Chapter Three

"I really hope Xiùlán doesn't mind teaching me that song, it would be perfect for the contest coming up."

"You have nothing to worry about Tomoyo. Xiùlán really seemed happy to teach you when asked her, I'm sure she would have said if she couldn't. "

Sending a reassuring smile towards her best friend Sakura was glad to see the excitement return to her friend's eyes, obviously thinking about the promise that the older youth had made to her earlier that day. As soon as introductions had finished between them Tomoyo had politely inquired about whether or not Xiùlán had been the one they had heard singing before. Upon hearing the conformation the small group had been even more surprised to learn that Xiùlán herself had written the song; therefore leading to Tomoyo's enquiry as to whether Xiùlán would teach her the song for an upcoming contest.

"It's a shame you and Xiùlán couldn't sing it together, you'd be perfect together. Not that you're not good enough on your own Tomoyo, you're an excellent singer."

Hearing Tomoyo's small giggle at her vain attempts to correct herself Sakura could only join her as she gave up, knowing her best friend understood what she meant even if she couldn't say it.

"It would be nice. Mrs Nakamura did mention once the possibility of seeing whether some of the High School choir would help out, it would give the choir a wider range of vocals. If Xiùlán would volunteer, may others would consider joining."

Seeing the dreamy expression Tomoyo had upon her face Sakura knew that her best friend had already got the idea firmly planted in her head, and she was certain that Tomoyo would somehow see to its completion. However, even she had to admit that the addition of some older choir members would make the school choir even better. Remembering Xiùlán's earlier singing Sakura knew that there were some notes that only the older youths could reach.

Shifting her pack back Sakura was for a moment lost in thought as she walked towards the schools gate, therefore explaining the reason why she walked straight into the person waiting beside the gate. Rebounding off the person before her Sakura landed heavily on the ground, momentarily bewildered by what had happened before noting the hand that was being offered to her.

"You alright Sakura?"

Taking the offered hand Sakura found herself staring into shining jade eyes as Xiùlán helped her to her feet, caught up in the feelings of security that settled over her Sakura was lost for words as Xiùlán awaited her response.

"Yes, I'm ok. I'm sorry Xiùlán I guess I was lost in thought and did see you."

"That's ok Sakura, after all we're all allowed to day dream."

Responding instantly to the smile that Xiùlán was giving her Sakura could see she wasn't the only one who had taken an instant liking to her as she noted Tomoyo's own smile towards the older youth.

"Are you waiting for someone Xiùlán?"

"In fact I am I'm waiting for my cousin."

"You have a cousin here? Who are they?"

"Yes, they transferred here as well. If fact they're the same age as you Tomoyo, Sakura, perhaps you've met him. He's name Syaoran Li."

Preventing her jaw from dropping at Xiùlán's revelation Sakura couldn't believe that the friendly girl before her could be related to the boy who had confronted just today. Whereas the boy in question had appeared cold and harsh Sakura couldn't ever dream of linking those words with Xiùlán. She always appeared to have a smile in her eyes.

"I'm guessing you're already met him, and I'm betting he didn't give the best first impression."

"Uhm,...well..."

"I know Syaoran can appear a little...aloft, but just give him time. I promise once you get to him Syaorans very loyal to his friends, he can either have his softer moments however, you didn't hear that from him."

Although giggling softly at Xiùlán's comment both Tomoyo and Sakura could hear the affection within Xiùlán's voice as she spoke about her cousin; it was obvious to both of that that Xiùlán care very much about her cousin's wellbeing and was doing her best to look out for him.

"Tomoyo! Sakura!"

"Rika!"

Waving over to her approaching friend Sakura briefly turned back towards Xiùlán to say goodbye, quickly joining Tomoyo as they made their way towards Rika.

Briefly glancing up towards the stormy skies above the lithe form knew that thick roll of air that came before a storm would never break, that the much needed rain would never come. Turning their gaze back to the vast array of buildings before them they knew that this was no ordinary storm, even as the increasing winds send long silver strands wiping around them.

Not even flinching at the lightening which struck behind her Mei-Xing continued to take in the sights and sounds around her. So much had changed from the last time that she was here, in fact she had still to find anything that was the same. Yet, deep down she didn't think that she would after all even in Hong Kong thinks had changed in the same way; technology taking its grip of the world and modelling it into modern state.

Although she had stopped fighting the changes years ago, learning to embrace the modern changes that occurred, a small part of here still missed the old days. Feeling a strong gust of wind brush through snowy feathers Mei-Xing gave a shiver as the vibrations from her wings pasted into her frame. Readjusting her wings to fix them more securely against her back Mei-Xing could only smile as she felt the nudge to her hand.

Moving her hand over the head beneath it Mei-Xing gave a smile laugh as she heard the growl of pleasure that rolled forth, the being even tilting its head to give her better access. Turning to look at the one beside her Mei-Xing smiled down at Thunder's gaze as he looked up towards her, his happiness to see her being clearly conveyed. Of all the cards Clow had created Mei-Xing had always had the closest friendships with those cards which had an animal element in their creation.

"I'm happy to see you to Thunder, it has been to long hasn't it."

"However, it would seem that our reunion will be short lived, it's time for you to test the candidate."

Seeing the slightly downcast look that filled the dog like creature eyes at her comment Mei-Xing could understand the disappoint it was feeling at their short reunion. Knowing that the Thunder card had to be at its best for the upcoming test Mei-Xing did the one thing that she knew always cheered the card up. Kneeling down before Thunder Mei-Xing quickly wrapped her arms around the being of solid light, feeling the weight of his head settle upon her shoulder.

"Don't worry this wouldn't be our last encounter, now come on Thunder where's that wolf I know."

Hearing the answering growl Mei-Xing knew that the wolf had indeed returned and that Thunder would not be taken easily by neither of the two that they hunting him that night. Removing herself from Thunders form Mei-Xing had a final moment to gaze upon his form before he vanished in a streak of light. Straightening her form Mei-Xing watched the streak as it made its way across the city.

"The only question now is who will earn the right to have you."

Alighting from the building she had been standing on Mei-Xing decided to observe the following test, interested to see how both youngsters would handle the upcoming battle.