----- Sort of a Fairytale
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Thank you.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my third fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my through college essays, countless college searching, college applications, and loads of AP tests 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!
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 (depends on your own definition here) 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: Indeed, Sakura has to learn that Syaoran's different, but he has yet to understand everything there is about her.
DaShyGurl: I'm glad you like longer chapters because my chapters are definitely getting way longer! More for you to read. And I'm happy to know that you liked my chapter title! Thanks!
YamiYumiTenshi: Yes, Sakura in a halter dress in combat boots; that sounds like Sakura doesn't it? And hurry read on, the chase is about to begin and there's action to come.
Cherry Princess Sakura: Aren't you happy that I sent them out on a date even though it isn't really quite what you expected? And don't you love Touya in the last chapter? That's him, overprotective and wanting the best for his dear kaijuu.
Linda-liu: Thanks!
Hououza: Like what Sakura says in the real CCS series, "expect the unexpected!" You're going to keep that in mind as you read on in my chapters for things are never the way they seem to be. Thanks for reviewing.
Avelyn Lauren: My new pen pal! *Grins crazily * the whole mouse chase will certainly be pack full with action with much more to come. Thanks for reviewing and I'll be sure to email you! :)
Raigne: I do admit that nothing really much happened the last chapter, but it's all part of the build up towards the climax. And as for who this rat is, you're in for a crazy, unexpected surprise.
Illusioner 1412: Thanks! Happy reading.
Annelee: Thank you! I'm glad you like reading it so much and I hope you keep on reading this!
Iced Faerie: Thanks and sorry about taking forever to update.
Cyan Moon: Your welcome for the kawaii Eriol and Tomoyo and my deepest apologies right here that they won't be coming out in this chapter. This is going to be a Sakura and Syaoran dominant chapter once again. And does Syaoran know what Sakura's planning? You're just going to have to read and find out! Thanks for reviewing.
Dancer 5: Once again, I have to tell you how much I like how you pick out your favorite lines from each of my chapters. Thank you for reminding what an awesome character Meiling is! :)
Kura-chan: Sorry for the late update.
*****: Once again, sorry for taking forever to update and I hope you like this chapter.
Red-Emerald: Sakura called Eriol to tweak the security camera such that they would remain "normal" and the security guards wouldn't see anything weird. And as for your other questions, you're just going to have to read on by yourself! Happy reading!
Fire Temptress: I'm glad that you're satisfied with the long chapter and this one is almost as long. You'll probably kill me once again for leaving off where I did; you'll see/read later why. As for real kawaii Sakura and Syaoran moments......... well, that's just going to come later.
Raining Stars: Miraki Hayushi is indeed the guy who lived in that room, not the landowner.
HanaTenshiHimeko: Don't you just love Touya' over-protectiveness?
Rika: Thank you.
Daz: You little sweet talker. I'll talk to you soon.
Chibilee: I'm glad that you're back online again. I checked my email more often than usual in case I forgot to give you a special thanks (that is my responsibility!). Thanks for taking time out to read this and happy reading.
Dragonstar03: Hopefully your questions will be answered in this chapter. Have fun reading.
Kawaii Neko: I'm glad you like this "Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids." As for me, they're both my precious children! :) Sorry for taking forever to update and I hope you like this next chapter.
EVERYONE ELSE WHO'S READING THIS BUT DID NOT REVIEW, THANK YOU! I'm simply happy to know that you're taking time out to read this!
Iris Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER TEN: Unwanted Reunion
Syaoran tapped his fingers on the table impatiently. Sakura was taking way too long. However she had warned him at least ten times to not come to look for her, and he knew the consequences. Sighing, he could only wait for her sign.
"Sir, it looks like you've been stood up." A girl with dark red hair said smiling. "Would you like some company?"
Syaoran eyed her. Dressed in a simple black dress, she seemed hardly a threat. Her brown eyes were twinkling with some sort of hidden secret. "Please, do sit." He replied.
"Thank you. You may call me Rika." She smiled.
"Li."
"Well Li, it's really a pleasure knowing you." Rika said politely. "On a special date tonight?"
"I guess you can call it that." He answered. "Are you here alone? Ladies like you are never left alone for long."
"I'll keep that in mind. However, I'm here waiting for my boyfriend." Rika smiled sheepishly. "He has a great tendency to be late and I, a bit too early."
"I see." Syaoran nodded. "You come here often?"
"Lakeshore's much too expensive for that, but we come here every now and then." She replied. "And you?"
"Often enough to know Fanren quite well."
"So do I." Rika said, surprised. "I came here early to come visit her, but Kari said she was occupied at the moment, which was really weird since I had called Fanren yesterday and we had a pact to meet each other at six."
"That's what I heard as well." Syaoran replied.
"Well, I won't bother you any more. I should give you some time alone by yourself." Rika said, standing up. "Thank you for talking to me." She extended her hand.
Syaoran looked at it before shaking; it wasn't a usual custom to shake hands.
She laughed. "Sorry, I still can't correct that habit." She admitted. "I studied overseas."
"No problem." Syaoran said, tucking his hands into his pockets. "Have a good dinner."
"You too" Rika answered. "After all, the night has barely begun."
Syaoran nodded. "Indeed. Pleasure meeting you here Rika."
"The pleasure's all mine." She replied easily. "Ja." Rika stood up and walked over elegantly to where her boyfriend was sitting. The guy looked up and gave Syaoran a nod before turning his full attention to Rika.
Syaoran frowned, and looked at the small posit in his hands. "Big mouse on the run." It read in the code words Sakura and him had made up before they had come. Standing up, he walked to the kitchens quietly, thankful of Sakura's plan of asking Rika to give him the signal when she was ready.
Rika, Sakura's friend, from fourth grade but had gone overseas to study. Choosing her, someone that the stalker had not seen before, was their best plan yet.
Syaoran cursed his dress shoes that tapped lightly on the tiled floor that led to the kitchens. It was a good thing that this was his sister's restaurant; it meant that he had his own room, where all that he needed was prepared before hand.
-----
Syaoran had told her the basic ways to get around the building, but Sakura still had a hard time to figure out where was where. Deciding to try her luck, she opened a door out of all the ones that looked exactly the same, and went in.
"You did what?" A female voice screeched. "Why did you tell Josh I had a crush on him?"
Wrong room, Sakura said to herself sighing. Next. There were at least ten rooms in this hallway and searching each one was not the best way to go. Time was always the enemy, never stopping. It was her fifth try already. Somewhere some waitress on break, others were empty. After closing the fifth door, she felt someone walking towards her. She immediately pretended that she didn't feel anything. Standing up, she continued to walk, her guard up and ready. The footsteps quickened after her. Sakura made no motion to hurry up; she'd let the rat come up to her. That was how the cats played at the game; no need to chase after it when it'd come itself.
Suddenly she crouched, and spun around on her heels, delivering a solid kick.
"Syaoran, what the hell were you thinking?" She hissed, putting down her foot. Syaoran just gave her a sheepish smile; her foot had almost slammed his face and he wasn't even aware until she spun around.
"Well, you seemed lost." He told her.
"No shit, Sherlock." Sakura mumbled. "Now give me a copy of the blue map."
He sighed and gave one of the copies over to the waiting hand.
"Don't do anything stupid again." Sakura warned him again. "I will bash your head if you try that again. Take the left, I'll take right."
"Who gets there first wins." He told her with a grin.
"You're on." She replied calmly. "If, and that's if, you get to our big mousie first, don't tell him anything until I'm there. Understood."
Syaoran just nodded. Then his face went serious. "Are you sure you don't want us to go together?"
Sakura locked eyes with him, her dark green eyes looking boldly. Syaoran sighed and broke away from their gaze. "Here, take this."
"I don't use guns, Li." She glared at him. "Guns are used to kill, no exceptions."
"Take it." The tone of his voice surprised her. It was, at the same time, demanding yet under hit hid a sense of sincerity and worry. His amber eyes rounded on hers with some sort of ferocity.
She took the gun and strapped it under the pants of her right ankle. "Let the game begin." Sakura whispered.
The two were gone from the empty hallway in a blink.
-----
He moved quickly and efficiently down the hallway that he knew so well. Fanren most likely was in the kitchens, but it was impossible since there was apparently nothing wrong with how people were served, which meant the target had moved. Staying on this floor was a possibility, but none of other waitresses were acting weird with the exception of Kira. However, Kira was cautious and tried to act normal, which meant that there were still men on this floor. He quickened his pace.
Slipping into the shadows, he waited near the entrance of the room behind the counter where Kari worked.
Her movements were unnatural and her poise stiff. However Syaoran saw no one around her that seemed to be watching her. When the golden haired girl shook her layered hair, he saw something black twinkling on her right ear that was definitely not like some normal earring.
Frowning, his amber eyes flashed. Moving stealthily to his left, he pushed a chair to the ground with a loud bang.
Kari made no move to see what it was, which could only mean two things: the men who were watching Kari were only monitoring her actions by giving her direct orders and had not seen or heard the chair fall, or they were monitoring her from a camera and told her not to bother looking, for it was a fallen chair.
He decided to take his chances. Tossing a small, overlooked screw, it tapped Kari's ankle lightly. She cleverly bent down to scratch her ankle, and when her layer of blond hair swept down, Syaoran knew she saw him through her hair. She stood up once more and tapped her left hand on her thigh, three fingers out. Then she did it again, this time her hand in a fist.
Three men. No cameras.
Syaoran smirked to himself; he was damn glad that Sakura thought of that clever code actually. She vaguely said it was from television show she watched, but who knew if she was telling the truth or not? That girl had tons of things hidden up her sleeve that he never could comprehend. Anyhow, since there were only three men, it should be easy to defeat.
Kari was tapping her right foot impatiently now. Syaoran blinked, watching her movements. He had to calm down; he had almost acted rashly and ruined their whole plan.
Three armed men with guns was not a grand idea to fool around with. Besides, there was Kari to think about and everyone else in the hotel. If he blew this up, their plan would have gone wasted and everyone knew for fact that a trick can be only used once; and that goes for both sides.
He would just have to lure them away from everyone else and take them down fast. Syaoran stood up quickly and quickly yelled at Kari to duck. She did, but not before giving Syaoran a glare. Three men, as Kari had said, came at him automatically. He backed up into the hallway where he had come from. Pressing his back against the wall to his right, he immediately got the first stupid guy who ran out without thinking. The two following quickly hid. Syaoran sighed; such inexperienced men he was dealing with; no wonder there was three guys to watch after one girl.
Syaoran bent down and dragged the unconscious body closer to him. Pushing him to a standing position, he shoved the guy into the open doorway. Like he expected, the two men stared at body before reacting. By then Syaoran had rushed forward, kicked one man down and hit the wrist of the other, making him drop his gun. Delivering a steady roundabout kick, he slammed the guy who was recovering from his earlier kick into the wall. Syaoran grinned wolfishly at the last remaining guy who was backing up slowly.
Syaoran cuffed him by the collar and slammed him into the wall. His right hand reached into his jacket and tossed out another gun and a walkie- talkie.
"All right, kiddo," Syaoran drawled, "spit out what else you have to say."
"I'm not going to tell you a fucking thing," the man wheezed heavily.
Syaoran raised his eyebrow. "I like that in a chap, loyalty." He nodded his head, as if agreeing to his own words. Then suddenly without warning, the man had his back pressed against the wall again, and not very friendly either. "Now here's another type of loyalty that maybe you haven't heard of: loyalty to your own life. So how about, going to tell me?"
"I really don't know, I swear!" The man was blabbing, his eyes wide. Syaoran almost sighed out loud; this really was some rookie he was dealing with. "Some guy came up to me one night and asked if I wanted to make some money — and I really needed it— and the next thing I knew was that I was facing this big guy—,"
A bullet came whizzing pass Syaoran's face, barely missing his cheek and hit the man in the neck, killing him almost immediately. Syaoran dropped his grip on the dead man slowly, and then whipped around, a gun in his hand.
It was the man who he had kicked twice with a twisted smile on his face, a trickle of blood trickling from the corner of his crimson lips that looked startlingly unrealistic against an ashy white face.
"We can't let our secrets out, now can we?" he croaked. Surprisingly, the grip on his gun was steady, unlike how the rest of his body was holding up.
Syaoran glared at him. "You will tell." He said coldly, pointing the gun directly at the man's face.
He just laughed. "Think a gun will scare me, eh? You're too damn innocent."
The young policeman growled frustrated. "What are you guys doing here?" Syaoran commanded again, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"I win." A blissful smile fixed itself on the man's face. His eyes didn't even twitch as he turned the gun around and fired it at his own heart.
The man was dead before the bullet even hit.
Syaoran punched the wall angrily, cursing his own bad luck. His face was contorted with some sort of expression that could not be named. His hand by his side was clenching so hard that the fist trembled and his knuckles white.
A hand was placed on his shoulder lightly. "You have matters to attend to." Kari whispered lightly. "Kinomoto needs you in this; she cannot handle this alone. You have to stand up and go on." Her eyes met his with a sense of determination that comforted him.
"Go." She commanded, a soft smile tugging on the corners of her lips.
Syaoran sighed, relaxing a bit. "But the bodies,"
"I'll handle that." Kari said firmly. "I'll just lock the doors that enter here until this whole thing is over."
She left him no place to hide, no place to escape, and offered no place of refuge. Syaoran nodded weakly and slide his gun back into its holster that was hidden under his clothes.
"You'll do fine," Kari reassured him. "You are truly a Li."
"Thanks, Kari." Syaoran gave her a smile that did not waver. He gave her a brief hug.
She returned it, holding him tightly against herself. "You better get my best friend back."
"I promise you that." Syaoran replied, releasing her.
"And I want to become friends with your fiancée as well." Kari told him, her eyes twinkling. "Now go before I make you go."
He nodded and was gone without another word, leaving as quietly as he had come. Kari watched him go before studying the men sprawled on the carpet. Two men were dead and the man that was left looked pretty much dead anyhow. Scrunching her nose in disgust, she locked the door leading to the hallway where Syaoran had left. She even put a chair under the doorknob in case anyone came. Kari smiled at her masterpiece before walking towards the door that led to service counter. The guns were hers and the walkie-talkie had disintegrated under her black heel. She locked the last door behind her and hid the key.
-----
Sakura sprinted across the hallway, thankful for the carpet that muffled the sound of her combat boots. She quickly made her way through the first floor and yanked the first emergency exit door she saw. A cool wave of night greeted her as Sakura ran up the metal winding stairs that creaked dangerously under her feet.
There had to be men on the roof. That was where the men had come in, at least those who were doing the fighting and the tech crew did. The big rats came from the front entrance, not at all daunted. However, to get the mouse to the trap, the first step would be to eliminate all exits. Then one would just have to sit and watch the mouse try itself to death in wanting to escape.
An evil smirk spread across Sakura's face as the wind blew stronger and the temperature decreased. The wind brought a few chopped up words of a conversation that made Sakura knew she had come to the right place.
Now, only a heavy metal door separated her and her prey. Flexing her right arm, Sakura placed her hand on the cool metal and pushed it open.
The expression on each of the men up there was hilarious if she could remember how to laugh. It was identical to deers looking with that blank eyed look at car lights.
"Hey, guys." Sakura gave them an innocent smile. "Am I in the wrong place?" She titled her head to the side. "I came up to have a little smoke, and what to I find? A bunch of hot looking men." She winked seductively at a guy who was staring openly at her.
"Look here, cutie, we're having a private thing here." A guy spoke up, who seemed to be the head or something.
Sakura nodded understandably, patting a hand on the guy's shoulder. "I know, I sneaked out of my job as well. The boss rides on people hard on you guys too?"
"Cutie, it's a guy thing, no ladies around." The man said. He was tall, around six feet with black hair with a cold calculating look. His eyes never left hers as he spoke.
Sakura swore to herself; the man probably knew all her tricks. "Ohh." She sighed. "Well, then, I should just leave you men to your fun."
"You should." He replied, his voice not changing the least.
Sakura laughed lightly. "Well, see you guys later? I'll be just around the corner if you,"
"Cutie," He did not mean the term; it was demeaning, and the equivalent to bitch coming from his mouth. "We are busy. We are not skipping work as you assume. I advise you to go back to wherever you are and stay there."
"I'm sorry, I was just," Sakura started.
The man stepped forward a step, but before Sakura could whip him in the face, another man spoke up.
"Jack, she's just some girl. Don't get all riled up." Sakura turned her head and found that it was the guy who she had winked at.
Jack rolled his eyes while mimicking the younger man under his breath. "Yeah, yeah. Fuck off Johnny baby and get that fucking piece of shit to work. And you, cutie, you better go before I let my men take you right here on the fucking roof."
Sakura almost laughed out loud. Who the heck did this ugly man think he was talking to? Besides, he had to learn how to talk. Open curses were nothing. She preferred discreet sarcasm.
"I liked it better when you didn't talk as much." Sakura said with a sweet smile. "You're so much more attractive that way." She winked and sauntered off. "Well, nice meeting you boys." Then she was gone, behind the metal door.
Once safely behind, Sakura began to sprint down the stairs. She'd have to find Syaoran.
-----
"You did what?" Syaoran whispered loudly.
Sakura glared at him warningly. He growled lightly and lowered his voice.
"I cannot believe you did that." He mumbled, resting his back against the wall, his eyes trying to get used to the dark closet the two were in. "You're telling me you placed a hearing device under the guy's collar?"
"Yeah, will you better believe it soon." Sakura drawled, "Because they're talking about something about a nuclear bomb."
"What?"
"Just kidding."
Syaoran was shooting daggers vaguely at where Sakura was, for her black outfit seemed to blend right into her surroundings.
"They're talking about computer gibberish." Sakura sighed. "Remind me why Eriol couldn't come with us again."
"It would be adding light to him and Tomoyo if he came with us." Syaoran repeated.
"Right." Sakura sighed. "Don't move. I'm going to move by you and maybe both of us can hear."
"Why can't," Syaoran started.
"Just don't move." Sakura snapped, moving over to Syaoran in the dark, blinking her eyes. Her hands came into something hard and she poked it.
"Watch where that hand's going." Syaoran warned, and amused look on his face. "I'm not going to be responsible for my actions if you go a bit lower, but I have to admit that it'd be my first time in a janitor's closet too."
"Hentai." Sakura flipped him the finger in the dark.
"Bitch." Syaoran replied. He didn't have to see to know she was giving him the finger; it was a typical Sakura reaction.
She rolled her eyes and sat down next to Syaoran, their bare arms pressed against each other. Syaoran frowned, and leaned his head close to hers to hear the conversation that came through the single earphone.
What came through was not of best quality; there was always a faint buzzing sound and it was hard to decipher what was being said when only the man's commandments could be heard clearly.
After a few minutes, Syaoran exhaled loudly. Sakura looked at him and lowered the hand that held the earphone between the two.
"They're hacking into the system."
"What? Syaoran, there's something you're not telling me and I want to know now." Sakura's voice was laced with ferocity. "You told me your sister runs a restaurant, and that seems like it's so, at least on first floor it does. No one that I know of would come and hack into the system of a hotel, unless they want the recent recipe for a crème latté."
"I'm the heir to the Li Clan."
"And I don't give a shit." Sakura responded, not really caring she was dealing with some high class, rich ass, powerful, heir to the only clan that wielded its power in all of China.
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me." Syaoran muttered.
"So let me guess. This hotel isn't some hotel is it? It's simply another one of your bases."
"I knew you were a smart girl."
"I don't need you to tell me that." Sakura snapped. "And this is just great. I'm fucking scared shitless and this is what you tell me. You know what, this makes me feel better. We're not on just some mission to get some big time information; we're dealing with some ass who really are fucking bastards, who, if you don' know already, do want your head in a silver platter."
Syaoran slapped her, the smart sound cutting through the silent air. Sakura stopped talking and looked at him glowering.
"Gomen, Kinomoto." He immediately said. "Didn't mean to,"
"I needed that." Sakura cut him off shrugging. She slid her black gloves back onto her hands. "You dealt with those bastards out there?"
"A few times, but those were just some pathetic attempts many years ago in China." Syaoran shrugged. "I don't really know if they're related."
"Well, it's god damn too much of a coincidence that the day we decide to lure them out, and at this restaurant, another gang decided to come hack your system." Sakura said. "Either they're together or this is the same gang all along."
"Nothing else we can do except kick their ass." Syaoran said, getting to his feet.
"Agreed." Sakura replied. "Wipe out the roof first? Then make our way down?" She pushed open the door to the closet and light came flooding in.
"You said there was roughly ten men up there?"
"Thirteen, last time I counted."
"Enough for both of us." Syaoran mused. "However, they're armed."
"Don't worry about me." Sakura told him after he noticed she had made no motion to get her gun unlike himself who made sure that his gun was easy to get a hold of.
"I don't."
"You are such a horrible liar." Sakura smirked openly in his face and walked off, leading the way to the roof. Syaoran growled angrily; that girl was such a fucking bitch sometimes.
-----
"Hey there." Sakura gave a seductive smile towards a man who was standing alone in front of the metal door, acting as a guard. Most likely her earlier visit had the men raise their guard. However, by this guy's stance, Sakura could tell that his muscles were tight; most likely it was his first biggie or something.
"Hey." He gave her a wobbly smile. "You shouldn't be here." He whispered.
"Oh come on," Sakura said, placing her hands on his shoulders, flipping their positions such that she was leaning against the wall and he was on top of her. "I'll be a good girl." She purred, running her hands down his arms.
He shivered under his touch, his mind completely frazzled by the beauty in front of him.
"So how about it?" She leaned closer to him, suddenly pulling him close. His eyes widened, and his Adam's apple bobbed uncertainly. Sakura snaked her arms around his waist, her right hand slipping into his back pocket and slid a key and a few ID cards to Syaoran.
"I really don't think so." The man sighed. He started to pull away from Sakura's hold. Her eyes flashed as the man started to turn around while Syaoran had not even opened the door. She did the first thing that came to mind.
She kissed him hard, totally knocking the breath out of the guy.
Syaoran stood there, shocked as he watched the scene before him. Sakura's eyes were glittering dangerously and warned him to leave. He shook his head to break himself from the reverie and opened the, disappearing from sight.
Sakura pushed the guy away roughly, in disgust. She kicked him down, and stood above him.
"You're fucking bastard." She cursed, spitting in his face. "You men are all the same, you know that? So easy to play against with, like a toy." She grinned evilly at him. The man looked up at her fearfully; the pretty face that had attracted him was gone in a flash and a look of pure power and hatred was written all over it instead.
"Go to hell."
The man's head quickly snapped, and hit the ground. Sakura spat at him once more before tying him up and shoving him into the corner. Sakura stood up and walked back to the ominous black door. Knocking twice, the door opened and was immediately pulled to the right by Syaoran.
"How many men?" She whispered, the two hiding in the shadows.
"Lucky seven." He answered. "Most of them are fully armed and seem extremely well-trained. The only few that seem to be no threat at the men near the computer, those who are hacking into the system."
"Bunch of useless men." Sakura hissed angrily. "I'm ready to blow their fucking brains out."
Syaoran eyed her from the corner of his eyes. He could see the girl shaking, whether it was from anger or from fear, he didn't know, but he had a deep ugly feeling that it was both. And that was what scared him.
The Sakura he knew never acted scared, or angry. In fact, she never really expressed her emotions; that was what made her so powerful.
Syaoran found himself reaching over, his hand resting near the girl's shoulder. She turned her fiery green eyes at him, looking at him for a long while, as if reading what went through his mind.
She nodded with her eyes closed and Syaoran withdrew his hand. When she opened them again, her emotions were collected and hidden under a dark hue of green.
-----
Syaoran watched admirably as Sakura swiftly kicked ass through the crowds that came by. She had picked up a metal bar and was handling it like a sword. Her movements were fluid and strong, possessing the strength of the tiger and the speed of the dragon.
"Will you please pay attention?" Sakura growled impatiently as she delivered a strong kick to the guy who was going to hit Syaoran. She rolled her eyes as she punched the guy again when he recovered from his hand that had lost feeling.
"Sorry my lady." Syaoran mocked, knocking another guy out. "I was dazed by your lovely looks."
Sakura rolled her eyes; Syaoran was always making up stupid remarks to cover up his stupid moments. What surprised her was that most of the guys were not armed as she had thought. She had disarmed a few that had guns, but most of them were rendered helpless with their bare hands. Most likely the group up here was nothing of importance, or the job that was to be done was already completed.
"Hey hottie," Sakura grinned wolfishly at the computer tech guy, who, if she remembered correctly had the name of "Johnny baby."
"You going to get that computer going the way I want it to or do I have to make you?" She said, her voice dripping with honey.
"I'll do it." He whispered, watching the men around him lying in various positions. The guy who was her partner was still beating the crap of one guy in the background. The sickening noises and moans were enough to convince him.
"Good. Now undo everything." Sakura commanded.
"Everything?" He squeaked.
Sakura growled frustrated, slamming her fist into a wooden board, making in break in half. "Dearie, what part of everything do you not understand?" She asked, giving him a strained warm smile. "Perhaps I should tell it to you in computer language. It's spelled e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g."
Syaoran half grinned in amusement at the man staring nervously back at Sakura, freezing completely. He wouldn't be surprised if the guy's cerebellum had just fused.
"NOW!" She barked, slamming her palm down on the table. The computer jumped as the man did. He nodded his head frantically now as he logged into the computer.
"Uh, it's." His voice came out in a broke whisper.
"Talk louder." Sakura commanded.
"Well, um, you see, the computer has this automatic lock system which under the completion of a duty or a task, the computer will log into a protection mode. Usually the one who sets the codes are able to re-enter, but in this case, the programming of digits is quite complicated and it overlaps with the system of the database," the man ticked off.
Sakura growled, turning over to Syaoran. "In English please."
"Simply saying, he cannot redo everything since the computer's locked." Syaoran replied. "Most likely the computer is set that with the completion of a task, it is closed off in order for no disruptions."
"Very clever Johnny boy." Sakura mocked, turning her green eyes on him. "You will answer my questions with direct, short answers with clarity. Now, where is the information currently?"
"At the home base computer."
"Where is it?"
"I don't know. I've never been there. There are many branches and I only work under a few people who work under more people and finally the major guy."
"What were you guys after?"
"The Li Clan's information." Johnny replied. "I don't really know what, but I was told to hack into the system and copy everything and then send a virus into their system."
"Can the virus be stopped?"
"No."
"What will it do?"
"It will continue to send information back to the home base computer."
"So a check on the Li Clan."
"I guess you could say that."
"I don't guess, I know." Sakura replied coldly. "Who came to you?"
"The one thing that I won't do is to betray my own people." Johnny answered, his tone just as firm.
Sakura laughed mockingly. "Your idea of loyalty. How absolutely touching." She smirked. "It's absolutely disgusting how you bow down to people who don't even give a shit about you. Do you really think that you're a necessary part of the gang? Think again, Johnny boy."
"I do think I am."
Syaoran actually admired the guy's bravery.
"You think you are." Sakura mimicked. "Please, listen to the way you talk. Do you know how pathetic you sound right now? You are nothing but a chess piece, and after you've served your duty, you're disposed without another thought."
"At least I did something."
Sakura clapped her hands slowly, her eyes mocking. "Wow. That's an accomplishment that you should be proud of: eating the shit of others and not doing what you want to do."
"You don't."
"Yes, I don't know shit." Sakura finished for him. "Now where is Fanren?"
"You mean the lovely Asian girl who's the eldest of the Li clan? The favorite sister of Li Xiao Lang? The wonderful cook and organizer?" A voice replied, his tone somewhat a bit too carefree. Sakura's body turned rigid, and her blazing eyes turned slowly to the direction of the speaker.
"Syaoran, guard him." Sakura ordered, her eyes never leading the tall, well built figure who had his hand easily around Fanren's neck. "Do as I say, Syaoran." She repeated when Syaoran did not move.
Reluctantly, he moved and stood beside the computer guy. However, his concentration was still on his sister and the man who held her hostage. And most of all, his eyes were on Sakura, who somehow took control of this whole situation in a flash. He pulled out his gun discreetly in case anything would happen.
"Oh, good evening there, Sakura." The man smiled, his black eyes crinkling through his charcoal bangs. "Such a lovely night, not a single star in sight."
"Hand the girl over." Sakura informed him, not even looking at the sky.
"I'm hurt, Sakura, dear." The man answered, not a bit unnerved by her cutting remark. "After all these years, this is how you greet me? A man you once greeted with joy? Greeted with great enthusiasm, a kiss to the cheek?"
"Perhaps it's been to long, and I've changed. After all, it has been more than thirteen years since we last met. Let me jog your memory for you, shall I? Does Mr. Bear remind you of anyone from you childhood?"
Syaoran growled lightly; he didn't like this guy at all, and the hell with whom he was. He looked from the man's pale face to Sakura who had not said a word.
Finally she spoke up. "Forgive me, Mr. Bear," She said, her tone overly sweet. "It really must have been so long. Perhaps we should chat and get along, just like the old times, ne?"
"I'll take up your offer another day perhaps Sakura. I'm quite busy now, as you can see." He gave her a patronizing smile. "But my, you have grown up so much. I was afraid I couldn't tell that it was you for while, but oh, the green eyes just clicked. After all, you're the only one in the Kinomoto family who has them."
Sakura didn't even bat an eyelash. "And I would never imagine to meet you up here, on a rooftop of all places with a friend of mine in your arms. Surely you have other women to play around with? This one is way out of your league."
"And isn't the man behind you out of yours?" He replied, just as calmly. "I'm quite aware of the position of power he holds and the difference from yours. After all, I didn't think you would date after everything's that happened."
"What happened?"
"Sakura, you may be clever beyond your age, but you can never defeat the one who taught you the ins and outs of the game."
"And you may never conquer the one who you have raised." Sakura replied, her green eyes blazing.
The man chuckled. "I have raised you well."
"Too well for your own good." She informed.
"Indeed?"
"You'll meet your death here," She grinned. "Father."
-----
AUTHOR'S NOTE CONTINUED: Before you kill me, I'm sorry for the cliffhanger! Things are going way out of control here! Even I had not planned things to happen like it has. *Evil grin * Things will be getting very, very interesting now. I might be updating a bit slower these few chapters, but rest assured that this story will be finished. This story is somewhat harder to write than Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids or any other story that I've written before. I have to make sure that all the clues from before are tied up together and that no loose ends hare dangling around.
This story should be coming towards an end. I'm thinking at most five chapters, but who knows? I haven't started writing on the next chapter so it's still kind of hard to say know.
Some good news here. I have more universities to go to now! I also have Ohio State University and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I'm so thankful that I applied to rolling admissions schools! No worries of no school to go to until the end of March. End of March.... Shudders.... If I don't update soon, most likely I'm in a pit of depression from being rejected oh, so many times.
Other good news. I'm thinking of a new story already. It's going to be a romance comedy fic. I'm going to try something different from action now. Yes indeed, this new story is going to have some funny unexpected moments here. Hehe, I just cannot wait to get my hands writing this story! I'm going to have fun here.
I'll update when I can, but don't expect one in a week. For me, at least, that's too short of a time period to complete a well-written chapter. So, please me patient with me and in the mean time, please review! Thank you. Comments are always appreciated! Let me know what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong.
Oh, by the way, who saw the Oscars? LOL, didn't you just love that movie in the beginning with that actor....... What's his name? You know, that movie with his face popping out everywhere. He was especially funny as Legolas from LOTR and in Something's Gotta Give. Anyhow, if you've seen it, you should know what I'm talking about. And Lord of the Rings rules! They had 11 nominations and they took all! Mwu hahahah! :)
Iris Dreamer
----- Written by Iris (Rainbow) Dreamer
----- DISCLAIMER: Card Captor Sakura belongs solely to Clamp. However, the plot is mine and I would like to remain it that way. Thank you.
----- AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey! This is my third fic! Bear with me here as I suffer my way through my through college essays, countless college searching, college applications, and loads of AP tests 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!
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 (depends on your own definition here) 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: Indeed, Sakura has to learn that Syaoran's different, but he has yet to understand everything there is about her.
DaShyGurl: I'm glad you like longer chapters because my chapters are definitely getting way longer! More for you to read. And I'm happy to know that you liked my chapter title! Thanks!
YamiYumiTenshi: Yes, Sakura in a halter dress in combat boots; that sounds like Sakura doesn't it? And hurry read on, the chase is about to begin and there's action to come.
Cherry Princess Sakura: Aren't you happy that I sent them out on a date even though it isn't really quite what you expected? And don't you love Touya in the last chapter? That's him, overprotective and wanting the best for his dear kaijuu.
Linda-liu: Thanks!
Hououza: Like what Sakura says in the real CCS series, "expect the unexpected!" You're going to keep that in mind as you read on in my chapters for things are never the way they seem to be. Thanks for reviewing.
Avelyn Lauren: My new pen pal! *Grins crazily * the whole mouse chase will certainly be pack full with action with much more to come. Thanks for reviewing and I'll be sure to email you! :)
Raigne: I do admit that nothing really much happened the last chapter, but it's all part of the build up towards the climax. And as for who this rat is, you're in for a crazy, unexpected surprise.
Illusioner 1412: Thanks! Happy reading.
Annelee: Thank you! I'm glad you like reading it so much and I hope you keep on reading this!
Iced Faerie: Thanks and sorry about taking forever to update.
Cyan Moon: Your welcome for the kawaii Eriol and Tomoyo and my deepest apologies right here that they won't be coming out in this chapter. This is going to be a Sakura and Syaoran dominant chapter once again. And does Syaoran know what Sakura's planning? You're just going to have to read and find out! Thanks for reviewing.
Dancer 5: Once again, I have to tell you how much I like how you pick out your favorite lines from each of my chapters. Thank you for reminding what an awesome character Meiling is! :)
Kura-chan: Sorry for the late update.
*****: Once again, sorry for taking forever to update and I hope you like this chapter.
Red-Emerald: Sakura called Eriol to tweak the security camera such that they would remain "normal" and the security guards wouldn't see anything weird. And as for your other questions, you're just going to have to read on by yourself! Happy reading!
Fire Temptress: I'm glad that you're satisfied with the long chapter and this one is almost as long. You'll probably kill me once again for leaving off where I did; you'll see/read later why. As for real kawaii Sakura and Syaoran moments......... well, that's just going to come later.
Raining Stars: Miraki Hayushi is indeed the guy who lived in that room, not the landowner.
HanaTenshiHimeko: Don't you just love Touya' over-protectiveness?
Rika: Thank you.
Daz: You little sweet talker. I'll talk to you soon.
Chibilee: I'm glad that you're back online again. I checked my email more often than usual in case I forgot to give you a special thanks (that is my responsibility!). Thanks for taking time out to read this and happy reading.
Dragonstar03: Hopefully your questions will be answered in this chapter. Have fun reading.
Kawaii Neko: I'm glad you like this "Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids." As for me, they're both my precious children! :) Sorry for taking forever to update and I hope you like this next chapter.
EVERYONE ELSE WHO'S READING THIS BUT DID NOT REVIEW, THANK YOU! I'm simply happy to know that you're taking time out to read this!
Iris Dreamer.
----- CHAPTER TEN: Unwanted Reunion
Syaoran tapped his fingers on the table impatiently. Sakura was taking way too long. However she had warned him at least ten times to not come to look for her, and he knew the consequences. Sighing, he could only wait for her sign.
"Sir, it looks like you've been stood up." A girl with dark red hair said smiling. "Would you like some company?"
Syaoran eyed her. Dressed in a simple black dress, she seemed hardly a threat. Her brown eyes were twinkling with some sort of hidden secret. "Please, do sit." He replied.
"Thank you. You may call me Rika." She smiled.
"Li."
"Well Li, it's really a pleasure knowing you." Rika said politely. "On a special date tonight?"
"I guess you can call it that." He answered. "Are you here alone? Ladies like you are never left alone for long."
"I'll keep that in mind. However, I'm here waiting for my boyfriend." Rika smiled sheepishly. "He has a great tendency to be late and I, a bit too early."
"I see." Syaoran nodded. "You come here often?"
"Lakeshore's much too expensive for that, but we come here every now and then." She replied. "And you?"
"Often enough to know Fanren quite well."
"So do I." Rika said, surprised. "I came here early to come visit her, but Kari said she was occupied at the moment, which was really weird since I had called Fanren yesterday and we had a pact to meet each other at six."
"That's what I heard as well." Syaoran replied.
"Well, I won't bother you any more. I should give you some time alone by yourself." Rika said, standing up. "Thank you for talking to me." She extended her hand.
Syaoran looked at it before shaking; it wasn't a usual custom to shake hands.
She laughed. "Sorry, I still can't correct that habit." She admitted. "I studied overseas."
"No problem." Syaoran said, tucking his hands into his pockets. "Have a good dinner."
"You too" Rika answered. "After all, the night has barely begun."
Syaoran nodded. "Indeed. Pleasure meeting you here Rika."
"The pleasure's all mine." She replied easily. "Ja." Rika stood up and walked over elegantly to where her boyfriend was sitting. The guy looked up and gave Syaoran a nod before turning his full attention to Rika.
Syaoran frowned, and looked at the small posit in his hands. "Big mouse on the run." It read in the code words Sakura and him had made up before they had come. Standing up, he walked to the kitchens quietly, thankful of Sakura's plan of asking Rika to give him the signal when she was ready.
Rika, Sakura's friend, from fourth grade but had gone overseas to study. Choosing her, someone that the stalker had not seen before, was their best plan yet.
Syaoran cursed his dress shoes that tapped lightly on the tiled floor that led to the kitchens. It was a good thing that this was his sister's restaurant; it meant that he had his own room, where all that he needed was prepared before hand.
-----
Syaoran had told her the basic ways to get around the building, but Sakura still had a hard time to figure out where was where. Deciding to try her luck, she opened a door out of all the ones that looked exactly the same, and went in.
"You did what?" A female voice screeched. "Why did you tell Josh I had a crush on him?"
Wrong room, Sakura said to herself sighing. Next. There were at least ten rooms in this hallway and searching each one was not the best way to go. Time was always the enemy, never stopping. It was her fifth try already. Somewhere some waitress on break, others were empty. After closing the fifth door, she felt someone walking towards her. She immediately pretended that she didn't feel anything. Standing up, she continued to walk, her guard up and ready. The footsteps quickened after her. Sakura made no motion to hurry up; she'd let the rat come up to her. That was how the cats played at the game; no need to chase after it when it'd come itself.
Suddenly she crouched, and spun around on her heels, delivering a solid kick.
"Syaoran, what the hell were you thinking?" She hissed, putting down her foot. Syaoran just gave her a sheepish smile; her foot had almost slammed his face and he wasn't even aware until she spun around.
"Well, you seemed lost." He told her.
"No shit, Sherlock." Sakura mumbled. "Now give me a copy of the blue map."
He sighed and gave one of the copies over to the waiting hand.
"Don't do anything stupid again." Sakura warned him again. "I will bash your head if you try that again. Take the left, I'll take right."
"Who gets there first wins." He told her with a grin.
"You're on." She replied calmly. "If, and that's if, you get to our big mousie first, don't tell him anything until I'm there. Understood."
Syaoran just nodded. Then his face went serious. "Are you sure you don't want us to go together?"
Sakura locked eyes with him, her dark green eyes looking boldly. Syaoran sighed and broke away from their gaze. "Here, take this."
"I don't use guns, Li." She glared at him. "Guns are used to kill, no exceptions."
"Take it." The tone of his voice surprised her. It was, at the same time, demanding yet under hit hid a sense of sincerity and worry. His amber eyes rounded on hers with some sort of ferocity.
She took the gun and strapped it under the pants of her right ankle. "Let the game begin." Sakura whispered.
The two were gone from the empty hallway in a blink.
-----
He moved quickly and efficiently down the hallway that he knew so well. Fanren most likely was in the kitchens, but it was impossible since there was apparently nothing wrong with how people were served, which meant the target had moved. Staying on this floor was a possibility, but none of other waitresses were acting weird with the exception of Kira. However, Kira was cautious and tried to act normal, which meant that there were still men on this floor. He quickened his pace.
Slipping into the shadows, he waited near the entrance of the room behind the counter where Kari worked.
Her movements were unnatural and her poise stiff. However Syaoran saw no one around her that seemed to be watching her. When the golden haired girl shook her layered hair, he saw something black twinkling on her right ear that was definitely not like some normal earring.
Frowning, his amber eyes flashed. Moving stealthily to his left, he pushed a chair to the ground with a loud bang.
Kari made no move to see what it was, which could only mean two things: the men who were watching Kari were only monitoring her actions by giving her direct orders and had not seen or heard the chair fall, or they were monitoring her from a camera and told her not to bother looking, for it was a fallen chair.
He decided to take his chances. Tossing a small, overlooked screw, it tapped Kari's ankle lightly. She cleverly bent down to scratch her ankle, and when her layer of blond hair swept down, Syaoran knew she saw him through her hair. She stood up once more and tapped her left hand on her thigh, three fingers out. Then she did it again, this time her hand in a fist.
Three men. No cameras.
Syaoran smirked to himself; he was damn glad that Sakura thought of that clever code actually. She vaguely said it was from television show she watched, but who knew if she was telling the truth or not? That girl had tons of things hidden up her sleeve that he never could comprehend. Anyhow, since there were only three men, it should be easy to defeat.
Kari was tapping her right foot impatiently now. Syaoran blinked, watching her movements. He had to calm down; he had almost acted rashly and ruined their whole plan.
Three armed men with guns was not a grand idea to fool around with. Besides, there was Kari to think about and everyone else in the hotel. If he blew this up, their plan would have gone wasted and everyone knew for fact that a trick can be only used once; and that goes for both sides.
He would just have to lure them away from everyone else and take them down fast. Syaoran stood up quickly and quickly yelled at Kari to duck. She did, but not before giving Syaoran a glare. Three men, as Kari had said, came at him automatically. He backed up into the hallway where he had come from. Pressing his back against the wall to his right, he immediately got the first stupid guy who ran out without thinking. The two following quickly hid. Syaoran sighed; such inexperienced men he was dealing with; no wonder there was three guys to watch after one girl.
Syaoran bent down and dragged the unconscious body closer to him. Pushing him to a standing position, he shoved the guy into the open doorway. Like he expected, the two men stared at body before reacting. By then Syaoran had rushed forward, kicked one man down and hit the wrist of the other, making him drop his gun. Delivering a steady roundabout kick, he slammed the guy who was recovering from his earlier kick into the wall. Syaoran grinned wolfishly at the last remaining guy who was backing up slowly.
Syaoran cuffed him by the collar and slammed him into the wall. His right hand reached into his jacket and tossed out another gun and a walkie- talkie.
"All right, kiddo," Syaoran drawled, "spit out what else you have to say."
"I'm not going to tell you a fucking thing," the man wheezed heavily.
Syaoran raised his eyebrow. "I like that in a chap, loyalty." He nodded his head, as if agreeing to his own words. Then suddenly without warning, the man had his back pressed against the wall again, and not very friendly either. "Now here's another type of loyalty that maybe you haven't heard of: loyalty to your own life. So how about, going to tell me?"
"I really don't know, I swear!" The man was blabbing, his eyes wide. Syaoran almost sighed out loud; this really was some rookie he was dealing with. "Some guy came up to me one night and asked if I wanted to make some money — and I really needed it— and the next thing I knew was that I was facing this big guy—,"
A bullet came whizzing pass Syaoran's face, barely missing his cheek and hit the man in the neck, killing him almost immediately. Syaoran dropped his grip on the dead man slowly, and then whipped around, a gun in his hand.
It was the man who he had kicked twice with a twisted smile on his face, a trickle of blood trickling from the corner of his crimson lips that looked startlingly unrealistic against an ashy white face.
"We can't let our secrets out, now can we?" he croaked. Surprisingly, the grip on his gun was steady, unlike how the rest of his body was holding up.
Syaoran glared at him. "You will tell." He said coldly, pointing the gun directly at the man's face.
He just laughed. "Think a gun will scare me, eh? You're too damn innocent."
The young policeman growled frustrated. "What are you guys doing here?" Syaoran commanded again, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"I win." A blissful smile fixed itself on the man's face. His eyes didn't even twitch as he turned the gun around and fired it at his own heart.
The man was dead before the bullet even hit.
Syaoran punched the wall angrily, cursing his own bad luck. His face was contorted with some sort of expression that could not be named. His hand by his side was clenching so hard that the fist trembled and his knuckles white.
A hand was placed on his shoulder lightly. "You have matters to attend to." Kari whispered lightly. "Kinomoto needs you in this; she cannot handle this alone. You have to stand up and go on." Her eyes met his with a sense of determination that comforted him.
"Go." She commanded, a soft smile tugging on the corners of her lips.
Syaoran sighed, relaxing a bit. "But the bodies,"
"I'll handle that." Kari said firmly. "I'll just lock the doors that enter here until this whole thing is over."
She left him no place to hide, no place to escape, and offered no place of refuge. Syaoran nodded weakly and slide his gun back into its holster that was hidden under his clothes.
"You'll do fine," Kari reassured him. "You are truly a Li."
"Thanks, Kari." Syaoran gave her a smile that did not waver. He gave her a brief hug.
She returned it, holding him tightly against herself. "You better get my best friend back."
"I promise you that." Syaoran replied, releasing her.
"And I want to become friends with your fiancée as well." Kari told him, her eyes twinkling. "Now go before I make you go."
He nodded and was gone without another word, leaving as quietly as he had come. Kari watched him go before studying the men sprawled on the carpet. Two men were dead and the man that was left looked pretty much dead anyhow. Scrunching her nose in disgust, she locked the door leading to the hallway where Syaoran had left. She even put a chair under the doorknob in case anyone came. Kari smiled at her masterpiece before walking towards the door that led to service counter. The guns were hers and the walkie-talkie had disintegrated under her black heel. She locked the last door behind her and hid the key.
-----
Sakura sprinted across the hallway, thankful for the carpet that muffled the sound of her combat boots. She quickly made her way through the first floor and yanked the first emergency exit door she saw. A cool wave of night greeted her as Sakura ran up the metal winding stairs that creaked dangerously under her feet.
There had to be men on the roof. That was where the men had come in, at least those who were doing the fighting and the tech crew did. The big rats came from the front entrance, not at all daunted. However, to get the mouse to the trap, the first step would be to eliminate all exits. Then one would just have to sit and watch the mouse try itself to death in wanting to escape.
An evil smirk spread across Sakura's face as the wind blew stronger and the temperature decreased. The wind brought a few chopped up words of a conversation that made Sakura knew she had come to the right place.
Now, only a heavy metal door separated her and her prey. Flexing her right arm, Sakura placed her hand on the cool metal and pushed it open.
The expression on each of the men up there was hilarious if she could remember how to laugh. It was identical to deers looking with that blank eyed look at car lights.
"Hey, guys." Sakura gave them an innocent smile. "Am I in the wrong place?" She titled her head to the side. "I came up to have a little smoke, and what to I find? A bunch of hot looking men." She winked seductively at a guy who was staring openly at her.
"Look here, cutie, we're having a private thing here." A guy spoke up, who seemed to be the head or something.
Sakura nodded understandably, patting a hand on the guy's shoulder. "I know, I sneaked out of my job as well. The boss rides on people hard on you guys too?"
"Cutie, it's a guy thing, no ladies around." The man said. He was tall, around six feet with black hair with a cold calculating look. His eyes never left hers as he spoke.
Sakura swore to herself; the man probably knew all her tricks. "Ohh." She sighed. "Well, then, I should just leave you men to your fun."
"You should." He replied, his voice not changing the least.
Sakura laughed lightly. "Well, see you guys later? I'll be just around the corner if you,"
"Cutie," He did not mean the term; it was demeaning, and the equivalent to bitch coming from his mouth. "We are busy. We are not skipping work as you assume. I advise you to go back to wherever you are and stay there."
"I'm sorry, I was just," Sakura started.
The man stepped forward a step, but before Sakura could whip him in the face, another man spoke up.
"Jack, she's just some girl. Don't get all riled up." Sakura turned her head and found that it was the guy who she had winked at.
Jack rolled his eyes while mimicking the younger man under his breath. "Yeah, yeah. Fuck off Johnny baby and get that fucking piece of shit to work. And you, cutie, you better go before I let my men take you right here on the fucking roof."
Sakura almost laughed out loud. Who the heck did this ugly man think he was talking to? Besides, he had to learn how to talk. Open curses were nothing. She preferred discreet sarcasm.
"I liked it better when you didn't talk as much." Sakura said with a sweet smile. "You're so much more attractive that way." She winked and sauntered off. "Well, nice meeting you boys." Then she was gone, behind the metal door.
Once safely behind, Sakura began to sprint down the stairs. She'd have to find Syaoran.
-----
"You did what?" Syaoran whispered loudly.
Sakura glared at him warningly. He growled lightly and lowered his voice.
"I cannot believe you did that." He mumbled, resting his back against the wall, his eyes trying to get used to the dark closet the two were in. "You're telling me you placed a hearing device under the guy's collar?"
"Yeah, will you better believe it soon." Sakura drawled, "Because they're talking about something about a nuclear bomb."
"What?"
"Just kidding."
Syaoran was shooting daggers vaguely at where Sakura was, for her black outfit seemed to blend right into her surroundings.
"They're talking about computer gibberish." Sakura sighed. "Remind me why Eriol couldn't come with us again."
"It would be adding light to him and Tomoyo if he came with us." Syaoran repeated.
"Right." Sakura sighed. "Don't move. I'm going to move by you and maybe both of us can hear."
"Why can't," Syaoran started.
"Just don't move." Sakura snapped, moving over to Syaoran in the dark, blinking her eyes. Her hands came into something hard and she poked it.
"Watch where that hand's going." Syaoran warned, and amused look on his face. "I'm not going to be responsible for my actions if you go a bit lower, but I have to admit that it'd be my first time in a janitor's closet too."
"Hentai." Sakura flipped him the finger in the dark.
"Bitch." Syaoran replied. He didn't have to see to know she was giving him the finger; it was a typical Sakura reaction.
She rolled her eyes and sat down next to Syaoran, their bare arms pressed against each other. Syaoran frowned, and leaned his head close to hers to hear the conversation that came through the single earphone.
What came through was not of best quality; there was always a faint buzzing sound and it was hard to decipher what was being said when only the man's commandments could be heard clearly.
After a few minutes, Syaoran exhaled loudly. Sakura looked at him and lowered the hand that held the earphone between the two.
"They're hacking into the system."
"What? Syaoran, there's something you're not telling me and I want to know now." Sakura's voice was laced with ferocity. "You told me your sister runs a restaurant, and that seems like it's so, at least on first floor it does. No one that I know of would come and hack into the system of a hotel, unless they want the recent recipe for a crème latté."
"I'm the heir to the Li Clan."
"And I don't give a shit." Sakura responded, not really caring she was dealing with some high class, rich ass, powerful, heir to the only clan that wielded its power in all of China.
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me." Syaoran muttered.
"So let me guess. This hotel isn't some hotel is it? It's simply another one of your bases."
"I knew you were a smart girl."
"I don't need you to tell me that." Sakura snapped. "And this is just great. I'm fucking scared shitless and this is what you tell me. You know what, this makes me feel better. We're not on just some mission to get some big time information; we're dealing with some ass who really are fucking bastards, who, if you don' know already, do want your head in a silver platter."
Syaoran slapped her, the smart sound cutting through the silent air. Sakura stopped talking and looked at him glowering.
"Gomen, Kinomoto." He immediately said. "Didn't mean to,"
"I needed that." Sakura cut him off shrugging. She slid her black gloves back onto her hands. "You dealt with those bastards out there?"
"A few times, but those were just some pathetic attempts many years ago in China." Syaoran shrugged. "I don't really know if they're related."
"Well, it's god damn too much of a coincidence that the day we decide to lure them out, and at this restaurant, another gang decided to come hack your system." Sakura said. "Either they're together or this is the same gang all along."
"Nothing else we can do except kick their ass." Syaoran said, getting to his feet.
"Agreed." Sakura replied. "Wipe out the roof first? Then make our way down?" She pushed open the door to the closet and light came flooding in.
"You said there was roughly ten men up there?"
"Thirteen, last time I counted."
"Enough for both of us." Syaoran mused. "However, they're armed."
"Don't worry about me." Sakura told him after he noticed she had made no motion to get her gun unlike himself who made sure that his gun was easy to get a hold of.
"I don't."
"You are such a horrible liar." Sakura smirked openly in his face and walked off, leading the way to the roof. Syaoran growled angrily; that girl was such a fucking bitch sometimes.
-----
"Hey there." Sakura gave a seductive smile towards a man who was standing alone in front of the metal door, acting as a guard. Most likely her earlier visit had the men raise their guard. However, by this guy's stance, Sakura could tell that his muscles were tight; most likely it was his first biggie or something.
"Hey." He gave her a wobbly smile. "You shouldn't be here." He whispered.
"Oh come on," Sakura said, placing her hands on his shoulders, flipping their positions such that she was leaning against the wall and he was on top of her. "I'll be a good girl." She purred, running her hands down his arms.
He shivered under his touch, his mind completely frazzled by the beauty in front of him.
"So how about it?" She leaned closer to him, suddenly pulling him close. His eyes widened, and his Adam's apple bobbed uncertainly. Sakura snaked her arms around his waist, her right hand slipping into his back pocket and slid a key and a few ID cards to Syaoran.
"I really don't think so." The man sighed. He started to pull away from Sakura's hold. Her eyes flashed as the man started to turn around while Syaoran had not even opened the door. She did the first thing that came to mind.
She kissed him hard, totally knocking the breath out of the guy.
Syaoran stood there, shocked as he watched the scene before him. Sakura's eyes were glittering dangerously and warned him to leave. He shook his head to break himself from the reverie and opened the, disappearing from sight.
Sakura pushed the guy away roughly, in disgust. She kicked him down, and stood above him.
"You're fucking bastard." She cursed, spitting in his face. "You men are all the same, you know that? So easy to play against with, like a toy." She grinned evilly at him. The man looked up at her fearfully; the pretty face that had attracted him was gone in a flash and a look of pure power and hatred was written all over it instead.
"Go to hell."
The man's head quickly snapped, and hit the ground. Sakura spat at him once more before tying him up and shoving him into the corner. Sakura stood up and walked back to the ominous black door. Knocking twice, the door opened and was immediately pulled to the right by Syaoran.
"How many men?" She whispered, the two hiding in the shadows.
"Lucky seven." He answered. "Most of them are fully armed and seem extremely well-trained. The only few that seem to be no threat at the men near the computer, those who are hacking into the system."
"Bunch of useless men." Sakura hissed angrily. "I'm ready to blow their fucking brains out."
Syaoran eyed her from the corner of his eyes. He could see the girl shaking, whether it was from anger or from fear, he didn't know, but he had a deep ugly feeling that it was both. And that was what scared him.
The Sakura he knew never acted scared, or angry. In fact, she never really expressed her emotions; that was what made her so powerful.
Syaoran found himself reaching over, his hand resting near the girl's shoulder. She turned her fiery green eyes at him, looking at him for a long while, as if reading what went through his mind.
She nodded with her eyes closed and Syaoran withdrew his hand. When she opened them again, her emotions were collected and hidden under a dark hue of green.
-----
Syaoran watched admirably as Sakura swiftly kicked ass through the crowds that came by. She had picked up a metal bar and was handling it like a sword. Her movements were fluid and strong, possessing the strength of the tiger and the speed of the dragon.
"Will you please pay attention?" Sakura growled impatiently as she delivered a strong kick to the guy who was going to hit Syaoran. She rolled her eyes as she punched the guy again when he recovered from his hand that had lost feeling.
"Sorry my lady." Syaoran mocked, knocking another guy out. "I was dazed by your lovely looks."
Sakura rolled her eyes; Syaoran was always making up stupid remarks to cover up his stupid moments. What surprised her was that most of the guys were not armed as she had thought. She had disarmed a few that had guns, but most of them were rendered helpless with their bare hands. Most likely the group up here was nothing of importance, or the job that was to be done was already completed.
"Hey hottie," Sakura grinned wolfishly at the computer tech guy, who, if she remembered correctly had the name of "Johnny baby."
"You going to get that computer going the way I want it to or do I have to make you?" She said, her voice dripping with honey.
"I'll do it." He whispered, watching the men around him lying in various positions. The guy who was her partner was still beating the crap of one guy in the background. The sickening noises and moans were enough to convince him.
"Good. Now undo everything." Sakura commanded.
"Everything?" He squeaked.
Sakura growled frustrated, slamming her fist into a wooden board, making in break in half. "Dearie, what part of everything do you not understand?" She asked, giving him a strained warm smile. "Perhaps I should tell it to you in computer language. It's spelled e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g."
Syaoran half grinned in amusement at the man staring nervously back at Sakura, freezing completely. He wouldn't be surprised if the guy's cerebellum had just fused.
"NOW!" She barked, slamming her palm down on the table. The computer jumped as the man did. He nodded his head frantically now as he logged into the computer.
"Uh, it's." His voice came out in a broke whisper.
"Talk louder." Sakura commanded.
"Well, um, you see, the computer has this automatic lock system which under the completion of a duty or a task, the computer will log into a protection mode. Usually the one who sets the codes are able to re-enter, but in this case, the programming of digits is quite complicated and it overlaps with the system of the database," the man ticked off.
Sakura growled, turning over to Syaoran. "In English please."
"Simply saying, he cannot redo everything since the computer's locked." Syaoran replied. "Most likely the computer is set that with the completion of a task, it is closed off in order for no disruptions."
"Very clever Johnny boy." Sakura mocked, turning her green eyes on him. "You will answer my questions with direct, short answers with clarity. Now, where is the information currently?"
"At the home base computer."
"Where is it?"
"I don't know. I've never been there. There are many branches and I only work under a few people who work under more people and finally the major guy."
"What were you guys after?"
"The Li Clan's information." Johnny replied. "I don't really know what, but I was told to hack into the system and copy everything and then send a virus into their system."
"Can the virus be stopped?"
"No."
"What will it do?"
"It will continue to send information back to the home base computer."
"So a check on the Li Clan."
"I guess you could say that."
"I don't guess, I know." Sakura replied coldly. "Who came to you?"
"The one thing that I won't do is to betray my own people." Johnny answered, his tone just as firm.
Sakura laughed mockingly. "Your idea of loyalty. How absolutely touching." She smirked. "It's absolutely disgusting how you bow down to people who don't even give a shit about you. Do you really think that you're a necessary part of the gang? Think again, Johnny boy."
"I do think I am."
Syaoran actually admired the guy's bravery.
"You think you are." Sakura mimicked. "Please, listen to the way you talk. Do you know how pathetic you sound right now? You are nothing but a chess piece, and after you've served your duty, you're disposed without another thought."
"At least I did something."
Sakura clapped her hands slowly, her eyes mocking. "Wow. That's an accomplishment that you should be proud of: eating the shit of others and not doing what you want to do."
"You don't."
"Yes, I don't know shit." Sakura finished for him. "Now where is Fanren?"
"You mean the lovely Asian girl who's the eldest of the Li clan? The favorite sister of Li Xiao Lang? The wonderful cook and organizer?" A voice replied, his tone somewhat a bit too carefree. Sakura's body turned rigid, and her blazing eyes turned slowly to the direction of the speaker.
"Syaoran, guard him." Sakura ordered, her eyes never leading the tall, well built figure who had his hand easily around Fanren's neck. "Do as I say, Syaoran." She repeated when Syaoran did not move.
Reluctantly, he moved and stood beside the computer guy. However, his concentration was still on his sister and the man who held her hostage. And most of all, his eyes were on Sakura, who somehow took control of this whole situation in a flash. He pulled out his gun discreetly in case anything would happen.
"Oh, good evening there, Sakura." The man smiled, his black eyes crinkling through his charcoal bangs. "Such a lovely night, not a single star in sight."
"Hand the girl over." Sakura informed him, not even looking at the sky.
"I'm hurt, Sakura, dear." The man answered, not a bit unnerved by her cutting remark. "After all these years, this is how you greet me? A man you once greeted with joy? Greeted with great enthusiasm, a kiss to the cheek?"
"Perhaps it's been to long, and I've changed. After all, it has been more than thirteen years since we last met. Let me jog your memory for you, shall I? Does Mr. Bear remind you of anyone from you childhood?"
Syaoran growled lightly; he didn't like this guy at all, and the hell with whom he was. He looked from the man's pale face to Sakura who had not said a word.
Finally she spoke up. "Forgive me, Mr. Bear," She said, her tone overly sweet. "It really must have been so long. Perhaps we should chat and get along, just like the old times, ne?"
"I'll take up your offer another day perhaps Sakura. I'm quite busy now, as you can see." He gave her a patronizing smile. "But my, you have grown up so much. I was afraid I couldn't tell that it was you for while, but oh, the green eyes just clicked. After all, you're the only one in the Kinomoto family who has them."
Sakura didn't even bat an eyelash. "And I would never imagine to meet you up here, on a rooftop of all places with a friend of mine in your arms. Surely you have other women to play around with? This one is way out of your league."
"And isn't the man behind you out of yours?" He replied, just as calmly. "I'm quite aware of the position of power he holds and the difference from yours. After all, I didn't think you would date after everything's that happened."
"What happened?"
"Sakura, you may be clever beyond your age, but you can never defeat the one who taught you the ins and outs of the game."
"And you may never conquer the one who you have raised." Sakura replied, her green eyes blazing.
The man chuckled. "I have raised you well."
"Too well for your own good." She informed.
"Indeed?"
"You'll meet your death here," She grinned. "Father."
-----
AUTHOR'S NOTE CONTINUED: Before you kill me, I'm sorry for the cliffhanger! Things are going way out of control here! Even I had not planned things to happen like it has. *Evil grin * Things will be getting very, very interesting now. I might be updating a bit slower these few chapters, but rest assured that this story will be finished. This story is somewhat harder to write than Angels Dancing on Her Eyelids or any other story that I've written before. I have to make sure that all the clues from before are tied up together and that no loose ends hare dangling around.
This story should be coming towards an end. I'm thinking at most five chapters, but who knows? I haven't started writing on the next chapter so it's still kind of hard to say know.
Some good news here. I have more universities to go to now! I also have Ohio State University and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. I'm so thankful that I applied to rolling admissions schools! No worries of no school to go to until the end of March. End of March.... Shudders.... If I don't update soon, most likely I'm in a pit of depression from being rejected oh, so many times.
Other good news. I'm thinking of a new story already. It's going to be a romance comedy fic. I'm going to try something different from action now. Yes indeed, this new story is going to have some funny unexpected moments here. Hehe, I just cannot wait to get my hands writing this story! I'm going to have fun here.
I'll update when I can, but don't expect one in a week. For me, at least, that's too short of a time period to complete a well-written chapter. So, please me patient with me and in the mean time, please review! Thank you. Comments are always appreciated! Let me know what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong.
Oh, by the way, who saw the Oscars? LOL, didn't you just love that movie in the beginning with that actor....... What's his name? You know, that movie with his face popping out everywhere. He was especially funny as Legolas from LOTR and in Something's Gotta Give. Anyhow, if you've seen it, you should know what I'm talking about. And Lord of the Rings rules! They had 11 nominations and they took all! Mwu hahahah! :)
Iris Dreamer