Sakura and The Big (Slightly) Bad-Tempered Wolf

Chapter Five

::Starry eyed, grinning insanely and flapping hands:: We-we-we-we…GOT A DVD PLAYER!!!!!!! I CAN WATCH MY CCS MOVIE DVD'S OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!!!!! EE-EEE-EE-EE-EEE—HAPPINESS OVERLOAD!! SOMEONE PINCH ME! ::gets mobbed:: OW! I SAID SOMEONE, EMPHASIS ON ONE…OW OW OW OI! NO USAGE OF ACRYLIC NAILS1!! OOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!!

::throws off swarming masses:: ooowww…. That's gonna leave a bruise…

^O^ I'm sooo happy…and while I was watching it, the Kero mini movie thing came on, and I hadn't seen that before! (It didn't play when I was watching the DVD's at my sisters)and it's soooo KAWAII!! And soo funny!!! :: (^-^ hehehe suppi goes all nutso when he eats cake ^-^) Anyway, so I've been spending most of my spare time getting acquainted with my DVD player (yes…it's mine…ALL MINE!!…well, not really…-_-;) which is bad, coz I should be spending a little of that time writing the next chapters, and returning e-mails and such…::shrugs:: but I've got time now…

hmmm, I've gotta decide how this chapter is going…I still have to introduce Leonora's sister (I haven't forgotten about her, she plays a minor part…) and then there is the bit where you all find out what's up with Syaoran…and what Eriol is up too…hmmm…where to start…

Oh, the song used later on in the chapter is called 'It Is You (I Have Loved)' by Dana Glover. It's from the Shrek soundtrack. It was the only vaguely romantic song I could find in my Cd collection…well, I found a couple, but this one fit the scene the best… (D) Anyway, umm, you know I don't own nothing…there's the disclaimer…and THANK YOU SO MUCH TO::

Asatsuyu, PrincessLesse, Crazy Canadian, Suzy, Suehime, Lian Leviathan, Lady AA-chan, Unicornhime, moon_goddess, SapphireStar, Chrissie-chan(^-^is that what you meant?? Me so confused…), Blue Phoenix, PlumBlosum, Maiden of Ice, Suchi, and Athar_Luna (sorry if I missed anyone!!) for the great reviews! You all rock you legendary type people you!!

Righto then, let's get on with things shall we?

~~~~~~~~~~

Syaoran's POV:

"And last but not least, is the Grand Ballroom…" she trailed of and spun around to walk backwards out of the huge doorway. The ballroom, not really surprisingly, was massive. It could easily fit in a couple hundred people, tables and all, with plenty of space left for dancing.

Our footsteps echoed as we walked in.

"Oh I can't wait for tonight, " Leo smiled and started to spin around as though she was dancing. "There will be dinner and dancing to the early hours of the morn." She giggled when Garret walked up and took her hand, swinging around in a tune I'm sure only they could hear. I sighed to myself as Tomoyo started to tape the moment and Sakura started to giggle. (Effectively breaking the little moment and rendering Garret and Leo into a state of mild embarrassment).

Anyone could read the signs. Garret and Leo obviously cared for each other a lot; they were probably just too stubborn to admit it. Now don't get all 'he sees others but doesn't see what's right in front of his nose…' I've known my feelings for Sakura for a long time now, and I'm almost certain I know how she feels about me. It's taken me a long time, but I'm finally past the denial stage.

…It figures though. I finally sort out my feelings and I get turned into a giant wolf. What am I supposed to do? Sit her down and say. "Sakura, I love you" only to be replied with, "Really? I love you to! But because, you know, you're a wolf…why don't you get back to me when your human…"

I had even planned it out how I was going to do it…and by planned I of course mean that Meilin told me what to do (She said that I was about as romantic as a wet dishcloth, and that I needed as much help as I could get). I would have sorted out all the Li clan business; the elders being convinced that Sakura is to be accepted into the clan so that I would not be exiled and unable to see my family again. I would arrive at Sakura's doorstep unannounced (surprise is the spice of life) with a bouquet of red roses or cherry blossoms (depending on season and availability) and sweep her into a horse drawn carriage for a night of dining and dancing. Reality, though, as it so often does, seems quite content to squash all that…unless there does exist a place where they sell wolf shaped tuxedos.

"Umm Leo, for this ball tonight, when you say dancing…you mean waltzing dancing don't you…?" Sakura bit her lip as she watched Leo.

Leo nodded. "Of course…you do know how to dance don't you?"

Sakura shifted her feet around and grinned feebly, "Well, I kinda know how to dance, but…just not…proper waltz dance…"

"Oh that's okay, my dance tutor will be able to give you a few lessons now if you like. We must make a good impression tonight." She turned to a maid standing at the ballroom doors. "Could you summon Aliesha please." The maid bowed and disappeared.

Aliesha was a tall woman that swept into the ballroom moments later with a trail of silk scarves and strong perfume that made my nostrils burn. She was followed by a boy about my age that I wagered was her son. She wasted no time introducing herself and her son Graham before circling around Sakura and Tomoyo like a shark, eyeing them critically. "So you need to know how to dance properly…have you had any previous experience at all?" She paused and eyed Sakura.

"Uh, not really ma'am"

She nodded curtly and fixed her gaze onto Tomoyo. "How about you dear?"

"I've had a little, but I'm a little rusty."

Aliesha nodded once more then clapped her hands together and soft slow music started to play. "Graham, you will help Tomoyo, Garret, you will help Sakura." Graham bowed and offered a hand to Tomoyo, as Garret did for Sakura.

"Now ladies, you place your right hand into his, and your left arm onto his shoulder." They did so, as the boys placed their hands onto their sides. In the back of my mind I knew that was how it supposed to be done…but that knowledge didn't stop a small growl from rising in my throat. No one seemed to notice.

"Good, now you must listen to the melody to pick up the timing and follow the boys lead…" She clapped her hands again and the quiet music got a little louder. "Listen and one two three, one two three, good two three…" The two couples waltzed awkwardly around the room, but after a few minutes and 'You must let Garret lead Lady Sakura!' they got it right and twirled around gracefully, Sakura's delighted laugh echoing around the vast room.

Now I'm not a very jealous person…okay, maybe I am, but I can't help it okay! My claws scratched on the mirror like tiles as I flexed them, trying to control the desire to run up and rip Garret's throat out. I really didn't want to do that; I quite liked Garret. He was a warrior like me, and I really didn't want to mess up the nice expensive decor. But it was getting increasingly hard to stop myself from shouting, 'GET YOUR MITTS OFF HER!' and running up to dislodge Garrets head from Garrets body.

It's the wolf instincts speaking, I swear.

I decided I needed some air and trotted quickly over to the door.

"Syaoran…where are you going?"

I froze and turned my head around slowly. Sakura had stopped and was looking at me with concern. I eyed her hand that was holding Garrets before looking up. "Umm, I was just going to go…see…uh…Eriol"

She was looking a little disappointed. "Oh…okay then…"

I turned and trotted out the room as Aliesha's voice boomed through the room. "Come now ladies! One two three, one two three…!"

~~~~~~~~~

Eriol's POV:

A very depressed looking wolf skulked into the library and flopped onto the rug in front of the fire. I tried to ignore him so I could get back to my reading but all I could hear was incoherent mutterings every now and then. I cleared my throat and glanced at him from behind my book. He glanced up at me then curled up and rested his head on his paws.

I relished the silence and got back to my book.

~~~~~approx. 30 minutes later~~~~~~

I paused and without looking away from the page said "You're doing it again."

He took a few seconds to answer, "…hmmm?"

I sighed and lowered my book to peer over the pages. Syaoran's gaze was fixed. "You're staring at my throat again, it's very distracting"

The wolf's gaze didn't break and he said in a very-far-away-whisper, "i's not throat, i's jagular…"

"Spare me the details my dear descendent, just stop doing it."

Syaroan blinked and seemed to come back to reality. "Oh…sorry"

I closed my book and directed my full attention to the wolf as he sighed and stared into the fire. It's not every day that Syaoran does what I say so readily, and it is an even rarer occasion for him to apologize.

"Okay, you've got my full attention, out with it."

"Out with what?"

I was tempted to roll my eyes but instead took my glasses off and cleaned them on my robes. "You've been moping around in here ever since you arrived. What happened…did Sakura find her knight in shining armor and has run away to his castle with nary a goodbye?"

His 'hmmph' was his only audible response, but I could tell by the way his claws clenched and scraped on the stone floors that I had hit the proverbial nail right on the head.

*So the sensitive side of Syaoran has finally awakened…*

"So, are you going to tell me what happened, or am I going to have to go into that confused half wolf half human brain of yours and get it myself?"

Syaoran gave me a dirty look but apart from that, ignored my question.

"Fine, have it your way then…"

Images whizzed past my mental eyes. I blinked and raised an eyebrow. "Jealous of a little dance lesson my dear descendent?"

His head snapped up. "No!" He sighed at my unwavering 'I'm not buying what your saying' expression and mumbled. "Okay, maybe a little…but I can't help it…I mean…it's Sakura! and she's…she's just-"

"-the girl you've been madly in love with for the past 4 or so years, yes I already know that." He gave me another dark and slightly murderous look as I continued. "Stop being so moody Syaoran, you're time will come…and stop trying to look at this as a negative experience. Just think, if you hadn't been turned into a wolf, you never would have found us in time to stop that pack from turning us into their next meal." I gazed at him while I picked up my book and finished. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some reading to catch up on…"

He snorted but didn't say anything else, and a second later I heard him trot out the door.

Half an hour of reading later I was no closer to finding the information I wanted than I had when Syaoran had entered the library. None of the magic books held any spells that could help nudge along a relationship with a human and a giant wolf. I knew from the start I was in over my head, but I just wanted to make sure. I would just have to wait until he was changed back, however long that would be.

I was returning all the books and manuscripts into the shelves when Elizabeth poked her head around a row. "Master Eriol…the Mage has arrived…he will be meeting everyone in the study"

"Ah good, thank you Elizabeth."

She bowed and exited; and it was as I was following her out that I spied the thin book on the last shelf entitled, 'The Howling Wolf, A Chronicle of an Ancient Beast.'

*Perhaps a bit of light reading to see what exactly makes a wolf tick would be off use…*

I plucked it off the shelf as I passed and tucked it into my robes to read later.

The study was a spacious room lit up by the sun streaming through the tall windows that lined one wall. The small group assembled inside turned when I entered, and I saw that apart from the Mage, everyone was here. Keroberos was sitting comfortably under on of the windows in a beam of light sunning himself. Sakura, Tomoyo, Garret, and Leo where seated in the high backed chairs in front of a desk and Syaoran was sitting dutifully to Sakura's right. I took the last seat in front of the desk as Elizabeth replied. "Master Felix will be with you shortly."

The brief comfortable silence was broken as Tomoyo turned to Leo and asked. "You have a sister don't you? I remember you saying something about her when you were at Sakura's."

Leo nodded. "I do, her name is Hallanna. She went to a camp in another kingdom a few days before I accidentally sent myself to the Forsaken lands." She paused and glanced at the small desk calendar on the desk. "She should be back in a few days…"

Tomoyo nodded and everyone lapped into silence for a few more seconds.

I cleared my throat. "Just before Master Felix arrives I just need to warn you of something. He has a dragon called 'Neeko' and she's rather sensitive about a few issues." I waited until I had everyone's full attention before continuing. "Firstly, she's a species of dragon that is naturally small, they are commonly kept as pets, and are usually ride around on peoples shoulders. So unless you want to be char grilled, I strongly suggest that you don't call her small. And don't refer to her as a pet either when she's in hearing distance otherwise she'll do more than just torch you." I smiled and continued. "Just think of her as a scaly female version of Kero."

Keroberos eyed me and replied. "Is that supposed to be a compliment or an insult?"

I didn't get a chance to answer though, as I heard Elizabeth greet someone then open the door. We all stood and bowed in greeting as the Master Felix (a stocky man in his early thirties) strode in carrying a long wooden staff, with a small silver blue dragon perched comfortably on his shoulder. "Master Eriol, long time no see"

I smiled as shook my hand. "It has Master Felix, I see you are doing well"

"Well, I can't complain." After the formal introductions where made he sat down on the chair on the other side of the desk; Neeko jumped off and went to talk to Keroberos.

"Now, Syaoran come around here so I can get a good look at you…"

Syaoran eyed the Mage suspiciously as he got up and went to the other side of the desk and sat at his feet.

Felix touched the bottom of the staff to one of Syaoran's paws, then started to twist some of the coloured gems imbedded in the top of it. A steady heartbeat thumped in the silence as Felix scribbled something onto the notepad on his lap. "Heartbeat normal…" The heartbeat stopped and was replaced by the sound of breathing. "Respiration rate is normal" He continued on like that for a while, everyone watching in silence as he twisted different gems and muttered to himself before declaring that Syaoran was in perfect health. He scribbled something else onto his notebook. "You're appetite has increased, correct?"

Syaroan nodded as Felix wrote in his book. "Is that supposed to happen?"

"Yes, in your case. It's just because you need more energy to run a wolf's body than a humans…all those extra senses…it's nothing to be concerned about though." He paused and rested his arm on his lap. "Your name means 'Little wolf' doesn't it?"

"yeah…"

"I'm rather curious to why you didn't change into a 'little' wolf then…tell me what happened when you were coming through the portal."

"Well, it just felt like I was being burnt all over and kept hearing this cracking noise…then I felt like I was getting crushed…" Syaoran's brow furrowed into a frown. "Then I think my magic just sort of flared out and the crushing feeling stopped."

"That's interesting…normally people pass out when they feel the first sensations of pain…you must have a pretty high tolerance...but at least that explains why you aren't small…you're aura stopped you from shrinking…otherwise you would have looked like this." He tapped the staff on the ground twice; there was a startled yelp from Syaoran, and a flash of light. There was another yelp, and a small voice started to mutter out a string of curses.

Tomoyo, Leo and Sakura all stood up and looked over the top of the desk, their faces blank.

"He's…"

"So…"

I blocked my ears.

"KAWAII!!!"

Syaoran, the now little wolf cub, cowered and tried to hide under the desk but was scooped up by Sakura. "Oooh, he's soo little" She giggled and hugged him as Tomoyo and Leo started to making cooing noises and tried to scratch his belly. Syaoran cringed again and whimpered, burying himself further into Sakura's arms. "Quit it, I'm not a puppy you know…" He tried to shoot them a glare, but with that cute little face, combined with the small voice, being angry just wasn't going to work. The girls squealed again and Sakura tightened her hug. Syaoran's expression went from attempted anger to something that was half dreamy and half embarrassed.

Felix chuckled. "You better put him down Lady Sakura, that form is only temporary…he'll go big in a second." The girls pouted and sat down as Sakura placed the wolf cub on the floor. There was a flash of light and the little wolf was once again a giant. He looked disappointed. "Ohh…why didn't you make me human…?"

"Your subconscious doesn't like that form, that's probably why it flared out back when you were changing…the spell to change you human again is somewhat more difficult…especially because-"

"-your aura isn't messed up."

Neeko, who after finishing her conversation with Keroberos had been silently sunning herself, was gazing up at Felix. "Check his aura, it isn't messed up like it should be." Syaoran looked a little insulted by that but stayed silent as Felix nodded and started to twirl several of the gems. A ball of bright green light appeared above the staff. He frowned in concentration and started to twirl one of the gems. "The thing with the side effects of the portals is that a person's aura is coated by the aura of whoever created the portal in the first place. If we tone down Syaoran's aura a little, we should be able to distinguish Leo's aura over his…kinda like looking at something through a stained glass window…" He continued to dim the aura. "…but…"

Syaoran looked a little panicked. "but? What do you mean but..?"

"As Neeko pointed out…we should see your aura 'messed up', it should have a gold coloured light flickering over the surface…but there isn't…"

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No, not bad, just extremely rare, I've only ever read of this happening."

Sakura spoke up in a concerned voice. "So what does it mean?"

"Well, it seems Syaoran has incorporated the side effect part of the spell into himself…sort of made it a part of his normal physical being."

Syaoran's ears dropped back, "Please don't tell me I'm stuck like this"

Felix shook his head. "Oh no, I can change you back…it will be more difficult, but I can do it…there might be some…complications though…"

Syaoran didn't look very happy about that. "complications…that's just my luck…"

"I need to run a few tests before I try and change you back…but I won't have time to do them until later, I have some other appointments I need to get too…" He picked up a sheet and scanned over it before replying. "They shouldn't take too long…and the results will be ready by then." He glanced at his watch then folded up the papers he had written on and placed them into a pocket in his robes. "I must be going now, I'll send you a message if I can fit you in after my other appointments. Come Neeko!"

Neeko stretched and yawned before flying up and landing on Felix's shoulder. Syaoran seemed to be pretty cheerful as we bid Master Felix farewell; probably happy that there was a chance he'd be turned human before the ball tonight…

~~~~~~~~

3rd Person POV:

The sun had since sunk below the hills; the sky going from a deep orange-red to an inky blackness dotted by hundreds of sparkling stars. The ballroom was lit by the moon shining through the open curtains and hundreds of little glow balls floating above the dancing couples' heads. There was a pause as the cheerful tune that the minstrels had been playing came to an end, followed by applause. A woman dressed in a rich red gown stepped up and bowed. She tapped the magical version of a microphone so that it hovered just beyond her chin and waited as the minstrels started to play a slow melody.

In the beginning, Sakura and the others unfamiliar with this world found it a little surprising to hear some of the more modern tunes from their home being played. The whole atmosphere of the place didn't suggest you'd be hearing songs from the Shrek soundtrack but hey, this is a place where candles and fires start up by a simple flick of a light switch. Sakura, looking elegant in the heavily embroidered blue dress Tomoyo had insisted she wear, smiled and curtsied as a handsome young man with deep brown eyes bowed low and held out a hand. She giggled and took his hand as he lead her out into the middle to join the other twirling couples.

'There is something that I see
In the way you look at me
There's a smile, there's a truth in your eyes…'

Her hair had been separated into small sections and twisted onto the back of her head, with tiny silver threads pinned throughout. Tomoyo had said she got the idea from the movie 'Ever After', one of the hairstyles Danielle has.

'But an unexpected way
On this unexpected day
Could it mean this is where I belong
It is you I have loved all along'

She had been nervous before the ball, fretting about whether she would remember her brief dancing lesson or her short lesson afterwards in proper etiquette. Tomoyo, being as calm as usually, tried her hardest to convince her that everything would be fine as she struggled to get the jittery girl to sit still so that her make-up could be applied properly.


'It's no more mystery
It is finally clear to me
You're the home my heart searched for so long
And it is you I have loved all along'

But the atmosphere of the ballroom washed out any feelings of anxiety and the young ladies had been swept up in its elegance and infectious ambience.


'There were times I ran to hide
Afraid to show the other side
Alone in the night without you'

Eriol, dressed in the most extravagant and richly embroidered robes his closet could come up with, was at the long table at the head of the ballroom, chatting to the King and Queen with Tomoyo (who, coincidentally enough was in gown that matched his robes in pattern and colour). Leo and Garret were somewhere in the thick of the dancing couples, and had been there ever since they had stepped foot into the ballroom.


'But now I know just who you are
And I know you hold my heart
Finally this is where I belong
It is you I have loved all along'

Sakura had seemed sad after her initial jitters had gone when she couldn't catch sight of Syaoran. He had been late, something she'd never had thought possible. But she had smiled when she caught sight of him. He had a classic 'deer caught in the head lights' look when he caught sight of her. But she had smiled, and he had smiled in return…


'It's no more mystery
It is finally clear to me
You're the home my heart searched for so long
And it is you I have loved all along'

The song was a very much a 'couples' song. The sort of song where one would rest their head on the shoulder of the other and concentrate only on the person in their arms.


'Over and over
I'm filled with emotion
Your love, it rushes through my veins'

Sakura and her rather dashing young man had a respectful distance between them, but both were smiling.


'And I am filled
With the sweetest devotion
As I, I look into your perfect face'

Syaoran…


'It's no more mystery
It is finally clear to me
You're the home my heart searched for so long
And it is you I have loved
It is you I have loved
It is you I have loved all along'

…was really pissed off.

The song ended as Sakura and the guy with black hair and deep brown eyes separated and bowed to each other. The young man stepped away as another young man with sandy coloured hair and icy blue eyes stepped forward and asked her to dance. Another slow song started up again.

Master Felix had been kept behind and had been unable to set up another appointment before the ball. The only time available was in a few days time. Syaoran wasn't very happy about that, but there was nothing he could do about it. Master Felix was off somewhere in the castle; he had declined an invitation to the ball saying that Syaoran's 'non-messed up' aura was quite fascinating and was quite happily running tests as we speak. Neeko on the other hand gleefully accepted and was sitting at one of the long tables with Keroberos and Syaoran. (Syaoran had been convinced to wear a collar…not a flea collar, but a metal chest plate collar type thing that was similar in principle to the one that Keroberos wears) Neeko paused from devouring a piece of watermelon and smirked. "Hey wolfie, another guys scamming on you're chick…"

Syaoran's ears were flat against his head and he was gritting his teeth, his gaze fixed on Sakura and her most recent dance partner as they swung to the tune.

"You know, I've heard that guys' been looking for a wife…"

Syaoran's glare turned murderous. Keroberos' cocked an eyebrow in interest. "Really?"

Neeko nodded and took a bite out of another piece of watermelon before answering. "Ah-huh, he's a knight…wears really shiny armor…"

There was a deep growl from Syaoran.

Neeko sucked a pip out of her teeth as she watched the wolf stalk the young man in question. "…He does know I was kidding doesn't he?"

Keroberos shrugged and flicked his tail. "Probably not…he's quite gullible"

"Oh…oops"

"…What's up with Syaoran"

Tomoyo and Eriol, having finished their conversation with the King and Queen, were watching the small group of creatures with interest.

Keroberos scratched his head as Syaoran somehow managed to blend in with the brightly clothed dancers. "He's just being really…protective…"

Neeko raised a scaly eyebrow. "Is he always like that?"

"He's always been protective off her…just never to this extent…"

Tomoyo continued to scan the room through her camera lens to catch sight of the brown wolf, and replied. "So is this a wolf thing, or an older Syaoran thing?"

Everyone just shrugged; Neeko scratched her chin with a claw and said. "It's hard to tell with these things, but people do tend to display any instincts of the form they have been changed into" she paused and added, "If they're still alive and actually have any instincts to show…"

Keroberos snorted. "It's almost like the kids' channeling Touya…"

Neeko looked confused, "Touya? What's a Touya?"

Eriol smirked slightly. "Touya is Sakura's older brother, of whom is extremely protective of her. He and Syaroan don't get along too well…"

"Why not?"

"They've had somewhat of a deep hate for each other ever since Syaoran set him partially on fire when thy first met."

"…Aahh…"

They were silent for a second until Tomoyo spoke up. "So…should we-umm…try and…stop him?"

The group looked at each other.

"Naaaaa…"

The young man, Jeremiah, couldn't believe his luck. The most beautiful angel he had the privilege to set eyes upon had arrived with a group of other young woman, but no escort. Which meant she was single. She had been swept onto the floor almost immediately but he had seen his chance at the end of the last song and he was currently thanking each and every one of his lucky stars. She was beautiful; had a smile that could light a dull room, eyes a rich deep green, a voice like a songbird…

Jeremiah couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched…he could feel eyes boring into the back of his head…

As they spun around he searched the room for whoever was looking at him. As other couples swung by he saw a glimpse of something big and brown before he swung the angel around again. When he looked back in the direction, the big brown thing was closer…distinctly wolf shaped…and with a murderous expression on its' face.

He felt the colour drain from his face.

"What's wrong?" The angel looked at him concerned then followed his gaze…and smiled.

"Oh hello Syaoran! Are you having fun?"

The wolf gave Jeremiah another steely look but his expression softened almost to a smile as he gazed up into the young woman's eyes. "As much as can be expected considering I'm stuck in the body of a wolf…"

He fixed one brown eye on the now quite nervous young man, an expression that to anyone else would be blank, but to Jeremiah said plainly 'beat it or I'll bite you'. Jeremiah coughed nervously and stepped back. "Uh, it was a pleasure to dance with you my lady, but if you will excuse me…I-I-…" He practically sprinted off before he even had chance to come up with some reasonable excuse to explain his hasty retreat. "Hmm, I wonder why he was in such a rush."

Syaoran, the picture of innocence, shrugged. "Wouldn't have a clue…"

~~~~~~~~~

Sakura's POV:

I covered my mouth with my hand to try and hide a yawn. It was quite late and the guests were steadily starting to leave. It was a relief. My feet were aching not only from just dancing all night, but from the numerous times they were stepped on by some of my clumsier dance partners. I couldn't really talk; I had only learned to dance that afternoon, but I hadn't stepped on anyone's feet once. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much to. I'm a person that is almost always smiling but it's when you have to force a smile, as if to say that although your dance partner is actively squashing your feet into a pulp, it's all okay.

Leo and Garret had been practically inseparable all night and she was currently leaning on his shoulder starting to doze off. Tomoyo and Eriol had gone out onto the balcony and were slowly dancing in the moonlight by themselves, even though there wasn't any music playing anymore. Keroberos had retreated to my bedroom a little while ago. After he had eaten his fill, there really wasn't much for the guardian beast to do, so he had gone to bed early. I suggested that to Syaoran; he like Keroberos wouldn't really be able to do much, but he had refused and had sat watching the others dance. I saw him yawn; displaying rows of impressive sharp teeth and said. "You should go to bed Syaoran, you look tired."

I was half expecting him to refuse as he did the first time I asked, but he simply nodded and stood up stretching. "That's not a bad idea…'night…"

"Goodnight…"

I yawned again and smiled sleepily. "…Perhaps I should take my own advice…"

I said goodnight to my friends and made my way to my bedchambers, finding them quickly…I was possibly too tired to lose my way.

The room was lit by the warm glow of the fireplace in which Keroberos was sleeping peacefully in front of and the sheets had been pulled down on my bed. A pale silver nightgown was lying on the covers, so I quickly got changed and sank into the soft warm depths of the sheets. I felt a slight swell of magic and saw the slightly transparent curtains hanging down from the four poster close as I drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

~~~~~~~~

Syaoran's POV:

It was very late at night. The last of the guests had left about an hour ago. Eriol and the others had since retreated to their respective rooms. The maids and other workers had gone to sleep and the only noises disturbing the silence was the chirping of crickets and the sounds of the night animals hunting and foraging or whatever it is nocturnal animals do. I sighed, yawned then scowled. I was tired, but I couldn't sleep. I had tried sleeping in front of the fireplace, but that didn't work. I had tried sleeping up on the bed, but that hadn't worked. I stopped pacing my room and walked out onto the balcony and looked up at the not-quite full moon. A feeling of loneliness swept over me like a tide.

I rose my head to the heavens and let out a long mournful howl.

~~~~~~~~~

Eriol's POV:

My eye cracked open and through my fuzzy vision I could see that it was still very much nighttime. I rolled over and buried my head in my pillows and was drifting off when…

"AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…"

I groaned and sat up, feeling around on the bedside table blindly for my glasses. After a bit of searching, I finally found then and slipped them on as I tapped the base of one of the candles; it lit up immediately casting a faint yellow glow onto a small section of my room.

The eerie howling continued and I glanced at the open page of the book I had been reading.

'Wolves live in family groups called packs. Most packs have about 8 members, but some may have more than 20. Zoologists believe the members of a pack remain together because they have strong affection for one another...'

I skimmed down the page and stopped at a section at the very bottom.

'A wolfs' howl is an effective method of communication as it travels long distances and has many different uses, from greeting each other, calling a pack together, and to organize a hunt…'

I seriously doubted Syaoran wanted to organize a hunt and he didn't really know any other wolves to greet.

I suspected it was the other option. I'd bet my best staff that he was lonely and was trying to call his 'pack' together for some company. I was about to get up to talk to him but decided against it. Instead I sent a message to him telepathically.

* Syaoran, do you mind? There are a lot of very tired people in this castle that would appreciate if you dropped the howling…*

The howling stopped and Syaoran's sulky sounding voice answered in my head. *…I'm lonely…*

I chuckled quietly to myself before mentally answering back. *This coming from a guy that lived away from his family for a few years, in an apartment by himself in Japan *

There was a pause then * so?…this is different…* There was a pause, then in a mental voice even sulkier than it had been before, *I'm lonely now…*

I replied in a slightly irritated voice. * Yes yes, you've said that, why don't you go bug Keroberos, he's awake…* I could sense Keroberos moving around in Sakura's room, and from what I could tell, eating something sweet. * He's in Sakura's room…can I go back to sleep now?*

There wasn't an answer, but I heard Syaorans door push open and the sound of claws clicking on the stone floor.

~~~~~~~~~~

KeroBeros' POV

I had been woken up at whatever time it was by howling but decided to have a little late night snack while I was up. I had been delicately removing the wrapper of a candy with my paws (quite hard to do when you're big) when I heard the sound of claws clicking on the stone floor of the hall outside. I paused and watched as the door handle turned slowly and was quietly pushed open by Syaoran the wolf. He let go of the handle (he has to use his mouth to open doors) and nudged the door shut with his muzzle before walking over to sit in front of me.

He was avoiding my gaze, looking guilty for some reason. "What do you want wolfie"

He glared at me. I smirked. I'd have to remember to thank Neeko for coming up with that little nickname…

"Well, are you just going to sit there looking stupid or are you going to answer me?"

He glared at me again then replied through gritted teeth looking generally angry with himself, as if what he was about to say went against every fiber in his being. "Can I stay in here for the night."

My eyebrow twitched up in mild interest. "Why?"

He snarled; I frowned at him disapprovingly and glanced at the bed in which Sakura was sleeping peacefully in. He looked guilty for a second, but the glare returned to his face as he answered in a hushed voice. "Look, no questions okay?"

I rolled my eyes and settled in front of the fire. "Fine, whatever…" My eyes widened in mild shock as I hissed at him, "what are you doing?"

He paused mid-jump; his front paws on the edge of the bed and hissed back at me. "What?"

"Why do you have to go up there? There's plenty of floor."

He glared at me. "It's comfortable up here"

I glared back at him. "Oh yeah, uh huh, 'comfortable'…I know exactly what you mean by 'comfortable'."

He somehow managed to look mildly shocked even though his glare didn't seem to falter. "I don't know what you've been reading you sick stuffed animal, but I'm not going to do anything! I'm not even going to be near her! I'm just sleeping on the end of the bed!"

"Uh huh, Yeah sure, I know what you mean by 'sleeping'…"

By this time, Syaoran had vacated the bed and was coming towards me with a deadly glint in his eye.

"Listen you sick stuffed animal freak, I don't know what you get up to in your spare time, but get your mind out of the gutter and LISTEN, I-AM-NOT-GOING-TO-DO-ANYTHING-TO-HER "

"Oh yeah, like I'm going to believe you…"

Syaoran pounced.

We both forgot to keep our voices down…

~~~~~~~~~~

Sakura's POV:

"OOW-OWW, LEG GO OF 'Y 'EG YOU 'ISSY" (Translation: Let go of my leg you sissy)

Feral growling echoed from somewhere in my room…

"I'LL LEG GO OF YOUR LEG EN YOU LEG GO OF MY 'AIL…" (Translation: I'll let go of your leg when you let go of my tail)

I rubbed my eyes with the back of my hand and sat up, immediately feeling the cool air touch my skin as the sheets slid off my shoulders. I had been awake for quite a while, but had hoped I'd just be able to ignore them and go to sleep, but as they had gotten angrier with each other, their voices had gotten louder.

There was a brief surge of magic and the drapes around my bed pulled back…to reveal Keroberos and Syaoran actively trying to massacre each other.

"Umm, guys, could you stop that…"

Either they were ignoring me, or they couldn't hear me. I raised my voice slightly.

"Guys"

Syaoran was flung to the other side of the room. It didn't faze him in the least. He leapt forward, teeth bared…

"GUYS"

Keroberos froze, but a split second before Syaoran reached him, he shot into the air, causing Syaoran to slide into the wall.

I sighed and called out my wand and the Float…

~~~~

"Look we're really sorry..."

"I know, you've said that already…"

"Yeah but…you're still angry…"

"I'm not angry"

"Yes you are…you're eye's twitching…and that only happens when Touya does something that really annoys you…"

"I'm not annoyed"

"…yes you are…"

"No really, I'm not annoyed"

"…yes you are…"

"No, I'm not…"

"……yes you are…"

"Keroberos…"

"…Yeah?"

"Shut up"

Keroberos looked a little dumbfounded. Actually, so did Syaoran. Probably the first time either of them actually heard me swear…however mild it actually was.

There was silence for a while, and I was starting to drift off when-"Now look what you've done"

I sighed and reluctantly opened my eyes.

"And just exactly what is that supposed to mean? You were the one who started all this"

"Me?! And just how did you come to that conclusion hmm?"

"You were the one who came in here in the middle of the night and tried to do the nasty with S-"

"incase you haven't noticed, I am a wolf, so even if I wanted to, I couldn't!"

"Ooh, so you're admitting you want to huh?"

"I AM NOT! STOP TWISTING MY WORDS!"

I had really hoped that being stuck to the ceiling with the Float along with the Shield to stop them breaking out would have discouraged them somewhat from squabbling…

"I'm not twisting your words, I'm merely stating what you said…"

But apparently not…

I let out a long sigh and looked up at the wolf floating near the window, then to the winged lion floating near the door.

"Are you two going to be finishing up soon? I'd really like to get some sleep…and I mean sleep literally Keroberos…"

Keroberos looked a little embarrassed by that.

"You heard that?"

"Yes I did actually. Now, can I get some sleep please?"

"Uh, yes of course…Goodnight Sakura…"

"::sigh:: Goodnight Keroberos…"

"…'Night Sakura"

"Goodnight Syaoran…"

Then silence, blissful blissful silence.

"…Well that's just rude, the kid doesn't even have the manners to say goodnight to me…"

"…Neither did you"

I gritted my teeth and my nostrils flared slightly as I gripped my Star Key…

~~~~~~~~

Eriol's POV:

Tomoyo giggled as I greeted her at her door with a rose and offered my arm so I could escort her to breakfast. "You are looking as lovely as always my dear"

She rested her hand on my arm and giggled again as I led her down the vast hallway. "Why thank you kind sir."

The night before, alone on the balcony under the stars we had shared our first kiss. Like something out of a romantic movie, but I knew she'd love it that way…

::FlashBack::

All but a few of the guests had left and Sakura and the others had retreated to the tables to rest. Tomoyo had wandered onto the balcony and was leaning on the rail staring up into the night, absentmindedly twirling the rose I had given her between her fingers.

"Lovely night isn't it my lady"

She had spun around and smiled. "That it is good sir."

I smiled, bowed and offered a hand. "May I have this dance?" She looked a little startled for a second, then a little shy. "But there isn't any music playing"

I took her hand and led her away from the balcony rail. "That my dear, does not present a problem." Music softly started to play as I started to swing her around gently. We stayed like that for a while, dancing to the music that I made sure only we could hear, when she sighed contentedly and rested her head on my shoulder. I pulled her close and rested my cheek on the side of her head. The soft music ended all to soon and I was about to start up another when she pulled back slightly and gazed into my eyes.

I have always been a person who can think of the right thing to say at the right time, but as I stood there, holding her in my arms…for the first time in my life, I was speechless.

It was at that point that I had leaned down, and she leaned up, and our lips had brushed in a whisper of a kiss. Our eyes had met again for the briefest moment before we leaned in again for one much deeper and sweeter than I could have imagined.

We had kissed again later that night while I was saying goodnight to her at her bedroom door, when she said that she did too…when I told her I loved her.

::End Flashback::

We had been strolling down the hall, when there was the sound of a door swinging open and thudding onto the wall. We spun around and watched slightly agape as Syaoran and Keroberos floated out the door, surrounded by a pink bubble of the Float. But that wasn't all. Not only was the Float being used on them, but also the Shield, the Silent and the Sleep. The pink bubble popped and both sleeping creatures fell the few feet to the floor with a jolt. They both woke with a start.

"Do I dare to ask what happened?"

The door to Sakura's room swung shut as they both cowered and slunk towards us, glancing nervously behind them every now and then.

Tomoyo looked concerned and took a step forward. "Is Sakura alright?" Her brow furrowed slightly. "Oh, perhaps I should go talk to her…"

The wolf and winged lion looked panicked. "NO!" They ran up and pushed us down the hall towards the dining area. "SHE WANTS A SLEEP IN!!"

I glanced at Tomoyo who simply cocked an eyebrow. "Surely she wants some breakfast…"

We had reached the dining room and were pushed into our seats. "No no, we'll have something sent to her later, lets just let her sleep, she's had a long night…right Keroberos?"

Keroberos nodded enthusiastically, "Right, long night, all that dancing tuckered her out…nothing to do with us…right Syaoran?"

I shook my head slightly as they both nodded again, then got stuck into their food with a vengeance.

~~~~~~~~~~

Syaoran's POV:

* stupidstupidstupidstupidstupid…*

Normally when I get this frustrated I would go somewhere private and train. But that wasn't an option, not only did I not have my sword on me, but I didn't even have hands to hold it. I needed something to do…something constructive to vent my frustration and anger. And I didn't think taking any anger out on Keroberos would have been a smart idea, even if it was his fault that all this happened. After Sakura had stuck us to the ceiling with the Float and the Shield, he just had to start up another argument…which meant that Sakura then had to use the Silent, our voices (or any sound we made for that matter) were blocked by the bubble. But apparently our auras jump around when we are frustrated, and she could sense that and was unable to sleep. I had just been minding my own business, staring into space…okay so I was staring at Keroberos…

…well, maybe not so much staring…if you really want to get technical, it was more…glaring…but still, that gives him no right to turn around and flip me 'the bird'. That was just uncalled for.

So that was about the time she used the sleep on us. Which is kinda surprising; I didn't think the Sleep worked on those that possess magic…I guess she just has more control over her cards than I'd thought.

So anyway, I needed something to too, preferably something far away from Keroberos…and preferably far away from Sakura…Not that I don't want to be around her…I just don't want to do anything at the current moment in time that would annoy her anymore than she already is.

I pushed off the breakfast table and ran towards the door, fully aware that everyone had stopped and was watching me with interest.

Tomoyo called out in a concerned voice as I bolted through the door. "Syaoran? Where are you going?"

But I didn't stop.

In fact, I didn't stop until the sun was well into the sky and I could no longer see the castle behind me. The long run had helped slightly, but it wasn't enough…I needed…I needed to fight something…

I heard the sounds of shouts, clashing swords and panicked horses up ahead. I sprinted off in the direction.

A carriage, royal by the insignia (of which I recognized to be of the Forlynnian Kingdom), was being surrounded by bandits.

My face twisted into a grin. * Well, looks like I'm going to get my fight…*

~~~~~~~~

It's Syaoran to the rescue!! ::bad superhero theme music:: Da-da-daaaaaa…DADA-DAAAAAAAA!!! ::laughs at own stupid joke::

Boy, that chapter took me ages to write…but I wrote it, and it's a long one too!! YAY!!

I was debating about whether to extend on the bit where E+T were dancing together (i.e. I didn't know whether I should put the flashback scene in or not) but I thought, oh what the hey, there are E + T fans out there, so why not. Now I'm going to have to think of a scene for S + S that tops that…

Umm next chap. We're going to meet Leo's little sister Hallanna and Syaoran is probably going to be changed back…but with complications ( D ) eh he he he…I'm so evil…anyway, I gotta run so ciao till later people's and PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!