This is the most awaited chapter of all, wherein you, my dear readers will witness our favorite heroine show to our good ol' Syaoran what girl power is!!!
I, sakurablossoms18, welcome you to witness these two individuals do their best to prove to each other's worth. Laugh, cry, shout, throw a fit, as you witness the events in this chapter unfold before your eyes.
Read and review.
Chapter 9 True Colors
To say that Li Syaoran is pissed is obviously and outrageously an understatement. It is more proper to say that he is outraged. Heck, he could even murder any person who accidentally crosses paths with him.
Syaoran's POV
"Damn that Kinomoto! She dared to drag me by my ear! ME! THE Li Syaoran! The nerve of that girl! Uggh! Thinking of it just makes me more furious!" I fumed as I quietly sit down at the limo heading to the Kinomoto Manor.
"Apparently, I lost to her. Tch., what a troublesome creature. I bet she will make me do things that will surely embarrass me. *sigh* I am a Li so I will keep my word; I just need to endure it. I wonder how the others' week went. I heard that Eriol is actually having a good time with that Daidouji girl, hmmm; it also seems that Yanagisawa and Masato are getting closer. Another shocking news is that Soujiro is engaged with that Sasaki girl! When I heard that, my eyes almost left their sockets! And heck! Tak even got himself a permanent girlfriend!
Is there anything in this world that will shock me to death? Oh, and Hayate! Tch! That moron is completely obsessed with my cousin! My god! What did Meiling do to make that idiot fall for her! Ughh! All of my friends are turning into love sick idiots!!
I, LI SYAORAN, PROMISE IN THE NAME OF THE LI CLAN THAT I WILL NEVER FALL IN LOVE!! (Tsk, Syaoran-kun, please do not make such promises, because I assure you that it will never happen!! I am the author for goodness' sake! I control the story ok? Mwahahahahaha!!!!)
END OF POV
"Oi! Oi! Will you snap out of it?" Sakura smacked him on the head. Syaoran just shot an annoyed look to Sakura and went out of the limo.
Behold, in front of Syaoran is the famous Kinomoto Manor; the same Manor wherein there are 55 rooms, 1 Olympic pool, 4 tennis courts, a football and soccer field and a maid's quarters. At the entrance of the manor is the gigantic garden with a huge fountain at the center of it. Anyone passing by is actually admiring the splendor of the Kinomoto Manor but Syaoran is not that impressed because the Li Manor is bigger.
Syaoran followed Sakura as she slowly walking up the steps in the humungous garden of the Kinomotos. At the entrance, Syaoran saw a boy, a rather young looking boy standing at the doors of the manor; when the boy saw him and Sakura, the boy beamed.
"Welcome home Aunt Sakura!" greeted the boy while bowing at the girl.
"I am home Shiki," said Sakura while patting the head of the boy. From Syaoran's viewpoint, the boy is about 10 years old with burgundy hair and captivating charcoal black orbs. Syaoran had a good guess that this boy is Sakura's nephew; the son of Kinomoto Touya and Kinomoto Kaho, formerly Mizuki Kaho. They are the famous couple who controls the Kinomoto Empire.
"Ne Aunty, who is this man?" while looking at Syaoran. Obviously, the little boy is curious to the sudden appearance of a man to her dear Auntie's life. For all he knows, his Aunty doesn't want any guy in her life and now she came home with a guy with her. Now that is big news.
"Ah, Shiki, let me introduce you to my friend in my school, this is Li Syaoran. Li, this is my nephew, Kinomoto Shiki"
Shiki stared at Syaoran. He is scared of him because the man is so tall. He needs to look up just to take a glimpse of him but there is something about this man that makes Shiki feels sad. All of his family, especially outo-san, often says that he is good at sensing emotions. Now staring at the man, he can sense that the guy had a sad childhood.
Syaoran stared at Shiki. The boy is actually so small that he need to look down just to take a glimpse of him but there is something about this child that makes him want to smile at him. He can sense that the child had a happy childhood days. Staring at the child makes his heart ache because of yearning. He wished that he had the same childhood days with the boy.
Shiki slowly approached Syaoran as he raised his right hand to him; in return, Syaoran crouched low and also raised his right hand. When they are only a few inches apart, Shiki stopped. He just watched intently at the guy who in return watching him.
Unable to bear the long wait, Syaoran finally closed the distance between him and the child. He slowly reached for the child's hand and slowly come into contact with Shiki's small hand. Syaoran smiled. Shiki also smiled in return.
Now the most wondrous thing happened, and made Sakura gape, openly. Shiki reached for Syaoran and hugged him. Syaoran just let the boy hug him and he lifted him. Sakura just stared at the two as if they were just old playmates greeting each other. Shiki never came to close to strangers.
"It is nice to meet you onii-chan," said Shiki while smiling happily at Syaoran who is holding the boy in his arms. Syaoran also smiled in return.
"It is also nice to meet you, young man," said Syaoran while ruffling the boy's hair. Shiki just chuckled.
Meanwhile, Sakura is staring at the two who are still goofing around. The display of fondness of Shiki for Syaoran stunned Sakura but Syaoran's smile left Sakura petrified.
When Syaoran smiles, all of his facial muscles are relaxed and his face looks peaceful. Now here's the catch, when his face is free from his usual frown or smirk, his amber orbs are smiling at you. In addition, his smile is similar to an innocent smile by an innocent child. This observation truly left Sakura petrified. He may not notice it but when he smiles, he looks terribly handsome, even if Sakura would never admit it openly.
"Sakura, Shiki, what-," Kinomoto Kaho emerged from the door. She looked surprised to see Sakura there just standing while gaping. She looked in the direction where Sakura is looking and what she saw shocked her, just it was shocked Sakura.
"Excuse me, and who you might be?" asked Kaho politely. She is mildly surprised by the scene she saw. It was the first time that she saw her son getting close with a stranger. The two looked shocked and turned to look at her.
"Oh, I apologize for my rudeness, I am Li Syaoran, I am a classmate of Kinomoto-san," said Syaoran while bowing at Kaho.
"No need to be formal. It is nice to meet you, Syaoran-san, I am the mistress of this house, Kinomoto Kaho," smiled Kaho while extending to her hand. Syaoran accepted her extended hand and shook it firmly.
"Well then, shall we go inside?" said Kaho. Shiki took the hand of Syaoran and slowly pulled him inside the house. Behind them, Kaho is busily questioning Sakura about Syaoran.
"Ne, Sakura-chan, who is that guy? Is he your boy friend? Come on spit it!" said Kaho while poking Sakura.
"What are you saying? Kaho-nee-chan! Please stop your teasing. Li-kun is my slave a week," said Sakura. That caught the interest of Kaho. 'Slave? Ho-ho, what is this all about?'
"I know what you are thinking nee-chan. But please, bear into your mind that Li Syaoran is my nemesis, there is no way that I will fall that jerk," said Sakura while walking past Kaho and slowly climbed up the stairs and closing behind her.
Kaho just stared at the door. "It is not good to talk so soon Sakura-chan," thought Kaho. She walked at the garden and there she saw Shiki and Syaoran playing catch. The child looked happy. It seems that these two will get along with each other well.
Meanwhile, Sakura seated herself at the foot of her bed and lied down. She placed her head or knees and closed her eyes.
Shiki panted slowly. He just finished playing catch with Syao-nii-chan. He, Syao-nii-chan and mama are sitting at the table outside the verandah, they are eating snacks.
"Would you like more juice Shiki?" asked Kaho. The child nodded his head. Kaho stood up and began refilling Shiki's glass with orange juice.
"How about you Syaoran-san?" asked Kaho. Syaoran shook his head but thanked her nonetheless.
"Syaoran-san, I do not mean to pry but may I ask your relationship with my sister?" asked Kaho. Syaoran may act like a jerk, like Sakura describes him, but no one even Sakura cannot deny the fact that Syaoran is a handsome young man. Plus, the fact that he is the next heir of the Li Clan it is also known to everyone that anyone who will be his wife will experience all the luxury that she wanted. In short, Syaoran is stinking rich.
"She is my master," was all Syaoran said.
"I heard about that. May I ask what this is all about?" asked Kaho politely. Kaho is good at hiding her emotions that Syaoran didn't notice the hidden curiosity and deviousness laced on her voice.
"Nothing much. We just had the bet and I lost," said Syaoran, bitterness is traced on his tone. Kaho chose to keep quiet and did not ask further. He may not told what the bet is all about but Kaho has a pretty good guess what is it all about. She saw Sakura with her friends wearing normal clothes the other day, maybe that transformation is connected to this.
"I see," was all Kaho said. But inside her head, there are several scenarios that keep reeling in her mind. Scenarios that involve a certain auburn haired girl and certain amber eyed guy.
"Ne, onii-chan, can we play again?" asked Shiki. Syaoran turned to the child and they both stood up and excused themselves.
Kaho is now tidying up the table that is why she didn't hear someone opening the door. She continued tidying up the table and was shocked when someone suddenly hugged her from behind. She yelped in surprise.
"Touya! Stop sneaking up on me! You almost gave me heart attack!" said Kaho while holding her chest and began breathing heavily. Touya just chuckled.
"I am sorry, you are just fun to tease," said Touya while kissing his wife on the lips.
"Where is Shiki?" asked Touya while loosening his tie and slumped on the sofa. He closed his eyes and relaxed his tense muscles. Kaho approached him and began massaging his shoulders. Touya sighed in pleasure.
"Shiki is at the garden, playing catch with Syaoran-san," said Kaho. Touya opened and glanced up at Kaho.
"Syaoran? As in Li Syaoran?" asked Touya while looking agitated all of a sudden. Kaho looked at Touya in confusion about his reaction but she nodded. Touya stood up abruptly and went on the entrance of the garden. There they saw Shiki and Syaoran happily playing catch. Shiki ran away all of a sudden and the chasing began.
Syaoran is running after the cheeky child when he saw a familiar bulk standing at the entrance of the garden. He stopped dead on his tracks and stared at the figure.
"Touya?"
"Syaoran,"
"It is really you Touya!" said Syaoran while approaching Touya. The two hugged for awhile and shook each other's hands.
"It's been awhile since I saw you man? So how's business?" asked Syaoran.
"Idiot. We both know that you are reading the newspaper and watching television. The company is doing well and we are still certainly the leading company in Asia. Stop acting like a clueless idiot, you dolt," said the sarcastic Touya. Syaoran just laughed and replied indeed.
"Excuse my intervention with your reunion but may I ask how you knew each other?" asked Kaho while looking at the two. Syaoran and Touya glanced at each other and Touya sighed.
"He is one of my fratman when I was on my college," said Touya while looking at Syaoran.
"Fratman? College? But- How old are you now Syaoran-san?" asked Kaho confusedly. Syaoran smirked.
"I am currently 18 years old,"
"Eh! But how come you became Touya's fratman? When was it again, 8 years ago?" said Kaho. Once again, Syaoran let out a smirk. He can still remember all the happening when they were still fratmen.
"But how old are you then? About 11 years old?" said Kaho. She had her eyes widened and her mouth wide gaping.
"He may not look like it but this idiot is a genius. I graduated at the age of 20 but this idiot graduated at the age of 15," said Touya while looking at Syaoran and punching slightly his shoulders. The two started to tease each other while Kaho just stared at them.
"Is he for real?" asked Kaho to herself. This is totally unbelievable! Is he some kind of alien for outer space or what?
"Then why are you still going to school even if you already graduated in college?" Kaho cannot help but ask.
"I am taking up another course," shrugged Syaoran.
"By the way Syaoran, what are you doing here anyway?" asked Touya while looking questioningly at Syaoran.
"She is with Sakura-chan," replied Kaho after recovering from her initial shock.
"Kaijuu?"
"Yes, apparently, Syaoran-kun is Sakura-chan's slave," said Kaho. She turned to Shiki and picked him up.
"Ne Shiki, let us give you a bath now ok?" asked Kaho. Shiki nodded and let his mother lead him inside the house.
"Please excuse us Papa, Syao-nii-chan!" said Shiki while going inside. Syaoran nodded to him and smiled.
"Syao-nii-chan huh?" said Touya deviously while sitting down at the bench. Syaoran just plopped down beside him and laughed.
"Your son is fun to be with," was all Syaoran could say.
"How is your family?" asked Touya. He glanced sideways and he saw that Syaoran smiled slightly; real smile, not his typical smirk.
"Okaa-sama is doing well. Shiefa is already married with one son. Feimei pursued her dream and went to Paris to study Fashion Designing. Fanren is at home and help mama in managing the household. Fuutie went to Harvard, you know that nee-chan always wanted to be a lawyer someday," narrated Syaoran. The two stayed silent for awhile when Touya suddenly spoke.
"How about the elders?" asked Touya. Syaoran stiffened. His jaw grew rigid and he clenched his knuckles to tightly that it turned white. Touya is aware of these changes on his friend but he chose to ignore it.
"They are bitching my life as always," said Syaoran in sarcastic voice. He let out a humorless laugh.
"I see, do you still hate them for what happened?"
" As if I would still forgive them for what they did to me and my father," said Syaoran sarcastically. Touya nodded his head in understanding. He is one of the few people that knew the dark past of Syaoran.
All of a sudden, Syaoran's phone rang and he excused himself to answer it. He stood up and began to the person on the other line. There is irritation on Syaoran's voice that is why Touya had a pretty good guess what the call is all about.
"Let me guess, the elders are calling for you isn't it?" said Touya while staring at Syaoran as he flipped off his phone. Syaoran just nodded in irritation and sighed.
"Please extend my apologies to Kinomoto-san for leaving. I really need to go now," said Syaoran.
"And where do you think you are going?" asked Sakura while standing at the door. Syaoran and Touya glanced at her direction. Sakura walked slowly towards them and kissed the cheek of his brother.
"Welcome home onii-chan," said Sakura. She once again turned to Syaoran and repeated her previous question.
"I apologize, I need to meet someone. I need to go home immediately," said Syaoran. Sakura looked at him and she saw that she is furious about something. Maybe that someone that he needs to meet, thought Sakura. She stayed silent for awhile and finally made a decision.
"Very well, you may go but in one condition, I am going with you," said Sakura.
"May I remind you that the Li Manor is at Hong Kong? Are you sure do you want to go?" asked Syaoran. Sakura just nodded.
"Well Touya, it is nice seeing you again, but we must leave," said Syaoran. Touya nodded and led them out of the door.
"Take care," said Touya while looking at the disappearing limo. Now that Syaoran is with Sakura, Touya is relieved. After all, those persons were the one who made Syaoran's life living hell.
Meanwhile, the ride towards the Li Manor was a quiet one. Syaoran is too tensed and his muscles are constantly twitching and his jaw is clenching too tightly. Sakura observed him closely but she didn't dare to voice out the questions that are slowly building up in her mind. The two went down the private jet of the Li and proceeded to the limo.
Finally, the limo reached the gigantic gates of the Li Manor. The guard in the gate asked what they need and Syaoran showed himself. The guard immediately scrambled off to open the gates.
Syaoran went down the limo and walked slowly to the front door with Sakura trailing after him. Standing at the front door, a beautiful woman with jet black hair and wearing Chinese clothes.
"Xiao Lang! Welcome back home son!" said the woman in Mandarin. Syaoran approached her and hugged her tightly.
"You look well son! But it seems that you are getting thinner, are you eating well?"
"Yes mother. Please to not worry about me," said Syaoran while smiling at his mother. The woman removed her gaze from her son and landed a stare at Sakura. Sakura looked surprised.
"And who this beautiful girl might be?" asked the woman while looking at Sakura intently. Sakura brought herself forward and began introducing herself.
"I apologize for my rudeness. I am Li-kun's classmate, Kinomoto Ying Fa," said Sakura in Mandarin. Sakura can actually speak 8 different languages. It so happen that the Kinomoto family once resided here in Hong Kong and she had a Chinese name.
The woman looked surprised. She immediately approached Sakura and held her shoulders. Sakura was taken by surprise by the sudden agitation of the woman but let her inspect her nonetheless.
"Are you by any chance the daughter of Kinomoto Nadeshiko and Fujitaka and you have an elder brother named Touya?" asked the woman. Sakura was confused on how the woman knew her family but she nodded.
"I thought so! Welcome to the Li Manor Ying Fa, I am the mistress of this house and the mother of Xiao Lang, I am Li Yelan," said the woman while bowing gracefully. Sakura did the same.
Yelan led the two inside. Sakura marveled at the elegant look of the interior of the Li Manor. The exterior may look grand and wide but the interior is wider. The house has a grand staircase and Sakura saw an elegant living room beside the stairs.
"Well then, Xiao Lang, go to your room and prepare for your meeting with the elders. I will be the one to entertain Ying Fa," said Yelan. Syaoran nodded and excused himself.
Meanwhile, Yelan led Sakura to the living room and ordered one of the maids to fetch them tea. As the tea was served, Yelan chose to strike a conversation with the girl.
"Would you mind if I will ask you something Ying Fa?" asked Yelan while sipping her tea.
"Not at all ma'am,"
"Oh please no need to be formal. Yelan-san would be fine. What is your relationship with my son?" asked Yelan while looking at Sakura. She was taken aback but recovered immediately.
"He is my classmate and my slave," was all Sakura could say. Yelan was suddenly interested.
"Slave? May I ask what that is all about?" asked Yelan, genuinely interested.
"Forgive me for my words but you're son is too full of himself Yelan-san," said Sakura while sipping her tea.
"Oh? Why do you say so Ying Fa?" asked Yelan. Sakura told her about the bet and how he insulted Tomoyo in front of the school community. Yelan nodded her head in understanding.
"I understand you very well Ying Fa. I will be the one to personally apologize for the actions of my son. Please understand that he had a sad childhood," said Yelan while placing her cup on the saucer. There is sadness noted on her eyes that made Sakura confused.
"May I ask what you are talking about?" asked Sakura confusedly. Li had a sad childhood. That is absolutely unbelievable! Yelan excused herself and went somewhere. When she returned, she saw her carrying some kind of photo album.
Yelan showed Sakura all of his baby pictures. Sakura doesn't want to admit it but Syaoran is adorably cute. As he grew up Sakura began to notice something. When he reached 8 years old, he stopped smiling. Sakura flipped more and she saw that he never smiled at the rest of his pictures. A smirk or a fake smile was the only thing present.
"Did you notice it?" asked Yelan sadly. Sakura looked up the woman and nodded. Yelan looked pained and began telling her the story behind Syaoran's past.
"His father died when he reached the age of 8. Since he is the only heir of the Li Clan, the elders forced him to train. But that is not called training! They tortured him! He is just a child! You see Ying Fa; the future leader of the Li Clan must be strong and smart enough to lead. Did you know that Xiao Lang already finished college at the age of fifteen?" asked Yelan as tears slowly cascaded her face.
Sakura was shocked by the revelation but shook her head. She knew that Li Syaoran is a mysterious man but Sakura didn't expect such revelation.
"When he reached the age of fifteen and graduated college, the elders once again summoned him and asked him marry someone already. They think that Xiao Lang is already capable enough and should lead the Li Clan. He was engaged to Mei Ling but Syaoran refused to marry her and insisted that he should have the right to choose his own bride," said Yelan while tears continue to fall on her cheeks.
"Xiao Lang ran away from home and went to Japan. There he and his friends went to study to the Tomoeda High. Now, he was summoned by the elders again and probably force him again to marry someone," said Yelan while hiccupping. Sakura approached the woman and hugged her, hoping to comfort the helpless mother.
Sakura continued to flip on the album and she saw a random photo that sticks out. She picked it up and her eyes widened. The picture is her and Syaoran smiling.
"Why do you have-?" asked Sakura while pointing to Yelan the picture. She is unable to let out words. Somehow, some memories are flashing on her mind.
"Don't you remember? The Kinomoto family once resided here. I clearly remember your visits with Syaoran, you always played together and Syaoran had a very good time back then. But when your family suddenly wanted to move back to Japan, you were both crying then, bidding farewells to each other. I even saw you kissing each other," said Yelan while breaking into a smile.
Sakura blushed on the last sentence of the woman but she stared once again in the photo and remembered all that happened a few years back.
"Xiao-xiao," said Sakura unconsciously.
"You remember it now? That is your nickname to him. He calls you Ying- ying," said Yelan while smiling at Sakura. Sakura stared at the photo and now she remembered why Syaoran's smile is somewhat familiar to her.
"Where is he now?" asked Sakura desperately. She is now excited to hug her childhood best friend. Yelan looked away.
"He is now at the Grand Hall, probably meeting the elders," said Yelan in a whisper. Before she knew it, Sakura already broke into a run.
"Ying Fa wait! I-," but Yelan failed because Sakura is already gone. She ran after the excited girl. She failed to mention what the elder do to Xiao Lang when they have their 'meeting'. She might find the scene unpleasant.
Meanwhile, Sakura reached the door leading to the Grand Hall. Sakura took a deep breath and was excited to see again her long lost friend. She pushed open the door and what she saw erased the cheerful smile that is plastered on her face. It was all replaced by rage.
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK ARE YOU DOING TO HIM?!" boomed Sakura while walking briskly at the middle of the hall.
What she saw made her blood boil. In the middle of the hall, she saw Syaoran, kneeling while covered with cuts and bruises. Standing in front of him, she saw someone holding a whip. She does not need to be a genius to find out what they are doing to him. She walked in front of the man holding the whip and punched him hard on the face. The man flung back from the impact. Sakura turned to Syaoran and crouched in front of him.
"Are you ok? Why did you let them do this to you?" asked Sakura while tears are threatening to fall down her face. She placed her trembling hands on his bruised cheek. She cried for awhile and looked furiously to the elders.
"Why are you doing this to him?" shouted Sakura. Her voice echoed throughout the room but no on answered her. The elders kept quiet. They are actually shocked by the strange girl who suddenly barged in the room and punched the whip man.
"And who do you think you are you insolent child? You are-," one of the elder's cursing was cut off by the sudden appearance of Yelan. She bowed in front of the elders and stood beside Sakura.
"I suggest that you choose the words you speak Elder Kwan, you would not want to anger the daughter of the Kinomotos would you?" said Yelan deviously. The elders looked shocked.
"Kinomoto? You are a Kinomoto?" asked Elder Kwan.
"Let me introduce to you, the only daughter of the CEO of the Kinomotos, Kinomoto Ying Fa," said Yelan. Sakura just stood there as she stared at the shocked faces of the elders.
"Now then, would you like the Li Clan to go down? I suggest that you should stop doing this to the heir of your clan. Or else, the whole China would not enjoy to see the downfall of one of the most noble families in China would they?" said Sakura in chilling voice. Her voice sounded dangerous and threatening. The elders felt chills running down the spine at the girl in front of them.
"Please excuse us," Sakura bowed and helped Syaoran limp out of the Grand Hall with Yelan after them.
Yelan and Sakura began treating the wounds of Syaoran. There are many bruises and cuts on his face and body. Sakura just clenched her fists tightly. When they were finished dressing his wounds, Syaoran now voiced his question that was in his mind all along.
"Why are you doing this?" asked Syaoran while looking at Sakura. Sakura just stared back at him and sighed.
"Would you like to see your childhood best friend being beat up by those stupid old men?" asked back Sakura. She sat down and went back on sipping her unfinished tea. Syaoran looked clueless. He looked at his mother for a plausible explanation but Yelan just smiled at him. He turned back his gaze to Sakura who is busily nibbling a cookie.
"What do you mean by that?" asked the confused Syaoran. Sakura finished her cookie and sipped tea. She looked at Syaoran and smiled adorably. A smile that is too much familiar to Syaoran
"I seems that you have forgotten me, Xiao-xiao," said Sakura still smiling. Syaoran still looked confused but realization dawned him. Only one person calls him that.
"Ying-ying?" he said looking at Sakura in disbelieving voice. Sakura's smile turned into grin.
"Bingo!" said Sakura while clapping her hands. Sakura is about to say something more but she turned and saw that the great Li Syaoran fainted.
So how is it? Please read and review!
Truly yours,
~sakurablossoms18~
