Alternate Universe. No magic involved.

Chapter 1: The Game

The fresh scent of autumn overwhelms her senses as she skates down the familiar street toward her destination. The start of the new school year as a freshman in high school excites her and frightens her at the same time. Living only a few blocks away, she could see the multi-storied building from her bedroom window. This school had only been built recently and she would be among the first freshmen to walk the path to earning her high school diploma.

I can't wait to meet new people, although I wouldn't mind seeing some old faces as well.

Sakura entered into the school grounds and skated past many people like herself. She saw groups of old friends gathering as well as the occasional meeting between rivals and long-time couples. Passing by a cherry blossom tree, which was not in season and was not in full bloom, she noted mentally to make it her favorite spot under the tree for peace and quiet during lunch break.

"Good morning, Sakura!"

Turning her attention to the stairs near the entrance of the school building, Sakura sees her childhood friend Tomoyo happily waving at her.

"Good morning, Tomoyo! Isn't this wonderful? I love the smell of autumn leaves in the morning. Don't you?"

"Yes, yes...let's go! We need to pick up our schedule! You're fifteen minutes late!"

Sakura sweat-dropped and smiled sheepishly at her friend. "Hoe...I thought you wouldn't notice if I tried to change the subject."

Shaking her head, "Tsk, tsk. You're a 'Spring' person, Sakura. You can't fool me."

The friends shared a laugh. Bending over to remove her skates, Sakura felt a familiar presence behind her.

My day started great and now this...

"What do you want, Li?" Sakura spat.

Li moved to Tomoeda several years before and has been a mystery to everyone. No one has ever seen Li outside of school and only the schools know where he even lives. Sakura dislikes men shadowed by darkness. Such men who would not reveal themselves tend to arouse her suspicions. Even though Sakura respects privacy, Li's elusiveness and aloof nature is too much. Taken aback by Sakura's words, Li removed the emotions from his voice.

"Why do you assume I want anything?"

Having removed her skates and changed shoes, she stood up and gazed into the eyes of her 'rival'. However, this 'rivalry' is one-sided. Li has never felt the need to prove himself to her. Why Sakura chose to compete with him is enigmatic to him. Oh sure, he made good marks in academics and did well in sports, but Sakura wasn't so bad herself. Li often pondered the basis behind all this tension between them.

"...Idiot"

Having said that, Sakura turned to Tomoyo and led her into the school building leaving a confused Syaoran to sort out his thoughts.

Li lived a life of solitude. After his father passed, his martial arts teacher acted as a father figure. As it is taught in martial arts, Li only relied in himself and his own strength. It has been several years since he last saw his mother.

Shrugging it off, he entered the school to start off the new fall semester.

I knew I shouldn't try talking to people, especially her. They wouldn't understand.
----

"That was harsh, Sakura."

They had received their schedule from the counselor's office and were heading toward their first class. Luckily, it was a class that they both shared.

"What do you mean?"

"Li probably just wanted to say hello. You know, he has never talked to you or anyone else with the exception of school teachers until this year."

"That's his choice if he wants to be mute."

"Sakura, can't you be nicer to him?"

"Why should I? That perfect, little..." Unfortunately for Tomoyo, Sakura muttered that last part.

"Why not? Look, no one knows who Li really is. This could be your only chance to get to know him."

"Tomoyo, drop it. I don't want to get to know that brat. I bet he's just a rich snob who thinks he's better than the rest of us. I bet he thinks too highly himself to talk to the 'common' folks. What with his walk, the way he stands tall, well-mannered responses to authority, and the fact that he never has been seen outside of school or that he never eats lunch..."

Tomoyo eyes narrowed and looked at Sakura as if a sudden revelation had been revealed to her.

"I don't like it one bit, Tomoyo. He's up to something or he wouldn't be hiding in cloaks and daggers."

Tomoyo opened the door and Sakura entered first. They took their seats which had been pre-assigned alphabetically.

Too bad Tomoyo sits in the front. Oh well, it can't be helped. On the plus side, I like my window seat.

The class was relatively small for its importance. English has never been a favorite subject among students and since it is first period, most students were sleepy. Of course, this isn't the only period of English, which would explain the small number in attendance.

"Good morning, everyone."

"Good morning, teacher!"
----

Giggling as she left the classroom, Sakura met up with Tomoyo in the hall after second period for lunch.

"Math always makes me hungry. Let's eat outside today. I know a great spot."

Sakura's mind drifted back to the huge cherry blossom tree outside the building. They walked through the throngs of students and into the court yard where the tree resides. The school had an inside cafeteria, but she felt too good to spend her lunch break inside. Math hasn't been her best subject, but today she was proud of herself. She did great on the practice test the teacher gave in order to determine what they will need to focus on.

Walking up to the tree, Sakura and Tomoyo noticed a male figure huddled at the base of the tree. He was sitting with his knees drawn up and his arms crossed. His head bowed and leaned forward in a 'crying' position.

Coming closer, Sakura was surprised to see Li. Having heard their footsteps, Li had wiped his tears and now stood up to leave. He walked passed them without a word. Sakura's eyes soften in confusion. The mysterious Li has just became more mysterious than ever.
----

Walking home alone as always, he moved in and out of the shadows. Due to his extensive training, he has been quite capable of evading surveillance. Li kept one eye watching his back as always. Li entered a grand building where he lives. Owning an apartment in the R'anna, Li only has one companion. Master Wei is both his martial arts teacher and legal guardian.

As Li was about to insert the key to unlock the door, his warrior senses warned him. A cold chill washed over him.

Something's out of place.

Looking down where the floor meets the door, Li saw no light coming from the apartment.

Even if Master Wei leaves, the light's always on.

With one swift motion, Li unlocked the door and fluidly rolled inside. Even in the total darkness, Li sensed the presence of the intruder and made an attempt to pre-emptively disarm the intruder. Sending the first of many failed punches, which were skillfully blocked, Li ended his attack with a spinning kick. However, his kick was countered in mid-air and he was sent tumbling down onto the carpeted floor.

Li heard a click and the lights turned on.

"M-mother!"

"My dearest one, I expected better from you. Wei, has Syaoran been slacking off?"

As if on cue, Wei emerges from the adjacent room.

"I'm afraid I am to blame for this, Yelan-sama."

Standing up and dusting himself, Li turned to Wei.

"W-hat's going on here?" Changing his gaze to his mother, "And what are you doing here!?"

"Is this any way to greet your mother, Syaoran?"

"I suppose not...I'll rephrase. WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?"

"Temper, temper. I've come to offer you a chance to play a game with me."

"A game?" Intrigued, Syaoran pressed on. "What sort of game?" Li has always liked challenges. His mother may be up to no good, but that doesn't mean he would back down.

"A very rewarding game."

"I'm listening." Li was definitely interested. He hadn't played a 'game' with his mother for so long. If it's like the other games, he could use the prize, which he hoped to be money. He 'bought' his freedom from his mother playing the last game. Moving to Japan and living the heck away from her is the prize for winning the last game.

This time maybe I buy a nice car if I win.