Hello and welcome to the final author's notes of this fic. That's right!
Here it is everyone! The Friends Forever…Right? Finale! It seemed so long ago that I just started it briefly on a whim. And never did I expect this to have such reviews that reached across the 500 marker! I just have to thank all of you in a second or two!
Before I go on to thank all those reviewers, I just have to say that I love this fic to bits and pieces. Another thing is that this fic is partially based on a true story, a chapter of my own past that is now dealt with. (The ending isn't the same as in real life, so kiddos calm down.)
I'm 18! Woo hoo for me! I have two credit cards! (I only use one though!) And go say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MEEE!
I don't know what else to say but that I'm going to miss postponing this fic on you all. It's funny though because you are all screeching at me to update it. So I'll stop babbling and start thanking.
For the ones who left reviews for the last chapter, I will take my time to say a few words to you. –smiles-
Kikakai: -laughs- No I didn't get hit by a truck. That would've hurt a lot and I would've missed school. Owwies! I'm trying to keep my perfect attendance so I would get that reward when I graduate XD Yeah I know… I'm a bit strange. ^^;; Thanks for the compliment of me being a great author. ^^
Rosie: I'm glad that you loved it. It makes me happy that you enjoyed what I wrote.
Sally: I can't wait to see what's going to happen either. Sometimes I wonder if someone else will write the ending for me so I can be surprised! XD
Angelic Dreamer: -giggles- Yeah me too. I didn't go to take my test that day that I updated. Fortunately or else I would have been in bed instead of typing up the chapter. It's okay… some parts were made funny too. I hope you enjoy this chapter too.
KristiexxNguyen: -sweat drops- I just stopped there because I was feeling evil. But here is the continuation. ^^;;
Mei-chan: Mei-chan ^^ I haven't heard from you in the longest! A lot of people want to throttle Lily too so just get in line. XD Yelan's plan actually comes from the help from Starrie. She helped me out a bit. Actually she got this chapter first. Go throttle her XD
Cherrixwolf: You get to read on to see if she believed him or not. Sorry about the five months though and I was just feeling evil about the cliffy. I was going to put a bigger one. That is the first line of this chapter actually. I was going to stop there. So go ahead and read on.
Anime-Misao: -giggles- I took a little less time didn't I? And of course Meiling has a man! I pitied her that Eriol and Tomoyo, Sakura and Syaoran had each other and she was left all alone. So there comes Ryu. ^^;; So go ahead and read on. I'm a huge S+S fan too. Forgive me in advance because of this chapter.
AnimeFreak-TrunksPan-Luver4evr: My reviewer from the first chapter. Thank you sooo much for staying faithful and always reviewing this fic. I'm honored to have such a dedicated fan like you. (P.S. February was less than a month @-@;;; Well April was a lot longer.. hehehehe… -runs-)
Carmela-chan: I did have tons of fun on my senior trip. ^^ Thanks for your review! Of course I didn't forget about this fic… I just hit a major writer's block. ^^;; Luckily it was only five months, huh? ^^;; Well go on and read! Stop reading this XD
Cherryberry-chan: You didn't have to check everyday… I email you when I update or my bio already said it. I'm on time ya know XD No need to kill me. ^^ Now go read and review!
AnimeObsessionFantasy: Big plan is coming right up! –gets hit by major waterfall- Ack! Careful!! I'm an authoress XD I know it was getting good too that's why it was cut off XD –runs-
Simplicity: I would never discontinue my fics! –ignores the look Starrie gave her- Okay okay I thought about it a bit but not this one. It was near its end so I couldn't. But I decided to finish up the fics I have and take a break. I hope you enjoy the ending!
Night of the Raven: Did write more. You go review more. Thank you ^^
Forest Fairy: I was feeling evil that's why it ended with a cliffy. You're going to hate me for the finale too. Bwahahaha –runs-
Kik-ting: Sakura's feelings are so bizarre that I don't even know how she feels. Well I actually do –giggles- But you will find out in this finale. Don't forget to review!
Starrie: I did so beat you in pool. Don't deny it! I kicked your ASS! –laughs happily- I'm so proud of myself. You know what Yelan is going to tell Syaoran so why bother asking me? You just don't know who dies since you chose the sad ending. (-wonders if other reviewers are staring at that sentence-) Well they probably skipped that part since this is actually to you. I am not horrible you know. You're horrible! So shoo and go read!
TiFfa: -sweat drops- I thought the last one was the worst yet. And you ironically said it was one of my best. Well this is the final chapter so go and review. I hope this one is definitely the best one.. though… -runs-
Cute Star Angel: Cyn-chan… you know me! I will always love cliffys. Be happy. If SUB was up, you would've read this finale first! Don't forget to review!
Fleur137: Aww your eyes were getting tired? My chapter wasn't all that long. There are others that have them way longer and better. I'm glad you love it though. Review afterwards please ^^ And I updated today so go on little one XD
MimiGhost: Are you sure about that? ^^;; -flees away with suspense in her backpack-
Avelyn Lauren: -sweat drops- I told Mei-chan that she wasn't the only one that wants to kill Lily. But you went way too descriptive –giggles- And it's definitely not five months later right? So all you're questions will be answers. So go on! (I had tons of fun at my senior trip, thanks!)
QueenAnneus: I would freak out too but luckily we're not, huh? Syaoran is holding it better than I ever would. So go on and read what I have planned! Review too! Ja ne!
Cherryblossom-crystal: -silence- Crying… hmm? Well let's see how things turn out! Don't forget to review!
Cherry Jade: HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! Sheyla wanted me to update on Valentine's Day but I just couldn't. And since it was your birthday, I wanted to grant your wish but I got grounded so I had to clean the whole day. Happy Belated Birthday Again and I wish you all the best! Give me a gift… just a review! That's cheap, ne? Well Happy Birthday again!
Chibi Jen-chan: I know FFX-2 is addictive. Fortunately I completed it. I'm sure you will complete it in no time. Syaoran did finally confess… but what will Sakura say?
Green_Aura: Thank you for saying my fic is great. You're great yourself –winks and laughs- I love being evil so puh cha! I love cliffys so deal with it! –giggles- In a nice way! So go read and review to make me happy!
Sakura-Angel2: You will find out all the plans that finally are given away in the finale. So be happy with this chapter too! And review! –laughs and hops happily away-
Onigiri Momoko: I didn't make you re-read it Momoko-chan. You just forgot like I did. –giggles- It isn't so bad re-reading, is it? All your questions will be answers so go on and read.
Sabby: Wow it's like SUB members are reviewing in a row. It wasn't after 6 months! It was after 5! –sweat drops- Well it makes a difference to me! –laughs- And you don't have to bug me so go on and read.
Hitokiri-tomoe: I did remember to update! Don't kill me! And did all SUB members reunite in some way and decided to review for me in a row? Look above you! It's momoko, Sabby, and now you! And a little higher is Cyn-chan. I feel a conspiracy going on about here. –runs then runs back- I did have a lot of errors only because it was 3:30 am and I didn't want to postpone it for another week to go over the whole thing. I will take my time later to re-edit it. No worries. –Now runs away-
Aznyugiangel: I don't know… do I make her give in? –shrugs- You can read it now I won't spoil it for you. –blushes- And I don't think this will be made into a book but thank you tons for that compliment. I updated now.
S+S fan: I updated like a good girl! Be proud of me! Bwahahaha now review! –runs-
Emeraldiris: It's okay that you haven't reviewed for a while. At least you came back. –smiles- Thank you for so many compliments –blushes- I hope you like this chapter. And review too! –giggles-
Musicstarlover: Annoying cliffhanger? Listen here lover, I love cliffhangers and I planned that one out a long time ago! So deal with it! ..-laughs- I don't mean it that way. I just felt evil… what can I say? Thanks for the luck! This one is for you! –winks-
Otaku2: -huggles otaku- I'm glad you like this fan fic. It makes me feel so happy and worthy. So go on and compliment me again. –giggles- No no just go read and review.
Sakura-jr17: I don't get it. I actually am updating in less than a month and people are ranting and raving that it should be sooner. @-@;;; Well what can I say? Sorry about this delay too? Read and review you too!
Chikichiki: -sobs- I made you cry?! I'm so sorry! I never meant to! I'm glad that you liked it! I shall continue for you!
Shima and Tempis: The legendary SAT that reminded me of that exam! XD I'm glad that you like long chapters. One reviewer a bit back told me that their eyes were hurting. I felt bad. Did I write too much? I'm so sorry! But thank you for your review and always reviewing for this fic. ^^
SakuraKChan: You're going to sue me for lack of sleep? Ayee! Talk about being dedicated and reading it from your cell phone! @-@;;; Now that is what I call a reader! XD I appreciate your review so much. Especially about the Japanese part and not Americanizing things. Song Min is good. (-glares at the one near her house-) Ahh well she is nice ^^;; Will Eriol really torture me? –huggles Eriol- NEVER! –giggles- Now go torture yourself some more! Ta ta!
Smilies: -giggles- So simple a review. I appreciate so much that I am on your favorites list. It makes me happy! Waii! ^^ Thank you for your review! Don't forget to leave another one!
Marlyn: I never seen so many pleases in my life. Well I think I did in one of the beginning reviews. –sweat drops- I'm glad you love this story and here is the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it.
Classified: I always put on my bio when I will be updating my fics. –giggles- But thank you for reviewing and now go read and review again! Arigato!
HanaTenshiHimeko: People always hate cliffys. I don't know why… I hate it when other authors give cliffys! I don't mind when I do because I know what I'm going to say next! Bwahahaha! I'm updating as quick as I can… now you go read as quick as you can.
ChibiTwinkle: Don't feel ashamed Chibi-chan for reading it so late in the game. It's better that way because you didn't get to feel the wrath of all those cliffys. XD Okay I noticed it passed the 19th… not really my fault. Well sort of… sorry! I love my SUB family and they found me on xanga. @-@ And only three days after I signed up!
bBy lyssa xP: Yes Lily is a bitch and Philip is a brat. I made them that way… though the real Philip Chu (My close friend) is the exact opposite! XD I hope he'll forgive me for depicting a character this way. Well you'll find out everything you need to know here. Be good and review. Chao!
monoiro etowa-ru: -sweat drops- I hope I didn't make you scream all too much. That's how stories go… it angers you so much that sometimes the bad guys win. But don't fret too much about it, okay? It's fiction but it touches us deeply that it seems all too much like reality.
BlackDrkWolf: You just found my story? Was it lost? –giggles- I hope not or else I'll have to go yell at fanfiction.net! You will now what happens if you go start reading! ^^ So I give you permission to go and thanks for reviewing!
Isadoraluvsda'It'Man: I tried to hurry but school doesn't help either you know! But here it is so you can calm down now. ^^
Yasashisa: Well here is your update that you were looking forward to.
Akiame: I am such a cliffhanger? But they're my thing! I can't stop doing my thing! –giggles- Even now! Don't cry! You'll make me cry too! Go read!
YingFa-lilWolf-Lover: Thanks for admiring my stories. I appreciate it very much. I love reviews, what can I say? Arigato!
Thank you all so much again. And thanks for those who dropped in to say happy birthday! ( Carmela-chan & Lilfierywolf!)
And thanks to those from the first chapter:
Glarie, Angel Kitty Kat, Archforge, Lyeza, Sakura Lover, Xiaoyu Ling, Syaoran-and-Sakura, Anti-Love, Fantasy, ~*Cute Azn Angel*~, Ms. Raye Sinic, Andrea D., lilvivi3, Silver Fenix, Danielle, Kawaiistarbright, SakurasBubbles, Xiao Mei, Prince Xiao Lang, Sato Onigiri, Nikki Tan, Shirahana, The Dreamers Wish, AnimeFreak-TrunksPan-luver4evr, Saki, Cherry-Blossom12, Queen of the Storms, SweetCherryBlossom, Mayuka, I'm just a person, Hikaru, DiNjI, Amazonian Anime Queen.
You guys were the first to review this fic and you guys are the ones that made me go on. I thought this fic was going to be a flop but you spared it and I thank all of you!
I actually was going to update this on the sixteenth but I was grounded and ended up doing chores the whole day instead of typing. Don't ask why. It's a strange thing really. Then I was going to update on the date that I planned but I didn't finish the beginning of this fic so I had to go back and redo that thing immediately. Don't whine at least it wasn't four months! Just two months! XD
-coughs- Well that's it. Have fun with this last chapter.. I might do an epilogue but I'm not sure yet. I'm thinking about it. Please download the song 1000 Words because it adds to the effect in this chapter. (Not the one that Koda Kumi sings, the Game Version one!)
If you don't have it, check my bio in a bit, I'll be having a website to support the song. Kazaa and Morpheus and Napster are all getting sued and the users with it so I don't want you to get in trouble because of me.
Once again thank you everyone for all your kind reviews!
This Chapter is Dedicated to: My Old SUB Members! I am so glad I met all of you, Anny-chan, Nikki-chan, Momoko, Sabby-chan, Tomoe-chan, Chibi-chan and of course Lucy-chan. Without all of you and your reviews, I wouldn't have been able to do this. I'm so sad that SUB is gone so in dedication to SUB and it's members, this chapter is for you.
This fic is dedicated to: My soon to be dorm buddy Sheyla!! You could translate that? Your problems and my problems are almost the same. We come from the same country, are the same age, and having the same problems, I'm glad to have met you. Hey now we can go to college together and party on for four years together. You drive because trust me, I do not believe I want to go behind the wheel. I prefer being a passenger. (SLEEP!) So be a good girl and read from beginning to end. Don't cut to the bottom just to find out who dies. It might not be a sad ending after all. I love ya tons so don't kill me! Chao!! (And to the reviewers who dared to translate that, you're horrible. That's all I have to say.)
* * *
* *- Changing places
A/N- Author Notes
"." Speaking
'.' Thoughts
Friends Forever...Right?
Chapter 14
Silence etched across Tomoeda as nightfall overtook the sky. But in one part of Tomoeda, the silence focused upon two people. That place in particular is called Korakuen Park. And those two people? They're names are Sakura Kinomoto and Syaoran Li. That's right; it was the future leader of the Li clan, Xiao Lang Li and the flower of Tomoeda, Sakura Kinomoto. Both remained dead silent before Sakura spoke.
"I don't believe you."
Syaoran blinked back in surprise. The words that he dug deep into his heart to find, and she didn't believe him… The wind circled them as the warm night began to turn into a much cooler one.
But Sakura didn't budge from her spot. Her back was turned to him as he continued to gape at her from the bench.
"But Sakura I do mean it. I love you!" Syaoran said desperately, getting up from the bench.
Sakura laughed sarcastically, tears spilling from her eyes. "You are a filthy liar Syaoran Li. I never thought you'd stoop so low."
Syaoran's expression worsened. He was desperate and he didn't know how to show her how he truly felt. But to call him a filthy liar…
"Sakura I am not lying! Why would I do that?! What are you talking about?"
Sakura's reply was an even louder sarcastic laugh. She turned and glared at Syaoran cruelly and venomously whilst tears poured down from her eyes.
"Do you play me for a fool Li? I know your true intentions! That's what I've been thinking about all day! You need a little bride to get your position in the Li clan or else Meiling would be engaged to you!" Sakura spat out with anger.
Syaoran stepped back from Sakura. True, he needed to get
married soon, but that didn't mean he was lying to her. But whatever did she
mean about Meiling? Syaoran was as exasperated as one could get.
"And you think this little play could trick me?! You're a pathetic idiot!" Sakura growled as she slapped him across the cheek. Syaoran stumbled back, holding the now reddened side of his face.
"Kinomoto-"
"That's right Li! The name to you is Kinomoto!" Sakura shouted before sprinting away, leaving Syaoran there in the dust.
Syaoran sighed. 'There goes my chance again.' He thought miserably as he continued to clutch his cheek. Looking down at the pavement floor, he resignedly began to walk home.
* * * *
Song Min woke up briefly once she heard her door slam. Sakura streamed through the living room and saw that all her friends were asleep; she just stormed up the stairs.
Song Min yawned and looked at her living room clock. She was surprised to see it was 1 in the morning, especially since she left Sakura an hour ago running away from Syaoran.
'I wonder if she ever spoke to him.' She thought silently before nestling back under the quilt and onto the recliner.
'She'll probably tell us tomorrow morning.' Song Min thought, shrugging it off, and falling back asleep.
* * * *
-Next Morning-
Lily smiled as she heard the birds singing, waking her up to a new day. She looked to her left and grinned even more once she saw who was there.
Philip Chu was still there since last night, holding her from her waist. She recalled that she was almost done with her plot. The Li family was eating out of her hand.
She had to let out a laugh at that. Philip stirred but didn't wake up as Lily slipped away from him. She took her robe off the side of the bed and covered her naked form.
"Now I must go have breakfast and tea with my soon to be mother-in-law." She said to herself in a prissy voice as she walked to the bathroom.
"And then I shall tell her the wedding is today. Oh I love this!" She said laughing as she closed the door behind her.
Philip grumbled and then rolled… off the bed!
* * * *
"Good Morning Mistress Yelan."
Yelan smiled as she seated herself at the dining room table, eagerly waiting for the breakfast Wei prepared.
"Do you know the hour Xiao Lang came in Wei?" Yelan asked as she placed a napkin onto her lap and folded her hands together.
"No Mistress but perhaps he came in a little bit after we went to our rooms." He answered, placing a plate of breakfast in front of her.
"What do you believe he was doing out there all this time?" Yelan sighed. "Silly boy… call him so we could have breakfast together."
"As you wish Mistress." Wei said and bowed. He retreated towards Syaoran's room and gently knocked on the door. Since there was no response, he opened the door slowly. "Master Syaoran?" Wei questioned.
Silence was all he heard and there was still no other response. The room was pitched dark since the curtains were not drawn. Wei couldn't even tell if Syaoran was inside.
Calling out his name one more time, Wei entered the room and opened the curtains. The bright light of the sun gratefully poured in. "Time to wake up Master Syaoran. Your mother is waiting to have breakfast with you." Wei said as he turned around. He was surprised to meet an empty room.
"Master Syaoran?"
* * * *
DING
Syaoran groaned as he sat up from his cramped spot on some hard floor.
'Where the hell am I?' He thought miserably as he glanced at the bright light from the room he was in.
"Li-san?"
Syaoran groaned again and tried to block out the light. The last thing he wanted to see was light.
"Li-san? Daijoubu desu ka?" The old lady asked trying to keep the elevator door opened on her floor. She was completely surprised to find a tenant on the elevator floor.
"Li-san??" She asked again for the umpteenth time. She sighed and just decided to go up to his floor hoping that Wei was there.
"What have you done to put yourself in this state Li-san?" She asked out loud mostly to herself as the elevator doors closed.
Syaoran only curled up into a tighter ball, refusing to face the light. He could only hope that last night was a dream…or if this was. The elevator chimed once again as the doors opened to reveal a concerned looking Wei and Yelan.
"Tsukishiro-san have you-"
"Seen Li-san? Hai, that's why I'm here..." The lady who is now revealed only as the aunt of Tomoyo and Yukito, a relative to the Daidouji's, kindly said before turning her eyes to Yelan.
"You are?" She suspiciously asked.
Wei smiled at the woman before him. "Forgive me Ayaka this is Li Yelan, the mother of Master Syaoran."
"Oh!" Ayaka said genuinely surprised and she instantly bowed. "Gomen nasai Yelan-san for my rudeness and forgetfulness. You have changed over the years. These years have given you more youth than me." She said chuckling. "Now about your son. I have found him surprisingly in this here elevator. He isn't responding to me unless groaning is called a response." She said as she moved aside to reveal Syaoran.
"Xiao Lang." Yelan exasperatedly said and shook her head as Wei moved to get him up from the elevator floor.
"I suppose Master Syaoran never made it out of here." Wei said light heartedly as he tried to keep Syaoran up as they exited the elevator. Yelan moved to open the door of the apartment.
"Arigato Gozaimasu Ayaka-san."
Ayaka Tsukishiro just smiled and waved slightly as the elevator doors closed.
* * * *
"Ohayo!"
Yukito smiled as Nakuru jumped on him from behind. They were in Korakuen Park, a few meters away from the place Sakura and Syaoran argued only hours before.
"You're early." He said as he hugged her back. Nakuru just smiled mischievously and rubbed her hands together. "Only because Touya-kun says I'm always late. I showed him!"
Yukito raised an eyebrow. "How's that?"
Nakuru laughed evilly. "I set booby traps so he could arrive late!" She stated proudly. Then in her joy because of her mischief, she pumped her fist in the air happily. "Yokatta! I won!" Yukito could only laugh and pat Nakuru's head.
"Ohayo gozaimasu. What a surprise! Nakuru is here and early."
Nakuru's eyes opened wide and she turned around to see Touya and Kaho approaching together.
"Ohayo." Kaho said softly, smiling at the two. Nakuru didn't wipe her expression off her face.
"Kami-sama it can't be! How did you do that?!" Nakuru exclaimed, completely stunned.
Touya looked at her strangely. "Anyways… Yuki I think we should go to the movies or –"
"Chotto Matte Kudasai! How did you manage to escape?! My plan was fool-proof! How?!" Nakuru whined, counting her fingers.
"I think your girlfriend is going crazy Yukito." Touya said plainly as he looked at Nakuru weirdly.
Nakuru glared at him and pulled Kaho away to try to solve this madness. Yukito chuckled as he could hear the hysterical Nakuru question poor Kaho.
"How did you do it?" He asked.
Touya shrugged. "I saw her putting two buckets on top of my front and back door. So I just went out the other way and took both traps down."
Yukito only shook his head, laughing. "She's not a good… undercover agent. So why are we going to the movies? It's nice out."
Touya looked up, his face grim. "A huge thunderstorm is coming in from the East. Might as well stay out of it."
Yukito nodded. "Let's go get my car then."
Touya looked up at the sky one more time and followed.
* * * *
Meiling opened her eyes and pouted. It was already morning but she didn't know the time. It was pretty comfortable on the sofa with Ryu on her side snoring.
Tomoyo and Eriol were on the other couch, sleeping away while each of Song Min's group slept individually on their own couch. She didn't see Sakura anywhere and that sort of disturbed her.
"Sakura-chan?" She whispered a bit loudly but not enough to disturb the rest. She didn't receive a response. Fretting a bit, she slipped away from Ryu's side and decided to search Song Min's house for her.
"Oh Sakura??" She whispered as she entered each room.
The library, kitchen, bathrooms, and several bedrooms were empty. Meiling grew increasingly worried as she ran back into the kitchen. Fortunately her instincts helped her as she slid to a stop when a pan flew down and missed her.
"Abunai!! You were about to hit me!" Meiling exclaimed as Song Min peeked from behind the refrigerator and giggled nervously, the pan still in her hand.
"I thought you were a burglar. Gomen nasai." Song Min said sheepishly and placed the pan in the sink.
"Sou desu ka? Well next time you think there is a burglar in your house, make sure you remember there are guests in your house." Meiling retorted as she eyed the pan. "Have you seen Sakura-chan?"
"Iie… only when she came in. I think she went upstairs to sleep." Song Min replied as she motioned to go wash the dishes that were left in the sink.
Meiling nodded and moved away to go upstairs to check any other places she might've missed on her search for Sakura.
"Sakura-chan??" She murmured as she went into each and every room once more. Still she didn't find anything until she entered Song Min's room. Her eyes opened wide at the lavish room filled with curtains, sheets, and décor.
Only then did she see rumpled sheets but no Sakura. Meiling peered around some more and took note that the bathroom and the bed had been used. But Sakura was not there.
'Did she leave?' Meiling thought as she flew down the stairs to only see most of the group still dreaming.
"Everyone get up!" Meiling shouted as she ran into the living room and shook everyone awake.
"Mei-ling!" Ryu groaned as he rolled over and tried to go back asleep. "O genki desu ka?
"Iie! And neither you will be if you don't get up!" Meiling stated scornfully as she tossed Ryu off the couch. "Get up! Sakura-chan is gone!"
Tomoyo jumped up right away. "Nani?! Where did she go?!" She stated filled with fright. It was only a day since she felt this way.
Eriol got up and sighed as he put on his glasses. "Maybe she went to go think some more." He stated as he dusted himself off and tried to fix his wrinkled clothes.
Song Min walked in and shrugged. "She came in very upset last night. I thought she would've been up later considering the time she came in."
Meiling looked at her strangely. "What do you mean? All she did was to go outside and think."
Song Min brushed her fingers through her hair as she scrunched up her eyes to think. Blanking out on what she was thinking about, she changed the subject. "Hey… where's Shiefa-san?"
Tomoyo blinked. She took a look around the living room and discovered that Shiefa was no where to be found. Xiomara and Jasmine continued to sleep away, Eriol was sitting down on the sofa they slept in, and Ryu was thrown off the other sofa that was left.
"Did she even stay the night?" Ryu asked grumpily as he got up from the floor. He hated mornings and hated even more if he was forced to get up in the morning.
Eriol moved his glasses up so he could see better and frowned at his discovery. "No she didn't. The last time I saw her was when our girls decided to sing a long with the television."
Tomoyo and Meiling glared at Eriol who just sheepishly shrugged. "I don't know where she went after that."
Song Min sighed. "Well I'm going to change. There is no way I'm going to go out in the same clothes as the night before." She said stiffly and turned to go upstairs.
Meiling looked at her own clothes too. "I want to change too! Tomoyo I left my luggage at your house!"
Ryu rolled his eyes. "You girls are so ridiculous. It's just clothes." He got up and hit himself to get his own clothes straightened. "I'll go search for Sakura while you girls go change." He said in a higher pitched voice and turned away with Eriol who just helplessly shrugged and nodded.
Meiling and Tomoyo glared at their boyfriend's backs. "If it weren't for us, they wouldn't have even known Sakura. Ne Meiling?"
"Sou Desu!" Meiling said firmly and proceeded out the door.
* * * *
Lily winked at herself in the mirror, happy with her appearance. She walked towards her bedroom and giggled at the disgruntled figure of Philip wrapped in her satin sheets.
"Ohayo Gozaimasu Philly-kun!" She purred as she kissed him fully on the lips.
Philip wrapped his arms around her waist and responded to her kiss before breaking away. "Ohayo. Now tell me my little flower, why are you up so early?" He muttered as he tried to block the sunlight.
"I have to go see my okaa-san to announce that my wedding that is tonight." Lily said gleefully as she got up from the floor. "I must look my ultimate best, ne?"
Philip scowled but then looked at her mischievously. "How about your best…after I'm done with you?"
Lily rolled her eyes and gave him one more kiss. "Save it for later lover boy. I must not smell like anything other than my perfume." She said playfully as she moved away.
"Now be a good boy and stay here. I'll be back later." She stated giggling and blew him a kiss as she went out the door.
Philip continued to stay there, scowling. "I don't see the point to totally wreck Li. I might as well go after the Cherry Blossom then to take up some time." He said wickedly as he got up to change.
"Cherry Blossom, dear sweet Cherry Blossom… I wonder what you're playing today." He sang as he went into the bathroom.
* * * *
Yelan looked fretfully at Syaoran who tossed and turned on his bed. Wei tried to keep him still in order to take his temperature but Syaoran just wouldn't keep still to a point.
"What's the matter with him Wei?" Yelan asked as she tried to pin Syaoran down to his bed.
"I don't know Mistress Yelan." Wei said as he finally got the thermometer's results. "He has no fever Mistress. Perhaps he's stuck in a nightmare?"
Yelan frowned. "No leader of the Li clan has ever suffered nightmares such as these. I want to know what makes him so weak."
Wei turned away. "I believe its love Mistress… He's fighting for his love."
Yelan quirked her eyebrow at that suggestion. "Well snap him out of it. No son of mine is going to toss and turn for a girl's heart. He chose that wretch so he'll deal with it. Now get him up."
Wei nodded just as Yelan left the room. "Master Syaoran… Sakura will be okay." He whispered, hoping to get a result.
He did. Syaoran automatically lied completely still on his bed as his mother returned to his room.
"I found this smelling salt. Wave it under his nose." Yelan said as she bent down to her son's level. "He stopped tossing and turning." She said, astonished of that fact.
Wei nodded. "He has…" He took the smelling salt and waved it under Syaoran's nose. Syaoran scrunched up his face together and woke up.
"That smells terrible! What on earth are you cooking Wei?" He shouted as he rubbed his nose. He was surprised to see his mother and Wei looking at him intently.
"So my son has finally decided to wake up. Where on earth did you go last night that landed you to sleep in the elevator? Thank Heavens it was the elevator and not some street! What were you thinking Xiao Lang?"
Syaoran gulped. "I saw…"
He closed his eyes in agony as the memory of Sakura slapping him and rejecting his words of love.
"You saw what?" Yelan said impatiently.
Syaoran shook his head. "Nothing of importance... I just needed to get away for a while. Now could you explain to me about Meiling and the Elders, mother?" Syaoran retorted firmly.
Yelan's eyes widened. "How do you dare to speak to me that way? You made me worry once we got here and I haven't even heard from your sister yet! You brought me a wretched excuse of a girl as your fiancée, and you dare to question me?!"
Syaoran winced at the forceful words his mother used. He shouldn't have demanded right away the information he needed from his mother, especially after being brought in from the elevator…
But Yelan was not through. "You left me with that creature, for hours at a time, and never even made it back to your own apartment! Thankfully I thought you were in your room or I would've been fretting since late last night! All I wanted was a peaceful visit to meet Sakura and you do this to me?!"
Syaoran's eyes widened a bit… Meet Sakura? He scratched his head. "What do you mean by meet Sakura? I never told you about her or anything of my life here."
Yelan gave him the legendary death glare all the Li's had. Well save for Feimei. "No you didn't. Not a word have I heard from you since you left to come here to attend the school you so desired. You did not care for your mother or your family that you've left back in Hong Kong! Fortunately enough Wei came along with you and told me some bits of things. If it weren't for that I wouldn't have heard anything of your life at all!" Yelan stated miserably.
"It's time you take this responsibility Xiao Lang. As the future Leader of the Li clan you must. Now you must choose your bride. Fiancée's aren't permanent but Wives are." Yelan finished as she got up and left the room with Wei trailing behind her.
Syaoran sighed as he ruffled up his hair unconsciously.
'What does she mean fiancée's aren't permanent?' He thought before shaking his head. He had to get up and do something.
Tomorrow was his birthday and today he had to get things done.
* * * *
Swish
The basketball landed down on the pavement floor as several kids high-fived each other in victory. They had just won a basketball game.
Sakura smiled a bit at the young kids playing basketball. She had been up since eight in the morning. She couldn't bear to go back asleep. Her dreams weren't dreams but actually nightmares repeating over and over. She needed to get her mind off of things.
She felt bad enough that she fell asleep in Song Min's grand bedroom and left it all a mess. She felt even worse that she didn't even leave a note to her friends explaining where she was.
'They'll probably figure it out that I just need more time.' Sakura had thought earlier when she left.
Her stomach rumbled and she blushed unconsciously. The kids had turned and smiled at her. Sakura just continued to swing and think.
If that confrontation with Syaoran hadn't have happened… would she have accepted the proposal given by Shiefa to her brother?
I love you Sakura.'
Sakura turned away and closed her eyes, holding back her tears. She never expected for Syaoran to deliver such a blow to her heart. He lied about his love just to try to get her to marry him.
…Then why did she want to believe him so much?
Sakura looked down at the floor and sighed. She was just sixteen and well on her way to be seventeen. She couldn't get engaged so quickly to a guy she loves, but doesn't love her in return.
'But Meiling-chan…' Sakura thought sorrowfully. She didn't understand that fact enough. How did Meiling get thrown into this anyway?
Sakura hopped off the swing and began to walk away from Penguin Park. It was the most obvious spot her friends would look for her and she didn't want to be found anytime soon.
'I might as well eat some ice cream.' Sakura thought as she went towards the ice cream parlor. There she was happily greeted by Ingrid who led her to her usual booth.
"No company Sakura-chan?" She asked kindly.
Sakura forced a smile and shook her head. "May I have just one scoop of the cherry surprise today Ingrid-san?"
Ingrid nodded and went to place her order.
Sakura pouted as she looked at the empty seat across from her.
-Flash Back-
"I want a triple chocolate sundae." Syaoran said as he handed her his menu. Sakura grinned. "Well now I know it's obvious what flavor you like." Sakura said teasingly. Syaoran chuckled.
-Flash Back Ended-
Sakura frowned as she chose not to remember it. 'He used to be so kind and sweet. What ever happened to our friendship? Does he always discard his friends that way?'
"Konnichiwa Sakura-chan!"
Sakura looked up and smiled softly at Chiharu and her boyfriend Takashi. It had been a while since she last saw the both of them.
'Since the carnival…' Sakura thought reluctantly.
-Flash Back-
"What a coincidence, ne Syaoran?" Lily said sarcastically.
"Hai." Syaoran mumbled.
Tomoyo glared at Lily.
"It's an unfortunate coincidence." She retorted
Eriol held Tomoyo's hand tightly before she went over and tackled Lily.
Chiharu glared at Lily also. "Why don't we just continue on, ne guys? We don't need them to ruin our day."
Syaoran seemed surprised to hear Chiharu say 'them' instead of 'her'. He felt slightly hurt and his amber eyes finally looked up.
It was a bad decision though because Sakura was staring straight at him, her emerald eyes all watery.
'Sakura-chan...' He thought miserably.
'Why out of everywhere does he have to come here? And with her?' She thought painfully.
Their eyes remained locked on each other, showing emotions of confusion, pain, and love which was hidden inside of them.
"Come on Syaoran. Let's go on another ride. It's bad enough to see them already on our day. Let's go to our favorite spot so I can cheer you up." Lily said, noticing Syaoran's intent stare on Sakura.
Syaoran nodded and just turned away to walk with Lily.
Sakura's tears fell down her face.
"I'm sorry you guys... but I have to go."
Before anyone could grab onto her, Sakura made a dash out of the carnival.
-Flash Back Ended-
Sakura shut her eyes for a brief moment before opening them to Chiharu and Takashi once more.
"Sit down you two if you aren't too busy." Sakura said, trying to stop herself from crying.
Chiharu smiled and nodded and Takashi happily followed. "Sakura-chan it's been a while. How are you holding up?" She asked politely as Ingrid came over.
"I'm fine." Sakura replied, forcing a brief smile. "I've been better."
Ingrid rolled down towards the table and grinned at the other two. "Konnichiwa minna-san. Do you want anything?"
Takashi nodded feverously. "Hai! I want a double scoop of mint chocolate chip and my lady here would like a single scoop of vanilla."
Sakura felt worse at the term 'my lady'.
-Flash Back-
"Arigato Syaoran-kun. I had a great time." Sakura said brightly.
Syaoran smiled. "Anything for my lady friend Sakura-chan." He said as he bowed.
Sakura giggled.
"Well good-bye sweet princess Sakura from the Kinomoto kingdom."
"Good-bye Compassionate prince Syaoran from the Li kingdom."
"Hmm... Nice word. Compassionate. Couldn't have made it better myself."
"Oh be quiet Syaoran. You're mocking me aren't you?"
"Never! Princesses should never be mocked by compassionate princes."
Sakura giggled.
"Ja ne Syaoran-kun."
-Flash Back Ended-
Sakura scoffed.
"Is anything the matter Sakura-chan?" Takashi asked, unsure if he said anything offensive.
"Iie… nandemonai." Sakura said waving her hand. She just noticed that Ingrid had left with their orders a while back.
"Where is the rest of the gang?" Chiharu asked as she looked around to see if any of them were nearby.
"They're still sleeping probably. I just wanted some ice cream. It's my usual cravings." Sakura said in a forced sheepish tone. She didn't want to fake her happiness to her friends but she didn't need another two of her friends to fret over her.
Chiharu grinned. "Now that's the Sakura I know. I'm cutting back on my cravings. I think I'm getting a little pudgy."
Takashi laughed. "As if you would ever gain a pound!"
Chiharu blushed deeply but glared at Takashi. "It's not funny Tak. I really think I'm gaining weight!"
Sakura forced a smile while Chiharu and Takashi once again argued over a meaningless subject.
'But at least they'll always have each other.' She thought forlornly.
Ingrid came over with their orders and place them in front of each person. "Enjoy you three. They're on the house this time." She said as she winked and scurried away to attend other customers.
"Sugoi! They're free! I should've ordered another scoop." Chiharu said pouting.
"But then you'll gain the imaginary weight." Takashi said sarcastically.
Sakura giggled and ate quietly as the couple once again began to squabble over a little thing.
* * * *
Ding
Lily smiled as the elevator doors opened on Syaoran's floor. She couldn't wait to drop the bomb on the little family about her plans for tonight.
'By tonight, I will be Lily Li.' She thought happily as she rang the bell. It took only a matter of minutes for Wei to open the door.
"Ohayo gozaimasu Wei-san. May I come in?" Lily asked sweetly.
Wei tried to hold back his frown as he opened the door a bit more for Lily to pass. "Of course Lily-san. Mistress Yelan and Master Syaoran are just about to finish their breakfast. Please do come in."
Lily grinned and stepped in haughtily as though she owned the whole building. She walked into the living room just as Yelan and Syaoran stood up from the table in silence.
"Ohayo gozaimasu Yelan-san." Lily said as she bowed. "Ohayo Syao-kun!" She squealed as she leapt on Syaoran and clung to him. Syaoran frowned immediately but he was surprised to see someone else behind her.
"Get off of him."
Lily looked around to find the voice that pertained to that comment. She was surprised to see a young adult by Wei, dressed in ceremonial Li robes in a dark red color.
"Who are you?" Lily asked spitefully as she withdrew from Syaoran. She couldn't make the same mistake twice so she had to stay somewhat alert.
"Watch your tongue Lei-san. This is my eldest child Shiefa." Yelan said scornfully as she moved to Shiefa's side. "Are you all right? Where in heavens have you been?" Yelan asked in a motherly tone.
"Just around mother. Don't worry, everything is set." She said, smiling softly before turning around and frowned at the sight of Lily.
"Gomen ne Shiefa-san, I wasn't introduced to you before. I am Lei Lily, the fiancée of your brother."
Shiefa grinned impishly. "Oh really? I don't really believe that and I wouldn't want my little brother to get married to a tainted girl."
Lily's eyes widened but she went regained her posture. "I don't know what you're talking about Shiefa-san. That is a cruel thing to say about the fiancée of your dearest brother. We are getting married today if you didn't know." Lily said spitefully, her eyes turning into slits.
Yelan stood by Shiefa's side and pursed her lips. But Shiefa just smiled smugly before continuing on. "Such a tongue, Lei-san. You should learn how to control it in front of the members of your fiancé's family. Plus the things I've said are true. You know it."
Lily bit her lip before finally unleashing her fury. "Bakemono! Lie! Lie!" She snarled as she waved her hands around. "I am not at all tainted. IF anything, I'm cleaner than you are. I cannot stand for this absurd malice from a woman like-"
"Shizuka!" Yelan said in Japanese since all those around her knew it best. "Insolence is the only word that comes to my mind out of all of this. Lei-san, I'm sorry but I have the power to break any engagement of my son's and this time I will for what Shiefa says is true."
Lily eyes widened and in a last minute of desperation she bursts into tears and kneels onto the floor. "It is true… I am tainted."
Syaoran's eyes widened. He never thought Lily would give up so easily unless she had another fish to catch that was bigger than he.
Lily continued to sob before wiping her tears on her sleeve. "I am tainted because Syaoran and I have taken the extra step in our relationship. I'm sorry for not abstaining Yelan-san but it was an all spur of a moment thing."
All of them gaped at her words. Syaoran and Shiefa were the most of all shocked. Shiefa bit her lip in fury, angry at Lily for stooping for an all-time low whilst Syaoran was angered that she would even have the nerve to say such a thing when she slept with Philip.
"That is why Yelan-san Syaoran proposed so quickly… because he has tainted me and I had to make sure he married me for I didn't want to seem like the neighborhood slut. We planned to wed today." Lily finished as she broke into a new sob.
Yelan's eyes glazed over as she looked down at Lily's fragile form. She moved down next to her and rubbed her shoulder. Lily smirked inside but she looked up at Yelan with a sadden expression that could almost break any person's heart.
But Yelan just smiled softly at Lily before whispering…
"You are still not marrying my son."
* * * *
Tomoyo and Meiling rushed down the stairs, fully showered and dressed primly for the occasion of scurrying around the whole grounds of Tomoeda.
"Omedeto Gozaimasu!" Ryu said cheerfully, waving his hands around. Meiling raised her eyebrow at his antics.
"What are you doing?" She asked with a questionable look.
Ryu grinned. "Omedato Gozaimasu!" He screeched again and waved his arms around now, running about.
"Ryu-kun, are you okay?" Meiling asked strangely.
"I'm just congratulating you on taking forever to get dressed. By now Sakura could be way past Tomoeda. She could be in Hong Kong for Kami's sake!"
Meiling and Tomoyo glared at him. "We only took a half hour." Tomoyo stated as she walked briskly past him. She held onto Eriol's hand and smiled.
"Let's go find Sakura-chan. Sayonara Ryu." She said waving her hand as they proceeded to walk out.
Ryu rolled his eyes and grabbed Meiling's hand. "With our skill, we'll find her first." He said, winking at Meiling. Meiling just giggled and let herself be pulled along.
"You mean with mine." She said under her breath before closing the door behind her.
* * * *
Sakura bowed down and smiled softly. "Sarabada minna. I hope we get together soon again with the rest of the gang. I better go on back before they start panicking."
Chiharu grinned and waved her hand in excuse. "Don't be silly Sakura-chan. They're probably already panicking. You go hurry along and I'll call Tomoyo so we can all go out together soon, okay?"
Sakura nodded and waved one final time. She faintly heard Takashi beginning one of his faithful lies about the invention of ice cream before Chiharu silencing him.
"Sayonara Ingrid-san." Sakura called as she rushed out the door. Ingrid waved enthusiastically back.
Sakura was happy to finally be out of the ice cream parlor. Not that she did mind the company of Chiharu and Takashi but they always reminded her of what she did not have ever in her life… a soul mate, a boyfriend, whatever terminology you must use.
Sakura had always wondered how a boyfriend would be like. Seeing her two best friends fall in love with Ryu and Eriol made her always wonder how it would feel. Tomoyo once told her she would've been lost without Eriol and Meiling said she would never have found the true meaning of love without Ryu.
She always questioned them if they knew what they were doing… after all Tomoyo and Meiling were only sixteen.
But what struck Sakura to the core was Tomoyo's answer:
"It isn't puppy love Sakura-chan… with puppy love, your love is unsure. You always have doubts and you always fight over the stupidest things. But love, true real love… now that Sakura-chan is a feeling you could never ignore."
Sakura let out a tear at the recall of those words. Is that why she could never ignore Syaoran's presence… even before she knew him?
-Flash Back (Not Mentioned Before)-
{2 years ago}
"Sakura-chan! What are you day-dreaming about?"
"Nani Meiling-chan?" Sakura asked, snapping out of her daze on the chestnut colored hair boy who was riding the bike nearby.
Meiling and Tomoyo giggled and looked at each other.
"Looks like Sakura-chan was daydreaming about somebody!" Tomoyo chided as she poked Sakura's side.
"Hai and I wonder who." Meiling said with a wink.
"You guys don't know what you're talking about." Sakura said, blushing faintly since the amber-eyed boy looked their way.
"Don't think that since I've only known you for two years that I don't know how you act Sakura-chan." Meiling said giggling. "We all know you're thinking about a guy."
Tomoyo grinned. "Must be our friend Ryu-kun. He's the only one guy that we all know that's single."
Meiling let out a brief frown before smiling again. "You like Ryu-kun Sakura?"
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Iie. You two are impossible. Ryu-kun is only a friend. Plus I think Meiling-chan has a c-r-u-s-h on Ryu." She said slyly and winked at Meiling who in turn, blushed hotly.
As Tomoyo squealed with Meiling about those facts, Sakura continued to stare at the amber-eyed boy who looked new to her high school.
'I'm crazy for having a pitiful crush on the new boy.' Sakura thought guiltily as she turned back to her two crazy friends.
-Flash Back Ended-
Sakura blushed faintly. If only she introduced herself to become friends with Syaoran or if only she pointed him out to Meiling.
'I could've known him way before then because Meiling already knew him. That's why I stared at him for a long time when I met him.'
Sakura sat down by her favorite cherry blossom tree by the school and closed her eyes. She needed to get all her facts straight.
* * * *
"What do you mean by that?"
Yelan smiled grew grim and she stood up and took a step away from Lily. She sighed and shook her head.
"Repeat to me what you just said." Yelan said firmly.
Lily didn't move from her spot but she continued to sob before controlling herself somewhat to repeat what she had said before.
"Syaoran or Xiao Lang as you call him and I have taken the extra step…"
Yelan frowned at that. "So you had prenuptial sex, ne?"
Lily looked away, trying to look guilty. "Hai."
Yelan shook her head. "Yes I can sense that you have. In case you don't know… you have a child growing in you."
Lily's eyes widened. Syaoran nearly passed out. Shiefa grinned happily. Wei tried to support Syaoran. Yelan held her grim look.
"N-nani?! That's impossible! I only lost it three days ago! It's too early to tell!" Lily exclaimed. She then twisted it all together and grinned inside. But outside she still held her surprise. "It is Syaoran's then. He's the only one I have ever been with. You wouldn't let the heir of the Li clan be abandoned!" Lily stated harshly as she clasped her arms around her stomach.
"That I will not for –"
"That's outrageous!" Syaoran stated, finally composing himself. "I did not nor have I ever done anything with her! Unless you could get pregnant by tap kissing!" He roared.
Yelan gave him a look that silenced everyone. "As I was saying, I will not ever in my life leave the future heir of the Li clan, in other words my grandson, abandoned and alone. But the child you hold does not hold the aura of my son." Yelan said, finally revealing the whole plan Shiefa and she had planned. Lily only remained gaping at her.
Yelan turned and looked at Syaoran, trying to keep her face firm. "I forbid you to get married to a deceitful, wretched, and tainted girl."
Syaoran grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Never mother… never."
Lily let out a scream of rage as she lunged at Yelan but she never reached her. Wei held both her arms pinned behind her and shook his head.
"Sorry Lei-san but I must escort you now. Please do not return on these premises again."
Lily continued to roar and squirm but Wei kept his hold until the elevator doors opened.
"Konnichiwa Wei-san." Ayaka said and bowed her head.
Wei, still struggling with Lily, managed a smile. Ayaka raised her eyebrow at Lily.
"Need help Wei-san?" Ayaka asked as she grabbed Lily's arm firmly which caused Lily to automatically stop squirming.
"Thank you Ayaka-san. Tea later?" Wei asked with a wink as he released Lily. Ayaka nodded and winked back.
"After this one is dealt with. I always disliked rude little girls." Ayaka said as the elevator doors closed. Lily's face paled. She heard all about Tomoyo's aunt too.
* * * *
Tomoyo and Meiling panted as they stopped running. "Iie… this can't be happening! How can trying to find Sakura be so hard?!" Meiling whined as she put her hands on her knees and tried to catch her breath.
Tomoyo shook her head. "Tomoeda is bigger than I thought. How do you think the guys are fairing?"
Meiling looked up and groaned. "Ask them yourself." She replied, motioning towards the arcade building. Through the clear windows, you could see Ryu and Eriol playing the hunting game with so many others.
Tomoyo looked up and gave out a yelp. "Doushite?!" She moaned as she marched towards the arcade.
Ryu, noticing Tomoyo advancing, yelled and ran. But he didn't notice that Meiling had already reached the other exit.
"How could you Ryu Kim?!" Meiling yelled as she grabbed his collar and pulled him back.
"Mei… it was Eriol's idea!" Ryu said pouting.
"Domo Arigato Gozaimasu Tomodachi." Eriol said as he came up next to them with Tomoyo holding his ear.
"We've been searching all over Tomoeda for Sakura and you two were here?! What kind of friends are you two?" Tomoyo lectured with a glare.
Ryu sighed. "It's because Takashi told us that Sakura had just left the ice cream parlor to return to Song Min's because we might be worrying about her."
Tomoyo blinked and then frowned. "And you couldn't call us to tell us that you knew where she was?"
Eriol and Ryu sweat-dropped. Meiling shook her head and hit them both across their own heads. Both yelped and rubbed their heads.
"Bakas." She said and turned, linking her arm with Tomoyo's.
"I agree." Tomoyo said while they both left.
* * * *
Song Min finally came down from her room and noticed Xiomara and Jasmine still sleeping.
"Mou… get up you two! I'm dressed and you two are here sleeping away!" Song Min whined as she nudged the both of them.
Xiomara and Jasmine stirred awake and smiled sheepishly. "Gomen ne Min-chan demo we were tired from yesterday's events."
"Hai hai…" Song Min said. "Come on and get dressed quickly. We have to go hunt for trash."
Jasmine quirked her eyebrow. "Trash?"
Xiomara giggled at Jasmine's naivety. "Lei-san and Chu-san baka. Come on let's go."
Song Min nodded and turned to go out the door while the two went upstairs to quickly and change. They then came rushing down only five minutes later and exited with their leader.
* * * *
Yelan drank her tea and sighed contently. "I'm glad to have that girl out of the way."
"Me too." Shiefa said as she sipped her tea with happiness. She had explained to her mother why she had taken so long to return. The fact was that the trio of Sakura's friends and the trio of Sakura's newfound friends had explained all the history of Lily. So they formulated a plan to ensure the safe removal of Lily without her knowing.
Truth was that they did not even know if Lily was pregnant or not. But they had known that Syaoran had been very stingy in their relationship and refused to give her more than a tap kiss, or so Eriol and Ryu said from their studies.
So Shiefa had discussed with her mother that Lily had only slept with one person, Philip Chu. She then told her mother the whole plot. They would inform Lily that she was impregnated and that the child was not Syaoran's. Thus Yelan would forbid Syaoran to ever marry a tainted and unfaithful girl.
Which meant, BINGO, Lily was out of the picture as Syaoran's future wife. The problem that they have left now is Sakura and Meiling.
Meiling, the promised maiden if Sakura does not comply to marry Syaoran by the next year, is stuck in this huge bind by a blind choice to open her mouth to the Elders.
The Raye clan had much at stake for Meiling since the Elders were quite taken with Sakura. Also that Meiling had found already her true love, Ryu Kim. It was all quite difficult for all of them to take.
Syaoran slurped down his tea and looked at his sister and his mother. "May you now explain to me about Sakura?"
Shiefa choked on her tea and stared incredulously at her mother. "You never told him?" She asked wide-eyed.
"No. I chose to wait for you and return with the news of Sakura. But I will tell him now." Yelan said simply.
Syaoran looked on anxiously. "And?"
Yelan gave him a firm stare and he quieted. "What happened with Sakura Kinomoto, Xiao Lang?"
"What do you mean what happened to her?"
Yelan sighed as she took another sip of her tea. "I thought she was the one you wanted to marry. Not only did I think that but the Elders and your sisters did too."
Syaoran looked down. "I'm not sure if that's possible Mama... I thought I only lusted for Sakura and loved Lily. But it was the other way around. I should've listened to my instincts earlier."
Yelan tilted her head to a side while Shiefa only sipped quietly, wanting to hear every word her brother would say.
"I made a grave mistake in my choosing. But I do know now that I love Sakura." Syaoran said firmly before getting up.
"Xiao Lang… if you do not convince Sakura to marry you, I'm afraid that you will be engaged to the Raye clan's only daughter."
Syaoran gave a confused look. "Who is that?"
Yelan tsked softly her tongue as she looked at her young son who grown up to be such a proud figure. "You've known her since you were little Xiao Lang. I expected better of you. Her name is Raye Meiling."
Syaoran choked when he heard that. "W-WHAT?! Meiling… the Meiling Raye that's going out with my friend?!"
Yelan nodded. "For she promised us in Hong Kong during the last days of her vacation in Hong Kong, that Sakura Kinomoto would be your bride."
"WHAT?!"
* * * *
"Sakura."
Sakura opened her eyes and looked around. She was surprised to see that no one was around her.
"Great Sakura… now you're imagining things." Sakura muttered to herself as she stood up. She looked at her watch and was even more surprised to see it was two hours later than she presumed it would be. The sky was thoroughly clouded and a few low rumbles escaped from the clouds.
'Where did the day go?' She thought frowning a bit. She patted herself to see if everything that she had was on her. She looked around one last time but didn't find anyone or anything there.
Sakura sighed and rubbed her head. She must've fallen asleep trying to weigh her pros and cons for marrying Syaoran. She had summed up more cons than pros on her list but the pro was an important one. That was preventing her best friend from getting married to someone who was not destined to be with her.
'And I have to tell Meiling by tonight.' Sakura thought miserably as she began to walk away from her favorite tree.
She felt so alone on such a decision. Sakura felt a bit cold for staying in one place for so long that she started to rub her arms. She was even more surprised when a jacket was placed on her shoulders.
"Hoe?"
Following the jacket was an arm that slid all too happily around her waist.
"You know I've searched everywhere for you Cherry Blossom? I'm happy that I finally found you."
Sakura let out a faint whimper and suddenly she felt very alone. The only person she hated just had to be the one to find her first.
Philip Chu.
* * * *
Meiling and Tomoyo swung silently on the swings of Penguin Park. They had been silent for a while ever since the sun gave into the dark clouds. Both were lost in their own thoughts and troubles until they finally realized they were with each other.
"What do you think Sakura is going to say?" Meiling asked softly.
Tomoyo looked down and shrugged. "Who knows by now… it looks like she could go either way."
Meiling nodded and looked down to the floor again. "I don't know whether to be happy if she decides to marry him or to be happy if she decides not to." Meiling said, almost whispering. "I feel horrible because I am one of her best friends and I am the one who put her in this despairing situation."
Tomoyo shook her head. "Don't feel like that Meiling-chan. It was all fate."
Meiling laughed an empty laugh. "Kami-sama sure knows how to make things interesting for people up there."
Tomoyo smiled slightly. "I agree."
Another silence followed as they both swung back and forth, not knowing what to say next. Meiling gave out a heavy sigh.
"Do you think the guys are done playing their little video games?"
Tomoyo chuckled. "Iie. I don't think they'll ever be done with their video games."
Meiling smiled for a moment. Then she looked up to the sky, smiling grimly.
"I think I'm ready."
Tomoyo looked at her, confused. "Ready for what Meiling-chan?"
Meiling inhaled the sweet aroma of cherry blossoms and released it. "I think if Sakura decides not to get married to Li, I'm ready to leave Ryu-kun."
"Meiling-chan!" Tomoyo exclaimed, horrified.
Meiling just ignored her as a tear rolled down her cheek. "I know he'd fight for me against the Elders but he would just lose. I couldn't bear that. I'm ready to give him up, even if it means that it'll make my life miserable."
Tomoyo looked on sadly as Meiling continued to cry. No words of consolation would help her at that moment and Tomoyo knew that. So she let her do what Eriol let Sakura do that fateful day Syaoran and Lily got together…
Cry.
* * * *
Syaoran had stormed out of the apartment, angry at all the decisions that have been made behind his back. He didn't want to hear the rest of it. No one ever took him into consideration. The whole conversation he had with his mother on the phone was fake.
He never had the choice to choose his bride. It was mostly the decision of Meiling and her big mouth and his mother.
He didn't bother waiting for the elevator because his mother or sister would've retrieved him by then. He ran down the stairs quickly and left out of building. He had no clue where to go but he didn't want to stay there.
If only they had told him this earlier so he could've had a more decent argument with Sakura.
That's when he realized Sakura already knew that information too. He recalled that he had distinctly said that he was lying just to marry her because if she refused, he'd marry Meiling.
'They told her before they told me! ME! The future of the damn Li clan!' He thought miserably.
He didn't know when he started running but he let his feet take him wherever they wanted to go. He felt better that he was getting away from the whole situation.
Syaoran groaned as he just continued to run way past Shinjuku, an old store that sold all sorts of crap. He just ran until he could no more. He began to pant as he sat down on the floor, watching rush hour begin right in front of him.
'I don't get it though… why did Meiling think that I would like Sakura? How would she know if I wanted to go all the way with her by getting engaged?'
"Because it's the truth."
Syaoran's eyes widened when Xiomara showed up by his side, kneeling over and giving him a peculiar look.
"I thought guys never talked to themselves. You're the first." She said smiling slightly.
Syaoran looked around Xiomara and he was startled to find her on her own. He gave her an inquiring look but she either didn't notice it or pretended it wasn't there.
"I know you love Sakura. Hell, it shows in your eyes. If
someone could look in your eyes just as I saw you when you were asking yourself
the most obvious question on earth, you could see that you love Sakura."
Syaoran looked away and shrugged indifferently. "It doesn't matter now. She doesn't believe me."
Xiomara frowned. "Quitter."
"I am not-"
"Yes you are. She doesn't believe you… so what? Make her believe you! Have you lost your mind on giving up that easily?"
Syaoran shook his head. "She knows everything about me having to get married. Trust me when I say she won't believe me."
Xiomara rolled her eyes. "Find a way quitter. I'll be disappointed if you don't. And you are going to be the leader of your clan. Pathetic."
Syaoran glared at her but she just got up and dusted herself off. "I'll be on my way now." She waved slightly as she jogged away.
The thunder began to kick in as the sky darkened even more.
"Sakura…"
* * * *
"Leave me alone!"
Sakura was pushing away from Philip and his advances once more. Tears had started to pour down her cheeks and she looked so weak, frail, and helpless.
Philip on the other hand, just continued to try to smother Sakura with kisses but was clearly getting pissed off at her rejections.
"Cherry Blossom, just forget about your worries. You have me with you now. It will be all right." He purred as he grabbed her waist again.
"Onegai Chu! Leave me alone!" Sakura cried as she pushed him more. Philip growled and pinned her against another tree.
"No Cherry Blossom. Not this time."
Sakura, sick of being terrified, managed to pull her arm away and punched Philip square across the jaw. Sakura was surprised at herself because she hated violence. But her surprise left her when Philip looked back at her. He was furious and his face turned dark with evil.
Philip pulled his own fist back to punch Sakura when a hand grabbed his own.
Philip's eyes widened when he noticed someone holding his arm back.
"What the-"
Philip never managed to finish his sentence because Song Min punched him straight across his jaw. Philip moaned with pain as he was sent flying to the dirt floor. Song Min and Jasmine glared menacingly at Philip.
"Stay away from Sakura, you hear?" Song Min spat. Philip just continued to moan and hold his jaw. He hadn't expected for Song Min to come out of no where and have what he calls a killer punch.
Song Min kicked him in his stomach to make sure she got her point across. Philip groaned irritably but Song Min just grabbed Sakura's arm and pulled her away. Jasmine, smiling that Philip was in the ground, hit him hard with her heavy bag and proudly followed the other two.
Philip was confused and injured. He didn't know what has gotten over him in order to beaten up by a bunch of sissy little girls. But he wasn't the only one because Lily came down the road a few minutes later, sobbing.
But who cares what these two did for their part is finally over.
* * * *
Song Min looked up to see Xiomara nodding and pointing down the road. She loved it when Xiomara's intuitive plans worked out perfectly. She pushed the silent but shocked Sakura forward and smiled sorrowfully. "Sakura-chan your future is waiting for you."
Sakura looked at her surprised and bowed her head in thanks. She had an air of confusion around her but Song Min just shook her head and patted her arm softly.
"Please Sakura don't lose this chance. All of us have sins and I'm sure he'll atone for his own."
Sakura didn't understand but Song Min and the rest just pushed her along. "We can't help you in this part. Ja ne Sakura-chan."
Sakura continued to stand there when the other three turned and left down the road. She was sure that they were going to go 'finish off' Philip and then go after Lily. She smiled and wondered how they used to be against her.
But she still didn't get what she meant on her future was before her. Sakura turned, shrugging as she went down the path that led towards the city. She didn't know why she followed the direction Song Min pointed to or how it was part of her future. Continuing for a block now, she saw the reason why.
There sitting on the curb of the sidewalk was none other than Syaoran Li. She knew he didn't notice her for he continued to look on at the streaming cars passing by a few feet away from him. She digested his dazed gaze and his sturdy composure kept during his daydreaming.
But she decided to break the silence since it was better to get it over with. "What is it now Li-kun?" Sakura asked tiredly as she sat a little bit farther than him.
Syaoran wasn't surprised when she sat near him. He knew that Song Min would've retrieved her and sent her this way so they could solve all these matters. He just continued to look at the cars that passed them by without a word. He always had liked this because he loved seeing all of the kinds of cars. But now he enjoyed it even more for it made his mind more clear for what he was about to say.
"When did you find out I belonged to the Li clan Sakura?"
Sakura blinked and carelessly shrugged. "Just yesterday night when your sister told Meiling about my supposed engagement to you."
Syaoran nodded but continued to look away. Sakura shifted uncomfortably.
"Did you know that I didn't have a clue that the Elders wanted you as my wife nor did I know that Meiling told the Elders about you in the first place?"
Sakura looked up at Syaoran curiously before her eyes darkened. "Don't start lying to me again Li."
Syaoran turned and gave his own dark look to Sakura. "I'm not lying. Meiling did this during her vacation."
Sakura bit her lip and looked down to the floor again. That's when the first sound of thunder roared across the sky. Syaoran looked up in astonishment as the sky began to darken swiftly. Sakura softly whimpered but Syaoran didn't hear it as another thunderclap ensued shortly after the other one.
"Sakura… about last night…"
Sakura sighed and shook her head. "I still do not believe you Li. It's impossible for you to have a change of heart so fast. What happened? Lei-san dumped you?"
Syaoran frowned. "No. She cheated on me but that's not the point. I thought I only lusted for you Sakura…"
Rain droplets began to fall onto the duo as the sky was now completely dark. Sakura did not pay attention to this for she was confused by this whole conversation.
"Lusted? What on earth do you mean by that?" Sakura remarked.
Syaoran turned bright red and he wished he had said another thing instead. But it was too late now, he said it out loud and there was no way to take it back.
"I thought it was just a silly crush and what I felt for Lily was real. But Sakura it was the other way around!"
Sakura laughed an empty laugh as she got up and patted Syaoran on the shoulder. "You are too confused Li-kun."
Syaoran held Sakura's hand. "Only about you. But I got one thing straight… I do love you."
Sakura withdrew her hand away. Both were now soaked to the bone and the thunder carried on. She marred her features by frowning most unhappily.
"No you don't."
Syaoran let out an exasperated sigh as he turned away. The stubbornness in Sakura was still evident and he knew it took more than words to break through.
"It's sad that you don't believe me Sakura-chan because I do. I don't know when, where, or how. Maybe it's your personality, your stubbornness which I don't like at all right now… demo… Sakura."
Sakura shook her head and placed her lips softly on his forehead. She didn't know when or how, but she decided to try to fight for Meiling's annulment for she didn't have the strength to marry him.
"Sayonara Li-kun."
I know that you're hiding things,
Using gentle words to shelter me.
Your words were like a dream.
But dreams could never fool me,
Not that easily…
Syaoran looked up as he saw her walk away. The rain continued to pour down and the cars were speeding by, ignoring the scenario.
"I'll prove it to you Sakura."
I acted so distant then,
Didn't say good-bye before you left.
But I was listening,
You'll fight your battles far from me,
Far too easily
Sakura turned around as Syaoran stood a few feet from her. Tears poured from her eyes and in her heart, she knew she was sick from crying. She couldn't hold it together anymore.
"Don't."
Save your tears 'cause I will come back,
I could hear you whisper as you walked through that door
But still I swore,
To hide the pain
While I turned back the pages.
Tomoyo and Meiling ran into the home of Song Min, drenched in water.
"Sakura!" Meiling called but she knew she wasn't there. The house was dreadfully dark and abandoned.
Suddenly Meiling struggled to breathe and she fell to the floor. Tomoyo's eyes widened and she raced to her side. "Meiling-chan what happened?"
Meiling began to sob. "Sakura…"
Shouting might have been the answer,
What if I cried my eyes out and begged you not to depart?
Shiefa ran quickly. She just got have the phone with her youngest sister and she knew what one of her premonitions meant. She has to find her little brother and Sakura fast… before it's too late.
But now I'm not afraid to say what's in my heart…
"I have to Sakura. That is because I really do love you."
Syaoran gave her his best smile just as he ran towards the speeding cars. If Sakura didn't love him at all, he thought, she wouldn't have cared.
But he saw her coming towards him, screaming at the top of her lungs, racing against time. Yes, she did love him he blissfully thought.
She was a mere few feet away and he opened his arms to her.
What he didn't expect was her to get hit by a car first.
'Cause a thousand words call out through the ages,
They'll fly to you,
Even though I can't see,
I know they're reaching you,
Suspended on silver wings,
"SAKURA!" He screamed as he saw her body tossed by the vehicle. He forced himself to run towards her but everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
He didn't even see all the cars turning over because they couldn't see in the dreadful rain.
He didn't even see the headlights of another car coming towards him.
Oh a thousand words,
One thousand embraces,
Will cradle you,
Making all your weary days seem far away,
They'll hold you forever…
"XIAO LANG!" Shiefa shouted in terror.
"Watch out!"
Syaoran didn't have time to turn as another car struck him from behind. But he wasn't sad, he wanted to experience the pain he put Sakura through to prove his love.
Oh a thousand words (a thousand words),
Have never been spoken, (oh yeah)
They'll fly to you
They'll carry you home (Carry you home),
And back into my arms,
Suspended on silver wings (On silver wings),
There he lied facing the had pavement of the street. She was barely a few feet away, facing the sky, looking at him, tears springing from her eyes. Even though she was covered with her own blood, Syaoran thought she was beautiful.
And a thousand words, (Ohh)
Call out through the ages, (Call through the ages)
They'll cradle you, (Oh yeah)
Turning all of the lonely years to only days, (Only days)
They'll hold you forever…
Sakura looked on, knowing that her body couldn't stand this much pain. She just had to say the words he always wanted to hear and what she's been dying to say. Her eyes were closing as everything in her body started to slow down…
"I love you Syaoran Li."
Oh…
A thousand words…
Syaoran smiled painfully as he tried to reach out to her, ignoring the sirens and the screams of his family and friends.
"I love you too Sakura Kinomoto."
* * * *
The huge television screen in Hong Kong was ignored by all except for when it played the news. The reporter looked into the eyes of each of the citizens that night as he began to tell the recent news of that day.
"This just in from our Tomoeda, Japan news center, the future leader of the Li clan, Xiao Lang Li, was struck by a car near the highway of Shiang Ji. People nearby said that he deliberately ran into the heavy stream of cars during the nighttime's rush hour. The Li elders and family has said nothing about this assumption. He is currently in critical condition in Tomoeda Hospital.
In related news, another girl who ran in after the future leader of the Li Clan, supposedly said as his fiancée, Sakura Kinomoto, was struck by a car as well. She was an 18 year old student from Seijuu high who recently was engaged to the future leader. Sadly she passed away moments after ambulances brought her in to the hospital… No other news has been received at this time.
In other news…"
The End
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
I'm not bothering with author notes here. I forgot what the game was Chibi-chan XD
Leave your reviews. (It might convince me to do what I said in the P.S. down there!)
Ja ne.
Final Fantasy Princess ^_~
P.S. Look out for my updates (in my bio) from me if I am going to write an epilogue for this story or not.