Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Card Captor Sakura - Altered World ❯ Sakura's Farewell to Meiling ( Chapter 22 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Card Captor Sakura - Altered World
Card Captor Sakura - Altered World

Notes: This fanfic is S+S, and has mature concepts. Read at your own risk. I'm poor; don't sue. I don't own CCS at all.

Chapter 19: Sakura's Farewell to Meiling

An arm was industrially moving a whisk in a circular motion. Cake batter lay splattered on the outside of the bowl and also the owner of the arm. The owner was dressed in a brown shirt and had a plain pink apron on. She was obviously female by the telltale bulge of her chest.

A blade was twisted ninety degrees so that its flat surface reflected Syaoran's solemn face.

A metal pan was placed into a preheated oven. The oven turned red due to the heat.

Syaoran spun his sword in a full circle while stepping forward, and then paused in a stance with his legs bent and spread apart. One arm was raised and bent, the other arm was held straight horizontally, the flat of the blade facing him once more.

A finger tapped impatiently as the cake was being baked.

Syaoran lifted a leg, bending it so his heel touched the thigh of his other leg. His sword was held horizontally over his head, with both hands. Syaoran moved again into another stance, a leg extended and sword held diagonally, hilt above his lowered head. The edge of his sword was balanced by his thumb and index finger, touching his finger but not drawing blood.

A slipper tapped the hard wood floor impatiently.

Syaoran held the pose, concentrating on not moving his hand, that was holding the hilt, to train the steadiness of his grip.

Syaoran eyes narrowed and he made movements to change his stance -

"WAAAAAH!!!" screamed Meiling.

Syaoran's grip on his blade slipped and he made an incision on his finger. He raised his finger to his face and screamed in pain, "OWW!!!" Apparently, it had been a long time since he had suffered a cut due to training.

A black mess was sizzling in the cake pan, held by pink oven mitts. Meiling looked down at the burnt cake with tears. "No… I messed up the cake again!"

Syaoran took a peek into the room and instantly his expression became irritable. His wonderfully kept, sparkling clean kitchen was a mess. Cake batter was splattered all over his finely polished birch cabinets, his peach walls and ceiling, even his appliances… his beloved kitchen! Syaoran surveyed the area, raising his eyebrow but keeping his expression cross. "Ah?"

"U-Uh…" Meiling's mouth worked. Meiling backed away carefully, with a tentative smile. At Syaoran's sour expression, she sighed in resignation and bowed her head. "I'm sorry. I'll clean it up later."

Syaoran sighed.

Ring! Ring!

"Oh, I'll get it!" cried Meiling as she ran out the kitchen to pick up the phone, happy to get out of the tricky situation. Syaoran could only stare at his poor bandaged finger.

"Yes, this is Li residence," Meiling cheerfully answered the phone. A few words were spoken on the other side of the line. Meiling's eyes went wide. "Mother!"

Syaoran looked at the black cra-, err, cake with his eyebrows twitching. "This is a cake…" Meiling's baking abilities weren't the worst of it, it really bothered him when she suddenly rushed at him and choke the life out of-

"Ahhh!" Meiling launched herself at him, grappling, and toppling him over. "Syaoran!!"

Syaoran rubbed his head, his eyes wincing in pain. Meiling lay on top of him, her arms wrapped around his torso. Syaoran snapped at her, "Hey! How many times have I told you not to come hugging me all of a sudden." Syaoran stopped when he noticed Meiling's face was still buried in his shirt. He softened and asked, "What's wrong?"

Meiling raised her tearful eyes at him, her mouth trembling. Syaoran looked at her in surprise. She cried passionately, "I don't want to go back!"

*****

The door to the classroom slid open.

Sakura looked upwards and recognized the person standing in front of the door."Oh! Meiling-chan!"
Tomoyo greeted with her usual, "Good Morning."

Sakura and Tomoyo's cheerful expressions as Meiling walked slow methodical steps towards her desk, her back hunched over.

"Morning!" greeted Sakura cheerfully. Meiling sat down at her desk quietly, resting her arms on the surface of it. "Meiling-chan…?"

Meiling's eyes were swollen and her face lost its usual confident smirk. Her eyes glistened and Sakura bent closer in concern. "What is wrong?"

*****

"What? You're going back!?" cried Sakura as she and Meiling were seated outside on the benches at lunch. "When?"

"Next week…" replied Meiling in a depressive manner.

"So sudden…"

Meiling stared at the ground, not really seeing anything, as she was lost in thought. Sakura could only give her a pitying gaze, unsure of what she should say. She looked upwards and voiced the name of the newcomer. "Li-kun!"

Meiling snapped out of her daze and quickly turned her head towards her fiancé.

Syaoran spoke, "Did you tell the teacher that you are going back to Hong Kong?"

Meiling's expression fell and she turned away. Syaoran continued his insensitive speech. "There might be other things than just taking attendance. Let her know soon."

Meiling stood up, her face hardened. She said in an expressionless voice, "Syaoran, you don't care whether I go back or not."

"There's nothing I can do. Aunt said you had to go back," replied Syaoran.

"There's nothing you can do…" Meiling's voice cracked. She turned to him with tears in her eyes and said furiously, "Syaoran, am I just an annoyance to you?"
Am I just interfering between you and Kinomoto-san, Syaoran?

Syaoran's mouth opened in surprise. In a quieter tone, she asked sadly, "Am I just bothering you by being here?"

"No that's not it," he replied sternly.

"Syaoran, you idiot!" screamed Meiling as she ran away from him, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Meiling!' called Syaoran, as Meiling turned a corner.

"Meiling-chan!" cried Sakura.

Syaoran sighed, closing his eyes. Sakura turned to him, and stated sadly, "Meiling has to go back."

"Ah," replied Syaoran uninterestedly as he walked away from her.

*****

"I have an announcement to make. Meiling-san is transferring back to Hong Kong next week," stated Kaho. Chairs scratched on the tiles of the floor as everyone turned to look at her. Various cries of surprise were echoed across the class and then gossiping was heard.
Meiling stared despondently at her desk.

Kaho's expression softened and said, "It must be sad for her."

Sakura watched Meiling out of the corners of her eyes in concern.

Syaoran packed his back and cocked his head to his left. "Meiling."

Meiling ignored him, and swung her back over her shoulder, walking away. Syaoran sighed and closed his eyes. Sakura watched the exchange uncomfortably.

Spontaneously, Sakura rose from her desk and called, "Meiling-chan!"

Syaoran's eyes opened as Meiling paused at the door from the call. Sakura's mouth worked. "Umm…." Sakura rubbed her hands as she tried to think of something. "Err…"

Sakura immediately brightened when she thought of an idea. "Why don't you stay over at my house?"

Syaoran almost swerved out of his seat, sweatdropping. Meiling turned and asked uneasily, "Fo-For what?"

"For what?" Sakura smiled in nervousness and rubbed her hand together. "Ahhhh." Sakura stared at her intensely, trying to look convincing. "My father is going to make a really tasty cake!" Sakura continued to babble. "My father is really good at cooking so it has to taste very good. Besides… Besides…" Sakura clapped her hands together. "There are many things I want to chat with you about!"

Meiling said plainly, "Okay."

"Really?"

Meiling turned back to the door and said, "I'll come over later tonight."

"Tonight?" said Sakura in confusion. Syaoran sighed.

Sakura bent down to the seated Syaoran and apologized, "I'm sorry for borrowing Meiling-chan all of a sudden."

"Why did you ask her all of a sudden…"

Sakura withdrew from him and answered cheerfully, "It's true that I have many things to talk about with Meiling-chan." Syaoran looked slightly surprised. "Besides, she'll be so sad, having to part with you."

Syaoran closed his eyes and resignation and replied, "Fine."

*****

"Oh, I'm so full," sighed Meiling as Sakura poured the tea. They were seated in Sakura's room, on her carpet. "Your father is a really good cook." Sakura smiled at her compliment. "I'm so jealous."

Sakura raised a full teacup to Meiling. "Here." Meiling lifted the teacup from Sakura's hands and thanked her. She surveyed the area and wondered, "Come to think of it, where is the bath sponge?"

Sakura laughed embarrassedly. "Kero-chan is at Tomoyo-chan's house."

*****

"Geez," said Cerberus as he spooned a piece of cake. "Kicking me out just because that girl is staying over." Cerberus ate the strawberry topping in one mouthful and said in a muffled voice, "Well this is probably more fun for me!"

Cerberus sat in front of Tomoyo's projector television, watching his various poses that Tomoyo had filmed over the past year. "I got so much to eat, and the food is so good here. Isn't that great? My, my, I look so cool."

Tomoyo laughed and continued to knit. I hope Sakura-chan is having a nice chat with Meiling-chan.

*****

Sakura sweatdropped as Meiling was taking bites out of various cupcakes.

"Oh, this is so good! This too! This one too!" Meiling kept eating and said, "I'm so jealous! I have to push myself to finish them all."

Sakura smiled and made a polite sound of agreement, looking partly embarrassed. Meiling-chan reminds me of Kero-chan right now…

Meiling said in a muffled voice, "This is so good. It'll be such a waste if I don't finish all of it."

Sakura said hesitantly, "You know, Li-kun is a very good cook too."

Meiling stopped her eating and placed the food on the tray as she took a sip of her tea.

Sakura continued her efforts to persuade Meiling. "I don't think Li-kun thinks you are a bother, you know?" Meiling had no reaction, other than drinking her tea.
"Because he's always worried about you. Whether it's at school, or when we're capturing the cards."

"I know," said Meiling into the empty teacup. She lowered the cup and looked saddened. "I know that. I know…"

*****

Two heads emerged out of the sidewalk. They looked like yellow jesters except for the curl of hair under their hats. They were exactly alike except one had blue hair, and the other had pink. They walked with exact timing to the mailbox, mirroring each other. There was a flash of light and they appeared to be gone.

A woman walked to the mailbox, holding a letter and humming to some tune. She stopped in front of the box in confusion. "Two mailboxes?" What she saw was two mailboxes placed together, side by side, exact copies of each other.

*****

"I know," said Meiling quietly as she lay on a futon in Sakura's room. It was night and they were ready for sleep. A lamp illuminated the room.

"But it's different from what I want," continued Meiling, looking down sadly. She brightened and looked at Sakura, "Hey, when did you start liking that guy?"

Sakura flustered. "Umm… eh. He was onii-chan's classmate and he came over. And…"

Meiling filled in for her cheerfully, "And you have a crush on him?"

Sakura blushed harder and nodded. "Wh-what about you?"

Meiling looked away and concentrated. "For me… it wasn't exactly a crush…"

Six year old Syaoran and Meiling were training in the Li gardens. They copied their instructor's movements precisely.

"In Hong Kong, I live very close to Syaoran."

A hand hit a wooden training dummy.

"Because I don't have magic powers, I didn't need to study magic."

Little Meiling continued to block the wooden "legs" of the dummy as they turned to hit her, under her instructor's control.

"But Syaoran and I did have martial art lessons together with Wei. He took care of us when we were little."

With a cry, Meiling placed a high kick on the wooden leg, blocking a blow.
Meiling giggled at Wei and he smiled in return. A wooden leg turned to hit her and Meiling winced. Wei turned the leg away, as it only touched her face. Meiling walked away, rubbing her head and laughing at her carelessness. Meiling stopped laughing at Syaoran's expressionless face.

"Syaoran-sama," called Wei. Syaoran nodded slightly and walked forward.

"But Syaoran doesn't smile at all."

Syaoran blocked the wooden legs with his arms and feet at a rapid pace.

"Nor does he like to play."

Meiling and Syaoran's sisters played jump rope while Syaoran sat along at a table.

"Like how he is now?" asked Sakura.

"Even worse," said Meiling laughingly. "I've never seen him did anything fun before. That's why I'd watch him sometimes."

Meiling continued to skip while turning her head towards Syaoran. He propped his head with an arm and mulled over his books, not even sipping the tea that was in front of him.

"But..."

Thunder crackled.

Syaoran and Wei walked past the hedges of the gardens and paused at the sound of sobbing.

"Is there something wrong?" asked Wei, noticing Meiling sitting on the stairs, in front of the entrance to the house.

Meiling paused in her crying and pointed a finger to her right, "The bird..."

Syaoran and Wei looked in the direction she was pointing to, to notice the empty birdcage.

"It flew away... Auntie gave it to me..." said Meiling, trembling with tears. "It was my favourite..." she continued as she buried her face into her hands to cry.

Syaoran walked up to her, making her pause and then she cried again. He pulled out a handkerchief, making her stop crying and look up at him. "Don't cry." Meiling took it hesitantly and Syaoran turned around, running.

"Syaoran-sama! Where are you going!" called Wei as Syaoran ran past him.

"I'm going to look for it!" answered Syaoran, as he turned a corner.

Meiling and Wei stayed in their positions, staring at the direction from where he left.

"So he went looking for it," said Sakura softly.

Meiling and Wei entered the household leaving the entrance empty. The sky darkened and soon rain began to pour.

"And then, the rain started to come down, but still Syaoran hasn't come back."

"Syaoran..." cried Meiling, as she stood by the window, watching the rain and waiting for the boy's return.

"Don't worry," said Wei, making Meiling's head turn to his voice. "I am sure Syaoran will bring back the bird."

A small figure ran under the arch, into the entrance area of the house. Meiling stood up. "Syaoran."

Meiling ran outside in the rain to meet him. "Syaoran..."

Syaoran was completely drenched before her. His clothes were stained and his cheeks were scratched. He heaved, encasing something in his hands.

He lifted a hand, uncovering a tiny red bird. Meiling broke into a smile.

"This is the bird, right?" asked Syaoran, making Meiling look at him in surprise. Her eyes filled with tears and she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around her neck.

Syaoran looked at her in puzzlement and asked, "Hey! What's the matter? Are you hurting somewhere?"

Meiling continued to sob uncontrollably while hugging him.

"So there was such a story," commented Sakura.

"I guess from then on... I've grown to like him a lot," said Meiling, and in a softer tone, "But it's not the same for Syaoran. He made a promise with me, but..."

"A promise?" asked Sakura.

"I don't have any magic. Even if I stay with him, I can't do anything for him. There's no need for me to be here to help him look for the cards," said Meiling miserably.

"Meiling..." Sakura tensed. "I sense a Clow Card!"
*****

Cerberus flew with his cell phone hanging around his neck. He informed,
"Sakura! I'm heading towards where the Clow Card is! Are you done yet?"

"Yes. Okay, I gotcha," Sakura spoke into the phone as she ran with Tomoyo following her. She wore a long pink jacket, rimmed with black, that split above her navel and flowed around her legs. Black thigh high boots encased her legs, with matching black pants that reached mid-thigh.

Sakura stopped in her running as Meiling was still leaning against her door, looking downcast. "Meiling-chan, you are not going?"

"Maybe, I shouldn't…" said Meiling. None of her usual confidence was heard in her voice.

Sculptures lay beside each other, a mirror copy of the other. Cerberus glanced down at the museum, through the skylight. "Everything in the museum is doubled," he commented. There was a sudden flash of magic and he turned. "That way?" He quickly flew into the direction of flash.

Sakura stood in front of Meiling. Meiling was still lost in self-pity. Sakura walked closer making Meiling raise her eyes. She grabbed Meiling's arm and pulled Meiling to her surprise. "Let's go Meiling-chan."

"But even if I go…" cried Meiling as she was being dragged against her will.

"There are many things that no one else but you can do," encouraged Sakura as she pulled Meiling to the scene.

Syaoran cried out as his back flew to the ground. He sat up and watched the giggling cards standing upon the doubled building. "Shit," he swore.

Cerberus flew beside the fallen man. "No, it's Twin after all," Cerberus cried unhappily. "What?" Underneath the moon stood two apartment buildings with the twins perched on top. "Didn't your apartment become doubled as well?"

Behind them, the trio of girls ran into the scene.

"Kero-chan!" called Sakura. Meiling ran to the fallen Syaoran.

Cerberus turned around and berated, "Sakura, what have you been doing? You're late!"

"I'm sorry," apologized Sakura as she readied her wand.

Meiling bent down and asked anxiously, "Syaoran! Are you okay?"

He turned his head and said, "Ah."

The twins jumped off the building and rushed at the two. Syaoran grabbed Meiling and twisted over, dodging the blow. Meiling landed on top of him and called, "Syaoran."

He looked up and asked, "Are you okay?" She looked at him in surprise and nostalgia.

The twins rushed towards the card captor, performing a cartwheel together in exact timing and continued to their target. "Jump," chanted Sakura, making her leap over the two, as they were about to land. They ricocheted off the wall and continued their pursuit of her. Sakura leaped from building to building, and the twins followed her with amazing speed. Sakura landed and her magic circled appeared from under her. "O Wind! Become a chain of admonition! Windy!"

Windy appear from the card and flew to the two, encircling them. She wrapped herself around them, capturing one, but the other slipped through.

"Return to thy form which thou should be! Clow Card!" chanted Sakura, making the sprite dissipate. Streams of the remnant of the card flew into the forming card. Suddenly a stream clashed against the sealing barrier and it burst apart, making Sakura fly backwards. The card back flipped to its twin and they raised arms in a battle stance.

"How come?" asked Sakura disbelievingly.

Cerberus called out from below, "It won't work if you only capture one of the twins."

"Eh?" cried Sakura in confusion, looking down at Cerberus, over the railing.

"They have to be captured at exactly the same moment," Cerberus continued to explain.

"At the same moment?" wondered Sakura. The cards readied themselves and launched themselves at her. With a last minute cry of "Jump" she dodged the blow and continued the game of cat and mouse with the cards.

"What to do…" cried Cerberus, while watching Sakura's unspectacular performance.

"Oi," called Syaoran, making Cerberus turn. Syaoran asked to be sure, "Has to be the same moment…?"

"Right," Cerberus confirmed. Syaoran unsheathed his blade and called to Sakura, getting her attention.

Taking out an ofuda, Syaoran chanted slowly, "King of Thunder, descend!"

"I see," Sakura said to herself and twisted her wand around, so it faced her opponents. Syaoran slashed his blade in the air and lightning was emitted from the point of the sword. "Thunder!" chanted Sakura. A beast of lightning flew towards one of the twins. The bolts of lightning hit the twins simultaneously making them cry in pain.

"That won't work!" cried Cerberus as the effect of the lightning faded. The twins giggled. "As I thought, they noticed the gap in time. If it's not exactly the same moment..."

"What? Exact same moment? It was so close already," cried Sakura as she hung from a lamppost.

The twins landed and formed their battle stance. They giggled.

"Want to try one more time?" asked Syaoran, eyeing the card warily.

"But is it going to work?" wondered Cerberus anxiously.

"We have to try, if nothing else!" said Sakura in determination. She looked down and noticed Meiling standing behind Syaoran's sword. "Meiling-chan!" called Sakura, making her head point upwards.

Sakura dropped down to the edge of the first story of a house. "Li-kun! You and Meiling-chan might be able to move like Twin."

"What! Kinomoto-san!" cried Meiling in surprise. Sakura smiled and encouraged her, "You can do it! Because you always watched Li-kun!"

Syaoran turned to look at her. "Eh?" Meiling raised a hand and edged away from him in uncertainty. "But…" She gazed into Syaoran's serious eyes. "I… might be a bother…"

Without a word, Syaoran sheathed his sword. He extended his legs and formed a stance. "Let's do it, Meiling!"

Meiling looked at his determined face and then formed the same stance. Her face became determined, and she answered, "Got that."

The cousins rushed at the twins and punched with their left and right, both punches blocked by the twins. They twirled in a roundhouse kick that the twins ducked under. The twins leaped at them with uppercuts and they blocked the blow with their forearm. In return, they raised their knees upward, and dealt a steady kick to the twins, making them fly backwards.

Sakura watched the two in amazement. Incredible.

The cousins rushed and propelled themselves off the ground using their hands, landing on their two feet. They flipped and did another flip. In mid-flip, Meiling smiled at Syaoran, which he returned. They landed on top of their opponent's shoulders and stomped on them. Each step was a mirror of the others. Meiling and Syaoran continued to smile at each other. The twins winced in pain and flung out their arms, swiping the cousins off their shoulders. Sakura cried out and before the two landed on the ground a gust of wind swept them. Windy released her hold on them and gently dropped them to the ground.

"Are you okay?" cried Sakura worriedly. The two nodded at her and formed their battle stance yet again. The twins opened their mouths in surprise. The two cousins stared unnervingly at them. Whimpering, the twins backed away slightly.

The two rushed forward, gaining momentum. The twins cried out in fear. With a battle cry, the cousins pushed their palms forward, knocking the twins backwards.

"Now!" cried Syaoran and Meiling at the same time. Sakura raised her wand and cried, "Return to thy form which thou should be! Clow Card!"

The two unconscious twins broke apart into streams and flew into the forming cards. The card flew towards Syaoran and he grabbed it. He turned to towards Meiling and she gave a smile. He turned away and his expression softened, "I never thought of you as an annoyance."

Meiling looked at him in shock and then smiled wholeheartedly.
*****

The roar of a plane was heard as it took off runway.

Sakura, Tomoyo, and even Cerberus were at the airport to see her off.

Cerberus reflected, "I never thought that noisy bratty girl was going to leave us."

'She'll be sad," said Tomoyo quietly. Sakura could only look sadly at the parting cousins.

"You didn't forget anything?" asked Syaoran, standing with Meiling. There was a silence and Meiling gently smiled at Syaoran. She turned her head slightly to the side and said shyly, "Hey… Do you remember…" Meiling stared directly at Syaoran, still smiling slightly. "That promise?"

Syaoran lowered his head at her slightly. "Promise?"

A very determined six-year-old Meiling looked across the table. She leaned on the table with her knees placed on top of a chair. "I love you!" she cried, making Syaoran lower his book in surprise. "I love you, Syaoran. I'll be your bride!" Meiling continued to proclaim, her determination unwavering.

"Hey, wait a second. I…" said Syaoran, wondering what had caused the sudden cry of confession of love.

"Syaoran! Is there someone else you love more that me?" interrupted Meiling, raising her voice. Syaoran moved his head backwards against the backrest, trying to put more distance between them.

"No there isn't but…" Syaoran tried to explain.

"So I'll be your bride! Because you're the one I love most!" cried Meiling, not letting him have a say.

"Hey, listen…" cried Syaoran in exasperation.

Meiling wouldn't let him get away from him. "I'll give up if you find someone you love more than me. But until that day, I'll be your bride!" she cried, crawling across the table until she was face to face with him. "Okay?"

"What do you mean by 'Okay'?" asked Syaoran as he looked very discomforted.

"Okay?" cried Meiling, not letting her determination waver.

Syaoran closed his eyes and faced away from her. "Do whatever you want."

With the same kind smile, Meiling replied, "Until you find someone you love most, I'll stay your fiancée."

"Meiling…"

Sakura and Tomoyo took a few steps forward towards Meiling. Sakura asked, "Meiling-chan… We'll see each other again right?"

"Of course! I'll definitely come back to be near Syaoran. Right?" said Meiling with her confident smile.

"Would passenger Li Meiling please board flight 43," announced the intercom.

"Oh, whoops, looks like I'm a little late," said Meiling with a little smile. She leaned towards Sakura and whispered, "Thanks for helping me with magic at that time."

Sakura smiled in return. Meiling ran over to board her plane and cried cheerfully, "See you again!"

Sakura smiled and called, "See you again, Meiling-chan."

*****

"Until you find someone you love most, I'll stay your fiancée."

Meiling sat in the taxi, gazing out of the window, not really watching the busy streets of Hong Kong.

Syaoran, but little do you know that you are finding the person you love most. When I'm not around, Syaoran will be lonely. He'll need someone. Kinomoto-san, I like you a lot so please take good care of him or else I'll be angry. By the time I come back to Japan, the promise will be ended soon, I'll try to be ready for that day…

"Miss, we're here," said the cab driver, "Would you like me to help you with your luggage?"

"Oh, no thanks," Meiling said as she shuffled her wallet for some bills. She opened the door of the car and the driver got out to open the trunk for her. Taking her suitcase, she handed the driver his payment and stood in the splendour of the Li mansion. I wonder what why Auntie told me to come immediately to her house.

Meiling stepped past the gates and walked past the serenity of the garden. Ah memories. She ignored the ivory coloured fountain and made her way into the front entrance of the mansion.

She knocked on the door and it was pulled open by the elderly yet healthy Wei. "Meiling-sama," he greeted.

"Wei!" cried Meiling, dropping her suitcase and giving him a tight hug.

Wei chuckled and said, "Meiling-sama, you've grown to be a beautiful woman."

"WEI! It's only been a year and I visited you during the break!" cried Meiling as she released him. She looked at him more closely and noticed more white than grey hairs, his eyes were more wrinkled also. Wei was getting very old, she thought worriedly.

"I can still remember when you were shorter than my knee… Is Syaoran-sama well?" said Wei as he bent down to pick up her suitcase.

"No, no. Let me do that," said Meiling, brushing off Wei's fingers and carrying the suitcase on her own. She said with a laugh, "Yes, Syaoran is well. And he's a lot better looking than I remembered from when I was a child, well you saw him right during our last visit? I have to practically fight off all the girls coming after him. Not like they could really fight as well as I could of course."

"Meiling-sa-"

She cut him off, "Don't worry, I didn't do anything impulsive. Only the Clow Cards tasted my amazing skills. Of course, they are mostly due to your patient and skilful instruction."

Wei chuckled again and said, "Meiling-sama, you still haven't lost that sweet talking mouth of yours. Still can make an old man happy... What are we doing standing here? Please let me take you to your room."

Meiling walked shut the double doors behind her and walked with Wei for a few steps. She noticed something and asked, "Wei…?"

"Oh, Meiling-sama, you've noticed my bad leg. Don't worry, it's fine. Old men's bones get creaky."

Meiling stilled her mouth in respect for her mentor, obviously he didn't want to be fussed about. She was still worried though.

Meiling walked with Wei, making small talk and reminiscing about the times spent training with him.

"Your room is down the hall and around the corner, Meiling-sama," said Wei, ending their conversation.

"Okay, thanks Wei. I'll talk to you again sometime," said Meiling, smiling at him.

"It'll be my pleasure, Meiling-sama," Wei said politely, but meaning his words.

As she walked to her room, she noted how hollow the Li residence was. Her footsteps echoed against the vast hallway. Yes, it would be lonely without Syaoran and she would miss Japan a lot. When she arrived near her room, she was suddenly choked around the neck, and her suitcase fell to the floor.

"Meiling's back!" "Ah, did you grow?" "Did you bring any souvenirs?" "Is Syaoran fine? Is he eating properly?"

Meiling gasped for breath, and was faintly aware of her circulation being cut off in her right arm, left forearm, and a leg?

Bug-eyed, Meiling replied, "I've grown maybe half an inch. I have souvenirs in my suitcase. And Syaoran is well, he's eating enough. Fuutie-byau jye, could you please release my neck?"

Fuutie complied with Meiling's wishes to not suffocate to death. After getting a decent amount of oxygen she pried open her suitcase and gave them various trinkets, makeup, etc.

"Oh a facial kit!!! We should all try it sometime!" exclaimed Shiefa with a chorus of agreement from the other sisters. Uh, oh. May the kit was a bad idea, Meiling didn't want to be dragged off to lie for a few hours with mud caked on her face and cucumbers over her eyes. Besides, I'm already beautiful.

"Uh, byau jye, I just got back and I think I want some decent sleep. Yeah, planes, no matter how comfortable first class is, makes my back stiff," Meiling hurriedly explained.

"Oh, she's tired." "Ah, poor dear probably couldn't sleep last night." "Especially since she's leaving our dear brother alone." "Yes, indeed."

Meiling tried not to wince at these words. They were exactly the truth. How could she go to sleep when leaving would mean ultimately losing Syaoran? Without her there, painful as the truth may be, Syaoran and Kinomoto-san would eventually grow closer. It was true that she was an obstacle between them. Well, at least she had time to be ready to face the day when the promise ends. She turned away from Syaoran's chattering sisters, feeling suddenly truly fatigued and wanting to lie down.

As she was opening the door to her room, Fanren stopped her. "You can't go sleep yet, sorry dear."

"What was it mother wanted again?" "I forgot, you know?"

Feimei said exasperatedly, "You two, she wanted to talk to Meiling."

"I'll leave my suitcase inside, where is auntie?"

"In the gardens, probably." "I don't know why she's always there." "What's so fascinating about it anyway?" "She always says she it's always good for peace and quiet."

"What does that mean?" "The house isn't noisy." "What do you think?" "Does she mean us?!"

"That can't be!" "Mei-"

Meiling quickly fled. Who cares about her suitcase? A servant would pick it up later but… Syaoran's sisters, when they were unhappy, were deadly. One time she played a prank on them in an attempt to soften Syaoran's stone face. Not only she learned it was practically impossible to make Syaoran laugh, she also learned no matter how long you hid from them, the Li sisters would have their revenge. Magic was such a terrifying thing sometimes.

She quickly walked through the halls, ignoring the splendour of the marble tiles and Ming vases that decorated the halls. It's not like if she hadn't seen them before.
After walking through the west wing of the house, she arrived at the gardens.

Walking out of the house, she breathed deeply, in taking the fragrances of the many flowers in bloom. Peonies, Syaoran's favourite, roses, lilies, and many other flowers grew across the garden, producing a collage of colours.

Meiling walked quickly down the paved walkway, her shoes tapping on the cob
stones. Memories of training with Syaoran flitted through her mind as she made her way to the pagoda in the middle of the garden, most likely place for her aunt to be resting at. She remembered watching Syaoran transform his sword and practise a few moves. She had pestered him to train with her and she brought out a plain sword to train with. They had exchanged quite a few blows, but Syaoran had the upper hand due to his excessive training. Syaoran had flipped her sword out of her hand. Later she realised that Syaoran was holding back to ensure that he wouldn't hurt her. She yelled at him quite a bit for doing that. That idiot. Her idiot. But not for long…

Meiling shook her head, she shouldn't think like this, now that she was back. Ahead, she saw her aunt in a modern rendition of a Chinese traditional dress. High collared, with cuffed sleeves. The dress was slit from mid thigh, and white pants were worn underneath. Floral patterns embroidered in silver thread decorated the blue silk throughout. Her hair was in the usual long ponytail with several hair ornaments. She sat on one of the stone stools under the roof of the pagoda. Her arm was rested against a stone table, worn from the many centuries.

Meiling stepped onto the bridged leading there, looking at the pond, paying no attention to the goldfish, but to her reflection. She checked to see if any rebelling strands of hair were out of place. Though not to Syaoran's extent, her aunt was the leader of the Li-clan, and very capable of making people feel very self-conscious. Pleased that her appearance was suitable, she continued to walk to the rest of the bridge.

"Good afternoon, Aunt Yelan," Meiling greeted, standing on the edge of the pagoda. Yelan raised her head from her book.

"So you have arrived, niece. Come and sit," said Yelan, in her usual manner, not warm nor cold. Syaoran had the same voice at times.

Meiling quietly sat down in front of her aunt, and then stared at her aunt's almost emotionless eyes.

"So how are Syaoran, and the progress of the card captures?"

"Syaoran is fine, and most of the cards are captured but Syaoran only owns a few, most of the cards are in the hands of Kinomoto-san."

Yelan's eyes flickered for a moment. "Has Syaoran acted… strange?"

So Auntie had noticed. Syaoran's growing madness. Meiling, herself only had seen on that fateful night, where Syaoran had not been truly sick, but sick of heart. Ever since then, she had been watching more carefully. There were days where she felt terrified. Sometimes Syaoran's eyes were so blank. Like if he took no joy in living. Before they were like ice, a hard emotionless surface that reflected everything that tried to pry. Syaoran had let her see through, but never completely. There was always a part he kept hidden.

"No Auntie." Syaoran…

Yelan's eyes bored into hers, and Meiling fought the urge to look away. For a split-second she almost seemed to be considering something. Then her eyes were unreadable again. "You may go now."

Meiling rose from her seat and paused, looking downwards so that her bangs covered her eyes. "Auntie, do you know the reason why I was called back?"

"No."

"I shall go now. See you soon Auntie and thank you for inviting me," Meiling said emotionlessly.

"Rest and we shall speak again."

Meiling walked proudly until she was no longer visible to her aunt. After being out of the Li Clan head's line of vision, she broke into a run. Liar. She almost toppled over a maid, but kept her pace after muttering an apology. You know why. She sped across another corner, faintly aware of the stinging of her eyes. In fact you arranged it. Her vision blurred but she refused to let the tears fall. Why did you do that? Am I not good enough for Syaoran for you? Her chest heaved for breath. Don't I truly love him? Her heart wretched painfully. She arrived at the hallway leading to her room. I really love him. You know that. She was thankful that Syaoran's sisters were no longer around. Why did you betray me? Why did you make me part with him so that he'll fall into the arms of another?

She slammed open her door and threw herself onto the bed.

"WHY CAN'T I HAVE HIM? I'M THE ONE THAT LOVES HIM MOST! NO ONE WILL EVER LOVE HIM AS MUCH AS I DO! IT'S NOT FAIR. It's not fair. Not fair. Not fair…" She buried her face into a pillow and broke into a sob.

-Sama - honorific that denotes complete respect.
-byau jie -older female cousin.


Author's Notes: (Since I did all my reviewer responses, I can babble again ^^)
Meiling finally gives up on Syaoran because she is no longer by his side and knows she'll lose because of this (well not only this). Besides she's very tired of being on a one-side love and accepts that Syaoran will still love her as a sister.
Language/Cultural Lesson
Sama is something you would use to address your boss. This is also used to address God. Using this also states that person is at a completely different level of status from you.
Chinese, if you are referring to some one older that you, you have to use a title.Meiling can call Syaoran, Syaoran because he's younger but it doesn't make sense that Syaoran calls Meiling instead of byau jye. Even if you are very close to that cousin, you still have say her/his title. Our Syaoran-chan is being disrespectful, being future clan leader must be going into his head. *bops him*
Correction: Proper Syaoran romanization in Yale Cantonese would be Syau Lang. Another site converted it wrong. >:(
August 11, 2001, Christine Chan aka Kinomoto Sakura of Ffnet