Disclaimer: I do not own CCS and its characters. I think it is getting stupid that I say that each time.

No action this time my readers. Just a little introduction to a character I am thinking of making a regular in the story.

Chapter 27: Xeimei Li

Yelan walked to the front door with a soft smile. The door attendants opened it for her as she walked out. Wei stopped inside as he let Yelan walk to the porch. She stopped under it and waited patiently with her fan in her hands. Her soft smile continued to grace her lips and Wei could guess that Sakura would arrive soon. Yelan showed that smile only when Sakura was concerned. She was very fond of the pure hearted girl.

Barely two minutes had passed when the large metallic gate opened for the duo. Syaoran and Sakura walked in talking to each other with slight blush on their cheek. Yelan could sense them low on magic and very fatigued. She knew that they had trained very hard once again. The results of the training had begun to show in their battles now. Neymar's battle was a great example to it.

Yelan raised her fan to hide the lower half of her face with it as her eyes twinkled with slight mischief. She had noticed them holding hands as they walked. They were so lost into each other that neither of them had yet noticed that Yelan was standing outside and watching them. Tomoyo Daidouji would not fail to record a scene such as this on her camera if she were present here. Yelan knew that well.

She straightened up and then waved her fan. A transparent wolf of air formed on the ground before her. Yelan watched the duo to see if they noticed her use magic. They walked undisturbed. They still had not noticed it. Yelan smiled slightly. She knew that they would not be careless about it. They probably knew that it meant them no harm. Therefore, they subconsciously ignored it. She knew that both had excellent senses by now. If it were a threat, they would sense it from miles away.

Yelan point her fan at them and the wolf dashed towards them. The duo walked unconcerned and chatted oblivious to the approaching wolf. When it was close enough, the wolf pounced on them both. Inches away from them, the two reacted at break neck speed and the wolf stood still. Syaoran had his sword stabbed through it and Sakura had golden strings wound around it with her staff. Yelan gave a satisfied smile and then released her magic. The wolf disappeared leaving the duo confused.

They looked at Yelan and then realised that they had just noticed her. She seemed to be standing there for a while now. They rushed to her immediately.

Syaoran bowed, "I am so sorry I did not notice you earlier mother."

Sakura bowed too, "We are very sorry Mrs Yelan. Forgive us."

Yelan shook her head, "You both had a good reason to be distracted. It is perfectly fine."

This made them turn beet red and lost all train of thoughts.

Syaoran asked, "How long have you been standing here mother?"

Yelan replied, "I sensed Sakura approaching and since it is late, I knew she came for dinner. You invited her right?"

Syaoran looked away and Yelan narrowed her eyes knowing what it meant.

"Xaio Lang Li. How dare you treat my dearest Sakura so poorly? You deserved to be punished for making her invite herself over." Yelan scolded him.

Sakura shook her head, "That is not true. Syaoran is always very good to me. And I did not invite myself. I just told him that I was coming over for dinner to meet you. I think of this place as my second home."

Yelan softened up but gave her an amused smile, "Sakura. Did anyone ever tell you that you cannot tell lies?"

Sakura looked at the ground with a cherry face, "I am sorry."

Yelan took her hand, "Well at least you spoke the truth of the purpose. I am happy to know that you came to meet me. And this mansion will forever your home. You can come whenever you wish without asking my son about it. Let us go inside then. We have much to talk."

Sakura smiled brightly, "Were you angry earlier when you attacked us?"

Yelan looked at her in confusion, "Attack?" Then it dawned on her and she laughed, "Of course not my dear. That was just a test. You two were distracted and I wished to see how you two would do in the situation of a sudden attack. Would you stay distracted and take a hit or would you notice it?"

Sakura understood her words, "Okay. I do not think we noticed it though."

Syaoran nodded, "Yes. I just swung my sword instinctively before I could figure that I was under an attack."

Yelan chuckled, "In that case, Michal's training is doing wonder for you two. You sensed danger and countered it instantly even before you realised what you were doing. It is a great asset to have for warriors. That way, they are never off-guard. I also saw that the speed with which you could summon your magic mediums has increased to great levels. You are able to bring it out at the drop of a hat. Good. Very good. You two make me very proud."

The duo blushed slightly at the praise as Yelan led them to the dining hall. Yelan was very happy in her heart to be able to spend time with Sakura before she left the next day.

A young girl of twenty in brown leather clothes tightened her seatbelt in the Li private jet. She looked uncomfortable and the four sisters noticed it. She wore the Li clan insignia on her arms and her black hair covered her shoulders entirely. She stared outside the jet at the airport as the plane descended on the runway.

The eldest spoke, "Relax Xeimei. You should be happy that you will see Xiao Lang after so long."

Xeimei sighed, "If only it was a simple meeting miss. The clan is not sending me to meet him. They are sending me to kill him and the cardmistress. The orders came straight from Lady Yelan. I am shocked she gave me the order to kill her own son. What sort of mother...?"

The youngest spoke, "She knows those two better than us. She probably thinks that you will fail."

Xeimei shouted, "Of course I will fail. I cannot kill the young master. I vowed on his birth to protect him with my life if I have to. I can never raise my sword against him."

The second eldest spoke, "Mother cannot either if she had the choice. Xiao Lang and Sakura is not the sort to drag innocent people into their problems. If he had only asked us, the entire clan would have stood behind him in this war. However, he never did so and we got orders from Queen to join this war against them."

The eldest spoke, "Mother did not want to but the clan was bound to serving the Queen's absolute orders as per the treaties. She kept hesitating but then something happened in Tomoeda that made her confident to do as the Queen says. We do not know what it is but she is planning something and I am sure it is in favour of Xiao Lang. Until she tells us, we support her in whatever way we can."

Xeimei sighed, "If only he did not fall for the cardmistress, he would not be a target as well."

The second youngest shook her head, "Not true Xeimei. Mother told us that the original plan was assaulting both of them in their hometowns. Xiao Lang in Hong Kong and Sakura in Tomoeda. They were both considered as equal threats. According to mother, if unforeseen events had not forced them to come together right before the start of the war, they would not have had survived so long. It is only because they are together that they are both still alive and grown so much."

"I still do not have the resolve to raise my sword against him. What should I do?" Xeimei lamented.

The quadruplets got to their feet and Xeimei followed suit. They got off the plane and Wei received them at the terminal. The old man took them straight to the VVIP waiting area. They were surprised to see Yelan sitting there. Yelan pointed at the seats for the quadruplets to sit in, two on both sides. Xeimei bowed in respect to her.

The eldest asked, "Why are you here already, mother? The jet will take time before it can fly again."

Yelan replied, "I was waiting for you and will leave as soon as the jet is ready. Take care of your brother and cousin while I am gone."

The four sisters nodded together.

"Meiling and Miss Daidouji are on a project together so if they are together, leave them alone. Xiao Lang leaves for his school every morning and goes to train after that. So he returns only by the time of dinner. Make sure he takes his lunch. He tends to forget to eat while staring at her."

The quadruplets chuckled mischievously as they each understood what Yelan meant.

"Make Sakura feel at home whenever she comes to the mansion. You are not allowed to pull pranks or tackle her. The only time she can afford to come is in fact after training and she would not have the energy to handle you all. You will have all the time in the world to cause a ruckus around her when this war has ended. No further instructions."

The quadruplets chuckled again and Yelan turned to Xeimei. She still looked very troubled.

"Xeimei Li." Yelan called out to her.

Xeimei bowed further, "Here my lady."

"You will live in the mansion and use the training room to sharpen your skills. You still have a week before your battle with those two and I want you to perform exquisitely."

Xeimei spoke, "My lady. I...I cannot battle young master."

Yelan knew her mind very well, "Why not? I have seen you spar with him often."

"Those were spars my lady. I never intended to hurt him. But this time you order me to kill him. I cannot do that."

Yelan smiled, "In that case, you will lose. A lose will not be taken lightly if it is deliberate."

"I am willing to take any punishment for that but I cannot hurt young master."

"Do you underestimate my son Xeimei?" Yelan asked calmly.

Xeimei was surprised at the question, "I would never do that. I know his strength well."

"Then perhaps, he is stronger than you think he is. He is strongest when he is protecting Sakura. You will have to pull all stops if you intent to win. Or else, those two will wipe the floor with you."

"I figured that from their last battle my lady. But I cannot hurt him."

"The last battle had elements of luck in it in their favour. That may not be so against you. And if you do not defeat them, the war will continue and others will not be as merciful as you. Defeat them, bring them to the Queen's council, and they might spare Xiao Lang. It is your choice."

Xeimei was conflicted further now. It was an option. If she defeated them, then the Queen might spare at least his life. If she lost, Yelan was correct about their future opponents. Nevertheless, Xeimei knew that she will actually have to hurt her young master if she intends to win her battle.

"I... I will do it my lady. I will not hold back." Xeimei spoke hesitantly.

"Good. Make us proud. Show the world the power of a Li clan disciple mage."

"Yes my lady."

"If you win, your rank will be raised. If you lose, you will stay at the same rank. Your punishment will be simple. You will be handed over to Lian Ming to serve as her maid for a month."

Xeimei was shocked, "My lady! Lian Ming will kill me."

Yelan smiled, "You sound as if you will lose."

Xeimei checked herself, "No my lady. Just a slip of tongue."

Yelan nodded, "Lian will not hurt you. She is a kind woman and my friend while inside Tomoeda. You will learn much from her."

Xeimei nodded, "Yes my lady. But now you sound as if I will lose."

Yelan chuckled, "Perhaps you will, perhaps you will not. That is entirely up to you. I was merely telling you of your fate in either case. Now hurry home. You have the day to settle in. I do not want disturbances in the evening when my son returns home tired from his training. He needs rest."

The quadruplets got up, bowed to the mother and left. Xeimei bowed as well and left behind them.

Wei spoke, "Just between you and me madam, who do you think will win this time?"

Yelan laughed, "Is it not obvious Wei? A Li never fails to protect his beloved. Xeimei is a Li."

Wei smiled, "I see. You must be proud then."

Yelan nodded and then they silently waited for her jet to be ready. Much was to be done when she reaches Hong Kong. Yelan needed to keep her mind calm. Having her daughters here made her feel less worried for her son and his girlfriend. She felt relaxed and she could now concentrate better on other issues of the clan.

Syaoran returned home just before dinner. He was very tired and did not want to deal with his hyperactive sisters. He knew his mother left that day to Hong Kong and his sisters took her place to look after him. He was now even scared to bring Sakura home while those four devil women were home. However, as the door opened for him, he found the mansion quiet. It confused him. How could a place be so calm with all four of them there?

Wei spoke, "Welcome home young master."

Syaoran saw Wei come out of the training room with a tray, "Did they not come?"

Wei smiled, "Oh they are here. Your mother, however, forbade them from doing anything to cause you stress since you would be tired from your training."

Syaoran nodded, "That makes sense. Otherwise, they would already be all over me."

The eldest arrived, "You are home brother. Come on. Give your big sis a hug."

Before he could move, she had hugged him very tight.

"I thought mother asked you to not cause me stress!" He shouted at her while trying to break free from her hold.

The second eldest joined in, "That was only for cheery blossom. No instructions for you except keeping an eye on you when you have lunch."

The third joined in and they fell over Syaoran, "So we can hug you, pinch you, adore you and do anything."

The fourth jumped in as well, "We love you soooooo much brother."

Syaoran was crushed under them. He was so physically tired that he did not have the strength to crawl out of the mess. Wei just watched the scene with an amused smile. He silently walked away with the tray.

"Get off of me!" Syaoran shouted and a blast of air blew the four women away.

The quadruplets elegantly flipped in the air and came down effortlessly. They smiled at each other and the turned to Syaoran. He was not surprised that they were perfectly okay.

The eldest spoke, "You have grown stronger. The magic execution was extremely fast and precise."

Syaoran scoffed, "Do not try to butter me up. I am too tired to deal with your antics."

The women chuckled together.

The youngest spoke, "Perhaps you would like dinner."

Syaoran nodded, "I will go to my room first. You all go ahead."

He climbed the stairs feeling his muscles curse him for using them. The sisters left to the dining hall while squealing together over Syaoran.

The dinner was anything but silent. The sisters were unstoppable as they chatted loudly. Syaoran was getting irritated with how all conversation would end with a question about Sakura and him, deliberately aimed at him each time. While he did not mind talking about her, his sisters would always ask embarrassing questions that he would rather not answer than risk them coming up with new ways to embarrass him. He wanted his peace of mind after the rigorous training but his sisters made it impossible. He even contemplated staying the night in the park but shot it down since that would worry Sakura. His friends' places were out of question as well. Meiling was staying with Tomoyo and they make him model new costumes if he stayed there. Eriol was out of option for obvious reasons. Staying with Jet would create a conspiracy. Sakura's place had Touya as watchdog. He was stuck in his home with his four devil sisters.

Xeimei opened the refrigerator in the dark. She looked at everything hungrily as her stomach rumbled. She was hungry. Picking up a plate, she stacked it with food without making a sound. She did not want to alert anyone in the place. She straightened up and closed the door. However, before she could turn, she felt a pointed tip dig into the back of her neck. Only one person carried a sword in that mansion and it was the last person she wanted to meet now. He was the reason she skipped dinner and had to salvage the refrigerator in the dead of the night. She tried and still could not sense his magic. He had definitely become very good at hiding it now.

"I was wondering since I returned home who it was that was desperately trying to hide his presence inside the mansion. So it was you. My sisters were not worried so you are probably from the clan. But let us not take chances, shall we? Turn around slowly and no funny business." Syaoran spoke in a warning tone.

Xeimei sighed with no surprise that he did not recognise her in the dark or recognised her magic. He was not a good sensor of magic before the war began and she never used her magic around him. Obviously, he does not recognise it. She placed the plate over the table and cautiously turned around. Half way through, she decided to test his growth a bit more. Without warning, she summoned her sword in the blink of an eye and slashed at him. She hit air as Syaoran simply vanished and she felt paralyzed. She saw fine green strings binding her entire body. It was magic and while she could easily break out of it, she was astonished at how quickly he tied her up with those strings.

"Seriously Xeimei. I could have hurt you if I had not recognised your sword in that swing." Syaoran spoke from above her as the green strings disappeared.

Xeimei spoke in surprise, "You actually had the time to see and recognise me sword!"

Syaoran came to the ground next to her and chuckled, "Well I am training on increasing my speed so a quick processing mind is a must. So why are you raiding the fridge at such a time and why were you hiding from me."

Xeimei's growling stomach answered him, "Sorry young master."

She was blushing with embarrassment and thanked the gods it was dark he could see nothing.

"There is nothing to apologise for Xeimei. Come on. We can talk while you eat. I have not seen you in a very long time now and I missed you a bit."

Xeimei grinned happily at his words, "You are too kind young master."

They sat at the kitchen table and she began to eat. She was very hungry.

"So why were you hiding from me Xeimei?" He asked her.

Xeimei became sad and stopped eating. Syaoran felt something was off with her.

"What is the matter?"

Xeimei replied, "I did not know how to face you young master."

"Why is that?"

"I vowed to protect you and I would happily lay down my life for you young master. But I am also bound to the clan and now they have ordered me to do the most difficult task."

"Can you tell me?"

"It is to kill you and the cardmistress." Xeimei replied grimly.

She expect Syaoran to grow cautious but she was surprised to see him chuckle.

"That is all! You were hiding from me for something as silly as that!"

Xeimei was shocked, "It is not silly young master. I do not want to hurt you. Killing you is not possible for me. I am so ashamed that I am unable to keep my vow to you."

Syaoran replied, "Do you know that Sakura has a godfather?"

Xeimei was confused, "No but what has that got to do with anything?"

"He took away all her powers and cards. He made her helpless in every way. He even tried to kill her as well as me. All because he wanted us to become strong and able to rise in the face of problems. He taught us that sometimes the best way to protect something important is to push it to its limits in danger."

Xeimei listened to him carefully.

"You are one of the few people in the clan that I trust with my life. When Sakura and I will face you in battle, do not hold back. If I were alone, you would defeat me undoubtedly. But Sakura and I are together so your victory will not come easy to you. Try to kill us but we will not go down that easily. However, when we are outside the battle, you can stop worrying about those silly things. Jet Ming came with the same purpose he is a good friend now with us all. So, do not hide from for such irrelevant things. I trust you and I will trust you even after our battle."

Xeimei felt touched at his words. She did not think that he would continue to trust her even though she would be her opponent.

"How about you meet us outside school gates in the evening? I will introduce you to Sakura before we leave for our regular training together."

Xeimei nodded, "That would be very kind of you young master."

She resumed eating as Syaoran silently gave her company.

"Young master. Thank you. I am very fortunate to have you as my young master."

Syaoran nodded but did not reply.

"You have grown much stronger, by the way. I could not sense you at all and I could not hide from you either. You even escaped my attack efficiently. In addition, you seem more relaxed and cheerful now. You used to be so moody and stern. How did this happen?"

Syaoran blushed, "Sakura happened. Her simplicity and good will is very contagious. It is her influence that I am so relaxed now."

Xeimei smiled, "It is a good change. Lady Li seemed very fond of her as well. Perhaps she could not resist the cardmistress either."

Syaoran chuckled, "I think she fell quicker than I did. She is almost like a mother with Sakura now."

Xeimei smirked, "So how many dates have you been on so far?"

Syaoran turned red, "Wha...? What do you mean dates?"

Xeimei teased him, "Come on young master. You have been dating her for a while now. You are in this town for months now and you two meet daily. You must have been on some dates by now. Even kissed if I must guess."

Syaoran looked away with a frown but resembling a tomato in colour. Xeimei's eyes widened as she realised what it meant. The she began to laugh and Syaoran was getting irritated by the second.

"I cannot believe it. Nothing yet! Just how hopeless are you young master?" She teased him and continued to laugh.

"Well if you have not noticed, we are too busy training to survive and live a long life here. We have never had any chances to think of anything else. Even our relationship." Syaoran reasoned with her.

Xeimei smirked, "Those are just excuses. The amount of time you two spend together in school out of training should have already given you enough chances to kiss."

Syaoran grumbled, "No chances. The only time when it is just the two of us is when we fight an opponent. And we are too busy to concentrate on the fights to think of anything else. All the other times, too many people are with us."

Xeimei asked, "What about holidays? You can go on dates then."

Syaoran looked straight in her eyes, "Then you do not know Tomoyo Daidouji."

Xeimei raised an eyebrow, "Who is that?"

"Sakura's cousin and best friend. She has a hobby of filming Sakura and now, even me at any chance we get. Meiling is her recent partner in crime. Even if we go on a date on some day-off, both of us will know that she is somewhere hidden and filming us. She is the one who makes our costumes if you have been watching our battles."

Xeimei's eyes widened, "She made those! I agree some were downright ridiculous but most were a work of art. The last one was plain ingenious with that armour. I have to meet her some time."

Syaoran replied, "Well you can meet her tomorrow after school. Just do not ask her to make you a dress too. Then you are on your own to face her evilness. Even Hiiragizawa does not dare ask her that. She is just that scary."

Xeimei did not believe it, "She is?"

"Why else do you think we all wear her costumes, even the ridiculous ones? If you to risk it, be my guest. Do not expect anyone to come save you from her."

"She must be a very powerful mage if she could scare you all so much. Surprising it is that I have never heard of her. She must have kept her identity hidden."

Syaoran shook his head, "She is just like Meiling. She has no magic. She is an ordinary girl. Sakura's godfather planted a little harmless magic inside Meiling and Daidouji though. That is to protect them during the battles. He is our teacher in school and our trainer."

Xeimei began to think, "I must meet this man then. Tomorrow it is. I will come to meet everyone after you school."

Syaoran got up, "Okay. We should get some sleep now. It is getting late."

Xeimei nodded with a smile, "Good night young master. Sweet dreams."

Syaoran smiled as well, "Good night Xeimei."

She watched him walk away and once again tried to detect his magic. She could not detect it at all. Even when in his house, he was keeping his presence concealed very strictly.

"Good young master. Very good. You have grown so strong. I am very proud to serve someone such as you." Xeimei whispered with a soft smile.

End of Chapter 27.

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