Author's note: Okay, I won't give a long note since the chapter is long enough. Well, I just want to say thanks for all of you who read this story. Your all awesome! And I'm sorry if this chapter took so long but I promise you won't disappointed (at least I don't ). But before that I want to give some responses for the reviews.
Sakura Blossom161: Thank you so much for always reading this. Well, every story needs a foe, so I have Syaoran's father as a one. Well actually it sounds weird how a father could do such things to his own son, but hey, there are some people who did that.
Cherry Jade: Thank you so much for reviewing! About Syaoran's dad, you can see at my response for Sakura Blossom161. ::Gives you a warm hug::
Angel Blossom 247: Wow! I'm so honored! Thank you so much. Hope you'll read my next stories!
SaiMui & The Crystally Water: Thanks guys for your reviews! You really think Syaoran is bad?? Well, there won't be any SS if he is bad… but actually, he's kinda hot if he's bad, right?
Awai-umi: Thank you so much for your review! Well, am I going to kill Sakura? You'll find the answer here. About the character, well, I can't make it because I've already have my plot line. But maybe in my other story? Thanks anyway! I really appreciate it.
Kelly: Thanks for your review. But I'm really sorry to say that there won't be any Yelen in the story. Because I've already made Syaoran as an orphan, he only has his 'mean' father.
Well, I'm sorry that I can't respond to all the reviews. But I really appreciate all your attention. Hopefully you'll enjoy this chapter because it's very very long (trust me!). Ja, please enjoy everyone!
Played by Faith chapter 7
Protecting your Loved One…
Sakura checks all their belongings. She and Syaoran already packed their things in 4 suitcases. They have decided that they didn't want to bring all their things, only their important stuff.
"Syaoran! I've already finished. We can go now."
Syaoran was checking his office when he heard his wife's call. He makes sure everything he needs is already packed. He was just going to close his office door when he remembers something. He turns around and walks as fast as possible to his desk. He opens the first drawer and sees his gun laying there. Yes, he has a gun, but he never used it. He buys it at an auction to help one of his friends. Never in his mind will he use it. 'Should I bring this dangerous thing with me?' he thinks hard. But then, flashes of Sakura's face come to his mind. He takes the gun without any further consideration. He has to protect his wife.
"Honey, what are you doing? We will miss the flight." Sakura's head pops through the door. Syaoran quickly hides his gun away. He doesn't want her to see it.
"Sorry dear. I was just checking my documents. I'll be out in a few." Syaoran puts a fake smile on his face. He hopes his wife won't recognize it.
At first, Sakura feels strange. She thinks that her husband is covering something. But, she quickly wipes the thought away. "Well okay, hurry up; I'll be in the living room." She smiles.
Syaoran lets out a long breath. He sees the gun again and puts it inside his jacket's pocket. He thanked God he has his document, if not; he will be in a serious trouble.
After checking around his office, Syaoran walks out of the room and sees Sakura sitting on the couch in the living room. All the suitcases are around her.
"You brought all these bags alone?" Syaoran asks disbelievingly.
"Yeah, do you think I can't handle those? Mou… Xiao Lang! I'm not that fragile…" Sakura frowns cutely. Syaoran chuckles a little in response to his wife. He always thinks that Sakura acts a little childish sometimes, but that's one of the reasons why he loves her so much. She gives more color to his life.
"I'm sorry, honey… I should have help you but (giggles a little), but I love seeing you that way, you look so cute…"
Sakura folds her arms to her chest. "Xiao Lang no baka!" She sticks out her tongue to him.
"Oh come on dear, I was just joking. Now let's go or we will surely miss the flight."
Sakura doesn't move from her seat. Syaoran shrugs and then takes out his cell phone.
"Wei, can you help me take all my suitcases up here to my car? No, I have to carry something heavy. Yes, thank you." Syaoran shuts the phone and looks at Sakura. "So, this is my heavy luggage." Sakura gives Syaoran a questioning face, but then she yelps in surprise. Syaoran has swept her from the chair and carries her all the way to the front door.
"Xiao Lang! What are you doing! People will think we're crazy!" Sakura tries hard to get away from Syaoran's arm and punches his chest all the way.
Syaoran chuckles. "They won't think we're crazy. They will think we're in love, aren't we?" He raises one of his eyebrows and smiles. Sakura smiles back at him and nods. "But it doesn't mean you have to carry me like this. They'll think I'm a weak woman."
"Okay, I'll put you down. Here you go." Syaoran puts his wife down just next to the car. Then, he opens his black Lexus' door for her.
"Why thank you kind sir." Sakura bows a little and then moves inside the car.
Syaoran looks around and sees Wei carrying the suitcases with another guy helping. He opens the trunk and helps Wei put all of the suitcases inside.
"Thanks Wei, I owe so much for all of your help. And once again, please don't tell dad about this, okay?" Syaoran asks as he closes the trunk.
"Sure young master, I'm really glad to help. Please have a safe trip and I'm willing to help whenever you need." Wei smiles kindly.
"I know I can always count on you, Wei. Ja."
They shake hands and say their last goodbyes. Then, Syaoran moves to the driver seat and place himself in front of the wheel. "Okay, here we go." Syaoran looks at Sakura who nods in return. The car pulls off the parking lot right away.
Someplace near behind…
"They're moving."
"Then follow, you idiot! Don't lose their tracks."
"Yes, sir."
Li Wei Xiang
Li Wei Xiang smirks evilly and inhales his cigar. 'I will be rich in in a few moments. My stupid son will obey me no matter what happens. I'll have what I want.'
Sakura
"Syaoran, can you pull over for a sec at that café?"
"What happened?" Syaoran asks with full concern.
"Nothing important, I just want to buy some mint candies…" She answers lightly.
"Oh, come on Sakura we can buy it at the airport."
"No, I'll buy you some chocolates, or maybe you want a sundae?" Sakura gives him puppy eyes. She knows he can't resist it. After all, her husband loves chocolate very much.
"Oh well, okay. Get me some chocolates. No peanuts. Full milk." Syaoran reminds her as she unbuckles her seatbelt. She gives her husband a light kiss then goes towards the café.
Syaoran smiles looking at his wife's figure. He still can not believe that he, Syaoran Li actually fall in love with a woman. Most importantly, a woman he barely knew at first. But, what could you do when love calls you? He was just turning on his tape when suddenly he hears someone screaming. Not only someone, but his wife.
"Xiao Lang!!!!!!"
Syaoran turns his head and sees his wife being captured by two men. "Sakura!!!!!!!!" They drag her to a blue van. He quickly turns his car on and follows the van out the parking area. "Shit! Who's those bastards?!" Syaoran tries to navigate his way carefully as anger rises in his body. It is quite hard to stay focused when he's furious.
Not so long after, the van moves to a neglected factory. Syaoran decides to wait outside and watch them. Minutes later, the back door of the van opens revealing two men. One of them holds Sakura's hands and the other covers her mouth with a sheet. They drag a struggling Sakura into the factory. Syaoran quickly takes out his cell phone and dials Eriol's number.
"Hello."
"Cut off the shit Eriol! Sakura is being kidnapped! Call some backups; I'm at the neglected factory besides Tomoeda Lake. Hurry up!" He then throws his cell to the seat next to him. 'Wait Sakura, I'll rescue you.' Then Syaoran opens his door and walks silently to the neglected factory.
Eriol
"Wait!" But Syaoran has already broken the connection. Eriol curses under his breath. He then looks at the man in front of him.
"So Mr. Hiiragizawa? Was that Mr. Li Syaoran?"
Eriol moves nervously. "No, that wasn't Syaoran."
"So who was it?" The man eyes him intently.
"That… that was, that was my girlfriend."
"We already tapped your phone line Mr. Hiiragizawa, so you as well have to come to the office. You will be charge in defending the suspect." The man smirks. He then calls his men who are outside Eriol's office. "Take him to the office and tell the others that Li Syaoran is at a neglected factory besides the lake, we may have two cases involving him."
"Right away inspector Saehara."
Sakura
"Let go of me you idiots!" Sakura shouts. She's tied up in a chair.
"So, are you Mrs. Li Syaoran? (grins evilly) you are pretty hot, eh? Hey guys, why don't we pleasure ourselves first before we kill her?" He asks his other two friends who are leaning against the wall. His friends smiles evilly in return. They don't recognize a figure that is hiding behind piles of boxes.
"I won't let you touch me, I'd rather die!" Sakura shouts furiously. Tears are already welling on her eyes. She's scared. She needs her husband right away.
"Brave woman aren't you? But that won't last long… Arrghh!! Shit!" He was just going to touch Sakura's chest when suddenly someone shot him on his leg making him drop to the floor.
"You touch a single hair of my wife and you're all dead!" Syaoran says as he points out his gun towards the two men who are standing across him.
"Xiao Lang!" Sakura can't believe her husband's actually there, and yet, he has a gun.
"You bastard!" One of the kidnappers shoots at Syaoran but he quickly moves away. Sakura's scream fills the warehouse. Syaoran hides behind the boxes and shoots at the kidnappers who also hide behind boxes. Sakura screams all the way watching her husband's battle. Just when Syaoran got shot in his left hand, a voice echoes through the wall.
"Freeze! All of you! We've already got this place surrounded! Throw your weapons down and put your hands up!"
Syaoran and both of the kidnappers throw down their weapons and put their hands above their heads. Some of police officers rush to the warehouse and put handcuffs to the kidnappers. Inspector Saehara walks towards Sakura and unties the robe. Sakura runs straight to Syaoran who's lying on the floor with a doctor examining his left hand.
"Xiao Lang, are you okay? I won't forgive myself if something's happen to you… how is he doctor? Is my husband alright?" Sakura says between her sobs. Tears are streaming down her cheeks.
The doctor smiles kindly to Sakura as soon as he wraps Syaoran's left hand. "Your husband is very lucky; the bullet passed him so he only got cut."
"Thank God! Xiao Lang! What did you think you were doing? I was almost fainted seeing you like that. Don't ever do that again!" Sakura hugs Syaoran tightly, ignoring Inspector Saehara who is standing next to them.
"Sakura, I'm okay, ouch… don't squeeze my left hand, it still hurts." Syaoran says as he tries to hide his wince of pain and hugs his wife back.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you, but Li Syaoran you are under arrest for involving in your company's black market. Your father, Mr. Li Wei Xiang is already taken, and also Mr. Eriol Hiiragizawa." Inspector Saehara shows both Sakura and Syaoran his badge.
Sakura's eyes wided in surprise. She pulls off from Syaoran and gives him a puzzled look. "No, Sakura, I was never involved in those things. My father always pushes me, but I've never agreed." Sakura's still frozen in shock. Syaoran shakes her lightly. But Sakura still doesn't move. Inspector Saehara pulls Syaoran away and puts handcuffs on his hands. "Sakura! Sakura! I'm sorry… I'm sorry…" Inspector Saehara drags him out the warehouse. Two officers walk towards Sakura who is still sitting on the floor with a shocked face.
"Excuse me, are you Mrs. Sakura Li?" A woman officer asks.
Sakura nods a little but still doesn't say anything. 'Syaoran… Syaoran… What did he do? Will he leave me?'
"Will you come with us too? There are some things we have to ask."
Sakura nods again weakly. She pushes herself to follow the officers. After they get outside, Sakura sees Syaoran being pushed to one of the police cars. She can't help herself not running to him.
"Syaoran! Syaoran!" She knocks the car's window. Syaoran looks very surprised inside. He presses his handcuffed hands to the window and whispers Sakura's name.
"Syaoran!! Whatever you did, I'll always love you! I'll come to you later, okay? Take care! I love you!" Sakura shouts feeling afraid that he can't hear her. The car slowly moves but Sakura still follows it.
"Sakura! Don't follow, it's dangerous! I love you too! Please believe me!" Syaoran presses his face to the window. He curses himself for not being able to touch her in this kind of situation.
They mouth their 'I love you's' one last time before the car drives away. Sakura was looking at the disappearing car when she feels somebody taps her shoulder. She turns around and sees Inspector Saehara standing in front of her.
"Excuse me Mrs. Li. I'm Inspector Saehara, and I'm responsible for this case. There are a few things I should ask you, would you like to come to the office?"
"Yes, Inspector. There are a few things I should know about my husband too." Then they walk to Inspector Saehara's car and depart to the police station.
Saehara's office
"So, your husband wasn't involved in your kidnapping?"
"Yes, why would he save me if he was?" Sakura answers quickly. She is sitting in front of Inspector Saehara's desk and is being asked by him.
"Did you know that your father in law, Mr. Li Wei Xiang was the one who kidnapped you?" He's eyeing her intently. He still can't understand why a man could kidnap his daughter in law.
Sakura shrugs uncomfortably. She knew all along that it was Li Wei Xiang's idea. But still, he's her father in law; she doesn't want to be the one who puts him in jail. She doesn't know what to say. "I… Well, I've never guessed it, I suppose."
"So now you know. Did you know too that your marriage was arranged by him in order to get your family's fortune?" He asks again.
"About that, well, I… I've heard about it but never gave it a second thought." She twists the end of her blouse. Her eyes look unfocusedly. Silence falls between them. Inspector Saehara looks occupied by writing in his notes. Then, Sakura encourages herself to ask him about her husband.
"Excuse me, Inspector, may I know what is happening to my husband?" She asks slowly.
Inspector Saehara looked away from his notes. He looks at the woman in front of him. Even though she looks rather fragile but her beautiful emerald eyes are shining with convincement. He knows he has to give her an answer or else she will get very upset.
"Well, we just discovered that Li Corporation is not like we think it is. Them becoming that powerful wasn't only because of their normal business. They ran dirty businesses too. One of the examples is they had an electronics black market. They exported illegal things. Now, as you know, your husband is vice president of Li Corporation, so he was proved to be involved in those cases." Inspector Saehara rests against his chair.
"Will he be punished?"
"I'm afraid he will."
Sakura holds the end of her blouse tightly. She tries hard to fight back her tears. "How long will it be?" Her voice sounds very shaky.
"I don't know yet, it depends on the judge. But by this case I would say about 2 or 3 years."
Sakura clasps her hands to her mouth. She can't be away from Syaoran for that long. She will miss him like hell. "Kind Inspector, may I see my husband now?" A drop of tears falls to her jeans.
Inspector Saehara nods kindly. Doesn't matter how tough he is, if a woman cries in front of him, he can't stand it. Especially, this woman who is extremely beautiful. Her glowing emerald eyes are not supposed to be full with tears. He then stands up and shows Sakura to a room separated with bars. Sakura sees Syaoran sitting on the corner with a blank expression. She quickly runs to the bars and falls to her knees. Syaoran turns his head and looks at his wife's figure. He quickly crawls to her and reaches for her face.
"Xiao Lang! How are you? God, I miss you already… I love you." She touches his cheek. Her hand is trembling.
"Sakura! I'm sorry, please forgive me, trust me, I've never been involved in those things, I will prove to them that I'm not guilty… I will be home right away, just by your side." Syaoran rubs Sakura's cheeks lovingly. It is rather hard for him to do it with his hands cuffed.
"I know, you're as pure as a saint for me, I'll wait for you Xiao Lang, okay, I have to go now, I will call the best lawyer in town. You just wait here and be nice. Take care okay?"
"Yes, be careful, love you." Syaoran embraces Sakura's cheek once again before Sakura was ushered away by Inspector Saehara.
Central Prison
She presses her palm to the glass in front of her. The man on the other side also does the same. Their hands united. Even though they were separated by a glass, their hands feel each other's heat. They look into each other's eyes deeply.
"Eleven months to go, Xiao Lang." She speaks through the telephone.
"Yeah, it's been a month, but it feels so fast because I always think about you." Syaoran smiles behind the glass.
"But still, I have to wait for eleven months, ne, Syaoran, there's also a thing I want to tell you." Sakura blushes. Her cheeks go deep red.
"What happened? You're healthy right?" Syaoran leans his body forward. He's so afraid that something has happened to Sakura.
Sakura giggles a little seeing her husband goes panic. "No, no, I'm alright. It's just… I hope you'll be really happy to hear it because I do… well, Xiao Lang, I'm pregnant."
Syaoran almost falls from his chair. He calms himself as he balances his body. He was very surprised to hear that. Mixed feelings are inside him. Happy, proud, anticipation, panic, concern, but there are also sadness. He wonders how his wife will handle her pregnancy without him. How about the labor? He won't be there next to her, to support her. He can't see his child when he/she is born.
"Sakura, well… I'm happy, of course, but… but, what about you? I can't be there beside you… I can't be there when you deliver our baby… I'm such a pathetic father…"
"No, Syaoran, you're great! It's okay, I have my family helping me, and I have my friends… you're the one who I worry about… and you will see the baby as soon as you're out of here." Sakura presses her palm against the glass.
"I'm sorry Sakura. It was all my dad's fault! Thank God, he will be here for some time. It will give him enough time to think about his behavior." Syaoran clenches his fist.
"Well, I think we should thank your father for one thing though, he made us find each other."
Syaoran nods. But then he frowns seeing an officer come towards Sakura. He knows she has to leave soon.
"Xiao Lang, I'm sorry, the time's up. But, I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, please take care yourself for me. I love you…" Sakura touches Syaoran's hand on the glass. Syaoran was about to say something when an officer pulls his arm. He's forced to the door but his eyes are still on Sakura who is still sitting on the same spot. Before he disappears behind the door, he moves his thumbs and points his fingers into a heart shape at Sakura . Sakura smiles and mouths I love you. Then, the door slams closed.
Eleven Months later…
He walks out of the large Iron Gate. He never felt so alive in the past 12 months. For this special day, he has cut his hair and shaved his chin. He looks around the street but sees no familiar faces. He sighs and takes a step forward. It seems that nobody will celebrate his freedom. Just as soon as he takes a step to his right, some familiar faces come to his vision.
"Welcome back, Xiao Lang!"
And there she is, Sakura stands surrounded by Fujitaka, Touya, Eriol, Tomoyo and Wei. They all smile kindly at him. He then notices that his wife's holding somebody else, yes, it's his son. Without any hesitation, he runs to his wife and hugs her with all his might. He missed her so dearly. And then he looks at his son's tiny figure who looks puzzled.
"Hi there Satoshi… you don't know me, do you?" Syaoran touches his baby's hand. Satoshi feels strange at first but then he smiles and giggles.
"Isn't he so cute? He knows you, you're his father…" Sakura says as she gives Satoshi to Syaoran. She knows her husband wants to hold his son so much. Syaoran holds his baby and embraces him. He then looks at all his family and friends behind Sakura. "Hey all! Thank you so much for all your support. Feels very great to finally be free." He smiles.
"You're welcome. We're also very happy to have you back, son." Fujitaka pats his shoulder.
"Yeah, I can't look after your wife anymore especially when she was hungry like a pig." Touya grins.
"Mou… oni-san! Don't be so cruel. I was pregnant, you know, I need food for my baby." Sakura frowns.
"Whatever, kaiju!" Touya folds his arms to his chest.
Sakura sticks her tongue to her older brother. Syaoran walks towards Eriol and Tomoyo who are standing besides Fujitaka. He gives Satoshi to Sakura and then gives his best friend a warm hug. "What's up Eriol? Thanks man for all your help."
"No probs, that's what friends are for." Eriol pats his shoulder. Syaoran then looks at Tomoyo who is standing besides Eriol. "Hello Ms. Daidouji, thank you for your support." He shakes her hand.
"It's okay Mr. Li. I'm glad to help whenever I can." Tomoyo smiles kindly.
Hope, dangles on a string
Like slow spinning redemption
Winding in and winding out
The shine of it has caught my eye
Roped me in so mesmerizing
And so hypnotizing
I am captivated
I am...
Then, Syaoran turns around to see someone who he missed so much. And there she is, standing with his son in her arms, smiles cutely. She still looks as amazing as back then when he first met her. Her emerald eyes are glistening in the light. Her honey brown hair falls down gracefully on her shoulders. He swears, he never saw anything more beautiful than the angel he sees right now.
Vindicated
I am selfish, I am wrong
I am right, I swear I'm right
Swear I knew it all along
And I am flawed
But I am cleaning up so well
I am seeing in me now
The things you swore you saw yourself
So clear
Like the diamond in your ring
Cut to mirror your intention
Oversized and overwhelmed
The shine of which has caught my eye
And rendered me so isolated
So motivated, I am certain now
That I am..
"Mr. Kinomoto, can I ask you a favor?" He asks politely.
Vindicated
I am selfish, I am wrong
I am right, I swear I'm right
Swear I knew it all along
And I am flawed
But I am cleaning up so well
I am seeing in me now
The things you swore you saw yourself
"Yes, my son?"
"Would you like to take my son for a moment from his mother? I'm afraid to squeeze him." He grins.
"Sure." Fujitaka smiles and then takes his grandson from Sakura's arms.
So turn up the corners of your lips
Part them and feel my finger tips
Trace the moment, fall forever
Defense is paper thin
Just one touch and I'd be in too deep now
to ever swim against the current
So let me slip away, so let me slip away
So let me slip away, so let me slip against the current
So let me slip away, so let me slip away
So let me slip away, so let me slip away
After Satoshi is being taken, Syaoran hurriedly walks to Sakura and hugs her. He then pulls his body and cups his cheeks in his hands. "I love you so much, Sakura." He murmurs and then kisses her with all the desire he has kept. Sakura replies his kisses with all her might. It has been a very hard time to live without him. They pull for air and then Sakura whispers in his ear. "You don't know how much I miss you." Syaoran hugs her and then spins her around. "Trust me I know, cause I miss you so much too."
Vindicated
I am selfish, I am wrong
I am right, I swear I'm right
Swear I knew it all along
And I am flawed
But I am cleaning up so well
I am seeing in me now
The things you swore you saw yourself
Like hope, dangles on a string
Like slow spinning redemption
THE END
AN: Lolz! Wow! Finally, this story has come to an end! I've thought that I wouldn't be able to write an end to this story because when I started it, I had no idea how this story would end… well, I hope all of you, who read this story won't feel disappointed with this conclusion. Big thanks to everyone who has followed this story from the beginning to the end. I hope I have given you something lovely to read. Please submit your reviews and I'll gladly read them. I hope I can write more stories and if I do, I hope you will kindly read it again.
PS: The song is "Vindicated" by Dashboard Confessional. Trust me, it rocks!
Lots of love,
Garnette Lovegood