I came across this slightly-battered softcover on the used-manga shelves in Harrison's Comics (looks as though the last several pages got dunked in the bathtub {wry grin}). I've seen the adaptation and enjoyed it, and as I happen to have Volume 8, it's nice to have the following volume in hand as well.

This volume opens with poor Watanuki suffering a very weird dream, featuring an apparently-symbolic eggplant. At least, when he tells Himawari and (reluctantly) Domeki about it, Domeki provides an explanation. The bickering between Watanuki and Domeki is one of my favorite elements of the series, and is carried out in classic form here - with a marvelous segue to Domeki's "knight on a white horse" rescue of Watanuki from yet another horrifying spirit-monster. A dream, a prophecy, an alternate-world reality? Stay tuned...

Given Watanuki's self-inflicted rivalry with Domeki, it's pretty funny when he winds up meeting Domeki's grandfather in another dream/spirit-vision, and learning a few things about him - including his first name (!).

Farther along, the two of them work together to help a girl-spirit, and actually hold some non-invective-laden conversations, something that's rare where Watanuki is involved.

After that touching story, there's a new complication: a visit from Syaoran from Tsubasa - or is it? - with a request regarding his missing right eye. [CLAMP seems very, very fond of eye-games; nearly every main character has one missing/traded/sold eye that connects them to someone else and/or provides visions.]

More lavish artwork, intricate plots, and bickering characters. Fun!

[Its TV Tropes page explains a few things, including the various crossovers with other CLAMP works - primarily Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles.]

I left this book on the book-swap shelf in the bus station at around 1:30 or so; hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released as part of the 2016 One Word Title release challenge. ***

*** Released as part of the 2016 TV Series release challenge. ***