Cards, Love, war, and rebellion

Chapter 15

Authors note: Ok this is the final chapter and I will end it on a happy note. Believe it or not I may set up an epilogue but it will be a short one so bear with me. And now on to the final chapter.

POV: Sakura

Our final days in Hong-kong was as fun as it was enlightening. Tomoyo chan got herself a lover and a potential husband. She wants to take it slow cause they don't know eachother well to which he respects. Not only that Huan Liu kun wanted to visit and stay at Tomoyo chans palace so that he could not only to get to know her, but also the country which we live. He wanted to experience the culture as well as the people. Ryouma kun on the other hand will have a long distance relationship with Meiling chan for a few years till the day she graduates. Ryouma kun will open his own trading posts in different areas of the archipelago as well as the Han-cho empire and neighboring countries. Personally I am happy for the two and Syaoran kun seems to accept their relationship. As for me and Syaoran kun. . . well we took our relationship to the next level. It was a few days ago that we got a more intimate relationship than normal. Oh heavens just thinking about it makes me blush. The time we gave each other our first was a bold move for me. And the fact that I'm willing to bare his children at my age still makes me go red in the face. But I'm happy about it, and I love my relationship with Syaoran kun as it is. Not only that, even more recent we were anointed as nobles in the Han-cho Empire. When we told the Emperor about our battle with Lon Chang Bo-an, he was impressed as he was thankful. He didn't show it on his face but Huan Liu assured me that is how he is when he is in court. He told me that he loved all his wives and concubines equally and he gave as much attention to all of his children. While he was a worrywart for his youngest, which includes Huan Liu, he always made sure that all his children get his love, including his daughters.

"While father understands the position he's in. he just doesn't like the fact the others place him and our family on a high pedestal in a religious fashion. The ministers and eunuchs are the only ones that knew of this besides the family." Huan Liu told us while were having tea. But the most surprising parth happened to me was my mark. When I looked in the mirror I went in a panic mode, I didn't know what to do but when Syaoran kuns sisters saw it they immediately hugged me. Not only that Daiyu san and her followers are now more convinced that I am a goddess. Lucky for me Syaoran kun, Meiling chan, kero chan, and Tomoyo chan seem to help me calm down from .The engagement party Yelan san held for us was quite a festive one, but it's quite different compared to the parties we had back in Tomoeda. For example in our engagement party they held a banquet but each couple and partners have their own small tables to share while the main couple is at the head. Also there were a few drinking games and to my surprise I saw Shi and shanyuan go at it, Shanyuan san talks couldn't hold his liquor and fell after the 10th sip. There are a few games invold mainly dice and mahjong. Not only that Syaoran kun and I were wearing red and gold clothing. My Cheongsam had a phoenix embroidery all over the dress while Syaoran kuns hanfu has a dragon. Personally I was a bit embarrassed being the center of attention and all but I couldn't help but smile. Don't get me wrong I had allot of fun during the party but some of the gifts we were give were a little bit extreme for my taste. I mean who gives an engaged couple a weird herbal potion to induce pregnancy? Apparently from what Fuutei san told me that it's common to give a couple these kind of potions in order to produce an heir quickly, especially in the upper classes. Daiyu chan and her followers each gave me and Syaoran kun presents of their own as an offering for the time I "take him to the flower gardens with me" I swear she is a real weirdo though. I'm glad that she didn't follow through with her plan to marry Syaoran kun as a consort or become his concubine, it would make a weird relationship. the academy created by Clow san however treated me as if I'm the heir to a great dynasty and even begged me to stay. If it weren't for Yelan sans help I would have been swamped with these students and staff begging me to take over the academy. Personally I have no interest in becoming a teacher much less the headmistress of the academy itself, I'd rather open a sweets shop or at least become a court mage. The party was fun and but I probably drank a little too much alcohol or something, because the next morning I found myself nearly half naked clutching on to Syaoran kun in his room. Apparently from what he told me I took one sip of plum wine and got all giddy for some odd reason. Turns out I got drunk with just one small cup! I still don't remember the details and I don't wanna know what I nearly had done that night. But I did remember the time when I was on the balcony with Yelan san. Syaoran kun was talking to the elders about what his plans for the future were, and from what I can tell they were astonished by his decision.

"Xiao lang seems to be much mellower compared to what he used to be." Yelan said observing him.

"I admit he was a bit arrogant and he made me nervous the first time I met him." I told Yelan.

"He certainly has matured in these past few years, and it's all thanks to you." Yelan said praising me.

"You think to highly of me, I didn't do much!" I said, sure I've been friends with Syaoran kun but I didn't do much to get him to become like this.

"No Sakura, you did more than what you though." Yelan countered. This got me confused. Sure I knew that Syaoran kun has a lot on his shoulders being the heir to a great magical clan and all but what did I do?

"When I had my daughters the elders let me to deal with them myself. I may have spoiled them a bit too much but when Xiao lang came the elders were quick to place restrictions on the both of us now that we have an heir. I must admit I was a bit harsh and strict on my son due to the fact he's the heir, especially after my husband died." Yelan explained to while looking at Syaoran kun. So he and I are the same in some ways, we are talented in magic, we lost a parent, and we both have over bearing siblings. The difference between us is that he had live in a very strict household with high expectations whereas I came from a more humble family despite being a noble. This alone is more than enough to make my resolve to marry Syaoran kun stronger than ever. I want to give him a family where we don't have to be too strict on our children.

"Because of you Sakura my son has now a brighter view of the world, and you are his source of happiness and his will to become a better man." Yelan Told me. This causes me to blush but I feel happy.

"Arigato Yelan san." I thanked, but as soon as I thanked her she wrapped her arms around me and embraced me in a hug.

"No Sakura, it is I who should be thanking you. For years I was afraid that Syaoran would become an arrogant and prideful man, but you flipped his personality upside down. Many of the things he had taken for granted are now considered are now nothing more than a detriment to his goals. . . he now sees the true meaning behind what is worth fighting for. Please support and be there for him because without you, he would lose his way." Yelan said while embracing me. With that I made sure that he would have a great life with me that night.

Today is the day before we would leave for Tomoeda. As much as I love Hong-kong but Tomoeda always has a soft spot for me. All my friends are there as well as my family. And I wouldn't trade it for anything else. It was midday and I am walking towards a pavilion for lunch with everyone till I was swarmed with a large group of men. Many of them are asking me to court them while others want to introduce me to their sons. I don't know what's going on and I couldn't get an answer out. lucky for me Syaoran kun was passing by and we locked eyes one each other. I gave him a plead for help and rushed in. as he managed to get through the mob he picked me up and start to carry me out of the mob.

"Ano Syaoran kun it's a little embarrassing to carry me like this." I told him as he was carrying me in the clasic hime sama style.

"Men like them need to know that they can't have you and besides I want to do this. . . you are mine!" Syaoran said loud enough for them to hear, just to let them know I am taken. As he carried me to the pavilion everyone saw the predicament I am in but they didn't mind since we all are couples now but we still have a great time during lunch.

"So lord Li are sure about going back to tomoeda today?" Boa asked.

"Yes I am. And besides I have a degree and a future to pursuit. Also Sakuras father has agreed to take me in as a apprentice." Syaoran answered.

[what about the wedding?] Shi's board wrote.

"We'll be having that at the main shrine back home. Everyone here is alowed to join." I explained.

"Seeing Sakura chan in her wedding kimono standing in front of the gods with Li kun, Hah what a dream come true!" Tomoyo sighed happily.

"She's not the only one who's marrying." Meiling said.

"I know Meiling chan you will have yours too." Tomoyo agree.

"She doesn't mean us your highness." Ryouma said looking smug at her.

"eh?" Tomoyo said confused. This cause all of us to look at her with teasing looks.

"Meiling was talking about you Tomoyo. Have you forgotten that you got yourself a lover in these past few day?" Kero chan explained, as I looked closer at her I noticed that she started to blush a nice shade of pink.

"Didn't you just snatch a guy yourself?" Bao ask rhetorically.

"also you two were all cuddly with each other." Meiling added with a teasing grin.

"You did captured him with a single push." I teassed. Realizing what we were talking about Tomoyo managed to blush a darker shade of red to the point it covers her face. I haven't seen her blush like this in my entire life.

"As long as she's happy we'll support her either way." Syaoran kun said calmy while still smiling, this caused us girls to laugh like children. I know Tomoyo is still a maiden at heart but she needs her own man in her life to go on her way.

"Yamero!" Tomoyo cried out of embarrassment. I know that we are being a bit too harsh on her but she has found a good man so far as we know, one who has similar taste in fashion design. We all laughed at the expense of poor Tomoyo chan but I am happy for her.

"So my lord are you really planning to stay in Ni-hon-kaido for the rest of your Life?" Shanyuan asked.

"Of course, Why?" Syaoran kun asked while answering the question.

"But you're the clan heir! Are you seriously going to abandon your cause and destiny? The Li clan will-"

CLANG

We all get to see Shanyuan got interrupted by Boas bo staff as he went on a rant.

"It's what he decided, and besides I don't believe in destiny. He's free to do whatever he wants" Boa explained.

"Any ways are really planning to join us Huan Liu Denka?" Ryouma asked between mouthfuls.

"Of course! I want to know what kind of country it is." Huan liu said, I swear he is blushing and glancing at Tomoyo chan.

"Whatever you want it's your choice it's your future your majesty." Meiling added. with that we enjoyed the rest of our lunch with no problems of any kind. I do hope that everything is going to be very peaceful from now on, and besides I've had enough adventures as it is for a good time in my years. Sure we will still do our pranks and take care of scum here and there but for now I want to rest on my laurels and have all of this behind me. My days of cardcaptoring and the clear cards and now the incident with the Long clan is more than enough for me to have a go time for peace. They say you should be careful for what you wish for but this won't jinx it. After all, tomorrow Huan Liu, Tomoyo chan, Syaoran kun, Meiling chan and I will board Ryouma kuns ship and we will sail for home. I can't wait to see Rika chan, Akiho chan, Chiharu chan, Naoko chan, and Yamazaki san along with touya oni chan, Yukito and Yue as well as tou chan and many others. I can't wait to see them again after all these weeks. I've been gone for so long I started to feel home sick, but tomorrow is the day we get to go home. I hope that our journey will be smooth sailing from here on out. but for now let us enjoy our lunch and our last day her at Hong-kong.

POV: 3rd

The gang are at the docks and about to board their ship to depart. However there was a crowd at the edge of the pier wishing them luck on their journey. It is mostly made up of family, and the friends and allies they've made along their journey. Huan Liu was being embraced by his mother as his father, stepmothers and siblings watch the whole ordeal while Tomoyo was at the sidline watching the scene unfold in front of her. The emperor looked on at the two as he wish a few words with Tomoyo.

"Take good care of him for us princess." The emperor said.

"I will" Tomoyo promised.

"Please don't leave, I wish for you to stay here with your mother a little longer. I still want to take care of you till you are at least thirty." Huan Lius mother sobbed.

"Mother I will be alright, and besides I'll be sure to write every now and then. It won't be every day but I'll promise I'll visit once in a while." Huan Liu soothed his doting mother. As he managed to release himself from his mother's tight embrace he faced the rest of his family and went on his knees and Kotow three times in respect.

"Thank you all for raising me, teaching me, and took care of me. I will return the favor someday but for now our journey ends here. I promise I'll make you proud." With that Huan Liu took his bag and held Tomoyos hands as they went to boards the ship. The newly made couple went passed Meiling and Ryouma saying goodbye to her parents.

"Be sure to write Meiling." Meilings mother told her.

"Don't worry mother, I'll be sure to write at least once or twice a month." Meiling promised.

"Please do sweetheart." Meilings father said. He went over to Ryouma andplace his hand on his shoulder.

"I wish you would stay a little longer but you probably have overstayed your welcome." Meilings father told him.

"You're right. We traders don't stay very long in one place." Ryouma agreed.

"Take good care of my daughter, especially in two years from now." Meilings father asked.

"I will." Ryouma promised, with that Ryouma hugged his future father in law. Ryouma will wait two more years for Meiling to graduate and during those two year he will start building his trading empire. With the contacts, clients and new possibilities and more goods to trade, all from expensive commodities like silk and spices to the cheapest grain and salt. He never expected this but he realized that in a few years he would be just as wealthy as daimyo or something. He just hoped that money won't blind him with greed. Meanwhile Sakura and Syaoran are with Yelan and the 4 sisters saying their final good byes. Syaorans sister are hugging the two sobbing to see their baby brother and cute future sister-in-law going much to their embarrassment, while Yelan just stood there seeing the heartfelt commotion of her children. Sakura whorshipers are bowing and the Academy students and staff are still begging for her to stay. all of this attention makes the couple quite worried for their sanity since they have never gained this much attention.

"take good care you two, and let us know when the wedding will be held." Yelan said.

"We will mother." Syaoran answered.

"We'll let know when we decided on the date." Sakura answered. After the gangs heartfelt goodbyes they boarded the ship and set sail. Everyone waved their hands, flags and handkerchiefs as they see the ship sailing off. The gang also waved their hands and handkerchiefs to as they move further and further away from land. As they sail towards their home island everyone enjoyed their days at sea for a good amount of time being together. Some of their time was spend just to be together while others were a bit naughty in comparison. Sakura and Syaoran would often go on bow of the ship enjoying the sunset looking out to the horizon as they cuddled together. Her wing fluttering with emotion as the kiss and cuddle, and Sakura even allowed Syaoran to lay his head on her lap.

"You know this position looked exactly like the idol of that shrine Daiyu chan made." Sakura said with a blush.

"I wouldn't mind for now though. I just hope that they will let us be for now." Syaoran answered.

"Heaven you're making me fall for you again" Sakura said smiling, Syaoran smiled at that comment and cuddled closer to her. Keroderos continued to watch over them as they cuddled. Their closeness would make them the Ideal couple in years to come, many of the couples back home in Han-cho wanted to be like them. But they weren't the only couple who have gotten closer. Ryouma left the helm to his first mate and decided to retire for the night in his cabin. As he opened the door to his cabin he was greeted by an unusual yet familiar sight. Meiling was laying on his bed looking at Ryouma with a teasing smile on her face while still blushing at the same time.

"M-M-Me-Mei-Meiling wh-what are you doing here and what are you wearing?" Ryouma stuttered as he tried to avert his eyes. Meiling was in her red raunchy Cheongsam that she used for the Ping bounty. It shows her figure and exposes allot of the chest, waist, legs and sides. Meiling decided to wear it because her mother often teased her about using it to seduce Ryouma but her she is now making him red.

"I did say I want to show it to you" Said Meiling as she stood up. She strided over to Ryouma swaying her hips in a teasing fashion.

"Look at me Ryouma." Meiling said as she use her finger to turn Ryoumas head., forcing him to look at her in all her glory.

"Well babe do you like it?" Said Meiling in a seductive voice.

'Yabai she's being aggressive right now. Hold it in Ryouma don't let it get to you' Ryouma thought.

"Is it to your liking?" Meiling teased as she rubbed her legs to his groin. Causing Ryoumas head to explode internally, This in turn forces him to embrace Meiling and kiss her quiite roughly and passinatly. This caught Meiling by surprised as she was thrown on to the bed as she realized the error she caused.

"Ryouma wait wait wait my hearts not ready for-" She didn't get a word in as Ryouma kissed and caressed her throwing all self-control out of the window. He is not going to let Meiling rest tonight, he will show her how long he has waited and how long he was holding back. He did apologize but Meiling didn't care and apologized herself, but they continued their time together in the cabin when they are alone and their bond grew both physically and mentally. And soon they realized that they couldn't live without each other in the near future. Tomoyo and Huan Liu are on the quarter deck looking at the horizon as the two of them stood close to each other. The mood was a bit awkward but Huan Liu decided to break the Ice.

"You know I love music myself. The lute, zither, flute, all that stuff." Huan Liu said.

"Hmm I wonder how you react if you had learned that I had won many music competitions years ago." Meiling said while bragging a little.

"Oh ho ho! I see what you mean there. I could give you a run for your money, but would love to hear you play." Huan Liu said stroking Tomoyos cheek. The two decided to keep on their conversation, little did they know their bond grew much closer. And only then they realized a year later they realized how much they like each other. The crew enjoyed the lovey-dovey scene in front of them, some are envious with jealosy wishing to have a cute girl themselves and other just wish to see their girls again. Their journey lasted more than a week, nearly two for their liking. But when they reached the port they were happy to be home, and a huge welcome home party was held by their friends and family as they walked through the city gates of Tomoeda. Yue apologized deaply to his mistress for not being there for her when she need him. Sakura forgave him of course but when everyone learned that she is now engaged to Syaoran, Touya blew a casket as he had just learned that his baby sister is now an engaged girl. Sure he wanted to see her walk down the aisle of the shrine but to be engaged at 15-16 years old is to young in his eyes. However Yukito was quick to calm him down as he was nearly ready to Kill Syaoran. Everyone were surpised by Sakuras forehead mark but they loved it, saying that it suits her along with her wings. The party lasted until midnight and by then everyone went to rest. The rest of their summer holiday went by in a flash. Huan Liu met Tomoyos parents and they were surprised to learn that their daughter has found herself a man before they would ever find her a suitor. They welcomed him with open arms as they may accept a future son in law. Tomoyo and Huan liu would take their time getting to know one another but they are certainly becoming a close couple. Meiling went to port after a week to see Ryouma off. The two decided to stay in his room a the inn he's staying for the night. Meiling specifically told him not hold back and she even said that she even want ensure that he is stuck with her for life. Indicating that she wants him knock her up, of course he tried to be reasonable but something in Meiling snapped when she had her first night with him. And every time they would meet after his long voyage Meiling and Ryouma would stick together like glue. Meiling did warn him that she's a clingy girl even during her engagement to Syaoran for a time and now Ryouma sees why, and pesonally he didn't mind. Apparently he like clingy girls for some odd reason, sure they could mean trouble but to him Meiling more than worth the trouble she gives him. And as for Syaoran and Sakura, well they spend the rest of their summer days being together. Visiting restaurants, shops, and going to hot springs and specifically asked the owner to let the two of them to bath together. Their relationship became more intimate and they weren't ashamed to hold hands, hug and kiss in public. The elderly and the middle aged were very surprised by how intimate they were, even calling them shameless saying "the young these days are quite bold". One day Sakura was sitting on the crenellations of the city wall as she looked on to the horizon to the west. Touya and Syaoran were worried for her as she looked on. The two of them agreed to let Touya handle it cause she may need her brothers help in this. Touya walked up towards Sakura looked at the horizon as stood next to her.

"Something on your mind there Sakura?" Touya asked

"Onichan has there ever been anything that you believe that you were pushed on to something without choice?" Sakura asked.

"Probably. Why?" Touya asked while answering the question.

"I've been wondering, what if Clow never did that with the cards and just gave them to someone else? Do you think that things will be different?" Sakura asked. This caused Touya to for a tick on his head, he clenched fist and press them against the sides of Sakuras head and gave her noogies.

"itai, itai. Nani jo!" Sakura shouted.

"Listen to yourself 't you happy with your life?" Touya asked sternly.

"Hai." Sakura answered.

"Then what are you belly aching about?" Touya said sternly

"It's just that" Sakura tried to answer. But Touya cut her off.

"Listen I don't what you're thinking right now you got to let go of that. Your living life to the best you can. You got a great fiancé, a great group of friends, and you have me, Yukito and dad fall back to. whatever is going on in your head it's now nothing more than useless rambling." Touya scolded sternly. Sakura looked at him and realized that what she's doing right now is a waste of time.

"Hai! Arigato onichan." Sakura said hugging him. Syaoran walked out of shadows happy to see two siblings showing how much they care for one another and joined them. After few good minutes of talking Sakura let of a mischievous smile, this made Touya and Syaoran both nervouse. She pulled out her fly card and activated on both Syaoran and herself. Her natural wings are still too weak to help her even hover but as she lifted of the ground Touya was confused as sakura grabbed Syaoran by the hand start to pull him.

"Sakura what are you doing?" Touya shouted.

"Simple onichan, or should I uncle?" Sakura teased. This made Syaoran and Touya realized what she's implying.

"Tonight Syaoran kun. I'm going to make babies with you!" Sakura said teasingly with a soft voice as she pulled a blushing Syaoran with her. Touya wasted no time running after the couple, yelling that they were too young for children. Although the chase around the city took a while but at least the three had fun. Of course the couple didn't made children that night but Sakura and Syaoran still enjoyed each other's company. However in two years they will hold a beautifull wedding and promised to have children during their honneymoon. Meanwhile on the other side of the continent a caravan journeyed across a desert as they moved on. One individual looked back to the east and smiled.

"Now I know my past life legacy is in good hands." The Figure said out loud.

"Mr Eriol stay close to us. You don't want to be left behind here in the desert." Shouted a caravan traveler.

"Sorry just thinking back." Eriol shouted.

"Did you finish whatever business you have there in han-cho?" the man asked.

"Sure did, and now I can rest easy that a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulder." Eriol answered. Now that his work is done, he could rest easy, he still felt guilty and wish to pay the couple back for his trouble. Then an Idea occurred to him.

"If I had daughters and they had a son or two, maybe I should raise they to be consorts or concubines for them, if they had sons of course. We'll see later on, but I do have my own love life to worry about. I think it's about time I get married." With that Eriol made his mind and decided to spend the rest of his life in peace. His past life sins have been lifted and he can now live freely. And as for the gang, well they did run into trouble every now and then but nothing compared to the trouble they had with both the cards and the demons. Small pranks and jokes mainly, but they enjoyed their school life for two more years. And after their graduation the 3 couples along with their friends immediately got married and lived a happy fulfilling life.

Authors note: Ok this is the final chapter. And I've decided to give a small epilogue. It will be few years later in the future for our favorite couples but it will be funny. Hopefully ya'll enjoy this and here's my farewell for now. See you in the epilouge. Don't expect it to be long though.