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.

25. Chapter Twenty Five: The City of Souls

The Clow

Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura. All characters and affiliates belong to CLAMP.

Yuuki's Note: Hello, my dear readers! I am back! After five months of much fighting and planning and typing and using the word "bloody", I've managed to come out with the newest chapter of The Clow! I've missed all you! I told you guys that I wasn't going to give up on The Clow and I've stuck to my word! I'm not going to make any excuses (It was Nari's fault, by the way -_-;;) and this chapter was fairly difficult to write but it's here now, so bully for Yuuki!

I know that in the last chapter, I mentioned that this newest chapter would be the start of the second arc in The Clow and you will see why when you read it. It's quite different from any of the other chapters so far, though I'm not quite sure if it's my writing style that's changed or I'm just paranoid (I agree with the first one, Nari agrees with the second). I'm also still trying to decide if it's a good thing or a bad thing…

I've had to reroute many of the Clow's plot points during the short hiatus but I'm happy to say that I have it all figured out now! Things should run smoothly from here on out and I'm telling you readers, the Clow will be epic! I haven't given up on this story yet and I won't be satisfied until I share it with you faithful readers! Thank you for continuing to support me and the story!

I also mentioned previously that I was in the process of writing a new story that will be posted up shortly…well, I lied…again…yeahhhh….it will be a while before I come out with another story, which will most likely be SxS centered. (I really can't get enough of these two!) My free time is very restricted right now and I can barely find time to write the Clow as it is. So I'll have to sacrifice writing the Clow over not writing a new story… When I do get around to writing that story, you readers will be the first to know!

But! While I'm doing that, please go ahead and read the latest chapter for the Clow! Don't forget to review at the end! Enjoy!

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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 Twenty-Five:

The City of Souls

Kiri Village Road

Province of Fire

5:02 AM

Li Syaoran snuck another concealed glance behind him. His deep amber eyes glinted with unsuppressed amusement while a small smile played at the corners of his lips as he listened to the occasional dark murmurs and grunts behind him.

He turned and gave the woman his most irritating smile. "Why the long face, little Sakura?" Although he knew perfectly well why she was in such a sour mood, Syaoran couldn't help but get her even more riled up. She was a vision when she was angry, even now, being as tired and flight ridden as she was.

They were on the road that would take them into Kiri, the village that sat right next to Soul City's gates. Yuuki, the snowy white owl that the Seer's had lent them, deposited Syaoran and Sakura in the woods a couple of hours before so they could make the rest of the journey on foot. It would look highly suspicious if a bird the size of a small house were to land right at the entrance of a village and at this point they didn't want to draw attention to themselves.

Since then, the two chosen ones had been quietly walking along the cool morning trail. The sun was just beginning to come up, a pink and orange tinge of color in the horizon. Both of the awaited ones were exhausted.

They had spent the better part of the night awake and alert for the small groups of Youkai that would occasionally attack them in the air. The Soul, which Sakura carried in the Clow staff drew demons on regular intervals as it called them forth with its malevolent aura. They were physically and magically drained and the lack of sleep was beginning to catch up to them.

Syaoran, who was used to the rigorous training, took their grueling schedule with barely a grimace while Sakura, who hadn't had as much experience on the road without a proper night's rest became taciturn and cranky.

The two guardians, who had been up with the two chosen ones all night disappeared as the sun rose, Yue, into apparent thin air and Kerberos, into Sakura's bag to rest.

Sakura scrunched up her nose and stuck her tongue out at Syaoran as a reply and he smiled. "You've become spoiled, you know that?" he informed her.

"Oh? How so?" she asked testily, although she was too fatigued to be really angry.

"You always got to rest in small towns and villages along the way. I don't think that there was a day when I forced you to travel without rest. I usually go on foot between cities without sleeping or eating for days at a time when I travel alone and here I am, being so kind to you by letting you sleep along the way. This is the first time you've gone without it and look at how bad you're taking it…" he drifted off.

Sakura snorted. "You sure were sleeping well every time we stopped to rest, Syaoran…"

He smiled. "I decided that if you were going to rest, then so was I. There was no point in staying up in all those small villages and resting places by the river while you were unconscious."

"I was never unconscious! I merely slept…"

"Sure you did Sakura, like how the dead like to sleep…"

"I have two cards in mind that I wouldn't mind using on you right now," Sakura gritted out. "And they promise to be very unpleasant." Syaoran stared at her for a second before he began to chuckle lowly. It was a deep pleasant sound in the quiet morning air. Sakura really was at her wits end if she was threatening him with the Clow cards.

Sakura sighed at his reaction. "You ingrate… You actually find it amusing that I'm so tired and grumpy right now, don't you?" But a small smile perched itself onto her lips as she said this.

"Yes, little Sakura. I do," Syaoran admitted, his amber eyes glinting mischievously. "It's been a long time since we've traveled together…just the two of us…" he looked around himself then back at the card mistress. "It's nice."

Sakura's cheeks flushed and she looked down at her feet as she walked. He was right. It had certainly been awhile since they'd been alone like this. The last time she and Syaoran had traveled just by themselves was before they'd reached Olympus City…and that was more than a month ago! She glanced at Syaoran from the beneath her lashes.

He was looking ahead, his black cloak wrapped around his broad shoulders as he walked. He had certainly changed from five months ago… it was hard to believe that all of that time had passed…

And Sakura suddenly frowned as she watched him. She had never noticed how tall he was before, or how he seemed to completely fill out the plain t-shirt that he was wearing now. And how serious his face was, though nowhere near as serious as when she first met him…

How had she not noticed the way his jawline seemed to contrast with his strong cheekbones just so that there was a slight hollow to his face? Or the way his dark chocolate brown hair was always perfectly tousled on top of his head? And Sakura had certainly never noticed those golden specks in his amber eyes before…perhaps it was the way the sun light was hitting his features as it rose…

She was so busy staring at Syaoran she didn't have time to watch where she was going. Before she knew it, she had stumbled upon a foreign object on the road. Syaoran's strong arms prevented her knees from hitting the ground by quickly grabbing her waist and Sakura turned to meet his eyes, their noses inches apart.

"Be careful," he told her quietly. Sakura could only stare, all of her breath having left her lungs as Syaoran helped her stand again. She did so quietly, aware of the increasing palpitations in her chest. "I know you're tired Sakura, just wait a little longer, ok? We're almost there," Syaoran told her, not unkindly. Sakura nodded dumbly, not registering his words but rather where his hands were at that moment, on her arms to steady her. They felt warm against her skin and she unconsciously shivered.

"I'm fine," the automatic response left her lips and Sakura almost cringed. She was far from being alright at the moment. But it had always been a reflex of hers to make sure others didn't worry about her first and she couldn't help it.

Sakura pulled herself away with a small tug and began walking again with her hand raised towards her chest and her eyes downcast. Syaoran watched her silently.

She had only taken a few steps when she suddenly felt her feet leave the ground. She gasped as she felt Syaoran lift her into his arms and stare at her straight in the face as if daring her to attempt to free herself of his hold.

"Do you expect me to really believe that you're fine?" he asked lowly. Sakura blushed at his intense stare. "Because I don't believe it for one moment. You were never a good liar, Sakura."

She frowned at him. "I am aware of that, thank you very much," she replied archly. Syaoran rolled his eyes.

"Stubborn card mistress…" he exhaled and began walking with her in his arms. One of his arms was supporting her back while the other was placed under her legs. "You're always saying that you're fine…that's all right when it comes to others, but it doesn't work on me." And he caught her eye with his gleaming amber ones.

Sakura averted her eyes. "Syaoran, put me down."

"I will do no such thing," was the reply of the resistance leader. Sakura swiveled back to him but he was looking straight ahead at the road.

"Put me down," she repeated and began wriggling against his grip. "We're going to lose time this way. You want to get into Soul City as soon as possible and that means we have to keep walking."

"I'm walking. You're not," Syaoran said firmly. Sakura stared at him and he stared back.

"And you say that I'm stubborn…" she finally grumbled. Syaoran chuckled.

"Get some rest, Sakura. I'll wake you when we get there."

Sakura was sure she couldn't sleep with her heart beating so loudly. He carried her in silence for a few moments before she spoke again.

"Am I heavy?" she asked quietly. Syaoran smiled.

"Nah, you're light as a feather," he replied heartedly. Sakura giggled.

"I doubt that dearly…"

"And for once, you're correct." Sakura laughed and nudged his side. He faked a grimace and grinned.

"Thank you…" she whispered softly as she leaned her head against his shoulder and finally closed her eyes. Syaoran heard her and his heart swelled.

"You're welcome, Sakura."

True to his word, Sakura had barely felt that she had closed her eyes when Syaoran was gently shaking her awake again. They were almost to the gates of Kiri Village.

As they neared the gates, they could already see people up and about, setting up their items for the shop or indeed shopping for the freshest items for breakfast. Kiri was a village, but Sakura felt that it qualified to be a town, or a small city. It sort of reminded her of Olympus City with all the people and hustle and bustle. But then again, it sat right next to the capital and its people were used to seeing travelers frequent in it and out.

Though it was early, there were already large crowds and animals about. Horses snorting in pens for sale or tied to the front of several inns; dogs and cats wandering the streets looking for something to eat and even a couple of colorful birds in cages that a vendor was selling. They chirped as Sakura and Syaoran walked by.

She observed this all in fascinated silence as she followed Syaoran through the town while he navigated with apparent ease. He passed the market without once glancing at it. Only when a man with broken teeth pulled Sakura aside by her cloak to show her some very strange looking ornaments did Syaoran come back and wrench the man's grip from Sakura, throwing him a dangerous look before leading her away again. Sakura didn't protest much as the man did look at her in an eager way and also she was just far too exhausted. But she really did wish that Syaoran would stop touching her though. His rather firm grip on her hand was doing strange things to her heart again…

They stopped in front of a small house a few blocks down from the market and Syaoran knocked on it impatiently. When there was no answer, Syaoran frowned and knocked again until a baritone male voice called out to them,

"Hey! What do you two think you're doing?" Sakura turned and observed a tall handsome man in his late twenties making his way angrily towards them. He had light brown hair and dark vivid eyes. "What business do you have knocking on my-!" he abruptly stopped as Syaoran turned around and his eyes widened as he quickly sank into a half bow instead. "Li-san!" he breathed hoarsely, looking up and Sakura glanced at Syaoran who was watching the man with a small smile.

"Yoshima." He said simply.

"I'm sorry about that, Li-san," Yoshima apologized again as he seated himself opposite Syaoran and Sakura on a couple of old couches in his living room. "I didn't know it was you. I was out running some errands this morning and I told Michiru not to open the door for anyone. There's been a lot of activity from the red imperial army lately and I just wanted her to be extra cautious."

"Oh, he's always so uptight," his wife said dismissively as she entered the living room and placed tea in front of them on a small coffee table. "I would have answered the door but I was in the kitchen and didn't hear it, Li-san."

"Michiru! You should be more careful!" Yoshima gasped. His wife raised her eyebrow at him.

"What? Don't you think I can take care of myself?" she asked testily. She was rather intimidating for a small woman, even pregnant as she was now. Her stomach bulged beneath her dress and apron as she placed a hand on it tenderly, smiling. Yoshima only sighed in defeat and Sakura giggled into the palm of her hand. Yoshima and his wife's playfulness with one another was too funny. The way he seemed to lose to his wife was not befitting of the role he played in the Resistance.

"It's alright," Syaoran said calmly. "I understand the necessary precautions." Yoshima nodded and cleared his throat and Sakura couldn't help but feel that this man was a bit awed by Syaoran's presence.

"Well, I'll have breakfast ready in a few minutes, so don't go anywhere Li," Michiru told them and gave Sakura a wink before she disappeared back through the doors.

"Li-san, I wasn't expecting you so late," Yoshima said to Syaoran as the doors closed again. "Everyone had expected you a week earlier."

Syaoran nodded, his jaw tightening. "Some things came up that I couldn't ignore, Yoshima. What's been happening here?"

Yoshima's eyes darted to Sakura and Syaoran followed his gaze. "This is my sister, Li Ying Fa. I traveled here with her," he explained and Yoshima scrambled to his feet.

"Oh! It's nice to meet you!" he exclaimed, giving her small bow. "I'm Yoshima Takeru, one of your brother's old friends. He broke me out of jail a few years ago back in Jade Town," And Sakura returned the bow. Yoshima laughed as he sat back down. "I was wondering who you were! Li usually doesn't travel with people. He likes traveling alone but then again, since you're his sister, I guess you're an exception." He chuckled. "It also explains why you two are so close to one another!"

Sakura and Syaoran pointedly looked away in opposite directions in silence, neither disagreeing nor agreeing with his remark. Syaoran cleared his throat.

"You'll need to catch me up on what's been happening here before we enter the city," Syaoran said to him. "And I'll also need you to send out some messages for me while you're at it."

Yoshima's back straightened. "I understand. When are you planning on entering the city?" Syaoran discreetly glanced at Sakura, who was observing the small vase of flowers beside her on a little desk.

"In a few hours," he finally said. "That way you can brief me on what has been happening and I can give you the names of the men I need."

Michiru stuck her head out from the doorway of the kitchen and dining room. "Come on in everyone, breakfast is ready," she announced.

"Thank you, Michiru," Syaoran said as he stood and followed Yoshima into the next room. Michiru flashed him a smile. "No problem, Li-san. You two look exhausted."

Sakura was about to step in after them but stopped when she heard an audible, "Pssst!" the card mistress swiveled around and eyed her bag sitting by the couch suspiciously. A yellow head with big ears stuck out of the bag and black beady eyes looked up at her pleadingly. Kero put his paws together. "Get me something to eat too, Sakura!"

She giggled. "You only woke up because you smelled the food, didn't you?" she accused him and the guardian beast shrugged, not denying it.

"I want some ham! …Please," he added reluctantly after seeing Sakura's expression and she smiled before nodding. "You're the best Sakura!" Kero exclaimed then quickly ducked back down into the pockets as the door to the dining room swung open again. Syaoran reappeared.

"What's wrong?" he asked her. Sakura shook her head but her glance at her bag was telling enough. Syaoran rolled his eyes. "He won't starve. Besides, he doesn't even need to eat. He just does it because he wants to," he said going behind her and gently leading her into the dining room. It had annoyed Syaoran so much when he found out this fact that he refused to speak to the stuffed animal for days afterwards. Most of the stupid guardian beast and his fights had revolved around food! And Kero was unsufferable when he was "hungry". Syaoran wouldn't forget the stuffed animal's greedy attitude about food for a long time… Inside his bag, Kero clenched his fists together.

"Argh…brat…"

But true to Kero's sense of smell, there was ham for breakfast and afterwards Sakura asked for a couple of extra slices for her. Michiru was only too happy to oblige. In their spare bedroom, Sakura gave them to Kero who immediately feasted happily, chewing loudly and enjoyably.

"Where's the gaki?" he asked with a full mouth. Sakura was rearranging the blankets Michiru had laid out for her to rest and sat on her bed facing her guardian. There were only two bedrooms in the house; theirs, which Ai-chan shared with them and the guest bedroom.

"He's off talking to Yoshima-san," she said yawning with her arms wrapped around her knees. "And since we're not going into the city right away, I'm going to get a few hours of sleep before he comes back."

"That's a good idea, Sakura," Kero agreed. "I know you're worn out." Sakura stifled yet another yawn with her hand and nodded before lying down and promptly closing her eyes.

"Wake me up when Syaoran comes back Kero-chan," the card mistress mumbled sleepily to her guardian.

"I will, Sakura," he promised. In a couple of minutes, Sakura's deep slow breathing filled the room as she fell fast asleep. Poor girl, she hadn't had any rest since the night before last.

And as Kero watched her dream peacefully he thought back to a recent conversation he'd had with the Li kid just last night.

It was about an hour until Yuuki would land in the woods that would lead them to Kiri Village and Sakura had fallen asleep a few moments ago, exhausted. They had all silently agreed to let her sleep. If anymore Youkai attacked, Syaoran, Kero and Yue would deal with them.

Kero sat near the snowy white owl's neck, back in his smaller form. His arms were crossed and there was a frown on his face as he watched Li who was watching Sakura sleep beside him. Yue was flying a few feet away.

"Kid," Syaoran looked over at the guardian beast. "You lied about entering Sakura's mind the other night," Kero stated. It had been bothering him this entire time and he had to get down to the truth of the matter. To his surprise, the resistance leader didn't deny it. He only nodded warily.

"I had no choice," Syaoran admitted and rubbed his tired face. "I entered her mind that night using a forbidden spell."

"And you cast this spell?" Yue, who was listening as he flew next to them, asked sharply and Syaoran shook his head, looking into the distance. Yue was aware of what happened to people who used this forbidden technique.

"No. Fay did. But I made the Clow card with my own magic."

"That's still very rare…to think that a descendant of Clow Reed who is not the master of the Clow cards actually made a card…"

"I don't know how I made it either," Syaora confessed. "One moment, I was standing there alone and the next, it appeared in my hands as I stood in front of Sakura's door. I was able to enter her mind by the spell that Fay used and he cast it upon me before I entered."

"What happened to this Fay?" Yue asked quietly.

"The effects of the spell were split between two men who used it at the same time. Fay and Kurogane. The impact of using the magic was divided, although at this point, I don't know what's going to happen to either of them."

"You have loyal friends indeed, Li," Yue remarked calmly and Syaoran looked serious.

"I'm lucky to have gained such friendships. Although I suspect the reason they did it is also for Sakura…" And Syaoran glanced again at the sleeping girl, his eyes softening.

"If you made the card and brought it to Sakura inside of her mind, then why didn't you tell her that?" Kero asked, frowning slightly. "Why keep that information from her?"

At this, Syaoran's neck began to grow warm and he swallowed. "That…is…beside the point."

"It is not," Kero replied crisply. "If you were there, Sakura should have the right to know."

Syaoran swiveled around to face him. "No!" then he cleared his throat and said more calmly. "She doesn't need to know."

"Oh? Pray tell, why not?" Kero raised an infuriating brow. Syaoran silently groaned in his head.

Kero was beginning to grow suspicious. Why? Why would the brat not want Sakura to know that he had been the one to enter her mind? It wasn't a big deal if she knew, unless…and an evil smile began to stretch onto Kero's lips as he watched the fidgeting resistance leader. Something was happening and he was going to get to the bottom of it. "Did something else happen that you don't want her knowing about?" he asked slowly, irritatingly. Syaoran's withering glare was answer enough and Kero jumped up, pointing his paw at Syaoran in triumph.

"Ha! I knew it! Something happened! Tell me what it is, brat!"

Syaoran thought that he'd quite rather die than tell the stupid stuffed toy about what went on in Sakura's mind between them. It was a secret he wanted to take to his grave. He could still feel her soft lips on his own when he kissed her beneath the cherry blossom tree. He had thought a lot about why he'd kissed her then and he finally had an answer.

He had been afraid of losing her. He had been frightened and seized by a need, a desire he never knew he possessed. Syaoran had kissed Sakura and he didn't regret it at all. In fact, the only part he regretted was that now that he had kissed her, he couldn't stop thinking about it…

She tasted…wonderful and he'd be lying if he said he didn't want to feel her lips against his again. But that didn't mean that he was going to tell that to anyone, much less the guardian beast, whom Syaoran was sure was going to gloat and blackmail him when he found out his secret.

So instead of answering, Syaoran did the next best thing. He firmly folded his arms across his chest and clamped his jaw shut, refusing to speak.

"Tell me, brat! What happened?" Kero demanded but Syaoran was close lipped. "Argh! You're so infuriating!" Kero worked himself up for a couple of minutes before he settled back with a loud huff of breath. "Fine! I guess I'll just have to ask Sakura about it then!"

That got Syaoran up in an instant. "Don't you dare-!" he tried to grab for the guardian beast but Kero easily flew out of his grasp and Syaoran cursed under his breath.

"Tell me brat or I'm going to tell Sakura about this! Then she will ask you herself!"

Syaoran used a few choice words that even Kero had never heard of before.

"Tell me!"

They had a silent glaring contest before Syaoran turned away angrily. He wouldn't put it past the stuffed animal to tell Sakura about what they'd just discussed. She would surely ask him and then he'd have to fess up; He didn't know who would be more embarrassed, Sakura, or him for initiating the Kiss. But there was also a small fear that Sakura would hate him for it afterwards, especially if she didn't feel the same way about him…

"I want to know! What happened that Sakura can't know about?" Kero demanded again and Syaoran threw him a dangerous scowl. He glanced over at Yue who was wise enough to be looking ahead, although his body was turned towards Syaoran, intently listening to his every word.

It wasn't fair! Syaoran groaned out loud and rubbed a hand over his face. "Dammit! Fine! But you better not tell anyone-!" he warned in a growl and Kero instantly perked up.

"You have my word, gaki!" When Syaoran continued to glare at him suspiciously Kero sighed. "I swear on the Clow book that I won't tell a living soul!" Syaoran sighed. "Although, it'd be difficult to tell a dead soul since, well, they're dead!" Kero joked guffawing in laughter and Syaoran rolled his eyes. Kero became somber again instantly at the expression on the resistance leader's face and straightened up. "Sorry."

"Right…" Syaoran took a deep breath and exhaled. "I…that night I," he opened his eyes to see Kero's deeply concentrated face hovering a few inches in front his nose and Syaoran jumped back, shouting, "Get away from me! I can't think when you're weird looking face is in front of me!" And Kero hastily floated back.

"Shhh!" he hissed looking down at the sleeping Sakura. But she remained asleep and they both exhaled sighs of relief. Syaoran cleared his throat.

"I…that is…when I got inside of her mind…" Kero was hanging onto his every word so when Yue's clear voice interrupted them Kero grasped his head tightly to suppress his frustrated scream.

"Isn't it obvious, Kerberos?"

"Is what obvious?" Kero hissed, swiveling around. Yue's silver blue eyes were watching them calmly.

"You should already know…from the card."

Kero blinked and Syaoran sighed, placing his head in his hands. "The card?"

"The Clow card," Yue went on patiently. "What Clow Card did Li make, Kerberos?"

Kero's furrowed brows slowly rose in realisation as it clicked and he turned to Syaoran in awe. Syaoran exhaled and met his gaze seriously.

"That night, I realised that I…I love Sakura," Syaoran told the two guardians firmly. It was the first time he had said it out loud to anyone else other than himself and Kero's eyes widened.

"That's how you were able to make the Love card!" Kero cried. "To make a Clow Card, you have to capture a substance, but it was already there! The Love was made from your feelings!" And Syaoran nodded. He already understood that much. Still, there was nothing he could do now that both of Sakura's guardians knew his true feelings for their mistress. Syaoran wasn't going to lie about it. It took him this long to confirm it to himself, he wasn't going to deny it now.

"That also explains why you've all of a sudden become stronger!"

Syaoran blinked. "Stronger?"

"Yes, stronger! Didn't you notice at all? Your aura's changed! I saw your Shiroken when we fought those Youkai back on the ground! That was no ordinary Shiroken! It was twice as powerful! Instead of just enveloping the Youkai and sending them back with Ruler, you seemed to have cut a tear into the air and actually opened the portal!"

"What? But that's…I noticed that my powers got stronger but I thought that was because I fought Kumo and got better…"

"Clow Reed and Kagami-san told me about this a long time ago. They said that magic is fueled by emotions so the stronger an emotion, the stronger the person becomes. It works both ways. If you really hate someone, your magic will grow because of that hatred and if you equally love someone, your magic will increase with your feelings…" he looked hard at Syaoran as he explained. "Haven't you been feeling some emotions that aren't yours kid?"

Syaoran stared at him, perplexed. "I- how did you know? I've been able to feel Sakura's emotions for a while now and it only happens when she's feeling a particularly strong emotion."

And Kero closed his eyes smiling as Kagami-san's words rang back to him. 'You'll know when it happens, Kerberos…' Oh, he certainly knew now, the connection that both the awaited ones shared…Oh, Clow, if you could only see me now…

"I can't say for sure, but this is supposed to be happening to you, so don't worry," Kero told Syaoran bracingly. "It's only going to get more complicated from here on out but your aura's definitely changed. It's stronger yes, but more controlled somehow too. More focused…" he said closing his eyes and nodding his head. Then he stopped, turning to look at Yue suspiciously now. "How did you know, Yue?"

The guardian of the moon was watching the skies ahead. "There is very little that you are sufficient at, as always, Kerberos."

Of course the guardian of the moon had known since the first time he'd met Li. The soft look that was in his eyes every time the resistance leader had spoken to his mistress was telling enough. Yue glanced back at Syaoran and Yue turned away, a satisfied gleam in his eyes.

'Well, at least the man that has fallen in love with my mistress is worthy of her...'

"Okay, now that we've figured that part out, why don't you want to tell Sakura that you were in her mind?"

Syaoran moaned in despair. He'd hoped that the change of subject would have distracted the guardian beast, but it didn't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Why the hell was the stuffed toy so damn persistent?

"You're like a dog to a bone with that question," he growled but Kero only smiled mockingly and waved a paw at Syaoran.

"You're going to tell me yourself gaki or I'm going to Sakura with this information!" he smirked.

"Blackmail! Why you-!" Syaoran lunged for the annoying toy. Kero avoided him agilely while sticking his tongue out at him and Syaoran frowned menacingly.

"Oh, come on! Just tell me already! It can't be worse than what you just admitted to us!" Kero whined and it took Syaoran great will not to kill the guardian beast then and there. He may be useful later on… that and the fact that Sakura would never forgive him if he did…

Close to despair, Syaoran let out a noise that was somewhere between a drawn out groan and sigh. In a muffled voice, he spoke miserably,

"I kissed her."

Yue tripped in mid-air.

"YOU WHAT?" In a second, Syaoran had grabbed Kero and had clamped a hand over his mouth, suffocating him while glancing over at Sakura but the card mistress remained asleep. He didn't let go of Kero until he felt a sharp bite to his hand. Muffling his curses, Syaoran released the guardian beast and nursed it while Kero flew away, gasping for breath.

"You…you…" he wheezed. "You…you kissed her?" Syaoran glared at him. "You kissed her?" Kero lowered his voice, though the effort turned his face red.

Syaoran, who was also quite red in the face now turned away and nodded without a word.

"Well that would certainly explain why you can't tell her…" Kero said thoughtfully a few seconds later. "I mean, if she was unconscious and you did it like an animal on impulse-!"

"It wasn't like that!" Syaoran interrupted him then lowering his voice looked away, his cheeks rather flushed. "She was…aware of it. But that's not the point! You promised that you wouldn't tell anyone!" he warned and the guardian beast nodded.

"Alright, alright! I promise. I'm not going to tell anyone!" When Syaoran just glared at him mistrustfully Kero sighed. "I won't tell her, I promise, as guardian to the Clow Cards…" And Syaoran exhaled, running a hand through his unruly head of hair.

"I don't want her to know…because she might not…" and he drifted off, looking away. Kero understood without him saying anything. But now that he knew what was going on and why, Kero felt much better. Things were beginning to fall into place after all…it looked like the prophecy was coming true.

He exchanged a similar happy look with Yue once and they remained silent for the rest of the flight through the lightening skies towards Soul City.

"So, when did you find the time in her mind to-,"

"-One more word stuffed toy and I'll make sure no one finds your remains."

"Okay, okay…"

Kero watched his sleeping mistress contentedly while she slept in the small room. He was happy.

He would never admit it to him but deep down, Kero respected the resistance leader and he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at what Clow Reed's descendant had accomplished so far…

He was truly a Li. The best of the Li's in fact. Kero had known quite a few Li's in Clow Reed's time, but they were nothing like the kid was. He was going to surpass all of them. He was different, not only in personality but in approach. The gaki was a good guy and anyone that took care of his mistress like the brat did was tolerable in Kero's books.

Kero knew that the resistance leader would protect her with all that he had, for Li never went back on his word to anyone, especially Sakura. He meant what he had said and the guardian beast knew it. Kero had watched them carefully throughout their journey and the fact was that Li was a great guy, much as Kero hated to admit it.

Other than the fact that he annoyed the guardian beast, he was a man who was bound by honor and loyalty and his friends deeply believed in him and his abilities. That and he is the resistance leader and the last king of the Clow. Not many people could carry such a heavy burden upon themselves but Li handled it extremely well and for that, Kero was proud of him.

Li made his mistress happy, Kero could tell from the way they interacted with one another. He was one of the closest people to her besides Daidouji and he knew Sakura extremely well, including all of her habits. He took good care of her, worried about her and loved her. That was enough for Kero, who above anything else wanted to see Sakura happy.

Kagami-san had failed to mention how lonely Sakura had been before she'd met her friends and Li. Even Kero didn't know about it until he had talked to Sakura. He had traveled long enough with her to see all sides of her and in those instances when she didn't think anyone was looking, she would be by herself, lonely and forgotten.

Kero knew it was her biggest fear, to be alone, and he wished for it never to happen to her. Sakura deserved better than that…above all else, Kero hoped that the two chosen ones would be allowed some time before their world came crashing in around them.

He watched his mistress and sighed. "What will wait for us in Soul City?"

Syaoran sat opposite Yoshima, staring at his long-time friend. "What did you say?" he asked quietly. "They're searching for slaves with magic?"

Yoshima nodded solemnly. Both men were sitting downstairs at a table in the secret room that Yoshima had built into his small house. All of the resisters had to have a safe room or extra escape route in their homes.

"Yeah, Li. It's impossible, right? What other slaves would have magic besides the two chosen ones? It seems the emperor is starting to believe that the prophecy is coming true and maybe it is. You did tell us that you met the two heroes of the prophecy back in Olympus City."

Syaoran nodded but didn't say anything else.

"The two heroes…you did meet them, didn't you, Li?" Yoshima asked quietly.

Syaoran nodded again. He didn't want to keep the resistance in the dark but no one was ready to know about Sakura yet. Kinomoto Touya had too many enemies among the resistance and they could harm Sakura if they knew who she was. He was unpopular among most slaves because he was usually the one responsible for a family member's demise.

"I did Yoshima. The prophecy is coming true," Syaoran confirmed and he saw the genuine smile that lit up Yoshima's features. "They are somewhere safe at the moment."

"When will we be able to meet them?"

"Soon, but not now. There are still many things that need to be done. And their part in the fight isn't certain yet."

"I can't believe it, Li! The prophecy! The prophecy is coming true! We will be saved!" Yoshima cried, hope blooming in his eyes but Syaoran looked grim. If the prophecy was coming true, then the part about Lord Akuma rising again would come true too…

"I'm curious about something, Yoshima," Syaoran said suddenly. "How did the emperor know to search slaves with magic-," and he paused as the answer came to him. The only time he had had contact with red imperial army soldiers was… Golden Bridge Town... word must have gotten back to the emperor. Information about what the soldiers had seen that night, including Tensai's escape and Sakura's magic…

Syaoran wanted to groan out loud at his carelessness as his heart beat fiercely against his chest. They had seen Sakura. How much had they relayed to the emperor? How much did he know about them?

Of course no one had ever heard of a woman slave with magic. There had to be only one conclusion to that…What did this mean to them? Was Sakura in even more danger than before? What if word got to Kinomoto? Would he know that his sister had been in Golden Bridge Town that night? Would he come for her? Did he already know? Panic surfaced in Syaoran's chest. He was such a fool! He knew that the escape of Tensai would be a big hit to the emperor but he had also let Sakura get caught as well! Now the emperor was searching for slaves with magic.

The coincidence was far too close for his liking. Why didn't he just gag and bound Sakura and take her with him back then? He knew that she was a trouble magnet…Now the emperor was hunting them, the two chosen ones down…he knew about them. The only advantage they had was in their discretion and now it was lost… Sakura was in even more danger…

Without knowing it, Syaoran had sunk his head miserably into his hands on the table.

"Li?"

He blinked and looked up. Yoshima was staring at him.

"Are you alright?"

Syaoran slowly nodded, shaking his head slightly to get him out of his thoughts. It seemed to be a trend now that everything concerning the card mistress made him like this…

So with great effort at calming himself down, Syaoran exhaled and addressed Yoshima again. "Sorry. Continue. What were you going to say?" He needed to watch himself. Syaoran couldn't go acting like this in front of the men of the Resistance.

Yoshima shifted uncertainly. "Are you sure you're alright, Li-san?"

"Yeah…We had a long night last night. Some Youkai attacked us…"

"What?"

Syaoran quelled Yoshima with a hand motion. The man sat down again, back straightened.

"I heard that the Youkai population was getting more restless than usual but now they're attacking travelers close to the cities too? What in the world is going on?"

Syaoran didn't answer him. "Yoshima," he said abruptly. "I need you to send out some messages for me. I'm calling a meeting as soon as possible. There are some things that I need to tell the Resistance."

Syaoran looked serious and Yoshima suddenly had a foreboding feeling. "Did something happen, Li?"

"Yes. Things are happening that are changing the course of this war. I'm going to let everyone know during the next resistance meeting so I want all of our people there. All of the important head chiefs and their most trusted men only. I need you to send out the messages by tonight. Can you do that for me?"

"Yes, Li!" Yoshima straightened. "Whatever you have to tell us has to be important indeed. I haven't seen that look on your face since you announced that we would be attacking the capital in Olympus City. Is the news that bad?"

"It's the worst news, Yoshima," Syaoran sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He really didn't have much time to waste here. He needed to get into Soul City before dark. Yoshima's expression looked grim.

"How are the red imperial soldiers searching slaves for magic?" Syaoran wanted to know.

"The dark magician gave them a staff that detects magic on a person. They've been using it on everyone that passes through the city's main gates. You're going to have to be careful."

Syaoran cursed. "I'll think of something…" he murmured distractedly. "Did Tensai arrive safely?"

"Yes, he's staying at Yamazaki's parent's apartment until everything tides over. Fay-san and Kurogane-san arrived together with him yesterday morning. They're already at the army headquarters."

"And how many resisters have arrived in the city so far?"

"From what I know, over half of our men have entered the city. The ones that aren't here are coming from the coast and the mountains. They'll be here within the next few weeks. Mizuki-san is planning to lead a group to move some of the weapons from our storage tomorrow night. The red imperial army has been more ruthless than usual. They're having spontaneous searches led by Captain Saitou all over the city. I hate that guy…" Yoshima growled. "Takamura almost got caught the other night with all of those swords in his basement but he was warned and we managed to move them all in time."

Syaoran sighed. "They're getting antsy because of that attack on the emperor. That's also why he called all of his captains back into Soul City. Did we figure out who was behind it?"

"No, not yet, Li. Daisuke and Tezuka are looking into that under the elder's orders, but they've got no leads so far. I do know that the guy who did it was injured though. The soldiers were talking about how General Yuuta managed to cut him before he jumped out the window, and that's quite a fall from the emperor's chambers. He's probably hiding out somewhere with his pride scored and injured."

"He must be skilled indeed not to have been caught while in the palace," Syaoran said seriously. "No one can slip around that easily inside of it especially as well guarded as it is…"

"Was it…someone from our side?" Yoshima asked quietly and Syaoran shook his head.

"I don't know, but I'll find out," he answered, lost in thought.

"Too bad that he didn't murder the emperor," Yoshima said. "We would have had a lot more off our hands if he did...Tell me about you, Li," Yoshima changed topics. "What happened on your journey? You just left Soul City five months ago suddenly and then I haven't heard about you since that meeting in Olympus City. Why were you so late in getting here and why aren't Yamazaki or Satoshi with you?"

Syaoran exhaled deeply. "There're a lot of things that have happened, Yoshima and I will tell you but we don't have time right now. I need to get into the city. I also still need to give you the names of the people I want informed and the time and place of the meeting."

Yoshima nodded without argument. He knew when a subject was closed and he wasn't going to pry further. And his attention shifted as Syaoran began to point to a map laid across the table where their meeting was going to be at.

"Good, now here's where we're going to meet…"

Yoshima bent over the map. It was going to be a lot of work in the days to come, especially since Li had come back. And Yoshima knew that when the resistance leader called a meeting, every resister dropped whatever they were doing to come.

As Syaoran and Yoshima came up from the stairs, the resistance leader was giving him last minute instructions.

"-And make sure to stop by Cong-san's to get the update on the weapons. I need an inventory of the weapons by the time of the meeting."

"Yes, Li," Yoshima said as they reached the living room. "I've already sent a message ahead to Inori and Saukouchi. They'll be waiting for me by the foothills tonight."

"Good. Then all we need to do is-," but Li had stopped talking as his eyes caught something behind Yoshima and the man turned to look at what had captured the resistance leader's attention so abruptly.

"Am I interrupting a top secret resistance meeting talk?" Sakura had come in from the kitchen, her eyes twinkling in a teasing manner at the resistance leader. She was in a lovely lavender dress with her hair loose and flowing behind her shoulders.

"Ying Fa! You're awake already!" Yoshima greeted her and then chuckled. "No, not at all. Your brother and I are just about finished speaking."

Li still had not said anything. All he did was continue to stare at Sakura and she turned to him.

"Oh, good! I thought that your meeting would take longer, knowing Syaoran…" she said with a hint of laughter in her voice. Syaoran gave her a stern look, though the corners of his lips had turned up and he gently pushed her back towards the bedrooms.

"Go get packed, you. We're leaving soon," he instructed her, although he wasn't angry.

Sakura mock saluted him as she left, "Yes, sir!" Syaoran rolled his eyes. Yoshima watched her go and laughed.

"I don't think that anyone other than your sisters could get away with teasing you like that, Li-san," Yoshima commented, chuckling. Syaoran was still watching Sakura's back as she disappeared down the hall. There was a small lingering smile on his lips.

"Oh, I don't know about that…"

She was being awfully quiet as they made their way through the crowded streets of Kiri Village and towards the entrance of Soul City. Syaoran glanced at the card mistress worriedly from the corner of his eye as they walked through the crowds.

"What's on your mind?" he causally asked, hands in his pockets.

Sakura glanced at him. "I'm starting to think that your sisters were right about you…"

"What about me?"

"You're a workaholic."

"Is that a bad thing?"

Sakura smiled. "Yes, it is. Because you actually like it."

Syaoran chuckled. "Do I? And when did you gather this?"

She shrugged, "Throughout the time that we traveled together. You didn't get any rest earlier and here you are, acting perfectly fine."

"That's because I am."

"No, you're not. You're only human, Syaoran."

Syaoran smirked. "Some would say that I'm too handsome to be human." Sakura rolled her eyes.

"You vain peacock, you," she drawled. Then her face turned serious and she turned to look at him. "I'm serious though, Syaoran. Please take better care of yourself. I got some rest earlier but you didn't even get a chance to sit…I don't want to see you get hurt…." She added quietly. Syaoran stared at her.

"Are you worried for me?"

Sakura paused in her walking. The question had been asked in a playful tone but Syaoran was waiting with baited breath to hear her answer. Sakura turned to him, her jade orbs vivid, as if she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't have been.

"Yes," she finally answered softly. To Sakura, the answer had been for herself as well. Yes, she worried for Syaoran…she really did. Syaoran smiled.

"Then I'll take better care of myself."

"Good, because if you don't I'm going to have to enlist the help of your sisters to convince you to rest more often."

Syaoran groaned. "Not them! Miyu always dopes me!"

Sakura giggled but it quickly turned into a gasp. They had reached the entrance to Soul City. In front of them, rose the largest gates she had ever seen. They were made of solid gold and carved with exquisite designs, glinting in the dying sunlight coming from the west, and so huge, that you could see them from miles away. They were the gates to Soul City and were meant to blind and awe those who saw it.

And certainly, the card mistress was no exception. She was staring at the gates; she didn't notice the queue that had lined up in front of it to get checked into the city until a loud commotion up front brought her back.

"What are you trying to find magic on slaves for?" a nobleman demanded loudly and angrily. He was yelling at a soldier who was holding a short silver staff with a blue sapphire attached to one end of it beside the noblemen's slaves. The rod had intricate carvings all over it and was the length of an arm. "They're slaves, you idiot! They don't have magic powers!" The nobleman was watching and waiting, looking displeased from his grandiose carriage.

"Sorry, sir, it's the emperor's orders," the soldier bowed and saluted him. The nobleman's brows furrowed dangerously.

"I don't know what the emperor is playing at but this is ridiculous!" he snarled. "He'll be hearing from me! Hurry up, you worthless idiots!" and he and his slaves disappeared beyond the gates. Looking supremely unconcerned, the soldier shrugged and beckoned the next group forward.

"Next!"

Sakura turned to Syaoran, her eyes wide. She didn't need to ask since she already knew from Syaoran's expression.

"Why is he looking for slaves with magic?" Then her face paled. "Does he know…?" Syaoran's face was grim, his jaw tightened. Sakura closed her eyes and exhaled lightly.

"How?" she asked softly.

"The incident from Golden Bridge Town may have reached the emperor's ears…" Syaoran finally answered reluctantly and Sakura nodded in grim acceptance.

"Hmm, well I may be wrong Syaoran, but I don't think we'll be able to just pass through those gates unharmed…" she finally murmured, glancing towards where the soldiers were now searching a couple of merchants. Syaoran exhaled.

"That you are right, Sakura… that staff was given to them by the dark magician to detect people with strong magic."

"And you already knew about this beforehand?"

"Yes."

"And you didn't bother telling me about it?"

"…"

"Syaoran…" Sakura growled.

"I have a plan."

"Does this plan involve you creating a distraction to the guards while I somehow slip through the gates unnoticed?"

"Surprisingly, it does." Sakura glared at the resistance leader who glanced down at her. "Why? Do you have a better idea?" She opened her mouth but he cut her off before she could say anything."-And don't even think about using the Clow Cards. That staff would be able pinpoint you in no time at all," Syaoran added sternly. Sakura made a face.

"I wasn't…"

He raised an eyebrow and she turned away sulkily. "I think we've been traveling with one another too long…"

Syaoran grinned, despite himself. He couldn't have agreed with her comment more. The two chosen ones knew each other very well by now.

It was then that they realized that there were only a couple of people ahead of them from the gates. "Do you still have Chieko-san's ring on?" Syaoran asked quickly under his breath and Sakura held up her right hand to inspect it. Yes, she hadn't looked at it in a long time, but Chieko-san's opal ring still sat on her finger. "Good, keep it on. It'll be harder to detect your magic with the staff that way."

"But what are you going to-," Sakura began but Syaoran was already intently watching the head of the line and pulling the hood of his cloak over his head while he grabbed the hilt of his sword.

"Stay here," he warned her quickly before he turned to go. Sakura's eyes darted to the front where there were more than two red imperial army squads stationed and towards where Syaoran was headed at the far side of the gates. How was she supposed to slip through the gates? And what was going to happen to Syaoran?

Without noticing it, she had been twisting Chieko-san's ring around her finger nervously and it slipped off. It happened in a second. Syaoran was halfway to the gates when he felt something enormous fly past him. He didn't have to think twice, he already knew that Sakura was the cause of it. A few seconds later, a loud boom filled the air and part of the wall that wasn't made of gold crumpled to the ground as though a giant fist had landed straight through the brick.

The shrieks from the travelers and the startled guards were more than enough time for Syaoran to double back, swearing under his breath while trying to locate her within the crowd. It wasn't hard. He spotted her behind some slaves who were running past the momentarily stunned guards. She was bending over to pick something up off the ground.

Now was not the time for questions, Syaoran immediately ran over to her, flipping the hood of her cloak over her head while grabbing her hand and began to drag her away with the group of people. They squeezed past the disorderly soldiers who were too busy panicking at a possible attack to see the line of slaves and merchants escaping the mandatory search process.

As Sakura felt Syaoran pull her away, she struggled and pulled back with all of her strength, almost dislocating her shoulder in the process to pick up Chieko-san's ring on the ground with the tips of her fingers before he again roughly dragged her into the crowd, pushing and shoving their way through the gates and into the city. Before she knew it, she found herself pulled into an empty alleyway with two tall buildings on either side of her while Syaoran peered around her to the gates.

She was still slightly trembling at what just happened. But as she thought about it, she came to realize what it had really been.

"Syaoran…" the resistance leader looked down at her. "That was me, wasn't it?" she breathed. He stared back at her.

"Yes, that was your magic, Sakura." Both the awaited ones jumped as Kero emerged from Sakura's bag, his face serious. The guardian beast had been awake from the time he had felt his mistress's aura spark. "That's your magic without Chieko-san's concealing ring on. You've had it on for so long and your aura has grown so much. It had been restrained because of the ring and when you took it off, the leftover, unused part of it exploded."

"Is…is that normal?" Sakura asked in a wary tone. Kero grinned proudly at her.

"Of course not! But then again, nothing is normal about you, Sakura!"

Sakura giggled. "I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

"It's a good thing," both Syaoran and Kero answered her at the same time. Then they both looked disgusted that they had agreed on something.

"Since Sakura's not constantly using and learning new magic like she was doing while you guys were traveling, her capacity for magical skills haven't been able to find a way to channel out of her. That's why when the ring with the concealing magic was taken off, her magic used that opportunity to escape." Kero continued to explain as Syaoran and Sakura listened.

"So that's what it was…" the resistance leader said quietly. "I could feel that it was coming from Sakura but I couldn't recognize what it was. I'm just surprised that the staff didn't recognize it…"

"As if!" Kero exclaimed. "The guy holding it dropped it as soon as he heard the explosion! There was no way the staff would have been able to let him know."

Syaoran glanced around the corner of the alley outside and straightened. He could see that the soldiers were now rounding up any slaves that hadn't darted through the gates and rechecking them for entry again. A couple of the guards were also inspecting the wall with puzzled expressions.

"I think it's safe to go out now," he said, turning back to address Sakura and the guardian beast.

"You should be careful though. There was a guard with a weird look to him…" Kero said suspiciously, rubbing his chin.

"You're the only weird one around here, stuffed toy," Syaoran muttered, checking his bags.

Kero made a rude hand gesture at him, which unfortunately Sakura caught and gave him a stern look. He had no choice but to go back into Sakura's bag, sulking as Syaoran smirked and led Sakura out into Soul City.

Watching the two chosen ones through his glass orb, Hiirigizawa Eriol smiled and released his hold on the soldier standing closest to the gates. He hadn't moved from that spot even when the explosion from the card mistress's magic had gone off. Now, his eyes lost their blank stare and he looked around, dazed and confused at the soldiers standing beside him.

"So, it turns out I didn't need to help my little descendant and the card mistress get through Soul City's gates after all," Eriol mused, his deep purple orbs glinting.

"They're a lot stronger now than you think, Eriol-sama," Spinel Sun said, flying next to his master and inspecting the glass orb as well. Eriol gave a small smile.

"That's all very well because now their courage and strength will be tested beyond anything they've ever imagined before. They will need every ounce of strength they can acquire."

And he stood up to walk to the large window in his chambers, watching the setting sun outside.

"Eriol-sama…"

Eriol sighed and closed his eyes. "The time is drawing nearer, Spinel."

"Are you worried?"

"Yes," Eriol answered, reopening his eyes. And he turned to his creation, a lazy smile playing on his thin lips. "but that doesn't mean that we can't have a little fun before the end begins."

Spinel Sun sighed and rolled his eyes. "As usual, master, you are truly devious."

'There goes her eyes, sparkling again,' Syaoran thought with a smile as he and Sakura walked into the main district of Soul City. Sakura was watching everything like a small child, taking in the new sights, smells and sounds with a smile on her face.

Soul City was…it was…something else. She couldn't describe it if she wanted to. It was exquisite. It was beautiful. She had never seen another city like it. It was the biggest city Sakura had ever seen in her life. The street gradually rose at one point so that she could see rows and rows of houses above their heads and at the highest point, Sakura could just make out the top of the palace, a gleaming silver and blue parapet barely visible to the eye.

Beyond that, Soul City seemed to stretch out for many more miles to the left and right, disappearing behind houses and buildings. She knew that Soul City had five different districts inside of it and she couldn't help but wonder just how large every one of them was.

Most of the buildings were made of white marble, carved and painted, with statues and monuments everywhere. Some rose as high as the sky themselves while others weren't so tall. The streets were paved with white limestone tiles and trees and plants and flowers grew right in the middle of roads. They were planted all around the city while green ivy and vines covered the rustic red buildings that would occasionally stand beside the magnificent white marble.

Fountains of water sprouted in random places and stained glass windows sparkled from official looking buildings. Many of the homes near the markets belonged to noblemen and they did their very best to display their wealth. Large homes were enclosed by expensive gates or shrubs and decorated splendidly. Flowers from all over the Clow grew in clusters everywhere and some of the Noble houses even had peacocks sitting out front of their well-kept gardens.

Everywhere Sakura looked, there were so many things to see and eat. Even the vendors selling their items here seemed to be of a different breed, only offering the highest quality items. And Sakura could see why. Here, out of every city and town she'd visited so far, was where she saw the most Nobles. They were out in their fancy carriages with their slaves shopping, or else in clusters, speaking to one another about the latest gossip in their world.

The streets were filled with various people of all kinds from everywhere across the Clow. Well- dressed merchants and nobles, yes, but there were also slaves; Slaves hauling huge crates of goods and carrying the bags of their owners across the crowded streets, slaves doing manual labor, supervised by men in the red imperial army uniform with whips in their hands. The streets of Soul City were swarming with people.

Syaoran was walking leisurely among the crowd beside her, knowing that Sakura wanted to take in as much of Soul City as she possibly could. But he was also in a hurry. As soon as the sun set, the red imperial army soldiers would own the streets. Even though slaves were allowed to be out at night, it was not a good idea to run into soldiers while they were. They made any excuse they could to arrest or harass a slave. Syaoran knew this so when they reached a booth selling hair pins and beautiful jewels in the shape of animals, he shook his head as Sakura turned towards him hopefully.

"No," he answered firmly even before she could get the question out.

"B-but…" She pleaded with him, her green eyes big. Syaoran sucked in a breath. 'Not the puppy dog eyes again…'

"Sakura, we can't. I want to be inside before it gets dark." Syaoran already knew he was losing a hopeless battle. She was unfairly using her puppy dog eyes on him again and contrary to what he didn't want to admit, he only knew too well the power that those eyes held over him.

"Sakura…" but the damage had been done. He couldn't refuse her anything even if he wanted to at this point. Syaoran sighed in defeat. "Fine. But we'll only look for a second."

Sakura cried out in triumph and flashed him a coy smile before dragging him to the booth. It took a whole half hour to work through that one booth and by the time the two chosen ones had begun to walk again, the skies had darkened considerably. Before they knew it, Syaoran and Sakura were walking past a deserted courtyard.

The lamps had come on, elegant poles shining with warm light on every street, mixing in with the colors of the market vendors and sellers and giving a warm hue to everything it touched. A couple of slaves rushed past them in a hurry, eager to get indoors before any wandering red imperial army soldiers found an excuse to arrest them.

Sakura kept glancing back nervously over her shoulder. "Why do I get the feeling that someone's watching us?" she half whispered to the resistance leader.

"Well, if you hadn't spent a half hour looking at things back there, we wouldn't be here right now," Syaoran growled back grouchily.

"But there were so many things to look at and I couldn't decide!"

"You didn't even end up getting anything, Sakura..."

"Well maybe choosing was difficult because you were next to me the entire time making huffy noises and muttering under your breath!" Sakura snapped and Syaoran turned away with a grunt, muttering something that sounded uncannily like, "Women…"

Sakura glanced at him from the corner of her eye and giggled, finally turning to him and poking his side with her finger. "You, Li Syaoran, have nothing but women in your life. I sometimes wonder how you became the way you are, especially with your sister's influence."

"Yes, I'm sometimes surprised that I survived at all…"

Sakura laughed. "Oh, come on, they're not that bad!" Syaoran turned to her, his face serious but his eyes glinting with laughter.

"Says you! You have no idea what it's like growing up playing dress up and dolls only to find out that it was not acceptable for little boys later on!" Sakura was laughing very hard now and Syaoran pretended to look affronted. "The worst part is when all four of them get together." and he added a very real shiver to that part, though Sakura imagined that it was only half faked and she giggled. "They're blood thirsty. All the teasing and hitting that I had to endure scarred me for life…"

"I would imagine that you put up a very good fight against your sisters, Syaoran," Sakura said smiling. Syaoran smirked at her and raised his brows, looking every bit the younger mischievous brother he once was.

"I had my revenge. One time Huan and Jian locked me in the broom shed for an hour and the next day their favorite pairs of shoes had suddenly gone missing."

"What happened to them?"

Syaoran chuckled, remembering. "I ended up burying them in the mud at the shire. When Jian found them, she went ballistic. I think I still have some of the marks from that time when she told mother about it."

"That's terrible!" Sakura said laughing again and he grinned at her reaction. "This almost makes me feel sorry for those poor people who've ever gotten on the wrong side of you."

Syaoran shrugged boyishly. "I'm easily misunderstood."

Sakura gave him a highly doubtful look. "Syaoran, the first time we met, you bound and kidnapped me from the estate then threw me off Tsubaki the next morning. A true gentleman wouldn't have done that to a lady."

Syaoran chuckled. "I'm not a gentleman, Sakura. Kind and good-hearted once in a while, yes, but I'm not soft like those gentlemen are."

Sakura shook her head, smiling. "Gentlemen aren't soft. My father is quite the gentleman and he's one of the best people I know-," and she paused, suddenly going quiet. It was the first time that she'd spoken about her father in a long time. And with this, came the realization of just how far from home she really was. How long ago was it that she left Tomoeda Village? It had felt like ages…and it truly had been…

Syaoran peered at Sakura. It was rare to hear her speak about home... They walked in silence for a little longer until Sakura spoke again.

"Syaoran…"

"Hmm?"

"We…really are in Soul City, aren't we?" Sakura turned to look at Syaoran. He nodded as he looked at her.

"Yes, we are."

She chewed on her lower lip, speaking slowly. "It's hard to believe, isn't it? That we traveled so far together…" then she gave him a soft smile. "…and now we're finally here."

Syaoran returned it and reached down to enclose his hand over hers, giving it a small squeeze. "I'm glad I'm here with you, Sakura."

The two chosen ones stared at each other, the lights from the street lamps bathing them in a soft glow. At this moment, all seemed right with the world. And then their momentary peace was broken by Kero's muffled warning from within Sakura's bag.

"Kid!"

Syaoran's body tensed and he reacted immediately. In a second, Sakura found herself standing behind Syaoran who was in front of her, his body in a defensive position as he glared into the shadows.

"Come out!" he barked, his sword out. Sakura watched, confused. And then from the darkness, a tall man stepped forward, cloaked and hooded in black.

"Hmm…your senses haven't dulled at all…Li," his voice was deep and rumbled in his throat. Sakura frowned. Why hadn't she felt the man's presence…? Ah, that's right, she realized that the man didn't have magic nor an evil aura like the Youkai did. But then who was he? And how did he know Syaoran? She glanced at the resistance leader only to see him narrow his eyes at the stranger in front of them, who smiled lazily back.

"Surely you didn't think you'd escape this fated meeting?" the cloaked man continued in a drawling voice. "I've been waiting a long time for this, Li."

Sakura stared. Syaoran glared at the stranger menacingly and turned his head slightly back towards Sakura.

"Don't move from here. This is my fight." And Sakura nodded, not understanding but trusting Syaoran instead. She saw the man's smile widen at Syaoran's words and she hesitantly took a few steps back.

She could feel Kero in her bag, tense and ready to fly out at any sign of danger to his mistress. But Syaoran had said it was his fight so she would let him do what he had to.

"Are you ready?" The stranger drawled. As an answer, Syaoran growled, raised his sword and lunged at the man, who chuckled and drew out a sword of his own. "You haven't changed at all."

A loud noise echoed in the deserted square as they met in a tangle of metal and sparks, muscles and reflexes and knocked each other back with a push of their blades.

Instead of skidding back, Syaoran pivoted with his foot and twisted his body so that he could quickly attack the man again, his sword aimed for his throat. The tall stranger dodged with some difficulty this time by turning his sword sideways and sidestepping the blow. He seemed unsurprised at Syaoran's speed and knocked his weapon out of the way with a quick flick of his own. Syaoran swung back mercilessly and in a moment, the stranger was defending again as the resistance leader used a combination of kicks, punches and his sword to gain leverage.

Sakura's mouth hung open as she watched their fight. Never had she seen someone who was this on par with Syaoran in a fight before, besides Ryuu.

This hooded stranger seemed to know exactly where Syaoran would aim next and was ready to dodge and time his hits back to the resistance leader. The man certainly wasn't winning, but neither was Syaoran.

"Seems like the gaki's got a good challenger…" Kero who was watching from the open flap of her bag murmured and Sakura nodded dumbly, engaged in their battle. They didn't seem to care if the other got wounded or hurt. In fact, Sakura was sure this was the one fight she had seen Syaoran be the most reckless in before.

Both men had somehow untangled themselves from the other at close range and were now at opposite ends of the square, swords raised and ready to attack again. With a cry, Syaoran and the hooded stranger dashed to meet in the center, the metal of their swords gleaming off the light of the street lamps.

And then suddenly, a new voice joined theirs.

"Onii-san!"

Sakura blinked as a pink blur jumped right between the two attacking men and she gasped. It was a third person. Moving quickly, the new figure flew at the hooded stranger, twisting his sword arm around his back and knocking his sword onto the ground as they both landed on their feet. When the new figure straightened, Sakura's eyes widened. What she had mistaken for a light pink cloak earlier was actually a dress and the new figure was…

"A woman...?" Kero breathed. Rich chocolate brown colored locks fell down the young woman's back as she faced the man, who was no longer cloaked and hooded as it had become undone and fallen off his shoulders. He was tall and good looking, Sakura noted. He had jet black hair down to his shoulders, tied into a ponytail at the back of his neck which he was now rubbing sheepishly, grinning down at the young woman who was reprimanding him.

"Onii-san, how could you get into another fight?"

"Gomen," he replied back good-naturedly. His maroon red eyes swept over to Sakura and he gave her a friendly smile. Completely bewildered by the turn of events, Sakura blinked. Behind the two siblings, Syaoran had stopped and was now watching them, his sword put back in his sheath.

"I'm sorry," the young woman had turned towards Syaoran and was now bowing low. She had a calm and sweet voice. "My brother is always fighting with others," she explained and looked up. When she did, her whole demeanor changed and a beautiful smile lit up her entire features. "Li!" she breathed and in a heartbeat, she was in front of Syaoran, the tips of her fingers on his jawline. "When did you come back?" she asked softly.

"What. The. Hell?" Kero gritted out through his teeth from behind Sakura. Sakura was wondering the same thing. What was going on? But whatever was happening, it was clear to Sakura that these people were not strangers to Syaoran. Were they his friends…?

"And when did you get here, Sayuri?" Her brother asked her with an amused smile on his face. "You didn't happen to know that Li would be here, did you?"

"…Sayuri?" Sakura mouthed. She had heard that name somewhere before…

And as soon as her fingers had touched Syaoran's cheeks, Sayuri smiled and moved slightly back to look at him. Even from a few feet away, Sakura could tell that she was a very beautiful girl. She had the same maroon red eyes her brother did.

"When did you arrive?" she asked Syaoran again, a small smile on her pink lips. Syaoran glanced at the man behind her, who winked at him. He ignored him and the man chuckled.

"We just entered the city not too long ago," he replied. Sayuri smiled and reached out to touch his arm.

"You must be tired," she said gently. "Do you need a place to rest for the night?" And then Sayuri blinked and looked confused. "Wait, Li, did you say "we?""

"Yeah, he did! Now get your hands off of the brat, woman! That's-!" Kero's shouts were muffled by Sakura who quickly shoved him down into her bag in alarm. It was only then that Sayuri turned towards where Sakura was standing a little ways away, shutting her bag quickly and stared at her with inquiring eyes. Syaoran turned towards Sakura, breaking Sayuri's hold on his arm and walked over to her.

Sakura forced her face to be impassive as Syaoran approached her. As he did, his amber eyes glinted with suppressed laughter. Sakura glared at him, trying to keep her calm façade in place.

"You're actually very confused right now, aren't you?" he asked lowly as he leaned over her and slipped her hood over her head. Sakura didn't move her lips, only looked at him with a carefully blank expression. Syaoran stared at her and waited, a brow raised.

"I'm completely lost," she finally mumbled back miserably as Syaoran reached over and adjusted her hood. He let a smile escape from his lips, chuckling quietly.

"You're a terrible liar, you know that?" he said, leaning in to fix her cloak around her shoulders. Sakura just rolled her eyes at him, which made his smile wider. "Let's go," he said and straightened. She followed him over to where Sayuri and her brother were watching the pair curiously.

"Li…who…?" Sayuri asked, still looking confused when Sakura was in front of them.

"This is my sister, Li Ying Fa," Syaoran introduced. Sayuri didn't respond right away but her brother stepped forward and bowed, holding Sakura's hand up to his lips to place a kiss. However, Syaoran pulled her away before he did and he chuckled, straightening up again and ignoring the resistance leader's glare.

"It's lovely to meet you, Ying Fa. I'm Seishirou. Your idiot brother's shishou. I taught this ungrateful swine everything he knows about martial arts," he said indicating Syaoran with his chin.

"Shishou…?" Sakura asked blankly. "But earlier you were…" Seishirou laughed, his maroon eyes twinkling.

"Yes, I always greet him the same way every time he comes back into the city. This is the first time he's arrived with one of his sisters. Although a very lovely sister at that," Seishirou added with a wink for her. Sakura smiled.

"You've gotten better Li," he continued, addressing Syaoran. "You've improved greatly from the last time we've fought. Your journey this time must have been a difficult one."

Syaoran nodded. "It was. And I've told you, students always surpass their teachers," he added cockily.

Seishirou scoffed. "You insolent pupil," he drawled, but he was smiling lazily. He turned to the young woman beside him who hadn't taken her eyes off Sakura the entire time they'd been speaking. "And this is my younger sister," he began to introduce her but Sayuri stepped up and bowed, smiling at Sakura.

"I'm Sayuri," she introduced herself and Sakura smiled back at her. Up close, she was even prettier than from far away. Long thick lashes framed her maroon colored eyes, set with a firm nose and thin full lips on a heart shaped face. Her rich chocolate colored hair was cut just below her shoulder blades in layers with wispy bangs, perfectly displaying her soft features. There was a certain way that Sayuri held herself up that made her appearance refined and elegant, something that Sakura couldn't ever hope to achieve even if she tried.

"I'm Ying Fa," she heard herself replying back and Sayuri smiled.

"It's really nice to meet you, Ying Fa."

"If you two need a place to rest, we should head to my place, Li," Seishirou said looking around the deserted square. "It's closer. We don't want to attract trouble and it's already pretty late."

Syaoran nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's go."

Sakura, however, didn't move as they began heading towards the main street. "Syaoran, the bags?" she reminded him. The resistance leader looked at her then rolled his eyes exasperatedly and went back to pick up the bags that he had dropped earlier. Sakura giggled behind him. Sayuri's eyes widened in astonishment.

"Alright, got them," he said as he returned. Sakura turned away to hide her laughter and the word "forgetful" slipped out. Syaoran smirked as he heard her but didn't say anything. "Should we get going?" he asked, turning to Seishirou and Sayuri. Seishirou blinked and smiled.

"Sure, let's go."

Sayuri was staring at Sakura with a small frown on her face as Syaoran gently pulled her ahead of himself before he followed. She looked down almost sadly. The action was not missed by Seishirou, who was watching her but he didn't comment on it.

The group moved through the lighted streets of Soul City in silence until they reached a narrower road that led to a small neighborhood of small complex houses built together. Here, Sakura could see many flowers and trees and shrubs growing closely together on the sides of the streets and she admired the beauty of the plants even at night.

"This is the garden street," she heard Seishirou's voice from beside her. "It houses mostly merchants and traders. During the day, it looks like a large garden from far away."

"It's beautiful," Sakura whispered happily. Seishirou chuckled.

"You're easily pleased, Ying Fa."

"If you'd like, I can show you around the city tomorrow, Ying Fa," Sayuri volunteered from the front. Sakura looked up at the young woman.

"Would you?" she asked, delighted. Sayuri laughed. Even her laugh was beautiful and musical. "Sure. I have nothing better to do. I think you're going to enjoy Soul City quite a bit."

Sakura had a feeling that Sayuri wasn't wrong about that.

The moon was a half crescent tonight, but it shone bright among the clear skies and stars nonetheless. She had never seen the moon from the city before and Sakura glanced out of the window at it. She wondered how Yue was doing and smiled. She knew the guardian of the moon was doing well despite his lack of presence. She could feel him somewhere nearby.

The more pressing matter was that she was finally in Soul City. She couldn't believe that after five months, she finally made it to the capital of the Clow.

It was absolutely mesmerizing, more so than she'd first imagined because coming here signified that her journey was now over. She had more important things to do here now, especially as the Clow Card mistress. Soul City held many wonders, but it also held many questions that Sakura hoped would be answered in due time. The answers she'd been seeking were here and she would find them, even if she had to dig through all five districts and the two underlying towns beside it! She giggled at the thought of searching through the entire city. It was huge!

Sakura looked around herself and the hallway she was standing in. She was surprised to find that Sayuri and Seishirou-san lived in such a big house. They had explained that they had acquired it from their late parents.

The house was roomy and beautifully crafted but Sakura's favorite part about it was the garden and pond that sat behind it. There was a large maple tree sitting just above the edge of the large pool of water that she could just make out in the darkness reflected from the moon. She couldn't wait to see it in daylight.

Because of the size of the house, she and Syaoran had their own separate bedrooms. Sakura had just finished taking her bath and was now making her way back to her room down the hallway when she noticed the light still on from Syaoran's room. She paused, wondering whether or not she should enter. Her decision was made for her when the door to Syaoran's room opened and he stood in the doorway, amber eyes fixated on her. Sakura's eyes widened.

"Are you going to stand in the hallway all night long?" Syaoran asked, leaning against the frame and folding his arms across his chest with an amused look on his face.

Sakura raised an eyebrow and cleared her throat. "No. I was just on my way to my room, actually," she replied and turned to go but he pulled her back by her hand and into the room behind him. Sakura's heart beat in her throat.

"Here," Syaoran produced a cushion and placed it on the floor opposite a small table in the center of the room. Sakura was unsurprised to see it already full of his maps and plans.

"You felt my presence outside," she said as she sat down on the cushion and picked up a map to examine it idly.

"Not really. It's just that you breathe really loud," he replied, smirking. She rolled her eyes at him. He was now marking a spot on a particular map. Sakura folded her knees up to her chin and wrapped her arms around her legs, watching Syaoran as he worked. She shivered. She was chilly since her hair was still slightly damp from her bath and she was wearing a pair of overlarge pajama pants and shirt. Her feet had a pair of socks on them. Syaoran worked in silence for a few minutes before he put his maps back on the table and got up. Sakura took this opportunity to see what he was marking on his map and saw the label "Sand Dunes" before she felt a soft weight on her shoulders. Syaoran had gotten one of his cloaks and draped it around her petite figure before coming back to sit and work.

Sakura discreetly smiled and leaned her chin on her knees, relaxing in the warmth that was Syaoran's cloak. It even smelled like him. He smelt like the wind. It was nice, sitting across from Syaoran while he worked, both of them in comfortable silence.

"What are we going to do, Syaoran?"

The resistance leader looked up at her. "What do you mean?" And Sakura sighed, wrapping her legs closer to her body.

"I mean, now that we're here in Soul City, what do we do? We're the chosen ones. Aren't we supposed to save the Clow from this great evil? If we are, then what do we have to do?"

Syaoran set his map down and scooted closer to her on the floor. "Is that what you've been thinking about?" he asked. Sakura nodded.

"We don't even know what kind of role we play in the upcoming fight. What if we don't do something right and end up destroying the Clow instead? What if we-," she stopped as Syaoran leaned over the table and cupped her face in both of his hands.

"Don't think that way, Sakura," he said firmly, looking into her eyes. "Don't start thinking of negative things now. The prophecy said that we were going to destroy this evil once and for all and we will. I don't know what the future holds. I'm uncertain as well but I know this. As long as we're together, we can do anything. We're the two chosen ones. As long as we have each other and believe, we'll save the Clow somehow, someway. So promise me that you won't give up. Promise me that you'll keep fighting."

Sakura looked deep into his eyes and nodded. "I promise, Syaoran," she confirmed and Syaoran relaxed. She held up her pinky and Syaoran smirked as he linked his finger around hers.

"I remember the first time you did this. I thought it was sort of childish."

Sakura pretended to look offended. "What? How could you, Syaoran? This is the ultimate promise keeper! It officializes a promise!" she said winking and Syaoran grinned as they leaned over the small table towards each other, maps quite forgotten.

"I always used to make promises like this with everyone when I was younger," Sakura continued, looking down at their entwined fingers. "With my mother and father, with Chieko-san, and with…with Touya...I stopped after my mother died…" and Sakura's eyes became sad. She'd been speaking about her family a lot lately. Syaoran gently tugged Sakura's hand and she looked up.

"I know, Sakura," he said, giving her a warm smile. "That's why I'll always keep my promises to you." She blushed and smiled back.

"Oh! I didn't know that you already had company, Li." The two chosen ones broke apart and turned towards the door of Syaoran's bedroom. Sayuri stood at the entrance in a pretty dressing gown, observing them. She was holding a tray upon which a teapot and two teacups and saucers sat.

"No, it's alright. Come in Sayuri," Syaoran said and Sayuri nodded, her lips in a thin line. She set the tray on the desk and turned to address Sakura, who was suddenly feeling awkward.

"Were you leaving Ying Fa?" Sayuri asked. "Or did you want to join Li and I for some tea?"

"No, no, I'm fine, thanks," Sakura quickly said, standing up. "I was um, actually just leaving! I'm very tired tonight so I'm turning in early. You two enjoy yourselves," she continued. "Well then, I should be going. Good night!" She called out cheerfully before she exited the room and disappeared into the hallway.

Sayuri turned to Syaoran and smiled, unaffected by Sakura's quick departure. "I thought we could have some tea, like old times," she said motioning to the teapot and Syaoran nodded while she began to prepare it. His eyes were still trained on the door where Sakura had just left.

Outside in the hallway, Sakura leaned against the wall, her heart beating rapidly. What was wrong with her? Why did she suddenly run out like that? It wasn't as if Sayuri hadn't invited her to join them…but at the same time, it felt like Sayuri hadn't wanted Sakura there...Sakura shook her head. No, she was just imagining things again…

But there had only been two tea cups for two people on the tray that Sayuri was holding and Sakura didn't want to interrupt them if Sayuri wanted to talk to Syaoran about some things in private. Which made Sakura wonder if they had a close enough relationship to actually have tea together so late at night. Sayuri had mentioned earlier that she had known Syaoran for a long time…so they were close after all…

Miserable now and not knowing why, Sakura slowly walked back into her room, where Kero was sleep floating around the room again, snoring. Grabbing him gently and placing him on the pillow beside her, Sakura got into the covers and attempted to sleep. But she couldn't sleep now. She had just remembered where she had heard the name from before and she experienced a tight sinking feeling in her gut as she remembered Meiling's reaction to the name Sayuri.

Sayuri sat across from the resistance leader silently and observed him. She hadn't even touched her cup of tea. It had been five long months since she'd last seen him. Li's complexion was tanner now, as if he'd spent a good amount of time under the sun and his dark chestnut colored hair was in disarray as usual but it was longer now. His deep amber eyes were still able to send shivers down Sayuri's spine whenever he looked at her.

There really wasn't that much different about Li, but Sayuri felt that at the same time, he was different. Something had changed about him and she was determined to find out what.

"Who is she?"

Syaoran sighed and put down his cup of tea. He knew Sayuri wasn't a naïve person. He paused and said quietly, "You knew?"

"Li, I've known you since you were younger and I know all of your sister's names. There's Chun Hua, Jian, Huan and Miyu. Ying Fa isn't one of them," Sayuri replied with a small smile.

"I forgot that I told you," Syaoran admitted. Sayuri laughed.

"Those years were the most fun. Just Seishirou and you and me," And Syaoran half smiled, remembering as well.

"So, who is she then if she's not your real sister?"

He frowned. "I can't tell you that."

Sayuri looked away, her maroon red eyes glistening with hurt. "Why not? Don't you trust me?"

Immediately, Syaoran felt guilty for not being able to tell her. He reached out a hand and placed it on her shoulder. "You know that I trust you but this isn't about trust. I'm doing it in order to keep her safe."

Sayuri looked up. "Why? Is she in some kind of danger?" And Syaoran nodded, his jaw tight.

"Yes, I need to look after her that's why I traveled here with her, but I can't tell you more than that without giving anything away."

Sayuri smiled softly at him and nodded. "It's okay, Li. I understand."

He returned her smile. "Thank you."

"If you traveled with Ying Fa then has Meiling met her yet? I remember that she set out from here to come find you."

Syaoran chuckled. "Yeah, they've already met. I don't know who Meiling dislikes more now, you or Ying Fa." And Sayuri laughed along with him.

"It's been a long time since we've last hung out like this, hasn't it?" Sayuri asked, looking at Syaoran. He nodded.

"Yes, it has."

Sayuri looked down at her lap. "I'm still waiting, Li." She said quietly. "I'm still waiting for your reply."

Syaoran opened his mouth but suddenly a different voice joined theirs. "I thought I'd find you two together…"

They turned to see Seishirou standing in the doorway, his maroon red eyes glinting at them. "Li, we need to discuss something." He continued. Syaoran nodded as Sayuri frowned at her brother and turned her head away. Seishirou gave her a quick apologetic look before they were yet again distracted by a sweet voice and Sayuri narrowed her eyes.

"Hmm…am I interrupting?" Seishirou swiveled to look behind him. Sakura stood in the hallway in her socks. She was carrying something in her arms.

"Hello, Ying Fa," Seishirou greeted her warmly and Sakura smiled back at him.

"Hello, Seishirou-san."

Immediately Syaoran stood up. "What did you need?" he asked. Sakura glanced at him.

"I forgot to give this back to you," she admitted, holding Syaoran's cloak out and walking forward to give it to him. She didn't make it because she tripped on the hem of his cloak instead and fell. Seishirou reached out to her but it was Syaoran who got there first.

"Hooeee…" Sakura sat up on the floor rubbing her forehead where she had hit as Syaoran bent down on one knee to pull her to him so that he could inspect the damage. Sayuri bit her lower lip.

"You're impossible," Syaoran said. "You've managed to get yourself another bruise, do you know that?"

"I like to live life on the edge," Sakura replied cheekily while wincing.

"Good thing you're head's so hard…" he murmured before he felt a sharp sting to the side of his head. Sakura had hit him and was now glaring at him. Sayuri and Seishirou both gasped.

She just hit Li! The last person to have done so in front of them had ended up with a few broken bones and a concussion. But to their complete amazement, all Li did was smirk at her! Sayuri and Seishirou exchanged incredulous looks.

"Go to bed, you," Syaoran chuckled as he pulled Sakura up and gently pushed her towards his door. Sakura went, saying good night to Sayuri and Seishirou before she did. After she left, Syaoran shook his head and picked up his cloak, turning back around.

"What?" he asked. Seishirou and Sayuri were both still staring at him.

"Li…" Sayuri said quietly in a confused tone. Syaoran blinked.

"What is it?"

"Well, insolent pupil of mine, it's just that the last time someone hit you like that, they ended up in the hospital with two broken bones and a concussion…" Seishirou answered lazily.

"Hey, that time I was being nice. But if Yamazaki ever thinks of doing that again, I'm not letting him off," Syaoran said. Then he paused. "You didn't think I was going to do that to Ying Fa?" When they didn't answer him Syaoran chuckled. "I wouldn't get angry over something that. She's always doing things like hitting me."

Sayuri's lips were quivering as she pressed them into a thin line and she walked over to the door.

"Well, then if you'll excuse me, I'm heading off to bed," she said quietly and disappeared into the hallway. Seishirou closed his eyes and had a grim smile on his lips.

"Li…" he said quietly and Syaoran sighed.

"Tomorrow, Seishirou. I'll tell you everything tomorrow."

"Very well," Seishirou replied in his deep voice as he straightened up. "Get some sleep. Oh, and Li?" he paused by the doorway. Syaoran turned to him. "It's good to have you back in Soul City."

Syaoran gave him a small smile. "It's good to be back, shishou."

---

Along the empty streets of Soul City, a short cloaked and hooded figure quickly made his way towards a narrow alleyway. He quickly glanced around for anyone before he followed a narrow path to a large warehouse. Two guards stood in front of the doors and nodded as they locked eyes with him.

He was escorted through the inside until he reached a spacious room lit by a single candle. As the man stepped inside, the two guards went back outside to stand watch.

The room was empty save for a single table and two chairs, one which was already occupied by another man. "You're late…Ganma."

The man named Ganma bowed lowly and removed his cloak and hood before taking the seat opposite the man.

"I apologize, master," Ganma said quietly. The other man leaned forward slightly.

"I'm not interested in your apologies!" he hissed and then he slammed his fist against the table. "You were supposed to arrive a week ago! You lost their tail! What useless information could you possibly offer me this time?" he demanded.

Ganma slowly looked up through his heavily lidded eyes and smiled. "It's true that I lost them upon their arrival into Olympus City but it was perhaps this stroke of luck that finally enabled me to find what I was looking for all along. Indeed if I hadn't lost them, I wouldn't have the information I do now."

The other man leaned forward, his interest captured. "What do you mean? What information do you have that I don't?"

Ganma chuckled. "Do you want to listen to my useless information?"

The first man paused and Ganma could see the vein in his forehead twitch. "Yes," he finally hissed softly and Ganma smiled, nodding. "Very well… but first let's start with the minor details. My spies within the resistance have informed me that the resistance leader has not yet arrived into the city. When he does, they will carry on with their plan to organize a revolt with the slaves during the week of festivities for the celebration of Soul City's surmount."

"Do we know what kind of revolt this will be?"

"No, not yet. But it will apparently be huge in scale. It seems they've been planning it for months."

"And what exactly have they planned?" The first man demanded. "We need to know as soon as possible!"

"The details aren't clear yet. It seems that my spies are being suspected of leaking information within the resistance right now. They will have to move with caution. I have, however, located a different fountain of information from a voluntary source. He is someone located right in the heart of the resistance movement and I believe he will be our greatest asset yet since he will know exactly what is going on and the details that surround it."

"Who is this man? Can we trust him?"

"We will see…In fact, I'm meeting with him tomorrow night." And the first man snorted, leaning back. "So, again your information is useless…" An irritated flush appeared on Ganma's cheek bones and he looked away. "I-If this informant is trustworthy, he will be an invaluable source for us…"

"Is that all that you have to tell?" the man interrupted, watching Ganma. Ganma paused and took a deep breath first, shaking his head.

"No, that was only the beginning. This is where the good news starts...the information you've been waiting for," and he beckoned the other man towards him with a finger.

"Is it information about them?" the man asked eagerly while leaning in. The candle illuminated his features as he did. A strong nose and heavy brows sat above a glinting pair of dark eyes. The red of his uniform was revealed as he did.

Ganma nodded and a slow smile made its way onto his lips as he held out a fist enclosed upon a small object. "Oh yes, you will want to hear all about this…Captain Saitou."

---

Sakura rubbed her eyes to get the remaining sleep out of them. She was waiting for Sayuri in the busy shopping district of Soul City as she finished getting the rest of their items from a nearby booth.

Sayuri had woken Sakura up at the crack of dawn that morning to go shopping for groceries and they had been at the market for nearly an hour now. It had surprised Sakura how much Sayuri knew about the city as she described various monuments and parks to her on the way there. Sakura was too sleepy to really listen well but when they began shopping, the one thing that became clear to her was just how popular Sayuri was.

Everywhere they went it seemed that everyone knew Sayuri. All of the slaves knew her name and they called out to her, fighting for her attention or just bidding her good morning. Sayuri knew most of the people that talked to her and even some that she didn't know still greeted her.

It was not hard to like the young woman, as Sakura found out. She was friendly, easy to talk to, and very pretty. Sakura saw many men's eyes following her figure as she expertly shopped for breakfast items. Sayuri would greet them all politely and in a few instances, flirt effortlessly back with them. Sakura envied this about her. She had seen noblemen and women doing it all the time at balls when she lived back at the estate and she didn't think she could flirt to save her life. But Sayuri handled everything with such ease that Sakura began to wonder if there was something wrong with herself… She couldn't even do normal things that a woman did, like flirt and talk to strangers…

Sakura's thoughts were interrupted when a voice sounded from above her.

"Oh, pardon me-!"

She looked up and her blood ran cold. It was a tall man and he was wearing the red imperial army uniform of a captain. He blinked when he saw her.

"Ah! I mistook you for a noble!" His blue grey eyes took her in from behind his glasses and Sakura fought the urge to look away and shiver. The captain smiled. He was quite handsome. "You know, you're quite beautiful for a slave girl and those eyes…green eyes are very rare in slaves. That's why I thought you were a noblewoman…"

Sakura stayed quiet. Suddenly he frowned and leaned in closer but she didn't draw back, only turned her head away.

"Have we met before?" The captain asked. Sakura froze and lowered her head.

"N-no…I don't think so, sir…" She said quietly, wishing that she had thought to wear a cloak. Her heart was pounding so fast in fear she was surprised he didn't hear it. The captain's eyes narrowed as he straightened.

"I'm sure we've met before…" he said thoughtfully, his hand on his chin. "Why do you look so familiar to me?"

"Yukito!" the captain was suddenly distracted by another voice and he turned to wave at the tall man walking towards him.

"Touya!" Tsukishiro Yukito greeted. Kinomoto Touya stopped in front of him.

"What are you doing?"

"I was just talking to-," Yukito turned and realized that the slave girl he had just been speaking with had disappeared and he smiled, shaking his head. "-Nothing. So, they didn't have anything for your headache?" Touya shook his head and ran a hand through his raven black hair.

"Nope. Nothing strong enough," he replied grouchily. "Let's go back to headquarters…" and he began walking the opposite direction as Yukito followed him. Suddenly he stopped and turned back around, staring at the spot that he had just left with Yukito.

"What's up?" Yukito asked, seeing his expression. Touya shook his head. He had just felt a familiar aura…but it was very different from the last time he had felt it…whatever it was, someone with a lot of power had been standing there…and Binder had been reacting to it…Touya looked down at the plain wooden sheath of the sword at his waist for a moment before he turned and continued down the street.

"It's nothing," he said dismissively. Yukito shrugged and followed. Slaves scattered as they walked through. Here in Soul City, Touya's reputation was very well known. Mostly everyone was afraid of him.

He narrowed his eyes as he walked past the crowded streets of the shopping district. Touya hadn't been sleeping for a few nights now. Visions of what had happened to him in the Royal forest kept coming back and he glanced down at Binder uneasily.

He didn't know what happened. One moment, Touya was aware that he had passed out on the forest floor and then the next morning, he woke up in bed in his own quarters. He had the strangest feeling that Binder had brought him back…

Touya rubbed his forehead in agitation. Impossible! He was being paranoid again. He was thinking too much again! He sighed and glanced at Yukito who was talking about, what else, food. Maybe he would feel better after he had some breakfast in his stomach…

Sakura quickly slipped away as soon as the strange captain had been momentarily distracted. She didn't even glance back once at the person who had taken the captain's attention away from her as she dashed around the corner. That strange captain had made her feel uneasy…well, most red imperial army officers did, but for once, Sakura didn't doubt that she hadn't met the guy before…his voice seemed awfully familiar, like a voice that she had heard back at the estate in Tomoeda…

"There you are!" Sakura jumped in surprise as Sayuri came over with her latest purchases and added them into the basket dangling on her arm. "What's wrong?" she asked, seeing Sakura's face expression.

"N-nothing," she quickly lied and Sayuri smiled. "Good. I think that's all we're getting today. Let's start heading back," she said. Sakura nodded and fell into step alongside Sayuri.

"Hmm, I've been wondering…"

"Yes?" Sayuri asked. Sakura paused and continued.

"I was just curious…how do you and Seishirou-san live in such a big house without being discovered as slaves?" Then she blushed and looked down. "I mean, I know that there's a law that forbids any slave to pass down his properties to his family when he dies, so I was wondering how you were able to do it."

Sayuri chuckled. "There's a simple explanation to that, Ying Fa. Look around." And Sakura did. She could see nothing but hundreds and hundreds of people even though it was still early morning. At her confused expression, Sayuri smiled and explained. "There are just too many slaves now. Since there are only so many noblemen, they can't all control who works and who doesn't work for them. Even if they could, they'd have nowhere for us all to live and make it convenient. Seishirou and I just got by with a stroke of luck. After my parents passed away, they weren't registered as workers for the nobleman they attended so we got to keep the house and whatever they passed along. Our neighbors think that we're rich merchants like they are. That's why appearance is so important when I leave the house."

"Ah, I see…" Sakura said thoughtfully. She glanced at Sayuri. It was true. Sayuri was in a nice dress and her make-up was done perfectly. Then Sakura looked down at herself. Her pants and shirt weren't dirty but they certainly weren't new either…

"Don't you know these things though?" Sayuri's voice brought her back and Sakura blinked.

"Eh?"

Sayuri giggled. "Don't you know about the slaves and the noblemen? I mean, you've been a part of the slaves your entire life, right?"

"Ah! Well, I…" Sakura fumbled for the right words and Sayuri's eyes glinted in triumph. She needed to find out who the girl really was. "I was very sheltered," Sakura finally managed.

"What do you mean?"

And this time, Sakura didn't hesitate. "I mean that my family never let me do a lot of things because they were afraid that I'd get hurt. I was never outside of our place much. And even though I stayed inside, I wasn't allowed to help with anything. They were scared that I'd get cut learning how to cook or pricked learning how to sew…I was very sheltered…very protected…" and she drifted off, her eyes somewhere else as she spoke. Sayuri stared at her.

"Surely they let you learn how to protect yourself? Your family does come from the Li Clan after all."

And Sakura blinked. "Ah! Yes, well…Syaoran taught me how to fight," she admitted, smiling now. Sayuri frowned.

"Really?"

And Sakura laughed. "Yes, our first few lessons were disastrous though. I shot him with an arrow. He got so angry, I was sure I was going to get an awful lecture from him!"

"Did he give you one?" Sayuri asked quietly. Sakura shook her head, giggling.

"No. He ended up just scowling at me the entire evening because he couldn't sit down." Sayuri didn't laugh. She merely looked away.

"That doesn't sound like something Li would let a stranger get away with…"

"What do you mean?" When Sayuri didn't respond, Sakura asked another question, one that had been nagging at her since last night. "How long have you known Syaoran?" she asked curiously.

Sayuri turned to face the front and spoke. "I've known Li since he was twelve. He used to come and learn martial arts from my brother for months at a time. While he was training he stayed over with us," she replied then smiled softly. "I'm surprised that he hasn't talked about me to you before. We used to be really close."

"Hmm…" Sakura replied carefully. If that was true then Syaoran had never spoken of Sayuri to her…maybe to his real sisters…

"Anyway, he was always glaring when he was younger. I don't think I've ever seen a little boy who was so serious!" Sayuri continued, laughing. Sakura joined her, giggling at the thought of a young Syaoran.

"He must've been really cute though," she said then closed her mouth at her slip. Cute? She was supposed to be his sister! But Sayuri agreed.

"Oh, he was!"

Sakura smiled. "It must be nice to have Syaoran as a close friend."

"We're a little more than that…" Sayuri said quietly and Sakura turned to her. "Pardon?"

"Ah, nothing!" she said quickly. "Let's hurry home. The guys are probably up already! We're going to cook breakfast!"

"Hooeee? Cook?"

The resistance leader sat quietly upon the roof of the house, watching Soul City as the remaining stars twinkled upon its expansive landscape of buildings and homes. The magnificent pale palace sat upon the very throne of the city, visible to all even in darkness. It was close to daybreak but not quite yet and Syaoran couldn't sleep so he had come out here to think. His deep amber eyes were unfocused. There were many new problems he needed to deal with and a few things that he needed to clear up right now. As if on cue, another figure appeared and came to sit beside him.

"What did you need to tell me?" Seishirou asked his student. Syaoran turned towards his teacher and bowed his head.

"I apologize for not telling you sooner," he said and Seishirou shook his head. "It's fine, Li. I don't quite understand what's going on but I know you have your reasons." Syaoran nodded grimly. His teacher was one of the few people whom Syaoran truly trusted. Seishirou not only taught him martial arts but he taught him lessons about life and people as well. His sensei had given him advice when he asked for it and had fought beside him many times. They had developed a close friendship over the years and it had been Seishirou who had seen some of the ugliest wounds that Syaoran had acquired with the resistance when he didn't want his family to worry about him. Seishirou was his shishou but he was also his good friend and Syaoran knew he could trust him with his life and the information he was about to tell him. Besides his family, Seishirou knew Syaoran best. Not even Sayuri was aware of how close the two men were to one another.

"Ying Fa isn't my sister." As Syaoran expected, his teacher did nothing but nod. He exhaled. There was a reason why Seishirou and Sayuri were brother and sister. They were both sharp. He continued. "She's someone who is important in the fight ahead. Very important and I'm keeping her safe beside me. That's why I traveled with her here and I had to use the disguise that she was my sister."

"Who is she?" Seishirou asked.

"What I'm about to tell you can't reach anyone else's ears," Syaoran said seriously and Seishirou nodded, aware of the delicacy of the situation.

"You know you can trust me, Li." Syaoran paused and took a deep breath before he spoke again.

"Ying Fa is Kinomoto Touya's sister. I took her from the estate in Tomoeda five months ago and have been traveling with her since then."

"What?" Seishirou exclaimed. "Are you serious? Kinomoto Touya, the most feared captain of the red imperial army, that same Kinomoto Touya?"

"Is there another Kinomoto you know?"

"Are you telling me that Ying Fa is his sister?" Syaoran nodded seriously and Seishirou looked disbelieving. "Why did you take her, Li? You know that-,"

"-I know." Syaoran cut across him. "I know the danger that comes with crossing into a nobleman's territory and taking something precious from him, especially since that someone in question is Kinomoto Touya but I had no choice. At first it was at the elder's orders and I didn't like it either but I think that they already knew what was going on. I didn't find out about her until later."

"What do you mean?"

"Ying Fa is the Clow Card mistress. She's one of the chosen ones in the Seer's prophecy."

He heard Seishirou inhale sharply from beside him, then, "Are you sure, Li? Are you absolutely certain?"

And Syaoran turned to meet his gaze. "Yes. I'm positive. Ying Fa is the other awaited one in the prophecy. I've seen her magic and she's a very powerful magician. She has the Clow Key with her and along the way, we found the Clow Cards and the two guardians that protect it. They're with her now."

Seishirou swallowed hard. "You…found the lost Clow Cards?" Syaoran nodded and Seishirou put his face in his hands. "Oh my god, Li..." he breathed. "Do you know what you're saying? You're saying that the prophecy is coming true! I know that you announced this in Olympus City but it's never been so real before. I can't believe that this is happening! Where did you find the Clow Cards?"

"The Clow Cards were sitting in the book waiting for Ying Fa in the lair of the Seekers-,"

"What? You were in the Seekers lair?" And Syaoran exhaled as Seishirou looked incredulous.

"Wait, you need start at the beginning, Li. I want to know everything…"

By the time the rays of the sun had begun to peek out from over the horizon, Syaoran had finished recounting the journey to Soul City to Seishirou. And by now, his sensei had calmed down somewhat, digesting the information his student had relayed to him.

"This…is not what I had in mind when you told me the situation was bad. This is far worse, Li. The fact that the Youkai are planning this revolt against the humans changes our plans dramatically. We can't just sit back and wait for them to attack."

"I am aware of that but until we find out what the emperor is up to we can't stop them from moving across the Clow to gather and join. There are too many of them and we don't know when they'll strike."

Seishirou sighed. "Li, even for someone like me, all of this is a lot to take in. My hair is starting to turn grey already without you telling me…" he grumbled. Syaoran rolled his eyes. "But!" Seishirou continued and smiled genuinely at him. "I'm relieved that you have created an alliance with the Seekers; something that all of your uncles and grandfathers have never been able to do. What was their leader's name again? Ah, Ryuu. With their help, we have more of an advantage over the Youkai."

"That also worries me," Syaoran confessed. "Neither Ryuu or I know when the Youkai will attack or what their part in raising their master will be. I wish I knew, damn it!" And he punched the roof beside him. Seishirou watched him from the corner of his eye.

"Do you have a plan to deal with the Youkai?" he asked. Syaoran shook his head.

"Not yet. As of right now, I'm going to double the watch on Mori Mountains next to the Hikari Shrine. That's the first place that they'll start if there's anyone looking to raise Akuma again. I want to be alerted as soon as possible. For now, the resistance will focus on our attack against the empire. We'll need the strong bond of humans together because when the time comes, the other side we'll fight will be Youkai and we will all lose if we're divided as we are now."

"Good. That's the kind of spirit that we need, Li. And that's why you're the leader of the resistance. You and the Clow Card mistress have come a long way to get here. We will help the both of you from here on out. When are you planning to let the men know about our current situation?"

"At the meeting two nights from today. I stopped by Yoshima's before I came into the city. He's sending messages to all our head chiefs. We should have plenty of time then to update the resistance about what has been going on. And I hear that some interesting things have developed elsewhere too. The journey here was really long and I've been cut off of news."

Seishirou whistled. "It was, indeed. You had an incredible journey, Li. I'm surprised you survived and only arrived a week late. I don't think I would have been able to do it. And to think that someone who looks as fragile as Ying Fa beat something like one of the Blood daggers while on your way here…" And Seishirou smiled. "It's even harder to believe that she's related to someone like Kinomoto Touya. She must be one tough chick to have made the journey with a hellion like you."

Syaoran smiled. "Ying Fa is one of the strongest and kindest people I know. She's nothing like her brother…well, maybe except for the same stubbornness," And he chuckled softly. "When I first met her, she left me quite a bruise. She's tougher than she looks. And she's always looking out for others before herself. She has an open heart and she trusts others easily. She always sees the best in them. It's gotten her into a lot of trouble. There was this one time when she almost got caught by soldiers trying to free everyone from the jails when we were in Golden Bridge Town. She refused to leave them behind. That's just the kind of person she is. She is always surpassing my expectations of her and trying her best. She's an extraordinary woman."

Seishirou smiled sadly and looked down. "You fell in love with her," he said for he had never heard his student speak about anyone like that before.

Syaoran could only nod. "Yes…I didn't stand a chance, shishou," he said softly and Seishirou chuckled, clapping him on the back. "I'm happy for you, Li," he said with a genuine smile. "After working only for the resistance your whole life you deserve some happiness after this war is over."

Syaoran grinned back in thanks. It was the happiest Seishirou had seen his student for some time. To others, Li's usually stoic face and cold looks may not have changed dramatically, but to Seishirou and those close to him, Li had really changed from just five months ago. His facial expressions had become more genuine, he smiled and laughed more often now and he was able to relax and become more human. Seishirou was truly happy for him, except…

"Have you told Sayuri?" and Syaoran looked away. "No, not yet, but I will. I never meant to hurt her…" And Seishirou sighed.

"I know, Li. She's a good friend to you. I've known for some time now and I think she suspects it too but that didn't stop her from confessing her feelings to you. She's still waiting for your answer. I know that you'll try your best not to hurt her."

"Thank you for understanding, Seishirou."

"You're welcome…but if you hurt her, I will kick your sorry ass." Seishirou said this all while smiling pleasantly and Syaoran nodded seriously, swallowing. He didn't doubt his shishou couldn't beat him up for hurting his little sister. Seishirou was protective of Sayuri and he was the only person that Syaoran had ever lost to when it came to hand to hand combat.

"Now let's hurry," his teacher continued. "Some of the men are meeting up in a few hours to discuss if we can use some of the inventions that Tensai has come up with since he's entered the city. I swear, when a genius like that gets bored, some very good results come out of it. Plus, it will be a good chance to let the men know that you're back in the city." Syaoran agreed and both men stood up to leave just as they heard voices from inside the house.

"Hmm, that must be Sayuri coming back from the marketplace with Ying Fa…" Seishirou said thoughtfully. And he turned to Syaoran who was looking embarrassed as he remembered what he had just revealed to his sensei.

"What?" Seishirou said with a sly smirk on his face. "Don't tell me you haven't confessed to her yet?" And Syaoran glared at his teacher in reply. Seishirou laughed gloatingly. "Ahahaha! And to think that my ignorant pupil can take on the entire noblemen empire but he can't even tell the woman he loves how he feels…"

Syaoran kicked Seishirou behind the leg and he fell onto of his knees as Syaoran walked past him. "Do me a favor and shut up, sensei…"

"I-ignorant pupil…"

Aurum District, Soul City

1:23 PM

Light sapphire eyes looked out over the streets of Soul City where a group of slaves were being overseen by guards as they transported large heavy crates of goods into a storage unit. It took four men to carry a crate and even then, they strained because they were overworked and exhausted. Fay D. Fluorite sighed and glanced up at the cloudless sky. It was another hot day of summer.

He felt even worse for the slaves being forced to work in this heat. As he thought this, one of the slaves carrying a corner of the crate collapsed from heat exhaustion and the whole crate fell down. A guard beat him with a whip for interrupting the flow of work as another forced the three remaining men to carry it on their own. Fay clenched his fists by his side.

A calming hand placed itself on Fay's shoulder and the magician turned to his best friend. Kurogane's dark hazel eyes were watching the same scene unfold as he imperceptibly shook his head.

"Don't do anything stupid…" he murmured and Fay nodded. "All of this is going to change…" And Fay exhaled, his whole body relaxing. Kurogane removed his hand and stepped back, leaning against the wall and folding his arms again. To everyone, they looked like two dangerous red imperial army captains supervising the work of the slaves and the guards in front of them. And that's exactly what they were at the moment. Fay and Kurogane had to keep up appearances although it was difficult at times like these.

Fay closed his eyes. He and Kurogane had arrived in Soul City for almost a week now. They had reported their findings to the emperor immediately afterwards. The emperor had been most displeased at their lack of progress in finding the Soul and as punishment, they were both to supervise the slaves while they worked, a task that was both tedious and taxing and one that the captains loathed to do.

"What do you think Ying Fa and Li-kun are doing right now?" Fay asked thoughtfully. Kurogane shifted slightly. "They're probably already in the city," he grunted in reply. Fay smiled and glanced at him with a twinkle in his eye. "Aren't you curious to know how Daidouji-san is doing as well?"

Kurogane didn't answer him but his silence was answer enough and Fay sighed. Another thing about keeping up appearances was that he and Kurogane could not be seen frequenting the slave district or having contact with any known member of the resistance. In fact, they hadn't heard anything about Li or the resistance since they'd entered the city that very first night. Fay wasn't too worried though. Li had told them not to look for him since he usually contacted them first in the past. They would know when they were needed.

"AH! I'm sorry, sir!" A slave carrying woven baskets in a large box suddenly stumbled into Fay as he walked by and the baskets were now scattered and rolling along the streets.

"Are you blind? Keep your eyes ahead of you, slave!" Fay yelled. Several passersby were watching while he bent down next to the slave and picked up a stray basket.

"Hello, Daisuke-kun," Fay said under his breath, smiling slightly. "Fay-san," Daisuke replied back just as quietly while he bowed his head and brushed the dust off the baskets.

"What news?" Fay murmured.

"Tonight at ten. HQ and all HC's present."

Fay didn't comment and stood up again, his eyes narrowing down at Daisuke, who continued to pick up the baskets and put them in his box.

"Is there trouble here, captain?" A guard on duty had come to over to Fay and Daisuke, a whip in his hands. "I can take care of him if you want-,"

"-There's no need. He was just being careless. But let me warn you slave, if this happens again, I will punish you severely," Fay said in a dangerous voice and Daisuke swallowed, bowing apologetically again.
"Y-yes, I'm sorry, sir. It won't happen again. Thank you, sir! Thank you!"

"Those damn slaves…" the guard muttered angrily as Daisuke quickly ambled off with his large box. "They're getting bolder nowadays…are you alright, captain?"

"Perfectly." Fay replied without an expression and walked off, leaving the guard confused. He rejoined Kurogane who had been watching from the side.

"Li-kun is holding an important meeting at headquarters tonight at eight. All of the head chiefs are going to be there."

And Kurogane nodded. "It's just like Li to plan a large meeting two days after his arrival into the city. One of us will have to go."

Fay, who had resumed watching the slaves work suddenly shook his head. "I don't think either of us will be going…" And he looked ahead, his light blue eyes darkening. In front of them, the tired slaves had accidentally dropped yet another crate, its contents spilling out. Two bodies rolled out of the sealed box, clad in the imperial army red. Frightened cries filled the air as the slaves backed away. They were dead.

Palace, Soul City

3:45 PM

"What the hell is the meaning of this?" the emperor demanded, slamming his giant fist on the arm of his throne chair. The entire hall of assembled generals and advisors flinched as one. "How can you idiots let this happen?" he looked like an angry griffin, about to hiss. "Two soldiers killed by some crazy lunatic who pinned a note behind on their dead bodies! Do you know how humiliating this is to the noblemen's reputation? To my reputation? Somebody better tell me what the hell is going on!"

An advisor stepped up. "Y-your majesty," he shrank back when Emperor Kimama turned his furious gaze upon him. "That is…your majesty, we believe that this is the work of someone from the resistance…"

"The resistance again!" the emperor bellowed and the other men in the room looked even more frightened. It wasn't tactful to mention the resistance when the emperor was in such a bad mood.

"Please, your majesty-,"

"It was not the work of the resistance this time, your highness," the advisors and captains turned to the front of the room where a young man stood beside the emperor's seat, a golden staff of the moon and the sun in his hands. He wore a deep velvet cloak with stars on it and his purple eyes shone at the men in the room from beneath round glasses. The advisors gritted their teeth. Oh, how they hated the dark magician! He always stole the spotlight from them! The emperor placed his value above theirs.

"What are you talking about, Hiirigizawa?"

Eriol's face was serious. "The note that was left on the bodies read, 'In time I will reveal all of your secrets.' It was a note meant to be received by you, your highness. By using dead red imperial army soldiers, this person is directly challenging you. It couldn't possibly be anyone from the resistance because they are openly against your highness. Everyone knows this. Why would they need to hide to threaten you with information that they already know? Why not just use it against you? No, this is the work of someone close to you or the palace. Someone with inside information that they would not mind using against the noblemen empire if placed in the right hands. Right now, this person wants everyone to know that they exist. My guess is that this person doesn't know what to do with the information he has acquired and is willing to pass it on to someone who could make use of it. In other words, yes, this was a message for you, your highness, but it was also a message for your enemies telling them to find him."

There was a long silence after Eriol finished speaking and then the emperor exploded.

"What the hell are you fools waiting for? GO FIND THIS PERSON AND KILL HIM!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" the generals immediately straightened.

"I want only our best captains looking for this man! He is dangerous to the noblemen empire! Arrest and kill anyone who resists our searches. We must find him before the resistance does! I want this man dead before the celebrations begin!" the emperor spat.

"Yes, your majesty!" As the men hurried out of the main chambers, Emperor Kimama turned to the only remaining general left in the room.

"Yuuta…"

"Yes, your majesty?"

"Don't let this man escape. Find him and bring him to me."

General Yuuta's eyes flashed. "Yes, your majesty," he bowed before striding out of the room. Eriol watched him leave, his deep purple orbs narrowing.

"Hey, Touya!" Kinomoto Touya looked up at the approaching figure of his best friend. "What's up, Yuki?" he asked in a bored tone. He was leaning against a building, passing the time by idly watching the slaves and guards working around him. "We've been reassigned," Yukito announced as he reached him. Touya stood up straight.

"What?"

"Well, I'm assuming you heard about the two dead soldiers found near Aurum district this afternoon?" Touya nodded and Yukito continued. "The emperor has just made it an order to search for the man responsible for those killings. You know how there was a note on them? This person is threatening the emperor and the noblemen. He's also making the soldiers look weak. So our new assignment is to search for this guy. General Yuuta wants us to gather our squads and meet at headquarters for further instructions."

"Do they suspect involvement from the resistance?"

Yukito shook his head. "No, not this time. And it doesn't make sense, does it? Why would the resistance be threatening the emperor with information they know? I mean, what will they gain from it?"

Touya was silent and Yukito glanced at him. "I know what you're implying…that it's the Spirit again, hm? Do you think he's already in the city?"

Touya exhaled. "I don't know…Who else is going to be involved in the search?"

Yukito looked thoughtful as they walked. "Well, as far as I know, all of the captains have been assigned to this case. The only one who isn't is Saitou. He's still searching for slaves with magic. Particularly one man and one woman. Isn't that preposterous? The emperor can't believe that such a thing like the prophecy still exists, can he?" When Touya didn't respond, Yukito continued. "Anyway, I heard Saitou isn't having any luck so far and the emperor isn't happy. He wants everything resolved before the celebrations start in three weeks. I heard he's allowing the nobles to come stay in the estates around the palace gates-," but Touya wasn't really listening anymore. He was thinking quickly.

If the emperor was still searching for slaves with magic that meant that everyone coming through the gates would be tested. If Sakura was disguised as a slave, she would surely get caught! No, no, Touya was thinking irrationally again. Sakura couldn't be in Soul City…if any slaves with magic had been caught, surely he would've heard the news already…

"Are you alright, Touya?" Touya blinked and looked over at Yukito, who was watching him.

"You've got that face on again…" he said and grinned wryly. "The face you always get when you're thinking about your sister. I know that with this sudden assignment it will limit your time to search for her. Have the soldiers that you sent out to find her had any luck?"

Touya shook his head, his features grim now. "No. Don't worry about it, Yuki. I'll find her…" And his eyes darkened as he thought of Sakura. "I'll find her."

Hana District, Soul City

9:34 PM

"Hmm, are you sure that this is alright?" Sakura couldn't help but voice the question she'd been wondering to herself out loud. Sayuri glanced back and gave Sakura a reassuring smile. "Yes, it's fine, Ying Fa. I always bring my brother dinner since he's usually too busy to come home."

Sakura only nodded and swallowed. She couldn't help feeling that all was not fine since at that very moment, she and Sayuri were on their way to a resistance meeting. The last time she had been at a resistance meeting was when she snuck in with Tomoyo, Meiling and Miyu when they were in Olympus City and a certain amber eyed young man had not been too pleased with them. And now she and Sayuri were about to openly walk into a resistance meeting, knowing that the same resistance leader would be there? Sakura shivered. She had a bad feeling about this…

"Hoooeee…" she whispered softly. "Maybe we should go back…"

Sayuri laughed as she heard her. "It'll be alright! I've been to a lot of the meetings. I know almost everyone there. We'll be fine, just trust me."

Sakura wanted very much to believe Sayuri's words but she had a feeling, no, she knew from experience that even if everyone in the room didn't have a problem with them being there, Li Syaoran definitely would. However, she remained silent and Sayuri seemed to take that as Sakura's confidence in her.

Sakura looked around them and pulled her hood more snugly around her head. The sun had extinguished itself a while ago and all around them, slaves were moving quickly to reach the safety of their homes, the presences of the red imperial army soldiers growing more rapidly with the hour.

"Let's hurry," she muttered under her breath to Sayuri. "Don't worry. We're almost there," the latter replied and Sakura exhaled. It was a nervous feeling walking down the emptying streets at night…

They reached a cluster of housing built for slaves. The buildings were large and had two floors here. Sakura could see the lights on in the small apartments. She and Sayuri stopped in front of an apartment door on the first floor and Sayuri knocked while Sakura stared, wondering how they were going to host a resistance meeting in such a small place. A few seconds passed before the door was opened, revealing a young man with dark hair and eyes.

"Sayuri! What are you doing here?" he exclaimed. Sayuri frowned at his greeting. "What do you mean? I always come." And the man swallowed nervously, glancing into the living room behind him. "Uh…" he seemed hesitant and Sayuri's eyes narrowed.

"What's going on, Renji?"

The man named Renji took a deep breath before speaking in a rushed voice. "Yocanter!" he blurted out.

"What was that?"

Renji exhaled heavily. "You can't enter." He repeated in a muffled voice. There was a long moment of silence and then Sayuri laughed.

"Let me in, Renji," she said smiling but the man looked serious and shook his head. "I can't do that, Sayuri, not today! Things are different now that Li-san's back and he doesn't want anyone outside of the resistance attending meetings! And I don't want to get into trouble with Li-san! Do you know how scary that guy is?" he gave her a desperate pleading look but Sayuri only shook her head.

"You won't get in trouble, Renji, trust me," she said confidently. "I'm Li's close childhood friend. I know him. He won't mind us being here."

"But-!"

"Look, if you get in trouble, I'll personally take responsibility." Renji hesitated for a moment as he watched Sayuri's bright face and then he finally sighed in defeat. "Oh, alright, alright, come in. But if I get in trouble with Li-san, I'm not going down alone!" he warned. And Sayuri beamed at him as she took Sakura's arm and pulled her inside. "Wait! Who's this-?" Renji caught a glimpse of Sakura's face before his entire attitude changed and he gave her a charming smile. "-I mean, hello there, beautiful!" Sayuri rolled her eyes.

"This is Li's sister, Renji." Immediately, the man gasped and he bowed low. "I'm so sorry!" Sakura didn't get a chance to answer as Sayuri had already led her past the living room. "Put in a good word to Li for me, Sayuri!" Renji yelled as they descended a pair of stairs to the side.

As they went down with each step, Sakura began dreading more and more. "Hmm…I don't think this is a really good idea…"

"It'll be fine," Sayuri answered shortly and Sakura could detect a hint of agitation in her voice. She decided to drop the subject. But the thought of Syaoran's reaction at finding Sakura at the meeting still scared her...would he notice her there?

The two women continued the rest of the steps in silence and reached another hallway filled with many twists and turns, lit by torches and candles. Sayuri effortlessly maneuvered her way through as if she had been here many times while Sakura followed. She heard the meeting before they reached it. The sound of many men speaking at once, the low buzz of their deep voices rumbling in the cavernous chambers, for Sakura knew that they were now underground.

They emerged into a large room, where about fifty men were already assembled in their seats around a table and speaking to one another. Those who didn't have seats stood around. Like the first time Sakura was at the resistance meeting in Olympus City, the men here didn't seem to notice the presence of two extra persons. But Sakura knew this wasn't the case…she knew the Resistance was very capable. It was probably because she and Sayuri didn't pose much of a threat to them…

She glanced around and noticed Kuchirou-san, the head chief of Golden Bridge Town a few seats away speaking with the head chief of Soul City, a man with deep brown eyes and black hair lined with a few gray strands. Mizuki-san was his name if she wasn't mistaken. All around her were faces of men that Sakura had seen at the meeting previously. There was Kamiya-san from Byul Town, Yoshima, and another man she was sure was named Tanaka…

"I had no idea the resistance meeting was going to be so important tonight," Sayuri whispered to Sakura as she looked around at all the men. Sakura blinked and stared at her. "Only the most important head chiefs from all over the Clow are here. Li's having a very big meeting." Sayuri explained and Sakura nodded in agreement, nervously glancing around for any sign of the young leader.

At that moment, a door on the opposite side of the room opened. "Find out the information I asked you about earlier. And while you're in that part of town, stop by and check up on her. I'm not going to be around until tomorrow evening."

Syaoran entered the room, speaking to someone behind him. Sakura's heart beat quickened.

"Got it, Li," the voice that answered was familiar and Sakura almost gave herself away by shouting with joy. She only caught herself in time when she realized that she wasn't supposed to be here. Walking in behind Syaoran was…Satoshi! And behind them, Yamazaki followed with Seishirou. Satoshi and Yamazkai had made it into the city! Did that mean that Tomoyo and Meiling were here as well? Sakura was filled with happiness. She noticed Syaoran pause for a second and a small smile appeared on his lips. Not knowing that he had just felt her surge of happiness inside himself, Sakura wondered what had made him smile the way he did. Syaoran stopped to take off his cloak and turned to face the men in the room, his smile gone and replaced by a serious look.

The noise level dropped as Syaoran came to stand at the head of the table. Behind him, Sakura noticed that the four elders had also entered and were now seating themselves in the back while Satoshi, Yamazaki and Seishirou took seats around Syaoran. She swallowed. Maybe if luck was on her side, she wouldn't get found out…

"Thank you for coming. I'm glad that all of you were able to make it tonight," Syaoran said in a clear strong voice, addressing the men around him. They nodded and many of them greeted him respectfully. "First of all, I know that it's been a while since we last came together in Olympus City. A lot of things have happened since then that I need to bring to your attention. Before I do that though, I want to know what's been happening here. Where are we in our preparations?" Syaoran turned to his right. "Mizuki-san, let's start with your report."

"Yes, Li." The head chief of Soul City stood up, a scroll in his hands. "As of right now, all of our men have entered the city. That number, not including the known spies, accounts for 18,342 men. They are currently spread out among the city in the groups that you requested at the previous meeting." Syaoran nodded. "Continue."

"The imperial army spies have been reassigned to the sand dunes where they believe we plan to attack the last day of the festivities. No doubt they have already warned their superiors. Imagine the imperial army soldier's surprise when an attack that was supposedly planned there weeks ago doesn't happen..." Mizuki's eyes glinted with amusement and some of the men around the table chuckled. "Instead, Koujo-san will lead our men into the base in Jade Town and attack the Two Towers prison from there while the army is moving."

"And did we find out who the spies answer to?"

"Captain Saitou. We've been having problems with that guy. He's been nosing around the slave district asking strange questions about slaves with magic." Sakura's eyes widened as she heard this and she glanced over at Syaoran, who was frowning deep in thought as Mizuki continued. "He has a large network of spies working for him and it's Saitou whose been leading the searches in the city. We've been forced to relocate our weapons and armory three times in the last month alone. Takamura was nearly caught this last time."

"Where are the weapons now?" Syaoran asked.

"They are currently in the abandoned warehouse near the Red District. We're planning on moving them to the smaller storage tonight."

"You will need at least three teams. Who volunteers to help Mizuki-san move the weapons?" Nearly all the hands in the room went up and Syaoran nodded. "Very well. After the meeting, begin moving them right away with caution. We're going to have to keep a close watch on Saitou from now on. The fact that he's actively searching for slaves with magic says that he's searching for two specific persons." And the tension in the room rose as the men exchanged glances.

"That may be so, but they're not here in Soul City are they, Li?" Yoshida-san asked cautiously.

"Do not worry. The two chosen ones are somewhere safe…at the moment." Syaoran replied, adding the last part under his breath.

The men in the room looked at one another again, the same excited spark of hope in their eyes when another man spoke up.

"Speaking of which, Li, we've been receiving reports that the Youkai activity around the Clow has increased greatly in the last few months. They've been attacking not only slaves, but nobles and soldiers alike."

"And that's not the only strange thing that has been happening," Tanaka-san spoke up. "A couple of weeks ago, an entire squad of red imperial army soldiers and their captain were killed by the youkai population in the Royal Forest. The story is that a single soldier from their squad betrayed them to the Youkai. In the end, the emperor found and hung the one responsible for their demise. But the important thing is that when the red imperial army went to investigate, the Royal Forest was already cleaned of the demons."

Syaoran looked up. "The emperor hanged a soldier?"

"Yes," Tanaka-san continued. "He was executed the day after the squad was killed." Syaoran folded his arms and frowned. He was silent as Yoshima-san spoke up.

"But that doesn't make sense at all! Why would a soldier betray his entire squad? If the emperor wanted to hunt down the one responsible for it all, why not just speak to the Youkai? They answer to him after all."

"Because the emperor's contract with the Youkai has been nullified." All eyes turned upon the resistance leader, who looked up at the faces in front of him.

"What do you mean, Li?"

Syaoran unfolded his arms. "This is only a part of the news that I need to tell all of you. The Youkai are no longer taking orders under the emperor. They've broken the contract with him and are now working for a demon named Akaru. Long ago, Akaru was Lord Akuma's right hand man and now it is him that the Youkai are taking orders from. He is strong with magical powers given by the emperor's ancestor and he is building an army of Youkai." Syaoran took a deep breath. "Akaru plans to raise his master and lead this army of Youkai against all humans."

There was complete silence in the room as Syaoran announced this and Seishirou met his gaze. Sakura bit her lower lip and beside her, Sayuri looked completely shocked by this news.

"Are you serious, Li?" Mizuki-san finally managed to croak and Syaoran nodded. "Yes, I am. I found this information out from the Seers."

"They're planning to completely wipe out the human race?" a head chief stood up and shouted. "It's going to be a massacre, Li! How are we supposed to fight the red imperial army and the Youkai?"

And the room plunged into chaos as the men began speaking to one another in urgent voices. Yamazaki and Satoshi exchanged glances before Syaoran stood up from his seat. Yamazaki handed him something that Sakura couldn't see. Only when the sound of a sword sliding out from its sheath was heard that the men in the room turned to the front again to watch. Syaoran held the blade high above his head and placed it on the table. The men stared. Seishirou smirked.

"This is your answer," Syaoran announced, looking around at the men.

"Li, you shouldn't kid around. How is that the solution to our problem?" Ishida-san, the head chief of Orion Village spoke up, looking at the middle of the table. Syaoran met his gaze squarely.

"When I left Olympus City a month and a half ago, I sought to find the Seekers." The men were paying attention to him again. "I found them. And this," and he motioned to the item on the table. "is the symbol of the alliance between the Seekers and the Resistance." Sakura leaned forward and what she saw made her smile. It was the sword that Ryuu had given Syaoran back at the lair of the Seekers. A long sleek silver blade sat imbibed to a golden hilt. It was beautifully made, and carved with the symbol of an intercrossing sword and leaf. The men stared in awe at the sword as they noticed the symbol of the Seekers.

"B-but Li, this is a true sword forged by the Seekers! Look at how finely it's made!" Kamiya-san exclaimed, running his fingers along the hilt, impressed. Syaoran nodded.

"It was given to me by the leader of the Seekers, Ryuu. The Seekers are now the Resistance's allies. We aren't alone and we won't be when we face the Youkai." And the head chiefs looked up at Syaoran, whose amber eyes were blazing now as he spoke. "It's true that the challenges that lie in front of us are great, but as long as there are still humans, together, we won't let the Youkai win. That is why we can't give up here. We must unite all of mankind while the time is given to us and this means taking down the noblemen empire before the Youkai reach us. Now, let's plan."

"Yes, Li!" The head chiefs, their courage renewed, gave Li their full attention.

"Li has grown tremendously, hasn't he?" Mizuki observed the son of one of his best friends, his old eyes twinkling. Seishirou, who sat beside him, nodded and smiled. "Yes, he's a man now…that idiot student of mine…"

Sakura glanced over at Sayuri. The girl was watching Syaoran with admiring eyes as he continued to direct the meeting and Sakura too looked over at the young leader. At times like these, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of pride. She had forgotten what a charismatic leader Syaoran was and how he inspired the other men. They wanted to follow him to the end.

"Can their leader Ryuu be trusted?" A head chief asked.

"I trust him with my life," Syaoran replied crisply and the men exchanged glances. Someone that the resistance leader trusted so deeply was someone to be admired indeed! "Ryuu is currently traveling towards Akaru's hideout to see what he can find out. And if possible, engage the Youkai in battle."

"But Li, you said that Akaru had an army. Will the leader of the Seekers survive?" Ishida-san asked. Syaoran's eyes were firm as they landed on the sword Ryuu had given to him. "He will survive."

"And that sword's not the only one that is significant," Satoshi added and Syaoran nodded at him. "Yes. About two months ago, Kinomoto Touya and Tsukishiro Yukito's squads were sent on a mission by the emperor to retrieve a certain sword that the Seeker's had been protecting on their land."

"What kind of sword would need so much protection, Li?" Tanaka-san asked.

"The legendary sword, Binder." There were collective gasps around the room. "But Li, that sword doesn't exist, that's what it is, a legend!"

Syaoran was grim. "It exists and it was taken from the Seekers by Kinomoto."

"Yes, he and Tsukishiro's squads were immediately called to the palace upon their arrival back into Soul City. Could it be because of this?" Mizuki asked and Syaoran nodded.

"We can presume that the emperor now holds onto Binder, though I don't know what he plans to do with it. According to the legends, the sword only works for the one that it chooses to wield it," he said. "That means that whatever the emperor plans to do with it most likely involves the sword itself and not the magic that Binder is said to possess. We'll have to find out what that is. Mizuki-san," he addressed the older man. "Have Akizuki look into it for us."

"Yes, Li. I will speak with her about it," Mizuki said. Sakura frowned. Why would the emperor want Binder for?

"But Li, can Binder really exist? It was supposed to have been lost long ago. If what you're telling us is correct then does that mean its brother sword Ruler exists as well? It is the true sword of the king and disappeared with the last king of the Clow one hundred years ago."

One of the elders stood to answer the question. "There has been no evidence that suggests that Ruler exists. If it does, that will mean that there is another heir in line for the throne of the king. For now, Binder exists and it is in the hands of the enemy." Syaoran did not look at him as he spoke to the men, his eyes trained firmly on the table.

"Speaking of the enemy, Daitaro-sama, it seems the emperor has acquired a new adversary who is not linked to us, Li," Yoshida stood up and looked around. "I'm sure that everyone is aware. This afternoon two red imperial army soldiers were found dead in a crate being carried by some slaves. There was a note attached to each body when put together made a message. Thanks to Fay-san and Kurogane-san, who were at the scene when it happened, we have the final message, which says: 'In time I will reveal all of your secrets.' The note was obviously meant for the emperor but it wasn't sent by any known resistance member either, which means that someone out there knows something about the emperor." And he smiled slightly. "Apparently the emperor was livid when he found out, which accounts for Fay-san and Kurogane-san not being able to join us this evening." There was murmuring from the men around the room and Sakura bit her lower lip…she hoped that Fay and Kurogane were alright…

"We don't yet know what this person's intentions are so I need all of you to be careful when you're out doing your assignments for the resistance," Syaoran said, looking at each man in the eye. "This person is dangerous. It's not the fact that he can kill red imperial army soldiers easily, but that he can move around without being seen that makes him dangerous. To kill two soldiers and hide their bodies so easily makes this person a real threat. Remember that."

And the head chiefs in the room shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Sakura looked down. Indeed, danger was growing and she could feel it…

"Li, do you think this could be the same man who tried to murder the emperor in his bed chambers a couple of weeks ago?" Seishirou asked. Syaoran folded his arms and frowned.

"The possibility of that is very high, Seishirou, but until we find more information, we can't make a move. Doing so would be foolish and the enemy would know where we are because we can't say that this person is on our side just because he's against the emperor." The men in the room nodded in agreement and Syaoran glanced around. "Be careful when you're out and warn the men as well. This person's intentions still aren't clear."

"Yes, Li."

"Now, is there any more news that we need to hear about before we start?" The men exchanged looks and shook their heads.

"Actually, there is one more bit of news, Li." An older head chief stood up.

"What is it, Watanabe-san?"

The head chief of Nemuri Village continued. "I know that it may be irrelevant to what we were discussing, but about a month ago, there was a small slave uprising in Haru Town led by Yakimoto-san."

Syaoran nodded, his eyes hard. "I've spoken to Yakimoto." And Watanabe-san nodded.

"Well, there was someone who impersonated you the night Yakimoto was released by Tezuka and Daisuke. It was a woman. A noblewoman, to be exact, by the name of Fujihara Yori." And there were more mutterings around the table. Sakura's eyes widened.

"She fought the soldiers but ended up being captured and hanged for treason. Her father also followed along the same path." Syaoran's face was grim. "I was reminded of it when you said what you said earlier. That as long as there were humans, we would unite against any threat. I know we've got a long way to go, but perhaps, nobles and slaves can work together after all."

Syaoran smiled slightly at that. "Yes, Watanabe-san, I agree. It's a shame that we lost Fujihara Yori. The resistance could have used a talent like that." Sakura looked down. So, she wasn't the only noblewoman who shared the same beliefs as the slaves…and a sad smile tugged at her lips. She would liked to have met this noblewoman, Fujihara Yori…

Syaoran frowned and looked up.

"What's wrong, Li?" Yamazaki whispered and Syaoran shook his head. No, he was imagining it. But why would she be feeling sad…?

"Li, we've found out the emperor's plans for the celebrations," Mizuki announced and Syaoran nodded, refocusing his attention. "Go on."

"The emperor plans to start the celebration in about three weeks. The last day of the celebration will mark the hundredth year of the day the noblemen's ancestors took over Soul City. Since there will be many nobles coming in from all over the Clow, the emperor has reserved the estates around the palace gates to them. If that's true then we don't have to worry about the nobles. Most of them will be close to the festivities and they won't have a chance to gather their guards to fight. What we need to worry about are the red imperial army troops which are most certainly going to be centered here and here," And Mizuki began pointing out positions on a map while the men around the table leaned forward.

Sakura wasn't listening to the men speaking anymore…she had learned many things at the meeting tonight. One of which still confused her. Why did the emperor need Binder? She felt that there was a piece missing to the whole picture. The emperor seemed very desperate to attain the legendary sword so there must be a specific plan for it…and the one who had given the emperor Binder had been Touya…

He was here in Soul City. The same city she was in now. The thought of it frightened her. Would she meet him here…? And Sakura's heart began racing as she thought about her brother.

At the table, Syaoran, who had been pointing to a particular spot on the map in front of him suddenly paused in the middle of his sentence and the head chiefs glanced at him, exchanging looks.

"Li?"

But Syaoran wasn't paying them any attention. He had just felt her. She was here! He was sure of it now! Slowly, he looked up and around the room, his amber eyes searching, his aura feeling for the pink warmth that was hers.

Sakura looked up when she heard the resistance leader suddenly stop in the middle of his sentence. What was wrong with him? He was standing quite still, his eyes focused somewhere else and then slowly, he looked up and began looking around the room. What was he doing? It almost looked like he was searching for something…searching…for her! Oh no! Sakura attempted to recoil her aura and hastily ducked behind a man standing in front of her, almost hitting Sayuri in the process.

Syaoran could feel her trying to hide her aura. There! He spotted movement in the corner as a figure quickly darted behind one of the men and Syaoran frowned. What was she doing here of all places?

"Li, what were you saying?" Mizuki asked and Syaoran turned back to the men, keeping one eye on the corner in case she tried to escape.

"Let's break up into our groups and rejoin in a few minutes. I have something I have to take care of first, Mizuki-san," Syaoran replied and Mizuki nodded at the men, who immediately began moving around. Syaoran made straight for the corner.

"Are you alright?" Sayuri asked as Sakura almost ran into her. "Sorry, no. I think Syaoran knows we're here…" she whispered breathlessly, looking around and Sayuri raised an eyebrow. "How do you know?"

"Let's break up into our groups and rejoin in a few minutes. I have something I have to take care of first, Mizuki-san."

Sayuri exchanged looks with Sakura as the men began to rearrange themselves.

"Hey, what's wrong, Li?" Yamazaki and Satoshi followed Syaoran but the resistance leader didn't answer them. They watched in amazement as he walked to the far corner and right up to a familiar figure, looking very guilty to have been caught red-handed.

"What are you doing here?" Syaoran asked without preamble. Sakura winced.

"Ying Fa!" Satoshi exclaimed, surprised as they caught up and Yamazaki grinned. "Hey!"

"Hey, guys…" Sakura replied in a small voice, glancing at the resistance leader who was still waiting for an answer, his arms crossed and a scowl on his face.

"Ying Fa's here because of me, Li." And Syaoran turned as Sayuri appeared beside him, smiling. "I came to drop off dinner for Seishirou-,"

"You're not supposed to be here," Syaoran interrupted her sternly and Sayuri blinked.

"Oh, but I…"

"You're not allowed into resistance meetings and it's especially dangerous at this time of night. You already knew this and yet you still came. I'm disappointed in you, Sayuri."

Beside Sayuri, Sakura opened her mouth furiously but the young woman placed a hand on Sakura's arm to stop her. "I understand, Li," Sayuri said in a trembling voice, looking at her shoes.

"Now, now, it's probably not their fault, Li. I'm sure they didn't intentionally mean to come so late at night," Satoshi said raising his hands in a placating manner. He shut up as the resistance leader glared at him. "…Or not."

"It was better to not have said anything," Yamazaki muttered under his breath. Satoshi narrowed his eyes at him.

"Shut it."

"She was worried about her brother, Syaoran," Sakura spoke up, her green eyes flashing. "I'm sure even you can understand what it feels like to worry for the people you care about!"

The resistance leader didn't answer her. All he did was watch her for long moment before he turned back to Sayuri.

"Give your dinner. Afterwards, you'll need to leave. I'll have Satoshi escort you."

Sayuri nodded, her head still bowed. "Yes,."

Satoshi and Yamazaki exchanged looks. What was that about? They thought that for sure Li was going to lecture them longer about coming out to the resistance meeting!

"What's going on here?" Seishirou had come over to see what was happening and stopped upon seeing Sayuri and Sakura. "Oh…" Sakura approached him, holding out a small dinner box.

"Seishirou-san. I made this for you. It was my first time cooking, so I don't know if it'll taste good or not."

"Oh! How lucky, Seishirou-san!" Yamazaki grinned and raised his brows suggestively as Satoshi chuckled beside him.

Seishirou looked touched and rubbed the back of his neck as he accepted it graciously. "Thank you, Ying Fa…you're too kind. I'm sure anything you cook tastes wonderful." Sakura smiled at him while Seishirou tried to hide his gleeful smile. At that moment he knew that a certain student of his was glaring jealously over in their direction…

"Li." Syaoran, who was frowning over at Sakura and Seshirou turned to see Sayuri in front of him. "I made you dinner." She handed him a small box she had packed herself. "I hope you like it."

He took it in his hands. "Thank you," he said to her. "Satoshi."

The latter straightened up. "Yeah, Li?"

"Escort Ying Fa and Sayuri back. Make sure they get home alright."

"Yes, Li. Let's go Ying Fa, Sayuri."

The two women followed Satoshi with Sakura passing Syaoran by without a second glance. Sayuri kept her head low as she followed.

"Sayuri." At the door she paused and turned back around. Syaoran was watching her. "Thank you again for the food but I don't want to see this happening ever again."

Sayuri gave him a small smile and nodded. "Okay, Li. I understand." And she followed Sakura and Satoshi into the hallway.

Upstairs, the trio met Renji at the entrance. "Hey, how'd it go?" he asked them quickly. "I'm not in trouble with Li-san, am I? Am I?" He looked at Sayuri who remained silent in a subdued way as they passed by just as another man came from up the staircase.

"Hey, Renji! Li-san wants a word with you."

"Aw, man! I'm so in trouble!"

Outside, walking along the dark city streets, Satoshi turned to the two women.

"Don't worry about Li," he said good-naturedly. "He just doesn't want anyone outside of the resistance at risk of getting hurt. That's just the way he is." And then he chuckled. "Although I'm surprised at you, Sayuri. I never thought I'd see the day when you'd get in trouble for anything!

The young woman didn't answer him. Instead, she walked with her hood up and her head hung down low. Sakura glanced at her and attempted to lighten the mood. "How was the journey, Satoshi? Did everyone get here alright?"

"Oh, yeah! Well the journey here was fine. We accidentally got into some trouble with a few guards when we arrived in Kiri Village, but Meiling sorted it out before Yamazaki or I could even bat our eyelids," he said chuckling and Sakura laughed with him.

"Sounds just like Meiling," she said softly, smiling and finding herself suddenly missing the Chinese girl.

"Well, yeah! She's one tough chick! Anyway, we arrived into the city just this morning. Daidouji-san and Meiling are staying with Li's, er- your sisters in the slave district while they're here. Daidouji's been asking about you already. She really wants to see you, you know."

Sakura smiled warmly. She missed Tomoyo, too. Although she enjoyed Sayuri's company, it just wasn't the same without her best friend, whom she could tell everything to. "I want to see her too."

"Listen, I've got to stop by your place again tomorrow anyway. How about I take you to see them then? I'm sure that your "sisters" would be happy to reunite with you as well." A grin unfolded itself onto Sakura's lips at the thought of seeing Syaoran's sisters again.

"That sounds great, Satoshi!" And Sakura turned to the young woman walking beside her. "We should go together, Sayuri! I want you to meet Tomoyo."

Sayuri didn't answer her back. She merely kept walking and Sakura bit her lower lip. She had been that way since they'd come back from the meeting. Did what Syaoran said to her have anything to do with it…?

They walked the rest of the way in silence.

Back in the resistance meeting room head quarters, a certain amber eyed young man had a problem...he had just spoken with the door guard Renji about letting certain individuals in but no, that was not what was bothering him at the moment. What was bothering Li Syaoran was sitting right across from him at the meeting table.

"Would you look at that? This looks absolutely delicious!" Seishirou had opened the box of dinner given to him and was now looking down at it with a look of incredulous delight on his face. He chuckled. "Ying Fa is too adorable!" He was speaking to himself but many resisters were staring at him almost enviously. It wasn't every night that a pretty young woman gave them dinner! They were divided into their own groups now and were planning the details of the attack while Seishirou ate his food.

It wasn't even the fact that Seishirou had dinner in front of him that annoyed Syaoran, but what was irritating him the most was that it was a dinner box given by Sakura and made by Sakura's own hands!

The resistance leader's eyes were burning holes through Seishirou and try as he might, he couldn't stop wondering what exactly it was that Sakura had made that was eliciting such joy from his own shishou...

Finally unable to take it any longer, Syaoran cleared his throat. "Seishirou." His shishou had just picked up a pair of chopsticks to eat and looked up at him expectantly.

"What is it?"

Syaoran scowled. He was being childish but at this point he didn't care any longer. "I need to speak with you about something."

"Okay," Seishirou set his chopsticks down and stood up to make his way towards Syaoran.

"Bring your dinner."

Seishirou raised a brow at his student who was refusing to meet his eyes. "Okay..." he returned to his seat and picked up his bento box and then made his way over to Li, setting the dinner down on the table in front of him.

"What is it?"

Syaoran peeked into his dinner box and gave a short snort of laughter. Sayuri's dinner, which sat open in front of him was perfectly prepared while Sakura's was messy with the food in various spots. The smiley face that she had drawn on the eggs with ketchup was asymmetrical as well. One eye was bigger than the other and the smile was crooked.

Without another word, Syaoran pulled Sakura's dinner towards him.

"Hey! What are you doing? That's my dinner!" Seishirou complained. Syaoran looked up at him.

"Trust me, I'm doing you a favor," he said seriously and then without another word, he promptly picked up a piece of egg with his chopsticks and popped it into his mouth. Syaoran chewed for a moment and then looked away.

Glaring at his student, Seishirou too, took a mouthful of food as tears began to stream down his face. "Gaaahh! So salty!"

After Satoshi dropped them off at Sayuri's house, he cheerfully bade the two women goodbye and promised to return tomorrow. Then he set off towards the meeting again.

To the card mistress's surprise, Sayuri didn't head upstairs to her room but immediately walked past the kitchen and through the door that led outside into the back. Sakura hesitated before she slowly followed, wanting to know what was bothering her. Sayuri had become a good friend of Sakura's while she stayed here and it worried her that the usually talkative girl had maintained such a long stretch of silence.

She found Sayuri beside the maple tree that overlooked the pond. The crescent moon was reflecting the stars above, shimmering upon the water's surface. A warm breeze blew by, ruffling the many plants and flowers in the garden and causing a few maple leaves to fall to the earth. Crickets were chirping but between them, silence ensued. Sakura didn't know how to approach the other woman.

"Is everything alright, Sayuri?" Sakura asked slowly, worried for her friend.

"Have I ever told you how Li and I met?"

Sakura blinked. "N-no..."

"I met Li in the summer, seven years ago…" And Sayuri turned away from Sakura to face the pond, her maroon red eyes lost in memories.

The leaves on the maple tree that sat over the pond were a deep green this time of year. In her home, ten-year-old Sayuri watched from behind the closet as her brother spoke to an elderly man.

"You're the best martial artist the resistance has, Seishirou," Bo Chen said. Seishirou nodded seriously.

"I accept your request, elder. But if I'm going to train him, he'll need to see it through to the end. I'm not someone who will go easy on a person just because of his age."

"If working hard is an issue, you do not have to worry about your new student." And Bo Chen turned to the doorway behind him. "Xiao Lang."

A young boy close to Sayuri's age entered. He was tall and skinny with a serious face and brown eyes. Dark messy chestnut colored hair topped his head as he silently bowed to Seishirou, who was observing him with interest. Sayuri stared.

"This is Li Syaoran. He will be learning under you from now on."

"I am Seishirou. You may call me sensei." The boy nodded. Sayuri frowned. Was the boy unable to speak? And what were the elders thinking, sending such a thin and frail looking boy to her brother, who was one of the best martial artists in the entire city to teach?

Sayuri blinked out of her thoughts as she heard her brother call her name and she came into the room.

"This is Sayuri. She's my younger sister."

It happened in that moment. Sayuri looked up and for the first time she got the full blast of the effect of Li Syaoran's eyes. For a moment, she stopped breathing.

His orbs were amber. An amber so deep, shivers ran down her spine. Specks of gold lined his irises as he observed her. Sayuri wanted to run away but she couldn't. She was frozen there until he let her go.

"I'm Li Syaoran," he spoke to her and she nodded dumbly, her tongue lost somewhere in her dry mouth. Even after he had turned to speak to the elder and her brother, Sayuri kept watching him. She was fascinated. Li seemed to emanate the same tenacity and maturity that even grown men didn't possess. He stood tall, like an important person who held all the world's responsibilities on his shoulders and he was so serious. Sayuri wanted to find out more about him…

But any chance that she had to speak to Li was lost as her older brother began training him and true to Seishirou's words, he did not go easy on his new student. Sayuri was never allowed to watch them train and she only saw Li at night when he returned but he was always exhausted and the next day he would be gone again.

There were many things she wanted to ask him but he hardly said a word to her besides the occasional "yes" or "no" and "I'm not hungry." Sayuri would never press him though. Although Li was stoic and strong, there were a few times after he trained when he looked as if he'd break from even the slightest touch. It was moments like these that confused Sayuri and wanted to make her get to know him.

The opportunity arose a few months after Li began training and staying with them. She had woken up in the middle of the night to get a drink of water. On her way back she noticed the light still on from upstairs in the guest room. Curious, she tiptoed upstairs and peered into the room Li was using. What she saw made her stifle a gasp.

"Who's there?" his harsh voice snarled and Sayuri hastily stepped into the light of the room. When Syaoran saw who it was, he turned away again, resting his head the pillow in front of him. Slowly, cautiously, Sayuri inched her way into the room, keeping her eyes on Syaoran.

He was lying on a blanket, spread eagle in the middle of the room on his chest. He was shirtless and had a pillow propped up where his head was. His back was a tapestry of injuries. It was bruised in blues and blacks and oozing blood in various places with the cuts still fresh and opened.

Sayuri covered her mouth with her hands as she approached and sat beside him, careful not to touch him.

"What happened to your back?" she gasped quietly.

Syaoran took a moment before he answered. "Training."

"B-but, it's bleeding…doesn't it hurt?" she asked, reaching out for his wounds.

"Don't touch me!" he hissed and Sayuri drew back quickly, as though burned. Syaoran too, seemed to be using all of his energy to speak because he slumped down onto his pillow afterwards, wincing and panting slightly.

"B-but if it doesn't get some medicine on it, it won't heal…"

"It's fine," he growled quietly. Sayuri bit her lower lip but stayed put. "Get out…" he murmured and turned around to lay his head down again. He seemed to be in great pain. Every movement caused him to inhale sharply in suppressed agony, but Li never made a sound. Instead, he forced himself to be still as sweat beaded his forehead. Sayuri lowered her head.

After a couple minutes of silence, she slowly stood up on shaking legs and left the room, but not before glancing back once more at Li's figure. After she left, Syaoran sighed and slumped down onto his blankets, biting his lip to keep from crying out. That night, Sayuri didn't sleep.

The next morning, Li was up and about, walking normally as if he didn't have a scarred and wounded backside beneath the shirt he wore. Sayuri watched him carefully but he showed no sign of being hurt the night before and she worried that she may have just imagined the entire thing…

A few more months went by without Li speaking more than a few words to her and Sayuri forgot about the incident.

She had left her bracelet upstairs in the room she was cleaning during the day and gone to retrieve it that night. There was light in his room. It wasn't unusual. She knew now that Li stayed up late working on his magical studies. Sayuri was about to pass by when she heard a sharp hiss of pain and her feet stopped outside his door.

Pondering about whether or not she should enter, she stood. Her hand beat her brain in making the decision when it reached out to push the door handle forward. The door wasn't shut, just barely open.

It was the same scene as before on that night a few months ago, except that this time, Li wasn't lying down. He sat on the floor with his legs crossed and his body hunched over his knees. His back, if possible, looked worse than last time. The wounds from the time before healed over badly, leaving uneven scars behind. There were multiple scratches and bruises this time, with some still bleeding.

He noticed her entrance but didn't say anything. She could tell because his shoulders had tensed up when she first opened the door. Without another word, Sayuri walked back out. Syaoran listened to her quick footsteps fading away and steadied his breathing to block out the pain.

"I'm going to put medicine on your wounds whether you want me to or not." Syaoran's back straightened as he heard her voice. Sayuri had come back with a box of medical supplies and bandages and now watched the young resistance leader. She came over and sat beside him but he didn't say a word. Sayuri swallowed. "I'm going to clean your wounds first," she told him, her voice softer this time.

He didn't answer her and she took that as his consent. Slowly, Sayuri reached out and placed a cool cloth on his back. There was no sound or movement from him and encouraged, she began to clean and dress the wounds. As she worked, she spoke to him.

"Does it hurt?"

"No."

"I'm sorry that my brother did this to you, Syao-,"

"-It's Li."

"Pardon?"

"Call me Li. No one outside my family calls me by my first name."

"Okay, Li. I apologize on behalf of my brother for doing this to you."

"Seishirou is training me. It's natural that I get hurt."

"Not like this," Sayuri said softly. He didn't answer her. Li must have been in a lot of pain to let her be helping him like this, Sayuri thought. They didn't say anything else for a while and then she spoke.

"I heard that you're going to be the future resistance leader…"

"Yes," was his reply and Sayuri smiled.

"I think you'll do very well, Li."

Again he didn't answer and Sayuri sighed quietly. Of course, it had been hoping for too much that he would speak back to her so quickly when he'd been answering her with one word for months.

She finished cleaning and dressing his wounds before she gathered her things to leave without another word. When she reached the door, she heard his voice.

"Thank you." Sayuri turned around, her eyes wide. Syaoran turned around as well, his eyes meeting hers for the first time since they met. They still held the same effect, freezing her in place with their vividness. "Thank you, Sayuri."

She remembered nodding and saying something before walking out but Sayuri wasn't really paying attention. It was the first time he had said her name and the start of what would be their friendship. Sayuri would never forget that moment for the rest of her life.

It was silent after Sayuri told Sakura her story. Both women were lost in thought. One knowing exactly what she was going to say, the other, unsure of what to make of it. The wind had died down now and the whole garden seemed to be waiting.

"I'm going to tell you something, Ying Fa." Sayuri had turned back to Sakura now. The card mistress looked up, her eyes inquiring and Sayuri smiled softly. Her maroon red eyes were shining as they met Sakura's. "I like Li a lot." At those words, Sakura's heart beat staggered and her emerald green eyes widened.

'What is this…?' Sakura raised a hand to her chest. 'This feeling…my heart is beating so fast, it feels like it's going to explode through my chest…it almost feels like when I'm angry…'

"I've liked him almost my entire life. I think that what I feel for him may be more than liking." Sayuri continued, oblivious to the silence of her companion and a sinking feeling emerged from Sakura's gut. She couldn't breathe, couldn't think properly…

"The last time he was in Soul City, I told him my feelings…"

"Y-you did?" Sakura barely managed a squeak and Sayuri nodded, smiling brightly.

"Yes. He hasn't replied yet but…" and Sakura stopped breathing. Sayuri's determined maroon eyes held onto hers once more. "I think his answer will be positive." Sakura's chest tightened.

"I wanted to let you know because I didn't want to make things awkward between us." Sayuri slowly reached out and took her hands into her own, grinning happily at her. "Because as Li's sister, I want your approval." Sakura looked up, barely holding it together because her chest was hurting so much.

"My approval…?" she whispered. Sayuri nodded, her eyes shining happily.

"Yes, Ying Fa. Will you support Li and my relationship?"

Sakura merely stared at Sayuri, her emerald green orbs glittering in the light of the moon. She couldn't reply. She couldn't say a word. The only thing she heard and was aware of were her heart beats, drowning out the rest of the world's sounds.

Ba-bump. Ba-bump. Ba-bump.

Sayuri released Sakura's hands and turned away towards the house. "You don't have to answer me now. Think about it and give me your answer later."

The sound of her footsteps faded away, leaving Sakura to stand alone beneath the maple tree that grew beside the pond.

'I like Li a lot...'

A tear drop fell from a pair of emerald green orbs as the wind began blowing again.

It was late when the door to Sakura's bedroom opened and a figure slowly entered the dark room. Kero, who was sitting on the desk with his paws crossed and a frown on his face instantly flew over to the young woman.

"Sakura! What were you doing out so late?" he demanded. "I thought something happened to you!"

Sakura didn't answer the guardian beast she merely walked past him to sit on the bed without bothering to change her clothes. Kero floated after her in worry.

"Hey-Sakura! You're freezing! Were you outside this entire time?" She didn't answer him and he was about to let loose on her when he heard a soft sniffle and he looked up. "Wha-? Have you been crying?" The guardian beast was very confused and worried for his mistress now and flew closer to her. He could see that her eyes were red and puffy from crying and her cheeks were stained with tears. There were only a few times Kero had seen her like this and it pained him to see his mistress hurting.

"Sakura, what's wrong?" he asked softly. This time, there was no mistaking it, a sob escaped her throat and Kero met her large emerald green orbs, sparkling with unshed tears. Before he knew it, she had reached out to embrace him and was crying onto his shoulder.

"I don't know, Kero," she sobbed in the most heart wrenching voice. And Kero clearly heard her whisper before tears consumed her."...It feels like my heart is breaking…"

Chapter Twenty-Five End.

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Yuuki's Note: You know what to do! Leave a review and I will see what I can do about posting the next chapter before the end of the month! ^_~ Thanks for reading! I will meet you all again in the next chapter! ^^