Hidden Blood

A/N: I'm sorry that I haven't updated in a while. My story is still new, and I'm just getting back to using my right hand again. (Long story) I'm trying to write more often, but I can't make any guaranties. I'll try harder to update faster . Thank you for reading this!

Disclaimer: I'm sorry. I forgot this in the first chapter. I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura.

Chapter Two

Sakura trotted Aki back to the entrance of the woods. She stopped and sat there for a minute.

Her eyes went over the large area of rolling land that the farm was on. A large farmhouse sat next to the long dirt road that led to the outside world. Farther back were huge pastures that held the horses and other animals. The barn stood in the middle of them all.

Working on the farm was hard work, but hey, she has her grandparents and their hired help. (Of course Aki is included.)

This was her home.

Sakura nudged Aki into a walk, and they traveled through the fields to the barn. She dismounted at the door. Taking the reins, she led Aki to his stall. Aki walked into his stall after Sakura opened it. He turned around and waited patiently while she took the saddle off. She also took out the bit and reins and slung them over her shoulder.

"Wait here." She said as she carried the saddle on her hip and walked out of the stall. She left the door open like she always did so Aki could get some fresh air.

Sakura whistled softly while passing all the stalls. The other horses weren't in them because they were out in the pastures. The tack room came up on the right. She turned and walked into a shadow blocking the way.

She began to topple backwards, but one arm shot behind her back, and the other grabbed onto the saddle in her hands.

"Are you ok Sakura?" Koji asked. He helped her regain her balance.

"I'm fine. I'm sorry I ran into you. I wasn't watching where I was going." She inclined her head slightly, showing she was sorry.

Koji laughed and shook his head.

"No, it was my fault. By the way, your grandma was looking for you. I told her you would finish out here then go inside."

"Oh!" Sakura gasped. "She did say she wanted to tell me something yesterday. I totally forgot! Excuse me!"

Koji stepped aside to let her pass.

"Thank you!"" She called over her shoulder as she quickly went into the tack room. The huge room was full of saddles, blankets, oil, buckets, and any other tool used for horses you could possibly think of.

Sakura quickly walked over to the empty rack with a platform above it reading "Aki". She lifted the blanket and saddle and gently slide them into place. She walked to the other side of the room and grabbed a bucket, rag, and brush.

Closing the door with her foot, Sakura almost ran back to Aki's stall. She almost jumped out of her shin when she saw who was already in it."

Grandma! I thought you were inside!" She exclaimed.

"I just came to see if you were back yet." She grinned. "You left his stall open again."

"I know. I almost always do. I trust Aki enough to know he won't just leave." She walked up to Aki. "Isn't that right?"

Aki nuzzled her cheek as to agree with her. Sakura giggled and gave him an apple she had stuck in her pocket before she left the tack room. He ate it quickly.

Grandma smiled as she watched her granddaughter and her horse bond yet again. She reminds me of my daughter. Her gentle heart so caring and kind. She loved anything and anyone. She always found a way to heal broken souls.

"…ma. Grandma!"

The older lady jumped. She was daydreaming again. She looked at her granddaughter, who was brushing Aki. They were both staring at her strangely.

"Umm…Sorry about that. I was on a cloud. Did I miss something?"

Sakura smiled, "I asked you what you were going to tell me. I forgot about it earlier."

A tiny bell rang in the distance.

"Oh dear." Grandma said. "I need to go see what your grandfather needs. I think he just wants food." She winked. "Take your time cleaning up. Make sure you help Koji since you left earlier. I'll tell you at dinner. Any suggestions?"

Sakura thought for a moment before saying, "Spaghetti sounds good."

"Alright. I'll go get started on it. Give me about forty minutes."

"Okay then. See you later." Sakura called after her grandma as the old woman made her way out of the barn.

Aki moved a little bit, reminding Sakura about what she was doing. She jumped a little, but began to brush Aki's coat until it shined in the evening sun that shone in through the open window in Aki's stall. Sakura had asked Koji to put one in every stall just in case there was a fire. That was so they could get out faster than trying to break down the stall door.

Sakura set down the brush to admire her work. Aki looked wonderful, and her tired arms were pleased. She glanced into his water bowl and frowned.

"You make such big messes in this thing."

Aki pranced as if to tell her that he was teasing her. She shook her head and lifted the nasty water off the hook.

"I'll be right back."

OOO

Syaoran turned on the water in the sink. The warm water mixed with a simple mix of soap. Bubbles formed. He went to the table and took the dishes that he used for dinner. He decided to skip the vegetables and just made a turkey sandwich instead.

He washed the plate and glass then put them in the cupboard. After he drained the little amount of water from the sink, he dried his hands.

The sinking sun shone through the trees outside and in through the windows in the living room. Because Aunt Maya loved the sun and the view of the trees outside, she had the two walls connected to the outside replaced by large windows.

Syaoran found this room the best place to sit down and read. He wasn't very good because he has never gone to school. The closest one is miles away, and his guardians are limited on money and transportation.

His aunt grew up in town, so she was able to go to school. During a business trip into town, Uncle Takao met Aunt Maya, and she came out to live with him. She taught the basics of reading to Syaoran when he was nine. Now he is able to mostly read books for his age group.

He sighed and sat down on the sofa. He began to wonder again why he lived with his aunt and uncle. They told him that they raised him since he was a baby. He has always asked them about his parents, but the always replied the same way.

"We'll tell you when you're older."

Now, even though he is fifteen, they tell him the same thing, only in a different way.

Flashback

"It's not time yet." Aunt Maya said while she pressed dirt around the flower she just planted.

"But I'm fifteen. Isn't that old enough to know the truth?" Syaoran protested. He was carrying the heavy watering can for his aunt.

"Yes, that's true. But…oh how do I put it?" She leaned back on her knees, "I'll just put it this way. Your parents had problems raising you. I was able and willing to take care of you at the time. Hand me that will you?"

She held out her hand, and Syaoran walked in front of her and set the can down. Aunt Maya began to sprinkle water on the flower bed.

"What do you mean? What problems did they have? Were they bad people? What did they do for a living?"

Aunt Maya began to hum. This clearly told him that she was done talking. Syaoran crossed his arms and frowned. He heard footsteps behind him.

"Looking good Maya." Uncle Takao said.

"Thank you dear." She replied, still watering. She glanced at her husband and moved her eyes in the direction towards Syaoran. He got the hint.

"Syaoran. Lets leave your aunt to finish the plants. How about you come help me take down the tree that was struck by lightning. I feel bad for it."

He began to walk toward the shed, and Syaoran frowned yet again. He knew there was a big secret they were keeping from him, and he didn't like it.

"Go on dear. I'll clean this up and go make lunch." Aunt Maya paused. She placed her hands on his shoulders. "We'll tell you when the time is right. You're just not ready yet."

"But…"

"Go on." She kissed his forehead. "I'll call you in a bit."

Syaoran turned and walked to the shed. His uncle handed him a rope.

"I'll cut and you pull…"

End flashback

Syaoran picked up one of the books his aunt had given him. At first he didn't like it, but now he's really getting into it. He flipped to where he had stopped and began to read.

A/N: I hope this chapter was better than the first. I'm sorry if I misspelled something. I'm not a very good speller. lol. Please review! I haven't gotten very many at all and it's a little discouraging. Thank you for reading!