Two Days Later . . .

Sakura couldn't believe she was the same person. She starred in the rearview of her red Mitsubishi I Lancer Evolution 4, ( An: it's a really nice racing car! ) and starred at the stranger starring back at her. Today, she was in her undercover form. Today Cherry was unleashed.
Her eyes were darkened by maskara and eye shadow. Her long bangs seemed longer somehow, and shadowed her eyes, making her appearance seem mysterious and leathal. The tips of her bangs were dyed blood red and blended in with her auburn hair. Her hair was tied up in a high pony tail and cherry pink covered her lips and she was glad she couldn't see what she was wearing. She was wearing tight jeans that flowed out at the bottom and road low on her hips. A short belt-thing wrapped halfway around her waist and had long hanging tassels that went all the way to her ankles, making her appearance sexy but stylish. She wore a short, white, tight fitting sleeveless top that was cut low, hinting at her cleverage and exposing a lot of her stomach. Gold, dangling hoops hung from her ears and danced when she moved. Complementing the outfit, were black, ankle boots.
Through the tinted windows, Sakura could see people were admiring her car and she smiled. Tori may be an over-protective baka most of the time, but she was glad he knew all about cars. Feeling slightly nervous, she opened the door and stepped out, the wind instantly catching her long tresses and blowing them out behind her.
She caught the admiring looks from the guys and the jealous ones from the girls. What the girls had to be jealous about Sakura wondered. She didn't look half as good as most of them. To her, she seemed like the odd one out. Remembering her instructions, she locked her car and started to secretly look for Saito. She didn't have to look far.
His blonde hair ruffled as the wind continued to blow. He was sitting at the make-shift bar and seemed to her to be someone seriously down and out. Like someone out on their luck. Then he turned his head, his shot glass rested against his cheek and spotted her. Sakura watched as his eyes widened, frowned in confusion and then widened again in recognition. She slightly frowned wondering what in the world he was doing?
Looking around non-commitedly, she made her way over to the bar area where music blarred and people danced, showing off new moves. Saito drowned his shot and got up, and made his way towards her.

Several members of the Black Wolves were at the track this time. Those including, Mika, Eriol, Meilin, Li and Eriol's new interest - a girl with long black hair and deep violet eyes; a girl by the name of Madison Taylor. Li walked several paces in front of them, keeping himself aloof. Meilin watched him and knew that even after nearly two weeks, Li was still pissed to the core about the mysterious girl - Cherry. Meilin had been stunned when she had learned that after her departure, they'd had a big fight and Li had woken up and had found her gone . . again. And hadn't heard or seen anything of her since.
Meilin looked around absently while trying to think about Cherry. It was apparent that they all had a connection with her. She was nice and caring, but there was something there, an almost hidden secret that hung over the girl, that kept her from truly commiting herself to them. She couldn't help but like Cherry, but something was awry. And the question that Meilin wanted to know was why did she continuely disappear? What was she running from or to who? Meilin didn't want to go that far yet. It was a betrayal of the quick friendship she had struck up with Cherry.
Behind her, Eriol had his arm drapped over Madison's shoulders and she was smiling and talking with him. She had been exposed to gang life for most of her, working in a small bar down town, trying hard to earn a living, but had never truly experienced it. Eriol had taken an instant liking to her and had taken her in for his own.
" So who is this Cherry that I've heard so much about? " Madison asked softly - observant as she was, she knew that the name was never spoken in front of Li and only whispered when no one was supposed to be listening.

Eriol shot her amused look. " Nothing gets by you does it? " he joked quietly shooting Li's stiff back a look as they continued walking through the grounds. Madison blushed and looked away. " It's just that everyone talks about her, but no one seems to know who she is. And I know she's connected to Li. That's obvious. "
Eriol gave her shoulder an amused squeeze and kissed her on the forehead.
" I've met Cherry once; at the last track meet. Was a new-comer and worked her way up to a respectable place in one day. "
" Most people do that anyway. " Madison spoke softly. " What happened? "
" She raced Meilin and beat her. This Cherry was the first to be able to defeat a Black Wolf in a long time. Her and Li hit it off almost instantaneously, she even slapped him in front of everyone. "
Madison's eyes widened and looked at Li's cold expression. " I bet that didn't go down too well. "
Eriol laughed, getting a sharp look from Li.
" You are definately right. " he smirked. " Since then Li's been infatuated with her. The only problem is this Cherry comes and goes as she pleases. No one knows where she disappears to exactly, but Li can't find her. she's a mystery, and around here, if you're a mystery, then you've got something to hide. That's something Li or any other Wolf can't afford to have around, because it usually means that they're working for someone else and with our history, we're easy targets. "
Madison met his gaze. " Oh. " she looked away deep in thought.
" What are you thinking about? " Eriol asked cuddling her closer.
" Maybe this Cherry knows of Li's reputation and is a little afraid of what might happen? " she said looking at him.
" I mean I already knew of your reputation, " she ignored Eriol's startled expression, and continued on. " But when I looked up and saw you looking at me, I knew I liked what I saw and I could see you did too. " she smiled. " And even though I know you're a major player I was willing to risk being discarded later on down the track, I wanted to risk it anyway, because I don't think people who experience what we did when we met each other's gaze have a bad ending. " she blushed and looked away. " But maybe that's just me. I don't know about you, but that's what I think anyway. "
Meilin had heard the whole thing, as did the others and starred at the two in amazement. Meilin turned around and looked at Madison.
" Whoah wait a minute. " she said looking at her. " You knew that he was player and yet you still gave him a chance? What about what you get out of it? People who usually know players are players themselves. "
" Meilin. " Eriol glarred.
Madison smiled up at Eriol in reassurance.
" I'm not one of those types. " she said truthfully. " But I'm usually a good judge of character. I have a knack for knowing when there is good or bad in a person. Even though Eli's reputation precedes him, I know that there's a part of him that I can relate to. I don't know how to describe it apart from the fact that we share something special. "
Meilin looked at Eriol and arched an eyebrow. Eriol met her gaze challenging.
" Will you two cut it out. " Li snapped. " We're here for a reason. Think about it than your petty arguements "
" Fine. " Meilin snapped and turned around and stopped dead.
Musica blarred all around them and she starred in disbelief.
" Cherry. " she stated in surprise and Li paused and walked over to her.
" Where? "
The others gathered around and looked where Meilin pointed.

Music blarred around them. Saito moved up and partnered Sakura and she started dancing to the words of the song. She swung her hips, and danced with the beat, letting Saito do his own thing. Her hair swung around her and thanked god she hadn't forgotten her cheerleading days.
People stepped back and cheered them on. She had no idea that Saito would be so good. It was another of his hidden talents she mused to herself as she spun around and danced closer to him. Saito placed his hands on her hips and drew her closer to him, Sakura shot him a look, and danced away to do her own thing.

Meilin wouldn't be surprised if Li's jaw fell open and hit the ground at any moment, if his expression was anything to go by. She pulled her gaze from her shocked cousin to stare at the scene that was being played out in front of them. They watched for several minutes as the song pumped through the subs. The song eventually came to an end and Cherry struck a pose, smiling softly at the cheers and cat-calls.

Sakura looked up and met Saito's gaze. He was looking at her strangely.
" What? " she asked quietly.
" I would never have guessed you had it in you. " he replied smiling.
Sakura blinked and stepped back a little. Saito suddenly became serious.
" Go along with me. " he said and pulled out a small piece a paper and started writting down numbers which Sakura soon realised it was a phone number. He met her gaze.
" This is something I want you to have. If you ask me, it's pretty important. Don't throw it out k? "
Some people passing by who had heard snickered and smiled. Sakura caught on and snorted.
" Your ego excels you stranger. " she said clearly. " Pity, " she snatched the piece of paper smirking. " that your good moves won't go past the dance floor. "
Some people laughed and moved away as Saito gave her a sharp look which signalled she'd pay for that later.

Madison looked up at Eriol curiously. Eriol looked down at her.
" Hai, " he said. " That's the famous Cherry. But she's different. She's changed her look. "
Madison frowned and watched the mysterious young woman.

Sakura didn't watch Saito go. Instead she looked down at the paper and noticed the small device. Realising what he'd given her, she flicked her hair over her shoulder and placed the tip of the paper in her mouth as she reached up and tightened her hair band.
She pulled it out of her mouth and looked down at it again before snorting and rolling her eyes and scrunching it up and throwing it over her shoulder as she walked away.

" Well obviously she wasn't interested. " Mika said, shooting a look at Li out of the corner of his eyes.
Li stiffened as they watched her walked towards the shinny red Mistubishi I Lance Evolution 4.
" No way. " Madison spoke up. " That can't be her car! "
They watched Cherry unlock it and step inside.
" Guess it is. " Eriol said surprised. " She must have some good connections for securing a car like that. "
" Li? " Meilin asked softly.
Li looked down at her.
" Lets go. " he said. " We have titles to win. "
" But - "
" Leave it Meilin. " Li snapped and walked off.

As soon as Sakura closed the car door and was certain no one could see her, she spat the device out into her palm and starred at it. She closed her hand over it and turned the ignition gunning the twin turbo's. She reached over and stuck it in her secret compartment and spun the tires and shot gravel flying as she shot forward and sped down to the track.

She pulled up and waited til the guy came forward and pressed the button, watching as her window slid down, so she could see him.
" You in? " he asked.
" How much? " Cherry asked.
" Five G's. "
Cherry arched an elegant eyebrow and the guy licked his lips and waited while she made her decision.
" I'm in. " Cherry handed over the money and drove where the guy directed.

30 Seconds Later, Li and the others watched from their places as Cherry came first.

Sakura pulled up and got out sighing. She felt a little queezey, but over all she was fine. She smiled at the other four people that had raced too, and took the money they handed her. She chucked most of it through the car window where it landed on the passenger side. She wipped out a few bills from the wad and handed them to the guy who ran the races. He looked a little surprise and Cherry clapped him on the shoulder as she moved off.

She sensed someone was behind her and turned around and saw some girl she had never seen before. She was average height, had short brown hair and eyes and was studying her quietely.
" Can I help you?" Cherry asked.
" What's your name stranger? " she asked.
" Cherry. And you? "
" Etsu. Etsu Xing. You're pretty good. " Etsu said looking at the car. " Nice car. Where'd you get it? "
" I earnt it. " she said. " Like any decent person. "
A small smirk appeared at the corner of Etsu's mouth.
" I'm a member of the Cougar's. We've been wondering who the new-comer was that was making something of herself. You've got some talent. "
" Ano, arigato. " Cherry replied wondering where this was leading.
Suddenly Etsu's hand flicked up and just as quickly before Sakura could react, a card was in her fingers towards Sakura in offering.
" You don't seem to belong to any gang. Allow me to be the first to make you an offer on behalf of my clan. We can make some sort of arangements if you're interested. Give me a call. " and with that, she turned and left.
Cherry blinked and watched her go unsure what had just transpired.

Afterwards, she walked towards the bar and sat down on the stool and took the drink that the guy offered. She looked down at the card as she took a sip of her drink and wondered if she could use this for her advantage. " Having fun? "
Sakura choked and started coughing. She looked behind her and saw Li and the others. Pushing her drink away and tucking the business card down her bra, she stood up and met Li's gaze. His eyes searched her face and looked down her body taking in the changes.
" Wow, you look different. " she heard Meilin say and looked past Li to where the others were. Sakura saw the dark-haired girl and looked curiously at her. Her violet eyes starred back at Sakura just as curiously.
" This is Madison Taylor. " Meilin said. " Eriol's new girlfriend. " she rolled her eyes at that and Sakura was glad the girl didn't see it.
" Pleased to meet you. " Sakura shook Madison's hand.
" Same here. " Madison smiled. " I've heard a lot about you. Your somewhat of a legend. "
" Nani? " Sakura cried startled and blushed. " Has Meilin been making up stories? " Sakura asked.
" Nani! " Meilin cried. " You're going to blame me for your stupid stunts that get you branded? " she demanded.
Sakura smiled.
" No, not really. Are you guys racing? " she suddenly asked.
" Yeah. " Mika piped up. " The slave-driver over here wants us to compete. " he said looking at Li.
Despite not wanting to talk to him, Sakura turned to look at Li.
" Slave-driver? " she asked curiously. " Why do you wana compete so badly? "
" Because I do. " Li shot back. " Ever heard that curiousity killed the cat? " Li asked coldly.
Sakura's eyes narrowed and everyone held their breath. Madison looked back from one to other.
" One, I'm not a cat. Two, ' because you want to' isn't really an answer, and Three, " she met his gaze challenging. "Have you ever heard that satisfaction brought it back? "
Li seemed startled for a moment and then looked angrier than before.
" Don't you start - "
Sakura held up her hand silencing him and turned her back on him shocking him and the others.
" Anyway guys, " Sakura said looking at the others. " I'm gonna head off now. It was great seeing you again Eriol, Mika, Meilin, " she looked at Madison. " And it was nice meeting you. I'm sure you two will make a good couple. "
She looked at Eriol meaningfully.
" Arigato. " Madison said and smiled. Sakura smiled in return.
" Oh! I forgot, " Sakura turned around faced Li. " I forgot my drink. " she reached past Li, grabbed her drink and walked off.
Everyone held their breath watching Li. It took Li a minute to gather himself, and when he did, he cursed under his breath and stormed off after her.
" Shouldn't we go after them? " Madison asked Eriol.
Eriol looked at Meilin and Mika. " What do you think? "
" Maybe we should just hide in the shadows in case one of them needs us. " Meilin said and walked off. The others followed.

" Cherry. " Li called but she picked up her pace and ignored him. Most of the crowd had gone down to the stands to watch the racing, so their wasn't many left wandering around.
" Don't walk away from me dammit! " Li seethed.
" I'll do whatever the hell I want. " Cherry yelled over her shoulder. " You don't own me. "
Li ran up to her and grabbed her arm and spun her around. She glarred up at him.
" Where the hell have you been! " he demanded angrily.
" I've been working. " Cherry replied. " I do have a life you know. "
" Working? " Li asked holding on to his temper. " Doing what? "
" Whatever comes my way. " she replied still glarring at him. " Some people I know had a hard job that needed to be pulled, and my skills were required. I've been out of town for a few days helping them. Is there anything else you want to ask, while you're cutting off the circulation in my arm? "
" Why the hell did you leave? " Li demanded.
" I take it you are referring to the night we had the fight? "
" Is that what all this is about? " Li asked. " That damn, petty fight? "
" That damn, petty fight as you put it was what made me leave. I don't want to hang out with people who expect people to change something about themselves just because they don't like it! " Cherry snapped.
" Well I only wanted to have nick name for you, you're the one who bloody went and changed everything about herself. " he said looking her up and down.
" Huh! " Sakura spat. " This is me. You don't like it, then don't let the air bite you as you walk away. "
" I'm starting to think you'd like that. " Li said coldly. " How can you play me, make me act like a fool and embarress me like this? "
" That's all you care about isn't it? " Cherry demanded. " Your reputation! Because I refuse to fall between the sheets for you, don't let you treat me like I'm beneath you, obey your orders and anything else you might want you think your reputation is ruined! That's a joke! Your reputation was ruined long ago before you met me! " she spat. " Now let me go! "

In the shadows around the corner, several heads peered anxiously at the pair.
" Umm, you don't think they'll go as far as kill each other do you? " one of the other members asked.
" I don't think so. " Madison said. " They just need to work out their numerous issues. "
Meilin snorted. " Somehow I don't think their going to get anything sorted. "
" Well if worst comes to worst, " Madison replied. " We can always lock them in a room together. "
Eriol smirked. " Madi my dear, I can see that we are going to get along just perfectly. "
Madison turned her head to look up at him above her.
" I'm being helpful Eli, not sardistic. " Meilin giggled and smiled at Eriol's winded expression.

" I'm not going to let you go. " Li stated calmly. " Because whenever I do, I loose you and I have no idea where you are. "
" Xiao Lang, you have serious seperation issues. " Cherry replied and tugged at her arm.
" No Cherry, " Li said. " I don't know what's going on with us, but I know that there is chemistry here. I protect about anything that I feel for. I don't want to drive down the road and have an incident like the one when I stopped those men from killing you. Not everyone loves watching someone's elses blood splatter across their windscreen. "
Cherry looked away.
" I never asked you to do what you did. You did that on your own. "
" God dammit Cherry. " Li bit out, half turning away to try and calm himself. " You'd think that the Black Wolves are ruthles killers with no morals at all. "
" Well from what I've seen of your morals, " Cherry snapped looking at his hand gripping her arm. " I wouldn't blame me. "
Li released her and she rubbed at the sore spot.
" Look I don't want to fight. " Li stated softly. " I want to make this right. "
Cherry stepped back and looked over at her car.
" Look, What's going on with us is weird. " she said truthfully. " We rubbed against each other's nerves from day one. If I hadn't have been wounded and you hadn't found me and taken care of me, there wouldn't have been anything for us. We would never have met again. Maybe it's just one of those things where you feel a connection but it's not meant to be. I mean c'mon, it's not exactly like we are even friends. " Cherry said meeting his gaze. " You can't build a foundation on nothing. You have to build it up with material things. Look, I've got things to do - don't look at me like that. I'm sorry for the fact that you didn't get what you wanted from this, but not everyone falls for the Xiao Lang Li male charm. "
Li's eyes narrowed.
" Maybe I'll see you around. Hey, I might even have the chance of racing you someday. " she turned away and looked at him over her shoulder, before she walked away, hips swaying seductively. The car roared to life and sped down the road and out into the evening.

One step forward, two steps back. Sakura had to wonder where on earth that little speech had come from. She was supposed to be mingling with the Black Wolves, not turning her back on them. Macc was going to have a field day with her.

A couple of Days Later . . .

" What the hell do you mean you're no longer in with the wolves? " Macc demanded.
Sakura sighed and slumped in the chair.
" Look, things were getting a little weird, so I listened to my insticts and got the hell out of there. "
" And you think that's an acceptable answer? " he demanded. " God, first you take off for a day and a half, ignore my phone calls and now you show up and tell me that the connection with the Black Wolves is destroyed. "
" I didn't say it was destroyed. " Sakura cut in. " I felt awry, so I backed out. "
" I take it you haven't done anything with that information Saito got for you either? "
" No, I haven't had a chance to. But as soon as I leave here, I'm booking myself into a fancy hotel, spoiling myself rotten and looking over everything. There has to be another angle that we can approach this from. "
" Look, " Macc sighed. " I don't care what the hell you do as long as I can cover it and you get the dirt that we need to dispand the Black Wolves and any other gangs associated with them. Three years is a long time for retribution. "
Sakura looked away and nodded.
" All right, get out of here. I've had enough today from Takouya. I - "
" Wait a minute, " Sakura cut in. " What was Takouya in here for? "
" He does work here as well. And don't you start, I've had all I can handle of this petty arguement. "
" Then transfer him to another department. " Sakura snapped. " We'd be better off. "
" How about I transfer you? " Macc snapped.
Sakura glarred at him.
" You didn't answer me. What was Takouya after? "
" You're not going to like it. "
" Spit it. " Sakura snapped.
" He wanted you off this case. Says your too soft. Says he could get the details easy if I put him in your department. "
" And what did you say? "
" Well obviously I still have a little faith left in you, otherwise, Takouya would be in here preening like the stuffed cock he is. I told him I'd think about it. " Macc replied flipping through folders.
" You'd think about it! " Sakura almost screeched. " YOU'D GIVE HIM HOPE! "
" Calm down. " Macc shot her an annoyed look. " What I tell him and what I decide in the end, is my say. No one elses. "
" I can't believe you. " Sakura stated angrily. " You sit there and ask me to put an end to these petty arguements, and yet you fan the fire, by doing stupid crap like this. No wonder I'm always at the stupid jerks throat. "
" Don't forget your position Avalon. " Macc cut in. " You have no authority to question me. "
" And don't you have sardistic satisfaction from constantly reminding me? " Sakura spat and jumped up and marched out the door, slamming it behind her.

Sakura stormed down the hallway and glarred as she saw the object of her hate.
" Ah, if it isn't the lovely Avalon. " Takouya smirked as he raked his gaze up and down her body.
" What's this I hear about you wanting my mission? " Sakura demanded, ignoring the looks they were currently recieving.
" I knew Macc would tell you. " he smirked, shifting through papers. " I can't understand why you get so angry. It's not like I'm butting in, I just know when I can do something better than someone else. Besides I don't want you to get hurt. "
" You arrogant, egotistical bastard! " Sakura spat and sent the pile of papers he was holding flying through the air.

With paper raining down on them and around them she met his gaze and snarled.
" If you ever try any stunt like this again you'll curse the day you tried to get my attention. " she spat softly.
" Law or no law, believe me, I don't care if I get cast out; I will kill you. It'd be worth it knowing I put an end to your pathetic excuse for an existance. " she turned and stormed out of the building, stepping into the elvator and once the doors closed, she screamed in pure anger and frustration.

True to her word, Sakura booked herself in the most expensive, luxurious hotel she could find in Tokyo city and vent all her anger first in the gym, and them in a hot spa bath.
She had just set up her laptop with the scanning device for the chip that Saito had given her when her cell rang. She saw it was Macc and prepared herself.
" Do you know how much crap you have put me in! " he demanded not waiting for her say hello. " How dare you threaten another agent! You're lucky Takouya didn't want to press charges! No one threatens another agent in my department! I don't know what's gotten into you Avalon, but you'll get off your damn soap box and remember why I put you on this mission in the first place"
Sakura sighed.
" Look Macc, I'm sorry for my behaviour, but I'm not sorry of what I said to Takouya, that arrogant man has been eyeing me off for far too long. You're lucky that I don't press charges against him. I'm sure your firm would love that. But for your sake and only for your's Macc, I've refrained from taking it further. Just be happy that I did what I did today and not something else. Look, I'm working on something here, I'll call you in a few days and tell you what's going on k? Keep Saito and the others doing what their doing. But tell them that if they see me, to remember they don't know me. " with that Sakura hung up and scanned the chip.

It was more information about the gangs of the time of the murders three years ago. Sakura scanned it and sat back sighing. It was all the same information. She needed to dig deeper, find someone who could tell her exactly what she needed to know.
She saw the card sitting on the bed side table and looked at for a minute before she picked it up and read the number.

" . . yeah, I want to speak to Etsu Xing. It's about our little business deal. Tell her it's Cherry. "
" Glad to hear from you. " Etsu suddenly said into the line. " How can I help you? "
" I'm after some well paying jobs. Got anything? "
" I take it you haven't given joining us much thought have you? " Etsu asked.
" Some. But I want business before pleasure, there are some things I have to do before hand. "
" I see. Well what jobs are you interested in? "
" Anything. Nothing too easy, anything really. "
" Is that all you wanted? "
" No. I want to ask you, is there anyone I can see that I can ask about previous incidents. Things that may have been forgotten in the last five years or so? I'm tracking someone down and I can't seem to get hold of them. I want someone that may be able to help me. I'd pay well for their services. "
" I'll have to get back to you on that one. But first things first, I do have something that you my well like. . . "
" I'm listening. "

Black Wolf Mansion .. .

Eriol sat with Madison on the lounge and watched as Li escorted a tall blonde upstairs. They heard her giggle and then five minutes later a door slamming. Beside him, Madison sighed sadly.
" You know that's not the way to try and forget about someone. "
" What do you mean? " Eriol smirked. " Li's back to his normal ways. He's a player for god's sake. This is what we do. " " You won't cheat on me will you? " Madison asked looking at him with calm violet eyes.
" No. " Eriol said firmly. " I do have my pride and morals Madi. "

Astalte walked in then with Meilin. Her eyes flashed like steel.
" Was that another blonde I just saw or is that same one from yesterday? "
" Nope, " Eriol spoke up lifting his arm from the back of the lounge to change the channel. " She's new. "
Meilin snarled in digust.
" Well someone needs to tell him the news. "
" What news? " Madison asked curiously.
" The news that a big shiptment of EX is coming in. If we can get our hands on it, blow the deal, we can claim it as our own, and sell it in the underground and get top price for it. " Astalte said. " God knows we need the money after hiding for the last three forsaken years. "
Eriol nodded.
" Ok, Astalte you go get Li, and I'll round up eveyone else. "
" Why me?" Astalte demanded angrily, steel eyes flashing.
" Because he won't argue with you. No one's game enough when you're in a mood. "
Her eyes narrowed, before she turned and marched up the stairs.

Astalte paused outide her leader's door and then knocked. She got no response and then sighed in annoyance and opened the door. Her steel gaze sharpened as she watched the scene in the bed across the room. " Ok break it up you two. We've got work to do. "
Li looked up and his bare skin that wasn't covered by the green sheet flashed in the faint light.
" What the hell do you want? " he demanded angrily. " Can't you see we're busy? "
" I may be heartless, but I'm not blind. " she shot back. " A big job is going down and we need to secure it. "
" Go without me. " Li said and kissed the blonde's neck.
" You're our leader. You're supposed to be there. " Astalte said calmly.
" For god's sake, I don't need to babysit you! " Li replied angrily. " I'm sure your more than capable of dealing with it. Eriol will take over as he usually does when I'm not present"
Astalte shot the naked blonde a filthy look and looked back at Li.
" I hope you get your money's worth. " and with that she turned and walked out slamming the door harshly, smiling with satisfaction when she heard something in Li's room fall and hit the floor.

" Where's Li? " Meilin asked as Astalte came back down stairs without him.
" He's too busy. " Astalte replied and looked at Eriol. " You're in charge. Got a plan? "
" What! " Meilin yelled. She fumed and started up the stairs, but was withheld by Astalte.
" Forget it. It's about time we did something on our own. And just think, we can blame Li if something goes wrong. "
Meilin clenched her teeth and marched out of the front door.

Cherry once again stood in the darkness waiting for the shipment. In front of her were the men she was dealing through. They were dark and sinister looking. Cherry tried to ignore the cold feeling crawling up her spine. Her job was to pay the men, guard the EX and get it safely back to the Cougar's where they would put it through to the appropriate dealer.
Behind her were several men, that had accompanied to protect her. More like make sure she didn't nick off with the shipment, cherry thought to herself. A horn sounded in the distance and they all looked up as the huge carrier started sailing into the harbour.
The wind picked up and blew across the water towards them. Cherry's red bangs blew across her face and she pushed them out of the way as her gaze watched as the ship came closer. Within minutes the huge carrier had docked and a huge crate was being lowered down on the dock via a crane on the ship.
That's when Cherry noticed someone in the bushes to the left, only to discover that there were more of them. She turned her shocked gaze onto the crowd of men in front of her.
" It's an ambush! " she yelled and whipped out her gun.

Chaos errupted. People leapt out of the bushes and started firing on the unsuspecting parties. Cherry jumped to the ground and started firing as she rolled behind one of the cars she had arrived in, jumping up to fire at the intruders and the group of men that had been doing the dealing.
She watched as men fell and others fought and used whatever tactics they could use to attack the enemy. The firing of weapons was defening and Sakura had to fight to block it out as she aimed and fired killing them. A stray bullet flew through the air and hit the cable lowering the crate, and she watched as the crate tipped and hit the edge of the dock and fell into the sea. The millions that made up that shipment were know lost; swollowed up by it's watery grave.
Feeling pissed that she had been tricked and had failed her first job, she ran out from the car and struck out at one man that was fighting one of her men. He quickly turned and struck out her. She ducked and brought her fist up to punch him in the stomach. He buckled over grunting and she swung around and kicked him sending him sprawling backwards, landing on his back. Moving fast, she placed her boot on his stomach and fired off several shots.
She ducked and fired at some of the ones that had been doing the deal. She shot two of them, and watched as the intruders got another two. She turned her attention to the intruders. One screamed in pain as her bullet hit it's mark. Someone tackled her from behind and she went down with a thudd. She rolled to the side as a fist pummeled the road where her face had been. She sent her fist smashing up into the guys face and he grunted in pain, before she shot him. His dead weight pinned her to ground and she pushed at him before she managed to get out from beneath him.
She quickly looked around her as the fighting continued. She had no idea who the intruders were, she couldn't make them out too well because of the shadows. She unloaded her empty cartriage and clipped in another round and aimed for the general area of the petrol tank in the huge carrier.
Someone's voice yelled : " Fall back! " as she contiued to let off round after round at the carrier. She walked closer and picked up the weapon laying usually beside the dead owner and started firing double the speed. She saw the remaining survivors run from the secluded area most probably towards their hidden cars and she fired at one, shooting him in the back and didn't even watch as he fell dead to the ground.
A sound echoed into the air and Sakura bolted just as the carrier exploded. The heat wave sent her flying and she hit the ground and rolled, holding her hands over her head. She gingerly looked up and raised her head to watch the flames engulf the ship. She crawled to her feet and wondered how she was going to get back into town when one of the cars she had arrived in, now glass free, landed directly behind her.
She looked over her shoulder and starred at the vehicle. ' That works. ' she thought and looked around to make sure there wasn't any more surprises and got into the car, and drove off into the night.

Li was just coming down the stairs a small smile of satisfaction on his face, his shirt undone, when chaos errupted in the main foyer in front of him. Eriol, Meilin and several others were dragging wounded and lifeless bodies through the front door, shouting orders behind them to the others.
" Someone get Wei in here! " Eriol called over his shoulder. " And someone go get Li! "
" What the hell happened! " Li demanded over the shouting, as he helped Eriol carry the wounded wolf.
" The ambush failed! " Astalte yelled over the pain filled cries and screams. She dropped the body she was carrying and helped another dump another next to it. " They spotted us and started firing. "

Groups of Black Wolves that had remained behind ran into to see what all the commotion was about.
" Don't stand there! " Li barked. " Start helping! "
" That's not even half of it! " Toshida called out angrily. " Your damn Cherry is to blame for most of this! "
" What! " Li whipped around startled. " What do you mean? " he demanded glarring.
" She was the one doing the deal. " the wolf said handing the man he was helping to another. " She spotted us and called out 'ambush' amd started firring. That triggered the others and within a minute it was a bloody battle ground. We were winning until she started attacking us. " he spat angrily. " She attacked Jitsu and killed him, then the stupid little idiot started firing at the carrier's petrol tank, forcing us to retreat. We barely made it out of there before it bloody blew sky high. We lost most of those we took with us and the cargo as well. I mean look at the carnage around you! " he cried indicating all the blood and dying. " She tried to kill us! And what's even worse is the fact that she was doing that deal under that bitch Etsu"
" Don't be an idiot! " Astalte shouted angrily glarring at Toshida. " You know as well as I do that we could barely see two feet in front of us. I doubt she knew who the hell we were. I shot Marko for god's sake! And now because of me he's lying over there dead! " she glarred, tears forming in her eyes. Blood covered her from top to bottom.
" Besides I saw the girl shoot the ones that were with her doing the deal. She thought that they had double crossed her. Don't go blaming anyone because it went awry and we lost. We knew something like this could happen, but we took the risk anyway. Get over it. And it's not like she's a Wolf. She's free to earn her money." her eyes flashed steel and she walked out of the foyer.

" Cherry was there? " Li asked looking for comfirmation from Eriol.
Eriol sighed.
" I only caught a glimpse of her. But yeah, she was a part of that deal. She was collecting it for the Cougars, for Etsu. "
Li was extremely calm and Eriol knew he was very, very angry.
Just then, Wei came bursting into the room looking shocked and very surprised to see so many wounded. Several stood behind him, waiting to help. Wei shook his head and started issueing orders and briefly met Li's gaze. Li starred at the scene before him, before he turned and disappeared from sight . . .

Cherry starred at Etsu as if she were mad. Strangely enough, Etsu wasn't pissed about the loss of the cargo the night before. She'd simply shrugged her shoulders and had stated that shit happened. But now her newest job was looming above her and she had to wonder at her own sanity.
" You want me to perform at Miguel's? " she arched an eyebrow. " You want me to dance with his girls? "
" Hai, and if you do a good-enough job, " she smiled sardistically. " You'll get your reward and mine. "
" Meaning, I'll get the thing he has for you, and bring it back here for you? "
" Hai. " she tapped her manicured nails on the desk. " And you'll get a bonus from me and that little phone number you required. I believe he's ready to talk to you. "
Sakura fought to contain her excitement and kept her face bland.
" Arigato. "
" Don't thank me just yet. You have to do the job first. " she purred, like a cat waiting for the mouse to slip up.
" Tell me when, where and what and it's done. " Cherry shot back.
" Very well. . . . "

Later at Miguel's Party Parlor . . .

Cherry checked her hair and her outfit critically. Who ever this Miguel was, he was definately sleezly if his costumes were anything to go by. Sakura screamed in her inner concious at the lack of clothing. Cherry fought to not be overwhelmed by Sakura's morals. She wore black garter stockings attached to lacy underwear that had a matching black corset with blood red laces exposing most of her skin and pushing up her firm breasts. She wore a short skirt that had splits up the side, so when she walked you could see the garter stockings and her exposed skin. Black high heel shoes that accentuated her height; her hair had tiny blood-red ribbons through her hair to matched her bodice.
She turned when one of the girls she had met earlier pushed back the red curtain and looked around the room for her. Her eyes landed and her and she smiled slowly. " I think we're going to have a show tonight after all. "
" You ready? " she asked when Cherry didn't move or speak, just starred.
" Umm, yeah. . . " Cherry trailed off looking away.
" C'mon then. Miguel says we can have some fun for a few minutes. Go stir some of the men and get them interested. "
" You mean prick tease? " Cherry asked bluntly.
The girl smirked and then laughed. " You're not as innocent as you seem at first glance. C'mon, it's time to go. "

Cherry looked around the room and wished that more smoke hazed the room so no one could see her. Already she was recieving admiring glances which reminded her strongly of Masaki.
' Oh God! ' she thought. ' What if I run into Masaki in one of these joints? That'd be my cover gone in an instant! '

Raising her chin confidently and placing a sensual smile on her face that promised more later on, she stalked through the club looking for her first victum. She let her mind listen to the music pulsing around them, trying to slip into the character that Etsu obviously expected her play. ' All this just for an answer about the Black Wolves. ' she thought cynically.

The girl from earlier waved at her summoning her and Sakura wondered how they had expected her to rouse anyone in that short period of time. Sighing she walked towards the staircase and as a last resort, not wanting to fail again, she spotted some guys sitting laughing and drinking in a small booth near her and walked quickly over to them and leant down on the back of the chair, a guy's back to her. Some of the guys looked up a little startled, but Cherry paid no attention to them. " Hey there. " she purred close to the guy's ear smiling sensually. She couldn't see his face but that didn't matter.
" Want some company? " she purred suggestively.
The guy stiffened and he turned his face and Cherry met familar cold amber eyes. Her emerald eyes widened in terror and she straightened up and backed away. " M-My m-m-istake. " she muttered, trying not to notice the widening of Li's eyes as his gaze roamed over her.
" What are you doing over here? " the girl from before demanded grabbing her arm and jerking her away towards the stairs.
Cherry jerked out of her grasp and glarred at her. Suddenely their music started and the girl shot her a look.
" That's you cue. So perform good. It'll be all our necks otherwise. " she went down the short flight of stairs and shot off some moves as the guys cat-called.

Cherry, ignoring her temporarily shock, spun around at the top of the stairs catching evryone's attention as she spun into some seductive moves.

' 1, 2, 3, 4 . . '

Pink started playing as Cherry shot several blurred faces seductive smiles, summoning to them with her finger.

She started down the stairs smiling in particular at Miguel as she mounted the stage and posed as she started mouthing to the words, her body movinging to the beat.

I get really sick and tired of boys up in my face Pick up lines like " What's your sign? " Won't get you anyplace When me and all my girls go walking down the street It seems we can't go anywhere without a car that goes beep beep

Amber eyes bored down onto the stage at the lead dancer. What the hell was she doing here? Doing what she was doing? He gripped the glass as she jumped off the stage and stalked to one of the men in the front row and settled neatly in his lap and continued her dancing.

This body is a priceless piece Of lovin' unconditionally Yes, ah So Mr. Fixup who you think you are?
You were thinkin' you's gona get it for free?
Now, now, now

Hey Ladies ( yeah )
Let 'em know it ain't easy R.E.S.P.E.C.T Lets go in together Sister ( Yah )
It's time to be pretty Nothing good comes for free

She swung her hips and danced, mouthing the words to the song.

Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Damn, I sure look fine I can't blame those horny boys I would make me mine

When I pass you in a club Ooh, la, la you guys Back up boy, I ain't your toy,
Or your piece of ass

( Why? ) Cos this body is a priceless piece Of lovin' unconditionally Yes, ah So Mr. Fixup who you think you are?
You were thinkin' you's gona get it for free?
Now, now, now

Hey Ladies ( yeah )
Let 'em know it ain't easy R.E.S.P.E.C.T Lets go in together Sister ( Yah )
It's time to be pretty Nothing good comes for free

No jealousy, no envy girls, C'mon lets work it out No freebies and the limosines,
That's not what it's about

Let him know there's work to do Give it up he won't call you Respect is just a minimum Go on girl, And get you some

Ladies ( yeah )
Let 'em know it ain't easy R.E.S.P.E.C.T Lets go in together Sister ( Yah )
It's time to be pretty Nothing good comes for free

Cherry jumped up and made her way back to the stage and jumped up gripping the pole and sliding down, posing as the song came to an end, hoping that not too many would be perving up her skirt. Unwarapping her legs slowly and standing upright, she shot Miguel a look and he summoned her.
Smiling as if she were actually enjoying herself, she walked over to him and settled herself in his lap, straddling him.
" You wanted to see me? " she whispered, tracing his face with her fingers.
" Here. " he placed something snuggly down her corset between her breasts and she smiled. " Tell Etsu I'm very pleased. Any chance that I could hire you permanently? "
Cherry smiled coyly. " Maybe someday when I'm back in town. " she replied and arched against him, giving into the show.
" Good. " Miguel replied and watched as she arched against him, feeling himself harden.
Cherry got to her feet, shooting him a glance as she walked away, hips swaying, oblivious to the cold fury aimed at her back from the upper level.

It was many hours later that she was able to finally get away. She should have realised that she wouldn't be able to do just one dance and be able to leave. Constantly through the night she had thanked Kami that she had remembered her cheerleader moves from highschool. When she was able to leave, it was well into the early morning. Saying a quick goodbye, she ran out back and didn't even stop to take a breather. She grabbed her bag, her keys, and bolted out the back door, almost running to her car, gunning the engine she sped out of the car park, heading straight towards the Cougar's lair - to Etsu. Risky yes, but she wasn't going to keep what she had recieved tonight on her. Out of the shadows green neons flared startling her, and she swerved and righted herself wary of the car speeding up beside her. She almost cried out aloud as the car expertly swerved in front of her, blocking her path. She slammed on her brakes, and swerved to a stop. She was out of her car and aiming her gun, before better judgement over ruled her.
" What do you want? " she yelled into the dead of the night, watching the tinted black window. The door opened and she tensed aiming her gun at the tall figure getting angrily out of the car. Before she knew it, she had a gun aimed expertly at her.

She starred at Li as he stepped into the light, his cold emotionless eyes boring into hers.
" Why'd you do it? " he demanded coldly, still a few metres away from her.
" Do what? " she demanded, not lowering her gun. " Why are you pointing that thing at me? "
" Why are you aiming at me? " he countered coldly.
" Because your the bakamono who nearly ran me off the road, and has a gun pointed at me! " she shot back.
" I have my reasons. " he stated calmly.
" Well gee, I hope you share them with me. " she shot back sarcastically.
" Why'd you do it? " he demanded again.
" Do what? " she demanded in frustration.
" Why'd you attack my clan and kill my members the other night. "
Sakura's mouth opened and closed like a gold-fish's and snapped closed again. " Your clan? " she whispered.
" Hai, " the gun aimed at her head. " Does the Cochrane Dam dock ring any bells? "
Sakura's gasp echoed in the silent night air. " How do you know abo- " she realised her aim was slipping and aimed again.
" We were jumped - I didn't know who it wa- " she stopped and starred going cold.
" So you put two and two together. " Li stated coldly. " You attacked my clan and killed several of my members. "
" But what else was I supposed to do? " she demanded defensively. " You shouldn't have interferred. "
" My clan doesn't take orders from no one but me. " he spat angrily. " We'll come and go as we damn well please. "
" Well then, it's not my fault if they get in my way and I can't tell who the hell they are but someone screwing my business. " Sakura shot back. " Therefore I'm not held for compensation or retribution. "
Li let go the safety moving in towards her.
" The fuck you won't. You could have killed Meilin, Eriol or Mika. Not to mention most of the others. "
Sakura paled but wouldn't cower.
" They could have killed me. " Cherry stated holding his gaze.
" Pity. " Li spat. " And what the fuck are you dressed like that for? " he demanded. " Since when do you work for Miguel? "
" Know him do you Xiao Lang? " Sakura asked arching a brow. " I'm not surprised with your reputation. You all do seem to congregate together, move around in the same packs. It's hard to tell each one of you apart. "
" Answer the question. "
" You're not my keeper. I don't answer to no one. "
" Wrong. " Li said quietly. " You're obviously answering to someone aren't you Cherry? "
Sakura paled even more. Did he know?
" I don't know what you're talking about. " Cherry's chin raised in defiance.
" What were you collecting tonight? And for whom? "
" Once again, none of your business. " Cherry shot back.
" Wrong again. " Li spat. " I have enemies in lots of places. Are you one of them? "
" Keep aiming that gun at me, and I might become one. " Cherry shot back.
" Maybe you already are. " Li said in quietly searching her blank expression.
" If that's what you want to believe, " she replied calmly. " But I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. You're of no interest to me. Never was. "
She hit her target when she saw Li flinch.
" Do you often use people? " Li asked.
Sakura lowered her gun and flexed her arm to stop the tingling from holding it up for so long. Li shot her a look.
" Aren't you afraid that I'll kill you? "
" If you were going to kill me you already would have. " Cherry stated matter-of-factly. " But lets face it, you'll get the answers you want if I'm alive, and I know you intend to get everything to your satisfaction. But lets face another point while we're at it. This isn't about your gang or what I may or may not be doing, this is between us and you know it. You want to find out why everything else seems to grab my attention but you. "
" Believe what you will. " Li counter evasively.
Cherry shot her car a glance and decided enough was enough.
" If we're done here, I have things to do. Jobs that need to be taken care of. And yes, I do work. " she said when he went to speak. " I have to earn a living like everyone else. " She could tell what he was thinking when his gaze roamed freely over her attire.
" Afraid that I might be like you? " she asked shooting him a meaningful glance.
His back stiffened as he watched her. " Are you? "
She covered the distance that seperated them and looked up at him. " Wouldn't you like to know? " she taunted.
Her eyes widened as his mouth found hers. He punished her for her torment, her lies and her mystery. Sakura tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her. His arms held her prisoner and before she passed out from lack of breath he pulled away, just enough for her to breathe and still feel him.
" Fight me and I'll fight back. " he whispered, his eyes dark and dangerous.
" Then don't patronise me and assume you know everything. It'll get you in trouble one day. " she shot back still panting.
Li melded her to him and took her mouth again and again, loving the feel of her against him. It seemed so right to have her in the centre of his world. Taking his frustration and anger out on her, her pulled her tightly against him and tilted her head back so he could plunder her mouth more.
She broke away and starred at him at a loss for words. He starred back at her his breathing laboured as he waited to see what she would do - say.
" Don't dig too deep Xiao Lang, " she wispered half to him and half to herself, lost in her own thoughts. " You might not like what you find in the end. . . . "
" Is that a warning? "
Cherry's gaze met his. " Perhaps. Maybe it's best if you did. "
" I'm not afraid of you. " Li countered.
" I know. " she whispered turning away. " That's what I'm afraid of. "
" Nani? "
" Forget it. " Cherry said as she opened the car door. " Go home Li. "
" I don't take orders from anyone. "
" Perhaps it's about time you started. " Cherry stated and got inside the car and sped off, leaving him behind wondering how he'd gone from being absolutely livid, to placated and absolutely confused, to absolutely livid once again.

He ran his hands through his messy hair and sighed, angry with himself. " It's a vicious cycle. . . . "

Sakura couldn't contain her excitement any longer. She was inside Yakuza's. Apparently according to Etsu, this was the guy she needed to speak to if she wanted to find about th Black Wolves. ( Not that Etsu knows that it's about the Black Wolves. )
She was lead into a small room by two heavily guarded men. She nodded at them as they left to stand out in the hallway. She looked up at the aged man sitting in a leather chair behind an expensive desk. He blew smoke out as he put his cigar down.
" So you're Etsu's new recruit. Pretty little thing aren't you? "
Cherry raised her chin slightly. He chuckled as he sat back in his chair.
" Take a seat. " he watched as she moved forward and sat down. " So? What is it you want my help with? "
" If you don't mind, " Cherry started. " I'd like to be direct and say that I want to know who was responsible for the massacre three years ago and who tried to pin it on the Black Wolves. "
He starred back at her.
" That is very direct. "
Cherry nodded watching him.
" I'm not sure I can answer you. "
" I was prepared for that. " Cherry said sliding a cheque face down towards him. " Maybe this might help. "
" Bribery? "
" Iie. Something that might help compensate for any details that might cause you some problems if revealed. " Yakuza lifted the cheque and looked at the figure and tucked it in his desk draw.
" Now what is it exactly you want to know? "
Trying not to sigh in relief, Cherry thought how best to go about this conversation.
" Firstly I want to know why that massacre happened? "
Yakuza arched a brow.
" One of my family was in that fight and killed. She was an innocent bystander. " she lied.
" Very well. " Yakuza nooded. " As we all know many clans have many enemies. The Black Wolves have countless. Everyone envies their clan for their wealth, their power and team work. Nothing works better than Black Wolves in action. "
Cherry nodded, brushing her bangs out from her eyes.
" Well, a clan wanted their wealth, power and their turf and set out to reep it. Problem was, The Black Wolves have many connections and are also highly respected in many areas. They would have been killed before they had even gotten close to what they hoped to achieve. "
" So let me guess they decided to trap the Black Wolves? "
Yakuza shot her a look and Cherry waited.
" More or less. " he confirmed reluctantly. " Knowing they couldn't do the dirty work themselves they set out to do it a way they knew they could get away with, but it didn't exactly work out the way they had hoped. " he suddenly stopped and looked a little uncomfortable. " Perhaps that is all I should say. "
" Demo - " Cherry's eyes widened in shock. " Demo - "
" Gomen. But I have said far too much. Besides if you are as smart as I think you are, you'll be able to put the pieces together on your own. I've given you the building blocks, now you just have to find out how they fit. "
Knowing this was all she was going to get, Cherry met his gaze.
" Tell me one more thing dozo. " she begged. " Were the Black Wolves there? Were they at the massacre? "
She begged him with her eyes and Yakuza sighed. " Iie. They were not present"
" Demo, how could - " she trailed off a picture starting to come together in her mind. One she did not like.
She met his eyes and nodded her thanks and rose.

The doors opened and she was once again escorted outside by the two armed men. She watched as they closed the door after she stood on the pavement and sighed.
" This can't be good. " She walked towards her car and drove back to Tokyo.

Some hours later . . .

" . . . so it basically comes down to gang rivarly. Someone wanted what the Black Wolves have, and went about their demise in secret. A set up more or less. " Sakura rubbed her temples as she thought aloud back in her apartment.
" It looks like a stage set up. " she looked back at her report. " Make it look like the Black Wolves were present, shoot some innocent people, destroy stuff, get the government pissed off so they'll be forced to take action, and in the end it makes the Black Wolves look like the bad guys. "
She sighed and rubbed her temples again.
" This isn't looking good. Someone must have tipped the police off that the Black Wolves were starting something, get the cops on their way, drop the condemming evidence, make the ruckus and drive off, leaving the law to deal with the Black Wolves. "
She remembered what Yakuza had said.
" But it didn't go according to their plans. The Black Wolves hid their tracks well, going into hiding where no one could find them. The police couldn't find them and pin them with the evidence found, and when no more evidence could be found, months turned into years and the heat died down. But now the Black Wolves have amerged and the heat is on once again, but the police are holding back waiting for us to find the evidence we can first. So until we give the word, the Black Wolves are more or less safe from the law. That's good when comparing these facts that I now know. At least I can keep the heat away from them until I know what's going on for sure. "
She shut down her laptop and got up from the table.
" The thing that still remains is who was it? Who caused all that damaged and killed all those people? And where were the Black Wolves that night? Were they a part of it somehow? " groaning in frustration Sakura flopped down on her couch and layed her arm across her forhead.
" There's still so much that needs to confirmed. " she still spoke aloud into the silence of her apartment.
" And there's only one way that I can do it. . . "

A few Days later . . .

Sakura sat at an outside cafe table totally cut off from the rest of the busy world. She toyed with her coffee and tried not to let her emotions show. How the heck was she going to get in without the Black Wolves suspecting she was up to something?
She didn't want to think of Li at all. If there was anyone that was more than likely to bust her, it would be Li. Sighing she let the facade go, and looked totally dejected. Everything seemed so hopeless now. She could take her report back to Macc, but, knowing him, he would simply pass off her evidence as a useless whim.
The waitress asked her if she wanted anything else, and she plastered a small smile on her face and told her no. As soon as her back was turned, Sakura let the smile slide and she went back to toying with her coffee. She rested her chin on her hand and sighed. A shadow moved above her and she suddenly found herself looking at Li himself as he slipped in the chair opposite her. She meely met his probing gaze, before she sighed again knowing she needed a good plan, and looked down at her coffee cup. Li was definately not an option on this one.
" Someone obviously didn't get layed. " came the sniping comment across from her.
She looked back up at him and looked down at the table again trying to think. Her voice was dejected when she replied :
" I'm not going to even bother with you today Xiao Lang, so save your breath. I don't care . . ." If she'd seen the calculating expression accross his face she would have laughed.

He was quiet for a while and she hoped him gone as quietly as he'd come. Her eyes looked up - nope still there.
He met her gaze and studied her. There was something amiss today. She was different. That familar spark was gone from her emerald gaze. She looked lost and lonely. Wondering what was wrong, he came up with a plan.
He stood up and lifted her from her seat. He ignored her startled expression and dragged her after him.
" First we'll hit the shops, maybe try out that new metro plaza that opened last week; Meilin's been dying for me to go with her. Then ice-cream, I know a great place not far from here. Then depending what time it is, some pizza, or maybe something else - "
" Whoah, wait as minute. " Sakura panted as she was trying to keep up with his pace. " Are you trying to take me out on a date? "
Not wanting her to know the real reason he let her believe what she wanted. He gave a short grunt and picked up the pace.
" Hey slow down, we're not in a marathon are we? " she gasped.
She collided with him as he suddenly stopped.
" Well, here we are. " he said pulling her around in front of him and resting his hands on her shoulders.
Sakura dug her heels into the cement as he tried to take her inside the huge metro.
" Hey, wait a minute. " she protested. " I don't want to go anywhere with you, especially in there! "
" No choice. " was all he said as he dragged her inside.

Some hours later . . .

" Hoeee! " Sakura exclaimed as she spotted another item of interest in the shop that Li had insisted she come into.
Li leaned back on the wall and silently watched her as her eyes lit up in delight.
" Oh Li-kun! " she exclaimed not looking back at him. She knew he was there. " Isn't it kawaii! "
Li couldn't stop the smile forming as he watched her. She was so unpredictable.
She darted over to another shelf full of stuffed toys. She giggled as she picked up a bear.
" This is so kawaii. " she smiled at the bear. " Maybe I should buy you and give you as a gift to Meilin-chan. I think she'd like you as much as I do. "
Li pushed himself off the wall and walked over to her.
" Why do you want it for Meilin? "
" Because I want to apologise to her about the other night. " her eyes darkened again in sadness. " If I had known I wouldn't have fought back. "
" If you hadn't, you would have been killed. "
Sakura looked at him unsure.
" But you said the other night - "
" What I said still applies. " Li said firmly. " But it happened and there's nothing we can do about it now. "
She looked back at the bear and put it back on the shelf.
" Who am I kidding anyway. " she muttered to herself. " Meilin probably would think me an baka if I gave her this. I hardly even know her. "
Li's hand rested on hers that were still clasped around the bear. She looked up and met his gaze.
" There's no better place to start to get to know someone by showing them that you care and think of them. "
A pink blush stained her cheeks as she looked away back to the bear.
" If you think so . . . " she trailed off as his hand moved away and she clutched the bear to her chest.
" Will you give it to her for me? " she asked, not looking at him.
" If you want. But she'll like it more if you give it to her. "
Sakura shook her head hugging the bear like a life line. " Iie. I don't want you to make Meilin come out here so I can give it to her. She probably has better things to do than come all the way out here anyway. "
Li sighed in frustration and pinned her with a quelling glare. " Are you always such a stubborn ass? "
" I beg your - I am not! " Sakura fought back indignantly. " You're the one who's so far up on his pedestal, that spliters are coming out his a- "
" Don't start pip-squeak. " Li cut her off giving her a warning glance. " If you continue that sentence, I'll be forced to take action. "
Sakura clamped her mouth shut and pinned him with an artic glare. Li sighed and hustled her towards the checkout and watched as she paid for it and carried it out of the shop in it's bag with her head held high.

Apart from that little hickup, they managed to have a fun day. Li treated her to the best chocolate sunday she had ever eaten and enjoyed expressing how much she loved it. After they had finished eating Sakura pinned him with a curious look. She indicated all the shopping bags around her and nodded her head at him inquiring.
" Tell me Mr. Li, " she asked innocently leaning closer to interrigate. " Was it your intention all along to get me to use up all my shopping previledges today, while you sat back and watched? "
Li shrugged, sipping his coffee.
" And was it also your intention Mr. Li that you take my mind off what was bothering me earlier? "
Li choked on his coffee and couldn't ignore the little gleam of satisfaction in her glowing emerald eyes as she continued to watch him.
" Maybe. " he answered looking at the traffic to his left.
" Arrigato. " came the soft reply after a moment's silence.
Li looked at her and noted the soft glow of happiness that radiated from her compared to her dull, pale colouring from before. He nodded and looked away sipping his coffee.
She suddenly perked up and dive bombed the mass of different designer lable bags as she searched furiously for something.
" What on earth are you doing? " he inquired.
She bobbed back up with a smile on her face and held out a bag towards him. " Here. "
Li jerked back as if burned. " What? "
" It's for you baka. " she said and placed the bag on the table near him. " You don't have to open it now. "
" You bought something for me? " he asked warily.
Sakura rolled her eyes. " Duh? What's it look like? Mou, I thought Wolves were supposed to be intelligent creatures? "
She earned a glare for that.
" When did you get it? "
She sent him a haughty glare.
" Remember that bathroom break? "
" The one where you took ages? "
" The very same one. It was the one time I managed to have five minutes to myself. I got a few things you don't know about. "
Li arched a brow.
" Sneaky. "
" Resorceful. " Sakura argued.
" I see. . . . "
" Oh shut up. "
Li smiled and put down his cup. He reached for the bag and Sakura looked nervous.
" You don't have to open that now you know. "
Li arched his brow again and opened the bag and stopped.
" You got this for me? " he asked genuinly surprised.
Sakura blushed pink and managed to look shy.
" I didn't think you'd like it. "
Li looked at the dark green shirt inside the bag and tried not to blush. He failed - miserably.
" I'm glad you like it. " was that pride in her voice?
Li set the bag aside and picked up his coffee cup and realised it was empty. Sakura giggled and quickly muffled it when he shot her a look.

" I guess we should get going. " Li said and stood up.
Sakura smiled softly and stood up.
" Thank you for today. I guess this is where we say goodbye. "
" Not yet. There's still one thing left for us to do. "
" Nani? " she looked at him in surprise.
He took some of her bags and she followed him back to the car.
" But I thought - " she trailed off obviously confused.
" We still have dinner yet. " Li said as he put the bags in the back seat of his green lancer.
He turned around at the sound of a million shopping bags hitting the ground.
Sakura looked at him in mute surprise. None of this she could believe. Why was he being so nice? " C'mon. " Li said and put the rest of the bags in the back of the lancer and opened the door for her. " Only one more stop left. "

Sakura starred at the huge mansion in front of her and her mouth gaped opened.
" Ano, Li-kun, " she whispered in awe. " I don't think we're in Tokyo anymore. "
Trying not smile at the little endearment she had started putting on the end of his name, or the stunned expression he parked the car and looked at her.
" Welcome to the Black Wolf Mansion. Home to all us wolves. "
" The h - " she choked and loooked at him with what was that? Fear? Surprise? Li couldn't tell.
" Something wrong? "
" Yes! " she almost yelled. " I don't get it! The other night you wanted to kill me, and then today you do all those nice things for me and now- now- this! " she indicated the beautiful mansion. " You didn't trust me, but this is a big secret, and you show me willingly? Not many people know where the Black Wolves hide. You trust me with this? "
Li studied her for a moment.
" I trust you. " he said quietly.
" But why? " she almost pleaded.
" Because I do. " he said. " Now which bag is Meilin's? "
" You did this for me. " she whispered looking out the window. " How will the others take it? "
" They trust me. They won't say anything. "
" Yeah, only behind our backs. " she muttered.
" Be nice. "
" Trying. "
" Leave all this other stuff here. No point dragging it all inside. "
Sakura nodded and walked after him.

Eriol walked around the corner followed by Madison and Meilin.
" There you are Li. What's with all the bagage in the back of your car? Going somewhere? "
" Gomen, that's all mine. " came the sheepish response.
Three pairs of eyes landed on her and she smiled shyly.
" Cherry. " it was a statement not a question.
Sakura gulped and took a step back. Li shot her an irritated look and turned to the others.
" I invited her. None of you mind right? "
They slowly shook their heads still looking at Cherry.
" Well Meilin's here now. Do you want to give it to her now or later? " Li asked over his shoulder to Cherry.
" Give me what? " Meilin demanded.

Cherry stepped forward and held out the bag towards Meilin.
" What's this? " she asked stepping back.
Cherry bowed over the bag still holding it out to Meilin. " Gomen Meilin-chan. I had no idea about the other night. I wanted to apologise. If I thought it wouldn't be too obvious, I would have bought a store full for everyone, but I think that might have been too much. "
Meilin took the bag when Li nodded behind Cherry and opened it. She couldn't stop the exclamation of delight as she looked at the little stuffed bear.
" Oh isn't it Kawaii! " her ruby eyes danced happily. " Arrigato Cherry-chan. " ( That sounds weird lol )
Sakura smiled in relief. " Do you like it? "
" Oh I love it! " Meilin smiled and tucked the bear under her arm and carried the bag in the other.
Cherry shot Li a look over her shoulder and looked back at Meilin, Madison and Eriol.

Madison smiled warmly at Cherry and Sakura felt an instant liking to her.
" Nice to see you again Cherry-chan. " Madison said.
" Ditto. " Cherry replied.
" Why don't I show you around a little? " Li spoke up and ushered her towards the staircase.
"oh, ok. " Cherry said as she looked back at the three as she was lead up the stairs.
Eriol waited until they were out of ear-shot before he spoke up.
" Those two have an on again, off again complex don't they? "
Madison giggled and looked up at him with sparkling violet eyes. " What they're feeeling for each other is precious and something to be treasured. They are afraid of the feelings they're feeling, and so try to avoid it. But I think this time at least, the feelings won out. "
Meilin looked up the stairs and watched them disappear from sight.
" She's good for him. She'd able to do something that I could never do. " she whispered softly.
Madison shot her a pained expression and hugged her gently.
" Gomen, I didn't think - "
" It doesn't matter. " Meilin looked down at the bear. " She has a kind heart doesn't she? "
Eriol and Madison nodded and started walking towards the pool area out the back in the sun.

Sakura made sure to keep track of anything that might be helpful for future reference. Li had been called for an important phone call a moment before, and so she was left to her own ministrations for a little while. She had just walked around the corner when she spotted some Black Wolves standing around talking, and they stopped as soon as they spotted her.
" Look! It's the one that attacked us the other night! " one snarled recognising her.
Cherry's eyes widened as she realised what was about to happen.
" Don't let her get away! " the first one yelled as she backed away.

Cherry bolted. She needed to get out of here, and fast.

She had made it down the first corridor before the first bullet whizzed past her head and hit the window, showering her and the carpet, in glass.

Everyone at the pool side and anywhere else heard the gunshot and looked around wondering what was gong on. Li pulled the phone away from his ear and hung up when the shooting continued.

The front foyer had two doors. The front door and the huge french doors to the right, that when folded back and opened, it opened onto the pool area. You could see everything that happened in the front foyer from the pool area and vice versa. Cherry burst onto the top of the stairs that she had walked up half an hour ago with Li. Meilin and the other Black Wolves watched as she ducked when Black Wolves burst upon the scene, firing like maniacs. Li burst out into the pool area from the otherside, running from his study, demanding to know what the hell was happening.

Cherry ducked, covering her head and trying to think. They meant business. She forced her terrorfied scream back into her throat and refused to show weakness to them. She ran for the stairs and balked when more flooded the bottom of the stairs aiming their guns at her.
A stray bullet hit a painting abover her head and it fell, landing at her feet. Cherry snatched it up, and jumped up on the railing and surfed half way down, before front-flipping and landing heavily on the marble floor beneath. She dodged bullets and ignored shouts as she headed for the front door. Then seeing an opening, she skidded to a halt and bolted for the pool area.
Black Wolves tried to block her path, but she front-flipped over their out-stretched arms, like a tiger jumping through a hoop at the circus, and somersaulted across the ground, rolling to her feet and running towards the pool, ignoring the Black Wolves standing around watching.
Someone grabbed her and she cried out and struck out in defense, hearing a crunch, she fell and whipped around and punched her opponent painfully. She backflipped and kicked out at another. One fluid movement flowed into another as she fought. She went to aim her fist and came face to face with the barrel of a gun. Her eyes widened as she focussed on the gun and stepped back; all her years of training and experience telling her to back down for the time being.
Her heart was hammering, blood was pounding in her ears as she starred at the gun. Shouts were occurring everywhere, but they sounded faint, coming from far away as she took another step backward. A black blurr obscured her vision as her foot caught and she went sprawling down, a gun shot ringing clear through the air as she connected and went into the water with a splash.

Li saw what was going on and decided enough was enough. He saw them corner her and yelled for them to stop. Racing towards them, he saw her stricken look as Kane aimed his gun at her. He rammed Kane, sending the gun off, they fell to the ground, just as the splash sounded.
Kane pinned him to the ground fruious that Li had stopped him.
" I had her! " he fumed.
" I don't care! " Li spat, kneeing him in the stomach, making Kane groan. Li pushed him off him and pinned him with a glare.
" She is under my protection. No one is to touch her! " he glarred at everyone else. " No one! "
" Okamii, " a girl behind him whispered looking at the water. " She's not coming up. "
Li swore and rolled away from Kane and got up just as someone dived into the pool.

Cherry's hair splayed around her as the Black Wolf lowered her onto the ground. Her head fell to the side, making no movement. Madison, Meilin and Eriol hurried forward, followed closely by Mika and Astalte. Li kneeled beside them and put his fingers on her neck and swore. He pushed the Black Wolf out of the way and began C.P.R. Cherry arched her back before she began coughing. Li turned her head to the side as she rolled onto her side and coughed up the water she had swallowed. " Is she all right? " Astalte asked, stepping forward curiously.
" Cherry? " Li rolled her back on her back and pushed her soaking bangs out of her eyes.
" Am I dead? " she whispered.
Li sighed a little, not allowing the others to see his affection.
" Nearly, but no. What happened? "
Emerald eyes squinted open and starred at him. " I don't know. " she muttered trying to sit up, but gave up after the first try. " I saw them and they started firing. "
Li nodded, understanding. " It's ok now. Everything's been sorted out. "
" Glad to hear it. " she muttered and then looked up at Li. " You know I'm not usually the sort, but I think I'm going to faint. " her head fell back with a small thudd and they all realised she was true to her word.
" Kami . . " Meilin breathed. " Who gives a warning before they faint? "
" Obviously this one. " Astalte stated smirking.
Li shot Kane a murderous glare and bent and picked Cherry up.
" Astalte, Meilin. Prepare a room for Cherry. "
" What are we? Your personal maids now? " Meilin demanded hotly and balked at the look Li sent her. " Fine. " she muttered and ran up the stairs as Li followed.

The Black Wolves watched as their leader carried the girl up the stairs and started muttering and whispering the moment he disappeared from view.

To Be Contiued . . .

Okamii - Wolf.

AN: The words to the song may be inaccurate. Please don't flame me if I've made a mistake.