Chapter 15: And the Wolves Came in with Their Fangs Barred.
~* A few months later *~
Sakura sat down at her bedroom window and sighed deeply. Tori watched his imouta from there door.
" Are you ok Sakura? "
Sakura turned to face her brother.
" Yeah I'm ok. "
Tori came to sit down beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
" Why are you going out of your way to help that chinese gaki? " Tori asked softly.
Sakura didn't answer.
" Sakura? " Tori prompted.
" Oh I honestly don't know. " Sakura sighed as she continued to stare out the window at the bright blue sky.
" I think I do. " Tori whispered reluctantly.
Sakura blinked and looked at her brother's hardened face, and frowned.
" I prayed that this wouldn't happen, but I guess that gaki has defeated me at last, in the way that he knows will kill me. "
Sakura shook her head.
" What are you going on about? "
" You love him don't you? " Tori asked softly, starring into her deep emerald eyes.
" WHAT?!! " Sakura cried shocked.
Tori just continued to stare at her in that unnerving way.
" I thought you were quere before, but now I know you're definetely mad! " Sakura stated.
" Know this though Sakura, " Tori said and Sakura lookedat him. " If he hurts you anymore than what he already has, I'll be putting a stop to it do you hear me? "
" Tori. " Sakura groaned. " Give it a rest will ya? I don't love Li and he doesn't love me, so relax. "
Tori studied her.
" I thought it was unbelievable that you were involved with gangs in the first place, but denying that you love someone is unforgivable. "
Sakura's mouth hung open speechless.
" Just think about it ok? " Tori said and got up and left.
" There is no way I love him! " Sakura muttered.
" You know talking to yourself is the first sign of madness. " Tori sand, opening her door and sticking his head through.
" Oh get lost! " Sakura yelled and threw a pillow at the closed door, as Tori disappeared through it once again.
Sakura's cell started to ring and she searched for it.
" Hello? " she asked.
" Hey Saku it's me Nikki. Guess what? "
" What? "
" Guess who is know the leader of a very resepctful number of Fox's? "
" No way Zachery did it? " Sakura breathed.
" Excuse me! We helped too! "
" I know thanks guys. "
" So you wanna come down here and meet them? "
" Where are you? "
" Northside of Sendai. "
Sakura shuddered.
" Ok. I'll be there soon. "
* * *
Li sat deep in thought as he was waiting for the light to turn green. He could of just driven straight through like he normally did, but today his thoughts were stuck on a certain honey-brown haired girl. He rested his arm on the open window and breathed in the fresh air.
A bike pulled up beside him on the driver's side, but he ignored it. The light still refused to turn green and he was starting to get impatient. The bike revved a few times and he turned to stare at the girl with no helmet and honey-brown hair flowing freely behind her.
Sakura felt like she was being watched and tuned to stare at the driver beside her.
" Sakura?! " came Li's shocked voice.
' Oh shit! ' Sakura's mind swore. If he saw what she was doing, he'd kill her.
Suddenly she remembered what Tori had said and she blushed crimson. Li noticed and frowned.
" Hi Li. " she threw back and waited restless for the light to turn green. She saw an opening and revved her bike. Li saw what she was about to do.
" Sakura are you out of your mind?!! " Li yelled angrily.
" I have Jade Fox business to attend to, see you later. " she said not looking at him.
She flew forward and shot through the intersection, nearly getting run over, but she missed the other car by a hair. The light finally turned green and Li slammed the accelerator down and floored it after her.
* * *
Sakura saw the black car behind her and swore.
' So Li wants to see what I'm up to does he? ' Sakura thought. She put her dark sunglasses on and shot forward, doing aover 180k/h.
" Oh no you don't! " Li said between clenched teeth and pushed the car harder.
* * *
Sakura managed to get her ear phone in and speed dial Nikki whilst trying to ditch Li.
" Hello? "
" Nikki, it's Sakura. Listen I have a little problem and I'm in the middle of dealing with it, I may be a little late is that ok? "
" No problem. Are you being followed? " Nikki asked.
" Yeah, but an annoying Little Wolf who won't take the hint. "
Nikki laughed.
" Good Luck Sakura. Good Luck. "
" Yeah thanks. " Sakura said sarcastically.
* * *
Sakura looked behind her and the car was no where to be seen. She smirked and turned back around and nearly slammed striaght into Li's car that had appeared out of no where. With great driving skills she manged not to come flying off.
She came to a stop and breathed heavily at her near death experience. She heard a car door open and Li come striding towards her.
" Are you ok Sakura? " he asked.
Sakura's hand stung as it connected with his face.
" You fucking baka! What the fuck were you trying to do?!! " Sakura screamed hysterically.
Li caught her wrist and gripped it tightly, making her cringe. Her hand print was white on his now red cheek.
" No less than what you did back at that intersection. " Li said angrily.
" At least I wasn't trying to kill me! "
" I wasn't trying to kill you! " Li yelled.
Sakura tried to get her wrist free but Li wouldn't let her.
" Let me go. " Sakura seethed.
" I don't take orders from you anymore remember? You hung up that cloak a long time
ago. " Li bit back.
Sakura's eyes widened in fear. Sakura jumped off the bike, still in his grip and glared daggers at him.
" And I don't take orders from you either Xiao Lang. " she spat.
Li eyes narrowed.
" Really? " he asked deadly quiet.
Sakura blinked and looked away.
" Let me go please. " she whispered.
" What's this? The great Jade Fox pleading? " Li asked sarcastically.
" Plead this! " Sakura spat and spun around and tried to kick him.
Li manoeuvred himself and her, with her in his grip, was able to dodge her attack and pull her arm behind her neck and grab her other arm, as she tried to hit him.
" I swear Xiao Lang if you don't let me go - "
" You'll what? Call Tori on me? I told you before I am not afriad of him Sakura. "
" Why would I put Tori on you when I have your mother? " Sakura spat.
Li froze.
" You would stoop that low? " he asked near her ear.
Sakura shivered.
" Hai. If it meant that I could keep you away from me for good! "
Li released her like she was suddenly on fire. Sakura turned around masking the pain she felt.
" You mean that don't you? " Li asked studying her intently.
Sakura cringed at the pain in his eyes. She shrugged like it didn't matter.
" We were never good together. We always compete and we're equally matched. We weren't really that great a friends in elementary were we? " Sakura asked. " You never gave me a chance and you always put me down. I tried to get to know you but you wouldn't let me Li. Why would I stick around when you treated me like that? And even now when we were partners, you still took over and wouldn't let me have a chance. It took Wolf making me leader for you to actaully see what it was I was capable of. " Sakura said.
Li just watched her.
" It's better this way. Besides, " she smiled sadly. " Who knows? Maybe someone is watching over you all and you might actually make it to the top. "
Li looked at her suspiously.
" But I'm going to make sure that I'm right up there at the top with you and it's going to be me that you have to get through before you get ultimate leader over Japan as well as China. " she said, masking what she was just hinted at.
" Sakura? Are you there?
Sakura frowned. Where was Zachery's voice coming from?
" Hello? "
Sakura blinked. The ear phone!
" I hear you Zach. What's up? " Sakura asked, holding it in her ear so she could hear.
" I should be asking what's up with you? "
Li listened intently. Sakura ignored him.
" It's ok Zach. I just had a problem, but I'm on my way now. "
" Good. Because we have a warehouse full followers and they're getting restless. "
Li's eyes widened.
" Ok Zach. I'm coming. Bye. "
Sakura took it out of her ear and held it in her hand.
" Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be. " she rubbed her wrist subconciously and Li saw the red mark that he had left.
" You're dead serious about this, going against me? "
Sakura rolled her eyes.
" What is it with you people? Is it the fact that it's me Sakura or the fact that I'm a woman going against a Wolf? Why does everyone keep asking me that question? " Sakura demanded hotly.
A car pulled up next to them and Madison and Eriol got out of it.
" Is everything ok? " Eriol asked.
Madison shot a pleading look at Sakura but Sakura just turned away.
" Yeah fine. Li just wanted to see how close he could come to nearly killing me, but now that his experiment is over, I'll be on my way. "
" You tried to do what? " Madison demanded shocked as she looked at Li.
" I did not try to kill you for the last time! " Li shot back.
" Yeah then what's this?! " Sakura said indicating a strand of her hair. " I don't exactly bleach my hair white! " she retorted.
" Well this is new. " came Eriol's mocking voice. " I didn't think Xiao Lang was in for the scarring approach. Next thing you'll know he'll be walking around in black cloak and a sickle in his hand. "
" Do you want me to stitch your mouth closed?!! " Li spat, glarring over his shoulder at his cousin which he wished he could disown.
Eriol raised his eyebrow mockingly.
A bike revved and Li's attention flew back to Sakura as she sped off back down the road she had come when she was trying to lose Li.
*************************************************************************************************
The news that the Jade Fox was raising an army to combat against the Wolves spread quickly. Gangs throughout Japan and China knew that this was a battle for the throne and they knew that being the two biggest forces going against each other, they knew it would be nothing but a blood bath, and backed away and withdrew completely. If they're gangs were going to be sentenced to death, they didn't want any part of it.
Sakura heard the rumours and would smile. It was exactly what she wanted. When she went against Li, she wanted it to be just their two gangs no one elses. That way, when she admitted defeat, she wouldn't bring shame against her gang.
The streets of Japan were dead quiet at night. No one stirred for all the gangs were waiting for the two forces to name a date for the challenge. No one darred to be around when that happened. Sakura grew restless and was on edge. She felt like a caged tiger. Tori watched her walk around the house everyday ( they're on their summer break ) and he grew restless with her.
Tori had once walked in and had heard her and some guy called Skylar talking. He had hid in the shadows and listened to what they had said.
" Sakura you have to out a stop to this. You're both driving each other crazy. Do you see the way this is affecting everyone? "
" Skylar what can I do? It's a like a game of chess. You have to be ahead of your opponents moves and try to win. What I'm doing is the opposite. I'm trying to get around Li so when I crown him, he wins, not me. "
" This is getting out of hand Sakura! Li won't eat, won't sleep let alone anyone else. They want you back. They all love and adore you Sakura, I don't need to tell you that. You belong with us, as a Wolf. " Skylar said watching her pace around the room.
" No I don't. It was just some silly idea that got me into all this and I know that it's not meant for me anymore. I just want to be an ordinary girl again Skylar. Can't you understand that? "
" We all feel like that at one stage or another in our lives Sakura, but when we look at the big picture we're all grateful for the lives we lead. Sure it may be dangerous, but it's a ball and you know it. "
Sakura shot him a look.
" I don't want to talk about this anymore. I want you to go back and issue the challenge to Li. It's time I finished this once and for all. "
" Sakura just listen to me I- WHAT? "
" The sooner I do this the sooner I can be Sakura again. "
* * *
~* Wolves Mansion *~
The door bell rang and rang and rang. Eriol shot a look and saw Madison sitting in the loungeroom. Well that ruled her out, who the hell kept ringing the damn door bell?
" Tori. " Eriol said surprised.
Tori pushed past him and went into the hallway.
" Where's Skylar? I want to talk to him. "
" Skylar? " Eriol asked frowning.
Li came into the hallway and looked at Tori.
" No am I not here to talk to you. " Tori said before Li could open his mouth.
He saw Skylar and called out to him.
" Huh? " Skylar asked looking around.
" I wanna talk to you about my sister. " Tori said shooting Li a condeming look.
Li watched them leave.
" What does Skylar have to do with Sakura? " Jamie asked walking into the hallway with his arm draped around Meilin.
" That's what I want to know. " Li said following after them.
**
" Look I know you're worried about Sakura so am I, but I can't talk any sense into her! "
" Well you have to try harder, she won't listen to me! " Tori said running his hand through his hair.
" What came I do? Tell me that? The only two that can sort this out are Li and Sakura herself. "
" Sakura won't go for it! She's too damn busy trying to get him to the top! "
" What? " came Li's voice from the door.
Tori and Skylar turned to the door. It was open and Li, Leiko, Madison and the rest were there starring wide eyed at them.
" Ah shit. " Skylar swore. " You just had to come here didn't you. " he said, looking at Tori.
" What do you mean about Sakura getting me to the top? " Li asked coldly.
Tori shot him a scathing look.
" Are you truly that thick? " he asked coldly in return. " Sakura's been going out of her mind for the last few months trying to position everything so that the Wolves become leader of Japan. She's been staging the whole thing for your benifit only, and you haven't even noticed have you? " he spat at Li.
Li masked his reaction, but the others gasped. Tori pointed at Li threateningly.
" If she get's herself killed because of trying to make your life happy, I swear you won't live to experience it. "
" That's the idea. " Skylar whispered, realising.
" What? " Li and Tori demanded looking at him.
" Sakura metioned before that she would get Li to the top even if it meant her dimise. " Skylar replied.
Li's eyes widened.
" You've held this from me the whole time? You held important information from the Wolves and that is treason. " Li hissed.
" How can it be? " Skylar asked. " I was asked to keep it secret by our queen. And reguardless of what you or she may think, I still believe that she is our rightful leader along side you. " Skylar said.
Li shut up imediately.
Tori growled and pushed past Li as he walked out the door. He turned around and glared daggers at Li.
" The day my sister gave her heart to you, was the day I knew you had knocked down all my defenses and had thwarted all my attempts to keep you away from her. The only reason I never liked you was I knew that you would hurt her and reguardless of what I tried to do, you've still manged to hurt her and break her heart and for that I hate you more for it. I warned you once to stay away from her, and I am not telling you I am commanding you to stay the hell away from her this time, save her sanity. " Tori spat and went to walk away, but Li stopped him.
" What are you talking about? " Li demanded.
Tori just raised his eyebrow mockingly.
" You wouldn't know what Love is would you Li? Figures. " Tori stated.
Li gulped.
" I'll put it plainly for you gaki. Sakura loves you and it's killing her, and that's another reason I want you to stay far away got it? "
Tori didn't wait for answer. He turned and left after dropping a bombshell on the mansion of the Wolves.
*************************************************************************************************
~* A few days later *~
Sakura sat at her window starring out at the stars. The moon was high and was throwing it's light on her casting her shadow across the room. She couldn't stop thinking about Li. He was on her mind every waking and sleeping moment of her life. She was slowly going mad.
I know I can be a little stubborn sometimes
A little rightious and too proud
I just wanna try to comprimise
And I know that we can work it out
I thought I had all the answers
Never giving in
But baby since you've gone
I admit that I was wrong
All I know is that I'm lost without you
I'm not gonna lie
How am I going to be strong without you?
I need you by my side
If we ever said we'd never be together
In the end you wave goodbye
Don't know what I'll do
I'm lost without you.
Sakura sighed and turned away angrily.
" Damn Li to hell! " Sakura spat and burst out in tears of confusion.
*************************************************************************************************
Sakura was fiddling with her gun when Rita, Chelsea and Nikki came into her room.
" Everything's ready. Are you sure you still want to go through with this? " Rita asked.
Sakura nodded, still fiddling with her gun.
" Now you do know that your challenge is 'Draw' right? " Chelsea asked.
" I know. Draw is when two leaders stand face to face with a distance between them, they raise their guns with each other as their targets. They each get one bullet each. On the signal they fire at the same time. Who ever lives, is the leader. You don't have to tell me, I know. "
The girls looked at her nervously.
" There has to be a way better than this surely? " asked Nikki.
Sakura shook her head.
" Lets go. I don't want to be late. " Sakura stated and stood up.
Nikki, Chelsea and Rita walked out of the room leaving Sakura standing thinking to herself. She blinked and walked out of the room along with the others, no one noticing the one bullet that was left on the side table. . . .
* * *
Li paced like a caged tiger. Eriol and Skylar watched him, his frustration and pent up emotions radiating from him like the sun. Eriol was frowning and watching his cousin move back and forwards.
" It's time. " he said and Li froze.
" This can't be happening. She must be out of her mind, she can't really mean to go through with it. " Li started pacing again.
" Li. " Skylar stated and Li's attention riveted to him and he glarred.
" This could have been prevented if you had have said something. " Li spat.
Skylar kept his gaze.
" I don't regret what I did Li. So stop trying to find someone to blame ok? "
Li growled and stormed out of the room.
* * *
" Now I've been told that Eriol is going to be Li's representer and you need to choose someone for yours. " Nikki stated.
" I want Madi- " Sakura stopped dead in her tracks.
Nikki smiled sadly.
" I'll have you Nikki. " Sakura stated finally.
" If that's what you wish. "
* * *
" Now will the representers please check their hosts guns please to insure safety and that their are no tricks etc. " Came someone's voice. Sakura didn't recognise it. She was too busy being numb with fear and tiredness. So it was finally coming to an end.
The Wolves sensing their leaders mood, glarred and snarled at the fox's, who returned the favour.
Eriol checked Li's gun and made sure that he had only 1 bullet. Li watched Sakura, who wouldn't look at him. She was white and he could see she was slightly trembling. Nikki reached out to take her gun and Sakura gave it to her.
Nikki opened up the barrel and stopped dead. Sakura blinked and realising her mistake snatched her gun back.
" Leave it, it's fine. " she snapped.
" Sakura. " Nikki said, but Sakura walked away.
" Let's go. " she threw at Li.
* * *
Li raised his gun and aimed. His breathing was shallow and his hands were shaking slightly. Sakura gulped and closed her eyes as she raised her gun. Both gangs watched on nervously, watching and waiting.
Nikki looked around frantically. She looked at Eriol standing next to her.
" You have to stop this. " she said grabbing his sleeve and tugging.
Eriol looked down at her angrily.
" I can't interfere you know that! To do so is treason. I don't want to get killed as well. " he spat and turned away.
" Get ready! This shootout is for the top leader. Aim! " Eriol yelled raising his arm.
Sakura opened her eyes and starred at Li. Sweat beaded her forehead and she was cold in fear. Li saw her hesitant and he frowned. She really didn't want to do this.
" STOP!! " Nikki screamed, preventing Eriol's arm from coming down.
Sakura closed her eyes and sank to the ground. Eriol was trying desperately to shake Nikki from his arm and was yelling at her.
" I forbid this shootout to continue as it's unfair! " Nikki yelled.
Both gangs turned to look at her as Eriol pushed her away from him, making her land on the ground, and glared at her coldly.
" What the hell are you talking about being unfair?!! " Eriol yelled angrily. His nerves were shot and he just wanted this to be over.
Nikki looked at Sakura sadly.
" Sakura's gun is empty. She carries no bullet. " Nikki whispered.
Eriol froze and starred at her in shock.
" What's going on? " Li yelled out over at them.
Eriol's haunted gaze locked on Sakura's form on the ground. Li saw his gaze and went over to him.
" What's going on? "
" Sakura's carries no bullet. " Eriol stated.
The meaning sank into Li's head and his eyes hid their shock. He suddenly turned and he stormed over towards Sakura. Sakura had gotten herself together and had stood back up.
" I want to talk to you now. " Li spat and hauled her off towards a house that was near.
* * *
" What the hell do you think you were doing?!! " Li turned on her angrily as he slammed the door shut.
Sakura cringed as the door slammed shut, but remained silent.
" Where's your gun? " Li demanded.
Sakura backed away.
" I won't ask again. "
" Why do you want it? "
" I want to find out if what I heard is true. "
Sakura turned her back to him.
" What's it matter if it's true or not? "
Li growled and turned her around to face him.
" It matters because I could have killed you! "
Sakura didn't respond and he shook her angrily.
" Do you hear what I'm saying? " Li yelled.
" I hear you. " Sakura whispered. " You don't need my gun to confirm what Nikki said. "
Li let go of her and stepped back shocked.
" You intentionly left it empty? "
Sakura starred at the ground.
" You wanted to me to kill you? " Li asked in a whisper.
" How else do you expect to become leader? Tell me that Li Showron?!! " Sakura lashed out angrily startling Li and herself.
" What? " Li whispered.
Sakura shook her head sadly and went to walk out, but Li's arm slapped to the wall in front of her, preventing her from going anywhere.
" So it's true then? What Tori told me? You've been staging this whole thing. " Li asked.
Sakura looked up startled.
" Tori's been to see you? When? "
" It doesn't matter. But it made me realise a few things. I just wish I had listened to him on this prospect of you trying to win my own battles for me. " Anger appeared in his voice at the last bit of his sentence.
" I'm not trying to win your battles for you Li. I'm just trying to get it done. "
" Wolf is gone Sakura. It was wrong of him to tell you of his dreams and how much he wanted to make his gang number one. I curse him till the day I die for making you feel you have to do this. "
Sakura went white.
" Don't Li! I won't let you! "
Li studied her for a minute.
" He really meant a lot to you didn't he? "
Sakura looked down.
" I owe him so much. And this is the only way I know of how to repay him. "
Li finally understood.
" Oh Sakura. " Li sighed and drew her near and kissed her on her forehead.
He rested his cheek on the top of her head and hugged her gently. Sakura was stunned.
" There is a way. " Li said and pulled away from her.
Sakura frowned, not understanding.
" Join. " Li said. " Join me, become Jade Wolf again. "
Sakura gasped.
" I-I-can't! I mean what about all my - "
" My invitation goes to them as well as you Sakura. " Li said.
Sakura shook her head.
" I want out Li. I just want to be a normal girl again. I never expected me to say those words, but I have and am. I don't want to get out of one gang and leap into another. I just want out. "
" These have been trying months for all of us Sakura. Give being a Wolf another go and see if you still fell the same way after a few months. "
Sakura eyed him warily.
" Three months Sakura. That's all I ask. Then if you still feel the same I'll let you go. "
" Why are you so desperate for this? " Sakura asked.
Li couldn't answer her. He didn't know how to.
Sakura sighed.
" Fine. But I'm not going back as the Jade Wolf. I'm going back as Sakura only. Got it? "
Li sighed with relief.
* * *
" So Sakura has agreed to join me once again. "
There was dead silence.
" We are no match for each other as we are equals. To fight is pointless. We are strong on our own, but we are at our very best when we are together. I ask you to see this point of view and see where I am coming from. " Sakura pleaded at her gang.
" But we - them - " someone started.
Li growled angrily.
" There is no them or us! Look at each other! Apart from the marks that define who we are, what differences do you see? "
Skylar stood up.
" I don't know about the rest of you, but I am glad that our queen has returned and brought her followers. I welcome all of you. "
" Well if Skylar welcomes you, so do I " called one man.
" As do I! "
" And me! "
" Welcome home! "
" SAKURA! "
" Madison you're choking me! Air! Need air! "
* * *
~* Later that night *~
Sakura sat apart from the celebration that night. She just couldn't enjoy herself. She felt trapped again and was desperate for escape. She went outside in the cool night air and sat on the high stone wall. The music blarred and Sakura's head throbbed. She jumped up and started walking along the wall. Like a cat she gracefully jumped from wall to wall and continue to climb up towards the roof and leapt across and landed on the roof. ( Remember the Wolves mansion is also like a Chinese temple. You know the Chinese rooves etc? ) One tile slipped and fell, smashing on the ground metres below her and she gulped and scrambled up and continued to her climb up.
She finally reached a quiet spot, near the second floor where all the bedrooms were and it was quiet. She saw a balcony below her and tried to make out the railing. It was dark and no light was shed anywhere. She squinted and leapt. She landed catlike, and unbalanced. Someone grabbed her and pulled her back and she landed with a thudd on the balcony floor.
" Do you always make a habit of going on midnight climbs like a cat? "
" Li! " Sakura scrambled up and whipped around.
Li laughed and stood up also.
" Who else would it be? This is my room after all. "
Sakura squinted in the dark.
" This is your room? " she asked trying to see.
" Hai. You'r room is next door remember? "
" I can't see a thing. It's too dark. "
" You made it up here pretty good. "
" Sheer luck. But then again I was desperate to get away from that racket. "
" Here does this help? "
Light suddenly flarred from inside and Sakura closed her eyes as it stung her eyes.
" Are you ok? " Li asked coming back outside.
" Yeah. I'm just tired and my eyes are letting me know that they are. "
" Here this might help. "
Sakura didn't understand and jumped when she felt a light touch on her eyes.
" Close your eyes and relax. " came Li's soft voice.
Li traced his fingers lightly over her face and Sakura forgot what it was that she was supposed to be forgetting. She felt a light touch on her mouth and her eyes flew open when she realised that he was kissing her.
" You're supposed to be keeping your eyes closed. "
" And you're not supposed to be kissing me. "
" Who says I'm not to? " Li challenged.
". . . . . "
Li smirked and leaned doen to kiss her again.
" Are you ready for your initiation? " Li murmered.
Sakura's eyes flew open.
" What initiation? I wasn't aware that I was supposed to do one. "
Li smiled wikedly.
" I just remembered it. " Li whispered and kissed her again.
Li ran his hand down her body and drew her closer to him. He wrapped his hand in her hair and forced her head back, so he could deepen the kiss. Sakura groaned and Li started to explore her body. Sakura suddnely tensed and pulled away horrorfied.
" I will not sleep with you Li Showron. That's what my initiation is isn't it?
Li leaned lazily against the door frame and watched her like a cat.
" And if it is? "
Sakura gulped and turned away.
" Then I refuse it. "
" You can't. I've ordered it. "
" And you know what I've said about you ordering me. I won't obey. " Sakura replied nervously.
Li sighed and pushed himself off the door frame.
" Why do you fight it Sakura? "
" Fight what? " Sakura asked and turned around. Big mistake.
She came face to face with Li.
" This. " he leaned in and kissed her.
" I won't force you. " Li whispered pulling away from her mouth.
Sakura trembled and blinked her eyes open.
" That's what I'm afraid of. " she whispered.
~* A few months later *~
Sakura sat down at her bedroom window and sighed deeply. Tori watched his imouta from there door.
" Are you ok Sakura? "
Sakura turned to face her brother.
" Yeah I'm ok. "
Tori came to sit down beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
" Why are you going out of your way to help that chinese gaki? " Tori asked softly.
Sakura didn't answer.
" Sakura? " Tori prompted.
" Oh I honestly don't know. " Sakura sighed as she continued to stare out the window at the bright blue sky.
" I think I do. " Tori whispered reluctantly.
Sakura blinked and looked at her brother's hardened face, and frowned.
" I prayed that this wouldn't happen, but I guess that gaki has defeated me at last, in the way that he knows will kill me. "
Sakura shook her head.
" What are you going on about? "
" You love him don't you? " Tori asked softly, starring into her deep emerald eyes.
" WHAT?!! " Sakura cried shocked.
Tori just continued to stare at her in that unnerving way.
" I thought you were quere before, but now I know you're definetely mad! " Sakura stated.
" Know this though Sakura, " Tori said and Sakura lookedat him. " If he hurts you anymore than what he already has, I'll be putting a stop to it do you hear me? "
" Tori. " Sakura groaned. " Give it a rest will ya? I don't love Li and he doesn't love me, so relax. "
Tori studied her.
" I thought it was unbelievable that you were involved with gangs in the first place, but denying that you love someone is unforgivable. "
Sakura's mouth hung open speechless.
" Just think about it ok? " Tori said and got up and left.
" There is no way I love him! " Sakura muttered.
" You know talking to yourself is the first sign of madness. " Tori sand, opening her door and sticking his head through.
" Oh get lost! " Sakura yelled and threw a pillow at the closed door, as Tori disappeared through it once again.
Sakura's cell started to ring and she searched for it.
" Hello? " she asked.
" Hey Saku it's me Nikki. Guess what? "
" What? "
" Guess who is know the leader of a very resepctful number of Fox's? "
" No way Zachery did it? " Sakura breathed.
" Excuse me! We helped too! "
" I know thanks guys. "
" So you wanna come down here and meet them? "
" Where are you? "
" Northside of Sendai. "
Sakura shuddered.
" Ok. I'll be there soon. "
* * *
Li sat deep in thought as he was waiting for the light to turn green. He could of just driven straight through like he normally did, but today his thoughts were stuck on a certain honey-brown haired girl. He rested his arm on the open window and breathed in the fresh air.
A bike pulled up beside him on the driver's side, but he ignored it. The light still refused to turn green and he was starting to get impatient. The bike revved a few times and he turned to stare at the girl with no helmet and honey-brown hair flowing freely behind her.
Sakura felt like she was being watched and tuned to stare at the driver beside her.
" Sakura?! " came Li's shocked voice.
' Oh shit! ' Sakura's mind swore. If he saw what she was doing, he'd kill her.
Suddenly she remembered what Tori had said and she blushed crimson. Li noticed and frowned.
" Hi Li. " she threw back and waited restless for the light to turn green. She saw an opening and revved her bike. Li saw what she was about to do.
" Sakura are you out of your mind?!! " Li yelled angrily.
" I have Jade Fox business to attend to, see you later. " she said not looking at him.
She flew forward and shot through the intersection, nearly getting run over, but she missed the other car by a hair. The light finally turned green and Li slammed the accelerator down and floored it after her.
* * *
Sakura saw the black car behind her and swore.
' So Li wants to see what I'm up to does he? ' Sakura thought. She put her dark sunglasses on and shot forward, doing aover 180k/h.
" Oh no you don't! " Li said between clenched teeth and pushed the car harder.
* * *
Sakura managed to get her ear phone in and speed dial Nikki whilst trying to ditch Li.
" Hello? "
" Nikki, it's Sakura. Listen I have a little problem and I'm in the middle of dealing with it, I may be a little late is that ok? "
" No problem. Are you being followed? " Nikki asked.
" Yeah, but an annoying Little Wolf who won't take the hint. "
Nikki laughed.
" Good Luck Sakura. Good Luck. "
" Yeah thanks. " Sakura said sarcastically.
* * *
Sakura looked behind her and the car was no where to be seen. She smirked and turned back around and nearly slammed striaght into Li's car that had appeared out of no where. With great driving skills she manged not to come flying off.
She came to a stop and breathed heavily at her near death experience. She heard a car door open and Li come striding towards her.
" Are you ok Sakura? " he asked.
Sakura's hand stung as it connected with his face.
" You fucking baka! What the fuck were you trying to do?!! " Sakura screamed hysterically.
Li caught her wrist and gripped it tightly, making her cringe. Her hand print was white on his now red cheek.
" No less than what you did back at that intersection. " Li said angrily.
" At least I wasn't trying to kill me! "
" I wasn't trying to kill you! " Li yelled.
Sakura tried to get her wrist free but Li wouldn't let her.
" Let me go. " Sakura seethed.
" I don't take orders from you anymore remember? You hung up that cloak a long time
ago. " Li bit back.
Sakura's eyes widened in fear. Sakura jumped off the bike, still in his grip and glared daggers at him.
" And I don't take orders from you either Xiao Lang. " she spat.
Li eyes narrowed.
" Really? " he asked deadly quiet.
Sakura blinked and looked away.
" Let me go please. " she whispered.
" What's this? The great Jade Fox pleading? " Li asked sarcastically.
" Plead this! " Sakura spat and spun around and tried to kick him.
Li manoeuvred himself and her, with her in his grip, was able to dodge her attack and pull her arm behind her neck and grab her other arm, as she tried to hit him.
" I swear Xiao Lang if you don't let me go - "
" You'll what? Call Tori on me? I told you before I am not afriad of him Sakura. "
" Why would I put Tori on you when I have your mother? " Sakura spat.
Li froze.
" You would stoop that low? " he asked near her ear.
Sakura shivered.
" Hai. If it meant that I could keep you away from me for good! "
Li released her like she was suddenly on fire. Sakura turned around masking the pain she felt.
" You mean that don't you? " Li asked studying her intently.
Sakura cringed at the pain in his eyes. She shrugged like it didn't matter.
" We were never good together. We always compete and we're equally matched. We weren't really that great a friends in elementary were we? " Sakura asked. " You never gave me a chance and you always put me down. I tried to get to know you but you wouldn't let me Li. Why would I stick around when you treated me like that? And even now when we were partners, you still took over and wouldn't let me have a chance. It took Wolf making me leader for you to actaully see what it was I was capable of. " Sakura said.
Li just watched her.
" It's better this way. Besides, " she smiled sadly. " Who knows? Maybe someone is watching over you all and you might actually make it to the top. "
Li looked at her suspiously.
" But I'm going to make sure that I'm right up there at the top with you and it's going to be me that you have to get through before you get ultimate leader over Japan as well as China. " she said, masking what she was just hinted at.
" Sakura? Are you there?
Sakura frowned. Where was Zachery's voice coming from?
" Hello? "
Sakura blinked. The ear phone!
" I hear you Zach. What's up? " Sakura asked, holding it in her ear so she could hear.
" I should be asking what's up with you? "
Li listened intently. Sakura ignored him.
" It's ok Zach. I just had a problem, but I'm on my way now. "
" Good. Because we have a warehouse full followers and they're getting restless. "
Li's eyes widened.
" Ok Zach. I'm coming. Bye. "
Sakura took it out of her ear and held it in her hand.
" Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to be. " she rubbed her wrist subconciously and Li saw the red mark that he had left.
" You're dead serious about this, going against me? "
Sakura rolled her eyes.
" What is it with you people? Is it the fact that it's me Sakura or the fact that I'm a woman going against a Wolf? Why does everyone keep asking me that question? " Sakura demanded hotly.
A car pulled up next to them and Madison and Eriol got out of it.
" Is everything ok? " Eriol asked.
Madison shot a pleading look at Sakura but Sakura just turned away.
" Yeah fine. Li just wanted to see how close he could come to nearly killing me, but now that his experiment is over, I'll be on my way. "
" You tried to do what? " Madison demanded shocked as she looked at Li.
" I did not try to kill you for the last time! " Li shot back.
" Yeah then what's this?! " Sakura said indicating a strand of her hair. " I don't exactly bleach my hair white! " she retorted.
" Well this is new. " came Eriol's mocking voice. " I didn't think Xiao Lang was in for the scarring approach. Next thing you'll know he'll be walking around in black cloak and a sickle in his hand. "
" Do you want me to stitch your mouth closed?!! " Li spat, glarring over his shoulder at his cousin which he wished he could disown.
Eriol raised his eyebrow mockingly.
A bike revved and Li's attention flew back to Sakura as she sped off back down the road she had come when she was trying to lose Li.
*************************************************************************************************
The news that the Jade Fox was raising an army to combat against the Wolves spread quickly. Gangs throughout Japan and China knew that this was a battle for the throne and they knew that being the two biggest forces going against each other, they knew it would be nothing but a blood bath, and backed away and withdrew completely. If they're gangs were going to be sentenced to death, they didn't want any part of it.
Sakura heard the rumours and would smile. It was exactly what she wanted. When she went against Li, she wanted it to be just their two gangs no one elses. That way, when she admitted defeat, she wouldn't bring shame against her gang.
The streets of Japan were dead quiet at night. No one stirred for all the gangs were waiting for the two forces to name a date for the challenge. No one darred to be around when that happened. Sakura grew restless and was on edge. She felt like a caged tiger. Tori watched her walk around the house everyday ( they're on their summer break ) and he grew restless with her.
Tori had once walked in and had heard her and some guy called Skylar talking. He had hid in the shadows and listened to what they had said.
" Sakura you have to out a stop to this. You're both driving each other crazy. Do you see the way this is affecting everyone? "
" Skylar what can I do? It's a like a game of chess. You have to be ahead of your opponents moves and try to win. What I'm doing is the opposite. I'm trying to get around Li so when I crown him, he wins, not me. "
" This is getting out of hand Sakura! Li won't eat, won't sleep let alone anyone else. They want you back. They all love and adore you Sakura, I don't need to tell you that. You belong with us, as a Wolf. " Skylar said watching her pace around the room.
" No I don't. It was just some silly idea that got me into all this and I know that it's not meant for me anymore. I just want to be an ordinary girl again Skylar. Can't you understand that? "
" We all feel like that at one stage or another in our lives Sakura, but when we look at the big picture we're all grateful for the lives we lead. Sure it may be dangerous, but it's a ball and you know it. "
Sakura shot him a look.
" I don't want to talk about this anymore. I want you to go back and issue the challenge to Li. It's time I finished this once and for all. "
" Sakura just listen to me I- WHAT? "
" The sooner I do this the sooner I can be Sakura again. "
* * *
~* Wolves Mansion *~
The door bell rang and rang and rang. Eriol shot a look and saw Madison sitting in the loungeroom. Well that ruled her out, who the hell kept ringing the damn door bell?
" Tori. " Eriol said surprised.
Tori pushed past him and went into the hallway.
" Where's Skylar? I want to talk to him. "
" Skylar? " Eriol asked frowning.
Li came into the hallway and looked at Tori.
" No am I not here to talk to you. " Tori said before Li could open his mouth.
He saw Skylar and called out to him.
" Huh? " Skylar asked looking around.
" I wanna talk to you about my sister. " Tori said shooting Li a condeming look.
Li watched them leave.
" What does Skylar have to do with Sakura? " Jamie asked walking into the hallway with his arm draped around Meilin.
" That's what I want to know. " Li said following after them.
**
" Look I know you're worried about Sakura so am I, but I can't talk any sense into her! "
" Well you have to try harder, she won't listen to me! " Tori said running his hand through his hair.
" What came I do? Tell me that? The only two that can sort this out are Li and Sakura herself. "
" Sakura won't go for it! She's too damn busy trying to get him to the top! "
" What? " came Li's voice from the door.
Tori and Skylar turned to the door. It was open and Li, Leiko, Madison and the rest were there starring wide eyed at them.
" Ah shit. " Skylar swore. " You just had to come here didn't you. " he said, looking at Tori.
" What do you mean about Sakura getting me to the top? " Li asked coldly.
Tori shot him a scathing look.
" Are you truly that thick? " he asked coldly in return. " Sakura's been going out of her mind for the last few months trying to position everything so that the Wolves become leader of Japan. She's been staging the whole thing for your benifit only, and you haven't even noticed have you? " he spat at Li.
Li masked his reaction, but the others gasped. Tori pointed at Li threateningly.
" If she get's herself killed because of trying to make your life happy, I swear you won't live to experience it. "
" That's the idea. " Skylar whispered, realising.
" What? " Li and Tori demanded looking at him.
" Sakura metioned before that she would get Li to the top even if it meant her dimise. " Skylar replied.
Li's eyes widened.
" You've held this from me the whole time? You held important information from the Wolves and that is treason. " Li hissed.
" How can it be? " Skylar asked. " I was asked to keep it secret by our queen. And reguardless of what you or she may think, I still believe that she is our rightful leader along side you. " Skylar said.
Li shut up imediately.
Tori growled and pushed past Li as he walked out the door. He turned around and glared daggers at Li.
" The day my sister gave her heart to you, was the day I knew you had knocked down all my defenses and had thwarted all my attempts to keep you away from her. The only reason I never liked you was I knew that you would hurt her and reguardless of what I tried to do, you've still manged to hurt her and break her heart and for that I hate you more for it. I warned you once to stay away from her, and I am not telling you I am commanding you to stay the hell away from her this time, save her sanity. " Tori spat and went to walk away, but Li stopped him.
" What are you talking about? " Li demanded.
Tori just raised his eyebrow mockingly.
" You wouldn't know what Love is would you Li? Figures. " Tori stated.
Li gulped.
" I'll put it plainly for you gaki. Sakura loves you and it's killing her, and that's another reason I want you to stay far away got it? "
Tori didn't wait for answer. He turned and left after dropping a bombshell on the mansion of the Wolves.
*************************************************************************************************
~* A few days later *~
Sakura sat at her window starring out at the stars. The moon was high and was throwing it's light on her casting her shadow across the room. She couldn't stop thinking about Li. He was on her mind every waking and sleeping moment of her life. She was slowly going mad.
I know I can be a little stubborn sometimes
A little rightious and too proud
I just wanna try to comprimise
And I know that we can work it out
I thought I had all the answers
Never giving in
But baby since you've gone
I admit that I was wrong
All I know is that I'm lost without you
I'm not gonna lie
How am I going to be strong without you?
I need you by my side
If we ever said we'd never be together
In the end you wave goodbye
Don't know what I'll do
I'm lost without you.
Sakura sighed and turned away angrily.
" Damn Li to hell! " Sakura spat and burst out in tears of confusion.
*************************************************************************************************
Sakura was fiddling with her gun when Rita, Chelsea and Nikki came into her room.
" Everything's ready. Are you sure you still want to go through with this? " Rita asked.
Sakura nodded, still fiddling with her gun.
" Now you do know that your challenge is 'Draw' right? " Chelsea asked.
" I know. Draw is when two leaders stand face to face with a distance between them, they raise their guns with each other as their targets. They each get one bullet each. On the signal they fire at the same time. Who ever lives, is the leader. You don't have to tell me, I know. "
The girls looked at her nervously.
" There has to be a way better than this surely? " asked Nikki.
Sakura shook her head.
" Lets go. I don't want to be late. " Sakura stated and stood up.
Nikki, Chelsea and Rita walked out of the room leaving Sakura standing thinking to herself. She blinked and walked out of the room along with the others, no one noticing the one bullet that was left on the side table. . . .
* * *
Li paced like a caged tiger. Eriol and Skylar watched him, his frustration and pent up emotions radiating from him like the sun. Eriol was frowning and watching his cousin move back and forwards.
" It's time. " he said and Li froze.
" This can't be happening. She must be out of her mind, she can't really mean to go through with it. " Li started pacing again.
" Li. " Skylar stated and Li's attention riveted to him and he glarred.
" This could have been prevented if you had have said something. " Li spat.
Skylar kept his gaze.
" I don't regret what I did Li. So stop trying to find someone to blame ok? "
Li growled and stormed out of the room.
* * *
" Now I've been told that Eriol is going to be Li's representer and you need to choose someone for yours. " Nikki stated.
" I want Madi- " Sakura stopped dead in her tracks.
Nikki smiled sadly.
" I'll have you Nikki. " Sakura stated finally.
" If that's what you wish. "
* * *
" Now will the representers please check their hosts guns please to insure safety and that their are no tricks etc. " Came someone's voice. Sakura didn't recognise it. She was too busy being numb with fear and tiredness. So it was finally coming to an end.
The Wolves sensing their leaders mood, glarred and snarled at the fox's, who returned the favour.
Eriol checked Li's gun and made sure that he had only 1 bullet. Li watched Sakura, who wouldn't look at him. She was white and he could see she was slightly trembling. Nikki reached out to take her gun and Sakura gave it to her.
Nikki opened up the barrel and stopped dead. Sakura blinked and realising her mistake snatched her gun back.
" Leave it, it's fine. " she snapped.
" Sakura. " Nikki said, but Sakura walked away.
" Let's go. " she threw at Li.
* * *
Li raised his gun and aimed. His breathing was shallow and his hands were shaking slightly. Sakura gulped and closed her eyes as she raised her gun. Both gangs watched on nervously, watching and waiting.
Nikki looked around frantically. She looked at Eriol standing next to her.
" You have to stop this. " she said grabbing his sleeve and tugging.
Eriol looked down at her angrily.
" I can't interfere you know that! To do so is treason. I don't want to get killed as well. " he spat and turned away.
" Get ready! This shootout is for the top leader. Aim! " Eriol yelled raising his arm.
Sakura opened her eyes and starred at Li. Sweat beaded her forehead and she was cold in fear. Li saw her hesitant and he frowned. She really didn't want to do this.
" STOP!! " Nikki screamed, preventing Eriol's arm from coming down.
Sakura closed her eyes and sank to the ground. Eriol was trying desperately to shake Nikki from his arm and was yelling at her.
" I forbid this shootout to continue as it's unfair! " Nikki yelled.
Both gangs turned to look at her as Eriol pushed her away from him, making her land on the ground, and glared at her coldly.
" What the hell are you talking about being unfair?!! " Eriol yelled angrily. His nerves were shot and he just wanted this to be over.
Nikki looked at Sakura sadly.
" Sakura's gun is empty. She carries no bullet. " Nikki whispered.
Eriol froze and starred at her in shock.
" What's going on? " Li yelled out over at them.
Eriol's haunted gaze locked on Sakura's form on the ground. Li saw his gaze and went over to him.
" What's going on? "
" Sakura's carries no bullet. " Eriol stated.
The meaning sank into Li's head and his eyes hid their shock. He suddenly turned and he stormed over towards Sakura. Sakura had gotten herself together and had stood back up.
" I want to talk to you now. " Li spat and hauled her off towards a house that was near.
* * *
" What the hell do you think you were doing?!! " Li turned on her angrily as he slammed the door shut.
Sakura cringed as the door slammed shut, but remained silent.
" Where's your gun? " Li demanded.
Sakura backed away.
" I won't ask again. "
" Why do you want it? "
" I want to find out if what I heard is true. "
Sakura turned her back to him.
" What's it matter if it's true or not? "
Li growled and turned her around to face him.
" It matters because I could have killed you! "
Sakura didn't respond and he shook her angrily.
" Do you hear what I'm saying? " Li yelled.
" I hear you. " Sakura whispered. " You don't need my gun to confirm what Nikki said. "
Li let go of her and stepped back shocked.
" You intentionly left it empty? "
Sakura starred at the ground.
" You wanted to me to kill you? " Li asked in a whisper.
" How else do you expect to become leader? Tell me that Li Showron?!! " Sakura lashed out angrily startling Li and herself.
" What? " Li whispered.
Sakura shook her head sadly and went to walk out, but Li's arm slapped to the wall in front of her, preventing her from going anywhere.
" So it's true then? What Tori told me? You've been staging this whole thing. " Li asked.
Sakura looked up startled.
" Tori's been to see you? When? "
" It doesn't matter. But it made me realise a few things. I just wish I had listened to him on this prospect of you trying to win my own battles for me. " Anger appeared in his voice at the last bit of his sentence.
" I'm not trying to win your battles for you Li. I'm just trying to get it done. "
" Wolf is gone Sakura. It was wrong of him to tell you of his dreams and how much he wanted to make his gang number one. I curse him till the day I die for making you feel you have to do this. "
Sakura went white.
" Don't Li! I won't let you! "
Li studied her for a minute.
" He really meant a lot to you didn't he? "
Sakura looked down.
" I owe him so much. And this is the only way I know of how to repay him. "
Li finally understood.
" Oh Sakura. " Li sighed and drew her near and kissed her on her forehead.
He rested his cheek on the top of her head and hugged her gently. Sakura was stunned.
" There is a way. " Li said and pulled away from her.
Sakura frowned, not understanding.
" Join. " Li said. " Join me, become Jade Wolf again. "
Sakura gasped.
" I-I-can't! I mean what about all my - "
" My invitation goes to them as well as you Sakura. " Li said.
Sakura shook her head.
" I want out Li. I just want to be a normal girl again. I never expected me to say those words, but I have and am. I don't want to get out of one gang and leap into another. I just want out. "
" These have been trying months for all of us Sakura. Give being a Wolf another go and see if you still fell the same way after a few months. "
Sakura eyed him warily.
" Three months Sakura. That's all I ask. Then if you still feel the same I'll let you go. "
" Why are you so desperate for this? " Sakura asked.
Li couldn't answer her. He didn't know how to.
Sakura sighed.
" Fine. But I'm not going back as the Jade Wolf. I'm going back as Sakura only. Got it? "
Li sighed with relief.
* * *
" So Sakura has agreed to join me once again. "
There was dead silence.
" We are no match for each other as we are equals. To fight is pointless. We are strong on our own, but we are at our very best when we are together. I ask you to see this point of view and see where I am coming from. " Sakura pleaded at her gang.
" But we - them - " someone started.
Li growled angrily.
" There is no them or us! Look at each other! Apart from the marks that define who we are, what differences do you see? "
Skylar stood up.
" I don't know about the rest of you, but I am glad that our queen has returned and brought her followers. I welcome all of you. "
" Well if Skylar welcomes you, so do I " called one man.
" As do I! "
" And me! "
" Welcome home! "
" SAKURA! "
" Madison you're choking me! Air! Need air! "
* * *
~* Later that night *~
Sakura sat apart from the celebration that night. She just couldn't enjoy herself. She felt trapped again and was desperate for escape. She went outside in the cool night air and sat on the high stone wall. The music blarred and Sakura's head throbbed. She jumped up and started walking along the wall. Like a cat she gracefully jumped from wall to wall and continue to climb up towards the roof and leapt across and landed on the roof. ( Remember the Wolves mansion is also like a Chinese temple. You know the Chinese rooves etc? ) One tile slipped and fell, smashing on the ground metres below her and she gulped and scrambled up and continued to her climb up.
She finally reached a quiet spot, near the second floor where all the bedrooms were and it was quiet. She saw a balcony below her and tried to make out the railing. It was dark and no light was shed anywhere. She squinted and leapt. She landed catlike, and unbalanced. Someone grabbed her and pulled her back and she landed with a thudd on the balcony floor.
" Do you always make a habit of going on midnight climbs like a cat? "
" Li! " Sakura scrambled up and whipped around.
Li laughed and stood up also.
" Who else would it be? This is my room after all. "
Sakura squinted in the dark.
" This is your room? " she asked trying to see.
" Hai. You'r room is next door remember? "
" I can't see a thing. It's too dark. "
" You made it up here pretty good. "
" Sheer luck. But then again I was desperate to get away from that racket. "
" Here does this help? "
Light suddenly flarred from inside and Sakura closed her eyes as it stung her eyes.
" Are you ok? " Li asked coming back outside.
" Yeah. I'm just tired and my eyes are letting me know that they are. "
" Here this might help. "
Sakura didn't understand and jumped when she felt a light touch on her eyes.
" Close your eyes and relax. " came Li's soft voice.
Li traced his fingers lightly over her face and Sakura forgot what it was that she was supposed to be forgetting. She felt a light touch on her mouth and her eyes flew open when she realised that he was kissing her.
" You're supposed to be keeping your eyes closed. "
" And you're not supposed to be kissing me. "
" Who says I'm not to? " Li challenged.
". . . . . "
Li smirked and leaned doen to kiss her again.
" Are you ready for your initiation? " Li murmered.
Sakura's eyes flew open.
" What initiation? I wasn't aware that I was supposed to do one. "
Li smiled wikedly.
" I just remembered it. " Li whispered and kissed her again.
Li ran his hand down her body and drew her closer to him. He wrapped his hand in her hair and forced her head back, so he could deepen the kiss. Sakura groaned and Li started to explore her body. Sakura suddnely tensed and pulled away horrorfied.
" I will not sleep with you Li Showron. That's what my initiation is isn't it?
Li leaned lazily against the door frame and watched her like a cat.
" And if it is? "
Sakura gulped and turned away.
" Then I refuse it. "
" You can't. I've ordered it. "
" And you know what I've said about you ordering me. I won't obey. " Sakura replied nervously.
Li sighed and pushed himself off the door frame.
" Why do you fight it Sakura? "
" Fight what? " Sakura asked and turned around. Big mistake.
She came face to face with Li.
" This. " he leaned in and kissed her.
" I won't force you. " Li whispered pulling away from her mouth.
Sakura trembled and blinked her eyes open.
" That's what I'm afraid of. " she whispered.