Alter Ego
Sakura walked down the dimly lit hallways, ignoring the fearful looks she was getting from lesser Wolves. The only thing on her mind right now was Tomoyo. Will she hate me? she wondered. Wait, didn't I already ask myself that once, twice, a billion times! God Sakura, stop worrying. You are a Black Wolf! Nothing can scare you... except ghosts. Those things are freaky! ... Am I talking to myself? I think it's time I start rushing...
True to her word, Sakura picked up the pace, bumping into a few people and grunting an apology. Finally arriving at the infirmary room (Why does our house have to be so fucking huge?!), Sakura quietly entered to see Tomoyo being treated by Wei, the butler and medic-person.
"How is she?" demanded Sakura, walking up. She cringed at the frightened look Tomoyo sent her. She probably doesn't even realize what she's doing, thought Sakura.
"The bullet just barely missed the bone. Her arm won't function properly for a few days and I've given her a bottle of pain killers to sooth the pain," informed Wei.
"Thanks Wei. You're the greatest doctor ever," beamed Sakura.
"And you should know, what with your close calls every few weeks," chided Wei. Sakura put on the "who me?" look causing him to look over his glasses at her. "Yes you! I hope you don't get yourself killed in the next few weeks! I heard HE was back."
Sakura groaned. "You had to remind me! Thanks a lot! You just ruined my evening!" Wei gave a knowing look and departed leaving Sakura alone with her friend.
"Uh, bet this is kind of a shock, ne?" said Sakura nervously, wringing her hands and looking at Tomoyo through her lashes.
"Kind of a shock?!?!" exclaimed Tomoyo. "Sakura, you're a Black Wolf! How could you keep this from me? How? I thought I was your best friend and now I think I don't even know you! You were so different tonight! You weren't my Sakura-chan, you were some courageous... courageous bitch!"
Wincing, Sakura said, "Ok, I guess I deserved that one, but please come with me to my room. I'll explain everything, starting with my childhood and anything else you want to know, ok?"
"Ok," agreed Tomoyo, looking at Sakura suspiciously.
Taking her friend's hand, Sakura led Tomoyo down a series of hallways in which a normal person would've been lost in mere minutes. Fortunately for them both, Sakura knew this house like the back of her hand. After passing (and glaring) at a few Wolves who seemed interested in Tomoyo, they arrived at Sakura's room.
Tomoyo sat down on the bed and looked expectantly at Sakura. Sighing, Sakura began:
"I don't remember much before That Day. The doctors say it's because of the trauma to my young mind. Wait, I never did tell you why I live with my uncle did I? Well that's some story.
"For the first five years of my life, I lived with a caring father and a loving mother. They were the best parents ever. We made the ideal family as my uncle says. I'm angry with myself because I can no longer remember their faces, only... um, that's later in the story. Anyways, I remember how we used to play in our yard everyday, and go to the park, and do all the things families are supposed to do. I was happy.
"Then came That Day. The afternoon of that Day, my father got a phone call. It made him angry. He yelled into the phone before hanging up. My mother started crying, going on and on about 'wolves' and 'war' among other things I couldn't decipher. Eventually they calmed down and acted like nothing had happened.
"You know, five year olds aren't as ignorant as adults make them out to be. I knew something was wrong, but I played stupid for the sake of my parents. I didn't want them to be angry with me, that much I know. So the day went by like any other, and then I went to bed. And yet, I had the bad feeling that something was going to happen. That is part of the reason I trust my instincts so much now.
"The next morning, my parents still hadn't woken up at ten-thirty, and I was getting annoyed. I mean, a five-year-old kid has to eat right? And considering I could cook squat without help, I didn't see myself making anything. Throwing caution to the wind, I went upstairs and gingerly walked into my parents' room."
Sakura's eyes welled up with tears. "I still remember. I can't remember their voices but I can remember them lying there. There was blood... so much blood. I noticed that it would stain the white carpet, anything to draw my attention away from what was on the bed. It didn't work. I looked and was hypnotized. There were my parents... or at least what was left of them. The smell was disgusting. I threw up. Then, finally realizing what was happening, I screamed. That's all I remember before the police took me to the station where Uncle Lang picked me up."
I never knew... "Sakura I ~" started Tomoyo, tears streaming down her cheeks for the pain her best friend had endured.
"No Tomoyo," interrupted Sakura. "Let me finish, or else I won't be able to.
"Now let's see, where was I? Ah yes. Uncle Lang took me back to Hong Kong with him where I met my new auntie Yelan and step-cousin Syaoran, who was five years older than me. I still remember what he called me the first time we met, a 'weak chibi gaki', or something along those lines. I got so mad at him! From then on, he and I were rivals. He thought I couldn't do anything, and when ojii-san informed him that I would be learning martial arts with him, let's just say he was less than pleased.
"He thought I couldn't do it. That got me mad. For the next ten or so years of my life, I dedicated myself to being the best I could be. I know that sounds like something a kiddy commercial would say, but it's true so bear with me. I had joined the Wolves at the age of fourteen, and at fifteen, I found out what could happen if you're not wary.
"I fell in love. Yes, that's right, love. L-O-V-E. And how sweet it was. The guy's name was Tsukishiro Yukito and he was a silver wolf. For four blissful months, we were just happy. He'd shower me with gifts and take me to fancy restaurants. At the same time all this was happening, I was kicking some major ass out in the field with my partner Meiling (whose the same age as me). I earned the nickname, 'YingFa Lang', both innocent and deadly at the same time... a dangerous mix.
"Unlucky for me, I attracted the attention of someone... someone of whom you'd never want attention from. His name was Anubis. Don't know if he has a last name, and frankly, I don't care. He approached me and tried to get my affections, not to mention, to join HIS gang, the Jackals. I calmly explained that I was a Wolf by birth (seeing as my father gave up the Leader spot for a peaceful life) and that my heart belonged to Yuki.
"A week later we found Yukito dead in his apartment, a Jackal carved into his chest.
"I became a bitch after that, I'll admit it. I was cold to everyone save my close friends and family. At the private school I attended, someone named me the 'Ice Flower', because of my name, and it stuck. I kicked that person's ass.
"Ojii-san had some business here, and asked if I would like to come. I jumped at the chance. Anything to get out of the shit hole of a school. Then he said the regulations: I had to play innocent. I plainly remember saying, 'Whatever' and packing my bags. Then I came here and you know the rest."
There was a shocked silence on Tomoyo's part. She had no idea what kind of life her Sakura-chan had led before coming to Takeuchi High. "I had no idea..." whispered Tomoyo. "I'm so sorry..."
Sakura waved off the comment. "Life's a bitch and then you die, ne?" she smirked. Tomoyo arched an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "Okay, yeah, it was hard. I'll admit it, but I wouldn't have another life. I think I've got it pretty good. Some of the gangs out there sell their girls, no matter how young. And I've got you... at least, I hope I have you. I wouldn't be surprised if you hate me after tonight."
Tomoyo looked at her friend in shock. "Why would I do that? Okay, you killed someone tonight but in my mind, it was self-defense! He was going to kidnap you for kami's sake! I know you've done things you regret, but looking back on your life, I can see why. I don't hate you, you're my best friend."
"Thanks Tomoyo-chan," whispered Sakura, hugging her friend.
"Are the waterworks over yet?" asked a voice through the door. Rolling her eyes, Sakura got up and opened it. It was (to no surprise) Meiling. "Lang wants to know what transpired at the club tonight and seeing as you were the main man - anno - woman, he thinks you should be the one to tell him. I'd hurry if I were you. Syao-kun is getting a little impatient. Something about 'weak chibi gakis'."
"He said WHAT?" yelled Sakura, seeing red. "Oh, is he ever going to get it for that!" She ran down the hallway completely missing the amused look on Meiling's face.
"Can I ask what just happened there?" wondered Tomoyo.
"Nothing much, Syaoran is just going to get his ass kicked," said Meiling seriously, before her face broke into a big grin and she grabbed Tomoyo's arm. "C'mon! I don't want to miss the fireworks!" She raced down the hallway after Sakura.
Lang, Eriol and Syaoran were all waiting patiently in Lang's study... Or rather, Lang and Eriol were waiting patiently, and Syaoran was getting frustrated. It had been about ten minutes since they had sent Meiling to get Sakura and the other girl. They all wanted to know what happened from all possible angles.
Suddenly, the doors flew open and there was Sakura, breathing heavily and glaring at Syaoran. "Do you remember what I promised last time you called me that?!" she asked in an icy voice.
"What the hell are you talking about?" demanded Syaoran. "I never called you anything!"
Completely ignoring all defending comments, Sakura said, "Let's just see this weak chibi gaki beat you to a bloody pulp!" With that she launched herself at him in a flurry of punches.
"What the fuck?" yelled Syaoran. "Why have you gone all psycho bitch on me? I haven't called you a weak chibi gaki since I was ten fucking years old!"
"Uh huh, sure! That's why Meiling told me you said it!" hissed Sakura, ducking to miss the kick Syaoran aimed at her head. This gave her the advantage as his leg was still in the air so she punched him hard in the stomach.
"Hold it both of you!" shouted Lang rising to his feet. "I think I know what happened!" His gaze moved to the door where Meiling was practically hyperventilating from lack of oxygen because she was laughing so hard. Tomoyo stood next to her, smiling at bit. "Meiling, did you tell Sakura that Syaoran said something he didn't?"
Getting an innocent angel look on her face, Meiling chirped, "Who me? Why would I do that?"
"To see them kick the living shit out of each other? You know, just like the other fifty times?" smirked Eriol. Meiling glared at him.
"Meiling! I am so going to get you!" gritted out Syaoran. How dare she do that!
"Come on! It's all fun!" laughed Meiling. Everyone gave her a look that clearly said that they weren't amused. "Well it's all fun for me!"
"Can we just get on with this please?" asked Lang, sitting down in his leather chair and rubbing his temples. "First I'd like to hear from Sakura and then the girl... Tomoyo did you say it was Sakura?"
"Yeah," replied Sakura. That reminds me... "Eriol, this is the friend I was telling you about at the club! Tomoyo this is my cousin Eriol!" She winked at Tomoyo who blushed.
"Flirt after the meeting is over," said Lang. "Now tell me what I need to know." Both Sakura and Tomoyo told their versions of what happened, Syaoran, Meiling and Eriol adding bits and pieces of their own stories. After all was finished, Lang said, "It looks like his main target is still you Sakura." Sakura nodded glumly. "I fear that Tomoyo-san is also in trouble now."
"What!? Why!?" demanded Sakura. Why would Anubis want anything to do with Tomoyo?
"I think he has been watching you," said Lang seriously. "Maybe not during the day, but during the night most certainly. Tonight you showed a deep caring for Tomoyo-san, and he probably picked up on that. I wish there was another choice, but there isn't." The Wolf Leader looked at Tomoyo. "My dear, you will have to become a Wolf."
"What?" whispered a shocked Tomoyo. "I can't be a - a Wolf!"
"What she said!" exclaimed Sakura. "I won't allow it!" I'll die before I let anyone else I love get murdered!
"Sakura, please, be reasonable," said Eriol. "If she became a Wolf, she could have all the protection she needed, not to mention the fact that she could be around you all the time. I know you've suffered a lot, but think of Tomoyo."
Sakura turned to her friend. "What do you say?"
"I'll do it," said Tomoyo determinedly. "Um, how do I become a Wolf?"
"You must beat a member in a fight. Depending on what level you want to be when you first become one depends on who you fight. If you want to be a Black Wolf, then you have to beat them, though I don't see that happening," said Lang. "I'd start small: brown or white."
"And it shouldn't be that hard as you took those martial arts courses not too long ago," said Sakura. "But we fight a little differently. You might have to get someone to train you... someone other than me. You can't be trained by a Wolf you know."
"I'll do it," said Eriol suddenly.
"It's decided then," said Lang. "She'll become a Wolf. Sakura, show her around. Eriol, get the lesson plan settled out. You have one week. Syaoran, get her some guns, and Meiling, I suggest you run."
"Damn straight," said Syaoran, standing to his feet. Meiling let out a little 'eep' before bolting out the door, Syaoran hot on her heels.
"Is it always like this?" wondered Tomoyo.
"Everyday," smiled Sakura.
A/N: Hope you liked the chapter and again, sorry for the wait. Thanks a lot. 'Till next chapter!