And let the world cry that silent wanderer is impossibly tardy with her updates! Hello again everyone, please forgive this writer and enjoy!

A Love Before Time

By silent wanderer

Chapter 24

"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'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 was finally able to tear her eyes away from Li and did so, averting 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 room 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!"

She froze. Darn it…was she crying? Mentally, she ordered herself to turn around and save what dignity she had left. She was however, glad that Li had decided to leave. One Li had been enough to deal with. Why couldn't she move her legs? Look away Sakura, what are you doing just staring?! Look away, and for god's sake, stop those tears!

Li blinked, his heart wrenching at the sight before him. Just earlier he had talked himself into checking on Sakura in the lobby room, but to his alarm, the room was empty, as if she had gotten up and just left without anyone noticing. He had practically gone on a rampage, asking every single one of the attendants if they had seen a particular green eyed girl moving about the mansion. It was to his irritation though that no one had even known she was missing. If it wasn't for the two maids overhearing his conversation with the other serfs, he probably would have still been frantically trying to locate Sakura.

Without thinking, he had rushed up the stairs and down the hallway, surprised to hear shouting in the farthest room towards the back of the mansion. Sakura's voice was definitely clear, but he could have sworn he heard his own voice…not that it mattered at that point. The question that was itching away at him was why Sakura was alone with another man to begin with. Li had charged into the room, at the very last minute remembering his manners and so kindly warning whoever was inside that he was entering' in case the person screaming was Emike and not Sakura. Odd how he felt like he had to keep up appearances when he was with Emike, though he had been with her longer.

What Li didn't expect was to lock eyes with a disheartening pair of orbs, sharp daggers threatening to pierce into his heart. Slowly, he closed the door behind him, never taking his eyes off her. His eyes searched the room in one quick sweep, but failed to see anyone else in the room. "I heard voices." he stated, only to groan inwardly at how stupid that sounded at a time when his sensitivity was probably more than called for.

"Nope." Sakura managed to croak out. She sniffled and brushed away her tears. "Just me. Sorry, I should have looked for you when I got back." Great, now she couldn't bring herself to look at him. This was more awkward than she had intended for it to be. She couldn't possibly be feeling guilty for sounding so selfish a second ago to Li, could she have? It wasn't his fault that she had suddenly been placed into his life. It wasn't his fault that she hadn't been able to treat this seriously. Not at the beginning anyways. No, at the beginning, he had just been the cold individual that wouldn't leave her room. She offered to help only because she wanted him to leave her alone. Why couldn't she have left things well enough alone? If she hadn't even offered, she could have spent the rest of her life with him.

He was right. She was selfish. Perhaps no different than Simon.

Li was about to point out that she was so obviously keeping secrets from him again, but he refrained from doing so. "Did something happen? You retrieved what you wanted?"

"Huh?" Sakura looked up. "Hmm, I got what I wanted." she wondered whether Li could hear this conversation and decided to take advantage of the situation if he was. For now, she had to put aside her emotions. The Li in front her was looking mighty suspicious. "Forget it. We should go over our plans and put together the information we've gathered to make a plan. I know Simon is up to something and he's not stupid, he'll be making his move soon so let's work out something we can use to counter-" he was walking towards her…she took a step back, but he didn't falter. Her eyes were wide by the time he reached her.

A thin handkerchief appeared in front of her face and Li's hand went to wipe away a stray tear. His face was too stiff to read, but he was gentle as he offered the cloth for her to take. She took it, but only so she could step back to regain her proximity.

"You two should have a talk later." she mumbled from the top of her head.

"Two?"

"I brought Li to this time." she looked at the small surprise flying past Li's features. "I don't think I can do much until you-both of you decide what's best for yourselves."

"Where is he?" Li frowned. Was that who Sakura had been screaming at? Had his future self managed to bring out her tears? He didn't know whether he wanted to strangle himself, or just think himself a coward for making her cry and then running away.

"Oh, you can't see him now!" Sakura returned with no hesitation. "Li's not feeling well right now and I think he needs to rest."

It was all Li could do to suppress his shock. That was definitely worry that had just flashed in those green orbs. He didn't bother to ask how a ghost could possibly get sick, but the revelation that she cared for him, never mind indirectly through his other self was enough to keep him preoccupied.

"Do…you think you can wait a while?" Sakura was sure if she called him, he would appear but both of their previous accusations still hung heavy in the air. It was almost as suffocating as in the void.

"I'll wait." came the reply. "Why don't we discuss your plans."

Sakura's face lit up. He was being more than complying with her requests. It wasn't his old personality, but it was an improvement from the last time they spoke. She wondered if that meant he was really anticipating the conversation he would be having between him and his future self. She also wondered if they would allow her to listen in on such a conversation.

"You did have plans, did you not?"

Sakura blinked and forced herself to get back on track. "The main thing is to deal with Simon right now. Did he reveal anything to you?" and where could he be?

"Donovan still thinks he can successfully merge with my clan."

Realization hit Sakura in waves. "So that was why he wouldn't let me see that scroll in his shirt pocket. It was the contract." she scoffed. "Here I thought those were his plans written down on paper so he wouldn't forget what he was going to do. That stingy ass. He must have thought I would take it and return it to you." Sakura smiled internally. If that was the case, then it must have meant that Simon was more weary of her than ever. He was giving her more credit than she herself was. The thought was amusing.

Li shook his head. Sakura's imitation of Emike was less than perfect, but when she stopped trying altogether and returned to her normal speech, her accent was hard to follow, never mind her name calling.

"Is that contract important to you? I can easily pick pocket it off him you know."

"Pick pocket?" he echoed.

"Oh, sorry. I mean take it off him, lighten his load, jack it when he's not paying attention." her face fell when her explanation didn't seem to help. "Steal it back." she simply said.

"That…" Li said, in a bemused way. "although convenient, won't be necessary."

"You don't mind that his clan will merge with yours?"

"Not particularly." he sighed upon viewing Sakura's befuddled face. "It isn't as if the contract states Donovan will become the new Lord upon our merging. A situation such as this takes time to implement."

"So basically, you just hate Simon's guts-er rather you do not support the merge because you despise Simon's leadership qualities and would not want to …" this was hard! "share your responsibilities with him?"

"Yes."

"But then, why is Simon not seeming to want to stop your wedding? Doesn't he want Emike?"

"Apparently not. He's given me no indication that he expects her to return to him."

"Great, a dead end." Sakura sighed and uncomfortably went to sit down on the bed. She had more important things to think about than changing clothes though. She knew time was running out. "Where's Simon right now?"

Li remained quiet for a moment's time, as if debating whether or not he wanted to answer her. Finally, he relented. "He was offered a room as a guest." he hoped she would not ask him which room.

"He's in this house? At this very moment?" had he been the one that the serfs had crowded? She almost wanted to laugh out loud now. His predicament had helped her?

"Yes." he replied, tightly.

Sakura must have sensed his annoyance because she stopped questioning him. "I don't think he'd provide any hints even if I went to talk to him now. Besides, if he can't find me, that might agitate him more." she gave a slight chuckle. "As long as he thinks I'm catching on to him, he'll be paranoid and that might cause him to slip up."

"And what do you plan to do until then?"

"I-" Sakura suddenly realized how weak she felt. Never had she stayed so long in Emike's body before. She remembered feeling drained of any energy back in the void. It was only now that she realized the reason she was able to move around was because, though her spirit's energy was probably drained to its limit, when she was placed back in Emike's body, her physical energy was replenished. But she was feeling exhausted and could begin to feel that her energy loss was taking a toll on her body. She could only imagine how much worse it probably was for Li. He didn't have a body to provide him energy. Li had to fix himself whenever he was hurt. She heaved out a deep sigh, hoping he was okay.

She noted his suspicious glance. The man didn't even try to hide it. Was Li just being irritable or was he actually worried that she would go find Simon later on? Jealousy was the farthest thing in her mind.

Sakura gave a short yawn. "How long is it until the wedding?"

"Seventeen hours." came the immediate reply. "The wedding's to occur during the evening." That earned him another sigh from the girl. And if he hadn't heard wrong, it was full of relief. Was this entire situation making her tense? Even when she smiled, he could see the lingering of sadness tracing her expression. Just looking at her was making him uptight. "Perhaps you should rest. It is late."

"Sleep would be nice. Do you think you could drop by and see if Simon's up to anything suspicious? I don't really have the energy nor do I want to see him." She gave Li a solemn smile. Perhaps she was going too far in asking him to do her a favour, but he was being more hospitable than ever, however blunt his attitude was. Li had already had more than a few days to come to terms with his predicament. And so his mood Sakura knew, was mainly due to the fact that he had accepted his marriage with Emike. There was no avoiding it and being the type of person Li was, he wasn't about to make Emike's life miserable just because things hadn't gone the way he had planned. In fact, Sakura had quite a lot of admiration stored for Li. It didn't matter if he loved Emike Sakura thought. He was still willing to protect her with his life. That was amazing in itself.

Li couldn't help but feel flustered at her request. It was the first time Sakura had depended on him to do something for her. In the past, he had always hoped she would learn to depend on him. Better late than never he thought sadly. Perhaps she was too tired to realize what she was saying, but he nodded.

"Li?"

"What is it?"

"I really respect you're decision. Probably not now, but I finally have the confidence to look you in the eye to say it."

His eyes narrowed and he pursed his lips. "And just what decision is it that you've come to respect?"

Sakura just shook her head as she let out another yawn. "Well, anyways, I'm sure you'll be able to talk some sense into your future self. I'm happy for you, do you know that?"

He just looked at Sakura for a moment. "I'll escort you to your room."

"Oh…okay." Sakura smiled and took the arm Li, so graciously provided. Whatever relationship they once had was now gone, but she felt oddly calm. Was it because she was holding onto the small flicker of hope that the Li in her time would somehow make things right?

She would just take a small nap and wake up with more than enough time to spare. That would hopefully give Li enough time to recover himself.

Li sighed, shutting his door behind him and resting his head against the back of the board. This was the first time he felt like he could rest. It wasn't exactly proper, but from the beginning, Li had established the room next door to his as Emike's room in case she ever needed him. He ignored the objections he'd received because he had needed a peace of mind, knowing he would always be able to protect the young girl just a wall away.

He tsked under his breath. A second ago, he thought he would have to fight the stubborn girl to rest, but he didn't realize how exhausted she really was. She had fallen asleep as soon as she hit the bed. This was the perfect chance to have himself a little conversation with his ghost now that Sakura wouldn't be around to object. Was his future self really that ill? It made him frown to think Sakura cared so much.

"If you are there, I'd like to speak with you." he waited patiently and sure enough, right before him, an apparition materialized in front of him.

Normally, his eyes would have bulged, but it unnerved him to view a mirror image before him. He couldn't even bring himself to imagine that this person had been able to spend practically every night with Sakura. How was this person any different from him? The determination that he had seen in Sakura's eyes right before she had left to retrieve this ghost…was he worth more than himself? Damn it…he was beginning to sound jealous.

His form surely wasn't wearing clothes suitable for company. He recognized the entire outfit, but he was appalled at his manners. When did he grow that arrogant look on his face? Was that what Sakura had been referring to? Why was his fist shaking? Was he actually going to blow things out of proportion just because of…hell, why was he so irritated?!

"If you're so fascinated, I believe there are mirrors in this household."

It was nice to see the ghost hadn't lost a sense of humour. He didn't want his self to bore Sakura to death. He sighed. Every single thought kept returning to Sakura. Even "You reside in the same room as Sakura." was the first thing that came to mind.

"And?" the ghost inquired. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought his past self was somewhat angry. Had this man really not believed Sakura he had died? Idiot…as if Sakura would lie over something like that.

"I have no hidden meaning." Li narrowed his eyes. "You've stayed in this mansion since your…" he wanted to cringe. "death."

"Yes." the ghost confirmed.

"You know of Emike's past." Li stated calmly.

The ghost blinked in surprise. So his past self wasn't as dumb as he thought. But, was he himself willing to tell this man what he needed? Revealing Emike's past, which he had only learnt after his death would make his past self feel all the more obligated to wed Emike. And he wasn't sure he would be able to guarantee Donovan's safety— which probably, though he could hardly begin to say why was important to Sakura. How would he a ghost, be able to control his past self's actions?

"Do not tell me you're intending to keep that information from me."

His future self remained silent.

Li couldn't believe his ears. What possible reason could he have for not telling his own self of matters regarding his bride? Was the ghost purposely trying to ruin his future again? Li scoffed. Perhaps once wasn't enough for him. He was beginning to think the ghost didn't care for Emike's well-being and so, was he willing to die again? To be with Sakura? Li took in a sharp intake of breath. Was he willing to allow that to happen, just so he could experience with Sakura what his future self had already experienced?

"I'll strike you a bargain." came a quiet, but clear suggestion.

"What do you propose?" Li asked, unable to hide his curiosity.

"I will tell you what you would like to know. In return-" he stopped short suddenly. Sakura. He immediately vanished from the room.

"Wait, we haven't-" Li frowned at the sudden leave.

Li appeared beside Sakura's bed, just on the other side of the wall.

Sakura lay uneasily on the covers her nightgown tangled in her legs. "Li…" she murmured in her sleep.

He breathed out an air of disbelief. To think that she was in trouble…he almost smiled. The air was warm so he didn't bother pulling the covers over the precious girl, but he reached out to brush the bangs covering her forehead, an act that had so soon become a habit. To say he was amused, was saying very little. Was the brat dreaming about him?

"Li…" she mumbled again. "Go rest…"

He couldn't stifle a smile this time and he knew he would have to force himself to return back to his past self in order to finish their conversation. As a ghost, he could sense the hostility from that man and if anything, he would have guessed that the past Li was envious at the fact that he had spent more time with Sakura in the future than he himself had. They were the same person, but Li hadn't realized how much he had changed since his death.

"Don't leave…Li."

Her words stabbed through him like tiny pin pricks. He wasn't stupid, he knew how Sakura felt towards him; had known it for a long time, but it was impossible to ask her to stay with him at the expense of Emike's body or at her family's loss. And just how was he supposed to leave his clan and suddenly teleport to the future? He just…couldn't be with Sakura. And unlike his past self, he didn't want to marry anyone other than the girl in front of him. Over the many years, Li's mind had become clearer on what he wanted and his decisions were probably more reasonable to himself now than they were for his living form. He had had over a century to reflect hadn't he?

However, there was one thing Li regretted with his time spent with Sakura. Why had he opened his big trap back then and told her how he had felt? That must have confused her. Now if he left her, he was sure she would probably think he had been toying with her feelings all this time. But just because he regretted expressing his feelings, it didn't mean he hadn't been telling the truth. That's why he had brought it up so many times after that, in case she really had thought he was playing around with her emotions. He needed her to know his feelings for her were true. He only hoped she would be able to accept them as the reason for why he couldn't marry Emike.

It was true after all. It wouldn't be fair to marry Emike. Sure, he would like for his past self to continue caring for the girl, but only as a guardian. After all, who was he to force a marriage on her? He knew Emike was probably feeling confused before the wedding. He just hadn't known it back then. That's why this bargain he was about to strike with himself would be so helpful. If he could convince his past self to cancel the reception, he would be able to accept his future and share the information that would hopefully, help Emike; the information regarding her past with Simon. It was the best scenario he had developed. Maybe then, he would be able to leave the present world in peace.

But to do that, he had to go back and finish his proposition.

Li gave one final look at Sakura. "How am I supposed to keep my resolve if you keep calling out for me Kinomoto?" he rubbed at his temples and quickly receded out the room before he became anymore attached.

He had expressed his feelings to her more than once. If he hadn't been able to convince her, he could no longer do anything about it. He had been serious. If she insisted on his marriage with Emike just because she felt guilty for tearing their relationship apart, then he couldn't do anything about that either. He wouldn't ask for her help again.

It would be difficult to turn her away, but she needed to understand the love he held for her. It wasn't the kind of love in where he would do what she thought was ethical. He wouldn't allow her to make that sort of a sacrifice. Li wouldn't toss Emike back to the streets and he'd try to abide from hurting Sakura as much as he could, but to continue living, without having a reason to convert back into a ghost, he wouldn't do so at the expense of dramatically changing the future. He couldn't suddenly marry Emike when it had never been meant to happen. The challenge in the past had been living without Emike. But any obstacle that would arise; Li knew, the thought of Sakura would make him stronger. That was the extent of his love. She was carved inside him, in his heart. He just hoped she would understand that in the end.

When the ghost returned, his past self was casually lounging on the bed, as if waiting for his return. "I had something to attend to." he attempted to hide his blush.

Li's sharp eyes however, failed to miss it and he was slightly surprised to see himself bashful. If there hadn't been more pressing matters to attend to, he would have questioned him on it. But the situation being urgent, he changed the topic. "Earlier, you were suggesting?"

The ghost nodded. "I will tell you what you want to know. In return, you do not put Donovan in any danger."

Donovan…Li's fists tightened. That bastard did have something to do with Emike's past! Earlier, Simon had brushed it aside as if he was offended by his accusations, but he knew something he didn't. What made Li angrier was the fact that his identical being felt the need to protect the man. He'd give whatever Donovan had coming to him. And he was going to make that clear to this ghost with his next words. "Are you insane?"

The ghost kept his unfaltering gaze strong. He wasn't, but a certain girl was. Still, he knew Sakura would have requested the same thing. It was at least one favour he could give her. Besides, the Donovan in this time right now wasn't the one that had hurt Emike, no matter how distasteful both Li's found him.

Li met his counterpart's stare head on. "I have a feeling that isn't your only request."

The ghost smirked. "I want you to cancel the wedding."

The air grew thick, not because of the silence, but because the atmosphere had suddenly changed for the worst. The ghost was more than serious and Li's mind began going over the last few weeks. "You…you were the one who issued Sakura to say…" realization was hitting him, hard. This ghost had told her to say she did not love him?! "Then why are you changing your intentions now?!" he couldn't even finish what he wanted. "Do you intend to be with her now?" he asked incredulously. The confirmation wasn't in the ghost's eyes, but Li's heart jumped into his throat.

"She only did what she thought I wanted." he was not going to stand around and let his past self accuse him of forcing Sakura into saying those words back then. At that time, he hadn't known how serious she had gotten about him. "You needn't look at me like that fool. Did you actually intend to marry Sakura?"

Li's mind whirled. He had to somehow steady himself. Yes, he had intended to marry Sakura goddamn it. He would have found a way. Knowing all this now, fury ran through his veins and his voice was like ice. "And do tell. What the hell do you want now? Why else would there have been reason for her to say what she did unless you commanded her to-"

"I love Sakura."

Sakura groaned as she sat up in her bed. It was impossible for to get some sleep when she knew she should have been discussing her next move with Li. She ran her eyes over the large clock. Barely asleep for an hour. It didn't matter how tired she was. She couldn't sleep until this was over.

"Li?" she called quietly. The entire household was probably asleep, but knowing Simon, he was probably still awake conjuring up more of his fiendish plans.

Sakura grimaced. He wasn't appearing. "Li." she called out again.

Still no answer.

Unconsciously, she brought her thumb to her lips, a habit for when she grew worried. Was he too ill to reply? Or was it because he was still angry at their last conversation? No that couldn't have been it. Even in their most heated battles, Li had always appeared afterward the moment she called to him. "Li." she tried again, now frantic with worry. Li hadn't exactly been the sharing type. She never knew what to expect from him in terms of his abilities. Unfortunately, that meant that she also never knew what to expect from him when he was hurt. Was it normal for him to not answer, or should she wait a few minutes before trying again? It was true, sometimes she had to try more than once because he really wasn't able to hear her.

"Li? Can you come out?"

By now, Sakura had half a mind to find Simon and force him to explain what was normal. Her mind was moving to the worst case scenario. She began to think the reason Li hadn't left her earlier was because he knew he wouldn't have been able to come back. Was that the case? Sakura shook her head. No, she had to shake away her insecurities.

Getting up from the bed, she cracked open the door and peered out into the hallway. Pitch dark and no sign of life…however, a light was still on next door. Li! He wasn't asleep yet! The thought subsided her worries slightly. Maybe, if she asked politely, he would let her stay with him until her Li came back. Or at least scold her for even thinking of going to see Simon this late at night.

The idea had merit and soon Sakura found herself reaching out to tap lightly on the door. She wouldn't be a nuisance and if he wanted her out, she'd leave immediately she told herself.

"She thought that was what I wanted."

Voices. Sakura's hand stopped short just before making contact with the door.

"And do tell. What the hell do you want now? Why else would there have been reason for her to say what she did unless you commanded her to-"

That voice…those voices…Sakura's curiosity heightened dramatically. It might have been wrong of her to eavesdrop, but her feet wouldn't allow her to move away.

"I love Sakura."

The ghost's jaw clenched. No one had yet to break the silence.

Finally, a short scoff emerged from Li's mouth. "Did you bother to ask whether these emotions are mutual?" Had Sakura really loved him that day she had said she didn't? And the way he had treated her after! Oh god, he was going to strangle this ghost.

"It does not matter." the ghost said. "Neither does it concern you. Your feelings have been made clear to her."

Li flinched involuntarily and he brought his glare to Li. "Let me see if I comprehend you correctly. In return for telling me of Emike's past, you wish not only for I to not harm Donovan in any way, but you also wish for me to cancel the wedding with Emike? And Sakura returns to her time?"

"Yes-"

"That is highly unlik-"

"Li!"

The two individuals couldn't have been more in synch as they fearfully broke off their conversation to view the distraught looking girl entering the room.

"Kinomoto." Li watched in disbelief as Sakura stood before him. He hadn't heard wrong. She had been calling to him a few minutes ago. Except, now he was reaping the consequences for not answering. She was standing uncomfortably with one hand on her arm and gazing dejectedly towards the floor. She'd heard his words? How long had she been standing there?

"Sakura!" the past Li scanned his room until he spotted the jacket he had been wearing earlier that day. Frowning, he gathered it up and in two long strides reached her, placing his coat over her small frame. It was just him and her in the room, but he still felt the need to preserve her modesty. He heard his other self scowl from behind him.

"As if she hasn't worn less."

This was less than comforting coming from a ghost that spent his days in her room. But, it was also not the right time to say so. He had no doubt in his mind the little spy had heard his declaration of love. She appeared slightly red.

"If you waited a little longer, I would have arrived." the ghost flashed Sakura a detached look. He should have known the little eavesdropper would be behind the door the moment she had stopped calling on him. "What do you want?" he asked, slightly annoyed. This was exactly what he had wanted to avoid.

Sakura was unable to suppress the hope in her voice. "I was wondering if you were okay." her face was flushed as she viewed her ghost. "Your aura looks-"

"I told you I was fine. Why are you awake?"

"I-" Sakura pulled the coat tighter around her. It easily enveloped her entire form but it wasn't as if she was cold. The cold glare she was receiving from Li was more than enough reason for her to do so. He was being particularly ill-mannered. The only conclusion she could draw was that unlike her, he was obviously not willing to forget about their earlier argument.

Sakura was one hundred percent sure that Li, her Li from the future, if not both were angry at her for spying on their conversation. Did she dare lift her gaze to meet the past Li? She didn't think she would be able to take two cold glares at once.

But he had said it again. He said he loved me.

"Were you unable to sleep?" the past Li asked, studying her face. The girl had definitely heard. She was blushing. Idiot…he turned to the ghost. That ghost didn't seem to understand how fragile a situation this was for Sakura. Should he intervene? He knew he no longer had a right to. He was marrying Emike and he had been just as cruel to her as the ghost was being now.

Sakura bit her lip nervously before answering. "No, I'm sorry. I didn't know you two were having a conversation. I was just about to knock because I was worried about Li. "

The ghost crossed his arms. "That doesn't give you the right to start listening in on other people's conversations Kinomoto."

Sakura opened her mouth before the other Li could intrude. "I know that! But don't I deserve to hear this conversation too?" she was waiting for him to soften and give her that rare smile. Where was it? The reason she had come barging in, instead of eavesdropping some more was because she desperately wanted to see his face. Why was he making it his mission to ruin her mood?

"Not," he started, quite sharply. "if you are going to continue to disregard what I want."

He really was stuck on their earlier argument…Sakura blinked. Of all the things to bring up…did he actually think that was what she was referring to when she said she deserved to be in the conversation? "Don't start this again Li. You loved her." why was he doing this? She was unable to hide her puzzled expression as she turned to the one who had provided her the coat. Fine, if this was the way he going to play it, she'd play along with him. Maybe then he'd realize his mistake. "Ignore him Li. Tomorrow your wedding will go on without any problems."

"Kinomoto…" came the warning.

She chose to continue ignoring him. He wasn't getting the point. "If you and I work together, Simon won't be hard to stop. He really isn't that bad of a person. You understand right Li?" she was probably sounding like a desperate mad woman, but at that point, she could have cared less. All she needed was the past Li's confirmation that she was doing the right thing. She just needed his support. She needed one of them to tell her she was doing good. That damned idiot…why was he being so cruel?

Didn't he love her? Wasn't that the reason to why he wanted to cancel the marriage with Emike? Why wasn't he stopping her to tell her that? And if that wasn't the reason why he wanted to cancel, why couldn't the past Li in front of her just congratulate her on doing a good job in trying to convince his future self that he should marry Emike? That was what she had been doing from the beginning! Either way, one of them should have been happy with what she had done, right?

To her dismay, the past Li's face was as detached as the ghost's. "There is information…that only my future self can provide."

Information…Sakura had never felt so miserable. "What sort of information?" she asked pathetically, turning to face the ghost in the room. "You kept something from me?"

Did she have to look like that?! In that room, at that moment, it was undeniable that both individuals wanted to cross the room and comfort the young girl. The future Li had to tear his eyes off her. "I don't remember the obligation of having to tell you everything Kinomoto. Stop looking as if you were betrayed."

"What the hell are you-" the other Li was cut off.

"I told you I didn't need your help."

He was going too far. Li was ready to jump on him. He loved her?! That was almost the largest piece of garbage he had ever heard. Sakura was fighting off tears for the second time that night and there was no doubt in his mind now that he wanted to strangle his future self.

"Fine." Sakura spat out as harshly as she could. "You're right, why would I put myself through this. I can't believe how stupid I am." Sakura shot daggers at the one she had been so desperate to save a few hours ago. "First Simon and now you huh?" she held her shaking fist steadily. "You're a liar. If you knew I was standing behind the door, you should have kept your mouth shut you ass. And if not and you were trying to lead me on all this time, you could've done a better job!" she blinked away tears. "You don't love me."

Both men blinked in obvious astonishment. Never had Sakura sounded as bitter as she did now.

"I don't like you Li. I despise you!" she spun around and tossed wide open the door, sprinting out of the room and not looking back.

"Psst, Sakura! You in there?" Simon sighed. For the past half hour he had been trying to locate Sakura. She obviously had made it back to this time intact because her body was no longer in the lobby room, however, she was nowhere to be found. He was just about ready to give up going around empty room to empty room just to find her. It was sad, but he was growing more and more worried that she had somehow found out about his plans and his insecurity unnerved him. He couldn't have his past information revealed to the public. And no one but Emike knew about his past self's past and that being the case, he had to make sure Sakura remained in this world; not that he thought she knew how to leave, without his help.

Glancing down the staircase, Simon debated whether or not he should go down in search to see if she downstairs. "What a total bother…" he grumbled, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He turned his frown to the rest of the rooms he had failed to check. Sakura wasn't stupid enough to leave Li property this late at night so he wasn't worried that she wasn't in the house. Earlier, he had overheard that Sakura, or rather Emike, had been spotted roaming the hallways. Had she been searching for a quiet location in where she could form her plans to foil his own? It was what was most likely.

He'd have to keep searching. If he could further manage to separate her contact with Li, both Li's even, it would be better for him. It was made clearly evident in earlier visits to Sakura's house that both could very easily influence the other.

Sakura rubbed away at her tears. It didn't matter where she was going, she just wanted to get away. Her feet stopped at the bottom of the small staircase that led to the hidden library upstairs. Perfect.

She trudged up, her body feeling heavy. What an fool she was. The moment she had heard Li say he loved her from behind the door, her heart had begun performing flips inside her chest. Even entering, she hadn't actually thought he would be angry enough with her that he wouldn't be able to put aside the fact that she had eavesdropped. How stupid of her for thinking he would be happy just for the sake of being able to see her.

Sakura swallowed as a sob choked its way out of her throat. Why did he have to say that? I felt so happy. I believed in those words so much. Especially at such a crucial time. Yes, she realized it now. She had been waiting for her ghost to make things right, to stop time at the last minute and take her into his arms, letting her know that he'd never leave her side. God, how selfish did that sound?

Now, her support was shattered. First, the past Li had coldly stated that he never wanted to see her again and truly she didn't blame him. The words she had spoken that day had pulled a piece of her apart. She didn't blame the past Li for despising her. She didn't mind because back in her time, that was what Li wanted her to do. If she had to undergo that pain just for him, it would have been fine by her. It was what made Li happy after all.

But now, she no longer even had the support of the future Li. She had done what he wanted, what he had ordered her to do, so why did everything turn out the way it had? She had defied his past self in order for him and Emike to be together. She had lied to his past self for the sake of his happiness. It was only now that she realized, doing so had been a complete waste. A part of her had been wrenched away the day she had uttered the lie of not loving him. How could he possibly love her when he had encouraged her to say such a thing to his past self? Had he known she was right behind the door? Had he wanted to get rid of her from the beginning?

Still, if that was the case, why did he bother to ask for her help?

More tears bubbled out past her suppression. "I'm so stupid. I don't love him. Stupid jerk." Sakura pulled her legs towards her chest on the small red velvet sofa at the corner of the room. She'd been in this room with Li before. But now the room was pitch dark, the moonlight coming down in rays from the window behind her and casting odd shapes against the bookcases that surrounded her.

How was she supposed to leave this time now? It occurred to her that Simon knew, but she didn't want anything to do with this time period or the people in it any longer. She didn't think she was able to tolerate anymore pain. Sniffling, Sakura shook away all affectionate thought she had left for Li. "Liar. You liar." How long had he been using that as an excuse not to marry Emike? He'd been lying to her from the very beginning, even kept Emike's past hidden from her. The latter didn't hurt so much as knowing that he had been able to convince her that he actually cared for her. She was so confused. He had gone to such lengths to win her over. She had believed in him above all else.

It didn't matter to her whether he married Emike or not anymore.

Why did her heart keep throbbing like this? She reached out to brush away her falling tears. "I can't believe it. You sent her after me. All those hic times, a-after when you comforted me…" it wouldn't stop. The tears wouldn't stop. "Y-you lied… t-then too. You sent Emike after me." she buried her head into her knees, recalling the worry that had been in Li's eyes when he had examined her neck wound.

She stayed like that for a while, trying to will away her surroundings. But the past remained her backdrop in the never-ending nightmare she was forced to be apart of. And though she knew she couldn't remain weak like this forever, she wanted to do nothing else for the next sixteen hours.

What a fool she had been.

The ghost stared at the spot where Sakura had last been standing. Now that she was gone, he could properly finish the conversation with his past self. So why couldn't he tear his eyes off from that spot? His heart clenched. Because you hadn't expected for her to say what she had said to you…It was only when a fist landed square on his face that he was jostled into further surprise. He lost his balance and stumbled backwards, staggering to straighten and get over the initial shock. He looked up and locked eyes with a set of narrowed orbs, shooting out daggers.

"Who do you think you are?" came the callous voice.

The ghost brushed at the blood he felt at the corner of his lip with the back of his hand. He was surprised. It had been so long since he had bled. So long. "I failed to see you comforting her if you cared so much. But, I hardly expected that much. You are me after all."

The vein in Li's jaw jumped and he lunged at his future self with blinded rage. Even so, his punch made its target. This time he managed to hit the ghost square on the jaw. "She's right." he breathed. "You do not love her."

The ghost shook his head to clear his mind. The hit had almost toppled him to the floor and now, he watched his counterpart from the corner of his eye while he pushed himself up. Amber flashed dangerously as his fists grew taut. "This no longer concerns you!" his own hand swung to hit. "You have not spent over a century living with your thoughts!"

Li managed to dodge at the last moment, but as soon as he did, another fist came from the other side and contacted his left jaw. He didn't have time to react before the ghost brought his knee into his stomach.

"Do not tell me who I do or do not love."

Li felt like keeling over. Instead, he said "Fine. I have c…considered it. However," he stumbled to get to his feet and smirked. "your proposition is not to my liking." he grunted as immediately, the ghost's hand was on his lapel and amber met amber. He wouldn't let his future self ever forget what pain he had just caused Sakura, what pain he had caused for him. He wouldn't stop until the ghost regretted his actions. "If she does not love you, I have no reason to not continue with this marriage." he waited for another tug on his lapel but nothing happened. He pushed himself to his feet when he saw that he had hit a cord in his future self. "If you do not intend to reveal my bride's past, then you are of no use to me." one side of his lip twitched up. "At first, I did not believe Sakura. However, I see you are exactly how she described." All he had to do was continue mentioning Sakura to the ghost. A few more times; just keep reminding him that she hated him.

The ghost knew his past self was pressing his buttons, knew what his own personality was like, but then why did he not feel like strangling him, but himself? It was like Sakura had said, after this was over, he would never even know she had existed in his life. He had been cold to her, but she hadn't understood him. He almost wondered how she viewed their relationship.

As if Li could read his mind, he scoffed. "In a way, I'm glad she said what she did to you. At least when she had said it to me, she had been lying for your benefit." Li continued when he realized the ghost was immobile. "I thank you for blessing me with your presence. Now that I see what kind of a person I will become in the future, I feel relieved. To have that beautiful girl tied down to someone like me…like you…how would she stand it?" he crossed his arms.

"I don't like you Li. I despise you!"

The ghost felt like puking.

"All of that determination she displayed just to retrieve your pathetic soul." Li shook his head. "Now, are you willing to rethink your status? You, my friend have nothing left. The information regarding Emike's past if you would, please." He narrowed his eyes accordingly. "It's your move ghost."

Past

Every few weeks, he would return to her drained, sick, or even beaten and every one these nights, Emike would unleash her tears as she tended to his wounds. She never asked what he did, but any sane person would have an idea to what he was doing. There were many illegal merchants in the village and the thought that Touya had stooped that low scared her. They were going no where with their lives and to think her brother was reduced to this because he had to provide for her was too much.

Today was going to be one of those nights. It was always easy to see the expression in her brother's eyes. He was like a book and today he had looked at her with pained eyes. But no amount of pleading with him would stop him from going. That was why she would have to work hard today to get more items from the village. This was because during one of these days, Touya hardly ever came back with anything but a few coins and by then most of the village shops had closed down so they wouldn't be able to buy anything. So she decided that everything she earned today would go towards her brother. The only person she lived for. Her brother, Touya.

Emike finished taking down the small tent and wrapped the rest of her belongings in it, stuffing the meek bundle into an old leather bag that was beginning to rip at the corner seams. This was the day that Touya had told her they would go back to visit their parents grave.

That had been yesterday however. Today, she was inside a large mansion and sitting across from her was a Simon Donovan. The name brought unease to her heart for even on the streets, Emike knew he was the leader of a somewhat prominent clan in the area. What he wanted with her she couldn't even begin to comprehend. But when a man of his calibre stopped beside you in carriage and asked you to come to his mansion, beggars couldn't have been choosers.

The way he peered at her as he sat in a large throne like chair in the otherwise empty room made her uncomfortable. Not to mention he was an extremely attractive man.

"Hungry? Cold?" he finally asked.

"No." Emike thought she was crazy, but she didn't have time for even the necessities. She had gone with this man hoping he would be able to help her find her brother through his influence.

And as if he could read her thoughts, his face took on a satisfied animation. "He was in the black markets, your brother."

Emike's heart through into her throat. "Is 'e safe? Is me brother safe?" she didn't recognize her voice at the sheer desperate tone it took.

"Perhaps." he smiled ever so slowly. "You must be lonely without him. How long has it been since you smiled?"

Confused, Emike kept quiet. What did he mean when she last smiled?

"Would you stay with me Emike? Would you keep me company?"

"I-I must find me brother. I'm sorry."

He shook his head as if knowingly. "Then allow me to remain by your side until we find your brother. Together."

"Yer willin' to 'elp me? A stranger?" she hesitated. "I don't 'ave money sir."

"I don't require payment." he answered so casually that she felt her heart flip inside her chest at his confidence.

"What do I 'ave to do?" she whispered. God, she couldn't do it alone. Her brother was in danger and she probably couldn't do a thing without the help of this man. Mentally, she told herself that she would break this invisible bargain they had just seemingly conducted if she felt even the slightest threatened, but for now she desperately needed someone to lean on, someone who could suppress the fear that was beginning to invade her entire being. She didn't have anything else but her brother and she was willing to take this chance.

"Your brother has been captured by another clan." Simon said, rising from his chair and approaching the shivering girl with slow, easy movements.

Emike looked up at him and blinked. "Is e' dead?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

"No. Not yet." he gave a reassuring smile, placing both hands on her small shoulders. "I ask for nothing, if not simply for your trust Emike. Can you give me that? Will you listen and follow me until the end?"

She nodded. "Yes."

He gave her another quick smile. "Then we shall free your brother from the clutches of the Li clan."

WOW. I wonder if ghost Li ended up telling Emike's story to the past Li. And what about Sakura? She was hurt all over again like the first time with Simon…I hope you guys aren't too angry at ghost Li either for not chasing after Sakura. I'm sure he does love her…(I'm also kinda hoping I didn't make the conversation between the past and future Li too confusing. I got to admit, it was HARD. HOLY.)

Thank you all for your reviews and man I've been dragging this fic on for a while…he he he…sorry sorry SORRY! I will finish it, I will finish it! On the other hand, please check out my new humorous story, The Road Taken. It's a one-shot tale full of Sakura's foul-mouthed cussing. .