The Ward
Disclaimer: Seeing as how I am in fact the great and wondrous Sunel, the members of CLAMP, those wonderful ladies *winks at them* have decided to give me rights to CCS! *CLAMP glares at her* Heh heh heh, I guess that was all a dream... *sigh*
Chapter Three: Confrontations
~In Japan~
"We're finally here!" Meilin shouted happily. She looked over at Tomoyo. "Will you be staying at your house?" she asked.
Tomoyo nodded. "You're both more than welcome to stay with me," she offered, smiling pleasantly.
Syaoran shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, but we've already booked a hotel. But how about we meet up after settling in, and go visit Sakura together?" he asked.
Tomoyo smiled. "That would be great! Just give me a call when you're ready to go, ok?" she asked.
Meilin nodded. "Will do! See ya Tomoyo!"
***
Syaoran and Meilin checked into a five-star hotel in Tomoeda, called the Outwards Inn (A/N: Hehe, I couldn't think of a better name...).
Syaoran looked at the rooms they had given him. "Hey, hold on a second... I didn't ask for three bedrooms, I booked for two," he said, handing them back the keys.
"I'm sorry sir, but you're girlfriend called us back and told us to make it to three," the man answered.
"...My girlfriend?" he asked, as if he couldn't comprehend.
"SYAORAN-KUN!!!"
Syaoran froze in his spot. No. It couldn't be... could it?? He felt a pair of familiar arms embrace him from behind. He closed his eyes, hoping he was hallucinating.
"Syaoran-kun! Did you really think I could stay away from you from two whole months?"
"Niyara, I specifically told you that you couldn't come with us," he said, his tone more than simply aggravated.
"Yeah, well, technically, I didn't come with you. I came on my own!" she squealed happily, hugging him tighter.
He fumed, ready to blow. "Niyara. You REALLY shouldn't be here," he said in a dangerously quiet voice.
She let go of his waist and walked in front of him, clearly annoyed. "What the hell is your problem? I thought you would be happy that I wanted to spend time with you."
"Hey, if I wanted you here, I would've told you," he answered, glaring at her.
A look of hurt flashed across her face. "I see," she said icily, grabbing her key from the counter and walking away.
He looked after her angrily. What right did she have, to be angry with him? She wasn't supposed to be here in the first place. Still, something told him that perhaps he had been a little too harsh on her. It was caused by the tension building inside him; how would Sakura react to seeing him after so long?
Meilin had been watching Niyara stomp off, and turned to give him a disapproving look. "Dear cousin, don't you believe you were just a little too insensitive? You know that I, of all people, would be the last to admit that... but still-"
"Yeah, I know. I'm just really anxious about seeing Sakura again..." he said.
She put a hand on his shoulder supportively. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you."
"I hope so. Let's just leave our stuff here and grab a bite to eat. Then we can call up Tomoyo," he said.
Meilin nodded. "All right, then."
Niyara slipped on a short, low-cut, black dress and smiled to herself. She had already anticipated that Syaoran would be angry with her, but now that he had been so mean, she could use his guilt to her advantage. She heard the hotel door creak open and quickly sat down on the sofa, plastering an angry and hurt expression on her face.
Syaoran and Meilin walked in and placed their suitcases in the corner. Meilin took out a change of clothes and searched for the bathroom. "I'm gonna take a shower, Syaoran," she told him.
"Fine, but hurry up. I want to take one after you," he said, plopping down on the sofa. He still hadn't bothered to acknowledge Niyara.
Niyara sighed heavily, still looking hurt. "I'll leave if you want me to, Syaoran," she said in a meek voice, "seeing as how I'm obviously not wanted here."
"Whatever suits you," he answered indifferently
She frowned. "Why are you here, Syaoran? You should be back home in Hong Kong, getting things ready for our wedding."
"Why I'm here is none of your buisness. As for the wedding, I haven't said yes to anything. The only reason I haven't declined yet is because my mother asked me to give it two months, at least," he answered bluntly.
She bit her lip unhappily. Time was running out for her; could she find another guy as handsome and loaded as Syaoran Li? She had to make this work...
"Oh, Syaoran, please let me stay! I promise, you won't even know I'm here!" she shouted. 'Yeah, sure...' she heard a voice inside her answer teasingly.
"Fine, whatever," he answered impatiently.
"Thank you, Syaoran!" she shouted happily, putting her arms around him.
He pushed her away. "I don't know you're here, remember?"
"Don't be silly," she said, climbing onto his lap. "Everyone's entitled to a little fun..." she said huskily, placing her lips over his.
Suddenly, they heard a door slam open. "I'm done, Syaoran!" they heard Meilin call out.
Syaoran stood up abruptly, making Niyara fall off his lap and onto the floor. "Oww. Syaoran!" she shouted childishly as he walked off. "You stubborn pig!" she shouted, brushing herself off and stomping into her room.
He shrugged and grabbed a towel, walking into the bathroom. He adjusted the water to medium-hot, just how he always liked it, and proceeded to take a shower. He was unaware of the door as it slowly creaked open, and a young girl stepped inside, a mischievous glint in her eyes. He simply closed his eyes, lathering himself with soap.
She threw off her clothes and slipped into the tub unnoticed. "Syaoran- kun..." she said in a teasing voice, placing her hands around his waist.
"AAAHH!" he shouted, the soap slipped out of his hands. He grabbed the shower curtain and covered himself with it as best as he could through the translucent material. "Niyara, what the hell are you doing?!?" he asked incredulously.
"Syaoran, you don't have to hide yourself in front of me..." she said, stepping in front of him. "I wouldn't deny myself to you."
He took one look at her and bolted out of the bathroom, shower curtain and all. Meilin had been brushing her hair when she saw him run past her and into his room. She blinked. Was he wearing a shower curtain? 'Niyara must be up to her sad tricks,' she thought, laughing to herself.. "Hurry up, Syaoran!"
***
Meilin and Syaoran, with a gloomy Niyara trailing behind them, met up with Tomoyo in front of a coffee shop. "Hi, Tomoyo!" Meilin shouted as soon as she saw her.
"Hi, Meilin, hi Syaoran!" Tomoyo shouted, running down the street towards them, her long black-grey hair flowing behind her. She smiled pleasantly at Niyara. "I'm Tomoyo," she said, holding out a hand.
Niyara sneered and shook it. So this was the friend of the acclaimed Sakura she'd heard about. "I'm Niyara, Syaoran's fiancée," she said, smiling.
Tomoyo's smile disappeared, and she looked at Syaoran with confusion. "You're fiancée?" she asked.
He sighed. "It's not like that, Tomoyo. My mother arranged our marriage so that I..." he glanced at Niyara. "I'll explain later, I promise."
Niyara flashed him an angry look. "Where are we supposed to be going?" she asked angrily.
"I told you. The Tomoeda Psychiatric Ward," he said calmly, hoping that would scare her away.
"Fine, let's go," she said, walking ahead of them.
"Uhm, Niyara?" Tomoyo asked uneasily.
"What?"
"It's this way."
She fumed and turned around, her cheeks flaming red. "Fine."
***
The Tomoeda was certainly a sight to see, especially for those who'd never seen it. It was a simply two-story building, but what it lacked in height, it made up for in length. Though seemingly small at first, it loomed over all who came near, and set off a feeling of loneliness and despair. The building was white, with a tall sign that read: "Tomoeda Psychiatric Ward: We'll take good care of you." Most of the windows were barred, almost like a jail cell, except for a few that were on the first level.
Syaoran shuddered upon seeing the building. So this is where Sakura had spent her last six years... He walked up to the building and stepped inside, followed by Meilin, Tomoyo, and Niyara, who was already cowering in fear.
"Why do you want to step inside this godforsaken place, with all the loonies?" she asked in a fearful voice.
"You didn't have to come," he answered coldly.
He walked over to the receptionist. "I'd like to hand in my student intern papers, please."
"I'll take them," the lady said politely. "The Ward will give you a call once they've reviewed the papers."
"Oh... I can't start working right away?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"Then... can we please visit Sakura Kinimoto?" he asked.
"Of course. Sign your names here, and I'll give you a visitors pass." She chuckled. "Kinimoto-san is rather popular today," she said, smiling.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"She had a few visitors come in a few minutes ago as well," she said, handing them their visitor passes. "She's in room 67L. If you get lost, just ask one of the nurses and they'll show you. Have fun," she said, smiling politely.
"Uh, thanks," Syaoran answered. They walked off, an incredulous expression plastered on their faces. Have fun in this place? That was unlikely.
For ten minutes, they wandered the building, searching for 67L. "Where is the damn room? I'm getting hungry," Niyara complained.
"Go eat then," Meilin said, rolling her eyes.
Niyara flashed her an annoyed look. "Hmph."
"There it is!" Tomoyo exclaimed. She turned to open the door when someone pulled it open from the other side, making her fall forward.
"Oh!" she exclaimed in surprise.
"I'm sorry, miss are you o-Tomoyo?" she heard the voice exclaim. She looked up into a pair of dazzling blue eyes.
"Eriol-kun!" she said, startled. "W-what are you doing here?" she asked.
He chuckled and helped her up. "I tried telling you that I was coming, but you'd already left America." He glanced up, noticing Syaoran. "Well, well, if it isn't my kawaii little -"
"Don't even start," Syaoran said, holding back a smile.
"Eriol, what's the hold up?" they heard a voice from inside the room.
Touya stuck his head out the door and gasped. "Gaki!! What are you doing here?!" he asked, his eyes blazing.
"Did I hear gaki?!" he heard another small voice squeak. Kero flew to the door and gave him a big smile. "HEY KID!!" he shouted.
Yukito grabbed him from behind. "Shh, Kero, you'll wake up Sakura... or worse, someone will hear you." He glanced at Syaoran and the girls. "You're all Sakura's friends, aren't you? I remember," he said, smiling softly. "Except for... you," he said, giving Niyara a smile.
"Yeah, I'm a newbie," Niyara answered, rolling her eyes.
Syaoran stared. Did everyone have to be here today?? "Uh. Hi, guys."
Touya exited the room and gave him one last glare. "I'm only leaving because I have work, ok, gaki? So watch yourself," he said, walking off.
Yukito and Eriol gave them a goodbye wave. "I'll call you guys, ok? We can talk then," Eriol said, winking at Tomoyo. "Take care."
"Can I stay with Tomoyo for today, can I can I??" Kero asked, flying around Yukito.
"All right, you know the way home," Yukito said, giving in.
"YEAH!!" Kero shouted, flying over to Tomoyo's shoulder. "It's been too long, Tomoyo!" he said. "Too bad you had to come with the brat and wench!"
Syaoran and Meilin glared at him. "Don't you start with me, stuffed animal," Meilin warned, giving him a dangerous look.
Tomoyo giggled. "Oh Kero, be nice!"
Syaoran frowned. "Can we PLEASE go in now?!" he asked impatiently.
Tomoyo nodded. They walked inside the room, quietly closing the door behind them. The room was divided into two. The first room was for visitors and observers, and had a few chairs. A sturdy glass wall separated them from the patient's room. Syaoran placed his hands on the glass wall.
There lay Sakura on her bed, her shallow breathing resonated throughout the quiet room.. Even in her sleep, she looked tired and unwell. A wisp of her auburn hair fell across her face, hiding her expression. He longed to move the hair from her face, to hold her in his arms, and tell her that everything would be all right.
"Sakura..." he whispered sadly, tracing the outline of her clutched hand on the glass.
***
Sakura smiled happily. It was a beautiful Sunday morning, and she was going to meet Tomoyo at the park. She ran down the stairs in her bunny slippers, ready to greet the day. "Ohayo, onii-chan!" she greeted her older brother.
"Kaijou," he replied in response, stuffing his face obnoxiously.
She glared at him. "I'm not a kaijou!!"
"What are you doing today?" he asked, ignoring her outburst.
"I'm going to meet Tomoyo at the park!" she said happily.
"Oh, really?" he asked. Suddenly, she saw the cards fly down the stairs and surround her.
"Sakura cards? What's wrong?" she asked. With a magical force, they bound her to themselves.
She heard one of them whisper, "don't leave us, Sakura! You're our mistress! We need you!"
Sakura cried out in fear and distress. "No! Leave me alone! Please!"
The cards continued to surround her, each of them whispering a plea. She covered her ears and moaned. Why wouldn't they leave her alone? Suddenly, she felt a familiar aura, and her eyes flashed open in surprise. There, in front of her, stood Syaoran, as handsome and chivalrous as ever, holding out his hand to her.
"Syaoran-kun?" she asked, staring in disbelief and amazement.
His face lit up in a gentle smile, his hand still outstretched. There was a trace of sadness in his eyes, and he whispered softly, "Sakura..."
***
Sakura suddenly sat upright on her bed, and cried out. "Syaoran!" She shivered feverishly and whimpered... his aura had felt so real!
Syaoran looked up, startled. "She's awake!"
"She's calling for you," Tomoyo said sympathetically. "She must've felt your aura..."
A doctor suddenly came running in. "We heard her shout; what's going on?" he asked.
"I-I think she had a bad dream," Syaoran answered.
"I see... I'm really sorry, but would you folks mind leaving? We'd like to try some experiments on her while she's in this state," he said calmly.
Syaoran glared at him, making the doctor take a step back. "Yeah, we'd mind quite a bit. Is it possible for me to go in there and talk to her?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.
"No, it isn't. We don't allow people to communicate with the patients unless they are family," he answered.
Syaoran knocked on the glass, hoping to get Sakura's attention. "Just pretend I'm her brother, and let me in!"
"I'm sorry sir, we can't do that. And could you please stop knocking on the glass?! We use a special type of glass here, sir. She can't see you, but we can see her," he explained.
"God, what is this place? Are you all made out of steel? I need to talk to her!" Syaoran shouted angrily.
Tomoyo walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm her second cousin, I wrote it on that sheet if you need to look at it," she said. "And I can assure you that Mr. Li will do her no harm."
The man gasped. "L-Li?!" he asked incredulously.
Meilin laughed. "Oh yeah! I forgot to mention that earlier, Syaoran... your mother makes big contributions to this place every year," she said, smacking herself on the forehead. "How could I have forgot?"
Syaoran smiled at the doctor dangerously. "Well. I'm sure we could work something out," he said.
The man sighed. "Fine, then. Who wants to go in first?"
Syaoran looked at everyone. "Is it ok if I do?" he asked.
Meilin and Tomoyo nodded. "Of course, Syaoran."
"Follow me," the doctor said, unlocking the door. "Just knock on the door when you're done, and I'll let you out."
He stepped inside the room and heard the door close behind him with a click. Sakura spun around to see who had entered and gasped. Was it a dream? Were the doctors playing with her head again, with her medication?
Syaoran's sad eyes stared into hers, and he slowly approached her. "Sakura?" he asked uneasily.
---And there concludes the Chapter 3!! Hehehe, I couldn't resist the cliffhanger ^ . ^ I'm sorry if the update was long overdue - I was busy with school and stuff. And I'm sorry if it was too long! But despite all that --- please review!! It'll help me update faster, I promise ^ . ^
Disclaimer: Seeing as how I am in fact the great and wondrous Sunel, the members of CLAMP, those wonderful ladies *winks at them* have decided to give me rights to CCS! *CLAMP glares at her* Heh heh heh, I guess that was all a dream... *sigh*
Chapter Three: Confrontations
~In Japan~
"We're finally here!" Meilin shouted happily. She looked over at Tomoyo. "Will you be staying at your house?" she asked.
Tomoyo nodded. "You're both more than welcome to stay with me," she offered, smiling pleasantly.
Syaoran shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, but we've already booked a hotel. But how about we meet up after settling in, and go visit Sakura together?" he asked.
Tomoyo smiled. "That would be great! Just give me a call when you're ready to go, ok?" she asked.
Meilin nodded. "Will do! See ya Tomoyo!"
***
Syaoran and Meilin checked into a five-star hotel in Tomoeda, called the Outwards Inn (A/N: Hehe, I couldn't think of a better name...).
Syaoran looked at the rooms they had given him. "Hey, hold on a second... I didn't ask for three bedrooms, I booked for two," he said, handing them back the keys.
"I'm sorry sir, but you're girlfriend called us back and told us to make it to three," the man answered.
"...My girlfriend?" he asked, as if he couldn't comprehend.
"SYAORAN-KUN!!!"
Syaoran froze in his spot. No. It couldn't be... could it?? He felt a pair of familiar arms embrace him from behind. He closed his eyes, hoping he was hallucinating.
"Syaoran-kun! Did you really think I could stay away from you from two whole months?"
"Niyara, I specifically told you that you couldn't come with us," he said, his tone more than simply aggravated.
"Yeah, well, technically, I didn't come with you. I came on my own!" she squealed happily, hugging him tighter.
He fumed, ready to blow. "Niyara. You REALLY shouldn't be here," he said in a dangerously quiet voice.
She let go of his waist and walked in front of him, clearly annoyed. "What the hell is your problem? I thought you would be happy that I wanted to spend time with you."
"Hey, if I wanted you here, I would've told you," he answered, glaring at her.
A look of hurt flashed across her face. "I see," she said icily, grabbing her key from the counter and walking away.
He looked after her angrily. What right did she have, to be angry with him? She wasn't supposed to be here in the first place. Still, something told him that perhaps he had been a little too harsh on her. It was caused by the tension building inside him; how would Sakura react to seeing him after so long?
Meilin had been watching Niyara stomp off, and turned to give him a disapproving look. "Dear cousin, don't you believe you were just a little too insensitive? You know that I, of all people, would be the last to admit that... but still-"
"Yeah, I know. I'm just really anxious about seeing Sakura again..." he said.
She put a hand on his shoulder supportively. "Don't worry about it. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to see you."
"I hope so. Let's just leave our stuff here and grab a bite to eat. Then we can call up Tomoyo," he said.
Meilin nodded. "All right, then."
Niyara slipped on a short, low-cut, black dress and smiled to herself. She had already anticipated that Syaoran would be angry with her, but now that he had been so mean, she could use his guilt to her advantage. She heard the hotel door creak open and quickly sat down on the sofa, plastering an angry and hurt expression on her face.
Syaoran and Meilin walked in and placed their suitcases in the corner. Meilin took out a change of clothes and searched for the bathroom. "I'm gonna take a shower, Syaoran," she told him.
"Fine, but hurry up. I want to take one after you," he said, plopping down on the sofa. He still hadn't bothered to acknowledge Niyara.
Niyara sighed heavily, still looking hurt. "I'll leave if you want me to, Syaoran," she said in a meek voice, "seeing as how I'm obviously not wanted here."
"Whatever suits you," he answered indifferently
She frowned. "Why are you here, Syaoran? You should be back home in Hong Kong, getting things ready for our wedding."
"Why I'm here is none of your buisness. As for the wedding, I haven't said yes to anything. The only reason I haven't declined yet is because my mother asked me to give it two months, at least," he answered bluntly.
She bit her lip unhappily. Time was running out for her; could she find another guy as handsome and loaded as Syaoran Li? She had to make this work...
"Oh, Syaoran, please let me stay! I promise, you won't even know I'm here!" she shouted. 'Yeah, sure...' she heard a voice inside her answer teasingly.
"Fine, whatever," he answered impatiently.
"Thank you, Syaoran!" she shouted happily, putting her arms around him.
He pushed her away. "I don't know you're here, remember?"
"Don't be silly," she said, climbing onto his lap. "Everyone's entitled to a little fun..." she said huskily, placing her lips over his.
Suddenly, they heard a door slam open. "I'm done, Syaoran!" they heard Meilin call out.
Syaoran stood up abruptly, making Niyara fall off his lap and onto the floor. "Oww. Syaoran!" she shouted childishly as he walked off. "You stubborn pig!" she shouted, brushing herself off and stomping into her room.
He shrugged and grabbed a towel, walking into the bathroom. He adjusted the water to medium-hot, just how he always liked it, and proceeded to take a shower. He was unaware of the door as it slowly creaked open, and a young girl stepped inside, a mischievous glint in her eyes. He simply closed his eyes, lathering himself with soap.
She threw off her clothes and slipped into the tub unnoticed. "Syaoran- kun..." she said in a teasing voice, placing her hands around his waist.
"AAAHH!" he shouted, the soap slipped out of his hands. He grabbed the shower curtain and covered himself with it as best as he could through the translucent material. "Niyara, what the hell are you doing?!?" he asked incredulously.
"Syaoran, you don't have to hide yourself in front of me..." she said, stepping in front of him. "I wouldn't deny myself to you."
He took one look at her and bolted out of the bathroom, shower curtain and all. Meilin had been brushing her hair when she saw him run past her and into his room. She blinked. Was he wearing a shower curtain? 'Niyara must be up to her sad tricks,' she thought, laughing to herself.. "Hurry up, Syaoran!"
***
Meilin and Syaoran, with a gloomy Niyara trailing behind them, met up with Tomoyo in front of a coffee shop. "Hi, Tomoyo!" Meilin shouted as soon as she saw her.
"Hi, Meilin, hi Syaoran!" Tomoyo shouted, running down the street towards them, her long black-grey hair flowing behind her. She smiled pleasantly at Niyara. "I'm Tomoyo," she said, holding out a hand.
Niyara sneered and shook it. So this was the friend of the acclaimed Sakura she'd heard about. "I'm Niyara, Syaoran's fiancée," she said, smiling.
Tomoyo's smile disappeared, and she looked at Syaoran with confusion. "You're fiancée?" she asked.
He sighed. "It's not like that, Tomoyo. My mother arranged our marriage so that I..." he glanced at Niyara. "I'll explain later, I promise."
Niyara flashed him an angry look. "Where are we supposed to be going?" she asked angrily.
"I told you. The Tomoeda Psychiatric Ward," he said calmly, hoping that would scare her away.
"Fine, let's go," she said, walking ahead of them.
"Uhm, Niyara?" Tomoyo asked uneasily.
"What?"
"It's this way."
She fumed and turned around, her cheeks flaming red. "Fine."
***
The Tomoeda was certainly a sight to see, especially for those who'd never seen it. It was a simply two-story building, but what it lacked in height, it made up for in length. Though seemingly small at first, it loomed over all who came near, and set off a feeling of loneliness and despair. The building was white, with a tall sign that read: "Tomoeda Psychiatric Ward: We'll take good care of you." Most of the windows were barred, almost like a jail cell, except for a few that were on the first level.
Syaoran shuddered upon seeing the building. So this is where Sakura had spent her last six years... He walked up to the building and stepped inside, followed by Meilin, Tomoyo, and Niyara, who was already cowering in fear.
"Why do you want to step inside this godforsaken place, with all the loonies?" she asked in a fearful voice.
"You didn't have to come," he answered coldly.
He walked over to the receptionist. "I'd like to hand in my student intern papers, please."
"I'll take them," the lady said politely. "The Ward will give you a call once they've reviewed the papers."
"Oh... I can't start working right away?" he asked.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"Then... can we please visit Sakura Kinimoto?" he asked.
"Of course. Sign your names here, and I'll give you a visitors pass." She chuckled. "Kinimoto-san is rather popular today," she said, smiling.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"She had a few visitors come in a few minutes ago as well," she said, handing them their visitor passes. "She's in room 67L. If you get lost, just ask one of the nurses and they'll show you. Have fun," she said, smiling politely.
"Uh, thanks," Syaoran answered. They walked off, an incredulous expression plastered on their faces. Have fun in this place? That was unlikely.
For ten minutes, they wandered the building, searching for 67L. "Where is the damn room? I'm getting hungry," Niyara complained.
"Go eat then," Meilin said, rolling her eyes.
Niyara flashed her an annoyed look. "Hmph."
"There it is!" Tomoyo exclaimed. She turned to open the door when someone pulled it open from the other side, making her fall forward.
"Oh!" she exclaimed in surprise.
"I'm sorry, miss are you o-Tomoyo?" she heard the voice exclaim. She looked up into a pair of dazzling blue eyes.
"Eriol-kun!" she said, startled. "W-what are you doing here?" she asked.
He chuckled and helped her up. "I tried telling you that I was coming, but you'd already left America." He glanced up, noticing Syaoran. "Well, well, if it isn't my kawaii little -"
"Don't even start," Syaoran said, holding back a smile.
"Eriol, what's the hold up?" they heard a voice from inside the room.
Touya stuck his head out the door and gasped. "Gaki!! What are you doing here?!" he asked, his eyes blazing.
"Did I hear gaki?!" he heard another small voice squeak. Kero flew to the door and gave him a big smile. "HEY KID!!" he shouted.
Yukito grabbed him from behind. "Shh, Kero, you'll wake up Sakura... or worse, someone will hear you." He glanced at Syaoran and the girls. "You're all Sakura's friends, aren't you? I remember," he said, smiling softly. "Except for... you," he said, giving Niyara a smile.
"Yeah, I'm a newbie," Niyara answered, rolling her eyes.
Syaoran stared. Did everyone have to be here today?? "Uh. Hi, guys."
Touya exited the room and gave him one last glare. "I'm only leaving because I have work, ok, gaki? So watch yourself," he said, walking off.
Yukito and Eriol gave them a goodbye wave. "I'll call you guys, ok? We can talk then," Eriol said, winking at Tomoyo. "Take care."
"Can I stay with Tomoyo for today, can I can I??" Kero asked, flying around Yukito.
"All right, you know the way home," Yukito said, giving in.
"YEAH!!" Kero shouted, flying over to Tomoyo's shoulder. "It's been too long, Tomoyo!" he said. "Too bad you had to come with the brat and wench!"
Syaoran and Meilin glared at him. "Don't you start with me, stuffed animal," Meilin warned, giving him a dangerous look.
Tomoyo giggled. "Oh Kero, be nice!"
Syaoran frowned. "Can we PLEASE go in now?!" he asked impatiently.
Tomoyo nodded. They walked inside the room, quietly closing the door behind them. The room was divided into two. The first room was for visitors and observers, and had a few chairs. A sturdy glass wall separated them from the patient's room. Syaoran placed his hands on the glass wall.
There lay Sakura on her bed, her shallow breathing resonated throughout the quiet room.. Even in her sleep, she looked tired and unwell. A wisp of her auburn hair fell across her face, hiding her expression. He longed to move the hair from her face, to hold her in his arms, and tell her that everything would be all right.
"Sakura..." he whispered sadly, tracing the outline of her clutched hand on the glass.
***
Sakura smiled happily. It was a beautiful Sunday morning, and she was going to meet Tomoyo at the park. She ran down the stairs in her bunny slippers, ready to greet the day. "Ohayo, onii-chan!" she greeted her older brother.
"Kaijou," he replied in response, stuffing his face obnoxiously.
She glared at him. "I'm not a kaijou!!"
"What are you doing today?" he asked, ignoring her outburst.
"I'm going to meet Tomoyo at the park!" she said happily.
"Oh, really?" he asked. Suddenly, she saw the cards fly down the stairs and surround her.
"Sakura cards? What's wrong?" she asked. With a magical force, they bound her to themselves.
She heard one of them whisper, "don't leave us, Sakura! You're our mistress! We need you!"
Sakura cried out in fear and distress. "No! Leave me alone! Please!"
The cards continued to surround her, each of them whispering a plea. She covered her ears and moaned. Why wouldn't they leave her alone? Suddenly, she felt a familiar aura, and her eyes flashed open in surprise. There, in front of her, stood Syaoran, as handsome and chivalrous as ever, holding out his hand to her.
"Syaoran-kun?" she asked, staring in disbelief and amazement.
His face lit up in a gentle smile, his hand still outstretched. There was a trace of sadness in his eyes, and he whispered softly, "Sakura..."
***
Sakura suddenly sat upright on her bed, and cried out. "Syaoran!" She shivered feverishly and whimpered... his aura had felt so real!
Syaoran looked up, startled. "She's awake!"
"She's calling for you," Tomoyo said sympathetically. "She must've felt your aura..."
A doctor suddenly came running in. "We heard her shout; what's going on?" he asked.
"I-I think she had a bad dream," Syaoran answered.
"I see... I'm really sorry, but would you folks mind leaving? We'd like to try some experiments on her while she's in this state," he said calmly.
Syaoran glared at him, making the doctor take a step back. "Yeah, we'd mind quite a bit. Is it possible for me to go in there and talk to her?" he asked, his voice dangerously calm.
"No, it isn't. We don't allow people to communicate with the patients unless they are family," he answered.
Syaoran knocked on the glass, hoping to get Sakura's attention. "Just pretend I'm her brother, and let me in!"
"I'm sorry sir, we can't do that. And could you please stop knocking on the glass?! We use a special type of glass here, sir. She can't see you, but we can see her," he explained.
"God, what is this place? Are you all made out of steel? I need to talk to her!" Syaoran shouted angrily.
Tomoyo walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm her second cousin, I wrote it on that sheet if you need to look at it," she said. "And I can assure you that Mr. Li will do her no harm."
The man gasped. "L-Li?!" he asked incredulously.
Meilin laughed. "Oh yeah! I forgot to mention that earlier, Syaoran... your mother makes big contributions to this place every year," she said, smacking herself on the forehead. "How could I have forgot?"
Syaoran smiled at the doctor dangerously. "Well. I'm sure we could work something out," he said.
The man sighed. "Fine, then. Who wants to go in first?"
Syaoran looked at everyone. "Is it ok if I do?" he asked.
Meilin and Tomoyo nodded. "Of course, Syaoran."
"Follow me," the doctor said, unlocking the door. "Just knock on the door when you're done, and I'll let you out."
He stepped inside the room and heard the door close behind him with a click. Sakura spun around to see who had entered and gasped. Was it a dream? Were the doctors playing with her head again, with her medication?
Syaoran's sad eyes stared into hers, and he slowly approached her. "Sakura?" he asked uneasily.
---And there concludes the Chapter 3!! Hehehe, I couldn't resist the cliffhanger ^ . ^ I'm sorry if the update was long overdue - I was busy with school and stuff. And I'm sorry if it was too long! But despite all that --- please review!! It'll help me update faster, I promise ^ . ^