FAMILY TIES

By JustAkiko

Rating: K+

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, but the story is all mine.

Setting: At the end of the anime… and the almost end of the manga.

Notes: This fic is mostly canon, focusing more on the manga than the anime. HOWEVER, I wrote this BEFORE I saw the first or second movie, so they have no relevance to this story. Hence the Li family etc are entirely characterised from my imagination.

Well, since last chappy was a quick one, this update has been a lot easier coming. Things start to heat up so all those waiting for the sparks to fly, don't worry it's all about to start!

Enjoy! And I'd love to see a few more reviews from people. If only to know where there could be improvements or what bit you liked best. Thankies muchly x x x

So on with the story!

Ja

CHAPTER 6

Meet You Match

The sleek black car wound its way gracefully through quiet, picturesque roads and for a moment Sakura couldn't believe she was in the same city. Hong Kong had been a hustle and bustle of noise and colour and people since the moment she had stepped off the aeroplane; a tiny Japanese flower in the midst of a new and frightening jungle. She'd been excited of course, almost squealing with excitement as she stared wide-eyed at the new world surrounding her, but within moments she'd been herded between airports and ferry ports before being packed into the expensive vehicle she was now travelling in. Now the noise of the city streets had disappeared behind tinted glass and the heat was staved by a cool leather interior. Scenery that had long been an endless dirty snake of traffic had been replaced by buildings and streets not unlike those of Tomoeda. The trees and parks they passed were lush and green, the air clean and the few pedestrians seemed friendly and relaxed as they went about their business. It was as if they'd passed into another world, and Sakura simply couldn't believe it.

"Sakura-chan? Are you alright?"

Her head turned back inside the car quickly, to look at her best friend sitting in the seat beside her. Sakura smiled brightly and nodded to Tomoyo, thinking once again just how glad she was her friend was accompanying her on this trip. Not only was it the only way of convincing her father to allow her to travel alone to Syaoran's home, but Tomoyo was also a friendly face in a place where she expected to meet few. Her support was going to be vital, Sakura could feel it; thankfully Tomoyo had felt the same.

Of course it had taken a while to convince her friend that she provided enough support without needing to bring an entire wardrobe of costumes and accessories. When Tomoyo had heard that Sakura would once more be calling upon her friends the Cards, she was intent on designing a whole new collection of outfits just for the occasion; only luggage limits and desperate pleading had finally limited her to just the usual video camera and inexhaustible supply of batteries and tapes.

"Sakura-chan!"

"Hoe?"

Sakura jumped at Tomoyo's second shout before realising she'd once again drifted into her thoughts outside the window. With an apologetic smile she turned fully towards her friend.

"Gomen ne Tomo…ahh!" she shrieked as a camera lens almost poked her in the eye. The dark haired camerawoman shuffled back apologetically, but continued to watch her best friend through the video camera itself.

"Gomen nasai Sakura-chan, but I wanted to begin this film as soon as possible. Cardcaptor Sakura's Hong Kong Exploits! It's going to make a wonderful film!" she sighed blissfully, as Sakura felt a blush creep into both cheeks. For the first time she was grateful that Syaoran was seated in the front of the car, away from the two of them.

"Tomoyo-chan…" she began to protest but was cut off sharply.

"Now tell me Sakura-chan, how do you feel? Are you nervous?"

The question gave Sakura pause and her embarrassment disappeared as she finally faced thoughts that so far she'd been doing a good job at ignoring. The beauty outside her window was forgotten as the fear of what awaited her came rushing back.

"I suppose." She whispered finally, "I'm worried that they won't give me a chance to prove myself."

Tomoyo smiled quietly, noticing her friend's sudden mood change, and lowered the camera to her lap. Sakura noticed the small red record light was still blinking, but was grateful when her friend ignored it and reached out to take her hand.

"You'll be fine Sakura-chan. Some families are just more old fashioned than others. I'm sure Li-kun's mother will like you."

Sakura grinned crookedly. "Not now that I have their precious Clow Cards. They all think of me as some sort of thief. It wasn't even my choice! It's all Kero-chan's fault."

The small Sun Guardian had been left at home, despite being anxious to accompany them to Hong Kong. Though Sakura would have been grateful for the extra support, the last thing she wanted was someone as brash as Kero causing her even more trouble. She seemed capable enough of that on her own with these people.

"But you were the chosen one Sakura-chan," Tomoyo broke in reasonably "And they have to accept that."

Sakura nodded but she wasn't convinced. As silence settled around them both she felt nerves begin to tingle once more across her whole body. Her fingers reached instinctively for the key at her throat and she found herself once again wishing she had Syaoran on her other side, calm and encouraging. But he'd been distant ever since they'd joined him in Hong Kong on today the first day of their Spring Break, and she didn't think she could handle yet another grave face.

"What do you think they'll ask you to do?" Tomoyo asked quietly breaking the heavy stillness, her own voice sounding somewhat nervous now. Sakura thought for a moment before shrugging uneasily.

"I don't know." She admitted simply. "Syaoran-kun didn't say. Hopefully something simple."

She looked over at her dark haired friend and felt her stomach warm as Tomoyo gave her a rich encouraging smile.

"Whatever it is, I know you can do it Sakura-chan."

Sakura nodded gratefully, returning her friend's smile.

"Arigatou Tomoyo-chan." She replied, "I'm sure it'll all be…"

"We're here."

Syaoran's voice cut through the conversation like a knife. It was all he'd really said to her since they'd arrived in China and his words were sharp and emotionless. Sakura didn't like him this withdrawn, not after almost two months apart while she finished term. But she tried not worry about it; she recognised the tension in his frame as the same nerves that now made her hands clasp tightly in her lap. She would get a proper welcome later. Still she'd have given anything for an encouraging smile now. Instead, his only reassurance was a sharp nod and a meaningful glare. It was the uneasiness in his eyes that made Sakura shiver. She squeezed Tomoyo's hand, taking strength from her friend's warm grip.

Showtime.

The huge wooden door was as ornate and intimidating as everything else they'd seen in the Li household so far. In fairness they hadn't seen a great deal, since the weary travellers had been immediately ordered to the dining room upon arrival; and that suited Sakura whose stomach had just started to growl rather uncomfortably. Now however, standing timidly before the forbidding looking door, peering cautiously through an evil looking keyhole, her nerves were quickly devouring her rampant appetite.

"It's empty." She whispered softly "Should we go in?"

A strong hand on her shoulder sent the inquisitive girl flying a foot in the air, a terrified squeak falling from her lips.

"Hoe!"

When she landed, Syaoran's gentle eyes were staring back at her in confusion, while Tomoyo giggled silently behind him. Sakura blushed crimson as she gave a great sigh; she'd almost forgotten that she wasn't alone in this monster of a house and the reminder, though surprising was a actually relief. Syaoran's face was calm and encouraging and that lifted her spirits somewhat. He even gave her a small smile, his first all day, and she returned it readily.

"We can go in. She'll be making an entrance soon enough."

"Hoe?"

Syaoran ignored her questioning look and moved his hand to the gilt doorknob, turning it smoothly and opening the way into the room beyond. Sakura gave a despairing glance to her best friend, but Tomoyo simply smiled excitedly and gave her a quick thumbs up from behind the lens of her camera.

"That will have to disappear Daidouji-san." Syaoran's voice carried out into the corridor "My Mother won't appreciate being filmed."

Tomoyo frowned in disappointment but quickly complied, packing her camera neatly away in the bag at her side. Sakura however felt her face droop as the already fearful image of Syaoran's mother, in her overactive imagination, grew horns and a few extra teeth.

Clutching Tomoyo's hand for support, she finally moved into the elegant dining room. Syaoran was standing motionless at the end of a long black table, surrounded by eight tall uncomfortable looking chairs. His gaze was focused inward, his eyes suddenly clouded with thought and Sakura felt her heart squeeze as the three waited in silence for the host to arrive.

It wasn't long before the chatter of feminine voices and the clatter of slippered feet echoed through the open doorway. Sakura's heart jumped to her throat as she quickly turned to look at Syaoran. But his reaction calmed her slightly as it was obvious from his posture this was not his mother approaching and she turned back to the doorway with renewed curiosity.

Seconds later four tall young women with bright ginger hair and sparkling eyes swept into the room. Their casual chatter quickly evaporated and silence reigned for an endless moment, as they came face to face, each party examining the other. Finally the heavy tension was shattered by piercing girlish squeals.

"Xiao Lang!"

The four newcomers sprang to life, throwing themselves at the cowering youth, who almost crumpled under the weight of bodies. Sakura and Tomoyo quickly leapt out of reach and watched in amazement as the rough and tough Syaoran was kissed, cuddled, squeezed and pinched to within an inch of his young life.

"Syao-chan!"

"Baby brother!"

"You're back!"

"We missed you sooo much!"

A mess of chestnut hair finally pulled away from the melee and escaped to Sakura's side.

"Oh please, Sheifa, I've only been gone a week. You know I was picking up Sakura-chan."

At the mention of her name, the Japanese girl blanched as four pairs of eyes immediately locked on to her trembling form. To her surprise and discomfort the warmth and welcome they'd bestowed upon their brother had disappeared, replaced by a cold suspicion in their intense gaze.

Delicate fingers suddenly squeezed her own, breaking through her panic. Turning to Tomoyo she caught her friends meaningful gaze and felt her brain finally react. She mimicked her dark haired friend and bowed politely towards the four young women, then listened as Tomoyo spoke out confidently.

"Konbanwa. I am Daidouji Tomoyo and this is Kinomoto Sakura. Thank you for having us to stay."

Sakura smiled awkwardly, but their efforts seemed wasted on the older girls who remained stony faced and silent. It was Syaoran who finally stepped forward and broke the uncomfortable stand off.

"Sakura-chan, Daidouji-san, these are my older sisters: Li Fanran, Li Feimei, Li Fuutie and Li Sheifa."

As he introduced each girl Sakura received a small bow in response. She stared wide-eyed at the infamous Li siblings. So these were the girls Meiling had spent so many hours talking about. She'd never imagined them to be so… intimidating.

The first, and she assumed eldest, had short ginger hair and soft brown eyes. She seemed the most relaxed of the group and her face held more curiosity than distrust.

Next came a tall girl with scraped back hair and blank blue eyes. She wore the same expression that Syaoran had sported when he'd first walked into her life, but although that had changed between them, Sakura felt certain that this girl would always look at her that way; like a hawk sizing up its prey.

The third sister exuded a much more feminine air, her grass green eyes sparkling and her long hair tied up in an elaborate clip. Sakura shivered at the calculating look she received as the girl glared down her nose at her, perfectly manicured nails clicking menacingly.

Finally there was the fourth and obviously youngest sister. Although she was still some years older than Sakura, the Cardcaptor sensed an aura so passionate and erratic that it mirrored that of a child, constantly poised on an emotional knife-edge. Her sky blue eyes were the fiercest of all and Sakura fought to avoid the angry glare.

Another squeeze on her fingers told Sakura that her staring was bordering on impolite and she quickly lowered her eyes to relearn the intricacies of her shoelaces. After more awkward silence she eventually heard Syaoran strike up some sort of small talk with his sisters, until abruptly the mindless chatter ceased.

"She's coming." Announced the eldest sister, Fanran.

Sakura felt her heart sink even further towards the floor; if the sisters were here then that left only one person for the table. She glanced desperately towards Syaoran hoping for a helpful word or reassuring smile, but he'd already disappeared from her side and stood stiffly by the chair at the foot of the table: a solider awaiting his captain.

With a shuddering sigh and a small smile from Tomoyo, Sakura picked up her leaden feet and forced herself to take her own place at the family table. With only two spaces left open, each one between two sisters, she headed silently to the seat between Fanran and Sheifa, her hand already missing Tomoyo's comforting grip.

Her mind was racing. What would this mother look like? Would she really have horns and mouth full of sharp pointy teeth? Would she even speak to her? Did she hate her as much as the sisters seemed to? Syaoran was no help she realised, as she watched him stare blankly ahead of him, eyes revealing nothing to anyone, not even her. In that moment Sakura felt as if the room were empty and she waited alone to face the dragon.

A soft swish of fabric brought her crashing out of her reverie and Sakura's eyes shot to the open door. She heard Tomoyo's gasp pierce the silence, ignoring the same sound spilling from her own lips.

There, silhouetted in the doorway, stood Li Yelan.

Syaoran felt the familiar tingling up his spine as he sensed his mother's presence in the doorway behind him. He could picture her perfectly: long, black hair wrenched away from a porcelain face in a severe ponytail, enough to match her elegant stature and harsh personality. Her dark eyes would appear empty, but even now he could feel the burn of her calculating gaze crawl over each one of them, coming to rest on the two foreign agents at their family table.

Poor Sakura. Being thrust into all of this pomp and ceremony after such an abrupt arrival had to be messing with her beautiful head. He could already see, in the periphery of his vision, the frantic looks she was sending his way and the wide-eyed amazement that was her reaction to his mother's entrance. His fingers itched to take hold of her, to let her know he'd missed her and that everything would be okay, but he didn't. This was his mother's game and his family's rules. If they had any chance of winning he had to play fair. So Li Syaoran remained completely still, the perfect son of a perfect family; he just prayed his friends would join him in the charade until they could all be alone and he could explain.

"You may be seated."

The smooth words shook Syaoran from his thoughts and he was startled to find his mother already waiting at the opposite head of the table. The glint in her eye was almost predatory as she registered his snap back to concentration but Syaoran ignored it, forcing himself to focus on the wall beside her. With a polite bow he took his seat, bracing himself for an unpleasant evening.

To his surprise, Sakura and Tomoyo had correctly remained standing, along with his mother, awaiting her personal invitation to take their seats. It seemed they caught on faster than he'd expected. Syaoran smiled.

"Err… thank you for inviting us to your home. My name is Kinomoto Sakura, and this is my friend Daidouji Tomoyo."

Sakura's soft voice echoed loudly in the silent room and Syaoran almost laughed at his sisters' shocked expressions. In all his sixteen years he'd never seen anyone actually begin a conversation with Li Yelan; her whole demeanour was enough to strike fear and silence in the strongest of men and yet here was a girl younger than them all, taking her life in her hands and opening her mouth first.

He was pleased; Sakura's natural innocence had often proved her saving grace and, as the two Japanese girls bowed, he smirked to see the surprised look on his mother's face. She regained her composure quickly however, returning the gesture with her usual effortless grace.

"You are most welcome. I am Li Yelan. Xiao Lang's mother and Head of the Li Clan. You have already met my daughters?"

Syaoran felt his anger rekindle slightly at the mention of his four, usually wonderful, sisters. Whatever had gotten into them tonight, he didn't like it. Their cold, unreasonable behaviour worried him more than the prospect of dinner.

"Please, both of you, be seated."

The hushed scrape of chairs announced the completion of their dining party and Syaoran watched cautiously as Sakura perched uncomfortably in her huge seat, face flushed and eyes still darting around the room anxiously. Finally he forced his gaze away as his mother began to speak.

"Before we come to the business of this evening and your visit here," Her eyes settled on Sakura who pressed herself even further into the solid wood of her seat, "I thought a meal would be in order. After all, you must be famished after your journey."

Syaoran felt himself nod automatically, even though his mother's gaze was fixed firmly on his flustered girlfriend.

"And we are all in for a special treat." She continued, "I have ordered in new catering staff to accommodate for our Japanese guests tastes. I hope you both enjoy."

The surprise and wonder in the young girls' eyes made Syaoran shiver as he watched a thin smile paint his mother's lips. He knew that all this special treatment was nothing but a show, her way of keeping Sakura and himself off guard. He hated his mother's manipulative tricks. And even more he hated that he could now see them for what they were. But even worse he hated seeing the ignorance around him as every new stranger was taken in by that smooth voice and serene smile. The smug looks on his sisters' faces and the triumphant gleam in Yelan's eye were enough to kill his appetite.

As if on cue, the door leading from the kitchen passage opened and their first course brought in to be served. But it wasn't the thought of food that made Syaoran's stomach suddenly lurch as he struggled to stop himself from crying out in disbelief. Those angry eyes, that silver hair. It couldn't be!

It was!

Walking through the small side door into the torturous dining room came a vision that sent Sakura reeling. She didn't understand how or why but there, carrying some sort of starter on large silver trays, was none other than her big brother Touya and Yukito-san. They were dressed the same as the other two servers, in expensive black trousers and a pristine white shirt with the traditional high neck, but there was no doubting that cheerful smile or the pointed glare Touya was sending her way. Sakura's heart leap, she wasn't alone anymore; her brothers were there to help her! Everything was going to be all right.

An ecstatic smile split her face and a bright 'Onii-chan!' was on the tip of her tongue, when three pairs of anxious eyes suddenly battered her from all sides. Touya, Tomoyo and Syaoran were all glaring quickly her way, warning in their gaze. It happened for just a moment but Sakura read the message loud and clear and she clamped her mouth shut staring pointedly at her plate, desperately suppressing the excitement bursting in her chest.

Within moments the four waiters had left and they ate in silence, the four sisters occasionally questioning Syaoran about his trip. Each time a new course was served Sakura forced her eyes towards the table, praying her expression remained neutral, even though inside she was dancing. Finally the last course had been consumed and Sakura found the strength to bring her eyes up to look around the table. All eyes were turned back at her, as if waiting for her to speak. A shiver ran through her as she finally looked towards the head of the table and into large waiting eyes.

"A-a-arigatou gozaimasu." She whispered as politely as she could.

Yelan didn't seem to react, her eyes simply continued to burn a hole right through Sakura's confidence. The silence was becoming chocking until cold words broke the quiet.

"You know why you were asked here."

It wasn't a question and Sakura sank down further in her seat. It was the topic she'd been dreading all night but she forced her auburn head to nod in a silent affirmative.

Yelan continued immediately "You, Kinomoto Sakura, are the new Mistress of the Clow Cards. So much so that they are now in fact, Sakura Cards." She said the words as if talking about something dirty. "You must understand therefore that the Li Clan, the rightful heirs and protectors of Clow Reed's magic, need to guarantee that you will guard that power sufficiently. After all, we cannot have a little girl ruining a whole legacy of magics."

The forbidding woman rose to her feet and Sakura shuddered as she noticed again just how tall and powerful this woman was. Her aura was flashing brightly on Sakura's senses and she sensed not only the tension but also the determination in the older woman's heart. Yelan continued, a judge passing sentence.

"We have no choice but to test you and this… new magic. You will be asked over the next month to participate in various challenges, to show myself and the Elders the extent and control of your power. We ask only that you follow instructions and fight fairly, only then -when the final task is completed successfully- will we accept your claim over our blood heritage."

The speech was hard and cruel and Sakura felt each word chipping away at her quivering resolve. Tests. Proof. Blood heritage. The way Yelan described things was enough to make her feel like the thief they believed she was. Her nerve was slipping and for a moment Sakura was ready to run from the room and never look back.

It was then she felt a warm pressure in her lap. The small case holding the Sakura Cards rested patiently there and through the thin material of her skirt the Cardcaptor could feel the support and love of her fifty-three friends pressing against her skin. That's right; the Cards liked her, they wanted her; had chosen her as their Mistress not some Li. Clow's descendant or not she had been the one they came to and she wasn't about to run away from that.

With renewed confidence Sakura brought her eyes to meet Yelan's. Gathering all her strength, she replied without stuttering.

"Very well. I promise to try my best."

Yelan's expression flickered briefly, but Sakura couldn't read the change. Her eyes as well as her aura suddenly went dead and it took Sakura a few moments to realise the woman was blocking them from her. Seconds later Sakura felt her heart leap as Yelan nodded briefly before stepping away from the table.

"Very good Kinomoto-san I hope you do, because know this: there are ways and means of stripping the Cards of their magic and memory, and if you prove unworthy the Clan will waste no time in breaking your hold on them and taking back what is rightfully ours."

Cold and threatening, the words left a parting shot more brutal than anything the woman had said till then. Sakura's heart clenched and she almost cried out at the thought of losing her beloved cards. But she had no time to respond because Yelan was already standing in the doorway, her back turned, ready to depart.

"The first task will be tomorrow evening. You will be collected from your room when it is necessary. Girls, please take our two young guests there now. Xiao Lang, come with me."

The orders were given and as soon as Yelan's regal form disappeared from sight the Li children sprang into action. Syaoran had left immediately, close on his mother's heels, without looking back. Sakura felt the loss of his presence and stared despairingly at Tomoyo. Her friend smiled encouragingly as they rose quickly to their feet along with the remaining sisters.

"If you'll follow us." Fanran instructed.

Without a word the sisters bracketed the girls on both sides and moved as a unit out of the room and down the corridor, in the opposite direction to the one taken by Yelan. Out in the passage, Sakura stole a brief glance behind her. Her heart jumped as she saw Syaoran standing silently, his hand on the doorknob to another room, but his eyes fixed firmly on hers. His aura suddenly flared and Sakura felt reassuring warmth fill her heart. She smiled quickly but he didn't return it, instead he disappeared into the dark room. Sakura turned back and sighed. A long passage and a small flight of stairs lay ahead.

It was going to be a long night.

"So, what do you think?" muttered Feimei quietly.

"She's the Card Mistress!"

"Ow! Hey Fuutie stop squealing in my ear."

"Sorry. But… I mean… Well I just don't believe it! Her?"

"She's so scrawny."

"You're one to talk Sheifa."

The youngest sister rounded indignantly on Fuutie.

"Hey, what do you mean, she's a lot younger than me!"

"I just can't believe she beat Xiao Lang. Our Xiao Lang!."

Feimei's voice was an amazed whisper.

"Yeah," replied Fuutie, "Even you couldn't do that most of the time right?"

"Exactly."

"So how did she manage to pass the Judgement and not him?"

"I don't know Sheifa, but I can't wait to find out." The glow in Feimei's eyes was almost menacing.

"Oooo hey, maybe she bewitched him!" Fuutie's screeched suddenly "Perhaps she put a love spell on our poor baby…"

Feimei snorted.

"Oh come on Fuutie, even you know that's not possible."

The girls laughed, but Sheifa looked thoughtful.

"I don't even think she'd need it. Have you seen the way he looks at her?"

"What?" "What!"

Sheifa stared wide-eyed at her two gaping sisters, her voice utterly incredulous.

"You mean both of you missed it?"

"What?" "Yeah spill it Squirt."

The younger girl glared at her elder siblings, but the need to gossip overruled her stubbornness.

"In the corridor earlier, his eyes, when he looked at the Kinomoto girl; they were all glassy and… and fierce. He was nervous, worried about her. And when does Xiao Lang ever worry about anyone?"

"You don't mean he lov…"

"No! No way!" Feimei's angry shout took all the sisters by surprise, "Xiao would never fall for such an…inferior girl. He has rank and taste. He has a position to think about."

"What about his heart?" All eyes turned to the eldest of the siblings, meeting Fanran's level gaze. Her voice was calm and unemotional. Finally Feimei huffed a brash reply.

"Our Xiao isn't like that."

The elder sister remained silent, seemingly disappearing from the conversation as quickly as she and joined.

"Fanran has a point though Fei." Fuutie finally said, breaking the tense silence, "He seemed wired, tense…"

"…Yeah, and it wasn't just me who noticed."

"What are you talking about Squirt?"

Sheifa shifted uncomfortably under her sibling's penetrating gaze.

"Mother. She noticed too. I could tell."

The young girl settled a hesitant grin on Feimei, whose eyes were now dark and she remained silent.

"So what do you make of her big sis?" Fuutie's light voice cut in as all eyes turned back towards their oldest sibling.

"Fanran?"

Deep brown eyes blinked slowly, thoughtfully.

"We need to go. It's time to pick up Meiling from the train station."

And when morning comes, the games begin!

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW:o)

Ja