I'm terribly sorry about the updates, or lack thereof. I had some writer's
block, problems finding TIME to write, problems getting the story out soon
enough to my friend and grammar checker and partner in crime, etc. But here
is another chapter. I can only hope to have more regular updates now that
both my editor and I have no more vacations to waste time on.
Chapter 15- Amnesia?
Faint voices cried out to him, but he could see nothing and hear little. He could feel nothing. "Oh, my God! Is he okay?" "He's bleeding! He's got a nasty cut on his throat. but he's breathing. barely."
Syaoran then completely blacked out.
Next thing he knew, the burning pain in his throat had returned. He began to stir around. "What? Oh! Come look! He's coming to!" "I. I hear voices. am. am I dead? My throat was slit. I fell. I must be. I couldn't survive. Sakura, I'm sorry." Syaoran thought to himself. Suddenly, though, he realized he was very much alive.
Syaoran sat up and rubbed his neck. It was all bandaged up. He opened his eyes slowly and his vision gradually cleared. In front of him were two boys about his age. One had medium-long blonde hair, thin glasses, and blue eyes. The other had messy brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a cold stare. "Huh? Touya? Kai?"
(Author's note: Kai is a boy in Touya's grade. He's not in the series or manga. Mostly, because I made him up. But he's in Touya's grade.)
The two boys looked amazed. "How did you know our names?" the blonde haired boy asked. "Ummm. I. I. woke up a little while ago, and. I. overheard you two talking."
The first boy smiled. "Oh. That explains it. But I'm just glad you're okay. We didn't know if you'd recover anytime soon. We were just walking along down the road together when you suddenly dropped from the sky. You were beaten up pretty badly." Touya nodded. "You were covered in bruises. But your throat looked like someone had tried to slit it. What happened to you?"
There was no chance in Hell Kai and Touya would believe what had really happened. "I was taking a hike through the woods by myself. Then. ummm. I decided to stop at a nearby tree to rest. I was leaning against it. I. ummm. I remember I took my pocketknife out for something... I can't remember. My head hurts. But I remember. the knife slipped. it hit my throat. Then, it's all a blur. But I remember falling. That's all." The blonde haired Kai looked worried. "Is something wrong with your memory? You can't remember what happened exactly?" Syaoran nodded. "Nope." Touya growled. "Maybe he was doing something illegal in the woods and just wants to cover his tracks." The new boy smiled. "I doubt that. He doesn't look like a criminal, and what could he do? Oh! I almost forgot to ask: What is your name?"
Syaoran sweated. He thought to himself, "I can't tell them my real name, or they'll recognize me when I get back to the present. I have to do something!" Syaoran gulped. "Ummm. My name is. ummm." He rubbed his head. "Ah! I can't remember!" "What?? Are you serious? Do you have. what's it called? .Amsia?" Kai asked "That's AMNESIA," Touya corrected. Syaoran nodded. "I. I think so. I can't remember anything." He tried his hardest to tell a convincing lie.
"Well, the doctor said you had a bad bump to the head," Yukito stated. "Huh? I did?" Touya nodded. "You landed on your head. We weren't sure if you'd survive. But we brought you here and called a paramedic. When they arrived, they said there wasn't much more they could do. They said if we kept you here and warm, you'd be fine. But they did patch up your neck and said you shouldn't move it too much for a while."
Syaoran stood up. "Where are you going?" Kai asked. ".I just need to think. Maybe a walk will aid my memory. Maybe all this amnesia stuff is temporary. But I thank you for your hospitality. I wish I could repay you." He bowed to the two boys and turned toward the door. "Wait!" Kai said. "Well, my parents won't let you stay here much longer, but. Touya, could you let him sleep at your house?" "WHAT?" "Well, it would only be until he could find a place to stay. I mean, he doesn't even know who he is! Are you just going to throw him out into the rain?" Touya growled. "Fine. I'll go introduce you to my father. But just don't touch anything there! Be back here in an hour. I have things to do. But in an hour, I'll walk you to my house. Okay?" Syaoran bowed again, trying to hide the smile on his face. "Thank you. I'll find some way to make sure your kindness is paid for."
Syaoran stepped out of Kai's house and stepped into the bright sunlight. It felt great to be in the sun again. Who knew how long he had been asleep? He didn't know what to do first. Syaoran stretched out his arms and legs, but when he tried to flex his neck, it hurt severely. The wound must not have healed very much. He'd have to be careful or it could get worse.
Judging by the sun, it was around noon. Syaoran knew where to go. However, thoughts of pessimism and regret filled his mind.
***** "Finally! The brat is dead! There's no way he could have survived that!" Koji took a sip of beer he had stolen from a local store. He had 'borrowed' a few other supplies at a five-finger discount.
He slammed the empty beer bottle down, shattering it. "I checked all over the town, and there wasn't a trace of him for two whole days, just a bloodstain trail on the sidewalk. They must have found him and dragged his carcass to the undertaker. Well, time to finish my mission. I can kill Sakura, take her soul, and with the power from her in the Orb of Souls, I can revive Sadin!" He drew his sword and walked off. *****
Tomoyo patted down the sand of her simple constructions in the sand box. She was quite cute and content to play in her little spot. Syaoran approached. "Syaoran! You're here! But. where were you for the past two days?" He pointed to the large bandage around his neck. "Oh my-Are you alright?" He nodded. "What happened to-" "Where's Sakura?" He interrupted. "She's not here today. She's still at home. We've seen no sign of Koji at all." Syaoran bowed. "Thank you." He turned and walked away.
A million thoughts went through his mind. All he could concentrate on were his duties. According to his watch, he had 40 minutes before he had to return to Kai's home so Touya could take him to his house for an introduction to Fujitaka.
After about 10 minutes, he arrived at Sakura's house. Slowly and silently, he crept towards the side of the house. Syaoran peered into the window. Fujitaka sat on the couch, reading a book quietly. Sakura wasn't in sight, indicating that she must be upstairs.
"WIND!" Syaoran was carried up to the rooftop, where he climbed through Sakura's window. He looked around. Sakura was asleep in her bed, clutching hard onto her blanket. She was so small.
Syaoran sat down on the chair by her desk and thought. He didn't want to wake her up. However, that was in vain, as she began to stir. "Hoe?" Sakura opened her eyes slowly and yawned.
Syaoran was startled. "What? Oh, I didn't wake you, did I? I'm sorry." Sakura shook her head. "No, no. It's okay. I was going to wake up soon anyway." She rubbed her eyes. "HOEEEEE?! Your neck! What happened?! Is that why you weren't anywhere I knew of for 2 days?" He nodded. "I met up with Koji in the woods. He cut my throat. Luckily, it wasn't too bad."
Sakura got up off her bed and ran to him. She jumped onto his lap and hugged him. Syaoran began to blush. "I'm so glad you're okay. Please, be careful. I don't want to lose you to that demon. I'm sorry I couldn't be of some help."
Syaoran picked the infantile Sakura up and put her down. He looked her on the eyes. "Sakura. No, I'M the one who should be sorry. If something had happened to me. then there would have been no one to protect you. I was careless." Tears formed in his eyes. "Koji is after YOU. I'm supposed to be protecting you. If I was killed. Who." "Syaoran, if you were killed, I wouldn't be able to go on."
"What. do you mean?" Syaoran asked. She hugged him tighter. "You've always been there for me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Syaoran. I. I."
"Sakura-san! Who are you talking to up there?" Fujitaka interrupted. A sweat drop rolled down her and Syaoran's heads. "Ummm. uhhh. No one, Daddy! I just woke up! I was. umm. just.playing with my dollies!" "Oh, okay. But I have to go to the university in a few hours, and you're coming with me, so don't make a mess. Otherwise, you'll have to clean it up in the morning." "Okay!"
Sakura jumped off of Syaoran's lap, which, relative to her size, was gigantic. Syaoran walked to Sakura's window and prepared to climb out. "Oh, and before I go, I'll be back in about half an hour. After Koji cut me, I was saved by your brother and his classmate, Kai. However, I couldn't reveal who I really was, so I pretended that I forgot. Now, they want me to sleep HERE. When I come back, just pretend you don't know me but you want me here." Sakura nodded. "Okay. I can do that."
Syaoran gave her one last look before jumping to the ground below.
Sakura's face was as pink as her name implied. "Of course, I don't need to pretend I want you here."
Syaoran ran back to Kai's house as fast as he could. "Ten minutes?! I must have stayed there longer than I thought!" His neck was sore as he darted down the street. The wind blowing against his wounds was very painful indeed, but he didn't seem to notice. His mind was fixated on something else.
Or rather, someone else.
He remembered staring into Sakura's eyes. She may have been shrunk down to a toddler, but that look was the same. That same warm feeling he always had when he looked into her eyes.
His face turned red. However, now was not the time to think about such things.
Within a minute or two, he reached his destination. He opened the front door and saw Kai and Touya, wearing a backpack. "Ok, I think we have enough for our report on Monday." They both turned their heads to see Syaoran in the doorway. "So there you are. Come on. We're walking to my house." Syaoran's eyes shrunk to dots. "More walking?" He sighed. "Okay, okay, let's go."
As Touya and he were walking down the street, they noticed something strange. "Wait, I didn't see that before." They crossed the street and stared at the ground. "This is where we found you," he said, pointing at the ground. Touya looked over the tall concrete wall next to them. He found a small crevice to grab onto and started to climb. Syaoran followed behind. When they got to the top, what they found startled them. Trees had fallen everywhere. Some were completely uprooted. Even the grass in some areas had been thrown around. It was awful.
"What the HELL could have done this?!" Touya asked, before giving a suspicious eye to Syaoran. A sweat drop rolled down Syaoran's head as he tried to shake his head, only to hurt his neck. "OW! .I mean, I didn't do this! I have no idea how this happened!" Touya snarled. "You mean to tell me you were found, out cold, in front of this carnage, and you have no idea when, why, or what happened here?" Syaoran was going to nod, but he knew better. "I know it sounds far fetched, but. Do you think someone my size could lift a tree out of the ground and toss it aside like a toothpick?" After a moment of silence, Touya said, "I suppose you're right. But I'll have my eye on you."
They leapt down, carefully, to the street below and continued on to the Kinomoto residence. By the time the boys reached there, Syaoran was ready to collapse from all the running. His neck didn't seem to like it very much, either. "Okay, when you come inside, boy, don't touch anything. Just follow me." They stepped inside, took off their shoes, and walked towards the living room. Syaoran pretended to be looking around, as if he had never been there before.
Fujitaka was still on the couch, reading a book. When he saw Touya approach, he placed the book on the table. "Hello, Touya. Did you get a lot done on that report with Mr. Takahasi?" Touya nodded. "I did. but there's something I have to ask you." He pointed to Syaoran. "This is the boy I told you about. The one Kai and I helped." "Oh? This is the boy?" Fujitaka smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Syaoran bowed. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Kinomoto." Touya sighed. "Well, I don't really like it, but Kai says we have to find a home for this guy. He has amnesia or something. He can't remember where he lives." Fujitaka gaped. "That's awful! Well, of course he can stay here! However, there's one condition."
Fujitaka stepped out of the living room and headed upstairs. The two boys were dumbfounded. What could he want?
Fujitaka came down the stairs with Sakura in his arms. "This is my daughter, Sakura. As of late, I've been very busy. If you wouldn't mind babysitting her while I'm working, you can stay as long as you like." Touya gasped. "You can't be serious!" "Why not?" "You're trusting my baby sister to some stranger you just met! No one gets to touch my sister except for me!" Mr. Kinomoto smiled. "Now, now. I can see it in him. He's a nice boy. I think we can trust him." Sakura stretched her arms out to Syaoran. He grabbed her and held her in his arms. Sakura laughed out loud, squirming around, acting as though she were having the time of her life. Mr. Kinomoto smiled. "Well, there's your proof. Sakura trusts him. If you're still not convinced, we can discuss it tomorrow." Touya growled angrily. You could almost feel his distrust in the air. He gave Syaoran a glare that could make every hair on your body stand on end. "Okay, you can stay and keep a watch on her, but watch your back, because I'll be watching YOU. So don't do anything stupid," Touya staggered off out the front door in a rage.
A sweat drop rolled down each of Sakura, Syaoran, and Fujitaka's heads. Mr. Kinomoto laughed. "Don't worry about him. He's just a little overprotective about his sister." "So I noticed." Syaoran muttered.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. You may set a place for yourself if you wish to join us. I'll go run upstairs and fix you a place to sleep."
Dinner was delicious, as were all of Fujitaka's meals. However, there was a lot of tension in the air. Touya kept staring at Syaoran. Even as a 10-year- old, his glares were scary. It was a nerve-racking situation. He now knew how Sakura felt when he stared at her when they first met. After dinner, they all went straight to bed.
Syaoran's 'bed' was just a sleeping bag in Sakura's room, on the floor. Fujitaka said the downstairs was too drafty to stay in, his room wasn't large enough, and Touya probably wouldn't take the invasion of privacy very well.
After changing into a pair of Touya's pajamas, (again, something Touya didn't take very well) Syaoran got into his seeping bag in the corner. He peered at Sakura's bed. She was already asleep. She gave a big yawn and rolled over. In one hand, she had a death grip on her blanket and the other was resting on her pink pajama top with a gold star on it. He started to blush. He finally had time to think about all that had happened. But it was long before he fell asleep.
"Clow Reed? Is that." Clow Reed appeared before Syaoran. "It is you.. But. why.?" Syaoran tried to approach, but the faster he ran to him, the farther away he went. He turned to his side to see Sakura with him. They ran together, side by side, but it proved to be in vain. Reed disappeared. Then, from out of the sky dropped Koji, who gave them an evil glare before chasing after the magician. The two scream out to stop him.
"Dad! Dad! Wake up! There's someone outside!" Syaoran woke up and rubbed his eyes. The clock on Sakura's nightstand said it was 2:18 in the morning. He sat up and looked around.
"Uhhh. Touya? What's the matter?" "I already told you! I thought I heard someone outside!" Syaoran could hear Touya and Fujitaka in the other room. "It's probably just the wind!" "Well, that's what I thought. until I heard something rubbing up against the house, mumbling and cursing!" "What? I'll go check it out. You go wait in the living room and call the police."
Syaoran stood up. He listened carefully to see if he could hear anything. The only sound was the walking of Fujitaka and the chirping of cicadas. Until.
"Hey! Who are you? Wait! OOF!"
Syaoran rushed to the window. All he could see was Mr. Kinomoto lying on the ground, face first.
"YAGH!" A shadow leapt up to the window and into Syaoran's face. "YOU! But I killed you!" Koji stepped forward, allowing the light of the moon to show his face.
To be continued.
Chapter 15- Amnesia?
Faint voices cried out to him, but he could see nothing and hear little. He could feel nothing. "Oh, my God! Is he okay?" "He's bleeding! He's got a nasty cut on his throat. but he's breathing. barely."
Syaoran then completely blacked out.
Next thing he knew, the burning pain in his throat had returned. He began to stir around. "What? Oh! Come look! He's coming to!" "I. I hear voices. am. am I dead? My throat was slit. I fell. I must be. I couldn't survive. Sakura, I'm sorry." Syaoran thought to himself. Suddenly, though, he realized he was very much alive.
Syaoran sat up and rubbed his neck. It was all bandaged up. He opened his eyes slowly and his vision gradually cleared. In front of him were two boys about his age. One had medium-long blonde hair, thin glasses, and blue eyes. The other had messy brown hair, dark brown eyes, and a cold stare. "Huh? Touya? Kai?"
(Author's note: Kai is a boy in Touya's grade. He's not in the series or manga. Mostly, because I made him up. But he's in Touya's grade.)
The two boys looked amazed. "How did you know our names?" the blonde haired boy asked. "Ummm. I. I. woke up a little while ago, and. I. overheard you two talking."
The first boy smiled. "Oh. That explains it. But I'm just glad you're okay. We didn't know if you'd recover anytime soon. We were just walking along down the road together when you suddenly dropped from the sky. You were beaten up pretty badly." Touya nodded. "You were covered in bruises. But your throat looked like someone had tried to slit it. What happened to you?"
There was no chance in Hell Kai and Touya would believe what had really happened. "I was taking a hike through the woods by myself. Then. ummm. I decided to stop at a nearby tree to rest. I was leaning against it. I. ummm. I remember I took my pocketknife out for something... I can't remember. My head hurts. But I remember. the knife slipped. it hit my throat. Then, it's all a blur. But I remember falling. That's all." The blonde haired Kai looked worried. "Is something wrong with your memory? You can't remember what happened exactly?" Syaoran nodded. "Nope." Touya growled. "Maybe he was doing something illegal in the woods and just wants to cover his tracks." The new boy smiled. "I doubt that. He doesn't look like a criminal, and what could he do? Oh! I almost forgot to ask: What is your name?"
Syaoran sweated. He thought to himself, "I can't tell them my real name, or they'll recognize me when I get back to the present. I have to do something!" Syaoran gulped. "Ummm. My name is. ummm." He rubbed his head. "Ah! I can't remember!" "What?? Are you serious? Do you have. what's it called? .Amsia?" Kai asked "That's AMNESIA," Touya corrected. Syaoran nodded. "I. I think so. I can't remember anything." He tried his hardest to tell a convincing lie.
"Well, the doctor said you had a bad bump to the head," Yukito stated. "Huh? I did?" Touya nodded. "You landed on your head. We weren't sure if you'd survive. But we brought you here and called a paramedic. When they arrived, they said there wasn't much more they could do. They said if we kept you here and warm, you'd be fine. But they did patch up your neck and said you shouldn't move it too much for a while."
Syaoran stood up. "Where are you going?" Kai asked. ".I just need to think. Maybe a walk will aid my memory. Maybe all this amnesia stuff is temporary. But I thank you for your hospitality. I wish I could repay you." He bowed to the two boys and turned toward the door. "Wait!" Kai said. "Well, my parents won't let you stay here much longer, but. Touya, could you let him sleep at your house?" "WHAT?" "Well, it would only be until he could find a place to stay. I mean, he doesn't even know who he is! Are you just going to throw him out into the rain?" Touya growled. "Fine. I'll go introduce you to my father. But just don't touch anything there! Be back here in an hour. I have things to do. But in an hour, I'll walk you to my house. Okay?" Syaoran bowed again, trying to hide the smile on his face. "Thank you. I'll find some way to make sure your kindness is paid for."
Syaoran stepped out of Kai's house and stepped into the bright sunlight. It felt great to be in the sun again. Who knew how long he had been asleep? He didn't know what to do first. Syaoran stretched out his arms and legs, but when he tried to flex his neck, it hurt severely. The wound must not have healed very much. He'd have to be careful or it could get worse.
Judging by the sun, it was around noon. Syaoran knew where to go. However, thoughts of pessimism and regret filled his mind.
***** "Finally! The brat is dead! There's no way he could have survived that!" Koji took a sip of beer he had stolen from a local store. He had 'borrowed' a few other supplies at a five-finger discount.
He slammed the empty beer bottle down, shattering it. "I checked all over the town, and there wasn't a trace of him for two whole days, just a bloodstain trail on the sidewalk. They must have found him and dragged his carcass to the undertaker. Well, time to finish my mission. I can kill Sakura, take her soul, and with the power from her in the Orb of Souls, I can revive Sadin!" He drew his sword and walked off. *****
Tomoyo patted down the sand of her simple constructions in the sand box. She was quite cute and content to play in her little spot. Syaoran approached. "Syaoran! You're here! But. where were you for the past two days?" He pointed to the large bandage around his neck. "Oh my-Are you alright?" He nodded. "What happened to-" "Where's Sakura?" He interrupted. "She's not here today. She's still at home. We've seen no sign of Koji at all." Syaoran bowed. "Thank you." He turned and walked away.
A million thoughts went through his mind. All he could concentrate on were his duties. According to his watch, he had 40 minutes before he had to return to Kai's home so Touya could take him to his house for an introduction to Fujitaka.
After about 10 minutes, he arrived at Sakura's house. Slowly and silently, he crept towards the side of the house. Syaoran peered into the window. Fujitaka sat on the couch, reading a book quietly. Sakura wasn't in sight, indicating that she must be upstairs.
"WIND!" Syaoran was carried up to the rooftop, where he climbed through Sakura's window. He looked around. Sakura was asleep in her bed, clutching hard onto her blanket. She was so small.
Syaoran sat down on the chair by her desk and thought. He didn't want to wake her up. However, that was in vain, as she began to stir. "Hoe?" Sakura opened her eyes slowly and yawned.
Syaoran was startled. "What? Oh, I didn't wake you, did I? I'm sorry." Sakura shook her head. "No, no. It's okay. I was going to wake up soon anyway." She rubbed her eyes. "HOEEEEE?! Your neck! What happened?! Is that why you weren't anywhere I knew of for 2 days?" He nodded. "I met up with Koji in the woods. He cut my throat. Luckily, it wasn't too bad."
Sakura got up off her bed and ran to him. She jumped onto his lap and hugged him. Syaoran began to blush. "I'm so glad you're okay. Please, be careful. I don't want to lose you to that demon. I'm sorry I couldn't be of some help."
Syaoran picked the infantile Sakura up and put her down. He looked her on the eyes. "Sakura. No, I'M the one who should be sorry. If something had happened to me. then there would have been no one to protect you. I was careless." Tears formed in his eyes. "Koji is after YOU. I'm supposed to be protecting you. If I was killed. Who." "Syaoran, if you were killed, I wouldn't be able to go on."
"What. do you mean?" Syaoran asked. She hugged him tighter. "You've always been there for me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Syaoran. I. I."
"Sakura-san! Who are you talking to up there?" Fujitaka interrupted. A sweat drop rolled down her and Syaoran's heads. "Ummm. uhhh. No one, Daddy! I just woke up! I was. umm. just.playing with my dollies!" "Oh, okay. But I have to go to the university in a few hours, and you're coming with me, so don't make a mess. Otherwise, you'll have to clean it up in the morning." "Okay!"
Sakura jumped off of Syaoran's lap, which, relative to her size, was gigantic. Syaoran walked to Sakura's window and prepared to climb out. "Oh, and before I go, I'll be back in about half an hour. After Koji cut me, I was saved by your brother and his classmate, Kai. However, I couldn't reveal who I really was, so I pretended that I forgot. Now, they want me to sleep HERE. When I come back, just pretend you don't know me but you want me here." Sakura nodded. "Okay. I can do that."
Syaoran gave her one last look before jumping to the ground below.
Sakura's face was as pink as her name implied. "Of course, I don't need to pretend I want you here."
Syaoran ran back to Kai's house as fast as he could. "Ten minutes?! I must have stayed there longer than I thought!" His neck was sore as he darted down the street. The wind blowing against his wounds was very painful indeed, but he didn't seem to notice. His mind was fixated on something else.
Or rather, someone else.
He remembered staring into Sakura's eyes. She may have been shrunk down to a toddler, but that look was the same. That same warm feeling he always had when he looked into her eyes.
His face turned red. However, now was not the time to think about such things.
Within a minute or two, he reached his destination. He opened the front door and saw Kai and Touya, wearing a backpack. "Ok, I think we have enough for our report on Monday." They both turned their heads to see Syaoran in the doorway. "So there you are. Come on. We're walking to my house." Syaoran's eyes shrunk to dots. "More walking?" He sighed. "Okay, okay, let's go."
As Touya and he were walking down the street, they noticed something strange. "Wait, I didn't see that before." They crossed the street and stared at the ground. "This is where we found you," he said, pointing at the ground. Touya looked over the tall concrete wall next to them. He found a small crevice to grab onto and started to climb. Syaoran followed behind. When they got to the top, what they found startled them. Trees had fallen everywhere. Some were completely uprooted. Even the grass in some areas had been thrown around. It was awful.
"What the HELL could have done this?!" Touya asked, before giving a suspicious eye to Syaoran. A sweat drop rolled down Syaoran's head as he tried to shake his head, only to hurt his neck. "OW! .I mean, I didn't do this! I have no idea how this happened!" Touya snarled. "You mean to tell me you were found, out cold, in front of this carnage, and you have no idea when, why, or what happened here?" Syaoran was going to nod, but he knew better. "I know it sounds far fetched, but. Do you think someone my size could lift a tree out of the ground and toss it aside like a toothpick?" After a moment of silence, Touya said, "I suppose you're right. But I'll have my eye on you."
They leapt down, carefully, to the street below and continued on to the Kinomoto residence. By the time the boys reached there, Syaoran was ready to collapse from all the running. His neck didn't seem to like it very much, either. "Okay, when you come inside, boy, don't touch anything. Just follow me." They stepped inside, took off their shoes, and walked towards the living room. Syaoran pretended to be looking around, as if he had never been there before.
Fujitaka was still on the couch, reading a book. When he saw Touya approach, he placed the book on the table. "Hello, Touya. Did you get a lot done on that report with Mr. Takahasi?" Touya nodded. "I did. but there's something I have to ask you." He pointed to Syaoran. "This is the boy I told you about. The one Kai and I helped." "Oh? This is the boy?" Fujitaka smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Syaoran bowed. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Kinomoto." Touya sighed. "Well, I don't really like it, but Kai says we have to find a home for this guy. He has amnesia or something. He can't remember where he lives." Fujitaka gaped. "That's awful! Well, of course he can stay here! However, there's one condition."
Fujitaka stepped out of the living room and headed upstairs. The two boys were dumbfounded. What could he want?
Fujitaka came down the stairs with Sakura in his arms. "This is my daughter, Sakura. As of late, I've been very busy. If you wouldn't mind babysitting her while I'm working, you can stay as long as you like." Touya gasped. "You can't be serious!" "Why not?" "You're trusting my baby sister to some stranger you just met! No one gets to touch my sister except for me!" Mr. Kinomoto smiled. "Now, now. I can see it in him. He's a nice boy. I think we can trust him." Sakura stretched her arms out to Syaoran. He grabbed her and held her in his arms. Sakura laughed out loud, squirming around, acting as though she were having the time of her life. Mr. Kinomoto smiled. "Well, there's your proof. Sakura trusts him. If you're still not convinced, we can discuss it tomorrow." Touya growled angrily. You could almost feel his distrust in the air. He gave Syaoran a glare that could make every hair on your body stand on end. "Okay, you can stay and keep a watch on her, but watch your back, because I'll be watching YOU. So don't do anything stupid," Touya staggered off out the front door in a rage.
A sweat drop rolled down each of Sakura, Syaoran, and Fujitaka's heads. Mr. Kinomoto laughed. "Don't worry about him. He's just a little overprotective about his sister." "So I noticed." Syaoran muttered.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. You may set a place for yourself if you wish to join us. I'll go run upstairs and fix you a place to sleep."
Dinner was delicious, as were all of Fujitaka's meals. However, there was a lot of tension in the air. Touya kept staring at Syaoran. Even as a 10-year- old, his glares were scary. It was a nerve-racking situation. He now knew how Sakura felt when he stared at her when they first met. After dinner, they all went straight to bed.
Syaoran's 'bed' was just a sleeping bag in Sakura's room, on the floor. Fujitaka said the downstairs was too drafty to stay in, his room wasn't large enough, and Touya probably wouldn't take the invasion of privacy very well.
After changing into a pair of Touya's pajamas, (again, something Touya didn't take very well) Syaoran got into his seeping bag in the corner. He peered at Sakura's bed. She was already asleep. She gave a big yawn and rolled over. In one hand, she had a death grip on her blanket and the other was resting on her pink pajama top with a gold star on it. He started to blush. He finally had time to think about all that had happened. But it was long before he fell asleep.
"Clow Reed? Is that." Clow Reed appeared before Syaoran. "It is you.. But. why.?" Syaoran tried to approach, but the faster he ran to him, the farther away he went. He turned to his side to see Sakura with him. They ran together, side by side, but it proved to be in vain. Reed disappeared. Then, from out of the sky dropped Koji, who gave them an evil glare before chasing after the magician. The two scream out to stop him.
"Dad! Dad! Wake up! There's someone outside!" Syaoran woke up and rubbed his eyes. The clock on Sakura's nightstand said it was 2:18 in the morning. He sat up and looked around.
"Uhhh. Touya? What's the matter?" "I already told you! I thought I heard someone outside!" Syaoran could hear Touya and Fujitaka in the other room. "It's probably just the wind!" "Well, that's what I thought. until I heard something rubbing up against the house, mumbling and cursing!" "What? I'll go check it out. You go wait in the living room and call the police."
Syaoran stood up. He listened carefully to see if he could hear anything. The only sound was the walking of Fujitaka and the chirping of cicadas. Until.
"Hey! Who are you? Wait! OOF!"
Syaoran rushed to the window. All he could see was Mr. Kinomoto lying on the ground, face first.
"YAGH!" A shadow leapt up to the window and into Syaoran's face. "YOU! But I killed you!" Koji stepped forward, allowing the light of the moon to show his face.
To be continued.