http://clampfix.fanworks.net/ss-fix/illusion2.txt </head><body><pre> Written on March 8th 2001, edited on Dec 22nd, and posted on Dec 23rd 2001. Disclaimer: "X", "Tokyo Babylon", and characters belong to CLAMP and associates. Only the actual text and ideas are mine. This work is not intended for profit. Series: Subaru & Seishirou, set in the "X" timeline. SPOILERS: Up to "X16" and all of "Tokyo Babylon". I always wanted to write a POV of Sakura, with "X.16" I finally had the opportunity. C&C is welcomed and appreciated, on the list or by the address below. I don't mind either way. taiphhingsailom@hotmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- "Illusions of Sakura" By Ariss Tenoh. Part Two: I await. Still, you do not come to me. So...I entice you. I allow some of my petals to fall and rouse a wind to carry them, along with tendrils of my power, to you. The pink petals blow against you. You raise one hand to shield you eyes, and when you lower it to look at me again, your eyes widen in surprise, sadness, and longing as you behold the image I have woven for you. Yes. I knew you would like it. As if in a dream, you walk towards me. Your steps slow and unhurried. More of my petals pass you by, spreading the dark veil of a cast maboroshi. It sweeps away our surroundings. Everything, including reality itself as it leaves us alone in my illusory world. Slightly, I weaken the wards which encircle me for an opening for you to draw near. And you slip past the defences, unharmed. At last, I have you. You gaze at me with hopeful eyes. But it isn't I who you see, but it is I who smile. My senses wander over you in admiring scrutiny. I would sigh if I could. Truly, you are beautiful. You are lean and slender as a sapling. You hair black as my boughs are when kissed by rain. I extend a branch, laden with pink blossoms, to caress your cheek. You look at me with questioning eyes. I smile, but it is not I who you see smiling. You smile in return, but again it is not at me you smile. Your skin is soft to my touch, soft like my petals and white as they once were. The mismatched eyes are your most alluring feature. One has lost it's emerald lustre, still, it shines brighter than my verdant leaves at summer. Its sister is a winter's white, blind and broken. Just like your heart. Although your heart is shattered, I can yet sense remnants of it's loving and compassionate flame. No matter. A few hunts and those embers will burn to ashes. Allowing you to become what you will. The next Sakurazukamori. I should thank "him". While I ceaselessly asked for your blood and soul, he counselled me to patience. He promised that I would have you as more than a sacrifice. His words were not false. You've become more than a mere offering to me. Much more. I am called forth from my thoughts as you turn to my caress, lips brushing against my blossoms in a phantom kiss. In my mind's eye, I smile in satisfaction. I reach and pull you closer. Wordlessly, you submit to my attentions and envelop me in you arms. I did not expect it to be otherwise. Your sister's soul may have escaped me, but I had ensnared your soul long before I did your body. Moments drift by, and for a time we linger in the curious warmth of an embrace. You lean more into me. You are tired. And I know it is more an exhaustion of the heart than that of the body. In a slow and gentle manner, I withdraw the branches from around your frail body, lowering you to the ground. Your long thin legs spread on a carpet of pink, before you draw them near to yourself as you do your arms. A shudder ripples through you. Why? Is it because of the maboroshi's coldness? Or is it in fear of losing what you now possess? Thin branches wrap you in a loose yet protective embrace. A rain of fallen flowers cover most of your body like a blanket. A wind whispers reassuring words to you, words you want to hear in a voice you long to hear. "Now and for today, sleep... For I'll stay by your side. Even if anyone comes to disturb you, I'll chase them away." Don't worry, I am here. You will sustain me with bodies and souls, and I will you... with the illusion of the one you hold so dear. We are each other's sustenance. Sakura and Sakurazukamori. It is as it should be. I gaze down at you. Sleeping so peacefully in the knowledge that you are beloved and protected. Often, I have observed with interest the children who come to Ueno park. No matter how far they wandered, ran, and played, in the end, they would return to their mothers' protective arms. Finally, you have returned to me. My child. My Sakurazukamori. Mine. ~Owari/End~ -------------------------------------------------------------- Notes: -Translation taken from Sakurazukamori.net. "TB" vol.4, 'Crime'. -Image for this part is the one from "TB" vol.1, 'Destiny', where Subaru is lying with Sakura petals raining around him. -Image song is "Intoxicating Blossoms" from "X OST". My suggestions for experiencing the full effect of this fic is to sit alone in a room with dim lighting - it would be even better if you had one of those Japanese paper lanterns- insert the above cd into a player, and play it in a low volume. Now Enjoy ^-^ Best wishes, Ariss Tenoh.</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>