Enchanting Duel
Chapter 1
By: Cherrysakuragirl
E-mail: Cherrysakuragirl@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura, its characters, its story, and its entire entity does not, and never will, belong to me. L This fanfic is the sole work of an ardent fan and not part of the original plot. By writing this, I am in no way stealing Cardcaptor Sakura nor any possessions or characteristics that one would attribute with it. Court Duel by Sherwood Smith.
Translation: Don't Sue Me!!! You won't get anything valuable!
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Note: This is a repost! The first time I posted it I thought it was tooo boring, so deleted the story and rewrote the whole thing.
Hello! This is my 2nd fic, and this chapter is just ch.1, so it's kind of an intro to the story. When I was brainstorming for ideas, I remembered a book that I read a long time ago called Court Duel by Sherwood Smith (great book, great author). Since it was a long time ago that I read it and I didn't remember much, I only took the basic idea. The novel served as an inspiration for me. On with the story!
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Note: this is S+S!!!
Oh, please, please review afterwards!!! Please, please,please? I would be ever so happy!! *makes puppy dog face* Please REVIEW!!!!
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************Flashback*************
9 years ago…
"Hi Sakura! How's Syao-chan?" questioned 7 year old Prince Syaoran.
Giggling at the puppy who was squirming in her arms, 6 year old Sakura answered," He's ok. He loves to eat, but he never grows! He's so small!" Glancing at the somber boy next to her, Sakura said sincerely," I want to thank you for giving me him when I was so sad. Syao-chan makes me happy, and I don't know what I would do without him! But I don't know how to thank you…
Pensive, Sakura eyed her cheerful surroundings. Fragrant flowers, majestic trees, smooth lawn… "I know!" Sakura exclaimed.
Bending down, she took several grass stalks and twisted them into a ring, her graceful fingers interlacing between the stems. Then, she twined an extra layer over it so that it would not come undone.
"Here you are!" declared Sakura, prideful of her feat," a friendship ring for you! So that we can be friends forever and ever!"
Taking the small ring, Syaoran was touched by the kind gesture. "Thank you, Sakura." Sticking out a pinky, Syaoran asked, "Do you know what a pinky swear is?"
She shook her head, thoroughly perplexed.
"Well, you entwine your pinky with mine. Yes, like that." Syaoran watched as Sakura wrapped her pinky around his. "Best friends forever, right? Pinky swear. Now you repeat it."
Sakura giggled. "Pinky swear," she repeated, trying desperately to be serious. Yet, she failed miserably, being attacked by a merciless fit of giggles.
Syaoran smiled with her, and for an instant the scowling boy was replaced with a carefree, amiable one. A boy who wasn't weighed down by innumerable responsibilies. Watching Sakura laugh, Syaoran felt like he had a true friend. A friend who would always be there.
The pretty ring he clutched in his hand was tough and determined to honor its promise, but would it last forever more?
************End of Flashback************
Normal (9 years later)
"Clang! Clang!" Two metal blades clashed against each other.
"You're going down!" called Countess Sakura, smirking as she attacked and her opponent barely blocked the blow. "That should teach you Yusuki, calling me a weak girl!"
Standing on the opposite side, Yusuki was powerless to attack, being the object of Sakura's reckless offensive. All he could do was hope to fortify himself.
Gripping her sword tighter, Sakura thrust it at her friend. Again he parried, but her previous jab had just been a feint. His clumsy defense revealed his weakness to her, and she plunged her sword deeper, striking aside his blade. It landed 10 feet away on the ground. The momentum of the stab pushed Yusuki to the floor, and he groaned, more from the humility of loosing to a girl than real pain.
Standing over her bladeless competitor triumphantly, Sakura giggled. "Are you ok?"she asked, concerned. She offered a helping hand. He looked a little dazed to her.
With the aid of Sakura, Duke Yusuki stood up. As his eyes passed over her smiling face, he noticed how…beautiful she looked. Although he was perspiring, Sakura hadn't even broken a sweat. She had a lovely smile, one that lighted up her whole face. And her flushed countenance brought out her creamy skin and high cheekbones. And…her eyes. The shocking green of a vast, infinite sea. It was the first time he'd noticed.
Laughing again, Sakura teased," What's wrong? Why are your eyes so big? Perhaps the humiliation of defeat has finally gotten to you!"
She watched as his face turned a startling scarlet, and then he stammered rather hastily," C-C-Countess Sakura, you're so beautiful. Would you go out with me?"
Tilting her head to look at her friend's tomato red face, Sakura wondered confusedly, "Hoe?" Yusuki had hazel eyes and black hair; he was also handsome and two years older than her. She'd always thought of him as another big brother, and she still did.
"Ano…Sorry Yusuki. But we're just friends," said Sakura gently. "Thanks for asking though," she lied, to make him feel better.
Backing away from her, Yusuki nodded hurriedly. "Oh! Of course Countess Sakura. Sorry to bother you," he apologized awkwardly, bowing and leaving.
The Countess sighed. Why did she have a feeling that things wouldn't be the same between them? She'd been having that same effect on many of her other guy friends. After she beat them at swordfighting or another sport, they would blush and say something baka like that. The mystery of the male race! Why would they want to ask her out anyway? Sakura didn't even think she was pretty.
"Sakura-chan! Sakura-chan!"yelled a familiar voice. Turning around, Sakura saw her best friend Tomoyo Daidouji sprint to her.
Tomoyo and Sakura had been best friends since they were three years old. Second cousins, Sakura was the Countess of Torith and Tomoyo was the Countess of Lyranth. With beautiful violet hair and amethyst eyes, Tomoyo was soft-spoken and always courteous. She hardly ever screamed or yelled, and she was known for her eloquent voice and calm exterior. Obsessed with creating clothes and videotaping, her second cousin was her favorite subject. The dress that wore was a lively pale purple, cut in a V-neck, with a dark purple ribbon that adorned her hair.
Spirited and friendly, Sakura was hopelessly innocent. Stunning ocean green eyes graced her features, and her face was sweet and gentle. Her honey-brown hair was long and wavy, with a golden tint that framed her face. Slender and lithe from her numerous activities, Sakura was indubitably graceful. Everyone but Sakura knew she was beautiful. One of Sakura's special gifts was she failed to make any enemies, and she had the ability to make friends with anyone. Almost entirely uninterested in fashion, Sakura wore a simple pink dress that she used for sports.
"Sakura-chan, did you say something mean to Duke Yusuki? His face was bright red when I saw him!" Studying her friend, Tomoyo realized what had happened. "Oh no…don't tell me that he asked you out and you said no! Again!" Tomoyo accused.
Sakura shrugged nonchalantly. "He just wasn't my type,"said Sakura defensively.
Tomoyo sighed. "And Count Tenchi, Duke Vann, and Count Charles weren't your "type" either? Really Sakura, you must pick one!" Pausing, Tomoyo added, "If I had guys all over me like you did, then I'd be in heaven!"
Narrowing her eyes, Sakura protested,"No you wouldn't Tomoyo-chan! You'd be screaming and criticizing them! Just like how you treat Count Hiiragizawa!"
It was true. Whenever Eriol would visit, Tomoyo and him would have verbal sparring matches that wouldn't end until one of them had a victory over the other. So far, Tomoyo had 15 wins and Hiiragizawa 16. (Yes, Tomoyo counted! ^_^) Tomoyo was furious that Eriol had beaten her once more than she had beaten him, and whenever she spoke of him it was with pure contempt.
Laughing, Sakura remarked, "Remember what happened last time? It was so mean what you did…it must have hurt terribly…
*******Flashback*********
A few days ago…
"Ohayo Countess Tomoyo, Ohayo Countess Sakura. Ahhh Sakura-chan, what a lovely smile you have. And you Tomoyo-chan, why must you frown at me? But despite your scowl, you are still beautiful nonetheless." Reaching deviously for her hand, Eriol kissed it smoothly.
Slap
"Ewwww!!" yelped Tomoyo, surprised. There was now a red welt on Eriol's face. When she realized what she'd done, Tomoyo gasped and instantly apologized. "Oh, gomen nasai!!! Terribly sorry! Demo… you kissed my hand! So you started it!"
Raising an elegant eyebrow, Eriol answered mischievously," Yes, my dear Tomoyo-chan, that's what gentlemen do. An act of respect to the ladies. But no matter. A simple kiss from your charming lips will be the price for damaging my handsome face."
"A k-kiss!!" declared Tomoyo, her face beet red, "No! And you deserved the slap! Someone has to control your blossoming ego! I hate you Eriol Hiiragizawa! I hope your baka face stays like that forever! "
*******End of Flashback*********
Sweatdropping, Tomoyo defended, "Well, he did deserve it! And he wanted a kiss! As if I would kiss that arrogant, self-satisfied face. Ooohhhhh…he infuriates me!"
Sakura chuckled.
Looking evil, Tomoyo continued,"Well…if you don't like the dukes and counts, why not Prince Syaoran or Prince Nansaki? They're just two years older than you. When your mother died…didn't Syaoran give you present?"
"Yes…" her eyes distant and the emerald translucent, Sakura endeavored to remember…when she was torn up from her mother's death…
*******Flashback*********
10 years ago…
Her face crimson from the tears, 5 year old Sakura collapsed on the floor, sobs wracking her body. Why mommy!! Why did you have to leave me! It's not fair!! Beating her small fists on the floor, her grief obfuscated out the pain.
From beside her, a boy touched her shaking back.
"What is it!" she screamed, her heartache getting the best of her.
"Are you ok?" he asked softly.
Turning her teary face to him, she saw a boy with amber eyes and disheveled brown hair. "No, " she replied.
"I'm really sorry," he apologized gently.
Wiping back the tears, Sakura shook her head. "It's not your fault," she hiccuped.
"My father died last year, so I know what it feels like," he explained sadly.
Sakura said nothing, but her eyes were woeful for him.
Reaching for her hand, the amber-eyed boy said, "I brought you something. Maybe it will help the pain go away."
Sakura saw the boy procure something from behind his back. Eyes wide, Sakura saw a tiny puppy wiggling in the boy's arms.
"Is that for me?" asked Sakura tentatively. As the amber-eyed boy nodded and handed her the bundle of joy, Sakura momentarily forgot about her anguish.
"Oh! Arigatou!" she squealed happily. "Kawaii!" Holding the puppy to eye level, a pink tongue erupted from the puppy's mouth and licked face.
Smiling sincerely at the boy who had given her such a delightful gift, Sakura enveloped him in a hug. Looking uncomfortable, the boy patted her on the back.
"So what are you going to name him?" he asked curiously.
Looking pensive, Sakura inquired,"What's your name?"
"Syaoran Li."
Gaping, Sakura said,"You're a prince, right?" Averting her gaze to the puppy, Sakura declared, "Well, then that's what I'll call you! Prince Syao-chan!"
Sweatdropping, Syaoran said unbelievingly, "Syao-chan?" What kind of name is that?
Nodding happily, Sakura repeated,"Syao-chan, after Prince Syaoran."
*******End of Flashback******
"What happened to Syao-chan?' wondered Tomoyo.
"He died last year," answered Sakura sadly, emerald eyes doleful.
"Oh," said Tomoyo, instantly sorry for asking the question.
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Weimei, the King of the Huang, was secretly feared and loathed by his people. When he took the throne, he had the strongest, most massive army that the country had ever seen. With protection by mercenaries, soldiers, and warriors alike, he was untouchable. Accomplished in murdering and hiding bodies, he did not mind having his royal soldiers kill.
What was more terrifying was how handsome and honest he looked from the outside. A young king of 20, he had enchanting eyes that could command without uttering a word, and enrapture with barely a glance. Thus, girls were always flirting with him because of his stature and his good looks.
Those who hated Weimei began secretly supporting others for the throne. Some favorites for the Huang throne included: Sakura Kinomoto from Torinth, Prince Nansaki from the Yu Kingdom, and Prince Syaoran from the Li Kingdom.
Prince Nansaki Yu was a charming, enigmatic young man of 16. Immodest, lavish, rude at times…he was known for his outrageous pride. He was very handsome and had a scintilla of darkness in him, and girls were known to constantly fawn over him. He was extremely gorgeous with blond hair and baby blue eyes, and he knew it. Prince Syaoran and him were reputed as being fierce adversaries.
Prince Syaoran Li, was just as handsome and cute, if not more, than Prince Nansaki. His powerful, stunning amber eyes and careless brown hair were the constant talk of the court. Syaoran was 16 too, and excelled in all that he did; he was smart, and undefeated in swordsmanship and in fighting. Known to glare and scowl, Prince Syaoran almost never smiled. Nonetheless, everyone could tell that Syaoran had a pure heart, so he was popular and had many loyal friends.
Sakura Kinomoto was defended for the throne because she was famous for her swordfighting and benevolence; and in the past one of her ancestors was on the throne. At 15, she was known as innocent, pretty, and kindhearted. But not much more was known since she lived in the hills, far away from the Capital. Although some thought she was too young for the throne and her brother Touya was older, Touya was not interested in being King. Plus, many supporters thought they could depend on her naivete and ignorance to control her.
It was rumored the Kinomoto family was starting a rebellion. Soon, many said, there would be a fight. A fight for the crown, between Nansaki, Syaoran, and Sakura.
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A.N-
So, what do you guys think? This is just the beginning and it was boring, but it gets better!! I haven't yet decided if this is going to be magical based, or fighting, or both. The next chapter is going to introduce the plot and etc. The real fun begins next chapter!
Did you guys think the puppy part was kawaii? I thought it was.
PLEASE review!! Don't make me beg~! Well…please, please, please, please, please, REVIEW! (Hehehehe)
Ja ne!!!
