Hiya! I'm back! Summer Vaca is coming and guess what that means? More updates! I'm so happy I finally got to update this story. I'm working on the next chapter but I would like to update WOlves Curse next. I don't know depends but anyways...for those who have sent me reviews thank you soooo much it is appreciated. Please continue to read and review! Oh and my name will change from HanaNoAi to Yumi-chan okay? Enojy

Chapter 10: New Beginnings

Syaoran's POV

A light penetrated my eyelids. It annoyed me so much I opened my eyes. I looked around and blinked a couple times. I was under the bridge with Sakura in my arms. The rain had stopped and the sun was out bright and shinning. I had not realized I had fallen asleep. God only knows how long we had been out here. Something, I felt, squeezed my hands. I looked down and she was sleeping. I smiled gently down at her. How could someone look so beautiful while sleeping and so disturbed when awake? But for a couple moments she looked peaceful. A desire became known to me. If I could have her like this forever it would be wonderful. I would work for it if I had to, just have her look peaceful. I don't really remember when I had begun to fall in love with her. But I know it had been there for a long time. When I screamed at her at the river the day before was when I realized just how deeply I had fallen in love with her.

"You're so warm." She whispered slowly opening her eyes. I sat her up and draped the cloak over her shoulders.

"Good to see you awake, Blossom." She blushed and looked away.

But I pulled her head back to look at me. Her blush darkened while I caressed her cheek. They were a bit hotter but I knew it wasn't from fever. At least that is what I hoped.

"You're so beautiful." I murmured pulling her closer to me. She tensed a bit but I refused to let her go. I wanted to hold her as close to me as I could. She reached from under the cloak and held my forearm gently.

"Thank you, Li-kun." I grabbed her hand aggressively and held it up to my lips. She sucked in a sharp breath but did not pull away from me.

"Remember it's just Syaoran." She smiled a bit and snuggled closer.

"Arigato Syaoran."

My hands went limp for a second in total surprise and shock. I would not have thought that Sakura could have been so bold. She called me by my name yes but she did not add anything at the end. Did that mean that she had some sort of feelings for me as well? Or was it just my imagination. In my moment of surprise she had gotten up still with my cloak draped over her.

"You like it?" I asked standing up. I was behind her but kept my hands to myself, for a little while. She walked to an exit. The sun was shining on her so the blush she was trying to hide became brighter.

"Yes, I feel like…"

"Like?" Her blush deepened.

"Like it's you with your arms around m-me…" She turned away trying again in vain to hide her heated face. I smiled.

"I've been meaning to tell you something Sakura." She didn't turn to me.

"Hai?" I took a deep breath. I had never done this before so this would be a bit bumpy. But I had to tell her, I didn't want to go through my life living with the regret.

"W-Well…I-It's just that…"

Someone suddenly dropped down from the bridge. The person towered over Sakura like a dragon. I recognized the cloths he wore. They were the palace guards. Damn, I had forgotten we had not returned to the castle.

"WE HAVE FOUND THEM!" He shouted making a grab for Sakura. She screamed and got away from him before he even had time to register her vanishing act. She came towards me and I took her arm. I wrapped my arms around her and forced her head down on my chest. "SECURE EACH EXIT! DO NOT ALLOW HIM TO ESCAPE!" She whimpered a little and I caressed her head.

"It's alright Sakura, don't worry. Everything is going to be alright-"

"GO GET HIS GUARDIAN!" Sakura held my torso tighter. I murmured more things to her. It seemed her fear was continuing to grow instead of diminish. This was beginning to worry me but I needed to do something to get this guard to shut up. "PRINCE LI SYAORAN, LET GO OF THE GI-"

I lifted my gaze to him and he instantly shut up. I could almost see him quake in his boots. I had a good mind to expel him out of the guards but decided against it. Gently I set Sakura down on the tiled floor. She was reluctant to let me go but I pulled her hand off of me and kissed her forehead. She blushed and her hand went limp. I smiled and put it on her lap. Then my gaze turned into a glare. Never had I been so livid at someone.

"Shut-up." I hissed.

"BUT P-" I really couldn't understand why he was screaming. When I saw Sakura flinch I drew my sword and pointed it towards him.

"Did I not just say to shut up? Must I use force to make you obey a simple command?" His face pinched in fear. Though it did not bring me pleasure to frighten him, I was happy that he finally shut his trap.

"Syaoran?" I heard her call. I turned my head and smiled.

"I won't harm him." She exhaled in relief. "But foolish guards need to learn how to obey commands. What do you think I should do to him?" She gave me an anxious look. The guard cleared his throat and I glared at him again. He shut up once again. "A word out of you and I will dismiss you from the guards." With an indignant look he finally stopped shouting.

Before anymore drama could unfold I saw someone behind the indignant guard. I recognized him immediately as Yukito my guardian. His silvery hair shined against the sun, his light brown eyes darkened with concern and disapprovment. But I honestly did not give a damn about anyone expect Sakura who was sitting jerkily behind me.

"You're Majesty." He said with his usual calm voice slightly bowing to me. I nodded.

"Yukito." I replied kneeling down beside Sakura.

His eyes flickered to Sakura and warmed just a bit. But when they came to me the same light vanished. That annoyed me slightly. He sighed.

"Do you realize it has been a full day since you and…"

"K-Kinomoto Sakura," She said shakily smiling up at Yukito. He returned the gesture. I was certain she did not know him but it was like they were very familiar with each other. I did not like that at all.

"Yes, since you and Miss Sakura have gone missing?"

A whole day since we had gone 'missing'. That was a bit surprising. I had not thought we could have taken so long. But I do remember we both had fallen asleep but it didn't seem a whole day could have passed by because of a short nap.

"A whole day huh?" I murmured. "Has anything been announced by my mother?" Yukito gave me a bad look again. He was making me feel guilty. But I did need to ask there had to be something about Sakura. Yukito sighed again.

"Yes, " He looked at Sakura again.

I turned around to find her trying to stand up. Her legs were still shaking. She smiled and bowed, I could see what she was trying to do. She wanted to leave us alone.

"I-I'm sorry for disturbing you and for keeping Syaoran away from his home. I'll be going now." She said and turned to the next exit. The shouting guard blocked her path a evil little smirk on his face.

"You will not be going anywhere." He said his voice holding a small piece of amusement.

Sakura whimpered slightly. Her body was beginning to shake uncontrollably again. I went to her and pulled her to my side. She looked up at me her eyes had gone beyond her usual fear. She was terrified of the guard. I laid her head on my chest and covered her head with the cloak then turned back to Yukito who's face showed no sign of change.

"The news…" His voice showed a completely different emotion completely. It sounded like he wanted to tear apart someone, preferably the guard. "Is that your mother is allowing a young girl from a noble house to stay at the palace. Her name is Kinomoto Sakura. She was suppose to arrive yesterday but as of today she lives in the palace. Her room is ready." Sakura's head wiggled out of my cloak to stare at Yukito in surprise. "If you will Princess, this way please." Sakura didn't budge. I tried to nudge her forward but she would not move.

"Yukito wait a moment." I said still looking down at Sakura. I didn't notice the stern look he gave me.

"Prince Li we have waited long enough…" Syaoran shook his head.

"Please just…" I closed my eyes and placed my forehead on Sakura's hair. "wait."

I hadn't noticed Yukito smile. His eyes turned softer than usual too. He turned to the guards behind him and signaled to the guard that blocked Sakura's exit before.

"Guards go back to the palace. I will wait for the prince in the carriage." Without another word they all left except of course Sakura.

"Sakura?" I whispered into her hair. She hadn't stopped staring at the spot Yukito had been in just a few seconds ago.

Then abruptly she turned her head back into the cloak her body beginning to quake again. I ddin't say anything. She needed to talk.

"They sent me here." She said choking on suppressed tears. "That's why they were all saying good-bye to me, they were sending me away."

"Maybe it was for the better." It had to be for the better. She shook her head fiercly.

"He'll find me! Eventually he will." There she goes again talking about him. Who the hell is this person anyways!

"Who is he?" I asked lifting her face to me. She cast her gaze to the floor.

"I-I can't tell you." My temper was going to get the better of me if this continued. I took a deep breath.

"Why?" I asked as calmly as I could mange. Her small and delicate hands made two fists and I could almost hear her tears falling.

"I-I'm sorry…I-I'm so sorry…" She stopped and fell to her knees hugging her body so hard I thought she would break herself. Her head was buried atop of the cloak.

"Sakura, Sakura please," I whispered willing my temper to be subdued. She didn't lift her head to look at me. I kneeled down in front of her trying to hear her barely audible voice.

"I'm s-sorry but… I can't tell you…" She held herself tighter as she continued. "I-I'll understand if you hate me…p-please forgive me…Syaoran…"

I paused for a moment contemplating the situation. Sakura was in despair and more confused than ever. If I added in what I wanted to do this was not the best time. It was only a selfish desire of mine and would confuse her even further. This wasn't the time but I did not see any better opportunity than this one. With my resolution complete I began to gently pry her slender redden fingers from the tight embrace she had herself in. She finally looked up at me, her beautiful emerald eyes raged like the ocean in winds of chaos and confusion. Admits the storm a small light, a dim light, emerged, she was begging me. Begging me to do something but I couldn't understand what that exactly was. I tried to ignore her plea while I brushed her sweaty bangs behind her small ears. Then without warning I took her into my own embrace. A soft surprised breath escaped her lips.

"Syao-," She stuttered but before she finished I politely cut her off.

"Sakura I don't know what happening to you right now but I don't hate you for keeping this and many other things secret for me. I want to understand you better than this. I want to do that and so much more but right now I can only do certain things with those restrictions and barriers you have put up. Even with that my heart has already made its decision and I'm happy to say that….I love you, Sakura." I heard her inhale a sharp intake of breath. "It hurts me not knowing what is making you so scared but until your ready I won't force you to tell me."

"Syaoran, Oh Syaoran," Was her reply. She buried her face into my shoulder and sobbed. I waited until she quieted down.

"You don't have to respond to my feelings…Sakura it's something I won't force you to do. But at least…" I held her firmly by her shoulders and pulled her away from me. "At least when you are ready allow me to be the person you can trust and one day I hope you may come to love me also." I said my voice pleading with her. She looked away from me more tears brimming her eyelids. I wiped them away with my thumb. "Don't cry my Precious Cherry Blossom."

Silence settled over us. I wouldn't say anything else to satisfy my selfish desire. What I had said was enough and hopefully one part of my confession would make her feel better. But she said nothing. All it seemed she was capable of doing was holding my robes and the cloak I had lent to her. No words came between us it was only this long, peaceful silence. I heard someone slide down the hill that led under the bridge. Yukito's head appeared from the entrance to the right.

"Times up Li-sama," Yukito said trying his best not to smile at us. I nodded and stood up.

"Come on Sakura, let's go." I said offering my arm. She placed one hesitant hand on it and stood up. Her head was still bent low. As soon as she stood she took her hand back. She folded the cloak and offered it back to me. I pushed it back to her chest. "Keep it. It will be a gift from me to you."

"T-Thank you," She stammered a blush lighting up her pale cheeks.

I turned to leave from under the bridge. She followed me but I could barely hear her footsteps. Yukito led us back up the hill towards the awaiting carriage. On our way up the hill I noticed that it was slick with the rain. Sakura was having trouble getting up. I quickly made it to the top and stuck my hand down.

"Be careful Kura it'll get worse if you keep fighting with your dress." She didn't listen to me and her foot slipped. She let out a light scream. I grabbed her hand before she fell to the bottom. She clung onto it with all the strength she had. I pulled her up and set her on her feet. "I told you."

"Thanks…" Was her simple reply her blush becoming deeper. I chuckled under my breath.

"Li-sama!" Yukito called from inside the carriage. I didn't let go of her arm this time.

I let Sakura get into the carriage first. Then I followed her inside. She sat as far from me as she could. Her eyes were fixed on the window opposite to me and she was tense. Her arms were strait and holding onto her uniform tightly. Her lips formed a thing line and her eyes were wide and nervous. I said nothing as Yukito sat beside her.

She wasn't being fair. Just the thought of having Sakura ignore me was horrible. I didn't do anything wrong so this really wasn't fair. But now I sound like a little kid but I couldn't help it. I really wanted to talk to her a little bit more. When the carriage started moving I just looked to the other side. Not long did I realize I was staring at her again. Sometimes I would catch her trying to look at me. When she found out I was watching her she would blush and look back outside. Yukito said nothing.

We arrived to the castle. It had taken a while to get there. Yukito helped Sakura get out. She did not sneak any glances at me. No one said anything as we walked into the castle. The castle for some reason look different today. It wasn't as if I sensed something evil but I had a premonition of something to come. I could not describe it entirely all I could really understand is that things would really change from today on.

We entered the castle, a servant pushed the heavy oak double doors open for us. There was two lines of servants. To the left were female servants and to the right were male servants. They bowed in respect to us welcoming us warmly.

"Welcome home." They said in unison. I nodded and motioned one of the female servants to come closer to us. She eagerly left her position in the strict, rigid line to come to me. She bowed again.

"Good Afternoon Rika-san," I said. She looked at me with a wide smile. I didn't blame her. Before today I rarely talked to any servants unless I wanted something which wasn't often. I motioned to Sakura who had been standing behind me her head bent low. Her bangs covered her eyes so I could not see the emotions that she was feeling. But somehow I knew this was becoming painful. "This is Kinomoto Sakura, she will be living with us for some time. Mother must have had a room prepared for her already please escort her."

"Right away," She answered with an enthusiastic nod. She reached for Sakura's arm and when she took it Sakura pulled back trying to get away wincing.

"Ow…" She whispered pulling her arm away.

"Oh my I'm sorry did I hurt you?" Rika asked expressing concern in every possible way. I watched Sakura as she slowly shook her head. She wouldn't let go of her arm.

"N-No it's alright." She replied stepping closer to Rika. I looked at her arms. Our school uniform consisted of long sleeves and the girls wore especially loose transparent light pink fabric as sleeves. As I examined her sleeves more closely and I could see dry blood stains. Sakura saw me examining her arm and pulled it behind her back not allowing me to look at her arm. She turned her head away her teeth biting her lower lip.

"Well then let us go." Rika suggested gently putting her arm to Sakura's back afraid of hurting her again.

My feet shuffled forward. I was going to follow but Yukito's hand held my shoulder. I stopped. My eyes followed Sakura and Rika to the top of the stairway that was located directly in front of the main entrance. She disappeared from my line of vision. For a moment I was angry but I calmed myself. Sakura was hiding more from me than I thought. I wanted to find out how she got blood on her sleeves. I cursed under my breath.

"You are dismissed." I heard Yukito announce to the servants. They scattered going back to the chores they had been doing previously. I turned to him and his arm dropped from my shoulder. He contemplated my face for a moment. The room was silent no longer filled with the breathing of more than forty servants. He pleasant small smile appeared on his lips.

"You are changing, My Prince." I gave him a curious expression.

"What are you talking about?" I replied a bit more harshly than I had intended. I had told Sakura I would wait for her to tell me what she was hiding but the thought of a secret making her bleed or someone hurting her it filled me with greater rage than I have ever remembered feeling.

"You are smiling much more. You are friendlier and you seem happier with the young women." He said jerking his head to the stairs where Sakura and Rika had gone up. I smiled a bit.

"I see. Maybe she is changing me." She may be changing me but I have yet to do the same to her.

Sakura's POV

It wasn't surprising to find rows of servants awaiting Li's arrival back home. Many of them seemed genuinely happy that he was home safely. I knew he wanted me to say something to him but the shock of his confession still affected me. Not only that but I had been abandoned by the people I considered my family because of my father. To be introduced to a totally new life hurt. It was like I no longer had a say on what happened in my life. I hated that feeling.

Li introduced me to a maid. Her name was Rika. She was a little shorter than me. Her hair was let down and was a burgundy color. Her eyes were wide and honest and I like her right away. I still felt Li's eyes on me. I made sure not to look at him. It was hard.

When Rika held my arm I was surprised then the pain of unhealed wounds hit me hard. I had forgotten that my bruises still hurt. I took my arm away from her. This only made Li's gaze even more intense and interested in me. Rika guided me to the gold staircase and helped me up her hand never straying from my back. All the way his gaze penetrated me. I continued to let my head loll. I was relieved when we were finally out of his line of vision.

Rika led me to a room a bit from the main staircase. There were many turns before we reached it. I knew I would never remember where it was until I got lost in this palace. We entered my room and Rika choose a light dress from the closet that was beside the door. She laid it on my bed. I had asked her to leave and she did so obediently. Now I stood in front of a wooden intricately etched mirror. I only wore my underpants and shirt. My legs were bruised and my arms bloody. I was relieved that my bruises did not bleed as they did before. It must mean that they were closing up again.

One bruise was centered in the middle of my stomach. It was recent. It was still purple and blue. Blood was slowly trickling out of different scratches on it. It was disgusting. It hurt. But I couldn't tell anyone, I couldn't allow anyone to see it. I would hide it under more cloths but no one could see it. If they did they would start asking questions. I did not need that neither did anyone else.

'I love you Sakura,' My breath left my body without warning. His words ringed in my ears and my heart. My heart twisted and compressed against itself. He didn't know what he was saying. How could he love me? I couldn't understand him. 'It hurts not knowing…'

I looked myself in the mirror. I had not noticed my hands were covering my ears but in vain. Tears were running down my cheeks while his voice whispered in my mind. Why did I hear him? Why did he love me? My legs gave way underneath me and I fell to the floor sobbing. I stayed this way until my stomach hurt and my lungs protested for more air.

"I love you too Syaoran," I gasped out. "I love you so much but I can't tell you. I can't put you in harm's way. My father will have your head. I don't want that so please…please forgive me if I do not tell you my true feelings. It's the only way I can protect you. I can't lose you." I whispered silently to myself. There was a knock at the door.

"Miss Kinomoto are you done?" Rika's voice sounded through the door. I had forgotten to dress.

"I-I'll be out in a minute!" I replied but no one answered

. I quickly got dressed but made no movement to opened the door.

Another knock.

I didn't answer. I was staring out my window. The sky was clear blue and fluffy white clouds rolled by.

Another knock.

I did not answer. My door burst open. I turned in surprise and found Syaoran at my door way. My vision was blurred with tears but his expression showed concern. My lips curled up into a small smile without my minds consent. I was happy to see him.

"Sakura? Sakura are you alright?"

Many more tears welled up in my eyes and spilled over. My heart felt just ready to explode. I wanted to tell him what I truly felt. I wanted to so badly. But I knew it would be a selfish act to put him in danger. He closed the door and approached me. I sensed his hand rising into the air and I back away from him on instinct. He looked at me curiously as her ran a hand through my brown locks and down my wet cheeks.

"You're crying again. I know this must be hard but at least get some rest. Tomorrow we will be with Tomoyo and Eriol." He whispered. I shook my head.

"Alright," The word flowed from my lips but I was smiling and still shaking my head tears flowing like an unblocked river. "Alright, I'll sleep. I'll sleep." I took a step backwards and everything around me vanished.