For the first time in what seemed like a century, Syaoran had a good night of sleep. He woke up to the beam of sunlight that shone into his eyes. His blinked a few times and couldn't remember where he was at first. Then his memories kicked back, and he knew he was in the home of that girl...what was her name?

Sakura...

He got up; rubbing his eyes, he looked around. Stuffed bears were piled up in a corner; the soft peach colour carpet seemed to glow under the sunlight. It was a small but cozy room with a desk, a bed, and two closets. It suddenly occurred to him that he could be in her room, in her bed. The idea made him turn red. He almost jumped to the sound of the door opening.

It was a woman with long and curly hair. She smiled warmly, and was holding a small pile of clothes. "Good morning, did you have a good night of sleep?" Syaoran blushed, and nodded awkwardly. She walked closer to the bed. "Good. I'm Mrs. Kinomoto, Mr. Kinomoto's wife." Syaoran nodded to her introduction. "My husband has told me about you." She said. "Do feel free to treat this like your own home. We are all happy that you are staying. But first, why don't you take a shower? I've got fresh clothes here you can change into. They're Kamui's old clothes, I hope they fit." She smiled again. "Let me show you to the bathroom where you can refresh."

So she did. Before she left the bathroom to let Syaoran help himself to clean, she made sure he still remembered how to work a water knob. Once she was gone, Syaoran slipped out of his filthy clothes, and stepped into the shower.

When he came out, all fresh and new, he was wearing a blue tie-dye T-shirt with a picture of Pochacco on it, and a pair of dark green trousers.

He proceeded downstairs to the living room and found Mr. Kinomoto already in there. "Oh good, you're awake. Come." He stood up from the sofa and led Syaoran in. Mr. Kinomoto was already in the room along with a teenage girl with short black hair. Mr. Kinomoto began to introduce them. "I believe you've already met my wife Nadeshiko Kinomoto. And this is Yuzuriha, our oldest daughter. Now..." He looked around, and asked. "Where're Sakura and Kamui?"

"They're out side in the yard." Yuzuriha said. She took Syaoran by the hand, and led him into the kitchen. "Dad's such a bad host, let me show you to where it really matters! The food~!"

Sakura sat on a bench they had in the yard and listen to the birds sang. Her mother was a garden person, so the garden was nicely trimmed and filled with flowers and plants of all kinds. It was not long before Kamui came to her. "Hey, that boy's up." She turned around, and replied with no effort. "Yeah?" Kamui tilted his head, and said. "What're you thinking about?"

She took a deep breath, and said. "Kamui, have you ever have this kind of feeling where you see a person for the first time and you feel that you know him but you've actually never met before?"

"Is that how you feel about Syaoran?"

"Syaoran?" She turned around and stared with a confused expression.

Kamui made a gesture towards the house. "Mr. Kinomoto gave him that name. Syaoran. It's supposed to mean little wolf."

She giggled. "That's cute."

"Well?" Kamui asked again. "Do you feel that way about him?"

Sakura turned her attention back to the birds, and closed her eyes. "I don't know...I feel that I've seen him before, but not directly..."

"What the heck are you saying now?"

"It was as if...as if I've been near him, I could feel his existence, not necessarily see him."

"I don't understand." Kamui sighed. Sakura shook her head. "I don't either. But..." Just when she was going to continue, she heard noises from the side. They both turned and see Syaoran came out of the house and into the yard. "Ah..." He looked at them, and said. "Yuzuriha...she told you two to come in to have breakfast."

Kamui walked up to him, and said. "Are you okay? Does your arm still hurt?" He stoke Syaoran's left arm. Syaoran shook his head. "It itches a little, but it doesn't hurt as much anymore." He looked up, and said. "You're...Kamui, right?"

Kamui smiled, and nodded. "Right." He turned and saw Sakura still on the bench; she hadn't stopped looking at Syaoran the moment he entered. He grinned, and headed into the house.

When Syaoran was left alone in the garden with Sakura, he felt uneasy. He didn't understand why did he have those feelings, but they were there when ever he saw her. She tilted her head and smiled gently. "Hi." The only respond Syaoran able to give was "ah" and a slight nod. She leaned forward. "I heard my father named you. You're now Syaoran, right?"

Another nod.

"I like it." Her voice sounded cheerful.

Syaoran met her gaze, and turned his eyes elsewhere with a red face. Then he started to listen to the tones of the birds. He walked up to her, and then he asked. "Can I sit?" She nodded. He sat down beside her, maybe further than necessary. They faced the opposite direction and started to listen to the chirping of the birds silently.

Minutes later, Syaoran spoke. "This sound. It's familiar." Sakura was slightly surprised; she quickly turned around and asked. "Are you remembering anything?" He looked at her and shook his head. "Not really. Everything just seems familiar to me, but I couldn't recall them from my head. It's driving me insane!" He dug his hand into his hair. Sakura was afraid that she might had upset him, thus she tried to sooth him. "It's okay!" She reached out and held his hand. "It'll be fine. We'll do it slowly."

He turned to stare straight into those emerald eyes. He blushed, and turned away. He felt warm and comfortable. He hadn't felt this way in a long time or...as far as he could recall. "Thanks." He said. Sakura smiled. "We'll do it together." She tightened the grip on his hand. "We'll have your memories back, I promise." Syaoran just nodded.

Everything was quiet for a moment, until Syaoran's stomach rudely interrupted with a loud rumble. His face turned to the colour of an apple as he lowered his head with embarrassment. Sakura giggled happily. "Let's go in and have some food first, okay?" Still holding on to his hand, she led him back into the house.

"Going out?" Yuzuriha almost jumped up when she heard Sakura's suggestion. Sakura swallowed the mouthful of coffee. "I thought he might find something he recognizes if he goes out..." She said, sounding less confident. Yuzuriha's expression turned worrisome. "But what about those men that are after him? It's much too dangerous to go out now."

Sakura sank back into the sofa. She looked at Syaoran for support, but he had his head lowered, probably felt ashamed for causing trouble around the house.

Kamui caught the look on his face, and calmed Yuzuriha down. "Take it easy, Yuzuriha. It might not be that bad. What I'm saying is he can't stay here all day. He wants to find out more about his past, it's perfectly normal." Syaoran gave him a thankful glance. Fujitaka walked in and said. "I think this might not be too bad of an idea." Everyone's focuses were on him. He went on. "I think Sakura and Syaoran should go out to find out more about himself."

"But dad..." Yuzuriha began to protest, but Fujitaka shushed her. "It won't hurt. I don't think the chasers expect to find him out in the open anyway." Yuzuriha gave up her case, and Sakura cheered. "Thank you dad!" She got up and gave him a hug. Then she went over to take Syaoran by the hands. "Come on, Syaoran. We're going out."

Once Sakura and Syaoran were out of the room to prepare for the trip, Kamui announced. "We're not going to sit on our butts either. Yuzuriha, why don't we two go on the internet and see what we can find out about Syaoran?" Yuzuriha nodded. "Right."

Sakura and Syaoran stepped out of their block. Syaoran was now wearing a white jacket. Sakura caught up to him, and asked. "So, got any idea on where should we start?" Syaoran looked from left to right. Then he closed his eyes, and concentrated. He opened them again, and turned to her. "The park, that park with the huge penguin slide. That's the only place where I feel attach to." Sakura smiled. "Great, we'll start there." She grabbed his hand and led him to the park. His heart almost skipped a beat. He looked at her admirably and followed in silence.

The arrived at the Penguin Park, and Syaoran looked around. The slide, the bench, the water fountain, and last but not least, the swings. He went over there and held on the swing's chain. It raddled as he went into deep thoughts. Sakura didn't say anything; she wanted him to take it slow, grabbing every clue possible. Then after a moment, she lost her patient to her excitement, and asked. "So...you feel anything?"

Syaoran open his eyes, the ember eyes sparked in the sun. "I've been here before, that's for sure, not just once either. It's like I used to come here very often." He turned, and headed towards the exit; then he stopped in front of it. He saw tire marks on the road just outside. Images flashed in his mind: rainy day, and the puppy. He crouched down and put his hand over his head. Sakura got nervous, and knelt beside him. "Are you okay?" She put her hands around his shoulder, and he held on to it. "Let's get out of here. This place seemed to be bringing back some bad memories. Memories I preferred to keep locked up." Sakura nodded and helped him up.

For the next few minutes, they walked in silent. Sakura didn't know about Syaoran, but she sure felt uncomfortable. She took a glace at Syaoran's direction and saw the same old worried and troubled look. She tried hard to think of something more or less intelligent to say, attempting to cheer him up. Her prayer was answered when she saw the amusement park two blocks down.

Sakura tugged Syaoran's shirt, and said. "Let's call it a day. Why don't we have some fun from now on?" She said, trying to grin. Then she pointed. "Let's go there and play!" Syaoran looked up and gave her a quizzing look. Sakura suddenly felt embarrassed. "I mean...I know it doesn't hold any clue to your past...and we are in the middle of something very important..." Realizing that she was making it sound more negative than she intended, she shook her head and started again. "I mean! You should just play sometimes you know?" She shot him a serious glance. Syaoran stared, and his lips curled up to a smile. Then came a nice chuckling sound. They were music to her ears. This was the first time Sakura saw Syaoran smile and laugh. She felt proud and warm, wishing she could make him laugh more often.

Syaoran calmed down, and nodded. "Sure. Whatever you like."

Sakura purchased their tickets and pulled Syaoran in. They started with the rides, and then moved on to the cotton candy booth. Syaoran was half confused at most of the time, but he was having too much fun to care.

Time was getting late, and they decided to head to one last ride before they head home. Syaoran chose the one ride they hadn't been on - the Ferris wheel. As they got on the small cart Syaoran's heart quickened at the thought of being locked up in small space with Sakura. He sat silently and looked at Sakura, who was looking outside and awing at every sight.

Syaoran sat back, and followed her sight. Clearly he didn't find the same amusement Sakura shared, so he asked. "What are you looking at?" Sakura turned to him, and said cheerfully. "Look, there's our house." Syaoran wasn't sure what she meant by "our", him and her or she and her family. He took a long outside anyway. "Where?" He asked, fighting back his blush. Sakura pointed. "There, look, look." Syaoran leaned forward. "I still don't see it." Sakura did the same. "You see, there's the penguin park. And see that huge tree just a few blocks left of it? Our house is at the bottom. See?" Syaoran focused, and saw the house with the green roof. He smiled. "Oh...yeah." They turned to each other at the same time, and realized their faces were awfully close. They stared at each other for a brief moment, and then looked away, both hearts beating fast.

Syaoran tried to look outside to calm himself down. Then something caught his attention. "Sakura." He called. Still feeling a bit embarrassed, she answered without looking. "What is it...?" Syaoran pointed outside and asked. "What's that building?" Sakura looked outside, and knew right away which building he meant. "It's my sister's old orphanage. Kamui and she used to live there before they were adopted years ago. Why?"

Syaoran ignored her question. "Do people still live there? Like orphans?" Sakura didn't understand the significant of that, but she answered it anyway. "I heard that it was bought by a big company a year ago. Then after that, it was abandoned." Syaoran narrowed his eyes. "Why would a company buy an orphanage? And then abandon it? It's a total waste of money."

Sakura thought hard, then answered. "Well, I think dad used to know the owner of that orphanage. That was why he chose there to adopt Yuzuriha. He said the owner faced bankruptcy and had to sell his properties, including this orphanage. That happened a year ago I think." Syaoran was still staring at the orphanage. Sakura was getting concern. "What's wrong?" He turned to her, and asked. "Can we go there after this?" Sakura didn't understand. But again, she agreed.

They arrived at the orphanage. Police tapes surrounded the place and weeds were growing out everywhere. Even though it was off limit, gangsters still came by from time to time to break the windows and spray graffiti on the walls. The building was a sad grey now covered with bright red spray paint. Syaoran went under the police tapes and proceeded ahead. Sakura tried to protest but he cut her off. "Wait here." She watched helplessly as he stepped over the broken glass and into the main door that was hung open.

He sucked in a breath of air. Ah yes. He was familiar with this scent. He certainly had been here before; not once, not twice, he practically lived here. He knew it. He walked ahead, letting not his brain but his feet to guide him. They knew the way around. He walked mindlessly, and let his body take him wherever it wished.

Sakura walked back and forth outside the exit. "What was the meaning of that? 'Wait here'! Does he take me as an outsider? Can't he tell that I care, too? Did he think that I was too afraid to get in?" She took another look at the creepy building and shivered. "Okay, maybe I am! But he shouldn't have said it!"

Then she saw movement. She hid behind a lamp pole and watched. She gasped at the sight. Men, all dressed in black were surrounding the building. Sakura knew they weren't cops, but what were they doing there? Why would the come to this empty orphanage that could contain nothing valuable? Then it struck her. What if they were here for Syaoran?

He walked passed the kitchen and the bedrooms. Past the classrooms and the playing area. He knew this place, yes. His body seemed to be concentrating to take him to a certain part of the building.

He stopped in front of a door. He looked up, and letters on top of the door were scratched off. This must had been an office, and the letters must used to be the owner's name. He was about to turn the knob when someone placed a hand on his shoulder. He spun around, taken by surprised. He was even more surprise to find it was Sakura. "I thought I told you to wait outside."

Sakura shook her head. "You don't understand! I snuck in here to warn you about..."

"There he is!" Came a voice down the hall. It was one of the men outside.

"Them!" Sakura finished. Then before she knew it, Syaoran was pulling her, running to the end of the hallway. Their enemy followed. Syaoran and Sakura took a sharp turn, only to see more men in black coming their way. "Don't let him get away."

With no other options left, Syaoran and Sakura dashed into the closest room and locked the door. It was one of the bedrooms with six beds in it. The men were banging on the door. He grabbed on of the beds and blocked the door. He knew it wouldn't hold for long, so he had to look for a way out.

Sakura ran towards the window, and was disappointed to find the windows all had steel bars over them. "They must've used these to keep the children from falling out!" Syaoran came to her side, and said. "That's so stupid! This is only first floor!" Guns fired behind them, and Sakura screamed. Syaoran covered her, and saw the doorknob was now bended. "They are trying to break the door! We don't have much time!" He turned around, and placed his hands around the steel bar.

He could only pray it would work. Closing his eyes, he tried to trigger the same thing that made him jump out of the lab the other day.

Emergency situation acknowledged...

Sending command...

Selecting level...

Level 2 activated.

Syaoran felt the surge of power rushing through his veins. Then with one big jerk the two bars came off. Sakura watched in amazement, but she didn't have time to be surprised. Syaoran climbed out of the window and helped her out moments before the men took a final charge at the door and invaded into the room. Syaoran gabbed Sakura's hand and ran out of the orphanage.

Yuzuriha hit the enter button and saw the screen slowly loaded.

She sat back, and stretched. "I give up. I don't even know where to begin. We've around looked for missing children, but none matches Syaoran's description." Kamui stood next to her, and tried to concentrate. Yuzuriha went on. "It'd be much easier if he knows his name, but the poor child doesn't even remember that."

Kamui sighed. "Name..." He murmured. He thought for a second, and then he started to type in the search word again.

He hit entered, and Yuzuriha looked puzzled. "What good does that do? I mean that's not even his real name." Kamui shrugged. "I'm just trying everything here. There's no harm in that. Besides, we'll never know what we'll find." The screen loaded, and they peered closely. The search hit one match. It was a news article about a year ago. Yuzuriha brushed her hair, and said. "Probably has nothing to do with him."

"Maybe." Kamui said, but he refused to give up. He clicked on the link and went to the page of the article.

They couldn't believe what they found.

Sakura and Syaoran walked in silence after they lost their chasers. Syaoran felt awkward, and Sakura didn't know what she should be feeling. She was completely surprised by what she saw; she felt that she didn't know him anymore. Syaoran broke the ice. "You must think I'm a monster." Sakura turned to him sharply. He went on. "Just like others would." He thought of Mr. Masaki and his frightened face. He lowered his head and said. "I...I can understand if you don't want to help me anymore. I know how you feel. I'm a dangerous monster that's being hunt down by even more dangerous people. It'll never be safe when you're around me."

"No..." Sakura felt her eyes were filling with tears, but Syaoran went on. "I...I knew that, and I still put your life in danger...I'm sorry. But I..." He looked away. "I wanted to be with you." Sakura let the tears rolled out. Syaoran continued his words. "It's probably for the best if I..."

"Don't!" Sakura put her arms around his waist and hugged his back tightly. "Please...please don't say you'll leave." She sobbed, and her tears wet the back of his shirt. "I'll never think of you as a monster. You're the same gentle and lovable person you are."

"But I don't even know what I'm capable of." Syaoran said. "Every time I'm in danger, I feel something trigger behind me and it strengthens me. They grow stronger and more vicious every time." He looked at his hands. "I don't even know what I am anymore..."

"We'll find out together!" Sakura tightened her grip; she felt if she lost her grip she would lose Syaoran forever. "I don't care what you are! You are you! I know the real you, and I...I..." Syaoran turned around, and she met his gaze. "I really like the real you."

Syaoran's eyes softened, and hugged her tightly. "But I'm...afraid." Sakura closed her eyes and hugged back. "I'll be here. I promise." She snuggled in his arms. "We can do this. We'll find out who you are, and we'll get rid of your enemies. Then you can live your life peacefully." Syaoran exhaled. "Do you really think I can do that?" Sakura simply nodded.

Sakura and Syaoran went back home. The first thing they saw when they entered the door was Yuzuriha and Kamui, both sitting on the couch with miserable expressions. Sakura stepped up, and asked worriedly. "What's wrong?" Yuzuriha lowered her head for a second, she tried to begin, but Kamui put a hand over her shoulder and filled in for her. "We tried to find some information about Syaoran online today. We've tried everything...we looked up your description in case it hits the description of a lost child, but we have no luck. Then..." He paused, and swallowed. "Then we took a very, very long shot and tried his fake name 'Syaoran'." He held it there. Syaoran stepped up. "And?"

Kamui looked into his eyes. Those amber eyes looked so innocent, just as innocent as they were yesterday when he collapsed into his arms. He was just a child, after all. Kamui swallowed hard, and smiled. "Nothing."

Yuzuriha's head snapped up. "We knew it wouldn't work, and it didn't." Kamui said. "I'm sorry, Syaoran. I know how much you want to know your true identity..." Syaoran shook his head. "No, you tried your best. It's fine." Kamui got off the couch and patted him on the back. "By the way, you must be tired, why don't you and Sakura go rest up a little before we have dinner?" The children nodded and headed out of the living room.

Yuzuriha frowned. "You didn't tell them the truth."

Kamui rubbed his eyes; the day of staring at the computer screen was too tiresome. "The truth will hurt him."

Yuzuriha shook her head, "But it's dangerous. They both have the right to know what they are in for." Kamui turned around. "Yuzuriha, what was your first reaction when you found out?" Yuzuriha was taken by surprise. She lowered her head, and concentrated. "I was afraid. It was like I don't know Syaoran anymore. I'm not sure he's telling us everything he knows."

Kamui glanced at her, and said. "Sakura will have the same feeling. It'll hurt her more than it hurt you."

Yuzuriha lowered her head again, she argued. "But what if he's hiding something from us?" Kamui held her shoulders and looked at her. "Yuzuriha. I trust that child. Would you have the heart to throw him out on the street?" She looked up, and shook her head. "No! Of course not!" Kamui's gaze softened, and held her close. "Then have faith." She slowly nodded, and relaxed in his arms.

That night, Kamui got ready to leave after dinner. As he put on his sneakers, Yuzuriha came. "Are you leaving? Why don't you stay for the night? It's getting late." Kamui smiled. "Don't worry, I'll be careful." With that, he put on his jacket and waved good-bye before he left.

The street was cold; Kamui put both his hands into his pockets. "So...cold..." he shivered. "Better get home soon." He picked up his paste, and started to jog. It seemed awkward with his hands in his pockets.

Then he braked. A dark figure with long coat stood before him. The coat waved gracefully in the wind; it didn't seem that the man minded the cold. Kamui kept his distance, and was going to turn for another way home when the figure called his name. "Kamui Shirou." Kamui stopped. And eyed the stranger suspiciously. "How do you know my name?" He asked. The dark figure shifted on his spot. "I know a lot about you, Kamui. Your past, your friend, and your precious Kotori."

Kamui's eyes widened; he took a step forward. "What do you know about Kotori?" He demanded. The dark figure giggled. "It's ironic, Kamui, it really is."

Kamui narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

The dark figure spoke again. "Who would have thought what you're doing right now will make you pay dearly in the end."

Kamui was confused; he shook his head. "What are you trying to say? Who are you?" The dark figure stepped to the light, and Kamui finally saw his face. The man had long, pale face with eyes as cold as the winter night. "I'm Fuma Monou. Kotori's older brother."

Kamui froze in his spot, staring at the man. Then he snapped back to reality, and shook his head wildly. "That's a lie! Kotori was an orphan! She didn't have any relatives!" Fuma closed his eyes, and began to explain. "Our parents were divorced when I was two. I went with our father, and Kotori went with our mother. We took separate routes and never saw each other again. My father developed ACME and became the head of this global corporation."

Kamui gasped. This could never be true. The man in front of him was the new successor of ACME, and further more, Kotori's brother. It was impossible. Fuma went on. "It was until my father informed me regretfully in his deathbed that I have a sister. He died in tears, feeling ashamed that he never got to see her grow up. I want to fulfill my father's last wish and find my sister. After I did my research I found that my mother was killed shortly after her divorce and Kotori ended up in an orphanage. I also found that she was adopted to a family with you, Kamui." He looked up, and Kamui thought he felt a chill. He continued to explain. "Unfortunately, I found that out two years ago. Only half a month after her fatal accident."

That was when Kamui knew that man wasn't a fraud. He was the real thing: Kotori's brother, head of the world's top technology corporation. Kamui sighed. "Is that what you want to tell me?" Fuma gazed at him again. "No, Kamui." Kamui looked up and met his gaze. Fuma demanded. "I came here to tell you that if you truly love Kotori, you would stop protecting that boy."

Kamui gasped. Was he talking about Syaoran? "I don't know what you mean..." He tried to cover. Fuma chuckled. "There's no point denying, Kamui. But you would stop protecting him, for both Kotori's and your sake."

Kamui began to wonder, what was the connection between Kotori and Syaoran? He squeezed his hands into a fist, and figured it wouldn't matter; he would not sell Syaoran out. "What's the point? Kotori is...she's..." He sighed, and whispered. "She's dead..."

His heart ached, he noticed that this was the first time in two years that the actually admitted to the fact. When Kotori died in the accident, Kamui saw the corpus himself; her death was so convincing that it was almost impossible to deny. Her cold hands and her cold lips all seemed so pale and...lifeless. But a few days later, Kotori's body mysteriously disappeared from the morgue. They never found her body. Kamui supposed that was when he started to believe she was still alive, somewhere, somehow; and one day she would make her way back to him.

Yet now, in the cold night, he gave up hope. He saw the body; it was real. There was no point in denying it anymore. Further more, he could never risk another life for his selfish beliefs.

"Why is he so important to you anyway?" Kamui yelled back. "Just who is he?"

Somehow, Fuma managed to smile. "You can ask one of your friends for the answer to that question." He started to turn away. "Of all the people, Kamui, you shouldn't be the one that's doing this. Just bear this in mind: if you protect him, you'll regret it. Hand him to me, Kamui, for Kotori's sake." Then smoothly, he slipped back into the cold dark street.

Kamui ran all the way back to the Kinomoto resident. He rang the doorbell furiously, and Yuzuriha came to answer it. "What the...Kamui! What's wrong?" She brought him to the kitchen and poured him a glass of water. He downed the glass, and steadied his breaths. "Sorry, but I had to head to the closest shelter." Yuzuriha pulled a chair and sat beside him. "What's wrong?"

Kamui hesitated. He looked around and said. "Where's Syaoran?" Yuzuriha gestured upward, and said. "He's upstairs with Sakura." She looked back to him. "Why, is it about him?" She lowered her voice. "Is it about what we found?"

Kamui ran his hand through his hair. "Fuma Monou, of all people, came to me just then."

Yuzuriha frowned. "The head of ACME? That's crazy."

"It's him." Kamui said. He explained his encounter with Fuma, and Yuzuriha shook her head. "No way! There's no way that Kotori has a brother! Kamui, they can be just luring you into giving Syaoran away!" Kamui nodded. "I thought so, too. I could never believe a stanger, and yet, he has Kotori's last name. And everything he said about Kotori was true! I'm confused...about Kotori...about Syaoran." Yuzuriha held his hand. "It's okay." She shifted in her seat. "So Fuma just gave you hints and left you?"

Kamui looked up. "He did give me one source. He said one of my friends knows the truth to it all."

"Who is it?" Yuzuriha asked blankly. Kamui turned and said. "You and I both know who he is."

Yuzuriha's eyes widened. With a nod, they headed upstairs together.

They found Fujitaka in the study room. Kamui knocked on the opened door, and Fujita turned around. "Kamui, I thought you went home." Kamui gave him a serious glance. "We need to talk, Mr. Kinomoto." Yuzuriha walked into the study with Kamui.

Fujitaka smiled, and sit down on the chair. "I suspect you would." He signed, and gestured them to take a seat. They sit down on a sofa across from the desk, and waited. "So what did you find out?" Fujitaka asked.

"Only a little." Kamui said.

Outside the study room, Syaoran was on his way to the kitchen for some water when he heard them talk. He was going to join in when he heard Kamui said. "We know you know Syaoran's true identity, that's for sure." Syaoran paused, and stayed close to the wall. Then he heard Fujitaka began. "Indeed I do."

"It wasn't hard." Kamui said. "After all, you do know Syaoran's real name."

"How did you find that out?"

"We searched the net. 'Syaoran' is indeed his name. We looked it up and hit an article about him with his picture." Kamui thought of the article, and he put his hands to a fist. "I want an explanation, Mr. Kinomoto." He looked up sharply. "Why did the article say Syaoran is dead?"

Outside, Syaoran gasped quietly. Holding his breath, he heard Kamui began again. "The article clearly explained that Li Syaoran was a victim of a car accident that happened a year ago just outside the Penguin Park. According to the article, Syaoran was chasing a puppy, and was struck by a van just outside. His condition was critical when he got to the hospital and was pronounced dead the following night."

That explained it, Syaoran thought. The tire marks, the puppy and his fade memories. But...

"But he is indeed alive!" Kamui yelled, as if he could read Syaoran's mind. "I thought the article was about someone else with the same name, but the boy on the picture...it was him! But he is alive and well! So why..." He couldn't go on. Beside him, Yuzuriha was trying desperately not to sob.

Fujitaka listened with patient, and sighed. "No he's not, Kamui." They looked up, shocked. He went on. "He is dead, Kamui. Li Syaoran died a year ago." He stood up. "At least...by law he is."

Confused, Kamui waited for him to explain. Fujitaka drew a deep breath, and said. "I...used to know Syaoran's parents. Mr. Li was a technologist and Mrs. Li owned the orphanage you and Yuzuriha used to be in." They gasped. "The orphanage?"

He went on. "Sadly, Mrs. Li died young. Mr. Li carried on his dead wife's wish, abandoned his research and continued the orphanage. After I adopted Yuzuriha, we never made contact again until around a year ago, when we heard the sad news of Syaoran's accident." He sighed again. "We knew Syaoran was all he got. It must've been a tremendous lost to him, so we decided to visit."

Yuzuriha sat up. "I remembered. So that was why our whole family went to visit the orphanage last year." Kamui turned to her. "You've seen Syaoran's dad?" Yuzuriha shook her head. "We were told to wait in the play ground while dad went to visit his friend." She looked up. "So...you were visiting Syaoran's dad?"

Fujitaka nodded. "Dr. Li...he was an amazing technologist. He...he was the one who brought Syaoran back to life."

One year ago, at the orphanage

Fujitaka walked with Dr. Li in the hallway, passing by laughing children. Fujitaka said. "I'm sorry for Syaoran." He closed his eyes. "I know what it feels like to lose a son." Dr. Li shook his head, and chuckled. "Do you really believe what the article says, Fujitaka?"

Fujitaka looked up, and asked. "What do you mean?"

"Syaoran's alive, Fujitaka." Dr. Li said. "He's right here with me."

After losing a son and a wife, a person's mind can crumble and speak nonsense. Or so Fujitaka thought. "Li, you're going mad. Are you sure you're alright?" Dr. Li shook his head, "No, I'm better than fine. You see, because Syaoran's with me."

"Li..." Fujitaka began, but he was interrupted with Dr. Li opened the door to his office, and said. "Step in, will you?" Fujitaka sighed, and went in. The room was dark, but from the dim light, Fujitaka could tell it was messy. Computer chips and wires filled every tables and chairs. There were devices for unknown uses everywhere. He glanced around as his friend walked ahead and turned on the light. Fujitaka gasped at the sight.

Syaoran was lying peacefully in a bed. Countless wires were attached to his body. At first Fujitaka thought his friend had gone mad and the boy was nothing but a corpus. But as he walked closer, he could see Syaoran was breathing steadily. Soft beeping sound came from several monitors, stating his heart was functioning perfectly. "Li..." Fujitaka was too amazed to speak.

Dr. Li checked the monitors, and turned back to his friend. "It's my project, Fujitaka. I've succeeded." He turned back to Syaoran. "Those morons back in the hospital couldn't help him. I had to take him into my own hands. It was bad. He was pronounced dead, Fujitaka, dead." He took a deep breath. "But I brought him back to life." He straightened up and started to check Syaoran's status on the computer. "My research was finally put to use. I replace parts of him with machines, and it worked. Fujitaka, he could be alive again!" He spun around.

"An android?" Fujitaka asked. Feeling silly about the idea. But Dr. Li nodded. "Preciously."

Fujitaka was speechless. He was almost certain his friend was going insane; yet here was Syaoran, alive. "Will he be able to move?" He asked. Dr. Li nodded. "Of course! He'll be able to walk, talk and do everything everyone else can do! He'll have no difference with others! But not yet, Fujitaka, not yet. I'm still missing one important essence." Fujitaka stepped up; beginning to think everything he heard made sense. "What's that?"

Dr. Li slowly turned around, and looked into him with a pair of soft eyes. "Do you...believe in souls?"

Fujitaka hesitated, and shook his head. "Ah...no. Sorry, I'm no a believer."

Dr. Li closed his eyes. "Not many do." He opened them again slowly. "But they exist, Fujitaka, they truly do." He turned around and brushed his boy's hair. "Everyone has a soul. It is what makes you think, what makes you grown, and most importantly, what makes you feel. Without soul, we're just an emotionless body. But the fact is we have feelings, Fujitaka." He touched Syaoran's face. "But Syaoran's soul was taken away when he died. No matter how hard I try, he will just be another machine until he has his soul back. That's why I've discovered soultech."

"Soultech?" Fujitaka echoed. Dr. Li nodded. "Soultech. Soul technology. It's the study of soul with a scientific perspective. Nobody has done anything like it before. I've discovered a way to create a human soul. It's still not complete; but once it is, Syaoran can be just as normal as your children. He can do whatever they do, most of all, he can feel whatever they feel."

Fujitaka looked confused. "How exactly...do you create a soul?"

Dr. Li held up a small chip. "It's all in here. This is what it's all about." He put it back into his coat and walked towards Syaoran. "Syaoran has got one of those near his heart. Where a soul should be." He sat beside him, and said. "I'm still trying to make it compatible. But it's going fine. My prototype is working great so far."

"Prototype?" Just then, a light bark sounded behind Fujitaka. He turned around, and saw Syaoran's best friend, Inuki, wagging his tail behind him. "Inuki?"

"That's right, Inuki." Dr. Li said, walking loser to them. "He was also involved in the accident. It was him that Syaoran was chasing when the accident occurred." He knelt down and stroked its fur. "It didn't make it, just like Syaoran. But I replaced his body parts with machines just as I've done with Syaoran, and inserted a soultech chip."

Fujitaka shrugged. "Looks like it's doing fine." Dr. Li got up. "Yes, but there's one flaw. It can't grow. It'll stay that size the rest of its life. I want Syaoran to live a normal life. I need a chip that can make Syaoran grows as he should." He looked at Fujitaka. "I'm getting close."

He pushed a button on a wall, and the curtain drew apart. Sunlight shone in, and outside, they could see Sakura and Yuzuriha laughing in the playground.

"This is..." Fujitaka began, but Dr. Li finished it for him. "It's a single sided mirror. One side is clear as crystal but the other side is a mirror. I open it to let Syaoran see the outside sometimes."

"What...?" Fujitaka turned, and saw Syaoran's eyes were opened, but only slightly. Dr. Li tilted the bed up to Syaoran could face the window. Dr. Li smiled. "It's all he can do up to this point. But in about a month or so, he should be about to get up and walk." It was impossible to see what was Syaoran watching under his emotionless eyes.

The room was bathed in sunlight and filled with children's laughter. Fujitaka smiled, and nodded. "Looks like you've done it, Li. Looks like you've done it."

Outside, Sakura looked curiously at the window, but saw nothing except her own reflection. She could have sworn someone was watching her. Yuzuriha called out to her, and she ran happily towards her sister and her mother.

Those images remained in Syaoran's mind.

Kamui was stunned by what he heard. "Are you telling me...that Syaoran's an android?"

Fujitaka rubbed his eyes. "I cannot give you the answer, Kamui. But the truth is, Li succeeded, and Syaoran was, as he says, was normal as one can be." He looked down. "It was too bad that Li couldn't see it."

"Syaoran?"

That surprised all of them. The three turned to the doorway sharply and saw Syaoran there. Sakura was the one who called him. Syaoran looked lifeless and empty. He whispered. "I'm sorry." Then he dashed downstairs, and out of the house.

"Syaoran!" Sakura ran after him, but he was out before she could get stop him. When she turned around, Kamui was already putting on his shoes. "I'll go get him, you wait here with your family." He charged out of the house, and into the dark street. Sakura turned to see her sister and father. "What's wrong? He seemed hurt." Yuzuriha hugged her, and said. "It's okay. Kamui will find him. Go back to your room." Sakura was worried and afraid, afraid that those men would get Syaoran, but she didn't argue. Yuzuriha let go of her, and she went back to her room.

"What happened after, dad?" Yuzuriha demanded. Fujitaka sighed. "Li must have succeeded, but the research put him in bad debts. The orphanage was sold to ACME, but they weren't interested in the orphans, they were interested in his technology, soultech. They wanted his research; they wanted Syaoran."

Yuzuriha gasped. "That's terrible! They can't treat him like an object!"

"But by law, Syaoran's dead and his is just another piece of property. When ACME bought the orphanage, Syaoran rightfully belong to them. Li tried to fight back, but they said they were willing to take this to court. Afraid that Li might speak too much...they finished him off. Then they took Syaoran away."

Yuzuriha sank into a sofa. "I can't believe it..."

"I don't know what they've done to him." Fujitaka looked out the window. Clouds were forming; a storm is about to come. "But only Syaoran can fight his way out of this one now."

To be continued...