Falling Stars
by Angel Sakura
[6.01.01]
All standard disclaimers apply. You know, I don't own CCS, although I wouldn't mind owning Eriol ... or Syaoran ... or Yue ... *drool*
I am SO sorry I haven't gotten the next part out!!! I know I said Sunday and it's been more than a week. It's been done for a long time now, but guess what?!?!?! My frigging video card busted and died, thus causing my monitor to break. The video card was replaced within a week, and we just received the monitor today and hooked it back up. We've also had to set everything back up. Neways, because I was so late, I decided to post two parts instead of one to make up for it!! Sorry again!
Falling Stars
Chapter Two
by Angel Sakura
*~*~*~*
Syaoran leaned his head against the dark wood of the garden gazebo. The full moon cast long shadows across his face, and the small candle at his side flickered with the gentle breeze.
He was waiting for the kitchen maid, Kinomoto Sakura, the most powerful being he had ever come in contact with. She was also the most beautiful, with silky auburn hair and the purest of emerald eyes. He smiled gently as he thought of her.
A small light was seen approaching, and, straining his eyes, Syaoran was able to make out a figure in the darkness, fingers wrapped around a flickering candle. When it was close enough, her face came into full view, and he smiled a greeting at her.
"Hello, Syaoran," she whispered back. "I hope I didn't make you wait too long. I was just finishing up in the kitchen." Setting her candle down opposite him, she took a seat.
"No, no, I just got here," he waved away all nervousness. "Did you have any trouble finding the gazebo?" He kept his voice low just in case someone found him out in the garden at this hour of the night.
"It wasn't that difficult. I followed the riverbank from the fountain," she replied. "What did you want to speak with me about?"
Syaoran stuttered nervously. "Pardon me, but I ... I couldn't help but sense your aura back there."
Sakura's eyes widened gently. Had he found out? "Y-yes?"
"Tell me, who are you? Really?" Syaoran leaned forward, determined.
Sakura searched her mind frantically for a way out. She couldn't let him find out. "I am but a kitchen maid, sire," she insisted.
She switched back to the title, and Syaoran felt a twinge of disappointment at the formality. "Who were you before you came here?"
"I ..." She sighed, defeated. "I'm sorry, but I cannot tell you, sire," Sakura looked away, suddenly terrified.
"Who were you?" he asked again, more forcefully this time. "Because your power is unlike anything I have ever seen before, and I want to know how." His jaw set.
Sakura snorted, a little embarrassed at herself. She had thought that he asked her out to see her, not inquire about the magic she held. "I was nothing," she whispered, "and I don't know what you're talking about, sire." She wanted to flee, to leave this place. She was putting herself in jeopardy with every word that fell from her lips.
"Don't say that to me." His tone held a slight biting tone. Was the girl that ignorant? With that much power flaring from her body? How could she think he had not felt it?
Sakura's hands inched towards her candle. "I'm sorry, sire, I don't know what to tell you."
Syaoran snapped. "I must know," he insisted, not caring how cruel he sounded. "I order you to tell me!"
Sakura reeled back as if she had been slapped. "You, sire, are making me very uncomfortable, and if you continue to treat me like thus I will leave," she hissed at him.
Syaoran inhaled deeply, trying to calm himself down. "I'm sorry, Sakura, I did not mean it." She nodded at him. "But, I cannot believe it when you tell me you do not know what I am talking about. Energy flows off of you so much that anyone with the smallest sliver of magic would be able to feel it! How did you become so powerful?" He looked at her hopefully, then add quietly, "Please."
"I am not at liberty to tell you that, sire."
"Syaoran, not sire, Syaoran."
She looked up at him and into his eyes. He looked so kind and so honest. "Why must you know? There are secrets in this world that would be better kept if they are hidden from your eyes."
He noticed her trembling hand, and grabbed it, holding it within his own to calm her. "Please, Sakura, it is my duty to study magic and become more powerful. I have been unable to do that with the little resources at the castle. I already have more magic than anyone here, and still the nobles push for more."
Sakura stared at their linked hands, blushing lightly. "How do they know that there is more magic to learn?" she asked quietly.
"So you admit to it, your power?" Syaoran lowered his head to gaze straight into her eyes. "How did you become so powerful? Who taught you magic?"
Sakura took a deep breath and hastily glanced around. "What I tell you now is to remain secret from all." Syaoran nodded his head in understand. "I was not taught magic."
"So, how did you...?"
"May I continue? Or do you wish to continue questioning me?"
"I ... already had magic stored within me, like you probably have. One cannot learn magic, because magical capabilities are drawn from power within. I was merely trained to take control of my powers, to boost myself to the next level, so to speak." Sakura spoke low and gravely.
"Who trained you?" Syaoran subconsciously squeezed her hand.
"Have you ever heard of the Clow Cards?" Sakura whispered, her senses flaring to life, hoping to catch anyone who dared to intrude.
"Of course! The whole kingdom has heard of them. After all, Clow Reed, one of the princes of our kingdom, created them. Most fear them, though." Syaoran quickly became more curious than before.
"And the Guardian Beast of the Seal, Keroberos?" At Syaoran's nod, she continued. "He trained me."
"Keroberos trained you? You mean you have the cards, or at least you're the Card Mistress?" Syaoran was astonished. He knew she was very powerful, but to that level? "I know that your family wants the cards, which is why I could not tell you," Sakura explained quickly, her voice pleading.
Reality dawned on him; that was why she resisted in telling him. "Have you converted them yet? The Clow Cards?"
"Yes, I have, with the help of Yue of course." (AN: I know Eriol's supposed to help her, but I changed it because they haven't been introduced here.)
"Yue? Is he another guardian?" Syaoran's brow furrowed.
"Shouldn't you have already been taught this? He is the Moon Guardian, the Guardian of the book of Clow. So you are not going to tell your mother about the cards?"
He hesitated awhile, as if he was in thought. "No, I do not think I will."
He was graced with a beautiful smile. "Thank you ... So ... Syaoran?"
"Hm?"
"How come you did not tell me you were a prince?" A playful smile started on her face.
"I do not know. It is just a little nice not to have everyone know who you are for once." He leaned his head back.
"I know what you mean. Um ... I better get going. Tomoyo is going to get worried." She pulled her hand out of his, automatically longing for his warmth, and stood up, smoothing out the wrinkles in her skirt.
"Who is Tomoyo?" Syaoran asked, also standing.
"Oh, she is just a friend. She works in the kitchen, too. I share a room with her." She gently picked her candle up from the bench.
"Is she the one with the braid who got into a fight with that courtier?" he asked, a smirk making its way onto his face.
"Yes, that was her," Sakura replied, trying desperately to keep from grinning. "I'll see you around. I'm sorry I could not help you." Letting her candle lead the way, she started the trek back towards the stone castle.
Syaoran watched her retreating before making up his mind. He dashed after her, his shoes padding silently on the dirt path. "Sakura! Wait a second!"
She stopped mid-stride to watch him run up to her. "Yes?"
"... I shall walk you back." The darkness hid the blush from his cheeks.
"Of course," she replied, giggling.
They walked on a little ways, before Syaoran broke the silence, blurting out, "Would you like to meet Clow Reed?"
Sakura gave him a funny look, obviously confused. "Syaoran, I am not sure you know this, but he has been dead for a long time."
"I do not mean that Clow Reed, his reincarnation. Even I am not that ignorant." He raised his eyebrows at her. "So do you?"
"Sure, when?" Sakura smiled sideways at him.
"Whenever you want, just somewhere where we will not be seen-not that I do not want to be seen with you, of course. You know what my mother and everyone will say. They might forbid me from seeing you."
Sakura nodded her head. "I am going to the market tomorrow with Tomoyo. We could meet there."
Syaoran opened his mouth to protest.
"Do not worry, she is safe; she already knows about the cards." She quickened her pace as they neared the palace, trying to stay hidden from the castle guards.
"Where do you want to meet?" Syaoran pulled her into the shadows.
Sakura looked up at him, for the first time realizing how much taller he was than her. "How about at the fortune teller's tent? No one really ever goes there, they all know she is a fake."
"That is fine." He brushed his hair out of his eyes, hoping to get a better look at her. Her emerald eyes seemed to sparkle and shimmer in the moonlight.
"Oh, Syaoran?"
"Hm?"
"Dress common." She grinned playfully at him, and poked him in the side. She decided then and there that she liked him-a lot. He was the kind of person she could relate to and trust.
He grabbed her hand to prevent himself from laughing and give them away. "How do I dress common?" he asked seriously.
"You know ... um ...how about a plain brown pair of trousers and a white tunic? Do not wear a coat. What commoner can afford to wear one in the springtime? It would get beat up. Their money is better spent on food to keep themselves alive. You have no clue how hard it is for the common man." She looked up at him. He was turned away, but his face seemed so solemn. "Hey," she whispered. "You still there?"
"Yeah. Is that it?"
She smiled at him and ruffled his hair. "Maybe even a cap. Are you sure you are okay?"
He smiled to himself. She was beautiful, powerful, smart, caring, and, most of all, she treated him like a person-a real person with feelings and emotions, not just a symbol head. If she was noble, his mother would love her. "Yes, I'm fine. Do you have to go now?"
"Yes, I better get back before Tomoyo notices. I shall see you tomorrow ... morning?"
"Morning is fine. What hour?"
"Nine?"
"That is fine as well." He took her hand delicately in his larger one and brushed his lips across the back of her hand. "Good night, Sakura."
Her cheeks reddened. "Good night, Syaoran."
*~*~*~*
Sakura slipped silently into her room and closed the heavy door behind herself.
"And what are you doing getting in this late?"
She jumped, startled and whirled around. Straining her eyes in the darkness, she managed to make out a feminine figure. "Tomoyo," she hissed accusingly, "do not do that!"
Tomoyo sat up in bed and tossed the covers back. "You did not answer me. What have you been doing? It has never taken me this long and I had lots of help. Besides, you've had me worried sick!"
Sakura blushed deep red. "I ... um ... I-"
Tomoyo stood up and put her hands on her hips. "Sakura! Do not tell me you were hassling the butler!"
Sakura's eyes widened. "Tomoyo!"
"So, if you were not bothering Takashi, what were you doing?" She raised an eyebrow at her.
"I .. kind of .." She chuckled nervously.
"Spit it out," Tomoyo narrowed her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, she said quickly, "I met the prince out by the gazebo!"
"No!" Tomoyo grabbed both her hands. "And you did not let me design you a dress!" Sakura gave her a weird look. "So, what did he say?"
Sakura looked away. "He wanted to know about the Clow Cards."
"Oh, Sakura, what happened?" Tomoyo looked sympathetic.
Sakura glanced at her. "Nothing really, I told him. He promised he would not say anything. Anyway, for some reason, he wanted to know about you."
Tomoyo smiled brightly. "Really?!"
Sakura nodded. "Yes, he did. The prince did not say anything else though." Sakura coughed nervously. "Are we still going to the market tomorrow morning?"
"Morning? I figured we could sleep in and then go in the afternoon. " She pursed her lips. "Sakura, what did you do?"
Sakura looked away, slightly embarrassed. "You know me well, too well." Clearing her throat, she started up again. "Syaoran-I mean, the prince offered to introduce me to Clow Reed tomorrow, his reincarnation actually."
"So," Tomoyo edged on, "what time are we to meet them?"
"Nine," Sakura squeaked.
"Nine?! Sakura, I am not going to have any time to look for any material to make a dress for you!" Tomoyo flopped down onto the bed.
"Tomoyo, I do not think you have noticed, but we are not the richest of people."
"Well, I do not think you have realized that I have a rich aunt." Tomoyo smirked at her. (AN: I know Tomoyo's supposed to be rich, but since I made her a maid, I figure someone in her family is gonna be rich.) "Anyway, you still have not told me why you said we would meet them so early!"
"Um, there are not as many people out then so there will be less people as likely to overhear us? Is this working?" Sakura tried desperately to supply an excuse.
"You know, if I was not your best friend and if it was not so exciting that you were the Card Mistress, I do not know what you would do."
Sakura automatically brightened. "So you will go with me? Tomoyo, thank you!" She threw her arms around Tomoyo for a hug.
"Now, let me sleep so that I can prepare myself for long, boring chats with an *old* sorcerer." She smiled sleepily at Sakura. "Good night."
*~*~*~*
Sakura woke to the bustle of Tomoyo's early morning routine. Sunlight filtered through the old, worn curtains of their small window. Lazily, she opened her emerald eyes to the new day.
"Sakura! About time you got up! I even took it upon myself to pick out one of my dresses for you to wear. It will make you look very sophisticated." She tossed Sakura a beautiful smile.
"Wonderful, you have turned me into a doll." She scowled sleepily. "Now all I need is the hour."
"Eight. Get up. Rika brought some breakfast in a little while ago. We are leaving soon, so I would suggest you start moving." She grabbed an apple and began to crunch on it. "Here," she began, setting the apple down, "I shall help." She picked up the forest green dress and helped Sakura put it on, lacing the back tightly.
"Really, Tomoyo, I do not know how courtiers are able to breathe in these .. things! And where did you get this dress anyway?"
"First of all, those things are called corsets. And secondly, I made it." She grabbed a pair of slippers. "Here. Put these on."
"I swear, we could get into trouble for dressing like this! Do you know the punishment?" Sakura frowned.
"We could say we are coming back from church. Like they would know the difference." Sakura took a seat, and Tomoyo picked up another apple. "Would you like one?" Sakura accepted it, and Tomoyo began to fix her hair, pulling her hair back with small barrettes. "Keep your necklace under your dress," she said seriously. "You are done. Let us go."
Sakura went over to the sleeping Kero, shaking him gently. "Come on Kero, into the bag. Why do we have to leave so early?" Sakura complained, pulling a shawl on nonetheless.
"Because we are still going to buy fabric, and I want some time to look around and decide before we meet your prince." Tomoyo pocketed a small purse of coins as Sakura blushed.
"He is not my prince!" she protested, trying to keep the embarrassment from her voice.
Tomoyo shrugged. "Whatever you say. As I said before, we better go if we want some time. We have a fifteen minute walk at least, but if we are lucky, we might be able to hitch a ride with a local farmer." Pushing the heavy wood door open, she gestured to Sakura to follow.
Sakura grudgingly followed her off castle grounds, holding the many flounces of her skirt, ridiculous for such warm weather. The dress was a forest green that complemented her eyes. Her sleeves ended right above her elbow where it fanned out. A cord of an expensive gold fabric wound loosely around her waist and the two ends fell loosely.
As Tomoyo had mentioned earlier, they were very fortunate that Yoshi (AN: heehee-think Super Mario Brothers), a farmer's son, was on his way to the market to sell his father's crops. He offered to give them a ride. The horses came to a slow stop, and Tomoyo handed him a coin, smiling her thanks. Tipping his hat, he began to set up his stand.
Tomoyo dragged Sakura to a small stand of various fabrics. Her eyes brightened excitedly as she rummaged through the different styles and colors.
"Tomoyo, I think I shall leave this one to you," she stated, handing her a couple of coins. "White, all I want is white. When you are done, come get me. I am going to go visit with Yoshi." Yoshi came every Sunday to sell. Around their age, he was very sweet and kind, a wonderful friend.
He smiled as soon as he spotted her. "Good day, lady," he greeted her again. "How is your job at the castle going?"
"Hello again, Yoshi. Do you recall that dinner last night at the palace?" He nodded. "Well, I was supposed to cook and I was late."
"Really?" He smiled sympathetically. "Did you get fired?"
Sakura shook her head. "No, the head cook, Rika, is really sweet. She covered for me, along with Tomoyo, naturally."
"Well that is good. Would you like one?" He pulled a cart of strawberries out of the wagon. "Freshly picked this morning."
"How much?" Sakura opened her purse.
"It's on me. Here." He handed her a plump red one.
"Thank you," she smiled, and began to nibble on it.
"Did you hear about the balls?" Yoshi continued setting up.
"No, what ball?"
"Queen Yulen extended the dinner all week long and changed tonight's party into a ball. Dancing, everything!"
Sakura's jaw dropped. "I have work tonight?!" She groaned in frustration. "Why?"
"Apparently, Queen Yulen really wants Prince Syaoran to wed." He shrugged. "Excuse me for a moment." He turned to help some other customers.
Sakura sat on an empty cart, resting her head in her hands. "Great, more time with Meiling and Regina." After a while, she stood and stalked over to Tomoyo.
"Oh hey, Sakura. I already bought your fabric. Here," she handed Sakura the yard of fabric. "Now, do you like this?" she held up a pale blue fabric, "Or this?" She held up a pale purple.
Sighing, "For you or for your weird creations for me?"
"For me, and Sakura, that dress is adorable! What are you talking about?" Tomoyo shifted her weight onto her left foot.
"The purple one." Narrowing her eyes, Sakura got to her point. "Tomoyo, did you know that there were going to be celebrations all week? And they don't have anything to celebrate except for the prince's coming of age to receive the crown."
Tomoyo set the fabric down. "Who told you that?"
"Yoshi. You know he does not lie." Sakura bit her lip.
Tomoyo inhaled deeply, then spoke with a mischievous smile. "Well, then the war is on."
"What?" Sakura furrowed her brow.
"Well, if that Duchess Regina wants a war, I shall give her one." She smiled. "Now, are you really sure about the purple?" She pursed her lips. "You know, I am just going to buy both." She paid for the fabric, tucking them into a small cloth bag.
"Tomoyo? You are really okay with this?" Sakura scurried to catch up with her.
"Sure," she shrugged. "It was the same way with her last daughter. We are used to it. Just ... don't make any more late night secret meetings, and you will be rested plenty." She grinned.
The fortune teller's tent was dark purple, a little deeper than maroon, and decorated with silver and gold stars and moons. The whole tent looked over-dramatic and fake. Instead, this time, the tent was graced by the company of two handsome young men.
Tomoyo grabbed her arm in a tight grip and pulled her over, stumbling over her own navy blue dress. "Sakura! You did not tell me that Duke Hiirigizawa Eriol was coming!" she hissed.
"I did not know he was coming either," she replied calmly. She took Tomoyo by the hand and led her over to where both men were standing. Sakura smiled. "Good day, sir, you look ... common," she teased.
Syaoran grinned. "Hello, lady." He nodded at Tomoyo before glancing over at Eriol, who was also dressed like him, in a pair of brown slacks and white button up shirt with a brown cap. He looked starstruck. "C'mon." They walked in silence through the market until they came to a field of wild flowers, apple trees, cherry trees, and others. They found a shaded area beneath a large oak by the lake. "Sakura, this is Clow Reed's reincarnation, Hiirigizawa Eriol."
Sakura raised an eyebrow, a little too shocked to speak. She had been expecting an old man, and here she got the one boy that had caught her best friend's eye. She shot a glance at Tomoyo.
Before the silence became too awkward, Eriol spoke. "You ... you are the mistress of the cards?"
Sakura frowned. "Is there something wrong with that?" She pulled gently on the bag on her waist, opening it up. Kero was still sleeping inside. Smiling mischievously, she reached in and pulled the fluff ball out.
"No, there is nothing wrong with that. I am just a little curious about why Clow would choose someone so young," he said quietly.
"Pardon me, but why did you bring a stuffed animal?" Syaoran asked pointedly.
"That is not a stuffed animal," Tomoyo shot back, taking Kero out of Sakura's hands. "It is Keroberos!" She shook him gently. "Kero ..." she cooed. "Wake up ..."
He wrinkled his nose, sniffing. "Food ..." he drooled. His tummy grumbled. Then when he came to his senses, "Where are we? Sakura? Tomoyo?"
Tomoyo set him down, smiling triumphantly. "See?"
"You mean the Guardian Beast of the Seal is a-stuffed animal?!" Syaoran burst into laughter.
Kero fumed and bit his finger.
"OW!"
"That is what you get, brat!" Kero flew over to Sakura and settled on her shoulder.
"Stop it, you two!" They immediately quieted. "Thank you."
Tomoyo smiled brightly. "That's my Sakura!" She bit the corner of her lip. "Not to dampen the ... magical atmosphere, but what is with your mother?!"
Syaoran turned to her, obviously surprised, and perhaps, a little insulted. "Pardon me?"
"I'm sorry, but your mother has lost it, quite a while ago actually." Tomoyo frowned, and crossed her arms over her chest.
Syaoran chuckled. "You must be something to say that!" He turned to Eriol who blushed red. "You mean the ball? I told her not to turn it into that, but she loves it. What do you want me to do?"
Tomoyo frowned. "So just because you cannot stand up to your own mother, I have extra work-for a week!" She looked over. "*We* have extra work-Sakura and I!"
"Look, I said I was sorry! I only found out this morning! She sprang it on me.""So you are telling me that your mother, that sweet lady, is doing something that you don't want! I am sorry, but I am not buying it, Your Highness."
Eriol smiled, playing along. "See what you did Syaoran!"
He glared at the dark-hared boy. "Who asked you anyway, Hiiragizawa!"
"You know, you have made me suffer, too!" he accused.
Syaoran gaped at him. "What?!"
"That fright-Regina!"
"Oh!" Syaoran snorted. "Serves you right-"
Sakura giggled. "Is she that courtier that ..."
Eriol nodded. "Yes, that's her." He smiled at Syaoran. "You know, I have never heard you laugh or seen you smile before today," he commented softly. Then jokingly, "Is there something, or rather someone," he shot a look at Sakura, "that has been making you unusually happy?"
Syaoran's eyes widened slightly. "What are you talking about?" he asked indignantly.
"You know, we had a little conversation about it yesterday ..." he edged on. "Fine, I shall drop it." Eriol grinned secretly at him.
"You have no idea how it is!" Tomoyo cut in abruptly, whining.
"What is Tomoyo?" Sakura asked confused.
"Watching all those gorgeous courtiers come in out of their gorgeous carriages in gorgeous dresses with gorgeous hair and gorgeous everything! I shall never see my Sakura like that!" She sniffled.
Sakura raised her eyebrows, embarrassed. "Tomoyo, the reason you will not ever see me like that is because I am not a courtier. We, Tomoyo, are common." She stressed the words carefully.
"But, but ..." Her eyes lit up. "I have got it! We could go, too!"
Sakura frowned. "Tomoyo, are you mad?"
Syaoran cut in. "Yes, what has gotten in to you?"
Tomoyo shook her head. "No, no, you do not understand. Sakura could be a courtier and I could be her lady-in-waiting!"
Butterflies began to appear in Syaoran's stomach at the thought of spending the entire ball with Sakura. Then, his mood immediately fell. "I am pretty sure someone would realize that she is not really a courtier."
"Well, she could be from a neighboring country," Eriol insisted. "Regina is from Clytie," he added.
"Which country then?" Tomoyo asked excitedly.
"Sakura means cherry blossom, right?" She nodded. "Then how about Cerasus?" (AN: The 'c' pronounced as a 'k'. Ready? Ceeerrrraaaasssuuus. Goooood.)
Syaoran smiled despite himself. This could actually happen. "Why did I not think of that?"
Eriol rolled his eyes. "Because you are afraid someone will find out and you will be shamed."
Sakura smiled, gently stroking Kero's head. He had fallen asleep somewhere along the line. He could be so lazy sometimes. "Why Cerasus?"
Syaoran turned to her. "Cerasus is Latin for cherry tree."
Sakura giggled. "So you are going to tell everyone there that I am a blossom from the tree?"
Syaoran blushed.
Tomoyo laughed at Syaoran's red face. "Well, Sakura, if he does not, I will." She grinned impishly. "Anyway, I made these dresses that I was planning to sell, but I believe that they would be better used by us!" Tomoyo jumped excitedly, suddenly picking Kero up and twirling him around, waking him from his slumber.
"Whoa ..." Kero graoned. "Tomoyo, slow down ..." He clutched at his head.
She grinned sheepishly. "Sorry Kero."
He wrenched out of her grasp and flew over to Eriol. "Now, why all the excitement?"
"We get to wear the dresses I was working on the other night!" She settled on the ground next to Sakura.
"Those dresses looked pretty expensive. You would not be allowed to wear them, would you?" He frowned. Something was up.
"Well, you see, Kero," Sakura explained nervously, "Tomoyo kind of came up with this brilliant idea of skipping work and ... um ... going to the ball," she finished quickly. Perhaps this wasn't so wonderful, but being able to dance with Syaoran without worrying about what other people thought was just ... unbelievable.
Kero turned around to look at Eriol. "Pardon me, but they are not exactly what I would call nobility.""No," Eriol edged on, "but they could be."
"How, exactly, do you expect people to believe that?"
Syaoran stepped in. "See, even the stuffed animal does not believe we can do it!" He frowned.
"Shut up, brat! Your whining is giving me a headache." Rolling his eyes, he turned back to Tomoyo. "Please explain your plan."
Tomoyo smiled brightly. "Well, we could tell everyone that we are from Cerasus, and that Sakura is a ... countess?"
Eriol shook his head. "Someone would have met her if she was a countess. How about ... the daughter of a knight?"
Sakura raised an eyebrow. No one had even bothered asking her opinion. Perhaps it was for the best. She turned to smile softly at Syaoran who blushed profusely.
Tomoyo nodded. "The daughter of a knight is fine. Lady Kinomoto Sakura. I like it."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Must we tell everyone my last name?"
"No," Syaoran cut in. "We shall tell people who ask, but we shall only tell them your first name."
Eriol grinned. "So, she will only be known as Lady Sakura of Cerasus?" Syaoran confirmed by nodding. "Could we get them a carriage to show up in?"
Tomoyo squealed. "I've always wanted to rdie in a carriage!"
"Done." He smiled back.
"So, am I still her lady-in-waiting?"
"No, you would not be allowed to attend if that is all you are," Syaoran answered. "You could be her ... step-sister?"
"You are making this sound like Cinderella!" Tomoyo accused. "And I can assure I am no evil step-sister!"
"That is for sure," Eriol agreed under his breath. Syaoran noticed and shot him an evil grin.
"What do you want to be then, if you cannot be a lady-in-waiting?" Sakura asked, trying to calm everyone down.
"Could I not be the daughter of another knight? You know, we could be neighbors or something." Tomoyo gave them a puppy dog face.
"Fine," Syaoran barked. "But if we get caught, this is all your fault!"
Sakura sighed, preparing herself for the night to come.
*~*~*~*
Eriol lounged in a lumpy arm chair as Tomoyo fixed Sakura's hair. He grinned to himself as Tomoyo squealed over her best friend, pampering her, as Sakura grimaced. He had to admit, Sakura seemed vastly familiar to him, although he didn't know from where.He risked a glance over at Syaoran. The poor boy had his sunrise colored eyes fixed on the princess before him. He seemed lost in thought. Reaching out a boot, Eriol nudged him. He smirked at him when Syaoran looked over.
Rolling his eyes, he inhaled deeply. Girls sure took a long time preparing. He had been done in less then half the time they were taking. Surpisingly, Tomoyo was done with everything, her hair, makeup, clothes, within the first twenty minutes.
Tomoyo looked magnificent in a simple pale purple dress. Instead of in the back, it had been laced up loosely in the front with a violet ribbon, tying at the bottom of her torso with another ribbon that wrapped around her waist and fell freely. The sleeves clung to her arms and ended over the back of her hand in an elegent v-shape where it was also lined with maroon ribbon. The bottom and neckline were lined with ribbon as well. Her hair framed her face delicately, and a simple choker of silver graced her neck.
"OW! Tomoyo ..." Sakura whined, bringing a hand up to her aching scull.
"Do not worry, Sakura! This is just the price of beauty!" Tomoyo patted her on the head.
Syaoran snorted.
Eriol turned his head back to Syaoran. "See something funny, Syaoran?"
He rolled his eyes again. "No, do you?" When he didn't receive an answer, he shifted his gaze back to the girl in front of him. Tomoyo was wrong; this girl was beautiful without any of it.
"Done!" Tomoyo pulled Sakura out of her seat to examine her work, smoothing the hair out at her shoulder. "I am so glad you decided to grow your hair out. None of these courtiers would be caught dead with their hair as short as yours had been." She ran her fingers one last time through the mid-back sienna hair, checking for knots.
Sighing, Sakura replied, "I do not think it counts if you are ten years old, Tomoyo." Then she put on a pretty smile and turned to the boys. "Do I look okay? I am a little nervous; I have never done this before." She felt a little flustered when they turned their probing eyes over to her. She immediately reddened and wrung her hands when she saw Syaoran's intense gaze. Tomoyo winked secretly at her.
She was in a pale pink dress with the lacing also in front, except the the white ribbons were tied in a small bow at her v-shaped neckline. Her sleeves stopped at her elbows where they fanned out. The skirt was split in the front, revealing several white flounces. On her neck was a choker also made of white ribbon with a cherry blossom pendant that Tomoyo had managed to dig up at the market earlier that day. Her hair was done up with a matching comb that was secured on the side of her head. She bit her lip nervously. (AN: If any of you saw the dress that Nikki lent me for "The Would-Be Gentlemen", the top *sort of* is like that, with the exception that mine was light blue, and I made hers more appropriate for the era with a prettier skirt. I'm pretty sure Melissa or Diana saw it. I loved it!)
Seeing how Syaoran was too ... shocked to speak, Eriol took the opportunity to talk. "You look ravishing!" He smiled at Tomoyo. "As do you, naturally."
Tomoyo immediately blushed, much to Sakura's surprise. Tomoyo had always been the bold one. Clearing her throat loudly, "Eriol," she blushed again, "did you not say we would get a carriage?"
He smiled. "Of course. I arranged for you to arrive in mine, although you will only be riding in it for a few minutes."
Sakura immediately gasped. "Tomoyo, what are we going to tell Rika?"
Tomoyo plopped into the chair Sakura had previously occupied. "Shoot, I did not think of that," she muttered quietly to herself.
Eriol thought for a second. "Is she trustworthy?"
"Of course she is!" Sakura replied quickly.
"Well then, you girls stay here; we would not want you wandering around the castle where someone might recognize you. Syaoran and I will go explain our situation to her."
"In private, of course," Syaoran added.
Sakura smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
Tomoyo grinned. "She is probably rushing about looking for us. If she is not, she is probably working in the kitchen, wondering where we are."
With a nod of respect to the girls, Syaoran and Eriol left in search of Rika. Their polished boots clicked quietly on the stone floor. "Well that went rather well," Eriol grinned.
"Yes, with you teasing me every second you got."
"Do not tell me that you do not like her! She is even more beautiful close up! And Tomoyo," his eyes seemed distant.
"Please," Syaoran rolled his eyes. "Now be quiet, we are here."
The kitchen was a mob, and they boys' presence there was no help. Most stopped to gawk, and when they gathered their wits, bowed or curtsied clumsily in their nervousness.
Rika was stressing as she chopped furiously at her carrots, blowing a stray auburn lock out of her face. "Chiharu," she said to the spunky girl next to her, "I cannot believe they are doing this! Again! Tomoyo especially!" Groaning in frustration, she grabbed another carrot to butcher.
"Syaoran," Eriol whispered, "did she just say Tomoyo's name?" Syaoran nodded. "Excuse me lady." Eriol laid a hand on her shoulder.
She spun around startled. Eriol reeled back at the sight of the knife in her hand. She gasped, quickly setting the knife down to curtsy. "Your highnesses," she greeted both. "Is there anything I can do to be of service to you?"
"Are you Rika, lady?" Syaoran asked.
"Yes, sire."
Eriol smiled dashingly. "May we have a quiet word with you lady?"
She nodded reluctantly, an eyebrow arching curiously. "This way, my lords." She led them to a spare maid's room.
Rike opened her mouth, but Syaoran cut in. "We have come to speak to you about your maids, I am sure you are looking for them."
"Do you mean Tomoyo and Sakura, my lords?" Rika clasped her hands in front of her.
"Yes," Eriol answered. "We have sort of ... invited to accompany us to the ball."
Rika raised her eyebrows. "Pardon me, sire?"
"That is the reason why they are not here and will not be here for the remainder of the ball. I hope this will not hurt them in any way."
"Of course not, lord!" Rika smiled. "I suppose this changes everything. Thank you for informing me. But do you mind telling me, how do you expect them to blend in and not get caught?"
"Leave that to us. You must not breathe a word about this to anyone, do you understand?" Syaoran declared pointedly.
Rika shook her head. "Never, sire. Your secret is safe with me." 'Well ... they certainly are going to have fun,' Rika thought to herself. 'Guess that means that means more work for me again.' She sighed silently.
Eriol nodded. "Thank you. You may leave now."
She turned on her heel, leaving them in solitude.
"Well, that is done." Eriol grinned. "Shall we make sure the carriage is ready for them?"
"You do that. I'm sure my mother and sisters are wondering where I am." He began to exit. "I shall look for you there."
*~*~*~*
That's done! There was going to be more in this chapter, but I decided to cut it to save for loading time. What the girls are doing while Eriol and Syaoran were talking to Rika is in the next chapter! As always, please R&R!
^-^ Angel Sakura [6.22.01]