LAST TIME
"How's Sakura doing? She's still staying at your place isn't she?"
"Umm…" Haku fell silent, looking at Syaoran who looked away with a stony expression. Eriol looked at Sera with a saddened smile. Apparently they didn't know she was one of her close friends. Taking his sister's shoulder Haku thought of what to say. How to put it.
"What?" she asked, looking into his blue eyes before looking at the other two. They were just as silent and awkward. Only Syaoran remained standing and looking away and she knew from the way he was keeping his jaw clenched that he was mad about something. Returning her look back to her brother Sera crossed her arms. "Haku what's going on? Why are you guys giving me that look?"
"We kind of lost Sakura couple weeks ago a little more now Sera don't…"
"You kind of… what?" she yelled, making a good portion of the airport look at her and the guys.
Hong Kong, China (Jing's Café)
February 2025
7:11 p.m.
Chapter Fourteen : There could be Nothing after this Part I : Will you be There?
"So Sakura crashed and ditched a hospital a month later, just say this instead of telling me…an hour worth a story." Sera spoke, smiling gratefully at the young girl that brought her coffee. Haku looked at her dumbfounded, briefing a glance at Eriol and Syaoran before leaning forward to get in his sister's face. She was sipping cautiously at her drink, blue orbs watching them sorrowfully.
"You're the one that asked what happened and we told you, don't go telling us shit like this sis." He exclaimed snagging her coffee for a good five seconds to take a sip for himself before giving it back to her. She held it securely, giving her brother a look that clearly wanted him to step away. Her coffee not his. "God that stuff's awful," he remarked without thinking getting a quick glance from the workers across the room. They'd heard him.
"What do you expect? It's airport stuff," Sera remarked lowly, taking a long drink from it. The hot liquid burned down her throat and she gasped, eyes clenching closed as she waited for the burning sensation to leave.
"But we're not in an airport anymore." Eriol commented, watching with high amusement. She was exactly like her brother, only female.
"This is Hong Kong, the five mile surrounding of the airport is still the airport so the stuff is for the arrival departie people…" she glanced around before leaning forward pointing at an old woman wearing a Raven's leather jacket. "See that woman there? She arrived into China a roughly hour or so ago, maybe take some off that timing."
"You don't know that," Haku commented dryly, the look he was giving his sister was that of annoyed. He just hated when she did things like this.
"Sure I do I saw her come out the same terminal as you three." She drowned herself with the coffee, a smug grin as she avoided the three males. Eriol scoffed out a laugh, finding humor in the blond while Syaoran remained passive and Haku just glared at his sister dumbfounded. "Oh geese, stop being such monkey butts. So Sakura took off in her condition, which I guess you don't know how badly because she's been in a coma for a month…just don't worry about it so much. It'll ruin your already pathetic lives."
"You don't know anything," Syaoran finally spoke, words a harsh monotone that sent Sera chills. It was the first time since he'd spoken and truthfully she didn't want him to if he was going to be like this.
"Excuse me?" Sera sat back in her chair, brow raised, as she looked Li over. "I'm pretty sure I know more then you, a lot more and I'm not about to argue with a pretty rich boy whether I know shit or not."
"No, you don't know shit, argue with me or not but you weren't there to see the crash. You weren't there to hold her bleeding body until they took her away to the emergency room. Telling us to don't worry…for an entire month she was in a coma, no chance of waking up with vital injuries that would have killed a person instantly then she up and leaves and you tell us not to worry so much! See…you don't know shit of what happened Tskuino." Syaoran seethed, keeping his amber gaze on her. Sera got up at that moment, jaw clenched tightly as she pressed her face into his, leaving mere inches of separation. Both Eriol and Haku got up as well, grabbing her wrist to hold her back in case she decided to attack.
"I may not know what happened but I've been with Sakura for years. I know why she came to China, I know what happened to her for years while she's been under Hiroshi's control and I've seen what his stupid companions have done to her. I'm actually surprised she allowed you to take her to a hospital considering her fear of them, considering everything she's gone through with them. Her being unconscious was an understatement to that." She paused for a short minute before sitting back down, yanking her arm free of Haku and Eriol. "Don't…worry…" she settled with saying. People around them stared, having witnessed the interesting hostility.
"Why don't you want us to worry so much?" Eriol asked giving Syaoran a quick glance to make sure he wasn't going to try something stupid. He was silent and still, sitting in his chair like Sera didn't even exist.
"Her up and leaving is nothing new. Like I just told pretty boy here, I know her all to well. She used to always disappear on people without a word. Sakura would just…disappear and her apartment would be bear like she'd moved but come around a month or two she returns to the same exact place like nothing happened and take the same job with Hiroshi and live on with her life. I would be the only person she would ever tell that she was leaving because I would help her, give her a few hundred to catch the train at the same time she'd drop off Suppi and Kero at my place." She shrugged her shoulders, grabbing for her coffee and taking a long tired drink from it. It had cooled down considerably, the warmth soothing to her throat. Everyone remained silent after that, having nothing else to say. What sera just told them did explain a lot, to an extent that brought more mystery upon who Sakura really was.
Nathan's Apartment (Week passing)
1:21 p.m.
"You're not going to get me now!" Mark squealed his body moving in motion with the game he was playing. His arm lifted up automatically as his little black mustang hit a curb and flipped over flying through the air. "Oops," he groaned, as Sakura's own pink corvette drove passed at a high speed and green highlighted tire marks. Instantly fireworks light up on the screen as the scores and rankings popped up, ending the game. Tiny windows revealed the opponents positions, Sakura's in the lead.
"Ha, you were saying." Her body hopped cheerfully on the floor, legs kicking and sending the controller flying off her lap. Laughing and falling backwards so her head rested against the million pillows strewn on the floor she held up her hand to the youngster. "Cookie my dear," her black painted nails wiggled in waiting and Mark reluctantly placed a sugar cookie onto her palm. Rocking back up into a sitting position she broke it in half and handed one part to him. "Well I'm pooped," easily she got to her feet, stretching like a cat to reveal her navel and faint black marks. The remnants of her bruises.
"Awe, can't we play again auntie Saku?" Mark asked, rocking back and forth as he bit into the half cookie. Looking up at her he waited patiently as she bit down into her own half, emerald orbs smiling mischievously. "I'm positive I can beat you this time." He continued, trying to coax her into playing another round of the race. Covering her mouth as crumbs flew she shook her head. "Please, please, please…" he begged legs moving as he continued to eat and whine. Bending forward to ruffle up his, she shook her head so her hair fell from its tie.
"No can do sweets, hour of playing is good enough for me but you can keep on playing though, work on those mad skills and tonight after dinner we can compete." Straightening up, she started towards the balcony. Without another word Mark was on his feet and unplugging the second player and sticking in another game. "I'm just going to be out here," she called and walked out, leaving the sliding glass door opened a tiny bit to hear everything. Digging into her jeans pocket she pulled out a cigarette pack and a small purple lighter. Since her ribs healed to an extent she had begun to start again to the frustration of Dr. Miramichi. Lighting a cigarette, she let the first puff of smoke leave her in a cloud before making a seat on one of the lounge chairs.
Sakura adjusted to straddling the chair, the cigarette carelessly between her fingers as she pulled at her tangled hair. It had gotten longer since she last really paid attention and it was a good length before but now, it was reaching just past her butt. Marks laughter could be heard through the glass door and she smiled, letting a stream of smoke leave her parted lips. It coated the glass door for a few seconds before dispersing, revealing a dancing Mark in his victor of winning a game. Most likely playing the game she'd gotten for him a few days ago on one of her many random breathers. Pulling her gaze away she stared up at the bright sky, becoming oblivious to everything. It amazed her how only a month ago she was practically dying and hurting Nathan to just take care of her instead of going to a hospital, which she had left in the first place. It amazed her that she had healed with the odd help from Dr. Miramichi, a man she disliked greatly.
"Ha, ha, ha, I beat your score Sakura!" Mark called out loudly, briefly turning his head at her. His brown eyes were large with excitement, causing her to smile. Giving him a safe nod, she smashed up the almost dead cigarette and breathed in the air. She could feel his eyes on her for a few more seconds before returning to the Dragon Ball Z game. One of her desperately painful days had scared Mark and since then she's been doing all she could to ease him, get him to forget that she had been injured to death. The kid still thought she was an Alien with the way she acted, which was all right, he needed an excuse to her endless screams at night and morning groans of stiffness. Not to mention the discoloration she had on her stomach.
Starting up another cig, she decided she wasn't ready to go back inside. Not now at least. Blowing out smoke, she turned to look down at the busy street from between the balcony's wood. Cars drove at sensual speeds, pedestrians on foot or bikes occasionally making a chance across the street. She even saw people on roller blades. A rare thing in the new age. At times while she sat outside she would believe that they would pass by. They being Syaoran or Rika, or even Lefty. The doorbell took her by surprise and she swallowed her inhale of smoke and began coughing madly. Her eyes began to water as she breathed deeply, gulping some of the air until her coughing subsided. Scrunching up the cigarette she tossed it over the ledge like all the other ones and went back inside, the air-condition making a big difference on her skin then the muggy air outside.
"What's the magic word!" she heard Mark say from the door. Laughing to herself she leaned against the wall and watched him from the entryway of the hall. Since the interesting reunion with Kyle, Mark has been asking people the magic word just in case it was another surprise visit from someone else. Most likely Naoko. "No you have to say the magic word," Mark was saying when the person asked to be let in anyway.
"Popcorn guacamole? I don't know. I've got pizza though." Kyle's voice spoke through making Mark yip in joy and open the door. It always ended up being Kyle when Mark answered the door so there was no real point in the whole thing. Sakura raised her brows as Kyle walked in casually with a box of Bruno's pizza. The smell wafting up her nose when he came over to give her a hug with his bad arm. The arm that she never figured out what happened. "Nathan not here?" he asked, casting his eyes over the small apartment before walking with Marks tug towards the kitchen.
"Nah, he's at work. I believe he's coming home around four today." Sakura told him, following after the two.
"Oh yeah I suppose he does have a job doesn't he?" Kyle remarked with a small hint of knowing as he grabbed a slice of olive pizza and went to lean against a clean counter. Sakura nodded dumbly grabbing for a slice of her own. Smoking had made her hungry. Something that's never happened before. Usually "When did you start smoking again?" he asked with a carefree tone, biting deeply into his food. She looked up at him, eyes automatically narrowing in defense.
"Why?" Sakura asked without caring if her voice was sharp or not. Jumping atop the sink she ate the rest of her pizza before wiping her hands on her jeans. "Mark don't do that sweetie," she scolded watching from the corner of her eye as he started peeling the cheese and toppings off and licking the sauce right off the dough, some of it not making his mouth.
"I saw you from the streets and I can smell it on you, I was just wondering so don't get defensive on me Saku." Kyle shrugged his broad shoulders leaning forward for another slice.
"Sorry," her voice was soft but he heard it and grinned, pizza slice between his teeth. She wrinkled her nose and laughed jumping down from the counter to get something to drink. "Want something?" she bent at the hip to peer fully into the fridge. "We have juice, beer, water, sake, and I think that's lemonade…yeah that's the spiked lemonade one of Nat's friends brought over last night." She looked up at Kyle expectantly, an innocent look on her face.
"Juice, juice!" Mark squealed, devouring a third pizza. Sakura nodded her head snatching up a juice box.
"Let's try that lemonade then," Kyle spoke, not really caring.
Hour later…
"Let's play a game!" Sakura suddenly spoke, her voice a high pitch. Mark said nothing as he got to his feet, running quickly down the hall and into the bathroom. Making a weird face, Sakura tumbled around so she was on her back and looking at Kyle with wide emerald eyes. Kyle was on the couch, playing Mark's video game. They had migrated from food to playing games, of course slightly buzzed except for Mark. "Did you hear me?" she said almost desperately grabbing his foot. Pausing the game he looked down at her with his blue eyes, a rather interesting grin on his face. "What?"
"One…" he began to count. Sakura furrowed her brows and rolled again, elbows propping her up, as she looked at him right side up. "Two…" he continued and she was getting confused. Why was he counting? As his mouth formed the three she suddenly heard the bathroom door slam open and Mark's high pitched joyful voice singing the dooms day song from Invader Zim. "THREE!" Kyle yelled and Sakura lost all sense in the world as she was squirted in the face by water. Screaming she scrambled to her feet and ran after the eight-year-old only to get a double attack by Kyle, hidden water gun beneath his butt. She screamed even louder, standing still and taking the attacks.
"I'm going to get you for this!" she yelled when they stopped. Looking from one male to the other she contemplated a plan, not sure how to get back at them. Narrowed eyes landed on Kyle and she athletically jumped over the couch, tackling him to the ground. Fingers tickled her side and she began laughing, struggling away from them as she tried grabbing the water gun. Mark came around and stood at a distance, evil glint in his brown eyes. Both stopped and looked at him before wrestling for the gun. Right on target, Mark began squirting the both causing Sakura to squeal at the cold liquid and fingers continuously tickling her sides. "Okay, okay I give up…I give up!" she called out, struggling away from Kyle's grasp.
"Ah I'm out of water." Mark exclaimed making Sakura shake her head and laugh. Getting to her feet she looked down at her wet body then at Mark who was drenched from Kyle's gun. Even Kyle was wet which was fine, as long as she wasn't the only victim in the interesting war. A phone rang and he got to his feet to answer his cell, a blue light dancing around the front as he checked the ID. Sakura gave him a smug look before rounding on the kid, predatory crouch in the move. Meowing and clawing she approached at a sideways speed.
"Hello?" Kyle answered with a laugh. Sakura easily snatched up Mark before he could protest and carried him out of the living room, dragging him towards his room so he could change. The kid was heavier then most expected from the tiny form and Sakura easily dropped him onto his bed. He made a weird noise, making his body bounce on the mattress. He froze, seeming defeat and watched with half closed lids as Sakura moved around to his dresser, aiming to get him dry clothing. Kyle's voice was distant in the back and he sounded distressed; pausing her only for a second in her goal for clothes. Trying to ignore being nosy she jumped over Mark's car bed and grabbed him, making him laugh with a high pitch squeal.
"Trying to escape me ya little rodent," she spoke in a funny accent making him squeal as her breath tickled his ear. Lifting him up and bending backwards she swung and waddled back to his bed. He wiggled and laughed, sliding downwards so his arms were up in the air and she couldn't hold onto him any longer. Wet clothing moved upwards with his body, revealing his white stomach and she tickled him the second he dropped back to the bed. Laughing harder, Mark moved to get away from her fingers and made a run for the door. "Hey!" she whined, going after him. He ran fast, dodging shelves as he made for the living room. Sakura pursued slowly, not wanting to run. "Ma-a-ark-ie-e," she called waddling right passed him and his hiding place beneath a table full of photos. He held in a laugh and she smirked, knowing he was there.
"You can't catch me Sakura," he spoke the second she was at the kitchen opening. Jumping and spinning around she gave him a goofy face making him freeze in running away and laugh, holding his stomach and going forward. She took that opportunity and grabbed him, bringing him up and around to rest against her hip. Though it hurt a little bit, she managed to keep her body at an angle so he wouldn't fall. Kyle came out at that second, looking like a ghost and moving fast for the door. "Uncle Kyle help!" Mark cried out and Sakura grinned, bouncing him to laugh some more.
"No one can save you my love…no one you are now my slave!" she laughed wickedly and he faked cried for help, laughing only seconds afterwards. Looking up at Kyle to see if he was taking part in their laughter, she found he wasn't. "What's up?" she asked, a little more serious now.
"I'll see you guys later, I have something to take care of…" he trailed off heading for the front door again. "Tell Nat I'll be back tonight to work on that thing…" he was mumbling now and Sakura slowly placed Mark on his feet to move to him. Placing a hand on his arm she stopped him from opening the door and leaving. Whirling on her she removed her touch quickly and recoiled her hand to her chest.
"What's wrong? Who was on the phone with you?" she asked him, wondering if that was it. He only shook his head, making Sakura raise a brow and stare at him. "I'm not stupid Kyle, I know when something's wrong and you need to tell me what it is." He seemed to pause for a moment before glancing at Mark, he was just standing there, watching the two older adults realizing the game of fun was over.
"That was Milay and Tomoyo together, Mei's in the hospital I need to go to her." He took a deep breath at her gasped shocked and shook his head. "Like I said I'll be back tonight so tell Nat that, don't worry I'm sure she's fine just a little accident with the jet skis."
"Yeah," Sakura gave him a sympathy hug before he left then just as the door clicked shut she whirled on Mark, knowing she had to stay as positive for him as she could. He was only eight and having her mope around isn't the best idea. "Let's get you changed shall we captain?"
HK, China (Li Corporation Office)
2:26 p.m.
"Now Mr. Li, according to our records the number of cars you've been racing out of confirmation, is well…out of our confirmation but in the police records of Tokyo, Hong Kong, as well as Shenzen." The man responded, staring down at a clipboard in his grasp. Lifting up his head to peer at Syaoran and Eriol through his spectacles, he cleared his throat. "Your corporation can't cover most of these cars you've been racing illegally, legally yes but lately the numbers in damage and change of certain parts is numerical and…" he stopped himself, hoping the two got the idea of where he was going with this.
"Are you done mister Song?" Syaoran asked, his face void of any emotion. Eriol snapped a look at him, shocked at his attitude. It even surprised Mr. Song.
"Am I…" he mouthed, perplexed. He placed the clipboard on the table with a snap and stood up, facing Li with all his dignity and anger. "Mr. Li I'm sorry but your father's company cars aren't for your pleasure of use like you've been doing, using his name in repairs is not for your dispense especially all the way in Tokyo, Japan." His face began turning red, the anger measuring up to it. Syaoran remained cool as he sat up in the large seat; arms remained lying on the rests.
"My father's dead if you don't recall and this company is mine not his. We are professional racers, not like Nascar but we're professional non the less and we don't race for our pleasure half the time…we race for our lives." He seethed through a tight jaw before resting back. Eriol remained silent, watching his cousin carefully.
"Actually according to this document the company still belongs to Xiao Lang Li senior until further notice, which for your case, until your mother has signed the lease over to you, otherwise it's your father's whether he's dead or not." Mr. Song spoke tensely meeting Syaoran's amber gaze full on. Instantly the twenty year old got to his feet, chair moving backwards on its wheels to crash into the glass windows behind him. Lucky for them the blinds were down to keep nosy people from watching. Eriol got to his feet as well, grabbing his cousin's arm to keep him back. Muscles began to bunch under his grip and his eyes went wide, shocked by his agitation for a company.
"Whatever may be the cost I'm still a Li and this is my inheritance, like it or not Mr. Song. I may use the company's cars at my dispense whenever I'd like and trust me when I say I don't use them lightly."
"I've noticed," was the retort, which got Syaoran even angrier. Before he could move the door opened a closed coolly.
"Xiao Lang sit," a feminine voice spoke harshly keeping him from attacking the man across the table. Eriol relaxed his hold on his arm and sat himself, gray eyes watching Yelan Li with respect and surprise at her appearance. Syaoran had a different expression. His hate turned from Mr. Song to his mother wearing black from head to foot, mourning for her recently departed husband but the look on her face said she wasn't mourning at this precise moment. She was angry. As angry as Syaoran was at the moment. "I said sit or do you want me to spell it out for you in the sky?" he did as demanded.
"Mother, what do I owe the pleasure of you coming to this…" he waved his hand not sure what to call the meeting.
"Don't give me this owe the pleasure crap." She responded icily, placing her self down gently in a chair pulled out by Mr. Song. Her dark gaze was sharp as she stared at her son, his jaw clenched tight to keep from talking out of line. "Your father is rolling in his grave because of you." She commented dryly. "Rolling uncomfortably in his grave because his only son is getting into far more trouble then he ever expected to happen. The police Xiao Lang? Tokyo police, Hong Kong police, I'm surprised the Federal Bureau don't come in here and investigate this business your father has tried so hard into creating. You're disgracing him by racing the company cars illegally and without permission for us…"
"Disgracing? God mother, the company cars aren't that important even to father so stop stressing about minor things…"
"You're right the cars aren't important what's important is that you're using them for racing, racing I have disapproved of since your first crash when you where seventeen and now you're twenty, almost twenty one come October. We've lost a good sum of money that we couldn't get back due to your father's company getting bad business over seas, that money apparently went to a double crash in Tokyo the third night you arrived. Not to mention a portion of it supported a hospital fee to a teenager I've met only once…" she shook her head at a lose for words. Syaoran clenched his jaw tight getting a brief flashback of Sakura and the crash.
"Auntie Yelan, Sakura and Aiko…" Eriol started aware of the same situation but Yelan held up her hand, her eyes still on her only son.
"Aiko I understood needed the support but this Sakura that caused the same amount of trouble months ago here in China. According to your cousin Meilin she disappeared? I don't know if my money is being used on a dead child or not Xiao Lang…and the cars, you need to stop and settle here with the company. I'll sign it right now if you promise me you'll settle down and take your father's inheritance under ground rules." Syaoran couldn't stand it anymore; he couldn't take her words from her any longer. Not now at least. Getting to his feet he pushed away Eriol's hand and went for the door. "Son," Yelan called but he ignored her and Eriol and Mr. Song and left the building getting looks and stares from the people working in the large corporation building.
One thing that sucked at this moment, Eriol and him had come in the company's limo not their own separate vehicles. Or a vehicle at all that was worth taking off in. walking into the underground garage that held the brand new 2025 models of all sorts of vehicles, Syaoran went straight for the first one that was worth his time. Checking the corvette out with one of the guards, he took off in a squeal of tires, coming up the drive and into the bright light of the sun. His mother was going to be pissed; he knew that but didn't care at the same time. A car was a car and he wasn't in the precise mood to listen to both Mr. Song and his argument of taking company cars for joy rides or his mother for wanting him to stop in his pleasurement races. He was racing for one and it wasn't for pleasurement.
Driving through the city wasn't as exciting as a lot of people made it seem. He was used to seeing everything daylight or not, so much of the flashy clubs and diners weren't much of a thrill as it would have been if he was with someone else, giving them a tour of Hong Kong. Haku would have been an example but he was currently with his sister, dealing with whatever he needed to. Syaoran pulled into a different lane and up into the freeway, pressing down on the gas and accelerating over the limit. Where he was heading to, he hadn't a clue he just needed to make distance between the corporation, his mother, and him. Cutting someone off he exited off the freeway and into the city once more. It was the area where most of the races are but a lot of it now was under construction. He wondered where they held street runs now?
He stopped at the light, not wanting to chance running it in case an officer was around to witness it. Tapping his fingers on the wheel he stared blankly at his surroundings. Not many cars were on the road, seeming since it was in construction for some Villa they'd yet to finish. Amber eyes traveled to a broken down gate that was all too familiar. It led down to the beach, a secluded area that was off limits due to the water being contaminated from the workers. Way to go civilization. But it was the lifeguard house and the location that got Syaoran to freeze in the moment, missing the green light at that second….
Sakura unbuckled herself and opened the door. Falling out, she began coughing for breath. The adrenaline had long but left her body, leaving her completely in fear of what just happened. Her head pounded with a forming headache and her limbs shook. She was ready to vomit if there was anything in her stomach. Syaoran came around the car, kneeling down to help her to her feet. She pushed him away as she shook violently with tears. He stared at her, emotionless then ever. She coughed madly, letting her tears fall down her face to her crossed arms. It was still dark outside that she couldn't see straight, but she walked forward anyway. Walking away from him.
"Sakura I…" Syaoran started after her, his arm going to reach for her shoulder. She whirled around at that second making him stop.
"That's it…no more. It was cool the first time but when it comes the second time…I'm not that stable Syaoran!" she yelled, her voice shaky. Syaoran straightened and stared at her. She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it. He watched as she shook violently and turned on her heel. She looked so pathetic and lost in his large sweatshirt and her mini skirt, especially now that she was crying and angry. "I've had enough."…
A car horn blared, getting Syaoran's attention. Looking at the green light he stepped on the gas and went forward, cutting a girl off in the process. Ignoring the cursing and honking he sped up and down the road, heading towards the old town. People began turning heads, surprised to see such a new car in an old rundown place like Ittö Road. Pulling down a street he parked the car and sat there for a good few moments. It was basically suicide to be where he was at the moment. Suicide on his emotions and reputation. A reputation he hadn't lived up to since he met the so-called girl he thought about almost twenty-four hours a day. Almost. Just not quite there yet. Getting out of the car and locking it, he could see from the corner of his eye the people begin to gossip. He was starting to hate his face being on a billboard for all of China to see him.
She wasn't going to be in her apartment. Sakura. She wasn't going to be there but he ended up going up into the Ittö apartments anyway. At least to get away from the looking people. Pressing the up button of the elevator, he waited, eyes casting around suspiciously. When the door binged and opened up, a kid wearing a black hooded sweatshirt came out, his arms jammed into his pockets and their head down to avoid anyone's gaze. For a brief second Syaoran had a vision of Sakura and he grabbed the kid's arm stopping him from going out the doors. Frightened, the kid turned to look up at Syaoran, ice blue eyes large and blood shot. Taking awhile to register that the kid wasn't even female, Li released him and went to the elevator head shaking as he mentally beat himself up. It wasn't Sakura; same height and weight but male. Far from being Sakura.
Pressing her floor he leaned against the beat up wall and closed his eyes as it jerked upwards. Two months, not even, since he saw Sakura and her large emerald orbs. They were only in Japan for a week before it all came crashing down. He failed in protecting her. Failed in keeping her safe from harm, from herself. The old elevator screeched to a stop after the third floor and he groaned, forgetting about the stuck spot. Pressing the emergency open door, he got out on the third floor and made for the stairs. Scrap marks were along the walls as he ascended upwards to the fifth floor, taking his sweet time. It wasn't in that big of a hurry especially since he was going to be disappointed by the empty room. If it was empty.
"Say good-night," he spoke. Sakura clenched her eyes shut waiting for the pain to go through her body.
"Not quite night yet." A voice said in return. Hearing someone new, Sakura opened her eyes to see Nick being spun around and socked across the jaw. He stumbled backwards, tripping over Sakura. She yipped in surprise as the guy pulled him back for another hit. She crawled away and stood up. Seeing her behind them Nick brought his gun up but the guy kicked it out of his hand and rammed him against the railing, tipping him backwards so half his body was over the ledge.
"Who the hell are you?" Nick got out, blood sliding up his face from his lower lip. Sakura studied the back of the guy's head when he suddenly stood up and turned to face her.
"Its none of your business." was all he said before spinning around and under kicking the guy. Nick went backwards over the ledge. Sakura ran forward, her eyes wide. She sighed in relief when he landed in the pool that was placed in the middle of the whole apartment building. "Want to explain?" the guy asked making her look up.
Emerald locked with amber for an intense moment. He had his arms crossed over his chest like nothing happened. "Not really but…um thanks." She spoke softly.
When he reached her room, the door had been replaced. For some reason he was waiting to see all the bullet holes and scrap marks made from the attacks. Most of those holes had been because of Meilin and he believed it was Meilin and Kyle's fault that other people came after Saku regarding her two friends. Hand on the knob he wiggled it and pushed open. Surprisingly enough it was unlocked and the door squeaked open to reveal a black dark apartment. Breathing in, he stepped inside the empty room.
"…Why don't you want to come out? Or even open this fucking door?" he asked. There was complete silence on Sakura's end and he wondered if she died or something. "Sakura?" there was still silence but he heard her scratching at the door with her nails. Unless it was the cat. Either way it sent chills through his body. "Sakura why'd you take off? We thought something happened to you." more silence. Keeping his cool Syaoran turned around and leaned his back against the door. "Talk to me."
Sakura stared at the door, tears building in her eyes again. "I can't go to Tokyo with you guys. I just can't and not even you can make me go." She said fast. Her hand went up against the cold door, lying flat as if she was looking for a pulse. Her cat rubbed up against her leg but she ignored it, letting silent tears drip down her already white face.
"Why not?" Syaoran stared at the door. He held his breath as he listened to Sakura breath on the other side. There was that awkward silence again, but this time he knew she was crying. He could feel it against the door as if she was pressing against him. "Why can't you go to Tokyo?" he asked again.
"BECAUSE I CAN'T!" she yelled out, her voice cracking like a teenage boy
The room was entirely empty. Though there wasn't much in the small apartment in the first place, now it was bare of all Sakura's things. Someone had come in and taken the couch and television, most likely sold it at some sale or trashed it. The phone and matching machine were gone from the counter, leaving it bearer then what he remembered it as. Sakura was no longer in existence in the apartment, no longer part of this complex. It was fine with him; he just thought she planned on coming back here. Dark stains were in the carpet, immediately he knew what it was from the darkness of it. Not wanting to get some kind of imagination of the pain she'd gone through if it was hers, Syaoran stepped more into the apartment and looked outside. Dead plants lined the far side of the balcony, a vine just as dead peeking from the bottom and leading down against the wall. Makeshift fire escape. Glass cracked under footprints and he paused.
"Well lookie here Kisten, we have a trespasser." A harsh voice spoke making Syaoran go still. The voice was familiar but only faintly; he hadn't heard it enough to place it to a face or name. Glass crunched under feet as the person came closer, going in front of Syaoran and revealing himself. "What do you reckon we do with him?" he continued on, gray eyes sharp as they looked at Syaoran's amber ones. It was one of the twins he'd helped Sakura escape.
"I don't know Jonathan, what should we do with him?" Kisten's voice was smooth, a hint of a European accent evident. He came to stand behind Syaoran, his shadow casting over both males. He was at least six-foot give or take a few centimeters more. Broad shoulders protruded muscles and Syaoran calculated how much strength it would take to win him out. "Hey look Jon, he has a tattoo must be one of those streeters." He reached for the design visible on Syaoran's arm and he grabbed for the hand before it touched him. Twisting he rammed a knee into Jonathan's stomach before he could try something and moved around, grip still painfully on Kisten.
"Don't…touch me," his bit out roughly, bringing Kisten's arm back the right away and kicking him forward to crash into his partner. Jonathan kicked him off easily and stumbled to ram into Syaoran. Bodies crashed into the bar counter, spine cracking a few places. Blow after blow was placed into his stomach, sending what air he could get to go short. Grabbing tuffs of hair, Li pried him back a few before ramming him down while his knee came up. A groan came from Jonathan and he released him, throwing a punch and sending the blond stumbling backwards a few inches. Kisten came up next, landing a few unexpected punches on Syaoran before he side kicked him, sending the golden haired boy crashing into the wall next to them.
"Now I remember you…you're the one that helped Kinomoto escape us. How she doing, warming your bed enough?" Jonathan rammed into Syaoran once again, elbow smashing into his face. Cursing, Li pushed him back; using all the strength he had in getting him off. Kisten jumped onto his back as Jonathan fell to the ground, grabbing his arms and pulling them tightly back. Getting to his feet Jonathan sent full force punch into his gut making Syaoran keel over. "We need to repay you back…" he punched him across the face, blood welling up in his mouth. "…for getting Hiroshi angry and punishing…" Syaoran stopped him before he landed a punch into his stomach and kicked him backwards at the same time leaning forward and sending Kisten off him, shirt ripping along the way.
"You guys are morons," he remarked easily, pulling out his gun from his waistband and aiming. Jonathan froze on the floor, a large grin on his face as he watched the weapon cautiously. Kisten was the only one not aware of it and just like that, Syaoran capped two into his back before bringing it around to face the blond. "You're not worth it," he commented, lifting him up by the shirt and punching him in the face. Jonathan stumbled backwards, crashing into the glass door. It shattered at impact and he collapsed to the floor, the shards falling all over him. Turning on his heel he walked away, gun going back to tuck into his waist as he removed his torn shirt off him. "Not worth my time," he grumbled, wiping blood from his mouth and making his way down the stairs.
His car was where he parked it, untouched and cold from the sit. Unlocking it easily he slipped inside and shut his door. Unlike most people he would have belted and started up the engine, but he was different and he had a visitor parked inches behind him. A visitor that hadn't moved a muscle since he'd stepped outside. Wiping the rest of the blood from his mouth he fixed the visor and peered behind him at the other vehicle. Smoke rose from behind it, indicating they had started their own car and he grinned. Leaning forward he placed the key into the ignition and with fast flexible movements hit reverse and slammed on the pedal. The car backed, crashing into the other before he hit drive and sped off. Pedestrians stared in confusion as he squealed down the lanes and out of sight, the other, now dented car going in pursuit just as fast.
Syaoran drove into the city limits, easily losing the car in the traffic when he turned a corner. Though to his surprise the guy had gotten out and with a simple shot of the gun, shot some guy off his motorcycle and took it in turn. The bike easily wove through cars until he was hot on Syaoran's tail again, cars away. Proving he wasn't so easy to get rid of. Gritting his teeth he made a large wide turn, causing others to slam on their breaks and yell from their windows while horns blared. Ignoring them all Syaoran sped up the pace, watching closely through the mirrors as the biker came into view. He began to ride on the sidelines of the street, cutting pedestrians off or shooting them off, whatever did the job faster. Soon enough he came up fast next to the car, the gun now aimed at Syaoran. Laughing at the formality, he cut across the lanes until he was on the highway. The biker came to a fast stop, back tire crashing into a parked car. Easing back to ward off suspicion, he drove as safely as he could at the fast speed, getting looks from the other cars he passed. Least he lost them.
Tokyo Memorial Hospital
3:08 p.m.
"Can I help you with something sir?" an attendant asked, looking up at Kyle when approached the counter. He was looking around worriedly, not sure whether he needed to be there or somewhere else. It wasn't until an elderly couple passed by did he look at her. His blue eyes dilated and basically holding no emotion. It took her by surprise. "Sir?"
"I'm here for uh…Meilin Rae Li. I think she came in an hour ago I'm not really positive." By the sound of his voice people could tell he was frantic. She could tell he was frantic, like he never done this before. Not for someone like Meilin at least. The attendant began typing, mumbling under her inhalation the name of the girl. She felt sorry for him; having done this millions of times to people that didn't know how to react to a loved one in a hospital. Kyle began tapping his own fingers on the counter top, getting a mix feeling of nerves and discomfort in one.
"Don't worry about it Ceri, I got him." a man wearing a light blue gown spoke before turning to Kyle, extending an arm. He was in his late twenties, black hair almost blue under the fluorescent lighting of the hospital. Piercing green eyes gave Kyle a kind look, arm extending out but when he didn't take it he recoiled back. "I'm Dr. Mason, Miss Rae is currently under my care." Beckoning, the doctor steered Kyle towards a hall to the left of them. "What's your name?" He asked, nodding his head to a few passing nurses.
"Kyle Nyguo, I'm Mei's boyfriend." The doctor nodded, taking the information in. "How is she?" he immediately asked, looking around as the doctor led him into a private ward. They used Li's name after all. He thought, wondering if this was going to make it to Hong Kong since it was. Apparently everything else under Li name was going to a record.
"Miss Rae is doing fine, a little water logged to the lungs but she's doing fine. It's the baby we're currently worried about." Kyle stopped dead in his tracks, brow raised in confusion. Lacking the other body, the doctor stopped as well and turned to him, catching the note of confusion written on the red head's face.
"Baby, what baby?" Dr. Mason's faint smile dropped as he saw the seriousness in Kyle's suddenly blanking expression. The kid was serious.
"You didn't know your girlfriend was pregnant?" his voice held on a hint of disbelief but still Kyle continued to remain still, face blank of all emotion that he had once. Dr. Mason ran a hand through his smooth hair, not liking the scenario this was taking him. In fact, he didn't want to know what was going on. "Miss Rae is at least three months along and you haven't at least noticed the hump forming?" he asked, hoping there was some sort of recognition.
"I noticed she was gaining weight because of all the midnight snacks but I didn't think anything of it, not with our current situations at home…" he trailed off and the doctor shook his head in disapproval. Yep. He didn't want to know about this couple, they obvious had lots of issues. "This does explain all the crying and getting mad at me for the simplest things."
"Yes, few symptoms in the pregnancy cycle." Dr. Mason started walking a few paces until he reached a door. "She's awake if you'd like to…talk about this with her." Kyle nodded then stopped.
"You said you're worried about the baby…what's going to happen with the sprite?"
"Nothing's going to happen with the child, we just need to do some simple tests to the mother and her womb to find out for sure the complete damage. She did fall unconscious for a number of minutes underwater Mr. Nyguo, we're quite surprised she's awake even now after that trauma." He explained as plainly as he possibly could. Kyle nodded, taking that in before looking at the door. Meilin's name was on a clipboard attached to the white washed door, underneath the symptoms and eating habits she was to have for the next couple days.
"All right, thank you doctor." Kyle spoke with a nod of his head. The doctor said nothing in return, merely clapped him on the shoulder and walked away, leaving him and Meilin to talk alone for a while. Breathing fast, Kyle paused from going in for a moment, taking in everything he just learned past Mei's situation. It was a lot to take.
Deep breath and he walked in, shutting the door silently behind him. The room was at a cold temperature, sending chills throughout his body. A medium size television was set up in the corner of the room and on, currently playing music videos. One of Meilin's favorite pass times. Looking around the nice size room he rested his blue eyes on his girlfriend in question. She was propped up on the bed, pillows behind her back to keep her comfy. Unlike Sakura and Aiko when they were there, Meilin was only hooked up to a few machines. One of them seemingly connected to the life within her stomach. He walked forward, getting her attention. Time seemed to freeze for them both and Kyle got a good look at her paler complexion. Blue lips from lack of oxygen when she almost drowned and pasty white skin, whiter then normal.
"They told you I was here," Meilin spoke first, turning her violet eyes away from him to watch Mandy Moore. Kyle remained at the distance he was, unsure how to answer that. They being Milay and Tomoyo or the doctor? Turning to look at him, she sighed. "You can sit down unless you're only here to yell at me then please save it until I'm able to stand on my own and yell back." He was still silent, expression unreadable. That made her frown, clicking mute on the TV and resting her hands on her small hump of a stomach. "Kyle,"
"You're pregnant," he blurted out, shocking her. It was her time to stay quiet as she watched him with a blank expression, not quite sure how to handle this. It was abrupt. He was staring down at her stomach before looking into her eyes. "Why didn't you ever tell me? You're three months Mei and you never told me."
"I don't know Kyle, I just couldn't." she retorted, biting her lower lip to make even more bluer. "Because I wasn't going to keep it in the first place…at first I didn't want it, I'm not ready, I'm way too young but things happened with Sakura and I found out Chiharu was pregnant…she's just as not ready for it as I am but she's going to keep it so I ended up just keeping it. I had no choice actually since it was too far along to get an abortion." She blurted out without thinking. Kyle's heart began to pound in his chest, listening to her babble. "I'm sorry Kyle I just never found a good time to tell you."
"You almost got an abortion?"
"Yes damn it…stop stating the obvious!" tears began to well up in her eyes and she looked away, taking deep breaths to control herself before she balled. "How could you not have noticed anyway or is that fucking device been racking your brain you're oblivious to everything around you…did you know that Lane got a new tattoo on his neck last week and Milay got so pissed she kicked him out of the house that's why he's been staying at Rika's?" it was a random response but sure enough, Kyle didn't even notice. He slowly shook his head, hating himself for not noticing anything, everything when it was right there in front of him. Meilin made a noise of distaste. "See,"
"I'm not oblivious to everything," he defended making her laugh. "Oh come on Meilin, what did you want me to do. I noticed you were gaining but if I said anything about it you would have kicked my ass and with the way things have been you would have cried out of nowhere, what did you want me to do?" he got her there and she fell silent, debating if she wanted to answer it or not.
"I don't know…asked me what's going on?" she avoided his gaze, staring up at the television as Viva La Bam started.
"Alright I made a mistake," he walked over to the chair and sat, leaning forward so he could tilt his head and look at her. "So…how oblivious to this was I? How many people know and I don't?" she turned her head, eyes rimmed with tears but she was smiling sheepishly, her blue lips becoming less blue.
"Sakura knew and Chiharu, no one else I don't think. At least until today now Tomoyo and Milay and Rika know about it. I'm still so sorry Kyle."
"Don't worry about it love." He kissed her cheek softly before settling his back against the chair, propping his leg on his knee. "Have you talked to your mother or Li?" she shook her head and he frowned. With Syaoran and Eriol gone to China because of the company and the money they'd been using extensively, he knew they were going to wonder what was up with the sudden medical bill Meilin was going to be adding onto. Her mistake to use the Li's name not her own. "So they don't know you're here in the hospital?"
"Not that I know of. I haven't talked to Syaoran since he left for China but from the look of things…" she stopped seeing a shadow took off. Frowning she sat up and winced, going back down. Kyle looked in the direction she was looking at then turned back to his girlfriend. Shaking her head she ignored the shadow and smiled, reassuring him that everything was just fine.
HK, China (Li residence)
5:50 p.m.
He parked the car easily into the garage and shut off the engine. Sooner or later he'd bring it back to the corporation but not at the moment. He needed to get cleaned up. Getting out he let the door slam shut as he made up the steps into the house. No one was there to greet him, making it easier to head up to his room. Walking down the halls and up another flight of stairs, Syaoran became curious to why it was empty. Usually at the sound of the door a maid or their butler would come up immediately but none were in sight, not to mention Eriol would have been home by now and he could hear no talking from either rooms he'd passed. Passing an opened door Li stopped seeing one of his so called butlers doing a weird dance around the couch and chairs. His suit wasn't in perfection anymore and his hair was slightly messy. Curious, he stepped into the room and watched as the man began making weird noises.
"Here kittie, kittie, kittie…"the man remarked in a sing song voice, his accent making it slightly worse. "Uncle Kristof has some food for you…kittie, kittie, kittie." Kristof spoke, getting down on his knees and crawling towards the couch. Rolling up his sleeve he reached forward, trying to reach Suppi under it. "Kittie…" Suppi hissed out and dashed off but not before leaving scratch marks on his baldhead and arms. "Blasted Cat!"
"What are you doing?" Syaoran spoke, surprisingly him. Looking up he met Li's dark gaze above and felt himself blush, looking back down at his position on the floor. Getting to his feet he quickly bowed at the waist and fixed his suit and tie, rolling the sleeve back down gracefully.
"Just trying to feed the cat, sir." As if in answer, Suppi came up to Syaoran and meowed rubbing his black fur against his leg. Both men looked down, Kristof with a little more hatred for the beast. "I still have to bathe the mutt and feed him, though I can't quite find 'im." His detest for the animals was evident, making Syaoran smile a bit. Least something was going good in life; he detested Kristof with a passion as much as Kristof detested Sakura's pets. Bending down he picked up the cat without difficult.
"I'll take care of him, just…go take care of the dog." Syaoran remarked, stroking the black fur with care. Kristof bowed at the waist before exiting, giving Suppi one last glare before exiting the room, shutting the doors quietly behind him. Grinning smugly Li looked at the cat, still stroking his fur. "If I didn't know better I'd say you're giving uncle Kristof a hard time, both you and Kero." The cat meowed in answer and he chuckled, walking towards an adjourning door.
Once he was in his room he released the cat and made for his closet. Passing a window he couldn't help but stop and watch as Kristof chased after the golden chow named Kero, mud marking his face. He was dirtier then the dog was and that was saying something seeming how Kero continued to treed through the mud in the yard. Shaking his head he grabbed the nearest shirt and yanked it off its hook before walking towards the bathroom. With stealth and annoyance he pulled out his gun and cocked it, aiming it easily at the female sitting delicately on his bed. "What are you doing here?" he growled, letting the shirt fall to the floor at his feet.
"It's not nice to point a gun at a lady," Sera remarked pointedly, getting up and moving to the window. As expected he followed her movements, gun still trained on her. "Come on Li, I'm Haku's sister, why are you being so mean to me like I'm the enemy?" she asked not meeting his gaze as she peered outside. The sun was lowering, making the sky a unique orange and pink. The clouds like rivulets of waves. Still he said nothing making her sigh, finally turning to him. Her aqua orbs were held no emotion though she had a simple smile playing on her glossed lips. "You really do fit well with the gorilla race, know that?"
"What do you want Tskuino?" he growled, gun steadily still.
"Except they're a lot more kinder to their females, mate or not." Sera sighed, eyes rolling as she took few steps forward. The gun pressed against her shoulder and she stopped, the darkest of looks on her face. "Shoot me if you must I'm only here because Eriol asked me to come because you went off on a joy ride. Nice friend you got, concerned for you and all."
"He asked you here," he repeated with hate. Finally he pulled back, gun tucking away in his front waist as he walked towards the bed where Suppi lay sleeping. Sera watched him, eyes roving over his muscular body.
"Believe me or not…they're worried about you. Everyone from the sounds of it, Eriol, your mother, your company…even my bone headed brother. I get you were closer to Sakura then the rest got and like you said when you arrived last week, holding her bleeding body and seeing her crash like she did…I completely understand the impact it must have given you, you're the boyfriend are you not?" he only looked up at her, black cat securely in his arms. Looking away he made for the set of bowls on the floor near the bathroom. Suppi's dishes. "Boyfriend or not what I'm trying to get at is she's fine. Sakura I mean, she'll come back eventually and everything will just be a figment to laugh at." She watched him, waiting for some kind of response and ended up getting none. "God no wonder Sakura likes you, besides the great body and tattoo's you're just as hard headed as her brother ever was."
"Get out," he wasn't looking at her as he stood back up, Suppi now satisfyingly easting. Sera remained where she stood, doing what was asked of her even if Li didn't like her or the conversation. She wasn't going to move. Sensing no movement, Syaoran turned around and glared at her. "I though I said to leave?" his voice was harsh, amber gaze sharp with distaste as he took in her small form in the middle of the room.
"Is this like some sore subject for you? People actually caring about you, wanting to make sure you're okay because if it is…boy Li, you sure picked one hell of a girlfriend." He opened his mouth to say something but she cut him off, not to mention her ph one started to go as well. "Everyone's worrying about Sakura but don't! I'm positive she's doing fine and everyone's worrying about you because you're stressing over her but she doesn't need it, she won't accept it and doesn't need it. I may sound like an insensitive bitch right now but it's the fucking truth. I've known her long enough to know this."
"Just answer your phone and get out,"
"Fine I will…" she looked at the id and frowned, not recognizing the area code or number. Clicking her tongue she flipped it opened and with as kind of voice as possible she answered. "Hello, Sera speaking." Syaoran watched her closely and she had to avert her gaze from him. "Someone there?"
"Seer, its me…" there was a pause for a second. "As in Sakura," Speak of the girl herself…
To be continued…