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Ok, people, before I am bombarded by my Anime entourage, I want to say a few things. I, Tigerlily, do not own DBZ, The Final Fantasy Movie or the games, X-men, Sailor Moon, Sonic Underground, Birds of Prey, and of course Card Captors. Coincidently, this is my very first CC fiction. I honestly hope you enjoy it. And now, I leave you to your reading.
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Sakura's Vacation Chapter Three- The Li Clan
An hour and a half later, the black limo finally came to a stop infront of the largest mansion Sakura had ever seen. It was absolutely beautiful. Standing at the top of the steps, was an elegantly dressed older woman, no doubt Li's mother, Lanori.
As the group climbed out of the limo and stared at their surroundings in awe, Lanori descended the stairs, and walked up to Mei-lin with a frown on her beautiful face.
"Mei-lin. Please explain why you are late. We were expecting you to bring the Card Mistress and her guests over an hour ago. What happened, my dear?" Lanori asked as Mei-lin bowed her head in respect to her aunt, before speaking.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Lanori, but it was urgent. I failed to inform Miss Avalon and her guests about the requirements for tonight's party. We had to make an emergency stop at the Golden Star and a few other gown shops. Please forgive me." Mei-lin said. Madame Lanori smiled as she bowed her head at Mei-lin.
"That is quite alright, my dear niece. But please, next time send word. You had me worried sick. Your mother would never forgive me if something were to happen to you. You must be more careful in the future, my child." Lanori said. Mei-lin nodded as she smiled at her aunt, before turning to sweep a hand out to indicate the group behind her.
"Aunt Lanori, this is Sakura Avalon, the keeper, and Mistress of the Cards; and her friends and family. Her best friends Madison, and the reincarnated Clow Reed, now known as Eli; Sakura's older brother Tory, and Sakura and Eli's human guardians, Julian and Ruby. I believe the Guardian beasts are hiding in Sakura's backpack, no doubt." Mei-lin added with a smile.
"Ah, you mean you've known all along and never said anything, Mei- lin? We could have suffocated by the time Sakura let us out!" Kero cried as he flew out of the bag.
"It is an honor to have you all here with us. I'm sure Li will be most pleased." Lanori said.
"Speaking of Li, where is he, Madame Lanori?" Sakura asked meekly. Lanori smiled as she gestured to the back of the Manor.
"I believe you will find my son out in the pasture. He's been riding that wild horse of his all morning. If he's not in sight, please, feel free to saddle a horse from the stables and go look for him. We have plenty to choose from. Mei-lin, why don't you go with them?" Lanori suggested as Mei- lin bowed to her aunt again, before heading to the back of the Manor, with Sakura and company a few feet behind.
As she led the way, Mei-lin explained a little about what they would find on the grounds, should they get bored. Other than the grand stable that housed more than fifty horses, there was also a lake off near the far corner of the grounds, a swimming pool both indoors as well as out, tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, a volleyball and badminton court, and their own private beach. All of which Sakura and her guests were welcome to during their stay.
Li sighed as he pulled Bandit to a walk. He looked over towards the Manor, knowing that his mother's guest must have arrived by now. And although Li knew it was important for the future leader of the Li Clan to greet his mother's guest, he honestly didn't feel like it.
"But Mother will be angry with me if I don't go. Well, come on Bandit, let's get a move on." Li said as he turned the mustang towards the stables and with a sharp kick of his heel, he was sailing across the vast pasture in no time.
Li had grown up into quite a handsome young gentleman, with his dark piercing eyes, his rich brown hair, and a pensive look in his eyes, he had swooned many hearts in the town to his favor. Unintentionally of course, since he wasn't interest in the girls of the town; but that didn't mean they still weren't obsessed with him.
In less than a year, he'd be turning eighteen, and would be expected to select a bride and take his place as the new Clan leader when his father stepped down. Li was looking forward to it about as much as a trip to the dentist office. If he was to marry, he wanted it to be for love, but his time was running out. And he'd have to make a decision by next year.
"Why couldn't I have been born into a different family, Bandit? I don't mind the responsibilities and all, but.all these rules and expectations are going to drive me crazy. I don't know how Father ever managed." Li said as he drew closer to the stables. Almost immediately he spotted Mei-lin leading her palamino mare, Duchess out of the stables. She smiled as soon as Li rode up.
"Li! Oh good, then we won't have to go searching for you now!" Mei- lin said happily as Li looked at her confused.
"We?" Li asked. A split second later, three teenagers, an older girl and two older boys came out of the stables. Strangely, they all seemed familiar to Li.
"Li! Wow!" Madison said suddenly. Sakura blushed as she smiled at Li, noticing that he still didn't recognize them. Eli smiled wickedly as he looked up at Li, an idea playing in his head.
"Hello, my cute little descendant. Though it would appear that you're not so little anymore, eh Li?" Eli asked. Slowly realization dawned on Li, and a split second later, he leaped off Bandit and rushed forwards to give the three of them a huge hug.
"Sakura? Madison? Eli? You're the guests that my mother is expecting?" Li asked. Sakura smiled as she nodded.
"Yeah. Mei-lin invited us to spend Christmas with you and your family. That's alright, isn't it?" Sakura asked.
"Are you kidding? It'll be great. We can catch up on the old days. You three certainly have changed though. I didn't recognize you at first." Li said, glancing at Sakura out of the corner of his eye.
She was absolutely beautiful. He had always though she was pretty when they were kids, but now, with her beautiful, golden brown hair, and her captivating green eyes, she was no less than stunning.
But of course, Li could never tell her *that*. She'd think he was some kind of silly, love sick puppy; a complete and utter fool. He had once had a school boy crush on her when they were younger, but they were older now.
"Well, I was just bringing Bandit in to go meet my mother's guests, but since you're all here, and Bandit and Duchess are already saddled, what do you say to a nice trail ride? We all can catch up at the same time." Li suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea, Li! Come on; help me get the horses for Sakura and the others. Sakura, would you mind holding Duchess's reins for me? I'd appreciate it." Mei-lin asked. Sakura nodded as she took the reins from Mei-lin.
"Ok, I've got the perfect horses in mind, Mei-lin. Help me saddle Rocket, Dodger, Rusty, Hawkeye, Molly, and Seraphim." Li said as he headed into the stable.
"Um..maybe we can help. That sure is a lot of horses. It'll take all day." Julian suggested. Li smiled as he nodded.
"Sure. Mei-lin and I will grab the horses; you guys can each grab a saddle. They're all labeled, and the blankets are with the saddles. Then bring the saddle out of the stable, and put them on the railing. Afterwards go into the tack room and grab the bridles. They're hanging up on the wall to your left. Each one of those is labeled too. Mom likes everything to be in perfect working order 24/7, so even the horses' saddles and bridles are tagged." Li said with a smile, before looking over at Sakura.
"Sakura, if you want, you can tie Duchess' reins to the rail. Then you can get a saddle too. If not, I'll grab Sera's for you when I bring her out." Li said.
"That's ok Li. I don't want you to go out of you way for me, anymore that you have already at least. I can get the saddle myself. Thanks anyway." Sakura said. Li nodded before heading back into the stable to select the appropriate horses.
A couple of minutes later, after everyone was outside, the saddles all placed in a row on the railing, with each bridle draped over them, Li and Mei-lin started to bring the horses out. Li smiled as he led his three horses over to Sakura, Madison and Julian while Mei-lin led hers to Tory, Eli, and Ruby.
"Madison, this is Molly. She's very calm and easy going. She listens well, and will do just about anything you ask her to." Li said as he handed the roan colored mare's halter rope to Madison.
"Sakura, have you ever ridden before?" Li asked as Sakura shook her head shyly. Li smiled as he nodded.
"That's fine. Then Seraphim will be perfect for you. She's the sweetest mare we have in the stables. She's got a great temperament, and she's the smoothest ride you could hope for." Li said as he handed the white mare's rope to Sakura.
"Julian, this is Dodger. There's nothing too special about him, except that he's a big lovable oaf." Li explained as Julian took the brown gelding's halter rope. After he handed each horse to the rider, he went over to explain the horses that Tory, Ruby, and Eli would be riding.
"Tory, I know you'll love Rusty. We've had him for three years and he's a little wild spirited, but he's a terrific ride. Ruby, Hawkeye is almost as spirited as Rusty, but he's still a great ride. He's very sweet and listens extremely well. And Eli, I'm sure you'll really enjoy your horse. Rocket is a direct descendent of your own horse Comet." Li said as Eli nodded approvingly.
"Yes, I remember Comet. Terrific horse. I sure hope Rocket here will take after him. I adored that horse." Eli said with a smile as he remembered the horse he once owned in his previous life as Clow Reed.
"Ok, anyone not know how to saddle their horses?" Li asked.
"Um..me.and Madison." Sakura said shyly.
"I think I still remember myself, so don't worry about me." Eli said as he led Comet over to his saddle and bridle.
"My father used to own a few horses when I was younger. I still remember." Ruby said as she led Hawkeye over to his saddle and bridle.
"I can show Julian how to saddle his horse. I learned how at a camp when I was a kid." Tory said as Sakura looked at her brother strangely.
"You never told me that." Sakura said as Tory shrugged his shoulders.
"You never asked." Tory said, before leading his horse over to Julian.
Li and Mei-lin showed Sakura and Madison how to saddle their horses, and fifteen minutes later, everyone was saddled, bridled, and ready to get on. Li helped Sakura onto her horse, and then helped Madison. He mounted his own horse like a professional as the others got onto theirs. He turned Bandit around so he could talk to his friends.
"Ok. Everyone set? No one gonna fall off?" Li teased as Sakura playfully frowned at him.
"That's not even funny, Li!" Sakura said as Li smiled.
"Ok, ok, I was just kidding Sakura. Anyway, riding is pretty simple. To make your horse go forward, squeeze your heels inward with just enough pressure to make the horse feel it, but not enough to hurt it. If you want, a click of the tongue works well with a small kick too. To go right, pull the reins towards the right, left to go left, and pull back slightly, say 'whoa' and your horse will stop. Everyone set? Ok then? Let's go." Li said.
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Ok, people, before I am bombarded by my Anime entourage, I want to say a few things. I, Tigerlily, do not own DBZ, The Final Fantasy Movie or the games, X-men, Sailor Moon, Sonic Underground, Birds of Prey, and of course Card Captors. Coincidently, this is my very first CC fiction. I honestly hope you enjoy it. And now, I leave you to your reading.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sakura's Vacation Chapter Three- The Li Clan
An hour and a half later, the black limo finally came to a stop infront of the largest mansion Sakura had ever seen. It was absolutely beautiful. Standing at the top of the steps, was an elegantly dressed older woman, no doubt Li's mother, Lanori.
As the group climbed out of the limo and stared at their surroundings in awe, Lanori descended the stairs, and walked up to Mei-lin with a frown on her beautiful face.
"Mei-lin. Please explain why you are late. We were expecting you to bring the Card Mistress and her guests over an hour ago. What happened, my dear?" Lanori asked as Mei-lin bowed her head in respect to her aunt, before speaking.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Lanori, but it was urgent. I failed to inform Miss Avalon and her guests about the requirements for tonight's party. We had to make an emergency stop at the Golden Star and a few other gown shops. Please forgive me." Mei-lin said. Madame Lanori smiled as she bowed her head at Mei-lin.
"That is quite alright, my dear niece. But please, next time send word. You had me worried sick. Your mother would never forgive me if something were to happen to you. You must be more careful in the future, my child." Lanori said. Mei-lin nodded as she smiled at her aunt, before turning to sweep a hand out to indicate the group behind her.
"Aunt Lanori, this is Sakura Avalon, the keeper, and Mistress of the Cards; and her friends and family. Her best friends Madison, and the reincarnated Clow Reed, now known as Eli; Sakura's older brother Tory, and Sakura and Eli's human guardians, Julian and Ruby. I believe the Guardian beasts are hiding in Sakura's backpack, no doubt." Mei-lin added with a smile.
"Ah, you mean you've known all along and never said anything, Mei- lin? We could have suffocated by the time Sakura let us out!" Kero cried as he flew out of the bag.
"It is an honor to have you all here with us. I'm sure Li will be most pleased." Lanori said.
"Speaking of Li, where is he, Madame Lanori?" Sakura asked meekly. Lanori smiled as she gestured to the back of the Manor.
"I believe you will find my son out in the pasture. He's been riding that wild horse of his all morning. If he's not in sight, please, feel free to saddle a horse from the stables and go look for him. We have plenty to choose from. Mei-lin, why don't you go with them?" Lanori suggested as Mei- lin bowed to her aunt again, before heading to the back of the Manor, with Sakura and company a few feet behind.
As she led the way, Mei-lin explained a little about what they would find on the grounds, should they get bored. Other than the grand stable that housed more than fifty horses, there was also a lake off near the far corner of the grounds, a swimming pool both indoors as well as out, tennis courts, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, a volleyball and badminton court, and their own private beach. All of which Sakura and her guests were welcome to during their stay.
Li sighed as he pulled Bandit to a walk. He looked over towards the Manor, knowing that his mother's guest must have arrived by now. And although Li knew it was important for the future leader of the Li Clan to greet his mother's guest, he honestly didn't feel like it.
"But Mother will be angry with me if I don't go. Well, come on Bandit, let's get a move on." Li said as he turned the mustang towards the stables and with a sharp kick of his heel, he was sailing across the vast pasture in no time.
Li had grown up into quite a handsome young gentleman, with his dark piercing eyes, his rich brown hair, and a pensive look in his eyes, he had swooned many hearts in the town to his favor. Unintentionally of course, since he wasn't interest in the girls of the town; but that didn't mean they still weren't obsessed with him.
In less than a year, he'd be turning eighteen, and would be expected to select a bride and take his place as the new Clan leader when his father stepped down. Li was looking forward to it about as much as a trip to the dentist office. If he was to marry, he wanted it to be for love, but his time was running out. And he'd have to make a decision by next year.
"Why couldn't I have been born into a different family, Bandit? I don't mind the responsibilities and all, but.all these rules and expectations are going to drive me crazy. I don't know how Father ever managed." Li said as he drew closer to the stables. Almost immediately he spotted Mei-lin leading her palamino mare, Duchess out of the stables. She smiled as soon as Li rode up.
"Li! Oh good, then we won't have to go searching for you now!" Mei- lin said happily as Li looked at her confused.
"We?" Li asked. A split second later, three teenagers, an older girl and two older boys came out of the stables. Strangely, they all seemed familiar to Li.
"Li! Wow!" Madison said suddenly. Sakura blushed as she smiled at Li, noticing that he still didn't recognize them. Eli smiled wickedly as he looked up at Li, an idea playing in his head.
"Hello, my cute little descendant. Though it would appear that you're not so little anymore, eh Li?" Eli asked. Slowly realization dawned on Li, and a split second later, he leaped off Bandit and rushed forwards to give the three of them a huge hug.
"Sakura? Madison? Eli? You're the guests that my mother is expecting?" Li asked. Sakura smiled as she nodded.
"Yeah. Mei-lin invited us to spend Christmas with you and your family. That's alright, isn't it?" Sakura asked.
"Are you kidding? It'll be great. We can catch up on the old days. You three certainly have changed though. I didn't recognize you at first." Li said, glancing at Sakura out of the corner of his eye.
She was absolutely beautiful. He had always though she was pretty when they were kids, but now, with her beautiful, golden brown hair, and her captivating green eyes, she was no less than stunning.
But of course, Li could never tell her *that*. She'd think he was some kind of silly, love sick puppy; a complete and utter fool. He had once had a school boy crush on her when they were younger, but they were older now.
"Well, I was just bringing Bandit in to go meet my mother's guests, but since you're all here, and Bandit and Duchess are already saddled, what do you say to a nice trail ride? We all can catch up at the same time." Li suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea, Li! Come on; help me get the horses for Sakura and the others. Sakura, would you mind holding Duchess's reins for me? I'd appreciate it." Mei-lin asked. Sakura nodded as she took the reins from Mei-lin.
"Ok, I've got the perfect horses in mind, Mei-lin. Help me saddle Rocket, Dodger, Rusty, Hawkeye, Molly, and Seraphim." Li said as he headed into the stable.
"Um..maybe we can help. That sure is a lot of horses. It'll take all day." Julian suggested. Li smiled as he nodded.
"Sure. Mei-lin and I will grab the horses; you guys can each grab a saddle. They're all labeled, and the blankets are with the saddles. Then bring the saddle out of the stable, and put them on the railing. Afterwards go into the tack room and grab the bridles. They're hanging up on the wall to your left. Each one of those is labeled too. Mom likes everything to be in perfect working order 24/7, so even the horses' saddles and bridles are tagged." Li said with a smile, before looking over at Sakura.
"Sakura, if you want, you can tie Duchess' reins to the rail. Then you can get a saddle too. If not, I'll grab Sera's for you when I bring her out." Li said.
"That's ok Li. I don't want you to go out of you way for me, anymore that you have already at least. I can get the saddle myself. Thanks anyway." Sakura said. Li nodded before heading back into the stable to select the appropriate horses.
A couple of minutes later, after everyone was outside, the saddles all placed in a row on the railing, with each bridle draped over them, Li and Mei-lin started to bring the horses out. Li smiled as he led his three horses over to Sakura, Madison and Julian while Mei-lin led hers to Tory, Eli, and Ruby.
"Madison, this is Molly. She's very calm and easy going. She listens well, and will do just about anything you ask her to." Li said as he handed the roan colored mare's halter rope to Madison.
"Sakura, have you ever ridden before?" Li asked as Sakura shook her head shyly. Li smiled as he nodded.
"That's fine. Then Seraphim will be perfect for you. She's the sweetest mare we have in the stables. She's got a great temperament, and she's the smoothest ride you could hope for." Li said as he handed the white mare's rope to Sakura.
"Julian, this is Dodger. There's nothing too special about him, except that he's a big lovable oaf." Li explained as Julian took the brown gelding's halter rope. After he handed each horse to the rider, he went over to explain the horses that Tory, Ruby, and Eli would be riding.
"Tory, I know you'll love Rusty. We've had him for three years and he's a little wild spirited, but he's a terrific ride. Ruby, Hawkeye is almost as spirited as Rusty, but he's still a great ride. He's very sweet and listens extremely well. And Eli, I'm sure you'll really enjoy your horse. Rocket is a direct descendent of your own horse Comet." Li said as Eli nodded approvingly.
"Yes, I remember Comet. Terrific horse. I sure hope Rocket here will take after him. I adored that horse." Eli said with a smile as he remembered the horse he once owned in his previous life as Clow Reed.
"Ok, anyone not know how to saddle their horses?" Li asked.
"Um..me.and Madison." Sakura said shyly.
"I think I still remember myself, so don't worry about me." Eli said as he led Comet over to his saddle and bridle.
"My father used to own a few horses when I was younger. I still remember." Ruby said as she led Hawkeye over to his saddle and bridle.
"I can show Julian how to saddle his horse. I learned how at a camp when I was a kid." Tory said as Sakura looked at her brother strangely.
"You never told me that." Sakura said as Tory shrugged his shoulders.
"You never asked." Tory said, before leading his horse over to Julian.
Li and Mei-lin showed Sakura and Madison how to saddle their horses, and fifteen minutes later, everyone was saddled, bridled, and ready to get on. Li helped Sakura onto her horse, and then helped Madison. He mounted his own horse like a professional as the others got onto theirs. He turned Bandit around so he could talk to his friends.
"Ok. Everyone set? No one gonna fall off?" Li teased as Sakura playfully frowned at him.
"That's not even funny, Li!" Sakura said as Li smiled.
"Ok, ok, I was just kidding Sakura. Anyway, riding is pretty simple. To make your horse go forward, squeeze your heels inward with just enough pressure to make the horse feel it, but not enough to hurt it. If you want, a click of the tongue works well with a small kick too. To go right, pull the reins towards the right, left to go left, and pull back slightly, say 'whoa' and your horse will stop. Everyone set? Ok then? Let's go." Li said.
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