A week Later . . .

(AN : Forgive me but I just have to put this in. )

" . . . Government officials are currently investigating this mornings recent events. "

The screen scans the traffic pile up, the scatter of witches hats, and car stack ups.

" The culprits were assumed to have broken into several unguarded construction sights, stealing more than two thousand yen of equipment, which you see behind me has been used in a reckless and dangerous manner. The eight lanes which make on route 39 were closed off, causing panic and mayhem earlier this morning. As you can see several trucks and cars have swerved trying to miss the obstacles, only to have collided adding to the disaster.
Police rushed to the scene aided by ambulance and S.E.S to try and sort out the tangled mess. Police are still trying to discover who is behind the attack. They haven't released any information at this stage, but they do believe that the cause of the accident was done by young jouvenals . . "

Showes a huge truck filled with tar capsized, tar flooding the road, several cars stuck in the mess, unable to move.

" Detective Marshall Homeland stated in an earlier interview, that this is exactly what the minister of jouvenal protection was discussing in the previous election. He believes that the safety of our children must be our number one priority, keeping them at home where they are safe, not out causing disasters such as you see behind me.. . "

Astalte smirked and held her hand up for Madison, who slapped her hands to hers in a high-five, bumping their hips together in their new victory dance. Eriol shuffled back on the lounge, crossing his arms as he eyed to two smiling devilishly.
" You wouldn't happen to be the ' two children ' that were at the center of that vicious and total callous display were you? "
Madison glarred at the screen.
" No! " she snapped sounding absolutely horrorfied. " You'd think they'd have the discentcy to see two masterminds behind all that chaos and mayhem! " she sniffed put out. " Children! Hah! " she spat angrily. " We'll just have to show them next time won't we Astal? "
" Oh most definately. " Astale smirked evilly watching Eriol's face. Eriol almost went into a cardiac arrest. Mika sat back and decided to stay out of it.
Madison turned to face Eriol, am angry frown on her face and ran her hand down her shapely body.
" Do we - " she indicated Astal. " Look like 'children' to you? "
Mika had seen the glee and childish delight as they had watched all the distruction they had caused and bit his lip a little.
" Umm, " their gaze flew to him and he sharred a look with Eriol. " Which answer won't get us into trouble? "
Madison's eyes hardened. " The right one. " her voice threatened.
" Umm . . . no? . . . "
Madison sighed and blew her bangs out of her eyes. She straightened and looked at Astalte. " Men! " she sighed. " Absolutely hopeless. "
" Don't worry. " Astal replied smiling. " The Government's just hoping they we're children. Then they'll have a bigger problem on the hands if they thought otherwise. It's all bout saving money and hiding the truth. "
" Maybe we should just go terrorise them for the sake of it. " Madison replied still pissed.
" No! " Eriol jumped up and wrapped his hands around Madison steering her out of the room. " I think I have a much better idea. One that will put all that creative energy to use"
Astalte snorted. " We'll just pick up where we left off Hiiragizawa. " she called waiting.
Eriol's head shot around the corner and he pointed at Mika.
" I'm counting on you to find some one to get her laid. " he indicated at Astalte. " Don't fail me. "
Mika had paled and choked. " Me! How the fuck am I supposed to - "
" You'll do nicely sweet heart. " Astalte smiled at Mika who went as white as a ghost.
She walked over to him and Mika jumped to his feet. " Astal, hey you can't be serious right? We're friends, we can't - "
" I think being friends would only enhance the situation don't you? " she purred.
Mika tripped and fell back onto the floor, Astalte knelt down and crawled over to him, pinning him beneath her. She smirked cynically.
Then she laughed.
" cool your jets Mika. " she laughed and stood up. " I was only playing. I know you have your own girl. I wouldn't do that to you. Besides, I promise a rain check to a hunk of a wolf whose more my thing. No offence. " Mika melted with relief. She laughed shaking her head as she walked out of the room.

Cherry heard the door down the hall close as Eriol dragged Madison in there. No doubt what they were up to. She felt Li's eyes on her as he watched her from the head of the bed and she felt her cheeks grow warm. She swung her legs over the end of the bed and sat up, placing her back to Li. She was not ready to go there yet.
Standing up, she slipped her gun onto her pants ( Like Lara Croft from Tomb Raider ) and walked to the door. Li sat up a little more and watched her. She stopped at the door and turned to look at him.
" I'm going to go do some training. " she slipped out the door as quietly as she had said it.
Li rolled over and flopped down on his back and starred at the ceiling, and placed his arm over his forehead. They'd talked a lot since he'd brought her back. He'd made her place known and she had accepted it - grudgingly. He was worried. She didn't want the place that he had granted her. Many had tried to get what she had obtained, but she saw it as unimportant.
He knew she was skittish when it came to her intitiation. He was trying to get her to accept it, but she shied away just like she had just now. He wanted to make her his completely, he wanted to become a part of her. He hadn't wanted anything as much as he wanted Cherry. Sighing he got up and ran his hand through his hair. He was wearing army pants and boots and a black t-shirt. He walked down the hall and followed Cherry.

Sweat broke out of her body as she dodged and fought in the training arena. She aimed her gun and fired at the taret and was pleased when she hit the centre of the target. She was working off her fear. She had to give herself eventually, but it was to Li. The Leader of the Black Wolves, a strong and determined man, an almost complete stranger that didn't love her and someone that she didn't completely know herself. Damn bloody Macc, she thought as she knocked the statues head off.
Li watched her from the shadows, so he wouldn't break her concentraion. She was really good, especially when she applied herself. She would make the perfect leader. He balked at the sudden thought. He was thinking ahead of himself. Cherry wasn't permanent, none of his women were. It didn't last. The only reason she would have his mark was because he didn't want anyone else to touch her.
She aimed, and a shadow caught her attention. She saw who it was and gasped, triggering the gun and sent it flying above her, where a smash occurred and glass rained down on her, but she didn't move. She blinked but the person walking past the protective glass was still there.
" Saola . . . " she whispered in shock as she watched her co-worker in the arms of a Black Wolf she hadn't seen before.
She tensed. What was Macc thinking sending in another agent and so quickly! Now she was certain to give herself away. Her gaze was fixed on the couple as they walked past the protective glass and disappeared from sight. She holstered her gun and felt someone's eyes on her. She turned and saw Li emerge from the shadows and she saw his glance go from her to where she had been watching. He knew something was wrong. She turned away and jumped up grabbing the rope that was hanging from the ceiling and started climbing up it, putting all her effort into it. When she reached the top, she leaned back and kicked open the skylight and reached over and climbed up through it and found herself on the roof. She slammed it closed with her foot in a helpless anger. How the hell was she supposed to do this now with Saola breathing down her neck? She sat down and wiped the sweat away from her forehead. Things just kept getting harder and harder to do.
" I don't want to give up, I don't want that kind of failure . . but what am I going to do? " she whispered.
' That's rich. ' her mind said sarcastically. ' This from someone that has quit this mission several times already,
and has come crawling back. Pathetic Avalon. '
" Shut up! " she muttered angrily. " When I want you to rub it in my face, I'll ask you too. "
Her mind snorted in disgust.
' You're funeral. . . '

Standing straighter she started to climb up higher on the roof. She liked the feeling of freedom. She jumped up over the last rafter and nearly collided with Mika.
" Ho-eee! " she cried and nearly lost her balance. Mika grabbed her hand and dragged her down beside him.
" Mika! " she looked at him surprised. " What on earth are you doing all the way up here? "
" I could ask you the same thing. " he smiled, but she noticed the sadness there.
" What's wrong? " she asked concerned.
" Nothing. " he said.
Cherry frowned. " You know Mika, " she started haughtily. " When you say nothing in that tone of voice, you're just begging for attention. So you might as well just tell me. "
He shot her a look and she smiled warmly. He sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
" Melisande, the girl I've been seeing for a few months just called it off. She told me she'd been seeing another guy from another clan. "
Cherry's emerald eyes dulled with sadness. " Gomenasai Mika-chan. That's awful. "
He smiled ruefully. " Life's a bitch hey? I thought we really had something going there too. "
" I'm sure that you did. " Cherry said. " Maybe she just didn't appriciate you. "
" Maybe. " he said sadly looking out at the distance. " So why are you up here? "
" Clearing my head. It's a little stressful at the moment and I think I'm going nuts. "
" With the initiation? "
Cherry balked. " Is it that transparent? "
He smiled. " We all know how you feel. Well most of us anyway. " he smiled. " It takes a little getting used to. "
" I'm not going to get use to it Mika. " Cherry said looking away. " I'm a little scarred. "
She felt his gaze study her.
" Have you told Li? "
" I've tried to. I think he knows it, but he still he wants it to happen. I love you guys, you all know that, but it's just something I'm going to have to get my head around . . and soon. " " Get drunk. "
" What! " her head snapped around.
" Get well and truly drunk and then you won't know a thing. " he smirked.
" You want me to get plastered? Are you barmy? I would like to remember my first time thanks! "
He laughed, but there was still a little sadness there. " Gomen, gomen. I couldn't help it. "
She shoved him playfully. " Mika, you're a toad. Warts and all. "
" Do I get a kiss? "
She shot him a look and he smiled warmly.
" I think kissing you wouldn't help. " she said. " You'd probably turn into a Cane Toad. "
" Ouch! " he grimaced. " That's harsh honey. "
She smirked and her eyes glowed. " All's fair in Love and War - " she smirked again. " - Sugar. "
He laughed and she smiled, but they soon fell silent again turning to look out of the world around them. The breeze russled through the pine trees lifting their hair away from their faces, ticking their skin.

They looked down as Black Wolves piled out and started bringing their black cars around the front.
" What's going on? " Cherry asked watching them.
" It's a raid or a fight. Something's come up. " Mika replied watching as well.
" Shouldn't you be going with them? "
Mika shrugged. " I'm not in the mood for it. I'd probably get shot - or worse. " Sakura shivered.
" Li's probably looking for you. " Mika spoke up.
" Are you giving me my marching orders m'lord? " she asked arching a brow.
" Oh no m'lady. " Mika smiled gently. " But I'd hate for him to think you've taken off again. He's very protective of you. "
" So I've noticed. " she replied dryly.
The sadness was back in his eyes and Cherry thought for a moment before turning to look at him properly. He met her gaze.
" I have a boon to ask of you m'lord. " she said playing along.
He smiled gently. " Anything, my fairest lady. What do you wish of me? "

Cherry leant over and he backed away a little unsure what she doing.
" A person once told me, " she confided in secret. " That a person wanting to help ease another's pain, should do all that they can in their power to help where they are needed most. "
Mika starred at her, alerted to any movement. Cherry smiled and he met her gaze. " There is pain and sadness in you Mika. " she whispered. " And I understand, but she was not worth it. You are a much better person than she. Given some time, there will be one who is meant for you. All you have to do is wait and see. " She leant forward and softly kissed him on the forehead. She barely touched her lips to his skin, but it startled him none-the-less. It was a healing kiss. It only lasted a second, but he starred at her in wonder. Her emerald eyes were glowing and clear like the real jewel.
" I have stolen your pain Mika Osakii. " she smiled softly. " There is no more pain for you. Forget and move on. "
She leant back and smiled at him before standing up. She bowed elegantly and met his gaze. " My mother once taught that to my brother and he sharred it with me on many occassions" she leapt over the rafter and slid down the tiles back towards the skylight. She turned and waved, smiling at him before she slid back inside.

Mika watched her go, a small smile in the corner of his mouth, as he starred up at the sky. " Li, you have no idea what you have in your grasp. I hope you aren't an idiot. She's too precious to lose. " he smiled. " She's a real friend. .. . "

Cherry walked down the last few shadowed stairs before Li appeared in front of her, watching her come down. She masked her expression and gave him a small smile. He was dressed to go out.
" Feeling better? "
Cherry blinked. " Ah, . . fine. " she replied. " Going out? " Li nodded. " You want to come? "
" You want me to come as well? " she asked surprised. " Why? "
" Because I want you to. " Li replied.
Cherry slightly frowned and then shrugged.
" What's the occassion? " " A few Blood Hound's have over stepped their territory for the last time. We're going out to teach them a little lesson. "
Cherry nodded and followed Li as he walked out, quickly braiding her hair.

Outside a small bar, the Black Wolves crouched surveying their surroundings. Emerald eyes scanned back and forth, a plan forming rapidly in her mind.
" How many inside? " she asked, her eyes darting to the high cement wall on either side of the bar.
" There should be about eight - no more than ten. " a Wolf replied.
" Hmmm. " Cherry saw a shadow walk past the window and waited counting seconds.
She shifted getting ready to sprint.
" Wait out here. Be ready, their gona come flying out here. " she dashed around the car and kept low to the ground.
Li had reached out to grab her, but her wrist went straight through his grasp.
" Kaeru hai! " Li snapped angrily.
Cherry volted over the cement wall and landed quietly on the other side, quickly looking around.

Li went to dash after her, but a Black Wolf restrained him. " Trust her. " he said and turned back to the front door.

Cherry edged to the door frame and listened in the shadows as the men inside talked of their daring to trespass on Wolf territory. She was about to dash inside and shout 'Police!', but something else caught her eye. Something, big, red and incased in glass.

The Blood Hounds shouted and jumped to their feet when the alarm went off and water started pouring from the roof. Fearing that there was a fire and that the alcohol would catch a light, they bolted from the building - straight into a Black Wolf ambush.
Cherry laughed to herself as she got drenched. She wiped water out of her eyes and walked out the back. Fearing that more might come from somewhere, she climbed the ladder to the roof and climbed over the tiles till she could look down and watch as the Black Wolves captured the last of the Blood Hounds.
The wind picked up and carried a few loose strands of hair as she starred around them in pure curiousity. She was going to turn back to Li when something caught her eye, which made her blink and hone in on what she was seeing.
A few houses down, a garage was opening and a black car was backing out of the driveway - a very familar black car. Flashes from the night three years ago, as Macc insanely drove after a black car jumped into her mind, and she walked to the edge of the roof watching as it drove off away from them. Nothing stirred in the house from where it had driven out of. She was going to have to investigate.
Li looked up and watched her. What had her interest? He called her name, but she didn't hear him. Suddenly, as if she became aware that he was watching her, she turned and looked down at him and then moved away from the edge and disappeared. She appeared a few minutes later as she jumped over the cement wall and Li was suddenly struck with a memory of a couple of years ago when he'd been chased by the rookie cop. It had been the night the Black Wolves had been accused of murder and violation. She'd been a small thing, but she had volted that wall as if it weren't there as she had come after him. Cherry walked over to them and he shook his head. Cherry was too tall and shapely comparred to her. He hadn't even been able to see her face. What did it matter?

At that moment a Blood Hound spat and swore as Cherry stopped to take the insult.
" Stupid ama! " he spat. " You set off that damn alarm! You have no honour! You resulted to lowely trickery than rather face us like a wolf! "
Cherry sneered.
" You are the one with no honour when you're the one who screamed like a girl. " she smirked at his angry face.
" Yasui baita! " the Blood Hound spat.
Li hit him so fast, the Hound's head spun.
" Shut your freaking yap. " he spat, his glare icy. " If you don't, it'll be the last thing you ever say. "
There was a loud bang, and Li found himself starring at a hole blown right through the Hound's head, right between the eyes. He reached up and wiped blood from his face as the body fell sideways and turned in shocked surprise to the source of the gun shot.
Pure anger and rage shook in ever limb of her being. She was not a cheap w.hore. Her arms trembled with rage as her gun barrel cooled. Her eyes burned with livid anger as she fired again and again at the bastard. Li jumped out of the way as she went beserk. The other Wolves and Hounds watched in sickened silence as a fire seemed to swirl around the one insulted.
The clicking of her empty gun made her throw her gun away in disgust. She stalked away and swore every curse she knew. She stopped when the sirens started through the air. Li cursed and hauling their prisoners after them, the Wolves got into their vehicles. Li stopped and grabbed Cherry's empty gun and looked up for her. But she was gone.
" Cherry! " he yelled.

He jumped in the car and swung it around trying to find her. The tyres screeched and rubber burnt as he yelled out the window at her as she looked around for an escape route. He floored the car and braked in front of her.
" Get in! " he yelled as she spotted him and then ran for the car. She jumped in the back and Li took off, just as the Police and Fire Brigade arrived at the scene.

Li drove in silence for ten minutes trying to calm down. That had been close. His eyes flicked to the rear view and flicked back again and swore. He pulled the car over and jumped out, opening the back door and knelt in to the huddled figure on the back seat, crying.
" Honey, " he climbed in and gently touched her. " What's wrong? "
Her head snapped up and she glarred at him. " I am not your w.hore! " Even F.B.I agents had feelings under all their hard core. And her emotions had definately been on a rollar coaster these last few weeks. It was no wonder the damn had finally burst.

Li blinked and reached out to her when she lowered her head again. He climbed in and wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on top of her head. " I know you're not. " he whispered, kissing the top of her head. " Is that all people see now because I'm a part of the Wolves? A w.hore? Xiao Lang's w.hore? "
Li cringed.
" I'm to blame. " he admitted after a while. She lifted her face to look at him waiting. Li cleared his throat and looked away. " You see it's my reputation as a play - well, ahh, you know. " he looked back to her. " It's what they expect. But you must believe me when I say that you are different. You are decent, kind and carring, beautiful and loyal. You are nothing compared to the past. You are a flame that burns all on it's own, brighter than any other. I'm sorry that you had to hear that. " he said stroking her hair. " He was a b.astard and he deserved what you did to him. "
Cherry sniffed and wiped away her tears. " You must think me a akanbo. I run whenever I can and I fear lots of things. "
" Everyone is afraid of something. " Li said smiling. " And you're braver than you give yourself credit for. "
She turned her head away. " If you say so. "
Li turned her head back to him and met her sad eyes. " Although you do have a annoying habbit of taking off when you feel like it, you always come back to face me. Not many would have that kind of courage considering what kind of b.astard I can be when I'm ticked. " he smiled. " You stand up for yourself and argue your point till you either win or lose. Look what happened when you first came to the mansion. The Wolves attacked you, but instead of using your gun which would have helped greatly, you ran, not because you were afraid, but because you were brave enough to know that you could not have won then and there and that once I knew what was happening, I'd put a stop to it. Although I did arrive a little late, we were lucky that no blood was spilled. "
He kissed her briefly smiling.
" You put your life on the line for hair-brained skemes and plans, not carring what happens to you as long as you can help those that need your help. You're so sweet natured, but strong at the core where it counts. You're stubbornly determined and did I mention that your clever and smart? "
Cherry sniffed and shot him a look. " Are you trying to butter me up? "
Li smiled and kissed her again. " No. I'm just telling you that you are more than that what Kursac said. "
She smiled softly and lowered her head. " Arigato. "

Li lifted her chin and made her look at him. " No, " he said. " Thank you for finding me. "
Tears slid down her cheek again. " Do you really mean that? "
" I do. " he said and lowered his mouth to hers.

Word must have gotten around as to what the man named Kursac had said, because she suddenly found herself surrounded by Madison, Meilin, Astalte and a few other girls that she had met previously. They took in her upset form sitting at the window seat and sharred pointed looks.
" I'm ok . . really . . " Cherry said and turned back to stare out the window at the fading sky.
" Yeah . . sure. . . " Meilin replied sarcastically, placing her hand on her hip. " You're going to let that za zhong mess you up? "
" You're not Xiao Lang's whore. " Astal spoke up firmly.
" Aren't I? " Cherry asked, not looking at them.
" Have you slept with him? " Meilin demanded.
" No. . . . "
" Then how can you be his w.hore? " she snapped angrilly.
" I will be once he initiates me. " she replied.
" How you can be a w.hore if the man who has you cares for you? " Astal asked.
Cherry shrugged her shoulders weakly. " Xiao Lang doesn't really care for me. Not that way. "
" Not care for you -? " Meilin asked incrediously. " ARE YOU BLIND! "
Madison knelt down and hugged her close, giving the dejected girl her warmth, carring and understanding.
" Cherry-chan, " she stated softly making the her look at her. " can you truly not see that Li cares for you? That he respects you and adores you? " Emerald eyes watched her. " He has changed the rules to respect you, something that he has never done for any of us. I wish it had been that easy for me. " she smiled ruefully. " His eyes are filled with kindness when he sees you. Can you truly tell me that you don't see it? " she asked softly.
" But that's how he always is. " Cherry said. " Don't you see? I'm just another notch for him. Another score, another girl that will sleep with him. He's a player. A - "
" You knew the risk. " Madison stated cutting her off. Cherry starred at her. " As I did when I first layed eyes on Eli. You may not have totally aware of it, but you knew. You could have walked away, but you hung around. " Cherry smiled, despite her dejected emotions. " It's ok. I don't need the confidence boost. I'm feeling better now. "
" I'm not convinced. " Meilin stated eyeing her warily.
" What is this? " Cherry smiled. " A Spanish Inquisition? "
Meilin smiled. " Don't get sassy. " Cherry smiled and got up and surprised them all by giving them a hug.
" Arigato minna-san. "
" Whatever. " Meilin said as she recieved the hug. " Don't let this moping thing become a habbit or I'll be forced to take action. "
" I'm definately terrorfied now. " Cherry replied, and Astal smirked.
" There's a party tonight. You coming? "
" Huh? " Cherry turned around. " A party? Here or elsewhere? "
" Elsewhere. " Meilin cut in. " This is where you can show us what moves you've got. "
Cherry blushed and looked down at the ground. " Ano, do I have time to go shopping first? "
" Why would you want to go shopping? " " I - ah - kinda don't have anything apart from what Li-kun gave me of yours Meilin-chan. " she admitted blushing.
" And what I bought the other day isn't exactly what you guys would wear. "
" Cherry, " Astal spke up. " We're sisters here. We stick together. All you have to do is ask and you can borrow. God, Meilin's borrowed several of my outfits, " she shot Meilin a pointed look. " and I'm sure I'll never see them again, and I'm sure they're stuffed somewhere at the back of her wardrobe, but the point is, it's part of the rule here, though I can think of some that don't follow it, and I'll warn you about who to avoid asking later, but for now you're safe with us. "
" We can do a wardrobe raid later. " Meilin cut in. " For now, I wana go check up on Mika and see how well he's doing with my car. If he's killed it, I'll castrate him. I made sure he knew that before hand. "
Cherry giggled and followed the others downstairs. Madison hung back and waited until Li emerged from the shadows.
" Is she better now? " he asked softly.
Madison nodded. " Hai. She's over it now. "
" Arigato. " he said. " I knew if I asked - "
" Li-kun, " she layed her hand gently on his arm and met his gaze. " you didn't need to ask us. We would have done it anyway. We like Cherry. She's a part of us now. I know I've only been here a few more weeks than she, and who am I to say so, but I think the others would agree too. " she smiled brightly and her violet eyes sparkled.
Li nodded and turned to leave.
" We'll be down in the garage. " she spoke up and he stopped, his back to her. " Maybe instead of keeping your distance, you should try moving in. It couldn't hurt. "
" I'll consider it. " was the only replied she got as he walked away.

All the guys were covered from head to foot in grease and oil, their overalls dirty and black, all standing at the hoods of their cars, tools in hand, watching totally amused as Cherry; covered in as much grease and oil as they, sang along with the radio, her head stuck inside the engine, as she fixed up her car. From across the garage, Li smiling, shook his head bemused and went back to fixing up his car. " Man, " Mika spoke up so Cherry could hear. " Is this chic talented or what? " he asked sounding astounded. " She cooks, she sings, she fights, she trains, stands up to Syaoran, she was head cheer leader AND she can detail and fix up cars. Is there anything this chic can't do? "
Cherry, who had poked her head back up to hear what he said, stuck her tongue out as they others laughed and mock glarred at him. " Stuff it in your manifold Osakii. "
" You forgot to add sassy too. " Li spoke up smiling brightly at her as the others laughed at her comment. She humphed and kicked her car over, gunning the engine, smiling at the cheers she received from the men as the turbo kicked in.

She was cleaning up when one of the guys threw his spanner and threw his hands up in the air.
" I hate this stupid hunk of junk. " he glarred hatefully at the car. " Since Yosida ran it to the ground, the things been going down hill since then. I should bloody kill him. "
Cherry eyed the car critically and grabbed her laptop out of the car.
" I don't think that's neccessary. " she said and jumped up on the hood of her car and typed away furiously.
" You could strip it completely back, and start from scratch. " she said as she hacked away and drew up images.
" You could put in a v8 engine and upgrade it later. " she typed away. " Hey what are you doing? " the guy asked, stepping closer to have a look and looked surprised. " Hey cool. How can you do that? "
" Hacking, as long as you know the right sites to go to. " she smiled and drew up other images, showing him.
" You're car could look like this. " she showed him and he smiled.
The others came forward and crowded around. Li looked curious too.
" Or you can add other bits. " she typed away and the picture changed and showed parts that went into the design.
" Of course it will cost you, unless you know a good contractor. " she said and downloaded the files and got out of the site. " Kinda depends on what you're after. "

One guy looked up at Mika. " You forgot to mention hacker too. " Cherry laughed sheepishly. She hated being on display.
" You're just one little surprise after the other aren't you? " Li asked moving closer to have a better look.
" You learnt all this from your brother? "
Cherry nodded. " I kinda branched out a little, but that was years ago. My brother knows more than me now. " Li shook his head, and then looked up at the Wolf. " Well? "
" It looks good. " the wolf agreed and smiled at her. " Can I get a copy of that? "
" Sure. " Cherry smiled. " Give me a disk when you can, and I'll copy it for you. It's a good program to have. It's helped me out more than once. "
" Thanks. I owe you one. "
" Don't worry about it. " she assured happily. " Glad I could help. At least Yosida won't have to die over it. "
The wolf rubbed the back of his sheepishly. " Oh, that, yeah. Sorry. " Cherry smiled and closed the laptop and put it on the backseat.

" Wana help me now Miss Fix It? "
Cherry's brow arched. " Me help you? " she asked looking at Li. " You don't need my help. "
" That's where you're wrong. " he assured. " Two will get it done quicker. "
She opened her mouth, then closed it, knowing it was a good point. " What needs to be done? "
" Oil change, a few lose bolts need tightening, and a once over to make sure everything is in working order. "
She shrugged. " I can help with that. " Li smiled as she turned to his car. He caught the others smug expressions and warned them with a glance as he smiled and turned back to her.

" Could you give me that spanner Li-kun please? " she asked, her head stuck in the engine.
" This one? " he asked, resting his hand on her back as he leaned closer for her expection. She stiffened as she examined the spanner he had.
" Yeah that one. " she mumbled as she took it from him.
He hid his smirk and went back to his work.

She cursed when the bolt wouldn't budge. Li looked up and watched as she muttered under her breath, a streak of grease on her cheek. She looked so adorable.
" I find, " he said coming up behind her, curving his hand around her waist, resting lightly on her stomach, as he leant down and placed his hand on hers. " that having another hand always helps. "
She gulped when she felt his breath tickle her ear. Together they turned the spanner and it came lose. He straightened up and her breath hitched as his hand left her slowly. Was she imagining this? It happened a few more times and then she finally straightened up and glarred at him.
" Ok what are you playing at? " she demanded aiming the spanner she was holding at him threateningly.
He was an angel of complete innocence. " What? " she heard snickers from the other guys and her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
" Ok, once is accidental, twice is a little coincidental, more than three times and it's suspicious buddy. "
A tiny smirk appeared in the corner of his mouth and she glarred some more.
" What is? " he leant down and fiddled some more with the engine. " I think you're imagining things Cherry. "
She eyed him suspiciously, doubting herself, and leant back down and continued working, keeping him in her sight. It was a few minutes later when they were nearly finished that she paused.
" Don't even think about it. " she straightened and turned on him, his hands frozen in mid air going towards her.
Laughter came from the others. She ignored them, narrowing her eyes at Li.
" Try it again Xiao Lang Li, and I'll cram my shoe down your throat until you choke. "
Laughter roared behind them as the others heard her. He smirked reaching for her and catching her around the waist.
" Well can I still do it, if you're going to choke me anyway? "
A tiny smile formed against her will as she looked at him. " Oh you're definately getting the nine inch pumps. "
He cringed, and she laughed pushing away from him. " Keep you're eyes on the job wolf boy. " she chided.

A few minutes later they finished and she smiled at him as she cleaned up. Meilin, who had finished with watching Mika ages ago, came to claim her. At Li's frosted look she smiled.
" Don't worry, you can have her back before we leave. We've got to get her ready. " she smiled at Sakura as she blushed. " Think you can last until then? " she laughed at Li's glare.
" Come on Cherry. " she dragged her behind her. " Li has serious seperation issues, but I'm sure he can handle them for a while. "
Li glarred at Meilin's retreating back and then joined up with Mika and Eriol as they congradulated him for the entertainment.

Later that Night . .

The crowded club, hummed with music and talk. Smoke crowded parts of the club, and bodies danced closely together as the music remixed and continued to change. In their own privte part of the club, the Wolves danced, partyed and drank to their content. They had been there for a few hours and were thouroughly enjoying themselves. Cherry had gotten use to the atmosphere and had watched as the girls had showed off their moves and had joined in when they had cornered her and forced her out to the dance floor with them. She'd received quite a few cheers and cat calls, much to her surprise and amazement. It was a completely different perspective comparred to her normal daily life she was used to.
She danced unitl she couldn't stand any longer and collapsed on the seats were she laughed and joked with other Wolves. One wolf got up and left and Li took his place and smiled briefly at her as he started talking to another about some business they had arranged. She felt kind of bereft after the garage episode, but she brightened considerable, when she felt his hand warm on her thigh under the table. His eyes were warm and heated when he turned his gaze briefly to hers. She yawned widely shortly later, and Li wrapped his arm around her and cuddled her closer, so she could rest her head on his shoulder, while he continued to talk. She must have dozed because she came awake with a start and blinked trying to figure out where she was. She looked up and met Li's gaze looking down at her and smiled. The music blarred and she wondered how on earth she had been able to sleep though it.
Li stood up and helped her stand up. He lead her over to the dance floor and nodded at the DJ and soft music sudden hushed the louder noise. He held her close in the shadows as he danced with her. Her head rested against his shoulder, his head close to hers, as he held her hips close to his.
Cherry smiled to herself as she drew Li's warmth into her. He had held her close all night and hadn't let her out of his sight. She found it comforting and some-what romantic. She liked being cherished and protected. What would Tori think if he could see then together? Would he see how much she loved him?
She stiffened and her eyes flew open. Li gript her closer feeling her tense. She swallowed hard. ' Love him? ' her mind asked. ' How could you love him? You barely know him! ' She raised her head and starred up into Amber eyes that were watching her carefully. She couldn't believe it, she loved him. She blinked and looked away uncertainly. ' Well, ' her mind said. ' That's it. I'm outta here. Give me a call when Macc's about to kill you, I'd personally like to enjoy it. ' she heard that mental door slam again and cringed.

She rested her head back against Li's shoulder and starred over it, at the other couples that were around them. She ran her hand up his shoulder to hold him better as she thought. After several minutes she knew that no matter how this case turned out, she would protect Li's life with her own. She didn't care anymore that he was her assignment, he'd proven that he carred for her, and that was something that she couldn't over see.
' I know in way over my head and in dangerous water - ' she paused. ' No, make that shark infested water. ' she corrected in her mind. ' But Love is never predictable, and once one falls for it, there's no going back. '

" Something wrong? " Li muttered in her ear. She shivered.
" No. " she pulled back and smiled at him. " I just realised something. "
" Oh? " Li asked and he wrapped his arms around her. " What did you just realise? "
She kissed him softly on the under-side of his jaw. " How much I want you. "
It took him a few moments for it to register, but when it did he tensed and looked down at her. " What? "
She smiled and rested her head back on his shoulder. " I want you. I want my intitation . . later, now, yesterday. "

Li starred down at her and then took her hand and lead her off the dance floor and lead her outside. He back her up against the wall and rested his hands on either side of her head. She looked up at him blushing slightly. He starred down at her, searching for something and she held his gaze.
" Are you sure you're ready? " he asked softly.
She nodded and raised her head up to him, bringing her emerald eyes into the light making them sparkle and glow. Li nodded slowly and then backed away.
" Come with me then. "
" You want to? " she asked tilting her head to the side. " You don't have to if you don't want to I - "
Li leant down and kissed her eagerly. He teased, took and gave. When he was done, he pulled back and looked at her. " Did that feel like someone that doesn't want to? "
She was giddy. Which way was up?
" Umm . . ok then. " she smiled and placed her hand in his. " Lets go. "

Shadowed green eyes watched the two and a disgusted grunt came from the darkness. They continued to watch as the lancer drove off and the green eyes disappeared into the darkness.
" Well . . this is a predictable developement. . . "

The sun glistened through the window and the hidden figure in the huge bed stretched and clawed her way up to the surafce of sleep. Tangled honey-brown hair popped out of the covers and starred sleepily around the empty bedroom and grumble something about 'stupid mornings.
Twenty minutes later, Cherry emerged from the bedroom and walked down the carpeted hallways in search of her lover. She headed towards Li's study and heard yelling and wondered what on earth was going on. She opened the door quietly and listened as she watched Li throw the paper down on his desk. He was glarring at Eriol.

Li's amber eyes bored into Eriol's. He gestured the papers.
" How the hell could we be responsible for that murder! " he demanded starting to pace.
Eriol's solemn expression followed him as he paced. " We should have figured it would start up again once we started showing our faces again, and since the incident with Cherry being captured. It was bound to happen. "
" But we weren't there! " Li spat. " How can we be blamed for a crime we didn't commit! "
Cherry's eyes widened in the shadows.

Li turned to one of the other Wolves.
" Landen! " he barked. " I want all the Wolves combed through. Find out where most of them were last night. Make sure they have alibis. Hiiragizawa will join you along with Osakii. Someone will know something. Check those new recruits from the Foxhanes. I want any imperfection eradicated. Is that clear. I want someone's head to roll and I want to find what the hell is going on. "
" What about Cherry? " A wolf asked.
From her place, Cherry covered her mouth as she gasped.
Li spared him a brief look. " You leave her to me. "

Cherry jumped back and looked around wildly.
She took a few steps back and took off for their bedroom, closing the door and trying to formulate a plan. She stripped all her clothes and jumped in the shower, sticking her head under, trying to drive away all the horrid scenarios running through her head if they interrigated her and found her guilty. She didn't know how long she had stood there, but she shrieked when someone hugged her from behind.
Li pinned her against the wall so she could see him.
Her back hit the cold wall and she starred up at Li who was watching her. She closed her eyes breathing deeply as she tried to calm down. Her heart was racing and she felt herself blush as she remembered what they had done the night before.
" You startled me. " she managed to choke out.
Li rested his forehead against hers and sighed. " I didn't meant to scare you. Are you alright? "
She nodded dumbly feeling his body against hers.
" Good. " he smiled suddenly and she was lifted up and she starred down at him in surprise wondering what he was doing.
" Li, what are you - Oh! " she choked out as he felt him enter her. Her head went back and didn't think for a very long time. . . .

The wind toyed with the white curtains and a cool breeze fell over to the two laying on the bed fully clothed. Li ran his hand through her long hair as she lay curled up on her side, Li laying behind her, hugging her close as his head rested on her shoulder.
" Do you think it could be me? " she asked quietly after he had just told her the news.
He kissed her cheek. " Iie Cherry. I know you have nothing to do with these false accusations. "
She sighed in relief. Well it was the truth, she wasn't behind the fake cases against them. She was trying to help them.
He suddenly hugged her closer as he whispered in her ear. " I enjoyed last night. "
She giggled as she went red. " So did I. " she rolled over and he leaned over her.
" I didn't hurt you? Did I? " he asked kissing along her jaw.
" A little. " she admitted. " But not that much. " she added hastily when he looked down at her.
" Gomen. " he apologised.
She shook her head. " Iie. You didn't do anything wrong. " she ran her palm down his face. " You did everything right. "
He smiled and she giggled. " I think I just upped the ego by several notches. "
" Damn right. " he nuzzled her neck and she laughed. " I like to know I'm doing it right. "
" I doubt you'd be anything but the best. " she gasped as he kissed the base of her throat.
" Thank you for that. "
" Nani? The prep talk? " she asked, closing her eyes in pleasure.
" No. You just gave me something to brag about with Hiiragizawa. "
She gasped and pushed him away. " My abilities, not you! " he added hastily, when she glarred at him. " How much better I am than him! "
" You'd better hope so Xiao Lang Li. " she glarred.
He kissed her firmly, running his hands down her stomach.
" If you think that's going to get you out of trouble- " she mocked glarred.
" I wouldn't dream of it. " he murmered as he kissed her again.
" Everyone must be wondering where we are. " she murmered.
" I doubt it. They know I'm - ah - otherwise engaged. "
Cherry blushed several shades of reds and hid her head under the pillow. " Dono yo ni hazukashii! "

Li smiled, laughing as he fought to take the pillow from her.
" Come out of there. " he laughed as he lifted the pillow enough to see her eyes, huge and starring at him. " No! " she reclaimed the pillow. " I'll never hear the end of it! "
Still smiling, he took the pillow from her and pinned her hands above her head.
" Neither will I if that's any consolation. "
Cherry groaned and then started when someone knocked on the door.
" Come in! " Li called out and smiled when Meilin walked in.
" Ohayou! " she smiled cheerfully. She smiled at Sakura. " Ohayou! I came to say : Welcome Black Wolf sister. "
Cherry smiled shyly and blushed.

Meilin laughed and sat on the end of the bed. " So I take it that it was good? "
" Meilin! " Li snapped.
She shrugged. " Nani? One can only conclude that since you've been in here all morning and half the night. "
" Kami preserve me. " Cherry heard him mutter and giggled.
" Gomen Meilin-chan. " Cherry said rolled from underneath Li. " I've been cooped up here all day as you say - "
" I resent that. " Li shot her a mock glare.
" Anyway, " Cherry continued shooting Li a face. " Obviously you didn't come for details, so I take it you wanted to hang out? "
" Well I - "
" Great! " Cherry smiled and lead Meilin out of the room and ducked her head back in and smirked at Li.
He fell back laughing to himself. Meilin had no doubt been outmatched in that round.

A few days later. . .

Cherry walked down a hallway that she hadn't been down before and smiled to herself as Meilin had tried unsuccessfully to find out any details on her inititation.
She heard noises and a shout of pain. Frowning, she walked around the corner and starred at the closed door. She heard a sound and a cry of torture and gasped. She opened the door quietly wondering what the hell was going on and stopped breathing.

Inside the shadowed room was one man sitting tied to a chair and blood was trickling from numerous cuts on his body. Her emerald eyes widened in terror as she watched Li stalk like a predator around the man sittng in the chair. Another cut up figure of a man sat motionless, blood drying on his lifeless body. Li's voice was soft, but she could hear it clear as day.
" I thought I warned you the last time Naoto that treachery wouldn't be tolerated, by me or anyone. "
" I-I-I didn't d-d-o i-it. " the man choked out.
More shadows moved and Cherry recognised some of the other Wolves she had met before as they snarled at the man called Naaoto.

The blade flashed threatening in the light. Naoto sobbed as he tried to rear his head away. Cherry's heart pounded.
" You have one more chance to tell me. " Li spoke softly looking at him. " Someone said that we did it, and I want to know who. We've been watching you and your actions speak against you. Who have you been selling us to? "
" I never did anything! " the man's voice grew louder as he glarred at Li hatefully.
Cherry was unaware that she had walked further into the room.
" My father and I served under you loyally for years! Is this the respect we get for our service! "
A blur through the air was all the warning he got before the blade was embedded into the man's throat. His eyes widened, still alive.
Amber eyes starred down at him, shadowed with hatred. " We don't repay treachery. "He looked up and said :
" Finish him off. "
Cherry's hand flew to her mouth as she watched the brutal killing. She backed into the half closed door and all eyes turned to her as the door thumped shut.
Li's eyes borred into hers as she gropped behind her for the handle. Her breathing was hitched and she turned and fled. The silent, solitary figure stood in the shadows watching her run; Amber eyes hardened and cold. . .

Cherry choked back on bile as she ran towards the front entrance. She ignored Mika and Eriol as they reached out to her and pushed against the heavy doors until she was heading towards her car and was kicking up gravel. The tall iron gates swung open as she sped out onto the road, heading towards Tokyo City, her heart clogged up in her throat in pure terror.

She hid in her apartment the one that Li knew nothing about, and sobbed until the horrible images in her mind blurred and ran together. She wiped away her tears and went into her bedroom and thought absently that she would have to hire a maid to rid her place of the gathering dust.
Twenty minutes later she was standing in a down town hairdressers and demanding that she wanted the works.
For the next hour she was relaxed, comforted, pampered and spoiled. Her hair was cut, so it hung just below her shoulder blades and when it was all done, she glowed.

When she was back in her car, she found it was a little easier to breath. She handled stuff like this all the time. Working in the force made her see all kinds of unhumane things, but seeing Li do it was what had destroyed her. Her cell rang and she realised she had a few missed calls.
She answered it, but remained silent. It was Meilin.
" Oh thank Kami! Cherry are you alright! " she was frantic. " Osakii and Hiiragizawa said you took off and that you were pretty upset. Are you alright! Cherry! Cherry! "
" I'm fine Meilin. " she said softly.
" No you're not! What's wrong! Was it Li? Did he do something! "
" Why don't you ask Naoto? " she replied dully.
" Nani? Naoto? I haven't seen him. "
" That's because Li got to him first. Goodbye Meilin. " she hung up.
She drove off and knew she had to face this thing sooner or later.
' Kami don't let that ever happen to me. ' she begged. ' When they find out that I'm an undercover cop, please, don't let them butcher me. '

She approached the tall iron gates and stopped. Should she be doing this? She pushed the accelerator down and drove up the driveway. She parked her car and got out. She locked it and walked towards the gardens. She'd been spending too much time inside anyway.
She found the swing and sat down and pushed it back and forth, swinging gently. The sun beat down on her and she shielded her face against the brightness. She listened to the birds singing and the gentle swaying of the branches of the pine and other trees.
She heard her name being called out and turned to watch Meilin and Madison run through the gardens towards her. When they reached her, Meilin dropped down in front of her and looked up at her, her ruby eyes sympathetic. Madison stood to the side concerned.
" Please tell us you're ok? " Meilin asked quietly.
" I'm fine. "
" You've cut your hair. " Madison gently ran her hands through it soothingly.
" I needed time to think. " she lowered her head. " I didn't meant to pry. I just heard the cry. I thought someone was being attacked. "
Meilin's eyes softened. " And they were. " she said softly. " I know it's hard to accept some things. And I'm sure you've never witnessed something like that, it's a bit of a shock I know. But we don't tolerate traitors. "
" Will you be ok? " Madison asked over her shoulder.
Cherry nodded. " I couldn't believe how cold his eyes were. " she muttered and missed the look that passed between the two girls.
" He would never treat you like that Cherry. " Madison said stroking her head. " He cares too much for that. "
" I'd like to be alone for a while if you don't mind. " she said and Meilin and Madison left reluctantly.

Cherry swallowed the lump in her throat. So what if he boyfriend was a murderer? She choked back on a sob and jumped up from the swing and headed towards her car once again. How could it hurt so much? She loved him and to watch him kill so brutally - she blocked it out. She didn't want to think about it.

Put the pedal down, headin' out of town Got make a get away, (get away)

She swung the car around and nearly lost control of the car when she glimpsed back in the rearview and saw Li standing out the front watching her go.

This is more than I can take.

She sped down the drive and headed towards her brother's garage.

In the dark garage, people went back and forth laughing and joking as they fixed cars. Up the stairs and in the little office sat two people reguarding each other.

Chocolate brown eyes starred at the haunted emerald eyes that were across from him.
" I tried to tell you to get out of this before something happened. I told you, you were too innocent for this. Macc should have his balls cut, shaped and plastered on my car as a freakin' trophey. If I ever get into that office - "
" You wouldn't make it past the security check. " Sakura muttered drinking her coffee.
Tori thumnped his hands on the desk angrily and Sakura looked up startled as Tori leant closer to her over the desk, until his eyes burned into hers.
" Nothing, " he stated quietly. " would ever stop me from getting to you. "
" Onii-chan. " tears misted her eyes and Tori swore.
Sakura went into his hug as he came around the desk.
" Who's hurting you squirt? " he asked gently stroking her hair.
She shook her head, her words muffled by his shirt. Tori sighed and hugged her closer.

He let her cry and then gently held her away from him. He looked down at her and sighed again.
" You've gotta stop running squirt. " he murmered. " You're a Avalon. We don't run from what hurts us or upsets us. It's not bad that you feel emotions as strongly as you do, but you've got to learn to deal with them. No more running Sakura. "
Shimmering emerald eyes starred up at him.
" It's more complicated than that. " she muttered sadly.
" How can working for these guys and being amongst them be any more complicated? I know you see things that you don't normally see, but - "
" Onii-chan, " she whispered. " I'm in love. "
Tori clamped his mouth shut.
" I love him so much that it hurts to breath. I've only known him for a short time, but it feels that I was born for him. It hurts to see him suffer and to be blamed for something he didn't do. Although what he did upset me, I have to go back, because I'm the only one who can help save them. But I'm afraid to go back, because if they find out that I'm a cop, then I fear I won't ever see you again Onii-chan. "
Tori ran his hands down his face and starred at her.
" Trust you to be the one that had to do everything the complicated way. "
She managed a small smile. " I followed in your footsteps. I always wanted to be just like you. Didn't you know? "
" I was afraid of that. " Tori sighed. " Well, you're just going to have to go back and face your demons Kaijuu. "
She nodded. " Ashiteru onii-chan. " she leant up and kissed him.

Tori watched her drive off and sighed. He walked back into the office and pulled the phone closer to him. It rang a few times before it was answered. Tori watched the door as he lifted the speaker.
" I've got some business that I want taken care of. . . . "

Late at night . . .

Li kept the spot light on top of the bonnet as he worked on Landen's car. The guy was always running his car into the ground before he took any notice of it's wants and needs. He was tightening a bolt when he heard footsteps and looked up before looking back into the motor.
He stoppped and looked up as Cherry walked towards him. He went back to fixing the car as he spoke up:
" You ok now? "
Cherry blinked and stopped at the edge of the car and watched as he worked.
" I'm fine. " she said quietly. He nodded and swore when the wrench slipped.
" You know I can't go easy on you Cherry. " he said bracing his arms on the sides of the engine, shooting her a sideways glance.
" I don't expect you to. " she replied looking inside the car. " I didn't think you'd come back this time. " he was still looking at her warily.
" This is my home now. " she said. " I may not like what I see, but I'll deal with it. "
" Cherry - "
She flicked her gaze in his direction before she moved around the car, still looking inside the engine.
" I find that it's a whole lot easier to fix the part that you attempting, if you reach it from under the car. " she gave him a small smile as she slid under the car on the metal creeper.

" Whose car is this? " she asked from somewhere under the car a few minutes later.
" Landen's. " Li replied leaning on the engine trying to see her.
Her heard her swear and he tilted his head until he caught a sight of honey-brown hair. " Something wrong? "
" You wana shine that light down a little more dozo? " she called out.
Li sighed, knowing that the air between them wasn't completely cleared. He moved the light.
" I hope you knew that fixing that engine wasn't the last of your problems? " Li rubbed his temples fighting sleep. " No doubt there's something else wrong. "
Cherry slipped out and stood up, cringing with all the oil that was running down her top. He starred in surprised.
She shot him a smile. " That's why I swore. I hate the feeling of oil trickling over you. Yuck! " she pulled a face.
" His oil sump is cracked and all the oil is starting to run out. I didn't help it by touching it. " She indicated the oil puddle running from under the car. " I kinda cracked it more gomen. From what I saw, Landen has been riding his car too hard, too fast. His brake pads are wearing thin too. "
Li listened as he searched for a clean cloth. " How do you know so much? "
" I don't know a lot really. " she admitted, smiling when he handed her the clean cloth to mop at the oil.
" I grew up learning a few things from experience. I told you my brother worked in a garage so I learnt a few things from listening to him ramble on about cars with similar problems. "
" I guess I should say arigato. " Li said.
She shrugged. " No biggy. It was the least I could do since I saw that it was you up at this un-godly hour. "
" Couldn't sleep. "
" So I saw. " she replied. " Anyway, I better go park my car or I'll have someone come down on me for leaving it in the driveway. " she rolled her eyes but smiled. " Night. Or should I say morning? " she walked out and Li leaned against the car exhausted and emotionally drained. It seemed that he had ruined more than their barely-started relationship.

Cherry jumped into her own bed and made sure to chuck the top that had oil all over it in the bathroom bin. She rolled over and fell asleep.

2 weeks Later . . . ( Near the end of the month. )

Over the next two weeks, a lot of things were noticed within the Black Wolf Mansion. The first being the rift between their leader and the beautiful young woman, Cherry. Although the rift was small, it still kept them apart. They barely spoke a word to each other, and Meilin and the others would share looks when they'd see Li openly expressing his longing and pain of their seperation as he would watch her walk by, or laugh, or dance around with them. Things had definately changed.
They were back in hiding once again as more reports of Black Wolf attacks broke the headlines. Li was furious, knowing that someone inside his house was betraying him. Although he tried, he was unsuccessful in all his attempts to flush out the taitor.
Cherry kept her guard up, knowing that she mustn't give Li any cause to look to her. Without him knowing, she watched him, making sure he was safe. She searched for any sign, any clue as to who was faking the Black Wolf attacks, but whoever was responsible was evasive, ambiguous and pratically non-existent. She constantly thought of talking to Macc, but that would give her away. Over the days that passed and the tension was pushing more and more around them and making everyone foul-tempered and grumpy, Sakura knew she needed help and badly. This shouldn't be happening. She knew that whoever that was trying to destroy the Black Wolves would soon attack, and with that attack, would bring all hell down on top of them.
Time was running out.

Cherry waited beside a young wolf, recently initiated, holding her breath as they waited for Astal and Eriol to safely get out of the Hyo's building. She saw movement and watched as a tall man and a woman, almost matching his height, dressed in dark trench coats walked out of the building towards them. It was them. Cherry sighed, relaxing tensed muscles. She hadn't wanted to be a part of this. This was theft and she knew damn well that if Macc got wind of it, he'd have a bloody field day. Apparently, the Hyo leader, had aqquired some new updated technology. She didn't know what exactly it was, but Li had been adamant about getting his hands on it; and anything else he could get his hands on. Bloody fool. She watched as Astal and Eli got in the car and drove off. Stage one complete. She turned back to watch the door across the street. A black car pulled out of the curb, catching her attention, and followed after Eli and Astal and Cherry, knowing about having a shadow, nearly groaned. She nudged the young guy next to her and told him. He frowned and them spoke into the com link.
" Yo guys listen up. Cherry says you've got a shadow. It's a black car, " he listened as she whispered to him.
" Do you see it? "
The com link crackled and them Astal's voice came through.
" We see it. We're prceeding to plan B. " she didn't say anymore.

Cherry nodded, thinking to herself. Plan B was what they had concluded would be if they were followed. They would lose their persuers and proceed to exchange the hard won material to another recipient. Like a relay team. So far so good. Astal and Eli could take care of themselves she reminded herself.
She watched as Li came out of the club that was a few houses down from the building that Astal and Eli had come out of. She wondered if he had found the information he was after? She didn't speak much to him these days, and that wasn't her fault. How could she find words to talk with a murderer? A sadist? Knowing he was the one that had rammed that blade into that man's throat - she shivered and tried to keep her stomach in order. She motioned for the man to stay where he was. Li was about to aqquire a shadow.

Li carefully kept his eyes to the ground, but he was aware of what was around him. He'd found out what he wanted and knew that he was a dead man if they caught him. He kept his hands in his pockets as he walked, but a shiver went up his back. He hoped the others had made their get away cleanly. It would be a miricle if they did. He walked around the corner and walked straight into an ambush. They had been waiting for him.
They came at him and Li prepared himself for a hard fight. One managed to get him and he snarled. Five against one were not his kind of odds. He ducked and managed to knock one down. He was struck in the back and he stumbled forward gasping. He jumped to the side and turned around quickly, the man's fist bearing down on him quickly.
It never connected.
A big, dark spot appeared on the man's chest and everyone watched as he fell to the ground. They all looked around, but they couldn't see anyone. No one was there. Li moved back and got into fighting stance as the others quickly regained their relaxed poses and charged him again.
Within minutes he'd knocked one of them unconcious, but he had paid for it. While he attacked one, three would attack him. They had to make it difficult. Suddenly one at the back yelped and went sailing, connecting with the wall. They all looked up as a shadow appeared and Cherry revealed herself.
" How about we even the odds hmm? " she asked getting into fighting stance. " Three against one isn't very fair. "
The head ringer nodded and she smirked as the man at the back charged her. She frontflip over him and whirled around and kicked him strongly in the back sending him sprawling. She smirk coldly. Li buried his shock and surprise and his fist connected with the guy in front of him.
" Wana go again? " Cherry asked as she danced back out of the way of the man she'd just kicked. She ducked and struck out. Li took on the two who were after him while she battled with the third. He grunted when they maanged to get again. He was going to have a few sore spots later.

Cherry jumped out of the way and brought up her secret weapon in front of her startling her opponent. She smiled prettily.
" Surprise. " she said and sprayed the pepper spray right into his eyes. It was the most blood-curdling scream she had ever heard.
She reached into her boots again and whistled getting the other two's attention. She pulled at the same time on each gun, and they fell to the ground in a pool of their own blood. The one she had sprayed was still moaning, laying on the ground rolling from side to side in agony.
She tucked away her weapons and briefly looked at Li out of the corner of her eyes. " I thought wolves always had guns on them? They wouldn't have been a problem. "
Li stiffened as she turned her back and walked past the one of the ground moaning. " It's a little difficult if you can't reach it. " he shot back. She shrugged.
She heard a metal flick and turned around and gasped. " What are you doing! " Li was looming over the one on the ground, his knife in his hand.
" Blind men can still talk. " he said. Cherry thought he was going to put him out of his misery, but she soon learnt that she was wrong. Her stomach revolted as the mans mouth filled with blood and Li threw away the useless muscle. He'd cut out his tongue!
Her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth trying to stop herself from losing her breakfast. Li cleaned the blade and looked up and met her horrofied gaze. He shrugged and stiffened when she spoke up:
" You really are a monster. " she whispered. She shook her head trying to deny it and then turned and fled.

She lost her stomach in a garbage bin and thought she'd never forget that horrible sight. What kind of man was he! ' It's called survival. ' her mind cut in. ' It was either him or that man back there. '
She shook her head violently. She didn't need this right now. She picked herself up and made her way back to the car she had come in. She got in the back and layed down, her arm across her face. The other one should be along now.
As if in comfirmation, the scanner crackled in the car and she heard Astal speak up saying that they were home safely and waiting for everyone else. The other wolf came back and looked at her quizzily, but she turned her head away and he got the hint.

They got back and she walked inside careful not to meet anyone's eyes. She went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water, trying to get rid of the bitter taste in her mouth. Meilin walked in with Astalte and Madison and they were smiling and joking about their prize.
" I thougt we'd be busted for sure, " Astal laughed. " but we pulled it off smoothly. "
" One looked at us funny and Eriol thought he might have to render him speechless by one means or another. "
They laughed and Cherry set the glass down softly, tense. " Ama. " she said softly.
They stopped and glanced at her surprised. " What? " Meilin asked. Did she just call them -?

Cherry turned and glarred at them just as Li walked though the door.
" How can you joke about such things! " she cried. " You think taking people's anatomy is funny? " she was hysterical. That must be the cause of why her voice suddenly rose. " You hate it when it's done to you, so why do unto others what you despise yourself! " her stomach heaved and she choked, her hand flying to her mouth. She bolted and they all sharred looks.
" What the hell was that about? " Meilin demanded.
Madison shrugged and Meilin's temper rose. " I should go up there and - "
" Leave it. ' came the command.
" Oh, so you're the one behind it. " Meilin figured. " What did you do this time. "
He told her. He wasn't ashamed.
" Kuso! " Meilin swore.
" I think I agree. " Madison had gone paler and she swayed a little. " Excuse me. " she walked out of the kitchen and flew up the stairs.
" Lovely. . " Astal said sarcastically. " just lovely little dark, avenging angel. " she said to Li. " I think I know now why females are so hard to come by for this lifestyle. Stupid slip ups like that are what frightens them away. "
" If they can't take it, that's their problem. Li glarred back. " And if that's the case, they shouldn't be here in the first place. "
" But to do it front of Cherry. " Meilin glarred. " God Li, you know she's innocent! Astal and I can handle something like that, but to expect it of her so quickly . . baka! "
" Don't start! " Li snapped. " I don't care what the hell you think. I'm going up to rest. " he walked past them and went up stairs.

Cherry watched him as he looked at his bare chest in the bathroom mirror. It was turning black and blue in quite a few places and she knew he must be in pain. She'd heard him when she had come down the stairs and she had hid as he had past her. So he didn't think she belonged there now did he? Well she would show him. She would humble that opinion.
" Looks like you could use some help. " his eyes darted to hers in the mirror.
" Oh? " he asked. " And what would you prescribe? "
She shrugged and walked into the bathroom and urged him to turn around so she could look. She poked and proded and got satisfaction when he cringed in some places.
" You're enjoying this aren't you? " came the accusation from above and she hid her smile.
" I'll rub some stuff into it and then put cold compresses to stop most of the swelling. " she proceeded with the search in the cabinet for the lotion.
" I thought you thought I was a monster? " came the sarcastic remark and she clenched her teeth.
She met his gaze squarely. " You are. " she said. " But you are hurt and there's no reason to be when it can be helped. "
She rubbed the stuff over the effected areas. " Now go lie down and I'll go get some frozen stuff to put on them. "
He grabbed her arm. " You are not putting frozen food on me. " he darred her to argue.
She punched him and he cried out. " What the hell did you do that for! " he glarred at her, breathing hard.
" Because that's how bad you're going to hurt tomorrow. " her voice was sugary sweet.
He glarred at her and she walked out and came back several minutes later and placed the cold compresses on his stomach.
" Look I'm even being nice to you by wrapping them in teatowels first see? " she mocked.
" You really like to dig the claws in deeper don't you Cherry? "
She looked up and met his gaze.
" Some people's strengths lie elsewhere compared to everyone elses. For what they lack in certain areas, " she gave him a pointed look. " they make up for in others. Think about it Showron. " she said and got up. " Oh, " she stopped at the door and looked at him. He met her gaze as he layed on the bed. " I'm not going anywhere, so get use to the idea. " she closed the door on his surprised look and sighed.

A few days later, she stood beside Meilin, Astal and Madison who had forgiven her outburst, and stood facing three of the Horaku Clan. Their dark eyes bored into theirs. They'd crossed their paths accidently and Cherry had to wonder that it was like a walking death trap. It was like the streets were lined with land mines just waiting for the victum.
" Well if it isn't Wants Heaps, Gets Heaps, and Gets None. " Astal smirked coldly.
" She isn't referring to what I think she is, is she? " Cherry asked quietly of Madison.
Madison giggled softly and I guess I had my answer.
" Old friends of yours? " Meilin asked looking at the three ticked off girls.
" Yeah, I use to hang around with them. " Astal smirked again at the furious looks in the girl's eyes.
" Great. " Cherry muttered.
The three losened their guns and Cherry balked. Geez, did everything around here have to be so dramatic? She sighed as she grabbed her guns and aimed.
" I just love reunions. " Astal smirked delighted. " Don't you? "

Cherry fought the pain as she had her Black Wolf tattoo done. It was on her right shoulder blade and she clenched her teeth ignoring the sweat on her forhead. She cringed as she walked around afterwards. The guy had put plastic wrap over it to stop the bleeding, but she felt the dried blood on her back where it had seeped. She made her way into the kitchen and starred out the window as she got lost in her thoughts.
She jumped when she felt something cold touch her back.
" Hold still. " she heard Li say as he cleaned her tattoo. " You bled a little. "
" Thanks. " she mumbled, a little tense as he dried it.
" Looks good. " he commented as he tidied away.
" Umm . . thanks. It sure hurt like hell. " she muttered.
He gave a small smile as he leant against the counter near her. " Usually does on the back. It's where all the nerve endings are. "
" I wish someone had carred to tell me that BEFORE he went ahead and did it. " she fumed.
He smiled faintly. " Well it's done now and you don't have to worry about it. I'll tell Jiu Mu to watch his back though. "
Sakura smiled faintly and then started when her cell rang. Frowning she answered it and her eyes widened when she was bombarded by Tori's frantic voice.
" Sakura are you there! "
" Tori! " she cried and then gasped and clamped her hand over her mouth, her eyes glued on Li's.
" Sakura listen I need you to meet me now! " Tori's voice rang in her ear as she turned and started running down the hall.
" What's wrong? " she asked as she grabbed her keys. " Listen I did some digging, " he said as her arm was grabbed from behind. She cried out surprised and turned to face Li.
" Sakura? "
" What's wrong? " Li asked frowning.
" Sakura who's that? " Tori demanded in her ear.
" I have to go. " Sakura said to Li. " I'll be back straight away. Trust me. " she pleaded and jerked free of Li's grip and sped off down the drive.
" What did you find? " she asked as she drove.
" Where are you now? " Tori sounded calmer now. " Head for home. "
" What! Are you bonkers! " she cried. " I could be followed! You want me to put Tou-san in danger! "
" He's not home. I'm there at the moment and I can handle it. Move it squirt I don't have long to tell you. You wanna save them don't you? "
Sakura's expression turned determined.
" I'm on my way. . . "

To Be Continued. . .

Author's Note :

Kaeru hai - Get back here ama - b.itch Yasui Baita - cheap w.hore/s.lut ( Sorry, but I have to be careful of webmarshal. )
akanbo - baby Dono yo ni hazukashii - How embarrassing Hyo - Panther

Sorry about those chapters being the same. I have fixed them up now. Here are the meanings for the japanese words. Sorry it was a little hard, but I thought you might get the general idea. Thank you all for your updates. I appriciate your support and I hope that you will continue to support this dedicated fan of the popular CCS series. The following chapter is NOT the end! So don't believe it is so!

I also would like to apologise for these chapters being so late to be posted, but I am in TAFE now and the stupid computer network has banned Fanfiction and won't let me in it. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD! So since I am very busy and tired from stremuous math problems that make my head spin, I hope you'll understand that I can't always update when it is expected.

In reguard to Wolf Jade's review, I have to put those annoying little fullstops in to break up the word, because the library network has a ban for any umm . . words . . I'm not supposed to say. I can't get around it. It WON"T let me POST IT if it picks it up. So therefore my story won't be read UNLESS I put those little annoying fullstops in there. Is everyone with me now?

Hope you will enjoy the ending of this story when it comes. Sorry people, but it's coming very soon. . .