Daphne: "Here is the sequel to 'Forced to Love'. It was just too much of a
temptation to write a sequel, instead of leaving it at that. Anyway, I hope
you like this one as much as you liked 'Forced to Love', and I hope you
will send a lot of reviews for me to read (I always like getting reviews!).
Anyway, I will not keep you in suspense! Here is the first chapter of 'The
Alluring Anthea'! (Wondering about the title?.well, you will have to wait
till the later chapters. It will explain it then!)"
The Alluring Anthea
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 1.
A young man of about sixteen stood in the middle of a set of training rings, practicing with his sword. It was a shiny silver sword, very well- made and sturdy. Dark green stones were set into the hilt of the sword, and they shone in the sunlight. With experienced thrusts and blocks, the young man did a drill that looked quite easy when he did it, but in reality, was one of the most complex moves that were possible to make with a sword. The boy was good.almost too good.
Next to the ring sat a young woman of about eighteen. She had a piece of sewing in her lap, but her lovely emerald eyes were riveted to the young man's actions. Her eyes followed his every move, and watched closely as he easily worked through the drill. A look of immense pride was in the woman's eyes as she watched him. Her long auburn hair reached to the middle of her back, and lay in lovely waves and curls, blown gently by the breeze.
Suddenly, a hand touched her shoulder and she finally took her eyes off the boy in the ring, smiling as the person sat down next to her, slipping their arm around her waist. It was a young man with raven-violet hair and dark blue eyes. He looked to be about twenty years of age, and was quite handsome, with a hint of humor racing through his eyes at all times.
Still the young man in the ring seemed unaware of all this. He was focused on finishing a dizzying string of spins and thrusts. Soon, though, a loud gong rang out and the young man stopped, not even breathing hard. He sheathed his sword and then turned cold amber eyes toward the couple at the edge of the ring. He slowly walked toward them, his amber eyes staring as though her could see through them. This, however, did not make them uncomfortable. That was just the way that Li Xiao-Chang was.
"You are doing better than I have ever seen you do." The violet-raven haired man said. Chang looked at him coldly and then gave a stiff nod.
"I appreciate your praise." He stated, his eyes never leaving the other's face.
"He is right. You are excellent.but don't you think that you should take a break?" The girl asked softly, her sweet voice making the amber eyes look at her a bit more warmly than the boy, but still with no real feeling in his eyes.
"No." Was all he said. Li Ying-fa sighed and looked at her fiancée, Hiiragizawa Tryon. He simply shrugged his shoulders and then put his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.
"Aunt Sakura, Haley and Rose are in the gardens." Tryon informed the younger boy. In response, he got a 'thank you', and a nod, before Chang headed off in the opposite direction. Again Ying-fa and Tryon looked at each other, shrugging. They were used to Chang and his ways.
"Are you looking forward to the wedding?" Tryon asked slyly, as he pulled his fiancee even closer, and she smiled and nodded. They had been engaged ever since she was sixteen and he was eighteen, when Tryon had admitted to Ying-fa that he loved her. All his life he had doted upon her, fulfilling her every little whim, even if he got hurt doing it.
*Flashback*
"Oh, look! Look at that pretty white lily!" A nine year-old Ying-fa cried, pointing into one of the palace ponds and at a lily that was floating lazily in the water. An eleven year-old Tryon eyed that enthralling flower, and then with one moment of thought, jumped into the four-foot pond to retrieve it for her. She was delighted when he placed it in her hand, and she gave him a soft, baby kiss on the cheek, in gratitude; Tryon's blush knew no bounds.
"Tryon! Oh, you silly boy, I have told you over and over not to swim in the palace ponds!" Princess Hiiragizawa Tomoyo cried, pulling him from the water and dragging him back to the castle, leaving a tearful Ying-fa behind. She blamed it all on herself that he had gotten into trouble. It was she who had wanted the flower. For the rest of the afternoon, Ying-fa alternately stroked the soft petals of the flower, and sobbed her little heart out. By nighttime, the palace was in a huge disarray, as many people searched desperately for the girl. Tryon spread his warm, sky blue aura like his father had shown him to do, finding her faint pink one in the gardens, near where they had been that afternoon. Tyron quickly slipped out into the night, and quickly found her, huddled under a Sakura tree, still crying softly.
"Ying-fa? What is it?" Tryon asked, his voice cracking in the middle of his sentence. She didn't seem to notice. Her tearstained face turned to him and her tear-filled eyes met his.
"It was all my fault that you got into trouble! All my fault. I am sorry. I really am, and please don't hate me!" She whimpered, pain filling her eyes. Tryon laughed softly.
"Oh, Ying! I would never hate you. And I wanted to get you that flower. You didn't make me jump into the pond, I did it on my own. Now, please stop crying. They are so worried abut you, and have been searching for you since supper." He informed her, gently helping her up. She smiled sweetly at him, like the sun after the rain, and took his hand as they walked back to the palace together.
*End Flashback*
*New flashback*
"Oh, no! Please come down! Oh, dear!"
An eighteen year-old Tryon stopped sword-fighting with Stephen and turned around at the sound of Ying-fa's distressed voice. Stephen, who already knew of Tryon's infatuation with Ying-fa, nodded to his partner and left the ring. Tryon hurried over to where her voice had been, and found her at the edge of the forest, looking up into a tall tree.
"What is it?" He asked softly. Ying-fa turned her lovely face towards him, making him catch his breath as her lovely emerald eyes lit up at the sight of him; he had to remind himself to breath.
"My bird. Haley and I were petting him when he flew up into this tree and now he simply refuses to come down. I am afraid a hawk will get him." She exclaimed, her sweet voice making the color rise to his cheeks. Without a word, he walked over and began to climb the tree.
"About how high is it?" He asked, using his magic to search for it.
"Not quite ten feet above you." She stated, answering what he already knew. He nodded and climbed higher. After about three minutes, he reached the bird and grasped it gently around its body.
"Go back to the palace." He commanded it, opening his hand. It took off and flew towards the building named, as Tryon began to climb down again. Half way down, there was the snap of a branch and Tryon felt all the support disappear from under his right foot. He desperately grasped for anything to hold on to, but all he got was air. With a bang, he hit the ground at Ying- fa's feet, making her cry out. Tryon's eyes were closed and his breath was weak and ragged, as though he couldn't get enough air.
"NO! Tryon, please answer! Tryon, please! Oh why did you do that for me? I always seem to get you into trouble! This is all my fault! Please answer! Please!" Ying-fa sobbed, her voice pleading, as she buried her face in his chest, not knowing what to do. A warm hand came up and cupped her face.
"Don't say that, my tenshi! Don't you ever say that!" Tryon groaned in a weak voice.
"Tryon! You are alive! I am so sorry! It was all my fault that."
"I told you not to say that, Ying. I *wanted* to get your bird. It was my choice." He insisted. She sniffed, and for the first time in his life, he saw her glare.
"You always tell me that! But how can I believe it? You do anything I ask.even when I don't actually ask for it. Why do you do that, Tryon? Why do you hurt yourself for me?" She whimpered sadly. Tryon sighed, and he took her hands, feeling much stronger now.
"Because I love you, Ying-fa. I always have. I would do anything to make you happy, even if it means seeing you marry another man." He whispered, feeling his heart break. There. He had done it, and now, he had tainted all her child-like innocents with just those few words. How could he be so selfish? How could he do this to his dear angel? He turned his head away and looked back towards the palace, refusing to meet her eyes. In the meantime, the shock of his words had passed, and now, waves of immense joy sprang up in her chest, making her heart thud against her ribs and then jump into her throat, choking her with emotion. He loved her! He always had! Even when she had thought that he loved her more like a little sister! Without thinking, she gently turned his head and placed her soft, sweet lips on his in a mind-numbingly passionate kiss.
"I love you as well, my Tryon." She whispered, pulling back. He was too startled to do anything but gape at her, his lovely blue eyes wide.
"You love me?" He managed to gasp. She nodded shyly.
"I believe that I always have. I believed that you thought me more of a sister, though. I was too afraid to tell you." She breathed, as he pulled her down for another kiss, cutting off the rest of her words. She pulled back giggling.
"Our mothers will be pleased. They have so much wished that their children would eventually marry. However, I think father may be a bit.upset. You know how he is with Uncle Eriol!" Ying-fa giggled, as Tryon chuckled along. Then she slowly helped him to get up, making sure that nothing was broken. When she was positive that he was fine, she slipped her arm around his waist, and led him back to the palace, just in case. He laughed.
"Should we tell them soon, or torture them?" He asked cheekily. She smiled.
"Tell them right away. I don't think I could keep the secret long!" She giggled, as they entered the palace.
*End second flashback*
"Who would have thought that your father would be so accepting towards the engagement?" Tryon asked thoughtfully. Ying-fa smiled.
"Papa is very understanding in those things, darling. He likes you, and even if he didn't, he would allow it because of mother." She assured him, making him laugh.
"When we are married, remember to have me thank her!" Tryon chuckled, leading her back into the palace; the next day was the day of the wedding.
~*~*~*~
After Xiao-Chang left his sister and Tryon, he swiftly made his way to his grandfather's prized gardens, where his mother, Haley, and his little sister Li Rose, who was now three years old. They were sitting near a large fountain, with his mother and Haley sitting on a bench across from it, talking, while Rose sat on the edge of the rock wall surrounding the fountain. He silently made his way over to them, but his silence did not keep his mother from sensing him and turning her warm, sweet smile towards him.
"Hello, Chang dear. How did your training go?" Princess Sakura asked softly, her pretty emerald eyes searching his.
"Fine, mother. I hope that you are well." He returned, taking a seat beside little Rose, who seemingly hadn't noticed him yet.
"Oh, yes. Tell me dear, have you seen Aki?" Sakura asked, referring to her youngest son, and Chang's eight year-old brother. Aki was just his nickname, though. His given name was Sasaki.
"He went into the forest hours ago. He said he wouldn't be back until supper. I believe that he has found some new forest animal to play with." Chang answered, loosening up under the presence of some of his six most favorite people in the world, them being his father, Li Syaoran. Sure, he loved his other family members (though he never showed it), but out of them all, his father, mother, older sister, younger siblings, and Haley were dearest to him. However, if he had to choose out of all six, he would have to say that his mother, younger sister, and Haley were the closest to his heart. (Not as if he would ever say it outloud!)
"Did he take his cards with him?" Sakura asked anxiously. This was another thing that she, Tomoyo, Eriol, and Syaoran had agreed on for their children. When Chang was small, Sakura and Eriol had spent several days creating a deck of magical cards, almost identical to Sakura's, just for Chang's use. Chang's cards were guarded by a beast that he had created when he was older. It was a forest green, female dragon named Xzodia, that could transform into a borrowed form of a lizard, whom Chang affectionately (a/n: ???) called Zoe. Then, when they found that Aki had magic, they had not hesitated to make some cards for him, as well as a deck for Haley as well, when they realized that she had magic as well; which was strange, because no other member of Haley's family had magic. They were, however, part fairy, so that could have something to do with it.
"Yes, he did." Chang answered shortly. His mother sighed with relief.
"Oh, well then, I won't worry. It seems like he is always out doing something like that, isn't he?" Sakura commented, looking out at the nearby forest. Ever since he was little, Aki had been enthralled by the forest and its many creatures. His parents later found out that Aki had the shocking ability to communicate with anything from the animals of the forests, to the plants there. It was quite a gift, Eriol had told them, and it was quite rare.
"He find a hurted wolf puppy. He bring it home, Chang." Piped up a little voice. Chang looked down to see Rose looking up at him earnestly, her hazel eyes probing. Then Chang did something that he never would have done in public, or in front of any of his other relatives. He reached down and picked the little girl up in his arms, setting her on his lap, and stroking her light brown hair, that was almost a blonde color.
"Good for him." Was all he said, pulling his little sister close, and making sure that his mother and Haley were looking away so they would not see him. Rose. One of the few family members that he even remotely showed emotion to. Even his father had received not one hug or smile. Well, no one had ever received a smile, for that matter. It was as if Chang's mouth was frozen into a permanent straight line; but hugs he could do.
"I wuve you, Chang." She whispered, before climbing out of his lap and walking away down a garden path. He watched her go with a seemingly noncaring glance, and then turned to see Haley smiling at him; his mother was gone.
"I had another dream last night. A strange one." She commented, looking down at the cross-stitching project that was on her lap. Instantly, he was alert. Now, you may wonder why Haley, of all people, who was not related to him in the least, could possibly be so dear to him. The reason for this was actually because of an event that happened when she was ten and he was eight.
*Flashback*
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
At midnight, a terrified scream ripped through the Kinomoto Palace, jolting everyone awake. Chang sat up in bed, sweating and biting his lip to keep from yelling aloud. He heard the scream, which came from a room not far from his. He jumped up and raced to the room, getting there before anyone else had the chance. Using his power, he banged the doors open and looked around alertly. He spotted a very pale Haley, sitting up in her bed a sobbing. He stood where he was, as other family members and her family ran into the room.
"Oh, Haley my darling! What is the matter, love?" Alongue asked, hurrying over and putting comforting arms around the troubled girl. Haley pushed her away and then lay down, turning her back to them.
"It.it was just.just a bad dream. I am sorry for waking you. Please go." She sobbed. Her mother glanced at her, worried, but could do nothing but obey as the others left the room. One person still stood in the shadows, however, watching every move the terrified girl made. Her shoulders shook and her whole body trembled in real fear. She was slowly shaking her head and mumbling to herself.
"It could not be true. It couldn't." She was saying. It was then that the figure knew what had happened.
"What did you see?" Chang asked in a stiff voice. Haley gave a tiny shriek and turned around to face him. His face was neutral, but she could sense that he was nervous. Somehow, seeing him like this, made her want to tell him.
"Something big and green, with huge fangs and yucky red eyes. It was inside a palace, and then it went into a room. There was a lady there.she was smiling, and then it.just entered her somehow, as though she had invited it. It was awful. Her eyes turned bright red, and her face became twisted and.then more beautiful, as if it was a mask to hide what was really beneath. But what was worst, she then went into another room, where two children were asleep and.it got dark. There was a scream, a boy's scream, and then a little wail from a baby. I.I think she killed them." Haley whimpered. Chang sank down on her bed and cupped his chin in his hands, his face still neutral.
"It was a demon. And she did welcome it in. She *wanted* it. I saw it too. I thought it was just a dream, but now.how could it possibly be?" He asked, saying the longest string of words that she had ever heard out of him at one time. She gaped.
"You had it too?" She gasped. He nodded.
"So it is happening then. Demons are returning to this world and are finding hosts to live in. You know that they can't live in sunlight, and using a human as a host is the only way for them to survive. We will have to be careful. They could be anywhere." He warned. Her sea-blue eyes widened and she nodded.
"Why did we both have the dream, though? Why not someone else besides me? I don't have magic." She said. Chang shrugged.
"That is what you think. Every living thing has some sort of magic in them, whether it be weak, or strong. You have it too, and perhaps you are a little more in-tune to unconscious things, than things that happen when you are awake." He suggested. She smiled.
"You may be right! Thank you for helping me Chang, and making me feel better." She whispered, putting her arms around him in a hug. She was shocked when she felt his arms twin around her waist and hug her back, gently. When she pulled away, he nodded to her, then got up and left the room, leaving her in a daze. But she knew one thing. This had changed the whole relationship between them; for the good.
*End Flashback*
Haley. The first person, besides his mother and older sister, that he had ever hugged. And even after all those years, Rose was still the only exception to that list.
"Tell me." He said, settling down to listen to her dream.
"Well, I was on a horse, and you were there. We were near a farmhouse, and there was a large expanse of corn and grain growing in the background. There were three people in plain sight, an older man, a young woman, and another man, just older than me. I couldn't see any features or faces of the people, I only knew that they were there. But then came another person into view. It was a young woman, not much younger than you, I wouldn't think, and I could see her clearly. She was lovely, Chang! Her hair was covered by a piece of fabric, but her face! Beautiful blue eyes that seemed to change color range, as they looked at us. Lips.you will never believe it.that were redder than my mother's! And there were cards! Lots of cards raining down from nowhere!" Haley said, her voice excited. "I couldn't see any more than that. I wish I knew what it meant." She sighed.
"Perhaps it was simply a pleasure dream." He finally said, after a while. Haley sighed again and nodded.
"You are probably right. It was such a.different dream, though. I suppose I wanted it to be real, because it *was* different than my usual everyday dreams." She said. He looked away, not saying anything. His attention was now focused on a light brown haired, emerald eyed boy that was walking down the garden path with a small wiggling bundle in his arms. He was focused on his burden, but when he sensed another presence, he looked up, his eyes sparkling.
"Look what I found, Chang. He was all alone.no mother. She died days ago from poachers, and his siblings too." Sasaki said, showing Chang a black and brown wolf pup, who's fur was still silky soft. The pup was shivering, but looked upon the two new people with trust. All at once, the pup gave a weak cry, and it turned pleading eyes towards Haley. Haley cooed and pulled the pup from Aki's arms, rocking it gently back and forth. The pup gave another squeak, softer this time, and Haley smiled.
"He wants some food. I will go heat up some goats milk." She announced, walking down the path that lead to the palace. Aki grinned and turned to his older brother.
"He likes her. He said that she is like his mother." The younger boy said, beaming. Chang interpreted this as Aki's way of saying that the wolf pup was here to stay.
"That is good. After Ying-fa is gone, Haley will need someone to keep her company." Chang commented, looking down another path as his little sister reappeared, her hands full of lilies-of-the-valley. She smiled prettily at him, and raised her arms indicating that she wanted him to carry her. Chang picked her up and carried her back to the palace, with Aki on his heals.
"I am going to miss her." Aki said, looking out at the gardens one last time before he went inside. Chang knew what he was talking about. They would all miss Ying-fa when she was married and went to live at the Hiiragizawa castle. But Aki had to admit that he was glad his sister had found the man of her dreams.
"We all will." Chang said shortly. Aki didn't comment. He was used to Chang's emotionless words and short sentences. He only wished that other people could understand Chang like his family could. Sure, on the outside Chang was cold and cynical to everyone but his closest family, but Aki was sure that inside, Chang was just like his father.
"Ying-fa leave toon. I miss." Rose whimpered, laying her head on Chang's shoulder and gazing down the hall they were now walking through. Change nodded curtly and they walked the rest of the way to the Dinning Hall in silence.
~*~*~*~
The Alluring Anthea
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 1.
A young man of about sixteen stood in the middle of a set of training rings, practicing with his sword. It was a shiny silver sword, very well- made and sturdy. Dark green stones were set into the hilt of the sword, and they shone in the sunlight. With experienced thrusts and blocks, the young man did a drill that looked quite easy when he did it, but in reality, was one of the most complex moves that were possible to make with a sword. The boy was good.almost too good.
Next to the ring sat a young woman of about eighteen. She had a piece of sewing in her lap, but her lovely emerald eyes were riveted to the young man's actions. Her eyes followed his every move, and watched closely as he easily worked through the drill. A look of immense pride was in the woman's eyes as she watched him. Her long auburn hair reached to the middle of her back, and lay in lovely waves and curls, blown gently by the breeze.
Suddenly, a hand touched her shoulder and she finally took her eyes off the boy in the ring, smiling as the person sat down next to her, slipping their arm around her waist. It was a young man with raven-violet hair and dark blue eyes. He looked to be about twenty years of age, and was quite handsome, with a hint of humor racing through his eyes at all times.
Still the young man in the ring seemed unaware of all this. He was focused on finishing a dizzying string of spins and thrusts. Soon, though, a loud gong rang out and the young man stopped, not even breathing hard. He sheathed his sword and then turned cold amber eyes toward the couple at the edge of the ring. He slowly walked toward them, his amber eyes staring as though her could see through them. This, however, did not make them uncomfortable. That was just the way that Li Xiao-Chang was.
"You are doing better than I have ever seen you do." The violet-raven haired man said. Chang looked at him coldly and then gave a stiff nod.
"I appreciate your praise." He stated, his eyes never leaving the other's face.
"He is right. You are excellent.but don't you think that you should take a break?" The girl asked softly, her sweet voice making the amber eyes look at her a bit more warmly than the boy, but still with no real feeling in his eyes.
"No." Was all he said. Li Ying-fa sighed and looked at her fiancée, Hiiragizawa Tryon. He simply shrugged his shoulders and then put his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.
"Aunt Sakura, Haley and Rose are in the gardens." Tryon informed the younger boy. In response, he got a 'thank you', and a nod, before Chang headed off in the opposite direction. Again Ying-fa and Tryon looked at each other, shrugging. They were used to Chang and his ways.
"Are you looking forward to the wedding?" Tryon asked slyly, as he pulled his fiancee even closer, and she smiled and nodded. They had been engaged ever since she was sixteen and he was eighteen, when Tryon had admitted to Ying-fa that he loved her. All his life he had doted upon her, fulfilling her every little whim, even if he got hurt doing it.
*Flashback*
"Oh, look! Look at that pretty white lily!" A nine year-old Ying-fa cried, pointing into one of the palace ponds and at a lily that was floating lazily in the water. An eleven year-old Tryon eyed that enthralling flower, and then with one moment of thought, jumped into the four-foot pond to retrieve it for her. She was delighted when he placed it in her hand, and she gave him a soft, baby kiss on the cheek, in gratitude; Tryon's blush knew no bounds.
"Tryon! Oh, you silly boy, I have told you over and over not to swim in the palace ponds!" Princess Hiiragizawa Tomoyo cried, pulling him from the water and dragging him back to the castle, leaving a tearful Ying-fa behind. She blamed it all on herself that he had gotten into trouble. It was she who had wanted the flower. For the rest of the afternoon, Ying-fa alternately stroked the soft petals of the flower, and sobbed her little heart out. By nighttime, the palace was in a huge disarray, as many people searched desperately for the girl. Tryon spread his warm, sky blue aura like his father had shown him to do, finding her faint pink one in the gardens, near where they had been that afternoon. Tyron quickly slipped out into the night, and quickly found her, huddled under a Sakura tree, still crying softly.
"Ying-fa? What is it?" Tryon asked, his voice cracking in the middle of his sentence. She didn't seem to notice. Her tearstained face turned to him and her tear-filled eyes met his.
"It was all my fault that you got into trouble! All my fault. I am sorry. I really am, and please don't hate me!" She whimpered, pain filling her eyes. Tryon laughed softly.
"Oh, Ying! I would never hate you. And I wanted to get you that flower. You didn't make me jump into the pond, I did it on my own. Now, please stop crying. They are so worried abut you, and have been searching for you since supper." He informed her, gently helping her up. She smiled sweetly at him, like the sun after the rain, and took his hand as they walked back to the palace together.
*End Flashback*
*New flashback*
"Oh, no! Please come down! Oh, dear!"
An eighteen year-old Tryon stopped sword-fighting with Stephen and turned around at the sound of Ying-fa's distressed voice. Stephen, who already knew of Tryon's infatuation with Ying-fa, nodded to his partner and left the ring. Tryon hurried over to where her voice had been, and found her at the edge of the forest, looking up into a tall tree.
"What is it?" He asked softly. Ying-fa turned her lovely face towards him, making him catch his breath as her lovely emerald eyes lit up at the sight of him; he had to remind himself to breath.
"My bird. Haley and I were petting him when he flew up into this tree and now he simply refuses to come down. I am afraid a hawk will get him." She exclaimed, her sweet voice making the color rise to his cheeks. Without a word, he walked over and began to climb the tree.
"About how high is it?" He asked, using his magic to search for it.
"Not quite ten feet above you." She stated, answering what he already knew. He nodded and climbed higher. After about three minutes, he reached the bird and grasped it gently around its body.
"Go back to the palace." He commanded it, opening his hand. It took off and flew towards the building named, as Tryon began to climb down again. Half way down, there was the snap of a branch and Tryon felt all the support disappear from under his right foot. He desperately grasped for anything to hold on to, but all he got was air. With a bang, he hit the ground at Ying- fa's feet, making her cry out. Tryon's eyes were closed and his breath was weak and ragged, as though he couldn't get enough air.
"NO! Tryon, please answer! Tryon, please! Oh why did you do that for me? I always seem to get you into trouble! This is all my fault! Please answer! Please!" Ying-fa sobbed, her voice pleading, as she buried her face in his chest, not knowing what to do. A warm hand came up and cupped her face.
"Don't say that, my tenshi! Don't you ever say that!" Tryon groaned in a weak voice.
"Tryon! You are alive! I am so sorry! It was all my fault that."
"I told you not to say that, Ying. I *wanted* to get your bird. It was my choice." He insisted. She sniffed, and for the first time in his life, he saw her glare.
"You always tell me that! But how can I believe it? You do anything I ask.even when I don't actually ask for it. Why do you do that, Tryon? Why do you hurt yourself for me?" She whimpered sadly. Tryon sighed, and he took her hands, feeling much stronger now.
"Because I love you, Ying-fa. I always have. I would do anything to make you happy, even if it means seeing you marry another man." He whispered, feeling his heart break. There. He had done it, and now, he had tainted all her child-like innocents with just those few words. How could he be so selfish? How could he do this to his dear angel? He turned his head away and looked back towards the palace, refusing to meet her eyes. In the meantime, the shock of his words had passed, and now, waves of immense joy sprang up in her chest, making her heart thud against her ribs and then jump into her throat, choking her with emotion. He loved her! He always had! Even when she had thought that he loved her more like a little sister! Without thinking, she gently turned his head and placed her soft, sweet lips on his in a mind-numbingly passionate kiss.
"I love you as well, my Tryon." She whispered, pulling back. He was too startled to do anything but gape at her, his lovely blue eyes wide.
"You love me?" He managed to gasp. She nodded shyly.
"I believe that I always have. I believed that you thought me more of a sister, though. I was too afraid to tell you." She breathed, as he pulled her down for another kiss, cutting off the rest of her words. She pulled back giggling.
"Our mothers will be pleased. They have so much wished that their children would eventually marry. However, I think father may be a bit.upset. You know how he is with Uncle Eriol!" Ying-fa giggled, as Tryon chuckled along. Then she slowly helped him to get up, making sure that nothing was broken. When she was positive that he was fine, she slipped her arm around his waist, and led him back to the palace, just in case. He laughed.
"Should we tell them soon, or torture them?" He asked cheekily. She smiled.
"Tell them right away. I don't think I could keep the secret long!" She giggled, as they entered the palace.
*End second flashback*
"Who would have thought that your father would be so accepting towards the engagement?" Tryon asked thoughtfully. Ying-fa smiled.
"Papa is very understanding in those things, darling. He likes you, and even if he didn't, he would allow it because of mother." She assured him, making him laugh.
"When we are married, remember to have me thank her!" Tryon chuckled, leading her back into the palace; the next day was the day of the wedding.
~*~*~*~
After Xiao-Chang left his sister and Tryon, he swiftly made his way to his grandfather's prized gardens, where his mother, Haley, and his little sister Li Rose, who was now three years old. They were sitting near a large fountain, with his mother and Haley sitting on a bench across from it, talking, while Rose sat on the edge of the rock wall surrounding the fountain. He silently made his way over to them, but his silence did not keep his mother from sensing him and turning her warm, sweet smile towards him.
"Hello, Chang dear. How did your training go?" Princess Sakura asked softly, her pretty emerald eyes searching his.
"Fine, mother. I hope that you are well." He returned, taking a seat beside little Rose, who seemingly hadn't noticed him yet.
"Oh, yes. Tell me dear, have you seen Aki?" Sakura asked, referring to her youngest son, and Chang's eight year-old brother. Aki was just his nickname, though. His given name was Sasaki.
"He went into the forest hours ago. He said he wouldn't be back until supper. I believe that he has found some new forest animal to play with." Chang answered, loosening up under the presence of some of his six most favorite people in the world, them being his father, Li Syaoran. Sure, he loved his other family members (though he never showed it), but out of them all, his father, mother, older sister, younger siblings, and Haley were dearest to him. However, if he had to choose out of all six, he would have to say that his mother, younger sister, and Haley were the closest to his heart. (Not as if he would ever say it outloud!)
"Did he take his cards with him?" Sakura asked anxiously. This was another thing that she, Tomoyo, Eriol, and Syaoran had agreed on for their children. When Chang was small, Sakura and Eriol had spent several days creating a deck of magical cards, almost identical to Sakura's, just for Chang's use. Chang's cards were guarded by a beast that he had created when he was older. It was a forest green, female dragon named Xzodia, that could transform into a borrowed form of a lizard, whom Chang affectionately (a/n: ???) called Zoe. Then, when they found that Aki had magic, they had not hesitated to make some cards for him, as well as a deck for Haley as well, when they realized that she had magic as well; which was strange, because no other member of Haley's family had magic. They were, however, part fairy, so that could have something to do with it.
"Yes, he did." Chang answered shortly. His mother sighed with relief.
"Oh, well then, I won't worry. It seems like he is always out doing something like that, isn't he?" Sakura commented, looking out at the nearby forest. Ever since he was little, Aki had been enthralled by the forest and its many creatures. His parents later found out that Aki had the shocking ability to communicate with anything from the animals of the forests, to the plants there. It was quite a gift, Eriol had told them, and it was quite rare.
"He find a hurted wolf puppy. He bring it home, Chang." Piped up a little voice. Chang looked down to see Rose looking up at him earnestly, her hazel eyes probing. Then Chang did something that he never would have done in public, or in front of any of his other relatives. He reached down and picked the little girl up in his arms, setting her on his lap, and stroking her light brown hair, that was almost a blonde color.
"Good for him." Was all he said, pulling his little sister close, and making sure that his mother and Haley were looking away so they would not see him. Rose. One of the few family members that he even remotely showed emotion to. Even his father had received not one hug or smile. Well, no one had ever received a smile, for that matter. It was as if Chang's mouth was frozen into a permanent straight line; but hugs he could do.
"I wuve you, Chang." She whispered, before climbing out of his lap and walking away down a garden path. He watched her go with a seemingly noncaring glance, and then turned to see Haley smiling at him; his mother was gone.
"I had another dream last night. A strange one." She commented, looking down at the cross-stitching project that was on her lap. Instantly, he was alert. Now, you may wonder why Haley, of all people, who was not related to him in the least, could possibly be so dear to him. The reason for this was actually because of an event that happened when she was ten and he was eight.
*Flashback*
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
At midnight, a terrified scream ripped through the Kinomoto Palace, jolting everyone awake. Chang sat up in bed, sweating and biting his lip to keep from yelling aloud. He heard the scream, which came from a room not far from his. He jumped up and raced to the room, getting there before anyone else had the chance. Using his power, he banged the doors open and looked around alertly. He spotted a very pale Haley, sitting up in her bed a sobbing. He stood where he was, as other family members and her family ran into the room.
"Oh, Haley my darling! What is the matter, love?" Alongue asked, hurrying over and putting comforting arms around the troubled girl. Haley pushed her away and then lay down, turning her back to them.
"It.it was just.just a bad dream. I am sorry for waking you. Please go." She sobbed. Her mother glanced at her, worried, but could do nothing but obey as the others left the room. One person still stood in the shadows, however, watching every move the terrified girl made. Her shoulders shook and her whole body trembled in real fear. She was slowly shaking her head and mumbling to herself.
"It could not be true. It couldn't." She was saying. It was then that the figure knew what had happened.
"What did you see?" Chang asked in a stiff voice. Haley gave a tiny shriek and turned around to face him. His face was neutral, but she could sense that he was nervous. Somehow, seeing him like this, made her want to tell him.
"Something big and green, with huge fangs and yucky red eyes. It was inside a palace, and then it went into a room. There was a lady there.she was smiling, and then it.just entered her somehow, as though she had invited it. It was awful. Her eyes turned bright red, and her face became twisted and.then more beautiful, as if it was a mask to hide what was really beneath. But what was worst, she then went into another room, where two children were asleep and.it got dark. There was a scream, a boy's scream, and then a little wail from a baby. I.I think she killed them." Haley whimpered. Chang sank down on her bed and cupped his chin in his hands, his face still neutral.
"It was a demon. And she did welcome it in. She *wanted* it. I saw it too. I thought it was just a dream, but now.how could it possibly be?" He asked, saying the longest string of words that she had ever heard out of him at one time. She gaped.
"You had it too?" She gasped. He nodded.
"So it is happening then. Demons are returning to this world and are finding hosts to live in. You know that they can't live in sunlight, and using a human as a host is the only way for them to survive. We will have to be careful. They could be anywhere." He warned. Her sea-blue eyes widened and she nodded.
"Why did we both have the dream, though? Why not someone else besides me? I don't have magic." She said. Chang shrugged.
"That is what you think. Every living thing has some sort of magic in them, whether it be weak, or strong. You have it too, and perhaps you are a little more in-tune to unconscious things, than things that happen when you are awake." He suggested. She smiled.
"You may be right! Thank you for helping me Chang, and making me feel better." She whispered, putting her arms around him in a hug. She was shocked when she felt his arms twin around her waist and hug her back, gently. When she pulled away, he nodded to her, then got up and left the room, leaving her in a daze. But she knew one thing. This had changed the whole relationship between them; for the good.
*End Flashback*
Haley. The first person, besides his mother and older sister, that he had ever hugged. And even after all those years, Rose was still the only exception to that list.
"Tell me." He said, settling down to listen to her dream.
"Well, I was on a horse, and you were there. We were near a farmhouse, and there was a large expanse of corn and grain growing in the background. There were three people in plain sight, an older man, a young woman, and another man, just older than me. I couldn't see any features or faces of the people, I only knew that they were there. But then came another person into view. It was a young woman, not much younger than you, I wouldn't think, and I could see her clearly. She was lovely, Chang! Her hair was covered by a piece of fabric, but her face! Beautiful blue eyes that seemed to change color range, as they looked at us. Lips.you will never believe it.that were redder than my mother's! And there were cards! Lots of cards raining down from nowhere!" Haley said, her voice excited. "I couldn't see any more than that. I wish I knew what it meant." She sighed.
"Perhaps it was simply a pleasure dream." He finally said, after a while. Haley sighed again and nodded.
"You are probably right. It was such a.different dream, though. I suppose I wanted it to be real, because it *was* different than my usual everyday dreams." She said. He looked away, not saying anything. His attention was now focused on a light brown haired, emerald eyed boy that was walking down the garden path with a small wiggling bundle in his arms. He was focused on his burden, but when he sensed another presence, he looked up, his eyes sparkling.
"Look what I found, Chang. He was all alone.no mother. She died days ago from poachers, and his siblings too." Sasaki said, showing Chang a black and brown wolf pup, who's fur was still silky soft. The pup was shivering, but looked upon the two new people with trust. All at once, the pup gave a weak cry, and it turned pleading eyes towards Haley. Haley cooed and pulled the pup from Aki's arms, rocking it gently back and forth. The pup gave another squeak, softer this time, and Haley smiled.
"He wants some food. I will go heat up some goats milk." She announced, walking down the path that lead to the palace. Aki grinned and turned to his older brother.
"He likes her. He said that she is like his mother." The younger boy said, beaming. Chang interpreted this as Aki's way of saying that the wolf pup was here to stay.
"That is good. After Ying-fa is gone, Haley will need someone to keep her company." Chang commented, looking down another path as his little sister reappeared, her hands full of lilies-of-the-valley. She smiled prettily at him, and raised her arms indicating that she wanted him to carry her. Chang picked her up and carried her back to the palace, with Aki on his heals.
"I am going to miss her." Aki said, looking out at the gardens one last time before he went inside. Chang knew what he was talking about. They would all miss Ying-fa when she was married and went to live at the Hiiragizawa castle. But Aki had to admit that he was glad his sister had found the man of her dreams.
"We all will." Chang said shortly. Aki didn't comment. He was used to Chang's emotionless words and short sentences. He only wished that other people could understand Chang like his family could. Sure, on the outside Chang was cold and cynical to everyone but his closest family, but Aki was sure that inside, Chang was just like his father.
"Ying-fa leave toon. I miss." Rose whimpered, laying her head on Chang's shoulder and gazing down the hall they were now walking through. Change nodded curtly and they walked the rest of the way to the Dinning Hall in silence.
~*~*~*~