Hey everyone! Here is the long awaited Chapter 12! Sorry I didn't update sooner, but I was busy with school and stuff. Enjoy!
I decided to delete and post this chapter again, since I found out some people couldn't get into this chapter (because it said like "File not Found" or something). I hope the upload worked and people can now read my chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 12
Into the Maze
Syaoran's POV
Toya…
Toya Kinomoto? Could it be…?
"Hey Li, what's wrong?" said Eriol as he sat down on the couch.
"Eh… nothing," I said.
"Are you thinking about Sakura-san?" said Eriol. I froze.
"Why do you always ask stupid stuff like that?" I asked, annoyed.
"Because when you get annoyed, it's true," he replied. "You were thinking about her, weren't you?"
"Not really," I said. "It's about her… brother."
Eriol raised his eyebrows.
"Wow I didn't know you crossed the other side," he said staring. "Girls are not good enough for you anymore?"
"Dude, shut the hell up," I said. "That's not it."
He grinned. "Let me ask you a question," he said.
"What is it?"
"Do you… like Sakura-san?"
"WHAT?"
"Chill out…"
"Wait, but what?" I said. "Why did you ask that?
"Uh well, it's sort of obvious," he said.
"How is it obvious?" I said. "And no, I don't like her. I—"
"Li… I would like to tell you some advice," he interrupted. "You should move on."
"What…?" I said.
"Are you an idiot?" said Eriol. "You need to get over Amamiya… seriously. She's dead, what more can you do?"
"She's dead… because of me," I said. "I..."
"That's why I'm telling you to get a move on," he said. "It's not fourth grade anymore Li. She's dead… we can't do anything about it."
"I know…" I said.
But… I can't let her go.
Sakura's POV
"I want you to stay away from him from now on."
What the heck was Toya's problem? Did he hate Syaoran that much?
Hmph, if it's because he's a guy, he should notice that he's a guy too, but with the qualities of a jerk.
"Sakura-chan, what's wrong?" said Tomoyo as she looked at my face.
"Oh… the tea is a bit too hot…" I mumbled as I placed the cup down on the table.
"Were you thinking about Li?" she said.
"Why do you say that?" I asked.
"Because whenever you are deep in thought it's always about Li," said Tomoyo. "You were thinking about him weren't you?"
"Well not really…" I said. "I was thinking about Toya…"
"He embarrassed you?" she asked.
"That's not it," I said laughing forcefully. "It's something else."
Tomoyo smiled. "Can I ask you a question?" she said. I nodded.
"Do you… like Li?"
"WHAT?"
"Aah, the tea!"
"S-sorry!"
I began to wipe the tea off my skirt.
"B-but w-what?" I said, my face flushed. "Why did you ask that?"
"Um, it looks sort of obvious," she said. I blinked.
"How is it obvious?" I said. "And of course I don't like him he's—"
"Sakura-chan… I think I should tell you something," she said. "You should open up."
"What…?" I said.
"You guys always hang out together," said Tomoyo. "And it's not because of the tutoring; when there are people around, you guys act like you never knew each other."
"There can't be anything between us," I said. "He's still with—"
"I don't think Li is with her anymore," said Tomoyo. "And I think you should at least try."
"I…" I said.
But… I don't think he'll comprehend. Wait. Try what?
Tomoyo's cell phone rang. She picked it up.
"Daidouji speaking," she said.
Her face hinted a bit of disappointment.
She hung up and said, "Ah I'm so sorry Sakura-chan, I have to help my mother with something."
"It's okay," I said. "I'll see you later."
She waved good-bye as the limousine came to pick her up and drove away.
Ring Ring! Ring Ring!
I jumped as my cell phone rang. I quickly picked it up and said, "Hello?"
"Sakura you picked up…" said a surprised voice that belonged to Syaoran.
"Yeah so?" I said.
"I thought that you were studying or something," he said.
"No, I was hanging out with Tomoyo-chan," I said. "Why would you say that?"
"Uh, because unlike you I have a life?" he answered.
Sigh. Same old bratty Syaoran…
"Um… do you need help on something…?" I asked.
There was a pause.
"Are you free right now?"
"Uh… I guess so," I said slowly. What is he trying to pull?
"I'm going to hang out with my friends," he said. "Wanna come? Your friends are coming too."
"Wait, what?" I said surprised. What the heck?
I heard some kind of impatient sigh. "I'm going to pick you up at your house at eight. You better be there, or I'm going to kill you."
"Wait—!" I started. He hung up.
What the hell? Now he's ordering me? JERK!
"Hmph," I said to myself. "I'm not going to go!"
And guess what?
I went to my house. Sigh.
"Sakura, are you alright? You're trembling a bit," said Yukito staring at me.
"Oh uh… ahahaha!" I said. "I'm okay!"
"Where are you going?" said Toya.
"Uh… I'm hanging out with S… with some friends," I said. I almost forgot… Toya told me not to be near Syaoran. I wonder why?
He stared at me, as though he knew I was lying. I held my breath.
"Don't be out late," he said finally. "I have work."
I breathed again.
"Okay," I said.
"Of course monsters like you always come late," he added. "Since you can't understand normal human speech."
"Why you—!" I started as I raised my fist.
Ding dong!
"I got it!" I said as I went to the door.
"Saved by the bell, eh Toya?" I heard Yukito say.
"Psh, she didn't have a chance," said Toya.
I opened the door and to my horror, it was Syaoran.
Damn it! I thought he was going to bring someone else! I should've expected that he would come here.
"Hey, not geeky clothes today," said Syaoran looking at me.
"Who is it?" said Toya. I heard footsteps coming to the hall. CRAP!
"Hide! Hurry!" I said as I waved my arms frantically in front of him.
"What are you doing?" said Syaoran.
"Just—!" I started, but I lost my balance.
"Yeek!" I cried as I heard Syaoran say, "Whoa!"
He caught me and we both fell down the steps.
"Sakura, what happened?" said Yukito as he came to the door. I quickly stood up.
"Uh, nothing!" I said forcefully laughing. "My friends came, so I'm going to go okay?"
"Hey that's…" started Yukito as he looked at Syaoran who was groaning.
Crap I forgot to hide him!
"Uh… uh…!" I said. Oh no…
"Hey did something happen?" I heard Toya say.
Yukito turned and said, "Nah, she just tripped."
Yukito….
"Really? What a klutz," Toya said.
Stupid Toya.
Yukito looked back at me and winked. "Have fun, Sakura," he said and closed the door.
PHEW!
I walked to Syaoran who was rubbing his head.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" he said.
"Eh, it's a long story," I said. "Sorry for going crazy like that."
"You don't have to go," he said suddenly as he stood up.
"What? You just said—" I started.
"I know… but I changed my mind," he said.
"Huh…?" I said.
But before he could say anything I heard a familiar voice. "Hey Sakura-san," said Eriol as he approached us. "You look cute."
"Thanks," I said smiling and blushing at the same time.
"Hey what happened to you Syaoran?" said Eriol grinning. "You look like crap."
"…"
"Let's go guys," said Takashi who came as well. When I went to the car, I saw Naoko and Chiharu.
"Hey Sakura-chan!" said Naoko. "Tomoyo and Rika are going to meet us there!"
"Where?" I said.
"It's a surprise!" said Chiharu winking.
Oh boy.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
I should have never agreed to come with them… I should have listened to Syaoran. Why?
BECAUSE WE WENT TO A FREAKING HAUNTED HOUSE!
"I can't believe this…!" I whispered, in near tears.
"Ooh I can't wait!" said Naoko, peering closer to the house.
Well it wasn't really haunted. It was one of those haunted maze thingers where people scare the crap out of you because they get paid to do it.
I saw Tomoyo and Rika waiting for us.
"Tomoyo-chan? I thought you were busy," I said as we came to them.
"Well actually, I finished helping my mother early," she said.
"Eh…" I said. "Why are we going there anyway?"
"Naoko-chan wanted to," said Rika. "She got free tickets for winning "best horror writer" in a contest."
"Congrats Naoko-chan," I said dully.
"Thanks, wow I'm so excited!" she said. "I heard this is the scariest maze of Japan!"
Nooo…
Everyone smiled except for me and Syaoran, who looked as though he didn't want to go.
"Let's go everyone!" said Naoko as she pointed confidently to the maze. "To the haunted house!"
Crap… I hate this! But I can't make Naoko sad; I mean she did win this and stuff…
"Agh…" I groaned softly.
"I told you not to go," said Syaoran softly.
"Eh?" I said.
"Alright everyone!" cried Naoko. "LET'S GO!"
Syaoran's POV
The line had a moderate amount of people. I still can't believe I got dragged into this place.
This is stupid.
I looked at Sakura who was obviously terrified. Argh, this is going to be a nuisance.
At least she didn't look like a nerd. She actually looked okay. This is my first time seeing her with a dress. Argh, what am I thinking!
"Right this way," said a worker as Yanagisawa handed him our tickets.
"Good luck guys!" said Sasaki.
"Ooh, this is going to be so much fun!" said Yanagisawa.
"I wonder what's in there?" said Daidouji.
"I hope they have special effects," said Eriol.
"Yamazaki, this looks creepy!" said Mihara.
"Don't worry Chiharu, I'll hold your hand," said Yamazaki.
Sakura said nothing. Neither did I.
We walked inside and the first thing we saw was some kind of bat statue thing. Sakura obviously screamed.
I guess the passages split at the middle, since we were given directions about where to go and stuff as a group. I saw Sakura trembling and closing her eyes, as though this was some kind of movie.
"Hey…" I said as I placed my hand on her shoulder. She automatically jumped on my touch.
"Y-yeah?" she said when she saw that it was me.
"I'll go with you," I said. "Don't be scared, it's fake."
"I-I know…" she said.
We all walked together some more (with Sakura squealing every second) and got to a huge room with split passages.
"Please be notified that visitors must have a partner only to travel through this section of the maze," announced a worker. "The maze splits into different sections."
"Oh no…" mumbled Sakura.
Eriol held hands with Daidouji. Yamazaki went with Mihara. Sasaki and Yanagisawa paired up as well.
That just leaves Sakura with…
"Hey Li, can you go with Sakura-san?" said Eriol.
…me.
Eriol and Daidouji went on the first passage. Mihara and Yamazaki went on the second, and Yanagisawa and Sasaki went on the third.
"Let's go," I said. Sakura suddenly clasped my arm and moved close to me. We walked to the fourth passage.
It's the same old thing for all "scary" mazes. Hired people come in weird make-up and costumes and try to scare you. Yada, yada…
I almost covered my ears from the last scream Sakura made when she saw a clown with a knife.
"I can't believe this…" I muttered as I saw the clown go to her and apologize.
"Hey dumbass, it's almost over," I said. She looked at me, and I was pretty shocked. She looked like she was going to faint. Her face was so white that I could've sworn that she was wearing some sort of mask, and she was trembling like crazy.
"You really… hate this," I said. She nodded.
Sakura's POV
I really hate this.
I really do…!
I really should've listened to Syaoran when I had the chance. Ugh… this place makes me so sick.
He must've sensed my queasiness when he sort of hugged me so that my face was nearly covered by his chest.
"Just walk, and if you're scared, don't look," he said looking ahead.
"O-okay…" I said, slightly blushing. Hey come on, he's basically hugging me.
Needless to say, I burrowed my face on him almost entirely throughout in the maze.
Then he walked a little slower; I guess that meant we were almost at the end. I wonder if everyone else finished before us. Syaoran and I were the only ones who went on this passage.
I peeked and saw a small light at the end of the hall. There was one more room and then… OH MY GOD, WE'RE ALMOST AT THE END! YAY!
Syaoran noticed as well. "Look, we're almost…" he started. Then he stopped.
"Eh?" I said, muffled from his chest (in case someone popped out). "What's wrong?"
"…"
I looked up and saw Syaoran, who was staring at something. Then I turned and saw…
…a group of bloody dolls (representing people) and a smashed car.
Oh no…
"S-Syaoran," I said. "Let's…"
"Ungh…" he gasped as he was staring at the scene in shock. He started to rub his head in pain.
"Syaoran," I said. "Let's go."
I grabbed his head and covered him with my shoulders. Then we quickly ran out of the room.
"Damn…it…" I heard him mutter.
We ran outside to see everyone else stare at us.
"I thought you were the one who didn't like scary stuff Sakura-chan," said Chiharu ("What?" said Naoko. "Why didn't you tell me!").
"Oh… uh…" I stuttered.
Syaoran slowly pushed away from me, with the look of disgust in his face. "Fuck," he said. "Damn… maze."
Tomoyo sensed something wrong as well.
"I think it's time we should all head home," she said quickly.
We all walked to the entrance (when we arrived there, the place officially closed since it was nearly 10 p.m.). No one felt very comfortable with the silence, so everyone started to talk about their experiences on the maze.
"Our maze was great!" said Naoko. "There were a lot of people that popped out at us! It was so fun!"
Tomoyo and Eriol smiled. "I liked it a lot," said Tomoyo.
"I liked all the designs they put in there," said Eriol.
"You guy were too fascinated by the stuff in there than being scared by them," sighed Rika.
"Chiharu didn't like it much," said Takashi. Chiharu rolled her eyes.
"That's because you were the one screaming Yamazaki!" she snapped.
"Hey, that bloody doll was pretty creepy if you ask me!" he retorted.
I looked at Syaoran, who still didn't look so good. He was sort of angry and sad at the same time.
"What happened in your maze," asked Tomoyo, ignoring Chiharu and Yamazaki arguing.
"Well… uh… I…" I said slowly. "I basically screamed at almost everything. And Syaoran wanted to go in this room… and I didn't want to so I… dragged him out."
"I see," said Tomoyo smiling. "No wonder; it looked like you really didn't want to go in the room."
"Ahaha yeah," I said scratching my head.
"Well… bye everyone!" said Chiharu as Yamazaki brought his car to drop her and Eriol off. Tomoyo (with her limousine) offered to drop off Rika and Naoko.
Pretty soon, were alone again after everyone else left.
"Hey, Syaoran," I said. "You okay?"
"I'm fine…" he said as he walked toward the parking lot. "C'mon."
"Okay…" I said dryly. Geez…
He looked like he was still pissed though. His face says it all.
"Hey," I said suddenly.
"What?" he said, a little irritated.
"You don't seem okay," I said. "Your face isn't showing 'fine.'"
"Better than your ugly one," he replied.
What the…
"What's your problem?" I said my tone with a pinch of anger. "I asked if you were okay and you're just snapping at me!"
"Look who's talking," he said. "I'm not the one with the loud voice around here."
"Syaoran… I know what you're feeling," I said (my voice calming) as I tried to touch his shoulder. "I know how much it hurts to—"
"Would you stop fucking saying that!" he shouted suddenly as he pushed my hand away. "You don't know how I feel!"
What the hell?
"But—" I started.
"Were you there when she died? Did you see all the blood!" he yelled. "Did you see her get hit by that truck and fly out of the car window?"
"No—"
"Did you see her mangled body!" he continued. "Did you see her die in your own arms?"
"…"
"You think you can help everyone, but you just can't!" he said. "You think you know what people feel but you don't! Get a fucking grip Sakura. YOU DON'T KNOW ME!"
Some sort of strong anger surged through me.
And then…
I slapped him on the face with all the strength I could gather.
He stared at the ground, stunned by my blow.
"Why don't you get a fucking grip?" I shrieked. "I never said that I knew everyone! I never said I knew how it felt to actually see someone die!"
He slowly looked back at me, with a red mark on his cheek and a shocked expression on his face.
"I know you lost someone, but you aren't the only one who lost someone you love!" I screamed. You think you are the only one who can get pissed off at people just because someone in your life is gone!"
He still continued staring.
"At least you had memories of her before she died!" I shrilled. "I can't even remember my parents! I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER WHAT THEY LOOKED LIKE!"
And before I knew it… there were tears rolling down my cheeks. I wiped them carelessly at the back of my sleeve.
"You know why you say that I don't know you?" I said. "It's because you push people away when they try to help you! Get a freaking grip Syaoran! IT'S YOUR FAULT PEOPLE DON'T KNOW YOU!"
I wiped my eyes again, turned, and ran to nowhere. I didn't care where it was, as long as it wasn't near Syaoran.
I don't know if he was running after me or not. I didn't hear anything behind me. Then I found myself a little far from the bus station. My pace died down to walking.
Stupid Syaoran…sniff…
Bastard!
I guess I'll just take the bus then…
"Hey pretty lady," said a deep, yet scratchy voice behind me. "Why are you alone?"
Crap…
Syaoran's POV
She slapped me…
She slapped me! She even cried too!
This isn't my fault; it was her fault for bringing it up!
Fuck…
Then why am I feeling so guilty…?
Sakura…
You…
ARGH!
I ran to where she ran off to, but she was nowhere in sight. Well I had to go after her; it'll be my fault because it was my responsibility to bring her home. Then again, I didn't care much.
Did she take the bus? I tried to call her but…
"The phone's owner is not reachable. Please leave a message after—"
"Damn," I said as I closed my phone. "The bus doesn't come in another five minutes…"
I ran to the bus stop, but I didn't see her.
"What the…" I muttered. "She's not…"
She's probably still pissed. Maybe she took the subway.
Sakura's POV
I learned that if a rapist or a kidnapper tried to talk to you, you would have to scream. Right? So I did.
I screamed once though, since it was so loud that they (as in four guys) gagged me.
"Holy shit, her scream's like a stereo," said the shady guy.
"Yeah, just hurry up and fuck her," said another. "Take off her dress."
They began to loosen the laces at my back. I began to scream, even though I was gagged.
Crap, I'm not losing my virginity to some freaking shady guys!
I scratched as hard as I could on the guy's face who was on top of me; he staggered back in pain. Then I kicked him between the legs. He made some sort of soft groaning sound from his mouth, and fell down.
One down, three to go.
"Ooh, she's a tough cookie," said one guy who grabbed me from behind. He pinned my arms down.
NO!
"Calm down pretty lady," he said. "This will be over real fast; don't worry."
I'm going to get raped. I might even die.
Damn it, I shouldn't have run away…
"Hurry up and—" started one guy, but something made him turn and get punched in the face.
"Yo," said a voice.
I stared.
It was Syaoran. I couldn't believe it.
"Who the fuck are you?" said the guy who got punched. Right after that he got kicked in the face.
"Hey," said Syaoran to the other three guys. "Let her go, and I won't kick your ass."
At first he sounded like some kind of superhero until he said the "I won't kick your ass" part.
"Don't think you can beat all of us…" started another guy. Syaoran kicked him in the face as well.
"Fucking punk!" said another.
The three other guys slowly got up and three of them started fighting Syaoran. The other one grabbed onto me.
"S-Syaoran!" I choked through the gag. "Run away!"
"WHAT?" he said as he punched a guy's stomach. "I can't hear you!"
Syaoran, you're so stupid. Why did you come?
"Fuck," said the guy who was holding me. Syaoran already brought down two people. The guy behind me let me go and started to run towards him.
Syaoran easily toppled him to the ground. Then he grabbed my arm and pulled me behind him. The four guys slowly (very slowly) stood up and faced us.
"Sakura… run…" said Syaoran, slightly breathless.
"No… I-I can't!" I said. I can't just freaking leave him…!
The four guys charged at us.
"THEN JUST HIDE!" he shouted as he ran in to fight again, pushing me roughly by the side.
Crap! I ran behind a building corner and saw kicking and punching everywhere.
Then I glimpsed one guy who slowly walked towards Syaoran…
…with a knife.
Oh my god!
"SYAORAN LOOK OUT!" I shouted as I tried to run to him. Syaoran turned to the guy, but the guy successfully stabbed him in the stomach.
I screamed.
To be continued…
Ooh, wonder what'll happen next? Next time, folks!
Author's Note: I have to admit this chapter was one of my darkest, maybe as dark as Chapter 7, but nevertheless I wanted to bring out how Sakura was feeling as well (about the whole death of a loved one thing).
Thanks for reading everyone! Please review!
