Hi Hi all! Guess who? No not the boogey man... you children. It's me
Brenda! Miss Final Fantasy Princess herself! Sorry if there are a couple of
mistakes in my writing. Andrew is really busy with his studies in China and
they're both (His girlfriend and himself) are overworked and pretty much
booked till... forever!
I don't know what to do without him! I loved him as my editor. (Even though he called me kajiuu.) Anyway forgetting about that...
Thank you to all those who reviewed! I appreciate it sooo much! Although... I think the last chapter received more reviews. Let's see:
Thank you to the follow people (Love you all so much!):
Scarlet Rose (I believe a lot of people hate Lily)
Chibi Akuma (-pats her head as well- Thanks for you review and Meiling's too)
Shima and Tempis (SAT... reminds me of the SATs I took last Saturday! ;-;)
Tinaa (Thank you for my belated birthday and for your review!)
Sakura_Free_Spirit (I'm trying to update around my hectic schedule!)
Cherrixwolf (I didn't take long this time. Sorry about last time.)
KawaiinessPnay (@-@ Ryu is not a FBI agent... and I don't know if Sakura will see the ring. She might get scared XD)
The Dreamers Wish (I didn't take that long this time, right?)
TiFfa (Thanks for your review and I like adding suspense!)
Shirahana (I know, I'm getting piled under work. This chapter may be a bit lighter since Meiling is returning!)
Your Biggest Fan (Thanks for being my biggest fan ^_^)
Xiao Mei (Mei-chan you're too much. I can't tell you what happens but at least I updated sooner.)
Glarie (I'm sure you'll have fun burning Lily on a stake... o.o)
MusicStarLove (Thanks for your review!)
MimiGhost (Fast enough update?)
Jenna-chan (I'm alive!! ^^;; And thank you for my belated birthday wish!)
Fleur (I had this girl in my class called Lily that was evil towards me...)
Otaku (I wish it would never end either!)
AnimeDreamz75 (Thanks.)
D (I hope so too.)
Kawaii-Kitty (No problem. Thanks for reviewing!)
PnaixRose8 (You are my new best friend)
BumbleBeez (Sorry! I didn't mean to take long!!)
AznYugiAngel (I'm updating!!)
AnimeObsessionFantasy (Don't kill the wolf!)
Rainbow Dreamer (It's okay to overact!)
Zee (It's okay... don't rush me too much.)
Danielle (Thank you very much!)
LicyBaby2002 (It's okay. I'm not mad at all. Thank you for reviewing!)
Mystress Tate (Don't do anything to me! ;;)
Prince XiaoLang (I miss you!! ;-;)
Thank you again! I wrote something for everyone because I was bored. This won't happen all the time because sometimes it takes too long. You know, well...
I lost about 9 reviewers... -wails-
But anyways: This chapter has been dedicated to: Tomoe! I know you lack courage to let us read your fics but do not worry. No matter what, I will always back you up. I appreciate you reading my fics! And if you need any help I'll be here!
Okay okay enough tears. Here is chapter 11!! MEILING'S RETURN! Woo!!
(Disclaimer: As said before, I do not own CCS... but I will... someday.)
* * * * *- Changing places
A/N- Author Notes
"." Speaking
'.' Thoughts
Friends Forever...Right?
Chapter 11
The Return
Wei patted Syaoran lightly on the shoulder, stirring him out of his thoughts.
"Do not stress too much Master Syaoran. Your answer will come soon."
Syaoran looked at Wei with utter confusion but Wei only smiled warmly.
"I suggest you visit your old friends. You will receive a few surprises." Wei said before retreating into the kitchen.
Syaoran just sat there with question marks all around him. Then he noticed the hole in his wall, recalling that Sakura was taken from him the night before.
'I wonder how Sakura-chan is. Maybe she'll be able to answer my question. Is this what Wei means?'
Emerald eyes popped into his head, following with a cheerful smile. Syaoran sighed in bliss.
'Sakura...'
* * * *
Lily opened her eyes and moaned. Her vision was fuzzy. She had a major headache. She completely forgot what happened the night before, after she stormed out of Syaoran's apartment.
'He rejected me.' She thought angrily.
Her vision began to focus then, and she gasped. She wasn't at home.
Not only that...
She was bare naked... and not alone. Phillip was right next to her, his arm wrapped around her waist. Why she didn't feel it before, she herself didn't know.
And she still had no idea what happened. She wanted to use her virginity against Syaoran but now that was no longer an option.
How could she have been so foolish! Suddenly fear filled her.
Did they use protection?
Was she pregnant?
If she was, how could 'that' help her with Syaoran?
Unshed tears filled her eyes. She was now a slut. She used to be so careful. It was fornication. (A/N: SAT word! ^^;;) The thing her mother warned her of not doing. She had no one to console her. Her best friends left. She wondered if that would've still happened if her friends haven't left.
Lily got up carefully so she wouldn't disturb Phillip. As she did, she noticed the red stains on the bed.
Now the tears stung her more but she couldn't cry.
No... she wouldn't.
She had to fulfill her plan. She, now more than ever, must make Syaoran and Sakura suffer.
* * * *
Tomoyo looked at the clock.
It had been hours since Eriol and herself left Sakura alone. Also it was closer to the time that Meiling and Ryu would arrive.
Eriol had endlessly apologized for bringing Syaoran up. He had no idea why he had said it anyway. Tomoyo had just nodded, completely filled with worry.
In that moment, Sakura silently entered the room. Her eyes were red and swollen. Her skin paler was than ever. It even seemed like she was using all her strength to make herself stand.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo cried out.
Eriol looked up when she cried out. He feared that the doctor may be right. Sakura was thinner than ever.
Tomoyo rushed up to Sakura noticing that she was about to go to sleep.
"Rest Sakura-chan." Tomoyo said softly.
Eriol came by their side and sighed.
"We have to make her eat." He whispered. Tomoyo nodded and laid Sakura on the couch.
"They'll be here soon."
* * * *
Touya looked up at the Daidouji household. But he wasn't there to gaze or admire it. He was there to retrieve his sister.
Kaho tried to convince him that Sakura was all right but he wouldn't listen to any of it.
"Touya I didn't know you were coming to visit."
Touya jumped as he slowly turned around to see Yukito's smiling face, his hands packed with grocery bags.
"Same old Yuki. Still that hungry?" Touya said, taking three bags from him.
"Arigato. I wish this was all for me but my imouto-chan's friends are coming back from their trip and she's holding a get together."
Touya nodded, knowing now that Sakura would also stay that night.
"I just came to check on Sakura. But now I think she's fine." Touya stated as they walked in.
* * * *
"Welcome to Tomoeda, Japan. Thank you for flying with Air Japan. Enjoy your stay." The voice boomed over the loud speaker as Meiling and Ryu got off the plane.
Meiling rubbed her ears as they went to the luggage compartment.
"So much of a welcome. Couldn't they lower the volume a wee bit?" She muttered.
Ryu chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist. "They're as loud as you. I'm surprised your ears hurt." He whispered into her ear.
"Baka!" She growled but he only chuckled and held her closer. He knew this would be their last time in peace before they enter the chaos Li created.
"I'm so glad we're back. You know Tomoyo is probably preparing a get together. So get your luggage." Meiling said happily.
Ryu nodded and grabbed their bags. Meiling's family were hopping on the next plane since they wanted Meiling to start arranging things so they caught the earlier flight and are now alone.
"Ready?" She asked as she headed to the cabs.
"Who'll ever be?" He muttered, proceeding out of the airport doors.
* * * *
Syaoran looked up at the Daidouji estate. Why he was there, he didn't know. He called Sakura's house, in which he didn't know why either, and her father said she was staying with Tomoyo.
Now he was here, looking at it as if it held a riddle. He stood there for a while before he saw two tall figures approaching. Quickly he scattered away in a bush before he could be seen.
"Well I'll see you later, ne?"
"Yeah. Nakuru will be so pleased that we're going out tonight."
Touya chuckled as he patted Yukito's back. "How you can deal with her, I do not know."
Yukito blushed a bit and pushed Touya playfully away.
"She may be a bit hyper but I still love her. Now go before I tell Kaho that you were teasing me."
Touya laughed and waved. "Ja ne tattletale."
Syaoran watched as both figures separated and disappeared. He sighed and came out of the bush. He pulled a branch out of his hair.
To go in or not to go in?
That was his question.
* * * *
Song Min pounded her fist on the table.
"I don't care! I think I should just tell him that Lily is a wench!"
Xiomara and Jasmine sighed. They didn't come up with anything for the past two hours and Song Min, of course, was getting quite restless.
Sure, they knew that Lily was the bad one. But how can you tell a guy who is going out with the bad one, that she really was the bad one?
Confused? They are too.
"But you see Song Min, it isn't that simple! I told you already."
Song Min rolled her eyes and began to put on her shoes. "Yeah yeah. But Syaoran isn't stupid. He should know that Lily is a..."
Xiomara sighed as she stood up. She began to put on her shoes as well. Song Min and Jasmine stared at her.
"Nani? I decided maybe we should walk around for clues to prove that she's a bitch."
Song Min grinned broadly.
"Xiomara, you're a genius."
* * * *
Tomoyo sighed as she prepared a well-cooked meal. Eriol was helping her by chopping up vegetables and other things.
"Meiling and Ryu will be here soon. Ryu already knows everything."
Eriol stopped for a moment. He didn't know that Ryu knew as well.
"How so?"
Tomoyo sighed as she watched the water begin to boil. "I told him. And he told me several interesting facts that's happening."
Eriol now completely faced her. "Which are? Please don't tell me you're going to keep me in suspense?"
Tomoyo smiled a bit and nodded. Eriol pouted and nuzzled her neck.
"You can't do that to me. I'm your boyfriend."
Tomoyo giggled. "Meiling will tell you the details. She doesn't know I know. So act surprised."
Eriol moved away from her and proceeded to cut the vegetables.
"Oh sure I will. That's because I don't even know what is going on."
Tomoyo smiled cutely. "Don't you just hate that?"
* * * *
"Don't go in."
Syaoran nodded to himself and walked away. He was debating for a while now and he could not just walk in. He feared to see a sight he didn't want to see.
He knew now, deep inside of him that Sakura was not okay. That something terrible was really happening to her.
And he knew it was his entire fault.
Somehow it was, he didn't know how.
But he knew what Wei said will happen.
He will receive a few surprises.
Soon.
* * * *
"Isn't that Li-kun?"
Ryu looked towards Meiling's window and saw Syaoran walking away from Tomoyo's house.
"I don't know."
Meiling grinned in delight. "Just the guy I need to talk to!"
Ryu pretended to have a coughing fit before Meiling could ask the cab driver to stop. Meiling turned to Ryu, filled with concern.
"You okay?"
Ryu nodded once the cab driver stopped in front of Tomoyo's house. Meiling completely forgot about Syaoran.
"We're here." He said.
"Wai! I can't wait to see everyone again!" Meiling squealed.
"Yeah. Me too."
* * * *
Song Min sighed as they scanned the areas for proof that Lily was a bitch.
So far nothing gave them any clue. Xiomara had expected that in the beginning that's why she was reluctant to voice it. Things won't be labeled with 'proof' or 'clue' on it like the children's show: Blues Clues.
"Look it's Phillip's apartment. He's so... ugh I don't like him at all." Jasmine said as they began to approach it.
"You're telling me." Song Min stated firmly. "I never li-"
She stopped short as she saw a figure leaving the small apartment. It was a girl. Not any girl of course, it was Lily.
Song Min gaped as Lily scurried away, not noticing them, and then disappeared around the corner.
After that whole scenario was over, Song Min began to laugh.
"What in the world was she wearing? That trench coat is too big, not in fashion, and definitely not for the summer."
Jasmine began to laugh too but Xiomara stayed quiet. She now knew they had evidence against Lily.
"Xio, what's the matter? Didn't you see her? She looks ridiculous!"
Xiomara smiled a bit.
"I guess it didn't snap into your heads yet. So I'll help you out. First I'll begin with the easy questions. Where did Lei-san come out from?"
Song Min and Jasmine stopped laughing and thought a bit.
"Phillip's apartment?" Song Min asked more than answered.
Xiomara nodded and continued. "Good. Now what time is it?"
Jasmine looked at her watch. "Three?"
Xiomara nodded again. "Now the harder questions. Why would she be wearing a trench coat?"
Song Min and Jasmine began to think harder. After a bit of time, Jasmine gave a helpless sigh, indicating that she gave up. But Song Min furrowed her brow, indicating that she was thinking with all her might.
"Perhaps to hide something?" She wondered out loud.
"Exactly! Now who wore a trench coat the last time in the summer?" Xiomara asked excitedly.
"Hotoru?" Jasmine guessed. Xiomara nodded.
"Now why?"
"I know!" Song Min said excitedly. "She hid her lingerie under the trench coat and went to her boyfriends house to surprise him and to make him sleep with her!"
"Yes! Now why was Lily in Phillip's at three o'clock in the AFTERNOON, wearing a trench coat, sneaking out of the house, her hair a mess, and running away so no one can see her?"
Silence.
Xiomara tapped her foot impatiently. "Come on you two! Get there faster!"
Song Min and Jasmine gasped.
"She's cheating on Syaoran!" They exclaimed. (A/N: Ha ha ha ha they sound really dense but they're funny anyway.)
* * * *
Tomoyo and Eriol just finished setting the table just as the doorbell rang.
"It's them!" Tomoyo said happily as she rushed towards the door. She opened the door and beamed.
Meiling and Ryu were there. In front of her precious amethyst eyes. They were finally back.
Meiling will be able to take everything over now.
"Meiling-chan! Ryu-kun! I'm so happy you're back!" She exclaimed just as she pounced on Meiling and knocked her over to the pavement.
"Oww! Tomoyo-chan geez! It's good to see you too but I don't want to see you again if you're going to hurt me like this."
Tomoyo pouted and Meiling smiled. "Okay, you win. You know I didn't mean it."
Tomoyo smiled happily just as Eriol came to the door.
"Oh it's just you two." He said mischievously. Meiling glared at him, sending imaginary daggers with her eyes while Ryu grunted.
"You know I don't mean that. Now stop standing outside and come in. We're excited to hear your trip."
Meiling got off the floor and helped Tomoyo up. "Of course. I thought you would never ask. By the way, since when was Tomoyo's house your house?" She asked passively as she entered passing Eriol.
"Uh... I... No... I didn't... well you know... I didn't mean that." Eriol stuttered as he entered with a giggling Tomoyo and a chuckling Ryu right behind him.
* * * *
Lily ran into her house and threw the trench coat off of her. She ran into the bathroom and turned on the cold and hot water.
When she peeled off her lingerie, she noticed bruises and scars. She nearly couldn't hold it anymore. It almost seemed as they had...
'No... no. Not Phillip. He would never do that.' She thought as she put on some ointments to heal them.
Bruises all over. She sighed as she entered the shower. She began to scrub herself completely, as though she could 'scrub' the whole incident away.
There she couldn't hold it anymore.
She cried.
She cried during the shower, cried when she dried herself, cried when she changed, and finally she stopped.
Lily smiled.
She smiled! Why?
"Moshi moshi?"
"Syao-kun! I'm so glad you picked up your cell phone. I wanted to know if we could go out tonight to make up on what I did last night. It was very stupid of me."
She heard a pause and for a moment she thought he was going to reject her.
"All right. What time?"
Lily smiled evilly. "How about at 8? Is that all right with you?"
"Yeah perfect. See you then."
Lily clicked off the phone and grinned.
"Kinomoto and Li. I will destroy you both. Li... for making me lose my virginity in a horrible way and Kinomoto for trying to steal my man."
Lily got up and laughed.
"You'll pay."
* * * *
(A/N: I'm listening to the techno version of Simple & Clean by Utada Hikaru. So if this part is a bit upbeat, blame my happy mood. This section isn't going to change anything of the fic, so if you want to, skip it!)
Nakuru giggled as they gathered outside near the cherry blossom tree. Kaho, Touya, Nakuru, and Yukito were there to relax. Well actually they needed a break before they all went to work.
Nakuru gave Yukito a CD to put in the CD player. She smiled broadly and Kaho was laughing and applauding.
"Ready Yuki?"
He nodded and put the volume higher waiting for the signal.
"Hit it!" Kaho yelled. Yukito smiled and pressed the play button.
Nakuru danced around before she started singing.
"You're giving me
Too many things lately,
You're all I need
You smiled at me and said,
Don't get me wrong I love you
But does that mean I have to meet your father?
When we are older you'll understand
What I meant when I said "No,
I don't think life is quite that simple"
When you walk away
You don't hear me say
Please Oh baby, don't go
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go..."
Nakuru laughs happily as she twirls before proceeding.
"Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all...
Nothing's like before
Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all
Nothing's like before!"
(A/N: This is the shortened techno version of Simple and Clean. The other is much longer. Oh and Disclaimer: This song does not belong to me. Neither is the one from the last chapter. Fly Me to the Moon and Simple & Clean belong to: Utada Hikaru!)
The CD kept playing the instrumental part before it ended.
Nakuru blushed as Kaho, Touya, and Yukito applauded.
"Arigato..." She mumbled, continuing to blush furiously as Yukito kissed her cheek.
"Encore!"
* * * *
"WHAT?!"
Tomoyo, Eriol, and Ryu cringed. They knew she wouldn't have taken the news well.
"I leave for two, TWO weeks and I miss THIS! Why didn't you tell me? Look at her!"
The group explained to Meiling what happened to Sakura once she saw her fragile figure on the couch. Apparently, Meiling was enraged and noticed she let Li slip through her fingers.
"Meiling-chan there was nothing we could do." Tomoyo said, trying to explain.
"You didn't try hard enough! Watch and learn!" Meiling said angrily as she stormed out of the house. Ryu gave a look of sympathy at Sakura and then curtly nodded at Tomoyo and Eriol before running after Meiling.
"She's going to yell at him." Tomoyo said exasperatedly.
Eriol nodded. "I know."
"What's going on?"
Tomoyo and Eriol jumped a bit and noticed that Sakura was trying to sit up.
"Here Sakura-chan. Let me help you. We're about to eat dinner."
Sakura nodded numbly and went with Tomoyo supporting her to the table. She sat down as her stomach growled hungrily.
"Smells good."
Tomoyo smiled and poured a bit of everything onto Sakura's plate. "Eat up Sakura-chan. Meiling and Ryu will be here soon."
"I was about to ask that. I thought they would be here earlier?"
Eriol shook his head. "They called and they had some... business to deal with."
"Oh." Was Sakura's reply.
* * * *
Syaoran sighed as he swung slowly on the swing. Too many thoughts were attacking him.
Not only that... he agreed to meet with Lily tonight at 8.
That's about two hours away. He sighed.
And to make things worse... he didn't even know if Sakura liked him or not. He was so confused.
Three days were still left.
The sun began to set behind him but he was too self absorbed into his thoughts to see the magnificent sight.
'But what about Lily?'
Syaoran let out another sigh. Too many problems. Why can't he just see the future with both girls and see which one is the best?
Easy answer: It's not that simple.
He wondered what Sakura thought of him now.
And what did Wei mean?
He should've went into Daidouji's house.
* * * *
"He is so lucky I can't find him! I wish I had a person locater. Especially now, that I need to kill someone!" Meiling roared.
Ryu gulped. "Demo Meiling-chan, Sakura won't like this. You didn't even speak to her!"
Meiling stopped and glared at Ryu. He could see the mix of anger and fury in her eyes. And that meant things were not good.
"Well how could I since she passed out? Can't he see what he is doing to her? Of course not! She's slowly dying! She's as thin as a cardboard!"
Ryu sighed. He knew he couldn't get through to her.
"I'm heading back to Tomoyo's. Call me on my cell if anything. And please don't kill him. Try to reason with him?"
Meiling huffed yet nodded before walking away.
Ryu placed a hand on his head.
"Now I know I wouldn't want to be in Li's shoes."
* * * *
Song Min stopped, exhausted. Xiomara and Jasmine stopped beside her.
"No trace of him!"
Song Min grunted. "Finally when we're good, he's gone."
Xiomara and Jasmine giggled when Song Min said, 'good'.
"So you were saying that we were bad before?" Xiomara asked.
Song Min threw her hands in the air, purely frustrated.
"Syaoran Li! Where are you?"
* * * *
Meiling turned around when she heard a yell that held the name of her prey.
'Li-kun is over there, eh? I'm ready.'
* * * *
Sakura stood up and tried to smile but failed.
"I think I'll go take a nap. Onegai, wake me up when Meiling-chan and Ryu- kun arrive. I think their plane was delayed or something. The meal was delicious. Arigato."
Tomoyo nodded and Sakura left. She then glanced at Sakura's plate. The meal may have been delicious but Sakura was only able to eat a quarter of her meal.
Tomoyo frowned and she could tell that Eriol noticed as well. Also that Sakura was tired a lot which made everything worse.
"Eriol..."
"Don't worry my sweet. I'm sure everything's going to change soon."
"How would you know?"
Eriol looked into Tomoyo's eyes reassuringly.
"I just do."
* * * *
Syaoran walked into his apartment building and went into the elevator. He had to shower before going out with Lily.
But he still wondered what he should do.
'Nah... Sakura doesn't like me. I might as well go with Lily.' He thought silently. The elevator doors opened and he walked out to be greeted with Wei.
"Konbanwa Wei. How did you know I was coming?"
Wei smiled a warm smile. "I just did Master Syaoran. Your bath is ready and I set out a new set of clothes for you to wear tonight."
Syaoran ignored the fact that Wei was creepy and just walked inside. "Arigato Wei-san." He said before closing the bathroom door.
"I do hope Mistress Sakura gets better soon." Wei muttered before shutting the door behind him.
(A/N: Just to let you all know, Wei knows all about Sakura being the 'one' for Syaoran from Yelan's call which I didn't put it. And he knows Sakura is ill because of Ryu who spoke to him last night, telling him to try to make Syaoran go see her. Got it? Okay!)
* * * *
"YOU!"
Song Min gulped. Meiling never liked her from the beginning and this was going to be trouble. She knew Meiling was away for a while so she probably didn't know that she was on Sakura's side now.
"Konbanwa Li-san. Daijoubu desu ka?"" Song Min asked as politely as she could, trying to hide her nervousness.
Meiling glared at her with pure hatred. "You must have had something to do with this also you evil bitch."
Song Min paled. Xiomara and Jasmine stood in front of her, just in case things got ugly. They knew they couldn't handle Meiling that long... because Meiling sure is one tough cookie.
"Have my hand in what?" Song Min asked, curious and nervous.
Meiling growled and she looked as though she was about to attack. This made Xiomara and Jasmine tense up.
"Sakura! My Sakura-chan is withering away because of you and that new whore!" Meiling screamed, tears stinging her eyes. But before Song Min could protest, she continued. "She's a wreck because of that BAKA Li and that stupid whore I didn't even meet yet and maybe even you! I can't wait to see that little whore so I can tear her apart! If I didn't go to that stupid vacation, I could've prevented it from the start! My poor Sakura- chan..."
Song Min began to feel pity and sadness for Sakura. She didn't know that she was going through that much. And to hear Meiling go weak because of her poor friend and even blaming it on herself, was quite touching.
"Li-san, I had no hand in this. Actually I found evidence for Li-kun to go against that whore. I'm completely on Sakura's side. You could ask her yourself. I hate her and what Li is doing to Sakura. But don't put the blame on yourself. I should've dispensed of her earlier if I knew this were to happen."
Meiling looked up, her face completely lost. Did she just hear right? Song Min was on her Sakura's side?
"Nani?"
Xiomara and Jasmine let out a sigh of relief. They wouldn't have to fight the almighty Meiling that moment.
"You heard me correctly. I no longer want Li-kun. I want Sakura to have him and I want that Lei bitch to step out of the way."
Meiling didn't look completely convinced.
"And how can I tell you are telling the truth?"
Song Min stepped forward, about an inch away from Meiling.
"Trust me. Sakura-chan needs all the help she could get."
* * * *
"Make up can work miracles." Lily said giggling as she looked at her body. Her bruises were completely masked under the foundation and cover up she put on.
She actually looked like her normal self. And to top it off, she wore a dark blue halter-top with a match skirt. She wore dark blue sandals and a dark blue butterfly clip in her hair.
With a dash of makeup, she sat down and waited for Syaoran.
"Tonight he will pay."
* * * *
Touya felt a chill go down his spine but he ignored it.
"Touya-kun?"
"Huh?"
Touya looked up to see all three of his friends faces staring at him filled with concern. He just smiled a bit.
"We were asking you when you are marrying Kaho-san but you weren't answering or blushing. Does that mean you were actually thinking about it?"
Touya turned as red as a tomato. "NaNI?!"
Yukito and Nakuru started laughing while Kaho's cheeks turned a bit pink.
"Stop it you two. We should be asking the same thing about yourselves."
Yukito and Nakuru stopped laughing and smiled mischievously. Kaho and Touya looked at them confused that they weren't blushing.
"We promised each other that we'll get married, once you get married."
Kaho looked at Touya and gave him a quick wink. He automatically knew what she was thinking.
"All right then you two. Touya and I have decided we'll be getting married... tonight."
Nakuru and Yukito stopped drinking the pink lemonade. Instead, they sprayed it out but fortunately not on Kaho or Touya's faces.
"NANI?!" (A/N: I just put this in to cheer up the chapter a little. Also I might refer to this part a little later on and I need Touya to stay somewhat in here and so things won't throw you off guard... I'm talking too much. Okay... going back.)
* * * *
Syaoran walked out of the bathroom feeling a tad better. He had about a couple of minutes to get ready to go out.
"Master Syaoran?" His butler called out from the hall.
"Hai?" Syaoran asked as he put on his boxers.
"Tonight be careful." Wei warned before his steps were heard retreating.
'Careful?' Syaoran thought before he finished dressing himself.
He shook his head. He had two days. He thought he might as well propose to Lily tonight but he didn't buy a ring or set any special reservations. So he planned for it to be held on his birthday.
Syaoran tried to brush his hair but of course, it went back to the normal messy state it always had.
He sighed and reached for his cell phone. He placed it into his pocket before looking into the mirror one last time.
Syaoran gaped before he blinked hard. Now he just saw his normal reflection. Before, he saw Sakura...
'Sakura-chan...'
He shook his head. He already made his decision.
And that was to marry Lily Lei.
* * * *
"So you looked everywhere?"
Song Min nodded as she looked up at Syaoran's apartment, which they were standing in front of.
"All but his home."
Meiling stepped forward and turned around. She gave a grateful smile, which Song Min thought she'd never see.
"I'll take it from here. You guys step back there and let me get a first chance to kill him. I'll give you the leftovers to let him see what that girl really is."
Song Min, Xiomara, and Jasmine nodded and retreated to behind the bushes. They knew if they would've protested, Meiling would knock their heads off first.
Meiling stood there, her eyes filled with determination.
'Scene One: The Death Of The Bastard.' Meiling thought before chuckling lightly at her own joke.
* * * *
"Ryu-kun! Where is Meiling-chan?" Tomoyo asked.
Ryu walked into Tomoyo's house and headed straight for the dining room. He sat himself down, served himself almost everything that was left and began to gobble it all down. Tomoyo and Eriol sweat-dropped a bit.
They waited a couple a minutes before Ryu finished his last bite and drank the rest of his drink. He sighed contently, patting his stomach.
"You two are the greatest chefs. Now what was it that you asked me?"
Tomoyo and Eriol sighed.
"Meiling..." Eriol began.
"Oh!!" Ryu said, the whole scenario popping back into his head. "She went on a Li hunt. Since she was really angry... I left her alone so she could kill him by herself."
Tomoyo's eyes went wide.
"What?!"
Ryu chuckled a bit and scratched the back of his head. "Well she is not really going to kill him but you know what I mean."
"I am going to kill you!" Tomoyo yelled before heading to strangle him before Eriol grabbed her and held her close. Tomoyo tried to struggle but it was no use.
"Now now Tomoyo dear. Ryu you better find your woman. You know very well that she is capable of... vicious things."
Ryu gulped once he recalled what Meiling tried to do to Eriol when she found out a rumor that he cheated on Tomoyo.
"Err... you're right. I'll go look for her."
Tomoyo grumbled. "She probably found him by now."
Ryu chuckled nervously and then ran out of the house.
* * * *
Syaoran sighed as he walked out of his building. For some reason, it was eerily quiet. That sort of scared him the tiniest bit.
"Who's there?" He called out angrily, trying to show no fear.
"Li-kun, I'd expect something better from you."
Syaoran gasped.
"Mei... Meili..."
A figure stepped out of the shadows and into the vague light the streetlamps gave out. The figure smirked and crossed her arms.
"That's right. It is I, Meiling."
* * * *
Ryu ran down the block and looked around.
'Damn it. Where is she?'
It was getting darker by the minute and soon he wouldn't be able to tell Meiling apart from the other figures walking in the streets.
Ryu mentally cursed himself for leaving her on the loose without someone watching her. He was just really hungry and tired that he didn't want to go all over Tomoeda searching for the pathetic fool Li.
But Meiling had an advantage; she had seen him walking away from Tomoyo's so he wouldn't have been that far off from her when they found out.
Which he didn't. And this made him think... why was Li near Tomoyo's house in the first place?
The whole situation was too damn confusing.
"Meiling!" He shouted, hoping to get a response.
Unfortunately he didn't get any.
'Come on Ryu, think think think. If I were Li, where would I be?'
Ryu's eyes widened in realization. 'Of course why didn't I think of this before! He'll be HOME!'
Ryu looked at the sign. He was about four to five blocks away from Syaoran's apartment. Ryu sweat-dropped then shook his head.
"Ready, Set, Go!" He shouted as he sprinted towards Syaoran's house.
* * * *
Sakura opened her eyes a bit just to see the time. She noticed it was a quarter to eight. She tried to remember when Meiling's flight was supposed to arrive but nothing popped into her mind.
"Sakura-chan?"
Sakura looked up and noticed Tomoyo's concerned face. She smiled weakly before it withered away.
"Hai?" She mumbled.
Tomoyo shook her head and frowned. "Get some sleep Sakura-chan. I'll wake you up when they finally arrive."
Sakura nodded but just before she went back to sleep, she noticed luggage in the hallway.
"Whose are those?" She asked weakly, pointing at the luggage.
Tomoyo's face paled. She completely forgot that Ryu left the luggage... in the middle of the doorway.
"Umm... Eriol's! He was planning to move in as a joke. Don't worry about it Sakura-chan. He's just being a tad silly. Now go get some rest."
Sakura looked weirdly at Tomoyo but just brushed it off. She could finally tell that Tomoyo was lying but she didn't want to press any further. Now she knew Meiling and Ryu were back but they were gone. Gone to do something.
Sakura's eyes widened in realization. "Tomoyo... I have to go."
Tomoyo looked at Sakura confused. "Go where?"
"Go! I have to go! Meiling! She's going to talk to Syaoran isn't she? No no! Let me up! Why didn't you two stop her! Oh my god. He doesn't even know I feel this way. Up! We have to go!" Sakura shouted with all her might trying to get up but Tomoyo was pinning her down.
"Li deserves anything Meiling is about to throw at him. Get some rest Sakura-chan. Ryu went to go find her and bring her back."
Sakura's face twisted into fury. She didn't want Syaoran to know. "NO!" She shouted as she pushed Tomoyo off.
Tomoyo gasped as Eriol caught her. Sakura was forcing all the strength she had to leave the house.
"No no! Sakura-chan stop! You're going to pass out if you continue!"
Sakura put on her shoes and stood up. She brushed her hair with her fingers and began to run for the door.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo yelled as she released herself from Eriol's grasp. But it was too late.
Sakura already ran out the door.
"Eriol!"
Eriol nodded and put on his shoes.
"Let's go. She just left Tomoyo I know she hasn't gone that far."
* * * *
"You're back."
Meiling scoffed and walked towards him. Her raven hair was down instead of being up in two buns like usual. It kind of gave Syaoran a creepy feeling.
"How dare you do that to my Sakura-chan. After all I said to the..." She stopped herself. She couldn't mention the elders or his family yet. Her eyes softened when she remembered Yelan telling her to take care of Sakura.
"I didn't do anything to Sakura!" He growled, confused that he was getting angry. Meiling's eyes hardened again.
"Oh so you're innocent and Sakura-chan is a liar." She spat angrily.
"I didn't mean that." He countered.
"But you said it." She stated angrily.
Syaoran let out a frustrated sigh. It was almost 8 and he was sure that Lily was waiting for him. Now he just had to see Meiling on the way out. And he was even more freaked out because Wei said to be careful. Wei knew about Meiling?
"Wait, how did I even hurt Sakura? I didn't do anything!"
Meiling's fists tightened but she promised herself she wouldn't beat Syaoran to a pulp, yet. Not until she got all the information out of him of course.
"You didn't hurt her physically. You hurt her mentally. She thought you liked her but instead you chose a whore that you knew for what? Practically two days!"
Syaoran froze. 'She thought I liked her?' He thought. Now he felt sick. He liked Sakura too but he didn't want to ruin their friendship.
"I... I guess I didn't think I'd have a chance." He said, stumbling to find the right words. Meiling frowned even more at his response.
"Baka! For your stupidity you changed her forever! And for what? For a whore!"
Syaoran looked down at the floor. He felt his heart tear up but he didn't even know why.
"Forever?" He asked quietly.
Meiling's eyes filled with unshed tears. 'Hai Li-kun. We lost our genki Sakura... for good."
Syaoran looked up, noticing Meiling's expression. He felt confused, angry, upset, and sad. He ruined the most beautiful friend he ever had.
And for what?
For Lily. But it's too late now. He said he was going to propose to Lily. It wasn't his fault about what happened to Sakura. It was her own for not voicing her feelings.
"I'm getting married to Lily."
Meiling froze. She looked up at Syaoran, getting ready to tear him apart.
"WHAT!?"
"You heard me. I'm proposing to her on my birthday. In three days to be exact."
Meiling growled and threw him to the floor and began to punch him. Song Min and her group saw this and gasped. They ran towards them and tried their best to haul Meiling off of Syaoran.
"You bastard! Wait till I tell your mother! Your girlfriend is a whore! A two-timer! I hate you! I hope Sakura gets over you!" She screamed, trying to fight Song Min, Jasmine, and Xiomara in order for her to go back to beating up Syaoran.
* * * *
Ryu heard the yells and noticed it was Meiling.
"Meiling..."
He raced down the street and noticed a very interesting scene.
Meiling was screaming and being held back by Song Min and her group. Syaoran was on the floor, having a black and blue eye, swollen cheek, and a bleeding lip.
He raced toward them and Meiling, who was still struggling.
"Meiling-chan stop this at once."
Meiling looked up with tears in her eyes. "He's a bastard. How dare he... Sakura-chan."
Ryu sighed and held Meiling in his arms as she cried. Syaoran was completely baffled by Meiling's reaction. And he was baffled that she could punch that hard. What also surprised him was that Song Min and her group hauled Meiling off of him and were giving him death glares and giving consoling words to Meiling. And Meiling wasn't even screaming at them.
"I don't care what you all do. It's not my fault. It's Sakura's fault and I am getting married to Lily."
He froze once he saw a thin figure stop from approaching him. He could see the emerald eyes beginning to fill with tears. Behind her were two other figures, and he could tell it was Tomoyo and Eriol.
"Sakura..."
Meiling stopped bawling and looked up to see Sakura there. She could see the pain and sadness all over her face.
'Oh no... God... why her?' Meiling thought as she got up with Ryu's help.
Sakura sniffled and tried to hold her tears. She now knew he didn't care about her and that he was getting married to the one she hated the most. All of a sudden she felt dizzy and nauseous. Very soon, the very dark scenario disappeared from her view.
"Sakura-chan!" was the last thing she heard before passing out.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Miss Princess Notes: AHH! Umm, I'm sorry to end it there. But it isn't my fault. Blame it on Syaoran! ;-; I feel so bad for Sakura and I'm the author! See it's out early! Be happy!
Very soon I'll be signing up the ff.net so THEY can notify you when my chapters out. Because my e-mail list is getting longer and longer and even more confusing. So if some of you got two emails, sorry!
I had to finish this before I went to work. I wanted to give you all a special gift. I know you people are dying to know what happens now.
I probably won't have the chapter out until June. I'll try to have it sooner but I have a lot of tests to study for and I really need to concentrate on my studies. Sorry for not proofreading it but Andrew as I said before is extremely busy. The new fic I spoke about won't be ready till late May.
I hope you all review. There was a drop and I hope it doesn't continue that way.
Thanks a lot!
IMPORTANT: Please leave your email address so I can tell you when I've updated. And my bio usually holds the dates of when I'm planning to update.
Bye for now!
~*Final Fantasy Princess*~
^-^ Brenda ^-~
I don't know what to do without him! I loved him as my editor. (Even though he called me kajiuu.) Anyway forgetting about that...
Thank you to all those who reviewed! I appreciate it sooo much! Although... I think the last chapter received more reviews. Let's see:
Thank you to the follow people (Love you all so much!):
Scarlet Rose (I believe a lot of people hate Lily)
Chibi Akuma (-pats her head as well- Thanks for you review and Meiling's too)
Shima and Tempis (SAT... reminds me of the SATs I took last Saturday! ;-;)
Tinaa (Thank you for my belated birthday and for your review!)
Sakura_Free_Spirit (I'm trying to update around my hectic schedule!)
Cherrixwolf (I didn't take long this time. Sorry about last time.)
KawaiinessPnay (@-@ Ryu is not a FBI agent... and I don't know if Sakura will see the ring. She might get scared XD)
The Dreamers Wish (I didn't take that long this time, right?)
TiFfa (Thanks for your review and I like adding suspense!)
Shirahana (I know, I'm getting piled under work. This chapter may be a bit lighter since Meiling is returning!)
Your Biggest Fan (Thanks for being my biggest fan ^_^)
Xiao Mei (Mei-chan you're too much. I can't tell you what happens but at least I updated sooner.)
Glarie (I'm sure you'll have fun burning Lily on a stake... o.o)
MusicStarLove (Thanks for your review!)
MimiGhost (Fast enough update?)
Jenna-chan (I'm alive!! ^^;; And thank you for my belated birthday wish!)
Fleur (I had this girl in my class called Lily that was evil towards me...)
Otaku (I wish it would never end either!)
AnimeDreamz75 (Thanks.)
D (I hope so too.)
Kawaii-Kitty (No problem. Thanks for reviewing!)
PnaixRose8 (You are my new best friend)
BumbleBeez (Sorry! I didn't mean to take long!!)
AznYugiAngel (I'm updating!!)
AnimeObsessionFantasy (Don't kill the wolf!)
Rainbow Dreamer (It's okay to overact!)
Zee (It's okay... don't rush me too much.)
Danielle (Thank you very much!)
LicyBaby2002 (It's okay. I'm not mad at all. Thank you for reviewing!)
Mystress Tate (Don't do anything to me! ;;)
Prince XiaoLang (I miss you!! ;-;)
Thank you again! I wrote something for everyone because I was bored. This won't happen all the time because sometimes it takes too long. You know, well...
I lost about 9 reviewers... -wails-
But anyways: This chapter has been dedicated to: Tomoe! I know you lack courage to let us read your fics but do not worry. No matter what, I will always back you up. I appreciate you reading my fics! And if you need any help I'll be here!
Okay okay enough tears. Here is chapter 11!! MEILING'S RETURN! Woo!!
(Disclaimer: As said before, I do not own CCS... but I will... someday.)
* * * * *- Changing places
A/N- Author Notes
"." Speaking
'.' Thoughts
Friends Forever...Right?
Chapter 11
The Return
Wei patted Syaoran lightly on the shoulder, stirring him out of his thoughts.
"Do not stress too much Master Syaoran. Your answer will come soon."
Syaoran looked at Wei with utter confusion but Wei only smiled warmly.
"I suggest you visit your old friends. You will receive a few surprises." Wei said before retreating into the kitchen.
Syaoran just sat there with question marks all around him. Then he noticed the hole in his wall, recalling that Sakura was taken from him the night before.
'I wonder how Sakura-chan is. Maybe she'll be able to answer my question. Is this what Wei means?'
Emerald eyes popped into his head, following with a cheerful smile. Syaoran sighed in bliss.
'Sakura...'
* * * *
Lily opened her eyes and moaned. Her vision was fuzzy. She had a major headache. She completely forgot what happened the night before, after she stormed out of Syaoran's apartment.
'He rejected me.' She thought angrily.
Her vision began to focus then, and she gasped. She wasn't at home.
Not only that...
She was bare naked... and not alone. Phillip was right next to her, his arm wrapped around her waist. Why she didn't feel it before, she herself didn't know.
And she still had no idea what happened. She wanted to use her virginity against Syaoran but now that was no longer an option.
How could she have been so foolish! Suddenly fear filled her.
Did they use protection?
Was she pregnant?
If she was, how could 'that' help her with Syaoran?
Unshed tears filled her eyes. She was now a slut. She used to be so careful. It was fornication. (A/N: SAT word! ^^;;) The thing her mother warned her of not doing. She had no one to console her. Her best friends left. She wondered if that would've still happened if her friends haven't left.
Lily got up carefully so she wouldn't disturb Phillip. As she did, she noticed the red stains on the bed.
Now the tears stung her more but she couldn't cry.
No... she wouldn't.
She had to fulfill her plan. She, now more than ever, must make Syaoran and Sakura suffer.
* * * *
Tomoyo looked at the clock.
It had been hours since Eriol and herself left Sakura alone. Also it was closer to the time that Meiling and Ryu would arrive.
Eriol had endlessly apologized for bringing Syaoran up. He had no idea why he had said it anyway. Tomoyo had just nodded, completely filled with worry.
In that moment, Sakura silently entered the room. Her eyes were red and swollen. Her skin paler was than ever. It even seemed like she was using all her strength to make herself stand.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo cried out.
Eriol looked up when she cried out. He feared that the doctor may be right. Sakura was thinner than ever.
Tomoyo rushed up to Sakura noticing that she was about to go to sleep.
"Rest Sakura-chan." Tomoyo said softly.
Eriol came by their side and sighed.
"We have to make her eat." He whispered. Tomoyo nodded and laid Sakura on the couch.
"They'll be here soon."
* * * *
Touya looked up at the Daidouji household. But he wasn't there to gaze or admire it. He was there to retrieve his sister.
Kaho tried to convince him that Sakura was all right but he wouldn't listen to any of it.
"Touya I didn't know you were coming to visit."
Touya jumped as he slowly turned around to see Yukito's smiling face, his hands packed with grocery bags.
"Same old Yuki. Still that hungry?" Touya said, taking three bags from him.
"Arigato. I wish this was all for me but my imouto-chan's friends are coming back from their trip and she's holding a get together."
Touya nodded, knowing now that Sakura would also stay that night.
"I just came to check on Sakura. But now I think she's fine." Touya stated as they walked in.
* * * *
"Welcome to Tomoeda, Japan. Thank you for flying with Air Japan. Enjoy your stay." The voice boomed over the loud speaker as Meiling and Ryu got off the plane.
Meiling rubbed her ears as they went to the luggage compartment.
"So much of a welcome. Couldn't they lower the volume a wee bit?" She muttered.
Ryu chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist. "They're as loud as you. I'm surprised your ears hurt." He whispered into her ear.
"Baka!" She growled but he only chuckled and held her closer. He knew this would be their last time in peace before they enter the chaos Li created.
"I'm so glad we're back. You know Tomoyo is probably preparing a get together. So get your luggage." Meiling said happily.
Ryu nodded and grabbed their bags. Meiling's family were hopping on the next plane since they wanted Meiling to start arranging things so they caught the earlier flight and are now alone.
"Ready?" She asked as she headed to the cabs.
"Who'll ever be?" He muttered, proceeding out of the airport doors.
* * * *
Syaoran looked up at the Daidouji estate. Why he was there, he didn't know. He called Sakura's house, in which he didn't know why either, and her father said she was staying with Tomoyo.
Now he was here, looking at it as if it held a riddle. He stood there for a while before he saw two tall figures approaching. Quickly he scattered away in a bush before he could be seen.
"Well I'll see you later, ne?"
"Yeah. Nakuru will be so pleased that we're going out tonight."
Touya chuckled as he patted Yukito's back. "How you can deal with her, I do not know."
Yukito blushed a bit and pushed Touya playfully away.
"She may be a bit hyper but I still love her. Now go before I tell Kaho that you were teasing me."
Touya laughed and waved. "Ja ne tattletale."
Syaoran watched as both figures separated and disappeared. He sighed and came out of the bush. He pulled a branch out of his hair.
To go in or not to go in?
That was his question.
* * * *
Song Min pounded her fist on the table.
"I don't care! I think I should just tell him that Lily is a wench!"
Xiomara and Jasmine sighed. They didn't come up with anything for the past two hours and Song Min, of course, was getting quite restless.
Sure, they knew that Lily was the bad one. But how can you tell a guy who is going out with the bad one, that she really was the bad one?
Confused? They are too.
"But you see Song Min, it isn't that simple! I told you already."
Song Min rolled her eyes and began to put on her shoes. "Yeah yeah. But Syaoran isn't stupid. He should know that Lily is a..."
Xiomara sighed as she stood up. She began to put on her shoes as well. Song Min and Jasmine stared at her.
"Nani? I decided maybe we should walk around for clues to prove that she's a bitch."
Song Min grinned broadly.
"Xiomara, you're a genius."
* * * *
Tomoyo sighed as she prepared a well-cooked meal. Eriol was helping her by chopping up vegetables and other things.
"Meiling and Ryu will be here soon. Ryu already knows everything."
Eriol stopped for a moment. He didn't know that Ryu knew as well.
"How so?"
Tomoyo sighed as she watched the water begin to boil. "I told him. And he told me several interesting facts that's happening."
Eriol now completely faced her. "Which are? Please don't tell me you're going to keep me in suspense?"
Tomoyo smiled a bit and nodded. Eriol pouted and nuzzled her neck.
"You can't do that to me. I'm your boyfriend."
Tomoyo giggled. "Meiling will tell you the details. She doesn't know I know. So act surprised."
Eriol moved away from her and proceeded to cut the vegetables.
"Oh sure I will. That's because I don't even know what is going on."
Tomoyo smiled cutely. "Don't you just hate that?"
* * * *
"Don't go in."
Syaoran nodded to himself and walked away. He was debating for a while now and he could not just walk in. He feared to see a sight he didn't want to see.
He knew now, deep inside of him that Sakura was not okay. That something terrible was really happening to her.
And he knew it was his entire fault.
Somehow it was, he didn't know how.
But he knew what Wei said will happen.
He will receive a few surprises.
Soon.
* * * *
"Isn't that Li-kun?"
Ryu looked towards Meiling's window and saw Syaoran walking away from Tomoyo's house.
"I don't know."
Meiling grinned in delight. "Just the guy I need to talk to!"
Ryu pretended to have a coughing fit before Meiling could ask the cab driver to stop. Meiling turned to Ryu, filled with concern.
"You okay?"
Ryu nodded once the cab driver stopped in front of Tomoyo's house. Meiling completely forgot about Syaoran.
"We're here." He said.
"Wai! I can't wait to see everyone again!" Meiling squealed.
"Yeah. Me too."
* * * *
Song Min sighed as they scanned the areas for proof that Lily was a bitch.
So far nothing gave them any clue. Xiomara had expected that in the beginning that's why she was reluctant to voice it. Things won't be labeled with 'proof' or 'clue' on it like the children's show: Blues Clues.
"Look it's Phillip's apartment. He's so... ugh I don't like him at all." Jasmine said as they began to approach it.
"You're telling me." Song Min stated firmly. "I never li-"
She stopped short as she saw a figure leaving the small apartment. It was a girl. Not any girl of course, it was Lily.
Song Min gaped as Lily scurried away, not noticing them, and then disappeared around the corner.
After that whole scenario was over, Song Min began to laugh.
"What in the world was she wearing? That trench coat is too big, not in fashion, and definitely not for the summer."
Jasmine began to laugh too but Xiomara stayed quiet. She now knew they had evidence against Lily.
"Xio, what's the matter? Didn't you see her? She looks ridiculous!"
Xiomara smiled a bit.
"I guess it didn't snap into your heads yet. So I'll help you out. First I'll begin with the easy questions. Where did Lei-san come out from?"
Song Min and Jasmine stopped laughing and thought a bit.
"Phillip's apartment?" Song Min asked more than answered.
Xiomara nodded and continued. "Good. Now what time is it?"
Jasmine looked at her watch. "Three?"
Xiomara nodded again. "Now the harder questions. Why would she be wearing a trench coat?"
Song Min and Jasmine began to think harder. After a bit of time, Jasmine gave a helpless sigh, indicating that she gave up. But Song Min furrowed her brow, indicating that she was thinking with all her might.
"Perhaps to hide something?" She wondered out loud.
"Exactly! Now who wore a trench coat the last time in the summer?" Xiomara asked excitedly.
"Hotoru?" Jasmine guessed. Xiomara nodded.
"Now why?"
"I know!" Song Min said excitedly. "She hid her lingerie under the trench coat and went to her boyfriends house to surprise him and to make him sleep with her!"
"Yes! Now why was Lily in Phillip's at three o'clock in the AFTERNOON, wearing a trench coat, sneaking out of the house, her hair a mess, and running away so no one can see her?"
Silence.
Xiomara tapped her foot impatiently. "Come on you two! Get there faster!"
Song Min and Jasmine gasped.
"She's cheating on Syaoran!" They exclaimed. (A/N: Ha ha ha ha they sound really dense but they're funny anyway.)
* * * *
Tomoyo and Eriol just finished setting the table just as the doorbell rang.
"It's them!" Tomoyo said happily as she rushed towards the door. She opened the door and beamed.
Meiling and Ryu were there. In front of her precious amethyst eyes. They were finally back.
Meiling will be able to take everything over now.
"Meiling-chan! Ryu-kun! I'm so happy you're back!" She exclaimed just as she pounced on Meiling and knocked her over to the pavement.
"Oww! Tomoyo-chan geez! It's good to see you too but I don't want to see you again if you're going to hurt me like this."
Tomoyo pouted and Meiling smiled. "Okay, you win. You know I didn't mean it."
Tomoyo smiled happily just as Eriol came to the door.
"Oh it's just you two." He said mischievously. Meiling glared at him, sending imaginary daggers with her eyes while Ryu grunted.
"You know I don't mean that. Now stop standing outside and come in. We're excited to hear your trip."
Meiling got off the floor and helped Tomoyo up. "Of course. I thought you would never ask. By the way, since when was Tomoyo's house your house?" She asked passively as she entered passing Eriol.
"Uh... I... No... I didn't... well you know... I didn't mean that." Eriol stuttered as he entered with a giggling Tomoyo and a chuckling Ryu right behind him.
* * * *
Lily ran into her house and threw the trench coat off of her. She ran into the bathroom and turned on the cold and hot water.
When she peeled off her lingerie, she noticed bruises and scars. She nearly couldn't hold it anymore. It almost seemed as they had...
'No... no. Not Phillip. He would never do that.' She thought as she put on some ointments to heal them.
Bruises all over. She sighed as she entered the shower. She began to scrub herself completely, as though she could 'scrub' the whole incident away.
There she couldn't hold it anymore.
She cried.
She cried during the shower, cried when she dried herself, cried when she changed, and finally she stopped.
Lily smiled.
She smiled! Why?
"Moshi moshi?"
"Syao-kun! I'm so glad you picked up your cell phone. I wanted to know if we could go out tonight to make up on what I did last night. It was very stupid of me."
She heard a pause and for a moment she thought he was going to reject her.
"All right. What time?"
Lily smiled evilly. "How about at 8? Is that all right with you?"
"Yeah perfect. See you then."
Lily clicked off the phone and grinned.
"Kinomoto and Li. I will destroy you both. Li... for making me lose my virginity in a horrible way and Kinomoto for trying to steal my man."
Lily got up and laughed.
"You'll pay."
* * * *
(A/N: I'm listening to the techno version of Simple & Clean by Utada Hikaru. So if this part is a bit upbeat, blame my happy mood. This section isn't going to change anything of the fic, so if you want to, skip it!)
Nakuru giggled as they gathered outside near the cherry blossom tree. Kaho, Touya, Nakuru, and Yukito were there to relax. Well actually they needed a break before they all went to work.
Nakuru gave Yukito a CD to put in the CD player. She smiled broadly and Kaho was laughing and applauding.
"Ready Yuki?"
He nodded and put the volume higher waiting for the signal.
"Hit it!" Kaho yelled. Yukito smiled and pressed the play button.
Nakuru danced around before she started singing.
"You're giving me
Too many things lately,
You're all I need
You smiled at me and said,
Don't get me wrong I love you
But does that mean I have to meet your father?
When we are older you'll understand
What I meant when I said "No,
I don't think life is quite that simple"
When you walk away
You don't hear me say
Please Oh baby, don't go
Simple and clean is the way that you're making me feel tonight
It's hard to let it go..."
Nakuru laughs happily as she twirls before proceeding.
"Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all...
Nothing's like before
Hold me
Whatever lies beyond this morning
Is a little later on
Regardless of warnings the future doesn't scare me at all
Nothing's like before!"
(A/N: This is the shortened techno version of Simple and Clean. The other is much longer. Oh and Disclaimer: This song does not belong to me. Neither is the one from the last chapter. Fly Me to the Moon and Simple & Clean belong to: Utada Hikaru!)
The CD kept playing the instrumental part before it ended.
Nakuru blushed as Kaho, Touya, and Yukito applauded.
"Arigato..." She mumbled, continuing to blush furiously as Yukito kissed her cheek.
"Encore!"
* * * *
"WHAT?!"
Tomoyo, Eriol, and Ryu cringed. They knew she wouldn't have taken the news well.
"I leave for two, TWO weeks and I miss THIS! Why didn't you tell me? Look at her!"
The group explained to Meiling what happened to Sakura once she saw her fragile figure on the couch. Apparently, Meiling was enraged and noticed she let Li slip through her fingers.
"Meiling-chan there was nothing we could do." Tomoyo said, trying to explain.
"You didn't try hard enough! Watch and learn!" Meiling said angrily as she stormed out of the house. Ryu gave a look of sympathy at Sakura and then curtly nodded at Tomoyo and Eriol before running after Meiling.
"She's going to yell at him." Tomoyo said exasperatedly.
Eriol nodded. "I know."
"What's going on?"
Tomoyo and Eriol jumped a bit and noticed that Sakura was trying to sit up.
"Here Sakura-chan. Let me help you. We're about to eat dinner."
Sakura nodded numbly and went with Tomoyo supporting her to the table. She sat down as her stomach growled hungrily.
"Smells good."
Tomoyo smiled and poured a bit of everything onto Sakura's plate. "Eat up Sakura-chan. Meiling and Ryu will be here soon."
"I was about to ask that. I thought they would be here earlier?"
Eriol shook his head. "They called and they had some... business to deal with."
"Oh." Was Sakura's reply.
* * * *
Syaoran sighed as he swung slowly on the swing. Too many thoughts were attacking him.
Not only that... he agreed to meet with Lily tonight at 8.
That's about two hours away. He sighed.
And to make things worse... he didn't even know if Sakura liked him or not. He was so confused.
Three days were still left.
The sun began to set behind him but he was too self absorbed into his thoughts to see the magnificent sight.
'But what about Lily?'
Syaoran let out another sigh. Too many problems. Why can't he just see the future with both girls and see which one is the best?
Easy answer: It's not that simple.
He wondered what Sakura thought of him now.
And what did Wei mean?
He should've went into Daidouji's house.
* * * *
"He is so lucky I can't find him! I wish I had a person locater. Especially now, that I need to kill someone!" Meiling roared.
Ryu gulped. "Demo Meiling-chan, Sakura won't like this. You didn't even speak to her!"
Meiling stopped and glared at Ryu. He could see the mix of anger and fury in her eyes. And that meant things were not good.
"Well how could I since she passed out? Can't he see what he is doing to her? Of course not! She's slowly dying! She's as thin as a cardboard!"
Ryu sighed. He knew he couldn't get through to her.
"I'm heading back to Tomoyo's. Call me on my cell if anything. And please don't kill him. Try to reason with him?"
Meiling huffed yet nodded before walking away.
Ryu placed a hand on his head.
"Now I know I wouldn't want to be in Li's shoes."
* * * *
Song Min stopped, exhausted. Xiomara and Jasmine stopped beside her.
"No trace of him!"
Song Min grunted. "Finally when we're good, he's gone."
Xiomara and Jasmine giggled when Song Min said, 'good'.
"So you were saying that we were bad before?" Xiomara asked.
Song Min threw her hands in the air, purely frustrated.
"Syaoran Li! Where are you?"
* * * *
Meiling turned around when she heard a yell that held the name of her prey.
'Li-kun is over there, eh? I'm ready.'
* * * *
Sakura stood up and tried to smile but failed.
"I think I'll go take a nap. Onegai, wake me up when Meiling-chan and Ryu- kun arrive. I think their plane was delayed or something. The meal was delicious. Arigato."
Tomoyo nodded and Sakura left. She then glanced at Sakura's plate. The meal may have been delicious but Sakura was only able to eat a quarter of her meal.
Tomoyo frowned and she could tell that Eriol noticed as well. Also that Sakura was tired a lot which made everything worse.
"Eriol..."
"Don't worry my sweet. I'm sure everything's going to change soon."
"How would you know?"
Eriol looked into Tomoyo's eyes reassuringly.
"I just do."
* * * *
Syaoran walked into his apartment building and went into the elevator. He had to shower before going out with Lily.
But he still wondered what he should do.
'Nah... Sakura doesn't like me. I might as well go with Lily.' He thought silently. The elevator doors opened and he walked out to be greeted with Wei.
"Konbanwa Wei. How did you know I was coming?"
Wei smiled a warm smile. "I just did Master Syaoran. Your bath is ready and I set out a new set of clothes for you to wear tonight."
Syaoran ignored the fact that Wei was creepy and just walked inside. "Arigato Wei-san." He said before closing the bathroom door.
"I do hope Mistress Sakura gets better soon." Wei muttered before shutting the door behind him.
(A/N: Just to let you all know, Wei knows all about Sakura being the 'one' for Syaoran from Yelan's call which I didn't put it. And he knows Sakura is ill because of Ryu who spoke to him last night, telling him to try to make Syaoran go see her. Got it? Okay!)
* * * *
"YOU!"
Song Min gulped. Meiling never liked her from the beginning and this was going to be trouble. She knew Meiling was away for a while so she probably didn't know that she was on Sakura's side now.
"Konbanwa Li-san. Daijoubu desu ka?"" Song Min asked as politely as she could, trying to hide her nervousness.
Meiling glared at her with pure hatred. "You must have had something to do with this also you evil bitch."
Song Min paled. Xiomara and Jasmine stood in front of her, just in case things got ugly. They knew they couldn't handle Meiling that long... because Meiling sure is one tough cookie.
"Have my hand in what?" Song Min asked, curious and nervous.
Meiling growled and she looked as though she was about to attack. This made Xiomara and Jasmine tense up.
"Sakura! My Sakura-chan is withering away because of you and that new whore!" Meiling screamed, tears stinging her eyes. But before Song Min could protest, she continued. "She's a wreck because of that BAKA Li and that stupid whore I didn't even meet yet and maybe even you! I can't wait to see that little whore so I can tear her apart! If I didn't go to that stupid vacation, I could've prevented it from the start! My poor Sakura- chan..."
Song Min began to feel pity and sadness for Sakura. She didn't know that she was going through that much. And to hear Meiling go weak because of her poor friend and even blaming it on herself, was quite touching.
"Li-san, I had no hand in this. Actually I found evidence for Li-kun to go against that whore. I'm completely on Sakura's side. You could ask her yourself. I hate her and what Li is doing to Sakura. But don't put the blame on yourself. I should've dispensed of her earlier if I knew this were to happen."
Meiling looked up, her face completely lost. Did she just hear right? Song Min was on her Sakura's side?
"Nani?"
Xiomara and Jasmine let out a sigh of relief. They wouldn't have to fight the almighty Meiling that moment.
"You heard me correctly. I no longer want Li-kun. I want Sakura to have him and I want that Lei bitch to step out of the way."
Meiling didn't look completely convinced.
"And how can I tell you are telling the truth?"
Song Min stepped forward, about an inch away from Meiling.
"Trust me. Sakura-chan needs all the help she could get."
* * * *
"Make up can work miracles." Lily said giggling as she looked at her body. Her bruises were completely masked under the foundation and cover up she put on.
She actually looked like her normal self. And to top it off, she wore a dark blue halter-top with a match skirt. She wore dark blue sandals and a dark blue butterfly clip in her hair.
With a dash of makeup, she sat down and waited for Syaoran.
"Tonight he will pay."
* * * *
Touya felt a chill go down his spine but he ignored it.
"Touya-kun?"
"Huh?"
Touya looked up to see all three of his friends faces staring at him filled with concern. He just smiled a bit.
"We were asking you when you are marrying Kaho-san but you weren't answering or blushing. Does that mean you were actually thinking about it?"
Touya turned as red as a tomato. "NaNI?!"
Yukito and Nakuru started laughing while Kaho's cheeks turned a bit pink.
"Stop it you two. We should be asking the same thing about yourselves."
Yukito and Nakuru stopped laughing and smiled mischievously. Kaho and Touya looked at them confused that they weren't blushing.
"We promised each other that we'll get married, once you get married."
Kaho looked at Touya and gave him a quick wink. He automatically knew what she was thinking.
"All right then you two. Touya and I have decided we'll be getting married... tonight."
Nakuru and Yukito stopped drinking the pink lemonade. Instead, they sprayed it out but fortunately not on Kaho or Touya's faces.
"NANI?!" (A/N: I just put this in to cheer up the chapter a little. Also I might refer to this part a little later on and I need Touya to stay somewhat in here and so things won't throw you off guard... I'm talking too much. Okay... going back.)
* * * *
Syaoran walked out of the bathroom feeling a tad better. He had about a couple of minutes to get ready to go out.
"Master Syaoran?" His butler called out from the hall.
"Hai?" Syaoran asked as he put on his boxers.
"Tonight be careful." Wei warned before his steps were heard retreating.
'Careful?' Syaoran thought before he finished dressing himself.
He shook his head. He had two days. He thought he might as well propose to Lily tonight but he didn't buy a ring or set any special reservations. So he planned for it to be held on his birthday.
Syaoran tried to brush his hair but of course, it went back to the normal messy state it always had.
He sighed and reached for his cell phone. He placed it into his pocket before looking into the mirror one last time.
Syaoran gaped before he blinked hard. Now he just saw his normal reflection. Before, he saw Sakura...
'Sakura-chan...'
He shook his head. He already made his decision.
And that was to marry Lily Lei.
* * * *
"So you looked everywhere?"
Song Min nodded as she looked up at Syaoran's apartment, which they were standing in front of.
"All but his home."
Meiling stepped forward and turned around. She gave a grateful smile, which Song Min thought she'd never see.
"I'll take it from here. You guys step back there and let me get a first chance to kill him. I'll give you the leftovers to let him see what that girl really is."
Song Min, Xiomara, and Jasmine nodded and retreated to behind the bushes. They knew if they would've protested, Meiling would knock their heads off first.
Meiling stood there, her eyes filled with determination.
'Scene One: The Death Of The Bastard.' Meiling thought before chuckling lightly at her own joke.
* * * *
"Ryu-kun! Where is Meiling-chan?" Tomoyo asked.
Ryu walked into Tomoyo's house and headed straight for the dining room. He sat himself down, served himself almost everything that was left and began to gobble it all down. Tomoyo and Eriol sweat-dropped a bit.
They waited a couple a minutes before Ryu finished his last bite and drank the rest of his drink. He sighed contently, patting his stomach.
"You two are the greatest chefs. Now what was it that you asked me?"
Tomoyo and Eriol sighed.
"Meiling..." Eriol began.
"Oh!!" Ryu said, the whole scenario popping back into his head. "She went on a Li hunt. Since she was really angry... I left her alone so she could kill him by herself."
Tomoyo's eyes went wide.
"What?!"
Ryu chuckled a bit and scratched the back of his head. "Well she is not really going to kill him but you know what I mean."
"I am going to kill you!" Tomoyo yelled before heading to strangle him before Eriol grabbed her and held her close. Tomoyo tried to struggle but it was no use.
"Now now Tomoyo dear. Ryu you better find your woman. You know very well that she is capable of... vicious things."
Ryu gulped once he recalled what Meiling tried to do to Eriol when she found out a rumor that he cheated on Tomoyo.
"Err... you're right. I'll go look for her."
Tomoyo grumbled. "She probably found him by now."
Ryu chuckled nervously and then ran out of the house.
* * * *
Syaoran sighed as he walked out of his building. For some reason, it was eerily quiet. That sort of scared him the tiniest bit.
"Who's there?" He called out angrily, trying to show no fear.
"Li-kun, I'd expect something better from you."
Syaoran gasped.
"Mei... Meili..."
A figure stepped out of the shadows and into the vague light the streetlamps gave out. The figure smirked and crossed her arms.
"That's right. It is I, Meiling."
* * * *
Ryu ran down the block and looked around.
'Damn it. Where is she?'
It was getting darker by the minute and soon he wouldn't be able to tell Meiling apart from the other figures walking in the streets.
Ryu mentally cursed himself for leaving her on the loose without someone watching her. He was just really hungry and tired that he didn't want to go all over Tomoeda searching for the pathetic fool Li.
But Meiling had an advantage; she had seen him walking away from Tomoyo's so he wouldn't have been that far off from her when they found out.
Which he didn't. And this made him think... why was Li near Tomoyo's house in the first place?
The whole situation was too damn confusing.
"Meiling!" He shouted, hoping to get a response.
Unfortunately he didn't get any.
'Come on Ryu, think think think. If I were Li, where would I be?'
Ryu's eyes widened in realization. 'Of course why didn't I think of this before! He'll be HOME!'
Ryu looked at the sign. He was about four to five blocks away from Syaoran's apartment. Ryu sweat-dropped then shook his head.
"Ready, Set, Go!" He shouted as he sprinted towards Syaoran's house.
* * * *
Sakura opened her eyes a bit just to see the time. She noticed it was a quarter to eight. She tried to remember when Meiling's flight was supposed to arrive but nothing popped into her mind.
"Sakura-chan?"
Sakura looked up and noticed Tomoyo's concerned face. She smiled weakly before it withered away.
"Hai?" She mumbled.
Tomoyo shook her head and frowned. "Get some sleep Sakura-chan. I'll wake you up when they finally arrive."
Sakura nodded but just before she went back to sleep, she noticed luggage in the hallway.
"Whose are those?" She asked weakly, pointing at the luggage.
Tomoyo's face paled. She completely forgot that Ryu left the luggage... in the middle of the doorway.
"Umm... Eriol's! He was planning to move in as a joke. Don't worry about it Sakura-chan. He's just being a tad silly. Now go get some rest."
Sakura looked weirdly at Tomoyo but just brushed it off. She could finally tell that Tomoyo was lying but she didn't want to press any further. Now she knew Meiling and Ryu were back but they were gone. Gone to do something.
Sakura's eyes widened in realization. "Tomoyo... I have to go."
Tomoyo looked at Sakura confused. "Go where?"
"Go! I have to go! Meiling! She's going to talk to Syaoran isn't she? No no! Let me up! Why didn't you two stop her! Oh my god. He doesn't even know I feel this way. Up! We have to go!" Sakura shouted with all her might trying to get up but Tomoyo was pinning her down.
"Li deserves anything Meiling is about to throw at him. Get some rest Sakura-chan. Ryu went to go find her and bring her back."
Sakura's face twisted into fury. She didn't want Syaoran to know. "NO!" She shouted as she pushed Tomoyo off.
Tomoyo gasped as Eriol caught her. Sakura was forcing all the strength she had to leave the house.
"No no! Sakura-chan stop! You're going to pass out if you continue!"
Sakura put on her shoes and stood up. She brushed her hair with her fingers and began to run for the door.
"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo yelled as she released herself from Eriol's grasp. But it was too late.
Sakura already ran out the door.
"Eriol!"
Eriol nodded and put on his shoes.
"Let's go. She just left Tomoyo I know she hasn't gone that far."
* * * *
"You're back."
Meiling scoffed and walked towards him. Her raven hair was down instead of being up in two buns like usual. It kind of gave Syaoran a creepy feeling.
"How dare you do that to my Sakura-chan. After all I said to the..." She stopped herself. She couldn't mention the elders or his family yet. Her eyes softened when she remembered Yelan telling her to take care of Sakura.
"I didn't do anything to Sakura!" He growled, confused that he was getting angry. Meiling's eyes hardened again.
"Oh so you're innocent and Sakura-chan is a liar." She spat angrily.
"I didn't mean that." He countered.
"But you said it." She stated angrily.
Syaoran let out a frustrated sigh. It was almost 8 and he was sure that Lily was waiting for him. Now he just had to see Meiling on the way out. And he was even more freaked out because Wei said to be careful. Wei knew about Meiling?
"Wait, how did I even hurt Sakura? I didn't do anything!"
Meiling's fists tightened but she promised herself she wouldn't beat Syaoran to a pulp, yet. Not until she got all the information out of him of course.
"You didn't hurt her physically. You hurt her mentally. She thought you liked her but instead you chose a whore that you knew for what? Practically two days!"
Syaoran froze. 'She thought I liked her?' He thought. Now he felt sick. He liked Sakura too but he didn't want to ruin their friendship.
"I... I guess I didn't think I'd have a chance." He said, stumbling to find the right words. Meiling frowned even more at his response.
"Baka! For your stupidity you changed her forever! And for what? For a whore!"
Syaoran looked down at the floor. He felt his heart tear up but he didn't even know why.
"Forever?" He asked quietly.
Meiling's eyes filled with unshed tears. 'Hai Li-kun. We lost our genki Sakura... for good."
Syaoran looked up, noticing Meiling's expression. He felt confused, angry, upset, and sad. He ruined the most beautiful friend he ever had.
And for what?
For Lily. But it's too late now. He said he was going to propose to Lily. It wasn't his fault about what happened to Sakura. It was her own for not voicing her feelings.
"I'm getting married to Lily."
Meiling froze. She looked up at Syaoran, getting ready to tear him apart.
"WHAT!?"
"You heard me. I'm proposing to her on my birthday. In three days to be exact."
Meiling growled and threw him to the floor and began to punch him. Song Min and her group saw this and gasped. They ran towards them and tried their best to haul Meiling off of Syaoran.
"You bastard! Wait till I tell your mother! Your girlfriend is a whore! A two-timer! I hate you! I hope Sakura gets over you!" She screamed, trying to fight Song Min, Jasmine, and Xiomara in order for her to go back to beating up Syaoran.
* * * *
Ryu heard the yells and noticed it was Meiling.
"Meiling..."
He raced down the street and noticed a very interesting scene.
Meiling was screaming and being held back by Song Min and her group. Syaoran was on the floor, having a black and blue eye, swollen cheek, and a bleeding lip.
He raced toward them and Meiling, who was still struggling.
"Meiling-chan stop this at once."
Meiling looked up with tears in her eyes. "He's a bastard. How dare he... Sakura-chan."
Ryu sighed and held Meiling in his arms as she cried. Syaoran was completely baffled by Meiling's reaction. And he was baffled that she could punch that hard. What also surprised him was that Song Min and her group hauled Meiling off of him and were giving him death glares and giving consoling words to Meiling. And Meiling wasn't even screaming at them.
"I don't care what you all do. It's not my fault. It's Sakura's fault and I am getting married to Lily."
He froze once he saw a thin figure stop from approaching him. He could see the emerald eyes beginning to fill with tears. Behind her were two other figures, and he could tell it was Tomoyo and Eriol.
"Sakura..."
Meiling stopped bawling and looked up to see Sakura there. She could see the pain and sadness all over her face.
'Oh no... God... why her?' Meiling thought as she got up with Ryu's help.
Sakura sniffled and tried to hold her tears. She now knew he didn't care about her and that he was getting married to the one she hated the most. All of a sudden she felt dizzy and nauseous. Very soon, the very dark scenario disappeared from her view.
"Sakura-chan!" was the last thing she heard before passing out.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Miss Princess Notes: AHH! Umm, I'm sorry to end it there. But it isn't my fault. Blame it on Syaoran! ;-; I feel so bad for Sakura and I'm the author! See it's out early! Be happy!
Very soon I'll be signing up the ff.net so THEY can notify you when my chapters out. Because my e-mail list is getting longer and longer and even more confusing. So if some of you got two emails, sorry!
I had to finish this before I went to work. I wanted to give you all a special gift. I know you people are dying to know what happens now.
I probably won't have the chapter out until June. I'll try to have it sooner but I have a lot of tests to study for and I really need to concentrate on my studies. Sorry for not proofreading it but Andrew as I said before is extremely busy. The new fic I spoke about won't be ready till late May.
I hope you all review. There was a drop and I hope it doesn't continue that way.
Thanks a lot!
IMPORTANT: Please leave your email address so I can tell you when I've updated. And my bio usually holds the dates of when I'm planning to update.
Bye for now!
~*Final Fantasy Princess*~
^-^ Brenda ^-~