RECAP: Last chapter.... ermmm.... Okay well Sakura convinced Syaoran to show up at the beach, so he did. He ended up swimming with her and Teller, then breaking up with Mandu (even though technically they were never going out in the first place). So then... This crazy woman shows up at Syaoran’s house with a gun and almost kills Syaoran but he calms her down, finds out he didn’t kill anyone in his previous mission.... Sakura hugs him, then is left in ambiguity concerning whether he is helping her or not. This is a vital fact to be unclear on, seeing as she is waking up the morning of her departure where this chapter takes off.

NOTE: I forgot to label last chapter... I forget to do that alot. Sorry. I also think I messed up the time scale on that chapter by a day. I do that allot too. My apologies.

Chapter 5 - Good Times in Japan

Sakura heard the alarm clock going off at her bedside. It was slightly disconcerting, because in her current dream the talking frog she had been having a conversation with was suddenly beeping at her. She opened her eyes and whacked the clock with her hand, then rolled over. She slowly replayed the events in her mind and snapped into reality. She sat up and looked at the clock. It was seven. Three hours till her flight. She squinted her eyes towards the window. There was a faint glow of light. She sighed. She didn’t want to get up.

But she had to. She simply did not have enough money to buy another two tickets. Not that I need two. She stiffly swung her legs over the side of the bed, then sat a while, dejected. The previous night was making no sense in her head. She remembered being with Syaoran at the beach. He had still been distant with her, but it seemed like there was a gradual change going. He had almost seemed familiar when she had started talking to him in his room. She had finally found him when she had layed there hugging him. If it wasn’t for that, she doubted she would have the strength to even get up.

It was just how he had phrased everything from there on. He had said it was all past. That there was nothing they could do about it. That he had changed since then. And Sakura was left under the impression he never wanted to try for her again. I can’t blame him. How would I feel if I poured myself out to someone and was pushed away? Sakura let out a long, depressed breath. It was going to be hard, going home alone. She rubbed her eyes, then walked to her suitcase. She had packed everything the night before. She didn’t feel like bringing her stuff down yet. She would go down, get something for breakfast, then bring her things down.

She liked this plan. She liked it because it had the possibility of seeing him again. She was a little scared of seeing him. She didn’t understand him. Was he so scared of getting hurt again that he was going to ignore any feelings he might have for her? She stumbled to the door, ignoring her appearance. If her hair was frizzed out and she looked like a bum in her tank top and shorts, she didn’t care.

She yawned as she walked down the hallway, then continued to the stairs. She didn’t bother to look into the kitchen. She walked down the steps slowly, rubbing her eyes a few more times. She stopped on the last stair, seeing a familiar figure in the kitchen. He sat at the kitchen counter, eating some breakfasty type food. He sat with a big grin on his face as he watched Sakura amble in.

“Ready to go, I see,” Syaoran said, trying to hold back his amusement. Sakura looked like a half awake zombie.

Sakura paused to glare at him, though it looked more like a tired squint, then shuffled over to the seat next to him. She plunked down, then leaned against the counter in front of her, her eyes fixed lazily on some insignificant kitchen utensil. It was so insignificant that the time will not be taken to describe just what kind of utensil it was.

Sakura let out a short breath, her mind not making much sense. She should have waited a little longer before making contact with civilization. She was too spacey just waking up so early. “Not training?” She asked with mild surprise.

Syaoran watched her for a moment. “Uh.... no.”

Sakura gave him another tired squint. “Yes, I know, it’s quite obvious you’re sitting here and not training. I was just trying to make conversation.”

Syaoran nodded slowly, then looked for something to occupy himself in. He drummed his fingers on the counter. “Sorry...”

Sakura let out a long sigh, then collapsed into her arms on the counter. She shut her eyes when she knew no one could see them. “It’s too early,” She mumbled in a muffled, hardly audible voice.

“Have to leave in an hour,” Syaoran said, taking a drink of orange juice. He glanced at Sakura. She was hidden leaning against the counter. He saw a mass of messy brown hair. He tried not to smile. He didn’t have to try after his emotions started to creep in. He glanced at her again in worry. He was going to really screw himself over this time.

“I wish you’d go...” Sakura continued in her muffled voice, sniffing as if to add some kind of weight to it.

Syaoran frowned. She still hadn’t picked up on it yet. “What do you mean?”

Sakura sat up, rubbing her eyes again. She raked at her hair without much success, then yawned. “Quit being stupid,” She snapped, now leaning her head on her propped up ebow.

Syaoran occupied himself with the different dials on the stove. “Okay...” He mumbled, now trying to keep himself from being irritated.

Sakura sighed. She was letting her sleepiness get the best of her. She sat for a while, then decided to be strong and mature about it. “Sorry.... I’m emotional in the morning.”

Syaoran took a drink of orange juice to hide his smile. “I can tell.”

Sakura made her first successful glare of the day, then let out another sigh. She felt her tear ducts threaten her as she considered how horrible it would be to leave and part from him. The week had felt so long, and she had almost forgotten what it was like to be without him. She didn’t want to remember it. “I don’t want to leave, Syaoran.”
Syaoran snuck a furtive look in her direction to see if her expression matched the same deep sorrow he detected in her voice. It did. “Sorry...” He said, not knowing what else to say.

Sakura wasn’t done unloading her emotional baggage. “It’s like I just... I just finally am starting to know you again. I don’t want to go now....”

Syaoran frowned, looking at the different patterns in the counter. He should probably clear up the misunderstanding. “Well I-”

“It’s like....I’m leaving all this unfinished business or something. Like I was onto something, then had to leave it for some dumb reason. I hate it. I know you want me to go, so you can go back to being safe and everything, but I don’t think you completely understand where I’m coming from.”

“Safe?” Syaoran inquired.

Sakura sighed. She paused for a while to arrange her thoughts into the best possible wording. “I....I know you don’t want me to say it but... I understand why you’re being like you are. And it’s all my fault. You want me to leave because I’m a threat that’s just constantly weighing down around you.... I’m so sorry, Syaoran.”

Syaoran found his fingers drumming on the counter of their own accord. He let them continue. She had pretty much summed him up, so there wasn’t much he could do. He was really in deep now, if she had such a good understanding of his psychological status. He didn’t like it one bit. Now every time he got angry with her, he wasn’t going to be able to even hurt her feelings. She would just get a sympathetic smile on her face and say, ‘I’m sorry Syaoran, this is all my fault, I deserve this so keep going’. He didn’t like that image one bit. A tiny part of his mind was rejoicing at her discovery. “I’m going to help you, you know?”

Sakura sighed, shaking her head. “It’s alright, I mean, me and Chindra can just keep...” She trailed off, frowning. Her eyes widened. “You are?!”

Syaoran gave her a look implying he found her to be one of the slowest, dumbest people he had ever met and that he felt he was degrading himself having a conversation with her. Syaoran slowly nodded his head, holding in a smile at her enthusiasm.

Sakura frowned, confused. “I thought.... what you said the other night, I thought you never wanted to be around me again....I was so sure you weren’t going.”

Syaoran sighed and looked back to the oven dials. “I’m just going because I promised I would,” he said, trying to appease the part of his mind a bit enraged with his decision.

Sakura nodded slowly, then smiled a bewildered smile. She glanced at him. She wished the moment of surprise hadn’t passed so quickly, because she felt like hugging him again. She could tell a hug right now would be an unwelcomed and unappreciated gesture. “Well.... um.... Thanks!”

Syaoran made no response. He finished off his orange juice, then stood up. “Is all your stuff packed up and everything?” He asked, heading to the sink.

Sakura nodded, watching him. “Yeah, I did it last night. I guess I have to change and stuff....”

Syaoran nodded, half listening. He washed out his cup, then decided to wash the bowl he had used earlier for good measure.

Sakura watched his back. He was ready to leave, it seemed. “Wait a minute... I thought you had a mission from the elders...?”

Syaoran shook his head, not bothering to turn around. “No... I was kidding when you asked me that, I just thought you had caught on. I just went to them because I needed a leave of absence.”

It started to come together in Sakura’s mind. “Well... you weren’t very obvious about it. Like always, you’re all mysterious and just wait for me to figure it out...”

Syaoran made no response, glad for the distraction of the dish cleaning.

Sakura waited a while for him to say something. He didn’t. She stood up. “I guess I’ll take a shower.... Oh. Do you have any more bandaids? Cause um... this one’s coming off.”

Syaoran glanced skeptically at her, then opened a drawer to his left and pulled out some bandaids. He walked them over to her, ignoring her ‘thanks’, then continued back to the dishes. “What did you do, anyways?”

Sakura glanced up from her bandaid exchange. She smiled warily. “Uh... sword fight,” she said factually. Syaoran didn’t bother to respond. She sighed. “Well... honestly... um, nevermind,” Sakura got up to throw the nonsticky bandaid away. It was too awkward to tell Syaoran stories about shaving in the shower. Maybe a couple years ago, but not now.

Syaoran nodded as he did whenever he didn’t find something worth responding verbally to, then set the bowl in the cabinent. Sakura was standing watching him. She pretended to be watching something else. Syaoran pretended not to notice.

“I’m going to change and take a shower and stuff I guess. Do you want me to call a taxi or do you want to?”

“Taxi?” Syaoran asked skeptically.

“Yeah....”

Syaoran sighed. “I can drive, remember?”

Sakura nodded. “Yes, I know. I just didn’t think you’d want to park it in a garage or something for who knows how long...”

Syaoran considered all aspects of this. She may have a valid arguement... “I’ll call Meilin,” he decided, proud of his fast problem solving skills.

Sakura nodded, then turned towards the stairs. “Well, okay,” She said, though she hadn’t really needed to say it. She rushed away to the bathroom.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Meilin was so excited that Syaoran was going with Sakura, she had arrived fifteen minutes early. She had then proceeded with taking pictures (much to Syaoran’s displeasure) to document the event. Sakura was having trouble hiding her own enthusiasm. She had been convinced the situation was helpless. She was sure she wasn’t going to ever find the old Syaoran. But now that she had a little more time and some magical surroundings to speed up the process, she was beginning to feel a little more confident.

“So how long do you think you’re going to be?” Meilin chattered on excitedly, hands tapping on the wheel as she drove down the highway like it was an average country road.

“Oh.... I dunno,” Sakura answered. “Like... I really don’t have a clue because there’s so many variables. We’ll buy tickets to leave for England right away, then from then on.... who knows. Maybe we’ll only be there for a day. Maybe a week. I just dunno.”

Sakura glanced in the mirror at Syaoran, who sat wordlessly in the backseat. He was staring out the window, completely spaced out. She smiled at Meilin, who had also noticed.

“Ah, I see. You better say ‘hello’ to everyone in Japan for me, Syaoran.”

Syaoran dragged his eyes at Meilin, made eye contact to show his disinterest, then resumed looking out the window.

“It’s too bad you couldn’t go say hello yourself, but I guess that would be expensive...”

Meilin nodded. “Yes, it’s best if you and Syaoran go alone. Alone and together.” She snuck a look into the mirror at Syaoran. He hadn’t changed expression. She would have to take more drastic measures. “It’s been a long time since you two fought together. Maybe you should practice a bit first before heading out there? I mean, you want to go out there in peak condition, right? Battling Eriol isn’t anything easy....”

Sakura laughed nervously. “It’s certainly not...” She waited to see if Syaoran was going to add anything. He seemed very intent on watching the landscaping. “I think we’ll be okay, I mean... I guess practicing wouldn’t hurt, but I don’t know if Li-kun has time to practice...”

Meilin looked in the mirror. Syaoran wasn’t paying one bit of attention. Or....he probably was, he was just really good at looking bored and aloof. “Did you hear that, Syaoran? Do you have time to practice magic with her first?”

Syaoran dragged his eyes over again. He let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t need to,” He muttered. He decided to solidify his answer a little. “I told the Elders a week. I should be home by then, if I want to keep my job.”

Meilin sighed herself. He certainly wasn’t helping Sakura along at all. She glanced at the brown haired girl sitting next to her, then looked back to the road to change lanes. Sakura sure had her work cut out for her. From the progress Meilin had seen the past few days, she figured Sakura would make some large steps in fixing Syaoran. She wasn’t sure she could finish the job in only one more week. “What happens if it takes longer than that to fight Eriol?” She asked.

“I guess we’ll have to hope the Elders will be understanding.”

Sakura found herself now looking out the window.

“So, you hear that, Kinomoto? You have one week,” Meilin said, saying the last sentence very slowly and distinctly. Sakura smiled weakly and nodded. Syaoran scowled as he looked out the back window.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Going through the airport had been so stressful and fast paced Sakura hadn’t even had time to think about who she was travelling with. Meilin had followed them right up to the security check out, snapping pictures and chatting all the way. It was, however, beginning to hit Sakura once more how excited she was to be with Syaoran doing something again. The plane had taken off and they had sat quietly. Sakura knew Syaoran didn’t want to talk to her. It was presenting itself a hard fact to accept. She wanted to talk nonstop to him.

She finally decided to gather up the bravery and spit something out about ten minutes into the flight. Start with something light... “You can see Moondust, if you’d like...” Sakura found her voice sounding thin and quiet on the airplane. She hoped Syaoran had understood her.

“Maybe...” Syaoran replied, feeling he had been more than kind in responding.

“Oh....Did I tell you about Bob?” Sakura asked, feeling slightly sad at the thought.

“No,” Syaoran mumbled, not really caring. That stupid bug. What had he been thinking? It was at least four years ago now, he enchanted that butterfly. It had been connected to everthing he had loved, when he had had love. He wondered how the thing could survive without his conscious to link to.

“Well... He seemed to start dying after you left. It was so depressing. I had gotten so attached to him, he was like... he was almost like having part of you around, and it meant alot, once you had left. He got more and more tired, then one day he was just gone and the window was open. I guess he flew out somewhere to die...”

“Mm....” Syaoran managed, not too interested. It figured the bug would die. It died as he had died. What a paradox.

“It was so strange, after you left... I mean, I was so used to it all. Kero wasn’t there.... That was very strange. So when Bob went, it was just... horrible. At least Touya and Otto-san were there and acting normal again, but... Ugh. I don’t know. I can’t stand what Eriol’s done.”

“Yeah....” Syaoran mumbled, shifting in the small airplane seat. They were placed too close together. He didn’t like being so near to her. There wasn’t any going back now. He had committed himself. He could feel panic trying seep in. He was doubting his ability to hold against her. She was so powerful. He had to hold. He just couldn’t let her kill him a second time.

“The worst is with Tomoyo-chan, I think. I can see it in her eyes all of the time now. She’ll just smile and wave it off as nothing, but I can tell it’s really hard for her with all the memories she has of him and things she did with you and I...”

“Yeah...”

Sakura let silence stand on its own for a while. She wanted to look at Syaoran, see what he was doing. She knew he would be uncomfortable. She decided to just eye the safety manuals in the back pocket of the seat in front of her. How am I ever going to get through to him? If he keeps acting like this?

Sakura reached out and took out the manual from the seat. She leafed through it, a bit disturbed by the images of happy people sliding down off the plane. She sighed and set it back in, finally giving in to glance at him. He was just as she thought. Aloof, annoyed, and very irritable. She looked back to the aisle, watching the attendents haul down drinks. It seemed to take them forever to get to their seats. Sakura took the time to check out the beverage selection.

The stewardess stopped beside her, smiling her polite stewardess smile. “Would you like something to drink?”

Sakura smiled back. “Yes, some gingerale, thanks.”

The woman nodded and poured a glass quickly. She handed it to Sakura. She looked to Syaoran, who was loosely aware of the situation. He shook his head in a manner that explained he wasn’t thirsty. Sakura set out the tray in front of her and set her drink down. “You think Eriol will send someone to pick us up at the airport this time?”

Syaoran stifled a yawn and avoided looking at her. “If he does, I’m not riding with him.”

Sakura had to smile at Syaoran’s rigidness. “That’s fine. It was creepy, remember? I kept trying to get him to talk....”

Syaoran did remember. He made no move to say so. He didn’t want to remember any of it. It had started the whole chain of events that led to his destruction. He looked back in front of him, bored.

Sakura’s smile fell. He didn’t want to think about anything that had happened. She couldn’t blame him. It must have been painful. She sighed and revelled in the memories by herself. He had been so different then. There was a kind of happiness there that was completely absent here. She smiled, thinking of how he had been so upset with her when she decided to go with Eriol. It seemed so stupid, now. She had been so trusting. She felt her anger begin to burn as she thought of it. Stupid Eriol, taking her trust and using it against her. “Did your Elders ever care about what happened in England?” Sakura asked.

Syaoran glanced at her accidentally. He mentally scolded himself, then slowly shook his head. The truth was, he hadn’t bothered to tell them. He didn’t have the strength to think of it. He would have rathered forget the Cards and the problems tied to them forever.

Sakura sighed, feeling tired. “I’m sorry... I’ll stop bothering you.”

Syaoran didn’t respond. She hadn’t meant to make him feel guilty. He wouldn’t let her, anyways.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Sakura wanted to kiss the ground of the airport as she stepped out of the plane. The ride had been so painfully uncomfortable, the wide open space seemed like an overwhelming freedom. She breathed it in deep, trying to pretend she was alone and happy for a moment. It didn’t work. She found herself seperated from Syaoran. She looked around quickly and spotted him a few feet away, walking in a crowd towards baggage claim. Sakura hurried after him.

“You didn’t check any bags, did you?”

“No,” Syaoran said quietly, seeming half there.

Sakura tried to pretend she didn’t hear the sad tone in his voice. She pulled out her cell phone and called Tomoyo. Tomoyo answered just before the second ring.

“Sakura-chan!”

“Hi! I’m back!”

“You sound in high spirits, did everything go well in Hong Kong?”

Sakura glanced at the back of Syaoran’s head as she fell beside him. “Well.... no. I’ll just fill you in on details later. Not much happened since the last time you called, really. But um, I was just wondering if you could come pick us up?”

“Us! So you did get him to come along. I knew you would!”

Sakura smiled warily, switching the phone to her other ear as she spotted her suitcase wheeling around the track. She hurried over and grabbed it. “Um... yes... It was kind of odd though. But anyways, I’ll just see you when you get here. We’ll be outside.”

“Alright. I’ll get there right away!”

Sakura didn’t doubt she would. She set her suitcase down to put her phone in her pocket, then continued to where Syaoran stood. He turned as she approached him and continued towards the doors to the outside. He was nice enough to hold the door for a second as she made her way over, then continued on silently.

They stood on the edge of the sidewalk, the warm Tomoeda air breezing over them. Sakura felt so much better than she had in Hong Kong. “It’s much cooler here, huh?” She waited for Syaoran to nod. He barely did. “Well um... We’ll get on the computer and book some tickets right away. Maybe we can even find one that leaves today....”

Syaoran nodded. He hoped this would be the case. He shifted his bookbag on his shoulder and continued to look over the town. It seemed like it had been frozen in time, just waiting for him to come back. He felt like if he could go back to the day before, he would find himself fleeing from the park, snow falling heavily onto him. But he couldn’t let himself remember. He would have to avoid looking around as much as possible. He didn’t want to remember any of it. She was horrible for asking him to come here. He scowled at the thought.

“Why didn’t we just fly straight to England?” Syaoran asked.

“Oh.... well, since Chindra’s coming and everything.... it would be much easier if we all went together.”

Syaoran just sighed heavily. He was doing her a very big favor. She didn’t deserve it.

“I really appreciate you doing this, Syaoran-kun. I know it seems so unfair....” Sakura trailed off, not knowing where she was going with the point. Syaoran didn’t deem it worthy of response. She sighed, annoyed with herself, and watched for one of Tomoyo’s vehichles to pull up.

It was another five minutes of awkward silence before Sakura spotted a familiar car. It was Chindra’s. They had both come to pick them up. She smile weakly as they pulled over. Yet again, more discomfort. Tomoyo got out of the car immediately. Sakura was surprised and relieved she didn’t have a video camera in her hands.

“Hi Sakura-chan, Li-kun!”

Sakura glanced at Chindra, who was getting out as well. She looked back to Tomoyo, smiling. “Hi,” She answered simply.

“My, you’ve grown up so much, Li-kun!” Tomoyo remarked, looking the boy over.

Syaoran managed an expression change that could pass for an uncertain answer.

Chindra stood next to Tomoyo, smiling at them both. Sakura smiled. Syaoran glared in an undiscernable way. Tomoyo observed the behavior and began piecing together the current situation.

“Well.... let’s get going, shall we? I’m going to book those tickets right away.”

Tomoyo nodded, glancing at Syaoran before resting her eyes on Sakura. “Yes, I bet you two are tired, travelling so much in the morning. Would you like to go to my house or would you rather go home?”

Sakura headed to the backseat, going around the car so Syaoran could have the closet door. She already dreading having to sit in close quarters with him again. “Well... my house, really.”

“Alright,” Chindra agreed, waiting for everyone to get in before pulling out of park.

Sakura sat down, doing her best not to watch Syaoran. She set her suitcase between them, creating a barrier that made things a little bit easier. Chindra pulled off the sidewalk and began down the road. Syaoran remained silent and aloof. Tomoyo turned in the passengers seat.

“When do you plan on leaving?”

Sakura felt bad informing her friends she wanted to leave as soon as possible. She hadn’t expected to be dealing with Syaoran on such delicate terms. He had already explained, there was only one week to use. There was no time to sit at home and practice. “Well... I was hoping we could get something really soon, maybe even tonight...”

“Tonight!” Chindra commented with surprise. “We’re not going to, um... practice, or anything?”

“Well... I don’t know.... Li-kun doesn’t have much time, and we probably don’t need it...”

“You don’t want to underestimate your enemy,” Tomoyo said, numbing one side of herself for the sake of her friends.

“I know... I just... What do you think, Li-kun? Do you want to leave right now?”

Syaoran glared at her for giving him a question he had to answer. He was tempted to shrug. “I have a week. Use it however you want.”

Sakura felt like strangling him at the present moment. She just let out the frustration in a simple sigh. “I suppose we should leave as soon as we can....”

“Alright. Well, you won’t mind if I leave to pack after dropping you off?” Chindra asked, turning onto a suburb road.

“No, that’s fine. I’ll call you as soon as I find out times and stuff.”

“I should probably pack as well, so make sure to call me too,” Tomoyo said, sitting back straight in her seat. She glanced in her mirror. Syaoran wasn’t going to make this easy for Sakura. She needed to talk to her friend at some point, find out what had really gone on during her visit. She was sure it would be rather dramatic, given the tendencies of the two.

Syaoran glanced at Tomoyo’s seat for a second, finding his irritation climbing. It figured Sakura would invite her friends along, just for fun. Why not make a movie of it all, and have Syaoran make them look good with his extensive training. He leaned against the window, wishing himself home.

The car finally pulled into Sakura’s driveway. Sakura quickly gathered her things and got out. She leaned back in. “Thanks for the ride, guys. I’ll call you both as soon as I figure it out.”

“No problem. Talk to you later,” Chindra said, smiling.

Tomoyo waited for Syaoran to be out of the car before adding, “Good luck.”

Sakura smiled warily as they backed out, waving goodbye. She was going to need it.

Sakura stood watching their car drive off for a second, then remembered the boy standing holding his bookbag a few feet from her. She hurried into the house, glad to see no one inside. She looked over at the board where they wrote notes. Her father was at work. She sighed. Just as well. Syaoran followed her silently, always staying a good distance from her. She clambered up the stairs, dropping her things into her room. She hurried back to where Syaoran waited in the hall and led him to Chindra’s old room and half study.

She wordlessly pulled out a chair for him and turned on the computer, letting him set his stuff down on the bed against the wall. He sat in the chair, watching the screen in boredom.

“This computer is so slow...” Sakura muttered, trying to keep him from getting to her. She couldn’t help it. She could feel those amber eyes burning into her. He sat all smug in that computer chair, probably laughing inside about how dumb she was. She wouldn’t let it get her down.

The computer finally booted up and Sakura got onto the internet, finding flight reservations quickly. She looked through. “I guess not many people go to England...” She remarked, looking at the less frequent flights they had. There had been one flight that day. It was leaving in ten minutes. It didn’t look like they could make that. “Ah, here it is. One for tomorrow at eleven.” She clicked on it for details. There was more than enough empty seats on the plane. “Is that okay?” She asked, turning her chair towards them.

Syaoran continued to look at the screen. “They’re your Cards.”

Sakura glared, turned back to the screen, and hesitated. She would have liked to retort with something witty there. She opened her mouth to say something. She thought better of it. She clicked on the stuff, typed in the credit card information, then printed off the online receipts.

“Your dad pays for all of this flying around?” Syaoran asked, watching her pull the papers out of the printer.

“No,” Sakura said, looking over the information. “No, I payed for it.” Sakura enjoyed the feeling of mystery she had for all it was worth. Though Syaoran showed no interest, she was sure he was curious of where she got the money. “Well.... these are pretty good seats. All together. Not bad for the day before.”

Syaoran yawned in response.

Sakura set the pages somewhere where they wouldn’t get lost, then sat back down and faced Syaoran. “Well.... I don’t know where you want to stay tonight. I mean... I know Tomoyo always has space, but you’re free to stay in here if you’d like...”

Syaoran considered the choices, then shrugged. “I don’t care.”

Sakura sighed. “Well it’s your decision.”
Syaoran glanced at the bed, then sighed loudly to demonstrate his frustration. “I’ll just stay here,” he mumbled. He ignored Sakura’s pleased smile.

“Great! Otto-san will be glad to see you. Touya doesn’t live here anymore, but he stops by alot. If he does stop by, I doubt he’ll be dumb with you.... you’ve both grown up alot...”

“Mm...” Syaoran answered, watching the computer shut down in boredom.

Sakura watched him for a second. Or at least Touya’s grown up alot... “Well, um... I guess you’re probably really hungry too... We can go downstairs and eat, but I have to call Tomoyo and Chindra.”

“Why is Daidouji-san going to England?” Syaoran asked, remembering the thought.

“Well... She is heavily involved in this too. She wants to go. She is going to help pay for Chindra’s ticket, too. I told her I thought it was dangerous too, but she just insisted on going.”

“Eriol could still be using her.”

Sakura bit on her lip, then shook her head. “No, he’s not. I know her too well, I know she’s on our side.”

Syaoran shook his head. “No. That’s not what I mean. She’s still having memories of him. She can’t help but think of him as a not-so-bad-guy. You’re being naive, Kinomoto.”

Sakura sighed. “Of course I am....”

Syaoran watched her for a second, then looked at the carpet beneath him. There were too many memories in this house. “Look, last time you trusted your friends, you found out they were all replacements. You’re trusting them so easily again...”

Sakura glared at him for mentioning trust. So far, Tomoyo had done alot more things to help Sakura out than Syaoran had. Syaoran had only broken and twisted trust. “And why should I trust your advice, since you’re not exactly trustworthy?”

“Because you flew to my house just to get my help.”

Sakura glared back to the floor. He just always had to be right. She sighed slowly in defeat, then looked back at him. “Fine. Maybe I’m being a little too trusting. But I know Tomoyo would never betray our friendship, not like she is now.”

“She did alot of betraying, when Eriol had control of her before.”

“But she served her purpose. Eriol doesn’t need to use her anymore.”

Syaoran shook his head. “No, he could use her for all kinds of things. She’d tell you to jump off a cliff because it’s the only way to get your Cards back and you’d do it.”

Sakura glared at him. “No, I wouldn’t, because she would never ask anything like that. Look, maybe you just don’t get it because you’ve never been close to a person like that, but Tomoyo isn’t going to hurt us. If anything, she’ll help us beat him.”

“I can see you really want my help,” Syaoran snapped, glaring back at her.

“No, honestly, you know I wasn’t trying-”
“Shut up, Kinomoto. I’m wasting alot of time and energy just to fulfill some stupid promise I made and the least you could do is fucking appreciate it. Not even appreciate it, just... just leave me alone or something...”

Sakura let out her breath slowly to contain herself from fighting with him anymore. She nodded. “Fine. You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll take it into consideration, okay? But just know, I really really really think it’s impossible for her to turn on me, alright?”

Syaoran was glaring in another direction now. It was a glare of aloof disconnection, not any anger behind it. Sakura almost missed him being mad. At least it showed he was feeling something. She looked at the ground, then looked back at him. This was so difficult... “Well... what do you want to eat? I’ll make anything...”

Syaoran sighed. “I’m not hungry.”

Sakura rolled her eyes. “Of course you are, we haven’t eaten in forever.”

“No. I’m not.”

Sakura observed him for a second, trying to figure out why he was excusing himself like that. She shook her head in defeat. “Okay. I’ll make some extra sandwiches, just in case.” She got to her feet, hoping he would change his mind. He just continued to sit. She sighed again and headed out the door.

Sakura felt free once she was out of the room. Things were just so difficult with him. She had been completely wrong in thinking she could preform some kind of miracle. He doesn’t want to change. I should respect that. Maybe I’m just being dumb, thinking he’s anything more than help... Sakura doubted herself as she grabbed the phone and set it on the counter. She grabbed a bag of bread and pulled out some slices. No... I can’t respect who he is. He’s miserable. And if I love him, I should want to help him no matter what. The thing is... I have to figure out if I do or not now... I was so sure before... She sighed, slapping a piece of meat between two pieces of bread and looking towards the window. She glanced at the stairs, wondering what he was doing.

I’m just being a coward. He was brave enough to risk himself in front of me, it’s the least I can do to return it....two years later. Sakura grabbed the phone and dialed Chindra’s number. She informed the girl of the flight schedule and arranged to meet the next day. Chindra asked nothing more. Sakura hesitated as she dialed Tomoyo’s number. Tomoyo would know what was going on... She forced herself to finish the number.

“Moshi moshi?”
“Hi, it’s me. We have a flight at eleven tomorrow. It stops in Frankfurt for the night, then gets to London around seven in the evening.”

“That’s great,” Tomoyo answered cheerfully. She waited to see if Sakura was going to add anything, then continued. “So how is he?”

Sakura sighed, looking towards the stairs. She lowered her voice. “Selfish, miserable, and unapproachable.”

Tomoyo laughed. “I figured as much. You didn’t tell him then, did you?”

Sakura began on another two sandwiches. “No. I wanted to but... I dunno. Bad timing.”

“You didn’t recognize him?” Tomoyo guessed.

Sakura smiled, shaking her head. “I don’t know how you do it, Tomoyo-chan. Yeah, it was like.. I don’t know. I guess I should have expected it but...”

“Was he with someone else?”

“No... well... sort of, but not really. It wasn’t like that. It’s like...Hang on.” Sakura hurried into the back hall and let herself outside where she would be assured Syaoran couldn’t hear her. “It’s like I did so much damage before, I don’t know if... if I can fix it or anything. He’s not even there, ninety percent of the time.”

“He was bound to be changed by it, Sakura-chan.”

Sakura sighed. “I know. And I expected some hostility but... I don’t know. It’s not even that. He’s just so emotionless...it’s like I can’t even get through. The only successful things I’ve seen him feel so far, and with tons of effort on my part, were fear and anger.”

“Well, it’s a step in the right direction.”

“I...guess. I don’t know. But this week isn’t very long. I like... need to be making sprinting progress, not little steps...”

“Yeah... Well don’t worry, Sakura-chan. You managed to get him to go this far. It’s a big step for him. Just look at it from his point of view. He’s terrified of you, he has bad memories from this place, and he’s completely out of his comfort zone. There’s no quick escape for him here. He’s trapped.”

“Yeah... you know, you’re right. I didn’t think of it that way...” Sakura glanced over her shoulder into the window in the door. “I guess I’ll keep trying to make him feel at home, then.”

“You’ll work it out, don’t worry.”

“Thanks, Tomoyo-chan. It would have taken me three days to figure all that out on my own.”

“You’re too hard on yourself. But anyways, call me later tonight and let me know how the day went.”

“You think I should take him out to eat?” Sakura began inching her way back towards the kitchen.

“I think it’d be better for you two to stay alone somewhere. Somewhere you can really talk.”

Sakura considered this. “But... I guess. It’s just, he’s going to hide in his room...”

“Keep trying, Sakura. He doesn’t want to be alone, despite how he acts.”

Sakura let out a long sigh. “Alright. Well thanks, I think I’ll try to talk to him again.”

“Okay. Good luck.”

Sakura hung up the phone, already walking down the hall. She stopped at the kitchen to survey the sandwiches she had made. They looked good. She abandoned them and bounded up the stairs with new inspiration. She slowed as she approached the open door, feeling intimidation start to creep in. She shoved it out of her mind and peered into his room with a ridiculously large smile on her face.

Syaoran looked up from where he sat on the edge of the bed. He was reading some book.

“Whatcha reading?” Sakura asked pleasantly, stepping through the doorway.

Syaoran reluctantly set the book down. “Nothing.”

“Ah. Always a good read...” Sakura found herself jittering. She stilled. “So do you ever stop using your brain?”

Syaoran frowned at her skeptically. “Do you?” He paused before adding, “Nevermind...”

Sakura would have normally become offended and said something back. She forced herself to laugh, though it was painfully fake. “You’re so mean, Syaoran,” She laughed. He just watched her blankly. She sighed and let her smile drop. “I was just going to tell you the sandwiches are done. I know you said you didn’t want one, but I’d really like it if you’d eat with me.”

“And I’d really like it if I could be left alone.”

“Well that’s not going to happen. I can’t leave you alone knowing we only have a week to see each other before you go back again.”

Syaoran let out an annoyed breath. “Like that matters. We’re not going to talk again anyways, after the Cards are finished.”

Sakura frowned. “Why do you say that?”

Syaoran glared. “That’s all I’m good for, isn’t it?”

Sakura shook her head. “No, of course not.”

“Then what else?” Syaoran challenged.

Sakura let out a slow breath. “You... you’re a good friend.”

“That’s a lie. I know I’m horrible to be around, you don’t have to pretend. A friend cares and I don’t.”

Sakura was finding it hard to keep the words from sinking in. She looked at the ground. “You don’t mean that...” She said quietly, focussing on keeping her eyes dry.

Syaoran watched her, seeing himself make impact. He was getting himself in deeper, showing her real emotions like this. He needed to stop. But he couldn’t. “How far do I have to go to prove it to you?”

Sakura finally pulled her eyes off the carpet. “You wouldn’t have come to help me, promise or no.”

“If the Cards are getting out of hand, I’m going to be involved whether I like it or not. If you can’t handle protecting the world then God, I guess someone else will have to do it.”

Sakura took in a deep breath. “Do you want to go see Moondust?”

Syaoran frowned. “What?”

“Moondust,” she reiterated, “I think she would be really happy to see you.”

Syaoran glared at her for a long moment for daring to change the subject like that. She was just too scared of getting her feelings hurt. Syaoran pondered pursuing it even further. He could crush all her hopes of ever befriending him and put all danger at an end. But he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He reasoned that it was pointless, that he could control things from a less dramatic standpoint. He refused to recognize the hope starting to creep in. “Are you going, too?”

Sakura nodded, finally dragging her sad eyes to meet his. Syaoran hated the mixed feelings swimming around in his head as he quickly looked away. She was trying so hard. But that’s just who she is. Wonderful. She’s a good person and doesn’t like to see me miserable. But she just wants to be my friend. That’s all that’s powering this. I can’t forget it. “Bring Tomoyo.”

Sakura frowned. “Why?”

“So you’ll talk to her instead of me,” Syaoran answered simply. He smothered a yawn, then waited impatiently for her reply.

“Um...alright...” Sakura turned from the room, then paused. “We’ll leave in ten minutes.” She didn’t bother to wait for any response, not wanting to get hurt anymore than she had to. She rushed to the phone downstairs and called Tomoyo right up. She glumly explained the situation and was glad to hear Tomoyo cheerfully agree. Sakura set down the phone and grabbed a sandwich, biting into it ravenously. She finished off two sandwiches, then wrapped the others up for later. Right on time, Syaoran walked down the stairs in casual silence. Sakura gave him a feeble smile of recognition, then walked to the front door. She scribbled where she was for her father, who was sure to be home soon, then grabbed her keys and continued to the driveway.

Sakura looked at her precious and plain automatic car. She was so thankful for the automatic transmission. She glanced at Syaoran, who seemed to be deciding between the front and back seat. He reluctantly got in the front passenger’s side, surprised at the fact of Sakura owning a car. The thought just hadn’t hit him.

“Your car’s probably worth quadruple this,” Sakura muttered, starting the car and pulling on the seat belt. Syaoran said nothing. “At least it’s an automatic,” she said under her breath, backing out of the driveway and refusing to become nervous with Syaoran watching her driving.

Once on the road, Sakura turned her radio to a classical station just to try and irritate Syaoran. He didn’t seem to mind. She tried to enjoy it for what it was worth, glad to see he wasn’t commenting on any of her unconscious driving habits. She pulled off in front of Tomoyo’s driveway, happy that she was ready to go.

Tomoyo hurried into the car, bag with the camera in hand. She shut her door and settled into the backseat behind Syaoran. “It’s been a while since you’ve seen your horse, hmm?” Tomoyo asked.

Sakura smiled at her friend’s antics, her smile growing as Syaoran responsed with, “Mhm.”

“Sakura’s taken good care of her,” Tomoyo went on. “She must go out and ride every other day...” Tomoyo adjusted the small spy camera that was hidden under her handbag, trying to get a clear shot of Syaoran’s expressions. She found the perfect spot and held it there.

Syaoran, however, was making no good footage whatsoever, and didn’t waste time to answer. He just stared out the window, the same dulled look on his face that he had had earlier in the day. Tomoyo turned off the camera in defeat and slumped into the backseat. She glanced at Sakura. She was driving with an emotionless expression. Tomoyo sighed. Syaoran must have said some dumb things.

Tomoyo blinked. She found herself looking into Eriol’s familiar blue eyes. He was smiling at her. “You’re so different, Tomoyo.” She blinked once more, finding the seat in front of her once more. She let out a long sigh. She couldn’t help but feel slightly nervous at the thought of seeing him. What if he replaced her again? What if he used her to hurt Sakura? He won’t.

“Did you tell your sisters where you were going?” Sakura asked, breaking the silence. Tomoyo hurried to turn her camera on again.

“No,” Syaoran mumbled, looking out the window.

Tomoyo panned over to Sakura. She seemed to be accustomed to his short, ambiguous answers. She just continued to drive, her cheerful spirit completely deflated. She caught one more shot of Syaoran’s aloof, dull expression and shut the camera off again. Those two just needed to think a bit more rationally.

Sakura pulled onto the makeshift road that was now in existence because she had driven over the same part every time. It led to the back of the barn. She parked her car, then got out. She pulled her shirt down unconsciously, then looked towards the pasture. Moondust wasn’t in view. She had missed the horse since she had been gone. She walked to the fence, keeping a way behind Syaoran. Tomoyo fell into step beside her.

“What did he do?” She whispered.

Sakura glanced at Syaoran to see if he had heard her. He was already at the fence, leaning on it in boredom. “I’ll tell you in a bit.”

Tomoyo nodded in agreement, then stopped as they reached the fence beside him.

Sakura glanced at Syaoran. He didn’t even seem to be interested in looking for the horse. She sighed and looked out into the tall grass. “Moondust!” She called, eyes scanning the hillside.

They heard a distant whinny. A galloping white horse appeared in the distance. The sun behind her made her glow with golden light. The horse stopped once in good view of them, ears perked forward. She seemed to be sizing Syaoran up. She neighed again, the sound high and shrill. She took off, this time straight towards them. Tomoyo filmed the horse, amazed with its enduring beauty.

Moondust stopped in front of them, immediately whickering and nudging Syaoran with her nose. Syaoran took a step back, then hesitantly held out his hand. He sighed as the horse sniffed him, then dropped his hand to his side. It couldn’t have been more obvious that he didn’t want to be here. It looked like he was having a hard time staying unattached.

Sakura pet the horse happily. She was glad that she recognized Syaoran after all this time. She supposed, they had known each other for a long time. Sakura pondered what must have been going through Syaoran’s mind. He probably hated himself for giving up something so precious to her. It was reminding him how much he did care, if only back then. She stroked the horse for a second, then glanced at Syaoran, smiling. “Do you want to go ride around? We’ll wait here.”

Syaoran felt too many memories flooding back. It was going to be very hard to ignore emotions in his current state. He didn’t want to get on with them watching him ride around like a moron. He was about to shake his head when Sakura cut in.

“Actually, I have to go fill up her water trough, so we’ll be back.”

Syaoran nodded slowly as Sakura turned with Tomoyo and headed away to get the hose. He almost felt like she had sensed his hesitance. He couldn’t stand it. With a defeated sigh, he ducked under the fence and stood at the horse’s side. The big white horse stood still, waiting for him to get on. He hopped up effortlessly and swung into place.

It felt completely different. The last time he had been here, he must have been a lot shorter. Moondust seemed to have shrunk. She began walking. Syaoran was surprised at the huge difference of gaits between her and Raion. He didn’t like how she felt. She was a girl’s horse. He had been doing himself a favor, getting Sakura to take her. That was all it was. Just one big favor. He let Moondust move into a trot, then a canter. He let out a sigh. He wanted to ride her home and forget all about this. Forget everything and everyone on this island. Moondust sped into a gallop. Syaoran had forgotten how fast and smooth she ran. He let her go full out. It was faster than Raion ran. She was a much sleeker horse than the big war horse at home. He let her run through the woods, absently ducking out of the way of low branches. She didn’t seem to tire. He finally had to stop her as he could see the fenceline in the distance. The last thing he wanted to do was give Sakura the impression he was enjoying himself.

Moondust reluctantly obeyed and settled into a prancing walk. She attempted to trot a few times and was restrained. Syaoran hopped off as they approached Tomoyo and Sakura and walked beside the horse. She was barely showing any signs of having run. Sakura had at least kept the horse in shape, if not well disciplined.

--------

Sakura watched Syaoran running in the distance and smiled. She shook her head. “He is so confusing...”

“I think he confuses himself,” Tomoyo remarked, watching him as well.

“He said... he was telling me he doesn’t care. He keeps saying it, clinging to it. I know why. I understand he’s just trying to feel safe. But I’ve begun thinking, what if he really doesn’t?”

Tomoyo shook her head. “Syaoran loved you, Sakura-chan. He may be good at pretending, but he’s not fooling anyone. He can’t help but care for you. That’s why he’s so scared.”

Sakura glanced at the rising water level in the trough, then settled back on the fence. “Well... he’s doing a good job fooling me. I just don’t know what else to do.”

Tomoyo smiled in sympathy. “Keep being yourself, Sakura-chan. He’s powerless to it.”

Sakura watched Syaoran slow Moondust, then hop off and walk towards them. “I dunno...”

“Are you going to ride? I was hoping I could get some more footage of you here while the grass is still high.”

Sakura watched him approach. She knew she shouldn’t keep from riding just because she was embarassed of any criticism Syaoran may have. “Yes... I suppose....” Sakura waited patiently. A thought occured to her. “But... could you try not to say anything....I mean, I’m sorry. You know what I mean. I trust you, Tomoyo.”

Tomoyo smiled in response and waited quietly. Syaoran stopped a few feet in front of them. Moondust stopped obediently beside him. The horse turned her head to see what he was doing, then decided to continue on. She walked up to Sakura and pushed on her with her nose. Sakura smiled and pat the horse’s neck, then peered around to Syaoran, who reluctantly walked to the fence.

“Was she like you remember?” Sakura called over to him.

Syaoran shrugged. “A little undisciplined,” he commented.

Sakura glared at him as he walked by. She failed to notice the slight sign of life in Syaoran’s eye. Tomoyo treasured her small camera. The moment was captured to watch later. “Well, Sakura-chan, why don’t you go around the field a couple times?”

Sakura gave a weak smile and nodded. “Alright.” She smiled hopefully at Syaoran, who pretended not to see. Tomoyo yet again waited in anticipation to replay this footage later.

Sakura passed Syaoran in one awkward second and pulled Moondust over to the fence, then hopped on. Moondust was already prancing anxiously to go again. Sakura smiled at Tomoyo. “Looks like we’ll be moving fast.”

Tomoyo smiled in return. “All the better.”

Sakura let Moondust go, having no reins or saddle to steer with. She let the horse run where she wanted. Moondust pushed off her haunches and jumped into a run, heading down a long straightaway. Sakura grinned and clung to the horse’s neck, enjoying the reckless fun. She lost her troubles for a few moments.

Tomoyo stood, taping until Sakura disappeared over the hill, then dropped her camera. Syaoran stood wordlessly a few feet to her left, looking blankly out into space. Tomoyo smiled. “She really missed you alot,” Tomoyo commented.

Syaoran dragged his eyes to the right. He assumed she was talking about Sakura and not the horse. “Don’t bother.”

Tomoyo shook her head. “Don’t bother what?”

“You’re just trying to talk me into changing, like everyone else.”

Tomoyo shook her head, catching a glimpse of Moondust at a far corner of the field. “No, not at all. I was just commenting that she missed you.”

Syaoran let out a loud sigh. “I don’t trust you, Daidouji.”

Tomoyo smiled sadly. “I know. I can understand why. I’m sorry Eriol used me that way, I really am. I was powerless to it. But I don’t blame you.”

“Have you talked to Hiiragizawa lately, Daidouji-san?”

Tomoyo felt herself faulter slightly. She had sent a large number of letters. Did the fact they were left unanswered mean she hadn’t talked to him? She would assume so. “Why would you ask that, Li-kun?”

“I told you. I don’t trust you.”

Tomoyo sighed. “No. I haven’t spoken to Hiiragizawa. I wonder if I ever really have? I have memories of it, but it isn’t me speaking to him.”

“You shouldn’t go with her. You have no place in England. You know as well as I do, Sakura will trust you until you stab her.”

Tomoyo frowned, sorrow creeping into her large grey eyes. “I feel I have a part to play in Eriol’s demise.”

Syaoran frowned. “Did you tell her that?”

“Yes, in not so many words. Sakura understands that I’m involved.”

“You better not screw her over, Daidouji.”

Tomoyo shook her head. “So you do care?”

Syaoran frowned. “No. Why should I?”

“You came here.”

Syaoran shook his head. “No. I’m here because... Because a couple of years ago, in the weakest and most selfless moment of my life, I made a promise to be here.”

“And you wish you wouldn’t have now?” Tomoyo looked up at Sakura, who ran by wildly. She was grinning, waving helplessly as Moondust ran in a giant circle.

“I wish I wouldn’t have,” Syaoran agreed. “I’d really appreciate it if you would quit searching for any feelings I might have for her. They’re not there. Isn’t that obvious?”

Tomoyo brought up her camera as Sakura was in view again. “If you say so,” Tomoyo said, watching Sakura finally struggle to slow Moondust down with her seat. She tried pulling back on Moondust’s mane. Moondust slowed to a bouncy trot, wandering around in ragged patterns.

Syaoran let out an annoyed sigh, watching Sakura trot around.

“I was just trying to tell you first, she really missed you. She hated to do this to you, she really did. It took two and a half years for her to finally save enough money to do it. She just wants you to be happy. Her intentions aren’t as bad as you’d like them to be.”

Sakura slowed to a walk finally, getting Moondust to walk in a crooked line towards them. She smiled breathlessly, hair breezed off her face.

“I can’t be happy,” Syaoran responded, glaring on gaurd as Sakura approached them.

Tomoyo said nothing. She smiled as Sakura hopped down and walked over to pet the horse on the neck as well. “That will look awesome! You look so lovely on that horse.”

Sakura smiled weakly, shaking her head. She glanced towards Syaoran. Same expression. She sighed. She knew Tomoyo had probably said something embarassing to him. She might as well accept it. She smiled at Tomoyo, then walked over to Syaoran. He slowly looked at her.

“Do you want to stay and see her longer, or do you want to leave?” At his hesitance, she added, “Or we can leave you alone for a while, if you want to see her by yourself...”

Syaoran watched her. He hated Tomoyo for talking to him like that. He didn’t want to feel any emotions. And yet she still managed to pry some out of him. He worked on pushing them away, then shrugged. “I’m ready to leave.”

Sakura nodded in agreement. “Well let’s-” Sakura stopped, feeling a slight rumble under her feet. She frowned. The familiar feeling of magic was going through her mind. “It’s Earthy.... with Watery I think.”

Syaoran felt like sighing.

Tomoyo felt like smiling for her friend. This was just the thing they needed to get closer.

“They haven’t been very strong so far,” Sakura commented, looking around. There was no movement. She sighed. “But Earthy never attacked since you left.”

“What are you going to do?” Syaoran finally brought himself to ask.

“Try and reseal it, I guess.” Sakura looked down the field, then walked over to Moondust. A few years ago, they would have happily gotten on her and worked as a team. She had a feeling one of them would be taking it on foot. One look over to Syaoran affirmed it wasn’t going to be her. She hopped onto Moondust, then looked back to him. “I’ll try and do what I can, just be ready to back me up.”

Syaoran blinked in such a way it was accepted as an agreement.

Sakura watched him for a second, then encouraged Moondust into a faster pace, following her magic sense. They cantered along, unhindered. Sakura could feel it all around. She frowned, looking for something obvious. It wasn’t there. Suddenly Moondust pitched to the left, almost throwing her off. Sakura grabbed the mane desperately and pulled herself back up. She looked with wide eyes at the large fault that ran through the ground beside her. She needed to think of something fast.

Sakura called out her staff and held it low, ready to strike anything that appeared. Suddenly they were plunging into a lake. Moondust accepted the change of landscape with relative ease. Sakura clung to the mane with one hand, being pulled along. Moondust was swimming. Sakura was thankful she had already experienced this once in Hong Kong. She sent out a shield and pushed energy into her staff. She sent it blasting through the water, cutting the lake right in two. Moondust moved uncertainly at the walls of water at her sides. Sakura spun her staff, sending a circle of energy exploding out. She topped it off with a fire spell, dissolving much of the remaining water. She encouraged Moondust into a run.

The ground in front of them began to rise. A small wall was collecting in their way. Moondust hurled over it and continued to run. They were approaching the fence. Sakura leaned and signalled Moondust to begin running back in the direction they had came. Ground began to split and scatter all around them. Moondust was forced to stop, large pillars of earth unevening about them. Sakura tried a strong binding spell. The forces slowed for a few seconds, then continued jumping and lurching all about. The ground they stood, shielded and protected, began to move. Moondust reared up, trying to get out of the way. Sakura grabbed more mane, trying to hang on.

Moondust lost her balance and began tumbling to the side. Sakura barely freed her leg from being trapped. Moondust quickly tried to right herself, slipping all over. Sakura rolled onto her side on the moving earth. She tried to get her bearings. It was impossible. She rolled onto her feet almost by accident, and quickly jumped onto a more stable piece of earth. She took off at a run, knowing she couldn’t last long. She searched around for Syaoran. He wasn’t anywhere in sight, though she couldn’t see very far with all the moving earth.

“Sakura!” A voice called

Sakura looked in the direction it was coming from. Chindra was climbing over the moving rock maze. She quickly got up a weak shield as some rocks came crashing down. Sakura sent out a bind spell to slow them, giving Chindra time to get out of the way. She smiled weakly at her. She wasn’t used to the cards being so difficult.

“You’ve got to be extra careful, this is really-” Sakura jumped out of the way as some earth seemed to try and swallow her. She ran a good distance away, then sent out a blast of energy.

“Dangerous!” Chindra finished. She tried a spell Sakura had taught her, adding a little more damage to the card.

“Yeah, we-” Sakura jumped, grabbing Chindra’s arm to pull her out of the way as well. “We’ve got to get Syaoran!”

“He was trying-” She jumped away from Sakura as a fault split right between them, water beginning to swell through. “-To get over to you.”

Sakura felt a little better hearing this. She sent a freezing spell to the water, hoping it would hold long enough for them to run and regroup. The ground under her rumbled and sprung up way too fast. Sakura tried to jump down, but was at a good heigth before doing so. She landed and rolled for a while, her knees aching. She bumped into something solid. She instictively sent out another shield. Something yanked her to her feet. She found herself face to face with Syaoran. She stepped back and about gawked at him. He stood with his sword out, looking ferocious. It had been a while since she had seen him in battle. He didn’t give her any more time to think about it.

“It’s too strong to fight split up,” he muttered, pulling her out of her daze as some rocks began tumbling towards them. Chindra came around some uneven ground and looked releived as she saw Sakura standing.

“We should attack together, right?”

Sakura nodded. “Look for the source, then we’ll all send out whatever we have left at the same time.”

“There,” Syaoran said simply, pointing towards the epicenter.

“Okay,” Sakura said. “On three-”

A large lake of hot water was oozing up from the ground at a quick rate. It began twisting around their feet. Chindra began to slip. Sakura grabbed her and yanked her up, then jumped out to more shallow waters. Syaoran hurried after them, but the water quickly rose to their knees. It was scaulding hot. Sakura cringed and kept trying to run out of it, but it was getting so high it was becoming impossible. She turned and sent out another blast of wind, seperating the water for a moment and creating a walkable path. It didn’t last long with her waning power. Syaoran sent out some huge, high scale attack that crackled as it hit the center of the water. The water recoiled.

“I don’t know what to do!” Chindra shouted, looking terrified. Sakura felt for her. This was way over her head.

“Just throw out your energy, concentrate it out!” Sakura bumped into Syaoran as the ground began rumbling under her. He righted her absently and backed up quickly.

“That water’s going to rise again fast. Attack the center now!” Syaoran didn’t wait for his words to register. He blasted pure energy down his sword and let it radiate towards the center. Sakura quickly sent out her strongest attack, glancing at Syaoran as she felt her energy leave her. His eyes had brightened for the first time. She felt herself go dizzy. She hoped she could remain conscious. She hadn’t used this much energy in a long time.

Chindra had sent out some sort of attack she didn’t know she had. She watched the three attacks merge and explode in a giant display of energy. It penetrated Earthy, sending branches of energy surging down into Earthy’s form. She wailed and slowly dissolved into a card. Sakura reached out and barely clasped her weak hand around it. It was a Clow card. She stumbled back on one foot, feeling very tired.

“The Watery’s just giving up, I think,” Chindra commented, watching the magic subside. The water slowly disappeared into thin air. The earth settled into compact piles. Everything remained disheveled, but to a minor degree.

“Did the cards fight so strongly before?” Syaoran asked, looking from Sakura to Chindra.

The girl with dark hair shook her head, curls bounding around from her loose pony tail. “No, nothing like this. Normally we fought one at a time... Only just before she left did they start combining like that.”

Syaoran glanced at Sakura. She was trying to pay attention, but she looked like she was past her limit. In one graceful movement, she began to faint. Chindra caught her sloppily. She carefully laid her down on the ground and knelt next to her, snapping and clapping in front of her face with worry. “Sakura! Sakura, wake up!”

Syaoran sighed, kneeling as well. “She’s just tired. She used too much magic.”

“Oh...” Chindra answered, feeling dumb. “I had no idea Sakura could do all of those things...”

Syaoran nodded grimly. He was slightly impressed. She had become much stronger since the last time he had seen her. Sakura’s eyes stirred under her eyes. She opened them, then shut them again, then opened once more. She smiled weakly. “I...” She closed her eyes, her head leaning to the side again.

Syaoran sighed, thought for a bit, then put his hand on her arm and sent a little energy into her. Chindra watched, confused. “Are you... healing her?”

“Transferring magic,” Syaoran explained, sitting back. “I didn’t do very much so I have a lot to spare.”

Chindra nodded. “Sorry, I am... new to all of this.”

Syaoran made no response. Sakura blinked her eyes open again, this time less groggy. She sat up slowly, breathed for a few minutes, then smiled. “Sorry. I guess I overdid it.”

Syaoran just watched with mild interest.

“You did what you had to to stay alive,” Chindra said sympathetically, smiling. Sakura smiled in return, then glanced at Syaoran. He had sat down next to her. She smiled as she looked at the grass and dirt between her fingers. Maybe there was hope yet.

Syaoran stood up, looking around at the field. “You better toughen up, fighting Eriol is going to be harder than this.”

Sakura smiled weakly at him, then slowly got to her feet. “Well... I feel like I still have a few attacks in me yet... I don’t know why I fell like that...”

“Li-san gave you energy after you fell,” Chindra said, smiling.

Sakura frowned, steadying herself on her feet, a grin slowly spreading across her face.

Syaoran scowled. “I didn’t want to have to wait around for you to wake up.”

Sakura’s smile dropped. “Where’s Moondust?”

“Huh?” Chindra asked, frowning at Sakura like she was dillusional.

“Moondust. I was riding her when Earthy started to pop up. She fell and I didn’t see her again.”

“Over there,” Syaoran mumbled.

Sakura looked towards the horse. She was standing with her head lowered fifty feet away. Sakura frowned, worried. She pushed herself into a jog, her eyes glued to the horse. She reached her, worrying as the horse barely recognized Sakura’s approach. Sakura gently pet the horse’s neck. She was covered in dirt and small scrapes. Sakura sighed, feeling sad. The horse’s eyes were half shut with her head lowered to the ground. Syaoran reached them, not looking very worried. Sakura didn’t bother to hide her fright. “Is she okay?”

Syaoran glanced at Sakura’s open concern, then to the beat up horse. Moondust had taken some kind of a beating. Poor horse... Syaoran walked around Sakura and picked up her front leg. The horse buckled. He walked to her back leg. She flinched as he picked it up, then kicked out as he tried to stretch it. The leg was warm and swollen. Syaoran sighed. “We should hose it off or something.”

Sakura nodded gravely. She gave Moondust’s mane a tug to signal her to walk. Moondust didn’t respond. Sakura frowned. Syaoran encouraged by giving her a good slap on the flank. Moondust reluctantly went into a walk, limping horribly. Sakura bit her lip as she watched. It was obviously painful for the horse to walk. “This is all my fault...” She muttered, feeling tears start to seep in. The horse was so loyal, so willing to help.

“It’s alright, she was just doing what’s she supposed to do,” Syaoran said, almost sounding sympathetic. Sakura glanced at him. His eyes showed a hint of concern. It made sense. She was, after all, his hard earned horse.

And then Syaoran had given the horse to her. And what did she do? I mess up its leg. Some thanks for him, I bet. She rubbed at the tears in her eyes, getting a better grip on Moondust’s mane. Things were just way too stressful. She needed a good long break before she did any heavy battling.

Sakura sniffed and looked for Chindra. She was grouping with Tomoyo by the fence. Sakura figured Tomoyo had schemed this as an opportunity for her and Syaoran to bond. Sakura sighed. It was hopeless. She couldn’t do it, he was just too far away. She felt the tears come again. She wiped at her eyes, willing them to dry.

“Don’t cry,” Syaoran said quietly, watching her from his place beside Moondust.

Sakura frowned, glancing at him to see his expression. He was trying his best to look uninterested. It didn’t work.

“She’s meant to help you. Besides, she’ll be fine with some days rest...”

Sakura sighed a shakey sigh. “How am I going to take care of her if I’m gone?”

Syaoran felt something in his mind lurch unpleasantly. He hadn’t meant to notice her cry. He couldn’t help it. He was starting to become entrapped. He ignored it. The least he could do was act mature and civil. He had decided this in Hong Kong, hadn’t he? The trip to Japan had set him back. She must have really gotten attached to her. But... what does that mean? She gets ‘attached’ to everything. It doesn’t mean anything. “Just come over tomorrow and hose off her leg in the morning, then let her heal up by herself in the pasture.”

“You don’t know any healing spells, do you?”

Syaoran shook his head. “Not that kind.”

Sakura sighed. She was quiet for a while, sorting through her feelings. “Well, thanks, Syaoran.”

“For what?” Syaoran responded, kicking himself for it.

“For coming here to help me, when you didn’t have to. And giving me some extra magic so I wouldn’t pass out. And for... I don’t know. Not being mean about this.”

Syaoran let out a long sigh. “Okay...”

Sakura stopped, almost causing him and Moondust to collide with her. She faced him, her emotion filled green eyes peering into his hopefully. He looked at Moondust. “Look, I know you want to hate me. I know you have every right to hate me. I know you’re sick of me telling you how much I know about you. But I wish... I mean, yes, you have no reason to trust me. You said you don’t care, which is...okay. But I mean... it’s okay to not hate me. There’s no harm in not hating me. I know you don’t want to believe it, but I mean it with everything in me. I promise you that you won’t get hurt not hating me. I’ll try my hardest to prove it to you- I dunno what I can do but... I’ll try. I’m not asking you to care, I’m just saying... you can not care and still not hate me, you know?”

Syaoran sighed, looking back to her. You don’t get it, Sakura. I can’t care and not be hurt. You don’t mean to do it, but you’ll do it anyways. He just looked at her, choking back the conflicting feelings in his head.

Sakura was thrilled to see his amber eyes looking into hers again. She was more thrilled to see some type of life flicker into his dull, dying face. She smiled at him, wanting to hug but holding back from it. Wordlessly she turned and continued with Moondust towards the fence and the hose. Tomoyo and Chindra were sitting against the fence, talking about something or another. Sakura felt a little better, saying those things to Syaoran. But it had felt too harsh. She wanted to tell him it was okay to love her. It would be a little pointless.

At least he was acting a little concerned. Sakura composed herself as she slowed at the gate by Tomoyo and Chindra. Tomoyo turned, a concerned smile on her face.

“That was some card capture. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Sakura smiled weakly, shaking her head. “You should have been there when Syaoran and I tried to seal Earthy the last time at Mt Fuji. It was incredible... we weren’t even able to seal it.”

Tomoyo shook her head. “It looks like when you three work together, you’ll really be able to outdo him.”

Sakura nodded in agreement. She yawned, then looked towards the hose. “Well... poor Moondust got hurt just being the sweet horse she is. I have to hose off her leg-” She stopped her sentence, noticing that Syaoran was already off in the distance getting the hose.

“It looks like you made some progress,” Tomoyo whispered with Syaoran out of earshot.

Sakura smiled weakly and shook her head. “I dunno...It’s way too complicated.”

Chindra smiled sympathetically, then glanced at Syaoran, who was coming back with the water. “Well, I’m going to go ahead and drive myself home, I guess. Finish packing and everything. What time are we going to leave tomorrow?”

“Um... It was at eleven, so I suppose we should meet around nine.”

“I’ll have someone pick you all up. We can go to the airport together,” Tomoyo said.

Sakura nodded. “Good. Alright, well... bye Chindra. Hope you get some really good rest!”

Chindra nodded. “You worry about yourself,” she said, smiling.

“Bye,” Tomoyo added, starting to leave with Chindra.

“You’re leaving, Tomoyo-chan?” Sakura asked, glancing at Syaoran, who had gotten there and was pinching the hose to keep the water from going everywhere.

“Yes, Chindra’s bringing me home. It looks like you two have everything taken care of, anyways.”

Sakura smiled weakly, slightly irritated. Tomoyo and Chindra began heading over the hill, talking amongst themselves. Sakura watched them go, then snapped back to reality. Syaoran was already hosing off Moondust’s leg. The horse stood compliantly.

“I can do that, if you want. It was my fault, anyways,” Sakura offered, walking to Syaoran’s side.

He shrugged. “No, it was Eriol’s fault,” he corrected. He didn’t look like he was going to give up the activity, so Sakura walked to Moondust’s neck to pat her.

“I’m sorry girl... just trying to help me out and I get you hurt...” She stroked through her mane, pulling out chunks of dirt. The horse looked like she was going to fall asleep.

“Her Japanese is alot better,” Syaoran said.

Sakura looked up, taken off gaurd. It was the first thing Syaoran had said on his own. He was starting his own conversation. Maybe what she said had a little effect on him. “What?” She asked, completely clueless to what he was talking about.

“That girl. You can understand her now.”

Sakura nodded. “Oh. Yes. She’s gotten much better, I forgot that she use to have trouble with it.” She smiled, fiddling with a braid in Moondust’s mane. “Well, we should probably become more comfortable with each other, seeing as we’re facing a really strong magician head on. ‘That girl’s’ name is Chindra.”

Syaoran shrugged. “’kay.”

Sakura watched the water run over Moondust’s mane, then looked up at the sky for any incoming weather. It didn’t look like any rain was going to come in. “What do you really think of all this? Do you think we can really do it?”

Syaoran bent down and knelt on the ground, getting tired of standing, and concentrated the water on the part of her leg that swelled. “Chindra’s not very strong.”

Sakura sighed. “I know. But I mean, what can you expect? She’s just started learning all this... she’s way ahead of what I was doing when I was that new to it.”

Syaoran shrugged. “It’s going to be hard.”

Sakura nodded, taking the chance to watch him. He had grown even more attractive than before. Not that it mattered... She sighed it away. She couldn’t shake the feeling something bad was going to happen to him if she went through with everything. The dream she had been having forever continued to swirl through her thoughts. What if she really was sentencing him to death, being in love with him? She watched him patiently for a while. Moondust’s eyes were completely closed in a peaceful rest. She looked back to him. His eyes looked with unfocus at the leg he was watering. She sighed. “Do you hate me?”

Syaoran sighed. He had felt the question building for quite a long time. “No. I don’t hate you.”

Sakura smiled weakly at the small step. Soon she would get to ‘do you dislike me’, then ‘do you mind me’, then ‘do you like me’, then ‘do you like me alot’, and then the big one. “I don’t hate you either,” Sakura confirmed, though it was a dumb thing to say. Syaoran didn’t look like he cared to respond. He continued putting the water on her leg for a while, then stood up, pinching the hose shut again.

“Just come out tomorrow before we leave and do this again.”

Sakura nodded in agreement. She gave Moondust a pat on the neck, then walked with Syaoran to put the hose away. He shut the water off and continued towards her car. Sakura fished in her pocket for her keys, then swung them along in boredom. She felt like hugging him again. She glanced at his tired expression. It probably wasn’t a good time. She continued to the driver’s side and got in, starting her car right away. She rolled down the windows instead of using the air conditioner, then waited for Syaoran to put his seat belt on. It took him a second to realize what she was waiting for before he did it. She backed out onto the gravel road and continued towards town.

The wind was too loud for conversation, so they were spared the awkward silence. Syaoran found his thoughts starting to drift as he watched the landscape of Tomeoda. She had done it. She had broken down his first wall. Now he was just there helpless and afraid. Soon he wouldn’t be able to hold back how he felt. It would start to show through again. He would become irrational to the point of insanity, then find the walls crashing down on top of him again. I can’t let her do it! If I want to live a normal life someday I’ve got to keep myself from falling again.

Sakura pulled into her driveway, feeling uncertainly happy about things. She got out, eyeing Touya’s car. Syaoran wouldn’t be too happy to see it. “Touya’s here...” She muttered.

Syaoran let out a sigh. Sakura smiled in sympathy. “It shouldn’t be that bad, I mean... At least....” She laughed, not knowing how to finish it. “He hasn’t said anything bad about you lately, anyways.”

Syaoran sighed as she began to open the door. “I haven’t been around.”

Sakura agreed that he was probably right, but refrained from saying so. She walked in, finding her father by the stove, Touya sitting at the counter. Touya turned to see who was coming in. He looked back to the stove. He frowned, thought a second, and looked quickly back to the door at the boy following Sakura.

Problem was, he was hardly a boy anymore. Touya was sure he would be about his own heigth, give or take a few inches. And he still had that same stupid, ‘i’m-too-good-for-this-world’ look on his face. Touya didn’t bother hiding a scowl.

Sakura smiled. “Konbanwa, Onni-chan, Otto-san.”

Her father turned from the stove, smiling. “Hello guys. I was just making spaghetti, actually.” He spotted Syaoran and smiled even bigger. “Ah! It’s nice to see you again, Li-san. You’ve grown quite a bit the past few years, it took me a moment to recognize you.”

Syaoran tried to force weak smile or some type of pleasant expression people used when talking with those they respected. “Thanks,” He said, keeping from mumbling.

Sakura beamed, baffled that her father had a hard time recognizing him.. “We’ve got our tickets all ready to go to England. Our flight leaves at eleven tomorrow morning.”

Touya glared. “You two are running off to England?”

Sakura looked at him with pleading eyes. “With Tomoyo and Chindra. We’re visiting Hiiragizawa-san.”

Touya looked over to his dad. “I can’t believe you let them run around like this, Otto-san... I mean, when I was that age...”

“When you were a few years younger even, you and Yukito used to parade all over day and night. I never knew what was going on... Sakura-chan will be in good hands, right, Li-san?”

Syaoran was in between glaring at Touya and the forced smile for Sakura’s dad. “Yes, she’ll be fine.”

Sakura smiled weakly at Syaoran, then looked to Touya. “So why did you stop by, Onni-chan?”

Touya glared. “I had a bad feeling. I think I found the culprit.”

Sakura rolled her eyes. “All this time, you still won’t give up a grudge...”

“What’s that?”

Sakura looked over at her dad, who smiled curiously. “Oh, haha...nothing Otto-san. You know Onni-chan, always joking around...”

Touya glared and was about to give his opinion on Syaoran, but stopped with Sakura’s wild gesturing of the hands. He let out a long breath and waited for an explanation. Sakura walked over and sat next to him.

“Please don’t worry Otto-san,” she whispered. “Syaoran’s not a bad person, you know that.”

Touya glared. He looked over at Syaoran, who stood with an aloof expression on his face. He looked back to Sakura. “I was doing it for your own good, little monster. He’s a selfish brat.” Touya felt satisfied as he saw the boy scowl from his little standing post.

“He is not! He came all the way here just to help me out. I wish you’d learn to respect him!”

Syaoran watched Touya in mild amusement. He mouthed ‘respect’ as Touya looked at him. Touya scowled. “I’ll respect him when he gets the hell out of my house.”

Sakura rolled her eyes. “Fine. Be immature. But we don’t care.” She stood up, smiling menacingly at him, then walked back over to Syaoran. “Are you hungry yet?”

Syaoran shrugged. “I guess.”

“Well we should eat. It’ll be our last big meal before the flight, so eat up.”

Syaoran nodded in agreement, then followed her to the table. They sat quietly for a while, listening to Touya talk about the University. Sakura found herself glancing at Syaoran more and more. In all the emotional work, she had failed to notice how attractive he really had become. It doesn’t matter! What matters is that he doesn’t know how I feel. I need to clear that up.

Her father came to the table with the spaghetti, then disappeared to get drinks. Sakura got a healthy portion on her plate, then waited for Syaoran to do the same. He was busy glaring at Touya. Sakura sighed.

“Oops...I must have left the milk in the car, be right back...”

Sakura watched her father disappear, then glared at Syaoran and Touya and the little sparks they were creating across the table. “Honestly guys, when will you give it a rest?”

Syaoran relaxed his glare, shrugging. “It’s not my fault he hates me so much.”

Touya deepened his frown. “Why couldn’t you find a smart, sensible boy to hang around, Sakura? I was sure this brat was gone forever, then you just drag him in today... I mean, don’t you have a life?”

Syaoran glared. “I do more-”

“Shh!” Sakura elbowed him as her father returned back into the room. Syaoran looked like he was about to continue anyway, then sighed and calmed himself.

“Sorry about that. So who wants milk?”

Sakura raised her glass out to be filled. Syaoran figured he may as well do the same. Touya sat with a scowl on his face. They sat back in their chairs and waited for their dad to return, then began serving themselves again.

“It’s a shame you can’t visit longer before running off to England, Li-san....”

Sakura smiled. Her dad could be so great sometimes. She heard Touya snort and glared at him before returning to her plate and waiting curious for what Syaoran had to say.

“Yeah, well... hard to get off of work for very long, you know...”

“Oh yes...”

Touya was sort of chuckling to himself. He stopped to question Syaoran. “What field are you working in?”

“Importing and exporting,” Syaoran muttered, glad his quick thinking.

“Oh... yes, quite a challenging and, um, specific career...”

Sakura glared at Touya. “He has a nicet car than you,” She mumbled under her breath, smiling as she saw Syaoran glance at her and Touya glare at her in the same moment.

“We’ve all been working like dogs the past few years I’m afraid. I think a vacation for Sakura is just what the doctor ordered.”

Syaoran nodded as if he agreed. Sakura was releived to see them getting along. She watched her brother and father get into a conversation about school, then began zoning out. She couldn’t help but wonder when she should do it. If she told him before they left, that would give them a better chance at fighting well together. I do love him. He really is still Syaoran, behind all the walls he hides behind. I should hurry and tell him already before he hurts anymore.

Syaoran finished off the plate, enjoying it thoroughly. He glanced at Sakura when the time allowed. Once Touya caught him, and Syaoran had to scowl for about a full minute before being able to go back to his thoughts. It was getting difficult, now. It seemed like a helpless situation. He was stuck with her for a week. He just couldn’t seem to outlast her. Syaoran sighed as he twirled a few stray pieces of pasta together. He should go straight to his room after this and try to hide out until the morning flight.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Syaoran yawned as he looked at the computer screen. His eyes had started to blur. He looked at the clock. It wasn’t very late. But I should probably get as much sleep as possible. It must just be the magic I used today, making me tired...

Meilin was on the internet, asking him how everything was going and if he was feeling any different towards Kinomoto. He ignored most of the questions and told her simply to explain to his sisters that he would be gone for a week. After a few more pleas and blackmails that ‘she wouldn’t tell them until he told her how he felt’, Meilin reluctantly agreed. He leaned back in the chair and glanced over his shoulder at the shut door. Sakura was doing some last minute homework or something she had just remembered after dinner. Syaoran figured he wouldn’t see her until the morning anyways. He shut down the computer, then walked over to the bed, collapsing sleepily. He stared up at the ceiling, going through all the things he would have to do the next day.

He turned his head and looked at his bookbag. There was no need to pack anything more. He set the alarm on his watch for seven and looked back to the ceiling, his thoughts drifting to a few rooms away. Am I giving up on myself that easily? Am I just going to let her hurt me again, just for the few good feelings I get out of it? Syaoran yawned once more, then sat up. He might as well go to bed. He walked over to the lightswitch and turned it off, then pulled off his shirt. He was no further than getting one arm out of the sleeve before he heard a knock on the door. He pushed his arm back into the sleeve and flipped the light switch, then sighed and opened the door, preparing himself for the worst.

Sakura smiled grimly at him, then looked at the floor. “I’m sorry, I...Can we talk?”

Syaoran glanced passed her. “Is Touya going to have a cow if he sees you go in here?”

Sakura shook her head. “Touya’s gone.”

Syaoran took a second to observe her again. She looked very worried and frantic. He sighed and shrugged, feeling half of his mind kick the other half of his mind complying to her will. Sakura smiled gratefully and walked around him and into the room. She evaluated the room’s status and frowned. “I’m sorry, were you asleep?”

Syaoran shook his head. “No, just about to though.”
Sakura smiled weakly, then walked over to the bed and sat down on the side. She leaned on her knees, tapping her toe on the floor anxiously. Syaoran didn’t like the look of it. He reluctantly sat a good ways away from her, watching her cautiously. She let out a long breath, then continued jittering.

“I just... I just have this really bad feeling I shouldn’t have asked you to help me.”

Syaoran frowned. She was probably one of the most confusing humans he had ever encountered. “Oh....?” Knowing this was a terrible answer, he hastily added, “What do you mean?”

“Well it’s just... I have this bad feeling you’re going to get hurt or something. I always had it. I hated letting you help me cause I always just thought... ‘how am I ever going to forgive myself if he gets hurt?’And I just... I know it’s kind of last minute and everything, but I was thinking it over and... It’s totally up to you, but if you want... You can just go back home. Chindra and Tomoyo and I can try and negotiate with him. I mean, the worst he can do is take my cards, right? There’s no need for you to endanger yourself like that...”

Syaoran frowned, thinking through everything carefully and slowly. “You really think handing over your cards is a good idea?”

Sakura sighed. “Well....no. But I mean, maybe she and I could do it... he seemed really scared when she showed up, running off like that...”

“Sakura, you know as well as I do, we were a much more powerful pair and we still weren’t able to do it.”

Sakura jittered faster, looking towards the wall across the room. “I know. I know all of that. I just... I never wanted to ask you to do this, Syaoran. And...I just don’t want you to get hurt. I don’t care about Eriol and those Cards...”

Syaoran wasn’t sure how to respond. A few days ago, this would have been the best news ever. Now, he wasn’t so sure. “I promised I would. Besides that, you know I can take care of myself.”

Sakura nodded, sighing. “But... I just keep having this feeling.” She looked at him her green eyes surprisingly desperate. Syaoran found himself locked into them. “It just isn’t worth it.”

Syaoran finally broke away from her stare and let out a long breath. He thought for a long minute, then looked back at her. “Eriol could destroy alot more important things if we don’t stop him. You’ve got to be realistic. I have to help you.”

Sakura shook her head, feeling the tears starting to form. “No, no you don’t. You have a choice.”

Syaoran sighed. “And if the cards go out of control and start killing innocent people, what then?”

Sakura shook her head in frustration. “I just...” She let out another short breath. “Syaoran, I-”

“Listen, Sakura. It doesn’t matter what feelings we have about this. I appreciate you trying to look out for me, but the point is, it doesn’t matter. You, Chindra, and I are all involved, whether we like it or not. It doesn’t matter what we think of it, it doesn’t even matter how we view each other. The only solid fact is that we are the only ones that can stop him.”

Sakura looked at him with her teary, tired eyes. She let out a long, sad breath, then reached over and hugged him. She leaned against his solid shoulder, closing her eyes. He sat perfectly still, offering one hand on her shoulder for consolation. The room seemed to go peacefully silent. Sakura enjoyed it as the first sensible thing that had happened in a long time. She regulated her breathing and slowed her body down. “I’m so sorry, Syaoran.... to keep ruining your life like this...”

Syaoran sighed, not able to hide from her. He tried to block out the feelings he was getting from her resting against him. It wasn’t a very successful attempt. He took his hand off her shoulder, hoping she would move away on her own. She did. She looked at him with her big teary eyes again, then looked at the floor, utterly depressed.

“No, remember; it’s Eriol’s fault. His, not yours.”

Sakura glanced at his expression again. He had the smallest smile on his face. She grinned despite herself and nodded, then stood up. She let out a long breath, looking him over. “You don’t know what that meant to me, Syaoran. Arigato.”

Syaoran stared at her, clueless. He waited for her to explain. She didn’t.

“Oyasumi. I’ll see you when I get back from Moondust’s.”

Syaoran nodded slowly. “Oyasumi.”

Sakura smiled one last smile at him, then slipped out of the room, shutting the door quietly behind her. She disappeared into her room and collapsed onto her bed, feeling a peace start to settle in that she hadn’t felt in years.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Well there. I’m unsure about this chapter... I’m going to go back and reread it before I go to bed I think. Only then will I consider calling it finished. And OMG there is this stupid bug that keeps flying in circles around my head.... I’ve been swatting it for the last ten pages. AHHH! Anyways, well that’s nice. Nice to see some other sides of Syaoran peaking through. Um... I don’t have much else to say except, holy crap, the ending’s coming up way too soon. I think I’m going to cry writing it. How horrible! I don’t even want to think about it. I guess I’ll just.... not think about it and go upstairs to bed! (bringing this with me of course so I can decide whether I like it or not).... mhm.

So thanks to all you commentors and I would always love more!

[email protected] or SyaoranChic on yahoo/aol.

And if somebody’s linking my chapters to another site, MY site is geocities.com/keanushorsechic/ccs and it is a very crappy unupdated site indeed. Anyways.... yawn. Later!

-SyaoranFan4Life