A Week Later . .

The sun shone brightly, heating up the air, the tar and sidewalks. Cicada's chirped noisily, their ear-piercing sound over- riding the normal sounds of the busy sidewalk and roads. Business men and women walked briskly along the sidewalks going to or coming from lunch.
Sitting in a parked car along the sidewalk, Sakura watched the man she was watching through the lens of her camera. He was tall and broad of shoulder. Dressed in a dark business suit and carrying a briefcase. Not someone that she would normally try to fight.
She chucked the camera onto the passenger seat and turned her wary gaze back onto the man that had stopped to talk on his cell. Despite the heat, she pulled the baseball cap lower over her face, and turned the collar of her light jacket up, to shield her. Opening the door, she kept her gaze lowered, making sure to keep the briefcase in her sight as well as it's owner.
She swerved sideways, walking closer towards the man who had his back to her. He cried out when she crashed into him harshly, grabbing the briefcase and clutching it to her chest as she walked away; picking up her pace. When the offended realised what had transpired, he did the only thing that given in his position, was something that he'd never do. He turned around and called to the cop that was at the cafe stand.
Running frantically now, Sakura pushed past people, ignoring their cries of outrage and protest as the officer closely behind her, yelled for her to stop. She couldn't. She'd blow her cover if she did. She ignoreed the sweat trickling down her face as she kicked it up another notch and dived into a side alley, jumping down into the dark storage space she had found earlier, pushing herself up against the cramped back wall.
The cop ran straight past her and she held her breath waiting. He didn't stop or return. Sighing silently, she felt along the cement wall and found the broken chip in the wall and pulled it out, pushing the hidden button. Praying that the cop wasn't walking back, and that he didn't hear the sound of scraping stone, she slid into the small opening just big enough for her small form, and slid down into an dried up underground sewer.
Stepping a few steps away from the opening, where faint light filtered in, she sat down and snatched the awaiting bottle of water and drank thirstily from it before opening the briefcase. She pulled out the laptop and starting hacking into it's files. She didn't have to look far, the file was there waiting for her use. Pulling out a small device that looked like the end connection of a USB cable, Sakura plugged it into the laptop and started downloading the wanted file.
Macc would kill her if he were to find out what she was doing. Not only was it illegal, it had nothing to do with her mission - at least not the one that Macc had assigned her. No, what she was looking for was right here in front of her. Curtessy of one of the major crime lords of Tokyo City. Codes, Pin Numbers, Weapon facilties, ( but she wasn't stupid enough to go after them if she didn't want to get caught. ) and information. Lots and lots of information.
She watched as the loading bar filled up, signalling completion, and pulled out the device and lifted her foot; opening the secret compartment on the bottom of her boot and slipping it inside securely. She typed away furiously, connecting to a secret site that would instantly send a virus through, and crash whatever network they had going. Smiling to herself, she closed down the computer, placing an ANT on the laptop. An ANT was a small device that would keep track of whoever owned or used the small computer. It would break down after a time, so it couldn't be traced or noticed, but by then, Macc hopefully would have tracked them down and another major crime lord would be put behind bars.

She took off the cap and the jacket and tossed them aside. She clipped her hair up and them made sure that her gun was where it was supposed to be and ready if she had to use it. She walked along the empty sewer and came to a small ladder that lead up to a man hole. Leaping up onto the ladder she pushed against the manhole and hefted herself up and sat on the edge of it and looked around. The main road was on her left and a small park to her right. She was about to move when she heard someone shout out and whipped around as she saw about five heavily built men in dark suits spot her and start running towards her.
Moving quickly, Sakura jumped out of the man hole and bolted along the sidewalk along side the main road. Gunshots sounded and she hit the ground and rolled, kneeling up on her knees; ready to sprint off as she looked back at her assailants. They were moving in fast. She pushed off and bolted and dodged as a bullet flew past her head. She swerved to the right and dodged cars as they unexpecting to see a young woman leap out in front of them, slammed on their brakes.

Li saw the cars brake abruptly, just as someone jumped out in front of his car as his reflexes kicked in and the brakes stopped him from running over who ever it was. He stuck his head out the window to mouth off a few curses when a gunshot sounded and the figure's back arched as blood splattered Li's windscreen.
Sakura gript her side and bolted, vaguely hearing the curse, a car door opening and more gunshots sounding. She just focussed on getting to a safe place where she could rest a little.

Li swore and opened the car door and started firing over the car roof as he turned quickly to see where she' had gone. He'd recognise that slender form anywhere. The assailants ducked and used the stopped cars as cover. Li ducked as a bullet hit the roof of the car and sparks shot up from the impact. Glarring and snarling in anger, Li pulled out his other gun and started firing like a mad man. He managed to hit one, his cry echoing in the street. Smirking, Li aimed for the others.

The gunshots were starting to fade as Sakura struggling down into a sitting position against the cold wall gripping her right side. Blood oozed out from between her fingers and smiled grimly. That's what you got for stealing, she thought some-what amused. She fumbled for her cell and stifled a cry when she pulled her side. She had her cell in her hand, but it slipped out of her hand made slippery by all her blood. Trying not to cry out in frustration, she took a breather and then struggled to her feet, ignoring the blood left on the wall. She picked up her cell and cringed. She had to get to a hospital before it was too late.
She stopped to listen as a turbo engine came roaring down the road nearby. Ignoring her panic, she forced herself down further into the dark alley and hid in the shadows. She didn't know how long she waited, but to her, it seemed an enternity. She heard a noise and finally realised that she'd rather be killed instantly, than wait where she was and die a slow and painful death. Pushing herself away from the wall, she walked out into what she hoped was her assailants path and collapsed at their feet. . . .

Twelve Hours Later . . .

The digital clock read 2.00 A.M in bold red numbers. The room was quiet. The first thing that her pain-filled mind registered was something soft and slippery against her skin. The second was that her body ached like hell. She opened her eyes and discovered that it was pitch black. Fighting hysterical panic, she sought any signs of light and found none. She tried to sit up, to get away from the hellish nightmare, but something held her down firmly. She faught whatever it was weakly, nearly drowing in blind panic. She needed the light.
" Calm down or you'll open it up again. " someone whispered near her ear making her jump painfully.
" T-The l-l-ight. " she rasped, her throat dry.
Some of the weight lifted from her and she nearly choked with relief when a flame suddenly appeared above her. She watched it as it moved, and within seconds a candle was burning softly beside her on the bed side table. She fixed her gaze on it, slowly relaxing. She hadn't had a panic attack like that since she had been a few years younger.
Then realising she was alive, she turned to look at who the voice belonged to. She blinked twice, but the image didn't go away. She met deep amber eyes catching the candle light and glowing with it's fire, watching her steadily. There was no mistake. It was Li.
She tried to move, but his hand came down and pushed her none-to-gently back onto the mattress.
" I thought I told you not to move, unless you want to re-open the wound? " She paused, his hand still on her bare shoulder and looked at him confused.
" What w-w-ound? " she managed to speak, watching him.
The warm hand left her shoulder and he held a glass of water out for her to drink from. She drank thirstily and sighed in content. Then raising her emerald gaze to his amber one, she asked again: " What wound? " she cringed when pain filled her side.
" That wound. " Li replied calmly returning her gaze. " Now sleep. " he ordered softly.
Sakura's eyes fluttered down but she forced them open, only to have them fall down again. " But I'm not sleepy. "
She thought she saw him smirk as her eyes closed and as she drifted off could have sworn she heard him whisper: " Are you always this stubborn? "

F.B.I Agency . . .

Telephones rung constantly with the constant follow up of " Ohayou. " People busily went on with their jobs, but down the hallway it was a completely differet story. . .

Half the staff stopped to stare at Macc's office as papers and what ever he could get his hands onto flew across the room or into the air as his rage would not be soothed. They exchanged glances and watched through the blinds as Saola Lin, Saito Wantanabe and two others copped the brunt of Macc's temper.
" . . HOW CAN SHE SIMPLY DISAPPEAR?!! " he thundered. " I WANT HER FOUND DO YOU HEAR ME? IS THAT IN ANYWAY UNCLEAR? SHE WAS PART OF YOUR BLOODY TEAM! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER! IF SHE ISN'T FOUND AND MY JOB GETS PUT ON THE LINE, YOU'LL BE ALL LOOKING FOR A BLOODY NEW CAREER WHEN I'M FINISHED WITH YOU! "

Secretaries sharred anxious glances and shifted their files trying not to draw anyone's attention.

" GET OUT OF MY SIGHT! " Macc roared and something heavy hit the wall making everyone jump. Macc looked up and saw them all watching and his face went even more red. He stormed over to the blinds glarring at them.
" WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS IS? A BLOODY EXHIBITION? GET BACK TO WORK! "

Saola and Saito walked out of Macc's office followed by the other two clearly ruffled, but not intirely shaken.
" What the hell does he expect us to do? " Soala muttered looking at Saito. " I mean it wasn't our fault she went missing. "
Saito shot her a look. " He expects us to find our team mate Saola. " he replied quietly. " That is our job. "
" Ara? " Soala asked sarcastically. " Well maybe if she didn't go runing off on her own, we wouldn't have lost her in the first place. "
" Calm down. " Saito said shooting her a warning glance. " Losing your own temper won't help the situation. "
" Niku kuso. " she muttered and stormed off.
Saito watched her go and sighed. It was going to be a long day . . .

Three Days Later . . .

Sakura woke up and looked around the room that was now fully bathed in light. It was a small apartment by the looks of the room. It was a simple design, a large bed ( which she dominated ) took up most of the room. A built in wardrobe lined one of the side walls, a small dressing table, a table and a couple of chairs made up the rest of the room.
She noticed that the sheets were green silk. That explained what she was feeling against her skin. She frowned and looked down at herself. She was left in her bra and underwear and blushed seven shades of red. Li had better hope that someone hopefully a girl or else had undressed her. She was feeling hot and threw the blankets back carefully and gasped as she saw the red-stained bandaged that took up her side. Gulping, she slid her feet over the side of the bed and stuggled to get up. Feeling dizzy she held her head and listened for any movement beyond the closed door. She couldn't hear anything. She opened the door and peeked outside, looking out into the kitchen and the other rooms. No one was home. Sakura walked out and looked around. It was a nice place she had to admit. Then before she could look any further her gaze landed on the automatic calander on the kitchen bench and she almost screamed in surprise. Macc was going to kill her.
Making her way back to the bedroom she scanned the floor for her clothes and didn't find them. She looked around and found her clothes hanging up in the small laundry. He'd washed them. Ignoring the hole that was wear the bullet had connected, she dressed as quickly as her body would allow and headed towards the kitchen.
Five minutes later after raiding his fridge and gulping down some juice, Sakura ran her fingers through her hair trying to straighten it out a little, but to no avail. Looking around for some way to leave a note for her rescuer she spotted his computer. Smirking, she qiuckly over-rid all the secruity codes and passwords and smiled when she found what she was hoping would be there.
She went to the door and looked down to find her boots, wallet and cell laying next to each other. She opened her wallet and thanked kami that she'd remember to bring her fake I.D instead of the other. Everything was as it should be, but something deep inside knew that they had all been searched. She thanked Kami again that she hadn't had anything to give herself away. Checking the bottom of her boot, she sighed when she saw that that particualr give-away hadn't been discovered. Doing up her boots, she reached for the phone and called a cab, after she'd checked her loctaion. It was a small apartment near town houses. No one would guess that a Black Wolf was using this place for a hide out. She placed some cash down near the phone to cover the call and what she'd taken from the fridge, and stepped out into the bright sunlight as the cab pulled up.

The cabbie shot her a knowing smirk when he saw her tustled appearance. Blushing and glarring at him through the rear view mirror, she directed him to a small park that was near her apartment where she'd call Macc.

Stepping out of the cab she looked around making sure she wasn't being followed, and tipped the cab and watched as he drove off. She walked slowly, hindered by her wound, about the small park before heading to her apartment. Once inside she turned on her answering machine and listened to the numerous messages from Macc demanding that she call him a.s.a.p.

10 minutes later . . .

Stepping out of the shower and drying herself carefully, Sakura cringed when she saw her wound. It was nasty. Re-bandaging it was a hindrance that she could have done without, but she needed to be dressed if Macc was going to come bursting into her apartment.
She went to her boot and pulled it apart and retrieved her prize and started up her laptop while reaching for her cell. It rang twice before it was answered by Macc's secretary. She sighed knowing she wasn't going to get blasted yet.
" Ohayou Jansu-san. " Sakura said cheerfully. " It's Avalon-san. Can you please tell Macc that I'm at my apartment and that I'm sorry for the delay? Arigato. " Sakura sighed and hung up the phone, then smiled to herself. She wondered what his expression would be like when he found her note?

Around the same time . . .

Li sighed as he opened the door and ditched his shoes, not taking any notice that something was missing. He marched into the kitchen and tried to think what he'd make for her to eat tonight, when he looked up and saw that his screen saver was on. Frowning he walked warily over to it. Why was it on? He moved the mouse and starred at what was on the screen before he realised what he was seeing and swore as he headed towards his bedroom.
On the screen was the picture of a woman dressed in a bikini blowing a kiss to who ever should be looking, while the words - " Arigato for the help. " were typed beside the picture. . . .

5 Mins Later . .

Sakura wasn't disappointed when Macc started banging on her door. Rising painfully to her feet, she walked over to her door and looked through the peep hole just to make sure, before turning the locks and opening the door.
" Where the hell have you - "
Sakura held up her hand and cringed when her side pulled. Macc instantly noticed.
" Don't start Macc. " she said calmly. " I was doing some business and I got caught. I was shot and one of the Black Wolves have been looking after me. "
Macc's mouth opened and closed mutely, before she stepped back and allowed him to walk into the apartment.
" How bad is it? " Macc asked sighing and sitting down.
" Bad enough. I want one of our doctors to look at it though. It kanes. " she attempted to smile.
Macc sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
" Kami girl. You took 20 years off my life. " Macc stated looking at her gravely. " Saito and Saola are out looking for you, and I admit I lost my temper with them both. "
" I warned you that temper would ruin you one day. " Sakura chided.
" I think you'd better tell me the whole story. " Macc said while dialling for the F.B.I's doctor.
Sakura held up the small device and plugged it into her laptop and pressed the download key and Macc starred dumbstruck as lines and lines of numbers and lettering flew down the screen.
" That Macc is why I got caught. " Sakura replied gravely. " This will help us with gettting closer to the gang society to find out the truth about what happened three years ago. "
" Sakura - " Macc started closing his eyes wearily. " Iie Macc. " Sakura cut in. " Through this we can try several other directions. What if it wasn't the Black Wolves? What if - "
" Then why did they disappear for three years? " Macc cut in. " Only those guilty go into hiding. They waited until the heat died down before they re-emerged. " " Yeah, to go into a full blown masacre. That sounds like revenge or reclaiming territory to me. " Sakura stated calmly.
" What about the evidence? " Macc demanded hotly.
" Easily faked/forged/framed. " Sakura shot back.
Macc opened his mouth as the door bell went. Macc sighed and gestured toward the door. " That'll be Touchstone. "

Sakura stood patiently as the doctor, a.k.a Touchstone, frowned and studied her wound. Standing up, he told her that he'd like to keep her off her feet for a few more days, some antibiotics, and a free holiday in recovery. Sakura glarred at Macc as he chuckled behind her. " If I have to be stuck in that hospital for weeks, then you're going to give me those photos taken of the crime scene so I can make a study of what was found. "
Macc frowned. " What on earth for? "
" Comparison to the real thing natually. " Sakura replied.
Macc looked like he was going to refuse, but Sakura picked up her laptop and shoved it into Macc's arms and told him that she was going to get some clothes.
Macc shot Touchstone a look and Sakura's head appeared around the door. " Oh, and keep that creep; Takouya away from me as well. "

To Be Continued . . .

BW2 " Niku kuso. " is " Go to Hell. " I like that little touch

Thanks for any reviews. I'll make sure to update soon.