Chapter 1: The
Dream
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS
1692 Danger Clow Castle~
Her head rose at the sound. It was small and weak, but somehow she knew it was
calling to her. She flew out of her red velvet chair and ran to her French
doors, her wild auburn hair whipping profusely at her chest. The windows on the
doors were small but between their tiny portraits she saw a man. He was back!
She fiddled with the latch to her doors and flew out, white crystalline dress
flowing behind her. She hadn't seen him since he had gone to help with The War.
She raced to the edge of the marble balcony platform and saw his figure, dark
and cold faced, eyeing her with sorrow. She took no time to notice. She was too
happy he had returned.
"Li!" She was giddy, she knew. His moss brown hair rustled with the
wind and he facade his forlorn expression with a watery smile.
"Sakura."
His voice. She felt renewed, as if a fire long lost within her had been given a
tree to enlighten. But he sounded so sad and lost...But he was back. He had
come back to her.
"Li, why do you not come to me?" She motioned him to come to her
level on the balcony but he shook his head and refused. Sakura felt dejected.
"Why?"
His expression died and he looked like he was about to cry. But men didn't cry,
especially soldiers. Especially soldiers who had been descended through the
Clow line, a line of royalty and masks. He had told her nothing of who he was
except for his name and his card capture adventures. She had anticipated that
was what The War was about but she knew not to ask questions. He had his right
to privacy. But she loved him so, and wanted to comfort him--especially now.
Wipe that look from his face and plant a seed of blossoming happiness on his
lips.
"Sakura," She peered down at him, still confused. "Your radiance
is so beautiful and exotic...but I am not the only being who has noticed. You
are so gorgeous an innocent...perhaps too innocent. And that is why I have come
here. I can't let you lose that, or let anyone ruin it."
Sakura flushed. What was he talking about? 'I am not the only being who has
noticed," Wait!? Did he think she loved someone else? That was crazy. She knew
she was young and vulnerable...but her 16th birthday was in two weeks. If he
thought she was too young...
"Li, what are you talking about? I love you and no other..." His face
was pale and strict. She had never seen him look like he was trying to change
himself like this. He stepped forward, interrupting her thoughts, and held out
a card.
"Jump." The command sent him by her side, his black cape soaring in
the air.
"Li." He looked so sad...
"Sakura, I love you more than anything. But look at yourself. Did you
honestly think that by loving me you could live a normal life? You are so
beautiful and unaware what you've done..."
Sakura put a finger on his lips. So this is how it would end. She looked down
at herself, her skintight dress concealing a corset, and a bustle that shaped
her like a bell. She was beautiful.
Why didn't he want her? A tear rolled down her cheek and she felt ashamed. She
should have known, that Li, of all people would reject her. She knelt her head down
to hide her anger and disdain. He was
of higher royalty, and he was so much
more special. He had a purpose in life and for so long, she had thought that he
was her's.
"You, want to leave me. For good." Her voice cracked and she wanted
to sob onto his shoulder. But, that would be inappropriate. She had remembered
him always telling her she was weak and fragile and needed to strengthen
herself. She never had--and this proved it.
But as the tear crept down her cheek a masculine hand brushed it aside and traced
her features. Li lifted her chin to meet his and slowly knelt down.
"I would never want to leave you," He breathed, sending hot air
against her pink lips. The slowly came together and Sakura lost herself. The
kiss was intoxicating and was making her weak. Of course she had kissed him
before, but this time, he was putting everything into it. She felt like any
minute his mind would burst open into hers and she would know everything about
him. Her knees grew weak but he supported her with strong arms. His hands
trailed through her hair, lighting sparks and passion throughout her. He didn't
want to leave her, he wanted to stay. But he could. What was the problem?
Sakura broke the ecstasy and took a breath. "Li...What is going on?"
His mouth lowered to her ear and he spoke in a tone that resembled elite drum
beats.
"I won't let them destroy you."
She looked up at him to see his face. "Who?" His eyes were narrowed
and cruel and his mouth was twisted downward.
"You don't need to know."
She felt him shove something against her stomach and she peered down to see
what it was.
"Li! Wha- What are you..." A gun was placed against her and Li's
finger was tense against the trigger. He brushed his lips across hers and
trailed kisses across her forehead.
"Sakura, I know you don't understand... But you've got to trust in my
decision. I love you and I don't ever want to see you hurt..."
Sakura was going into shock. "Li, why are you going to kill me then?"
She was shaking against his iron grip. She couldn't stop.
Li turned his face away. "Because they'll do worse. Please. Just tell me
if you trust me. I love you so much. I-I can't believe I'm going to do this but
I have to..."
Sakura felt his warm breath against her neck.
"Please, trust me, my love...trust me..." The gun was kneading into
her ribs. Sakura was sobbing now, scared. Why was he doing this?
"Li... Please, before I answer, do my one favor..." His gaze met hers
and tears stumbled clumsily across her face.
"What?" His voice was shaky too. He really didn't want to kill her.
"Please, give me, one last kiss...So that I may remember you?" Li
brought his lips to her and hugged her tightly to him. He could feel her
desperateness...As they broke the kiss Sakura smiled, her tears glossy with
water.
"I...I trust you with all of my heart Li. And I always will." She
lowered her head against his chest and he rested his above hers. He closed his
eyes and with one fluid motion, pulled the trigger.
Sakura mumbled in pain, a low sharp note, and fell weak and limp against his
chest. He knew he had done the right thing, but why did it hurt so much?
From the distance he heard an intense growl and he knew that he was right.
Clow and the cards were going to have to wait.