Cards, Love, war, and rebellion
Chapter 4
Authors note: Ok so the mystery character from the last chapter will be revealed to you right here. This chapter is going to be 3rd person all the way so no first person POV for the other characters. After this we will get the quest going, shenanigans will be around. And of course a little bit of action.
3rd POV
"Itadakimasu" A collective Shout came up in Syaorans apartment. Apartments were made in the Daidoiji kingdom for the large population on the cities. It's convenient and cheap to own or rent one depending on the situation. Syaorans apartment is no different from other aparments, however he decorated it with Han-cho artifacts and décor. Syaoran is having a Han-cho style feast for everyone that's on the table. All 9 friends were sitting at the table, Keroberos however is in the living room munching on Han-cho sweets which Syaoran personally prepared for him. The spread in front of every one was a real feast. Prepared and cooked in Han-cho style cuisine, more specifically the Hong kong region. There are 4 tiers of Dim sum of all sorts made with pork and shrimp, a plate of a whole steam fish, some roasted pork, and an assorted set of vegetables, as well as a bowl of rice for everyone. Sakura took a dim sum from one of the tiers which is still steaming hot from being brought out fresh of the steam.
"Oishi! Syaoran kun you're really good at this you know." Sakura praised.
"She's right! I knew you could cook but this is really good!" Yamazaki added while munching on a piece of pork.
"I've never had Han-cho cuisine before but this is really delicious!" Akiho said as she tried some of the vegetables.
"Wei helped me out with this spread… Since I was preparing for up to 10 people Wei made sure that I had everything set." Syaoran admitted.
"He always let Wei help him but never me." Meiling pouted.
"Maybe it's because you always tend to mess it up Meiling chan? If I recall you always make at least one mistake or two during home-ecconomics." Tomoyo said. Meiling looked down at her food with embarrassment as she knew that she has been roasted.
"Now now Tomoyo sama." Wei said "Meiling sama is still practicing her cooking skills and she's getting lessons from me."
"Hontoni?" Tomoyo asked looking at Meiling dead center in the eyes.
"Hontoni." Meiling replied.
"Now let's not get our appetites up just because of something Meiling can't help with. Let's eat before it gets cold." Rika advised. Then everybody started eating while having their own chats among each other. While the gang feasted on their victory dinner from the bounty they have just earned yesterday.
"So akiho are really not going to become an official mage?" Naoko asked
"No I'm not… It's good money but ever since what happened last year I decided not to touch it." Akiho answered.
"That's probably for the best." Rika commented. As the 9 friends were eating their dinner a certain figure was walking up the complex. He was the same figure that was on the boat yesterday. As he looked around the complex people could see that this man has short blond hair and gold colored eyes. He looks human but some people got some monkey vibes from the man.
'So this is the complex Xiao lang lives in?' he thought 'I must find him as quickly as possible'
Meanwhile in Syaorans apartment Chiharu is trying a soup dumpling and Meiling telling her how to eat it.
"First you take a nib of the skin and you suck the broth out first. Once you sucked it all out dip it in the soy sauce and eat it like it was gyoza." Meiling informed.
"Hai." Chiharu complied. She followed Meilings instructions and took a nib and start to suck out the broth. The moment the broth hits her tongue the heat of the broth swelled up in her mouth, but the savory sweetness from the broth also filled her mouth warming up her body like it was cold during the winter. She quickly puffed her breath to let the excess heat escape her mouth. Chiharu then dipped the dumpling in the soy sauce and took a bit from the dumpling itself. The pork meat itself was flavorful by itself, it was infused with the umami of the broth that she just drank. But the simple natural pork flavor still lingered in the meat which was good itself. But the soy sauce helps enhancing the Umami flavor of the pork.
"Atsuidesu. Demo oishi!" Chiharu answered. With that everyone gave the soup dumpling a go, while it was hot it tasted really good to everyone's taste. Wei looked at his master and guest with happiness in his eyes. he had never thought he would see the day where his master would be smiling at the dinner table with the woman he loves and friends around him. He was watching the youngsters eat with gusto a knock was heard.
"I'll get it Xiao lang sama." Wei said as he goes to the door. As Wei walked up to the door he couldn't help but wonder who would come at this time of day. He knew that his master wasn't expecting anybody at this time today so Wei was on guard and suspicious of who it could be.
'I wonder who would want to see the master during this time of day. He isn't expecting anybody.' He thought. As Wei opened the door a young man was standing in front of him frowning.
'Well he looks like a delinquent.' Wei commented in his thoughts. His first impression of the man in front of him was because of the blond hair. The fact that he dresses like one of those highway men on the Han-cho roads only furthers that Impression. What Wei didn't know was that the man was the one looking for his master. Wei doesn't know who the man was or what he wanted but he asked anyway.
"Can I help you young man?" Wei asked. The young looked at Wei with the frown he carried. The young man sighed and then started to smile like a goof.
"Ah forgive me, I forgot my line." The young man said with a goofy grin. This cause Wei fall comically on his own but. The young man took out a piece of paper, as he read it he remembers what he was about to say.
"Oh yeah! Is this the Residence of Li Xiao Lang sir?" the Young man asked.
"Who are you?" Wei asked as he stood up from his fall while rubbing his butt.
"The name's Flying Monkey Bao! Famed in Ching sang. And I'm here on official business." Bao answered.
"What do you want with Xiao lang sama?" Wei asked more curiously.
"So he is here isn't he?" Bao said with excitement. Syaoran wondered what all the commotion was, and who was this eccentric man? Why does he want to meet him? So he went to the hall just to see what is going on.
"What going on! Who wants to see me?" Syaoran asked. However the moment Bao saw him he immediately went for a hug. Syaoran was to confused to dodge so he was caught in the hug.
"Senior Xiao! I'm happy to have finally meet you for the first time! It's so good to see you!" Bao shouted with glee. Everyone at the table sweat dropped at the sight while others were looking at the scene with dots for eyes. Meiling was the only one who thought that this new comer was probalby an idiot. It took a few minutes for all the commotion to die down and a few more minutes for everyone to finish their meal. Once that is all done everyone was seated at the couches and chairs in the main lounging area. Wei has prepared tea for everyone since it's going to be a long explenation. Bao explained to everyone who he was and why he's here. But what shocked the Li cousins the most was his family heritage and what he's doing.
"So let me get this straight!" Keroberos pondered. "You're from the Long clan who are enemies of the Li clan for centuries. And you joined the Li clans' special warrior and mage squads. And now you're telling us that you are here for a job given to you from Li's mother?"
"For the record sir Keroberos, I may be related to the Long clan by blood since my mother was a Long herself. But she's a daughter of a concubine and she was kicked out by her brothers and sisters the sometime after I was born. I don't consider myself a Long for that reason alone. Also the main reason why my mother was banished is because she had an affair with a monkey spirit who turned out to be my father." Bao explained.
"So you're a hanyou, half spirit half human." Naoko stated
"You could call it that." Boa confirmed.
"Did my mother really send you?" Syaoran asked.
"She did. Her maid Baozhai was the one who recommended me" Boa answered while munching on a steamed bun. He handed Syaoran an envalope which has all the information written on it.
(Flashback)
"So you're the famous Flying Monkey Bao? Not quite what I expected. And the fact that your mother was a Long is a bit concerning even though you just joined our squads recently." Yelan told Bao as she looked at him from her desk.
"I didn't mean to hide that info ma'am. And for the record I have no connection with that clan under any sicumstances." Bao admitted. "If I have to leave because of my relation with the clan then I would leave. But rest assured I am nothing like those pricks."
"I'm aware Bao don't you worry." Yelan assured. "Baozhai told me everthing about you. Plus she's really fond of you. I'm surprised you two didn't marry yet." Bao blushed at this statement. Yelan fold a piece of paper and place it in an envalope.
"I have an assignment for you Bao!" Yelan told Bao.
"An assignment?" Boa asked.
"A covert one to be precise. I need you to sail to Daidoji kingdom In the Ni-hon-kaido Archipelago." Yelan specified as she handed him two envelopes. "My son is staying there for academic purposes and Personal reasons. The instructions are in the envelope. Remember you must make sure you are not seen by anyone, not even the long clan. The situation is direr than it seems."
"You mean the 2 way conflict with the demons and the long clan?" Bao asked."
"Yes Bao so please-"
"I'll do it!" Bao interrupted Yelan.
"You sure?" Yelan asked in surprise.
"I'm sure lady Yelan, I'm up for a challenge. If what you said is true then I believe the Longs are up to something no good." Bao answered
"Alright I'll leave it to you but be discreet. I don't want this to be leaked out." Yelan warned
"Yes ma'am." With that bao took the envelopes and left. Yelan only hoped that Bao will do his job right and do so without getting caught.
(End of flashback)
As Syaoran read the envelope given to him he started to realize how dire the situation was. And it was getting worse and worse every day. Hunting the cards for Syaoran back then was not only a chance to prove himself and claim the cards back for the clan. But he thought that the demon problem could be taken care of if the clan had the cards. He was hoping to stay with Sakura for the rest of his life and live in peace. But now he must return to Hong kong and help his clan defeating the demons.
"are you sure that the demon problem is worse than we thought?" Syaoran asked.
"I didn't believe it myself till your mother told me otherwise." Bao answered more seriously.
"Demon problem?" Rika asked
"Back in Hong kong we have a bit of problem with demons popping up every once in a while. Xiao lang thought that if he could find and claim the Clow cards he could solve it without breaking a sweat." Meiling answered.
"And back then I was an arrogant boy who was blinded by pride with a desire to prove my worth." Syaoran added while looking down at his teacup.
"Is that why you're keen on becoming the cards master back then?" Keroberos asked.
"The moment Sakura became the mistress of the cards I immediately gave up on that. After that I decided to help her become familiar with magic." Syaoran explained
"Syaoran kun" Sakura said in a soft yet happy tone.
"So sweet of you Li kun" Tomoyo said.
"And you fell in love with her along the way?" questioned Yamazaki.
"That's so sweet." Chiharu commented.
"are you telling me that the card mistress is the flower fairy sitting next you. And that you started courting her while trying to help her out with magic?" Bao asked rhetorically. "Wow senior Xiao you have odd yet good taste in women, and a deity as well! You're full of surprises."
"Look Sakura what happened back then was the past. And my feelings for you are genuine." Syaoran explained.
"I know Syaoran kun, I don't why but I can tell." Sakura told him.
"Then you know what I must do right?" Syaoran said
"That is why I'm coming with you!" Sakura Proclaimed. Everyone was shocked to see Sakura determined to go with Syaoran so willingly to do something so dangerous.
"But it will be dangerous Sakura!" Syaoran protested
"And I'm more than prepared for it." Sakura retorted
"I don't want you to get hurt!" Syaoran retorted back. Everyone was so interested to see the couple quarrel among themselves that they forgotten about what they were talking about.
"I've been practicing my magic for some time and I'm getting better and better each day!" Sakura informed
"This is not the cards, Yuna, or Eriol for that matter. These are demons from hell itself!" Syaoran said worriedly with his hands on Sakuras shoulder
"I'm aware of that but we promised to help each other, remember?" Sakura Retorted. That got Syaoran quite; he knew of the vow he took with her years ago.
'Darn why did she have to use that old vow?' Syaoran though. He remembered the pinky promise that he and Sakura made all those years ago. Syaoran looked at Sakura; her emerald eyes were full of determination. Syaoran knew he couldn't go against Sakura in terms of stubbornness, since she's the one who surpassed him at that.
"Alright you can come… but if things get out of hand I want you get out of there as quickly as possible." Syaoran said
"Hai!" Sakura said cheerfully.
"I'll go inform Yue on this." Keroberos informed as he flew away.
"Sakura chan in Hong kong! I can't wait to record it!" Tomoyo smiled, everyone in the room sweat dropped at that.
"Ok we'll leave in 2 days… Anybody else want to come along?" Bao informed. However everyone else have plans for the summer. So the ones who are going to go to Hong kong is Sakura, Syaoran, Meiling, Tomoyo, and Keroberos along with Bao. As night drew everyone went home for bed. Bao decided to stay the night at a nearby inn for two nights. The next day the 4 friends packed some spare clothing and other essentials for the trip. Keroberos decided to hide in Sakuras bag to hide from prying eyes. Since they are going to Hong kong it's best if he stayed out of sight. Touya wanted to come along with them. However it was Fujikata and Yukito who held him back to ensure that he doesn't do anything stupid. Meiling has already taken of transportation as she acquired a boat to sail across. It will only take them near the port of Hong kong as the captain doesn't have a permit yet but is already on his way to acquire it. The second day came by and the 5 friends waited for Bao, He arrived a little bit late.
"Did you guys wait for a while?" Bao asked.
"You're late! What took you so long?" Meiling asked
"I got a little lost for a moment but hey at least I'm here!" Bao answered. The gang sweat dropped at his comment. However the gang decided that it's best to move on. As the gang went through the city gates the soon realize that this trip will be a life changing one but they continued moving forward. On top of the gate house Touya was looking at the gang going on the dangerous quest to fight the demon in Hong kong. He looks on with worry in his eyes as he knew his sister is going to meet danger.
"Don't worry Touya san, your sister is in good hands." Touya didn't look back as Fujikata spoke.
"I just don't like it Tou san." Touya answered.
"She's a big girl so she can handle herself. Besides she isn't alone, she's got her friends. Maybe when this is over we could go over there one time to meet the Li's ourselves." Fujikata explained.
"That's why I don't like it." Touya said, yet he's still not convinced.
"Touya san you know you can't protect her forever." Fujikata explained
"I don't want that." Touya grumbled
"That's part of being and older brother. You grew up together, you played together, you fight with one another, you help each other, you take care of each other, and you even protect each other. But some day you both have to your separate ways." With these words of wisdom Fujikata left to do some paper work. Touya stayed on the wall for a few good minutes till he can't see the silhouettes of his sister anymore. He knew his father was right, and he couldn't help what's going to happen in the future. Hours have passed and the gang is at the port village nearby. They decided to stay at the nearby inn for the night. As the gang entered the dining hall Meiling spotted a familiar face and went over to him.
"Ryouma I'm glad you're here!" Meiling shouted.
Ah Meiling san! It's so good to see you again." Ryouma smiled. He's a young man 2 years older than Meiling, he's got shoulder length brown hair that has been ruffled by sea water and sea wind. He's wearing black trousers and a blue harakuju. Ryouma came from one of the minor Islands and has been sailing the seas ever since he could talk. He met Meiling when she was about to embark on her trip to the Daidoji kingdom for the first time. He must admit he had a crush on her but decided to go against it. However lately he's been thinking about her more and more. He kept his crush of Meiling a secrete mainly because he knew she was engaged to be married. When he heard she broke off the engagement he felt sorry for her for a while. He even comforted her when she was all down while returning to Hong kong. Ever since that day the two have been writing to each other and have been close friends ever since.
"How are you doing lately?" Meiling asked happy to see her friend again.
"Doing good Meiling, just got my ship a few months ago." Ryouma answered with pride
"I know you told me about it from our letters. Say tell me how your trading trips are so far?" Meiling asked.
"Same as always, but we've been getting a lot of trouble lately." Ryouma answered
"What do you mean?" Meiling wondered.
"Let's just say that raiders have been harassing me and other merchant ships none stop. And I've been trying to get a permit to get into Hong kong harbor. It's slow but I've just sent in my application." Ryouma answered.
"So we won't be able to get to Hong kong?" Meiling ask dissapointed.
"Not Directly. I know a coastal village that's just about a few hours journey from the outskirts of Hong kong. And I've got a few contacts there." Ryouma assured.
"Well it's better than nothing!" Meilings spirits rose as she heard the good news. She thanked him and went back to the rest of the gang. Sakura and Syaoran are having a gyudon while Tomoyo was having bondito. Boa took a more vegetarian option by having tofu hiyayakko, while Keroberos was munching on takoyaki. The gang ordered Meiling some teriyaki chicken which was a new dish that popped up recently and becoming popular with foreign merchants. Meiling told everyone about Ryouma and the situation they have. The gang accepted the fact that they may have to walk or get a horse cart in order to get to Hong Kong but they didn't mind. However Bao was the only one who is worried about this whole ordeal.
"The Long clan is a little more proactive these days, especially outside the city. In fact most of the skirmishes, brawls, and battles held by the clans are outside the city limits even in the outskirts. Senior Xiao I would highly advise against this." Bao explained.
"We have no other option Bao. You told me that my mother said that it must be done with discreet right? So if we managed to get in without getting seen by the long clan. We may have a chance to go through them unnoticed till we arrived at the compound." Syaoran said with confidence.
"Good point. Also to add to our advantage most of the hired muscle of the Long clan are glory hogging idiots and are strong themselves." Bao added.
"Then that's settled… we'll leave the port tomorrow morning!" Meiling said while being pleased with herself.
"Now that's settled. Meiling chan that boy you were talking to earlier is he the captain of the boat you hired?" Tomoyo asked.
"Yeah I chartered his father's ship years ago, and we became friends ever since." Meiling answered.
Yeah but you two seem closer than that." Tomoyo teased while smiling. This caused everyone to look at Meiling with interest.
"What do you mean?" Meiling asked confused.
"Have you seen the look in his eyes? It's clear that he has a thing for you." Tomoyo answered, this causes Meiling to blush. She knew the guy is good looking and that they are close friends, But they aren't that close are they? Syaoran smirked with mischief while Bao smiled like a maniac plotting something. Sakura on the other hand looked at Meiling and Tomoyo with a hint of confusion.
"Hoe? Meiling chan has a secret admirer?" Sakura wondered.
"It's not like that I swear!" Meiling shouted in despair while flailing her arms up and down. Everyone laughed at Meilings predicament. That night went by uneventful, however in the girl's room Meiling could barely sleep. She couldn't stop thinking of what Tomoyo had hours earlier.
'What was she thinking? Ryouma is just a nice guy, there's no way he would like me like that! Does he?' Meiling thought. However she could keep the thought of the two of them in a possible relationship. She would imagine the two of them at the park eating Taiyaki, or at the sea. Meiling blushed at the thought of it and would cover up her face with a pillow. The next morning the gang woke up early and had an early breakfast. As they walked across the port Ryoma signalled the gang to come aboard his merchant Junk. It was a small ship with a small cargo capacity. But it's big enough for at least having a small number of passengers on it. It took a couple of minutes before the ship departed from port. Everyone was having a good time feeling the ocean breeze the gang sailed away from the island. Sakura and Tomoyo were at the edge looking at the waters and the horizon. Meanwhile boa decided to go to his cabin to gain his sea legs. Syaoran on the other hand enjoys seeing his lover amazed by the wonders of the sea. Meiling however was at the quarterdeck just behind Ryouma who was at the helm. She kept glancing at Ryouma thinking of what Tomoyo had said last night. Ryouma realized that Meiling was staring at him for some time now. But every time he would turn to see her Meiling would look away while blushing. It took a good 30 minutes till Ryouma decided to end this awkward situation.
"Are you alright Meiling san?" Ryouma asked.
"I'm fine!" Meiling answered quickly. Ryouma knew that quick answer was a lie. After years of seeing his father deal with many people and doing some deals himself, he could tell when someone was lying. He became good at reading people he could tell when someone was shady even if he or she looks genuine. He asked a crew mate to take the helm as he walked over to Meiling. He stood next to her while looking back at the island which they are now getting further away from.
"Look I know that something is on your mind. I've dealt with people who've got something going on in their heads…tell me. What are you thinking about?" Ryouma asked.
"Uh well." Meiling stuttered. Well uh you see… uh… well I have this friend." Ryouma could tell that she was trying to cover herself up, So he decided to play along.
"go on." Ryouma urged.
"You see she has canceled a wedding many years back. She's an ordinary girl with a wealthy background. And she has a friend who is in the merchant business." Meiling explained. Ryouma could tell that she was talking about him.
"This merchant friend of hers, is he just a friend?" Ryouma asked.
"She thinks so at first." Meling answered. "But lately her friends but not me are teasing her lately. And one of them said that the merchant friend is crushing on her." With that Ryouma knew that he'd been busted, and one of Meilings friend EI Tomoyo has just exposed his feelings for Meiling. He wanted to know what's going on so he let Meiling continue.
"She of course denies it but now she just couldn't help but wonder if he trully like her." Meiling continued.
"Is he from the Archipelago?" Ryouma asked.
"Yes but she isn't" Meiling answered.
"And this friend doesn't know if she should ask him or not?" Ryouma asked.
"No she doesn't… in fact she's too nervous to ask right now. But he's a nice guy; he talks to her, listens to her troubles he tell his. And they often write letters like we do. But lately she's been thinking allot about him recently." Meiling said downcasted. Ryouma knew that he has to come clean but he wants Meiling to get her feelings straight. So He decided to give his thoughts first.
"Meiling san I think that she needs to get her feelings straight first." As he said that Meiling looked surprised at Ryouma's answer.
"You see Meiling most men of the archipelago are often shy guys. Some are dense but others can easily read you." As Ryouma said those words Meiling realized that he saw right through her.
"However If I were her I think it's best to let her merchant friend to make the first move. No need to be desperate. I'm sure he likes her but I don't think that he's the type to rush things. Let her take her time to know where her heart lies. if she wishes to be with him, she must make sure that he's on the same boat. If I were him I wouldn't try and force things cause I'm sure that he would want to see her happy." As Ryouma gave Meiling his answer, Meiling could have sworn that her heart has skipped a beat. She may have been caught but at least she knew that Ryouma is willing to give the time to think it all through.
"Thanks Ryouma. Now that I know I'll be sure to give her your advice." Meiling said with a smug grin.
'If he really likes me then I would do everything in my power to conquer him and make a worth suitor for my parents to accept' Meiling thought while plotting something in her head.
"I think she'll thank me later." Ryouma answered walking back up to the helm.
"You know I haven't noticed till earlier but you're a good sailor!" Meiling complimented.
"Took some practice but it's easy once you get the hang of it." Ryouma said as he took the helm. The voyage has taken off with a good start; it would take the gang a few days till they arrived at their destination. However at the same time far away from the gangs current location. In the compound just outside of Hong kongs walls in a secluded area. A shadowy figure was sitting in a meditating position. Candles light the area but it was so dim and dark the figure didn't mind it at all.
"I can feel it" the figure said. "This presence is similar to my master yet different."
The figure opened his eyes revealing a glowing gold color with slit pupils. Then the figure spouts some more words
"I must find the cards. And only then can I turn to my plans."
Authors not: ok this is the longest chapter I've done for this story so far. And yeah sorry for the cliff hanger. but We have a forshadow of what's going to happen. Some of you may be asking me why are you shipping Meiling with this Ryouma person? For starters I looked up the wiki and found no other guy or gal she is being shipped with. And yes I know that the tsubasa cronicles are a spinoff of CCS but I'm not using that. Also some of you are asking are there going to be any Eriol x Tomoyo shipping? Well wait and see in later chapters. Cause you will find out soon enough who is going with who.