Hello boys and girls. I'd like to tell a story.

I want to thank people who took the time to read and review the last chapter. It makes me happy that people are enjoying it.

Without further ado, onto the next chapter.


Chapter 5: Verbena

In Japanese, the verbena means cooperative. In Victorian England, it means enchantment and sensibility.

"You want me to what?" Syaoran couldn't believe what he was being asked to do. That's why he asked again.

"I would like to know how to perform the martial arts that you do," Sakura reiterated. "Is that going to be a problem?"

Syaoran sighed. "I don't mind. But why do you want to learn it in the first place?"

Sakura looked away from Syaoran, embarrassed. "Do you remember when Meilin came to visit?" The green-eyed girl sighed. "As we were walking to my house, a card appeared, one that was just like the Fight Card."

Syaoran couldn't keep the shock from his face.

"It would have been a bad situation," Sakura continued, "were it not for Meilin helping me defeat and securing it. And that's when I started to think 'What if Meliin wasn't there?' What would have happened to me or to someone else…" Sakura stopped mid-sentence when Syaoran put his hands on her shoulders.

"You would have found a way." Syaoran smiled to convey that message. "You always find a way."

Sakura smiled back. "Even so, I don't know what dangers the next Card might bring. I want to be prepared."

Syaoran sighed. Sakura brought up a good point. He couldn't be around her 24/7, even if he really wanted to. If she had the means to protect herself, she could deal with threats when he wasn't there. But the idea of teaching Sakura to fight left him with a sinking feeling in his stomach. She was too sweet to use her fists in combat. Syaoran was about to open his mouth to protest when he realized Sakura was clasping her hands in pleading, her eyes shining in determination. The look on her face…

Sakura's attack brought Syaoran's HP down to zero.

"Okay, then." Syaoran sighed in relief when she was no longer looking at him so determined. "Tomorrow, let's go to the park. I'll teach you what I know."

Sakura rushed to give him a hug. "Thank you, Syaoran-kun."

Almost immediately, the two preteens realized the position they were in and pulled away quickly, red staining their faces. Syaoran and Sakura went their separate ways, promising to meet each other tomorrow.


The next day, Syaoran was waiting in the park for Sakura. He was dressed in a training gi, expecting that he was going to get a good workout today. He prepared himself by going through his forms, exhaling at each punch and kick. The motions were second nature by now, drilled into him at a very young age. And now, he was going to act as teacher to Sakura. It still didn't sit right with him to teach her how to fight. She was a kind and gentle person.

"Syaoran-kun."

Sakura's voice brought him out of his thoughts and into reality. He turned towards her and was stunned by what she was wearing. Syaoran knew that Tomoyo had something to do with this. She was wearing a red Chinese dress with gold lining. It was similar to his ceremonial clothes. And she looked good in them, almost too good. How was he suppose to teach Sakura anything when she was dressed like that?

"I'm sorry I'm late," Sakura apologized. "I told Tomoyo-chan what I doing and she insisted I wear this." Her cheeks started to tinge pink. "These clothes aren't a problem, are they?"

Say something nice, Syaoran said to himself. She's waiting. Come on. She'll think you hate how she looks. "It's fine," he finally blurted out. This girl is going to be the death of him with her cuteness.

The relief on Sakura's face was palpable.

"Okay. Let's get started. For now, just pay attention to what I am doing."

Syaoran began going through his forms again, making sure he slowed down enough that Sakura could see what he was doing. All embarrassment fled as he went through each practiced move until he was done.

Sakura clapped at his performance. "Wow. That was amazing." She had stars in her eyes, impressed by the display of martial arts prowess.

Syaoran blushed profusely, not used to praise from Sakura. "It was nothing," he said, trying to brush off the compliment. "Anyone can do it with enough practice."

"Okay. Let me try now."

Sakura set herself up in the same way that Syaoran had just minutes before. Perhaps because of her cheerleading experience, she was able to get many of the forms done correctly. It was just a bit sloppy and very choppy.

"You did really well for a beginner," he said. "But you could still use some work."

"How can I improve," Sakura asked.

"Okay. Watch me again." Syaoran showed her his forms again. Unlike Sakura's choppy moving, his was smooth and purposeful thanks to years of experience. "Do you see the difference? You need to let your body feel the motion. Let it wash over you like a wave."

Sakura nodded and tried again. She did a bit better this time but her movement was still choppy. It was to be expected. This was new to her. Without a second thought, Syaoran moved behind her and gently grabbed her arms.

"Don't fight the motion," he whispered as he guided her arms in the correct way to make the forms. "Slowly at first. Let your body become acquainted the motion."

Sakura couldn't help the blush that crossed her face and soon she shut down completely. Her face was so hot, one could cook an egg on it.

"Sakura, are you all right?" That's when he realized the position they were in. He released her like she burned him. Syaoran fought to recover his disposition. "Would you like to try by yourself," he barked, desperately trying remove the blush from his cheeks.

Sakura nodded profusely and returned to the forms. Remembering how Syaoran helped her before, she closed her eyes and let the motions move through her. She could feel each movement. The longer she performed it, the easier it became.

"You did it, Sakura. I knew you could." Syaoran didn't bother to hide the grin from his face.

"It's because Syaoran-kun is a great teacher." Sakura gave him her own smile. "Can we consider doing this?"

"Of course."

Syaoran hoped that Sakura never had to use martial arts. He hoped that he would be around to protect her from anything that would harm her. But with new challenges ever on the horizon, it gave him peace of mind that she could defend herself.


And that's the end of that chapter.

Liked it? Hated it? Have no opinion one way or the other? Leave me a review. I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time,

A. Angel.