I don't own Cardcaptors.

Kara Metallium

Chapter One

Wow, you look really pretty Sakura, said Kero floating next to her in his earthly form. Sakura was now twenty-three, she had grown into a tall and beautiful young woman. Her deep green eyes now sparkled with the intensity and spirit of a young adult and the experience of her many adventures throughout the years after capturing the clow cards and becoming their master. She brushed her medium brown hair, it had grown very long. Her long blue skirt went perfectly with her eyes, and she had a white blouse on and a blue bow in her hair completed the ensemble. So where exactly is Li taking you Sakura? asked Kero.

Li's parents want to talk to me, I don't know why though. Li wouldn't tell me. Sakura sighed, even after all these years of friendship with Li he still had the habit of hiding information from Sakura. She thought even after all these years he would have forgone it with them being friends and all. They were very close and almost as inseparable as Madison and herself.

Be careful, warned the ancient guardian beast, Li's parents might have something up their sleeve. Remember, expect-

-the unexpected, Sakura broke in, I know Kero and I think that I can take care of myself. I am the keeper of the clow cards and I have been since I was nine. That's twelve years Kero.

I'm only saying it because I care for you Sakura.

I know Kero. The doorbell rang. That must be Li, bye Kero! said Sakura and left the room. Sakura ran downstairs and opened the door, Hi Li! greeted Sakura. Li was also twenty-three and like Sakura he had grown tall. His light brown hair shaded his eyes. They peeked out from under, his eyes were deep brown, warm and at the same time piercing.

Are you ready Sakura? asked Li.

Yep, let's go! They hopped into Li's new red convertible which he had received a month before as a birthday present. In a short time, they were at Li's house. It was large, a mansion, and had a somewhat cold look to it. As they walked up the front walk, Sakura asked, So what do your parents want to see me for Li?

You'll soon find out Sakura.

***

Sakura, Li, and Li's parents sat around a bamboo table inlaid with precious green jade. It was inscribed with the sign of the clow in the jade. Sakura sat shifting in her chair, perspiring from nervousness. Finally Li's mother spoke.

How is Kero Beros and Yu Wei doing?

They're fine, thank you, she answered.

I suppose, Li's father began, That Li told you nothing of why we asked to see you. Correct?

Yes, sir.

As you know, he continued, We have allowed Li to stay here to guide and help you Sakura.

Yes, I am very grateful sir.

Would you say that you are good friends? he asked.

Yes, sir.

Well, Sakura, now that you have grown out of your somewhat helpless stage, we feel that Li has fulfilled his purpose. We are planning to move him back to China-

But sir, interrupted Sakura suddenly, Li is most helpful to me, there's no telling-

Li's father continued, glaring at Sakura, there is not a significant reason that he should. Is there Sakura? Is there a definite reason why he should? Is there another evil coming that you need help with?

No, sir, answered Sakura quietly, not to mention meekly.

Then we are prepared to move him back to China, good night, with that Li's parents left the room. Li looked sadly at Sakura, and Sakura turned away. She got up and walked out of the room. Sakura continued walking, and left the house. She was far down the street when she heard, Sakura, wait up! She stopped and turned around to find Li running quickly toward her.

What is it Li?

Sakura, how do you feel?

You ran all the way down here to ask me how I feel? Li, I feel terrible, you are my very best friend. And you're moving far away. How am I supposed to feel?

I am sorry Sakura. The only way I would be allowed to stay is if I were to do something that would add to the the family name.

Well there isn't anything you can do, is there?

There is one thing, Sakura.

What is it? she asked eagerly.

If I got married.

To who?

You, Sakura. My family would only let me marry someone with magical powers. Sakura, you are the obvious choice. You are the master of the clow.

But Li, I don't feel about you that way. Didn't you hear me? You're my best friend.

I know Sakura, but that's the only way I could stay. Think about it. We can just marry, we can stay friends, but they won't know that.

It's a risk Li.

It's a risk I'm willing to take Sakura.

***

exclaimed Madison over the phone, You're getting married to Li?

A sigh came over the phone, answered Sakura.

Well, for someone who is getting married, you certainly don't sound happy about it, said Madison.

I'm happy Madison, but I've just never really thought of Li that way, ya know? He is my best friend, next to you, andit's justhard to think of him in that way...

Well, has it ever dawned on you to think of him that way? asked Madison.

There was a silence over the phone.

Sakura? Are you there?

Another sigh, Yes, I'm here Madison. That's the funny thing Madison, it HAS dawned on me. But then he does something to make me doubt it. It's just if I knew he cared for me in the same way, it probably would be easier. But so far, it just sounds like a plan to keep him here...

Well Sakura, the only thing I can suggest is that you go on a date with Li and get it figured out.

A date? Li and I?

You're getting married remember? That's what married couples do before they get married.

Well, okay...

***

Sure, SakuraI'd love to go on a date with youtonight sounds good, I'll pick you up at 8 okay? Good, see you then, bye.

Li hung up the phone and stared at himself in the mirror. A date? With Sakura? Li could hardly believe it, it was like his dreams were coming true. He was going on a date with Sakura, to find out if they would ever care for each other. He could finally tell her. For years he had been reluctant to tell her. And lately, he had been sure that he would never tell her because she didn't care for him in that way. Now, he COULD tell her. Everything was almost perfect. Now all he had to do was plan the perfect night for Sakura and himself. Of course, this also included a ring. If they were going to get married, with love or without, they would need a ring to convince his parents.

Li fell back on his bed and sighed. He was going to make this the perfect night, buy the perfect ring, and, at the perfect moment, confess his love and propose to Sakura.