The Clow

by Yuuki.Odei

In a world where love and peace were long forgotten, they were two people brought together by fate. Now, they will set out on an unforgettable journey through the world of the Clow to fulfill their destinies. Courage will falter in the face of death and hope will be lost in the darkness ahead but together they will discover that their greatest strength comes from their hearts. SxS.

10. Chapter Ten: Olympus City

The Clow

Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura. Its characters and affiliates are property of CLAMP.

Author's Note: OMG, chapter 10 is here! Haha I won't be long, you'll all probably skip this anyway. This chapter was such a fun chapter to write! This is definitely one of my favorites and you'll figure out why when you read it. I will speak to you again at the end of the chapter! Thanks again to all my readers and SakuraJade for beta-ing. Enjoy and don't forget to read and review! ^^

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The Clow

In a world where love and peace are long forgotten, two people, brought together in an entwined destiny, will stand and fight the evil force that threatens to consume all hope, including them…

This is the story of The Clow.

Chapter Ten:

Olympus City

Palace, Soul City

Province of Fire

1:55 PM

"Aww, they're getting along so well!" Nakuru cooed as she watched the glowing glass orb in front of her. Eriol smiled in reply.

"They're certainly not at each other's throats now," he said contentedly and waved his staff of the moon and sun over the sphere until the image of his little descendant and the Clow card mistress had disappeared.

"Why'd you do that?" Nakuru complained as the darkness that had blanketed the room enveloped it once more. The glow from the orb had been the only thing keeping it at bay.

"Someone's coming," Eriol calmly replied and turned around to fix his dark robes just as a knock to the door sounded. Nakuru grinned and disappeared with a flap of her red and black wings.

"Come in," Eriol called out and an ugly little man with a warty, bulblike nose poked his head into the room, bowing clumsily before the dark magician.

"The lord Emperor Kimama requests your presence," he wheezed, his watery eyes darting around the darkness nervously. He had always been afraid to enter the magician's chambers. The maids and servants spoke of strange creatures that dwelled in there.

"Tell him that I will meet with him shortly, Taro," Eriol said, his deep, purple eyes twinkling as he took in the appearance of the man before him and dismissed him with a wave of his hands.

"Very good, Hiiragizawa-sama," Taro answered and bowed down once more, his oily hair touching the floor, and he left, closing the large door behind him. Eriol sighed and picked up his staff.

"Are you leaving, Eriol-sama?" Nakuru had reappeared as Eriol opened the door to his chambers.

"I will be back shortly," Eriol responded, a small smile on his lips, and he stepped out, the doors swinging shut behind him once more.

Emperor Kimama sat on his throne made of gold, hands under his chin, as he observed the City of Soul in the high sun of the afternoon through the large window in the west. He was a chubby man, good looking for forty, with a shaved head. He had started losing his hair at an early age and by forty, he had none to spare anymore. His eyes were cerulean blue. On another man, they would have looked handsome, but on him, they were cold and distant. His greed could clearly be seen through them.

He had a meaty nose with thin lips and the faint outline of a mustache lined his upper lip. Today, his thoughts were in a different place as he watched the expansive city that his ancestors had claimed one hundred years ago.

Emperor Kimama could just see well beyond its limitless buildings and ruins, past the sand dunes and the looming mountains behind it. Mori Mountain, the place where his master rested…and the place where his worries began.

His thoughts were interrupted by a hesitant knock at his doors and the emperor sighed, rolling his eyes. He hated to be disturbed and that signature knock could only belong to Taro.

"What is it, Taro?" he asked. His voice was a deep boom, loud and carrying over a battlefield. The door slowly creaked open to reveal his messenger who hurriedly bowed low.

"Your majesty, my Lord Emperor, the Dark Magician has arrived," he announced in a weak, breathless voice. The emperor turned around and rested his hands on his knees, somewhat interested now.

"Oh? Send him in," he ordered and Taro nodded. He was just about to shuffle out the door again when it was pushed open wide and a handsome young man swept into the golden chamber occupied by the emperor.

He had short, black hair, deep set amethyst eyes, and wore round, wire-rimmed glasses. His black cloak dipped to the floor as he bowed down majestically to the emperor.

"Your majesty," he remarked and Emperor Kimama smiled.

"Hiiragizawa," he said with a nodded. "Let us alone, Taro," the emperor commanded and with a jump, Taro nodded quickly and left the room limping on his good leg.

The emperor stood up and brushed past Eriol to walk towards his open window. Eriol watched him, waiting.

"Have you figured out the complex spell and how it works yet?" Emperor Kimama asked of the dark magician, not turning around. Eriol inclined his head politely.

"Yes."

The emperor immediately swiveled around, his expression greedy. "And?" he asked as he walked forward. Eriol smiled.

"And it is dangerous, my lord," he finished, bowing lowly. Emperor Kimama frowned.

"What kind of dangers are we talking about here, Hiiragizawa?" he demanded.

"Death, eternal servitude to the death gods, and much, much more, your majesty," Eriol replied. But the emperor did not lose face. In fact, he seemed pleased, as if he didn't expect anything less.

"And what are the sacrifices that have to be made other than the ones we've discussed?" Emperor Kimama continued.

"That sacrifice is something that you have in quantities, my lord," Eriol answered, amusement in his purple orbs. The emperor stood up straight, his eyes shining.

"What is that?" he asked. Eriol paused.

"Royal blood, your majesty," he revealed and watched as the emperor froze, taking in his answer and thinking it through. "Only a blood relation of Akuma will enable him to rise again," Eriol finished and Emperor Kimama narrowed his eyes in thought.

"There's no other way?" he asked, speechless, his mouth dry, his eyes wider than usual. Eriol shook his head.

"There is no other way," he confirmed. Emperor Kimama seemed to think about this for awhile, and then he smiled, showing off his straight pearl teeth.

"Do not worry, dark magician, it will be done," he said, grinning. Eriol nodded his head solemnly. "Royal blood…" the emperor repeated, running the word through his teeth. He liked the way it sounded.

"I had hoped you would say that," was the magician's reply and the emperor laughed a bark-like sound and clapped his harsh hands together.

"It shall be done," he reiterated curtly. "Anything for my master to rise again." Eriol was silent. "He has waited for too long now, Hiirigizawa. He is getting impatient, I am getting impatient. The powers of the noblemen are weakening as we speak. They fear rebellion from the slaves; they fear the draining of their magic powers. We need Akuma back. Then, and only then, will we be safe from the slaves and the Youkai. Only then will we be able to really control them! And we will be rolling in the riches that my great ancestor once had," Emperor Kimama announced and a small smile formed on Eriol's thin lips as he watched.

"Certainly, your majesty," he agreed quietly. Emperor Kimama's eyes glazed over as he imagined the piles and piles of gold that would be his. He suddenly turned towards Eriol.

"Have you received news from the red imperial army?" he snapped and Eriol nodded.

"Yes, my lord. They have acquired the necessary sword, Binder, and are on their way as we speak," Eriol answered. Emperor Kimama nodded in satisfaction.

"Everything is going according to planned," he announced, finally satisfied, and rubbed his hands together, upon which a golden band, a ring, sat on his forefinger catching the faint light of the golden room. Eriol's eyes rested for a fraction of a second on the ring until an amused smirk appeared on his lips, his eyes gleaming.

"You are right, your majesty. Everything is falling into place," Eriol whispered as he watched Emperor Kimama. "Just as I've planned…"

Nakuru sat alone in the empty chambers, vigorously jabbing Spinel Sun in the butt with the end of a feather quill to no avail. The small, black bear slept on, ignorant to all that was happening around it, snoring loudly. She was bored and wanted someone to talk to since Eriol was not back yet.

"Suppi-pi-pi-pi-pi-pi-chaaaannn!" she cooed. Though the little, black bear was awake, it feigned sleep anyway way. It was better this way because if Nakuru knew, he would suffer a fate worse than death! Suppi grimaced and continued to take the pen jabs with a loud snore each time to hide his real screams of pain. At that moment, the handles of the tall doors slowly turned and opened. Nakuru looked up.

"Are you back already?" she asked, jumping up eagerly as Eriol entered, closing them slowly behind him with a snap. He did not use his hands. There was no need to. Suppi sighed in relief. Eriol nodded, smiling. "Did you tell the emperor?" Nakuru asked eagerly, a twinkle in her scarlet eyes now.

"Yes, I did," Eriol answered as he walked forward and removed his black robes.

"And?"

"He will pay the blood price, as I expected him to," Eriol replied and sat down in a large chair lined with gold and black cushions. Nakuru giggled.

"Great! Now the real fun begins!" she shouted enthusiastically. Eriol watched his creation smiling as she ran around the room and pulled the "sleeping" Spinel Sun's ears. Eriol knew better. Suppi was wide awake.

"We have very little time until Akuma comes back," Eriol said and Nakuru stopped laughing. She walked over to her master.

"And what does that mean?" she asked.

"It means that I must train the Clow Card Mistress with the remaining time given," he replied and raised his staff above the glass orb. It glowed brightly once more, revealing two figures standing with a black stallion, arguing. A large gate into a bigger city served as their backdrop. As Eriol and Nakuru watched, Nakuru spoke.

"I don't understand, Eriol-sama," she said. "Why can't you start training her now?" Eriol was quiet before he spoke.

"The Clow Cards have not revealed themselves yet, Nakuru. We must wait." Nakuru nodded in understanding.

"Eriol-sama," she spoke again.

"Yes, Nakuru?" Eriol asked, a small smile on his face, his hands folded together, his chin resting on them while they both stared into the crystal glass orb.

Nakuru grinned evilly. "Why are you helping in the aid of Akuma's return? Aren't you a reincarnation of Clow Reed-sama? He didn't want Akuma to come back. He fought with his life to ensure that Akuma was sealed," she remarked slyly. Eriol waited a moment, then took his eyes off the crystal glass orb.

"I am only one of Clow Reed's reincarnations, Nakuru," he answered. "Though I may retain his memories, I am not him. It is not in my nature to do goodwill upon the world he sacrificed himself for. Though I do lean strongly with him on some points," Eriol said and Nakuru smiled.

"And those points would be?"

"Guiding the two figures that will be the hope of the Clow," he replied solemnly. "I do not care for the rest. If their destiny is meant to be, with my guidance, this world shall receive its rightful ending. If it is not meant to be, then, well, I have tried my best," Eriol finished simply, shrugging his shoulders. Nakura giggled, a wide smile on her lips.

"You are completely evil, Eriol-sama!" she laughed. Eriol smiled in return, turning back to watch the glowing crystal ball.

"You have no idea," he said softly. Nakuru watched the image in the ball with him in silence, the corners of her lips going up as she observed the handsome Resistance leader and the beautiful Clow Card mistress.

"Nakuru," Eriol broke the silence after a moment, a tone of amusement in his voice. Nakuru looked over.

"Yes, Eriol-sama?" she asked.

"Did you still want to meet the two heroes of the prophecy?" he asked and Nakuru instantly grinned.

"OOhhhh! Yes, Eriol-sama!" she exclaimed, jumping up and down while her wings fluttered excitedly behind her.

"Good," Eriol said, "Because your part is coming up." And he raised his black staff of the moon and sun, forever entwining, like the destiny of the two people he was watching, over the crystal ball.

Olympus City

Province of Wind

1:18 PM

From the distance, they could just make out a tall, white brick wall surrounding the city of Olympus and the gate, of wrought iron and steel, that would lead them in. In front of the gate, a squad of tough looking men in the uniform of the red imperial army stood, guarding it. There would be no entrance into the city without first passing these soldiers.

Syaoran and Sakura were standing below the shade of a large oak tree, on the bluff overlooking the city below. And as usual, they were arguing.

"It's not going to work, Sakura," Syaoran was saying for the fifth time exasperatedly. Sakura made a sound of disbelief and stamped her foot.

"Well, we won't know until we try it!" she argued and Syaoran ran an agitated hand through his messy chestnut hair.

"Sakura, they're smarter than you think," he told her but Sakura's spirit would not be ebbed. She merely grinned confidently and winked at Syaoran before heading down the hill that led to the front of Olympus City's gates.

"I've dealt with plenty of soldiers from the red imperial army before! Just watch. I'll get us in!" she called back assuredly. Syaoran groaned.

"That's what I'm afraid of," he muttered before following.

He was a mean looking soldier, standing at exactly six foot five and had the look of someone who had seen multiple deaths without blinking. With the combination of his scratchy beard and narrowed eyes, he was the toughest looking of the soldiers guarding the gates leading into Olympus City. It was this man that the young boy, who had sauntered forward, decided to march up to, confidently striding in the hot afternoon sun.

The soldier watched the young man wearily. He was grouchy and tired. Being on guard duty did nothing to appease him, and besides, he was hungry. The young boy approached and the soldier, though reluctant to, realized at once that this boy was very young and very…pretty? He had a cloak over his head, his short auburn hair hidden beneath it and he was wearing a pair of pants and a shirt that seemed overly large on his skinny frame.

The strangest thing about the young boy was that his eyes, big and framed by girly lashes, were green. The young boy also had a mustache that seemed too thick to have grown at the young age he apparently was.

"Good afternoon!" the young boy greeted cheerfully as he walked forward to stand by the soldier's side. His voice was soft and sweet, but it seemed he was in the phases of puberty because when he spoke, it was in a deep tone.

The soldier grunted in response and narrowed his eyes at the boy. The young boy seemed unabashed however and cleared his throat.

"Guard duty, eh?" he remarked, elbowing the soldier in the ribs. The soldier stared. Did the kid have a death wish?

"I am a man!" the young boy suddenly announced loudly and the guard's mouth opened dumbly. There was simply no reply to this. Perhaps the boy was stupid…

"And you are a man!" he continued. The guard sweatdropped. "As men, we should both respect each other! That is why you should let me in those gates right there," the young boy pointed.

"And if I don't?" the guard growled, seeing where this was going. The young boy hesitated then stepped forward boldly and reached his skinny arms up to grab the guard by the neck so that the guard had to lean down.

"If you don't," the young boy said, "then you know what will happen…" he drifted off, as if it were a threat.

"What will happen?" the guard hissed, his patience wearing thin.

"You know what!" the young boy exclaimed dramatically and spat. His spit did not come out but dribbled onto his chin, the strands slowly sliding down, and the young boy released the guard to wipe it embarrassedly while the other soldiers, who had been bored, watched on, guffawing at him.

The soldier growled lowly and reached for his sword but at that moment, a strong hand grabbed the guard's wrist on his hilt.

"There's no need for that," a young man said quietly, stepping forward. The guard stared into stern amber orbs. This young man also had a cloak and hood up but as the guard observed the young man, his chestnut brown hair beneath the hood, he felt slightly threatened. This man was one that he could not boss around easily. The young man released his wrist and stepped back and the soldier looked down at this hand. There was a good amount of bills in them now. The young man had slipped it into his hands so fast he had not noticed the first time.

"I'm on business for Lord Kaien. That's my brother over there," he said nodding his head in the boy's direction. The young boy was now taking it in turns to see who could growl the loudest with the other soldiers.

"He's kind of slow…" Syaoran said quietly, tapping his head with his finger. The guard nodded slowly.

"I'm a man!" the young boy was heard roaring and Syaoran sweatdropped.

"Err…really slow…" The guard narrowed his eyes, but raised his hand to give the signal for the gates to open. Syaoran quickly headed over to the young boy and dragged him away by his cloak.

"Come with me, little brother," he said through gritted teeth. Sakura was shouting at the laughing guards as they went through the gates.

"I'll show you how manly I can be!" she said brandishing her fists. As soon as the gates closed however, Sakura resumed her usual sweet voice again, grinning broadly at Syaoran while she removed her fake mustache and undid her hair so that it was once more sweeping her shoulders.

"How was it?" she asked breathlessly. "Good right? I got us in!" she cried joyfully.

"Never again," Syaoran muttered, "will I let you talk me into letting you get us past gate guards." Sakura only laughed as they walked.

"I don't understand though, Syaoran, why are there gate guards here and not in Byul Town or Tomoeda Village?" Sakura asked.

"Only the cities have gate guards. The noblemen felt that thieves and youkai could easily disguise themselves and pass through the gates of cities better by mingling in with the large crowds," Syaoran answered.

"Why do they think that?" Sakura asked, looking at Syaoran. As an answer, Syaoran motioned in front of them with his arm and Sakura turned to look. She gasped.

It was the largest city she had ever seen. Buildings seemed to stack onto one another in the crowded place of various heights. Others were small and short while some seemed to reach into the never-ending blue sky.

People filled the crowded streets, buying and haggling and selling. Market vendors lined each side, leaving open space in the middle for the crowds to mingle. They shouted out to others about their products, tricking people into buying them with oily voices. There was a stall where a few men sat drinking sake and speaking in loud drunk voices.

Women walked down the streets, some in lots of clothing, others in very little, eyeing the soldiers and men with interest. Little children and animals alike ran afoul along the streets, chasing one another. There was also a corner where some of the finest stallions in the Clow stood, waiting to be picked out and sold by their owners.

And in the middle of the town was a fountain, the largest one that Sakura had ever seen. A figure holding a lightning bolt was center stage while the figure's mouth, lightning bolt, hands, and feet spouted water. Water also rose out from all around the circular fountain, engulfing it in a wall of shower every couple of seconds.

Sakura was mesmerized by the smells, colors, and sounds and openly gaped as she and Syaoran made their way down the crowded street. A market vendor shoved jewelry in her face while another one, a woman this time, suggested her beauty products to Sakura. She turned both down with a smile on her face.

"See? Didn't I tell you that you'd be more amazed by Olympus City?" Syaoran's deep voice brought her back and she turned to him. He was looking at her, his eyebrows raised and a smile on the corners of his lips. Sakura laughed.

"It's amazing!" she exclaimed excitedly. Syaoran nodded.

"Olympus City is the trading center of the Clow, so there's always a lot of commotion here," he informed Sakura. "People come from all over to buy and sell here. But you better watch out for your wallet or money bag," he continued seriously. "There are a lot of thieves in the city." Sakura shook her head.

"Oh, stop being so insecure," she snickered as they walked. As if on cue, a young boy suddenly bumped hard into Syaoran and attempted to run past him. Syaoran quickly grabbed the little boy by the scruff of his shirt. The little boy struggled while Sakura watched with wide eyes.

"What's the big deal?" he shouted and Syaoran pulled him closer, grabbing his hand and lifting it into the air. A familiar wallet was in the young boy's hand. Syaoran took his wallet back and replaced it in his back pocket, then looked over at Sakura and quirked one eyebrow.

Sakura sweatdropped. "You weren't kidding…"

Syaoran released the little boy and he shrugged his shoulders at them, running into the crowded streets once more. Syaoran looked around at the buildings as if determining where they were and began to head into the city. Sakura followed him.

"Where are we going?" she asked as she struggled to keep up. Syaoran didn't answer instead he turned to Sakura.

"Put your hood up, Sakura," he instructed lowly. Sakura gaped.

"No, it's so hot!" Sakura protested fanning herself and Syaoran sighed under his breath.

"Fine, suit yourself," he replied impatiently.

He had noticed the way people were starting to stare at Sakura as they passed by. The young men kept looking back, smiling at her and Syaoran did not like it one bit. He wanted Sakura to be as conspicuous as possible as she was traveling. It did not help that her large eyes were twinkling as she observed the city life around her either. Green eyes were rare in slaves, and her beauty, Syaoran knew but was reluctant to admit, was also helping attract the unwanted attention.

They turned a corner and reached a couple of town houses all built in the same boring design. The only difference here was the house colors and Syaoran walked up the steps of the second to last house, knocking on the door a couple of times. After a few seconds, the door to the house opened and a woman's sweet voice cried out joyfully.

"Syaoran!" Syaoran smiled up at the older woman.

"Chun Hua." While Syaoran spoke, Sakura had finally started noticing the way some men were staring at her and was nervously glancing back at a group of men eyeing her too close for her liking.

"And who is this?" the woman asked, her light amber eyes sparkling as she observed Sakura. Sakura heard this as she was still looking back at the men.

"His sister, I'm his sister," she replied hastily.

"I didn't know I had another sister!" the woman said amusedly, her eyes twinkling and Sakura slowly turned around as the impact of these words registered. A woman in her late twenties stood framed in the doorway. Her eyes were the same color as Syaoran's. Her hair, however, was long and black and was braided down her back. She was tall and wore a simple blue dress.

"This is my sister Chun Hua," Syaoran said and Sakura hung her head ashamedly, blushing as she stepped forward to shake Chun Hua's already outstretched hand.

"It's nice to meet you," Sakura said softly and gave Syaoran a why-didn't-you-tell me glare. Syaoran shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and smirked at her. This exchange did not go unnoticed by Chun Hua and she observed the two with an indulgent smile on her lips as Sakura turned around to speak to her again.

"So how are you getting along with your captive?" Chun Hua asked. Brother and sister were sitting at the kitchen table in Chun Hua's home. It was a small white kitchen, decorated plainly with sunflowers and large windows. Sakura sat near one of the open windows, watching the city below in fascination.

"How did you-," Syaoran shook his head. He should have known. His sisters never kept anything from each other. "Did Miyu send you a message?" he haphazard a guess. Chun Hua only smiled discreetly and Syaoran sighed.

"Never mind that now. Do the elders have a message for me?" he asked and Chun Hua nodded.

"Yes, they're requesting a meeting with you as soon as tonight. They already know that you've reached the city," Chun Hua said. "Mizuki-san also wants a word with you before the big meeting. You can find him at the Wakaba house. Also, about fifty village chiefs have arrived in Olympus so far in the last two weeks. It looks like Satoshi and Yamazaki are doing a good job," Chun Hua continued. Syaoran nodded at the information he was given.

"I'll send a message to the elders. And Mizuki-san probably wants to speak to me about the Resistance's movement near Dambi Village," Syaoran said looking over at his sister. "As for the village chiefs, I'll let them know the details as soon as I have time. Is that all?" he asked. Chun Hua nodded as Syaoran watched her. His deep amber eyes softened slightly.

"Is Sheng not in the city?" he asked. Chun Hua shook her head.

"No," she answered. "Why? Is there a message you'd like me to send?" Chun Hua asked.

"No, it's nothing like that." Chun Hua grinned at her younger brother.

"Are you worried that I'll be lonely?" she asked slyly. Syaoran didn't answer her. Instead he reached out and put his larger hand over his sisters on the table.

"How are you, Chun Hua?" he asked lowly, his face concerned. Chun Hua smiled back sadly.

"It's been hard since Cheng left us," she said slowly as she reached up to wipe the tears that had reluctantly sprung into her amber eyes as she thought about her late husband. "But my restaurant is doing a lot better now and I still have my son," Chun Hua said, giving Syaoran a watery smile. Syaoran gave his sister's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"You're a strong woman, Chun Hua," he said softly. "I promise that I'll bring that day of peace back to the Clow so that Cheng will not have died in vain for the Resistance."

"Thank you," Chun Hua sniffed as she squeezed her brother's hand back. Suddenly a loud gasp was heard and the siblings turned to the sound by the window, where Sakura had half risen in anguish, her eyes down on the city below.

"That man just stole that woman's wallet!" she cried furiously. Then a couple of seconds later, they heard her laugh evilly.

"Ha ha! He got caught… sucker!" she snickered. Syaoran ducked down to hide his grin and Chun Hua laughed aloud. Sakura was a funny girl.

Syaoran reemerged and straightened his face out, turning to Chun Hua.

"So how's the restaurant going?" he asked clearing his throat. Chun Hua laughed.

"It's going really well! You know me. I've always been the one with the flair for business in our family! Masami-chan is watching over it for me while I run a few errands. You were lucky to have caught me while I was still at home," she said. "Speaking of which, it looks as if you and your sworn enemy's sister are getting along pretty well too," Chun Hua remarked casually. Syaoran looked up.

"Miyu again?" he asked wearily.

"But of course," Chun Hua replied smoothly, smiling while she took a drink from her teacup. Syaoran sighed.

"I've been traveling with Sakura for more than a month now, Chun Hua," Syaoran said. "She's strong and nice, nothing like her brother," he added seriously.

"Wow, Syaoran giving a compliment? The world must be ending," Chun Hua teased but stopped when she saw how serious her little brother was.

"Get to know her yourself, Chun Hua," he said, glancing over at Sakura, who was still amusing herself by the open window. "Sakura's one of the nicest people I know." Chun Hua stared in shock for a little while before she quickly hid the smile that had emerged on her face.

"Hmm, alright, I will. But for now, you two will need to leave my house," she said abruptly as she stood up and began clearing their cups away.

"Why do we need to leave your house?" Syaoran asked from the table and Chun Hua began walking to the living room, avoiding eye contact with him.

"Because I need to get back to the restaurant," she replied swiftly. "I left Masami-chan there all by herself," Chun Hua continued as she fastened a shawl around her neck. "You two can go over and stay at Jian's house and I will meet you later."

"And what's over at Jian's house?" Syaoran asked. He had followed his sister into the living room and now stood, arms crossed, leaning against the doorway. He knew there was another motive but Chun Hua would not tell him. Instead she turned around and attempted to smile innocently at him.

"You haven't gone over and said hi yet," she replied. "Besides, Jian's house has more room than mine," Chun Hua pointed out and Syaoran raised an eyebrow.

"Chun Hua, Sakura, I mean, Ying Fa and I are not leaving this house until you tell us why you want us to go," he stated firmly. Chun Hua turned around and smirked at Syaoran.

"Is that so?"

Fifteen minutes later, Syaoran and Sakura were standing in front of Chun Hua's house, bidding her good bye.

"I'll see you later, Ying Fa!" Chun Hua said merrily, her brown-amber eyes dancing and Sakura nodded, smiling and bowing.

"Yes, see you later," she agreed. Chun Hua winked at Syaoran who was looking thoroughly disgruntled that things did not go his way. He had not gotten his answer because, as soon as Chun Hua had mentioned going into the city and had given her reason for leaving to Sakura, the emerald eyed beauty had jumped up eagerly and begged Syaoran to take her out leaving him no choice. Chun Hua had been delighted. It scared Syaoran that his sisters always seemed to get things their way…

"Bye, Syaoran, take good care of Ying Fa until I see her again!" Chun Hua said grinning and Syaoran grunted in reply. Chun Hua laughed. She had liked the name Ying Fa and even though she knew who Sakura was, still called her by it.

She smiled widely, her amber eyes twinkling as she watched Syaoran lead Sakura through the crowds of people in the street while he pulled her hood up once again. Sakura protested and moved away but Syaoran, smirking, moved forward to pull it even lower.

Perhaps Sakura would be the one her little brother needed…

"Your sister knows who I really am?" Sakura squeaked as she and Syaoran made their way down the crowded streets. Syaoran nodded grimly.

"Yes," he confirmed, "Miyu told her." Sakura looked troubled.

"But she doesn't think anything bad of me?" she asked hesitantly and Syaoran grinned.

"No, she likes you," he said, then added under his breath, "Maybe a little too much." Sakura, caught up in the hustle and bustle of the people on the streets didn't hear and smiled, breathing a sigh of relief.

"She likes me?" she asked incredulously and Syaoran smirked.

"Yes, Sakura, she likes you even though you're extremely dense," Sakura tried to kick him, "have a bad temper," Sakura swung at him, "and are a violent fiend." Sakura attempted to smack him upside the head and Syaoran chuckled as he dodged all three of her attacks. Sakura's attempt at that last slap sent her falling forward and Syaoran caught her in his arms as he smiled down at her.

"Did I mention clumsy?" Sakura blushed and righted herself, walking briskly forward.

"Where are we going?" she asked as Syaoran caught up to her, leading her through the maze of buildings and houses.

"Somewhere," he answered vaguely and Sakura huffed out a breath.

"I still can't see why you didn't tell me we were going to your sister's house," she muttered and Syaoran chuckled.

"I thought it'd be more fun to see your, ah, facial expression," he said and Sakura glared at him from the corner of her eye.

"Well, you should warn me next time," she said softly and Syaoran nodded.

"Okay, we're heading to my other sister's house right now," Syaoran remarked casually.

"Whhaaaatttt?" Syaoran laughed at Sakura's reaction but suddenly tensed up as he sensed a familiar presence.

Sakura, who had been walking forward, was suddenly grabbed roughly and pulled into an alleyway. She found her face a few inches from Syaoran's chest as he peered out behind the alley wall to where the crowds of people were hurrying about, his face anxious.

"What is it?" Sakura whispered. She couldn't feel anything strange about with her magic and was starting to get worried. Syaoran turned back to look at her and put a finger to his lips, then he quickly glanced around. Grabbing Sakura's wrist, Syaoran began dragging her into the dark alleyway.

"Where are we going?" Sakura hissed as Syaoran pulled her along. She had never seen Syaoran so…so…nervous? He was sweating slightly as he led her.

"Shortcut," was his brief reply and Sakura's eyes widened.

"Shortcut? Are you crazy! Let go! I said let go!" But Syaoran's grip remained firm as he jogged with Sakura in tow.

Unknown to them, a figure watched Syaoran and Sakura duck behind the alleyway from amidst the crowd, red ruby-like eyes narrowed in anger.

A few minutes later, a sweaty and out of breath Sakura stumbled up the steps of a large, yellow house, trailing after Syaoran, exhausted. He still held her wrist as he hurriedly knocked on the door, checking over his shoulder nervously. 'What is up with him?' Sakura thought as she panted. He had been acting strange since he pulled her into the alleyway. Whatever or whoever they were running from must be powerful indeed.

A few seconds passed before the door was thrown open to reveal a beautiful young lady, hands on her hips.

"May I help you?" she asked sweetly.

When she saw who it was she gave a loud squeal of joy.

"Syaoran!" she gasped, clasping her hands together in delight as she embraced him. Her eyes were a deep amused purple and her dark chocolate brown hair was set in short curled locks grazing her collarbones. She wore a complicated patterned pink dress that ended in lace trimmings. As her eyes moved over from Syaoran to Sakura, she gave another high pitched shout of delight.

"KAWAII! You are the CUTEST thing ever! You really are PRETTY!" she exclaimed and immediately pounced towards Sakura. Syaoran, however, intercepted and held his sister's arms back in the air as she stared at him curiously, eyes gleaming, fingers twitching in Sakura's direction.

"Hi, Jian, can we come in?" he quickly asked without hesitation, looking her squarely in the eyes. "Like, right now?" Jian glanced over at Sakura, a small smile on her lips then she nodded her head.

"Sure! Oh ho ho ho, come on in! Where are my manners?" she asked laughing and she opened the door for Sakura and Syaoran to enter. Jian glanced at Sakura with a glint in her eyes as she passed and Sakura suddenly felt afraid while Syaoran hurriedly dragged her inside by the arm.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Jian jumped on Sakura.

"You are the most kawaii thing ever!" she yelled loudly, taking Sakura's cloak off so that she could examine every inch of the jade eyed young woman.

"Your hair is to die for!" she exclaimed as she ran her fingers through the auburn locks. Sakura sweatdropped as she made eye contact with Syaoran.

"Err, this is my second to oldest sister, Jian," he told her and Sakura nodded dumbly. "She's the more…err…girly one," Syaoran continued. Jian made an angry sound in her throat.

"I am not girly!" she shouted indignantly. "I'm womanly!" she squealed, laughing and Sakura smiled meekly as Jian bent down to examine her clothes.

"It's nice to meet you," Sakura said sweetly and Jian smiled.

"You too, Sakura-chan!" she cried and Sakura looked slightly confused and alarmed that Jian knew her real name. Jian laughed and shook her hands at Sakura.

"Don't worry, I already know who you are! That's what sisters are for!" she said with a wink and Sakura breathed a sigh of relief. Syaoran's sisters really were strange…but they seemed to like Sakura and Sakura liked the ones she had met so far too.

"Your dress is so kawaii! Tell me, what is this beautiful dark brown color next to the fawn brown you have on?" Jian suddenly exclaimed loudly, still examining Sakura's clothes.

"Um, it's dirt…" Sakura answered. Jian giggled loudly.

"But it's so kawaii on you!" she squealed and Sakura sweatdropped again. Jian made to pull Sakura's cardigan off but a hand grabbed her wrist and lightly turned her around. Jian spun and smiled as she came face-to-face with Syaoran. He was scowling.

"Tell me, Jian, why would Chun Hua kick us out of her house and tell us to come over here instead?" he asked and Jian grinned mischievously.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, baby brother," she said vaguely but Syaoran held her gaze sternly.

"Jian…"he said quietly and Jian pouted.

"Syaoran, I really have no idea-,"

"It may be because of me," Jian was interrupted and Syaoran and Sakura turned abruptly towards the new speaker as a young woman with dark chocolate brown hair and dancing light amber eyes entered the room. Sakura gasped.

"Miyu!" Miyu grinned as Sakura rushed forward to embrace her friend. Syaoran watched, slightly surprised. He had not expected Miyu to be in Olympus already.

"Sakura-chan!" she laughed and Sakura held on tightly, only releasing her slightly to look at her. "Or should I say Ying Fa, now?"

"What are you doing here, Miyu?" Sakura cried in delight. She was overjoyed that her friend from the estate was with her in Olympus City, so far from home.

"It's a long story," Miyu smiled and Sakura beamed back at her. Miyu took Sakura's hands into hers.

"Sakura-chan, I have someone here with me that's been dying to see you," she said and Sakura's emerald eyes showed slight confusion. Miyu smiled and called out into the next room as Syaoran observed. "You can come out now."

Slowly, a young woman appeared from the doorway, with large, twinkling amethyst eyes and long, raven black hair, a huge smile on her pink lips. Sakura shrieked and threw herself on her best friend.

"TOMOYO-CHAN!"

"SAKURA-CHAN!"

The two young women embraced and jumped up and down in circles, holding each other's hands excitedly. Tomoyo was just as happy and hugged Sakura back tightly; both girls had huge grins on their faces.

"Sakura-chan I have so much to tell you!" Tomoyo cried and Sakura nodded happily.

"Me too! I have so much to tell you too, Tomoyo! Oh, I'm sorry I left without saying goodbye!" Sakura apologized as she hugged the young woman in front of her again. Tomoyo giggled.

"It's alright, Sakura-chan!" she reassured and Sakura sighed with relief, holding Tomoyo close and smiling widely.

Syaoran was surprised. He thought he had seen Sakura smile before but he realized just now as he watched Sakura with Tomoyo that he had never seen her this happy before. This smile that he was seeing now was her real smile and she was absolutely beautiful, glowing. Her emerald green eyes were sparkling with joy and life and her lips seemed to be permanently curved upwards, her cheeks glowing rosily. And slowly, a small grin formed on Syaoran's own lips as he watched her. He turned to Jian and suddenly noticed that she and Miyu had identical evil smiles on, standing next to each other and watching their brother with raised eyebrows. Syaoran turned away and cleared his throat.

"Where have you been?" Tomoyo asked and Sakura grinned.

"Oh, Tomoyo! I've been everywhere, traveling with Syaoran and visiting villages and fighting demons, and Tomoyo, it's been amazing!" Sakura chattered excitedly. Tomoyo stared.

"Syao…ran?" she asked, puzzled. It was then that Tomoyo noticed a young man standing in the same room, observing her and she blushed as she stared at him. He was one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. His serious face was framed by messy, chestnut brown hair, his deep amber eyes staring at her, put together by a chiseled jaw line and high cheekbones. It didn't help that his tall body seemed to be well put together too. Syaoran stepped forward.

"Daidoujii-san," he said quietly and bowed. Tomoyo smiled politely back.

"Li-san," she inclined her head. Syaoran nodded.

"Sakura talks about you a lot," he replied and Tomoyo blushed lightly.

"Yes, thank you," she said softly and Syaoran turned to Miyu.

"How long have you two been in town, Mi?" he asked.

"About two days now. We arrived in the morning," she told him. While Syaoran and Miyu were speaking, Tomoyo dragged Sakura to the side, whispering into her ear.

"Why didn't you tell me you were traveling with such a hunk?" Tomoyo said slyly, a twinkle in her eyes and Sakura's eyes widened.

"What? Tomoyo, he's not a-a-well you know what! Besides, he's Miyu's brother and he's my friend!" Sakura said indignantly. Tomoyo nodded understandingly.

"That doesn't change the fact that you've been traveling alone with him or that he's extremely good looking," she teased and Sakura opened her mouth to protest.

"That's may be so, but he's really arrogant and stubborn and irritating!" she pointed out and Tomoyo giggled.

"You always say that about every guy," she grinned and Sakura laughed along. It was true. Besides, she was in a very good mood right now and didn't want to spoil it.

"Which reminds me, Syaoran," Miyu was heard saying loudly and the two young women turned to listen to her as she spoke to her brother. "It seems that a certain cousin of ours arrived the same day that Tomoyo and I did and she's been waiting here for you for quite some time," Miyu said. There was a hint of a snicker in voice and she exchanged looks of glee with Jian.

Sakura, from what she had gathered from Syaroan's sisters, knew this wasn't something Syaoran would like and true to her thought, Syaoran was suddenly looking very guilty and depressed all at once. He sighed.

"You mean Mei—,"

BOOM!

The front door was knocked clean off its hinges and fell down as wind dust from outside blew violently into the room. A figure, hidden in the shroud of debris, slowly walked forward, stepping over the broken door.

It was silent, then,

"SYYYAAOORRAAAANNNN!" Sakura blinked as a white and red blur passed her. Hurriedly, she rubbed her eyes and when she reopened them, she saw a young woman, perhaps the same age as Sakura, with her arms tightly around a depressed looking Syaoran's shoulders.

"—ling…" Syaoran finished, sighing. The young woman had long black hair, tied into two pigtails with a red tie on each side of her head. She was wearing a Chinese outfit with white training pants and a red and white shirt. Her eyes, ruby red, were narrowed in dislike, glaring at Sakura with such intense hatred that Sakura shivered.

"SYAORAN!" the young woman yelled loudly and Sakura's eyes widened slightly. Syaoran drooped down lower and the young woman's hold on his neck became tighter.

"Oh my," Tomoyo said lightly as she put a hand to her cheek, observing Syaoran and the young woman.

"SYAORAN, why did you leave me back at the marketplace?" Meiling demanded. "Was it because of that girl?" she shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Sakura while simultaneously glaring at her. Sakura sweatdropped and turned away.

"Hooeeee…" The girl was really scary… Jian smiled cheerfully at Sakura.

"This is our cousin Meiling, Ying Fa!" she explained happily and Sakura smiled politely in her direction, only to look away again because she couldn't bear the intense rays of death Meiling was now directing at her.

"Uhhh…."

"AND Syaoran's fiancée!" Meiling announced triumphantly. Sakura looked up, surprised. Syaoran, who had been looking depressed, suddenly straightened up and looked at Sakura.

"Wait, no! Meiling, it's not like that! Sakura, I-," Syaoran protested. Sakura was still staring at Syaoran, a blank look on her face now, as if she were trying to comprehend something.

"Oh…" she said quietly as Syaoran tried to explain again.

"It's not like that, it's—ack, Meiling, get off me!"

"WE are happily engaged!" Meiling interrupted, shouting loudly in Sakura's direction while squeezing Syaoran tighter. Sakura merely put her head down. Syaoran looked over at her.

"Wait, Sakura, it's not what it seems—,"

"It's alright, Syaoran, you don't have to explain," Sakura said quietly and the room fell into silence. Then Meiling exploded.

"Why is that girl calling you by your first name?" she yelled. Syaoran sighed deeply.

At that moment, another familiar voice was heard.

"Woah, who broke down the door?" Sakura turned.

"Yamazaki!" A young man with straight black hair and slanted eyes stood next to the door, grinning sheepishly at the crowd. When his eyes fell on Meiling, comprehension dawned.

"Ooohhh, I see. Hello Meiling." Meiling nodded roughly in his direction and Yamazaki flinched. She was still scary…

"Are you guys having a party? Why am I not invited?" Another tall young man had walked through the doorway, rubbing the back of his red hair, his golden eyes sweeping the room. Satoshi looked down at his feet, his eyes focusing on the door beneath them.

"Who…?" his voice trailed off as he saw Meiling. "Oh." Then Satoshi's hand was swept into soft small ones as he stared into brilliant green eyes, the intimate contact causing him to blush furiously.

"Satoshi!" Sakura exclaimed as she shook his hand. She was very excited. She had gotten to meet all of her friends, new and old, here in Olympus city so far.

"H-hello, Ying Fa," Satoshi said embarrassedly. Miyu looked over and smiled at Satoshi.

"Welcome back, Satoshi," she said warmly. Satoshi looked up and nodded at Miyu.

"Thanks. Miyu-san, it's been awhile," he said grinning back. He turned his attention back to Sakura, much to the disappointment of Miyu.

"How are you, Ying Fa?" Satoshi asked quietly and Sakura smiled.

"I've been great!" she piped up. "Although it's been exhausting traveling with him…" Sakura said lowly while making a face earning a laugh from everyone in the room but Meiling, who glared instead.

"How dare you talk about my Syaoran like that?" she howled. Sakura cringed.

With a grin, Satoshi said, "You'll get used to it." Sakura smiled.

"Yes, I will! But what have you and Yamazaki been doing?" she asked curiously and Satoshi eagerly began conversing with her. While he was speaking to Sakura, a certain someone was watching them, a small scowl on his face.

"Li!" Yamazaki called out cheerfully as he walked over to stand by Syaoran. Syaoran looked away from Satoshi and Sakura and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh. Yamazaki, thank god you're here—I mean, what's the news?" he asked as he pulled Meiling off of him. Meiling reluctantly let go and stepped to the side. Yamazaki grinned, putting two thumbs up.

"We got the job done!" he cried enthusiastically. "We were wondering how we were ever going to contact all the heads of the villages in only a month, but we managed to do it," Yamazaki finished proudly, a hand on his chest.

"Yeah, it was actually pretty simple. As soon as we told them about it, the head chiefs in Jade Village and Orion Village sent some of their men out to let everyone else know too. Pretty soon, almost every chief we relayed the news to sent some men out. Kunio figured out a pretty productive way to do it and dispersed the men so that they would meet here within a month's time," Satoshi, who had been listening, added. "Needless to say, it worked great, Kunio being the genius that he is." Yamazaki grinned.

"Li, you already knew what a big help he'd be when you rescued him, didn't you?" Syaoran didn't answer him and Yamazaki laughed.

"That's just like our Li! Never doing anything without having more than one reason to!"

"Of course!" Meiling scoffed. "Syaoran always plans ahead," and she gave Syaoran a sappy look of admiration.

Suddenly from upstairs, the sound of babies crying could be heard and Jian, who had been observing the whole conversation with a look of intense satisfaction on her face, dashed up the stairs.

"Shoot, the twins are awake!"

"Say, Ying Fa, if you haven't gotten the chance to yet, would you like to go look at Olympus City with me?" Satoshi suggested as they watched Jian disappear upstairs.

"Right now?" Sakura looked up and Satoshi nodded.

"Yeah, just you and me," he said a little too cheerfully and Yamazaki snickered until Satoshi elbowed him in the gut. "Besides, you'll have a lot of free time from now until dinner." Sakura nodded.

"Wait, Sakura-," Everyone turned to look at Syaoran as he stepped forward. He stopped when he realized all eyes were on him. There was a look on his face, something close to embarrassment, and he turned away. Meiling watched with a beady eye.

"Yes, I'll go!" Sakura said and Satoshi turned pink.

"R-really?" Sakura nodded happily and dragged Tomoyo beside her.

"Tomoyo-chan and I will go!" Satoshi's face fell a little.

"Sure, I always say the more the merrier!" he said grinning and rubbing the back of his head. Introductions had to be made all over again and Tomoyo bowed politely as she officially met Satoshi and Yamazaki. Then Satoshi, Sakura, and Tomoyo walked to the door to leave.

Satoshi bowed at the door in front of Sakura, ushering her through first and she laughed at his silliness, Tomoyo following along in her wake.

"Hey!" Everyone turned to look at Syaoran as he stepped forward. "Be careful," he said quietly to the young woman with emerald eyes.

Sakura didn't look at him as she passed. She merely nodded absently and, linking arms with Tomoyo, stepped out into the sunlight. They could hear her and Tomoyo talking excitedly as they exited. Satoshi looked back at Syaoran, grinning at the doorway.

"I'll make sure she's safe, Li!" he said with a wink before he dashed after the girls.

The room watched them go in silence once more. Meiling stared at Syaoran's back. He still had his eyes fixed on the empty doorway and her eyes narrowed.

Miyu hid a smile as she stared at her younger brother. This was getting interesting…

THUD! Everyone turned to look as Jian came tumbling down the stairs, face flushed and hair askew.

"What did I miss?" she shouted as she righted herself. There was silence and she stared in confusion at Syaoran. Finally, Syaoran slowly turned around and crossed his arms over his chest, his deep, amber eyes clear, his face serious once more.

"Yamazaki," he said and the young man looked over to the Resistance leader, straightening up as he did.

"Yes, Li?"

"Will you go to the Wakaba house and take Mizuki-san down to the meeting room? I have a few things to discuss with him. While you're at it, fill him in on what we talked about earlier, I'll meet you there in little while," Syaroan said and Yamazaki nodded curtly.

"Alright. But what are you going to do now?" he asked behind his shoulder as he reached the doorway. Syaoran glanced at Yamazaki and looked back at his sisters and Meiling, standing in a tight knit circle and watching with confused looks on their faces.

"I'm going to have a little family talk first," he answered, looking each woman in the eye. They all swallowed nervously. Yamazaki grimaced and, left, shaking his head. The three women watched Yamazaki go but Syaoran's gaze didn't leave them.

"I need to speak with all of you in the kitchen," he said sternly as he removed his cloak and moved towards a stand to hang it. The three women nodded and began to assemble in the kitchen.

"Especially you," he said and stared hard at Miyu. She looked back at her little brother. "I have a bone to pick with you, Miyu."

Miyu gulped. "About what?" she asked in a small voice.

"Childhood memories," Syaoran answered as he followed Meiling and Jian. Miyu walked behind him, her head hung down.

"Oh, that. Heh heh…"

Olympus City

Province of Wind

4:51 PM

"Sakura-chan, look at this!" Tomoyo pointed out excitedly to a glass doll on display. The doll had painted rosy cheeks and matching red lips. Her eyes were black with a hint of blue drawn on porcelain skin and she had an elegant dress of silk on. The doll looked as if it had taken a lot of precision, time, and money to make. Sakura smiled half heartedly and ran her hands along the silk of the doll's dress absently. Tomoyo bit her lip as she watched Sakura with worry on her pretty face.

Satoshi, Tomoyo, and Sakura were in the town square, shopping and looking at all the wonders on display. Olympus city really was a sight, with its busy life and numerous shops and trade.

Tomoyo had been fascinated by Olympus City when she first came here, but as she had already had two days to explore the city, was less excited than Sakura. Sakura had been jubilant at first, watching with joy at every little thing, but as the day wore on, her smile had begun to fade. Compared to the complete happiness Tomoyo had seen at Jian's house when she first saw Sakura, she seemed to be more unfocused, thinking hard about something, and it bothered Tomoyo as she watched Sakura, not really looking at differently dressed porcelain dolls on display as she passed them by.

Satoshi had gone off to see about a new sword, leaving Tomoyo and Sakura to browse the sections outside of the black smith shop.

"Ying Fa, are you alright?" Tomoyo lightly asked. She had been confused about the whole name thing, but went along with it after Sakura had hurriedly reassured her that she would explain it to Tomoyo later on. Tomoyo had agreed and could see a point in changing Sakura's name. It would certainly fool anyone that was looking for her. Sakura, whose eyes were glazed over, blinked rapidly.

"Hmm? Ah, yes, I'm alright," she hurriedly reassured her friend with a smile. When Tomoyo still looked worried, Sakura shook her head.

"It's nothing, Tomoyo-chan! Oooh, look! Stuffed bears!" Sakura squealed as she moved towards a cart filled with different colored stuffed animals. Tomoyo laughed and joined Sakura in looking at the toys.

When her best friend seemed preoccupied, learning from the seller how to make the toys, Sakura once more pondered on the thought that was bothering her. It wasn't a big bother but it distracted her. Sakura lightly fingered a big, brown teddy bear. It looked similar to the black one she had won in the singing contest at Wonderful Village. Syaoran had shrunk it down with the Small for her so that she could carry it along and now sat in her pack back at Jian's house…

As Syaoran's deep, amber eyes flashed into her mind, Sakura shook her head violently, the thought that had been the source of her distraction throughout the afternoon once more surfacing into her mind. Suddenly, those eyes were replaced by burning, red orbs and Sakura lightly gasped out loud. She quickly slapped a hand to her mouth and looked around. No one had heard her…Tomoyo was still busy with the toymaker. She sighed. Sakura didn't understand why Meiling disliked her so much…but it looked as if it had something to do with Syaoran…

Sakura had never known that Syaoran even had a girlfriend, let alone a fiancée! He always seemed so aloof, independent, and always focusing on work, work, work. But, then again, she had never bothered to ask before either. 'Of course he would have a fiancée…' Sakura thought bitterly as she fingered the soft fur of a stuffed, fake dog. Syaoran was the type of guy that women liked. He was tough, strong, able, and certainly loyal…

Sakura snorted. 'And annoying and rude and always with a retort on the tip of his tongue…him and Meiling make a good couple! They deserved each other!' she thought but suddenly hung her head as Meiling's furious gaze resurfaced in her mind again. Sakura couldn't have that... she would just need to be careful around Meiling and not get too close to Syaoran. They were after all, only friends…Yes, that was right. She had to show Meiling that she and Syaoran were indeed just friends…

Yes, Sakura understood why Meiling would not want her around Syaoran. But what she didn't understand, and had spent all afternoon trying to comprehend, was why she suddenly felt so disappointed…

"Ying Fa!" Sakura looked up to see Satoshi waving to her as he returned with a sheathed sword by his side.

"I usually use my staff but I figured I would need another weapon for the journey," he explained ruefully, holding up the sword as Tomoyo joined them. "Wish I could have bought a Seeker made sword though," Satoshi said as he examined the sword in his hand regretfully. "They're the best weapon makers in all of the Clow. Their weapons are rare though and hard to find. That's why they cost so much money…"

Sakura stared at Satoshi, curious.

"The Seekers are warriors that seek out the Youkai, aren't they? Do they also make weapons?" Sakura asked. Satoshi nodded.

"Oh yes, Ying Fa. Their existence is focused on ridding the Clow of the Youkai but they wield some of the best weapons in the Clow. Their warriors' skills in forging weapons don't compare to anyone else, especially swords. Part of that is because they use the weapons to destroy the demons," he told her.

"How can you tell if a sword is Seeker made?" Tomoyo asked as the trio began to walk back along the city road. Satoshi laughed.

"There's only really one way to tell, Tomoyo-san. That's why people try to pass weak swords off as Seeker made. The only way to tell is to look on the hilt of the sword. On the bottom, there's a mark there, the mark of the Seekers," Satoshi explained and as they passed a stall selling calligraphy pens, he grabbed a pen and quickly dipped it in the ink pot, contrary to the protest of the vendor, and raised his wrist up. With a flourish of the brush, he drew a mark on his hand and replaced the pen, showing his wrist to the two young women.

"This is the mark of the Seekers," Satoshi said, smirking, his golden eyes gleaming.

Sakura and Tomoyo moved in to examine it. It was shaped like a leaf with a sword crossing over it. Sakura frowned. She had seen that mark somewhere before, she was sure of it…

"Can't the forgers put that mark on the bottom of the hilt?" Tomoyo asked, noting how easy it was for Satoshi to draw it in the first place as they continued down the busy streets.

"Yes, they usually do. But there's a difference between that mark and the real one. The real mark is made of a substance that is only found where the Seekers live and it changes colors and back when touched. And trust me it's really hard to do that without magic," Satoshi said impressively. "There's people who've tried but without that, a Seeker made sword is hard to forge." Sakura whistled.

"That is impressive," she remarked. "But what kind of substance is this mark, Satoshi? Are the Seekers the only ones who have access to it?"

Satoshi shrugged. "Rumor has it that it's a kind of stone only found on their land, but no one has ever been to where the Seeker's live before. They're very secretive about their home and those that do get inside don't come back out…"

Silence fell after Satoshi's ominous pronouncement.

*GROWL* ROAR*

Satoshi and Tomoyo turned to look at the auburn haired young woman who was punching her stomach, oblivious to the attention she was getting.

"Oh, be quiet you! How much food do you need anyway?" Tomoyo giggled and Sakura looked up, embarrassed. She smiled sheepishly. Satoshi joined in the laughter.

"I think Ying Fa is hungry," Satoshi said with a grin and Sakura protested.

"No, I'm not—!" *GRROOOWWWLLLL* Sakura hung her head and Tomoyo laughed lightly again.

"Oh, come on, Ying Fa, let's go home! It's almost time for dinner anyway," Tomoyo said dragging her friend away. "Besides, your stomach has a mind of its own!" she teased. Sakura attempted to retaliate again.

"No. But, Tomoyo, we haven't even looked at everything yet!" she cried while her best friend pushed her towards the road leading to Jian's house.

"We'll have time to look later on, Ying Fa," Satoshi said as he walked with the girls. "I don't believe we're leaving anytime soon. Li's looking to stay awhile...at least until the meeting's over," he added.

"Alright…" Sakura grumbled, finally defeated. "Let's come again tomorrow, ne?" she asked Tomoyo happily, her emerald orbs sparkling again as she skipped ahead and through the crowd.

Tomoyo agreed, "Yes, let's."

Olympus City

Province of Wind

6:58 PM

"Really? Syaoran did that?" a young woman laughed, her jade orbs twinkling in amusement. "He followed you around?"

"Oh yeah, Li was real scary. I used to always look over my shoulder. It seemed he was always behind me," Jin, Jian's husband, told Sakura with a loud laugh. Sakura had met him after she had gotten back to Jian's house with Tomoyo and Satoshi. He had been at work earlier and now just arrived home. He was a tall man with humorous eyes and lips that always seemed to curve into a mischievous smile. Like now, when he was telling Sakura and Tomoyo about the days when he used to court Jian.

"I was so paranoid, I jumped every time someone talked to me," he joked. "But thank goodness I Iost that habit," Jin said with a chuckle. "But let me tell you something, Li was no joke. It was a fight to the death every time he cornered me." Sakura and Tomoyo giggled and Jian laughed, coming to sit down next to her husband after setting a dish of corn down on the table.

"Yep! I am proud to say that my husband is one of the very few men in the Clow who have beaten my brother!" Jian said triumphantly as she patted her husband's back.

"Thank you but not without bruises, scrapes, and life threatening situations, dear," Jin reassured his wife and the whole room laughed.

"Wow, Jin-san. You have to tell me your secret!" Satoshi said from his other side. "Beating the formidable Li-san really is something to be proud of!" Miyu giggled loudly and he looked over at her.

"That secret, Satoshi, is to have the object of your affection go to their brother and threaten to reveal all of his embarrassing childhood stories to the men in the Resistance if he doesn't leave your fiancé alone!" Satoshi looked cheated and turned to Jin.

"Tch. And here I thought you were cool…"

Jin turned to Jian.

"Dear!" he said pulling a sad comical face. "Why didn't you tell me you threatened your brother to leave me alone?" Jian laughed and gently punched his arm.

"I already told you about that!" Jin's face turned back to normal and he laughed.

"Yes, you're right. But this will be our little secret and we can just let people think I beat your brother. It makes me look manlier," he said and Sakura giggled.

Syaoran's sisters made very formidable opponents…they were indeed scary when they needed to be. All of Syaoran's sisters were at Jian's house, preparing dinner with Jian's husband (with the exception of Huan, who was in Soul City with their mother). The twins were upstairs, napping as usual. Sakura and Tomoyo had eagerly asked to help with the dinner preparations when they arrived but the sisters had shooed the two young women away, telling them to rest after their afternoon at the market. Satoshi had also joined them.

"Syaoran is a very over protective brother to us all, especially since he's the only boy," Chun Hua explained from across the table as she laid out the chopsticks. Jian's kitchen was small but cheerful with pink and white as the main colors of décor. Together, they had squeezed two tables together in the middle.

"Hmm…reminds me of my own brother…" Sakura grumbled and the whole room laughed.

"Brothers just really care for you, Ying Fa." Jin said as he helped his wife to set out the plates. "And they want the best for you. That's why they're so protective. Even I understand this. I have sisters of my own, you know." Sakura nodded, thinking of Touya. Yes, he had been very protective, so much that he'd strike his own sister to instill fear into her to never do something again… She unconsciously shivered. This was the first time she had thought about him in a long time.

"Ying Fa, are you alright?" Tomoyo asked, putting a hand on Sakura's arm and she turned to her best friend, smiling.

"Yes, I'm fine, Tomoyo," she replied.

"Where are Yamazaki and Li anyway?" Satoshi suddenly asked as he glanced at his watch. "They'll miss dinner if they don't get here soon."

"Miss dinner? I'd never miss dinner!" The group turned to look as Yamazaki entered. Satoshi grinned.

"Speak of the devil. You'd never miss dinner only because you think with your stomach and not with your head!" he said and Yamazaki laughed.

"How very true. Hello, Ying Fa!" he waved to Sakura. Sakura smiled and waved back. "Where's Meiling?" he continued as he made his way towards a vacant seat.

"Meiling is helping bring some of the dishes at Chun Hua's restaurant over. I don't have enough with as many people as there are here. She and Misami-chan should be arriving any second now." Jian answered. "Where's Syaoran?" she asked Yamazaki.

"Li's on his way. He had a few last minute things to discuss with Mizuki-san. I headed back first," Yamazaki informed the group.

"We'll wait for him," she said.

"You don't have to wait for me. I'm sorry I'm late," said a deep voice as a young man with messy, chestnut hair and amber eyes entered the kitchen, removing his cloak. Tomoyo glanced at her friend then looked at the person who had drawn Sakura's emerald green orbs as soon as he came through the door. She smiled to herself.

"Syaoran, why is it that you always have impeccable timing?" Miyu asked her brother, laughing, as she entered from the kitchen and placed a dish of fish stew on the table.

"It's part of my charm, Mi," Syaoran replied as he moved to help her. The women laughed.

"That's right, Miyu. Your brother is never late," Satoshi said grinning. Syaoran raised an eyebrow and looked around the room. His face hardened perceptibly as he made eye contact with Jin, who was sitting down. Jin grinned back in good humor, raising his hand to his head to salute Syaoran.

"Jin," Syaoran said slowly and Jin inclined his head.

"Li-san," he replied back respectfully, but his eyes were twinkling. Syaoran merely gazed at him.

"Syaoran!" Syaoran looked up to see Sakura jump out of her seat, her auburn locks flying behind her, as she ran towards him excitedly.

"Syaoran, Olympus City is so amazing you wouldn't believe it! There are so many toys and animals and things to see!" Sakura cried excitedly as she reached him. Syaoran's face lit up as he watched the young woman and he moved forward just in time to catch her as she toppled over, just as he knew she would. Sakura fell into his arms and looked up at him breathlessly.

"And they have free souvenirs!" she managed to add. Syaoran's eyes gleamed with laughter as he looked down at Sakura but his face remained serious. Only his sisters noticed the happy glint in his eyes and the smile that threatened to spread onto his lips and they exchanged glances, smirking to one another.

"How many times have we been in this position, little Ying Fa?" he asked her quietly and Sakura giggled, opening her mouth to reply when a shrill shout cut her off.

"SYAAAOOORAAAAANNN!"

The Clow card mistress and the Resistance Leader immediately swiveled their heads to the doorway and Syaoran tripped."Meiling!" Words could not describe the look of shock and was it guilt? that was seen on the Resistance leader's face right then. Jian muffled her laughter with the back of her hand and she watched on with unholy amusement.

Meiling stood framed in the doorway leading into the dining room, her hands on her hips. She looked furious, her red eyes attempting to burn holes through Sakura. On instinct Sakura moved back and straightened up as Syaoran released her.

Meiling stomped into the room and hugged Syaoran's shoulders, clamping her arms tightly around his neck while she glared daggers at Sakura, daring her to get any closer.

Sakura sweatdropped.

"Why were you holding that girl, Syaoran?" Meiling demanded and Syaoran struggled to remove her grip on him.

"I wasn't holding her, Meiling," he explained exasperatedly, "she tripped."

"And you just happened to be there!" Meiling cried. Syaoran sighed. Sakura left them to it and walked back over to Tomoyo, who wasn't even trying to hide her giggles.

"Umm…we brought the plates…" a young girl spoke timidly from the doorway, holding a stack of dishes. She had a small face and petite frame with dark curls bouncing on her shoulders. Right now though, she looked confused and little bit embarrassed.

"Ah, Misami-chan, come in! I'm sorry!" Chun Hua said, standing up and hurrying over to help with the plates. Misami smiled at her boss.

"Thank you, Chun Hua-san."

"Misami-chan, have you met Ying Fa? She's my sister visiting from Soul City!" Jian piped up as she set the table with Chun Hua. Sakura turned to Misami and smiled at the younger woman.

"It's nice to meet you," Sakura said politely and Misami bowed in return, staring strangely at Sakura. Sakura looked at Misami.

"Is there something on my face?" she asked as she put a hand up to her cheek. Misami grinned and shook her head.

"No, it's nothing like that, Ying Fa-san. It's just that you're very pretty…" Misami drifted off and blushed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare or anything…"

"Oh yes, Ying Fa is the beauty in our family!" Miyu said laughingly.

"You're so lucky that your family is very good looking," Misami said as she seated herself.

"Ying Fa is very pretty," Satoshi agreed quietly and the room stared at him in silence. Even Meiling had stopped trying to suffocate Syaoran to glare at Satoshi instead. And for some reason, the young Resistance leader looked a bit angry…

Satoshi cleared his throat, his cheeks burning red and Miyu laughed loudly breaking the silence in the room.

"Now then, shall we eat?"

Dinner was, needless to say, a loud and chaotic affair and Sakura found herself seated next to Miyu, who was talking about how she and Tomoyo had left the Kinomoto estate and about their journey towards Olympus City.

"And they attacked you guys?" Sakura asked, her mouth wide open in horror. Miyu nodded.

"I was afraid that they'd get to Tomoyo-chan before I could after we split up, but she was very smart and left a hard trail to follow." Tomoyo laughed.

"Oh, Miyu, don't give me so much credit. If those soldiers hadn't been too bright to begin with we would have been caught." Sakura grinned at her best friend. She was so amazing!

"Tomoyo-chan, weren't you scared?" Sakura asked breathlessly. Tomoyo smiled.

"Of course I was, Ying Fa. But I kept my cool and asked myself what you would do in that situation," she said.

"And that would be?" Yamazaki had entered their conversation.

"Keep going, of course. Ying Fa would never give up easily. Her motto is 'everything will surely be alright'!" Tomoyo announced.

"That's a good motto, Ying Fa," Jin said from Jian's side. Jian looked up from feeding the twins, a girl and a boy, and smiled.

"Never give up is a great motto for you!" she agreed.

"Yeah, and she really lives up to it," Syaoran muttered from under his breath but the whole table heard and laughed. Somehow, Meiling's laughter carried the furthest and loudest from the group.

Sakura flushed. Darn that Syaoran and his remarks! He was looking at her from across the table, the corners of his lips slightly turned up, and she could see it in his eyes. He was challenging her to retaliate! Well, Kinomoto Sakura was never one to back down from a challenge! Sakura smirked and quite evilly at that. Syaoran noticed the look from across the table and his smile vanished.

"Hmm…that reminds me…Syaoran was just reliving some of his finer childhood moments with me while we were traveling…" Sakura drifted off and her gaze shifted to Syaoran. 'You want me to retaliate, you got it!'

"I've forgotten some of the things he told me though… Jian, do you think you can remind me?" Sakura asked, all innocent-like. Jian clapped her hands together and squealed, laughing.

"Ooohhh I never thought you'd ask! But gosh there are so many! Okay, okay, let's start with this one…this one time, Syaoran-," she was cut off as Syaoran half rose.

"Nope, it's okay, Jian. We don't want to hear about my childhood. It's very boring and very, very normal. Let's talk about something else!" But Jian would not be swayed. She wagged her finger at Syaoran and grinned, the kind of grin that only sisters can give, the kind that sends shivers down your spine, and Syaoran groaned.

"Jian…" he pleaded, but she only laughed.

"Don't worry, Syaoran, I think the guests, Daidoujii-san and Misami-chan, will have fun with this! Pay careful attention, Ying Fa, so you can remember it in the future!" Jian told Sakura, her eyes glinting with joy. Sakura nodded, laughing at the look of horror on Syaoran's face as Jian began.

"So this one time when Syaoran was only six, he found a little bunny rabbit by our rose bushes in the yard. He wanted to keep it, so we let him…" At this point, Chun Hua took over.

"And he liked the bunny rabbit so much, what did you name her, Syaoran? Cuddles, was it? Yes, well you should have seen the look on his face when he named it. It was nuzzling his neck and we asked him if he thought of a name for it. He got the sappiest look on his face when he looked up at us and said proudly, 'This bunny rabbit is my little Cuddles!'." Sakura was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes.

"He named her Cuddles?" she asked gasping through her tears. Syaoran, powerless, sat very still, eating as if he were very good at it in silence.

"That's not all. About three months later, Chun Hua and Huan were playing with Cuddles and accidentally let her escape. We knew Syaoran was going to be livid, I mean he was only six, but strong as a beast, so they went to the local market and bought another bunny rabbit of the same color and substituted it for "Cuddles." Well the next day, Syaoran went to go check on his bunny rabbit but found that "Cuddles" had died during the night. He cried for four whole days and when we finally confessed to him, he went ballistic! Hmm, what were his words again? Ahh, 'Give me back my Cuddles! I want my bunny Cuddles!'," Jian mimed stomping her foot and rubbing her eyes.

By the time she had finished the story the whole table was laughing. Yamazaki sat in the back, guffawing his head off and only stopped when he caught Syaoran's glare. His face immediately took on an expression similar to someone attending a funeral. Satoshi was wiping his tears away.

"A tantrum from Li really must have been something!" he said and Chun Hua nodded.

"Oh yes, he was quite destructive as a child!" she grinned. Syaoran, who had been silent this whole time, glanced over at Sakura, who had ducked down under the table to wipe her tears of laughter, and his cheeks flushed pink.

"That did not happen," he stated firmly and Jian, who was still giggling, shook her head.

"Oh yes it did!" Syaoran turned to Miyu for help who was trying to hide her laughter by covering her mouth. She was the sister that was closest to him after all. She would back him up. Miyu cleared her throat as she made eye contact with Syaoran.

"Hmm…Syaoran's right, it didn't happen." The group went silent and Syaoran breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, someone who would side with him. "Well, it didn't quite happen like that…if I remember correctly, his exact words were 'Give me back my cuddly, wuddly bunny Cuddles'!" The room erupted into laughter again as Syaoran slumped down in his seat, defeated. Only one person didn't seem to find it funny and Meiling sat resolutely glaring intensely at the Clow card mistress, who was still giggling, her emerald orbs full of joy.

Sakura chanced a glance at Syaoran. He looked grumpy about the fact that his men, and especially his family, had betrayed him but she could not help it. It was hilarious to find out things about his past. And that the strong man that she was seeing now used to keep a baby rabbit and named it Cuddles nonetheless was just too much. It also amazed as much as amused her that the always stoic and very serious Resistance leader was powerless against his older sisters, who seemed to enjoy teasing him every opportunity they got. They were very scary opponents…

"Do you want to hear another one?" Jian suddenly piped up and Syaoran's groan was the loudest in the noises of agreement that followed.

Olympus City

Province of Wind

11:28 PM

Though night had fallen upon the city, the citizens in it were anything but sleepy. They were talking and laughing and shopping away in the large marketplace beneath the fountain of the man with the lightning bolt while noblemen and their slaves walked from store to store, examining goods. Soldiers that guarded the city yawned every once in awhile, glancing at the sky and wondering when their shifts would be over. Stars were scattered across the open darkness and the moon, a beam of light from a corner of the sky shone through a small open window and into a room where two young women slept next to each other, sharing a bed.

The young woman on the left shifted slightly and turned onto her side to stare at her best friend. The faint moonlight set her amethyst eyes and raven-black hair aglow.

"That's amazing, Sakura-chan!" she breathed. "I can't believe that so much has happened to you in the last two months!" Tomoyo said quietly. "Can you really believe that we're here, so far from the estate and with each other?" The other young woman nodded happily, her emerald orbs shining.

"Yes, it's hard to believe, Tomoyo-chan! I never thought we'd be able to make it this far, with so many things in our way. Now look at us! I'm the carrier of the Clow key and I've met with you again! I really can't ask for more!" Tomoyo laughed.

"Let's not separate again, Sakura-chan! It would be too sad! I didn't spend two months traveling just to see you for a couple of hours after all!"

"Yes, we'll go together from here on out!" Sakura agreed laughing. The two young women were sharing a room and a bed that night since Jian had very few. They were not asleep yet, but rather chose to confide in each other about their journeys as they always used to. Sakura and Tomoyo kept very few secrets from each other.

"I hope you understand about your father, Sakura-chan. He was very remorseful when I spoke to him," Tomoyo said quietly. Sakura nodded.

"I do, I think…I 'm not sure if I can forgive him for not doing anything while Touya was around but it was all for the better…I won't hold a grudge against him. He's my father after all…" Sakura replied softly. "Besides, I don't know when I will ever see him again. This journey, these people, I've become attached to them all. Syaoran's family feels like my family…I like laughing and sitting and talking with these people…" Sakura continued quietly. "It feels as if I've known them my whole life…including Satoshi and Yamazaki and I don't want this to end. I know that I may just be a captive, but I'd like to think that I'm not..." Sakura smiled wryly and stopped talking. She glanced at Tomoyo.

"I'm babbling, aren't I?" she asked her best friend. Tomoyo laughed.

"Yes, but it makes sense," she answered and Sakura giggled. "You know, the thing is, Sakura-chan, I don't think you are a captive in their eyes… " Tomoyo continued slowly. "To me, it seems as if you're more like family to them. I know you've already told me that you want to fight with the Resistance and help people along the way, so I will fight with you too if that's your decision. I too want things to change for the better. I may not have parents, but I have a sister. That's you and I will be with you until the end if that's alright…" Sakura smiled, her eyes already watering slightly, and she reached over to hold her best friend's hand with her right one. She squeezed it tightly, holding it up in the air.

"Yes, Tomoyo-chan. It's alright with me…" Sakura whispered and Tomoyo grinned back, her own tears starting behind her amethyst orbs.

"Just think of how proud Chieko-san would be if she saw us now…" Tomoyo said laughing and Sakura's smile vanished. She had not told Tomoyo about Chieko-san yet…but it seemed that the topic was going to be delved into anyway because at that moment, Tomoyo noticed the ring sitting on Sakura's entwined hand. A ring with a large opal in the center…Chieko-san's ring…

"Sakura…" Tomoyo's face showed confusion. "That ring…" She turned to her best friend and saw tears already spilling from her jade orbs, wetting the pillow beneath as it caught the tears.

"Tomoyo-chan…" Sakura choked on a sob.

The young man was quite alone on the rooftop. He needed a place where he could be alone to ponder his worries and plan his next move. He liked these solitary moments which allowed him to organize his thoughts. Besides, he was quite comfortable. His amber eyes, slightly tinted red, wandered the streets below blooming with Olympus City's night life and his gaze shifted to the star strewn sky where it seemed the moon ruled accompanied by the draft of wind that swept his already messy chestnut brown hair around. Li Syaoran stared, lost in his thoughts, until a sudden sound made him turn his head slightly. He didn't need to look; he already knew who it was from the presence that he felt.

"May I join you?" Syaoran fully turned around to face Miyu and gave her small smile.

"Sure," he answered turning back to survey the city buildings. Miyu didn't hesitate and came up to stand next to her brother, wrapped in a warm shawl that she had carefully arranged on her shoulders.

"What are you doing up here, Xiao Lang?" she asked quietly, using his Chinese name. "Thinking?" Syaoran did not immediately answer his sister.

"More or less, Mi. Like you said, I always seem to be thinking…" he finally said with a smirk and Miyu turned to her younger brother, worry on her face.

"I know you do. You have a lot to think about. You need to take a break, Syaoran," she said gently. "You're always traveling, always on the move, always doing something for the Resistance, putting your life in danger… Really, it worries me." Miyu continued quietly. "It worries all of us, especially Mama. You know that you can't do this on your own, Xiao Lang." Syaoran turned to his sister, his eyes steadily watching her.

"I have to," he said firmly. "Mi, I know it's hard, but things will get easier. This is only the beginning. The time will come when we will see that peace everyone's dreaming of. It's already coming true." Syaoran gazed out into the city. "Then no one will need to risk their lives to make sure their families are safe from the Youkai or the noblemen and soldiers. When that time comes, I will finally be able to stop." Syaoran hesitated. "Until then, it's my job as Resistance leader to fight for it." Miyu lifted her hand to squeeze her brother's shoulder.

"That's not your only duty, Xiao Lang. You are also the—"

"I know," Syaoran cut her off and he squeezed her hand with his large ones. "Only one more reason why I can't fall now. So your observation about me…I guess it's natural to always be thinking, Mi."

Miyu bit her lip as she watched the back of her brother and silence descended upon the pair, the only sounds coming from below in the city and the tinkling of the chimes as the wind blew them.

Finally, Miyu released Syaoran's shoulder and folded her arms in front of her chest with the shawl to protect from the cold wind.

"But isn't it amazing though?" she sighed as she watched the stars. Syaoran turned to look at her.

"What?" he asked. Miyu smiled at her brother.

"The fact that Sakura-chan is the Clow card mistress," she answered quietly. Syaoran blinked. He had forgotten about Sakura momentarily. He had other worries on his mind. When Syaoran gave her a blank look, Miyu continued.

"Somehow, it all seems right to me. I should have known a destiny like this was waiting for her," she said staring out into the city. "I've always admired how brave she was, standing up to her brother when even the toughest men trembled before him. Sakura-chan is an amazing young woman…" Miyu finished, her eyes twinkling.

"She is."

She was surprised to hear Syaoran agree with her. Miyu turned to her brother, complete bewilderment on her face. He was still staring out into the distance, his face unreadable. Had he really just said that? She decided to keep it to herself and the smile that escaped her lips was immediately smothered away.

"So, little brother, you've met the person with whom your destiny is tied to," Miyu said seriously. "Play nice, now." Syaoran smirked and raised an eyebrow.

"You know me, Miyu. I always play nice," he said triumphantly and Miyu laughed.

"Oh yes, Syaoran. It just so happens that every time we told you to play nice, the other person always ended up getting hurt," she teased. Syaoran grinned.

"I do play nice. Maybe they just don't," he replied arrogantly. Miyu giggled.

"Like some certain bullies we told you to play nice with when you were younger? I believe the only thing we got out of them after you got through with them was, 'We're sorry,' wasn't it?" she laughed. Syaoran chuckled lowly.

"They told me that they never apologized to anyone," he remarked with a shrug and Miyu laughed but Syaoran suddenly became serious again.

"We're the heroes in the prophecy, Miyu," he said, his voice devoid of all mirth. "I will protect Sakura." Miyu could only gape at her younger brother and finally she smiled warmly at him, her amber eyes dancing.

"I know you will, Xiao Lang." Brother and sister stood together in silence for a few more minutes until Miyu spoke again.

"You know, Syaoran, I was wondering… If Sakura-chan has such strong magic, won't the noblemen be able to sense her presence?" she asked.

"I already thought of that, so I put concealing magic inside of Chieko-san's ring until she's trained to hide her aura. Sakura always wears it so it should be safe," Syaoran answered and Miyu looked confused.

"Chieko-san?" she repeated. Syaoran cursed himself. He had not told Miyu about Chieko-san yet.

"Miyu…" he said lowly, "I have something to tell you…"

A few moments later, Miyu covered her mouth in horror, gasping, as Syaoran finished retelling the story of the battle with the two Youkai brothers, Bokatsu and Gokatsu.

"Oh, Syaoran!" Miyu cried as tears fell from her eyes. "How horrible! Sakura-chan must have been devastated!" Syaoran nodded slowly.

"She was. She refused to eat or speak much for days afterwards. She only began smiling again after I gave her Chieko-san's ring…" he looked over at Miyu, who was drying her tears with her shawl now. He knew that Miyu had been close to Chieko-san but not to the extent that Sakura and Daidouji were.

"I always wondered…" Miyu whispered, "but I never knew… The slaves…the slaves at the estate will be so sad…" She looked up at her brother. "Tomoyo-chan doesn't know! I have to tell her." She made to go downstairs until Syaoran stopped her.

"No, Miyu. You don't have to tell her." Miyu looked confused.

"Why not?" she asked. Syaoran looked up into the star filled sky and pushed down the sudden feeling of intense sadness that had flared up inside him despite it having nothing to do with what he was feeling right now. Somehow, he knew the sudden melancholy emotion he was experiencing was Sakura's sadness.

"Because she already knows," he said quietly.

Downstairs, in the small bedroom the two young women shared, Sakura and Tomoyo hugged each other, both crying softly as sleep claimed their tired bodies.

"Everything will be alright…" Syaoran said softly, quoting Sakura, his amber eyes serious, as he watched the sky. Miyu had gone inside a while ago. And it was the Clow card mistress that he was thinking of as he finally descended the stairs once more.

The Next Day

Olympus City

Province of Wind

12:48 PM

"Hmmm, hmm, hmmmmm, hmmm~…" (A/N: Sorry, my sad attempt at humming? lol)

She had started again. Syaoran was mingling with the large crowd to get to the front of a very popular stall that sold an assortment of weapons, from kunai to darts to short blades, and was just looking at a particularly smooth blade when she had started humming again. It was a song that she didn't usually hum and he didn't recognize it. Perhaps she had learnt it from Daidoujii. The two young women were inseparable since their reunion.

"Oh yes, that is one fine dagger you've got there. It's Seeker made!" Syaoran looked up at the sales man, an old bloke with two missing front teeth. He smiled crookedly at Syaoran.

"I'll cut you a deal on that one. I'll only charge you 45,000 yen for it. It should really be priced at 60,000. It's the deal of a lifetime!" he exclaimed and Syaoran checked the hilt of the dagger. True to his word, the Seeker emblem was there but it was a fake. Syaoran had had enough experience with weapons to know this and he dropped his voice as he motioned for the old man to get closer with his finger. He leaned in.

"I know it's a fake, old man, but a very good one," he said quietly and the old man began sweating. "We'll make a deal. I'll pay you 25000 yen for this one and I won't tell these shoppers your little secret." Syaoran stepped back and raised an eyebrow at the old sales man. He glared at Syaoran, who calmly observed him. Finally the old man growled and spat.

"Fine!" he agreed angrily and Syaoran grinned, handing him the correct amount of money from his pouch.

"Hmm, hmmmm, hmmmm, hmmm~" Syaoran grinned to himself as he moved over to the next stall, knowing she would follow. He needed supplies for the journey ahead and since he had a little free time today, he decided to buy them now.

This next stall was just as busy as the first and Syaoran had a hard time hearing the sales lady through the hustle and bustle of the crowd.

"How much are these herbs?" Syaoran shouted, picking up a small container. The lady yelled something back but he could not make it out.

"Hmm, hmmm, hmmmm, hmmmm~~…" Exasperated, Syaoran rolled his eyes and turned to the young woman next to him.

"Sakura, stop humming," he instructed her sternly but stopped when he came face-to-face with a pair of ruby red eyes. Meiling looked up at him.

"Huh? What did you say, Syaoran?" she asked him. Syaoran bit his tongue. He had forgotten that Meiling had tagged along with him today… How could he think that it was Sakura? Shoot, he had to think of a cover up fast!

"Ah, nothing, Meiling," he hurriedly said and turned back to the sales lady uncomfortably. Syaoran sighed as he continued his shopping. He knew exactly why he had mistaken Meiling for Sakura. He had not spoken to her for two days now, ever since their arrival in Olympus City. Sakura seemed to have distanced herself from him and even when he caught her smiling at him and coming towards him, she would immediately walk off again and the reason behind this was standing next to him now. Meiling would not let her get a chance to talk to him or even make contact with him. Syaoran knew she was furious that he had spent two months with Sakura alone but still! He was reluctant to admit it, but he was starting to miss Sakura's presence… No, he didn't miss her! What was he thinking? Syaoran was just used to being around her constantly, used to her presence, that warm, pink aura that made Sakura distinct…

While Syaoran was lost in his thoughts, he didn't notice the fury that was growing in Meiling's eyes as she watched him. She had, of course, heard him perfectly fine when he had called her "Sakura," and she was furious! Meiling fumed to herself.

Who did that girl think she was, coming into Syaoran's life and speaking and acting so comfortably around him? And how could Syaoran trust her that easily? To top it all off, that…that…GIRL had spent two whole months alone with her Syaoran! Her Syaoran! Meiling was beyond angry. She was pissed and she hated that girl! Hated how she smiled! Hated how she tried to act so damn loveable and she definitely hated how much her cousins doted on the girl! Kinomoto Sakura was the enemy's sister for goodness sake! Meiling could not stand it. Someone had to get rid of the girl and put an end to it and it was going to be her!

Meiling was about to give that girl a piece of her mind two days ago when she had caught Syaoran holding her before dinner at Jian's, but Misami and Jin had been there and they didn't know Sakura's true identity. Syaoran would have gotten angry with her if she had said anything that revealed who Sakura was and so Meiling had kept quiet and spoke through glares instead.

Meiling's black pigtails swung angrily as she stomped around the marketplace with Syaoran and she huffed under her breath angrily as she waited for him to finish his purchases.

A man suddenly approached her from behind and tapped her shoulder.

"Excuse me pretty miss," he began in an oily voice. Meiling turned around, her face livid and the man gasped, immediately backed up, and tripped over his feet, falling onto his bottom.

"Err! Sorry! Wrong girl!" Meiling growled and the man took off at a sprint. She watched him go, a bit satisfied at the reaction she had instilled, but turned when she heard her name.

"Meiling." Syaoran was putting his purchases inside a bag as he walked towards her.

"What is it, Syaoran?" she asked as he approached her. Syaoran looked at her.

"I'm done shopping for today. If you don't need anything else, let's head back," he told his cousin and Meiling shook her head.

"No, I don't need anything." Syaoran nodded.

"Alright, let's go then." The two made their way down the crowded streets once more with Meiling looking around the square. She would never get used to Olympus City's busy life. They had just passed some gates that Meiling knew led into some deserted courtyards when she stopped. She had seen something in there, through the bars! Her eyes were unusually sharp, little escaped them. Meiling glanced at Syaoran, who was busy looking at his plans again and walking ahead of her.

"Syaoran." He stopped and turned around to face his cousin. Meiling smiled at him.

"Um, Syaoran, I just remembered. I need to pick up some more sugar for Chun Hua. I promised her I would. I'm going to go back and get some," Meiling said and she began to move towards the marketplace again. Syaoran stared at her.

"Let's go together then, Meiling," he said as he made to follow her.

"NO!" Meiling practically shouted, holding out her hands to stop him. "I mean, no. It's okay. I can get it on my own!" she said sweetly. Syaoran looked at her for another minute before he looked away again.

"Alright. Don't come home too late," he said to her before he walked off. Meiling nodded, waving to his back and grinning.

"I won't!" She watched him until he had rounded the bend and disappeared from view. Her smile instantly vanished as she hurried towards the gates leading into the deserted courtyards. Meiling looked around quickly before she entered and followed the path that would take her there. There were fountains everywhere and she knew that at the end there were two courtyards of empty space with a few benches and thick walls surrounding the grass and trees that now grew wildly on the sides. Meiling turned the corner and immediately ducked behind it again. Slowly, she peeked her head out to observe the scene before her.

Jian, the twins, Miyu, that Daidouji girl, and the Kinomoto girl were sitting in the shade of the courtyard beneath some trees, laughing as they played with Jian's twins and Meiling's blood boiled as she watched the twins warm up to Sakura. They hardly behaved that way around her and she was their aunt! Unconsciously, Meiling clutched at the stone wall she was hidden behind and the wall cracked under her strength as she remembered her conversation with Syaoran in the afternoon when he had first arrived.

"So that's why I don't want you guys questioning her," Syaoran finished. Miyu and Jian nodded.

"Alright, Syaoran, we won't," Miyu promised. "But you're going to tell Chun Hua this too, aren't you?" she inquired of her brother. Syaoran nodded.

"The only ones that know Sakura's true identity are you guys and Satoshi and Yamazaki. No one else should know. I'm sorry, Jian, but that includes Jin," Syaoran said quietly. Jian nodded.

"Yes, I understand, Syaoran," she replied and Syaoran nodded.

"Good. Now I have to get going. Mizuki-san and Yamazaki are probably waiting for me," he said. Jian and Miyu exited the kitchen talking excitedly but Meiling remained where she was standing by the wall, unmoving, and Syaoran stopped next to her on his way out.

"Meiling…" he said. Meiling turned to Syaoran, her ruby red eyes burning, and she stomped her foot.

"Syaoran! I don't get it! How can someone as weak as that little girl be the Clow card mistress?" she demanded and Syaoran stared hard at her.

"It wasn't decided by me, Meiling," he said quietly. "But for now we have to protect her. And she's not that weak. Give her a chance," Syaoran finished but Meiling wasn't listening. Her eyes bulged out in disbelief. Was Syaoran actually on her side? Was he giving her a compliment? Meiling's eyebrows furrowed more, hate for the girl making her shake.

"Get to know her. She's not all bad," he told her lowly. Meiling turned to Syaoran, furious.

"But she's Kinomoto Touya's sister!" she exclaimed vehemently. "The Kinomoto Touya who is the best captain in the red imperial army! The Kinomoto Touya who captured and killed Uncle! The one who—!" Meiling was cut off as Syaoran hit the wall beside her and she jumped, staring at Syaoran in shock.

"I know perfectly well who Kinomoto Touya is," he said coldly. "Do not think I underestimate him. Sakura is nothing like her brother, Meiling. If you don't trust my judgment, whose judgment do you trust?" he asked icily. Meiling did not answer. She was still in shock and hung her head. Finally she spoke.

"I know. I trust you, Syaoran. I-I'm sorry…" she said in a small voice. Syaoran sighed and Meiling looked up at him as he rubbed his face with his hands.

"I'm sorry too, Meiling. I shouldn't have lost my temper like that… It's just that," Syaoran smiled wryly, "I don't like being reminded of Uncle…or all of the other things that the captain of the red imperial army has done in the past…" he said softly. Meiling nodded, feeling low and ashamed. She always got carried away… She already knew how touchy Syaoran was about the subject of their uncle's death. After all, that was what had caused him to become the new leader of the Resistance.

"You should get going…" Meiling murmured and Syaoran looked up.

"Yes, I should get going," he agreed and looked at his cousin. "Are you alright, Meiling?" he asked and Meiling smiled at him.

"You know me, Syaoran! I'm always okay!" she said. Syaoran nodded once and stepped towards the door when he suddenly paused and turned back around.

"What is it, Syaoran?" Meiling asked him.

"There's one more thing, Meiling," Syaoran said as he stared at her.

"What is it?" she asked curiously.

"I want you to promise me that you won't fight Sakura," he said sternly as he looked her directly in the eye. Meiling protested.

"But, Syaoran-!"

"No buts, Meiling!" Syaoran interrupted her. "Promise me you won't fight her!" he repeated seriously, his amber orbs never leaving hers. Meiling's gaze faltered.

"Syaoran-!"

"Meiling…" he said sternly and he crossed his arms over his chest as he stood in front of her. Meiling made an irritated noise in her throat and turned away stubbornly.

"Fine!" she huffed. "I won't fight her!" Syaoran nodded.

"Thanks. I'll see you at dinner," he quickly said before he left and Meiling ground her teeth, seething.

Meiling's hands balled into fists as she recalled the conversation. Why was Syaoran so worried about that Kinomoto girl anyway? She was a weakling! And as these thoughts flew through her mind, a reckless abandonment seized Meiling and she left her hiding spot and stomped towards her cousins and the girl.

"Catch me, Auntie Ying Fa!" Ping said as he zoomed towards a couple of rose bushes. Sakura giggled and caught him before he ended up in a head on collision with the thorns from the flowers. He struggled in her arms, laughing loudly.

"Princess, look at me!" Ling shouted while Tomoyo lifted her up like a plane.

"They've sure taken a liking to you, Ying Fa!" Jian observed, laughing. She was seated next to Miyu on some of the benches. "They usually don't warm up to females all that much and they've even nicknamed you princess! It's mostly men that they get along with since they're such troublemakers!"

Sakura giggled hearing this.

"Are they really?" she asked. It was hard to imagine that these adorable twins, Ping and Ling, would ever be troublemakers when they sat tossing their toy ball around with Tomoyo and her, their rosy cheeks aglow and giggling loudly. The twins were three years old this year. The deserted courtyard was a regular visiting place for them since it provided plenty of running space for the energy filled youngsters and it also provided a good opportunity for Jian to relax and have time for herself while the twins played. Today, however, the two sisters and Sakura and Tomoyo had decided to take them out together and here they were, playing after a delicious lunch. Chun Hua was working at her restaurant.

"Ying Fa!" Sakura blinked as Tomoyo called her name and she looked just in time as the toy ball that the twins had been bouncing around flew past her and landed on the dirt a few meters away.

"Princess, hurry! Go get the ball!" Ling and Ping shouted at the same time and Sakura, laughing, got up to go chase the runaway ball.

"Yes, Ying Fa, must you ruin the game?" Miyu called out teasingly and Sakura giggled. The ball rolled to a stop a few feet in front of Sakura. She bent down to pick it up when a foot, wearing red, satin Chinese shoes, came down onto the air inflated ball, crushing it with a burst of leather underneath the foot. Sakura could hear the gasps of shocks from the twins and her eyes widened. She looked up at the person who was now standing above her.

"Huh? Meiling?"

Meiling looked beyond angry as she glared down at Sakura with such intense hatred in her eyes that Sakura winced. There was something different about Meiling's anger with Sakura today and she could feel a fire emanating from the young woman with electric heat and force. Smoke seemed to be rising from her and Meiling's eyes were sockets of white. Her pigtails flew behind her and she raised a tightly clenched fist into the air and brought it down. Sakura flinched and fell back onto her bottom and she looked up at the Chinese woman in confusion. Meiling forcefully jabbed her finger down at Sakura.

"GIIIIIRRRRLLLLLL!" Meiling shouted in a booming voice. "LET'S FIGHT!"

"Eeehhhhh?"

Chapter 10 End.

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Author's Note: OMG! We've got Sakura's first fight on hand! Okay! How was it? Muahahaha I know I'm cruel to stop there! But really, it's the best place to end! It's 1:50 in the morning right now and I've just finished. Ahh, I wanted to sleep but I really wanted to get it out to you readers who've waited so long also. Plus, I promised that I would update sometime this week! So here it was! I hope you enjoyed it! It was so much fun to write! Look forward to chapter 11. I'm not going to make any promises with that chapter though because I don't know how long I will need on it yet. ^^ In the meanwhile, enjoy what I have so far and recommend The Clow to your friends! Ah, one more thing! Don't forget to Read and Review! Thanks! Reviews would definitely help bring chapter 11 out faster lol. Thanks again to the readers of The Clow. You guys are awesome. And oh, this message is to monkeydluffy: I'm sure we can work something out ^_~ maybe getting an account will help and it lets you know when I update :P thanks for reading ^^

-Yuuki ^^