Hi, how is everyone doing? Hmm, it feels like some time has past from my last update til' now...so anyways, this chapter is erm...revealing, but I actually liked writing it. You're all gonna have to wait a little longer to find out 1. why Syaoran was late picking Sakura up and 2. what the present is. Sorry! Well, go ahead and read, I'll stop writing now. Oh yeah, I wrote this chapter, but if you find any flaws in my plot, please tell me as I would like to fix them all. THANKS!

(I'll explain someof the plot that's so hard to add to the storynext time.) AND (some of you have asked me to email you when I update, is that everytime I update or just a one time thing? I'm so oblivious...)

As I walked home, I kept glancing at my watch, counting the minutes to when Syaoran's flight would be taking off.

Just a little over thirty minutes.

to be continued…

Part VII

"Excuse me?"

I turned to the speaker. He was with two other boys, a few years older than myself. "Yes?"

The same boy spoke, his words nervous. "Are you Kinomoto, Sakura?"

"Yes. Is something wrong?" I didn't recognize these boys, but I wondered whether they were friends of Touya. "Are you friends of my brother? Touya?" Their frowning faces made me all the more worried.

"There's been an accident. We were told to find you. Would you come with us? Our other friends are with him right now, calling for help."

"Where is he?" I asked, already following the boys around the street's corner.

"This way." one of them with spiky blonde hair pointed to across the street where I could see a large cagey gate that led to where, I had no idea.

"He's there?" I asked, wondering why Touya had always thought working at odd and end jobs were better than maintaining a consistent job.

"Just through that gate, past the warehouses." another boy answered, his eyes covered by a pair of expensive looking sunglasses. "He was carrying a few boxes and when we heard a yell, we knew something had gone wrong."

I winced as I imagined what could have really happened. "Is he okay? Has help arrived yet?"

"I don't think so." the blonde answered. "We would have heard the ambulances, but he was calling your name."

"Touya…" I clamped my fists to my chest, fighting off the coldness I felt, though the sun was beating down on me heavily. Even the light jacket I had on couldn't stop the shiver of fear I had. When I was pushed lightly into the warehouse nearest to the pier, I shook from my thoughts and looked for Touya in the darkness. "Touya!" I called. But, above my shouting, I could faintly hear a small chuckle. I turned to face the three boys that had brought me to the warehouse. The storeroom's door was halfway closed by the time I had spun around.

"What are you?-" I was unable to finish. The door came down with a crash.

From the inside of the storehouse, a microphone went on. "What luck it was to find you." a voice cackled. "We called someone alright. We informed the news station that we have the Li corporation's woman. They'd like pictures of you you know." The voice laughed loudly. "What a gullible idiot!"

My confusion began to wear off and my blood began to boil. I didn't know if they could hear me, but I decided to yell anyways. "You can't be that bright! If you called the news station, the police will be here soon too. Nice plan!"

I had been tricked. I couldn't believe it.

"Like we hadn't thought of that?" the voice answered, almost as if he was bored. "I had a few of my friends pick up some people from Japan's most famous news station. No one knows where we are and we switched their equipment. Ours don't have GPS. No one will be able to figure our where we're filming. Not even from checking where the signals are coming from. We have that taken care of for now too."

I soft growl crept up my throat. "Why are you doing this? I don't even know who you people are. Are you crazy? Li corporation's woman…Li corporation's woman! What does anything have to do with them?" I was a mixture of emotions, even through my puzzled enragement. "Do you even know my brother?"

"Enough for you to gullibly trust us it seems. Man you have to be the dimmest person in the world to follow a few strangers."

"Let me out." I said carefully. I wanted to beat the one up who had called me dim. Did caring about the state of my brother mean I was stupid? I didn't know anyone who went around lying about someone's else's condition for no good reason. And I definitely knew they didn't have a good reason for what they were doing.

"Nope. We have a plan to fulfil. You're going to be our puppet for the next few hours."

"And then what?" I asked. "Why did it have to be me? What does this have to do with the Li corporation. I have no ties with them. They're leaving Japan." As I said the words, I wanted to stop myself, but my eyes flew to my watch and even in the dark, I could make out the numbers.

Just under twenty minutes.

If this had anything to do with Syaoran, I prayed for his safety, silently wishing for time to move faster so he would be out of harm's way sooner.

"Here they are. Soon you're going to be famous, Sakura-chan." the voice sounded amused.

"Don't call me that." I raised my voice. "Why did you call the news station? Why do you need me!"

"No need to get all angry. You should have already known that you never had a chance within the Li corporation. Their heir is above you. High above you."

"What's that have anything to do with what you're doing!" At this point, I began to feel around for anything I could use to get myself out, or at least find a clue to how to get out.

"That bastard…" the voice suddenly whispered. "He just doesn't get it. When someone attempts to kill you, you should just die."

"Wha-what are you saying?" I could barely hear him.

"Neh, Sakura-chan. You're on national television. Strike a pose would you?"

I looked around wondering where the camera was. I couldn't see clearly and I thought he was bluffing, trying to avoid my question. "Answer my question! Who do you think you are? What does this have to do with me?"

"You really should stop acting like a mad person. It's really unattractive. How is the Li corporation supposed to accept you now? Really, you're not doing your status any good. The heir needs to marry a wealthy, polite lady, not a rough, unrefined girl like you."

I didn't say anything that time.

The voice sighed. "Okay, just for you, I'll tell you what I want. Turn off the camera for a minute would you? Be right back Japan…" he paused for a moment. "Actually, turn them back on. Japan should know the truth about that idiot heir to the corporation." he cleared his throat. "Hmm, well I won't say my name, but for the record, let's just state my name as revenge seeker. Anyways, that brat always thought he was above everyone. Stupid traumatized kid. I should start from the beginning, shouldn't I?…He always ignored everyone, thinking he was high and mighty. Ignored everyone, expect this girl that would follow him around. That girl would most likely be you neh Sakura-chan?"

His voice held a bitterness that made me want to cringe. How did he know so much about Syaoran's past?

"Everyone always noticed that he was somewhat attached to the girl named Sakura. But to him, everyone else was below dirt. Years older than him, I had a younger sister. We'll not say her name, but I'll tell all of Japan that she never deserved what Li did to her. One day, she came home crying. I couldn't ask her what was wrong because she wouldn't tell me. All she kept saying was she was rejected by Li, rejected by Li. I of course thought nothing of it; all women had their problems, even eight year old ones. But, she came home with a few bruises and cuts days later."

I listened carefully as I glanced down at my watch.. The story held a familiarity.

Ten minutes.

"I asked her how she was getting hurt, but she kept saying it was okay…whatever that meant. I at the time, thought her words didn't make a whole fuck of sense, but I looked around her school the next few days and found out who this Li brat was. I watched my sister approach this idiot for quite a few times, and he rebuffed her every single time. His words were funny. 'You have no right to speak to me. Do you know who I am? Why can't you understand I'm not interested in someone like you. I can't be with you because…you're below me.'" he scoffed. "This is who you worship Japan?" he gave a harsh laugh. "He's right though. Even you Sakura-chan are below him. He is beyond you. You want to know why these news journalists are so interested in getting a picture of you? I'll tell you why they're so damn interested. It's because you're dirt! You're dirt when compared to him. You're dirt just like my sister was dirt."

"That isn't-"

"Every single person out there in Japan is watching you're face on national television! They see you trapped and yet no one knows where you are. Would they come and save you! You're right, that idiot should have already left for America. Three years is a long time. Do you actually think he'll come back for you? Helpless and below him!" he screamed. "She was helpless too. That's why I had to take matters in my own hands. Smartest thing I'd ever done. Too bad it didn't work."

"Wha-what did you do?" I asked. The words that the man had quoted from Syaoran were familiar.

'You have no right to speak to me. Do you know who I am? Why can't you understand I'm not interested in someone like you. I can't be with you because…you're below me.'

I had been there the day Syaoran had said them to this man's sister...to her. The words had been harsh, but even though I couldn't understand why he said them then, I could see it now. Syaoran hadn't been able to start any relationships with anyone. His mother had forbidden it. I knew he had only tried to hurt her because he thought it would make her hate him.

There had been a long hesitation between 'because' and 'you're below me'. It was as if Syaoran hadn't been able to find the right words.

"What did I do?" he asked the question as if I was stupid for not making the connections. "What the hell did I do! I pulled him over to the side and told him just what I thought of him. Bratty little idiot that thought he was the greatest. What I didn't understand was that glare he kept in his eye even as I looked down at him. Why he continued to think he could come out of the situation the winner when he was ten years younger. I wanted to rip him apart." There was amusement in his next words. "Instead, I took the more humane way out and tripped him into the puddle of mud by the sidewalk. That asshole didn't know a good thing when it hit him on the head. I couldn't take it anymore when my sister came home one day…" his voice grew slightly shaky, and I had an idea to where this was leading to.

Five minutes.

"I wanted to take away any memories he had of you Sakura-chan; the only thing that made him smile. Then he would be alone. Alone in his own high and mightiness. I debated my choices of course, but blood wasn't very appealing to me. Amnesia would have been perfect. Patients hardly ever regain memories you know? So I did what I had to do. He was walking towards your house one day…I remember stepping on the gas pedal without even thinking. He didn't see the car coming."

My eyes widened, as the confirmation was now there. "Y-you're…it can't be- You should have known we could have started over and made new memories. If that was your only reason, you're lying. You're lying!"

"Hmm. I couldn't exactly kill him though. Amnesia was perfect."

"You're a liar…how would you have known he would've gotten amnesia…" My throat clenched in emotion.

"Lying! Don't make me laugh." he cackled. "Do you think I'm stupid? I had been following that idiot. I found out who he was and I could have just as easily revealed who the Li corporation's heir was to the whole population. Instead, I sent a letter to the corporation. It said you were the cause of the accident. What choice did they have to distrust the letter? If they did want their son safe however, they would never come into contact with you again. You. The girl who thought she could stand with someone even my sister couldn't match up with? It would have been fine if he would have just left, but he had to find you again. You had to help him regain his memory! Who the hell do you think you are!" he stopped for a moment's time, laughing when he continued. "Are you late for something Sakura-chan? You seem to be constantly looking down at your watch. Tell Japan just what you're anticipating. The flight should have left ten minutes ago. Do you think he can save you? Hah! Three years is a long time for you to just sit around and wait. I however, have set up a private little television set for Li to watch on his way to America. Did you want to smile for him one last time?"

I couldn't believe my ears. Syaoran was watching. It was my chance to make sure he didn't come back.

My fists tightened at my side. "Stupid…"

"What did you say?" his voice sounded curious, maintaining it's own superior tone. "I'm sure Japan is curious."

I lashed out. "Stupid! Do you think I actually care what you do to me? Do you think I care whether Syaoran comes and saves me? Don't you think I would be happier that he's away from you! Have you completely lost it! You ask me who I think I am, judging me even though I've never seen you in my life. You think I'm the one who's dirt? You think you can solve your problems by just pushing them away. You're stupid if you thought your plan would actually work."

"Pushing my problems away? I took care of my problem. It isn't my fault he met you again. He's lucky he's leaving. Then again, would he care about your safety if he knew where you were? A simpleton like you? All of Japan can now see him for who he is. All of you out there should know Li doesn't care about any of you. You all think the Li corporation is powerful and wealthy, but you don't see who the person is behind it all. Li, who cares for nothing but his own needs. Nothing he does will ever benefit any of you out there."

"Shut up!" I stopped him from going on. "You have no right to judge anyone in your position. Why should anyone listen to what you have to say? Someone like you would never understand the ability of logic. You're right, he is lucky to be halfway to America. Why would someone like Syaoran be beaten so easily by someone as weak as you! For all I care, I wish he would stay in America forever. That way he'll never have to see such an ugly person as you!" As I finished my sentence, I heard a loud clash from inside. My first thought was that of horror; that Syaoran had actually come. When I heard laughter however, I knew I was wrong. I looked up at the small furnace attached to the ceiling of the storage room from where the sound came. The furnace panels were open.

The flight should have left already. Even though I'm scared, I'm happy Syaoran didn't get involved.

"Smell that Sakura-chan?"

"Smell what!" I snapped.

"Of my victory and of your reality." he laughed again. "I was going to wait until later, but your little speech forced me to take action. You shouldn't be so hasty with words in your position" he sighed. "I opened the furnace. Is something coming out Sakura-chan? It's a poison gas. If you breath it too long…well I guess you can figure out what will happen. Oh and if your lungs start hurting, that's nothing to be alarmed about. It's supposed to do that. It's only when you feel yourself gasping for fresh oxygen through the foggy gas that you should start to worry."

I watched in alarm as the warehouse's ceiling furnace puffed out the foggy gas he was referring to. Distraught, I moved away. "What are you doing?" I asked angrily. "You actually plan to kill me? Is this your revenge against Syaoran?" I scoffed, despite my situation. "You're stupider than I thought if you actually think that's going to work. You said I was dirt didn't you? Why would he care about my life!" I screamed at the furnace that was releasing more and more gas. The room was empty and there was nothing I could use to stop the gas from coming out. As the smell entered my nose, I almost gagged. It was strong, almost sour and it burned my throat as it entered my mouth. I took the final step into the corner of the warehouse.

"You're trapped Sakura-chan. And you're right. If Li's smart, he'll stay in America. Even if he wanted to save you, he should have been here already. They take their own private jet you know? Just more proof how beyond you they are."

"Stop saying that. I know what I am! I know what others say, and I know how I compare to Syaoran!" My blood boiled as I screamed. I forced myself to lower my voice. "All of Japan's watching you you said. I don't doubt they are only watching to see whether I survive through this or not. You're right in asking me if anyone would really care about my life. Those watching right now probably don't even know me, let alone care for me. But if this is the only way you think you can find even ground with Syaoran…by hurting me, than I would be dirt for Syaoran this one time. I would allow you to step all over me if it meant you leaving him alone in the future."

I hoped I didn't look as scared as I felt. I didn't want to show all of Japan my fear. I didn't want Syaoran to see me in a state of fear. All I wanted was him to stay away.

He was silent for a moment's time. "…you may think I'm contradicting myself, calling you dirt and someone who shouldn't be with Li, when I plan to get rid of you. Why would I go after you when I know you are nothing? It's the same reason why I hurt that bastard in the first place. So he would forget about his memories with you. If he thinks my sister was dirt, than why is he with someone from a lower class than her? It doesn't make sense. He couldn't possibly have loved you. And now, you're going to die because of your blindness."

I choked and my eyes watered from the gas. "T-this is a-about me?" I covered my nose with my sleeve.

"This is about me?" he mimicked. "My sister told me about you once. Clinging to Li every single day. She said you had no shame. Now you're going to die and no one's coming to save you. Do you see this Japan! This girl who thought by being with the heir of the Li corporation, she too could gain power. Pathetic isn't it? And Li…you must be watching this. Do you like the show? I did you a favour. You don't ever have to return to Japan again. You should have no reason to. You're the reason why she has to die. You should have stayed down when I hit you." His voice cracked slightly and when he spoke again, he spoke with a sense of finality. "I suppose the police have found a loop hole in my plan by now so good night Japan. Think about who you worship and nice to have your attention."

I couldn't breath. My lungs were raw. I huddled into the corner of the warehouse and dug my face into my knees. The air was thick and my throat felt dry. I could barely hear what was happening outside.

"Sakura!"

I wondered whether Syaoran had really been watching me on television. I wonder if the police really had found a loop hole in my capturer's plan and if they were coming to save me.

"Sakura!"

I felt suffocated and my vision was blurring. My thoughts however, kept flying back to Syaoran's bittersweet, warm smile before he climbed in the black limousine, gone from me for three long years. Gone from me forever. "Syaoran…"

"Sakura! Where are you!"

I forced my eyelids to open and I moved my head slightly to the familiar voice.

"Damn!" I heard the curse over the speaker. "Get rid of the news cast." he ordered. "Why the hell is he here! He can't possibly be here to find that girl…Shit, you five take care of him. You were never on television, no one will recognize you." there was a scampering sound. "I wore a mask, but I still used my regular voice. The police won't be able to pin you. Fuck, how'd he get here before the police? Deal with him and run." A car door slammed. "Make sure he doesn't get to the girl!"

I couldn't make sense of what was happening. I shut my eyes again, just that simple movement almost too much. My head throbbed and all the oxygen in the room was out of my reach. Nothing was coming down my throat except the gas.

I heard the engine of an automobile and my mind whirled. The police had been too late. He would still be out there, a risk to Syaoran's safety. I couldn't open my mouth to protest.

"Sakura! What the-" There was a loud crash as I faintly heard a body hit the warehouse door. There was a following crash. "Let her go!"

"Syaoran…" I thought I could hear his voice. My limbs felt heavy.

"Only we know where the key is, if you hurt all of us, you won't ever free her." someone threatened. "She's been in there for over ten minutes. Any longer, she'll die."

"What the hell do you want? Let her go!" the voice sounded distraught.

"Stop fighting and we'll release her."

"Who the fuck are you- let me go!-"

"Hold him down!" one grunted. "Fuck, he hit me! Pin him down! Stop moving! Do you want her to die!"

My temples throbbed and I remember the last breath I took was hot and burned me to the chest.

"Do whatever you want with me. First let her out. Please." the voice was now strangled. "Let her out."

A voice was panting and there was a long pause before the warehouse was drowned by the sun's setting rays. The storehouse door rose and the gas pooled outside. I could faintly make out sounds filled with harsh coughs and a hard pressure was upon me. I was off the ground for only a few moments before I was dropped back down with a rough push.

"Sakura! Get up. Don't touch her. Sakura!"

"Get a grip. She's still breathing. Now you keep up your end of the bargain or else I'll deal with her myself."

There was a soft groan, then another. No screams of pain, just soft groans. A sound someone would give if they were uncomfortable, certainly not in pain.

A sliver of light entered my eyes some time later, and when I instinctively went to take in air, my throat protested and pain crawled through my lungs. My eyes widened to their potential at the sheer intensity of it and what I saw then made me think breath was no longer that important.

Syaoran.

One man held him from behind while another took the burden of attacking Syaoran. My head couldn't form coherent thought, but I knew he shouldn't have just been standing there when he could have easily fought them and won.

"No…" I uttered, ignoring the pain I felt. "Stop it…" I tried again, hoarsely. I shakily pushed myself from the ground, only to fall back down. I concentrated on projecting my voice. "L-let…l-let hi-Let him go!"

The men stopped and glanced at my pathetic self. I could faintly see Syaoran's pride underneath the heavy lidded eyes he watched me through. His body was almost comparable to a rag doll. I felt like crying for being so helpless. I couldn't move. I couldn't even begin to lift any physical part of me.

"Sy…aoran. Stop..p it." I couldn't stop an inhuman cry from coming out my throat. Daggers sliced at my throat.

"S…saku." It almost looked like he made a move to free himself, but he restrained when the men decided it was best to ignore my protests and continued to pummel Syaoran. He wasn't screaming or protesting in any way…

"Please, let h-him go. T-that man…" my lungs were on fire. "he l-left. You d-do-on't have to h-hurt him. P-please. Stop." my throat screamed in agony.

My pleads were immediately to no avail and I watched as the men continued to ruthlessly attack Syaoran. A cut appeared just above his eyebrow, another cut on his bruised and swollen lip. His shirt was ripped at the shoulder, his hair flying in every direction and following the direction of his assault.

My heart couldn't take it and with everything I had, I propelled myself up to my feet. I whimpered at pain I had never felt before. "Dummy!" I screamed. "F-fight back! You know you c-can win! I-I'm fine! T-they can't hurt me…not anymore t-than it hurts n-now!" I saw a flash of surprise cross Syaoran's face and for a moment I thought he would take action. Instead, he continued to allow himself to suffer silently. "Idiot…"

"Sorry, you can't interfere. Back away." his grip on my upper arm was almost unbearable, but as he roughly pushed me to the ground, I couldn't hold in my scream of pain. Needles went through my body. I shut my eyes as I crashed to the concrete.

Another cry followed after mine and there was a loud hollow sound, like a body falling to the ground. Then more sounds following the same pattern. I couldn't move. I felt like I needed to see if Syaoran was okay.

"What are you d-doing? We had a deal. Damn it, you know what will happen to her…"

Opening my eyes to allow the smallest of light in and allow myself to see what was happening, I winced at the pain of such a simple action. Then I caught Syaoran, bloodied from head to foot, his white shirt ripped open, stained in blotches with dark blood. His face never looked more dangerous and as he approached the man that had pushed me down, he gave a smirk full of malice. His one sleeve went to wipe the blood from the corner of his lips. "It'd be a good time to run now." he purred dangerously, his intents evident.

"We released the girl-what the hell are you doing?" he backed away slowly, looking at his fallen comrades.

The screams hadn't come from Syaoran. They had come from the men attacking him.

"No deal." Syaoran continued, walking towards the man.

The man grew a face of fear and finally thought it better to run.

Syaoran however, wasn't finished and caught him quickly, punching him hard in the stomach. Holding him by the collar of his shirt, he brought him inches from his face and smiled. "Never do you even think about touching Sakura again, understand?"

The man cringed.

"Don't even let the thought cross your mind." He brought his knee up and rammed it one final time into the area he had punched. When the man shrunk to the ground, Syaoran began to look weary once again. He bent down and leaned in to the man's ear. I could barely make out his words. "Tell your boss the exact same thing will happen to him if he ever tries this again."

He was okay. Syaoran was safe.

My eyes blurred as a figure came towards me. An illusion. I was sure what I saw had to be an illusion. It was him…But It couldn't be. No matter what I had said to him, I had wanted him to stay with me. But he left… There was a ringing in my ears, almost a screeching that was repetitive and familiar. Then something was enveloping me. I could no longer feel the press of concrete on my face. No, this was a different feeling. It felt limp and loose, as if it was protecting me from the crumble of contact. It felt nice. The kind feeling someone would receive after managing to save something important to them from a fatal outcome. Inside my head, I was telling myself to open my eyes to see what was giving me such a sensation, but it was physically impossible. I took to wishing this feeling would always be there whenever I wanted it to be; this warm envelopment.

And then it was gone. As if I had been pried from the previous emotions, the blaring in my ears grew loud and as I plunged into a dizzy unconsciousness, I could picture a faceless individual, with a bittersweet smile.

It was dark when I opened my eyes. It felt oddly comforting to see the moon's rays dancing on the floor by the bed. My mouth felt thick and the high ceiling was out of place in my mind. When I went to turn to my left, I felt incredibly sore.

For a moment, he flashed in my mind again and for some reason I felt lonely. It was only when I realized I was in a hospitable room, that all my memories came flooding back. The police had come then? After that man had left the scene, he had ordered the others to remain behind, to take care of…I sat up in apprehension.

Syaoran.

Syaoran had come to my rescue. Syaoran had stood immobile, not fighting off the attacks the others were so happily providing.

"S-syar…" I couldn't speak. My throat felt awkward and I realized for the first time since I had awoken, that it hurt to swallow. As I pushed myself up, my vision blurred and my balance was slightly off. I stumbled to the door, finding that I had a tall I.V stand connected to me. I took it in my grip for stability and shakily reached out to open the door.

Outside, it was even darker and there was no one in sight. I knew I had to find him. I needed to prove to myself that the worst hadn't actually happened. The last thing I remember was of being pushed to the hard concrete. I began to go door to door to see if I could find Syaoran in one of them.

I glanced into the room adjoining mine. Empty. I shut it and checked the next one. Children were fast asleep on their beds. I closed that one too, following this pattern until I felt like my energy would give out.

Was he hurt? I didn't exact know whether or not he was in the hospitable, but I continued to check in denial. I could faintly imagine the cuts and bruises on his body and I urged myself to keep searching. Why had he come back? How had he been able to find me? My grip tightened on the IV and closed another door. He had left in that limousine car with a detached air, as if our parting hadn't affected him in the way it had affected me. So why had he endured the physical attacks to save me? The fact that he hadn't fought back made me want to cry. At the time, I had watched the proud dignity burning in his eyes, but looking into them, I still couldn't understand why he wasn't unleashing it. Did he actually care for my safety that much?

He hurt me more when he forced me to watch him in pain.

I sighed as I finished my second corridor. Forcing my weak limbs up the stairs, I walked down the left hallway and continued my pattern of checking every room. It occurred to me that I hadn't told Syaoran how I felt towards him before he had left. I had only said I would wait for him. I hoped he knew how I really felt, wherever he was. During our time together, my strong like towards him had ultimately turned into my deep love for him.

Cringing, I stumbled to the last corridor on the second floor. It was starting to appear hopeless. After the incident, he must have gone back to his responsibilities. He was probably already in America. There was no doubt that there, he would receive the best medication and care for his wounds. I should have felt happy for that, but I also felt alone.

Then, I found him on the opposite side of the second floor corridor, asleep in a long wooden bed. I was tired and I didn't trust my vision, so I closed the door quietly and walked to the only bed that was being used by a patient. All the other beds were empty. At the foot of the bedstead, I couldn't move for a moment. Even with large white bandages wrapped around his head, his bottom lip, red and swollen, and a cut that was stitched up just above his eyebrow, I couldn't have recognized Syaoran any better.

Tears came out involuntarily as I realized I was the cause of this. He too was connected to an IV and another large machine that continued to follow a steady beep. His face was pale and I couldn't stop myself from going to his side, weakly standing.

"Sy-syaor…an" I pushed out the words. I'd never seen him as vulnerable as he was now. A part of me wanted to punch him myself. Why had he been so stubborn? Another part of me wanted him to wake up and tell me he was going to be okay so I could stop the silent tears that were falling down my face. "D-dummy." I whispered.

His face tightened and I watched as he twitched slightly in his sleep. Slowly, I moved my fingers and touched the small stitched cut; next, touching his swollen lip.

Sorry.

I wanted to stay with him through the night. I wanted to be the first person he saw when he woke up, but I didn't know if I could survive the night if I didn't get some rest. I felt like any strength that I had a few minutes ago had vanished. My head throbbed and the images around me grew dizzy. All my energy had be spent while looking for Syaoran and I hadn't felt the fatigue until I had actually located him.

As I waited for my vision to clear itself again, a warm hand wrapped around my wrist and pulled me down onto Syaoran's mattress. Finally, I was able to see and immediately I locked eyes with Syaoran. His eyes were warm and comforting as he pulled my hand to his side farthest from me. I pushed myself off him slightly, so my weight wouldn't be concentrated on him. His smile was weak.

I wanted to ask if he was hurt, but I couldn't push the words out of my mouth.

He made a throaty sound and loosened his grip on my wrist. His strength was incredibly weaker than what it usually was. "Sorry, you're probably still hurt."

I clenched my teeth to stop a sob. His eyes were tired.

"I'm glad I didn't come too late." he whispered, smiling kindly. "Why aren't you in your own room?"

I just shook my head in a painful motion. I couldn't speak, but I reached up to wipe away my tears. Seeing even a weak smile on his once lifeless body made me happy.

"Why are you crying?" he asked. He paused to just look at me. His body relaxed as he stared at me. After a time, he completely released my wrist and averted his eyes from me. "Go back to your room Sakura. Go rest."

I looked at him, puzzled. I didn't want to leave him now that he was awake. I had hoped he would have allowed me to remain with him. I just hadn't been prepared for his abrupt words. Was he worried about me, or did he want to distance himself from me? Silently, I leaned my head onto his chest. "H…hold on." I coughed. "D-don't mo-ove." I requested. I stayed there for a few seconds, closing my eyes and breathing Syoaran's scent. I had thought I wouldn't be able to see him again for three years, but he had appeared when I was in trouble. It didn't mean he would always be there when I needed his help. When he would be in America, it would be permanent. I wondered if he knew how useless is was to save me now when he wouldn't be able to save me in the future. I wished his arms would go around me, pulling me closer to him. But I didn't dare look at him.

Whenever he would turn his cold look on me, I always felt like I was the one being tossed aside.

"W-why did you come b-back?" I asked hoarsely. He didn't answer.

I sniffled and I thought I felt his arms tighten around me for a moment's time, but it was gone in an instance. Nevertheless, my grip tightened on the shirt he was wearing.

Syaoran, I'm so sorry!

Just as I opened my eyes, I thought I saw a look of deep pain in his eyes. He hadn't specified when he would be leaving, but I knew it would be as soon as possible.

"I'm sorry." I couldn't help but whisper once again. Syaoran knew what had happened in the past now. He understood what had separated us. I imagined he wanted revenge, but I thought the two of us also knew that many people didn't support our relationship now more than ever.

But I didn't want Syaoran to push me away just because of that. Because if he had asked me to end our friendship at that moment, I would have nodded and left him alone. As long as it made him happy.

I forced myself to my feet and awkwardly took hold of my I.V stand. I felt so weak. "G-good-nigh-ight." I whispered. The pressure at the bottom of my throat made the pain I felt while breathing all the more intense. I couldn't meet his gaze.

"Sakura."

I strained to look back. Syaoran was sitting up. My heart clenched in fear of what he would say.

"I'm going to catch my flight the day after tomorrow. Would you come…" he seemed hesitant. "see me off?"

I nodded.

Oh. Was that all? Inside myself, I suspected that Syaoran was putting distance between us so the good bye wouldn't be so hard on me. He wasn't the person to want the distance for himself.

Heh. I hope you guys didn't think Syaoran was being too cold to Sakura...AND sappy wasn't exactly what I was getting at. Emotional and maybe disheartening yeah, but not in anyway corny...maybe I've read it over too many times for my own good? I'll leave it up to you to decide. So thank you for all you people supporting this story and prepare yourselves for Syaoran's really goodbye next time. Your reviews were really nice last time too! Well at least better than normal... haha, thanks very much!

(I wanted Saku and Syaoran to be kinda awkward after the incident. Did you guys see that they both have no idea whatthe other personis thinking? Well mainly Sakura doesn't know what Syaoran's thinking!)

-silent wanderer