Title: The Nightingale and the Phantom of the Red Moon

Author: Tsubame Ongaku

Fandom: Cardcaptor Sakura (AU)

Pairing: Eriol Hiiragizawa and Tomoyo Daidouji

Rating: T

Summary: Tomoyo Daidouji was the talented and only daughter of Sonomi Daidouji, the owner of a toy empire and inventor from Japan. During a party that her mother's business associate was holding, she meets the enigmatic Eriol Hiiragizawa, the Duke of Wylde. With the exchange of smiles, the wheels of Destiny turns. He wanted her. He had always wanted her…

Notes: Last Chapter.It is finally the last chapter. I hope you enjoyed reading this fic as I had enjoyed writing it. I apologize it always take me such a long time to update. It always takes me months since one chapter is very long. Maybe I should shorten the chapters and update more?

It is finally the end. It is such a short fic, but I think it really took me a year to make four chapters. I admit that it is the amount of detailing and scenes that I put into one chapter. It is also because I tend to add scenes a lot that were no in the original plan. For example, the garden party had not been in the Vocaloid Cantarella. The portrait thing was much more detailed than I had originally planned, but I still love how it came out.

My story and writing is very slow-paced. Much slow-paced than most stories. Haha~ Sorry about that. I really need to work on writing intense stories.

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The Nightingale and the Phantom of the Red Moon

By Tsubame Ongaku

Chapter IV: The Key to a Missing Memory

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Eriol was on horseback. His horse, Dark, was his fastest steed… and had a coat as dark as coal, it gave him camouflage of the night. He needed to reach the Daidouji manor before the Daidouji family did. He was going to make good of his promise, but there was still plenty of things he had to do. This was going to be the last phase of his plan. A great risk, but this will provide him the answer he wished.

In his pocket was a bottle a small bottle.

Before the night is over, he will know. If he was right, he had about an hour or so.

"Dark," he whispered to his horse. At a distance, he could already see the bright lights coming from the humongous Daidouji manor. "If you ever fall in love make sure that she does not have a persistent protector like Touya Kinomoto, understand?"

I will see you tonight.

That was what the note tied to the rose said. The rose was now pressed inside the pages of the book to both preserve it and hide it from her very protective cousin who did not seem to share her amusement with her mysterious visitor-errr- intruder?

Touya was frowning openly at her. His cousin had a strange grin on her face. Maybe it came from the lovely concert she just had, but she never sighed after her concerts… did she? He knew that look she had on. It was the secretive look she had when she is hiding something. If she had something to hide, he didn't feel comfortable not knowing what it is…

…especially when she clearly had a stalker.

He was worried. Ever since he gave Sakura to her husband for him to protect, it was always just him and her. Because of that, he felt it was his responsibility to protect her. She's a beautiful girl and despite her intelligence, Tomoyo was very innocent.

Also… it didn't look like that phantom's game ended in that performance. His cousin's very calm façade made determining any confirmation of that theory quite difficult. Touya made it his responsibility to protect his cousin… even from herself. There was no way he was going to leave her in the morning with a man like that on the loose.

"I decided to extend my stay for a little longer." His eyes were gazing outside the window and is ears listening to the clopping of the horses' feet on the cobbled roads, telling himself not to let his guard down and stay alert.

"Really?" Sonomi asked, looking quite surprised. "I thought you were leaving the moment your businesses here are done."

Touya smiled and nodded, because that was the original plan. He could delay returning home for a little longer. That was the great thing about being your own boss. However, he knew that he couldn't abuse that too often. So many people needed him. But, family was more important to Touya than riches, so they can wait. "It seems to me, I have more business here that greatly requires my attention."

Tomoyo had an idea of why he was staying. It was certainly touching. He was worried about her… and she could not blame him. She had to admit that she was quite taken by the charismatic man that was full of trickery and smiles. If she had a lick of sense at all, she should keep her distance from such a man… nothing good comes from it.

Her eyes turned to look at the night sky… and much to her surprise, the moon again- looked bloody red. It was the same moon from the first time she saw him. It was the same blood red moon and the same cool night. Was this what he meant?

This was new. The foreign longing look on Tomoyo's face made Touya feel a bit worried about her. One moment, she was calm and composed and the next she was gazing at the moon with a very romantic expression.

When they arrived at the Daidouji manor, Sonomi excused herself. She needed to rest for a trip in the morning. That left only Tomoyo and Touya to enjoy a meal together. Dinner was an awkward affair. Of course, Tomoyo did her best to be a gracious host but she could not hide the fact that she was entirely too distracted to Touya. He walked her to her room, but before she could enter, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to face him.

"Tomoyo, can I talk to you for a moment?"

Surprised, she nodded and turned to him. "Of course, Touya. What is it?"

He stared at her, his face devoid of emotion… or at least hidden well enough to escape Tomoyo's detection. "The phantom-what did he tell you?"

Tomoyo's smile never wavered. "I do not understand what you are talking about, Touya," she lied. Tomoyo disliked lying, but she knew when it was necessary. Her cousin was very sharp and she knew that the slightest sign of anything involving the phantom would probably make him think it was necessary to make drastic measures. "You worry too much. I can take care of myself."

"Tomoyo, do you know who the phantom is?"

She was quiet for a moment, as if trying to decide whether to answer his question at all. "Of course I do not."

Unsatisfied. He was unsatisfied with her answer, but there was really nothing he could do. Kissing her cheek softly, he then whispered his goodnight before letting go of her arm. Tomoyo nodded and moved inside before closing the door behind her.

The moment she closed her door, she regretted it a bit. She really didn't enjoy lying to Touya. He had a certain look in his eyes that made her want to tell him everything. It was a look that always told her that he was only doing it for her protection.

Her room was empty. It wasn't a surprise since it was late. Her maid probably tidied up before they returned. Only the cup of hot chocolate was waiting for her on the table. It was strange that her maid knew that she would be in the mood for it. It was still warm… but she pushed the suspicions away. She probably left it before she and Touya finished dinner.

It did smell heavenly.

She started with a sip… and before she knew it she finished the whole thing. The taste was really unlike anything her cook had made her before. Tomoyo yawned. For some reason, she felt incredibly sleepy.

Tomoyo didn't know what happened after that- because suddenly everything became very dark.

Eriol emerged from the secret passage behind her book case. In his hands was a half full bottle. The other half emptied into her hot chocolate. Tomoyo was going to be asleep for a while. Very quietly and carefully, he picks her up from the floor and took her into his arms. She was very, very light. It worried him if se did eat…

He turns to the door. It was quiet. It seemed Touya Kinomoto had gone to his sleeping quarters… and hopefully, did not notice the sound of Tomoyo falling to the floor.

It was probably wrong, but inside the bottle was a sleeping potion. It would probably knock her out for a few hours. Even in sleep, Tomoyo Daidouji reminded Eriol of fairytale princesses. It was almost tempting to bestow her a kiss just to test if she was real.

But, he knew that Touya Kinomoto was just beyond the door; if he wanted to get away with Tomoyo he was going to have to leave that moment.

As quietly as he could, he stepped back into the secret passage and closed it behind him. Not even the owners were aware of that secret passage. What the Daidouji's did not know was that before they purchased the castle, it had been his. Of course he had deeded it with one of his fake names. The Daidoujis never suspected.

Tomoyo sighed and shifted closer into his embrace.

He smiled. Tempting. Very tempting. Even in harmless sleep, she could tempt a saint.

The room was empty and no sound could be heard except the faint ticking of the cuckoo clock above the canopy bed, where Tomoyo lay sleeping restfully. The room was richly furnished and it looked like it has been that way for a while. It was as if it was waiting to finally meet it's master.

When Eriol furnished the room, he thought of Tomoyo. He chose the walls to be wall papered with color of pale lavender with the silhouettes of lilies, the furnishing made of sturdy, antique oak and carved in to the images of angels very skillfully. The curtains were made from deep purple silk with gold furnishing.

Tomoyo yawned, feeling very restful- and quite confused when she realized that she did not recognize the sheets she was sleeping on. The questions 'What am I doing here?' and 'Where am I?' came to mind.

But, that wasn't all that was strange…

She was not wearing the dress she had on earlier. The dress she had on now was ethereally beautiful. Unlike anything she had ever worn before. It was in the shade of night and it made her skin look whiter than snow.

Wanting nothing but to return home, she rushes to the nearest window and tried to shove it open. However, no matter how much she pushed she couldn't even open a crack. Then, she tried the door. It was locked from the outside. She was trapped.

Even though she wasn't cold, she wrapped her arms around herself.

Maybe this time Touya had been correct to be wary of the Phantom. She could feel that this was his doing. But, how had he been able to get past Touya's watch? There were dogs beneath her window and Touya just outside her door. So how?

She knew it wasn't the time for regrets or questions. She had to find a way to escape.

For a moment, she thought about the idea of tying the sheets together and climbing down after ramming the window with a chair or a table, but after inspection she realized that the furniture was nailed to the floor. There was no way she could use them.

Not long after her waking, the sound of the door jiggling came. Someone was trying to get in. Tomoyo backed away, flattening herself against the wall. Afraid. Truly afraid of what was to come.

The door opened to reveal a man dressed in black garments, his face behind a dark mask.

"You crossed the line, Phantom. I am not amused," she told the masked figure. She would recognize him anywhere. Twice, she had seen him. Once in her room and another during her concert that evening. "Why did you bring me here?"

As always, he did not say a word. Merely a smile.

Closing the door behind him, the Phantom gave a gallant bow. She was almost tempted to curtsy back but she stubbornly stopped herself, determined to hold on to her stubborn anger.

In an attempt to soothe her anger, he neared her and as he did pulled out a lovely red rose from behind her ear. Tomoyo fought to keep herself from smiling at the sight. It didn't help that it smelled heavenly- and strangely… so, so familiar now to her.

Now that she thought about it, all the roses the phantom gave her gave a familiar scent.

"Who are you?"

Still the masked man remained silent. But, he did offer a hand to her. Silently asking permission to escort her outside the room. Her brows crinkled into a frown, her doubts of accepting that hand evident. Tomoyo looked like a kindly maiden, but when necessary she could be quite fierce. After all, she still had the blood of Sonomi Daiouji in her veins.

There was again no reply, just that offered hand.

"Please, speak to me," she begged. "Then, I will give you my hand."

For a moment the Phantom pause to think over that, his lips were in a serious straight line. He gave a smile an shook his head. "You make a difficult bargain, Lady Tomoyo."

She froze hearing that voice. That low and smooth timbre. She had heard it before. But it couldn't be. Just couldn't. Without thinking, her hand slowly reached out for his. He closed his hand on hers and lead her out of the room. Her hands shook, but he held them tightly and kissed her hair.

He pushes open two giant doors with one hand and revealed a beautiful, dim ballroom.

Suddenly, violin music began playing from behind a thick red curtain. It was playing a very familiar song.

"Carmen," she whispered.

Her escort smiled and nodded. It was Bizet's Carmen, the song Habanera.

It was one of her favorite songs. She had seen it once while she was on tour. It was a beautiful story and the score was wonderful. Before she could ask any more questions, he grabbed her arm and pulled her into his arms and began leading her as they danced around the room.

Closing her eyes, she forgot all her anger and simply lost herself in the music and his dance. He seems to be at home on the dance floor as he is doing his magic for her. His movements are smooth yet sharp. With his dance, he made her believe she was as desirous as the woman, Carmen.

But with each step, she was growing more confused.

Why does she feel so comfortable with him?

Why could she dance with him without fear?

Why does he feel so familiar?

Find her courage, she looked up and stared into his eyes… that were staring right back at her. Now, she could not take her eyes off him, and to be very honest neither could he.

When the song ended, they stood in the middle of the dance floor with their eyes still on each other.

"Who are you?" she asked again.

No reply, but he did pull something out from his pocket and place it into her hands. It was a bejeweled golden key kept on a chain. She was going to ask what it was for, but he quieted her by touching a finger to her lips and- then pointed to a certain door…

The door was small and judging from the design, it was very old. The design was French and a very popular one ten years ago.

"What is this? Is this another of your games?" She demanded, pushing away from his arms, but he held her quick. "Let me go."

'Go, Lady Tomoyo," he spoke again, with that same voice that felt so familiar yet… not.

There was no way she could say no.

He lets her go and disappeared behind the door they had entered from and locked it behind him. She had no choice but to do what he told her. With a sigh, she took a deep breath and walked towards the door. The knob had the same design as the key in her hands.

With shaking hands, she turned the key in the lock and pushed open the door. It was dark inside, but she found a candelabra and matches by the door. She lit it and found that she was inside a music room… with a dark and beautiful grand piano in the middle of it.

She admired the smooth wood of the instrument and wondered if it actually belonged to the phantom. There was something very nostalgic about it. She sat down and began to tentatively play the keys… then noticed something engraved on the side.

'Nadeshiko'

"Nadeshiko?" Why was that name familiar?

Then, it dawned her. She gasped and began to move away from the piano.

Flashbacks began to play in her head of a much younger self. She saw herself as a child- in tears because her mother had to go away again on business and she was left alone. Back then, she played the part of the patient and strong daughter but secretly she did cry when she was alone.

One beautiful day, a boy found her crying by the river. He was richly dressed and was probably quite a few years older than her. She had been there to watch the Sakura and Nadeshiko. But, she couldn't remember his face- the color of his hair or even his eyes. It had been the first time anyone had ever seen her cry. She almost ran away, but the boy asked her to stop… and why she was crying.

For some reason, she did stop and told him, "I miss my mommy."

"Your mommy isn't with you?"

"No, she is working," she admitted, shuffling her feet.

The boy smiled and calmly sat beside her. "You like Sakura and Nadeshiko"

She nodded. "My bestfriend's name is Sakura. And my mommy always said that I have the grace of Nadeshiko."

"I must agree," he said, stroking her long hair in a friendly way. With another grin, he made a rose appear in his hand.

She smiled for the first time and touched gingerly the rose, wondering if it was real. It was the first time anyone complimented her like that. And he seemed like a noble too, judging from the expensive-looking clothes he wore. It was for nobles to pay attention to people like her and her mother. Much less did they compliment them. Yet this boy didn't seem afraid to do it.

"Thank you." It was then that she noticed the something around his neck. "What is that?"

"This?" He took of the chain from around his neck and placed it on her palm. It was a pretty, golden key. "This is my treasure. Do you want me to show it to you?"

He took her to his house and quietly. And opened a door from inside a, then, empty ballroom. In the middle of the room was a beautiful piano. In excitement, she ran towards it and began touching the keys.

"So beautiful," she sighed.

The boy seemed to approve and walked towards her. "Isn't it? Do you want me to play something for you?"

Joyfully, Tomoyo had answered yes. Tomoyo had fallen in love that afternoon, though she was much too young to know it. And, it seemed the boy could not help but have his heart taken by the lovely little lady. The song he played for her was one of the first he ever learned, 'Ave Maria.' Having never really seen a real piano before, for Tomoyo the piano was magic.

Trusting his ears, he felt something special about Tomoyo's voice. He also began teaching her about notes and a few basic techniques in singing. He taught her a few songs from Carmen, including the was quite easy to teach her too, because she had a very good ear for music.

Time began to feel like it was passing by like a blur. It was such an enjoyable time. "My name is Tomoyo," she told him as it drew late, knowing she had to return home soon.

The boy smiled. "That is a lovely name… before I tell you mine, there is something I want to ask. If you say yes, I will tell you my name. If not-" He did not continue, just shrugged his shoulders.

"What is it?"

"Will you become mine?" he started, his expression was serious as his hand reached out to hold hers. "When we become of age. I want you as my wife."

"Marry… me?"

"Yes."

"But why?" She did not understand. He was a noble and they hated the Japanese like her.

"Am I not good enough?"

"No. It is I that is not good enough," she answered. In spite her age, Tomoyo was much too intelligent not to know at least that this was not done in their world.

"Please do not say no." He took her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I do not want this to be the last time we meet."

She could hear his sincerity. It was odd. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she nodded. "I will."

He smiled softly for her and wrapped an arm around her small shoulders. "My name… is Eriol."

She remembered everything now. The faceless boy… now had a face. He had dark hair and kind eyes… and the face. It belonged to someone she knew quite well. Only much younger. When she went home that night, she sang the songs Eriol taught her to her mother and a friend that was visiting that evening. The next day she was sent to Italy to be trained how to be a singer by the best teachers in the world, sponsored by an anonymous benefactor.

"Eriol," Tomoyo whispered, disbelievingly.

Arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her waist from behind. "You remember everything now?" It was Eriol's voice. The deep timbre that calmed her down yet filled her with much chaotic emotions.

She looked up to find that he had taken off his mask. All those times. The magic. The music. She should have known, yet she didn't. "You did all this… so I would remember?" she asked, teasingly. "There are ways that are much less trouble."

"True, my dear. But this is more interesting," he laughed, kissing her fingertips gently. "Nakuru named her, Yamato Nadeshiko. But, I call her Nadeshiko. I liked it… and my cousin is always teasing me that if I could I would marry this piano. I never told her that Nadeshiko always reminded me of you…"

Tomoyo smiled, her head leaning against his chest. So, when Nakuru said that he was with Nadeshiko, she meant that Eriol was with his piano. Now she understood… the piano had always been Eriol's treasure.

"Were you my anonymous benefactor?" she asked, suspiciously.

"Don't be absurd. I was a child. I could not afford that," he replied flippantly. "It was my mother. I begged her and pleaded with her. Telling her about your unpolished talent. But, she is not an easy woman to convince."

"How did you do it then?"

"I didn't. You did."

"I don't understand…"

"That evening, you sang the songs I taught you to your mother, didn't you? And to her friend? Wasn't she an Asian woman?"

"Yes, but-" She suddenly paused. It was his mother. Back then, it didn't occur to her that the beautiful Chinese woman who came to visit was the one who helped her jumpstart her career. Tomoyo was really much too young to remember much, but she remembered that the woman was very frighteningly serious. After her song, she did not applaud or smile. Just simply watched her with very piercing eyes. "That woman was your mother."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement. He threw another mischievous smile and nodded. Even as a child, he was quite the trickster and blackmailer. Such a crafty man behind such an innocent smile.

"But I can't marry you, Eriol," she muttered, looking away and now trying to pull away from his arms.

He stopped her, and held her tighter. "Why not?"

"What would everyone say?"

Eriol bent down kissed her temple. "Let them think whatever they want. You are the one I chose, and that will never change." Feeling her soften again in his arms, he pulled her tighter. "I have loved you. I have loved you for a long time… from the very first moment we met. My greatest fear was that you would love another when you were not by my side."

As a child, Eriol saw a jewel in Tomoyo… an unpolished jewel, but one that would shine the brightest with a little time. He was right. The young girl had become so exquisite. For anyone else, they would think it was ridiculous to say no to a handsome and wealthy Duke's proposal. But, there were simply too many things to think about…

"Touya-nii is not going to like this."

"No, he isn't."

"He will figure out it was you playing those tricks."

"I know."

"He might really hurt you too."

"I thought that would be the case.

"My mother will insist that you formally court me first."

"Of course."

But, deny it all she wanted- she was in love with Eriol as well. Was it so strange to think this? They had been reunited not so long ago and they barely know each other at all. What was his favorite color? What did he like to eat? What was his favorite song? She could not answer any of those questions at all. It worried her. Could they really get married?

"Why do you love me?"

He gives a dramatic sigh, "It is a curse, probably. My family has a history for falling for Asian beauties."

Frowning, she told him, "Be serious."

Chuckling, Eriol did as she requested. "A few years ago, I did think about forgetting you. You were causing a sensation everywhere and I wasn't sure if you were ever going to return." His thoughts went to his former lover and couldn't help but feel guilty. He did know that Kaho had loved him… and probably still did. Many times he thought that life would have been so much easier if he just fell in love with her. Maybe he would have, if he had not fallen in love with Tomoyo again. "But, then I saw you again when you visited your cousin, Sakura in China."

"Eh? I did not see you…what were you doing there?"

"Syaoran Li is actually my cousin. My mother and his mother were related. Like you, I was there to visit my cousin to wish him congratulations in his nuptials," he admitted, brushing a few strands of stray hair from her face. "I did not think it was the time to meet yet that time, but I did watch you practice your singing in the garden." He closed his eyes and smiled as he remembered every detail of her performance that night. "And… under the shining moonlight I fell in love with you all over again."

Tomoyo blushed. She believed that she was alone in the garden that night. Surely he was jesting. She was dressed in a long Chinese robe and her hair had been uncombed because she had just gotten out of bed. She had trouble sleeping because she had been a bit sad now that her favorite cousin and bestfriend was married.

"I will ask you again… will you marry me?"

"And if I say no?" she teased, reminding him of his childish blackmail. "Will you keep your name from me?"

"No, but I might die from a broken heart."

For a moment, Tomoyo thought he was teasing her… but when she looked up his face was very, very solemn. She knew then that he was very serious. It was not a joke, and she could not lie to herself… she loved him too. "Yes."

At her answer, Eriol joyfully lifted her off the ground and twirled her around. She made him the happiest man in the world. When her feet touched the ground again, he made another rose appear- this time it was a pure white.

He bent down to kiss her, but they were suddenly interrupted by a shout outside the door. "ERIOL! DID SHE SAY YES YET?" Nakuru was very impatient to know if his kooky courtship worked.

Both Tomoyo and Eriol laughed… and kissed. Nakuru will just have to wait for the answer later.

Outside, the red moon was losing it's bloody red color. Within seconds, it was quickly replaced by a beautiful full moon. The Phantom of Red Moon will need not show himself again… at least for a long while.

Fin.

Author's note:

I can't believe it took me three years to write four chapters. I need to write faster. I really envy those authors that can update once a week or twice a month. Well, I hope you like Nightingale. This is really the end. I did think of making an epilogue, but I think it is better to end this now because it will probably take me another year to finish it. For all those who waited all this time for me to finish, thank you so much. Thank you for the patience and for not coming after me with shovels and pitchforks. I really hope the ending is worth the wait…

Sincerely.

Listening to: Tears and Rainbows by Olivia Lufkin

Mood: EXHAUSTED

Shout outs: (I finally finished this chapter! I will now find time to reply to all of my reviewers)

closetbookworm:

Thank you!

Hinata Hyuga:

Thank you. Here it is! :D

Charlise:

I am so glad you like it. I am glad that you think it is beautiful. It was pretty tough since I have no idea how to write beautifully.

KiNoMoTo18:

I am always so LAZY to fix typos. I will fix them someday. xD Thank you for reading!

Sayuri:

Thank you!

And, no it isn't Modern Time. :D I should have been more specific about it. lol

cheng:

YAY!

SnowCharms:

Yeah. The fact that she is sharp is why it is so hard to decide her limitations.

Czaristine-02:

Thank you! :D

*Tearing happily*

James Birdsong

Hahaha~ I don't know about excellent but thank you!

Malu Daidoji

Thank you!

shinigamiotaku

It is finished now... :(

And I still couldn't see your add. *sigh* Maybe it was not meant to be. I hope you will still like it though!

Midnight Ghost

Yep! Last chapter!

Sandclaw of Thunderclan:

Thank you! Maybe I still should have been more specific though.~ Haha!