[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

2 February, 2001

Card Captors

"Dimensions II - Test of Evil"

By : The MOUSE……………………&helli p;.

The pitch-black waters within the raised, carved stone bowl reflected a scene taking place so many thousands of kilometers away. A familiar looking yet dark eyed teen stood over the bowl and gleefully watched the three being reflected in the water. His understated frame shook in barely contained laughter. The three he spied on had absolutely no idea they were playing right into his carefully orchestrated plan. Everything was falling into place as if he himself had moved the Fates to conspire with him. At a simple thought the images in the small pool shifted to an injured teen male watching the three from a high window. A scowl of hate was on this one's face. The dark-eyed watcher could feel no magic of significance from this teen, but his almost desperate want for revenge was a very appealing sensation.

"He can be useful to me." the dark-eyed teen whispered to himself.

He turned to smile evilly at the dimly glowing, feminine looking being huddled at the base of one of the massive pillars. It coward slightly from him, fearful of what the expression on his face meant.

"Clow's most powerful and direct descendant is coming, my dear Life. And he's bringing the lovely Card Mistress with him."

He turned back to the water now showing a still close-up of a jade-eyed girl with short auburn hair. His hand hovered just over the reflection, barely touching the stagnant waters. She had such innocence of presence and soul, a child in a woman's body. And something within him twisted. The watcher did not miss her brightness and innocent beauty. The Card Mistress was indeed someone very special. A vessel of such powerful magic, yet uncorrupted by it.

"Very lovely… I may just spare her life a little longer so I may enjoy myself. I deserve a little satisfaction after three centuries." He then chuckled low. "Three hundred years pass by so quickly when you carefully plot your revenge. Soon, very soon, Clow's magic will be gone and his lineage will be wiped off the face of the planet."

The images shifted again to the injured and watching teen in the window. The dark-eyed being smiled, almost pleased. "And you will help me accomplish this, Higato."

* * *

Sakura was completely stunned. There, in her hands, was a plane ticket for a flight bound for Hong Kong. This was the key to staying with her beloved Little Wolf. Her hands trembled in shock as she looked first at the ticket, then to Li-Lerae, and back in rapid succession. Her mouth was dry, unable to speak from this overwhelming act of generosity. She looked to Syaoran for help, but he was just as stunned as she was, his wide honey colored eyes staring at the plane ticket nestled almost reverently in Sakura's delicate hands. Try as he might he was unable pull his gaze away. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. His Okaa-san was inviting a non-Clan member to come back with them to their homeland, to most likely enter the private sanctum of the Li estates. It was incredible. It was an honor.

This has to be a dream, he heard Sakura think almost desperately.

He met her questioning jade eyes before they both turned to stare at the enigmatically grinning Lerae.

"Ma-Ma…?" Syaoran began in question.

"Our conversation this morning convinced me of this course of action, Xiao Lang." answered the matriarch. "The Elders ordered me to bring you back, I cannot disobey, but you do not wish to return. You told me your reasons. The Elders must also hear your reasons to want to stay."

He blinked in confusion. "But… but why…?"

She smiled gently. "I know you do not wish to leave the Card Mistress's side therefore she will come back with us as well. The Elders must meet her seeing as she controls the Clow Cards. It is also because of Clow-sama's prophecy: the Legend of the Two. No one has the right to try to stop it from coming true."

It was Sakura's turn to be confused, a delicate frown knitting her brow. "The Legend of the Two? What's that?"

Syaoran smiled at her. "Ask me again sometime."

She smirked. "I will… on our way to Hong Kong!" she squealed in delight.

She leapt up into Syaoran's arms, holding him tight in sheer joy. He laughed as he crushed her close, spinning around in place, caught up in her ever so addictive elation and laughter. She was coming home with him, back to China. He could keep his promise to her and the elders all at the same time.

The thought of having to leave you behind was killing me, he whispered in her mind.

I'll never leave you, came her soft mental reply.

The amount and strength of conviction in her thought caused him to shiver pleasantly as he buried his face in the warm crook of her neck. He smiled. Sakura could be so impossibly adorable and so incredibly seductive sometimes without her even realizing it. It made her so very hard to resist. But he didn't want to resist. Being with her was like being blessed by a divine entity. She was everything to the young warrior: strength; weakness; freedom, and life. He reluctantly pulled away from Sakura, sharing a warm smile with her for a moment, then turned to smile at his Okaa-san gratefully.

"Domo arigatou, Ma-Ma."

Lerae gently cupped her Son's cheek. "Anything to keep you smiling, Xiao Lang."

He felt a hot blush creep over his cheeks at the near veiled implication in that reply.

"Hey, guys!" a cheery voice greeted from behind them.

They turned to find Tomoyo and Meilin heading towards them from the school building. Both looked exhausted from having written their exam, but they smiled nonetheless, happy it was over for the day. Tomoyo took one look at her best friend's smiling face and was immediately confused. Why was she smiling? Her boyfriend was leaving to go back to Hong Kong. Didn't this make her sad? She raised a confused eyebrow.

"You look awfully pleased." she posed, letting her question hang unspoken.

Lerae answered for the teen Card Mistress. "She had a good reason to be so happy. As will you as well." and she handed her an envelope similar to the one she had given Sakura.

Sakura's eyes lit up. "Tomoyo too?"

"Of course. Xiao Lang has told me of the captures you have done together and how helpful she has been to you both. It would be a shame to break apart such a team. And I am anxious to see all the videos she has made of these captures."

"He told you all that this morning?"

She merely nodded as a high pitched shriek filled the cold winter air. They all turned to find Tomoyo practically dancing for joy, hugging the precious plane ticket to her heart.

"This is so kawaii!" she exclaimed. "I get a whole new back drop on which to tape my two most favorite subjects in the world!" This statement caused Sakura to groan while Syaoran patiently shook his head in disbelief at Tomoyo. Then, "Ne, matte! What about school? My Okaa-san? The rest of the Clow Cards Sakura has to capture?"

"I will attend to the matters of school and your families." Lerae answered with a slight chuckle of amusement. "As for the cards, if the Card Mistress takes the book with her then they have no choice but to follow her wherever she goes."

Sakura frowned slightly. "I don't understand. Why?"

"In all the time they've been free, haven't you ever wondered why the cards never left Tomeda?" Meilin posed.

"You mean the book is keeping them here?"

Syaoran nodded. "It's the source of their magic. They're drawn to it like a magnet, but to get back they have to be sealed. Unless it's one of the more powerful cards, like one of the elements or Life or Death, they have to stay in the general area the book is in to survive."

Sakura nodded slowly, decisively. "They I'll bring the Book of Clow. I can't leave Tomeda to fight off the cards by itself. Now the only obstacle left is Touya."

"I will attend to him as well." Li Lerae assured with a determined expression. "An Onii-chan can be protective all he wants, but to forbid his Sister from doing things is going far beyond being protective."

The sorceress almost smiled. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to repay you for all of this."

"You will." She then lowered her face close to the female Card Captor's ear to whisper so only she would hear. "Make my Son forever happy and you may consider this debt paid in full."

The young Mistress of the Cards blushed and bowed in acceptance to the matriarch, feeling herself tremble happily at the agreement Lerae had set out before her. In essence she was voicing her acceptance of Syaoran's choice to have the sorceress as his beloved.

"I will, Li-san." she smiled brightly at the matriarch in agreement.

She smiled in return. "Of this I have no doubt." Then, turning to her Son, "Celebrate with your friends, Xiao Lang, I still must speak with your teachers. I will come find you afterwards to speak with the Card Mistress's Otou-san." and she began walking away towards the school.

As he watched her go, Syaoran's hand slipped gently into Sakura's yielding hand, their fingers intertwining. She gazed up at him fondly, a loving smile on her lips for her boyfriend and beloved soul mate. He couldn't help but return the smile.

"So what did my Okaa-san whisper to you?" he asked in curiosity as he began leading the small group away from the school.

She grinned cryptically. "Ask me again sometime."

* * *

Dabbing away the occasional droplet of blood from his nose, Higato Allan watched the small group in the center of the schoolyard, silently glad that he couldn't be seen spying on them from the building's second story window. Allan saw the woman hand an envelope to Kinomoto Sakura, who promptly opened and read it. Then, the object of his affection threw herself at the gaki, Li Syaoran, in what seemed like joy.

What had been the contents of that envelope to cause such a reaction?

Didn't she know Li was leaving?

And who was this woman?

Both Li and Sakura seemed to be completely at ease with her. He figured she had to be someone they both knew. Higato had a feeling he knew this woman as well. She seemed familiar, yet the memory was buried too deep in the back of his mind for the moment. He pushed the thought away when the gaki's Cousin and the Daidouji girl joined the trio. The yet unknown woman then handed Daidouji an envelope identical to Sakura's resulting in a reaction similar to the cheerleader's, minus throwing herself at Li.

Higato frowned.

What in the world were in those envelopes?

He watched for a moment more as the woman walked towards the school. Higato saw his rival for Sakura's affection take hold of the cheerleader's hand. They shared a tender smile, a few words, and a laugh, and then they walked away with their friends. Allan turned his attention to the familiar looking woman. He ran down to the school's main floor just in time to see her walk in from the cold.

She was a tall, elegant woman. A woman of grace. She had long black hair tied in a neat and straight ponytail and her gold eyes were sharp and alert. Those eyes struck him as being very familiar. She walked with purpose through the halls, heading straight for the High School's Director's office. Allan followed at some distance, curious, hoping to discover who she was. She stopped suddenly, just short of turning the doorknob to the Director's office, and turned to Allan trying to hide from sight behind a corner.

She smiled. "Eight years and you still have not broken your habit of spying."

Higato blinked and stepped out into full view. "How did…? You!"

She gave him a small pout. "Have I changed that much?"

"N-No! No, of course not, Li-san. It's just… I didn't expect to see you here. What are you doing in Tomeda District?"

"I am here to facilitate Xiao Lang's transfer back home…"

Higato felt himself begin to smile.

"… and his friends as well."

His expression dropped. "His… friends…?"

"Hai. The two girls, Daidouji and Kinomoto."

"Kino-… But… but Li-san… You… you can't!"

"It is done. Speaking to their teachers and their families is merely a formality."

Anger began to well up in the basketball star. "Sakura is mine! You can't take her from me!"

She blinked and looked at him. "Yours? From all appearances it would seem as if she is anything but yours. Her heart is obviously with your Cousin."

"She and I are destined!"

"I am afraid you are mistaken, Allan. She was never meant to be yours. Your paths never meet." and Li-san entered the office.

Higato Allan stood alone in the empty corridor, his hands balled into angry fists at his sides, his body just barely trembling in mounting rage. He was Fated to be with the lovely auburn haired cheerleader with the bright jade eyes. He was sure of it or why else would life throw so many obstacles in his path to her heart. No one was allowed to refuse him his prize, not Fate and not even Li Lerae.

Sakura is mine. You'll see, dear Aunt Li-san. She and I are meant to be. I'll prove it to everyone, even if I have to follow you all the way back… home.

* * *

Sakura's spoon toyed with the mounds of whipped cream surrounding the melting ice cream of her hot fudge sundae. But she paid it no mind. Her thoughts were presently elsewhere. Across from her Meilin was savoring every bite of her banana split with ecstasy while Tomoyo carefully sipped at her strawberry shake to get every last drop of flavor. Returning from the counter with his own sweet concoction, Syaoran sat close to Sakura's side in the booth. He immediately noted the idle patterns her spoon was tracing, her brows furrowed slightly in deep thought.

Is something wrong? he asked mentally.

She blinked at his thoughts suddenly entering her mind and a small grin appeared on her lips. The gift they shared was very practical at times to share messages without the risk of someone else hearing it. And it was getting stronger with each passing hour.

Nothing's wrong, she replied mentally. I'm just thinking.

He hid his smirk around a spoonful of his sundae, covertly nudging her side with his elbow. I know you're thinking, I can feel it and hear parts of your thought. What I want to know is what that thought is to have you looking so worried? He looked at her with a serious and loving expression. An angel like you should never have to worry about anything.

She blushed a soft sigh, then met his questioning wolf eyes. I'm wondering if Li-san can really convince Otou-san and Touya to let me go with you.

He favored her with a warm and confident smile. Hey, this is my Okaa-san we're talking about. She's part mule when it comes to making decisions.

She smirked around a spoonful of her ice cream. So, she's that stubborn, ne?

Syaoran almost chuckled. I had to get it somewhere.

So you're sure she can do this?

He winked at her. Trust me.

She grinned playfully and poked the cherry on top of her sundae with her finger. Then she casually held up her maraschino cherry tipped finger to her boyfriend. He raised a questioning eyebrow at her, a quirky grin turning up the corners of his mouth.

I always do and always will trust you, My Love, she whispered in his mind with a near seductive grin.

A pleasant shiver gripped him from her gentle admission. Sometimes he wondered if she knew how much of a seductrice she could be. She had a playful nature about her that made every second with her a kind of adventure. He took her offered hand to steady it and carefully closed his mouth around the tip of her finger, cherry and all. Sakura giggled under his steady gaze as he released her digit now devoid of the sweet garnish. Near giggles forced their gazes to part. They looked across the table only to find both Meilin and Tomoyo grinning at them while Tomoyo videotaped the whole tender scene. The soul mates groaned in realization, having temporarily forgotten they were not alone.

"Don't you ever give up?" Syaoran griped at the teen videographer.

"Nope." she smiled. "You two are just too kawaii to pass up."

"Mind you," began Meilin, "... if you guys get any sweeter I'll go into sugar shock by just being around you."

And our relationship is just getting started, Sakura smirked silently.

Syaoran blinked and faced his beloved sorceress sharply. You mean there's going to be more?

She merely winked in response, both feeling a blush creep over their cheeks at the silent promise their eyes held for each other for the future. But for the moment shyness won out and they turned away to grin timidly at their melting sundaes before them.

"You know, I was wondering something." Tomoyo began, thinking aloud. "Li-san said she would come find us afterwards. I know for a fact you didn't have time to show her all your favorite haunts, Li, so how will she know where we are?"

A quirky grin touched the sorcerer's lips. "Magic." was all he replied.

Meilin had to giggle. "It's Li-san's most frustrating trait. You just can't hide from her. It's one hundred percent physically impossible."

"That must be annoying." Sakura near frowned, licking her spoon.

"Very." the warrior agreed. "Especially with the kind of life I had growing up. I was serious about what I was doing, but there were some days I just wanted to have to myself."

"Let me guess. You tried to hide, but no matter what she would always find you, right?"

"Exactly that. I was very adept and creative when it came to disappearing. I'm sure Meilin can vouch for me on that."

"That I can." his Cousin agreed around a mouthful of banana split. She swallowed before continuing. "It got to the point where no one but Li-san could find him. It didn't matter how high a tree he climbed, how narrow a space he squeezed into, or how deep a cave he crawled into. She would always find him."

Sakura carefully scooped up the chocolate syrup of her sundae with a thoughtful expression. "Then that's why you value your time alone so much. You actually can have time to yourself here."

He smiled shyly, staring at his dessert. "Time I'd rather spend with you now." he murmured.

Her blush returned, a demure smile adorning her lips. Syaoran could be very irresistible when he wanted to be. She felt blessed beyond words that the young warrior/sorcerer had decided to choose her to be his beloved. True, they were soul mates and were close friends, but that didn't necessarily mean they had to fall in love. Their friendship could have just become closer. But fall in love they did, a love so deep that they felt very physical pain in their hearts when they were apart. Sakura smiled to herself. If this is how they were at the beginning of their newly found relationship, then how would they be years down the road?

Syaoran's hand suddenly appeared in front of her face, drawing her attention back to reality. Only his index finger was extended, the cherry from his sundae resting neatly on the tip of it. She looked at him with an amused grin. Syaoran merely gave her a coy smile, raising a sly eyebrow in urging. She giggled in understanding. With only the barest hesitation she took hold of his wrist and closed her lips around half his finger, creating a gentle suction on it as she slowly pulled his finger out again. He could only stare at her with an expression akin to dumb shock as he blanched. He hadn't expected her to do something so... arousing. Sakura's smile became smug, satisfied at the reaction she had drawn out of him as he struggled to swallow the lump forming in his throat.

Tomoyo laughed from behind her camera. "I think I'll call this one Card Captor Seduction."

Meilin grimaced. "That makes it sound like some X-rated movie."

She nudged the Chinese girl's side with an impish grin. "Nah, that version will only be available in a few years from now."

Syaoran recovered from the shock his girlfriend had caused him and glared at the amethyst-eyed teen across the table from him. She merely grinned innocently with a small wave. She suddenly looked at something past him and gave whoever it was a cheery wave in greeting. Curious, they all turned to see the elegant Li Clan matriarch enter the malt shop confidently, already moving towards their booth.

Syaoran turned back to Sakura and Tomoyo. "Told you she could find us." he muttered.

The two Card Captors shifted over on the seat to give Li Lerae room to sit with them. She willingly accepted the silent offer, smiling at both her Son and his girlfriend. They did make such a handsome pair.

"How did it go, Li-san?" Meilin thought to ask.

"As expected. I assume no one in Tomeda knows of your abilities, Card Mistress?"

"Hai, Li-san." answered Sakura. "I'm not sure how anyone here would take to all this magic and living cards on the loose."

"Then I was correct in my fabrication. Your professors now believe you and your friend are participants in a cultural exchange program to China. You will both be staying at our home and be schooled by Xiao Lang's private tutors."

"We're not going to the local High School?"

Syaoran snorted. "I can guess why. The Elders don't want to take the risk I might run away for any given reason."

"My poor Little Wolf, they're locking you up."

He grinned at the sorceress. "So long as they lock me up with a Cherry Blossom, I'll be just fine."

She blushed at his comment and giggled, hugging his arm, as Lerae chuckled lightly at them both.

The matriarch then turned to Tomoyo. "I encountered your Okaa-san at the school. I believe she was there to take you home."

The girl groaned. "Oh, I'll be grounded for life! I forgot!"

"No need to worry. I explained where you were gone and we discussed you coming to Hong Kong with us."

"Is she okay with it?"

"She was amenable, hai."

"Kawaii!" she exclaimed and turned to the Mistress of the Cards. "'Kaa-san always did want me to travel. Guess she was just looking for someone to chaperone. All that's left now is to convince your Otou-san."

"And Touya." Sakura groaned, slumping down in her seat. "He'll never agree to it."

Syaoran draped an arm over her shoulders comfortingly. "Never say never." he whispered in assurance.

"Your Onii-chan is not the one to whom I must speak to on this matter." Lerae added. "Your Otou-san has the final say, no one else. We should go now to have this business concluded by today."

* * *

Trudging home through the sludgy snow, Higato Allan thought long and hard on how to stay close to the girl he obsessed about every night and day since he saw her for the first time nearly two years ago. She had been and still was the single most brilliant creature to have walked the Earth. Bright eyes the color of jade and emerald, auburn hair that simply shone with health, the body of a dancing goddess, and skin that glowed. She was perfection in itself. So why she persisted to resist him, male perfection personified, was beyond his comprehension. All his team mates had warned him to stay away from the bright star that was Kinomoto Sakura for the simple reason that she hung out with Li Syaoran, the best soccer player in the school and an all around dangerous guy. Li was protective of her and he also seemed a bit possessive. Word around the school was he had staked an unofficial claim on the innocent looking girl. To most guys it was an unspoken signal to back off, that Sakura wasn't available.

To Allan it only sent out one signal: challenge!

He had already invested two school years and most of his finances into impressing her in some way, shape or form. She balked at his every attempt. In a way to relieve his frustration he would choose a girl that had some of the cheerleader's qualities, but unfortunately not all. His attention in them soon waned and he returned his focus on getting Sakura. It seemed Allan's every failure only drove her closer to the gaki.

Allan growled to himself, kicking a lump of snow. Fate was a cruel mistress to play with indeed. He truly believed he deserved to be with Sakura, yet was not. He truly believed the gaki wasn't supposed to be with her, yet he was. And to make things even worse than they were, Allan was related to the gaki, the future leader of the powerful Li Clan in China. True, his relation was actually closer to Meilin than Li, but they were still blood. He silently cursed his Father for having married one of Li-san's Cousins. Then he suddenly blinked at an idea forming in his twisted mind. His Okaa-san was actually the key to resolving everything.

It was perfect!

He ran the rest of the way home with a gleeful smile. If his idea worked he would be able to remain near the cheerleader that so dominated his thoughts and dreams. He could offer a challenge through the official Clan channels. It wouldn't be refused then.

Sakura would be his.

* * *

With her fingers carefully steepled before her lips, the teen Mistress of the Cards nervously paced the living room of her home in growing worry. She had arrived here three hours ago with Li Lerae and Syaoran so that the Li Clan matriarch could speak with Sakura's Otou-san. Lerae's task was to convince Fujitaka into allowing his Daughter to transfer to Hong Kong. Syaoran had assured his girlfriend that his Okaa-san would be successful. The two adults had been in the den since shortly after the introductions had been made. The wait was slowly driving Sakura mad with nervous worry.

What if Otou-san doesn't accept the proposed deal?

What if he doesn't believe Li-san's reasons?

What if…?

What if…?

She whirled around on her heels and continued to pace

Syaoran watched his ever beloved partner and soul mate pace the length of the room over and over again, easily feeling her fear and worry through the unique bond they shared. He rested his elbows on his knees, his chin on his knuckles, and smiled at the beautiful sorceress marching back and forth before him. He almost chuckled at her, seeing the tiny frown furrow her brows. She was adorable when she was nervous. He blinked, then mentally kicked himself.

Baka! She's always adorable, no matter what she does.

He heard her chuckle mentally in response to his thought, but the worry remained. Syaoran reached out to her and gently gripped her arm to restrain her as she passed by him yet again. Troubled emeralds met smiling dark citrines.

"You're going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep pacing like that." he chided gently.

She blinked as if just now realizing what she had been doing. "How else do you want me to pace?"

He sighed patiently. "Sakura…"

The sorceress looked down at her feet in shame. "Gomen." she mumbled sincerely.

The sorcerer tugged her closer and pulled her down to sit in his lap, cradling her body close and tenderly. "It's okay." he soothed. "You're worried, even when you have no reason to be."

She sighed silently and rested her cheek to his shoulder. "I wish I had your confidence. They've been in there so long."

"I know, but Kinomoto-san probably has a lot of questions about all this. It's all very sudden for him. I mean, put yourself in his place right now. The Okaa-san of your Daughter's boyfriend shows up to ask you to let her drop everything she's presently doing here to follow her and her Son to China. His Daddy Alarms probably went off and now Okaa-san has to be very careful and thorough in explaining her reasons."

She nodded slightly in understanding. Then a thought occurred to her. "Do you think she'll tell him about the cards?"

He paused in thought. "She might have to. He might be curious as to why she's showing you so much respect when she barely knows you."

"Poor Otou-san. To suddenly find out I know magic, that I have a Guardian Beast, and that my boyfriend is the descendant of the man who created the magic I now have… This is all so much for him to hear."

"Had to happen someday."

Sakura cuddled closer to her boyfriend, curling comfortably in his lap. "I hope he agrees."

He leaned back against the couch's backrest as he held her close. "I hope so too." he whispered and placed a gentle, reassuring kiss on her forehead.

The Mistress of the Cards closed her eyes to better savor the incredible sensations of security and love radiating from her beloved warrior/sorcerer. She had always felt safe with him in the past, but it wasn't comparable to now. One of his arms was wrapped around her slim waist to keep her close to his chest and to support her back. His other hand rested warmly on her thigh just below the hem of her uniform's skirt, his thumb unconsciously caressing her skin. She smiled at the pleasant shiver he unknowingly caused to race up her spine. She turned towards him slightly to be able to wrap her arms around his chest, nuzzling her face in the crook of his neck. She loved his scent. It was masculine and spoke of power while being soothing and subtle all at the same time. Syaoran responded to her move by embracing her tighter, both arms enfolding her lithe form, his cheek resting on her head. A blissful sigh escaped Sakura's lips. This caused him to look down at her angelic features and smile softly, feeling blessed beyond words. She was the one person in his life that never expected anything more from him than what he was. She knew him better than anyone in his Clan. His Earth Angel. There was no better way to describe her. He breathed in deep, filling his nostrils with her sweet and addictive scent until he was drunk from it, never wanting to ever let her leave his arms.

"Get your hands off my Imoto, gaki!" an angry voice suddenly shouted from the living room door.

Both teens jumped in surprise, Sakura nearly falling off of Syaoran's lap in the process. He caught her just before she fell, his arms wrapping securely around her waist. They both looked to the doorway. There, glaring daggers at them from just within the entrance, was Kinomoto Touya. Syaoran felt a very definite chill race up his spine at the expression of pure hate Touya had directed at him. There was a real chance the young warrior would never be forgiven for a mistake he had made so many years ago. He still did feel the constant remorse for having had attacked Sakura to get to the Clow Cards, but she had forgiven him for that. She had come to understand, on her own, why he did what he did. She eventually won him over as a friend, and now they were a loving couple.

Unfortunately, from the scowl on Touya's face, this one would never forgive him the past transgression or accept him as a member of Sakura's tight circle of friends. Syaoran kept his golden eyes locked on Touya, trying to anticipate any and all attacks from him, if any. He then suddenly felt Sakura snuggle against his chest once again, her arms snaking around his torso, and whatever fear he felt towards her Onii-chan melted into a memory as he relaxed enough to lean back again. The Card Mistress sighed tiredly at Touya's persistent hate towards her beloved soul mate, then grinned at a playful thought that entered her mind. Syaoran, too, grinned as he heard her thought.

"Touya, leave my boyfriend alone." she chided patiently.

The cuddling Card Captors struggled hard to reign in their laughter as they watched the wide range of emotions play across Touya's face. First came utter dumb shock at Sakura's almost casual admission. Next came sadness as he realized that his little Imoto probably didn't need him or his protection anymore. This led to jealousy that his unconditional Brotherly love was being replaced by something far stronger. Which finally changed into anger once again towards Syaoran who had stolen his little Imoto's affection away from him. In Touya's mind he believed the gaki would eventually leave her when he tired with her or finished with his fun, leaving Sakura broken and hurt. Little did he know how far he was from the truth.

"When did that gaki suddenly become your boyfriend?" the older sibling demanded harshly.

Sakura seemed unconcerned by his tone of voice, her attention drawn to one of the buttons of Syaoran's polo shirt. "Syaoran told me last night that he loves me." she replied calmly, idly toying with the button. "I love him, too. The rest is just none of your business."

"You're my little Imoto! Of course, you're my business! He's nothing but trouble! I won't allow this, Sakura!" Touya near raged.

"What's going on out here?" Kinomoto Fujitaka exclaimed as he suddenly appeared behind his Son with Li Lerae at his side.

The Card Captors quickly stood in anxiety as the elder Kinomoto child whirled around to face the two adults. He didn't know who this woman was. "Did you know she was going out with… with… him?" and he stabbed an accusing finger at Syaoran.

"Hai, I did." replied Fujitaka.

His Son blinked in surprise. "Since when?"

"Oh, about three hours ago, but I've suspected for a while now."

"And you're okay with this?" Touya spluttered.

"Hai. I knew he couldn't become her enemy. She's too much like her Okaa-san, everyone loves her."

"He attacked her!"

"That was five years ago, Touya. His Okaa-san explained to me his reasons for that. Let it go now."

"But, Otou-san--"

"I said, let it go. Sakura forgave him. The least you could do is have a little faith in her judgement." He turned to Li Lerae who had stood by patiently and quietly during the small altercation between Father and Son. "She'll be safe with you?"

She bowed her head with a smile of assurance on her lips. "Completely so. No harm will come to her during her stay."

Kinomoto-san paused in consideration, catching sight of Sakura and Syaoran grasping each other's hands from the corner of his eye. He could tell they loved each other deeply. It showed in the ease with which they interacted with each other. Lerae had said they were destined to be together because of their heritage. A prophecy had been written about them. He still couldn't quite believe it. Sakura, his little girl, was destined to become the world's most powerful sorceress. She was in possession of a powerful set of cards known as Clow Cards from a book he had unearthed at an archeological dig in the remotes of China. She was still collecting these escaped cards with the help of Lerae's Son. All those years ago something had pushed Fujitaka to keep the book he had found with him, not to report it to the museums or his peers. At the time he couldn't understand it. Out of guilt he hid the book in the farthest reaches of his study. Now he knew why he kept the ancient tome. Fate had been guiding it to Sakura through him. She had been destined from birth to find the book, release the cards, and then recapture the cards as her test of worthiness. And now, to make matters even more interesting, the direct descendant of the cards' creator was in love with her and wanted her to come with him to his homeland. He knew that she needed to learn more about her powers and heritage. The best place to learn it all was with the descendants of Clow Reed. But something nagged at Fujitaka. This was his Daughter, after all. He didn't like any part of this, but looking at Sakura's hopeful eyes told him he would destroy her if he refused. He sighed and smiled softly.

"Then it's agreed." he stated with a twinge of Fatherly worry touching his heart. "She can go."

Touya blinked at these words as his Imoto squealed in delight. "Go? Go where? What're you guys talking about?"

Syaoran chose to ignore his questions for now and turned to smile at Sakura who was near bounding out of sheer joy. "Nothing at all to worry about." he told her.

She laughed in giddy excitement. "This is just so incredible. I can't believe I'm actually going."

"Believe it." he smirked. "Expect the unexpected."

"Going where?" Touya demanded in frustration.

Sakura spun in place happily. "I'm going to Hong Kong!" she squealed.

Again her Onii-chan blinked, this time in very worried apprehension. His Imoto was going to a foreign country? "Over my dead body you are!" he snapped protectively.

Fujitaka gripped his Son's shoulder to restrain him from any impending action. "It's alright, Son." he tried to placate. "This will be a learning experience for her, a chance for her to travel a little before College."

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His Otou-san was allowing this to happen. He was allowing Sakura to go to a whole other country with the one boy Touya couldn't and wouldn't ever trust. This was wrong. This was so very, very, wrong!

"But… she can't go there! That's where he lives." he protested.

"It is also where I live." Li Lerae stated calmly, calling attention to herself for the first time.

He looked at her critically, trying to figure out who she was and where she fit into the gaki's plan. Who was this elegant and incredibly civilized woman?

"Really?" he suddenly challenged. "And just who are you?"

Syaoran cleared his throat with a very smug grin. His girlfriend's sibling would never expect this. "Touya, this is Li Lerae… my Okaa-san."

Touya had a violent reaction of surprise, taking an involuntary step back as if a physical force had rammed into him. "You…? You're…?"

She smiled, slightly amused to see someone so protective suddenly become so flustered. "You have nothing to be concerned about for your Imoto's safety." the matriarch explained. "She will be staying on our family estate where, due to our social status in Hong Kong, security is paramount."

"You're that important?"

The young warrior shrugged. "Too much history to explain. About three hundred years worth."

Touya glared at Syaoran. "She's still not going with you. I don't care if you're guarded by all the Dragons in China, Sakura is not going!"

"Oh, yes, she is." Kinomoto-san countered.

Touya was shocked. "Otou-san!?"

"She's going. C'mon, you'll want to sit down while I explain this to you. A lot of this is pretty incredible to hear." and he led his eldest child to the den.

"We should be leaving now." Lerae announced as she headed towards the front door to retrieve her coat. "The rest of this matter concerns only your family, Card Mistress."

"Arigatou for talking to Otou-san, Li-san." the sorceress beamed, helping the matriarch put her coat on.

"It was the least I could do, Mistress of the Cards." she smiled and stepped out of the door. Then, pausing to turn back to the teen, "I simply pray he will be able to placate your Onii-chan's fears."

"He should. Otou-san always had a knack with talking Touya into things."

She nodded and turned away. As Lerae walked down the snow covered sidewalk to the street, Syaoran hung back, holding Sakura's hands while he lost himself in the deep green of her eyes. He loved to see them twinkle when she smiled. It was like watching the brightest jewels or stars sparkle with a light so bright it could almost blind. That's what she was to his eyes: radiant. For a moment his voice was lost as he struggled to free himself from the spell she unknowingly cast by simply smiling.

"I'll see you tomorrow, my Cherry Blossom." he finally near whispered.

Her fingers lightly glided over his cheek. "Until then, my Little Wolf."

He smiled shyly. Then, kissing both of her hands, he reluctantly moved away from her and joined his Okaa-san at the end of sidewalk. He paused long enough to give one last smile to his beloved sorceress, then disappeared around the corner. Sakura closed the door to the cold winter evening and leaned back against it with a blissful smile. In three days she would be leaving for her adored soul mate's homeland.

In three days, she was going to Hong Kong.

To Be Continued…