The BFC

(naylte)

It was the middle of the night in Tomoeda; most residents were fast asleep, blissfully unaware of what was happening around them, dreaming the night away, except one. Naoko Yanagisawa just couldn't get to sleep, the skylight in her bedroom was letting in the light of the full moon straight onto her bed; furthermore she couldn't turn off her mind as it raced with the many fantasy stories that she had read over the past month. As she thought about her situation she finally decided that she wouldn't be falling asleep anytime soon, fortunately it was only Saturday night so she didn't have to worry about the following morning, even though it was technically already morning. She got up and slipped her slippers on and tiptoed over to the window that looked out towards the park.

Pushing aside the curtains, Naoko looked across to Penguin Park, smiled at the enigmatic setting, and then proceeded to open her window and look down the street that ran toward the side of her apartment; everything looked just so in the atmospheric moonlight, sighing at the whole environment she decided to go back to bed and drew the curtains. But then her mind flashed with something that had just caught her eye as she was shutting the curtains, she pulled them back open and stared straight down that same street and gaped at the sight. There was a figure standing there, a human figure, except that this figure was taller than the buildings that lined the streets. Initially Naoko ducked in fear while peeping over the rim of the window, but her fascination with this sort of thing began to take prominence over her primal fear ad she began to visually study this.. person, as she thought of it.

Whoever/whatever it was the five-storey buildings along the street only came up to it's jugular (about halfway up the neck), it was wearing clothes so Naoko was certain it was some sort of human. There was a flowing cloak that looked as though it was sewn by the army as it seemed to have been designed for camouflage against the cityscape at night; as Naoko saw the figure walk up the street towards her apartment she noticed some other features, trousers that were shaded in a type of blue that went so well with the cloak and a pair of yellow open-toed sandals similar to Sakura's summer footwear. The clothing made Naoko theorise that it was a female but assumed it was a stranger round there; the footfalls were unnoticeable unless you were paying attention, this made her wonder how a person so big could walk so stealthily. She also saw something else, this giantess, as she reckoned it was, was carrying some kind of staff that was surprisingly garish, especially compared to the rest of the clothing.

She saw her bend down to peek into the upstairs bedroom of one of the buildings across the road from her. Fear and awe were pouring through her veins. The giantess then extracted some kind of tarot card from her pocket and whispered ever so quietly; Naoko was certain now that it was a girl as the voice was characteristically feminine, but the whisper was so quiet that she had no idea what she had said.

A glimmer of bluish-white light emitted in front of the giantess and faded a few seconds after, Naoko had no idea what that was about but was fascinated by the mysterious sight, until the giantess turned around. Naoko could make out a silhouette in the location of the face; the giantess’s face seemed to have a surprisingly youthful look to it, she could see a touch of green that she took as being the eyes. But there was no time to go any further as it became apparent that she had been spotted! Immediately she dashed across the room and hid under her bedcovers; even though she felt most anxious regarding her predicament, she kept her ears open in the hopes of notifying how close the giantess was.

For a while Naoko could hear nothing except herself, breathing heavily and quivering with uncertainty. For a moment she thought the giantess was merely checking her apartment over, and hoped that she would shrug off her peeping as something that could be dismissed as imagination. She noticed something else then, the moonlight had been cut off; curiosity getting the better of her she peeked over the covers and looked straight into the giantess’s hand. There was no chance to scream as she felt those six-foot long fingers wrap around her, it was curious that the giantess wasn’t bothering to separate her from the bedclothes and commenced to take them too. Naoko had been wearing her glasses since she had first left the bed that night so she could see the landscape clearly, but now her view was obstructed by one of the giantess’s fingers, so she had to rely on the sensation of movement and any air currents passing between those huge fingers to determine what the giantess was doing.

She quickly understood that she was being lifted out of her bedroom, even if she were being held in an open palm there was no way she could’ve bailed out. The next thing she took note of was that the giantess was tightening her grip, almost inhibiting her capability to move but still allowed her to crawl a little. A distant whistling of wind and a rapid but steady clump-clump-clump of the giantess’s sandals told her that she was running away with her, literally, in hand. Forgetting the shock and terror of the situation for the moment, Naoko wondered if this was kidnapping or theft, as to a giantess she could probably be thought of as a thing.

Naoko squeezed between the giantess’s finger and thumb and watched Tomoeda rushing by with the wind blowing back her hair; the fear came flooding back and she squealed and tried to make out the face of her captor, in vain. The cloak was so cleverly designed that it left the giantess’s face shrouded in shadow. Naoko kept a tab on the world rushing by, in an effort to understand where she was being taken, but didn’t get much of a chance.

The giantess began running even faster, straight towards a rock outcrop! Naoko couldn’t understand why she was behaving in manner stereotypically associated with a lemming. But then the giantess shouted a single syllable while waving her staff; the voice seemed familiar to Naoko but she couldn’t put her finger on it. Then she was stunned to see the giantess flying into the air with no visible aids. The wind was so strong that she was forced to slide back between her captor’s fingers; thusly she had no idea where she was heading.

Eventually the giantess came to a landing; the first signs of dawn were emerging over the horizon. As she ran along Naoko took a peek and became unsure as to whether she was now in a land of giants or if the giantess had shrunk down to human size, which would mean that she was now no bigger than a mouse! The giantess tiptoed down a particular street and slipped in and out of nooks and crannies. Eventually she reached a house and quietly opened the door. Inside few lights were on so Naoko only had silhouettes to see as she made an effort to discern what sort of home her captor had.

She sensed that they were heading upstairs, immediately coming to the conclusion that her captor wished to go to the bedroom.

‘Perhaps she sleeps in the daytime,’ Naoko thought, ‘Since she goes out at night.’

She was moved from one hand to the other, allowing her to squeeze further through her captor’s fingers but only up to her waist. She saw a door open in front of them to reveal a room only faintly lit by the setting moon. As they entered Naoko heard the door close behind them and then saw her captor going over to the window where she closed the blinds.

Afterwards she had to rely on the sense of movement as her captor went across the room, until the light was turned on. The light was so sudden that Naoko had to shield her eyes for a while. She was put down on what seemed to be a dressing table; she was covered by her bedclothes so she could adjust to the light a little better. She partially emerged from the bedclothes and nervously watched her captor move over to what must’ve been a wardrobe where she removed her cloak.

Naoko was surprised to see auburn hair in pigtails under the hood, she’d recognise it anywhere.

‘But, it couldn’t be!’ Naoko thought, however she was bowled over with astonishment as she could now clearly see, as she put her cloak away, the all too familiar figure of Sakura Kinomoto! She stretched with weariness and went over to give Naoko the once over.

Sakura’s position, standing over the dresser, placed Naoko in the shadow of her head. Naoko was overwhelmed from this new perspective of her good friend as she looked into her great emerald eyes in an effort to discern how she was feeling. She was confused and disturbed as Sakura was expressing a mixture of concern and disappointment.

“It had to happen eventually,” She said, “But I didn’t expect to be you.” Naoko was bewildered by this, not sure what she was referring to.

“W…what are you going to do to me?” She squeaked nervously, at which Sakura smiled sweetly and answered.

“Nothing that I haven’t already done.” Naoko blinked with surprise. “You’ll have to spend some time here with me.”

“Like this?” She asked, Sakura nodded. “Forever?!?” Sakura shook her head.

“I’ll return you to normal and let you go eventually.” She told her. “In about three months, I hope.” Naoko fell backwards with shock that she’d be missing for a few months or so.

“Will anyone else know about this?” She asked.

“Only two, definitely.” Sakura answered, she thought a bit and said. “Would you like some breakfast now, Naoko-chan?” She stood there for a bit with a nervous expression on her face as she considered what this insinuated.

“What did you have in mind, Sakura-chan?” She asked, clearly there was much for her to ask about. Sakura walked over to one of her drawers and removed a satchel.

“I’ve got some onigiri here.” She answered, at which Naoko relaxed. Then another drawer opened and Kero popped out with interest at the mention of onigiri. He had only recently woken as the faint light and Sakura’s voice had roused him. Sakura carried the onigiri over to the dresser and placed them about an inch away from Naoko.

“What’s in them?” She asked, Sakura thought for a moment before answering.

“I’m not sure, but they each have different umeboshi.” Sakura picked one up to taste; Kero was curious as to what was going on, since he could hear Naoko and easily identified as being someone other than Tomoyo. Naoko looked on as Sakura took a bite from the onigiri she was holding, she couldn’t help but be in awe of how mighty and formidable she looked from her perspective, especially when she glanced at the other onigiri and compared herself to them, clearly her head was smaller than the mouthful Sakura had just taken.

“Is it any good?” She asked, Sakura nodded before she swallowed the mouthful.

“It’s a raspberry onigiri.” She told her tiny guest. Just then they were interrupted by a new voice, Naoko was wondering who this was as no one she knew had an Osaka accent.

“Sakura, Sakura.” Kero addressed her. “What’s going on?” Sakura tensed up as she tried to formulate an explanation, and not just on Kero’s behalf. Of course Cerberus wouldn’t wait for her to answer and came to see for himself.

Naoko was bowled over yet again upon seeing a huge animate plush toy floating in the air while Kero simply had a look of condemnation.

“What’s all this, Sakura?!?” Kero questioned, Sakura sighed and prepared to answer.

“She saw me.” She told him. “This is temporary so she can get used to it and won’t be tempted to spill the beans.” Naoko was terribly curious as to what was going on and astonished by the various strange things that seemed to be connected to Sakura. “Anyway,” She continued, “I think I might as well be honest with you.” She told her little guest. “Naoko-chan, this is Cerberus but I call him Kero-chan. Kero-chan, this is Yanagisawa Naoko, one of my classmates.” She took another bite from her onigiri as she thought about what to say next.

“You never had to do this before!” Kero exclaimed, Sakura shook her head and said.

“No, but I was never caught in the middle of using the Big Card.” Kero thought for bit, he accepted Sakura’s reasoning but didn’t exactly approve of her measure. Sakura knew how to get him to settle down as she offered him the rest of her onigiri. While Kero went off to start on his early morning treat Sakura began to tell Naoko everything about herself and the Clow Cards.

After about five minutes Sakura noticed that Naoko was starting to slouch, so she set a rubber down for her to sit on. Naoko looked on in awe as Sakura placed the rubber on the desk only couple of hundred thous from her, now she had gotten over the initial shock she could admire the size difference more significantly.

The whole story was so long that it was well after sunrise when Sakura finished; she refrained from telling Naoko why she had enlarged herself last night. Naoko was filled with mixed feelings: amazement, admiration, astonishment, concern and understanding. The fact the supernatural did occur was exciting enough for her but to learn that one of her friends possessed formidable magical power was mind-boggling. Sakura resigned to let Naoko sit there for a bit so it could all sink in while she would deal with the family’s breakfast; she spread out the onigiri in case Naoko felt peckish while she was away.

However, just as she began to get up, she heard a knock on the door.

“Sakura, Sakura!” A deep masculine voice called through it.

“H…!” Sakura almost cried out her famous exclamation, instead she leaned forward and whispered to Naoko. “It’s my big brother. I’ve got to hide you.” Naoko nodded in understanding and looked around for somewhere to hide, only Sakura beat her to it and slipped her in amongst her collection of plush toys. “Yes, big brother?” She called back to him; he poked his head round the door.

“One of your friends has called round.” He told her. “She would like to have a talk with you.” Sakura thought for a moment, briefly glancing in Naoko’s direction before replying.

“OK,” She answered, “Could you ask her to come up?”

“Right you are, monster.” Touya replied, the last word once again ringing a clapper in Sakura’s mind. After he left Sakura turned back to Naoko.

“You might be safe there,” Sakura told her, “But please duck out of sight if we wish to play with a plush toy.” Naoko gave an affirmative reply after nodding, not sure if Sakura would be able to see her nod from the other side of the room.

Naoko sat on an ordinary plush lion, thinking about everything that had happened to her. She still found it difficult to believe that Sakura was a sorceress who had kidnapped and shrunk her. Even though she was amazed by Sakura's revelation she couldn't help but think that this was dream; however something was going to happen soon that would prove that this was the real thing.

Downstairs Sakura found Chiharu waiting in the hallway; she was both pleased and nervous regarding the fact that she had dropped by. 

"Morning, Chiharu-chan." Sakura greeted her, whereupon she responded likewise.

"Do you have anything planned for today?" She asked, Sakura thought hard. She couldn't leave Naoko in the bedroom all alone, she didn't have Kero's longevity in terms of coping without food not to mention the fact that she couldn't fly and didn't find video games interesting, and even if she was she wouldn't be able to use a console because she was too small now. But she didn't want to offend her friends, so she struggled to figure out someway of balancing out the responsibility of ensuring Naoko would be safe with the expectation to socialise with her full-sized friends. Then it hit her!

"I was planning on seeing Tomoyo-chan this morning," She answered, "But otherwise no." Chiharu smiled and said.

"Good. I was just wondering if you would like to do some rollerblading this afternoon." Sakura understood where she was coming from and said.

"It's nice of you to offer, Chiharu-chan, I'll see if I can make it. When were you thinking?" Chiharu paused for a moment and answered.

"Would one o'clock suit you, Sakura-chan?" Sakura nodded in acceptance but with a touch of uncertainty suggesting that she might be a bit late. In an effort to be a good hostess she offered Chiharu a quick breakfast, which Chiharu had it confirmed that it would be a cup of tea and a savoury snack. Evidently Chiharu wanted a bit more time to talk with Sakura so they checked with Fujitaka to see if it was alright to have some tea in her room.

****************

‘I hope Sakura won’t take long,’ Naoko thought, ‘I can’t figure out what I can do by myself in this state.’ Just then the door opened and Sakura and Chiharu entered; understanding the implications of what would happen if Chiharu saw her, Naoko ducked behind a pink plush rabbit and peeked at the two giantesses.

“Did you get any sleep at all, Sakura-chan?” Chiharu asked, noticing her bed looked as though it had hardly been slept in. Sakura paused as she tried to form a logical explanation before settling for.

“I was thinking about our maths homework.” Chiharu understood this as maths wasn’t Sakura’s strong point.

“I didn’t think you’d lose sleep over it.” She commented, Sakura pointed out that they were doing long multiplication, something completely new in their class. “Can I help?” She asked.

“No thanks,” Sakura replied, “I don’t want you to go to any trouble.” Chiharu understood this in two ways; first Sakura was always looking out for her friends, and second Tomoyo and Naoko had a better understanding of maths than she did.

As Naoko listened in on the giantesses she remembered Chiharu’s fondness for plush toys and began to search for a better hiding place. While Chiharu and Sakura continued their small talk Fujitaka came in with a tea tray; Naoko saw this as the perfect opportunity to change her hiding place. While Sakura helped her father with the tea Naoko noted that the onigiri were laid out in such a way that some had crevices between them that she could hide in.

“Thanks, dad.” She replied as he stood back up, showed his appreciation for her gratitude and left the girls to their talking. Meanwhile Naoko was propping herself up against one of the onigiri to ensure Chiharu wouldn’t spot her; she was confident but something in her memory was telling her this was a bad idea.

Sakura and Chiharu talked and drank tea for a few minutes when Chiharu looked at the time.

“Oh!” She exclaimed. “I was supposed to meet Takashi-kun!” Just then they heard a groan from Chiharu’s stomach. “But I still need my breakfast.” She added. Sakura thought for a moment and said.

“There’s some onigiri over there,” She pointed with her finger, “Maybe one will get you by.” Chiharu looked between the onigiri and Sakura and finally conceded.

“Thanks, Sakura-chan.” She answered and went over to try one.

Naoko felt a creepy feeling run up her spine but she seemed to enjoy it; she wasn’t sure what was going on as the rice muffled the conversation. Just then a shadow fell over the onigiri she had lodged herself into the side of; the faint light from the surrounding room was blocked off. She turned her head to see the reason why, someone was standing over the desk but she wasn’t sure if it was Sakura or Chiharu. The nagging doubt now came flooding to the surface as she felt herself being lifted into the air; she could clearly see Chiharu standing there now.

While Chiharu helped herself to an onigiri Sakura went over to her plush toy collection to see if Naoko had hidden herself well. Her initial reaction upon not seeing her was relief as she felt sure that she had succeeded in hiding herself; however when she couldn’t see a tiny peeping face she became concerned as to where Naoko was hiding.

Naoko looked up in terror as Chiharu’s face came into view, it was obvious what was happening and she was desperate to avoid it. But she couldn’t bring herself to call out as she wasn’t sure how Chiharu would’ve reacted, nor what Sakura would do if she was rumbled. She just braced herself and hoped for the best, except that Chiharu was opening her mouth to take a bite.

Sakura began ferreting for Naoko; if Chiharu would inquire she had an alibi ready to throw her off the scent. ‘Come on, Naoko-chan,’ She thought, ‘You don’t need to hide from me.’

Naoko was paralyzed, too terrified to take action and too frightened to take everything in her stride. She had her eyes fixed on Chiharu’s massive mouth as it came closer and closer, glistening white teeth lined the orifice like a seaside cave and her mighty pink tongue heaved and pulsated, worst of all was the deep dark throat beyond it all. As the light began to fade Naoko braced herself, expecting the worst but gave a prayer for Chiharu, knowing that she would be none the wiser. She couldn’t take her eyes off Chiharu’s tongue as it came out to meet her.

All of Naoko's senses picked up on Chiharu taking a mighty bite out of the onigiri; she was inside her friend's mouth! The good news was that she hadn't been bitten into; the bad news was the high probability that she would be swallowed. There could be no denying now as she felt Chiharu's saliva-soaked tongue toss her around her mouth, this was no dream. She heard the molars starting to mash the rice and anticipated the most gruesome thing she had ever known.

Chiharu suddenly let out a sound of disgust, Sakura spun round with surprise and concern.

"Yuck!" Chiharu exclaimed as she couldn't help but splutter some of the onigiri out of her mouth before swallowing what was left. "Konnyaku onigiri?!? Who gave you these, Sakura-chan?" Sakura thought for a moment and understood, Touya had made them himself so it was natural he would give her some frustration. Chiharu apologised for her behaviour, said goodbye and left with the intention of getting a soda on her way.

"That was close." Sakura commented as she turned to her pile of plush toys. "I thought she would've spotted you there." When she didn't see Naoko emerge she became concerned; immediately she began searching her desk, when her eyes fell upon the onigiri Chiharu had discarded. She looked back at the remaining onigiri and back to the discarded one when she felt a very heavy feeling in her stomach. 'She wouldn't,' She thought, 'The danger would've been obvious.'

"Sakura! Sakura!" A distant but familiar voice called out.

"Naoko-chan?" Sakura inquired hopefully. "Where are you?"

"Over here!" She wheezed from a mound of half-chewed rice on Sakura's bed. Sakura stepped towards her and looked at her condition in shock.

“Y…y…you were…!” Sakura jabbered as the enormity of it sunk in; Naoko nodded in response as she wiped saliva off her face.

“I must apologize.” Naoko commented, at which Sakura immediately exploded in an apologetic manner.

“No!” She cried out. “I’m the one who must apologize!” Naoko looked up at Sakura with surprise. “I didn’t realise that you could hide amongst the onigiri when she helped herself. Not only that, it’s my fault that you could fit in her mouth. It’s my fault because I took such a drastic measure!” Naoko both felt sorry for her gigantic hostess and confused about the situation.

“Well,” She hesitated to ask, “Why did you… do this… to me then?” Sakura slowly came out of her state of self-blame and asserted her decision.

“Because if I hadn’t,” She told Naoko, “You’d go telling everyone what you had seen and goodness only knows what would happen then.”

“I see your point.” Naoko replied.

“That’s why you need to spend sometime in this condition,” Sakura added, “So you can get over the initial shock and amazement and take it in your stride.” Naoko sighed and muttered.

“The sooner the better.” She hoped to heaven that she wouldn’t be presumed dead and have all her stuff thrown away or sold off. Hoping to make her situation more bearable Sakura quickly changed the subject.

“Um,” She started, “I think you’ll want a wash now.” Naoko looked up at her with a hint of ‘thank you for stating the obvious’ in the look in her miniature eyes.

“I doubt that a shower would be practical at this size.” She responded, Sakura nodded and began to ponder over a solution. “I’ll have to do it the Western way.” Naoko added since it seemed that Sakura was trying to uphold the traditional manner of cleaning one’s self. Sakura took this in, thought for a moment over the benefits and stigmas of the idea and finally conceded.

“Okay,” Sakura answered, “But what are you going to wear?” Naoko now looked puzzled.

“What about something off your dolls?” She asked, Sakura shook her head.

“The smallest would be about three times the size you’d need.” She answered.

“Well,” Naoko said as she considered her options, “Are you any good with a needle?” Sakura smiled apologetically and said.

“Not for your scale.” Naoko still looked puzzled. “I can do a rough job for a regular-sized person… at least when I’m regular-sized, too.” Naoko understood that Sakura had the freedom to actually pick her size. “But I doubt I could make anything suitable for you.”

---

“Will you need a hand with your homework?” Naoko asked her giant hostess as she entered the room with a bowl in her hands and a washcloth draped over one of her wrists.

“It’s nice of you to offer,” Sakura replied as she set the bowl on the desk, “But you don’t have to trouble yourself.”

“I don’t think it’ll be any trouble,” Naoko told her with a bit of a giggle, “After all I won’t have to worry about homework for a while.” Sakura supported her humorous attitude to the situation.

“I see what you’re saying,” She said as she put the washcloth down next to Naoko, “But I don’t think you’ll have to trouble yourself for today.” She retrieved a couple of books to provide Naoko a step up to the rim of the bowl; Naoko left it at that for the time being as she wanted to get cleaned up.

Even though they were both girls Sakura still averted her eyes as Naoko removed her nightdress and slipped into the makeshift bath. After she was complemented on the condition of the water Sakura took Naoko’s filthy nightdress in her fingers and made a mental note that it needed to be cleaned. Then she got out a lace handkerchief, a pair of smallish scissors and a needle and thread; while she was no magician of the needle she could still knock up a simple piece of clothing.

“Um, Sakura-chan!” Naoko called out as calmly washed Chiharu’s saliva off herself.

“Yes?” She replied as she sat down to see what she could make out of a handkerchief.

“What were you doing last night anyway?” Naoko asked her. Sakura thought for a while before replying.

“I’m sorry but that’s confidential.” But Naoko was unable to contain her curiosity.

“Come on,” She continued, “Tell me what you were doing with that staff of yours.” Sakura smiled slyly as she felt that truth after truth would be sliding out.

“This is going really deep into my activities, you know.” She told her tiny guest.

“Well,” Naoko retorted, “You’re biggest secret has already been revealed.” As Sakura tried to compare her nightdress with her handkerchief she finally caved in.

“Okay,” She answered, “If you really want to know I was giving the boy in that bedroom a dream spell.” Naoko had just finished cleaning herself and now did her best to exit the giant bowl.

“A dream spell?” She inquired, not sure what this entailed.

“Yes,” Sakura answered, “I was looking out for minor troubles in the city. You see, since there were no serious problems to contend with, Tomoyo-chan advised me to enlarge myself and seek out some more discreet problems. I wasn’t sure at the time why I should’ve enlarged myself as I usually fly around the town but apparently she wanted me to conserve magic as maintaining gigantic size is actually easier than flying in magic terms.” She hesitated as she seemed to be deviating from the point. “Anyway that young lad in that bedroom I was standing outside of before I spotted you was having some serious nightmares, so I used the Dream card to give him a ore pleasant dream.”

“What’s the point in a magical card that just gives people wonderful dreams?” Naoko asked as she dried herself off with the washcloth.

“Hoe,” Sakura exclaimed in a slightly frustrated manner, “It doesn’t just down that.” She told her as she finished on her handiwork. “It taps into the power of those of us who wield magical powers and can enable us to see our own future. Of course,” She continued, “We can get prophetic dreams anyway but the Dream card can give us all the details.”

“I don’t quite follow.” Naoko informed her, Sakura just walked over to where Naoko was standing with part of the washcloth wrapped around her and said.

“I think you will, in time.” She answered and handed Naoko a sort of miniature toga.

“Oh, Sakura-chan.” Naoko breathed as she took the toga from between Sakura’s fingers. “That’s so sweet.” Sakura blushed and said.

“It was nothing, Naoko-chan; I just didn’t want you feeling ashamed until we get you some new clothes.” Naoko slung the toga down and, to Sakura’s surprise, wore it in precisely the right way.

“Oh, no Sakura-chan,” She answered, “This’ll do just fine.” Then Sakura’s last sentence sunk in. “Some new clothes?” She inquired.

“I think Tomoyo-chan will be able to get you some new clothes.” Sakura informed the shrunken Naoko, who became stunned upon hearing this.

“But,” She started, “If Tomoyo-chan sees me like this…!” Sakura cut her off.

“It’s all right.” She said. “She knows about me, and my magic.” Naoko was becoming curious now. If Tomoyo knew about Sakura’s magical powers then who else knew about them? She did not want to trouble Sakura and waste her time, after all she was trying to help her get accustomed to this whole ordeal, so she did not ask and instead based it on which of the people they knew she would be shown to in her shrunken state.

After Sakura had finished getting her stuff together and giving Tomoyo a tinkle she laid her hand out on the desk. Naoko understood what she was being asked to do but was hesitant in doing so.

“It’ll be easier if I carry you in my pocket.” Sakura told her, whereupon Naoko jumped into the palm of her hand, certain that no one would see her and she wouldn’t have to worry about being dropped. She felt herself being lifted up into the air towards her gigantic hostess; she kept her eyes upon Sakura as awe consumed her at the sight of her body rushing by as she was lifted ever closer to the Card-Mistress. “Here.” Sakura added as she slipped Naoko into a front pocket.

“Sakura-chan,” Naoko complemented, “This is such a convenient place to ride in.” Sakura smiled down at her little friend and said.

“I thought you might like to peek at the world around you.” Naoko understood this as she could easily slip right into the pocket and peek out over the rim again. “Cover your ears, please.” Sakura advised; Naoko was surprised by this request but complied, having a feeling of what Sakura was going to do. “Kero-chan!” Sakura called out, Kero emerged from his drawer. “We’re going over to Tomoyo-chan’s house.” Kero became ever so animated.

“Not without me, you’re not.” He told her; Sakura just smiled, knowing what he was like, and allowed him to come if he either hid in her bag or did his stuffed toy impression.

---

“I’ve never seen Tomoyo-chan’s house before.” Naoko commented after they got off the bus. “What’s it like?” Sakura once again gave her smile, only this one was a more knowing smile.

“You’ll see soon enough.” She answered; Naoko was curious as there were no houses within yards of the bus stop.

“Is it far?” She asked, Sakura shook her head.

“You’d be surprised how difficult it can be to find when you haven’t been there before.” Naoko decided to settle down in Sakura’s pocket and ponder of this cryptic answer, now that she thought about it Sakura seemed to have been developing into a much more mature and almost philosophical figure over the past two years.

The sight of the Daidouji mansion brought a major sense of awe for Naoko; she was sure that it would have been awe-inspiring even at normal size but her perspective made it seem as big as the Taj Mahal, or something similar. Sakura put her finger to her lips, indicating for Naoko to be quiet for a while, before she buzzed the intercom and announced herself.

“Amazing!” Naoko exclaimed as Sakura carried her into the grounds of the Daidouji mansion. Sakura smiled at her little friend’s comment and said.

“Exactly how I felt when I first came here.” So much that was new was pouring into Naoko’s senses, and in her shrunken state they were all the more overwhelming. Just then the front door opened and Naoko immediately ducked inside Sakura’s pocket in case it was someone who shouldn’t see her.

“Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo cried out as she ran out to greet her love, “Welcome.”

“Hello, Tomoyo-chan.” Sakura replied, Kero popped his head out of Sakura’s bag and greeted Tomoyo with his classic enthusiasm, which was naturally reciprocated. Immediately Tomoyo led Sakura indoors, treasuring every moment of their time together.

Naoko could deduce what was going on without peeping over the lip of Sakura’s pocket. The sound of the giantesses making conversation was impossible to not notice and she could make out Tomoyo’s silhouette through the translucent material.

As they headed towards Tomoyo’s room Sakura took a moment to make sure that Naoko was still in her pocket; feeling the outside of her front pocket she took note that not only was Naoko still in there but she seemed to be making herself more comfortable.

“Sakura-chan,” Tomoyo commented as they settled down in her room, “It’s so nice of you to come.” Sakura just gave her a friendly smile and said.

“Thank you, Tomoyo-chan, but there’s something serious I must talk to you about.” Tomoyo’s face now formed an expression of curiosity and concern. “Remember last night?” At this Tomoyo’s face lit up again.

“Oh yes, Sakura-chan.” She replied. “I was so happy when you accepted my proposition. And when you stomped off into the night the sight was just… over-the-moon.” Sakura sighed as Tomoyo went into one of her fantasies.

“The cloak wasn’t enough for concealment.” Sakura continued, Tomoyo snapped out of her fantasy and paid full attention.

“You mean…” She replied, “Someone spotted you?!?” Sakura calmly nodded; at this Tomoyo took Sakura’s hands in hers and asked. “What happened? Did you have to…?” She couldn’t finish but Sakura had a good idea of what she was going to say.

“See for yourself.” Sakura answered, she gave her front pocket a gentle poke. “Okay, Naoko-chan, you can come out now.”

Naoko had been listening half-heartedly to the conversation and knew what to expect when Tomoyo exclaimed that she suspected the truth. Upon Sakura’s prompting she took a deep breath and pulled herself up over the rim of the pocket. Tomoyo’s eyes locked onto her; for a while all she could get from this sight was astonishment before she got over the shock and slipped into a sense of compassion.

“So,” Tomoyo addressed her, “Do you…?” Naoko gave a clear nod, with Tomoyo’s eyes fixed upon her she was sure it would be seen.

“It was such a drastic action,” Sakura sighed, “But I can’t think what else I could’ve done.” Tomoyo just smiled and said.

“Drastic times call for drastic measures.” With this reassurance Sakura lifted her hand up to her pocket and allowed Naoko to climb out and on to it. She stretched her arms as she sat in Sakura’s palm while she was ferried over to the table.

“It’s so nice to be able to stretch my legs after crouching in your pocket for so long.” She informed Sakura, who just gave an understanding nod as she stepped on to the tabletop and turned to see Sakura’s gigantic hand carefully lift away. As she looked up she was surprised by the appreciative smile on Tomoyo’s face. “Are you okay, Tomoyo-chan?” She addressed the giantess, walking towards her before taking a seat on a stray piece of cotton wool.

“That is such a cute little kimono you’re wearing, Naoko-chan.” Tomoyo replied. “It really suits someone of your cute little stature.” Naoko blushed a little at being referred to as ‘cute’ but it made sense considering how ‘little’ she was.

“Actually,” Sakura commented, “It’s more of a toga. Sewing is not my forte so all I could do was improvise a wrap-round piece of clothing from one of my handkerchiefs.” Tomoyo just smiled again and said.

“Sakura-chan, you could make the simplest piece of clothing and it would still look almost as cute as you are.” Sakura still pondered over why Tomoyo kept addressing her as cute, after all she was normal-sized and Tomoyo was too so she failed to see why she would be at least as cute as Naoko was in her shrunken state.

“But,” Sakura continued, “I… We… were hoping that you might be able to make her something more…” She couldn’t find the right words but she took one look at Tomoyo and knew that she got the picture.

“You know I’d do anything for you, Sakura-chan.” Sakura sighed as she knew she meant ‘anything’. “And when one of our friends is in need I’ll be quite happy to help.” She carefully lowered her hand down next to Naoko, who had already gotten up to give her legs a bit more of a stretch and had been listening to the giantesses’ conversation, and was ready to mount Tomoyo’s hand as it came to rest on the table. While both Sakura and Tomoyo watched her jump into Tomoyo’s palm without hesitation Naoko thought for a moment that Tomoyo’s hand was slightly softer than Sakura’s. Even though she was being lifted and lowered with such care she still felt such a strong change in elevation that she couldn’t even sit up straight much less stand.

Once the sensation of being lifted stopped she was stunned as she looked up at Tomoyo; her face was positively vast from her point of view and as such Naoko wasn’t sure how close Tomoyo was holding her. Just then Sakura yelped and began ferreting through her bag.

“I almost forgot!” She exclaimed as she pulled out a book and some paper. “I have yet to do our maths homework.” Tomoyo looked up from Naoko and considered saying something reassuring while Naoko leaned against Tomoyo’s fingers and considered the same.

“I think that should be your top priority.” Naoko commented. “I can stick with a toga for a bit longer.” Sakura looked up from her maths book at the both of them when Tomoyo piped up.

“I’ll help you a bit, Sakura-chan.” Naoko also offered her assistance to Sakura; she began to feel ever so warm inside.

“Thank you.” She replied; and so both Tomoyo and Naoko provided her with tips regarding the practice of long multiplication. While Tomoyo sat next to her Naoko sat upon her rubber every so often getting up and walking over Sakura’s homework, checking it over. Tomoyo agreed to see to Naoko’s clothing after lunch.

As Naoko sat on Sakura's rubber she went over all the recent events and revelations in her mind. She considered the implications of the fact that Sakura was a sorceress and also tried to think back to the story of the Clow cards that Sakura told her early that morning.

"Um, Sakura-chan." She piped up; Sakura took a break from her homework and looked towards her miniature friend.

"Yes, Naoko-chan?" She replied. Naoko stood up and took a few steps towards the giantess.

"How old are those cards you told me about?" She asked; Sakura thought for a moment before answering.

"Well, these cards are actually different to the originals but are really the originals. You see I reincarnated them as my own cards since it was necessary to keep them alive so they are young as Sakura cards but their original incarnations are over 300 years old." Now Kero got in on this conversation.

"Yes," He said, as Naoko turned to him she felt that he was the size of a rhino, "They were created by a powerful sorcerer named Clow Reed."

"But," Tomoyo added, "Even in his golden years Clow-san didn't have as much power as Sakura-chan does now." Sakura blushed upon hearing this. "His reincarnation said so himself." Naoko tilted her head as this comment.

"Eriol-kun has the memories, personality and powers of Clow Reed," Sakura explained, "But I can't help but think of them as different people."

"Eriol himself said that although he is his reincarnation he's not Clow Reed himself." Kero added. "Of course," He continued, "In his day spirits were brave," He drew himself up to make himself look more headstrong and heroic, "Bodies were strong. Men were real men," He glanced suspiciously at Sakura, "Girls were real girls." Getting the message Sakura managed a witty reply.

"And small furry creatures created by magic," She said, "Were real small furry creatures created by magic." Tomoyo couldn't help but giggle after hearing all this.

---

“I must thank both of you for your assistance.” Sakura told Tomoyo and Naoko once they were finished.

“Hey!” Kero commented. “I was here, too!”

“But you didn’t help her with her maths.” Naoko pointed out while looking up at him; Kero went off in a sulk.

Just then there was a knock on the door. Kero immediately hid where he could while Sakura seized the initiative and swept Naoko off her feet and slipped her back in her front pocket.

“Come in.” Tomoyo called out. The door opened and Sonomi Daidouji entered.

“Hello Sakura-chan.” She greeted. “I’m sorry I couldn’t get here any earlier.”

“It’s quite alright, mother.” Tomoyo replied. “Did you solve the problem?” Sonomi often had to spend a few hours at work during the weekend whenever a new situation occurred.

“Yes. Thanks, Tomoyo.” She answered and then went on to why she came in. “I’d thought you would both like to know that lunch is ready. Oh, and Sakura-chan, I would be honoured if you could join us.” Sakura was flattered with such a short notice invitation.

“Thank you very much, Daidouji-san.” Sakura replied.

“Please,” Sonomi responded, “You can call me ‘Sonomi’.”

“We’ll be right down,” Tomoyo interjected, “But first we must tidy up.” Sakura was so impressed by Tomoyo’s convincing creativity. It was true that they had to tidy up a bit but it wasn’t the real reason that they were hanging back for.

Once Sonomi left Kero came out of hiding and Sakura extracted Naoko from her pocket.

“This has been quite a day.” Naoko commented.

“Do you think you could save a portion for me?” Kero asked Tomoyo, who replied affirmatively.

“What about you, Naoko-chan?” Sakura asked her little lodger. “What will you do about your lunch?” Naoko thought for a moment and said.

“I can cope with a doggy bag.” Sakura and Tomoyo understood this as meaning that she’d settle for Kero’s approach to a meal.

“Do you think you two will be able to get on while we’re away?” Sakura asked as she put Naoko down on the table.

“Yes!” They both replied at the same time. With this Sakura put her work away and both Tomoyo and herself said a brief farewell and left.

---

“You know,” Naoko told Kero, “This explains a lot. All those strange events that had been going on for the past two years; I always thought that they were supernatural phenomena but I never imagined that Sakura-chan would have any connection to them.”

“She did a good job of covering it up.” Kero replied. “Of course, since I was assisting her she would obviously get through without blowing the gaff.” Naoko had only known him for a couple of hours and she could already tell the Kero was rather vain and gluttonous.

“I mean,” She continued, “There were many things that I thought were caused by ghosts, rather than magic.”

“That reminds me,” Kero added, “There’s something about you that I can’t grasp. Why do you keep going on about ghosts in front of Sakura? Don’t you realise that any suggestion of ghosts terrifies her? You seem to have this fault in your mind that blinds you to the fact that it scares Sakura to death. How come you couldn’t see that?” Naoko was really taken aback by this.

“Sakura-chan’s scared of ghosts?” She commented.

“Didn’t you notice how she panics whenever you start telling her a ghost story?” He asked her; Naoko had been a witness to her panic attacks but didn’t seem to register the fact that it happened whenever she was telling a ghost story was far from a coincidence.

“Um,” Naoko asked, “When did you meet Sakura-chan?” Kero told her, she understood that it was nearly two years ago.

“I was roused from the front cover of the Book of Clow when she made the mistake to activate Windy’s power and scatter fifty-one Clow cards throughout Japan.” Just then the door opened and Naoko immediately ducked behind Tomoyo’s sewing kit while Kero hid behind the sofa, peeking out to check who this was.

“Are you alright?” Tomoyo asked as she and Sakura entered, Kero quickly leapt at them to see what they brought back while Naoko calmly stepped out into the open, having got used to being much smaller than her friends. “Here.” Tomoyo offered a plate of food, mostly cake, to Kero while Sakura placed a more proportionate amount of food on the table next to Naoko.

“Thanks, Sakura-chan.” Naoko responded gratefully as she proceeded to tuck in; Sakura smiled happily in the knowledge that Naoko was showing no aggravation regarding her situation.

“Um,” She commented, “I promised Chiharu-chan that I would go rollerblading with her this afternoon. Would you be alright staying here with Tomoyo-chan?” She asked Naoko.

“I’m sure I’ll be alright.” Naoko replied and Sakura smiled both through satisfaction and through confidence.

“Just leave everything to me, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo commented. “I might be able to make her a whole wardrobe.” Naoko felt flattered that Tomoyo would go to such lengths.

“Kero-chan,” Sakura addressed, “Would you like to stay here or come with me?” This actually put Kero in a bind. With Tomoyo he could eat plenty of delicious food and watch his exploits on video but he was obligated to be with Sakura and wasn’t sure if she would be having some tasty treats with her friends.

“Hmm,” He considered it, “I think I’ll stay by here.” Sakura nodded in response and began to pack away any gear she had left out.

“See you later, Naoko-chan, Kero-chan, Tomoyo-chan.” She said just before she exited the room; they all replied likewise.

---

“Well, Naoko-chan,” Tomoyo commented once Sakura had left, bending over the tiny figure on her table, “Let’s get you measured for your new clothes, shall we?” Naoko replied with significant confidence as she rested after having her lunch.

“Yes.” Tomoyo carefully laid her hand on the tabletop for Naoko to climb into. Somehow, Naoko still couldn’t get over the might her friend’s hand insinuated to her. She climbed aboard and felt almost relaxed as Tomoyo lifted her up into the air; she felt there was a strong sense of security while in either Sakura’s or Tomoyo’s grasp. As she was ferried over to another table Naoko suddenly felt curious about Tomoyo’s knowledge of Sakura’s magic. “Um, Tomoyo-chan,”

“Yes, Naoko-chan?” Tomoyo inquired.

“When did you learn that Sakura-chan had magic powers?” Naoko asked her.

“The morning after she found out.” Tomoyo replied with one of her cheery smiles.

“Wow! That was quick!” Naoko commented as Tomoyo set her down. As she measured Naoko for her new clothes Tomoyo recapped how she came to know of Sakura’s magic.

As Sakura headed off to meet Chiharu she took a quick detour and summoned her Star Staff.

“Form the guise of the one who was shrunk,” She commanded, “Mirror!” The card formed in front of her, depicting a normal-sized Naoko. “Mirror-san, you must behave like Naoko-chan as best you can until further notice.”

“Yes.” She replied.

“Okay,” Sakura commented, “I’ll give you an idea of how she behaves.” She went on to define Naoko’s skills, interests and hobbies as she knew them.

“I will do my best.” Mirror told her once she finished; now both of them set off to meet Chiharu.

---

“Um, Tomoyo-chan.” Naoko commented as she tried on a kimono Tomoyo sewed for her.

“Yes, Naoko-chan?” She asked.

“Did you know that Sakura-chan wasn’t fond of scary stories?” Naoko’s face seemed to carry both disappointment and guilt; Tomoyo considered this for a moment before she decided to answer.

“Yes.”

“Why,” Naoko commented, “Why didn’t you say? Why didn’t Sakura-chan say so?!?” Tomoyo smiled in sympathy and understanding.

“She didn’t want to disappoint you,” She answered, “Like you are now.” Naoko looked up at Tomoyo with a combination of awe and how a puppy feels when it knows it’s done something guilty but doesn’t get reprimanded for it.

“You notice,” She asked, “Even in someone as small as I am?”

“Of course,” Tomoyo replied with another of her warming smiles, “It is about Sakura-chan.” She changed the subject. “Anyway, what do you think to the kimono?” Naoko felt the material for a while, thought about it for a moment and replied.

“It’s a surprisingly good fit and the material feels like cotton to me but, if it was, it would feel courser to me than it would to you.” Tomoyo felt very happy that she had succeeded in pleasing one of her friends in spite of her predicament.

“I figured that I had to scale down more than the size,” She commented, “But the stitches were something I couldn’t scale down.” Naoko giggled in amused understanding as her tiny fingers patted the giant threads that held the sleeves together. “It’s made from fine linen.” Tomoyo added; Naoko seemed surprised. “One thing I’ve noticed about you, Naoko-chan, is that you wear slightly courser clothing than Sakura-chan or Chiharu-chan, which I felt was surprising considering that you have similar allowances and family incomes.” Naoko smiled, Tomoyo had such a way with words and that was just when she was speaking; when she sang some of her friends said that she could disarm an entire army at thirty paces.

“So,” Naoko spoke up, “What now?”

“Well,” Tomoyo replied, “I’ve still got to decide on what to do about footwear; you can’t walk around barefoot all the time.” Naoko looked at her feet and felt that Tomoyo had good reasoning; although the woodwork was so well varnished that she didn’t feel uncomfortable standing on it her feet were a bit cold. “Also,” Tomoyo continued, “I’d like to make you some more clothes. How many do you want?” Naoko was seriously taken aback; considering her small size even one well-designed kimono was enough to get by with and now Tomoyo was asking what else she’d like to wear.

“Oh, I don’t mind.” She answered. “At this size I’m grateful for anything I can get.” Tomoyo giggled a bit at this answer.

“Come on,” She commented as she gently curved her hand round Naoko to form a sort-of protective wall of flesh, “Don’t hold back, little Naoko-chan, you can have anything, not just kimonos.” As she thought about this Naoko noticed that being so small wasn’t so disturbing, she seemed to be getting more and more used to it as time rolled on; even Tomoyo’s teasingly patronising comment didn’t cause any distress or annoyance, on the contrary she felt that she could lie back against Tomoyo’s hand and let her grasp her tiny form.

---

“Eh?!? Naoko-chan!” Chiharu exclaimed when Sakura and Mirror turned up. “Where have you been? I called at your place but your mother said you weren’t in.” Mirror smiled as she tried to find an excuse.

“I got up early so I could get some reading done in the library.” She finally answered.

“I bumped into her on the way here.” Sakura supported.

---

“Really, Tomoyo-chan, you didn’t have to do this.” Naoko commented as she sat on a pincushion, surrounded by neatly folded piles of clothing.

“It’s no fuss, Naoko-chan,” Tomoyo replied, “When you return to normal size Sakura-chan can make these full-size. Anyway I’m happy to have seen how far I was able to go.”

‘There’s no denying that.’ Naoko thought as she looked around at her scaled-down clothing. There was probably over two dozen items of clothing here, all done in one afternoon. Just then there was a knock at the door; Naoko hid behind the stacks of clothing while Tomoyo bid the newcomer to enter. A maid stepped through the doorway and said.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, miss, but Kinomoto-san has just arrived.”

“Thank you for telling me,” Tomoyo replied, “Ask her to come up.” The maid bowed and left. “Mother will want Sakura-chan to stay for dinner,” She informed Naoko, “So you can have some and then Sakura-chan can take you home.” Naoko nodded in response. This was going to take some getting used to as she hadn’t yet spent 24 hours shrunk and didn’t know what sleeping arrangements Sakura had in mind for her.

“Good evening.” Sakura greeted them as she entered.

“Good evening, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo and Naoko responded in unison.

“Hello, Sakura.” Kero greeted as he popped out from his hiding place. Sakura walked over to the table Naoko was standing on and looked down not only at her but at all the garments Tomoyo had sewn in the afternoon. Her eyes bulged wide open and she sweat-dropped.

“You didn’t have to do all that, Tomoyo-chan.” Sakura commented.

“My sentiments exactly.” Naoko informed Sakura.

“Well,” Tomoyo commented, “I thought she might want a whole new wardrobe considering her condition.” She giggled a bit while the other two just smiled at the humour.

“Um, Sakura-chan.” Naoko addressed her.

“Yes, Naoko-chan?” She inquired.

“About tonight…” Naoko asked. “Where am I going to sleep?” Sakura stood up straight at looked into space as she thought about this.

"I suppose I'll have to fix up something like a bed." Sakura answered Naoko.

"You can cross that bridge when you come to it." Tomoyo commented. "Right now, I'm sure that mum would be more than happy if you'd join us for dinner, Sakura-chan." Sakura was taken aback by this and told her.

"Tomoyo-chan, I've already had lunch with you; I couldn't possibly intrude on your dinner as well." Tomoyo smiled gracefully and said.

"You would not be intruding at all. We're always happy to see you, Sakura-chan." Sakura felt seriously self-contradictory; on the one hand she felt strong responsibilities calling her home and on the other hand she did not want to disappoint her best friend.

“Go on.” Kero commented, eager to sample more food from the Daidouji household. “It shouldn’t take all that long.” Sakura looked between Kero and Tomoyo, their faces eager for two different reasons. Then Sakura’s gaze travelled down to Naoko as she stood on the tabletop; though her eyes were smaller than Sakura’s fingernails Sakura could still see her feelings in those tiny brown orbs.

“Okay.” Sakura finally conceded.

---

During dinner Tomoyo came up with a few topics to distract her mother while Sakura slipped a few crumbs from her plate under the table; Naoko was sitting upon her thigh and tucking in to whatever Sakura lowered down, unfortunately Naoko found that she had to put the crumbs on Sakura’s skin because she couldn’t get through them all at once because, though they were crumbs, to Naoko they were polyhedrons of food.

Sakura sat back once her plate was clear. Neither she nor Tomoyo had to explain to Sonomi that she was letting her dinner go down (had Touya been there then there’d be raised eyebrows) except that Sakura was really doing this to see if Naoko had finished her dinner.

---

Later on Sakura was walking home with Naoko in her pocket. Naoko felt uneasy as something came to her mind and asked Sakura.

“What about my absence from school?” Sakura looked down at her shrunken friend and smiled a knowing smile.

“Who said you would be absent?” She answered; Naoko looked bewildered. “I’ve got a stand-in for you.” Naoko was surprised.

“Who could stand in for me?” She asked. “We’re all unique.”

“And we all can’t fly.” Sakura commented, hinting at the solution to the problem. “Mirror-san is standing in for you.”

“Mirror who?” Naoko asked.

“The Mirror card.” Sakura answered. “She can take on the physical form of anyone and imitate their voice.” Naoko let this sink in before asking.

“But can she impersonate me?”

“I’ve given her instructions on how you behave, Naoko-chan,” Sakura answered, “She is sure to make people think that she’s you; she nearly dropped me in it a couple of years ago.” Naoko gasped as memories flooded back.

---

Once night had fallen Sakura now focused on the task of finding Naoko a place to sleep. She considered making her a matchbox bed but then figured that Naoko wasn’t small enough for that.

“Kero-chan,” She addressed her sun guardian, “Could Naoko-chan use your bed?” Kero was not impressed and asked Sakura.

“Why can’t she sleep with you? You’re both girls.” Sakura nodded in understanding and answered.

“Because I don’t want to hurt her in my sleep.” Naoko smiled upon hearing this, grateful for Sakura’s concern for her in her shrunken state.

“Hey, Sakura-chan!” She called out from the dresser. “Could you make me a matchbox bed; then both Kero-chan and you can have your own space?” Sakura beamed and thanked Naoko for her idea.

It took Sakura a while to find a suitably empty matchbox but once she had one she tore a piece of tissue from one in a box to give Naoko a bed sheet and then wrapped a small piece of cotton wool in another scrap of tissue for a pillow; seizing the initiative she also took a bit of linen and folded it over and over again to make a tiny mattress. In the meantime Naoko hid behind Sakura’s hairbrush as she changed into her new pyjamas.

“Oh, Sakura-chan.” Naoko gasped as she beheld her bed. “It’s wonderful.” Naoko looked up as a gigantic friend smiled with pride and joy.

“It’s not much.” Sakura answered.

“Not at all,” Naoko responded, “It looks so cosy. I once read that in the olden days of the British Isles several families slept in box beds and this is almost like I imagined them to be.”

---

The next morning Naoko was positively shocked by this loud beeping and gale-force scream waking her up, but relaxed a bit when she realised it was just Sakura and her alarm clock. After she turned it off Sakura looked down at her guest who was sitting up in her matchbox bed and looked tense.

“Sorry about that, Naoko-chan.” Sakura apologised to her.

“Not at all, Sakura-chan.” Naoko replied. “I just wasn’t ready for the louder volume a giant alarm clock produces.” Sakura smiled rather nervously and said.

“Don’t get too used to your new size, Naoko chan. At the rate you’re going you might be back to normal within the fortnight.” Naoko was somewhat relieved by this as she didn’t fancy spending one month as Sakura’s ‘pet’ let alone three.

Sakura and Naoko got up and got dressed. Naoko watched with awe at the speed Sakura dressed since it seemed so fast for someone so big. Once Sakura had set her braids she went over to Naoko who now looked upon her monumental friend with sheer admiration as opposed to fear like when she was first here, upon Sakura’s dresser.

“You can either ride in my side pocket,” Sakura informed her indicating the two pockets in the sides of her school jumper, “Or you can ride in my hat.” Sakura lifted her school hat off the lamp and gave Naoko a closer look at it.

“You won’t forget me if I ride in your hat, will you?” Naoko asked Sakura, nervous about travelling on top of Sakura’s head.

“Of course not.” Sakura answered. “Anyway you could ride in the brim of my hat.” She pointed at the curled brim that would behave somewhat like the rail on a cruise ship for someone as small as Naoko.

“I’d like to ride on top of your head,” Naoko commented, “But I think that riding in the brim of your hat would make me too obvious to others.” Sakura thought this and accepted her decision.

“So you’ll ride in my hair then?” Sakura inquired; Naoko nodded in response, a little hesitant over how Sakura might feel about it. “Shall I put you in my hair now and then put my hat on or will you ride in my hat as I put it on?” Naoko thought long and hard about this. She knew that Sakura would not do anything that would be dangerous to her so she figured that she would’ve known what she was doing either way and compared the excitement and drama in both situations.

“For now you can place me in your hair.” Naoko responded, wishing for an opportunity to ride her giant magical friend in as many ways as possible. So Sakura put her hat down right next to Naoko, who saw it as big enough to be a swimming pool, and reached out for her. The sight of Sakura reaching for her instead of holding her hand out to her did not frighten Naoko in the slightest; having been snatched by her once before Naoko felt that she could trust Sakura enough to handle her even against her free will. Naoko felt Sakura’s fingers gently but firmly wrap around her tiny body, feeling great amounts of awe and admiration at the sheer physical power she had over her. Naoko enjoyed seeing Sakura and her room go whizzing by as Sakura effortlessly lifted her up towards her face; the sight of Sakura up close was all the more amazing now that she was pinned down by her firm grasp.

“YOU’LL CERTAINLY BE TOSSED AROUND UNDER MY HAT,” Sakura told her, “BUT YOU’LL BE OKAY UNTIL I TAKE MY HAT OFF. I’LL MAKE SURE TO STAND UP STRAIGHT AND LOOK IN A MIRROR WHEN I DO.” Sakura’s voice seemed more thunderous than ever now, Naoko was sure it was because she was being held closer to Sakura’s face than ever before. Though she tried to keep her eyes on Sakura’s, which were as big as she was, but her gaze kept drifting to Sakura’s mouth as the words escaped from vocal cords as big as her torso. Not having enough time further admire Sakura’s might Naoko found herself being lifted even higher into the air and found herself looking across a plateau covered in a thick auburn forest, Sakura’s hair.

Naoko let out a yelp as Sakura released her but her hair cushioned her landing so that the great trucks of keratin made it feel like she landed on an entire shop’s worth of bedding set up in one great square. Sitting up on Sakura’s scalp Naoko looked around at the forest of hair feeling that no matter how much she got used to being small something always occurred to make Sakura all the more awe-inspiring.

“Are you alright?” Sakura’s voice came from below. Naoko was so awestruck by the might of Sakura, even on top of her head, that it took her a while to reply.

“Yes, thank you, Sakura-chan.” Just then she thought of something. “Wait, Sakura-chan!” She cried out and just as well, for Sakura had just picked her hat up. “What am I going to do about breakfast?” Sakura smiled with embarrassment as she realised the obvious.

Carefully plucking Naoko from her hair she set her in the palm of her hand and said.

“You’ll have to wait here. I’ll get you something from downstairs; I don’t fancy the idea of you eating on my head.” Naoko giggled at this as Sakura set her down back on the dresser, returned her hat to the lampshade and went downstairs.

In a matter of minutes Sakura returned to her room and presented a grain of rice and a thimble full of tea to Naoko, who first took the seemingly bucket-sized thimble from her and set it down before taking the grain of rice.

"I think this is more than enough for breakfast." Naoko commented. Sakura smiled with joy, amusement and relief at Naoko’s rather light-hearted attitude to her situation. She then tapped on Kero’s drawer and, once he opened it, presented him with a couple of biscuits, which he (obviously) took gladly. Sakura then finished packing up and kept an eye of Naoko as she nibbled away at the rice while pausing to take swigs of tea from her thimble.

“Thanks for the food, Sakura-chan.” Naoko commented as she put down a half-eaten rice grain next to the thimble. Sakura rose from her seated position and looked over what Naoko had left, her shadow falling right over her tiny friend.

“Have you had enough?” Sakura asked, surprised at how much tea was left over.

“If I have any more to drink, Sakura-chan,” Naoko replied, “I’d have to relieve myself by mid-morning.” Sakura smiled with her classic sense of kindness and consideration and picked up the thimble, emptying its entire contents into her mouth. Naoko looked on with ceaseless admiration, loving the thrill of her situation. Then Sakura tied the thimble into her hair.

“If you need to be relieved,” Sakura told her, “Then you won’t have far to go.” Naoko squinted at the thimble in Sakura’s hair, thinking about how she would be tossed around under Sakura’s hat throughout the day.

“I’m not sure about that approach.” Naoko commented; Sakura tapped the side of her nose and said.

“Just put in one of my hairs and it’ll be alright.” Naoko didn’t seem too keen on this but there seemed to be no other way so she conceited. Just then Sakura decided not to let the rice go to waste so she picked it up with just one of her fingers and licked it right off, swallowing it instantly. “Ready, Naoko-chan?”

“Ready, Sakura-chan.” With that Sakura picked her up between her fingers and lifted her right up onto her scalp again. Feeling Naoko settle down on top of her head Sakura then grabbed her hat and, with great care, stuck it on her head. The whole experience of having Sakura’s hat being placed right over her gave Naoko a truly awesome feeling of humility; Sakura’s head was the whole world to her now, in perpetual twilight where there was enough light to see in colour but it was dark enough to limit her line of sight.

Kero informed Sakura that he wouldn’t be going with her today so Sakura grabbed her bag, said farewell to Kero and left the room.

Naoko understood that Sakura wasn’t exaggerating when she said that she’d be tossed about but there were no worries as far as she was concerned, in fact she was rather enjoying it; Sakura’s hair cushioned her as she was thrown about by Sakura’s movements and Sakura’s hat was firmly in place to prevent her from falling off her head. Naoko found herself lying on the lining of Sakura’s hat for a moment while Sakura put on her rollerblades but soon found herself in mass of hair afterwards; after a bit more jolting Naoko found that she was entangled in Sakura’s braids, secure against the wild vibrations caused by Sakura’s speedy progress to school and she found that it made the ride all the more enjoyable, secured in Sakura’s hair.

After a while Naoko could hear the comfortably muffled voices of schoolchildren as Sakura said good morning to everybody, furthermore the decrease in the intensity of the shockwaves helped Naoko confirm that Sakura had arrived at school. Later on she encountered various gyroscopic motions almost throwing her loose of her secure noose as Sakura removed her rollerblades and put on her school shoes.

“Morning, Sakura-chan!” Tomoyo called out as she rounded a corner nearby.

“Morning, Tomoyo-chan.” Sakura replied in her classic cheery disposition.

“How’s Naoko-chan getting on?” Tomoyo asked her; curious as to how her little friend was coping in a giant world.

“She’s… on my mind.” Sakura commented, finding the effort to put in a bit of wit. Naoko couldn’t help but smirk as she heard her ride make that remark. It also appeared that Tomoyo was getting the idea.

“Is she with you?” Tomoyo asked quietly. Sakura nodded so gently that Naoko wasn’t tossed about at all and pointed to her hat; Tomoyo immediately realised what she was getting at. “She’s on your head?” Sakura nodded again. Tomoyo’s eyes lit up as she imagined what Naoko’s predicament was and couldn’t help but picture herself in that situation. “What an honour you’ve given her.” Tomoyo whispered. “To ride in the cute hair of Sakura-chan, it’s such a privilege.” Sakura sweat-dropped as she realised that Tomoyo was in one of her dazed moods again and Naoko felt a surge in heat from her scalp in connection with her sweat-drop. Naoko reacted to Tomoyo’s comment in a different way; she figured that it was something of a privilege to be on Sakura’s head, after all it wasn’t everyday that someone who shrunk you let you ride upon them.

The morning went by rather uneventful. Mirror did a very good job of impersonating Naoko and made sure that any schoolwork was done so Sakura’s shrunken friend would not be inconvenienced. Naoko was confused when she heard her name being called out or mentioned and wasn’t quite sure what was going on when she was safely hidden from sight. As soon as lunch came round, however Sakura asked Mirror to join Tomoyo and herself for lunch.

Once all three of them were settled on a picnic sheet Sakura carefully removed her hat and plucked Naoko from her hair. As she sat in Sakura’s palm Naoko was thoroughly stunned at seeing a full-sized version of herself and made various actions to check that it wasn’t a figment of the imagination before it sank in.

“Wha…? How…?” Naoko just couldn’t formulate sentences at the sight of herself.

“It’s all right, Naoko-chan.” Sakura commented. “This is Mirror, one of my cards.”

“It’s nice to see you face to face.” Mirror commented as she extended a finger to Naoko, who shook it with great reservation.

“So… you’re covering for me?” Naoko asked, her voice sounded even squeakier than usual.

“Yes.” Mirror replied. “It took me a bit of effort but I’ve got the hang of it. I’m more used to impersonating my mistress.”

“Mirror-san,” Sakura commented, “You don’t have to call me that.” Mirror shut her eyes and calmly replied.

“Though you wish to think of us as friends we are obligated to be your servants and will obey you through and through. Your kindness towards us simply permits us to act independently should you or those close to you be threatened. As your power increases, Mistress Sakura, so your commands reach us easier.” Sakura wasn’t entirely clear about that except that it seemed that the cards were more comfortable calling her their mistress.

“Let’s start lunch, shall we.” Tomoyo commented, wanting to try and keep it informal.

“Here.” Mirror held out the bento box she was given earlier that day. “This is your lunch, Yanagisawa-san.” Naoko looked over Sakura’s curled fingers at the giant bento that was proffered, already open to show enough food to keep her going for months.

“I can’t eat all that.” She told Mirror. “There’s enough there to feed hundreds of people my size.” Tomoyo paused with her chopsticks halfway to her mouth as she thought about this laterally.

“I have no need of food.” Mirror commented. “The magic of the stars is my nourishment.”

“Even so,” Sakura informed her, “It would take her the whole trimester to finish that.” Mirror looked between Naoko and the bento box and finally conceded.

“Very well, I will finish off what Yanagisawa-san leaves behind.” She then put the bento box down on the picnic sheet while Sakura carefully set Naoko down on top of the rice.

Naoko wandered across the landscape of food as she tried to make sure that she had as varied a diet as possible while Mirror’s eyes did not leave bento as she kept a tab on Naoko’s progress. Eventually Naoko came upon the drink carton and hit a snag.

“Um, how am I going to drink from this?” She asked the trio of titanesses. Although Mirror was watching her all the time Sakura and Tomoyo both looked down at their tiny friend standing next to the drink and considered how to deal with the problem. 

“It won’t take much to fill you up.” Tomoyo commented as Naoko sat down on the edge of the carton, slightly bothered by her stating the obvious.

“Is there a straw with it?” Sakura asked; Naoko got up to have a look over the edge but stopped when she felt a shadow fall on her. Looking up she saw that Mirror was reaching in her direction but she wasn’t sure if Mirror was going to pick up the carton or her. She quickly jumped onto the ramen just in case but then found that it might have been out of the frying pan into the fire as her legs sank right into the ramen swamp. Just as she was about to call for help she found that Mirror was going for her after all when two gigantic digits gripped her tiny body and effortlessly extracted her from the ramen.

Once Mirror deposited her in one of her hands Naoko noticed that Mirror’s doppleganging power was more effective than she could’ve hoped for since every single feature was the same, right down to the kinks in her glasses, which were all the more visible for the size difference. Peering through the gaps in her fingers Naoko saw Sakura taking the juice carton out and piercing it with the elusive straw.

“Here.” She said as she handed it over to Mirror. Mirror looked between Naoko and the carton before carefully balancing them in her hands so the straw was in Naoko’s reach. Naoko picked up the straw with both hands and considered the chance she had of sucking the juice out of the carton.

“I don’t think I can manage it.” She commented, looking forlorn and dropping the straw onto Mirror’s palm. Initially looking bewildered and glancing between Naoko and Sakura Mirror then took the first drink; interestingly enough she managed to stop and return it to Naoko so that there was one drop of juice left in the end of the straw. Naoko seized her chance and lapped up the juice, although she was unsure of whether or not Mirror could produce saliva and wasn’t keen on someone else’s spit, especially since she had inhaled some yesterday morning.

Once she seemed satisfied Mirror handed Naoko back to Sakura and finished off the lunch. Naoko looked on as the Sakura Card ingested enough in one bite to satisfy her for two square meals. Eventually they were all done and the bell rang so Sakura put Naoko back on her head and they all made their farewells before Sakura put her cap back on.

Relatively speaking, the rest of the day was fairly uneventful for Naoko; she stayed tucked in Sakura's auburn hair most of the time, the warmth of Sakura's mammalian body soothing her into a peaceful stupor while Sakura's movements had the effect of rocking her almost to sleep. Once, though, Naoko was brought back to full consciousness when she was swamped with light and Sakura's fingers swiftly snatched her from the soft sanctuary of Sakura's scalp; before she knew where she was Sakura had set her down on a metal surface.

"I have gym practice now." Sakura whispered to her at such close proximity that Naoko looked on in awe as the shadowed face of her friend formed a fourth wall to, what was now quite clearly, her locker; though Sakura's voice was quiet and gentle even at her level she could still feel Sakura's breath wash over her. "Please wait next to or inside my hat, and then I won't lose you." Naoko bowed with respect and gratefulness to the grand visage of Sakura. For decency’s sake, all I'll say about the time between this and Sakura closing her locker door is that Naoko stood in the front corner of the locker until Sakura was ready and then made her way over to the conveniently placed hat.

Naoko actually found it difficult to keep herself occupied inside the twilight of Sakura’s locker; normally she’d either read a book or dream up a story but the low light actually made it difficult for her mind to focus. She went over her experiences so far as a thumb-sized girl, which gave her something to work around, and then she stretched from the lack of activity and immediately felt Sakura’s shirt, upon which Sakura’s cap was leaning; she couldn’t help but envisage Sakura’s mighty form in the opposite direction, where she was normal-sized and Sakura was a real giant. Her mind raced between various scenarios relating to how Sakura looked to her now; she tried thinking about what Tomoyo would be like but she hadn’t been with Tomoyo in this state for as long as Sakura.

It now seemed all too soon when the rapid clank of a huge bolt being opened signalled Sakura’s return as she opened the locker door; she scrutinised her clothes for a few seconds until she could finally identify Naoko waving to her. The sight of her tiny friend giving her a wave made Sakura feel unusually satisfied about being so much bigger than she was. To ensure that she could get changed without giving her little friend a problem Sakura carefully reached out and plucked Naoko from beside her cap before removing her clothes until only the cap was left; then she laid it upside down so Naoko could climb into it.

“It’s nice to experience all sorts of different ways you can carry me.” Naoko commented in the hopes of making Sakura feel good about using this method of putting her on top of her head. Sakura did smile disarmingly but she also sweat-dropped, indicating embarrassment.

“Brace yourself.” Sakura commented moments before she grabbed her hat and slung it onto her head; Naoko did brace herself against the inside but she was still dislodged and fell right into Sakura’s hair.

---

On her way back from school Sakura took a quick detour to see how Yukito was getting on since she hadn’t seen him for a week. Upon reaching his house she saw him doing some carpentry work in the garden.

“Yukito-san?” She murmured, whereupon Yukito turned to her and identified her.

“Sakura-chan.” He walked over to the bush that separated them, still holding his hammer.

“What were you doing, Yukito-san?” She asked; he looked between his hammer and what he was working before answering.

“I’m building a summer house. I’ve had rather a lot of time on my hands, lately, so I thought I would do something constructive.” Sakura looked at it and wondered what would come of it.

“Um,” She commented, “It looks like a shed to me.” Yukito smiled and said.

“Well, it is basically a shed with a side missing.” Sakura seemed happy that Yukito was the same old self and said.

“It’s nice to see you’ve been keeping well. See you later.” Yukito’s smiled did not drop as he said.

“Touya asked me to come round for dinner. Take care.” With that the two parted.

---

Sakura took one look in the mirror as she removed her hat and saw Naoko sitting there in her auburn braids, the sight made her suddenly consider how cute she seemed, being so small and in amongst her hair.

“Was everything all right for you today, Naoko-chan?” She asked as she reached up to extract her tiny friend from her ‘position on the summit’.

“Better than all right, Sakura-chan!” Naoko replied as she braced herself for Sakura’s firm but gentle grip. As she was lifted between Sakura’s finger and thumb she still found the breath to continue. “It was like a cross between a bouncy castle and rollercoaster. Very exciting.” The last comment came when she found herself held before Sakura’s face with an enormous (pun intended) look of bewilderment on her gigantic visage. Naoko’s enthusiastic description of her experience upon Sakura’s head made her feel satisfied with pleasing her tiny guest and embarrassed for having their size difference hammered home as Naoko eagerly emphasised how humongous Sakura was by comparison.

“Wait, wait.” Kero commented once Naoko was set down upon Sakura’s desk. “You’re enjoying your small size?” Naoko looked at him with a keen smile and said.

“It’s just such an incredible experience. To tell the truth everything that’s happened to me since I got shrunk is more exciting than any theme park ride.” Sakura sighed at Naoko’s sheer enjoyment of being shrunk, especially since it was in complete contrast to how she first felt when she was shrunk. What she did next was surprising to Kero; she got her homework out.

“Touya’s in charge of dinner tonight,” She commented as she opened her History text book, “But I will be washing the dishes.” Naoko strolled over to Sakura’s textbook and bent over to try and get a look at what it was about.

“I couldn’t really hear Fukoyama-sensei clearly,” She commented, “In fact I could only hear Terada-sensei during homeroom. Your head was just too soft and warm to pay any attention to the outside world, especially when the light was so dim under your hat. I think I dozed off a few times.” All three of them giggled at that.

“Well,” Sakura tried to explain, “We’re doing the Meiji period in History. Fukoyama-sensei gave us the task of writing an essay on the Meiji Restoration. I thought I could start now and be finished by the weekend while giving time for both my chores and other things.” A quick wink made it clear that this meant the employment of time in a profitless and non-practical way.

During the next hour, as Sakura made preliminary notes for her essay, Naoko occasionally took a stroll across the pages of her textbook in the hopes of picking up on what she was missing; after all, she was a very keen academic student. Sakura couldn’t help but smile as she watched her carefully walk across the pages.

It seemed to go surprisingly fast. Sakura actually found the whole topic to be very interesting. It didn’t seem like 90 minutes before Touya called her down for dinner.

“I’ll see what I can get for the both of you.” She commented before she left her bedroom, with Naoko going over her notes and Kero heading for the video games.

---

The rest of the evening was relatively uneventful. Kero spent the whole time on a combat game while Naoko gave Sakura a few tips to improve her note taking. Sakura could only salvage one piece of foo yung the size of her fingernail, which was quite hefty for Naoko, and one scoop of ice cream for them to share, except that Naoko had hardly any room left.

It was such a rarity for Sakura to spend most of her free time doing homework that she had received only that day. Naoko mentioned to her as she was finishing her notes that she could grab her and handle her as much as she liked for the rest of the evening. Taken aback, Sakura asked about her reason for such willingness to be treated in this way; Naoko’s answer was that she wanted to give Sakura something to enjoy that was of no practical value in general. Furthermore Naoko was in no doubt that whenever Sakura or Tomoyo held her in their hands or clenched in their fists she felt more secure than she had ever felt before, surrounded by a protective wall of flesh and bone. So when Sakura simply snatched her off the desk and ferried her over to the bedside table where she slept, Naoko just let all her limbs go limp and surrendered her freedom for the sake of complete helplessness in the grasp of a good friend.

When they were ready for bed Kero volunteered to turn off the light, making sure that they were both snug in their beds. Before the lights went out Naoko sat up in her matchbox bed to look upon the majestic mountain that was Sakura settling down for the night, now certain that whatever happened they would all be all right.

The following day was rather uneventful for Sakura and Naoko; although Naoko got a bit of drama by riding in the brim of Sakura's hat, ducking whenever someone seemed to glance in her particular direction rather than at Sakura's visage just below her. She still experienced the roller-coaster effect of being on top of Sakura's head but she had better support and could see the reasons for Sakura's sudden head movements. Even so, Naoko felt that something was missing this time round.

The day after Naoko decided that there was only one way left to ride Sakura, in her hip pocket. When Sakura scooped her shrunken friend up in her hand she asked whether or not she was totally in favour of such an experience; once Naoko replied confidently and affirmatively Sakura swiftly but gently slipped the tiny girl into her pocket.

For Naoko being slipped into Sakura's hip pocket had some sort of enigmatic effect. She felt herself sliding smoothly over Sakura's fingers as gravity pulled her into the lightly sewn opening and, as she reached Sakura's fingertips, a faint flick gave an extra thrill to her slide into Sakura's pocket before she bounded on the lining and plunged head first into the softly lit bottom of the giant pocket, it reminded her of a bouncy castle in a way. Looking back up Sakura's hand was nowhere to be seen and she had a narrow but unobscured view of Sakura's room; it seemed so far off to her that Naoko felt as though she was as snug as a bug (no pun intended) in here.

The journey to school in Sakura’s pocket was, in Naoko’s opinion, the most comfortable of all methods of transport she had experienced in her shrunken state. She arrived at this conclusion because there were no serious aerobic moves like she experienced on Sakura’s head and the risk of falling out was minimal in Sakura’s pocket; furthermore Naoko found that the swaying of the pocket as Sakura moved along very relaxing, in fact she dozed off halfway to school. By the time she came to Sakura had just met Tomoyo at the lockers.

“How’s the little lady getting on, Sakura-chan?” Tomoyo asked after they made their greetings. Naoko blushed upon hearing Tomoyo referring to her as a ‘little lady’, knowing what an accurate description that was.

“She’s doing very well, Tomoyo-chan.” Sakura replied. “I’m sure I’ll return her to normal by the end of the week.” Hearing this sent Naoko inert; she was ambivalent about getting back to normal now in that, although she missed her family and socialising with her friends and sundry she was also finding it rather enjoyable being Sakura’s tiny guest, especially the sensations of being picked up and carried around. ‘I wonder how Mirror-san is getting on.’ Sakura thought, knowing that Mirror hadn’t been in human form for more than a day since she had sealed her.

One thing that Naoko was trying to do now was get as much of the information from the teachers as she could, not wanting her personal education to slip. When she was under Sakura’s hat she couldn’t get much at all but, in the brim the day before, she could actually see and hear the teachers and the writing on the boards; now she had to rely on only hearing the outside world from within Sakura’s hip pocket.

---

Once lunchtime came round Sakura asked Mirror to try and spend most of it as she knew Naoko would under normal circumstances, explaining that Naoko herself could share either her own lunch or Tomoyo’s or even a little of both. Once Tomoyo and Sakura settled down to lunch Sakura carefully lifted Naoko out of her pocket so the three girls could talk on a more even level. (i.e. how could Naoko talk with them while in Sakura’s pocket?)

Tomoyo couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Naoko clambering over Sakura’s lunch as she was allowed to get her share; although she had offered some of her own Naoko decided that it would be too much trouble getting some from both Sakura and Tomoyo, especially since every meal she experienced filled her up like each one was a banquet.

Once she had finished Naoko was unsure of a suitable place to rest and chat while Sakura had her lunch; fortunately Tomoyo finished her lunch not long after Naoko was through and held her hand out to the shrunken girl. As she stood on the rice in Sakura’s bento Naoko felt most relieved that Tomoyo was offering her her hand, which looked like one of the most comfortable places to rest after such a big lunch. As quickly as she dared Naoko climbed into Tomoyo’s mighty hand, which seemed to be the size of her bedroom. While Tomoyo brought her hand into a more easily manageable position as slowly and carefully as she could Naoko could still feel the G-forces of a rapid increase in altitude, but still, sitting back in Tomoyo’s palm was an experience second to none and felt so comfortable on a full stomach.

“You seem to be coping really well with your condition.” Tomoyo commented with a touch of humour in her voice as she looked down at Naoko, resting in her hand.

“Thanks, Tomoyo-chan,” Naoko replied, “I do think that I’m getting the hang of this.” Looking up from her lunch Sakura showed some concern over this.

“Don’t get too comfortable in your state, Naoko-chan.” She informed her. “At this rate you’ll be back to normal by the weekend.” Something suddenly occurred to Naoko and she sat up straight in Tomoyo’s palm; looking out over the tips of her hostess’s fingers Naoko asked Sakura.

“Is my nightdress okay?” She was concerned since she hadn’t worn anything but Tomoyo’s almost surreal creations when she slept in her matchbox bed on Sakura’s dresser.

“It’s all right, Naoko-chan.” Sakura replied confidently. “I returned it to normal size and put it in the washing machine while you were getting dressed this morning.” Upon hearing that Naoko slowly slid back into a relaxed position in Tomoyo’s hand. Tomoyo delivered a disarming smile to the tiny girl.

“You really are cute when you’re so small.” She mentioned to Naoko, who responded with a mildly embarrassed but strongly accepting smile.

“Um, about my condition…” Naoko commented to her current hostess; this caught Tomoyo’s attention beyond a doubt. Obviously Naoko wanted to say something that she was embarrassed to. Fortunately Tomoyo could read anyone she was acquainted with like a book (of course Sakura was like a big print picture book to her) and through Naoko’s use of metaphors, euphemisms and imprecisions she quickly caught on to what Naoko was trying to suggest. Lifting her closer to her face Tomoyo whispered something to her that Sakura could not hear and didn’t even notice, trusting Tomoyo with Naoko’s safety with unwavering confidence. Once Tomoyo had confirmed her suspicions over what Naoko had wanted to say she then turned to Sakura.

“Sakura-chan,” She said before she popped the question to get Sakura’s attention, “Can I take care of Naoko-chan for a while?” Sakura didn’t seem confused or uncomfortable at hearing this although Naoko blushed so fiercely that Tomoyo could practically feel a new warmth against her hand.

“Sure.” Sakura replied. “How long would you like to stay with her, Naoko-chan?” Naoko looked over Tomoyo’s fingertips as she heard this and, to help save her voice, Tomoyo leaned forward and lifted Naoko closer towards Sakura’s right ear. Having recovered from this unexpected movement Naoko finally answered.

“As long as you’re comfortable with.” Sakura now looked confused as to the amount of trust Naoko was putting in her.

“Tomoyo-chan?” Sakura spoke in the manner as to indicate the same question to her.

“Will 24 hours be okay, Sakura-chan?” Tomoyo suggested; Sakura accepted this unconditionally and then wondered whether to pick up all of Naoko’s new belongings from her house and carry them with Naoko over to Tomoyo’s house, to ask Tomoyo to come round and pick up Naoko and her belongings or to let Naoko go with Tomoyo either now or after school and then take all her belongings over later on.

“Will you be okay with Tomoyo-chan from now on, Naoko-chan?” She asked, which prompted a positive response from the miniature schoolgirl. “Tomoyo-chan,” Sakura now addressed her closest confidant, “Will you come round after school? I’d like you to pick up Naoko-chan’s things.” Tomoyo nodded with a smile in response; after that was sorted out Tomoyo lifted Naoko close to her own eyelevel and asked her.

“Is there anywhere in particular you’d like to ride, Naoko-chan?” Looking up into the enormous azure eyes Naoko first thought about her own rides on Sakura and finally decided that she would like to vary her riding upon Tomoyo just as much.

“No, Tomoyo-chan,” She replied, “But please let me ride you in as many ways as possible.” Tomoyo didn’t batter an eyelid and calmly accepted Naoko’s extra request. Once the lunch break was over Tomoyo carefully slipped her into her pocket, the opposite of which Sakura carried her in.

---

After a few hours with Naoko riding in her pocket Tomoyo finally had some free time to collect her things from Sakura. Once Sakura had answered the door and invited her in Tomoyo gently lifted Naoko out of her pocket so she could greet Sakura, which was combined with a little (pun intended) wave; earning a smile from Sakura.

In Sakura’s bedroom Tomoyo set Naoko down on one of Sakura’s cuddlies while Sakura and herself went about sorting what was Naoko’s and how much she’d require; Tomoyo felt that, for such a tiny girl, quantity was no object when a giant like herself would be carrying her things along with Naoko, she couldn’t resist thinking about how huge she must’ve appeared to Naoko. On the other hand Sakura felt that she couldn’t put too much a burden on either of her friends and only wanted to spare what Naoko would definitely require (matchbox bed, drinking thimble, pyjamas and a change of clothes). Eventually a discussion with Naoko helped to solve the discrepancy; she settled for Sakura’s idea except that she asked to take two changes of clothes just in case.

During the journey over to Tomoyo’s house Naoko contemplated over her situation; she was being carried around inside Tomoyo’s hip pocket and she was going to be spending the next twenty or so hours socialising with her giant classmate, she kept thinking over her belongings in Tomoyo’s other pocket, wondering if and by how much they would get entangled due to the swinging motions caused by Tomoyo’s skirt swaying as she walked.

---

Naoko wasn’t expecting Tomoyo to ask her what she’d like to do once she had been lifted out of her pocket and so, when Tomoyo delivered this question, Naoko couldn’t think what a one-inch tall girl and a four-foot tall girl could do together; she tried to compute what was possible for them to do when Tomoyo stood at exactly forty-eight times her present height and figured that, when push came to shove, it wouldn’t be much different to what she could do with Sakura. In the end she replied.

“I’m not sure. What did you have in mind, Tomoyo-chan?” Tomoyo was a tad surprised by this reply before she quickly regained her composure and, setting Naoko down on her coffee table, formulated an answer.

“Well,” She responded, “I have a few board games we can try and play or we can watch a video or maybe you’d like to read a book.” They weren’t very exciting when Naoko thought about the relative activity to some ideas she thought of that were more unorthodox, but quickly dismissed when she considered Tomoyo’s angelic personality, however as she continued to consider these options she soon figured that playing a board game or reading a book at her size would be significant physical activity and, as she thought of Tomoyo’s offer to watch a video, she figured that it would be more like going to the cinema for her.

“We can play a board game,” Naoko answered after a good hard think, “And then, after dinner, we might watch a video if that’s all right with you.” Tomoyo just smiled and accepted; carefully scooping Naoko up in her hand she carried her over to a cupboard to show her what board games were available. Naoko looked upon the collection in awe; the titles of the games were the size of billboards to her that she was thankful that Tomoyo only held her at eye level with these games but not up close. She checked each title as she considered what would be interesting to play when she was so small. She did consider Monopoly at first but, knowing it was a long game and she wouldn’t be able to easily handle the extra large cards, she finally settled for chess.

---

Their chess game lasted for quite a while since Naoko needed plenty of time to get the whole strategic picture from an angle that allowed her to look across the board and then walk over and push with all her might the piece she wished to move; furthermore both Naoko and Tomoyo proved to have shrewd tactical knowledge. It only ended when Naoko found her king stuck in one square while surrounded by spaces that would invoke check.

When dinner came they agreed that Tomoyo would get her dinner and then fetch some scraps that would be expected as being more than enough for Naoko. Tomoyo proved her expectation when she returned with a scrap of every item that was put in front of her including a piece of dessert; Naoko felt that she wouldn’t be able to manage dessert but Tomoyo made sure that Naoko got just enough of each before disposing of the leftovers herself.

Having finished her dinner, such as it was, Naoko stood up on the coffee table and delivered a meaningful look to Tomoyo as she stood towering over her.

"What video were you thinking of watching then, Tomoyo-chan?" She asked her gigantic hostess; Tomoyo's response was a sweet knowing smile as she reached for her shrunken classmate.

"I've got a surprise for you, Naoko-chan." Tomoyo answered as her digits carefully wrapped around her miniature guest. "Unless there's something you had in mind."

"Oh, I'm not fussy." Naoko responded as she shifted to ensure that her head would remain outside of Tomoyo's fist. "I'm intrigued by surprises anyway." With this confirmed Tomoyo carried her over to her personal TV room; Naoko had been aware on her first day of being shrunk that Tomoyo had an annex to her room but was oblivious as to what it was. Now she was overwhelmed by the size of Tomoyo's TV; to her it made a drive-in screen look small. Naoko decided to sit on Tomoyo’s shoulder while they watched the video, thinking of it as being an excellent perch to watch from.

If there was one thing that Naoko could’ve said about the video indefinitely it was that it was ironic; Tomoyo and Naoko had been watching the very same video that Tomoyo had recorded on the night that Sakura captured the Big and Create cards. This produced an extra revelation for Naoko as she thought back on that day once the video had ended.

---

The rest of the evening was comprised of chit-chat while Naoko offered Tomoyo the opportunity to play with her in a non-competitive manner; this casual relaxation found Tomoyo lying upon her bed with Naoko sitting up on her tummy while she petted her gently as the continued to make small talk. Eventually a giant (pun intended) yawn from Tomoyo was clear indication that they should get their heads down for the night.

“I don’t know why,” Naoko commented as she climbed into her bed on Tomoyo’s bedside table, “But whenever I see either you or Sakura-chan from this level as you settle down for the night, I get this feeling of joy and security in such a way that never seems to form when you hold me in your hand(s) and that is what makes me feel the most secure of them all but the level of relaxed joy just isn’t the same.” Tomoyo makes a light giggle and reaches over to pet Naoko’s pea-sized head while replying.

“Our feelings for different situations can vary greatly between us and sometimes even we cannot truly judge why we feel the way we do.” And with that she withdrew her arm from Naoko and reached the other way for the light switch.

---

The next morning Tomoyo noticed that, in spite of her setting the alarm, Naoko was still fast asleep. Giving the sleeping figure a gentle smile she went about getting herself ready for school.

Upon returning she stood over Naoko in such a way that she was cast into shadow by her head; checking the time she reached out and gave her a gentle nudge with her index finger, causing Naoko to make a sleepy groan and reach up, making contact with the nail on Tomoyo’s finger.

“Time to rise, Naoko-chan.” Tomoyo commented as she continued to nudge the little girl; Naoko’s eyes started to peel open as she wrestled between consciousness and unconsciousness. Espying Tomoyo’s finger at such close proximity she started up and then recovered with equal ease.

“Morning, Tomoyo-chan.” Naoko greeted her as she rubbed her eyes. “What time is it?” In response Tomoyo held out her hand next to the matchbox bed and answered.

“Come and see for yourself.” Naoko complied pretty swiftly as she hauled herself over the edge of the matchbox and into Tomoyo’s palm; once she was settled Tomoyo gingerly lifted her towards the nearest clock.

“Oh!” Naoko exclaimed as she saw the time. “I’d better hurry!”

“Don’t worry, Naoko-chan.” Tomoyo informed her. “You can get changed while I’m out of the room. You can get some breakfast on the way to school.” Naoko paused as she picked out all the unmentioned details while Tomoyo ferried her over to her en suite so she could start getting ready.

After about 10 minutes alone on the bedside table in Tomoyo’s bedroom Naoko was dressed in her school uniform, or at least the closest Tomoyo’s sewing skills could come to a miniature replica, and she sat cross-legged while waiting for her lift to return. It took about another 5 minutes before a familiar and comparatively 100ft tall figure entered the room; after five seconds with both of them simply looking into one another’s eyes Tomoyo snatched Naoko off her feet without a word and slipped her into her front pocket, which was something that didn’t seem available on Sakura’s school jumper. Naoko didn’t dwell on this as she spotted the various crumbs scattered around her ‘passenger compartment’; knowing how tidy Tomoyo tended to be Naoko quickly caught onto the idea and started breakfast as she was effortlessly carried out of the Daidouji household.

-- 

“Morning, Tomoyo-chan.” Sakura greeted her at her locker.

“Good morning, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo replied.

“Naoko-chan’s with you, right?” Sakura asked, to which Tomoyo nodded and slipped her index finger into her front pocket and gave her passenger a gentle pat on the head. Acknowledging this Sakura went on. “I’m sure that she can now return to normal size; I shall undo the shrinking at lunch.”

Naoko was happy to hear the news but felt some reluctance in leaving her current living arrangements, however she felt sure that when Sakura decided the time then the time was absolutely right.

“I’m sure this is good news for her, Sakura-chan.” Tomoyo commented.

“I’ll just go and inform Mirror-san of this.” Sakura told her before she set off in search of Naoko’s stand-in.

Naoko poked her head out of Tomoyo’s pocket and chanced a look round to ensure that no one was there to overhear her before speaking to Tomoyo.

“You know,” She said, “I’m glad that Sakura’s decided to return me to normal size but I’m also sorry that I’ll no longer be able to fit in either of your hands.” Smiling down at her passenger Tomoyo gently stroked Naoko’s back with her finger and responded.

“It doesn’t have to be the last time, Naoko-chan, every now and then Sakura can be asked to work her magic upon us in any desired way. Let’s just try to get through the morning smoothly, shall we.” Naoko gave her a nod and slipped back down into Tomoyo’s pocket.

---

Naoko popped her head out now and again to pick up on what was being taught while also being wily enough to slip out of sight whenever someone glanced in her direction. Eventually lunchtime came round and Tomoyo carried her outside to meet up with Sakura and the Mirror card.

Tomoyo carefully lifted Naoko out of her pocket and held her out so Sakura and Mirror could clearly see the tiny girl.

“Ready to grow, Naoko-chan?” Sakura asked her, to which she replied in the affirmative.

“I’ve brought a bento for you, Yanagisawa-san.” Mirror told her. “I’m happy that I was of such a help for the past week.” With that she set all of Naoko’s things down on the picnic blanket and, before Naoko’s eyes, she returned to her card form in a swirl of psychedelic colour.

After letting Naoko recover from the sight Tomoyo carefully set her down in the middle of the picnic blanket and stood back as Sakura performed the spell by which Naoko would be no less than four feet tall again.

“Key which holds the power of the stars, show your true form before me. I, Sakura, command you under our contract, RELEASE!” Naoko was impressed by Sakura’s summoning spell, to the extent that she felt the size difference between them helped emphasise the effect; now Sakura slipped Mirror into her hip pocket and extracted a different card from the same pocket. ‘Since you shrank when I undid the power that Big had on me I must return you to normal with the Big card, Naoko-chan.’ Sakura thought as she prepared to restore the equilibrium of Naoko’s life. “Make Naoko-chan’s height equal to that of most girls her age…BIG!” With this the power of the Big card poured over Naoko’s miniature form and she steadily began to grow back to the height at which she was originally.

Once the spell was complete Naoko was so ecstatic that she gave Sakura a friendly embrace.

“Thank you, Sakura-chan.” She declared. “Not only did you give me my own life back after only a week but you and Tomoyo-chan cared for me so well.” Sakura smiled and blushed slightly before she answered.

“Don’t mention it, Naoko-chan. So,” She broke off the embrace so as to address Tomoyo at the same time, “Shall we have lunch?”

The adventure brought more than a new insider; Tomoyo and Naoko were intrigued by the concept of casual size-changing and both thought over the possibility of one day asking Sakura to change their sizes for a whole new dimension of fun and games.

END