The Hidden Princess
Chapter 4
By: Cherrysakuragirl
E-mail: Cherrysakuragirl@hotmail.com
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Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura, its characters, its story, and its entire entity does not, and never will, belong to me. It belongs to Clamp. Meaning: Don't Sue Me!!! You won't get anything valuable!
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What did Kero-chan do????? Will Sakura hate Syaoran forever? Will Tomoyo go crazy from videotaping Sakura in her adventures? These questions and more will (hopefully) be answered. Please read, enjoy, and review!
Oh, and a thank you to my reviewers! You guys are the best! I love you guys! ^_^
Note: if you're confused about the time setting of the fic, it's in the medieval times, only there are cameras (for Tomoyo) & other modern appliances. *sweatdrop*
And don't worry about the ages! They're older in this chapter! Sorry it took so long, but I had to develop the plot n'stuff. And they get even older than that later. They're 7 now, but in a few paragraphs they'll be 14, then 15, then 16, and on and on and on until 17, 18.
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Reaching her house after she got lost a couple of times (^.^), Sakura crossed the front lawn and found the window. After climbing in, she didn't see anything out of place.
On opening the refrigerator, she was relieved to find that only 5 puddings were missing. But…then where was Kero-chan? Running apprehensively to her room, she didn't see him. Her heart beating furiously, she ran around like a chicken with its head cut off, searching randomly, left and right.
Entering onii-chan's room, she seeked frantically for her wayward stuffed animal. Her efforts proving fruitless yet again, she was about to leave when her brother appeared by the door.
"What are you doing in my room," Touya demanded gruffly. He wore a suspicious look, and his glare could rival Syaoran's.
"N-n-n-othing onii-chan! I was just looking for something!" stuttered Sakura.
"Were you looking for this?" inquired onii-chan mockingly. He held up Kero, who looked lifeless.
"Kero-chan!" Sakura yelped, running to him and grabbing him out of Touya's confused grip. "Are you alive Kero-chan! Wake up! I'll give you some food! Don't die!"
Touya sweatdropped. "Kaijuu, it's a stuffed animal. It doesn't talk. And it doesn't eat. Although…" Touya looked suspicious again. There was something not quite right about that stuffed animal; he sensed it had an elusive power. And what was it doing in the refrigerator? "Kaijuu," he began," why was it with the cakes ?It looked like its mouth was around it."
Sakura blanched. "It's not of your business! And stop calling me a monster!" Stomping out of the room, Sakura slammed the door behind her.
She sighed with relief. Picking up Kero, she walked to her bedroom. "Kero-chan!" scolded Sakura angrily," what were you doing in the refrigerator?!"
"Sakura-chan!" appealed Kero miserably," I was so hungry!
"Kero-chan, I'm very mad at you. If Touya didn't find you, then you would have eaten everything in the refrigerator!" accused Sakura." I'm grounding you for a week! No desserts, and you can't leave my room. Bad Kero-chan!"
"But Sakura-chan," protested Kero. When Sakura didn't revoke the threat, he decided that she was inexorable about the grounding. Grumbling, he flew into his drawer, mumbling obscenities as he slammed it shut.
* * * * * *
Seven Years Later…
It's been seven years since I've moved here; I'm currently fourteen. I've gotten used to life in the Daidouji Kingdom. I have a best friend, Tomoyo, and many other friends. Tomoyo, true to her word, has told no one about the Clow. I've joined the track team. Whenever I run, I feel so free, like the wind. I wonder if there is an ulterior motive to my speed. Sometimes, I feel as if I'm running too quickly, missing something in life. However, I'm too scared to slow down. I'm afraid of what could be behind me; what lurks when I'm alone. I'm scared of being alone.
"Hey Tomoyo! Wait for me!" called Sakura desperately. It was a March afternoon, and the girls had just gotten out of school.
"I'm right here Sakura," said Tomoyo softly from beside her. She looked worriedly at Sakura's pale face. "Is something wrong? You look tense."
Sakura smiled artificially. "Of course there's nothing wrong."
"Is there anything you want to tell me? You can trust me," said Tomoyo.
Sakura smiled thankfully. "Thank you Tomoyo, for being such a supporting friend. If I ever wanted to talk about something, I would come to you first," she assured. Inwardly, Sakura shook her head. She didn't think that she would ever be able to discuss what had happened to her so long ago.
"Well…if you're sure,'' relented Tomoyo. "Anyway, let's go to dinner!"
"Where?" asked Sakura curiously, surprised at the change of subject.
"One of my mother's friends has invited us to meet her. I want you to come along!" squealed Tomoyo. "I can video-tape you at dinner! But, it has to be with a hidden camera so the Queen won't see…
"Sure,'' answered Sakura absently, her thoughts already far away.
* * * * * * *
As they were nearing the kingdom, Sakura realized that the sights that she viewed from the carriage window were very familiar. Getting a queasy feeling in her stomach, Sakura wrung her hands and asked nervously," Tomoyo, which palace are we going to?"
"The Li palace, our most important ally. Their Kingdom is one of the largest, second only to another. In addition, they have a powerful military, and many secrets. I've even heard that they have magic on their side. They would make a formidable enemy, or a momentous ally."
So, my suspicions have been confirmed. Gulping, Sakura fought to keep her composure calm. Why here? I never wanted to come back here again! But I can't back out now, we're almost there! Sakura groaned. She's rather do anything than visit this kingdom, but she didn't want to mess up Tomoyo's plans. What will I do if I see Syaoran?
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In front of the palace, an escort led them through lavish hallways, decorated with exquisite, silk banners, until they reached the grand dining room. Inside was a beautiful, shining room, and a fine, mahogany table that was the largest the girls had ever seen, even Tomoyo, who was used to luxury.
Walking on, the escort pulled out two chairs and helped them sit down. After the girls were settled, he left the room, assuring them that the queen would be with them shortly.
''Wow," admired Sakura breathlessly, forgetting her qualms about coming there," this is lovely." Tomoyo nodded in agreement.
Through the door, Queen Li walked gracefully through, followed by Syaoran and Meilin.
Ducking her head futility to avoid getting noticed, Sakura stared at her empty plate. When the royal family was seated, Sakura chanced a peak. Lifting her head cautiously, forest-green eyes met amber. Syaoran was staring back intently at her! Hurriedly, she dropped her head again.
"Sakura!" hissed Tomoyo," Stop staring at the table. It's rude."
Forced by the rules of etiquette, Sakura haltingly lifted up her head. Being careful to rest her eyes on everyone but Syaoran, she looked at the Queen.
The Queen smiled. "Princess Tomoyo, kindly introduce my family to your guest."
Tomoyo, indicating Sakura, said," This is Sakura Kinomoto, one of my dearest friends."
Painfully aware that she was seated in front of the Queen who threatened her with a grave punishment for a transgression she had commited(stealing the Clow book), Sakura tried to smile.
Syaoran, noticing her mother's attention on Sakura, craftily changed the subject. "Princess Tomoyo, have you been enjoying your life lately? And how have your volunteer plans developed?"
"Thank you for asking Prince Syaoran. Although I've made a lot of headway, it just isn't enough. I'm afraid no matter how much I try or how much effort I put into it, I'm barely improving society. As for my life, I enjoy it very much."
Turning to Sakura, Syaoran asked," And you Sakura. How has your life been lately?"
Glaring at Syaoran, she declared icily," That's a bit personal, don't you think?" Refusing to answer him, she had to endure the rest of dinner with Syaoran staring at her, Meilin's glare, Tomoyo's look of curiosity and confusion, and the Queen's suspicion.
When dinner was over, Sakura excused herself to get some fresh air. Breathing a deep sigh of relief, she spread her hands over her head and spun around, to get rid of her nerves. Glancing in the night sky, she saw dark storm clouds. She secretly hoped that it would rain, so that she would get wet, washing herself of the horrible evening and leaving it all behind.
Sure enough, the sky began to rumble, and within the minute rain was falling from the sky. Jumping up and down from joy, she drenched herself. Isn't it funny how I used to hate the rain, yet now I love it. I'm tired of always pretending to be genki (cheerful).
"Funny, do you always dance and take showers in the rain," came a cold voice.
Turning around, she saw Syaoran a few inches from her face. Standing in the rain with her, he looked peculiarly dry and distant, his brown hair waving cooly in the wind. Then she saw that he was holding an umbrella over his head. Squealing from the surprise, she backed up from him. "What are you doing here," she demanded, instantly hostile.
Syaoran ignored the statement. Thrusting his umbrella at her, he said "Here. Take the umbrella. Why you've been ignoring me?"
Glancing pointedly at the sky, she neglected to answer, refusing the umbrella. Why won't he go away? She still sensed him behind her.
"I'm not leaving until I get an answer, Sakura," said Syaoran in a reserved voice. "We can stay out here all night if you want." Sakura was adamant; she said nothing. And so Sakura and Syaoran stared at the stars, in an uneasy silence that both were too stubborn to break.
Finally, Sakura couldn't stand the silence. "Maybe I want you to leave me alone! I hate you, Syaoran Li! I wished I'd never met you!" Although she had said the words, why was her heart breaking?
Syaoran was shocked, yet he didn't give up this easily. Grabbing her wrist as she was about to run away, he asked," Do you really hate me?"
"Yes, I do. Now let go of my arm!" When he didn't, she turned around and slapped him.
Backing up from her, he stared at her coldly, with an icy edge that she had never seen before. He sensed a reserve of so much anger, but it was impossible for someone to hold that much. Was it him, or was Sakura glowing red?
Sakura, shocked at what she had done, stared at her hands. Then, turning to Syaoran, she added," Well, it was partially your fault. You're the one who provoked me. And why do you care whether I hate you or not?"
Looking at Sakura carelessly, he replied," Because I thought that you were my friend. Obviously, I was mistaken. Yet no matter how many times you push me away, I will always be there for you, like a good friend should."
Sakura laughed cruelly, the harsh sound of nails on a chalkboard. "Nani??? You and me, friends? We were never friends Syaoran; that was only a mistaken figment of your imagination. Are you that dumb? I would think a future king would be more intelligent."
Standing on the other side of the door, Tomoyo saw the exchange occur between them. Through the hidden camera that she had installed, she had also taped it. She sighed blissfully. They were so cute! Too bad Sakura hated him. She would just have to do something about that…
Outside, Sakura began to feel her defenses crumble. Yet the more they fell, she felt there was something wrong with her. It was like an evil rock was lodged within herself, one that she could neither move nor change. It controlled her feelings and she was powerless to stop it.
Feeling hopeless, the tears began to fall. The salty misery rolled down, mingling with the depressing drops of the rain. Staring at the bleak, disheartening sky, she wondered how she had been so happy before, yet now she was so sad. Syaoran, who sensed a change in her, quietly brought her into a comforting hug. She sobbed unrestrained in his arms.
Sakura felt so…safe in his arms. Her head against his chest, the sense of friendship and warmth that emanated from him. But…no. She didn't deserve him. Sakura had treated him worse than dirt. I don't deserve him. I must forget. How she wished she could stay like that, yet … pushing away Syaoran, she stood alone by herself in the wet rain. When Syaoran tried to give his umbrella to her again, she ignored him. She did not like the rain anymore. It was vicious and ubiquitous, and it kept coming down, whether she wanted it to or not. The umbrella would obviate the downpour, but she didn't want to take anything from Syaoran.
Syaoran stared, stymied and puzzled, surprised when her shoulders became as rigid as rock. As she pushed him away he wondered who Sakura had become. Why did she insist on being alone? This wasn't the Sakura that he knew; she was the complete opposite. Could a person change that much in seven years? When he had walked in the banquet room to find Sakura sitting in a chair, he had been so surprised. This was the first time he had seen her in seven years. She looked the same, and he thought that she had not changed, but he was wrong.
The naive, happy girl of seven that he had fallen in love with because of her innocence was gone.
Wincing, he remembered how she had shunted him, the day she left his kingdom. He was mistaken in his assumption that they would be friends. In not telling him where she would move, it was her own way of saying she never wanted to see him again. But why? Had he done something in the past to offend her? Trying to remember, he found nothing that could even remotely cause her to abhor him with such passion.
But no matter. If she doesn't want to see me now, I'll wait until she does. I'll wait for her. Someday my lovely, cheerful Sakura will be back.
Sakura, turning around, said," If I tell you the truth, will you listen to me?" Standing in the rain, she looked in his deep, hopeful amber eyes. When Sakura didn't take the umbrella, he threw it away. He wanted to show her they were on equal terms. Now, he was as wet as she was. His hair was matted to his head, and his clothes were stuck to his skin. He was drenched in the rain, all because of her. Did he really care? Sighing, she took a big breath and squashed his hopes." Syaoran, I don't want to be your friend. Please leave me alone."
Syaoran, his face betraying nothing despite the peculiar feeling that Sakura was stealing his heart, said," If that's what your final decision is, I guess I have to respect your wish." Yet, he stayed rooted to his spot, refusing to leave her alone in the pouring rain. And so they stood, testing each other's will power, to see who would come out victorious.
]
* *
"Ohhhhhh." Tomoyo sighed. "They're having a contest to see who can leave the scene more dignified, even though they're both drenched to the bone! How romantic."
"Princess Tomoyo, what are you doing staring out the window?" called Meilin. Coming over, she saw Sakura and Syaoran, standing far apart, and yet out in the rain together.
* *
From outside, Sakura yelled over the rain, which was falling heavier by the moment," Why don't you go inside? You'll get sick."
Syaoran responded, "Me? I never get sick. But you? You have a talent for getting hurt."
"That's not true," sputtered Sakura. After a long pause, she added," There's nothing wrong with getting hurt. It means you have tougher skin."
Syaoran just glared at her, his eyes boring deep into her soul. All of a sudden, she felt nervous, wary of Syaoran. What did she really know about him? What if he were to attack her. Bracing herself for an onslaught, nothing happened. Opening her eyes, she found Syaoran staring strangely at her.
Oh great. Now she doesn't trust me. I can see it in her eyes, the fear. I wouldn't do anything to her, doesn't she know that? thought Syaoran.
"Leave me alone. Just go. I dare you to." declared Sakura.
Looking scornfully at her, he taunted, "Isn't it girls first?"
* *
Meilin, from inside, was confused. Finding that Tomoyo was listening avidly, she wondered how she could hear. "Tomoyo, how can you hear them? The rain is far too loud to hear anything."
Tomoyo pointed to her ear. "I installed a small camera on Sakura. It captures in audio and picture, and it conveys the sound to my ear."
Meilin sweatdropped. Although Princess Tomoyo was very kind, at times she was scary. "So what are they saying?" Meiling asked eagerly.
"It's strictly between Sakura and Syaoran." When she saw Meilin's eyes were accusing her of being a hypocrite, Tomoyo added, "And my camera."
Meilin sweatdropped again. She had a feeling that the conversation was carrying them nowhere.
"But I wonder why they're talking as if they've know each other for a long time," wondered Tomoyo.
"Oh, I can answer that, if you're willing to tell me what they're saying." When she saw Tomoyo nod, she told her.
Tomoyo sighed, stars in her eyes. "That's such a romantic story. But Sakura never told me about any of it. Maybe that's why she's been acting so strange lately. She's afraid of being alone, and if no one is with her, she gets panicky."
"Well… are you going to tell me what's going on outside?"
Tomoyo nodded." Oh, it's quite sweet. Sakura and Syaoran are having an argument. And Syaoran is standing out in the rain with her, even volunteering his umbrella! It's so romantic!" Tomoyo squealed, with stars in her eyes.
Meilin sighed exasperatedly. "Those two, they're going to get sick." Yet in her heart, she was jealous. Would Syaoran care as much about her, to stand outside in the rain all night? Would he offer her his umbrella?
Finally, not standing it anymore, Meilin burst through the door. "Li Syaoran, come inside. You're going to get yourself sick, and then Queen Leran will be furious at your behavior." Grabbing Sakura's hand, she dragged Syaoran and Sakura inside. "Can't you show more manners to our guest?" she screamed at Syaoran. Inside, she was mad. Why was it always Sakura that Syaoran wanted to be with, even when they weren't on speaking terms? Sakura had even said that she hated him, yet he didn't budge from the rain.
"Meilin, calm down," comforted Tomoyo softly. Turning to Sakura and Syaoran, she asked," Do you guys need a change of clothes? Yours are kind of…wet."
Glancing down at her dress, Sakura realized that was the understatement of the year. Her dress was saturated in water, up to the point where the light green fabric looked a dingy black. The cloth was hugging her slim frame, and her hair hung down her face in thick knots. Giggling nonchalantly, Sakura nodded. "Maybe you're right."
As Meilin left to bring a change of clothes, Tomoyo faced Sakura and Syaoran mischieviously. "I caught everything on tape!" she announced happily.
"You caught what?" asked Sakura apprehensively.
"You know, your romantic conversation in the rain!" exclaimed Tomoyo.
''Tomoyo! It wasn't a romantic conversation. I hate him!" she stepped away from Syaoran. "Plus, it was…private."
"Oh ho ho! It was so sweet! I think that I'll make a movie. I'll call it 'romantic confessions of the past'. Maybe I should tape it again. The rain made the sound splotchy. Do you think you could do it again? And maybe we could get a change of costume…"
"Tomoyo-chan, are you feeling well?'' asked Sakura worriedly. Tomoyo seemed to be in her own world, rambling on and on about movies and romantic moments.
"How did she hear us anyway?" wondered Sakura.
Syaoran, from beside her, pulled something as big as her thumb from her hair. "Hey!" protested Sakura," don't touch me!"
"You said you wanted to know how she heard us," Syaoran said defensively, holding up the black chip. ''She was able to hear us through this microchip, which converted our voices into soundwaves."
"You knew the whole time!" accused Sakura," And you never told me?"
"Ugh! Li Syaoran! I hate you!"
"You've already said that Sakura!" declared Tomoyo cheerfully. "And everytime you do, Syaoran's face turns stony!"
Sakura sighed hopelessly. Even Tomoyo felt like infuriating her. From across the hall, she saw Meilin with their clothes. "Hey Meilin!" she called, relieved to see her. "What took you so long?"
Meilin gave her a suspicious look." I took all of ten minutes, maybe even less."
Shaking her head, she gave Sakura's clothes to her. As Sakura went to change, Meilin gave Syaoran his clothes.
"Meilin," Syaoran complained,'' I don't need to change. I'm fine."
"Yes you do," argued Meilin," or you'll get sick," she added worriedly.
Tomoyo, listening to the conversation, understood that Meilin cared deeply for Syaoran, perhaps more than cousins should. That must be why she was so angry with him when he was out in the rain with Sakura. She must have felt a twinge of possessiveness. Poor Meilin. On the other hand, now I can set Meilin up with someone else…
Grinning at the two tasks ahead of her, Tomoyo said," Sakura, we better go back now. There's a coach outside waiting for us. I'll meet you outside in a moment."
Sakura nodded. Saying goodbye to Meilin and thanking her for the clothes, while carefully ignoring Syaoran, she left.
Tomoyo faced Syaoran," So, what do you want to know?"
Looking hollowly at Tomoyo, Syaoran said," What do you mean?"
"You know. Where she lives, what school she goes to, and etc. You don't know any of those things, do you?"
Syaoran shook his head. "Tomoyo, she told me, truthfully, that she never wanted to see me again. Although I want to see her again, I have to respect her decision. I don't want to look like I'm stalking her; I'm afraid that she'll trust me even less. A friendship derives from trust, and if she cannot trust me, then there will be no friendship."
"But it's not a friendship that you want, right Li Syaoran? You want something more." said Tomoyo quietly. "I know. I can tell."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Princess Tomoyo." he said softly, more formally. His eyes turned hard, and she couldn't decipher any of his emotions.
Turning to Meilin, who was trying to look as if she hadn't heard anything, Tomoyo smiled and thanked her for a perfectly lovely evening. Meilin nodded and tried to smile back.
Stepping out into the night air, Tomoyo saw that it had stopped raining. Running to the coach, she stepped in and saw that Sakura was already inside. Commanding the driver to embark, Tomoyo turned to Sakura.
"I had a lot of fun Tomoyo," Sakura lied, "But I wish that you would have told me that we were going to the Li Kingdom."
"I'm sorry for not telling you Sakura. I didn't know that you hated that place," said Tomoyo, sounding truly sorry.
"I don't hate it," defending Sakura hastily." I just don't like one of my memories there. That's the one in particular that I'm most afraid of. And whenever I think of the Li Kingdom or something associated with it, I'm forced to relive it."
"Well, someday you're going to have to face it, Sakura," Tomoyo said wisely.
* * * * * *
AN: Awwww…. Syaoran likes Sakura, but Sakura is ignoring him! Poor Syaoran. But don't worry guys! This is S+S!!!!! All the characters get older and the plot will eventually thicken. I still have to tell of the past and introduce some new characters, so this is only the beginning. I have a feeling this fanfic is going to be long. This chapter by itself was like a million pages long! (ok, not literally; it was only twelve!) School has started already, and I'm busy so if no one reviews I won't finish the fic. If you guys want me to continue, please review! Ja ne!
Kindly R&R some of my other fics:
"best friends": Syaoran and Sakura have been best friends for practically their whole lives. Yet, when Sakura starts dating, Syaoran can't help but feel jealous. Slowly, Syaoran falls in love with his best friend, and Sakura is confused by her emotions. Do things change? Ch.1- The Shopping Trip!
"Love your Enemy"- Sakura is an intelligent, quiet girl who used to be cheerful until something terrible happened. Now, she never smiles, and wears ugly clothes and glasses that hide her true beauty. She is still kind, and the only person she hates is Li Syaoran. Can he help her get over the issues that plague her? S+S!