Disclaimer: I don't own CCS, Clamp does. But I do own this story.

Here's the next chapter.

If I were a reader of this story, I'd be annoyed at how this chapter ends up.

But oh well, I must do what must be done.

Chapter Twelve

"Departure"

Chyou gave off an irritated sound, her hands turning to tight fists. He was supposed to be mad at Sakura for getting herself engaged. He looked mad at her when she told him that she was engaged, then why the hell did look so calm about it last night? And they kissed! They were supposed to be fighting by now and Syaoran would forget her and just move on for a better future with her!

She paced yet again. That was all she ever did in the room provided for her by the Lis at their mansion. She paced around and conspired on what to do next to break the couple apart.

She stopped on the spot, an idea starting to form in her mind.

'I can't do this alone' she thought, taking out her cell phone from her purse.

"Is she all right now?" Syaoran asked, barely in a whisper.

"Yeah" Mei Lin said softly.

"I still don't get what's wrong with her" Tomoyo said worriedly before closing the door behind her.

Syaoran looked at the door behind her and could only imagine what's happening in there. The doctors where probably studying Sakura or something like that right now. Ever since four days ago, that night of his Recognition Banquet, it's been like this on and off. Sakura hardly did anything, even just plain walking around, or just sitting down eating caused her headaches. He was getting really worried, and somehow, he knew it was his fault…why did he have to go kiss her?

"Syaoran?" Chiharu said, getting his attention.

He looked up to see her- and everyone else's- face full of worry.

"I'm fine. I was just…thinking" he muttered. "C'mon, let's go have dinner"

Everyone else nodded and followed him down the hall with the same thing in their minds.

'Another day wasted' they all thought desolately, knowing they had 9 days left before the marriage was set for Syaoran and Chyou.

Sighing deeply, Sakura shifted on the bed uncomfortably. She knew the others had been in here not too long ago, but she chose to act like she was asleep. She knew they would only worry and ask her as to what's wrong with her.

'I hate this' she thought miserably, trying to turn her body to the side but felt something pull her back. 'Why do I even try?'

She opened her eyes only to be met by one of the many machines that surrounded her bed. The doctor's had been doing what they can to help her but so far, and she did regain a few chunks of her memory, a few about her friends and her family…but what she longed to remember the most for the past few days were memories of Syaoran. Unfortunately, those were the memories that the Lord void her of.

Letting out another angry groan, she pulled one of the tiny white caps that were stuck on her forehead. It was getting annoying, why would the doctor's need to stick such things on her head? It wasn't like it helped, all it did was read her brain waves…lot of help that did.

"I see you are quite enjoying yourself" said an amused voice by the door.

Sakura's eyes snapped open. When she saw the face of the owner, she couldn't help but smile guiltily.

"I couldn't help it"

"I'd understand" she replied, seeing all the things attached to Sakura's head that were all connected to the machines beside the bed.

"So, what are you doing here Chyou?" Sakura asked, sitting up and glancing at the wall clock hung on the opposite wall. "Aren't you supposed to be having dinner with the others by now?"

"Oh, I don't feel like eating. Whenever I'm worried, I can't eat properly" she said with a sigh.

"Worried? Are you okay? Is something wrong?" Sakura asked earnestly.

Chyou made a face, she honestly felt guilty but she immediately shrugged off that feeling. She's doing this for her sake…and her family. She breathed in before making her way to the chair beside the bed.

Sakura didn't know what to make of the look Chyou sent her. She didn't think more of it though as she sat down close to her bed and looked at Sakura worriedly.

"It's Syaoran" Chyou started, sounding concerned.

"What is it? Did something happen?"

Chyou smiled meekly.

"It's just that…you know that Recognition Banquet a few days ago?" Sakura nodded. "Well, that banquet was for the Li Clan's closest friends and China's allies to recognize and accept Syaoran as their next future leader"

"Yes, he told me about that a day before the banquet. Why? What about it?"

"That's just it Sakura, the whole thing wasn't of any use. This banquet was supposed to be held for Syaoran with his fiancée. He can't take his place on the throne without a wife, it's just unheard of. Why do you think no one has ever heard of a ruler without a companion? Every man needs a woman by his side…it's essential for every leader. His advisors and his parent chose me to be his fiancée- well, that is, before you came along" Chyou saw guilt flash through Sakura's eyes before the girl looked down. She inwardly smiled and continued with her speech. "He needs a wife, to take his right as king, he needs his queen…and sadly, you're holding him up"

The last sentence hit Sakura like a pile of bricks. She's holding Syaoran back from what he, his family, his advisors and practically the whole of China is expecting him to do. He was supposed to be king by now, with Chyou by his side…with a family…to rule the country. But no…she had to come here and ruin it all for him, to interrupt with his life which was already planned for him.

That was when Sakura realized, she wasn't of any use at all! Ever since she'd been there, Syaoran had taken his time and not to mention money, and spent it all on her. She had been of no help, alls he did was cause him worry…in short, she'd been trouble in his life.

Chyou looked at Sakura; she had remained silent through everything she had said. She wasn't affected as much as she would have liked. She sighed and had decided to leave but then she saw her emerald eyes filled with unshed tears and…empty.

"Are you all right Sakura?" she asked softly, looking at the girl worriedly, but inwardly she was glad for once to see the usual sparkle in her green eyes to be gone.

"I-I…I…" Sakura felt silent just as the tears she held ran down her cheeks.

"Sakura, I-" Chyou stopped as Sakura held a hand in front of her.

Sakura immediately closed her eyes and let her tears continue to fall before hastily wiping all of them away. She breathed in deeply a few times before looking up at her.

"Chyou, I want to help me" she said barely in a whisper as she tried to control her shaky voice.

"Help you?" she was frankly confused.

Sakura nodded. "I want you to help me get out of here"

Now Chyou really was shocked. She expected other things but this…not that's he was complaining. This was exactly what she had wanted to happen. Except, she was supposed to hint Sakura into leaving…then again, this is better. It would be less of a hassle in her part.

"Chyou" she said, getting the other girl's attention.

"Yes?"

"You know this mansion more than I do…will you help me? Will you help me get out of here and away from Syaoran…without telling him?"

"What?" she said, making it sound like a ridiculous idea but actually loving where this is all going. "But Sakura, that's absurd, I-"

"Chyou, you said it yourself. Syaoran needs a wife and you would make a better queen than I would. You were raised closely in the same status as Syaoran and…you know him" she said the last part, looking down. "You have memories of him, you have a huge empty part of you…in other words, you're perfect to be with him" Chyou couldn't help but smile as she heard this. "You can make him happier than he is now. All I did was trouble him with me trying to regain my memories. I did remember some of them but none at all of him. So…will you please…will you please help me? Help me get out of the mansion without anyone else knowing?"

Chyou didn't answer for awhile so as not to give herself away. She stared at Sakura's pleading yet determined eyes before nodding her head.

"Oh thank you so much!"

"No problem. But Sakura, you can't possibly leave this place alone…let alone with only the two of us working on this plan. Do have anyone you know who might be willing to help?"

Sakura looked thoughtful. She couldn't possibly ask Tomoyo and her other friends here, they would simply not a low it. Neither could she ask her father and brother. Just before her face started to fall in disappointment, she looked up at Chyou with a smile.

"The Sumiyas"

Chyou's insides were jumping for joy…Sakura fell for her plan full front.

"Yasuki? Who was that?" Emi asked curiously as her brother set down the phone receiver.

Yasuki looked at his younger sister with a grin. He was obviously happy about something. "A friend"

Ever since Sakura's leave, he hadn't done anything but lay around the house. He had done everything he can to try and get her back but he hardly did anything that could help him…money and power was really essential for him to actually do anything to get her back, especially from the royal family. He didn't have enough of it to go after her or to bring her back…but now he did.

"Oh…all right" she said unsurely before absently fondling with her wrist.

"Emi, where did you get that?" he asked, trying to get a good look at the piece of jewelry.

Emi looked down and immediately hid her hand behind her back. "Uhh…a friend gave it to me" she said quickly before jumping on her feet and running to her room.

Yasuki looked at his sister's retreating back, getting a good enough glimpse of the expensive looking bracelet.

The whole day next day was a complete waste…not only for the doctors and the group of friends, but also for Sakura. She still has a lot of her headaches, in fact worst than the last few days, but she held it all in and tried not to show it in front of everyone. She did this and suggested to everyone that they have a night out for them to have a bit of fun and so she can have a chance to sneak away easily. Unfortunately, the group knew she was still having headaches and forbade her to even step outside.

Sakura was disappointed at this but Chyou was down right pissed. There were 8 days left until the wedding, at it was up to her to make sure that it will be herself who would walk down that isle.

"Sakura, we have to make sure you can get out my tomorrow"

"Okay" she said, but Chyou caught the slight tentative sound in her voice.

"Are you all right?"

"I guess, but the more I think about it, the less I think of it as a good idea" she said truthfully.

Sakura sighed and shook her head. She knew it was a bad idea in the first place. She knew she would hurt herself if she does this, she really wanted to remember Syaoran, and running away from him would only make the chances of remembering him slimmer. Then again…it would be the best for everyone…especially for him.

"Okay then" she said before Chyou could say anything. "Tomorrow night for sure…let's just sneak out instead of asking them"

"A week left" Syaoran whispered to himself.

Seven days…seven days until the wedding…seven days to make Sakura remember him…seven days…

It was Friday, and by Friday next week, he'll be married…and he doesn't even know who he'll me married to…Chyou or Sakura. He was really confused now. He loved Sakura like life itself, he had wanted to marry her for as long as he can remember. But now that he thinks about it, the Sakura he's been spending time with all month isn't the Sakura he knew. He's been having much sensible time with Chyou than Sakura. If he thought it through, Chyou would be the best choice at this point. But whenever he considered this, he thought about Sakura…and when he sees her, ever thought he had of Chyou disappears.

"This is bloody ridiculous! It's my ruddy life, I'm supposed to have control over it!" he told himself through clenched teeth.

"Syaoran!"

Syaoran turned around to see a breathless Jay holding onto the open door to his room.

"What's wrong? What happened to you?"

"It's Sakura! She's gone!"

Looking at the dark sky outside the window, Sakura couldn't help but feel guilty. She wondered if anyone had noticed she had gone by now. She knew what she's doing is wrong, but…Syaoran.

"Darn it" she hissed under her breath, clutching her head as another head ache shot through head.

"Excuse me? Are you all right?"

Sakura looked at the elder woman beside her and nodded her head slightly.

"I'm fine…I'll be better once the plane lands"

The woman gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry child, I expect we'll be arriving soon"

'No turning back now' Sakura thought to herself when the pain started to subside.

"I…I…I'm sorry for…" Sakura sighed. Her ability to talk proper words in full sentences had been failing her miserably for some time now…it's getting really irritating.

"No need to explain dear"

Sakura smiled up at the woman who had taken care of her. She had finally arrived back at the familiar house after a long night's drive. It was lucky she arrived at the house before midnight. She was tired and was a bit wet since it was raining.

"Thank you Mrs. Sumiya" she said softly with a bow.

"So is Cherry really going to stay with us this time?" Emi asked her mother before turning to Sakura with a hopeful smile.

"Of course" someone else answered.

Sakura turned around to see Yasuki, standing a few meters away from them and below the steps of their front porch, soaking wet and was holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand.

"Oh my Lord! Yasuki you're soaking wet!" Airi said, seeing her son just standing there. "Emi, go get an u-"

"Umbrella?" the girl finished as she held up her pink umbrella and was about to go out and retrieve her brother…until Sakura took it from her.

"I'll go get him" said Sakura, setting down all her bags before making her way to him. "Yasuki, what are you doing out under the rain?" she asked, walking more slowly to avoid from slipping.

"I-I miss you" he spoke out.

Mild pain shot through Sakura's head when he said this. She shook her head, trying to make it go away. She can't have another head ache now, she was under the rain! Pausing for awhile, she looked back up at him again.

"You do?" she couldn't possibly think he still wanted her after what she had done.

"I do" he said with a smile before making his way towards her.

Sakura smiled; maybe spending her life with him would be better for everyone. That way, she wouldn't cause trouble for Syaoran, Chyou, his family and all of China.

She would've agreed to everything she had just thought of right now if her head ache would just go away.

'Please stop' she told herself, wanting badly for the pain to go away. But every step Yasuki took towards her only made it worse. 'What's wrong with me?'

Sakura gripped her head and immediately Yasuki knew something was wrong. He started to run towards her and when he was able to bring Sakura to his chest in a hug, he noticed she was trembling.

"Sakura?" her eyes were still closed. The umbrella she held was starting to slip. "Sakura!" she said more loudly when her weight fell on him.

"What is this?" Sakura asked herself, gripping her head. Though she couldn't feel any pain anymore, she felt like she was floating. Looking around her, the scene looked a bit familiar…there was a vast garden around her and there was someone not to far from her, just standing there under the rain. "Excuse m-" she stopped as she saw another figure appear by the house, opposite to the person she had just seen.

It was her.

Sakura didn't understand…at all. Why was she looking at herself? Or rather, a younger version of herself? She was there, opening an umbrella before walking out under the rain…just what she had done with Yasuki just now.

She turned around and looked behind her for any sign of him…no one. Sighing, she turned back to…err…herself. Now she saw her standing close to the other person.

"Oh well" Sakura said with a sigh before making her way towards them. As she got nearer, she noticed the person to be a boy, his soaked, chocolate hair stuck to his face, covering his amber eyes which were staring pointedly at her younger self. "I d-"

"S-Syaoran…Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be in China?"

Sakura clamped her mouth shut when her other self spoke. Syaoran?

"I didn't wanna stay there anymore. I-I miss you"

She turned to the boy when he spoke…he looked awfully familiar. Where had she seen him before?

"You do?"

"I do…I still love you Sakura which is why I came back" he suddenly kissed her on the lips but Sakura pushed him back lightly.

"Oh my" she whispered to herself.

"I-I…I love you too…and I'll always will"

Sakura stood stock still, watching the couple hold each other like their lives depended on it. She felt like all of this was very familiar, where had this happen? Or did this happen at all?

"Sakura…"

And that boy…who was he? She knew she had seen him before, he looked really familiar.

"Sakura…"

Syaoran…birthday…at the airport, the accident…Hong Kong, fiancée, the pool…doctors, the Recognition Banquet, the machines…Chyou, the plane, the Sumiyas…Syaoran…Syaoran! Her boyfriend for God knows how many years! He proposed to her and then left for China then there was that accident! Yasuki proposed then she was taken away by Tomoyo and the others to China and Syaoran was there…and she didn't know him…she forgot everything about him…and she left…she came back and…

Sakura stopped before falling on her knees. Pain suddenly shot through her head.

"Sakura…"

"Please stop!" she begged, gripping her head tightly, wanting it to all go away.

"Sakura!"

"Please!"

"Sakura? Sakura!"

Sakura sat bolt right up then heard a shriek.

"W-What happened? Where am I? W-"

"Sakura dear, please calm down" said a motherly voice.

Sakura shook her head before looking at the woman beside the bed she was lying on.

"Airi? What happened? Where am I?"

"You're in our home Sakura…you're fine, just rest. You collapsed under the rain earlier" she explained calmingly.

Sakura breathed in deeply several times before lying back on the bed. She got a glimpse of a shaken up looking Emi and figured she was the one who screamed right when she woke up.

"Sakura, are you all right?"

"Yeah…I…I'm fine…I'm all right…" she whispered, closing her eyes.

"What happened dear? You were screaming in your sleep" Airi said worriedly.

"I…I…" Sakura paused for a moment, trying to remember anything that might make her scream. "I was?"

"You did" Emi said. "You were yelling a lot of stuff before you suddenly sat up"

Closing her eyes, Sakura tried to think about it. Nothing came. All she remembered was that she went after Yasuki under the rain, then when he came close to her, her head ache started up again, when he finally held her…everything just went black. Other than that…

"I…I don't remember"

Author's Note:

So…how did you find this chapter? I hope you're not to irritated by Sakura for forgetting…again. Just to clarify things, she actually did remember just then but when she woke up she didn't think much of it, thinking it was a dream so she ignored the fact that she really did remember.

Thus, she doesn't remember the things she just remembered. Lol. Do you guys get it? I'm sorry if you don't. Gah!

Raeny