Hunting Emerald's Secret
Chapter 15: Past Obsession
---Author's Comment:---
Hello! I'm baaaack! I am very very very sorry for taking so long, but since I'm almost reaching the end, I have to fully plan on how to structure the rest of the week.
Lol what I really meant is that I hate drama. ^^; I'm more into action and adventure. I'm happy because I'm almost done with this fict, and I really have enjoyed it, not to mention your comments. ^^ Thank you so much for your reviews as always!
THANKS TO:
Cherry-Lally, SweetBabyGurl, Di, HeavenlyAnimeAngel, Sakura-Blossom, jg, Lady-Tomoyo, chibisakura, Ryuuen Star, sk, crystal-chan, Mei Yen, karen, Terri, mysticalia, Megami No Hikari, Karen WindStar, Linky-chan, d, Anime girl, Kawaii-Fairy-Emma, Star-Phoenix, 1, otaku, ssforever, Pink Hana, Animefreak242, SEXY VIXEN, Illusion K, carol, Sakura-Blossom, AnimeObssesionFantasy, Xiao Mei, abc, lilyflower, azn-angel, SweetBabyGurl, Fiery chan, luckyducky7too, otaku, ChErRy BlOsSoM, Crazygurl, bAbY sTaR aNg3L, Terri, Cata-chan, Cherryheart, hermionepotter, xiao ying fa, aya-yahiko, ac4cherryz, Inu-ying-fa, Jewelkitten, Kayla, acursed-angel, Pnaixr0se8, Lena... C4C, RmGrace, Arulon, kawaiitenshisakura, hayle, LiL LiLy, Time Whoadie, pinklover-sama, Cherry, moondragon131, ssmoments, mel 88, gwen, AsnPnayCCLluver7, Kawai-CherryWolf, silent H, hana-lai, zxoaswtxiaolang4oxz, aya yahiko.
Well, let's continue with the story!
--- ---
Don't do it Syaoran! Let him kill me. I don't deserve to live, not now that I know that my family is dead!
Those same words kept repeating on Syoaran's mind as he stood frozen. Sakura had just disappeared before his very own eyes, and it hadn't been a magic trick. He was paralized as though someone had stopped time. He could barely breath and his eyes were wide. He couldn't put things together in his mind. He couldn't even think. ' For God's sake what is happening to me?! ' Syaoran didn't know what to do. His heart told him to go for her right now and to kill the bastard that had taken her; his mind told him that she hated him, so why should he bother? She had clearly told him that she wanted to die...
His hands suddenly clutched his head in confusion. 'What do I do?! What about the vespers!? ' It was either Sakura or them. If he chose to keep the vespers, how more selfish could he be?
" What do we do? " Tomoyo asked nervous.
" I don't know, it's all too delicate. We have to think of a strategy and fast! " Daisuke stated.
" Yeah, but I can't seem to think. We don't even know where they can be located! " Eriol replied.
" Syaoran, do you know what to do? " Meilin asked.
They all turned their view to him.
Syaoran started feeling the stares; they were penetrating. He somehow felt that they kept accusing him of being guilty for not going after her. They also contained shame and pity at the same time, for what? He didn't know. He couldn't stand them, it reminded him of his past.
Syaoran started screaming in the insides of his mind as he could no longer hold the pressure. Everybody wanted an answer from him. Everything was up to him;one screw-up and he took the blame. But why?
He had to be by himself, alone from all the things that haunted him. He had to think things out.
He started running away from them.
---- later in the office ----
" That sure was a close one " the young lad spoke as he came inside.
" You can say that again, " Einsen sighed, " Imagine what would have happened if she saw you... "
They stood quiet for a while.
" Anyway, " he cleared his throath, " there is only one vesper left, and we both know who has it... "
" I'm guessing that you are going to talk to them... "
Einsen shook his head, " Correction: I'll talk to him. "
" Him?! Are you out of your mind?! " The lad replied.
Einsen smiled, " It's going to be tricky, but it'll be worth it "
--- Back to Syaoran ---
The dark streets were empty. Only the chilling wind that passed by made gentle hums. Everybody was in a deep and peaceful sleep, as if they were under a spell. Yet down, on a desserted alley, you could slightly see the outlines of a boy leaning on the wall.
After a while, he let himself fall to the floor, down to the darkness, where no one could see him. Yes, he wanted to be alone. Away from reality.
He was soaking, but that didn't matter anymore to him. He was confused and concetrated at the same time. He closed his eyes and breathed in the sour scent of gloom.
' All of those stares... Why do I always get them? Why don't they stop? '
It hurt him to remember. Those memories were quite painful. He had been running away from the past and now it had come back to haunt him again.
--- Flashback ---
It was a bright and sunny day. Birds chirped in harmony to the wind's rhythm. Everything was filled with warmth as the sun shone on the vast and green meadows. The flowers had blossomed during the night, and now their sweet fragance filled the air with beauty.
Below the shadow of a broad oak tree lay a little boy. His hair was a sweet brown that made contrast with the green grass. His eyes were shut close as he enjoyed the peaceful sorroundings. This little boy loved to be alone and he would usually escape from his training. He didn't care about the world.
After an hour or so, he would hear the faint shoutings for him, yet he would still ignored them as though they were merely whispers, and pretend that he was asleep until they would go away.
On that very same day, it was Meilin, who had come to 'wake him up'. He groaned slightly as he recognized her voice. Oh how he hated her.
" Syaoran, you better wake up! " She warned as she approached him.
He stood still. ' Please go! Please go! ' He could hear her breathing close to him. ' What is she doing? '
" Pretending to be asleep, eh? "
She lifted one eyebrow, " Well, my sleeping beauty, I shall wake you with a... kiss! "
She bent her head down ready for one of her mischiefs.
' UGH, I BETTER WAKE UP '
" Okay, Okay... " He sighed defeated and sat.
Meilin frowned, " Oh, I was so close to kissing you... "
' What's her problem?! '
" Anyway, you have to get ready. Auntie Yelan is going to have some guests for her party... "
" Again?! It's the fourth time this week! "
Syaoran hated anything that was related with socializing. He hated parties, family reunions, and any other thing that contained that topic. What he hated the most was getting 'dressed up'. He couldn't stand wearing a black suit, or 'penguin suit' as he refered them.
" You must get ready... " Meilin stated.
" Now?! "
" Yessss silly "
She curled her lips into a smile as she stood up and started running back.
--- Reality ---
Syaoran shuddered as he stopped remembering. He stared at the starless sky for a while. He didn't want to continue, but something told him to go on. He didn't know why; he just felt it.
--- Flashback ---
Syaoran (already dressed) stared at his own reflection in the large mirror. A tall figure walked behind him.
" Father, why are there so many parties? " Syaoran suddenly asked.
His father, who was currently straightening his tie, chuckled, " You know your mother, she loves to socialize with everybody. But to tell you the truth, I sometimes do find them quite... boring "
Syaoran slightly smiled.
" However, she is a very delicate lady, and I believe that we also have to respect her "
Syaoran loved his father, even though he was a strict and harsh man. He was the only person who could understand him. Being around with women didn't help. His four older sisters were always over him, teasfull and annoying. His mother, well, she was a work of art: always so perfect and delicate at the same time, it made Syaoran wonder if she was really as frail as glass. Everyday, his mother would critizice for the way he acted, talked, walked, ate, trained, etc...
" Well, let's get a move on, shall we? " His father replied when he finished.
--- Back to Reality ---
Syaoran stopped again when he heard small footsteps approaching him. Who could be awake at this time? He neared himself to the dark wall, ready to attack.
It was Saori.
He stopped and sighed in relief.
" What are you doing here? " He asked while he sat down.
She didn't answer quickly. " I was scared when I was alone at Tomoyo's house. It's empty. C-C-Can I-I... stay with y-you? "
He looked deep into her eyes. What would he do with her? He didn't know anything about caring for little girls, but... It was pretty dangerous for a girl to be alone in the streets at night...
He nodded.
Saori made a little smile and also sat down beside him. They stayed quiet for a while; Syaoran was staring at the wall, while Saori was gazing at him.
' This is just perfect! Another stare! ' He sarcastically thought.
" What? " He suddenly asked, making her withdraw.
She shook her head and decided to stare at the ground. She took a deep sigh and finally decided to ask.
" W-W-Where is Sakura? "
Syaoran froze. 'What do I tell her? Should I lie to her?! No, I can't... Then how do I say it? '
" I'm... scared," Saori continued, "... I haven't seen her for a while... She- She ... "
Before Syaoran even knew it, Saori started sniffing. He almost freaked out. He wasn't good at this... He was cold, mean, ruthless... He didn't have a heart, or at least that's what he thought.
Syaoran had had one, a long time ago. But it had been lost over the years. Why? He could still remember that day as though it had just happened to him. He could still see, hear, feel that scene in his nightmares...
--- Flashback ---
The garden was filled with thousands of people: mostly adults. That was what bored the hell out of Syaoran.
You see, Syaoran was kind of a loner. He didn't talk to people he didn't know. It took more than a year to gain his trust. All of his classmates feared him since they knew that he was much more stronger.
He didn't care though. He preferred to be disconnected from the world.
Today was a very special day, well at least for his mother, since it was the fifth aniversary of some sort of thing. (Syaoran hadn't bothered to ask) Everybody was sitting and laughing and gossiping... It was always the same.
As always, he would climb up into one of the nearby trees, and watch the show. He sometimes would even doze off.
" Syaoran, time for the pictures " Meilin reminded him, breaking his nap.
He sighed and nodded, getting ready to go down. But a gunshot and scream struck him like lightning. It was his mother.
Syaoran and Meilin ran as fast as they could to the direction, and found people crowding up. Syaoran pushed his way through them, struggling since they were a lot, leaving Meilin behind...
When he finally made his way through, he gasped at the scene before him.
His father lay down on the floor, slightly whispering words to Syaoran's mother for comfort, but they were all in vain: tears starting coming out from her eyes. Syaoran with his eyes widened look at his father witouth blinking.
Was he going to cry? No, a boy could never cry, that's what his father had told him. He would be brave, fearless... heartless?
" Syaoran, listen to me. Seven must be united. That's what the legend says. But you can't do it all by yourself. Do not trust your eyes or mind, l-l-l-isten t-t-o your-r ---"
His father whispered the last word and slightly smiled, closing his eyes.
--- Reality ---
" Sakura is in danger right now... I-I-I- err..." He stopped. 'Did I just have a brain freeze?'
" DANGER?! "
This made things worse, as Saori started to actually cry.
Syaoran mentally slapped himself for saying those words. ' Oh shit. Now what do I do? '
" Saori, I shouldn't have told you that. I-I... but you can be sure that Sakura will be okay.... "
Saori stopped crying and blinked for a while at Syaoran. He started sweating.
' This kid is weird ' He thought as the silence began to get to him.
" Why? " She finally asked.
This made Syaoran think. ' Good question "
--- Flashback ---
Two weeks passed by and the funeral had already taken place. Every day was turning worse. Syaoran could still sense sadness and tension between his family. Even though his mother was strong, she still was affected. She would hide her tears from everyone, and late at night, where no one could see her, she contiued to cry. And now she was even more strict and harsh. She made Syaoran train 24/7 and scolded him for every time he gave up and for every tear he shed.
" You are a weakling, and I will not accept it. You need to become stronger. If not, then how will you survive in this world? "
Yelan would lecture him every time he trained. Syaoran sometimes wondered if she had ever gotten a disease, because she was acting rather strange. And even though he became the most skilled fighter, she would still disapprove.
Ever since those training days, had Syaoran really grown apart of what we call fun. He only ate, trained, and slept. Nothing else could happen in his life. All of the parties had been cancelled. His mother had now been dedicated to train him. Not a tear could be shed from his eyes, neither a complain, or a slight groan. If he ever stopped, a much greater pain would meet him.
But why him?
Sometimes he thought that this was a stupid question to ask. He was the only son of the family.
Being in that position, Yelan felt the urge to protect him, yet at the same time make him stronger. And even though Syaoran came out of training tired, he would still act fine. He wanted to please her, to show her how much he cared. But that could never happen.
His prize was something that scared the hell out of him: the way his mother would look at him. Her eyes were emotionless, empty. Syaoran never knew how she was feeling. He never got to see one of her smiles. He never got to hear one of her simple laughs, nor giggles.
Syaoran actually never knew who had killed his father, if the they had gotten that person, or if had been a mistake. He didn't know how his father had died. But he knew that he had to carry that one mission that his father had told him to do.
His father had been working on a project: ' V project '. He took every information he got, he placed together every single detail. He even had counted the days the planet had been seen on earth. But since he had died, he hadn't finished it. That's why Syaoran had now that responsability. He didn't want to make his dreams come true, he didn't want to reach his goals...
He wanted to finish his past.
One day, he couldn't take it anymore.
He decided to write a letter to his mother. Telling her how grateful he had been for all of the training, but that it was enough. Syaoran would never get accustomed to this type of living. He had to be free.
He also wrote telling her that he would go on the hunt for the vespers, and that he would return when he would be worthy upon her very own eyes.
And that night, he made his escape. He jumped from the window of his bedroom to the nearest tree and then to the next one. He carried in a bag some clothes, savings, etc... He landed on the ground and started running toward freedom.
He would survive the world on his own... or maybe not.
" Where are you going? "
He froze as he heard that familiar voice.
" Nowhere" He replied.
Meilin looked at him suspiciously, " Hmmm... Now what would you be doing with a bag?.... Are you running away?! "
Syaoran slightly nodded, " Shh... But don't tell anyone. "
" I won't... " Meilin smiled. Syaoran sighed in relief. "... if I go too "
He groaned, " Come on Meilin, you know that it's dangerous. "
" Nonsense," she interrupted, " I'm going with you and that's it! Or do you want me to scream? "
" No, but I have to be alone, and besides you don't know how to take care of yourself! "
" Oh. But I DO know how to take care of things. AUNTIE YE-! "
Syaoran covered her mouth. She stopped screaming and he let go.
" Want me to do that again? " Meilin asked, ready to scream once again.
" ...Okay, you can come " Syaoran sighed defeated.
Meilin silently squealed and went to a nearby bush. She then took out a bag. Syaoran sweat dropped. It was a huge bag. She handed it over to him and headed out.
" You had already planned this, hadn't you? "
--- Reality ---
What was the reason that told Syaoran that Sakura would be fine? Was it because of him? Because he knew that he would go and save her? She probably was still mad at him, and he understood her. She had every right to be angry, but to say those words? Had she really lost her sense, or had she really lost her hope? Her mother had died, and now there were two new members. If it ever happened to Syaoran, he would even kill the person who would have done what he did. His mother had become harsh, but he didn't mind. He missed her, after all this years. About five or more had gone by, and he hadn't seen her, or even written to her. He would still dream about her, in the old days: where there was peace, happiness, and love.
No Syaoran had to make a decision. Sakura or the vespers? The answer was clear.
" Because... because, I willgoandsaveher! "
Saori looked at Syaoran in a suspicious way. She wondered whether he was telling the truth or lying. Syaoran sweat dropped.
'What is this kid going to do now? '
He freaked again when he saw that her eyes were beginning to shine.
' Damn it! She didn't believe me! She is going to cry again!!!! "
But the reaction was completely different.
Saori lunged into his arms.
He stood shocked for a moment. ' Is this real? Am I dreaming? '
Saori was holding unto him, and she was crying, but not of sadness... of joy. He stood stiff for a while, not being able to react. His cheeks flushed a deep red and he started sweating. His heart somehow started beating. It was too real. Besides, he was the worst with kids. How could Saori even touch him? He thought that she was scared of him, by the way he looked, the way he acted...
Then it struck him like lightning.
He had been acting the whole time just like his mother. His father's death HAD affected him too. He had been focused on completing his father's mission, that he had completely lost his emotions. His heart had been kept in the darkness.
It also hit him that Sakura had changed everything in him. Sakura was the complete and opposite version of him. Two identities had clashed, yet at the same time bonded. That's why it had all been too weird for him. That's why they had fights. That's why they shared together moments, where Syaoran's cheeks would blush.
' How more stupid can I get?! '
He took a deep breath and returned to the present: to Saori, who was currently holding him for support. But the question was, what would he do? He certainly hadn't done this in a long while. (Well, if you don't count Sakura ^^;)
Everything had been a blur. The memories of his childhood had been lost. All except one. The one that had changed him forever. He had to open up. To recieve light in his heart. This was his chance...
" I have been scared. I've been having nightmares. I haven't been able to sleep! Thank you for saying that... "
She sobbed ever so slightly as she whispered into Syaoran's shoulder.
Syaoran could tell that she was shivering from the cold, and so, in order to warm her up, he let his emotions take over him: He also held on to her.
" Shh... Don't worry... Everything will be okay... "
They stayed quiet for a while enjoying each other's company in thr darkness.
" You know, you are not so scary after all..."
---- To Sakura ----
Sakura starred into what looked like the pits of hell. Everything was black. She could barely see her own reflection. There was only one lit candle in front of her. Her hands had been tied to her back by a rope. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't free herself.
Sakura stared at the ground, or at least what she thought was the ground. She
was all alone, with no family. She was officialy now an orphan.
' I would have rather died with them, that way I would never be alone...'
Tears started flowing out of her already swollen eyes. She had been crying for the whole day, and she would continue until her tears would dry away.
' I'm screwed. I'm in a mess that I can't get out. I might as well die already. I got no one to trust, or love. It has all just faded away... '
She thought the words that she had spoken to Syaoran. Had she really meant them? Or was it only to prove that she could take care of herself?
' Yeah right, me, take care of myself? Ha! I'm a coward and an idiot! Who am I kidding? "
She sighed and fell to the ground feeling weak. It was as hard as a stone. She struggled to close her eyes and bit her lower lip. She didn't care though, not now. She was doomed. In twenty four hours she would die in the nothingness, and she had clearly told Syaoran to back off.
--- Back to Syaoran ---
Syaoran felt relieved. He had bottled away all of his feelings and it was nice for a change to really show them. He owed Saori. If it hadn't been for her, he wouldn't have never realized his big mistake.
They stopped holding each other and Syaoran stood up. Saori did the same.
" We better get going, I bet that Tomoyo is going to get worried if she doesn't find you "
Saori nodded and they both started walking through the streets.
Syaoran could clearly see that morning was soon to arrive. That meant that the time was passing by fast. He knew that he had to act quickly. They continued their way in silence until Syaoran stopped. Saori looked at him curiously.
" What's the matter? "
" I thought I heard something "
They stood still for a while. Syaoran was right. The phone was ringing, but for who? Nobody was in the streets. Was it for him?
He doubted a few seconds. Who could it possibly be? He had to take the chance though, he didn't know why; he just had to.
He neared the phone booth and stretched his arm toward the phone that patiently rang for him. He grabbed it and slowly placed it to his ear.
" Hello? "
" ........ "
" Hello?! Is someone there?! "
" Yes. I'm sorry to keep you waiting, I'm glad that you answered..."
" Who are you?! "
" That is not important right now. The thing that matters is the next: I know where the Cherry Blossom is located... "
Syaoran's eyes widened at this. ' Who is this guy?!?! '
" You seem to be impressed "
" Shut up you. Are you the one who kidnapped her?! "
He heard a small chuckle.
" ANSWER ME! " Syaoran demanded.
" No. Do you want the information or not?"
" Yes." Syaoran answered.
" She is at Yunokawa Inc. Back alley, left door behind the big trash can. One stair down and five up. Door to your right, #99. A vesper is also waiting for you... "
' A vesper?! What did he mean by that?! '
" Wait a sec. How do you know about them ?! "
"...."
Syaoran placed the phone back. Was it a trap? Who had been the mysterious caller, and why would the caller tell him where Sakura was located? How could he even know? This was starting to get weird.
' I better tell the others... No, I can't they might be mad... I don't know... What do I do?! '
" Need help? " Syaoran suddenly heard a familiar voice.
" Daisuke? What are you doing here?! "
" Nothing, just passing by..."
' Why do I get the feeling that he is hiding something... ' Syaoran thought.
" Um... Yeah, can you take Saori back to the others? "
Daisuke nodded, " Something wrong? "
Syaoran stayed quiet for a while, but then he sighed, " Yeah, I know where Sakura is located... "
Daisuke's eyes widened, " Where?!"
" Umm... excuse me."
Syaoran, Daisuke, and Saori turned their view to the voice. Syaoran didn't know to who it belonged to, but he certainly had heard it before.
And he was correct: it was the girl in the wheelchair.
" Can we help you? " Daisuke asked somewhat confused.
" Yeah, you see... my brother..." the girl started saying, looking at Syaoran.
" You know her? " Daisuke asked again.
Syaoran nodded, " What's wrong? "
" I can't find my brother, I'm worried for him. I checked his office and he wasn't there. I asked his secretary and she told me that she had no clue. I have nowhere to go, you see, my brother currently takes care of me, since I am in this condition... "
" Don't you have parents or any relative? "
The girl shook her head sadly, " They all died in the Yunokawa accident. "
" Oh, I see... I'm sorry " Daisuke said.
" Can I stay with you only for a while, until I find my brother? " She asked bitting her lower lip, waiting for the answer.
" Sure " Daisuke answered.
The girl smiled, " Thanks! "
" No problem. Now tell me, where is Sakura located? " Daisuke asked Syaoran.
Syaoran told Daisuke the place the guy on the phone had told him. Then Daisuke left with Saori and the girl, and they headed to the hangout. Syaoran went toward the Yunokawa buildings.
Daisuke helped the girl as he and Saori started walking on the streets. They all stayed quiet for a while, but then the girl spoke.
" Tell me, who is this Sakura? " She asked.
" Well, she is a girl about your age. Green eyes, brown hair, not too tall. Always wears a big smile on her face... Why?"
" Um... I think that I know her "
Daisuke stopped. The girl continued:
" If I'm not mistaken, I saw her in the hospital. The first day we ever met. My brother was with me that day... "
" Are you kidding me? " Daisuke asked confused.
The girl shook her head.
" So, what's your name? " Daisuke asked.
" Naomi "
---- to be continued ----
PHEW! I'M FINALLY DONE! It took me quite a while to get this finished. I won't be here for about 3-4 days since I'm going on a mini-vacation, but I will write what's left of today to prepare the next chapter. It will take a little bit longer, but not as much as this one. I hope that you enjoy it, and I hope that you finally place the pieces together. It's really simple if you think about it. Well anyway, see ya later! ^^