Card Captor Sakura
i love white
Summary: Sakura is a mute maid working in the Daijoudi palace. Syaoran is the Prince of a foreign kingdom. When an engagement forces to Sakura to travel to the Li kingdom she finds some intriguing mysteries… And what's her best friend got to do with it? S&S… R&R! My first fanfic. Rated: T
NOTES:
I will be calling Kaho Mizuki Sakura's mother. Even if she isn't… as you all know…
I know that the last chappie was a bit too serious… Sorry bout that! Anyways, Sakura is finally going to the Li Kingdom. Which means that she finally gets to meet the one and only…SYAORAN! The Wolf Prince! Oh, and I'm introducing the 'evil' Princess Tomoyo in this one! Kaho still has quite a big part ahead of her… I wonder whether she's up for the task? Tell me what pairings you'd like and I'll try to put them in, except it's definitely a SxS fic, even though it may not seem like it at times. REVIEW! …plz? Enjoy:P
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS, never will, never can. The end. Goodbye. Sayonara. :D R&R! That honour goes to CLAMP…but if you'd would to get it for me as a present, I won't protest… btw, for the record, I never asked.
But I do own Arisa Tomoe… not entirely sure that's a good thing though…
Chapter Two – A Princess
'WHERE IS IT? FIND IT NOW!' The Princess's screaming rang out in the corridor. Hearing something like that, Sakura wanted to run away to wherever that voice was forbidden to go.
She started trembling unconsciously and held Kaho's hand a little firmer. Sakura had no idea why Kaho had decided to go with her but she was grateful for her presence. It made her that little bit more confident. Which meant she wouldn't come up with a lame excuse for not seeing the Princess.
"What do I call her?"
Mizuki, having been the one to teach Sakura her sign language, answered instantly.
'Your Majesty, Your Highness or, and this is only if she gives you permission, Princess. The last is a very familiar term. You must call her Your Majesty when she's very angry or upset and Your Highness for all other occasions. Of course, since you can't talk, it would be better not to communicate at all. She doesn't know sign language.'
Sakura winced. This was going to be an awful experience. The Princess sounded… impatient.
Kaho turned and smiled at her. 'Now, you're going to have to go in there. I'll introduce you but be prepared for questions that you don't have to answer.'
Sakura returned the smile, although it was weak. She was going to meet Princess Daidouji…
Knock! Knock!
'GET THE DOOR!' A voice shrieked and hurried footsteps could be heard.
The door creaked open a bit. 'Oh…Sakura. You're finally here! Mizuki-san… I'm sorry… Can I go now?' The maid's voice was pleading and it was obvious she hated being there.
'Yes, yes. Go Sophie. I'll call you back if we have need of it.' With that, the maid scurried off and Kaho guided Sakura into the room.
Her first impression was that it was absolutely huge. There were beautiful paintings on every speck of every wall (excepting the windows, of course) and light still streamed into it. The ceiling was covered in one spectacular design and the furniture was simply amazing. Sakura was sure her eyes were the size of saucers.
'Come on, Sakura. The Princess is in her sitting room.' Kaho gave her an amused smile, knowing that Sakura wasn't used to such finery.
She led Sakura into a smaller room which was still at least three times the size of her bedroom. By one of the cleverly disguised windows she a beautiful figure, with perfect dark hair.
She must've washed her hair all the time.
'Your Majesty.' Kaho curtsied and pushed Sakura into the position as well, since Sakura was still awestruck. She quickly snapped out of it.
'Ah… Kaho-san. And who is this…person you have brought with you today?' The Princess's voice wasn't screeching anymore and Sakura could have sworn this was a different person than the one that had been yelling at Sophie.
'She's my foster-daughter. Mizuki Sakura. She'll be attending to you while you are at the Li Kingdom.'
The Princess gave a delicate sigh and motioned for them to stand up. 'Sakura? Hmm… Fancy that. Kaho-san's daughter is a maid…' She seemed to find this funny and hid a graceful laugh behind her hand.
Sakura's face burned brightly. She had embarrassed Mizuki-san…
'It was my choice to make her a maid. This way she will have all the skills required for survival. However, I decided she should be put into court when she turns 16. It is my hope that you shall become friends.' This drew a harsh sigh from the Princess and Sakura cringed. Besides, what was Mizuki-san saying? She wasn't going to court! That would just be… nothing short of a miracle!
'And pray, when does she turn 16? I myself have already past that age. Is she so much younger than me?' 'She will be 16 in the last days of summer.'
'I see. So she has quite a way to go, yes? Do you wish me to teach her the manners befitting her next station?'
Mizuki-san smiled. 'If you see fit.'
It was like a battle of wits. Sakura was fascinated. She wasn't sure exactly who was winning, but it seemed her mother was happy, so it looked like Kaho was.
The Princess motioned for Sakura to come forward. She reached out a delicate hand and said, looking her over, 'She is blessed with a good figure… of course, the other ladies all look more elegant…' After a few minutes she finally said, 'She can take Sophie's place. I am sure she will do fine. It will take a rather long time to groom her for court, though.'
Mizuki-san dropped the smile but the emotion in her eyes was clearly one of happiness. 'As your Highness says.'
'Dismissed. Sakura-san knows the responsibilities of a personal maid, yes? She will attend to me from now on. Cancel her other duties.'
'Your Majesty.' Kaho turned and went out the door, but not before giving Sakura a wink and a smile.
Sakura was so nervous. She had no idea what the Princess wanted her to do.
For a long moment, they just eyed each other. Then, surprisingly, the Princess broke the silence, with not an order, but a comment. 'I love your eyes.' Sakura was startled.
'They're the most exquisite green I've seen in a long time… They remind me of someone else I met a long time ago. That person's dead now.' Eerie silence followed.
'You're nervous, aren't you? For some reason you're not like the others… You have a quality they don't possess. I… I like you. Let us be friends. Ne, Sakura-chan?'
Sakura's eyes widened. This was the 'scary' Princess all the servants were afraid of?
She nodded eagerly. The Princess smiled. It was one of those smiles that seemed to lighten up the world. It was strange how anyone could be afraid of someone so utterly beautiful.
'Then you must call me Tomoyo-chan! This is the first time I've never let anyone call me that! I'm so excited! Sakura-chan! Let's dress up!'
She waited for Sakura's approval.
Sakura winced inwardly. She motioned with her hands, "I cannot talk, your Majesty."
Tomoyo stared at her. 'You… you're a mute…'
The recoil in her voice was obvious and Sakura felt a pain inside her spark. Why? Why did the Princess's opinion matter so much to her? She had only just met her. It had happened before…
But… I've never let anyone call me that…
Those words… The Princess was just lonely. She wanted someone to talk to. But then…Sakura wasn't good enough.
"Is there anything I can help you with, You Majesty?"
Tomoyo's eyes widened. 'I…can't understand sign language. …What am I going to do…' She seemed to change her mind suddenly and said, 'Let's dress up, Sakura-chan!'
She dragged Sakura into another room, which was clearly her bedroom. 'Sakura-chan… What's your favourite colour?'
Sakura was surprised. First Tomoyo hadn't completely rejected her, now she was talking to her as if they were… friends. Like… Arisa.
"…Pink…" Tomoyo seemed to understand and squealed.
She flung open two rather large doors and announced, 'This is my wardrobe! So… you like pink?…' The Princess sorted through hundreds of dresses as Sakura simply stared.
The Princess had been so… polite before. What were these sudden changes? She had yelled at the servants, she had 'battled' with Kaho and now she was like a delighted child of no more than 6.What was going on…?
'Aha! I've got it! Sakura-chan, Sakura…' Puppy dog eyes… 'Try this!' She swept out a richly furnished dress that was no more suited to Sakura than blue was to orange.
Sakura tried backing away slowly.
'Sakura? Was that a yes? Good!' She threw the dress at her carelessly, like the dress was completely unimportant. She picked out another and then another, her eyes gleaming. When she realised Sakura hadn't moved, she said, 'Sakura! You've got to try this on!'
Sakura still didn't move. Was Tomoyo telling her she was supposed to wear this? That was ridiculous! A maid couldn't get away with wearing something like this!
'Sa-ku-ra! Hu-rry up! I've got more for you to try on after that one!'
The Princess was crazy…
'A toast!' Queen Yelan raised her glass, a smile painting her defined features. 'My son has finally consented to a ball! And we celebrate another joyous occasion! My niece, Meilin Li, is getting married to Tori Kinomoto!'
This was greeted was a thunderous applause. Syaoran cringed. Syaoran, Eriol and Eriol's strange hunting-dog-thing were the only ones that didn't clap. Eriol, because he was draining a glass, Spinel Sun, because Eriol wasn't (Syaoran wouldn't put it past that dog to clap) and Syaoran because he hated everything that was said. Especially the M word… which was going to be used again very, very soon…
'At the aforementioned ball, we dearly hope that my son, Xiao Lang Li, will find a suitable bride and that they will be married.'
Again, thunderous applause. Again, another cringe from Syaoran.
'At least make an effort to look happy!' Meilin hissed from her position at the right of Syaoran.
Eriol gave her the I-know-everything-and-am-unconcerned Eriol smile.
'Everyone knows Syaoran is unhappy. What does it matter if he shows it now?' To which Meilin replied, 'I was talking to you too.' Eriol's annoying smile never left his face. 'Ah, but I was incredibly thirsty as her Majesty was talking. I cannot clap with just one hand and therefore I could not join in.'
Eriol sounded ridiculous. Meilin bit back a retort as another thunderous applause swept the room. Syaoran almost moaned as the clapping burst into his ears. He did not want a ball. Why didn't she understand? Besides, Meilin was finally getting married. Wasn't one victory enough? Just hearing that had made him miserable enough.
'Why are you clapping, Meilin?' He asked, wanting to take his mind off the insufferable clapping.
'…Because I'm getting married, Syaoran. Can't you understand that?' Syaoran almost choked. She had said that word… He felt Eriol's eyes on him though, and didn't interrupt, feeling something start to boil inside of him. What was it?
He didn't have to answer Meilin's question; she kept talking, even over the offending noise. 'I have no idea what he likes or what he looks like; I don't even know his full name! But since Queen Yelan has set it in motion I will obey and that's all that matters. I can't do anything Syaoran! You have absolutely nothing to be upset about! As a man, you can oppose any match she sets up. I can't do that!'
She kept talking. Syaoran stopped listening when he heard You have absolutely nothing to be upset about! That was the last straw for him.
He slammed his glass down and got up. He couldn't bear to listen to this rubbish anymore. He just couldn't. If he had bothered paying any attention to the people around him he wouldn't have done anything so stupid, but as it was, he didn't see Eriol's smirk or Meilin's quiet tears. All he saw was the way to his bedroom. So he took it.
It was an instant uproar as soon as he left the room.
Meilin sniffed and dried her tears. Eriol studied her pityingly and commented, 'He really doesn't like the fact that you're getting married.' She gave a tiny snort and said, 'He had his chance. He has n-nothing to be u-upset about! I h-h-hate him!' She couldn't help it. She burst into tears again.
'Shh… It'll be okay. Just… don't get too attached… Even now… it will only cause pain.' She cried a bit more and reached her hand out. Eriol held it firmly, knowing how hurt she felt. Still, it would only get worse if she didn't move on… Especially with what was coming.
Feeling his master's unrest, Spinel Sun rubbed his head against Eriol's hand. They seemed to say unspoken words and Eriol sighed, while Spinel's eyes shifted and Eriol smiled in return, muttering under his breath, 'Don't worry. She'll be alright, since that woman is there. It will be fine.'
Meilin didn't hear this.
Sakura came out of the bathroom yet again, motioning, "I can't wear anything like this. I'm just a servant…"
Tomoyo was getting used to this. 'Oh, rubbish Sakura! Didn't you hear Mizuki-sensei? She said she wants you in court by the time you turn 16! You've got to wear something I've made to the ball. Then everyone will think you're an exotic Princess from some place up north and you can make your big debut into the royal society! This is going to be so fun! I don't like this dress too much though… I think it doesn't look bright enough…'
Sakura certainly didn't think so but she didn't argue, for fear that Tomoyo might put her into another dress. It was a futile struggle though.
'Now, I want you to try this one on. I think white really brings out your hair and eyes… besides, white looks quite good with purple!' Tomoyo insisted that Sakura accompany her to the ball, not as a maid, but as a friend. This was out of the question, of course. But Tomoyo refused to admit defeat.
'Come on Sakura!' So Sakura ended up trying on another dress.
But this one was different. It was white, although it had quite a pinkish tinge, and had beautiful hairpieces to go with it. There was a light pink sash across it and there were ribbons designed especially to go with it. The skirt was huge and the top half made her look skinnier than she was, which she had never seen in a dress before.
'Are you ready, Sakura?'
Sakura swallowed some of her nervousness and went out of the bathroom. Tomoyo whistled and laughed, saying, 'Sakura! You look AMAZING!'
Sakura blushed. She wished she had a way to see it… "What do I look like?" she asked, unable to resist.
Tomoyo grinned and said, 'Why don't you look in the mirror?' …Mirror? It took Sakura a while to understand her. Tomoyo said mirror… but… that was only for rich people…
Tomoyo dragged Sakura back into the bathroom and strode up to a strange looking frame on the wall. It led to another room. Tomoyo stopped just beside it and said, 'Here it is. Have a look, Sakura.'
Sakura gave her a questioning look. Why was Tomoyo directing her to another room? This was strange… but Sakura shrugged and walked into the other room.
And banged her head against the mirror.
'Sakura! What's the matter with you?' Tomoyo asked while choking back laughter. 'It's a mirror! You look into it!' She offered Sakura a hand, still laughing. 'That was h-h-hilarious! Oh, dear god, that was f-f-fabulous!'
Sakura rubbed her head. It wasn't hilarious… it just hurt… But then she caught sight of herself in the mirror. She looked gorgeous. She stepped away from Tomoyo to study her reflection closer.
Tomoyo had done her hair when she had gotten into the first dress – where the Princess had learnt to do hair, she had no idea – and tried to put some powdery stuff on her but she had sneezed too much. It looked as though she didn't need it though.
Her hair was shoulder-length and quite curly but Tomoyo had put most of it on top of her head with little strands let out. Her fringe framed her face because it was too short and the strands were everywhere although instead of making it look scrappy, it just looked natural. The dress was frilly and long, making her look skinnier and taller. It was true…
Tomoyo came up to stand beside her and whispered in her ear, 'What do you think?'
Sakura was speechless. And not just because she really couldn't talk.
"It…It looks great…"
Tomoyo beamed, having got the gist of things. 'You have got to wear that Sakura. When I made it, I was thinking, wow, I'm never going to wear this. The only reason why I make these outfits is because Sonomi makes me… Mothers can be so cruel… but still, I'm glad now because you've come…'
Sakura realised what she was saying… Tomoyo was implying that she wear it to the ball… but she couldn't, of course.
Still, that didn't stop her from admiring her reflection.
They were finally going. Well, they were going soon…
Sakura had been left to pack Tomoyo's things and as she did so, she was wondering just why Kaho had insisted that she attend the Princess. Arisa always ensured the Princess's comfort. Not only that, Arisa could talk and was considered extremely polite. Sakura was just… not nearly as accomplished.
She took a deep breath, trying to get back on task.
Then she heard voices. Kaho was talking to someone in the corridor.
Well, that meant that she still had time, so she packed quicker, also making time to smooth her uniform. She dusted it off, uncovering black instead of the dark brown she had always thought it was…
Kaho's voice suddenly stopped. Sakura listened, trying to determine through the locked door whether the Princess was there yet. What she heard shocked her.
'Yes Mizuki-san. Has he done anything yet?'
Nakuru Akizuki was there. Right outside the room with Kaho. Sakura's thoughts drifted back to the conversation she had had with the Prince, Arisa & Yukito.
"Is she an assassin?" Sakura stiffened.
'He wants her to come along and stop this catastrophe. The Prince must be married at all costs.' Kaho? They were talking about Toya. So… maybe they had got it wrong. Maybe Nakuru was a bodyguard.
'Ah… and the other one? Was this why it was arranged… Or was that foretold too?' A pause before Kaho answered the bizarre question. 'There are two of them. The angel serves the purpose for the heir. The other needs his mind off of things. You won't get much.'
Nakuru laughed. It wasn't a pretty sound, but for some reason it made Sakura want to join her. 'Ah, but could I not fill both roles amply?'
Kaho was silent as Nakuru laughed again.
'Rest assured, I won't interfere. But, as to rectifying the situation, we must do something. I want her removed. Permanently.' Something about the way Nakuru said it made Sakura shiver. Removed. Permanently. Does that mean death?
'I'll pass it on. Be careful. I heard something in the dining hall.' Kaho's melodious voice sounded almost carefree… for some reason hearing her mother's voice didn't reassure Sakura. But surely… Kaho couldn't be doing something that bad.
'Ha! How rich! Fine. I will… She's listening…'
Silence. Then there was a loud knock on the door.
Should she open it? …She opened the door to Nakuru's smiling face. Kaho was nowhere to be seen. Opening up had been a mistake.
'Hello Sakura-kun!' Nakuru's faint accent seemed to ring a bell in Sakura's ears. Where had she heard it before? 'I was wondering, have you seen Toya-kun? I was getting lonely…' She grinned broadly. For some reason, even though Nakuru was completely gorgeous, Sakura found herself cringing away from her.
Sakura shook her head.
'Oh really… I could have sworn I heard his voice before… Well, how long have you been here then, Sakura?' She didn't want to respond. "Not long," she replied, trying to act normal. Nakuru's eyes narrowed, a strange gleam growing in her eyes. They seemed to be flashing different types of red, making it look like rubies were set in her face.
'Ah.' Sakura forced a smile. 'Tell me, what do you see when you look at me?' Sakura was shocked by the change in subject. She blinked a few types before answering. "…Rubies."
She wasn't sure what type of answer Nakuru was looking for but the lady smiled and nodded appreciatively. 'Aww… That's nice. I wonder what you're friend sees…' She trailed off and watched Sakura's reaction. Sakura's eyes widened a little. What did Arisa have to do with anything?
Nakuru smiled again, eerily. 'Do you want me to tell you what she says? …Sorry, I can't tell you that. Oh well, I'll be leaving now. Toya's going to be around somewhere.' Nakuru left with a slight smirk on her face, leaving a very puzzled Sakura.
Spinel, where is she?
She's coming. She knows things about you. Be careful Ruby.
Nakuru smiled.
What's this Souppy, worried? About me? Wait until they hear about this! I'm going to see her. Wish me luck…
Syaoran closed his eyes. Why? Why was the only person on his side getting married? Meilin… why!
If only his mother wasn't so annoying. Thankfully she was away for now though… Some kingdom… was it Daijoudi? Or Daidouji? Who cared anyway…? It didn't make any difference, as so as that woman was away…
He couldn't keep thinking like this. But… Meilin…
When did it start? This hollow feeling inside him just disappeared when she was around. Why was she going? Why was she leaving?
She's getting married.
It struck him again and a new realization struck him. He had been going to marry Meilin if no one else could be found… It had been his fault. For refusing to marry her. But now she was going away and never coming back.
Without her… Without Meilin Li he wouldn't be able to feel a thing. He didn't want her to go at all… Wait. Did that mean…? Was he…
Was he in love with Meilin?
Where did that come from?
A knock on his door caused him to stop thinking about it. 'Come in,' he said, in a cold voice that had somehow become his own.
The door opened a little and a nervous voice asked, 'Your Majesty?'
No! Not now. Why was she here now? Meilin? Damn! Still, he had to say something.
'Meilin.' To his surprised, his voice sounded different. Was it just his imagination or had he sounded… happy? She opened the door fully and came in, a tight smile on her features.
'Hi… Syaoran.' She was definitely nervous. Why? 'I was wondering whether you were okay…' Oh, right. Because he had left the table without permission. A sure sign he was angry. 'Ah… yeah. I'm fine. Thanks for checking.'
At that moment she seemed to melt and she asked brightly – way too brightly – 'I'm getting married. Aren't you happy for me?'
He felt like she had hit him across the face. He bit back a wave of some emotion he didn't know and managed to choke out, 'You're happy about it.' It must have sounded cold because at that she yelled angrily, 'Don't say that so bitterly! What do you have to be angry about! Nothing! I'm the one who's going! DAMN YOU SYAORAN! Damn you! Damn you to hel-'
He hit the wall with his fist, trying to release his frustration. Yeah… she was going. Why did she just have to go and remind him? It wasn't as if he didn't know.
'So… you're not going to say anything? Nothing? Dammit Syaoran! Say SOMETHING! You always do this!'
'Why did you come? Just to remind me you're going?' His voice was empty again and he saw the instant effect his words had on her. Her beautiful ruby eyes had been watering, which he only just noticed, and now a lone tear escaped one of them. Her expression of rage dissolved and one of extreme sadness replaced it.
'…Syaoran…' She sniffed and brushed the tear from her face. 'Prince Li,' she said, her voice shaking, 'I take my leave of you. I give you all my best wishes.'
He had turned away from her but at this he whirled around. More tears were pouring out of her eyes, freely now, but she didn't seem to notice. Instead she let them fall and, still crying silently, she turned and ran. Syaoran looked after her and realised a drop was rolling down his face too. He collected it with a finger and stared at it for a few seconds.
'What have you done?' An angry voice echoed around the room. 'Aren't you at least going to apologise? …I gave you too much credit. She was right. Damn you Syaoran.' Syaoran barely registered the words. Instead, he couldn't stop replaying the scene in his head. Then Eriol's words finally struck home.
Aren't you going to apologise?
Yes… that was the best thing to do now. He started walking blindly, trying to think. Meilin… don't be angry. Please don't be angry.
Fresh air. He needed fresh air. He reached the gardens and looked around, trying to find a place to sit… There… by one of the oldest trees.
It was a beautiful weeping willow. (A/N: Perfect, don't you think:P) He let the leaves brush his face, finding relief in the cool contact. But then he remembered. He sat there, staring ahead. Nothingness… He didn't feel anything…
Muffled sobs floated to him on the wind. 'Meilin?' he whispered. The sobs stopped and a gasp replaced it.
'Meilin, are you there?' A trembling voice met him. 'G-go a-away.' She tried to sound authoritative but failed miserably.
'Meilin… I'm sorry.' A choked sound replied. It could have been a laugh. 'It's just… do you want this marriage?'
Silence. Except for a few sniffs.
'Meilin…'
She was on the other side of the tree. He crept towards her, trying to make no sound. 'J-just l-leave me alon-ne.' So… should he take that as a no to his question?
'I can't… It's because…' He could touch her now… She turned around suddenly and stared right at him.
'G-GO AWAY!' she shouted into his face and tried to run. He was too quick for her. He caught her arm and forced her to face him.
'I love you Meilin.' Her eyes widened as he said it and a few stray tears streaked down her face. He kissed her. Syaoran pulled her closer to him and held her, as she could have easily just fallen to the ground. He pulled away and looked at her expectantly.
Her reply was slow. '…Syaoran…I…I lo… I lov…I-' He held his breath… 'I love you too…'
A/N: Okay, maybe I'm making this too mysterious… Soz I haven't made them (SS) meet yet, I suppose I just wanted to have Meilin in there before they could actually meet. You'll probably all hate me now! Anyway, I just wanted to reassure you that this is an SS fic, so don't worry! I won't let Meilin steal Syaoran! Besides… what's going to happen with the marriage? And the ball? What do you think of Tomoyo? Please REVIEW! And I was wondering… is an ET alright? I'm not really sure about it… I think maybe I shouldn't have it… Definitely a TxY though… :P Soz if you don't like the pairing. I hope you liked the chappie!