A/N: Woot! Hello there! Welcome to my first chapter! If you have any questions ask them on a review and I'll be sure to answer them on my profile! I often update my profile so you should best read that often! Everything you need to know is there!

Sakura Kinomoto and her flying friend, Keroberos moved through the darkening hall taking care to keep to one side, out of site of the open doors. The breathtaking hall had the two friends eyes fixed to it. It was beautiful, with portraits of royal members of the family. Sakura noticed a few were recognizable and smiled softly when saw them. She had never been in this hall and wondered why she was even in it but curiosity and a certain feeling was her best guess. After some time her eyes left the portraits hung high and went to look at the Chinese symbols carved in the walls. She reached out to the wall and brushed her hand across the lettering. She pulled her hand back when Kero shook his head in disagreement to her actions.

"Behave yourself," Kero whispered. "This place gives me the getters."

Kero was the is the Guardian of the Seal. Though at times Sakura found him to be everything but a guardian. He had little manners and loved food but he was also a sweet little flying teddy bear, not that he was a teddy bear, just looked like one.

"No one knows we're here, they cant since our auras, they're blocked," Sakura whispered back. "Stop fussing, we'll be fine."

"Why are we here anyway?"

"I want to know every inch of my new home, this is only natural for me besides don't you think these paintings are amazing, don't you love them?" She smiled.

Kero rolled his eyes why folding his arms, "I could have better things to do."

Sakura smirked, "Like what? Eat?"

Kero wrinkled his nose but said nothing.

"I thought so..." She trailed off as her thoughts focused on something else.

"What is it?" Kero looked over at her.

"Do you sense that?" She looked further in the great hall. Their was a door up ahead and someone was in it but she couldn't place who.

"Sense what?" Kero asked.

"It's and Aura, and it's familiar too," Sakura began to walk slightly faster.

Kero speeded up his wings to keep her pace, "Yeah, I feel it to, hmm..." He paused to think. But before he could answer Sakura did.

"It's Sayoran," she said softly as they approached the door.

Sayoran Li was a quiet boy Sakura didn't know if he was just shy or had too much pride. Perhaps both but she had always from Sayoran kind deep down or as if he would like to be kind but his pride got the best of him. Sayorans also a great fighter; Sakura had once heard he was the best in all of China. Sakura wished she knew him more...It was only fair, Sayoran had secretly helped Sakura capture the cards with out her knowing which slightly annoyed her that he could know so much about her and she knew so little.

The door the two friends approached was huge with beautiful markings all about in a organized fashion. It was colored with warm shades, mainly browns and maroons. She could tell the door held some magic into it but when she looked inside she small window she saw nothing but a training room. Sayoran was fighting against an opponent, obviously he was training. Sayoran looked in pain he was sweating hard and the other man looked as if he was just playing games. They were jumps and flips of all sorts swings with swords. It looked unhuman the way they were so fast. She admired it so as her eyes began to be transfixed on the two fighters. She stood there for a long time when she realized Sayoran had fallen. Sakura winced at the sight. Sayoran laid there on the wooden ground, panting. The other man had given a simper but kindly put out one hand for Sayoran to take and not surprisingly Sayoran didn't take the hand why just standing up himself.

Sakura's mind coming back to reality she realized that Sayoran taking his leave of the room and heading her way.

"Kero!" she snapped but it seemed he had already left her. Before she could even think another thought Sayoran opened the door. The two stared at one another for a long time and Sakura felt as if her heart was going to exploded with panic.

"What are you doing here, princess?" Sayoran asked coldly.

"Lost."

"Fine, fallow me, princess," He said brutally.

Sakura couldn't help but feeling guilty for the trouble that she put him through but she said nothing for she knew that there wouldd be no reply. At first she was looking at the ground but her eyes slowly fell on to Sayoran. He had nice features. Very strong looking and stood tall. He looked much like a leader but sometimes in his eyes she could almost tell that a leader was not what Sayoran wished to be.

"So..." Sakura said conversationally. "Is that room where you go when you always disappear for tree hours?"

"Yes princess," he said calmly.

"Oh don't call me that. I should be the one calling you, prince," Sakura sighed but then smiled softly to herself.

"It is un-formal to call you by your name and not your title."

Sakura rolled her eyes and then changed the topic. "So what do you do in that room?"

"Train."

Sakura gave a small gasp as if she didn't know. "Really, you sword fight right? Are you any good?"

"That's a matter of opinion, Princess," he said.

Sakura fell silent for a moment not quite sure to say to this but then found something that brought a great smile to her face, "Well I think that you wouldn't be good." Sayoran felt insulted and was about to speak but Sakura beat him to it. "You would be marvelous," she giggled softly.

Sayoran said nothing– not to anyone's surprise of course so Sakura continued to talk.

"Where's your room?" She asked curiously.

Sayoran raised one eyebrow and finally looked at her, "You have been here a month and you don't know?"

"A month is hardly enough time to figure things out about you," Sakura said gently.

Sayoran opened his mouth to say something bitter but held back for he knew it was true. "I sleep in the room on the opposite hall from yours."

"Oh," she said slightly bewildered. "Oh, okay...Oh look I know this part of the castle, thank you so much Sayoran." She smiled brightly and then gave a pause. "I mean Prince Li." She gave a bow and then walked off.

Sayoran knew that being called by ones title was so much worse then any other name. It made you feel like a well known thing and not just a normal person. Not only that but Sayoran loved to hear Sakura's voice call him by his real name.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Who is it?" Sakura called softly from her bed.

"It's me dear, Yelan."

Sakura quickly stood up and walked to the door why opening it and giving a bow.

"Your majesty," Sakura said. "What is the honor of this visit?"

"Don't be so conventional, dear, you a basically family now," Queen Yelan said.

"Thank you, Yelan," Sakura smiled.

"Now, I have a surprise in store for you my dear, down in the entrance hall."

Sakura's face glowed, "What is it?"

"It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you know would it."

Unable to manage manners she ran down to one of the biggest rooms in the whole castle where she was told her surprise was. She made her way down two flights of stairs, many sharp corners and finally she was there.

"Sakura!" screamed the girl as she ran to Sakura.

"Tomoyo!" Sakura's filled with tears as the two best friends hugged tightly. A long time had passed with the two in sobs of joy not able to help themselfs. It had been much too long...much, much too long.

"Oh how I missed you," Sakura laughed.

"Oh how you should have." Tomoyo replied playfully. They broke apart their hug and beamed.

"There is so much to tell," Sakura started. "Everything has been so overwhelming! Oh I'm so glad you're here! I finally have someone to really talk to."

"Its been so dreadful back home. I couldn't give you your dresses I made for you, there is so much which makes this day all the more better!" She giggled

"What?" Sakura's eyes widened.

Tomoyo spilled in giggles. "They are probably already in your room."

Sakura was about to speak but Sayoran, who had just entered the room beat her to it.

"Princess," he bowed, as did Sakura. "Supper is in twenty minutes, my mother has informed me that your friend will be joining us for three weeks. Your friends room is next to yours and her luggage is waiting for you." And just like that he began to leave.

"Wait, Sayoran," she paused. "Prince Li." Sakura smiled. But Sayoran gave a wince to the name as he turned back around. "My friend has a name too, let me introduce you. Li, this is Tomoyo Daidouji. Tomoyo, this is Sayoran Li."

Both bowed. "Your highness," Tomoyo smiled.

"My Lady." He nodded and then before Sakura could say another word he left.

For a long moment the girls stared at one another.

"Very mysterious." Tomoyo stated.

"Indeed."

"Oh wow Tomoyo!" Sakura squealed "This dress looks lovely! It's one of your best!"

"Oh thank you," Tomoyo blushed. "It's a Chinese design I made one for you and one for my self just for this week. I thought it would be proper"

Sakura gave her a quick hug with several giggles. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She went to her mirror and started to twirl around with a few gussy ups here and there. Tomoyo sat on her friends bed and gave a soft smile as she watch her best friends joy.

"I made about twenty more...Formal ones, training ones...many different kinds. I hope you like them."

"You must be joking, of course I'll like it...well love it!"

Tomoyo smiled but it faded for her thoughts become cheerless. Sakura knew how to hide her emotions so well... it was awful. She should express them, it would help Sakura so much more yet she preferred to hide them to keep the ones around her happy. This didn't make Tomoyo happy at all. But her thoughts were interrupted for Sakura noticed Tomoyo's sad face.

"Something wrong?"

"Oh no, I just was thinking I wont be able to sow anything for a while. I have no fabric," Tomoyo moaned.

"Oh I'm sure the queen would offer some. Or we could go down to the market tomorrow and buy some," Sakura beamed.

"Oh that would be lovely." A silence came upon the two as Tomoyo watch her twirl about but soon enough a yellow flying animal came rushing through the door.

"I'm so hungry!" Kero pouted.

"Kero-Chan!" Tomoyo hugged him instantly. "How are you?"

"I'm afraid I'm absolutely horrible!"

"Why's that?" Tomoyo asked.

"I'm hungry!" And he went buzzing out of the room just like that. The girls laughed hard and it took a long moment before they calmed down.

Then out of the blue Tomoyo asked, "So tell me about Li..."

"What do you want to know?" Sakura raised one eyebrow.

"Well I do know he isn't very outgoing...and he's very handsome"

"Tomoyo!" Sakura flushed.

"Ah, so you agree?"

Sakura said nothing.

"Well, why was he the one to come tell us it was almost time for dinner wouldn't a servant to that?"

"I..don't know. That would be something you should ask him

Knock, knock, knock.

'Speak of the devil,' Sakura thought, "Come in."

Sayoran entered.

"Princess..." he paused as he looked upon the beauty. But of course Sakura wasn't sure why he was staring but he was staring at her in a way that she felt slightly awkward though Tomoyo quickly suspected the emotion and before anyone could say anything she stood up from the bed and squealed.

"Doesn't she look adorable? I made it for her! Does it look like A Chinese design? I sure do think so. What do you think, your Highness?"

Both, Sayoran and Sakura blushed pink.

"I-I-I think... she looks..." He's face was in panic and it made Tomoyo want to burst out laughing. "Great," he mumbled.

"Aw, you sure do know how to flatter a girl," Tomoyo smirked.

"Er...Is it not time for dinner, your Highness?" Sakura said before her face went as red as a tomato.

"Um, right, yes."

"Mm, this tastes wonderful!" Tomoyo said.

"I must agree dear," the Queen smiled.

And of course it did but Sakura and Sayoran had barely touched there food. Their minds were filled with much more challenging thoughts then food. Tomoyo noticed this, as did Kero and the Queen and even the sisters who had been chatting away among themselves. But no one brought it up for they thought it wasn't the appropriate time.

"So, dear Duchess Tomoyo I hear you designed these lovely clothes both you and Sakura wear," the Queen said.

"Really?" Xiefa, the eldest sister gasped.

"Yes that's right," Tomoyo blushed. "I use to do it all the time...when she was collecting cards."

Sayoran thought about this. He had always wondered where Sakura had gotten all her clothes why she was still finding the cards.

"Wow! And the fabric is so beautiful, you should make one for me," Fuutie giggled.

"I would be honored."

"Oh me too!" The other two girls, Fanren and Feimei.

"Of course." Tomoyo said.

The Queen smiled kindly.

Sayoran felt annoyed by his sisters. He had lots of thinking to do and they were just interrupting it with their childish giggles. He could have just told them to quiet down but instead he made things totally worse.

Changing the topic Sayoran selfishly said, "You were friends with Sakura's mother, mom?"

Everyone's eyes lay on Sakura though the question was for the Queen. And just like that Sakura's thoughts where changed from one event that happened just recently to a horrible one.

"The best of friends." Queen Yelan answered calmly.

"Oh that reminds," Tomoyo said. "Today is–"

"Toya's birthday," Sakura finished in a whisper.

A long silence grew and Sakura exchanged glances with each of the members at the table.

"May I be excused?"

Yelan nodded.

"Thank you." with no hesitation she walked out of the room. And once out of site she ran to her room crying the whole way.

Sayoran couldn't help but feeling guilty.

Tomoyo stood up to chase after her but Yelan shook her head.

"But your majesty, she needs some one to care for her."

"She is not ready for that yet," The Queen said calmly. "She will come to whomever she feels could help her when she is ready."

It had been an hour of tears and thinking. So many questions were rushing throw her mind she didn't know where to sort them.

"Why!" She screamed. "Why have you left me." She called to above but got no answer. "Why...why..." She had began to calm down more and more and felt herself getting tired but before she drifted to sleep there was a knock on her door. Figuring it was Tomoyo she croaked.

"Come in."

However it wasn't Tomoyo, it wasn't the Queen either, It wasn't the Sisters, Kero or any of the savants. It was Sayoran.

Abruptly she brushed her tears and stood up from her bed.

"Li," She said softly, oh so confused why he was here. And he wasn't about to say something he would just stare.

"Is there something you wanted?" She asked.

"I...I would like to say...sorry."

Sakura smiled softly. "For what? You did nothing wrong."

"No, no...I shouldn't have brought that up, I was thinking egoistically, I just wanted to quiet my sisters...I figured Tomoyo and my mother could chat about that instead." Sayoran began looking at his feet.

"Don't worry about it. I'm not angry with you, never was," Sakura giggled.

"Oh..well...okay, I'll just go then."

"Good night, Li."

He left the room and Sakura collapsed on her bed. She picked up the picture of her family that stood on her dresser and kissed it. Then fell into a deep slumber.

A cloaked Queen had slowly made her way out to the garden of her home to find the cloaked man she was looking for.

"What are you doing here?" The Queen asked

"I'm here to answer your questions." the man said.

"Fine..." She sighed. "Why are you doing this? You cant really think that this helps the poor girl."

"I'm only doing it to help."

"You are a monster." She spat.

"If I am doing it to help then why does it make me so cruel, so evil?"

"Because you know it doesn't help!" The Queen bickered. "You, out of all people should know."

"You'll thank me later."

"Why?"

"I would be keeping her from something. Someone."

"Who?"

The man looked into the queens eyes. He did not answer for she already knew whom. They stood in a long silence was the Queen figured out this whole situation.

"When did find out?"

"When I was taken away...He showed me."

"You don't think she would find another way to him?"

"Perhaps...But not likely, you know that. The boy's just to quiet."

There was another long pause but finally the queen turned her hill. "Fine," she whispered. "But I only do this for her."

A/N: Like it? Review!