I stood in front of a large set of double doors, the sounds of laughter and conversation floated to me through the thick doors. 'I can do this, just relax, breath' I took a deep breath before reaching up my hands to make sure that the hood of my cloak was firmly in place and that no one would be able to see her facial features. With another deep breath I firmly pushed the doors open.

All sound ceased as soon as the doors were opened and all eyes were riveted on me. But my eyes were trained straight ahead on the figure at the end of the hall.

'She truly is beautiful. She reminds me so much of my mother…NO! I can't think of that right now…'

I realized I had reached her and dropped to my knee in a deep bow of respect for the powerful lady in front of me.

"Li-sama" I lowered my voice slightly to disguise it as I kept my eyes trained on the ground at my feet, my left hand held over my heart in a sign of deep respect and loyalty.

"Kinomoto-san, you may rise"

I rose to my feet but kept my gaze lowered to the ground.

"Students, I would like to introduce a new member to our Dojo."

The students in the room broke out into quiet whispers at Yelans words.

She turned her attention to me. "You may lower your hood now Kinomoto-san"

I reluctantly lifted my arms to grasp both sides of my hood and lowered it to my shoulders and pulling my hair out from my cloak. I bowed to Yelan again before straightening and looking around me at all the young men in the room. They were all raised in their seats looking at me. I turned back to Yelan as she once again addressed the occupants of the room.

"Kinomoto-san will be staying here and training with us as those back at her old Dojo proved insufficient at completing her training. Now I want all of you to treat her just as you would treat any other. And if I find out that you are treating her…inappropriately then you will be faced with grave consequences. Is that understood?"

A chorus of "Yes Li-sama's rang throughout the room." Yelan nodded her approval before turning and walking out of the room.

Just before she went through the door she turned slightly as she looked at those in the room. "I suggest you all get going towards your lessons. Oh and Xiao-Lang, I want you to come to my study. And Kinomoto-san I want you to come to my study as well after you have found your room and everything is to your liking. You're all dismissed." And with a swirl of her robes she turned down the hall and out of view.

Silence enveloped the room before the conversation resumed, this time about the new member of their Dojo, as they all headed off to do as Li-sama ordered.

Sakura was the last one in the room as a servant approached her. She bowed low before rising, her eyes never meeting those of Sakura.

"My lady, if you will follow me to your rooms…" She bowed again before turning and heading out of the room.

'This is going to be a long day' was all that crossed Sakura's mind before she silently followed the servant out of the room.

So let me know what you think and I promise that I will try my hardest to update my other stories.