Chapter 5
"Sakura! Sakura!" yelled a voice "Sakura! Please wake up!" begged another voice. "M..Madison?" stummered Sakura as she tried to open an eye. "Yes! It's me!" exclaimed Madison as releif flooed into her. Sakura finally was able to open both her eyes. When she looked around she saw she was in the picnic area, lying on someone "Li?" Sakura whispered "Is that you?" "Uh…no, I'm afraid I'm not Li," apologized a familiar voice. Suddenly a rush of embarressment fled into Sakura. She quickly got up to see if her theory was true, unfortunatly…it was. "Fye! What are you doing here?" Sakura exclaimed. "I felt really bad that…uh…you wanted me to come…and uh…I never came…or called…so…um…here I am now!" Fye replied with a chuckle. "Oh…" replied Sakura dreamily. She was in her own thoughts. Suddenly Sakura fely dizzy again as she gazed into Fye's eyes. Sakura stumbled a little and was just about to fall backwards, but Fye caught her just in time. Sakura opened her eyes slightly "Thanks," she managed to say.
A few minutes later Li and Zachary came running all wet and soggy. "Sakura! Where is she!" Li shouted. Madison got up and gave Li a calm look "She's fine Fye…" but Li ran past Madison before she could finish. As soon as he saw Sakura in Fye's arms he was a bit shoked "What are you doing here?" he asked rudely "I was in the neighbourhood and thought I should stop by…" joked Fye with a warm smile. Li squinted his eyes and was about to dis Fye of but Rika stopped him before he could do so. "Li!Uh…Fye jus saved Sakura…she wouldn't have been this safe without Fye's help, she almost got badly hurt," she said "I see, Sakura dosen't look so safe to me," whispered Li. Fye looked down at Sakura then he looked at the furious Li "Well," he said as he got up and gave Sakura to Li "I know when I'm not wanted, bye everyone, oh! And Li…" he paused "good luck…" And he left, leaving everyone confused. "Great going Li! Now you've really hurt his feelings," said Rika with anger then she left after him. "But…I didn't…mean…I just…" stummered Li. Madison put a hand on Li's shoulder "Li everyone knows how much you want Sakura, but that dosen't mean you act all mad and pissed at any guy who touches her, I mean…you didn't even thank Fye," and she left towards the changing rooms, suddenly she stopped and turned around "Can you tell Sakura to meet me in the indoor pool after she wkes up, or are you afraid someone might 'touch' her again." Madison wasn't teasin him, she was serious.
About 3 hours later Sakura woke up on a bed. It was 8:00. "Uh? Where am I?" she asked "In my room," Li replied. Sakura looked around "You're room? This isn't you're room," she pointed out "It's my room at the park, Madison booked a whole set for all of us, we're stayin here for a few days," explained Li "Zachary and Chelsea are in 1 room, Madison and Rika are in another and…" "You and me are in this one," Sakura finished. "But I didn't choose the rooms Madison did, after all she did book them," Li said embarressed. "I'm glad," Sakura reassured. Li didn't mention anything about this afternoon, about what he did to Fye. "Li, what's wrong?" Sakura asked worriedly as she got off the bed and stood infront of Li. He was sitting down so had to look up. "Nothing, I'm fine!" reassured Li. Sakura put her hands on her hips, then shrugged "so much for Li being the 'perfect' boyfriend," she sighed "Guess Rika, and the girls were wrong about me being lucky," "Wait…" said Li as he got up and faced Sakura. Li was about 3 inches taller than her which made him have to look down. "You guys talk about me?" he asked Sakura's arms dropped and he body slumped "Li! Is that all you can think about?!" she exclaimed "Where'd that careing guy go!" Li looked at Sakura confused but started laughing instead "I was just joking! Man can't you take a joke?" he exclaimed. Sakura crossed he arms, stuck her nose up in the air and turned around "No! not if it's about somethin serious like this," Li looked at his emerald beauty with loving eyes.
He walked up behind her, rapped his arms around her waist, making her crossed arms rap around his. Then he gently rested his head on her shoulder, his cheek touch half of her cheek and half of her neck. Sakura leaned her head on his head. "I'm sorry," he whispered "I would never do anything to make you unhappy," "I know…that's why I love you so much," Sakura replied. They stayed like that for a few minutes, they kept swinging side to side until finally Li lifted his head and spun Sakura around. Now they were face to face, with only an inch of space between them. Li leaned his forehead on Sakura's. He started to lean closer, Sakura closed her eyes and also leaned closer. 'Finally, our first kiss' thought Sakura. She opened her eyes to see how far her beloved Li was. 5cm…3cm…1cm…"AAAAAH!!"
Sakura and Li seperated on hearing the scream. It was coming from Madison's and Rika's room. Li and Sakura exchanged glances then quckly ran to the connecting doors.
"Madison! Rika!" called Sakura "What's wrong?" When no one answered Sakura got really scared and turned to Li. "Li…I'm scared…what if something bad happened to them? I'll never be able to forgive myself! All those warnings and the dreams and…" Li hugged her for a second "Don't worry, nothine happened to them…they probably saw…a bug or something," he reassured. Suddenly Sakura heard sniffles coming from behind the bed. She broke loose from Li and summoned her wand. Slowly she tip toed around the bed to the other side with Li at her heals. When they saw what was making the sound they were shocked.
"Madison?" said Sakura both surprised and worried "What's wrong? Who screamed?" Madison was covering her face with her hands, when she looked up Sakura could see her swollen red eyes filled with tears. Madison let out a whimper and pointed to something on the ground infront of her. "What is it?" asked Sakura, instantly Madison began to cry. "Madison…Madison please don't cry, just tell me whats wrong," comforted Sakura "Li, can you turn the lights on please?" as Li went to turn the lights on, Madison got more and more scared. Finally with a click the lights were on "Ok, now tell me what's wro…" Sakura trailed off because she now saw the problem. She let a loud scream "Rika!" Li quickly came running to see what the cause of all the scream "Oh. My. God…" was all he was able to say. There, infront of Madison lay Rika's body. She lay as if she were dead, she even looked the part. Her face was as pale as ghost, and you could see her veins crystal clear. But the most horrifying thing was her eyes, they had turned all the way back and all you could see was the white vein filled part…
Sakura could feel tears rolling her cheek. She quickly tried to feel a pulse, luckliy there was a steady beat. Sakura turned to Madison "Madison! What happened?" she exclaimed "I…I don't know…I just went to get…" whispered Madison. Anyone could tell the scream had taken away Madison's beautiful voice. "Went where?" shouted Sakura "I went to get a drink…because…the water in my…water bottle…was finished…then when I came back…I…I saw…" she pointed towards Rika "I ran to her…but…before I could call…911…the power went out…" Sakura was wide eyed, was she hearing the truth? Or was this a joke? She searched Madison's face for a smirk, or even a sign of happiness and laughter…but no luck, this was the awful truth.
Sakura knew it wasn't Madison's fault, she never this was going to happen, so she hugged her tightly "It's ok…" she whispered "She'll be alright, after all," she let Madison go "They don't call me cardcaptor Sakura for nothing you know," Madison smiled as Sakura wiped her face of tears. Sakura looked up at Li. Li came and knelt beside Rika, "That's odd…" he said as he turned Rika's head to face his legs "What's that glowin thing it looks like…oh no…" Sakura made a confused face "What's odd? And why's it 'uh oh'?" she asked worriedly. "Sakura look at this mark on Rika's neck," said Li as he pointed to a blue symbol. At first Sakura it was just a silly pen mark, or maybe a tatto, even though she knew Rika NEVER wore toattos or wrote on her neck with pen. When she got closer her jaw dropped and her eyes widened "No…no…it can't be! It just can't," she whispered in horrer. Madison shuffled over to the other side of Rika, facing Sakura and Li. Just like Sakura, Madison's jaw dropped. There on Rika's neck was the tatto on the black figure's forhead!
"But…how!" Sakura exclaimed "it's impossible! It was only a dream!" "It is possible," pointed out Li "Remember you used the dream card? And saw everyone diappear one by one?" Sakura gasped "You're right! And I just relized Rika was the first!" "What do you mean?" asked Madison confused. "It means she knows the order of the disappearences!" exclaimed Li "Quick! Sakura tell us who's next?" Sakura slumped her shoulders "I…I don't know," she said finally "I can't…remember…" Li hit the closet behind Madison with his fist "Sakura!" he hollered. Sakura turned around with sad eyes "Li…I'm sorry…I…" started Sakura "Sorry? You think that'll help us! You think saying sorry is going to solve our problems?" Li hollered with furry. Sakura was speechless, what did she do wrong? Is it her fault she can't remember? She had had that dream weeks ago! She was heart broken "No…" she whsipered fighting back tears and ran into her room. Madison just looked at Li with shock. "Li…it's not her fault…and you know it, you're banging won't help either…" she whsipered "I know! It's just that sometimes…sometimes…" Li passed his fingers through his hair "Put a sock in it, or just save it for someone who actually cares," interuppted Madison as she got up and lifted Rika on to the bed "You've 'helped' enough, goodnight," and pointed at the door. Li felt really guilty now, "Madison I…" he started "Like I said, tell it to someone who cares!" Madison inturrupted. Li gave a sorry look, but left anyway. He didn't go to his room, but instead he went outside to the lake.
Back in Sakura's and Li's room, Sakura lay on her stomach the bed. She was crying, crying not only because of what happened to Rika, or because of what Li had said, but also because she knew…he was right. Sorry wasn't going to help them solve this problem. 'I'm sorry! What a stupid thing to say when you see a person close to death!' she thought 'i'm sorry's not going to bring them back!' Suddenly Sakura heard the opening and closing of a door. "Who is it?" she whispered "Me…Li," answered the guilty Li.
When he saw Sakura didn't make any respond her took a deep breath and sighed. He walked over to the bed and sat beside Sakura. Sakura looked at him from the corner of her eyes, he looked really sorry. She shifted away slowly, so she wouldn't have to face him. Li didn't blame her for turning away. He was tired so he switched of the lamp then lay down beside her, and pulled the covers up to his shoulders. Sakura could feel him moving, for some reason she didn't feel mad anymore, and more strangly she didn't care that he was sleeping right next to her! Not that she didn't trust him but its supposed to feel odd, but it didn't. Li slowly shifted away from the corner of the bed and towards Sakura. When there was a 7 inch space between him and her back, he slid one arm under one of her arms, the one on top, and rapped it around her waist. Then he slid the other arm under her other arm, the one that was inbetween her and the bed. It was a tight squeeze but he made it through. Slowly he advanced towards her untill there was no space between them. Sakura's heart pounded, she felt hot and she was sweating like crazy too. Li squeezed Sakura tight, she let an uncomfertable sound but the grip didn't loosen. Then Li rested his head right beside Sakura's neck, he slowly moved up and her kissed her on the cheek. Slowly he brushed his lips against her cheek, then she felt his cheek brush against her cheek then his lips again. He moved back down and began rubbing his lips aginst her neck! Li had never done this to her before! This was so embarresing, luckily Madison wasn't hear to tape this. Thinking of Madison made Sakura's heart hurt, she started crying. Li stopped for a minute but then hugged her tightly. His face was in her hair now and Sakura's arms were on Li's and she could feel his warmth on her back.. She felt safe in his arms, so she turned around and face him. They were only a few centimetres away. Sakura gazed into Li's eyes, and Li gazed into Sakura's teary eyes. He wanted so badly to kiss her right here, right know! But he knew it was a bad time so he just brushed her hair instead. Sakura put her hands and her head against Li's chest. He kissed her on the forehead and held her tight. They stayed like that for the rest of the night, Sakura fell asleep but Li couldn't stop thinking about that day…why was this all happening? And who was doing it…?
"Cute…" said Huo with a smirk "too bad it won't last, I'd love to show this to her friends and family or maybe that other girl Meilin? Or was it Mya?," "Silence!" commanded an erie voice "This is pathedic! These to posses imence power, but instead of using it they waste their time in foolish things like…love…it digusts me," "Maybe because you've never experienced it," thought Huo with a smirk. She walked over to the liquid filled capsule "Don't you agree?" she asked the boy inside.
The next morining there was a knock at the door. Li, who had finally fallen asleep, just pulled the covers over him. Sakura, who had nightmares for most of the night, opened her eyes slightly. She was about to say come in but instantly remembered her position. She got up and looked around. Li's arm had been under her waist, and she was against his chest. 'whew!' she thoguht 'close call.' She got up and opened the door. It was Madison! 'double whew!' she thoguht 'Madison would have loved to tape this'. "Sakura! Why aren't you dressed yet?" she asked annoyed. "What time is it?" Sakura asked sleeply. "Sakura get me another pillow!" whispered Li in his sleep. Sakura turned around with a twirl, she didn't want Madison to see her face going red. "Looks like I missed somethin last night, am I right?" teased Madison. "What! No! what time is it?" said Sakura quickly, a little too quickly. "8:30," replied Madison as she looked at her watch, "Hurry up! Breakfast is in half-an-hour," and she was about to leave, but suddnely she stopped and came close to Sakura's ear "I want to name you're new baby, ok?" and ran off laughing. Sakura's jaw opened "Madison!" she shouted "Ewww!" "Keep it down man! Can't a guy sleep around here?" grunted Li. Sakura put her hands on her hips and shook her head "Guys!" she sighed and went to take a shower.
Madison ran to the beach and looked back to make sure Sakura didn't follow. "Oh Sakura…if only you knew how much it hurts me to see you together like this…I know I'm being selfish…but I can't help it…I love you," thought Maidison as she stared blankly at the vast lake "I love you…"
Suddnely Madison slipped but before she could even really realize she was falling, she was saved. "You have to be more carefull," said a charming young voice from be hind her. He was holding on to her waist gently but firmly. "I'm Sorry I guess I wasn't looking at what I was standing on…" Madison apologized. "That's quit alright, these kinda of things happen," he reassured. When Madison looked up she saw the most unexpected person standing infront of her.
"Eriol?" Madison exclaimed "What are you doing here?!" "Isn't it obvious? I'm here because it's a new park!" Eriol replied. Madison smiled "How long are you staying?" she asked finally "A week," "Me…I mean us, too!" Madison exclaimed. "Great! We can have lots of fun together!" Eriol said happily "Together? As in me, you, Li, Sakura?" Madison asked "Oh…you want them too, I see…" sighed Eriol. "You mean only you and me?" Madison said shocked. Eriol didn't blush even a little! "Yeah, if that's all right with you, I understand you're," he cleared his throat "single?" Madison turned red! "Well…uh…I am…but I wasn't expecting…uh…you to…ask me…" "Is that a no?" asked Eriol sadly "No! No! it's a…" Madison didn't know what to say, she wanted Sakura, but Sakura had Li and she didn't have any chance so she miht aswell move on "yes!" she said finally. Eriol smiled with delight, would you like to join me for breakfast?" he asked "Of coarse," agreed Madison as she laughed and the two walked off laughing and joking. Madison wasn't sure it would work, but it would take her mind off Sakura, and maybe it's for the best.
Back in Li's room, Sakura sang 'Let It Rain' as she scrubbed her hair with shampoo. "Let it rain…let it rain…,"sang Sakura. Li, who couldn't sleep because he had seen Madison laugh and run away, banged on the washroom door "Hurry up Sakura! I think you're clean enough!" he shouted. Sakura got startled so much she slipped and fell "Ow!" she whispered as she rubbed her head. Li had heard the bang and was laughing. "Shut up Li! How do you know I'm clean enough? Its not like you…" Sakura stopped she just realized what she had said. Li turned red aswell "I love you, but not that much!" he teased. Sakura rolled her eyes "Fine! I'll be out in a minute! She agreed. Li waited a minute, he could hear Sakura get out of the shower slip again on the marble floor. "Oh My God! Sakura! Sakura! Open the door quick!" yelled Li. "What! What's wrong?" Sakura called back "Just open the door!" Li cammanded "But I don't…" started Sakura "Just open it! you want me to die!" Li threatened. Sakura quickly put on her bath robe and opened the door. Li quickly came in and closed the door behind him. "Whew!" he sighed "Who was it?" Sakura asked concerend "No one," answered Li "I just wanted you to get out," Sakura's jaw dropped "Li! You had me worried sick!" she yelled. "Yeah! I know, that's why it was even more funny!" teased Li and kissed her on the cheek and pushed her out. Sakura crossed her arm "Atleast give me my cloths!" she pleaded. "Sure!" said Li as he threw a blue mini skirt and a white t-shirt right in Sakura's face. "Stupid boyfriends," Sakura mumbles as she headed towards the closet.
Finally everyone was ready for breakfast, that is everyone except Rika. It was 9:15 and everyone had just sat down at the table. They were having breakfast in the picninc area on a picnic table. "What are we having?" asked Chelsea as she brushed her red frill top and fixed her blue jean shorts. "Pancakes," answered one of Madison's waiters. "Did you know pancakes weren't really called pancakes, they were stonecakes, because you see back in the stone age they didn't have metal pots and pans, they have stone ones, and the reason they're called cakes is because they used to be as big as cakes because the cavemen used to eat alsot, speaking of cave men did you kno they were really smart? Yes and…" Zachary had started his lies again "Yeah! Yeah! Tell it to someone who has a brain the size of a peanut," said Chelsea as she covered Zachary's mouth with her hand. "You mean that was another lie?" asked Sakura innocently. Li choked on a pancake "You…didn't think…it was…true…? Did…you?" he said laughing and choking at the same time. Sakura instantly turned red "Maybe…" she whispered. Li let out a laugh "Wow! A teen believing that kind of stuff! Amazing!" he teased "Maybe because my boyfriend's stupidity rubbed off on me!" said Sakura with confidence. Suddenly Sakura and Li were both quiet. "Sakura…you have an interesting choice of words," said Li. Sakura didn't say anythin, she just ate her pancake trying not to attract attention. Chelsea chuckled, and there was smirk on her face. She put her elbows on the table and rested her on the back of her hands like a lady ready to insult someone.
"Speaking of 'rubbing'" she said with a laugh. Sakura and Li exchanged worried glances. Sakura, then, just picked up a glass of orange juice and was getting ready to drink it while Li played with his pancake. Chelsea continued "I heard that something…um…how should I put it? enjoyable? Yeah! Enjoyable happened last night!" At that very moment Sakura spit out the orange juice out of her mouth and onto Li's face "What!?" she exclaimed "oops…" Chelsea and Zachary exchanged glances then they both started laughing like crazy! Zachary even fell off the bench. As for Li he had a stiff face. He stiffly wiped a bit of orange juice from his cheek, looked at it, then at Sakura. Sakura made a sorry face and shrugged, then she picked up a tissue and wiped Li's face. "I'll got get more tissues just in case," she teased "And I'll go get a camra!" teased Zachary, so they both ran off.
"Thanks a lot Sakura…I love orange juice!," said Li as he sucked on his teeth. "Sorry…it was an honest mistake…look it's all gone from you're face now see?" assured Sakura as she wiped the last of the orange juice from Li's nose. "I don't really care about the face, but my shirt!" he complained "This is my favourite shirt!" he pointed at a big stain in the middle of his black t-shirt with a big fire symbol in the middle. "Hey isn't this the shirt I gave you for you're 12th birthday?" asked Sakura as got off the bench. Li smiled "Yeah…" he replied. "Well don't worry, I'll wash it for you," offered Sakura with one of her warm smiles. "No you don't have to I'll just…" suggested Li, Sakura put her finger on his lip "Zip it," was all she said then walked off, suddenly she stopped and turned "Well? Are you comeing or not?" she called. Li was absorbed in her beauty so deep that he forgot he had to go with her "Coming!" he called as he ran towards her.
The rest of the day passed smoother than the moring, except for a few accidents. The friends went swimming, played volleyball and beachball. They played boys vs. girls since Madison was with Eriol, and Rika was in a critcal condition. Not that they didn't care about Rika, but they didn't want to think about her much. Li had told them that she went back home because of some reason, but really they had sent her to Layla McKenzie (Ms. McKenzie) because they couldn't keep her in the room, they didn't want to be accused of murder. Also Ms. McKenzie had asked them to give her Rika, she wanted Li and Sakura to have a bit of quality time.
Finally in the evening after dinner, everyone sat in Madison's room, everyone except Madison and Eriol. "I wonder what those two are doing?" thought Chelsea out loud "Probably what you two did," "Ok, enough of the 'what you two did' thing if you know, tell me!" said Sakura. Chelsea was surprised at first but then she smirked. "So you don't know what we know eh?" said Chelsea slyly. "What do you think we did?" asked Li cooly. "Don't worry Li…" laughed Zachary "Worry about what?" asked Li innocently "It'll probably be a boy," finished Zachzry with a wink. Li made a 'what' gesture but then he understood "oooh!" he exclaimed "Now I get it." For a second everythin was quiet until "What!?" yelled Li "You think we did WHAT?!" he got up and started to attack Zachary in a play fight.
"Fine…ow…ow…fine!" surrendered Zachary. Li let him go and was about to sit back down. "It'll be a girl," added Zachary with a loud laugh. Li got up and started play punching Zachary again. Suddenly they both fell to the ground. Sakura and Chelsea looked down from the bed and giggled. "You…could try…sticking up…for you're…yourself… Sakura," suggested Li, but before Sakura could say anythin Chelsea answered for her "Oh Li! Why would she want to? I mean who wouldn't want you as their bf, or husband, or child's father." Li stopped fighting and turned red. He and Sakura exchanged glances "Uh…is that a…a compliment?" asked Li as he got up. "Depends on how you look at it," said Chelsea "So…when's the next big day?" added Zachary with goofy smile. Li pounced on him again.
"I think I'm going got get a cup of hot chocolate from the bar infront of the trail," said Sakura as she got up to leave. Li quickly let go of Zachary and ran to the door "No way!" he commanded, but when he saw his friends' smiles he quickly added "You can't go alone! Take Chelsea with you!" Sakura waved her hand in disgreement "No thanks, the bar's right there, I'll jus go and come back," but when she saw that Li was trying to hide his worry, and was scared of loosing me like we lost Rika she sighed "You're welcome to join me," "Sure, just incase you might put too much sugar in mine," agreed Li "You guys coming?" Sakura asked Chelsea and Zachary "No thanks, I think you guys want to be left alone," teased Chesea and left with Zachary behind her. "They probably want to follow in our footsteps," chuckled Li cooly "You do realize what you just said, right?" asked Sakura "Duh! I said that…oh…owch…I'm so harsh…" Li had realized what he had just said. "Come on!" called Sakura and started to ran towards the bar, Li followed her like a total lover boy, not that he wasn't.
That night after drinking their hot chocolate, Sakura and Li fell right to sleep, but this time on separate beds. That wasn't exactly the best idea because Sakura had nightmares all night. She kept tossong and turning. "Please no…I'll do anything…don't take him away…Li…Li…I love you…please…come…back…" Sakura had been talking in her sleep. "Sakura! Sakura! Sakura wake up!" whispered Li, he was shaking Sakura so hard he felt dizzy but Sakura wouldn't wake up. "Please…don't take him away…please…" whispered Sakura "Sakura! I'm right here!" said Li "Oh my god! What's wrong?" Li was really frusterated now, he had to go call for help, but he couldn't leave Sakura by herself. It was dead silence now. Li looked at Sakura, her face was going paler by the second!
"Sakura! What's happening! Sakura!" he whispered. Li felt a warm feeling on his hand, when he looked he discovered it was tear. Yes he, Li Showran, was crying. Slowly more and more tears started falling. One touched Sakura's cheek "Syaoran…" she said softly. Li opened his eyes "yeah it's me," he whispered "It's me…" "Syaoran I don't think I can survive this, so I want tell you before I go again…I…" started Sakura. "Don't talk like that! You're going to be just fine! Understand!" he whispered loudly "I'm sorry Syaoran…" Sakura's eyes opened. Li became a bit happier but his hopes were lost, her eyes were blank. "I love you Syaoran…you mean everything to me…I want you to move on after I leave, please just do that for me…" pleaded Sakura. Tears started falling from her blank eyes. "Sakura! No! you're not going anywhere! Sakura please don't…go…I don't know what I'm going to do without you, you're my life!" cried Li. Sakura put her palm on Li cheek, Li quickly put his hand on hers. He bent down slowly and put his hands under Sakura's head. Sakura held oh to Li's shoulders and they shared a long passionate kiss. "I love you to Sakura…" he whispered as he touched Sakura's cheek, Sakura smiled for the last time, then she left, left Li to suffer. Li ran his fingers through his beloved gf's auburn hair. "I swear on my life Sakura, that's I'll find who did this to, I'll find that person and They.Are.Going to pay, with their soul," and he picked up his sword and Sakura, wrote a note, gathered courage, and most importantly, he brought his cold, heartless self back. And so, his great journey began…
The Beginning…