Hey all, this is my first fanfic on FF.net, so please enjoy. CCS belongs to
Clamp and the Cupid and Psyche myth belongs to whoever first wrote it, but
it doesn't belong to me. Anyway, I'm sure you'll figure out everything as
we go along, but since this is set more in Greece with the name Tomoeda, I
decided not to use any Japanese words in this. Besides, I'd have to put a
translation of some sort, and that's just more work for me. So read and
review, but please don't flame. I'm interested in constructive criticisms,
and I really don't want to hear that you think my work is crap with out a
valid reason. I know my work can be sort of confusing.but hey. Enjoy.
Chapter One: Beauty is a Curse
Touya Kinomoto sat on a windowsill in his family's palace, his eyes distantly focused in thought. A gentle breeze blew though the open window and ruffled his dark brown hair slightly, but he didn't notice. Birds twittered softly in the lush trees beside the window, but he didn't notice. The sun had long since risen over the distant rolling hills and its golden light had touched upon him slightly, but he didn't notice. Touya Kinomoto was waiting.
He was thinking of his youngest sister, Sakura. She'd been sent away years ago with the death of their mother; the last time he'd seen her she'd been ten, at least. She'd been sent along with her two older sisters to live with a family friend who could properly raise young ladies.
"Touya." A gentle voice broke into his thoughts and Touya blinked up at Yuki. The young man was wearing a smile that mirrored his voice and he took a small step towards Touya. "I thought I'd find you here."
"Why'd you need to find me?" He looked curiously at Yuki, who's smile never faltered. "It's only early morning. Father couldn't need my presence just yet."
"Are you so sure it's early?" Yuki said and Touya blinked again. He looked back out over the gardens and the hills and his eyes widened slightly. He finally became aware of just how late it was.
"How long have I been here?" He murmured and stood before stretching. His legs felt as though they'd never been used.
"Long enough, obviously. Now come. We need to be ready to greet your sisters." Yuki turned slightly and began to walk down the white marble hallway. Touya followed him, but his eyes became as distant as they'd been when he'd been staring out the window. Yuki eyed him, a small smile tugging on his lips.
"Thinking about your sisters, Touya?" He blinked for the third time that morning. "Do you even remember them? It's been nearly eight years, hasn't it?" Touya sighed and nodded.
"Their caretaker decided that it was time for them to return to my father and be wed. Two suitors have been selected for the elder two, but . . ." Touya's expression became troubled as he trailed off and Yuki's smile grew slightly.
"You don't want to see Sakura wed, do you." Touya grimaced slightly, but nodded. His friend laughed gently. "Of all three sisters, you are most protective of her. Could that be the reason you don't want her to be married?" Touya gave him a look.
"Shut up, Yuki." Yuki merely smiled wider and Touya glowered sullenly. "She was so young when our mother died . . . and our father was distant." His eyes took on the distant quality once more. "You could say that the four of us banded together, and none of us want to see Sakura married. She's just . . . " He frowned slightly, his mind searching for a word.
"Innocent?" Touya nodded slightly and sighed. "But Touya, you can't protect her forever."
"I know, I know!" Touya said bitterly, his expression angry for a moment. He stopped walking and looked out another opened window, his expression softening. "But . . . I can't help it. She'll always be the baby . . . and I'll always feel the need to keep her safe."
"Touya . . . " Yuki watched him for a moment, his gaze a mixture of sorrow and understanding. He let his friend stare off for a moment before touching his shoulder gently. "Come on, Touya. We need to get prepared to meet them." He said in his softest voice and Touya nodded once.
"Let's go then."
***
Sakura Kinomoto cringed at the loud trumpet's blare announcing her arrival to her home city, Tomoeda. No matter how many fanfares she'd heard in her life, every single one of them scared her half to death and made her wince. She hated trumpets.
A faint giggle broke into her thoughts and she looked up at her two older sisters, Tomoyo and Meilin. Each one of them was a year apart; Tomoyo was the oldest at twenty years old, and Sakura was the youngest at eighteen.
"What's so funny?" She demanded in a semi-hurt tone. Tomoyo and Meilin only giggled more loudly.
"Your expression." Tomoyo said after a moment. "Little sister, can't you ever get used to the trumpets?" Sakura shook her head and Tomoyo smiled gently. "Well, I'm quite sure . . . "
She trailed off as the carriage door was opened. The three blinked at the bright light before discerning the form of their attendant. He bowed deeply to the three of them before gesturing to three awaiting litters.
"If it pleases the princesses, you are to be brought up to the palace in these." They got out of the carriage, each girl lifting their robes slightly to keep them from the dirt, and blinked.
"They look like beds that you carry." Meilin said disdainfully. "What's with all the veils? Are they supposed to make us mysterious?" Their attendant shrugged slightly.
"I'm not sure. I only know that your father has requested that you arrive at the palace in these." The three sisters looked at eachother for a moment before sighing and selecting a litter at random. Sakura stepped up onto the bed and sat down. The veils were drawn around her and she sighed softly.
'This is much more than I'm used to . . . ' Her fingertips brushed over the bed slightly. 'Fine silk . . . these must've cost a fortune . . . ' She then reached up and brushed away a lock of soft, curly light brown hair as the litter lurched and the men began to carry her up to the palace.
A roar of joy and cheers rose up from the crowd as Sakura's litter reached the final stretch to the palace. Through the veils, she could see that people stood on either side of the path. Some waved, some hollered, and some were even in tears. Flower petals of all colors filled the air and Sakura smiled and waved at her people. Perhaps she would enjoy this homecoming after all. It had been so hard to leave old Nana . . .
Sakura blinked in surprise as she realized they'd reached the steps of the great palace. A young man opened the veils on her litter and helped her down before motioning for her to join her sisters, who were standing at the base of the white marble steps.
"Hurry, little sister!" Tomoyo said with a smile. "Father is waiting!" She then started up the stairs, her head held high and her dark hair shining in the sun. Meilin followed behind her slightly, her posture straight and her expression lofty. Sakura took a deep breath before following, and she did her best to emulate her sisters. She wanted to prove that she too could be a lady, even if she was somewhat of a klutz.
"Announcing the three princesses of the Tomoeda kingdom!" A loud voice boomed after a second fanfare. They were reaching the top of the staircase now and Sakura breathed a mental sigh of relief.
"Eldest of the three, Lady Tomoyo!" Tomoyo stepped up to the top, her lavender robes rustling gently and her curled hair swaying slightly in the light breeze. Her silver hair pins and the deep purple stones in her jewelry glistened brightly and she bowed deeply to the congregation that awaited her.
"The middle daughter, Lady Meilin!" Meilin stepped up at last, her pale blue and white robes billowing out around her, and her golden jewelry glinting. She pushed a few strands of straight dark hair from her face and she too bowed deeply to the people who met her.
"And the youngest of the three, Lady Sakura!" Sakura followed her sisters quickly, her pastel pink robes fluttering with her movement. She bowed deeply to the four men who met them, and drew herself up to look upon their faces.
"My daughters have finally returned!" Sakura's gaze fell on her father's face. She started at how much different he looked; he'd grown old. Grey crept up his brown hair and wrinkles lined his gentle face. He stepped towards them and drew the three of them into a large hug. "How I've missed you."
"And how we've missed you, Father!" Tomoyo cried, her face buried in his shoulder. Sakura could see tears shining on her cheeks.
"My girls . . . " He smiled down at all of them in turn and Sakura beamed up at him. "It has been far too long! You three have already grown into fine young women!" He finally released them, and two young men stepped forward.
"Father, I hope you aren't going to keep their attentions to yourself." Sakura's gaze landed on the dark haired man who'd spoken and her eyes widened. It . . . it couldn't be . . .
"Touya?!" She couldn't keep herself from shrieking and she threw herself into his arms. She hugged him tightly and his arms clamped around her. "Gods how I've missed you!" She felt tears spring to her eyes as she hugged her older brother. "Your letters weren't ever enough!"
"My little monster . . . " His grip on her lessened slightly and she smiled up at him. His deep brown eyes held such joy. "How you've grown . . . I barely recognize you." He grinned then. "But you still aren't taller than me." She glared slightly and slapped his shoulder.
"You had to bring that up." His grin only widened. "And I've only seen you for a few minutes. It just shows how awful you are." She stepped away from him and smiled in greeting to Yukito, who was watching with his ever- present smile.
"You truly have grown up, Sakura." He said softly and she couldn't help but beam.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Yukito!" They embraced for a moment before her father called their attention.
"I'll have attendants show you to your rooms, my daughters. In the meantime, you need to freshen up. A lot is going to happen soon; we have a party tonight, and two weddings in the near future." His eyes sparkled and Tomoyo and Meilin blinked. They looked at eachother, shock evident on their faces.
"Weddings . . .?" Meilin finally managed to squeak and their father nodded.
"We shall discuss this later tonight! For now, the three of you need to be settled in!" He clapped his hands and three attendants appeared. Meilin and Tomoyo shared one last look before starting after their respective guide glumly. Sakura glanced up at Touya questioningly, who'd placed a hand on her shoulder suddenly. His gaze was fixed on their father, and it wasn't especially friendly.
"What is it, brother?" He looked down at her, his slightly angry gaze melting into a smile. He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly and motioned at the waiting attendant.
"Follow him and we'll talk later, all right? I'd like to hear all the things you forgot to put into your letters." She smiled.
"Of course, Touya. I'll see you later!"
***
Time passed swiftly for the three young women, and before Sakura knew it, Tomoyo was married to a prince of a nearby kingdom, and Meilin's marriage was approaching fast. Sakura herself had a busy enough time as it was; her beauty had been attracting unwanted attention.
Morning, noon, and night people would come and make offerings to her, such that a little shrine at the base of the marble steps had cropped up. She had begged her father to put an end to the endless gifts and prayers, but he had said it would help her find a suitor, and that was the end of the discussion.
'Father hasn't changed one bit! He never listens to us. As far as he's concerned, women can't possibly have an opinion.' She thought bitterly as she walked through the halls of the palace. It was early morning, and the people in the castle were only just beginning to stir.
With a small sigh, Sakura walked out into the courtyard and sat beneath one of the cherry trees. Their blooming period had long since passed, and their green leaves shone with morning dew. Sakura smoothed out several wrinkles in her silk robes and looked up at the sky sadly.
'Things are too quiet here . . . Tomoyo is gone, and Meilin is always dealing with the preparations for her own wedding. No one seems to have any time to talk anymore.' She thought as she gazed up at the deep blue sky, which was filled with fluffy white clouds.
"What are you doing up so early?" Sakura leaped to her feet in surprise and spun to see Touya grinning down at her. She scowled at him and his grin widened.
"Touya, don't you know it's rude to sneak up on people like that?" He rolled his eyes and moved to sit beneath the tree.
"You were the one who wasn't paying attention." He said and she snorted gently. "My little monster must have the worst hearing in the world. I was making so much noise, I was surprised that you didn't notice me." She stomped on his bare foot with her sandal and watched him bite back a curse.
"I am not a monster!" She said hotly before plopping down beside him and moving her head before he could ruffle her hair. "I hate it when you call me that." Touya grinned.
"Why do you think I do it?" She glared at him and he sat back after a moment. "So what have you been up to, Sakura? I haven't seen much of you since you arrived." She looked away from his gaze. The grass was suddenly extremely interesting.
"Well, nothing much, to tell the truth. Everyone has been busy with Tomoyo's wedding and now they're preparing for Meilin's. I feel like I've been lost amid the chaos." Touya laughed slightly and she looked back at him. "I haven't had anyone to talk to or do anything with, and to top it off, we've got a bunch of crazy villagers who insist on worshiping me for my beauty."
"Oh?" Touya said with mock surprise and she gave him a look.
"Don't play dumb, brother. You know very well that people have been coming for miles to admire my deep emerald eyes and wispy light brown hair." She said with a touch of venom in her voice. "They say I am a goddess, for I look nothing like my family, who have dark hair. I can't leave the palace without being accosted by people who wish to see if the rumors are true, and I can't put a stop to them. Father says it'll help a man fall in love with me." She noticed her brother had stiffened slightly.
"He did, did he?" She nodded and sighed. "I'll have a talk with him, if you want. Maybe I can get them to stop before the people bring the wrath of the gods upon you." Touya winced as he finished speaking; Sakura's face had paled in fear.
"Would they really punish me for something I can't control? They'd understand that this is not my doing, right?" Sakura demanded urgently and Touya sighed inwardly. "I didn't want to anger them!"
"Relax, little monster, I think they'd understand that you have no say in what happens." Sakura's expression softened with relief and she sat back. "Now, I think it's time for us to go in. Tomorrow is Meilin's wedding, and I'm sure they're going to hunt us down to fit us for new robes." Sakura couldn't help but smile as her brother stood and brushed grass from himself.
"You're right . . . " She stood and the two of them started to leave the courtyard. "Brother . . . " She said softly after a moment and Touya glanced down at her questioningly. "Thank you for offering to talk to Father." He smiled gently and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's nothing, little monster. I know that Father doesn't listen to you, or any women for that matter." He squeezed her shoulder slightly before letting go and stepping into the palace. Sakura followed him with a smile.
***
Yelan, Goddess of Beauty and Love, sat in her extensive palace far from the eyes of mortals. She'd been gone for about a month on a journey to Olympus, and had finally returned from the parties. She was happy to be home; she was happy to be away from most of her fellow gods and goddesses. It seemed they grew worse and worse each year; she was sure that Clow Reed invited her to these things just to torment her. And the worst part was, since he was the supreme god, she couldn't turn down his invitation. It was horrible.
"My lady." A soft voice whispered and she turned her head to see an attendant bowing before her deeply. "You summoned your son?" She nodded and draped herself more comfortably over her divan.
"Send him in." The attendant bowed again and Yelan stopped her. "And do bring me several more pillows. Olympus may be the home of the gods, but they don't know what soft is." She said bitterly and the attendant bowed again before leaving. Soon the door opened and her son, Syaoran, walked in sullenly.
"You called, Mother?" She gave him a look and he drew himself up.
"Much better. Gods do not slouch, my son." She ignored his eye rolling and waved her hand. A large mirror materialized between the two of them and Syaoran looked at it curiously. "I wanted to ask you a question. You were in charge of my altars and temples while I was away, were you not?"
"Of course, Mother." He said with a frown and Yelan snapped her fingers. He blinked as the mirror suddenly showed her temples deserted and her altars empty. The fires that had once burned within them now were cold ashes and not one stick of incense was seen.
"Explain this, then." She watched him stare at the mirror in shock and she laced her fingers together. "You mean to tell me you did not notice the sudden drop in offerings or the decay of the temples?" She saw him glance at her nervously from the corner of his eye.
"No, I didn't." She waved her hand and the mirror vanished. She looked at her son angrily.
"Do you want to know why my temples have been abandoned all around our country?" She said, her anger finally creeping into her voice. "There is a young woman who is being worshiped in my place. You hadn't noticed that either?"
"No, I didn't." Her son now had faint worry in his eyes as Yelan felt her gaze narrow.
"In the city of Tomoeda, there is a young woman by the name of Sakura. People are worshiping her for her supposed beauty and her gentle nature." She sat up on her divan and stood slowly, her elaborate dress fanning out around her and her jewelry clinking softly. "And you, my poor excuse for a son, let this happen through your lack of attention!"
"I'm sorry, Mother . . . " He said faintly and looked at the floor, though his expression held no remorse. Syaoran wasn't the type to have sympathy for her.
"Do you know what you are going to do, Syaoran?" He shook his head and Yelan walked up to him. She touched him under his chin with her fan and brought his gaze to hers. "You are going to make that hussy fall in love with the ugliest creature on the planet! I want her to know she has brought the wrath of a goddess upon herself, and I want her to suffer!"
"It will be as you command, Mother." Syaoran said stiffly and Yelan stepped away from him.
"Good. Then leave at once." He bowed ever so slightly and left the room. Once he was gone, Yelan turned and walked back to her divan. The attendant had placed several more of her favorite pillows on the large couch and Yelan sank onto them in relief.
'I despise mortals who think they could equal a god or a goddess . . .' She smiled faintly. 'Yes . . . this Sakura will suffer for the damage she has caused.'
To be continued!
Chapter One: Beauty is a Curse
Touya Kinomoto sat on a windowsill in his family's palace, his eyes distantly focused in thought. A gentle breeze blew though the open window and ruffled his dark brown hair slightly, but he didn't notice. Birds twittered softly in the lush trees beside the window, but he didn't notice. The sun had long since risen over the distant rolling hills and its golden light had touched upon him slightly, but he didn't notice. Touya Kinomoto was waiting.
He was thinking of his youngest sister, Sakura. She'd been sent away years ago with the death of their mother; the last time he'd seen her she'd been ten, at least. She'd been sent along with her two older sisters to live with a family friend who could properly raise young ladies.
"Touya." A gentle voice broke into his thoughts and Touya blinked up at Yuki. The young man was wearing a smile that mirrored his voice and he took a small step towards Touya. "I thought I'd find you here."
"Why'd you need to find me?" He looked curiously at Yuki, who's smile never faltered. "It's only early morning. Father couldn't need my presence just yet."
"Are you so sure it's early?" Yuki said and Touya blinked again. He looked back out over the gardens and the hills and his eyes widened slightly. He finally became aware of just how late it was.
"How long have I been here?" He murmured and stood before stretching. His legs felt as though they'd never been used.
"Long enough, obviously. Now come. We need to be ready to greet your sisters." Yuki turned slightly and began to walk down the white marble hallway. Touya followed him, but his eyes became as distant as they'd been when he'd been staring out the window. Yuki eyed him, a small smile tugging on his lips.
"Thinking about your sisters, Touya?" He blinked for the third time that morning. "Do you even remember them? It's been nearly eight years, hasn't it?" Touya sighed and nodded.
"Their caretaker decided that it was time for them to return to my father and be wed. Two suitors have been selected for the elder two, but . . ." Touya's expression became troubled as he trailed off and Yuki's smile grew slightly.
"You don't want to see Sakura wed, do you." Touya grimaced slightly, but nodded. His friend laughed gently. "Of all three sisters, you are most protective of her. Could that be the reason you don't want her to be married?" Touya gave him a look.
"Shut up, Yuki." Yuki merely smiled wider and Touya glowered sullenly. "She was so young when our mother died . . . and our father was distant." His eyes took on the distant quality once more. "You could say that the four of us banded together, and none of us want to see Sakura married. She's just . . . " He frowned slightly, his mind searching for a word.
"Innocent?" Touya nodded slightly and sighed. "But Touya, you can't protect her forever."
"I know, I know!" Touya said bitterly, his expression angry for a moment. He stopped walking and looked out another opened window, his expression softening. "But . . . I can't help it. She'll always be the baby . . . and I'll always feel the need to keep her safe."
"Touya . . . " Yuki watched him for a moment, his gaze a mixture of sorrow and understanding. He let his friend stare off for a moment before touching his shoulder gently. "Come on, Touya. We need to get prepared to meet them." He said in his softest voice and Touya nodded once.
"Let's go then."
***
Sakura Kinomoto cringed at the loud trumpet's blare announcing her arrival to her home city, Tomoeda. No matter how many fanfares she'd heard in her life, every single one of them scared her half to death and made her wince. She hated trumpets.
A faint giggle broke into her thoughts and she looked up at her two older sisters, Tomoyo and Meilin. Each one of them was a year apart; Tomoyo was the oldest at twenty years old, and Sakura was the youngest at eighteen.
"What's so funny?" She demanded in a semi-hurt tone. Tomoyo and Meilin only giggled more loudly.
"Your expression." Tomoyo said after a moment. "Little sister, can't you ever get used to the trumpets?" Sakura shook her head and Tomoyo smiled gently. "Well, I'm quite sure . . . "
She trailed off as the carriage door was opened. The three blinked at the bright light before discerning the form of their attendant. He bowed deeply to the three of them before gesturing to three awaiting litters.
"If it pleases the princesses, you are to be brought up to the palace in these." They got out of the carriage, each girl lifting their robes slightly to keep them from the dirt, and blinked.
"They look like beds that you carry." Meilin said disdainfully. "What's with all the veils? Are they supposed to make us mysterious?" Their attendant shrugged slightly.
"I'm not sure. I only know that your father has requested that you arrive at the palace in these." The three sisters looked at eachother for a moment before sighing and selecting a litter at random. Sakura stepped up onto the bed and sat down. The veils were drawn around her and she sighed softly.
'This is much more than I'm used to . . . ' Her fingertips brushed over the bed slightly. 'Fine silk . . . these must've cost a fortune . . . ' She then reached up and brushed away a lock of soft, curly light brown hair as the litter lurched and the men began to carry her up to the palace.
A roar of joy and cheers rose up from the crowd as Sakura's litter reached the final stretch to the palace. Through the veils, she could see that people stood on either side of the path. Some waved, some hollered, and some were even in tears. Flower petals of all colors filled the air and Sakura smiled and waved at her people. Perhaps she would enjoy this homecoming after all. It had been so hard to leave old Nana . . .
Sakura blinked in surprise as she realized they'd reached the steps of the great palace. A young man opened the veils on her litter and helped her down before motioning for her to join her sisters, who were standing at the base of the white marble steps.
"Hurry, little sister!" Tomoyo said with a smile. "Father is waiting!" She then started up the stairs, her head held high and her dark hair shining in the sun. Meilin followed behind her slightly, her posture straight and her expression lofty. Sakura took a deep breath before following, and she did her best to emulate her sisters. She wanted to prove that she too could be a lady, even if she was somewhat of a klutz.
"Announcing the three princesses of the Tomoeda kingdom!" A loud voice boomed after a second fanfare. They were reaching the top of the staircase now and Sakura breathed a mental sigh of relief.
"Eldest of the three, Lady Tomoyo!" Tomoyo stepped up to the top, her lavender robes rustling gently and her curled hair swaying slightly in the light breeze. Her silver hair pins and the deep purple stones in her jewelry glistened brightly and she bowed deeply to the congregation that awaited her.
"The middle daughter, Lady Meilin!" Meilin stepped up at last, her pale blue and white robes billowing out around her, and her golden jewelry glinting. She pushed a few strands of straight dark hair from her face and she too bowed deeply to the people who met her.
"And the youngest of the three, Lady Sakura!" Sakura followed her sisters quickly, her pastel pink robes fluttering with her movement. She bowed deeply to the four men who met them, and drew herself up to look upon their faces.
"My daughters have finally returned!" Sakura's gaze fell on her father's face. She started at how much different he looked; he'd grown old. Grey crept up his brown hair and wrinkles lined his gentle face. He stepped towards them and drew the three of them into a large hug. "How I've missed you."
"And how we've missed you, Father!" Tomoyo cried, her face buried in his shoulder. Sakura could see tears shining on her cheeks.
"My girls . . . " He smiled down at all of them in turn and Sakura beamed up at him. "It has been far too long! You three have already grown into fine young women!" He finally released them, and two young men stepped forward.
"Father, I hope you aren't going to keep their attentions to yourself." Sakura's gaze landed on the dark haired man who'd spoken and her eyes widened. It . . . it couldn't be . . .
"Touya?!" She couldn't keep herself from shrieking and she threw herself into his arms. She hugged him tightly and his arms clamped around her. "Gods how I've missed you!" She felt tears spring to her eyes as she hugged her older brother. "Your letters weren't ever enough!"
"My little monster . . . " His grip on her lessened slightly and she smiled up at him. His deep brown eyes held such joy. "How you've grown . . . I barely recognize you." He grinned then. "But you still aren't taller than me." She glared slightly and slapped his shoulder.
"You had to bring that up." His grin only widened. "And I've only seen you for a few minutes. It just shows how awful you are." She stepped away from him and smiled in greeting to Yukito, who was watching with his ever- present smile.
"You truly have grown up, Sakura." He said softly and she couldn't help but beam.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Yukito!" They embraced for a moment before her father called their attention.
"I'll have attendants show you to your rooms, my daughters. In the meantime, you need to freshen up. A lot is going to happen soon; we have a party tonight, and two weddings in the near future." His eyes sparkled and Tomoyo and Meilin blinked. They looked at eachother, shock evident on their faces.
"Weddings . . .?" Meilin finally managed to squeak and their father nodded.
"We shall discuss this later tonight! For now, the three of you need to be settled in!" He clapped his hands and three attendants appeared. Meilin and Tomoyo shared one last look before starting after their respective guide glumly. Sakura glanced up at Touya questioningly, who'd placed a hand on her shoulder suddenly. His gaze was fixed on their father, and it wasn't especially friendly.
"What is it, brother?" He looked down at her, his slightly angry gaze melting into a smile. He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly and motioned at the waiting attendant.
"Follow him and we'll talk later, all right? I'd like to hear all the things you forgot to put into your letters." She smiled.
"Of course, Touya. I'll see you later!"
***
Time passed swiftly for the three young women, and before Sakura knew it, Tomoyo was married to a prince of a nearby kingdom, and Meilin's marriage was approaching fast. Sakura herself had a busy enough time as it was; her beauty had been attracting unwanted attention.
Morning, noon, and night people would come and make offerings to her, such that a little shrine at the base of the marble steps had cropped up. She had begged her father to put an end to the endless gifts and prayers, but he had said it would help her find a suitor, and that was the end of the discussion.
'Father hasn't changed one bit! He never listens to us. As far as he's concerned, women can't possibly have an opinion.' She thought bitterly as she walked through the halls of the palace. It was early morning, and the people in the castle were only just beginning to stir.
With a small sigh, Sakura walked out into the courtyard and sat beneath one of the cherry trees. Their blooming period had long since passed, and their green leaves shone with morning dew. Sakura smoothed out several wrinkles in her silk robes and looked up at the sky sadly.
'Things are too quiet here . . . Tomoyo is gone, and Meilin is always dealing with the preparations for her own wedding. No one seems to have any time to talk anymore.' She thought as she gazed up at the deep blue sky, which was filled with fluffy white clouds.
"What are you doing up so early?" Sakura leaped to her feet in surprise and spun to see Touya grinning down at her. She scowled at him and his grin widened.
"Touya, don't you know it's rude to sneak up on people like that?" He rolled his eyes and moved to sit beneath the tree.
"You were the one who wasn't paying attention." He said and she snorted gently. "My little monster must have the worst hearing in the world. I was making so much noise, I was surprised that you didn't notice me." She stomped on his bare foot with her sandal and watched him bite back a curse.
"I am not a monster!" She said hotly before plopping down beside him and moving her head before he could ruffle her hair. "I hate it when you call me that." Touya grinned.
"Why do you think I do it?" She glared at him and he sat back after a moment. "So what have you been up to, Sakura? I haven't seen much of you since you arrived." She looked away from his gaze. The grass was suddenly extremely interesting.
"Well, nothing much, to tell the truth. Everyone has been busy with Tomoyo's wedding and now they're preparing for Meilin's. I feel like I've been lost amid the chaos." Touya laughed slightly and she looked back at him. "I haven't had anyone to talk to or do anything with, and to top it off, we've got a bunch of crazy villagers who insist on worshiping me for my beauty."
"Oh?" Touya said with mock surprise and she gave him a look.
"Don't play dumb, brother. You know very well that people have been coming for miles to admire my deep emerald eyes and wispy light brown hair." She said with a touch of venom in her voice. "They say I am a goddess, for I look nothing like my family, who have dark hair. I can't leave the palace without being accosted by people who wish to see if the rumors are true, and I can't put a stop to them. Father says it'll help a man fall in love with me." She noticed her brother had stiffened slightly.
"He did, did he?" She nodded and sighed. "I'll have a talk with him, if you want. Maybe I can get them to stop before the people bring the wrath of the gods upon you." Touya winced as he finished speaking; Sakura's face had paled in fear.
"Would they really punish me for something I can't control? They'd understand that this is not my doing, right?" Sakura demanded urgently and Touya sighed inwardly. "I didn't want to anger them!"
"Relax, little monster, I think they'd understand that you have no say in what happens." Sakura's expression softened with relief and she sat back. "Now, I think it's time for us to go in. Tomorrow is Meilin's wedding, and I'm sure they're going to hunt us down to fit us for new robes." Sakura couldn't help but smile as her brother stood and brushed grass from himself.
"You're right . . . " She stood and the two of them started to leave the courtyard. "Brother . . . " She said softly after a moment and Touya glanced down at her questioningly. "Thank you for offering to talk to Father." He smiled gently and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's nothing, little monster. I know that Father doesn't listen to you, or any women for that matter." He squeezed her shoulder slightly before letting go and stepping into the palace. Sakura followed him with a smile.
***
Yelan, Goddess of Beauty and Love, sat in her extensive palace far from the eyes of mortals. She'd been gone for about a month on a journey to Olympus, and had finally returned from the parties. She was happy to be home; she was happy to be away from most of her fellow gods and goddesses. It seemed they grew worse and worse each year; she was sure that Clow Reed invited her to these things just to torment her. And the worst part was, since he was the supreme god, she couldn't turn down his invitation. It was horrible.
"My lady." A soft voice whispered and she turned her head to see an attendant bowing before her deeply. "You summoned your son?" She nodded and draped herself more comfortably over her divan.
"Send him in." The attendant bowed again and Yelan stopped her. "And do bring me several more pillows. Olympus may be the home of the gods, but they don't know what soft is." She said bitterly and the attendant bowed again before leaving. Soon the door opened and her son, Syaoran, walked in sullenly.
"You called, Mother?" She gave him a look and he drew himself up.
"Much better. Gods do not slouch, my son." She ignored his eye rolling and waved her hand. A large mirror materialized between the two of them and Syaoran looked at it curiously. "I wanted to ask you a question. You were in charge of my altars and temples while I was away, were you not?"
"Of course, Mother." He said with a frown and Yelan snapped her fingers. He blinked as the mirror suddenly showed her temples deserted and her altars empty. The fires that had once burned within them now were cold ashes and not one stick of incense was seen.
"Explain this, then." She watched him stare at the mirror in shock and she laced her fingers together. "You mean to tell me you did not notice the sudden drop in offerings or the decay of the temples?" She saw him glance at her nervously from the corner of his eye.
"No, I didn't." She waved her hand and the mirror vanished. She looked at her son angrily.
"Do you want to know why my temples have been abandoned all around our country?" She said, her anger finally creeping into her voice. "There is a young woman who is being worshiped in my place. You hadn't noticed that either?"
"No, I didn't." Her son now had faint worry in his eyes as Yelan felt her gaze narrow.
"In the city of Tomoeda, there is a young woman by the name of Sakura. People are worshiping her for her supposed beauty and her gentle nature." She sat up on her divan and stood slowly, her elaborate dress fanning out around her and her jewelry clinking softly. "And you, my poor excuse for a son, let this happen through your lack of attention!"
"I'm sorry, Mother . . . " He said faintly and looked at the floor, though his expression held no remorse. Syaoran wasn't the type to have sympathy for her.
"Do you know what you are going to do, Syaoran?" He shook his head and Yelan walked up to him. She touched him under his chin with her fan and brought his gaze to hers. "You are going to make that hussy fall in love with the ugliest creature on the planet! I want her to know she has brought the wrath of a goddess upon herself, and I want her to suffer!"
"It will be as you command, Mother." Syaoran said stiffly and Yelan stepped away from him.
"Good. Then leave at once." He bowed ever so slightly and left the room. Once he was gone, Yelan turned and walked back to her divan. The attendant had placed several more of her favorite pillows on the large couch and Yelan sank onto them in relief.
'I despise mortals who think they could equal a god or a goddess . . .' She smiled faintly. 'Yes . . . this Sakura will suffer for the damage she has caused.'
To be continued!