Amber Eyes
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Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!
Authoress Ramble: Very soon I will have fifty reviews! IÕm so happy! ^_^! I was thinking that this weekend I would have little time to write due to a ton of homework, but as it turns out IÕve been able to pump out a chapter a day! YouÕre all just lucky that IÕm a slacker. =3
Note: If the Òs,Õs and ,s are not quotes and commas, go to View ------ Character Set in Internet Explorer and change it to Western (Mac)! Or change the character set some other way to fix it, itÕs possible!
Shouts To People Who Reviewed!: Thank you so much for reviewing! Much love to Azi, Amanda Panda, Eclipse, Little Wolf LOVER, Shorty, Draco, CardCaptorHikariWolfy, Kimi-chan and ÒREALLY LIKE UR FICÓ (you didnÕt leave a name for me, cutie pie o.o), DL@;~, Ongaku, SulliMike23, kawaiitenshisakura, Cherry, UrbanCinderella, darkemerald22, Sakura-miaka, Tigerdrake, Mika, WezL, hana no tenshi (Eva), Princess Kinomoto, Blossom190, Kwaii Canadian, SweetyPie, twilight-star, and SweetCherryBlossom! Thank you again for your support!
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Syaoran put his hands on MeilingÕs shoulders and roughly pushed her away, ending their, or her, rather, brief kiss. She took a step backward in surprise.
ÒSyaoran,Ó she whispered quietly, sadly. Syaoran looked at her with a cold expression, but his eyes betrayed him; they were softened with sympathy.
ÒOnly lovers should do that, Meiling,Ó he said coldly, carefully choosing his words, ÒAnd they ought to do it . . . together.Ó
Meiling bent her head, slightly ashamed. ÒIÕm sorry,Ó she muttered sadly. Syaoran sighed under his breath, but said nothing.
Meiling then raised her head once again, meeting SyaoranÕs eyes. ÒI know that you donÕt love me,Ó Meiling whispered dejectedly, ÒAnd that you resent the fact that our parents chose our partners before we could even speak, but . . . it doesnÕt have to be like that. You can choose me if you wish, by your own free will. WonÕt you give me a chance, Syaoran?Ó
Syaoran stared at her, then adverted his eyes nervously. Meiling studied him for a moment, then gasped.
ÒThereÕs someone else, isnÕt there?Ó, she said, stunned. SyaoranÕs head turned back toward her, his eyes cold, and said nothing. As he thought of the one he loved, his cold eyes melted into soft, warm pools of amber.
Meiling saw this knowingly, and her heart began to ache. Syaoran finally spoke.
ÒItÕs none of your concern,Ó he said sharply. Meiling mentally nodded, affirming her suspicious thoughts; that had confirmed it. There was definitely someone else.
ÒSo there is,Ó she said accusingly. Syaoran muttered a curse word under his breath.
ÒYes, you nosy brat, there is. Are you happy now?,Ó he snapped. He spit out the word ÒhappyÓ as though it were disgusting, mocking her with sarcasm.
ÒNo need to be so touchy, darling,Ó Meiling said carefully. She had known that Syaoran would never love her deep inside, and she had prepared herself well for this. She would cover her inner pain with outer false confidence.
Syaoran growled quietly, and Meiling smirked, holding back her tears.
ÒSo who is she?,Ó she asked with curiosity and false optimism. Syaoran hesitated.
ÒHer name is Sakura,Ó he said softly. Meiling processed this for a moment.
ÒSakura, Sakura . . . I donÕt recall anyone named Sakura. From which family is she?,Ó she asked curiously.
Meiling was referring to the powerful aristocratic families of the Li kingdom. Syaoran adverted this eyes nervously.
ÒNone,Ó he said at last. MeilingÕs eyes widened in shock.
ÒNone?,Ó she repeated, stunned. ÒWhich kingdom is she from then? A princess from Gizelle, Riikara maybe?Ó.
These were kingdoms that were among the Li kingdomÕs allies. ÒNo,Ó Syaoran said firmly.
ÒFrom where, then?,Ó said Meiling in confusion, ÒTazanika?Ó
Syaoran shot her an annoyed expression, then suddenly smirked.
ÒIt must have been destined,Ó Syaoran began, strangely happy for being so annoyed. Meiling quirked an eyebrow in suspicion.
ÒDestiny?,Ó she asked, eying him strangely. Syaoran nodded.
ÒDestiny,Ó he repeated, ÒThat you should decide to betray your king and run off into dangerous enemy territory -alone- during the War to make peace with the Kaeran princess.Ó
Meiling was completely lost, and her expression clearly showed this.
ÒOtherwise,Ó Syaoran continued, clearly amused, ÒI would have never had to endanger my life to come here and search for you and,Ó he paused here for dramatic effect, ÒI would have never met the girl I think I may be in love with.Ó
Meiling gasped. ÒNoo,Ó she said in shock.
ÒYes,Ó Syaoran said firmly.
ÒNoo,Ó said Meiling, ÒYou couldnÕt possibly!Ó
ÒItÕs the truth,Ó said Syaoran, pleased. His second cousin was taking this surprisingly well, and her reaction was amusing to him.
ÒYouÕre in love with the Kaeran princess?!,Ó Meiling cried out. SyaoranÕs face fell.
ÒNo, you fool!,Ó Syaoran growled. ÒSheÕs no princess! At least, not yet.Ó
He had added this part to further upset his dear cousin. He enjoyed a good laugh just like everyone else, and, well, Meiling was often the perfect person to deliver it. Though she was strong in combat, beautiful in body, intelligent when it came to diplomacy and above all, courageous, she was, how could one put it . . . a bit thick . . . when it came to matters of the heart.
ÒNot a princess?,Ó Meiling repeated in shock, ÒAnd sheÕs a ... a Kaeran?Ó
Syaoran nodded, his face growing seriously.
ÒYouÕre in love with,Ó Meiling said, stuttering, ÒA Kaeran ... c-commoner?!Ó
ÒSheÕs a peasant, yes,Ó Syaoran said calmly, ÒRight here in this camp, actually.Ó
ÒWhat?!Ó, Meiling cried in disbelief. This was all too much for her, her mind overwhelmed.
Syaoran frowned. His heart ached; he needed someone to understand.
ÒThink about it, Meiling,Ó he began, slightly desperate, ÒIf I were a Kaeran peasant, and you met me and grew to love me as you love me now, what would you do?Ó
Meiling stared at him sadly. ÔExactly,Õ Syaoran thought coldly.
ÒYou canÕt love a Kaeran peasant!,Ó Meiling cried out, ÒItÕs just impossible!Ó
ÒIt isnÕt impossible!,Ó Syaoran nearly shouted back at her, ÒItÕs real, Meiling, and itÕs happening to me, right now!Ó
MeilingÕs heart began to soften. It wasnÕt a joke after all; Syaoran appeared to be genuinely distressed and in pain about this. When Syaoran said that he loved someone, he was always serious. It took a great thing to break his cold and practical, or obedient, rather, nature.
ÒItÕs true then?,Ó Meiling whispered, ÒYou truly love a Kaeran peasant girl?Ó
Syaoran nodded, the expression on his face confident and cold but his eyes clearly overwhelmed with sadness and desperation.
ÒYou canÕt be with her,Ó Meiling stated calmly, trying to be as practical as she could be for his sake, to help him. She was sad for him, but he needed to hear this now.
ÒAt least not openly,Ó she continued, trying not to allow his sad eyes to meet her own. ÒYouÕll never be able to marry her.Ó
Syaoran said nothing, his eyes revealing his pain.
Meiling felt an ache in her heart. She truly felt bad for him, her heart filled with both sympathy and empathy; she truly did love him.
ÒWhat would you do, Syaoran?,Ó Meiling asked sadly, ÒGive up your right to the throne?Ó
ÒPerhaps,Ó Syaoran answered, ÒIf she proved to be the one IÕve been searching for. Either that or IÕd rise to the throne and then marry her when my word was supreme and no one could stand against me.Ó
ÒHow do you know if she is the right one or not?,Ó Meiling asked. SyaoranÕs eyes grew softer.
ÒI donÕt know,Ó he whispered, ÒI havenÕt known her long enough yet. All I know is that when IÕm with her, I feel . . . I feel as though itÕs right, as though itÕs destined somehow and meant to take place.
ÒShe may not even love me back,Ó Syaoran continued, ÒAnd we may never be together, but I . . . I canÕt give up the chance we have. I just canÕt.Ó
ÒWhat will she do when she finds out that you are the Prince of the Li kingdom?,Ó Meiling asked quietly, calmly. ÒThe Kaeran people hate us.Ó
ÒI know,Ó he whispered. Meiling gasped; he looked as though he were about to cry.
ÒSyaoran,Ó Meiling said gently, ÒYou should break it off with her as soon as you can. YouÕll only hurt her in the end . . . you do realize that, donÕt you?Ó
ÒYouÕre saying that she could not love me if she knew who I was?,Ó Syaoran said quietly, morosely. ÒI am who I am, with or without my title. She isnÕt like that, she wouldnÕt be so . . . judgmental.Ó
ÒYouÕre lying to her, Syaoran,Ó Meiling said, ÒHow can she trust you after she finds out who you are?Ó
Syaoran said nothing.
ÒHas she lost family to the War?,Ó Meiling asked slowly. Syaoran didnÕt answer immediately.
ÒWell?,Ó Meiling inquired. Syaoran sighed.
ÒYes,Ó he whispered. MeilingÕs heart ached for him when she saw the look in his eyes.
ÒWho?,Ó she asked. Syaoran looked away from her, then answered.
ÒHer father,Ó he said sadly, ÒAnd her brother.Ó
Meiling took in a deep breath, preparing her words.
ÒImagine, Syaoran,Ó she began, ÒThat someone from a different kingdom invaded the palace and killed your mother, your father, all of your sisters, and myself. All before your very eyes.Ó
Syaoran looked down in shame.
ÒAnd then they took you from your home, capturing you and intending to take you a strange place, a place where the people you hate live. Then imagine meeting a leader of these people. What would you think of him or her?Ó
SyaoranÕs eyes were pleading her to stop.
ÒBut I didnÕt do all of those things,Ó he began desperately, ÒThey are my fatherÕs orders, carried out by his men, his soldiers, not me. I only came here with them to search for you. IÕve never killed anyone. IÕm even helping you to rescue that Kaeran princess in the name of peace, which is what IÕm willing to fight and die for, for the godsÕ sake.Ó
Meiling sighed sadly.
ÒYour title betrays you,Ó she said gravely. ÒThe girl will still not know.Ó
ÒIÕll explain it to her,Ó said Syaoran firmly, ÒYou donÕt understand, Meiling. SheÕs very kind, warm, caring . . . she must also be forgiving.Ó
ÒI may understand, Syaoran,Ó said Meiling calmly, ÒBut it is likely that she will not be able to.
ÒAnd even if she could, and indeed does,Ó she continued, ÒIt would still be forbidden and nearly impossibly for you to be with her. SheÕd have to return with you to the Li kingdom and be with you in secret. ThatÕs no way for love to grow, Syaoran, and itÕs no way to care for the one that you love most. She would be lonely and unhappy, nostalgic for her home while in the home of her enemies.
ÒAnd if she did not return home with you, then you would have to stay here with her, abandoning your family and your destiny to become the next great ruler of our kingdom.Ó Meiling finished with a grave frown, looking at Syaoran intently, waiting patiently for his reaction to her serious, straightforward speech.
Syaoran said nothing. It was clear that he thinking about all of this very carefully.
ÒI have to try,Ó Syaoran finally said, quietly and with sadness, ÒOn both counts, I have to try. I need to make her understand, and I need ... to try to be with her. I tried to tell you this before, Meiling. IÕll never give up so long as I have a chance. This feels right, and it feels right that I should not give up now.Ó
Meiling sighed. ÒI will pray for you then, Syaoran, for the sake of your happiness and well-being. I truly do care about you. Always remember that. Even if she does not love you, I always will.Ó
ÒThank you,Ó said Syaoran sincerely, though without looking at her. His eyes were lost in thought, drowning in sadness. Meiling felt a stab of pain in her heart.
ÒIt seems as though IÕll be praying for two miracles now,Ó she said quietly. Syaoran turned to her, slightly confused.
ÒHow is that?,Ó he asked. Meiling smiled sadly.
ÒFor peace,Ó she said hopefully, ÒAnd now, for the success of forbidden love.Ó
SyaoranÕs eyes darkened, and he nodded. He turned away from Meiling, unable to bear her words. How could something that made him feel so alive be forbidden? It was like forbidding the moon to shine at night.
As he turned away, his eyes caught sight of something in the grass on the ground, near a large bush. It looked strangely familiar, and he walked toward it. Meiling saw this and, becoming curious, followed suit to see what it was.
It was a large, dark green bundle, folded neatly on the ground. Syaoran kneeled down on the ground and picked it up in shock.
It was his cloak, the cloak he had given Sakura less than an hour ago. He gasped.
ÒMeiling,Ó he said, stunned, ÒShe heard us talking.Ó
ÒWho?,Ó Meiling asked curiously.
ÒSakura,Ó Syaoran whispered. ÒShe was here. I gave this to her less than an hour ago, and she ... she must have left it here. She was hiding behind that bush; she heard us.Ó
ÒHow much did she hear?,Ó asked Meiling, surprised.
ÒI have no idea,Ó said Syaoran sadly. Worry filled his eyes, and Meiling frowned, watching him with concern.
Syaoran stepped forward and behind the bush, searching the surrounding area. He saw footprints in the dirt on the cold ground, footprints which confirmed his theory. Sakura had indeed been there.
Syaoran looked further, beyond the area immediately behind the bush, the area where Sakura had been hiding. He saw more footprints behind this area, footprints which led not back up to the cave but rather deep into the dense, dark forest.
Syaoran frowned, worried. ÒShe must know, to run like this,Ó he said sadly.
Meiling said nothing, looking over his shoulder. As Syaoran tightly clutched the cloak to his chest, shocked, she spoke.
ÒGo,Ó she said suddenly. ÒShe couldnÕt have gone far. Follow her footprints into the forest, and find her. Tell her what you must, and then . . . ask her to choose.Ó
ÒTo choose?,Ó Syaoran repeated desolately, his eyes bleak. Meiling nodded.
ÒTo choose,Ó she said slowly, ÒBetween you and loyalty to her kingdom, to her past.Ó
Syaoran nodded sadly. He held the cloak tightly to his chest, remembering the warm, grateful smile Sakura had given him when he had wrapped it around her shivering body. He remembered the scent of her hair when he had leaned forward and kissed her forehead, remembered the taste of her warm skin.
ÒI will,Ó Syaoran said, then stepped forward toward the dark mass of trees. He turned back to Meiling, giving her one final, meaningful look before he began to run, disappearing into the forest.
Meiling watched him go with tears in her eyes.
ÒGood luck, my darling,Ó she whispered sadly.
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To be continued in the next chapter. Originally, I thought that what has become the next chapter would be part of this chapter, but it turns out that I ended up making this chapter too long. For the sake of frequent updates and all the chapters being around the same length, youÕll all have to wait a little bit longer!
If you liked it, or better yet, have ideas, then please leave a review! I love reviews! Reviews = writer faster! =^^= IÕll even thank you personally because I love reviews so much! Hehe.
By the way, if anyone could think up a catchy summary for this story, IÕd greatly appreciate it! I think the one I have is kind of lame and unattracting. Please please please help me on this! I really, really need help!
In the next chapter: ItÕs pretty obvious what the next chapter is about, so IÕll just give you its name. The Choice.
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Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the plot!
Authoress Ramble: Very soon I will have fifty reviews! IÕm so happy! ^_^! I was thinking that this weekend I would have little time to write due to a ton of homework, but as it turns out IÕve been able to pump out a chapter a day! YouÕre all just lucky that IÕm a slacker. =3
Note: If the Òs,Õs and ,s are not quotes and commas, go to View ------ Character Set in Internet Explorer and change it to Western (Mac)! Or change the character set some other way to fix it, itÕs possible!
Shouts To People Who Reviewed!: Thank you so much for reviewing! Much love to Azi, Amanda Panda, Eclipse, Little Wolf LOVER, Shorty, Draco, CardCaptorHikariWolfy, Kimi-chan and ÒREALLY LIKE UR FICÓ (you didnÕt leave a name for me, cutie pie o.o), DL@;~, Ongaku, SulliMike23, kawaiitenshisakura, Cherry, UrbanCinderella, darkemerald22, Sakura-miaka, Tigerdrake, Mika, WezL, hana no tenshi (Eva), Princess Kinomoto, Blossom190, Kwaii Canadian, SweetyPie, twilight-star, and SweetCherryBlossom! Thank you again for your support!
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Syaoran put his hands on MeilingÕs shoulders and roughly pushed her away, ending their, or her, rather, brief kiss. She took a step backward in surprise.
ÒSyaoran,Ó she whispered quietly, sadly. Syaoran looked at her with a cold expression, but his eyes betrayed him; they were softened with sympathy.
ÒOnly lovers should do that, Meiling,Ó he said coldly, carefully choosing his words, ÒAnd they ought to do it . . . together.Ó
Meiling bent her head, slightly ashamed. ÒIÕm sorry,Ó she muttered sadly. Syaoran sighed under his breath, but said nothing.
Meiling then raised her head once again, meeting SyaoranÕs eyes. ÒI know that you donÕt love me,Ó Meiling whispered dejectedly, ÒAnd that you resent the fact that our parents chose our partners before we could even speak, but . . . it doesnÕt have to be like that. You can choose me if you wish, by your own free will. WonÕt you give me a chance, Syaoran?Ó
Syaoran stared at her, then adverted his eyes nervously. Meiling studied him for a moment, then gasped.
ÒThereÕs someone else, isnÕt there?Ó, she said, stunned. SyaoranÕs head turned back toward her, his eyes cold, and said nothing. As he thought of the one he loved, his cold eyes melted into soft, warm pools of amber.
Meiling saw this knowingly, and her heart began to ache. Syaoran finally spoke.
ÒItÕs none of your concern,Ó he said sharply. Meiling mentally nodded, affirming her suspicious thoughts; that had confirmed it. There was definitely someone else.
ÒSo there is,Ó she said accusingly. Syaoran muttered a curse word under his breath.
ÒYes, you nosy brat, there is. Are you happy now?,Ó he snapped. He spit out the word ÒhappyÓ as though it were disgusting, mocking her with sarcasm.
ÒNo need to be so touchy, darling,Ó Meiling said carefully. She had known that Syaoran would never love her deep inside, and she had prepared herself well for this. She would cover her inner pain with outer false confidence.
Syaoran growled quietly, and Meiling smirked, holding back her tears.
ÒSo who is she?,Ó she asked with curiosity and false optimism. Syaoran hesitated.
ÒHer name is Sakura,Ó he said softly. Meiling processed this for a moment.
ÒSakura, Sakura . . . I donÕt recall anyone named Sakura. From which family is she?,Ó she asked curiously.
Meiling was referring to the powerful aristocratic families of the Li kingdom. Syaoran adverted this eyes nervously.
ÒNone,Ó he said at last. MeilingÕs eyes widened in shock.
ÒNone?,Ó she repeated, stunned. ÒWhich kingdom is she from then? A princess from Gizelle, Riikara maybe?Ó.
These were kingdoms that were among the Li kingdomÕs allies. ÒNo,Ó Syaoran said firmly.
ÒFrom where, then?,Ó said Meiling in confusion, ÒTazanika?Ó
Syaoran shot her an annoyed expression, then suddenly smirked.
ÒIt must have been destined,Ó Syaoran began, strangely happy for being so annoyed. Meiling quirked an eyebrow in suspicion.
ÒDestiny?,Ó she asked, eying him strangely. Syaoran nodded.
ÒDestiny,Ó he repeated, ÒThat you should decide to betray your king and run off into dangerous enemy territory -alone- during the War to make peace with the Kaeran princess.Ó
Meiling was completely lost, and her expression clearly showed this.
ÒOtherwise,Ó Syaoran continued, clearly amused, ÒI would have never had to endanger my life to come here and search for you and,Ó he paused here for dramatic effect, ÒI would have never met the girl I think I may be in love with.Ó
Meiling gasped. ÒNoo,Ó she said in shock.
ÒYes,Ó Syaoran said firmly.
ÒNoo,Ó said Meiling, ÒYou couldnÕt possibly!Ó
ÒItÕs the truth,Ó said Syaoran, pleased. His second cousin was taking this surprisingly well, and her reaction was amusing to him.
ÒYouÕre in love with the Kaeran princess?!,Ó Meiling cried out. SyaoranÕs face fell.
ÒNo, you fool!,Ó Syaoran growled. ÒSheÕs no princess! At least, not yet.Ó
He had added this part to further upset his dear cousin. He enjoyed a good laugh just like everyone else, and, well, Meiling was often the perfect person to deliver it. Though she was strong in combat, beautiful in body, intelligent when it came to diplomacy and above all, courageous, she was, how could one put it . . . a bit thick . . . when it came to matters of the heart.
ÒNot a princess?,Ó Meiling repeated in shock, ÒAnd sheÕs a ... a Kaeran?Ó
Syaoran nodded, his face growing seriously.
ÒYouÕre in love with,Ó Meiling said, stuttering, ÒA Kaeran ... c-commoner?!Ó
ÒSheÕs a peasant, yes,Ó Syaoran said calmly, ÒRight here in this camp, actually.Ó
ÒWhat?!Ó, Meiling cried in disbelief. This was all too much for her, her mind overwhelmed.
Syaoran frowned. His heart ached; he needed someone to understand.
ÒThink about it, Meiling,Ó he began, slightly desperate, ÒIf I were a Kaeran peasant, and you met me and grew to love me as you love me now, what would you do?Ó
Meiling stared at him sadly. ÔExactly,Õ Syaoran thought coldly.
ÒYou canÕt love a Kaeran peasant!,Ó Meiling cried out, ÒItÕs just impossible!Ó
ÒIt isnÕt impossible!,Ó Syaoran nearly shouted back at her, ÒItÕs real, Meiling, and itÕs happening to me, right now!Ó
MeilingÕs heart began to soften. It wasnÕt a joke after all; Syaoran appeared to be genuinely distressed and in pain about this. When Syaoran said that he loved someone, he was always serious. It took a great thing to break his cold and practical, or obedient, rather, nature.
ÒItÕs true then?,Ó Meiling whispered, ÒYou truly love a Kaeran peasant girl?Ó
Syaoran nodded, the expression on his face confident and cold but his eyes clearly overwhelmed with sadness and desperation.
ÒYou canÕt be with her,Ó Meiling stated calmly, trying to be as practical as she could be for his sake, to help him. She was sad for him, but he needed to hear this now.
ÒAt least not openly,Ó she continued, trying not to allow his sad eyes to meet her own. ÒYouÕll never be able to marry her.Ó
Syaoran said nothing, his eyes revealing his pain.
Meiling felt an ache in her heart. She truly felt bad for him, her heart filled with both sympathy and empathy; she truly did love him.
ÒWhat would you do, Syaoran?,Ó Meiling asked sadly, ÒGive up your right to the throne?Ó
ÒPerhaps,Ó Syaoran answered, ÒIf she proved to be the one IÕve been searching for. Either that or IÕd rise to the throne and then marry her when my word was supreme and no one could stand against me.Ó
ÒHow do you know if she is the right one or not?,Ó Meiling asked. SyaoranÕs eyes grew softer.
ÒI donÕt know,Ó he whispered, ÒI havenÕt known her long enough yet. All I know is that when IÕm with her, I feel . . . I feel as though itÕs right, as though itÕs destined somehow and meant to take place.
ÒShe may not even love me back,Ó Syaoran continued, ÒAnd we may never be together, but I . . . I canÕt give up the chance we have. I just canÕt.Ó
ÒWhat will she do when she finds out that you are the Prince of the Li kingdom?,Ó Meiling asked quietly, calmly. ÒThe Kaeran people hate us.Ó
ÒI know,Ó he whispered. Meiling gasped; he looked as though he were about to cry.
ÒSyaoran,Ó Meiling said gently, ÒYou should break it off with her as soon as you can. YouÕll only hurt her in the end . . . you do realize that, donÕt you?Ó
ÒYouÕre saying that she could not love me if she knew who I was?,Ó Syaoran said quietly, morosely. ÒI am who I am, with or without my title. She isnÕt like that, she wouldnÕt be so . . . judgmental.Ó
ÒYouÕre lying to her, Syaoran,Ó Meiling said, ÒHow can she trust you after she finds out who you are?Ó
Syaoran said nothing.
ÒHas she lost family to the War?,Ó Meiling asked slowly. Syaoran didnÕt answer immediately.
ÒWell?,Ó Meiling inquired. Syaoran sighed.
ÒYes,Ó he whispered. MeilingÕs heart ached for him when she saw the look in his eyes.
ÒWho?,Ó she asked. Syaoran looked away from her, then answered.
ÒHer father,Ó he said sadly, ÒAnd her brother.Ó
Meiling took in a deep breath, preparing her words.
ÒImagine, Syaoran,Ó she began, ÒThat someone from a different kingdom invaded the palace and killed your mother, your father, all of your sisters, and myself. All before your very eyes.Ó
Syaoran looked down in shame.
ÒAnd then they took you from your home, capturing you and intending to take you a strange place, a place where the people you hate live. Then imagine meeting a leader of these people. What would you think of him or her?Ó
SyaoranÕs eyes were pleading her to stop.
ÒBut I didnÕt do all of those things,Ó he began desperately, ÒThey are my fatherÕs orders, carried out by his men, his soldiers, not me. I only came here with them to search for you. IÕve never killed anyone. IÕm even helping you to rescue that Kaeran princess in the name of peace, which is what IÕm willing to fight and die for, for the godsÕ sake.Ó
Meiling sighed sadly.
ÒYour title betrays you,Ó she said gravely. ÒThe girl will still not know.Ó
ÒIÕll explain it to her,Ó said Syaoran firmly, ÒYou donÕt understand, Meiling. SheÕs very kind, warm, caring . . . she must also be forgiving.Ó
ÒI may understand, Syaoran,Ó said Meiling calmly, ÒBut it is likely that she will not be able to.
ÒAnd even if she could, and indeed does,Ó she continued, ÒIt would still be forbidden and nearly impossibly for you to be with her. SheÕd have to return with you to the Li kingdom and be with you in secret. ThatÕs no way for love to grow, Syaoran, and itÕs no way to care for the one that you love most. She would be lonely and unhappy, nostalgic for her home while in the home of her enemies.
ÒAnd if she did not return home with you, then you would have to stay here with her, abandoning your family and your destiny to become the next great ruler of our kingdom.Ó Meiling finished with a grave frown, looking at Syaoran intently, waiting patiently for his reaction to her serious, straightforward speech.
Syaoran said nothing. It was clear that he thinking about all of this very carefully.
ÒI have to try,Ó Syaoran finally said, quietly and with sadness, ÒOn both counts, I have to try. I need to make her understand, and I need ... to try to be with her. I tried to tell you this before, Meiling. IÕll never give up so long as I have a chance. This feels right, and it feels right that I should not give up now.Ó
Meiling sighed. ÒI will pray for you then, Syaoran, for the sake of your happiness and well-being. I truly do care about you. Always remember that. Even if she does not love you, I always will.Ó
ÒThank you,Ó said Syaoran sincerely, though without looking at her. His eyes were lost in thought, drowning in sadness. Meiling felt a stab of pain in her heart.
ÒIt seems as though IÕll be praying for two miracles now,Ó she said quietly. Syaoran turned to her, slightly confused.
ÒHow is that?,Ó he asked. Meiling smiled sadly.
ÒFor peace,Ó she said hopefully, ÒAnd now, for the success of forbidden love.Ó
SyaoranÕs eyes darkened, and he nodded. He turned away from Meiling, unable to bear her words. How could something that made him feel so alive be forbidden? It was like forbidding the moon to shine at night.
As he turned away, his eyes caught sight of something in the grass on the ground, near a large bush. It looked strangely familiar, and he walked toward it. Meiling saw this and, becoming curious, followed suit to see what it was.
It was a large, dark green bundle, folded neatly on the ground. Syaoran kneeled down on the ground and picked it up in shock.
It was his cloak, the cloak he had given Sakura less than an hour ago. He gasped.
ÒMeiling,Ó he said, stunned, ÒShe heard us talking.Ó
ÒWho?,Ó Meiling asked curiously.
ÒSakura,Ó Syaoran whispered. ÒShe was here. I gave this to her less than an hour ago, and she ... she must have left it here. She was hiding behind that bush; she heard us.Ó
ÒHow much did she hear?,Ó asked Meiling, surprised.
ÒI have no idea,Ó said Syaoran sadly. Worry filled his eyes, and Meiling frowned, watching him with concern.
Syaoran stepped forward and behind the bush, searching the surrounding area. He saw footprints in the dirt on the cold ground, footprints which confirmed his theory. Sakura had indeed been there.
Syaoran looked further, beyond the area immediately behind the bush, the area where Sakura had been hiding. He saw more footprints behind this area, footprints which led not back up to the cave but rather deep into the dense, dark forest.
Syaoran frowned, worried. ÒShe must know, to run like this,Ó he said sadly.
Meiling said nothing, looking over his shoulder. As Syaoran tightly clutched the cloak to his chest, shocked, she spoke.
ÒGo,Ó she said suddenly. ÒShe couldnÕt have gone far. Follow her footprints into the forest, and find her. Tell her what you must, and then . . . ask her to choose.Ó
ÒTo choose?,Ó Syaoran repeated desolately, his eyes bleak. Meiling nodded.
ÒTo choose,Ó she said slowly, ÒBetween you and loyalty to her kingdom, to her past.Ó
Syaoran nodded sadly. He held the cloak tightly to his chest, remembering the warm, grateful smile Sakura had given him when he had wrapped it around her shivering body. He remembered the scent of her hair when he had leaned forward and kissed her forehead, remembered the taste of her warm skin.
ÒI will,Ó Syaoran said, then stepped forward toward the dark mass of trees. He turned back to Meiling, giving her one final, meaningful look before he began to run, disappearing into the forest.
Meiling watched him go with tears in her eyes.
ÒGood luck, my darling,Ó she whispered sadly.
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To be continued in the next chapter. Originally, I thought that what has become the next chapter would be part of this chapter, but it turns out that I ended up making this chapter too long. For the sake of frequent updates and all the chapters being around the same length, youÕll all have to wait a little bit longer!
If you liked it, or better yet, have ideas, then please leave a review! I love reviews! Reviews = writer faster! =^^= IÕll even thank you personally because I love reviews so much! Hehe.
By the way, if anyone could think up a catchy summary for this story, IÕd greatly appreciate it! I think the one I have is kind of lame and unattracting. Please please please help me on this! I really, really need help!
In the next chapter: ItÕs pretty obvious what the next chapter is about, so IÕll just give you its name. The Choice.
