Disclaimer: CLAMP owns cardcaptors.
Chapter 6: Devastation
Kinomoto Kingdom Great Hall…Morning
The morning sunshine shone brightly through the windows of the great hall symbolizing the arrival of a new day. Fujitaka sat at the head of a wooden table at the far side of the hall. He was smiling. He had an announcement to make today and was waiting patiently for everyone to show up.
Sakura was the first to arrive at the table along with Touya. It was quite unusual seeing as she always sleeps in but today Touya had woken his sister up and she wasn't all that happy about it because she lost in the middle of a sweet dream. She looked tired and worn out from crying the night before about the engagement on Meiling and Syaoran.
Syaoran was the second to arrive. He always woke up early to train his martial arts and sword fighting so right after his training he showered, changed, and headed to the table for breakfast. He was starving and something was bothering him. He didn't get a chance the day before to tell Fujitaka about breaking the betrothal with Meiling and asking for Sakura's hand in marriage because he was in such a good mood and Syaoran didn't want to spoil it. He had a strange feeling like as if something was about to happen and he should've broke out the news before. He brushed away all awful thoughts when he spotted the familiar honey brown hair. As she turned around he realized that Touya must've woken her up again for her eyes were filled with fury. He also noticed that she felt depressed and had a sad downcast look in her eyes. He had to find out what was wrong.
Tomoyo and Eriol arrived shortly after Syaoran did. They were chatting lovingly about their soon to be born baby and what they should name it. The couple couldn't decide on one they both agreed on so Tomoyo went over to Sakura planning to ask her which names she thought were better but when she saw her best friend she instantly knew that something must've happened the night before to her and Syaoran or else she wouldn't have been this sad. Tomoyo pulled Sakura to sit beside her and asked her to tell her all that happened the day before. Sakura spilled out all of the events of the previous night and Tomoyo listened intently.
That was when the last two people strode into the great hall from opposite sides, Yukito and Meiling.
"Ahh there you two are. We've been waiting for you," Fujitaka called out.
"Sorry father I've woken up late," Meiling apologized.
"It's ok now both of you sit down and listen to me. I have a great announcement to make." Fujitaka said.
The last two people sat along the wooden table and stared at the king. Everyone was waiting anticipated to hear what he was going to say. He cleared his throat and started, "As you all know Meiling and Syaoran are getting married soon. I have told this great news to Syaoran's mother, Queen Yelen of the Li Kingdom. She has requested that the two get married in the Li Kingdom for she has insisted that I have shown enough hospitality and that it's time that she takes over. So Meiling and Syaoran you are to leave tomorrow for the Li Kingdom so you must start packing at once especially Meiling for you will not be coming back anytime soon. Sakura I would like you to accompany your sister and help her in anyway you can. You should get packing too. And Yukito, I understand that you will be required to attend the wedding so why don't you go with them now and you can get settled there and go do some sightseeing. I understand that you haven't seen the Li Kingdom before."
"Well King Kinomoto I agree with you. Thank you for the suggestion. I'll go with them and while I'm there I'll do some looking around," Yukito decided.
"Well now I'm really relieved. Meiling will have many people to take care of her. Touya and I can't be there right now because we still have to run the country but we will make it for the wedding," Fujitaka explained, "I was quite concerned that Meiling wouldn't have anyone to take care of her."
"Don't worry father I'll help her with everything," Sakura assured her father. Inside though she was still debating whether she and Syaoran should still see each other or if she should just ignore him so she wouldn't hurt her sister.
"I wish I could be there too," Tomoyo said dreamily," but unfortunately I'm going to have to stay put more because of the baby and Eriol can't leave that long. He needs to go back soon to run the kingdom."
"It's ok dear. We'll be there for the wedding though," Eriol told his wife.
"Well this is wonderful. Everyone will be able to attend my wedding!" Meiling exclaimed.
Syaoran was less enthusiastic. He just got himself stuck in an even harder situation to deal with. Why didn't he just tell Fujitaka that he didn't want to marry Meiling? Why couldn't those words come out of his mouth? He really should have told the old man when he got the courage yesterday. How could he have been so stupid as to think that he'd still have time and he didn't have to worry? What's going to happen to Sakura now he wondered? He had to find a way to break the betrothal and marry Sakura, the women he loved.
Later…
Everyone was in a packing frenzy after. Sakura was debating over which dresses to bring and which to leave behind. She had quite a number of them seeing Tomoyo loved to sew so was always making her new clothes.
Meiling was ordering around her servants to pack all her possessions into her trunks. She had to bring everything she owned to the Li Kingdom for it would be her home now. As the servants were working she stood out on the balcony and looked into the garden.
Syaoran packed his few possessions into one trunk, the one he had come with. It was black with metal trimmings and it also had the national Li emblem of a wolf printed in silver along with Syaoran's name in green. Then he decided to take a stroll in the garden with the cherry blossom tree where he proclaimed his love for Sakura. He had come to take a liking to the tree. Back in the Li Kingdom there were few cherry blossom trees. The gardens all bloomed with peonies seeing that they were Syaoran's favourite. Syaoran made a mental note to have more cherry blossom trees planted because he knew that they were Sakura's favourite.
Sakura was tired of packing so she left Tomoyo alone in the room and headed towards her favourite cherry blossom tree. As she walked she looked down at her ring and touched her lips where Syaoran had kissed her the day before. The tingling feeling of his lips on hers was still there. Sakura was too busily occupied with daydreaming about a life with Syaoran that she didn't notice the young man in front of her and walked straight into him.
"Sorry!" Sakura squeaked out and immediately headed the opposite direction without glancing at the person she bumped into.
Syaoran smiled amusingly when he saw who had bumped into him and wrapped his arms around her waist, preventing her from escaping.
Sakura tried to run away but she felt something on her waist trapping her there. She was scared and angrily yelled, "Who are you and what are you trying to do. I order you to let go of me at once. I'm the princess of the Kinomoto Kingdom and if you don't let go this instant I shall report to the king and get you executed."
Syaoran simply tightened his hold on her waist and reached one hand up to stroke her cheek. Sakura squirmed at the touch.
"Execute me did you say. I didn't know you wanted to kill me Sakura. I thought you loved me," Syaoran stated with a smirk on his face.
Instantly Sakura turned around at the sound of the voice and yelling in surprise, "Syaoran! You scare the heck you of mean. I thought you were one of the big mean soldiers that wanted to take advantage of me."
Syaoran winced at the thought. 'People wanting to take advantage of Sakura? Well of course it was possible and seeing she was exceptionally beautiful, in fact so beautiful that she'd shame the red rose. I don't like this feeling. I must protect her.'
"Has anyone tried anything Sakura?" Syaoran stiffly asked.
"Well yes but I yelled for help and Touya was there moments later so nothing really happened," Sakura explained.
Syaoran hugged her even tighter, "It's ok Sakura. I'm here now and I'll always be here for you. I will never let you get hurt. I love you."
Sakura nodded her head and buried her face in Syaoran's chest, "Thanks Syaoran. I love you too."
Syaoran gently tilted Sakura's chin up to face him and he lowered his lips onto hers. It was a blissful kiss. Syaoran then slipped his tongue inside her mouth. The kiss became more and more passionate. Slowly they broke apart and the two lovers had entwined their fingers together stood in each others embrace for another hour.
Meiling watched from her balcony and cursed. Envy devoured her soul. She wanted to rip the two lovers apart but she knew she had to stick to the plan. She was going to get Syaoran and she would break them apart, separate them. Syaoran would marry her and she would get all that she wanted. She clenched her fists together and smiled wickedly. She would be the one to win. She will succeed.
The Next Day…
The whole kingdom was gathered along the docks of the Kinomoto Kingdom to see their princess off with the Li prince. All the women were waving white handkerchiefs wishing the couple a happy marriage while the men were all helping load the ships with great furs and treasures as the dowry form the princess.
Tears flowed down Sakura's face as she waved goodbye to her father, brother, and best friend. She couldn't stop crying for in the bottom of her heart she knew somehow that she might not see home for a long time. She sensed that something was going to happen. They never got to solve the problem of Syaoran marrying Meiling. They never got a change to break the news to her father that she was the actual on Syaoran loved. Meiling then came and wrapped her arms around her sister and led her under the deck and into a luxurious room. They had servants bring them fruits and wine while they sat and chatted about the upcoming wedding.
At the bow of the ship stood Yukito, he was thinking about what Meiling had said to him the night of the betrothal party. He still can't believe that he had agreed to help her. How could he have agreed to such plans? Love had made him blind and he knew that a lot of pain was going to come out of this if he actually played his part correctly. He would be hurting Sakura and Syaoran, the two love birds. He really didn't want to hurt either but at the same time he didn't want to lose Meiling so he chose to do what she told him to. He knew that he was going to regret it. He wished all the best to Sakura and Syaoran. He hoped that even with him and Meiling interfering they would still be able to find their love for each other and allow that love to prevail.
Syaoran, meanwhile, was giving directions to all the sailors upon his great ship. He was excited about getting home and being with Sakura. He couldn't wait until he could show her everything about the castle and take her out for various romantic activities. But then reality hit him again. He was betrothed to Meiling. He had to somehow break the betrothal. It was so hard. Every time he built up the courage to break out the news of him loving Sakura the time was never right. Something always happened. It was almost like he and Meiling were destined for each other. He shuddered at the thought. He loved Sakura and love always prevailed or did it?
Sakura was enjoying spending all this time talking to her sister. They had never really talked before so there was so much to catch up on, like how Syaoran rescued Meiling and how she was captured. After a couple hours of talking Meiling decided to go on with her evil plan.
"Sakura, I have something to tell you," Meiling told her sister in the most innocent voice she could muster.
Sakura of course fell for it being the naïve person she was, "What is it dear sister? Don't hesitate to tell me. I'll try and help you in every way I can."
"Well," started Meiling, "I have seen you and Syaoran together countless of times. I know that you two are in love. I envy you dear sister because I love Syaoran as well. For this once would you please let me have him? I've never gotten anything I wanted. You always chose first for presents and everything but that doesn't matter now. Now I'm telling you that Syaoran's the only thing I wan now so please sister let me have him."
Sakura looked dumbstruck when Meiling told all that to her. She was completely and utterly shocked. Her sister knew of her and Syaoran? For how long? That didn't matter anymore though. What did matter was that she told her to let her have Syaoran. Meiling told her to back off and let her have a chance. Sakura's heart broke over the request. She wanted her sister to be happy. She really wanted that all her life but then Syaoran was the love of her life. She wouldn't be able to live without him. She loved him. She would never be able to stand it if they were forever separated. But she knew that her sister must feel the same way. After debating for a long while Sakura finally spoke up, "Yes, Meiling I will help you. I will let you have Syaoran. I will back off. I give you my blessings."
"Thank you so much Sakura. I know that this is hard for you but it's all that I ask," Meiling went down on her knees and showed fake gratitude. Inside she smirked. Her naïve sister actually was willing to help her. Syaoran was hers for sure now.
Sakura moved out of the room and climbed the stairs up to the deck and gazed out into the vast ocean just as they were approaching land.
"Land Ahoy!" someone shouted.
Syaoran saw Sakura deep in thought standing by herself, shivering from the cool air. He approached her and draped his cape around her and held her from behind.
"Well my dear it seems that we are approaching land," He gently whispered into her ear. She instantly was surprised and jumped back.
"Syaoran, I didn't see you," Sakura tried to hide the hurt in her voice but it was still a bit visible.
"What's wrong Sakura? You sound weird. Are you not happy?" Syaoran asked concerned.
"No I'm fine. You're just worrying too much Syaoran," Sakura replied not meeting his eyes.
Syaoran did for one second believe her but decided to drop the subject. He knew that something must've happened to her and Meiling because every since he saw her come one deck she had been a bit airy and not focused. She almost seemed to be in great pain or depression.
Meiling watched from her hiding spot at the top of the stairs and her lips formed into a twisted smile.
Yukito saw from his position on the boat and knew that Meiling had taken the first step and that soon it would be his turn to ruin the lovers.
Soon the ship's anchor was lowered into the water and one by one the passengers on the boat filed off. While the ship was loading the new supplies everyone wandered around the island.
Sakura wondered off to one side on the beach still thinking about what Meiling said to her. Syaoran proceeded to follow her but Meiling grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him back.
"Syaoran, we're engaged now and we haven't done anything together. Come you must explore with me," Meiling pouted.
Syaoran felt annoyed but knew it was his duty so he reluctantly agreed.
Throughout the afternoon Sakura visited the many market stalls there were on the island and bought various things like hair ornaments and fruits. Finally at the edge of a forest she saw Yukito. She approached him.
"Hey Yukito! Enjoying everything so far?" Sakura asked.
"Yes it's beautiful on this island. You liking all this," Yukito cheerfully replied.
"Oh I'm having lots of fun. It was such a coincidence to meet you here," Sakura commented.
'It was barely a coincidence Sakura. I was following you' he thought but instead he said, "Yes it is."
The two friends kept talking for a while.
Meiling dragged Syaoran around the whole island and finally they came to the edge of the forest a little ways away from Yukito and Sakura.
"Syaoran there's something I need to tell you," Meiling broke out.
"What is it?" Syaoran asked.
"Um it's about my sister Sakura. Well you see she is in love with Yukito and then for a while they weren't together because they had a great fight like right when she met you. Then she turned to you and used you as a substitution. And now it looks like they've made up again. I really don't want to say this but Syaoran she was just playing around with your feelings," Meiling told him.
"What are you talking about Meiling? I don't believe you," Syaoran yelled back. But secretly the words did hit him hard. No wonder Sakura had acted weird around him on the ship. They must've made up again.
"Why won't you believe me Syaoran? I'm speaking the truth. Just go ask my sister yourself!" Meiling exclaimed pointing at the direction of where Yukito and Sakura were.
Syaoran instantly spotted Sakura and his rage build as he saw Yukito beside her. He stormed over to them and took Sakura by the wrist and dragged her off into the woods.
In the woods the smell of pine and cedar consumed the air and pockets of sunlight bathed the trees. It was like heaven.
"Sakura, I need you to tell me something," Syaoran demanded.
"What is it Syaoran," Sakura panted for her breath.
"Please tell me that you don't love Yukito," Syaoran stared at her with pleading eyes.
Silence filled the air as Sakura regained her breath and thought of an answer. After five minutes she quietly spoke unable to look up at him afraid that he'd see her eyes soaked with tears that are threatening to fall, "I'm really sorry Syaoran but I love him."
"Sakura look at me and say what you just said again."
Sakura slowly lifted up her head to face Syaoran, "I said that I love him."
"Damn you! You were using me all along weren't you as your toy, as your substitution. I thought you loved me. How can you do this to me? I can't believe you used me. I really am the stupidest man on earth to fall head over heals in love with you! You betrayed me," Syaoran yelled at her, his heart breaking. He had never felt more like a fool in his life. His eyes instantly turned cold and he back faced Sakura and stormed off.
Instantly when Syaoran was out of site Sakura dropped to her knees crying. 'I'm so sorry Syaoran. I love you but so does Meiling. This is my only change to do something for her, make her happy. I know that you're hurt. Please don't hate me. I'm only doing this for my sister. She's never really liked me. I really wanted to do something for her even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness.' Tears were pouring out of her emerald eyes like waterfalls. They tricked down her face and soaked the sleeve of her dress which she was using to dry her tears with. She had never felt so hurt in her life. It was as if someone had taken a hammer and smashed her heart to pieces. She didn't want to hurt him, honestly she didn't.
Meanwhile Meiling and Yukito were watching her. They were hidden behind some bushes. Meiling snickered in satisfaction and Yukito looked sad. Meiling gave Yukito a push and he tumbled out of the bushes and walked up to Sakura. Then she slowly walked to the direction of the beach.
Syaoran was really angry. He was fuming. He gave his heart to her and she broke it. He couldn't believe he was such a fool. He still loved her though but he just can't forgive her. He quickly ordered for all the sailors to file onto the ship and he himself climbed up the wooden planks and stood there waiting for all the passengers to scramble up aboard.
He spotted Meiling coming on board. He didn't love her and now he would have to marry her.
Suddenly a maid came running to Syaoran and she cried out, "I can't find my lady Sakura. She's not here."
That got Syaoran's attention. He looked around everywhere but he couldn't see her until he got to the clearing in front of the forest. His eyes widened at the site and he yelled out to the crew to set off. Sakura's maid was shouting for people to stop and wait for her princess but no one paid attention. Off to one corner of the ship Meiling smiled.
Yukito walked towards Sakura, "Sakura what's wrong?"
"Nothing much. Don't worry Yukito. We better head back to the ship now. It's almost time to set out again," Sakura reassured him and tried to suppress a smile.
"Don't lie to me. I've known you for too long. Look your eyes are red. Why have you been crying?"
At those words Sakura started crying again and she blurted out the whole story of how Meiling requested her to give Syaoran to her and how she lied to Syaoran about not loving him.
Gently Yukito led Sakura out to the clearing and took her into his embrace. Over her shoulder he saw that Syaoran and Meiling were watching. His job was almost done. There was just one more thing left to do. He also saw the ship sail out into the sea once more.
Once Sakura realized what was going on and pushed away from Yukito she saw that the ship was no longer in the bay and that it was bumping along the choppy waves. She burst into even more sorrowful tears. Syaoran had left her. He hated her that much. Just then she felt some arms behind her seizing her waist. She tried to scream but a piece of cloth was stuffed in her mouth and something hit her across the head. Darkness consumed her as she said her last word, "Syaoran…"
Thank you for reading. I'm sorry this chapter took such a long time. Um exams are coming up so I won't be updating until afterwards. So watch out for my next update and um please point out any mistakes I might have made. Thank You!
-CherryJava