Chapter 4. Lost and found

Shaoran caught up to Sakura, who was already approaching the ballroom.

'So… where is Feimei's room?' asked the girl looking at the boy. Saoran closed his eyes for a moment then shook his head.

'I'm sorry, my memory is still a little fuzzy' he said. 'But I think it's somewhere on this floor' In response, Sakura shook her head and smiled.

'No, it's okay. We'll just look at the rooms on the other side' she said and started walking. Shaoran looked at her amazed.

'You're so reliable, Sakura' he said. The girl blushed and looked away.

'That's… not true' she replied. 'I'm clumsy, I stumble on my own feet, I'm afraid of the ghosts…'

'I haven't seen you stumble even once during our time together' said Shaoran. 'And, I dare to remind you I'm a ghost myself, nevertheless here you are, casually walking by my side and talking to me'

'I…' Sakura tried to find a valid response to the boy's reasoning, but couldn't think of anything sensible, so she just remained silent.

They followed the corridor to the west wing. There were two doors , so Sakura simply moved towards the first one. They entered a simple bedroom with small bookshelf, wardrobe, small table with dried tulip in a vase, some plush rabbits sitting on another table next to the jewellery box. Next to the table stood a small vanity mirror, on the other side of the room they found another wardrobe, opposite to which stood a desk with open book and a letter. Finally, in the corner of the room stood a bed with pink flower cover.

Sakura looked at the bed and smiled.

'Looks like we've found Feimei's room' she said. Shaoran was looking at the bed too, thinking.

'Something… there is something missing from this bed…' he finally said.

'Shaoran?' Sakura took a puzzled look at the boy, but he just stood there in silence. After a few minutes he shook his head in defeat.

They moved towards the desk with a letter and a book. Sakura decided to leave the letter alone, and focus on the book next to it. Looking closer, she noticed a discarded note inside the page. She grabbed it and looked at it.

'This has some numbers on here…' she said. Shaoran looked at the paper puzzled.

'They don't look like numbers to me' he said. True, the writing on the paper weren't similar to any numbers he ever saw. Sakura looked at the paper once again and put it in her bag.

'I'm sure I can work it out, somehow…' she decided. Shaoran just smiled. 'Well, other than that, it doesn't look like there's anything useful here'

'Looks like it' Shaoran agreed. 'So where do we go now?'

'Why don't we check the other room?' Sakura suggested. Shaoran simply nodded and followed the girl.

The room they entered was even simpler than the last one. Apart from two couches in the bottom right corner, table with four chairs in the bottom left corner, few boxes by the wall and a desk by the top wall, there was hardly anything there.

Sakura approached the desk and gazed at the document laying on it.

'If the queen passes away, the king will have to give up one of his children to rule. If not, his relative will take his place as king…' she read out. 'What is this, Shaoran?' she asked.

'I don't know…' the boy replied puzzled. 'I've never heard that rule…'

Sakura then noticed an old case laying on the centre of the desk.

'I wonder what's in this case…' she murmured slowly opening the lid. 'Empty…?'

'What is it, Sakura?' asked Shaoran, noticing the open case. He approached the girl and looked inside, then suddenly jumped back. 'What the…!?'

'Shaoran…?' Sakura was surprised at the boy's sudden reaction. 'What is it?'

'It's… it's a gun case' he replied going pale. 'It's a gun case, so it's supposed to be in there…'

'What are you talking about?' Sakura was even more puzzled now. 'What is supposed to be in there?'

'The gun, Sakura' said Shaoran looking her straight to the eyes. 'The gun is gone!'

'What?!' now Sakura too went pale, stepping back from the case. 'The gun is not in the case…?'

'It's not there!' repeated Shaoran. 'But… that's not possible…'

Why is the gun missing? Did someone took it…?, thought Sakura shaking. If there was something she was more afraid of than ghosts, it was guns.

'Ah! That must be it!' said Shaoran so suddenly that Sakura squeaked and jumped. 'Oh, I'm sorry, Sakura. Didn't want to startle you'

'It's okay…' the girl replied calming down. 'But why did you shout like that?'

'Sakura…' Shaoran looked down and went sad. 'This… was the same gun that was used to kill my Father…'

'Are-are you sure?' Sakura asked, Shaoran nodding in reply. 'Sakura, when I was looking through the door… before I saw my Father die… I saw the gun…' Sakura covered her mouth shocked. 'The person who shot my father used the same gun from this case…' Shaoran pointed to the open case at the desk.

'That… that makes sense, I guess' Sakura said with a sad face, then looked at the said case again. 'But I still don't get it' Shaoran looked at her puzzled. 'If this was the same gun that killed your Father' she continued. 'Why is it still missing?'

Shaoran shook his head.

'I don't know, Sakura' he said. 'I simply don't know'

'Ah!' Sakura shook her hands before her. 'That's not what I meant. I was just thinking aloud' she took another glance at the case, suddenly noticing something. 'Shaoran, there are some initials on top of the case'

Truthfully, on top of the case two letters were embedded: T.L.

'T.L.?' Sakura looked at the letters confused. She looked at Shaoran, but he looked as confused as she was. 'Well, no use thinking about it too much' she said with a smile and left the room. 'There are still places we haven't seen'

They left the ballroom through the giant door and entered the main corridor. From there, Sakura turned right, towards the back wall.

'This was Meiling's room' she pointed to the door on the right, then to the door opposite. 'But we haven't visited this room yet. When I checked last time it was locked'

'So what makes you think it will be open now?' Shaoran looked puzzled. Locked door don't just open by themselves. Sakura shrugged.

'Just a hunch' she replied and pushed the handle. There was a click and the door moved. 'Oh, it's open now' she said with a smile and entered the room, Shaoran following close by.

The room was rather medium-sized, with long bar table on the right side, behind which stood two cabinets full of plates and glasses. On the other side of the room stood a little tea table with a vase of dried flowers on top of it, surrounded by two red couches and two red armchairs. There were also some chests of drawers, two small bookcases, one more cabinet of plates and a small fireplace.

Sakura and Shaoran looked around the room, searching for any clues concerning the mystery of the place. Just when they thought there was nothing in this room, Sakura opened the last cabinet behind the bar.

'Shaoran, look' she called the boy. 'I found a safe. It needs a combination…'

They both looked at the 4-digits thinking where could they take the numbers from.

'Oh, the numbers!' exclaimed suddenly Sakura and reached to her bag, taking out the piece of paper they've found in Feimei's room. Shaoran looked again and gasped.

'They're written in mirror font!' he figured out, Sakura smiling widely.

'Told you they were letters' she said inputting the code to the safe. There was an unlocking sound and Sakura smiled even broader. 'Got it!'

'Well done' Shaoran put his hand on the girl's head and ruffled her hair. Although his hand went right through, Sakura still appreciated the gesture. They looked inside the safe and Sakura took out the only two things that were inside.

'A note and the key…' she said looking at the objects in her hand. She noticed a small label on the key with words 'Lounge room' written on it. She looked at the note.

Please, protect Shaoran.

Mechiko

'Mechiko…?' said Sakura quietly looking at the note. 'But… why would she send a note?'

Shaoran looked at the note too, when suddenly his head ached and a vision showed up before his eyes.

It was a rainy evening, clouds were crowding on the sky and the rain poured heavily. He was standing before the entrance to the mansion, his Father a few steps behind him, and Mechiko just in front of him.

'Mechiko…' he said quietly, reaching out to the girl, but his hand stopping mid-air and falling to his side. She just stood there, silently, her eyes looking down as to not see his face. She suddenly looked up and approached him.

'Shaoran…' she said, pain in her voice. It hurt him to hear it, to see her so sad. 'I'm so sorry about your mother…' she looked down again, as to not let him see her tears.

'No… you don't have to apologise' said Shaoran. He wanted no more than to hug her, to feel her in his arms. But at the same time, something stopped him from doing so. She looked him in the eyes again.

'Shaoran…' oh God, how he loved when she said his name. But why did it sound so hurt? Why can't she just smile, like she always does.

'What is it?' he asked, trying to smile. She then looked away, gazing at the Father behind him.

'Your majesty…' she said.

'Yes, love?' the king smiled and approached us.

'Can you keep Shaoran safe for me?' she asked. Shaoran looked at her, shocked. Why was she saying that? Why was she asking for king's protection for him.

'Mechiko?' he asked, but she just looked away.

'I just hope nothing bad happens to you and your family…' she whispered, but he could perfectly hear her.

'Do not fret' the king said. 'My son and my children will be safe' Mechiko smiled delicately.

'Thank you, Your majesty' she replied with a little bow.

'Mechiko…' Shaoran couldn't understand, why was she saying those things. She looked at him again, the smile replaced with a sad face again.

'Shaoran…' she came closer and grabbed his hands, holding them in hers. 'I want you to be strong for me, Shaoran… I'm not doing this out of choice… I just want to protect you…'

'But Mechiko… why?' he asked, just couldn't understand the girl standing before him. 'Nothing is going to happen…'

'You may think so…' she replied. 'But, if I stay here, with the situation going on… neither of us is going to survive…' he just looked at her shocked. 'Knowing your Father, this could endanger my life, as well as your own, if I remain here…'

'No… don't leave, Mechiko' he begged, tears starting to fall down his eyes. 'I don't want you to go'

She just stood there silently, when suddenly she pulled him to the embracing hug. He hugged her back.

'Mechiko, you are so precious to me' he whispered only for her to hear. 'You mean a lot to me. I don't want to lose you, Mechiko'

'You won't, Shaoran' she replied whispering. 'I love you with all my heart, darling. But please, try to understand…' she moved back a few steps and looked at him. 'This is not goodbye, okay?'

'Mechiko…' he was looking at his beloved woman, so close, yet so far away from him.

'I'm just keeping my distance until everything goes back to normal…' she said, looking down again, then looking at him. 'Promise you will be strong for me, Shaoran?'

'I promise, love…' he replied, although it broke his heart. No matter what she said, he felt like this was the last time they're seeing each other. She took a few steps back.

'Well, I hope life treats you well…' she said. 'Until we meet again, my sweetheart'

Then she turned around and moved towards the village, away from him. He couldn't see it, but she, too, was crying. He held up his hand as to grab her, but she already was away from his reach.

'Goodbye, my love…' he whispered for the last time.

'Shaoran…?' Sakura was looking at the boy with concerned eyes. He just smiled sadly.

'I just remembered something, Sakura' he said. 'The time I saw Mechiko for the last time'

Sakura simply nodded and moved towards the door. She was just about to leave, when Shaoran called her.

'Sakura…?' he said. 'You don't look so good. Why don't you sit down?' he suggested. She slowly turned around so to face him.

'I can't Shaoran… I just can't…' she replied, serious look on her face. Shaoran shook his head.

'Look, I know you want to find your friend. But this won't help you at all. You need to rest for a while…' he explained. Sakura looked at him for a while then sighed.

'Okay' she agreed and moved towards the couches. She sat down and closed her eyes. Tomoyo-chan…, she thought. She reached to her bag and took out the camera Tomoyo always had with her. What have I done? Tomoyo-chan… I hope you're alright… she closed her eyes again and remembered the events from not so far ago.

Sakura and Tomoyo were sitting by the table in the kitchen. It was just after Sakura told Tomoyo she wanted to visit the old mansion.

'But, Sakura-chan. You're going to need someone to keep your balance' the black-haired girl giggled but then looked at her friend with a serious face.

'But Tomoyo-chan…' Sakura tried to reason her friend out of accompanying her. 'You just told me this was dangerous! I don't want you getting hurt…'

'Sakura-chan, we are sisters' replied Tomoyo. 'Maybe not by blood, but me and my mother always thought of you as a relative. We do things together. I definitely won't let you go alone'

Then the memory ended, and Sakura remembered the moment they entered the house. They've just heard some noise, and Tomoyo decided to check it out.

'Y-you will come back, won't you?' asked Sakura shaking. Tomoyo smiled.

'I promise' she just said, and then she went off.

Sakura looked at the camera again. This is all my fault, she thought. I shouldn't have let you go alone. You wouldn't have to break a promise if I did. What was I thinking? To let my friend go alone like that…? To put her life in danger…? Sakura hugged the camera stopping the tears from falling. I'm so sorry, Tomoyo-chan, please, forgive me…

Shaoran stood next to the girl, observing. It broke his heart to see her so sad. He wanted nothing more than hug her and tell her everything's going to be alright. He then remembered Mechiko. Was it wrong of him to want consoling this girl before him? Was he being unfaithful to Mechiko thinking like that? He took a few steps back to give Sakura some time for herself.

'I guess Sakura really is worried about her friend…' he said quietly. 'She's lost without her… her friend… she and her mother are the only people she has left… I know how she feels… I understand her pain' he looked around the room once more. 'Huh, this room is…?' he suddenly felt the pain in his head, and another memory came upon.

Shaoran was standing in the centre of this room, along with Meiling and Feimei. All of them had sad looks on their faces, Meiling was almost crying.

'Big brother…' she said quietly.

'What is it, Meiling?' Shaoran asked smiling. He has to be strong. For Father, for Meiling, for Feimei… and for Mechiko.

'Why has Father told us to come here?' she asked, gripping the edge of her dress. Feimei came closer, looking straight at Shaoran with concerned eyes.

'I don't really like it, Shaoran' she said.

'Hey, don't barge in like that, Feimei!' shouted Meiling angrily.

'Calm down, Meiling' Shaoran said, putting his hand on her head 'I'm not happy with the situation either, but you know Feimei can't help it when she's scared'

Meiling puffed a little but calmed down. Shaoran looked at his older sister with a smile and, too, put another hand on her head.

'It's okay, Feimei. Everything's going to be fine…' he said ruffling through both of her hair.

'Are you sure, brother?' asked Feimei. He nodded and smiled again.

'I promise you' he said. 'Don't worry, both of you. It's going to be okay'

They both nodded and stepped away. Just then, the door to the room opened and the Father came inside.

'Thank you for waiting, Children' he said. 'I think it's time for you to meet someone very important to me'

They all looked at the man who just entered the room. He was similar with age to the Father, his hair were brown and he wore an annoyed expression on his face.

'This is my brother, Toya Li, your uncle' introduced the man Father. The children were in shock.

'Our… uncle?' asked Feimei confused.

'What?!' shouted Meiling surprised. Shaoran just stood still and observed the man.

'Toya, these are my children' said the king. 'Feimei, my oldest daughter, my son, Shaoran, and the youngest, Meiling'

'Ah, it's the pleasure to meet you all' said the man, but his expression didn't change. He approached Shaoran and studied him for a while. 'Shaoran, such a grown-up name' he commented. 'It suites you, like a gentleman' Shaoran just looked at the man with angry expression. 'I envy you, Shaoran' the man went on as if he didn't notice the boy's face. 'Your eyes are like amber. They are so light. I am truly jealous…'

Just then Father approached us. 'As you can see, my son isn't exactly the talking type' he addressed his brother. 'Shaoran is not used to strangers. The same with Meiling and Feimei'

As he said that, both of them grabbed a side of Shaoran's clothing.

'My apologies for my son's behaviour' continued the king.

'No, it's quite alright, brother' replied the man.

Why the hell is this person here?!, thought Shaoran annoyed.

'Anyway, shall we go for our discussion?' asked the man looking at the Father. The king nodded.

'Yes, in my office. You go ahead, I need a moment' he said.

'Very well' came the reply and king's brother left the room.

'Now, all of you, listen to me' said the Father, looking seriously at his children. 'My brother is going to be living here from now on… he's going to help me deal with the problems in our kingdom'

'Mother…' whispered Feimei grabbing her brother's clothing even more. Mother is not here anymore, Feimei, he thought sadly.

'But Father!' cried Meiling.

'No "buts"!' interrupted the king. 'You're going to have to learn to like him. Whether you like it or not! Understand?'

None of the children said anything, which gained the king's approval.

'Good' he said before turning around and leaving the room. The children were still, processing what the Father just said.

'Shaoran… why did uncle Toya stare at you?' asked Meiling terrified. Feimei looked at the boy with puzzled look.

'Father…' murmured Shaoran before storming off the room, leaving his two sisters alone.

'What's going on with big brother?' asked Meiling concerned.

'I… have no idea' replied Feimei.

'Earth to Shaoran!' he heard a cry which startled him. Shaoran looked around only to see Sakura standing behind him.

'Oh, it's only you, Sakura…' he said.

'Ah, I'm sorry, I didn't want to startle you' Sakura apologised. 'But you weren't responding to me'

'No need to apologize, Sakura' replied Shaoran with a smile. 'But, how are you feeling?'

'I fell much better now, thank you' the girl answered with a blush. Shaoran saw it, and he, too, blushed a little and looked away. 'I… I guess I needed a small break'

'Okay. It's nothing personal, I was only looking out for you' said Shaoran still looking away. 'Well, if you're feeling better we can continue our search' he decided and moved towards the door.

Just when they were to leave, the door suddenly opened, making Sakura stumble and fall down.

'Ouch' she said massaging her but, when she noticed a man standing in front of her. He had short brown hair and brown eyes, looking around with annoyed expression. He looked at her and she moved a few meters back.

'How strange…' he said, his eyes still locked on the girl. 'I don't often have visitors here'

Sakura and Shaoran both looked at the man shocked. The man held up his hand and helped Sakura back on her feet.

'Hello, fellow stranger' he said, which made Sakura puzzled. Fellow, she thought. 'Would you mind answering me some questions?'

'Okay…' the girl answered slowly, wondering what does this man want.

'First, what is your name?' the man asked.

'Ah, my name is Sakura. Kinomoto Sakura' she replied with a bow. 'Pleased to make you acquaintance'

'Okay then, Sakura' continued the man. 'I might as well tell you my name then. My name is Toya II, and my father was the brother to our king'

Sakura was looking at the man before her in shock. Before she could say anything, Toya II started off again.

'Now, for my next question… did you come here alone?' he asked looking exactly in her eyes. Sakura for a moment thought if she should tell the man about Tomoyo, thinking about lying to him, but she quickly decided not to. If he's looking me straight in the eyes, he'll know I'm not telling the truth, she thought.

'No, I didn't' she replied. 'I came here with Tomoyo-chan…'

'And who is this Tomoyo-chan?' the man asked.

'My friend…' said Sakura, taking a step back. For unknown reason, this man made her uncomfortable.

'I see' he simply said, as if thinking about something. 'This is my last question for you. Why did you come here?'

'Why…?' repeated Sakura. 'That is…' she glanced at Shaoran, but he just shook his head. 'To discover what really happened here' she finally said.

'I do not quite understand, explain' said Toya II with even more annoyed expression.

'Ah, I mean the story about the family and the tragedy 50 years ago' quickly explained Sakura, afraid the man will get angry.

'Tragedy?' for a moment man's expression was puzzled before coming back to usual one. 'That was no tragedy… it was revenge'

'Eh? Revenge?' now it was Sakura's turn to be confused.

'My father told me that the king wanted to keep all the land to himself' the man said. 'And he was also willing to adopt one of the king's children as his own'

Sakura looked at Shaoran, who clenched his fist while listening to the man's words.

'So, some time after the Queen passed away, my father offered to help him' the man continued. 'But he rejected it. Of course, my father wasn't happy with this'

'Does that mean…?' Sakura gasped.

'No' answered the man. 'The mob attack and the slaughter was the villagers' doing. My father may have been angry with him, but he wasn't involved. One of his friends, however, was the ringleader'

Sakura stayed silent, her eyes watching Shaoran.

'After all of the family was gone, my father felt, let's say, regret' Toya II said. 'Because one of the children he wanted to adopt… was killed in the attack'

'Excuse me, but…' Sakura interrupted. 'Who did he want to adopt?' the man shook his head.

'No idea' he answered. 'Not that it mattered now. But he did take his revenge after the ringleader took over the land'

'So it was your father who sentenced the leader and the mobs to death?' Sakura asked. Shaoran looked at the girl with shock.

'Oh? Surprising that you already knew that' Toya II looked rather… entertained. 'Who told you?'

'My friend, Tomoyo-chan' Sakura replied, looking down.

'Your friend, huh?' the man said, and Sakura immediately took a step back. The way he said that was… unsettling.

'Yes, but she disappeared, so I have to look for her' she added quickly, as to let the man know she's in hurry. She passed him and moved towards the door.

'I think I might have a good idea where your friend might could be ' what the man said made Sakura stop dead in her action. She turned around abruptly.

'You do?!' she nearly cried. 'You know where is Tomoyo-chan?!'

'Yes' the man smiled, but that wasn't an honest smile, as Shaoran noticed. 'How about you wait here, and I go and find her for you?' he suggested, and without waiting for response moved towards the door. 'I will be back' he said just before closing the door after him.

'Sakura!' Shaoran addressed the girl. She looked at him, and he was angry.

'W-what?' she asked, stepping back a little. 'Shaoran, you're scary'

'Why didn't you tell me?' he asked angrily.

'Tell you what, Shaoran?' Sakura was puzzled. 'Why are you getting angry at me all of the sudden?'

'Why didn't you tell me what happened after the attacks?!' Shaoran was shouting now. He clenched a fist and hit the wall next to him, or rather tried to hit the wall but hid hand went right through it. He looked at it angrily, and suddenly let it fall to his side. 'For 50 years… I have been trying to put my life back together, bit by bit' he said looking down. 'But it turned out to be really difficult… I'm still trying to find out the truth about my family's death and the events that followed…' he looked up, anger in his eyes. 'And YOU never told me even once about the events after my family was killed?! You've been hiding things from me! All this time!'

'That… That's not true!' Sakura cried, tears falling from her eyes. 'I might have not mentioned anything to you, but I thought you already knew about the mob attack' she looked down, tears still falling. 'You've been down here for 50 years… dead man…'

'How dare you!' Shaoran shouted.

'You and your family were murdered!' Sakura cried, looking him straight to the eyes. 'I don't care how long have you been trying to work it out. The mobs killed your family! That's it! End of story! I just want to find Tomoyo-chan!'

'But NONE of it is completely true, is it?!' Shaoran was even angrier now.

'W-what?' tears stopped falling and Sakura was looking at Shaoran in shock. 'What are you saying, Shao-'

'It was YOUR idea to come out here and try to uncover what really happened!' Shaoran said. 'And you were so careless and cowardly, that you allowed YOUR friend to be put in danger!'

'SHUT UP!' Sakura cried and crouched on the floor, covering her ears with her arms. 'Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!' she was sitting there, crying and shouting. Taken aback by her sudden outburst, Shaoran backed away and looked at the girl in shock.

'Sa-kura…?' he asked quietly, coming a little closer. 'I… I'm sorry' he said. The girl kept on murmuring the words that shocked Shaoran so much. 'Sakura… please, stop' he put his hand on her shoulder, and although it didn't really touch her, Sakura stopped and just sat there. 'Sakura, stand up and look at me, please' Shaoran asked calmly.

It took a moment, but finally she stood up and faced the boy. He looked at her crying, and his heart broke. How could I made her cry?, he scolded himself. She hasn't done anything bad, so why?

'Sakura… why are you crying?' he asked. It wasn't a question he wanted to get the answer for, he already knew why. But still, he asked that question.

'Shaoran… you were right…' Sakura said, sniffing. 'I was careless and cowardly, I did put my friend in danger… it was my idea for coming here and it's also my fault…'

'Don't say that…' Shaoran whispered, but he knew Sakura could hear him. 'I shouldn't have said all those things… it's not your fault, Sakura'

'But it is!' the girl cried. 'Everything I do always goes wrong! I'm so stupid!'

Shaoran did what he thought was the best in this situation. He approached the girl and tightly hugged her. He knew his body won't do, that this will be just a shadow of a hug, but he still embraced the crying girl.

'No, you're not…' he whispered to her ear. She sniffed and rested her head on his shoulder, or at least made it look that way. Why did I shout at her…, Shaoran thought, patting the girl's head. It was her idea for coming here… but her friend's disappearance wasn't her fault… she didn't know any of this would happen… she shouldn't be blaming herself for something she wasn't responsible for… And I made it worse, by blaming it on her… . Shaoran hugged the girl even tighter, his arms almost completely disappearing in her body. 'I am really sorry…' he whispered. 'I didn't mean to make you upset. It's not your fault. I'm not blaming you for anything'

After a while, Sakura finally straighten up, and so did Shaoran.

'Sakura, please, tell me one thing' he asked. 'Am I… am I forgiven?'

'Yes' she answered with a smile, only sparkling eyes telling she was crying just a moment ago. He smiled back. 'And I'm sorry about calling you-'

'It's alright' interrupted Shaoran. 'That's what I get for being down here for 50 years' Sakura giggled. He then looked at her with serious expression. 'I don't know what's worse… being trapped in this empty house as a ghost… or not knowing how I died…'

'Shaoran… Can I ask you something?' said suddenly Sakura. Shaoran gave her a puzzled look. 'Did that man see you?'

'I… no' replied Shaoran.

'He didn't?' Sakura was shocked. The boy shook his head.

'No, he couldn't see me at all' he answered.

'Why not?' Sakura was confused. How come she could see Shaoran, but this man, Toya II, couldn't.

'I'm not entirely sure…' responded Shaoran. 'He probably doesn't like strangers…'

'And I'm afraid of ghosts' pointed out Sakura.

'I don't think that's the case' Shaoran laughed. 'What you have to understand is not everyone can see a ghost… it is usually because of several reasons.'

'What reasons?' now Sakura was curious. What made her so special that she could see Shaoran.

'One: they don't have an open heart, or two: they don't believe in spirits who have yet to move on. It must be because one of those reasons he couldn't see me' explained Shaoran.

'So… I can see you, because you said I have pure heart?' asked Sakura. Shaoran nodded and smiled.

'That, and also because you're afraid of ghosts. You can't be afraid of something in which existence you don't believe, right?' he stated, and Sakura had to agree with him.

'So Toya II couldn't see you because of those reasons?' she confirmed.

'It's only a possibility' replied Shaoran. 'Besides the fact that he's a descendant of my dead family, I think he's the only living relative out of my family now…'

'Ah, I see' Sakura said. 'So, he's the current owner of the house?'

'Yes, the ownership passed down to this man when his father died' confirmed Shaoran. Sakura nodded and looked at the door.

'Will he be coming back soon?' she asked.

'Sakura… I don't trust that man' said Shaoran. 'I can't exactly tell you why, but… watch out for him, please'

'So what do you suggest?' asked Sakura.

'We still have that one key to the Lounge room, so I think we should check that' he said. 'And later, we'll see'

Sakura nodded and left the room. Guided by Shaoran they arrived at the bottom west corridor, where the Lounge room was situated. Sakura took out the key from her bag and was just about to unlock the room, when Shaoran stopped her.

'Sakura, wait' he asked. She looked at him surprised.

'What is it, Shaoran?' she said.

'Do you trust that man?' Shaoran asked. Sakura thought for a while.

'Actually… no' she replied. 'For a lot of reasons'

'Like what…?' the boy was puzzled.

'Well, first off, it's about his side of the story' Sakura answered. 'I actually think his father WAS involved in the tragedy… and he also calls the tragedy revenge'

'I… I thought he was referring to the mobs' Shaoran was shocked. How could he not notice that? Sakura shook her head.

'Shaoran… when you saw your father, before he was shot to death' she said. 'Who did you hear, apart from your father?' Shaoran closed his eyes remembering the events, and suddenly it struck him.

'Now I remember…' he said. 'The other one I heard was… my uncle's voice' Sakura nodded in agreement.

Just as I thought, she thought. The person who killed Shaoran's father, was the king's brother, Toya. And the initials on the gun case… T.L. … Toya Li… the gun must have been taken to cover up the truth about the murder… He was involved, after all. His anger lead to the death of the family. I don't trust Toya II, he's a liar.

'Sakura, you said there were more reasons you don't trust this man' said Shaoran.

'Ah, yes. Secondly, it's about his name' continued Sakura.

'His name? What about it?' asked the boy.

'He said his name was Toya II…' replied the girl. 'That meant his father's name must have been Toya I'

'Oh, so that's what you meant' Shaoran nodded.

'Did you know about him?' she asked looking at the boy, who went silent.

'I… don't know' he finally answered.

'And lastly, it's about his father' said Sakura. 'If his father was the brother of your Father… wouldn't his name be Toya Li?'

Shaoran opened his eyes widely, as if suddenly remembering something.

'Shaoran?' Sakura looked at him worriedly.

'Yes… that's true' Shaoran answered slowly. 'I… had a flashback when we were back in a bar room. It was the day we met uncle Toya for the first time' Sakura remained silent, to let Shaoran tell what he saw.

'Uncle Toya came to see us after my mother died…' he said. 'While he was seeing us… he just looked at me. It felt like hours. And then he said: Your eyes are like amber' Shaoran shivered at the memory of those words. 'His words sent chills down my spine. My heart was pounding the whole time. All I could do was stand there and look at him…' he went silent for a moment before going on. 'Well, if your suspicion is right, I guess we should look for your friend alone' he finished. Sakura nodded in agreement and looked at the key in her hand.

'So, shall we take a look inside?' she smiled before turning the key. 'The sooner we find her, the sooner we can get out of here' she added and entered the room.

'Right…' answered Shaoran. 'And the sooner you'll be gone from my life, Sakura' he murmured sadly before following the girl.