Amber and Emerald: Killer and Prey


Chapter Four

Comfort


Hey guys...sorry for the long wait for this chapter. I totally confused myself with this one. XD It might be kind of all over the place, sorry! Plus I got sick halfway through, causing the wait to be longer. =v= So yes, here you go! Again, review replies are at the bottom of the page. ^^ Thank you to everyone who did review!


Sakura rolled over on her bed. It felt strange; she wasn't used to it. She was lying on top of the covers, fully clothed. Syaoran was in the shower. She had a weird, fuzzy feeling in her stomach; it was like her brain hadn't completely processed that she was being kidnapped again. She gripped the sheets. Bu it probably helped that she wasn't in the trunk of a car, blindfolded and gagged. And Syaoran wasn't mean, either. He was actually quite the gentleman, not to mention gorgeous.

Compared to what my life is like normally… she thought to herself as the water stopped in the bathroom. A few seconds later, Syaoran stepped out, wrapped in a towel, drying his hair with another. He also had a supermodel's body, Sakura noted. She sat up slowly, her head turning to her captor. She finished her train of thought, I think I…kind of like this.

"Do you feel okay?" Syaoran questioned with a strange look.

"What? Oh…yes…" She smiled widely, taking Syaoran aback. "I feel just fine, thank you."

Syaoran blinked and mumbled, "You sure?" before walking back into his room.

Sakura turned on the TV. She flipped to a news channel purposely, to see if she was on it. Of course, she was.

She saw her father and mother, holding one another's hand tightly with nervous looks as they spoke about how worried they were, and how much they missed her and wanted her to be home safely.

Yeah, right…we both know you're enjoying it. Maybe only Toya's worried for real. She hugged her knees to her chest, wanting to cry. Her parents made it quite clear that they only saw her as a tool for publicity. Kinomoto Corp. was one of the most powerful businesses in Japan, if not the world. It's only natural that the heads would be ice cubes to even their own daughter. But for some reason, they liked Toya more. Sakura thought it was probably because Toya was better looking than her, and the heir to the company. Sure, she had the title of heiress, but everyone knew Toya would be the next owner. Sakura meant nothing to her parents. They're probably rejoicing right now.

Syaoran, noticing Sakura's blank expression, slammed the door loudly behind him as he stepped out of his room. This caused Sakura to snap her head up and realize that tears had been steadily rolling down her face since she turned on the TV.

"Uh…"

"Hmm." Syaoran walked over to the bed and sat down on it, beside Sakura. "So I made a big catch, eh?"

"Gomen nasai," Sakura mumbled, attempting to rub away her tears.

Syaoran looked at her. "For what?"

"For not telling you sooner. That I'm the heiress"— she put a lot of emphasis on 'heiress'— "of the Kinomoto Corporation."

"Ehh, that wasn't your fault. I should've known it was you, right? But you cut your hair since the last time I saw you on TV. It used to be really long, and your bangs practically covered your entire face," Syaoran said, waving off her apology.

"Yeah…I cut it because it was annoying," Sakura explained, touching her light brown hair gently.

"I'm glad."

Sakura looked at Syaoran. "Why?"

He smiled at her. "Because your eyes are so beautiful. They're what caught my eye when I first looked at you. They're so bright and lively."

Syaoran's face was very sincere; Sakura could tell he meant every word. It made her blush, but feel so happy. Usually, people would look past her to her parents, and all she would get to talk about was her parents.

But not with Syaoran. He was different. Right away, he had seen Sakura, not Kinomoto Corp.'s daughter.

"Sakura-chan?" he asked, his head cocked to the side.

She snapped back to reality. She smiled back at him, but still couldn't stop the tears from pouring down her face.

"Why are you crying?" Syaoran asked, raising his hand to wipe them away. Sakura blushed, surprised.

"…Are you really a kidnapper?" she asked quietly.

Syaoran chuckled. "You really shouldn't feel so safe with me, you know."

"To tell you the truth…I like this better than being at home. You treat me like a real person," Sakura admitted, embarrassed.

Syaoran let out a loud laugh. "That's a first!"

Sakura blushed. "Well…you know…except for the part where I know you're going to kill me…"

Syaoran wagged his index finger. "Ah-ah. Not me. Ayumu-chan will kill you. Hmm. Do you maybe want to talk to him?" Syaoran asked with wide eyes.

Sakura stared back. "Wh…guh…I…guess so…" she stammered.

Syaoran laughed again, clutching his stomach. "Oh, you're a riot! But I guess if you actually want to…"

Sakura, not wanting to be made fun of further, clenched her fists. "Yes! Yes, I do!" she told him defiantly.

Syaoran grinned and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a RAZR flip phone from it, and punched in Ayumu's number. It rang a few times before Ayumu picked up.

"Moshi moshi? Syao-chan?" he asked. He sounded relaxed.

"Ayu-chan! How're you doing?" Syaoran asked.

"Mmm…just fine. I'm drinking some fine wine right now…" he sighed lazily.

"Well, I got your exceptional girl here, and she's exceptional all right!" Syaoran announced happily.

"Ah! I knew I could count on you, my dear friend! I hope you haven't scared her witless already, eh, Syaoran-chan?"

"Oh, no, not this one. She's a real beauty," Syaoran said, winking at Sakura, who blushed yet again.

"Yes! Send me a picture with your phone, will you?" Ayumu asked.

"Sure thing." Syaoran clicked the camera button and pulled Sakura close to him. He grinned and winked to the camera, while Sakura looked surprised at Syaoran's sudden action. After a moment, Syaoran sent the picture to Ayumu.

"Wow!! Kawaii!! Isn't that…" Ayumu trailed off.

"Maybe," Syaoran said sharply. He wasn't sure whether or not he wanted Ayumu to know that Sakura was the missing Kinomoto Sakura. "She wants to talk to you."

Ayumu laughed and told Syaoran to pass the phone to her.

"Uh…komban wa…" Sakura greeted uncertainly.

"Hey, sweetheart, you know who I am?" Ayumu asked her.

"Ano…hai…a killer?" Sakura squeaked.

Ayumu chuckled. "That's right. I hope that you're enjoying your last days." Sakura thought that, like Syaoran, this man sounded very gentlemanly.

"You like green tea, sweetheart?"

"Hai…very much," Sakura replied. She'd practically been raised on green tea.

"Good. When we meet, I'd like to have some with you before your big--and last--moment. 'Kay?" he asked sweetly.

"Uh…sure…" He was really confusing Sakura. Was he naughty or nice?

"Well, I've got to go now, so I'll say bye."

"Right…s-see ya…"

She hung up the phone, and Syaoran looked at her quizzically. "What did you think of him, then?"

"I think I…like you a lot better…" she answered truthfully. "He kind of sounds really scary…"

Syaoran's gaze hardened a little. "He is pretty scary…"

Sakura leaned back with a sigh. "My fourth kidnapping when I'm fifteen, turning sixteen in two weeks…my parents hate me and I hate them…I've never had a boyfriend…and now I feel more comfortable than ever with my kidnapper…hahaha…pretty crazy, huh…"

Her angelic face touched Syaoran, but her sad eyes made him feel like he needed to cheer her up.

Sakura sat up straight again. "I guess I must be crazy, huh…"

Syaoran scooted closer to her and looked her right in the eyes. At that time, Sakura realized that his eyes were rather beautiful, too…the perfect amber. Syaoran lifted his hand to her chin and gently guided her face closer to his, and pressed his lips to hers all in one swift movement. They were also separated quickly; Syaoran dropped his hand and leaned away again almost teasingly. Sakura was more surprised than ever now; her face reddened as soon as she realized what had just happened.

"Never had a boyfriend, huh? Well, now you know what a kiss feels like," Syaoran said playfully. "I hope you liked it."

Sakura's face was priceless; her eyes were wide like saucers, her mouth hanging open, and her face a violent scarlet. She raised her fingers to her lips incredulously.

"Well then, good night." Syaoran stood and walked over to his room, closing the door quietly behind him.

When he was sure Sakura couldn't see him anymore, he turned a light pink. He didn't know what had come over him; she was just too cute, but sad. He didn't like seeing her sad; he wanted her eyes to be big and bright all the time.

Ayumu's rule flashed through his mind - 'Never fall in love with a victim.'

Syaoran clenched his fists. I won't! This is my work! No, more than my work! If I screw up…I die! He put his head in his hand. I almost never get this flustered! Besides, I met her two days ago, and she's fifteen. A voice in the back of his head sang, soon to be sixteen!

He shook his head, in hopes of shaking away his confusion. Of course, he failed. He simply crawled into bed and waited for sleep to overtake him.


Syaoran woke suddenly, covered in cold sweat. His stomach churned, and he whipped his covers off and dashed to the bathroom. He barely made it in time; he started vomiting as soon as he was in front of the toilet.

He had been dreaming again. The next part to his story with Ayumu was unveiled. It was short, and didn't have much information, but Syaoran had a feeling the next dream would.

However, with this dream, it ended with all the dead faces of so many girls. And he recognized each and every one of them.

He breathed heavily in front of the toilet. As he remembered the last part of his dream again, his face screwed up in pain and he retched again.

The door creaked open. "Li-san…? L-Li-san!" Sakura's voice cried from behind him. She ran over to him and rubbed his back. "Daijoubu?!" Sakura sounded really worried. Syaoran looked up at her woozily. She's going to end up in the end of my dream, too, one day…

"No…" Syaoran mumbled.

"Do you want some water, Li-san?! Hang on! I'll go get some for you!" Sakura stood up and ran back to the other room.

Syaoran was breathing heavily again, but he wasn't going to be sick again. He was sweating bullets, though, and in his fever, his only thought was no…Sakura…don't die…don't let Ayumu take you…Sakura…!

Sakura came rushing back with a glass of water, the ice clinking around in it. Syaoran gulped it down gratefully.

When he was finished, Sakura asked, "Why didn't you tell me you were sick?"

"I'm not sick. This happens every night."

Sakura's eyes widened. "Every night? Shouldn't you see a doctor?"

"I see all the people I've killed every night. And then I vomit. Do you think I could tell that to a doctor?"

"Well…no…" Sakura said uncertainly.

A silence passed between them.

Syaoran looked at Sakura, studying her. This, of course, made her uncomfortable. Why can't I decide if I feel comfortable or not around him? I guess my overall feeling is comfortable but some of the things he does…

"Wh…why are you staring at me?" she asked quietly.

"Why are you so nice to me? Why don't you just let me die? Then you wouldn't have to," Syaoran pointed out.

"Well…I can't just lie there and pretend I don't hear you puking your guts out! I feel like I have to help, like I'm indebted."

Syaoran studied her quickly once again. "You're very undecided, aren't you?"

Sakura blushed. "Maybe…"

He smiled. "Go back to bed. I have something I need to do."

"Uhh…"

"I'll decide this for you," Syaoran chuckled. He pointed to the door. Sakura stood up slowly and went back to her room.

After she left, Syaoran pulled the book out of his pocket. He scribbled down his dream as he walked back to his bed.

'I opened my eyes, dizzily trying to remember what was happening. It all came flooding back to me; I froze as I remembered the dead girl. I felt bandages wrapped around my head; I remembered injuring myself while looking for help.

"How are you feeling?"

My head snapped towards the silky smooth voice. My eyes focused on a handsome man with dark hair, smiling at me kindly.

"Oh…kind of dizzy, thank you…" I responded.

"That's quite a bump you have. But don't worry, a friend of mine is a doctor, he came over and checked you out. You'll be okay." He looked out the window. "And I take it the sedan is yours?"

I nodded. "Yeah…that was the reason I came to your…house." House didn't do it justice. Not at all. "It broke down. I was on my way to my friend's house."

"I see. I'll take a look at it later, then. But I think you should stay the night, and rest," he offered.

"Oh, no, I don't want to be a burden…" I protested weakly.

"Please, we both know it wouldn't take much to accommodate you for one night. Besides, it's already almost evening."

I smiled at him. "I guess so. Arigatou gozaimasu…"

"Mimasaka Ayumu," he said, filling in the gap left in my sentence.

I sat up in the bed, holding my hand out. "Li Syaoran desu," I introduced myself, shaking his hand. He had a strong grip.

"Now…there's something I want to ask you. Do you remember anything that happened before you passed out?" he asked hesitantly.'

That was all Syaoran saw in his dream. He closed the book with a sigh and gently pushed it back into his pocket. That didn't really reveal anything. Really, he had just been left with a cliffhanger, and he was dying to find out.

He glanced at the clock as he pulled the sheets over him again; three thirty. He set the alarm for eight in the morning and quickly lost himself to sleep.


Hmm...am I moving things too quickly? I'm not sure. It's not my favourite chapter, though, for sure. Please tell me what you think in a review~~


Review Replies for Dreams:

Iceheartprincess-mhaya: Hmm. I love it too! ^^ Thanks for reviewing!

Mew Mew Kazusa: Yes! Like, imagine if they had something like sushi in McDonald's! XD Really! Fatty, greasy, deep-fried sushi?! XD I hope they keep to hamburgers there, too! Thanks for reviewing! :P

phoenix20000: Thanks for reviewing! (Whatever happened to punctuation and grammar? XD Wow, imma hypocrite. :P)

Nicolette Aka Nikki-Chan: Holy crap! I saw your review and had to gasp for air! XD It's almost as long as Tanubi's! XD But it makes me happy that you do in depth thinking about the story! (Yay! I'm not the only one! XD) You're ideas are really good, though, however random they may be. XD We shall see if they compare to the real story... And I do believe awesome suspense is on the way. :P

animesforever: Isn't it?

Kwalaa Bear: I take no hostility or offense to reviews like yours, so no worries. ^.^ I quite like them, actually. They're nice and honest. And yes...I am no Quentin Tarantino. Unfortunately. XD The humour thing was just that my other stories have lots of humour in like every chapter, so I just wanted to point out that this one would be different. Humour only when it's called for. Which is...not very often for this one. XD Thank you for reviewing! ^^ I hope you keep reading!

Hime Kimiko: Thanks for reviewing!

StaroftheBlackRose: Yes, the news tells all. XD So I just revealed it this chapter. And no, it is going to be a completely AU story. No magic or anything like that. And I do have a Fiction Press account, but that site makes me mad because you never get any reviews on it. XD

Ghostly Priestess Kikyo: Really, I don't even know how I can make five-page-long chapters. XD My other stories aren't really that long. It's strange. And...morbid is good. Right? XD

Tanuokami: Mmm. Double cheeseburgers. :D And your number so wasn't totally obvious! XD

Thanks for reviewing, everyone! I hope you'll review this chapter too, or at least come back to read it!! XD