*I don't own Card Captor Sakura
*AU
A/N: Thanks to all the reviewers of the last chapter. You got the plot rolling again.
Beauty of the Heart
Chapter 8 - Lines Drawn
Amora
***Hong Kong***
"Are you sure that's what you want us to do?" A senior guard of the Li clan asked when presented with his task. The guard remained on one knee facing the entire council. Li Qing narrowed his eyes before replying in a soft but deadly voice.
"Of course. Might I remind you that the penalty for betraying the clan is no less than death? You and your team are to travel to Japan and find the exile Li Xiaolang. Once there, find him and execute him in the most painful and efficient way possible. Do not fail, for failure equals treason to the clan!"
"Yes sir!" The senior guard acknowledged before quickly exiting out of the room. There was a small commotion after the elders were finally by themselves.
"So what made you order a preemptive strike?" one of the other elders asked Qing. Li Qing sat back on his chair and rubbed his beard before glancing at the rest of the council. They were all expecting an answer.
"Even though the chances of Xiaolang breaking the curse are almost nil, we can't even have the slightest chance that he does. If he succeeds, all of our planning will be ruined." Qing said. "Besides, he and his line have been a thorn in our sides for far too long. The defective branch in our clan will end at Li Xiaolang."
There was a general murmur of consensus and Li Qing smirked inwardly. Everything was going according to plan.
***Tomoeda***
For several hours after his encounter with Sakura, Syaoran wandered aimlessly around Tomoeda with his mind spinning. He just couldn't get her out of his mind. The taste of her rosy lips and strawberry lip gloss was forever etched to his mind along with what it felt to have her gorgeous curves pressed against his...
Syaoran shook his head furiously trying to banish those thoughts. Nothing good would come out of it at the time he knew. If he continued down that line of thought, she would plague his dreams even more than she did at the moment.
He had felt on top of the world when she told him that she returned his feelings. The few moments during and after their second kiss were some of the best moments of his life. Now, they left a bitter aftertaste as he thought back. He laughed at the irony of it all. How could someone feel so much ecstasy and then suddenly so much dispair all within a few hours?
Hours before, he had retransformed back to his cursed and gruesome self. Along with the initial disappointment came pain. By reverting, what Sakura told him was either completely untrue, which he strongly believed, or what little she could possibly feel for him wasn't nearly enough. Syaoran mentally kicked himself for getting his hopes up. How could a girl like that ever have any feelings for someone like him?
'Baka!' Syaoran chided himself. 'You knew you never stood a chance...' Syaoran caught his own reflection in a store window and suddenly wanted to punch someone. If even the other guys were disgusted by him, then what girl would ever want him? Syaoran continued walking down the street unaware of the commotion behind him until a shout broke him out of his revere.
"And where do you think you're going?" a sickening familiar voice sneered. Syaoran turned around only to find out that it wasn't directed towards him. A few meters behind him walked Kaza Shun followed by none other than Tsuyoshi and his cronies. None of them realized he was a bit ahead of them and continued to give the poor boy hell.
"Wassa matter fatty? Cat got your tongue? No witty comebacks today? Or did your whale of a mother not tell you anything to say today?"
Kaza reeled on them and glared the best he could. "You leave my mother out of this!" Tsuyoshi only grinned wider as he nodded to his friends. They quickly circled their prey and before he knew it, Kaza was surrounded on all sides by people bigger and stronger than he was.
The smile disappeared from Tsuyoshi's face as a menacing frown appeared. "Alright you little punk, hand over the money and you won't get hurt." Tsuyoshi demanded as he grabbed Kaza's shirt and shook him. Kaza stood defiantly and shook his head.
"Go fuck yourself!" He screamed and spat on Tsuyoshi's face. His captor looked stunned for a moment before a furious look crossed his features.
"Why you fat piece of sh-" he was cut off as a rock hit him hard on the back of his head causing him to release hold on Kaza's shirt and stumble forward. Kaza took this opportunity to escape from the deadly circle and approach his savior before turning around.
"Who the hell did that!" Tsuyoshi screamed before turning around. To his immense surprise, Syaoran stood a little ways off with another rock in his hand ready to throw. Kaza got the same idea, and before long, the two were effectively holding out a larger group with flying rocks.
"You bastard!" Syaoran glared at the group who was yelling obscenities at him for pelting them with rocks. Eventually, not even the rocks could hold off the menacing group that wanted to pummel them. As the last rock was thrown, Syaoran and Kaza were about to turn and run but not before another voice interrupted.
"Hey! What's going on here!" Both groups looked over to see a police car close in on them having seen the little skirmish. Tsuyoshi's eyes widened and he screamed for his group to retreat as they hopped a fence to make their getaway. Syaoran sighed in relief as the cruiser chose to follow the escapees instead of them.
After the initial adrenaline rush, Syaoran noticed that the boy next to him broke down and started to sob. He tried to hide as much as possible, but Syaoran could still see the tear trails and hear small sniffles. If it had been a month ago, Syaoran would have scoffed at such a display, but now, he couldn't blame him.
"I hope they don't do that often?" Syaoran said trying to make conversation. The boy in question nodded his head sadly. "Oh."
"They always try to steal what little money I make tutoring other students in math and chemistry. When I refuse, they usually beat me up and take it anyway. I don't see why I bother..." Kaza whispered sadly. "Arigatou for saving me Li-kun. You didn't have to though. We've only met once and now they will be after you too."
Syaoran felt anger grow inside of him. He knew exactly what it felt like to have society against himself. How anyone could treat someone else with so much cruelty he would never be able to comprehend. "Don't worry about it Kaza-kun. I would have helped you even if I never met you." Kaza looked at him surprised. "I guess that's just how I am. I've realized a lot in the past few weeks."
"Yeah me too." Kaza agreed. "Although the majority of what I've learned is sickening."
Syaoran nodded and understood perfectly. "Say, do you like chocolate?" he asked trying to change the subject. After receiving a nod, he smiled. "I know a place that serves the best chocolate cake imaginable and it isn't far from here. Want to go?"
"Sure." Kaza replied. It wasn't as wholehearted as he had hoped, but Syaoran did notice a slight chance in demeanor. Nodding, he led them both the only place that he felt gave fair service regardless of physical appearance.
******
As the pair entered Hiiragizawa Cafe, the same receptionist as last time greeted him. By now, Syaoran had been to the café so many times, that she easily recognized who he was.
"Same place and menu sir?" she asked politely.
"Yes please. And could you have another menu for my friend here?"
"Of course." She smiled and led them to their table. "Right this way."
Kaza marveled at the architecture of the place while they walked. Syaoran saw this and grinned inwardly. He knew what he felt like the first time in this place. The receptionist left after they were both seated. Syaoran saw a familiar figure approach them and grinned.
"Visiting again are we Syaoran?" Eriol joked before seating himself at their table. "Our chocolate is irresistible isn't it?"
"Ha! You wish! Well maybe...but that isn't the reason I'm here today."
"I see you brought a friend." Eriol said turning to Kaza. "I'm Eriol Hiiragizawa. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Kaza stared open mouthed at the young CEO, to Syaoran, then back to Eriol. "Uh...well...it's good to meet you?" He finished uncertainly. He was startled that Syaoran knew someone like Eriol who was almost a legend in Seijou. Not only was he a self made multimillionaire and CEO of a very prestigious restaurant chain, good looking according to the girls along with his English accent, he was dating Tomoyo Daidouji, the student body president, star soloist on the choir, and one of the most gorgeous girls in Tomoeda.
"Don't look too surprised. Hiiragizawa here has his share of faults as well." Syaoran said laughing.
"I do not! I'm perfect in every way!" Eriol mock glared at his friend before laughing along. Kaza continued to stare at the two friends in awe before opening up as well. Syaoran was having a great time making a new friend and telling jokes when his almost six sense for sensing magic alerted him. Instantly his smile disappeared and he felt a strange tingling sensation. However, unlike the cards, this felt different. Almost like...
"Old magic!" Syaoran said grimly and Eriol understood immediately. Members of the clan were here. Kaza looked confused as Syaoran excused himself to go to the bathroom suddenly but at the look Eriol gave him, he dropped it.
"Kaza-kun, I need you to stay here. Under no circumstances are you to move from this spot. Understand?"
"O...ok." Kaza stammered at the seriousness of Eriol's expression. Eriol nodded and left in the general direction Syaoran went. As he approached the restroom area, he was met by Li Xiaolang, dressed in full battle gear. They exchanged grim looks and waited for the worst.
"Do we assume the worst?" Eriol asked even though he knew the answer.
Syaoran nodded grimly before replying. "Of course. It's no doubt an assassination attempt. I didn't know they would be so quick about it though." Turning towards Eriol, he added "And you know what they say about assuming. It makes an ass out of you and me."
Eriol chuckled at Syaoran's lame attempt to find humor in the situation. His reply was cut off as an unearthly force suddenly blew the front doors apart. Waves of flame invaded the restaurant and burned everything in its path. Patrons screamed and ran from the inferno to where the fires had not reached, but several were caught before they could escape. Kaza watched in horror from the back of the restaurant unable to move.
Six people dressed in black camouflage rushed inside partially hidden by the smoke and chaos. The first one gave orders and pointed directly towards Syaoran who had since drawn his sword.
"Li Xiaolang! You are hearby sentenced to death for your betrayal of the Li clan. You have two options. You can either surrender and be mercifully executed with little or no pain. Or you can resist and die in agony. The choice is yours. What do you say?"
For a few seconds, there was absolute silence as everyone waited for Syaoran's answer. The only sound that could be heard was the crackle of the flames and heavy breathing.
It had taken Syaoran only moments to figure out what he was to do, but before he could give his answer, Eriol gave it for him.
"Get the hell out of my restaurant!" He yelled and blasted the leader. The other five looked stunned as their leader went down and charged. The battle was on.
**********
A/N: Wow it's been so long since I've updated. I'm very sorry about the long delay. The next installment shouldn't take nearly as long. As you can see, Syaoran has a lot of self-searching to do before he gets anywhere close to breaking the curse. The next few chapters will be mostly battles so I hope I'm doing OK with them so far. Please review and tell me what you think.
*AU
A/N: Thanks to all the reviewers of the last chapter. You got the plot rolling again.
Beauty of the Heart
Chapter 8 - Lines Drawn
Amora
***Hong Kong***
"Are you sure that's what you want us to do?" A senior guard of the Li clan asked when presented with his task. The guard remained on one knee facing the entire council. Li Qing narrowed his eyes before replying in a soft but deadly voice.
"Of course. Might I remind you that the penalty for betraying the clan is no less than death? You and your team are to travel to Japan and find the exile Li Xiaolang. Once there, find him and execute him in the most painful and efficient way possible. Do not fail, for failure equals treason to the clan!"
"Yes sir!" The senior guard acknowledged before quickly exiting out of the room. There was a small commotion after the elders were finally by themselves.
"So what made you order a preemptive strike?" one of the other elders asked Qing. Li Qing sat back on his chair and rubbed his beard before glancing at the rest of the council. They were all expecting an answer.
"Even though the chances of Xiaolang breaking the curse are almost nil, we can't even have the slightest chance that he does. If he succeeds, all of our planning will be ruined." Qing said. "Besides, he and his line have been a thorn in our sides for far too long. The defective branch in our clan will end at Li Xiaolang."
There was a general murmur of consensus and Li Qing smirked inwardly. Everything was going according to plan.
***Tomoeda***
For several hours after his encounter with Sakura, Syaoran wandered aimlessly around Tomoeda with his mind spinning. He just couldn't get her out of his mind. The taste of her rosy lips and strawberry lip gloss was forever etched to his mind along with what it felt to have her gorgeous curves pressed against his...
Syaoran shook his head furiously trying to banish those thoughts. Nothing good would come out of it at the time he knew. If he continued down that line of thought, she would plague his dreams even more than she did at the moment.
He had felt on top of the world when she told him that she returned his feelings. The few moments during and after their second kiss were some of the best moments of his life. Now, they left a bitter aftertaste as he thought back. He laughed at the irony of it all. How could someone feel so much ecstasy and then suddenly so much dispair all within a few hours?
Hours before, he had retransformed back to his cursed and gruesome self. Along with the initial disappointment came pain. By reverting, what Sakura told him was either completely untrue, which he strongly believed, or what little she could possibly feel for him wasn't nearly enough. Syaoran mentally kicked himself for getting his hopes up. How could a girl like that ever have any feelings for someone like him?
'Baka!' Syaoran chided himself. 'You knew you never stood a chance...' Syaoran caught his own reflection in a store window and suddenly wanted to punch someone. If even the other guys were disgusted by him, then what girl would ever want him? Syaoran continued walking down the street unaware of the commotion behind him until a shout broke him out of his revere.
"And where do you think you're going?" a sickening familiar voice sneered. Syaoran turned around only to find out that it wasn't directed towards him. A few meters behind him walked Kaza Shun followed by none other than Tsuyoshi and his cronies. None of them realized he was a bit ahead of them and continued to give the poor boy hell.
"Wassa matter fatty? Cat got your tongue? No witty comebacks today? Or did your whale of a mother not tell you anything to say today?"
Kaza reeled on them and glared the best he could. "You leave my mother out of this!" Tsuyoshi only grinned wider as he nodded to his friends. They quickly circled their prey and before he knew it, Kaza was surrounded on all sides by people bigger and stronger than he was.
The smile disappeared from Tsuyoshi's face as a menacing frown appeared. "Alright you little punk, hand over the money and you won't get hurt." Tsuyoshi demanded as he grabbed Kaza's shirt and shook him. Kaza stood defiantly and shook his head.
"Go fuck yourself!" He screamed and spat on Tsuyoshi's face. His captor looked stunned for a moment before a furious look crossed his features.
"Why you fat piece of sh-" he was cut off as a rock hit him hard on the back of his head causing him to release hold on Kaza's shirt and stumble forward. Kaza took this opportunity to escape from the deadly circle and approach his savior before turning around.
"Who the hell did that!" Tsuyoshi screamed before turning around. To his immense surprise, Syaoran stood a little ways off with another rock in his hand ready to throw. Kaza got the same idea, and before long, the two were effectively holding out a larger group with flying rocks.
"You bastard!" Syaoran glared at the group who was yelling obscenities at him for pelting them with rocks. Eventually, not even the rocks could hold off the menacing group that wanted to pummel them. As the last rock was thrown, Syaoran and Kaza were about to turn and run but not before another voice interrupted.
"Hey! What's going on here!" Both groups looked over to see a police car close in on them having seen the little skirmish. Tsuyoshi's eyes widened and he screamed for his group to retreat as they hopped a fence to make their getaway. Syaoran sighed in relief as the cruiser chose to follow the escapees instead of them.
After the initial adrenaline rush, Syaoran noticed that the boy next to him broke down and started to sob. He tried to hide as much as possible, but Syaoran could still see the tear trails and hear small sniffles. If it had been a month ago, Syaoran would have scoffed at such a display, but now, he couldn't blame him.
"I hope they don't do that often?" Syaoran said trying to make conversation. The boy in question nodded his head sadly. "Oh."
"They always try to steal what little money I make tutoring other students in math and chemistry. When I refuse, they usually beat me up and take it anyway. I don't see why I bother..." Kaza whispered sadly. "Arigatou for saving me Li-kun. You didn't have to though. We've only met once and now they will be after you too."
Syaoran felt anger grow inside of him. He knew exactly what it felt like to have society against himself. How anyone could treat someone else with so much cruelty he would never be able to comprehend. "Don't worry about it Kaza-kun. I would have helped you even if I never met you." Kaza looked at him surprised. "I guess that's just how I am. I've realized a lot in the past few weeks."
"Yeah me too." Kaza agreed. "Although the majority of what I've learned is sickening."
Syaoran nodded and understood perfectly. "Say, do you like chocolate?" he asked trying to change the subject. After receiving a nod, he smiled. "I know a place that serves the best chocolate cake imaginable and it isn't far from here. Want to go?"
"Sure." Kaza replied. It wasn't as wholehearted as he had hoped, but Syaoran did notice a slight chance in demeanor. Nodding, he led them both the only place that he felt gave fair service regardless of physical appearance.
******
As the pair entered Hiiragizawa Cafe, the same receptionist as last time greeted him. By now, Syaoran had been to the café so many times, that she easily recognized who he was.
"Same place and menu sir?" she asked politely.
"Yes please. And could you have another menu for my friend here?"
"Of course." She smiled and led them to their table. "Right this way."
Kaza marveled at the architecture of the place while they walked. Syaoran saw this and grinned inwardly. He knew what he felt like the first time in this place. The receptionist left after they were both seated. Syaoran saw a familiar figure approach them and grinned.
"Visiting again are we Syaoran?" Eriol joked before seating himself at their table. "Our chocolate is irresistible isn't it?"
"Ha! You wish! Well maybe...but that isn't the reason I'm here today."
"I see you brought a friend." Eriol said turning to Kaza. "I'm Eriol Hiiragizawa. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Kaza stared open mouthed at the young CEO, to Syaoran, then back to Eriol. "Uh...well...it's good to meet you?" He finished uncertainly. He was startled that Syaoran knew someone like Eriol who was almost a legend in Seijou. Not only was he a self made multimillionaire and CEO of a very prestigious restaurant chain, good looking according to the girls along with his English accent, he was dating Tomoyo Daidouji, the student body president, star soloist on the choir, and one of the most gorgeous girls in Tomoeda.
"Don't look too surprised. Hiiragizawa here has his share of faults as well." Syaoran said laughing.
"I do not! I'm perfect in every way!" Eriol mock glared at his friend before laughing along. Kaza continued to stare at the two friends in awe before opening up as well. Syaoran was having a great time making a new friend and telling jokes when his almost six sense for sensing magic alerted him. Instantly his smile disappeared and he felt a strange tingling sensation. However, unlike the cards, this felt different. Almost like...
"Old magic!" Syaoran said grimly and Eriol understood immediately. Members of the clan were here. Kaza looked confused as Syaoran excused himself to go to the bathroom suddenly but at the look Eriol gave him, he dropped it.
"Kaza-kun, I need you to stay here. Under no circumstances are you to move from this spot. Understand?"
"O...ok." Kaza stammered at the seriousness of Eriol's expression. Eriol nodded and left in the general direction Syaoran went. As he approached the restroom area, he was met by Li Xiaolang, dressed in full battle gear. They exchanged grim looks and waited for the worst.
"Do we assume the worst?" Eriol asked even though he knew the answer.
Syaoran nodded grimly before replying. "Of course. It's no doubt an assassination attempt. I didn't know they would be so quick about it though." Turning towards Eriol, he added "And you know what they say about assuming. It makes an ass out of you and me."
Eriol chuckled at Syaoran's lame attempt to find humor in the situation. His reply was cut off as an unearthly force suddenly blew the front doors apart. Waves of flame invaded the restaurant and burned everything in its path. Patrons screamed and ran from the inferno to where the fires had not reached, but several were caught before they could escape. Kaza watched in horror from the back of the restaurant unable to move.
Six people dressed in black camouflage rushed inside partially hidden by the smoke and chaos. The first one gave orders and pointed directly towards Syaoran who had since drawn his sword.
"Li Xiaolang! You are hearby sentenced to death for your betrayal of the Li clan. You have two options. You can either surrender and be mercifully executed with little or no pain. Or you can resist and die in agony. The choice is yours. What do you say?"
For a few seconds, there was absolute silence as everyone waited for Syaoran's answer. The only sound that could be heard was the crackle of the flames and heavy breathing.
It had taken Syaoran only moments to figure out what he was to do, but before he could give his answer, Eriol gave it for him.
"Get the hell out of my restaurant!" He yelled and blasted the leader. The other five looked stunned as their leader went down and charged. The battle was on.
**********
A/N: Wow it's been so long since I've updated. I'm very sorry about the long delay. The next installment shouldn't take nearly as long. As you can see, Syaoran has a lot of self-searching to do before he gets anywhere close to breaking the curse. The next few chapters will be mostly battles so I hope I'm doing OK with them so far. Please review and tell me what you think.