A new beginning - prologue
Coco cookie: Hello s+s fans ^_^ I'm so glad u choose to read my story, it makes me soooooo happy! Anyway, this story takes place when the cc crew are 16. It's been 6 years since the 'old days'. I changed the airport scene a bit, so don't be surprised it's different.
Key: Words in braces are thoughts. The starry things indicate a new setting in the story.
* * * * *
10 years old.
"Syaoran-kun!"
Her frantic cry echoed off the walls as she hurriedly ran to him. She knew that people were staring at her but she didn't care. [I must get to you].
Finally she saw the person she was looking for. "Syaoran-kun . . . "
He turned around rather surprised. [How did she know I was leaving?]
Sakura smiled in reply. Then blushing slightly, she held out the brown bear in her arms.
"Tomoyo said you were leaving - it's good I got here in time to say goodbye . . ."
Holding back her tears she sniffed slightly.
"Here Syaoran, it's a teddy bear I made for you."
Sakura placed the little bear into one of his hands.
"Now no matter how long it takes for us to meet again, I will wait for you. And I . . . "
Sakura blushed as she stared into his amber eyes. [It's so hard saying goodbye to someone like you.]
Her heart thumped crazily, as she finally whispered the words, "I love you".
Syaoran smiled. [I have been waiting for those words for so long Sakura. You don't know how much this means to me.]
Suddenly Wei spoke up from beside him.
"Master Li, don't you have something to give her?"
With this, he handed a pink, hand-made bear to him. Shyly, Syaoran held the bear out to her.
"I made a bear too Sakura. Here have it."
He looked into her beautiful emerald pools and took one last gaze at her. Her soft skin, her silky honey-brown hair . . . [God I will miss you so much.] Then finally as he cleared his throat, he said, "I will come back as soon as possible - I promise Sakura."
* * * * *
11 years old.
Another hard crack of the whip glazed his back - Syaoran winced in pain but stood in silence. He knew that answering back to the elders was costly. Feeling a trickle of something down his back, he realised he was bleeding.
"Foolish boy - it was your misdeeds that brought you to this punishment. If you had completed your task and brought back the cards, you wouldn't be suffering. But no, you wasted your chance by letting your heart interfere - you just had to fall for the clow mistress!"
The elders' voice cut through the air as much as the whip cut through his skin. His neck ached and his body was covered in cuts and scratches.
[Sakura . . . if only I could be with you. No one ever cared for me like you did.]
Syaoran glanced over to his mother who was watching him silently. Ignoring the sweat and blood that rolled down his face, he pleaded with his eyes for help.
But Yinfa only looked away - unable to stand the pain he was going through. There was nothing she could do. Still she had to admit she was disappointed in him - he had brought disgrace to the family name.
Suddenly another lash from the whip cut him in his shoulder. [I am nothing but a prisoner in this world.]
He winced as he glanced at his torn and bloody clothes. [No matter how much I have to suffer Sakura, I will never lose my love for you.]
* * * * *
12 years old.
"Sakura! Wait!"
"Hoe? Oh hi Tomoyo!"
Sakura stopped outside the school gate as she waited for Tomoyo to catch up. Hurriedly, she brushed away her troubled thoughts on Syaoran and plastered on a fake smile.
[I'm not that easily fooled Sakura - I know you're thinking about Li-kun. That's all you do these days] Tomoyo sighed as she studied her best friend.[During these two years, I haven't changed much - but you Sakura, has grown into one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen.]
Sakura was growing out her hair now - today it was in a long, wavy ponytail. Her honey-brown bangs framed a delicate face and made a wonderful contrast with her eyes; the stunning emeralds that could change from a forest green to the colour of the grassy plains.
[But what I love most about you,] Tomoyo thought as a sharp pain clenched her, [is that smile that could make everyone feel warm and cheerful - the one that you rarely show to any of us.]
And it wasn't just Tomoyo who felt that way - Touya, and every other person who had gotten to know Sakura over the years knew something was wrong.
"So Sakura, the farewell dance is on tomorrow night - do you know who you're going with?" asked Tomoyo as they walked into the schoolyard.
"Well Tomoyo, some boys have asked me-"
"Hohoho! And you looked so cute with that surprised look as a reaction!"
Sakura sweatdropped. [Tomoyo was always Tomoyo. ]
"Actually.I don't want to go with any of them because."
Sakura didn't finish her sentence - for a moment they just walked in silence. Finally Tomoyo spoke, "You're hoping Li-kun will come back and ask you hai?"
[Hoeeeeeeee! I wonder how she knew!] thought Sakura. Then in a calmer voice, she said "Hai Tomoyo".
* * * * *
Sakura sighed. [An hour has passed and Syaoran-kun has not arrived. I guess he wouldn't be here then - after all, it was just a silly wish.]
She began playing with the folds of her beautiful white, silk dress - it was another masterpiece of Tomoyos'. The dress was spaghetti-strapped with a full bloomed cherry blossom ontop of one bosom. The dress ended just below the knees and clung perfectly to her slim body.
Tomoyo had done her hair in a long french braid and sprinkled pink petals ontop - the effect was simple yet nice.
[I really wish you could be here tonight - it's such a romantic atmosphere, and you're the only one I want to share it with.]
"Hello Sakura, would you care to dance with me?"
The boy was quite cute with his dark, black hair bound neatly into a ponytail at the back. It seemed he was popular among the girls because many of them - including Mirani - were shooting venomous looks at Sakura.
Sakura looked at his sedating blue eyes, [Maybe I should accept this dance - I feel really bad always saying no. His name's Asumi I think - he's supposed to be the captain of the soccer team. This was after Syaoran left ofcourse.]
Evening out the creases in her dress, Sakura did a graceful curtsey and allowed Asumi to lead her onto the dance floor. Nearby boys who had offered to dance with Sakura, but were rejected, were glaring at Asumi.
* * * * *
14 years old.
As he sat gazing at the stars, Syaoran listened intently to the rustling of the trees. It was past midnight and he was on the palace roof - it was his favourite place for privacy.
[And privacy's exactly what I need,] he thought as he frowned. [Why can't I just live the life of a normal boy? No stupid training, magical studies or any of that stupid financial or government crap.]
He sighed. [And they all have such high expectations of me.] His thoughts wandered to two years ago when he was 11. [The shame and torture I suffered - and it was all because of her.] His eyes blazed angrily as he clenched his fist. [How could I have been so stupid and given her the cards? She doesn't deserve such power - she's not at all capable of being the clow mistress. And how stupid I was to fall in love with her! So many times I nearly broke my neck being there to help her. So many times I've sacrificed myself for her - and it's not like she ever did anything for me.]
But ofcourse, there were those captivating emerald eyes and that smile as radiant as the sun. Those qualities could make even the cruelest devil weak in the knees. Rubbing his sore temples, he felt his heart clench in a sudden sadness. He was scared of meeting her again or having anything to do with her because he knew, that deep inside, he still loved her.
[But no - I can't. I can't ever disgrace myself again or corrupt the Li clan any further.]
Staring up at the stars once more, he wished that he could also be up there, far away from everything - the clan, his responsibilities and even Sakura.
* * * * *
15 years old.
She didn't miss him that much anymore - it wasn't like she spent every second thinking about him. But still, there were the occasional times where her thoughts would wander onto Syaoran.
Sakura kicked a rock absentmindedly. She was just a street away from home and it was past 10 o'clock.
[Who would have ever thought the musical would take so long? It ended 2 hours after the expected time. But still, thanks to the practice and Tomoyo's incredible director skills, it was a masterpiece. ]
For a moment, Sakura stopped walking and began humming one of the musical songs. It was from the scene where the prince and the peasant girl had their 1st kiss of love. Her lips still had a slight tingling sensation from the kiss Asumi had given her. [Sure, it was only a play but still, that was my first ever-real kiss. And Touya had looked so mad at that part of the musical. ]Sakura sighed - she was worried about Touya's comment. [Would he be really angry? Either way, it was the perfect story one could ask for . . . a handsome prince . . . the sweet peasant girl . . . ]
Then Sakura whispered sadly to herself, "If only Syaoran could arrive into my life as the prince did in the play."
Finally she stretched and was about to take a step forward, when a sudden a voice spoke.
"My, my. A beautiful girl all by herself at night."
Scared at the scornful remark, Sakura hurriedly looked around her.
"H-hoeeee! W-who's there?"
"Oh no one babe - except for us kind boys."
The boy laughed out loud - other voices joined his. Suddenly from the shadows on her left, three boys walked out. They were all atleast 16, tall and strong with the most weirdest smiles planted on their faces.
Sakura immediately backed up a few steps, her body trembling from both the cold and fright.
A boy with dyed red hair smiled. "You look a little cold in that dress." he and the other two boys walked up to her, trapping her into the middle. "Now," he said as he glanced her over, "why don't I warm you up?"
Before Sakura could utter a word, the boy wrapped his arms around her. Opening her mouth to scream, the boy silenced it with his lips. Her eyes widened in fright. [No! No! This can't happen to me!] Sakura struggled hard in the boy's arms, kicking and squirming with every ounce of strength.
"Stop fidgeting!" was the boy's angry reply. He pinched her hard on her bottom and tightened his grip on her.
Sakura, ignoring the stinging pain, yelled at the top of her lungs, "Touya! Syaoran!"
SLAP!
The boy hit her brutally across the face. "Shut up girl!" Then to make sure she would make no more noise, he clamped his hand over her mouth.
Suddenly, one of the other guys who had been watching spoke up. "Man, I think we'd better move somewhere else. Her cry could have been heard - anyway, it's not like we could have fun with her standing up."
He and the other boy laughed. "Oh and Aki? Don't hurt her face - she's rather cute."
"Hurry up man! I want my turn!"
Realising she was no match against the boy Aki in strength, she suddenly bit down hard on his finger instead. "AHHHH!" he shouted as he glanced at his bleeding finger. Sakura took this moment of distraction immediately. She freed one arm and punched him furiously in the face. [I'm not so defenseless am I?] Seeing that the other two boys were running toward her, she backflipped away in perfect coordination. Then reaching for her wand which should be around her neck, she realised it wasn't there. [Oh no! I forgot! I stopped wearing it for two years now!]
Suddenly Aki lunged forward at her - his face had a huge purple mark.
"You bitch! How dare you do that to me!"
Surprised by the sudden attack, Sakura managed to only clumsily scramble out of the way. [It's so dark, I can hardly see where I'm going! Wait a moment . . . there's Aki . . . and there's the other boy . . . but weren't there thre-]
"Ahhh!" Sakura screamed. The last boy had sneaked up on her and now kept her captive by gripping firmly onto her wrists.
"You think you can get away from us eh?" His taunting voice sent shivers up her spine. Sakura struggled against his hold - but it turned out pointless and only left her feeling exhausted.
As the boy kept held onto Sakura, the other two moved in toward her and soon she could even feel their raspy breathe in her face.
Aki suddenly layed his hand ontop of Sakura's bosom and slowly moved his hand down.
"Let go o-"
Her cry of fright soon changed to pain as the one of boys punched her hard on her shoulder. Letting her tears spill freely down her cheeks, Sakura closed her eyes in silent prayer. [Syaoran . . . I know you're there . . . please come and help me. I need you . . .]
BAM!
Suddenly, Aki was pushed to the side, a large red mark forming on his bare arm. [What's going on? Cou-could it be Syaoran?]
Recovering from the sudden attack, both Aki and the boy who had struck her charged toward the stranger. He was unrecognizable in the dark but Sakura got the feeling she knew him.
As the guys prepared to attack, the stranger swiftly kicked them and then punched them fatally in the stomach. With just these two moves, the boys fell to the ground in pain.
Sakura watched with amazement at the mysterious man. Then to her horror, he began walking in her direction. [Is he good? Would he help me? Or, is he just as dangerous? ]Suddenly he opened his mouth to speak - his voice low and threatening. "You - let go of her this instant." Immediately the boy dropped his hold on her and ran off.
Sakura's ears ringed at the familiar voice. Unable to hold back her fright any longer, she broke down and sobbed. Then wrapping her arms around his waist, she whispered, "Touya . . . "
He grasped her into his arms, his hands trembling in a sudden sadness. [Why did they do this to you? You must have been so frightened - and I as your brother, was not there to protect you.] He clenched his teeth in anger. [How could I have been such a bad brother?]
As he glanced over her crying figure, he could make out the many bruises the boys had given her.
"Sakura . . . "
As her older brother, he couldn't stand seeing her like this. Brushing away her tears gently, he said in a choked voice, "Sakura, never again will I let this happen to you. Never again."
Touya tightened his arms around her, his heart breaking at the pain she was suffering. After a few more minutes Sakura's sobs seized. Then she felt Touya's hands stroking her face like as if she was only a little baby.
"It's all right Sakura, I'm here now."
Then still keeping an arm firmly around her shoulders, they began to walk home. [No oniichan - it's not alright.] Sakura's eyes darkened as one last tear fell down her pale cheek. [It was until now that I thought Syaoran would always be here for me. Just like those sweet fairy tales of love. But now I face the truth - the truth that there was no such thing.]
* * * * *
Coco cookie: Well what ya think? Was it good? Tell me everything at my email mmm_lotsa_chocolate@hotmail.com or leave a review. Oh, and about the 'nearly rape' bit, sorry - I know it's a bit gross, but I had to make Sakura seem really defenseless.
Oh, and are you wondering who Asumi and Mirani are? Their personalities will clear up as you read on.
Chapters may take a while to be finished - I'm a picky writer and like everything to be absolutely perfect (grammer 'n comprehension - all that boring stuff). Plus when the draft is done, it takes me ages to type it up 'cause I'm a sloooowwwww typer.
Coco cookie: Hello s+s fans ^_^ I'm so glad u choose to read my story, it makes me soooooo happy! Anyway, this story takes place when the cc crew are 16. It's been 6 years since the 'old days'. I changed the airport scene a bit, so don't be surprised it's different.
Key: Words in braces are thoughts. The starry things indicate a new setting in the story.
* * * * *
10 years old.
"Syaoran-kun!"
Her frantic cry echoed off the walls as she hurriedly ran to him. She knew that people were staring at her but she didn't care. [I must get to you].
Finally she saw the person she was looking for. "Syaoran-kun . . . "
He turned around rather surprised. [How did she know I was leaving?]
Sakura smiled in reply. Then blushing slightly, she held out the brown bear in her arms.
"Tomoyo said you were leaving - it's good I got here in time to say goodbye . . ."
Holding back her tears she sniffed slightly.
"Here Syaoran, it's a teddy bear I made for you."
Sakura placed the little bear into one of his hands.
"Now no matter how long it takes for us to meet again, I will wait for you. And I . . . "
Sakura blushed as she stared into his amber eyes. [It's so hard saying goodbye to someone like you.]
Her heart thumped crazily, as she finally whispered the words, "I love you".
Syaoran smiled. [I have been waiting for those words for so long Sakura. You don't know how much this means to me.]
Suddenly Wei spoke up from beside him.
"Master Li, don't you have something to give her?"
With this, he handed a pink, hand-made bear to him. Shyly, Syaoran held the bear out to her.
"I made a bear too Sakura. Here have it."
He looked into her beautiful emerald pools and took one last gaze at her. Her soft skin, her silky honey-brown hair . . . [God I will miss you so much.] Then finally as he cleared his throat, he said, "I will come back as soon as possible - I promise Sakura."
* * * * *
11 years old.
Another hard crack of the whip glazed his back - Syaoran winced in pain but stood in silence. He knew that answering back to the elders was costly. Feeling a trickle of something down his back, he realised he was bleeding.
"Foolish boy - it was your misdeeds that brought you to this punishment. If you had completed your task and brought back the cards, you wouldn't be suffering. But no, you wasted your chance by letting your heart interfere - you just had to fall for the clow mistress!"
The elders' voice cut through the air as much as the whip cut through his skin. His neck ached and his body was covered in cuts and scratches.
[Sakura . . . if only I could be with you. No one ever cared for me like you did.]
Syaoran glanced over to his mother who was watching him silently. Ignoring the sweat and blood that rolled down his face, he pleaded with his eyes for help.
But Yinfa only looked away - unable to stand the pain he was going through. There was nothing she could do. Still she had to admit she was disappointed in him - he had brought disgrace to the family name.
Suddenly another lash from the whip cut him in his shoulder. [I am nothing but a prisoner in this world.]
He winced as he glanced at his torn and bloody clothes. [No matter how much I have to suffer Sakura, I will never lose my love for you.]
* * * * *
12 years old.
"Sakura! Wait!"
"Hoe? Oh hi Tomoyo!"
Sakura stopped outside the school gate as she waited for Tomoyo to catch up. Hurriedly, she brushed away her troubled thoughts on Syaoran and plastered on a fake smile.
[I'm not that easily fooled Sakura - I know you're thinking about Li-kun. That's all you do these days] Tomoyo sighed as she studied her best friend.[During these two years, I haven't changed much - but you Sakura, has grown into one of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen.]
Sakura was growing out her hair now - today it was in a long, wavy ponytail. Her honey-brown bangs framed a delicate face and made a wonderful contrast with her eyes; the stunning emeralds that could change from a forest green to the colour of the grassy plains.
[But what I love most about you,] Tomoyo thought as a sharp pain clenched her, [is that smile that could make everyone feel warm and cheerful - the one that you rarely show to any of us.]
And it wasn't just Tomoyo who felt that way - Touya, and every other person who had gotten to know Sakura over the years knew something was wrong.
"So Sakura, the farewell dance is on tomorrow night - do you know who you're going with?" asked Tomoyo as they walked into the schoolyard.
"Well Tomoyo, some boys have asked me-"
"Hohoho! And you looked so cute with that surprised look as a reaction!"
Sakura sweatdropped. [Tomoyo was always Tomoyo. ]
"Actually.I don't want to go with any of them because."
Sakura didn't finish her sentence - for a moment they just walked in silence. Finally Tomoyo spoke, "You're hoping Li-kun will come back and ask you hai?"
[Hoeeeeeeee! I wonder how she knew!] thought Sakura. Then in a calmer voice, she said "Hai Tomoyo".
* * * * *
Sakura sighed. [An hour has passed and Syaoran-kun has not arrived. I guess he wouldn't be here then - after all, it was just a silly wish.]
She began playing with the folds of her beautiful white, silk dress - it was another masterpiece of Tomoyos'. The dress was spaghetti-strapped with a full bloomed cherry blossom ontop of one bosom. The dress ended just below the knees and clung perfectly to her slim body.
Tomoyo had done her hair in a long french braid and sprinkled pink petals ontop - the effect was simple yet nice.
[I really wish you could be here tonight - it's such a romantic atmosphere, and you're the only one I want to share it with.]
"Hello Sakura, would you care to dance with me?"
The boy was quite cute with his dark, black hair bound neatly into a ponytail at the back. It seemed he was popular among the girls because many of them - including Mirani - were shooting venomous looks at Sakura.
Sakura looked at his sedating blue eyes, [Maybe I should accept this dance - I feel really bad always saying no. His name's Asumi I think - he's supposed to be the captain of the soccer team. This was after Syaoran left ofcourse.]
Evening out the creases in her dress, Sakura did a graceful curtsey and allowed Asumi to lead her onto the dance floor. Nearby boys who had offered to dance with Sakura, but were rejected, were glaring at Asumi.
* * * * *
14 years old.
As he sat gazing at the stars, Syaoran listened intently to the rustling of the trees. It was past midnight and he was on the palace roof - it was his favourite place for privacy.
[And privacy's exactly what I need,] he thought as he frowned. [Why can't I just live the life of a normal boy? No stupid training, magical studies or any of that stupid financial or government crap.]
He sighed. [And they all have such high expectations of me.] His thoughts wandered to two years ago when he was 11. [The shame and torture I suffered - and it was all because of her.] His eyes blazed angrily as he clenched his fist. [How could I have been so stupid and given her the cards? She doesn't deserve such power - she's not at all capable of being the clow mistress. And how stupid I was to fall in love with her! So many times I nearly broke my neck being there to help her. So many times I've sacrificed myself for her - and it's not like she ever did anything for me.]
But ofcourse, there were those captivating emerald eyes and that smile as radiant as the sun. Those qualities could make even the cruelest devil weak in the knees. Rubbing his sore temples, he felt his heart clench in a sudden sadness. He was scared of meeting her again or having anything to do with her because he knew, that deep inside, he still loved her.
[But no - I can't. I can't ever disgrace myself again or corrupt the Li clan any further.]
Staring up at the stars once more, he wished that he could also be up there, far away from everything - the clan, his responsibilities and even Sakura.
* * * * *
15 years old.
She didn't miss him that much anymore - it wasn't like she spent every second thinking about him. But still, there were the occasional times where her thoughts would wander onto Syaoran.
Sakura kicked a rock absentmindedly. She was just a street away from home and it was past 10 o'clock.
[Who would have ever thought the musical would take so long? It ended 2 hours after the expected time. But still, thanks to the practice and Tomoyo's incredible director skills, it was a masterpiece. ]
For a moment, Sakura stopped walking and began humming one of the musical songs. It was from the scene where the prince and the peasant girl had their 1st kiss of love. Her lips still had a slight tingling sensation from the kiss Asumi had given her. [Sure, it was only a play but still, that was my first ever-real kiss. And Touya had looked so mad at that part of the musical. ]Sakura sighed - she was worried about Touya's comment. [Would he be really angry? Either way, it was the perfect story one could ask for . . . a handsome prince . . . the sweet peasant girl . . . ]
Then Sakura whispered sadly to herself, "If only Syaoran could arrive into my life as the prince did in the play."
Finally she stretched and was about to take a step forward, when a sudden a voice spoke.
"My, my. A beautiful girl all by herself at night."
Scared at the scornful remark, Sakura hurriedly looked around her.
"H-hoeeee! W-who's there?"
"Oh no one babe - except for us kind boys."
The boy laughed out loud - other voices joined his. Suddenly from the shadows on her left, three boys walked out. They were all atleast 16, tall and strong with the most weirdest smiles planted on their faces.
Sakura immediately backed up a few steps, her body trembling from both the cold and fright.
A boy with dyed red hair smiled. "You look a little cold in that dress." he and the other two boys walked up to her, trapping her into the middle. "Now," he said as he glanced her over, "why don't I warm you up?"
Before Sakura could utter a word, the boy wrapped his arms around her. Opening her mouth to scream, the boy silenced it with his lips. Her eyes widened in fright. [No! No! This can't happen to me!] Sakura struggled hard in the boy's arms, kicking and squirming with every ounce of strength.
"Stop fidgeting!" was the boy's angry reply. He pinched her hard on her bottom and tightened his grip on her.
Sakura, ignoring the stinging pain, yelled at the top of her lungs, "Touya! Syaoran!"
SLAP!
The boy hit her brutally across the face. "Shut up girl!" Then to make sure she would make no more noise, he clamped his hand over her mouth.
Suddenly, one of the other guys who had been watching spoke up. "Man, I think we'd better move somewhere else. Her cry could have been heard - anyway, it's not like we could have fun with her standing up."
He and the other boy laughed. "Oh and Aki? Don't hurt her face - she's rather cute."
"Hurry up man! I want my turn!"
Realising she was no match against the boy Aki in strength, she suddenly bit down hard on his finger instead. "AHHHH!" he shouted as he glanced at his bleeding finger. Sakura took this moment of distraction immediately. She freed one arm and punched him furiously in the face. [I'm not so defenseless am I?] Seeing that the other two boys were running toward her, she backflipped away in perfect coordination. Then reaching for her wand which should be around her neck, she realised it wasn't there. [Oh no! I forgot! I stopped wearing it for two years now!]
Suddenly Aki lunged forward at her - his face had a huge purple mark.
"You bitch! How dare you do that to me!"
Surprised by the sudden attack, Sakura managed to only clumsily scramble out of the way. [It's so dark, I can hardly see where I'm going! Wait a moment . . . there's Aki . . . and there's the other boy . . . but weren't there thre-]
"Ahhh!" Sakura screamed. The last boy had sneaked up on her and now kept her captive by gripping firmly onto her wrists.
"You think you can get away from us eh?" His taunting voice sent shivers up her spine. Sakura struggled against his hold - but it turned out pointless and only left her feeling exhausted.
As the boy kept held onto Sakura, the other two moved in toward her and soon she could even feel their raspy breathe in her face.
Aki suddenly layed his hand ontop of Sakura's bosom and slowly moved his hand down.
"Let go o-"
Her cry of fright soon changed to pain as the one of boys punched her hard on her shoulder. Letting her tears spill freely down her cheeks, Sakura closed her eyes in silent prayer. [Syaoran . . . I know you're there . . . please come and help me. I need you . . .]
BAM!
Suddenly, Aki was pushed to the side, a large red mark forming on his bare arm. [What's going on? Cou-could it be Syaoran?]
Recovering from the sudden attack, both Aki and the boy who had struck her charged toward the stranger. He was unrecognizable in the dark but Sakura got the feeling she knew him.
As the guys prepared to attack, the stranger swiftly kicked them and then punched them fatally in the stomach. With just these two moves, the boys fell to the ground in pain.
Sakura watched with amazement at the mysterious man. Then to her horror, he began walking in her direction. [Is he good? Would he help me? Or, is he just as dangerous? ]Suddenly he opened his mouth to speak - his voice low and threatening. "You - let go of her this instant." Immediately the boy dropped his hold on her and ran off.
Sakura's ears ringed at the familiar voice. Unable to hold back her fright any longer, she broke down and sobbed. Then wrapping her arms around his waist, she whispered, "Touya . . . "
He grasped her into his arms, his hands trembling in a sudden sadness. [Why did they do this to you? You must have been so frightened - and I as your brother, was not there to protect you.] He clenched his teeth in anger. [How could I have been such a bad brother?]
As he glanced over her crying figure, he could make out the many bruises the boys had given her.
"Sakura . . . "
As her older brother, he couldn't stand seeing her like this. Brushing away her tears gently, he said in a choked voice, "Sakura, never again will I let this happen to you. Never again."
Touya tightened his arms around her, his heart breaking at the pain she was suffering. After a few more minutes Sakura's sobs seized. Then she felt Touya's hands stroking her face like as if she was only a little baby.
"It's all right Sakura, I'm here now."
Then still keeping an arm firmly around her shoulders, they began to walk home. [No oniichan - it's not alright.] Sakura's eyes darkened as one last tear fell down her pale cheek. [It was until now that I thought Syaoran would always be here for me. Just like those sweet fairy tales of love. But now I face the truth - the truth that there was no such thing.]
* * * * *
Coco cookie: Well what ya think? Was it good? Tell me everything at my email mmm_lotsa_chocolate@hotmail.com or leave a review. Oh, and about the 'nearly rape' bit, sorry - I know it's a bit gross, but I had to make Sakura seem really defenseless.
Oh, and are you wondering who Asumi and Mirani are? Their personalities will clear up as you read on.
Chapters may take a while to be finished - I'm a picky writer and like everything to be absolutely perfect (grammer 'n comprehension - all that boring stuff). Plus when the draft is done, it takes me ages to type it up 'cause I'm a sloooowwwww typer.