Looksee! An update! Yay! Anyway, thank you everyone for all the wonderful
reviews! They make me all warm and fuzzy inside. I got this one out quicker
than I expected since I had so many people demanding what they wanted from
me. So here, I deliver. Poof.
Oh and I reiterate, there will be no E/T in this fic. I think it would take
away from some of the character that I've tried to build. And, well you'll
kinda see why in this chap. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS. But I do own the second movie on dvd. Special edition and everything. The English dubbing is so funny too .
Chapter Fifteen: The Avowal
"Now, it'll only go three places in their correct order so make sure you don't leave and then want to go back because you forgot something. Just squeeze it in your right hand when you want to leave and make sure you are touching everyone who is coming with you in some way. They have to be touching YOU not each other. Oh and tell Naoko that she can be a writer later, I need her to be Countess of DuBell right now."
Chiharu nodded at the run through of instructions yet again. She and Yamazaki were carrying a bag of luggage each while the latte tried desperately not to stare in shock at the way his beloved looked. Tomoyo and Sakura had done their jobs well and she looked as one would expect a Marchioness would. Standing next to her, Yamazaki felt a little awed.
"Okay, Sakura. Goodbye and we'll send you a message as soon as we get settled in the Capitol." Reaching her arms around her friend she clutched to her desperately. Her friend had changed so much in the past few days from the young girl she had always known. It was sad to see and she wished nothing but to have her smile cheerfully once more.
"Goodbye, Chiharu. And good luck to both of you." Sakura smiled and watched as her friend grasped Yamazaki's hand then clutched the magical stone pendant before disappearing from the room. The honey haired girl watched the spot her friends had been in moments before then glanced around the office she now found herself alone in. Letters and documents beckoned to her from the desk but still she couldn't help walking to the window to stare out as memories washed over her.
Two days ago in the early morning, Syaoran had come into her office. They stared at each other in silence for a moment, both remembering the night before and how he had kissed her so passionately. It felt almost as if the scene were playing out before them, so real did it seem in their memories. Finally, he broke the silence and walked to her desk.
"Sakura will you please take a quick walk with me. I need to tell you something." He sounded nervous and grave but also very firm. Without protest she nodded and followed him from the room. There was a path that went around an ornamental pond just outside the balcony doors. They walked in silence for awhile, enjoying the scenery and both trying to understand the situation better.
Syaoran wondered at the ironies that would lead her to be wearing the same dress that she had worn on the night of that fateful sword battle. Though now covered from the cold winter weather, he could remember clearly how her shoulders had only been covered by a single hematite strap. Shaking himself, he stopped on the foot bridge and turned to face her.
"Mother has invited guests to stay with us. She invited them some time ago and would have canceled if not for the hope that these guests will one day become part of our own family by marrying my sister or Meiling. She wants me to journey to their home and escort them here."
Sakura nodded, trying to understand what this had to do with her. When she was about to ask he sighed heavily and reached out one of his hands to brush his fingers along her cheek. They felt like fire against her chilled skin and she leaned into the caress when he opened his palm and cupped her cheek. A moment later he brushed his lips over hers once before settling into a sweet kiss. Unlike before it wasn't demanding but giving. It made Sakura feel precious and beautiful.
With a small sigh, Syaoran pulled away to look into her beautiful emerald eyes. "Sakura, I love you. You are more to me than life or anything else in this world."
She gasped and her eyes widened as she stared into his fiery amber ones. It was so sudden that she simply didn't know how to respond. Syaoran gazed down at her for a few minutes before straightening and pulling away. "I just thought I should tell you that before I leave." She watched in bound silence as he walked silently away, into the house and out of sight. Her mind was reeling with what she had just heard him say and she had no clue how she felt herself.
Now two days later she still didn't know really how she felt. With one last sigh, she turned to her desk and began working once more. A quarter of an hour had passed before she felt a familiar presence outside her door.
"Stop lurking outside Eriol, and come in."
"You know, your majesty, most people would feel somewhat awed by the reincarnation of Clow Reed. But I guess not you," he sighed as he sat down in the comfortable chair in front of her desk. Spinel Sun was resting on his shoulder, appearing to be asleep
"Did you need something, Eriol?" she asked, looking up at him and ignoring his prior comment.
"The pleasure of your company is all I need. That and I wished to offer my services if you needed them," he added when he saw the clouded look gather into her eyes once more.
"You know, Eriol, I think Kaho is in love with you. I think you two would be very nice together. Why do you press your suit with me?" The question was not unkindly said. Really, Sakura was simply curious about her newest friends behavior and wishes.
"Ah yes, there is Kaho, and I do care for her. But she is not you. However, I guess it is my destiny to always try for what I cannot have. You have been very preoccupied these past days since Li left. Is there something the matter?" he asked, hiding the sly tone of his voice very well.
Sakura blushed a little before looking down at her hands. "Nothing that you need to be interested in, Eriol."
The blue eyed sourcerer watched her intently for a moment before his shoulders drooped imperceptibly in defeat, though he would not let her know how much it hurt. "Would you listen to a story, your majesty? It is a distraction from your duties but perhaps it can help you a little."
Sakura nodded and settled back into her chair looking at him intently. Something about Eriol made her feel a little sad, the way his eyes focused on her at times. He seemed to old for his years and at times he made her wonder if her own eyes stared at the world that way.
"Many years ago, before Tomoeda was a kingdom, much less the great land it is now, there lived a man. He was granted a then unique Power over the world around him. Reveling in his great Power, he became mischievous and would often use his Power to play tricks or to fool those around him. He traveled the land, continuing his antics and never cared for what he did. In his own mind, he felt that since the gods had given him such Power he was special and set above the rest.
"One day on his journeys, he came upon a beautiful girl who had hair the colour of finely ripened wheat and eyes of purest jade. Instantly he fell in love with her and tried to woo her into loving him in return. But unlike everyone else, this girl saw him for what he was, a scoundrel. She saw past his wonderful Power into the self centered heart he possessed. When he would not give up pursuit of her no matter how many times she refused, at last the girl let her jade eyes blaze and she told him exactly what she thought of him and to leave since she would never speak to him again.
"Heartbroken and shamed he left the village where she stayed and spent the rest of his years alone until he died. Years passed and Tomoeda became a Kingdom that showed mercy to others and from this mercy this man was born again into the body of a Powerful sourcerer, better than all else in the whole of the world. But this new man remembered his past well. While he was lazy and self-serving, he never used his great Power to harm others.
"As he grew into a young man, around your own age, your majesty, he came across the reborn figure of the girl he had loved. Her hair was now the darkened auburn colour and her eyes the green of the sea, but it was her. Rejoicing, he thanked the gods for what was obviously a second chance at winning this beautiful girl as his own. Immediately he tried to woo her and she reacted in kind. She was sweet and loving and called him dear to her heart. The sourcerer was content in this love until someone came to the small village."
Eriol paused to take breath and sip from a small glass of water. Sakura was enthralled with this story that sounded so achingly familiar and begged him silently to continue. Eriol heard the silent plea and continued with a small smile.
"Into their midst a young man appeared. He had hair as dark as chocolate and eyes that shone like gold. The green eyed girl befriended the cold stranger and between them something more special grew than between herself and the sourcerer. He watched bitterly as they fell into deepest love and pledged themselves to the other. Sadly he watched them marry, knowing with infinite certainty that they were meant to be, but unable to stop loving her so dearly.
"As he grew old and fell into love himself, a softer and quieter love, he did many things he knew she would honour him for. Though his personality still bent towards mischief and self love, he helped others and strived to be a good man. Before his death he saw a vision of the future in which the beautiful girl he had loved since before his birth was reborn again. This time she was the holder of Power greater than his own. In the two lives he had known her in she had shown promise and potential but in her next she would blossom. And so before he died, without regret he left all that he had to the next life of hers. He left her the Clow Cards."
With a small gasp, Sakura sat up when she heard the last sentence in the sad story. A million questions flooded through her head but none came to her lips and Eriol saw this and chuckled.
"Your majesty, perhaps there will be one life that we both are born into when the man who makes your soul complete will not join us. When that comes, perhaps I can show you that I am worthy too. Until then, recognize he who makes you happy." Eriol stood and bowed silently before leaving her alone once more.
Sakura contemplated his words in silence. When he had explained to her about his own reincarnated state the day before, there was a feel of familiarity to his words. She had heard many explanations of Nakuru, or Ruby Moon, and Spinel Sun. He had even taken time to explain his reasons for not seeking the Cards for himself even though, in essence, he had made them. But this story was different. Sakura had the feeling that he was trying to tell her something more than he openly stated. But for the present she had no real answer to what that might be.
Li Xiao Lang, future ruler of the Li Clan and Chinese people was tired. He was also perilously close to murdering one of his mother's guests as they traveled back to his home. Originally he was to escort two brothers who were, his mother hoped, to marry Fanren and Meiling. However, when they left the younger brother asked if his friend could accompany them since, honestly, he was in no mood to go to this meeting and at least wanted his friend to mourn with him.
Now, far from being offended, Xiao Lang found himself instantly liking the younger brother, who was around the same age as him, and his friend who was a great deal like him. However, the elder brother as getting on every last nerve the future leader had. It wasn't because he was particularly annoying in any one trait. No more than anything it's because he heard something that made him more excited than the prospect of meeting his maybe future wife. He had heard that the new queen was residing at the Li mansion and that she was beautiful.
In fact, the elder brother, by the name of Liu Lok, had spent the entire journey asking questions about the new queen. What was her name? Is she really beautiful? Is she seeing anyone? Is she really as Powerful as everyone says? Do you think I have a chance with her? It never ended and Xiao Lang could barely repress the urges to disembowel the man. Instead he pointedly ignored him and tried to get to know the other two. Xi Wang was the other brother and seemed to be completely disinterested in the situation completely. He took the time to joke with Xiao Lang though and asked him about his family in general and what was it like to have the ruler of the country residing down the hall as well as another high-ranking nobility.
Rae Zhi Ye was even more to Xiao Lang's liking and seemed to be much like himself. He spoke calmly and asked about the different martial arts that the family was trained in and if they would be allowed to watch matches or train themselves. He didn't ask about anyone inside the mansion nor about how it felt to be who he was. In general, he was a likable guy.
The sun was beginning to set on the third day of his absence. As they rode in silence, he wondered what Sakura was doing or thinking. He hoped that being gone for three days would give her a chance to assess her feelings a little, but maybe that was all for naught. When he was around her, he felt peace, better than any in the world. Something about her aura drew him to her, as if it was calling him by name, as if it was a part of her own. And despite the way she reacted to his kisses, he was getting the feeling that she didn't return his feelings, something which hurt him more than anything he ever knew could.
"Do you suppose that if I courted the queen she would marry me and make me king?" Lok asked, forcefully dragging Xiao Lang from his thoughts.
Turning a glare on the older boy, he quickened the pace, determined to get home by the end of the day. He had to get home before he murdered his sister's potential husband.
Far away, cerulean blue eyes stared moodily into a mirror lying carefully on a large mahogany desk. There was something that was bothering him, something that he couldn't quite define. He had been watching the beautiful Card Mistress for most of his days and nights since he had so deliciously slain her father. He watched sadly when she cut off the silky hair in such a crude fashion and made a mental note to punish her for that.
More, he laughed out loud when he saw the idiot Li heir declare his love to her. It was such a splendidly wicked form of amusement to watch her not return his feelings. She just stared at him as if he were an idiot. She didn't even bother to stop him as he left the mansion all together. But still something about the scene did not sit right with the malicious sourcerer. For hours he tried to figure what made him so nervous, what caused him to lose sleep in misunderstanding.
Then a thought struck him. Waving his hand over the mirror he replayed the events from the night previous to the avowal of love. The breathtaking girl sat for hours alone, wearing seductive black clothing. How he loved to watch her. Then the Li heir came to speak with her for a few minutes before leaving himself. A few minutes later she left her office and quickly went to bed. However, something was odd. When she was in her office nothing seemed the matter but as soon as she stepped into the hallway her face looked troubled. And that night as she lay in bed she held a hand over her lips, much in the way someone would after having received a kiss.
Realization dawned and the fair haired man almost chuckled in appreciation. The girl had obviously just received a kiss from the man she rejected the next morning. However, he hadn't been able to see it. The beautiful Card Mistress had set up an illusion spell so he couldn't witness what was happening in her office. It was very smart, bordering on brilliant. However, he thought with a frown, it did mean they knew about his watching and also that they obviously planning things they didn't want him to know. From now one he would need to be on his toes.
With a tired sigh, he returned to watching the illusion, knowing it for what it was now but still wishing to gaze upon his alluring enemy. The woman he would have under his Power very soon.
Tomoyo sighed as she watched her friend prepare for bed. Her beautiful green eyes looked bruised from lack of sleep and she was already looking paler and a little thinner. What had been simply distraction from food had become the refusal to eat at all. Sakura hadn't shown up for meals in three days and had risen before dawn every day only to go to bed long after night had fallen.
Tomoyo was scared for her friend and wasn't the only one. Earlier she and Hiiragizawa had quietly discussed the situation and both came up worried. Even the cheerful Nakuru or Xiefa, Fuutie, Feimei and Fanren combined couldn't break her from her solitude. The raven haired girl prayed for Li's return so that he might help bring some joy to her friend's eyes.
However, something was also telling her that he was the person who had taken that last sparkle from them. She wished more than anything that she knew what disturbed Sakura so. With a sigh, she turned to go to her own bedroom praying to the gods that they gave her an answer.
It was after midnight when Xiao Lang laid eyes on his home once more. Sighing with relief he looked back at his three companions who had gone more or less silent after night had fallen. "We are here," he said only loud enough for them all to hear.
"Thank the gods. I was about to fall off my horse," Lok muttered, not noticing the three glares his companions bent on him.
"The household should be asleep by now but I'm sure your rooms have already been prepared. I'll introduce all of you tomorrow morning at breakfast."
Zhi Ye and Xi Wang nodded in understanding, not looking at all worse for wear from their journey. Lok muttered loud thanks once more before they turned into the stable. Quietly they tended to their horses before Xiao Lang led them into the mansion. Rooting out Wei, he directed the man to take them to her rooms before wandering to his own room in exhaustion. For a moment he paused in front of Sakura's room. He could tell from her aura that she was asleep inside and for that he was partially grateful. She was sleeping instead of working which was good. However, he also wanted to talk to her more than anything.
With a sigh he went to his own room and washed the dirt from his traveling away. He was just beginning to dress again when he felt the familiar signs of panic coming from Sakura. He paused long enough to tie his pants before rushing from the room.
*I race up the blood stained slippery steps, hoping against all hope that it hasn't happened. But he's there and my breath catches in my throat. Lying there with his amber eyes closed I can't tell if he is unconscious or dead. There is blood everywhere and I have to bite back a scream and force myself not to run to him. If I turn my back I could find myself dead as well.
Clutching the staff-wand in my hands I turn to him. His cerulean blue eyes are laughing at me mockingly. His laugh scares me to the very core of my being and it is all I can do not to run away in terror. Closing my eyes I remember the figure lying behind me, maybe dead. This man may have killed him! I can't run! I can't be afraid!
"I will spare his life, my queen, if you give me yours," the evil man says, pausing from his laughter for just an instant. "Or maybe you want to join him in death? Fine!"
There is a flash of light and I flinch.*
Gasping, Sakura sat up, her body drenched in sweat, and instantly found herself in a pair of strong arms. Only awake enough to recognize the overpowering green aura that surrounded her, she threw her arms around his neck and sobbed unabashedly into his neck. Syaoran's warm hands rubbed her back consolingly and he whispered soft words of comfort into her hair.
At last the sobs quieted and Sakura sat shakily in his arms. His embrace was warm and soothing and she almost feel back to sleep as he held her. Then all at once she realized just what exactly who he was and that he was back and she pulled away gasping.
"He killed you! I saw it and there was blood every where and he just kept laughing! Oh, Syaoran," she gasped, reaching up to touch his cheek, as if reassuring herself that he was still there and all right.
"It's just a dream, Sakura. I won't ever leave you. I promise."
She stared up into his amber eyes, filled with love and assurance. And then she knew.
"I love you, Syaoran."
It was so simply said that for an instant he thought he misheard her. Then a grin broke across his face, so wide and sincere that if anyone else had seen it they would have mistaken him for someone else. It didn't last long, though, for moments later he covered her mouth in a long and thorough kiss. With a contented sigh, Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck once more and gave her self to it. When at last they pulled away from each other, panting from lack of breath, Syaoran was laying over her on the bed unaware as to how he got there.
Blushing, he rolled off her and sat up on the edge of the bed once more. He was actually about to leave altogether when he felt Sakura take his hand.
"Please don't leave me, Syaoran. Just.hold me until I can fall asleep again."
Her voice was filled with such pleading that he threw away the barest hint of hesitation and nodded. "Uh, where is the stuffed animal?" he asked looking around, as if waiting for the guardian to pop out of no where and accuse him of defiling his mistress.
"He's in the kitchen with Suppi," Sakura answered, motioning for him to join her on the bed.
Blushing, he obliged, feeling a bit uneasy in a situation where things could definitely get out of hand. When she rolled over to rest her head on his bare chest, he tightly pulled on whatever willpower he had left before slowly and carefully wrapping his arms around her.
"I love you, Li Syaoran," she repeated as she crept once more towards sleep.
"I love you, too, Sakura Kinomoto. Now and forever," he said quietly, kissing her softly on her head before drifting towards sleep himself.
"Me too."
(A/N: *sighs all fangirl like* I love writing mush. 'Course I think everyone would love to be in Sakura's shoes, ne? Anyway, I have NO clue when the next update will be. I'm still working on the 'suitors' characters and want to get them right before I update again. But, as per usual, it shouldn't be more than a few days. Anyway, REVIEW! Ja!)
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS. But I do own the second movie on dvd. Special edition and everything. The English dubbing is so funny too .
Chapter Fifteen: The Avowal
"Now, it'll only go three places in their correct order so make sure you don't leave and then want to go back because you forgot something. Just squeeze it in your right hand when you want to leave and make sure you are touching everyone who is coming with you in some way. They have to be touching YOU not each other. Oh and tell Naoko that she can be a writer later, I need her to be Countess of DuBell right now."
Chiharu nodded at the run through of instructions yet again. She and Yamazaki were carrying a bag of luggage each while the latte tried desperately not to stare in shock at the way his beloved looked. Tomoyo and Sakura had done their jobs well and she looked as one would expect a Marchioness would. Standing next to her, Yamazaki felt a little awed.
"Okay, Sakura. Goodbye and we'll send you a message as soon as we get settled in the Capitol." Reaching her arms around her friend she clutched to her desperately. Her friend had changed so much in the past few days from the young girl she had always known. It was sad to see and she wished nothing but to have her smile cheerfully once more.
"Goodbye, Chiharu. And good luck to both of you." Sakura smiled and watched as her friend grasped Yamazaki's hand then clutched the magical stone pendant before disappearing from the room. The honey haired girl watched the spot her friends had been in moments before then glanced around the office she now found herself alone in. Letters and documents beckoned to her from the desk but still she couldn't help walking to the window to stare out as memories washed over her.
Two days ago in the early morning, Syaoran had come into her office. They stared at each other in silence for a moment, both remembering the night before and how he had kissed her so passionately. It felt almost as if the scene were playing out before them, so real did it seem in their memories. Finally, he broke the silence and walked to her desk.
"Sakura will you please take a quick walk with me. I need to tell you something." He sounded nervous and grave but also very firm. Without protest she nodded and followed him from the room. There was a path that went around an ornamental pond just outside the balcony doors. They walked in silence for awhile, enjoying the scenery and both trying to understand the situation better.
Syaoran wondered at the ironies that would lead her to be wearing the same dress that she had worn on the night of that fateful sword battle. Though now covered from the cold winter weather, he could remember clearly how her shoulders had only been covered by a single hematite strap. Shaking himself, he stopped on the foot bridge and turned to face her.
"Mother has invited guests to stay with us. She invited them some time ago and would have canceled if not for the hope that these guests will one day become part of our own family by marrying my sister or Meiling. She wants me to journey to their home and escort them here."
Sakura nodded, trying to understand what this had to do with her. When she was about to ask he sighed heavily and reached out one of his hands to brush his fingers along her cheek. They felt like fire against her chilled skin and she leaned into the caress when he opened his palm and cupped her cheek. A moment later he brushed his lips over hers once before settling into a sweet kiss. Unlike before it wasn't demanding but giving. It made Sakura feel precious and beautiful.
With a small sigh, Syaoran pulled away to look into her beautiful emerald eyes. "Sakura, I love you. You are more to me than life or anything else in this world."
She gasped and her eyes widened as she stared into his fiery amber ones. It was so sudden that she simply didn't know how to respond. Syaoran gazed down at her for a few minutes before straightening and pulling away. "I just thought I should tell you that before I leave." She watched in bound silence as he walked silently away, into the house and out of sight. Her mind was reeling with what she had just heard him say and she had no clue how she felt herself.
Now two days later she still didn't know really how she felt. With one last sigh, she turned to her desk and began working once more. A quarter of an hour had passed before she felt a familiar presence outside her door.
"Stop lurking outside Eriol, and come in."
"You know, your majesty, most people would feel somewhat awed by the reincarnation of Clow Reed. But I guess not you," he sighed as he sat down in the comfortable chair in front of her desk. Spinel Sun was resting on his shoulder, appearing to be asleep
"Did you need something, Eriol?" she asked, looking up at him and ignoring his prior comment.
"The pleasure of your company is all I need. That and I wished to offer my services if you needed them," he added when he saw the clouded look gather into her eyes once more.
"You know, Eriol, I think Kaho is in love with you. I think you two would be very nice together. Why do you press your suit with me?" The question was not unkindly said. Really, Sakura was simply curious about her newest friends behavior and wishes.
"Ah yes, there is Kaho, and I do care for her. But she is not you. However, I guess it is my destiny to always try for what I cannot have. You have been very preoccupied these past days since Li left. Is there something the matter?" he asked, hiding the sly tone of his voice very well.
Sakura blushed a little before looking down at her hands. "Nothing that you need to be interested in, Eriol."
The blue eyed sourcerer watched her intently for a moment before his shoulders drooped imperceptibly in defeat, though he would not let her know how much it hurt. "Would you listen to a story, your majesty? It is a distraction from your duties but perhaps it can help you a little."
Sakura nodded and settled back into her chair looking at him intently. Something about Eriol made her feel a little sad, the way his eyes focused on her at times. He seemed to old for his years and at times he made her wonder if her own eyes stared at the world that way.
"Many years ago, before Tomoeda was a kingdom, much less the great land it is now, there lived a man. He was granted a then unique Power over the world around him. Reveling in his great Power, he became mischievous and would often use his Power to play tricks or to fool those around him. He traveled the land, continuing his antics and never cared for what he did. In his own mind, he felt that since the gods had given him such Power he was special and set above the rest.
"One day on his journeys, he came upon a beautiful girl who had hair the colour of finely ripened wheat and eyes of purest jade. Instantly he fell in love with her and tried to woo her into loving him in return. But unlike everyone else, this girl saw him for what he was, a scoundrel. She saw past his wonderful Power into the self centered heart he possessed. When he would not give up pursuit of her no matter how many times she refused, at last the girl let her jade eyes blaze and she told him exactly what she thought of him and to leave since she would never speak to him again.
"Heartbroken and shamed he left the village where she stayed and spent the rest of his years alone until he died. Years passed and Tomoeda became a Kingdom that showed mercy to others and from this mercy this man was born again into the body of a Powerful sourcerer, better than all else in the whole of the world. But this new man remembered his past well. While he was lazy and self-serving, he never used his great Power to harm others.
"As he grew into a young man, around your own age, your majesty, he came across the reborn figure of the girl he had loved. Her hair was now the darkened auburn colour and her eyes the green of the sea, but it was her. Rejoicing, he thanked the gods for what was obviously a second chance at winning this beautiful girl as his own. Immediately he tried to woo her and she reacted in kind. She was sweet and loving and called him dear to her heart. The sourcerer was content in this love until someone came to the small village."
Eriol paused to take breath and sip from a small glass of water. Sakura was enthralled with this story that sounded so achingly familiar and begged him silently to continue. Eriol heard the silent plea and continued with a small smile.
"Into their midst a young man appeared. He had hair as dark as chocolate and eyes that shone like gold. The green eyed girl befriended the cold stranger and between them something more special grew than between herself and the sourcerer. He watched bitterly as they fell into deepest love and pledged themselves to the other. Sadly he watched them marry, knowing with infinite certainty that they were meant to be, but unable to stop loving her so dearly.
"As he grew old and fell into love himself, a softer and quieter love, he did many things he knew she would honour him for. Though his personality still bent towards mischief and self love, he helped others and strived to be a good man. Before his death he saw a vision of the future in which the beautiful girl he had loved since before his birth was reborn again. This time she was the holder of Power greater than his own. In the two lives he had known her in she had shown promise and potential but in her next she would blossom. And so before he died, without regret he left all that he had to the next life of hers. He left her the Clow Cards."
With a small gasp, Sakura sat up when she heard the last sentence in the sad story. A million questions flooded through her head but none came to her lips and Eriol saw this and chuckled.
"Your majesty, perhaps there will be one life that we both are born into when the man who makes your soul complete will not join us. When that comes, perhaps I can show you that I am worthy too. Until then, recognize he who makes you happy." Eriol stood and bowed silently before leaving her alone once more.
Sakura contemplated his words in silence. When he had explained to her about his own reincarnated state the day before, there was a feel of familiarity to his words. She had heard many explanations of Nakuru, or Ruby Moon, and Spinel Sun. He had even taken time to explain his reasons for not seeking the Cards for himself even though, in essence, he had made them. But this story was different. Sakura had the feeling that he was trying to tell her something more than he openly stated. But for the present she had no real answer to what that might be.
Li Xiao Lang, future ruler of the Li Clan and Chinese people was tired. He was also perilously close to murdering one of his mother's guests as they traveled back to his home. Originally he was to escort two brothers who were, his mother hoped, to marry Fanren and Meiling. However, when they left the younger brother asked if his friend could accompany them since, honestly, he was in no mood to go to this meeting and at least wanted his friend to mourn with him.
Now, far from being offended, Xiao Lang found himself instantly liking the younger brother, who was around the same age as him, and his friend who was a great deal like him. However, the elder brother as getting on every last nerve the future leader had. It wasn't because he was particularly annoying in any one trait. No more than anything it's because he heard something that made him more excited than the prospect of meeting his maybe future wife. He had heard that the new queen was residing at the Li mansion and that she was beautiful.
In fact, the elder brother, by the name of Liu Lok, had spent the entire journey asking questions about the new queen. What was her name? Is she really beautiful? Is she seeing anyone? Is she really as Powerful as everyone says? Do you think I have a chance with her? It never ended and Xiao Lang could barely repress the urges to disembowel the man. Instead he pointedly ignored him and tried to get to know the other two. Xi Wang was the other brother and seemed to be completely disinterested in the situation completely. He took the time to joke with Xiao Lang though and asked him about his family in general and what was it like to have the ruler of the country residing down the hall as well as another high-ranking nobility.
Rae Zhi Ye was even more to Xiao Lang's liking and seemed to be much like himself. He spoke calmly and asked about the different martial arts that the family was trained in and if they would be allowed to watch matches or train themselves. He didn't ask about anyone inside the mansion nor about how it felt to be who he was. In general, he was a likable guy.
The sun was beginning to set on the third day of his absence. As they rode in silence, he wondered what Sakura was doing or thinking. He hoped that being gone for three days would give her a chance to assess her feelings a little, but maybe that was all for naught. When he was around her, he felt peace, better than any in the world. Something about her aura drew him to her, as if it was calling him by name, as if it was a part of her own. And despite the way she reacted to his kisses, he was getting the feeling that she didn't return his feelings, something which hurt him more than anything he ever knew could.
"Do you suppose that if I courted the queen she would marry me and make me king?" Lok asked, forcefully dragging Xiao Lang from his thoughts.
Turning a glare on the older boy, he quickened the pace, determined to get home by the end of the day. He had to get home before he murdered his sister's potential husband.
Far away, cerulean blue eyes stared moodily into a mirror lying carefully on a large mahogany desk. There was something that was bothering him, something that he couldn't quite define. He had been watching the beautiful Card Mistress for most of his days and nights since he had so deliciously slain her father. He watched sadly when she cut off the silky hair in such a crude fashion and made a mental note to punish her for that.
More, he laughed out loud when he saw the idiot Li heir declare his love to her. It was such a splendidly wicked form of amusement to watch her not return his feelings. She just stared at him as if he were an idiot. She didn't even bother to stop him as he left the mansion all together. But still something about the scene did not sit right with the malicious sourcerer. For hours he tried to figure what made him so nervous, what caused him to lose sleep in misunderstanding.
Then a thought struck him. Waving his hand over the mirror he replayed the events from the night previous to the avowal of love. The breathtaking girl sat for hours alone, wearing seductive black clothing. How he loved to watch her. Then the Li heir came to speak with her for a few minutes before leaving himself. A few minutes later she left her office and quickly went to bed. However, something was odd. When she was in her office nothing seemed the matter but as soon as she stepped into the hallway her face looked troubled. And that night as she lay in bed she held a hand over her lips, much in the way someone would after having received a kiss.
Realization dawned and the fair haired man almost chuckled in appreciation. The girl had obviously just received a kiss from the man she rejected the next morning. However, he hadn't been able to see it. The beautiful Card Mistress had set up an illusion spell so he couldn't witness what was happening in her office. It was very smart, bordering on brilliant. However, he thought with a frown, it did mean they knew about his watching and also that they obviously planning things they didn't want him to know. From now one he would need to be on his toes.
With a tired sigh, he returned to watching the illusion, knowing it for what it was now but still wishing to gaze upon his alluring enemy. The woman he would have under his Power very soon.
Tomoyo sighed as she watched her friend prepare for bed. Her beautiful green eyes looked bruised from lack of sleep and she was already looking paler and a little thinner. What had been simply distraction from food had become the refusal to eat at all. Sakura hadn't shown up for meals in three days and had risen before dawn every day only to go to bed long after night had fallen.
Tomoyo was scared for her friend and wasn't the only one. Earlier she and Hiiragizawa had quietly discussed the situation and both came up worried. Even the cheerful Nakuru or Xiefa, Fuutie, Feimei and Fanren combined couldn't break her from her solitude. The raven haired girl prayed for Li's return so that he might help bring some joy to her friend's eyes.
However, something was also telling her that he was the person who had taken that last sparkle from them. She wished more than anything that she knew what disturbed Sakura so. With a sigh, she turned to go to her own bedroom praying to the gods that they gave her an answer.
It was after midnight when Xiao Lang laid eyes on his home once more. Sighing with relief he looked back at his three companions who had gone more or less silent after night had fallen. "We are here," he said only loud enough for them all to hear.
"Thank the gods. I was about to fall off my horse," Lok muttered, not noticing the three glares his companions bent on him.
"The household should be asleep by now but I'm sure your rooms have already been prepared. I'll introduce all of you tomorrow morning at breakfast."
Zhi Ye and Xi Wang nodded in understanding, not looking at all worse for wear from their journey. Lok muttered loud thanks once more before they turned into the stable. Quietly they tended to their horses before Xiao Lang led them into the mansion. Rooting out Wei, he directed the man to take them to her rooms before wandering to his own room in exhaustion. For a moment he paused in front of Sakura's room. He could tell from her aura that she was asleep inside and for that he was partially grateful. She was sleeping instead of working which was good. However, he also wanted to talk to her more than anything.
With a sigh he went to his own room and washed the dirt from his traveling away. He was just beginning to dress again when he felt the familiar signs of panic coming from Sakura. He paused long enough to tie his pants before rushing from the room.
*I race up the blood stained slippery steps, hoping against all hope that it hasn't happened. But he's there and my breath catches in my throat. Lying there with his amber eyes closed I can't tell if he is unconscious or dead. There is blood everywhere and I have to bite back a scream and force myself not to run to him. If I turn my back I could find myself dead as well.
Clutching the staff-wand in my hands I turn to him. His cerulean blue eyes are laughing at me mockingly. His laugh scares me to the very core of my being and it is all I can do not to run away in terror. Closing my eyes I remember the figure lying behind me, maybe dead. This man may have killed him! I can't run! I can't be afraid!
"I will spare his life, my queen, if you give me yours," the evil man says, pausing from his laughter for just an instant. "Or maybe you want to join him in death? Fine!"
There is a flash of light and I flinch.*
Gasping, Sakura sat up, her body drenched in sweat, and instantly found herself in a pair of strong arms. Only awake enough to recognize the overpowering green aura that surrounded her, she threw her arms around his neck and sobbed unabashedly into his neck. Syaoran's warm hands rubbed her back consolingly and he whispered soft words of comfort into her hair.
At last the sobs quieted and Sakura sat shakily in his arms. His embrace was warm and soothing and she almost feel back to sleep as he held her. Then all at once she realized just what exactly who he was and that he was back and she pulled away gasping.
"He killed you! I saw it and there was blood every where and he just kept laughing! Oh, Syaoran," she gasped, reaching up to touch his cheek, as if reassuring herself that he was still there and all right.
"It's just a dream, Sakura. I won't ever leave you. I promise."
She stared up into his amber eyes, filled with love and assurance. And then she knew.
"I love you, Syaoran."
It was so simply said that for an instant he thought he misheard her. Then a grin broke across his face, so wide and sincere that if anyone else had seen it they would have mistaken him for someone else. It didn't last long, though, for moments later he covered her mouth in a long and thorough kiss. With a contented sigh, Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck once more and gave her self to it. When at last they pulled away from each other, panting from lack of breath, Syaoran was laying over her on the bed unaware as to how he got there.
Blushing, he rolled off her and sat up on the edge of the bed once more. He was actually about to leave altogether when he felt Sakura take his hand.
"Please don't leave me, Syaoran. Just.hold me until I can fall asleep again."
Her voice was filled with such pleading that he threw away the barest hint of hesitation and nodded. "Uh, where is the stuffed animal?" he asked looking around, as if waiting for the guardian to pop out of no where and accuse him of defiling his mistress.
"He's in the kitchen with Suppi," Sakura answered, motioning for him to join her on the bed.
Blushing, he obliged, feeling a bit uneasy in a situation where things could definitely get out of hand. When she rolled over to rest her head on his bare chest, he tightly pulled on whatever willpower he had left before slowly and carefully wrapping his arms around her.
"I love you, Li Syaoran," she repeated as she crept once more towards sleep.
"I love you, too, Sakura Kinomoto. Now and forever," he said quietly, kissing her softly on her head before drifting towards sleep himself.
"Me too."
(A/N: *sighs all fangirl like* I love writing mush. 'Course I think everyone would love to be in Sakura's shoes, ne? Anyway, I have NO clue when the next update will be. I'm still working on the 'suitors' characters and want to get them right before I update again. But, as per usual, it shouldn't be more than a few days. Anyway, REVIEW! Ja!)