A tall dark, forboading figure starred down at the list in front of him in the darkened study. He had not intended for them to lose so many. Images from the night before flashed through his mind as a reminder of everything they'd risked to eliminate their opponent.

' It's to make it safer for us. ' Li had reassured the night before, when Meilin had asked him if what they were about to do was right.
' If we don't so this, then we'll be hiding in the shadows for the rest of our lives. We can do this, I know we can. It's time we started living again. We've hid for far too long. It's time to emerge back into the light. '
' Some of us will die won't they? ' she'd asked searching his eyes.
Li was reluctant to agree, but he wouldn't lie to her.
' Hai Meilin, it's all part of the way it goes. Ying and Yang remember? Balance - their blood and ours. '
' Ying and Yang. ' she'd repeated, remembering.

Li threw the list on the desk, and turned away to stare out into the night. He heard the door open and he sighed when he knew who it would be. He could see their shadow in the glass from the light in the hallway, coming though the open door.
" Still in here moping I see. " came the annoying voice.
" What do you want Hiiragizawa? " Li asked dryly. " If you've come in here to rub it in, don't let the door hit you on the way out. "
" Touche. " muttered Eriol behind him, glancing down at the list on the desk. He could see most of the names as it was bathed in moonlight. He looked back up at Li's stiff back.
" It had to be done. " he said quietly. " Either them or us. That's what you told Meilin. "
Li crossed his arms, glarring out the window, clearly not wanting to talk.

Eriol watched him and sat down on the corner of the desk and pulled out his lighter. Not one to usually smoke, he just flipped the lid, watching as the flame appeared and disappeared as he continued to play.
" Do you mind? " Li asked shooting him a look over his shoulder.
Eriol paused, the flames flickering in darkness of the room.
" What are you upset about? " he asked. " We stood up and won. Ok, yes we lost a few, but we all knew that was a risk factor. "
" I'm upset, " Li said whipping around and glarring at him. " Because tonight was nothing. The fact is Hiiragizawa, we may have won the battle but not the war. Not by a long shot. Who ever was after us three years ago is still out there. Then on top of that, we've alerted all the authorities from here to Tokyo and further that we're still in the game. They were so close to getting us last time, what's going to stop them coming after us again this time? I don't know about you, but I hate being cornered. " he snapped. " I hate it. "
Eriol tilted his head to the side and closed the lid of the lighter with a snap.
" Don't think for one moment that we all don't feel exactly the same. " he replied calmly. " None of us have enjoyed it either. The last three years have been hell for us too you know. "
Li ran a hand through his messy locks and flopped down into the leather chair and swung from side to side in thought. Eriol knowing he needed some comfort; but in a suttle way, smirked.
" You know. . . " he said conversationally. " The Chimeiteku na Fungai is next week. I can think of nothing better than to vent our frustration and anger out on the track. Good money too; just the sort of thing we could do with. "
Sapphire met amber. Sapphire smirked.
" Just the sort of thing you'd be into I imagine. " Eriol shifted making himself more comfortable on the desk.
Amber continued to study him.
" We could let Meilin lose. I'd imagine we'd win a few easy, scare away a bit of the competition. No pedestrian would be safe, not to mention the other racer. But then again she does take after you in that aspect. "
Li didn't smile or smirk, but his eyes had an inner glow that wasn't there before.
Eriol nodded satisfied and stood up, once again playing with his lighter; just to piss Li off a little more before he left.
" I'll see you around then. Good to know you've stopped moping. " he smirked as he walked towards the door. He had it open when Li's voice rang out loud and clear.
" Go to hell Hiiragizawa. And just for the record: You suck as shrink. I knew what you were up to all along. It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. Call it quits and find a new profession. Something that requires a diploma"
Eriol knew that was his way of saying thank you. Smirking he looked back at Li.
" Now why would I want to do that? You're the best client yet. My genius work on you all the time. " he had the satisfaction of seeing Li drop his mask and look at him surprised, before he walked out and closed the door behind him. " Your welcome . . " he whispered, starring at the door, before walking off down the hall.

A Few Days Later, Tomoeda . . .

BEEP'

" . . You've reached the Avalon residence. Unfortunately I'm not home at the moment, you can try to contact me on my pager or my cell, but if that hasn't worked or you haven't tried them, just leave message and I'll get to you as soon as I can. . . "

BEEP

" Tou-san? Are you there? sigh It's me, Sakuran-chan. Listen I haven't got much time, but can you tell me where to get in contact with Onii-chan? I checked his last residence and he'd bailed a month or so ago. Mou, doesn't he ever stay in one place for more than a week? Someone should nail his feet to a permanant address. Ok, Ashiteru Tou-san. Plese call me a.s.a.p! Ja! . . "

Two Days Later, Tokyo.

The place was huge. Cars were lined up outside and inside the workshop. Men were busily rushing past working and taking no notice of the young woman standing in the driveway watching them. She walked inside, towards one particular car that had it's hood up and a pair of long legs, covered in oil-stained overalls, sticking out from beneath.
Her shadow cast near the side of the car and she saw the long legs move a fraction, as if the owner had noticed that she was standing there. She smiled and started tapping her booted foot impatiently. The owner of the legs ignored her and Sakura smiled more brightly as she knew it wouldn't be long know. She was disappointed.

" Okusama, I'm kinda busy here, I'm sure that on of the other guys will help you with whatever you're after. "
Sakura stopped tapping her foot and leaned over the motor of the car and saw dark hair and broad shoulders beneath . She tilted her head so she could see his face and pouted.
" Surely Onii-chan you're not too busy to say Ohayou to your imouta? I'd be disappointed after all the trounble I took to find you. "
Chocolate brown eyes shifted and starred up though the motor to her face. " Sakura? "
Sakura stepped back, took one ankle and pulled, causing a yelp on her brother's part and had him sliding out from underneath the car, covered with oil. She was kneeling down beside him smiling. " What do you think? " she chided.
Tori sat up amd starred at her. She smiled and then giggled. " You've got oil all over your face. " she tugged his hair playfully and made a face. " Not to mention in your hair too. " she smiled brightly.
" Sakura? " he asked again, looking her over. " What are you doing here? "
Now it was her turn to glare. " Since when were you going to let me know that you had moved?!! " she demanded hotly. " Do you know how frustrating it is to try and track you down? Kami, if I ever needed help and I couldn't get in touch with Tou-san- "
He stiffened in the process of wiping his hands on an oily rag. " Are you in trouble? " he asked softly.
She shook her head. " Iie. But I do need your help. You're the only one I know that can. "

Tori stood up and Sakura stood up along side him. He chucked the oily rag near the car and looked behind him, telling the boss that he was going on his lunch break to talk to his sister. He headed up the metal stairs at the back of the workshop, and Sakura followed, ignoring the admiring glances the others shot her. She was dressed in a soft blue shirt along with her jeans and ankle boots. Her hair was plaited, and hung over her shoulder. She followed Tori into the small office and he closed the door behind her.
" We'll be able to talk in here without being overheard. " Tori said and sat down in one of the chairs.
Sakura nooded looking out the blinds watching everyone as they continued to work.
" Sakura? "
Sakura turned around and bestowed her brother with one of her loving smiles. " Another job right? "
Tori shrugged as she walked around the desk and sat down, putting her feet up on the desk, crossing her ankles. Tori shot her an annoyed look and pushed her feet of the desk.
" So when were you going to tell me the new address? " she asked arching her eyebrow.
Tori matched her gaze. " I tried to, but that damn operator told me your too busy with whatever case you were doing. "
Sakura put her feet back up on the desk.
" So you're still in the F.B.I? " Tori asked holding his breath.
" Hai. " sakura answered and watched him tense up. She sighed. " It's my choice. I like it there. "
Tori looked away.
" Macc's impressed by what I do. He still claims I'm his best. You should be proud. "
" I don't like you working there. " Tori stated meeting her gaze. " It's too dangerous. " he noticed her feet on the desk and frowned.
" Then you're going to love what I'm here for. " Sakura frowned when he pushed her feet off the desk again.
" Am I going to get angry? " he asked suspiciously.
Sakura refused to met her brother's eye and mumbled. " Hai. "
Tori sighed and leant back into his chair. " Tell me. "

Everyone stopped and looked up at the small office when they heard the yelling. They looked at each other and shrugged, before going back their work.

Sakura shot the door a quick glance before she looked back at her brother who had jumped out of his chair and had started pacing, shouting his head off. She tried to soothe him, but he glarred at her and starting cursing even more. She ran over to him and clampdd her hand firmly over his mouth and glanced at the door again.
" Tori calm down onegai. " she begged, looking back at him. He was glarring at her, still mumbling despite her hand.
" It's not that big a deal, trust me. " Tori tried to pull away, but she glarred at him. " Calm down! "
She darred him to move. " Now are you going to help me or not? " she asked. " You know all about cars, always have. Now teach me. If I don't pass, them I'll get kicked off the squad. I know that would appease you, " she glarred. " But I'd never be happy ever again. Do you hear me? " she asked. " This is what I live for. "
Tori managed to pull away and glare at her. " You'll get killed.! " he snapped. " No sister of mine is going to go get her head blown off, just because of a lousey whim! "
" It isn't a lousey whim! " she snapped. "Tori onegai, help me. If you don't and I get thrown off the squad, I will go into hiding, and you'll never see me again, so help me I swear it! "
" You wouldn't dare. " Tori muttered angrily, narrowing his eyes.
" Try me. " Sakura challenged.
Tori watched her for a minute, and Sakura held her breath. Tori turned away from her and he shook his head.
" Meet me here at seven tomorrow. If I think your not meant for it, you won't be doing it. "
Sakura sighed relieved and touched his shoulder in comfort. " It'll be ok for sure. You'll see. "
Tori muttered something unintellible and she kissed him on the cheek, before she said goodbye and walked out the office door.

Tori watched her go and felt his heart clench painfully.
" Kami help me . .. . . "

In the dark garage a shadow shifted and the the white sheet fluttered to the ground, revealing black paint, a full body kit, rear spoiler, mags that glinted in the semi-darkness, and tinted windows. Opening the door and turning the ignition - Green neons flared to life - underneath the sides, on the back window and on the front of the bonnet; bringing the Wolf print to life in the eerie light, warning off any who sought to challenge it.
Closing the door and shifting the gears; the Mitsubishi Lancer roared to life, making use of the turbo, and sped out into the night. . .

It had been too long . . .

Day of the Chimeiteku na Fungai . . .

Banners billowed in the wind, their prescence announcing the festive occasion. It had been almost three years since the last one. People crowded around as car after car started to appear. It was early, but it was a perfect time to find out about competition, racers, and the stakes.
Cash constantly echanged hands; whether it be by betting, buying or selling.

Everyone turned as a group of cars roared into the grounds and parked all together. Murmers went through the crowd when they spotted the black Lancer with the Wolf. It would seem the Black Wolves were out and about once again. They watched as the tall man with chesnut hair, wearing dark shades stepped out of the black lancer and glanced around as the others that had come with him, stepped out of their cars.
The wind rustled Li's long bangs and he nodded towards the others. Out of a blood red Impreza WRX, stepped a tall, slender girl with long black hair, dressed to fit the term 'fighter'. Her ruby eyes scanned the gathering crowd and smirked evilly. Others stepped out of their cars, doing the same. " Time to look 'round. " Li called over to the others and closed the door, locking it soundly as he walked away, Meilin, Eriol, Mika and the others following behind.

Not long after the arrival of the Black Wolves, several vehicles could be heard gunning it down the road towards the entrance of the crowded grounds. Several heads turned to watch curiously as a small group of cars drove in through the entrance and seemed to spread out as if they were not together.
From where she was stading, Meilin watched the black Integra park and watched waiting. It had tinted windows, making it difficult to see inside, a back spoiler, mags that would have cost a bit, and by the looks of it, Neons to boot. She'd never seen this car before, but then again, she hadn't been out in this kind of atmosphere for over three years. She'd missed a lot. Li came to stand next to her, handing her a drink. Meilin nodded in the direction of the new car. " What do you think? " she asked never taking her eyes off the car.
Li flicked his eyes over towards the Integra and shrugged. " There's a lot of new competition this year. "

Just then the door opened and they watched as a tall, young girl stepped out. She had knee high boots on, a short denin skirt that exposed her legs, a black halter top, pink sunnies and her long aurburn hair hung low past her back, and billowed out behind her in the breeze as she looked around in the afternoon light.
She closed the door and watched as it automatically locked. Seeming satisfied that it hadn't disobeyed her, she nodded and walked off in the direction of the stalls and show cases. As they continued to watch her walk away there was a aura of newness around her. Meilin smirked. " She's a new-comer. She might as well have had a banner. She's as tense and nervous as a tightly strung harp. "
Li smirked. Meilin always did have a way with words.
" So? What's it matter? There's plenty of new-comers this year. It just gives us an opportunity to beat them, take their hard-earned money, and give a free show of how it's really done in the mean time. "
Meilin snorted and walked off.
" You're an arrogant bastard." she called over her shoulder as she disappeared into the crowd.
Li simply smirked even more and walked off in the opposite direction. It wouldn't be long now.

Sakura tried to fight her nervousness, but it simply wouldn't go away. Tori had schooled her the best that he could, but nothing had prepared her for the enormity of it all. Cars were everywhere. Loud music pumped out around her from the differnt subs in the back of people's cars. She tried not to think that she was a stranger here and that they could easily pick her out, then fighting nausea, she continued to walk towards the track where they were starting to race.

She watched in amazement as two cars shot forward and sped down the tarmack. She had raced Tori, giving her a sense of what it would be like, but here, she'd have to start small, build up her confidences and then try it at the big league. She'd been given an unlimited supply of expenses to wage away at her own will, they all had. She just hoped that they didn't fail, especially not herself.

Two hours later . .

Sitting at a small table that looked straight out onto the track, Li, Meilin, Eriol and Mika watched as the Black Integra sped across the finish line ahead of the white Lancer.
" Hmph. " Meilin smirked. " She's getting good. "
Eriol and Mika exchanged glances curiously.
" New-comer. " Li informed them, drinking from his glass. " Pretty little thing. "
Meilin snorted still watching the Black Integra.
" Long legs? Pretty eyes? " Mika smiled looking at Li.
" Long legs, body to boot, long hair, eyes haven't seen. " Li replied smirking at Meilin.
Meilin glarred back at Li. " Put your tongue back in your mouth. You remind me of a dog, panting after a bitch on heat. " she snapped.
" Touche " Eriol muttered.
Meilin stood up.
" Now where are you off to? " Mika asked.
" Away from you sex-deprived maniacs. I gonna go challenge your little friend. " she bit off and stormed out of the bar.
Eriol looked at the others smirking. " Now this I have to see. "

Sakura pulled up, accepted the money that she had just won through the tinted window, and then sat back in her chair almost suffercating. She thought she would have felt better after the first couple of races, but it just didn't get better. Her nervousness kept coming up to swamp her. She was afraid that if she did any more, she would be over come with it, or at least throw up.
She was thinking about how the others were doing, when a blood red Impreza WRX pulled up beside her and a young girl with long black hair glarred at her through the window.
" Up for racing me? " she asked smirking.
Sakura blinked back at her.
" You want to race me? " she asked. It had normally been her that had to ask.
" Duh, " she snapped dryly. " I've been watching you new-comer, and you've gotten pretty good. Now proove how good you really are. Race me. "
Nerves started getting the better of her again and Sakura squashed them firmly down into her unconcious.
" Ok. How much? " Sakura asked.
The amount nearly made her choke. She wanted to decline, and if sensing her refusal, the girl glarred at her.
" You're not afraid are you? "
Sensing that her pride was on the line, Sakura shook her head, making the girl smile and pull off to the starting line.

" Kami, she really is going to race her. " Eriol said a little surprised, as he watched the two line up.
Mika smiled totally enjoying himself and tipped his glass in salute to the two cars.

Sakura turned up her music trying to concentrate on the skitz mix and then slammed her foot down as she raced aganst the other girl. Sakura didn't think she was going to win, the other girl was too far out in front of her. Blanking out her thoughts as the world sped past her in a fury, she gave it all she had and didn't even notice she had gained ground and was now neck and neck with the Impreza.
Pushing past the limit that Tori had told her not to go past, she concentrated on the finish line and sped over it. She slammed on her brakes and guided the car as it jerked coming down from it's hellish level. She swung the car around and drove back slowly, trying to get her barrings. She pulled up and stepped out of the car as the Impreza drove up beside her.
The girl stepped out, her face un-readable. She stopped close to Sakura and Sakura looked up to met her ruby red eyes.
" W-who won? " Sakura asked in a daze.
The girl starred back at her. " Didn't you pay attention? " she asked. Sakura shook her head.
Sakura was suddenly aware of money being pushed into her hand. She starred at it and then at the girl.
" Congratulations. It's not every day I lose. " the girl muttered.
" I won? " Sakura asked surprised.
" What are you stupid? " Meilin demanded angrily. " Is that all you say? "
Sakura clutched the money in her hand. " No. " she looked away. " I think I'm going to be sick. " and with that she bolted.

Sakura washed her face under the cold running water and couldn't believe she had just done that. How could she get so over whelmed? Splashing her face again, she didn't see the shadow beside her in the fading light. " Feeling better? " asked a male voice.
Sakura jumped and whirled around.
" Who are you? " she squinted against the sunset, trying to see who he was.
The stranger stepped forward blocking out the sunset and she gazed up at amber eyes, and messy chesnut hair.
" Xiao Lang Li. And you? "
Sakura starred up at him, then blinked and looked away. " You can call me Cherry. "
For some reason he smirked.
" Something amusing? " she asked, a little bit of her normal self coming through.
He smirked even more.
" First time huh? "
Wary of him she nodded.
" I could tell. After all it's not every day that the winner would rather be sick then accept money and glory. "
Blushing crimson, she glarred up at him, and straightened her spine. " If you came all the way over here to insult me then, I suggest you turn back around and head back the way you came. I'd tell you not to let the door hit you on the way out, but since we aren't near any doors, I'll just settle with a simple get lost. " she snapped angrily.
He seemed pretty uneffected by her statement but then she was startled when someone clapped and cheered her way. Two men walked over and smiled brightly at her.
" Well done milday. " the dark-haired one with glasses said smiling at her. " That was nicely done. I don't think anyone's had the guts to tell you off in a long time Li. " he said smirking at the man in front of her.
" We were coming to ask if you wanted to share a congratulations drink, since you beat one of our own , but we couldn't help but over hear your lovely speech. " the other boy with blue eyes and brown hair smiled.
Sakura stepped back warily and kept them in her sights. If she'd have to fight, she would.

" Come on, " Mika summoned. " Allow the Black Wolves to toast you with the congratulations! We aren't beaten easily, and it's a true person with talent and skill who can beat us. "
Sakura blinked. Black Wolves? She met Li's gaze and she glarred back, before turning to the other two. She held out her hand.
" Cherry. Nice to meet you. "
" Name's Eriol. This is Mika. " Eriol introduced shaking her hand. " Pleased to meet you. "
Shooting Li a withering look, she walked past and called over her shoulder: " Now how about that drink? "

An Hour Later . . .

Sakura finally had the chance to congratualte the girl she finally learned went by the name Meilin. She also learned that Meilin was Xiao Lang Li's cousin. The arrogance must be part of the breeding she mused to herself after she had studied them for a while.
As for the latter, she totally ignored him. When he had added more insult to injury, she had turned her emerald fire on him and had the satisfaction of knowing she had unnerved him a little, when she saw the mask shift. Little did she know it was because of the colour of her eyes that had startled him.
They had watched other races and she had even seen Li race once, and nearly choked on her drink when she had seen how good he actually was. She had watched her co-workers compete, winning some and losing others. As the night went on she became more and more aware to the fact that Li was watching her. It unnerved her not only because she wasn't used to men starring at her apart from Takouya, but he was a creep anyway and because she hoped he didn't realise that she was a cop. But he gave no indication that he was onto her, so she relaxed a little and enjoyed herself. She discovered earlier on that Eriol or Eli, as some others called him, was a funny person. Little did he have to do or say to be able to make her laugh or smile. But she couldn't help but smirk in satisfaction when she'd watch him tease Li and see him get his feather's ruffled. Revengence was sweet, since she couldn't do it herself.

Knowing that she was tiring, and in fear that she might let her guard down, she started to gather her things and laughed as the others tried to stop her. Smiling she wrote down a number that Meilin as she had gotten to know her by now could contact her on.
She'd gotten near her car when she heard that arrogant voice behind her.
" Seems you enjoyed yourself tonight. "
Praying for patience she turned around and faced Li.
" I did. Despite bad company. " she replied truthfully.
He arched his brow and stepped out of the shadows.
" Not one to conceal what one feels are you? " he asked.
" Not when I'm around you no. You seem to bring out the worst in me. I wonder why? " she said sarcastically.
His eyes narrowed.
" You obviously don't realise who I am do you? "
It was her turn to arch a brow sarcastically.
" Would I care? " she asked. " You don't strike much interest on my part. " she turned away.
He grabbed her arm and swung her around and gript her arm painfully.
" I am Syoaran Li, leader of the Black Wolves. You'd best remember that. You don't want to make an enemy of me. You've pushed me far enough tonight. "
Her hand connected painfully with his cheek and he stepped back stunned, unaware that Meilin, Mika and Eriol were standing nearby looking shocked.
" Don't you dare threaten me. " Sakura stated angrily. " I don't care who you are. " Li held his hand up to his stinging cheek. " Most girls wouldn't dare do what you just did. "

Sakura looked at him and then suddenly a evil smirk appeared.
" Well I'm not like most girls now am I? " she asked sweetly, and then turned around and walked over to her car, got inside, gunned the engine, turned on the subs, and flarred the pink neons ( same places as Li's. ), and sped off down the road, and out through the entrance, speeding into the night. . .

Eriol turned slightly to mutter to Meilin: " Oh, she's definetely on my 'Like List'. "
Meilin smirked and crossed her arms. " Don't let him hear that. . . . "

To Be Continued . . .