A/N: Thank you for all your wonderful reviews!!

To Lau: Yup, without suspense the story would be just fluff and humor. I'm glad you liked the Y+S fluff lime and the rain scene. The person who saves Sakura is a real pretty boy, you'll get to know him soon ^_^ Arigatou for your long review, as usual, I really really appreciate it! Wow, vacation? Lucky you, I'm getting busier these days but since all of you kind readers are so supportive, I'll try to get the next chapter out real soon!

To Kella: Heh heh, you are so cute in your review, so here it is, the new chapter you are 'really really really badly' looking forward to. Thanks for all your encouragement, I'm so happy ^_^

To Thaliel: Haha, no, Sakura's not dying, and even if she really dies, you can't have Yue because……………HE BELONGS TO ME! Heh heh heh. Just joking, he belongs to the four geniuses of CLAMP. *sigh*

To Kasumi: You signed in for your review this time! Thanks for taking the time to sign in and review! I was smiling when I wrote the bed scene where Touya came in and nearly popped a few veins and blood vessels. Touya is really a cute brother, even though he's too overprotective huh? But I sure won't mind having a brother like Touya hah hah hah

*Author's real brother knocks her on her head* Ouch! My brother's a real stupid $&^@&*@*

To Mistress Sakura: Okay, I'm updating it now, so please don't die of suspense!! If you die I will have one less great reader who also write great S+Y fanfics! ^_^

Thanks so much for liking my fic and reviewing it! And now *drumrolls……………….*

Another new character, a very pretty young man by the name of Shiro. I created him. So he belongs to me!!! If you want to borrow him for a date, please dial 1800-DATE-SHIRO. Hehehheheh.

CHAPTER 16: SHIRO and AME

Four persons in different places felt the same thing in a heart-stopping second. Sakura's aura was cut off abruptly.

Kero-chan was having a pudding when he felt Sakura's pain shoot through his plush-toy body and the spoon he was holding clattered to the floor.

Eriol had just reached home, shaking the rain droplets off his umbrella when he felt Sakura's aura disappear.

Touya was in school, practicing soccer with his teammates in the indoors because of the rain, felt Sakura's in great danger.

And inside Yukito, who was still searching for Sakura desperately, Yue woke up. He was ripped out of his slumber by pure agony, and immediately, he realized that Sakura's aura was gone. His mind refused to accept it for a moment. But Yuki could hear him, and whispered fearfully. "What happened, Yue? Why do I feel like my heart's tearing apart? Is it Sakura-chan?"

There was no response from Yue and then his thoughts resonated in Yukito's mind.

I don't know.

Yes you do, Yue! Tell me!

No.

No?

No I won't believe it.

Believe what? Please stop scaring me Yue! If something happened to Sakura-chan, we have to save her!

I WON'T BELIEVE SHE'S GONE!

What do you mean she's gone?

……….

Yue?

……….

Please tell me, I beg you!

Her aura disappeared.

What does this mean?

……………

YUE!

She………she………could be………dead.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yukito dropped to his knees and weep. Yue, inside his mind, was howling like he's gone mad. After what seemed like an eternity, Yukito stood up, and nodded grimly.

Yue, stop it. We must be strong for Sakura-chan. We must find her! It's not certain that she's………..I just won't believe it!

…………….

Yue? I think it would be easier to find her if you take over, ok?

……………

There was a bright white light embracing Yukito he transformed into Yue. A very different-looking Yue. His cool impassionate eyes were filled with sorrow, and there were tear-streaks on his face. The rain had stopped, which made flying easier. He spread his large feathery wings and soared, searching for Sakura, with hope in Yuki's mind, but fearing the worst in his own heart.

Four of those who love Sakura looked for her desperately, but to no avail. It was like she had disappeared into thin air. They gathered at her house.

"I was with her, but she ran and flew into the sky." Yue had changed back into Yukito.

Touya glared at Yukito, and growled. "Why did she run away?"

Yukito looked extremely uncomfortable. "She, she asked me about Yue, why he didn't want to talk to her. And I told her the truth, that's it because of Yue finding out about Eriol-san, and that Sakura has been hiding this from him." Yukito glanced at Eriol.

Eriol had been so worried about Sakura, that he couldn't care less about Yue and Keroberos discovering his real identity and plans. Sakura's is the most important thing. So he explained to them about himself, and about his plans to help Sakura change all the cards.

When Kero-chan (who also couldn't be bothered if Touya knows he's not a real stuffed toy), asked Eriol why, he gave his reasons.

"I'm not Clow. I may have his memories, but I don't have his heart. I am my own person. That's why, he had looked into the future, and entrusted the Clow cards to the one most suitable, the person with a pure heart who will love his cards and guardians as much as he did. That person is Sakura."

"Sakura, as the new mistress of the Clow cards, needs to transform the cards into her own, so that they can stay alive by feeding on her power. Sakura's magic comes from the star element, and the Clow cards were feeding on the dark magic that Clow uses. That's why she needs to transform the cards, or her energy cannot be absorbed by the cards as they would be incompatible."

"She can't change the cards without valid reasons, so I created a series of incidents to force her change the cards. My identity has to remain a secret, if not, she and the two guardians will not try so hard in the battles."

"But I didn't expect Sakura to be from the future, and to know all about my plans, as well as my real identity already. When I discovered that, I confronted her, and she told me everything. I advised her not to tell the others, because that may change things in the future."

Eriol paused, and looked at Yukito. "She wanted to tell Yue, but I told her not to. She respected my request."

Yue was struggling in Yukito's mind. Eriol's aura was so much like Clow's, so familiar that he wanted to……..he realized that he had wanted Eriol to be his master again. But…….that was impossible, because Sakura is now his mistress. As Eriol continued with his explanation, Yue began feel the knots in his own heart untying. No matter what happens, Yue knows that his only mistress is Sakura, and now, he only loves her and not Clow, not anymore. He had not felt this truth until the instant her aura disappeared. And Yue had discovered that losing Sakura was even more painful than when Clow had died.

Eriol gave in to a tiny smile when he saw Yue's heart finally understanding the truth. Then he turned to the others and said, "We have to find her."

"But we looked everywhere, there's no trace of her!" Kero-chan wailed in distress.

Touya shook his head helplessly.

Yukito spoke up. "Maybe she's hurt, and was rescued by somebody who sent her to the hospital or clinic. Let's split up to look for her again."

The others nodded. They decided to gather at Sakura's house after 3 hours to report their progress.

While the four of them were looking for Sakura, she was at someone's home.

There was a cool cloth on her head, and she slowly regains consciousness.

"What? Where am I?" Sakura sat up from a bed and winced in pain. Her head throbbed in pain, while her limbs were swathed in bandages. Poking at her legs, there was no feeling, not even a prickling sensation. Her arms seemed to be fine, but were badly bruised. Looking around, she found herself in a clean and neat room. The walls were painted a light baby blue, with white-colored cupboards lining them. Across her bed was a dressing table with a large mirror on it.

Sakura blinked at her reflection. There was two band-aides on her forehead, one on her chin and another on her neck. Emerald-green eyes were clouded in confusion, as she frowned. The sound of the door opening caused her to turn her head around.

"So you are finally awake. I wanted to send you to a hospital, as you were quite badly injured, but you are no identity on you. How are you feeling?" A kind looking young man who seemed to be Touya's age looked at Sakura with concern.

"I have a headache, and my feet are numb."

"Your legs are broken, and luckily I know how to fix them. They'll be fine after a month or so. I'll give you an aspirin for your headache later." The man smiled at Sakura with gentle hazel-brown eyes covered by framing bangs of blond strands. Tossing his waist-long hair behind his shoulders, he bent down and shook Sakura's hand.

"My name is Nasukawa Shiro, what's your name?"

Sakura's eyes widened as her mind drew up a blank. She whispered, "I don't know."

Shiro was surprised. "You don't know? Can you remember where you live or what's your home number?"

Closing her eyes and trying in vain to search for an answer, Sakura finally sighed in defeat. "No." She looked up and saw Shiro pacing in the room.

"I think you have amnesia, it's a loss of memory, probably from your injuries. Should be temporary, not to worry." Shiro patted Sakura on her shoulder, comforting her.

"Well, you are certainly not in any condition to go anywhere, so just rest here and I'll try to find your family for you. Are you hungry?"

Sakura nodded as her stomach growled.

Shiro laughed. "I'm not much of a cook, but my food is still fairly safe to eat. Get some rest, I'll let you know when dinner's ready." He was about to walk out of the room when Sakura said softly. "Arigatou, Shiro-san."

"Just call me Shiro." And he closed the door quietly behind him.

Why do I feel an affinity with this young girl? When I saw her lying there on the pavement, in the rain, there was pain in my heart. I had no hesitation in carrying her to my house that was nearby. Somehow, it's like my instincts telling me to take good care of her. And when I had her in my arms, it was like………….like I found someone very dear to me. That's really weird.

Shiro shook his head and laughed at his own silliness, not realizing the link between himself and Sakura, that goes back into their past lives.

Inside the room, Sakura was wondering why she found Shiro so familiar, and how safe she felt in her presence. She also tried to recall her memories, but the pain in her head only got worse. She whimpered, hands cradling her head, and curled into a ball, as tears rolled down her face.

When Shiro brought Sakura's dinner in a tray into the room, he was shocked to find her banging her head against the wall. Placing the tray on the dressing table, Shiro hurried over to Sakura. "Hey, you ok? What's wrong?"

"My-my-my head's splitting open! It hurts so much!" Sakura moaned as another wave of pain washed over her. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Shiro hugged Sakura and quickly gave her some painkillers. "Hey, swallow these, you'll feel better then."

She gulped them down and snuggled up to Shiro's broad chest, shivering. "When you feel up to it, eat some food, ok?" Shiro told her, pointing to the tray on the dressing table.

Sakura nodded, and thanked Shiro again. "So why you are in such pain? Your injuries aren't that serious, or are they causing you more pain than I thought they would?"

"I………I was just trying to remember who I am, but once I think hard, my head hurt."

"Shhh………take your time, there's no hurry. Don't force yourself. It'll all come back to you soon. And don't worry, I'll take care of you in the meantime, ok?"

"Wouldn't I be disturbing you?" Sakura raised her eyes to Shiro's.

"No, I live alone, but when I'm working, you'll have to look after my house for me." Shiro smiled warmly.

"Thank you so much Shiro." Sakura smiled, the first smile she had after Shiro had saved her.

"You are welcome. Ah, I can't keep calling you 'hey' or 'you'. Since we met in the rain, can I call you Ame-chan?" Shiro suggested.

"Ah, sure. I can't remember my name anyway." Sakura replied sadly. 

"So Ame-chan, do you want to have some dinner now? If my cooking's horrible, the food will probably taste worse when it gets cold." Shiro grinned jokingly.

"Yes, thank you. You have been so kind to me, I……." Tears of gratitude fell from Sakura's eyes.

"Shhhhh, it's ok. Don't worry about it." Shiro wiped away her tears with his thumb. "Tears doesn't suit your pretty face, so please don't cry, ok?" His tone was gentle and kind.

Sakura sniveled and thanked Shiro again. She took a bite of the food that Shiro had cooked for her. "It's delicious!"

"Then you are the first to say that, are you sure you are not just saying that to make me happy?" Shiro smiled cheekily.

"No! I really think it's nice!" Sakura proclaimed seriously.

"Ok ok I believe you. I was just teasing you, because honestly, you are the first person to try my cooking. I just moved to this town recently, so I don't have much friends." Shiro appeared to be a little sad.

Sakura took his hands and said, "Then I'll be your friend." They smiled at each other for a few moments. Sakura said, "You know, I have a strange feeling about you, like I know you from somewhere……."

Shiro stared at Sakura in surprise. "I…….I got the feeling too…..pretty weird huh?" A thought nagged at the back of Shiro's mind.

That's because you do know her.

But I have never seen her before!

She looked different when you knew her.

What do you mean?

It's not time yet, all will be revealed to you soon………

"Shiro? Shiro are you all right?" Sakura waved her hands in front of his eyes.

"Huh?" Shiro snapped out of his thoughts and looked confused.

"You had a dazed look in your face just know, kind of spaced-out." Sakura explained.

"Oh! Ah, nothing, don't worry." Shiro forced a smile and excused himself. He went to the kitchen and got a cold soda. Leaning against the kitchen counter with his drink in one hand, he pondered over the strange conversation he had in his own mind. Ever since he had moved into this town, the voice in his head had gotten louder. Sometimes he even thought that he was going crazy, but the voice didn't seem to be malicious or anything. Thinking back, Shiro remembered that he had felt strangely compelled to move to Tomoeda, even though his parents had objected his decision. So he had dropped out of college, and got a job here, supporting himself and his rented apartment. Things were difficult at first, but after a few months, he's starting to like his new life. And now, he has a new friend, Ame-chan.

She's really cute. And so nice to offer her friendship. I wonder how old she is. But she doesn't remember anything about herself now. I hope she recovers soon, she looks so lost just now. Anyhow, I'll take care of her and try to find her family in the meantime.

Shiro whistled to himself as he walked towards the bathroom. He was toweling himself dry in the bathroom after his shower when he heard a crash, then a soft cry. Worried about Sakura, he dashed into her room. She was sitting on the floor, nursing a bruised elbow. "Ame-chan! Are you alright?"

"Shiro, I was just trying to……….." She stopped talking and stared at him with wide eyes. A blush was creeping into her cheeks.

"Huh?" Shiro scratched his head in puzzlement.

"You are…..you……" Sakura grew even redder, and she lowered her eyes shyly.

Shiro looked at himself and slapped his head. He was nearly naked, except for the small white towel around his waist. "I had just finished bathing when I heard something crashing in your room so I rushed in. Sorry." He smiled sheepishly.

"So what happened?" He asked curiously, not the least shy about his lack of attire.

"I needed to use the bathroom, but my legs…….." Sakura gestured at her injured legs that were bandaged, preventing her movement.

"Oh I'm sorry! I didn't think……ah, I'll help you to the bathroom. Tomorrow I'll get some crutches for you." Shiro walked to Sakura's side and carried her in his strong arms. She blushed when her face was pressed against Shiro's bare chest. In his clothes, Shiro had looked rather frail, but he was surprising well built. And his skin was so smooth, like silk. Shiro took Sakura to the bathroom and left her inside, while he waited outside. Sakura used the bathroom facilities and called out to Shiro. He carried her back to her room. At the entrance of her room, Sakura spotted something she feared most besides ghosts.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh a cockroach!!!!" The cockroach scurried away into a dark corner.

Her ear-splitting scream startled Shiro, who lost his hold on her. As Sakura felt herself falling, she was so scared that she grabbed onto the first thing her hand came into contact with.

Shiro managed to catch hold of her before she hit the ground. She opened her eyes, which she had closed earlier when she was falling and stared into Shiro's bemused expression. There was something in her hand, the thing she had grabbed onto just now. It was a white piece of towel. Where did it come from?

"Well Ame-chan, don't look down now." Shiro grinned playfully.

And of course, naturally, Sakura did look down. Her entire face, neck and ears blushed like a ripe tomato. "Hoeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!"

Shiro laughed. "Can't say I didn't warn you!"

"SHIRO!!!" Sakura wailed, embarrassed to the core. She shut her eyes tightly as Shiro lowered her gently down to her bed. She turned to face the wall, and said, "Thanks, but I'm ok now so you can leave." Sakura couldn't imagine looking Shiro in the eye again without recalling what she had just seen. It was the first time she had seen a guy's………well………you-know-what, and she's mortified.

"Ah, you are welcome. But could I please have my towel back?" Shiro asked with amusement.

Sakura looked at her hand. It was still gripping on to the towel……the towel that had covered Shiro's you-know-what. "OH!!! SORRY!" She turned around out of reflex and screamed again, as she had forgotten for a moment that Shiro was still naked. Closing her eyes, a blushing Sakura held out the towel and apologized profusely.

Shiro took the towel and wrapped it around his waist. "It's ok, and I'm decent now. See you tomorrow, Ame-chan. Oyasumi."

"Oyasumi, Shiro."

Touya, Eriol, Yukito and Kero-chan gathered at the Kinomoto residence after three hours. They couldn't find Sakura, and were all disappointment, worried and tired. Touya had made a police report, but there were no missing girls. They had searched all hospitals and clinics, but no news at all.

Seeing the tired looks on everyone's face, Eriol suggested they continue their search tomorrow. He consoled the rest by saying, "Sakura's probably saved by a kind person, and she's maybe resting now. I'm sure she'll be all right." The rest nodded, wanting to believe in Eriol, hoping that Sakura's fine and alive. Eriol left and started a long, lonely walk back home. Despite his words to the others, Eriol felt a gnawing sense of unease about Sakura.

Sakura, where are you? Why do I feel that you are so near, yet we just can't find you? It's like you are slipping away right before our eyes and we don't even know it! Please Sakura, please be alive.

Kero-chan had cried himself to sleep that night in Sakura's bed. He blamed himself for not protecting her. He felt so useless. Sakura's pillow still has her faint scent, and Kero-chan buried his face into it.

Sakura, please be safe. We'll definitely find you soon! Please…….

Touya was not sleeping. He couldn't. He had failed to keep his promise with Okasan. She had entrusted Sakura in his care and protection before she pass away. And now, his precious sister, his only sister is missing.

Sakura, no matter what it takes, I will find you. Okasan, please give me the strength to find and protect her. Please let her be all right.

Yukito and Yue were talking to each other in their minds. Yue was filled with regret about what happened, and Yukito was angry with himself for letting Sakura run off like that.

If only I had hugged and held on to her tightly, not letting her runs away by herself!

If only I had not been so cold towards her, and ignoring her for keeping the truth about Clow-sama from me. I should have talked to her. But I didn't. I was too stubborn! What did it matter if Clow-sama is back? That's he's now reincarnated in that boy named Eriol? Yes, I admit his aura is almost exactly like Clow-sama's, even their presence is alike. But he's not him. And no matter what, my only mistress, and my only love now is Sakura. Nothing will change that. Why was I so blinded by my own hurt? By what I thought was a betrayal? I was just sulking like a spoiled child, not even giving Sakura that chance to explain! No, she doesn't need to explain anything to me; I should have trusted her! And I have failed to protect her! How could I even begin to atone for my wrongs? Now, it's too late, and I may never have the chance to do so.

Yue, please don't think like that! I'm sure…………I'm sure Sakura will be fine! Don't you trust in her abilities? She's now a pretty powerful magician, right? I believe in her. I believe she won't ever leave us and…………and let anything happen to herself.

But Yuki! Don't you remember how she had been attacked by the two evil creatures that night? What if something like that happened to her again?

NO! No, it can't be………..

And their blood ran cold at the awful possibilities.

SA-KU-RA……..

Sakura was dreaming, and she was in total darkness. There was a voice talking to her.

My love.

Who?

You, of course.

Who are you?

My dear, how could you have forgotten me?

Huh?

My name is Kuro.

Kuro?

Yes, and I'm getting so close to you………so close.

Why?

Because you are mine. No matter who you are now, you will always be mine.

No!

No? Shall I show you our past? Where we spent every single day together? And the day when I swear to love and be by your side, even after death itself? Or maybe that fateful day, the day we perished together…………….

You can't escape from me, ever. You belong to me. Join me in the darkness, my love, where we can be together for eternity.

Sakura felt a strong presence drawing her into the darkness, and she fought with all her might. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Ame-chan! Ame-chan please wake up!" Shiro shook Sakura as she continued screaming, but not waking up. He felt that something was very wrong, that it wasn't just a normal nightmare. Acting purely on instincts, Shiro shouted into the air, "Whatever you are, get out of Ame-chan's dreams now!" A white glow of ethereal light surrounded both Shiro and Sakura, but they didn't notice it. Sakura finally stopped screaming, and her eyes snapped open. The light around them faded away.

"Shiro?" Sakura blinked, she had forgotten about her dreams already.

"Ame-chan, you are all right!" Shiro hugged her close to him. His heart had nearly stopped beating when he heard her screaming. Kicking open her door, he didn't even bother to turn on the lights, but rushed to her side immediately. He didn't know why, but Sakura had become very important to him, within the short span of time they had spent together.

"Yes, Shiro, what happened? Why are you in my room?" Sakura blushed, as she was still in his embrace.

Shiro let go of Sakura and replied. "You were screaming, so I came. I thought something happened to you."

"Oh, thank you, but I'm fine. Maybe I had a nightmare or something."

Shiro didn't think it was just a nightmare, but decided to keep quiet and not worry her with his groundless conclusions. Moonlight was the only source of illumination in the room. It was a full moon. Sakura turned to gaze at the moon from the window. "The Moon is so beautiful………….but why do I feel this pain in my heart?" She whispered. It was a odd feeling, to be in awe of the splendor of the moon, but yet, an unexplainable emotion, almost like regret. Why?

"Your heart feels pain? Do you want me to get some medicine for you?" Shiro asked worriedly.

Sakura faced Shiro, and smiled sadly. "No, this pain is an emotion I feel, not a physical pain. I feel like I have lost something very dear to me. What is it?"

"Your memory will come back to you soon. Please don't be sad. I hate to see you like this." Shiro brushed a few stray strands of auburn hair away from Sakura's face tenderly. Then he pinched her cheek lightly.

"Smile for me, my angel." Shiro eyes widened in shock. Where had the words, 'my angel' come from? Yet…………it sounded right. And was so familiar.

Sakura blushed at the endearment. But the word angel brought the image of wings into her head, and once again, the weird emotion of a painful longing. She lowered her head and frowned, not understanding why she's feeling this way.

Shiro's hand slipped from Sakura's cheek to her chin and lifted her head up gently. "You really look like an angel, you know?" Shiro eyes roamed over her pure emerald-green eyes, sweet innocent face and pink rosebud mouth. His gaze fell to her cute silky tresses. Yes, she definitely looks like an angel. The only thing missing is wings on her back.

Sakura smiled shyly and a tinge of red dotted her cheeks. "Stop joking."

"I'm serious! And you look even cuter with rosy cheeks and a smile." Shiro grinned playfully.

" Thank you for cheering me up Shiro." Her eyes twinkled merrily.

"Anytime, Ame-chan, anything for my angel." He winked.

After Shiro had watched over Sakura till she fell asleep peacefully, he left her room quietly and sat in the living room. He pondered on what he had felt just now.

Why did I feel that Ame-chan's dream was not 'normal'?

Because it's not.

You again.

Yes, don't you want to know why?

If you are so smart then you tell me.

You are special, Shiro. You have some abilities that ordinary people do not have. And you have a mission in this life, to protect someone.

Huh?

Just be on the alert, especially around her.

Her?

The girl you call Ame-chan.

Why?

It's not time yet.

You know, I'm really getting a bit sick of this 'it's not time yet' kind of shit.

Fine, then let me show you………..

Shiro's vision blurred as he slumped onto the floor with a soft thud. When he regained consciousness, he was in a strange surrounding. A room that had rough walls. On a closer look, the walls were actually made up of thousands of clear white crystals. The floor was glass, but when he looked down, he could see nothing beyond the transparent glass but a murky mist of some sort. "What the hell?" Shiro mumbled. A circle of blue flames flared in the middle of the room, and a figure stepped out of it. The person was a dazzling beauty, with long wavy midnight blue hair that fell gracefully down to her slender hips. She was wearing a strapless gown that seems to be made of woven golden silk.  

Her eyes were a stunning green, the color of emeralds, filled with wisdom and pure compassion. And Shiro found himself so captivated by them, he was speechless.

"What's wrong?" Her clear, smooth voice rang out amongst the silence.

"Nothing's wrong, Suisen-chan." Shiro turned around and saw another man in the room. He had short spiky dark hair and chocolate-colored eyes. (A/N: Actually he looks exactly like Touya.) 

Why is it that they don't seem to see me even though I'm standing between the two of them?

That's because you are not physically here. We are now watching a scene from your past life, before you were reincarnated into Nasukawa Shiro.

Oh.

"For a moment you had a dazed kind of look on your face." Suisen said with concern.

"I'm fine. What is it?"

"The Lord is looking for us." Suisen replied.

Who's the Lord? She's not talking about God, is she?

Be patient. You'll see him soon.

Ok, but if this is my past life, which one of them is me? Not the gorgeous girl, could it? Then it must be that dark-hair fellow!

NO! Your past self will appear very soon.

"Another epidemic?"

"Yes, there are many casualties this time, so the Lord had instructed both of us to attend to the peasants." She bowed her head, tears shimmering in her eyes.

"Suisen-chan………..don't cry. You know it rains whenever you cry. And, this is not the first time we have an epidemic."

"But…….so much suffering. Why? Our powers are limited, no matter how hard we try, there are just some we can't save. Why doesn't the Lord do something? This is his realm right? Couldn't he stop the epidemics? He's the most powerful magician in this realm!"

"I'm sure he tried. You know our Lord doesn't like to explain his actions. I believe there's a reason for all these."

"I'm starting to lose confidence, really. He isn't what he used to be. He was so kind, gentle and warm in the past, but now………everything's changed. And he's behaving more and more strangely towards me." Suisen shuddered uncontrollably.

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know how to explain, but he's making me really uncomfortable. And he mentioned that maybe it's time he gets a wife." 

"WHAT?" The dark-haired man shouted in disbelief.

"Weird right? We know that he has never been interested in the affairs of the heart, and now he says he wants to get a wife. But it's not what he said that's surprising, it's the way he said it. He was looking right into my eyes when he said that, with an expression of ……….it's almost like…….hunger."

That lord of theirs sounds like a real creep.

Oh? By the way, your past self is coming into the room now.

Ah, finally.

A second circle, this time in black flames appeared in the room, and a man with an overpowering presence entered. He had red hair, and champagne colored eyes. "What are you two doing here?"

"Lord Kuro!"

-----------TBC------------

A/N: Am I making you confused? The words in italic are their thoughts. In the last part of the chapter, Shiro was seeing scenes of his past, and the words in italic are his thoughts, and the voice in his head talking.

I'm sorry for not mentioning Tomoyo and Syaoran in this chapter, even though they care for Sakura also. But they are not main characters in my fic.

How can Shiro be Kuro? Hmmmmmmmmmmm, I'll give you a hint. Think about Fujitaka and Eriol.

And who's that green-eyed beauty called Suisen? Haha, I'm sure you can guess.

Guess! And Review! Arigatou! The more reviews I get the faster I update heh heh heh.