Chapter Fifteen

Card Captor Sakura

Crystal Tears

~starjade~

Trouble in the

Li Kingdom

Eriol adjusted his shirt collar , and peered into his mirror self consciously. Of course , Tomoyo demanded that Eriol wear one of her designs , and guess what? He was wearing one. It was amazing how she had made it so quickly! Maybe she had already made it....But then how did she know what his size was? It was strange...

The outfit was surprisingly comfortable , and the navy colour of the shirt really brought out his eyes. He grimaced. Not that it mattered. Everyone noticed his looks , except the one person he wanted it to matter to.

Tomoyo.

It was absolutely horrifying. Eriol Hiirigizawa. The half reincarnation of Clow Reed. The mischievous , mysterious boy who always kept his cool and always knew what was going on. He wasn't supposed to feel so...giddy and foolishly happy. For Eriol had found himself in this situation. The worst situation ever known to mankind.

He had fallen in love.

It was like a curse! It followed him day and night , never left him alone , always crept up onto him like a shadow waiting to sink their claws into his body. It was disgusting , revolting , stupid , embarrassing...

And oh , how he wanted Tomoyo to love him back!

Eriol sighed and glanced at the mirror one more time before walking back to his dresser. He looked around his room , remembering the night before. A smile snuck up upon his face as he recalled her twinkling laughter , her shimmering amethyst eyes..

" Eriol?"

The voice broke through his thoughts and he whirled toward the sound. Strange , he never sensed the person's aura! Eriol growled underneath his breath. See what love does to you , Eriol? SEE?

" Yes?" he answered in a slightly clipped tone.

The door opened a bit ,as Tomoyo's head appeared. She peered at him , a nervous smile on her face.

" Hi..." she said , a red tint on her cheeks. Eriol felt his heart speed up as a warmth flooded through his body , through his veins making him feel quite light-headed.

" Hey," he replied , unconsciously running his hand through his hair. Tomoyo slipped through the doorway and stood , awkwardly in front of him.

" Um...I just wanted to see if the outfit was alright.." she trailed off , trying not to stare at him. Eriol looked down at himself , and grinned widely.

" It's perfect , Tomoyo. I never knew you had such talent." Eriol quickly clamped his mouth shut , wincing at the amount of appreciation he had put into that sentence. I am losing my touch, he thought frantically.

Tomoyo blushed and whispered , " Thanks."

Silence came between them and Eriol had the sudden urge to break it. He hated feeling awkward around her , he had never been this way before. All of a sudden he realised his feelings and now he just wanted to sweep her up in his arms and hold her tight..

Yet that would be unfair to her...

" Tomoyo-"

" Eriol-"

They both blushed and Eriol mumbled, " You go first."

Tomoyo nodded, blushing even harder as she said , " Well...I just wanted to say...When I first visited here , I came because of Sakura. To comfort her and be there when she needed a friend. And then I met you and suddenly , I don't want to leave."

Eriol's eyes nearly popped. What was she saying? She didn't want to leave...because of him? Joy rushed through him spreading through his body making him tingle all over.

Tomoyo took a deep breath as she tried to continue.

" Actually , what I wanted to say was-"

" TOMOYO!" squealed a voice ,and Sakura popped up at the doorway , a huge grin gracing her features. Eriol's expression dropped slightly as Sakura jumped up and down , grabbing her hand happily.

" You have got to help me! I need someone to help me get ready , and since you know so much about fashion, your perfect! Please , Tomoyo??"

Sakura didn't see the look of regret as Tomoyo glanced back at Eriol. Eriol grinned at her , reluctantly as he said , " Go on Tomoyo. I'll see you at the announcement , okay?"

Tomoyo nodded and Sakura finally realised the presence of Eriol. She grinned at him and cheerfully said , " Hey Eriol! You sure you don't mind me taking Tomoyo away from your little chat?"

Eriol blushed slightly and replied , " Of course not. I'll see you both later , okay?"

Sakura giggled and dragged Tomoyo off. Eriol stared after them , and groaned sitting down hard on one of the couches. What was he doing?? He was getting out of hand...

And what exactly was Tomoyo going to tell him?

~~~~*****~~~~~

" Aren't we going to go any faster?" shouted a female voice to the carriage man. The carriage man nodded , and slashed out with his whip. The horses picked up speed their hooves crunching against the gravel , jerking the carriage around.

The girl inside the carriage groaned. She was getting quite tired of waiting...she had been in the carriage for nearly three days. Sighing , she rested her head against the red cushions and brought her ruby red cloak around her.

I cannot believe that Queen Yelan threw me out on some stupid quest , she thought , her face darkening. She remembered Queen Yelan clearly. The prosperous woman had always walked around proudly , her head high in the air. She had an air of commandment around her that severely wrung her nerves out.

Another sigh escaped her , as she felt the familiar warmth of her heart frame. It was all she had connecting her to Syaoran. Syaoran Li....my Syaoran Li , she thought , her eyelashes fluttering as a smile crept up and turned out into a flashing grin. She was about to fall into another daydream , when a huge jerk jolted her out of her dream.

" HEY , YOU DOLT!" she screamed at the carriage man.

The carriage man shrugged and yelled back , " We are about to enter the Li Kingdom!"

Her scowl turned into a full out grin.

" What?" she asked , her voice drawn to a whisper. " We are at the Li Kingdom?"

The carriage man nodded and she let out a twinkling laugh. A smile was clear and broad on her face , and she was entrancing as she flung her arms out like she was embracing all of the Li Kingdom.

She leaned out of the carriage and stood up so half her body was out of the carriage.

" I AM HERE , MY SYAORAN! YOU HEAR ME?? I AM HERE!"

~~~~*****~~~~

Horns blared loudly , the trumpeters lined up against a red carpet. Each of the green and red coated men blared once in turn and then continued together to play the national theme of the Li and Kinomoto Kingdoms.

Flowers hung from the walls , wind chimes tinkled in the air , pearled chandeliers twinkled in the sunlight that rushed in waves through the crystal windows that lined the front parlour.

A crowd mingled on each side of the red carpet , dressed up in their finest. Two royal thrones waited at the front of the red carpet , designed with gold armrests and golden designs threaded into the cushions. Above them , hanging from the high ceiling , hung a banner with the Kinomoto and Li flags melded together to create one , to pronounce that the two Kingdoms were joined together in peace.

A single horn blared as the Kinomoto crowd went up the red carpet to stand on one side of the chairs.

Another horn blared as the Li Family came down the red carpet to stand on the other side of the chairs , opposite to the Kinomoto crowd. Together , they bowed to one another , big smiles on their faces.

Suddenly the whole band of trumpeters played a tune as the Queen stepped into the light , walking slowly and elegantly down the red carpet. Each footstep seemed to hold such a precious significance and the whole crowd grew silent and respectful.

Once the Queen took her place at the front , she announced in a clear voice , " Today is a proud day for both families. We are here to hear from both families to see the agreement of the marriage between my son Prince Xiolang Li of the Li Kingdom , and Princess Sakura Kinomoto of the Kinomoto Kingdom. This bond will hold for centuries in the future , for this tie will bring peace between the Kingdoms and make us family to each other."

She opened her mouth to continue , but suddenly decided not to continue with the speech. She seemed hurried , for some reason , and Queen Nadeshiko grew worried at the expression in Queen Yelan's eyes.

" Let us introduce my son and the Kinomoto Princess now."

The horns came back to life , filling the castle with its sound. Two figures appeared and walked down the carpet. Sakura was dressed magnificently in a emerald green gown. Gold thread weaved itself around the dress , making designs of leaves and flowers. It lined the width of her skirt and the neckline of her dress. The gown was shaped perfectly and brought out the magnificent colour of her emerald eyes. Her short auburn hair now touched her shoulders for Sakura had left her hair out.

Syaoran was walking in long strides , trying to maintain a cold expression , but was not succeeding. There was a definite shine to his eyes as he approached his mother. He was dressed in a green shirt and pants , both intricately designed with Chinese symbols along the hem. The two of them bowed down to Queen Yelan as the crowd clapped on their appearance.

" Prince Li of the Li Kingdom. You have made me proud with your sword and magical abilities , your passion for your Kingdom and your kindness to others. Will you accept the engagement?"

Syaoran looked up surprised. He never knew his mother to be so rushed...usually she prolonged events with big speeches and adjoined events. Now she wasn't beating around the bush , she was getting straight to the matter. Oh well. Nothing lost on his account.

Syaoran , turning a little red , announced , " I will accept the engagement to Sakura Kinomoto."

The whole castle clapped and cheered , and Sakura turned red with happiness and embarrassment.

" Princess Sakura Kinomoto of the Kinomoto Kingdom. You have shown abilities beyond the average princess. Your kindness and cheerfulness will create a brightness in our home. Do you accept the engagement?"

Sakura looked down , and blushed. " I will accept the engagement to Syaoran Li."

The whole castle erupted into cheers. They will have a new King and Queen!

Queen Yelan and Queen Nadeshiko looked proudly on their children as they held hands , blushing. Tomoyo stood by , hearts in her eyes as she looked upon the kawaii couple , and Eriol grinned at his best friend. Syaoran was finally going to be happy..

" Here is the document , " cried a herald , coming forward with a piece of parchment.

" Both Kinomoto and Li Kingdoms must sign it , for the engagement to be legal."

Both Kingdoms smiled and Queen Nadeshiko came forward and took the quill. With a flourish she signed the families name. Queen Yelan also took the quill , but suddenly froze.

" Are you okay , mother?" asked Syaoran worried. Queen Yelan had a very fearful look on her face almost like she was dreading something.

" Nothings the matter , son." Queen Yelan replied , distantly.

Quickly she dipped the quill in the ink pot the herald held out , but just when the quill touched the parchment , the doors burst open.

A huge rush of bitter frigid air swept the room , and leaves made a whirlwind in the doorway.

The whole castle's residents whipped their head around to meet the person who interrupted the joyful event. A figure stood angrily , shadowed by the sunlight. Skirts rustled all around the figure and locks of long hair whipped around the girl. An angry look rested upon the girls determined face as she held up a heart framed picture as if it was a talisman against evil.

" NO!" The voice made the whole castle shake and Syaoran stared at the figure , a look of recognition , dread and confusion enveloping his eyes. The Kinomoto family gaped at the newcomer , clearly not recognising her.

The voice caused ice to swirl in Syaoran's veins and Queen Yelan winced in pain as she knew what was going to come next.

" NO! THERE WILL BE NO MARRIAGE! I AM ENGAGED TO SYAORAN , AND IT WILL BE I WHO WILL MARRY HIM!"

a/n: UH OH! Hehe , I knew I left you at a cliffy! Hehehe , I left you at a cliffy , hehehehehe , I left you at a cliffy! La la la la la-

okay I'll stop now.

She's here , she's here , SHE'S HERE! ( okay , i geuss you guys didn't need me to repeat that statement...but oh well. It's fun! Doesn't " she's here" just totally creep you out??)

Ya'll are beggin me not to let this girl ruin that SWEET S&S. At first I was thinking let this girl get Syaoran , and Sakura can cry in some dark corner with spiders as her only friends...

NAH! I'm not that cruel! I love S&S and I wasn't joking when I told everyone this story is purely S&S! Pleez people! Sakura's like , one of my fave characters! Oh and...READ AND REVIEW! I'm beggin yah! It's da only way chappies come out , ya know. WHEN YOU REVIEW! Come on , make a girl feel happy for once??

Oh and I want ta thank all ya people for reviewing! You made me so happy! ( wipes away a tear)

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Don't stop Reviewin'!