WOLVES REIGN
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE: Middle of Yesterday
…
…
…
March 3, 2012
Kyoto Precinct, Japan
7:20 P.M.
Detective Luc stared at two pictures on a fresh board. His arms crossed over his chest as he placed his weight onto one foot, skeptically breathing as he stared unblinking at practically nothing. It was becoming maddening that he kept finding himself before a board, staring at brand new lines linking to absolutely nowhere. Finding a new angle to go at the recent cases, he stared at Sakura Kinomoto and Syaoran Li; their images in turn staring at him with a frown. Neither individual had wanted their photo taken. Who was to blame them? Police protocol was to take a photo of each individual arrested and detained—every time. The photo he had of Sakura Kinomoto was her first and only one taken; so far. Her brown locks were tucked behind her ear, revealing four piercings lining both sides of her ears. Emerald orbs stared back at him with a look of disdain and horror mixed. Something told him that the night she'd been arrested was the worst night of her life.
Detective Luc would always remember that one limp in her step, the fight she made when she was warranted a personal search, and the feedback from the officers that had searched her. She hadn't spoken a word. Detained on the off chance she'd been involved in the shooting of a café uptown, Sakura had bruises and cuts, they later found out was from a car accident. She also had a mysterious wound against her stomach that needed stitching and was claimed as an old cooking incident she'd gotten at home—he didn't believe her. For some reason as Luc leaned to the other side of his leg, weight harsh as exhaustion took over he had a mild suspicion that Sakura was a victim of gang-related incidents. Her wounds matched that of fights, bullet grazes, and running incidents seen in the gang world. Fight-or-flight responses left bruises on a person if they tripped or crashed. Undocumented, Sakura was reported to have multi car accidents on her record since the first day Detective Luc met the emerald-eyed student. She also was the only individual detained that didn't have a tattoo other than a name.
Sakura was a mysterious female to Detective Luc and he was at a loss when it came to her. Their last meeting left her cleared and given them more questions than answers. Captain Leblanc gave specific orders to both Detective Sheldon and himself to stop searching for the missing Sion and move on, too much was going to one individual. Again, Luc would always remember the way Sakura had walked into the station. He'd examined the security cameras, watching her slowly walk with a stiff leg towards the desk and then with her 'lawyer' to the secured room where the questioning had taken place. Not once had Sakura touched an object in the room, leaving him baffled. Only people with something to hide didn't leave a print. The moment her alibi checked out, the two detectives ended up with a hefty report to fill out and another dead-end.
His eyes went to the photo of Syaoran Li, studying it with scorn. As a human and compassionate individual, he never judged people. There was something about the multibillionaire from Hong Kong, China that irked Detective Luc. He had a nagging feeling it had something to do with the sudden relationship Syaoran had with Sakura. Call him old fashion, but Detective Luc believed in courtship and keeping the females safe from harm, to be uninvolved in their lives. Syaoran's photo stared back with a menacing, bland look of brown orbs that had been dilated heavily that night. A fresh bruise had marked his jaw line as he grounded his teeth, allowing the flash to mark his face for permanent records. Both photos had been taken the same night for the same reason.
The whole police division knew who Syaoran Li was and who the man was affiliated with, including his high-ranking and dangerous uncle. They all knew in reality the man was untouchable unless warranted with enough evidence to question him. There were more than a number of times the police had managed to question Syaoran Li due to evidence, at the same time losing the billionaire to dead-end and false justifications. Detective Luc hated what he had to deal with, hated that the twenty-five year old college student was unreachable and protected by the embassy. Syaoran Li was everywhere on the map from car accidents to illegal racing in the boonies. Detective Luc knew Syaoran was involved with the recent killings and disappearances, Syaoran himself knew he was involved, but they couldn't land that one piece of evidence to lock the billionaire behind bars for good.
Nothing added up. Everything coming in was like another chunk of a puzzle chewed up by a dog. They had two officers deceased by unknown players. They had one person deceased and missing in the books and another five at the top of the cold case files. His head pulsed as he tallied up the unexplained incidents relating to the two individuals on the board. Nothing added up—zip, zero—nothing. All he could think about was Sakura Kinomoto's sudden disappearance from their radar. Her alibi from their last case had cleared, but after that she was gone. University had claimed she'd taken a leave of absence, holding her presence for the following semesters to come. Records revealed Sakura had no credit card activity in the city or country. It was like she was a ghost, only revealing herself when need be. Syaoran Li had disappeared with her however his credit card activity placed him almost everywhere. They later found out it was because Meilin Rae Li had access to his account as well.
The door opened and closed the sound of the snap reverberating down his spine. Ignoring it, he continued to stare at the photos like they were going to dance about in a Congo line. "Why are you staring at two pictures?" Detective Sheldon asked as she stopped dead in her tracks, arms crossed over her black denim dress suit.
"I want them to leap at me, tell me their story." It sounded normal to him as he spoke the words, staring unnerving at the photos. He wanted them to tell him the truth. Sheldon only shook her head, blond locks swaying from their hairclip.
"Right…I think its time you take a break and sleep it off."
"Think about it…" Luc pointed at the other board across the room, covered in cases related to gangs. "So far every incident in the past two months has had either Kinomoto in the mix or Li…or both. Neither one can be tied directly to it. They slip right through the cracks and we have a cold case on our hands and another puzzle piece. It's almost like they stared it but someone else finished it."
She let that sink as she studied the photos, trying to decipher her partners puzzling world. Finally, she sighed and took a step forward in worry. "Again, take a break before you start thinking gummy bears are floating in space."
"What…?" Detective Luc blinked once, twice, and then three times as his eyes finally felt the depth of his exhaustion.
"You already think there's a third party killing off members of two parties. You're letting your mind wander and frankly, if I have to follow up one more case because some dead bodies popped up from the sea, I'm calling it suicide and putting you on the case alone."
Stubborn, he shook his head and moved quickly. "Just listen…" Luc said with determination, grabbing a marker and separating the two photos. "We first encountered Miss Kinomoto because she was presumed dead in the mountains. Li lied about it later." He wrote small notes between the two photos and moved on, going to the opposite side of Sakura's photo. "Kinomoto is accused of the disappearance of Sion. Evidence places them both at the Hourglass café when the place gets shot up. Li and Kinomoto are seen when reports of a shooting and car pile up in fifth block. They both suddenly disappear from the radar. Do you see a pattern?"
"No, I see two faces belonging to party one on a separate board with a crazy detective needing—," Sheldon was silenced as déjà vu kicked in and a soft tap at the door brought their attentions around. A young woman, no older than mid twenties stood at the entrance with an infant straddled in a blanket and strapped against her chest.
"Apologies, I'm looking for Grayson Terada." Her thick accent sent a chill down Luc's spine as he stared at the woman, mesmerized by her pale complexion. It was the way her dark pupils took on a hint of purple when she locked eyes with him. Her short black hair was darker than night with a hint of cherry-red at the tips as they brushed along her exposed collar bone.
"And you are…?" Sheldon asked when Luc didn't, her frown creasing as she glanced at the detective.
"Reina Terada, his wife." She cracked a smile, revealing short fangs that looked almost real. She held up a brown briefcase loosely in her left arm, not wanting to shift the baby's weight. "He forgot his bag when he rushed out the door." her dark gaze flicked to the board and back, smile never fading away.
"He's in the break room, I believe." Luc commented, still mesmerized by her gaze.
"Multumesc," she spoke in Romanian taken them both by surprise as she bowed her head and turned, leaving them quickly. Sheldon caught sight of her quick gaze at the board once again before she disappeared all together in a midst of black clothing.
"That's…Terada's wife?" Sheldon asked with a frown. Bringing her blond head around she stared at Luc and her frowned deepened. He was staring at the place she'd been like a natural male, ready to be slapped in the face. "Detective, go home before I get an official ban on your activity."
March 4, 2012
Rome, Italy
7:21 A.M. (12 hour difference)
She felt like sleep was overrated. Her body was sore from top to bottom and then some. The moment her eyes were open, she realized the extent of what she'd done—what Syaoran had done—what they both did and her world spun. In reality her eyes flew open, heart racing like someone or something spooked her. A soft breath left her lips as she tallied just how sore she was, trying to figure out the difference between her healing wound and sexual attention she'd received. She ached, she hungered, and she loved everything about the current situation. It was obvious he wasn't in the room, even as she squeezed the body pillow closer to her. The soft material of the pillow case was cool against her sweaty skin, sending a chill down her spine as she took in the scent of lavender detergent. The room was hot, leaving her to wonder if it was positioned right where the sun comes up or if the small three room cottage had horrible ventilation. It was odd to think about, but it was better than thinking about the night before. It wasn't working.
Sakura blinked a few times, eyelashes brushing against the pillow, before she pushed up on her arm to take in the quiet room. The sunlight was pushing through closed curtains, giving the material a warm glow. The window on the far left was opened, the thin black curtains swaying from an imaginary breeze. She could hear a bird singing in the distance, calling for morning breakfast. Somehow finding a comfortable position, struggling to put the pillow between her and the headrest, Sakura brought the sheet up closer to her naked body and waited. There wasn't much she could do. Her foot stuck out from beneath the cream-colored sheet, toes wiggling. They'd made a mess of the bed from what she could tell. Sweat stains marked the once pristine sheets and she was sure there were 'other' stains as well. Her eyes trailed over the large bed, realizing she was looking for blood. Seeing nothing of the sort, a sigh left her lips. It would have been crucial if they'd popped her stitches. She knew first hand the fury Kaho would express if her stitches managed to come out…again.
As if just the thought of the woman conjured her, a soft tap at the door sounded. Sakura stared at the dark oak of a door. Kaho poked her head in first, eyes closed making Sakura laugh. A wide smile spread across her angelic face, bringing up laugh lines in the corner of her brown eyes. Sakura never noticed before, but Kaho looked older than her age—thirty five. The woman's six-foot stature filled the door for a moment as she swung it open, carrying a dark purple mug in one hand and a closed fist in the other. She was slender and long, wearing a black dress held by a white belt around the middle. Kaho was dressed for spring, giving Sakura the hint that it was going to be a warm vacation if anything, making her also long to be out touring Rome instead of in. Sakura's attention remained on her hands, staring at the gift.
"God it smells like teen spirit in here." Kaho commented when she entered the room with a smile, her brown eyes were stern, yet soft as she smiled at Sakura.
"Please tell me that's coffee," Sakura grumbled and shifted. To late did she remember she looked like a hot mess; hands automatically went to the sheet hanging on her body, bringing it up another inch as a faint blush crossed her cheeks.
"It is, with an extra dose of espresso courtesy of Rin." Kaho placed it on the table and went to the curtain. With ease she spread the black curtains open an inch and tied it expertly together to remain like that. Sakura stared at the brightening room, taking in the beige walls with black swirls and the flowers at the four corners, each welcoming the sudden light greedily. It was a breathtaking room; one she wished would be hers forever. As Kaho turned around, Sakura felt the weight of her gaze, her stomach dropping down to her toes. "I know you hate it, but I also have a mild painkiller for you to take first."
"That's fine, I…feel like a pile of blocks unable to move." Sakura met her gaze. "He left, huh?" it was a struggle to ask, already knowing the answer. Syaoran never stayed—ever. He was a mysterious man she wanted to crack open and find out his secrets, little by little so she could enjoy all of him. Seeing the look in Sakura's eyes, Kaho's expression softened.
"And will return for lunch, if not after is what I was told." Sakura nodded her head and winced, hand going to her neck. Kaho's entire expression lit up, a faint red marking her cheeks as she gazed at the girl before her. "Lovely, uh, marks. It matches the rest of your body with ease."
"Oh god…!" Sakura buried her face in her hands, turning into a lobster.
"It's not that bad, I promise." Kaho laughed, making Sakura all the more self-conscious of the situation.
"No wonder I feel like I've run a marathon in a rose bush."
"It's not that bad. Come on, I'll help you dress and then we'll go in the other room. Rin has made breakfast." Kaho inched towards the bed, head moving as she looked around the room for clothing. Seeing a shirt folded and sitting out, courtesy of Syaoran earlier, Kaho grabbed it and returned.
Sakura cast her eyes down as she let the older woman help her out, the sheet disappearing the moment the shirt was over her head. "Thank you," that took Kaho by surprise and she hugged her awkwardly, taking in the clammy skin and sandalwood-scented breeze of her body.
"You're very much welcome." As she said that she lifted Sakura up, surprising her into a laugh as she both struggled to get in an upright position. It was the worst part of having a bullet that pierced her hip. She hadn't gotten used to the constant need of people man-handling her, but she did get used to the fact that it had to happen.
The hall was cooler than her room, the fresh scent of coffee wafting down the hall. Almost immediately she glanced at the purple mug in Kaho's grasp, itching to snatch it and gulp down the hot caffeine. Carefully the two entered the main part of the cottage, sidling sideways to fit through the narrow passageway. Rin glanced up from her position on the floor, a smile spreading across her pale face. It was comforting to know the black-haired girl liked her, her purple gaze smiling along with the upturn of her pale lips. Sakura couldn't help but return the smile as she greeted her warmly. Kaho carefully brought her over to the lounge chair, somehow maneuvering her to sit down without pulling stitches. Fixing the long white-buttoned up shirt, Sakura shifted and got comfortable. She always felt like she was a paraplegic, unable to move on her own, always having to be in a specific position and—as Kaho handed her a tray of food—fed. She had to be grateful though, she was alive and that's all that mattered.
The bright room was silent as Kaho left, disappearing behind the glass-doubled doors to answer a phone call. Rin was working on something, using the whole oak table for a project. Her hand moved quickly, sketching something and using coal to smear on the design. The silence mixed with the scratch of her movements was slightly unnerving. Holding the purple mug to her face, Sakura took in the warmth and aroma smell with new greed. Silence or not, she was glad for coffee. All she could think about as she took a cautionary sip, was Ceil could strip her of life, but the woman could never take away her coffee. The world couldn't take away her coffee, even if they snatched it right out from under her. Sensing Sakura's mood, Rin glanced up and tilted her head watching her drink with eyes closed. Shaking her head, Rin went back to her work just as Sakura reopened her eyes and take in the food sitting next to her. Her stomach growled angrily, reminding her that the last thing she had was pancakes, which in turn reminded her Syaoran had made the pancakes, which also brought her attention to emotions.
A bright red coloring marked her cheeks. Heart speeding up she itched to cover her neck from view, to bury her face in the pillows and scream. A tendril of chill ran over her skin as she unconsciously remembered the way she felt when Syaoran was kissing her, biting her, eating her alive from top to bottom. A rush of heat entered her body and she bit down hard on her bottom lip, keeping herself in check. Drugs had a lingering affect on her that was driving her insane and now with the pills she took a moment ago, they were coming back full force. She needed to have a conversation with Kaho about that, not wanting the drugs to run her sex-life. Taking another quick swallow of hot coffee, she glanced at the plate of food once again. She needed her mind off of Syaoran. That's when her attention went to the laptop on her left—it was Syaoran's. His black cover held a wolf baying at the moon, scratched with red marker. She never asked about the marker, wondering if he had colored it out of boredom or if it came like that.
Ignoring the plate of food, she reached for the laptop with ease. She wasn't allowed to Skype anyone anymore, but she was still allowed to use it. As long as she didn't send anything out that could link her account as active, giving anyone a clue that she was still alive, she was in the clear. So instead her friends sent her emails that were supposed to look like good-bye letters of sorrow. Taking a hash brown chip, Sakura loaded up her account and stared at the hundred of emails that suddenly flowed through. A guilty expression crossed her face when she saw her dad's name. Skipping his for later, she opened the first one at the top addressed by Tomoyo. The moment she started reading she knew it was a bad idea. Something in her changed as she read the sad message from her best friend. The second one wasn't any better, reminding her of a journal entry made by a dying patient. Before she knew it, tears were threatening to come free. One slipped from, silent and unwelcoming as she read Chiharu's entry.
"Why so blue, dragoste?" her heart leaped, head snapping up as Koji entered the room. She slowly blinked, trying to figure out what 'dragoste' meant even as she pronounced it aloud. Deciding she didn't want to know, her arms shifted as she returned her look to the laptops screen. "Blue is not the color a face with such beauty should have." He added and Rin quirked a brow, watching her brother.
"I missed everything," Sakura commented dryly, unable to hold it in as she showed Koji the email. He got closer to the screen and she could smell the gasoline on his clothes mixing with the smell of leather. He glanced up at her, confusion on his face. "I missed the moment my best friend found her first love. I missed Naoko coming out of her shell, missed all of them getting a tattoo. I missed Chiharu giving lip to Cobra. Worst of all, I fucking missed my own brother's birthday." She let her tears fall, sliding down her face in segments. "So yeah, I'm blue. That damn bitch from hell ruined my one chance at a real life."
"What are you going to do about it?" he asked, straightening his posture.
"Excuse me?"
"Shang took life from you. Do something about it," she could only stare at him as he folded his arms over his leather jacket.
"The worst I could do in my position is throwing a pill bottle at her head." Rin laughed and Sakura grinned, glad her humor was appreciated by someone in the room. Koji wasn't too keen on her statement or he was confused by it, she couldn't tell as he unfolded his arms and watched her with a pale face.
"You know if I were in your situation, cherry blossom—."
"Cherry blossom…?"
"My eldest brother says you smell like a flower." Rin explained before Koji could. "He also says it's better for little wolf to help you adjust to the hidden life."
"Hidden life," Sakura shook her head, turning it a moment later to stare out the large window. Kaho was pacing across the deck, talking a mile a minute to someone still. Her long brown hair had come loose from her bun, drifting across her back as she went back and forth. There was a hint of red-tinted in her head, glinting with the sun and she wondered if the older woman dyed her hair. "My hidden life is beautiful at the same time miserable."
"You do not like Rome?" it was a simple question, but the surprise in Koji's voice made her cringe.
"How can I like a city I can't see from the walls of a cottage? I've heard so much about Rome from text books, but never witnessed its beauty with my own eyes." the two siblings exchanged a look. Koji quickly shook his head as Rin stuck her tongue out.
"Back to the original topic at hand," Rin started and threw something at Koji to remain silent. He took it with ease, swinging back to her with lightening speed. "Our eldest is still strong with his words regarding taking what Shang wants for your own."
"Simple terms, please."
"Ia puterea ei de sub ei," Sakura blinked at Koji's words and Rin laughed.
"Take her power from under her." she translated easily.
"Again how…?" Sakura waved her hand at the wound hidden beneath Syaoran's shirt. A faint blush crossed her face when Koji took notice of her bare legs, traveling up her body to land on the red marks covering her neck.
Rin held her hand up. "My brother does not approve of your…relationship…with Mikoto Heinz." Her hand fell, resting against her lap. "Heinz is a dirty man with dirty tricks. If what little wolf says is true, he is protecting you, giving you strength from a dangerous man." Her accent was rich as she tried to make it simple for Sakura to understand.
"Heinz is far from dangerous," Sakura said and froze realizing she had them staring at her. "Sorry, I didn't…I mean…never mind."
"So it is true then." Rin whistled, head shaking. Koji whispered something to her in Romanian, getting Sakura's attention when Rin brought her dark-purple gaze to linger on Sakura's body. For a fleeting thought she thought it hypocritical for his whispering, considering she had no idea how to speak Romanian in the first place. "Koji thinks you have a mark, but little wolf says you do not."
"I have my mother's name, nothing else." Sakura touched one finger to her hip bone and down revealing that it's hidden behind her. "If mark means tattoo then that's all I have." Her stomach growled and she reached for another hash brown chip, delving in the greasy food. The look on the sibling's faces had Sakura secretly wondering if they'd been waiting for this conversation.
Rin got to her feet, stretching like a cat in her black tank stop and leggings. Her eyes remained on Sakura, watching her chew, swallow, and breathe. "Mikoto Heinz does not have a mark, but we know what makes him stand out amongst the others." Rin continued unfazed. Koji dug in his back pocket, pulling up something on his phone and turning it around to show Sakura. "In my opinion, if you were to take what should not be Shang's, go about it his way."
"I've seen that mark." Sakura blinked, staring at the ancient cross. Heinz always played with his necklace when speaking with her. As if Rin's words finally hit her, Sakura stared. "What do you mean go his way? I haven't even agreed to take power away from Shang in the first place." as Koji took his phone away he glanced at his sister. They shared a look, silencing the room. Uncomfortable with the sudden change in atmosphere Sakura shifted in her seat, itching to leave. "Even if I agreed, I wouldn't know where to start. I have Heinz on my side and Syaoran…"
"I wish to mark you," Koji stated. Kaho scoffed as she entered the room, clearing her throat as she brushed her hand over her dress. Ignoring the older woman, Koji slowly removed his shirt. Sakura's face turned bright red as he revealed himself. "Rin and I agree to take responsibility for this and will face consequences amongst our own." he stood in front of Sakura, chest bare as he slowly turned around. She watched with fascination at his pale skin etched with muscles. A single scar ran from his hip to his back, giving him the only coloring to ashen skin. What caught her attention the most were the wings tattooed into his strong back. They weren't feminine or masculine, but his entire shoulder-to-shoulder blades were covered in black wings. It took her a moment to realize they were bat wings spread out with two bats centered against his spine, fangs bare in his vampire nature.
"Syaoran would kill me if I put that on me." Sakura found herself saying in awe.
"Your brother will kill you if you came back with that on you." Kaho reminded her. Sakura barely nodded her head as she stared, mesmerized by the feral creation on his skin. "What makes you guys think she'll be marked by you when Li hasn't even marked her himself."
"But he has," Rin grinned as she laid eyes on Sakura's bite marks scattered across her neck. Face flushing her hand went to hide the marks instantly.
"Night wing will give you the protection you need if you ever desire to stay in Rome or return to Rome." Koji said as he turned around to face her. Fangs bare, he inched closer to Sakura and stopped just at the foot of her chair. "It will be a war Shang never saw coming."
"We can use the white ink, to hide it from the world unless they are looking for it." Rin suggested, trying to talk Sakura into it. Once again Sakura had a nagging feeling the two had prepared for this conversation especially, giving her the chills.
"Does it have to be so large?"
"Sakura…!" Kaho exclaimed and Sakura shirked back into herself.
"It is my choice," she said slowly, never leaving Koji's sharp gaze. A pregnant pause filled the room as she licked her lips in decision. "I'll do it, only if you promise to take the heat from Syaoran for me and…make it less creepy."
"You don't know what you're getting into Sakura." Kaho tried, pleading with her eyes as Sakura shook her head. Rin was already crossing the room, revealing what she'd been working on at the oak table.
"I'm acquiring the protection I need in order to take Ceils world right from under her." I can even get unlikely people on my side without them knowing…she thought absently, her mind wandering to Jonathan as she pressed a hand to her wounded hip. "When do we do this?"
"Now," and Rin handed her the drawing.
…
…
…
Syaoran stepped out into the sunlight of Rome's main city, grimacing at the bright sun overhead. It was well past mid-afternoon and he still had hundreds of things to take care of. Sun glasses in place he moved away from the restaurant as a couple waited to step inside. He was suddenly conscious of the people striding inside of the building, giving him a once over as they passed. He knew he was a site to see, wearing a black business suit with no tie and a couple red marks scattered across his neck. He'd rather let the world see them than hide them, knowing they were worse when he tried to cover it up. Shaking off the weird sense that people were staring, he held the door open for patrons before leaving. The meeting he'd been in took longer than expected, forcing them to close off a section of a family-run business. Brows had been raised and heads had turned the moment eight businessmen left the room in false laughter and large bellies. It was only a cover to keep people from snooping and wondering why men in black suits were dining at a family restaurant. It was also a cover to keep prying eyes away from who they really were.
Letting the warm sun beat against his skin, he headed down the walkway towards his borrowed motorcycle. He had free reign of Rome with the exception of keeping his tattoo covered. That wasn't a problem, considering his wolfs head was on his chest, underneath layers of clothing. Syaoran walked briskly down the cobble stones of the restaurant and stopped, seeing a black-clad female across the streets. Black helmet covered her face, keeping her features hidden as she just stood there. Black sleek motorcycle was parked just in front of her, arms reach away in case she needed to leap up and run. A large truck rumbled by, blocking her from view from him. The moment the truck was gone, so was she. It didn't bother him that she played the disappearing act, pretending that she'd never been there watching him from across the street in the shadows of a large oak tree. What irked him was that she was there in the first place. He knew Night wing was having him followed, they had too. Black Wolves were not trusted, not since his uncle played a game of cat and mouse with a woman of high-class.
He was slightly paranoid that Shang knew where he was. After a conversation with his mother, Ceil's father showed interest in another meeting to up the scales of their trade. Yelan Li wasn't suspicious of the sudden interest, she was far from, but Syaoran on the other hand was suddenly curious as to Shang's interest. It was too soon for another meeting, too soon to higher the scales behind their trade. He had a nagging feeling it had to do with the hefty trade of weaponry he asked Ceil for. A sick feeling settled at the pit of his stomach as he walked across the street towards the parked motorcycle. He still had to figure out what he was going to do with Ceil. He knew the woman had a derange infatuation with him, from the amount of e-mails floating in from her. He also knew it wouldn't go away either. Meilin had also e-mailed him, giving him the news regarding the recent arrests. He wasn't thrilled, but his cousin could take care of her own.
An ice cream cart rang loudly, a man wearing a white suit slowly pushing it to catch people's attention. A couple stopped him, ordering cones to go with smiling faces. By passing his bike, Syaoran approached with Sakura in mind just as a young female ordered a cone as well. She glanced at Syaoran, brows raised. Ignoring her, he studied the man before him.
"A box of strawberry gelato, please?" the man jerked in surprise, going unnoticed by Syaoran as he pulled out his wallet. "How long will it stay frozen?" that took the man by surprise as well, his posture shifting as he finally looked at Syaoran fully.
"Pardon…?" his accent was thick and heavy, false almost.
"My girlfriends at home…give or take twenty minutes away." He pointed at the motorcycle parked next to them. He raised a brow taking in Syaoran's business suit than the bike. "She's ill; I want to cheer her up."
"Ah, of course…of course," the man made a face as he thought carefully. Syaoran could only imagine what crossed behind his shades, a complete stranger asking an even stranger question. How often do people buy boxes of ice cream from a single use cart? "I wouldn't advise such a trip on…that, but I have this to help you." He ducked down, pulling out an isolation bag. Pulling out a box of strawberry gelato as well, he placed it inside and handed it Syaoran. The sleeve of his white suit rose, revealing bat wings tied together against his pale skin.
It was Syaoran's turn to be surprised as he took the bag slowly from him. "How much…?"
"Free for the fair maiden ill at home, sir. Markus' gift of welcoming." Syaoran remained stiff as he took the bag and nodded his head once. Turning to the motorcycle, the man added, "Careful where you step little wolf. Those who know don't mind, but those who don't know will not be happy."
"Rumors fly fast," Syaoran mumbled. His lips barely moved as he got on the bike, adjusting the bag in the back so it wouldn't fall.
"Night wing welcomes the mistress of a comrade, that's all."
"Keep it silent then and her welcome will go unnoticed by others." He whispered, helmet in place before revving the bike to life. The ice cream man tilted his head, a smile plastered to his pale complexion as he turned his attention to a small family.
For the entire ride back to the cottage, Syaoran had his mind set on Sakura. He was furious Night Wing knew she was there, outside of the four people that should know of her existence. Markus had a plan set and Syaoran wasn't too keen on it. the warmth of the motorcycle's engine was still warm against his legs as he stepped off, walking the bike a couple inches before parking it completely against the side of the stone-made building. He could hear music playing and a smile slowly played on his lips. He almost had Sakura's interests down pat and recognized one of her favorite songs: Stolen Dance by Milky Chance. Bag in hand he entered the warm cottage in search of Sakura. The place wasn't large; it wasn't like he had to look hard. Coming up to the living room he was already speaking over the music, trying to decipher the peculiar and familiar stench of ink.
"Sakura I brought you back some gelato…" his voice trailed as he entered the room, eyes sharpening incredibly. The female in question was standing at an angle, wearing a sheet that was tied and wrapped around the middle of her stomach. Seeing him, Sakura flushed crimson. Her arm was across her breast as Kaho kneeled behind her. His eyes darkened as he took in Kaho's guilty look, tub of cream in hand as she rubbed it slowly onto Sakura's back—all over her back. "What happened?"
"Before you get angry…" Sakura started and stopped as her legs lost their footing, a sharp pain racing up the wrong side. Syaoran let his gaze go to the glass door positioned behind her, seeing Koji smoking his vapor on the patio with his legs outstretched on the table.
"Ea a fost marcat, little wolf," Rin spoke up from her spot on the couch, unfazed by her choice of words. Syaoran let his gaze flicker to her before snarling. Sakura blinked, taken aback by the actual animalistic sound coming from him.
"What do you mean she's been marked!?" his yell brought Koji's head around, but barely. "What did you do?" Syaoran's question was directed to the man outside, past Sakura as he narrowed his gaze on the vampire individual. Sakura swallowed a dry lump as she watched him move forward, stopping when he realized the sheet around Sakura was thin and see through.
"I can explain if you let me…" Sakura commented and trailed as the glass door slid open and closed, but no footsteps otherwise.
"Am ales pentru a marca Cherry Blossom ca unul de-al meu , pentru a permite o protecție suplimentară de la Shang." Koji spoke quickly and Syaoran's gaze remained on Sakura in disbelief. She could feel the tension coming off of him in waves and it broke her heart in too, realizing her mistake extensively. Syaoran could believe it; he didn't want to believe it as he met her eyes with rage and denial mixed. Rin said something else in Romanian, going unheard as Syaoran slowly let his head turn to the man standing at the back door. Sakura knew he wouldn't come inside until she wore something appropriate, but her skin crawled with a tingling sensation as she sensed his gaze on her from behind.
A long silence filled the room, awkwardly and deadly. Syaoran counted in his head, taking in Koji's expression of need and desire. Kaho's expression was one of guilt and worry, the stress lines of her eyes obvious from her position behind Sakura. As the silence grew, the time ticking by, he felt Sakura's gaze bore into him like fire. He couldn't look at her, no; his gaze was on the fake vampire with the desire-ridden gaze. The iPod somehow turned off, whether by chance or because the track was over. Kaho capped the cream with a short snap and before Sakura could blink, Syaoran had Koji slammed against the glass door. Rin yelled out in Romanian, leaping over the table that separated her from them. Her arms were too thin as she tried to pry off Syaoran's grip from her brother's neck. Déjà vu flashed in front of Sakura as she screamed at him to stop, going unheard as Koji tried to breathe out words only Syaoran understood. Kaho went to help Rin, tugging on Syaoran's strong grip as he pressed harder into the Night Wing member. Glass cracked at the pressure and Sakura all but lost it.
"Li release him!" she continued to shrill, wishing she could go over there and stop them. Her arm shook at the pressure of her weight pressing into it, her other arm still against her bare chest as she continued to scream at him to release Koji.
"You had no right!" Syaoran seethed, ignoring the shouting around him.
"I am protecting her," Koji got out before hissing. "Cineva trebuie să"
"By marking her…! She is not yours, Koji. Ea nu va fi a ta," he repeated in Romanian.
"Li…!" anger rose inside of Sakura as she yelled at the top of her lungs, unable to move forward because of her injury. Rin was struggling to move Syaoran's arm away from her brother. Her purple-black gaze was frightened compared to the smug defiance of Koji's expression. It was when Rin went flying backwards as Syaoran retaliated at something Koji whispered to him, the glass door cracking another inch in diameter, did she lose it. "EVERYONE OUT! NOW!" her throat burned as she roared, getting the attention of two males now.
"Sakura…"
"NOW!" tears sprung to her eyes and she reined them in as she shook with new anger. Knuckles white against the chair she held onto, she aimed her crystal green gaze at Syaoran, seeing him in her tunnel vision of fury. Rin was the first to leave, black hair fluttering behind her as she disappeared out the back door. Kaho lingered a moment before doing the same, concern written on her face. Finally Syaoran released Koji, giving him a shove out the door in the opposite direction.
"Cherry Blossom allow me to apologize…?"
"Get out," Sakura hissed out never removing her gaze from Syaoran. There was no way she was sitting down now, her body weakening as she remained where she stood, but she held strong. Her arm shook from the weight and she locked her knee, not wanting to topple over. "What the hell is wrong with you?" she got out tightly.
Syaoran blinked, "Excuse me."
She was too furious to think straight, still picture the white ashen face of Koji's struggle to breathe under Syaoran's hand. Babbling, she yelled out. "It's a tattoo! It's made of ink! White ink at that and you…it's my body damn-it!"
"Do you even know what you just did?"
"I got a tattoo!"
"It's more than that!"
"No, there's nothing more than that. Its ink on my body."
"Bound by contract!"
Sakura was sure their yelling match could be heard to the moon at back. Her ears began to ring as she struggled to calm down. "Can you even hear yourself?" Sakura shook her head, almost in tears. Taking a deep breath she met his gaze squarely for the first time since he returned. "Koji explained to me what being 'marked' by him entitles and guess what…at least he's man enough to do it!"
Syaoran went white as he stared at her, trying to reign in his anger as he caught the first hint of their presence outside. "You still don't get it."
"No, I do." Sakura struggled to remain still as she turned her head slightly. She was shaking from head to toes, struggling to keep her composure with her arm across her chest. "I get that being marked by you personally is like getting married with a contract. I understand the dangers of having Heinz on my side, following me around like the golden-eyed freak that he is. I know that having Koji mark me means life underground, that there's no way in hell I can back out from living their life…your life…I understand it all." She lifted her head and sniffed. "Why is it so hard for you to admit that you're going about my protection the wrong way?"
"Life is not something to take lightly, especially yours."
"Mine is mine. You don't see me running around acting crazy when you go out on your 'businesses'?" he opened his mouth to respond and she quickly held her hand up, dropping it just as fast. "Thank you for protecting me, but now it's my turn to protect me. It is my life and honestly, I like this idea of taken the underground by storm."
"So you got marked by a vampire," her brows raised at the hint of jealousy dripping from his voice.
"Come here,"
"Sakura…"
"Syaoran Li get over here now or I swear to whatever vampire is listening I will walk my half-naked ass to you instead." It took him a moment to realize the truth behind her words, her arm shaking from the weight of her stance as she held onto the edge of the chair still. Knuckles white, Sakura moved her head slightly as her gaze went to her own back from an awkward angle. "Just look at it will you?" she asked him when he was close enough.
Doing as he was told, Syaoran walked around her and stopped. Her arm dropped from her chest to grip the table with both arms, expanding her shoulder blades out for him to take in the red mark over her backside. A chill rose over her skin, his finger following the line of bumps to her shivering. His hand then followed, without touching the white and red-raised design of her tattoo. The white ink resembled two bat wings, the fangs dripping with red blood from their mouth as the two bats destroyed a butterfly. Syaoran raised one brow at the choice of destruction before he caught sight of Koji's official mark just underneath her right shoulder blade. The twin dots were what the inner-family of the Night Wing held as dominance over the rest; their royalty to Vlad the destroyer, Vlad the vampire. Cautiously he let out a sigh of defeat, knowing what's done is done. There was no backing out of it now and it was Sakura's decision.
Not moving, Syaoran brought his body closer until he was brushing against her back. Bringing his arms around, he held onto her loosely. She stiffened at the sudden touch of him, his suit brushing against her breasts. Head against hers, Syaoran remained still as he took in her scent of ink and sweat. She hadn't washed her hair since yesterday and for some reason it was still intoxicating to him, the lingering scent of her shampoo was mixed with everything, including his own sandalwood. "I'm still going to protect you,"
Sakura relaxed when he didn't move another inch, breathing out in tendrils of hot breath. "Then do it, but please let me have my life back. Ceil already took part of it away from me."
Syaoran nodded once, still pressed against her. "So you're going to take over the underworld."
"You make it sound like I'm immortal."
"You are immortal," he whispered against her skin, lightly kissing her neck. She shivered at the feel of his lips on his destruction of her neck. Trailing downwards, he continued to kiss her. His hand easily cupped her breast and she gasped, shuddering against him into arousal. Swallowing a lump in his throat, he thought of something she said and quizzically glanced up to stare at nothing. "Heinz has gold eyes?"
"What…?" Sakura blinked, taken aback by the change in topic. Did she really let that slip? He turned her around slowly, keeping an open mind to her hip as she shifted and wobbled. Holding her stead he watched her emerald orbs dilate in thought.
"I'm going to accept that you've personally met Heinz without the mask, it's pretty obvious. It's just hard to accept that…you let Koji mark you first." Sakura opened her mouth and Syaoran shook his head. "I get it; you want to take part in protecting your life. It is a good idea, just like hiding from Ceil until you're done healing is also good one."
"It's just a tattoo," Sakura mumbled and Syaoran shook his head. "Then why haven't you marked me yourself…" a blush crossed her cheeks thinking of his love bites on her neck. Syaoran was silent, not answering. Something stirred inside of Sakura and she dropped her gaze. The burn of her fresh tattoo was beginning to itch along side her healing bullet wound. "Who was she?"
Syaoran stiffened body tensing as his fingers tightly gripped her arms and released them. Sakura bit her lip, finally understanding. "That's a story for another time." He told her, lifting her head up. Kissing her lightly on the lips he whispered against them. "I promise,"
"I'm sorry," she barely got out in turn, feeling the tears rushing.
Syaoran breathed against her skin, kissing her forehead then cheeks, moving down to her neck. "I will protect you. I will love you. I will do both the right way." He knelt down, kissing along her skin until his head was level with her navel. All she could do was nod, a single tear sliding down her face. This was it wasn't it? Her life was almost done doing a three-sixty, but at least she had the one person in the world that was going to stay with her till the end. Just as she thought about that a shiver ran across her skin as he unraveled the sheet, kissing her body continuously. There is no coincidence in this world, there is only the inevitable; that's what Kaho had told her once and now it made sense.
Kabuki's Restaurant
Kyoto, Japan
11:45 P.M. (12 hour difference)
Kabuki's Restaurant was busy, the darkness only keeping so many people away. A light rain had begun to fall in Japan, dampening the sidewalks with a thin wetness. The noise of the restaurant went unheard on the outside as people laughed and enjoyed a late-night meal. Inside the red-rimmed building of dark fabric and leather seats sat a private dinner party. Hidden up a flight of stairs, behind red curtains were the females of Black Wolves. Meilin gulped down her beer greedily as she read a private message from her cousin. She still didn't know where he'd left to, but from the time stamp of his message she knew he was in a world of tomorrow, while they still lingered in yesterday. It almost felt like Alice in Wonderland and she took another long swig of her beer. Her attention came up as a waitress entered with a bow, placing down another pitcher of beer for the girls to share. She left just as fast, disappearing behind the red curtain and muffled noise of the people inside the main restaurant.
Meilin tilted her head again as she read and re-read the message Syaoran had sent her. He had another game plan and for the life of her she couldn't figure out what that meant. Head shaking, her black hair tumbling down off of her shoulder and into her lap, she reached for the pitcher. Tonight was girls' night and it had a whole new meaning. While the boys went off on some loose end chase, the girls needed to hideout and stay away from the Mansion. Meilin never thought she'd see the day when they couldn't use the mansion as a safety measure. Even the University was off limits until the Black Wolves figured out what was going on. They were hot-pressed by the detectives for incidents that had nothing to do with them. The conversation she had just that morning with the detectives still bugged her, eating away at her subconscious. She knew that voice on the recorder, but lied about it in fear the detectives would find a new reason to keep her detained. Drinking her beer down to the bottom, she ignored the glance from Sera as she refilled the mug and set it down. Meilin still needed to figure out how to explain the incident to Syaoran.
"How are you feeling?" She heard Sera ask Chiharu softly. Glad for a distraction, Meilin turned to Chiharu and watched as the new Black wolf member fiddled with her beer mug. Chiharu was pale and wearing too much makeup to hide her purple rimmed eyes.
"Like I got slammed by a sumo-wrestler,"
"I can't apologize enough for what—."
"Sera, it's fine." Chiharu stopped her with a soft smile that didn't reach her tired gaze. "I understand completely. I'm just pissed that bastard had the audacity to call me a spitfire." Chiharu sighed, eyes going to Meilin. "How's your friend doing?"
"She'll survive. Wei came in last night to help with the medical issues until Kaho returns." She itched to grab her beer, struggling to leave it alone. The girl in question was named Meika, a friend of Syaoran's from the black panthers, and an ally of the Black Wolves. The girl had been badly beaten to the point of unconsciousness and she'd yet to come out of it. Cobra had gotten her good. Meilin shivered; yet another topic she hadn't told her cousin about.
As if sensing the conversation needed to move on, Rika brought her gaze up to examine the small private room they resided in. "So you guys…own this restaurant?" she asked in amazement, eyes on the paintings on the wall above their heads. Unconsciously her hand went to her drink, the cool texture of the crystal glass soft against her fingers.
"It belongs to Wolf, yes." Meilin commented with a smile, watching them all look around the small and private room.
Taking a long gulp of her own drink, the tart taste of orange juice and champagne mix beating at her taste buds, Rika pointed at one of the paintings above. "I like that one. It reminds me of some of the creations Chiharu makes." Chiharu sputtered at that, bringing her head up to squint at the painting just over Sera's head.
"Wolf's ex-wife painted that one I believe. He won't admit it, but he cared for that woman. Her paintings are in every business the Li's own, including Nakuru's café in Tomoeda."
"God…your uncle is like super man." Rika shook her head, thinking of the one café she knew Meilin was talking about.
"More like batman," Chiharu laughed.
"Tony Stark guys, Tony Stark. He's the wealthiest of the whole lot of them." Naoko chimed in as she gulped down beer. Meilin couldn't help but raise a brow at her.
"You've been hanging out with Nathan too much." She commented teasingly and instantly Naoko flushed crimson, glass in her face. Meilin had to admit one thing as they launched into a spiel about DC comics versus Marvels, her stress could easily slip away when she was in the company of the girls. Sakura's friends had lifted a huge weight off her shoulders when they joined the Black Wolves, a weight she didn't want to admit, was eating her from the inside out.
The walls shook tremendously, alarming the girls into instant silence. Meilin narrowed her eyes at the hanging décor, trying to figure out if it was a slight earthquake. The paintings swayed against the nails, the walls moving to and fro in an odd angle. The moment it stopped, her gaze went to the drinks on the table and watched as the liquids splashed about in glasses. Another more audible blast shook the walls, sending the group to their feet. Sera had her hand on her weapon, blue eyes darkening. Her blond hair came around in tendrils as her clip fell out, clattering to the ground unnoticed by its owner. Tomoyo stiffened when she heard a faint pop, pop, pop sound. Meilin sympathized for the girl, knowing she would have nightmares for awhile. Sniffing the air, Sera growled and went forward only to stop as the red hanging slipped aside. Their usual waitress froze in place as Sera aimed the gun, dark eyes unblinking as tears spilled down her face in a cascade of black mascara.
"It's…they…I don't know what happened." The girl babbled incoherently. Sera went around her and peered passed the swaying cover, weapon still drawn. Meilin went to the girl and held her softly by the shoulders.
"Silver Cobra…?" Meilin asked with a hint of venom in her voice.
When the girl shrugged her shoulders, head shaking, Sera had already gone out into the main part of the restaurant. Meilin held in a shout for the blond to wait, knowing Sera wouldn't. "They were dressed in all black, I couldn't tell. Naru…they shot Naru, Lady Meilin."
Someone made a whimpering sound and she wasn't sure if it came from the waitress or the girls. Meilin took in a short breath and held her ground as she eyed the girl still in grasp. "Go out the back, make sure everyone goes with you and try and get the guests that aren't in the front room. Go!" Meilin pulled her phone out, gun raised as she went after Sera. The others followed without question and Meilin didn't think they knew what to say. Her phone continued to ring in her ear, her boyfriend picking up at the last minute and shouting something. "Kyle…wait slow down…I can't hear you! Oh for fucks sake!"
"What's wrong?"
Meilin stopped, seeing Sera hidden behind the wall of the kitchen. "He's racing, I heard gunshots." Her gaze went to the others and thinking fast she let out a string of commands. "Chiharu I want you to go out the back with the others, Tomoyo…" her eyes lit on the girl's pale expression then down to her wrapped ankle.
"I'll help,"
"Your ankle is sprained still you should go with Chi and the patrons of the restaurant. Call Eriol and find out if he's nearby or with Kyle." Meilin's frown increased as she looked at the other two. "Sorry ladies, its time to shut off all emotions."
"You need us here." Tomoyo hissed and Chiharu placed a hand on her shoulder.
"No," Meilin shook her head and winced when a gun shot pierced the silence of the restaurant. Screams and shouts came almost instantly, glass breaking. "Sakura will not forgive me if you guys got hurt, especially when you've already gone though so much."
"Listen to her Tomoyo, let's get a hold of the boys." After a moment she finally nodded, giving Naoko a quick hug and Rika a stern smile. One by one the kitchen staff left their faces white and pale as they followed Tomoyo and Chiharu out. Meilin closed her eyes taking quick, uneven breaths before opening her eyes again.
Rika was watching her with a dark expression. She was one girl that could never go back to her original life, Meilin realized. "Go silently, go quickly…" she handed Rika her spare gun hidden in her boots, lightly shoving the girl into the kitchen. Sera followed next, then Naoko and Meilin. The restaurant was suddenly eerily quiet aside from them moving through the kitchen out the side. Rika got to her hands and knees and peered around, coming up a moment later.
"How many do you see?" Sera asked softly, her lips barely moving.
"None," Meilin gave her a confused look and Rika pointed at the mirror cracked from a bullet hole just in front of them. "They're gone and it looks like they blew the front entrance."
"What do you mean they're gone?" Meilin pushed forward and stepped around, staring at the destruction of the restaurant. Everyone had run, taking their panic to a whole knew level. The door was charred black, glass scattered across the floor in crystallized colors. Her attention went to the obvious hole of a bomb that was now the entrance then to the bullets piercing the wall opposite.
"They came, they shot up the place, and left." Sera stated numbly as she came around to stare at the too quiet restaurant. Her eyes went to the dead body at the hostess station, grim as she noticed Naru buried beneath glass with a bullet between the eyes.
"That doesn't make sense."
"I don't think they knew we were here, Mei."
"Shh, listen…" Naoko had her finger against her lips, eyes closed as she took in the silence of the restaurant. Meilin followed suit, then Rika and Sera. A soft ticking entered their hearing and Sera's eyes flew open.
"Oh fucking hell, run! RUN NOW!" even as she shoved the girl towards the way she came, legs pumping her weight the explosion was hot and quick, sending them flying forward in a whirl of black.
March 4, 2012
Rome, Italy
4:48 P.M. (12 Hour difference)
They were watching a movie on his laptop when it went off a few hours after Japan's incident. The phone sounded angry as it continued to vibrate in a half circle on the table. Syaoran glanced at it, not moving. Sakura looked up at him, watching the emotions shy away almost instantly. She knew he didn't want to move, losing their comfortable position for a mere phone. He visibly relaxed when it stopped ringing, a ding indicating a missed call. Then like clock work it buzzed further into its circle, followed by a strange sound Sakura wondered was a text message notification. She'd almost fallen asleep too if it weren't for the surprise of an angry phone. Grim-faced, Syaoran eased away from her and got up with a stretch, giving her a show of his bare back and muscles. Sakura watched him, mesmerized by the way his strong back as he quickly snatched the phone up on the third excessive ring.
"Li…" he grumbled and froze, his eyes darkening considerably. "By whom…!" he roared loud enough to send Sakura's hair on end.
"What's wrong?" Sakura's heart raced as she tried to meet his gaze.
"Did they make it out? Where's Kyle…?" Syaoran turned then and Sakura's heart sank, straining to listen to the voice on the phone. It was male by the sound of it and frantic. Her heart sank even more as she tried to listen. "If it wasn't Silver Cobra then who was it?"
"What's going on…?" Rin asked coming into the room in a fresh black dress the color of midnight. Sakura barely glanced at her as her head swiveled to Syaoran's tense stance.
"Call me the moment you find out. Don't do anything otherwise. Cobra has an ulterior motive if he set up that turnpike for Kyle and Eriol, but I want to know who bombed the restaurant." Just like that he hung up, not turning around. Sakura could see him shuddering violently with anger, trying to reign it in. After their shouting match earlier, she was sure his blood pressure was over the top now.
"Restaurant…?" Sakura practically whispered, confused and frightened.
"Sakura…" Syaoran turned slowly, face expressionless. Rin understood that look and she hissed, turning into the predator she wished she was. The black-haired girl had becoming increasingly protective of Sakura as well and she inched forward to block Sakura from view. Syaoran met her gaze before turning it back to Sakura's, holding it stiffly. "Yanagisawa and Sasaki were…they were…" he paused, unable to meet her gaze fully as he tried the best way to explain the situation.
"Spit it out Li!" anger flowed through her as she stared at him trying. Rin was at her side, protecting Sakura like a sister.
"Wolf's restaurant was attacked and they were involved, as well as Mei and Sera."
"Are they alright?" Sakura didn't even blink as she took in the news. Somehow she knew something bad had happened. It wasn't just the way he was trying to hide his emotions; it was the way he held himself in defeat across the room with his cell phone in hand. Without a shirt on she could see the rise and fall of his chest clearly. His breath control told her everything she needed to know and more.
"We won't know until the city departments clear out the area." He then met Rin's gaze. "Reina was there with her husband. Can you find out anything?"
"Reina is not—,"
"Reina was there as a patron of the restaurant. She, her husband, and child were able to escape the fray at the beginning. Tsukino said he saw her trying to direct some of the patrons away from the building before it…" he paused, swallowing a lump in his throat as he realized the depths of the news. "…before it blew."
At Sakura's gasp, Rin turned. "I will try, little wolf. Mă vei dator pentru această."
"I will owe you what I can." He bowed his head as she left the room, leaving Sakura and Syaoran alone once again. Sakura could hardly breathe as she took in the news, struggling to accept that something terrible happened at all. Syaoran went to her side awkwardly. He wasn't exactly sure how to help her, unsure how to make the idea of her friends seem like they were safe. He knew he couldn't.
"Naoko and Rika have never done terrible things to another human being. They don't deserve what happened." Sakura got out, shocking Syaoran as he took in her emerald orbs dilated widely. "If Cobra thinks it's funny to play with my friends…" she let the threat hang in the air, her voice shaking. "Do you think it was Shang?"
"I think whoever it was will face a terrible consequence after this. Your friends will be fine." He held her gaze and she slowly shook her head.
"Whoever blew up the restaurant will pay otherwise. My vow as a Night Wing member,"
"And a Black wolf," he told her, watching the emotions leave her eyes in a flicker of life.
"And a Black Wolf," she said with a hiss.
To be continued…
I've been trying to keep the detectives on an ongoing, confusing, over-the-top case they can't figure out. Has it been working?
So that's it for now, obviously. Till next time; thank you for the reviews. I love 'em all.