Edit: 21/6. So this story, for those of you who may recognize it, was formerly known as A Match of Misfortune. The first chapter was put up as a test, just to gage response, and after working on it a bit more, seeing as it was well received, I've finally gotten to a point where I feel happy to relinquish the rest of the story - this is why there is such a huge gap from the date of publish to update - I promise regular updates from now on due to having pre-written a good chunk of it. One of the main difficulties I was actually having with this story was the title. I just thought it sounded a touch too melodramatic for the tone I wanted this story to have - yes it starts with a death, but it's a good love story, I swear. So that's why you get a new title - It's Only Love - along with a new chapter.
I hope you all enjoy. I wanted this to come out more like a mystery I suppose so it's one of those stories that will flick in and out of chronological time (bit like timey-wimey-ness) as things slowly unfold. All in all, it spans over maybe 2 years, but different elements will be revealed a different stages.
Now, without further ado, It's Only Love . . .
Administrative stuff
Summary: Li Syaoran must return to Kinomoto Kingdom with the remains of his fiancée after her tragic demise. But a marriage is still required to unite the two families, and now Syaoran has his pick of the six remaining daughters of Kinomoto Fujitaka for the sake of both their kingdoms. Romance/Mystery
Ages:
Kinomoto Touya: 27yrs
Li Syaoran: 22 yrs (almost 23)
Kinomoto Sakura: 21 yrs
Kinomoto Tomoyo: 20 yrs
Kinomoto Ayame: 18 yrs
Kinomoto Meilin: 18 yrs
Kinomoto Chiharu: 17 yrs
Kinomoto Naoko: 16 yrs (almost 17)
Kinomoto Rika: 15 yrs
Story begins in June of Syaoran's twenty-third year . . . in other words, he's gonna be 23 in about a months time.
Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura.
And when my world comes crumbling down, you'll look at me and say, "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, it's only love. It's only love."
It's Only Love – A Match of Misfortune
"I will not cry," Li Syaoran repeated quietly to himself as he hugged the urn of ashes closer to his chest. "I will not cry."
And he wouldn't. Not a single tear would be shed for his fiancée, Kinomoto Ayame. He would not let himself cry, not even for the one he loved. As much as he cared for her, as much as being here restrung the hurt of losing her, he would not let a single tear be shed over the loss. Rather, he would present himself to Kinomoto Fujitaka and beg for his forgiveness, but never would he cry.
"We're here, your highness," the cab driver called as the carriage came to a halt.
He nodded, silent as ever as he made his way out of the carriage and walked up the steps towards the Kinomoto castle. Fujitaka greeted him warmly, like a long lost son, smiling that ever-present understanding smile.
"What brings you here today?" Fujitaka asked warmly. "And what is it you've done with my charming young daughter? I suppose she's busy with wedding preparations. In less than two weeks, there will be no more Kinomoto Ayame and –"
"There is no more Kinomoto Ayame," Syaoran cut in, unable to restrain himself any longer. He couldn't stand Kinomoto's kindness, especially not now when he least deserved. "Fujitaka-sama," he said quietly, bowing his head as he offered the urn to his dead fiancée's father, "this is all that is left of her."
"I . . . I mean . . . what happened?" Fujitaka asked, taking the urn in disbelief. "What did you do to her Li-san?"
"I didn't protect her," Syaoran replied quietly, self-loathing tainting his voice. "I promised you that I would protect her, and I failed in my duty. All I can do is ask for your forgiveness, but I know I do not deserve it."
"Syaoran-kun," Fujitaka began, reverting back to the more familiar address. "Syaoran, I-"
"No, father," a voice cut in before Fujitaka could answer. "He does not deserve our forgiveness. How could you Li-san? How could you let this happen to our precious Ayame-chan?"
Syaoran turned to face the Kinomoto's eldest daughter, Kinomoto Sakura, who stood by the door glaring at him fiercely. He didn't shy away from her harsh look, because he knew she was right. It was his job as her fiancé and future husband to ensure Ayame's safety and he had failed to do so. He deserved anything that Sakura would throw at him, and he was sure she would.
The beautiful Kinomoto Sakura had somewhat of a reputation for her fierce temper, and as the eldest daughter, was considered something of an old maid in spite of her and Syaoran being nearly the same age. Both were in their early twenties, and while it was not common practice for a man to marry so young, a woman her age was expected to have been married at least two years by this point. It probably didn't help that she had scared off all her suitors, and even some of those coming for her sisters.
She had a fiery spirit no one would dare to tame, and right now that spirit was intent on causing him whatever harm would make up for the loss of Ayame, her second eldest sister. Ayame had always been considered the most beautiful of the Kinomoto daughters – she had jet-black hair and porcelain skin, and jade green eyes just like their mother's. Those eyes were really the only similarity between Ayame and Sakura, and otherwise you would be forgiven for not noting the family resemblance between the two. Ayame had been considered the epitome of perfection, and many would miss her selflessness and kindness.
"Sakura, be silent," Fujitaka commanded, a slight sternness to his tone. Not once had he ever been persuaded by the view that women should be seen and not heard, but now was not the place for her to speak, especially when Syaoran was so clearly hurting. "How did it happen?" he asked softly, turning back to Syaoran.
Syaoran recited his story stiffly, for that it all it was – a story. The truth could never be known – not to Fujitaka, not to anyone. Instead he told a tale of highwaymen and thieves, and had her remains cremated so that no one would be able to examine the body and thus learn the truth. He had promised Fujitaka that he would protect Ayame, and he would do right by her in the end, even if he had failed her thusly.
"Syaoran-kun," Fujitaka said kindly, his voice laced with pity, "you have done everything you could for my daughter, and I offer my forgiveness in the hopes that it will allow you to forgive yourself."
Fujitaka took a deep breath and continued, looking pensive as he spoke. "Although this day is marked with sorrow, I must sadly remind you of the true purpose behind your match." The resistance was evident in his voice as he tried to speak the words as gently as possible.
"You can't be serious," Sakura muttered to herself. "You'd be willing to give him another of your daughters after this."
"I understand, Fujitaka-sama," Syaoran responded, bowing respectfully to his elder. "This marriage was to bind the alliance, and without it . . . I know my duty, Fujitaka-sama."
"That you do, Syaoran-kun," Fujitaka responded. "As do my daughters. You and Rika-chan shall be wed in two weeks."
"Father, no," Sakura spoke out, unable to hold herself back. "No . . . I mean . . . I'm not sure that Rika-chan would be the most appropriate wife for Li-san."
"Rika has just reached marriage age, she is the most eligible daughter and the appropriate choice," her father responded, giving her a curious look.
"Perhaps we should allow Li-san to make that choice himself," Sakura reasoned smoothly. "You allowed him to make Ayame his choice, when Chiharu was the most eligible choice at the time. Please, father, it would not be fair on either of them, especially Li-san after his loss."
"You're right, Sakura-chan," Fujitaka replied, glancing sympathetically at Syaoran. "I know this doesn't give you much time, but the most I can grant you is four days to choose a wife, Syaoran-kun. It is of the utmost importance that we finalize this alliance as soon as possible, and while the marriage contract hangs in the air like this, both our kingdoms are at risk."
"I understand, Fujitaka-sama, and I thank you for your generosity," Syaoran responded, watching Sakura sigh in relief from the corner of his eye.
Fujitaka nodded. "I will organize an interview with each daughter," he responded, "Sakura-chan, go fetch Rika-chan so that she can meet with Syaoran-kun."
"Of course, father," Sakura said respectfully as she left the room. She raced to the room where she knew her five sisters would be, quietly practicing their needlework like the dutiful daughters they were.
"Onee-chan!" Rika called cheerfully as her eldest sister entered the room. She smiled brightly and waved Sakura over to where she sat in the sun. "There you are."
Sakura smiled wanly at her sister as she moved towards her. "Rika-chan, there is a guest with father who wishes to speak with you," she said softly, not giving anything away.
"Is it Yoshi-kun?" Rika asked hopefully, whispering so only Sakura would hear. Sakura shook her head, and Rika responded with a frown. "I so hope he asks father soon," she whispered quietly, "otherwise I may be promised to another before he gets the chance."
"Don't worry, Rika-chan," Sakura promised softly. "I'll make sure that you and Terada-sensei are together. I promise."
Rika smiled warmly and hugged her sister. "Thank you, 'nee-chan." And with that she was gone.
"Sakura-chan, what's wrong?" Tomoyo asked, noting her sister's less than cheerful demeanour.
"Li-san is here," Sakura answered neutrally.
Tomoyo frowned, giving her sister a pitying look, while Chiharu, Meilin and Naoko all began to chatter excitedly. "This is great," Chiharu cried happily. "I didn't think we'd get to see Ayame-chan until the wedding."
"She's going to make a beautiful bride," Naoko added happily. "She looks like she stepped straight out of a fairy tale, like Snow White, ne?"
"And Li-kun is sooooo handsome," Meilin added with a giggle. "Ayame-chan is so lucky to have such a handsome husband."
"No," Sakura cut in, her voice cracking with emotion. "Just Li-san. Ayame . . ." She paused to take a harrowing breath. "Ayame-chan is dead sisters."
The four of them gaped at her, their eyes shining with tears. "You lie, Sakura-chan," Chiharu begged. "Why would you tell us such a lie?"
Sakura shook her head as tears began to stream down her own face.
"But she can't be," Meilin cried loudly, feeling her chest tighten. She tried to stand to argue, but fell weakly back down as the news hit her even stronger than before. Her sister, her twin, was dead.
"Sakura-chan, what happened?" Naoko asked with worry etched on her face. "How can Ayame-chan be dead?"
"They were attacked on the highway," Sakura answered. "Li-san said she was shot trying to protect a small boy from the thieves."
"Poor Li-kun," Tomoyo commented quietly, frowning a little at the tale, although she kept that to herself. It wasn't really like Ayame to act so selflessly, but then, what reason did Syaoran have to make up such a lie? "He must be heartbroken," she added in a obligatory sort of way.
"I'm sure," Sakura replied, "but it doesn't really matter. There still needs to be a marriage, even if Ayame is dead, and Li-san must pick a bride from those that remain."
The girls all gasped.
"But I'm being courted by Yamazaki-kun," Chiharu argued. "Father has practically promised me to him. What if Li-kun chooses me? What will I do?"
"I'm sure you'll be fine, Chiharu-chan," Tomoyo cut in as the voice reason, glancing knowingly at Sakura. She could already guess that Li-kun's options had not been their father's idea. "Li-kun and Yamazaki-kun are good friends, ne? Li-kun is a honourable gentleman, and would never steal his friend's beloved. There's no need to worry, Chiharu-chan."
"I bet he chooses Rika-chan," Meilin pronounced boldly. "She's the youngest of us, and everyone always said she was the next prettiest after Ayame." There was a hint of resentment in Meilin's voice at this comment, which was not surprising. Meilin was Ayame's twin, and the two were almost identical – they were only distinguishable by their eyes of which Ayame's was a beautiful jade green, and Meilin's a ruby red. Rika was the picture of innocence, with large chocolate brown eyes like their father's, where as Meilin had the look of a temptress.
The two eldest sisters shared a worried glance at Meilin's pronouncement. Both of them knew of their youngest sister's attachment to their tutor, and while their father may be willing to accept such a love match in the end, it would be unlikely that he would sacrifice his relationship with the Li's and the ever important alliance to do so. If Syaoran wanted Rika, then he would get Rika despite anything anyone tried to do the contrary.
"I'm worried," Tomoyo whispered quietly to her older sister while the other three spoke fondly of their departed sister, telling each other stories of what a wonderful person Ayame had been.
"It'll be ok," Sakura said softly in response. "I promised Rika that she and Terada-san would be together, and I won't go back on that promise."
"That's not what I'm worried about," Tomoyo admitted in response. "I'm worried about you, Sakura-chan. You've already lost Li-kun once, can you bare to do so again."
"It doesn't matter," Sakura responded with a shake of her head. "We must all do what is best for the kingdom. I'll try and sway him towards Meilin-chan – she will make him a fine wife, and she has the same beauty as Ayame-chan, if not her pure nature." This caused Tomoyo to frown once again. "They should be happy together, and that's all that matters."
"But Sakura-chan-" Tomoyo began, but Sakura quickly cut her off.
"As long as the one I love is happy, then I shall be happy," Sakura told her quietly. "Didn't you tell me that, Tomoyo-chan? I'll just have to hope it's true, because there's no reason why Li-san would ever choose the un-marriable eldest sister when he has the pick of the lot. He didn't the first time, and he won't now."
"Sakura," Tomoyo tried again, her voice soft and quiet. "Are you sure he's happy? Because I know that you're not, and if you're not happy, then maybe . . ."
"Enough, Tomoyo-chan," Sakura cut off, her voice rising momentarily. "I just lost my sister, her fiancé is grieving. Of course I'm not happy. Just please drop it, for me. Please, Tomoyo-chan."
"Ok, Sakura. Just let me know if you need anything."
Sakura just nodded and left the room.
On the outside she was the picture of strength – proud, stoic and impenetrable. But inside, she was broken into a million tiny pieces, and as much as she tried to tell herself that it was because Ayame was gone, she knew she had been broken for a while now – about 7 months to be exact – and the same person who broke her heart, was the only one who could put it back together.
Li Syaoran.
~ to be continued ~
I dropped in a few hints here and there that weren't in the original. The story is AU, set in a feudal like society although with more of a European influence simply because I know nothing of feudal Japan. Cultural references will thus be based on European culture (probably up to about early Renaissance) but I like using Japanese honorifics regardless because I think they can be quite meaningful.
The land consists of four main kingdoms with several smaller ones: the Lis (with the smaller Reed Kingdom), the Kinomotos, the Gensous, and the Mizukis (which is the most powerful of the four kingdoms). Probably more like boroughs than kingdoms, but oh well.
Hope you have enjoyed it and thanks to everyone who reviewed this the first time.
Next chapter: Syaoran has a little 'one-on-one' time with each of the sisters.
Note: This is a sort of plan of the layout to the the land. There are four main Kingdoms with sort of subsidiaries within each. Kita (North) consists mainly of the Kinimoto kingdom and Amamiyas. Higashi (East) consists of the Mizuki kingdom and some smaller kingdoms further east . Minami (South) is the Lis, the Reeds, and another small kingdom. The Reed kingdom is situated between the Lis and Kinomotos. Nishi (West) is the Gensou kingdom along with a couple of small kingdoms, although these are somewhat more weakly aligned to one another - Nishi is somewhat less cohesive than Kita and Minami which are bound together by family ties rather than alliance alone. The Gensou's are just south of the Amamyas and to the west of the Lis.
Also, Touya is currently unavailable but will come later.