Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptors Sakura, or else I would not be writing
this fic now would I? *grumbles something about how I should have invented
this anime* the only thing I own is myself, no money okay so don't sue
me.... Oh yeah, CCS belongs to CLAMP.
A big lovely thanx to all my reviewers, glad to have you guys aboard tears of the past. I love all you're comments good or bad, except they are all good(.
Oh and to inform everyone, the sakura in this story will mostly be written from the future sakura's point of view even though the past will come out once in a while, kay( if you are still confused though just email and I'll try to explain it.
A reviewer recently brought up the subject that this story seemed Victorian and not as much feudal Japan as it is meant to be, sorry my mind got haywired and I'll try my best to make it seem they're living in olden days Japan but it is actually pretty hard. Though the Victorian era did in fact influence Japan greatly because of its culture.
Okay throughout this chapter, these signs mean shaoran's thoughts and these ** mean sakura's kay(
Okay, all finished, phew.
Tears Of The Past Iris Chapter 3
*Shaoran's P.O.V/Lord Li*
Working all day in the fields is quite tiring, but worth every bit of it when you see the finishing result. That' s why I do what I do.
Most people tend to stereotype the higher class. They think that we just rely on servants for all our work and credit.
Well maybe I can't prove that they are wrong because from my own experience, that hypothesis is correct in all terms, but I can certainly show them that not all lords are money greedy.
I respect my workers and I guess you could call them partners in a way. They have earned my trust, even learned to deal with my cold façade.
Being borne into one of the most prosperous families in China isn't actually all that it seems. Everyday there's training and life is harsh. You're mentors, teachers, as well as elders expect the near impossible from you.
You're whole life is being controlled by people, what you should do, eat, and wear. What time you should go to this appointment and which people you should befriend.
Being the heir to one of China's largest fortunes has its pressure and weight upon my shoulders ever since the day I was borne into this world.
I was forced to grow up when only a child since my father died and handed his title down to me. Ever since then it was all business, my best asset was my ability to show no feelings or emotions ever in any situation.
You could say my mother and sister's didn't exactly agree that me with no feelings was a good thing but what could they say.
They are after all women, strong, commanding, but non-the less women who have no say in society. (Hehe, sakura would blow a gasket if she heard shaoran say this, actually I would to) I was brought up like this, if they don't like it then they shan't have me to blame.
When old enough to take care of the family and its profits as well as lands I started my legacy.
Even as a young boy I loved to construct buildings, so like that I built a life-size model of the mansions and homes that were first created in my imagination.
Then I started on my lands, making them rich and abundant, working every day, and checking even the smallest detail. Buying Fujikata's land as my mother had advised me to would be one of the final steps in ensuring the family's wealth and position.
After changing into a loosely woven cotton shirt and training pants, I went to eat a late dinner.
Finding Baochai, my old nurse waiting there, I received the news that Ms. Kinomoto had arrived and was quite tired so would not meet me until the next day.
Not really caring much for the information since she was only here to accomplish the investigation of her father's land I nodded curtly, finished my dinner, and retired the library to check on this month's financial records.
The fields have earned quite a sum, I observed while reading Yamakazi's messy scrawl of what he likes to call perfectly legible handwriting.
Being exhausted since I am after all only human, I decided to finish checking all the records the next day to see if there were any problems and went to sleep before the break of dawn came.
Always being an early riser, the coming of the sun wakened me out of my usual sleep. Quickly getting dressed and gulping down a quick breakfast that Baochai had kindly made just the night before, I started out into the fields and got an early head start.
After all, this was my favorite and only part of the day where I could be alone and drown into my thoughts. My men would be arriving in a couple of hours and then the day of mindless rhythm and tune of the workday would begin once again.
*Sakura's P.O.V, back at the mansion*
10:26 A.M
The twittering of birds and the rustle of trees (don't you just love the sounds this phrase makes you hear?) woke me from my dreams.
As I opened up my eyes light flooded into the room and blinded me temporarily.
Wanting to go back, once again into sleep land away from the brightness I turned around. Forgetting that I wasn't in my regular bedroom curled up snugly inside my blanket sleeping on my cute little piggy futon I rolled over.
Expecting to hit into my stack of stuffed animals as usual, I promptly rolled off the bed and fell headfirst onto the hard wooded floor. (That's not fun, don't try it at home)
"Hoe!" (Introducing the famous quote, I had to find the perfect place to put it in)
"Oh my, are you alright Ms. Kinomoto?" asked an unfamiliar voice coming from the faraway corner of the bedroom.
Trying unsuccessfully to ignore the bright stars, which were pink by the way popping into my view, I slowly sat up wanting to regain my focus.
Soon after my world stopped spinning, I looked around wildly until my gaze finally landed on Baochai who had a very worried expression pasted on her features.
"Yes, thank you Baochai, I'm uh just not used to this kind of bed. All the while thinking obscenities about how dangerous they were when my stomach decided to make itself known by growling, loudly.
That sound snapped me into reality, wait, didn't I have dinner last night I asked myself.
Suddenly all the events of yesterday hit me. I was in the past, that's why my stuffed animals weren't there and I missed diner with the LORD, oh I am in so much trouble now. (Sakura still hasn't figured out the connection yet, but no worries she will in the upcoming paragraphs)
"Baochai, I missed dinner, so sorry, am I in big trouble?" tumbled out these words like a rushing steam, now I was the one with the worried look on my face.
Chuckling softly at the confused look,
"No, my lady, you had better get dressed and have breakfast. Shaoran has left already but perhaps you'll meet him later (remember Baochai is his nurse so she can calls him by first name), he is already out in the fields driving those poor men to work.
In fact he has already made the arrangements for you to start the inspection of you're fathers lands today and has assembled a team for you to clear up the way or anything else that you would need with. (hehe, you'll find out what's so funny later)
Slowly processing the new information within my head, I nodded and went to pick out something comfortable to wear under the sun outside.
Finally with the help of Baochai's tips on what I should wear and shouldn't, I decided on a loose tunic with embroidered flowers and a pair of very soft woven pants with a orange sash to pull them together at the waist instead of opting for the traditional kimono which would have been too uncomfortable and heavy.
" Do you need anything else, Ms. Kinomoto?" asked Baochai, as Sakura was about to open the door.
" Uh yeah, sorry to be such a bother but where's the kitchen or wherever you uh get food?" answered a thoroughly embarrassed Sakura.
After finishing my delicious breakfast I went out into the courtyard as Baochai had instructed me to meet my team that would help be inspect the land.
Of course I could do it myself but I suspected that Li wanted to get this quickly over with. (Right now the past sakura is kinda taking over, you'll see the changes)
When I finally found the place and walked into the middle trying to get the men's attention, the first thing I heard was cat-calls and wolf whistles.
Bristling with untamed anger, I sent a glare at every one of them ensuring complete and utter silence as I spoke.
(Kind of 3rd person P.O.V now will switch back to Sakura's as soon as the introductions are made)
" I have been informed that you worthless bunch of hooligans will be working with me for the following time while I inspect the piece of land that your master wishes to buy.
You will introduce yourselves to me one by one standing in a straight line and I will explain what we shall be working on today.
Oh and by the way, I expect to be addressed by Ms. Kinomoto is that clear?"
(Scary Sakura, don't want to get in her way when she's mad, oh and this is kind of the part where the past Sakura joins the future Sakura with both of their knowledge.)
As the 2 out of 4 men stared in utter fascination and fear, they forgot to observe Sakura's face turning redder and redder by the second.
"NOW, MOVE IT!"
Scrambling to get in line they ended up tripping and falling over each other and ended up in a messy tangle.
Eventually managing to assemble themselves into a manageable formation, each started to state their names and profession.
" Name's Tenchi, profession spy, oh and weapon of choice, Kodachi's" Thinking quietly to herself, Sakura started to silently observe each and every member of the group.
Tenchi seemed to be the leader, strong yet a tad bit short but wore his power like a cloak, brown eyes and russet hair with a lop-sided smile.
Taking their cue from Tenchi who was head of the group, the rest followed his set example.
" Jiyu, my weapon is kunai's, don't think I have a real profession, like to draw though Ms. Kinomoto"
While the rest of the group broke out in friendly laughter, Sakura managed to suppress her grin.
This man looked quite young and bashful, just in his teens but already pretty tall. Gifted with the classic features of black hair and cornflower blue eyes, he was actually quite handsome.
" Ahhhhh achoo!" Sneezed the 3rd member or would be better described as giant. His built was huge and full of fat. His face was still of a newborn baby's with small smiling eyes.
"Ms. Kinomoto, I'm ah ah Chuko, weapon is just my strength, and profession um um is of a Sumo."
Starting to smile just a bit, Sakura turned her attention back to the last member.
This one was really skinny and very lithe; powerful but a panther's power as it is hunting it's prey, with a long mane of hair straight as an arrow's and seemed to be flexible and lanky.
In a soft voice, as quiet as the summer breeze but just as comforting,
" I am called Lichu, profession is being an assassin, and weapon is the Katana."
(Back to Sakura's P.O.V)
Now it was my turn to gape, this shouldn't be right. My team was made up of dangerous men. Not plain helpers!
What was this Lord Li thinking? In a way though I felt safe among them even if we just met but still this wasn't right, my father would be furious if he knew of this situation.
Trying to make the best of it, I explained that we would just take a look at how the plot of land was doing. Such as if the soil was still rich and to find the stream which was the main water source for all the planting and gardening that would need to be done.
Tramping over the tall plants and cornstalks trying to make a trail leading to the gate of my father's land it not an easy job.
Being stubborn as I was though, I gritted my teeth never minding the scratches and kept on going.
*Forget asking for help, they'll think I'm weak*. (These are Sakura's thoughts that are in small italic as well as the stars for qoutations)
"Oh Ms. Kinomoto would you like us to clear the path for you?" asked Tenchi a bit worriedly thinking about how angry his employer would be if she was doing all the work.
Not even stopping to look behind me, I kept on moving until I felt a whoosh and the path was all cleared.
Turning around to give a lecture I found them all whistling as if nothing had even happened.
" I didn't need you to help, you know"
"Who us? We didn't do anything, it must have been the gracious wind Ms." All four of them replied while staring with innocent looks on their faces.
Angry as I was, I learned early on there was nothing I could accuse them of without proof even though anyone with common sense would see through that lie in a second.
Upon reaching the gate, we entered and looked around. Everything was a mess. The ground was home to almost every existing weed on this earth. The trees that once stood tall were fallen if not bent and doubled over in utterly weird formations.
The whole place was desolate and it would be a great challenge to fix this place up.
Then again, I love challenges.
Reaching down to feel the soil, it was still rich. With a bit of water well actually a lot and some planting this piece of land could be restored. Smiling happily at the task that was set before me, I started to head east where the supposed spring was.
The foursome group then followed me without a command.
Walking for nearly half an hour, I managed to hear tinkling sounds of water flowing. Realizing that it should be the stream I ran on ahead, as the melody of water grew louder and louder with each step my hopes soared and just as quickly plummeted.
Ahead blocking the entrance to the water source was a complete bramble of branches, nettings, and thorns. This could take days to clear away.
Then I remembered something. Lichu used a katana, well it's about time to see what this fearsome group could really do and if they would be of any use.
"Lichu, clear this mess to give us entrance please" I asked ever so sweetly.
In the matter of minutes, our way was cleared.
Amazed at their abilities, I decided not to complain to Lord Li after all. They would be of great help anyhow.
Walking to the spring, I tried the water. Dipping my fingers down the cold water gave me a well-received shock. It was fresh and freezing. Perfect for the land.
That whole afternoon was spent just looking around the perimeter noting what heeds to be done and how.
Near dusk, I ordered us to get back. Besides I forgot my lunch in the courtyard and I was hungry.
Deciding to take another path, which was the one that the workers took through the fields we headed back towards the mansion.
As we walked along, I allowed myself to enjoy the scenery. There was lush green grass all around, flowers and vegetation thriving under the setting sun. If I had just one day, I would perhaps take the time to paint this incredible scene that lay in front of my eyes.
Wandering amiably on the road, I wondered if my so-called workers lived in the mansion.
Turning around to ask Tenchi, nobody was there. (Imagine that roll of straw or hay that rolls across a ghostly cowboy town during those one on one shootouts)
Just me, with the wind whistling and the faraway sound of workers on their way back home. As I kept on walking with my head turned around occasionally just to make sure that they were really gone and not playing a trick, I slammed into something or should it be better said, I bumped into someone. (any guesses?)
Shaoran's P.O.V
Fields / 5:12
The sun was setting and another day had passed, as I waited for all my workers to leave before I headed for home, the time was spent on recollecting the happy times.
There were the memories with my sisters always joking and then the joy I felt when a particular elder noticed my improvements in training, when something rammed straight into my back.
Turning around swiftly, I was quite caught off guard by the sight before me.
On the ground sat Lady Kinomoto clutching her head with both arms. I had only seen her twice in my whole lifetime. Once when we were children both being brought on a trip by our parents, then at a nobles gathering in the Shogun's palace.
Usually I wouldn't recognize her without seeing her face but her auburn hair made sure I wouldn't forget ever.
Bending down to help her up I was very surprised by the words that greeted me.
" Damn! What did you think you were doing? Can't you see that I was walking here?" Yelled Sakura with her head throbbing from the impact.
(Um basically third person view but you'll know who is saying what I'm sure, it'll switch from Sakura to Shaoran point of view as we go along.)
Lifting her face to see who that careless path maniac was, she was startled.
"SYAORAN! Wow! Did you get sent into the past to? Hey, what did you mean when you said in the park that I was suppose to do all the research huh? That was mean!" exclaimed Sakura before the information stored from her life in the past kicked in to notify her that his was indeed the Lord Shaoran Li.
(Just a remainder, this symbols signify Shaoran's thoughts and ** mean Sakura's thoughts)
*Wait, if this was Lord Shaoran Li then ha all her problems were solved, he was the one her project was about, he was the one who no one knew anything about, ha now I just need to ask him questions and I'll get all the information needed, what an easy A.
Now this was really uncanny, Li looked exactly like well Li as in terms of Syaoran just in a different style of clothing. That's why I had mistaken him in the first place. *
" Lady Kinomoto, perhaps you hit your head a little too hard."
" Um Lord Li right? can I ask you a couple of questions?"
" No, actually I would prefer that you didn't"
" Well, alright maybe not personal questions, so what inspired you to build you're mansions in this style of architecture, any pets, when's you're birthday, ect."
" Ms. Kinomoto, would you please stop barricading me with these questions that I prefer not to answer and start heading for home."
Not listening to a word that Li said Sakura started to ask and chat away.
" STOP! Are all you women like this? I said I would not answer you questions!"
Stopped dead in her tracks by his choice of words, anger started rising.
" Well Li, alright, I shall leave you alone, now get away from me and leave me be," all the while muttering under her breath profanities on how obstinate and worthless men were while the personality of her past in this era started to take over unknowingly.
" My pleasure, Kinomoto" I growled, " hearing those many choices of words she used to describe me as."
Turning our heads, we both headed for the mansion in utter silence while glaring at the dirt road each fuming inside.
Tokyo, Japan
Falling Leaves Teahouse / 7:41
"Wouldn't I love to witness the look on my son's face if he knew that his was all set up." mused Yelen as she sat in the private room of the prominent teahouse with Fujikata across from her.
Chuckling Fujikata replied, "Well, at least Shaoran hasn't changed Yelen, meanwhile I am wondering what my Sakura in the future is like and how the two minds are coping. I do sincerely hope that Sakura doesn't suspect her workers are actually the top bodyguards and assassins in this country, there would be no end to her yelling if she found that out."
" No need to worry, I had Baochai arrange it so that Sakura doesn't suspect a thing and that Shaoran never figures out that the workers he really hired for Sakura didn't ever get the message." Answered Yelen reassuring a worrying father.
" Eriol, Yue what do you think? Was bringing Sakura back into the past to Shaoran a good investment? They are after all our only hope to go against Baoyu"
" Well Fujikata-San, to tell the truth I can't say if it was a good idea or not at this moment. I'm not sure what will happen.
They might bring each other to the point of going insane or work together to form a power greater then the likes we have ever seen nor imagine.
In fact Tomoyo and I should be visiting them in a matter of weeks." Provided Eriol as he stepped out of the shadows joining his two elders.
Yue remained silent as always, but inclined his head in confirmation to Eriol's decision.
" Well I guess all we can do is wait and hope for the best." Whispered Yelen mainly to herself as everyone sat franking green tea lost in his or her own thoughts of the outcome.
A big lovely thanx to all my reviewers, glad to have you guys aboard tears of the past. I love all you're comments good or bad, except they are all good(.
Oh and to inform everyone, the sakura in this story will mostly be written from the future sakura's point of view even though the past will come out once in a while, kay( if you are still confused though just email and I'll try to explain it.
A reviewer recently brought up the subject that this story seemed Victorian and not as much feudal Japan as it is meant to be, sorry my mind got haywired and I'll try my best to make it seem they're living in olden days Japan but it is actually pretty hard. Though the Victorian era did in fact influence Japan greatly because of its culture.
Okay throughout this chapter, these signs mean shaoran's thoughts and these ** mean sakura's kay(
Okay, all finished, phew.
Tears Of The Past Iris Chapter 3
*Shaoran's P.O.V/Lord Li*
Working all day in the fields is quite tiring, but worth every bit of it when you see the finishing result. That' s why I do what I do.
Most people tend to stereotype the higher class. They think that we just rely on servants for all our work and credit.
Well maybe I can't prove that they are wrong because from my own experience, that hypothesis is correct in all terms, but I can certainly show them that not all lords are money greedy.
I respect my workers and I guess you could call them partners in a way. They have earned my trust, even learned to deal with my cold façade.
Being borne into one of the most prosperous families in China isn't actually all that it seems. Everyday there's training and life is harsh. You're mentors, teachers, as well as elders expect the near impossible from you.
You're whole life is being controlled by people, what you should do, eat, and wear. What time you should go to this appointment and which people you should befriend.
Being the heir to one of China's largest fortunes has its pressure and weight upon my shoulders ever since the day I was borne into this world.
I was forced to grow up when only a child since my father died and handed his title down to me. Ever since then it was all business, my best asset was my ability to show no feelings or emotions ever in any situation.
You could say my mother and sister's didn't exactly agree that me with no feelings was a good thing but what could they say.
They are after all women, strong, commanding, but non-the less women who have no say in society. (Hehe, sakura would blow a gasket if she heard shaoran say this, actually I would to) I was brought up like this, if they don't like it then they shan't have me to blame.
When old enough to take care of the family and its profits as well as lands I started my legacy.
Even as a young boy I loved to construct buildings, so like that I built a life-size model of the mansions and homes that were first created in my imagination.
Then I started on my lands, making them rich and abundant, working every day, and checking even the smallest detail. Buying Fujikata's land as my mother had advised me to would be one of the final steps in ensuring the family's wealth and position.
After changing into a loosely woven cotton shirt and training pants, I went to eat a late dinner.
Finding Baochai, my old nurse waiting there, I received the news that Ms. Kinomoto had arrived and was quite tired so would not meet me until the next day.
Not really caring much for the information since she was only here to accomplish the investigation of her father's land I nodded curtly, finished my dinner, and retired the library to check on this month's financial records.
The fields have earned quite a sum, I observed while reading Yamakazi's messy scrawl of what he likes to call perfectly legible handwriting.
Being exhausted since I am after all only human, I decided to finish checking all the records the next day to see if there were any problems and went to sleep before the break of dawn came.
Always being an early riser, the coming of the sun wakened me out of my usual sleep. Quickly getting dressed and gulping down a quick breakfast that Baochai had kindly made just the night before, I started out into the fields and got an early head start.
After all, this was my favorite and only part of the day where I could be alone and drown into my thoughts. My men would be arriving in a couple of hours and then the day of mindless rhythm and tune of the workday would begin once again.
*Sakura's P.O.V, back at the mansion*
10:26 A.M
The twittering of birds and the rustle of trees (don't you just love the sounds this phrase makes you hear?) woke me from my dreams.
As I opened up my eyes light flooded into the room and blinded me temporarily.
Wanting to go back, once again into sleep land away from the brightness I turned around. Forgetting that I wasn't in my regular bedroom curled up snugly inside my blanket sleeping on my cute little piggy futon I rolled over.
Expecting to hit into my stack of stuffed animals as usual, I promptly rolled off the bed and fell headfirst onto the hard wooded floor. (That's not fun, don't try it at home)
"Hoe!" (Introducing the famous quote, I had to find the perfect place to put it in)
"Oh my, are you alright Ms. Kinomoto?" asked an unfamiliar voice coming from the faraway corner of the bedroom.
Trying unsuccessfully to ignore the bright stars, which were pink by the way popping into my view, I slowly sat up wanting to regain my focus.
Soon after my world stopped spinning, I looked around wildly until my gaze finally landed on Baochai who had a very worried expression pasted on her features.
"Yes, thank you Baochai, I'm uh just not used to this kind of bed. All the while thinking obscenities about how dangerous they were when my stomach decided to make itself known by growling, loudly.
That sound snapped me into reality, wait, didn't I have dinner last night I asked myself.
Suddenly all the events of yesterday hit me. I was in the past, that's why my stuffed animals weren't there and I missed diner with the LORD, oh I am in so much trouble now. (Sakura still hasn't figured out the connection yet, but no worries she will in the upcoming paragraphs)
"Baochai, I missed dinner, so sorry, am I in big trouble?" tumbled out these words like a rushing steam, now I was the one with the worried look on my face.
Chuckling softly at the confused look,
"No, my lady, you had better get dressed and have breakfast. Shaoran has left already but perhaps you'll meet him later (remember Baochai is his nurse so she can calls him by first name), he is already out in the fields driving those poor men to work.
In fact he has already made the arrangements for you to start the inspection of you're fathers lands today and has assembled a team for you to clear up the way or anything else that you would need with. (hehe, you'll find out what's so funny later)
Slowly processing the new information within my head, I nodded and went to pick out something comfortable to wear under the sun outside.
Finally with the help of Baochai's tips on what I should wear and shouldn't, I decided on a loose tunic with embroidered flowers and a pair of very soft woven pants with a orange sash to pull them together at the waist instead of opting for the traditional kimono which would have been too uncomfortable and heavy.
" Do you need anything else, Ms. Kinomoto?" asked Baochai, as Sakura was about to open the door.
" Uh yeah, sorry to be such a bother but where's the kitchen or wherever you uh get food?" answered a thoroughly embarrassed Sakura.
After finishing my delicious breakfast I went out into the courtyard as Baochai had instructed me to meet my team that would help be inspect the land.
Of course I could do it myself but I suspected that Li wanted to get this quickly over with. (Right now the past sakura is kinda taking over, you'll see the changes)
When I finally found the place and walked into the middle trying to get the men's attention, the first thing I heard was cat-calls and wolf whistles.
Bristling with untamed anger, I sent a glare at every one of them ensuring complete and utter silence as I spoke.
(Kind of 3rd person P.O.V now will switch back to Sakura's as soon as the introductions are made)
" I have been informed that you worthless bunch of hooligans will be working with me for the following time while I inspect the piece of land that your master wishes to buy.
You will introduce yourselves to me one by one standing in a straight line and I will explain what we shall be working on today.
Oh and by the way, I expect to be addressed by Ms. Kinomoto is that clear?"
(Scary Sakura, don't want to get in her way when she's mad, oh and this is kind of the part where the past Sakura joins the future Sakura with both of their knowledge.)
As the 2 out of 4 men stared in utter fascination and fear, they forgot to observe Sakura's face turning redder and redder by the second.
"NOW, MOVE IT!"
Scrambling to get in line they ended up tripping and falling over each other and ended up in a messy tangle.
Eventually managing to assemble themselves into a manageable formation, each started to state their names and profession.
" Name's Tenchi, profession spy, oh and weapon of choice, Kodachi's" Thinking quietly to herself, Sakura started to silently observe each and every member of the group.
Tenchi seemed to be the leader, strong yet a tad bit short but wore his power like a cloak, brown eyes and russet hair with a lop-sided smile.
Taking their cue from Tenchi who was head of the group, the rest followed his set example.
" Jiyu, my weapon is kunai's, don't think I have a real profession, like to draw though Ms. Kinomoto"
While the rest of the group broke out in friendly laughter, Sakura managed to suppress her grin.
This man looked quite young and bashful, just in his teens but already pretty tall. Gifted with the classic features of black hair and cornflower blue eyes, he was actually quite handsome.
" Ahhhhh achoo!" Sneezed the 3rd member or would be better described as giant. His built was huge and full of fat. His face was still of a newborn baby's with small smiling eyes.
"Ms. Kinomoto, I'm ah ah Chuko, weapon is just my strength, and profession um um is of a Sumo."
Starting to smile just a bit, Sakura turned her attention back to the last member.
This one was really skinny and very lithe; powerful but a panther's power as it is hunting it's prey, with a long mane of hair straight as an arrow's and seemed to be flexible and lanky.
In a soft voice, as quiet as the summer breeze but just as comforting,
" I am called Lichu, profession is being an assassin, and weapon is the Katana."
(Back to Sakura's P.O.V)
Now it was my turn to gape, this shouldn't be right. My team was made up of dangerous men. Not plain helpers!
What was this Lord Li thinking? In a way though I felt safe among them even if we just met but still this wasn't right, my father would be furious if he knew of this situation.
Trying to make the best of it, I explained that we would just take a look at how the plot of land was doing. Such as if the soil was still rich and to find the stream which was the main water source for all the planting and gardening that would need to be done.
Tramping over the tall plants and cornstalks trying to make a trail leading to the gate of my father's land it not an easy job.
Being stubborn as I was though, I gritted my teeth never minding the scratches and kept on going.
*Forget asking for help, they'll think I'm weak*. (These are Sakura's thoughts that are in small italic as well as the stars for qoutations)
"Oh Ms. Kinomoto would you like us to clear the path for you?" asked Tenchi a bit worriedly thinking about how angry his employer would be if she was doing all the work.
Not even stopping to look behind me, I kept on moving until I felt a whoosh and the path was all cleared.
Turning around to give a lecture I found them all whistling as if nothing had even happened.
" I didn't need you to help, you know"
"Who us? We didn't do anything, it must have been the gracious wind Ms." All four of them replied while staring with innocent looks on their faces.
Angry as I was, I learned early on there was nothing I could accuse them of without proof even though anyone with common sense would see through that lie in a second.
Upon reaching the gate, we entered and looked around. Everything was a mess. The ground was home to almost every existing weed on this earth. The trees that once stood tall were fallen if not bent and doubled over in utterly weird formations.
The whole place was desolate and it would be a great challenge to fix this place up.
Then again, I love challenges.
Reaching down to feel the soil, it was still rich. With a bit of water well actually a lot and some planting this piece of land could be restored. Smiling happily at the task that was set before me, I started to head east where the supposed spring was.
The foursome group then followed me without a command.
Walking for nearly half an hour, I managed to hear tinkling sounds of water flowing. Realizing that it should be the stream I ran on ahead, as the melody of water grew louder and louder with each step my hopes soared and just as quickly plummeted.
Ahead blocking the entrance to the water source was a complete bramble of branches, nettings, and thorns. This could take days to clear away.
Then I remembered something. Lichu used a katana, well it's about time to see what this fearsome group could really do and if they would be of any use.
"Lichu, clear this mess to give us entrance please" I asked ever so sweetly.
In the matter of minutes, our way was cleared.
Amazed at their abilities, I decided not to complain to Lord Li after all. They would be of great help anyhow.
Walking to the spring, I tried the water. Dipping my fingers down the cold water gave me a well-received shock. It was fresh and freezing. Perfect for the land.
That whole afternoon was spent just looking around the perimeter noting what heeds to be done and how.
Near dusk, I ordered us to get back. Besides I forgot my lunch in the courtyard and I was hungry.
Deciding to take another path, which was the one that the workers took through the fields we headed back towards the mansion.
As we walked along, I allowed myself to enjoy the scenery. There was lush green grass all around, flowers and vegetation thriving under the setting sun. If I had just one day, I would perhaps take the time to paint this incredible scene that lay in front of my eyes.
Wandering amiably on the road, I wondered if my so-called workers lived in the mansion.
Turning around to ask Tenchi, nobody was there. (Imagine that roll of straw or hay that rolls across a ghostly cowboy town during those one on one shootouts)
Just me, with the wind whistling and the faraway sound of workers on their way back home. As I kept on walking with my head turned around occasionally just to make sure that they were really gone and not playing a trick, I slammed into something or should it be better said, I bumped into someone. (any guesses?)
Shaoran's P.O.V
Fields / 5:12
The sun was setting and another day had passed, as I waited for all my workers to leave before I headed for home, the time was spent on recollecting the happy times.
There were the memories with my sisters always joking and then the joy I felt when a particular elder noticed my improvements in training, when something rammed straight into my back.
Turning around swiftly, I was quite caught off guard by the sight before me.
On the ground sat Lady Kinomoto clutching her head with both arms. I had only seen her twice in my whole lifetime. Once when we were children both being brought on a trip by our parents, then at a nobles gathering in the Shogun's palace.
Usually I wouldn't recognize her without seeing her face but her auburn hair made sure I wouldn't forget ever.
Bending down to help her up I was very surprised by the words that greeted me.
" Damn! What did you think you were doing? Can't you see that I was walking here?" Yelled Sakura with her head throbbing from the impact.
(Um basically third person view but you'll know who is saying what I'm sure, it'll switch from Sakura to Shaoran point of view as we go along.)
Lifting her face to see who that careless path maniac was, she was startled.
"SYAORAN! Wow! Did you get sent into the past to? Hey, what did you mean when you said in the park that I was suppose to do all the research huh? That was mean!" exclaimed Sakura before the information stored from her life in the past kicked in to notify her that his was indeed the Lord Shaoran Li.
(Just a remainder, this symbols signify Shaoran's thoughts and ** mean Sakura's thoughts)
*Wait, if this was Lord Shaoran Li then ha all her problems were solved, he was the one her project was about, he was the one who no one knew anything about, ha now I just need to ask him questions and I'll get all the information needed, what an easy A.
Now this was really uncanny, Li looked exactly like well Li as in terms of Syaoran just in a different style of clothing. That's why I had mistaken him in the first place. *
" Lady Kinomoto, perhaps you hit your head a little too hard."
" Um Lord Li right? can I ask you a couple of questions?"
" No, actually I would prefer that you didn't"
" Well, alright maybe not personal questions, so what inspired you to build you're mansions in this style of architecture, any pets, when's you're birthday, ect."
" Ms. Kinomoto, would you please stop barricading me with these questions that I prefer not to answer and start heading for home."
Not listening to a word that Li said Sakura started to ask and chat away.
" STOP! Are all you women like this? I said I would not answer you questions!"
Stopped dead in her tracks by his choice of words, anger started rising.
" Well Li, alright, I shall leave you alone, now get away from me and leave me be," all the while muttering under her breath profanities on how obstinate and worthless men were while the personality of her past in this era started to take over unknowingly.
" My pleasure, Kinomoto" I growled, " hearing those many choices of words she used to describe me as."
Turning our heads, we both headed for the mansion in utter silence while glaring at the dirt road each fuming inside.
Tokyo, Japan
Falling Leaves Teahouse / 7:41
"Wouldn't I love to witness the look on my son's face if he knew that his was all set up." mused Yelen as she sat in the private room of the prominent teahouse with Fujikata across from her.
Chuckling Fujikata replied, "Well, at least Shaoran hasn't changed Yelen, meanwhile I am wondering what my Sakura in the future is like and how the two minds are coping. I do sincerely hope that Sakura doesn't suspect her workers are actually the top bodyguards and assassins in this country, there would be no end to her yelling if she found that out."
" No need to worry, I had Baochai arrange it so that Sakura doesn't suspect a thing and that Shaoran never figures out that the workers he really hired for Sakura didn't ever get the message." Answered Yelen reassuring a worrying father.
" Eriol, Yue what do you think? Was bringing Sakura back into the past to Shaoran a good investment? They are after all our only hope to go against Baoyu"
" Well Fujikata-San, to tell the truth I can't say if it was a good idea or not at this moment. I'm not sure what will happen.
They might bring each other to the point of going insane or work together to form a power greater then the likes we have ever seen nor imagine.
In fact Tomoyo and I should be visiting them in a matter of weeks." Provided Eriol as he stepped out of the shadows joining his two elders.
Yue remained silent as always, but inclined his head in confirmation to Eriol's decision.
" Well I guess all we can do is wait and hope for the best." Whispered Yelen mainly to herself as everyone sat franking green tea lost in his or her own thoughts of the outcome.
