Author's note:- Hiya everybody! I'm so sorry about the delay, I was so caught up with my other story. So I've made this chapter really long! It's 10 pages long! This is the last chapter and I hope you all like it! (My sister thought it was good) Please leave me a review, I really want to know your opinion. Read 'n' enjoy.
Chapter 10:-
"Yukito!" cried Sakura in surprise, staring at her brother's best friend. "But…but I thought you'd gone to the mountains to train with my brother" she stuttered finally finding her tongue.
Yukito smiled at her, "We returned two days ago. You can't imagine how shocked Touya was to find out that you and Princess Tomoyo had run away"
"Yeah well, I think I can" responded Sakura, picturing her overprotective elder brother turn red with fury like a tomato and snort like a bull that's about to charge, she giggled,
"I bet he's saying 'That stupid monster, doesn't she know how dangerous the outside world is'" Tomoyo imitated Sakura's brother and let out a sudden giggle.
"You took the words out of my mouth, Princess" laughed Yukito.
"So you've come to take us back, right?" asked Sakura, tentatively
"Well…yeah. That's what Touya told me to do anyway." Yukito replied, and then noticed the sad expression on their faces, "Why don't you want to go back?"
"It's not that…I mean I would love to see mom and dad and Touya and Aunt Sonomi and everyone back home but…"she trailed off.
"But what?" asked Yukito, gently.
"But I'll miss all the friends I made here" she whispered.
"I know it'll be hard but you know you have to go back someday and don't worry you can definitely visit your friends here" he said encouragingly.
Sakura has always looked up to Yukito as another brother. He's always helped her and stuck up for her when Touya teased her. She completely trusted him.
"But no one here knows that Sakura and I are the princesses. They think we're orphans looking for a place to stay." Tomoyo said to Yukito.
"This seems like a difficult situation, would like to tell me everything?" asked Yukito gesturing them to sit under a tree.
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"We'll pray for your safe journey" said a servant maid bowing as the two queens and their sons got ready to leave.
Syaoran growled and threw his bag over his shoulder and was just about to go downstairs. He had refused to let any of the servants to carry his bag saying he was not weak.
"I can carry it myself" he glowered at the trembling servant, "and what my mother says doesn't matter" he had added before the servant could even open his mouth.
But something suddenly dropped out the bag, it was a little light pink handkerchief. He picked it and stared at it, puzzled,
"It's…Flora's" he mumbled, remembering how he got it. It was the day he'd sprayed milk all over face when he had 'expertly' tried to milk a cow. She had wiped his face with this handkerchief and had forgotten to take it back.
He smelt one corner of the hanky, it had a sweet scent of cherry blossoms, he blushed as Sakura's pretty face flashed in his mind, and his face turned a darker shade of red when he remembered the night he had given her that necklace. He had felt her breath tickle his neck when she whispered, "Thank you" in his ear, he smiled, that was the first time he smelt her scent. Syaoran then smelled the other side of the kerchief and his expression turned to disgust, "Yuck, it smells of milk"
"You know, talking to yourself is the first sign of insanity" Eriol's annoying voice interrupted his thoughts, "What are you doing over there, and grinning to yourself like a madman?" he asked, suspiciously.
"Nothing" Syaoran replied quickly, stuffing the hanky in his pocket.
"We have to leave, you know" Eriol said, his face turning gloomy again.
"I don't want to walk down the aisle with some snobby princess" said Syaoran, snorting loudly.
"If mother really thinks she can force me into this stupid marriage, then she's got another thing coming" swore Syaoran,
"Yeah like what?"
"I don't know but I'm so not going to marry someone who likes my money more than me" with that Syaoran stomped downstairs a glare stuck on his face.
"For once I have to agree with him" Eriol followed Syaoran. The queens were waiting impatiently,
"What took you so long" started Queen Yelan, but Syaoran stalked past her without saying a word and Eriol followed suit. Queen Hikaru sighed,
"I wonder how all this is going to end"
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"…But suddenly one night Eli and Lee just took off and left us a note, they never said about where they were going" concluded Sakura, her face suddenly saddening. Tomoyo looked extremely upset as well.
Yukito looked at both of them for a minute and smiled softly, "You both really liked them didn't you?"
Both Tomoyo and Sakura blushed and stammered, "No…no…well…I mean"
"Who are you kidding? It's written all over your face. You do like them don't you?"
Both of them sighed and nodded, "But we'll never see them again" mumbled Sakura, tears threatening to fall.
"Don't say things like that. Have faith in yourselves and them. Obviously they like you both as well, then they'll definitely try to find you. Now we must make the villagers believe that I'm your guardian and I've come to take you home"
"Right" Sakura and Tomoyo nodded.
"Look it's night already why don't you go get some sleep, we'll take care of the rest, tomorrow," said Yukito, straightening up, as he got ready to leave to his camp.
The girls nodded and headed back home. Both of them were very silent. They were wondering what would happen tomorrow.
Sakura wanted to see Lee again. It had been only one day since he'd left but she missed him so much. She loved the way his amber eyes would twinkle when he saw her, and the cute way he'd blush whenever she smiled at him and his messy chestnut hair that fell over his eyes and his gorgeous smile and… Sakura sighed wistfully. She loved everything about him heck, even his smug attitude. It made her giggle every time she thought of the crazy arguments she and Lee would get into each morning at work. She remembered their dance during the festival and blushed like crazy as she remembered the day at the hospital when he first kissed her. Instinctively her hand rose to her lips and she giggled softly. Then she glanced at Tomoyo hoping she hadn't noticed, because if she had then Tomoyo would tease her dreadfully.
But Tomoyo was deep into her own thoughts to notice Sakura. She was thinking about the first time they'd bumped to Eli and Lee in the forest. He'd appeared to take a liking to her instantly. At first she had thought he was just being nice but later she had realized that he really loved her. She thought of the day, he'd murmured her name in his sleep and turned a light shade of red. She recalled her walk in the forest with him when she'd tactfully left Sakura and Lee alone. She wanted to see him just as badly as he wanted to see her.
What they didn't know is that, they'd be meeting Eli and Lee sooner than they'd expect.
In the morning, at the Mayor's place…
"So you are their guardian?" asked the mayor looking at the grey haired young man inquiringly.
"Yes sir, their parents appointed me as their guardian. But unfortunately they died when I had gone traveling. I heard of the misfortune only after I'd returned and have been searching for them ever since," replied Yukito.
The mayor looked at the two young princesses, "Well?"
"Yes sir it's the truth, we've known him when we were young" replied Tomoyo, but Sakura was looking down, she didn't want to lie to her friends but she knew that it would be better this way.
"Then, young man, you can take them with you. Please take good care of them, they're one of a kind or should I say two of a kind" the mayor said kindly to the two of them who smiled gratefully.
"Take care, Flora and Violette" Chiharu said as she hugged both of them.
"We'll miss you both" added Naoko and Rika handed them each a bouquet of pretty flowers.
"Here take these" she said, "these are the best in the market" she wiped her tears and smiled.
"Thank you so much all of you" Sakura whispered.
" Be happy, you two" said a familiar voice. It was Framer Kanzaki.
"Mr. Kanzaki" cried Sakura and Tomoyo as they rushed over to the old man and hugging him, "Thank you so much for letting us stay in your house" said Tomoyo.
"No problem, my dear"
"Here" said the farmer's wife(whose house Lee and Eli had stayed), thrusting a bottle of homemade strawberry jam, "I know you like it very much, dearie"
"Thank you" chorused the girls.
"Speaking of jams, do you know how the name jam actually originated?" began Yamazaki, "A long time ago in a village…" before he could continue Chiharu strangled him.
"Enough of your lies" she snarled and everyone laughed.
"Bye every body" yelled Sakura as she waved to all her friends peeping out of the carriage window.
Sakura sat back down inside the carriage and dabbed her eyes with her hanky.
"They're all really nice people" said Yukito warmly.
"Yeah" cried Tomoyo and Sakura in unison and smiled happily.
Mother, we're coming home thought Sakura as the small village disappeared from view.
Back at the Kinomoto castle…
Touya was pacing up and down furiously, "That monster, running away like that, who does she think she is?"
"Calm down, Touya" said Queen Nadeshiko watching her son walk up and down in the throne room repeating the same dialogue over and over again.
"They'll be back today" added Queen Sonomi, "That's what Yukito said anyway."
Soon enough the sound of a carriage pulling in was heard,
"Sakura" cried Queen Nadeshiko rushing to meet her youngest daughter, Sakura ran into the room wearing a simple frock gave squealed,
"Mom!" She bear hugged her mom. Sonomi hugged her only daughter too.
"Monster, just what were you thinking" yelled Touya as soon as the little mother daughter reunion hug ended.
Sakura sighed wearily, "Give me a break, Touya" she stalked past her brother not forgetting to stamp his foot, real hard as she went up to her room. Touya gave howl of pain and roared,
"Monster" at her retreating back.
"I am NOT a monster" yelled back Sakura, happy to hear her overprotective brother's roar which she had missed so much.
"Sakura, Tomoyo, please change your clothes and take some rest, Nadeshiko and I want to talk to you both" Sonomi called.
"Yes mother" replied Tomoyo, smiling as she watched the two siblings fight.
Sakura sank into her bed and snuggled happily into her comfy bed, she then rolled over and stared at the ceiling, a cute image of Lee appeared there, she sighed and hugged her pillow. Then she stood up and went to the bath room to freshen up. In a little while she reappeared wearing her usual pink gown. A knock was heard on the door,
"Come in" she said and recognized her mother, "Oh it's you mother"
Nadeshiko came in and sat on her bed, she pulled Sakura and made her sit next to her,
"So tell me did you enjoy your little escapade?"
"Yeah a lot actually"
"Did you make any friends?"
"Yes" she nodded enthusiastically, "Rika and Naoko and Chiharu and Yamazaki" she reeled off, "… and Lee" she blushed, which her mother noticed,
"Li? Has he got anything to do with the royal family?"
Sakura shook her head indicating no, "and finally Eli"
"So my daughter's finally grown up hasn't she?" Nadeshiko smiled.
Sakura looked clueless, "Um… what do you mean mother?"
"Well then let's get down to the chase… you're in love, right?"
Sakura blushed hard and looked away,
"With Lee" finished her mother.
"But mother it can't happen can it? I mean I'm engaged aren't I?" whispered Sakura sadly.
Nadeshiko looked at her daughter unhappily, "You really love him don't you?" Sakura nodded, "then wish for the best"
"Huh?"
"Sometimes wishing for things with all your heart might just make it happen"
"You're on my side mother? Then why don't you break off this stupid engagement" cried Sakura.
"I'm afraid I don't have the power to do that, but I can give you a choice if you don't like the prince you can reject him but only after you've met him" she added noticing Sakura open her mouth to reply.
"Okay now get some well deserved rest. Yukito told me how much the people of the village really liked you and Tomoyo and I'm proud of you. The princes are arriving tomorrow and I want you to be at your best"
"Tomorrow?" yelped Sakura, "but…but I'm not ready yet"
"Don't worry. It'll be okay" she replied, "Now go to sleep before I make you" said her mother frowning in mock annoyance.
"Yes mother" said Sakura meekly. She shut her eyes and thought I wish I could see you, Lee, with all my heart.
Tomoyo had just told her mother everything, now she lay on her mother's lap crying softly. Her mother stroked her long beautiful hair gently, "Don't worry my dear, I'm sure it'll be just fine"
"And I know your prince charming Eli would be upset to see you cry" teased Sonomi softly.
She smiled as she saw her daughter's cheeks redden. She placed Tomoyo on her bed and kissed her forehead, "Sweet dreams" and she turned to leave.
"Mother" Tomoyo called, "Thank you. You're the best"
Her mother smiled and left the room.
"Oh Nadeshiko, I feel really sorry for them" she told her as they walked back to the throne room,
"I don't know why but I have a good feeling about this" said Nadeshiko.
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Syaoran was glaring at the scenery outside the carriage window, like it was annoying him. Whilst Eriol was staring equally angrily at the people passing by. Both the queens looked at each other and shrugged, their expressions the same I wonder how this is going to end
"Syaoran, You must stop pulling stupid faces when we get there" Queen Yelan said sternly to her son.
"If you think I'm…" began Syaoran in low growl, but his mother had this I-hope-I've-made-myself-clear-now-shut-up look on her face and so he shut up. But he grumbled under his breath.
Eriol snorted suddenly making them all jump, "Mother, I don't want to marry someone I don't know and I don't care what you say. I'll meet her and that's all" he declared firmly and refused to pursue the conversation.
His mother groaned, she'd expected this but said nothing at all knowing her son would not listen to anything she said just then.
This is not going to be easy she thought wearily. She knew that they'd be arriving soon
The next day, the entire Kinomoto capital was buzzing with activity and excitement eagerly waiting to meet their princesses' fiancés. Queen Sonomi and Queen Nadeshiko were extremely busy. Princess Sakura and Princess Tomoyo were both dresses in their best clothes specially made for this occasion and according to Sakura they were 'dripping' in jewels.
"Why do I have to wear these?" Sakura had wailed to her mother earlier that day holding a pretty diamond necklace match to her baby pink dress, "It's too heavy"
"It was your grandmother's and she'd love it if you wore those" she replied.
"That's what you always say" Sakura had grumbled.
Right now, the princes were expected to arrive at any moment and both Sakura and Tomoyo were at her bedroom. Sakura was sobbing softly, and Tomoyo kept dabbing her eyes. Suddenly the band began to play and a carriage arrived at the entrance of the palace. Tomoyo ran to the window and peered out,
"Oh no! They're here, Sakura" she cried as she ran to the mirror and adjusted her make up, "Do my eyes look puffy?" she asked Sakura merely shrugged in reply.
Tomoyo fixed Sakura's make up also and the two of them waited for the maids to come and escort them downstairs. Both of them had decided that they would not look at the princes but look at the ground only.
Syaoran and Eriol heard the sound of music being played and realized that they'd arrived. They got down from the carriage after their mothers as majestically and as dignified as possible. Syaoran looked around him. The palace was majestic with its huge oak doors and was decorated beautifully, a red carpet led right into a huge ballroom. The guards were standing on either side of the room and there was a set of staircase in front of him. Two Queens stood at the bottom of the staircase. His mother and his aunt embraced both of them and said,
"It's been such a long time"
She nodded,
"Oh and this is my son Syaoran Li and my nephew Eriol Hiiragizawa" she introduced. Both Syaoran and Eriol curtseyed, Syaoran had a suspicion that he had seen one of them before, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
"Yes I'll call for my daughter and her cousin" said the other Queen and nodded to one of the maids nearby. The two maids disappeared.
Sakura and Tomoyo heard a knock on the door. Tomoyo opened the door,
"Your mother has called for you, ma'am" she said. Tomoyo nodded and beckoned Sakura. "This is it, Sakura" Tomoyo whispered. And the two of them went to where their mothers were. Looking firmly at their feet both the princesses descended gracefully downstairs. Sakura heard her mother say,
"This is my daughter Sakura Kinomoto and Sonomi's daughter Tomoyo Daidouji" Both the princesses didn't raise their heads but bowed gently, hoping that the queens would assume that they're too shy. Which is what they must have done because they didn't say anything.
Queen Yelan looked at the girls in surprise, they were pretty, but acting really strange. But she couldn't blame them, because both her son and her nephew were looking pointedly away as well.
Eriol knew that it was incredibly rude to do this but every time he thought of Violette, the more he wanted to look away. Unfortunately his mother caught his gaze and glared at him. Eriol realized that his mother would be really angry with him and decide to look at the princesses. He slowly looked at the two girls standing in the middle of the staircase as if they were afraid to come down and gasped. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He nudged Syaoran, "Look at the princesses" he whispered.
Syaoran whispered back stubbornly, "No"
"Just trust me"
"That's one thing I'm definitely not going to do"
"Don't joke and do as I say, now" ordered Eriol.
So Syaoran hesitantly turned and looked at the girls, his jaw fell open in surprise,
"It's not possible" he stuttered and Eriol was grinning.
Tomoyo could hear the boys whispering and felt a little annoyed at their bad manners. Forgetting her resolve she looked up angrily, she was just about to say something when she noticed the two princes and stopped in surprise. "Sakura you're not going to believe this" she mumbled.
"What?"
"look up"
"okay" replied Sakura uncertainly. She was shocked, "Lee?" she mouthed unable to believe that the two peasants were actually princes (A/n: Yup it's them alright. I thought of another idea but then decided to stick to this anyway. I hope you don't mind ).
The two boys unfroze and Syaoran's face broke into a genuine smile, much to his mother's amazement. Sakura gave a happy squeal and overlooking the fact that she was a princess she dashed down the stairs, and threw herself into Syaoran's open arms. Tomoyo did the same, happy tears gushing out of her eyes.
"Lee…no I mean Syaoran, I'm so glad to see you" Sakura cried her voice muffled because her face was buried into his shirt. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and buried herself deeper into his arms.
"So you are my fiancée?" asked Syaoran softly, holding Sakura firmly by her waist.
"Yes and I'm really really glad that my mother made this arrangement" She looked up at him. "I never thought that you'd actually be a prince"
Syaoran pouted, "Am I that ill mannered and unruly?"
"No of course not" she laughed hugging him again, "Prince or pauper you'll always be my prince charming" she whispered and blushed.
"And you'll always be my Flo—no—Sakura"
"Ahem" Queen Hikaru cleared her throat loudly causing the four embracing couples to rebound from each other.
"Well, well" Queen Yelan's mouth formed a smirk, "I didn't think I expected that to happen"
The four of them blushed furiously and looked away, "Mother" yelled Syaoran.
"Well my boy, I should've realized that you'd fallen in love. That's why you didn't want to get married"
Syaoran blushed harder if possible and looked away mumbling, "That's not the only reason."
The four queens looked at each other slyly, Queen Nadeshiko began,
"Actually we have some bad news for you. You see years ago the four of us promised each other when you were born to get you four married. But Sakura is engaged to Eriol and Tomoyo to Syaoran"
"WHAT!" roared all of them in dismay.
"That's the promise we made, sorry" added Queen Yelan.
"I'm afraid we can't break it" piped in Queen Sonomi.
"And that's the way it'll be" chirped up Queen Hikaru finally.
"Mother, you can't do this to me" wailed Eriol.
"That's that" said the four queens together much to their utter disappointment.
The End
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sakura doll: That's it folks! How do you like it?
Syaoran: I think it's awful.
sakura doll: Why?
Syaoran: What do you mean why? Because you separated me and Sakura. Change the ending right now.
sakura doll: How dare you order me around? This is my story, pal.
Eriol: Forget him. Plz plz, sakura doll, I'm begging you change the darn ending.
sakura doll: Well…maybe if Syaoran apologizes.
Sakura: I'll apologize for him. Please change the ending
Tomoyo: How cute! Sakura's supporting Syaoran.
Eriol: Tomoyo ask her to change the ending.
sakura doll: Oh okay since you're all so desperate I'll see what I can do!
All of them: Thanks
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Back to the story
The four queens stared at the desperate look on their sons'/daughters' faces. Suddenly Queen Sonomi started to giggle. All the others glared at her,
"Sorry, their faces look so comical" she giggled. Yelan, Nadeshiko and Hikaru looked at them and started to laugh as well, much to the amazement,
"We were just kidding" choked out Queen Yelan.
"That's right" Queen Hikaru regained her composure and said, "Actually we promised that you four would get married but we didn't decide who will be married to who and we just made up a little twist to see your reactions"
"It was worth it" Queen Nadeshiko began to giggle all over again and the four queens walked out of the room still laughing,
"We'll allow you to spend some quality time with each other" Queen Sonomi called over her shoulder as they disappeared.
The four of them stood gaping,
"I didn't think my mother was capable of joking" muttered Syaoran after a long silence.
"Me neither" agreed Eriol looking a little dazed.
"Maybe miracles do happen" suggested Tomoyo.
"Yeah they do" Eriol pulled Tomoyo towards him smiling from ear to ear.
"Careful Eriol, you need to keep your mouth shut to prevent drool from spilling. You were gaping at Tomoyo when you first saw her today and I'm sure you drooled all over the carpet" Syaoran teased, pulling Sakura closer.
"Well keep your mouth shut now if you don't want a fly to enter" retorted Eriol. Sakura and Tomoyo laughed and kissed their fiancés' cheeks.
Eriol kissed Tomoyo on her lips making her blush while wrapping his arms around her slender waist. Syaoran whispered to Sakura,
"You know I'm very happy right now"
"Why?" Sakura blushed as she felt his breath tickle her neck.
"Because I have what my heart wants, you" He kissed Sakura tenderly.
Sakura smiled happily as she responded,
Yes I'm happy too, because I have what my heart wants
The Real End
Author's note:- I finally finished this story. I really enjoyed typing it. I hope you all liked it. I've got my next story ready to post and I'll post it ASAP. I hope you're all eager to read it coz my friends say it's really cute. I liked the response I got for this story and From Sunrise to sunset so plz plz plz plz leave me a review! I'm always eager to read your reviews. Oh yeah, Thanks to all my reviewers for sticking by me through this story! I couldn't have done it without your support!
Await my next story
My pet wolf cub, Chocolate.
Signing off,
sakura doll
LOL! (Saku 'n' Syao 4eva!)