The Sounds of Love

by s.Two

Li Syaoran lost all hope the day his father died. Then Kinomoto Sakura comes into his life, and brings a fire of hope in his heart. SS

4. Arrival of the Baroness

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for reviewing my last chapter. Yes, this story is pretty different from the other ones I've written, I've given this story a bit more thought into as 1. I'm trying to keep it similar to the movie as possible and 2. I have to try and arrange Syaoran and Sakura's power to make this story work. I know some of you might be a bit uncomfortable about Syaoran being married prior to Sakura, but I promise there'll be a explination. Shout out to Daisy chanMistress of Evil, she's like my co producer for this fic.

IMPORTANT: A reviewer notified me of a age error. In the story so far, I've made Syaoran 27 and his oldest daughter is 18, I've just realized that there will be no way for him to have a daughter THAT old, so to accomadate, Syaoran will not be changed into 35- I REPEAT Syaoran will be turned to 35 years old. Sakura will be 31. The only reason I had wanted them to be around the twenties was because I don't want them to be THAT old, but hopefully everything will work out. I'll probably have to do some fixing on the first few chapters.

Summery: Sakura grew up with strange powers. Syaoran grew up shunned from the outside world from his unusual ability. When Sakura is assigned to be the nanny of his family, they will learn to listen to the Sounds of Love.
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Review of Last Chapter

"Sorry... I'm late." Sakura mummered, taking her seat. Syaoran's mind, however, had not processed a single word she had said as it was still stuck on Sakura's evening attire. It was as simple and as plain as this morning's, yet it shone with elegance. The middle had a small slit, which showed soft blue material underneath it. There was a blue ribbon tied arount the waist, the rest of it ran down the back of her dress, ending with tiny curls. Her hair, though simply done, was beautiful. There were tiny strings of blue rose petals running down her hair. "daddy...daddy..." a voice rang inside his head. Snapping back to the living world, he realized Sakura's emerald orbs were looking upon his own eyes, they were clouded with concern. Young Hitomi and Ying, from his left and right, were tugging gently on his sleeves.

"Daddy... I'm hungwy..." little Ying said. Syaoran gave his youngest daughter a small smile.

" All right, let's eat." he said. He was the last to raise his chopsticks, but the first to reach the dim sums.

Chapter 4: Arrival of the baroness

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The family of 11 plus the new nanny ate together in the living room. The children (mainly the younger ones) had busied themselves helping themselves with the delicious food on the table, had not noticed the little glances drifting across the long table from their father to their new nanny.

At first Sakura had thought it was only because she wanted to get more aquented with the master of the house. But now she wasn't so sure. Her eyes would drift upwards and send glances at the silently eating general. Even when she forced it down, eventually it will find its way up again. What was so amazing about him that she couldn't stop blushing everytime she was at his presense? Where to start... his amazing eyes, strong build, cool amber eyes or his amazingly handsome features? Or was it because he reminded her so much of her long lost friend? Whom- not knowing if it was a coincidence- shared the same name.

Syaoran had eating quietely, ignoring the little quarells of his young daughters, or the mild chatting between his eldest. However, no matter how many reasons he could come up with, he could not ignore-nor stop- the occasional glances that he had sent towards the new nanny. For god sakes he was a General, and he was all ready in his mid thirties (but hes still the same looking Syaoran we all know and love! lol) he was still having these emotions he could not explain. It wasn't the fact she was new and he wanted to make sure she was good enough. But the way she dressed herself, it was simple, like any other church girls would dress, but alluring at the same time. The way her hair would just lay on her back, or the way her dress would shine every curve she had, or the way her eyes would shine and shimmer everytime she laughed or look at his children.

"Father... Father?" Carina called towards him. "A letter arrived for you today." she said, handing him the white envelope that sat on the desk. Taking it his amber eyes scanned through it fastly, ignoring the sudden increase of his beating heart when he felt Sakura's soft stare.

"Right. Well, your Uncle Eriol is coming for a visit while I go pick up a special guest." he said, clearing his throat. He noticed the look in the eyes of his two eldest children, Carina and Xiao Chen. He had told them about the situation and he knew they had not yet told their younger siblings.

"Father, why is Uncle Eriol coming?" Alana asked.

"Yeah, who's the special guest?" Tenchi wanted to know.

"Is it a he or a she?" Yang immediately asked afterwards.

"Is Uncle Eriol gonna stay long?" Kari asked. Syaoran soon grew tired and annoyed at the questions his children were blasting at him.

"Silence!" his voice rang acoss the table. The questions immediately stopped and silence reigned supreme. Ying, Hitomi and Alex looked fightened, feeling tears sting their eyes as Sora, Yang, Kari, Tenchi and Alana looked ashamed. Carina stood up and hurried towards the younger 3 (Ying, Hitomi and Alex), trying to calm them down. Xiao Chen just spoke a few words to his other siblings. Syaoran rubbed his temple, calming his rage.

"I'm sorry." he said quietely. Sakura, seeing the scene, decided it was time to engage in it.

"Children, your father has a lot to do. Come now, it is time for you to wash up." Sakura quickly said, indicating it was time to stop. Nodding, chairs scrapped the floor as one by one the children left. Looking behind her shoulder, Syaoran's face was evident with relief as he mouthed a silent 'Thank you' to her. Nodding understandingly, she offered him a assuring smile and mouthed back,

"You owe me."

Dear Syaoran,

It has been long since I have talked with you, dear little cousin. Your Fiance, Gweneth Hilton, had just entered. I will come and visit your children and do a little baby sitting if you agree to it. Assuming by the little you have spoken about her, you haven't told your children yet. I wish you luck as you deal with their wrath.

Yours Truly,

Eriol Hiiragizawa

Once out of the dining room, the children slowly dispersed, one by one leaving to different sets of stairs, leaving only Alana and Carina. Alana gave a hard stare at the nanny, clearly sending he message "I'm watching you, don't you dare come near father.". Slowly the 14 year old walked away alone. Sakura eyed her carefully,

"Is it just me, or am I sensing she doesn't like me at all." Sakura sighed wearily. A laughter was heard behind her,

"Don't worry Miss. Kinomoto, Alana is a girl who is very protective of Father, ever since the day our mother left us. She's one of the main reasons why we had 14 nannies before you came." Carina laughed, watching Sakura twirl around in surprise, seeing that she wasn't the only person here.

"Carina." Sakura remembered. With a nodd Sakura beamed, "well... at least I got one right. I would have thought you were upstairs by now." Sakura said. Carina gave her a small smile,

"No, I should be though. But..." she gave a longful look at the door behind her. Sakura caught that and said,

"Are you... expecting someone?" she asked. Carina nodded,

"Well, more like someone expecting me." she said softly, she gave a look at the dining room they had just left, "But I mustn't disturb Father now. He is very stressed. And I promised I'd look after the others, me and Xiao Chen, but..." she trailed off. Sakura gave her a smile,

"You go ahead, I'll take care of the kids. Besides, that's what I'm here for. By the look on your face it seems as though that person of yours is very special." a blush creeped onto Carina's cheeks, "Yes I assumed that. Go ahead, I'll deal with your father, but please, come home soon." Sakura told her. Grinning she nodded, starting to head out.

"Thank you so much Miss Kinomoto. You aren't like our other nannies." Carina said, heading for the door. Sakura smiled,

"Call me Sakura." she said. Before leaving Carina smiled,

"Thank you Sakura."

Outside- Carina

Carina's small white heels tapped against the cement floor as she ran towards the small forest beside her house. The tiny patio that stood alone in the middle came in her view. Her soft blue dress fluttered around her as she increased speed. Her raven hair flew along behind her, her red highlights shone underneath the beams of the moonlit sky. Arriving, she took deep breaths, calming her beating heart. Her sight caught a bycicle leaning on the side and her smile widened. Standing in front of her, a man of the age 19 stood in front of her. His wheat coloured hair swayed in the gentle wind, his pale crystal blue eyes shone as he looked upon her. Carina blushed, standing up, straightening her dress.

"I didn't think you would come." he said to her. Carina gave him a look which a Li could only pull off.

"You had doubts?" she said. He shook his head,

"I just delivered a letter to your father a few hours ago, I was afraid he had found the little piece of paper I had stuffed into the envelope." he said casually. Carina gave a laugh,

"Now you know why I am always the one to get the mail, Calvin." Carina laughed. Calvin smiled,

"And to think it was only to see me." he joked. "So, why are you so late?" he asked. Carina frowned,

"Father, he's having a hard time. That baroness is coming, and I know the others won't like it. Alana especially. She is very protective of him as I am of her. Xiao Chen and I, we won't be able to keep this any longer." Carina sighed, sitting down, "We have a new nanny again, she's very nice." she said on a happier note. Calvin raised his brow,

"Oh really? Now this is a first." he said. Carina glared at him.

"She really is. She comes from a church, and she can get along very well with the others, especially Ying and Hitomi. They have proven is impossible to from the past 14 nannies we had. And I know this is a weird feeling, but somehow I think father might have a soft spot for her." Carina answered.

"You're not serious. Mr. Cold-hearted-general-who-won't-accept-anyone having a soft spot for a church girl?" he said sarcastically. Carina glared, "Well I'm glad you got most of your personality from your mother's side, but does every Li have the ability to glare like that?" he joked. Carina laughed, leaning her head on his shoulder.

"Maybe, you'll just have to be careful around me now." the two stayed together, the sky growing dark.

Sakura

Sakura changed out of her dress and into a snowy white gown. She brushed her hair and closed the window. The wind outside started to rush as rain drops fell from the sky. Staring out at the empty hall way, she drew on her pink robe, before walking out her room and into the dark corridor. Waving her hand lightly over at the fireplace she walked out the door, watching the fireplace slowly burst out in flames. She carefully stepped down the stairs, careful not to awaken any of the children. Not opening any lights, she arrived started to walk down towards the end of the corridor. As she walked, the unlit rows of candles behind her all lit itself up, alluminating a eerie yellow glow around the halls. Sakura found herself standing in front of the red and exquisitely done doors once again. Pushing it open lightly, she lit the other candles that laied still on the side. Walking in, she took the time to examine the picture once more. Under the picture, in gold, was engraved:

Meiling Rae Li

Sakura stared at that picture for a while, examining every detail on the woman's face. She looked like she was around 30. Taking her last name, it seemed as though she was the late wife of Syaoran.

"You are oddly attracted to his room, aren't you?" a voice said from a dark corner behind the door. Quickly standing up and turning around, Syaoran emerged from the shadows in black t shirt and black pants. Sakura blushed,

"Ano... I'm sorry, I just thought I'd-- I shouldn't have come." she apologized, starting to leave.

"It's all right, I barely come here." he suddenly said. He took a glance at Meiling's smiling face, "she was my wife. She died a while ago, from Cancer." Syaoran explained. Sakura stayed silent, wondering why he seemed so casual about talking about the woman he loved,

"We never loved one another... well not me anyways." he said as if reading her mind, "our mothers were friends, they arranged together that once we were of age, we would marry one another. She was pretty nice, I liked her as a sister, not something like this. It's a chinese tradition to those who follow them strictly." Syaoran continued. Sakura gave a soft "oh" unable to hold herself she asked,

"So... so do you, have anyone you do... I mean DID like?" she asked. Syaoran gave a lopsided smile,

"Yea, there was this one girl. I met her when I was 9. My mother and I, we were up at a church, because of my father's death. I was wondering the hill and I saw this tiny girl in a white dress dancing around the medows." he remembered, "I stood behind a tall tree, I had no idea she noticed me. She looks a lot like you actually." he said coming to thought. He shook his head. "That is all in the past. Tomorrow, I have someone coming. She's my, fiancee." Syaoran said, unable to supress the bitterness in his voice. Sakura nodded,

"I'm sorry to have disturbed you again. I must get going. Good night Li-san." Sakura said softly, leaving for the door,

"Call me Syaoran." Syaoran called out, before having time to think. Sakura gave him a look of surprise and happiness,

"Good night... Syaoran." she said quietely, before leaving the lit hallways. Syaoran watched her drift effortlessly up the stairs, closing the doors, he used his powers to blow out the candles, he hadn't remembered himself lighting them when he came down.

Sakura

Once upstairs, she took off her robe and kneeled upon the floor. She closed her eyes, failing to see the opened window.

"God, please bless Daisy and all those who are at church, give them my blessing. Bless Syaoran and may be find happiness. Bless the children, Carina, Xiao Chen, Tenchi, Kari, Yang, Sora, Alex, Ying, Hitomi and..." she counted, "Oh dear I can't remember her. Well bless her too." she said.

"Alana, her name's Alana." a voice said from beside the opened window. Gasping Sakura stood up quickly, clutching her heart. The cold wind outside blew against her drapes as she quickly closed it.

"Carina! How did you- why are you all wet?" Sakura said breathlessly.

"We use to climb up the vines on the side, to scare the nanny." Carina explained, "and it was raining outside and the front door was locked and I didn't know how to come in and I saw your lights were opened so I thought you were here so I climbed." the young girl shivered. Sakura shook her head, wrapping her arm around the shivering shoulder of the girl.

"Forget it, we must get you our of these wet clothing. Here," she gave her a white dress from her drawer, "Take this, and you go change in the washroom. Dump the dress in the hamper and we'll wash it tomorrow." Sakura said, pushing the girl in. Carina nodded, locking the door. Looking outside, she heard the rumbbling of the thunder, and the flash of lightening outside. Sighing, she started to get in bed when,

"Missy...?" a tiny voice said from her door. Looking up, Hitomi, Ying, Alex, Sora, Yang, Kari, and Tenchi appeared in her room.

"Is something wrong?" Sakura asked.

"Um, you see, well, Hitomi and Ying were scared so they ran into my room and they woke me up which woke Kari and Yang up and we couldn't sleep and since they were so scared we didn't want them to be alone and then Sora and Alex came out we thought you won't be asleep yet so we came here." Tenchi said quickly. Sakura raised a brow,

"And you weren't afraid at all Tenchi?" she said, remembering the young boy's name. Tenchi blushed,

"N-No..." he stammered, he jumped up in shock when the thunder rubbled loudly outside.

"Tenchi, you're such a scardy cat." a girl's voice said. Alana appeared in the door way with Xiao Chen smirking.

"I see, so that's why you came running to my room." the older boy said. Alana blushed. Sakura sighed,

"Well since that we're all here, might as well stay, no point in rushing all of you out." Sakura offered. Xiao Chen shook his head,

"It's all right. I'm fine. You guys don't bother Miss. Kinomoto too much now." the boy said before leaving. Sakura look at the sensible boy,

"Thanks Xiao Chen." Sora called out to his brother. Closing the door, Sakura wondered what she was going to do with them. The washroom opened and Cainra stepped out in the flowing white dress.

"Wow... is a party going on here I don't know about?" she joked. The group nodded happily. Through the night, the group laughed and talked about random things. The most interesting subject of the night was about Syaoran.

A few hours later, the group was found asleep around her bed while she laied awake. These group of children was surprising her more and more now and she wanted nothing more than to help them. Looking at the glowing fireplace, she gave it a small flick with her eyes, before falling asleep, watching the fire slowly go out.

Morning

Syaoran stepped out of his room in his usual attire, deep blue shirt, blue pants, black shoes. No point in doing anything to his hair, it would be no use. Walking towards the first door, they were all found opened except for Xiao Chen's. Quickly he started to quickly walk towards Sakura's room. His knocking towards the door was replied with silence and possibly, more than one person's breathing. Opening the door, he found 9 of his children, sleeping on the one bed, crowding around Sakura. He leaned against the frame of the door, amused at the sight.

Sakura groaned as she felt the morning hit the sky. Opening her eyes, she found herself stuck in one position, her question was met with the fact that 9 children were crowding around her, asleep. Smiling to herself, she was greeted with the sight of Syaoran leaning against the frame, smiling-if she saw right- at the sight.

"And what exactly are you so happy about this morning?" she said softly, rubbing the tiredness out of her eyes. Looking at the fireplace, she was happy to see that no sign of the wood behing burning last night was shown.

"Not exactly a morning person are you? I thought people in church wakes up early." he said. Sakura kept silent.

"Don't try to wake them up. They were having trouble with the storm last night." Sakura explained, getting ready to fall asleep again. With a nodd of his head, Syaoran walked out of her door. Just as he opened it, he found Eriol Hiiragizawa outside his door, one finger raised ready to ring the doorbell.

"I'm still very convinced you have some sort of radar at your house." the blue haired man said amused. Syaoran growled in response, pushing him aside for him to get out.

"They're all asleep, don't wake them up, don't go near the stove, don't flirt with any of my staff, dont go running around amok like Tarzan." Syaoran said sternly, continuing to walk towards his car. Eriol saluted even though Syaoran couldn't see him.

"Sir yes sir! Is there anything else Sir?" he mocked,

"Yea Hiirgizawa, don't-trash-my-house."

Later in the Morning

Sakura walked downt he stairs in a pale pink dress. Walking to the kitchen expecting to see no one, she was greeted with the sight of a man sitting on the table, drinking coffee and reading what seemed like a newspaper.

"Um... excuse me?" Sakura called out. Turning, Eriol smiled charmingly at her..

"What a lovely surprise to see such a beautiful person in the morning." he said. Sakura blushed,

"Guessing from the words you've chosen, I'm guessing you're... Eriol right? Eriol Hiiragizawa." Sakura guessed. Eriol laughed,

"I'm either very famous or my cousin hates me so much hes having his staff memorize my face so they can kill me." Eriol joked. Sakura laughed, walking into the kitchen,

"No, he told me. He said you were a- and I quote- 'insignificant little person who thinks too highly of himself and should be sent as far away from here as possible.'" Sakura remembered, "Oh and ' someone who should be 10 feet away from any woman possible.'" Sakura ended. Eriol rolled his eyes,

"Dear little cousin is so nice." he said dryly.

"UNCLE ERIOL!" 8 different voices shouted at once.

"Ahh my favourite monsters!" Eriol shouted back. 8 different bodies and 16 arms came crushing down on him. He was no longer on his chair but on his back. Carina and Xiao Chen walked in, amused at the sight of their siblings crushing around their Uncle.

"Morning Sakura." Carina greeted her. Sakura smiled back in return.

"Come on guys, get off Uncle Eriol and let us eat dinner." Xiao Chen called towards his group of siblings. Getting off one by one, they assembled themselves around the table as Sakura busied herself around the stove. Walking towards them with a tray, 10 cups of orange juice laied there as Carina slowly passed it out.

"What do you guys want?" Sakura asked, searching for pans. Shouts were shouted across the kitchen. "Scrambled eggs it is." Sakura was lost in the sizzling of eggs and gentle wafting smells.

"A nanny that can cook, talk and look at the same time. Hmm..." Eriol whispered to himself. A soft walking from the door brought his attention out of Sakura and onto another angel.

Tomoyo walked into the kitchen smelling the aroma of eggs.

"Sakura-san! This is a surprise." Tomoyo laughed, "Usual nannies don't wake up until much later." Sakura laughed,

"I'm not the usual nanny." Sakura responded. Handing her plates of eggs, Tomoyo walked towards the table.

"Good morning Misses, Masters, Mr. Hiirigazawa." Tomoyo said politely. The kids each recieved eggs and took no notice of their Uncle's glassy eyes.

Eriol looked upon the young maid stunned. Now how could he have not noticed her in this househole before? Her beauty was something he thought could never happen. Her long raven hair landed a little above her slim waist, soft curls ending it. Her amythest eyes seemed so close to blue it could match his own eyes. Snow white skin and soft cherry lips placed the final touches on her beautiful face.

"Mr. Hiiragizawa?" Tomoyo called again. Eriol snapped out of his thoughts and recieved his plate of eggs, briefly brushing his fingers against her hand. Soft... they were soft, as as soft as a baby's skin, as the clouds the brushed its way across the blue sky. A gentle blush ran pass his cheeks as he ate in silence.

Much Later

Taking notice the time wasn't going to past them fast enough, Sakura decided to take them out onto the hills upon their backyard. Eriol had refused to come, stating he had "assignments" to take care of.

Running across the medows, Sakura felt the wind run through her hair. The kids watched amused at how their nanny was acting. Sakura's soft humming drifted from to their ears, she had a voice like the morning birds that flew past their windows.

Alana stood stubbornly behind the group, examining her nanny. She had trouble accepting every nanny they had in the past, one main reason was their interest in her father. She hadn't been the same since her mother died. The day she went to wake her up, she wouldn't wake up, her father had to come up and the look on his face, she will never forget. That look was all she needed to get the message plain and clear. Her mother will not be coming back. But looking at her brothers and sisters, she didn't now how they could be like that. Especially Carina and Xiao Chen. They were the oldest, she thought, surely they wouldn't have forgotten mother that soon. But they were there, in front of her, having the time of their life, forgetting the fact their mother had always brought them up on this very hill, to do the exact thing they were doing, run around wildly on the grass.

Syaoran

Syaoran focussed on the road, trying to block out the chatting of the woman beside him. Gweneth Hilton, blond hair, crystal blue eyes, she was rich, she was 30, and she seemed she was madly interested in him. Of course he admit, he liked her, out of the girls he had seen. But clearly, he was doing this for the good of his children. They can't go on without a mother, especially the younger ones. He prayed they would accept her, for a while he thought they would, but then Sakura stepped into their picture and shattered any way of escape there was.

"So I had been telling them this trip here was crucial. I was to meet my fiance's children, my soon to be children and even though they disagreed I had to come. It was a duty of mine, a duty that stands above the rest." Gwen chatted beside him, unaware of his look. A grand white house pulled into view and Gwen showed a smirk. She knew she had chosen the right man. She needed a man that was of her status, a man she knew she would have no problem sharing her money with. Pulling in, Syaoran helped her pull out her many luggages, before instructing several maids to bring it up. Stepping into his house, he was met with the many laughters of his children and Sakura. He was once again trapped in the cage inside Sakura's eyes as they shimmered and shined brightly. Noticing his arrival, Sakura noticed the children, before they all got in a line.

"Children, Sakura, this is... Gweneth Hilton, she is my fiancee your," Syaoran took a deep breath, "future mother."

"NO!" a scream left a mouth as thumping of steps were heard going up the stairs. Sakura quickly chased the distress girl. The look Sakura gave him was unbarable, it held loathing, and a shimmer of sadness. Syaoran watched his daughter flee up the stairs, crystal tears running down Alana's eyes.

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A/N: Well another chapter done. I kinda made this chapter lag a bit too much but I hope you guys won't mind. Well, review. By the way, if any of you are a fan of Witch Hunter Robin, remember to check out Daisy chan Mistress of Evil's fic. They're really good.