Chapter 2: The Preparation

Madison started working like mad to start a new costume for Sukura. Sukura herself invited Izuyu over to her house for the night. They slept like babies (aawwww). That is, after they had lain awake for hours.

*****

The next morning, Sukura spread the butter on her toast grimly, thinking of the day looming ahead of her. Madison called, saying that she had a perfect outfit ready, and would meet Sukura at Readington Park. Izuyu was shaking, and when she got her supplies together, she looked sick to her stomach. Needless to say, Sukura felt that way.

*****

"OK, Sukura, now this outfit is plain and simple. You shouldn't have any objections," Madison reassured her. Sukura jumped from the tree in the battle costume that Madison had made for her. It was sky-themed, starting with a simple, long-sleeved, white bodysuit. Then a very long rainbow-colored sash circled her waist, held together with a buckle that resembled the sun and moon. She had 2 bracelets and 2 anklets that were turquoise. Accompanying this was a pair of satin slippers that resembled ballet slippers and that laced up to the top of her thighs. Here 's the catch: Her right leg was colors of the sunrise, whereas the left was the colors of the sunset. This was all topped of by ponytail holders that were navy blue with what looked like a white star inside. Madison was right, Sukura had no objections, except for the length of the sash.
"Madison, I'm tripping on it already."
"It's good for air resistance, which will make you go faster."
They had been studying movement in science, and Sukura wasn't sure as to whether the opposite was true or not. But she decided that she would go with it; this was one of the best costumes, especially since the Key of Clow matched not only the sunset colors but also the theme.
"It looks really good on you, Sukura, take my word for it." Izuyu had just slipped on a patchwork dress with jingle bells around the waistband and when she noticed how Sukura reacted to it (surprise), she told her about the dream thing. Then she asked Sukura if she recognized the material. Sukura didn't, until she eyed a familiar piece of 'neo-gladiator' material.
"Now I recognize it!" she said. "It's pieces of all my battle costumes!"
"Yes, it is," Izuyu nodded. "Except I noticed that your current costume isn't on it."
Li soon walked in, making no comment on either of the costumes, and looked extremely shaken, which was unusual for him.
"OK," said Izuyu. "Let's do it."
"Right," said Sukura and Li.
Li drew out the Return card and the Time card and gave Time to Sukura. Izuyu took off her thick, gold bracelet and recited:
"Sun, Moon, Clouds and Stars,
Magic power from afar,
With all your power, with all your might,
Release the Band, Unleash the Might!
RELEASE!"
The bracelet grew into some sort of glowing rope, which became a circle and surrounded them. "Now!" she yelled. Sukura and Li called upon the cards¡K and soon disappeared.