Adrienne: I'm back from the dead!!! I'm sooooo sorry I haven't written in a while… I've had a lot of homework, even over the summer! We're talking about having to read 4 books, do 2 essays on one of them, outline 4 chapters in my history book, review an entire year's worth of math, research a bunch of stuff for bio, and write a 4,000 word essay! *inhales* anywho… I originally had the next chapter as a part of this one, but it fits better as a separate one. I have it already written… it's just a matter of finding time to type it up… and I promise I will work on my other story "Homecoming Dance" as soon as I can figure out what the heck to write…. I know basically what I want to happen, but I've kinda run out of steam. Anywho, enjoy!

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Rumor spread like wildfire through the town. A wedding was soon to take place. And not just any marriage either. The two wealthiest families in all of Japan were to be joined together. Finally the Kinomoto and Hiiragwaza riches would be combined. surprised? Hehehe

Just the year before, the bride's cousin had married a member of the Li family, the age-old enemy of the Hiiragwaza family. They had been involved in a bloody family feud, which had lasted several generations.

All this feud was somewhat laid aside as the festivities began. Takita looked on with pride and apprehension as her son Eriol made small chat with his fiancée's father, Fujika.

"So, my son, when have you determined the wedding to take place?"

"My hope is that Sakura will be ready to be my bride by the next full moon."

Takita interrupted. "That leaves you less than one week's time!"

"Mother, is that not enough time to gather everything that's necessary? We have been planning for over a year. All that's left to do is say the vows then consummate the marriage."

"Too true, Eriol. Most of my family who will attend live nearby, and Syaoran and his wife Meiling it's my story… Meiling is Sakura's cousin… not Syaoran's… got a problem? Then DEAL with it!!! live in town just a few fields from here," said Fujika.

Takita glowered at the mention of that name. "You're inviting the Lis? Why? Do you not realize what they have done? They killed my father, my husband, and my other son! I have but one child left, and I am giving him to your daughter! I will not have a Li at my son's wedding!"

Fujika turned to answer her. "Meiling is a cousin of Sakura's. My sister's only child. Sakuar loves her as a sister. There is no way she will get married without Meiling in attendance, and her husband must escort her. I'm losing my only child as well. Touya was brutally murdered in the last war with China, and I lost my wife at Sakura's birth. We are in the same predicament."

"If I were to invite the Chinese emperor himself, then we would be on even ground, and I would agree that we are in the same situation."

Fujika was appaled at Takita's stubbornness. "Be that as it may, Meiling and Syaoran too are family and they are coming. My word is law. Do not question it woman." to all those feminists out there, realize that this is merely to show the culture of the time… men were in control and women didn't have much say… I'm a woman too, so don't anybody get on their soapbox to me

Takita appeared ready to explode. "Come Eriol. I have a feeling we have outstayed our welcome," she said in a huff, pulling Eriol towards the front door.

"I have not seen my bride yet!"

"It is misfortune to lay eyes on your bride until the day of your wedding. That night you will be able to gaze at her with no obstacles in the way, and you will have forever to do that. We must leave now." With that, Takita stormed out of the door, dragging Eriol in tow.

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I hope you enjoyed… it'll get better… it gets a little ummmmmm racy shall we say.. but not very…. Just a warning. Please r+r and read "the misadventures of Tsuki and Nikko" by The Twins (under original humor)… I co-write that with my best friend… they're good (or at least I think so) next chap should be up soon… I just need to type it up…. But I won't post until I get at least 3 reviews!!!

À beintôt!