A/N: I was gonna update "Charade" first but since people are more eager to find out what happened in this story, I might as well update this first! Sorry for not updaeing the last week, I was busy. So hope you enjoy this Chapter, but I don't think you will...oh and since I got 29 reviews for the last chapter, I'll make a full review section. Kinda feel bad the last time...
ANNOUNCEMENT: YAY! 300 REVIEWS! I plan to reach 400 by the end of this story. It'll be about 3-4 chapters more. I am crossing my fingers!
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Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura, and I'm sure you don't too!
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Reviewers
dangerous emerald: Well, its not over yet I can assure you. Hohoho!
Monito: Thanks for the support, hope you like this chapter.
LupineLightning-IllusionDragon: Lolz...thanks I guess..
Pinaygrrl: Unfortunately, the amount of work I get can't be controlled by me, so yaa...sigh...
Anonymous: Well, the last chapter I didn't put a full review section. But if it doesn't reach 35 reviews, I will put a full review section.
FlowerLover: The God has answer your prayers... jking!
Chikichiki: Hmmm...maybe u should ask Takashi about that.
Sakura Blossom-Cilla-85: I damn forgot that a phoenix tear could cure physical wounds... I guess I didn't see all the factors...
Lianne: Not for long
Sakura123: Update! Update! Hohoho. Hope you like this chapter.
Haruxsakura: Don't think that's possible. Lol
Unknown-Character: What am I planning? Hmmm...not gonna answer that!
ffgirl-07: Thanks for the review! -
Zhugefan: OK! OK! Here's your update!
CherryFreakyFunK: It was in the conversation between Yelan and Tomoyo in the last chapter. They can't cause' it will trigger another war.
LilAngel123: NO argument there!
VampireJazzy: I will. Thanks for the review!
kawaiisakura05: Yup fourteen days left!
Cherry Plum Blossoms: lolz...in other stories, they are known to be scheming pair, the match-making kind.
P.M.: Ah! I see someone's finally noticed. Hohoho. You just have to watch and see.
356: hahaha...kinda got wrapped up in school work.
Lil Cherry Blossom Angel: Thanks for the review. Trying my best for my other story,
fire-onnagoddess: Yay..i know... Fighting scenes are hard to write..lol
XxazngurlxX: Thanks for the review! And of course I will continue my work.
Erika-chan: You know... I like that you aren't afraid to give constructive criticism. I'm afraid to do that. Just to let you know I appreciate your comments. I know the battle scene was short...but I can't think of anything else to put inside...--""
Adenna-chan: It will be soon...
LadyAkina: There's an idea. But Sakura and Tomoyo won't stay in the castle for long.
Soenergetic: lolz..thx for the review!
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Chapter 18: Distress
The townspeople stared in awe as eleven unicorns trotted behind their prince and his cousins.
Their coats shone under the sunlight, dazzling the children who were trying to reach their swishing tails behind them.
Sakura blushed as she saw how many pairs of eyes were staring at her friends. Also, she definitely didn't miss the envy burning in the women's eyes at the sight of her arms around Syaoran's waist.
She was about to take her arms off his waist before his affectionate hand covered hers.
"Don't mind them Sakura... they're just jealous that I've got you by my side..."
The unicorn breeder gave a small yelp. She was sure her face was on fire.
"Ok..."
Eriol glanced at the Li castle.
Tomoyo's in there...
He sighed; he wondered that while he and Syaoran were gone, did Luna and Tomoyo meet? Did Tomoyo find out why did they leave the castle in the first place?
I hope not...
The guards saluted at the sight of their prince. Syaoran nodded and steered Chocolate into the castle past the moat.
There, at the entrance, stood his mother and Tomoyo, waiting for them.
Tomoyo's eyes lit up when she saw Sakura safe and sound. Tears blurred her vision as the young beauty ran towards her cousin.
Sakura alighted from Chocolate with the help of Syaoran.
"Sakura! You're safe!"
She enveloped Sakura in a fierce hug, almost toppling Sakura over.
Yelan gracefully walked forward and patted Dust, who neighed under her gentle touch.
Sakura turned and gasped, "Que-en Ye-yelan!"
The queen smiled at Sakura. From one momentary look, she could tell Sakura is special. She may just be a unicorn breeder but she could tell the young girl had one of the purest hearts she's ever seen with or without magic.
"Nice meeting you dearie. I hope you weren't hurt."
Sakura shook her head, "I'm not worth your concern! Please! I wasn't hurt. Not at all!"
Syaoran laughed nervously as he eyed Chocolate at the corner of his eyes.
Yelan smiled cordially, "You must be tired...why don't you all come in?"
Syaoran nodded and followed after his mother. Frost and Flames flying above them
Tomoyo still sniffed in Sakura's arm. Her eyes widened when she saw Eriol.
Suddenly, she bolted into the castle.
Sakura stared at Tomoyo's retreating figure, "What the? One minute she was crying, the next she runs away?"
Eriol cast his eyes downward, "Damn it..."
Sakura cocked her head in confusion then walked into the castle with shaking hands and feet. "I can't believe it! I'm in the ROYAL CASTLE!"
Eriol trailed behind her, "Did Auntie tell her? She couldn't have...could she?"
Birds chirping... (A/N: Tweet..Tweet)
"HEY! DON'T LEAVE US HERE!" Kisha and Karla screamed from Alico and Halo's back.
It was pretty obvious the twins were ignored.
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The five soon found themselves in Yelan's office.
It goes like this...
Tomoyo, Sakura, Syaoran, Eriol.
Syaoran's arm was around Sakura while the other two were trying to look at anything else besides each other.
Yelan coughed and asked, "Where's Hiroki?"
Syaoran whispered, "I killed him..."
Yelan didn't look surprised, "I guess its sooner or later...he has a death sentence anyways...What about his men?"
Syaoran chuckled uneasily, "Erm...Eriol and I killed them too..."
Yelan raised her eyebrow as Eriol coughed at the side, "He must really love this girl..."
Sakura fidgeted her fingers but Syaoran gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Sakura blushed prettily and smiled back at her prince
Yelan saw the connection and sighed, "Syaoran, Eriol, I have to tell you something about..."
Just then, a knock interrupted the conversation.
Yelan sighed, "Come in..."
Syaoran and Eriol were shocked as Princess Rei and Luna stepped inside.
The two princesses greeted Yelan as the curtsied, "Good morning...Mother."
Syaoran and Eriol immediately gaped at those words and shouted, "MOTHER?"
Sakura looked at the two princess and back at Syaoran, who was now standing up, "Syaoran, are they your sisters?"
Princess Rei stared at Sakura, eyeing Sakura's torn dress. Chocolate may have healed her injuries but that didn't wash away the dirt and traces of blood on her dress. "Mother, Who is she? Syaoran-dearie, is she a new maid? I think she'll need new clothes..."
Tomoyo then stood up and grasped Sakura hand, "Sakura, they're Prince Li and Prince Hiiragizawa...fiancés. They're getting married."
The colour drained from Sakura's face, "Fiancé? But..but..."
Syaoran groaned, "Mother! I thought...I thought...you've cancel the wedding?"
Yelan sighed and she rubbed her temples, "Syaoran, that's why you have to hear me out!"
Syaoran creased his eyebrows, "Well? I'm WAITING!"
Yelan shook her head and turned to the two princesses, who was wondering what was going on.
"Rei, Luna? Can you please leave while I speak to my son and nephew?"
The two princesses nodded, they didn't bother to find out what was happening, in two weeks, they'll be married to Syaoran and Eriol and that was all it mattered.
Mother and son stared at each other.
Sakura didn't know what to do, cry? Laugh? All she knew was that Syaoran was getting married, and it won't be her he'll be married to. Her heart cracked bit by bit, after all they've been through, he and still couldn't stay by her side?
Yelan sighed, "I know you love Sakura, Syaoran. And I can see why...But if I were to cancel this marriage, a war may trigger again. You know the reason for this marriage; it's a peace treaty between us and Rei's kingdom."
Sakura's emerald eyes glistened with unshed tears... Syaoran clenched his fist. He never thought,... he'll be needed to choose between his people and Sakura. How could he make his choice?
Tomoyo's voice broke the silence, "Queen Yelan. May I make a request?"
Yelan turned to Tomoyo, "Yes dearie?"
"May I request some repairing magic item for Sakura's house? It's burned down and the unicorns need a place to stay."
Yelan smiled sadly and nodded, "I'll go and prepare. Meanwhile, I think you have many things to talk about..."
The door creaked close, the room was silent. Tomoyo noticed the tension in the room between the couple and wordlessly left the room.
Eriol watched Tomoyo at the corner of his eyes, not missing the distressing gleam in her amethyst orbs.
Unconsciously, he followed Tomoyo's footsteps and out of the door, leaving Sakura and Syaoran alone...
Syaoran ran his hair through his unruly chestnut hair, muttering incoherent words.
Struggling to find his words that seemed to be stuck in his throat, he murmured, "Sakura... I..."
He took a step forward and she took a step backward
The unicorn breeder shook her head, "Please don't come closer...please!"
Defiant, he took another step.
And another...
Unknown to the prince, Sakura had to use all her self-control not the break down right there and then. She just couldn't believe he lied to her, again! Just moments ago, Syaoran, her love, had reassured her that everything would be alright!
"WHY?"
Syaoran stopped, stunned by Sakura's outburst.
"Why didn't you tell me? That you were engaged? Why did you tell me that you love me? I knew it was just too good to be true"
She lifted her head up, her eyes puffy red, tears as clear as crystal fell to the ground.
Syaoran tried to explain, "Sakura...please...I will fix this...We will be together...Trust me!"
Sakura's next words shocked the prince to the core, "How can I? You've already lied to me twice."
Syaoran wanted to comfort her, hug her, and kiss those tears away but no... She didn't even want to be anywhere near him, not even in the same room as she shot out of the door.
Syaoran, dejected, slumped to his knees, and for the second time in his life, he cried.
Because of Sakura...the only person the he would ever love.
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Tomoyo and Eriol...
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"Please Tomoyo...I need to tell you something!"
Tomoyo struggled to get out of Eriol's grasp on her wrists.
"Let...me go!"
Eriol managed to corner Tomoyo at the end of one of the hallways and trapped her. He tried to tell her that he loves her but, Tomoyo just wouldn't listen.
Eriol's grip on Tomoyo's wrist loosen and Tomoyo took the chance to run.
However before she could do so, Eriol pulled her towards him.
"Let me..!"
He silenced her with a kiss. Sweet plums, were the taste of Tomoyo's lips against his. Her body was pressed to him, his hand swam through her long ivory hair. He longed this for this second he met her. Intoxicated and aroused by her sweet scent, he pulled Tomoyo closer to him. And the thing was... She didn't resist him.
Tomoyo yelped when she felt his hand pulled her closer. She wanted him to stop, but she couldn't as she drowned more and more into his kiss. But, she finally realized what was happening when his hand dipped lower.
Her eyes snapped open, with a swift movement, she slapped him.
Stuck between what her mind and her body wanted, she did the first thing that came to her mind, run...run as far as she could away from him, the person that she hated for capturing her heart.
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Sakura ran through the hallways, not knowing where she was headed. She tried to shut all images of Syaoran from her mind. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't.
His warm smile...
His hugs...
His kisses...
No!
Unable to continue any longer, Sakura stopped. Heartbroken and dejected, she pounded the wall next to her.
"Why did he have to be a prince?"
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Yelan noticed the sudden change between her son and Sakura. Her heart pained to see her son suffering because of her agreement between Rei's father and her. She thought that after Syaoran's marriage with Rei, he would slowly learn to love the princess. But, after learning that her son had finally fallen in love with someone else, she knew that she was wrong.
However, as Queen, her kingdom has to come first, even if the other was her son. She had to make Syaoran marry Rei, to save her kingdom from once again suffering from the horrors of war.
She had no choice but to make sure that Sakura Syaoran, Tomoyo and Eriol from coming together and to make sure nothing goes wrong, she had to prevent the two pairs from communicating with each other and try to bring the two engaged pairs together. It's the only way she could help the situation.
Feeling terrible of what she did, she decided to help Sakura in every means possible and managed to give Sakura a magical orb that repairs damaged things. However, due to Sakura's farm size, the magical orb needed at least seven days to fully restore the farm to its former glory.
Sakura had initially rejected the Queen's offer. But if it were to be the only way to finally be out of Syaoran's life, she had no choice but to agree.
Therefore, in the meantime, she decided to let Sakura and Tomoyo stay in the palace for the week.
Despite this, Sakura successfully managed to avoid Syaoran. Whenever he enters a room, she would leave. Whenever he tried to catch her alone, she always manages to escape.
Eriol, on the other hand, didn't make an effort to try and explain things to Tomoyo. Who could blame him? He didn't dare confront Tomoyo after he kissed her.
That is until, the third day.
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"Did you call us Queen Yelan?"
Yelan looked up from her desk. She nodded and motioned Sakura and Tomoyo to enter the room.
"I need your help, both of you actually..."
Sakura smiled weakly, "Anything Queen Yelan, it's the least we can do."
"Tomoyo, I've heard of your designing talents and I need a formal dress. It's been at least a year the last time I've bought one...Of course I'll pay for it."
Tomoyo stood there, stunned, "The Queen wants me to make a dress for her? How could I refuse?"
Tomoyo smiled for the first time in three days, "I'll be honored Queen Yelan."
Yelan smiled tenderly at the young girl.
"And Sakura? I need your unicorns for some...entertainment purposes."
Sakura cocked her head to her side, "Entertainment?"
"A show perhaps?"
Sakura pondered for a moment before nodding, "I'm sure I can whip something up with them in two days... I've done one with them before. A bit of training should help my unicorns remember the show I performed with my family for our friends when we were young... But may I ask what the performance and dressis for?"
Yelan nodded, "It's for a ball."
The two girls echoed, "A ball?"
"A ball to celebrate the engagement between Rei and Syaoran."
Days left: 11
To be continued...
A/N: Bad chapter..really...R&R please! Please understand Yelan, she's just trying to make her kingdom safe. She's trying to make Sakura give up on Syaoran and Tomoyo give up on Eriol so that Rei and Luna can "take" their places. I know she sounds like a really bad person but just understand her situation. She does love Syaoran but breaking the engagement is one thing she can't do.