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Syaoran's Angels

Chapter 9: Of Angels and Demons

Marcus Flaron couldn't help but blush as his finger brushed against Meiling Rae's hand as he reached to get a glass of brandy from the flight attendant. A similar blush appeared on Meiling's face as three pairs of eyes studied the couple. One of them was bright blue, innocent and unknowing of what was going on, the other two one green, the other lavender was shining with mirth and amusement.

Marcus flashed the flight attendant a bright grin and leaned back into his chair glancing across the aisle at his daughter who was seating in between Sakura Kinomoto and Tomoyo Daidouji. Satisfied that his daughter was safe and had recovered from her ordeal with Mallus and his thugs and was enjoying her flight, he concentrated onto his glass carefully trying not to be too obvious as he sneaked glances at the raven-haired beauty seating beside him.

Despite Marcus's best efforts, Meiling was quite aware of that fact that he was studying her. Trying to stop herself from blushing, she satisfied herself by sending her two friends a vicious death glare for putting her into this position.

Tomoyo merely smirked as Sakura gave her a little wave. Lily was too busy trying to peel her packet of peanuts open to pay any attention to her father or the girls she had already adopted as her aunties.

"Aunty Tomoyo," Lily sighed, "Can you get this packet open for me?"

Marcus seating in the aisle next to his daughter cleared his throat loudly. Lily pouted.

"Please?" she added.

Tomoyo smiled and helped the little girl as Sakura eyed Meiling and Marcus thoughtfully.

Personally both she and Tomoyo approved of Marcus. He was definitely handsome with his soft, soulful brown eyes that accented his blonde-brown hair perfectly. He had a warm smile and was fairly easy going. His obvious adoration of his daughter touched Sakura, whose own dad had been away for most of her childhood and his easy acceptance of them being Angels also gave him a few more points in her books. Yep, Marcus Flaron was definitely someone she was sure she would like and his obvious liking of Meiling made Sakura grin devilishly as she planned her next move in her matchmaking scheme.

Tomoyo opened the packet and left Lily to happily scoff its contents as she concentrated onto her new mission. She sighed seeing both Meiling and Marcus ignoring each other even though they kept shooting little glances at each other. Although Meiling was a bold and fierce fighter in battle, she was, no offence, a bit of a shrew on the dating scene. She had this habit of clamming up around men and Tomoyo was determined to pry her friend out of her shell no matter what it took. Some gut instinct told her that Meiling and Marcus would be good for each other and both of them definitely deserved some happiness.

Tomoyo sighed thinking her job would be a lot easier if Marcus was little bolder but she had managed to wheedle out of Lily the fact that Marcus was a bit shy around women.

Catching Sakura's eyes, both girls grinned at each other preparing to play matchmaker for their friend. Seeing the glint in Sakura's eyes, she knew the American Angel had a plan.

"Sooo... Meiling..." Sakura began grinning innocently.

"What?" Meiling asked suspiciously knowing that Sakura was up to something.

"I was just thinking..."

"Out with it," Meiling scowled.

"Well," Sakura sighed melodramatically, "You really can't stay at my house once we get back. I think my dad is going to be a little suspicious if you turn up again. I mean we did tell him just before we left we were heading off for a few days until R.I.K.A. left your house."

Meiling winced thinking about their somewhat pathetic excuse for going off for a few days. Little did Fujitaka know that they had gone to Australia to rescue Marcus and Lily.

"R.I.K.A?" Marcus asked confuse.

"Russian Institute of Korean Architecture," Tomoyo explained.

"Okay..." Marcus frowned confused.

"Anyway," Sakura was almost purring by now, "Since you can't stay at my house and I'm going off to my reunion why don't you stay at Tomoyo's house."

Tomoyo shrugged.

"Why not?" she said not knowing where Sakura was heading with this conversation.

"And wouldn't it be safer for Marcus and Lily if they also stayed with you guys?"

Tomoyo almost choked on her laughter as both Meiling and Marcus blushed. Lily was immediately ecstatic.

"Daddy! Daddy! Can we stay at Aunty Tomoyo's house?" the little girl bounced on her seat excitedly as Sakura grinned at Meiling.

Meiling sent Sakura her most deadly glare and vowed she would make her pay later.

"We wouldn't want to impose..." Marcus began as Lily sighed not liking her father's tone, "We'll just go to a hotel or something."

"What if Mallus tries to make another move on you or Lily?" Tomoyo asked serious, "You can stay at my house it won't be any trouble at all."

"Then I'm going back to my house," Meiling declared.

"No way, what if somebody attacks my house?" Tomoyo asked, "I'm not sure I can protect both of them at once."

Meiling was trapped and she knew it but she kept arguing.

"We'll call Syaoran tonight and he'll send Marcus and Lily to a safehouse or something. Somewhere safer than our houses," she argued.

"By the time we get back it'll be really late," Tomoyo reminded her telling her a little white lie, "I don't think Syaoran would enjoy a phone call at that time."

"Come on Aunty Meiling!" Lily urged grinning at her, "Let's have a sleepover at Aunty Tomoyo's house!"

Meiling couldn't help but smile at the young girl's sunny nature.

"Fine," she sighed.

"Yeah, a sleepover but who's sleeping with who?" Sakura said wickedly batting her eyelids at Meiling and Marcus.

She was awarded with two blushing faces, a death glare and a slight punch from Tomoyo.

"Not in front of the kids," Tomoyo reminded her even though Lily had no idea what Sakura meant.

"What did you mean Aunty Sakura?" Lily asked confused with a small frown on her face, "Is Daddy sleeping with someone?"

Sakura and Tomoyo choked on their laughter as Meiling glared at them feeling her suddenly hot face. Marcus sighed and leaned back into his chair.

This was going to be a long, long flight...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Sakura smiled happily to herself and unlocked the door to her apartment.

"I'm home!" she called out cheerfully.

"Sakura?" Fujitaka stood in the hallway, "I thought you were coming back tomorrow morning."

Sakura grinned.

"Change of plans, I'm going to my reunion!" she said happily dropping her bags onto the floor and closing the door behind her.

Fujitaka grinned at his daughter's obvious excitement as Sakura walked to her bedroom and began getting changed for the big event.

"So how do I look?" she said opening her door with a smile.

Fujitaka stared at his daughter and almost swallowed his own tongue seeing how much like her mother she was. Sakura was wearing a simple white dress with printed pictures of cherry blossom on it that came down to just above her knees. Her hair was done up in their usual braids with long strands of auburn hair trailing down the back of her neck, her face had no make up on it just a little bit of lip gloss highlighting the softness of her ruby lips. Her emerald eyes danced as a grin lit up her face as her father continued to stare at her in shock.

"So?"

"Beautiful," Fujitaka grinned, "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Sakura beamed back.

She glanced at her watch and groaned seeing the time.

"I'm going to be late!" she wailed.

Fujitaka smiled seeing his daughter dash around like a madwoman, this was very reminiscent of her childhood when even the loudest alarm clock in the world couldn't wake her in time up to get her to school without being late. Grabbing her purse and car keys she kissed her father on her cheeks and sprinted out of the door.

Fujitaka smiled.

"She gets more like her mother everyday," he mused closing the door.

He had no idea how right he was.

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Tomoyo sighed with relief as she opened her door. Meiling and Marcus who was holding Lily in his arms followed her. They all stepped through the doorway as Tomoyo smiled glad to be home.

"It's only nine o'clock," she mused glancing at her watch, "How about that."

"I thought it was going to be late," Meiling glared at her.

Tomoyo smiled easily and shrugged.

"Oops, I must have miscalculated," she grinned at her.

"I'll bet," Meiling growled.

Marcus cleared his throat loudly.

"Do you have a spare room for Lily?" he asked, "It's about time she went to bed."

Lily immediately kicked up a fuss.

"But daddy," she whined, "It's only nine o'clock!! I wanna to stay up and play with Auntie Tomoyo and Meiling."

Tomoyo grinned seeing another perfect opening for the next part of her matchmaking scheme fold out in front of her.

"Why don't you and I go see a movie or something?" she asked Lily.

Lily nodded eagerly.

"But it's nine..." Marcus began.

"Oh come on! Let her have a bit of fun after what she went through," Tomoyo told him.

Marcus sighed as Lily began laughing and clapping her hands.

"But you're going to bed straight after you come back," Marcus warned his daughter.

Lily shrugged as Marcus knelt down allowing Lily to leap from his arms and to Tomoyo.

"Come on Auntie Tomoyo let's see a movie!" Lily said excitedly.

"You want me to come?" Meiling asked immediately becoming suspicious as Tomoyo grinned at her the picture of innocence.

"Nah, that's okay," she grinned, "Lily and I can play together and you and Marcus can..."

"I think I'm going to bed," Marcus announced cutting her off.

Tomoyo shrugged.

"Doesn't concern me," she grinned again, "Meiling can you show him the spare room?"

Meiling glared at her.

"And you have to stay here to protect him," Tomoyo reminded her seriously.

Meiling nodded slowly still glaring at her friend.

"Come on, Lily let's go!" Tomoyo smiled down at the little girl.

The two departed as Marcus and Meiling stared at each other.

"So..."

"So..."

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Sakura grinned as she stepped out from her car chatting happily into her mobile phone.

"Tomoyo, you're evil!" she announced.

'Thank you,' Tomoyo said in a smug voice.

Sakura grinned at the phone as she heard Lily began complaining in the background.

"I think you better see that movie or Lily is going to throw a tantrum," she said amused, "And I better get to my reunion."

'Okay, have fun. Bye!'

"Bye!" Sakura hung up and slipped the phone back into her purse.

After a few minutes hesitation, she threw her purse into the back of her car and strolled to venue for her reunions, which was usually a night bar but tonight had been rented out to her old high school.

She glanced around seeing the carpark was packed with cars of all brands, colours and descriptions and took a deep breath trying to shove the thoughts of her nightmarish high school experience to the back of her head.

"Time to party," she murmured to herself.

Purposely she strolled to the door and pushed it open, her ears were immediately assaulted with the sounds of music and happy conversation. Taking one last breath, she made her final remark and stepped in.

"I'm going in."

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Diana Armstrong chatted happily with her old high school friends totally oblivious to her surroundings.

"This is so cool!" she gushed grinning at Chelsea.

The auburn haired woman who still wore her hair in her trademark pigtails nodded as her husband Zachary grinned at Diana hugging her wife around her waist.

"Wow, so you're a lawyer now. I knew you would achieve your dream one day," Zachary said grinning at Diana easily.

Diana grinned back at him.

"I know, I love my job but the only problem is..."

"What?" Chelsea asked watching her friend carefully.

"I don't have a boyfriend!"

Chelsea smirked.

"At least I don't have that problem," she smiled up at her husband and gripped his arm tightly.

Diana mock glared at her old friend and turned her attention to the front door.

"What's all the fuss about?" she murmured, blue-grey eyes confused.

There was a huge commotion at the door as someone walked in, girls were letting out vicious glares and envious sighs as the men began whistling approvingly staring at the person at the door.

"I don't know," Zachary shrugged, "One of the Harpies?"

Harpies had been their old nickname for the high school cheerleaders, Diana had come up with in one day during English whilst they were studying Greek mythology. It referred to the cheerleaders as having the illusion of being beautiful but was really hideous and foul once seen close up.

"Probably," Diana shrugged, "Its probably nothing."

"Yeah," Chelsea echoed her.

Sakura pushed open the door and strolled in her face lighting up with a huge grin seeing the massive party inside. She walked on oblivious to the fact that every man she passed stared at her mesmerised by this auburn-haired goddess.

She smiled broadly seeing the packed dance floor and strolled to the bar eager for a quick drink before hitting the dance floor.

"A soda, thanks," she flashed the barkeeper a bright grin.

The barkeeper immediately went to fulfil her order as she glanced around seeing if there was anybody she knew.

"Thanks," Sakura smiled sipping her drink as the barkeeper scurried off.

She sat down onto the stool and watched the bar deep in her thought.

Maybe this wasn't such a great idea... her mind began.

Why not? another part of her wanted to know.

Come on, Sakura! You were a nerd! No matter how much you've changed you are still going to be a nerd in their eyes!

Yeah, then let's make them see otherwise the other part of brain retorted.

Sakura giggled wondering why she was arguing with herself.

Let's have some fun! she thought wickedly.

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Zachary stopped halfway through a sentence hearing a familiar giggle. That laugh struck a familiar chord within his mind.

"Zachary?" Diana asked shaking her friend slightly.

"Sorry," he shook himself, "I thought I heard something?"

"What?" Chelsea asked.

"I don't know," he stopped, "This may seem silly but I heard someone laugh and I swear I think it's Cherry."

"Cherry?!" Diana looked around but couldn't see the girl in question, "She came?"

"Don't know," Zachary told her, "We haven't talked to her for a long while now."

Diana's blue-grey eyes roved around the packed nightclub hoping to spot her best friend but she couldn't see her. Sighing in disappointment she switched her attention back to Chelsea and Zachary only to find them staring at something else.

"Hello?" she waved her hands in front of their eyes.

Wordlessly Chelsea pointed at the dance floor. Frowning in confusion, Diana turned around and blinked seeing what the others were seeing.

"Cherry?" she murmured.

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Sakura laughed delightedly as she danced letting her body flow with the music. She was so caught up in the song and in her own movements she was unaware of the fact that a circle of men had formed around her each one staring at the auburn-haired goddess as she danced seductively.

"Who is she?" one of the murmured.

"I don't know but she's mine!" another answered wickedly.

"I saw her first!" another argued.

"Yeah right."

Towards the back of the club a ring of Harpies had gathered as each glared venomously at the girl at the centre of the men's speculation.

"Who is she?" a blonde-haired woman wearing a tight-fitting dress demanded.

"I don't know but I'm pretty sure she didn't went to our school," another commented.

"Then she shouldn't be here!" the blonde snapped back, "it's time we got her to leave!"

The Harpies nodded in agreement.

"Let's go!" the blonde growled as she stormed towards the dance floor.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

"Cherry?!" a soft voice murmured behind Sakura.

Sakura whirled around and a brilliant smile spread across her face as she looked into a pair of grey-blue eyes.

"Di!" she squealed excitedly hugging her friend tightly, "God, it's been a long time since I've seen you!"

"Yo... yo... you rea... rea... really are Cherry..." Diana stammered, "You've changed!"

"I know," Sakura grinned whirling around showing off to her friend, "And please call me Sakura."

Diana blinked.

"You're using your Japanese name now?" she asked.

Sakura winked at her.

"Come on, let's dance!" she said wickedly grinning at some of the men standing around them.

Diana blinked in surprise as Sakura began dancing again swaying gracefully to the music, her body moving in synch to the vibrant beat. Diana smiled as she heard Sakura's familiar delighted laughter.

No matter how much she's changed, she still the same old girl Diana mused comparing the new and improved Sakura to the old high school nerd she had once been.

Physically she had changed a lot, she had lost some weight and had got rid of her braces revealing perfect white teeth. She no longer wore plain woollen blouses that had concealed her body nor did she tie her hair up into a one giant ponytail. She had become more confident of herself and... Diana blinked. She gave off an aura of power, Diana had seen it before in powerful politicians, sport stars, famous lawyers, people who were sure of themselves and the world. People who had their destinies firmly grasped in their hands. Sakura acted like them, she gave off a vibe of power and determination and Diana wondered briefly what had caused it.

For all her physical differences Sakura remained the same optimistic, happy-go-lucky girl she had been in high school. She had the same playful demeanour and from what Diana could see Sakura could still make everybody around her happy and cheerful.

Diana laughed happily seeing Sakura's contagious smile as the auburn haired beauty continued dancing. Diana looked past her friends shoulder and grimaced seeing who was coming.

"Harpies at twelve o'clock," she warned.

Sakura blinked.

"The Harpies?" Sakura whirled around and saw the gaggle of ex-cheerleaders heading their way, "This is going to be fun."

Diana blinked. The old Sakura would have ran off and hidden by now, she had always been intimidated by the cheerleaders' beauty and popularity and had been terrified of their cruel tongue. But this Sakura... she didn't show the slightest bit of fear, instead she looked forward to sparring with them. Diana shook her head and wondered once more what could have caused this massive change.

"Excuse me, like hello?"

Diana recognised Belinda, who had been the most popular girl at school and has also been the head of the cheerleaders. She wondered briefly what Sakura would do but seeing her friend's devilish grin she felt a moment of pity for the blonde-haired cow.

"Yes?" Sakura asked flicking a lazy smile at them.

"This is a school reunion," Belinda smirked, "And since you didn't go to school, you should like leave."

Sakura grinned at her again showing too much teeth for Diana's comfort. The girl stopped dancing and continued to grin at Belinda reminding Diana of a cat that was looking at an unsuspecting mouse.

"Belinda?" Sakura gasped suddenly, "I didn't recognise you! OH MY GOD! You've changed, you've put... I mean lost some weight!"

Diana resisted the urge to laugh as Belinda glared at Sakura, if looks could kill Sakura would have been burning for eternity in the darkest pits of hell.

"Who are you?" Belinda barked.

"Sakura," Sakura grinned, "Or Cherry Blossom as I was known in my high school years."

Belinda blinked.

"Cherry?" she gaped.

Sakura took advantage of Belinda's shock to turn to Diana.

"I'm dying for a drink, you want to come?" she asked.

Diana smiled and nodded, both girls left the dance floor leaving behind a stunned cheerleader and a group of disappointed men.

"I just love reunions," Sakura sighed.

Diana couldn't agree more with her.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

"So..." Meiling began.

Marcus stared at her and couldn't help note the way her raven-black hair glistened in the light.

"I should show you to your room..." Meiling began and stopped seeing Marcus staring at her, "What are you staring at?"

"You're beautiful," Marcus murmured.

He flushed as he realised he had said it out loud.

"Sorry... I didn't mean that..." he stammered.

Meiling merely nodded sadly.

"Of course you didn't," she bit off bitterly.

Marcus blinked at her.

"What did you mean by that?" he asked softly.

"Nothing," she said shortly.

"No, what did you mean," he took a step towards her.

Meiling looked up hesitantly and couldn't help but blush as she stared into his soft brown eyes.

"You don't mean that," she said softly.

"Mean what?" Marcus wanted to know.

Meiling tried to look away but she couldn't as she stood there staring into his eyes. Conflicting emotions duelled for dominance within her body and mind as she continued to stare at him.

"Mean what?" Marcus repeated softly.

"I'm beautiful..."

Marcus blinked.

"Pardon?"

Meiling took a deep breath.

"You don't mean I'm beautiful," she repeated louder glaring at him daring for him to argue.

"What do you mean by that? Of course you're beautiful," Marcus told her, "You the most beautiful women I've met."

Meiling flushed and looked down admiring the carpet on the floor as Marcus stared at her trying to figure out what was going on.

"Meiling?" he said softly, "What is it?"

Meiling bit her lip as the old fears came up again inside her head. She wasn't beautiful at least not as beautiful as Tomoyo or Sakura. Her whole life, she had trained to become a warrior as a result her body had become muscular and lean, men didn't like that they liked petite women with soft curves or long hair like Tomoyo or a beautiful figure like Sakura. To men she was ugly. She bit down harder onto her lip and made herself look up.

"I'm not beautiful," she said brokenly.

"What?" Marcus exclaimed startled, "Of course you are."

Meiling shook her head vehemently.

"I'm not beautiful," she repeated, "I don't look beautiful... I'm just plain... I'm just ugly."

"Look?" Marcus repeated half-amused, "Meiling, you are beautiful outside and inside."

He paused.

"At least you are... to me."

Before Meiling could react Marcus crossed the room to her and gripped her shoulders tightly. He leaned forward and softly placed his lips over hers.

Meiling left out her breath slowly as Marcus deepened their kiss holding her tighter to his body. She threw her arms around his neck and closed her deeply kissing him harder. Happiness sang within her heart as her mind exploded in ecstasy halting the processing of any coherent thought.

I am beautiful she thought happily I'm beautiful... to him

Meiling smiled against Marcus's lips as he slowly broke off. He hugged her tightly and smiled down at her.

"Wow," he said simply.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Tomoyo laughed as Lily jumped around happily, spilling popcorn everywhere. They had already bought their tickets and were waiting in the lobby for their drinks. Lily stuffed a handful of popcorn into her mouth and laughed happily as Tomoyo shook her head smiling to herself.

"Well, well fancy seeing you here," a familiar voice said behind her.

Tomoyo whirled around and flushed seeing who it was. A familiar blue-haired man with a devilish smile on his face winked at her wickedly.

"Eriol," she said happily.

"Tomoyo, you look great," Eriol told her.

Tomoyo's face reddened even more.

"Thanks," she said shyly.

Lily walked up to them a bottle of coke clutched tightly in her fist.

"Come on, Aunty Tomoyo," the little girl urged, "Movie's about to start."

Tomoyo grinned down at the girl.

"I'm coming."

"You're watching a movie?" Eriol asked.

"No, I'm in a cinema for the wonderful food," Tomoyo told him impishly.

Eriol laughed.

"Silly of me to ask. What movie are you watching?" he asked.

"Spirited Away!" Lily said happily.

Eriol blinked.

"Never heard of it," he said.

Tomoyo shrugged.

"It's a Japanese movie," she explained.

"Come on, Aunty Tomoyo," Lily sighed.

"Coming Lily," Tomoyo turned to Eriol, "Well, good to see you again. I've got to go."

"Is that your niece?" Eriol asked curious.

"No, I'm babysitting for a friend," Tomoyo lied a little.

"Well... in that case. Need any help in looking after her?" Eriol sent her a flirtatious grin.

Tomoyo flushed again.

"Why not?" she said keeping her tone light.

Lily began running across the lobby laughing happily as two smiling adults followed her.

Almost automatically, Eriol grabbed Tomoyo's hand and held it tightly grinning at her. Tomoyo blushed but grinned back enjoying the contact between them.

"Why do you keep popping up all the time?" Tomoyo asked him curiously, "it's like you keep stalking me."

"Yeah, it seems like it doesn't it?" Eriol asked, "What would you do if you find out I was stalking you?"

Tomoyo laughed hearing his teasing voice.

"As long as you're the stalker..."

She had no idea how right she was.

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Well, this chapter turned out longer than I expected so I didn't put in as much as I thought I was able to maybe I shouldn't have put in so much fluff... anyway REVIEW!

Next chapter:

Sakura continues to party at her reunion and comes face to face with her old enemy. Meiling and Marcus enjoy each others company as Eriol and Tomoyo enjoy their semi-date at the movies. But what happens when Rika strikes once again? And who is her next target? And prepare yourself for an outraged Angel when Sakura receives a horrible shock in... Seeing Red.

A/Note: I got a lot of reviews asking about Marcus's age. Well, here is a brief history on Meiling's love interest:

He first met up with Lily's mother in high school and quickly became a couple. They graduated at Marcus Flaron went to the law school.

After he graduated the two got married and Marcus went to work with Crell's Partners.

A year after their marriage, Lily is born and Marcus exposes Crell's Partners.

In a blotched up assassination attempt on Marcus, his wife is killed and Marcus flees.

So doing a bit of simple mathematics Marcus is only around 25 and Meiling is around 22. So as you can see there is no huge age difference at all. Marcus's history will be later explored in more detail in another chapter.

And once again my pathetic Mandarin comes under fire, oops I might have made a mistake naming the first book (Fei Lao Shi) but the way I translated that is using the Cantonese phrased for lion and translating that into Mandarin. As far as I can tell both Lao Shi and Shi Zi are the same, if not I'm very, very sorry!