The Guiding Star

Promises Broken: Chapter Three

By: Sakura

“You wanted to see me?”

It was after his father’s ceremony and the Emperor’s second son, Li Shuk Yue, had requested to see Xiao Lang in private. Xiao Lang wasn’t the only son of the former Emperor that knew magic; Shuk Yue, was also a magician and the twelfth son, Wing Kuen, was one as well.

Shuk Yue didn’t answer his sibling right away. After a few moments, though, he stood up, a scroll in his hand. Walking over to his brother, he placed it in Xiao Lang’s hands. Xiao Lang accepted it, a questioning look on his face. “Read it,” commanded Shuk Yue. Xiao Lang obeyed and after undoing the string, he unrolled the scroll. The red stamp at the bottom left hand corner was the first thing to catch his attention. It was the seal of the Li Elders! Well, not just any group of Elders, but these were the ones that were in charge of his training. Xiao Lang paled, the colour in his face draining as he stared at it. What could they possibly want from him? He looked to the beginning of the scroll and read it.

Li Jian Wei, the leader of that group of Elders and the one whose name was on the seal, had given him a mission! Before returning to his home weeks ago, directly after the time he completed his training, Xiao Lang desperately wanted to be sent on a mission, so he could prove his worth. But the Elders had refused his requests. Ironically, now that he had one…Shuk Yue watched his brother intently as the colour slowly returned to Xiao Lang’s face.

“I’m not going,” said Xiao Lang quietly. Shock registered on Shuk Yue’s face. Xiao Lang’s eyes flickered up for an instant and he caught the expression. Then looking down at the scroll, he began rolling it up, knowing Shuk Yue had already known the contents of the summons.

“Why not?” asked Shuk Yue, almost coldly. Xiao Lang looked up at his brother, a tinge of sadness in his eyes. He often looked up to his older brother because he was a magician like him and because he had taught him a great deal when he was younger. It would hurt him to lose his brother’s support in this manner, but he couldn’t go…he’d be letting Shuk Yue down, but he just couldn’t go…He wasn’t about to leave Sakura alone, with no one at all. Shuk Yue immediately read the thoughts in Xiao Lang’s mind, plainly seeing them in his sibling’s eyes. “You can’t help her,” he said, “not this way. You can’t go against Shui Ken’s wishes. Already he has Tsai Fang and Kim Tang on his side. They do whatever he pleases, though unbeknownst to me the reason why. Besides, she’s only one girl. There are plenty of other girls. Just forget her.”

Xiao Lang clenched his fists. That wasn’t the point! It was because of a promise he had made…a promise he couldn’t break…

~*Flashback*~

Standing by the open window in her room, Sakura sighed and breathed in the deep fragrance from the flowers below, savouring the peace. Prince Shui Ken was away on a brief mission to bring his brothers back for their father’s ceremony, much to his disgust. But Sakura was pleased that he was gone…this gave her at least one more day before he chose to do something with her…something she dreaded deep within her heart. Tomoyo knew her mistress was worried about something, and though she suspected what it was, Sakura would never tell her - tell anyone - for she was afraid. Afraid saying it would only make it happen sooner…

Suddenly, a figure, dressed in fresh white robes, landed on the balcony before the window. Sakura stepped back, startled by the sudden appearance of the person. “How are you faring, Princess?” he asked. Sakura’s eyes lit up as she recognized Xiao Lang. Looking around to ensure no one had seen him, Xiao Lang swiftly slipped inside through the window. Sakura was rather nervous about being alone in a room with a man, but when she looked up into his amber eyes, she knew he would never do anything to harm her. Even if he was a stranger to her, she felt that she had known him all her life. But though she knew she could trust him, Sakura was still trying to recover from his abrupt appearance, not really knowing how to react.

Remembering her manners, Sakura bowed slightly to him in respect. “Greetings, Prince Li,” she said softly, her eyes downcast. Xiao Lang didn’t know why, but this girl made him do things he would never have done before, at least, never so impulsively. He was always cool and calculated, always stopping to think first. But with her…Xiao Lang reached out with one hand and placed it under her chin, gently lifting her head up to face him. Sakura’s gaze locked with his instantly, his warm amber eyes melting her completely.

“Forget the title,” he said softly. “Please call me Xiao Lang.” Sakura nodded mutely, not knowing what to say in response. Xiao Lang, taking the girl’s hands in his, led her to the chairs by the table, and seated her down on one of the chairs while he took the seat across from her. Sakura blushed lightly and Xiao Lang could feel his ears burning slightly, though he didn’t understand why. Sakura could feel her heart beating very quickly. There was something about this Prince…something about him that always made her feel safe.

Walking silently up the stairs, Tomoyo suddenly stopped when she heard someone speaking in her mistress’ room, and it wasn’t her mistress. It was a male voice. Did Shui Ken return so soon? Peering through the open slit between the two doors, the handmaiden caught sight of Sakura with…Prince Xiao Lang! Her hand flew to cover her mouth as she stared in shock. Sakura was sitting at the table, with Prince Li directly across from her, her hands held in his. The Chinese Prince said something to the Japanese Princess, making her blush wildly, though Sakura didn’t fully comprehend the reason why it affected her so.

Then he said something else, and to the amazement of everyone present, Sakura laughed; a beautiful musical laugh. Xiao Lang laughed as well, all the while watching Sakura out of the corner of his eyes. She had the sweetest expression on her face when she laughed. Tomoyo’s mouth slowly curved into a mischievous smile as she realized what was going on. They were in love! They just didn’t realize it yet…The handmaiden leaned closer to the door, trying to listen, yet stay unnoticed.

After their laughter died down, Xiao Lang suddenly looked serious again and he tightened his grip on Sakura’s hands. “Sakura…” started Xiao Lang slowly. Sakura looked up at him questioningly, a look in her eyes as if to ask if something was the matter. “Do you like my brother? Shui Ken?” Sakura’s eyes widened at the question and she immediately withdrew her hands and stood up, slowly backing away from him. Xiao Lang stood up as well.

“Why…why do you ask?” she questioned, trembling slightly. “Did he ask you to come? To talk to me? I - I don’t want anything to do with him!” She buried her head in her arms, shoulders shaking.

“She’s afraid,” thought Xiao Lang to himself. “Just at the mere mention of Shui Ken’s name, she becomes so frightened…” Xiao Lang approached her slowly. “No…” he said. “I came here because…” He paused for a moment. Why did he come here? He didn’t understand it himself. He just…wanted to see her so badly…Xiao Lang enveloped Sakura in his arms the moment he saw a tear drop. “Sakura,” he said, “please don’t cry. I don’t ever want to see you hurt.” Sakura looked up at that moment and Xiao Lang gently wiped her tears away with his thumbs. “No matter what, Kinomoto Sakura,” he continued, speaking without thinking it over first, saying whatever he felt in his heart, “I’ll always protect you. Whenever you need me, I’ll be there for you. That’s a promise.” Sakura, eyes shining with unshed tears, nodded understandingly, a shy smile flickering across her lips.

Tomoyo sighed to herself, her hands clasped together. The scene was pure enchantment to her. If only it could be caught on paper…Coming up with an idea, Tomoyo quickly descended the stairs, grabbing a sheet of paper and a brush along the way.

~*End Flashback*~

“Well?” said Shuk Yue, breaking into Xiao Lang’s thoughts. “What is your answer?” Xiao Lang didn’t say a word; instead he was staring hard at the ground, his arms shaking slightly with his fists clenched tight. Shuk Yue’s expression softened slightly, though barely noticeable. “Xiao Lang,” he said, “you know you cannot disobey the Elders. You must accept this mission, no question.” Xiao Lang suddenly turned around and headed toward the doorway. “Xiao Lang!” barked Shuk Yue sternly. “Where do you think you’re going?”

Xiao Lang paused by the doorway for a moment. Then he slowly turned around, eyes still fixed on the ground. “I have to see someone…” he answered quietly. Turning back, he ran out of the building. Shuk Yue watched his brother leave, shaking his head, not understanding what his little brother had in mind but knowing what he was about to do.

“It will break her heart,” Shuk Yue told himself, “but it’s the only way…”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Tomoyo hummed softly to herself as she looked over her most recent painting. She loved art in any form, whether they were clothes or drawings. A smile of satisfaction was on her face as she studied the picture. She giggled, rolled it up and placed it in a secret corner she made in the wall for all of her art. No one should ever find this…Putting her supplies away, her mind drifted off to the scene between Sakura and Xiao Lang a few days ago. This was what she had made the subject of her painting. It just had to be captured somehow.

Suddenly, someone burst into the room. Tomoyo looked up, startled out of her reverie. Even more astounding was the fact that that someone was Xiao Lang. Tomoyo was about to bow to him when Xiao Lang held up his hand for her to stop. He was panting heavily, like he had been running. “Where’s your mistress?” he asked her. Tomoyo wordlessly pointed up the stairs, leading to the bedrooms. Xiao Lang went to them quickly and ascended. Tomoyo raised her eyebrows curiously.

“What was that all about?” she asked aloud, to no one in particular. Taking a glance outside, she saw the guards had not moved an inch from their position by the circular entrance to the courtyard, nor had they announced the Prince’s arrival. How did he manage to skip by them unnoticed so many times? That guarded area was the only entrance.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Prince Xiao Lang, what is the matter?” asked Sakura. Xiao Lang had entered the room moments before, finding Sakura sitting on her bed, quietly sewing something. Ever since he came in, he paced back and forth before her, never saying a word. The truth was, he didn’t know how to tell her…Sakura decided to keep silent and just wait until he was ready to talk.

“Sakura…” he started. When Sakura lifted her beautiful emerald eyes to look at him, Xiao Lang suddenly hesitated. He didn’t want to tell her…to hurt her…but he had no choice. He turned around quickly, facing his back to her, his eyes staring at the ground. “I’m really sorry,” he continued in a low voice. “I’m leaving…leaving this place…” His fists were clenched tight, his arm shaking slightly.

“What is he trying to say?” wondered Sakura silently. Sakura approached him, placing a reassuring hand on his shaking arm. The arm stopped shaking and Xiao Lang turned to face her, taking the hand in his, holding it tight.

“Sakura,” he said softly. “What I’m trying to say is that I have to go and…I’m sorry, but I can’t protect you anymore…” Sakura stared at him for a moment, completely motionless, letting his words sinking in. Then she immediately withdrew her hand and pulled away from him.

“So you lied to me,” she said softly.

“No, Sakura,” he protested, reaching out to her. “I-”

“I don’t want to hear it!” she cried. She turned and fled out of the room, running down the stairs.

Xiao Lang stopped, his hand outstretched mid-way. “Wait, Sakura!” he called. It was too late; she was out of hearing distance. He dropped his hand and his gaze shifted to the ground again. He couldn’t go after her…he had no right to do such a thing. “I’m so sorry…” he whispered, knowing that instead of helping her like he thought he could, he caused her more pain.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Sakura found herself back at the gardens, the very same place she had first met Prince Xiao Lang. She had managed to pass the guards with an excuse that she was going to visit the gardens and declined their offer as an escort, saying that her handmaiden would join her shortly. She just wanted to be alone…

Why was it that every time someone promised her something, it turned out to be nothing more than a lie? Of course, most people meant to keep the promise, but still…After meeting Xiao Lang, Sakura thought things would be different, things would change, that she would finally have someone she could trust with her whole heart. “But he turned out to be just like everyone else,” she thought bitterly, “giving empty promises.”

Unable to hold it back any longer, Sakura let the tears fall again, then buried her face in her hands. She didn’t understand why it always happened to her…What was it about her that made people think they could promise her something and then take it away in a blink of an eye? Tears rolled down her cheeks and she didn’t bother wiping them away. Why should she care anymore? What was the point?

Suddenly, someone swept Sakura into their arms, holding her close to them. Sakura’s hands still covered her face and she didn’t see who it was. But though she couldn’t see who it was, the feeling of being held in someone’s arms was rather familiar, though, there was something different about it this time…

Slowly lifting her head and bringing her hands down away from her face, Sakura found her voice to speak. “Xi- hmm?”

Someone had placed a finger against her lips, telling her not to say anything. The person took in her tear-streaked face in one glance. “I never would have thought you’d miss me so much,” he said in a low voice. “Don’t cry anymore because your true beauty is in your smile.

“This doesn’t sound like Xiao Lang,” thought Sakura, her heart sinking. Looking up, her eyes widened and she took a step back, trying to break the embrace.

It was Prince Shui Ken!

Author’s Note: I knew I forgot to do something…I forgot to make a disclaimer -_-.
Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura or any of its characters. I’m merely using them in a story. The story, however, belongs to me (I wrote it, after all ^_~) and it is not part of the real history of China and Japan nor is it part of CCS. The events have been made up simply for the purpose of this one story. Also, any original characters belong to me as well.

So, Xiao Lang has a new mission…the troubles of being a magician *sighs*. How is he going to protect Sakura from Shui Ken now? I don’t think many people will like the ending of this chapter…Anyway, I still feel motivated to write *giggles*. Thanks for all the reviews! The name “Shuk Yue” is not Yue, Sakura’s guardian in CCS. It was rather coincidental that his name is “Yue” as well. I didn’t notice until after I used it. Since I sort of like it, the name’s staying ^_^. The same goes for “Jian Wei”. He’s not the same Wei, the one that is Syaoran’s guardian in CCS.

Author’s Note to Starlight Rose: Thank you for all the little history lessons! I love them ^_^! They’re really helpful for a person who doesn’t really know that much about Chinese history…*sweatdrops*. Anyway, thanks again! *sighs* I wish I learned this kind of stuff myself and not have to keep bugging other people for information (e.g. family *giggles*).

Author’s Note to The Seeling Wand: If you’re referring to WWII, when Japan invades China, I know about that. But this fic is supposed to take place hundreds - to a thousand - years ago, so they're completely different events. Besides, it’s a fan fic. No need to take it too seriously, right? ^_~

I missed one thing when I mentioned the pendant. It’s like Sakura’s key minus the wings and the key itself! Just the circle and star. And when I said no more hints in the last chapter’s AN, well, that pendant was a really big hint.

One final thing, in the future chapters, would you like Tomoyo to have a big role or only S + S? I need to know soon or else I can’t start chapter four. It’s essential, as you can see. =)

*Sakura
~The Animé Archives Team