Author's note:

This chapter has a filler chapter at the end. The second part which is clearly marked is for fun and giggles and does not play in the plot necessarily so if you wish to skip it is fine too.

Chapter 3

The Training

For the first time in a long time I was awake early. Probably due to the fact that I slept most of the day the previous day. I glanced at the clock and noted it was 5:30 am. The sun barely rising in the window. I took a shower, brushed my teeth and got dressed. By the time I reached the dining room table for breakfast it was nearly 7 am, it had taken me some time to remember where this room was but after a few tries I had successfully found it. To my surprise everyone but Kero were already eating breakfast.

"Good morning" I said with my usual smile to everyone who was already seated, they returned the morning greeting in good spirits.

"I am sorry about yesterday" I apologized to the Li family, bowing profusely to Yelan as the head of the family. She gestured for me to sit down before speaking so I took a seat next to Syaoran who gave me an encouraging smile as I approached, still feeling nervous for some reason.

"Do not worry Sakura-chan. Please have breakfast with us, you must be hungry." She told me. I nodded in agreement and started making my own plate from the various dishes sitting in the middle of the table. We were all eating in silence, no doubt still getting used to all the changes when Yelan spoked to me once more.

"I know it's too soon but I want to ask that you start training today. I have arranged for tutors in each subject that I picked myself for this purpose. Today it will be a bit of a late start, but starting tomorrow, your training will be from 6 am to 4 pm every day except Sunday. Dinner will be served each day at 7 pm. You can do as you wish outside of training times and on Sundays. Is this acceptable to you?"

"Yes, Yelan-sama. I am in your care" I said with the upmost respect I could muster. I knew very well what it was in stake and I was very thankful to the Li family for their help.

"Very well, I trust Syaoran will take care of you from now on, I am often away from home but please let us know if you need anything"

Breakfast continued normally after that. As expected, Yelan was the first one to leave followed by her daughters. As far as I knew, Fuutie worked with her mother as the eldest sister, Shiefa and Fanren were university students and Feimei was starting her last year of high school. Touya told me he was going to be away from the house that day with Yukito and left after some time as well.

Once I was done eating, Syaoran took me to the family library. This was a splendid room that felt bigger than my house in Japan. Many bookshelves adorned its' walls and went beyond what my eyes could see. Chinese artefacts could be found along with the Li family crest all over the room. A big table was in the middle with several chairs placed around it. I had a deja-vu feeling looking at the library, thinking of my friend Akiho and the time we saw each other in her home with a library so similar to this one. Sadness overwhelmed me for a moment as I was thinking of my friend who I had not been able to say goodbye to, hoping she was doing well.

Syaoran showed me our schedules that Yelan had put together. I glanced at them as quickly as I could trying to memorize it all. Early mornings were for mediating for an hour, followed by school work, magic training and then martial arts. Glancing at the clock I figured schooling would be first. Sure enough an older man entered the room. He was tall yet his back curved a bit showing his age. He wore glasses and had a long silver beard. He greeted us politely and introduced himself as Wong-sensei. He explained he will teach us academics and asked us to take a seat in a long table in the middle of the room. He placed several books in front of us and started teaching us in Japanese.

I was quite nervous as academics were not easy for me but Wong-sensei was very kind and patient and his explanations were easy to understand. We worked on several subjects for a number of hours until I heard my stomach grumble in embarrassment. Wong-sensei stopped his lesson at the sound and glanced at the big clock hanging from a wall near us.

"Oh my, look at the time, it's eleven already. It's lunch time, I shall take my leave. I will see you both tomorrow" He picked up his books and left.

Syaoran and I made our way back to the kitchen were our lunch was awaiting, he asked if we could eat outside and enjoy the nice day which I gladly agreed to. We ate together, talking and laughing and even if just for a moment, this all felt normal. Once done, we went back to the library as he told me we would learn about magic next, I was expecting a new tutor to be there but no one was in sight. Seeing my confusion Syaoran broke the silence.

"I will be your teacher for this class, at least until you learn the basics" He smiled at my surprised face, I was not expecting this at all. He sat me down and picked a few books from the library, then he started to tell me the principles of magic and its history. I was surprised the books he had picked had so much information about Clow. Syaoran just told me that as descendants of Clow, he left a lot of his legacy to his descendants from generation to generation and consequently, the Li family had many of his teaching in their possession.

I was amazed at what I was learning. When I had been told I would learn about magic I figured I would use the cards the most, but I was surprised to learn there was a lot of useful information I needed to learn first such as techniques to channel power, protection charms and divination. The information was very interesting and once again we lost track of time. Syaoran closed the book we were reviewing suddenly as a way to conclude the lesson and asked me to use one of my cards later today to build a bond with the cards and to gain practice. Then he asked I go change and put athletic clothing on for our next lesson. I did as he had asked and met him in the courtyard south of the house as he had instructed me. Wei was there with Syaoran and our martial arts lesson started shortly after. By the time it was over I was exhausted, but I felt happy nonetheless, after all, I loved sports and I mastered the basics fairly quickly to Wei's surprise.

I went back to my room, took a shower and put comfortable clothing on. I was very tired by then but I knew I had one more class to go to: Chinese. What I did not expect was for Yelan to be the one teaching it. She sent for me and I met her in her office. She dedicated one hour to teach me the new language. At first I was afraid of making mistakes or upsetting her but she treated me kindly and I started to build a trusting relationship with her. When it was 4 o'clock she concluded her lesson and dismissed me.

I decided to take a stroll outside while I waited for dinner. I was marveling in the beauty of the gardens, trying to relax from the long day when I was interrupted by a voice I knew all to well.

"Sakura! I miss you!" I heard Kero call for me in the distance and before I knew it he was already holding on to my neck.

"I missed you too Kero, what have you been doing?" He looked a little embarrassed while he answered "Well you see, I was playing this new game and lost track of time last night, so I slept all day instead! Hehe"

"Oh Kero, you need to help or do something, we don't want to be impolite"

"I am sorry Sakura, I will help more, I promise"

I laughed slightly knowing Kero helping was almost impossible, then I told him about my day and what I had learned. I was surprised to know how much I had missed being with my companion. He proposed we do the homework together, at least the one related to magic so I released my staff and stared at my cards. It was true I needed to strengthen my bond with them just like I had done before with by beloved Sakura Cards. I picked "Flight" mainly because to me it was very friendly and familiar, so I called upon it. The card responded to my call and came forth.

"Thank you for all your help Flight and for showing me the beautiful skies"

The card moved a bit signaling its understanding and moved closer to me in anticipation. I positioned myself in response and the card took flight in excitement, Kero following closely behind.

Instead of me directing the card, the card was the one taking the lead. It took me past the mansion high in the sky, the wind touching my face. I felt alive and happy. We cruised the sky for some time before making our way back, enjoying the sights of the never-ending forest we had briefly seen a distance away from Syaoran's home. When we returned the card seemed very happy, I thanked it and it returned to its card form. With my spirit renovated by the little adventure, we went inside the house just in time for dinner.

During dinner I found out that Touya and Yukito had gotten jobs at a restaurant some distance away, they were set in helping with expenses despite Yelan assuring them that it was not necessary. Surprisingly, dinner time felt similar to the dinners I had shared with my father and brother back in Japan. Everyone had been so welcoming and kind. Even though I missed my father and my friends, I knew I would be okay.

Chapter 3.5

The Li Sisters

"Sakura! Wake up!" I heard Fuutie call for me, I woke up to the four Li sisters staring down at me, making me jump in surprise.

"It's okay Sakura-chan, it's just us girls today, it's finally Sunday!" Shiefa winked at me.

"It's a girls day out Sakura-chan, we are going shopping" Said Fanren

"I am not good at shopping" I declared, still waking up and a bit scared at the enthusiasm coming from the Li sisters.

"You didn't bring enough clothes with you, plus we need to get to know each other better" said Feimei with a smile.

I was tempted to disagree, already having a scary flashback to previous shopping trips with my dear friend Tomoyo and the many bags she filled with clothes before I left Japan but before I could try to say anything along those lines my thoughts were interrupted by Shiefa.

"Get dressed Sakura-chan, we have a long day ahead of us"

The girls walked out of the room to wait for me to get ready. I was a bit worried but did as asked and got dressed choosing a simple yet comfortable soft yellow sun-dress with matching shoes. I met with the sisters downstairs and as soon as they saw me Fanren and Feimei grabbed me each by the arm and led me outside.

Fuutie jumped in a red car parked on the side of the house and gestured for the women to follow. She drove us to the city and to the shopping district where they enjoyed giving me clothes to try on and made a fuss about how the items looked on me. They bought me so many dresses, skirts and tops I was sure I could not fit them all in the closet. I pleaded to no avail that I did not need the clothing but they insisted, reminding me of my dear friend Tomoyo who was sure to be upset of my shopping spree without her.

As I grew to know each of the Li sisters, I found Fuutie was very friendly and energetic. Shiefa was stubborn and direct. She always expressed her opinion and liked to lead her sisters. Fanren was very feminine and I could tell she put a lot of effort in her looks, in some ways reminding me of Tomoyo with her high sense in fashion and her constant reminders to look good. Feimei was the youngest and she was happy sitting down and seeing everything unfold around her. She did not speak as much which in truth suited me well.

After shopping we drove to a restaurant to have lunch together. The Li sisters appeared to be very well known there as the owner welcomed them personally and gave us a private table in a separate room. We ordered delicious Chinese food and I was praying I was off the hook until Fuutie stopped the conversation cold and looked at me.

"So... Sakura, you and our little brother are dating?" I turned red, yes I knew it was coming sooner than later, apparently Kami was not listening to my prayers today although I must admit it was a miracle in itself that they had not ambushed me in the first 6 days I had lived in the Li's home.

"Hoe!... I... no, I mean yes?"

"What is that supposed to mean? I have seen you two together... of course you are, why the hesitance?" Asked Shiefa, confused by my vague answer.

"Well... I suppose we are, we don't really talk about it..." I answered, still embarrassed.

"That's young love for you" said Fuutie. "Syaoran is lucky! he found you so soon. Us on the other hand have not been as lucky" She sighed with a hint of boredom.

"Talk for yourself only Fuutie, that's what you get for being so picky! I on the other hand, have found a few nice men along the years" said Fanren, mocking Fuutie in the process.

"Shut up Fanren, you are only playing the field, but we are talking about real love here" Answered Fuutie without missing a beat.

I was happy the sisters were arguing because at least their attention was off me, that was until Shiefa stopped the argument once more and continued interrogating me.

"Enough of our old ladies' troubles and back to Sakura-chan. Have you kissed yet?"

I never knew I could get this red before until today. I was beyond myself with embarrassment and unable and unwilling to answer when Fanren interjected "of course she has, she is 14 years old, right Sakura-chan?"

Never mind, the world is definitely against me today! I struggled to form any coherent sentences at this point. Feimei, the youngest of them noticed my discomfort and took pity on me as she chided her sisters "You are making Sakura-chan nervous, it's clear she does not want to tell us"

"But we want to know" Wined Shiefa "Love is magical after all" She winked at me while saying this "Sakura-chan obviously needs our help, with Syaoran being as dense as ever all the more!"

"It's okay Sakura-chan, we will help you with Syaoran! As your sisters this is our duty!" Claimed Fuutie and I could swear I could see the fire burning in her eyes. Yes, today was definitely going to be a long day.

...

I don't know how I did it, but I survived the day with the Li sisters. As soon as we got back, carrying a ridiculous amount of bags full of clothes I escaped to my room. For the first time since moving to China I was thankful that Kero had his own room as the silence and peace were very much needed.

I played some music, laid down in my bed and tried to relax but every time I closed my eyes the image of Syaoran would appear in my mind and I would blush, a trace of the embarrassing conversations with his sisters playing again in my mind.

It was true we had had more time with each other than we had ever had before. We lived together, took classes together and spent most of our free time with each other. After dinner I would choose to take a walk outside the gardens (this becoming one of my favorite pastimes nowadays) and he would always go with me. I could feel our bond strengthening with the pass of each day, and more importantly, the feeling of knowing there were no secrets between us anymore.

As I was relaxing I heard a soft knock on the door and knew immediately who it was. I called for him to come in and Syaoran opened the door slowly closing it behind him carefully as he entered the room. He sat next to me on the bed before speaking, clearly wanting me to enjoy a moment of peace.

"I am sorry" he said, and I knew exactly what he was referring to.

"It wasn't your fault, I was actually surprised they resisted a whole week before the kidnap" I said with a laugh and a bit of a shudder at the memory of the events of that day... and the uncomfortable conversations more precisely.

"I tried to persuade them to at least take you out one or two at a time instead of all of them together but failed miserably. I hope it wasn't too bad..."

"They were nice, they reminded me of Tomoyo times four" we both laughed at the similarity and relaxed in each other's presence.

"I came to get you for dinner, you hungry?" He asked.

I nodded, suddenly becoming aware of my hunger, especially after such tiring day. We walked together to the dining room and as soon as I stepped in the room I was greeted with a huge "Happy Birthday" coming from everyone including Meiling who had come to celebrate with me, banners and balloons decorated the room and of course a strawberry cake sat at the center of the table. With everything that was going on, I had completely forgotten today was my birthday.

"Surprise!" yelled Fanren with a huge smile on her face "Syaoran and Wei put the whole thing together while we were out, neat is in it?"

"Of course, thank you so much everyone, what a nice surprise... to tell you the truth I had forgotten today was my birthday" I confessed, a bit ashamed at my own forgetfulness.

"Nonsense" declared Shiefa "a young's maiden's birthday is very important, come here, open your presents"

"Presents? Didn't you all give me a LOT of clothes today?" I asked surprised, while emphasizing the fact that we had just purchased enough clothes to last me a whole year.

"Those don't count Sakura-chan, now open our gift first, it's from Shiefa, Fanren, Feimei and me" said Fuutie with a wink that did anything but comfort me. I was handed a box that was a bit heavy. Three books were inside and a notebook. I inspected the books carefully marveling at how old yet well taken care of they looked. The notebook looked like a diary and had a key to secure its contents.

"Those books were handed down to us from our father. You know my sisters and I have no magic, but those books are still important and will help you with your training" Shiefa said, with a hint of nostalgia in her voice as she remembered her father. I read the title of the books one by one: "Astrology & Magic", "The Power of Emotions", and "Ancient Li Spells" the titles suggested ways to improve my magic and I was thankful to receive gifts with so much meaning.

"Don't forget the diary Sakura-chan, you know... to write any secrets" Fanren said in that tone of voice that always made me shiver, now I understood what the wink was about. I blushed without thinking just by remembering our conversation during lunch earlier that day yet again.

"Thank you!" I told them and they hugged me tightly.

"Our present is next" Yukito said as he approached me with a small box in his hands "From your brother and me, happy birthday Sakura!" I opened the box with curiosity and found two matching hair combs in a turquoise color with a flower design in them, they were beautiful.

"Those match your eyes monster" Touya told me affectionally and despite of the insult, I still hugged him and thanked him along with Yukito for the gift.

"There is one more... from dad" He said and handed me another box carefully wrapped in white paper with a red ribbon. A white jewelry box was inside it, decorated with cherry blossoms all around it. It was beautiful, I opened it in awe and to my surprise a soft melody played.

"It was mom's...from when she was your age, dad kept it for you" Touya told me as I listened to the melody.

I could not help the tears that escaped my eyes after hearing that, making this present the more special. "I will treasure it" I promised him.

Meiling interrupted the moment, not at all happy with the emotional turn of events "It's a birthday celebration you know? You should be all smiles and giggles. Here, take my present"

Meiling shoved a small bag into my arms. Inside it was a keychain in the shape of a star, similar to the one adorning my staff. I was not sure how she had found it but I was thankful yet again for the thoughtfulness of the present. She hugged me and showed me a similar key chain in her phone "so we can match!" she concluded with a smile.

"Sakura-chan" Yelan called to me "There is one more present, from me and Syaoran" I turned to her in surprise as I felt I had already received plenty of gifts. She placed another box in front of me and opened it for me. Inside was a golden necklace with an emerald in the center, the Li crest visible in two smaller jewels in each side of it. It was simple yet elegant and a beautiful piece. Yelan gestured for Syaoran to get closer and he grabbed the necklace from the box, got behind me and secured it on my neck carefully. I blushed at his touch while hearing his sisters smirk at one another at the scene.

"This necklace belongs to the Li family. Everyone that sees it will now you are part of our family. The necklace is my present but the spell is from Syaoran" Said Yelan.

"Spell? What do you mean" I asked.

"I have put a protective spell in this necklace. If you are ever in danger, it will protect you with my magic" Syaoran told me. I did not know he already had such power, to make such a complex spell that could save my life if it need be.

I was touched by everyone and I thanked them profusely. It turned out that Wei had made the cake (which was delicious). We had a small feast and enjoyed the celebration together. Kero was beyond himself enjoying the sweets and singing to himself.

My father called me that night to wish me a happy birthday. He listened patiently as I recalled all the events of the day as well as the touching present I had received, his included. Tomoyo also called and she even sent me flowers to the Li mansion.

I was happy, today had been a very special day. So that night, when Syaoran walked me to my room and bid me good night, he whispered "Happy 14th Birthday Sakura" and kissed me softly on my cheek, at that moment I did not think I could be any happier than this.