Hello readers! Yes yes, my sad pathetic life can only squeeze out another chapter during the summer break. You guys are so great, never giving up on this story even when I stray from it for…a few months! But writing this has gotten me back on track and I hope you're all prepared to read the conclusion in the near future!

A Love Before Time

By: silent wanderer

Chapter 23

Shivering, Sakura turned to the left door. Maybe it would that one…she forced herself to move towards it and open it. A cold wind blasted through her when she did. More light she thought sullenly. Even with all this light, she found it darkly funny that she couldn't't stop trembling with cold. Sighing, she stepped past the threshold. "Syaoran, I'm sorry. Please let me find you." she stumbled inside and looked up, half thinking she'd be met with emptiness.

She wasn't. There was a silver gate in the white room. Past it, there was sapphire ocean as far as the eye could see. Looking out to the sea was a tall, lean figure, resting against the old gate.

Sakura took in a sharp breath, catching his attention. When he looked up at her, she couldn't look away. Her heart shattered into pieces then.

"Syaoran." she managed to breath out, just before her bottled tears streamed down her face, the drops as pure as the sea across from her. Here he was, just a few running strides away from her. "Syaoran." she smiled through her tears, her vision blurring.

I found you.

Sakura's feet had a mind of there own as they moved closer to Li. He seemed genuinely surprised, left speechless by her appearance. When she was directly in front of him, she had an urge to wrap her arms around his neck.

"Kinomoto…" he studied her as if to make sure it was really her and not an apparition. "What are you doing here? Are you-" he couldn't finish his sentence, his words choking him. Sakura, dead? It wasn't something he was going to let himself comprehend. It was impossible.

Sakura stopped rubbing at her tears and looked up at his loss of words. She blinked as she processed what he was saying. Alarmed, she shook her head. "No, no I'm not dead." her hands shook in time with her words. "I'm just out of my body right now." she tried to smile. "I didn't think I'd be able to find you. I'm so glad right now." her voice was raspy from emotion.

Li gave a sullen smile as he reached down to brush a stray hair from Sakura's face. "Kinomoto, you exiled me. What…are you doing here?"

Sakura's eyes couldn't widen anymore. And she reached out to grasp Li's hand in a less than desperate manner. "No Li! I didn't know I was exorcising you! I'd never do something like that knowingly!" her eyes pleaded into his. She had been prepared for his temper, but she hadn't been prepared for him to be so calm and understanding. It made her wonder if he had been here long and if this void had changed him. "I didn't think Simon would purposely hurt you."

His eyes narrowed as his hand flew to the bump on her forehead. "There's a bump on your head." he stated plainly, changing the subject altogether.

"That's not important right now! I came here to bring you back Li. Let's go back okay?" Sakura reached out hesitatingly and tugged on his arm.

He looked at her as if she was the dumb one. "Go back? You can't go back. You can't leave this hell." upon saying this, Sakura was glad to see an old familiar glint of rebellion return in him. What she didn't like though, was the fact that he seemed like he was willing to give up.

She sniffled. "I got in didn't I? The man sitting outside the white door said he would be waiting for us to return. He said it'll be harder for us to get back to the world of the living if we don't move fast. Please Li, come back with me. I'm so sorry. I didn't-"

He interrupted her apology, grabbing her upper arm in an urgent way. "Don't just stand there then. Move." he pulled her towards the door where she had entered as if a new type of determination had been reborn in him. His senses sharpened quickly from his dullness then.

"Li?" Sakura glanced at the change of attitude. "What's wrong?" she quickened her pace to match his, frowning when she did and he only moved faster. Her legs felt tired after walking so long and she didn't feel like trying so hard now that she had located Li. "Slow down!" she cried, pulling against the pressure on her arm.

He stopped to turn around and glare at her.

"What's wrong?" Sakura asked. "As long as you're willing to come back with me, it'll be fine. If you've tried leaving and not succeeded, it's because spirits aren't allowed back out, but if I bring you out-"

"Shut up!" Li's eyes were as cold as ice. "What the hell were you thinking? How long have you been in here?"

Sakura was puzzled by his misdirected anger. "What…are you so angry about?" but it was only then she realized he might never forgive her for sending him into exile. He had probably thought she was trying to get rid of him before he would realize she wouldn't be able to fix his problems in the past. She opened her mouth to say none of that was true, and insist once again that she could be no more sorrier for what she had done, but it seemed as if just looking at her was enraging him.

"We'll talk about it later." he forced his anger to subside and he glanced around the room, deciding it would be better to head right. The old man had been right. Li seemed to have a better sense of direction than she herself had. His hand covered hers and he resumed tugging against her will. "Follow me, quickly."

Sakura shivered. Li's hand was extremely warmer than hers. She couldn't stop a sneeze from bubbling past her. Looking up she watched as Li shot her another dark look. As if a simple sneeze could break his concentration… "Li, slow down. I'm tired."

"That's why we have to go faster." he mumbled, quiet enough so that Sakura couldn't make out the meaning. He sighed as the void changed scenery and the world turned ebony. He had to stop to get his bearings now. He pulled Sakura close to him while he did. Why had she come to find him? Stupid brat.

Sakura couldn't hide her blush at their close proximity, but she was grateful for the dark. His mood was starting to disturb her, but he appeared to be concentrating so hard that she was almost afraid to ask him what his problem was. A second had only past when he resumed yanking on her hand, in an effort to keep a grueling pace. "It's cold in here, isn't it?" the soft question running past her lips. She blew her breath into her free hand that she pulled into a fist.

Li growled something from his mouth and sharply took a left. Immediately, the darkness turned to a bright sunset. It was a field, much like the one surrounding the Li mansion. Sakura smiled at its familiarity. But it was only when she heard Li's sigh of relief that she saw what he was doing. Her lip trembled with emotion.

He hadn't been in a rush to get rid of her, just like he hadn't been glancing back to glare at her. Her skin had turned a shade of blue and her weariness had been causing him alarm. He was tugging on her arm until it was ready to come off because he wanted to return her back into the world of living before she was unable to function in this world any longer. What was more, was that a part of her own mind was telling her that the landscapes around her weren't all the creations of the void, but creations of her companion.

A soft scoff came from Li. "If you know now, fasten your pace."

Sakura smiled. "Hmm." she nodded. She sniffled again, this time out of her feelings for Li. When she had viewed Li's face, never had she been more happy than at that special moment. She didn't think it was possible to be so angry with the past Li and then feel so attached to him after her tiring effort in search for him. "Li?"

He didn't even turn around to glance at her. "I know. Shut up and hurry."

Sakura did as she was asked. "You don't know what I was going to say."

He was still averting his gaze from hers. "I know what you were going to say."

"This household will abide my request?" Li had earlier just barred all the doors that lead to the lobby room in order to respect Sakura's wish of being left alone.

The attendants answered in unison. "Yes, Lord Li." they had not been planning on entering anyways. That was the room Li always spent his time in and if he wasn't in there, he could have easily been found at the back corner of the library. Either way, they didn't dare disobey one of his commands. Their lord's wrath was less than pleasant if ever one of his commands were ignored. Plus, it wasn't like they didn't have enough to do for the wedding tomorrow anyways. None of the serfs had time to go around snooping for what was inside the lobby room.

Simon on the other hand was very curious to see whether Sakura had actually gone to retrieve her ghost. Except, upon placing his hand on the knob of the handle, Li's authoritarian tone stopped him.

"I believe I told no one to enter this room. Do your ears fail you Donovan?" if he needed to play games with him, he'd be willing to do that for Sakura.

Simon rolled his eyes, pretending like it didn't faze him at all at not being allowed entry. "And I believe, you were giving me an invitation to your wedding."

"Of course." Li shrugged. "You are invited."

Simon's mouth quirked in a half smile. "Really now? How gracious of you, inviting a guest at the last minute. I would not want to cause any problems for you."

"No, not at all." Li answered, completely sure he was doing the right thing. Donovan hadn't yet caused him any suspicion that he was from Sakura's time. He even chocked the man's disobedience for entering the lobby room as sheer ignorance and curiosity on his part. It didn't mean he thought Simon was up to any good. He hoped to keep their conversation going, in case the man would leak out an important clue of his plan. "Donovan, why is it that you are holding onto that contract of ours so childishly. Your clan needs my help that much does it?"

Simon held in a growl. "When my clan, needs your help Li, it will be the day hell freezes over."

Li's answer was a short smirk. "And about your earlier remarks…I couldn't help but wonder, how much of Emike do you think you actually know?"

"I?" Simon raised his chin arrogantly. "Perhaps I know more than enough."

Li immediately disapproved in the man's insinuating tone. "I never did understand why you were so explicit on having Emike. And from my knowledge, you are the one that does not love her." the left side of his mouth quirked up. "Not in the way you and I speak of."

Bastard…If he thought his smart-ass comments would anger him to reveal his plans, he wasn't as sharp as he was in the future. Who knew dying made you smarter? Nevertheless, he played along with the conversation. If he could plant a few misguided clues into Li's head, it would be for his benefit. "Tsk, tsk. How can the Li clan's leader be so daring with his words? Who are you to say I do not love Ms. Kinomoto?"

Li's eyebrow shot up. As if this man hadn't said the same thing to him a moment ago. "Pardon me. I just thought that it must have been difficult for you to ask my permission to come to this wedding. And here, Emike thought you would be nursing that poor rejected ego of yours."

Simon's jaw clenched. "She said no such thing."

"Oh?" Li managed to look indifferently calm. "My, my, you're right, I should be more careful with my words. I ask for your ego's pardon."

"It must be nice to be able to make your jokes, especially in the position you're in now."

"Hmm." Li looked around the room before resting his dark stare back on Simon. "I rather like my position right now." he shrugged when Simon appeared less than amused at his small joke. "That contract you hold in that death grip of yours Donovan…let me consult you on something. My clan is flourishing. It does not depend on other clans to get what it wants and militarily, we're stronger. We also…double the size of your current clan." he gave Simon an inquisitive look. "Now why would I be bothered to care whether or not your clan joins mine?"

Simon's eyes narrowed once again. "Did you not say your clan did not have any intentions of merging with mine? Do you not fear a rebellion?"

"Unlike your people, Donovan, I like to think my own clan is quite loyal to me. Besides, if anything ever turns for the worst, their harbored frustrations will be toward your clan and still, we outnumber you do we not?"

"You'd allow a massacre?" Simon couldn't help but ask, incredulously.

Li scoffed lightly. "I," he emphasized. "will do what is in my clan's best interests."

"And I am doing what is best for mine. This contract was made in front of the other clans. They recognize our agreement and for you to rebel against it, never mind willing to shed blood over it now, will not sit well with the other clans. Your strength may reside in your military and numbers, but you yourself should know that your relations with the other clans is key in your survival." he grinned maliciously. "If you decide to step all over my poor little clan, as you say, the rest of the bands will not accept your hostile actions so easily."

Li didn't do anything but frown. "I do not know where to begin. First of all, you have misconceptions. I never stated your clan was poor, or even little. I know better than to blame the people on a clan's poor state. That," he glared at Simon. "is the leader's fault."

Simon ignored him. "That does not mean you can disregard-"

"Secondly…" he intervened, almost looking amused. "Are you playing war games with me, Donovan?"

That stopped him alright. Damn it…Li wasn't even the least faltered by his words. Was he just stupid or simply that confident that he would emerge the victor? Back in the future, Simon had looked over a few books and seen that under Li's rule, very few other clans felt strong enough to stir hostilities with him. Li, himself was known for his just ruling, but in war, he was vicious with his battle tactics and very few clans ever attempted to oppose him. There really wasn't much more information, but it led Simon to wonder whether that was the reason to why Li's clan was practically double and at times even triple the size of other nearby clans. He would have to be careful. He was acting as Simon Donovan in the past, and there were some things even he was unable to find in history books. Especially, on the character of Li, Syaoran.

"War games? I would never. Why your brilliance in battle is well renowned. In my case, I was merely suggesting potential threats. After all, my enemies shall soon become your enemies."

"How grand that will be for me." Li replied sarcastically. Sure, his own clan previously had few threats from others, but Donovan's clan on the other hand…Li sighed, mentally. It was difficult when clans merged. That's why few leaders would ever find the need to do so. In this particular case, clans were blown away when the idea of the Li and Donovan clans merging was first introduced. There was talk of Li himself going crazy. After all, why would the currently most successful clan suddenly decide to merge with the less than successful Donovan clan? It was ridiculous! Though Li wasn't surprised to see there were few protests, as many clans saw this as a chance for them to rise higher in power, assuming after the merge, the Li clan's strength would begin to wither away.

But that is was what happened, was it not? Sakura had made it painfully evident that he had died of a broken heart as soon as Emike had left him for Donovan. The clan that had placed their trust in their leader's capabilities had been wrong to do so. For as soon as he lost Emike, he also lost the will to rule his people. And soon, they unfortunately, all fell under Donovan's control

Our clans must have had merged back then too he thought wryly. But this time, he wouldn't let that happen. He would beat Donovan at his games and rule fitfully until it was impossible for him to do so any longer. By then, he would hopefully have raised an heir to take over. It wasn't that he didn't love Emike, but now, it was dawning on him that he had been in fact, blinded by childish infatuation, as his mother had called it. Now, he just wanted to keep Emike away from Donovan and perhaps, tear that contract of his in two. He didn't feel entirely threatened of it, by itself, but, an eerie feeling that it was about to take part in Donovan's plans was eating away at him. And he definitely had enough emotions eating away at him that he didn't need more.

Simon took the deep silence as an opening for his new attack. "By the way Li. How ever did you convince your clan to accept your marriage to a commoner?"

Li remained silent.

"Ahh, interesting." Donovan smiled. "Of course, I do not intend to impose on you. But, I would think that not only your clan, but my clan would like to know Ms. Kinomoto's upbringing."

"Who Emike was, does not matter now. Her title changes as soon as we marry."

"And what a title she will gain!" Simon grinned. "Such a humble girl. You would think she deserves-"

"You consistently bring up Emike's past. Of all people, I would think you would be the one to want it most forgotten."

Simon's eyes widened slightly in alarm. "Why would that be? Are you accusing me of wronging Emike?" he took in a deep breath. If he did know, his plans would be ruined. It was assumable that Sakura would find out and that would be the end of him, as once that was revealed, his intention would be clear. Mentally, he reminded himself that he had to move faster before Sakura returned. Recomposing himself, he chuckled internally. Of course, what was he thinking? Li couldn't possibly know what his past self had done to the girl. He doesn't know. He can't!

How could he, when in the future, Emike herself, told him she never revealed her past to him? And Simon didn't doubt Emike's help since his plans would do nothing but help her.

Li held back his tongue. He knew he had just hit a cord in Simon, but he also knew that the man would never reveal anything that might shatter his plans. Soon, the man would be able to call his bluff and he would have nothing to back up his…well he supposed Donovan was right in calling them accusations. If only Emike had mentioned this earlier! It made him angry to think she was still purposefully keeping secrets away from him. And doing so was protecting Donovan! The thought wanted to make pull his hair out.

Simon searched his mind for an excuse to leave. His senses were dulling because he wasn't used to staying in the past for so long. He needed to leave and recollect himself before he did anything too drastic. "I think this conversation's just taken a sour note, wouldn't you say?"

"Conversation with you has always been like that." came the dry reply.

"Always sharp with that tongue, Li." he turned to leave. "You should put it to good use and take a visit to Emike like you said you would. Maybe then she'll come to her senses. Give her more of an excuse to leave you."

"Sharp tongue?" Li whispered as soon as he was alone. Maybe, but as if anyone could top that little emerald eyed wildcat's temper. He sighed, glancing at the door which led to the room where Sakura's body was currently residing. Why was he standing there, debating whether or not to go in? It made him angry to think he needed an excuse in order to not feel guilty about worrying about Sakura. What excuse did he need! She was lying unconscious on the floor and he was urging himself to just walk away. Walking in there would only make him worry to death. Hell, he hadn't even gotten out of Donovan what he had wanted to because he had been so preoccupied over Sakura's well-being.

Would she return before the wedding as she promised? He still after all, needed to wed Emike. That's right. He had to marry Emike. He'd given his word. He couldn't stray from his vows now. He couldn't go into that room and he couldn't start anything, but polite, if you could call what he was doing earlier, polite conversation between the two of them. Li couldn't look into sparkling green orbs any longer. He realized he couldn't expect to forget about her this quickly, but for his clan's and his future self's benefit, he needed to keep working at suppressing that dark hole in his heart. A hole that he couldn't get to shrink.

"Keep your eyes open!" Li gave Sakura a sharp shake.

Immediately, Sakura's eyes snapped wide open. "You don't have to yell." she mumbled. "Your grips going to kill me you know."

Li glared down at her, but nevertheless, loosened his grip. "If your eyes close again, I won't be responsible for my actions."

Sakura sniffled, trying her best to hide it from Li. This was definitely not how she expected to be treated. If she wasn't feeling so cold and sorry for what she had done, she would have given him a good lesson with her fists. Pathetic, being her state at the moment, she allowed herself to be dragged like a rag doll.

The sky suddenly turned from its sunny rays back to its pitch dark of night. Sakura couldn't suppress a frown in her weakened state. She had had a slight feeling that Li was over exerting his influence in this vast dimension in order to keep her at ease. She was completely sure that was now the case. "Li…" she said groggily. "Stop changing the scenery for me, I-"

"We're close." he intercepted, tugging urgently. "Can you walk? Do you want me to carry you?"

As if she wanted him to waste anymore of his energy! She gave a weak reply, which was basically just a no, but she could only hope that he had heard her earlier comment. Ghosts, she had learned over time, had more powers than she would ever have wished to know. And although she had never asked what powers Li possessed, she knew that there was a reason to why such spirits as him never used too much of them. Not only would it manage to cause the rest of the living world to pay more attention to unnatural phenomenon, but ghosts utilized their abilities at the expense of their own energy. She didn't think it was any different here in this dimension. In fact, in this atmosphere, it might have suppressed Li's power even more.

Then again, she wasn't sure whether or not the thick atmosphere was hurting Li like it as hurting her. All she did know was that she wanted to stop him from worrying about her. It wasn't helping that she was beginning to grow weak to the point that her legs were giving out.

Li gave Sakura another rough shake to wake her out of her thoughts. She didn't realize she was beginning to doze off again.

"That light…are w…we there?"

"Kinomoto."

No answer.

"Kinomoto!"

"You're s-screaming again." Sakura said meekly.

"Damn it Kinomoto. I can't get through these doors. Only you can open them. Hurry!"

Sakura's legs wobbled as she tried to straighten herself. Only she could open them? But the old man had said he would be waiting! She didn't have the strength to open these doors. One look at their impossible size confirmed that. Maybe if she knocked…

"You don't know how to open them!" Li's voice bellowed through the silence.

"Open them? No, I d-don't remember." did Simon's note provide information about such a situation? Maybe…perhaps she needed to say another one of those chants…what was it again?

Li's heart felt like it was about to jump out of its throat. He knew this would happen. She was beginning to lose her sense of self in the dimension. Sakura was a living, breathing person. She couldn't possibly last in this condensed atmosphere, even in her spiritual form. It was worse because she had probably never been in such a form before. It was almost like becoming a ghost for the first time. It was suffocating. In here, there was magic that stopped most of his and anyone else's spiritual power from working. In here, it was a void. How had she expected to save him!

Sakura wobbled some more. "Co-cold." she whispered. What was it she was doing again? Saving someone?…something?…couldn't let the team down…save the ball from going in…no that wasn't it. She hadn't tried out for any school teams. She was doing something important…saving something? …someone?…

Li stopped his pounding on the doors, reaching to touch his raw throat. It wasn't any good. They wouldn't open the door for an exorcised soul. Damn. He quickly knelt down beside Sakura's droopy form. "Kinomoto." he stated clearly. When she didn't answer, he placed a knuckle under her chin and raised her gaze to meet his. "Kinomoto." he repeated.

"Kinomoto?" she echoed in a soft drawl. Amber eyes…I've seen these eyes before. I feel happy seeing them.

"You can't save me anymore. Gather up your energy Kinomoto and open the door. Do you understand?"

"Save…" this amber eyed man knew she was trying to save something too. "Have to save something, someone…" the man wanted her to focus. She could hear the irritation in his voice. Why was he so rushed? Did he want to know who she was going to save too? If he gave her a little time…she'd tell this amber eyed man.

Li shook Sakura, hard. "Get up and get out! You can save me by getting yourself out. Please…Sakura. Remember."

Save herself? Was that who she was supposed to save? He looked so defeated…where were his amber eyes? Did he have to shake her so hard?… It was making it hard to remember. Would he leave her if she wasn't able to recall? No, he was wrong though. She wasn't supposed to save herself! She was supposed to save someone more important than that!

"Sakura!"

Why wouldn't he leave her alone to remember? She was supposed to save someone else, not her own hide! Why was he looking at her with those eyes? Where were her warm amber eyes? This man sure was… really quite… "bossy!" Sakura glared at Li. "Quit screaming! I'm not deaf!"

Li's eyes widened in surprise. She had definitely recalled her senses. But how? Had he tapped into something unknowingly?

Sakura pushed herself to her feet. What was she doing? She had to get Li out at all costs. How much time had she wasted? Her limbs felt so weak and her joints were numb as she placed her right hand against the giant doors. As she whispered a silent chant, she forced herself to gather the final ounce of her strength and pushed, hard. A warm light of green appeared and enveloped the doors. They began creaking open by their own accord, regardless of her help.

Soon enough, the gates unfastened by themselves and exposed a familiar old man.

"You found what you were looking for child?"

Sakura's eyesight blurred as she spun around. "Li.." she managed to breath out.

Immediately, he came to her side. "I don't think you enough strength to cross me over." he whispered quietly. He leaned down and brushed a soft kiss on Sakura's forehead. "Thank you for your intentions."

"Don't be stupid. I'm not leaving then. If I can't bring you back with me, I'm not leaving. Got it?" she reached to take Li's hand. "Let's see if I have enough strength."

"Kinomoto, you'll burn yourself out-" he glanced at the patiently waiting man and growled. He obviously wasn't about to step in to stop her.

"I'm not as weak as you seem to think I am! G-go ahead, step over. I'll protect you." she didn't give him a chance to react. Instead, she prepared herself and pushed him through the apparent barrier. Her eyes widened at the pain and she bit her lip to stop from screaming aloud. Make it through Li. Don't turn around. She focused the green energy she had created around the door gates towards breaking down the clear barrier for Li to cross through. She had to hurry. The blockade was painful for Li. If it wasn't, souls would always be trying to cross back over to the side of the living. It must have been painful for him, but Sakura was almost glad that he was voicing out any screams if it was painful.

All she knew was that it was hurting Li. She forced herself to widen the opening with the rest of her strength and a large green cloud enveloped the entire barrier, shattering it in pieces. Before she collapsed to the floor, a hand reached through the cloud and placed a death grip over her wrists, pulling her past the crystal shards that were falling to the ground, ringing like melodious glass shards.

Sakura's eyes felt heavy as she opened her eyelids to a sliver. She couldn't deny that the air however, was extremely fresh and light. Her eyes opened to their full extent at that thought. Looking up, she found herself face to face with a pair of relieved amber eyes. Or was it worry?

"Li!" she smiled weakly. Relief flooded over her. She had managed to save him. She couldn't begin to express her content. But then it hit her. Was this the Li she saved or was it…she pushed herself up as quickly as her body would allow. She felt heavier, but that was to be expected as she just returned from her spirit form. Without any hesitation, her eyes flew from his eyes and down the rest of his form. From his toes and back again to his eyes. Her heart steadied with confirmation. It looked like her future Li. Odd, black boots, form fitting black pants, leather belt, white shirt, tousled hair…odd expression, but all in all, future Li.

She was opening her mouth to what had happened, but she was unsure of how to approach the question. Was this Li, or was he a misplaced illusion? She didn't remember getting out of the void in time. Could she still be trapped inside?

To make sure, she gave a small flick to Li's forehead. His reply was helpful, but less than kind.

"Just what are you trying to prove to yourself Kinomoto?"

Sakura couldn't suppress a large grin. Bingo! "I thought it wasn't you for a second." she groaned as she sat up in a more comfortable manner. It felt oddly familiar, yet foreign to be back in her own body.

Li was forced to look away to hide his blush. "Why wouldn't it be? It would have been a waste of your time if I hadn't returned with you." Actually, Li was more than relieved. Colour had returned to Sakura's skin and slowly but surely, the shivering had stopped. It had been a painful wait for her wake up and he was glad to see she was no longer confused about her surroundings, though she still appeared somewhat groggy.

Sakura frowned. "Why are we whispering?" she asked carefully.

Li's gaze dropped down from her face, to the rest of her body, indicating for her to do the same. Sakura flushed before she followed his lead, blinking at what she saw. Emike's clothing. She touched her hair. Curls.

Hesitatingly, Sakura scanned the room. Empty, but definitely the wrong room to be in, or rather the wrong time period.

Sakura turned alarmingly to Li, speechless.

"This may be a problem, Kinomoto."

It was all Sakura could do but nod.

"Any plans in that reckless head of yours?"

"Just one." Sakura answered, nervously.

An eyebrow rose, questioningly. "Pray tell."

"Get out of this room. Now!"

Simon sighed from the balcony, looking out to the dark night sky. Earlier, he had been given an accommodating room as a prominent guest for the next day's wedding, but he wasn't stupid. He knew that Li was attempting to keep his enemies at bay and the only way to do that would be to keep them close at hand. That's why the moment he had tried to step out of the Li mansion, he was stopped by Li's guards. At first, Simon was surprised at such hostile conduct, but it was soon made evidently clear of the household's real intentions when all the serfs that weren't already busy with some activity came flooding over to him, offering him board for the night.

From the offers, Simon could only agree to their hospitality. Li didn't know how helpful he was being. As if Simon wanted to actually leave Sakura alone with Li. He'd wait a little longer and then carefully sneak into the room Li was so busy protecting. He was sure Sakura wouldn't make a scene, as she must have known Li was growing tired of her accusations that he was the Simon from the future. Besides, she would need his help as soon as she returned back to this plane.

Just thinking of it made him shake his head. The girl was hard to understand. There was another reason why he hadn't gone to retrieve Li himself. Since they were 'saving' him in this time, it would mean that if she was successful in locating him, he would also, in return find himself in the past. And wouldn't that just complicate things for his little Sakura? Finally, he smiled. Yes, he would definitely go down soon to see how she was doing. And who knows, if she wouldn't be able to hide her ghost as well as she might have wanted to, maybe Li would end up face to face with his past self. That would definitely be interesting, if not anything else.

Sighing, Simon rested his arms against the mahogany ledges. Why did she have to work so hard to protect that ghost? She had asked him what his plans were, but how was he supposed to tell her if all she was going to do was help some dead person? Bitter…that was what he was.

Would you have fought this hard for me, when we were together Saku?

Sakura couldn't believe her luck! The moment she had peered through the doors that led to the main hallway, she could see that escaping would be easier than she had thought. There appeared to be some sort of scene near the main entrance. The serfs had crowded together and from what Sakura could tell, they were urging some individual to camp out at the Li's house for the night. She smirked. Must have been one heck of an important person. But, that crowd was more than helpful. Now, she and Li could sneak out of the room with less chance of getting caught. What unnerved her was the tiny little voice in the back of her head that kept wondering where the past Li was positioned at the moment.

He was, yet to make an appearance and that was making her uneasy. Sakura's eyes darted back and forth. In their current room, there were only two doors leading out. If the one she was currently looking out of led to the main hallway, then she knew that the other had to have led to the main room where Li and Simon had been holding their conversation earlier. In other words, it could very well have been the room that he was in now. She didn't want to try her luck and even crack open the door to a sliver in order to see if she was right. No, this would do fine.

"Where…exactly do you plan to run to?" a less than amused voice rang from behind.

Sakura jumped, her concentration ruined. "Shut up!" She reached behind her without looking back and when she caught what she thought was Li's lapel, she yanked his entire body beside hers. "Look at our luck. We can't blow this up now. Since we can't get out through the main entrance, we'll escape through the back."

Li glanced around from the door opening. "And when you run into guards?"

Sakura frowned. "You're right. We should stay inside the mansion. It'll be suspicious if I leave now. The farthest room in the back of the mansion then. There are enough rooms in that hallway that no one will ever choose the one farthest in."

"I fail to see your logic. Just what do you plan to achieve by running?"

Sakura looked at Li as if he was asking her the stupidest question on earth. "We need to regroup and make a plan."

"A plan." he stated.

"Yes a plan!" came her harsh whisper. "I told you I wasn't giving up, now stay hidden and follow me." at that, she darted left, staying hidden behind the large staircase. "Hurry up!"

Li sighed and followed obediently. His gait however, was almost to the point that it was leisurely. By the time he reached her, she looked too distressed for words. He almost felt the need to chuckle to himself. Adorable was the only word for her expression.

"If you go any slower, we'll get caught!" she reached out for Li's hand and he gave it to her without any objections. Did she not see the obvious? He supposed he would continue to play along with her charade until he grew tired. She pulled him towards the kitchen, which had a back doorway that led upstairs to the rooms.

Li stared at Sakura from behind. Was she really still trying to piece back together his life? Then again, if it wasn't for Sakura at that moment, he probably would have felt worse than he felt now. After he had pulled Sakura through the barrier at the last minute, he had felt like his entire energy had been drawn out of him. Just touching the barrier had seared through him. He had felt Sakura behind him, trying desperately to ease his pain, but it was excruciating to the point that if it had lasted another two seconds, he would have drawn back on his own accord. But, the thought that Sakura would stubbornly refuse to go back without him kept him from pulling back. She wouldn't have had enough strength to go through creating another hole for him to pass through. He had been reckless to even let her try the first time.

By the time the both of them had crossed over the threshold, Sakura had collapsed against him. He barely had enough energy left in him to return back to the real world then, but it was impossible for him to leave Sakura, shivering while he went back to regain his strength. Of course, it was in itself impossible for him to die again, but when ghosts used their powers or expended too much of their energy, the only way for them to recover was to disperse. And at that point, he was forcing himself to recoil from doing so. He couldn't leave Sakura alone. His entire form hurt in a way he had never felt before. He couldn't even begin to heal himself, as that in itself would force him utilize more energy. Energy he didn't have. What little he was holding onto, was what was keeping himself from receding into thin air.

And the only way Sakura would be able to return back to the living plane was if she was re-supplied with enough energy to cross over.

Earlier

"She went through quite a lot to get to you ghost."

Li lifted his head to view the gate protector. He didn't answer. The man was probably basking in his situation.

"You're going to have to impart some of your energy to her, if you want to return her back to the other plane."

"I know that." he growled in response.

"You might not be able to return back with her. If you lose all your energy and disperse, you'll find yourself back behind these doors." the man sighed as he looked down at Li's troubled face. "I understand that this doesn't bother you, but I can't let her back in more than once for the same purpose. Something that can't be fixed the first time isn't a mistake."

Li didn't say anything once again. He'd do what he could to return with Sakura, but if worse came to worse, at least he knew she wouldn't be able to return. And even if he was sent back behind the gates, he would rest easier knowing she would not be allowed through them ever again to save him.

"Spare a thought for her ghost." the old man turned to walk back to his chair. "Do what you can, so when she wakes, she won't regret her actions. Mistakes come and go everyday through this gate, but few ever come to correct them."

Li forced himself up so he could properly hold Sakura. If he could balance the rest of his energy between them, without losing contact with her, he could potentially return with her. But, he could very well just as easily disperse while attempting such a risk. Was he willing to gamble on Sakura's life like that?

The more time he spent debating, the more time Sakura's energy was draining. Her skin had turned grey and lifeless.

He had to make a choice, now.

Present

Li shook his head. He vowed he would never again risk Sakura's life the way he had. Did he really think he meant that much to her? What had he been thinking? He hoped Sakura wouldn't bring up the topic because he wasn't sure if he could tell her that he had decided, without her input, to put her life in danger in order to bring himself back into this world.

"We're almost there!" her soft whisper broke him out of his guilt.

"Fine, do you have to yank on my hand so hard?" he mimicked, mischievously.

"I am not yanking, I am lightly tugging. There is a vast difference you know." she hid her smile and continued down the hallway. Maybe it was the thought of Li's dry humour, but Sakura didn't seem to be paying attention, as just as she was about to make her last turn, two young maids rounded the corner, coming face to face with both her and Li.

The maids faces immediately brightened. "Ms. Kinomoto! Is something the matter? Wandering the halls at this hour! The Lord will be more than worried."

Sakura held her breath.

"Shall we escort you back to your headquarters miss?"

Sakura glanced behind her and took a quick peek at an uninterested Li. What the?…

Then it dawned on her…Li was a ghost. She felt like bashing herself in the face. Was that the reason why Li had been trying to hide his smile, thinking she hadn't noticed? She blushed profusely. And here she thought, he was happy to be with her again! Of all the nerve! She felt more than embarrassed.

"Miss? You seem distressed."

She shook away her emotions and gathered back her dignity. "I was just going to take a walk around the mansion, as it is too dark to go outside. Thank you for your concern, really, but I will return to my room shortly."

"Did you intend for the Lord to escort you? He is downstairs in the main room."

Hah! So he was in the main room. Good thing she jetted out of there as soon as she did. Pure genius on her part. "No, I'm sure it is too late and I would not want to cause him any worry. Please attend to your duties. I will be fine on my own."

"Of course miss." the two attendants bowed sincerely and walked off without another word.

Sakura waited until their footsteps faded into silence before turning to give Li what she hoped was the darkest glare he had ever seen.

He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed as if he had been waiting for her to finish her conversation with the maids. "That look…" he began, pushing himself off the wall and brushing past her, unfazed. "is misdirected." he finished calmly.

"My ass it is." Sakura growled. "Here I was trying my best to hide you too. Waste of my energy."

"My apologies. I didn't think someone of your calibre would forget my state. And so, I refrained from pointing it out."

"You were laughing at my expense." Sakura said, more than ill tempered. She fastened her pace and walked in front of the door at the end of the hallway. When she tried to open it however, it was locked, to her dismay.

"I don't recall laughing." came the voice from the other side. The door soon clicked opened, revealing Li's unfaltering expression.

Sakura entered the room and shut the door on her way in. "I saw those smiles. You think you're so funny don't you?"

Li didn't say anything. He wasn't about to admit to her the true reason to his hidden smiles. He was already frustrated enough for feeling so content around her.

Sakura was left more annoyed by his silence and she plopped herself down on the bed, clutching a pillow to her chest. "Go and die." she stuck out her tongue in a childish manner.

"And while I do that, just what will you be doing?"

"Planning out my next move to counter Simon."

The name made Li want to cringe. "He helped you in retrieving me didn't he?"

"Yes, but I know he was just trying to get rid of me, the dummy. I'll stop him from what he's planning now that you're back."

"I won't be much help to you Kinomoto."

Sakura's head snapped up. "I didn't mean it like that. With you back, I can now concentrate on-" she stopped short at how easily she was spilling out her emotions. Ignoring his questioning gaze, she continued, undeterred. "If Simon and me are the only ones who can see you, than you'll still be of some use, so don't say you won't be of any help."

"Kinomoto. It isn't just you and the Donovan who can see me, contrary to what you think."

She was suddenly growing the need to be alarmed. "Who else can see you?"

"If you can see me, perhaps Emike can."

"Well I'm Emike right now."

"And," he started darkly. "I'm sure my past self will be able see me."

"Oh." she said lamely. "Could you see ghosts back then too?"

"No."

Sakura's face fell. She couldn't help but feel confused now . "You're not making any sense."

"It's my own feeling. That's all."

Blowing the bangs away from her eyes, Sakura sighed. "Assuming that's true, it'll be too awkward then. We can't have that happening." In her mind, Sakura could already conjure up how the meeting would be like. Tempers would flare, but if she would be able to introduce the two to each other, it would be easier to work together against Simon. If only she knew what that man was planning! That's exactly what she had to figure out before the wedding tomorrow. Just what was she missing?

Sakura glanced up out of the blue. "Hey Li…"

"What?"

She peered at him over her pillow. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

She didn't think he understood the extent of her question and she couldn't hide her scowl. "There's something wrong about your aura. Are you tired?"

She was sharp, he couldn't deny that. "I'm fine."

"You haven't vanished like you normally do. In fact, you've been beside me ever since I woke up. I don't exactly know what happened after we crossed over, but I don't like that pale sick yellow colour swirling around you. I've never seen you with it before." she ran her eyes over the smudges of mismatched colour. Usually, Li's aura was dark, never bright. The yellow swirling around him was like an illness hovering over him wherever he went. She wanted to ask what had happened after they had gotten through the doors, but she had a feeling that Li didn't want to answer and probably wouldn't, even if she built up the courage to ask.

"Stop looking if it bothers you so much." he replied, dryly.

He was back to his harsh tones and Sakura was almost relieved. But did he have to keep standing there looking like that? He was becoming quite a sore to look at. It couldn't be because he was afraid to leave her alone was it? The incredulous thought vanished as soon as it arrived and she realized she would have to take drastic measures.

"Look, I'll quickly go over my plans and then we'll both get a good night's sleep okay? I can't think anyways if you're going to keep standing there, being bad tempered like that."

"Kinomoto,"

"If you don't have anything constructive to say, don't say anything. My plan is flawless. Listen, we'll-"

"Don't show up at tomorrow's wedding."

Sakura's head snapped as she lifted her gaze to his. Whatever she had planned to say was now gone. "What?"

"I won't marry Emike."

Unable to tear her eyes away from his steady gaze, she could involuntarily begin to feel her heart slam against her chest. "That's not what you want though."

"The hell it isn't. We've had this conversation before Kinomoto. This isn't for your own benefit. You're helping me." his voice was deadly and left no room for a rebuttal.

"I am helping you Li."

"You don't decide what's best for who your helping. I told you what I want. If you can't do it then get out of the body and return back to your time."

His words bit into her and she had to push back the pressure building up in her throat. "You don't even have a good reason for what you're telling me to do! I'm telling you, you'll regret it."

"That's not your decision Kinomoto! You've done nothing to help my past self."

"Of course I haven't!" she yelled back. "His views were completely different from yours since day one. How was I supposed to deal with two different people! Simon was the one who caused you to distrust Emike, but now you're marrying her like you wanted. I fail to see the problem! Don't you know she loves you too!" Sakura met Li's dark glare with her own. Through gritted teeth, she bit out "Once we deal with Simon, everything will go according to plan and I'm not going back until I deal with him. I can do this with or without your help."

"Your help is no longer required. I am not marrying Emike."

"Yes you are." Sakura ignored the dark threat flashing in his eyes. "That's what you want in this time."

"How many times do you want me to say this Kinomoto?"

"It doesn't matter how many times you say it, Emike loves you and you are letting Simon come in between that."

"That has nothing to do with this idiot!"

"Then what are you talking about!" Sakura jumped to her feet in anger now. "I may have messed up when I revealed to Li who I was, but if I had never shown up, you would have died all over again after losing Emike and your clan would have gone to Simon. Don't you remember, that's what you wanted to avoid!" Sakura's body was trembling. It didn't matter how many times she told this entire speech of hers to herself. It didn't matter how many nights she lat awake dreading this day. Just the slight thought that after tomorrow, Li would cease to exist in her life was too much. She must have been an idiot for helping to get rid of the person she loved. Why had she even bothered to go back and retrieve Li? He wouldn't have been there after tomorrow. He'd have been alive in this time and would hopefully, die peacefully of natural causes. And it wasn't like she would have any guilt eating away at her because he himself would never have even remembered who she was; that she had even existed.

It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair that she had to lie to his face every time her emotions were brought into the conversation.

"I won't die at this point, even if I do not end up wedding Emike."

"How do you know that?" she spat without thinking.

"I don't love her! Why can't you understand that?"

Sakura's chin rose defiantly. "You don't just fall out of love with someone that easily."

"If this is about that Donovan-"

"It has nothing to do with Simon! I don't understand!" Sakura took another step forward. "You're being selfish Li!"

Li's eyes flashed with anger at that point. "Selfish?" he asked in a dark whisper. "You have no idea what you're talking about Sakura. You're toying with someone's life right now. Who are you to tell me who I love and who I don't?" he didn't back away, instead his eyes continued to bore a feeling of pure rage into her. "You do whatever the hell you want with Donovan, but you do not show up at that wedding tomorrow."

Sakura, finally was able to tear her eyes away from Li. She averted her eyes to the floor. "It's not fair. I know I have to do what you say, but I can't decide which of you to listen to. Once this ends…tomorrow…I won't ever get to see you anymore." Sakura held her hands as fists beside her. "You won't have any memories of me, but I won't be able to forget! It's not fair!" Sakura forced her tears back.

Li's anger was quickly dissipating. Is that what she had been worried about? Trying to make sure he didn't die so he could live happily without ever knowing who she was? He felt sick to his stomach. It didn't matter whether or not he married Emike. Sakura would cease to exist in his life. He didn't think he would be able to accept that.

"Emike! Are you inside? I'm coming in." the voice was loud and the clarity didn't allow Sakura to miss the fact that the man was worried.

Immediately, she glanced up. Li had vanished and in his place, she locked eyes with a new disgruntled identical.

"Sakura!"

Things are heating up! Yay, I'm going to get right to writing more. I can't wait for you guys to read the conversations between Li and ermm…well Li , hahahha. Thank you very much for your support and reviews. They are very very encouraging for me. I can't thank you people enough. Until next time, take care!

-silent wanderer