Princess and the Hunter Redone Chapter 16: Escape Tactics, a card captor sakura fanfic

Chapter 16 – Escape Tactics

The leaves near her face rustled as she tried to get her ragged breathing back under control. Syaoran shifted and her nails dug into his skin warning him not to move another inch. He cringed, but followed her silent order.

Sakura felt a thin line of blood run down her cheek, a sharp twig from her dive into the bushes the cause.

She hid Syaoran more deeply as possible in her cloak as the riders passed. Their horses were grazing in a field behind them. They had been trying to fill their canteens with water when Syaoran had heard the riders coming up from the glen.

" I don't know what's so important 'bout some princess. " one rider said as they walked their horses past.

" You fool. " the other replied. " Rulf only wants her so he can have some fun with her and take her throne. "

" How can you take the throne when she still livin? "

The other rider shot his comrade a weird look. " How'd you get in this anyway? You're as dumb as a doorknob. "

As quick as lightning the supposed 'dumb' one's hand shot out and circled around the other man's throat making him choke. " Careful what you say round me my friend. "

In the bushes Sakura's eyes widened. That could have been her throat or even worse Syaoran's!

" Yeah right I'll remember that. " the other rider said holding his throat.

" Let us get out of 'ere. "

" With you on that, there ain't no one here anyways. "

Sakura waited until they were well out of sight before she dared move. " That was far too close. " Syaoran stared at her terrified and she smoothed him by brushing his messy bangs away from his face. " Come. Lets go. " she whispered and together they crept away back to their horses and galloped away into the distance.

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Seven days later

Sakura wrapped her cloak more tightly around herself and Syaoran for warmth. The moon was bright in a dark, cold sky with wisps of cloud twirling here and there. Her breath came out in a cloud as she exhaled.

Syaoran stirred and Sakura rocked him to get him back off to sleep again. Like her, he was exhausted and couldn't keep going like this for much longer. She knew that they were lost and had no hope of finding out where they were, but for some reason she felt as if she was being guided. They had had few encounters but all of Rulf's men had taken one look at her in her beggar's clothes with the little boy and rode off not looking back.

" I miss home and I miss step father. " Syaoran mumbled and Sakura's heart bled.

" Shall I sing you a lullaby? "

" Lullaby's are for babies. " he growled quietly.

" Not always. Lullabies help even grown men when they are greatly tired to fall asleep. They even help them when they are on the field of battle to give them strength, to chase away their demons and to help them remember their loved ones waiting at the hearth for them to return. "

" Really? Great warriors even sing them? "

Sakura chuckled and stroked his hair while she started to hum.

Natsuhiboshi, naze akai?

yuube kanashii yume wo mita.

naite hanashita.

akai me yo

natsuhiboshi, naze mayou?

kieta warashi wo sagashiteru

dakara kanashii yume wo miru

Both mother and child slipped into a deep, untroubled sleep. The sounds of the night haunting and dangerous close….

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Li Clan

The Elder's chamber room was dead quiet as the Elvin Queen glowed in front of them all. Her baby blue eyes glowed with pleading. " Please you must help. "

Meilin's eyes were a wide as saucers when Vala had told them of the impending war against the three kingdoms. Li watched on with a masked expression, though some of the ice did melt from his heart at the mention of Berth Seren Banon and the danger at present.

" This is not our war. " one of the Elders stated firmly.

Vala turned to look at him. " If Rulf takes over the three kingdoms, whose to say that he won't stop there? You're home could very likely be next! "

Murmurs went through the crowd at this.

" Woman and children are being hurt and killed at the mercy of Rulf's men. Woman are being taken and raped for their own sick and twisted games and the men are out there fighting and trying the hardest, but it's not working. I've sent some of my own Mar to aid them, but it still isn't enough! The princesses' of both kingdoms are out there somewhere, where, I do not know, for I cannot sense them and the King and his son are out in the battle field! "

Li pushed himself away from the wall merging himself with light and shadow. " What do you mean "princesses'"'? "

Meilin looked at him, hope blooming in her heart.

" Allow me to reiterate; a very heavily pregnant queen of Rhawn Rhain with her second child, her heir beside her and her husband off fighting. And the queen of Berth Seren Banon with - with " here Vala faulted briefly meeting Meilin's terrified gaze, before she swallowed and tried to calm herself. " With one other and in a place that I cannot trace. "

Li stiffened but remained where he was and Meilin sighed. Vala's fairy like eyes bored deep into Li with sadness. " Won't you help? "

Li returned her gaze but said nothing. " Will you do nothing then? " she asked sadly and they watched in amazement as a single tear rolled down her cheek.

" As you can see. " Leiko piped up coming to stand near Li. " We are not going to help so you can go now. " she said arrogantly waving her hand dismissing her.

Meilin shot to her feet and stormed up beside her and glared daggers at Leiko. " Let me remind you Leiko you are not mistress around her yet and you won't be as long I have anything to do with it, but if you think you can go waving you pathetic little hand around as if you own the place, you are sadly mistaken. " Meilin spat viciously.

" That is enough Meilin. " one of the Elders commanded.

Meilin glared fire at them. " When are you going to realize that this uptight, prissy conniving little bitch is nothing but false?!! " Meilin demanded ignoring the murmur going through the audience.

" You like to think that you can sit up there above us all and think that nothing can touch you or us, but one day you're going to find that we are not as immortal as you thought and one day soon, we're going to have to fight - fight or die and then where will you be Honorable Elders when you have no clan to judge?!! "

" That is enough! " the Elders shouted.

Meilin closed her mouth and stood defiantly before them not moving. Two could play this game.

Leiko was standing beside Li with her arm linked though his, glaring at Meilin. Vala looked at Meilin and she looked back at her sadly, her ruby eyes dull and miserable.

" I've tried Vala. But as you can see, they won't change. There's nothing more I can do. I'd help you in an instant if I could. "

Vala nodded and sighed in defeat. " Very well Elders of this clan I reluctantly accept your decision. " she turned to look at Leiko who smirked at her. " But there is one more thing I wish to leave with you to think about, if I may? "

The Elders remained silent watching the Mar Queen steadily – their eyes pinned on her guardedly.

Vala turned her piercing gaze on Leiko, who lost her smile uncertain. Vala moved slowly across the room to stand before the woman with cold ambition and stared at her unflinching. Leiko sneered and threw her chin up in defiance.

" Why you let your heir marry a girl who is barren and can't reproduce puzzles me. "

The stunned silence echoed loudly around the circular chamber, every eye of the Elders trained on the Mar Queen and Leiko. Leiko's mouth dropped and all eyes turned to her.

" You witch! " Leiko spat. " You lie! " she screeched.

Vala blue eyes turned glacial and the room dropped several degrees. " I am the Queen of the Mar and I never lie! How dare you accuse me of such a thing! "

Leiko shrank back from her as Vala's image reared up in front of her. " I think your conniving tongue had betrayed you for the last time. "

Li stepped away from Leiko, shrugging from her as she reached out for him and they all watched as Vala's eyes glowed like blue flame as she spoke in the Elvish tongue. The ancient language bounced around the chamber as the spell was cast and set. The ties wove around the room and made them bear witness. Vala's long hair swirled around her as she glared unblinkingly at the Leiko in front of her.

As suddenly as the song of words was started, Vala stopped and let the musical lilt of her voice fade away. She then turned to glare at the Elders behind her." A curse on you all if this is the kind of people you breed into this world! " and with that she disappeared.

The chamber was silent as everyone looked at Leiko.

" Stop looking at me! " she cried and ran out of the chamber.

Meilin's gaze never wavered from Li's until he shifted and acknowledged her. She flicked her hair over her shoulder and stepped forward until Li had to look down at her furious face. " Well I hope that all of you are happy. " she stated before she turned and stormed out of the room.

Li watched her go and sighed.

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" Syaoran. " Sakura suddenly said and he looked at her riding beside him. It was starting to get dark. " If we are caught do not tell them your name especially not your last name. If they demand that you tell them remain silent do you hear me? And if you have to lie, weave enough truth into your story to sound plausible. Do not get tangled up in the web of deceit you weave. They will trap you faster that way. "

Syaoran nodded.

" And remember, never ever think you can trust a person except for those that you already know, like myself, Julian, all your aunts and uncles ok? "

" Hai. "

Sakura nodded and the harness jingled as she nudged her horse to continue on. All was peaceful except for the slow plodding of the horses hooves on the track. Sakura watched the sky jealously, wishing she could laugh and sing to herself again. To be free once more, not running for her life and trying to protect the only thing important to her. Her only treasure.

Her eyes shifted to the right to check on Syaoran and noticed the sunlight glistening off Syaoran's honey-brown hair. It took her a moment to put two and two together and when she did, her horse complained as she reigned in tightly.

" Oh Gods we've been riding around all morning and with the true colour of your hair showing through. We must make a fire and quickly work some more charcoal into the both of us. " Sakura kicked her horse and together they galloped over to a gully where they wouldn't be seen.

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In the Fields of Berth Seren Banon

The King and the Crown Prince stared at the man that was in front of them, not ten meters between them, with his men lined up behind him. The Crown Prince let his dark warrior eyes rake the formidable line of spears, shields, swords and cavalry. They covered more than one field; where as the King's men only covered half.

" So Rulf, " Aiden began. " This is where it starts. "

Rulf smirked. " How true Aiden. " he laughed. " And this is where it will all end. "

Aiden stiffened. " Not if I have anything to do with it. "

Rulf smiled and looked at Tori. " We'll see. " he said. " We'll see. "

Despite the sun on his back, Tori shivered and clenched his sword in his hand. Its blade glimmered in the sunlight and Tori saw the man dressed in black coming up behind them.

" Dad duck! " Tori yelled and swung around catching the man off guard.

Aiden swung around and his sword clashed with the man before him as Tori tried to attack him from behind.

From their hidden locations, the Mar people prepared their arrows and aimed them high into the air. From the signal from Talar, they fired the arrows, the strings snapping back with the force of the release. Rulf's men cried out as they were struck down. Rulf gave the signal and his men exploded forward into the heat of battle. Their battle cries ringing through the nearby mountains as they locked with Aiden's men.

Rulf snuck deep into the coverage of the thickets nearby and grabbed his horse and jumped up, shooting the battle field a quick glance as he galloped away.

In the bushes Talar's eyes sharpened as she turned her bow sideways and aimed for Rulf's right arm. " Just where do you think you're going? " she whispered and released the arrow.

A cry went up into the air. . . .

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Sakura had just finished rubbing the charcoal into her own hair when she heard the voices. She stiffened and urged Syaoran to go towards his horse.

" I'm telling ya I smell a fire going. " someone said loudly.

Sakura's heart froze. " Go, Go. " she whispered harshly to her son as he tried to get to his horse.

" Look there's people there! " came the excited cry.

Sakura bolted and grabbed Syaoran by his hand tightly and headed towards her horse that was closer as the first rain of arrows fell around them. Sakura picked up Syaoran and placed him on the horse. A arrow struck her in the shoulder and Sakura cried out in pain.

" Mother! "

The riders started to gallop toward them and Sakura stared up at Syaoran fear in her emerald eyes. " Listen to me! Ride hard and fast and do not look back. I will join up with later. Now take this! " she pushed Li's dagger blade into his hands and took her bow and arrows and started firing towards the riders. (She just pulled the dagger blade out without it's sheath because there wasn't enough time.) One fell and his horse ran into another and the rider fell to the ground.

" What are you waiting for Syaoran? Go! " Sakura screamed and smacked the back of the horse and it bolted forward.

" MOM! " Syaoran shrieked as the horse galloped away terrified.

" Ride hard and fast and do not stop until you are safe! " Sakura yelled as she turned back around and started to release one arrow after the other.

The last thing Syaoran saw of his mother was the picture of her firing her arrows and seeing another arrow hit her, where? He couldn't see because his tears were blinding him as he galloped faster and faster through the night, riders following closely behind him.

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Meilin was sitting in the room with Yelan, the fire crackling in the hearth and casting shadows on the stone walls when one of their guards burst into the room.

" Excuse me milady, a rider approaches. "

Yelan put away her embroidery and straightened up. " Do you know who it is? " she asked.

" Too dark to see milady. But it is not one of our own, nor one that we are familiar with."

" Get everyone ready it might be a trap. "

" Hai milady. " the guard bowed and stepped aside as Meilin followed Yelan out the room towards the entrance.

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A terrible racket was coming from the entrance and they all came to a stop of one of their guards was trying desperately to keep hold onto a struggling boy. Meilin watched intrigued as the little boy fought and kicked and flailed with all his might.

" What is the meaning of this? " Yelan demanded, her voice ringing through the hall.

" This is the rider that we spotted milady. " one of the guards replied struggling to keep hold of the struggling whelp.

Yelan spotted the blood on the little boys hands and immediately commanded her guards to release him.

The boy dropped to the ground, his head bowed to the ground. He was sobbing.

" What is wrong child? Why do you cry? No one is going to hurt you. " Yelan soothed.

The boy raised his eyes to her defiantly and glared at her with nothing but hate and Yelan stepped back as the image of her son stared back at her. Meilin gasped and placed her hand to her mouth and stared at the boy with black hair.

" Who are you? " Yelan asked breathlessly but the child remained silent.

Seeing that he was holding onto something tightly Meilin stepped forward and watched him pin his glare on her. She smirked internally. This kid was sharp and intelligent. He didn't miss a trick. " What are you holding? " She asked as she knelt down in front of him, but he backed away like a trapped animal.

" I'm not going to harm you. " Meilin said softly and Syaoran saw the kindness in her eyes unlike the other lady who held everything behind a mask.

Meilin nearly gagged when she watched as he opened his hand to reveal the blade of a dagger that had practically imbedded straight into his hand, possibly bone, from him gripping it so tight.

" You poor thing. " she said. " Here. " Meilin said and helped him pull it out. " Lets get you cleaned up and then maybe you'll tell us where you came from hey? " She held out her hand and he studied it and then her face before he reluctantly took it with his left and they walked upstairs towards the bathroom.

Yelan watched them go and turned to her guards. " Was there anything on the horse to identify him? "

" No milady. It was only him and some remaining food. "

Yelan looked back up the stairs to where they had gone and behind her mask her thoughts were in turmoil. She was slightly distracted as Li walked down the stairs and demanded to know what was going on. He had seen the rider come in from the ramparts and had heard the commotion.

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" There now all clean. " Meilin said as she bandaged his right hand. She tied the end and let her hands fall down. Beside the ewer was filled with bloody water. She studied the young man and watched as he just continued to watch her and refused to say a word.

" Why were you carrying the dagger? " she asked softly, but he still refused to answer.

Meilin picked up the blade; still had blood all over it and looked at it. There was a pattern on the blade and she squinted to make it out through the dried blood. Syaoran's eyes widened and before she could do anything, he snatched it out of her hands and had backed away from like a cornered animal hiding something valuable.

" Hey there was no need to do that. " Meilin stated firmly. " If you wanted it back you should have said so. "

Meilin heard her name being called and she sighed. " No rest for the wicked eh? What does HE want now I wonder? " Meilin muttered and walked out of the bathroom and the boy followed behind her, though at a safe distance.

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" You bellowed? " Meilin demanded as Li looked up at her.

" Where is he? " Li demanded coldly.

" Who? " Meilin said.

Li looked past her and she turned around to see the boy standing behind her. He held himself with an air of confidence and arrogance that reminded her strongly of Li. The boy gave Li the death glare and Li gladly returned it. The boy smirked but didn't break his gaze when he realized that he obviously had an opponent to battle against.

" Looks like I found a new friend. " Meilin thought as she watched the boy battle silently against Li.

" What's his name? " Li demanded breaking his gaze from the boy.

Syaoran smirked in triumph.

" Wouldn't know. He doesn't speak. "

" What do you mean he doesn't speak? "

Li walked over to the boy and saw the dagger in his hand. Li went to reach for it, but as quick as lightning the boy knocked his hand away and got into fighting stance and snarled at Li. Yelan's eyebrow rose as she watched from the doorway and saw the shock on her son's face.

" I would rather die than see her dagger in your hands. " Syaoran spat making everyone start.

" So you can talk! " Meilin exclaimed.

Li stared down at him and met his cold amber eyes. For some reason he felt connected with this boy, but he didn't know why. He didn't know anyone with black hair and amber eyes.

" Li. " Yelan said and Li turned around. " Leave the boy alone. It's obvious that he has been through am ordeal. Let him be fed and rested before you interrogate him. "

Li turned back to the boy and saw the tired way he held himself in fighting stance.

" Meilin take care of him. " Li snarled and turned away from the boy's unnerving amber eyes.

" Come now. " Meilin said reaching for him. Syaoran glared at Li's turned back and walked behind the one they called 'Meilin' as she led him down the corridor. He looked at the stone work and the rich tapestries and shivered, there was something powerfully sinister about this place. There was either great power in these people or great evil.

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The next day

Meilin was with the boy in the room that her and her aunt had been in the night before. He was cleaning the dagger. Meilin watched how he struggled with his wounded hand but still he persisted as if his very life depended on it. She had wondered all through the night what connection this young man had with the dagger. It must have belonged to his family for all the love and care he put into cleaning it. It was sad to think that this small object could be all that he had to remember them by.

Syaoran had slept for most of the day from exhaustion. He had been disgusted with himself when he had found most of the day gone, but the girl Meilin had been there waiting for him to wake. She had smiled and given him food and he had to admit that she seemed like nice person. Despite her fiery temper towards the one that he didn't like, she reminded him of his mother. He knew she was watching him and continued cleaning the dagger.

" Must you stare at me so? " he stated suddenly.

Meilin started and stared at him stunned. " Why don't you talk? Except for now and earlier? " she asked.

The boy shrugged.

" What's your name? "

He didn't answer and Meilin sighed. " All right then but you will have to talk to us eventually. The Elders won't let you get away with silence. But for now you need a bath. Your hair is filthy. "

Syaoran stared up at her horrified.

" Ok so you don't like the prospect of having a bath, but my aunt won't stand for you to dirty her nice clean house. "

" You can't make me. I'll fight you. " Syaoran snarled petulantly.

Meilin smiled at his stubbornness. " I don't think it's going to get any cleaner. " She stated finally nodding at the dagger that was pristine clear again making the boy look at her.

" Please won't you show me? " she asked.

The boy seemed to be debating something and then he finally gave up, knowing he could trust her and held it up to show her.

Meilin's eyes widened when saw the pattern on the blade and stared at the boy. " Where did you get this? " she breathed around the tight lump in her throat.

Syaoran sensed something was wrong and backed away.

" Oh no, please. " Meilin soothed. " It's alright but that looks like the ones we have - " she paused. " Stay here. " Meilin commanded and bolted upstairs and burst into Li's room and went straight to the wall where the most precious Li Clan weapons resided.

Right in the middle of a dagger set there was one missing. She stared at the others and traced the patterns on them. It was exactly the same as the one the boy had down stairs!

" Having fun? " came Li's cold voice. " I thought your days of snooping through my room where over? "

Meilin whipped around and stared at him as he came over to her like a dark wrath of unleashed fury.

" No. I was just seeing something. " Meilin replied calmly even though her heart was pounding.

" What? " Li asked as he looked at the missing space on the wall.

" Where is this missing dagger? " she asked softly.

Li's eyes hardened. " It doesn't matter. "

" Who has it Li? " Meilin prodded.

Li glared at her for a moment before replying. " The queen of Berth Seren Baron has it. Happy? " Li demanded and stopped when he saw the look on her face.

" What's wrong? " he asked.

Meilin had gone as white as a sheet. " That - that - boy he… he has- has it. " she stammered in shock.

Li frowned. " The dagger the boy has. " Meilin said looking at Li. " It's the same. " Meilin pointed to the others on the wall.

Li's eyes widened making the connection to her rambling. " What? " he demanded.

Meilin shook her head and cried out when Li turned and marched out of his room and she ran after him. As they came down the stairs they saw the boy running down the corridor towards the front entrance.

" Hey! " Li called and ran after him, Meilin following after them.

Li caught up with him in the front hall and turned him around.

The boy struck out, but Li easily blocked it. Li grabbed the dagger and the boy cried out. He jumped on Li and tried to get it back, but Li wrapped his arm tightly round him and held him safely while he squirmed and twisted trying to get out of his grip. Li maneuvered him around to his hip and held the dagger up for his inspection. He stared and stared and then swallowed. It was the missing dagger he had once left Sakura with.

" How did you get this? " Li demanded turning his fury on the young boy.

The boy just glared at him and refused to say a word. Lightning flashed outside. It had been raining all day. Li was just about to open his mouth when a commotion in the front entrance made them look towards the huge room where two guards were hauling in a dark figure between them.

" Master Li. She's hurt badly. " one of the guards yelled out. " We found her at the edge of our eastern border. "

The figure was drenched. Her cloak was torn to shreds and blood lined the floor as they continued to bring her inside. " She's been attacked. "

Syaoran stiffened as he recognized the familiar figure and watched as his mother opened her eyes barely before sagging in the guard's arms. " Mother!! " Syaoran screamed as he struggled out of Li's arms and went to the figure lying motionlessly on the floor. Li and Meilin looked at each other and took off towards them.

They reached them as the boy was helping the woman as she struggled to her knees.

" What happened to you? " Syaoran asked terrified as he helped her up.

Sakura looked up at him tiredly. " I fought them Syaoran, I fought them. " she rasped tiredly. Her head fell back and Syaoran pushed her rain-drenched bangs away from her face revealing familiar features.

Li froze, as did Meilin, when they realized who they were looking at. They didn't even hear Yelan or several others come running into the main entrance behind them.

Sakura reached up a shaky hand and touched Syaoran's face lovingly. " I'm so happy you got away safely. I was so worried. " Her face was scratched and bloodied and she was trembling. She drew him shakily to her. " I Love you so much Syaoran. " she said.

" Sakura? " Li stepped forward into her line of sight, his face completely stunned.

Sakura's tired eyes rose up and looked at him. Bare recognition came into the pain-filled and dull emerald depths.

" Oh my God. " Meilin gasped covering her mouth as she stared at the wounded figure of her old friend and queen.

Sakura looked over at Syaoran's terrified eyes. She forced herself to smile, blood running down her face. " At least I know that you are safe now. " and with that she collapsed.

" Mom! " Syaoran cried. " No! " he shrieked, his terror-filled voice echoing off the walls.

Li watched the boy in front of him and then at Sakura. He was watching it from another world. Mother? Sakura was this boy's mother? That meant that Kisho and Sakura had -

" Don't just stand there get her upstairs! " Meilin yelled. " And call for the doctor! "

Yelan and the others came into the entrance warily and watched everything unfold.

Syaoran hissed at the men that tried to take his mother away and lunged at them. Meilin watched, her heart breaking with every movement. She went over and restrained him so they could take Sakura. Li snapped to attention and helped her hold him.

Syaoran cursed and yelled at the top of his voice. Tears streamed down his face and Li had to bite back all his own curses as he tried to get him upstairs. Realizing that he wasn't going to get anywhere he stopped.

" Sorry kid. " Li muttered and knocked him out cold.

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Syaoran heard voices and he returned to consciousness. He opened his eyes to a slit and peered around the room as much as he dared without being discovered. His head ached like hell, and he was determined to return the favor to that baka that he felt he knew. He turned his head slightly and saw two figures standing in the doorway. It must be night, for the lady whom he recognized as Meilin, was holding a candle and was talking to someone, which he guessed was the one they called Li, by the way he stood.

" I know he was being difficult but did you have to go and concuss the poor kid? I know he's been through a rough patch with Sakura and all, but did you have to give him a headache to go along with everything else he's suffered? " Meilin demanded.

" There was no reason for him to carry on like that. " Li replied firmly.

Meilin rolled her eyes." Oh Xiao Lang, you baka! He's a kid who we have yet to find out what he has been through. How did you feel when you realized that it was Sakura that the guards were carrying? I know I was terrified to think that someone had done that to her, imagine how he must have felt. I would have done the same thing in a house such as this full of strangers. "

Both had failed to realize that they were under observation from Li's bed.

Li sighed and ran is hand through his hair and leant against the door frame and the candle light reflected in his eyes making them seem brighter with worry.

" How is it possible? " Li asked softly.

" What? " Meilin asked watching him.

" How can she have a child? " Li said looking up at the roof.

Meilin lowered her eyes and sighed. " She was married Xiao Lang. " she replied softly, trying not to gulp. " It happens. "

Li looked at her. She refused to meet his eye. Li sighed and rested his head back against the wall. " Anyway what's it matter? " he said closing his eyes. " He's Kisho's. He has the black hair. "

" He doesn't have black hair. " Meilin stated and Li looked at her.

" What do you mean? "

" Don't tell me you didn't notice? " Meilin asked. " It's charcoal that makes his hair black. Sakura obviously had her head screwed on tight when she thought of it. It's a good disguise, an excellent battle tactic. "

Li stared at her as if she were mad. Meilin raised her eyebrow at him. " Don't believe me? Look at the black mark on your nice clean pillow. " Meilin said indicating into the room.

Syaoran quickly closed his eyes and remained still. Li's eyes sharpened and he stared at the boy in his bed. She was right; he could see a lighter colour in the boy's hair from the candle light beside his bed.

" But still, what's it matter? " Li sighed softly.

Meilin's eyes softened with concern as she watched him. Oh how she wanted to tell him, but how could she?

" How is she? " Li asked catching Syaoran's attention.

Meilin sighed. " They've moved her into the room at the end of this corridor. " she said pointing. " They're trying their hardest, but she's lost a lot of blood. She has arrow wounds all over her body. " Tears came to Meilin's eyes. " She must have taken them on, so he could get away. "

Li swallowed still looking up at the ceiling. " Rulf is no doubt behind this. " Li stated.

Meilin nodded. " We could be out there making his life hell, but - "

" Meilin. " Li said tiredly, but Meilin glared at him.

" But no, you had to agree with the Elders and now we're all stuck here and- "

" Meilin drop it. " Li commanded.

Meilin's mouth snapped shut and she looked over towards Li's bed and gasped catching Li's attention. " He's gone. " Meilin stated eyes wide.

Li whipped around and stared at where there was once someone in his bed, but was now empty. " The little - " Li cursed under his breath. " He must have been awake the whole time and heard us talking about Sakura. "

Meilin gasped and her eyes went wider and she turned to look down the corridor. " Oh dear. " she said when she heard a commotion.

Li swore under his breath and stormed down the corridor, Meilin running to keep up with him.

Li glared as he saw Syaoran struggling in one of his guard's arms once again.

" Let me go! " Syaoran commanded.

" You can't go in there kid. " the guard replied and grunted as Syaoran managed to elbow him in the stomach.

" I have a right to see my mother! " Syaoran stated and wiggled free dodging the guard as he dived for him.

Syaoran backed against something and whipped around and didn't know whether to snarl or groan in frustration when he saw Meilin and Li behind him. Li glared down at him and Syaoran returned it.

" Master Li I- "

Li's glare landed on the guard and he closed his mouth and remained silent. " It's nice to see that I didn't do too much damage when I knocked you out. " Li said looking down at Syaoran.

" I bet you were just dying to get rid of me. " Syaoran spat and Li's eyebrow rose.

" You don't like me very much do you? " Li asked.

Syaoran folded his arms and looked up at him. " So far you haven't given me any reason to like you. " Syaoran replied and Meilin had to bit her lip to stop herself from laughing out loud.

Li hid his smirk behind his cold facade. " You remind me a lot of Hiiragizawa. " Li stated and Syaoran unfolded his arms stunned.

" You know my Uncle Eriol? "

Li stared down at him, masking his expression. " Yes. " he replied finally.

Syaoran tilted his head to the side studying him which reminded Li very much of Sakura.

Li looked up at the guard and he stiffened. " Stand aside. " Li commanded. " I wish to see her, and the boy will accompany me. "

Syaoran looked up at Li masking his own expression. " Coming? " Li asked over his shoulder as he walked into the room. Syaoran frowned and followed after him.

Outside Meilin sighed shaking her head. " Oh Sakura. " she whispered. " Trust you to have a son that takes after Li in almost every way. " she muttered and walked back to her own room.

-------------------------------------------------------

The candle light reflected brightly on the figure that lay on the bed. Shadows danced across her face and body when the flames danced as they entered. Bandages covered most of her body, blood seeping through some of them.

Syaoran ran towards the bed but before he could touch her, Li placed a firm, restraining hand on his shoulder holding him back. Syaoran glared up and him and Li shook his head.

" Let her rest. Her body needs to heal. " he murmured quietly.

" She's my mother. " Syaoran snapped and jerked free of his hold. " You can't tell me what to do. "

" She may be your mother young man, " Li replied testily. " But I will tell you what to do when it comes to here healing or dying. " He saw the young boy's widen in fear and shock. " You have been on the run for some time I gather and therefore you know of the danger. You have both suffered and with her injuries on top of what you have both already endured, it is going to take a lot more to help her get through this. "

" I am Crown Prince of Berth Seren Baron, she will get better if I command her too. " Syaoran replied arrogantly and turned back to the bed.

" And that kind of arrogance is what will likely get her killed. " Li snapped back. Where on earth did this kid get such an attitude? He didn't think that Sakura would have allowed for such behavior in her offspring. But then again, she had married Kisho all those years ago…

" What do you know. " Syaoran muttered petulantly.

" A lot more than you I can assure you. " Li bit back. He would put this whelp back in his place.

Syaoran growled low in his throat and missed the look of surprise that flashed through Li's face. Syaoran reached out and gently brushed a strand of damp hair off Sakura's face. Li saw the worry; the fear and the exhaustion on the boy's face and sighed internally. Now was not the time to pick fights with someone several years younger than he.

" Listen to me, " Li stated and turned Syaoran towards him until he met his eye. He noted that there were tears in the young man's face and felt his heart clench. " We will do everything possible for your mother. Every want and need will be seen to. We acknowledge that she is the queen of Berth Seren Baron but regardless she is a person first. She will be looked after.

" When she is out of danger and has some of her strength back you may come and see her whenever you wish. But for now, understand that she must rest and regain her strength. "

" Do you still intend to interrogate me? " Syaoran demanded raising his chin.

" You will be asked what has transpired in the past yes. " Li replied. " It is important that we gather what information we can about Rulf and how he attacked if we are to make a plan. "

" My mother told me not to tell anyone anything. Not to trust anyone bar those that she trusts. Neither of us spoke of you. " Syaoran replied firmly.

" Your loyalty to your mother is admirable, but if I was the enemy you would have given me more information in that one sentence than you realize. " he saw Syaoran reach for the dagger that he had left in his room and arched his brow arrogantly. " But yet here you are still alive. I am not the enemy and your mother will tell you that as soon as she is able. "

" How can you be so sure? " Syaoran demanded.

" Ask her. " he said nodding towards the bed. " She and I are old… friends. " he replied.

Syaoran narrowed his gaze and stood before Li measuring him before he turned a worried frown onto his mother's prone form, confusion and uncertainty etched on his face.

" Come. We must let her rest. " Li waited until Syaoran murmured something to Sakura before he turned and left the room, Li closing the door firmly behind him.

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Syaoran stood motionless and raised his chin and met all their cold, hard eyes. The room was dark and foreboding except for the flash of torches along the walls. Behind him he knew that they were all watching him as well. Inside he was trembling, but he tried hard not to let it show.

" We demand to know what has occurred since the time of your department. " one Elder snapped.

" I do not have to tell you anything. " Syaoran replied firmly.

" Syaoran please, " Meilin murmured and stepped towards him. " Just tell them what you can. "

" Meilin! " The Elders snapped. " Take your place and be silent. "

" Don't talk to her like that! " Syaoran snapped angrily. " Show some respect! "

The Elders murmured amongst themselves and Meilin buried her head in her hands. She lowered her hands after a moment and sighed and met Li's piercing gaze from across the room. She turned away from him and gave him her disappointment in the form of a cold shoulder.

" Answer the question young man. " one Elder stated firmly.

" Not until you show me some respect. " Syaoran replied defensively. " I am Crown Prince Syaoran Kisho Kinomoto. Heir to the throne of Berth Seren Banon and my mother, the queen, lies upstairs wounded and fighting for her life. Instead of allowing me to give her my strength and support at this difficult time, you drag me in here and interrogate me! "

" Do not assume to come in here and judge us. " another Elder snapped angrily.

" Do not presume to force me to do something that I do not wish to do! " Syaoran snapped back his face flushed with anger. " You have not signed a treaty with Berth Seren Banon nor Rhawn Rhain, therefore under the Third Proclamation of Xing, you are bound to treat any royalty that is brought into your home with courtesy and respect. If thou do not then I can take your actions as heresy and accuse you of insult. "

"Syaoran!! " Meilin hissed and looked up at the Elders fearfully.

" How dare you! " And Elder thundered. " You dare challenge us in our sacred home?! "

" I do dare in defense of you challenging me. " Syaoran threw back. " You did not want nothing to do with this war that concerned me and mine and therefore I do not feel obligated to fill you in with any given details. "

" Why you – "

" Any information that you are interested in I can assume that you are going to use against my family and that of the other two kingdoms. "

" What a smart little boy, " Yelan murmured next to Li as she listened to the anger murmurs of the council. " He reminds me strongly of you Xiao Lang. "

" I am not a fool to with-hold information in a time of war. " Li snapped back.

" No, " Yelan replied. " But you act the very same when you are questioned and put in your place. "

" Elders, " Li surged to his feet and got their attention. " I suggest we adjourn this discussion until later. Less, " he pinned them with his cold gaze when they started to object. "We give the Crown Prince of Berth Seren Banon any more reason to take insult at our less than hospitable hospitality. "

Syaoran whipped around and stared up at Li and tried to read his expression. Li looked back but his expression was hidden behind a mask.

" Very well. " one Elder announced. " We will adjourn this meeting until later. " and with that the Elders filed out of the room.

" I won't thank you. " Syaoran replied firmly when he walked up to Li and Yelan.

" I don't expect you to. " Li replied. " You're not the only one that gets sick of hearing their long-winded discussions. "

" Come, your highness, " Yelan beckoned. " Let's us go and visit the queen shall we? I hear she is doing much better today. "

Syaoran looked at Li for a few more moments before he nodded and then followed after Yelan.

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3 Weeks Later

Syaoran opened the door expecting to see candle light and the familiar scene of his mother lying on the bed but he stopped dead when he saw the scene in front of him. Li, who had escorted the young prince to the queen's room almost ran into him and loomed over the top of him trying to regain his balance.

Li stepped back and looked up and saw that the bed was empty and that the candles were blown out. The windows were thrown open and the bright sunlight was pouring into the room with the cool breeze.

" Kaa-san? " Syaoran asked timidly stepping further into the room and looking around wildly.

A figure appeared at the door way and Syaoran's face lit up before it died upon realizing that it was only Yelan standing into the doorway to the balcony. She smiled knowingly and motioned for him to come forward and join her on the balcony.

Li frowned questioningly, but Yelan simply looked back at him poker face and turned around before walking out after Syaoran.

When Li emerged he saw the young prince standing stock still, staring slack-jawed and frozen. The breeze blew and petals from one of the blooming flowers blew across his vision. As he turned to clear his sight, he saw a dark figure in his peripheral vision. He turned and froze.

Long honey-brown tresses lifted and danced in the wind.

Life came back to Syaoran's eyes and a smile bloomed across his face.

She was dressed like one of the shrine maidens. A silk robe graced her slight shoulders half hiding the bandages wrapped around her chest and middle, dancing with the wind.

Li's breath caught and he simply stared.

Sunlight sat like a halo around her face obscuring everything but a small mouth lifting and smiling gently.

" Kaa-san!! " Syaoran shrieked and giggled with child-like delight as he surged forward.

She sank to her knees and her two graceful arms lifted to welcome her son into her arms.

Yelan and Li watched as the arrogant young prince trying to protect his home and family melted into a scared, little boy who had finally been returned to his mother.

Above his little head and shaking shoulders as he cried she looked up at him and pinned him with emerald eyes, that were now so much older and wiser and she mouthed the words : Thank You.

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Syaoran lay sprawled on the bed finally asleep. Her gentle hands brushed away the strands of his hair and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. She held her other hand against her chest to help ease the pain caused by such a movement.

She turned and met Li's piercing gaze and froze like a deer caught in a hunter's sight. Petals swirled around their feet as they stood facing each other. She was the first to look away and stepped past him to the balcony.

" Sakura… " he muttered.

Sakura froze once more and caught her breath. She turned and met his gaze over her shoulder. He could see the pain it caused her to move thus but she kept his gaze. He could see all the old hurts and pains swirling below the surface of her emerald eyes. She had never been able to mask her expression like he could. He could still read her as easily as a book.

Sensing that he was digging too far into her fragile emotions she blinked and looked away from him, walking once more to the chair that Yelan had set up for her. She eased into it and poured tea for herself and Li. She waited until he sat near her before she began.

" Yelan has told me what has happened since we were attacked. " Li sipped from the cup but remained silent, his eyes watching her. " It is understood that I owe you a great debt for looking after Syaoran. I will however be speaking to your clan Elders about their interrogation of my son. "

" It is well within their right. " Li finally replied calmly placing the cup on the table.

" Regardless. They could have had more tact than to go all out politically on a young, frightened boy. " she replied firmly.

" I understand that you are angry from a mother's point of view. " Li replied crossing his ankle on his knee. " But as outraged as you are, you have to at least see it from their point of view. A stranger comes into our clan and refuses to give any information up on his behalf. For all we knew, we were harboring spies for Rulf's army. "

" Yes, a situation that I have heard that you are keeping well out of. " she battled back.

" The Elders are only looking out – "

" For their own interests. " Sakura cut in. She arched her brow at his angry expression and dared him to disagree. " I thought it was called the "Li Clan" not the 'Elder's Clan'. You are to be the next leader I hear. Congratulations. " she nodded her head regally.

" But? " Li shot back arching his brow.

" But I wonder when you are going to allowed to do what you were raised for? "

" You have no right – " he began.

" I am simply making an observation. Politically I am telling you to grow up and stop being afraid of a few cranky old men. " she sipped from her cup and watched as she saw amazement and annoyance war in his gaze.

" Now I know where he gets it from. " Li nodded in Syaoran's direction and Sakura arched her brow.

" Well you know what they say, " she smiled sweetly – too sweetly. " The apple never falls too far from the tree. " She stood up and walked slowly to the room. When she emerged she held out a letter to him and waited while he reached out and took it from her hand.

" What is this? " Li asked.

" It is my opinion of the Elder's. " I cannot attend a formal attendance but I welcome them to come to my room and debate my view. "

" You don't waste any time do you? "

" Rulf will waste no time in destroying my father, my brother, Madison or me for that matter. This is war Li. We have no time. " with that she turned her back clearly dismissing him.

" I'll make sure that they get it Your Majesty. " he bowed and walked off.

" Make sure that they do. " she muttered her fingers clenched white on the railing.

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Many weeks later

Sakura sighed and leaned her head back and let the suns ray's fall onto her face and she reveled in its warmth. She held a parasol, as she laid out on the edge of the huge wall that surrounded the pond in the garden. Yelan smiled at her as she smiled brightly.

" It's such a beautiful day. " Sakura murmured in delight as she looked back down and blinked as she opened her eyes still smiling.

" It is. " Yelan nodded smiling.

A screech went through the air and Sakura lost her smile. Yelan sighed and shook her head as it continued.

" I fear that Queen Vala has indeed cursed Leiko, and most of us for our ignorance. Not being able to lie, but tell nothing but the truth. I realize now what a conniving, back stabbing little - " Yelan sighed again refusing to finish the sentence.

The screeching finally stopped and Sakura smiled nervously.

" I'm glad that I have not had the opportunity to meet her. I hope you won't mind me saying so? " Sakura asked politely, looking at Yelan.

Yelan shook her head. " If Leiko will have her way, you will one day meet. "

Sakura cringed and looked out over to the water that reflected the sun in the pond. " It's so good to out of bed. " Sakura said changing the subject effectively.

Yelan smirked at her and Sakura blushed. " It is good to see you alive and well your highness. "

" Yelan-san, please just call me Sakura. It's better that way. "

Syaoran ran past nearby with some of the other children and his honey-brown hair shone in the sunlight.

Yelan's eyes sharpened. " It is quite remarkable how your son looks so much like my Li did at that age. "

Sakura tried not to cringe and give herself away. " Funny that, isn't it. " Sakura replied somewhat nervously.

Yelan smiled warmly at her and Sakura looked away.

" So this is where you are. " came Li's voice as he smiled at his mother.

Sakura stiffened and moved the parasol so it would cover her face a little more from his gaze.

" You know how much I love these gardens. If one can never find me, they should know to come here right Sakura? " Yelan said looking at the person beside her. Sakura smiled wanly as she forced a smile and tipped the parasol so Li could see her face.

Li's smile disappeared as he caught sight of her. She didn't look at him, only at Yelan. Her emerald eyes sparkled as she shifted position into a more comfortable one.

" Most definitely. " Sakura replied.

Yelan smiled warmly at her. " I enjoy my solace in these quiet gardens, but I've been enjoying them a whole lot more since I started enjoying your company Sakura. Your presence makes everything seem a whole lot brighter for some reason. "

Sakura laughed nervously and blushed." Perhaps maybe it is just the time of year? " Sakura said. " For coming into spring, you wouldn't credit it would you? " she said blushing more.

Yelan looked up at the trees. " Maybe you are right. " she said smiling and then she looked at Li. " Was there something you wished to speak to me about? " she asked.

Sakura watched him out from beneath her lowered lashes.

" I just wished to tell you that the guards that we sent out have found no sighting of the Queen of Rhawn Rhain nor that of her son, or any other person apart from Rulf's men which were taken care of. "

Sakura's face went white. " They can't find Madison or Tristan? " she breathed looking up at Li with wide eyes.

Li shook his eyes and looked at her with sympathy in his eyes. " I'm sorry. " he replied stiffly.

Yelan looked at her. " Sakura, we will find them. " Yelan said reassuringly. " And we will even look out for your husband. "

Both Li and Sakura stiffened.

Sakura lowered her eyes and fought tears. She looked out to the water and watched as leaves fell and landed in the water creating ripples.

" You won't find him. " she whispered softly making Li and Yelan look at her sharply.

" Your pardon Sakura? " Yelan asked.

" You won't find him. " she replied more loudly.

Li and Yelan shared looks.

" Why my dear? Did something happen?" Yelan asked softly.

Sakura swallowed the lump in her throat and got up making them blink startled. Sakura walked away a few steps and then stopped. She turned around and the parasol created shadows on her face as she stared at them over her shoulder.

" You won't find Kisho because my husband died the day that we had to flee. "

Li balked startled and stared at her in shock. Yelan stood up slowly, her eyes wide.

" We didn't even get to say goodbye. " Sakura stated softly off in her own thoughts. " Let alone bury him before Rulf's men attacked. "

Li stared at her in total shock.

" So you see, " Sakura said raising her chin defiantly. " There is no more reason for you to search for him. But I thank you for trying. " she said and with that she walked slowly away, tears falling down her face.

------------------------------------------------

Sakura sat in sun room staring blankly out the window. She was too absorbed in her own misery that she didn't notice Li approach her.

" Your Majesty? " Li asked softly.

She didn't notice him.

" Sakura? " Li asked placing his hand on her shoulder.

Sakura blinked and turned to look up at him. He smiled faintly at her. " Are you ok? " he asked sitting down beside her.

Sakura sighed and closed her eyes. " I think so. "

" Why didn't you say anything? " he asked softly after a time.

" What was the point? I didn't want to upset Syaoran and I have other things that are more important to worry about. " she replied.

Li sighed and rested back against the window. " Why did you marry him? " Li asked looking at her.

Sakura looked away from him out the window. " I had no other choice. "

" What do you mean? "

" I just didn't. " Sakura replied and then they were interrupted by a servant telling that dinner was being served.

Sakura sighed and got up. She brushed her skirts and started to walk towards the dinning room, but Li stopped her. " I will get to talk to you eventually. " Li said determinedly.

" There is a lot that needs to be understood. "

Sakura gulped and looked away. " Perhaps there are some things that are better left unsaid for the truth can only bring pain, grief and perhaps anger. "

" Sakura - " Li started but Sakura stopped him by stepping away. She forced a smile.

" I don't know about you but I'm starved. " she smiled nervously.

Li sighed and looked away dropping his arm to his side. " For now Sakura. " he said looking at her not breaking his gaze. " For now. " he said and walked past her, leaving the rest unsaid.

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Sakura sat down next to Meilin at the dinner table and Meilin looked up as she sensed the tension brooding around Sakura. Meilin nudged her. " What's wrong? "

Sakura looked around. People were still coming to dinner, so they would have a few minutes to talk before dinner was served. Sakura got up and looked down at Meilin's concerned face. " Follow me. " she whispered.

" Hey wait! " Meilin hissed and dashed after her catching Li's attention across the dining hall.

---------------------------------------------------

" WHAT?!!? " Meilin gasped. " He wants to know about you and Kisho? "

Sakura nodded and Meilin looked down distractedly. " He's going to find out one day Sakura. Wouldn't you rather that you tell him now so he won't get as mad as he would if you like it for the future? "

Sakura shook her head. " How can I Meilin? " she pleaded.

" Sakura think of Syaoran. " Meilin stated firmly making Sakura's mouth snap shut.

" He deserves a father and what better person to do that but the rightful father? "

" I didn't know the guilt trip was your thing Meilin. " Sakura stated dryly.

Meilin smirked and then her expression softened as she looked at Sakura. " You know it to be true. "

Sakura looked out to the darkness and stiffened.

" What? " Meilin asked following her train of gaze.

" Why are there torches all along the horizon? " Sakura asked looking at Meilin.

Meilin shrugged.

" That could only be - " Sakura's eyes widened. " Rulf. " she whispered.

" You're not serious are you? " Meilin asked, looking at the long line of tiny firelights all along the horizon in the distance.

Sakura nodded her head fear clenching her heart. " They will be here before day break. We have to leave - Syaoran and I. "

" Sakura - " Meilin stopped when Sakura looked at her.

" We'll act as though nothing is up. After dinner I will grab Syaoran and get ready and some how we are going to leave without being noticed. After enough time has passed alert your guards of Rulf's army. Until then we must keep this between us. Syaoran and I must get out undetected."

" I won't say anything as long as you take me with you. " Meilin commanded.

" But - ! "

" No buts' Kinomoto! " Meilin hissed. " Besides I want to find Madison as much as you do and you need someone to keep an eye out for you. "

Sakura sighed defeated.

" Sakura? Meilin? are you going to join us? " Yelan asked from the curtain that lead to the balcony that they were on.

" Hai. " both women replied in unison.

-----------------------------------------------------

Few Hours Later

Li rubbed his temples as he grew sleepy. Beside him Leiko watched him and smirked as she fingered the small vial in her pocket that contained the sleeping draught. Li continued to watch Meilin and Sakura as they continued to sit at the other end of the dinning table opposite him. Whatever they were talking about it was keeping their interest firmly on each other. He watched them; he knew something was wrong. They would stop talking if anyone came near enough and the quickly resume where they had left off.

Leiko also watched Sakura and Meilin, but her attention was mainly on Sakura. She snarled at the honey-brown haired bitch and made out she was absorbed in watching the others dancing in the ballroom. She would make her pay. It was because of her that the Elvin bitch had put the curse on her where she couldn't lie anymore, therefore making her into a silent maiden, and all her hostile take over plans ruined.

Li excused himself and made his way back to his room. Leiko smirked evilly and she snarled when she spotted Sakura making her way over to her son now that dinner was over. She got up and made her way out of the room and crept back to her own room where she started to get ready. She was going to get rid of Star Queen for good.

---------------------------------------------------

Two hours later

Sakura pulled the dark hood of the cloak over her son's head. He glared up at her.

" Don't look at me like that Syaoran. It may be hot now, but when we go up to the mountains of Lycrae you will be glad you have it. "

" Fine. " he mumbled.

" Now hurry down to the stables where Meilin will be waiting. Make sure you are not seen ok? "

Sakura watched him go and stood up as she fingered the small note she had quickly written to Li. It had the truth in it - everything. Sakura pulled her cloak more tightly around her and made her way down the corridor and groaned when she looked above her at the huge staircase that led up to the next level where Li's room was.

" Why is it when you are in a hurry, everything seems to take it's merry time. " Sakura grumbled.

--------------------------------------------------

Leiko watched the sleeping man before her and smirked. She traced her fingertip down Li's face and he frowned in his sleep, which made Leiko smirk more. She moved like a tigress and straddled him and ran her hands down his body making Li groan.

" I don't really like you. " Leiko whispered as she continued to arouse Li. " But if I can hurt you and that bitch of yours, then I'll do what it is that I need to. " she smirked pouring the waking draught into his mouth.

---------------------------------------------------

Sakura finally reached the top floor and looked around. She spotted a guard and asked directions to Li's room stating that she had an important message to deliver. She glared at the guard when he raised his eyebrow and smirked thinking a totally different reason as to what a young women hidden underneath a cloak in the middle of the night would be wanting direction to the master's bedroom and Sakura blushed as she walked away, after he had giving her the directions.

Sakura was about to knock when she heard faint noises coming from Li's room. Her eyes widened as she listened. She knocked and the door opened on its own accord because it hadn't been closed properly. Her mouth hit the ground as Sakura saw what was happening in front of her between Leiko and Li. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment and hurt as she couldn't tear her eyes away.

-----------------------------------------------------

Leiko smirked when she saw Sakura standing rooted to the spot in the doorway. Li was starting to wake and she urged him on as he reached up to her, pulled her to him as he kissed her as he pumped into her. Leiko rode him until he cried out as his seed spilled into Leiko. Li's eyes snapped open and stared at Leiko horrified as he realized that it wasn't Sakura but Leiko. Leiko was breathing heavily and was smiling not at him but towards the door.

Li heard a strangled cry and his gaze flew to the door and his eyes widened when he saw Sakura staring at him mortified. She was trembling and her skin was as white as a sheet except for her blushing cheeks hidden under the folds of her dark cloak.

" I-I'm-I'm " she stammered. " I-I- didn't mean to-to- the door w-was open. "

" Sakura! " Li yelled as she dropped the letter and ran, tears streaming down her face.

Li turned his gaze on Leiko who smirked and got off him. " You are nothing but a - "

" Spiteful and callous bitch? I know. " Leiko replied smirking.

Li jumped up and pulled his pants on and went to run after Sakura, but the letter she had dropped caught his attention and he picked it up and ordered Leiko out of his sight. She left happily – after all her mission was complete to her greatest satisfaction.

He opened it and started to read it and had to stop and re-read it after the ' Syaoran - he is your son ' part. His heart was racing and his breathing labored as he ran down the corridor trying to find Sakura, fury and wonder warring inside him.

He burst into the dinning room where the others were and they looked up at him as his wild gaze roamed the room hoping to find her. An idea came to mind and he raced to the windows that looked out over the courtyard below. Something caught his attention and he stared out the huge window to the stables and his heart stopped beating when he spotted Sakura mounting a horse along with Meilin and Syaoran, the torch light reflecting off them.

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Sakura urged her horse forward. Meilin and Syaoran were in front of her. They were almost out of the gate when Li appeared, bare-chested, at the back door shouting out Sakura's name. Meilin shot Sakura a questioning look and Sakura ordered them to keep going and not look back.

" Sakura don't ignore me damn it! " Li yelled angrilly.

Sakura raised her chin defiantly and ignored him as they trotted out the Li clan mansion's gates.

Syaoran watched his mother in interest. " Umm shouldn't we at least say goodbye? " Syaoran asked. " You know common courtesy and all that other stuff you keep reminding me about? "

Sakura glared at him. " Yes we should, but we have no time. "

Syaoran looked ahead of him.

" Syaoran? " Sakura stated getting his attention.

" Yes? "

" If I ever catch you showing bad manners like that and I don't care whether you are 10 or 100, I will still clip your ears do you hear me? " Sakura stated firmly.

Syaoran stared at her and then smiled. " Hai. "

Sakura nodded and kicked her horse into a gallop, the others following her lead.

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Back at the gate of the Li Clan, Li watched the woman that he had always loved and had bared him a son gallop out of his life forever and for the first time he felt helpless as he watched them disappear into the night. He clenched his fist and slammed it into the gate as the anger he felt rose up inside him. He turned around and stormed back inside; knowing that this time Leiko had gone too far.

Yelan looked at her son as he stormed into the room and everything stopped as they all sensed and felt the tension in the air. Li looked over at his mother.

" Summon the Elders. " he spat.

" Li what's - " Yelan started but jumped startled when Li yelled at her.

" Just do it! "

Li looked over at the guards that were at the door and ordered them to bring Leiko to the chamber of the council immediately.

Before the Elders

" Xiao Lang what is this about? " one of the Elders ordered as he sat down.

Li glared at them as Leiko was brought in by Li's guards kicking and screeching as she was forced to kneel in front of Li and the Elders.

" What the hell are you doing? " Leiko screeched.

" Finally getting rid of you. " Li spat over his shoulder.

Yelan stepped forward as she watched what was going on. Her eyes were wide as she continued to watch her son.

" Once again Xiao Lang I will ask you, what is this about? " the same Elder asked.

Li turned back to glare at them and the whole clan waited in anticipation to see what was to come for something had happened to trigger the vicious wolf inside Li . . . .

TBC

Wow that was a long chapter! I hope you enjoyed reading this installment of Princess and the Hunter Redone. I added so much to this chapter that I should have the first time around. I wanted to get the feelings that Li and Sakura were feeling towards each other out. They snapped at each other because they had no idea how to act around one another and distrust was something that they both felt.

Any criticism or complaints please review and let me know.

X x x x

Below is the English translation of the lullaby that Sakura sang to Syaoran. It is not mine – but borrowed from Naruto.

Summer Day Star, why is it red?

Last night I had sad dreams

Crying as I spoke

With red eyes

Summer Day Star, why is it lost?

I'm searching for a child who vanished

And so I will see sad dreams.