Disclaimer: I Don't own C.C.S or CC.
AN, Big thanks to S+S for the names of Syoaran's Sisters and Mother.
No Longer a Child
Struggles
by BlahBlahBlah136
Li Leran stood in shock. She couldn't believe she had just called the Card Mistress that horrible name. What's more, she couldn't believe her only son was in love with the Card Mistress. Leran's eyes were huge. All she could do was stare at her son. Both were silent for a long time. Finally Syoaran spoke up, "Mother, I really do love her. She is the reason I didn't want to leave Japan, and the reason I broke off my engagement with Meiling. I can't bare to be away from her, and now I don't even have the pictures of her. Why can't you understand that I'm in love with her?" He pleaded. Li-san let out a deep breath that she had been holding for quite some time now. "Son, I never knew you felt this way. This does present a problem. I do have a lot of influence in the clan, but I don't know if I have enough influence to make things work out the way you want them to. I understand that you want to be with your Card Mistress, but this doesn't seem possible. The clan doesn't bend the rules, EVER. They only let you out so easily because you were so stoic that you wouldn't get close to anyone or anything. They try to prevent this as much as they can, but there are always slip-ups," Li-san sighed. "Mother, I have to be with her. She is what keeps me going. I feel so lonely without her," Syoaran begged. "We'll meet with the Elders first thing in the morning. Don't let your sisters get wind of this, or you'll never hear the end of it," Li-san warned jokingly. Syoaran nodded vigorously and left.
It was too late. Two maids heard Syoaran confessing his love for the Sakura and word moved fast in the Li clan. Syoaran started toward his room, only to be cut off by his sister Li Fuutie. His other three sisters followed her. "What is this I hear about our little brother and the Card Mistress, huh?" She questioned amusingly. "How did you figure out!? Well, I quess it's inevedable that you'll find out. You don't ever miss out on the smallest peice of gossip, do you? I beg you, please, I've got enough things on my mind without having to worry about dodging you four, Obsessed, More Obsessed, Even More Obsessed, Most Obsessed," He said, referring to the four women standing only a little shorter than himself. His sisters were left speechless. He merely brushed past them and walk to his room.
(Readington High School, Tomoeda District, Japan)
Sakura walked the halls in fear. She hugged her bookbag to her chest with her arm, gripping her sealing key with her hand and steadying herself on one crutch. Finally came to the room and sat down in her seat. Her back was as straight as a bored. Her eyes darted around for Harrison. She longed for Syoaran's protect embrace. She would love to feel his arms around her again. A hand tapped Sakura on the shoulder. She squealed out in surprise. "Relax, Sakura. It's only me," Tomoyo comforted. "You're a wreck without him here, aren't you?" She asked with concern. "Oh Tomoyo! I'm terrified. He has always been here with me to keep me safe, but now he's back in China and I can barely breathe!" Sakura exclaimed, "It's only been a day since he left and I'm already paranoid!"
"Li-kun is back in China!?" Naoko asked surprised, "You must be so upset! You guy were like glue!" "Superglue!" Rika added, "Are you OK Sakura!?"
"Yeah, I'm OK. I'm just a little horrified, Terrified, and paranoid, not to mention cold."
"Poor Sakura," Rika whispered to Naoko, "She really likes Li!"
"Don't worry, Sakura. I've read a lot of books in my time, and they always come back. With the exception of Return From War, it always works out!" Naoko comforted. "What happens in that story," Sakura asked. "Well, a guy leaves his girlfriend behind to go to war. He ends up defeating the other side with great honor to his name, but he dies in the process. The girl dies of severe emotional stress when she learns of his death. It was a wonderful book... and I probably shouldn't have said that," Naoko added when she saw Sakura ready to burst out in tears.
Suddenly Tomoe-sensei walking in the room and everyone returned to their seats. Sakura felt slightly safer with Tomoe-sensei in the room. Any adult that cared what happened to her in the room was comforting. She knew Harrison wouldn't dare strike out at her in such a crowd.
--------@
Sakura hobbled home on her crutches as fast as she could. Not fast enough! Sakura felt her crutch being ripped away from her. Before she could move Harrison had pushed her front first into the wall beside her. "There is no Syoaran to save you now," He said, keeping one hand pressed squarely on her back, moving closer with every breath. "Now, will I have to use persuasion to get what I want, or not?" He was right up next to her now. He kissed her neck gently, but evilly. Sakura was sure she felt an evil feeling from him. The feeling was familiar somehow. She suddenly recognized the feeling. There was the faint trace of Clow Card magic in his evil! 'The Obsession!' she exclaimed inwardly. She grasped the key on her neck and called forth the sealing wand. "Windy, bind this evil." "Thunder, Shock Him!" Windy raced out and wrapped around a surprised Harrison. Raijuu let out a huge roar and sent lightning bolt toward the obsessed teen. Harrison's strength failed him and he fell to the ground.
His strength failed him, but his power didn't. He sent a blast of black power that grazed Sakura's side. She screamed in pain as the blast burned against her. Harrison let out a low laugh. "I'm not defeated yet, Mistress!" He cried. He directed another blast toward her stomach, but she dodged it and it only caught her shoulder. Her side and her shoulder now burned like a wildfire. Like a sunburn that had gone all the way through her flesh. This gave her an idea. "Fiery, Attack him!" She yelled. The firebird rose form her pocket and heading for the smirking teen. The Fiery shot a blast at Harrison that narrowly missed. Sakura clutched her side as she watched. She bent slightly to the right because she didn't have her crutches.
Finally a blast nailed Harrison in the back. He sent one more blast at Sakura that hit directly on her middle thigh. He disappeared with a final cackle and the words, "Watch out, I'll be back."
Sakura groaned at looked at her wounds. How would she ever explain those burns to her family. She was bleeding heavily from were she had been hit. It felt like a white-hot knife cutting into her flesh. She struggled home. It cause more pain with every step, but she had to be strong. Otherwise, she wouldn't survive.
(Li Estates, the next morning)
Knock Knock
"Syoaran, wake up. You have a sparring practice with Mao in ten minutes. Then right after that you have a meeting with the Elders. Come on, It's nearly 5:00 am!" Li Feimei called to her brother. Syoaran was already awake. He had already taken a LONG shower and was dressed in his sparring outfit. It barely differed from his fighting robes. There weren't as many trails off this outfit. It was made for rapid, lethal movements. Feimei was about to call a second time when Syoaran walked out of his room and startled her.
Mao was a skilled fighter and provided an excellent challenge. Many people gathered to watch the match. No one had seen Syoaran fight in years, save Meiling. Everyone comment on how hard Syoaran was working. It didn't look like Mao had a chance. Syoaran was very, VERY aggressive in his fighting. He was still angry from the other night. He fought, turning his longing for Sakura into strength, endurance and energy.
'Wow, I knew Syoaran was a good fighter, but I never expected this!' Mao thought to himself. Mao was a slender, but very filled in boy. He had messy brown hair and sharp blue eyes. He was about as tall as Syoaran, which was tall in Chinese standards. His face was serious, but with traces of past laughter in his eyes. He was very fast, but not nearly as aggressive as Syoaran.
Pretty soon both males were sweating to the point of dehydration. They were breathing heavily. Finally Syoaran knocked Mao's sword out of the blue-eyed boy's hand. The match was over. Syoaran had time for breakfast, but he wasn't hungry, so he opted for another cold shower. Soon it would be time to face the Elders once again. Soon he could go back to Sakura.
(Kinomoto Residence)
Sakura walked through the door as quietly as possible, but when the door brushed her shoulder she couldn't help screaming in pain a little. Touya came out into the hall way and nearly fainted. Soon he had gathered himself up enough to scream, "Sakura, What happened!?"
"Don't worry. I know this looks really bad, but It's not as bad as it looks. I just had a little accident."
Touya rushed over and helped her into the kitchen. Her dad was cleaning in the living room, so Touya called, "Dad, can you get some gauze, antiseptic, and a lot of Steri-strips?" "And some Advil!" Sakura added, wincing as Touya put a cold cloth on her thigh. Mr.Kinomoto did so, and dropped everything on the floor of the kitchen when he saw Sakura's condition. He hurriedly picked everything up and rushed over to her. Pretty soon she was all bandaged up and sitting on the couch while Touya and her father cleaned up gauze clippings, and antiseptic spills.
Soon they came in and stared at her. She knew what question was coming next. "So, how did this happen Sakura?" 'It's now or never, Sakura' The Card Mistress thought to herself. "Dad, I have something to tell you," She started, "I long time ago I found this book in the basement..." Sakura told them all about Keroberus, The Clow Cards, and Syoaran's role in the whole thing. Touya looked on with concern as her Father was in awe. Mr.Kinomoto gasped quite often, and followed the explanation quite intently. After Sakura had finished Touya piped up," You must have hit your head! You are old enough to know not to make up silly stories like that! If you have to say things like that, write them in a fiction book! You can make a lot of money that way! If what you say is true, prove it!" Sakura frowned sadly, then called, "Kero, come on down. I have pudding for you!" Touya could hear a faint voice that grew louder and louder as if coming closer saying things like 'Yeah, pudding!', 'Yummy Pudding', and 'I hope it's chocolate!'
The little ball of fluff wizzed into the room. He looked around, then saw Touya and Mr.Kinomoto. All of a sudden he dropped lifeless to the floor. "It's OK Kero, I told them," Sakura advised. "YOU WHAT!" That stuffed animal was alive and kicking now. Sakura nodded sadly. Just then Kero noticed the bandages. "Did that Harrison creep do this to you!? I knew there would be trouble when that gaki left the country. Even if he is a gaki, he can still protect you better than me." Touya and Mr.Kinomoto stared at the little ball of fluff flying in front of them. They both blinked several times. Touya fainted. "Sakura, this better be battery operated. I was just going along with the whole thing because I thought you were in pain. I didn't really believe you. I'm guessing this thing is alive," Mr.Kinomoto's eyes were bugging out of his head. Sakura nodded. "Kero, meet my father Kinomoto Fujitaka, and that is my brother, Kinomoto Touya," Sakura said, referring to the unconscious male ground. "Dad, this is Kero, short for Keroberus, Guardian Beast of the Seal" "Long title," Fujitaka commented. "It makes him feel bigger," Sakura explained.
"OK, what do you mean Harrison? Who is this boy?" Mr.Kinomoto asked Kero hesitantly. Kero explained the whole ordeal. After extensive questioning, it came to the final questions,
"Is Sakura in danger?"
"Hai"
"Can we protect her here?"
"No"
"Can Li-san protect her?"
"More than we can"
"Sakura, I think it's best if you go to Hong Kong. Let's see if we can arrange for you to go there. You can miss some school, until Li-san comes back." Sakura's father concluded. His voice was full of worry for his daughter. She was in so much danger and there was nothing he could do himself to help. But Li Syoaran could help. He could save her.
"Do you know Li-san's number, Sakura?"
"Hai"
"Call him first thing in the morning. It's late now. Get some sleep."
Sakura retired to her room, and fell into a restless sleep, full of pain and loneliness.
(Next Morning, Same morning as Syoaran's Meeting with the Elders.)
Sakura awoke and walked slowly down the steps. "Remember, first thing in the morning!" Fujitaka called from the kitchen. Sakura picked up the phone. The Li Clan was no group to be trifled with, so she had to talk to Syoaran. "Hello, This is the Li residence. Which Li do you wish to speak with?" A man with a stuffy voice asked. "Li Syoaran, please." She waited for a minute or two. Finally, Syoaran picked up.
"Hello, Li Syoaran speaking."
"Hi, It's me, Sakura," Sakura replied hurriedly. "Sakura! Oh, you don't know how glad I am to hear you sweet voice," Syoaran gushed. "Oh Syoaran, I need your help," Sakura started to cry again. The pain still burned in her side and the fear of being attacked was bottled up inside her. "Sakura, are you OK!? What happened!?" Syoaran asked. "He didn't even wait forty-eight hours to attack me! I barely got away. My side hurts so much and I'm so afraid. Please Syoaran, come home. Or let me come there. I miss you so much, and I'm scared," Sakura pleaded. "I'll work something out in the next hour. I have a meeting with the clan Elders in ten minutes. It's going to be OK. I'll call you in a while. Hold on till I do," Syoaran instructed hurriedly. He was so mad that Harrison would dare lay a finger on his angel.
He hung up the phone and stomped off to the House Of Ceremonies were the meeting and trial would be held. The Elders were just finished setting up when he stormed into the building. "We start the meeting now!" He commanded. The Elders complied. "Syoaran, you are charged of being romantically involved with on outsider, not keeping in contact with the clan, and not obeying clan orders. How do you plea!?" The oldest Elder asked officially. "Guilty to all charges! But I did have a reason for disobeying the Clan Law," he explained. "Go on," nodded the shortest Elder. "I've fallen in love with the Card Mistress. I've tried to hold in my feelings for her for the past four years and it didn't work. I did want to leave Japan because I didn't want to leave her. I didn't keep in contact with the Clan because I didn't want to, and I got romantically involved with an outside because I couldn't fight my feelings any longer," Syoaran said all this in one breath.
"The punishment for these crimes is four years isolated training," The fattest Elder announced. "I request appeal," Syoaran counter-announced. "An until the appeal is to take place, I wish that the Card Mistress be allowed to stay in the estate as a good friend of a clan member," He added. The young warrior had done his homework. Anyone could bring anyone to stay in the estate until that person was proven unfit to stay. "Fine," said the tallest Elder coldly. There was nothing they could do. "Good, She'll be here later this afternoon." And with that Syoaran left. He had a wide grin on his face. He knew he still had to worry about the appeal challenge, but he was too happy with the fact he would see Sakura again. Syoaran had longed to kiss her again from the moment he was put on the plane. He craved to hold her again, and to brush his lips on her delicate skin. Syoaran stopped himself from going any further into those thoughts. He was especially angry that Harrison had dared attack her. He would have his payback soon enough.
(4:56 PM, Same day, Hong Kong airport)
Sakura stepped off the plane with wobbly legs. They felt like the noodles in Miso Soup. Plus, she had serious jet lag. She saw a sign that a man was holding that said 'Kinomoto' on it. He was dressed in a rather formal suit. 'He must work for Syoaran's Family!' Sakura thought. She immediately straightened up. She had to make a good first impression. "Hello, I'm Sakura Kinomoto. I presume you are waiting for ME," she said politely. "Ah yes, you must be the lovely Sakura. Right this way," The man showed her to a short limo. The clan's, she guessed.
She was in awe when she saw the Li estates. They rose up on a small plateau out on a peninsula. It comprised of several traditional style Chinese buildings. There were many brass carvings all around the large structures. The man lead her up to the large teak (dark wood) doors. The doors were brilliantly carved in pattern of intricate dragons. It looked as if they would come right out of the door and start to breath fire.
Inside Syoaran was waiting for her. As soon as she came in the door he picked her up into his arms and spun her around. "I'm so glad to see you. It's been torture not being able to see your face," Syoaran said in Japanese. (When in China, they are always speaking Chinese unless I say otherwise) "I'm glad I'm here now," Sakura replied. He set her down gently. Sakura looked quizzically at something. Syoaran finally realized half the clan was behind him. "I'll introduce you people later, but right now I want to talk to Sakura, ALONE" Syoaran explained. Most of the people dispersed, but Syoaran took Sakura to a room nearby instead. It was obviously a library, due to all the books. Syoaran was about to say something when Sakura held out the Silent card. "Good Idea," He agreed. Sakura chanted, "Silent Card, sound-proof the room!" As soon as she was sure the room was sound-proof, she turned back to Syoaran.
"So, when did that creep attack you!? How did he attack you!? Where did that creep attack you!? Are you OK!?" Syoaran asked hurriedly. "Harrison attacked me when I was walking home from school yesterday. He came up behind me, threatened me, and then shot blasts of energy at me. I was attacked about half way between school and my house. The creep kissed me on the neck too," Sakura made a face. Syoaran pretended to clean the kiss off her neck with his hand. "How dare he! Doesn't he know that only I'm allowed to kiss you there!" He said playfully, then kissed her were he had been cleaning the pretend kiss off. He brought Sakura close to him by wrapping his hands around her waist. Sakura giggled as he began to trail kiss up toward her mouth. She was silenced when his lips joined with hers in a passionate kiss. Syoaran deepened the kiss more and more. Sakura made no attempts to stop him. He pulled her closer to himself and held her as if he let go, the world would shatter to pieces. When Sakura finally needed air, she tugged playfully at his hair. "Your kisses are like alcohol; They make you feel like nothing else matters, and I'm already addicted to them," Syoaran confessed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That was a slightly longer chapter than normal! I didn't know I was capable of a long chapter.
~Teaser for the next chapter~
Syoaran's third task of the appeal loomed above him. To call it a monster was to call Mount Everest a hill. He knew if he wanted to keep Sakura, he would have to beat this hideous thing. If he did, he would have the chance to live happily ever after with Sakura. He knew Sakura wasn't yet strong enough to beat Harrison, and he was the only one that could save her. Oh no, he had let his mind wander,. The beast was upon his in a second smashing the breath and life out of him.
~End Teaser~
HAHA, my butt went numb from sitting here so long, writing! No flames, please. Thanks for all the support, and sorry if I got any of the facts wrong, or spelled anyone's name wrong. Happy Mother's Day!
Ja Ne for now
BlahBlahBlah136
AN, Big thanks to S+S for the names of Syoaran's Sisters and Mother.
No Longer a Child
Struggles
by BlahBlahBlah136
Li Leran stood in shock. She couldn't believe she had just called the Card Mistress that horrible name. What's more, she couldn't believe her only son was in love with the Card Mistress. Leran's eyes were huge. All she could do was stare at her son. Both were silent for a long time. Finally Syoaran spoke up, "Mother, I really do love her. She is the reason I didn't want to leave Japan, and the reason I broke off my engagement with Meiling. I can't bare to be away from her, and now I don't even have the pictures of her. Why can't you understand that I'm in love with her?" He pleaded. Li-san let out a deep breath that she had been holding for quite some time now. "Son, I never knew you felt this way. This does present a problem. I do have a lot of influence in the clan, but I don't know if I have enough influence to make things work out the way you want them to. I understand that you want to be with your Card Mistress, but this doesn't seem possible. The clan doesn't bend the rules, EVER. They only let you out so easily because you were so stoic that you wouldn't get close to anyone or anything. They try to prevent this as much as they can, but there are always slip-ups," Li-san sighed. "Mother, I have to be with her. She is what keeps me going. I feel so lonely without her," Syoaran begged. "We'll meet with the Elders first thing in the morning. Don't let your sisters get wind of this, or you'll never hear the end of it," Li-san warned jokingly. Syoaran nodded vigorously and left.
It was too late. Two maids heard Syoaran confessing his love for the Sakura and word moved fast in the Li clan. Syoaran started toward his room, only to be cut off by his sister Li Fuutie. His other three sisters followed her. "What is this I hear about our little brother and the Card Mistress, huh?" She questioned amusingly. "How did you figure out!? Well, I quess it's inevedable that you'll find out. You don't ever miss out on the smallest peice of gossip, do you? I beg you, please, I've got enough things on my mind without having to worry about dodging you four, Obsessed, More Obsessed, Even More Obsessed, Most Obsessed," He said, referring to the four women standing only a little shorter than himself. His sisters were left speechless. He merely brushed past them and walk to his room.
(Readington High School, Tomoeda District, Japan)
Sakura walked the halls in fear. She hugged her bookbag to her chest with her arm, gripping her sealing key with her hand and steadying herself on one crutch. Finally came to the room and sat down in her seat. Her back was as straight as a bored. Her eyes darted around for Harrison. She longed for Syoaran's protect embrace. She would love to feel his arms around her again. A hand tapped Sakura on the shoulder. She squealed out in surprise. "Relax, Sakura. It's only me," Tomoyo comforted. "You're a wreck without him here, aren't you?" She asked with concern. "Oh Tomoyo! I'm terrified. He has always been here with me to keep me safe, but now he's back in China and I can barely breathe!" Sakura exclaimed, "It's only been a day since he left and I'm already paranoid!"
"Li-kun is back in China!?" Naoko asked surprised, "You must be so upset! You guy were like glue!" "Superglue!" Rika added, "Are you OK Sakura!?"
"Yeah, I'm OK. I'm just a little horrified, Terrified, and paranoid, not to mention cold."
"Poor Sakura," Rika whispered to Naoko, "She really likes Li!"
"Don't worry, Sakura. I've read a lot of books in my time, and they always come back. With the exception of Return From War, it always works out!" Naoko comforted. "What happens in that story," Sakura asked. "Well, a guy leaves his girlfriend behind to go to war. He ends up defeating the other side with great honor to his name, but he dies in the process. The girl dies of severe emotional stress when she learns of his death. It was a wonderful book... and I probably shouldn't have said that," Naoko added when she saw Sakura ready to burst out in tears.
Suddenly Tomoe-sensei walking in the room and everyone returned to their seats. Sakura felt slightly safer with Tomoe-sensei in the room. Any adult that cared what happened to her in the room was comforting. She knew Harrison wouldn't dare strike out at her in such a crowd.
--------@
Sakura hobbled home on her crutches as fast as she could. Not fast enough! Sakura felt her crutch being ripped away from her. Before she could move Harrison had pushed her front first into the wall beside her. "There is no Syoaran to save you now," He said, keeping one hand pressed squarely on her back, moving closer with every breath. "Now, will I have to use persuasion to get what I want, or not?" He was right up next to her now. He kissed her neck gently, but evilly. Sakura was sure she felt an evil feeling from him. The feeling was familiar somehow. She suddenly recognized the feeling. There was the faint trace of Clow Card magic in his evil! 'The Obsession!' she exclaimed inwardly. She grasped the key on her neck and called forth the sealing wand. "Windy, bind this evil." "Thunder, Shock Him!" Windy raced out and wrapped around a surprised Harrison. Raijuu let out a huge roar and sent lightning bolt toward the obsessed teen. Harrison's strength failed him and he fell to the ground.
His strength failed him, but his power didn't. He sent a blast of black power that grazed Sakura's side. She screamed in pain as the blast burned against her. Harrison let out a low laugh. "I'm not defeated yet, Mistress!" He cried. He directed another blast toward her stomach, but she dodged it and it only caught her shoulder. Her side and her shoulder now burned like a wildfire. Like a sunburn that had gone all the way through her flesh. This gave her an idea. "Fiery, Attack him!" She yelled. The firebird rose form her pocket and heading for the smirking teen. The Fiery shot a blast at Harrison that narrowly missed. Sakura clutched her side as she watched. She bent slightly to the right because she didn't have her crutches.
Finally a blast nailed Harrison in the back. He sent one more blast at Sakura that hit directly on her middle thigh. He disappeared with a final cackle and the words, "Watch out, I'll be back."
Sakura groaned at looked at her wounds. How would she ever explain those burns to her family. She was bleeding heavily from were she had been hit. It felt like a white-hot knife cutting into her flesh. She struggled home. It cause more pain with every step, but she had to be strong. Otherwise, she wouldn't survive.
(Li Estates, the next morning)
Knock Knock
"Syoaran, wake up. You have a sparring practice with Mao in ten minutes. Then right after that you have a meeting with the Elders. Come on, It's nearly 5:00 am!" Li Feimei called to her brother. Syoaran was already awake. He had already taken a LONG shower and was dressed in his sparring outfit. It barely differed from his fighting robes. There weren't as many trails off this outfit. It was made for rapid, lethal movements. Feimei was about to call a second time when Syoaran walked out of his room and startled her.
Mao was a skilled fighter and provided an excellent challenge. Many people gathered to watch the match. No one had seen Syoaran fight in years, save Meiling. Everyone comment on how hard Syoaran was working. It didn't look like Mao had a chance. Syoaran was very, VERY aggressive in his fighting. He was still angry from the other night. He fought, turning his longing for Sakura into strength, endurance and energy.
'Wow, I knew Syoaran was a good fighter, but I never expected this!' Mao thought to himself. Mao was a slender, but very filled in boy. He had messy brown hair and sharp blue eyes. He was about as tall as Syoaran, which was tall in Chinese standards. His face was serious, but with traces of past laughter in his eyes. He was very fast, but not nearly as aggressive as Syoaran.
Pretty soon both males were sweating to the point of dehydration. They were breathing heavily. Finally Syoaran knocked Mao's sword out of the blue-eyed boy's hand. The match was over. Syoaran had time for breakfast, but he wasn't hungry, so he opted for another cold shower. Soon it would be time to face the Elders once again. Soon he could go back to Sakura.
(Kinomoto Residence)
Sakura walked through the door as quietly as possible, but when the door brushed her shoulder she couldn't help screaming in pain a little. Touya came out into the hall way and nearly fainted. Soon he had gathered himself up enough to scream, "Sakura, What happened!?"
"Don't worry. I know this looks really bad, but It's not as bad as it looks. I just had a little accident."
Touya rushed over and helped her into the kitchen. Her dad was cleaning in the living room, so Touya called, "Dad, can you get some gauze, antiseptic, and a lot of Steri-strips?" "And some Advil!" Sakura added, wincing as Touya put a cold cloth on her thigh. Mr.Kinomoto did so, and dropped everything on the floor of the kitchen when he saw Sakura's condition. He hurriedly picked everything up and rushed over to her. Pretty soon she was all bandaged up and sitting on the couch while Touya and her father cleaned up gauze clippings, and antiseptic spills.
Soon they came in and stared at her. She knew what question was coming next. "So, how did this happen Sakura?" 'It's now or never, Sakura' The Card Mistress thought to herself. "Dad, I have something to tell you," She started, "I long time ago I found this book in the basement..." Sakura told them all about Keroberus, The Clow Cards, and Syoaran's role in the whole thing. Touya looked on with concern as her Father was in awe. Mr.Kinomoto gasped quite often, and followed the explanation quite intently. After Sakura had finished Touya piped up," You must have hit your head! You are old enough to know not to make up silly stories like that! If you have to say things like that, write them in a fiction book! You can make a lot of money that way! If what you say is true, prove it!" Sakura frowned sadly, then called, "Kero, come on down. I have pudding for you!" Touya could hear a faint voice that grew louder and louder as if coming closer saying things like 'Yeah, pudding!', 'Yummy Pudding', and 'I hope it's chocolate!'
The little ball of fluff wizzed into the room. He looked around, then saw Touya and Mr.Kinomoto. All of a sudden he dropped lifeless to the floor. "It's OK Kero, I told them," Sakura advised. "YOU WHAT!" That stuffed animal was alive and kicking now. Sakura nodded sadly. Just then Kero noticed the bandages. "Did that Harrison creep do this to you!? I knew there would be trouble when that gaki left the country. Even if he is a gaki, he can still protect you better than me." Touya and Mr.Kinomoto stared at the little ball of fluff flying in front of them. They both blinked several times. Touya fainted. "Sakura, this better be battery operated. I was just going along with the whole thing because I thought you were in pain. I didn't really believe you. I'm guessing this thing is alive," Mr.Kinomoto's eyes were bugging out of his head. Sakura nodded. "Kero, meet my father Kinomoto Fujitaka, and that is my brother, Kinomoto Touya," Sakura said, referring to the unconscious male ground. "Dad, this is Kero, short for Keroberus, Guardian Beast of the Seal" "Long title," Fujitaka commented. "It makes him feel bigger," Sakura explained.
"OK, what do you mean Harrison? Who is this boy?" Mr.Kinomoto asked Kero hesitantly. Kero explained the whole ordeal. After extensive questioning, it came to the final questions,
"Is Sakura in danger?"
"Hai"
"Can we protect her here?"
"No"
"Can Li-san protect her?"
"More than we can"
"Sakura, I think it's best if you go to Hong Kong. Let's see if we can arrange for you to go there. You can miss some school, until Li-san comes back." Sakura's father concluded. His voice was full of worry for his daughter. She was in so much danger and there was nothing he could do himself to help. But Li Syoaran could help. He could save her.
"Do you know Li-san's number, Sakura?"
"Hai"
"Call him first thing in the morning. It's late now. Get some sleep."
Sakura retired to her room, and fell into a restless sleep, full of pain and loneliness.
(Next Morning, Same morning as Syoaran's Meeting with the Elders.)
Sakura awoke and walked slowly down the steps. "Remember, first thing in the morning!" Fujitaka called from the kitchen. Sakura picked up the phone. The Li Clan was no group to be trifled with, so she had to talk to Syoaran. "Hello, This is the Li residence. Which Li do you wish to speak with?" A man with a stuffy voice asked. "Li Syoaran, please." She waited for a minute or two. Finally, Syoaran picked up.
"Hello, Li Syoaran speaking."
"Hi, It's me, Sakura," Sakura replied hurriedly. "Sakura! Oh, you don't know how glad I am to hear you sweet voice," Syoaran gushed. "Oh Syoaran, I need your help," Sakura started to cry again. The pain still burned in her side and the fear of being attacked was bottled up inside her. "Sakura, are you OK!? What happened!?" Syoaran asked. "He didn't even wait forty-eight hours to attack me! I barely got away. My side hurts so much and I'm so afraid. Please Syoaran, come home. Or let me come there. I miss you so much, and I'm scared," Sakura pleaded. "I'll work something out in the next hour. I have a meeting with the clan Elders in ten minutes. It's going to be OK. I'll call you in a while. Hold on till I do," Syoaran instructed hurriedly. He was so mad that Harrison would dare lay a finger on his angel.
He hung up the phone and stomped off to the House Of Ceremonies were the meeting and trial would be held. The Elders were just finished setting up when he stormed into the building. "We start the meeting now!" He commanded. The Elders complied. "Syoaran, you are charged of being romantically involved with on outsider, not keeping in contact with the clan, and not obeying clan orders. How do you plea!?" The oldest Elder asked officially. "Guilty to all charges! But I did have a reason for disobeying the Clan Law," he explained. "Go on," nodded the shortest Elder. "I've fallen in love with the Card Mistress. I've tried to hold in my feelings for her for the past four years and it didn't work. I did want to leave Japan because I didn't want to leave her. I didn't keep in contact with the Clan because I didn't want to, and I got romantically involved with an outside because I couldn't fight my feelings any longer," Syoaran said all this in one breath.
"The punishment for these crimes is four years isolated training," The fattest Elder announced. "I request appeal," Syoaran counter-announced. "An until the appeal is to take place, I wish that the Card Mistress be allowed to stay in the estate as a good friend of a clan member," He added. The young warrior had done his homework. Anyone could bring anyone to stay in the estate until that person was proven unfit to stay. "Fine," said the tallest Elder coldly. There was nothing they could do. "Good, She'll be here later this afternoon." And with that Syoaran left. He had a wide grin on his face. He knew he still had to worry about the appeal challenge, but he was too happy with the fact he would see Sakura again. Syoaran had longed to kiss her again from the moment he was put on the plane. He craved to hold her again, and to brush his lips on her delicate skin. Syoaran stopped himself from going any further into those thoughts. He was especially angry that Harrison had dared attack her. He would have his payback soon enough.
(4:56 PM, Same day, Hong Kong airport)
Sakura stepped off the plane with wobbly legs. They felt like the noodles in Miso Soup. Plus, she had serious jet lag. She saw a sign that a man was holding that said 'Kinomoto' on it. He was dressed in a rather formal suit. 'He must work for Syoaran's Family!' Sakura thought. She immediately straightened up. She had to make a good first impression. "Hello, I'm Sakura Kinomoto. I presume you are waiting for ME," she said politely. "Ah yes, you must be the lovely Sakura. Right this way," The man showed her to a short limo. The clan's, she guessed.
She was in awe when she saw the Li estates. They rose up on a small plateau out on a peninsula. It comprised of several traditional style Chinese buildings. There were many brass carvings all around the large structures. The man lead her up to the large teak (dark wood) doors. The doors were brilliantly carved in pattern of intricate dragons. It looked as if they would come right out of the door and start to breath fire.
Inside Syoaran was waiting for her. As soon as she came in the door he picked her up into his arms and spun her around. "I'm so glad to see you. It's been torture not being able to see your face," Syoaran said in Japanese. (When in China, they are always speaking Chinese unless I say otherwise) "I'm glad I'm here now," Sakura replied. He set her down gently. Sakura looked quizzically at something. Syoaran finally realized half the clan was behind him. "I'll introduce you people later, but right now I want to talk to Sakura, ALONE" Syoaran explained. Most of the people dispersed, but Syoaran took Sakura to a room nearby instead. It was obviously a library, due to all the books. Syoaran was about to say something when Sakura held out the Silent card. "Good Idea," He agreed. Sakura chanted, "Silent Card, sound-proof the room!" As soon as she was sure the room was sound-proof, she turned back to Syoaran.
"So, when did that creep attack you!? How did he attack you!? Where did that creep attack you!? Are you OK!?" Syoaran asked hurriedly. "Harrison attacked me when I was walking home from school yesterday. He came up behind me, threatened me, and then shot blasts of energy at me. I was attacked about half way between school and my house. The creep kissed me on the neck too," Sakura made a face. Syoaran pretended to clean the kiss off her neck with his hand. "How dare he! Doesn't he know that only I'm allowed to kiss you there!" He said playfully, then kissed her were he had been cleaning the pretend kiss off. He brought Sakura close to him by wrapping his hands around her waist. Sakura giggled as he began to trail kiss up toward her mouth. She was silenced when his lips joined with hers in a passionate kiss. Syoaran deepened the kiss more and more. Sakura made no attempts to stop him. He pulled her closer to himself and held her as if he let go, the world would shatter to pieces. When Sakura finally needed air, she tugged playfully at his hair. "Your kisses are like alcohol; They make you feel like nothing else matters, and I'm already addicted to them," Syoaran confessed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That was a slightly longer chapter than normal! I didn't know I was capable of a long chapter.
~Teaser for the next chapter~
Syoaran's third task of the appeal loomed above him. To call it a monster was to call Mount Everest a hill. He knew if he wanted to keep Sakura, he would have to beat this hideous thing. If he did, he would have the chance to live happily ever after with Sakura. He knew Sakura wasn't yet strong enough to beat Harrison, and he was the only one that could save her. Oh no, he had let his mind wander,. The beast was upon his in a second smashing the breath and life out of him.
~End Teaser~
HAHA, my butt went numb from sitting here so long, writing! No flames, please. Thanks for all the support, and sorry if I got any of the facts wrong, or spelled anyone's name wrong. Happy Mother's Day!
Ja Ne for now
BlahBlahBlah136