*~* Chapter Twelve *~*
Author's Note: SORRY! I didn't mean to make you guys wait so long, but this was hard to write (and it is lengthy) and I just found two editors. So it took a while to get everything straight.

*~*

Disclaimer: I don't own CCS.

*~*

*~* Chapter Twelve *~*

The Engagement Party

Mei-lin sat at her vanity and began to brush her hair. It was nice to live with Syaoran. Her new room in Syaoran's apartment- NO, her and Syaoran's apartment- was better than the one in the mansion. Only because Syaoran, the love of her life, was there with her.

For the first time in a while, she was truly happy. She closed her eyes and began to hum a song.

"I think it's time."

Mei-lin gasped, dropped her brush and whirled around. "Oh, YOU! What are you doing here?" she hissed.

Yukio leaned against a wall. "I must thank you for the tip. That Touya gave me an unexpected boost of power. I think I'm now strong enough to carry out my plans."

Mei-lin glared at him. "You know, Syaoran stays here too. Don't be too loud."

Yukio waved his hand. "He won't hear me. Anyway, I think I'll make my move at that engagement party tomorrow night. I was invited, you know."

Mei-lin nodded. "Yes, Wolfe-sensei was. And so was I. I'll go out and buy a new gown just for the occasion," she said with a grin.

Yukio smiled mysteriously. "I promise- it'll be a blast." Then with a puff of smoke, he was gone.

Mei-lin smiled, picked up her brush and began to brush her hair again. She couldn't wait to see what was in store for Kinomoto Sakura.

*~*

"Since it IS a formal party, there will be an orchestra composed of about twenty people. Dinner will also be served there. You should see the tables! They are sooo wonderful! The ballroom is decorated in pink and green- those colors go together real nice, don't they? Anyway, the food is some sort of American dish or whatever, but the cook assured me that everything will taste great. And there are door prizes, a dancing contest . . ."

Sakura was staring off into space as Tomoyo went on and on about the engagement party. A large group of people, mostly girls, surrounded them. They all were excited about the party, saying it would be the best that Tomoeda had ever seen.

But Sakura sat at her desk, wishing her best friend would be quiet. She was not excited about the party. But after Tomoyo had made all of those preparations, she just couldn't cancel it.

"Tomoyo, you're skipping around," muttered Sakura.

That shut her up. "Oh, I guess I am. Well, can you blame me? I'm so excited!"

Everyone else nodded.

As their sensei entered the classroom, everyone shuffled to their seats.

When everyone was finally quiet, Wolfe-sensei smiled. "Well, I can see that everyone is thrilled about the big party tomorrow night. I know I am." He sent Sakura a strange look. He then turned her attention back to the class. "Therefore, I will not have a lesson today, because none of you will be paying attention anyway. So go ahead and socialize."

The students happily did as he said.

From his desk, Wolfe-sensei / Yukio A/N: I had to come out and directly say it, just in case some people missed it . . . watched Sakura carefully. Enjoy their company while you can, Sakura, because by the end of tonight, you will be mine.

*~*

When Sakura finally got home that afternoon, Syaoran was with her. Sakura had told her fiancé that she would be at home alone that afternoon and naturally, he volunteered to stay with her until either her brother or father got home.

Syaoran plopped onto Sakura's bed and grabbed the television's remote. He began to flip through the channels.

Sakura joined him on the bed and leaned against the wall. "You know, Maybe you should sit on the floor. You know what happened last time Touya caught us on the bed together."

Syaoran sent her a look. "Ha. Ha. Very funny. I still have bruises on my neck from when he choked me to death."

Sakura giggled. "Oh, he choked you to death? Then why are you still here?"

Syaoran leaned over and pulled her into his arms. "Because I couldn't stand to be separated form you for a second," he whispered into her ear. Then he placed his lips on hers.

Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. They fell onto the bed but continued to kiss.

*~*

Kero fluttered into the Kinomoto house through an open kitchen window. He yawned. He'd been up all night, surfing the net for someone who had the rare new Xylon Warriors game and who was willing to sell. Kero had gone to Tomoyo's house, since he had the most advanced computer he'd ever seen.

Wanting a long nap, he flew up the stairs and into Sakura's room.

"SAKUUUUUUUUURAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!" exclaimed Kero, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. "GET OFFA HER YOU PERVERTED GAKI RAPIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He landed on Syaoran's back and began to pound on it.

Syaoran immediately sat up. "What the hell?!"

Sakura spotted Kero and sighed. "Not again . . ."

"Touya told me about that little MISUNDERSTANDING that happened with the necklace." Kero turned to Syaoran. "So, you got an excuse for this time, too? Huh? What, did the necklace fall down her THROAT? Were you trying to get it out with your TONGUE?"

Syaoran rolled his eyes and climbed off of the bed as Sakura sat up. "Hey, I resent being called a rapist. And no, this time we were making out, okay?"

"Why I otta . . ."

"Kero! We're engaged. Can't we kiss?" asked Sakura.

"NO! And what is this baka doing in your room anyway? On your BED?!"

Just then someone else joined them. "Who was in whose bed?"

Sakura and Syaoran looked up to see Touya standing in the doorway with Yukito, who was licking on a double scooped ice-cream cone.

Syaoran groaned. I'm dead . . .

"THAT GAKI WAS FORCING HIMSELF ON SAKURA!!!!!!!!!!!!" cried Kero, pointing one of his tiny fingers at Syaoran.

"SorrySakuraIgottago!" muttered Syaoran as he grabbed his backpack and leapt out of the window.

Yukito smiled. "I don't think Syaoran was forcing himself on you, was he Sakura."

She glared at Kero. "No, he wasn't. We were kissing."

Touya was about to explode when Yukito grabbed his hand and pulled Touya away.

Kero eyed Sakura. "Well. I know you two are engaged, but you should wait."

"We WERE going to wait. YOU just interpreted it wrong," replied Sakura.

Kero sighed and fell onto the bed. "I just worry about you, kid, with everything going on, you know? I don't want anything to happen to you."

"Awww, KERO, that's sweet. I understand, but I'm growing up," replied Sakura. She scooped him up and held him close to her chest.

"S-A-K-U-R-A! You're . . . squeezing . . . me . . . too . . . tightly!"

*~*

Xiefa stared out of her bedroom window. She was up and moving again.

After the attack, her powers seemed to heighten. She could now predict little things, like what the cook would serve for breakfast, when Kero would show up at the house . . .

She shut her eyes tightly and moaned. So why couldn't she predict when Yukio would come for Sakura?

There was no doubt in Xiefa's mind that he would come for her. She suspected, though, that it would be soon.

And so, despite her mother's protests, she was going to go to Tomoyo's party. To make sure Sakura was safe.

But, for some unknown reason, Xiefa was ignoring a little voice in the back of her head. One that said that IT would happen tomorrow night.

*~*

Sakura, wrapped in a pink towel, emerged from the shower with a heavy sigh. After having a lengthy discussion with Touya about inviting men into the house when no one else was there.

Men? It's just Syaoran. Not that he's not a man, of course.

Kero was no where to be found. She didn't mind, though, because she needed and wanted some peace and quiet. She closed and locked her door.

Sakura lay back on her bed and closed her eyes. She curled up into a ball and took deep breaths.

She was just about to fall asleep when the phone wrung.

Sakura jumped up and fumbled for the phone. "H-hello?"

There was silence.

"Hello?" .

This time she heard breathing

Sakura bit her bottom lip. She was about to hang up the phone when the person on the other end said something.

"Are you ready?"

She narrowed her eyes. "What?"

"By this time tomorrow you'll be in paradise, my dear."

She tightened her grasp on the phone. "Who is this?"

Laughter. "Oh, you should know. You should know."

Chills raced up and down her spine. "Y-Yukio?"

More laughter. "Bingo. Wear something nice for me, sweetheart."

"Shut up!"

"I'm watching you. You look good in that pink towel, but . . . I can't help but wonder how you look out of it . . ."

Sakura paled and slammed down the phone. Oh god, oh GOD is he watching me right now?

A/N: Woah! I didn't mean to make Yukio sound like that . . .

Her eyes nervously scanned the room as she clutched her knees to her chest. This was driving her crazy.

Sakura let out a small cry when the phone rang again. She hesitated, then picked it up.

"Look, why don't you just leave me alone?!"

"OOOOOOkay . . . what did I do wrong?"

Sakura let out a huge sigh. "Oh, it's just you, Syaoran."

"Yeah." He paused. "Who were you expecting?"

She filled him in about the call. "I'm really scared, Syaoran."

"Are you alone in the house?"

"Y-yes. I'm a little edgy."

"That's understandable. I want to come over."

"Please do."

"Alright. I'll come to your window. Bye."

"Bye."

Sakura quickly pulled on a pair of pajamas and went over to the window and waited for him. She gasped as a figure appeared in the window.

"It's me, Syaoran!"

She pushed them open and he climbed in.

"Are you okay?" he asked, checking her over.

She nodded. "Just a little scared. Will you stay with me tonight?"

Syaoran agreed and led her to the bed. "I'll sleep on the floor."

"Nonsense! Come in the bed with me."

He flushed furiously. "I don't know . . ."

"It'll be fine." She yawned. "Besides, I'm too tired to try anything tonight, Syaoran."

As he reluctantly climbed into her bed, he thought, It's not you I'm worried about . . .

*~*

The next morning, Mei-lin awoke early. She wanted to spend the day getting pampered for the big night. So she woke up at six in the morning with her spa visit scheduled at eight.

She left her room and crept over to Syaoran's door. Mei-lin pressed her ear to his door. All was quiet inside. She frowned- Syaoran was usually up by now.

Mei-lin slowly pushed the door open.

Syaoran's bed was empty and neatly made.

Mei-lin left his room and searched the apartment for him. He was no where to be found.

But the night before, she clearly remembered Syaoran going into his room. Mei-lin had stayed awake after he went into his room as long as she could to make sure he stayed there.

And he hadn't left.

So had he left to go somewhere after she'd gone to sleep.

Where?

Mei-lin stomped into the foyer just as Syaoran was entering the apartment. His hair was sticking up everywhere, his clothes rustled and his eye lids heavy.

"Where the HELL have you been? You left last night, didn't you?" barked Mei-lin.

Syaoran glared at her. "I told you to stay out of my business. It doesn't concern you."

"Like hell it doesn't!" She looked him over once more, then narrowed her eyes. "You were with Kinomoto last night, weren't you?"

He said nothing and slouched past her.

"Wait a minute! I'm talking to you!" Mei-lin followed him to his room. "I bet she let you have her, didn't she?"

That made Syaoran stop. He turned to face her. "What?"

"You SLEPT with her! That Kinomoto is nothing but a dirty whore who-"

Syaoran grabbed Mei-lin's wrists and gave her a look that could kill. "Sakura is NOT a whore. You better watch your mouth."

"So you DID sleep with her!"

Syaoran pushed her away from him. "We slept in the same bed, but nothing happened. Now drop it."

Mei-lin grabbed his arm just as he was about to enter his room. "I don't believe you! How could you, Syaoran?! If you two didn't have sex, then why are you so sleepy looking? Hmmm?!"

He shook himself away from her. "You've changed, Mei-lin. I don't know what brought this on."

"You don't know?! You were supposed to be engaged to ME, not her! I'm supposed to be your wife!" cried Mei-lin.

Syaoran's face softened. "I'm sorry. I . . . it would have been wrong if I married you and I didn't love you. Both of us would be miserable."

"I don't believe you. But you wait, Syaoran. We will-" She stopped in mid-sentence. "Never mind. I have an appointment at the spa. I should get ready."

Syaoran eyed her. "Yeah. You do that."

*~*

Syaoran warily pulled off his clothes and changed into a pair of silky night pants. He climbed into his bed and closed his eyes.

He and Sakura hadn't made love last night.

The only reason why he was tired was because he'd kept watch. And because it was nearly impossible for him to sleep with Sakura's body wrapped around his.

So now he planned to get some sleep if he didn't want to doze off at Tomoyo's party.

But his little argument with Mei-lin burned in his mind. What was she going to say when she stopped speaking? But you wait, Syaoran. We will-

Syaoran buried his head in his pillow. Forget it. Just sleep.

*~*

"I could have killed him, you know. With on snap of his neck . . ."

Mei-lin turned to Yukio, who stood in her room. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. "Look, do you mind? I'm trying to get ready to go to the spa."

Yukio rolled his eyes. "How dare he sleep in her room? Her bed?"

Her eyes widened. "Are you talking about Syaoran?"

"Of course I am."

"Did they . . . you know?"

He shook his head. "If he had even tried, I would have-"

"So he was telling the truth . . ."

"I would have killed him, if it weren't for you," muttered Yukio.

"Thanks a lot," said Mei-lin sarcastically.

"Tonight . . . I cannot wait until I have my cherry blossom in my arms . . ."

Mei-lin rolled her eyes. What was it about Sakura that had the men going wild? "Whatever. As long as I have Syaoran in mine, then nothing else matters."

*~*

Kero flew into Sakura's room and halted when he spotted her bed. There were two pillows on it and the one that didn't have Sakura's head resting on it had the imprint of someone else's head there. Her bed sheets were wrinkled beyond normal. And he could swear . . .

He sniffed around. Yep, he could smell the sandalwood and cinnamon in the air. It was the scent of the gaki.

"SA-KUUUUUUURAAAAAA! GET UP THIS INSTANT!" bellowed Kero.

Sakura leapt up from the bed. "Wh-what?! Who died?!"

"That GAKI was here wasn't he?" shrieked Kero, pointing a finger at her.

"What makes you say that?" she said innocently.

"I can SMELL him. My nose is excellent, you know!"

Sakura sighed. "You're imagining things. Have you eaten yet? I know that you can get a bit confused when you haven't eaten in a while." She began to straighten her bed.

Kero raced over to her. "Oh, no you don't! You can't destroy the evidence!"

But Sakura had already fluffed the pillows and straightened the sheets.

"SA-KUUUUUUURAAAAAA!"

Suddenly her door burst open. "Hi, Sakura! I've brought you some dresses to try on for tonight!"

She was thankful for Tomoyo's interruption. "Great! Let's get started."

Tomoyo held her door wide open as a large group of people flowed in. "Right. Okay, I have a hair stylist, a make-up person, and everything we would need to get this done right! This is going to be so much fun!"

Sakura sweat dropped. It was going to be a long day.

*~*

Tomoyo was shuffling through Sakura's jewelry box when she let out a gasp. Sakura, who was getting her finger nails done, looked up.

"What?"

Tomoyo held up the diamond and ruby necklace Sanori had given Sakura. "This is so PRETTY! You should wear the red gown, then and wear it with the dress."

Sakura agreed. "It belonged to Sanori's mother. I'm sure she'll be happy to see me with it on."

After her nails were done, Tomoyo told Sakura to put on the red dress she had designed especially for her.

When Sakura emerged form the bathroom, stars appeared in Tomoyo's eyes. "Ohhhh, wow! You look great!!"

Sakura looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She looked good in the strapless red dress. This one, unlike her ball gowns, wasn't so poofy at the bottom. This one resembled a prom dress. "I like it!"

Tomoyo glanced at her watch. "Keep it on. Let the lady do something with your hair and then we can go."

Sakura looked at her own watch. It was four fifty. "Wow, we spent all day doing this?"

Tomoyo nodded. "Let me get dressed. Eriol is going to come by to pick me up early so I can be at my place before the guests arrive."

*~*

"Smile! Oh, you two look wonderful together," cooed Sakura's father as he took a picture of Sakura and Syaoran in their formal wear for Tomoyo's party.

Touya rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever Dad." He glared at Syaoran. "I want her home by midnight."

"Tou-ya!" cried Sakura.

Fujitaka sent his son a look. "Who's the father here? You two can stay out as long as you want, as long as you check in with me."

"DAD!!!! How could you!" Touya shrieked.

"It's their engagement party. Besides, they are adults now and are responsible for themselves."

Syaoran sent Touya a triumphant smile. "Let's go, Sakura."

They drove to the party in Syaoran's sports car. The ride over was silent. When they arrived at Tomoyo's mansion, Syaoran looked over at Sakura.

She was sitting with her back straight, her shoulders squared and her gaze fixed on something outside the window.

Syaoran handed his car over to a valet and took Sakura's hand. The party, it appeared, was under full swing by the time they got there. Once they entered the ballroom, everyone stopped dancing and clapped for them.

Syaoran led Sakura out onto the dance floor. He stared down at the top of her head.

"What's wrong, Sakura?"

She looked up, her green eyes bigger than ever. "N-nothing." She forced a smile on her face.

"Don't lie to me. I can tell something's the matter. Please don't hide things form me, Sakura."

Her eyes began to water. "I just feel . . . like . . . I'm just worn out."

He frowned, sensing it was more than that. "Maybe we shouldn't have come then. We can tell Tomoyo-"

Sakura shook her head. "I want to have fun tonight, Syaoran. Just forget about it."

*~*

And for a while they did. The party went on and on. By midnight, Sakura wanted a little quiet time to nurse her headache, but had no desire to leave the party. So she took a Tylenol form Tomoyo and went off in search of a quiet spot.

She found that place in the library.

Sakura settled onto a lush sofa and kicked off her shoes. She leaned back, curled her feet around her and closed her eyes.

*~*

All night, Wolfe-sensei had watched Sakura waltz around with that pathetic excuse for a man she called her fiancé. He observed them in the shadows and no one noticed him.

He was just waiting for his chance.

And suddenly, that chance came.

He watched as Sakura slipped out of the ballroom. Wolfe-sensei darted out of the shadows and followed her. He came to a halt as she entered a room.

Wolfe-sensei closed his eyes and transported himself inside of the room. There lay his little Nyoko . . . or Sakura, as she now liked to call herself . . . on a couch, looking like an angel.

"Ah, there you are," he whispered.

Her eyes flew open. "E-excuse me? Wolfe-sensei! What are you doing here?"

He ignored her question and approached her. "You are so beautiful, my Nyoko."

"N-Nyoko?" Sakura gasped and stood up. So Wolfe-sensei is . . .

"Your necklace . . . I remember it," he said, reaching for it.

Sakura backed away from him and grasped her neck. "T-this was Syaoran's grandmother's necklace. What are you talking about?"

"Silly girl. Of course you remember . . . it was yours. Your mother gave it to you as a wedding gift." He reached for it again.

She backed up into the couch. "J-just go away and leave me alone."

Wolfe-sensei changed into Yukio and grabbed her wrists. "You are coming with me. I can finally take you to my world."

Sakura's eyes widened. "Sya-" she began to scream.

He firmly placed his hand over her mouth. "Your lover boy won't be able to help you this time." Yukio, with one arm wrapped tightly around Sakura's waist took a big diamond like thing out of his hand. He held it in his palm and it floated over to the wall.

The wall began to disappear and there was nothing but darkness on the other side. Sakura's eyes widened in fear.

*~*

Syaoran frowned as a shiver raced up and down his back. Sakura was in trouble.

He raced form the ballroom. His instincts led him to the library were he saw Sakura being led itno a portal in the wall by Yukio.

"Stop! Let her go!"

Sakura looked up with relief. "Syaoran! You came!"

Syaoran produced his sword.

Yukio sneered at the younger boy. "You won't win, Yasuo, just like you didn't last time."

This guy is nuts!

With one fluid movement, Yukio threw Sakura aside so that she landed in a heap on the floor and produced his own staff, which transformed into a deadly sharp sword.

"If you want to play, boy, then let's do it!"

Sakura screamed as Yukio charged at Syaoran. Syaoran was ready for his attack and blocked it. She tried to climb off the floor but found herself unable to.

They fought for a while until Yukio managed to land an attack that sent Syaoran flying into a bookshelf.

"SYAORAN!!!!!!!!!!!"

Yukio yanked her off of the floor and pulled her into the portal.

Syaoran sat up and crawled his way over to them. "S . . . Sakura . . ."

She stretched her hand out to his and tried to grab it.

Their fingertips brushed each other for one small moment and then . . .

And then Sakura and Yukio were gone.

*~*

Yukio pulled her into the hole in the wall and it closed behind them.

Sakura covered her face with her hands. "S-Syaoran . . ."

Yukio's face hardened. He grabbed her roughly and pulled her to him. "Forget him! You are mine now!"

Only fear pushed Sakura into silence. She forced back her tears and looked around at the bleak darkness. "Where are we?"

He ignored her and held out the jewel. As before, it floated out into the darkness and the black space split open. There was Sakura's room. He led her inside the room.

"I-is this real?" she gasped.

"This is your room. Now gather any personal items you want, for you shall not be returning here," said Yukio. "Don't bother with clothes- I'll provide you with some. And do not think about making any noise- no one will hear you."

Sakura swallowed. She had to pick her things carefully. Sakura went to her closet and pulled out a duffel bag. She placed a few pictures of her friends and family into it and then moved to her jewelry box. Sakura then opened the drawer to her desk and pulled out Nyoko's books. It was a risk but . . .

Yukio frowned. "What are those?"

"M-my diaries. I've been writing in them ever since I was a girl."

He watched her as she moved to her bed and picked up a teddy bear. Instead of putting it in her bag, she carried it with her.

Sakura held her chin up. "I'm ready to go."

Yukio took her arm and led her into the hole in the wall.

*~*

Syaoran could only stare at the wall in disbelief. Sakura was gone. He couldn't touch her, see her, be next to her . . .

He let out a tortured cry.

*~*

Syaoran's cry reached the ballroom. Tomoyo and Eriol looked at each other.

"That sounds like Syaoran . . ." muttered Eriol.

Tomoyo nodded. "Let's go see what's wrong."

They excused themselves from the party and walked around until they found Syaoran.

Tomoyo's eyes widened. What had happened in here? Bookshelves were lying on the floor and books were strewn all over the place.

But the most distressing sight was Syaoran himself.

He was covered in scratches and bruises. His tux was torn in several places.

But worst of all, he was huddled in a corner, his knees drawn up to his forehead.

Tomoyo glanced at Eriol. Eriol knelt down by his descendant. "What's wrong?"

"S-Sakura . . . he took Sakura," he managed to whisper.

"Who?"

"Yukio . . . that bastard. He took my fiancée."

Eriol turned to Tomoyo. "Go call off the party. Get Xiefa or someone down here quick."

Tomoyo nodded and rushed away.

Eriol could do nothing but wait. He'd never seen Syaoran- the boy who was usually calm and together- like this.

He knew that Syaoran wouldn't- couldn't- live without Sakura.

Author's Note: Okay, so, don't murder me! Please R+R.