CHAPTER 5:

After asking about the flight and booking a flight for herself, Sakura barged out of the bathroom. Walking into Eiri Yuki's room Sakura bid them good night and farewell. Running out to her car Sakura drove as fast as the speed limit would allow her to go. Upon her arrival at the airport she took out her suitcase filled with her belongings and dragged it around the airport. She checked in and soon after she was boarded onto the plane. She was seated in first class and it seemed that not very many people were there. Making herself comfortable, Sakura fastened her seatbelt and fell fast asleep dreaming of the day that Shuichi Shindo and her uncle would get better.

: THAT MORNING IN SAN FRANCISCO:

"I'm finally here!" Sakura cried happily as she stretched.

During her flight she had slept all the way through the midnight snack and breakfast so she was very hungry. Sakura yawned and stretched. She rubbed her eyes and stretched once more. Isn't that the best feeling in the world? To stretch until it hurts? Once she got off the plane the food at the airport didn't seem so good.

Blech, Sakura thought, airport food.

Grabbing her baggage Sakura slowly walked out of the airport and into the San Franciscan sun. Deciding that she should ask people in the airport if they knew who or where Shuichi Shindo was Sakura did her best to try and speak English.

: AN HOUR LATER:

Sakura's searches lead her to nowhere. All of her attempts failed miserably.

"Man this sucks!" Sakura cursed as she decided to find a taxicab.

"Where to miss?" the driver asked her.

"Everywhere!" Sakura giggled, "I would like to see all of San Francisco!"

"You're not from around here are you?" he asked.

Once Sakura got a glimpse of his face she gasped. He was Japanese like her! Speaking her natural language Sakura said, "I need to go to the bank first and exchange money."

"Very well." he said.

"Oh! And before you get busy do you recognize this man?" Sakura asked taking the picture out.

"No. I haven't a clue who he is." the taxi driver said.

"Arigato." Sakura said crestfallen as they drove on to the bank.

Once, Sakura had exchanged her money they drove all over San Francisco! They drove all through apartment complexes, Chinatown, and along the beach even asking if they knew Shuichi Shindo. None of the people seemed to know or, even seen Shuichi.

"Arigato sir." Sakura said bowing as she paid the cab driver.

He drove away as she checked into the hotel he left her at. Inside the room was nice and warm. The day had since grown cold since the sun went down. With a sigh Sakura fell onto the bed and fell asleep.

Morning came Sakura got up with reluctance, got dressed, and went down for a swim at the pool. Even though she was on vacation Sakura knew that she needed to exercise. After swimming, Sakura retired to her room and showered. Now, she went to eat at the breakfast buffet. She ate and got ready for another day of searching for Shuichi Shindo.

Today Sakura's outfit consisted of jeans and a yellow top. Her hair was let down, and a large, yellow butterfly clip hung in her hair.

In and out of stores Sakura went looking for any trace of Shuichi Shindo. Finally, Sakura found a music store and intrigued by it went inside. She smiled and looked around. The curious girl walked toward the foreigner section of the music store. A look of pure surprise washed over her face as she saw that they indeed had her debut CD.

Sakura then made her way up to the front of the store and asked the store clerk in the best English she could, "Excuse me sir have you seen this man or heard of him?"

The store clerk looked at the picture and said, "Yes I know him! He's a regular customer at this shop."

Sakura's face brightened up and asked, "So you know where he lives?"

"No miss, I'm sorry. I don't have the authority to give out that information." the store clerk said.

Hitting her hand to her forehead Sakura then had a bright idea. She went towards the foreigner section and found her CD. Holding it up to the store clerk she said, "What do you say? I buy this CD to you and give it to you autographed and we'll call it even."

The store clerk laughed and said, "You're not really her! Why would Sakura Seguchi be in America when she's topping charts in Japan?"

Sakura raised an eyebrow and laughed then started to sing, "I was so happy when you smiled. Your smile breaks through the clouds of gray. Far from the sunny days that lye in sleep. Waiting with patience for the spring when the flowers will bloom renewed again. Knowing there's more beyond the pain of today. Although the scars of yesterday remain. You can go on living as much as your heart believes. You can't be born again although you can change. Let's stay together always."

"You really are her." the desk clerk said surprised.

"Did you think I was lying?" Sakura asked.

"Still. Even if you are she I cannot give you the information you require. It's strictly classified." the desk clerk said.

"What a waste of my time." Sakura grumbled in Japanese.

"Miss! However I can tell you that the woman that works in the pawnshop across the street knows where he is." the desk clerk said.

"Arigato!" Sakura said joyously as she raced across the street.

The pawnshop was old and smelled very moldy.

UGH! Sakura thought covering her nose, it smells like shit in here.

"Sapphire Seguchi." an old woman's voice said in Japanese.

"Who goes? And how do you know my name?" Sakura asked.

"No need to fear me." the old woman's voice said as she emerged from the back room.

She was dressed in an entirely black kimono. Usually when one wears that they are mourning the death of someone that passed away. The old woman was shorter than Sakura. Her black hair was graying, and in a tight braid down her back. Her stunning blue eyes pierced Sakura's body like ice. The wrinkles placed upon her skin made her look ancient.

"And you are?" Sakura asked.

"Mrs. Frisby." the old woman said.

"Very well Mrs. Frisby how on earth do you know my name?" Sakura asked.

"I know a lot about you." Mrs. Frisby responded, "I know all about how you are looking for Mr. Shuichi Shindo and how your uncle is about to die, Eiri Yuki I believe is your uncle's name. Quite the talk of the town."

Sakura narrowed her eyes at the mysterious woman and said, "The clerk at the music store told me that I could ask you if you knew where he was and I hope that you may be able to tell me."

"Mr. Shindo asked me specifically never to tell anyone of his whereabouts." she said.

"He would be my uncle if they were still together." Sakura muttered irritated.

"Yes, but they are not together and you have nothing to do with him so why don't you just leave my shop." Mrs. Frisby said.

"Please tell me Mrs. Frisby." Sakura begged, "I beg you! Time is running out!"

"Look at the time! It's time for my lunch break." Mrs. Frisby said, "You really must be going now. Good luck on your search dear. By the way… Your uncle is going to die. I know so."

With that she shooed Sakura away from the shop.

"Cold hearted bitch!" Sakura shouted at the door, "Baka numeruyo!" Sakura then cursed.

Sakura made her way back to the hotel crestfallen.

"Stupid geezer." Sakura muttered.

As Sakura was staring off into space on her balcony it grew darker. Soon after, night had fallen upon the town. Sighing Sakura decided to go down to the park a block down the street.

The park sounds like a good idea, Sakura thought.

Sakura walked to the park slower than ever. The park was beautiful. Even if it had just a tiny waterfall Sakura still loved it. A small series of steps lead up towards a sidewalk and park benches filled her left side of the path. Street lamps lit Sakura's way.

If I were Shuichi Shindo where would I be hiding? Sakura pondered as she sat down on the park bench.

Time was running short. It was nearing the end of the second day Eiri Yuki had to live.

What do I do? Sakura thought, I feel so helpless. Mom and dad must be worried sick about me. Sakura put her hands together in a praying motion and thought, please, if there is someone out there, give my parents a sign and let them know I'm okay…

Looking at her cell phone she saw that the time was now 12:01.

"Day three is just beginning." Sakura said.

Without another word Sakura left the park and walked back to the hotel. Sighing a deep sigh of frustration Sakura drifted off into and uneasy sleep.

: AT NINE O' CLOCK IN THE MORNING:

Sakura decided to take the day off from searching and enjoy a much-needed rest. She spent the day at the beach swimming in the cool, green, sparkling ocean. Along with that she tanned (or at least tried to) and ate some of the best seafood in her life.

Stretching she wrapped a towel around herself, and headed towards the hotel when the sun was going down, feeling guilty.

I should have taken this day to look for Shuichi, Sakura thought miserably. Walking into her room she sighed, "Day three will soon be over. And I still haven't found Shuichi-kun."

Removing her clothes Sakura got into the shower and washed her body.

This feels so good, Sakura thought as the water ran down her body.

After, her long, hot, relaxing shower, Sakura stepped out dripping wet. Putting her hair into a towel she started to get dressed. Her outfit consisted of a beige Tommy Hilfigure sweat outfit and a white belly shirt. Reapplying her make-up Sakura walked outside into the cool night breeze. Sakura decided to get a coffee and walked down the block to the left to see if she could find the Starbucks coffee shop. Sure enough she found it. Sakura walked inside to find that it was empty except for a few people sitting at the tables. Once up at the counter she ordered a mocha chiller. Paying for it Sakura took the seat towards the window.

She stared out at the people passing by. Laying her head on the table she heard someone else walk in. Sakura started to cry.

What have I done? Uncle Yuki! Sakura thought.

Someone put his or her hand on her shoulder as Sakura looked up startled.

"Are you all right miss?" the man asked.

He had this kind face and deep violet eyes. There was no shine in his eyes. They looked empty and sad, like dark endless corridors with no light. His hair was a light brown color. His face was young looking and had as many wrinkles as her uncle Yuki.

"Your face…" Sakura trembled as she stared deep into his violet orbs.

The man looked at her puzzled, "Are you all right miss?"

"I-I think so…" Sakura said dazed.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Sakura Seguchi." Sakura answered as she held her necklace with one shaking hand.

The man's jaw dropped at the name.

It can't be her? What would that bastard's daughter be doing here? Is it possible Seguchi sent her here? The man thought.

"It's you…" Sakura muttered as the man walked out of the shop.

"I'll see you later miss." the man said.

Sakura too shocked to do anything sat there as she watched him walk out of the shop.

"Wait!" Sakura called.

She got looks from all the people in the coffee shop and ran out of Starbucks. She looked to her right where she saw the man. He was very well now down the street.

"Wait!" Sakura cried tears still running down her cheeks.

The man turned around and asked, "What the hell do you want from me?"

They were in the middle of the street and it was still a red light. Sakura stood there staring at the man with the light brown hair, panting and unmoving.

"Listen, I can't help you kid so find someone else…" the man told her coldly.

"It's you isn't it?" Sakura cried, "you're Shuichi Shindo aren't you?"

"That name has long since been forgotten to me…" Shuichi said as he walked onto the sidewalk.

The light turned green and a car came zooming toward Sakura. Sakura looked at the car unable to move. She saw a flash of white and green light and felt a sharp pain in her right shoulder. Her body collided with sidewalk and pavement from the street.

"Do you wanna get killed you japs? You stupid chink fuckers!" the driver in the car said as he drove off.

Sakura sighed as she looked up at the man that was holding her in his arms. He lay there wheezing and panting just as hard as she was. He got up first and helped Sakura up next. Sakura stood there still not saying a word… She could not believe she found Shuichi Shindo so quickly. But the next step was to convince him to come back to Tokyo. The man that stood in front of her was a crybaby and a stubborn mule at times.

"You should watch for where you're going." Shuichi said, "this is America, not Tokyo, and you're most likely to get killed."

"I understand." Sakura said as she touched the butterfly necklace on her neck.

When she took her hand off Shuichi saw what Sakura had been hiding under her hand the whole time. It was the pink butterfly necklace that Mika had taken away from Sakura a long time ago. Shuichi had always thought the Mika burned it or threw it away but it was evident that she didn't because there on Sakura's neck it was.

"That necklace." Shuichi stammered, "Where did you get it?"

"This?" Sakura asked touching her neck, "you gave it to me, once upon a time. Don't you remember Uncle Shuichi?"

Shuichi chuckled and said, "It's been awhile since I've been called that."

"Uncle Shuichi…" Sakura started to stay but was then followed by an awkward silence.

"Well I guess I'd better be going." Shuichi smiled as he started to turn around and leave.

"Don't go!" Sakura pleaded as he turned around. Finding her voice Sakura asked, "I want to know… Uncle Shuichi… Why did you and Uncle Yuki break it off?"

"I'd prefer not to talk about it." Shuichi sighed as he closed his eyes.

"Uncle Shuichi!" Sakura whimpered as she ran into his arms.

"It's all right Sakura." Shuichi said as he patted her head like he used to.

"Why did you leave? I missed you so much! You promised me that you two would always be together forever! What happened to that promise you made me?" Sakura cried as she banged on the older man's chest, "It didn't have to end this way!"

"Hush now Sakura. I'm fine and so are you… It's better that we're apart…" Shuichi said.

"No it's not!" Sakura shouted, "He's dieing Uncle Shuichi."

"What?" Shuichi asked as he pulled the young woman away from his arms, "then, if he's destined to die alone then so am I."

"No! You were meant to be together. I know so… Then why after all these years would you remember who I am and how much you loved him when I bring him up…" Sakura whimpered.

"You have to understand me Sakura." Shuichi said as he held her upper arms and stared deep into her green orbs, "Don't you see Sakura? There's nothing left for me in Tokyo to go back to!"

"Yes, there is! You have me and Mr. Hiro and Ryuichi! But most importantly you have Yuki. As he's laying there in his death bed all he can think of is you." Sakura said.

"That's not true." Sakura whimpered.

"Yes it is." Shuichi said bitterly, "believe me Sakura Seguchi this was for the best."

"You're wrong… You've never stopped loving him. I can see the hurt in your eyes. They're crying out for help. I'm here for you Uncle Shuichi." Sakura said as she took the picture out of her pocket, "he thinks about you even now… Why would he keep this after all these years? And if I'm correct Uncle Yuki doesn't like to hold onto the past…"

Shuichi took the picture out of Sakura's hands and examined it carefully. His eyes seemed to glow just a little bit when he saw the picture. The shine that used to be there was coming back.

"May I ask why is your hair that color? Isn't it pink?" Sakura asked.

"I got dumped a long time ago." Shuichi said, "I needed a change. I'm sorry Sakura but there's nothing I can do to help you…"

"Come back to Tokyo with me! Come back!" Sakura cried.

"You wouldn't understand." Shuichi said pushing Sakura out of his way.

"I won't take that answer!" Sakura shouted.

"Leave me alone if you know what's best for you." Shuichi threatened.

"Please Uncle Shuichi!" Sakura sobbed throwing her arms around him.

At that moment Shuichi's heart softened as he embraced the girl back. For just that moment his heart of ice was now beginning to melt. Her warm breath tickled his left ear as she ceased to cry.

"Please hear me out!" Sakura begged, "He's in the hospital! He's about to die! Please you need to come back to Tokyo! He's dieing of a broken heart!"

Bowing before him Shuichi stared at the girl in utter shock. Was Touma Seguchi's daughter really asking for help? Or was another one of his tricks to get him to come back to NG Records? There was no sure way of telling.

"He doesn't love me anymore. And I don't love him either." Shuichi whimpered.

"Nonsense. They say that when you love someone you never really stop loving them. I know that you never really stopped loving him no matter what you say. I have no say in what you should do in your life but if you acted this impulsively and irresponsibly then please fix your mistakes and come back to Tokyo! Uncle Yuki is already repenting for his sins by dieing slowly in a hospital bed… All alone. I'm sure… That if he could see you one last time… Before he died… I'm sure he would be very happy." Sakura said.

"How do I know that this isn't one of Seguchi's tricks? How do I know that he didn't just send you here to get me to sign with NG again?" Shuichi asked.

"If you think that then why would he send his daughter of all people? He always did say that Yuki belonged to him so why would he want you back in the picture?" Sakura asked.

Shuichi's eyes widened in shock.

Could she really be telling the truth? Shuichi asked.

"I still have my doubts." Shuichi said. Shuichi eyed Sakura again sighed and said, "All right… What do you want me to do?"

"Return to Tokyo with me tonight." Sakura said.

It was at that moment that everything was starting to get better. Shuichi looked a little younger… And the shine that had left his eyes a long time ago was returning again.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I HOPE YOU LIKED THIS CHAPTER! THIS SONG DOES NOT BELONG TO ME! IT BELONGS TO SOMETHING FROM INUYASHA! PLEASE DO NOT SUE ME!