“Wow, it really did! I wonder how everyone else endured this storm,” Tomoyo said. She was tired of sitting on the damp stone floor, without anything to tape.

“Well, we better get out and start finding our way. It would get dark if we wait too long,” Eron said. “However, I think that it is not wise for all of us too go out. Two of us should go out and try to find the track, then come back and get the others. That saves everyone some trouble. Besides, I don’t think that Erika’s leg is good enough to wonder about on. I think I should be one of the ones to go out, because I’m pretty sure I can find my way back easily, and my navigation skills are pretty good. Who else will come with me?”

Everyone except Syaoran murmured in agreement of the plan.

“I don’t want to go out in the mud. I’ll stay here,” Meirin announced.

“Well, I’m not crazy about going out in the mud, myself. Erika is hurt, so that leaves Li-kun or Sakura-chan to go with you,” Tomoyo said.

Syaoran scowled. He would hate to face Eron.

“Actually, I would prefer having Syaoran-kun stay with me. You see, he’s really good at healing and bandaging wounds, and if my leg gets worse, it would be better to have him with me than Sakura,” Erika said, giving a significant look at Eron.

“Okay, it’s settled then. You don’t mind finding the track with me, do you, Sakura?” Eron was secretly pleased with the arrangement, himself.

“Oh huh? Yeah, that’s fine.” Sakura had been to busy fuming and as she clenched her fist, she was boiling. Syaoran-kun, indeed. Erika barely knew him. And it took me almost a year to call him by his name. Now, it’s back to Li-kun, while she, she… “Hey, wait, Eron-kun! I’m coming!” Grabbing her bag, she followed Eron out of the cave, almost slipping on the mud. Erika smiled smugly. Syaoran was busily crumpling up his assignment paper, thinking he planned it. That creep, Eron planned out to go with Sakura, alone.

* * * * * *

As they trotted down the rocky mountain, searching for a path, Sakura gazed sideways at Eron. He certainly is handsome, with the straight nose and melting smile. I like the way his dark hair flows into a ponytail. Not many guys can get away with that hairstyle, yet he looks good in it. Plus, he’s tall, athletic, smart, and well mannered. Eron turned to her. His hazel eyes were very startling, though. Those golden specks make him look so mysterious, as of he has some big secret. I guess I hardly know anything about him. She cleared her throat and gathered enough courage to start a conversation.

“So, where did you live before you came to Tomoeda district?” Sakura asked.

“Oh, here and there. My sister and I traveled around all over the world, before we came back here.”

“Came back? Did you live here before?”

“Huh, ummm. Only a short while when we were young.” Actually, I lived here in another life time. This is my first time back in this form-- but, there is no use in telling you that.

“Well, if you traveled a lot, you must miss all your friends. It will be interesting to go to many places and learn all sorts of things, but I would hate to part with all the people. Parting with people always hurts me.”

Friends? What friends? More like betrayers. People have hurt us before, though. Erika and I only exist, in search of vengeance. Instead Eron smiled and said, “Well, I guess that might be for you, though it never troubled me, now that I think about it. It’s only Erika and me; we have each other.

“But what about your parents?”

“Parents? We don’t have any, not since we were born. Only the servants.”

Sakura looked down. “I’m sorry, flooding you with all these questions and blabbing on about private things. I’m so inconsiderate.”

At this, Eron grinned.” Don’t worry. I don’t mind at all. It’s only predictable that you would be curious. Plus, I enjoy talking to you.”

Looking up again, Sakura smiled back brightly. “I just hope that you stay here for a long time, and not leave. We can all become friends.”

Eron halted and gazed at the smiling girl. She was no different from any other girl, except that she was supposed to have some of the greatest powers of magic in the modern world. Also, she was related to them, and the person to take revenge upon. Yet, the enigma of her enchanting emerald eyes and lithe form made him grasp his chest, where there should be a beating heart in a usual person. Don’t worry, I won’t leave this place for a long time. Not before you and the your protector are gone…

Sakura stopped as well. “Is anything wrong, Eron-kun?”

“Eh? No, I’m fine. Yeah we can all become friends.” The word tasted bitter in his tongue. “Uhh-- I think that we should go… this way.” He pointed to the wrong way, on purpose.

“Really? I thought it was that way. Oh well, maybe I’m wrong.” Sakura followed.
 
Slyly, Eron grimaced. The action starts… NOW! He snapped his fingers.

* * * * * *

Syaoran bolted up, letting all the paper and materials clatter onto the cave floor.

“What’s the matter, Syaoran-kun?” Erika asked.

Tomoyo met his glance with questioning eyes. He nodded gravely. Sakura was in danger.

* * * * * *

“Eron-kun, are you sure we’re going the right way? It’s so dense and thick here, I can’t see through the bushes. And it’s so slippery because of the rocks.” Sakura brushed aside another branch that whipped at her face,

“I’m so sorry. It’s just a little further. Do you want me help you? Here, I’ll try to clear the bushes out of your way. Really, I should have let you stay in the cave. This is no place for a girl to wander through.”

For a moment, Sakura lost her footing on the bumpy ground, entangled with tree roots and shrubs. It was almost as if the rock beneath her feet were alive. Quickly, Eron grabbed her hand and steadied her. Sakura blushed. He’s so gentle and polite. Even after she steadied herself, he didn’t let go of her hand. Her heart pounded harder. What’s the matter with me?

Awkwardly, Sakura said, “It’s okay now. I have my balance.”

Eron looked confused for a moment, then dropped her hands, startled. “Oh!”

They resumed walking through the tangle of woods. The rocks underneath Sakura moved. Together with the loose stones, Sakura fell and tumbled down the steep side of the slope, skidding faster and faster. A dishevel cloud of dust arose with the dislodged rocks. In some distance, she could hear Eron call, “Sakura!” but soon, his figure disappeared. The rocks cut into her skin and her body was getting scraped from sliding down the rough mountain on her side, falling and falling. Occasional branches whipped at her. Clenching her eyes, Sakura waited to hit the treacherous bottom. This is the end.

* * * * * *

Syaoran felt like screaming from frustration. He knew that some force was out there, and Sakura was facing it all by herself. Yet, he couldn’t just go out to help her, because he couldn’t arise suspicion from Erika. Besides, he didn’t even know where she was. Meirin was frowning, too. Eron and Sakura had been gone for an awful long time. Yet, she didn’t know what danger Sakura was in. Meanwhile, Erika smiled smugly. Let’s just hope that Sakura would be destoyed.

* * * * * *

Some time later, Sakura opened her eyes and blinked a several times. Where was she? Then she remembered. She had slid off the side of a steep slope. Well, at least she seemed reasonably alive. I hurt too much to be dead. At once, she tried to get up, but fell down on her back again. Ouch, I ache all over. Her whole body felt bruised and cut up into pieces. Well, in a way I am shredded. Her clothing was ripped up and torn, while she had lost one side of her shoe. The red tie around her neck had become undone, and her shirt was stained with blood. Forcefully, she heaved herself up again. For a moment, she wavered, then she stood. Dizzily, she stumbled over to a tree and leaned against the trunk. She felt her head. Oww, I think I have a concussion. If she had been more alert, she would have felt the rocks heading her direction. At the last moment she turned around, to see stones hurtling at her.

Stifling a scream, she tried to run, with her bare foot blistering from sharp rocks. The whole ground of the mountain was unstable and continued to wobble and contort so that she couldn’t walk straight. Is the ground actually moving, or is it because I hurt my head? A stone pounded at her shoulder. Wincing in pain, she continued to run, ignoring the large purple bruise swelling up. As she came up to the edge of the mountain, she halted. This won’t do. I have to fight back. She grabbed the necklace from under her shirt and drew out the key.

“Key that hides forces of stars! Show your true shape to me! I, Sakura, command you under the contract! Release!” Deftly, she blocked the rocks with her staff. Now, what am I going to fight it with? This won’t last for long. I know! I’ll freeze it! But before she could use the card, she flayed and rocks hurtled at her, full speed. She dropped her staff and inched back, taking one step too far. The rocks crumbled underneath her, and she fell off the cliff.

* * * * * *

“NOOO!” Syaoran gasped. Sakura, I’ve got to get to her. To the three girls, he said, “You guys, I’ll be right back, okay? Just stay here.” Then he ran out of the cave.

Erika called out, “Wait, where are you going; don’t go!” She frowned. It wasn’t going the way that she had planned. How does he know when she’s in danger?

A few seconds later Tomoyo slipped out as well, “I’ll be right back, too.” She then ran out with her video camera. Of course she couldn’t miss the action.
 
Syaoran panted as he blindly ran through the forest. Where is she? He just ran directly to where he could feel her aura, ignoring all the branches and bushes in the way. “I have to get to her!”

* * * * * *

Desperately, Sakura grabbed with one hand at a root sticking out from the side of the cliff. There, she dangled helplessly. Gravel and rock poured down at her and pounded down. Her hand cramped and ached as stone bits cut into it. I can’t… hold on much longer. My arm, I can’t hold on to this root any longer, it’s slipping… There’s no one, no one here to help me. No! I’ve got to hold on. If only I had my staff, but I dropped it somewhere on the top. Now, there’s only a few seconds left. I have to hold on. Slowly, Sakura lost her grip and let go of the root. Now, I’m going to fall… anyone! Otousan, oniichan, SYAORAN!!!

She let go. It’s too late… it can’t be the end, can it?

* * * * * *

“SAKURAAAAA! NOOOOOOO!”

At that moment, a hand grasped hers. Rocks and sand tumbled down to the far off bottom, while Sakura dangled in the air, with a supple hand supporting her whole body weight. Her heart wrenched, and she opened her clenched eyes.

After she caught breath, she stammered, “Is that you, Li-kun? It can’t be. Am I already dead?”

Syaoran managed a weak grin and said, “Silly, it’s me. Until now, I never believed that there was something called ‘just in time.’ I thought it was only in books. Now, I believe in anything and thank my lucky stars. Here now, hold on. I’ll get you up now. Give me your other hand.”

Sakura thought her breath would stop all together, but she tried to remain calm and lifted up her hand. Her head was swirling and she refused to look down at the distant bottom. Just then the rocks renewed their attack and hurtled themselves at Syaoran’s back. His hold on her hand loosened, then tightened again. "Come on, give me your other hand.” Syaoran’s voice was strained, yet composed, as he reached down his other hand. A slab of rock furrowed out from the side of the cliff and grabbed Sakura’s leg, trying to pull her down. Syaoran’s body was pressed down at the edge of the cliff, and he started to slide down as well, but he didn’t let her go. I’ll never, never let you go. I still remember that time when I let go in the same situation, and thought I lost you. Luckily, Kerberus saved you that time, but now, it’s only me. This time, I’ll never let you go and never let you out of my sight.

“Just let me go. You’re going to fall as well if you hold on to me. It’s okay, I’ll survive, somehow.” Sakura could see the strain that Syaoran was under. Most people wouldn’t have been to endure it so far.

“No! Sakura, I’ll never let you go. Just hold on tight and I’ll get you safe. Trust me.”

Sakura looked up at Syaoran’s determined face as he clenched his teeth tight. Swallowing a lump in a throat, she whispered, “Thank you, Syaoran.” She would fight to live, as well. With new vigor, she kicked at the stone snake which grabbed at her ankle. Her other shoe and knee sock both slipped off it. Taking the opportunity, she tread on the rock and managed to throw up her other arm, which Syaoran caught deftly. Syaoran wrapped his legs around a tree trunk at the edge of the cliff, so that he wouldn’t be dragged down by Sakura’s weight. By then, his back was numb to the rocks pounding at it, and he only focused on helping Sakura up.

“Here, I managed to get my foot a hold in the side of the cliff. If you hold my arms, I’ll be able to come up.” When Sakura was almost up, another rock snake grabbed at her ankle, yet Syaoran grabbed her tighter and boosted Sakura up to the top. She sighed in relief and collapsed beside Syaoran, trying to catch her breath. I can’t believe I’m on solid ground again. As I dangled from the cliff, I wasn’t even terrified. I was completely blank. What might have happened if he didn’t come? I don’t even want to think about. He seemed so composed up there, but now, I can see that he is sweat soaked and trembling. Then she got up again tiredly. “We have to seal this thing.”

Syaoran stood up as well and moaned because his back was one big mass of bruises. He picked up Sakura’s staff and handed it to her. Another attack of the sharp rocks came at them. With a fist, Syaoran started to punch them off and they burst.

“Ouch, doesn’t that hurt? Here, I’ll use the Freeze.” She drew out another card. Quickly, she swerved around at the renewal of attack. “Freeze!” Immediately, everything froze… including Syaoran. Then she sealed it. “Spirit of the dark forces. I, Sakura, command you. Return to a new shape of contract! Sakura Card!”

All the surroundings returned to normal, and another card landed in her hand. Syaoran cracked from the ice. “Hey! You could’ve spared me, ya know,” he shouted.

Sweat dropping, she said, “Hoe-e, my mistake. Here. You can have this card. The Rocky.” Sakura handed over the card, decorated with a rock snake with, surrounded by hurtling rocks.

“No, it’s okay. You have it.”

“No you have it. I have a card called the Stone, anyway, not to mention the Earthy. Anyway, what is the difference between them?”

“Well, the Stone turns things into stone, the Earthy dishevels the ground, while the Rocky hurtles rock and moves around rock.”

“Oh. Sigh, I guess your level of education was better. Still, you have it.”

“No, you keep it! I don’t want it!”

Uh oh! Another argument. But, it was worth going through half the woods to tape it. Tomoyo sweat-dropped from a tree. Now that Sakura was safe, she was relieved. Well, they’ve come a long way since Syaoran tried to take away the Clow Cards from her. Now they’re fighting by offering it to each other. Man, do those two even realize that they called each other by their names again?  They both were going super deformed, shoving the card back and forth. With Sakura’s great persistence, Syaoran ended up with the card.

* * * * * *

Eron, why didn’t you make the Rocky more powerful? We could have ended Sakura.

Dear sister, it is too early. We can play with them first, and then make them suffer twice as much. Our power is still weak, but it is getting stronger. Soon enough, it will be stronger then ever. Eron then looked sad for a moment. It’s a pity, isn’t it?

What? That we couldn’t conquer them?

No. Do you notice anything different about those two?

So? What is your point? You’re acting very strange, Eron.

Never mind. It’s just nonsense. Well, we did make them suffer a lot. Hmm, you should see how they look right now. Awful. Eron broke out laughing, yet his eyes were sad.

* * * * * *

“Well, I think we better just find shelter and wait till the morning, before we try to find our way back. It’s getting dark and we are more lost than ever.” Syaoran brushed the dirt off his clothes and groaned because of his back.

“I guess we can rest under a tree or something,” Sakura said. Just then her stomach rumbled. She groaned, “Thinking about it, I haven’t had anything to eat since this morning. Hoe-e! And what if there are ghosts in the wood! Nooo!”

“And what if we never find our way out of here? We could be completely lost and fade away into skeletons. Like those people in the ghost story. We will never be found and…” Syaoran put on an aghast, overreacting face.

“Hoe-e!”

“Sheesh, I’m just joking. What I worry about is all the bruises and cuts we have.” Then, Syaoran looked slightly amused. “Man, you look awful.”

Sakura scowled. “Thank’s a lot. It’s not like you look that hot either.”

Having been through all the events that day, Sakura was in pieces. Both her feet were bare, and her vest was gone. Most of her shirt was ripped into shreds by branches and rock, splattered with some dry blood, while her hair hung tangled and loose down her back. Her shorts wasn’t much better, not to mention all the cuts, bruises, bramble scratches and dirt. Yet, she added with great enthusiasm, counting off her fingers, “Actually, considering that I have been caught in a storm, gone through a thick forest, slipped down more than half the mountain, almost fell off a cliff, not to mention being attacked by rocks, with a concussion on my head and being lost, I’m in a great condition to be at least alive!”

“Humph. Always optimistic aren’t you. At least I have all my articles of clothing on me. How are you going to walk barefooted? And umm… I think you better cover yourself up more.” Syaoran raised an eyebrow at Sakura’s torn shirt. “Here, have my jacket.”

Greatfully, she accepted the loose jacket which was only slightly ragged and put it on. “Uh—thanks.”

“It’s okay. Come on, let’s find a place to stay at. It’s dark now.”

Soon, they settled under a great oak tree. Sakura gathered the sticks, and Syaoran made the crackling campfire.

“Look! Here’s a little stream,” Sakura exclaimed and she immediately rolled up the jacket sleeves and started washing her face. Both of them washed most of the grimy dirt off their faces, hands, and minor cuts, which was extremely refreshing.

RUMBLE. Wailing, Sakura shouted, “PLEASE! I’ll die of hunger. Any food out there?”

“Well, it won’t do for you to die now, after all that hardship I had to save you. Hmm, are you that desperate?” Syaoran asked, bemused.

“YES!”

Syaoran took off his shoes, then his socks. He then rolled up his pants and his sleeves.

“What are you doing?”

“There’s a stream near by.”

“So?”

“A stream means fish.”

“FISH!”

“Yup! Yummy, slithering, smelly fish. You did say you were desperate.”

“But!”

“So fish it is! I’ll catch them with my hands.”

Carelessly, Syaoran stepped into the icy brook and immediately caught silvery, slimy fish by clapping his hands over them. Wrinkling her nose, Sakura shook her head and reluctantly decided to help.

Pretty soon, she was holding in her hands a steaming fish, cooked over the campfire with a stick and wrapped in some herbs and plants that she had found. With a bunch of wild berries (not the poisonous ones) it was a fairly good meal. Sakura and Syaoran wolfed down the flaky white meat, as if they have never eaten anything more delicious.

“You know, Syaoran-kun?”

“Yeah?”

“The fish isn’t that bad.”

“See, I told ya you would eat anything when you’re starving.”

“But… It’s just the eyes. I just can’t stand seeing the bulging fish eyes.”
 

For a while, they were silent and stared into the fire. The only noise was that of hooting owls and occasional rustling from wild animals. Hugging Syaoran’s jacket tighter around her, Sakura tried to stifle a moan. Really, I’m not used to sliding down the mountain plus, almost falling off a cliff. All the bruises and cuts I have burn like fire. Plus, my head feels so wobbly. It’s so hard to just sit up. My shoulder is throbbing because I got hit by rocks. She looked up at Syaoran, who’s eyes were cast down. I wonder how he’s faring right now. He got hit by many rocks, trying to keep me from falling, so he shouldn’t be feeling much better. Yet, he’s not complaining. I should be brave to and not complain either.

“You’re so stupid,” Syaoran said, suddenly.

“What?”

“If you’re hurt a lot, you should tell me, not just keep quiet. Well, I’m stupid, too. I should have looked after all your injuries first. I’m in a bad enough condition myself, think how wounded you must be.”

For a moment, Sakura stared at him, confused. How does he know that I’m injured? Then she felt the side of her head. Wet… which meant blood.

He glared half at himself, and half at her. “How could I have not noticed before? You must have lost a lot of blood, since it hasn’t been bandaged earlier.”

For a moment, he fumbled around for some sort of bandage. Finding none, he sighed and took off his shirt. Sakura gasped. “Really it’s okay! You don’t have to use your shirt for bandage. My head’s fine.”

Narrowing his eyes, he asked, “Do you see any other suitable bandage?”

“Nooo.”

“Then, I guess it will have to be my shirt. We certainly can’t use your shirt, or my jacket, can we?”

“Nooo.”

“And I’m sure you don’t want to use my socks, and anyway it’s too small.”

With this, Syaoran proceeded to tear up his cotton shirt into strips of bandage.

Soon, Sakura’s head, shoulder and ankle were bandaged. There were still several more strips left over of his shirt. Sakura winced at all the cuts that were now revealed on Syaoran’s back. It’s all cause of me. If I didn’t fall off, he wouldn’t have been hurt trying to rescue me. She blurted out, “You have to bandage your back. It’s all bruised and cut up.”

“It doesn’t matter. Go to sleep now.”

“No. Your hurt because of me. I can’t stand it. Here, I’ll bandage it for you.” Sakura gathered the bandage and smoothed it out.

“I’m fine! It’s none of your business.” Syaoran tried to turn around, then winced because his shoulder ached.

Without further ado, Sakura moved beside him and wet a pieced of the cloth to gently wipe his cuts and the blood stains. Funny, if this was a year ago, the sight of blood will have made me nauseous. Now, it is of the least importance. Well, who would have ever dreamed that I would be in such a situation, anyway, bandaging Syaoran’s back? She proceeded to bandage his back tightly and ended with tucking the loose end in. He flinched when her hand touched a slash on his back. Carefully, she smoothed out the bandage on his back.

Why’s she doing this for me? Why would she care whether I’m hurt or dead? Syaoran blurted out, “Why?” Sakura stared back blankly. He continued, “Why are you doing this for me. I’m fine by myself. You don’t have to nurse over me like I’m some sort of invalid!”

Looking down, she said, “In the first place, you got hurt while saving me, and I want to do at least this in return. Besides, you’re my friend, or at least I count you so. It hurts me when you’re hurt.” At this, her voice cracked. I can’t start crying now. I’m not a baby. She continued, “You’re always helping me. I want to help you, too.” Sakura bit her tongue. She would make no references to the past, though. The past is the past. Maybe because of exhaustion from that harsh day, or maybe because of the injuries on Syaoran back, a tear plopped down, soaking through Syaoran bandages. What am I doing? I’m so stupid. She quickly wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

Syaoran turned around and looked concerned, trying to reach out a hand and say something. Instead, Sakura interrupted, “No, I’m not going to cry and be weak. There are so many dangers out there, and somehow, I have wound up in the middle of them. I ask, why me? Why not someone else? But, I have decided to accept my role and try my best. Sometimes it’s so hard that I wanted to give up, but no, I’m going to face whatever obstacles come along. Look how far I’ve come, with the support of my friends. Even though there is a new enemy, even if there are days worse than this, I won’t cry.” She swallowed a sob.

Suddenly, Syaoran clasped her into a tight hug, squeezing his arms around her. She gasped. Then, he whispered into her ears, “Why do you always try to exceed yourself? Crying doesn’t make you weak. Though I don’t want to admit this, sometimes, I admire your persistence and ability to go on. So, cry hard as you want, when you are exhausted and tired from all the hardships you face. It will make you feel better.” Sakura’s tears continued to well out. “But,” Syaoran paused. . God, I can’t believe I almost lost you. Still, you are safe, here with me.  “Don’t ever cry because you feel lonely, because you are not alone, Sakura.”

Leaning her head against his warm shoulder, Sakura wept until no tears were left. I am not alone. Syaoran… After a long silence, she said, “Thank you. I don’t even know why I’m crying. Now, look what I’ve done. I’ve got all your bandages wet.”

“It’s all right. Thanks for the bandage. Now, stop worrying and try to sleep,” he said gruffly.

With a small smile, Sakura glanced side ways at Syaoran, who was crouching and trying to rub his bare arms. He’s so nice. Her bandaged head seemed funny, but the blood had gradually soaked up and stopped. She felt better now that Syaoran’s wounds were better.

“Syaoran?”

“Yeah?”

“Aren’t you cold?”

“No.”

“Do you want your jacket back?”

“No.”

With a sigh, Sakura leaned against the wide tree trunk and closed her eyes. What I’ve been through today is probably one of the most dangerous experiences. I really thought that I was going to die. I shouldn’t be relieved right now, since we’re still lost, but nothing seems to matter anymore. Not even that we are hurt, lost, with no food, hardly any suitable clothing, and we don’t know when we’ll be found. I wonder how Syaoran came to me just in time. Was it chance? Oniichan said that there was no such thing as chance. Thinking about it, I actually called Syaoran, Syaoran, today, instead of Li-kun. Did he notice, or mind? And… he called me Sakura. For some strange reason, she suddenly felt like crying again. He was so caring and gentle. And he said that he admired me? His arms are always so supporting, ready to lean on when I am worn out. Maybe that is why I like him so much. Gradually, she nodded off.

Syaoran gazed at her sleeping form, not minding that his shirt was sacrificed as bandage. In a way, I am not the Syaoran that I used to be. The little kid who used to like Sakura, making an idiot of himself is gone. Those times seem so far away now. I have changed since I went to Hong Kong, and she has too. It seems as if I am getting to know her all over again. Why do I bother so much with her? I can’t seem to help it. I try to stay distant from her, god knows why, but it’s so hard. No wonder she wept, after all the hardships today. Why is all this happening to us, anyway?

* * * * * *

“Wake up! It’s morning!” Sakura was extremely enthusiastic and buoyant as she shook Syaoran. She was trying to cover up her break down yesterday. Despite the aching and pain from her wounds, and the stiff neck from sleeping outdoors, she was feeling blithe.

Crankily, Syaoran blinked and stretched. “I didn’t sleep all night, and now that I finally did, you wake me up again. The sun’s not even up yet!”

“So? It’s still morning! Don’t you hear the bird’s chirping and the clear, dawning sky?” Taking a deep breadth of the tangy mountain air with the fresh scent of pine and earth, she sighed blissfully. Shading her eyes with her hands, she looked into the distance, “Look! The sun’s going to rise soon. It’s going to be beautiful!”

Syaoran also stood up and gazed into the distance as the sky turned from dusk to rosy pink then stared at Sakura’s joyful face. “Hey, do you want to see something? Follow me.”

He led her to the high mountain edge. As they emerged from the woods, Sakura gave a gasp at the gorgeous view. Spread wide across were the mountain peaks tinted crimson with the fiery sunrise. It was like seeing the whole world transformed, as the blazing light crept through the dark. As the dazzling sun rose out from the luscious green mountains, vivid colors emerged throughout the whole valley. Sakura grabbed Syaoran’s arm, jumping up and down. “It’s wondrous, Syaoran-kun!” She didn’t even notice that she was speaking his name.

“So you like it? Although we had some trouble here, I thought this cliff would have a great view in fine weather. Guess I was right.”

“I love it! Seeing such a beautiful things makes me want to fly.” Sakura stretched out her arms and was standing dangerously near the edge.

“Well, don’t you go jumping off cliffs. I’m not going to risk my neck to save you again.”

Sakura turned around with a smile as radiant as the sunshine, and at that moment, the golden sun was shining directly behind her and highlighted the wisps of hair that danced crazily around her face. Instead of watching the view, Syaoran watched her blithe figure. As she stood at the edge of the cliff, the whole world radiated behind her. It’s a new morning. For the first time, his scowl eased and the corners of his eyes were peaceful. He almost looked like another person. Sakura caught the almost wistful expression, which she never saw before.

“You called me Sakura yesterday,” she suddenly said.

“Yeah? What’s so special about that? Your name is Sakura, and my name is Syaoran, a perfectly fine name. My father named me small wolf, since wolves are always lonely, thought they don’t show it on the outside.”

“But—“ Sakura thought about all that while when they didn’t call each other’s name, after he came back from Hong Kong.

“You asked me before. Wasn’t it an agreement?” The corner of his mouth curved up. But why was it so hard for me to say your name again? It only springs out of my lips when I am about to lose you.

Looking down at the golden valley, Sakura remembered. In a similar situation, he had shouted her name, for the first time. He grabbed her hand, yet her glove slipped and she would have fallen, down to the void, but luckily, Cerberus saved her. Until then, he didn’t even call her anything. Yet, afterwards, she asked if she could call him Syaoran. They started calling each other by their proper names, which proved how much closer that they have gotten. Is this the same Syaoran that I used to know? Or is it someone different. Syaoran… your name has once more crossed my lips. She remembered; ‘Sakura, I’ll never let you go.’ His intense amber eyes and sincerity as he grabbed her hands tighter when she dangled off the cliff played before her eyes. He’s trying to make it sound as if it didn’t matter. Does it?

“What’s the matter?” Syaoran had noticed every change in her expression.

“Well, I forgot to say this to you last night, since we were both so tired, but… thank you. Thank you for all those times that you are there for me.”

For the first time in a year, Syaoran smiled one of his rare, true happy smiles. “It’s all right. You know what I like about sunrises, Sakura? It’s a new beginning of another day, where anything can await. A whole new day to forget the darkness of the night and erase all the pain and bitterness. It is something you can look forward to with a yearning smile. Do I make any sense?”

“Yes, I think I understand. Even if the day before went wrong, the sunrise can bring another chance to mend all the hardships. You can face a whole new day to start over again. There is never a dead end if there is a sunrise. You can seize the day and…” Sakura gazed at Syaoran’s intent profile as he gazed at the sky taking the moment to see his face clearly. He still looked like the boy that she had first met with the same deep amber eyes and chestnut locks, which hung, into his eyes. Yet, in his teens, he looked older, more experienced and taller. Now, he was several inches taller than her with broader shoulders. She had grown, but so had he. His whole face seemed more mature and his chin a bit more lean; the careless grin changed his whole feature. Even the long scratch on the side of his face didn’t mar the straight profile. Still, they both had a long way to grow yet and change. And I can get to know you all over again, Syaoran and see who the real person hiding inside is. The end is a hated word, for I am helpless to do anything. Yet, if there’s a sunrise everyday, I can always try harder and harder each new day. I know that we will face many more trouble, worse than anything that happened on this trip, but I won’t give up.

“I’m glad you understand what I mean. Some people don’t. Here, you’re going to trip on those rocks. Step back a little.” He held out a hand and Sakura leaned on it for a brief moment. From behind some trees, a certain boy and girl with golden eyes watched with a frown at the sweet angel and almost gentle, yet bold boy who balanced her. The blazing sun silhouetted their outline. Even further back, there was another girl, who busily videotaped in a major zoom with sparkling eyes.

* * * * * *

“You guys!” Just then, the magic of the moment was ruined, when Meirin came running to them. “Wow, I finally found you guys. Where were you two? Everyone is frantic searching!”

From behind them, Eron and Erika appeared, as well as Terada-sensei and some other friends. Eron smiled and told the others, “See, I told you I would be able to find them.” He looked mighty proud of himself when the teacher praised him. Sakura sighed. No matter how perfect Eron seemed, she could never forget that he knew he was perfect, himself.

Meirin continued, “When Syaoran went out and Tomoyo-chan followed, only Erika and me were left. And then Eron came back, all worried, saying that you disappeared. We were all in despair, but finally, the teachers found us. Everyone else was safe, except for you two. We all split into search parties.” Then she paused for a breath. “Man, what happened to you two? You look… ummm terrible.”

Syaoran and Sakura both exclaimed, “Huh?” Then they turned red, thinking about what they would look like to the others. Syaoran: shirtless (showing the bruises and cuts all over his body and the bandage), ripped up khaki pants, with only one shoe on, scratched, dirt covered, bloody. Sakura: ripped up shirt, overlarge jacket which belonged to Syaoran, torn shorts, bare feet, blood soaked bandage on head, shoulder, ankle, scrapes, mud, and a leaf stuck to her loose hair, in result of sleeping on the ground. They both broke out in nervous laughter.

“Eh he he he…” There was a dead silence and everyone looked mortified.

Then, Terada-sensei frowned, “This is serious. Never did such a thing happen before in the autumn trip. You two must have had an awful time. We need to get you warmly dressed, nursed, and tucked in bed as soon as we get back.”

By this time, word had gone around that the missing students were fine, and a crowd of teachers and students had gathered. Someone lent Syaoran a spare shirt.

Sakura suddenly asked, “Wait! Where’s Tomoyo-chan?”

Frowning, Meirin replied, “Oh no! I didn’t see her since she ran out after Syaoran.”

There was a murmur of horror. Then an amused voice said, “It’s all right, I’m here.” With a rustle, Tomoyo came from behind a tree, with her video camera.

“TOMOYO-chan! What are you doing there?” Sakura exclaimed.

“Oh ho ho! Video-taping, what else? I couldn’t miss the great opportunity to tape our brave heroine and her valiant knight.”

“Tomoyo… since when did you start taping us?”

“Oh, I don’t know, when Li-kun caught you from falling off the cliff? Anyway, everything was so romantic! And the ‘sunrise’ scene will become one of the most beautiful moments in the new movie about you that I’m making.”

“WHAT!”

“Don’t worry, though. Sigh. I fell asleep, somewhere in the middle. I hope I didn’t miss any significant parts. Yet, I do wish my video camera captured every moment, even while I was asleep. Do you know Sakura-chan, that you were leaning against Li-kun’s shoulder when you were sleeping---”

Sakura immediately blocked Tomoyo’s mouth with her hand, turning red. She hissed, “Do you want everyone to here about what happened? Sheesh, you could have at least told us you were there.”

Smiling Tomoyo said, “Then, I would have ruined the setting.”

Sighing, Sakura concluded that Tomoyo was impossible. She felt cold, just thinking about all the things that Tomoyo could have heard and seen last night. At least people had stopped staring at her.

Soon, the whole middle school were back on the bus, on their way back home. It was almost as if nothing had happened, yet so much had happened in that trip. Maybe for the better. ‘You are not alone, Sakura...’ Fiddling with her hair, Sakura blushed. What did he mean?

Wish-chan: Sigh, I had this chapter completed weeks ago, but I kept on adding to it. So, Sakura and Syaoran finally call each other by their names, and Syaoran tries to act like it’s no big deal. You know why? Because he’s embarrassed. He he. I tried to make this chapter some what more… romantic, though not exactly. I warn thought, this chapter was meant to be S+S in its extremes. I’m not sure if any other chapter would be like this one. Who knows… Guess what? Have you ever taken an English course where the teacher tells you about the Beginning, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, and the Resolution. Good news! Finally, the “beginning” has ended. Yup, all that was the beginning. (Gosh, how long is this series gonna be?) That’s why there is so much of this weirdness. I changed the title of this part to “Till the Sunrise.” I think you would have figured out why by the end. The dialogues are pretty significant!!! Next chapter would start focusing more on the plot and details and the past (I think) Oh yeah, congratulate me! I have actually thought out  (almost) all of the difficult story of the past. Change my words. I’ve got the basic story. Man, it’s getting more and more complex. Now, I have to write it, but what sucks is that I still have a lot more to write about, before I get anywhere near telling about the past.
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