Hello everyone! I just wanted to start off by giving thanks and answering some questions to all you reviewers of this story. Thank you so much!
Sakura Li 2389 - Hi, how's it going? A film? Wow you actually think it's worthy enough to be a film? Haha (Ego inflates) Well I'll keep my options open then…hahah Thanks You SOOOO much for your review.
babii-jadex3 - AWE thanks for your review. I like to hear compliments like that so much. Plz enjoy this chapter!
icicle7 - YEAH! I got a kudos! Thanks for your review. You've been with this story for a while huh? That makes me so happy. I have regulars? WAHHH I write for you people! ahem haha the two did have a long convo huh? I just wanted more interaction between the them. (don't worry about the ending, I'm sure you'll like it!)
cherrixwolf - Hi, it's been a while huh? Thanks for your review, and I hope you get the chance to read this next chapter. I'm so tardy I know…
Flora - Hi flora, how are you? Thanks for your review, please enjoy chapter 21!
Suki - Hi Suki, cute name haha. It's okay if you don't like future Li hahah. I'm just glad you took the time to review. Thanks very much! smiles
Kiwi - hi kiwi, I hope you are still interested. Thanks for the review!
kimiko imouto-chan - Hi! I'm sorry for not updating…I'm quite bad at that aren't I? But no worries, I've updated finally! Please enjoy!
LilAngel123 - No you do not suck…I have not been on for quite a while, but I will personally see to your fics and see for myself! Hhaha sorry for that, but really thanks for the review and keep writing. I'm not at all that great either but I keep at it! See ya soon!
Inferna - Hello inferna! Thanks for your review. I like your advice and I will do exactly that. First A love before time and then Hesitated Strike Hesitated Kiss. Thanks!
p0ohbear - Hi! First to answer your questions. Yes, Simon is magical, and he pretty much lives alone because his dad is always out on business. That leaves him a lot of time to make his sneaky plans. He also has a lot of magical items left behind from his family that he can use whenever it is convenient. And he's real smart…(I never really explained this did I? Sorry…) Now, anyways…I want to tell you how nice your review was. I loved it entirely. And sorry if I made it unclear, but there will be a few more chapters…more than two but less than five…(I think..) haha thanks!
Star Sapphirex - Hi! You think my writing is great? AHH! Well I think you're great too. What a nice thing to say. Please enjoy this next chappie!
horselady - hi horselady, how are you? I hope you find the time to get to read my fic, because I love your reviews. Thanks!
kaijuu - Hello, hello. Thank you so much for the review. You say you are hooked? (Blush) haha.
Di - Hi DI! It's been too long. It always amazes me when reviewers say they have cried. It somehow makes me feel (insert word) that I'm capable of doing that. And BINGO! Yes yes it is Emike. You're good haha. (Gives away stuffed plushie of Emike for Di to pound) My world is going very well actually, thanks for asking. And how is Di doing? Please let me know!
PeachBlossom4416 - Li is GONE! Wahh ahem everything seems like its conspiring against them huh? Don't worry I'm on your side. I want things to work out. Thanks you very much for your review. I really like it when people say they enjoy A love before time. Hehe
sweet-little-girl - hi! Yay another compliment. Thanks for the review. You're very kind to say such nice words abut this fic.
Sakura Li 2389 - HELLO! do ya really think Li is cool? Because I really wanted to make him cool and I really hope he is. Haha. And you are so right…I've been thinking of many ways to end this story, but I think I finally got one. But don't worry, I won't make it like fushigi yuugi, although it was a very nice ending and a great story. Haha. Thanks!
kawaii-leena - hi leena! Thank you for your nice review. I got a wow! Haha (yay!) please enjoy this next chapter.
Saku - It's okay if you don't understand. I'm kinda bad at explaining stuff. But all that doesn't matter if you think it's good right? (That's the way I see it) Haha thanks very much for the review!
forestfairy - Hi forestfairy how is it going? Thank you for the review. Ummm, Sakura was trying to call on Emike so she could help Li more. Hehe sorry it was confusing. I hope you like this chappie better!
Kella4 - Hello! Gosh, thank you so much for your review. I liked it SO much. Wow! I'm just so happy haha. I hope this next chapter will not change your mind. (Yay!) Thanks!
a little someone - HI! Wow 2:47 is pretty late huh? I'd fall asleep if it was past ten (I like to sleep) haha You have WILLPOWER! Ummm yes hehe I made it so Li couldn't kiss Sakura because I wanted to show that Li didn't want to take advantage of Sakura when they both know they probably won't be together…WAHH! (Am I too much of a romantic?) Well I hope you like this chapter too, cuz I made it long…don't know about nice though haha. Thanks! (happy new year to me!) wow it's been a while hasn't it?
reenas-as - Hello, and how are you reenas-as? Thank you much for your review. Hehe. Sorry for the suspense. It always just seems to end like that…ARGH! What a bad habit. But I have to reel readers in somehow right?
Sakura Blossom-Cilla-85 - Hello Sakura Blossom. Can I call you that? Wow you are good! Yes Touya does walk in…and many more happens…muahahahhaha ahem thanks for the review. (as always) smiles warmly
Light in the Darkness - Hi light in the darkness. Yes, Sakura was crying, how sad. I guess I wanted to show that they she had some kind of connection with Li…was that evident? (starts to bite fingernails in nervousness) Anways, I know it's been a while, but I figure I have time to write on my vacation right? Haha Thanks for your review. smiles warmly again
Sabrina - Hello Sabrina. No I don't want him to go either. Maybe he'll come back (ya know just between you an me he probably will come back hehe) Thanks for the review!
Season Sweetheart - YAY! Another one of those warm fuzzy reviews. Haha. I really do try to make Syaoran speak formal…I was hoping someone would notice. WAHH! THANK YOU! (cries on sleeve from happiness)
sprout-angel - Thanks sprout-angel. I loved your review also. It always makes me happy to see that some people will check back on my story to see if I have updated. (It makes me wanna cry) Enjoy this chapter!
Cherrysinger - HI! No no no, I could never give up on this story! (that would seem like Li and Sakura are stuck in limbo) haha. Wahh! I know, it's sad that Li has disappeared. But, don't blame Sakura…she probably didn't know what she was doing. WAHH! All the tear jerking reviews are all closer to the bottom…GAHH thanks you SO much for this review. So nice…
Kawaiineko - Konnichiwa! I'm sorry about the cliiffy! You ate in front of your computer? (gahh that's so nice!) yes yes…bad things always happen when Sakura and Li get closer…and now chapt. 21 is up! (I took your advice and kept Sakura intact after Emike's visit) hehe. Thanks for your review. I loved it very much.
kimi-chan - Kimi-chan, hello! How are you doing? Thanks for that review of yours. ;) And no Eriol doesn't have magic…he's just real perceptive haha. And finally I have the next chapter up. I hope you like it.
Satan's Advocate - Hi! Sorry haven't updated for so long. But all those keep it ups made me realized I have to get off my lazy butt and do something. Thanks for the review!
Yingfacherryblossom - Hi Ying Fa! (can I call you that?) thanks for your review! Yesh yesh it was nice! Sorry I haven't done anything for so long. Hope you are still interested!
KyouFan17 - Hi kyoufan17! Do ya really think it's suspenseful and romantic? Thanks for saying that. It's so nice!
Yuki-Rabbit - Yea I have updated finally huh? Sorry for the wait. (I know I'm lazy) Don't worry you guys can say it haha. Thanks for the review!
KristiexxNguyen - Hello again! Thanks for your review like always. I have continued like you asked haha. (finally right?)
loveangelli - Hi loveangelli! Yeah! I loved your review, what more is there to say? Oh I know…You're the best! WAHHH (crying again) so much compliments I'm not sure I deserve. I really hope this chapter makes me worthy because I really wanna keep all those nice things you said. (Hoards all compliments) Thank You!
S+S43v3r - Hello! I know… my bad my bad…I shouldn't have left a cliffy like that and just take a break for a while. But thanks for the review. Please enjoy this next chapter! Hope you'll forgive me hahah
hana no tenshi - Hi Eva-chan! Don't worry, I'm sure things will work out…In the mean time I hope this chapter will make you happier. I have loved receiving your reviews for a long time now. Thanks so much! (I'm sooo grateful)
Shima And Tempis - Konnichiwa! Yeah I went back and read my romantic scenes and they are awkward…I"LL GET BETTER! (Confidence) Thanks for your review. (just like always ) I always enjoy getting your reviews. Please enjoy this next chapter!
pnaixrose - Hi! How's it going? Hope you're still interested in this next chapter. Sorry for the wait and thanks for the review. (Gives hug)
AnimeObsessionFantasy - Hello! Thank you for your review and I'm sorry if nothing makes sense. I hope it wasn't too odd for you though. Please enjoy this chapter instead and Gomen!
SweetBabyGurl - And finally last but not least sweetbabygirl! AHH! Thanks so much for this review. I loved it! J what a great way to start the next chapter. You're too kind haha. I could go on forever, but I'll let you read this chapter of mine. Let me know if you like it. Thanks!
And after the long wait, chapter 21 is finally up. Please enjoy. You guys are the best!
(If I forgot anyone, please notify me as I did my best to get everyone who reviewed for chapter 19 and 20.)
A Love Before Time
Emike had to all but pounce for the young girl when she first saw her, but somehow she was able to keep herself in check. The annoying girl was after all putting quite a lot of effort in displaying her waterworks. Impatiently Emike began tapping her foot.
"You brought me here to see you cry?" she paced around the room with her arms outstretched. "It's been a while since I've been here." she paused and looked at Sakura. "Syaoran was in here…"
She can sense his aura…Sakura rubbed off her tears. "I'm not crying." Intentionally anyways... "I…wanted to ask you a few things." she looked hopeful. "Could you answer my questions?"
The fact that Sakura was practically staring at a picture image of herself bothered her. She was nothing like this girl, and when placed beside her, she somehow felt…inadequate. That fact that Emike did make her feel inadequate made her even angrier.
Emike had on what she had worn the few times Sakura had seen her. A soft peach dress, with red ribbon hemming at the shoulders, and more red fringe decorating the edges of her skirt. The crimson fabric that formed v-shaped waves added bright colour to her skirt, while if this had been any other case, Sakura would have wondered how the girl was breathing with that corset of hers on. Than again, she was already dead.
Emike spanned the whole room. "I'll give you three." she smiled, answering Sakura's previous question. "No, no, no." she tapped her cheek. "You'll receive five, however…" Again that sinister smile that brought chills down Sakura's back. "I'll answer only four. One question I will not answer out of the five." she further explained as if Sakura was a little less than intelligent. She took a seat on Sakura's desk chair.
It took Sakura a moment to grasp her thoughts. Her eyes kept flowing towards Emike. Her silky voice, and in the way she moved…all completely different from herself. Sakura pressed at her wound, just so the pain would wake her up. She winced. "My first, umm question is do you…" she stopped. She couldn't waste any questions. I have to be careful.
"What happened the night of your wedding with Li?"
She didn't seem to have a problem with what Sakura was asking. "I said no when asked." she glared at Sakura's expression of pain. "The wedding never happened. Everything had been prepared beforehand. But then so were my lines."
How is she able to…talk like this meant nothing? Li, he…he had loved her and when he heard her say no. What had that felt like?
"If you insist on pondering so much after everything I say, I encourage you to use something to record it. Perhaps one of those things you've invented, what was it? Oh yes, a recording machine. Quit wasting my time."
"Oh, sorry. I also wanted to ask what made you choose Simon over Li? And why do you regret your choice? That is why do you want to be with Li now?"
A soft smile came on Emike's face when she answered. "Simon wanted me when he could not have me. Syaoran…he cared for me. I was never born of high status and even so, Syaoran cared for me." she shook out of her dazed state, shooting daggers back at Sakura once again. "Simon had something Syaoran would never have. Jealousy. However, even then I had my suspicions."
Sakura wanted to intrude, but she kept her mouth quiet.
"No one had given me a second look before I met Syaoran. I had begun to think I was worthless. My thoughts changed of course when I arrived at this mansion. Simon on the other hand, showed interest in me. He knew I was engaged to Syaoran and yet he insisted I see him. It was easily sensed that he was jealous." she shook her head. "No…no one's…all my life, no one's been jealous for me. It was a different feeling. Except, Simon's clan…even I did not know I was going to say no to Syoaran. In the end I knew I had to though."
"But then…what happened to you and the two clans after his death?" Sakura swallowed, wondering if she asked the right question.
Emike's fingers twitched at her side. "If I were a different person…" Emike lingered. "I could have twisted your words around. You really could word your questions better Miss. Kinomoto."
Sakura cringed.
"But no matter, I'll answer your question. Syaoran's clan died, even as I tried to help it." Emike took in Sakura's surprised look at what she said. "When I did, Simon grew angry. Since the clans had merged, he had become lord. And now without Syaoran, Simon ignored the half of the clan that wasn't his. His own clan prospered of course, but I couldn't help." she stopped as something caught in her throat. "I died," she said the words with bitterness. "after. I do not know what came of Simon."
Sakura's heart was about to reach out to Emike. Why? Why? I don't want to feel sympathy for this girl. She's lying! She has to be…she's lying…Sakura's fist shook furiously in her lap. She wasn't able to think clearly with the last question. All she knew was that she needed it answered. Her teeth gritted. "Have you spoken with Li since his death?"
Emike stood then. "I do not believe I have any incentive to answer that last question. Now…" she turned to Sakura. "If you remember…you promised me a few things the last time we met."
Sakura stared blindly at the ghost.
The knock on the door came abruptly, as the two people in the room watched the door slam open. A young man came in with his university uniform still on.
Emike ran her eyes down the figure with interest, while Sakura recovered from the intrusion.
"Touya…"
Touya's eyes swept across to his sister and to the almost identical Sakura. His hand raked through his hair as realization hit him. "Hell…" slowly he closed the door, leaning against it for support. He gave a light scoff as his eyes closed. "You little monster…what did you do this time?"
"Whaddaya mean what I did?" she gave a worried glance to her brother. "Touya, maybe you should come back later because er…" she bit her lip as she saw her excuses were making him glare at her harder. "It's danger…ous." the moment she finished she knew she had just given her brother renewed worry.
With a few strides, Touya was beside her. "What's wrong with your hand? Did that Li brat do that?"
"C'mon big brother…" Sakura warded him off. "I told you…"
Emike's eyes fell as she saw the interaction between the two. "Brother…"
Touya and Sakura looked up.
For a moment Sakura looked at her. "Brother?" she blinked. "You said brother."
Emike despised the way she was being studied by Touya. Another reason to hate Sakura burst within her. Sakura still had her brother. Her own brother had taken care of her after their parents had both died…Her own brother should have been there at her wedding…
Past Events
"Yah, well I am coming back so quit crying would ya?" Touya reached out a hand and placed it down on Emike's hair.
She shook off his comfort. "Please just…" she looked pitifully up at him. "We can get money somewhere else…and I'm not at all hungry."
Touya's heart almost broke as he watched his sister make up excuses. He couldn't remember the last time they ate and he knew like him, she was starving. "I told you, I was coming back."
"And if you do not?"
"Have I never? Really Emike, you have false worries. Mother and father are gone and I promised I would keep you safe. Now as much as you are a burden to me," he grinned as he said this, "I will come back for you because…" he ran his fingers through his unwashed hair. "Well, do not make me have to say it." he leaned over and kissed her lightly on the forehead before getting up. "I'll return when the sun disappears past the horizon." and he ran out of sight.
"Brother…" Emike rubbed the tears from her eyes and got out from the small tent she and her brother shared. Their belongings were meek and this made moving around a simple task. Slowly, she made her way to the village. Sometimes, someone would feel sorry enough for her, that they would offer her an apple or a few coins. The items she would receive however, were important to her because she would devour them herself or save up the money. Therefore, when Touya came back with the meagre earnings he had, he could have most of it himself. He did so much for her that she felt guilty even taking his hard work from him.
Every few weeks, he would return to her drained, sick, or even beaten and every one these nights, Emike would unleash her tears as she tended to his wounds. She never asked what he did, but any sane person would have an idea to what he was doing. There were many illegal merchants in the village and the thought that Touya had stooped that low scared her. They were going no where with their lives and to think her brother was reduced to this because he had to provide for her was too much.
Today was going to be one of those nights. It was always easy to see the expression in her brother's eyes. He was like a book and today he had looked at her with pained eyes. But no amount of pleading with him would stop him from going. That was why she would have to work hard today to get more items from the village. This was because during one of these days, Touya hardly ever came back with anything but a few coins and by then most of the village shops had closed down so they wouldn't be able to buy anything. So she decided that everything she earned today would go towards her brother. The only person she lived for. Her brother, Touya.
Present
Emike involuntarily took a step towards Touya. "Brother?"
Touya had a strange urge to walk over to this young girl and comfort her, but he refrained and looked down at Sakura. She looked as dumbfounded as he himself did. This girl that looked just like his sister was calling him her brother, yet he could somehow tell she wasn't real. She was an illusion. His face went grim. Another ghost.
The thought of someone this identical to Sakura a ghost made him sick.
"Why?…" she didn't want to cry, but this was the only person that had looked after her in her childhood. Her best friend. "I was in the village Touya and I ran back as fast as I could, but you weren't there. Was I late? I had gotten so many provisions I lost track of time…I wanted to show you-give you everything I had received." she gave a sorrowful look. "You could have fought him off. You could have given him what he wanted."
Touya's mind whirled slightly as Sakura nudged him.
"Brother, she's crying. I think you should-" she didn't have to finish because Touya seemed to understand. What he did next however, surprised her. It wasn't his actions, but his lips. He smiled a smile she had never seen on him before. She had thought she knew all of her brother's expressions but she had never seen this one.
"Emike." his smile didn't falter. "You're Emike aren't you?"
Emike nodded profusely. "You remember me then?"
"No." Touya said. "I really don't."
Emike seemed to fight off her vulnerable state. "No, you wouldn't…fine, I understand. I'm sure now. This is what I have to do."
Sakura frowned but kept silent. What does she have to do?
"Emike, I'm not going to lie to you." Touya's voice was gentle. "I hardly know much about your past, but that won't mean I won't help you. I mean unless you think it's none of my business." he waited for her answer.
Emike straightened.
All Touya did was nod knowingly. "Fine, I'll leave." he gave Sakura another odd look that for the life of Sakura, she could not comprehend. "Sorry for barging in." he left mumbling something that Sakura couldn't hear.
As soon as he left, Sakura almost let out a sigh of relief. She wasn't sure what thoughts were going through Emike's mind at that moment, but she was glad that her brother was safe. She knew something happened to her brother then. She just didn't know what. However, she had an idea that Emike knew and because of that she cursed herself for using up her questions for quickly.
"Still the same person I see. That brother of mine…"
Sakura's guard went back up. "You don't seriously think Touya is your brother…that isn't-"
"Possible? I would think you would give the impossible a chance by now Kinomoto." Emike pushed her auburn locks back and looked at Sakura with an air of superiority. "It doesn't matter. Like I said, you'll get what you deserve. I'll get my brother back and you'll get what you deserve."
Sakura wanted to tear her own hair out strand by strand in frustration. Or at least pull every last strand of Emike's perfect locks out. "Just what are you talking about? I swear, if you do anything to my family or Li, anything at all." she stared coldly back into Emike's haughtiness. "You're first death will seem like nothing compared to what I'll do to you."
"And trust me, that would mean so much more to me if I weren't already dead." Emike smiled crookedly. "Now that I am here, maybe I should have a conversation with Syaoran. I'm sure he'd like that. We are getting married soon after all. Syaoran?" she raised her voice as she called his name.
Sakura had always received tingles whenever Li's name was brought up. Her heart would slam against her chest and her blood would rush to her head. She never thought that his name would leave her feeling completely the opposite of this when his name was said by Emike.
No one appeared and Sakura had to almost hide her happiness at seeing this. That's right Li, don't let her think she can control you like that. Except, she wondered how long he was going to ignore her.
Sakura didn't want Li to appear before Emike for one and one reason alone. Because if he came to her it would be the final blow to her heart. If he came right now she would know that he was loyal to her, thus confirming that he still wanted his marriage. Confirming that he wanted what past Li wanted. She didn't want to think about that until the last possible moment.
Emike called again with no avail. Sakura could tell she was getting irritated.
"Fine." she turned to face Sakura. "You call him. If you don't you'll be the one to regret something and I swear you will regret it, after all you're still lucky to be alive." she smiled the same crooked smile showing her words meant entirely the opposite of what she said.
"What do you want with him? You'll see him on your…" she gritted her teeth. "wedding day."
"You don't know how musical that sounds coming from you. I suppose you're right however. If he won't come, then there's no point in staying. Now then, I must be taking my leave for tonight. Many more things to do, you understand." This was the third time she referred to "the something she had to do"
She stopped to think for a moment as if she wanted to make sure she got everything she wanted to say in while she had the chance. The thought only made Sakura all the more fearful that she was planning something dangerous.
"It seems that Syaoran has altered his decision in regards to our wedding? Am I correct?"
"Yes." Sakura's voice stayed strong, despite the fear she felt.
Emike smiled. "Good. I suppose I'll leave you then. No point in sharpening my knives here tonight." She gazed out the window. "Perhaps you should leave it at that and not cause reason for Syaoran's suspicions when he returns." Emike took one last look at Sakura. "This conversation will not be brought up again. I'll be watching." She quickly vanished until Sakura was once again left alone in her room.
Sakura hadn't realized she had been holding her breath and upon realizing this, she heaved a deep sigh. Her body relaxed and quietly she went to sit on her bed. I suppose I should plan my next move.
Her room had never seemed as empty as it was now and her eyes flew to all the candles and crystals still lying on the ground. Before they had been blazing with colour and life, but now they were lying motionless, as if nothing had just happened. But something had happened. For the first time, she had learned sympathy for her enemy. She was sure that Emike hadn't meant to reveal so much of her feelings, but because she did, Sakura saw a side of the girl she had never seen before.
Emike had a brother. Emike had had a brother that looked like Touya. The word 'had' made Sakura cringe. It meant that Touya was dead in the past. A fact that she did not ever want to hear again. Not only was Emike left alone after that, she was deprived of affection. That was why Simon had been appealing to her. It hurt Sakura to say it, but somehow from hearing all this, she believed that Emike loved Syaoran. Which was why it was so difficult to make her next move. Because there was a small part of her heart that wouldn't fight for Syoaran. How could it, when everything she wanted was all wrong for someone else?
Some people would probably say she wasn't truly in love with Syaoran, but it just couldn't be done. She wouldn't ruin someone else's life in order to make herself happy. The Li in the past had verbally told her that he no longer wanted to see her. The future Li had verbally told her he wanted to be with her. They were the same person, but they wanted two different things. How was she supposed to fix things? True, the past Li had shown her complete affection until she had told him she wasn't in love with him, but even if she had said she loved him (which she did,) it would have made Li want to be with her and Emike would have been left heartbroken. The whole reason that Emike came back as a ghost was because she had made the wrong choice. She had not wanted to be with Simon. She deserved a second chance didn't she? What makes her so unworthy that she wouldn't? Sakura herself couldn't tell whether or not the girl was lying. Still, everything led back to bringing Emike and Syaoran together. Syaoran had already called off the merge and he was getting ready to marry Emike. The rest of it would just be a waiting game. She had done everything she was capable of doing. The only problem, if there was any at all, would be Simon. If he was anything like the Simon in her time, he would be planning something. Both in the future and in the past.
How can I deal with both? Sure I have Simon covered in the future, but the one in the past…I would have to return and I don't even think I can anymore…She didn't want to think about what would happen if she did return. Suddenly she felt too fatigued to do anything. She hadn't slept since that night when she had told Syaoran she did not love him. The truth was, she was afraid to sleep. She calculated it would be around evening in the past right now and the day after tomorrow would be the wedding.
Sakura rubbed her eyes and yawned. She couldn't fight off the sleep.
"I'm going to bed now Li." these six words were now as natural to Sakura as breathing. It didn't matter if Li wasn't physically in her room. He had once old her that he always heard her. Sakura rested her head on her pillow and smiled softly as she remembered how he had lightly blushed when he had told her. Except this time, he was farther from Sakura than she could've imagined and this time, he couldn't hear her.
Past
Syaoran almost smiled upon viewing the Donovan's irritation. If anything, this was a small consolation to what he had been forced to go through these last few days.
"You are serious about the merge then?" the paper under Simon's grip wrinkled.
"Have I been suggesting otherwise?"Li sighed. He knew that Simon was trying to play him like a fool. He was going to be married to Emike in a day's length, but if Simon believed that he was going to do everything in his power to make Emike remain faithful to him, he was wrong. Frankly, it did not matter whether Emike loved him.Li could have cared less whether or not the merge with the Donovan's clan was in Emike's best interest. He wasn't about to let anything happen to his fiancée, of course not-and it wasn't to say that he wouldn't protect her, but he wouldn't risk his own clan's credibility by mixing with Donovan's just for her happiness. Simon couldn't use Emike to his advantage any longer.
"Damn it Li, you do not have a choice."
"Oh?" Li glared at Simon. "Don't I? Remember, I know why this merge is so important to you. I'll be damned if I acquiesce to something you want."
Simon hid his distress with a cool look. "You do not want her. Why carry on with the wedding?"
"When you say 'carry on with the wedding' you mean to ask why I do not hand her over to you?" Li watched his adversary's face turn dark. "Well, as much as I know you enjoy all my cast-offs and used goods, Miss. Kinomoto is a person. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, knowing she is being forced to be with you."
Simon grinned fiendishly. "But then you will also know how content she is when she is with me, rather than you. How when she is in your arms, she will be thinking of none other than I."
Li smirked then. "That is a very interesting statement Mr. Donovan. Miss. Kinomoto wanting to be with you. After all, she chose me to wed did she not?"
"You know there is a reason to that."
"And you Donovan are pathetic. I would think it amazing for her to want to be with you after what you did. I am amazed you were able to keep her for as long as you did."
"I'll get what I want Li. You may have burned your contract, but I still have mine."
Li rose from his chair. "Burn it." his eyes narrowed.
"Are you telling me what to do?" Simon smiled. "This deal is still intact. We merge after the wedding."
"All this for Miss. Kinomoto?" Li's voice was barely a whisper. "Do not tell me you care for her to this extent."
Simon's hand stopped on the door's handle. "Now, only you and I know that hmm? Revenge is sweet Li." his eyes were hidden from Li, but they glazed over now with anger. "I always carry out my promises."
Li didn't stop Simon from leaving. He could have easily called the guards in, but he best decided not to. What was the point? The man wouldn't burn the contract for anything. Well almost anything…He supposed it was his own fault for agreeing to the contract in the first place. As to the question of whether Simon really cared for Emike? Simon said he knew the answer.
Of course the man didn't. He was just playing with the girl's feelings. This was all revenge. The difficult part was thata part of him could relate to the man. Simon had lost his sibling. If anything, revenge would have been on Li's mind too. But to hurt Emike who really had nothing to do with the death of his sister? He wouldn't allow that.
Lately, he had been keeping tabs on Emike's whereabouts and not surprisingly she had behaved herself the whole time. It made him wonder whether she knew of the Donovan's intentions. During their time together, she never once mentioned anything about her past and he had never bothered her about it. But that was before. All he knew about Emike when he had first met her was that she was living alone on the streets and she had no family. It was an everyday situation. He hadn't known the darker story behind her past. How her brother had died. How his death would burden Emike.
He felt like kicking himself. He knew the merge was Simon's plan to get closer to Emike. From the beginning, he knew there was a chance that Emike would be smart enough to figure out his plans. He had thought ahead and used Emike to get to him. He himselfof course had fallen blindly into Simon's plan. Damn…he ran his fingers through his hair. But is that all you are planning with this merge? He had a gut feeling that that was only half of the reason to why Simon was so set upon the merge.
Present
Something thumped, waking Sakura from her sleep. Blinking a few times, she looked around the room.
Empty.
She rose from her bed slightly and heard another clash this time. It was coming from downstairs. She checked the time. 10 o' clock. About an hour had passed since she had laid her head down. She knew Eriol was out at a movie and wouldn't be back until a little later. Her aunt was out on a date…one that Eriol had told her he didn't approve of and Sakura knew for a fact that her grandma slept like a log. That only left her brother. Quietly, she waited for another thump of some kind. Nothing came. However, she did hear voices.
That must be Touya…he has guests. Sakura groggily fell back onto her bed. I haven't gone back…I guess my work really is done. Yawning, Sakura went back to sleep.
Past
Li walked out into the corridor and headed towards the courtyard. He had promised Emike that he would spend some time with her this evening. The lavender scent of the night would have normally calmed him down, but the courtyard was no longer a warm haven for him. As a child, he had played here daily. But now, the mere sight of the trees and shrubs and flowers brought back a flood of memories he didn't want to remember. The courtyard walls were no longer sturdy stone protection that had divided him from the rest of his duties. They were a jail of nightmares, each of the vines running across the granite, a recollection of what had been.
He took a deep breath and urged a smile upon viewing Emike. In the middle of a courtyard there was a round wooden table with exactly two chairs. Each piece of furniture was adorned with beautiful dark blue silk cloth with warm designs that werethe same coloursas the sunset on the horizon just past the sandstone archway that lead to the path of the village.
"A little late for tea isn't it?" however, Li took his seat, graciously.
Emike shook her head. "You missed it earlier."
Li turned to view the sunset as Emike poured. "Heaven forbid you miss tea." he tilted his head to Emike. "Hmm?"
"I-" she flushed, thinking Li was mocking her. "I suppose we could skip-"
"Shh, simple teasing. Leave it at that." he gave her a reassuring look.
Emike stared at Li for a moment's time, before she too took her seat. She watched as he mixed his drink, then placed the spoon back down onto the edge of his saucer. Next, like any ordinary person, he picked his cup up and tasted his drink.
"Is something the matter Miss. Kinomoto?" Li put his cup down and eyed Emike with a curious eye.
"No, it is nothing." Emike gave a quick smile and added milk into her tea.
"Really, if there is something on my face, you should be ladylike enough to point the simple fact out."
"It is nothing." she mumbled.
Li frowned. If he was going to spend the rest of his life with this woman, he really did not want it to be uncomfortable. "Look at me Emike."
She did and Li almost caught a look of sorrow in her emerald eyes. Knives cut through his heart then. He had thought he was through forcing himself to stop thinking about Sakura. He was almost close to regarding her as a dream. Even spending time with Emike did not remind him of the girl. So why? Why now? Why did that flash of emerald brilliance catch him off guard?
Li blinked before he was able to get something out. "I am going…" something was lodged in his throat. "to be your husband. Whatever it is, you can tell me."
"Li, I am telling you it is nothing. Leave it at that." she repeated the words he had said earlier. "I am very happy you are with me."
Li frowned. Yes, he definitely knew what had caused the sorrow a second ago. He leaned back in his chair and placed a hand over his mouth, while Emike continued tending to her tea. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her over his fingertips.
Present
Touya laid on his bed, waiting for his dad to come. His head hurt. Raising his hand up into the moon's light, he could see he was shaking.
That girl, Emike…I knew her. I told her I didn't, but that was because I shouldn't know her. She was a ghost. She wasn't Sakura. WHY THE HELL DO I KNOW HER?
Thump, thump, thump.
Touya's eyes flickered to his door. Who would be here at this time? It wasn't someone knowing on his door. It was someone knocking at the entrance.
Rising from his bed, he sighed. There was no point in waiting if his dad wasn't going to come. Besides, he couldn't have slept if he had been tranquilized. Maybe the person at the door would take his mind off everything.
As Touya walked out his room, he was surprised to see his Sakura's room light's off. He smiled. The brat hadn't been getting any sleep these past few days. Slightly happier, he decided he wouldn't bark at the person standing outside the door.
Thump, thum- Touya cut off the second the thump and threw open the door.
"Okay already-Yu-Yuki?"
Touya was met with a bright smile from a young man with hair that shined silver under the moon's rays. "Hello, Too-ya."
"What are you doing here?" Touya clapped his friend on the back and pushed him into the house.
Yukito Tsukishiro had been Touya's best friend for as long as he could have remembered. The fact that he showed up now of all times made him curious to know how he had developed such great timing.
Yukito allowed Touya to ruffle his hair. "Just came to visit. Exams are over for me." he gave Touya a worried look. "Hey Too-ya, you don't look very good. Have you been eating right?"
Touya smirked. "Everything with you is eating." he walked into the kitchen. Once again no one had done the dishes.
Yukito took his time admiring the old mansion, but poked his head into the kitchen when he heard Touya groan. "Is something the matter?" his eyes widened at the piled dishes. "Did you need help with those?"
Touya turned to his friend and gave a weak smile. "Who said I'm going to do them? It's not my fault I live with animals."
Yukito gave a firm shake of his head. "You should do it out o the kindness of your heart Too-ya and-" he smiled as the faucet turned on.
Touya didn't give him the benefit of the doubt by turning to see what was probably his smug look. Instead, he grumbled. "If you're hungry, go look in the fridge."
Yukito, quite hungry, slinked his way over to the fridge and opened the door. Hmm, this looks good. Or maybe…no. Hey! Yummy!
CRASH
Yukito immediately took his head out of the fridge and looked at the plate that had fallen to the floor, now in shards. Next, his gaze flew to his friend. "Too-ya?" he closed the fridge door and walked to him.
He didn't try to touch him, just stared helplessly as he somehow knew there was nothing he could do. Touya braced himself on the counter edge while his right hand pressed against his temple. His face strained with pain. Yukito could tell that it was an effort to just stand.
"Too-ya…" Yukito's eyes shook with emotion.
Touya just shook his head. "Yuki…It's com-coming from no, unghhh, nowhere. Damn, who are you! Get out! Emike, Emike…" he made a sound of strangulation. "Not-not Sakura. Go away!"
By this time, Yukito was too alarmed to stand by and do nothing. Gently, he covered Touya's hand on the counter. He didn't try to stop his shaking, but offered his support.
"Too-ya." he stated softly. You're Too-ya." He eased Touya towards him, and allowed his friend his support. Yukito didn't know who Emike was, but he started to wonder how much he had missed since he had been gone. He felt out of place. He couldn't help Touya. He didn't know what was wrong. Sighing, his eyes glazed over with a seriousness that was hardly ever seen on him.
"Just what have I missed, Too-ya?"
Past
Sakura blinked as she suddenly found herself sipping out of a cup. Tea…she placed the cup back down and frowned, despite the beautiful sunlight that met her at that moment. It took her a while to realize where she was. A courtyard. She glanced at the empty chair in front of her and her heart shot up to her throat. I spoke to soon…Why? I'm done what I'm supposed to. Is this because of Simon? I have to deal with him? Sakura's hands began to shake. She had to leave quickly, without anyone noticing her. But how was she supposed to get to Simon by herself? She couldn't exactly call for a carriage. That would cause suspicion. Once Li learned about it, he would begin to doubt Emike all over again.
The chair in front of her rustled, and she watched in horror as Li took his seat in it. She reached for support behind her, but there was nothing but air. She didn't realize she was leaning on the chairs two hind legs now.
"Emike?"
Sakura held in a scream as her chair could no longer balance and she collapsed to the ground. She tried to brush herself off quickly but unfortunately Li took the effort of picking her up himself. She didn't think she could speak.
Li eyed the chair and after coming to the conclusion that it was completely fine to sit in, he turned to Sakura and frowned. "Is something the matter with the chair?"
Sakura swallowed and waited. Maybe if she willed herself enough to go back, it would happen.
"Emike, really if it's bothering you this much-" he watched as Sakura's eyes closed shut. "You're with me. Donovan cannot-"
"Stop." Sakura's voice was dry. Simon's name was enough for her to know that there was definitely more for her to do. She would have to get over herself in order to do her job. "I'm not Emike."
Li didn't seem to have the same expression as Sakura thought he would have. Instead he took his seat back in his chair and told her to do the same. She did as she was told.
"Good. You came."
Sakura's eyes flew open. "Whaa? You control it."
Li looked away from Sakura. "I suppose. To some extent."
It was funny. He couldn't look at Sakura, but he could look into the Sun's warm rays. Sakura was more blinding than the Sun. Funny.
"W…why did you call me back? It's Simon isn't it?"
Li's gaze snapped back at Sakura. "Not exactly…"
Sakura bit her lip uncomfortably. "But I know he's planning something. Do you think I could see him? I could-"
"No."
Sakura stopped and looked down at her lap. "I don't understand then." she blinked, thinking how nice it was to once again see Li radiate with life as opposed to his ghostly aura back in the present. "I know Simon's planning something. If you don't want me to stop him, what do you want?"
"Finish your tea Sakura."
Tea? Sakura raised the level of her eyes to the cup of tea in front of her. Oh. She highly doubted that he had called her back for tea. Besides, wasn't it a bit late for tea? She stopped herself from sighing and drank from her cup. There was a part of her that didn't want to give another reason for Li to hate her.
I wonder when Emike will take over this body again. This may be the last time I ever come back to this time. This may be the only time Li will ever call me back. I have to find Simon.
Sakura stared down at the bottom of her tea cup and in the clear liquid, she could see not herself, but Emike. The clothes she wore, the auburn curls her hair was put up in and even her company-Li. It was all Emike's. She never felt more alone than she did now. As she drank the last of her tea, some part of her wished that she could return back to her time. A time where she still had Li on her side and where she could place herself in his arms without feeling she was intruding.
"A walk then?"
Sakura looked up in surprise and watched as Li stood up and offered his arm. For the life of her, she could not understand why he was being as polite as he was. Why his body movements were so strained- because if he really did control when Sakura was allowed to come back, couldn't he have easily sent her back to her time if she was causing him this much grief?
Nevertheless she got up and took his arm without a word.
"Li, I-"
"No." he repeated.
Sakura couldn't tell whether he was losing his patience with her or not. Instead, she allowed him to escort her out of the courtyard and outside of the mansion. What does he want? I can't get a word in edgewise and he told me he was the one who had called for me. What does he want from me?
It was here in the fields where soft petals, each with their unique scents danced in the breeze, here where the grass was blowing softly in the warm breeze and here where Li's heat was his own and not the Sun's warmth that Sakura realized what Li was doing.
He's saying goodbye…
For the first time, Sakura looked up at Li and her throat caught. He didn't want her to help him with his problems anymore. That wasn't why he had called her here. This was his way of properly saying goodbye to her. Sakura didn't know what was the more appropriate feeling here. Gratitude, or anger.
This was goodbye. Goodbyes meant that you wouldn't see each other again for some time. In this case, it meant she would never see him again. He couldn't say goodbye yet when she still had to protect him from Simon. He couldn't! Maybe he thought that he was home free from here on in, but she knew he wasn't and she wasn't going to leave him just because he was through with her.
She stopped walking and released his arm.
"Keep me here for a little longer."
Li's face was expressionless as he looked down at Sakura.
Sakura gave a weak smile. She wanted it to mean that everything would be okay, but she didn't know if it was more for him or for herself. "I know you don't think of him, that is Simon as a threat, but he will be. Let me deal with him."
"I told you-"
"You'll get your goodbye Li." Sakura could see the surprised look on Li's face then. "We'll still get that chance."
"That is not the issue."
Sakura nodded knowingly. "Of course it isn't."
"That is not what I meant."
"Hmm?" Sakura almost gave a laugh as she realized that Li had thought he had offended her. "If you are worried about Emike, you could send guards with me. Or-" her hands fidgeted. "Since they no nothing about this, you could come with me."
Li sighed and walked a little farther ahead. "You just cannot get rid of me quick enough."
"That's not it!"
Li tilted his head back. "Teasing."
Sakura brought her gaze to the ground. "It wasn't funny."
Of course inside, Sakura's heart beated a little faster. She wondered what had caused this change in him. She had been venom the last time they had seen each other. Even now, he allowed her touch, although he was quite detached. Was he grateful to Sakura that he was getting his second chance with Emike?
"You know where Simon is right now?"
"No, I know his whereabouts."
Sakura cocked her head to the right. Why was he being so difficult?
Out of nowhere, she gave s short hiss or air. "Li…" she breathed.
Immediately he was by her side. "What is it?"
Sakura smiled shakily. "I suppose even you don't have complete power to keep me here."
Li raked his gaze over Sakura. "I cancall you back."
Sakura vision began to blur. "It only works when I am resting."
"That is fine."
Sakura widened her eyes at his soft tone and looked up into his warm gaze. He looked back down at her.
"You said I would get my chance to say goodbye did you not?"
Sakura felt her eyes begin to water as she nodded firmly. She didn't say anything else as she vanished and Emike took her place in Li's arms.
The phone rang.
No, the phone was ringing…
Sakura groaned and tried to ignore the faint sound.
The phone sounded musical…
Sakura opened her eyes in the darkness of her room and everything flashed back in her mind. Suddenly she was quite wide awake.
Her cell phone was ringing!
Sakura pushed herself up and picked up the cell phone on the dresser. Who would phone at a time like this? The clock read 5 o' clock.
"Hello?"
"Sakura? Good you picked up."
Sakura pushed her hair out of her eyes. Sleepily she asked "Simon? Why are you phoning this late?" she frowned. "And what are you doing? What's that sound?"
"Forget it. Did you do it?"
"Do what?"
"Do what! What else would I be talking about?"
"If you are referring to calling on Emike, Simon. That is none of your business."
"You're just saying that to deter to me from the fact that you did already do it."
Sakura could practically see his wicked smile on the other end.
"Okay, well see ya."
"Wait!" Sakura cried, then realizing what time of day it was, she lowered her voice. "What are you doing Simon?" she hissed.
"Nothing." he replied innocently. "What's with the accusation?"
"Simon, I swear if you don't tell me right now…"
"Sakura." he sighed. "I don't have time for this. Now I have things to do so I'll talk to you later."
"Why did you ask me about whether or not I talked to Emike yet?"
"I'm hanging up…" his voice lingered on the word "up"
"There's a reason! What did you do this time? Have you spoken with Li? Is that it?"
"That…" he yawned. "would be highly unlikely."
"Why?" she demanded. Quickly she hissed out Li's name.
He didn't come.
"Why isn't Li coming when I call him?"
"I dunno, maybe lover boy's busy. Look I have to-"
"No!" Sakura pressed the phone against her cheek. "Li always comes. You're with him? That has to be it. What are you doing Simon?"
Simon's voice softened. "Sakura, calm down. I told you he's not with me."
"Then where is he?" she tried to call for Li again.
He didn't come.
"Tell me Simon." Sakura's voice wanted to crack. "Where is Li?"
"You should know, you exorcised him didn't you?"
Sakura almost dropped the phone. "W…wha-at?" er voice was barely a whisper.
"Nothing comes free Kinomoto. You want answers from Emike, someone's gotta pay. Too bad your ghost never knew what hit him."
Sakura remained silent, her grip tightened on the phone.
"Sakura? You there?"
"Why didn't you tell me this would happen?"
"You didn't ask." Simon rolled his eyes on the other end. "C'mon wasn't your original plan to get rid of him?"
"Not like this!" Sakura could barely hold in a sob. She had half a mind to strangle him if he was in the room at that moment. Instead, she said coldly "Do what you want." and hung up.
"Hey! Wait, what are you doing? Don't hang up!"
Sakura placed the phone back on the dresser. Her hands were shaking, but she couldn't notice it through her tears. She had exorcised Li without even knowing what she had done. He had trusted her...
Li.
I swear I'll get you back.
Ermmm, sorry. I don't know what kind of ending this is but the chapter was getting lOOng so I had to make due. Thanks for your time. I'll be back as soon as possible! Thanks!
silent wanderer