Chapter 8 Progress

It had been three months since Sakura had become part of the Li family. She still hadn't recovered much of her memory. She had started to remember some but it would always end up as nothing or unfinished. She was frustrated but opted not to show anyone about it because they would just say that it was normal and that it was all right. But something inside told her that it was not all right and that she had to recover all her memory somehow. She knew that she just had to overcome this and had the strangest feeling that the longer it took her, the more people would get hurt and that it was not only her that was dependent on that but also a lot of people.

The Li family, in their part, gave Sakura all the support that they had. Even Sakura's real family did everything they could to protect her and to help her recover her lost identity. It was hard for all of them, not just Sakura, because they made this false image to cover the identity that they were also struggling to recover. They would find themselves wondering sometimes whether they had indeed made the right decision of using lies as the foundation of Sakura's recovery. She still didn't understand what it really meant and they couldn't do anything but let her figure it all out on her own.

They couldn't say anything that would help her recover what she lost because it may have been different in her point of view and would probably accept it as true. They really had to watch what they told her and how they would say some things. They were very careful not to imply something real and something really false that would lead Sakura out of tract. They would just live the moment with her as much as they could.

Shaoran, who never really wanted the part, eventually became accustomed to the situation he found himself in. He tried his best to keep his distance from her but the more he did, it seemed, it drew him closer. Without him realizing it, his feeling for the girl was changing. He didn't understand why such a fragile girl like Sakura could found herself in so much trouble.

One night, Shaoran couldn't find himself to sleep. From across the room, he watched as the girl silently slumbered. Sakura seemed peaceful but he can't help but wonder what was really going on her mind. He empathized with her but he would never admit it to anyone especially to Sakura. He also wondered how Sakura could find herself sleep so peacefully with her not being able to remember anything...how she could remain so optimistic and up beat even if her memory was fragmented.

But Shaoran never shared his thoughts to anyone else. He didn't want them to think that he was starting to care for her. The last thing that he wanted was to be attached to his watch. He was taught that professional life was never to be mixed with his personal life. It was hard enough to have her "part" of their family as it all was being cleared and for her to regain her memory. To top it all, they made her stay in the same room he did.

Then again, Shaoran thought again. Everybody seemed to like Sakura. She had this charm that made people love her. He could see his mother worry about her as if she was one of her own children, the elders asking how she was doing and his sisters always being there around her for anything especially his sister Mei. She and Sakura seemed to have a very special relationship. The only person Shaoran could think of that didn't like Sakura much was Meiling. Correction...Meiling wasn't really a threat to Sakura but the ones who wanted her killed. But lately Meiling have been acting differently. After the "little chat" they had a couple of nights back, she seemed to be treating Sakura better. She had understood it even if Shaoran didn't say it straight at her face.

No new clues have turned up and nothing seemed to have been discovered yet. They knew that it was done by a professional who seemed to be really powerful. The police haven't even come around to tell them about the progress they may be having. When the current magistrate, Sakura's grandfather, heard about what had happened to Sakura, he was horrified. He never thought that his decision almost cost the life of his beloved granddaughter. He immediately wanted to go and see her or even try to learn more about her but Touya took it upon himself to tell him that it wasn't such a good idea. It was better that only a handful of trusted people should know about what really happened to Sakura. It was already such a big task to keep the case of such gravity from reaching the media.

The Magistrate had no choice but to sit back and do nothing. He was only asked to act as if he knew nothing and that there was nothing. It was a good thing that Sakura still wasn't required to appear in public because the formal announcement of the succession still wasn't done. But extra security was put up for him because the culprit might strike at him too.

Little did they all know that the man behind all that was just a subordinate of the Magistrate. He was the one who was suppose to ascend to the position if the current Magistrate didn't find anyone suitable for the position in his family. He refused to submit himself to the fact that he had lost his chance for power because of a little girl that to him didn't seem fit to rule.

He was Minamoto Sinji. A man of thirty two, standing 5'8 with ebony hair and blue eyes, Minamoto Sinji was a very wealthy, powerful person. But he wasn't always like that. He was born to a wealthy family but during the last world war, his family was wiped out and was orphaned at the age of 8. He wandered all over Japan, struggling to survive. He was took-in by a man of power at the age of 13. The man was a kind and honest man in his 40's. The man never had children and was glad to take him in. The man taught him to be like him.

Minamoto wasn't as evil as he became. But after the man's death, his ideals were altered by outside forces. He had been treated harshly by the outside world, worst than what he experienced when he was still wandering. Minamoto vowed that he would one day gain enough power to crush the very things that had been the cause of him becoming the person he was. But when Sakura came into the picture, the thin line that was keeping him from being ruthless diminished. He made his goal to crush anything and anybody that came between him and the ultimate power that he craved. He cannot harm the current Magistrate because he was his foster father's best friend. It was due to his deep respect for the man whom had saved him. But being defeated by his granddaughter was simply unforgivable.

He already knew that the chance of him becoming the next magistrate was slim but he knew that he had a chance because the Magistrate doubted that any of his children and grandchildren could continue what he had done. They seem to lack the quality that he was needed to be the next magistrate. For a time, Minamoto was sure that the title would be his soon but then came Sakura. The Magistrate grew fond of her and as he got to know his granddaughter, the more convinced he was that Sakura would be perfect to become the next Magistrate.

Minamoto started to formulate his dark plan of eliminating Sakura. But he didn't expect that luck was on her side. She had escaped his first attempt. When that happened and her family had gotten word about it, it was the beginning of his long nightmare. They had her into hiding and it was hard to keep track on her. He didn't know if it was luck on his part but the Kinomotos didn't have the situation reach the magistrate until the very last incident.

He knew that the last incident, because of his henchman's mistake, the police had sniffed something was up and had started to investigate the case. He had to think of something better and had to take extra precautions so that the police won't get on his tracks. Minamoto just told himself to be patient. Soon enough, he knew that Sakura would turn up and he would be ready when that time comes. He just had to watch the people close to Sakura carefully and wait for them to make a mistake.

But the people around Sakura also took extra precautions not to slip. They all knew that Sakura's life was at stake. The fact that Sakura couldn't remember anything made her more vulnerable. Touya only told the situation that his beloved sister faced to only three people: their grandfather of course, Yukito and Tomoyo.

Tomoyo, being the daughter of their mother's cousin and Sakura's best friend, had the right to now. Touya also knew that Tomoyo could contribute a lot. She and Sakura were inseparable. The chances of Sakura regaining her memory with Tomoyo's help were promising. There are only a few things he and Yukito could offer but with Tomoyo's help the chances of her making a full recovery grew drastically. But Touya went over the bases with Tomoyo. He briefed her with all the precautions and how she should act. He also told her what she could and couldn't say, when she should visit so as to not arouse any suspicions and how not to tell another soul about it.

The first time she went to see her best friend, Touya and Yukito came with her. Tomoyo tried her best to keep herself together. Finally, all the time that she had worried and wondered where Sakura was, was finally over. She was going to see her. At first she didn't know what to say. As Sakura was brought in by Shaoran, she couldn't help but look at her. She and her companions stood to welcome the two when they entered the room.

Yelan then walked towards Sakura and said, "You have visitors, my dear." "Thank you, mama." Sakura whispered and smiled. She then allowed herself to be led by Yelan to the others. Shaoran just followed them in silence. When Sakura met up with Touya, she gave him a warm hug. She then whispered in a soft voice, "Onii-chan, I remember you now." Touya quickly broke away as the others watched in astonishment. Sakura just smiled. "From the hospital, I knew that I know you personally. I thought about it for a long time and when I saw this old book Shaoran had in his room about legends and myths, I remembered you. I remembered how you would scare me as a child about ghosts and stuff." She said. Touya just grinned.

He then said, "I believe that you know Yukito." Yukito stepped forward and gave a hug to Sakura. He also smiled at her. "Yes. I remember...but I'm afraid only from the hospital. How could I forget...you are right...what was stolen by the wind is slowly being returned by the breeze." Sakura commented. Yukito just smiled. "Sakura, this is Tomoyo." Touya then said. Tomoyo then stepped forward and gave Sakura a hug. Something in Sakura's eyes told Tomoyo that somehow she had recognized her. "Sai, why don't you take Tomoyo to the gardens so that you might talk while we converse here?" Yelan suggested. "Yes, mama. Excuse me everyone." Sakura replied as she took Tomoyo's hand and led her to the gardens.

"She's doing much better Li-san. I didn't expect for her to recover this much of her memory in that short span of time." Touya commented as they all sat back down. "It only means, Touya, that your sister is longing to get back. She wants to be with all of us again as the person she was before the incident." Yelan just replied. "So how are you, Li-san? She's not at all that troublesome, is she?" Touya then said. Yelan just smiled as Shaoran tried to smirk but kept himself from doing so. "We are all doing fine. She's not troublesome at all. In fact, she quite helpful and very pleasant." Yelan replied. "Sakura's still Sakura even if she doesn't remember everything." Yukito commented.

"Mother, please excuse me. I have other things to attend to." Shaoran then said as he left the room. Touya followed him with his gaze. "Don't worry, Touya. He has changed a lot since then and he watches her very carefully." Yelan reassured him. "Sorry, Li-san. I'm glad that at least he's taking care of her." Touya replied.

At the gardens...

"So, how are you, Sai-chan?" Tomoyo started. She wasn't sure what to say so she said the first thing that came to her mind. Sakura just smiled and replied, "I'm doing better, Tomoyo-chan. Thank you for asking. How about you? I mean, I know that I know you from before but it's like I'm learning about you again. I'm sorry..." "Don't be. I expected this. Well, I was warned by Kinomoto-kun not to tell you about the past much because it might not help you. So I'll just tell you that I was really worried about you and now that I know that you're doing fine, I'm fine too." "Then that means we were really close. Now that makes me more determined to get to know my past because now I know that there is someone like you whom I was close to and whom worries about me."

"You know what, you haven't really changed." Tomoyo said as she giggled with delight. It was like the old times. They used to have conversations like that all the time. It brought back so much memories for Tomoyo about the time when things weren't that chaotic. "Really?" "Yeah really. You're still as optimistic as ever. I'm sure that you'll get through this too." Sakura just smiled. "Thanks! Hey would you like to meet my sisters? I know that we're not really related but it sure feels that way now." She then said. "Sure. I'd be glad to meet them." "Great!"

Sakura introduced Tomoyo to all of them. That afternoon turned out to be really wonderful. A lot of worries disappeared and a lot of new fun memories replaced them. Relief was also part of the equation. Learning of Sakura's progress, everybody especially Touya was relieved because if that continues, it won't be long before she regains all of her memories. The big problem that remained was finding out who wanted Sakura killed.

Little did they know that it won't be long before the shroud would fall. The mastermind of it all would finally be revealed and the final battle for survival was nearing at hand. One night, there was a gathering at the Li's. All the high-ranking officials attended. All the Li elders were there too.

From the sides of it all, Meiling commented, "There are sure a lot of people tonight." She, Sakura, Mei, and Ye were there by the garden door looking at the crowd that had gathered. "You've got that right. Almost all the powerful and wealthy men in Japan are here." Ye commented. "What? Are you telling me that there are still more to come?" Sakura asked in astonishment. The other girls giggled. Sakura just said nothing but just smiled. But they could tell that she was confused. "Sorry...we forgot..." Meiling said. "There is just one more gentleman who hasn't arrived." Mei answered. "Who?" Sakura asked curiously. Mei had sounded really dreamingly. It was enough to spark Sakura's curiosity.

"Mr. Minamoto Sinji..." Mei answered. Her voice was filled with love and warmth. The other girls couldn't help but giggle. "She's lost it." Ye commented but her twin didn't seem to notice or be bothered with what she said. "It sure looks like it. I wonder how he looks like for Mei to have so fallen madly in love?" Sakura said as dreamingly as Mei as she twirled and being shy like a lady would. Both Ye and Meiling couldn't help but laugh. Mei still didn't seem to notice.

As Sakura continued, she felt that she had bumped someone. Fearing it might be one of the guests, she quickly stepped away and looked who it was. She then saw it was Shaoran. "Oh, it's you. I thought that it was one of the guests." Sakura just said. She then smiled. Shaoran just walked up to them. "If you're wondering how he looks like, you won't have to wait long. It seems that one of his men is already here." Shaoran just said.

Shaoran had indeed changed a lot. Both Ye and Meiling admitted. "What? Where?" Mei suddenly said. Sakura giggled and said, "Well, I guess since we're at it, where is he?" She then followed Shaoran's gaze. Looking at the blond man with black eyes, gave Sakura a sense of recognition. She didn't tell them or let them see it in her actions. "Unless, you all plan to stay here for the rest of the night, I suggest that we go inside." Shaoran then said.

But as Sakura made herself to walk inside, she felt a little dizzy and almost fell back. "What's the matter?" She heard Shaoran ask. "I'm fine." Sakura replied shakily. Ye, Mei and Meiling noticed that too. "No I don't think so." Shaoran answered back. "Yeah, Sai. You look a little pale. I think you shouldn't go." Meiling said. "We'll just tell mama that you're not feeling well." Ye then said. "Yes. Shaoran why don't you bring Sai back to your room and we'll take care of the rest." Mei added.

"Oh no but it would be rude not to go." Sakura protested. She didn't like the idea. She knew she was fine but her companions persisted otherwise. "It's not being rude if you don't feel well. You almost fell, Sai. Come on. I'll bring you upstairs." Shaoran said as he took her hand and started to lead her upstairs. "Come on you two. Let's go find mama and tell her that Sai isn't feeling well." Ye said as they watched them go. In Chinese, Meiling commented, "Xiao Lang, sure has changed a lot since he met Ying Fa. I never thought I'd see that spark in him." "Yes. It took us by surprise too. He's more passionate than ever." Mei commented. Ye giggled a little before replying, "Are you kidding? We all know that Xiao Lang as stoic as the elders could be." The two nodded and giggled.

Meanwhile...

"I'm sorry, Shaoran." Sakura said as she sat at her bed. "I should have said something before tonight." She then added in Chinese. Shaoran was taken aback. He never knew that she could speak Chinese. "I never knew that you spoke Chinese. Your brother didn't even say anything." He just said. Sakura then smiled and replied, "But he never did say that I couldn't. From the hospital, I understood whatever you talked about in Chinese. I just didn't say anything because it might be rude. I figured that you troubled yourselves to speak in Chinese so that I wouldn't know. Besides, I kept dreaming last night. It was repeating itself over and over again...getting longer and longer...so I figured that it was a memory."

"So what else do you remember now?" Shaoran asked as he sat next to her. Sakura took a deep breath before answering, "That's the latest thing that I remembered. There's nothing new from before. But you know, I have this feeling...instead of feeling it to be a dream, it felt more like a nightmare." "A nightmare?" "Yeah...like it was trying to tell me something...like I should remember something but couldn't..." Sakura answered.

There was then a moment of silence. Then Shaoran suddenly asked, "Does that have anything to do with tonight?" "What? You mean like subconsciously I warned myself that I would feel sick? I don't think so." Sakura just answered. But after a while she added, "But...come to think of it...it could be possible." "Well whatever it is, there's a reason behind it." Sakura just nodded and said nothing more. Shaoran also embraced the silence that they had found themselves in.

But after some time, Sakura then said, "Shaoran, who was that man?" "What man?" "You know...the man you said to be Mr. Sinji's assistant." "Why?" "Just curious..." "Don't tell me you've fallen for that guy?" Shaoran suddenly blurted out. After saying it and realizing what it was, he could have hit himself for it. He had just gave her a reason to mock him. He knew her well enough that she would turn this sort of thing against Shaoran. It was the first time he regretted what he said. Shaoran tried his best to hide it from Sakura. But he saw it coming.

"Oh..." Sakura started. She then grinned and said, "Jealous are we?" Shaoran then smirked. "Me jealous? You wish!" He then said. He couldn't believe that Sakura always knew how to get him inside a trap. He had never met a girl that did that to him. In fact, Shaoran never met a girl who could confuse his mind so much and fill him completely.

"But if you have to know, no." Sakura then said. "Then why do you want to know?" "Why do you always have to be a pain? Do you always need to have reason for everything?" "Me a pain? Ha! Look whose talking? You should think again. I think you got that all wrong." Shaoran grinned as he replied. "I don't need to think. I'm sure of it." "Well guess what? In the "real world", you're the pain. You managed to get yourself in so much trouble. Unlike you, no one has ever told me that I was the pain." "Well I'm honored then. And besides, the reason for that is because no one dares to say it in your face." Shaoran just shook his head. No one has ever dared to answer back at him outside his family. Even his sisters thought twice before daring to.

"So are you telling me or will I just make it easier by asking him myself?" Sakura then said as she stood. "Is that a threat?" "A threat?" Sakura answered sarcastically. "Whatever do you mean? Oh! You mean that...that is already a threat to you? Oh my...I better call the press because the mighty Li Xiao Lang is growing soft." She teased. "You're impossible you know that?" Shaoran replied as he also stood. He stood in front of her. "You really are a Kinomoto. You always know how to drive me crazy." He then added.

"Funny...I was just about to say the same-"But before she could finish what she was saying , she almost collapsed as a sudden surge of pain filled her head. "Sakura!" Shaoran said as he quickly came to her aid. He wrapped his arm around her waist and held her hand. "It's the first time you called me by that name..." Sakura commented feebly. But then an unbearable pain came to her again. Sakura mustered all the strength she had not to scream. She didn't realize that she had lost consciousness as image after image filled her mind.

Meanwhile...

As things unfolded upstairs, Sakura and Shaoran didn't know that the man whom they talked about was the twin whom had last attacked Sakura and failed. He had recognized Sakura when he glanced their direction when he entered the room. All the time, he was watching her...careful not to be detected or suspected. When Minamoto Sinji arrived, he whispered everything he saw. With that Minamoto gave an evil grin. "How quaint! It looks like the little flower was hiding here all along. Well, now that I know where you are, you will not escape from me next time." He commented and motioned his assistant to summon his men for the briefing after the party back at his house. He couldn't leave just yet or he will be suspected.

(To be continued...)

I'm sorry! It took me such a long time to update...I'm really sorry. It's hard to explain so I'd rather spare you the effort of reading it. Anyway, thanks to all those who sent in their reviews and those who read it without really sending anything. It's all very much appreciated. Thanks! Well, the end is just around the corner I guess. I hope that you'll join me again as we learn what will happen next. Please send me your reviews because I really want to know what you think. I'll try to update sooner.

Michiko