Chapter 15.- Unexpected Letter.
Almost a month passed by almost in the blink of an eye. They were already in the middle of December and about to go out on Christmas Vacation; though none of the sorcerers were really planning on going anywhere at all. They were too occupied getting ready to fight Voldemort and whatever he may be preparing.
It had been a surprise, and a nice one at that, to see how fast Draco Malfoy adjusted to his new powers and trained them. Also in classes, and in between them he had changed a lot; from the cold rotten boy who believed himself to be the owner of the world, to a polite, mature and courageous young man who was ready to fight any evil that came across.
Naoko was his best friend now, and the one who trusted him the most. Harry and Hermione had accepted to leave the past behind and start anew, becoming friends with the Slytherin boy rather quickly.
Even though he would never admit it publicly Shaoran knew the blonde boy was really changing. It was now the responsibility of the Elemental Sorcerer to make sure those in Slytherin who still believed in the Dark Lord didn't try to get Malfoy back on their side, or on the other hand hurt him.
They had even added Draco Malfoy and Naoko into their telepathic bond, this way they could keep 'an eye' on each other without others noticing; and could discuss private things in a safer way than normally.
Eriol and Tomoyo continued with their strange attitudes, evading each other and with an internal sadness that could be noticed in their auras; but when their friends questioned about it they would just deny anything was wrong. It was driving everyone crazy.
.-.
Dream
She was standing in a beautiful garden, under a moonless night-sky, the glow of the stars reflecting beautifully in the different flowers, mainly the roses that were in full bloom at top of a nearby hill.
And it was right then that she noticed she wasn't alone, there was a woman standing there, in between the roses; wearing a long and elegant light-purple dress, her long dark hair cascading down her back and almost reaching the ground; and it was that hair that shadowed every faction in her face and made it impossible for anyone to see the true color of her eyes.
"Welcome to my garden." The woman's keen voice seemed to echo in the air. "I've been expecting you, Tomoyo Daidouji…"
The lavender-eyed enchantress was truly surprised at first to see that this woman knew her name, until realization struck.
"You're one of them, aren't you?" Tomoyo asked. "One of the Roses?"
"Yes I am, Rose Tsubame is my name, or at least it used to be." The woman replied in a soothing tone.
"Where are you?" Tomoyo asked. "We've been looking everywhere for you."
"You need to look for me no more, because find me you already have." Tsubame answered cryptically. "I'm closer, much closer than even you may imagine."
Tomoyo was at a loss of words.
"But I didn't come here to talk about me." Tsubame added. "I came to talk about the one who used to be Clow Reed."
"Eriol-kun?" Tomoyo asked confused. 'What reason does this woman has to want to talk to me about Eriol-kun?' she wondered.
"You know very well what the reason is Tomoyo." Tsubame replied.
"You read my mind!" It was more a statement than a question.
"We're inside a dream. Here, everything that may seem as impossible is not only possible but also likely."
"Why do you want to talk about Eriol-kun?"
"As I already said, you already know that, but I'll say it anyway. I want to talk to you about the reason why he broke up his relationship with you."
"What! How can you know that?"
"You know, there are many ways to answer that question, some more complicated than others. But I'll say it this way: I'm the reason he broke up with you."
"You? I don't understand."
"The guilt he feels for my death, and for the probability that I'm back. He fears that by falling in love with you he has betrayed me, my memory, the deep love we had for each other a long time ago." She sighed melancholically. "He just doesn't see that he's Clow no longer, just as I'm Tsubame no longer."
"What do you mean you are Tsubame-san no longer?"
"It has to do with the reincarnations. Some people believe that those who reincarnate have to forcefully continue with the life they had before, but they don't. In the case of Clow, and of many others, they had to take up on who they once were in order to be able to protect others, they needed the power; but that doesn't mean that in every other aspect of their lives they had to do things the same too."
"You mentioned your death. What does that have to do with him?"
"He was there when I died. In fact, I died protecting him."
"Protecting him? From who?"
"That's a very long story you'll understand some day, when you're ready, but not now. Now what is important is that you talk to him, that you two sort things out."
"I understand. But I have one more question."
"What is it?"
"Do you still love him?"
"I love Clow."
"But do you still love him?"
"That doesn't matter. What matters is that you really love Eriol, and no matter how much he tries to hide it, he loves you just as much. You two deserve to be happy, together. Don't let remorse or fear of any kind step in your way. The kind of love you share is a very special one and very rare to find, never forget that."
End of Dream
"Wait…What do you mean…" Tomoyo asked, but it was already too late, she had awoken.
.-.
It was breakfast time, one of the last days of classes, they had even finished the exams of that semester already. Tomoyo was just sitting there, in her place, moving her food from one side of the plate to the other with her fork, not really eating it.
"Daijoubu Tomoyo-chan?" Sakura asked worriedly.
"Hai Sakura-chan." Tomoyo nodded. "I was just thinking."
"You know anything you may think you can always count on me, ne?" Sakura asked.
"Hai, I know." Tomoyo nodded. 'Though this time it isn't you I need to help me, but someone else.' She added to herself.
Right then their small conversation was interrupted by an unexpected and loud bang on the Slytherin Table.
Those who were there having breakfast turned to look at Shaoran, who looked unusually perturbed while holding a piece of parchment in his hands.
Shaoran-kun? Sakura called.
There was no answer.
Shaoran-kun! Sakura shouted mentally.
It was loud enough for all of them to hear, but Shaoran still didn't answer.
Draco-san. Tomoyo called. You know what's happening?
I have no idea Tomoyo. Draco replied. He received that letter, opened it, and suddenly turned livid.
You know who sent the letter? Naoko asked.
I don't know. Draco replied. But the seal is one I had never seen. Of a golden dragon with some strange symbols I can't read…
He had just said that when Sakura was already on her feet, running to her fiancé's side.
"Shaoran-kun?" She called. "Doushite?"
For all answer Shaoran handed her the letter, just by looking at the seal she confirmed her first thoughts; and after reading it her fears were also proven right.
What is it Sakura? Hermione asked.
This is serious, really serious. Sakura replied.
And just by noticing the lack of cheerfulness in her voice, that much was obvious.
Come to the Sorcerers' Room. Sakura said seriously. All of you. And maybe you should bring the Professors too, we're gonna have to talk something to him.
Hai/Yes. They all replied immediately.
.-.
Ten minutes later they were all sitting in chairs and coaches in what could be considered the 'living room' of the Sorcerers' Tower. Shaoran and Sakura were sitting in the loveseat, and not only did he look just as livid as before, but he was also serious now, a seriousness his fiancée beside him seemed to share.
"What is it you wanted to talk to us Miss Kinomoto, Mr. Li?" Dumbledore asked sitting in chair before the two teenagers.
Normally Sakura would have first insisted to the Headmaster to call them by their first names, but as if just to prove once more how serious this was she went straight to business.
"Shaoran-kun and I will be leaving for China today." She declared seriously.
"But Miss Kinomoto, the school, you still have three more days and…" McGonagall, who was there too, didn't seem to like the idea.
"I know Professor, but this is too important." Sakura replied respectfully. "It is of vital importance that both Shaoran-kun and I are in China as soon as possible."
"What happened?" Eriol asked.
It was obvious for him and for Tomoyo that for the betrothed sorcerers to act that way something serious must be happening in Hong Kong.
"Yelan-oka-san has fallen gravely ill." Sakura explained.
"Ill?" Tomoyo asked, fairly surprised that a woman like the Li Clan's Leader could get bad just by some sickness.
"Some believe it has something to do with some king of curse, nothing is for sure." Sakura explained. "But we need to be in China to help as much as we can."
"How can two children make any difference?" Severus asked.
"They aren't any children." Eriol said seriously. "Heirs of Clow Reed, they are the most powerful Sorcerers to have ever existed. Shaoran is the Heir of the Li Clan, and Sakura is his fiancée; together they are the future Leaders of the Eastern Magic Council."
"My mother has leaded the council up to now." Shaoran finally spoke. "But now she's sick, I must go and take my place."
"And I will be by his side, as always." Sakura added. "We're deeply sorry if you consider us irresponsible for leaving in such short notice or anything, but this is our duty."
"I see." Dumbledore nodded. "You're excused of anything you may have to do in these three days, and I wish you good luck in your trip."
"Arigato Professor." Sakura got on her feet and did a small bow.
"We shall leave immediately then." Shaoran added standing too.
"Remember to write to us." Naoko told them.
"And if anything happens don't hesitate to call for our help." Harry added immediately.
"We will." Sakura nodded.
And with that she brought out the Move Card and called upon its powers.
There was a brief flash of light and a second later…the two were gone.
"What do we do now?" Hermione asked.
"Sadly there's nothing we can do for now, except wait." Eriol replied.
.-.
Sakura and Shaoran appeared in the entrance of the great Li Mansion, still wearing the Hogwarts's robes; but they didn't care at the moment, the only thing they cared was finding Shaoran's mother.
The servants seemed genuinely surprised when they saw the two teenagers walking as fast as they could through the hallways.
"Li-san." One of the servants called in surprise when almost bumping into them. "And the young miss…"
"It's Sakura Kinomoto, my fiancée." Shaoran replied. "Where are my mother and sisters?"
"Oh, Yelan-sama and the four misses are in the main room." The servant answered.
He was barely finished when Shaoran was already walking away.
"Arigato." Sakura thanked him quickly before going behind her fiancé.
The two teens continued going through many hallways Sakura didn't recognize, though at the moment she didn't really care either.
Finally the two reached the main bedroom of the mansion.
Shaoran knocked several times lightly, until someone answered the door.
"Young master Li!" Wei seemed genuinely impressed, and even more when he saw the woman. "Mistress Sakura."
"Konbanwa Wei-san." Sakura greeted the butler. "We came here as soon as we could."
And it was that even when in England it was barely about eight in the morning in China it was already around six in the evening.
Wei nodded as he understood, for a moment he had forgotten just how much power those two had when together.
"Sakura-chan, Shaoran-kun." Xiefa received them. "I'm so glad you could come so quickly."
"We received the letter a while ago, let the others know where we would be and then Sakura-chan used her powers to bring us here." Shaoran explained.
The others nodded.
The other three sisters stepped aside, letting the two teenagers approach the bed. Sakura took the liberty of sitting in a side of the bed, while Shaoran stood next to her.
"I'm so glad you came…" Yelan whispered.
"Don't force yourself Yelan-oka-san, rest." Sakura said taking the woman's hand in her own. "Shaoran-kun and I are here now, we'll help you."
"How are you going to help her?" Fanren asked. "Not even the healers and doctors know what it is she has."
"I don't know." Sakura answered sincerely. "But we'll find a way."
Shaoran nodded, agreeing with her.
.-.
Back in England Tomoyo received a letter from Sakura and Shaoran, informing them they were in China, and what had happened to Yelan; this last in hopes that someone there would be able to find out something to help.
This was why Ron found Hermione, Harry and the rest buried in enormous books in the library, some of them even written in ancient languages very difficult to decipher.
"I thought you didn't like being in the library." Ron commented.
"It's not about liking it or not." Harry replied to Ron, never getting his eyes off the book. "We're trying to find something."
"About what?" Ron asked.
"Shaoran's mother is sick, a strange sickness nobody knows what it is." Harry decided to say as much of the truth as possible. "We're trying to find something to help her."
"Li's mother?" Ron asked. "Is that why he left all of a sudden?"
"Yes." Harry nodded.
"And what about Sakura?" Ron asked. "I haven't seen her either."
"She left along with Shaoran." Harry replied easily.
Ron was about to ask how they had gotten the permission to leave three days before the vacation when another known voice interrupted them.
"I found something!" It was Hermione.
The Librarian approached them to shush them, but the sorcerers and half-sorcerers couldn't care less at the moment, it seemed their search would finally reward them.
.-.
In Hong Kong, Sakura and the four sisters of Shaoran were buried in books of the Li Mansion too; trying to find something in between everything that would help them find out the solution to Yelan's sickness. Shaoran was at the studio, checking some papers to inform himself of the situation the clan was in so he could be ready to take charge.
"Sakura-dono?" A voice called.
Sakura emerged from in between a tower of books and documents.
"Hai?" she asked.
"Li-sama is looking for you." The servant girl explained with a bow. "He is in the studio, waiting for you."
"Arigato." Sakura smiled at the servant girl and went looking for Shaoran.
Shaoran was in the main studio, dressed in his ceremonial robes, it was obvious he was getting ready for something important.
"You called for me?" Sakura asked.
"That's right." Shaoran nodded. "There will be a session of the Eastern Council. In it I'll present myself as the new leader. I want you to be next to me."
Sakura nodded, understanding the importance of what he was saying.
"I suppose I'll need more proper clothing." Sakura said looking at her simple jeans and sweater. "Change!"
The Card immediately followed her wishes. Sakura was enveloped in a light and her clothes changed. She was then wearing a long high-neck sleeveless Chinese-style tunic, with a slit on each side reaching to their upper thighs, cream color with soft pink hem, underneath pink slacks that reached just below their knees, cream fighting slippers were the finishing touch. Her star key resting above her chest, hanging from the chain, and her betrothal ring in her finger were the only pieces of jewelry she wore, her middle-waist-length hair hanging loose and there was no makeup.
"How about this?" Sakura asked.
"Kireii (Beautiful)." Shaoran said in awe.
"Tomoyo-chan made it for me not too long ago." Sakura replied. "I think she thought I would need something like this someday."
Shaoran nodded.
With Sakura took Shaoran's arm and they made their way to the Council's Room.
.-.
Practically all the members of the Council were already in the room when Shaoran and Sakura entered. She took seat in a spot right next to the main chair, though Shaoran didn't sat, instead he was standing right in front of both chairs as he spoke seriously.
"I am Li Xiao Lang, son of Li Xiao Len and Li Yelan, heir to the Li Clan and the Eastern Council." Shaoran said seriously. "I am standing here now as the new Leader of this Council, waiting for your approval, or if you have any reasons for me not to take this place, talk now or remain silent forever."
One man got on his feet, Sakura could see he must be important.
"Sheng Sou from the Sheng Clan is my name." The man said seriously. "And in the name of the whole Council I approve you, my lord, as our new leader."
Having said that all the members of the council got on their feet, bowed once and then sat down once more.
"My lord…" One of the other members called.
Sakura noticed that most of the members were men, she supposed that it was because it was tradition for men to be the leaders of their clans.
Shaoran turned his eyes to the man, acknowledging him.
"Moto Kairel, from the Moto Clan." The man introduced himself with a bow. "My Lord, as you may very well now your mother was made leader of this council in the place of your father at his tragic death, even when having a female leader of the council was something unheard of until then."
"We all know that Moto-san." Shaoran said seriously.
"You know very well that a leader of our Council must be an example for all the rest of the members by following the traditions…"
"And your point is?" Shaoran interrupted him.
"One of those traditions established our leader must be married to a worthy bride, one with enough power and character to stand to his side and give council when it is needed." Moto explained seriously.
Some whispers began.
"That business has already been settled." Shaoran declared seriously.
"Meaning?" Moto asked.
Shaoran turned slightly and motioned for Sakura to join him.
Sakura breathed deeply, trying to hide her nervousness and swiftly stepped to Shaoran's right, doing a slight bow to everyone and then standing straight.
"This is Kinomoto Sakura." Shaoran introduced her. "From this day on known as Li Ying Fa, my to-be-wife."
"Your future wife?" Another asked. "Has this been approved?"
"My mother has been informed already, and I'll have a meeting with the Elders first-hour tomorrow morning." Shaoran informed.
The Elders were a very important part of the Council, though they rarely assisted to the meetings, only when there was something very important happening (as they already knew since long ago Shaoran would become the leader some day they didn't consider necessary to be in that meeting).
"Does Lady Ying Fa belong to a magic Clan?" Another asked.
"That shall be no impediment." Shaoran said seriously. "She is a powerful Sorceress by her own merit, with no need of a clan to back her up."
Both teenagers had decided not to say she was the Mistress of the Cards, not yet at least; Sakura really wanted to win the sorcerers' respect without revealing that small piece of information about herself. She wanted them to respect her for being a strong sorceress, not just because of the names her cards once had.
"My Lord, my Lady?" One of the eldest Sorceresses called.
Both teens turned to the woman with a nod, acknowledging her.
"When shall the wedding take place?" The woman asked.
This left both of them in a deep silence, looking at each other, that was one thing they hadn't taken in consideration.
.-.
It was the last day of school in Hogwarts; some hours before Sakura and Shaoran had been in that Council meeting, and the resolution they had come up with arrived to the other sorcerers in the form of a letter.
Tomoyo, Naoko, Eriol, Harry, Hermione and Draco had arrived early, as always, after their morning training.
Tomoyo was the one who had received the letter, with the same seal the one Draco had seen Shaoran receive two days ago.
"Oh my…" Tomoyo gasped at what she read.
"What is it?" Naoko asked.
Even Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Severus and Sonomi, who had just arrived, were looking right at the Enchantress holding the piece of paper in her hands.
"What is it?" Eriol asked once again.
"This letter…" Tomoyo began.
"What does the letter say?" Hermione insisted.
The others were beginning to get worried.
"Is something wrong?" Harry asked.
"Iie." Tomoyo finally spoke. "Sakura and Shaoran are getting married next week."
So? What do you think? Do you like the idea? I'm not fully sure myself if this is a good idea or not, it is just something that came to my mind while I was still writing some of the first chapters, and planning what would be happening, basically, in the rest of the story. It was then that this idea came up, I thought it could be interesting. Now, don't expect to see the wedding in the next chapter, because it won't be that fast, some things must be settled first with the members of the Eastern Council for them to fully accept Sakura (or Ying Fa, as they'll be calling her) as their to-be-leader. And there's also the thing of Tomoyo and Eriol, what will she do after that conversation she had with Tsubame.
Right now I'm still trying to decide whether if I'll reveal who one of the Roses is in the next few chapters, or until the next climaxing point. For those who wonder what I mean my stories usually have several climaxing points, it means chapters were the action gets to the top, mysteries are solved (and sometimes new mysteries are formed), one of those climaxing points will be coming in Christmas Break, in the next chapters, and I must now decide if in those chapters I'll reveal who one of the Roses really is, or leave it for later, you have the right to make your opinions known through reviews.
Arigato for your past reviews, I still hope the day will come when I'll have as much reviews as I had when this story began.
Well, that's all for now tomodachi (friends). Arigato for reading this. Onegai leave reviews and wait for the next chapter. Ja ne!
