CH1: Transfer

"Kinomoto Sakura," a voice echoed over the classroom in Tomoeda Middle School, "Please come to the guidance counsellor's office."

"Hoe!" She exclaimed, as she grabbed her things and ran out of the classroom, causing the class to laugh as she tripped over a student's desk. She raced down the hall only pausing to apologize profusely to a teacher who told her she should slow down after she ran into him. "I am here!" She cried as she ran into the door of the guidance office, not having given herself enough time to actually finish opening the door.

"I'm glad you could make it," a blue haired boy with spectacles said, opening the door and helping her up, "I am Hiiragizawa Eriol." He smiled invitingly at her and gestured for her to enter.

"Kinomoto," The guidance counsellor greeted, "Congratulations, you have been chosen to represent Tomoeda Middle School in out cultural exchange program."

"Hoe!" Sakura did not even know that this program existed.

"This must come as a surprise to you," The counsellor continued, ignoring her interruption, "as this program is new to this year. Mr. Hiiragizawa came from England, and will be staying with your family while you travel to Hong Kong for the rest of the school year."

"Why Hong Kong, if this is an exchange shouldn't I be going to England?" Sakura asked with a confused expression on her face that caused Eriol to smirk with barely contained laughter.

"This is a new program and it was decided to try a different format in order that people can learn about two cultures instead of one. Each year the destinations for each school will be chosen randomly and the student that is chosen to participate in the program will travel to that location and live with the family of the person who left. They will then correspond in letters, that will be marked, with both the person whose home you are living in and the person who is living in your home in order to learn about them and their culture. Before you object, I must warn you that your father has already agreed to allow you to participate in the program and you will be leaving for Hong Kong this evening. You will go to your classes as normal to introduce Eriol to your classmates, then you will show him to your home and introduce him to your family."

"Hai." Sakura had no choice but to agree, everything seemed to be planned out. She introduced Eriol to her friends, many of whom thought he was quite handsome and fawned over him. He did not seem t mind in the least, in fact it seemed he did not notice the attentions at all and merely acted in a surprisingly polite manner that charmed them even more.

"Onii-chan!" Sakura called as she led Eriol into her home.

"The Kaijyuu has returned for another rampage." Touya replied in mock fear, only to receive a powerful stomp on his foot as he came from the living room.

"I am not a kaijyuu!"

"Who's the gaki?" Touya asked leering suspiciously at Eriol.

"My name is Hiiragizawa Eriol." Eriol introduced humself and held out his hand in greeting. Touya ignored it.

"I don't like you, I don't want you anywhere near my sister."

"I don't believe that will be a problem." Eriol smiled.

Sakura managed to pack her bags and arrive at the airport with only minute to spare. "Abayo otou-san. Abayo onii-chan!" She said giving them each a big hug. Touya's less than positive response to her earned him a stomp o the foot. "I am not a Kaijyuu." Fujitaka smiled at his children's interaction, already missing his daughter before she even left. And to spite her brother, this exchange was followed by, "Abayo Eriol-kun." as she gave an embarrassed Eriol a hug that put the one she'd given her brother to shame then ran off to board her flight.

"Kinomoto-san." An old man in a black suit addressed Sakura as she disembarked.

"Hai!"

"I am Wei, the butler for the Li household. If you would follow me, I will take you to the residence in which you will be staying." Sakura nodded politely and followed.

"What about my luggage?"

"It will be sent directly to the residence." Outside the Airport, a limo waited. Wei opened the door motioned for her to enter. "If you want refreshments, they can be found in the fridge next to the seat. Please enjoy the trip." He closed the door behind her and walked around the limo and entered the driver's seat.

"Sugoi!" Sakura exclaimed as she explored what the various appliance, buttons and features were housed in the back of the limo. In minutes, Wei announced that they had arrived as he pulled in front of a large compound with a mansion that dominated the view through the gates. "So big!" Sakura was dazzled by the size and splendour of the Li mansion. A handsome boy with brown hair stood unmoving, leaning against the brick gate posts. He opened his eyes and stared at her rather rudely as Wei drove off to park the limo on the garage that was located a block away.

"Follow me." he ordered, as if it were unthinkable that anyone should not follow his instructions. She could tell by the way the boy looked at he, and his lack of customary pleasantries, that he did not want her there. She didn't argue with him, but glared furiously at the back of his head. She followed him into the main house. "Fuutie, Shiefa, Fanren, Feimei!" Li called out as soon as the door was closed. Four teenage girls burst into the room screaming.

"Kawaii!"

"Is this your girlfriend?"

"Look at that hair!"

"Her clothes are adoreable!"

Sakura found herself being fondled by these complete strangers, having her cheeks pinched and her hair ruffled and bing given hugs on several occasions until a large pair of mahogany doors swung open to reveal a tall, beautiful and regal looking woman. Her presence caused the four girls and Li to line up and stand stiff and respectful.

"You are Kinomoto Sakura." She stated as if the fact had been obvious without introductions. "I am Li Yelan. You have already met my daughters Li Fuutie, Li Shiefa, Li Fanren and Li Feimei. The boy who so ungraciously delivered you into their hands is my son, Li Syaoran." Li looked down, looking embarrassed at the introduction that he had received. Yelan stepped towards Sakura who felt the awesome presence of the woman that commanded respect. Her body stiffened nervously as the woman used two fingers to tilt her head up to look into the woman's eyes. After a few moments that seemed an eternity, the woman smiled and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Syaoran," she said as she turned to leave, "You will show her to her room and tell her what she needs to know."

"Yes, Mother." He gave a small bow before grabbing Sakura and leading her up the stairs.

"Your sisters are … friendly." Sakura stated once they were away from the presence of Syaoran's mother.

Li's only response to that was a grunt that indicated that he thought them more of a hassle than anything else. "This is your room." He stated, opening a door.

"Sugoi!" She cried, "This room is so big!" It was in fact larger than any two rooms in her own house. It included a king size bed, a desk, a dresser, a television, a telephone, a few comfortable chairs as well as its own private washroom and bath.

"There are certain rules in this house that you will be expected to follow. You will address My mother and the Elders with respect and do as they tell you. You will not enter any closed rooms without permission but you are free to explore any open rooms."

"Thank you Li-san." She said. As he turned to leave, obviously not desiring to spend any more time with her than required. As Sakura continued to inspect her room, she found that her belongings were already there, and unpacked. On the bed's pillow was a note saying 'Dinner begins at 6:00. Please try to be on time. –Yelan-sama' "Hoe!" The alarm clock next to the bed read '5:58' she ran out of her room and began a frantic search for the dining room.

She managed to find the dining room with the help of a few servants who pointed her in the right direction. "Sorry I am late!" she said as she dashed into the room at two minutes past six. She did not notice the rug at the entrance that slid out from under her, sending her sliding across the polished wood floor in a seated position.

"Perhaps we should be using less expensive china while she stays here." Li smirked as Sakura's slide brought her into a table leg forcing him to catch a plate that was nearly knocked to the ground. Sakura turned red from embarrassment.

"Please take you seat beside Syaoran." Yelan said, as if the incident had not occurred. "I hope you enjoy the meal Sakura. I usually make the evening meals myself."

"I am sure it will be delicious." Sakura replied as she sat down. They began to eat their meal, and Sakura discovered that she had been right. The food was delicious.

"I am sure my son explained the rules of the house with you in detail, but I believe I shall go over them again, in case he was not as thorough as he should have been." She sent her son a quick and piercing glare that caused him to slump nervously in his seat. "You may have noticed that we are not a poor family. In fact, the Li clan is one of the richest families in China and own the Li Corporation, a multi-national business with a good reputation. As long as you live in this house, you will be expected to abide by certain standards as what you do will reflect upon our family. In light of this, you will be joining Syaoran for the family lessons."

"NANI!" Syaoran looked shocked.

"Which include manners, diplomacy, family history and martial arts. These will occur every morning at four."

"HOE!" It was Sakura's turn to object. "That's so early!"

"My son will ensure that you are awake and that you arrive at your lessons on time, until you are used to this schedule." Yelan smiled. Li looked like he was about to faint. "As Li has already informed you, you are allowed to wander the grounds at your leisure. You may enter all unlocked buildings, and enter any open room once inside those buildings. We value our privacy, so do not wander into off limit areas or we will be forced to assign one of the servants to escort you while on the property." Sakura decided that it was probably best to follow this rule. After this, they chatted pleasantly until the meal was finished. Sakura was tired, and anticipating an early morning she went to bed and dreamed of a brown wolf that howled through the night.