Disclaimer: I do not own CCS and any of its characters. However, this story is mine so think twice before you take it! I'll hunt you down and sue you!!! .
Note: This story is an AU!!! SakuraXSyaoran!!! In this chapter, Sakura is only 6 and Syaoran is 10. (maybe that's a little to big of a difference??? nah...) Yea... um.. what else... Sakura is a princess and Syaoran is a prince... (it already sounds so clichéd...) BUT DONT RUN AWAY YET!!! READ AND REVIEW IT FIRST!!!
Love at First Sight?
Written by ChibiChunsah
"Ah! Sakura, you look so cute!" Tomoyo cried out as Sakura stepped into view. Sakura blushed as she always did whenever Tomoyo commented about her.
"Aiii... Tomoyo, you know it's only because of the dress you made for me!" Sakura said her usual reply.
"But anyways, you're the perfect model," Tomoyo said. The dress was actually quite beautiful; one of her best works so far. It was a white dress, simple yet elegant. The hem nearly reached the floor and pale pink ribbons adorned it. The silk sleeves flowed gracefully as Sakura turned excitedly in front of the big mirror. She even had small white shoes that went perfectly with the dress. All in all, it was a dress that every six year old dreamed of.
"Sakura, Tomoyo, may I enter?"
"It's Yukito!" Sakura squealed. "Sure come in!" The large doors opened to reveal a young boy who couldn't have been past thirteen years of age. He was wearing a stunning white tuxedo that matched his silver mess of hair.
"Sakura, Tomoyo, you guys look great!" Yukito said. Immediately, a blush appeared in Sakura's cheeks.
"Thank you, you look great too Yukito," Sakura replied. Tomoyo nodded in agreement.
"Anyways, your father wants you now Sakura," Yukito said. "Follow me." Sakura happily followed Yukito through the marble halls and up the spiraling stairs to the golden throne room. The royal guards gave Yukito a nod, waved a small hello to their small princess, and opened the grand doors.
The throne room was very spacious and had mirrors lined along the walls to create the illusion of even more space. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling scattering light into every corner. Large tapestries picturing golden lions with silver wings sitting purposefully before a crown decorated the walls. A large portrait of a young woman hung high above Sakura's head. The woman had long hair that rippled down to her hips and enchanting green eyes. Her lips were parted in a soft smile and her milky white hands were gathered gracefully in her lap.
"Hello mommy," Sakura gently whispered as she entered.
"Hello Sakura," a gentle voice said from within.
"DADDIIEEEEEE!!!" Sakura yelled as she ran towards King Fujitaka. "You're back! Did you get me anything?" Fujitaka laughed at his daughter's childish selfishness.
"My little cherry blossom, when did you grow so big? Have you always been this pretty?" Fujitaka said with a large smile on his kind face. Sakura blushed bashfully at her father's praise.
"You were only gone for three days Daddy, I didn't change at all!" she said while searching her father for an interesting gift.
"Looking for this?" Fujitaka magically (in Sakura's young eyes) brought out a soft stuffed animal. Sakura gasped in delight and squeezed the little yellow bear in her arms.
"Look Yukito! It even has wings!" she said as she held it up for him to see. Fujitaka and Yukito exchanged smiles as they watched Sakura.
"Father! You're back!" a voice from the doors called out. King Fujitaka turned to see another young boy about the same age as Yukito walking briskly towards them. He was dressed in a black tuxedo and his black hair was messily tossed about.
"Touya, it's good to see you too. Here, I got something for you," Fujitaka said as he embraced his son. "Yukito, please bring forward the box over there." It was a very simple black box, long but narrow.
"Open it carefully,"
Touya carefully undid the silver latches that held the box closed.
"Come on! Hurry up!" Sakura yelled at Touya at his slowness. Fujitaka gave a look that silenced Sakura immediately.
"Father this is beautiful... I don't know what to say!" said Touya in awe as he opened the box all the way. Inside was a sword encrusted with all kinds of jewels at the hilt. As he lifted it from the case, the blade seemed to sing in the still air. Even the sheath was decorated with intricate designs that seemed to come to life as Touya picked it up.
"It's about time you got your own sword. I spoke with your Weapons Master and he said you were excelling in your classes," Fujitaka said as he looked on proudly at his son.
"Thank you Father," Touya said and gave a deep bow to show his appreciation.
"Now all you all ready for the big ball tonight? Sakura I hope you got enough sleep," Fujitaka said breaking the silent trance the sword had weaved.
"Yup! I got lots of sleep! And look at the dress that Tomoyo made for me!" Sakura said as the twirled in small circles. Fujitaka laughed as she almost tripped on the hem.
"We have special guests tonight. They are from a Kingdom we have just made alliances with. I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight and don't insult them or give our Kingdom a bad name. Touya put your sword away and meet us in the dining hall. Sakura and Yukito follow me, dinner will be served soon," King Fujitaka switching from fatherly to kingly as he walked out of the throne room.
The dining hall was lined with large tables at which the guests would sit. At the head was the place where the royal family and the honored guests would dine. The whole room was decorated with gold and red, the royal colors of Acirema. Exotic fruits were placed in silver platters more for their looks rather than taste. Sakura's bright emerald eyes soaked in all of the beauty around her.
"Sakura!!! What took you so long?" Tomoyo yelled as she ran towards the royal family. "King Fujitaka, welcome back!" Fujitaka smiled kindly and gave Tomoyo a hug as well.
"I brought back some beautiful cloths for you to make new dresses with. I thank you for the pretty dresses you make for my daughter but I bought the cloths just for yourself," Fujitaka said. Tomoyo gave a slight bow of gratitude.
Soon guests began filling the seats and King Fujitaka was busy welcoming his guests. Sakura all of a sudden felt very shy, she had never seen so many people in one room before. Tomoyo had been taken by her mom and was nowhere in sight. She quickly headed back to where Touya stood drinking punch with Yukito.
"Touya... Are there always so many people?" she asked quietly. Touya laughed softly at her naive comment and took Sakura by the hand. Sakura followed Touya through the throng of people until they had reached the garden. It was still light and warm outside and to Sakura's joy, quiet and peace. A small fountain bubbled happily making the only noise in the serene garden with and occasional chirp of a bird or two.
"You can wait here, I'll call you when you're needed. Tomoyo is busy right now; her mom is intent on introducing her daughter to every important guest. The poor girl..." Touya said. After Touya left, Sakura sat on one of the benches of the garden overlooking an orchard of cherry blossoms. A warm spring wind blew through the leaves and lifted blossoms up and carried them in a dance. Sakura closed her eyes; the smell of spring was so relaxing...
********************
Syaoran sighed as he followed his mother and father up the grand stairs of King Fujitaka's castle. Why did HE have to go to the ball? Why not one of his sisters? He was sure that any of them would have wanted to come and see the legendary, handsome Prince Touya. But no, his parents had dragged him out claiming that he needed to spend more time with other people. His parents were right; he hated social events ever since his disastrous first ball Princess Mei-Ling had invited his family to.
*flashback*
"SYAAAOOOO-RAAAAAANNN!!!" came a high squeal followed by the pitter-patter of running footsteps. A second later, Syaoran was lost in a tight embrace of satin and silk.
"Hey Mei-Ling…" Syaoran replied after she had finally released him. Mei-Ling obviously could not detect the unenthusiastic tone in his voice.
"I have waited FOREVER for this day! Come on Syaoran, dance with me!" Mei-Ling said trying to pull Syaoran to the dance floor.
"No," was the flat response.
"If you don't dance, I'll tell on you!"
"I don't care."
"WAHHHH!!! SYAORAN'S……… BEING……… MEAN!!!" Mei-Ling cried through hiccups.
"Syaoran! You're a guest in here, treat her with respect! Go on dance with her," his mother snapped obviously annoyed at being interrupted during her conversation. Syaoran let out a groan and reluctantly followed a rejoicing Mei-Ling to the dance floor. The music suddenly because louder as Prince Syaoran and Princess Mei-Ling, the oh-so-cute couple, stepped onto the well polished marble floor. He took Mei-Ling in his arms and started to dance to the waltz that the orchestra played. At first Syaoran went with the music with Mei-Ling happily following his lead. However, after a while, he became extremely bored of the same music and steps. Unknowingly, he began to go faster and faster until Mei-Ling gave out a frightened whimper. Seeing that he was scaring her, Syaoran went even faster never faltering in his steps. Mei-Ling on the other hand was on the verge of tears and all she could see were Syaoran's cold eyes as they spun around the dance floor. The other dancers cleared the dance floor and cheered on the couple no noticing the fright etched on the poor girl's face. Even the musicians attempted to follow the pace Syaoran set. Finally, the inevitable occurred. Mei-Ling tripped on the hem of her dress releasing Syaoran as she fell. The silence that followed was broken only by the soft sobs from the fallen girl.
"I don't dance with crybabies," Syaoran said as he walked away.
*end flashback*
From that day on, Syaoran always "mysteriously" got sick on days of social events. Today however, a nosy servant had seen him pour some powder that caused a short fever into his drink. His parents were notified and he was forced to come along with them.
He wandered through the crowd of people stopping here and there when introductions were necessary. His mother and father were already deeply in a conversation with the King of Acirema and his son, Touya.
"Ah here he is! This is our son, Syaoran Li. He is ten years old and the youngest member of our family," Syaoran's mother said as he walked towards them.
"My daughter is six, perhaps you could meet her one time? My son, Touya, is fourteen," King Fujitaka said with a welcoming smile. Syaoran answered by glaring at him.
"Please excuse his rudeness. He is not used to such a big social events," his mother said trying to hide her flushed cheeks.
"Not to worry, my daughter, Sakura, is just the same. In fact, I have no clue where she is at this moment. But if you would prefer a quieter place, there is a garden just past those glass doors," he said pointing to the garden where Sakura lay. Syaoran gave a slight bow before leaving towards the French doors that the King had mentioned.
********************
A brown rabbit nibbled on the fresh grass that grew near a small lake. Sakura watched quietly while clutching the small yellow bear in her hands. A strong gust of wind blew blowing her scent to the feeding rabbit. For a second, the rabbit stared back up at Sakura as if debating whether she was dangerous or not. Sakura made a move to pet the furry creature but it zigzagged away from her.
"Wait! I won't hurt you! AHHH!!!" Sakura yelled as she slipped in the mud. The small bear fell out of her arms and into the mud. Sakura looked at the muddy bear and her ruined dress. A teardrop ran down her cheek. She tried to wipe away the tear but only succeeded in getting mud on her cheek.
"Are you alright?" a young boy said. Sakura nodded but refused to meet the stranger's eyes. She saw the boy move closer.
"Here, you have mud on your face," the boy took her face in his hands and wiped away the mud with a soft handkerchief. Sakura finally gained the courage to look up. Her small eyes took in the stern but kind face and the amber eyes that seemed so hide so much. The boy took back his hand and picked up the stuffed bear. He frowned at the muddy mess but took it to a fountain that bubbled out clean water. After a long time of scrubbing and dunking the bear into the water, he brought back a wet but clean doll.
"I washed your bear for you. You should get out of the mud though. I can't do anything about your dress though. Here, I'll take you to your parents," the boy said. Sakura took back her bear and stood up.
"I don't wanna go back in there. I'm just gonna stay here," she said. For a while the two faced each other in silence. Sakura felt extremely shy as she felt the other's silent gaze on her.
"SYAORAN! Where are you!" a woman's voice called, "Come back!"
"That's my mom," the boy said and quickly walked away.
"Syaoran… That's a nice name. I didn't even say thank you. He doesn't even know my name," Sakura thought to herself.
"Sakura! What happened?" Touya said, "and why are you blushing so much?"
Sakura felt her cheeks turn a deeper shade of red at her brother's remark.
"I fell in the mud… This boy helped me but my dress is still ruined," Sakura said. Touya looked disapprovingly at her dress and took her by the hand.
"Come on you little kaijuu, you've had enough for today don't you think? Let's go to your room and you can take a nice nap," he said as he led Sakura to her room.
Comments:
OK! How did you guys like it so far? Tell me if I should continue it or not!
~ChibiChunsah~