Chapter 16
Baby emerald eyes starred up at him helplessly as the flames danced around them both.
" Ying Fa! " Li extended his hands to her but she just continued to stare at him helplessly.
Li tried to reach for her but the fire blew up in his face and he shielded his face and stepped back. When he looked back he gasped as his little daughter changed and grew into Rogue. She was glarring at him with those same emerald green of his wife's in that dis-trusting way.
" Rogue?!! " Li asked stunned. He was no longer worried about the fire preventing him getting to her.
She crossed her arms and glarred furiously at him.
" What else did you expect? " she asked coldly.
Li frowned. Something was wrong with her voice. It was a mixture of Rogue's and little Ying Fa's voices.
Li blinked and then frowned in determination, reaching his hand out towards her. She starred at his outstretched hand as if it were a snake. She flicked her hair and turned away from him.
" Rogue! Where are you going?!! I'm trying to help you! "
She shot him a contemptuous look over her shoulder.
" I don't need your help. I'm fine on my own. " and with that she disappeared into the flames.
" Rogue! " Li yelled, but it was too late. The fire had engulfed her.
* * *
" Li! " Sakura all but yelled. " Li! For God's sake wake up! "
Li was thrashing about and Sakura was trying to wake him.
" Li! It's a dream please, wake up! "
Li sat bolt up and nearly collided with Sakura. He was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. His wide amber eyes flicked over to Sakura and he grasped the sheets even tighter. Her emerald eyes were watching him warily and worriedly.
" Li? " she asked quietly. " Are you ok? "
Li breathed out and tried to calm his thoughts.
" I'm fine. " he mumbled. " It was nothing. "
Sakura stiffened and crawled over to him.
" Now I'm even more worried. "
Li's eyes widened as he looked at her sitting beside him.
" I haven't been your best friend and wife for all these years without knowing that when you say ' It's nothing ' that something is bothering you. " her eyes softened as she looked up at him.
" Don't you want to talk about it? "
Li looked away.
" It was just a bad dream, that's all. "
Sakura knew she wasn't going to win this one. She looked out the window and watched the moon. She sighed and hugged Li startling him.
" Well then, I'm just glad you're ok. " she said and Li ran his hands through her soft silky hair.
" Thank you. " he whispered and kissed her on the top of her head. Despite all the years that they had been married and being 35, she hadn't changed one bit. She still looked as young and innocent as he had the day he had met her back in elementary school. He hadn't changed much either, but he did look older, but being the leader of the prestigeous gang in the world, with stress and everything else, no wonder he sometimes loked a million years old, instead of 35. But that was to be suspected.
" Goodnight Li. " Sakura whispered and kissed him soundly on the mouth.
Li's arms tightned around her.
" Goodnight Sakura. " and together they layed back down and Sakura snuggled up against his bare chest and fell asleep.
Li watched her sleep thinking about his dream. Why did he dream it? He played with the ends of Sakura's long hair as he thought. He closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep hoping some answers would come, but they didn't.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shinji stood at the back door watching Ying Fa as she sat on the chain rope fence and swung back and forth thinking. She had been sitting there for over an hour. He sighed and decided now was a good a time as any.
He walked out into the afternoon sun and she looked up as he came towards her.
" Hey. " he said quietly.
" Hey. " she said back.
" Mind if I join you for a bit? " Shinji asked sitting down.
" No. What can I do for you? " she tried to smile, but it was faint.
" Mind if I ask what's bothering you? "
" What's usually bothering me Shinj? " Ying Fa asked.
Shinji squeezed her hand.
" Ying Fa you're going to find your family. I promise you. "
Ying Fa smiled and gripped his hand tightly in return.
" So? What did you want to talk to me about? You came out here with a purpose. "
Shinji smiled and tried to think of how to begin. "
" Look I just wanted to say sorry for what happened last time you came back. I - "
" Shinji please. " Ying Fa said and tunred away. " We all make mistakes. I'm just glad you had the sense to see what you were doing and fix it. "
Shinji sighed.
" No, I didn't have the sense. It was the thought of losing you that made me able to snap out of it. "
Ying Fa froze and looked up at him.
" Shinji - "
" No Ying Fa let me finish. " Shinji cut in. " I thought that you were a gift from the gods that night that man smuggled you into out place for my father do away with you. "
Ying Fa cringed.
" It was me that convinced my father not to get rid of you. I just felt that somehow you were another sister you know? "
Ying Fa smiled softly remembering.
" But as we grew I realised that you meant more to me than just a sister or best friend. "
Ying Fa lost her smile and saw that same look in his eyes that most guys had for her and she went cold. No! This couldn't be happening!
" Shinji - " she began, but Shinji silenced her, placing his finger gently on her lips.
" I love you you know that Ying Fa? " Shinji asked.
Ying Fa groaned like a tortured animal.
" Shinji listen to me. You think you love me but it's just bond that we've had since we were ki - "
" No! " Shinji said firmly. " It isn't. "
Ying Fa bent her head tryingto figure all this out.
" Shinji I - I can't - I don't - "
She looked up and met his eyes.
" I love you. "
Shinj's eyes brightened.
" I love you too, but only as a brother, a best friend with whom I've had all my adventures with. I don't love you like you love me. I'm sorry. "
Shinji's eyes darkened with misery.
" Oh Shinji. " Ying Fa cried, tears forming in her huge Emerald eyes. " You know what I'm trying to say, but I'm not the one meant for you. "
Shinji turned away. He should have known.
" Save the lecture Ying Fa. I know. I'll find the one that's meant for me but it's not you right? "
She sighed brokenly.
" If I could go right back to the beginning again and end up with you again, even with all the misery and heartache, I wouldn't change a thing for the world. Shinji you will always be a part of me, and I hope that I will always be a part of you? "
Shinji looked at her.
" What kind of stupid question is that? " he asked trying to be normal though he was hurting.
" Of course you'll always be a part of me. " he hugged her tightly. " Just take care ok and try to be too much of a smart arse. "
Ying Fa smiled shakily. She knew what he was doing and she was greatful.
" Thanks Shinji. " she whispered and he simply nodded.
She pulled away from him and looked around the place.
" This might be the last time I - " she paused and Shinji didn't want to think about what she meant.
" - I might get to see you for a while. " she finished.
Shinji sighed and rocked back and forth on the chain rope that acted like a seat between the poles.
" So what do you plan to do? Black obviously said something to upset you. "
" How very observant of you Shinj. "
" Don't get smart. What happened? "
She was quiet for a while.
" I going after Komoji. "
" What?!! " there was thump as Shinji fell off the rope chain and onto the ground flat on his back.
" You ok? " she asked.
" I forbid you to go anywhere near him! "
Ying Fa sighed with relief inside. He was back to his over-protective self.
" You can't stop me. "
" Like hell I can't! " he sat up and glarred at her.
" I'm getting my revenge. "
" There are a million ways you can get him back! Ways that don't include you going anywhere near him. "
" He has to pay. "
" For what? "
She glarred at him.
" My family for instance and - "
" And? "
" And for Keir. " she mumbled.
Shinji froze.
" You're getting him back for what?!! " he demanded standing up and glarring down at her.
" For family and Keir. " she stated more loudly.
" You stay the hell away from him. " he commanded pointing at her. " I am the only one taking him out for Keir. Do you here me? "
She glarred up at him defiantly. She stood slowly and she knew what she was about to say was going to hurt. But she needed to drive the point home.
" You wouldn't be able to get two feet in front of him. "
Shinji stiffened.
" What did you say? "
" You heard me, and you know it's true. You'd give yourself away and you'd be taken out before you had a chance. I am the only one capable of getting near him and we both know it. "
He just starred at her shocked.
" It's the truth Shinji. " she said softly and then walked off inside.
* * *
She walked inside and was met by Trinity and Cleo's sad looks. Trinity stood up.
" Is it true honey? Are you going after Komoji? "
" Hai. "
Cleo stiffled a choked sob.
" My god. " Trinity sat down on the lounge.
" I was just telling them. " Joe walked into the room with a tray filled with steaming cups of coffee.
" You do realise you can't go back as you are? " he asked setting the tray down.
" Well how else am I supposed to go back? "
" Take up your other identity. "
" Angel? " she asked confused.
" No. Cherry. " Black said.
" Of course well have to change everything about you. " Cleo said wiping her tears away.
" New clothes, hair colour, new eyes. "
" What about my eyes? " Ying Fa asked.
" They're too pronounced. There is only one other person I know that has that colour green. " Joe said.
" Who? "
" Sakura. " Joe replied without a beat.
Ying Fa gasped.
" You- you know Sakura Avalon? Jade Fox? How? "
" She's an old friend of mine. I use to work for her old enemy, White Tiger. "
Ying Fa gasped.
" You were a traitor? "
Joe smirked as he sat down and sipped the coffee.
" Sort of. It's complicated. "
" Now sugar. " Trinity cut in standing up and whisking Ying Fa towards the door.
" Lets get you ready. The sooner you can go back, and get this done with, although these things take a lot of time, months even, I will be happy when you are safe and sound and back here where you belong. "
" Hey- wait! "
* * *
Ying Fa starred at her image.
" I look like a strawberry shortcake. " she said flatly.
" Honey you are supposed to look something like your name. " Trinity replied.
Ying Fa looked at her now deep cherry red hair that looked like fire. Trin had curled it and it hung in ringlets down her back. She was wearing special contacts that changed her eye colour and now was blue eyed. She was wearing a red tartan pleated skirt and a white top and knee high boots.
" Not to mention I look like a good little school girl. "
" Now isn't that handy? " Trinity said dryly as she brushed her hair. " Just think. No one will ever suspect the devil under the angel outfit. "
" Point taken. " Ying Fa replied dryly. " But this colour will rinse out won't it? "
" 24 washes should do it. "
Ying Fa groaned.
" Seriously Ying Fa. " Trin began. " Enroll in the high school. It's the smartest move in the book. You'd be surprised how much you can learn in them. And - " she smiled.
" You'd be surprised how many others do the same thing. You can find out a lot from that kind of network. "
Ying Fa tilted her head thinking.
" I dropped out of high school years ago. "
" Only because, you little devil, the teacher threatened to hang you up by your feet to the fan if you didn't stop terrorising everyone and causing so much mischief. "
" How could I help it if I was bored stiff? The teacher was just upset because I was one of his adoring female fans. "
Trinity laughed.
" It's not funny. He was a jerk! He was ancient and still believed himself to be god. " Ying Fa shuddered.
" He didn't like it when I told him where he could stick it all. "
" Just don't do it this time. I want you to be the angel. "
" Fine. " Ying Fa muttered. " Who knows, it might be fun to be the angel for once. "
Shinji and the others bliked as Ying Fa emerged from the bedroom with Trinity following her.
" Ta-dah! "
" Holy shit. " Shinji stated.
" I take it you like it? "
" Umm it doesn't suit you when you're you. " Cleo said doubtfully.
Ying Fa frowned and then smiled sweetly.
" Umm excuse me. " she said sweetly.
" Hi, my names Cherry Kincaid and I seem to be lost. You see I've just moved here and I don't really know anyone and well I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to show me around? "
Cleo laughed and clapped her hands.
" Much better. You almost had me fooled. "
" Lets hope it lasts. " Joe mumbled smiling at her antics.
* * *
Back In Tomoeda
Cherry sat at one of the tables of one of the cafe's and sipped her coffee with delight. She had come back earlier, but she was still getting used to all the changes. Joe had insisted she change apartments and then had promptly informed her that it had already been done when she protested. So now she was on the other side of Tomoeda in the quiet area where she had been earlier near the bridge and the penguin park. Those were a few streets away from her apartment, but she liked it better. Joe had taken her car and given her a Jaguar XIR instead. She had stubbornly refused to give up her bike and in the end Joe gave in.
The high school was a few blocks away and she started there on Thursday. It was already half way through the year, but she didn't care, she just had to sit there and look pretty and try to get as many people as she could to help her. She knew this was going to take a lot and she couldn't do it on her own. But one thing was certain, she didn't want the Black Wolves help! She was still peeved with them.
The hot wind blew her hair and she struggled to keep it behind her ears. She looked up and stiffened. Across the street was Sakura, Li, Eriol, Meilin, Ally and Syaoran. Tristan was no where in sight. They were crossing the street and so far they hadn't noticed her. They walked straight past her without even looking over and she smiled. Perfect! But then Syaoran looked at her and frowned and stopped. Ying Fa starred straight back at him and sipped her coffee casually.
" Syaoran! Hurry up! " Ally called and he walked after them, shooting her another look. He looked puzzled.
Ying Fa waited till he was gone and burst out laughuing. Several people looked at her strangely, but she didn't care! She had confused him! Oh life was good!
** Thursday **
Ying Fa stood back as all the people bustled around her. They jumped off busues, came in cars, got dropped off, walked or rode bicycles. She gulped, a little afraid for the second time. She shouldered her bag and headed towards the front entrance of Seijyo high.
( AN: And that is what it's called, I just went and checked my DVD so no complaints! I'm right! )
She walked up to the front office and smiled sweetly.
* * *
" Now class, settle down. I know it's the beginning of the day but - " a knock sounded on the door and everyone fell quiet.
" Come in. " the teacher sighed as the door slid open.
" Excuse me sensei, is this room C2? I got a little lost. " she smiled warmly.
" Yes my dear. Come, come in. "
Syaoran and Tristan watched with little interest as the red head walked in the door.
" I'm sorry sir. " she blushed as she handed him a slip of paper. " I'm new. "
The teacher read the slip and looked at the girl.
" It says here that your name is Cherry Kincaid. Is that right? "
" Hai. It is sensei. " Ying Fa racked her brains for all the polite ways to address the teacher. If only she hadn't been so bad before and not bothered to call the teachers anything but things that shouldn't be repeated.
" Well I guess this means that you are in here with us from now on Cherry. What an unusual name you have my dear. "
Ying Fa smiled and everyone watched her.
" It is sir. I was named after the colour of my hair. "
The teacher smiled.
" Minna-san. " he looked at the class and they all looked forward. " I would like to introduce you to Kincaid Cherry. She is new an I hope you'll become great fiends. Where did you say you were from? "
" I didn't sensei. I come from way out in the country from my uncle sir. "
" And your parents? " the teacher asked.
Ying Fa couldn't hide the pain. Everyone witnessed it and sat up straighter.
" I don't have any parents sir. I lost them when I was little. "
" I'm sorry. "
" Please don't be. It happened a long time ago. " she waved it away carelessly.
The teacher nodded and looked around.
" Where shall we seat you? " he looked around. " Theres a seat up near Tristan Hiiragizawa and there's one up the front here next to Meika Farrier. Which would you like? "
Ying Fa looked up and met Tristan's gaze. He starred back at her and Ying Fa glarred. It was only the slightly narrowing of her eyes, no one else noticed, but growing up with an uncle and father that tormented each other daily, Tristan had leant to pick up glares without really seeing them. He blanched wondering why the girl was glaring at him.
Ying Fa walked to the front seat and looked at the girl beside the empty desk.
" May I? "
Meika looked up startled. She was beautiful and had brown hair and blue/green eyes.
" Sure. " she smiled and Ying Fa sat down.
The teacher blabbed on and Ying Fa looked over at the girl. She looked back and smiled.
" Pleased to meet you Cherry. " she said. " I hope you like it here. "
Ying Fa genuiely smiled and returned the greeting.
" What do you have next? " Ying Fa asked.
" I have ancient History. You? "
" Same. " she smiled with relief. She had at least one friend.
* * *
The end bell went and Ying Fa sighed greatfully. She packed her stuff away and stood up. She walked out of the classroom and bumped into Meika.
" Hey! " she smiled warmly.
" Hey! " Cherry replied. " In a hurry? "
" Isn't everyone? I mean we all dash for the front door. "
Ying Fa laughed and Tristan shot her a look as he came out the door behind her. He met up with Syaoran and Alley and they walked towards the front door.
" So where's Amy? I thought you guys were going to the mall? " Cherry asked as they walked towards the door.
" Change of plains. Amy is sick of the place and Raye and Rene want to hang out. So I thought we'd just walk around and see what we can find. "
" I know a great place! It's quiet and we can hang out, that is of course of you don't mind me joining you? "
Meika laughed.
" Girl you know your invited. So where is this place? "
" It's near my apartment. It's got a huge penguin slide. Little kids will be there, but it's quiet and we can find some space I'm sure. "
" You live near Peguin park? " she asked as they walked outside.
" Is that what it's called? "
" I live near there too! What number are you? "
" 53. "
" I'm 62! We don't live that far away! "
Cherry smiled as they walked out the gates.
* * *
" This is a great place. " Amy said as she undid her outer shirt and chucked it on the ground beside her.
" Yeah. I don't know I never thought of it before. It's right up behind the schools too.
Which is a bonus. "
They had been there for a while and Cherry was enjoying herself. Then Amy turned and Ying Fa starred at the tatoo that was on her upper arm.
" Amy! " Raye stated glancing at Cherry.
Amy shrugged.
" 'S ok. She doesn't know what it represents. " Amy said and smiled at Cherry.
Ying Fa layed back against the tree and smiled.
" Sure I do. It means that your part of a gang. "
The girls stiffened.
" Who are you? " Rene demanded.
" I'm a friend. "
" Who says? " Meika asked.
Cherry met their angry and wary stares.
" The Black Wolf Chic. "
The gaped at her.
" The what?!! "
" You heard. " Cherry replied.
" I thought she was brown? Not red. "
" It's a cover up. " Cherry replied. " You girls should know that. "
Meika went starry eyed.
" Your her? For real? "
Cherry nodded.
" Now who are you? I don't believe I've seen that tatoo before. "
Amy looked at her.
" We're called ' The Doom and Gloom Girls. ' We've only just begun. "
Meika showed Cherry her tattoo.
" It's been a year since we've begun, we're pretty good, but we can't gain rank, because stupid bastards keep knocking us down. "
Cherry nodded.
" I know your secret and you know mine. What are we going to do about it? "
" We'll keep it if you keep ours. " Raye stated firmly.
" Fine. But I want something from you first. " Cherry said.
Meika looked at her.
" Anything. "
" Meika! " Amy snapped.
" Shush! I want to help if we can! " Meika snapped back. She looked at Cherry.
" I want to know of any others you know that go to our school. I am investing in a big project that will benifit us all, but I need people that will follow me, help me. "
The girls nodded.
" What's the big investment? " Rene asked.
" Can't tell you just yet. If you follow me, I'll help you get rank and in the end you'll know what I'm doing. "
The girls lasped into details and stories well after sunset.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Two months later
Cherry handed the last assignment in for the year. It had been hard, but she had done it. She made her way into the cafeteria and saw Syaoran sitting all alone. She smiled and made her way over to him.
" Hello. " she said as she sat down opposite him.
He looked up and starred at her warily.
" Not in the mood for talking huh? " Cherry asked smiling.
" Not to you, no. "
Cherry raised her eyebrow and Syaoran was struck again at how familar she was.
" That's not fair. I'm in the same mixed roll call as you and even though you're what 2 years yonger than me? I'm not afraid to say hi and mingle. "
" Hey look there's other 10th graders. Go mingle with them. I'm not interested. "
" You don't like me very much do you? "
" What ever gave you that impression? " he replied sarcastically.
" I know your type. " Cherry said. " You like to be challenged don't you? I don't present much of a challenge do I? "
Syoaran studied her for a bit.
" Can you blame me for being curious? " Ying Fa smiled wolfishly.
" Ever heard the saying 'Curiousity killed the cat'? " Syaoran asked smirking.
Cherry smirked back and stood.
" Hai. I have. But have you ever heard that' Satisfaction brought it back'? "
Syaoran starred at her as she winked and walked away. She had won that round.
Rene walked up to her at the tree she was sitting under. She handed her a note.
" All done. " she said.
" You got them already? "
" Yep. Now all you have to do is come up with some way to get us togther here so we can discuss everything. "
Cherry thought and saw some kid walked by with a laptop computer.
" Bingo. "
* * *
" .. So please ladies and gentlemen remember that the teachers carpark is OUT of BOUNDS. I will not tolerate anymore games ' of let down the tyres on Mr Raman's car.' Is that clear? "
The assmebly laughed and the teacher scowled.
" Now here to make a student announcement is Cherry Kincaid. "
People sat up straighter. They were waiting. Tristan looked around him. What was going on? It was just a girl.
Cherry walked up on stage and Tristan studied her. She was familar.
" Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to propose a rather unuasual proposal. If any of you are interested in anything to do computing from HACK to SIGN. " she emphasized the HACK and the SIGN.
" Then please join me in the Music room today at lunch to sort out some details. "
She watched as numerous people slightly nodded accepting the codewords as their signal.
" Thank you. " she said and jumped off the stage.
Beside Tristan, Alley frowned.
" Umm don't we aleady have a computer club? "
Tristan frowned.
" Yeah. Must be something different. "
* * *
Cherry closed the door and addressed all the boys and girls in the room.
" Thank you for coming. I asked you all here today because of a project that I am doing.
Those of you that are here today you will speak nothing about this is that clear? "
They nodded.
" You will take orders from the Doom and Gloom Girls and they will get their orders from me. This is a big mission people. Big. It is dangerous, but it is a adventure of some sort. . . " she went on to give details etc.
Baby emerald eyes starred up at him helplessly as the flames danced around them both.
" Ying Fa! " Li extended his hands to her but she just continued to stare at him helplessly.
Li tried to reach for her but the fire blew up in his face and he shielded his face and stepped back. When he looked back he gasped as his little daughter changed and grew into Rogue. She was glarring at him with those same emerald green of his wife's in that dis-trusting way.
" Rogue?!! " Li asked stunned. He was no longer worried about the fire preventing him getting to her.
She crossed her arms and glarred furiously at him.
" What else did you expect? " she asked coldly.
Li frowned. Something was wrong with her voice. It was a mixture of Rogue's and little Ying Fa's voices.
Li blinked and then frowned in determination, reaching his hand out towards her. She starred at his outstretched hand as if it were a snake. She flicked her hair and turned away from him.
" Rogue! Where are you going?!! I'm trying to help you! "
She shot him a contemptuous look over her shoulder.
" I don't need your help. I'm fine on my own. " and with that she disappeared into the flames.
" Rogue! " Li yelled, but it was too late. The fire had engulfed her.
* * *
" Li! " Sakura all but yelled. " Li! For God's sake wake up! "
Li was thrashing about and Sakura was trying to wake him.
" Li! It's a dream please, wake up! "
Li sat bolt up and nearly collided with Sakura. He was covered in sweat and breathing heavily. His wide amber eyes flicked over to Sakura and he grasped the sheets even tighter. Her emerald eyes were watching him warily and worriedly.
" Li? " she asked quietly. " Are you ok? "
Li breathed out and tried to calm his thoughts.
" I'm fine. " he mumbled. " It was nothing. "
Sakura stiffened and crawled over to him.
" Now I'm even more worried. "
Li's eyes widened as he looked at her sitting beside him.
" I haven't been your best friend and wife for all these years without knowing that when you say ' It's nothing ' that something is bothering you. " her eyes softened as she looked up at him.
" Don't you want to talk about it? "
Li looked away.
" It was just a bad dream, that's all. "
Sakura knew she wasn't going to win this one. She looked out the window and watched the moon. She sighed and hugged Li startling him.
" Well then, I'm just glad you're ok. " she said and Li ran his hands through her soft silky hair.
" Thank you. " he whispered and kissed her on the top of her head. Despite all the years that they had been married and being 35, she hadn't changed one bit. She still looked as young and innocent as he had the day he had met her back in elementary school. He hadn't changed much either, but he did look older, but being the leader of the prestigeous gang in the world, with stress and everything else, no wonder he sometimes loked a million years old, instead of 35. But that was to be suspected.
" Goodnight Li. " Sakura whispered and kissed him soundly on the mouth.
Li's arms tightned around her.
" Goodnight Sakura. " and together they layed back down and Sakura snuggled up against his bare chest and fell asleep.
Li watched her sleep thinking about his dream. Why did he dream it? He played with the ends of Sakura's long hair as he thought. He closed his eyes and drifted back to sleep hoping some answers would come, but they didn't.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shinji stood at the back door watching Ying Fa as she sat on the chain rope fence and swung back and forth thinking. She had been sitting there for over an hour. He sighed and decided now was a good a time as any.
He walked out into the afternoon sun and she looked up as he came towards her.
" Hey. " he said quietly.
" Hey. " she said back.
" Mind if I join you for a bit? " Shinji asked sitting down.
" No. What can I do for you? " she tried to smile, but it was faint.
" Mind if I ask what's bothering you? "
" What's usually bothering me Shinj? " Ying Fa asked.
Shinji squeezed her hand.
" Ying Fa you're going to find your family. I promise you. "
Ying Fa smiled and gripped his hand tightly in return.
" So? What did you want to talk to me about? You came out here with a purpose. "
Shinji smiled and tried to think of how to begin. "
" Look I just wanted to say sorry for what happened last time you came back. I - "
" Shinji please. " Ying Fa said and tunred away. " We all make mistakes. I'm just glad you had the sense to see what you were doing and fix it. "
Shinji sighed.
" No, I didn't have the sense. It was the thought of losing you that made me able to snap out of it. "
Ying Fa froze and looked up at him.
" Shinji - "
" No Ying Fa let me finish. " Shinji cut in. " I thought that you were a gift from the gods that night that man smuggled you into out place for my father do away with you. "
Ying Fa cringed.
" It was me that convinced my father not to get rid of you. I just felt that somehow you were another sister you know? "
Ying Fa smiled softly remembering.
" But as we grew I realised that you meant more to me than just a sister or best friend. "
Ying Fa lost her smile and saw that same look in his eyes that most guys had for her and she went cold. No! This couldn't be happening!
" Shinji - " she began, but Shinji silenced her, placing his finger gently on her lips.
" I love you you know that Ying Fa? " Shinji asked.
Ying Fa groaned like a tortured animal.
" Shinji listen to me. You think you love me but it's just bond that we've had since we were ki - "
" No! " Shinji said firmly. " It isn't. "
Ying Fa bent her head tryingto figure all this out.
" Shinji I - I can't - I don't - "
She looked up and met his eyes.
" I love you. "
Shinj's eyes brightened.
" I love you too, but only as a brother, a best friend with whom I've had all my adventures with. I don't love you like you love me. I'm sorry. "
Shinji's eyes darkened with misery.
" Oh Shinji. " Ying Fa cried, tears forming in her huge Emerald eyes. " You know what I'm trying to say, but I'm not the one meant for you. "
Shinji turned away. He should have known.
" Save the lecture Ying Fa. I know. I'll find the one that's meant for me but it's not you right? "
She sighed brokenly.
" If I could go right back to the beginning again and end up with you again, even with all the misery and heartache, I wouldn't change a thing for the world. Shinji you will always be a part of me, and I hope that I will always be a part of you? "
Shinji looked at her.
" What kind of stupid question is that? " he asked trying to be normal though he was hurting.
" Of course you'll always be a part of me. " he hugged her tightly. " Just take care ok and try to be too much of a smart arse. "
Ying Fa smiled shakily. She knew what he was doing and she was greatful.
" Thanks Shinji. " she whispered and he simply nodded.
She pulled away from him and looked around the place.
" This might be the last time I - " she paused and Shinji didn't want to think about what she meant.
" - I might get to see you for a while. " she finished.
Shinji sighed and rocked back and forth on the chain rope that acted like a seat between the poles.
" So what do you plan to do? Black obviously said something to upset you. "
" How very observant of you Shinj. "
" Don't get smart. What happened? "
She was quiet for a while.
" I going after Komoji. "
" What?!! " there was thump as Shinji fell off the rope chain and onto the ground flat on his back.
" You ok? " she asked.
" I forbid you to go anywhere near him! "
Ying Fa sighed with relief inside. He was back to his over-protective self.
" You can't stop me. "
" Like hell I can't! " he sat up and glarred at her.
" I'm getting my revenge. "
" There are a million ways you can get him back! Ways that don't include you going anywhere near him. "
" He has to pay. "
" For what? "
She glarred at him.
" My family for instance and - "
" And? "
" And for Keir. " she mumbled.
Shinji froze.
" You're getting him back for what?!! " he demanded standing up and glarring down at her.
" For family and Keir. " she stated more loudly.
" You stay the hell away from him. " he commanded pointing at her. " I am the only one taking him out for Keir. Do you here me? "
She glarred up at him defiantly. She stood slowly and she knew what she was about to say was going to hurt. But she needed to drive the point home.
" You wouldn't be able to get two feet in front of him. "
Shinji stiffened.
" What did you say? "
" You heard me, and you know it's true. You'd give yourself away and you'd be taken out before you had a chance. I am the only one capable of getting near him and we both know it. "
He just starred at her shocked.
" It's the truth Shinji. " she said softly and then walked off inside.
* * *
She walked inside and was met by Trinity and Cleo's sad looks. Trinity stood up.
" Is it true honey? Are you going after Komoji? "
" Hai. "
Cleo stiffled a choked sob.
" My god. " Trinity sat down on the lounge.
" I was just telling them. " Joe walked into the room with a tray filled with steaming cups of coffee.
" You do realise you can't go back as you are? " he asked setting the tray down.
" Well how else am I supposed to go back? "
" Take up your other identity. "
" Angel? " she asked confused.
" No. Cherry. " Black said.
" Of course well have to change everything about you. " Cleo said wiping her tears away.
" New clothes, hair colour, new eyes. "
" What about my eyes? " Ying Fa asked.
" They're too pronounced. There is only one other person I know that has that colour green. " Joe said.
" Who? "
" Sakura. " Joe replied without a beat.
Ying Fa gasped.
" You- you know Sakura Avalon? Jade Fox? How? "
" She's an old friend of mine. I use to work for her old enemy, White Tiger. "
Ying Fa gasped.
" You were a traitor? "
Joe smirked as he sat down and sipped the coffee.
" Sort of. It's complicated. "
" Now sugar. " Trinity cut in standing up and whisking Ying Fa towards the door.
" Lets get you ready. The sooner you can go back, and get this done with, although these things take a lot of time, months even, I will be happy when you are safe and sound and back here where you belong. "
" Hey- wait! "
* * *
Ying Fa starred at her image.
" I look like a strawberry shortcake. " she said flatly.
" Honey you are supposed to look something like your name. " Trinity replied.
Ying Fa looked at her now deep cherry red hair that looked like fire. Trin had curled it and it hung in ringlets down her back. She was wearing special contacts that changed her eye colour and now was blue eyed. She was wearing a red tartan pleated skirt and a white top and knee high boots.
" Not to mention I look like a good little school girl. "
" Now isn't that handy? " Trinity said dryly as she brushed her hair. " Just think. No one will ever suspect the devil under the angel outfit. "
" Point taken. " Ying Fa replied dryly. " But this colour will rinse out won't it? "
" 24 washes should do it. "
Ying Fa groaned.
" Seriously Ying Fa. " Trin began. " Enroll in the high school. It's the smartest move in the book. You'd be surprised how much you can learn in them. And - " she smiled.
" You'd be surprised how many others do the same thing. You can find out a lot from that kind of network. "
Ying Fa tilted her head thinking.
" I dropped out of high school years ago. "
" Only because, you little devil, the teacher threatened to hang you up by your feet to the fan if you didn't stop terrorising everyone and causing so much mischief. "
" How could I help it if I was bored stiff? The teacher was just upset because I was one of his adoring female fans. "
Trinity laughed.
" It's not funny. He was a jerk! He was ancient and still believed himself to be god. " Ying Fa shuddered.
" He didn't like it when I told him where he could stick it all. "
" Just don't do it this time. I want you to be the angel. "
" Fine. " Ying Fa muttered. " Who knows, it might be fun to be the angel for once. "
Shinji and the others bliked as Ying Fa emerged from the bedroom with Trinity following her.
" Ta-dah! "
" Holy shit. " Shinji stated.
" I take it you like it? "
" Umm it doesn't suit you when you're you. " Cleo said doubtfully.
Ying Fa frowned and then smiled sweetly.
" Umm excuse me. " she said sweetly.
" Hi, my names Cherry Kincaid and I seem to be lost. You see I've just moved here and I don't really know anyone and well I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to show me around? "
Cleo laughed and clapped her hands.
" Much better. You almost had me fooled. "
" Lets hope it lasts. " Joe mumbled smiling at her antics.
* * *
Back In Tomoeda
Cherry sat at one of the tables of one of the cafe's and sipped her coffee with delight. She had come back earlier, but she was still getting used to all the changes. Joe had insisted she change apartments and then had promptly informed her that it had already been done when she protested. So now she was on the other side of Tomoeda in the quiet area where she had been earlier near the bridge and the penguin park. Those were a few streets away from her apartment, but she liked it better. Joe had taken her car and given her a Jaguar XIR instead. She had stubbornly refused to give up her bike and in the end Joe gave in.
The high school was a few blocks away and she started there on Thursday. It was already half way through the year, but she didn't care, she just had to sit there and look pretty and try to get as many people as she could to help her. She knew this was going to take a lot and she couldn't do it on her own. But one thing was certain, she didn't want the Black Wolves help! She was still peeved with them.
The hot wind blew her hair and she struggled to keep it behind her ears. She looked up and stiffened. Across the street was Sakura, Li, Eriol, Meilin, Ally and Syaoran. Tristan was no where in sight. They were crossing the street and so far they hadn't noticed her. They walked straight past her without even looking over and she smiled. Perfect! But then Syaoran looked at her and frowned and stopped. Ying Fa starred straight back at him and sipped her coffee casually.
" Syaoran! Hurry up! " Ally called and he walked after them, shooting her another look. He looked puzzled.
Ying Fa waited till he was gone and burst out laughuing. Several people looked at her strangely, but she didn't care! She had confused him! Oh life was good!
** Thursday **
Ying Fa stood back as all the people bustled around her. They jumped off busues, came in cars, got dropped off, walked or rode bicycles. She gulped, a little afraid for the second time. She shouldered her bag and headed towards the front entrance of Seijyo high.
( AN: And that is what it's called, I just went and checked my DVD so no complaints! I'm right! )
She walked up to the front office and smiled sweetly.
* * *
" Now class, settle down. I know it's the beginning of the day but - " a knock sounded on the door and everyone fell quiet.
" Come in. " the teacher sighed as the door slid open.
" Excuse me sensei, is this room C2? I got a little lost. " she smiled warmly.
" Yes my dear. Come, come in. "
Syaoran and Tristan watched with little interest as the red head walked in the door.
" I'm sorry sir. " she blushed as she handed him a slip of paper. " I'm new. "
The teacher read the slip and looked at the girl.
" It says here that your name is Cherry Kincaid. Is that right? "
" Hai. It is sensei. " Ying Fa racked her brains for all the polite ways to address the teacher. If only she hadn't been so bad before and not bothered to call the teachers anything but things that shouldn't be repeated.
" Well I guess this means that you are in here with us from now on Cherry. What an unusual name you have my dear. "
Ying Fa smiled and everyone watched her.
" It is sir. I was named after the colour of my hair. "
The teacher smiled.
" Minna-san. " he looked at the class and they all looked forward. " I would like to introduce you to Kincaid Cherry. She is new an I hope you'll become great fiends. Where did you say you were from? "
" I didn't sensei. I come from way out in the country from my uncle sir. "
" And your parents? " the teacher asked.
Ying Fa couldn't hide the pain. Everyone witnessed it and sat up straighter.
" I don't have any parents sir. I lost them when I was little. "
" I'm sorry. "
" Please don't be. It happened a long time ago. " she waved it away carelessly.
The teacher nodded and looked around.
" Where shall we seat you? " he looked around. " Theres a seat up near Tristan Hiiragizawa and there's one up the front here next to Meika Farrier. Which would you like? "
Ying Fa looked up and met Tristan's gaze. He starred back at her and Ying Fa glarred. It was only the slightly narrowing of her eyes, no one else noticed, but growing up with an uncle and father that tormented each other daily, Tristan had leant to pick up glares without really seeing them. He blanched wondering why the girl was glaring at him.
Ying Fa walked to the front seat and looked at the girl beside the empty desk.
" May I? "
Meika looked up startled. She was beautiful and had brown hair and blue/green eyes.
" Sure. " she smiled and Ying Fa sat down.
The teacher blabbed on and Ying Fa looked over at the girl. She looked back and smiled.
" Pleased to meet you Cherry. " she said. " I hope you like it here. "
Ying Fa genuiely smiled and returned the greeting.
" What do you have next? " Ying Fa asked.
" I have ancient History. You? "
" Same. " she smiled with relief. She had at least one friend.
* * *
The end bell went and Ying Fa sighed greatfully. She packed her stuff away and stood up. She walked out of the classroom and bumped into Meika.
" Hey! " she smiled warmly.
" Hey! " Cherry replied. " In a hurry? "
" Isn't everyone? I mean we all dash for the front door. "
Ying Fa laughed and Tristan shot her a look as he came out the door behind her. He met up with Syaoran and Alley and they walked towards the front door.
" So where's Amy? I thought you guys were going to the mall? " Cherry asked as they walked towards the door.
" Change of plains. Amy is sick of the place and Raye and Rene want to hang out. So I thought we'd just walk around and see what we can find. "
" I know a great place! It's quiet and we can hang out, that is of course of you don't mind me joining you? "
Meika laughed.
" Girl you know your invited. So where is this place? "
" It's near my apartment. It's got a huge penguin slide. Little kids will be there, but it's quiet and we can find some space I'm sure. "
" You live near Peguin park? " she asked as they walked outside.
" Is that what it's called? "
" I live near there too! What number are you? "
" 53. "
" I'm 62! We don't live that far away! "
Cherry smiled as they walked out the gates.
* * *
" This is a great place. " Amy said as she undid her outer shirt and chucked it on the ground beside her.
" Yeah. I don't know I never thought of it before. It's right up behind the schools too.
Which is a bonus. "
They had been there for a while and Cherry was enjoying herself. Then Amy turned and Ying Fa starred at the tatoo that was on her upper arm.
" Amy! " Raye stated glancing at Cherry.
Amy shrugged.
" 'S ok. She doesn't know what it represents. " Amy said and smiled at Cherry.
Ying Fa layed back against the tree and smiled.
" Sure I do. It means that your part of a gang. "
The girls stiffened.
" Who are you? " Rene demanded.
" I'm a friend. "
" Who says? " Meika asked.
Cherry met their angry and wary stares.
" The Black Wolf Chic. "
The gaped at her.
" The what?!! "
" You heard. " Cherry replied.
" I thought she was brown? Not red. "
" It's a cover up. " Cherry replied. " You girls should know that. "
Meika went starry eyed.
" Your her? For real? "
Cherry nodded.
" Now who are you? I don't believe I've seen that tatoo before. "
Amy looked at her.
" We're called ' The Doom and Gloom Girls. ' We've only just begun. "
Meika showed Cherry her tattoo.
" It's been a year since we've begun, we're pretty good, but we can't gain rank, because stupid bastards keep knocking us down. "
Cherry nodded.
" I know your secret and you know mine. What are we going to do about it? "
" We'll keep it if you keep ours. " Raye stated firmly.
" Fine. But I want something from you first. " Cherry said.
Meika looked at her.
" Anything. "
" Meika! " Amy snapped.
" Shush! I want to help if we can! " Meika snapped back. She looked at Cherry.
" I want to know of any others you know that go to our school. I am investing in a big project that will benifit us all, but I need people that will follow me, help me. "
The girls nodded.
" What's the big investment? " Rene asked.
" Can't tell you just yet. If you follow me, I'll help you get rank and in the end you'll know what I'm doing. "
The girls lasped into details and stories well after sunset.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Two months later
Cherry handed the last assignment in for the year. It had been hard, but she had done it. She made her way into the cafeteria and saw Syaoran sitting all alone. She smiled and made her way over to him.
" Hello. " she said as she sat down opposite him.
He looked up and starred at her warily.
" Not in the mood for talking huh? " Cherry asked smiling.
" Not to you, no. "
Cherry raised her eyebrow and Syaoran was struck again at how familar she was.
" That's not fair. I'm in the same mixed roll call as you and even though you're what 2 years yonger than me? I'm not afraid to say hi and mingle. "
" Hey look there's other 10th graders. Go mingle with them. I'm not interested. "
" You don't like me very much do you? "
" What ever gave you that impression? " he replied sarcastically.
" I know your type. " Cherry said. " You like to be challenged don't you? I don't present much of a challenge do I? "
Syoaran studied her for a bit.
" Can you blame me for being curious? " Ying Fa smiled wolfishly.
" Ever heard the saying 'Curiousity killed the cat'? " Syaoran asked smirking.
Cherry smirked back and stood.
" Hai. I have. But have you ever heard that' Satisfaction brought it back'? "
Syaoran starred at her as she winked and walked away. She had won that round.
Rene walked up to her at the tree she was sitting under. She handed her a note.
" All done. " she said.
" You got them already? "
" Yep. Now all you have to do is come up with some way to get us togther here so we can discuss everything. "
Cherry thought and saw some kid walked by with a laptop computer.
" Bingo. "
* * *
" .. So please ladies and gentlemen remember that the teachers carpark is OUT of BOUNDS. I will not tolerate anymore games ' of let down the tyres on Mr Raman's car.' Is that clear? "
The assmebly laughed and the teacher scowled.
" Now here to make a student announcement is Cherry Kincaid. "
People sat up straighter. They were waiting. Tristan looked around him. What was going on? It was just a girl.
Cherry walked up on stage and Tristan studied her. She was familar.
" Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to propose a rather unuasual proposal. If any of you are interested in anything to do computing from HACK to SIGN. " she emphasized the HACK and the SIGN.
" Then please join me in the Music room today at lunch to sort out some details. "
She watched as numerous people slightly nodded accepting the codewords as their signal.
" Thank you. " she said and jumped off the stage.
Beside Tristan, Alley frowned.
" Umm don't we aleady have a computer club? "
Tristan frowned.
" Yeah. Must be something different. "
* * *
Cherry closed the door and addressed all the boys and girls in the room.
" Thank you for coming. I asked you all here today because of a project that I am doing.
Those of you that are here today you will speak nothing about this is that clear? "
They nodded.
" You will take orders from the Doom and Gloom Girls and they will get their orders from me. This is a big mission people. Big. It is dangerous, but it is a adventure of some sort. . . " she went on to give details etc.