Last time: Li caught up to Sakura's would-be killer and unmasked her. She was revealed to be Katrina, an assassin sent by Li's family to murder Sakura. Katrina revealed that the Li clan wanted Sakura dead so that the arranged marriage between Li and Meilin could go off without a hitch. Li would have none of that and it was decided that he would confront his family, but Katrina also advised bringing the Clow book along. At the time of this chapter…everyone should have reached Hong Kong.


Plucking a Cherry Blossom: Part 3


Scene: The Shadaloo Jet

Perspective: Sagat

Sagat looked out the window of Bison's rusted jet to see that they were over the ocean again. Bison had finished his business in Japan relatively quickly. Now, it was time to rush off to another destination as Bison looked on and Balrog piloted the jet.

~* All this traveling. I can only wonder what this will all lead to. But I know that look on Bison's face. It must all be going according to his twisted plan. *~

"So where are we going now?" Sagat asked.

Bison chuckled. "We go on to Hong Kong. It is there that my plan will come into fruition. Everything should be going perfectly."

Sagat said nothing more. Hong Kong. It was unknown to him why Bison would go there, but he wouldn't ask questions. All Sagat wanted was to get what he wanted. And to get what he wanted, Sagat had to help get Bison what he wanted.

Scene: The Streets of Hong Kong

Perspective: Sakura Avalon

Sakura and her friends (and Katrina) walked along a small dirt road in the middle of Hong Kong. It was a quaint, small road that was kind of a relief from the busy streets of downtown Hong Kong. It was quite a walk to the Li family home, but no one was in a hurry. It wasn't like anyone else was out trying to kill Sakura…or so they hoped. Then everyone stopped when they noticed a large crowd gathering around a small warehouse.

"What do you think is going on there?" Madison asked curiously.

"Should…we find out?" Sakura asked Li.

Li glanced at Meilin. "I guess we can go."

"But what are they gathering around for?" Meilin asked. "I've never seen a crowd this big around here."

"I think we should find out," Sakura said.

The five (six, counting Kero) walked through the large crowd and made their way into the warehouse. There were bleachers brought in and they were almost full. So Sakura took her seat and her friends sat right beside her. Madison was popping a new empty tape into her video camera.

"I just wonder what the occasion is," she said. "What do you think it is, Sakura?"

"I'm…not sure," Sakura replied. "It could be anything."

Just then, someone came in through the back entrance of the warehouse. He was a short man with short auburn hair. He had no shirt and it showed off his muscular body, with what had to be abs of steel and tight biceps. Even through the fabric of his puffy pants, his muscular legs could be made out and they looked powerful.

"Is that who I think it is?" Meilin asked in awe.

"It's him," Li added. "It's…Fei Long."

Sakura gasped when she recognized him. It was the action film star, Fei Long. She had seen some of his movies back in Japan and he was very famous, not only for his movies, but also for his fighting skills.

"Ladies and gentlemen, introducing first…he is one of Hong Kong's greatest celebrities…he is Fei Long!"

At the introduction, the crowd erupted. They were obviously familiar with his work, and frankly, who wasn't? Sakura looked over to see Madison scrambling to get her camera ready.

"I can't believe I'm getting Fei Long on tape," Madison said excitedly. "This should be really cool. But…who's he facing?"

The back doors flew open again. Someone else emerged wearing a white fighting robe with the sleeves cut out. He wore a red headband. His expression was very serious, like a man looking for a challenge. He walked over to his corner and prepared himself.

"And his opponent…he is from Japan…he has won fighting tournaments all over the world. He is Ryu!"

As familiar as Sakura was with Fei Long, she had to admit that there was something about this Ryu. There was something in his demeanor…his determined expression. It almost reminded her of Li. Then she looked over to see the same expression on Li's face.

~* That's my guy. That's why I love him so much. *~

Madison held her camera up to make sure she got a good view. Sakura tried to get a good view of her own. Then the bell rang and the fight was on.

Fei Long began by kicking the air up near Ryu's face. It was an intimidation tactic, but Ryu didn't look shaken. Fei Long tried a legsweep, but Ryu jumped over it and ducked the roundhouse kick that followed. Fei Long then began to throw a flurry of punches, including his fierce four-punch combo. Ryu was stunned by the four-punch combo and was staggered.

Fei Long felt he had the advantage. He used his tremendous agility to his advantage. He jumped over Ryu and landed right behind him. As Ryu turned around, Fei Long let loose with a fierce jumping kick to the face. Fei Long tried to follow up by throwing several punches towards the head, but Ryu blocked each one. Ryu was catching his second wind.

Ryu caught Fei Long off-guard with a sidekick to the stomach. Ryu continued his flurry with a right jab to the face, a left hook to the stomach, and a spinning kick that caught Fei Long in the jaw. Ryu began to run towards Fei Long, but the action star seemed ready.

Fei Long tried to take the incoming Ryu out with one of his most dangerous moves. Fei Long unleashed his Flaming Dragon Kick, much to Sakura's amazement. She had never seen anything like it. But Ryu was ready for that. He rolled under the awesome attack and pulled out an awesome attack of his own.

"Tatsumaki Senpuukyuku!!"

Ryu let out a powerful Hurricane Kick that pulled Fei Long in and he was stuck. Fei Long was getting thrown around like a rag doll with this amazing kick. After the attack was finally over, Fei Long staggered around. Then Ryu landed the final blow.

"Shoryuken!!"

Ryu let out a punishing Dragon Punch that knocked Fei Long down for the count. The crowd was stunned and frankly, so was Sakura. The mighty Fei Long had been beaten. Through the whole fight, Ryu kept his calm, serious demeanor. He only stood to adjust his headband, and then went over and helped Fei Long back up. The two fighters then exchanged a handshake in an act of sportsmanship and respect. After that, Ryu calmly picked up his duffel bag and walked out of the warehouse.

"That was really something," Meilin said breathlessly.

Li agreed. "I haven't seen a fight like that since…well…ever."

"I guess it's over," Sakura said. "I guess we should be on our way."

Everyone got up, but Madison gasped. "Sakura! Katrina's gone!"

Sakura looked over to see she was right. The assassin was gone. She must have ducked out in the middle of the fight.

"Let her go," Li said bitterly. "We don't need her, and as long as she doesn't try to kill Sakura, we can get along fine without her."

On those words, Sakura followed everyone out. They made their way through the crowd, but then she heard a voice sound from her pocket.

"Sakura, I'm hungry!"

"Can it wait?" Sakura told Kero. "I'll feed you later."

"When we get to the brat's place?" Kero muttered. "I guess I can wait."

Sakura smiled as she made her way through the crowd. She hadn't forgotten Li's mother. Sakura had no problems with Li's mother. But she could only wonder if it was Li's mother who sent Katrina to assassinate her.

Scene: Outside the Li Family Home

Perspective: Sakura Avalon

"Wow," Madison breathed. "I almost forgot how beautiful this place was."

Sakura had to agree. The Li family home looked just wonderful. It had been so long since Sakura had come here. She hardly remembered it, but her memory was refreshed now. But she could see that Li wasn't so excited to see his old home.

"Yeah…" he muttered dryly. "Beautiful."

"Please, Li," Meilin pleaded. "At least try to smile. We haven't been back in so long."

"I never wanted to come back," Li said with gritted teeth. "Especially after all that's happened."

No one said anything else. Everyone walked towards the front door of the main house. It looked like the Li family home had expanded. The other clan members must have built the extra shacks and dwellings. Sakura waited for Li, but he wasn't knocking. He had his arms folded and he had a scowl on his face.

~* He won't forgive. And he holds a grudge…all for me. I don't know if I should be happy…or sad. *~

Sakura just stayed quiet and knocked. There was no answer, so Sakura knocked again. She looked and Madison and she just shrugged. Sakura knocked a third time and finally someone answered the front door.

Standing there was a young woman in a red robe, similar to the one Li always wore. Sakura recognized her.

"Shiefua?"

Shiefua looked passed Sakura and saw her baby brother standing in the very back. "Little Li? Is that you?"

Li scowled. "Shiefua."

Shiefua ignored Li's sour demeanor and gave her little brother a big hug. "It's been such a long time, Li. I haven't seen you…in almost five years."

"I haven't really wanted to see you…" Li began.

Shiefua didn't give him a chance to finish. "Fuanren! Futeie! Fuiemei! Little Li's finally come home!"

Fuanren came out, followed by Futeie and Fuiemei. Li's three other sisters rushed out to give their brother a huge hug. They still maintained the embrace while Shiefua looked over at Meilin.

"Meilin, I thought I told you to call us as soon as you got to Japan. I've been waiting to see how my little brother has been holding up!"

"I tried," Meilin tried saying. "But he wouldn't let me call you guys. He's still mad at the entire family…and honestly, I can't really blame him."

"You're mad at US, Li?" Shiefua asked innocently. "Your own sisters?"

"Don't give me that!" Li snapped. "You know why I haven't talked to any of you! It's because none of you can accept me and Sakura as a couple!"

Shiefua blinked and looked to her left. Sakura waved weakly. She was expecting to be shunned and looked down on. It was evident that the family didn't like her…or else why would they be having her killed. But much to her surprise, Sakura and Madison were almost knocked over by the four sisters in their excitement.

"Sakura! Madison! It's been such a long time!"

"We haven't seen either of you in years!"

"Why haven't you written to us? You'd always write Li, but you forgot about us!"

"What have you two been up to? It's been so long! We're so happy to see you again!"

"Y-You are?" Sakura asked curiously.

~* They…seem happy to see me. It doesn't sound like their faking. But then who could have sent Katrina to kill me? *~

"I know you don't mean any of that," Li growled. "Everyone's been dead set against this whole relationship, you'll excuse me if I don't exactly believe you four to be sincere."

The four sisters glanced at each other before Shiefua finally spoke up. "Maybe you should come in and talk to mom."

Scene: The Shadaloo Jet

Perspective: Sagat

The Shadaloo Jet had landed in an abandoned forest. Bison stood outside looking out over an immense cliff. Sagat could see the bright lights of downtown Hong Kong off the cliff, but it was evident that Bison had other things in mind.

"What do you think he's waiting for?" Balrog asked.

"He's probably planning the next move," Vega tried answering. "Hopefully, it gives us a chance for action." He took off his mask revealing his flawless face. "I want this to be the last face our enemies see."

"I sense we will see action soon enough," Sagat said. "Bison's plan seems to be very calculated. He's probably waiting for just the right moment."

Just then, one of Bison's mini-cyborgs flew by. Bison had made a few adjustments on the micro machine. He took out a small visor from within and put it on his face. Sagat became curious and so did Balrog and Vega. The three of them approached Bison and saw he was grinning.

"They're here," he chuckled. "The Clow mistress is here…just as I had anticipated."

"Then one of us should go get her," Sagat suggested. He was about to say something else, but he saw that Bison's grin had faded.

"No…it can't be!" Bison growled. "HE'S here, too!"

"Who's here?" Sagat demanded. "Tell me, Bison. Who's here?"

"It's…Ryu!"

Sagat instantly felt a fire go through him as he heard that wretched name. The one who had handed him his most humiliating defeat was in Hong Kong.

"It looks like he came only to find a challenge," Bison continued. "He only came for a fight. He has no knowledge of us. As far as he knows, I'm still dead."

"But I want to take him out!" Sagat snapped. "I want to destroy him for what he's done to me!"

"You must be patient!" Bison shouted. "Ryu is one of the most powerful warriors in the world! Unlike the Clow mistress, he is FAR from helpless! He can ruin everything! You can't jump the gun, Sagat! You must wait until AFTER I get the Clow Cards! Then I give you my word, you will have Ryu!"

"You'd better not be lying to me, Bison," Sagat growled.

"You'd better not become overzealous," Bison shot back. "Because if Ryu or anyone else finds out we're here, it could ruin everything!"

Sagat composed himself. The thought of having his rematch with Ryu was far too tempting. But Sagat also knew he could really hit it big if Bison controlled the Clow Cards.

"For now, it is time to find Sakura Avalon," Bison grinned. "And I think it is time for the mistress of Clow to meet one of my most dangerous assassins. Vega!"

Vega stepped forward and ground the metal claws attached to his hands together in a menacing fashion.

Bison chuckled. "You know what to do."

Scene: Inside the Li Family Home

Perspective: Sakura Avalon

The inside of the Li family home hadn't changed too much. It was still a lovely sight from inside. Sakura looked around to see that only a small amount of changes. It was enough to get Madison taping with her video camera. But before they made their way inside, Li's sisters stopped Sakura and Madison.

"Girls…" Shiefua began. "…I've…been waiting for this day to come again and we're really glad you're here. Sisters! You know what time it is!"

Li's four sisters suddenly shoved Sakura and Madison into a small room where the four sisters took their time to dress Sakura and Madison up. When it was all finished, Sakura didn't even know what she was wearing. Of course, when Li's four sisters brought them out and stood Sakura and Madison in front of a mirror.

Madison gasped in joy. "It's so cute! I love it! Don't you, Sakura?"

Sakura smiled joyously. She was wearing a brand new pink kimono that was decorated with cherry blossoms. Madison was wearing a bright purple kimono with a floral pattern. The kimonos were just lovely.

Meilin smiled. "I've got to admit…you two actually look good. It's an improvement from what you usually wear, Sakura…or from what you get dressed up with."

Madison frowned. "Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know what I mean," Meilin grinned.

Shiefua beamed. "You two look so cute like this! Ok, NOW we're ready."

The four sisters led the way. Meilin and Madison followed, but Sakura pulled Li in for a moment.

"What do you think?" Sakura asked. She was blushing.

Li smiled. "You look beautiful. You always do." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. As Sakura blushed, Li held her hand and they both followed his sisters in.

Shiefua stopped at a sliding door and knocked. "Mom! You'll never guess who's here!"

"I'm kind of busy, Shiefua," the familiar voice of Li's mother, Yelan, said. "Who is it?"

Shiefua slid the door open and there was Li's mother. Everyone just stood as Yelan stood in shock. She dropped everything and ran towards her only son.

"Li…is that really you? You've grown so much since I've last seen you! I can't believe it's really you!"

Sakura watched Li's mother become so emotional. She was finally being reunited with her son after so many years of being separated. But Sakura noticed Li wasn't as joyful. His stone cold expression remained. He never returned his mother's hug.

~* If only he could forgive…if only…WAIT! What am I telling myself? These are the people who want to take Li away from me! Why SHOULD I feel any pity for them? They don't want us together! But…they're so happy. Maybe they just want Li back. But still! They didn't have to send an assassin! *~

Yelan released the hug and looked at Li's cold demeanor. "Li…don't you have anything to say?"

"I have nothing to say to you," Li said bitingly. "Not after everything that's happened. Not after everything this family has put me through. Not after…you've tried to separate me and Sakura."

Yelan closed her eyes and sighed deeply. She glanced at Sakura. "It HAS been a long time. I think it's about time we all talked."

Sakura blinked. "Yeah…I think it is."

It was time to talk. It was time to find out just why the Li clan was so determined to see the end of her relationship with Li.


Next Time: A talk with Li's family will bring about many answers; answers about everything since the day Li severed ties with his family. But what other answers will Sakura find? And what'll happen now that Bison has unleashed Vega? Come back next time and find out.


Any comments? Going along good so far? I'd like to know what you think so go ahead and mail me at AmericanCaptor@hotmail.com if you want. But I'd really like you all to review below and tell me what you think!