*NOTE: there probably won't be too much of Sakura in this chapter, as it just lays the ground for next chapter.
=-. Chapter Two .-=
=-. At Sakura's house, 1 day later .-=
Meilin crossed her arms as she paced around the Kinomoto residence living room. Agitated as she was, she knows she needs to think hard about the situation.
A day after Sakura's recovery, she told them all about what actually happened - "them" referring to everyone who knows about the Cardcaptor thing, minus Li Shaoran of course.
"Whatever happens, Daidouji-san, Li must do this of his own will."
Whereas Meilin was pacing about in the room, Tomoyo was calmly sitting at one of the chairs in the room, with Keroberos behind her. "I agree, Meilin-chan. We can't just... you know... we aren't just supposed to tell Li about everything, right? I mean... his affections won't come back with just a story."
"Yes, of course. But what do we do?"
"We'll think of something. It took them two years [it's two years, right?] to fall in love with each other. We can't just let that slip away."
Meilin was filled with a determined look on her face. "Absolutely right, Daidouji-san! I didn't set them up all the time just to fail! We'll bring them back..."
"...somehow, Meilin. Somehow."
"By the way, where is Sakura? We've been here like, the whole afternoon!"
Kero-chan, who was intently listening on their converstion, finally spoke. "A, she's at the school. She went to pick up some of her stuff she used for the play so her locker will be clean when classes resume."
"Oh! Meilin... I just remembered!" Tomoyo stood up, and faced Meilin.
"What is the matter, Daidouji-san?" Meilin said.
"Weren't you and Li here just for the class break? Does that mean... you have to go soon?" Tomoyo looked troubled.
"Meilin's eyes widened. "Ohhhh! I completely forgot... how could I have forgotten?" She slapped her forehead in disgust.
"How long before you go?"
Meilin bit her lip. "We've got two weeks left."
* * * * *
"Two weeks?!?"
Sakura jumped back to her bed and *rampaged* the pillow.
Kero turned, his fists at his sides. "That's what the noisy girl said. It's just terrible."
Tomoyo glanced at the clock. It was already eight. "Oh, Kero-chan, don't frighten Sakura anymore than she is already. Sakura-chan... I'm sure we can come up with something. We'll put you back together again!"
"It's hopeless! He's gone!" Sakura said, biting at the pillow. X{
"No it's not! Remember what he said!"
"What about what he said?"
"Remember, Sakura-chan! He made a promise to you! He said he'd just fall in love with you again!"
"But he's forgotten that already!"
"His memory is just being somewhat blocked by the effects of the Sealed Card! There's still a chance!"
Sakura nibbled the pillow again. "But... that might take too long... and they've got only two weeks left here!"
"Look, Sakura... in theory, the Sealed Card will only ask to give up a most important feeling as it is being transformed, right?"
"Uh-huh... at least, that's what Eriol-kun said."
"Well, what if it's not truly erased from his mind? What if... in some dark corner of his soul, a flame still burns for you? What if we can jog his memory... so that he will remember?
Sakura lay on her bed, looking at the ceiling. "Jog his memory? It probably won't work. Even if he remembers, but if he doesn't feel..."
"That's why, in two weeks' time, we will try our best to re-develop that feeling! We'll set you up and..."
Kero cut back. "Shhh."
"Eh?" Tomoyo turned, seeing Sakura had already fallen asleep, her pillow torn to shreds. *_*
Tomoyo kissed Sakura on the forehead and stood up.
Oh, Sakura-chan. Don't worry. It's gonna be fine. We'll take care of it for you.
Before closing the door, Tomoyo looked at her sweet friend once more.
That's a promise.
* * * * *
"You really are a true friend," said a familiar voice as Tomoyo started to descend the stairs.
"Yukito-san!"
"May I have a word with you, Tomoyo-san?"
"What is it?"
"Well... it's about Sakura. Something's wrong, isn't it?"
"Y-yes, you could say that."
"Well. if you ever need my help making things better, just call on me, 'kay?"
"Don't worry. We won't hesitate to ask for your help." Tomoyo started for the door out.
"I want to help, Tomoyo-san. If you need me, I'll be there."
"Thank you, Yukito-san. You're a true friend of Sakura, as well."
* * * * *
=-. At Tomoyo's Place .-=
"Daidouji-san! You're back!"
"Yeah. Sakura just fell asleep on me. I guess she hasn't gotten up to full health yet."
"So...?"
"So what?"
"So what do we do now?"
"Well, we do the only thing we could for now. We plan."
"Cool thinker, as always. But I have to ask..." Meilin trailed off.
"What is it?"
"Can we really pull off in a couple of weeks what took two years to create?"
"I know it's a tremendous task, but I have faith that we can help them rediscover their love. That's just what we're setting out to accomplish: Guide them back to each other's arms."
* * * * *
=-. Later that night .-=
Tomoyo got up because she thought she heard a noise from Li's room. Then she noticed there was someone downstairs, at the living room.
"Meilin, is that you?" she called off.
Li's calm voice relieved Tomoyo. "No, it's me, Daidouji-san." And there he was, just sitting on the sofa, resting his chin on his palms.
She wiped the sleep from her eyes. "What are you doing up so late? What time is it, anyway?"
"It's about one in the morning. I... I'm having trouble sleeping lately."
Tomoyo sat down beside Li on the sofa. "What's the matter, Li-kun?"
"Daidouji-san... I feel a bit... odd. Suddenly I just couldn't remember most of the things that occurred since we came back here. Heck, I'm even having trouble remembering anything after I came to Tomoeda in the first place! If I do remember some things... most of the time it makes me feel... i dunno..."
"Awkward?"
"Yeah, something like that."
"Like there's something you feel, but you can't seem to explain it?"
"Absolutely. I find it hard rationalizing my actions, like giving up the race for the Clow Cards to Sakura. Some things don't make sense to me now... especially considering that there are a lot of... gaps in my memory. There are just a lot of patches that seem to have disappeared from my memory. You know, Tomoyo..."
He glanced at her, seeing that she had fallen asleep.
Li sighed.
What is wrong with me? I can't remember a damned thing. More so, I feel like there's such a huge hole in my soul right now. I need answers.
He looked up at the chandelier hanging from way up in the ceiling, as if a ray of light would flash from him and an angel would descend towards him and give him the answers he was desperately seeking. At least, he hoped for some sleep, so he could deal with this in the morning.
He looked back at Tomoyo. Hmm... an angel?
* * * * *
¤ What the heck was that last line about? Why does Kero-chan only have one speaking line? Why do people keep falling asleep while someone's talking to them? Continued in Chapter 3 *soon!* ¤