She saw the curatin on the front window move, before the front door opened and she was dragged inside. The front door closed firmly behind her. She starred up at Tori who lead her to the kitchen. He was considerably calmer now.
" Who was that you were talking to when I was on the phone? "
" You chose now to ask me that? " she asked incredulously as he poured some tea. He shot her a dark look.
" It was no one. A friend. " she shrugged excepting the tea. " So what have you found out that had me blowing my cover. "
Tori almost dropped his cup. " What? "
" When you rang, I called out your name. Your REAL name Tori. Li heard me. He may be looking you up. "
" I'll handle him. " he said and sat the cup down. " Now come with me. "
" But - " she protested, fearing the Black Wolves would discover her secret now.
He lead her upstairs to his old room. He had the curtains drawn and it was dark except for a solitary light. They sat down at the small table strawn with folders and paper.
" As I said, I did some digging. I got some interesting information. As you already know, the Black Wolves are targetted for elimination. But by who? Well I found out. "
" You didn't! " Sakura exclaimed and frowned when Tori shushed her. " But how? " she whispered.
" I have connections. " he replied. " Look here. It's not the best photo, but he did the best he could. "
The fuzzy photo revealed four shady characters.
" Who are they? " she asked.
" A small group, branching off from a major clan, sent to get rid of the Wolves. They tried three years ago, but they failed. As you already know. Something prevented them from acting again straight away. They must have been pissed that such an attempt blew up in their faces. The leader is a woman. Tall, dark haired and I know - could be anyone. That doesn't help. "
" But what were you on about that an attack was going to happen and soon? "
" They're planning attacking the mansion. "
" But hardly anyone knows where it is! " Sakura exclaimed horrorfied.
" Well it's common knowledge now. Someone leaked it. The cops are going to love it. "
" Oh no. " Sakura groaned.
" It gets better. " Tori said and shifted papers. " This small group consists of three males - we have their names - Kisho Haru, Kimuru Obskerra, and Taro Hayakoto, they are the real deal. They're your worst nighmare. No one who has gone up against them have come out of it alive. They're trained assassins, tactical weapons and stealth freaks and they're trigger happy. "
" Slam the brakes for a moment. " Sakura said rubbing her temples. " So far I've gathered that a rival of the Black Wolves - this small group lead by a female - is the one moving against the Wolves in honour of their clan. This small group, are trained in all the arts, their deadly, unbeatable. They were the ones that attacked against the Wolves three years ago? "
" No. " Tori said. " But I'm lead to believe that this woman, whoever she is, was the one that lead the false attack three years ago. "
" So she bares a grudge. Great. " Sakura muttered sarcastically.
She sipped her tea.
" Ok, so she tried to get the Wolves out of the picture three years ago, but is now working with a new set of croonies, hoping that this attack goes a little more planned than the last attack three years ago. They've had a lot of time to get their facts right, so lets, for now, say that it's faultless. They know what they're doing. When would they attack then? "
" A week from now. "
" A week from no - " she stopped, eyes widening. " But that's when Macc decides whether to trial the Wolves or find them not guilty! " Sakura objected.
" They've timed it nicelessly. I wouldn't surprise me Sakura that they know all about you. I'd be careful if I were you. "
" But no one apart from Macc and the others know who I am. "
" Don't beat on it. " Tori replied shooting her a look and then nudged some papers towards her.
" What's this? ' she asked.
" This is their base. They abandoned it earlier this week, but the cops should find some interesting stuff in there. Tell Macc that they should risk it. "
Sakura looked at the address and gasped. " That's the place that I was watching when we captured the Blood Hounds! "
She shook her head in disbelief, looking up at Tori.
" Tori, it's still not making any sense. Is this just gang rivarly? "
" I think so. But on a larger scale. This is war. "
" so that means that they're going to attack the mansion? All four of them? Is that possible? "
" No. " Tori frowned as he read something. " They won't attack it. Not in a true sense at least. "
" But you said - "
Tori looked her straight in the face.
" Sakura you've seen for yourself from three years ago, you were on that case, they didn't play fair then. Do you think they're going to do it now three years later? Tell me what they're going to do. " he waited.
Sakura lowered her head while she thought, running the facts quickly through her head.
" They're going to let the cops do their dirty work. " she spoke up. " But just telling the cops where their location is, isn't going to bring the entire force down on their heads. Macc's not that stupid. "
" So they're going to do something that will bring the entire force down on their heads. " Tori concluded.
Sakura choked on her tea.
" I don't wana know what they're going to do. "
" Neither do I. " Tori bundled all the information in a bag and handed it to Sakura.
" You need to go back to your apartment, the one the Wolves don't know about and stay there. Don't let anyone know that you're there. Read through everything. Make sure you have all your facts, because Macc's going to want answers.
Stay away from the Wolves at all costs. Don't talk to them, don't answer your phone. If I have to talk to you, I'll send word. You need to be careful. It might be best, although risky, to try and find out who this woman is. She is the key. Maybe not the entire answer, but the key. "
Sakura nodded and stood up. " I don't know how I can thank you. "
" Just stay safe and alive. " Tori hugged her.
A few minutes later she was driving towrds her apartment, but not before making sure that she wasn't being followed.
Four Days Later . . .
Mansion
Li was sitting at his desk deep in thought. It had been four days since Cherry's disappearance. He put out tracers all across the country, but of the beautiful green eyed woman, there was no trace. She had simply vanished. He replayed the startled conversation she had before she had fled over in his mind once more. She's called out someone's name - Tori. She obviously cared for the man, whoever he was. He remembered the widening of her eyes as she had called out that name as if she had been betraying something against her will. His mind turned from Cherry to another matter that was bothering him. He'd noticed earlier that some of his members were acting out of turn. They'd disappeared earlier with not one word as to their where abouts. What they were up to, he had no idea. But being on guard for the traitors who were acting against him made him edgy and suspicious. He'd noticed too, that one of the members new toys was a little different. The woman seemed a little too comfortable at home.
Suddenly his oak doors burst open and Astalte all but sprinted into the room. It was the first time in all the years he had known her that she was dishevelled and the first time that he had ever known her to be terrorfied.
" Li, " she began. Fear was in her voice. " Over a hundred people have just been murdered in the streets of down town Tomoeda. " her face was white. Her translucent eyes met his. " Li. . . . " she whimpered. " The police know where we are. . . "
Li stood slowly to his feet, his brain trying to comprehend what she had just said.
" Li, we have to move everyone. " she was trembling. " The Black Wolf mark was on everyone. It's a perfect replica. No one would know the difference. Someone leaked our location. The cops know where we are. "
" How do you know this? " Li asked trying to contain his own anger and fear.
" I drove past as it had been done. It was terrible! " she choked back on a sob. " We would never ripped the people to shreads like that. As to knowing about our location, I heard it on the scanner. The cops were spreading the word. They're gathering everyone they can find to mass here. "
" I see. " Li said slowly trying to figure who had done this.
" Xiao Lang, " Astalte pulled herself together a little. " The streets were washed with blood. "
Li went to the wall and typed in a code and opened the vault. He flipped the lid and pushed the red button.
Instantly, an alarm rent the mansion. Li turned back to Astalte.
" I'll try my best to protect all of you, but from now on, it's every Wolf for himself. I want you, Meilin, Hiiragizawa, Mika and yourself to lead everyone out. Get into China. We'll be protected there. "
Astal nodded and bowed her head.
" Very well. Meet you in China. "
Li turned away to get his guns. " Meet you in China. . . . "
30 minutes earlier
The traffic buzzed past, as four people sat at a small cafe table.
" Is the surprise ready? " a woman asked.
" It is. We are located in our designated areas for the takeout. " replied the man beside her.
" Good. I want this sidewalk to be swimming in blood. "
" And it will be. Just give us ten minutes after this meeting and Tomoeda won't know what hit it. "
" Wrong! " the woman barked her eyes cold. " It will be the Black Wolves responsible remember? "
" Of course. Forgive me. "
" Japan will belong to me. I just hope that little ama doesn't interfere. "
" Shall we get started then? "
" Yes. I want this over with as soon as possible. "
The four got up and left.
Behind where they had been sitting, a tense figure with brown hair turned to his companion with blonde hair, his eyes wide.
" Did you just hear that Saito? " Takouya asked stunned.
Saito Wantanabe's eyes followed the small group out of the cafe.
" Hai I did. But I was hoping my hearing was playing up on me as well as my sight. "
" This is the case you're working on right? " Takouya asked, his voice lowering.
Saito nodded. " Come on. " He got up and making sure Takouya was behind him, they followed the car and waited while they confirmed their locations.
10 mins later
Someone knocked on her door and she stealthily walked towards the door and asked who it was.
" It's me, Takouya. Open up! "
Totally enraged, she whipped open the door, unleashing the pure fury of her emerald eyes on him.
" What the hell do you want Takouya! " Sakura demanded. " And secondly, how do you know where I live? "
" See, that's why I didn't want to knock on the door. " Takouya said over his shoulder.
" Cool it Avalon. " Saito said as he pushed past Takouya and walked inside the apartment. " He got the address from me. "
" What! " Sakura cried out. " You're working with this creep! "
" For the time being. " Saito replied, turing to face her. " We have a problem. "
That drew her up short. " Problem? "
Saito nodded. " How quickly can you get the Black Wolf Mansion and give a warning? "
" I- ah - why? " she asked warily.
" Because you might want to get there as fast as you can. " Takouya said from behind her.
At the same time . . .
Li hit the ground and rolled as the second round of rapid fire started. He covered his head as the ceiling started to give in. It had been 10 minutes since he had started clearing out the mansion, before the attack had started, but not from who he'd thought it would be. It wasn't the Tokyop police out there, but someone else. He rolled to his feet and cleared the hallway and rounded another one and stopped dead as he came face to face with a barrel of a gun, a dark shadow and flashing green eyes.
The green eyes flashed coldly. " Remember me? " the safety clicked off.
Li's eyes widened and he slowly raised his gun.
" Don't even think about it Xiao Lang. " she purred. Another bombardment of rapid fire hit the house.
" In exactly half an hour, all of Tokyo police force will be raining down on your heads. When they find you tied and waiting for them, it will only be a matter of time before every airport, train station and boating port will be blocked from here to every check point in the world, while they hunt your little wolf pack in China. Oh - " she laughed at the look on Li's face. " You didn't think I knew that did you. How stupid you are Xiao Lang. " she laughed and indicated for him to move into his study.
" I won't give in without a fight. " Li warned, backing up and getting into fighting stance.
" I hoped you wouldn't disappoint me. " she clicked the safety back on and matched his stance. " I've waited a very long time for this. "
Fifteen minutes later . . ( and after breaking every speeding record in the country and nearly destroying her turbo system. )
" Please don't let me be too late . . . please don't let me be to late. " Sakura panted as she ran up the stairs.
Saito and Takouya had briefed her before she had left, and her blood had run cold. This was exactly what Tori had warned her of. But she had never expected this outcome.
Saito and Takouya had arrived shortly after her. They had been met by gun fire and had ducked for cover. They had fought back, trying with all their might, to make an opening for Sakura to get into the mansion. Saito had set off a smoke bomb, and Sakura had bolted, taking the chance. Three were out there fighting Takouya and Saito, Which meant that the fourth one was in here. After Li.
Saito had sent an instant request for backup, firing on the three he could see attacking the mansion, while she bolted inside the mansion. Gun fire from outside echoed everywhere as she breathed deeply, pushing herself to her limit.
She ran up the stairs, down the hallway, skidded around the corner, ran up another flight of stairs and headed for Li's study down the hallway and skidded to a sudden halt, her eyes widening in terrified horror as she watched the gun being aimed at Li's exhausted figre on the ground.
Sakura clenched her teeth, her eyes darkening in fury as she picked up her speed and charged with all her might into the study.
" SAOLOA, YOU B.ITCH! " she screamed as she slammed into her and tackled her across the marble floor, the gun going off like thunder.
Li rolled to his feet and watched as Sakura punched the former Wolf in the face.
" Traitor! " she yelled and cried out when Saola clawed her across the cheek, kicking her away from her.
" Cherry! " Li called and grabbed his dropped gun. " Move! "
Sakura ducked and pulled Saola's feet from underneath her.
" Li get out of here! " Sakura yelled before she was slammed into the wall. " Run! "
" Ama! " Saola spat wiping her mouth. " I thought you'd gone back to Macc with your tail between your legs. "
" Shows how much you know now doesn't it? " Sakura spat. " I always suspected Takouya of being the one to do something like this, but you? You played your part so well. "
" Unlike you. If I hadn't given you that little prep talk, you wouldn't be where you are now. " Saola breathed heavily, still pinning Sakura to the wall. " You wouldn't have become Li's little pet. "
" I am no one's pet. At least I did my duty. I didn't try to destroy lives! " she pushed Saola away and drank in breath before she ducked a punch aimed at her head.
Li looked from one to the other as he sat up, gripping his side, wondering what they were talking about. Who was Macc and what prep talk?
" You screwed up Soala! " Sakura countered Saola's attack. " Saito and Takouya were sitting right behind you at that cafe when you gave your little prep talk to your three stouges. Macc's on his way and I'm sure he'll be more than pleased tosee you. " she saw movement behind her and glarred at Li over her shoulder. " I thought I told you to get out of here! " she ducked Saola's punch.
" The Balck Wolves are mine to protect. " Li spoke up, holding his side where Saola had managed to bruise him badly.
" Not if you are killed and caught! Get out of here! "
" I'm not going to leave you! " Li yelled angrily.
Sakura cried out as she hit the floor.
" I don't care about me. Just leave for god's sake! " she cried as Saola pressed her knee into her chest and clenched her hands around her throat. Li went to aim his gun, but Saola aimed another gun at him that she had pulled from her boot. He froze and quickly glanced at Cherry as she struggled to breathe.
" Let her go. " he commanded.
" Why, so she can attack me? I knew you had your guard dogs Li, but this is pathetic. " she snarled at Sakura.
Sakura brought her knee up and kneed Saola in the side, making her grunt. Li stepped forward.
Saola fired her gun still aimed at Li and Sakura's eyes widened. She heard something drop and scratched at Saola's hands.
Luckily, Li had ducked, and the bullet had hit the painting hanging up and it had fallen with a thump to the floor. Li fired and Saola, startled let go of Sakura, and Sakura, not one to misuse a chance, rolled away and gasped for air. It was short lived.
Saola slammed her head into the floor and once again wrapped her hands around her throat, cutting off precious oxygen. She aimed her gun gun at Sakura's head and then froze as she heard sirens in the distance. She looked down at Sakura's glow of triumph.
" Surprise Saola. " she choked out.
Li clicked in another bullet. " Get away from her Saola. "
She snarled at him, but had no other choice as her other gun was across the room and the police were coming. She couldn't finish it. She released Sakura, stood and glarred at Li.
" You won't succeed. There's more treachery here than you realise and you've been too blind to see it. " she spat, glarring down at Sakura. " I may not be the one to dispand the Black Wolves, but I know someone who can and will. "
" Shut up! " Li barked and the doubled over in pain.
Sakura cried out as Saola made a run for it.
A sudden gun shot sounded and they watched as Saola crumpled to the ground just outside the doorway, blood pooling beneath her. Meilin stepped into the doorway and smiled.
" I bet she didn't see that one comin'. " she sneered. " Someone order some backup? " she smirked at the two.
" Mei-lin. " Li gasped. " What are you doing here? " he lowered his gun, breathing deeply.
" Came to save your butt. What's it look like? " she helped him stand and looked at Sakura as she struggled to her feet.
" If I'd known that you were going to be here I would have gotten Astal to help me. "
Sakura shook her head. " I'm fine. But you need to get out of here. " she panted. The sirens were getting closer.
" What about you? " Li asked as he tried not to won over by pain.
" Don't worry about me. " she gasped at the pain in her body. " I'll be fine. "
" I won't leave without you. " Li said holding his hand out for her.
Sakura looked at them both, burning their images in her mind forever. She stepped forward and clasped Li's hand in hers. They limped down the stairs and got out the front and she saw that Mika, Eriol, Madison and Astalte were waiting for them by the two 1999 Toyota Supra Turbo's.
The siren's ascended in crescendo and Sakura paused looking towards the forest of trees where the Tokyo police force would burst through at any minute. Li paused turning to look at her.
Her hand slowly slipped from his and his eyes widened as she stepped back. Her emerald eyes filled with tears.
" I'm sorry. I can't go with you. " she said.
" What do you mean you can't come? " Li asked. He swallowed roughly and her heart broke.
" It wouldn't be right. " she choked. The lump in her throat was hard to swallow. " It would be a lie. "
Li's eyes were haunted. " Being with us would be a lie? "
" No, no! " Sakura shook her head. " Please, " she looked behind her. " You all must get out here. "
" Not unless you come with us. " Li straightened up and walked to her. She stepped back.
" Cherry - "
" My name isn't Cherry. " Sakura raising her chin. She was going to have to hurt him, to save him.
Five figures stood behind Li watching anxiously.
" I don't understand. " Li said frowning.
Suddenly a commotion made them turn to look as two men struggled with three men dressed in black. The blonde haired man swore as he was attemtping to cuff his victum. " I thought I told you you had the right to remain silent! " he snapped.
The Black Wolves tensed, and in union, Eriol, Astal, Li and Meilin pulled out their guns aiming them at the men they just realised were cops. Eriol pushed Madison behind him, glarring angrily at them.
" How the fuck did they get here so quickly? " Meilin spoke out of the corner of her mouth, shifting her gaze quickly to Mika, before re-foccussing on the cops.
" I don't know. " Mika replied, tensing in fear.
Suddenly Taro Hayakoto, that Takouya and Saito were struggling to keep hold of, bolted.
It was instant reaction.
" Freeze! " Sakura yelled aiming her gun and firing just milimetres from the fleeing Taro Hayakoto's feet.
Taro looked like a rabbit caught in a head light as Sakura side stepped, shifting closer to him.
" Get down! " she shouted angrily. " I said get down! And raise your arms in the air where I can see them! "
Taro raised his arms slowly and got down on his knees.
" Saito. " she called stepping up behind Taro and grabbing his wrists. " Help me out here. "
Saito smiled and threw her the spare set of cuffs. " I always thought they'd come in handy. "
" Yeah, yeah, save that smug egotism of yours till later. " she repremanded.
Suddenly Taro called out:
" Who the hell are you people! " he demanded, as Sakura jerked tightly on his wrists.
Sakura pushed Taro a little closer to the other two. " Should I go first or should you? " she asked totally forgetting their audience.
Takouya flashed his badge. " Takouya Maasaki, F.B.I Undercover and general allrounder. "
Saito smiled as he flashed his badge. " Saito Wantanabe, F.B.I, Undercover Detective. "
Sakura reached into her knee high boot and flashed her badge. " Sakura Avalon, F.B.I Undercover. I'd say right about now you're thinking you might wanna behave." she flipped her badge closed and shoved it back into her boot.
She looked up and saw that everyone of the Black Wolves were staring straight at her in disbelief.
" This is a joke right? " Li asked darting looks from her to Saito and Takouya, still aiming his gun.
Sakura sighed and put the safety back on her gun. " No. " Saito and Takouya aimed their guns at the six wolves, and they, having no choice against cops, dropped them to the ground in surrender.
She flicked her hair over her shoulder and she bent down and reached back into her boot and flipped open her badge. It caught in the afternoon light. The six wolves tensed and starred at her in horror.
" My name is Sakura Avalon. Agent 3758956 of the Tokyo F.B.I. I was sent here as an undercover agent to work amongst you to find out if you really were behind the the attacks that occurred three years ago. Working under Etsu Xing of the Cougars got me the information that was required. As soon as my report is classified, your names will be cleared. "
" You're a cop? " Madison asked stepping forward slightly, looking shocked and hurt.
Sakura looked past Li.
" Yes. Unfortunetly so was Saola. We only just discovered that she was behind the attacks three years ago. She covered her tracks well, none of us were able to pin her. "
" None of us figured Avalon. " Saito said as he and Takouya walked up behind her. " She was my partner, and I never once guessed. "
Sakura nodded, looking away from Li to Saito.
" But I should have picked up on it. So many things make sense now. " she said guiltily. " Like for instance, the night I went with Astalte, I saw her in the shadows and thought she was trying to get my attention. That's why I walked over to her. She gave the lecture that I was deliberately trying to blow my cover and that I should take moreprecaution. I never thought she was covering her own backside. She must have been watching me trying to get information. She set me up nicely, blinding me to what she was really doing.
Then that day when I caught a ride with you Takouya, you mentioned that you had dropped Saola off. You never knew about our case, about what we were really doing. Saola could have used that as an excuse to lurk around.
We'd be none the wiser.
Then, before I was kidnapped, I was taken from behind. Isn't it a little coincidental that I had just had a meeting with you guys telling you that I was bailing because it wasn't going the way I planned? And don't you think it's a little wierd that I was taken from behind in the car park across the road from the F.B.I? I mean, you guys got out before me, it was plenty of time for Saola to get down there and wait. Thinking back, when the car stopped the first time, I heard muffled voices. I'm sure one of them was Saola herself. Then, I was left were the Black Wolves could find me.
When I really did quit the case and was determined to stay away, Saola was placed in amongst the Black Wolves in my place. I didn't know about that. I thought she hadn't been put in yet, until I saw her myself in the training arena, when I had gone back, knowing I couldn't quit. Too much was at stake. I should have questioned why she had gotten in so quickly, considering that Macc wanted her to mingle with the guys trying to secure a place amongst you. But one thing lead to another and well, I got in quicker than I anticipated. I'm actually amazed that I got in at all. We played her right into their hands. " she looked back at Li regretfully. " I'm just sorry that all this had to happen before we realised. "
" But in a sense, " Saito spoke up, holding onto his captive. " If none of this had happened, you wouldn't have gotten the information that you needed to clear the Black Wolves. "
" True. " Sakura said sadly.
The siren's were getting louder. Pure hatred and cold anger burned in Li's eyes. Sakura met his gaze squarely. She would not cower.
" If you want to have a chance of getting out of here, now would be your time to go. " she spoke up.
" You're going to let them go? " Takouya asked surprised. " But that's against regulations. "
" Stuff regulations. " Sakura snapped. " Turn your backs if your so damn worried. You won't see anything then. "
" Avalon. Macc will blow a cardiac arrest if he finds out you let them get away. " Saito said firmly.
" I've faced Macc before, I'll do again if I have to. "
" You run the risk of being kicked off the squad. " Takouya stated frowning.
Sakura ignored them and faced Li once again. She straightened and met his cold gaze.
" A terrible injustice has been served to the members of the Black Wolves. I wish to formally apologise on behalf of Japan, and wish to express our deepest sympathy for the trouble that has been placed upon you. After my report has been cleared, it is understood the Black Wolf name will be officially cleared of any assumptions, as well as the criminal records erased. No longer will any of you be hunted over the crimes of the last three years. "
" You're really serious about this aren't you Avalon? " Takouya spoke up, looking from Li back to her.
" Hai. They deserve their freedom after what we put them through don't you think? " she asked turning her gaze on them. " If my job is at risk because of it, then so be it, my job is forfeit. At least the cause was will be worth it. "
She looked at Meilin. " You better get him out of here if you want a chance to escape. " Meilin nodded dumbly and urged Li to go with her.
" Goodbye Li. " she whispered and turned away fighting the tears in her eyes.
She stood waiting for Macc and the others to appear in silence as she heard the tyres spin; and stood tall and proud against the sunset as behind her the only person she had loved, left her life forever and in front of her, her destiny skidded to a halt seconds later . . .
A week later . . .
Sakura sat back in her little office, clad in her jeans and white shirt. No longer did she desire after the revealing clothes which she had enjoyed with the Black Wolves. Her feet were up on the corner of her desk, as she read the same line that she had been attempting to take in for about an hour.
She'd heard a few news reports on the escapades of the ambigeous Black Wolves, but hadn't paid much attention to it as they didn't have all the facts. There would be a conference next week, when her report would be aired, and the full story would be told.
Saola would be buried in a few days, but she wouldn't have the honour of her line of duty to mark her passage. She had disgraced herself and her remaining family, and that deserved no reward.
Sakura still bore the faint marks from her brief fight with Saola. He throat was still bruised a little, a scratch on her cheek was healing, and her left arm was still up in a sling, her ribs wrapped against bruising. She had her hair cut once again, the short style that was all too familar.
The apartment that she had lived in, which Li had known about, had been cleaned out and sold to a small family. A mother and her daughter. She had sold her other apartmet and had found a small apartment near her brother and Julian on the other side of Tokyo. The only thing that remained of the life that she had briefly sharred with the Black Wolves; was the tattoo of the Black Wolf on her back.
She looked up as the knock on her open door. She looked up and saw Macc standing there watching her. She lowered her feet and sighed sadly.
" What is it Macc? " she asked.
" Mind if I have a word? "
" Sure come in. " she indicated the chair on the other side of her desk. " This isn't about the report on the Black Wolves is it? I'd hoped we'd cleared it up the other day. "
" No. It isn't. " Macc closed her door and sat down. " But it does reguard the Black Wolves. "
" Oh? " Sakura looked up confused.
" They were caught trying to head back to China. A small group of them. They were hauled into custody yesterday. "
Sakura tried to school her expression but Macc saw straight throught it.
" They're being held here. In maximum security down stairs. "
Sakura jumped up in shock.
" Now calm down. " Macc urged her quietly. " I may be able to help. "
" What do you mean? " sakura asked quietly.
" Have you fogotten that I have the main C.P.U in my office? My key will access it. I'll trigger the alarm, use my key card and tell them to get the hell out of my jail. The windows in the staff bathroom down there aren't barred. "
" Are you saying what I think you're saying? " Sakura didn't dare breathe. " You'll be fired if they find out. "
" I was thinking about retiring anyway. " Macc sniffed as he sat back in his chair. " I want to go out in one hell of a way anyway. "
" I imagined you would. But are you sure? " Sakura asked frowning.
" You have five minutes to get down there. I'll cut the security, then I'll do the alarm. Less than five minutes Avalon. Get them out before five minutes are up. "
Sakura raced to the elevator and tapped her foot impatiently as it hit ground level. She schooled her expression as the doors opened and she walked down the hallway, flashing her access card at the guard. She stopped and turned around.
" Oh yeah, Macc made sure to make me remember to tell you that there was a slight security problem at the main foyer. He wanted you to go and check it out. "
The guard frowned. " I was given no orders. " he said firmly.
Sakura shrugged.
" You know Macc. But oh well, if you won't check it out - " she paused. " Your funeral. "
" Don't touch anything. " he ordered as he walked into the elevator and she watched the lights signal the main foyer.
She ducked into the empty locker just as Macc dismantled the security cameras.
Within moments, chaos errupted outside the locker. She watched as guard after guard fled the level and left it completely empty. She snuck out and ran towards the end of the hallway, where she turned right through the blue metal door.
Meilin sighed once again. " Man is it boring in here. " she complained.
" We're in jail. " Astal muttered, with her feet up on the wall, her back on the floor. " It's not supposed to be fun. We're supposed to be atoning for our sins. "
Mika sighed. " They just had to put me in her with you two didn't they? "
" Speak for yourself. " Li muttered from the first cell, his back to them. " At least you didn't stuck with Hiiragizawa. No offense Madison. "
" None taken Xiao Lang. " Madison smiled sweetly at him.
Li had to admire her. Nothing dampened her spirit. Not even jail.
" What a ama that we got busted. " Meilin said. " I thought we'd make it for a second there. "
" Well we might have made it, if it hadn't have been for a certain someone - " Mika shot Meilin an irritated look.
" And if that certain someone hadn't shouted at the top of her lungs, and I quote Meilin - " WE MADE IT! NO DUMB A.RSE COPS ARE GOIN' TO STOP US! BLACK WOLVES RULE! YEAH"
Meilin shrugged.
" How was I to know that they were blocking the entry and exit of the country? "
Mika slapped his palm against his forehead.
Suddenly Li tensed.
" What is it? " Eriol asked softly.
" The security cameras have just shut down. " he said frowning looking at the blank screen of the control center directly in front of them.
" What was that? " Madison asked as they heard the large metal door open.
They all turned to watch the hallway.
Sakura didn't spare the jail cells a glance as she hurried into the room, but she guessed that by the startled gasps behind her as she sat down at the Control Panel, that she had been recognised. She tapped her nails impatiently on the system waiting for it shut down.
" Come on, come one. " she urged. She slammed her fist on the desk. " Damn it Macc what the hell is taking you so long! "
Li's eyes never left her face. What was she doing here and what was she hovering over the Control Panel for?
" Well if it isn't the cop. " Meilin sneered. " Come to bust us out have you? "
Sakura stood up and looked at them anxiously.
" That's exactly what I've come to do. " she shot the system behind her a anxious glance.
" What? " Li jumped up in his cell, gripping the bars looking straight at her.
She looked over at him and nodded.
" Macc shut down the security cameras, giving me enough time to get in here without being discovered. In a moment, the power will go out and Macc will trigger the alarm. You have exactly four minutes to get out of here. Everyone will be centered around the main foyer, so avoid it. Your best bet is to head down to the bathrooms, " she indicated the hallway from where she came from. " And jump out the windows. From there on, you're on your own. It's all I can do to help you. "
" You're a real friend Cherr- " Madison paused, then smiled. " Sakura-chan. "
She nodded.
" I'd hoped you wouldn't you be found, but it's taken so long for my report to be cleared, everyone's still looking for you. "
" Well, we almost made it. " Mika replied, shooting Meilin a irratated glance.
Sakura smiled sadly, but then paused and turned back to the Control Panel. " Show time. " she walked over to their cells.
Suddenly, a huge alarm went off and Sakura swiped the access key and pushed the button. There was a click and all the cells opened. Her frightened emerald eyes turned to look at them. Her voice shook with anxiety :
" Now run, and don't look back. I won't be able to help you again. "
Madison hugged her and ran after Eriol who nodded his thanks before he disappeared around the corner. Meilin shot her a guarded look and ran past, followed by Astalte, who smiled briefly. Mika swooped her up and kissed her firmly on the mouth. Sakura cried out startled and then smiled as he bolted. She turned and her breath hitched when she met his gaze.
" You shouldn't be standing around Li. " her gaze darted to the hallway. " It's bad enough I could be busted, but I don't want to risk it with you. "
" Why do you help us? You're a cop. " Li demanded coldly. " You lied to us. You betrayed me. "
She cringed, looking at the floor ashamed.
" As hard as it is to belive, not all cops are bad. There are some of us who have a concience and a sense of peace and justice. And because you're like a part of my family. That won't ever change, and because I leant something when I was amongst you. But that's not important now. Please you must go. " she begged.
Li starred at her coldly for a moment before he turned and walked away. She watched him go before better judgement stopped her, she called out to him:
" Li, " she called before he disappeared.
Li turned and starred at the young woman that had changed his life. She seem small and vunerable standing alone in the empty room with her arm in the sling. He'd realised that he had once again been right, when he'd suspected her for being the rookie cop that had chased him three years previous. She didn't look a day older when her hair was like that.
She looked different dressed as she was, hiding her figure. So this was the real Sakura Avalon, he thought briefly. What a contradiction of the young woman he'd thought he'd known. It still hurt he realised when he thought about how much he had carred about this one. His eyes widened slightly as she murmered :
" goodluck. "
Li liked to think it was his imagination that made him see the glistening of her eyes. She wouldn't cry for him, would she? He reluctantly turned his back and walked out of the room imagining her heart broken sob. He volted the windows in the bathroom and ran across the back lane, where he met up with the others who were patiently waiting for him.
He paused before he got in the car. Looking back at the building that seperated his world from hers, he realised that he was once again free, and he had the girl with the emerald eyes to thank for it. She had once again, saved his life.
He doubted that he would ever see her again, but he would continue to think about her for the rest of his life; living his new life in China.
He jumped in the car that Eriol had stolen, and as they sped off, his realised that no matter where he'd end up, his heart would always remain behind in Tokyo; to Sakura Avalon. . . .
In the smokey bar, where people chattered away and waitresses laughed along with the customers, and over the banging in the kitchen a small voice could be heard coming from the small tv strung up in the corner of the bar.
The crimes of three years previous, which had been alleged to the the Black Wolves, a gang situated in Tomoeda, Japan, has been erased of any criminal offense. It has been proven, with shocking evidence that the former F.B.I agent, Saola Lin now deceased, was behind the monstrous murder which left Tomoeda and surrounding areas a few weeks ago, devasted.
Agent 3758956, also known as Sakura Avalon and her partners Saito Watanabe and Takouya Masaki, three of Japan's finest undercover detectives, were behind the solving of this mysterious case. For their heroic bravery and unlimited courage, Avalon, Masaki and Watanabe will be awarded with high destinctions given by the Super Attendant in next weeks celebration of our local heroes.
Over three million yens worth in weaponry was also discovered in one of the Shintaro's hideouts on the north side of the cape, which is believed to be the gang linked with Lin and her companions who were charged of other numerous offences and are now serving life in Tokyo prison. This has been one of the biggest gang related cases that has been solved in the last several years.
Joining me here outside of the Tokyo Chian Hanji Courts, is the man responsible for the solving of these cases; Mr. Macc Wohanjitsu. Mr. Wohanjitsu, what are your feelings on these events that have taken place?
Macc flashes on the screen.
Well no doubt I'd be pleased. Anyone in my position who had just solved this case would be. Of course I'm even more pleased with my recruits, who will be glad to know they have a few weeks holiday and a pay rise coming up.
Laughs
And what about the issue concerned with Saola Lin? Are you worried that there might be more corrupt agents in your agency?
Most certainly not! glares angrily But for the worried citizens of Tokyo, I can assure you that an indepth investigation is being carried out at this very moment, and any betrayers will be delt with accordingly.
And what about the devastation that rocked Tomoeda and the area surrounding it with the death of more than one hundred people?
Macc looks a little uncomfortble and sad
Yes, well. That was a disaster in it's own right. The autopsies have been completed and the bodies have been identified, and I'd like to officially give my reguards to all those families that have lost a someone. In reguard of this disaster it is going to be declarred that the day in which this happened will be forever more a day where Sakura Blossoms will be used to commemorate those that were tragically killed.
We wish to thank you for your time Mr. Wohanjitsu, and we hope we can look forward to such commendable work in the near future.
The conference, which concluded the innocence of the Black Wolves will be aired later this evening on our special addition.
I'm Sabrina Fox, bringing you Channel 8 news. Goodnight.
NOT THE END
Chian Hanji - Justice of the Peace
