You guys are soooo wonderful! *Squeals excitedly* I'm SOOOO happy that you all liked the last chapter! And so, without further ado, I present to you the seventh chapter of SOTR! Big bigbigbigbigbigbigbigBIG warning to those who aren't into action. This chapter is FULL of martial arts, magic, and swordplay. And—there's a lot about Meilin and what she feels in this chapter.
Comments:
Jesus Freak: Unfortunately, cliffhangers are not inanimate objects, so you can't kill them! Muahahahahahahahaaa!!! ^_^
Sakura Kinomoto: THANK YOU! I'm on another author's favorites list everybody! I'm sooooo happy! Oh, you're welcome for the twinkie, Kero. Anyways, I hope you like this chapter, I was on allergy medicine, and stayed up late hours to force myself to write. I mean, when you live in a town called Boring (literally), it's kind of depressing. Anyways, thanks!
Emerald Eyes: You're welcome! They are cute men in tights, aren't they? Okaaaaay, I guess this chapter might not have a cliffhanger. You'll just have to read and see. Anyway, as I've told (and am telling) the others, I really hope you like this chapter. I'm not sure how good it is.
Nadeshiko: Oh, thank you for reviewing! Please review again…*puppy eyes*…Please? I'm honored to have my story on your favorites list! And I'm glad you like it! Don't worry, there'll be S+S moments…especially in the chapter after this one. Some people have told me to cut down on the mush and I'm trying, really I am. But I'm a hopeless romantic, okay? Yes, my muse is the best!
sei: I'll save you, rei and michi! Er, that is, if I can keep sei from hugging me…^_^ Thank you for reviewing guys! Somebody call an ambulance! *Ringing sirens in the distance*
ccsfan: I thought about having Syaoran and Sakura compete against each other, but since I really needed to put some Meilin stuff in here, there aren't many moments (if any) for our kawaii couple, S+S. It's really sad. But there are some really kawaii moments with the other characters! And, as I told Nadeshiko, there will be tons of lovely S+S moments in the next chapter. All I need are some reviews to help me along…(hint hint) *_* Thank you for reviewing! I don't want you to die of SOTR deprivation!
Manda-chan: Ohh! You're the greatest! I can't thank you enough for the encouraging reviews! I really, really, really hope you enjoy this next chapter. I don't want to disappoint you guys out there. Well, I hope it's getting better… Arigatou, Manda-chan! A-R-I-G-A-T-O-U!!! By the way, what's "shibby" mean? ^_^;
faline: I've updated! I hope (now don't keep saying this, Zenin. C'mon…) I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER!!! I worked really hard on it, but I'm so…light headed from the allergy medication that I have not been able to write well lately. And, my sister's been playing around with my bio…Argh! -_-; Well, thank you for reviewing!
dev: Yes, I am evil! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA! I shall rule the world! Me, and my teddy bear, Mr. Teebers! Yeah, I love Syaoran. He is so sugoi. Beats up bad guys, sticks up for little guys, has a quick temper, can fight really well…he's perrrrfect! *_* Hey, I've got a lot of Meilin stuff in this chapter, so the couples should really be getting off to a good start now! And (don't say it, Zenin! Resist the urge!) I…I…Ihopeyoulikethischapter!!
nightingale: HA! If you destroy the world, there would be no more authors. Therefore, no more stories. And you'd die from lack of interesting books to read! Then you'd be sorry! Hey, if the world gets destroyed…you wouldn't be there either! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Er…Thank you for reviewing my fic!
masterofwords: Thank you! I'm glad you like my stories! Please, please, please keep on reviewing! I'm an author who needs incentive. Anyway, here's the next chapter~! Arigatou!
crystal-chan: I still can't believe you changed your name! Well, don't forget to be on the lookout for the next chapter to The Mask of Zenin. We're gonna chat, eat chocolate, and drink mochas!!! And you'll be hearing my unique opinion of your dilemma. What could be better? Yes, yes…I am EVIL!!!
Amanda: Hi! Yup, you'll see how the girls do in the competition. Muahaha—er, sorry. But, I wouldn't say "as usual". Some pretty weird things could happen…(dramatic music plays…a scream echoes from inside your imagination…) I…I HOPEYOULIKETHISCHAPTER! And please review. It means the world to me.
cypress: Konnichiwa! I'm glad you like my story, and I've kept it up! @_@ Yes, I'm weird. Okay…I'm going to go splash cold water in my face. Anyway, thank you for reviewing!
Destiny's Prophet: I love your name! And you imagination! And your review! And~ I've saved you from another cliffhanger! And—*everyone covers Zenin's mouth* I hmphahgfasdgfdpfthgfff!!! Translation: I hope you like this chapter!!!
PeachBlossom: Thank you! I'm so glad you love my fic! And the song's name is…hold on a sec…I think it's called "We Could Be In Love" and was sung by Leia Salonga (something like that…I'm really not sure).
Okay, guys…here's the chapter! And I really hope—
Everyone: SHUT UP AND GIVE US THE CHAPTER!
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
by Zenin
CHAPTER SEVEN: Crossdressing Galore
Syaoran wiped his face with a rag. Sweat gleamed on his brow and his dark hair was especially unruly. He had just finished fighting Devon, one of Yukio's buiddies, and let's just say, Devon was a snap. Syaoran shoved all thoughts of his previous match and leaned forward, gazing intently at the next two fighters. The young, green-eyed boy captivated him, and he was getting uneasy.
I am not gay. I am definitely NOT gay.
So you say...so you say... The other voice began.
Please, not this again.
I can't help myself. It's not everyday that one can participate in a debate about—
It's just a...a chemistry of sorts! That's all! Maybe it's because Ganji reminds me of Sakura... Yeah! That's it! That's GOT to be the reason why I—
His thoughts were cut short by Master Motobu's command.
"Begin!"
The two fighters circled each other warily. Yukio smirked.
This little gaki is going to pay for insulting me!
He cockily swept his arms wide. "Well? Go ahead. Punch me. Oh, hey, you know what...I'll give you the first for free. I mean, I wouldn't want you to feel bad about getting beaten into a pulp without getting any points."
Sakura glared at him darkly. Yukio drop his arms, leaving his body unguarded. "Go ahead, Ganji. Hit me right here," he said, motioning to his chin. "It's called an uppercut. You know, when you−"
*THWACK!*
Yukio fell flat on his back, his eye already swelling shut and a large purpley-black bruise surrounding it. Sakura bowed, accepting the first point graciously. Yukio scrambled to his feet unsteadily. He ignored the polite rule and refused to bow. They circled once more. This time, Yukio kept his mouth shut, his chin jutting out angrily. He was not happy. Not one bit.
Sakura flipped a kick at Yukio's head and slid to the side as Yukio retaliated with a punch towards her stomach. She intercepted the punch with a block, sliding her foot behind his leg and tugging sharply. Yukio fell and rolled to the side as Sakura swept down with a punch. Yukio crossed his fists and blocked, grabbing her hand and jerking her to the ground. He punched Sakura hard in the stomach and leapt to his feet as she gasped with pain. Yukio smiled, shaking his head sadly.
"Aw, did that hurt? Oh dear..."
He waved cheerily to the spectators, who cheered wildly. "Yukio! Yukio! Yukio!"
"Ganji, one point. Yukio, one point. Begin."
Sakura clenched her teeth tightly as she struggled to her feet. I won't lose, she thought as they bowed and began. I refuse to lose. It he wants to fight hard, then so be it. She blocked Yukio's roundhouse and did a double kick to Yukio's jaw. It landed and Yukio fell backwards in a heap.
"Ganji! Ganji! Ganji!"
"The spectators are really fickle," Syaoran muttered under his breath. He slumped against the back of his bench, watching the fans energetically waving alternating banners of yellow and black.
Master Motobu waited until the cheering died down. "Ganji, three points. Yukio, one point. Begin."
Yukio stood, wiping blood from his cracked lip. "You are so dead, you know that? You're gonna pay."
Sakura said nothing, but pulled her hat tighter around her ears. She was really lucky that it had not come off when Yukio had thrown her to the ground.
They bowed and began again. This time, Yukio spared her nothing. He came on with strike after strike, forcing her backwards. She held her arms in front of her head to protect it. Sakura could hear Syaoran shouting, "Angle! Angle, Ganji!" Blindly, she ducked to the right. Yukio swung his knee into her chest with a crack. She gasped sharply and fell to the ground, curling into a ball. That hurt. Oh...pain... No...no, it can't be... Oh, Kami-sama...not a broken rib. Onegai...onegai let it be just a bruise...
"Yukio, three points. Ganji, three points. Time out. Ten minute break."
Pain...
"Ganji? Daijoubu desu ka? Ganji!"
Pain...
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Master Kyan rubbed his sore temples and sighed. Let's see, that's sixteen so far... Two disqualifications, six "accidents", and one mysterious disappearance into the woods. That leaves just about twenty fencers left. Somebody shoot me.
Meilin bounced up to the judges' booth. "Is it my turn next?" she asked eagerly, tugging her hat further down.
Kyan glanced up from his sheaf of registration papers and narrowed his eyes at the slender, black haired boy standing before him. "Who are you again?"
Meilin snorted. "You forgot? My name is Kaito."
"Ah. Well," he shuffled through the papers. "Hmm...I guess you can be next. You are to fight in section C of the division." "Sugoi!" Meilin cheered happily. She skipped back to her seat
Kyan sighed again.
This was going to be a loooong day...
«×«×»×»
Meilin was busy stuffing colored kerchiefs in her mouth to keep from shouting with glee. She had seen two sets of fencers compete, and one thing was sure...even though Meilin was not a trained expert, she was going to do pretty well. But her jubilance faded as her eyes wandered across the field to the karate division.
There was her Syaoran,
Staring...at Kinomoto.
Even in her disguise, Syaoran still seemed captivated with Sakura. Meilin felt a tinge of anger well up within her, and was surprised as she felt it vanish as quickly as it had come. I ought to feel angry. I ought to feel like going over there and slugging Kinomoto...but...but I don't. She only felt a slight sense of...loss. What was it that Tomoyo had once told her?
"If you truly love someone, you will let them choose their own path."
~*~
Another question in me,
One for the powers that be,
It's got me thrown,
And so I put on my poker face
And try to figure it out,
This undeniable doubt,
A common occurrence.
Feeling so out of place,
Guarded and cynical now,
Can't help but wondering how
My heart evolved into
A rock beating inside of me.
So I reel such a stoic ordeal,
Where's that feeling that I don't feel?
~*~
Meilin shook her head dazedly. I love Syaoran. I always have, always will...right?
~*~
Under a lavender moon,
So many thoughts consume me,
Who dimmed that glowing light
That once burned so bright in me?
Is this a radical phase,
A problematical age,
That keeps me running
From all that I used to be?
Is there a way to return,
Is there a way to unlearn,
That carnal knowledge
That's chipping away at my soul?
I've been gone too long.
Will I ever find my way home?
~*~
"Next group up. Kaito, Xu, Piku,─"
Meilin stood and strode to her assigned section and waited for her adversary to arrive. She drew her blade and tested its weight, sweeping it in an arc. It just felt right, to hold a sword and to fight. Meilin was a fighter.
Where the heck is my opponent? He's taking forever!
Someone tapped her on the shoulder.
The air hummed with the swift movement of her sword as she whirled around, leveling the rapier at her opponent's head.
"Well met, my friend," The boy said, stepping from the shadows. Firey hair flopped into his eyes as he grinned and drew his own blade and saluted.
"Ak-Akashi?!" Her weapon slipped from her hands and fell to the ground. She knelt swiftly to retrieve it, but Akashi got it first. He handed it to her, eyes curious.
"How did you know my name?"
She stood slowly, raking her mind for a good excuse. "Um..." C'mon, Meilin. Think! "The judges pointed you out to me. They said that you are one of the best fencers here."
He eyed her skeptically. He's hiding something... "What's your name?"
"Kaito. Are we going to fight or what?"
Akashi smiled.
Their blades met with a clang.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Syaoran jumped to his feet. "Yukio's going to kill Ganji!"
Master Motobu folded his hands and turned to gaze impassively at Syaoran. "What do you think I should do?"
"Something! Anything to keep Yukio from pounding this kid!" Syaoran said.
"They are even, Syaoran. Ganji can handle himself. In fact, Yukio has taken some pretty rough handling from that boy." A small smile crossed Motobu's face as he listened to the dark haired boy's impassioned response.
"Ganji may be able to defend himself, but Yukio will do whatever he can to win. Even if he has to hurt Ganji very badly. And that's just what happened!"
Master Motobu stroked his chin thoughtfully, a smile tugging at his lips. "Now tell me, lad, why are you so concerned about Ganji?"
Syaoran felt his face heat up and quickly turned his head, feigning interest in the carved pattern of the benches. Motobu's smile widened and he turned his attention back to the fight.
Ganji was still lying on the ground, slightly curled. Yukio was seated on the ground, resting against one of the four poles that partitioned the karate division. He took a swig of water and poured some on his head to cool himself. His friends surrounded him, congratulating him on what definitely looked like a soon-to-be victory.
"Ganji!"
A girl broke from the crowd, dressed in a flowing orange dress. The dress pooled around her as she threw herself next to the prone form of Ganji. Her ruddy hair curled down her back, and her golden eyes were bright with concern. "Ganji...Ganji, are you okay?"
Sakura forced her eyes open and glanced up at the girl. Confusion filled her eyes as she propped herself up on an elbow and gave the girl a once over. "Um...do I know you?"
The girl smiled. "Think. You'll remember."
"Um..." Sakura racked her mind for answers. Then, it hit her.
(A/N: Bet you'll never guess!)
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"Hoshi?!"
"Shh. Not so loud." The girl whispered, a finger touching Sakura's lips warningly. "I said that I'd do my best to help you, my Mistress."
Sakura waited until Hoshi's finger lifted to answer. "But...h-how...how?"
Hoshi smiled. "As I've said before: Rainbow cards are way different from Clow Cards. We have one primary form, a true form, as you say, but we can also change our form to pretty much anything we want," Hoshi said proudly.
"Um...are you a boy or girl?"
"Definitely boy. This girl guise is really annoying. No wonder you females are always such fussy creatures."
Sakura chose to ignore that comment and briefly closed her eyes. "Is there anything else I don't know about Rainbow cards?"
"Oh, lots."
She moaned and slumped back down. "Hoshi...can you heal?"
Hoshi nodded, eyes softening. "That's why I'm here, Mistress."
She quieted and lay still as Hoshi touched her forehead lightly. A wave of fiery magic tingled in her veins. When she opened her eyes, he looked serious.
"You have a two broken ribs and a punctured lung."
"It's that bad? You can't be serious!"
"I am serious and it is that bad; but I believe I can fix it. Close your eyes again."
"Why?"
"It helps relax you."
She closed her eyes obediently and felt his magic flow through her. The aches lessened and the pain lifted away, leaving a tingly feeling, which soon drained away. Sakura found that she could breathe well again, and opened her eyes, sitting up quickly and throwing her arms round Hoshi.
"Arigatou, Hoshi-kun!"
Hoshi flushed embarrassedly and gently removed her arms. "You have a fight to finish, my Mistress."
"Right. How may more minutes left for the break?"
"One."
"Heh. I guess I should stretch some, shouldn't I?"
"Hai. I need to go, but I'll be watching."
"Where's Kero?"
Hoshi smiled. "Kero is also watching, safe inside my dress pocket."
"He's being awfully quiet."
"The wonders of duct tape never cease to amaze me."
"Hoshi!"
"How else am I to shut him up?"
Sakura laughed. Hoshi picked up his skirts and went back to his seat in the stands.
Sakura stood and brushed the twigs and dirt off her yellow costume. She marched over to where Yukio sat talking with his buddies and stood before them, hands on hips. Yukio glanced up at her, raising an eyebrow.
"Ready to lose?"
"Not quite."
Master Motobu stood, raising his hands ceremoniously. "Break over. We will now resume the fight between−"
"KETCHUUUUUUUUUUUUP!!!!"
Master Motobu stood there, drenched in tomatoey sauce. He wiped some from his eyes and sighed exasperatedly.
"Not again..."
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Meilin smiled triumphantly as she blocked all of Akashi's strikes with ease. I'm surprised. I thought that both Akemi and Akashi were trained in the art of swordplay for over five years. But fighting him is a piece of cake. Chocolate cake. With dark chocolate frosting, candy roses, and sprinkles...ooo, maybe filled with ice cream, too! And layered with—
*Slash!*
Akashi grinned as he watched Meilin's jaw drop, doing an impressive imitation of a goldfish.
"YOU CUT MY PANTS!" she cried, inspecting her breeches. Akashi has neatly trimmed the bottom half of one pant leg. "Well, if you're going to make shorts, at least even them up, you freak!" Meilin ordered.
Akashi hid a smile and slashed the other pant leg. Meilin saluted him, then swept her blade down upon his own. He retaliated with a half circle sweep up at her head. She blocked and slid her sword through a gap at his stomach. He frantically blocked. Meilin wasted no time to let him attack and swung at his legs. He jumped and side-stepped, striking towards her neck. Her blade flicked up, deflecting the blow. Meilin moved to back away, but stopped short as her back thudded against the wooden post.
Shoot.
Akashi flashed down upon her, striking at her collarbone. She ducked to the side as his blade thudded into the wood.
"I'm impressed, Kaito." Akashi yanked his sword from the post just in time to deflect Meilin's slash at his chest, but not fast enough to keep her from slashing his shirt to shreds. Akashi shrugged his shoulders and slid the shirt off. It was now Meilin's turn to smile.
"Cut for cut, I always say."
Akashi bowed slightly. "Well said."
He wasted no time and locked hilts with Meilin. She strained to pull her sword away, but with no avail. Akashi twisted his blade sharply and Meilin's sword flew from her grasp. He leveled the sword at her eyes and backed her up against the post.
"Surrender?"
Meilin swallowed hard. "I guess so."
Akashi lowered his sword and smiled. "I'm impressed. You fought very well, Kaito. Or...I guess I should say...Meilin."
"You knew!?" Meilin asked, shocked.
Akashi polished his blade with what used to be his shirt, and glanced at Meilin. "Yup."
She stomped her foot with exasperation. "Why can't we every get away with it? Why?" she asked, vexed.
"Because you are far too...bold," he said, wincing at Meilin's glare. "You don't think things all the way through."
"Like...?"
"Well," he flushed slightly. "Your legs. They're attractive. I mean," he rushed on, ignoring Meilin's reddening face. "Boys don't shave their legs. You overlook things like that."
Meilin was at a loss for words, for once.
"Oh," she managed.
Her rapier was lying a couple yards away. She walked over to it and knelt to pick it up. Once again, Akashi beat her to it. He picked it up and handed it to her, smiling slightly. They stood together. Meilin retrieved the scraps of pant leg and left to find Akemi. Akashi watched her leave, then strapped on his sword. He needed to talk with Syaoran.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Sakura twisted to the side, grabbing Yukio's fist and twisting it sharply to the side. She put pressure on it and drove Yukio's face into the dust. She lightly chopped his neck and broke away to avoid his leg sweep. She flipped backwards, earning a rousing cheer from the spectators.
"GANJI! YEAH!!!"
"Go Ganji!"
Yukio stood quickly and dove at Sakura, who slid to the side as he hurtled past. She shook her head. "Yukio, this is supposed to be karate, not wrestling."
His eyes darkened. Sakura flipped a kick at his head and gasped with surprise as he caught her foot and jerked her to the ground. "Your turn to eat dirt, gaki." He roughly shoved her face to the ground and elbowed her hard in the side. She rolled away and leapt to her feet, breathing hard. Master Motobu stood.
"Ganji, four points, Yukio four points. Last point. Whoever gets this next point wins."
The crowd hushed expectantly. Yukio and Sakura circled slowly, eyeing each other carefully.
Akashi, Chen, Akemi, and Meilin edged along the crowd and found seats. The crowd was on the edge of their seats for the ending of the final event of the tournament.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
A light laugh echoed from the forest's edge. A cloud of emerald mist gathered, the droplets melting together and forming a young, green haired woman. Her jade eyes sparkled merrily as she leaned forward from her position in the air, watching. Her dress was made from fine silk tissues, every shade of green imaginable blended together. She floated to the ground, dress swirling around her, accentuating the generous curves of her slender frame. The jewel in her forehead glowed as words of an unknown language flowed from her mouth.
"Ljjxrank fcafjbxjh,
Lbfjk zbkvjh,
Mc lrah mpj oavacsa,
Mpbm rk zw mbkv.
Spbmjqji rk prhhja,
Spbmjqji qjrxjh,
Dj ijqjbxjh,
Wcoi fckmozj pbk lbrxjh."
Green tendrils of magic drained from her fingertips and floated across the field, weaving through the air and heading straight for the karate division, where a certain auburn haired boy stood, ready to fight.
The girl floated back up into the air, crossing her legs Indian style. She leaned back comfortably, a smile curving her full lips.
"That should do the trick."
Another musical laugh broke the silence of the forest.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
Sakura stood ready. Yukio's ice blue eyes were dark.
"I will win, gaki."
"The winner will win."
"You don't say. Any more obvious statements, Ganji?"
"Do not mock what you don't know."
He spat on the ground contemptuously, then threw a punch. She blocked swiftly, sliding her foot behind his and jerking it from beneath him. He fell and rolled to the side, leaping back to his feet. Sakura flip kicked towards Yukio's stomach. He caught her foot and pushed it to the side, spinning Sakura off balance. She staggered upright and narrowly missed getting punched in the eye.
I will beat him. I will win. I am strong.
He swung a kick at Sakura.
I am strong.
She blocked.
I am strong.
She did a flying kick to his stomach.
Nobody was quite sure what happened in that moment. Everything seemed to go in slow motion.
Ganji was flying through the air...
There was a brilliant flash of misty green light...
Everyone was blinded...
And the next thing they saw was a slender form, clothed in a white silk robe, auburn curls framing a delicate face set with emerald eyes...grinding her heel into Yukio's stomach. Yukio crashed to the ground.
Master Motobu stood up quickly, rubbing his eyes. "Ganji??"
Syaoran stood, staring with a shocked expression in his amber eyes. "Sakura??"
Sakura looked down at the white robe that clung to her slim frame. "I—I can explain everything...I think..."
Yukio came to and groggily propped himself up on an elbow. "Cherry Blossom??"
Sakura punched him.
+=+=+=+=+=+=+
"Well, you've gotta admit, that was a great finish," Meilin said.
Sakura turned around, reaching behind herself to button up the back of her dress. "Umm...thanks? Argh! Emiko, can you help me with these stupid buttons−"
"Sure." Emiko set down her comb and walked over to Sakura. "Lift your hair."
"That was really nice of Syaoran," Akemi said slyly. "You know, when he covered up for you at the tournament."
Sakura blushed slightly. "Yeah...I know."
"What'd he say again? I wasn't there..."
"You weren't? Where were you, Emiko?"
"I was with Xiefa, being awarded the 'Golden arrow'."
Sakura's eyes widened. "Honto?"
"Yeah."
"Oh. Well, Syaoran made an appointment to meet with the staff and counselors. He told them that the entire fight between me and Yukio was a play that we put on; and that the light, the clothing changing, and my injuries disappearing were simply special effects."
"What about Yukio?"
Akemi grinned. "Syaoran 'persuaded' him to come along and help tell the story."
"But won't Yukio blab now that Syaoran's fist isn't hovering over him?"
Sakura walked over to her bed and lifted a card from the Book of the Clow. She held it up for their inspection.
"The Erase?"
Sakura smiled.
Everybody looked at each other silently. Meilin broke the silence.
"Well, I get the shower next."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Stupid muse. Stupid, stupid, stupid muse! My muse, the Condiment Woman, has something to say to you all:
"I'm sorry, but my dear client, Zenin 'ere, cannot write any more for this chapter. She has to go to bed. It's waaaay past her bed time and, since she's been planed to Oregon, she does not have access to me, her muse. So, she will have another chapter out soon (hopefully), but for now, she needs rest and a good allergy pill."
Waaaaaahhh!!! I don't like the way this chapter turned out! I think I'm too tired to tell anyway. Well, I hope that you all like it. I've been writing this on and off throughout this entire week and now, at 2:00am, Tuesday, I am so tired I'm on the verge of hallucinating. So, I bid thee goodniiiiiiiighhhhht, and I'm going to go drink Pepsi and eat Danish cookies and generally annoy me good ol' aunt. I hope she's not awake. I don't like keeping people awake... X_X
Oh, if anyone wants to know the name of the song Meilin had, it's called Missing Person, sung by Michael W. Smith.