Chapter Five:
By the time Eriol managed to tie all his affairs together, Syaoran was already gone. His mother had come from China, bringing his worried sisters and cousin Mei Ling along. When they saw him, lying still and bruised, they almost broke down into tears.
Eriol had made it to the hospital to find a different patient already occupying the room. Fearing the worst, he quickly made his way down familiar streets to Sakura's house.
Her look of surprise gave way to realization. "Oh my gosh! Eriol! I'm so sorry! With everything that's been going on," was it just him or did her eyes seem to get distant and lost at those words? "I completely forgot to send you a message and let you know about Syaoran!"
"So…" Eriol questioned in between pants, feeling his heart slow as relief flooded his body. "Syaoran is alright, is he?"
"Yes. I just got off the phone with Mei Ling. She's been keeping me updated. Syaoran's mother was very thankful for everything the doctors here did but decided it would be best if he were closer to the clan. They might have said something about healing magic…"
Eriol nodded, "The Li clan does have some very powerful capabilities."
Sakura's head was lowered, her eyes shadowed by her bangs. "MY magic couldn't do anything to help him." She whispered, eventually raising her eyes to meet Eriol's. There was heartbreak and pain shining in them beneath the shimmer of unshed tears. "I couldn't do anything to help him! This never would have happened if I had just gone to his house to meet him, or check to see why he was late! I should have known better!" Eriol wrapped his arms around her, his presence soothing and comforting.
"Shh, Sakura." He looked up to see Kero watching him silently from the nearby stairs. He let out a heavy sigh and pulled out from Sakura's embrace. "Why don't you tell me everything that's been going on while I make you up some tea?"
Sakura sniffled a bit, composed herself, and nodded. With a weak smile she invited Eriol in while profusely apologizing for her lack of hospitality. She then closed the door and the two humans, with one guardian gliding behind them, made their way toward the kitchen.
TBC