Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or the characters, and any references that are made to either historical myths, legends, and beliefs or familiar concepts from video games, movies, books, etc. Any direct references will be noted as they appear, and if I do not it simply means I sincerely did not know. Thanks.
Card Captor Sakura...
The Last Element
By : -T. (Conspiratorial Omen)
Posted: July 31st, 2005
Elancia. It is the northern nation of Nova, governed by the Mikado and protected by the Guardian Genbu. The region was composed of a far stretch of land covered densely in forests when first crossing the Borders. However, the further north one travelled, the sparser the vegetation became until it thinned out to tundra and snowy fields.
The palace was a large icy-stone structure above ground, the only structure strong enough to withstand the cold climate. It also heavily depended on the resources produced by the citizens, who resided underneath the ice and earth. An entirely different region could be found under the ground, where the citizens' bodies had adapted to the forms of their ancestors of the Earth. Since the different 'worlds'-the one above the ground and the one below-were so different, only two real seasons existed in Elancia: the upper winter season of mining and the lower autumn season of harvesting.
They were able to produce resources by almost magical means, as the snow and wet conditions above allowed for moisture to be absorbed into the rich soils, the geysers produced an insulating heat, and the sunlight and moonlight streamed in from various hollowed plateaus above the ground. Despite the seemingly 'disadvantage' of living in the palace, it was able to provide for itself through ancient traditions of hunting for food and the newer tradition of mining for natural resources.
Chapter 1 - Old and New
-Nova IV, Year 2902
Syaohu Li,
It has been ages since we have last spoken. You have my utmost gratitude for the gifts from your family, I know now how wrong I was to keep our wives away from each other for so long. They were once great friends, as we were as well. I have finally decided to take up their offer, and I hope my dear wife can forgive me for taking so long.
In a few days I will be sending out invitations to the royal families of all four nations for a celebration. You see, I still wish to negotiate the terms of merging our families to strengthen our ties. I understand that a few years back this was the case with the Marquess Adamanii and your late cousin (once again, I must apologize for losing touch). Although it saddens me to inform you that my son has been missing for long months, this celebration is an attempt to lighten the burdens of my people.
You see, my daughter is turning four. Yes, a lot has happened these past years, my old friend. It would mean the world to me if you would attend, there are many matters we must discuss. The spouse of Aoi's late brother, the granddaughter of the Sovereign Miirtitani will be attending. My daughter has found an adorable companion in Lady Daidouji's young daughter. I understand that the Marquess has two young children as well? I cannot wait for our young ones to meet. If all goes well, our goal for nationwide unity might be achieved sooner, rather than later.
I must take my leave now, my daughter is getting restless for her bedtime story. You will adore her, Syaohu. I hope your own daughters are doing well, I do not know how you and your lovely wife manage to take care of all four of them when I can barely handle my own. Until we meet again, my friend.
-Tsukishiro Kuroi
P.S. - Her name is 'Sakura'.
The Mikado Elancia cordially invites
the royal family to attend a grand
celebration in honour of the heiress
to the throne, Tsukishiro Sakura, as
she assumes her fourth year of age.
It will be held on the first day of Spring
as a symbol of new beginnings so that
the kingdoms may negotiate the terms
to the merges that will lead to a
unified nation.
Volancia
A chuckle was heard as the invitation was relayed to the Emperor Volancia. He grinned.
"Kuroi has a tendency to be too formal in everything he does," XiaoHu Li exclaimed, shaking his head in amusement, "doesn't he, Wei?"
The Emperor's most trusted advisor merely smiled back and handed the invitation back to the messenger. "It would appear so, sire. Shall I tell the servants to prepare for the journey?"
XiaoHu frowned for a moment. "Ah, it will be a long journey won't it? Especially since we are located the furthest from Elancia. Wei, please inform Elder Ping that we will be requiring a stronger protection spell for our travels." The smile reappeared on his face. "Volancia's royal family shall attend this event, nonetheless."
Wei grinned and bowed, taking his leave. "Right away."
As the servants bustled around to begin the preparations for their long journey, four squealing princesses emerged from the courtyard.
"FATHER!" They squealed and rushed up to him and XiaoHu smiled at their enthusiasm, hardly phased by their loud, high-pitched squeals.
XieFa, the eldest, burst through first. "Is it true, father? Are we going on a trip so soon?"
The sisters were accustomed to travelling to the Adamanii Kingdom sometimes, but never anywhere else.
"Where are we going?" FanRen, the second oldest, butt in right after. He was waiting patiently, knowing that he could not get a word in until all had spoken.
Sure enough, as soon as the words had left FanRen's mouth Fuutie, the second youngest, spoke up. "Is it a party, pa-pa?"
"...can we wear really pretty dresses, pa-pa?" His youngest daughter asked cutely. Smiling at his four treasures, he answered their questions calmly.
"Yes, we are leaving for the Elancian Kingdom tomorrow and the trip shall last us about six or seven days. It is Princess Sakura's fourth birthday. And yes, FeiMei, you may wear all the cute little dresses that you'd like."
FeiMei pouted as her sisters laughed. "I didn't say 'cute,' pa-pa. I said 'pretty'!"
He joined their laughter and patted her head. "Oh, I'm sorry sweetie. My mistake."
"You can't get over the fact that your youngest daughter is ten now, can you XiaoHu?" an amused female voice sounded from the entrance and the other girls ran to their mother, Yelan, to tell her the good news.
XiaoHu smiled fondly and followed a little slower. 'It was true, his daughters were all grown up. XieFa was sixteen, FanRen was thirteen and Fuutie was eleven. FeiMei had only turned ten a few months ago.' He felt something tug at his leg, snapping him out of his thoughts, and looked down to see his youngest child. He grinned.
"Yes, son?"
A pair of young, wide amber eyes looked into their older, identical counterpart's. "What's going on, father?"
Bending down, he ruffled his hair. "We're going on a big trip, Xiao Lang."
Xiao Lang smiled. "Where are we going?"
A foreign look appeared in his father's eye as he answered, a mysterious tone in his voice. "To meet someone very special."
Yelan smiled to herself, secretively.
Adamanii
"I never knew that Elancia had a daughter..." Kaho Mizuki mused to herself as the invitation was recited to her, a smile gracing her young features. "I do enjoy celebrations..." she trailed off, then turned to her daughter Meiling. Her smile widened when she saw that she was still pleading with a young nine-year-old page, Hiiragaziwa Eriol, to spar with her. Even at his young age, Eriol was refusing her request in a very gentlemanly manner.
Clearing her throat, she looked expectantly at her seven-year-old and her companion.
Snapping away from their little quarrel, Meiling plastered on a grin to try and act innocently and Eriol bowed back, relieved. 'The grin was so familiar,' Kaho thought to herself, 'Except for her red eyes, Meiling is the splitting image of her father... Dark hair, strong features, and her mischievous and passionate spirit...'
Looking at her daughter's friend, Kaho smiled fondly. 'Eriol is the only friend Meiling has that is close to her age in the palace. I remember the day my most trusted general, Nakuru Akizuki, brought him to the palace. Apparently he was the only survivor of one of the attacks at the Borders. Nakuru had taken a liking to the boy and took him in as her own, enrolling him in service as her page. His skills were quite profound for a boy his age, and his tutors raved about his high intelligence. He truly is a gift from the Guardians.'
"Would you like to make a new friend, daughter?"
The little Admiia princess grinned. "Other than my cousins and Eriol? Hai, okaa-sama!" She admitted, smartly.
Kaho laughed. "Then go and tell everyone to start packing. We shall leave for Elancia first thing in the morning."
Meiling grinned and grabbed Eriol by the arm, dragging him behind her in her excitement. Then she stopped abruptly, turning around, a question forming on her lips. Kaho shook her head at her predictable daughter. "Yes, Eriol-san is coming as well. Your cousins will be there to play with also."
Meiling nodded energetically and burst out of the throne room, the slower Eriol bowing respectfully to the Marquess before taking his leave.
Miirtitani
Nodding slightly to acknowledge his great-granddaughter's excitement, Hinoji Amimaya gestured the announcer to forward his orders to the servants.
"Prepare the entourage for their journey." He stated simply. "And prepare my own carriage for a trip to town. I must find a gift to apologize to Elancia for not being able to make these trips anymore."
Sonomi Daidouji smiled. Her grandfather, the Sovereign, was a powerful and authoritative man. She knew that, when it came time for her to take his place to govern Miirtitani, it would be hard to live up to his reputation. It was hard sometimes, being the only one in line for the throne. Her mother had died at childbirth, and her father had succumbed to a fatal illness a few short years ago. He lived long enough to see her married and give birth to her beautiful baby girl, but he was not there to help her through the death of her husband who had, like his sister of Elancia, perished in one of the recent terrorist attacks at the Borders.
Looking towards her only child, Tomoyo, she smiled tenderly as the young girl was bouncing around her great-granddad, bubbling excitedly about how she would meet new friends with her cousin, Sakura. Hinoji could not hold back his laughter and agreed with the child, patting her head as she stopped bouncing around and hugged him. She knew that Tomoyo would sometimes remind him of his long-lost daughter and Sonomi's older sister, Nadeshiko.
Long ago, Nadeshiko had fallen in love with someone that Hinoji did not approve of, a man who did not have any status because he did not have any memories of his own. Hinoji found this suspicious, and warned Nadeshiko to stay away from him, as did Sonomi, who did not have the strength to disagree with the person she idolized.
Still, Nadeshiko cared for the man she found by the Borders, and they fell in love. When they requested permission to marry, Hinoji had refused vehemently and threatened to disown her. A bluff that he had no idea Nadeshiko would take seriously, as she eloped with her husband and disappeared the day after.
It was hard, but Sonomi persevered. She would be strong like her father, her grandfather, her husband and... her sister.
"Mother?"
Her eyes focused on her daughter, who was looking at her curiously then huffed, cutely.
"We have to start packing! Sakura-chan is waiting!"
Sonomi smiled. The cousins had hit it off right away. Sakura was such a sweet child, her laughter contagious, her smile warm. In many ways, Sakura also reminded her of her long-lost sister, and in truth, she was the only thing that Sonomi had left of her. Yes, Sonomi knew about the youngest 'Tsukishiro's' true heritage. Kuroi, himself, had told her. And she knew it was a secret she would take to her grave, until the time came for Sakura to know. Then she would consider telling her grandfather the truth about the daughter he unwillingly shunned.
'No matter how much I respect him,' Sonomi thought to herself, 'A part of me will not forgive him.' Snapping out of her thoughts, she stood and took her daughter's hand.
"Yes, Tomoyo. Let's go visit Sakura-chan."
Elancia
Kuroi Tsukishiro smiled to himself, sadly. 'It has been a month since Yukito's disappearance and there is still no sign of him. Already my advisors are telling me that my son is most likely dead.' He sighed deeply. 'Had he known that this would happen... that, if I finally let Yukito go on one of the hunter's expeditions and he would not return...'
Kuroi found himself staring at the latest portrait of their family, which consisted of a smiling replica of himself and his children. He was bent down on one knee with a hand on his son's shoulder and the other on his daughter's head. In turn, Yukito was holding his sister's hand. Though these portraits were meant to be still and took long hours of work, their expressions were alight as the artist captured a moment where they were grinning after settling the young princess who was growing restless.
Looking at the painting from his first year in office, he found himself staring at the beautiful hazel eyes of his wife. Her long, silvery hair was left out, and she was sitting on a chair delicately. Yukito was at her side, standing proud and holding his mother's hand. Her other hand was grasped in his own, standing behind his family. 'Aoi...' he thought, still mourning his beloved wife. 'He looks so much like you and nothing like me...'
And it was true. Whilst Yukito's hair was a blonde so light, it was silvery, and his eyes the same golden-hazel as his mother's, his own hair and eyes were such a dark shade of brown they were almost black. A smile graced his lips as he remembered taking his son on trips with him, and many would not see any resemblance at all. Then the smile faltered as his gaze fell to his daughter, Sakura.
'Many were sceptical about the child when I officially introduced her to the kingdom. They could not believe that our royal family could hide such a sweet little girl for the first few years of her life so well. Yes, it was rumoured that Aoi was pregnant before she passed away, but they could never be sure. Also, she bore no resemblance to myself or her brother...'
Nevertheless, Yukito and Kuroi accepted her as well as all who had truly laid eyes on the little angel. She radiated with an innocence and happiness that brought a light back into his heart after the death of his wife. For a time, he was worried that the affection he felt for the little girl was only an attempt to fill the void that was left in the death of Aoi. But the child managed to win him over, and he loved her all the same, even if she did not carry the blood of himself or his beloved wife.
'Yes, though they suspect, no one knows the truth about Sakura's true lineage. And I intend to keep it that way.'
The truth was that, when she was barely three, Sakura's real mother had been found at the Borders with the small child in her arms. Both were injured but only the mother, Nadeshiko, had fatal injuries. She was not frantic, seeming to have passed that stage, and was very calm. The only thing she was urgent about was the safety of her daughter...
Her identity scared Kuroi at first, knowing that this was the exiled sister of his brother-in-law's wife, but as he looked into their eyes he knew he could love this child as his own, and Nadeshiko had reminded him so much of his wife. She had given him small details about Sakura's childhood, so that she may take some memories with her, and he stayed with her in the palace until she passed away peacefully in the night.
The little child, as if understanding that her mother would never return, had woken up and cried for a long time. But he soothed her, and soon she grew accustomed to him. The doctors discovered that she could not remember her the rest of her family, and it was decided that it would be best not to tell her of her true identity until the time was right.
Sakura Tsukishiro became a treasured part of his family. Yukito, who was 10 at the time, understood that Sakura could not be his real sister. However, with his kind nature, he treated her as one all the same. And, for the ten months that they were together, the siblings adored each other. Their time was cut short, however, as another string of attacks occurred, much like the ones that took Aoi and Nadeshiko's lives.
'Twelve hunting bands had left the palace, and yet only eleven had returned.' In the mass confusion, one hunting band out of twelve did not return to the castle. 'The group that was responsible for my son...'
"Tou-sama?" Sakura inquired, shyly, standing in the doorway of her father's study. Shaking himself out of his memories, Kuroi smiled softly to his daughter, the only family he had left.
"Hai, Sakura-chan?"
She grinned and bounded up to him. "Nana say not to bug you, but I say it okay cos it's Sakura's birthday!" she finished cutely.
He laughed then playfully poked her nose. "Yes, Sakura-chan, it's okay this time. But next time, you are to listen to Midori-san, okay?"
She puffed her cheeks but nodded anyway. Then she looked excited "Oh! And Nana told Sakura that tou-sama is having a party!"
"Yes, Sakura-chan." He told her patiently, shaking his head in amusement, and he took her hand as he collected his books and led her out of the study. "The party is for you, I invited some friends I would like you to meet. Now run along and get ready, they will arrive soon."
The little girl giggled excitedly and Kuroi patted her on the head, nudging her towards her room where her maids were waiting to give her a bath. However, before he left, Sakura tugged on her father's hand and looked up at him innocently.
"Will nii-sama be at the party?"
He bent down to her level and looked at her seriously. Thinking of how to tell her, he opted to put it off until she could understand, not wanting to ruin her birthday. "Gomen ne, Sakura-chan. Yukito cannot make it... he has gone on a trip to a faraway place."
It was half the truth. They had no real proof that his son was dead.
Still, Sakura pouted sadly. "When will he return, tou-sama?"
He hugged his daughter tightly. "I wish I knew, Sakura-chan... I wish I knew..." Releasing her, she looked at her father curiously, not understanding his tone. Then she smiled, and kissed his cheek sloppily.
"Daijoubu, tou-sama!" She piped, cutely. "Sakura is here!" she grinned then ran to her maids, taking their hands as they bowed to their master.
Kuroi had tears in his eyes. 'The child is so kind, so sweet...' He looked up in gratitude. 'Arigatou, Nadeshiko-san.'
-) o o o (-
The throne room was bustling with excitement as citizens from Elancia lined up to present their gifts to the young princess. The nobles with invitations presented their gifts first to the happy birthday girl, grinning at her energy before being escorted to the ballroom for the 'real' celebration. But the little princess was only focused on the large gathering of people that she rarely experienced. Sakura sat with her father on the throne, dressed as a princess should. A layered, earthen brown dress fluffed about her small form in cute layers, pink jewels adorning the hems. A small, bronze circlet was on her forehead, a deep garnet crystal adorning the front.
Her father was dressed more formally in his own signature dark earthen brown robes that flowed around his form regally. The hems were intricately woven with dark green symbols, characters of honour and strength and protection. On his head was a simple circlet like his daughter's, as the royal crown was only adorned for specific ceremonial purposes.
Off to their side sat the royal families of the other nations, conversing quietly with themselves. The Mikado, Kuroi, had explained that it was custom for the palace to open the doors to the citizens during such occasions, and that they were welcome to witness if they wished. They would present their gifts in private, however.
Sakura was especially happy that day. She had met children closer to her age that she was allowed to interact with, and now was being blessed by her people with gifts that she considered more valuable than the jewellery and lavishes she would receive from the nobles.
"Mother," Meiling whispered, questioningly, catching the attention of the others around her, and Kaho smiled patiently for her to continue. "Why does Princess Elancia get so excited by some plants?"
The adults laughed softly at the innocent question whilst their children looked curiously, but it was Tomoyo who seemed all too happy to answer her question, instead. She grinned at Meiling.
"Sakura-chan lives in Elancia. Because it is so cold, not many pretty flowers and plants can live. So, when Sakura-chan sees pretty plants and flowers, she gets really excited."
Meiling looked surprised, then nodded in understanding, gratefully, but another question was on her mind. "Where do these people get the plants, then, if they do not grow here?"
Tomoyo looked stumped for a second and thought hard, while Sonomi smiled fondly and decided to answer for her struggling daughter. "Elancia has a beautiful icescape to the extreme north, where we are now, but they are hard conditions to live in without vegetation. This is why the citizens do not live above ground, but below it."
The Volancian sisters were intrigued and immediately started throwing out questions.
"Under ground?"
"But how do they breathe?"
"Don't they miss the sky?"
"How do the plants live without the sun?"
Sonomi looked overwhelmed with the questions, but Yelan smiled at her daughters and calmed them down.
"I would be happy to explain, if you would like."
They looked over to Kuroi and Sakura who were finally finished with the gifts. As Kuroi explained of the underground metropolis where the citizens of his nations resided in, Sakura was bubbling happily to her cousin and new 'friends.' Xiao Lang, who was remaining quiet, was only staring at the girl in annoyance. 'I still don't see what's so fascinating about a bunch of flowers...' He thought back to his first meeting with the bubbly little girl...
-- - --
The Li family had just arrived at the palace and stepped out, the children awed by the sparkling structure they had never witnessed. Well, the daughters at least.
"It's cold, mother!" Xiao Lang complained, huddling further into his thick cloak. He had been reluctant to bring it, not understanding why he would need such a thick monstrosity since he grew up in the hottest region of Nova. Yelan looked at her son, patiently.
"It is cold in Adamanii, too, Xiao Lang." She explained.
Xiao Lang frowned. "But not this cold...!"
Fanren shook her head. "Stop complaining, little brother!" She lectured, and was met by his scowl.
"I am not little-!"
"Syaohu!"
The family looked at the welcoming crew that was lead by the Mikado Elancia, Kuroi Tsukishiro. XiaoHu grinned.
"Hello, old friend!" They clasped and shook hands energetically, grinning similar grins at one another. Formalities were forgotten, and XiaoHu smiled at his friend.
"Allow me to introduce my family." He turned to Yelan, "As you know, my wife Yelan." She smiled at him and gave him a hug. "My daughters, XieFa, FanRen, Fuutie, and FeiMei." Kuroi smiled as the girls curtseyed respectfully, and grinned at the girls.
"My, you girls have grown since I last visited so many years ago!"
XiaoHu smiled and finally pulled forward his youngest child. "And this is Xiao Lang, my son."
"Oh my!" Kuroi looked shocked then bent down to his level, "We've never met before! Welcome to Elancia, young prince." He smiled warmly and Xiao Lang bowed in respect, shaking the hand that was offered soon after.
"Thank you, your highness."
Smiling, he stood up and suddenly looked behind him expectantly. "Come, Sakura-chan. You must be polite to the guests."
Slowly, a little girl peeked from behind her father, clutching on to his robes in fright. She smiled timidly and came out from behind him as he tugged on her hand. Turning to his old friend, he grinned with pride.
"My daughter, Sakura-chan."
Sakura curtseyed and Yelan and XiaoHu smiled at the little girl. "She's so cute!" Yelan gushed and XiaoHu agreed, both bending down to shake the little girls hand and pat her head. Sakura smiled cutely as the adults stood, leading them into the castle. Kuroi turned to the servants.
"You may take their things to their quarters." Looking at the children, he gestured to his daughter. "Entertain the children, okay Sakura-chan?"
She grinned and nodded to her father. "Hai, tou-sama!"
As they left, the girls suddenly burst, frightening the little girl.
"SHE'S SOO CUTE!"
"LOOK AT HER LITTLE DRESS!"
"HER HAIR IS SO PRETTY!"
"SHE'S SO TINY!"
The girls gushed over her and swarmed her, pinching her cheeks. Sakura was very scared, and tears started to well up in her eyes.
"Hoe..."
Xiao Lang, bored, simply wandered around the room a bit, waiting for his sisters to finish and glad that they had another target to torture. Suddenly, it was quiet.
"Gomen ne, Sakura-chan." XieFa apologized thoroughly. "But you are just so adorable."
Sakura sniffed, and Xiao Lang snorted in the background. "S'okay..."
The girls grinned again. "I'm Shiefa," she explained, "My name in Japanese. I'm the oldest sister."
"I'm Fanren." FanRen continued, and pointed to her other sisters. "And that's Fuutie and FeiMei, the youngest."
"Hello!" They chirped. Sakura smiled at them all, and then they finally remembered there was a boy in their presences.
XieFa smiled, apologetically to her brother. "And that's our little brother, Xiao Lang."
Sakura turned and smiled to the boy, who was the youngest of them all and closer to her age, though still older.
"Hello!"
He ignored her, still glaring at his sister for forgetting him and then calling him her 'little' brother, even if it was true.
Sakura tried again, undeterred. "Very nice to meet you!"
He grunted and his sisters giggled amongst themselves, finding the situation very adorable. XieFa spoke up once more. "We're going to explore a bit, Sakura-chan! Xiao Lang, be nice!" They laughed and ran off.
Sakura, not suspecting anything, continued to smile at the boy, waiting for his acknowledgement of her existence.
"Sakura is turning four today!" She piped, "How old are you?"
Remembering his manners, he sighed. "Happy birthday, Elancia. I'll be turning eight in two months." She frowned suddenly, and he looked at her curiously. "What?"
She pouted. "Why do you call Sakura 'Elancia'? Sakura's name is 'Sakura'!"
He looked at her weirdly. "Why do you talk like that?"
She inclined her head, inquiringly. "Like what?"
He frowned, annoyed. "Call yourself by your name all the time. Don't you ever say 'me' or 'I'?"
She laughed. "Nope, because nii-sama said that people who talk about themselves all the time are co...con..." she struggled and he sighed.
"Conceited?" he offered.
She grinned, happy that he understood. "Hai! And he said Sakura was not c-conceited!"
Xiao Lang looked interested for a second. "Where is your brother?" He missed the sad look that passed her face.
"Yuki-niisama could not come to Sakura's party." She explained, sadly. "tou-sama said that he went far away."
Deciding not to press the subject further, he nodded. Then she turned to him bashfully. "Um... gomen ne..." He gave her a weird look, telling her she had his attention. "What was... your name again?" she blushed, embarrassed.
He snorted, but finally kept the conversation going. "Xiao Lang."
"Zo... zho..." it seemed Sakura still struggled with certain words, and Xiao Lang sighed inwardly.
"Xiao Lang? Syaoran?" he offered again, then paused as she struggled. "Volancia?" he tried, surprised that this girl had such strange and limited vocabulary. Finally, he grew aggravated. "Can you speak properly at all?" He asked rudely.
Tears welled in her eyes and she bowed, apologetically. "G-gomen ne..."
Sighing, he held out his handkerchief. He hated seeing girls cry. "Here. Call me Li."
She looked up at him, eyes shining, then down at the handkerchief. Grinning, she took it carefully and wiped her eyes... then launched herself at him. "Domo! Now Sakura and Li are friends!"
Flushing, he glared at the little girl and moved away. "We are NOT friends!"
-- - --
The royal families and nobles had all gathered in the ballroom, music playing cheerfully as couples danced and friends laughed. Kuroi was just stepping up to make a speech for the adults in the room. The children were playing together on the stage.
"Greetings, friends!" Kuroi grinned at all the occupants of the hall. "Today we are gathered for two very special reasons. One," he grinned at his daughter, "The celebration of my Sakura-chan's fourth birthday!"
The audience clapped politely, smiling at the little girl who blushed shyly.
"And another special reason," Kuroi continued, motioning for the other four rulers-or family representative, in Sonomi's case- to step forward. "The time has come for negotiations to take place to unify the four nations once more."
Clapping resounded, again, in the hall, and cheers broke out as well. Kuroi decided to cut the speech short and continue with the celebration. "Please enjoy yourselves as we discuss the terms! We shall tell the results as the evening comes to a close."
The music continued energetically and the floor was once again covered in dancing couples and chattering nobles, excited with the news. The children, not quite understanding, simply continued talking with each other and exchanging stories.
"And," Meiling grinned at her favourite cousin, "There was a time when Syaoran and Eriol were sparring and when my cousin wasn't looking, Eriol swiped at his belt and his pants-"
"MEILING!" Syaoran blushed furiously, and the girls giggled.
-) o o o (-
Meanwhile, the adults were looking at their children fondly.
"Your Eriol is so polite, Mizuki-sama." Sonomi noted, admiringly. "You never told me you had a son!"
Kaho smiled, but shook her head. "Oh, no. Eriol is not my son, though sometimes it seems that way. He is a close friend of my daughter, and the adoptive son of General Akizuki." They nodded in understanding as she continued. "Besides, sometimes I joke with Nakuru that we should get them married one day since Eriol is such a wonderful boy."
They laughed and looked at the two as Meiling began another debate about why she should be allowed to fight with them. Kaho shook her head, fondly. "But I know they'll just stay very good friends."
"Well, speaking of marriage..." Kuroi smiled and XiaoHu, "Syaohu and I were discussing the mergers. As you know, Aoi and Yelan-san always wanted two of their children to wed..." He looked down for a moment, and Yelan patted his hand comfortingly. "We discussed the possibility of Yukito marrying one of the Li daughters, but..." he trailed off, and they nodded sympathetically.
"Have you told Sakura-chan?" Sonomi inquired, softly.
Kuroi shook his head. "Not yet. I thought it best to tell her a little later... I can't stand to see her sad." He perked up then, and smiled his familiar smile to his friends. "However, on the topic of Sakura-chan, Syaohu has thought that maybe his son could be engaged to my daughter."
The women were surprised, then grinned appreciatively. "Oh, that would be so kawaii (cute)!" Sonomi gushed.
Kaho nodded in agreement, looking at the two children as the little Sakura was poking him and asking him to smile while he was swatting her hands away, annoyed. "They seem to be getting along well," Kaho admitted, amusedly.
They laughed, and XiaoHu continued for his friend. "The only condition is that they decide for themselves by the time Xiao Lang is 21 and assumes the throne."
Kuroi nodded, then explained their reasoning. "We want to meet at least once a year so that the kids can develop a true friendship, like Syaohu and my parents' did for us. Also, by pushing them together, perhaps we can get them to fall in love!" He grinned, excitedly at the possibilities.
Sonomi piped in, "So, every summer we shall meet at one of the kingdoms?"
They nodded affirmative, liking the suggestion. "What system would be appropriate? Currently, Syaohu-sama and Yelan-san visit for a few weeks with their children and then leave Syaoran-san in our care for training under Nakuru with Eriol for February and March."
"And then Kaho-san brings Meiling and Hiiragaziwa for training in October and November with Wei-san." XiaoHu finished.
Kuroi nodded, thoughtfully. "Sonomi-san and I have a similar arrangement with Tomoyo-chan and Sakura-chan. The girls are inseparable."
"Well," Yelan offered, "what if we were to change it so that the children may stay in one Kingdom from June until September? That way they could continue their other visits and training during the other months. It would be nice that we could spend a few weeks together each time, as well."
The adults agreed, and XiaoHu laughed heartily. Standing up, he stuck his hand out for his friend. "Then it's a deal?"
Kuroi grinned and shook his hand. "Of course!" The rest grinned and hugged each other, and Kuroi signalled for the music to stop once more.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" He announced, happily. "It is my pleasure to announce the terms of our merger with utmost contentment!" He grinned.
"We have agreed to maintain closer ties between the nations by opening the borders to a new trading system between the nations, promising great things for a new economical balance!" He began, remembering the first technical part of their agreement, and the audience cheered appreciatively. The trading business was what kept most of the nobles in their status.
"Also," Kuroi continued, grinning at the children. "A definite merger has been discussed that will promote unity and the beginning of a true merging of nations!" He caught their attention and paused for effect as they quieted down, anticipating his words.
"As you know, ties have occurred in the past where our families have married into another." He explained, speaking of Kaho's marriage and Sonomi's marriages.
"Yet, this time around, we hope to see a marriage between the heir of Volancia and heiress Elancia!"
Excited murmurs passed through the crowd and the Li sisters squealed, while Syaoran looked shocked and Sakura did not quite understand. Meiling, Eriol and Tomoyo simply smiled, understanding the situation a little better than their small friend.
-) o o o (-
"W-what?" Syaoran whispered to his mother. "B-but I'm too young to be married, mother!"
Yelan smiled at her son. It was after the celebration and they were giving their own gifts to the little princess, but the Volancian prince was stunned with the news of his supposed 'engagement' to the annoyingly perky little girl he had met only that day.
"Yes, Xiao Lang, we know that. But you are only engaged for now, you may decide to get married when you are older." She explained carefully.
Syaoran huffed. "I refuse to marry! I'm strong, I don't need girls!"
XiaoHu grinned at his son and shook his head, holding back his laughter as to not offend him. "One day, you'll thank us for this, Xiao Lang."
Sakura looked shyly at Sonomi. "Amimaya-sama could not come?" she inquired.
"He's very sorry, Sakura-chan," Sonomi explained, apologetically. "But he says he is getting too old. He'd like to see you when you come visit, though."
She nodded happily, accepting the stuffed doll that he sent for her. It was a very cute doll that resembled Sakura, herself, in an interesting pink outfit. Sakura hugged it tightly. "Arigatou!"
Tomoyo smiled. "Sakura-chan, we have a whole bunch of dresses for you at home!" She burst energetically, and Sakura backed away a bit but smiled nonetheless.
"H-hai! Domo arigatou, Tomoyo-chan!"
Kaho bent down to the little princess and presented her with a dark velvet cape. It was a deep forest green, with gold designs around the hems. It was lined with a dark brown, almost black, of a different suede material. "To keep out the cold," Kaho explained, "not that it bothers the little princess, ne?"
Sakura beamed and accepted the cape tenderly, rubbing it against her cheek. "Arigatou gozaimasu!"
"I picked it out!" Meiling grinned, bounding up to the slightly younger girl. "We heard that you had pretty green eyes, so I thought it would match." She justified her choice cutely, and Sakura hugged the girl.
"Thank you, Meiling-chan!" Patting her shoulder, she moved aside when it was time for the Volancian gift. XiaoHu nudged his son in the princess' direction and he begrudgingly approached her, still annoyed with the 'marriage' business.
Sighing, he shoved a flat, rectangular box at her that was adorned with intricate celestial designs in gold. Sakura accepted it slowly, smiling in awe at the pretty box. Opening it, she looked in awe at the contents.
It was a necklace, the chain made of pure gold. The pendant was what the little princess loved the most, as it was a shimmering pink colour with two ivory wings on the sides. Suspended in the centre was a beautiful golden star. She laughed and then glomped Syaoran, happily.
"Arigatou, Li-kun!"
He sighed but did not push her away this time because they were being watched. Instead he growled to her softly so only she could hear.
"We're still not friends."
Not understanding his hostility, all she did was laugh.
Author's note: This chapter was mostly intended to give more background information about the royal families and show the beginnings of the relationships between our protagonists Sakura and Syaoran. I changed a few details around (ie. Sonomi and Nadeshiko being sisters, Kaho being Meiling's mother, Yukito and Nakuru not being the false forms of Yue and Ruby Moon). Thanks.
References
(Archive: Prologue- Gaea NOVA's history)
Family History
Borders - The area surrounding the former High Kingdom, Clow, that borders the other four kingdoms. They are rumoured to be dangerous, rumours that were seemingly proved true due to the 'attacks' that occurred around them that took many lives, notably Sonomi's husband (Tomoyo's father), his sister (Kuroi's wife, Yukito's mother), and Meiling's father (Kaho's husband).
Elders - The Elders, like Elder Ping, mentioned briefly are those known as survivors of the forgotten kingdom (Clow). They are very wise, in the ways of the four nations and also of the old methods of 'Science' and 'Alchemy' that belonged to Clow. Their role will become clear later on.
Mikado Elancia - currently Kuroi Tsukishiro, 'kuroi' meaning 'black'. His wife, 'Aoi' (blue), was the sister to the husband of Sonomi Daidouji. Aoi died in one of the 'attacks' at the Borders. His son, Yukito, 'disappeared' in a similar attack. Was best friends with XiaoHu Li, as their fathers (former rulers of their nations) were before them.
Emperor Volancia - currently XiaoHu Li. Yelan is his wife. They have five children (in order from oldest-youngest: XieFa, FanRen, Fuutie, FeiMei, Syaoran/Xiao Lang). Related to Kaho and Meiling through Syaohu's late cousin, Kaho's husband. Best friends with Aoi Daidouji Tsukishiro and Kuroi Tsukishiro
Marquess Adamanii - currently Kaho Mizuki (Li), mother of Meiling Li. Kaho decided to keep her maiden name, but allowed her daughter to keep her father's name in his memory.
Sovereign Miirtitani - currently Kinoji Amimaya, grandfather of Sonomi Amimaya Daidouji, their only other family members being Tomoyo, Sonomi's daughter, and her niece Sakura, who is the daughter of her deceased sister Nadeshiko (unbeknownst to everyone) and adopted daughter of her late husband's brother-in-law, Kuroi Tsukishiro.