That last chapter was something, huh? Wow, I kinda know what I'm gonna do
next but I'm not exactly certain about the details. I know one thing is
for certain, some of my readers who are very uh… passionate… about this
story aren't going to be too fond of our little wolf in the near future.
If I say anything else, it'll give it away… Any suggestions are welcome
and appreciated!!
***DISCLAIMER*** I DoNOT OWN CCS!!! If I did, there would be no such thing as the 'American Version' (which sucks very much…)
The man chuckled, "We still have negotiations to make, my Sakura. But not tonight. I think you've had enough excitement for one night." The hand was brushed back up the way it came and then was gone.
"Good night Cherry Blossom, and sweat dreams." Ping chuckled, getting to his feet and walking back to the door.
*****************
For the third time that morning, Syaoran peeped in on Sakura. She was still sleeping; how many pills had Tomoyo given her?! He wanted her awake so he could question her about what happened last night and make sure you're okay.
"I know you're worried about her, Xiao Lang, but worrying won't help her any." Ping said, coming up behind him. "You're just stressing yourself out. She'll be fine."
He felt anger build at that statement, "She is not fine." He said, turning around and stalking off towards the kitchen. Sighing, his cousin followed him.
"Look, maybe you should take her to a shrink."
"This has nothing to do with you!" Syaoran replied, giving him a glare. He was regretting ever telling Ping about Sakura…
*************
Sakura had been awake ever since late last night; shivering and crying silently. When morning came, Syaoran had come to check on her and she had pretended to be asleep, knowing that he was probably still there. Confirming her suspicions, she heard voices right outside her door, Syaoran and….
He was still here, just waiting for her. For the first time in years, Syaoran's apartment was no longer safe.
Quietly, Sakura got to her feet and walked to the window. Thankfully, it was already open. She slipped out side and pulled out the fly card, murmuring the incantation that would reveal her wand. When it appeared, she hit the fly card and whispered, "Fly card, fly me come." Small transparent wings appeared on her back and she was lifted gently into the air.
**************
"What the hell…" Syaoran felt a burst of magic tinted pink as if Sakura were using her cards. But that was impossible, she was still asleep, wasn't she?
He ran to the bedroom and looked inside. The bed was deserted. His eyes strayed to the open window and he ran to it. Glancing up, he saw a small speck portrayed against the sky.
Why did she do that? He wondered, walking quickly back to the living room and picking up the phone.
****************
"Fly card, return to your power confined." Sakura whispered. The wings disappeared from her back and the fly card appeared in her hand. With a heavy sigh, she walked up the front drive of her house and unlocked the door. She flinched at the emptiness of the place. Touya was at college in another part of the county and her father was touring Europe on a dig; no one there to great her but Kero.
Strange, her guardian should have greeted her at the door, demanding to know where she had been, but he wasn't. On the counter she found a small note from Kero, explaining where he was. The explanation didn't make much sense; all she could read was 'pudding convention' and 'don't worry.'
I guess it's better. Sakura thought. This way, he won't have to worry and I won't have to explain. But the thought of being all alone in her home didn't sit well with her. She felt unprotected, even after locking all doors and windows and closing all the blinds.
Relax. She instructed, jumping as the house shifted, You're acting like a little girl. Making her way to the now dark living room, Sakura settled stiffly on the couch and turned on the television. She was just beginning to relax when a sharp ringing caused her to jump then go stiff.
Just the phone… She thought, taking deep breaths, It's probably Syaoran-kun wondering where you are. Answer it or he'll be even more worried… But for some reason, she didn't want to talk to Syaoran. He would ask her questions about last night, undoubtedly. What could she tell him? I'm sorry for acting like that Syaoran-kun, but you're really close cousin was the one who raped me and I freaked out seeing him again… No, she couldn't tell him that. Syaoran would kill him on the spot, literally.
Why am I so concerned for him, after what he did to me?!! Sakura demanded of herself, close to tears. No, I'm nor worried about him in the least; I'm worried about Syao-kun. He said he was like a brother to him… and all he's every had is his sisters, mother, and Meilyn. How would he feel if the person he looked up to… No, I can't tell him.
-BRING- The phone rang for the fifth time and was picked up by answering machine. "Hi, you've reached the Kinomoto residence." Sakura's recorded voice chirped happily. "Sorry, but we're not here, so please leave a message and we'll call you back!" The machine beeped in a cheery tone, followed by a longer beep, and the message began to record.
"Hello, Sakura-chan? Are you there? Please pick up! Sakura!!" Syaoran's voice sounded pleading and worried. He sighed, "This is Syaoran, please call me back Sakura, I'm worried about you." A click and the message ended.
Sakura kept starring at the beeping number one of the machine. She didn't want to worry Syaoran, maybe she should call him back… No, she wouldn't.
***************
"Damn answering machine!" Syaoran cursed, slamming the phone back on the rack for the what seemed liked the millionth time. For the past half hour he had been calling Sakura's house, but she either wasn't there or wasn't answering…
What if something happened to her? He could think of hundreds of possibilities, each one worse than the next. That man is still out there, who ever he is, and what if…
He reached for the phone, deciding to try again.
It rang as he reached for it.
"Hello?!" he asked, praying he's hear Sakura's soft voice…
"Xiao Lang, I've been trying to get a hold of you all morning." The voice on the other line was feminine, but it was cold and hard; like steel.
"Mother?"
The woman on the other end chuckled humorously, "You sound surprised, my son. Has you're cousin found you yet?"
"Yes, Ping is here."
"He's to stay with you until he finishes his task."
That didn't bother him, Syaoran was used to taking orders from his mother and sharing his home with Ping was no big deal. "Yes mother."
"Very good. I will let you go, I assume you were waiting for a phone call?" She smirked.
"Good-bye."
-Click- As if on cue, Ping walked into the room. "Did she call yet?" He wondered anxiously.
Syaoran shook his head, "That was mother, she said you were going to be staying with me until you finished whatever it is you came here to do."
"I hope you don't mind." The older boy said, looking a little embarrassed.
"No, it's fine. I'm sure you can't be any worse than Meylin was. I need to try her again."
Picking up the phone, he dialed her number without thinking. Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, answering machine. "Damn! Why isn't she answering."
"Do you think something happened?" Ping wondered with concern. "I hope she's all right."
"I'm going over there." He decided suddenly, heading for the door and grabbing his jacket. "I'll be back soon, make yourself at home."
Watching his cousin walk out the door, he smirked. "I already have."
****************
Sakura wasn't able to focus on the t.v.; the constant ringing of the phone kept disturbing her, making her jump each time it rang. She retreated to her room and closed her door, blocking out the sound. The young card mistress flopped onto the bed like an old doll and lay there, tears coming to her eyes. How had her life turned upside down so quickly? Why hadn't she foughten back? She could have used her cards to fight back, but no, she had been too dense to see that. It was true what everyone said about her, she was hopelessly clueless. No one had ever said it to her face, of course, but she knew all her friends, including Tomoyo, thought so. And it was true…
She heard a tapping sound from the window and nearly jumped through the ceiling in fright. Don't do anything, whatever it is will go away. It came again. -Tap Tap Tap- Please leave me alone.
"Sakura, I know you're in there, I can feel your aura. Open the window." It was Syaoran outside! Why hadn't she realized it? Now that she concentrated, she could feel his aura.
Cautiously, she walked to the window and opened the blinds. Syaoran was perched outside. Sakura opened the window and let him inside.
"Why haven't you been answering your telephone, Sakura? I've been worried sick about you!" He exclaimed.
She looked down at the ground, ashamed. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Syaoran-kun."
A shimmer of light reflected off her tear stained checks , causing him to take notice. His face softened immediately, "Sakura, you're crying…" Baka, of course she's crying! He scolded himself. She nodded silently, "If you want to talk, I'm here to listen." He offered uncertainly.
She smiled and hugged him, but held on when a new wave of tears hit. Once again, he held Sakura while she cried. Ten minutes later, when she had calmed down, she looked up and wondered, "Syaoran, what would you do if you knew…"
"Who did this to you?" He finished, "I've had hunted them down and killed them painfully, I assure…"
"That's not what I meant." She interrupted quietly, "What if you knew the person personally."
"Sakura, some I know did this to you?!" He was already running through a list of possibly suspects in his head.
"I didn't say…"
"Then why would you ask that question. Who is it? You have to tell me!!" The intensity of his glare frightened her.
"I…. Syaoran I can't I'm…
"Are you trying to protect this person?!" He demanded, raising his voice, "Why, why?!"
For you. She thought desperately. The last thing she wanted now was Syaoran made at her…
"Sakura, I'm sorry." All anger was gone from his voice and he embraced her softly, "I'm sorry I got so out of control, but I'm really concerned for you." And I can't wait to find that bastard and make him pay…
Sakura smiled understandably, "Thank-you for your concern. I feel better now, thanks to you." An excuse to make him leave… "You'd better go, Onii-chan is going to be here soon and he won't like it if you're hear." She lied.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" He wondered doubtfully.
"Hai." She replied, nodding. "Thank-you for everything Syaoran- kun."
Reluctantly, he got to his feet and head for the window. "If you want anything don't…."
"I know, I'll call."
"Good-night Sakura."
"Night Syaoran." She replied as he disappeared out the window. The second he was gone, she rushed to the phone and dialed a familiar number. "Tomoyo-chan? Could you come over to my house? I really need to talk to you…"
*************
AH! I'm so, so, so sorry but my eyes are dropping and I'm falling asleep as I'm writing this. Tomorrow morning I swear I'll get the next chapter up. Actually, I won't post this till tomorrow (it's that late) so I guess I'll be posting two. Wo ho!! I'm really getting into this story!!! Read and Review; comments and anything else is welcome!! Anything you want me to add? Lemme know; pikogio@yahoo.com. Also, if you want me to let you know when I post, just send me an e-mail and I will! Promise!!
***DISCLAIMER*** I DoNOT OWN CCS!!! If I did, there would be no such thing as the 'American Version' (which sucks very much…)
The man chuckled, "We still have negotiations to make, my Sakura. But not tonight. I think you've had enough excitement for one night." The hand was brushed back up the way it came and then was gone.
"Good night Cherry Blossom, and sweat dreams." Ping chuckled, getting to his feet and walking back to the door.
*****************
For the third time that morning, Syaoran peeped in on Sakura. She was still sleeping; how many pills had Tomoyo given her?! He wanted her awake so he could question her about what happened last night and make sure you're okay.
"I know you're worried about her, Xiao Lang, but worrying won't help her any." Ping said, coming up behind him. "You're just stressing yourself out. She'll be fine."
He felt anger build at that statement, "She is not fine." He said, turning around and stalking off towards the kitchen. Sighing, his cousin followed him.
"Look, maybe you should take her to a shrink."
"This has nothing to do with you!" Syaoran replied, giving him a glare. He was regretting ever telling Ping about Sakura…
*************
Sakura had been awake ever since late last night; shivering and crying silently. When morning came, Syaoran had come to check on her and she had pretended to be asleep, knowing that he was probably still there. Confirming her suspicions, she heard voices right outside her door, Syaoran and….
He was still here, just waiting for her. For the first time in years, Syaoran's apartment was no longer safe.
Quietly, Sakura got to her feet and walked to the window. Thankfully, it was already open. She slipped out side and pulled out the fly card, murmuring the incantation that would reveal her wand. When it appeared, she hit the fly card and whispered, "Fly card, fly me come." Small transparent wings appeared on her back and she was lifted gently into the air.
**************
"What the hell…" Syaoran felt a burst of magic tinted pink as if Sakura were using her cards. But that was impossible, she was still asleep, wasn't she?
He ran to the bedroom and looked inside. The bed was deserted. His eyes strayed to the open window and he ran to it. Glancing up, he saw a small speck portrayed against the sky.
Why did she do that? He wondered, walking quickly back to the living room and picking up the phone.
****************
"Fly card, return to your power confined." Sakura whispered. The wings disappeared from her back and the fly card appeared in her hand. With a heavy sigh, she walked up the front drive of her house and unlocked the door. She flinched at the emptiness of the place. Touya was at college in another part of the county and her father was touring Europe on a dig; no one there to great her but Kero.
Strange, her guardian should have greeted her at the door, demanding to know where she had been, but he wasn't. On the counter she found a small note from Kero, explaining where he was. The explanation didn't make much sense; all she could read was 'pudding convention' and 'don't worry.'
I guess it's better. Sakura thought. This way, he won't have to worry and I won't have to explain. But the thought of being all alone in her home didn't sit well with her. She felt unprotected, even after locking all doors and windows and closing all the blinds.
Relax. She instructed, jumping as the house shifted, You're acting like a little girl. Making her way to the now dark living room, Sakura settled stiffly on the couch and turned on the television. She was just beginning to relax when a sharp ringing caused her to jump then go stiff.
Just the phone… She thought, taking deep breaths, It's probably Syaoran-kun wondering where you are. Answer it or he'll be even more worried… But for some reason, she didn't want to talk to Syaoran. He would ask her questions about last night, undoubtedly. What could she tell him? I'm sorry for acting like that Syaoran-kun, but you're really close cousin was the one who raped me and I freaked out seeing him again… No, she couldn't tell him that. Syaoran would kill him on the spot, literally.
Why am I so concerned for him, after what he did to me?!! Sakura demanded of herself, close to tears. No, I'm nor worried about him in the least; I'm worried about Syao-kun. He said he was like a brother to him… and all he's every had is his sisters, mother, and Meilyn. How would he feel if the person he looked up to… No, I can't tell him.
-BRING- The phone rang for the fifth time and was picked up by answering machine. "Hi, you've reached the Kinomoto residence." Sakura's recorded voice chirped happily. "Sorry, but we're not here, so please leave a message and we'll call you back!" The machine beeped in a cheery tone, followed by a longer beep, and the message began to record.
"Hello, Sakura-chan? Are you there? Please pick up! Sakura!!" Syaoran's voice sounded pleading and worried. He sighed, "This is Syaoran, please call me back Sakura, I'm worried about you." A click and the message ended.
Sakura kept starring at the beeping number one of the machine. She didn't want to worry Syaoran, maybe she should call him back… No, she wouldn't.
***************
"Damn answering machine!" Syaoran cursed, slamming the phone back on the rack for the what seemed liked the millionth time. For the past half hour he had been calling Sakura's house, but she either wasn't there or wasn't answering…
What if something happened to her? He could think of hundreds of possibilities, each one worse than the next. That man is still out there, who ever he is, and what if…
He reached for the phone, deciding to try again.
It rang as he reached for it.
"Hello?!" he asked, praying he's hear Sakura's soft voice…
"Xiao Lang, I've been trying to get a hold of you all morning." The voice on the other line was feminine, but it was cold and hard; like steel.
"Mother?"
The woman on the other end chuckled humorously, "You sound surprised, my son. Has you're cousin found you yet?"
"Yes, Ping is here."
"He's to stay with you until he finishes his task."
That didn't bother him, Syaoran was used to taking orders from his mother and sharing his home with Ping was no big deal. "Yes mother."
"Very good. I will let you go, I assume you were waiting for a phone call?" She smirked.
"Good-bye."
-Click- As if on cue, Ping walked into the room. "Did she call yet?" He wondered anxiously.
Syaoran shook his head, "That was mother, she said you were going to be staying with me until you finished whatever it is you came here to do."
"I hope you don't mind." The older boy said, looking a little embarrassed.
"No, it's fine. I'm sure you can't be any worse than Meylin was. I need to try her again."
Picking up the phone, he dialed her number without thinking. Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, answering machine. "Damn! Why isn't she answering."
"Do you think something happened?" Ping wondered with concern. "I hope she's all right."
"I'm going over there." He decided suddenly, heading for the door and grabbing his jacket. "I'll be back soon, make yourself at home."
Watching his cousin walk out the door, he smirked. "I already have."
****************
Sakura wasn't able to focus on the t.v.; the constant ringing of the phone kept disturbing her, making her jump each time it rang. She retreated to her room and closed her door, blocking out the sound. The young card mistress flopped onto the bed like an old doll and lay there, tears coming to her eyes. How had her life turned upside down so quickly? Why hadn't she foughten back? She could have used her cards to fight back, but no, she had been too dense to see that. It was true what everyone said about her, she was hopelessly clueless. No one had ever said it to her face, of course, but she knew all her friends, including Tomoyo, thought so. And it was true…
She heard a tapping sound from the window and nearly jumped through the ceiling in fright. Don't do anything, whatever it is will go away. It came again. -Tap Tap Tap- Please leave me alone.
"Sakura, I know you're in there, I can feel your aura. Open the window." It was Syaoran outside! Why hadn't she realized it? Now that she concentrated, she could feel his aura.
Cautiously, she walked to the window and opened the blinds. Syaoran was perched outside. Sakura opened the window and let him inside.
"Why haven't you been answering your telephone, Sakura? I've been worried sick about you!" He exclaimed.
She looked down at the ground, ashamed. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Syaoran-kun."
A shimmer of light reflected off her tear stained checks , causing him to take notice. His face softened immediately, "Sakura, you're crying…" Baka, of course she's crying! He scolded himself. She nodded silently, "If you want to talk, I'm here to listen." He offered uncertainly.
She smiled and hugged him, but held on when a new wave of tears hit. Once again, he held Sakura while she cried. Ten minutes later, when she had calmed down, she looked up and wondered, "Syaoran, what would you do if you knew…"
"Who did this to you?" He finished, "I've had hunted them down and killed them painfully, I assure…"
"That's not what I meant." She interrupted quietly, "What if you knew the person personally."
"Sakura, some I know did this to you?!" He was already running through a list of possibly suspects in his head.
"I didn't say…"
"Then why would you ask that question. Who is it? You have to tell me!!" The intensity of his glare frightened her.
"I…. Syaoran I can't I'm…
"Are you trying to protect this person?!" He demanded, raising his voice, "Why, why?!"
For you. She thought desperately. The last thing she wanted now was Syaoran made at her…
"Sakura, I'm sorry." All anger was gone from his voice and he embraced her softly, "I'm sorry I got so out of control, but I'm really concerned for you." And I can't wait to find that bastard and make him pay…
Sakura smiled understandably, "Thank-you for your concern. I feel better now, thanks to you." An excuse to make him leave… "You'd better go, Onii-chan is going to be here soon and he won't like it if you're hear." She lied.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" He wondered doubtfully.
"Hai." She replied, nodding. "Thank-you for everything Syaoran- kun."
Reluctantly, he got to his feet and head for the window. "If you want anything don't…."
"I know, I'll call."
"Good-night Sakura."
"Night Syaoran." She replied as he disappeared out the window. The second he was gone, she rushed to the phone and dialed a familiar number. "Tomoyo-chan? Could you come over to my house? I really need to talk to you…"
*************
AH! I'm so, so, so sorry but my eyes are dropping and I'm falling asleep as I'm writing this. Tomorrow morning I swear I'll get the next chapter up. Actually, I won't post this till tomorrow (it's that late) so I guess I'll be posting two. Wo ho!! I'm really getting into this story!!! Read and Review; comments and anything else is welcome!! Anything you want me to add? Lemme know; pikogio@yahoo.com. Also, if you want me to let you know when I post, just send me an e-mail and I will! Promise!!