----- 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: Surprised? Confused? Don't worry, we all are. This chapter should prove to be interesting. Enjoy!
AnimeObessionFantasy: LoL, I am weird, aren't I? Yep, I use my fics to vent out all my twisted thoughts in my head. Hehe. J/k la!
Winter-hearted oddity: Glad you found the last chapter so interesting; perhaps you'll find this chapter even more so.
Hououza: Expect the unexpected! Anyhow, what kind of game is Nightshade? Is it interesting? Thank you for your congrats in my acceptances to colleges! THANKS! No, really, thanks. Anyhow, I'm narrowing down the choices of where I'm going. I have until the first of May to decide where I'm going to spend the next four years of my life. Hm, seems like schools everywhere is a huge competition. Thank you for understanding about updates. School and everything else is driving me crazy. Glad someone out there understands.
Yamiyametenshi: THANK YOU for all your congrats. My deepest apologies for spelling your name (looks over again quickly to see if it is). I hope your cut isn't anything bad. Happy reading!
Kawaii neko: Your issue about cursing. I'll definitely try to cut down on the cursing, but really, no guarantees. This story's a bit rougher than my usual stories and I'm trying to find ways to portray that sort of unevenness in people. However, I will try my best! Sorry for the inconvenience it has caused you.
Starrygaze: Hey, no problem about missing one of my chapters! I'm just thrilled that you come back and read it! Thanks!
Illusioner 1412: Is it Fujitaka? You'll just have to read on and find out!
Raigne: Deepest apologies if I have confused you and thrown you into one huge mud puddle. As the story has reached its climax (or so I think it has), more information will slowly be revealed. Hopefully the end of the story has tied all loose ends tied and that everything is crystal clear. In the meantime, put up with me, and happy reading.
SakuraKChan: That's right! Lord of the Rings rule!
Cherry Jade: Thanks! And good luck with your studies as well.
Syaoransbear: Once again, expect the unexpected. I'm glad you like Sakura as a strong figure. Sorry about taking forever to update. Too many things are bogging me down at the moment.
Avelyn Lauren: I'm glad you loved the cliffhanger! It seems that you're the only one who has! Woo hoo! There's always a reason for everything, including Sakura's strong distaste for men. You'll be finding out much more about Sakura and her past in this chapter. Hm, an editor? I never really thought of having one, to tell you the truth. I always feel guilty when I pass the deadlines I set for myself for my stories, and I don't think I could stand making my readers wait longer. But really, thanks for your offer! I have a few more ideas in my mind for future stories, and since high school's ending for me after May passes, who knows if I may need an editor in the future. Anyhow, thanks for reviewing and happy reading!
Cursed-Mind: Sorry for taking forever to update. You really have to understand that I have tons of things to weigh on my shoulders right now. It'd really appreciate it if you could be a little more patient with me. I'm trying my best to get my chapters out as soon as possible!
Iced Faerie: Hehe, another Orlando Bloom fan. My friends are totally crazy about me. And me? I personally think he should stay as an elf for the rest of his life! He looks so much better as an elf!
Cherry Princess Sakura: Sorry you're so confused. This chapter should be clearing up a lot of the smoke. And the 80 same reviews. What can I say? Fanfiction.net has its glitches. Sigh.
DitzyLemon37: Wow! Another person that compliments me on my cliffhangers rather than bite my head off. Thanks. Truly.
Cyan Moon: Hm, about your questions. I can only answer two of them. Nadeshiko is, unfortunately, dead in this story. It has been stated in the earlier chapters, but it's easy to forget. It's been known so far that she died when Sakura was five while protecting her from the fire. Kari would be Fanren's best friend in this story. I know, she sort of just pops up. As for the Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, that sounds really interesting. What is the basic story about? Oh, and cuddles, I won't forget him. I'll let him have a part before the story ends!
Dancer 5: Thanks for reminding me of that line. I'm glad you think Sakura's awesome!
Red-Emerald: I'm glad you like my fighting and scheming things since I'm not really good at them!
Rainingstars: I'm totally thrilled you love my story so much! Thanks!
Daz: Thanks sweetie for simply everything. And I'm disappointed you haven't figured out all my quirks yet! :)
Ms. Pac man: Thanks.
Rika: Sorry for the late update. Hehe. Enjoy this chapter; it should prove to be longer than usual.
Sakura: I'm glad you like it! I may be a little slow on updates, but I'll always finish my fics! Hope you like this chapter!
Hana Tenshi Himeko: Sorry about the cliffhanger, but no guarantees there'll be no more. In fact, I feel one is about to come pretty soon. Hehe. Sorry in advance and happy reading!
Chibilee: Thank for your sending me an email of your review! That just warms up my heart just right! You're in college right now? Where? Maybe you give me a few pointers as to where to go? Hehe. I'm just confused as to where to go. Sigh. Besides, for me, it'll mean leaving my family and friends behind, really behind. After all, I'm going to be on the other side of the Earth. Literally. Oh dear. And don't worry about reviewing; I'll be satisfied with the idea that you read my fic!
----- CHAPTER ELEVEN: Blinding Truth
"So you do remember who I am." The man smiled, arrogance displayed openly on his features. His coal black eyes glittered strangely with a light despite the dark sky.
"How could I forget?" Sakura replied sarcastically. "You, out of all the people, should know that I never forget, and nor do I forgive."
"My dear, as much as you think you are free, you never can escape from the maze that I have you in." He said. "All these years, were you ever truly happy?"
"What is your point?"
His face contorted into something that could only be described as a split between a smile and a smirk. "You're always mine, Sakura Fujin. You can never escape who you really are."
Syaoran felt his body tense as his eyes never leaved the girl before him, the girl he had become accustomed to having beside him, the girl who he enjoyed sparring with both verbally and physically, the girl he had grown to accept as a friend, was the daughter of the notorious Haskin Fujin.
"Surprised hm, Syaoran Li?" Fujin asked, an amused smirk on his face when he saw the young cop's surprised reaction. "You have the great honor of meeting me in person; not many do." He gave another smile, but instead it sent shivers.
"The police will catch you."
His mind was reeling. This was Haskin Fujin, the notorious leader of the underground revolution against the Chinese government, namely the Li Clan. This was the cold-blooded murder who sought out those "inferior" and "weak" at the dead of the night and disposed them. He was the one who led loyal extremists who were able to defeat the police countless of times.
"I wish they could." Fujin replied. "Are cops these days smarter than they were before? After all, I heard that college tuition has gone up; the so called 'education' must have gone somewhere."
"You'd be surprised." Syaoran answered, trying to keep his cool.
The police had caught a few members, but their captures were futile. Nothing that they did made them willing to share what they knew.
"So surprise me, cop." The gang leader said dully, his eyes bore into Syaoran's as a challenge. Syaoran could feel his temper rising.
Sakura rolled her eyes. Syaoran was so easy to play around with. Fujin wanted him to be angry, to fight, and end his life just like all the other retards. If she didn't act now, the idiot would probably kill himself.
"It's Sakura Kinomoto to you." Her voice was steady and showed hardly any emotion.
Fujin turned his dark eyes to his daughter slowly, taking his time. After all, time ran for him, and nobody else. He ruled all and no one else had yet had the power to go against him. "You can never escape who you really are. You cannot deny that you are my daughter even though you wish you could. You cannot deny that it is I who have shaped you the way you are."
"I do not deny." Sakura answered firmly. "I accept fully of who I am, even if that means accepting the fact that I am your daughter by blood. I do admit that you have trained me to a part of who I am. However, I am the one in charge of my life."
"You have not changed since I last saw you."
"I'm touched." She drawled, placing a hand to her heart. "After all these years, I'm still in your heart."
"I would never forget the best I've ever trained."
"Something you'll regret for the rest of your life."
"Will I?" Fujin asked. "Will I? I'm glad, no proud, that I've raised you like this. You've been so much help, killing off those unnecessary varmints of society. Besides, if there is one to regret, it should be you, my cherry blossom."
"You do not know me well enough to judge me." Her voice was colder than usual and it was laced with poison. Her dark green eyes were glinting.
"And your friend of yours behind you does?" Fuji countered back. "I did not expect you to count on others to achieve. Perhaps I am wrong, and that you have changed. You have become weaker."
"He has nothing to do with this." Sakura's voice was cold and harsh. "It just so happens that the ground you're standing on belongs to him."
"And the fact that you're with him tonight? And all the times before?"
"Means nothing." She said, her tone not wavering the slightest.
"Then you won't mind if I killed him right now along with his sister."
"I know you well enough that you won't kill them." Sakura replied. "However, do as you wish. I was never one to stop you from anything, now was I?"
Fuji laughed, the harsh sound echoing into the darkness. "My little wildcat." He said amusedly. "We'll just test that right now." He raised his gun and pointed it at Syaoran.
"So shoot him." Sakura drawled when Fuji had not pulled the trigger. "You can get the fucking cop off my back for me."
His black eyebrow raised slightly, then his blood red lips curled into a smile. "No, I think later." His eyes went over to Syaoran. "I want to make your last breathe last."
"You think that killing me will achieve anything? If so, think again." Syaoran countered, finding his voice again.
"This is how I see it, little wolfie." Fujin said sarcastically. "If you're important, more fun for me. If you're not, then there's no use of you anyhow. Killing you off will be a benefit to society. What is the point of society raising you if you are merely a parasite?"
Syaoran stared at the man before him, dressed all in black. His coal eyes were harsh and cutting and a scar that ran from his left brow to his chin made him look dangerous. This was why he was so influential. This was why people feared them.
It was simply all because he had no emotions. He had no ties. He had no reason to fear others, simply because he didn't care if he lived or not. To him, life just was not precious.
And that was what scared him.
-----
Touya bade Yukito goodbye, taking the right path while his friend took the other. This was where they met, and this was where they parted each day. He sighed, shifted his backpack more comfortably on his shoulders and continued to walk home.
It was late, around seven, but that was expected since there was to be soccer tournament coming up and being co-captain with Yukito, they had make sure that their team was the best that was possible.
He took another turn and stopped in front of his apartment. Walking in, he chose the elevator over the stairs he usually took. Somehow today seemed to drain away his energy more quickly than before. Touya leaned against the cool wall, closing his eyes.
How much had changed these past years?
Too much. Touya let out the breath of air he kept pent up inside when the elevator bell rang. He ambled out tiredly and slipped into his room where he had learned to call as home.
Home. Home was back in Tomoeda with father, and Sakura.
Oh, Sakura. The dear little kaijuu that would always be. Touya smiled sadly at the picture of Sakura, at the age of five, the age they came she came to them.
Sakura was never the child that belonged to the happy, peaceful family of Kinomoto. No, she was adopted. She was adopted by his mother, Nadeshiko, the first to accept the poor child.
He remembered quite clearly that he was around ten then and the huge murder case in China had caused quite a disruption in Japan as well. He remembered his fifth grade teacher telling that murders were really bad people. When he bounded home to tell his mother what he had learnt at school, that was the day Sakura arrived at their house.
Nadeshiko was always a kind-hearted person. She was dedicated to those she loved and pursuing to become a volunteer in health care. She loved freely and was the emblem of true happiness. Her marriage with Fujitaka, her professor, was something special and true. Her first child came shortly after, Touya Kinomoto, a dashing handsome young boy.
There were few generous, loving people during this time. China was full of underground revolts, and it was heard that a man called Haskin Fujin was the leader of the black organization, threatening to overthrow the Li clan. They were of a worthy rival and had problem succeeding riots and assassinations. The police never came close to capturing any. And if they did, somehow, the members were loyal to the point of no return.
It was supposedly rumored that Fujin and his wife were in an argument. People aren't even certain if she was his wife, but it was certain that they were once high school lovers and that she had been pregnant with his child. Yet one night, she ran away, desperately, with her baby girl. Fujin hunted her down and killed her in the most brutal, inhuman way possible. He had not hurt the child, for the child would be his to raise, to mold in whatever way he wanted.
He brutally trained her for five years. That was when the government found out about the girl he had under their control. They took action and took her away, placed under intensive care. This was where Nadeshiko came in. She heard about the whole thing, called the police in China and adopted the baby girl.
That girl was Sakura. The sweet little girl whose emerald little orbs shinned with joy. Sakura, was, finally free of everything. She led a normal life and every evidence that she came from China, from the very blood of Fujin was hidden.
However, that protection never did last long. Within three months of Sakura's arrival in her new home, a fire had consumed their house, killing Nadeshiko. The three continued to live on.
-----
The wind whipped at their faces, slapping their cheeks, and howling into their ears. Sakura stood there, her back straight and had not the slightest intention of giving in.
"You killed her."
Fujin eyes glittered amusedly, his mouth crooked into a mischievous grin. "You're such a smart girl."
"Why?"
"Why? It's very simple, Sakura dear. She knew too much. She knew who you were. She knew about matters about us. She was the one who took you away from me. I can't risk her contaminating you and washing everything that I had drilled into your mind."
"Don't call me Sakura."
One eyebrow rose. "Oh? Should I call you Kinomoto then? But that's hardly your real name, no more than Sakura is." He chuckled, if one could label it as one. "Perhaps I should call you Yukio, your real name."
Sakura flinched visibly.
"Yukio Fujin has a nice ring to it don't you think? You might want to know that it's actually a male name. Oh, and for reference, it means 'he gets what he wants.' I thought it would be appropriate." Fujin suddenly turned to Syaoran. "That was meant for you, little wolfie."
"What the hell." Syaoran cursed.
"Just thought you might wanted to know that she was never who you imagined her to be. Forget all feelings for the bitch."
"That will be my call, won't it?"
Fujin raised his left hand in mock surrender, his other one still wrapped under Fanren's chin, a gun roughly shoved against her pale skin. "Hey, I'm just warning you. My little Yukio's a heart breaker."
"Why don't you just,"
"Shut the fuck up?" Fujin finished mildly. "Oh, I don't think so. After all, your favorite sister's life lies in my hands. And while we're at this topic, stop hiding your gun behind my computer hacker."
"One for one." Syaoran bargained. "Hand me my sister and I'll give you my precious hacker of yours."
"You're really are naïve." The murderer declared. "Really, weigh the balances here, little wolfie. That is such a useless police tacit. It may happen on TV, but it never happens in real life. But, if you insist, we'll trade."
Sakura, beside, snorted, her arms crossed. "This should prove interesting." Syaoran glanced over at her, wondering what was wrong with her. She never acted like this.
She never acted like this, unless he never knew her in the first place.
-----
Sakura always knew that she could never be the normal child. She knew the horrors of the world the day she opened her eyes. Though only at age five, she had seen people killed and slaughtered. She had learned, and mastered, simple skills taught by her father. She, herself, had experienced pain, torture, and the real means of hunger.
She knew that she would not be released from Fujin's hands when Nadeshiko adopted her, and that hunch remained true. The rest of the family had, apparently, no idea who she really was, except for the fact that she was a poor orphaned child. Anyone who knew, Sakura guessed, most likely was killed. Fujin contacted her on a regular basis, and had threatened her to take combat lessons.
Sakura had asked to be taught, and Fujitaka had agreed. There, on an everyday basis, she was instructed on how to fight and kill by Fujin's most loyal follower, Nadeshiko's older cousin, who had supposed, "died" in a riot.
She knew she was being watched constantly and she formed two personalities. There was the happy, laughing girl, who was a friend and outstanding student. And then there was the cold, hidden mask of another who hands were tainted with blood.
She knew she could never escape. It was impossible to break out of the trap that had molded her so.
-----
"So, like, what do we do?" Fujin called over the mere few meters between him and the cop. "We count to three and release our hostages right? And neither of us makes a move until both are on the other side? Is that how it goes in real life or is that just TV?"
Syaoran was glaring. This man had some nerve. He swore that once he got Fanren safely across, he'd beat that fucking bastard, aiming for his mouth first. Gritting his teeth, he managed to say, "Yeah, that's what we do."
"Oh goodie. Let's get started then." He looked at Fanren, who had been silent since her capture. "Anything you want to say Fanren? You've been awfully quite."
Fanren just glared at him, refusing to give him the pride of his control over her. Fujin laughed. "You're a brave one, you. Too bad the little wolfie wants you back or I'd show you what it really is to be a woman."
"Leave her alone, Fujin." Syaoran's voice was venomously quiet.
"As you wish." The murderer replied. "Shall we count together?"
"One."
The first number dropped like a metal bar on concrete in a silent night. It was the fluttering of a bird that signaled the start of a battle between to two samurai.
"Two."
Syaoran glared, quietly observing the man before him. He was straining his eyes, looking for something. Fujin was never a man who let things go that peacefully. There must be something he was hiding under his sleeve. He narrowed his eyes.
"Three."
The hostages began moving, the same rate, in opposite directions. Equal and opposite. Newton's law of motion. Syaoran hung on every motion.
Fujin was smiling.
Why?
The two walked past each other.
There was no time to think why.
The computer hacker had whipped around, pulling his gun out in a swift motion, and fired directly at Fanren, who had started to turn around at the sound of Syaoran's yell. Syaoran dashed forward to protect his sister, but time seemed to move against him. His body seemed not to be cooperating, and his legs seemed to way tons. His eyes, never blinking, saw the bullet spin, deadly accurate.
There was a sharp clash of metal and then everything went back to its normal speed.
"That was well done, Yukio." Fujin said, a trace of a prideful smile in his voice. "Clever, actually. I have taught you well."
Sakura threw the heavy metal bar on the ground, a slight scratch on its surface from where she had used to deflect the bullet, where it was safely lodged into the wall a few feet away.
"My thanks." She gave him a fake patronizing smile. "I learn from the best."
"Indeed you do."
She nodded her head in acknowledgement. Syaoran stared at Sakura's back that suddenly seemed so unknown and so distant. His arms were protectively wrapped around Fanren's shoulders that were shaking slightly.
"I didn't do it for your sake." She spoke, not even bothering to turn around. Her voice had an edge of indifference, one that sounded so much like Fujin's. "It was simply a test."
"Of what?" Syaoran demanded hoarsely. "Of fucking what?" He asked again, his voice rough, like sandpaper. "You're sick, Kinomoto! Playing with people's lives just like that fucking monster over there! You're not any different."
He thought he saw her shoulders stiffen, and his eyes lit up with hope, but when she slowly turned around, he knew he was wrong. Her eyes were a shade of black, a hue he had never seen in her. They were emotionless pits that showed the way to hell.
"Do you really think you knew me?" Her lips curled into a smirk. "You are so innocent, Li. You, Tomoyo, and everyone else are just play toys to me. All those letters, threats, and everything are merely just a ploy to confuse you. Never would you guys imagine that I was just acting my role."
Syaoran could only stare. Everything? Everything had just been a trap? His head spun and he had to tighten his grip on Fanren's shoulders to stop him from screaming in frustration. His sister winced slightly and turned her worried eyes to Syaoran. He didn't even see her glance; his eyes were drilled upon Sakura.
She turned to face to Fujin. "Are we done father? We really should be getting along if we want to carry everything out."
Fujin grinned. "We should set our last steps into place then."
She nodded calmly. "Leave my bike for me." She informed him. "Group our men and I'll head over there myself."
"Don't be late, Yuki."
"When am I late?" It was a statement; not a question.
"Ah, my dear Yukio. Farewell, Syaoran Li. It really was a pleasure meeting you."
Syaoran growled.
"Down boy." Fujin laughed. "Meet you at our place. I'll bring your gear." He told Sakura.
Sakura nodded. Fujin walked towards the edge of the building. It was only then did Syaoran realize the strong gusts of winds. He hopped on after the computer hacker into the helicopter that flew into the night.
Sakura walked towards the black door after the helicopter was gone from sight.
"Sakura," Syaoran called after her desperately.
She stopped, her hand on the handle. "You should leave while there's still time, Li. There are those you want to protect." With that, she pushed open the door and disappeared inside the building.
He stared at the door where Sakura had just left. What the hell was going on? Who really was Sakura? She seemed so different when she was around him, Tomoyo, and Eriol. He wondered how she lived that kind of life. Furthermore, what did she want?
He really was in no position to talk about it.
A slight coughing brought him back to his senses. "Come on Fanren." Syaoran said gently, cradling his sister in his strong arms. "Let's get you back downstairs. Kari's been thoroughly worried about you."
Fanren smiled weakly. "I'm sorry, Xiao Lang. I haven't been any help at all."
Syaoran hushed her, a small smile on his face. "Hey, it's not your fault okay? I'm just glad that you're okay."
Syaoran started to walk down the stairs with Fanren on his back now. "Xiao Lang, was the Sakura Kinomoto you talked about over the phone?" She asked, her voice coming out barely louder than a whisper.
He didn't reply for a while, thinking over how he should rephrase her. "No, today you met someone else. That, that wasn't Sakura Kinomoto. The one I know is, just, different."
Fanren smiled. "You've grown up, little brother."
"I wish I had. I had no idea how to handle anything that happened today." He shook his head slightly, wanting to get rid of what had happened, especially how cruelly Sakura was acting.
Another silence drifted over the two. "Do you want to go to the hospital?"
Fanren blinked and shook her head. She carefully got off her brother's back on moved herself onto her bed. "I'm fine, really, Xiao Lang. I'm just a bit shocked, and that's all. Really." She added when she noticed Syaoran's frown.
Right then Kari burst into the room. "Oh, you're all right!" She cried and launched herself into her best friend's arms. Fanren laughed.
"Of course I am, Kari." She comforted, hugging tightly back. Kari sniffled and backed away from the hug.
"I'm so glad that you are. I was terrified something might had happened to you." She blubbered. "Thanks, Syaoran, for bringing her back to me." Kari paused and looked around. "Where's your date? Sakura Kinomoto?"
"She left."
Kari sighed. "And you let her?"
"What's that fucking supposed to mean?" Syaoran roared, frustrated.
The girl looked completely flustered. "What do you think it means? You're the one who let her walk out of your life, not me! Get that into your head, will you? I told you before: she needs help! Everyone needs it!"
"And what the fuck can I do?" He yelled back. "She totally changed who she was! I never knew her in the first place."
"That doesn't mean you don't know her." Kari said. Her face softened and smiled. "You've just seen a part of her. However, it's still a part of her."
Syaoran froze, thinking over what she said over his mind a few times.
"Go to her." Syaoran looked to his sister, who was looking at him with a smile so understanding that it reminded him of mother. "She needs you."
"But I don't know where she---," Syaoran paused in the middle of his sentence, and swore. "I'll be right back Fanren!" He spun around and yanked for the door.
How could he have been so stupid? She had practically said the location in front of his face! Of course! "There are those you need to protect." The place that offered protection was the Headquarters, where the national defense capital lay in Japan. That was Fujin's next destination, and his last.
"Hey, cutie, you forgot something." Syaoran turned and a gun was tossed to him. "It's really quite an awesome gun, fully loaded." Kari laughed.
"Thanks Kari." He nodded and sprinted out the door.
"Your car should be at the front door by now!" His sister called after him. "And don't you dare come back without her! I know where to find you!"
"I won't!" Syaoran answered back. Gripping his hand tightly into his fist, he swore that was the promise he would never break. He would get Sakura back, alive. That was only girl he found truly attractive and beautiful. It was only her who could make his heart thump wildly and mumble some retarded things to her that made no sense. He could slap himself black and blue for letting comments like, "you're so pretty" slip out from his mouth. No, he couldn't think of that since he knew nothing of Sakura's regards for him. But that could change, and he intended on asking as soon as he found her.
-----
"Meiling, pack your gear. Syaoran needs us." Eriol commanded, strapping his gun under his belt as he talked to her over his phone.
"What? Aren't they on a date? So something really happened?"
"Apparently so. Syaoran didn't tell me details, but all I know is that Sakura and Syaoran both need help." He answered, walking out the door, while telling his boss that he the case he was handling finally had some sources. "Anyhow, they're headed for the Headquarters."
"Why the hell at the Headquarters? Did this stalker decide to stalk the national head of defense or something?" Meiling demanded angrily as she slipped on her black boots.
"Apparently so." He replied dryly. "Stop by my office, and give a call to Yelan back in Hong Kong. Tell her that Syaoran demands to have the central computer shut down and all information locked and sealed. Also tell Yelan that she's not to do anything until Syaoran contacts her himself."
"Sounds pretty." Meiling said sarcastically. "Anyhow, I'll let Auntie Yelan know about this ASAP. It's going to take me a while though if I'm to head towards the Headquarters, no pun intended, by the way."
"Then get your ass in the car and start driving!" Eriol barked.
"It's going to take us hours!"
"When has that ever stopped you?" Eriol asked, turning the engine of his car. The motor purred softly and he skidded his car out of the parking lot.
"You know me too well." Meiling laughed and grabbed her leather jacket from her bed and sped out the dorm room, almost crashing into the person in front of the doorway.
"Where are you going?" Tomoyo asked, smiling. In her hands was a bag from Dunkin Donuts. "I bought coffee and muffins for us."
"Uh, I'm going," Meiling started.
"Mei, who's there?" Eriol asked from his end of the phone.
"It's Tomoyo." She answered.
There was a short pause. "Don't tell her to come." Eriol's voice was serious and unlike how he usually spoke.
"But,"
"Don't let her come. She can't see Sakura like this. Do you think she can handle this?" Eriol asked Meiling in a furious whisper.
"You can't hide this from her."
"You can't hide what?" Tomoyo asked innocently, her head cocked to the side. "Are you okay Meiling? Your face is all pale."
"I'm fine Tomoyo, really." Meiling quickly replied, pasting a quick smile on her face. She turned her attention back to the phone. "She has the right to know. This concerns her as well. Perhaps she doesn't need to come, but she does need to know what's happening."
"Tell her, but make it quick then." Eriol commanded. "Tell her to go to my office and stay there since no one can look after her now. And hurry over to the Headquarters. I'm off."
Meiling shut off her phone and looked at her best friend. "Look here, Tomoyo, let's eat this on my car okay? We need to go somewhere."
Tomoyo looked a bit confused, but nodded her head and followed the angry Chinese girl outside to where her red convertible was.
-----
Sakura sped through the cars that were stopped for the red light with her black heavy Harley. It had been her precious baby since she ever got on a real bike. Grinning, she let the wind run through her hair as she sped dangerously.
Her blacks leather gloves gripped the bike handle tightly as she added speed. Cars honked angrily and she laughed. No one was going to stop her now. No one. This was one night where she was going to finally do the one thing she had always wanted to do and hell, it felt great.
"Bitch, watch where you're going!" A driver called out angrily.
Sakura turned around, an amused smirk playing on her red lips. "You're the one who should be careful." She answered.
The man glared at her. "Stay in your place." He grunted.
"Gladly." Sakura quipped, "if you stay in yours. So go to hell." She added speed, her tires squealing away and into the dark night.
She felt hateful, and angry. Sakura muttered incoherently under her breath, her dark green eyes flashing. Eighteen years of torture, of being under control, and she had had enough. Tonight she was going to show who the real leader was going to be. Fujin could just rot in hell; she was going to rule.
She was going to show the world that she really was, starting now.
The magnificently built architecture stood solidly and illuminated from the lights that was shown upon brick walls of fortress. This was where the nation's security laid, but not for long. There were too many terrors in the world that this building could not defend. There were too many horrors for those inside the building to comprehend. No, they had no idea of the real world, but they would have to learn.
"Yukio, what a pleasure seeing you again." Sakura narrowed her eyes but lowered her fist. "You're still on top of your practices I see."
"What's it to you?" She spat.
"Where is the respect?" The man demanded. "I am, after all, your mother's favorite cousin and your teacher from the day you saw the blue, blue sky."
"Cousin you may be, but never were you a favorite. You think too highly of yourself."
"Because I have trained you well." He smiled. "Nadeshiko would be extremely pleased, seeing you like this."
"You leave her name out of this." She growled lightly. "You have no right to say her name."
"And you do?" He asked mildly. "After all, I am related to her, while you, are not. I should have more right than you do, Yukio Fujin."
"You'll never win." She paused, her eyes glinting, "Bret Monoko."
-----
Tomoyo shared a worried look with Meiling. She looked vulnerably small in that room and her purple eyes expressed such sorrow, Meiling thought. It drained all the courage she had inside her.
"You okay?" Meiling croaked weakly, placing the phone back to its cradle. The phone talk with Yelan was to say the least, not pleasant at all. Things just seemed graver and it seemed that she was thrown into a pit of confusion. The only thing that stabled her was Yelan's calm and steady voice. God, she hoped she could have some of that courage.
Tomoyo nodded. "It's not me that needs worrying Meiling. I just want my best friend back."
"I promise." She replied, her voice raspy. She swallowed uncomfortably.
"If there's anyone that needs saving, it's Sakura who needs it most. She's lacks her sense of self and I know that she's constantly hiding who she really is." Tomoyo continued. "I've seen the looks on her face, full of confusion and a sort of longing. Haven't you noticed that she always has her guard up? Haven't you wondered what she really does at her martial arts training? We never see where she practices and she hasn't been in any competitions."
"Nothing ever seems the way they are." Meiling responded softly, looking at the ground. "Sakura's just seen more dangers in the world than most of us, but that doesn't mean that she knows what's real and precious too."
Tomoyo smiled. "That's what we have to remind her."
"As you have?" She now lifted her gaze and looked wonderingly at her friend.
"As we all have." Tomoyo reprimanded with an air that reminded Meiling of a mother, wise beyond age talking to a child. "You, me, Eriol, Syaoran, Touya, and everyone else. Sakura needs us and we need her, whether or not she sees that or not."
-----
"Johnny, cover us." Fujin demanded quietly, putting a silencer on his gun. The computer hacker nodded, immediately connecting his computer to the wire system. Quickly typing, he zoomed through the passwords and arrived at the core of the system.
"It's going to take me ten minutes." Johnny informed him. "They have one hell of a system, but it should be a quickie. Just some problems with the cameras and a few infrared lines, but that's about all they have."
"Well, have your fun." Fujin replied casually. "You have eight minutes while I go find my trump card." He grinned and walked over to where Sakura and Monoko were.
"Hey Yuki." He reached over, intending to snake his arm around his waist. However his hand came in contact with a cool metal.
"You have balls to try that." Sakura seethed, her gun in between her hand and Fujin's. "But I assure you if you try that again, you will have no balls. In fact, you'll have nothing left to fuck with."
"Vicious." Fujin hissed, his voice pleased.
Sakura ignored him, and turned her attention to the young man who was crouched in the corner, out of sight. "Johnny, are you done?"
"Hai!" He replied quickly, bobbing his head up and down obediently.
"Good." She swiftly walked past all three men and pushed open the door to the Headquarters. Her black outfit blended into everything and disappeared from sight; Fujin grinned.
"Monoko let Tiger to lead the east wing. Johnny, come with me and I'll drop you off at one of the security rooms. Cil," A sliver blond haired man came into view, "You go on ahead and take the west wing with Jo." The various men moved into the building. Fujin turned his steel eyes to Monoko. "Monoko, go and keep an eye on my dear Yukio. She's hiding from something from me and I want to know what it is. If you find that she has any sense of betraying me, kill her."
"And you're allowing me the honors?" Bret said sarcastically.
"Because I want to kill that Syaoran Li, right in front of that good for nothing bitch." Fujin replied, his eyes crackling with excitement. "There is no point of letting a weakling in our group."
"Agreed. Well, I'll be off. That wrench should be heading towards the roof where she most likely can see when the brat comes. Knowing her, she likes the feeling of being above, like the overseer."
-----
Sakura snuck behind the corner, watching Cil lead his men in. She missed talking to Cil. That guy with blond hair that was almost a slivery glow at night was one of her favorite people in the world. She had grown up with him; she had known him since she was two. It was him who helped her clean up her cuts and wounds after harsh training since no one else was willing. She was known as the brutal wildcat and had taken upon that alias. Even the police knew her as "Wildcat."
Sakura sighed softly to herself. She glanced once more at Cil before she turned and disappeared away from sight once again. If she were going to change things, she would only have one shot at it. And time was against her; Fujin, no doubt, knew what she was up to, as well as Monoko. No doubt she was being followed at this very moment.
She would have to go to the basement first and put all of her training into use.
-----
"Fuck." Syaoran cursed silently under his breath as he looked at the handsomely built structure. It had taken a good thirty minutes to get through the security guards alone. He didn't even want to imagine how Sakura and the rest of the "gang" had gone in.
"Damn, where is Eriol?" He muttered, looking at his watch under the dim moonlight. It was exactly one o'clock in the morning. Soon, dawn would arrive and everything would be completed. He had to find a way to get more time.
He decided to sneak in by himself.
"Ah, little wolf. I was expecting you to drop by our party." A voice greeted, sending shivers down his back.
"Haskin Fujin." Syaoran acknowledged, his voice deadly quiet.
"Good morning to you as well." The murderer continued, his voice horridly pleasant. "You're just in time for the best part of the party. Come, let me show you around."
It was not a request.
"Li Xiao Lang, try something and die." Fujin's voice had immediately gone from a soft voice to a commanding force of that of metal. "Your gun is of no threat to me whatsoever. I can handle you singlehandly without even bothering to move my feet. Must I remind you that my men are all around you?"
"You're not going to get away with this." Syaoran gritted out as he started to walk down the dark hallway, Fujin's presence lurking right behind him.
"But I will." He answered, his voice losing the hard edge again, but his every word was dripping with sarcasm and double meanings. "You'll be the one to help me. So, I believe our first step would be to the roof. Yukio will be attending our private orgy there later."
"How would you know?" Syaoran lashed out.
Fujin laughed coldly. "Is she not my daughter? I have kept contact with her since the day was taken away from me. I have had my most loyal men with her constantly. She is, in every way, under my control."
Syaoran just growled.
"Didn't I tell you not to worry? You'll see your precious Sakura Kinomoto soon." His words were harsh and cutting as he spit out her name. His lips curled into a sadistic smile. "Come along."
They suddenly took a sharp turn and went into another corridor that seemed not part of the original plan. Syaoran frowned in the dark, trying to figure out where they were in the Headquarters now.
Suddenly he sensed someone else in the hallway and froze, calculating slowly.
"Ah, Cil, how nice of you to join us." Fujin greeted cordially. "Cil, this would be Syaoran Li, the little boy Yukio has wrapped about her finger. Little wolfie, this would be Cil, Yukio's childhood friend."
Syaoran squinted, gazing over the well-built man before him. His ashy blond hair was spiked and his cobalt eyes were piercing. While Syaoran was tall, this man was even taller. Somehow, he didn't know why, it hurt for him to know that he wasn't the only male, beside Eriol that is, who had caught Sakura's attention.
"Shall I go fetch Yukio?" Syaoran blinked surprised. Cil's voice was unlike all the other gang members. His voice was soft and, even more surprising, pleasant to hear. "Knowing her, she should be on the roof right now."
"Monoko should have everything down pat. Jo's finishing everything up?"
Faux nodded and turned to leave.
"No, Faux, join us." Fujin offered. "There's room enough for all of us."
"You play with one's mind, that you do." The young man replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "However the heavy atmosphere here too much for my liking." He nodded at Syaoran. "I still have to take one more sweep of the building. Excuse me."
Fujin briskly marched Syaoran deeper into the darkness that it temporarily blinded Syaoran when a flash of bright light greeted him.
"Come." Fujin walked into the elevator and Syaoran silently followed. They rode the elevator in deadly silence and Syaoran could feel that they were going up the building. Perhaps that Cil person had been right; they were approaching for the roof, to where Sakura was.
The door opened and Syaoran was greeted by the harsh cutting wind and scrapped against him relentlessly. When his eyes had adjusted to the change in light, he noticed a figure walking towards him. Sakura. She had a small smile playing on her lips. As she walked towards him, he could faintly smell a whiff of perfume. Since when had Sakura worn perfume? His mind was spinning and Syaoran squinted his eyes, trying to focus on Sakura. Had she changed clothes?
"Welcome to the real world." That was the last thing Syaoran heard before he fell forward into dark oblivion.
-----
Meiling's head dipped lower from her position and her hand accidentally pressed against the horn. The sound jerked her awake, causing her to yank her head back, hitting her head against the back of the seat.
"Fuck!" She moaned, rubbing the back of her head. She blinked sleepily and looked at the clock on her car. It was only five in the morning. She rubbed her eyes and glared at the gate before her.
After dropping Tomoyo off at Eriol's office in the police station, she had rushed over to the Headquarters only to be found locked outside. Damn them, she cursed in her mind.
"Coffee?"
Meiling's head shot up and gave a glare at the speaker.
"Morning to you too Meiling." Eriol said, an amused smile on his face. Meiling yawned and rolled down her window to greedily accept the steaming hot of coffee.
"My thanks." She mumbled after draining the cup's contents quickly.
"Mm." Eriol replied absentmindly. "I wonder how Sakura and Syaoran are doing. Do you think maybe it isn't this place?"
"But Syaoran told you this was where he wanted us to be." Meiling pointed out. "He didn't call you again?"
"Not that I know of." He replied. "Well, there's nothing we can do about it though. Should we just head back?"
Meiling gave one more glance at the building before starting her car up. "Why not?" She asked. "There's nothing here for us anyhow."
Yet exactly three days later, Sakura and Syaoran were on the front page of every newspaper and the main headline on every television news. The word had gotten around that the largest underground group kidnapped the two.
The three friends looked at each other with a frightened fear. Meiling said the first thing that came to mind.
"Fuck."
-----
How was it? I know, another cliffhanger. SORRY! It's just at this story's heading towards 28 pages in word and I think I should cut it off just so that I won't finish the whole story in one setting. Hehe.
Hm. I'm going to be really busy lately and the fact is that you guys aren't going to be able to receive an update until 5/10 has passed. May 10th is the date of my last AP exam. Before that I have midterms coming up on April 19th and 20th. I have a concert to organize right after midterms. I have a badminton competition the end of April. Top it all off, I have three AP tests to take in the beginning weeks of May. So, I have to sacrifice my writing time and put on the label "cram time." Sigh. There you have it; my hectic life. So, deepest apologies and I hope you guys understand.
As for colleges, can anyone give me some suggestions? I've narrowed everything to just UCLA, U Mich, and UVA. Some help please?
That's about it for now. Oh, and if I wrote an Inuyasha fic, how many of you guys are willing to read it? I feel like I need a change in characters for a brief moment. I don't know; I'm thinking of writing an Inuyasha fic after this one. What do you guys think?
Thanks,
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: Surprised? Confused? Don't worry, we all are. This chapter should prove to be interesting. Enjoy!
AnimeObessionFantasy: LoL, I am weird, aren't I? Yep, I use my fics to vent out all my twisted thoughts in my head. Hehe. J/k la!
Winter-hearted oddity: Glad you found the last chapter so interesting; perhaps you'll find this chapter even more so.
Hououza: Expect the unexpected! Anyhow, what kind of game is Nightshade? Is it interesting? Thank you for your congrats in my acceptances to colleges! THANKS! No, really, thanks. Anyhow, I'm narrowing down the choices of where I'm going. I have until the first of May to decide where I'm going to spend the next four years of my life. Hm, seems like schools everywhere is a huge competition. Thank you for understanding about updates. School and everything else is driving me crazy. Glad someone out there understands.
Yamiyametenshi: THANK YOU for all your congrats. My deepest apologies for spelling your name (looks over again quickly to see if it is). I hope your cut isn't anything bad. Happy reading!
Kawaii neko: Your issue about cursing. I'll definitely try to cut down on the cursing, but really, no guarantees. This story's a bit rougher than my usual stories and I'm trying to find ways to portray that sort of unevenness in people. However, I will try my best! Sorry for the inconvenience it has caused you.
Starrygaze: Hey, no problem about missing one of my chapters! I'm just thrilled that you come back and read it! Thanks!
Illusioner 1412: Is it Fujitaka? You'll just have to read on and find out!
Raigne: Deepest apologies if I have confused you and thrown you into one huge mud puddle. As the story has reached its climax (or so I think it has), more information will slowly be revealed. Hopefully the end of the story has tied all loose ends tied and that everything is crystal clear. In the meantime, put up with me, and happy reading.
SakuraKChan: That's right! Lord of the Rings rule!
Cherry Jade: Thanks! And good luck with your studies as well.
Syaoransbear: Once again, expect the unexpected. I'm glad you like Sakura as a strong figure. Sorry about taking forever to update. Too many things are bogging me down at the moment.
Avelyn Lauren: I'm glad you loved the cliffhanger! It seems that you're the only one who has! Woo hoo! There's always a reason for everything, including Sakura's strong distaste for men. You'll be finding out much more about Sakura and her past in this chapter. Hm, an editor? I never really thought of having one, to tell you the truth. I always feel guilty when I pass the deadlines I set for myself for my stories, and I don't think I could stand making my readers wait longer. But really, thanks for your offer! I have a few more ideas in my mind for future stories, and since high school's ending for me after May passes, who knows if I may need an editor in the future. Anyhow, thanks for reviewing and happy reading!
Cursed-Mind: Sorry for taking forever to update. You really have to understand that I have tons of things to weigh on my shoulders right now. It'd really appreciate it if you could be a little more patient with me. I'm trying my best to get my chapters out as soon as possible!
Iced Faerie: Hehe, another Orlando Bloom fan. My friends are totally crazy about me. And me? I personally think he should stay as an elf for the rest of his life! He looks so much better as an elf!
Cherry Princess Sakura: Sorry you're so confused. This chapter should be clearing up a lot of the smoke. And the 80 same reviews. What can I say? Fanfiction.net has its glitches. Sigh.
DitzyLemon37: Wow! Another person that compliments me on my cliffhangers rather than bite my head off. Thanks. Truly.
Cyan Moon: Hm, about your questions. I can only answer two of them. Nadeshiko is, unfortunately, dead in this story. It has been stated in the earlier chapters, but it's easy to forget. It's been known so far that she died when Sakura was five while protecting her from the fire. Kari would be Fanren's best friend in this story. I know, she sort of just pops up. As for the Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, that sounds really interesting. What is the basic story about? Oh, and cuddles, I won't forget him. I'll let him have a part before the story ends!
Dancer 5: Thanks for reminding me of that line. I'm glad you think Sakura's awesome!
Red-Emerald: I'm glad you like my fighting and scheming things since I'm not really good at them!
Rainingstars: I'm totally thrilled you love my story so much! Thanks!
Daz: Thanks sweetie for simply everything. And I'm disappointed you haven't figured out all my quirks yet! :)
Ms. Pac man: Thanks.
Rika: Sorry for the late update. Hehe. Enjoy this chapter; it should prove to be longer than usual.
Sakura: I'm glad you like it! I may be a little slow on updates, but I'll always finish my fics! Hope you like this chapter!
Hana Tenshi Himeko: Sorry about the cliffhanger, but no guarantees there'll be no more. In fact, I feel one is about to come pretty soon. Hehe. Sorry in advance and happy reading!
Chibilee: Thank for your sending me an email of your review! That just warms up my heart just right! You're in college right now? Where? Maybe you give me a few pointers as to where to go? Hehe. I'm just confused as to where to go. Sigh. Besides, for me, it'll mean leaving my family and friends behind, really behind. After all, I'm going to be on the other side of the Earth. Literally. Oh dear. And don't worry about reviewing; I'll be satisfied with the idea that you read my fic!
----- CHAPTER ELEVEN: Blinding Truth
"So you do remember who I am." The man smiled, arrogance displayed openly on his features. His coal black eyes glittered strangely with a light despite the dark sky.
"How could I forget?" Sakura replied sarcastically. "You, out of all the people, should know that I never forget, and nor do I forgive."
"My dear, as much as you think you are free, you never can escape from the maze that I have you in." He said. "All these years, were you ever truly happy?"
"What is your point?"
His face contorted into something that could only be described as a split between a smile and a smirk. "You're always mine, Sakura Fujin. You can never escape who you really are."
Syaoran felt his body tense as his eyes never leaved the girl before him, the girl he had become accustomed to having beside him, the girl who he enjoyed sparring with both verbally and physically, the girl he had grown to accept as a friend, was the daughter of the notorious Haskin Fujin.
"Surprised hm, Syaoran Li?" Fujin asked, an amused smirk on his face when he saw the young cop's surprised reaction. "You have the great honor of meeting me in person; not many do." He gave another smile, but instead it sent shivers.
"The police will catch you."
His mind was reeling. This was Haskin Fujin, the notorious leader of the underground revolution against the Chinese government, namely the Li Clan. This was the cold-blooded murder who sought out those "inferior" and "weak" at the dead of the night and disposed them. He was the one who led loyal extremists who were able to defeat the police countless of times.
"I wish they could." Fujin replied. "Are cops these days smarter than they were before? After all, I heard that college tuition has gone up; the so called 'education' must have gone somewhere."
"You'd be surprised." Syaoran answered, trying to keep his cool.
The police had caught a few members, but their captures were futile. Nothing that they did made them willing to share what they knew.
"So surprise me, cop." The gang leader said dully, his eyes bore into Syaoran's as a challenge. Syaoran could feel his temper rising.
Sakura rolled her eyes. Syaoran was so easy to play around with. Fujin wanted him to be angry, to fight, and end his life just like all the other retards. If she didn't act now, the idiot would probably kill himself.
"It's Sakura Kinomoto to you." Her voice was steady and showed hardly any emotion.
Fujin turned his dark eyes to his daughter slowly, taking his time. After all, time ran for him, and nobody else. He ruled all and no one else had yet had the power to go against him. "You can never escape who you really are. You cannot deny that you are my daughter even though you wish you could. You cannot deny that it is I who have shaped you the way you are."
"I do not deny." Sakura answered firmly. "I accept fully of who I am, even if that means accepting the fact that I am your daughter by blood. I do admit that you have trained me to a part of who I am. However, I am the one in charge of my life."
"You have not changed since I last saw you."
"I'm touched." She drawled, placing a hand to her heart. "After all these years, I'm still in your heart."
"I would never forget the best I've ever trained."
"Something you'll regret for the rest of your life."
"Will I?" Fujin asked. "Will I? I'm glad, no proud, that I've raised you like this. You've been so much help, killing off those unnecessary varmints of society. Besides, if there is one to regret, it should be you, my cherry blossom."
"You do not know me well enough to judge me." Her voice was colder than usual and it was laced with poison. Her dark green eyes were glinting.
"And your friend of yours behind you does?" Fuji countered back. "I did not expect you to count on others to achieve. Perhaps I am wrong, and that you have changed. You have become weaker."
"He has nothing to do with this." Sakura's voice was cold and harsh. "It just so happens that the ground you're standing on belongs to him."
"And the fact that you're with him tonight? And all the times before?"
"Means nothing." She said, her tone not wavering the slightest.
"Then you won't mind if I killed him right now along with his sister."
"I know you well enough that you won't kill them." Sakura replied. "However, do as you wish. I was never one to stop you from anything, now was I?"
Fuji laughed, the harsh sound echoing into the darkness. "My little wildcat." He said amusedly. "We'll just test that right now." He raised his gun and pointed it at Syaoran.
"So shoot him." Sakura drawled when Fuji had not pulled the trigger. "You can get the fucking cop off my back for me."
His black eyebrow raised slightly, then his blood red lips curled into a smile. "No, I think later." His eyes went over to Syaoran. "I want to make your last breathe last."
"You think that killing me will achieve anything? If so, think again." Syaoran countered, finding his voice again.
"This is how I see it, little wolfie." Fujin said sarcastically. "If you're important, more fun for me. If you're not, then there's no use of you anyhow. Killing you off will be a benefit to society. What is the point of society raising you if you are merely a parasite?"
Syaoran stared at the man before him, dressed all in black. His coal eyes were harsh and cutting and a scar that ran from his left brow to his chin made him look dangerous. This was why he was so influential. This was why people feared them.
It was simply all because he had no emotions. He had no ties. He had no reason to fear others, simply because he didn't care if he lived or not. To him, life just was not precious.
And that was what scared him.
-----
Touya bade Yukito goodbye, taking the right path while his friend took the other. This was where they met, and this was where they parted each day. He sighed, shifted his backpack more comfortably on his shoulders and continued to walk home.
It was late, around seven, but that was expected since there was to be soccer tournament coming up and being co-captain with Yukito, they had make sure that their team was the best that was possible.
He took another turn and stopped in front of his apartment. Walking in, he chose the elevator over the stairs he usually took. Somehow today seemed to drain away his energy more quickly than before. Touya leaned against the cool wall, closing his eyes.
How much had changed these past years?
Too much. Touya let out the breath of air he kept pent up inside when the elevator bell rang. He ambled out tiredly and slipped into his room where he had learned to call as home.
Home. Home was back in Tomoeda with father, and Sakura.
Oh, Sakura. The dear little kaijuu that would always be. Touya smiled sadly at the picture of Sakura, at the age of five, the age they came she came to them.
Sakura was never the child that belonged to the happy, peaceful family of Kinomoto. No, she was adopted. She was adopted by his mother, Nadeshiko, the first to accept the poor child.
He remembered quite clearly that he was around ten then and the huge murder case in China had caused quite a disruption in Japan as well. He remembered his fifth grade teacher telling that murders were really bad people. When he bounded home to tell his mother what he had learnt at school, that was the day Sakura arrived at their house.
Nadeshiko was always a kind-hearted person. She was dedicated to those she loved and pursuing to become a volunteer in health care. She loved freely and was the emblem of true happiness. Her marriage with Fujitaka, her professor, was something special and true. Her first child came shortly after, Touya Kinomoto, a dashing handsome young boy.
There were few generous, loving people during this time. China was full of underground revolts, and it was heard that a man called Haskin Fujin was the leader of the black organization, threatening to overthrow the Li clan. They were of a worthy rival and had problem succeeding riots and assassinations. The police never came close to capturing any. And if they did, somehow, the members were loyal to the point of no return.
It was supposedly rumored that Fujin and his wife were in an argument. People aren't even certain if she was his wife, but it was certain that they were once high school lovers and that she had been pregnant with his child. Yet one night, she ran away, desperately, with her baby girl. Fujin hunted her down and killed her in the most brutal, inhuman way possible. He had not hurt the child, for the child would be his to raise, to mold in whatever way he wanted.
He brutally trained her for five years. That was when the government found out about the girl he had under their control. They took action and took her away, placed under intensive care. This was where Nadeshiko came in. She heard about the whole thing, called the police in China and adopted the baby girl.
That girl was Sakura. The sweet little girl whose emerald little orbs shinned with joy. Sakura, was, finally free of everything. She led a normal life and every evidence that she came from China, from the very blood of Fujin was hidden.
However, that protection never did last long. Within three months of Sakura's arrival in her new home, a fire had consumed their house, killing Nadeshiko. The three continued to live on.
-----
The wind whipped at their faces, slapping their cheeks, and howling into their ears. Sakura stood there, her back straight and had not the slightest intention of giving in.
"You killed her."
Fujin eyes glittered amusedly, his mouth crooked into a mischievous grin. "You're such a smart girl."
"Why?"
"Why? It's very simple, Sakura dear. She knew too much. She knew who you were. She knew about matters about us. She was the one who took you away from me. I can't risk her contaminating you and washing everything that I had drilled into your mind."
"Don't call me Sakura."
One eyebrow rose. "Oh? Should I call you Kinomoto then? But that's hardly your real name, no more than Sakura is." He chuckled, if one could label it as one. "Perhaps I should call you Yukio, your real name."
Sakura flinched visibly.
"Yukio Fujin has a nice ring to it don't you think? You might want to know that it's actually a male name. Oh, and for reference, it means 'he gets what he wants.' I thought it would be appropriate." Fujin suddenly turned to Syaoran. "That was meant for you, little wolfie."
"What the hell." Syaoran cursed.
"Just thought you might wanted to know that she was never who you imagined her to be. Forget all feelings for the bitch."
"That will be my call, won't it?"
Fujin raised his left hand in mock surrender, his other one still wrapped under Fanren's chin, a gun roughly shoved against her pale skin. "Hey, I'm just warning you. My little Yukio's a heart breaker."
"Why don't you just,"
"Shut the fuck up?" Fujin finished mildly. "Oh, I don't think so. After all, your favorite sister's life lies in my hands. And while we're at this topic, stop hiding your gun behind my computer hacker."
"One for one." Syaoran bargained. "Hand me my sister and I'll give you my precious hacker of yours."
"You're really are naïve." The murderer declared. "Really, weigh the balances here, little wolfie. That is such a useless police tacit. It may happen on TV, but it never happens in real life. But, if you insist, we'll trade."
Sakura, beside, snorted, her arms crossed. "This should prove interesting." Syaoran glanced over at her, wondering what was wrong with her. She never acted like this.
She never acted like this, unless he never knew her in the first place.
-----
Sakura always knew that she could never be the normal child. She knew the horrors of the world the day she opened her eyes. Though only at age five, she had seen people killed and slaughtered. She had learned, and mastered, simple skills taught by her father. She, herself, had experienced pain, torture, and the real means of hunger.
She knew that she would not be released from Fujin's hands when Nadeshiko adopted her, and that hunch remained true. The rest of the family had, apparently, no idea who she really was, except for the fact that she was a poor orphaned child. Anyone who knew, Sakura guessed, most likely was killed. Fujin contacted her on a regular basis, and had threatened her to take combat lessons.
Sakura had asked to be taught, and Fujitaka had agreed. There, on an everyday basis, she was instructed on how to fight and kill by Fujin's most loyal follower, Nadeshiko's older cousin, who had supposed, "died" in a riot.
She knew she was being watched constantly and she formed two personalities. There was the happy, laughing girl, who was a friend and outstanding student. And then there was the cold, hidden mask of another who hands were tainted with blood.
She knew she could never escape. It was impossible to break out of the trap that had molded her so.
-----
"So, like, what do we do?" Fujin called over the mere few meters between him and the cop. "We count to three and release our hostages right? And neither of us makes a move until both are on the other side? Is that how it goes in real life or is that just TV?"
Syaoran was glaring. This man had some nerve. He swore that once he got Fanren safely across, he'd beat that fucking bastard, aiming for his mouth first. Gritting his teeth, he managed to say, "Yeah, that's what we do."
"Oh goodie. Let's get started then." He looked at Fanren, who had been silent since her capture. "Anything you want to say Fanren? You've been awfully quite."
Fanren just glared at him, refusing to give him the pride of his control over her. Fujin laughed. "You're a brave one, you. Too bad the little wolfie wants you back or I'd show you what it really is to be a woman."
"Leave her alone, Fujin." Syaoran's voice was venomously quiet.
"As you wish." The murderer replied. "Shall we count together?"
"One."
The first number dropped like a metal bar on concrete in a silent night. It was the fluttering of a bird that signaled the start of a battle between to two samurai.
"Two."
Syaoran glared, quietly observing the man before him. He was straining his eyes, looking for something. Fujin was never a man who let things go that peacefully. There must be something he was hiding under his sleeve. He narrowed his eyes.
"Three."
The hostages began moving, the same rate, in opposite directions. Equal and opposite. Newton's law of motion. Syaoran hung on every motion.
Fujin was smiling.
Why?
The two walked past each other.
There was no time to think why.
The computer hacker had whipped around, pulling his gun out in a swift motion, and fired directly at Fanren, who had started to turn around at the sound of Syaoran's yell. Syaoran dashed forward to protect his sister, but time seemed to move against him. His body seemed not to be cooperating, and his legs seemed to way tons. His eyes, never blinking, saw the bullet spin, deadly accurate.
There was a sharp clash of metal and then everything went back to its normal speed.
"That was well done, Yukio." Fujin said, a trace of a prideful smile in his voice. "Clever, actually. I have taught you well."
Sakura threw the heavy metal bar on the ground, a slight scratch on its surface from where she had used to deflect the bullet, where it was safely lodged into the wall a few feet away.
"My thanks." She gave him a fake patronizing smile. "I learn from the best."
"Indeed you do."
She nodded her head in acknowledgement. Syaoran stared at Sakura's back that suddenly seemed so unknown and so distant. His arms were protectively wrapped around Fanren's shoulders that were shaking slightly.
"I didn't do it for your sake." She spoke, not even bothering to turn around. Her voice had an edge of indifference, one that sounded so much like Fujin's. "It was simply a test."
"Of what?" Syaoran demanded hoarsely. "Of fucking what?" He asked again, his voice rough, like sandpaper. "You're sick, Kinomoto! Playing with people's lives just like that fucking monster over there! You're not any different."
He thought he saw her shoulders stiffen, and his eyes lit up with hope, but when she slowly turned around, he knew he was wrong. Her eyes were a shade of black, a hue he had never seen in her. They were emotionless pits that showed the way to hell.
"Do you really think you knew me?" Her lips curled into a smirk. "You are so innocent, Li. You, Tomoyo, and everyone else are just play toys to me. All those letters, threats, and everything are merely just a ploy to confuse you. Never would you guys imagine that I was just acting my role."
Syaoran could only stare. Everything? Everything had just been a trap? His head spun and he had to tighten his grip on Fanren's shoulders to stop him from screaming in frustration. His sister winced slightly and turned her worried eyes to Syaoran. He didn't even see her glance; his eyes were drilled upon Sakura.
She turned to face to Fujin. "Are we done father? We really should be getting along if we want to carry everything out."
Fujin grinned. "We should set our last steps into place then."
She nodded calmly. "Leave my bike for me." She informed him. "Group our men and I'll head over there myself."
"Don't be late, Yuki."
"When am I late?" It was a statement; not a question.
"Ah, my dear Yukio. Farewell, Syaoran Li. It really was a pleasure meeting you."
Syaoran growled.
"Down boy." Fujin laughed. "Meet you at our place. I'll bring your gear." He told Sakura.
Sakura nodded. Fujin walked towards the edge of the building. It was only then did Syaoran realize the strong gusts of winds. He hopped on after the computer hacker into the helicopter that flew into the night.
Sakura walked towards the black door after the helicopter was gone from sight.
"Sakura," Syaoran called after her desperately.
She stopped, her hand on the handle. "You should leave while there's still time, Li. There are those you want to protect." With that, she pushed open the door and disappeared inside the building.
He stared at the door where Sakura had just left. What the hell was going on? Who really was Sakura? She seemed so different when she was around him, Tomoyo, and Eriol. He wondered how she lived that kind of life. Furthermore, what did she want?
He really was in no position to talk about it.
A slight coughing brought him back to his senses. "Come on Fanren." Syaoran said gently, cradling his sister in his strong arms. "Let's get you back downstairs. Kari's been thoroughly worried about you."
Fanren smiled weakly. "I'm sorry, Xiao Lang. I haven't been any help at all."
Syaoran hushed her, a small smile on his face. "Hey, it's not your fault okay? I'm just glad that you're okay."
Syaoran started to walk down the stairs with Fanren on his back now. "Xiao Lang, was the Sakura Kinomoto you talked about over the phone?" She asked, her voice coming out barely louder than a whisper.
He didn't reply for a while, thinking over how he should rephrase her. "No, today you met someone else. That, that wasn't Sakura Kinomoto. The one I know is, just, different."
Fanren smiled. "You've grown up, little brother."
"I wish I had. I had no idea how to handle anything that happened today." He shook his head slightly, wanting to get rid of what had happened, especially how cruelly Sakura was acting.
Another silence drifted over the two. "Do you want to go to the hospital?"
Fanren blinked and shook her head. She carefully got off her brother's back on moved herself onto her bed. "I'm fine, really, Xiao Lang. I'm just a bit shocked, and that's all. Really." She added when she noticed Syaoran's frown.
Right then Kari burst into the room. "Oh, you're all right!" She cried and launched herself into her best friend's arms. Fanren laughed.
"Of course I am, Kari." She comforted, hugging tightly back. Kari sniffled and backed away from the hug.
"I'm so glad that you are. I was terrified something might had happened to you." She blubbered. "Thanks, Syaoran, for bringing her back to me." Kari paused and looked around. "Where's your date? Sakura Kinomoto?"
"She left."
Kari sighed. "And you let her?"
"What's that fucking supposed to mean?" Syaoran roared, frustrated.
The girl looked completely flustered. "What do you think it means? You're the one who let her walk out of your life, not me! Get that into your head, will you? I told you before: she needs help! Everyone needs it!"
"And what the fuck can I do?" He yelled back. "She totally changed who she was! I never knew her in the first place."
"That doesn't mean you don't know her." Kari said. Her face softened and smiled. "You've just seen a part of her. However, it's still a part of her."
Syaoran froze, thinking over what she said over his mind a few times.
"Go to her." Syaoran looked to his sister, who was looking at him with a smile so understanding that it reminded him of mother. "She needs you."
"But I don't know where she---," Syaoran paused in the middle of his sentence, and swore. "I'll be right back Fanren!" He spun around and yanked for the door.
How could he have been so stupid? She had practically said the location in front of his face! Of course! "There are those you need to protect." The place that offered protection was the Headquarters, where the national defense capital lay in Japan. That was Fujin's next destination, and his last.
"Hey, cutie, you forgot something." Syaoran turned and a gun was tossed to him. "It's really quite an awesome gun, fully loaded." Kari laughed.
"Thanks Kari." He nodded and sprinted out the door.
"Your car should be at the front door by now!" His sister called after him. "And don't you dare come back without her! I know where to find you!"
"I won't!" Syaoran answered back. Gripping his hand tightly into his fist, he swore that was the promise he would never break. He would get Sakura back, alive. That was only girl he found truly attractive and beautiful. It was only her who could make his heart thump wildly and mumble some retarded things to her that made no sense. He could slap himself black and blue for letting comments like, "you're so pretty" slip out from his mouth. No, he couldn't think of that since he knew nothing of Sakura's regards for him. But that could change, and he intended on asking as soon as he found her.
-----
"Meiling, pack your gear. Syaoran needs us." Eriol commanded, strapping his gun under his belt as he talked to her over his phone.
"What? Aren't they on a date? So something really happened?"
"Apparently so. Syaoran didn't tell me details, but all I know is that Sakura and Syaoran both need help." He answered, walking out the door, while telling his boss that he the case he was handling finally had some sources. "Anyhow, they're headed for the Headquarters."
"Why the hell at the Headquarters? Did this stalker decide to stalk the national head of defense or something?" Meiling demanded angrily as she slipped on her black boots.
"Apparently so." He replied dryly. "Stop by my office, and give a call to Yelan back in Hong Kong. Tell her that Syaoran demands to have the central computer shut down and all information locked and sealed. Also tell Yelan that she's not to do anything until Syaoran contacts her himself."
"Sounds pretty." Meiling said sarcastically. "Anyhow, I'll let Auntie Yelan know about this ASAP. It's going to take me a while though if I'm to head towards the Headquarters, no pun intended, by the way."
"Then get your ass in the car and start driving!" Eriol barked.
"It's going to take us hours!"
"When has that ever stopped you?" Eriol asked, turning the engine of his car. The motor purred softly and he skidded his car out of the parking lot.
"You know me too well." Meiling laughed and grabbed her leather jacket from her bed and sped out the dorm room, almost crashing into the person in front of the doorway.
"Where are you going?" Tomoyo asked, smiling. In her hands was a bag from Dunkin Donuts. "I bought coffee and muffins for us."
"Uh, I'm going," Meiling started.
"Mei, who's there?" Eriol asked from his end of the phone.
"It's Tomoyo." She answered.
There was a short pause. "Don't tell her to come." Eriol's voice was serious and unlike how he usually spoke.
"But,"
"Don't let her come. She can't see Sakura like this. Do you think she can handle this?" Eriol asked Meiling in a furious whisper.
"You can't hide this from her."
"You can't hide what?" Tomoyo asked innocently, her head cocked to the side. "Are you okay Meiling? Your face is all pale."
"I'm fine Tomoyo, really." Meiling quickly replied, pasting a quick smile on her face. She turned her attention back to the phone. "She has the right to know. This concerns her as well. Perhaps she doesn't need to come, but she does need to know what's happening."
"Tell her, but make it quick then." Eriol commanded. "Tell her to go to my office and stay there since no one can look after her now. And hurry over to the Headquarters. I'm off."
Meiling shut off her phone and looked at her best friend. "Look here, Tomoyo, let's eat this on my car okay? We need to go somewhere."
Tomoyo looked a bit confused, but nodded her head and followed the angry Chinese girl outside to where her red convertible was.
-----
Sakura sped through the cars that were stopped for the red light with her black heavy Harley. It had been her precious baby since she ever got on a real bike. Grinning, she let the wind run through her hair as she sped dangerously.
Her blacks leather gloves gripped the bike handle tightly as she added speed. Cars honked angrily and she laughed. No one was going to stop her now. No one. This was one night where she was going to finally do the one thing she had always wanted to do and hell, it felt great.
"Bitch, watch where you're going!" A driver called out angrily.
Sakura turned around, an amused smirk playing on her red lips. "You're the one who should be careful." She answered.
The man glared at her. "Stay in your place." He grunted.
"Gladly." Sakura quipped, "if you stay in yours. So go to hell." She added speed, her tires squealing away and into the dark night.
She felt hateful, and angry. Sakura muttered incoherently under her breath, her dark green eyes flashing. Eighteen years of torture, of being under control, and she had had enough. Tonight she was going to show who the real leader was going to be. Fujin could just rot in hell; she was going to rule.
She was going to show the world that she really was, starting now.
The magnificently built architecture stood solidly and illuminated from the lights that was shown upon brick walls of fortress. This was where the nation's security laid, but not for long. There were too many terrors in the world that this building could not defend. There were too many horrors for those inside the building to comprehend. No, they had no idea of the real world, but they would have to learn.
"Yukio, what a pleasure seeing you again." Sakura narrowed her eyes but lowered her fist. "You're still on top of your practices I see."
"What's it to you?" She spat.
"Where is the respect?" The man demanded. "I am, after all, your mother's favorite cousin and your teacher from the day you saw the blue, blue sky."
"Cousin you may be, but never were you a favorite. You think too highly of yourself."
"Because I have trained you well." He smiled. "Nadeshiko would be extremely pleased, seeing you like this."
"You leave her name out of this." She growled lightly. "You have no right to say her name."
"And you do?" He asked mildly. "After all, I am related to her, while you, are not. I should have more right than you do, Yukio Fujin."
"You'll never win." She paused, her eyes glinting, "Bret Monoko."
-----
Tomoyo shared a worried look with Meiling. She looked vulnerably small in that room and her purple eyes expressed such sorrow, Meiling thought. It drained all the courage she had inside her.
"You okay?" Meiling croaked weakly, placing the phone back to its cradle. The phone talk with Yelan was to say the least, not pleasant at all. Things just seemed graver and it seemed that she was thrown into a pit of confusion. The only thing that stabled her was Yelan's calm and steady voice. God, she hoped she could have some of that courage.
Tomoyo nodded. "It's not me that needs worrying Meiling. I just want my best friend back."
"I promise." She replied, her voice raspy. She swallowed uncomfortably.
"If there's anyone that needs saving, it's Sakura who needs it most. She's lacks her sense of self and I know that she's constantly hiding who she really is." Tomoyo continued. "I've seen the looks on her face, full of confusion and a sort of longing. Haven't you noticed that she always has her guard up? Haven't you wondered what she really does at her martial arts training? We never see where she practices and she hasn't been in any competitions."
"Nothing ever seems the way they are." Meiling responded softly, looking at the ground. "Sakura's just seen more dangers in the world than most of us, but that doesn't mean that she knows what's real and precious too."
Tomoyo smiled. "That's what we have to remind her."
"As you have?" She now lifted her gaze and looked wonderingly at her friend.
"As we all have." Tomoyo reprimanded with an air that reminded Meiling of a mother, wise beyond age talking to a child. "You, me, Eriol, Syaoran, Touya, and everyone else. Sakura needs us and we need her, whether or not she sees that or not."
-----
"Johnny, cover us." Fujin demanded quietly, putting a silencer on his gun. The computer hacker nodded, immediately connecting his computer to the wire system. Quickly typing, he zoomed through the passwords and arrived at the core of the system.
"It's going to take me ten minutes." Johnny informed him. "They have one hell of a system, but it should be a quickie. Just some problems with the cameras and a few infrared lines, but that's about all they have."
"Well, have your fun." Fujin replied casually. "You have eight minutes while I go find my trump card." He grinned and walked over to where Sakura and Monoko were.
"Hey Yuki." He reached over, intending to snake his arm around his waist. However his hand came in contact with a cool metal.
"You have balls to try that." Sakura seethed, her gun in between her hand and Fujin's. "But I assure you if you try that again, you will have no balls. In fact, you'll have nothing left to fuck with."
"Vicious." Fujin hissed, his voice pleased.
Sakura ignored him, and turned her attention to the young man who was crouched in the corner, out of sight. "Johnny, are you done?"
"Hai!" He replied quickly, bobbing his head up and down obediently.
"Good." She swiftly walked past all three men and pushed open the door to the Headquarters. Her black outfit blended into everything and disappeared from sight; Fujin grinned.
"Monoko let Tiger to lead the east wing. Johnny, come with me and I'll drop you off at one of the security rooms. Cil," A sliver blond haired man came into view, "You go on ahead and take the west wing with Jo." The various men moved into the building. Fujin turned his steel eyes to Monoko. "Monoko, go and keep an eye on my dear Yukio. She's hiding from something from me and I want to know what it is. If you find that she has any sense of betraying me, kill her."
"And you're allowing me the honors?" Bret said sarcastically.
"Because I want to kill that Syaoran Li, right in front of that good for nothing bitch." Fujin replied, his eyes crackling with excitement. "There is no point of letting a weakling in our group."
"Agreed. Well, I'll be off. That wrench should be heading towards the roof where she most likely can see when the brat comes. Knowing her, she likes the feeling of being above, like the overseer."
-----
Sakura snuck behind the corner, watching Cil lead his men in. She missed talking to Cil. That guy with blond hair that was almost a slivery glow at night was one of her favorite people in the world. She had grown up with him; she had known him since she was two. It was him who helped her clean up her cuts and wounds after harsh training since no one else was willing. She was known as the brutal wildcat and had taken upon that alias. Even the police knew her as "Wildcat."
Sakura sighed softly to herself. She glanced once more at Cil before she turned and disappeared away from sight once again. If she were going to change things, she would only have one shot at it. And time was against her; Fujin, no doubt, knew what she was up to, as well as Monoko. No doubt she was being followed at this very moment.
She would have to go to the basement first and put all of her training into use.
-----
"Fuck." Syaoran cursed silently under his breath as he looked at the handsomely built structure. It had taken a good thirty minutes to get through the security guards alone. He didn't even want to imagine how Sakura and the rest of the "gang" had gone in.
"Damn, where is Eriol?" He muttered, looking at his watch under the dim moonlight. It was exactly one o'clock in the morning. Soon, dawn would arrive and everything would be completed. He had to find a way to get more time.
He decided to sneak in by himself.
"Ah, little wolf. I was expecting you to drop by our party." A voice greeted, sending shivers down his back.
"Haskin Fujin." Syaoran acknowledged, his voice deadly quiet.
"Good morning to you as well." The murderer continued, his voice horridly pleasant. "You're just in time for the best part of the party. Come, let me show you around."
It was not a request.
"Li Xiao Lang, try something and die." Fujin's voice had immediately gone from a soft voice to a commanding force of that of metal. "Your gun is of no threat to me whatsoever. I can handle you singlehandly without even bothering to move my feet. Must I remind you that my men are all around you?"
"You're not going to get away with this." Syaoran gritted out as he started to walk down the dark hallway, Fujin's presence lurking right behind him.
"But I will." He answered, his voice losing the hard edge again, but his every word was dripping with sarcasm and double meanings. "You'll be the one to help me. So, I believe our first step would be to the roof. Yukio will be attending our private orgy there later."
"How would you know?" Syaoran lashed out.
Fujin laughed coldly. "Is she not my daughter? I have kept contact with her since the day was taken away from me. I have had my most loyal men with her constantly. She is, in every way, under my control."
Syaoran just growled.
"Didn't I tell you not to worry? You'll see your precious Sakura Kinomoto soon." His words were harsh and cutting as he spit out her name. His lips curled into a sadistic smile. "Come along."
They suddenly took a sharp turn and went into another corridor that seemed not part of the original plan. Syaoran frowned in the dark, trying to figure out where they were in the Headquarters now.
Suddenly he sensed someone else in the hallway and froze, calculating slowly.
"Ah, Cil, how nice of you to join us." Fujin greeted cordially. "Cil, this would be Syaoran Li, the little boy Yukio has wrapped about her finger. Little wolfie, this would be Cil, Yukio's childhood friend."
Syaoran squinted, gazing over the well-built man before him. His ashy blond hair was spiked and his cobalt eyes were piercing. While Syaoran was tall, this man was even taller. Somehow, he didn't know why, it hurt for him to know that he wasn't the only male, beside Eriol that is, who had caught Sakura's attention.
"Shall I go fetch Yukio?" Syaoran blinked surprised. Cil's voice was unlike all the other gang members. His voice was soft and, even more surprising, pleasant to hear. "Knowing her, she should be on the roof right now."
"Monoko should have everything down pat. Jo's finishing everything up?"
Faux nodded and turned to leave.
"No, Faux, join us." Fujin offered. "There's room enough for all of us."
"You play with one's mind, that you do." The young man replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "However the heavy atmosphere here too much for my liking." He nodded at Syaoran. "I still have to take one more sweep of the building. Excuse me."
Fujin briskly marched Syaoran deeper into the darkness that it temporarily blinded Syaoran when a flash of bright light greeted him.
"Come." Fujin walked into the elevator and Syaoran silently followed. They rode the elevator in deadly silence and Syaoran could feel that they were going up the building. Perhaps that Cil person had been right; they were approaching for the roof, to where Sakura was.
The door opened and Syaoran was greeted by the harsh cutting wind and scrapped against him relentlessly. When his eyes had adjusted to the change in light, he noticed a figure walking towards him. Sakura. She had a small smile playing on her lips. As she walked towards him, he could faintly smell a whiff of perfume. Since when had Sakura worn perfume? His mind was spinning and Syaoran squinted his eyes, trying to focus on Sakura. Had she changed clothes?
"Welcome to the real world." That was the last thing Syaoran heard before he fell forward into dark oblivion.
-----
Meiling's head dipped lower from her position and her hand accidentally pressed against the horn. The sound jerked her awake, causing her to yank her head back, hitting her head against the back of the seat.
"Fuck!" She moaned, rubbing the back of her head. She blinked sleepily and looked at the clock on her car. It was only five in the morning. She rubbed her eyes and glared at the gate before her.
After dropping Tomoyo off at Eriol's office in the police station, she had rushed over to the Headquarters only to be found locked outside. Damn them, she cursed in her mind.
"Coffee?"
Meiling's head shot up and gave a glare at the speaker.
"Morning to you too Meiling." Eriol said, an amused smile on his face. Meiling yawned and rolled down her window to greedily accept the steaming hot of coffee.
"My thanks." She mumbled after draining the cup's contents quickly.
"Mm." Eriol replied absentmindly. "I wonder how Sakura and Syaoran are doing. Do you think maybe it isn't this place?"
"But Syaoran told you this was where he wanted us to be." Meiling pointed out. "He didn't call you again?"
"Not that I know of." He replied. "Well, there's nothing we can do about it though. Should we just head back?"
Meiling gave one more glance at the building before starting her car up. "Why not?" She asked. "There's nothing here for us anyhow."
Yet exactly three days later, Sakura and Syaoran were on the front page of every newspaper and the main headline on every television news. The word had gotten around that the largest underground group kidnapped the two.
The three friends looked at each other with a frightened fear. Meiling said the first thing that came to mind.
"Fuck."
-----
How was it? I know, another cliffhanger. SORRY! It's just at this story's heading towards 28 pages in word and I think I should cut it off just so that I won't finish the whole story in one setting. Hehe.
Hm. I'm going to be really busy lately and the fact is that you guys aren't going to be able to receive an update until 5/10 has passed. May 10th is the date of my last AP exam. Before that I have midterms coming up on April 19th and 20th. I have a concert to organize right after midterms. I have a badminton competition the end of April. Top it all off, I have three AP tests to take in the beginning weeks of May. So, I have to sacrifice my writing time and put on the label "cram time." Sigh. There you have it; my hectic life. So, deepest apologies and I hope you guys understand.
As for colleges, can anyone give me some suggestions? I've narrowed everything to just UCLA, U Mich, and UVA. Some help please?
That's about it for now. Oh, and if I wrote an Inuyasha fic, how many of you guys are willing to read it? I feel like I need a change in characters for a brief moment. I don't know; I'm thinking of writing an Inuyasha fic after this one. What do you guys think?
Thanks,
Iris dreamer