Chapter 21: Coming Together
Warning: Strong scenes in this chapter. You have been warned. If you are under 18 don't read it.
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Sakura stopped at the junction of the two passageways. One lead up to the entrance area and the other path lead down to the bed chambers. Sighing and feeling tired again, Sakura made her way down to the chambers and looked up at all the caves. Which one was hers she wondered?
" Top one on the left. " Sakura jumped and watched as Li walked out of the passageway.
" Thanks. " she smiled. Li nodded watching her. Sakura blushed and then cursed herself mentally. She straightened her shoulders and met his gaze full on and nodded her head regally and started walking over to where the path led up to the top row of caves.
" Mind if I walk with you? " came from behind her. She stopped and looked at him over her shoulder. " Mine is below yours. " Li explained.
" Go ahead. " she said and picked up her skirts and started walking up the pathway.
" Aren't you feeling well? " Li asked after a few moments silence.
" Just a little tired that's all. " Sakura admitted softly. " I'm all right. Honest. " she added when he looked at her concerned. She picked her way up onto another path and ignored how far they were up from the floor.
She came to the entrance way of the small cave that Li had indicated earlier and then sighed. She reached for the red curtain that would shield her from the rest of the world but her hand paused in mid air. Mentally grouching, she turned and looked down at Li. He looked up meeting her gaze with a calm one of his own. Sakura pushed back the red curtain that was across the opening while she regarded him.
" Li - " she began and then stopped. " I- " She looked inside the small cave and realized how big they were up close.
" What is it Sakura? " Li's query came from below her.
Sakura let the curtain fall and squared her shoulders and met his gaze. She would deal with this in an adult manner." I just wanted to say that I'm willing to set aside what happened between yourself and Leiko, (she swallowed hard on the name but continued none-the-less) and move on. There are much more things at stake here than petty grievances.
" We cannot change what happens in the past but we can shape the future. Our son will need stability and our unity as he matures and grows. I want him to have your strength and my understanding. Put simply, I want our son to be the best he possibly can be. "
She kept his gaze but her hands fussed nervously in front of her. She clenched her hands tightly together to stop herself from showing any sign of un-nerve but she knew Li never missed anything.
Li jumped up over the ledge and stood in front of her and took her face gently between his hands and stared at her with all the love he could find in his soul. " I love you so much do you know that? " he muttered searching her eyes. " You have such a big heart. I can't tell you how happy I am. "
Sakura jerked in surprise her cheeks slowly turning pink. " Li. " she faulted. " I - "
Li brought her closer and she stiffened her mind in turmoil as his lips brushed her own soft mouth and claimed her. His hands slid into her hair and gently pulled her closer against him as he slowly moved his lips on hers. Her heart was pounding inside her and warmth was spreading through her blood. Her hands were fisted in his tunic and then she
simply let go.
She unconsciously melted against him and opened her mouth fully to him. Li moaned and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him backing her against the stone wall.
" Li – " she pulled away panting her eyes glazed.
His eyes, she noted, were the darkest she had ever seen them. His face was flushed and his chest rose and fell heavily like her own. His gaze was full of meaning as he pulled the curtain out of the way and pulled her inside her den.
The curtain swung closed behind them on a whisper and Sakura raised her head and met his gaze in the semi darkness. He reached for her and his lips seared her mouth as he wrapped her close in his embrace.
" I've wanted you for so long. " he whispered. He broke the kiss and Sakura felt his hands cup her jaw lovingly before they slide slowly down her chest to the top of her dress where her laces sat. He tugged at the knot until they were undone and then pulled the cloth away from her shoulders. Cold air hit her burning skin and goose bumps rained down her exposed flesh.
Had it always been this way between them? Had she always burned with such longing to be with another human soul?
Sakura became serious and pushed his hands away from her and ran her fingers down along his chest. She pulled his tunic over his head and her eyes burned emerald fire as she kissed him lightly down his chest. She smiled against his warm skin as she reached for his belt.
Li lifted her skirts and drew her closer to him. Sakura looked up and smiled at him as he reached inside her bodice and cupped her breast. Sakura arched back in pleasure.
Sakura straddled him and he looked into her eyes before he pushed her down onto him. Sakura gasped. Pleasure flew down along every nerve, vein and muscle as she moved along with him. Li kissed her mouth to stop them both from crying out.
This was no gentle coupling. This was fire and it burnt. With one smoldering spark, a whole conflation of flame rose up and swallowed the two lover's whole.
Sakura's nails dug into Li's back as he moved faster and harder in her. Their skin was slicked with sweat and their faces flushed with the effort, but they rode their passion until it exploded. They cried out against each others mouths as they came together as one.
Sakura gasped and laid back down completely spent and breathing heavily. Li rested his head against her stomach trying to catch his breath. Sakura ran her fingers through his hair completely drained.
He looked up and met her gaze. She smiled weakly at him and he moved to lie beside her. He stroked her hair and kissed her temple. " I love you. " he whispered.
Sakura looked up at him and smiled. " I love you. " she whispered softly.
They lie side by side wrapped in the thick blankets that Iza had order her have. Sakura listened to his heart beat and closed her eyes in bliss. She must have drifted off because she came awake with a start only to realize that Li was running his fingers up and down her back.
Li smiled at her as she looked up at him. He smiled and then traced his hand down her body making her shiver and he looked up and captured her gaze, his mouth turning up at the corners in a smirk. Sakura frowned wondering what was wrong with him and then her eyes flew wide as she arched and gasped as his finger entered her.
Sakura clawed the floor and thrashed her head back and forth as Li teased her again and again. He pushed her onto her back and then moved between her legs and pushed into her again with his finger still inside her.
" Oh god Li! " Sakura practically yelled.
" Shhh my love. " Li soothed as he kissed her. " Enjoy it. "
" Your driving me crazy! " she hissed, and groaned when she automatically arched and pushed against him.
Sakura pushed against him and they rolled over as Sakura pushed up and down on him frantically, giving him all she had. Li cried out and reached up and took her breast in his mouth and suckled; anything to keep himself from going mad. Sakura fought against everything and slowed the pace, making Li look at her. She smiled evilly and eased herself slowly down onto him, going all the way. She tightened around him and Li gritted his teeth trying not to lose control. She eased off him just as slowly and he glared up at her.
" What are you trying to do? Kill me? " he hissed.
" If you don't want to play it my way . . " she said mock playing and got off him.
" No. " Li said quickly and reached for her but she had other ideas.
" Sakura please - what are y-OU- !!" Li yelled out loud as she took him into her mouth suckling softly.
" Holy - " he threw his head back as she nipped him gently.
Sakura toyed with him, until his was squirming under her touch. Then she let him go and straddled him again, pushing down onto him, pushing up and down, until he bucked underneath her. She reached down and kissed him until they both cried out when he exploded into her.
They continued into the late afternoon, when they fell apart finally exhausted.
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Sakura woke up early the next morning and stretched and felt like a new woman. She smiled to herself when she remembered what had happened. She laid there thinking about what she could do today. She thought about getting up and helping some people clean the new caves she had found, that hopefully in time, would become the battlements and the lookout.
She got up and went to put her dress on but stopped. If she was going to get up in that place again, she couldn't be wearing a dress. She thought about sneaking into Li's quarters, but if he woke up she could guess what would happen, and it wouldn't be her getting dressed. She looked around her quarters realizing that she hadn't looked around it yet. She spotted a chest and she crawled over to it and opened it.
" Thank you Madison. " she smiled pulling out the shirt and leather hide pants.
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" I can't believe I'm doing manual labor! Me! The great Guardian Beast! " Kero yelled.
" Oh Kero. " Sakura said kneeling down in front of the huge beast. " I really do appreciate you both giving up your time to help me. " she said kissing Kero on the nose.
She rubbed behind his ear and he purred.
" I guess if I know that it's appreciated, then I can't complain. "
" Yeah, he'll just find some other reasons to whinge. " Suppi said fitting through a small hole and carrying a pile of leaves.
Sakura smiled as she watched the great winged beast fight with the small doll sized creature. " Lets go guys. Let's get this place cleaned and then we can get in front of the fire. " she said and rubbed her arms.
Kero Beros hmphed and went about his duties.
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" How's it coming over there Kero? " Sakura asked sweeping the floor.
" I better get a bath for this. " Kero said as he turned into the torch light regarding her not too happily.
She giggled. " You'll get a bath Kero. Spinel too if he wants one? "
" Thank you princess. " Spinel said and dusted the rocks with his tail.
" Sakura? " Sakura jumped and turned around as Li came into the room.
" Li. What are you doing up here?"
" Returning these and wondering what in the world you are doing? " he said looking around.
" Cleaning. " she replied brushing a stray curl out of her face.
" Sakura it's freezing up here. " Li said shivering. " How long have you been up here? "
Sakura looked up at the small opening in the roof and saw the faint light. " Oh I'd say a few hours the least. " she said, her rosy cheeks standing out in the dim light.
" Kero, Spinel go down and get people to come up here and help. " Li commanded.
" I don't take orders from you brat. " Kero spat sticking his nose in the air.
" Kero. " Sakura chided. " Do as Li says please? "
" As you wish. " Spinel said and took off. Kero watched him go.
" He'll get all the praise. " Li whispered looking at Kero out of the corner of his eye.
Sakura elbowed him. " Li! " she frowned. " Don't be childish. Kero - " she stopped blinking at the empty space. " Kero? "
Li smirked. Sakura shot him a not impressed look.
" Hey why are you angry? At least we're on our own for a little while. " he said drawing her close to him and reached inside her cloak to place his hands on her waist. He suddenly arched his eyebrow and pulled the cloak back a little.
" Well I was dammed if I was climbing up that ladder again in a skirt. " she defended blushing.
" Hmm. Interesting. " he said playfully running his hand down her side.
Sakura's eyes widened and she laughed stepping back out of the way. " Behave yourself Li. " she chided her eyes dancing with merriment. She allowed him to back her against the cold wall but she didn't notice. She smiled up at him in the faint torch light and he leant down and rested his forehead on hers.
" I want you. " Li whispered.
" I want you too, but we'll have to wai - "
" No we don't. " Li said smirking and pulled her away into the shadows.
Sakura's eyes flew wide. " But they'll be coming soon! " she whispered.
Li was already pulling her shirt out from her leather hide pants. " We'll be quick. " he whispered and kissed her deeply.
Sakura softly moaned in the back of her throat. They tore at clothing and then Li pushed her up against the wall as he entered her. Sakura wrapped her legs around him and moved against him and threw her head back against the cold stone wall behind her. Li listened to her panting moans and pulled her tighter against him where they were joined. Sakura voice caught as she felt him shift deep inside her.
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She slid down the wall in a daze as Li helped her with her clothes as the first people arrived Li stepped out into the light and greeted them.
Someone called for her and she turned her head still dreamy. " Sakura show them what you want to do. " Li said and smiled knowingly. Sakura pushed herself away from the wall and pulled her cloak around her tightly as she smiled and came back to her senses.
" Right. " she said and smiled at them.
" I'll see you later. " Li whispered in her ear and got several knowing looks from the people around them.
" You're not staying? " she whispered loud enough for him to hear, but he had already turned away.
She sighed and felt the warmth leave her. Time to get back to business she thought. She kept looking towards the entrance, but he didn't come back and after a long time, she gave up hoping.
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2 Months Later
Sakura pulled herself down from the gap in the lookout. Spring was on its way and with spring came new times, but also it brought trouble. Lots of trouble. Sakura ignored the bustling of the soldiers that were around her. A lot had happened in the last two months. Winter was a harsh month for any of them, but this year was even harsher, but they had managed, and now it was spring.
But that had nothing to do with the trouble she had started to fret about. The first was the fact that now the snow's were starting to melt, Rulf and his men would be starting to move. They would be back in Kinomoto soon - too soon. They were prepared, but they were not enough.
The second was that she had not received any news from the neighboring countries about her plea to them. So it seemed that they were alone, which made her angry and upset.
The third, which was the most pressing, was the fact that Sakura was pregnant. No one knew but she, and she wasn't about to let anyone know either. She was only along by a few weeks, but she knew. She shook her head sadly. How could she hope to fight Rulf, knowing that she was pregnant and did she honestly think that Li or the others would let her fight knowing that she was? ' Do you think they're going to let you fight anyway? ' a little voice in her head said mockingly.
Sakura squished that little voice and got up and wrapped her cloak around her more tightly as she walked through the newly converted barracks. The men bowed to her as she walked past and she smiled distractedly.
Julian watched her walk by and smiled at her in greeting, but she didn't see him. She never saw anyone these days, and he lost his smile as he straightened and watched her go. Eriol ducked out from one of the rooms and looked at Julian.
" Something wrong capt'n? " he asked smiling.
Julian tilted his head to the side as he pulled his gaze from the princess as she disappeared and turned to look at Eriol. " Lieutenant, is it just me or have you noticed something unusual about the Princess? "
Li who was sharpening his sword on a ledge behind them, stopped dead.
" Unusual? " Eriol asked concerned. " In what way? "
Julian shrugged. " That's just it. I can't place it. She's different again. It's almost like she's waiting for something, someone. "
" Perhaps she's worrying about the issue with Rulf? " Eriol replied in a lowered voice.
Julian shook his head. " I know she's concerned for all of us yes, but somehow I don't think so. I've been her friend and advisor since she became princess of Berth Seren Banon and before that. I know her Eriol, and that's not it. Something's wrong. "
Li eyes had widened and he looked up at the door where Sakura had disappeared.
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Sakura smiled up at Talut as he showed her his surprise to her. " How ever did you get it to grow? " she asked as they stood in the little chamber that she had asked for food to be planted.
" A lot of T.L.C. Your highness. "
Sakura fingered the tiny stem and leaf of the Cherry Blossom Tree and smiled brightly.
" Oh Talut, you've made my day. " she said emotionally. " It's beautiful. "
He bowed and smiled. " I'm glad. "
Sakura nodded and left, walking back up the passage. She made her way back to a small wall in one of the unused chambers and picked up the small bowl with pigment in it. She sighed and looked up at the cave wall.
In front of her used to be an empty stone wall. But now after many weeks of planning and painting, figures leapt out from all sections of the wall, revealing the story she was telling. Three huge castles stood side-by-side each different, but representing much.
The three kingdoms were the center of the mural. Bright colours depicted the scene. Bright blue sky, fields of flowers, people in the villages selling things and farming.
Up above the kingdoms showed growing black clouds with lightning, trying to reach down and strike the kingdoms. Sakura had drawn evil demons, representing Rulf and his men trying to take claim of what wasn't theirs; their hideous claws reaching down towards the kingdoms from the clouds.
On either side of the kingdoms stood men dressed in armor holding swords, ready to fight.
In the bottom left-hand corner she had drawn a cave filled with people with sad faces and you could tell of their pain and suffering.
Right above everything, above the kingdoms and the dark clouds, Sakura had painted her mother. Her mother's face was sad as she looked down at all that was happening. Her mother's long blonde/brown hair swirled around her as she glowed with heavenly light; two huge white wings sprouting from her back and dancing in the breeze.
In the bottom right-hand corner below the picture, and opposite the cave, she started painting herself and the others standing in a v shape. Sakura stood in the front, looking sad, but beautiful and graceful. On the left side stood the hunter (Li) and on the right The Crown Prince (Tori). A little behind them stood Madison and Eriol. Behind Madi and Eli stood Aiden and Julian and behind them, right at the back stood Meilin and Talar.
Every picture was precise and full of detail. Sakura had never truly been the artist of the family, but somehow she felt that a hand guided her. Sakura finished painting Talar and then sat back to admire her work.
A little to the side was some spare space and it threw everything out of whack. Sakura glared at it trying to decide what she could use it for when a thought struck her. Sakura picked up the brush and dipped it into the white pigment:
' San okoku tateru takai oyobi puraido no aru, shihai suruitaru tokoro ni sono tochi.
Ichi otoko motomeru e hakai suru karera wo . . . "
"Three kingdoms stood tall and proud, ruling over the land. One man sought to destroy them... "
Sakura wrote everything. She wrote the story of how Rulf had been sentenced to death for hitting her, how he escaped and became the plague that he had become.
Hours later she sat back with a sigh and stared up at the perfectly neat writing on the wall. Still knowing she had alot to do; Sakura shifted and looked at the adjacent wall. Not understanding why she was going to do this, but going along with it, she started to paint .
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Sakura stood in the darkness with a crown placed upon her head. The heavens had parted and Natasha stood looking down at her daughter with a mixed expression of pride and worry. The angel light bathed the newly appointed queen and made her stomach glow revealing the child growing within. Sakura stood calmly facing the growing army of Rulf's men as they came towards her.
Kero Beros and Spinel Sun stood behind her preparing to protect their mistress. Through the darkness you can see the faint outlines of the 3 kingdoms, their banners flapping in the breeze.
Sakura's emerald eyes stared out as her hair and her gown flowed out behind her. The newly appointed queen wore a emblem of the sun on her forehead, a star on her gown above her heart and a moon on her stomach.
' As I face the enemy, I stand tall and proud. My Sun - gives me his bright intelligence, The Star - my strength and determination, My Moon - my children that were given to me during the love of night. '
Sakura forced herself to put the brush down and her paints and walk away from the mural. ' God help me if any one figures it out. ' she thought mentally, thinking about her unborn child.
' God help you when Tori finds out. ' her little voice said.
' Don't I know it. ' Sakura mentally replied as she felt tired and headed back to the underground chamber to her bed.
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Sakura collapsed on her makeshift bed and couldn't be bothered to get into a better position. She was just drifting off to sleep when she heard a soft knock. She sat up on her elbow and watched as the curtain was pulled back to reveal Li. He looked at her concerned.
Sakura gave him a soft smile and then laid back down, closing her eyes. She felt his warm hand stroke her cheek and smiled softly.
" Are you ok? " he asked softly.
" I'm just tired. " Sakura mumbled, falling asleep.
Li sat back and studied for a moment." You've been painting. " he whispered tracing the spots of paint on her face. She frowned in her sleep and curled up tighter.
Li sighed and left, making sure to check on her once more before leaving.
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Far away stood tall white mountains. The breeze blew coldly, but it held a hint of warmth to it. Kartiako's hair whipped up and around her as it blew past her. As quick as lightning her hand flew up and snatched at the air, Her long black nails digging into her palm as she drew her hand down and opened it slowly. A huge sly smirk slid across her face as she turned and headed towards Rulf.
" I expect you have something for me? " Rulf asked coldly as he dismissed another of his men.
" That I do. " she replied silkily.
Rulf turned and looked at her hand as she opened it revealing a small blossom, not even properly opened. Rulf looked up into her golden cat-like eyes as they gleamed fire.
" Spring is here m'lord. " she purred.
Rulf's shoulder seemed to relax and all his tension seemed to ebb away as his being with filled with malicious once again." Perfect. We'll leave tomorrow. " Kartiako bowed and let the blossom fall and ground it under her foot as she turned away, but Rulf grabbed her roughly, pulling her against him.
" What now m'lord? " she asked bored.
Rulf spoke into her ear. " I haven't thanked you for your service. " he said groping her.
" No need Rulf. " she stated, but he dragged her two steps behind him into one of his makeshift tents, where he lifted her skirts and within an instant pushed into her forcefully. Kartiako not expecting it, cried out in pain, as he forced himself in her.
Rulf pushed her down onto his desk and grabbed her hips and drew her up farther to him as he went further into her. Kartiako forced herself to open up, forced herself to except him, save her pain, and felt herself widen inside to take him.
Rulf pushed her dress away from her shoulders and took her breast into his mouth as he panted away. Kartiako panted in revulsion and turned her head away, and waited for it to be over. Rulf eventually had his fun and pulled out of her and smirked when he saw blood.
" Good girl. " he said and patted her on her thigh and walked out of the tent, doing up his pants.
Kartiako pulled her dress back over her shoulders and spat on the ground. " Bastard. " she seethed and got up off the desk. She starred down at the blood that was on the desk.
' Let the bastard clean it up since he loves to draw it. ' she said mentally as she walked out of the tent and headed for the inn.
Once inside the inn she headed towards the bathing room and made up a steaming hot bath. She threw in some healing hers to ease her pain and slipped into the hot water. She dunked under the water and sat back up letting herself soak. She heard the door creak and turned around to see the same slave boy from before that she had had fun with. She smirked like a cat and summoned him to her. He came willingly.
" Make me forget my love. " she purred as she lifted his tunic and drew his mouth down to hers.
" Anything. " he purred and fumbled with his belt.
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Water splashed over the side onto the floor as panting echoed through the room.
" Faster, harder! "
Downstairs the old maiden that had been spared, looked up at the ceiling as water dripped through the floorboard into a puddle in front of her. She could hear the knowable sounds of a coupling and she snarled in disgust.
' That one is dangerous, but is nothing more but a cheap, over-stretched whore. ' she spat mentally.
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1 month later
Sakura could start to feel the slight swell of her stomach and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Her dresses hid the fact very well and she hadn't suffered with morning sickness as she had with Syaoran, so it was disguisable.
Li had been keeping an eye on her more than usual and it was starting to annoy her. What had she done now that he felt he had to watch her closely? Then a thought struck her and she gasped. No! Li couldn't know about her being with child. He would have said something otherwise. No, something else must be bothering him.
No one had been in to see her paintings - her murals. They waited patiently for her to tell them when they could go see them. Until then, she kept them in the dark about them. She didn't want to reveal them just yet.
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Vala's blue eyes stared out from her watchtower. The sky was crystal blue above them and the island was green and bright. She closed her eyes and listened to the wind as it brought its message.
Her eyes snapped open as Drysi walked in graceful as ever.
" Your highness? "
" Drysi. " Vala replied softly. " No doubt you have heard this message? "
" Aye. I have your highness. So this is it? It really begins? "
Vala turned around and looked at her friend. " Collect the children. " she said as she walked away down the moss covered stairs.
" Yes Vala. " Drysi bowed and dashed off to get Syaoran, Tristan and Ally.
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Sakura shot up in bed as soon as she heard the musical bells. She threw back the covers and tripped as she rushed to get out of her room. She cried out and caught several people's attention as she jumped down the ledge and ran madly across the floor, startling Li and the others and up the passageway.
" Sakura! " Li yelled, but she was already gone.
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Sakura came to a dead stop as she faced the glowing Elvin queen and her followers. Li and the many people following him came rushing up behind her and nearly collided with her when they caught sight of the Elvin folk.
" Vala! " Sakura breathed as she starred at her friend.
Vala smiled. " I see you are getting better at knowing my presence Star Princess. "
Sakura walked forward and smiled at the others present. There was Ahearn - the Lady of all horses, Vartahne, Delia, Taya and many others that she had not seen before.
" Welcome. " she said. The nodded their heads in greeting.
" Majesty. " Talar said softly as she stepped beside Sakura.
Vala smiled. " Ah Talar my friend. It is good to see you. I fear Sakura is getting faster at recognizing me coming then you are. Do I dare think that you are losing your touch? "
Talar smiled. " Not even I could keep up with Sakura running as fast as she was. I think she was more excited to see you than I. " she laughed softly.
Vala smiled softly and then her strange blue eyes focused on Sakura and then behind her to Li. Her eyes lit up as if realization struck her and she glowed brighter. Sakura frowned and looked behind her and then blushed embarrassed.
" I take it that you are not here for a friendly chat. " Sakura asked meeting her eyes.
Vala lost her small smile, and she dulled. " No I fear not. " she said and Sakura knew something was wrong.
Vala stopped glowing and looked behind her, she nodded and turned back to Sakura.
" Before I start, I've brought back something that might make you a bit happier. " she said and Syaoran and Tristan stepped into view.
" Syaoran! Tristan! " Sakura cried out and Li stepped forward looking at his son.
" Tristan?! " came Madison's voice as she fought her way through the crowd, followed by Eriol.
" Mom! " Syaoran yelled smiling as he ran to her.
Sakura fell to her knees and hugged him tightly crying. " Oh I've missed you so much! " she cried burying her head in his shoulder.
Madison was doing the same with Tristan.
Li looked down at the small replica of himself and his heart lurched. It's a pity the kid didn't know.
Suddenly Syaoran looked up and smiled. " Li! " he yelled and Li stumbled back when Syaoran hugged him. Sakura watched the scene smiling and crying at the same time.
Li shot Sakura a - does he know look, but Sakura shook her head.
" Syaoran sweetheart. " Sakura said softly. Syaoran let go of Li and looked at her.
" Do you remember when your step father died? What he said to you? "
A frown appeared on Syaoran's face. " Yeah. Why? "
" Well I know this is going to sound strange, but the reason I wouldn't tell you those stories about Li and I when we were younger, when he died, was because well - " she faulted and looked up at Li for guidance.
Syaoran stared between one and the other and then looked at Tristan being smothered to death by his aunt. Tristan gave him a pained expression and he smiled watching his friend's torture.
" Well Syaoran, it's because Li well . . he's your real father. "
Syaoran lost his smile and glanced at Li and then his mother. " Huh? " he said going wide eyed.
Li shrugged and knelt down beside him. " Big shock I know. Believe me; I acted worse when I found out. "
" When did you find out? " Syaoran asked suspiciously.
Li was taken aback. " The night you and the others left the Li Clan mansion. When you're mother ignored me. "
Syaoran looked at his mother. " Is that the night you said that you'd kill me if I ever showed such bad manners? "
Sakura gave a watery laugh and then sniffed wiping away her tears. " The very same. " she said and ruffled his hair playfully.
Syaoran shot Li another suspicious look, but Li met it equally. " Are you still fighting with him mom? " he asked suddenly.
Sakura started back. " No, no. We've put it all behind us now Syaoran. We couldn't be happier. "
" Are you going to stick around this time? " Syaoran asked looking at Li.
Li hid his expression. " I 'll hang around as long as your mother allows me to. " Li said looking at Sakura.
" We'll be one big family again Syaoran. " Sakura said hugging her son once more.
Syaoran shrugged and looked at Li. " Fine by me. " he replied and then laughed at Tristan trying to get away from his mother.
Li looked at Sakura surprised. " Well that was easier than I thought. "
Sakura laughed shakily. " I don't think we'd get much attention from our son, not when his cousin is over there getting smothered to death by Madison. " Li chuckled and ruffled Syaoran's hair catching his attention.
Li smiled brightly and Syaoran returned it. " So why don't you tell me what you've been learning in the isle of the Mar? " Li said standing up and looking down at Syaoran.
" Sure. " Syaoran shrugged and walked off with Li.
" Come on mom let me go! " Tristan yelled.
" Honey. " Eriol soothed. " I think you've hugged him enough. "
" I am not letting him go EVER! " Madison yelled as she held Tristan crying.
" M-OOOM! " Tristan groaned.
" Ah-hem. "
They looked up as one of the younger Elvin girl stepped forward holding a small figure to her shoulder.
Madison froze and Tristan made his escape. Eriol looked at his wife to the small infant and back again to his wife.
" Is-is th-that Ally? " Madison asked standing up, never taking her eyes of the beautiful child.
Vala smiled. " Indeed she is. And like I promised, she has not forgotten you. "
" Ally? " Eriol whispered looking at the small infant. " Is that Ally our -? "
Madison ran forward and took the tiny child and cried even harder. " Oh yes Eriol! Yes this is Ally your daughter. "
Eriol tilted his head slightly and looked down at the beautiful child looking up at him with bright eyes and lovely black curls. She was sucking her thumb, but stopped when she stared at him.
" She doesn't know you. " Madison looked up startled at Vala.
" She knows in her heart who he is. " Vala replied calmly and Madison looked down at her daughter as she reached out to Eriol. Eriol took his daughter and fawned over her until Madison took her back.
Sakura turned away from the scene and looked at Vala. " So what news do you bring? "
Vala's eyes looked dull and ordinary when she looked at Sakura.
" I fear the news I bring will not be wanted by you. "
To be continued . . .