----- Sort of a Fairytale
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura solely belongs to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Arigato.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my new fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my one last stab at the SATs, through college essays, countless college searching, and college applications of my senior year. Needless to say, I'll be very busy. I'll be trying my best to update this, but I'm going to have one hectic senior year!
This chapter is dedicated to Avelyn Lauren for all the hardships that she's pulled through; and bless God for the courage that He gifted her with. Furthermore, this entire story is dedicated to all those whose roads are a bit more crooked and less smooth than ours. Be grateful with what you have and always be willing to share what you have with others.
With that said, can you guys believe it? I, full name here, actually got into a university! Yes, that's right! Goodbye to "no-college-to-go-to" fear! Whoopee! You guys cannot believe how happy I am. I came back from Chinese New Year holidays with this rain soaked letter in my garage! Talk about big surprises and a bright new beginning in a new year! The school is my safe school (University of Washington) but, hey, I have somewhere to go. This totally throws the weight off my shoulders! So, this chapter is definitely to YOU guys who have made me smile through my troubles! THANK YOU!
Iris dreamer.
----- BACKGROUND: Okay! Some background here. Syaoran and Sakura have not met before. Hm. No magic in here either (as some of you might know, I'm horrible at describing magic.....). What else? Oh, the characters may seem a bit out of character in the beginning (especially Sakura), but you'll see why as the story proceeds. Hm. I think that's about it. The rest you'll have to discover yourself! And if you know me, I love twists and turns, although this chapter should have less than ADOHE if you've read that. No, wait, actually now that I think about it, there is a lot of twists in this! LoL.
Oh, and mild (?) cursing in this chapter. I don't know how many it would be mild for you guys, but deepest apologies for the vulgar language.
Iris Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: SulliMike23: Don't we all wish that all the bad things in the world would just disappear? You'll just have to see how Sakura handles this Monoko guy mess! Happy reading!
Avelyn Lauren: Remember to read my author's note, for you have a dedication coming girl! You deserve it. Anyhow, if you want to email me, it's rainbow_dreams@email.com; it can also be found on my profile. I'm just sorry that you had to go through all that, but at the same time I'm thankful that you've come through that darkness and embraced the light. Hm, on other matters, I'm not in China, but in Asia. I moved to Asia a long time ago, since I was eight. Anyhow, I'm an American born Chinese if I haven't said earlier. Hehe. I'm pretty interested in Japanese as well, although mine's pretty much non-existent. I watch Japanese anime, drama, and sitcoms often, but only a few words I know. However, if you need any help in Chinese, just ask! I'm totally fluent there! Now, concerning my story. Hm, I hope you'll be pleased to find out that most of this chapter is Sakura and Syaoran interaction. As for the I am everywhere guy, you'll just have to read on to find out! Oh, and thanks for introducing all those stories to me! When I have the time, I will certainly take some out and read your fics. I hope you'll keep your interest in writing.
Yamiyumetenshi: Hehe, don't you just love Chinese New Years? All that free money is indeed wonderful! I hope you have received plenty in this new year.
Lily: LoL, I think you've lost me in your review. Whose * in your review? I'm taking wild stabs here. LoL. Perhaps I'm thinking too crazily or it's something I already know... eh hehe...
Sarah: Glad you like my fic that much, truly honored, I am! Keep on reading!
Iced Faerie: Oh! I'm so glad that you've read my other fic, Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids. That fic of mine really turned out better than I had ever expected. I just hope that with this new story my writing will be better off! Thanks!
Risa-sama: Before anything else, Gong Xi Fa Cai to you too! And even before that, thanks for reading all my fics from day one! I'm glad that my writing is getting better, or at least I really hope it is. Hehe, I just know for certain that my interest for writing is growing however, which is a good thing I suppose. Anyhow, thanks for reviewing and I hope you had a really great Chinese New Year!
Raining stars: Sorry that I couldn't update faster, but at least it wasn't as long as a wait as last time. I hope you enjoy this chapter however, as it is a few pages longer than my previous chapters.
Sakura Kinomoto-Li1: I'm touched that you love my fic. Happy reading!
Starrygaze: You'll be pleased to find that this chapter is mostly Sakura- Syaoran interaction. For those who are Tomoyo-Eriol lovers, their kawaii moments will have to come out in later chapters.
Ms. Pac Man: Hehe, the donut thing is pretty much an inside joke with my friends and me. I'm thrilled to find another person who found the donut part amusing! Hehe.
S+S43v3r: I'm glad you like this, and as for the freaky dude, you'll just have to read on because I don't think he's not going on a trip anytime soon.
Windswept-heaven: Is this the way Sakura's mother died, in a fire by the same person? I'm definitely not going to give any answers or any indications in any guesses anyone makes! You're just going to keep your hat on and enjoy the ride! Thanks for reviewing.
Dragonstar03: Sorry for not updating for a while, was away on Chinese New Year break. However, this chapter is much longer than usual! :)
Cyan Moon: Firstly, your request of Tomoyo-Eriol kawaii moments will have to be delayed. I'm afraid that this chapter's spotlight is on Sakura and Syaoran. However, this kawaii couple will not be left out! Secondly, welcome back to the hell gates of school. LoL.
Crystel: I'm touched that you found your way to my story! I'm glad that you're enjoying my fic just as much as I enjoy writing it. I hope you've found your way to stay here for a while, or at least until the ride's over.
Cherry Princess Sakura: Glad you love Meiling here, for I love writing her parts because of her totally kick ass attitude! As for the I am everywhere thing, it's simply a message left by this "stalker," reminding Sakura that he is everywhere and watching her every move. If any more confusions, feel welcome to email me!
Dancer5: I'm glad you liked the dancing part, and how you pulled out my favorite line in that scene about Sakura's pride. Hehe. I hope you had a great Chinese New Year as well and the same wishes to you too!
Fire Temptress: My apologies for forgetting to email you, or everyone else in that matter. Hehe. I posted that chapter up right before I left the house to go visit my relatives for Chinese New Year, which is why I forgot. However, I'm still glad you remembered to read my fic! Oh, and for you, lots of Sakura and Syaoran action here!
Daz: Hey, no worries that your Internet isn't working! You've read my latest chapter and I'm glad that you've praised it in person! Thanks, Daz.
And to everyone else that I have missed here, a THANK YOU to you too! Also another THANK YOU for whoever else that reads this fic. Keep in mind that you are greatly thanked!
Iris Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER EIGHT: Building Trust
"What the fuck," Sakura growled, voice raspy. "I'm back at this damn hospital again."
"Glad you find it such a welcoming place," A voice drawled, handing a glass of water to her, which she readily accepted to her cracked lips. "Such that you keep returning Sakura Kinomoto."
"Ugh, just fuck it and save it for later Li." Sakura groaned and turned her body. She immediately grimaced and stopped moving as pain shot up her left leg. "Oh, double fuck it."
Syaoran sighed out loud and got to his feet. Placing his hands on the girl's shoulders, he moved her carefully until Sakura was lying on her back once again. "Stay girl." He said firmly. His amber eyes hardened.
Sakura met his look defiantly, determined to not back down. She was never going to lose to him. Never.
"Sakura, why don't you ever listen to me?"
His voice contained so much emotion, so much sadness that Sakura had to look away. She could not deal with those eyes; those very eyes that saw through the barriers she put around herself. She could not handle those eyes that reflected her own emotions, her deepest fears.
"Sakura, look at me." His warm hand gently turned her stubborn chin towards him. She promptly shut her eyes.
And he let go.
"I know that I'm the last person that you want to see right now, but please, can't we just talk about what happened? I need to know what happened from you. The others only have that much to tell me."
Sakura looked at him from the corner of her eyes, studying his tired face, his eyes pleading. Slowly she relented.
"He was there."
An obvious streak of fear shook her voice. Sakura wrapped her arms around herself to stop herself from trembling lightly. "I-I-just--,"
Syaoran reached over and unfolded her arms, holding her stony cold hands in his large square ones firmly. "I'm here. Just tell me everything."
Through misty tears and uncontrollable shaking, through dark fear and terror, Sakura poured out the whole story. The eyes watching her every movement at the party. That gaze that seemed to penetrate through her and gaze piercingly at her very soul, leaving her bare-naked and alone. Yet she had let down her guard just a bit when she entered the shed. Never did she ever dream of seeing fire. Again.
"It was like when I was five. The same feeling of helplessness. The same feelings of raging anger and hate around me." She choked on a sob. "Why does he hate me?" Syaoran stared back surprised when Sakura turned to look at him, demanding an answer. He was looking at her soul without any hidden or tucked away. Her eyes were a startling hue of green that glistened with tears. And in glassy waters lay a pool of yearning, of want.
It was long since she fully trusted someone.
Syaoran opened his arms and pulled her into a tight embrace without saying a word. They weren't needed. They understood each other and that was all that was needed.
----- One week later -----
"Argh, I'm fine damn it!"
The two could be heard fighting even before they even reached the entrance of the gym downtown when Sakura taught at. Meiling and Tomoyo shared a look and sighed. They might as well go in and get things over with.
"Let go of me!" Sakura struggled against Syaoran's hold. "Argh you big meanie!"
Syaoran paused, an amused look on his face. "Meanie?" He repeated with that same smile on his face.
Sakura blushed. "Shut up, Li. Just let me go."
"Ah, it's Syaoran to you, my dear Saku." He replied, tightening his hold on her wrists. "And what if I don't want to let go?"
"Damn you!" She yelled. "You're asking for it."
"I'd like to see what you could do." He merely replied, cocking his eyebrow. Sakura growled in frustration and before Syaoran could stop her, she was balancing herself on her right leg and swiped a kick with her left. The result was unfortunately not as expected. Instead, Sakura was pulled down and toppled over Syaoran.
"What were you thinking?" Syaoran yelled at her as he helped her up. "Your leg still needs healing!"
"It's been a week." She fired back hotly, ignoring the pains that were shooting up her right leg. "It doesn't hurt anymore."
"Have I told you how badly you lie?" Turning, he reached over for the first aid kit nearby, all without loosing his grip on her left hand. "Sit."
Sakura sighed out loud and slumped to ground and obediently stuck out her right leg. Syaoran knelt down before it, pulling up the right leg of her pants. With careful hands, he unwound the slightly blood stained bandage. After placing it by his side, he expertly applied some clear medicine on the keep gashes and burns that had opened from her kick. Then came the gauze and then the bandage.
"What are you looking at?" Sakura barked. Looking over his own shoulder, he saw Meiling and Tomoyo standing there. He groaned out loud and turned his back to them; he would let Sakura deal with the two that were as bad as professional paparazzi.
"Oh, just watching my dear cousin watch after you." Meiling replied sweetly. "He has a special touch doesn't he, Sakura?"
"A loving touch, dearie." Tomoyo corrected Meiling with a smile. "Hm, so how does it feel to be pampered by Li?"
Sakura growled warningly. "You two are so lucky that he's here." She informed them. "Or else," She grinned, barring her teeth, "You don't even want to know the consequences."
Meiling rocked with laughter. "Yeah, yeah. We all know how much you love spending time with Syaoran."
"Alone." Her partner in crime added. The two pair of eyes twinkled with mischief and enjoyment.
"Ha ha." Sakura said dryly. "What did you come here for? I'm not in the mood to be poked at."
"She just says that because she just lost to me." Syaoran supplied, his tone light and cheerful. He gave Sakura a grin.
Sakura punched his arm. "My kicks might not prove effective but I assure you there's nothing wrong with my arms, so watch it."
Syaoran chuckled and stood up. "Yes, my lady." He gave her a bow. "Anything else you might need?"
Sakura crossed her arms, frustrated at how poorly she was losing to Syaoran. "Only for you to get the hell out of my face."
"Hm, will do." He answered, surprising the three girls. Syaoran turned to face Sakura. "Just watch your leg; I don't want to have to wrap it all over again. I'll leave you three ladies to chat while I go practice."
They watched him leave, starting on practiced punches and complicated moves. Meiling and Tomoyo sat down on the ground with Sakura, the three forming a little triangle.
"So, what's up?" Sakura asked, easing herself into a more comfortable position slowly.
Tomoyo shrugged. "Life's been boring without you. You seem to carry around the excitement."
"Ah, don't mind her. She only says that because Eriol couldn't make it this afternoon. You should see how those two lovebirds cuddle together! Hell, they can't even keep their hands to themselves!" Meiling yelled. Sakura laughed at Tomoyo's crimson face, looking embarrassed.
"Stop talking about yourself," Tomoyo fired back. "How about you and Kai? You're always flirting around him."
"Kai? Ryoko Kai?" Sakura repeated. "That fiery redhead that transferred this spring? Isn't he the latest target for most of the girls on campus?"
"Yep. And he's right in my grasp, right in the palm of my hands. He's mine." Meiling grinned, showing all her teeth. "By the end of the week, I assure you that I'll be introducing him to you as, 'Ryoko, my boyfriend.' Count on it girlfriend."
Tomoyo laughed as Sakura gave a small smile. "You should see how she flirts around him during our psychology course. It's so hilarious I tell you. So many girls are after him, but you should see how Meiling fights! Kicks and punches like it's her death. Makes one thankful that she's not going after your man!"
Sakura cracked a rueful grin. "Wouldn't doubt our Meiling the least. She fights for what she wants, that girl; and when she sees something she wants, she'll never keep her hands off."
Meiling puffed out her chest. "You got that right baby." She winked.
"Well, go for it." Sakura said. "No one here is fighting for him, so by all means, give it all that you have."
"Don't worry sweetie." Meiling piped up. "We'll teach you all the perfect balls you have to pitch for the guy to get the right message."
"Yeah, and I'll give your whole wardrobe a new change." Tomoyo added. "We'll have Sya, I mean, your sugar asking you out before you know it!"
Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Just how stupid do you think I am? I have no intentions of trying to hook up some idiot like that thing over there." She vaguely pointed her hand in the direction of Syaoran who was practicing his kicks.
"We've seen the look in your eyes, trust me." The Chinese girl replied, totally undaunted at her friend's words. Sakura just rolled her eyes.
"Anyhow, how's your leg?" Tomoyo said, hoping to change the topic. Sakura looked wearily at her right leg.
"Fine." Then a crossed expression was placed upon her face. "No, wait. I hate it. It's not fucking fine. The pain's horrible and I can't move like I want to."
Meiling sighed empathically. "Yeah, I totally hear you. Remember the time I broke my leg?" She shook her head. "Horrible."
"Ditto that."
Tomoyo looked back and forth between her two friends who were thinking gloomily. "Well, I can't really share in this matter, but why don't you tell Li about it? Isn't he your professional doctor?"
Sakura laughed dryly. "You mean overprotective hen. He can compete with Touya."
Meiling grinned. "That bad?"
She shrugged, and then paused. "No, worse. Touya's actually pretty nice when I'm hurt. He more like spoils me than hover."
"Don't tell me Syaoran doesn't spoil you." Meiling said, grinning evilly. "You should see the way he treats you, girl! Never did he help much when I broke my leg. And when I told him to sign my cast, he wrote, 'loser'."
"He didn't!" Tomoyo laughed with a shocked tone.
"He did! I swear he did." Meiling countered. "He said it was my own fault that I was in too much in a hurry to miss the ice on the floor and my own slow reflexes for not regaining my balance in time when the last five steps came."
"How come I'm not surprised?" Sakura said in an amused tone. "You should be thankful he didn't write anything worse, Meiling."
"I should be, considering you know him so well, huh?" Her friend replied, grinning.
"Why do I even put up with the two of you?" She complained. "The pain's muddled up my brain and I can't come up with smart comebacks, so just shut up."
Tomoyo laughed lightly and put an arm around her friend comfortingly. "Hey, no problem. In a few more weeks, you'll be brand new."
"Yeah, so think of it as a short vacation. You have too much on your back anyhow. Might as well forget it." Meiling added.
Sakura sighed and lay down on the ground, her arms tucked behind her head. "Forgive and forget." She turned to her side. "I don't think I'll ever be able to do both." She whispered quietly.
Tomoyo and Meiling shared a worried look at their friend's back. At times at these, what was the right thing to say? It seemed that no words were able to provide comfort. A black void filled the spaces in between and the three lapsed into silence.
"Meiling, cat caught your tongue?" A loud voice interrupted. "Usually your voice talks for all of us." He chuckled lightly.
Yet to his surprise, his cousin looked up soberly. "Yeah, well, I think I ate the cat." She replied. Meiling got to her feet and dusted off her pants. "I have some stuff to do before weekend hits. Tomoyo, you coming?"
Tomoyo looked up at her friend then back at Sakura who had not moved nor said anything for the past twenty minutes. She had been liked this, quiet and often thinking to herself, ever since the fire accident at Chiharu and Yamazaki's party.
"I'll call you, okay Sakura?" Tomoyo whispered in her ear, squeezing her friend's shoulder. Sakura nodded. Straightening, Tomoyo looked at Meiling and nodded. The two turned to Syaoran.
"Syao, remember what I told you." Meiling reminded before she walked out the open door with Tomoyo right behind her. With a small slam, the two were left alone again.
Syaoran looked at the door a few more seconds before squatting down before Sakura. He poked her lightly at her arm. "Want to get a drink? I'm thirsty."
Sakura groaned and pushed herself into a sitting position. "Only if you're treating." She replied.
Syaoran shrugged. "Fair enough." He stood up and waited for her to stand; he knew better than to offer her help. She was mad enough as it was for being so dependent, or weak as she would say.
------
"Perfect." The man looked at the pictures in his hands that were freshly developed. "Just perfect." He glanced up at the cashier and nodded his thanks. Tucking the pictures in his pocket, he turned to walk out the photo shop.
"Oh, sorry." Tomoyo apologized as a guy bumped into her as she opened the glass door. "What the heck," She mumbled when the guy just walked away rudely. She looked at him walk away, his long gray overcoat blowing with the wind. With a shrug, she entered the photo shop.
"Ohayo, Lei." She greeted the cashier with a smile. The guy behind the counter returned it.
"Here are your pictures, Daidouji." He replied. "You've been taking a lot lately."
"Yeah, well, you know me. These kawaii moments just keep happening!" She laughed and opened her photos. "Oh! These are wonderful!"
"Glad you're so pleased."
"Look!" She slid a picture across the counter. "Don't they make such a cute couple?" She asked. Lei glanced at the photo. It was the picture of Sakura and Syaoran dancing together that night at the party. A faint blush was seen on Sakura's face and a smile on Syaoran's.
"Hey, mind if I see this closer?" He asked.
"Sure, go ahead." Tomoyo replied generously.
"I think I've seen this before." Lei mumbled to himself. "This picture seems really familiar, like I just saw it a few moments ago."
"Really, where?"
He frowned, trying to remember. "Oh! The guy before you; the one with the gray jacket and black sunglasses. He was looking at a few photos too and he kept saying perfect. I remember seeing this one flash before me."
"Oh my god." Tomoyo whispered. "Did he say anything else?"
"I don't think so."
"What's his name?"
Lei blinked. "Um, just let me check." He quickly opened a thick pamphlet and flipped to today's. Running a finger down the list, he found it. "Here, his name is Bret Monoko."
"Anything wrong?" He asked timidly when he saw Tomoyo's face pale even more. She placed a hand on the counter to steady her shaking legs.
"May-May I see that?" Her voice came out in a whisper, barely there. Lei leaned over the counter.
"Daidouji, are you okay? Your face is all pale and you're trembling." Lei reached out a hand to steady her.
"Just show me the book," She said tiredly. "Please," Tomoyo looked up, her eyes desperate and pleading. Lei nodded and handed her over the book.
She stared at it for a long time at the scrawl before her. The words eerily stared back at her, almost in a defiant manner. It seemed to be mocking her, and all her friends. Were there attempts really futile? And if it really were he, what was he doing at the party and with pictures of Sakura and Syaoran?
"Is there any more data of Bret Monoko in your computers?" Tomoyo asked, her voice much firmer than before. If she were to be a friend, she'd have responsibilities to take.
"Let me check." Lei quickly typed in a few data in the computer. "There's not much in his data, after all, customers aren't required to fill in all the personal data. He hasn't been a frequent customer here, around three times since last year. However, there is his phone number and address from the information he gave in September two years ago."
"May I ask a copy of that information?"
Lei shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not possible. I cannot give personal data out to other people; it would be invading his privacy. Gomen, Daidouji."
"But this is a different case,"
"I really want to help, whatever help that you acquire, but I'm not allowed." Lei smiled apologetically. "Is there anywhere else that I may be of your assistance?"
Tomoyo looked at the computer screen again before shaking her head again. "Iie." She paused before gathering her photos. "Arigato Lei." She paid her money and walked out the photo shop without another word. Once she opened the door, she started to run.
----
"Tell me everything again," Sakura demanded after locking her door shut. Tomoyo looked smaller than usual, but she nodded and recounted everything again. Sakura's face showed no emotion, her face stony and silent. Beside her Syaoran just stood beside the door, just as impassive, yet his eyes were glittering strangely under the fluorescent lights. Meiling was muttering to herself angrily, her hands into tight fists as she walked around the room. Tomoyo frowned to herself and looked over at Eriol. To her surprise, he actually gave a warm smile back. It seemed that he was the only one not affected by her words.
"Li, what do we do now?" Sakura's words were calm. It sort of surprised Tomoyo, yet at the same time it didn't, that Sakura turned to Li for advice first. It somehow hurt, but she quickly got rid of the feeling from herself. Li was a police; of course Sakura would turn to him first.
"I don't know." He said. "He's playing around with us."
"God damn it, we can't just sit here and do nothing!" Meiling cried. "Tomoyo, did he see your face?"
"I don't know," Tomoyo whispered. "He just brushed past me. I said sorry but he just continued walking."
"Let's hope he didn't." Eriol cut in. "It was a good thing that Tomoyo was there today. We're knowing what the other side is doing one step ahead of them."
"Are we really one step ahead of them?" Sakura repeated slowly. "He had a reason to sign his name Bret Monoko. He knew that we would go there to wash pictures. However, he had no way of knowing that one us would actually see Bret Monoko there unless he had it planned."
"I agree." Syaoran said seriously. "I'm not piling guilt upon you Daidouji if that's what you're thinking. It could be any one of us here, but that's not the point. He had set up a plan merely on us to find out that he's still around, whether that be a photo shop or the next restaurant we dine at."
"Then what is his purpose?" Tomoyo asked.
Syaoran shrugged. "Most likely to put fear in our very hearts. Like I said, he's playing with us."
"How can you be so calm about it?" Meiling demanded. "I don't like the idea one bit that he know are every step and we're just fish that he's waiting to catch his bait and be hooked up!"
"Did I say I liked the feeling?" Her cousin replied. "At least we know that he's fallen for the idea that Sakura and I are actually a couple. It may start to turn the clocks."
Sakura snorted lightly. "We hope. But first, we have to get a copy of that address and phone number. I need to know how long this whole fucking plan started. If it started two years ago, I can narrow everything down by far."
"Agreed." Syaoran said. "However, we don't have access."
"We're both cops. Can't we just ask Lei for the information?" Eriol inquired. "We could say it's for case issues and I'm sure he'll give us the information now."
"Wouldn't work." Syaoran replied immediately. "We'd have to get a permit and all that crap done before we can even think of using our power. Besides, making the scene huge with police and media is definitely not the way to go. Bret Monoko isn't as dumb as we think he is. He could easily come back to the store and ask Lei about us, which Lei will mostly likely give."
"But we could always," Tomoyo started.
"When Lei has a gun to his head, I'm sure he'll tell." Syaoran replied. "I know he's your friend, but who knows what can happen?"
"Then how are we getting the information, Mister I'm-so-smart?" Meiling crossed her arms, daring her cousin to give her an answer.
"Easy." Sakura grinned wolfishly. "I've done it once, I can do it again."
Her friends stared at her, wondering what in the world she meant.
"You're not going to do that, are you?" Syaoran whispered when he finally knew the issue Sakura was hinting at. She just gave him another wolfish smile secretively.
-----
"Watch it." Sakura hissed.
"Gomen." Syaoran whispered. "Just give me a break will you? I didn't start my crime life as earlier as you."
"What did I tell you? It was just a loan. No loses." Sakura replied back in a harsh whisper. "Now watch where you're going."
"Hai."
The two slipped into the dark shop, blending into the darkness with their dark clothing. Sakura knelt in front of the back door, her hands slipping into her pocket for a long metal pick. Within a few minutes, the lock swayed and she pushed the door open gently. Once inside, she beckoned Syaoran to follow.
"You're going to have to teach me that one day." He told her once they were safely inside.
Sakura gave him a glare and took out a pen flashlight. The two quickly made it the counter.
"Your turn to shine." She told him, moving aside to let Syaoran get past her to the computer. He nodded and started to turn on the computer, connecting all kinds of weird wires to his own laptop. Sakura turned and looked around the room, once more making sure there were no security cameras in the room. They had come earlier that morning to make sure of that fact. Finding the folders on the desk, Sakura's glove covered hands slipped out a heavy book. Slipping her hand into another pocket, she fished out a digital camera and snapped a few pictures.
"Done." Syaoran whispered into her ear. Sakura nodded and slipped the book back to where it belonged.
"Everything in the right place?"
Syaoran nodded affirmative. Sakura swept the light over everything once more before they crept out into the dark night once more.
"Oh God." Syaoran let out a breath of relief once the two were a block away from the photo shop. Sakura nodded in agreement as the two sat with their backs against the cool brick wall.
"Never again." Sakura wheezed.
"Then how about the time at the police station with you and Eriol's ID card?" Her partner in crime asked. "Wouldn't it be much worse considering there's police and security cameras?"
Sakura half smiled at the memory. "Well, it wasn't that hard, just a bit of acting really. All I had to say that I was here to find Eriol on some 'special issue' and act a bit out of character and I got through. Besides, I had Eriol's ID card, so I kind of served as a pass. You guys should get better cops to do nightshifts or the guy would have known that Eriol had long left the building."
"Sly bitch." Syaoran muttered.
"You got that right, partner." Sakura replied, grinning evilly. "Now since we're done, let's get the hell out of this freaking place."
"Grand idea." Syaoran replied. As they headed for their parked car, Sakura raised her right hand. Syaoran smirked and he raised his own hand and slammed it down on Sakura's.
-----
"Anything?" Sakura asked as she strolled in Syaoran's office holding three cups of hot coffee. Eriol looked up from where he was seated and immediately went over to help her hold the coffee. Sakura nodded her thanks and gave one over to Syaoran while she kept the other for herself.
"Well, the address and phone number given two years ago were definitely different. It's just around here, twenty minutes or so drive from here." Syaoran spoke up from his seat behind the computer.
"Let me see." Sakura leaned behind Syaoran's shoulder to see the screen. "Hm, want to go check this out?"
"Sure. Eriol, you coming?" Syaoran asked.
Eriol shook his head. "No thanks. I would like to look further into the computer and data you brought if that's all right with you. There's just something that keeps bugging me in the corner of my mind."
Syaoran shrugged. "Have if your way, partner. My cell and Sakura's are both on if you find anything worth sharing."
"Sure thing, Syao." Eriol replied, already immersed into the computer, images flashing off his glasses. Sakura smiled lightly at her friend; it was a good thing that he was that skilled at computers. Syaoran cocked his head towards the door and they head out to Syaoran's parked jeep outside.
"Ready?" Syaoran asked as he shifted his gear to drive and the motor purred softly. Sakura shrugged, strapping on her seatbelt.
"Don't know what I'm ready for exactly." Sakura replied, getting her sunglasses and his from Syaoran's glove compartment. "Who knows what's waiting for us there?"
"Makes sense." Syaoran admitted as he slid on his own shades.
-----
"Twenty Fourth Street." Sakura instructed Syaoran. "Might as well stop at twenty third and walk the rest. We can observe our surroundings a bit."
"Mm." Syaoran grunted and parked his car by the sidewalk. The two got out of the car almost perfectly at sync. They matched from their jeans to their cells that hung from their back pockets to their black sunglasses.
He walked over to her. "Let's get this over with."
It was a tall apartment building that looked like any other apartment building in the block. The white bricks with light blue lining around the windows and the bright colored plants that decorated it did not seem to make the place any more friendlier. Sakura took a deep breath and entered the building.
"Ohayo." She smiled warmly at the man who owned the complex.
The man nodded and replied in greeting. "How may I help you?"
"See, we're a couple and we're looking for a nice sized apartment to live in. I heard from a couple friends of mine that the rooms here are very well kept and with high securities." She gave the man another dazzling smile.
The man smiled back, easing off his guard. "Would you like a tour? I would be happy to give you one."
Sakura looked over at Syaoran and winked. "Hm, but we would, you know, kind of like to be alone. I heard that 3B is open?"
"For quite a while. Shall I just give you the key then?"
"Thank you for understanding sir." Sakura said sweetly. "I'll return this right after I'm done with it."
"Take your time."
Sakura nodded and pulled Syaoran with her up the stairs. Once they were safely out of hearing range from the owner, Syaoran gave her a rueful grin.
"So that's how you got in." He said.
"I told you guys needed more security." Sakura replied, back to her own self. She rolled her eyes. "I cannot believe that the things I've observed from the ditzes across my hall would actually come in use."
"Will wonders ever cease." Syaoran replied sarcastically. "Now let's get this room checked out before all that acting goes to your ego."
Sakura tossed her hair back and continued up the stairs to the third floor.
"Hey, Eriol's called me. You go on ahead." Syaoran told her as he waited for Eriol to pick up his phone call. Sakura nodded and continued up the stairs, her guard rising up now that she had no one to watch her back. God, she hated how the fucking stairs creaked beneath her feet such that she couldn't pay attention to her surroundings as carefully.
"You found what!" Syaoran barked into the phone. "But I sent her,"
He looked up and swore loudly when he heard that Sakura was not climbing up the stairs anymore. "Sakura!" he yelled, dashing up the stairs as fast as he could, his strides wide and quick.
"Don't!" He roared. The stairs creaked loudly in protest.
"Syaoran?" She turned her head towards him as she opened the door. "What are you,"
She never finished her sentence. Syaoran dove at her, pushing her down with him, the two sliding across the floor heavily.
"What the fuck?" Sakura muttered once the dust settled. She rounded her eyes on the man that pressed himself on her.
Syaoran sighed, straightening his arms that were on either side of Sakura's body. "Eriol called. He said that the whole thing was a trap." He whispered as he bent down towards Sakura's ear, trying to cover up if the owner downstairs decided to come up.
"Damn." Sakura cursed under her breath. "I don't hear anything wrong now. Let's go."
Syaoran nodded and he helped her to get to his feet. Slowly the two approached the door, and a faint ticking sound could be heard.
Sakura's eyes met Syaoran's fearfully. He reached over and squeezed her hand lightly. Taking a deep breath, the two turned and faced the open doorway with Syaoran holding his gun out in a guarded manner.
"Shit." Syaoran let a low whisper as they stared at the alarm clock that ticked away before them, sitting eerily in the middle of an empty room. "What the hell is that?"
Sakura scanned her surroundings before walking over to the alarm clock. Glancing it over, she tapped the metal on it. "It appears just to be a clock. I don't see any explosives or anything else of that matter."
"Are you sure?"
"Not a hundred percent, but good enough. Hell, it's not like I know anything about bombs." Sakura said, shrugging her shoulders. "The batteries in here seem the normal AA batteries and there are no wires or anything else."
"Maybe I should call Eriol and," He was immediately chopped out by the shrilling sound of the alarm clock. Sakura shrieked in surprise and tossed the clock down. It bounced a few times, still ringing.
"That didn't set anything off, did it?" Sakura whispered when the ringing stopped.
"It always does that." A voice answered calmly behind them. "Ever since, oh, more than a year now."
Sakura whipped around, her arms in her stance, feet in the right position. Her breathing was unsteady.
"Hey, I didn't do anything." The guy stuttered once he saw Sakura in her fighting stance. "I just heard a loud crashing sound and decided to see what was all the matter.
"Oh, I'm sorry. The clock startled me and you entering just made it worse." Sakura gave him an apologetic smile, walking towards the owner of the building in a more relaxed manner, shielding Syaoran with herself.
"So, this clock's been here that long?" Sakura asked politely.
"Yes, the last guy who lived here left it when he left almost two years ago."
"Do you remember his name?" Syaoran asked, stepping from behind Sakura once his gun was safely hidden. The last he wanted to was to explain. The less people involved the better.
"Gomen." The landowner smiled sheepishly. "I don't quite remember. After all, it's been such a long time ago."
"There wasn't anyone else who rented this room." Sakura said, her tone quiet and observing.
The landowner sighed. "Many, like you, get scared by the clock. It rings whenever someone opens the door. Thus, people think the room is cursed with the young man's soul. I'm just thankful that the other rooms are unaffected."
"Why would it ring?" Syaoran asked, inspecting the clock. "There's no wires of any sort that connects to the door."
"I don't know. I asked a friend of mine who's skilled with this machinery, but he couldn't figure out why it would ring."
Syaoran noticed the slight change in Sakura's face, but as he was about to speak up, Sakura beat him to it. "Could we talk somewhere else?" She asked sweetly. "This room is giving me the shivers."
"Certainly," the man replied. "We'll go downstairs."
"I'm sorry if this causing you any convenience." Sakura spoke up.
"No, none at all. Is there anything else you would like to know?"
"Oh, I'm just curious as to what kind of guy would live in that room." She sighed. "I mean, he's playing pranks on everyone."
"Actually, if I remember correctly, the young man was quite reserved and unspoken. Usually polite well mannered. He was around your age, maybe a bit older, but definitely in a university around here. Hm, I think he was a tall, thin man with black hair and these really interesting light blue eyes."
"Are you sure you don't remember his name?" Syaoran asked again.
"Yes; so many people have been here, my mind can't keep up like it used to."
Sakura suddenly stood up, looking at the clock. "Gomen, I just remembered that the two of us have a date this afternoon and I have an appointment at the hairdresser's. Arigato for taking out time to talk to us."
"My pleasure." The landowner replied smiling. "Come back anytime soon if you need a room."
Sakura bowed slightly. "Arigato." Syaoran nodded his thanks as well, quickly following Sakura out the apartment. She slammed her door shut, not even saying a word as Syaoran started his car and drove off. The silence between them was so thick that one could touch it, like the dark shadows of the tall building that pressured them down.
"Either I drag it out from you or I ask Daidouji, it's as simple as that, so you might as well tell me." Syaoran pointed out quietly.
"You didn't feel it, did you?" Sakura questioned softly.
"Feel what?"
"In that room, we were being watched."
"What?" Syaoran barked, pressing on the breaks so suddenly that the tires squealed and the cars behind them honked. "Screw you!" He yelled at them. "It's a fucking red light!"
"How the fuck were we being watched?" He turned his gaze on Sakura. She looked back at him, thankful that he had his shades on such that she didn't have to face his fierce profile.
"The clock. Think about it," She said wearily. "The clock rang after we were in there for a while. If it were actually triggered by wires, it would have ringed immediately. Thus, most likely it had some sort of small camera in the room, which records back images to who knows where and then sends back a trigger that sends the alarm off." She shrugged her shoulders. "It's as simple as that."
Syaoran continued to stare at Sakura until the horns behind him were honking again. He dove angrily, unsteadily, and immediately parked his car at the nearest parking spot he found.
"That's why you wanted to get out of the room." Syaoran said quietly. "God damn it, why didn't I notice it earlier." He paused. "Then why didn't you want to question the landowner more?"
"There was no need. He wasn't going to remember the name anyhow." Sakura said, her tone nonchalant.
"And you know it?" Syaoran fired back.
"Miraki Hayushi." She replied calmly. "He's currently one year my senior in Tokyo University, studying in the business department."
Syaoran stared at the girl before him dumbfounded. How come Sakura knew everything? It seemed that everything was in her grasp. "How do you know him?"
"He chased me for two months when I first entered Tokyo University." She paused. "He's my ex, Syaoran."
-----
Ah! Another cliffhanger! I'm so evil aren't I? I know, just yell at me, won't you guys? Sigh, I just didn't know where to leave my chapter. Darn it. I could have just gone on and on without stop. Hehe, it would be like my 56 page one shot (titled "Through Your Eyes"). Hehe. Anyhow, please review; I'm wondering what your feelings/comments/thoughts were.
Oh, and ending on a happier note, well, at least for me, I got into another university today! So, other than University of Washington, I now have Penn State as well! Oh, but more work! I'm also applying for the honor program in Penn State, which is SUPER hard to get into. Ugh, so much work to get done! Anyhow, happy as it is. Oh, and I'll be happy to help anyone with questions about college in the future! You guys know my email! :) It's on my profile for those who don't know.
Hm, so review! Tell me how this chapter is! I want to know how it is in order to improve! :) Oh, and happy early Valentine's Day! It's coming soon. I'm just saying that in case I don't have an update by then. Yep. :)
Iris Dreamer
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura solely belongs to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Arigato.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my new fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my one last stab at the SATs, through college essays, countless college searching, and college applications of my senior year. Needless to say, I'll be very busy. I'll be trying my best to update this, but I'm going to have one hectic senior year!
This chapter is dedicated to Avelyn Lauren for all the hardships that she's pulled through; and bless God for the courage that He gifted her with. Furthermore, this entire story is dedicated to all those whose roads are a bit more crooked and less smooth than ours. Be grateful with what you have and always be willing to share what you have with others.
With that said, can you guys believe it? I, full name here, actually got into a university! Yes, that's right! Goodbye to "no-college-to-go-to" fear! Whoopee! You guys cannot believe how happy I am. I came back from Chinese New Year holidays with this rain soaked letter in my garage! Talk about big surprises and a bright new beginning in a new year! The school is my safe school (University of Washington) but, hey, I have somewhere to go. This totally throws the weight off my shoulders! So, this chapter is definitely to YOU guys who have made me smile through my troubles! THANK YOU!
Iris dreamer.
----- BACKGROUND: Okay! Some background here. Syaoran and Sakura have not met before. Hm. No magic in here either (as some of you might know, I'm horrible at describing magic.....). What else? Oh, the characters may seem a bit out of character in the beginning (especially Sakura), but you'll see why as the story proceeds. Hm. I think that's about it. The rest you'll have to discover yourself! And if you know me, I love twists and turns, although this chapter should have less than ADOHE if you've read that. No, wait, actually now that I think about it, there is a lot of twists in this! LoL.
Oh, and mild (?) cursing in this chapter. I don't know how many it would be mild for you guys, but deepest apologies for the vulgar language.
Iris Dreamer.
----- SPECIAL THANKS: SulliMike23: Don't we all wish that all the bad things in the world would just disappear? You'll just have to see how Sakura handles this Monoko guy mess! Happy reading!
Avelyn Lauren: Remember to read my author's note, for you have a dedication coming girl! You deserve it. Anyhow, if you want to email me, it's rainbow_dreams@email.com; it can also be found on my profile. I'm just sorry that you had to go through all that, but at the same time I'm thankful that you've come through that darkness and embraced the light. Hm, on other matters, I'm not in China, but in Asia. I moved to Asia a long time ago, since I was eight. Anyhow, I'm an American born Chinese if I haven't said earlier. Hehe. I'm pretty interested in Japanese as well, although mine's pretty much non-existent. I watch Japanese anime, drama, and sitcoms often, but only a few words I know. However, if you need any help in Chinese, just ask! I'm totally fluent there! Now, concerning my story. Hm, I hope you'll be pleased to find out that most of this chapter is Sakura and Syaoran interaction. As for the I am everywhere guy, you'll just have to read on to find out! Oh, and thanks for introducing all those stories to me! When I have the time, I will certainly take some out and read your fics. I hope you'll keep your interest in writing.
Yamiyumetenshi: Hehe, don't you just love Chinese New Years? All that free money is indeed wonderful! I hope you have received plenty in this new year.
Lily: LoL, I think you've lost me in your review. Whose * in your review? I'm taking wild stabs here. LoL. Perhaps I'm thinking too crazily or it's something I already know... eh hehe...
Sarah: Glad you like my fic that much, truly honored, I am! Keep on reading!
Iced Faerie: Oh! I'm so glad that you've read my other fic, Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids. That fic of mine really turned out better than I had ever expected. I just hope that with this new story my writing will be better off! Thanks!
Risa-sama: Before anything else, Gong Xi Fa Cai to you too! And even before that, thanks for reading all my fics from day one! I'm glad that my writing is getting better, or at least I really hope it is. Hehe, I just know for certain that my interest for writing is growing however, which is a good thing I suppose. Anyhow, thanks for reviewing and I hope you had a really great Chinese New Year!
Raining stars: Sorry that I couldn't update faster, but at least it wasn't as long as a wait as last time. I hope you enjoy this chapter however, as it is a few pages longer than my previous chapters.
Sakura Kinomoto-Li1: I'm touched that you love my fic. Happy reading!
Starrygaze: You'll be pleased to find that this chapter is mostly Sakura- Syaoran interaction. For those who are Tomoyo-Eriol lovers, their kawaii moments will have to come out in later chapters.
Ms. Pac Man: Hehe, the donut thing is pretty much an inside joke with my friends and me. I'm thrilled to find another person who found the donut part amusing! Hehe.
S+S43v3r: I'm glad you like this, and as for the freaky dude, you'll just have to read on because I don't think he's not going on a trip anytime soon.
Windswept-heaven: Is this the way Sakura's mother died, in a fire by the same person? I'm definitely not going to give any answers or any indications in any guesses anyone makes! You're just going to keep your hat on and enjoy the ride! Thanks for reviewing.
Dragonstar03: Sorry for not updating for a while, was away on Chinese New Year break. However, this chapter is much longer than usual! :)
Cyan Moon: Firstly, your request of Tomoyo-Eriol kawaii moments will have to be delayed. I'm afraid that this chapter's spotlight is on Sakura and Syaoran. However, this kawaii couple will not be left out! Secondly, welcome back to the hell gates of school. LoL.
Crystel: I'm touched that you found your way to my story! I'm glad that you're enjoying my fic just as much as I enjoy writing it. I hope you've found your way to stay here for a while, or at least until the ride's over.
Cherry Princess Sakura: Glad you love Meiling here, for I love writing her parts because of her totally kick ass attitude! As for the I am everywhere thing, it's simply a message left by this "stalker," reminding Sakura that he is everywhere and watching her every move. If any more confusions, feel welcome to email me!
Dancer5: I'm glad you liked the dancing part, and how you pulled out my favorite line in that scene about Sakura's pride. Hehe. I hope you had a great Chinese New Year as well and the same wishes to you too!
Fire Temptress: My apologies for forgetting to email you, or everyone else in that matter. Hehe. I posted that chapter up right before I left the house to go visit my relatives for Chinese New Year, which is why I forgot. However, I'm still glad you remembered to read my fic! Oh, and for you, lots of Sakura and Syaoran action here!
Daz: Hey, no worries that your Internet isn't working! You've read my latest chapter and I'm glad that you've praised it in person! Thanks, Daz.
And to everyone else that I have missed here, a THANK YOU to you too! Also another THANK YOU for whoever else that reads this fic. Keep in mind that you are greatly thanked!
Iris Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER EIGHT: Building Trust
"What the fuck," Sakura growled, voice raspy. "I'm back at this damn hospital again."
"Glad you find it such a welcoming place," A voice drawled, handing a glass of water to her, which she readily accepted to her cracked lips. "Such that you keep returning Sakura Kinomoto."
"Ugh, just fuck it and save it for later Li." Sakura groaned and turned her body. She immediately grimaced and stopped moving as pain shot up her left leg. "Oh, double fuck it."
Syaoran sighed out loud and got to his feet. Placing his hands on the girl's shoulders, he moved her carefully until Sakura was lying on her back once again. "Stay girl." He said firmly. His amber eyes hardened.
Sakura met his look defiantly, determined to not back down. She was never going to lose to him. Never.
"Sakura, why don't you ever listen to me?"
His voice contained so much emotion, so much sadness that Sakura had to look away. She could not deal with those eyes; those very eyes that saw through the barriers she put around herself. She could not handle those eyes that reflected her own emotions, her deepest fears.
"Sakura, look at me." His warm hand gently turned her stubborn chin towards him. She promptly shut her eyes.
And he let go.
"I know that I'm the last person that you want to see right now, but please, can't we just talk about what happened? I need to know what happened from you. The others only have that much to tell me."
Sakura looked at him from the corner of her eyes, studying his tired face, his eyes pleading. Slowly she relented.
"He was there."
An obvious streak of fear shook her voice. Sakura wrapped her arms around herself to stop herself from trembling lightly. "I-I-just--,"
Syaoran reached over and unfolded her arms, holding her stony cold hands in his large square ones firmly. "I'm here. Just tell me everything."
Through misty tears and uncontrollable shaking, through dark fear and terror, Sakura poured out the whole story. The eyes watching her every movement at the party. That gaze that seemed to penetrate through her and gaze piercingly at her very soul, leaving her bare-naked and alone. Yet she had let down her guard just a bit when she entered the shed. Never did she ever dream of seeing fire. Again.
"It was like when I was five. The same feeling of helplessness. The same feelings of raging anger and hate around me." She choked on a sob. "Why does he hate me?" Syaoran stared back surprised when Sakura turned to look at him, demanding an answer. He was looking at her soul without any hidden or tucked away. Her eyes were a startling hue of green that glistened with tears. And in glassy waters lay a pool of yearning, of want.
It was long since she fully trusted someone.
Syaoran opened his arms and pulled her into a tight embrace without saying a word. They weren't needed. They understood each other and that was all that was needed.
----- One week later -----
"Argh, I'm fine damn it!"
The two could be heard fighting even before they even reached the entrance of the gym downtown when Sakura taught at. Meiling and Tomoyo shared a look and sighed. They might as well go in and get things over with.
"Let go of me!" Sakura struggled against Syaoran's hold. "Argh you big meanie!"
Syaoran paused, an amused look on his face. "Meanie?" He repeated with that same smile on his face.
Sakura blushed. "Shut up, Li. Just let me go."
"Ah, it's Syaoran to you, my dear Saku." He replied, tightening his hold on her wrists. "And what if I don't want to let go?"
"Damn you!" She yelled. "You're asking for it."
"I'd like to see what you could do." He merely replied, cocking his eyebrow. Sakura growled in frustration and before Syaoran could stop her, she was balancing herself on her right leg and swiped a kick with her left. The result was unfortunately not as expected. Instead, Sakura was pulled down and toppled over Syaoran.
"What were you thinking?" Syaoran yelled at her as he helped her up. "Your leg still needs healing!"
"It's been a week." She fired back hotly, ignoring the pains that were shooting up her right leg. "It doesn't hurt anymore."
"Have I told you how badly you lie?" Turning, he reached over for the first aid kit nearby, all without loosing his grip on her left hand. "Sit."
Sakura sighed out loud and slumped to ground and obediently stuck out her right leg. Syaoran knelt down before it, pulling up the right leg of her pants. With careful hands, he unwound the slightly blood stained bandage. After placing it by his side, he expertly applied some clear medicine on the keep gashes and burns that had opened from her kick. Then came the gauze and then the bandage.
"What are you looking at?" Sakura barked. Looking over his own shoulder, he saw Meiling and Tomoyo standing there. He groaned out loud and turned his back to them; he would let Sakura deal with the two that were as bad as professional paparazzi.
"Oh, just watching my dear cousin watch after you." Meiling replied sweetly. "He has a special touch doesn't he, Sakura?"
"A loving touch, dearie." Tomoyo corrected Meiling with a smile. "Hm, so how does it feel to be pampered by Li?"
Sakura growled warningly. "You two are so lucky that he's here." She informed them. "Or else," She grinned, barring her teeth, "You don't even want to know the consequences."
Meiling rocked with laughter. "Yeah, yeah. We all know how much you love spending time with Syaoran."
"Alone." Her partner in crime added. The two pair of eyes twinkled with mischief and enjoyment.
"Ha ha." Sakura said dryly. "What did you come here for? I'm not in the mood to be poked at."
"She just says that because she just lost to me." Syaoran supplied, his tone light and cheerful. He gave Sakura a grin.
Sakura punched his arm. "My kicks might not prove effective but I assure you there's nothing wrong with my arms, so watch it."
Syaoran chuckled and stood up. "Yes, my lady." He gave her a bow. "Anything else you might need?"
Sakura crossed her arms, frustrated at how poorly she was losing to Syaoran. "Only for you to get the hell out of my face."
"Hm, will do." He answered, surprising the three girls. Syaoran turned to face Sakura. "Just watch your leg; I don't want to have to wrap it all over again. I'll leave you three ladies to chat while I go practice."
They watched him leave, starting on practiced punches and complicated moves. Meiling and Tomoyo sat down on the ground with Sakura, the three forming a little triangle.
"So, what's up?" Sakura asked, easing herself into a more comfortable position slowly.
Tomoyo shrugged. "Life's been boring without you. You seem to carry around the excitement."
"Ah, don't mind her. She only says that because Eriol couldn't make it this afternoon. You should see how those two lovebirds cuddle together! Hell, they can't even keep their hands to themselves!" Meiling yelled. Sakura laughed at Tomoyo's crimson face, looking embarrassed.
"Stop talking about yourself," Tomoyo fired back. "How about you and Kai? You're always flirting around him."
"Kai? Ryoko Kai?" Sakura repeated. "That fiery redhead that transferred this spring? Isn't he the latest target for most of the girls on campus?"
"Yep. And he's right in my grasp, right in the palm of my hands. He's mine." Meiling grinned, showing all her teeth. "By the end of the week, I assure you that I'll be introducing him to you as, 'Ryoko, my boyfriend.' Count on it girlfriend."
Tomoyo laughed as Sakura gave a small smile. "You should see how she flirts around him during our psychology course. It's so hilarious I tell you. So many girls are after him, but you should see how Meiling fights! Kicks and punches like it's her death. Makes one thankful that she's not going after your man!"
Sakura cracked a rueful grin. "Wouldn't doubt our Meiling the least. She fights for what she wants, that girl; and when she sees something she wants, she'll never keep her hands off."
Meiling puffed out her chest. "You got that right baby." She winked.
"Well, go for it." Sakura said. "No one here is fighting for him, so by all means, give it all that you have."
"Don't worry sweetie." Meiling piped up. "We'll teach you all the perfect balls you have to pitch for the guy to get the right message."
"Yeah, and I'll give your whole wardrobe a new change." Tomoyo added. "We'll have Sya, I mean, your sugar asking you out before you know it!"
Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Just how stupid do you think I am? I have no intentions of trying to hook up some idiot like that thing over there." She vaguely pointed her hand in the direction of Syaoran who was practicing his kicks.
"We've seen the look in your eyes, trust me." The Chinese girl replied, totally undaunted at her friend's words. Sakura just rolled her eyes.
"Anyhow, how's your leg?" Tomoyo said, hoping to change the topic. Sakura looked wearily at her right leg.
"Fine." Then a crossed expression was placed upon her face. "No, wait. I hate it. It's not fucking fine. The pain's horrible and I can't move like I want to."
Meiling sighed empathically. "Yeah, I totally hear you. Remember the time I broke my leg?" She shook her head. "Horrible."
"Ditto that."
Tomoyo looked back and forth between her two friends who were thinking gloomily. "Well, I can't really share in this matter, but why don't you tell Li about it? Isn't he your professional doctor?"
Sakura laughed dryly. "You mean overprotective hen. He can compete with Touya."
Meiling grinned. "That bad?"
She shrugged, and then paused. "No, worse. Touya's actually pretty nice when I'm hurt. He more like spoils me than hover."
"Don't tell me Syaoran doesn't spoil you." Meiling said, grinning evilly. "You should see the way he treats you, girl! Never did he help much when I broke my leg. And when I told him to sign my cast, he wrote, 'loser'."
"He didn't!" Tomoyo laughed with a shocked tone.
"He did! I swear he did." Meiling countered. "He said it was my own fault that I was in too much in a hurry to miss the ice on the floor and my own slow reflexes for not regaining my balance in time when the last five steps came."
"How come I'm not surprised?" Sakura said in an amused tone. "You should be thankful he didn't write anything worse, Meiling."
"I should be, considering you know him so well, huh?" Her friend replied, grinning.
"Why do I even put up with the two of you?" She complained. "The pain's muddled up my brain and I can't come up with smart comebacks, so just shut up."
Tomoyo laughed lightly and put an arm around her friend comfortingly. "Hey, no problem. In a few more weeks, you'll be brand new."
"Yeah, so think of it as a short vacation. You have too much on your back anyhow. Might as well forget it." Meiling added.
Sakura sighed and lay down on the ground, her arms tucked behind her head. "Forgive and forget." She turned to her side. "I don't think I'll ever be able to do both." She whispered quietly.
Tomoyo and Meiling shared a worried look at their friend's back. At times at these, what was the right thing to say? It seemed that no words were able to provide comfort. A black void filled the spaces in between and the three lapsed into silence.
"Meiling, cat caught your tongue?" A loud voice interrupted. "Usually your voice talks for all of us." He chuckled lightly.
Yet to his surprise, his cousin looked up soberly. "Yeah, well, I think I ate the cat." She replied. Meiling got to her feet and dusted off her pants. "I have some stuff to do before weekend hits. Tomoyo, you coming?"
Tomoyo looked up at her friend then back at Sakura who had not moved nor said anything for the past twenty minutes. She had been liked this, quiet and often thinking to herself, ever since the fire accident at Chiharu and Yamazaki's party.
"I'll call you, okay Sakura?" Tomoyo whispered in her ear, squeezing her friend's shoulder. Sakura nodded. Straightening, Tomoyo looked at Meiling and nodded. The two turned to Syaoran.
"Syao, remember what I told you." Meiling reminded before she walked out the open door with Tomoyo right behind her. With a small slam, the two were left alone again.
Syaoran looked at the door a few more seconds before squatting down before Sakura. He poked her lightly at her arm. "Want to get a drink? I'm thirsty."
Sakura groaned and pushed herself into a sitting position. "Only if you're treating." She replied.
Syaoran shrugged. "Fair enough." He stood up and waited for her to stand; he knew better than to offer her help. She was mad enough as it was for being so dependent, or weak as she would say.
------
"Perfect." The man looked at the pictures in his hands that were freshly developed. "Just perfect." He glanced up at the cashier and nodded his thanks. Tucking the pictures in his pocket, he turned to walk out the photo shop.
"Oh, sorry." Tomoyo apologized as a guy bumped into her as she opened the glass door. "What the heck," She mumbled when the guy just walked away rudely. She looked at him walk away, his long gray overcoat blowing with the wind. With a shrug, she entered the photo shop.
"Ohayo, Lei." She greeted the cashier with a smile. The guy behind the counter returned it.
"Here are your pictures, Daidouji." He replied. "You've been taking a lot lately."
"Yeah, well, you know me. These kawaii moments just keep happening!" She laughed and opened her photos. "Oh! These are wonderful!"
"Glad you're so pleased."
"Look!" She slid a picture across the counter. "Don't they make such a cute couple?" She asked. Lei glanced at the photo. It was the picture of Sakura and Syaoran dancing together that night at the party. A faint blush was seen on Sakura's face and a smile on Syaoran's.
"Hey, mind if I see this closer?" He asked.
"Sure, go ahead." Tomoyo replied generously.
"I think I've seen this before." Lei mumbled to himself. "This picture seems really familiar, like I just saw it a few moments ago."
"Really, where?"
He frowned, trying to remember. "Oh! The guy before you; the one with the gray jacket and black sunglasses. He was looking at a few photos too and he kept saying perfect. I remember seeing this one flash before me."
"Oh my god." Tomoyo whispered. "Did he say anything else?"
"I don't think so."
"What's his name?"
Lei blinked. "Um, just let me check." He quickly opened a thick pamphlet and flipped to today's. Running a finger down the list, he found it. "Here, his name is Bret Monoko."
"Anything wrong?" He asked timidly when he saw Tomoyo's face pale even more. She placed a hand on the counter to steady her shaking legs.
"May-May I see that?" Her voice came out in a whisper, barely there. Lei leaned over the counter.
"Daidouji, are you okay? Your face is all pale and you're trembling." Lei reached out a hand to steady her.
"Just show me the book," She said tiredly. "Please," Tomoyo looked up, her eyes desperate and pleading. Lei nodded and handed her over the book.
She stared at it for a long time at the scrawl before her. The words eerily stared back at her, almost in a defiant manner. It seemed to be mocking her, and all her friends. Were there attempts really futile? And if it really were he, what was he doing at the party and with pictures of Sakura and Syaoran?
"Is there any more data of Bret Monoko in your computers?" Tomoyo asked, her voice much firmer than before. If she were to be a friend, she'd have responsibilities to take.
"Let me check." Lei quickly typed in a few data in the computer. "There's not much in his data, after all, customers aren't required to fill in all the personal data. He hasn't been a frequent customer here, around three times since last year. However, there is his phone number and address from the information he gave in September two years ago."
"May I ask a copy of that information?"
Lei shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not possible. I cannot give personal data out to other people; it would be invading his privacy. Gomen, Daidouji."
"But this is a different case,"
"I really want to help, whatever help that you acquire, but I'm not allowed." Lei smiled apologetically. "Is there anywhere else that I may be of your assistance?"
Tomoyo looked at the computer screen again before shaking her head again. "Iie." She paused before gathering her photos. "Arigato Lei." She paid her money and walked out the photo shop without another word. Once she opened the door, she started to run.
----
"Tell me everything again," Sakura demanded after locking her door shut. Tomoyo looked smaller than usual, but she nodded and recounted everything again. Sakura's face showed no emotion, her face stony and silent. Beside her Syaoran just stood beside the door, just as impassive, yet his eyes were glittering strangely under the fluorescent lights. Meiling was muttering to herself angrily, her hands into tight fists as she walked around the room. Tomoyo frowned to herself and looked over at Eriol. To her surprise, he actually gave a warm smile back. It seemed that he was the only one not affected by her words.
"Li, what do we do now?" Sakura's words were calm. It sort of surprised Tomoyo, yet at the same time it didn't, that Sakura turned to Li for advice first. It somehow hurt, but she quickly got rid of the feeling from herself. Li was a police; of course Sakura would turn to him first.
"I don't know." He said. "He's playing around with us."
"God damn it, we can't just sit here and do nothing!" Meiling cried. "Tomoyo, did he see your face?"
"I don't know," Tomoyo whispered. "He just brushed past me. I said sorry but he just continued walking."
"Let's hope he didn't." Eriol cut in. "It was a good thing that Tomoyo was there today. We're knowing what the other side is doing one step ahead of them."
"Are we really one step ahead of them?" Sakura repeated slowly. "He had a reason to sign his name Bret Monoko. He knew that we would go there to wash pictures. However, he had no way of knowing that one us would actually see Bret Monoko there unless he had it planned."
"I agree." Syaoran said seriously. "I'm not piling guilt upon you Daidouji if that's what you're thinking. It could be any one of us here, but that's not the point. He had set up a plan merely on us to find out that he's still around, whether that be a photo shop or the next restaurant we dine at."
"Then what is his purpose?" Tomoyo asked.
Syaoran shrugged. "Most likely to put fear in our very hearts. Like I said, he's playing with us."
"How can you be so calm about it?" Meiling demanded. "I don't like the idea one bit that he know are every step and we're just fish that he's waiting to catch his bait and be hooked up!"
"Did I say I liked the feeling?" Her cousin replied. "At least we know that he's fallen for the idea that Sakura and I are actually a couple. It may start to turn the clocks."
Sakura snorted lightly. "We hope. But first, we have to get a copy of that address and phone number. I need to know how long this whole fucking plan started. If it started two years ago, I can narrow everything down by far."
"Agreed." Syaoran said. "However, we don't have access."
"We're both cops. Can't we just ask Lei for the information?" Eriol inquired. "We could say it's for case issues and I'm sure he'll give us the information now."
"Wouldn't work." Syaoran replied immediately. "We'd have to get a permit and all that crap done before we can even think of using our power. Besides, making the scene huge with police and media is definitely not the way to go. Bret Monoko isn't as dumb as we think he is. He could easily come back to the store and ask Lei about us, which Lei will mostly likely give."
"But we could always," Tomoyo started.
"When Lei has a gun to his head, I'm sure he'll tell." Syaoran replied. "I know he's your friend, but who knows what can happen?"
"Then how are we getting the information, Mister I'm-so-smart?" Meiling crossed her arms, daring her cousin to give her an answer.
"Easy." Sakura grinned wolfishly. "I've done it once, I can do it again."
Her friends stared at her, wondering what in the world she meant.
"You're not going to do that, are you?" Syaoran whispered when he finally knew the issue Sakura was hinting at. She just gave him another wolfish smile secretively.
-----
"Watch it." Sakura hissed.
"Gomen." Syaoran whispered. "Just give me a break will you? I didn't start my crime life as earlier as you."
"What did I tell you? It was just a loan. No loses." Sakura replied back in a harsh whisper. "Now watch where you're going."
"Hai."
The two slipped into the dark shop, blending into the darkness with their dark clothing. Sakura knelt in front of the back door, her hands slipping into her pocket for a long metal pick. Within a few minutes, the lock swayed and she pushed the door open gently. Once inside, she beckoned Syaoran to follow.
"You're going to have to teach me that one day." He told her once they were safely inside.
Sakura gave him a glare and took out a pen flashlight. The two quickly made it the counter.
"Your turn to shine." She told him, moving aside to let Syaoran get past her to the computer. He nodded and started to turn on the computer, connecting all kinds of weird wires to his own laptop. Sakura turned and looked around the room, once more making sure there were no security cameras in the room. They had come earlier that morning to make sure of that fact. Finding the folders on the desk, Sakura's glove covered hands slipped out a heavy book. Slipping her hand into another pocket, she fished out a digital camera and snapped a few pictures.
"Done." Syaoran whispered into her ear. Sakura nodded and slipped the book back to where it belonged.
"Everything in the right place?"
Syaoran nodded affirmative. Sakura swept the light over everything once more before they crept out into the dark night once more.
"Oh God." Syaoran let out a breath of relief once the two were a block away from the photo shop. Sakura nodded in agreement as the two sat with their backs against the cool brick wall.
"Never again." Sakura wheezed.
"Then how about the time at the police station with you and Eriol's ID card?" Her partner in crime asked. "Wouldn't it be much worse considering there's police and security cameras?"
Sakura half smiled at the memory. "Well, it wasn't that hard, just a bit of acting really. All I had to say that I was here to find Eriol on some 'special issue' and act a bit out of character and I got through. Besides, I had Eriol's ID card, so I kind of served as a pass. You guys should get better cops to do nightshifts or the guy would have known that Eriol had long left the building."
"Sly bitch." Syaoran muttered.
"You got that right, partner." Sakura replied, grinning evilly. "Now since we're done, let's get the hell out of this freaking place."
"Grand idea." Syaoran replied. As they headed for their parked car, Sakura raised her right hand. Syaoran smirked and he raised his own hand and slammed it down on Sakura's.
-----
"Anything?" Sakura asked as she strolled in Syaoran's office holding three cups of hot coffee. Eriol looked up from where he was seated and immediately went over to help her hold the coffee. Sakura nodded her thanks and gave one over to Syaoran while she kept the other for herself.
"Well, the address and phone number given two years ago were definitely different. It's just around here, twenty minutes or so drive from here." Syaoran spoke up from his seat behind the computer.
"Let me see." Sakura leaned behind Syaoran's shoulder to see the screen. "Hm, want to go check this out?"
"Sure. Eriol, you coming?" Syaoran asked.
Eriol shook his head. "No thanks. I would like to look further into the computer and data you brought if that's all right with you. There's just something that keeps bugging me in the corner of my mind."
Syaoran shrugged. "Have if your way, partner. My cell and Sakura's are both on if you find anything worth sharing."
"Sure thing, Syao." Eriol replied, already immersed into the computer, images flashing off his glasses. Sakura smiled lightly at her friend; it was a good thing that he was that skilled at computers. Syaoran cocked his head towards the door and they head out to Syaoran's parked jeep outside.
"Ready?" Syaoran asked as he shifted his gear to drive and the motor purred softly. Sakura shrugged, strapping on her seatbelt.
"Don't know what I'm ready for exactly." Sakura replied, getting her sunglasses and his from Syaoran's glove compartment. "Who knows what's waiting for us there?"
"Makes sense." Syaoran admitted as he slid on his own shades.
-----
"Twenty Fourth Street." Sakura instructed Syaoran. "Might as well stop at twenty third and walk the rest. We can observe our surroundings a bit."
"Mm." Syaoran grunted and parked his car by the sidewalk. The two got out of the car almost perfectly at sync. They matched from their jeans to their cells that hung from their back pockets to their black sunglasses.
He walked over to her. "Let's get this over with."
It was a tall apartment building that looked like any other apartment building in the block. The white bricks with light blue lining around the windows and the bright colored plants that decorated it did not seem to make the place any more friendlier. Sakura took a deep breath and entered the building.
"Ohayo." She smiled warmly at the man who owned the complex.
The man nodded and replied in greeting. "How may I help you?"
"See, we're a couple and we're looking for a nice sized apartment to live in. I heard from a couple friends of mine that the rooms here are very well kept and with high securities." She gave the man another dazzling smile.
The man smiled back, easing off his guard. "Would you like a tour? I would be happy to give you one."
Sakura looked over at Syaoran and winked. "Hm, but we would, you know, kind of like to be alone. I heard that 3B is open?"
"For quite a while. Shall I just give you the key then?"
"Thank you for understanding sir." Sakura said sweetly. "I'll return this right after I'm done with it."
"Take your time."
Sakura nodded and pulled Syaoran with her up the stairs. Once they were safely out of hearing range from the owner, Syaoran gave her a rueful grin.
"So that's how you got in." He said.
"I told you guys needed more security." Sakura replied, back to her own self. She rolled her eyes. "I cannot believe that the things I've observed from the ditzes across my hall would actually come in use."
"Will wonders ever cease." Syaoran replied sarcastically. "Now let's get this room checked out before all that acting goes to your ego."
Sakura tossed her hair back and continued up the stairs to the third floor.
"Hey, Eriol's called me. You go on ahead." Syaoran told her as he waited for Eriol to pick up his phone call. Sakura nodded and continued up the stairs, her guard rising up now that she had no one to watch her back. God, she hated how the fucking stairs creaked beneath her feet such that she couldn't pay attention to her surroundings as carefully.
"You found what!" Syaoran barked into the phone. "But I sent her,"
He looked up and swore loudly when he heard that Sakura was not climbing up the stairs anymore. "Sakura!" he yelled, dashing up the stairs as fast as he could, his strides wide and quick.
"Don't!" He roared. The stairs creaked loudly in protest.
"Syaoran?" She turned her head towards him as she opened the door. "What are you,"
She never finished her sentence. Syaoran dove at her, pushing her down with him, the two sliding across the floor heavily.
"What the fuck?" Sakura muttered once the dust settled. She rounded her eyes on the man that pressed himself on her.
Syaoran sighed, straightening his arms that were on either side of Sakura's body. "Eriol called. He said that the whole thing was a trap." He whispered as he bent down towards Sakura's ear, trying to cover up if the owner downstairs decided to come up.
"Damn." Sakura cursed under her breath. "I don't hear anything wrong now. Let's go."
Syaoran nodded and he helped her to get to his feet. Slowly the two approached the door, and a faint ticking sound could be heard.
Sakura's eyes met Syaoran's fearfully. He reached over and squeezed her hand lightly. Taking a deep breath, the two turned and faced the open doorway with Syaoran holding his gun out in a guarded manner.
"Shit." Syaoran let a low whisper as they stared at the alarm clock that ticked away before them, sitting eerily in the middle of an empty room. "What the hell is that?"
Sakura scanned her surroundings before walking over to the alarm clock. Glancing it over, she tapped the metal on it. "It appears just to be a clock. I don't see any explosives or anything else of that matter."
"Are you sure?"
"Not a hundred percent, but good enough. Hell, it's not like I know anything about bombs." Sakura said, shrugging her shoulders. "The batteries in here seem the normal AA batteries and there are no wires or anything else."
"Maybe I should call Eriol and," He was immediately chopped out by the shrilling sound of the alarm clock. Sakura shrieked in surprise and tossed the clock down. It bounced a few times, still ringing.
"That didn't set anything off, did it?" Sakura whispered when the ringing stopped.
"It always does that." A voice answered calmly behind them. "Ever since, oh, more than a year now."
Sakura whipped around, her arms in her stance, feet in the right position. Her breathing was unsteady.
"Hey, I didn't do anything." The guy stuttered once he saw Sakura in her fighting stance. "I just heard a loud crashing sound and decided to see what was all the matter.
"Oh, I'm sorry. The clock startled me and you entering just made it worse." Sakura gave him an apologetic smile, walking towards the owner of the building in a more relaxed manner, shielding Syaoran with herself.
"So, this clock's been here that long?" Sakura asked politely.
"Yes, the last guy who lived here left it when he left almost two years ago."
"Do you remember his name?" Syaoran asked, stepping from behind Sakura once his gun was safely hidden. The last he wanted to was to explain. The less people involved the better.
"Gomen." The landowner smiled sheepishly. "I don't quite remember. After all, it's been such a long time ago."
"There wasn't anyone else who rented this room." Sakura said, her tone quiet and observing.
The landowner sighed. "Many, like you, get scared by the clock. It rings whenever someone opens the door. Thus, people think the room is cursed with the young man's soul. I'm just thankful that the other rooms are unaffected."
"Why would it ring?" Syaoran asked, inspecting the clock. "There's no wires of any sort that connects to the door."
"I don't know. I asked a friend of mine who's skilled with this machinery, but he couldn't figure out why it would ring."
Syaoran noticed the slight change in Sakura's face, but as he was about to speak up, Sakura beat him to it. "Could we talk somewhere else?" She asked sweetly. "This room is giving me the shivers."
"Certainly," the man replied. "We'll go downstairs."
"I'm sorry if this causing you any convenience." Sakura spoke up.
"No, none at all. Is there anything else you would like to know?"
"Oh, I'm just curious as to what kind of guy would live in that room." She sighed. "I mean, he's playing pranks on everyone."
"Actually, if I remember correctly, the young man was quite reserved and unspoken. Usually polite well mannered. He was around your age, maybe a bit older, but definitely in a university around here. Hm, I think he was a tall, thin man with black hair and these really interesting light blue eyes."
"Are you sure you don't remember his name?" Syaoran asked again.
"Yes; so many people have been here, my mind can't keep up like it used to."
Sakura suddenly stood up, looking at the clock. "Gomen, I just remembered that the two of us have a date this afternoon and I have an appointment at the hairdresser's. Arigato for taking out time to talk to us."
"My pleasure." The landowner replied smiling. "Come back anytime soon if you need a room."
Sakura bowed slightly. "Arigato." Syaoran nodded his thanks as well, quickly following Sakura out the apartment. She slammed her door shut, not even saying a word as Syaoran started his car and drove off. The silence between them was so thick that one could touch it, like the dark shadows of the tall building that pressured them down.
"Either I drag it out from you or I ask Daidouji, it's as simple as that, so you might as well tell me." Syaoran pointed out quietly.
"You didn't feel it, did you?" Sakura questioned softly.
"Feel what?"
"In that room, we were being watched."
"What?" Syaoran barked, pressing on the breaks so suddenly that the tires squealed and the cars behind them honked. "Screw you!" He yelled at them. "It's a fucking red light!"
"How the fuck were we being watched?" He turned his gaze on Sakura. She looked back at him, thankful that he had his shades on such that she didn't have to face his fierce profile.
"The clock. Think about it," She said wearily. "The clock rang after we were in there for a while. If it were actually triggered by wires, it would have ringed immediately. Thus, most likely it had some sort of small camera in the room, which records back images to who knows where and then sends back a trigger that sends the alarm off." She shrugged her shoulders. "It's as simple as that."
Syaoran continued to stare at Sakura until the horns behind him were honking again. He dove angrily, unsteadily, and immediately parked his car at the nearest parking spot he found.
"That's why you wanted to get out of the room." Syaoran said quietly. "God damn it, why didn't I notice it earlier." He paused. "Then why didn't you want to question the landowner more?"
"There was no need. He wasn't going to remember the name anyhow." Sakura said, her tone nonchalant.
"And you know it?" Syaoran fired back.
"Miraki Hayushi." She replied calmly. "He's currently one year my senior in Tokyo University, studying in the business department."
Syaoran stared at the girl before him dumbfounded. How come Sakura knew everything? It seemed that everything was in her grasp. "How do you know him?"
"He chased me for two months when I first entered Tokyo University." She paused. "He's my ex, Syaoran."
-----
Ah! Another cliffhanger! I'm so evil aren't I? I know, just yell at me, won't you guys? Sigh, I just didn't know where to leave my chapter. Darn it. I could have just gone on and on without stop. Hehe, it would be like my 56 page one shot (titled "Through Your Eyes"). Hehe. Anyhow, please review; I'm wondering what your feelings/comments/thoughts were.
Oh, and ending on a happier note, well, at least for me, I got into another university today! So, other than University of Washington, I now have Penn State as well! Oh, but more work! I'm also applying for the honor program in Penn State, which is SUPER hard to get into. Ugh, so much work to get done! Anyhow, happy as it is. Oh, and I'll be happy to help anyone with questions about college in the future! You guys know my email! :) It's on my profile for those who don't know.
Hm, so review! Tell me how this chapter is! I want to know how it is in order to improve! :) Oh, and happy early Valentine's Day! It's coming soon. I'm just saying that in case I don't have an update by then. Yep. :)
Iris Dreamer