Author's notes: I'm a bit sorry I took a little more time with this chapter. Although I already knew how this chapter is going to flow, I still end up falling into writer's block. I hope you won't mind that. Also, for the next chapter onwards, I may be slower than before, because I need the time to do some research for the coming chapters. I don't think you want me to give you sloppy work. So I hope you won't mind the delay. Also, I noticed that although I put alot of spacing between my disclaimer, my notes, and the glossary list, they still end up sticking together in one paragraph. I'm picky about this but I can't seem to correct it. It only gets worse.
Glossary of words that I used:
'Ohayo' – Good morning
'sensei' – teacher
'Hajimemashite' – How do you do?
'Arigato' – Thank you
A faint orange light peeked up above the horizon, sending radiance to the sky that was becoming lighter and lighter. A gentle breeze swept through the trees and bushes, adding a sparkle to the morning dew. The sun slowly responded to the song of the birds and peered into the balcony where a brown-haired boy stood.
The brown-haired male smiled as he took in a breath of nature's sweet air. As long as I believe in it. He stretched his arms upwards and then quickly let them down. It's a good morning.
"Ohayo, Syaoran." A dynamic female voice appeared from behind.
"Ohayo, Meiling." He turned around to face the female, dressed in a black long-sleeved blouse and a white pleated skirt. "You are early."
"I think you are even earlier than I am. So I see that you have figured out your thoughts."
Syaoran nodded as he turned to look at the sunrise. "No matter what, my feelings for her have never changed."
"That's the spirit! But we have to go down to the school first. After that, we'll go and find her."
"Ay."
* * *
Sakura rubbed her eyes as she pulled open the door leading to the classroom. In the end, I did not get any rest. Cerberus nagged at me the whole night for the missing cards and won't allow me to sleep.
"Ohayo, Sakura-chan." Rika Sasaki, Naoko Tanagasawa and Chiharu Mihara moved towards her. "You are early today."
"Ohayo, Sasaki-san, Tanagasawa-san and Mihara-san." Sakura muttered as she moved past them towards her seat. She removed her backpack from off her back and placed it on top of her desk.
Rika, Naoko and Chiharu looked at each other.
"She still remained that indifferent." Naoko whispered.
"But we must not give up on her." Rika whispered back. The three nodded in agreement, and moved towards her again.
"Say, Sakura-chan." Chiharu smiled. "According to Yamazaki-kun, two students from Hong Kong will be joining our class, as part of the exchange program between our school and theirs. I wonder who they are."
Sakura smiled feebly. Please leave me alone. I am in no mood to talk about anything, not even about exchange students.
"The two students coming from Hong Kong reminded me of Li-kun and Meiling-chan. How are they now?" Naoko inserted.
"Li-kun? Who is he?" Sakura looked at them quizzically, her interest suddenly aroused. Li-kun, is he the same guy at the park?
The three girls gazed at the emerald-eyed girl with surprise. "Don't you…" Rika began, but the door opened again, revealing Shigeri-sensei.
"Now class, get to your seats."
Rika gazed once more at Sakura before she and the other two returned to their seats.
"As you know, Tomoeda Junior High and Queen Victoria Secondary School in Hong Kong are working together to form an exchange program. Thus, joining us from Hong Kong for this month are two students. Let us welcome them to Japan." Shigeri-sensei paused, turning her attention to the door now.
"You can come in now."
* * *
Syaoran's eyes turned wild with bewilderment, as he caught sight of the same auburn-haired girl with emerald green eyes, that he had met and known, sitting near the back of the classroom. Sakura? Are my eyes fooling me?
An arm jab from the right awoke him. Meiling coughed and gently whispered, "Don't forget yourself." She turned her attention to the class, who had reacted to their presence with curiosity and excitement, and smiled. "Hajimemashite. My name is Li Meiling and I'm from Hong Kong."
Syaoran gazed at the crowd and followed along. "Hajimemashite. My name is Li Syaoran and I'm also from Hong Kong."
The class responded with a loud cheer, as a sign of approval. Meiling smiled, but Syaoran was distracted by the girl sitting at the back. Sakura…
* * *
The falling leaves landed gently on the lush green grass, and a faint smell of roses perpetuated around the small courtyard. Upon an old garden bench were three individuals; two girls with long hair engrossed in some conversation and a male with amber eyes sitting restlessly.
"Meiling-chan, Li-kun, welcome back." The grayish-black-haired girl smiled, her hands cupping those of the other girl. "It has been a while. How have you been? I miss you."
"We are fine and I miss you too, Daidouji-san." Meiling paused. "But we will only be here for a month. When the exchange program ends, we will have to say goodbye again."
"Don't say 'goodbye' so easily. It's so hard for us to get together."
"You haven't changed much, have you? But it's not the same for Kinomoto-san."
"You don't mind," The amber-eyed boy got up from the bench and began moving in the direction of the classroom. "I'll like to go back to the classroom first."
"Syaoran," Meiling started, and then smiled. "Alright. See you later in the classroom."
* * *
Why is it him again? How come he is always present when I do not expect him? Sakura frowned as she sat by herself at her favourite spot under a huge tree. Now, he sits behind me. I can almost feel his eyes staring straight into me. I cannot stand that. But that touch of his at the park. It was so reassuring, so familiar…
She stood up. But still, I don't remember him at all. My head. It hurts alot. Not a single image can I form of him.
"Sakura." A male voice caught her by surprise from behind her. She turned around to realize the owner of that voice was the male exchange student and stranger at King Penguin Park.
"Li-kun! What do you want? If you want me to remember you, then I'm sorry…" But she did not get to finish her statement as the brown-haired boy moved close to her and embraced her in his arms. Surprise sprung up onto her face. "What do you think you are doing?"
"I should be the one to say 'sorry'. I won't force you to remember me." He let go of her and turned towards the direction that he had initially came from. "I'll make up to you."
"Wait. Don't go yet. What do you mean by that?" Sakura shouted, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks. But Syaoran had left and the wind only left an unsatisfactory answer of silence.
* * *
Kaima frowned. Did I sense another aura in this school compound? How is it that I did not notice this beforehand? Or is it from a student who just came here? Can it be one of the two exchange students in Kinomoto's class?
His frown switched from that to a smile. Then it will be even better. I'll get to devour the two persons' magical sources and increase my own level. Then, my dreams will become even more plausible. He laughed silently. Once I become Kami, I will be able… I will be able to…
* * *
The bell finally rang, signaling the end of lessons for the day. Syaoran let out a sigh of relief as he closed his Japanese textbook. The auburn-haired girl sitting in front of him hastily got up from her desk and rushed out of the door.
"Daidouji-san, where is Sakura going to?"
"The grayish-black-haired girl smiled wryly. "It's most likely that she's meeting up with Moikudan of the opposite class."
"Is it?" Syaoran's face fell slightly. "Then, I better go and say goodbye to her."
"Are you going to give up on her?"
"Huh?"
"You can't give up on her. We have never given up on her all this while. You, of all people, definitely must not give up on her. Do you understand? Because she matters alot to us and she also matters alot to you."
Syaoran smiled. "Arigato. I know what I should do."
* * *
"Kaima-kun, I'm sorry about last night. I can't remember a thing that happens after that lunch." Sakura grabbed hold of the teenager's arm. "Are you angry with me?"
The teenager turned towards her, his eyes glaring. "Let go of me. I have important things to do. Don't delay me."
"Kaima-kun…" Sakura watched him walk away.
"Keep away from him." The same male voice that had caught her off guard at her favourite spot appeared again from behind.
"You!" Sakura turned around. "What do you want? Can't you leave me alone?"
"Keep away from him." Syaoran reasserted. "I feel a sense of aura from him. It's a strong and frightening aura. For your safety, you better stay away from him."
"What right do you have in deciding who I want to be with?"
"Based… based on the fact that I care for you."
"Sakura's eyes softened. "What do you mean? What do you mean by 'I care for you'?"
"What I mean is…" Syaoran began, his amber eyes so full of comfort and assurance. But in the next moment, his face turned deadly serious as he jerked his attention to the surrounding bushes and trees. Suddenly, without notice, four human-like beings sprung out from all four corners, each in a different colour.
Sakura and Syaoran gasped. "Windy, Watery, Firey and Earthy."