So I updated much quicker than planned. Only a couple hours later. However
this is good since I forgot to answer a question.
I was asked why no Tomoyo/Eriol. Well simply because since this is my first fic I wanted to keep the relationships closest to what they were in the manga and anime. In future fics I will probably use an E/T coupling because I think they are well suited but for now it would make the point both more complicated and less fun if I did it that way.
Anyway, on with the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS. However, when I take over the world I will so, yeah.
Chapter Nine: Departure and Arrival
"It is time I take my leave of you," Eriol announced.
They were sitting around the evening campfire where Li had said a few minutes before that they were only two and a little more day's ride from his home. They had made excellent time since they had gotten their horses and had only been visited by Yue again once since his early morning warning with the prince.
"Why?" Sakura asked, obviously very upset and saddened.
"Because it is time for me to leave. I told you I wouldn't be traveling with you forever. I even stayed longer than I had originally planned."
"Are you sure you will do fine by yourself?" Tomoyo asked concernedly. They had all felt that they were being watched for some time and had kept away from villages because of it. The enemy would know that Eriol was with them and would undoubtedly target him if he went on his own.
"I'll be fine, your grace. Besides I need to meet up with people." He turned to Sakura. "I have written you extensively detailed reports on things I think you should or would like to know. I'm sure you will learn them pretty quickly without my help and if you need any Li or his dear mother will help you."
Sakura nodded with tears in her eyes.
"I must leave now to get to where I need to be. I had planned to part company some time ago and now must pay the price for delaying it. It was a pleasure to meet all of you and I'm sure we will meet again." He said the last with a mischievous smile that made everyone but Sakura a little uncomfortable. He was about to mount Midnight when he noticed the tears running down the princess' face.
"Don't cry, Sakura," he whispered as he brushed them gently off with a curled finger. "You have done so much without crying for you to cry because someone is leaving. I'll see you again. And, if you ever need me, just call to me with your aura. I taught you how."
She nodded and watched him mount his horse with his bags carefully tied behind. Everyone else stood and wished him farewell. Well, everyone except Li who watched with narrowed eyes from a distance.
"Oh and Li, watch over the princess while I'm gone," Eriol called with a laugh. He rode off thinking that some things were too much fun not to do, and teasing Li was one of them.
The remainder of the party sat around the fire once more and thought over the sourcerer's departure. Tomoyo and Chiharu discussed it quietly between themselves while Li and Yamazaki spoke of what would happen when they got home. Sakura just sat by herself holding the many pages of writing that Eriol had left her. Kero fluttered around her and finally landed on the pages, looking at her in concern.
"Are you okay, Sakura? You seem really down all of a sudden."
"Oh, I'm fine, Kero. It's just that so much has happened since the night we met. I got to see Rika and Naoko again, and Kaho. I met Eriol and you and Yue and all the people who helped us at the inns and in the villages. And I'm being chased for my life. So much has happened and yet I feel like I still am lost and unknowing about what is going on."
Kero touched his mistress affectionately. "Don't worry Sakura. Everything will be revealed to you soon enough. We didn't want you to worry when nothing could be done or to tell you only half truths. But everything will be all right. It's you after all!"
Sakura smiled and hugged her small guardian. "Thanks, Kero. I guess I'm really just missing everyone. I haven't seen Mother and Father in over two months and I only got to see Touya for a few minutes and that was still two weeks ago. Now Eriol left. I just hope I get to see everyone again. Some times I get the feeling that everything will go wrong and nothing good will come of this."
Kero shook his head. "Of all people, you shouldn't feel that way. You are so strong, Sakura, and such an upbeat person. Be sure of yourself and everything will be fine."
Sakura smiled and nodded. "I think I'm going to read this for awhile and then go to bed."
"All right, Sakura. You look more tired than you usually do so go to bed early. I'll tell everyone to leave you alone."
She nodded. In the past two weeks she had gotten good enough at facing two opponents that she had tried three and then four. She learned that if you knew how to fight multiple opponents, the number really didn't matter that much as long as you mastered the techniques.
But she hadn't moved on to swords and really should that night but she was too tired and too upset. So instead she looked over the spells that Eriol had left her. Most seemed complicated, a few were humourous, having to do with how to trick people, some where useful though in different ways. Most also only required her will and little else. The more complicated ones called on her wand or drawing special symbols and reciting specific incantations with specific ingredients. But some she could just recite special words and use will.
Sakura smiled and quickly did a spell, careful to hide the aura of her magic usage from the others. Then she placed the pages to one side and walked to the where the others were still sitting before the fire. Tomoyo was sketching something and might have spoiled the joke if she was paying attention, but she wasn't and Sakura couldn't help but giggle inside. She started counting.
At first nothing unusual happened and everyone continued to talk to each other, though Chiharu absently handed her a bowl of food. Sakura ate it quietly and waited. Still no one said anything. When she reached three hundred she had to start over again because she kept laughing so hard internally that she was losing count. Finally when she reached sixty five for the second time she heard someone gasp.
"Sakura! What happened to your hair?!" Tomoyo exclaimed.
The princess burst into laughter. She had changed her hair colour from its light honey brown to an ink black using one of the spells Eriol had given her.
Everyone looked at her hair then down at her laughing face and grew confused. It was Li who finally noticed that there was a bit of over hanging magic swirling around her.
"Don't worry, Daidouji. She used magic to change it."
"Li! You ruined my joke!" the princess laughed as she changed her hair back. "It still took everyone a long time to notice."
Li rolled his eyes. "Get some sleep, princess. We have too long hard days of riding ahead and you need your rest for that third day."
"Why?" she asked, tilting her head.
Chiharu glanced at Li, biting her lip. "Because you have to meet his mother. And his sisters."
Sakura's eyes widened at the second mention of Li's sisters in a bad light. "Are they that bad?"
Instead of answering the three who knew them just glanced at each other nervously. Tomoyo and Sakura exchanged worried looks and the princess stood up quickly. "I think I'll go to bed now."
"Ditto," Tomoyo said as she followed her best friend to their bedding.
"I think we scared them," Chiharu whispered.
Li smirked. "Doesn't matter. It's true."
The other two nodded.
"It's the middle of the day, princess. Why do you need to take a bath now?"
They were only an hours ride from Li's home and suddenly Sakura demanded that they stop and allow her to bathe and change clothes.
"Because, Li, I am a princess. I am meeting the respected people of your family and your People for the first time. I wish to look more like who I am rather than a peasant who just crawled out of the mud. It is a courtesy to them as well as me. And I'm GOING to take a bath so just stop complaining."
Saying as much she turned on her heel and headed towards the nearby river with Tomoyo and Chiharu close in tow, leaving Li feeling very intimidated.
"I swear, Yamazaki, her aura got three times bigger during that speech."
"I suggest then that you never make her really mad."
"No kidding," Li answered nodding in assent.
Newly bathed and waiting for Tomoyo to get finished with her outfit, pulled out the leather purse that her mother had sent her.
"I never did ask you what the Queen had sent you," Chiharu said, adjusting her sleeves. She too had gotten a new dress that Tomoyo had made during their journey. She hadn't had a court dress in so long that it felt a little weird but also made her homesick for the first time in a long while.
"Oh, just these," Sakura said pulling out a silver tiara with thinly wrought swirls and a few small emeralds embedded at measured distances. There was also a matching silver and emerald choker.
"Why those?"
Sakura shrugged. "They are my official court jewels. Mother always insists I wear them when I meet foreign dignitaries and royalty. She obviously wants me to wear them for the leader of the Li family."
"Finished!" Tomoyo cried at last and helped Sakura dress quickly.
"They are taking forever," Li muttered.
"You should be used to it. I doubt your sisters are much quicker."
He sighed, knowing his friend was correct. He was about to answer when the three girls finally emerged. And all words were lost.
"Chiharu! You look beautiful!" Yamazaki exclaimed walking over to kiss her hand.
"I told you not to lie," she said, blushing. Her dress really was beautiful, made of a soft yellow fabric with fine embroidery to match.
"I'm not lying," Yamazaki said, for once truthfully.
Tomoyo smiled, looking exceptionally beautiful herself in a sapphire blue dress and her own court jewels which were similar to Sakura's but made with sapphires and slightly less beautifully made.
However, Li couldn't tear his eyes from Sakura and ignored everyone else completely. Her long hair was braided into the tiara that he recognized vaguely. Her dress was a matching emerald green and set off her eyes. It had fine silver embroidery of butterflies. He couldn't stop staring and was startled when Yamazaki tapped his shoulder.
Li blushed as he realized that everyone was mounting their horses and expected him to do the same. He nodded and mounted, setting Yi Min at a canter without speaking to anyone. He couldn't sort out his emotions at the moment or why he wished he could stare at the princess forever. They raged and he tried to suppress them, finally succeeding when they reached the borders of his home. It was still a half hour ride to where his family lived but he was forced to stop at the border and wait for the others.
"We are entering Chinese lands, princess, Sakura. It is another half hour to my home and we will set off shortly. However I need to speak to a couple people here for a minute. Please, I beg of you, stay here with Chiharu and Yamazaki and stay on your horses."
He dismounted quickly before either of them could object. Sakura sighed. "He's so bossy."
Everyone else chuckled internally since they knew the reason for his attitude. They wondered how long it would be before she realized the truth about her bodyguard or if someone would have to tell her first. Probably the latter. They waited for a quarter hour before Li returned and mounted without saying a word. He seemed a bit preoccupied and a little irritated as he signaled for Yi Min to move forward.
Tomoyo and Sakura looked to the other two in question. They merely shrugged, not knowing what had passed themselves and everyone followed. After a moment Sakura broke the silence.
"Chiharu, Yamazaki, are you coming with us? Or are you going to head to your own homes?"
"We are going with you. We need to report to the Li family anyway and now is as good a time as any."
"Report?" Tomoyo asked.
"It is our job to gather information outside of the Chinese lands. Especially when there is danger coming. We actually spend a good amount of time outside of these lands. However, it is good to be home." Yamazaki said with a smile.
"I'm sure. I know I miss the Capitol," Sakura said wistfully.
The end of their long journey came quickly and everyone could feel the Chinese people's eyes upon the finely dressed women on horses. It wasn't long however before they drew up before a large and expansive mansion that almost outshined the royal castle. Tomoyo and Sakura's eyes widened appreciatively.
"You live here, Li?" Sakura asked in awe.
"Yes," he answered slowly. "Why?"
"Its breathtaking."
The chocolate haired boy blushed a little before signaling for the guards to open the gates and allow them to ride through. The two girls from the Capitol stared at their surroundings in awe and amazement. It was so beautiful but foreign looking. They were amazed at everything they saw and that someone could leave such a wondrous place. At last they dismounted before a set of steps and a covered walk way that led to two formidable looking doors.
As if sensing that they were being looked at, the doors opened and six women walked out, accompanied by two men. They seemed almost to float they walked so gracefully, stopping at the head of the stairs. One woman, taller than the rest, particularly caught Sakura's attention. She wore a long white dress with a blue wide belt with small hangings and was very imposing with her long hair carefully hung in a long black ponytail with a finely carved hair ornament.
The five travelers bowed to the people standing before them. Yamazaki and Chiharu actually knelt before the tall woman before rising and standing to the side. Sakura felt nervous at first but since Li only bowed she felt that her curtsey was sufficient enough. Then she mentally shook herself. Of course it was, as impressive as this woman was, Sakura was still the princess of the land.
"Xiao Lang," the woman spoke. "I'm glad you followed my advice."
Li nodded silently, standing stiffer than usual.
The woman walked down the stairs and went straight to Sakura. She looked down at the small but beautiful girl standing nervously in front of her. Then she bowed herself. "Princess Sakura, it is an honour for you to come to our home."
As she bowed everyone else bowed to her as well, including Li who had only bowed to her that first time when they were introduced. Sakura was a bit uncomfortable. These people were so impressive and the Power that their auras radiated was awing. She didn't think that she should be bowed to. But she remained silent until they rose again.
"My Lady Yelan," she began with a strong voice. "It is my honour to come to your lands and to be your guest. Our families for a long time have honoured one another and my own thanks you for your loyalty which is an honour without compare. I thank you for your hospitality and bring greetings from my dear mother who remembers you well."
Li, Yamazaki and even Chiharu, who had left before the princess was ever forced to act as she should, were stunned. The Sakura who stood before them now was a princess and not the carefree girl who they had come to know. Her attitude had changed completely and suddenly too. Li was impressed despite himself that someone so silly could so quickly turn into someone so imposing.
Yelan smiled. "Your thanks are not needed, Princess Sakura. But I am glad to hear that your mother still thinks of me. We were great friends. Now, I welcome you to my home and here you are to stay until matters are dealt with. I am sorry that you are forced to meet us for the first time under such circumstances but we will manage."
Sakura smiled, relieved. Playing the royal made her nervous and get butterflies in her stomach. "The circumstances may not be the best but at least now I have come much earlier than I originally was supposed to. Now, I get to come and know your people sooner and perhaps between us we can now have a greater relationship where we are not to meet at set standards."
Yelan nodded. She looked at the princess for a long time. The girl had a great aura, far surpassing everyone, even her beloved son who was the most Powerful of anyone in the Li clan. Not only that but she was intelligent and sincere. She would make a wonderful Queen and she would readily swear allegiance to her. Then, in a completely unexpected motion that startled everyone present, most especially Li and the five other women present, who knew its significance: Yelan leaned over and kissed Sakura's cheek.
Sakura blinked and blushed a little as the great lady straightened again. "I'm sure my daughters can show you to your room. I need to speak with the elders while you get settled. They will wish to speak with you I am sure."
Sakura nodded dumbly and watched as Yelan quickly disappeared. The moment the doors shut she was tackled by four of the other girls. She and Tomoyo were being petted, squeezed, pinched and squealed over.
"She's so adorable!"
"And this hair is so pretty!"
"I love this raven black! It reminds me of mothers!"
"I love her emerald eyes!"
"But these dresses are beautiful!"
"But look at her figure, I wish I had one like that!"
"You do!"
Sakura glanced around for help and finally met Li's eyes, which he rolled and sighed.
"Xiefa, Fuutie, Fanren, Feimei, let them go! They are tired and don't need you hanging all over them."
"Little brother, I think you are being jealous!" the girl with the shortest hair but for a small thin pony tail said.
"Well, he has been traveling with her for so long," the one with second shortest hair said.
The giggled and broke away from them at last. As Sakura looked at them standing all in a line she could swear that they were quadruplets if not for the fact that they were a little varied in height and their eyes were different colours. They all had the same red hair that was a little brighter than Kaho's and had very similar build.
"Since little brother won't introduce us, we'll introduce ourselves!" the tallest said. She had the longest hair and wore a yellow dress with the traditional high collar. Her eyes were green and sparkled as she introduced herself. "I'm Xiefa and I'm the oldest."
The next tallest girl, who had only slightly shorter hair, matching green eyes and wore a green dress, stepped forward. "I'm Feimei and the next oldest."
The girl with the shoulder length hair and brown eyes and pink and black dress waved. "I'm Fuutie and am smack dab in the middle."
"And I'm the second youngest up from Xiao Lang here," the last sister said. Her hair was tied back in a very thin pony tail and her eyes were an unusual ruby red. "Oh and my name is Fenren," she added, almost as a side note.
Sakura smiled and nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed. After a moment though, she turned to the last girl who was glaring at her with obvious dislike. She was a bit nervous but walked towards her.
"I am Sakura Kinomoto, I would like to know your name too since you are not one of his sisters, I think."
The other girls laughed while she rolled her eyes. She was a little taller than Sakura and her long black hair was pulled up into buns on either side of her head with the rest of it flowing down a little past either shoulder. But most amazingly she too had ruby red eyes, though more intense than Fenren.
"I'm Meiling. I'm their cousin and Xiao Lang is my fiancé so don't get any ideas."
Sakura's eyes widened, for some reason troubled by this but she nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you Meiling. I hope we can be friends!" She broke of blushing at the word friend and walked back over to Tomoyo.
"Everyone this is Tomoyo Daidouji, Duchess of Park. She is my best friend and has come with us this long way."
They exchanged greetings and then Xiefa smiled. "I'm sure you would like to be shown to your rooms. Please follow me!" Tomoyo and Sakura nodded while the other three entered the house and went in a separate direction.
"We will be meeting up with them later," Fuutie commented as she noticed Sakura's eyes lingering on the retreating backs of her three traveling companions.
"This is a large house so you don't want to get lost. Watch for the statues they can usually lead you back to where you need to go," Fenren remarked.
The two girls nodded and kept their eyes out. It was a good thing neither were prone to getting lost or else they would be hopeless. "Why is this place so big, if I may ask?"
"Oh, for various reasons. The most intelligent one being that most of the Li family lives here. However, since this is where the present leader of the Li clan and the future leader live and where they will live, it tends to have that need of being overwhelming and easy to get lost in." Feimei giggled. "One day I think I'm going to desert the family to live in a two bedroom house."
The other three sisters giggled and Tomoyo and Sakura exchanged glances. "Who is the future leader?" Sakura asked as they showed her into her room which was done in shades of blue and pink.
"Xiao Lang of course. Did he not tell you?" Fuutie asked.
Sakura shook her head. "I knew he was a Li, obviously because of the training. But he never said he was the future leader."
The sisters looked at each other and burst into giggles. "He must have been shy."
"Well, with such a beautiful princess to watch over who wouldn't be?" Feimei laughed.
Sakura blushed but asked, "Why were none of the rest of you sent for training?"
"Oh, actually Xiefa, Fuutie and I were sent," Feimei said. "You probably didn't know because you weren't born yet since we trained at a much younger age than Xiao Lang is. And Fenren wasn't sent to train since she was only trained in magic."
"Why weren't you trained to fight, if I may ask?"
"Because my joints are a little weak and mother didn't want Wei to break me."
"Oh, and what about Meiling? Was she only trained in magic too?" Sakura asked.
The four girls grew a little quiet. "No, Meiling is only being trained in fighting. For some reason her aura isn't blessed with the Power. But she is a great fighter and equal to Xiao Lang in everything but swords. And that is saying a great deal since he is the best in all of our lands."
Sakura nodded and thought this over. The girls helped them unpack and settle in, the older two taking Sakura and the younger two helping Tomoyo. When they were finished they led the two girls to the dining area to have lunch. The two girls were very grateful since they hadn't eaten since early that morning.
When they arrived Li was already seated and talking quietly with an older man who seemed a little older than Xiefa. The oldest girl broke away and kissed the man on the cheek. "Sakura, Tomoyo, this is Li Shen. He is our somewhat distant cousin and my husband."
Shen stood and bowed to the princess and duchess. "It is an honour to meet you again. I was outside at your arrival but was called away with Yelan before we were introduced."
Sakura nodded. "Yes there was another man with you. Who was that?"
"That was Wei," Li answered. "He is my teacher."
"Oh," Sakura replied quietly. Li's voice had been cold and harsh. He had never been the friendliest of people but this sudden change bothered her and she wondered what she had done to make him mad. Before she could ask though, Meiling burst into the room and glared at her.
"Hello again, Meiling," Sakura said with a smile, which was almost a wince.
"Hmph," the Chinese girl answered as she clung onto Li who sighed in exasperation.
When Yelan entered a few minutes later everyone began to eat and there was conversation about the journey and what it had been like. Yelan inquired after Fujitaka and Nadeshiko warmly. Sakura was more than happy to talk about her parents who she missed a great deal. Tomoyo, though, was a bit surprised when Yelan asked after her own mother.
"I heard that you were the current Duchess of Park, Tomoyo. I'm sorry for your mother's loss. I also apologize for not making it to her services but I only heard of her death after they were finished. Allow me to give you my condolences now."
Tomoyo nodded with a smile. "I miss her greatly and thank you for your kind words."
The rest of the meal passed quietly excepting that Meiling's glares were getting more and more deadly the more the young princess spoke with Yelan. Sakura could not have known that Yelan rarely spoke to anyone so kindly outside of her family and rarely for so long. Finally her anger exploded when the meal was finished and the family was rising to leave.
"What's so good about her, huh? She's just a silly princess who can't fight and can barely handle magic!"
Sakura stared at Meiling, hurt by the girl's words. She had never done anything to Meiling and wondered why she was attacking her so.
"Meiling," Yelan remarked sharply, instantly silencing the girl. "You have no evidence of either." Then the woman stopped speaking for a moment and began to get a contemplative look in her eyes. "If you were to challenge her would you be satisfied and move past your anger?"
The ruby eyed girl nodded furiously.
"All right. The Elders wanted some show of strength from you princess. Will you accept a challenge from Meiling?"
Sakura was unsure of how to react. She didn't want to fight Meiling and she really didn't know why someone would want a show of strength from her.
The rest of the party, except for Tomoyo who knew better, assumed that she hesitated because she lacked fighting knowledge. Li objected. "Mother, Meiling is an expert and Sakura is novice at best. She knows nothing of weapons except her Cards. Would you really set her up like that?"
Sakura frowned at Li. He was insulting her and she didn't like it. The princess straightened her shoulders and stepped up to Meiling. "I accept your challenge."
The other girl smiled. "Fine. To be nice I will allow it to be unarmed combat only. We will stop when one is judge the winner. Do you accept those rules?" Sakura nodded and at that moment Meiling began to like the other girl more. She had always admired strength in other people and though she was positive this would be an easy win she admired the girl's strength of will.
"All right then. You will meet each other at three, or in one and a half hours. Why don't the two of you go to your rooms and change into clothes more suited to fighting. Princess Sakura I'm sure we can supply you with some if you need them."
Sakura shook her head and smiled. "No ma'am. I'm have something that will do." She said this but then frowned as she walked back carefully remembering where to turn and which way to go. Would the Li clan find her outfit insulting since it was obviously made in intimidation? She hoped not. She quickly changed her clothes and stretched a little of her nervousness out as Tomoyo got out her inks and paper, ready to take down the fight.
"Tomoyo do you think accepting this challenge is stupid?"
"Actually I think it is wise, Sakura. They are obviously a family with strong principles based in strength. If you were to defeat someone on par with the best fighter in the whole of the Chinese lands, well then you would be someone worth admiration in their eyes."
Sakura considered this. "I think I want to go to the room early so I can practice a little. I've only fought Fight before and am not used to fighting different people. Meiling may defeat me because she is new."
Tomoyo nodded and gathered her supplies. "I think Lady Yelan said it was in the back of the house not too far away from the dining room."
The girls headed in that direction and after twenty minutes search they arrived at the training room twenty minutes early. When they arrived they found that Meiling was already there. The ruby eyed girl saw what the princess was wearing and looked confused.
"I thought you told Aunt Yelan that you already had clothes."
"Oh, these are them. Tomoyo made them for me. I hope you are not offended," Sakura said biting her lip.
Meiling rolled her eyes. "Why would I be when we offered you something similar?" The girl may be a little strong but she was rather dense. She looked at the raven haired girl who was sharpening her pen and stirring ink. "She made it?"
Sakura nodded. "She makes all my clothes and all of her own as well. It's a hobby you might say."
Meiling shrugged. "Since we are both early would you like to practice in a mini-challenge?"
The auburn haired girl frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I want to see what you are made of. See if you can beat this."
Meiling walked away from Sakura and stood in the middle of one end of the long room. She drew a breath then broke into a run. After a moment she did a series of flip flops which ended in a flip. She landed gracefully and turned towards the princess who was staring wide eyed.
"You are very good, Meiling!"
"Hmm. Of course I am. Why don't you try?"
Sakura nodded and walked to where Meiling had started. She too took a breath before heading into a run. After a series of flip flops she ended hers in an aerial flowing into a twist in midair. She landed in a splits gracefully and then stood up and looked at Meiling who was gaping.
"I should have warned you, Meiling. She's an excellent gymnast, even if she doesn't look it."
Sakura turned to smile at Li in appreciation. "It feels weird not doing it in my dresses. But Meiling is very good also. I'm sure she wasn't trying her best and would probably have beat me."
Meiling glared at Sakura for being so nice. She would have commented but then the doors opened and five older men filed into the room followed by Yelan. Sakura turned to bow to the men who were obviously the Elders. They bowed in return and one of them smiled appreciatively.
"She looks so nice in our clothes. Never thought I'd see a Kinomoto dressed like that."
"You are right, Quen Yuan. But we are not here to gawk at her, we are here to watch her fight," another said. He looked older than the one named Quen Yuan.
"Chen Rong you are stuffy," Quen Yuan replied. "Isn't he Long, Sheng?"
"Why didn't you ask me?" the youngest looking asked.
"Because I already knew you'd agree with me, Xing Zhi."
Sakura stared at the five men who began bickering amongst themselves like little school boys. She had been in awe of them until they began speaking. Well actually one of them neglected to join the conversation, the one who had been called Long. He merely stared at her as if she were some sort of insect who wished to be admitted into a great home.
"Enough bickering," he finally spoke with a booming voice. "The time has come for the girls to fight."
The others nodded and they each took a chair along the back wall. There were seven in all and they left the one and the middle and the one to its right empty. When Li's sisters, Shen and two other men she didn't recognize filed in, Yelan took her seat in the middle chair. Li went to sit beside her and the others sat down on the edge of the raised dais. They invited Tomoyo to join them and she agreed.
Sakura began to feel really nervous and clutched the Key at her throat. She took a deep breath as she and Meiling faced off in the middle of the room. She let go and bowed respectfully to Meiling who bowed back. Then both took a stance. Everyone but Tomoyo was surprised when they saw that Sakura took a stance from a harder school of fighting. Perhaps it was chance but everyone also knew better.
"Begin," Long said.
Meiling attacked and Sakura carefully deflected her hands as they darted for her. It was easier than with fight but she had to assume that was because Meiling misunderstood her opponent, which was partially true. After a moment however Meiling shot out a kick and Sakura was forced to flip backwards to avoid it. When she landed she saw another foot flying towards her head and she quickly ducked, barely managing not to be hit. It was time to go on the offensive. From her crouched position she kicked out with one leg and was carefully dodged.
Sakura brought her other leg around, leaning on her hands facing the floor and aimed for Meiling's stomach. The girl deflected but barely. The princess was concentrating too hard to hear the murmurs of admiration and instead sprung to her feet and dodged an attack from Meiling who had begun to take this fight very seriously. The two girls parried back and forth. They were both so well trained and well practiced that it seemed as if they were dancing. They moved all around the training room often performing jumps and flips to remove themselves from their opponents grasp.
But, after awhile Meiling was beginning to tire. She had never fought such a good opponent for so long. Sakura on the other hand was well used to an opponent that didn't tire and wouldn't allow herself to feel the strain on her muscles. She finally saw her chance to defeat the other girl as she stumbled a little and reached out with a well placed kick. It contacted and Meiling was thrown backwards and bruised though not seriously injured. Sakura poised for her to rise again but Meiling was too tired and now hurt too much to get up.
"It is done," Long declared as he looked at the princess with new appreciation and grudging acceptance.
Sakura nodded and walked over to Meiling. When she saw the girl breathing hard with her eyes closed she knelt down beside her. "Meiling are you alright?"
"Yes, Kinomoto, I'm fine." She opened one eye. "I've never been beaten by anyone except by Xiao Lang once I had completed training. I thought you were a novice."
Sakura chuckled nervously and reached into her pocket. After a moment she pulled out Fight and held it up for the other girl to see. "I've been training."
"So that's why you were always so tired," she heard Li say from behind her.
Sakura whirled around and almost fell on Meiling. "Li! Don't scare me like that!"
"Why didn't you tell me you were training, princess? You could have gotten hurt and no one would have found you until morning."
Sakura blushed. "I was fine. Besides I knew you'd either make me stop or insist you come every time and then you wouldn't have gotten sleep either. Anyway, it's done now." She turned back and stood to help the other girl up who reluctantly accepted the help since she was so tired herself.
"Ahem," the three heard from behind them. When they turned they saw the five Elders standing in a V formation only a few feet away. Long was at the head of it and was looking at Sakura with steady eyes, making her extremely nervous.
"Yes, my Lord Long?" she asked politely.
"Wow, the girl already learned our names and without being told!" Quen Yuan laughed.
"Do you also know how to fight with a sword, Kinomoto?" Long asked ignoring his fellow elder.
She shook her head.
"No, sir. Not unless I use the Sword Card."
He nodded then turned to Li. "Be sure she learns, Xiao Lang. Either you can teach her or we will."
Li nodded, eyes widened a little. "I'll be sure to. I'm sure Meiling will help."
Long nodded along with the rest then turned back to Sakura. "Princess we will allow you to stay here and will help you with your fight since it is your own. But only under the condition that you train as every other Li has. Since you need our help you will follow our laws. Do you accept?"
"Yes, sir," she replied. The idea frightened her a little but she didn't say anything and hopefully came off as calm.
"Good girl," Xing Zhi smiled. "I'm sure you will fit in here very well. Especially since Yelan accepts you."
Sakura frowned, a little confused at what Yelan had to do with it. Admittedly she knew that Yelan was the leader of the Li clan but.. Sakura mentally shrugged and bowed to the Elders again as they took their leave. When the door shut behind them Sakura was once again tackled.
"You were so impressive!"
"She's practically perfect!"
"I'm so glad mom accepts!"
"And I have all of it down on paper!"
The four girls turned to Tomoyo with wide eyes. "Really?"
The raven haired girl nodded and held up a series of pictures. They were just rough drafts at present but there were more than twenty of them and since the whole fight had only taken thirty minutes to complete the five girls who didn't know Tomoyo very well were awed. But that only lasted a moment.
"I want copies!" the four sisters cried in unison.
Sakura grimaced a little then turned to the other two men who were standing with Shen behind the four sisters. She broke away and bowed to them. They bowed in return. "I'm Sakura Kinomoto. May I ask who you are?"
"She's so polite! It's so cute!" Fuutie cried.
"Adorable!" Feimei agreed.
Sakura smiled uncomfortably and waited for their names.
"This is my husband Li Liang," Fuutie said.
"And this is my husband Li Jin Le," Feimei continued.
"All three of our husbands are brothers too," Xiefa commented.
Sakura's eyes widened. Unlike the sisters these brothers didn't look nearly so much alike. Shen had black hair and matching eyes while Liang had hair close to Li's colour and brown eyes. Jin Le's hair was between the two and his eyes were red like Meiling's.
"Aren't they gorgeous?" the three older sisters squealed in unison noticing Sakura's appraisal.
"Yeah, too bad they stopped after Jin Le. Instead they have a sister who is just my age."
The princess nodded dumbly. She had a lot of names to remember in one day and was struggling to keep everyone straight, especially the sisters who were all so similar. It was going to be an experience staying with the Li clan and she wasn't certain it was going to be an enjoyable one.
(A/N: Thanks to everyone for help with the names. Also I'd like to note that all name placement with which girl is assumed since it's never pointed out and ditto to age order. I don't think anyone really minds but, whatever. Anyway, I'll still be updating again in a couple days so don't worry. Ja!)
I was asked why no Tomoyo/Eriol. Well simply because since this is my first fic I wanted to keep the relationships closest to what they were in the manga and anime. In future fics I will probably use an E/T coupling because I think they are well suited but for now it would make the point both more complicated and less fun if I did it that way.
Anyway, on with the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS. However, when I take over the world I will so, yeah.
Chapter Nine: Departure and Arrival
"It is time I take my leave of you," Eriol announced.
They were sitting around the evening campfire where Li had said a few minutes before that they were only two and a little more day's ride from his home. They had made excellent time since they had gotten their horses and had only been visited by Yue again once since his early morning warning with the prince.
"Why?" Sakura asked, obviously very upset and saddened.
"Because it is time for me to leave. I told you I wouldn't be traveling with you forever. I even stayed longer than I had originally planned."
"Are you sure you will do fine by yourself?" Tomoyo asked concernedly. They had all felt that they were being watched for some time and had kept away from villages because of it. The enemy would know that Eriol was with them and would undoubtedly target him if he went on his own.
"I'll be fine, your grace. Besides I need to meet up with people." He turned to Sakura. "I have written you extensively detailed reports on things I think you should or would like to know. I'm sure you will learn them pretty quickly without my help and if you need any Li or his dear mother will help you."
Sakura nodded with tears in her eyes.
"I must leave now to get to where I need to be. I had planned to part company some time ago and now must pay the price for delaying it. It was a pleasure to meet all of you and I'm sure we will meet again." He said the last with a mischievous smile that made everyone but Sakura a little uncomfortable. He was about to mount Midnight when he noticed the tears running down the princess' face.
"Don't cry, Sakura," he whispered as he brushed them gently off with a curled finger. "You have done so much without crying for you to cry because someone is leaving. I'll see you again. And, if you ever need me, just call to me with your aura. I taught you how."
She nodded and watched him mount his horse with his bags carefully tied behind. Everyone else stood and wished him farewell. Well, everyone except Li who watched with narrowed eyes from a distance.
"Oh and Li, watch over the princess while I'm gone," Eriol called with a laugh. He rode off thinking that some things were too much fun not to do, and teasing Li was one of them.
The remainder of the party sat around the fire once more and thought over the sourcerer's departure. Tomoyo and Chiharu discussed it quietly between themselves while Li and Yamazaki spoke of what would happen when they got home. Sakura just sat by herself holding the many pages of writing that Eriol had left her. Kero fluttered around her and finally landed on the pages, looking at her in concern.
"Are you okay, Sakura? You seem really down all of a sudden."
"Oh, I'm fine, Kero. It's just that so much has happened since the night we met. I got to see Rika and Naoko again, and Kaho. I met Eriol and you and Yue and all the people who helped us at the inns and in the villages. And I'm being chased for my life. So much has happened and yet I feel like I still am lost and unknowing about what is going on."
Kero touched his mistress affectionately. "Don't worry Sakura. Everything will be revealed to you soon enough. We didn't want you to worry when nothing could be done or to tell you only half truths. But everything will be all right. It's you after all!"
Sakura smiled and hugged her small guardian. "Thanks, Kero. I guess I'm really just missing everyone. I haven't seen Mother and Father in over two months and I only got to see Touya for a few minutes and that was still two weeks ago. Now Eriol left. I just hope I get to see everyone again. Some times I get the feeling that everything will go wrong and nothing good will come of this."
Kero shook his head. "Of all people, you shouldn't feel that way. You are so strong, Sakura, and such an upbeat person. Be sure of yourself and everything will be fine."
Sakura smiled and nodded. "I think I'm going to read this for awhile and then go to bed."
"All right, Sakura. You look more tired than you usually do so go to bed early. I'll tell everyone to leave you alone."
She nodded. In the past two weeks she had gotten good enough at facing two opponents that she had tried three and then four. She learned that if you knew how to fight multiple opponents, the number really didn't matter that much as long as you mastered the techniques.
But she hadn't moved on to swords and really should that night but she was too tired and too upset. So instead she looked over the spells that Eriol had left her. Most seemed complicated, a few were humourous, having to do with how to trick people, some where useful though in different ways. Most also only required her will and little else. The more complicated ones called on her wand or drawing special symbols and reciting specific incantations with specific ingredients. But some she could just recite special words and use will.
Sakura smiled and quickly did a spell, careful to hide the aura of her magic usage from the others. Then she placed the pages to one side and walked to the where the others were still sitting before the fire. Tomoyo was sketching something and might have spoiled the joke if she was paying attention, but she wasn't and Sakura couldn't help but giggle inside. She started counting.
At first nothing unusual happened and everyone continued to talk to each other, though Chiharu absently handed her a bowl of food. Sakura ate it quietly and waited. Still no one said anything. When she reached three hundred she had to start over again because she kept laughing so hard internally that she was losing count. Finally when she reached sixty five for the second time she heard someone gasp.
"Sakura! What happened to your hair?!" Tomoyo exclaimed.
The princess burst into laughter. She had changed her hair colour from its light honey brown to an ink black using one of the spells Eriol had given her.
Everyone looked at her hair then down at her laughing face and grew confused. It was Li who finally noticed that there was a bit of over hanging magic swirling around her.
"Don't worry, Daidouji. She used magic to change it."
"Li! You ruined my joke!" the princess laughed as she changed her hair back. "It still took everyone a long time to notice."
Li rolled his eyes. "Get some sleep, princess. We have too long hard days of riding ahead and you need your rest for that third day."
"Why?" she asked, tilting her head.
Chiharu glanced at Li, biting her lip. "Because you have to meet his mother. And his sisters."
Sakura's eyes widened at the second mention of Li's sisters in a bad light. "Are they that bad?"
Instead of answering the three who knew them just glanced at each other nervously. Tomoyo and Sakura exchanged worried looks and the princess stood up quickly. "I think I'll go to bed now."
"Ditto," Tomoyo said as she followed her best friend to their bedding.
"I think we scared them," Chiharu whispered.
Li smirked. "Doesn't matter. It's true."
The other two nodded.
"It's the middle of the day, princess. Why do you need to take a bath now?"
They were only an hours ride from Li's home and suddenly Sakura demanded that they stop and allow her to bathe and change clothes.
"Because, Li, I am a princess. I am meeting the respected people of your family and your People for the first time. I wish to look more like who I am rather than a peasant who just crawled out of the mud. It is a courtesy to them as well as me. And I'm GOING to take a bath so just stop complaining."
Saying as much she turned on her heel and headed towards the nearby river with Tomoyo and Chiharu close in tow, leaving Li feeling very intimidated.
"I swear, Yamazaki, her aura got three times bigger during that speech."
"I suggest then that you never make her really mad."
"No kidding," Li answered nodding in assent.
Newly bathed and waiting for Tomoyo to get finished with her outfit, pulled out the leather purse that her mother had sent her.
"I never did ask you what the Queen had sent you," Chiharu said, adjusting her sleeves. She too had gotten a new dress that Tomoyo had made during their journey. She hadn't had a court dress in so long that it felt a little weird but also made her homesick for the first time in a long while.
"Oh, just these," Sakura said pulling out a silver tiara with thinly wrought swirls and a few small emeralds embedded at measured distances. There was also a matching silver and emerald choker.
"Why those?"
Sakura shrugged. "They are my official court jewels. Mother always insists I wear them when I meet foreign dignitaries and royalty. She obviously wants me to wear them for the leader of the Li family."
"Finished!" Tomoyo cried at last and helped Sakura dress quickly.
"They are taking forever," Li muttered.
"You should be used to it. I doubt your sisters are much quicker."
He sighed, knowing his friend was correct. He was about to answer when the three girls finally emerged. And all words were lost.
"Chiharu! You look beautiful!" Yamazaki exclaimed walking over to kiss her hand.
"I told you not to lie," she said, blushing. Her dress really was beautiful, made of a soft yellow fabric with fine embroidery to match.
"I'm not lying," Yamazaki said, for once truthfully.
Tomoyo smiled, looking exceptionally beautiful herself in a sapphire blue dress and her own court jewels which were similar to Sakura's but made with sapphires and slightly less beautifully made.
However, Li couldn't tear his eyes from Sakura and ignored everyone else completely. Her long hair was braided into the tiara that he recognized vaguely. Her dress was a matching emerald green and set off her eyes. It had fine silver embroidery of butterflies. He couldn't stop staring and was startled when Yamazaki tapped his shoulder.
Li blushed as he realized that everyone was mounting their horses and expected him to do the same. He nodded and mounted, setting Yi Min at a canter without speaking to anyone. He couldn't sort out his emotions at the moment or why he wished he could stare at the princess forever. They raged and he tried to suppress them, finally succeeding when they reached the borders of his home. It was still a half hour ride to where his family lived but he was forced to stop at the border and wait for the others.
"We are entering Chinese lands, princess, Sakura. It is another half hour to my home and we will set off shortly. However I need to speak to a couple people here for a minute. Please, I beg of you, stay here with Chiharu and Yamazaki and stay on your horses."
He dismounted quickly before either of them could object. Sakura sighed. "He's so bossy."
Everyone else chuckled internally since they knew the reason for his attitude. They wondered how long it would be before she realized the truth about her bodyguard or if someone would have to tell her first. Probably the latter. They waited for a quarter hour before Li returned and mounted without saying a word. He seemed a bit preoccupied and a little irritated as he signaled for Yi Min to move forward.
Tomoyo and Sakura looked to the other two in question. They merely shrugged, not knowing what had passed themselves and everyone followed. After a moment Sakura broke the silence.
"Chiharu, Yamazaki, are you coming with us? Or are you going to head to your own homes?"
"We are going with you. We need to report to the Li family anyway and now is as good a time as any."
"Report?" Tomoyo asked.
"It is our job to gather information outside of the Chinese lands. Especially when there is danger coming. We actually spend a good amount of time outside of these lands. However, it is good to be home." Yamazaki said with a smile.
"I'm sure. I know I miss the Capitol," Sakura said wistfully.
The end of their long journey came quickly and everyone could feel the Chinese people's eyes upon the finely dressed women on horses. It wasn't long however before they drew up before a large and expansive mansion that almost outshined the royal castle. Tomoyo and Sakura's eyes widened appreciatively.
"You live here, Li?" Sakura asked in awe.
"Yes," he answered slowly. "Why?"
"Its breathtaking."
The chocolate haired boy blushed a little before signaling for the guards to open the gates and allow them to ride through. The two girls from the Capitol stared at their surroundings in awe and amazement. It was so beautiful but foreign looking. They were amazed at everything they saw and that someone could leave such a wondrous place. At last they dismounted before a set of steps and a covered walk way that led to two formidable looking doors.
As if sensing that they were being looked at, the doors opened and six women walked out, accompanied by two men. They seemed almost to float they walked so gracefully, stopping at the head of the stairs. One woman, taller than the rest, particularly caught Sakura's attention. She wore a long white dress with a blue wide belt with small hangings and was very imposing with her long hair carefully hung in a long black ponytail with a finely carved hair ornament.
The five travelers bowed to the people standing before them. Yamazaki and Chiharu actually knelt before the tall woman before rising and standing to the side. Sakura felt nervous at first but since Li only bowed she felt that her curtsey was sufficient enough. Then she mentally shook herself. Of course it was, as impressive as this woman was, Sakura was still the princess of the land.
"Xiao Lang," the woman spoke. "I'm glad you followed my advice."
Li nodded silently, standing stiffer than usual.
The woman walked down the stairs and went straight to Sakura. She looked down at the small but beautiful girl standing nervously in front of her. Then she bowed herself. "Princess Sakura, it is an honour for you to come to our home."
As she bowed everyone else bowed to her as well, including Li who had only bowed to her that first time when they were introduced. Sakura was a bit uncomfortable. These people were so impressive and the Power that their auras radiated was awing. She didn't think that she should be bowed to. But she remained silent until they rose again.
"My Lady Yelan," she began with a strong voice. "It is my honour to come to your lands and to be your guest. Our families for a long time have honoured one another and my own thanks you for your loyalty which is an honour without compare. I thank you for your hospitality and bring greetings from my dear mother who remembers you well."
Li, Yamazaki and even Chiharu, who had left before the princess was ever forced to act as she should, were stunned. The Sakura who stood before them now was a princess and not the carefree girl who they had come to know. Her attitude had changed completely and suddenly too. Li was impressed despite himself that someone so silly could so quickly turn into someone so imposing.
Yelan smiled. "Your thanks are not needed, Princess Sakura. But I am glad to hear that your mother still thinks of me. We were great friends. Now, I welcome you to my home and here you are to stay until matters are dealt with. I am sorry that you are forced to meet us for the first time under such circumstances but we will manage."
Sakura smiled, relieved. Playing the royal made her nervous and get butterflies in her stomach. "The circumstances may not be the best but at least now I have come much earlier than I originally was supposed to. Now, I get to come and know your people sooner and perhaps between us we can now have a greater relationship where we are not to meet at set standards."
Yelan nodded. She looked at the princess for a long time. The girl had a great aura, far surpassing everyone, even her beloved son who was the most Powerful of anyone in the Li clan. Not only that but she was intelligent and sincere. She would make a wonderful Queen and she would readily swear allegiance to her. Then, in a completely unexpected motion that startled everyone present, most especially Li and the five other women present, who knew its significance: Yelan leaned over and kissed Sakura's cheek.
Sakura blinked and blushed a little as the great lady straightened again. "I'm sure my daughters can show you to your room. I need to speak with the elders while you get settled. They will wish to speak with you I am sure."
Sakura nodded dumbly and watched as Yelan quickly disappeared. The moment the doors shut she was tackled by four of the other girls. She and Tomoyo were being petted, squeezed, pinched and squealed over.
"She's so adorable!"
"And this hair is so pretty!"
"I love this raven black! It reminds me of mothers!"
"I love her emerald eyes!"
"But these dresses are beautiful!"
"But look at her figure, I wish I had one like that!"
"You do!"
Sakura glanced around for help and finally met Li's eyes, which he rolled and sighed.
"Xiefa, Fuutie, Fanren, Feimei, let them go! They are tired and don't need you hanging all over them."
"Little brother, I think you are being jealous!" the girl with the shortest hair but for a small thin pony tail said.
"Well, he has been traveling with her for so long," the one with second shortest hair said.
The giggled and broke away from them at last. As Sakura looked at them standing all in a line she could swear that they were quadruplets if not for the fact that they were a little varied in height and their eyes were different colours. They all had the same red hair that was a little brighter than Kaho's and had very similar build.
"Since little brother won't introduce us, we'll introduce ourselves!" the tallest said. She had the longest hair and wore a yellow dress with the traditional high collar. Her eyes were green and sparkled as she introduced herself. "I'm Xiefa and I'm the oldest."
The next tallest girl, who had only slightly shorter hair, matching green eyes and wore a green dress, stepped forward. "I'm Feimei and the next oldest."
The girl with the shoulder length hair and brown eyes and pink and black dress waved. "I'm Fuutie and am smack dab in the middle."
"And I'm the second youngest up from Xiao Lang here," the last sister said. Her hair was tied back in a very thin pony tail and her eyes were an unusual ruby red. "Oh and my name is Fenren," she added, almost as a side note.
Sakura smiled and nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed. After a moment though, she turned to the last girl who was glaring at her with obvious dislike. She was a bit nervous but walked towards her.
"I am Sakura Kinomoto, I would like to know your name too since you are not one of his sisters, I think."
The other girls laughed while she rolled her eyes. She was a little taller than Sakura and her long black hair was pulled up into buns on either side of her head with the rest of it flowing down a little past either shoulder. But most amazingly she too had ruby red eyes, though more intense than Fenren.
"I'm Meiling. I'm their cousin and Xiao Lang is my fiancé so don't get any ideas."
Sakura's eyes widened, for some reason troubled by this but she nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you Meiling. I hope we can be friends!" She broke of blushing at the word friend and walked back over to Tomoyo.
"Everyone this is Tomoyo Daidouji, Duchess of Park. She is my best friend and has come with us this long way."
They exchanged greetings and then Xiefa smiled. "I'm sure you would like to be shown to your rooms. Please follow me!" Tomoyo and Sakura nodded while the other three entered the house and went in a separate direction.
"We will be meeting up with them later," Fuutie commented as she noticed Sakura's eyes lingering on the retreating backs of her three traveling companions.
"This is a large house so you don't want to get lost. Watch for the statues they can usually lead you back to where you need to go," Fenren remarked.
The two girls nodded and kept their eyes out. It was a good thing neither were prone to getting lost or else they would be hopeless. "Why is this place so big, if I may ask?"
"Oh, for various reasons. The most intelligent one being that most of the Li family lives here. However, since this is where the present leader of the Li clan and the future leader live and where they will live, it tends to have that need of being overwhelming and easy to get lost in." Feimei giggled. "One day I think I'm going to desert the family to live in a two bedroom house."
The other three sisters giggled and Tomoyo and Sakura exchanged glances. "Who is the future leader?" Sakura asked as they showed her into her room which was done in shades of blue and pink.
"Xiao Lang of course. Did he not tell you?" Fuutie asked.
Sakura shook her head. "I knew he was a Li, obviously because of the training. But he never said he was the future leader."
The sisters looked at each other and burst into giggles. "He must have been shy."
"Well, with such a beautiful princess to watch over who wouldn't be?" Feimei laughed.
Sakura blushed but asked, "Why were none of the rest of you sent for training?"
"Oh, actually Xiefa, Fuutie and I were sent," Feimei said. "You probably didn't know because you weren't born yet since we trained at a much younger age than Xiao Lang is. And Fenren wasn't sent to train since she was only trained in magic."
"Why weren't you trained to fight, if I may ask?"
"Because my joints are a little weak and mother didn't want Wei to break me."
"Oh, and what about Meiling? Was she only trained in magic too?" Sakura asked.
The four girls grew a little quiet. "No, Meiling is only being trained in fighting. For some reason her aura isn't blessed with the Power. But she is a great fighter and equal to Xiao Lang in everything but swords. And that is saying a great deal since he is the best in all of our lands."
Sakura nodded and thought this over. The girls helped them unpack and settle in, the older two taking Sakura and the younger two helping Tomoyo. When they were finished they led the two girls to the dining area to have lunch. The two girls were very grateful since they hadn't eaten since early that morning.
When they arrived Li was already seated and talking quietly with an older man who seemed a little older than Xiefa. The oldest girl broke away and kissed the man on the cheek. "Sakura, Tomoyo, this is Li Shen. He is our somewhat distant cousin and my husband."
Shen stood and bowed to the princess and duchess. "It is an honour to meet you again. I was outside at your arrival but was called away with Yelan before we were introduced."
Sakura nodded. "Yes there was another man with you. Who was that?"
"That was Wei," Li answered. "He is my teacher."
"Oh," Sakura replied quietly. Li's voice had been cold and harsh. He had never been the friendliest of people but this sudden change bothered her and she wondered what she had done to make him mad. Before she could ask though, Meiling burst into the room and glared at her.
"Hello again, Meiling," Sakura said with a smile, which was almost a wince.
"Hmph," the Chinese girl answered as she clung onto Li who sighed in exasperation.
When Yelan entered a few minutes later everyone began to eat and there was conversation about the journey and what it had been like. Yelan inquired after Fujitaka and Nadeshiko warmly. Sakura was more than happy to talk about her parents who she missed a great deal. Tomoyo, though, was a bit surprised when Yelan asked after her own mother.
"I heard that you were the current Duchess of Park, Tomoyo. I'm sorry for your mother's loss. I also apologize for not making it to her services but I only heard of her death after they were finished. Allow me to give you my condolences now."
Tomoyo nodded with a smile. "I miss her greatly and thank you for your kind words."
The rest of the meal passed quietly excepting that Meiling's glares were getting more and more deadly the more the young princess spoke with Yelan. Sakura could not have known that Yelan rarely spoke to anyone so kindly outside of her family and rarely for so long. Finally her anger exploded when the meal was finished and the family was rising to leave.
"What's so good about her, huh? She's just a silly princess who can't fight and can barely handle magic!"
Sakura stared at Meiling, hurt by the girl's words. She had never done anything to Meiling and wondered why she was attacking her so.
"Meiling," Yelan remarked sharply, instantly silencing the girl. "You have no evidence of either." Then the woman stopped speaking for a moment and began to get a contemplative look in her eyes. "If you were to challenge her would you be satisfied and move past your anger?"
The ruby eyed girl nodded furiously.
"All right. The Elders wanted some show of strength from you princess. Will you accept a challenge from Meiling?"
Sakura was unsure of how to react. She didn't want to fight Meiling and she really didn't know why someone would want a show of strength from her.
The rest of the party, except for Tomoyo who knew better, assumed that she hesitated because she lacked fighting knowledge. Li objected. "Mother, Meiling is an expert and Sakura is novice at best. She knows nothing of weapons except her Cards. Would you really set her up like that?"
Sakura frowned at Li. He was insulting her and she didn't like it. The princess straightened her shoulders and stepped up to Meiling. "I accept your challenge."
The other girl smiled. "Fine. To be nice I will allow it to be unarmed combat only. We will stop when one is judge the winner. Do you accept those rules?" Sakura nodded and at that moment Meiling began to like the other girl more. She had always admired strength in other people and though she was positive this would be an easy win she admired the girl's strength of will.
"All right then. You will meet each other at three, or in one and a half hours. Why don't the two of you go to your rooms and change into clothes more suited to fighting. Princess Sakura I'm sure we can supply you with some if you need them."
Sakura shook her head and smiled. "No ma'am. I'm have something that will do." She said this but then frowned as she walked back carefully remembering where to turn and which way to go. Would the Li clan find her outfit insulting since it was obviously made in intimidation? She hoped not. She quickly changed her clothes and stretched a little of her nervousness out as Tomoyo got out her inks and paper, ready to take down the fight.
"Tomoyo do you think accepting this challenge is stupid?"
"Actually I think it is wise, Sakura. They are obviously a family with strong principles based in strength. If you were to defeat someone on par with the best fighter in the whole of the Chinese lands, well then you would be someone worth admiration in their eyes."
Sakura considered this. "I think I want to go to the room early so I can practice a little. I've only fought Fight before and am not used to fighting different people. Meiling may defeat me because she is new."
Tomoyo nodded and gathered her supplies. "I think Lady Yelan said it was in the back of the house not too far away from the dining room."
The girls headed in that direction and after twenty minutes search they arrived at the training room twenty minutes early. When they arrived they found that Meiling was already there. The ruby eyed girl saw what the princess was wearing and looked confused.
"I thought you told Aunt Yelan that you already had clothes."
"Oh, these are them. Tomoyo made them for me. I hope you are not offended," Sakura said biting her lip.
Meiling rolled her eyes. "Why would I be when we offered you something similar?" The girl may be a little strong but she was rather dense. She looked at the raven haired girl who was sharpening her pen and stirring ink. "She made it?"
Sakura nodded. "She makes all my clothes and all of her own as well. It's a hobby you might say."
Meiling shrugged. "Since we are both early would you like to practice in a mini-challenge?"
The auburn haired girl frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I want to see what you are made of. See if you can beat this."
Meiling walked away from Sakura and stood in the middle of one end of the long room. She drew a breath then broke into a run. After a moment she did a series of flip flops which ended in a flip. She landed gracefully and turned towards the princess who was staring wide eyed.
"You are very good, Meiling!"
"Hmm. Of course I am. Why don't you try?"
Sakura nodded and walked to where Meiling had started. She too took a breath before heading into a run. After a series of flip flops she ended hers in an aerial flowing into a twist in midair. She landed in a splits gracefully and then stood up and looked at Meiling who was gaping.
"I should have warned you, Meiling. She's an excellent gymnast, even if she doesn't look it."
Sakura turned to smile at Li in appreciation. "It feels weird not doing it in my dresses. But Meiling is very good also. I'm sure she wasn't trying her best and would probably have beat me."
Meiling glared at Sakura for being so nice. She would have commented but then the doors opened and five older men filed into the room followed by Yelan. Sakura turned to bow to the men who were obviously the Elders. They bowed in return and one of them smiled appreciatively.
"She looks so nice in our clothes. Never thought I'd see a Kinomoto dressed like that."
"You are right, Quen Yuan. But we are not here to gawk at her, we are here to watch her fight," another said. He looked older than the one named Quen Yuan.
"Chen Rong you are stuffy," Quen Yuan replied. "Isn't he Long, Sheng?"
"Why didn't you ask me?" the youngest looking asked.
"Because I already knew you'd agree with me, Xing Zhi."
Sakura stared at the five men who began bickering amongst themselves like little school boys. She had been in awe of them until they began speaking. Well actually one of them neglected to join the conversation, the one who had been called Long. He merely stared at her as if she were some sort of insect who wished to be admitted into a great home.
"Enough bickering," he finally spoke with a booming voice. "The time has come for the girls to fight."
The others nodded and they each took a chair along the back wall. There were seven in all and they left the one and the middle and the one to its right empty. When Li's sisters, Shen and two other men she didn't recognize filed in, Yelan took her seat in the middle chair. Li went to sit beside her and the others sat down on the edge of the raised dais. They invited Tomoyo to join them and she agreed.
Sakura began to feel really nervous and clutched the Key at her throat. She took a deep breath as she and Meiling faced off in the middle of the room. She let go and bowed respectfully to Meiling who bowed back. Then both took a stance. Everyone but Tomoyo was surprised when they saw that Sakura took a stance from a harder school of fighting. Perhaps it was chance but everyone also knew better.
"Begin," Long said.
Meiling attacked and Sakura carefully deflected her hands as they darted for her. It was easier than with fight but she had to assume that was because Meiling misunderstood her opponent, which was partially true. After a moment however Meiling shot out a kick and Sakura was forced to flip backwards to avoid it. When she landed she saw another foot flying towards her head and she quickly ducked, barely managing not to be hit. It was time to go on the offensive. From her crouched position she kicked out with one leg and was carefully dodged.
Sakura brought her other leg around, leaning on her hands facing the floor and aimed for Meiling's stomach. The girl deflected but barely. The princess was concentrating too hard to hear the murmurs of admiration and instead sprung to her feet and dodged an attack from Meiling who had begun to take this fight very seriously. The two girls parried back and forth. They were both so well trained and well practiced that it seemed as if they were dancing. They moved all around the training room often performing jumps and flips to remove themselves from their opponents grasp.
But, after awhile Meiling was beginning to tire. She had never fought such a good opponent for so long. Sakura on the other hand was well used to an opponent that didn't tire and wouldn't allow herself to feel the strain on her muscles. She finally saw her chance to defeat the other girl as she stumbled a little and reached out with a well placed kick. It contacted and Meiling was thrown backwards and bruised though not seriously injured. Sakura poised for her to rise again but Meiling was too tired and now hurt too much to get up.
"It is done," Long declared as he looked at the princess with new appreciation and grudging acceptance.
Sakura nodded and walked over to Meiling. When she saw the girl breathing hard with her eyes closed she knelt down beside her. "Meiling are you alright?"
"Yes, Kinomoto, I'm fine." She opened one eye. "I've never been beaten by anyone except by Xiao Lang once I had completed training. I thought you were a novice."
Sakura chuckled nervously and reached into her pocket. After a moment she pulled out Fight and held it up for the other girl to see. "I've been training."
"So that's why you were always so tired," she heard Li say from behind her.
Sakura whirled around and almost fell on Meiling. "Li! Don't scare me like that!"
"Why didn't you tell me you were training, princess? You could have gotten hurt and no one would have found you until morning."
Sakura blushed. "I was fine. Besides I knew you'd either make me stop or insist you come every time and then you wouldn't have gotten sleep either. Anyway, it's done now." She turned back and stood to help the other girl up who reluctantly accepted the help since she was so tired herself.
"Ahem," the three heard from behind them. When they turned they saw the five Elders standing in a V formation only a few feet away. Long was at the head of it and was looking at Sakura with steady eyes, making her extremely nervous.
"Yes, my Lord Long?" she asked politely.
"Wow, the girl already learned our names and without being told!" Quen Yuan laughed.
"Do you also know how to fight with a sword, Kinomoto?" Long asked ignoring his fellow elder.
She shook her head.
"No, sir. Not unless I use the Sword Card."
He nodded then turned to Li. "Be sure she learns, Xiao Lang. Either you can teach her or we will."
Li nodded, eyes widened a little. "I'll be sure to. I'm sure Meiling will help."
Long nodded along with the rest then turned back to Sakura. "Princess we will allow you to stay here and will help you with your fight since it is your own. But only under the condition that you train as every other Li has. Since you need our help you will follow our laws. Do you accept?"
"Yes, sir," she replied. The idea frightened her a little but she didn't say anything and hopefully came off as calm.
"Good girl," Xing Zhi smiled. "I'm sure you will fit in here very well. Especially since Yelan accepts you."
Sakura frowned, a little confused at what Yelan had to do with it. Admittedly she knew that Yelan was the leader of the Li clan but.. Sakura mentally shrugged and bowed to the Elders again as they took their leave. When the door shut behind them Sakura was once again tackled.
"You were so impressive!"
"She's practically perfect!"
"I'm so glad mom accepts!"
"And I have all of it down on paper!"
The four girls turned to Tomoyo with wide eyes. "Really?"
The raven haired girl nodded and held up a series of pictures. They were just rough drafts at present but there were more than twenty of them and since the whole fight had only taken thirty minutes to complete the five girls who didn't know Tomoyo very well were awed. But that only lasted a moment.
"I want copies!" the four sisters cried in unison.
Sakura grimaced a little then turned to the other two men who were standing with Shen behind the four sisters. She broke away and bowed to them. They bowed in return. "I'm Sakura Kinomoto. May I ask who you are?"
"She's so polite! It's so cute!" Fuutie cried.
"Adorable!" Feimei agreed.
Sakura smiled uncomfortably and waited for their names.
"This is my husband Li Liang," Fuutie said.
"And this is my husband Li Jin Le," Feimei continued.
"All three of our husbands are brothers too," Xiefa commented.
Sakura's eyes widened. Unlike the sisters these brothers didn't look nearly so much alike. Shen had black hair and matching eyes while Liang had hair close to Li's colour and brown eyes. Jin Le's hair was between the two and his eyes were red like Meiling's.
"Aren't they gorgeous?" the three older sisters squealed in unison noticing Sakura's appraisal.
"Yeah, too bad they stopped after Jin Le. Instead they have a sister who is just my age."
The princess nodded dumbly. She had a lot of names to remember in one day and was struggling to keep everyone straight, especially the sisters who were all so similar. It was going to be an experience staying with the Li clan and she wasn't certain it was going to be an enjoyable one.
(A/N: Thanks to everyone for help with the names. Also I'd like to note that all name placement with which girl is assumed since it's never pointed out and ditto to age order. I don't think anyone really minds but, whatever. Anyway, I'll still be updating again in a couple days so don't worry. Ja!)