Okay! It's Monday- a school holiday, and I'm going to finish this
fic today!! I stole my brother's lap top, snuggled onto my couch in my
pj's, turned on some awesome music, and made myself a nice big mocha. Yep,
all set for fic writing!! So here it is, after a long, long, very long
wait, the conclusion to "Disaster Brings Us Together".
"She's not here yet, is she?" Touya Kinomoto was on the edge, and annoyed, both of which were not combinations for a good attitude. He scanned the crowed Hong Kong airport, willing the girl he sought to appear so he could get on with things and go to his little sister. Besides him, Yuki was munching on a bag of peanuts he'd received on the plane. "You mean Daidoji-san?" He wondered patiently. "Yes Daidoji-san." He replied between gritted teeth. "Where is that girl? She has her own privet jet, how could she be late!!" "Relax, Touya." His friend advised, "It's just a few minuets." Considering for a few seconds, he added, "Something else is bothering you, right?" Touya heaved a sigh, he had been figured out. Leave it to Yukito to always know what you were thinking. "You remember the man sitting across from us on the plane?" "Yes." "Well he. I don't know, I just a got a bad feeling from him. Was it just me or did he look like that gaki?" He nodded in agreement, "He did look like Li-san. But he has lots of relatives here, right?" "How should I know?" He grumbled back, fixing his eyes back on the crowd and abandoning the conversation. "If she isn't here in five minuets, I'll just find that gaki's house myself.". "Touya-san, Yukito-san!!!" The pair glanced up and saw a slim, dark haired girl making her own path through the crowded airport. Behind her followed a handful of airport personal, all loaded down with baggage. "I'm sorry we were late, Touya-san." Tomoyo addressed him as soon as she was close enough to notice his fowl attitude. "There was a storm over the sea and the plane was blow slightly off course so we had to reroute and." "Fine, fine." He interrupted impatiently, "Let's just go find Sakura." Yuki smiled at him, "So nice to see that Sakura has such a caring brother." Touya refused to rise to the bait and instead turned to examine the mass of luggage pilling up around his sister's best friend. "Did you bring the whole store, Daidoji-san?" He wondered sarcastically, "We are only here for a few days." "I know, but I brought the costumes I made for Sakura!!" Her eyes went sparkling and soon she was lost in her own little world. He cleared his throat. "We should go, right Daidoji-san?" "Huh?" Tomoyo wondered, snapping out of her daydream, "Oh, hai. Mei- ling should be here soon." Seconds after that was said, a high-pitch yell cut through the noisy airport, causing many people to wince and cover their ears. "TOMOYO-CHAN, OVER HERE!!!!!!" Both men were gapping, open mouthed, at the noisy girl coming their way. Tomoyo, however, just smiled her closed-eyed smile and ran over to meet her. "Mei-ling-chan, how are you?" She wondered as the two embraced. "Doing okay, you?" "Alright." They turned and started walking back towards Touya and Yukito. "I haven't been home in a long time." Mei-ling said in a whisper, "But Syaoran called me a few nights ago to tell me about." She was silent for a seconds gap, obviously distressed. "How is Sakura handling. Syaoran wouldn't tell me much besides the facts." Tomoyo shook her head, "She was devastated. The worst part was that when she told Li-kun who. well. he didn't believe her." Her face pinched with anger, "He. what?!" She nodded sadly, "You know who." Mei-ling nodded, "I guess he and Li-kun were close as children and Li-kun. he wouldn't believe that he could ever." "Ping and Syaoran were close." She replied sadly, "I just can't believe he'd ever doubt Sakura." "I couldn't either. He discovered the truth and talked to Sakura-chan about it. I don't know what happened after that, because Li-kun brought her to Hong Kong, but I do know his support will mean the world to her." There was a slight silence, after which Mei-ling mumbled, more to herself than anyone, "It makes me sick to even be a Li." They reached Touya and Yukito, finally, and Tomoyo made quick introductions. "Let's go to the car now, Syaoran's not expecting us but that's more of a surprise for him." Mei-ling announced, as she turned and walked towards the front of the building. Tomoyo was as her side and the two men behind them. Suddenly, the designer stopped in her tracks and gripped onto the other girl's hand. "Tomoyo." Mei-ling started, her tone worried. But the second girl's face was transparent and her eyes huge. Her hand went to her mouth, horror etching itself on all her features. "That's not. Oh my god Mei-ling.it's him. " She looked in the direction Tomoyo was starring and her eyes widened as well. But it was anger that lined her face, soon fading to urgency. Both girls had somehow managed to pick the figure of Li Ping from the crowd. "Bastard." Mei-ling breathed, her posture suggesting she desperately wanted to use the man as a punching bag. However, she restrained herself and broke into a run. All three behind her followed, Touya and Yukito not knowing the cause for the sudden crisis. "Syaoran doesn't know he's coming." Mei-ling panted between breaths, "The elders. I'm sure he's part of Sakura's challenge and. we have to hurry!!" They bolted through the front door and tumbled into the waiting car. Mei-ling spoke a few hasty words to the driver and then they were off, speeding away towards the Li mansion.
*********
The youngest of the Li sisters led Sakura, flanked by Syaoran, down a long, dark hall. The Card Mistress walked almost mechanically, her steps always the same distance apart and her head dropped down as if the flagstones below were extremely interesting. Syaoran seemed to be looking straight ahead, yet he was really watching the girl at his side carefully. She was nervous and extremely tense, scare too, although there was more physical evidence of the previous two. Not that it matter- Sakura was a wreck and she'd never be able to fight successfully. He felt horrible for her. She'd gone through so much already and been so strong. If at all possible, he'd take this burden from her and complete the task himself. However, that was impossible and the only use he would be to her would be as some type of moral support. She'd never looked as young and frail as she did now, wearing his green ceremonial robes. The color, along with the lack of lighting in the hall, contrasted her unusually pale complex, giving her a ghostly appearance. And the attire was too large, all but hanging off her form and making her look so slight. Plus her expression. the eyes he loved where now all but dead, no sparkling light could be found there now. Sakura truly did look like a ghost of her former self. I swear. Syaoran thought, I swear by my family name and every god I know that once she gets through this, and she will get through this, I will do everything in my power to make her better. I don't care what it takes, I'll do anything and everything. But that promise would come into play later. Now they had to focus on the present and his main duty now was getting her through her trail. She won't be able to concentrate on her trial if she's this worked up over it. He observed, a frown pulling at the corners of his mouth. If only there were some way to help her relax. An idea popped suddenly into his mind, causing a slight blush to cover his cheeks. I hope this works. He wasn't as naïve as he'd been at then, Syaoran had learned a lot of things since those blushing, bumbling days. Namely about Sakura. Namely the effect Sakura had on him. During those happy, no blissful days had spent with Sakura at his side, her power over him became obvious. By just smiling at him, she could make him go weak in knees. Never mind if she actually hugged him. But Syaoran was wiser now and he realized that he had the same effect on her. And when employed correctly, these tactics certainly could make her forget about the upcoming test. Syaoran felt a little guilty at the thought but he agreed with himself that he wasn't playing with her because well, plainly, he loved her. He just hadn't told her yet. So it was all right, and he promised himself that he would proclaim his feeling right after she passed the test. But for now. He took her hand suddenly, noticing how cold it was. Sakura jumped slightly and looked up at him, forcing herself to smile. "I'm okay, Syaoran." It was like she read his thoughts, but that was impossible. "No you're not." He whispered, his voice sounding close to her ear, "You need to relax, Sakura." She couldn't even respond to that, his proximity ad the tone of his voice was making her giddy. No, she would not fall into that self-set trap. Sakura forced herself to smile, "I'm as relaxed as I can be, considering the situation." "I don't think that's true." He replied, voice ringing in her ears. She felt his a hand go to her shoulder, the other one still clutched around her hand. "Just breath. You can't fight like this. I want you to take deep breaths and concentrate on something beside this." Just as a precaution, he allowed some of his magic to mix with her aura, sending her into an almost dream-like state. Like you holding my hand? But she did take deep, calming breaths, forcing her mind to think of her friends and family. Her dad lecturing at the University, Tomoyo and her camera, her Onii-chan glaring at poor Syaoran. Syaoran glaring back with his beautiful eyes. Syaoran almost chuckled as he noticed his suggestion to Sakura working. Her shoulders were relaxing, allowing her body to slump gently and lean on him for support. Of course he didn't mind and looped his arm around her shoulder to keep her in place. His sister happened to glance back at the pair, a small, sad smile crossing her face. She stopped walking and turned to face her brother. "Here you are, Xiao Lang." Then she added, "Ying Fa is strong, she'll make it." "I know." He responded, withdrawing his spell from her as his sister walked away. Syaoran shook her shoulder gently, calling. "Sakura." His voice interrupted her thoughts. Snapping from her daydream and into reality, she noticed Syaoran's sister had left them and they were now standing outside a huge wooden door. The brief peace she had found left her, allowing a cold rush of fear to take its place. And just as she was about to plunge herself into the black pit of fear, Syaoran hugged her tightly to his chest. "Don't you dare start that, Kinomoto." He said, his voice muffled by her hair, "Because you are the Card Mistress. You passed the Final Trial and defeated the reincarnation of Clow Reed." He withdrew a few steps so he could look her in the eyes, his hand still firmly clamped on her shoulder, "You can beat them. You will beat them just like you beat every other enemy that came in your way. This is no different." Again, Syaoran embraced her, this time gently, "Besides, the all power Card Mistress has never lost before. I have faith in you, Sakura. You can do this." She hugged him back, tightly, resting her head on his chest for a few seconds. "Thank-you, Syaoran." She whispered, "You don't know how much that means to me." Sakura pulled back from him and took a deep, calming breath. "Go in. I'll be watching the challenge, even if you can't see me." With a shaky smile, Sakura pulled open the heavy door and walked inside, closing it behind herself. Syaoran stayed standing outside for a few minuets, breathing deep and trying to convince himself that he had done the right thing by asking her to come here. She could pass any trial they put in her way, he knew she could, but that didn't explain the sense of foreboding that loomed over the entire event. He was finally able to pull himself away from the door and start down the hall, heading to a small room off the chamber in which the trial was taking place. Here he could watch Sakura and give her support, although she wouldn't be able to see her. Syaoran was just passing through the main entrance of the house when he heard a loud argument from the entry hall. He dismissed it and was about to walk on to his destination, but he recognized the loud, annoying voice. "What do you mean I can't go inside?!? This is MY HOME!!" A mumble from one of the servants was heard, though not loud enough to be distinguished. "I don't care WHAT is going on, I want you to let my friends and me INSIDE!!!" He made his way over, opened a side door, and stopped short at what he saw before him. As he suspected, Mei-Ling was there but she had people with her. Touya, Yukito, and Tomoyo, to be exact. Inwardly, Syaoran groaned, hoping desperately that Sakura was too busy to notice their presence. "What the hell are you doing here?" He demanded of his cousin, who looked up in shock at his sudden entrance. But the shock soon turned to annoyance. "Hello to you too." She growled back at him, then yelled, "AND WHY DOESN'T ANYONE UNDERSTAND THAT I LIVE HERE TOO!!" Tomoyo put a hand on the girl's shoulder and looked over to Syaoran. "Li- kun, we came to see Sakura before her trial." "It's too late, her trial's starting as we speak." He replied shortly, ignoring the dirty looks he was receiving from Touya. "Well, come on. I'll take you to where we can watch her." Without another word, he turned and started walking quickly down a side passage. Mei-ling was the only one brave enough to approach him, since he was so obviously in a bad mood. "Syaoran, what is you problem? I think Sakura would have been happy to see them before." "That's not what I'm worried about." He mumbled, increasing his pace. "As it is, this trial is worrying Sakura a great deal, she's a mess. If she loses her concentration over anything, she'll get so worked up that she won't be able to focus on her task. I'm afraid that's what she'll do if she happens to feel the presence of everyone here." "I see." She mumbled, "but the chamber is warded, right?" He let out a huge sigh, "That's what I'm counting on." His cousin stopped walking very suddenly, horror spreading onto her face. "O my. I can't believe I forgot!! Syaoran, at the airport we saw Ping." "Ping?!" He exclaimed, "Leaving, coming, what?!" "He was coming, here I think." Mei-ling said nervously, "Do you think Sakura." "It's for her challenge, I know it is." He mumbled, "I promised her he wouldn't be here. Damn it, why is everything so hard!!"
**********
Stepping into that room was the strangest sensation Sakura had ever experienced. It was like everything outside of the room disappeared from her magical vision. Like before she had felt Syaoran's aura just wavering on the edge of her senses, and now it was gone completely. That was disappointing- having contact with at least a part of him was comforting. Inside the room, everything was dark save a single circle illuminated by what seemed to be some kind of magical spotlight. Besides that she could see nothing. Sakura decided to play it safe and called her wand forth immediately, her hand resting on the pouch that contained her cards.
With that done, she walked forward hesitantly. A strong, somewhat familiar voice echoed through the desolate chamber. "Step forward, Card Mistress." She obeyed, assuming that she was supposed to stand under the spotlight. Glancing around the room again, she noticed slight shadows arranged around the room, twelve of them in all- the exact number of elders in the Li council. "Card Mistress Sakura, we are preparing to initiate your trail. Are you ready?" "Yes" She called out, making her voice sound loud and strong. "I am ready." She couldn't tell who was speaking, but the smirk in his voice was obvious, "Then let the trial begin." The light above her snapped off and for a few long seconds, nothing happened. Then, she heard something large moving towards her and instinctively called forth the shield card, followed by glow to light the area. What she standing there shocked her- it was Kero, transformed into his true form. "Kero?" She asked uncertainly, not sure what he was doing here. "Sakura, I'm sorry I couldn't arrive with you." He said in a deep growl, "I'm hear to help you with your trial." The Card Mistress was confused as she looked the creature over. Hadn't Syaoran said that she would be facing this alone? He hadn't actually said it, but it had been implied. And how had Kero gotten inside? Truthfully, he didn't fell like Kero- but then nothing felt like anything inside this horrible room. It was like a damper had been put on her aura sensing powers. "How did you get in here, Kero?" She wondered, a little suspicious. "Syaoran told me I wouldn't be getting any help." Something that sounded like a chuckle emerged from the lion's mouth. "That Li brat lies, you know he does Sakura." "Not now, Kero." She scolded. "I know you don't like Syaoran, but now's not the time." "But Sakura, I want to talk about the Li brat." Kero insisted. "He lies, mistress." Her eyes narrowed, her suspicion growing. She had a growing feeling in the pit of her stomach that this wasn't Kero, but some illusion from the elders. Yes, she had been warned against their powers of illusion. "He wouldn't lie to me." Sakura replied stonily, "I believe every word he told me. And you aren't Kero." With that declaration, a shroud of smoke, changing his golden features to black, surrounded the beast before her. It laughed, cackled actually, and fixed her with wicked grin. "You're right, I'm not Kero. But let's talk about Li. You truly believe everything he has told you?" "Yes." She answered stonily. "Then you are a fool." The beast hissed at her, "He has told you nothing but lies and those lies have led to horrible things. It seems strange how you have so much faith in him, yet his faith in you is limited." Again, Sakura faced the beast. The small balls of light floating around the scene cast shadows onto her face, blackening her eyes and making them look very dangerous indeed. "You're lying." He fixed her with a curious look, "Are you certain? Think, Card Mistress. Think very, very hard. He hated you when you first met, it's obvious he did. And you think that all that hate would just disappear over the years? You must admit, Card Mistress, that there inevitably must be some trace of that hatred left in Li Syaoran." "What does this have to do with anything?!" She demanded. "Ah, so you agree with me?" The black Kero chuckled. Sakura glared, "I never said that." "He doesn't love you." The comment was so sudden, that she was caught off guard by it. That and the fact that she had thought it more than once in the past few weeks. She took an involuntary step backwards, giving the creature room to advance. "He doesn't love you." He repeated, "He thinks of you as a child, because you often act like one. I know what you're thinking and he hugged you before you entered into this challenge so you would win. A lot is ridding on you success here, much more than you could even imagine. If you lose, he will lose everything- his family, his friends, his honor. It would ruin him; I know you'd hate to see that happen." "Which I why I'm not going to lose to you!" She yelled at the creature defiantly. He smirked, "But he does not love you." Everything time that phrase was spoken, if cut deeper and deeper into her heart, only because she was starting to believe it was true. After all, what had happened when she told him she loved him? He had done nothing but stand there. It had been Tomoyo speaking, but still. It was a sure sign, it must be. Syaoran didn't love her anymore. The wound was one that hurt her terribly. But despite that, she would fight. "Ah." Black-Kero laughed, "You agree with me. I see I am making some progress." "Yes." Sakura replied. She had been overcome suddenly with a drowsy sensation and she sank to her knees. "Yes, you're right."
********
"God damn it no!!" Syaoran hit the glass with his fists in frustration, causing the structure to shake violently. The small room in which the five were seated was joined to the chamber by a one way mirror- one, which they could see out of but Sakura could not see into. She was falling for it, he could tell. Under the persuasion of the Kero who was not really Kero she was beginning to doubt herself and fall prey to the elder's trap. He was cursing them for doing this, cursing himself for leaving this doubt in her mind. Syaoran knew he should have told her- then there would be no problem. But he hadn't. His anger left suddenly and he leaned his forehead onto the glass. "Please Sakura," he whispered, "Trust yourself, just trust me. You can overcome this, I know you can."
********* It was the strangest sensation, like a bolt running up her back. It made her jump to her feet and glare at animal before her. "Maybe Syaoran doesn't love me," she shouted, "But I'm not going to let him down. Fiery, release!" Hearing it's mistress's call, the card burst into animation and swept throughout the room covering the creature in flames. The Kero look-alike roared in pain and charged at her, running into the shield card. "Fiery, return!" Sakura commanded, "Sword release, Shield return!" In a frenzy of movement, the cards complied and she was left standing in the middle of the room, sword in her hand. He jumped at her and she swiped at him with exceptional grace. Unfortunately, he was like Kero in every way but color. Dark fireballs rushed from his mouth, right towards her. They flew with such speed that Sakura didn't even realize what they were before it was too late. The first of the attack caught her in the arm, making her drop sword. She collapsed to her knees, clutching the burn mark on her arm. "Sword." It jumped back into her hand and the Card Mistress struggled to her feet. Weapon outstretched, she charged at the animal, striking at it with all her magical and physical strength. The blade struck home and slice through the rough skin of the back. With an anguished scream, Black-Kero disappeared in a puff of smoke and Sakura fell to her knees, attempting to nurse her wound. Lights in the room snapped on suddenly, showing the whole of the area. It was made completely of stone and very tall. On the far end was a platform, on which the twelve elders were now sitting. "Card Mistress Sakura," One started, "You have passed your trial."
***********
"She did it! She did it!! Sakura, I knew you could do it!!!" Tomoyo exclaimed, jumping up in down in excitement for her friend. Mei-ling joined her and the two girls bounced around for some time. Yukito smiled approvingly, looking out the window at the obviously relieved girl kneeling before the elders. But Touya, despite his sister's success, was not overjoyed. His eyes were fixed on the young Chinese warrior standing at the window. The expression on Li's face was not happy, or even pleased. He was worried. "That was too easy." He mumbled to the glass. Unfortunately, Touya was listening, "What do you mean that was too easy?! She was almost killed!!" Syaoran spun around, his face grim. "I know my clan and I know what type of punishments they give. That was too easy, there's something more too it." He changed his pendant into this sword, although it wouldn't do him any good if he couldn't even get into the room.
**********
"Now we shall begin the second part of this ceremony." Sakura's head jerked up, fixing the elder before her with a puzzled gaze. Second part of. what else do I have to do?! "Li Ping, enter and make your plea." She all but froze where she knelt, uninjured arm still clinging to the injured one. Her eyes widened at the sight of him standing before her, dressed in a larger size of the exact same robes she wore. He looked menacing as he strode into the room, coming to stand next to her and bow to the men before them. Before starting his speech, Ping spared a second to cast a gaze down at her. He was smirking, shaking his head as his eyes laughed at her. Something was going to happen. "Elders, I beseech you," He started, "I have completed the task you have assigned to me and now I ask for the conditions you gave." Sakura wanted to shrink away from him, but she forced herself not to move. An elder nodded, "Make your challenge, Li Ping." He nodded. "I, Li Ping, under permission from the council of elders, challenge the position of Li Xiao Lang, chosen leader of the Li Clan. Through this proposed duel may it be seen, which man may rise to the condition." His last words echoed through the room until they were nothing but whispers. It wasn't until all was quiet that Sung-shi stood. His tone was sinister as he announced, "It is obvious that Li Xiao Lang has chosen Kinomoto Sakura to defend his title. Take your places and show respects."
**************
A loud thump echoed through the small room, the result of Touya slamming Syaoran ruffly into the stone wall. "What the hell were you thinking?!" He demanded in a dangerously low tone. "You said you loved her, then you volunteered her to fight that bastard in your place?! Damn it, I don't even have any words for you." Syaoran pulled himself free, looking more frantic than anyone had ever seen him. "I didn't. They never informed me that Ping would challenge me." He looked towards his cousin, "There must be some mistake! Mei-ling, what." "Who gave her those robes, Syaoran?" She asked carefully. "They're mine, I gave them to her of course." He trailed off and look of pure horror flooded onto his face. "The robes. Oh god, I didn't even think." Touya was glaring from one Li to the other. "Didn't think what?" Mei-ling bowed her head slightly. "The robes are a symbol of our clan. When worn in combat by any besides one of the clan, it symbolizes their appointment to fight by the clan member." Once again, Sakura's older brother was reaching for the collar of Syaoran's shirt. "Damn you, Gaki. To think you ever, ever cared for her at all! I swear, I will." "Touya, stop!!" Tomoyo was pushing him back, her face white with horror as well. "Li-kun didn't know, you have to believe him. He would never hurt Sakura-chan like that. And now you need to let him go he can go help her!" Grudgingly, Touya stopped in his attempts to strangle the younger boy before him and instead shoved him not at all gently towards the door. "Get going, Gaki."
************
"What!" Sakura exclaimed in shock. Her voice was just a whisper, but Ping still heard. Grinning evilly, he turned to her and whispered back, "Xiao Lang appointed you to fight in his place by giving you those robes. I'm not sure what he was thinking, but it will make my job a lot easier. Now bow so we can get this over with." She felt numb. Sakura couldn't think, but her body seemed to move on it's own occurred, taking the bow then retreating back a handful of steps. Li Ping conjured a sword, much like the one Syaoran possessed, and held it at guard. She called forth her sword card for the second time that day. The drain on her magical powers was immense. The pervious challenge had left her all but spent, as well as injured by that fireball. She felt slightly light-headed now as she held the cold steel in her hand, but there was an underlying determination to succeed- if only so Syaoran could have the position he deserved. Ping initiated the first attack, charging towards her with a battle cry that shook the stones around them. His blade flew towards the Card Mistress, but was blocked expertly and Sakura leaned in for attack. Her target jumped back in time and she was forced to retreat as well. The battle continued as such for a few minutes. Steel clanged on steel and it would seem to any on-looker that the combatants were equally matched. Thus forth, neither had made a mark on the other. Unfortunately for the previously wounded Sakura, her skill was based of magical powers that were quickly diminishing. She blocked an under-cut from Ping and retreated back again, black spots of fatigue dancing across her vision. Tired. she was so tired. there was no way she would be able to keep this up. In the seconds that her mind had strayed from the fight, Ping's sword had sliced down onto her left hand. The attack wasn't noticed until too late; it was only blinding pain that informed Sakura she had been hit. A cry of pain escaped her lips as her sword fell to the ground with a clang and reverted to it's card form in a plum of some. Sakura scampered backwards, her breaths coming short and quick. Her hand was slick with blood- Ping's attack had been a good one that left a deep gash across the top of her fingers near the knuckles. Any deeper and it would have sliced through the bone beneath. She ripped a piece of fabric from the sleeve of Syaoran's robes, wrapping it around her hand as a sort of makeshift bandage. The injury was pounding, delivering shot after shot of searing hot pain to her brain. That, combined with her magically drained mind, was combining to form a cloak of peaceful black that surrounded her vision. Stumbling back a few more steps, Sakura felt the cold wall behind her back and leaned her back against it. Her breathing was even shallower than before and tears fell from her eyes as she clutched the wound to her chest. It burned like fire, making her wonder if her enemy's blade was equipped with some type of poison. Not that it matter, fatigue was overcoming her and her world began to go black. "Giving up so easily, Card Mistress?" That mocking voice, belonging to the only person in the world she actually hated, made her open her eyes. Ping was looming before her, sword in hand and smirk on face, ready to deliver the blow that would end this trail- or her life. "I thought I would get more a fight out of you." He raised the weapon and swung. But it collided with stone as Sakura rolled safely away, springing to her feet a distance away. Back in the battle, she kept her distance as he advanced on her, circling to always keep facing him. Ping was clearly amused, chuckling. Now he took the upper hand and began circling her, driving her back and back until her hand collided once again with the wall. The challenger took his time approaching her, knowing that Sakura had no hope for escape. . He reminded her of a cat toying with it's prey before it killed it with his only purpose to prolong her suffering for his own amusement. His advance was stopped when he was a sword's length from her. After reaching this position, Ping made no move to finish her off. Her merely stood there, looking at her with that same smug look. A plan of action flashed through Sakura's mind and she decided to follow through with it in a millisecond, seeing as how there was no other options. Bracing herself against the wall, she preformed a pop front-kick that knocked the blade from his hand. Shocked by her actions, he didn't react and she used these precious seconds to launch a second attack at his torso. Ping snapped from his shocked state more quickly than expect and caught her leg before it could make impact, using her moment against her as he threw her onto the floor. Sakura landed hard, the cold stones knocking the air out of her lungs. Desperately, she scrammed to her feet, wheezing for breath. The sword was too far away for a quick retrieval, and so the battle turned into hand to hand combat. The card mistress was at a horrible disadvantage here as well. For one, she was injured. Secondly, the only skills she knew were the very basic ones taught to her by her brother for self-defense purposes. These hadn't worked so well in the past, and she was dubious that they would work now. So Sakura chose her tactic- one of skirting the enemy. This worked reasonable well for a few seconds. Then Ping became frustrated and started using his magic. Only once before had she seen him use his powers, and she found now, to her horror, that he was incredibly powerful. He would be, and was, a force to be reckoned with when she was at her full power. But now that she was totally drained and exhausted. Sakura had no chance. With a graceful flick of his arm, Ping called his weapon back to him and the sword flew into his outstretched hand. A mumble word froze Sakura's feet to the ground and he was able to advance on her at his own pace. Coming to stop near her once again, he reached out and ruffly pushed her to the ground. With her feet still glued magically to the floor, her fall was an awkward one that nearly snapped her ankles and brought a fresh wave of pain burning up her arm. Looming over her, he raised his sword straight above his head, exaggerating his movements. Sakura could do nothing but close her eyes tightly and send up a final prayer for her friends and family as the blade whizzed through the air and punctured her side. She yelled out as pain became all she knew. Her hands flew down to the spot, expecting to find a sword protruding from her flesh but instead found nothing but a huge amount of a warm, sticky substance. Her state of mind became a very detached one then as she noticed a huge roar echo through the building. It sounded like the cry of a creature but it was, in fact, very distinguishable as that of a rage-filled human. Or brown haired Chinese warrior to be exactly. Syaoran had made a startling entrance into the room, only seconds after his cousin's blade had broken through the flesh of the Card Mistress's side. He let forth an enraged scream from his lips and darted at Ping, his sword already drawn, and knocked him sprawling halfway across the room with his sword far out of reach. Then, he advanced on him, his anger so great that it caused his figure to shake and wouldn't allow his legs to run. In fact, he couldn't even bring himself to yell. His threat came out in a deadly whisper, which was perhaps even more forceful than noise would have been. "I will kill you." He said simply, still walking with his sword in hand, "Damn it, I will kill you. Do you hear me, Ping? You die NOW!!" At the very last proclamation, he raised his sword and swung it down, the blade making a dent in the stone where Ping's head had lain only seconds before. "And while you do that," His cousin smirked, "Your Card Mistress bleeds to death on the cold stone floor." Syaoran glanced over his shoulder and, with a cold, creeping horror, noted just the type of danger Sakura was in. But it didn't cause him to spare the life of the boy before him in order to rush to her side, no. It merely fed the cold fury that drove him to vengeance. His blade flew before he was even conscious of having initiated the action, and it was heading directly for Ping. He could not escape now. The cold steel would slice easily through his tracheae, rendering him dead in an instant.. This would have been Li Ping's fate, had a magical shield cast by the watching elders not averted Syaoran's deathblow. "Li Syaoran." Echoed an angry, booming voice, "You appointed your champion, now do not intervene in her fate." He narrowed his eyes at them. "I'll be damned if I appointed her to this." He sneered, "You're mind tricks almost worked- almost. But not this time, damn it." He turned from the still breathing man at his feet, turned his back on the council of elders, and ran to the side of Sakura. The blow delivered by Ping had left a horrible gash on her side, one that would, in the ordinary world, be a fatal wound. She had lost so much blood already that it seemed unlikely. He shook his head quickly, gathering Sakura into his arms gently. She stirred slightly, opening her eyes and gazing at him with a look of distant recognition. Her lips parted and she attempted to speak, but a thin trickle of bright red blood came out instead of words. Sakura coughed, the action racking her body, and a mouthful of thick, red liquid splattered onto the stones. "Shh. Sakura stay with me." Syaoran muttered, smoothing her hair back from her sweaty forehead. He placed his other hand on her wound and applied pressure, closing his eyes as he did so. An organ of some type had been punctured, he wasn't sure if he could. But he had to try. Her breaths came in short, wheezing gasps and the stream of blood continued to trickle from the side of her mouth. Syaoran forced himself to concentrate as he channeled all his magic into her, bidding the tissue to rebind and close the atrocious gash in her side. He kept at it until he felt fatigued by the effort, forcing himself this time to stop. Opening his eyes to view the effects of his word, he was relieved to see the laceration diminished to a raw scar. Syaoran looked back at Sakura's face, wiping the blood from her mouth with a sleeve. "Pull through Sakura, I know you can." He whispered to her, cradling her head in his arms. She was still taking in wheezing breaths and her eyes were once again closed. "Please Sakura, this is something you have to." "Li Xiao Lang." The voice of the elder cut into his encouragement and he looked up grudgingly. "Arise and step forward." He did so, Sakura's limp form cradled against his chest. Ping was standing as well and he looked very please with himself. Very pleased indeed. "Your chosen warrior has failed to defend your position, Xiao Lang." The grave voice continued. "Therefore, upon his eighteenth birthday, Li Ping shall become the leader of the honorable Li-clan." "No!" The weak, half-muffled voice was Sakura's. Her hands balled in the fabric of his shirt, her protest could barely be heard. "No, please! Syaoran, I'm so sorry. I failed you and now." "Sakura, shh." He soothed, laying a hand on her head. "It wasn't that important. There are things that mattered more." Her response was a strangle sob, but the elders ignored her feeble objections and continued. "Ping, as the future leader of the Li clan make your request of Xiao Lang and have him assert to your position." The hated man turned to Syaoran and his burden. "My request of you, dear cousin." He started, "Is for you to hand onto me the Cards of the Cl. no, the Card Mistress. I wish for you to hand onto me the Card Mistress as token of your acknowledgement of my appointment of clan leader." Syaoran felt the girl in his arms go stiff at that, her hands tightening their grip on his shirt. He held her tighter, the look on his face possessive. "No." "Consider your words wisely, Xiao Lang." Ordered an elder. "Your defiance is blasphemy against this clan. Continuing as such will cause you to be disowned from this family." He glared at them. "You can't have her." "So be it. Under the witness of all present, you, Xiao Lang, are hereby expelled from this clan and may never return here again or attempt to communicate with any member of this clan. You and the Card Mistress are to leave these ground immediately." But Syaoran was already halfway across the room and reaching for the door that would take him and Sakura safely out of the room. In the hallway beyond, Touya, Yukito, and Tomoyo were gathered, all waiting anxiously. As Syaoran stepped through the door, he wordlessly deposited Sakura into her brother's arms, now unconscious, and gently detached her fingers from his shirt. "Wait for me outside, I'll be with you shortly. I have some things to pack."
**** ****
"He was disowned? He's not aloud to see his family at all, ever?" Sakura questioned her friend, a look of horror spreading onto her face. "I. why hasn't anyone told me before?" It was two weeks after her battle with Ping and she was enjoying her first day home. Although Syaoran's magic truly had saved her life, there were still some issues that the doctors had to work out. They were bemused by her injured, but her father had made up a semi-acceptable explanation. And in all this time she had not seen or heard anything of Syaoran. Tomoyo looked saddened by her friend's reaction. "You were still recovering and we didn't think it would be good to risk getting yourself worked up over it." She sank down into the chair, covering her face with her hands. Along the length of the finger of her right hand was a long scar. "I can't face him now, I can't." She exclaimed, "Tomoyo, I feel terrible. This is all my fault, if I never would have." "Sakura, stop this instant." Her friend fixed her with a sharp look. "Li- kun doesn't regret it that much and he certainly doesn't blame you for it. And he's waiting in the park for you, so you'd better go find him." "But I. Tomoyo." Her friend pulled her too her feet, careful of her still sore arm. "Sakura Kinomoto, you'd better go to him this instant." "I will." She said with some reluctance, then smiled, "Thank-you Tomoyo." In the park, Sakura found him standing near the swing set that had been a treasured place during their childhood days. His back was too her as he observed the structure, obviously lost in past memories. She walked over and stood by his side without making a sound. Syaoran looked up when he heard her walk over, a rare smile lighting his face. "Please tell me you're alright." He said, his voice a near whisper She nodded, "I'm fine." "I'm sorry." His sudden apology took her by surprise. "What? Syaoran-kun, why." "For everything." He answered, "For not believing you and causing you so much pain. For taking you to China and making you go through all that, for letting you wear those damn robes. Sakura, I had not intention of making you fight against Ping. I. I didn't even remember about the symbolism of those robes until Mei-ling mention it. But most of all, I regret.." His voice dropped off and didn't finish his sentence. "What, Syaoran?" Sakura wondered, whispering since he was doing so as well. He looked torn. "I don't want to say it. It might just cause you pain and I don't want to hurt you anymore. But I have to tell you." He squeezed his eyes shut for a few seconds then let them fly open, almost blinding her with amber. As he began to speak again, Syaoran never let his eyes leave hers. "The thing I regret most is never telling you how much I care for you. Letting you go through that trial thinking I didn't love you was the stupidest thing I've ever done because. I love you Sakura. With all my heart and soul and I could never." Syaoran didn't get a chance to say anymore because Sakura had jumped on him with a childish squeal of joy, wrapping her arms around his neck. She then pressed her lips against his and for a few, blissful minuets they were lost in each other. The kiss was finally ended due to lack of air and the two just stood there, still locked in each other's arms. "Syaoran, I've never been so happy." Sakura whispered, "Why did you think this would hurt me?" "Because I'm not done yet. There's two more things." He stepped back from her embrace and reached into the breast pocket of his shirt, pulling from it a small box. Syaoran opened it and pulled from it a delicate ring set with a tiny diamond. Holding the adornment in his palm for her to see, he continued breathlessly, "It's a promise ring. Will you. will you wear it?" Tears of happiness were welling in her eyes and her voice would barely come. She was only able to squeak, "Of course!" and watch in amazement as he slipped the ring onto the third finger of her left hand. "Oh Syaoran, it's beautiful!" She exclaimed, hugging him again. He returned the embrace tightly. "I wanted you to have so you wouldn't forget me when. Sakura, I'm not staying in Japan." And the happy, fluttering feeling left her, only to be replaced by a chilling coldness that rushed through her veins. "Where." His hold on her tightened once again. "To England. I'm going to be staying with Eriol to. train. With Ping as the head of the. never mind, that's not important. But Sakura, I will be back. I swear it. I know last time I said. but this will be different." "I'll come with you." She said immediately. "Eriol can help me too and." "No. You need to stay here with your family and friends." Syaoran retreated a few centimeters so he could look down into her eyes and he placed a hand on her cheek. "If you don't want the ring now, I'd understand." She shook her head in denial but couldn't bring herself to speak. Despite her best attempts to keep them in check, tears were forming in her eyes. He looked away from her when he noticed the teardrops. "I told you I'd hurt you again." He muttered, eyes downcast and voice ashamed. "You didn't hurt me, I'm just sad." She replied, forcing a smile. Again she embraced him and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Go train Syaoran. I'll be waiting for you when you come back."
-THE END-
There! It's done. Thank-you all for sticking with this and I apologize for the delays that have made some people very angry. An idea for a sequel is floating around in my head, but it probably won't come out. It's best to just end it here, I think, and let you all create your own happily ever after. Or if you want one let me know and I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the patience and reviews- this is Truly Hope signing off.
"She's not here yet, is she?" Touya Kinomoto was on the edge, and annoyed, both of which were not combinations for a good attitude. He scanned the crowed Hong Kong airport, willing the girl he sought to appear so he could get on with things and go to his little sister. Besides him, Yuki was munching on a bag of peanuts he'd received on the plane. "You mean Daidoji-san?" He wondered patiently. "Yes Daidoji-san." He replied between gritted teeth. "Where is that girl? She has her own privet jet, how could she be late!!" "Relax, Touya." His friend advised, "It's just a few minuets." Considering for a few seconds, he added, "Something else is bothering you, right?" Touya heaved a sigh, he had been figured out. Leave it to Yukito to always know what you were thinking. "You remember the man sitting across from us on the plane?" "Yes." "Well he. I don't know, I just a got a bad feeling from him. Was it just me or did he look like that gaki?" He nodded in agreement, "He did look like Li-san. But he has lots of relatives here, right?" "How should I know?" He grumbled back, fixing his eyes back on the crowd and abandoning the conversation. "If she isn't here in five minuets, I'll just find that gaki's house myself.". "Touya-san, Yukito-san!!!" The pair glanced up and saw a slim, dark haired girl making her own path through the crowded airport. Behind her followed a handful of airport personal, all loaded down with baggage. "I'm sorry we were late, Touya-san." Tomoyo addressed him as soon as she was close enough to notice his fowl attitude. "There was a storm over the sea and the plane was blow slightly off course so we had to reroute and." "Fine, fine." He interrupted impatiently, "Let's just go find Sakura." Yuki smiled at him, "So nice to see that Sakura has such a caring brother." Touya refused to rise to the bait and instead turned to examine the mass of luggage pilling up around his sister's best friend. "Did you bring the whole store, Daidoji-san?" He wondered sarcastically, "We are only here for a few days." "I know, but I brought the costumes I made for Sakura!!" Her eyes went sparkling and soon she was lost in her own little world. He cleared his throat. "We should go, right Daidoji-san?" "Huh?" Tomoyo wondered, snapping out of her daydream, "Oh, hai. Mei- ling should be here soon." Seconds after that was said, a high-pitch yell cut through the noisy airport, causing many people to wince and cover their ears. "TOMOYO-CHAN, OVER HERE!!!!!!" Both men were gapping, open mouthed, at the noisy girl coming their way. Tomoyo, however, just smiled her closed-eyed smile and ran over to meet her. "Mei-ling-chan, how are you?" She wondered as the two embraced. "Doing okay, you?" "Alright." They turned and started walking back towards Touya and Yukito. "I haven't been home in a long time." Mei-ling said in a whisper, "But Syaoran called me a few nights ago to tell me about." She was silent for a seconds gap, obviously distressed. "How is Sakura handling. Syaoran wouldn't tell me much besides the facts." Tomoyo shook her head, "She was devastated. The worst part was that when she told Li-kun who. well. he didn't believe her." Her face pinched with anger, "He. what?!" She nodded sadly, "You know who." Mei-ling nodded, "I guess he and Li-kun were close as children and Li-kun. he wouldn't believe that he could ever." "Ping and Syaoran were close." She replied sadly, "I just can't believe he'd ever doubt Sakura." "I couldn't either. He discovered the truth and talked to Sakura-chan about it. I don't know what happened after that, because Li-kun brought her to Hong Kong, but I do know his support will mean the world to her." There was a slight silence, after which Mei-ling mumbled, more to herself than anyone, "It makes me sick to even be a Li." They reached Touya and Yukito, finally, and Tomoyo made quick introductions. "Let's go to the car now, Syaoran's not expecting us but that's more of a surprise for him." Mei-ling announced, as she turned and walked towards the front of the building. Tomoyo was as her side and the two men behind them. Suddenly, the designer stopped in her tracks and gripped onto the other girl's hand. "Tomoyo." Mei-ling started, her tone worried. But the second girl's face was transparent and her eyes huge. Her hand went to her mouth, horror etching itself on all her features. "That's not. Oh my god Mei-ling.it's him. " She looked in the direction Tomoyo was starring and her eyes widened as well. But it was anger that lined her face, soon fading to urgency. Both girls had somehow managed to pick the figure of Li Ping from the crowd. "Bastard." Mei-ling breathed, her posture suggesting she desperately wanted to use the man as a punching bag. However, she restrained herself and broke into a run. All three behind her followed, Touya and Yukito not knowing the cause for the sudden crisis. "Syaoran doesn't know he's coming." Mei-ling panted between breaths, "The elders. I'm sure he's part of Sakura's challenge and. we have to hurry!!" They bolted through the front door and tumbled into the waiting car. Mei-ling spoke a few hasty words to the driver and then they were off, speeding away towards the Li mansion.
*********
The youngest of the Li sisters led Sakura, flanked by Syaoran, down a long, dark hall. The Card Mistress walked almost mechanically, her steps always the same distance apart and her head dropped down as if the flagstones below were extremely interesting. Syaoran seemed to be looking straight ahead, yet he was really watching the girl at his side carefully. She was nervous and extremely tense, scare too, although there was more physical evidence of the previous two. Not that it matter- Sakura was a wreck and she'd never be able to fight successfully. He felt horrible for her. She'd gone through so much already and been so strong. If at all possible, he'd take this burden from her and complete the task himself. However, that was impossible and the only use he would be to her would be as some type of moral support. She'd never looked as young and frail as she did now, wearing his green ceremonial robes. The color, along with the lack of lighting in the hall, contrasted her unusually pale complex, giving her a ghostly appearance. And the attire was too large, all but hanging off her form and making her look so slight. Plus her expression. the eyes he loved where now all but dead, no sparkling light could be found there now. Sakura truly did look like a ghost of her former self. I swear. Syaoran thought, I swear by my family name and every god I know that once she gets through this, and she will get through this, I will do everything in my power to make her better. I don't care what it takes, I'll do anything and everything. But that promise would come into play later. Now they had to focus on the present and his main duty now was getting her through her trail. She won't be able to concentrate on her trial if she's this worked up over it. He observed, a frown pulling at the corners of his mouth. If only there were some way to help her relax. An idea popped suddenly into his mind, causing a slight blush to cover his cheeks. I hope this works. He wasn't as naïve as he'd been at then, Syaoran had learned a lot of things since those blushing, bumbling days. Namely about Sakura. Namely the effect Sakura had on him. During those happy, no blissful days had spent with Sakura at his side, her power over him became obvious. By just smiling at him, she could make him go weak in knees. Never mind if she actually hugged him. But Syaoran was wiser now and he realized that he had the same effect on her. And when employed correctly, these tactics certainly could make her forget about the upcoming test. Syaoran felt a little guilty at the thought but he agreed with himself that he wasn't playing with her because well, plainly, he loved her. He just hadn't told her yet. So it was all right, and he promised himself that he would proclaim his feeling right after she passed the test. But for now. He took her hand suddenly, noticing how cold it was. Sakura jumped slightly and looked up at him, forcing herself to smile. "I'm okay, Syaoran." It was like she read his thoughts, but that was impossible. "No you're not." He whispered, his voice sounding close to her ear, "You need to relax, Sakura." She couldn't even respond to that, his proximity ad the tone of his voice was making her giddy. No, she would not fall into that self-set trap. Sakura forced herself to smile, "I'm as relaxed as I can be, considering the situation." "I don't think that's true." He replied, voice ringing in her ears. She felt his a hand go to her shoulder, the other one still clutched around her hand. "Just breath. You can't fight like this. I want you to take deep breaths and concentrate on something beside this." Just as a precaution, he allowed some of his magic to mix with her aura, sending her into an almost dream-like state. Like you holding my hand? But she did take deep, calming breaths, forcing her mind to think of her friends and family. Her dad lecturing at the University, Tomoyo and her camera, her Onii-chan glaring at poor Syaoran. Syaoran glaring back with his beautiful eyes. Syaoran almost chuckled as he noticed his suggestion to Sakura working. Her shoulders were relaxing, allowing her body to slump gently and lean on him for support. Of course he didn't mind and looped his arm around her shoulder to keep her in place. His sister happened to glance back at the pair, a small, sad smile crossing her face. She stopped walking and turned to face her brother. "Here you are, Xiao Lang." Then she added, "Ying Fa is strong, she'll make it." "I know." He responded, withdrawing his spell from her as his sister walked away. Syaoran shook her shoulder gently, calling. "Sakura." His voice interrupted her thoughts. Snapping from her daydream and into reality, she noticed Syaoran's sister had left them and they were now standing outside a huge wooden door. The brief peace she had found left her, allowing a cold rush of fear to take its place. And just as she was about to plunge herself into the black pit of fear, Syaoran hugged her tightly to his chest. "Don't you dare start that, Kinomoto." He said, his voice muffled by her hair, "Because you are the Card Mistress. You passed the Final Trial and defeated the reincarnation of Clow Reed." He withdrew a few steps so he could look her in the eyes, his hand still firmly clamped on her shoulder, "You can beat them. You will beat them just like you beat every other enemy that came in your way. This is no different." Again, Syaoran embraced her, this time gently, "Besides, the all power Card Mistress has never lost before. I have faith in you, Sakura. You can do this." She hugged him back, tightly, resting her head on his chest for a few seconds. "Thank-you, Syaoran." She whispered, "You don't know how much that means to me." Sakura pulled back from him and took a deep, calming breath. "Go in. I'll be watching the challenge, even if you can't see me." With a shaky smile, Sakura pulled open the heavy door and walked inside, closing it behind herself. Syaoran stayed standing outside for a few minuets, breathing deep and trying to convince himself that he had done the right thing by asking her to come here. She could pass any trial they put in her way, he knew she could, but that didn't explain the sense of foreboding that loomed over the entire event. He was finally able to pull himself away from the door and start down the hall, heading to a small room off the chamber in which the trial was taking place. Here he could watch Sakura and give her support, although she wouldn't be able to see her. Syaoran was just passing through the main entrance of the house when he heard a loud argument from the entry hall. He dismissed it and was about to walk on to his destination, but he recognized the loud, annoying voice. "What do you mean I can't go inside?!? This is MY HOME!!" A mumble from one of the servants was heard, though not loud enough to be distinguished. "I don't care WHAT is going on, I want you to let my friends and me INSIDE!!!" He made his way over, opened a side door, and stopped short at what he saw before him. As he suspected, Mei-Ling was there but she had people with her. Touya, Yukito, and Tomoyo, to be exact. Inwardly, Syaoran groaned, hoping desperately that Sakura was too busy to notice their presence. "What the hell are you doing here?" He demanded of his cousin, who looked up in shock at his sudden entrance. But the shock soon turned to annoyance. "Hello to you too." She growled back at him, then yelled, "AND WHY DOESN'T ANYONE UNDERSTAND THAT I LIVE HERE TOO!!" Tomoyo put a hand on the girl's shoulder and looked over to Syaoran. "Li- kun, we came to see Sakura before her trial." "It's too late, her trial's starting as we speak." He replied shortly, ignoring the dirty looks he was receiving from Touya. "Well, come on. I'll take you to where we can watch her." Without another word, he turned and started walking quickly down a side passage. Mei-ling was the only one brave enough to approach him, since he was so obviously in a bad mood. "Syaoran, what is you problem? I think Sakura would have been happy to see them before." "That's not what I'm worried about." He mumbled, increasing his pace. "As it is, this trial is worrying Sakura a great deal, she's a mess. If she loses her concentration over anything, she'll get so worked up that she won't be able to focus on her task. I'm afraid that's what she'll do if she happens to feel the presence of everyone here." "I see." She mumbled, "but the chamber is warded, right?" He let out a huge sigh, "That's what I'm counting on." His cousin stopped walking very suddenly, horror spreading onto her face. "O my. I can't believe I forgot!! Syaoran, at the airport we saw Ping." "Ping?!" He exclaimed, "Leaving, coming, what?!" "He was coming, here I think." Mei-ling said nervously, "Do you think Sakura." "It's for her challenge, I know it is." He mumbled, "I promised her he wouldn't be here. Damn it, why is everything so hard!!"
**********
Stepping into that room was the strangest sensation Sakura had ever experienced. It was like everything outside of the room disappeared from her magical vision. Like before she had felt Syaoran's aura just wavering on the edge of her senses, and now it was gone completely. That was disappointing- having contact with at least a part of him was comforting. Inside the room, everything was dark save a single circle illuminated by what seemed to be some kind of magical spotlight. Besides that she could see nothing. Sakura decided to play it safe and called her wand forth immediately, her hand resting on the pouch that contained her cards.
With that done, she walked forward hesitantly. A strong, somewhat familiar voice echoed through the desolate chamber. "Step forward, Card Mistress." She obeyed, assuming that she was supposed to stand under the spotlight. Glancing around the room again, she noticed slight shadows arranged around the room, twelve of them in all- the exact number of elders in the Li council. "Card Mistress Sakura, we are preparing to initiate your trail. Are you ready?" "Yes" She called out, making her voice sound loud and strong. "I am ready." She couldn't tell who was speaking, but the smirk in his voice was obvious, "Then let the trial begin." The light above her snapped off and for a few long seconds, nothing happened. Then, she heard something large moving towards her and instinctively called forth the shield card, followed by glow to light the area. What she standing there shocked her- it was Kero, transformed into his true form. "Kero?" She asked uncertainly, not sure what he was doing here. "Sakura, I'm sorry I couldn't arrive with you." He said in a deep growl, "I'm hear to help you with your trial." The Card Mistress was confused as she looked the creature over. Hadn't Syaoran said that she would be facing this alone? He hadn't actually said it, but it had been implied. And how had Kero gotten inside? Truthfully, he didn't fell like Kero- but then nothing felt like anything inside this horrible room. It was like a damper had been put on her aura sensing powers. "How did you get in here, Kero?" She wondered, a little suspicious. "Syaoran told me I wouldn't be getting any help." Something that sounded like a chuckle emerged from the lion's mouth. "That Li brat lies, you know he does Sakura." "Not now, Kero." She scolded. "I know you don't like Syaoran, but now's not the time." "But Sakura, I want to talk about the Li brat." Kero insisted. "He lies, mistress." Her eyes narrowed, her suspicion growing. She had a growing feeling in the pit of her stomach that this wasn't Kero, but some illusion from the elders. Yes, she had been warned against their powers of illusion. "He wouldn't lie to me." Sakura replied stonily, "I believe every word he told me. And you aren't Kero." With that declaration, a shroud of smoke, changing his golden features to black, surrounded the beast before her. It laughed, cackled actually, and fixed her with wicked grin. "You're right, I'm not Kero. But let's talk about Li. You truly believe everything he has told you?" "Yes." She answered stonily. "Then you are a fool." The beast hissed at her, "He has told you nothing but lies and those lies have led to horrible things. It seems strange how you have so much faith in him, yet his faith in you is limited." Again, Sakura faced the beast. The small balls of light floating around the scene cast shadows onto her face, blackening her eyes and making them look very dangerous indeed. "You're lying." He fixed her with a curious look, "Are you certain? Think, Card Mistress. Think very, very hard. He hated you when you first met, it's obvious he did. And you think that all that hate would just disappear over the years? You must admit, Card Mistress, that there inevitably must be some trace of that hatred left in Li Syaoran." "What does this have to do with anything?!" She demanded. "Ah, so you agree with me?" The black Kero chuckled. Sakura glared, "I never said that." "He doesn't love you." The comment was so sudden, that she was caught off guard by it. That and the fact that she had thought it more than once in the past few weeks. She took an involuntary step backwards, giving the creature room to advance. "He doesn't love you." He repeated, "He thinks of you as a child, because you often act like one. I know what you're thinking and he hugged you before you entered into this challenge so you would win. A lot is ridding on you success here, much more than you could even imagine. If you lose, he will lose everything- his family, his friends, his honor. It would ruin him; I know you'd hate to see that happen." "Which I why I'm not going to lose to you!" She yelled at the creature defiantly. He smirked, "But he does not love you." Everything time that phrase was spoken, if cut deeper and deeper into her heart, only because she was starting to believe it was true. After all, what had happened when she told him she loved him? He had done nothing but stand there. It had been Tomoyo speaking, but still. It was a sure sign, it must be. Syaoran didn't love her anymore. The wound was one that hurt her terribly. But despite that, she would fight. "Ah." Black-Kero laughed, "You agree with me. I see I am making some progress." "Yes." Sakura replied. She had been overcome suddenly with a drowsy sensation and she sank to her knees. "Yes, you're right."
********
"God damn it no!!" Syaoran hit the glass with his fists in frustration, causing the structure to shake violently. The small room in which the five were seated was joined to the chamber by a one way mirror- one, which they could see out of but Sakura could not see into. She was falling for it, he could tell. Under the persuasion of the Kero who was not really Kero she was beginning to doubt herself and fall prey to the elder's trap. He was cursing them for doing this, cursing himself for leaving this doubt in her mind. Syaoran knew he should have told her- then there would be no problem. But he hadn't. His anger left suddenly and he leaned his forehead onto the glass. "Please Sakura," he whispered, "Trust yourself, just trust me. You can overcome this, I know you can."
********* It was the strangest sensation, like a bolt running up her back. It made her jump to her feet and glare at animal before her. "Maybe Syaoran doesn't love me," she shouted, "But I'm not going to let him down. Fiery, release!" Hearing it's mistress's call, the card burst into animation and swept throughout the room covering the creature in flames. The Kero look-alike roared in pain and charged at her, running into the shield card. "Fiery, return!" Sakura commanded, "Sword release, Shield return!" In a frenzy of movement, the cards complied and she was left standing in the middle of the room, sword in her hand. He jumped at her and she swiped at him with exceptional grace. Unfortunately, he was like Kero in every way but color. Dark fireballs rushed from his mouth, right towards her. They flew with such speed that Sakura didn't even realize what they were before it was too late. The first of the attack caught her in the arm, making her drop sword. She collapsed to her knees, clutching the burn mark on her arm. "Sword." It jumped back into her hand and the Card Mistress struggled to her feet. Weapon outstretched, she charged at the animal, striking at it with all her magical and physical strength. The blade struck home and slice through the rough skin of the back. With an anguished scream, Black-Kero disappeared in a puff of smoke and Sakura fell to her knees, attempting to nurse her wound. Lights in the room snapped on suddenly, showing the whole of the area. It was made completely of stone and very tall. On the far end was a platform, on which the twelve elders were now sitting. "Card Mistress Sakura," One started, "You have passed your trial."
***********
"She did it! She did it!! Sakura, I knew you could do it!!!" Tomoyo exclaimed, jumping up in down in excitement for her friend. Mei-ling joined her and the two girls bounced around for some time. Yukito smiled approvingly, looking out the window at the obviously relieved girl kneeling before the elders. But Touya, despite his sister's success, was not overjoyed. His eyes were fixed on the young Chinese warrior standing at the window. The expression on Li's face was not happy, or even pleased. He was worried. "That was too easy." He mumbled to the glass. Unfortunately, Touya was listening, "What do you mean that was too easy?! She was almost killed!!" Syaoran spun around, his face grim. "I know my clan and I know what type of punishments they give. That was too easy, there's something more too it." He changed his pendant into this sword, although it wouldn't do him any good if he couldn't even get into the room.
**********
"Now we shall begin the second part of this ceremony." Sakura's head jerked up, fixing the elder before her with a puzzled gaze. Second part of. what else do I have to do?! "Li Ping, enter and make your plea." She all but froze where she knelt, uninjured arm still clinging to the injured one. Her eyes widened at the sight of him standing before her, dressed in a larger size of the exact same robes she wore. He looked menacing as he strode into the room, coming to stand next to her and bow to the men before them. Before starting his speech, Ping spared a second to cast a gaze down at her. He was smirking, shaking his head as his eyes laughed at her. Something was going to happen. "Elders, I beseech you," He started, "I have completed the task you have assigned to me and now I ask for the conditions you gave." Sakura wanted to shrink away from him, but she forced herself not to move. An elder nodded, "Make your challenge, Li Ping." He nodded. "I, Li Ping, under permission from the council of elders, challenge the position of Li Xiao Lang, chosen leader of the Li Clan. Through this proposed duel may it be seen, which man may rise to the condition." His last words echoed through the room until they were nothing but whispers. It wasn't until all was quiet that Sung-shi stood. His tone was sinister as he announced, "It is obvious that Li Xiao Lang has chosen Kinomoto Sakura to defend his title. Take your places and show respects."
**************
A loud thump echoed through the small room, the result of Touya slamming Syaoran ruffly into the stone wall. "What the hell were you thinking?!" He demanded in a dangerously low tone. "You said you loved her, then you volunteered her to fight that bastard in your place?! Damn it, I don't even have any words for you." Syaoran pulled himself free, looking more frantic than anyone had ever seen him. "I didn't. They never informed me that Ping would challenge me." He looked towards his cousin, "There must be some mistake! Mei-ling, what." "Who gave her those robes, Syaoran?" She asked carefully. "They're mine, I gave them to her of course." He trailed off and look of pure horror flooded onto his face. "The robes. Oh god, I didn't even think." Touya was glaring from one Li to the other. "Didn't think what?" Mei-ling bowed her head slightly. "The robes are a symbol of our clan. When worn in combat by any besides one of the clan, it symbolizes their appointment to fight by the clan member." Once again, Sakura's older brother was reaching for the collar of Syaoran's shirt. "Damn you, Gaki. To think you ever, ever cared for her at all! I swear, I will." "Touya, stop!!" Tomoyo was pushing him back, her face white with horror as well. "Li-kun didn't know, you have to believe him. He would never hurt Sakura-chan like that. And now you need to let him go he can go help her!" Grudgingly, Touya stopped in his attempts to strangle the younger boy before him and instead shoved him not at all gently towards the door. "Get going, Gaki."
************
"What!" Sakura exclaimed in shock. Her voice was just a whisper, but Ping still heard. Grinning evilly, he turned to her and whispered back, "Xiao Lang appointed you to fight in his place by giving you those robes. I'm not sure what he was thinking, but it will make my job a lot easier. Now bow so we can get this over with." She felt numb. Sakura couldn't think, but her body seemed to move on it's own occurred, taking the bow then retreating back a handful of steps. Li Ping conjured a sword, much like the one Syaoran possessed, and held it at guard. She called forth her sword card for the second time that day. The drain on her magical powers was immense. The pervious challenge had left her all but spent, as well as injured by that fireball. She felt slightly light-headed now as she held the cold steel in her hand, but there was an underlying determination to succeed- if only so Syaoran could have the position he deserved. Ping initiated the first attack, charging towards her with a battle cry that shook the stones around them. His blade flew towards the Card Mistress, but was blocked expertly and Sakura leaned in for attack. Her target jumped back in time and she was forced to retreat as well. The battle continued as such for a few minutes. Steel clanged on steel and it would seem to any on-looker that the combatants were equally matched. Thus forth, neither had made a mark on the other. Unfortunately for the previously wounded Sakura, her skill was based of magical powers that were quickly diminishing. She blocked an under-cut from Ping and retreated back again, black spots of fatigue dancing across her vision. Tired. she was so tired. there was no way she would be able to keep this up. In the seconds that her mind had strayed from the fight, Ping's sword had sliced down onto her left hand. The attack wasn't noticed until too late; it was only blinding pain that informed Sakura she had been hit. A cry of pain escaped her lips as her sword fell to the ground with a clang and reverted to it's card form in a plum of some. Sakura scampered backwards, her breaths coming short and quick. Her hand was slick with blood- Ping's attack had been a good one that left a deep gash across the top of her fingers near the knuckles. Any deeper and it would have sliced through the bone beneath. She ripped a piece of fabric from the sleeve of Syaoran's robes, wrapping it around her hand as a sort of makeshift bandage. The injury was pounding, delivering shot after shot of searing hot pain to her brain. That, combined with her magically drained mind, was combining to form a cloak of peaceful black that surrounded her vision. Stumbling back a few more steps, Sakura felt the cold wall behind her back and leaned her back against it. Her breathing was even shallower than before and tears fell from her eyes as she clutched the wound to her chest. It burned like fire, making her wonder if her enemy's blade was equipped with some type of poison. Not that it matter, fatigue was overcoming her and her world began to go black. "Giving up so easily, Card Mistress?" That mocking voice, belonging to the only person in the world she actually hated, made her open her eyes. Ping was looming before her, sword in hand and smirk on face, ready to deliver the blow that would end this trail- or her life. "I thought I would get more a fight out of you." He raised the weapon and swung. But it collided with stone as Sakura rolled safely away, springing to her feet a distance away. Back in the battle, she kept her distance as he advanced on her, circling to always keep facing him. Ping was clearly amused, chuckling. Now he took the upper hand and began circling her, driving her back and back until her hand collided once again with the wall. The challenger took his time approaching her, knowing that Sakura had no hope for escape. . He reminded her of a cat toying with it's prey before it killed it with his only purpose to prolong her suffering for his own amusement. His advance was stopped when he was a sword's length from her. After reaching this position, Ping made no move to finish her off. Her merely stood there, looking at her with that same smug look. A plan of action flashed through Sakura's mind and she decided to follow through with it in a millisecond, seeing as how there was no other options. Bracing herself against the wall, she preformed a pop front-kick that knocked the blade from his hand. Shocked by her actions, he didn't react and she used these precious seconds to launch a second attack at his torso. Ping snapped from his shocked state more quickly than expect and caught her leg before it could make impact, using her moment against her as he threw her onto the floor. Sakura landed hard, the cold stones knocking the air out of her lungs. Desperately, she scrammed to her feet, wheezing for breath. The sword was too far away for a quick retrieval, and so the battle turned into hand to hand combat. The card mistress was at a horrible disadvantage here as well. For one, she was injured. Secondly, the only skills she knew were the very basic ones taught to her by her brother for self-defense purposes. These hadn't worked so well in the past, and she was dubious that they would work now. So Sakura chose her tactic- one of skirting the enemy. This worked reasonable well for a few seconds. Then Ping became frustrated and started using his magic. Only once before had she seen him use his powers, and she found now, to her horror, that he was incredibly powerful. He would be, and was, a force to be reckoned with when she was at her full power. But now that she was totally drained and exhausted. Sakura had no chance. With a graceful flick of his arm, Ping called his weapon back to him and the sword flew into his outstretched hand. A mumble word froze Sakura's feet to the ground and he was able to advance on her at his own pace. Coming to stop near her once again, he reached out and ruffly pushed her to the ground. With her feet still glued magically to the floor, her fall was an awkward one that nearly snapped her ankles and brought a fresh wave of pain burning up her arm. Looming over her, he raised his sword straight above his head, exaggerating his movements. Sakura could do nothing but close her eyes tightly and send up a final prayer for her friends and family as the blade whizzed through the air and punctured her side. She yelled out as pain became all she knew. Her hands flew down to the spot, expecting to find a sword protruding from her flesh but instead found nothing but a huge amount of a warm, sticky substance. Her state of mind became a very detached one then as she noticed a huge roar echo through the building. It sounded like the cry of a creature but it was, in fact, very distinguishable as that of a rage-filled human. Or brown haired Chinese warrior to be exactly. Syaoran had made a startling entrance into the room, only seconds after his cousin's blade had broken through the flesh of the Card Mistress's side. He let forth an enraged scream from his lips and darted at Ping, his sword already drawn, and knocked him sprawling halfway across the room with his sword far out of reach. Then, he advanced on him, his anger so great that it caused his figure to shake and wouldn't allow his legs to run. In fact, he couldn't even bring himself to yell. His threat came out in a deadly whisper, which was perhaps even more forceful than noise would have been. "I will kill you." He said simply, still walking with his sword in hand, "Damn it, I will kill you. Do you hear me, Ping? You die NOW!!" At the very last proclamation, he raised his sword and swung it down, the blade making a dent in the stone where Ping's head had lain only seconds before. "And while you do that," His cousin smirked, "Your Card Mistress bleeds to death on the cold stone floor." Syaoran glanced over his shoulder and, with a cold, creeping horror, noted just the type of danger Sakura was in. But it didn't cause him to spare the life of the boy before him in order to rush to her side, no. It merely fed the cold fury that drove him to vengeance. His blade flew before he was even conscious of having initiated the action, and it was heading directly for Ping. He could not escape now. The cold steel would slice easily through his tracheae, rendering him dead in an instant.. This would have been Li Ping's fate, had a magical shield cast by the watching elders not averted Syaoran's deathblow. "Li Syaoran." Echoed an angry, booming voice, "You appointed your champion, now do not intervene in her fate." He narrowed his eyes at them. "I'll be damned if I appointed her to this." He sneered, "You're mind tricks almost worked- almost. But not this time, damn it." He turned from the still breathing man at his feet, turned his back on the council of elders, and ran to the side of Sakura. The blow delivered by Ping had left a horrible gash on her side, one that would, in the ordinary world, be a fatal wound. She had lost so much blood already that it seemed unlikely. He shook his head quickly, gathering Sakura into his arms gently. She stirred slightly, opening her eyes and gazing at him with a look of distant recognition. Her lips parted and she attempted to speak, but a thin trickle of bright red blood came out instead of words. Sakura coughed, the action racking her body, and a mouthful of thick, red liquid splattered onto the stones. "Shh. Sakura stay with me." Syaoran muttered, smoothing her hair back from her sweaty forehead. He placed his other hand on her wound and applied pressure, closing his eyes as he did so. An organ of some type had been punctured, he wasn't sure if he could. But he had to try. Her breaths came in short, wheezing gasps and the stream of blood continued to trickle from the side of her mouth. Syaoran forced himself to concentrate as he channeled all his magic into her, bidding the tissue to rebind and close the atrocious gash in her side. He kept at it until he felt fatigued by the effort, forcing himself this time to stop. Opening his eyes to view the effects of his word, he was relieved to see the laceration diminished to a raw scar. Syaoran looked back at Sakura's face, wiping the blood from her mouth with a sleeve. "Pull through Sakura, I know you can." He whispered to her, cradling her head in his arms. She was still taking in wheezing breaths and her eyes were once again closed. "Please Sakura, this is something you have to." "Li Xiao Lang." The voice of the elder cut into his encouragement and he looked up grudgingly. "Arise and step forward." He did so, Sakura's limp form cradled against his chest. Ping was standing as well and he looked very please with himself. Very pleased indeed. "Your chosen warrior has failed to defend your position, Xiao Lang." The grave voice continued. "Therefore, upon his eighteenth birthday, Li Ping shall become the leader of the honorable Li-clan." "No!" The weak, half-muffled voice was Sakura's. Her hands balled in the fabric of his shirt, her protest could barely be heard. "No, please! Syaoran, I'm so sorry. I failed you and now." "Sakura, shh." He soothed, laying a hand on her head. "It wasn't that important. There are things that mattered more." Her response was a strangle sob, but the elders ignored her feeble objections and continued. "Ping, as the future leader of the Li clan make your request of Xiao Lang and have him assert to your position." The hated man turned to Syaoran and his burden. "My request of you, dear cousin." He started, "Is for you to hand onto me the Cards of the Cl. no, the Card Mistress. I wish for you to hand onto me the Card Mistress as token of your acknowledgement of my appointment of clan leader." Syaoran felt the girl in his arms go stiff at that, her hands tightening their grip on his shirt. He held her tighter, the look on his face possessive. "No." "Consider your words wisely, Xiao Lang." Ordered an elder. "Your defiance is blasphemy against this clan. Continuing as such will cause you to be disowned from this family." He glared at them. "You can't have her." "So be it. Under the witness of all present, you, Xiao Lang, are hereby expelled from this clan and may never return here again or attempt to communicate with any member of this clan. You and the Card Mistress are to leave these ground immediately." But Syaoran was already halfway across the room and reaching for the door that would take him and Sakura safely out of the room. In the hallway beyond, Touya, Yukito, and Tomoyo were gathered, all waiting anxiously. As Syaoran stepped through the door, he wordlessly deposited Sakura into her brother's arms, now unconscious, and gently detached her fingers from his shirt. "Wait for me outside, I'll be with you shortly. I have some things to pack."
**** ****
"He was disowned? He's not aloud to see his family at all, ever?" Sakura questioned her friend, a look of horror spreading onto her face. "I. why hasn't anyone told me before?" It was two weeks after her battle with Ping and she was enjoying her first day home. Although Syaoran's magic truly had saved her life, there were still some issues that the doctors had to work out. They were bemused by her injured, but her father had made up a semi-acceptable explanation. And in all this time she had not seen or heard anything of Syaoran. Tomoyo looked saddened by her friend's reaction. "You were still recovering and we didn't think it would be good to risk getting yourself worked up over it." She sank down into the chair, covering her face with her hands. Along the length of the finger of her right hand was a long scar. "I can't face him now, I can't." She exclaimed, "Tomoyo, I feel terrible. This is all my fault, if I never would have." "Sakura, stop this instant." Her friend fixed her with a sharp look. "Li- kun doesn't regret it that much and he certainly doesn't blame you for it. And he's waiting in the park for you, so you'd better go find him." "But I. Tomoyo." Her friend pulled her too her feet, careful of her still sore arm. "Sakura Kinomoto, you'd better go to him this instant." "I will." She said with some reluctance, then smiled, "Thank-you Tomoyo." In the park, Sakura found him standing near the swing set that had been a treasured place during their childhood days. His back was too her as he observed the structure, obviously lost in past memories. She walked over and stood by his side without making a sound. Syaoran looked up when he heard her walk over, a rare smile lighting his face. "Please tell me you're alright." He said, his voice a near whisper She nodded, "I'm fine." "I'm sorry." His sudden apology took her by surprise. "What? Syaoran-kun, why." "For everything." He answered, "For not believing you and causing you so much pain. For taking you to China and making you go through all that, for letting you wear those damn robes. Sakura, I had not intention of making you fight against Ping. I. I didn't even remember about the symbolism of those robes until Mei-ling mention it. But most of all, I regret.." His voice dropped off and didn't finish his sentence. "What, Syaoran?" Sakura wondered, whispering since he was doing so as well. He looked torn. "I don't want to say it. It might just cause you pain and I don't want to hurt you anymore. But I have to tell you." He squeezed his eyes shut for a few seconds then let them fly open, almost blinding her with amber. As he began to speak again, Syaoran never let his eyes leave hers. "The thing I regret most is never telling you how much I care for you. Letting you go through that trial thinking I didn't love you was the stupidest thing I've ever done because. I love you Sakura. With all my heart and soul and I could never." Syaoran didn't get a chance to say anymore because Sakura had jumped on him with a childish squeal of joy, wrapping her arms around his neck. She then pressed her lips against his and for a few, blissful minuets they were lost in each other. The kiss was finally ended due to lack of air and the two just stood there, still locked in each other's arms. "Syaoran, I've never been so happy." Sakura whispered, "Why did you think this would hurt me?" "Because I'm not done yet. There's two more things." He stepped back from her embrace and reached into the breast pocket of his shirt, pulling from it a small box. Syaoran opened it and pulled from it a delicate ring set with a tiny diamond. Holding the adornment in his palm for her to see, he continued breathlessly, "It's a promise ring. Will you. will you wear it?" Tears of happiness were welling in her eyes and her voice would barely come. She was only able to squeak, "Of course!" and watch in amazement as he slipped the ring onto the third finger of her left hand. "Oh Syaoran, it's beautiful!" She exclaimed, hugging him again. He returned the embrace tightly. "I wanted you to have so you wouldn't forget me when. Sakura, I'm not staying in Japan." And the happy, fluttering feeling left her, only to be replaced by a chilling coldness that rushed through her veins. "Where." His hold on her tightened once again. "To England. I'm going to be staying with Eriol to. train. With Ping as the head of the. never mind, that's not important. But Sakura, I will be back. I swear it. I know last time I said. but this will be different." "I'll come with you." She said immediately. "Eriol can help me too and." "No. You need to stay here with your family and friends." Syaoran retreated a few centimeters so he could look down into her eyes and he placed a hand on her cheek. "If you don't want the ring now, I'd understand." She shook her head in denial but couldn't bring herself to speak. Despite her best attempts to keep them in check, tears were forming in her eyes. He looked away from her when he noticed the teardrops. "I told you I'd hurt you again." He muttered, eyes downcast and voice ashamed. "You didn't hurt me, I'm just sad." She replied, forcing a smile. Again she embraced him and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Go train Syaoran. I'll be waiting for you when you come back."
-THE END-
There! It's done. Thank-you all for sticking with this and I apologize for the delays that have made some people very angry. An idea for a sequel is floating around in my head, but it probably won't come out. It's best to just end it here, I think, and let you all create your own happily ever after. Or if you want one let me know and I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the patience and reviews- this is Truly Hope signing off.