Hello all. Today is not Valentine's Day but I've updated on time.
Fanfiction.net just likes to do this to me. First during my anniversary now
on V-Day and fortunately I sent Andrew this file. The virus deleted all my
other fics. I hope you guys will enjoy this chapter. I've been working on
this since the beginning of February! The question about Song Min will be
answered in this chapter and Meling's trip to Hong Kong will be somewhat
answered, and as I promised, I made it longer to make up for the last two
shorter chapters.
My report card went well. I passed all my classes... except for Math like I predicted. I passed Physics! Hurray for me! ^-^ But Andrew left. ;-; My editor is gone! Wahh! It's not fair! China while I'm stuck here...
Oh! Thanks for all your reviews! So that means thanks to:
Carol
Animefreak242
Xiao Mei (You'll get answers here.)
Sakura potato
Cherrixwolf
Pinklover
Yuki Arashi (Thank you.)
Glarie
Kitty-Kat
Idiot1988 *Annalisa*
Danielle Ngo
KristiexxNguyen
Jenna-chan
Jazzy (It's my thing to leave people in suspense.)
sK (I didn't take long. /)
Mei Yen
PnaixR0se8
Darkness
Virgo Writer
Ryuuen Star
Saibapo
Eclipse27
Kawaii tanshi-chan
IC (You enjoy killing Syaoran... right?)
Kawaii Cherry Wolf
Angela
Lozza-pilgrim
Starrie
Brenda (Scary... you have my name!!! )
Daff Li
Animechick354
The Dreamers Wish
Ead Taes
Sakura-chan
Serenity Madison
D
Kirei Crystal
Shirahana (You're lucky Andrew found my archive copy. The virus wiped out my files before I had a chance to save anything. Why am I not part of the J- team? -cries-)
IMPORTANT: There is something weird going on in fanfiction.net and most of the reviews were under the name xing@fanfiction.net It's really weird and at first I thought it was someone reviewing repeatedly but then I saw Sheyla's review and then I knew that wasn't it. So fortunately my filing cabinet held my reviews so I was able to thank everyone accordingly. I'm sorry but I was unable to notify those who reviewed for the first time. This is because I cannot go through each email trying to find out who you are. So review again and leave me your email address! THANK YOU!! ^-^
I love you all! Thanks a million! You don't know how much this hypes me up! ^-^
This chapter has been dedicated to: Christina! Even though she doesn't know about my fics, she has helped me a lot by giving me all the CCS tapes to finish off the third season. That MEANS I seen all the episodes of CCS plus the two movies! Woo hoo!
And to all you lovers out there! May your valentines day by the greatest ever! I've updated also with this fic: Will You Be Forever Mine, Part Two. So check it out.
Now... presenting chapter 9!
* * * * *- Changing places
A/N- Author Notes
"." Speaking
'.' Thoughts
Friends Forever...Right?
Chapter 9
The Perplexed Situations and No Solutions in Sight
Tomoyo slid to a stop and began to climb a tree. Eriol looked at her utterly confused but began to climb as well. Finally Tomoyo hauled herself onto the tree's branch and helped Eriol up.
"Perfect."
She zoomed into the scene that was about to occur. Her best friend's questions were about to get answered. And if Li decided to hurt her then and there...
She'll kill him
* * * *
"What are you doing here? You're soaking wet!"
Sakura looked away, refusing to listen to what her heart was saying.
"I decided to come here. I didn't ask you to question me Li." She said solemnly. Syaoran sighed as he moved closer to her and placed the umbrella over the both of them.
"And I didn't ask for your help."
Syaoran winced at those words but he couldn't help but maintain the umbrella over them. He could clearly see that she was soaking wet. Was it all because of him? He had no idea but the person on the phone had said so.
He was sure it wasn't Tomoyo because the voice didn't have the edge Tomoyo's voice has when she was being mysterious. And the voice was a female's voice so it couldn't possibly be Eriol. Meiling would've screamed at him plus she wouldn't know what Sakura was doing in the first place since she was in America.
"Sak- Kinomoto, you have to go home or somewhere dry. You're going to get pneumonia. Your family wouldn't like it and neither would your friends."
Sakura continued to ignore him as she rocked herself slowly. She tried to restrain herself from saying that HE wasn't her friend in the first place to be worrying. Syaoran scowled and pulled her out of the swing.
"What are you doing Li? I told you to leave me alone!"
Syaoran pulled Sakura closer. "And I said I wouldn't. Now you are coming with me and I don't care."
Sakura was dumbfounded for she never saw Syaoran act that way before. Heck no one acted like that before to her. As she was thinking, Syaoran hauled her over his shoulder and proceeded to walk towards their houses.
"Li you put me down! I can walk!"
Syaoran shook his head and continued to walk. As if Sakura wasn't anything at all, he began to whistle a familiar tune.
"I said put me down! What will your girlfriend say about this? I'm going to tell her that HER boyfriend is abducting me!"
Syaoran stopped for a minute and then started laughing. It wasn't a brief laugh, it lasted for a while. Sakura was puzzled on why he was acting that way. She meant it to be mean so he would put her down. Not to make him laugh about it.
* * * *
"Now phase two." A figure said as she jumped down from the tree she was hiding in with her umbrella.
* * * *
"Moshi Moshi Lily speaking."
Carleen and Milla giggled as they continued to act their scene of Syaoran buying everything for Lily.
"Would you like this my sweet?"
"No I want the most expensive one!"
"Anything my love."
"WHAT?!"
Carleen and Milla stopped immediately as they saw Lily grip the phone with fury. Her eyes were set ablaze and everything around her seemed to tremble.
"Impossible. My Syaoran would NEVER go out to save that bitch."
Carleen and Milla looked at each other puzzled. Who could've called? Plus it was pouring horribly outside so no one would be out. And if they were out, they would try to go home as fast as possible.
"Where? All right I'll be there. But if he isn't there with-"
Dial Tone.
Lily grunted and hung up the phone. Carleen and Milla stared at her, wondering what that was all about.
"Some bitch just called me saying that MY Syaoran is with that SLUT Kinomoto and they're having the time of their lives."
Carleen and Milla started laughing and they even fell on the floor. They knocked over a few things in the process.
"What's so funny? I'm serious. She said that they were heading towards Syaoran's house."
Carleen and Milla finished laughing and struggled to get up.
"You can't believe that. Look at it out there? You wouldn't think that Li would be there with that girl?"
Lily smirked.
"So does that mean I should go or not?"
* * * *
Tomoyo followed quietly with Eriol, wondering particularly why Syaoran was laughing so much. Even as he walked with Sakura over his shoulder, he continued to laugh. Tomoyo knew by the puzzled expression Sakura gave, that she didn't know why either.
"Do you think Li-kun has gone mad?" She asked to her partner in crime.
Eriol shrugged as he tried to sort it out himself. He had been thinking about it since Sakura's sarcastic comment. Nothing came to him.
"Who called you anyway?" He asked, still wondering about the mysterious phone call. He knew there were too many questions that remained unsolved in his head.
"I don't know. But that person did tell the truth. She said-"
"How do you know it's a she?" He asked. Truthfully for Tomoyo not to know a caller but to listen to the caller, she must have a reason. Tomoyo wouldn't be the type of girl to do anything rash. Wait- Eriol shook his head. Yes she was the type.
"Feminine voice of course. Eriol I'm evil with a purpose and I must know a few things to keep that up." She said.
Eriol was about to laugh before Tomoyo placed her hand over his mouth. She rolled her eyes as Eriol gave her the 'I'm sorry' face.
"Don't give us away now Eriol. I wouldn't want to destroy whatever is to happen." She said.
Eriol nodded as he looked up.
* * * *
"Why can't I find out now?"
Meiling giggled as she grabbed Ryu's hand and pulled him away from the garden. The Li Mansion was huge, no doubt about it, and one perhaps could get lost.
"Come on. We have to go unpack before we could explore. I don't want to be the one that suffers the wrath of Yelan-san for not following her orders."
Ryu gulped and went now eagerly and quickly with Meiling towards the Mansion. He never stayed in one really except for Tomoyo's. He knew that he must stay with someone who knows the mansion or else he would get lost.
"Fine. But you will tell me why we're here for four days? I think it's only right. I'm going to be the only one that doesn't know. That's so unfair."
Meiling shook her head and smiled... evilly. Ryu gulped again. Once he saw Meiling's evil smile he knew that she was up to something. But not only her this time, her whole family and Li's family as well.
"You'll see. It's a big surprise and not for us, for someone else."
Ryu pouted. "So if it isn't for us, why can't I know?"
"Because if I told you, it would spoil everything. Plus I want you to do something for me."
"Nani?"
"I want you to find out what really is going on in Tomoeda."
* * * *
"Would you stop laughing?"
Syaoran shook his head as the rain continued to pour down on the umbrella he was struggling to hold. The storm seemed to have taken a turn for the worse but Syaoran didn't care. He continued to laugh as there was no tomorrow.
"Why are you laughing anyway? I didn't say it to make it funny. And would you do me another favor? Put ME down!"
Syaoran continued to laugh as he walked through the pouring streets of Tomoeda. Suddenly lightning and thunder decided to pitch in the storm. This sudden turn made Sakura change into the frighten girl that hid inside of her.
"I hate lightning." She whispered as she clutched Syaoran's shirt and whimpered. Syaoran stopped laughing and noticed how Sakura tensed up.
"You okay Sakura-chan?" He asked softly.
Sakura shook her head and whimpered again when the thunder roared in the sky. Syaoran decided to take a detour to make it faster to his house. It was impossible to reach her house in time.
"Where- where are you going?" She said through whimpers. Syaoran shushed her as he began to run seeing that the storm was about to add another thing to scare Sakura. Hail.
"Don't worry Sakura-chan. We'll get to my house faster this way then to yours. I promise you'll be okay."
Sakura nodded, forgetting completely that she was supposed to act mean to him. She had let her guard down again and decided to trust Syaoran one more time.
* * * *
"Tomoyo we have to get out of this rain. It's about to hail. Come on we could reach my house before it's too late. They're going to go to his so it'd be fruitless to follow."
Tomoyo frowned as she looked up to the sky. "Damn you! This would've been so kawaii! Sakura is being nice again and I would've caught more kawaii moments!"
Eriol sweat dropped as he began to lead Tomoyo the other way. They ran down the block and just missed three figures walking around the intersection where the group always separated.
"I don't see my Syaoran or that slut. Hmph that caller made me come out for nothing. Come on girls. Let's go back to my house before our hair gets ruined."
Carleen and Milla nodded as each of them turned around to go back. They missed Syaoran and Sakura going in the back ally to safety. Fortunately some luck was on the pair's side.
* * * *
Song Min scowled as she threw her umbrella on the floor. She made everything so perfect. The confrontation would've been so priceless. Her plans went down the drain when Syaoran made the turn to go through his short cut.
How could she miss that minor detail? She knew Sakura was scared of lightning and thunder so that's why it would've been more perfect. Screw Syaoran and his short cut! She was sure that Lily would've been so angry and they would've broken up!
Sakura would've been even more hurt if Syaoran tried to spare the relationship he had with Lily then to defend her. Also Tomoyo and Eriol would've been there to witness it all and help Sakura through it. Then Syaoran would be free from both girls and she would rule once again. Syaoran would've been hers with all the merited plans she conducted.
She even made Jasmine and Xiomara stay back for this one. She was so positive.
"Damn you Li!!" She screamed, drenching herself since she tossed her umbrella down. She kicked the floor and threw several stones toward the path Syaoran took.
"Ow!" Song Min yelled as she felt something drop on her head. She rubbed it and then looked up to get hit by something again.
"Great. Hail." She said scowling as she opened her umbrella. She rubbed her injured nose and continued her way home.
She'll have to devise another plan when she gets home with her friends. If she fails again then she would give up. She had a huge headache from forming this one.
Fortunately she ate that apple or else she would've been starving. After all, all this plotting does get you hungry.
(A/N: Song Min's true side is revealed!)
* * * *
"Made it."
Syaoran placed Sakura on her feet. His shoulder was wet since she was soaked. He finally took a good look at her. She was drenched from head to toe. Not only that but now she was shaking.
"Come on Sakura, let's get you upstairs."
Sakura nodded before she fainted. Syaoran quickly caught her in his arms and lifted her up. He looked at her to see if anything had caused her to make her pass out. Nothing was bleeding but she did look too pale and skinnier than the last time he saw her.
He pressed the elevator button and fortunately he didn't have to wait long. He stepped inside and pressed his floor.
As the elevator doors closed, figures appeared in the hall way.
* * * *
"I guess you're right Milla. We should check if he's home or arriving. It's his fault for not picking up his phone for me." Lily said as she pressed the elevator button.
Carleen and Milla nodded as they stood next to her. Li's apartment was on their way to Lily's house, well actually two blocks off, but it was close. Lily had called Syaoran's apartment to see if he was at least home, but no one answered.
Lily, being the one who's a maniac, decided for a detour and took her girls to his house. They were somewhat wet and Lily was a bit impassive.
"Come on you stupid elevator! No time for me to waste!" Lily said scowling as she kicked the elevator doors.
* * * *
"She told me that Sakura was having a confrontation with Li-kun. And if I wanted to tape this kawaii moment I'd have to go to Penguin Park, by the swings."
Eriol nodded as he gave Tomoyo a pair of his clothes so she would be warmer. He had already changed even though he insisted for Tomoyo to change first.
"You do know that I have clothes here already Eriol, why are you giving me a pair of your clothes?" Tomoyo asked, grabbing the clothes. Eriol smirked.
"You caught me. I think you look sexy in my clothes."
Tomoyo giggled as she opened up the shirt. "Or is it because they're really loose so that you'll be able to see things."
Eriol gasped and placed his hand over his mouth.
"How could you ever think that of me?" He started laughing and tossed Tomoyo an extra pair of her clothes. "I just wanted to see if you would put those on if I gave them to you."
Tomoyo shook her head and went inside the bathroom to change. Eriol sat on his bed, thinking about the information Tomoyo gave him.
'So this girl said that Sakura and Li were going to have a confrontation. That they were by the swings. And if Tomoyo wanted to tape, she should go. Then Tomoyo said she'll be right there and that was it. It must be someone who knows us for who would know that Tomoyo loved to tape Sakura and her adventures.'
Eriol scratched his chin. He still couldn't think of the person who could've called. And the person is a girl which doesn't narrow it too much.
Couldn't be Naoko... she doesn't know much about Tomoyo's fanatic filming... Chiharu knows but why would she not give her name, plus Chiharu wouldn't be walking around in this weather... Rika was probably with Terada- sensei... and she wouldn't be the sort of girl to spy...
That just about left ten thousand other girls. Eriol sighed. This was giving him a head ache.
"Ta Da!"
Eriol looked up and saw Tomoyo dressed in her clothes, which looked rather good. An amethyst halter and kapris. Suited her nicely and her hair was loose. She hopped on Eriol's bed and tilted her head, having a cute expression.
"What were you thinking about?" She asked cutely. Eriol smiled and shook his head.
"Nothing really. Just wondering who placed that mysterious call."
Tomoyo rolled her eyes and tossed a pillow at him. She giggled as the pillow hit him straight in the face. It was still pouring outside, the storm not lessening for a second.
"You always have to find out who, ne? Stop thinking too much. Let's make something for your obaa-san. I'm sure she'd like a cake."
Eriol sighed and tossed the pillow back at her. "Fine, as you wish my love."
Tomoyo squealed and dragged him downstairs.
* * * *
Syaoran blushed immensely. He didn't know whether or not to dress Sakura in warm clothes. It would prevent her from getting sick but the thing was that Sakura was a girl first of all and second he wasn't her boyfriend and mostly third she wouldn't like the fact that he undressed her.
"Sakura... Sakura-chan. Please get up... I need you to get up to change. You're going to get sick. If you don't get up... I'm going to have to... change you myself." As soon as he said that, he blushed once again.
Sakura on the other hand, didn't even move an inch. And to make matters worse, Wei wrote a note saying he went out to a council meeting with some group.
"Ano... onegai Sakura! Get up!" He said shaking her a bit. Unfortunately for you all, Sakura groaned a bit and opened one of her eyes.
"Where am I?" She said as sat up. Syaoran sighed in relief as he sustained her sitting. Sakura blinked several times before she came to a conclusion.
'Syaoran's apartment.'
Before she knew it, Syaoran was waving his hand in front of her face. His face held confusion since Sakura wasn't responding to him.
"Sakura??"
Sakura scowled before she jumped in fear, hearing the thunderstorm roar outside. In the brink of her fear, she jumped onto Syaoran and nearly clutched him to death.
"Shh, shh... calm down Sakura. It's okay. Just a little thunder. That's all. Don't whimper Sakura-chan. It's okay now. Shh shh." Syaoran whispered as he patted Sakura's back softly. "I need you to change. Can you do that Sakura-chan?"
Sakura shook her head. This motion made Syaoran blush immensely. His face turned bright red at the thought of helping Sakura change.
"You're going to get sick Sakura. If you want... I can help you change... but I'd rather prefer that you do that... on your own."
Sakura giggled childishly and looked up to Syaoran. Her face twisted into a smirk. Syaoran gulped at the sight of her expression. She was plotting something evil and cruel to torture him with. His began to sweat at the thought of Sakura ACTUALLY letting him change her.
"I really do need help Syao... can you please help me? Pretty please, Syao?"
Syaoran blushed heavily and suddenly received a nose bleed. The next second, he passed out on his bed. Sakura started to laugh. She tried to stop but she couldn't. Syaoran had actually thought SHE was going to let HIM help her CHANGE.
She got up slowly and wiped Syaoran's nose off with the tissues that were placed by his bed. As she looked to his side, she saw the clothes he chose to let her wear. It was reasonable enough. He tried to find the smallest shirt and not so baggy pants. They actually matched.
She whistled happily as she went inside the bathroom. She was getting a bit of a chill and had decided to change after all. Syaoran was resting, you know?
* * * *
Meiling sat down at the long table with the rest of the adults. She had asked Ryu to stay behind in the room he was residing. The long table consisted of the elders, Yelan, Shiefa, Fanren, Fuutie, and Femei. Also her mother, Yuna, was present.
"And what may I ask, is this sudden meeting called?"
(A/N: Sorry to interrupt, but I had to say that I named Meiling's mother Yuna because I couldn't think of a better name, and Yuna is my favorite character from FFX.)
Yelan glared at the youngest elder as she stood up from her seat. Her robes were red traditional Chinese ceremonial robes, indicating that she had high status in the Li clan. Yuna wore dark red Chinese ceremonial robes but with the symbol of the Raye clan, which had lower status than the Li. Meiling wore a ruby color, symbolizing that she was the daughter of the Raye clan.
"I called this meeting for your future leader, Xiao Lang." She said in a firm tone.
The elders looked at the two ladies from the Raye clan.
"Do you wish to marry your daughter to young Xiao Lang? If you do, then we accept. Set the date. If that's it, this meeting is adjourned."
Meiling gasped as Yelan's eyes grew wide.
'Uh oh...'
* * * *
Lily kicked the elevator door several times.
"Hurry up you stupid elevator! I don't want to climb up seven flights of stairs!"
Lily, Carleen, and Milla were waiting on the first floor for fifteen minutes. The elevator just wouldn't come down. No matter how much Lily pushed the button or kicked the door, it didn't come to the first floor. Nothing happened.
"Ladies, if you would excuse me."
The three of them turned around to see a technician behind them, holding a toolbox.
"The landlord called just five minutes ago saying the elevator was stuck on the 7th floor. Why are you girls still waiting for it?" He said before making his way through Carleen and Milla, who were sitting on the stairs.
Lily growled but then stopped. The technician said that it was stuck on the seventh floor. So when she saw the elevator doors closed, Syaoran was the one going up.
"Well now I know Syaoran is home. Should we climb up girls?"
Carleen and Milla counted the stairs on that level. Fourteen stairs which is times by seven flights. Ninety-eight stairs they would have to climb to reach Li's apartment.
"Hey! Sir!" Carleen yelled. The technician stopped and looked at Carleen strangely.
"How long would it take to get fixed?"
The technician rubbed his chin and looked at the ceiling. "I would estimate around an hour. You girls can come back or just climb the stairs."
Lily glared at the technician and turned away.
"The storm seems to have settled a bit. We'll be back." Lily said glaring at the technician. Carleen and Milla nodded and followed.
* * * * *
Tomoyo squealed in happiness as the cake was finished. They had decorated it nicely enough. Spinel purred as he rubbed against Tomoyo's leg.
"Oh Spinel-san, this cake is for Nakuru-san. Gomen nasai but I've prepared you a lovely meal."
With that comment, Spinel purred loudly. Eriol chuckled as he played with a piece of Tomoyo's hair. He was least concerned on what was occurring between Syaoran and Sakura, the mysterious caller, and the whole plan.
He was paying attention to the love of his life, Miss Tomoyo Daidouji herself, and how her face glowed when she was happy.
"Let's prepare ourselves a meal. Now that we're done with the cake for my obaa-san, I am sort of hungry."
Just as he said that, his stomach growled loudly. He blushed a bit as Tomoyo giggled. She caressed Eriol's cheek and smiled warmly.
"Then let's do that. Afterwards we HAVE to see what's going on at Li-kun's apartment. To miss all those kawaii moments hurt me." She said with tears in her eyes.
Eriol sweat-dropped as they brought out all the materials they needed to make a meal.
"I have a feeling this will take a while." Eriol said before his stomach growled loudly again. His face had now turned red.
* * * *
Syaoran groaned as he sat up. He looked around and tried to recall what had happened before he passed out. It appeared hazy in his mind before he heard the shower turning off. Now he had to think. Who was here?
He remembered being called... ah! It was Sakura! He had brought her here when she passed out.
But he didn't remember when he passed out.
"Feeling better Syaoran-kun?"
Syaoran nearly had a heart attack. He fell off his bed and onto the floor with a thump. He groaned loudly as he peered up. There was Sakura, dressed in HIS clothes.
Okay okay NOW he remembered. Sakura had passed out but she was soaking wet. He had to change her before she got pneumonia. That was before she woke up on her own. He passed out BECAUSE of her.
"You- You made me pass out! You're such a conniving girl!"
Sakura giggled as she winked at him. "I'm glad you finally realized that. Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes." She said smiling. He smiled in return, glad that she wasn't being mean and sarcastic like before.
"Good. Why don't I make us something to eat? You could go watch some movies on the television. I don't think the weather is going to improve soon."
Sakura nodded and left to the living room. Syaoran sighed as he rubbed his back. He got up from the floor and straightened himself out. He had to admit that Sakura looked good in his clothes. He blushed a bit.
'I shouldn't be thinking about Sakura-chan in my clothes.' He thought silently. He nearly jumped when he heard his phone ring. He walked over to the side of his bed and picked up the phone.
"Moshi Moshi. Syaoran Li speaking."
"Gomen nasai Master Syaoran, but it seems I can't leave from the building I'm in. It has begun to hail over here heavily and I won't make it till much later."
Syaoran smiled. He now knew he had some time with Sakura.
"It's all right Wei. I'm fine. Just be careful."
"I will Master Syaoran. Ja ne."
"Ja." Syaoran said before hanging up the phone.
Then he suddenly realized what he had been thinking. He shook his head trying to be rid of his thoughts. He was only Sakura's FRIEND.
Sighing again, he went to the kitchen.
* * * *
"SAKURA?!"
"Sakura-chan! Where are you?!"
Touya, Kaho, Yukito, and Nakuru all held individual umbrellas, scouring the area. Touya had gone upstairs to check on Sakura but she wasn't there. That had worried Touya. What made him worry more was when he called Tomoyo's house, Sonomi had said that Tomoyo was with Eriol at his house WITHOUT Sakura.
"Maybe she just went to some other friend's house." Nakuru suggested.
Touya shook his head. He explained to Nakuru that he had already called all her friend's houses. And all of them said the same thing, they haven't seen Sakura anywhere.
Kaho then noticed three figures walking up the block. She automatically recognized one of the girls. It was the girl that Li had been with at the carnival, before running away from Touya. She gave a look to Yukito and Nakuru to find out while she would lead the distraught Touya another way.
"Touya, let's go check down that block. Perhaps she went to Penguin Park?"
Touya nodded. "You have a point. She always loved going there, when she was happy or... sad."
They left down toward the park while Yukito and Nakuru approached the trio. Lily noticed them as well and wondered why they were out. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw Mizuki-sensei lead overprotective Touya away.
"Have any of you girls see Sakura-chan?" Nakuru asked, eyeing the three of them as suspects. She had already created ideas in her mind how they hid Sakura's body somewhere so Syaoran wouldn't fall in love with her.
Once they asked that question though, Lily's suspicions were on high alert. If Sakura was missing, might she be with Syaoran?
"Iie. Gomen nasai. I haven't seen her all day. We were just at MY boyfriend's apartment." She said in a nasty tone. Carleen and Milla gulped. They didn't want to upset TOUYA'S friends. They might set him after them.
Fortunately Nakuru nor Yukito were disturbed with Lily's tone.
"Arigato." Nakuru said before leaving with Yukito down the block.
Lily's eyes turned into slits.
"Kinomoto is missing. Now we have to go back to Syaoran's apartment. I have a suspicion that the caller was telling me the truth."
Carleen and Milla nodded as they followed Lily back the way they came.
* * * *
Song Min sighed as she finally arrived at Xiomara's apartment. She knocked on the door and waited. Jasmine came to the door and smiled.
"How did it go? Was it a success? Why do you look so weary? Was it that tiring?"
Song Min waved her hand and passed her to go inside. There she dropped her umbrella to a side and took off the sweater that had been soaked. She placed on another sweater and proceeded into the living room where Xiomara was.
"Song Min, how was it?" She asked as Song Min plopped down onto the sofa and sighed loudly. Jasmine came in and gave a weird look to Xiomara.
"It was going so well." Song Min began. "But just as they were about to meet, Li-kun took a short cut."
Xiomara and Jasmine nodded and went to her side. They sighed as well. That plan took a lot of plotting and it went down the drain.
"I suppose now we have to cook up another one. Why don't we forget about this one and have something to eat. Maybe then we'll get an inspiration." Xiomara said.
Song Min smiled and nodded. She felt relaxed when her friends tried to cheer her up. It had always been like this since they were young. But why she was picked leader was oblivious to Song Min. It was because she was prettier than the other two and most guys asked her out.
"That would be nice. I think I could use some of your specialties Xiomara- chan." She said as she began to close her eyes. Jasmine grabbed a blanket and covered Song Min. They knew she was extremely tired.
"I'll go prepare the meal. You get the dessert ready."
Jasmine nodded and lifted herself from her seat. Xiomara took one last glance at the sleeping Song Min before heading off into the kitchen.
They didn't know that Song Min's plan was still in the works.
* * * *
Sakura looked up as Syaoran brought in her meal on a tray. She suddenly realized that she hasn't confronted him about her feelings.
"Ano..."
"Don't tell me you don't like chicken because I'll have to kill you." He said sarcastically but smiling.
Sakura giggled a bit before commencing again. "Are you happy with Lily?"
Syaoran stared at her questionably, tilting his head to a side. He placed the tray on the small table by them.
"Why do you ask that?" He asked. But inside, he was thinking already. He wasn't really happy with Lily, he considered her a nuisance. But she was his girlfriend. He had chosen her.
Sakura looked down on the floor instead of looking at the passing expressions of Syaoran. She twirled her thumbs around each other and kept her eyes away from Syaoran's face. "I... ano... I just wanted to know." Syaoran seated himself right next to Sakura. She took in a deep breath, smelling his scent that made her heart pound.
"There must be another reason than that Sakura. Which reminds me... why were you in that rain?"
Sakura turned her face to look out the window and tried to ignore Syaoran's presence. But she knew there was escape.
"Sakura, onegai. Answer my question." He pleaded, holding her hand. The warmth given out from his hand made Sakura's cheeks turn bright pink.
"I just felt like going out." She replied coolly although inside she was a nervous wreck. Syaoran lifted his hand and turned her head. She nearly gasped seeing the expression he was wearing. He looked sad and depressed.
"You were never a good liar Sakura-chan." He said. "Why are you so thin now? Why are you so pale? Why did you faint? Sakura... what is going on?"
Sakura froze. He had noticed everything. He hit the jackpot. Could she be able to express her feelings?
"I get sudden mood changes." She answered, trying to hold back the truth. But Syaoran saw through it.
"That's not true. You never were like this before."
"You haven't known me for long Syaoran. Not to be mean or anything but sometimes I change like this." She said, trying to keep a solemn face so it wouldn't show that she was lying.
"That is a lie. I heard from all your friends that you were always cheerful and happy. Never a frown. If you frowned it would always turn upside down." He said, forgetting that he was clasping her hand.
"Tomoyo must've told you that. Fine you caught me. I just..." She stopped and tried to say something more. But she couldn't. Her mouth moved but no sounds came out.
'Syaoran... I like you more than a friend.' She thought sadly but she couldn't say it. No matter what she couldn't wreck his relationship.
"Tell me Sakura-chan." He said his face close to hers. Sakura caught her breath. 'He's so close.' She thought as she turned her face away.
"Syaoran..." She began. 'Now or never.' She thought. "I-"
Syaoran's doorbell rang. He patted Sakura's hand. "Hold onto that thought Sakura." He said as he got up from the couch.
A tear fell from Sakura's eye. She had been so close. So close to tell him that she loved him. How it developed she didn't really know.
Syaoran suddenly ran back and grabbed Sakura's hand, pulling her off the couch.
"Sakura-chan I need you to hide in the closet."
"Hoe?"
* * * *
"That's not it at all!" Meiling roared as she stood up. The elders looked at her threateningly as she sweat-dropped and seated herself back down.
"Then what is it?" The youngest elder spat. The other elders silenced him with a glare as he seated himself down.
Yelan sighed. She was about to get Meiling engaged to the wrong man. Yuna sighed as well, sitting herself back down. Ryu would've been heartbroken. She had liked that young man ever since he was introduced to her.
Yelan seated herself as well, interlocking her fingers with one another. She looked straight into the eldest elder's eyes, without shuddering. The oldest elder was stern but nice. But sometimes he tends to intimidate you when you stare straight into his eyes. But not to Yelan.
"Xiao Lang is in Tomoeda, Japan as you all know. He desired to separate us to reach his goals on his own and support himself. Now in about a year he will turn eighteen and take over as the leader of the Li clan."
One of the elders decided to speak in. "Yes we already know that. Please get to the point."
Yelan glared at that elder and then turned her gaze back to the eldest elder. "And you also know he must find a suitable bride before he becomes leader of the clan."
That's when the elders decided to speak all at once.
"We should arrange a marriage."
"Find a girl who isn't after the money."
"Maybe from the prestigious Chu clan."
"Iie! I heard terrible things about that clan."
"Get a bunch of girls and see where there respect lies."
Yelan sighed before banging her fist on the table. The elders jumped, startled at the noise. Yelan was known for a woman of patience but this whole meeting was getting out of hand.
"I told my son that he would choose his bride. If he doesn't find one, then we will set him up with any capable girl in China."
"And if you found this solution, why call this meeting?"
Yuna stood up and bowed respectively to the elders. "My daughter, Meiling Raye has news for the Li clan."
The elders looked at the young girl with ruby eyes who had spoken out earlier. She smiled innocently as she stood up.
"Is this true Yuna-san? I fear if this meeting isn't called for a purpose, the Raye clan will be punished."
Meiling glared at the elders but stopped once her mom shook her head. Yuna looked at the elders with a sincere face.
"Hai, it's true. So if you would please listen."
The elders seated themselves and looked up at Meiling, who was didn't fidget at all. She wasn't even intimidated with the piercing eyes of the elders. "I have seen the candidate."
* * * *
Lily peered around Syaoran's apartment as Carleen and Milla went into his kitchen to retrieve glasses of water. They had climbed all the stairs. And to be frank, they were all out of breath.
But Lily was the only one who was able to present herself in control. She was more curious to see if Kinomoto was in the house.
"Who were you here with Syaoran?" She asked as she stared at the tray of food on the table of the living room.
"I am by myself Lily. Why did you come in this awful weather?"
Lily seated herself comfortably on his couch and grabbed the T.V. remote. She then glanced back at Syaoran.
"Just wanted to see what you were up to. Kinomoto's brother is looking for her. You haven't happened to see her, have you?"
Syaoran shook his head and then noticed that Carleen and Milla were peering into his room.
"Get out of my room!" He growled. They jumped in fright and nodded. Quickly, they went to Lily's side. Carleen and Milla knew that Syaoran had quite a temper when he was mad.
"Syaoran, calm down. They just wanted to take a peek into your room. It's not you have anything to hide." Lily said sweetly. A bit too sweetly on Syaoran's behalf.
"My room is personal. I do not let anyone in there." He said, gritting his teeth. "And if you don't mind, I have much to do here. Would you do me the favor and go home? I'll visit you later on."
Lily gave a glare to him before standing herself up, giving a nod to the Carleen and Milla to follow. She walked towards the door before smelling a faint scent of cherry blossoms.
"Just one more thing before I leave Syaoran. Do you have any flowers in here?" She asked suspiciously. Fortunately, Syaoran picked up the scent of cherry blossoms as well. He looked inside Wei's room and saw flowers in a vase.
And they were cherry blossoms.
"Hai. Wei bought cherry blossoms for his room. You can easily see them right there." He said pointing to the flowers. Lily frowned and nodded.
"I always wanted you to have flowers but not that kind. I'll bring several flowers over tomorrow."
With that, Lily tap kissed him before leaving out the door.
Syaoran shut the door and sighed. Everything had come too close. He then noticed a figure standing right beside him.
"So you had to hide me from her?"
Syaoran gulped.
'Great...'
* * * *
"Onii-chan what are you doing here?"
Yukito glanced down at his younger sister and smiled.
"Touya, Kaho, Nakuru, and I have been searching for Sakura. Do you know where she is? Touya-kun is really worried."
Tomoyo's smile faded from her face. What should she do? Sakura was with Li. They were fixing their problems.
"Oh I know where she is. She went over our friend's house to study. I'll call her if you'd like."
Nakuru and Yukito smiled. They whistled loudly even though it was rain hard and the hail wasn't stopping.
But surprisingly, Kaho and Touya came from wherever they were to them.
"You found her?" Touya asked exasperatedly. Yukito turned and nodded, smiling. "Well where is she?" He demanded, looking at Tomoyo and Eriol.
Tomoyo took out her cell phone and dialed Sakura's cell phone.
"Sakura-chan! I just wanted you to speak to your brother. He was searching for you."
Kaho, Yukito, and Nakuru looked at Touya, who sweat-dropped.
"You never called her cell phone?" Kaho asked, sighing deeply. Touya shook his head numbly as he took the phone Tomoyo offered him.
"Kajiuu?"
He winced as Sakura started yelling at him from the other end. As soon as he heard her calm down, he placed his ear back to the phone.
"You're coming home soon?"
He nodded slowly and then hung up.
"Let's go back to my house." He said as dragged his feet. Kaho chuckled and waved to Nakuru, Eriol, and Tomoyo. Yukito kissed Nakuru on the cheek and proceeded to leave as well. Touya just murmured a good bye.
"What smells so good?" Nakuru asked as she shut the door.
"Tomoyo and I baked a cake. And then we made ourselves dinner. Want some?"
Nakuru's eyes turned into stars. "Hai!!!"
* * * *
Lily growled as they finally reached the first floor. Syaoran had kicked her out of his own home. What was the matter with him?
"Lily-chan, calm down."
Milla gave Carleen a signal and she nodded.
"You remember our flight is tomorrow right?" Carleen asked.
Lily froze.
"Nani?!"
Carleen and Milla nodded solemnly. "We told you we were only staying for a week and we stayed longer because it's been so much fun."
"But our parents said we had to come back on tomorrow's flight." Milla continued.
Carleen turned away. "Gomen nasai Lily-chan."
Lily shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. "Iie! You can't leave me! We just began progressing with Syaoran and having fun destroying Kinomoto's life! You can't go!" She yelled, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Carleen rubbed her arm as Milla looked at the ground. The rain continued to pour on around them but the hail had stopped. Thunder roared in the sky as lightning lit up the sky.
"I'm going to be all alone in this. There won't be any one to support me. You guys were my backbone. The rest of them will team up against me if it's only me!" Lily continued ranting. Her yells weren't as loud since the thunder covered it.
"Gomen nasai Lily-chan demo... what can we do? We tried to stay as long. I'm sure you can keep this up with Phillip." Carleen whispered.
Lily then just turned and ran. Her life will now be destroyed by the ones she plotted against. She had no one to support her. She was so sure that Tomoyo, Eriol, Chiharu, Takashi, Sakura, and everyone else will go against her. Phillip would only blow her cover.
She needed Phillip to quicken his pace with Sakura.
She doesn't care how.
He has to do it now.
* * * *
"Candidate?"
The elders then huddled hearing the young girl's words. Candidate? What on earth was she talking about? Just then the eldest elder told them to hush and they resumed their seats.
Yuna and Yelan exchanged glances as Meiling stood still. She had not moved after she said that simple sentence that threw the elders into a frenzy.
"Meiling Raye, of the Raye clan, you come from your vacation. Am I correct?" The eldest elder questioned. Meiling nodded, her eyes keeping their gaze on them.
"You moved to Japan. You've known Xiao Lang before you left. Correct?"
Again she nodded. Meiling knew that the elders knew everything about Syaoran. From his friends down to his favorite place. There wasn't anything Syaoran, or Xiao Lang, could hide.
"You've seen him once again when he came to Japan just a year ago. Correct?"
"Yes." She answered.
"Kim-san, you may enter the room."
Meiling froze. Ryu was spying? After she told him to stay in the room? Ryu really did have a death wish.
Ryu gulped and entered the room, keeping his gaze up. He didn't think they would've seen him peeping from the hallway door. Hell, that door was behind them.
"You wish to know what is going on. These ladies have kept you uninformed."
Ryu nodded, keeping his mouth shut.
"Take a seat next to Yuna-san's daughter. And explain why you are here in the first place."
Ryu struggled to swallow the lump in his throat as he walked towards Meiling. He could feel her stare and if looks could kill... he would've been dead as soon as the elders said Kim.
Truth be told, he was glad he was eavesdropping. If they had adjourned leaving Meiling engaged to Li, he would've attacked them. Fortunately his darling girlfriend managed to state that wasn't what she desired.
"My name is Ryu Kim. I am the boyfriend of Meiling Raye."
Silence.
Maybe he should have said acquaintance.
* * * *
Touya stumbled inside the house as Fujitaka came down the stairs.
"You left? I didn't hear you all leave." He said as he smiled warmly at his son and Kaho. Yukito had said he was heading off home which left the young pair alone.
"I was just about to go to my job since the hail stopped. I still have some things to do."
With a curt nod, he left out the door. He zipped up his jacket and closed the door. Touya had said nothing ever since he came in.
"Kaho... I still don't understand how you can understand me."
Kaho giggled as she led Touya to rest upon the couch. Touya had been a maniac once he saw Sakura missing from her room. Kaho played with the strands of his hair.
"I just do Touya. I should've known that you never placed a call to her cell phone. Now rest."
Touya sighed as he closed his eyes.
"If she is still suffering I am going to kill that gaki."
"Quiet now Touya. Just rest and when you'll wake up, I'll have some tea ready."
Touya nodded and left to his slumber.
Kaho stood up and glanced out the window. She noticed when Touya hung up the phone with Sakura that he hadn't asked where she was residing. And she knew he feared that Sakura was with Li. So instead of killing himself trying to get into Li's apartment, he decided to leave that question alone.
Kaho smiled at Touya as she went into the kitchen.
She hoped Sakura's problems would resolve soon.
* * * *
"You still didn't answer me."
Syaoran refused to meet the gaze of Sakura. He didn't know why he did what he did. Was he scared of ruining the relationship he had with Lily? But he just had ruined his own friendship with Sakura.
"Li move."
Syaoran winced. Again she has begun to call him by his surname. But he refused to move from his position in front of the door.
"Sakura-chan, I can explain. Let's just go back into the living room."
"I told you once. Now listen to me Li. Call me Kinomoto." Sakura said before shoving him aside. She pulled the door open just as the technician got the elevator working.
"And remember this."
Syaoran stared at her from his position on the floor.
"We aren't friends. We aren't friends anymore."
She made her way into the elevator just before the doors closed.
"Sakura-chan... matte!"
He pressed the elevator button but it was too late. He could see from the top that it was heading down.
Syaoran closed and locked his door before sprinting down the stairs. So many stairs but he nearly jumped them all. He passed the technician who was on his way down. Syaoran was just a blur.
He jumped the last three steps and stood in front of the elevator. The doors opened to reveal a crying Sakura.
"Sakura-chan."
She looked up and her eyes glared at him.
"Get away from me."
He grabbed her hand and dragged her back into the elevator before she had time to leave. He pressed the 7th floor button while she pressed the first.
It was too late. The elevator was already on its way up.
"Go to hell Li."
Syaoran winced again but remained to hold Sakura.
"Sakura-chan listen. I didn't want to ruin what I had with Lily..."
From then on, Sakura didn't hear what Syaoran said. Her heart was shattered. Now she knew that Syaoran really cared about Lily. He had risked their friendship so it wouldn't ruin his relationship.
She suddenly felt dizzy as her vision of Syaoran who was in front of her fazed.
"Sakura-chan?"
She had passed out again. Syaoran lifted her up in his arms and sighed. He had to get down to the bottom of this.
He now knew there was something definitely wrong with Sakura.
Her weight, the color of her skin, her depression.
Finally it snapped.
'Was it all because of me?'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Author's Notes: I changed what I had said before. My computer was inflicted with a virus and my connection was brought down. Everything was erased but thankfully the day before, I sent Andrew a copy of what I wrote.
So here it is! Chapter nine! Syaoran is finally realizing what's happening to Sakura and that it IS him doing this to her. Song Min isn't nice, she is just trying to break up Syaoran and Lily while using Sakura has her pawn. So don't really favor her much. Perhaps I'll change her later on.
Carleen and Milla are leaving! Woo hoo! While Meiling is discussing something with the elders about Japan and Ryu was caught eavesdropping. But she is coming back in THREE DAYS! Which means, Meiling kicking ass! ^-^ Tomoyo and Eriol are oblivious of the occurrences happening between Sakura and Syaoran but they'll get well informed.
The next chapter will be set on MY BIRTHDAY!! I'm turning 17 next month! And please check out Will You Be Forever Mine? Part two, dedicated for V- Day!
Hope you all had a great valentine's day!
Bye now! Check out my bio to see what's going on. I might mention a clue what's going to happen in the next chapter!
~*Final Fantasy Princess*~
Brenda ^-~
My report card went well. I passed all my classes... except for Math like I predicted. I passed Physics! Hurray for me! ^-^ But Andrew left. ;-; My editor is gone! Wahh! It's not fair! China while I'm stuck here...
Oh! Thanks for all your reviews! So that means thanks to:
Carol
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IMPORTANT: There is something weird going on in fanfiction.net and most of the reviews were under the name xing@fanfiction.net It's really weird and at first I thought it was someone reviewing repeatedly but then I saw Sheyla's review and then I knew that wasn't it. So fortunately my filing cabinet held my reviews so I was able to thank everyone accordingly. I'm sorry but I was unable to notify those who reviewed for the first time. This is because I cannot go through each email trying to find out who you are. So review again and leave me your email address! THANK YOU!! ^-^
I love you all! Thanks a million! You don't know how much this hypes me up! ^-^
This chapter has been dedicated to: Christina! Even though she doesn't know about my fics, she has helped me a lot by giving me all the CCS tapes to finish off the third season. That MEANS I seen all the episodes of CCS plus the two movies! Woo hoo!
And to all you lovers out there! May your valentines day by the greatest ever! I've updated also with this fic: Will You Be Forever Mine, Part Two. So check it out.
Now... presenting chapter 9!
* * * * *- Changing places
A/N- Author Notes
"." Speaking
'.' Thoughts
Friends Forever...Right?
Chapter 9
The Perplexed Situations and No Solutions in Sight
Tomoyo slid to a stop and began to climb a tree. Eriol looked at her utterly confused but began to climb as well. Finally Tomoyo hauled herself onto the tree's branch and helped Eriol up.
"Perfect."
She zoomed into the scene that was about to occur. Her best friend's questions were about to get answered. And if Li decided to hurt her then and there...
She'll kill him
* * * *
"What are you doing here? You're soaking wet!"
Sakura looked away, refusing to listen to what her heart was saying.
"I decided to come here. I didn't ask you to question me Li." She said solemnly. Syaoran sighed as he moved closer to her and placed the umbrella over the both of them.
"And I didn't ask for your help."
Syaoran winced at those words but he couldn't help but maintain the umbrella over them. He could clearly see that she was soaking wet. Was it all because of him? He had no idea but the person on the phone had said so.
He was sure it wasn't Tomoyo because the voice didn't have the edge Tomoyo's voice has when she was being mysterious. And the voice was a female's voice so it couldn't possibly be Eriol. Meiling would've screamed at him plus she wouldn't know what Sakura was doing in the first place since she was in America.
"Sak- Kinomoto, you have to go home or somewhere dry. You're going to get pneumonia. Your family wouldn't like it and neither would your friends."
Sakura continued to ignore him as she rocked herself slowly. She tried to restrain herself from saying that HE wasn't her friend in the first place to be worrying. Syaoran scowled and pulled her out of the swing.
"What are you doing Li? I told you to leave me alone!"
Syaoran pulled Sakura closer. "And I said I wouldn't. Now you are coming with me and I don't care."
Sakura was dumbfounded for she never saw Syaoran act that way before. Heck no one acted like that before to her. As she was thinking, Syaoran hauled her over his shoulder and proceeded to walk towards their houses.
"Li you put me down! I can walk!"
Syaoran shook his head and continued to walk. As if Sakura wasn't anything at all, he began to whistle a familiar tune.
"I said put me down! What will your girlfriend say about this? I'm going to tell her that HER boyfriend is abducting me!"
Syaoran stopped for a minute and then started laughing. It wasn't a brief laugh, it lasted for a while. Sakura was puzzled on why he was acting that way. She meant it to be mean so he would put her down. Not to make him laugh about it.
* * * *
"Now phase two." A figure said as she jumped down from the tree she was hiding in with her umbrella.
* * * *
"Moshi Moshi Lily speaking."
Carleen and Milla giggled as they continued to act their scene of Syaoran buying everything for Lily.
"Would you like this my sweet?"
"No I want the most expensive one!"
"Anything my love."
"WHAT?!"
Carleen and Milla stopped immediately as they saw Lily grip the phone with fury. Her eyes were set ablaze and everything around her seemed to tremble.
"Impossible. My Syaoran would NEVER go out to save that bitch."
Carleen and Milla looked at each other puzzled. Who could've called? Plus it was pouring horribly outside so no one would be out. And if they were out, they would try to go home as fast as possible.
"Where? All right I'll be there. But if he isn't there with-"
Dial Tone.
Lily grunted and hung up the phone. Carleen and Milla stared at her, wondering what that was all about.
"Some bitch just called me saying that MY Syaoran is with that SLUT Kinomoto and they're having the time of their lives."
Carleen and Milla started laughing and they even fell on the floor. They knocked over a few things in the process.
"What's so funny? I'm serious. She said that they were heading towards Syaoran's house."
Carleen and Milla finished laughing and struggled to get up.
"You can't believe that. Look at it out there? You wouldn't think that Li would be there with that girl?"
Lily smirked.
"So does that mean I should go or not?"
* * * *
Tomoyo followed quietly with Eriol, wondering particularly why Syaoran was laughing so much. Even as he walked with Sakura over his shoulder, he continued to laugh. Tomoyo knew by the puzzled expression Sakura gave, that she didn't know why either.
"Do you think Li-kun has gone mad?" She asked to her partner in crime.
Eriol shrugged as he tried to sort it out himself. He had been thinking about it since Sakura's sarcastic comment. Nothing came to him.
"Who called you anyway?" He asked, still wondering about the mysterious phone call. He knew there were too many questions that remained unsolved in his head.
"I don't know. But that person did tell the truth. She said-"
"How do you know it's a she?" He asked. Truthfully for Tomoyo not to know a caller but to listen to the caller, she must have a reason. Tomoyo wouldn't be the type of girl to do anything rash. Wait- Eriol shook his head. Yes she was the type.
"Feminine voice of course. Eriol I'm evil with a purpose and I must know a few things to keep that up." She said.
Eriol was about to laugh before Tomoyo placed her hand over his mouth. She rolled her eyes as Eriol gave her the 'I'm sorry' face.
"Don't give us away now Eriol. I wouldn't want to destroy whatever is to happen." She said.
Eriol nodded as he looked up.
* * * *
"Why can't I find out now?"
Meiling giggled as she grabbed Ryu's hand and pulled him away from the garden. The Li Mansion was huge, no doubt about it, and one perhaps could get lost.
"Come on. We have to go unpack before we could explore. I don't want to be the one that suffers the wrath of Yelan-san for not following her orders."
Ryu gulped and went now eagerly and quickly with Meiling towards the Mansion. He never stayed in one really except for Tomoyo's. He knew that he must stay with someone who knows the mansion or else he would get lost.
"Fine. But you will tell me why we're here for four days? I think it's only right. I'm going to be the only one that doesn't know. That's so unfair."
Meiling shook her head and smiled... evilly. Ryu gulped again. Once he saw Meiling's evil smile he knew that she was up to something. But not only her this time, her whole family and Li's family as well.
"You'll see. It's a big surprise and not for us, for someone else."
Ryu pouted. "So if it isn't for us, why can't I know?"
"Because if I told you, it would spoil everything. Plus I want you to do something for me."
"Nani?"
"I want you to find out what really is going on in Tomoeda."
* * * *
"Would you stop laughing?"
Syaoran shook his head as the rain continued to pour down on the umbrella he was struggling to hold. The storm seemed to have taken a turn for the worse but Syaoran didn't care. He continued to laugh as there was no tomorrow.
"Why are you laughing anyway? I didn't say it to make it funny. And would you do me another favor? Put ME down!"
Syaoran continued to laugh as he walked through the pouring streets of Tomoeda. Suddenly lightning and thunder decided to pitch in the storm. This sudden turn made Sakura change into the frighten girl that hid inside of her.
"I hate lightning." She whispered as she clutched Syaoran's shirt and whimpered. Syaoran stopped laughing and noticed how Sakura tensed up.
"You okay Sakura-chan?" He asked softly.
Sakura shook her head and whimpered again when the thunder roared in the sky. Syaoran decided to take a detour to make it faster to his house. It was impossible to reach her house in time.
"Where- where are you going?" She said through whimpers. Syaoran shushed her as he began to run seeing that the storm was about to add another thing to scare Sakura. Hail.
"Don't worry Sakura-chan. We'll get to my house faster this way then to yours. I promise you'll be okay."
Sakura nodded, forgetting completely that she was supposed to act mean to him. She had let her guard down again and decided to trust Syaoran one more time.
* * * *
"Tomoyo we have to get out of this rain. It's about to hail. Come on we could reach my house before it's too late. They're going to go to his so it'd be fruitless to follow."
Tomoyo frowned as she looked up to the sky. "Damn you! This would've been so kawaii! Sakura is being nice again and I would've caught more kawaii moments!"
Eriol sweat dropped as he began to lead Tomoyo the other way. They ran down the block and just missed three figures walking around the intersection where the group always separated.
"I don't see my Syaoran or that slut. Hmph that caller made me come out for nothing. Come on girls. Let's go back to my house before our hair gets ruined."
Carleen and Milla nodded as each of them turned around to go back. They missed Syaoran and Sakura going in the back ally to safety. Fortunately some luck was on the pair's side.
* * * *
Song Min scowled as she threw her umbrella on the floor. She made everything so perfect. The confrontation would've been so priceless. Her plans went down the drain when Syaoran made the turn to go through his short cut.
How could she miss that minor detail? She knew Sakura was scared of lightning and thunder so that's why it would've been more perfect. Screw Syaoran and his short cut! She was sure that Lily would've been so angry and they would've broken up!
Sakura would've been even more hurt if Syaoran tried to spare the relationship he had with Lily then to defend her. Also Tomoyo and Eriol would've been there to witness it all and help Sakura through it. Then Syaoran would be free from both girls and she would rule once again. Syaoran would've been hers with all the merited plans she conducted.
She even made Jasmine and Xiomara stay back for this one. She was so positive.
"Damn you Li!!" She screamed, drenching herself since she tossed her umbrella down. She kicked the floor and threw several stones toward the path Syaoran took.
"Ow!" Song Min yelled as she felt something drop on her head. She rubbed it and then looked up to get hit by something again.
"Great. Hail." She said scowling as she opened her umbrella. She rubbed her injured nose and continued her way home.
She'll have to devise another plan when she gets home with her friends. If she fails again then she would give up. She had a huge headache from forming this one.
Fortunately she ate that apple or else she would've been starving. After all, all this plotting does get you hungry.
(A/N: Song Min's true side is revealed!)
* * * *
"Made it."
Syaoran placed Sakura on her feet. His shoulder was wet since she was soaked. He finally took a good look at her. She was drenched from head to toe. Not only that but now she was shaking.
"Come on Sakura, let's get you upstairs."
Sakura nodded before she fainted. Syaoran quickly caught her in his arms and lifted her up. He looked at her to see if anything had caused her to make her pass out. Nothing was bleeding but she did look too pale and skinnier than the last time he saw her.
He pressed the elevator button and fortunately he didn't have to wait long. He stepped inside and pressed his floor.
As the elevator doors closed, figures appeared in the hall way.
* * * *
"I guess you're right Milla. We should check if he's home or arriving. It's his fault for not picking up his phone for me." Lily said as she pressed the elevator button.
Carleen and Milla nodded as they stood next to her. Li's apartment was on their way to Lily's house, well actually two blocks off, but it was close. Lily had called Syaoran's apartment to see if he was at least home, but no one answered.
Lily, being the one who's a maniac, decided for a detour and took her girls to his house. They were somewhat wet and Lily was a bit impassive.
"Come on you stupid elevator! No time for me to waste!" Lily said scowling as she kicked the elevator doors.
* * * *
"She told me that Sakura was having a confrontation with Li-kun. And if I wanted to tape this kawaii moment I'd have to go to Penguin Park, by the swings."
Eriol nodded as he gave Tomoyo a pair of his clothes so she would be warmer. He had already changed even though he insisted for Tomoyo to change first.
"You do know that I have clothes here already Eriol, why are you giving me a pair of your clothes?" Tomoyo asked, grabbing the clothes. Eriol smirked.
"You caught me. I think you look sexy in my clothes."
Tomoyo giggled as she opened up the shirt. "Or is it because they're really loose so that you'll be able to see things."
Eriol gasped and placed his hand over his mouth.
"How could you ever think that of me?" He started laughing and tossed Tomoyo an extra pair of her clothes. "I just wanted to see if you would put those on if I gave them to you."
Tomoyo shook her head and went inside the bathroom to change. Eriol sat on his bed, thinking about the information Tomoyo gave him.
'So this girl said that Sakura and Li were going to have a confrontation. That they were by the swings. And if Tomoyo wanted to tape, she should go. Then Tomoyo said she'll be right there and that was it. It must be someone who knows us for who would know that Tomoyo loved to tape Sakura and her adventures.'
Eriol scratched his chin. He still couldn't think of the person who could've called. And the person is a girl which doesn't narrow it too much.
Couldn't be Naoko... she doesn't know much about Tomoyo's fanatic filming... Chiharu knows but why would she not give her name, plus Chiharu wouldn't be walking around in this weather... Rika was probably with Terada- sensei... and she wouldn't be the sort of girl to spy...
That just about left ten thousand other girls. Eriol sighed. This was giving him a head ache.
"Ta Da!"
Eriol looked up and saw Tomoyo dressed in her clothes, which looked rather good. An amethyst halter and kapris. Suited her nicely and her hair was loose. She hopped on Eriol's bed and tilted her head, having a cute expression.
"What were you thinking about?" She asked cutely. Eriol smiled and shook his head.
"Nothing really. Just wondering who placed that mysterious call."
Tomoyo rolled her eyes and tossed a pillow at him. She giggled as the pillow hit him straight in the face. It was still pouring outside, the storm not lessening for a second.
"You always have to find out who, ne? Stop thinking too much. Let's make something for your obaa-san. I'm sure she'd like a cake."
Eriol sighed and tossed the pillow back at her. "Fine, as you wish my love."
Tomoyo squealed and dragged him downstairs.
* * * *
Syaoran blushed immensely. He didn't know whether or not to dress Sakura in warm clothes. It would prevent her from getting sick but the thing was that Sakura was a girl first of all and second he wasn't her boyfriend and mostly third she wouldn't like the fact that he undressed her.
"Sakura... Sakura-chan. Please get up... I need you to get up to change. You're going to get sick. If you don't get up... I'm going to have to... change you myself." As soon as he said that, he blushed once again.
Sakura on the other hand, didn't even move an inch. And to make matters worse, Wei wrote a note saying he went out to a council meeting with some group.
"Ano... onegai Sakura! Get up!" He said shaking her a bit. Unfortunately for you all, Sakura groaned a bit and opened one of her eyes.
"Where am I?" She said as sat up. Syaoran sighed in relief as he sustained her sitting. Sakura blinked several times before she came to a conclusion.
'Syaoran's apartment.'
Before she knew it, Syaoran was waving his hand in front of her face. His face held confusion since Sakura wasn't responding to him.
"Sakura??"
Sakura scowled before she jumped in fear, hearing the thunderstorm roar outside. In the brink of her fear, she jumped onto Syaoran and nearly clutched him to death.
"Shh, shh... calm down Sakura. It's okay. Just a little thunder. That's all. Don't whimper Sakura-chan. It's okay now. Shh shh." Syaoran whispered as he patted Sakura's back softly. "I need you to change. Can you do that Sakura-chan?"
Sakura shook her head. This motion made Syaoran blush immensely. His face turned bright red at the thought of helping Sakura change.
"You're going to get sick Sakura. If you want... I can help you change... but I'd rather prefer that you do that... on your own."
Sakura giggled childishly and looked up to Syaoran. Her face twisted into a smirk. Syaoran gulped at the sight of her expression. She was plotting something evil and cruel to torture him with. His began to sweat at the thought of Sakura ACTUALLY letting him change her.
"I really do need help Syao... can you please help me? Pretty please, Syao?"
Syaoran blushed heavily and suddenly received a nose bleed. The next second, he passed out on his bed. Sakura started to laugh. She tried to stop but she couldn't. Syaoran had actually thought SHE was going to let HIM help her CHANGE.
She got up slowly and wiped Syaoran's nose off with the tissues that were placed by his bed. As she looked to his side, she saw the clothes he chose to let her wear. It was reasonable enough. He tried to find the smallest shirt and not so baggy pants. They actually matched.
She whistled happily as she went inside the bathroom. She was getting a bit of a chill and had decided to change after all. Syaoran was resting, you know?
* * * *
Meiling sat down at the long table with the rest of the adults. She had asked Ryu to stay behind in the room he was residing. The long table consisted of the elders, Yelan, Shiefa, Fanren, Fuutie, and Femei. Also her mother, Yuna, was present.
"And what may I ask, is this sudden meeting called?"
(A/N: Sorry to interrupt, but I had to say that I named Meiling's mother Yuna because I couldn't think of a better name, and Yuna is my favorite character from FFX.)
Yelan glared at the youngest elder as she stood up from her seat. Her robes were red traditional Chinese ceremonial robes, indicating that she had high status in the Li clan. Yuna wore dark red Chinese ceremonial robes but with the symbol of the Raye clan, which had lower status than the Li. Meiling wore a ruby color, symbolizing that she was the daughter of the Raye clan.
"I called this meeting for your future leader, Xiao Lang." She said in a firm tone.
The elders looked at the two ladies from the Raye clan.
"Do you wish to marry your daughter to young Xiao Lang? If you do, then we accept. Set the date. If that's it, this meeting is adjourned."
Meiling gasped as Yelan's eyes grew wide.
'Uh oh...'
* * * *
Lily kicked the elevator door several times.
"Hurry up you stupid elevator! I don't want to climb up seven flights of stairs!"
Lily, Carleen, and Milla were waiting on the first floor for fifteen minutes. The elevator just wouldn't come down. No matter how much Lily pushed the button or kicked the door, it didn't come to the first floor. Nothing happened.
"Ladies, if you would excuse me."
The three of them turned around to see a technician behind them, holding a toolbox.
"The landlord called just five minutes ago saying the elevator was stuck on the 7th floor. Why are you girls still waiting for it?" He said before making his way through Carleen and Milla, who were sitting on the stairs.
Lily growled but then stopped. The technician said that it was stuck on the seventh floor. So when she saw the elevator doors closed, Syaoran was the one going up.
"Well now I know Syaoran is home. Should we climb up girls?"
Carleen and Milla counted the stairs on that level. Fourteen stairs which is times by seven flights. Ninety-eight stairs they would have to climb to reach Li's apartment.
"Hey! Sir!" Carleen yelled. The technician stopped and looked at Carleen strangely.
"How long would it take to get fixed?"
The technician rubbed his chin and looked at the ceiling. "I would estimate around an hour. You girls can come back or just climb the stairs."
Lily glared at the technician and turned away.
"The storm seems to have settled a bit. We'll be back." Lily said glaring at the technician. Carleen and Milla nodded and followed.
* * * * *
Tomoyo squealed in happiness as the cake was finished. They had decorated it nicely enough. Spinel purred as he rubbed against Tomoyo's leg.
"Oh Spinel-san, this cake is for Nakuru-san. Gomen nasai but I've prepared you a lovely meal."
With that comment, Spinel purred loudly. Eriol chuckled as he played with a piece of Tomoyo's hair. He was least concerned on what was occurring between Syaoran and Sakura, the mysterious caller, and the whole plan.
He was paying attention to the love of his life, Miss Tomoyo Daidouji herself, and how her face glowed when she was happy.
"Let's prepare ourselves a meal. Now that we're done with the cake for my obaa-san, I am sort of hungry."
Just as he said that, his stomach growled loudly. He blushed a bit as Tomoyo giggled. She caressed Eriol's cheek and smiled warmly.
"Then let's do that. Afterwards we HAVE to see what's going on at Li-kun's apartment. To miss all those kawaii moments hurt me." She said with tears in her eyes.
Eriol sweat-dropped as they brought out all the materials they needed to make a meal.
"I have a feeling this will take a while." Eriol said before his stomach growled loudly again. His face had now turned red.
* * * *
Syaoran groaned as he sat up. He looked around and tried to recall what had happened before he passed out. It appeared hazy in his mind before he heard the shower turning off. Now he had to think. Who was here?
He remembered being called... ah! It was Sakura! He had brought her here when she passed out.
But he didn't remember when he passed out.
"Feeling better Syaoran-kun?"
Syaoran nearly had a heart attack. He fell off his bed and onto the floor with a thump. He groaned loudly as he peered up. There was Sakura, dressed in HIS clothes.
Okay okay NOW he remembered. Sakura had passed out but she was soaking wet. He had to change her before she got pneumonia. That was before she woke up on her own. He passed out BECAUSE of her.
"You- You made me pass out! You're such a conniving girl!"
Sakura giggled as she winked at him. "I'm glad you finally realized that. Thanks for letting me borrow your clothes." She said smiling. He smiled in return, glad that she wasn't being mean and sarcastic like before.
"Good. Why don't I make us something to eat? You could go watch some movies on the television. I don't think the weather is going to improve soon."
Sakura nodded and left to the living room. Syaoran sighed as he rubbed his back. He got up from the floor and straightened himself out. He had to admit that Sakura looked good in his clothes. He blushed a bit.
'I shouldn't be thinking about Sakura-chan in my clothes.' He thought silently. He nearly jumped when he heard his phone ring. He walked over to the side of his bed and picked up the phone.
"Moshi Moshi. Syaoran Li speaking."
"Gomen nasai Master Syaoran, but it seems I can't leave from the building I'm in. It has begun to hail over here heavily and I won't make it till much later."
Syaoran smiled. He now knew he had some time with Sakura.
"It's all right Wei. I'm fine. Just be careful."
"I will Master Syaoran. Ja ne."
"Ja." Syaoran said before hanging up the phone.
Then he suddenly realized what he had been thinking. He shook his head trying to be rid of his thoughts. He was only Sakura's FRIEND.
Sighing again, he went to the kitchen.
* * * *
"SAKURA?!"
"Sakura-chan! Where are you?!"
Touya, Kaho, Yukito, and Nakuru all held individual umbrellas, scouring the area. Touya had gone upstairs to check on Sakura but she wasn't there. That had worried Touya. What made him worry more was when he called Tomoyo's house, Sonomi had said that Tomoyo was with Eriol at his house WITHOUT Sakura.
"Maybe she just went to some other friend's house." Nakuru suggested.
Touya shook his head. He explained to Nakuru that he had already called all her friend's houses. And all of them said the same thing, they haven't seen Sakura anywhere.
Kaho then noticed three figures walking up the block. She automatically recognized one of the girls. It was the girl that Li had been with at the carnival, before running away from Touya. She gave a look to Yukito and Nakuru to find out while she would lead the distraught Touya another way.
"Touya, let's go check down that block. Perhaps she went to Penguin Park?"
Touya nodded. "You have a point. She always loved going there, when she was happy or... sad."
They left down toward the park while Yukito and Nakuru approached the trio. Lily noticed them as well and wondered why they were out. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw Mizuki-sensei lead overprotective Touya away.
"Have any of you girls see Sakura-chan?" Nakuru asked, eyeing the three of them as suspects. She had already created ideas in her mind how they hid Sakura's body somewhere so Syaoran wouldn't fall in love with her.
Once they asked that question though, Lily's suspicions were on high alert. If Sakura was missing, might she be with Syaoran?
"Iie. Gomen nasai. I haven't seen her all day. We were just at MY boyfriend's apartment." She said in a nasty tone. Carleen and Milla gulped. They didn't want to upset TOUYA'S friends. They might set him after them.
Fortunately Nakuru nor Yukito were disturbed with Lily's tone.
"Arigato." Nakuru said before leaving with Yukito down the block.
Lily's eyes turned into slits.
"Kinomoto is missing. Now we have to go back to Syaoran's apartment. I have a suspicion that the caller was telling me the truth."
Carleen and Milla nodded as they followed Lily back the way they came.
* * * *
Song Min sighed as she finally arrived at Xiomara's apartment. She knocked on the door and waited. Jasmine came to the door and smiled.
"How did it go? Was it a success? Why do you look so weary? Was it that tiring?"
Song Min waved her hand and passed her to go inside. There she dropped her umbrella to a side and took off the sweater that had been soaked. She placed on another sweater and proceeded into the living room where Xiomara was.
"Song Min, how was it?" She asked as Song Min plopped down onto the sofa and sighed loudly. Jasmine came in and gave a weird look to Xiomara.
"It was going so well." Song Min began. "But just as they were about to meet, Li-kun took a short cut."
Xiomara and Jasmine nodded and went to her side. They sighed as well. That plan took a lot of plotting and it went down the drain.
"I suppose now we have to cook up another one. Why don't we forget about this one and have something to eat. Maybe then we'll get an inspiration." Xiomara said.
Song Min smiled and nodded. She felt relaxed when her friends tried to cheer her up. It had always been like this since they were young. But why she was picked leader was oblivious to Song Min. It was because she was prettier than the other two and most guys asked her out.
"That would be nice. I think I could use some of your specialties Xiomara- chan." She said as she began to close her eyes. Jasmine grabbed a blanket and covered Song Min. They knew she was extremely tired.
"I'll go prepare the meal. You get the dessert ready."
Jasmine nodded and lifted herself from her seat. Xiomara took one last glance at the sleeping Song Min before heading off into the kitchen.
They didn't know that Song Min's plan was still in the works.
* * * *
Sakura looked up as Syaoran brought in her meal on a tray. She suddenly realized that she hasn't confronted him about her feelings.
"Ano..."
"Don't tell me you don't like chicken because I'll have to kill you." He said sarcastically but smiling.
Sakura giggled a bit before commencing again. "Are you happy with Lily?"
Syaoran stared at her questionably, tilting his head to a side. He placed the tray on the small table by them.
"Why do you ask that?" He asked. But inside, he was thinking already. He wasn't really happy with Lily, he considered her a nuisance. But she was his girlfriend. He had chosen her.
Sakura looked down on the floor instead of looking at the passing expressions of Syaoran. She twirled her thumbs around each other and kept her eyes away from Syaoran's face. "I... ano... I just wanted to know." Syaoran seated himself right next to Sakura. She took in a deep breath, smelling his scent that made her heart pound.
"There must be another reason than that Sakura. Which reminds me... why were you in that rain?"
Sakura turned her face to look out the window and tried to ignore Syaoran's presence. But she knew there was escape.
"Sakura, onegai. Answer my question." He pleaded, holding her hand. The warmth given out from his hand made Sakura's cheeks turn bright pink.
"I just felt like going out." She replied coolly although inside she was a nervous wreck. Syaoran lifted his hand and turned her head. She nearly gasped seeing the expression he was wearing. He looked sad and depressed.
"You were never a good liar Sakura-chan." He said. "Why are you so thin now? Why are you so pale? Why did you faint? Sakura... what is going on?"
Sakura froze. He had noticed everything. He hit the jackpot. Could she be able to express her feelings?
"I get sudden mood changes." She answered, trying to hold back the truth. But Syaoran saw through it.
"That's not true. You never were like this before."
"You haven't known me for long Syaoran. Not to be mean or anything but sometimes I change like this." She said, trying to keep a solemn face so it wouldn't show that she was lying.
"That is a lie. I heard from all your friends that you were always cheerful and happy. Never a frown. If you frowned it would always turn upside down." He said, forgetting that he was clasping her hand.
"Tomoyo must've told you that. Fine you caught me. I just..." She stopped and tried to say something more. But she couldn't. Her mouth moved but no sounds came out.
'Syaoran... I like you more than a friend.' She thought sadly but she couldn't say it. No matter what she couldn't wreck his relationship.
"Tell me Sakura-chan." He said his face close to hers. Sakura caught her breath. 'He's so close.' She thought as she turned her face away.
"Syaoran..." She began. 'Now or never.' She thought. "I-"
Syaoran's doorbell rang. He patted Sakura's hand. "Hold onto that thought Sakura." He said as he got up from the couch.
A tear fell from Sakura's eye. She had been so close. So close to tell him that she loved him. How it developed she didn't really know.
Syaoran suddenly ran back and grabbed Sakura's hand, pulling her off the couch.
"Sakura-chan I need you to hide in the closet."
"Hoe?"
* * * *
"That's not it at all!" Meiling roared as she stood up. The elders looked at her threateningly as she sweat-dropped and seated herself back down.
"Then what is it?" The youngest elder spat. The other elders silenced him with a glare as he seated himself down.
Yelan sighed. She was about to get Meiling engaged to the wrong man. Yuna sighed as well, sitting herself back down. Ryu would've been heartbroken. She had liked that young man ever since he was introduced to her.
Yelan seated herself as well, interlocking her fingers with one another. She looked straight into the eldest elder's eyes, without shuddering. The oldest elder was stern but nice. But sometimes he tends to intimidate you when you stare straight into his eyes. But not to Yelan.
"Xiao Lang is in Tomoeda, Japan as you all know. He desired to separate us to reach his goals on his own and support himself. Now in about a year he will turn eighteen and take over as the leader of the Li clan."
One of the elders decided to speak in. "Yes we already know that. Please get to the point."
Yelan glared at that elder and then turned her gaze back to the eldest elder. "And you also know he must find a suitable bride before he becomes leader of the clan."
That's when the elders decided to speak all at once.
"We should arrange a marriage."
"Find a girl who isn't after the money."
"Maybe from the prestigious Chu clan."
"Iie! I heard terrible things about that clan."
"Get a bunch of girls and see where there respect lies."
Yelan sighed before banging her fist on the table. The elders jumped, startled at the noise. Yelan was known for a woman of patience but this whole meeting was getting out of hand.
"I told my son that he would choose his bride. If he doesn't find one, then we will set him up with any capable girl in China."
"And if you found this solution, why call this meeting?"
Yuna stood up and bowed respectively to the elders. "My daughter, Meiling Raye has news for the Li clan."
The elders looked at the young girl with ruby eyes who had spoken out earlier. She smiled innocently as she stood up.
"Is this true Yuna-san? I fear if this meeting isn't called for a purpose, the Raye clan will be punished."
Meiling glared at the elders but stopped once her mom shook her head. Yuna looked at the elders with a sincere face.
"Hai, it's true. So if you would please listen."
The elders seated themselves and looked up at Meiling, who was didn't fidget at all. She wasn't even intimidated with the piercing eyes of the elders. "I have seen the candidate."
* * * *
Lily peered around Syaoran's apartment as Carleen and Milla went into his kitchen to retrieve glasses of water. They had climbed all the stairs. And to be frank, they were all out of breath.
But Lily was the only one who was able to present herself in control. She was more curious to see if Kinomoto was in the house.
"Who were you here with Syaoran?" She asked as she stared at the tray of food on the table of the living room.
"I am by myself Lily. Why did you come in this awful weather?"
Lily seated herself comfortably on his couch and grabbed the T.V. remote. She then glanced back at Syaoran.
"Just wanted to see what you were up to. Kinomoto's brother is looking for her. You haven't happened to see her, have you?"
Syaoran shook his head and then noticed that Carleen and Milla were peering into his room.
"Get out of my room!" He growled. They jumped in fright and nodded. Quickly, they went to Lily's side. Carleen and Milla knew that Syaoran had quite a temper when he was mad.
"Syaoran, calm down. They just wanted to take a peek into your room. It's not you have anything to hide." Lily said sweetly. A bit too sweetly on Syaoran's behalf.
"My room is personal. I do not let anyone in there." He said, gritting his teeth. "And if you don't mind, I have much to do here. Would you do me the favor and go home? I'll visit you later on."
Lily gave a glare to him before standing herself up, giving a nod to the Carleen and Milla to follow. She walked towards the door before smelling a faint scent of cherry blossoms.
"Just one more thing before I leave Syaoran. Do you have any flowers in here?" She asked suspiciously. Fortunately, Syaoran picked up the scent of cherry blossoms as well. He looked inside Wei's room and saw flowers in a vase.
And they were cherry blossoms.
"Hai. Wei bought cherry blossoms for his room. You can easily see them right there." He said pointing to the flowers. Lily frowned and nodded.
"I always wanted you to have flowers but not that kind. I'll bring several flowers over tomorrow."
With that, Lily tap kissed him before leaving out the door.
Syaoran shut the door and sighed. Everything had come too close. He then noticed a figure standing right beside him.
"So you had to hide me from her?"
Syaoran gulped.
'Great...'
* * * *
"Onii-chan what are you doing here?"
Yukito glanced down at his younger sister and smiled.
"Touya, Kaho, Nakuru, and I have been searching for Sakura. Do you know where she is? Touya-kun is really worried."
Tomoyo's smile faded from her face. What should she do? Sakura was with Li. They were fixing their problems.
"Oh I know where she is. She went over our friend's house to study. I'll call her if you'd like."
Nakuru and Yukito smiled. They whistled loudly even though it was rain hard and the hail wasn't stopping.
But surprisingly, Kaho and Touya came from wherever they were to them.
"You found her?" Touya asked exasperatedly. Yukito turned and nodded, smiling. "Well where is she?" He demanded, looking at Tomoyo and Eriol.
Tomoyo took out her cell phone and dialed Sakura's cell phone.
"Sakura-chan! I just wanted you to speak to your brother. He was searching for you."
Kaho, Yukito, and Nakuru looked at Touya, who sweat-dropped.
"You never called her cell phone?" Kaho asked, sighing deeply. Touya shook his head numbly as he took the phone Tomoyo offered him.
"Kajiuu?"
He winced as Sakura started yelling at him from the other end. As soon as he heard her calm down, he placed his ear back to the phone.
"You're coming home soon?"
He nodded slowly and then hung up.
"Let's go back to my house." He said as dragged his feet. Kaho chuckled and waved to Nakuru, Eriol, and Tomoyo. Yukito kissed Nakuru on the cheek and proceeded to leave as well. Touya just murmured a good bye.
"What smells so good?" Nakuru asked as she shut the door.
"Tomoyo and I baked a cake. And then we made ourselves dinner. Want some?"
Nakuru's eyes turned into stars. "Hai!!!"
* * * *
Lily growled as they finally reached the first floor. Syaoran had kicked her out of his own home. What was the matter with him?
"Lily-chan, calm down."
Milla gave Carleen a signal and she nodded.
"You remember our flight is tomorrow right?" Carleen asked.
Lily froze.
"Nani?!"
Carleen and Milla nodded solemnly. "We told you we were only staying for a week and we stayed longer because it's been so much fun."
"But our parents said we had to come back on tomorrow's flight." Milla continued.
Carleen turned away. "Gomen nasai Lily-chan."
Lily shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. "Iie! You can't leave me! We just began progressing with Syaoran and having fun destroying Kinomoto's life! You can't go!" She yelled, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Carleen rubbed her arm as Milla looked at the ground. The rain continued to pour on around them but the hail had stopped. Thunder roared in the sky as lightning lit up the sky.
"I'm going to be all alone in this. There won't be any one to support me. You guys were my backbone. The rest of them will team up against me if it's only me!" Lily continued ranting. Her yells weren't as loud since the thunder covered it.
"Gomen nasai Lily-chan demo... what can we do? We tried to stay as long. I'm sure you can keep this up with Phillip." Carleen whispered.
Lily then just turned and ran. Her life will now be destroyed by the ones she plotted against. She had no one to support her. She was so sure that Tomoyo, Eriol, Chiharu, Takashi, Sakura, and everyone else will go against her. Phillip would only blow her cover.
She needed Phillip to quicken his pace with Sakura.
She doesn't care how.
He has to do it now.
* * * *
"Candidate?"
The elders then huddled hearing the young girl's words. Candidate? What on earth was she talking about? Just then the eldest elder told them to hush and they resumed their seats.
Yuna and Yelan exchanged glances as Meiling stood still. She had not moved after she said that simple sentence that threw the elders into a frenzy.
"Meiling Raye, of the Raye clan, you come from your vacation. Am I correct?" The eldest elder questioned. Meiling nodded, her eyes keeping their gaze on them.
"You moved to Japan. You've known Xiao Lang before you left. Correct?"
Again she nodded. Meiling knew that the elders knew everything about Syaoran. From his friends down to his favorite place. There wasn't anything Syaoran, or Xiao Lang, could hide.
"You've seen him once again when he came to Japan just a year ago. Correct?"
"Yes." She answered.
"Kim-san, you may enter the room."
Meiling froze. Ryu was spying? After she told him to stay in the room? Ryu really did have a death wish.
Ryu gulped and entered the room, keeping his gaze up. He didn't think they would've seen him peeping from the hallway door. Hell, that door was behind them.
"You wish to know what is going on. These ladies have kept you uninformed."
Ryu nodded, keeping his mouth shut.
"Take a seat next to Yuna-san's daughter. And explain why you are here in the first place."
Ryu struggled to swallow the lump in his throat as he walked towards Meiling. He could feel her stare and if looks could kill... he would've been dead as soon as the elders said Kim.
Truth be told, he was glad he was eavesdropping. If they had adjourned leaving Meiling engaged to Li, he would've attacked them. Fortunately his darling girlfriend managed to state that wasn't what she desired.
"My name is Ryu Kim. I am the boyfriend of Meiling Raye."
Silence.
Maybe he should have said acquaintance.
* * * *
Touya stumbled inside the house as Fujitaka came down the stairs.
"You left? I didn't hear you all leave." He said as he smiled warmly at his son and Kaho. Yukito had said he was heading off home which left the young pair alone.
"I was just about to go to my job since the hail stopped. I still have some things to do."
With a curt nod, he left out the door. He zipped up his jacket and closed the door. Touya had said nothing ever since he came in.
"Kaho... I still don't understand how you can understand me."
Kaho giggled as she led Touya to rest upon the couch. Touya had been a maniac once he saw Sakura missing from her room. Kaho played with the strands of his hair.
"I just do Touya. I should've known that you never placed a call to her cell phone. Now rest."
Touya sighed as he closed his eyes.
"If she is still suffering I am going to kill that gaki."
"Quiet now Touya. Just rest and when you'll wake up, I'll have some tea ready."
Touya nodded and left to his slumber.
Kaho stood up and glanced out the window. She noticed when Touya hung up the phone with Sakura that he hadn't asked where she was residing. And she knew he feared that Sakura was with Li. So instead of killing himself trying to get into Li's apartment, he decided to leave that question alone.
Kaho smiled at Touya as she went into the kitchen.
She hoped Sakura's problems would resolve soon.
* * * *
"You still didn't answer me."
Syaoran refused to meet the gaze of Sakura. He didn't know why he did what he did. Was he scared of ruining the relationship he had with Lily? But he just had ruined his own friendship with Sakura.
"Li move."
Syaoran winced. Again she has begun to call him by his surname. But he refused to move from his position in front of the door.
"Sakura-chan, I can explain. Let's just go back into the living room."
"I told you once. Now listen to me Li. Call me Kinomoto." Sakura said before shoving him aside. She pulled the door open just as the technician got the elevator working.
"And remember this."
Syaoran stared at her from his position on the floor.
"We aren't friends. We aren't friends anymore."
She made her way into the elevator just before the doors closed.
"Sakura-chan... matte!"
He pressed the elevator button but it was too late. He could see from the top that it was heading down.
Syaoran closed and locked his door before sprinting down the stairs. So many stairs but he nearly jumped them all. He passed the technician who was on his way down. Syaoran was just a blur.
He jumped the last three steps and stood in front of the elevator. The doors opened to reveal a crying Sakura.
"Sakura-chan."
She looked up and her eyes glared at him.
"Get away from me."
He grabbed her hand and dragged her back into the elevator before she had time to leave. He pressed the 7th floor button while she pressed the first.
It was too late. The elevator was already on its way up.
"Go to hell Li."
Syaoran winced again but remained to hold Sakura.
"Sakura-chan listen. I didn't want to ruin what I had with Lily..."
From then on, Sakura didn't hear what Syaoran said. Her heart was shattered. Now she knew that Syaoran really cared about Lily. He had risked their friendship so it wouldn't ruin his relationship.
She suddenly felt dizzy as her vision of Syaoran who was in front of her fazed.
"Sakura-chan?"
She had passed out again. Syaoran lifted her up in his arms and sighed. He had to get down to the bottom of this.
He now knew there was something definitely wrong with Sakura.
Her weight, the color of her skin, her depression.
Finally it snapped.
'Was it all because of me?'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Author's Notes: I changed what I had said before. My computer was inflicted with a virus and my connection was brought down. Everything was erased but thankfully the day before, I sent Andrew a copy of what I wrote.
So here it is! Chapter nine! Syaoran is finally realizing what's happening to Sakura and that it IS him doing this to her. Song Min isn't nice, she is just trying to break up Syaoran and Lily while using Sakura has her pawn. So don't really favor her much. Perhaps I'll change her later on.
Carleen and Milla are leaving! Woo hoo! While Meiling is discussing something with the elders about Japan and Ryu was caught eavesdropping. But she is coming back in THREE DAYS! Which means, Meiling kicking ass! ^-^ Tomoyo and Eriol are oblivious of the occurrences happening between Sakura and Syaoran but they'll get well informed.
The next chapter will be set on MY BIRTHDAY!! I'm turning 17 next month! And please check out Will You Be Forever Mine? Part two, dedicated for V- Day!
Hope you all had a great valentine's day!
Bye now! Check out my bio to see what's going on. I might mention a clue what's going to happen in the next chapter!
~*Final Fantasy Princess*~
Brenda ^-~