Chap6

~A Couple Days Later~

"Tomoyo!"

"Hey, Sakura. Do you need something?," asked Tomoyo acting like a perfect little princess.

"Yeah. Me, Syaoran, and Eriol want to go climbing together. Do you want to come?"

"Ehhh. Not really. I am scared of heights. And it is Syaoran, Eriol, and I, sweetie."

"Oh, come on. It will be fun. By the way Eriol can protect you.," teased Sakura.

"Re...really...? Well...umm...I guess...I'll...go then.," stammered Tomoyo, blushing.

"Really? Okay, be ready in 30 minutes."

"Okay."

~At The Mountain Where They Climb ~

"Hey, Sakura. Is Tomoyo coming?"

"Why yes, Eriol. What? So anxious to see her?"

"N...no...no."

"Whatever. Well, we will be climbing on this side. And look Syaoran and Tomoyo is coming."

"Hey guys! Ready for some climbing I hope?," exclaimed Sakura.

"Not really, but I am willing to try.," responded Tomoyo.

"Okay. We will climb in groups so we can watch out for each other.," explained Syaoran.

"Yeah. I'll go with Syaoran. Tomoyo, you can go with my brother.," said Sakura.

"Ar...are you...sure...wouldn't it...never mind.,"Eriol said giving into the fact that he had to go with the one he loved.

They got ready with all their gear. They made sure it was safe to climb. Sakura steadily took Eriol's magic away. This was part of the plan. That way Eriol couldn't save Tomoyo with his magic. He will have to do it physically.

"Well? All set?," Sakura asked everyone.

"Yep!," everyone chorused.

"Okay. Sakura and I will start and you two follow us once we get to a certain height. You know where it is right, Tomoyo?," asked Syaoran.

"Yeah, I do. You guys go ahead.," answered Tomoyo.

Sakura and Syaoran started climbing. They really didn't need each other's help since they were both trained warriors. They climbed quite fast, soon they were past the line and the other two got ready to start.

"Eriol, I just want to warn you. I suck at climbing and am terrified on heights. I can't believe I am doing this. Well, you are going to have to help me. Okay?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll help you Tomoyo."

"Okay then let's get this over with."

"Hehe."

They started to climb. Every now and then Tomoyo looked down and got weak in the knees, but every time that happened Eriol helped her up more. He helped her climb and see where to go. He was so busy that he never noticed that he was drained of all his magic. They when some long ways up when Tomoyo felt this tug at her waist. Suddenly it disappeared. Then it came back with greater force. It tugged and tugged at her, as if trying to loosen her grip. She tried to call out but her voice wouldn't work for some reason. Eriol was a head of her and couldn't see what was happening. She got really scared. Suddenly with a jerk, she lost her grip and footing. Her rope snapped and she let out a horrified scream and went plummeting to the ground.

"TTOOOMMMOOOOYYYYYOOOOOOO"

Eriol called her name again and again. He tried to catch her with his magic but found himself empty of it. So he did the next thing in his mind, he jumped right after her. Soon he caught up to her and they both landed with a thud. Tomoyo was knocked unconscious. Eriol tried everything in his power to wake her up but nothing happened. He started to tear and cradling her. He kept on telling her to wake up, but nothing happened. He rocked her body back and forth thinking why did she have to go. He would rather kill himself and why was he so reckless. He should have stayed behind her. He knew then and there that he was in love with his goddess. During that time, Tomoyo was thinking. She kept seeing these images flashing around in her head. Finally one focused. There was this beautiful summer afternoon and there were church bells ringing. She saw a couple walking down an aisle to a gleaming white carriage. The couple got on. Tomoyo ran up to see who the couple was, it was her and Eriol. She was shocked. 'Could that really be the future? I really don't want to know. Well, actually it doesn't feel that bad. I mean I love him, but does he love me back?' Out in the real world this happened.

"I love you Tomoyo. I didn't know. Please come back to me. I can't live without you.," gasped Eriol from crying so hard.

"Eriol? I love you too.," said Tomoyo weakly, just waking up from the spell she was put under.

"Tomoyo?! You're alive?! I thought you were dead.," said Eriol shocked.

"How can I be? I'll never leave you behind."

With that they kissed. It was heavenly. They were gentle but it was full of the feeling of love. They enjoyed the taste, the warmth and gentleness of each other. Everything to them was perfect. Unfortunately, they were disturbed by the laughs and giggles coming from the bushes behind them. Eriol got up defensively and shielded Tomoyo.

"Who is there?," yelled Eriol.

Sakura and Syaoran tumbled out of the bushes and were clutching their stomachs. They were laughing so hard. Sakura was really happy because her best friend and her brother finally confessed and were officially a couple. Syaoran was happy just because they fell for the prank, but on the inside he was really happy, because his sister will be with the one she loved.

"You...guys...are...soooooo...funny.,"choked Syaoran.

"Yeah you really were. You guys actually fell for it.," smiled Sakura, who was patting Syaoran on the back so he won't choke to death.

"WHAT?! YOU GUYS PLAYED A PRANK ON US?!," yelled Eriol losing his cool and blushing extremely red.

"Of course brother dear, we were just helping you two along. That was all." stated Sakura, smiling too innocent for her own good.

"Well you guys better run for it because we are going to make you pay.," said Tomoyo angrily.

"YAAAAAAAAAAAAA." They both ran off being chased closely by the newly formed couple.

~A Few Weeks Later At Dinner~

"Children, tomorrow night there will be a grand ball. It is the anniversary of this kingdom. Also tomorrow we will announce your marriage and finalize it.," said King Fujitaka informed the children.

"Okay.," chorused the children.

~2 Hours Before The Ball In Tomoyo's Room~

"Wow. I can't believe it. We are going to finalize the engagement tonight. It has been what, almost half a year since I have arrived at this kingdom?," asked Sakura.

Sakura was wearing a silk dress that Tomoyo designed. It was cherry blossom pink with cherry blossoms draped all over it. It had a low neckline and trimmed with gold. Its train was not too long but not too short. The dress itself was a good length. It just barely brushed the floor, so with each step, Sakura's glass slippers would show. Tomoyo's dress was basically the same thing except that it was made out of felt and was the color of a sun set purple. Tomoyo's hair was done up in an elaborate bun, but left curling tendrils down that made her look absolutely perfect. Sakura's hair in a French Braid with pink flowers bells braided in.

"Yeah, I guess. The sad thing is that you and my brother haven't confessed your love to each other yet.," said Tomoyo sniffling.

"He doesn't love me. That is what. I mean I think I love him, but him? I'll just go back to my kingdom and live there. Any ways, you will be there. So I can stay with you guys."

"Are you stupid or blind? Can't you see, my brother loves you? He blushes whenever your name is mentioned or when you are around him. I know he loves you. He was always cold and distant with everyone before you came. He has changed because of you. You taught him how to love."

"Whatever. I still don't think he loves me. You are not going to force me to tell him."

"Fine, whatever. Don't blame me when we go back to your place and theat you regret it."

"Okay, I won't. I plan on leaving this behind. I made a vow never to fall in love with a prince, because they are all idiots are power-hungry fools."

"My brother is not like that. You will realize that soon enough."

~Syaoran's Room~

"Well, are you going to tell her tonight?," asked Eriol.

"Tell who what?," questioned Syaoran.

"Tell my sister that you love her!'

"W..wh..what?! I ...do..don't lo...love...her.," stuttered Syaoran, blushing like an apple.

"Yeah right. You don't love her. I believe that.," smirked Eriol sarcastically, "You just blush every time she is mentioned and when you see her."

"N..no...I don't."

"Believe what you like. I know that you like my sister. If I have to send her to the end of the earth to

prove that, than I will.," stated Eriol turning around and leaving Syaoran to his own thoughts.

~At The Ball~

Sakura, Tomoyo, Eriol and Syaoran all waited in a private waiting room, waiting to be announced by the herald. There were other nobles and lords in the formal waiting room, but they all got tired of the lords congratulating them and the ladies pinching their cheeks and the girls and boys staring feeling jealous. They had to magic lock the door so they won't come bursting in. At last, the herald called their names. They went through the doors and walk down the elegant steps into the Great Hall in pairs. Many eyes were focused on them. Lords were just smiling gladly that they will get a princess added to the royal family. The ladies however were sighing with happiness, some were even crying. The boys and the girls though were sizzling with jealousy.

"This is so stupid.," explained Sakura through a forced smile as they walked down.

"Yeah, I know." answered Syaoran doing the same thing.

"This thing is so annoying, how can people stand it.," asked Tomoyo.

"How should I know? I hate it too.," said Eriol.

They finally reached down to the bottom and proceeded forwards towards the high table, where they are going to sit. Syaoran and Eriol pulled out chairs for Tomoyo and Sakura as they were perfect gentlemen, then they sat down besides them. They waited for the dinner to start so they can get out as soon as possible. There were many courses, they had everything from basic beef to egg stuffed castles, sculpted by professionals. It was delicious. There were jugglers, performers and acrobats. They came from all over to perform for the royals and they did splendid. Soon it was over and once again time for dancing. This time around, they didn't mind. They happily went onto the dance floor and started. They danced to a beautiful and romantic slow song. Tomoyo and Eriol didn't mind at all. They were totally oblivious to everyone else as they stared into each other's eyes. They just stood in each's arm and swayed to the music. Sakura and Syaoran however, were having some difficultly. They were in formal dancing position. Both of them were blushing really red, though they felt really safe and warm. Soon the song ended. Tomoyo and Eriol just stood there gazing at each other. By the end of the song, Sakura and Syaoran were mesmerized by each other. Syaoran didn't even think. He just brought his arms around Sakura and lean forward. He kissed her ever so gently on the lips. Sakura just stood there trying to process what happened. Slowly it settled in. She was so angry. She brought up her hand and slapped him across his face and stormed out of the palace

~Outside~

'Why did he do that? Does he love me? No. I love him so much though. He doesn't love me at all. He just wanted to humiliate me. He is probably inside laughing with all his friends thinking I am stupid and a bad kisser.'

Sakura just wandered alone. She looked at the stars and watched them twinkle in the sky. When she looked back down, she found herself in front of the gazebo called Love's Secret Heart. She loved that name. She wondered why it called that. It must have an amazing story behind it. She liked this place. It was opened to the stars and one with the earth. It made her feel so calm. She looked at all the flowers and her eyes fell on one strand. The strand that the cherry blossoms intertwined with the peonies. It was really a pair. She gazed at it remembering all the memories she built here. She was so deep inside herself, she didn't notice that a certain brown-haired boy came from behind her.

"Sakura?," asked Syaoran.

"Who is it?," asked Sakura hoarsely, who started to cry.

"It is me, Syaoran."

"What do you want?!," Sakura spat out, rasing he hand again.

"Wait. Before you slap me, hear me out. I just wanted to say sorry. I didn't mean to do that. I thought only of myself. I must of humiliated you...,"

"OF COURSE YOU DID!"

"I am so sorry."

"What were you thinking?! You had to kiss me in front of everybody. You humiliated me. Now how can I show my face.," said Sakura in a deathly whisper.

"I am sorry. I just wanted to say that. You don't have to forgive me, but let me say something before I leave."

"Fine."

"I love you."

".......... What did you just say?,"Sakura said in a midnight whisper.

"I said I love you. Well that is done. I'll be going now."

"Wait!"

"You need something?," asked Syaoran, who was starting to feel tears in his eyes the first time in his life.

"Yeah. I need to say......I love you too."

Syaoran was to stunned to speak. He thought that she hated him after what he did to her in the Great Hall. He was filling up with happiness. He walked back to her and took her in his arm for another kiss. This one was different though. They both filled it with love and passion. Suddenly, the statue blazed white with magic. It shone with brilliance. They broke away and looked into the

fountain and saw four things. Two matching crowns for them to wear on their wedding day and for the rest of their lives. There were also two matching rings. One was a feminine ring that had a peony surrounding a small ring of cherry blossoms. The masculine one had a large ring of cherry blossoms enveloping a peony. It was perfect for the two. Syaoran took the feminine one and knelt.

"Would you Sakura Kinomoto of the Kinomoto Kingdom become my wife?"

"Hmmmm. Yes I take Syaoran Li of the Li kingdom to be my husband."

Syaoran stood up and kissed her again, but the moment was broken by Tomoyo and Eriol's laughter.

"WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING HERE?!," yelled Syaoran losing his temper.

"W...we...were...jusst...walki...walking...around.," laughed Eriol.

"I believe that because..."

"Come on brother. It wasn't that bad. I mean you guys watched us."

"Arugh. You probably drew a picture too."

"Yeah I did. So Sakura, did you like it?" teased Tomoyo

Sakura blushed deep red and stammered, "Umm...we...well...ya...see..."

"Oh stop blabbing. It is a yes or no question. Well fine, don't answer. How about you Syaoran?"

It was Syaoran's turn to blush, "Umm. Well. Yeah. Hey, what about you sis? Did you like your kiss?," turning the table on Tomoyo and Eriol.

"Hehe...................yes I guess. I mean yes.," blushed Tomoyo.

" I guess I liked your kiss too Syaoran. I know my brother loved Tomoyo's."

"Wh...what?! Fine, I did like it happy?"

"Yes, very."

CRASH

"What was that?," asked Tomoyo very frightened.

"It came from the castle. Oh my, it is dark.," told Sakura.

'We should go back and check.," suggested Eriol.

"Yeah let's go.," said Syaoran, who already started to run.