sky, angry and confused by his Uncle’s phone call. Had Leiyun been alive, what would he have done? Would he have become the Chosen One? Then, Syaoran would never have come to Japan or disappointed his family. What would his father have done in the same situation? He had returned to his family. No, he didn’t want to think about it, not on his birthday. “I wonder why that star was Father's favorite star. Thinking about it, though Vega was the puppy’s given name, I called him Eagle. Vega means ‘Falling or Swooping Eagle.’”

"Hmm... Swooping Eagle... there's something mysterious and romantic about it."

Chuckling, he said, “When I was little, I imagined that my father would be watching from that star, since I had the ridiculous notion that people became stars when they died, and it seemed logical to me that my father would become his favorite star when he died. And I had an even more ridiculous notion that my father sent the golden retriever to earth to look after me. .”

The faithful golden had followed him everywhere. Eagle had been Syaoran’s first and only pet. One of the rare times that Syaoran ever lost his temper in public was when he found several middle school students bullying Eagle, throwing rocks at him and mocking him. The bullies should have known better than to mess with something that belonged to him. At the age of seven, Syaoran beat up five 14 year olds (who happened to be Leiyun’s classmates.) Leiyun had a good laugh about it later on, and his classmates couldn’t face anyone in school anymore, being beat by a fierce first grader. Of course Syaoran had been scolded heavily by his mother for displaying his martial arts skills to common people.

“I don’t think it’s a ridiculous idea that people become stars when they die," Sakura remarked. "I thought my mother became an angel who always looked over me when she died and who knows? Angels may appear in the form of serenely glimmering stars to humans.? She didn’t notice that Syaoran was staring at her intently with a half dreamy expression.

“It’s a fascinating philosophy,” he murmured. “Only you would think of such a thing.”

Sakura didn’t know whether it was a compliment or not. She perceived it as the latter, then she exclaimed, “There! I remember where I heard the name before! Do you know the legend about Vega? My father told it to me when I was little. Or maybe it was my mother. I don’t remember.”

“How does it go?”

“Let’s see, once upon a time, there a beautiful Princess Weaver called Orihime, daughter of the Emperor Tentei of the heavens. Orihime wove skillfully, and her father was proud of this, yet after a while, her work grew tedious. One day, she met the brave young shepherd, Kengyuu, who dwelled across the river, the Milky Way, on Earth. Soon, they grew to love each other. Their time spend together was blissful and happy and for the first time, they both found something beyond work—the joy of love. Yet, when the Emperor found out about this, he grew very angry. The lovers had neglected their work; Orihime hadn’t woven and Kengyuu had neglected his fields. The Emperor took Orihime back to the Heavens. After a while, he realized how sad his daughter was and how much she loved the Shepherd, but he wouldn't yield to their love. Though the Shepherd tried to reach the Princess, the river Milky Way, kept him from her.”

“Another sappy love story,” Syaoran interjected.

“Yet, it still meaningful,” Sakura retorted. “Anyway, I’m not finished. The two still loved each other deeply and were in despair. So, the celestial magpies helped them by forming a bridge across the river, so that the two could meet each other. After seeing how inseparable the two were, the Emperor finally consented to letting the two unite once a year, in the seventh day of the seventh month. Now, on July seventh, there is a festival in Japan called the Tanabata, which is celebrating the meeting of the Princess and the Shepherd. And if it isn’t raining, you would be able to see the Princess Weaver, or the star, Vega of the Lyre, and her Shepherd, the star Altair cross on the Milky Way. Yet, it often rains on July seventh, which is said to be the tears of the Princess.”

“I’ve heard a story like that before, also,” Syaoran said after a while. “I think it originated from China, but I never heard the end.”

“I always thought it was beautiful? I completely forgot about it till now…” Heaving a sigh, Sakura regretted, “Too bad I didn’t find out that your favorite star is Vega, though. I would have taken you to the Tanabata festival, five days ago. Though I’ve only been to a few Tanabata festivals, it’s really fun watching the stars and writing wishes on bamboo sticks. I promise to take you, next year. Promise?” She held out her pinky.

Nodding, Syaoran hooked his pinky to hers. He didn’t know if he would still be in Japan next year, but who cared? “Make me another yukata, too!” he said, grinning. Though it didn’t fit him anymore, he still kept the blue and white striped yukata that Sakura had made him when they were eleven, for a Japanese festival. He still remember how she had spent a week of sleepless nights, making it for him and ending up bandaging all of her fingers.

“Hoe~ You know how hard it was to make you one? Now, you’re a lot bigger, too, so it will be twice as hard,” Sakura cried in dismay.

At that moment, a large banging came on the window. Startled, Syaoran and Sakura drew back.

A bird popped in.

“Hoe?” Sakura examined the bird, who was carrying a package in its beak. “Wait, isn’t this Kaitou-kun’s bird?”

Next, in popped in a person dressed all in black.

“Figures. The only person who comes through windows is Kaitou Magician,” Syaoran said dryly.

Large cracking sounds and colorful streamers floated around them; with a cloud of mist and silver balloons. Kaitou Magician deftly landed on a table and bowed.

“Sheesh, do away with your fancy entrances,” Syaoran said. “What are you doing here, anyway? More stealing?”

With a hurt puppy look, Kaitou said, “I came in honor of your birthday!!!”

“How do you know when my birthday is?”

“Well, I know everything about everyone through my computer data, but actually, I came because Meilin asked me to give you something, Kaitou explained.

“You do see an awful lot of her,” Sakura pondered.

“I had business in Hong Kong,” Kaitou mumbled. Then he handed Syaoran a parcel. “Here. Meilin said to give this to you.”

Cautiously, Syaoran opened the parcel, to find a book inside.

“What kind of book is it?” Sakura asked, expecting some difficult Chinese manual.

Kaitou turned the book over to see the cover, and then burst out laughing. “Ha ha! A Dating Manual For the Hopeless Guy. Man, I love that girl’s sense of humor. Let’s see. Page one. Top 10 etiquette guideline: #1, Don’t ever break promises, no matter what, including being late for dates. #2 Don’t be grouchy or rude. #3 Don’t call the girl stupid, idiot, or insult her in any way. #4 Always address the girl properly and respectfully, and don’t call her things such as “hey you” or any rude names. #5 Make her feel secure by expressing to her your true feelings for her frequently. #6 Smile and laugh often to keep the girl comfortable. # 7 Buy a nice present for her on all special occasions and make her feel special. #8 Don’t ever use violence or show rash actions in front of the girl. #9 Don’t hurt the girl by harsh words. And #10 don’t ever, ever make her cry.” Still bent over, chuckling till his sunglasses were lopsided, Kaitou slapped Syaoran on the back, asking, “Man, how can you fail all the way from #1 to #10? Even if it’s you. Let’s see. Meilin’s card:"

Dearest Syaoran,

Thought you needed all the help you can get! Read this book well. I even highlighted the main pointers for you. I hope Kaitou gets this book safely to you. Oh yeah, and sending Sakura and everyone else my greetings. Well, happy birthday! Miss you!

                        Love, Meilin.

P.S. Eron scores 100% according to this book. So does Eriol. Probably, Katiou is a level above you, also. Hint hint.

There was a look of death on Syaoran’s face.

For the longest time, Sakura tried to keep a straight face, but at last her face turned red and she broke out in helpless giggles, pointing at Syaoran. “The look on your face. It’s priceless? God, I wish Tomoyo-chan can videotape this.”

“Who says I’m not?” Tomoyo asked. She tried to heave herself up the window. Kaitou gave her a hand. “He he… I hope I’m not intruding. I followed Kaitou-kun up the window. I’m just dropping by. Here’s my present, Syaoran-kun.” She handed an elaborately wrapped box to Syaoran. Inside was the “Syaoran’s Special Video.” Actually, it was a video with all of Sakura’s best scenes on film (some with Syaoran, also.) Tomoyo had given a similar tape to Sakura for her birthday, but one which had Syaoran’s best scenes up till that point. It was truly drool worthy. “Oh, and Eriol’s present for you, also.” She handed him another package.

“WAIT!” Syaoran shouted, dropping Eriol’s present and drawing everyone back. Circling the box, he glared at it suspiciously. He had enough bad experiences with Eriol’s presents.

“What’s the problem?”Sakura reached over and ripped open the package. “See it’s nothing harmful. It’s a book.”

“A book?” Syaoran glared at it. “Not another book!? He read the title: Shakespearean Love Sonnets and Other Famous Love Quotes. Then he groaned.

Still laughing, Kaitou managed to squeak, “Oh, Juliet, the moon should envy you for they beauty or whatever crap you want to use. Completely hilarious. Good luck in reading hundreds of pages of this stuff. Well, I better give you my present, also, before I leave.”

Even more dubiously, Syaoran opened the package.  To his surprise, there was a small telescope inside. Flatly, Syaoran asked Kaitou, “What is this?”

“Can’t you see? It’s a telescope, a tool used to watch stars, spy on people, whatever you want it for. Don’t worry. I bought it. The police won’t come chasing after it,” Kaitou reassured. “Oh, and Meilin said to give this to you, too. A reminder of childhood days.”

"What's this? She already gave me a present," Syaoran inquired.

“I promised Meilin not to open it,” Kaitou commented. “So I have no idea what it is.”

Carefully, Syaoran peeled off the tissue paper wrapping. Inside was a crude wood carving the size of his palm.

Setting the object gently on the table, Syaoran said softly, “I made this for Meilin, years ago.”

They could all see now that the tan colored wood carving was one of a miniature golden labrador. It wasn’t all too refined, yet the movement, the angle, and the expression of the puppy’s eyes, wagging tail, and sleek fur was well-captured, almost as if a miniature golden retriever was sitting on the table. On the bottom of the dog was carved L.S.”

“How adorable! Is that a carving of Vega or Eagle or whatever you call him?”Sakura exclaimed, clasping her hands together.

“Yeah. It’s not very good ‘cause I made it when I just learned how to carve with a knife. Meilin used to be scared of animals, even Eagle, though he was so gentle. She still liked watching him though she wouldn’t go near him, so I carved an image of Eagle for her.?Syaoran stroked the smooth sandalwood, longingly. “I didn’t know that she still kept it all these years.”

“You don’t realize how she cared for you all those years. Anything from you, she would have treasured it,” Kaitou replied.

"Oooh! Wise words from you!" Sakura teased.

"Hey, I'm a smart guy, you know, even if I am a thief," Kaitou protested.

"Yeah, yeah," everyone muttered.

"Really! I used to be a straight A student and class president!" Kaitou then muttered, "Oops, never mind that... I'm completely ruining my image." Adjusting his new Armani sunglasses, he corrected, "Ahem. I was flunking out of school and a renegade! But I was a misunderstood genius. Yeah." Everyone chose to ignore him.

"Yeah right," squawked Kaitou's pet parrot.

Fingering the carving, Sakura asked, “What happened to Eagle?”

“He died,” Syaoran replied quietly.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I should have figured…”

“Don’t be sorry. It was ages ago.” Silently, Syaoran read the card attached to his wooden puppy.

Dear Syaoran,

This is my real card to you. Remember your golden retriever? I found this in my treasure box, the other day. I thought you might like it back, as a memoir. It’s an exchange, you see. You gave me a pretty wood carved peony before I left Japan. So, I can give you this one back. You told me long ago that your favorite star was Vega. I have no idea where it is in the sky. But then, I looked up into the sky and observed one bright star. And somehow, I knew it was the star you were talking about. Everybody has a star to wish on. I never told you this, but you have been my star for me. You’re the one who guided me all through the years, no matter what.

I now realize that it doesn’t matter anymore whether you return my feelings, because that doesn’t change the fact that I want to thank you for helping me become stronger. Now I know that I can move on with my life as the stronger person you made me. I admired you because you could stand up after your father died, when Leiyun died, and even after you left Japan. You always know exactly what you want to do. I still remember the time you beat up all the middle school bullies while defending Eagle. I feel bad that I can’t spend your birthday with you, but at least I know that Sakura must be with you. So, to the point, Happy Birthday, my dearest childhood friend, cousin, and the one who I admire the most.

                    Always lovingly, Li Meilin

“Aww?do I see tears in your eyes?”Kaitou asked, teasingly; Syaoran’s expression didn’t change at all as he read the card. “Come on, show some emotion when your former fiancée is writing you a birthday card.”

Gazing at the wood carved golden lab again, Syaoran’s amber eyes softened. Thank you Meilin.

******

Fingering a full length mirror in the hallway, Sakura heaved a funny little sigh. Everyone had left. “You don’t like my birthday present, do you?” she demanded.

“Eh?” Syaoran blanked out, staring at the mirror, Sakura’s birthday present to him. “How did you know—ah—I mean, of course not! What makes you say that? I, I like it very much, yes, really, I mean, it’s really cool, unique, and I really wanted a mirror!”

Kaitou Magician’s colorful pet parrot (Kaitou-kun kept various pet birds) who seemed to have remained after its master left, squawked, “Liar, liar pants of fire.”

Syaoran flung the Shakespearean Love Sonnet book at it. “KAWWW!!!?The parrot flew away, squeaking, “Domestic animal violence! Domestic animal violence! Wherefore art thou so cruel to animals! KAW! What is in a bird? A parrot, though called any other name, should be just as sweet.” In return, Syaoran flung the Dating Manual book next. This resulted in the parrot screeching, “Dating Manual. Rule number 8. Rule number 8. Don’t ever use violence or show rash actions in front of the girl. Don’t ever use violence!”

“Okay, that sounded bad,” Syaoran restated. “But my point is, it doesn’t matter what you give me, it’s the fact that you actually thought to give me something, and I really appreciate that.”

Hanging her head, Sakura said, “I really wanted to give you a nice birthday. Thanks for trying to reassure me, yet, I know my present doesn’t compare to everyone else’s. I wanted to give you something you really liked. Tell me, what did you really want?”She stared into the mirror, gazing at her reflection. Level emerald eyes, glossy golden brown hair plaited to each side of her head, firm chin. “Did I misinterpret something last time?”

Ignoring Kaitou’s parrot, which was squawking, “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest one of all?” Syaoran walked up behind Sakura and pressed his hand on her shoulders. They both were reflected in the mirror now. He murmured into her ear, “I’ll tell you what I want. Remember how I told you to go home and look into the mirror?”

“Yes,” Sakura replied, still puzzled.

“Well, what do you see?”Syaoran asked, watching Sakura’s expression intently through the mirror.

“I see…” Sakura stared at her reflection hard. From behind her, Syaoran’s breath tickled her neck.

At that moment, the parrot flapped up in front of them comically, singing “Sha la la la, kiss the girl. Kiss the girl.”

Breaking the tense moment, Sakura tilted her head, “Why would you want a parrot for your birthday? That’s all I see in the mirror.”

“Ugh, this idiotic bird,” Syaoran moaned in despair. “It takes after exactly like its owner. Grr? Everything about Kaitou Magician from day one messes things up for me. Forget everything I was saying about the mirror, all right? It was just a whim, a crazy, dumb idea!”

Laughing, Sakura replied, “I'm not that stupid; I know you wouldn’t want a parrot for your birthday anymore than you want a mirror. I still don’t know what the mirror has to do with what you want. I’m sorry, I’m hopeless at these things... The only thing I could see in the mirror was myself, and that can’t be right.”

Though he tried to move his mouth, no sound came out. Desperately, Syaoran tried to mouth, That’s my point! You’ve hit the nail, you were supposed to see yourself in the mirror. Don’t you get it? Instead, he slumped on the floor, plugging his fingers into his ears because of the wretched bird, completely in despair.

To Sakura, the parrot said in French, flapping its rainbow wing, “Tu as bête! Tu as très bête! C’est toi! C’est toi!? (You’re stupid! You’re very stupid. It’s you! It’s you!)”

Yet, Sakura had already turned around. She stared at the mirror. The living room window was reflected in the mirror. It was completely dark outside now. Then, she had an idea. “That’s it!” she clapped her hands together.

“Viola! Voila!” The parrot echoed.

Then, Sakura’s face fell. “No, but it won’t work. You can’t go outside because of your cold.”

Seeing the disappointment fill Sakura’s beautiful ocean green eyes, Syaoran hastened to reply, “It’s all right. If you haven’t noticed, my cold got much better. Besides, the doctor said fresh air is good for colds.”

“Are you sure you’ll be all right?”Sakura asked. Syaoran nodded obediently. “Okay, then grab a jacket. We’ll have to walk a bit!.”

******

Ten minutes later, they landed off a bus in front of a gently sloped hill.

“Where are we going?”Syaoran asked, trying to keep up with Sakura who was practically sprinting. The summer night air was slightly chilly.

“We’re here,” Sakura stated as they came to the top of the slope. “It’s called the Star-Gazer Hill. A popular spot for people to watch stars from.” She didn’t mention that it was a famous spot for couples to watch stars and makes wishes together. “I’ve never been here before, but my friends from school told me about it. I’ve always wanted to come here once. I thought we could see Vega clearly from here.”

“That’s why?”Syaoran smiled. Leave it to Sakura’s sudden inspirations.

Frowning, she peered us at the overcast pitch black sky. Her face fell. “But I guess not. It was stupid of me not to check if the sky was clear today. I dragged you out here for no reason, when you’re sick already. I should have known better; there’s not a single star to be seen. I’m sorry. I really wanted to make this a special birthday for you. But I’ve messed up since last night, letting you catch a cold, then buying you a birthday present that you don’t even like, burning your birthday cake, not understanding what you really wanted…”

“Shh…stop,” Syaoran said, pressing a finger to her lips. “It’s all right. I don’t need anything else. I’m just happy being here with you. I don’t want anything more.”

“No, you don’t understand my feelings. You don’t know how much I wanted to make this day special. I tried so hard to, but I guess it’s beyond me. I wanted to pay back all you’ve done for me today.?Sakura bit her lips. “I hate this feeling of not being able to do anything right.”

“I still don’t know what is worse,” Syaoran began on a different note. “Having something happen, sure as fate, and being out of your reach, out of your power. Or being able to do something, yet feeling helpless when it happens and letting the chance slip by.”

“What do you mean?”

“When father died, it was out of my reach. When Leiyun perished, fighting the Dark Powers, it was out of my power to do anything. The Li Clan concluded that it was just the course of life, the divine fate,” Syaoran explained. “It was so sudden, yet there was nothing to do about it? As I told you, I tried to believe that father had sent Eagle to watch over me. Because I wanted to believe that Fate wasn’t so sudden and final, that there was an afterwards. Call it childish, but I still don’t believe Eagle was any old golden labrador; he was different.

“When I was nine, I was sent to the Haunted Woods in Hong Kong, to track down the Ghost Wolf, which was said to haunt the place. According to the legend, originally, the Dark Wolf was said to have been the pet of Li-sama, the great sorceress from the mighty Five Magicians. This wolf had met a cruel death from one of the Dark Ones, and having seeped in evil powers, it turned into a monster. It was one of my tests to go and hunt down this Ghost Wolf and seal it with an ofuda. The Elders even lent me the Li Clan sword for this mission. Half way through the search, I realized that Eagle had followed me into the Haunted Woods. I should have sent him back, yet I liked the company and security and selfishly allowed him to stay. It was Eagle who first smelled out the Ghost Wolf—told you he was no ordinary dog. Since I was knew to the thing, I didn’t realize the presence of a dark power. As the Ghost Wolf prepared to leap on me from the behind, Eagle jumped out and bit the Ghost Wolf’s neck. The Wolf tossed Eagle aside without much effort. Till that moment, I had never seen a more terrifying beast. Its silvery white coat shone in the dimly lit, dense forest and its reddish eyes blazed. It’s sharp incisors were bared, hooked claws stretched, ready to tear the flesh off any living creature. And this monster was as tall as myself, and probably ten times the size of Eagle. I was frozen in spot when the Ghost Wolf attacked once more. Quickly, I came to my senses when I realized that Eagle had clung onto the Wolf’s hind leg. I held out my sword, taking a deep breath, then swung down, missing. The Ghost Wolf’s attention thwarted from me to Eagle. Courageously, Eagle jumped up at the Wolf again. This time, the Wolf knocked him to the ground, then bit down on Eagle’s throat. Eagle whimpered, but didn’t make any other sound. Desperately, I swung down my sword into the Ghost Wolf’s back. This didn’t loosen its grip on Eagle’s throat. Full with fury, I then slashed down the sword into the Ghost Wolf’s heart, along with a full blast of ofuda power, the most force I’ve ever used in my life. Letting out a horrendous yet pitiful howl, the Ghost Wolf evaporated into a dark mist, then disappeared with a gust of wind. Eagle landed on the soft dirt ground with a thud. It was too late. His throat was torn two inches deep and bleeding, while his fur was a mass of scratches, clotted with blood.

“I was helpless. There was nothing I could do. All because of me, Eagle was dying. The only recognizable part about Eagle, Vega of Lyre, was the constant light brown dog eyes, loyal, noble, and faithful to the end. He seemed to say, ‘Don’t have any regrets. I chose this path, to be with you till my end. Go on with your life, your hopes and desires, and bear through the hardships and the pain; choose your own path without any second thoughts.’” Syaoran laughed bitterly. “Pretty intelligent for a dog, huh? I fell asleep in that cursed woods and when I woke up, Eagle was gone. I didn’t even cry. My other cousins said I was so unfeeling. Maybe I was. But what could I do? I never had a pet afterwards, and I’ll never forget Eagle. I can’t really stand pets anymore, though. Sad, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it’s sad that you don’t like animals anymore,” Sakura murmured. “But you still can heal from the hurt; you understood Eagle’s wishes. It was Eagle’s desire to protect his master to death, and if indeed he was sent by your father, Eagle has carried out his duty till the end, for you. Yet, I understand you. I also hate the feeling of knowing I could do something, yet being helpless.” She stared at the clouded sky, expectantly. Listening to Syaoran speak always stirred some depth unknown in her heart. His voice, his words, his serious and earnest manner. Most of all, that straight, gaze, where his amber eyes bore through her soul. It hurt her when she heard the sadness in his voice, and she was helpless to do anything about it. Syaoran seemed to know everything about her, yet she didn’t know much about Syaoran. Touching him was beyond her reach. No, she had to try harder.

A gust of wind blew over the two of them as they stood on the grassy hill. Sakura stared through the gray clouds. From beneath the haze of the sky, she saw a slight glimmer. Was it a trick of the light, or maybe an airplane? She let out a deep breath, feeling a strange lightness in her body as she continued gazing at the star. Slowly, as if a veil was being lifted, the clouds disappeared, and beneath, the gleaming moon and the celestial dazzling constellations of the skies were revealed.

Her heart skipped a beat as the true wonders of the night sky was slowly being revealed. The twinkling stars looked as if a handful of glitter had been flung into the sky.

“Amazing,” Syaoran wondered. “Now, what did you just do?”

“Nothing,” Sakura shrugged, admiring the clear sky. “I just hated being helpless. Look! There’s the Polaris, the Morning Star, the Seven Stars, Draco… Umm... those are the only stars I know.”

“And there’s Vega of Lyra,” Syaoran pointed.

“Really! Where?”Sakura craned her neck with the telescope, Kaitou-kun’s present to Syaoran. “There! The Princess Weaver, the Milky Way… oh and there’s the Shepherd, Altair. Wow, amazing, it looks completely different through the telescope. It’s beautiful. See?”

Peering through the telescope, Syaoran agreed, “It is amazing. I can see the particles swirling around Vega. Some astronomers believe that it is the forming of another solar system. Oh, and did you know that in thousands and thousands of years, Vega will become Earth’s new North Star because of its position to the Earth’s axis?”

Wrinkling her nose, Sakura said, “It’s fascinating, but I don’t like such technical things. I’d rather think of stars as far of celestials jewels, which you can wish upon, out of human predictability. Wow, Vega really is the most beautiful. But I wonder why it was your father’s favorite star.”

“My father told me it was because Vega of the Lyre reminded him of someone. And I can probably guess who,” Syaoran replied. "I do wonder why out of all the stars out there in the vast sky, Vega is his favorite one."

"Well, we can find out then." Without waiting for an answer, she drew out her key. "Key that hides the power of stars. Show your true self to me. I, Sakura command you. Release!" She flipped out a card and struck it into the air. "RETURN!"

~~~~~~

A quarter-century ago, Japan…

“Hey, wait!” Ryuuren called out, running up a grassy hill in the dusky evening. “If you run so fast, you’ll fall over!”

Sure enough, Nadeshiko, who had lithely ran over the slope, stumbled over her feet. “Oww.” Rubbing her forehead, she grimaced. “I should listen to you. I hate it how your always right.”

“Well, I am older and more mature,” Ryuuren began, his dark brown hair whipping in the wind.

“Don’t go into to your ‘I’m superior that thee’ mode again. I thought you were over that stage,” Nadeshiko reproached, clasping her loose violet hair in one hand.

“I am, but if you act childish, there’s not much I can do about it,” Ryuuren replied.

“Stop arguing with me. You’re ruining my mood,” Nadeshiko stated, sitting down on the top of the grass, her white dress billowing out around her. “The sky is so beautiful. Stars make me feel so peaceful and serene.”

“You have a bruise on your forehead,” Ryuuren pointed.

“Where?” Nadeshiko asked, fingering her head. “I get so many bruises, I don’t even feel them anymore.”

“Close your eyes, I’ll tell you where,” Ryuuren replied. Obediently, Nadeshiko shut her eyelids, which fluttered every so slightly. Ryuuren took the moment to stare at her beautiful, pale face, shining with the glow of a star. Her luscious wavy hair was swept back from her forehead and cascaded down her back, blowing in the gentle breeze. Bending over slightly, he kissed her forehead.

(Syaoran and Sakura gawked.)

Nadeshiko’s emerald eyes flew open, questioningly. “What was that for?”

“I made the bruise disappear,” Ryuuren replied.

“You’re weird,” Nadeshiko said. “But I like you better because you’re strange. You were always so strange and queer, which made me more persistent to learn more about you. We used to hate each other in the beginning. But I’m glad we’re friends now.”

“Did you really hate me a lot, before?” Ryuuren asked, raising his dark eyebrows.

“Well, no. I did hate you for slapping my face and spraining my wrist, but otherwise, I would never have gotten to know you if I truly hated you.” She smiled furtively. “I’ll tell you a secret. Last year, I wished at the Tanabata festival, that we will become friends. And I think it did come true. I always liked the star Vega the best. Because of the legend behind it. There’s something beautiful about the Princess Weaver and the Shepherd being separated, yet still loving each other deeply.”

“It’s just a silly fairytale,” Ryuuren scoffed.

("That sounds familiar," Sakura muttered. Syaoran coughed.)

Shrugging, Nadeshiko said, “Maybe it is to you.” In a light voice, she gazed into the sky and asked, “You know, if I could be born as something different, I think I would have liked to be a star, maybe Vega. And I will have liked to calmly and peacefully watch down on earth and give someone hope, guide them out of darkness, and always shine brightly. That’s all I ever really wanted in my life, you know, though somehow things didn’t turn out that way. You can think I’m weird, too. How about you?”

Carefully thinking, Ryuuren replied, “If I were to be born another creature, I would have liked to be a bird, a bird of flight, and soar over the endless sky, clear and blue during day, free, powerful, and unbounded. And in the nighttime, I would fly through the blackness, reaching for the brightly twinkling Vega, and even if I can never reach it, nothing will keep me from trying to reach there with my two wings.”

Nadeshiko stared at Ryuuren’s handsome face. She had always loved him, even though he didn’t seem to return those feelings. Yet, being beside him like this made her feel so secure and close to his enigma. “Look, Vega of Lyra is over there.”

“Where?” Ryuuren asked. “Stars all look the same to me.”

Sighing in exasperation, Nadeshiko replied, “Don’t try to see it with your eyes. See it with your heart. I’m going to make a new wish. It is that we can always be together like this, always friends and never hating each other. I don’t want you to leave me, Ryuuren. Do you think my wish will come true?”

To Ryuuren’s shock, Nadeshiko’s eyes were brimmed with tears. “What’s wrong with you? You seemed so happy a while ago.”

Letting the tears fall freely, Nadeshiko stammered, “N-nothing’s wrong, Ryuuren. You must think it’s so silly of me, making wishes on stars.” Because I know my wish will never come true. But that won’t stop me from wishing it. Why do these tears keep flowing? “I don’t know what the future holds. But if I die, I wish we can part as friends, no matter what happens in between.” Her voice had an urgency to it.

Ryuuren wondered if this was out of the blue, or if Nadeshiko’s second sight was telling her some intuition. “Silly, why would you talk of dying when you’re a good, healthy girl still? But I’m sure your wish won’t be too hard to grant. You know, you just convinced me that Vega will become my favorite star, too. And I wish I can tell you my true feelings, someday. I wish I can tell you, I love you, when I have the courage. Vega, the star which my beloved Nadeshiko looks upon at nights, grant me this wish. I promise to tell you my love when the time comes. "When ever I look at Vega, I will always think of you, Nadeshiko."

~~~~~~

Clapping, Sakura exclaimed, “So that's why your father's favorite star is Vega... I never knew it was my Mother's favorite one. And it seems as if Mother's wish came true... Though the two parted on bad terms because of the Dark Ones, your father still came back years after, when mother was dying to make things up and part as good friends."

"I wonder if Vega granted the wish," Syaoran pondered.

"Look, there’s a shooting star!” Sakura pointed.

“Actually, it’s a falling meteoroid,” Syaoran corrected. Yet, his eyes turned round at the blazing streak of light.

“Oh, but it’s much more fun to think it’s a shooting star. I’ve never seen one before. I better make a wish. Let’s see. I wish…” Closing her eyes, Sakura continued, “I wish that we will always stay loyal, true, and trusting friends forever. That’s a simple wish, isn’t it? What do you wish?”

“If I tell you, it won’t be a secret wish anymore, will it,” Syaoran replied mysteriously.

“That’s mean! I told you mine!”

“I never said you had to tell me yours,” Syaoran pointed out.

This let a noise of childish rage erupt from Sakura. “I hate you!” To her surprise, Syaoran began laughing hard. He laughed until his sides ached, and he rolled over onto the grassy hill. Finally, he gasped, “Sakura, I don’t know what life would have been like without you.”

Smiling brightly, Sakura thought, Syaoran, I never saw heard you laugh so carefree and freely like this before. Hearing him so happy makes me happy, too. “I never heard you laugh before.”

“I don’t think I ever did,” Syaoran replied. “Something about being around you changes who I am. I wonder what magic you pull on me.”

“No, I don’t change who you are,” Sakura said, crouching on the grass beside Syaoran, placing a hand on his thick chestnut brown hair. “This is the real you, the real Li Syaoran, unburdened by family, honor, pain, or responsibility. It is truly who you are inside.”

“You think so?”Syaoran grinned, staring at Sakura’s beautiful form, outlined by the moonlight. “Yes, you might be right. Being around you brings out my true self. You know, you’re wrong about this being my worst birthday.”

Today, he had thought back to his past to the ones he loved, heard from his true friends, seen Vega, his father’s favorite star. But most of all, he was with Sakura, which was all he would ask for. To him, Sakura was the one who guided him all along, helped him become stronger. Enveloping Sakura into a tight hug, he said, “You made it wonderful for me. I will always remember, value and cherish this birthday.”

“Really?” Sakura asked, happily. “Then maybe I did work things out, after all. I’m so glad.”

Vega of the Lyre watched over the two, glistening brilliantly over them. Syaoran’s fifth birthday had been happiest, his tenth most prideful. Yet, this one was his most precious birthday. Why?

Because he was with his most precious Sakura.

Picture of the stars Altair and Vega...

*******

The next day...

"Achoo!" Sakura sneezed. She reached for the box of Kleenex.

"Are you okay?" Tomoyo asked, concerned.

"I'm all right," Sakura answered.

"I guess you caught a cold from Syaoran," Tomoyo commented.

"At least his cold got better. I hope he doesn't catch it again from me," Sakura said.

Smiling, Tomoyo said, "There's a saying that if you give your cold to someone else, you'll get better... Anyway, what were you and Syaoran doing last night, that made you catch a cold?"

"ACHOO!!! If that saying is true, sniff sniff... I'll give this cold right back to him," Sakura groaned. "But it's worth getting sick, knowing that I gave Syaoran a meaningful birthday. A-A-AAAACHOOOOOO!!!" All the objects in her room vibrated.

"I'm really touched to hear that. Don't blow my apartment apart, though," Syaoran said teasingly, bringing a tray with a steaming bowl to Sakura's bed. "Here, have this.”

"What is it?" Sakura sat up on her bed, embarrassed to be caught in such a tousled state.

"Warm honey milk. Just like what your brother would make you if he were here. And just like the one you made me, years ago, when I was sick," Syaoran replied, smiling.

"You did remember!" Sakura exclaimed.

"Of course I did," Syaoran replied, tugging her braid playfully. "I remember every moment with you."

---

Wish-chan: (Edited, July 13, 2011) I guess this is the ten-year anniversary of this chapter. If I remember correctly, this chapter was originally written circa 2001. Wow, that feel so long ago. Well, considering I was just a high schooler when I wrote this chapter, I wonder if all the typos were excusable. I’ve been editing some of the older chapters recently, and this chapter had more typos than any other ones, including the earliest ones from when I was just 13. There were also some formatting errors and lots of weird symbols appearing everywhere. I don’t spend a lot of time on one-shot specials because well, they are one-shot, but I’m glad I finally came back to clean up things. I did minimalist editing because I like keeping things the way they are for nostalgia’s sake and for the sake of comparing my writing then and now. I’m surprised at how much foreshadowing I did even back then in a special chapter and rather proud of myself for staying faithful to my original vision, if nothing else. The latest updates to New Trials can be found at http://wishluv.blogspot.com and my artwork can be found at http://wishluv.deviantart.com. Comments and feedback are what has kept this fanfic alive for the past decade and are always welcome at hopeluvpeace@gmail.com or the Yahoo Group at  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/newtrialsring/.

Please check out the new Syaoran’s Birthday 4-koma Omake.

Below is my original message:

Wish-chan: Hehe... sorry Syaoran's Special took so long... Hey, I'm not as late as last year, when I was half a year later. ^_^... Actually, this took a lot longer to write than I thought it would. Let's see, the legend about Vega of the Lyre (also called Vega of Lyra) is true, and has many versions of it in many cultures, including Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Hope the Vega theme wasn't too redundant, but I do like stars, and I do think the whole Vega legend is so beautiful. You may think the Ryuuren and Nadeshiko scene was random, but actually, it's one of my favorite scenes... Besides, it explains why Syaoran's favorite star grew to be Vega, by explaining how Ryuuren grew to like that star.

I refer back to many different scenes... Let's see, the honey milk thing is from the CLAMP CCS illustration book 2, a side story... The Yukata thing is from the CCS Manga Volume 10. And so on... I mentioned the mirror thingy again (refer back to Sakura's b-day story.) hehe... Yeah, Sakura still doesn't get it. Poor Syaoran. Oh yeah, him being dismayed by Eriol's present is referring back to my short story "Beauty and the Wolf." If you read it, it'll make sense. Oh, and also, this story matches the title of my webpage "Wish For A Star." (Yes, the title does have a significance.)

Oh yeah, here is a link to the sketch of Angel Sakura w/ Syaoran.... Actually, I drew it before I wrote this story... and somehow, I thought this pic matched the story... He he...