LAST TIME

"If anything happens to her I swear I'm going to personally rip off that pretty head of yours. She doesn't need this crap from you…if she did she would have stayed in China to get it from Hiroshi and Mireille!" Syaoran stared at Chiharu, glaring as much as she was.

"Don't blame this shit on me. She's the one that jumped…she was the one that made me yell at her. If she wasn't so fucking stupid in the first place…"

"Uh…Li," Syaoran whipped his head to Eriol who was pointing behind him. Everyone turned in time to see Sakura spin on her heel and take off yet again, Aiko sighing in defeat as she crossed her arms and stared at the passive Li.

"Good fucking job," he just glared.

Tokyo, Japan

January 2025

7:30 p.m.

Chapter Ten : Tug-O-War

"Good fucking job," Aiko spoke dryly. Syaoran just glared at her and she bit out icily. "I'm not going after her this time. Your turn mister unless you want to face the crying wrath of Rika again." She pointed behind him at the surprised yet bitchy Rika who was ready to pounce. Even Chiharu was staring at him with a dirty look. Syaoran growled before going out, not at all missing the cheers from the others. It was his fault in the first place anyway so he shouldn't complain.

It had been awhile before he finally found her. He'd checked most of the rooms that she would most likely be at but no sign of her. He'd even checked out on the beach thinking she was sitting in the sand or on the cliff but she wasn't there. So you could say he was surprised to see her in the bedroom, roaming around searching for something as she mumbled to herself about nothing. She was still in the pink bikini Tomoyo let her borrow in order to go out on the water to find Bella. He said nothing as he watched her from the doorway. Watched as her tiny bony body slipped easily into his sweatshirt before she once again searched her bag and his for something. Her hair was knotty and in a sideways ponytail and he didn't think it was intentional. She suddenly groaned, cursing madly as she took a dive onto the large made bed. Her upper half disappeared as she searched the discarded clothing on the other side, checking jean pockets.

He couldn't help but laugh to himself when she tumbled off the bed in order to reach a pair of far jeans. A squeak had escaped her lips before she popped back up like a ground squirrel, hair even messier then before. Her eyes were slightly wide as if she'd done something wrong before she easily crawled towards the end of the bed. He soon found himself staring at her childish beauty as she huffed, getting to her feet with a pair of jeans she wore earlier before they went jet skiing. He leaned his shoulder against the door frame and studied the girl before him. She was beautiful with that dull look of sadness, with her red-rimmed eyes and pout stubborn look on her small face. Sakura pulled out a pack of blue packaged cigarettes and soon she was once again searching pockets for something else. Most likely her lighter. Groaning harshly so her voice cracked, Sakura went back to square one. Searching discarded clothing.

For the briefest moments she stopped searching and slipped on a pair of jeaned shorts. Then with a sigh she jumped up onto the bed, her hands on her hips as she gazed upon the slightly clothed scattered room. It was once clean and empty until she started looking for cigarettes and a small lighter. Like a child she bounced slightly on the bed, turning this way and that before she finally gave up and plopped onto her butt. Squeaking as she fell back against the pillows from her drop. Syaoran felt a sudden pain in his side and he winced, seething as he straightened up. His shoulder was hurting madly again. Sakura heard him gasp and turned startled to face him as she got to her feet. The sudden spin to the door made her trip over clothing and she fell on her butt. Cursing yet again, she groaned out the pain before calmly getting to her feet, facing Syaoran.

"Syaoran," Sakura spoke calmly, feeling a sudden pain in her chest at the sight of his pained look. "How long have you been standing there?" she asked, turning away as she searched her small handbag. He was hurt because of me. She reminded herself. Her eyes stung with tears as she remembered why she was up in the room. Why she was sore and slightly weak at the moment. Yes she'd forgotten all about the argument. Way to go Sakura. She scolded herself.

"Not long," he lied stepping into the room fully but stopped. "Listen Sakura I…" she spun around to face him, tears clouding her vision as she remembered everything that happened that day. Only a few hours ago.

"I don't think one person has ever taken me seriously. Not one person. I'm viewed as the depressed girl or a girl who needs special needs and attention…to be watched over carefully." She blurted out suddenly, surprising even herself. He said two simple words that made no sense to why she blurted out what she did. A faint blush rose on her cheeks but not enough to notice it.

"What are you talking about? I take you serious…Chiharu and Takashi…they-" she laughed, cutting him off as well as making him confused. Her laugh haunted him because it wasn't normal. At least any normal laugh he's heard from anyone before.

"Chiharu doesn't trust me. Never has and I doubt she ever will. Takashi…Taka thinks I should be a stoner like him to loosen up a bit. I've tried, just doesn't sit well with me. I've seen Kyle look at me. He's like Chiharu…doesn't trust me. At least trust me alone by myself. You. You even don't trust me alone and I've known you for a few days!" she snatched up a pair of jeans and searched the pockets, feeling her lighter. Mentally she sighed in relief as she took it and headed for the balcony doors. She paused only to laugh as she looked at him, remembering something. "And Aiko told me herself on the way back here that she thinks I'd kill myself if something too dramatic happened."

"That's because you go around moping and smoking." She merely scoffed at the remark, going out onto the balcony to light her cigarette. He watched silently as she took a long drag before letting out the stream of smoke from her parted lips. "Maybe people would trust you more if you didn't do things like disappear so much either." He told her, remembering the time in Hong Kong.

"You think disappearing for a few hours is bad?" she remarked tightly, smoke leaving her lips as she stared at him. It surrounded her before disappearing with the cool wind. "You don't know me as well as you thought because that…was nothing." She harshly spoke, taking another drag. The cool inhalant tickled her throat a bit before letting out the minty smoke. There was silence after that before Syaoran shook his head, keeping himself from biting out at her again.

"Listen I came to tell you sorry, not to start another argument with you." He told her. Sakura remained silent as she stared up at the dark sky. Clouds hiding away the stars and moon. "So…I'm sorry," he told her again after awhile. Turning on his heel he started for the door again. Sakura turned to look at him before sighing.

"Syaoran," he stopped but didn't turn around. Grounding out the rest of her cig she tossed it over the edge before going back into the room, approaching him. "Li I'm sorry too." He smiled before turning around, keeping his face expressionless to her. She stopped in front of him, her emerald orbs dilated from the inhalant cigarette she just had moments before. "I never meant to scare the crap out of you or start an argument."

"And let's keep it that way." She opened her mouth, stunned and a little bit angry at the same time amused. About to reply on that little comment Syaoran's lips on hers instantly silenced her. Smiling she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled away. Giving him one last kiss. He smirked looking down at her. "Smell like mints, taste like smoke." Was his inquired answer to his gaze. She laughed before going on her tippy toes and kissing him, letting her body get pulled to him hungrily.

…

…

…

Sighing grateful from the current drama going on in his house, Haku entered his once again cleaned kitchen. Mentally he made a note to thank Lana, their helper, for cleaning up after Rika. Going over to the fridge, he opened it and checked inside. He didn't know what they owned and that was sad. It was his house. But Rika and their helper were the ones that do the shopping. Deciding on just a beer he took one of the bottles out and slammed the door shut again, feeling the cool draft snap with it. Popping the top he took mild gulps from the Heineken as he made his way over to one of the stools at the bar. So much drama for such young adults, not even adults. There was Rika and the dolphin then Sakura showing up. Not to mention Nathan leaving Naoko. Even Sakura's friends were having problems with Chiharu being pregnant and not being able to have her drugs and drinks. What's a guy to do with the new house hold of people?

"She's a handful." Haku turned his head, confused by the sudden statement. Eriol smirked going over to the fridge and taking out his own beer. Popping the top roughly so it flipped high up into the air, he put the green bottle to his lips and caught the top with his other hand. A little trick he always did. Haku grinned at his blue haired friend. "I hope you know I'm talking about Sakura being that handful girl." Eriol finally spoke, leaning over the counter.

"I figured after awhile." Haku remarked before laughing. "Actually I thought you meant Rika, but I guess Sakura goes perfect with that. I'll tell ya, Tokyo hasn't seen this much life since you guys went to Hong Kong."

"That's because Tokyo's a boring city except for the delinquent problems that happen. But all the same, Hong Kong was boring too." Eriol's smirk returned as he pointed above him, indicating the second floor. "Until she arrived."

"So we thank Sakura." Haku raised his beer making Eriol did the same. They clanked together before chugging them. "How much of a handful are we talking about anyway?" he finally asked, making Eriol laugh straight out. It was the most randomness laugh coming from someone who started the conversation in the first place. But then again the look on Haku's face screamed to laugh. He was serious and scared at the same time. "Seriously though, from the experience I got today, I'm saying she's another Meilin."

"Not quite. Meilin's an annoying rich drama queen and Sakura's a…well she's just a handful." He watched as Haku twirled around his empty beer bottle. "Aren't you one of Sakura's friends? So you would know how much of a handful she is." Eriol pointed out but frowned when his blond haired friend shook his head.

"Not quite." Haku looked up into Eriol's passive look. "I was never around so I didn't really know her. She was just one of Rika's friends that I would hang with a few times. But just like that she was gone." He snapped his fingers to prove what he might by 'just like that'. "Why are you so interested in Sakura right now anyway? Don't tell me you're getting tired of Tomoyo." He joked, trying to find humor but only managed a weird statement.

"Far from," Eriol stared at Haku's amused face before snidely remarking. "Me and Kyle are trying to figure out the girl's mysterious past. So far we found out she has more mood swings then a pregnant woman when it comes to Syaoran, which, in his case is another Meilin to deal with. She has mad driving skills even though she doesn't drive regularly, she's one of Naoko's and Rika's best friends and her brother is…well…Race." Haku's eyes went slightly wide at the last part and all Eriol did was nod his head.

"Are you sure?" Eriol shook his head and Haku sighed. There was silence for a while before he finally remembered something. "Do you think her sudden amnesia has to do with Sion?" he looked at him funny and Haku quickly dug into his pockets, pulling out wads of cash and a piece of crumbled paper. Taking the cash, he stuck it back into his pocket before showing Eriol the note. Eriol pushed up his glasses, giving his friend a weird look before reading the chicken scratch writing. "I found it in the bag Rika came home with. She hasn't said anything about it so I'm pretty sure she doesn't know." He explained, breaking the silence.

"There's no name, why do you suspect Sion?" Eriol asked, giving the small note back. Haku shook his head, once again pocketing the note deep into his pocket.

"Just adds to her mysterious past. They might know something, considering the deaths of Race and Ruby were Sion's doing. It might have something to do with it we won't know until…" at that second the back kitchen door opened, silencing both males. Milay and Lane came crashing into the kitchen, lip locked and practically stuck to each other. They watched silently as Milay laughed through the kiss, making Lane walk backwards awkwardly. They crashed into the ice chest, causing Lane to fall backwards. Pulling away from Milay he fell onto his back painfully with his girl on top of him laughing like crazy.

"Shit that hurt." Lane cursed, groaning as he just lay there. Turning his head he looked at the two watching and grinned, moving his arm painfully in an attempt to wave. "Hey guys what's happening?" he asked, chuckling slightly at the looks on their faces.

"Where'd you guys run off to?" Haku asked, shaking his head as he watched Milay give Lane more pain as she got to her feet. Milay then helped him up before pulling her long hair out of its messy hair tie.

"You will never guess what we found so I hope you guys aren't busy tonight." Milay spoke, looking at Eriol and Haku with mischief. Haku arched a brow making her squeal in joy and him suddenly cringe from the noise. "Ran into Janelle and she told me that there's a major drag going on at the west bay just a few hours from here. I already told her we'll see her there so we can't just not go." Eriol spurted out some of his drink at the name of the girl.

"Janelle?" he burst out, ignoring the disgusted look on Haku's wet face. "She's back in Tokyo? Since when?" he asked. Milay gave him a dry look before walking towards the door, waving him off like he was just a kid.

"She returned today, wanted to surprise Syaoran tomorrow but since we're going to the drag…its no big deal." With that she blew them all a kiss and dragged Lane with her to tell the others the news. Haku and Eriol exchanged glances before following after her frantically, making sure she didn't let spill that Janelle part to anyone.

Hong Kong, China

Wet snow covered the pavements as she walked carefully across it. Her arms crossed over her chest, the sleeves of her grey jacket balled up into her fists. It was cold during the end of winter. She could see her breath in front of her more then she could see the smoke of the heated buildings. Turning into an alley she casted her eyes around. An opened bar was the only thing lit up in the gloomy alley and she easily walked up to it, giving the passed out guy against the wall a glance before entering inside. It was warm, almost suffocating her. Removing her jacket revealing a black and blue belly shirt, she walked down the small entrance hall into the main bar. A large man was behind the counter, wiping off an area while three guys sat around at the far corner, talking and drinking. Clicking her tongue ring against her teeth she approached the bar, getting the attention of the bar tender.

"Well if it isn't the sweet innocent Mireille with…wow…bright purple hair this time." He remarked with a large grin, tossing his rag over his shoulder as he planted two large hands on the clean counter. "Where the hell have you been all my life?" he asked as she slipped onto a stool in front of him. Placing her jacket onto the counter next to her she rested her elbows on the counter and tilted her head, letting her long magnetic purple hair fall around her shoulder.

"You know how it is, I've been tied up with that dumbass's fucking mistakes. Not to mention that bitch ran away again, this time her little stoner friend's took off too so we lost most of our business." She told him in a hushed voice, glancing briefly at the men in the far corner. They didn't seem to even notice that she was there and she was going to keep it that way. "I'll have my wonderful usual Tomi." She told him, resting her cheek on the palm of her hand.

"Strawberry Temple dry right?" he asked her. She nodded with a small smile and he turned his back, getting the stuff and making it. "Who took off? You have to many people working for you for me to remember at my old age." He explained to her as he placed a tall thin glass in front of her. She thanked him and sipped at the pinkish drink, letting the liquid go down her throat easily.

"Uh…remember Sakura?" she asked, taking another swig at her drink. The man nodded, getting his own stool and sitting on it as he watched the girl before him with interest. Mireille rolled her gray eyes to the top of her head as she thought. "She took off with Miharu and her boy toy Yamazaki. All I know about it is that I bailed a badly beaten up Hiroshi from jail and he gives me and Nick orders to raid her place for the money I used to get him out. And because he wanted Chiharu for some reason. He doesn't tell me shit what happens." She gulped down the rest of the drink.

Tomi took the glass and made to make another. Like Mireille he glanced at the others in the bar, they were still occupied in their conversation to even care. "That's a shame about Miss Sakura. She was such a cute quiet girl." He spoke, giving her the second glass. Mireille downed it in a single minute. He arched a brow, whistling at her courage. It was one strong drink. She shook her head when he offered to refill it.

"That bitch just signed her death wish. Mine too. If I don't get her back soon I'm done with." She sliced her bare neck with the tip of her nail. Tomi chuckled, shaking his large head. "Serious dude, Hiroshi's serious about this chick. Apparently she knows a secret or some shit like that." She slammed her fist into the counter, this time getting the attention she didn't want from the others. They looked at her; weird looks on their faces as they took in her attire. She ignored them, doing a weird thing on the counter top with her fingers.

"Well do you have any clue to where she'd gone?" he asked, his voice hushed. He glanced at the other men. They were still staring.

"She got hooked up with that stupid drag gang…uh…I think they called one of the Syaoran or whatever. She's most likely dead in a ditch now. That'd be good for me." Mireille growled, looking up when Tomi started chuckling.

"Syaoran…as in Li Syaoran. Well he's an old friend of mine too. Was in a day ago…he was saying how he was going to kill some chick for taking off like she did. His gang was going off on an emergency trip to Tokyo. Something happened up there so he needed to bring her along…do you think its Miss Sakura?" Mireille smiled, pushing herself up and kissing him on the cheek.

"You're god you know that. If it is them then you're god otherwise I'm bringing you down with me when I get into shit with Hiroshi." She stood back on the ground, grabbing her sweatshirt. Easily she slipped into it and took out a wad of bills. Placing it on the table she smiled evilly at the tender. "Now time for some fun," she winked and walked out. Tomi sighed, looking up when the three men started to leave as well.

"I feel sorry for whoever gets in her way." He spoke to himself, cleaning off the counter absently. Sure enough, yelling and the clang of trashcans could be heard and he started laughing.

West Bay, Tokyo

11:30 p.m.

"So this is West Bay?" Takashi spoke, moving out of the way so Chiharu could get out of the car. They arrived with Sakura and Syaoran while the others took separate cars and routes to the racing area. A thing they do all the time. Chiharu automatically latched onto Sakura's arm and stared bright eyed at the many people and their vehicles.

"Yep, this is West Bay." Syaoran spoke none to amuse. Takashi frowned, looking at the male for a brief moment before looking around as well. People were hanging around opened hoods, listening to music and checking out new and improved engines in their foes cars or friends.

"Not much is it?" he spoke tiredly, pulling out a cig from his pocket. Lighting it easily, he sucked at it like a joint before looking around some more, blowing the smoke away from the girls. "Hey look a keg. If you want to find me I'll be over…"

"Syaoran!" A shrill voice spoke silencing Takashi. Hearing his name being called yet again, Syaoran flinched. He recognized the voice. Confused by his look Sakura looked behind him at an approaching girl wearing the smallest dress imaginable. She didn't even think Aiko would wear such a thing and the dress she was wearing at the moment was supposed to be short. "Syaoran I got an early flight just to see you sooner." The girl came up to the group, automatically making her self attached to Syaoran. She hugged him, her right leg going up in the air like a damsel. Chiharu and Takashi guffawed as they watched the scene.

"Why?" he asked dryly, making her laugh. Sakura and Chiharu couldn't help but shudder at the sound of her laugh. It wasn't what you called a graceful laugh. He peeled the girl off and held her at arms length. Her platinum blond hair was cut short and wavy and seemed to bounce at the movement she made to get out of his grasp and step closer, latching herself onto his arm tightly again. "Janelle," he breathed out not able to pry her off this time since her nails were slightly digging into his arm. Feeling a sharp pain go through his shoulder he winced considerably. Takashi noticed it and nudged Sakura, pointing. Sakura had been staring at the girl the whole time, trying to figure out who she was. Seeing the pain in Li's expression she took a step forward.

"I think its time you get off. Syaoran's injured and doesn't need a prissy girl like you making him feel uncomfortable." She bit out as nicely as she could though everyone could catch the tone she held. It was obvious she didn't like the girl's attachment to Syaoran. Hearing her speak about his injury Janelle backed off and gazed at him, ignoring Sakura completely like she wasn't even there. Chiharu released Sakura, knowing she was going to blow any time now. So she attached herself to Takashi.

"Oh my poor Syao, what happened?" the girl asked in a seductive voice as she started lightly caressing his shoulder. Sakura's mouth went wide and Chiharu just stared in astonishment. She had major guts, this girl. "Can I do anything for you to make it better? Get you painkillers, kiss it, rub it…I know, I can get my daddy to give the number of one of the best doctors in our family." she continued on, even more seductive. Syaoran stared down at the blond, completely speechless and a little disgusted by her tone of voice. He quickly looked over at Sakura, remembering she was still there. The look on her face was far beyond the anger he'd managed to achieve. And the two standing next to her were just as angry, though they were finding little amusement in this. Mostly to his discomfort.

"Listen you stupid bimbo…the only thing he needs is you to fuck off." Sakura got out tightly, this time not wanting to sound nice. Chiharu nodded her head in agreement, making Sakura just look at her funny. Syaoran looked at Janelle, watching for her reaction. She was ignoring Sakura completely. Shit, he thought looking back at Sakura. She was taken back by the girl's action. Face set, she stepped forward and grabbed Janelle by the arm, yanking her from Syaoran. "Don't ignore me." Janelle snapped, yanking herself free as she towered over Sakura. She was at least a couple heads taller then her and she was wearing heels to make it even worse.

"Who the hell are you to tell me to fuck off?" she asked in a calm voice though she was just as pissed off as Sakura was at the moment. Janelle looked her up and down, taking in the Avril Lavigne look Sakura was pulling off at the moment. "Besides needing fashion help, you need to back up off me and go back to the middle school you came from." And she went back to Syaoran, hanging loosely on his arm as she once again asked him questions. Chiharu outright laughed making Sakura glare at her. She quickly silenced herself, though inside she was still having a small giggle feast.

"I'm Sakura Kinomoto and I'm about to be the girl who beats your slutty ass if you touch my boyfriend one more time." Janelle paused from messing with Syaoran who was disgusted and stared at Sakura. She once again looked her over as Sakura continued, finding her control over her anger.

"Kinomoto huh?" she leaned forward, brushing aside Sakura's bangs like she was a little child. "Well miss Kinomoto I'm Janelle Marswick, one of the multimillionaires in Tokyo and I'm going to give you a little advice seeming how your dear brother didn't do a good job mentioning it." That took them all by surprise, including Sakura. Chiharu and Takashi were wide eyed and mouthed, not at all knowing anything while Syaoran just stood there passive as ever. Sakura narrowed her eyes at the girl not understanding her statement. My brother? I have a brother? Shaking her thoughts from her head she held her gaze.

"What advice is that? How to act like a snob and sleep with every old fart around?"

"Clever," Janelle gave her a snide smirk before fluffing her hair absently. "If you dare lay a single finger on me and I can have you disposed off easily, even if you are a Kinomoto, I can have you gone." She snapped her fingers like that before grinning a toothy smile, leaning into Sakura's face till they were eye level. "So I suggest you turn around and depart like your brother." She whispered haughtily.

"Well if that's the case." Sakura turned around to face two confused friends. Giving them a weak smile she pulled out her cigarettes. Chiharu opened her mouth to say something but Takashi held her mouth closed watching as Sakura lit her cig and took a long drag from it. Grinning evilly she turned around facing Janelle. She was already at Syaoran's side caressing his shoulder and giving him soothing words that would make anyone vomit. Seeing that she wasn't leaving Janelle went silent and sighed stepping closer, ready to speak her mind yet again. Smiling Sakura stood on her tippy toes and easily blew the smoke into her face making the blond cough. "Nice talking with you Janelle." With that she placed the cigarette back into her mouth and slammed her fist into her face causing Takashi and Chiharu to cheer madly. Taking a deep breath, smoke leaving through her nose Sakura walked off, ignoring the wailing from Janelle as she held a bleeding nose. "Send the medical bill!"

"That little…ow…" Janelle whined turning to Syaoran who was grinning. "Well don't just stand there, go get me ice!" she barked out angrily before wincing in pain. A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye but she didn't acknowledge it as she whined.

"Oh sure," he patted her on the head before taking off after Sakura, placing an arm around her waist easily. Janelle's eyes went wide at the action and she hissed out. Disgusted she turned around and came face to face with an amused Chiharu and Takashi.

Gripping at her nose to stop the bleeding, Janelle narrowed her eyes at them. "What are you staring at?" she asked rudely before walking pass them, bumping Chiharu in the shoulder.

"There's not much to stare at." Chiharu commented snidely. Janelle turned around but she was already dragging Takashi away to follow after the other two. She made a face but hissed as agony overtook her expression. Turning back, Janelle walked towards a group of people she knew.

Sakura was mad at the small scene that just passed. Sucking in a breath, she tossed out her cig before stepping on it, letting two streams of smoke escape her nostrils. A hand slipped around her waist and she slightly jumped, letting out the rest of the smoke from her mouth. Looking up she met with a concerned Syaoran who was also a little amused. Figures, she thought cracking a weak smile to him. They walked in silence as they passed by a large circle of convertibles. Music erupted instantly from the only one that was in the middle of them all, surrounding Sakura with the hard beat of Marilyn Manson. A few leathered dressed girls greeted Syaoran as they passed but as much as she wanted to be bothered by it, she wasn't. Her mind was crowded with what Janelle had said before she punched her out.

"Do you think she was telling the truth?" she asked him. "That I had a brother?" Syaoran squeezed her slightly before loosening his grip on her waist. Sakura looked up at Syaoran, trying to read his face but it was at an angle in the darkness that she couldn't.

"Janelle spreads rumors all the time, so I don't…really know what to say. Go ahead and believe her if you like." Was his simple, spaced out answer. Sakura frowned. He was holding something back. Feeling her body stiffen ever so slightly he looked down at her. She was staring up at him with a weird look on her face. "What?"

"Is there something you would like to say to me?" she asked him, her voice amusingly menacing. He thought a moment, as they stopped. Chiharu and Takashi stopped as well, watching them like they were a movie screen.

"You look oddly cute in your skater get up?" she glared, not what she wanted to know. He thought a moment again then with a face like a child, "Congratulations on beating up Janelle on your first meeting." Sakura pulled away from him and glared. He was avoiding the subject they were talking about on purpose. She knew that and he knew that. "Happy Birthday?"

"My birthday isn't for a couple more months." She told him. Then with a forceful punch to his bad shoulder, she stood on her toes. "You're completely avoiding this. There's something you know that you're not telling me and I want to know what it is." Holding his shoulder Syaoran looked at Sakura with a serious face. She was right, he knew it but he wasn't going to tell her until she was ready. "Li,"

"Kinomoto," she hissed, though it wasn't out of anger.

"Hey love birds," Milay spoke from behind as she and Aiko approached. They two looked away from each other, weird expressions on their faces. Stopping in front of Sakura she crossed her arms over her chest revealing the same kind of paw print tattoos like Aiko on her breasts. Sakura's eyes went wide slightly as she stared at the two girls. They're like sisters, "It's going to be a girl's race and we're up against you and Aiko."

"What? Milay what are you talking about?" Syaoran asked, staring at the older girl with confusion. Sakura had no expression, just stared at Milay who was smirking slightly. Her hair was braided and hanging across her shoulder like rope, a weird green string weaving in and out of it.

"We heard what she did to Janelle and I'm taking her place in the race so I said against Sakura. I want to know from experience what kind of racer she is. You all make her sound like she's another Meilin so…why not?" she then thumbed at the girl standing next to her. "Aiko likes Sakura's racing so she's teaming up with her. It's only Tag, nothing dangerous Li."

"And a car? I didn't bring one for racing." He said, trying to get Sakura out of it. Milay laughed, her voice going above the music playing around them.

"Already asked Kyle and he's agreed. No more questions, we're starting in a few so get her ready." She kissed her fingers and waved goodbye. Dragging Aiko along with her, the two girls walked away. Syaoran sighed, looking at Sakura with a weird expression. Chiharu and Takashi finally walked to stand on either side of her.

"Come on then," he took her hand and dragged her off into the distance were Kyle and Meilin were.

…Somewhere above…

"That's her," someone spoke, pointing to the ground below them. Moving out of the shadows he peered down to where his friend was pointing and smirked. One gloved hand touched the glass that separated them, his hand sliding downwards slowly. Fingers curling into the palm.

"She's as beautiful as I remember." He spoke in a whisper. The person that pointed her out stared at him confused. Quickly recovering he sat back against his chair. In silence he watched as a girl started jumping around wildly, hugging and kissing a guy before he left her to go with two others. "Have you heard from my idiot brother yet?" he asked finally.

"No sir, Lefty only left a note about seeing the girl. Nothing more." Was the whinny response. He growled, hearing this. His eyes watched as the girl strode off somewhere by herself, her few friends watching her before they started smoking something. Then three girls went off somewhere, leaving the two males alone with her. She was still at a distance by herself. "Is she…" the person spoke making him glare at him.

"Go down and tell our angel that she's too do what's expected." He spoke roughly before waving him off. The younger man nodded, scrambling away in the darkness.

…Back down below…

Sakura stood near a bunch of cars, watching as a bunch of guys started messing with an engine. It was more fascinating then it looked. Chills were running up and down her spine and she couldn't help but jump when someone touched her shoulder. "Here, a token of our friendship." Takashi smirked when she jumped from his touch; smoke streaming from his opened mouth. Sakura took the small white cigarette and glared at him, not bothering to notice the redness in his eyes. He laughed thumbing over at the others. "Okay, okay it's also from Lane but mostly from me since I know you best." That just made her glare harden even more.

"I'm not dying you dip-shit. I'm only racing, Lane knows that too." She placed it to her lips and took a drag. Holding it in for a few seconds she let the white smoke leave both her nose and a small slit of her mouth. "Have you seen Syaoran?" she asked, holding out the cig to give back to him. He shook his head smirking evilly, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He was stoned.

"Have it, Lane has more if I want another." He placed his hands into his pockets as he moved on the balls of his feet. "Li's over with Eriol trying to get that girl from earlier to calm down. You really knocked her out. She's seriously planning on suing you Saku." He laughed. Sakura laughed as well as she took from the stog. "I'm going to go find Chi, Meilin and Tomoyo took her off somewhere because me and Lane started smoking. Something about it being bad for the babies." He thought a moment as Sakura's eyes went slightly wide. "Or was it just baby? Unless Meilin was referring to Chiharu and the baby…"

"Tak…" he arched his brows and looked down at Sakura as she stared at him. "Go find her. Meilin most likely was talking about Chiharu and the baby and you need to ease up on the drugs. Can't be stoned and raise a child at the same time." She told him knowingly. Takashi laughed, nodding his head as she started backwards, running into a few people. Sakura shook her head, blowing smoke from her lips. He was such a weird friend.

"Good luck with the race Saku!" he called before turning around and walking away. Sakura rolled her eyes turning as well and making for the car Kyle loaned her. She hopped over a few beer cartons and waved as Kyle spotted her. He was underneath the hood of his car, checking things before she went out.

"Yay, it's our favorite girl!" Meilin shrilled, running over to Sakura. Linking arms with her she walked the few steps to the Kyle. He lifted up, closing the hood. His dark blue eyes stared mildly at the bud in her fingers.

"You're not smoking in my car." He told her bluntly. Sakura laughed, dropping it and smashing it with the toe of her shoe. Meilin rolled her eyes at him.

"Gad, lighten up Ky baby." That only got her a glare from him. Meilin stuck her tongue out, pulling Sakura around the black mustang. "Okay Saku, I get to tell you the rules to Tag." Kyle followed them, his fingers sliding along the car. He stopped when the girls did and watched quietly as Meilin opened the door. "It's quite simple. Stay in front of Milay and you win. Aiko will keep Milay's partner from getting you. Got it?"

"That is simple," Sakura remarked, getting into the car when Meilin ushered her. Slamming the door, Meilin popped her head through the window smiling evilly at Sakura. "Heard what you said to Taka…confused him greatly about the baby thing but he just thinks you were referring to Chiharu and hers as a third person kind of thing." Sakura whispered. Meilin shrugged her shoulders, making her long black hair fall into the car with her hands.

"It slipped," she told her. Kyle wrapped an arm around Meilin's waist, pulling her up. Sakura smiled as the two looked down at her. "Good luck babe. Milay's major good, she won't go easy and Aiko…she'll try her best to keep the two of you alive." Kyle pinched her side making her laugh. Sakura laughed too, seeing the look he gave them both.

"Yeah. Stay alive. That's including my car Sakura." He told her when Meilin stopped laughing, only because he removed his arm. "Here's the deal. Stay above one sixty and below one eighty and I'm pretty sure you'll do fine…well…the car will do fine." Sakura couldn't help but roll her eyes, leaning back against the seat. Meilin elbowed him and he sighed. "And good luck."

Sakura laughed lightly. "Yeah thanks…"

Feed the cut and get in line
To live and burn is tug-o-war
Raped
Go back and forth until it's learned

"Okay! Aiko, Sakura, Milay, Jenny ready!" a girl shouted, cutting Sakura off. Sighing she looked away from the two and watched the crowd as they dispersed. Meilin and Kyle said their final good-bye and good luck before going off somewhere. Briefly she watched them go, absently wondering where Syaoran had disappeared to. But that quickly left her mind when the girl shouted to start engines. She hadn't even noticed the other three cars pull up besides her. Taking a deep breath, she started up Kyle's mustang and listened with a rough beating heart to the cool loud engine.

Sakura held onto the steering wheel, her fingers tapping in anticipation against her palm. Her nails felt weird, almost tickling. It was going to start soon. Everyone was gathering around, making a clearing for the four cars that were going to be racing. Sakura stared straight ahead, seeing Syaoran and Eriol in the front of the crowd. Her nerves eased, glad that Syaoran was in sight. She didn't even know she was nervous and until she saw him. Now she loosened her grip on the wheel, her body sitting back and untensing. For some reason his voice entered her mind. Telling her everything about a car from when she first raced. Closing her eyes she took in his deep, handsome voice. Making tingles go through her body. Smirking, she opened her eyes and saw a girl wearing a dark blue mini dress in front. She was examining all four racers before screaming ready. The second she said go and ran, it started.

To suffer now or nothing's gained
Then wake within a freezing sweat
Push and pull, collecting doubt
Starting seeds

Her foot went down, the wheels squealing at the sudden speed. Pressing down harder, to exceed her speed to a higher level, she did what Kyle wanted her to…stay above One sixty and below One eighty. She didn't know why he wanted her to, but she figured it was important. There were more people then she expected. Lining along the sidewalk and cheering on the drivers. Sakura bit her lower lip as she passed Milay's partner. The people were way to close to the street. Changing gears when the car started slowing, she felt it jerk before going faster. Faster and more smoother. Aiko came up beside her, blocking Milay from passing on the left side. Grinning, Sakura did what Rin had sorta done in her first race. She slammed on the breaks and made the first sharp turn, making Milay swerve away and slam on her own.

Lost inspiration, panic on the rise
A severed attempt ignored
The reason never outweighs the truth

People cheered, Aiko was laughing, and Milay only grinned. Sakura was starting forward at a quick speed again, catching up to Aiko and the other player. Milay right behind her. The turn had shaken them apart but everyone knew that they would be together again. Aiko slowed her speed, cutting off the other player as she went behind the speeding Sakura. She was gripping the wheel tightly sweat starting to build up. The move she made at shaken her up a bit, but her blood pumped in excitement. The next turn was coming up, the buildings closing in and people fewer for their safety. Sakura was in the lead but Milay was so close she wasn't sure who was going to make it. It was a one-way street because of the close buildings. All four players were becoming weary before Sakura did what no one expected. She sped up, cutting off Milay in a bypass and speeding up more. The car swerved a bit at the unstable speed, almost smashing into the wall.

So backing up and lean against
The liars club cometh shame
Wasting farther collecting doubt
Starting seeds

The sudden fear of crashing enveloped her mind and she began to slow down. Her mind clouding in a weird haze. A sick feeling started in the pit of her stomach, matching the thudding of her heart. Ignoring that, she checked for the other drivers before making the sharp swerve, the car going off course momentarily. One more turn…she thought, trying to overcome her fear. It wasn't working. She was going to fast for her comfort. The rule was to stay over a hundred and Kyle wanted her to stay below one eighty. Glancing at the meters she saw she was going one seventy-eight and the fear in the pit of her stomach grew worse. Loosening her foot on the pedal, she slowed down. Sweat began to build up on the inside of her hands again, making them slid from its grasp on the steering wheel. Tightening her hold the car did a quick swerve before she caught control of it.

Feed the cut and get in line
To live and burn is tug-o-war
Raped

Her vision was, for some reason, going hazy. Hazier then her mind was at the moment. Almost like she was being possessed to forget everything. Her surroundings, her life, what she was doing, everything. In the corner of her eye she saw Milay passing up and she sped up just a little. In the rear view mirror, Aiko was behind her, going off to the side while the other player went to the opposite. Sakura's hearing drowned out, becoming her heartbeat, giving her a headache beyond belief. A sharp pain shot up from her ribcage and she gasped out, removing one hand to try and numb that pain. But it wouldn't go away. The car swerved, making her dizzy. Gripping the wheel with both hands she squinted her eyes to see away from the pain but it was too unbearable. Aiko came up to her side, but Sakura wasn't paying attention as her car slowed. A numb feeling of immense pain crawling through her entire body…

So hand it off, don't care enough
Cause ignorance, is in blissful reach

"What the fuck is she doing?" Kyle remarked, watching as his car zoomed past Aiko once again, sparks flying as the left side scraped up against the brick wall. She'd passed her on the wrong side. "She's going to fast." He noticed when she almost lost control as it went towards the other wall. A small beep sounded next to him and he turned, staring at Takashi as he held the speed meter out.

"205 is her exact speed." He commented wide-eyed as she stared at the red numbers. Looking up at Kyle he didn't miss the shock and worry written across the red heads dark face. "That's bad isn't it?" he asked only to receive a glare.

Lost inspiration, panic on the rise
A severed attempt ignored

"She's going 205 in a 180 car. That's a little over bad. I fucking told her not to go above one eighty." Kyle remarked tightly. Takashi found his own panic hearing that as he looked out to where Sakura was on the road. She just passed a lime green GTO before quickly dodging over to the side, almost hitting a light post. Kyle swore before running over to the others at the front line. When he found Meilin he grabbed her arm, stopping her from her cheers. "Where's Li?" he asked tightly. Meilin merely shrugged. Taking a good look at his face she frowned.

"I haven't seen him since Sakura started. Why? What's wrong?" she asked, concern in her voice now. Kyle shook his head, heading off in the other direction. His combat boots slapped the pavement roughly as he took wide strides in his running. People turned to stare at him, but did nothing but stare before turning back to the race, cheering on whom they knew. Kyle sighed in exasperated relief when he found Syaoran talking with Eriol who held a nice wad of cash in his hand. Betting on the race.

Lost inspiration, never played the game
A severed attempt ignored

"LI!" Kyle yelled, getting his friend's attention. Syaoran turned to face him, waiting as the red haired teen finally came to a stop by their side. Taking deep breaths he pointed in the direction of the race, helping his point. "Sakura's going 205 according to the meter." He breathed out tightly. Syaoran frowned, looking in his girl's direction. Her car was perfect in the center of the road, blocking off Aiko from passing. It veered to the left and right every passing minute, but it wasn't near dangerous. When he said nothing Kyle made him turn to look at him. "That cars not made to go that fast. Sooner or later she will lose control and who knows what the fuck will happen." Syaoran's eyes merely went wide. At that second a squeal of tires sounded before a loud crash. Both males turned their heads.

"Holy Shit!" someone shouted and Syaoran and Eriol took off in the cars direction, money flying from their hands.

A severed attempt ignored
Feed, the last head trip

To be continued…

When someone dies you mourn for him or her. You cry and you say prayers for his or her spirit to rest in peace. You have funerals to bury him or her into the depths of the earth and place a monument on top of the grave in order to remember them for eternity. Then there's a case that some people don't mourn for the death of someone they lost. They don't cry and say prayers so the person could rest in peace. In fact that don't even have a funeral so the dead could be buried into the earth without a monument telling them whom it was that died. But then there's a different case in the matter. A case that someone mourned for the death of someone they loved and lost. But couldn't cry for it would show weakness, couldn't say a prayer for they had to leave. They weren't around for the funeral so they don't know what's said on the monument. In fact they don't even know there's a grave or that there's someone to mourn.