Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ What Can Your Love Do For Me? ❯ Decisions ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: We do not own the characters of CCS. We do however own everyone else including the plot.

 

 

Key

…= scene change

---Text--- =Point of View Change

`Text' = Thoughts

“Text” = Speaking

Text = Song

 

 

Chapter 1; Decisions

Syaoran's Point of View

It was the bright morning sunlight piercing through the curtain straight into my right eye that brought me out of my slumber. With sleep still having a painful hold on my eye lids, I just lie there in my bed, waiting for my body to recover from sleepy numbness.

I heard the sound of my door opening and closing, and then the soft footfall of my servant making his way to the curtained window. With a 'whoosh' then followed by a sudden burst of light, I knew my room was engulfed in the morning sun. The light was still blinding, even with my eyes shut. I squinted, trying to make it a bit darker, so that the light wouldn't be so darn painful.

"It's morning, Master Syaoran. You're mother wants you up now." My servant, named Ilan, spoke softly.

I replied with a noise that sounded a bit like "Muumflemmuh," (I honestly don't remember what I was trying to say) and rubbed the back of my hand over my eyes. I rubbed and blinked a couple of times, trying to adjust my vision. Ilan finally came into focus.

To describe Ilan, I would say he always looks quite timid, ready to run away at any sudden noise. He was actually a lot braver than that, but not by much however. Ilan stands to about 5 ft. 7 in., only a couple inches shorter than me.  His hair was a short silver-blond that cupped his face, slightly covering his ears. His aqua eyes stood out brightly in contrast to his dark clothes. Ilan was completely from another country, brought to this one by slave traders. He's never told me how he got into their grimy hands, but I suspect it's too painful to mention. Perhaps he doesn't even know how it happened himself.

I watched him silently as he moved towards my bed and drew away the covers. I knew what was coming; the same boring routine that happens every morning. I wake, bathe, dress, eat, socialize, eat some more, socialize yet again, eat and go to bed. The same consistent schedule over and over again. You would think that being a Grand Duke would have more freedom than a Grand Prince. Nope. All restrictions apply. Sometimes I wish I was a bird and could just fly away.

I shook my head, knocking those thoughts from my mind. 'Its better I stop thinking of birds, and start thinking of my day', I thought to myself.  I swung my legs over the side of the bed and rose from my spot. Yawning, I stiffly walked towards the bathing room. Ilan kept a close pace behind me, carrying in his arms giant fluffy towels and bathing oils.

Usually, a servant would bathe, dry and dress his master. But uh… not us. I insisted in the very beginning when Ilan first became my servant that I was fully capable of doing all of it myself. He of course protested, fearful that I was merely testing him, or that my mother would find him out. Eventually, he did ease up and began to trust me whole-heartedly. We just pretend he did his "normal" work, and when asked, responded with a simple white lie.

As I began to undress, Ilan turned his back as I have always instructed him to do. It must have been really amusing to him at first when I requested this of him, because he would always chuckle and giggle as if I couldn't hear. I can't help it. It's embarrassing to have your 'friend' watch you get naked. It made me blush, and I really hated that, especially blushing in front of other boys. I'm not, you know, that way, and I really don't want anyone to think that I am. At least he doesn't giggle at me anymore.

I slipped into the tub and the water was warm and very comfortable. If my objective was to wake up, I was having, by far, the very opposite effect. I was ready to fall right back to sleep in that steamy water. I didn't have a care in the world at that moment. Not even the thought of my rampaging sisters could make this moment bad. Ilan began to talk with me, in order to keep me awake, and my mind busy. I was grateful to have his company. It would have been a disaster if I had fallen back to sleep, and had been late to whatever my mother had planned for me for the day.

 

"Hurry up master, oh my god we're so late! No-no-no, that's not the way! Turn it around!!"

"How can I when you're yelling at me?! Stop distracting me, you're making this worse!" I yelled back at Ilan as I hopped on one foot, struggling to get my leg in my breeches. Ilan was running around pulling his hair in frustration, attempting to gather the rest of my clothing. However… his cat was a wicked devil, and could outrun any human, even with a shirt in its mouth. "That cat of yours is Satan Ilan! Pure evil!"

"It's not his fault! You spooked him!" Was Ilan's only weak attempt at defending his cat's honor.

  "I may as well have fallen asleep in that tub! I can't believe you talked past the time! Mom is going to KILL me!" I swept my hand down and caught the cat by the tail. After a vicious struggle, I managed to pry the clothing from its mouth and claws, and threw the cat a look of distain when I released its tail while it hissed at me in return. As you may have guessed, the whole thing started when I accidentally spooked the cat when I ran in suddenly. How the beast manages to get himself inside, I'll never know. But I'll be damned if that cat isn't going to be the cause of my death someday.

 Ilan scooped the cat up and shoved it out the open window onto the tree branch position just under the sill. The cat looked back at us apprehensively before flicking its tail up at us and began it's descend to the grassy bottom.

"Poor Snoogums…" Ilan muttered as he yanked out my red velvet jacket from the closet near the window. I sighed with frustration with a hint of annoyance. He's so devoted to that devil possessed creature. I just can't understand how he can love it so much, when all the affection it returns is a bleeding scratch on the hand.

I motioned for Ilan to come over to help with the jacket. He held it as I shoved each arm into the corresponding sleeves. Ilan buttoned down the front of the jacket as I fluffed the lace poking out from the jacket sleeves. It was a bit of a struggle, and time consuming, it being a brand new jacket and never buttoned before. I smoothed away any wrinkles around my waist, my palms ticked by the soft material. The jacket was a gift bought for me by my sisters. They can be annoying… most of the time, but sometimes they were nice and tolerable. I knew that they bought it for me to give them an excuse to huggle and torment me… but it was such a nice jacket I really didn't care about the motive for its purchase. I snapped out of my reverie, realizing once again the tight situation I was in.

'Ilan, fetch my boots! Quickly!" I urged him. He responded right away and brought my boots to the side of the bed. I sat down quickly and struggled to get my boots on my feet. I nearly fell off the bed when Ilan gave the sole of the shoe a hard shove. I couldn't help but laugh out loud, making Ilan laugh with me. We must have been a frightful sight. The room was now a complete mess, and items with clothing were strewn all around the floor. Ilan glanced around, looking a bit sheepish. "I'll clean this all up a bit later…" he said with a nervous chuckle.

"If we survive…" I said in a deathly voice of dread. Of course I was joking, but Ilan was never able to take a joke played on him. He looked at me with an alarmed look upon his face. I thought he was about to mess himself for a second. Realization donned on him only seconds after words, and that sheepish look crept back onto his face.

"Not funny…" He mumbled.

Laces tied, hair combed and outfit smooth, I was presentable enough to face the fury of my mother. We walked with dread out of my bedroom chambers down the corridor to the stairs. I peeked over the railing to see if the coast was clear. Everything was quiet below and seemed to be safe. I motioned for Ilan to follow me, and we crept silently down the stairs. Every little noise sent us into a fright. It always turned out to be nothing. I should have learned by now that my mother's anger was silent and deadly. I'm over exaggerating of course. She'd never
kill me. Absolutely embarrass me, yes.

When we reached the bottom, we gave a quick look-around to make sure no one was around.

"Perhaps, if we're quiet enough, we can sneak away and do our usual business without detection," I whispered to Ilan. He opened his moth to reply, but was cut short. My mother stepped up silently behind us, and I felt her eyes burry deep into my back. Ilan and I turned to face her.

  "Syaoran, my son. You are very late. What do you have to say for yourself?" My mother paused and looked directly into my eyes. I averted my gaze and looked to the floor. "And you Ilan. You are responsible for Syaoran. You're tardy, and that is not acceptable behavior." She said with precise authority. Ilan gulped and looked up at her guiltily. Mother closed her eyes, and sighed softly.

"Mother…"

  "Syaoran, Ilan… when you two have grown you will be forced to take responsibility for your actions. I am trying to prepare you both for that time." She slowly opened her eyes, and stared deeply into ours, "You both must understand the rolls you must take, and act accordingly. There are rules to follow every day of ever hour. There will be no room for games, and your reputations will be the foundation of which you live. Please, remember that always."

"It makes me sick Mother," I began, "living to the expectations of others, rather than for myself." I was being bold to talk back like this, I knew. I couldn't help but to continue. "Out of anything, I just want to be able to be myself! My own person, no matter what others may think of me." My mother began to get angry, and I could see the heated anger building within her smooth delicate face. She opened her mouth to speak her final words, and I knew if I let her, then that would be that. There would be no escaping her 'law'. "No, mother! Don't even try to say anything! This is how I feel, and no matter what order you give, I' not going to change that!" I turned abruptly and took hold of Ilan hastily by the wrist. "C'mon!!" I yelled, and yank Ilan out of his spot, starting off with a quicken step, to a frightened run when I hear my mother shouting for me from behind. Our footfalls pounded the elegant marble floors of our great entrance hall, and light burst with blinding radiance as we threw opened the giant double doors, and fled from the house.

"Young Master....?" I heard the confused cry from my mother's Steward as we rush on by him through the courtyard. The cobblestone ground was tricky to run on, and I was lucky that I was wearing my boots, rather than the other shoes for Indoor conduct. For just a second, I was very thankful for snoogums.
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The breeze outside was warm and soothing, and our recent fright had almost pass. The bright warm sin and clear blue sky eased our heads, and the cheerful songs of birds uplifted out hearts. This is what we really needed. A good walk outside to clear ourselves. We hadn't really been outdoors in weeks... perhaps even a couple of months, at least not like this, that is. We were still on my Mother's property, as we casually walked passed the numerous walnut trees that graced this land. They were not yet in season, as it was too cold for them to grow. We didn't expect our first bloom to arrive until Late may or early June, which is in about five month's time from now. I felt a yawn coming on, and I didn't feel like holding it back. I yawned loudly.

"You can't be tired... Not after what we just did." Ilan replied to my graceless tact. I smiled, and glanced up into the cloudless sky. I watched supposedly invisible squiggles dart across my vision. It's funny how you can only see them when you look up into the sky. I wonder what on earth they are? "You're not ignoring me, are you?" Ilan's face was flat as he waited for my reply. I closed my eyes and sighed with a smile.

"No, Ilan, I'm not ignoring you. I was just thinking about something. As for me being tired, it's quite the contrary. I'm fully awake; however, I'm completely bored now!" I exclaimed, and Ilan's facial expression change to mild disbelief. I stopped short, as an idea popped up into my head. It was the most brilliant thing I thought up the whole day so far. Ilan stopped a few steps after me, and his facial expression changed once again, this time to mild confusion.

"Master Syaoran?"

"Let's go into the city, Ilan. Just for kicks. Who knows, we might find something exciting there by ourselves." I explained with enthusiasm. Ilan didn't look to keen on the idea. My observation was quite correct as I watched him cross his arms over his chest.

"Exciting like a knife in our guts as we're robbed by vagabonds in the dark ally? I don't think so." Ilan said as he turned his back one me. I stared into his back, and I knew he was feeling it, though he mad no motion to confirm it.

"Fine." I said after a moment of silence, turning from him, and began walking towards the city. After only a few paces, Ilan was quickly by my side, unhappy, but by my side. I couldn't help but smile. He huffed, but I ignored it. No amount of pouting was going to deter me from going to the city. I could see it clearly ahead. I estimated that it would take about an hour to walk there. Shame I didn't think of running away on a horse. That would have been much more convenient.

 

We scrambled down a semi steep slope, and climbed over a few hills, before we were able to reach the city. I was about right in my estimation of the time, give or take about five minutes. We brushed our clothing, ridding ourselves of any stray strands of grass or field insects before making our way On to the main street. It was relatively clear in the front, but further down it was full of people. We walked in, and all around us there were street vendors of all kinds, selling the most unusual, to very familiar items. Shouts and yells could be heard from afar, but it was almost impossible to hear anyone speaking directly to you as the stood near. I wished I brought my purse with money in it. It would have been nice to purchase a few nick-knacks for us as souvenirs for our defying boldness of today. My wish did not go unheard, as Ilan took hold of my sleeve, and leaning close, whispered into my ear, "Master, I see a coin in the street right over there. Shall I retrieve it?" I pondered about it for just a moment, and then became worried someone else may spot it as well. I gave Ilan a nod and watched him casually make his way to the left.

He stopped right in front of the coin, and began fiddling with something on his sleeve. I started to get annoyed with his obvious "I'm sooo not here to get something" attitude and almost shouted for him to return. I did not do any such thing, for just then, the object he was fiddling with dropped from his sleeve, and conveniently dropped right on top of the glittering coin. He bent down to retrieve his 'lost item', and scooped up along with the other prize. I saw as a few people looked over to see what happened, but returned to what they were doing, realizing it was of nothing important. Just as casually as before, Ilan returned to my side, and slipped the coin in my hand with a smile.

"You're pretty good at that sort of thing. That sleeve trick was rather clever." I said with a smile as I wiped away the dirt from the gold coin. Wait, GOLD?! This was turning out to be our lucky day. Ilan clipped back on his sleeve ornament, and smiled broadly back at me. I recognized that was his "I know I am. Aren't I smart?" smile. I rolled my eyes, and looked around for something to spend it on. We walked down the crowded streets, slipping by people, doing our best not to run into anyone, or to meet anyone familiar. After weaving around people for what seemed like hours, we began to get tired, and just about gave up. We found one of the few establishments that make and serve food to those with enough money to afford it. Just looking at the building, my stomach growled, and Ilan's followed in unison.

"Dang. I'm hungry. We didn't get any breakfast, did we?" Ilan asked, gripping his stomach. I founded and realized that we hadn't eaten yet that day. How very unhealthy.

"You're correct, Ilan. Well, let us dine then, and fill our bellies before we head out again on the streets." I replied, and began walking towards the eating establishment, Ilan close behind me. I urged him to walk at my side, for I feared that they wouldn't allow a servant to eat with his master. I hoped we would not get caught doing this. Ilan shared the same fear and was wrecked with nervousness. I pinched his arm, and scolded " If you keep this up, you'll blow our cover and we'll never get in. Act like you know what you are doing. Like you did with the coin."

"But what if they question who I am! I don't know what I should do." Ilan whispered loudly to me.

"I'll take care of everything. if they ask any questions, you just stay quite, and I'll answer. You got that?" I asked, and Ilan nodded. We approached the building, and a man standing outside rushed to the door and opened it quickly for the both of us. I walked inside, avoiding eye contact with the servant, Ilan following my every example. Another man inside the building approached us and bowed.

"Have you come to dine, Young Masters?" The servant asked, looking from me, to Ilan. A quizzical look appeared on his face as he looked more steadily to Ilan. I saw my friend began to fidget under the scrutinizing stare of the servant, and I acted quickly. "Yes, we have. My Cousin has traveled from very far and is weary and famished. We request a table immediately before we continue to our destination. Does that satisfy your curiosity, my good man?" The servant snapped his head back to attention, realizing himself the rudeness of the way he was looking to Ilan.

"Of course Young masters. Please, come this way." The servant said quickly, and led them to a table by the large front window, so they may see the going-ons outside. The servant pulled out the chair for me to sit, and pushed it in as I did so, and did the same with Ilan. I lay my hands on the clean white table cloth thrown over the table, impressed with the whiteness of it. May I interest the Young Masters in recommending our Special for today? I suggest the Raclette, made with our fresh ingredients. Following the dish, I shall give a complimentary plate of Mille-feuille, our finest pastry if I do say so myself."

"What does the Racelette consist of?" I questioned. If it has liver, I won't even touch it. Potato would be next after Liver, but not to such a hasty degree.

"The Racelette is made with dried meats like: viande and prosciutto, gherkins, mushrooms, pears, Onions, pickled onions, sliced peppers, tomato, watermelon rinds, Charlotte black pepper and paprika, Young Master." The servant replied promptly.

"No Liver?"

"No Liver."

"I'll be happy to accept your special then."

"May I also suggest a white wine with your meal?"

"Yes you may. That sounds delightful."

There was potato in my meal, but because there was no liver I was confident I could handle it. Ilan was watching us carefully of our conversation, obviously trying to pick up on what he should say to the servant himself. His hands were fidgety and nervous, as he tried to think of an elegant dish to order that they could also afford. The servant turned from me to face Ilan, who now looked up at the servant with surprise. "Oh, is it my turn now?" Ilan lightly gasped. The servant raised a brow and looked at Ilan with scrutiny once again. 'Oh Ilan, don't blow it.' I thought to myself as I placed my right palm on my forehead in exasperation. "I'm afraid I wasn't paying attention. My traveling seems to have made me light headed." Ilan continued, this time speaking with more authority.

"Ah, I see. Then a good meal should do you some good. May I also recommend the special to you, Young Master?" The servant replied with new found respect. Ilan was doing well to pretend to be noble after all.

"It sounds wonderful, but I'm afraid I'll have to decline. Actually, will your chef make for me a dish of Bouillabaisse with a slice of lemon on the side? I dare not eat anything heavier." Ilan asked, but he asked as if he was expecting to get it anyways. He was doing VERY well to pretend being Noble.' I better keep my eye on him' I joked to myself.

"Ah, very well Young Master. I shall return shortly to bring you refreshments." With those words, the servant took his leave to relay our order to the establishment's chef. The both of us let out a deep sigh of relieve, and lightly chuckled to each other from our cleverness. We leaned close to each other and whispered so as to not allow any prying ears to invade on our conversation. We became quite when the servant brought our drinks, and resumed our chatter once he left. Time flew by rather quickly, as our meals were brought before us. I looked at Ilan's dish, and secretly wished I had gotten the fish instead. When the servant departed from our table, I gracefully swiped a mussel from Ilan's plate and shoved it in my mouth. His jaw dropped in surprise for he couldn't believe I would do such an undignified thing. He retaliated by snagging a slice of Prosciutto with his fingers before I could stop him.

We laughed and ate our meal quickly, because we were hungry and merriment could wait until later. Though we were eager to finish our plates, we made no mess thankfully. We ate ever last bit from our dishes, and pushed away the plates as we relaxed. As if psychically connected, the servant came back to retrieve the dishes and refilled our empty glasses. He assured me that the Mille-feuille will be out shortly. I dismissed him, as I wanted to just bask in the sunlight shining through the window. I began to notice how unusually sunny and warm it was, being December and all. I shrugged away the though. It was no real concern of mine. My duties can be performed during any sort of weather, unless it's riding of course. I looked over and saw Ilan enjoying the sun as much as I was, though I doubt his thoughts where that of the queer weather conditions. Without a word the servant brought my pastry, placing it in front of me before departing back to take care of whatever needed to be done.

"Would you like to try some, Ilan?" I asked, pushing the small dish out towards him. Ilan shook his head and continued resting, which was fine with me. I began eating, and when no one was looking, scarffed it down once again ignoring my manners. Eating should be an enjoyment and not a chore after all. I finished my pastry within minutes and was content. I could handle the rest of the day without a meal until dinner time.

I rose from my seat, Ilan responding in the same manner, and stepped away from the table. I looked around for the servant, and spotted him at the entrance of the room. Ilan and I strode over, stopping short just in front of him. The servant looked up from what he was doing and smiled pleasantly.

“Did the Young Masters enjoy their meal?” He asked, eyeing my hand as I reached in my pocket for the gold coin.

“Why yes actually. I am quite fond of the cooking this establishment's chef can perform. I will remember this place.” I responded, and handed the servant the gold coin. His fingers tightly wrapped around the coin's surface, as if never wanting to let it go as he began collecting our change with the other hand. I tapped my fingers gingerly against my thighs as I started to get antsy from being here. I wanted to go back out into that street to look around some more.

The servant collected the correct amount of change, and the coins made a song-like clinking sound as they were dropped into my open palm. I shoved the money hastily into my pocket, and headed out the door. Ilan stayed beside me as we made our way out, once more, into the crowded street. There wasn't as many people out as there were when we left the street, but they were just as busy, and rushed around quickly.

“Mater Syaoran. I think we should head back home now. This was all very fun, but your mother must be terribly worried. We should not place so much stress upon her.” Ilan voiced his concern to me, loudly over the high din of voices. I admit he was completely right. It was cruel of me to worry my mother. After all, she just wanted the best for me. But I just hate being told how I should think and feel. Secretly deep down, I think I wanted her to worry.

“If we go back, you know you'll be the one in most of the trouble, for allowing me to come here, and not bringing me back immediately.” I replied, attempting to bring down his spirits and to hinder him from going back. However, I failed. Ilan shook his head, and looked at me with a very serious expression. It was no longer my choice, I could tell. He was going to take me back now, even if he had to hit me over the head and drag me back. I sighed, and looked back longingly. “And after I took you out for a nice meal too.” I said with a joking pout. Ilan crossed his arms.

“Oh, don't try that with me. It was fun, yes, but we must do what we have to do. The longer we stay out, the worse our punishment will be.”

“Oh, I hate it when you're right, you know. Ok, fine. Let's go.” I said, and pushed my way through the crowd. It took a bit of a struggle, and a few elbowing here and there before we hit the main street's opening near the city gates. There were less people here than there was when we first arrived.

I suddenly felt a sharp tug on my hand, as two hands suddenly grasped it. `Oh my God. Is Ilan…. Holding my hand?” I thought, and a sudden spark of worry hit my belly and I let out a gasp. No wait… that wasn't me. That was Ilan. But why one earth would he gasp from him holding my hand? I looked over to see Ilan gaping in my direction, too far away to be holding my hand. And Then I noticed a body sharply pulling itself away from me, and began darting into the crowd. I looked at my hand, and realized what just happened. That girl, or boy, took a hold of my hand and stole one of my rings!

I yelled out in surprise, and darted after the running figure. Ilan was running behind me, shouting, “Thief! Stop that child!” as we pounded the stone streets after my assailant. I had to get that ring back. I belonged to my great, great grandfather and had been a family heirloom, passed down from first born son to first born son.

Our pursuit was stopped short as a very large man who ran one of the stands on the street, snatched up the child and pushed him or her tightly against the wall. We caught up, lightly gasping from the short run. The child wiggled under the strong man's grip, attempting to get away. It was futile, and the child quickly gave up.

“Thank you for stopping that thief, sir!” Ilan said, stepping up by my side.

“What did he take?” The strong man gruffly asked, eyeing the child with disgust.

“This child stole my master's ring, sir. It's a very important artifact.” Ilan responded. The strong man nodded, and forced the Boy's hand, no, the girls hand open. In her dirty palm was my ring, and I sighed with relief. The strong man took the ring from the trembling girl and held it out for me. I took it back, and promptly slipped the ring back onto my finger.

The Strong man then yanked the young girl away from the wall, roughly took hold of her arm, and slammed it down on his selling stand. He reached behind him, and unsheathed a long, sharp looking dagger from his back-holster. Ilan and I gasped in shock, for we knew what the man intended to do.

“Is this really necessary?” Ilan questioned in horror. The Strong man looked up at us, a deep frown on his face.

“This girl must be taught a lesson. Cutting off a few fingers never does the trick. Its best we take the whole hand, so she never does it again. And if she dies from the wound, well, then at least there's one thief no one ever has to worry about. Its people like this that ruin us hard working citizens.” The strong man said with seething anger. He raised the dagger and looked back down at his target as the young girl struggled to tug her arm free. The whimpering noises she made were absolutely terrible.

“No stop! You can't do this!” I yelled. This was not justice. The strong man hesitated and looked back up once again, staring directly into my eyes. For a moment, there was a pause of silence. Not a sound was made, not even from the young girl. The strong Man slowly lowered the knife, a slack expression on his face.

“You're right. I can't do this. It's not my place to give the punishment.” The strong man said. He shoved the knife's handle into my unwilling hands, catching me completely by surprise. With both hands now, he took the girl's arm, and laid it completely flat against the stand's surface. “She stole from you, so you must be the one to deliver the punishment. Do it quick, and with strength. It'll only cause her more pain the more times you chop into her arm.”

I gaped at him in surprise and then looked to Ilan for help. He stated at me in wide-eyed horror, his hands over his mouth. No one was going to help me with this. I had to do this completely on my own. What else can I do? I tightened my jaw, and took the knife more firmly into my hands. There was only one thing I could do I realized, as I raised the knife into the air. I had made my decision.

 

 

 

 

 

A/N from Isho - OMG what is Syaoran going to do to that poor girl? I have you wondering, huh? I changed Syaoran's character up and made him different from the actual one. More like a pampered pretty boy. *laughs*

I hope this chapter was entertaining. My writing style is very different from that of Tam-chan's, as you may have noticed. She writes better than I. I try to hard, as many others say. You may also have noticed I like using commas. I like them A LOT, so it's something you'll have to get use to with my writing style.

Please leave a review, and an honest one would be greatly appreciated. I cannot possible improve if no one tells me how I can do so. I need your input!