Author's Notes: Hmmm

Author's Notes: Hmmm . . . I can see it now. An angry mob of crazed S+S fans hunting me down after reading this chapter. Don't be offended (although I don't see how anyone could be- it's a freakin story) and don't decide to never read this story or any others I may decide to write in the future again. So. Other than that, read.

*~*

Disclaimer: Don't own CCS.

*~*

*~* Chapter Fifteen *~*

Duels, Heartbreak, and Suspicion

Sakura sat all alone on her bed. Oh, God . . . today's the day. Syaoran's duel. His moment of triumph . . . or his day to die . . .

A lone tear rolled down her cheek. "Ohhhhh," she moaned. "I can't take this."

And to make things worse, the Clan had some stupid rule that the two fighters had to stay in isolation for most of the day- 'to think and prepare' they claimed.

Kero gently landed on his mistress's shoulder. "Everything will be okay, kiddo. The ga- uhhhh, S-S . . . SYAORAN has a couple of the cards and he's got his sword lightning thingy. He'll be fine!"

Sakura sniffled and smiled a bit. "Yeah . . . he's a good fighter. And it's nice to hear you say nice things about Syaoran."

"Yeah . . . grrrrrrrrr . . ."

She jumped off of the bed and walked over to the balcony. The duel starts in an hour . . . just an hour . . .

*~*

An hour before the duel. That's all I have . . .

Syaoran sat with his legs crossed on the floor of one of the many training rooms in his house. He closed his eyes. Sakura . . . I wish I could see you one more time before I fight.

There was a knock on the door. It slowly opened and Sunni stepped in. "I've come to the battle arena for the customary preparations- warm up, announcement of the rules, etc."

Syaoran stood up, taking a note out of his pocket. "Do me a favor, Sunni- give this to Sakura, please."

Sunni looked at the piece of paper and nodded, understanding. "Sure. And I hope you win Syaoran. It'll be a dark day for us all if Alan gets his hands on the power he wants."

*~*

Author's Note: Okay! I say we skip the mumbo-jumbo and get down to the duel!!!

*~*

Sakura followed Xiefa to the back of the house, a part that Sakura had never seen before. Several people were gathering outside two large wooden doors.

"What's this?"

"The battle arena is in here. That's where Syaoran will be fighting."

That's where Syaoran will be fighting . . .

"Sakura! Sakura, wait!"

They turned around to see Sunni approach them. His face was flushed and he was gasping for breath.

"I've been looking for you forever! I have a note to you from Syaoran."

Sakura quickly took the paper from his hand.

Sakura-

I wanted to see you before the fight. But the stupid clan and their rules . . . nevermind- you know the deal. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that I love you one more time. And please be strong if the outcome of this fight isn't what we both want. I believe that everything will be all right. We will be together.

Forever Yours,

Syaoran

Tears began to well up in Sakura's eyes. She turned to Xiefa. "Let's go."

*~*

The arena was a large circle with rows of benches high above the dirt arena floor. There was a high dome above it to protect the spectators.

Xiefa took Sakura's arm and led her over to a special box. "The head family always sits here. I guess you could say that this place has the best view."

Sakura nodded. That's good. I want to be able to see Syaoran as well as I can.

Sanori was there along with the other sisters. She wasn't looking too well- her face was extremely pale and she was nervously ringing her the fabric of her dress. Her eyes were red and puffy. It was obvious that she'd been crying. When she spotted Sakura, she forced a smile onto her face. "Hello."

Sakura smiled. "Hi. T-this must be a rough time for you."

She nodded and stared down at the arena floor. "Syaoran's my only son. I couldn't bare to loose him." Sanori turned to look at Sakura. "But you must know how I'm feeling. I know you love him."

Sakura sat at took the older woman's hand. "Yes, I do."

"Then how . . . how do you manage to look so calm?"

Sakura smiled wistfully. "I just keep telling myself that Syaoran will win and that we'll live happily ever after. In other words, I'm sort of denying myself the truth."

Sanori stared at he young girl. I'm so sorry that I was cruel to you at first. You're the right person for my son . . . and I just realized that too late . . .

*~*

Syaoran stood in the 'backstage' (A/N: What would you call this?) part of the arena awaiting the start of the fight. He scanned the crowd in the bleachers and finally spotted Sakura in the special box with his mother. They seemed to be getting along just fine. He was glad about that. He wanted them to be friends.

Syaoran picked up his glass of lemonade and took a small gulp. He put it back down and began to pace. I wonder if she got my note . . .

Someone tapped on his shoulder.

A servant stood behind him. "It's time for you to go out into the arena."

Syaoran nodded and joined Alan on the dirt. Klein stood there with him, a microphone in his hand. The people in the stands immediately quieted down.

"Welcome Li Clan to the Deciding Battle between Li Syaoran and Li Alan. As you know, they will be fighting for the position of Head Li and all of the power accompanied by the title. There are just a few rules- (1) The opponents may only use magic and swords. No fist fighting. (2) Neither of the fighters can receive outside help. (3) No foul play is allowed. Anyone who resorts to foul play will be disqualified and the other opponent automatically wins. (4) You must fight to the death." Klein turned to both of the boys. "Any questions?"

They both shook their heads. Syaoran took one more glance at Sakura. Have faith . . .

"All right then. Bow to each other and then move to your end of the arena."

They did as they were told. Syaoran took one more look at Sakura, smiling reassuringly. She smiled back.

"And now . . . you may fight!"

The crowd erupted in cheers.

Syaoran kept his gaze on Alan who was just standing on his side of the arena.

What's he up to? Why's he so calm?

Suddenly, Alan called forth his staff and shot a blast of his dark energy at Syaoran. He jumped swiftly out of the way.

Syaoran shot a streak of his lightning at Alan who just stood there. At the last possible minute, he raised his hands, creating a black force field around himself.

Man, I'm in trouble! My lightning attacks aren't going to work! And if that doesn't, then the Sakura Cards won't either!

Syaoran continued to dodge Alan's attacks.

Dig deep inside of you, Syaoran . . .

What?

You have the power to defeat him! You can all upon the forces of nature to help you. Like the Sakura Cards, but without the cards. Your magic will be ten times that of the Cards.

Syaoran rolled away from another attack.

How? How can I use this power?

You must have the need, Syaoran! Think of how the people you love would feel if you died!

Sakura . . . Mother . . . Xiefa and the others . . .

Yes, them! You must use your power to save them!

Yes . . . to save them . . .

Syaoran felt the magnificent power building within him. "Yes! I feel it!"

Alan looked confused. What is he talking about?

Syaoran held his sword out in front of him. "Fire . . . I call upon thee . . . surround him!"

Alan jumped back as a large wall of blazing hot fire erupted form the floor of the arena. "What are you DOING?" he roared in surprise.

Syaoran appeared in the ring of fire just in front of him. "I'm saving my family . . ." Thanks Dad. I needed that . . .

Syaoran raised his sword and brought it down to strike Alan. Alan quickly turned his staff into a sword and blocked it.

He swiftly jumped out of the ring, patting down all of the small flames that had appeared on his clothes. "I don't know what you're up to Syaoran, but it won't work."

The fire disappeared and Syaoran emerged. "Quit talking. Let's fight."

They unleashed a fury of sword attacks on each other. Soon Syaoran began to win, his strong and calculated movements giving him the upper hand.

"Wood- bind his feet to the ground!"

Large vines of wood sprang up form the ground, twisting itself around Alan's feet. Syaoran decided to take this opportunity to defeat Alan.

He brought his sword up to plunge it into Alan's chest when he felt a bolt of pain shoot through his body. Syaoran fell to the ground, his sword clattering to the floor.

Alan snickered as the vines slowly disappeared. "Are you losing it, Cousin?"

Syaoran gripped his head. What's . . . happening . . . to . . . ME?

*~*

From the stands, Sakura watched as Syaoran began to use his new powers. When did he learn that? They're just like my cards, but they're stronger! Could Syaoran actually win?

Her hopes were shot down as she watched Syaoran fall to the ground. "What?" she cried.

What's going on? He was just wining! Oh, Syaoran, what's wrong with you?

*~*

Syaoran picked his sword and shifted his body into his fighting stance. "Bring it on," he growled. What's wrong with me? My energy is draining. How can I fight like this?

The sword fight raged on, but this time Alan was clearly winning. In one swift stroke, Alan knocked Syaoran's sword form his hand and sent him sprawling onto his back.

Syaoran's vision was swimming. He didn't understand what was going on. It couldn't have been his new powers draining him- why would his father tell him to use them if he would only lose anyway? Then what IS it?

Syaoran glared at his cousin as he loomed over him. "Looks like I'm the victor here. But don't worry- I'll take good care of her for you!" And with that, he struck Syaoran in the head with the side of his sword.

In the stands, Sakura cried out as Syaoran's head rolled to one side. No . . . he can't be . . .

An Elder rushed out to check Syaoran for any signs of life. He slowly shook his head, letting everyone know that Syaoran was dead.

Klein shuffled forward and lifted up Alan's arm. "Here is our winner, and new Li Head, Li Alan!"

People began to cheer and clap.

Sakura just stared, not believing what he'd just said. "No . . . Syaoran can't be dead! H-he can't!"

Xiefa tried to pull Sakura into her arms. "Oh, Sakura . . ."

"No! You don't understand! W-we were supposed to get married! We had plans for the future! He wouldn't leave me! Not now! He . . . he . . . he did . . ." her voice drifted off. "He left me . . ."

Xiefa was finally able to hold Sakura, wrapping her arms around her. Xiefa glared down at Alan, who was celebrating. She watched as several servants carried Syaoran's body away. How could Alan defeat him with his new powers and all? Something isn't right . . .

*~*

Author's Note: Don't kill me for making Syaoran lose! And remember, this is S+S and a happy one. Not a dark one. Keep reading.

*~*

Sanori stared down at the arena floor blankly. No . . . She stood up, forcing back the tears in her eyes. Not now, Sanori. You know what you must do. She turned to Sakura who was crying silently on Xiefa's shoulder.

"Sakura," she gently said.

She looked up at Sanori, her eyes red and full of tears. "Hmm?"

"Come with me, dear. As much as I don't want to do this, we must go down and congratulate Alan."

"C-congratulate him? I w-won't!" she stammered.

Sanori gently took her arm. "You must!"

Xiefa placed her hand on Sakura's shoulder. "Go on. I've got to . . . check something out."

Sakura looked curiously at Xiefa, then slowly nodded. "O-okay."

Sanori led her down to the arena floor. There stood a mob of 'Alan supporters' and the Elders. Klein and Sunni gave Sakura sorrowful glances as she approached the crowd.

Alan smiled at her as he saw her standing there. "Make way for my beautiful new fiancée!"

The people moved aside, forming a line on each side of him. They shot questioning glances at her as they whispered to each other.

Alan held out his arms and walked up to her. "As I promised you, I have won the battle. Now we can get married."

"I hate you," she whispered softly so that only he could hear her. Her voice was full of hatred.

His smiled slipped, his eyes narrowed. "I'll make you eat your words later," he replied in the same tone. Then, returning to his previous mood, he grabbed Sakura's hand and raised it above his head. "Well, it seems as if my dear fiancée wishes to be married tomorrow!" he announced.

Sakura's eyes widened. "What?" she hissed.

Applause rang out.

"Give her a kiss!" someone shouted.

"Gladly!" Alan returned. He pulled Sakura into his arms and roughly kissed her.

She pushed against his chest until her let her go. Sakura glared at him.

"Now, if you'll excuse us- we have wedding plans to make!" Alan pulled her swiftly away from the crowd and into the 'backstage' area.

He harshly grabbed both of her wrists, pulling her close to her. "He's gone, Sakura. DEAD. Now, I'm sorry if you can't face the facts, but you're mine!"

"I don't give a damn about you!" she growled. "I won't marry you tomorrow!"

"Oh, like hell you won't. You know the Clan rule- you don't marry me and you die." Alan snickered. "Now what would I tell your father and your brother? Or maybe they're the ticket to getting you to cooperate. How would you feel if something happened to them, hmm?"

Sakura paled. "Y-you wouldn't . . ."

"Oh, but I will!"

She lowered her head in defeat. "You can have your damn wedding . . ."

"Our wedding, dear." He placed his finger under her chin, tilting her face up so that she was looking into his eyes. "And, please, don't cuss anymore. It doesn't suit you."

Sakura glared at him, tears rolling down her cheek. "Go.To.Hell."

*~*

Sakura slowly climbed up the stairs to her room. She'd just gotten word that she would have to attend another ball- this time to give Alan the title of Head Li.

Once she was in her room, she pulled out her worst gown and pulled it on. She did nothing to her hair and put on no makeup. Sakura was, after all, in mourning.

When the time came, she headed down for the ballroom alone. She paused as she spotted two people standing outside of the door.

"You told me that I would have Syaoran! And I don't. He's ddddeeeeeeaaaaaadddddddd!" she wailed, stomping her feet.

"What are you doing, Alan?" shrieked Mei-lin.

"What?"

"I have Sakura, which leaves you free to do whatever you want with Syaoran."

Mei-lin was confused. "H-huh?"

Alan sighed. "His body . . ."

She gasped. "Are you telling me to take his body and, like, keep it in my room to worship?" When he nodded, she replied, "You're sick! I'm not obsessed!"

"Really?" he murmured. "You fooled me."

"Arrrrrrrrrggggggggg!" she cried, then entered the ballroom.

"Come on, Sakura. We wouldn't want to keep our fans waiting."

She walked over to him. "Let's get this over with."

*~*

Inside the ballroom, it was as if no one had died just a few hours ago. Everyone was laughing, dancing, eating.

Syaoran will never be able to do any of those things again . . .

She warily followed Alan around the room, accepting congratulations from people. She danced with Alan as many times as he wanted. Finally he sat her down in a chair.

"You must be up early tomorrow. To get ready for our wedding."

Sakura just stared at him. "But there aren't any plans . . . my family . . ."

"I've all ready arranged everything. As for your family, we'll send them a nice tape of the ceremony." Alan said.

Man . . . there goes my chance to postpone the wedding. I need some time to get myself out of this.

"Your dress has been sent here. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at ten a.m. I expect you to be prepared by then. I don't want any delays."

Sakura merely nodded. What can I do? I can't marry him . . .

*~*

Later that night, Sakura lay in her bed, talking to Kero about the day's events. "It was so horrible Kero . . ."

"It'll be okay," answered Kero, stroking her hair. I wish I could tell her about what Xiefa has uncovered. But knowing her, she'd probably spill the beans in excitement. As long as I delay the ceremony for about an hour or so, everything will turn out the way it should have. Just wait . . .

Author's Notes: Please, please, please don't hate me forever! As I said before, it's S+S all the way.

READ THE NEXT CHAPTER WHEN IT COMES OUT. I promise- all S+S fans will be pleased. So will Alan haters. Until next time, please R+R.