Hunting Emerald's Secret

Chapter 17: Maximum Speed

--- Author's Comments: ---

Hello everyone! Again, I'm sorry for the delay, but it's going to be two loooong weeks. Final exams are about to start, and I never do good on them, so my mom made me study a week early! O.O Boring! Anyway, I was supposed to post this chapter even later, but I snuck in late at night and continued writing the story. The next one is also going to take this long or even much more longer because of the finals. I hope that you enjoy this one.

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Syaoran reached to a full speed when he hit the gass pedal, causing Sakura to slightly jerk against the seat. She was glad and grateful that she had lowered herself from the seat just in time. Syaoran smirked and Sakura suddenly saw that he was satisfied. Satisfied of nearing death? Sakura knew that Syaoran loved to be at the edge of danger, but this was too much. It was as though he had been craving all along to get some action into his life.

Sakura's heart was currently sinking at the bottom of her stomach, she sweared that it had completely stopped beating. It was like in a rollercoaster, though this time she couldn't scream, and even if she tried, she wouldn't be able, since her throat had gone dry. The goosebumps that she felt on her skin dug deeper within her flesh. So the question was, why did Syaoran like to have this feeling? ' Men, ' Sakura thought, " I just don't get them...'

What impressed Sakura the most, was the way Syaoran handled the wheel. He was more peaceful than her, yet at the same time fully concentrated. His whole body was relaxed, except for his hands, which gripped the steering wheel to death. It was like he was in a video game, and a very intriguing one, since he handled it expertly. He made turns in the right time without hitting the sidewalks, and he never made a stop, it was all smooth for him.

Sakura could easily hear the gunshots and the shooting hitting the pavement, but never a single tire. Could it be that Syaoran could sense the bullets? 'Yeah, right! ' Sakura sarcastically thought. It was impossible, but then... with Syaoran everything changed. She decided not to linger on the thought anymore as she heard the screech of a tire, and then a crushing noise. Two cars had just crashed in front of them.

" Shit " Syaoran muttered, turning the wheel to the left, being distracted from the plan in his mind.

Sakura did not decided to ask, she stayed quiet. ' Soon this will be over,' she reminded herself. She was in an endless rollercoster, and if it didn't end soon, she would die of terror, or maybe too much adrenaline. However, she started feeling a burning sensation inside her body. ' What's happening? ' Sakura thought, as it scald her. She actually started sweating, even when the air was refreshing her. She was burning without fire.

Syaoran did not seem to notice, and Sakura didn't bother to tell him. She knew that it would distract him, and that would mean their deaths. Yet Sakura, hadn't gotten used to his new personality, or so she thought, because the Syaoran that was driving was the Syaoran she knew. 'Could it possibly be that Syaoran is two faced? ' It was kind of scary, since Sakura would never know which one was at the moment. It was too real for her own fantasies. She had always daydreamed of him being nice... but now that it was real, it was creepy.

Syaoran's grip on the wheel tightened as he saw through the rear mirror that the car behind them was still at their tails. Syaoran cursed through his breath as he heard that the gunshots were getting more accurate. ' It's a matter of time, before they get me, ' he thought. But he wouldn't give up. It sort of raised his excitment. He loved the thrill of it. His adrenaline had completely taken over him, and he was not letting go of it. The tires completely shrieked when he made a rough turn to the left. He then saw a sign, and heard the distinct noise from a train.

' Damnit! ' There was no other way to go. The train was seconds from coming. Its horn roared with all its might. He couldn't stop. If he ever did, the brakes would not hold, and they would crash. He couldn't pull over, since he would crash against the walls. The only chance was to continue, and it was very slim. He heard the other cars speed down, all except for one, that seemed so intent to continue. ' Idiot! Doesn't he know that he is going to get crushed?! ' He started hearing the wailing of the train warnings.

He took a quick glance at Sakura. She was curved in a ball. ' Good, she did as I told her... ' He sighed with relief assuring himself that she wouldn't get hurt. If she ever did, then it would be completely his fault, and he wouldn't forgive himself. If she died, he would die as well, especially if he hadn't protected her enough. In ten more seconds they would probably crash, however, he knew that Sakura was well protected, so she would survive... ' Stop thinking like that, Syaoran. You are both going to make it, ' a voice inside his head told him. It seemed very confident, and he followed it.

The sounds increased as Syaoran neared the train. Sakura's eyes widened. ' A train?! ' Was it possible that Syaoran was heading toward one? Was he crazy? Sakura closed her eyes shut and covered her ears with her hands. ' You are the crazy one, it wouldn't be possible... ' She had the urge to scream, but she wouldn't. Something inside her told her not to. ' Be brave Sakura ' She began lecturing herself. ' Remember that you are with Syaoran... '

The ground started to slightly shake. Syaoran neared the tracks. The train was only seconds from nearing him. ' Come on ' Syaoran pleaded, trying to push the pedal down harder, but he knew that they were at the speed limit. ' Come on! '

Everything became slow motion. He could hear his own breaths, even Sakura's. He suddenly closed his eyes, actually afraid. Of nearing death? Maybe. But mostly of loosing or killing Sakura.

CRASH  

---  The gang ---

" Look, there it is! " Eriol pointed toward the building.

" The Yunokawa building? " Naomi asked confused.

" Yeah, " Daisuke replied, " Li told me that Sakura would be there... "

" Well, first of all you should have told me earlier, I know how to get there! " Naomi stated, making everyone glare toward Daisuke. " My brother works here! "

" Well, whatever... We are here. So let's bail in! " Meilin said, kind of annoyed that nobody would take action.

" Right! " Tomoyo agreeded.

They got out of the car, leaving Naomi behind. They quietly entered the building and saw that it was almost unhabited, except for sobs that came from one of the rooms.

" Should we check it out? " Eriol asked the others. They nodded. It sounded like a small girl, so what harm could it do?

They passed through shattered a glasses and reached the room. Blood was smeared through the walls. The desk was broken down to complete pieces and every bits of paper covered the floor. The girl, as they had assumed, was crying on the floor. She was leaning against a wall corner covering her face with her hands, so it wasn't visible.

The gang slilently approached her with their five senses out to the open. It was weird that a girl was alone crying in a building of a big company. It didn't make sense.

" What's wrong little girl? " Tomoyo suddenly asked.

The girl stopped crying and sniffed, she however didn't move from her position.

" I'm all alone. Everyone's dead. I'm all alone "

' Okay, this is creepy ' Meiling thought, as the girl had a high-pitched voiced.

" What happened? " Tomoyo asked again.

" They came. " Was all she answered.

" Who? " Tomoyo asked, curious to find out as well as the others.

" Men. They wanted something. I don't know what, but they wanted it, and they killed everyone... They, they killed my dad. "

" Didn't the police come or something " Eriol asked.

" No. I.. I " The girl sniffed more and stopped crying again.

" Don't worry. We will help you " Daisuke assured.

" Really? "

" Yeah, here grab my hand " Tomoyo smiled, spreading her hand toward the little girl.  

--- ---

Syaoran opened his eyes when it started getting hot. He tried moving but his whole body hurt. Had the accident really ocurred? Had they crashed? Why was he still alive? He stretched his hands in front of him, they were dirty, but nonetheless fine. ' So this isn't a dream... '

He again tried to move slightly from his position and winced. Pain stabbed him all the way through. But why? His memory had been cut off. One minute he was with Sakura heading for a train, and the next... ' Oh no. Where is Sakura?! "

Syaoran looked to his right side to find the seat empty. He then remembered that he had told her to lower herself and sighed in relief. She was there, her head in her arms that held her knees. He tried talking, but sounds could merely come from his dry throat. However, as in response to his questions, Sakura suddenly lifted her eyes to him. She was scared, and unlike him, she managed to speak.

" Are you okay, Syaoran?"

Syaoran tried to reply, but he suddenly couldn't. He appeared to be stuck in the moment, as though he were paralized. Something was the taking the air out of his lungs. Sakura's eyes widened and she inmediately stood from the seat and opened the door. Syaoran could see that it was already night, and a very peaceful one. Where were they? Hadn't they been chased by cars? ' What happened? ' He was full of questions, and he somehow felt that he didn't want the answers.

Syaoran heard the small footsteps running and circling the car, approaching him from the other side. She opened the door and slightly gasped.

" Don't worry Syaoran, I'll get you out..." She whispered into his ear.

' What does that mean? ' Syaoran thought, his eyes wide. Had he been injured? Is that why he couldn't move?

Sakura did as she said. She gently grabbed him from the shoulders and started pulling him out. Syaoran weighted more and therefore was difficult to carry. It was a very slow proccess. After a few minutes, Sakura had managed to lye Syaoran down on the floor.

Like woken up from a trance, Syaoran began breathing again. What had happened to him in the car? His body still hurt, but that didn't matter; he had gotten used to it. He inmediately sat up and looked at the car. The front had apparently crashed with a tree, and it was pretty smashed; bits of broken glass glimmered in the dark. They, however, were not near any railroad tracks. It was as though the train had never existed.

" Syaoran, are you ok? " Sakura asked for the second time. Her face was full of worry. Syaoran smiled and chuckled. She looked perfect. Nothing had harmed her.

" You idiot! Why are you laughing about?! Look at you!!! " Sakura yelled in confussion and anger. " I sometimes just don't get you!!! "

This caused Syaoran to laugh even harder and for Sakura to sweat drop. ' Seriously, he is such an inmature! '

" What happened anyway? " He asked between laughs.

Sakura sighed, then answered, " I really don't know. I just remember hearing a train, the seeing you close your eyes, and then we crashed into a tree. I don't recall crashing into the train, but I did remember an explosion at the back of us... I thought you were hurt, but it apparently seemed that the car had just been squeezing your lungs..."

' So that explains the reason that I couldn't breathe or move ...' Syaoran thought.

--- Yunokawa Building ---

" Here grab my hand " Tomoyo insisted, still spreading it to the little girl.

The girl suddenly stopped crying and sniffing. A giggle suddenly was heard.

" Fools! Appearances decieve, dont you know that? "

Before anyone could react, the girl (who was really Yuka) took out a gun. But she didn't stay still, she inmediately lunged toward the gang- who stood gaping. She released a shot toward Tomoyo's arm and snatched the car keys from Daisuke's hand. She then started running past them, laughing wickedly along the way. Tomoyo however had avoided the attack- when Eriol had pushed her away from it. But, the shot hadn't missed its full purpose, it landed on Eriol's left arm.  It was all two fast, that the moment that he fell down, everyone snapped back to reality.

" Oh no. Eriol are you okay? " Tomoyo asked, grabbing his hand in her own, as he lay on the ground.

Eriol grinned, " Just a bruise... nothing much " He winced however when he tried to stand up.

" It's hurt badly. You can't apply pressure on it. You might have it broken... " Meilin stated.

" Yeah. You both better stay here. We will go after the girl " Daisuke said to Eriol and Tomoyo.

They both nodded.

---

Yuka took advantage of the situation as she started running toward the parking lot. She laughed at her great achievement. ' What idiots! I can't believe they fell for the oldest trick in the book! They are so stupid... '

She had known that they were coming, and she had noticed that they weren't aware of Sakura's and Syaoran's run, so this was her chance to escape.

She searched the vast parking lot and her eyes landed on Daisuke's car. She opened the door and closed it, mumbling and cursing while she fumbled with the car, since she didn't know how to drive. After a few minutes, she finally got the hang of it and sped away.

However Yuka hadn't noticed that in the back seat, Naomi lay on the floor still and quiet.

--- To Sakura and Syaoran ---

After a while, the pain died away and Syaoran could freely move again. Once he did, he inmediately stood up and saw that the car to his left was a complete wreck. As Sakura had described, the car had smashed its front when crashing into an oak tree. But where had this tree come from? Syaoran looked around him. They were in some sort of park: the whole background was covered in green, mostly trees, and partly bushes or flower beds that were in the grass spots. There was a small road made out of pavement, and sometimes to its side a bench or two appeared. There was apparently a couple making out in one of them.

Sakura stood up, still looking worried. Where were they? They both didn't know this park or where it was located. And they certainly wouldn't ask the couple in front of them.

" We better get out of here " Syaroan suddenly said, " or they will find us. It's only a matter of time "

Sakura nodded since there was no point in arguing with him. They however did not start running, they sort of blended in: Syaoran searched for Sakura's hand and held it in his own as they both started walking close to each other among the road. Every now and then, pairs of eyes would look in their direction, wondering what a young "couple" was doing this late at night. They both ignored the stares; they had other things on their minds. Syaoran's was set on the way to escape. Sakura's was set on Yuka. They did not talk much and preferred to stay silent, letting their minds wander to where their thoughts could lead them.

After a while, Sakura dared to ask a question that snapped Syaoran out of his thoughts.

" Syaoran, do you like me? "

His cheeks flushed red and started burning. ' Damn. Why does she have to be so direct? '

Sakura stopped, forcing Syaoran to do the same. She stood right in front of him, her face serious, her emerald eyes digging in his own.

" I... uh... I-I "

Suddenly the words had ceased to exist. Syaoran couldn't speak. The answer was obvious, but saying it was difficult. He locked his hands into fists. ' God, I want her so badly to know that I... but no, what can I say? Do I even really like her? ' He started thinking on his own. He had many so doubts in his head...

Sakura took it the wrong way and sighed.  ' He doesn't like me... does he? I was a fool to believe him... but what am I saying? He is an idiot. I don't like him myself. Sure he's been there for me, but... " Unconsiously, tears started forming in her eyes, and Syaoran panicked. He still hadn't gotten over his uneassiness for girls crying.

" Sakura, I-I... " He took in a deep breath and blurted, " I-REALLY-LIKE-YOU "

Sakura looked at him shocked, and Syaoran suddenly felt stupid.  ' Now why did I tell her? ' He looked away to the nearest object that he could find, a tree.

" Syaoran... I-I really like you too " she whispered under her breath.

Now it was Syaoran's turn to be shocked and Sakura to feel stupid. She stared at her own shoes, which were dirty by the way. Syaoran regained his composture and smiled, even though Sakura couldn't see her. He had sweared that Sakura had hated him, but now... everything had completely been turned upside down. He felt fresh inside of him, and as in instict, his heart started beating faster with each breath he took.

He stepped forward until he was inches apart from Sakura, and lifted her chin, cupping it upward to him. Sakura then met his brown eyes, and for the first time, Syaoran's eyes had an expression. Sakura couldn't figure it out, but they certainly were different. Syaoran slowly carressed with his index finger her soft skin. Sakura shivered at his touch, but loved it. They both stood still, staring at each other while the air gently blew between them. Then Syaoran leaned in closer to meet her. Sakura recieved him, leaning both of her hands on his shoulders and encircling them around his neck in a passionate and sweet kiss.

They finally let go, gasping for air, and smiled at each other. It felt good to have their feelings known, and returned in the same way. They continued walking, having the fear of being discovered by Yuka's men. They still kept quiet, but enjoyed each other's company, hand-in-hand. Sakura suddenly felt warm inside herself, even though on the outside she was shivering from the cold.

After a while, Syaoran stopped, hearing the rustle of leaves behind them. His eyes narrowed, and he gave a small squeeze into Sakura's hand, letting her know that she would be fine. Sakura returned it and smiled. They continued moving, a little bit faster. With his free hand, Syaoran reached into his pocket. ' Damn, the gun fell on the car... ' Now what could he do? He was unarmed and with Sakura. This would turn out to be quite difficult for him.

The air suddenly dried up and Syaoran sensed it. He instantly grabbed Sakura, and they both fell to the ground. Gunshots instantly followed.

" We have to get out of here " Syaoran whispered, " on the count of three.... "

Sakura nodded bracing herself. They both were crouched down, behind a bush.

" 1... 2 ... 3 "

Syaoran grabbed Sakura's hand and pushed her with him, as they both started running away. They soon heard the footsteps following behind them, accompanied by gunshots. They started running, until they apparently caught them out of sight.

" Sakura, you have to hide here. If not you will get hurt. " He said as he lifted her up to a giant tree, which had broad trunks and thick leaves that covered her. The perfect hiding place. Sakura sat on one of the trunks.

" Be careful " Sakura whispered, and he nodded, smiling back at her.

Syaoran took off, to the direction, where they had last seen them. He stood still in a spot. His eyes narrowed and he locked both hands into fists.

" I know you are there " He said in a cold voice. " I know that you killed the others... to get to me..."

A chuckle suddenly came out from what appeared to be nowhere.

" Vey clever. I'm surprised, " the voice answered with mockery.

And with that, the fight started. The guy launched himself toward Syaoran. He apparently held no gun, and Syaoran assumed that he had run out of bullets, which was fine by him, since it would be a fairer fight. Syaoran easily dodged the launch and counterattacked with a kick in the stomach, which was also evaded.

The guy landed on the grass, smirking. " This is going to be a very fun fight "

Syaoran, however, didn't reply. He instead threw a fist, right into his face. The guy apparently didn't see it, and suddenly there was blood smeared across his mouth. The guy wiped it and his face turned more serious. This wasn't any average fight, were you could be all cocky and talk trash. No. This was a serious one, were life and death only mattered.

He didn't speak from then, they started hitting each other, avoiding each others attack, and kicking in the air. Five minutes had passed and they were already sweaty, with bruises here and there that would probably stay marked in the future.

The guy dared to speak once again, " I see that you are very close to the Cherry Blossom... "

Syaoran stopped taking his fighting stance, " What do you mean?! "

" She is so damn hot, isn't she?... I mean, her beautiful face and well-built body... "

Syaoran's anger toward him rose, as he spoke of Sakura. He described her as a slutty girl, nothing from what she was really like. He inmediately launched an attack in fustruation toward the guy, but instead, the guy, having planned all of this, blocked Syaoran's attack with a hand, and with the other one, he punched into Syaoran's stomach.

Syaoran fell to the ground grasping his stomach wide-eyed. The guy had punched in the same way before, and Syaoran had been knocked again. 'How could it possibly be?' Syaoran wondered, as pain starting rising in his body. He clutched his stomach as he engulfed the pain.

The guy smirked. " Pathetic. You can't even dodge the same attack "

He added a kick to Syaoran's back, and Syaoran landed on the ground. The guy was pretty strong, and could not be taken very lightly.

Syaoran made the effort of standing, and once again he was back on his knees. His stomach still hurt, but he didn't mind now. There was only one goal for Syaoran, and that was to kill him.

" Ready for another one? " The guy rose an eyebrow and shrugged, " Fine with me "

So they continued their fight. Syaoran started running toward him, and jumped into the air. The guy also jumped and they both punched each others jaws. They both fell to the ground. After a second, they were up again and kicking. Syaoran wouldn't give up still.

After a while, the guy started running. Syaoran cursed. 'What's that bastard thinking? That he can run away from me? '

Syaoran decided to chase him.

--- The car ---

Yuka continued driving at top speed to a unkown destiny. ' I have to get out of here... The police will come soon... ' The thoughts ran through her head like crazy, and they wouldn't stop. Yuka turned left and suddenly made a harsh stop, causing Naomi in the back to wince.

It appeared that a figure was running toward her, and it didn't stop.

" You idiot! " Yuka hollered through the open window, " get out of the way!!!! "

The figure of the person stopped, and stayed still in the middle of the road. After a while, another figure joined it.

Yuka feeling desperate, got out of the car and slammed the door behind her. She started walking toward the two people.

" What do you think that you are doing!" She demanded to know, as she stopped. It was deep in the night, and it took a while for Yuka's eyes to adjust to the darkness.

---

Back in the car, Naomi struggled to get up from the backseat. She quietly opened the door and got out. Her legs were limb, and couldn't hold her weight, so she leaned her body toward the car, and made every effort to continue her way. She was curious on finding out what was going on, and also to get out of Yuka's way.

" I've got to keep on going " She mumbled to herself, gripping the car, as she continued her way.

She suddenly stopped, when she heard smack and blows near her. She didn't know from where they were coming, but she felt them close. Suddenly Yuka's yells where joined in. Naomi winced to her last struggle and fell down to her knees. She lifted her gaze up and suddenly two persons were infront of her.

Naomi suddenly made out that one of them was Syaoran, and he was looking at the other, who had his back to her. 

" You are going to die, " Syaoran replied.

A chuckle was heard.

Naomi's eyes widened. She had heard it before. ' Could it be?'

Syaoran's eyes suddenly fixed on her, " You?! What are you doing here?! "

The other person suddenly quieted down and turned around slowly, in case if it was a trap. Naomi suddenly froze, as shivers nearly killed her. ' What is he doing here?! What's going on?! Am I dreaming?! What happened?!?! '

Her lips parted as she spoke only one word, " Ryu? "   

--- Author's Comment: ---

Sorry guys! I have to stop here! Why? Because finals are about to start and if I don´t post it now, it would be posted in two more weeks. Sorry that I have to be this suspensful. I promise that in vacations, I'll finish it up. Just two more weeks from now. Thank you alot for your reviews! And please be patient, the remaining chapters will not take this long. I'll see you in two weeks! ^^