S.H.P.D
Mika yawned once again as he collected his jacket. He turned around and watched as Li continued to press on.
" Aren't you coming? " Li looked up distracted.
" Say what? "
" It's time to go home. " Mika spoke as if Li had no idea what that term meant anymore. " You know, the place you sleep; go 'home' everynight. "
Li pushed the file away and sighed. " No, I got some more stuff to do here. You go, I'll see you tomorrow. "
" No doubt you'll still be here in the morning. " Mika muttered as he shrugged into his jacket. " You know, I wasn't go to say anything - "
" But your going to to anyway against all better judgement right? "
Mika faintly smiled.
" Meilin's worrried about you man. You're worrying everyone. I've got Aunty Yelan breathing down my neck making sure I see that you're standing up all right. You're like a steam engine, you just keep . .going. " he said after a slight pause.
" These cases won't solve themselves Mika. I "
" Yeah, I know, but for every one you slave away trying to crack, more fill it's place. Trying to wipe that gathering pile on our desk isn't going to help. "
" Your point exactly? " Li asked frowning.
" There's doing good, and there's doing good. " Mika replied.
" Just go home already. I promise I won't be here more than a couple of hours. "
" That's a couple too many if you ask me. " Mika shot back.
" Mika. " Li warned.
" Just come home and rest. Otherwise I'll - "
" What? " Li asked raising his head to look at him. Mika raised his chin in challenge.
" I'll put in a word to Jiang. "
" He can't do anything. " Li shook his head and went back to his work.
" If I tell him that my partner is working too hard and that it's effecting our work . ." Li's head snapped up.
" You'd spin that to Jiang just to ge me out of the office? "
" Look I have to do something. You can't see what I do. You're tired man, go home and rest. "
" When I want your help Mika. I'll ask for it. "
" Fine. You leave me no other choice. " with that he turned around and walked out.
Li sighed and guzzled the last of his cold coffee. He needed the buzz to keep him awake.
Making sure that Mika was gone and that he was on his own, Li opened the bottom draw and pulled out a file. It's contents were minimal, just facts and reports he had writen himself, but he was determined to fill this folder with stuff that he needed to know.
He tapped into his computer and brought up the search file that he had been investigating for over a month now. When he had started this, he had no idea that so many people in China could be called Ying Fa. He'd gone through every night for hours on end, eliminating the ones that didn't match. Slowly the list was shrinking and he hoped, somewhere she would be amongst all those that he had to search through.
Several Hours Later . . .
Nearly dead with exhaustion, Li clicke out of the last of the entries and sat back in his chair with a groan. No where. Ying Fa wasn't in there. She was no where to be found. Shutting down the computer, he grabbed his jacket from beside him and the folder, and locked up the office and went home. He collapsed on his bed and woke a few hours later when his cell rang.
" 'ello? " he groaned.
" Agent Li? " came a woman's voice.
" Mmmmm? "
" This is Fiona. I work with you at the S.H.P.D. I have a message for you. Mr Osakii said not to bother coming into today. He's taken the day off with your cousin and the office has been locked by Jiang. He said to mention that you'd need a bomb squad to get the door open. Good day. " he listened to the dial tone before he let his phone drop to the floor.
" Mika you kusoyaro. " he muttered into his pillow before he fell asleep.
Li woke up later that day. He'd sleep most of it away, but he was woken up by an insistant knocking on his door. Scratching his stomach as he went to the door, he opened and met Mika's smiling face.
" Feeling better this afternoon? " he asked with a smirk. Li's fist connected with face and sent him sprawling back.
" Li, you idiot. What's you do that for! " Meilin demanded as she knelt down and checked to see if her boyfriend was ok.
" That was for waking me up. " Li yawned and pulled him to his feet. Mika wiped away a trickle of blood and shot him a look.
" I can't win with you can I? "
Meilin muttered under her breath as she walked inside and put her slippers on. She bent down and collected his mail that was sittng on the floor and set it on the table in the lounge room, before heading into the kitchen to put some water to boil. She went back to his mail while Li and Mika talked and sorted themselves out, and paused when she came to a envelope that wasn't marked.
She went back into the kitchen and then took the tea into the lounge room and set it down on the table and let Li and Mika pour their own while she handed Li his mail. Li filed through them until he came to the unmarked one. He frowned wondering where it had come from before opening it.
A cheque and a thin piece of paper fell out into his lap. Picking them up, he scanned the cheque first and his eyes widened. He reached for the paper and read it. He couldn't believe it.
Told ya it was all taken care of
Meilin looked concerned.
" Li? " she asked. " What is it? You've gone pale. "
" I don't believe it. " he muttered and handed the cheque and letter to Mika who scanned it and raised a questioning eyebrow.
" Ying Fa. " Li said as he sipped his tea and both Mika and Meilin balked and re-read the note.
" And this is for-? " Meilin asked curiously.
" Repaying me for the money she used off my credit card to pay for this apartment to be cleaned. " he'd received his bank statement shortly after receiving the invoice and had seen that the little minx had somehow got her hands on his cedit card. He'd give it to her though, when she sought revenge, she left no stone unturned.
" So the truth finally comes out. " Meilin said not surprised at all. Li looked away quickly.
" Now wait a minute, " Mika said tilting his head to the side. " How did she get her hands on your credit card? "
" When I see her again, I'll be sure to ask the very same thing. Especially since it's been in my wallet all this time. "
Meilin hid her smile and looked around the apartment.
" So have you been paying for it to be cleaned or are you actually doing it yourself? " Li raised his chin and glarred at her.
" I've picked up the pace thank you very much. "
Mika laughed and earned a glare.
" Sorry man, but you keeping the place clean? "
" Shall I remind you of Rose'? " Li asked sweetly. Meilin rose her eyebrow at Mika.
" W-Who? " he asked tugging at his collar.
" The one that comes and clea- " Mika pounced on him and got him in an arm lock.
" C'mon man, you're killing my image here. " he whispered smiling at Meilin who frowned.
" People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones. " Li quoated, pushing him away.
" Ha ha, very funny. " Mika glarred at him.
" Seriously though, " Meilin began thoughtfully. " Do either of you know where she is? Ying Fa I mean? "
They both shook there heads.
" Hmmmm . . . " she said and they sipped their tea and sat in silence.
" Well that's too bad . . . "
The sun was making sweat run down her back and she stood up and felt all the discs in her back crack and she groaned. She had never worked so hard in all of her life. She ran her hand over her sweaty forehead and was about to bend back down to her work when Seth came rushing up to her holding out her mobile that she had tucked safely away; or so she had thought.
" This thing has been going crazy. It took me forever to find it. Why the hell do you hide everything? " he demanded as he chucked it to her.
She caught it easily and frowned. " Thanks. " she said and shielded the screen so she could see who it was. Her heart skipped when she saw that it was Tomoyo.
" Umm, take over for me will you Seth? " she asked and walked off.
" Hey. " he called but she ignored him and answered it.
" Ying Fa! " came Tomoyo's excited voice.
" Tomoyo? What's wrong? " she asked quietly as she continued walking off.
" You'll never guess what's happened. " came her excited voice.
" Well I'll never know unless you tell me. " Sakura replied back.
In Tomoeda . . .
In the dark study, Tomoyo stood in front of the laptop with the blinking cursor. She starred at the red writting and a huge smile consumed her face as she spoke.
" Tori's been found. " There was dead silence.
" Ying Fa? "
" What did you say? " came Sakura's shocked voice.
" He was last in Santa Rosa. " she couldn't contain the excitement in her voice.
Colorado . .
Sakura starred up at the blue sky.
" How long ago was that? "
" This morning. " came Tomoyo's instant reply. Her heart skipped.
" Ying Fa? "
" Thanks Tomoyo. " came her reply. " I have to go. "
" But what about - ? "
" I'll let you know. " she replied and hung up.
She held the phone to her forehead. How could Tomoyo drop that on her and so openly on the phone? She didn't blame Tomoyo for telling her that Tori was in Santa Rosa, but what if the phone had been tapped? She knew it hadn't been up till now, but what if it had?
She had to make a decision. She straightened and walked back over towards the pen where she had been. Seth looked up and she slipped her phone into the back pocket of her jeans.
" Where's Takashii? " she asked looking around.
" Over in the office trying to sort out some business. " he indicated with his thumb over his shoulder.
" Thanks. " she said and went off in search of him.
She found him half an hour later by tracking him all over the ranch. By the time she found him, she was hot, tired and ticked off. Maggie sat a tall glasss of lemonade in front of her and she skulled it, waiting for Takashii to sit down.
" So what was it you wanted to talk to me about? " he asked, turning the chair around and resting his arms along the top as he sat.
" It's time for me to leave. " she said looking up and meeting his gaze. He was taken aback.
" Leave? " he repeated surprised.
" Hai. " she nodded. " I received some news this morning that I've been waiting for. So now I have to go. "
" Well you like to get straight to the point don't you? " Takashii ran his hand through his hair and she was strongly reminded of Li.
" I'm sorry Takashii. " she said softly. " But I did say that staying here was only temporary. And I have to go today, now. May I have a lift to the nearest station or whatever it is out here that you use? Please? "
" Well I guess I could take you, but it will have to be after lunch. I have some business to handle first. "
" I'll do it - " Seth said as he walked in smiling. " whatever it is. " Takeshii nodded.
" Then it's settled. You can take Ying Fa to the station as soon as she's packed her things. "
Seth's face fell as he looked at her. " You're leaving? " She nodded and he stiffened.
" I'll go pack. Oh, " she turned around. " you don't have to worry about this weeks wage. Keep it. "
Takeshii shook his head.
" You earned it, you'll get it. I'll go sort it out now. "
" Arigato. " she said and walked up the stairs.
Ying Fa handed her things to the pilot of the small plane and turned around to face Seth. He hadn't said a thing since she had gotten into the yute and driven all the way here.
" Please don't be mad at me. " she said softly and he looked up at her.
" I'm not mad. I just don't understand. " She smiled gently.
" It's too complicated. I myself, don't understand some days either. "
" You're not coming back are you? "
" I don't know. " she replied. He tipped his hat back and put his hands in his pockets.
" Well I guess this is gooodbye cowboy. " she smiled sadly and gave him a brief hug and stepped back.
" Yeah, see ya. " he replied sadly. She turned and went to get into the plane but he stopped her.
" Here. " he handed her her whip and she starred at it surprised.
" Seth, " she looked up at him.
" What's a cowgirl without her whip right? " he smiled and she felt tears fill her eyes.
She waved out the window and as they started moving toward the runway, she hung out the window and called to him.
" I'll come back someday! You'll see! See you then! "
Three Days Later . . . .
Ying Fa sat down at the cafe table outside and tried to gather her thoughts. Tori was not here. She had looked day and night, and she had come up with nothing. She hadn't dare ask around for him, for all she knew, he too, could have changed his appearance.
So, this was her last hope. She sat out in the open, with the faint hopes that somehow, her brother would look up and see her and recognise her, for he had always been the one to spot her in any costume she had dressed up in. She thanked the waitress that had placed the coffee in front of her and sighed again. She looked around her, acting as if she were a tourist interested in the sights, but secretly, she was watching for any sign, any clue, that might give her brother away to her.
He couldn't have moved on so quickly could he? Unlike she, who stayed in one place for maybe a little too long. She sighed again and went back to her coffee. A strange tingling went up the back of her neck and she glanced up slowly. Her gaze circled the crowd as she thought she saw a glimmer of a tall man and a woman walking briskly around a corner. Her heart in her throat, she got up casually, and walked off after them.
Was it possible that her brother had an accomplice?
She dodged through the crowds, trying not to seem desperate. She did not need unwanted attention. She lost sight of them for a moment, and them she spotted them again. She picked up her pace a little and kept them locked in her sights. She knew, she just knew that it was Tori. It was the same dark hair, the same walk. If this wasn't her brother, she would hang her head in shame.
Tori grabbed Luna's hand and she looked up at him.
" We're being followed. " he said softly as they wove through the crowds. Her eyes widened a little and then she nodded and picked up her pace a little.
" How long? " she asked quietly.
" A few minutes. " he replied and ducked down a side street.
They made their way down the streets and pretended to be interested in the stalls. Tori suddenly grabbed her arm and hauled her behind a stall. She shot him and angry look. She didn't like being manhandled.
" Gomen. " he said as he watched the crowd.
" So who is it? " she whispered.
" That one there, " he indicated a slim girl on the tall side walking cautiously through the crowd. Luna frowned.
" A young girl? " she shot him a look.
Ying Fa felt her heart plummit. She had lost them. She couldn't see them anymore. She felt tears spring to her eyes, but she refused to shed them. They had to be here somewhere.
Tori crouched forward a little further and pushed Luna behind him. He raised his head a little higher and watched her. There was something about her that reminded him of . . .
She suddenly turned around scanning the crowd, revealing her face to him and he stopped breathing. Her shoulders sank with defeat and she started moving on again. Tori sat up and called to her, but the crowd was so noisy, she didn't hear him and within seconds, she had disappeared back into the crowd.
Luna took off after him as he darted through the crowd. She wanted to wring his neck. All that discretion for nothing. Here he was running through the bloody street and bringing them more attention than what she would have liked. She ran beside him for a time and then skidded to a hault in front of him glarring at him.
" What is wrong with you! " she demanded angrily. Tori wasn't looking at her, he was looking over her head and scanning the crowd.
" Luna, out of my way. It's my sister. She's looking for me. That's why she was following us. "
Luna starred at him in shock.
" You're little sister, here? " she gaped, but before she could say anything he was off and she had to push herself a little harder just to keep up with him.
20 minutes later . . .
Tori leaned back against the wall miserably.
" I can't believe it . . " he muttered and Luna felt sorry for him.
" Tori, I - "
" She came looking for me. " he said looking up at the sky. " Something must be happening. She came looking for me Luna, and I wasn't there. "
" It's not your fault. How were we to know that it was your sister? I mean it's not everyday that you're on the run for your life. You don't expect a family reunion! " she said crossly. Tori crouched down and met her gaze.
" Luna, I was on the run trying to protect my family. But all that has changed today. My sister is looking for me which isn't good. More than likely she is now on the run too. When I told her to leave home I thought she would stay with a family friend. That doesn't seem the case. They must be on to her and knowing Sakura, she'll be leaving tracks everywhere for them to find. That leaves our father in a very vunerable position. I have to find her to find out what has happened in the last year since I took off. "
" But how can we find her? She hid her tracks like we do. " Luna continued to met his gaze.
" Yeah, I noticed that about the squirt, but she forgets herself. If I could pick her up in a crowd, so can many others. " Luna sighed and stood up stretching her legs.
" Fine. Then I guess we begin again. "
Ying Fa sat in her room at the hotel and wondred what the hell she was going to do now. She couldn't go home because well that was obvious, she couldn't. Not without talking to Tori. So what was she to do? She pushed herself away from the blinded window and decided she might think better if she was clean and cool.
Stepping out of the shower a few minutes later, she was struck with an idea. She needed to find Tori and she knew Tomoyo was trying, but there was no sure location. What she needed was something that could find him and give him a message. What she needed was someone effective, reliable and productive with results. There was only one person she could think of. . . .
2 Weeks Later . . .
Li woke up one morning to get ready for work and found a note lying on his table. Wondering where the hell it could have come from, he opened and read it. His heart started beating and he flew towards her room, but it was like always; empty. He grabbed the note and re read it.
Hello. I like the look of the place. Seems you've been busy. I'm surprised.
Li, put it in his pocket for later. At the moment, he was running late and he didn't want a repeat of the last time he was running late. As he was running down the stairs his heart pumped with happiness. Ying Fa was around here somewhere and he was going to find her. She was alive. That was all that mattered.
It was dark and cold. Thunder echoed across the sky and rain fell in torrents. It was such a contrast to the hot desert and the big blue sky that went for miles.
As quietly as possible, a dark figure scaled the drain pipe, but not to the familar room she was accquainted with. She opened up the window quietly, and silently slipped inside. She left puddles where she walked, but she didn't care. She could see the figure sleeping soundly in the bed and she didn't want to disturb him yet.
She crept silently, one step, then another after a moments pause. Everything was quiet and that's how she wanted it. Lightning flashed revealing the sleeping figure in the bed and she smiled. She crept forward a couple of steps and then all hell broke loose.
A horendous yowl broke the silence and Ying Fa noted horrorfied that she had trodden on Dessie. The cat hissed and bolted out of the room as soon as she lifted her foot from her offended tail. She looked up and lightning flashed once again revealing the barrel of a gun aimed at her head.
" Oh crap. " she said annoyed.
" Don't move. " Li commanded and she sighed.
" Believe me, I'm not going anywhere. I'd like to keep my looks if ya don't mind detective. "
There was silence as she heard rather than saw him slip out of the bed and walk slowly toward her.
" Turn around. "
" Is all this necessary? I'm kinda on a tight schedule here. "
Lighting flashed and she turned her face to it so he could see her.
" Ying Fa? " came the shocked reply.
" Well duh. " she said placing her hands on her hips. " Who else would risk climbing up that dumb drain pipe and breaking into your room? "
" Only you. " he said and she heard him put his gun away. " What are you doing here and where have you been? "
" Look, frequently asked quesions later k? I wasn't kidding when I said I was on borrowed time here. "
" What is going on? "
" Look, I need your help. " she said quietly. " Please. "
In the darkness, Li was shocked. She actually had said the 'P' word?
He shifted passed her to turn on the light but her startled cry stopped him.
" No please don't. I d-d-on't want anyone knowing that I'm here. "
" Ying Fa what have you gotten in to? " She reached for his hand in the dark and lead him out into the kitchen. Dessie hissed angrily. Her tail still throbbed.
" Hush. " Ying Fa snapped.
" What on earth did you do to her? " Li asked as he sat down.
" I stepped on her. "
" Well that explains a lot. " he said dryly and she kicked him under the table.
Suddenly a small light lit the room and he saw that she had lit a lighter. She grabbed a small candle and lit it. She put in out of harms way and looked back at him.
" How much do you charge? "
" Huh? " Li asked lost. She growled low in her throat and didn't look amused.
" For the hour baka. You are a detective aren't you? "
" Yeah, but - "
" How plain do you need it? I need to hire you. " she said leaning closer and lowering her voice.
" Wait a minute. You show up out of no where and expect me to be on your wave length? What do you need to hire me for? "
The flame burned brightly reflecting in her emerald eyes.
" I need to find someone. It's very important. So far, all of my attempts have failed. I need to find this person pronto. And if you manage that, I need to get a message to him. You are the only one that I know of who I would trust with this. "
Li sat back and looked her over. There was strain and tiredness in her that hadn't been there before she had disappeared. She was slimmer and her eyes were bright. No matter what happened, he could see that she would keep going.
" Ying Fa, we can't discuss anything until you tell me why you took off like that? "
" Fine. " she jumped up and glarred down at him. " If you won't help me, then I'll go somewhere else. "
Li jumped up and blocked her path and she raised her chin to glare at him.
" Move. "
" No. "
" I won't ask again. "
" Good. Now sit. " Li commaded back. She blinked and stepped back.
" I don't have time for this. "
" Neither do I. You have a lot of explaining to do. " She turned he head away.
" Will you help me or not? " she asked.
" That depends. " he said and her head whipped around and starred up at him.
" On whether I tell you what you want to know right? " she asked and gave a bitter laugh. " Typical. "
Li reached out and she flinched away from him.
" I can't help you if I don't know the full story. " She laughed softly.
" Believe me, you will want to stay out of it. "
" You just asked me to get involved, remember? "
" I asked you to find someone. I didn't think that it was such a hard task. "
" It's not. " Li replied.
" Ah, but then again maybe you can't do it? " she tossed back.
" The hell I can't. " Li retorted.
" I don't know, " she said. " I think maybe I should go to Mika. "
" Then you're a bloody fool. "
" So you don't think Mika can do his job, is that wat you're saying? "
" No! " he glarred at her for getting him all tangled up.
" So you'll help me no questions asked? "
" Of course I will. You should know I'd help you. You're family. " She reached up and kissed his cheek.
" I'll get you the stuff you'll probably need. Ja. " she ducked passed him and was gone before he could move.
" Oh! And don't let anyone know that I've been here. " she called.
" I walked straight into that one. " he sighed in the darkness.
Li hadn't told Mika. He didn't know why, but something about the way Ying Fa had acted made him tread with caution. If she had only come to him, then she must want him to be the only one to know. He walked along the sidewalk. He'd told Mika he needed ten and so he took a walk.
" Ahem. " it was so soft, he hardly heard it, but he stopped and turned around. Ying Fa winked from the alley way and he blinked.
" Got a minute? " she asked.
" Sure. "
She emerge from the shadows and he frowned. She wore her hair up under the baseball cap she wore and was dressed differently. Her skin was darker and judging by the lighter shade of her hair of her fringe, she had been in the sun somewhere. Knowing her she'd probably been on some tropical paradise while the rest of them worried about her. She saw his knowing gaze and lowered her head.
" Walk with me. " she pushed her hands into her pockets and they walked together.
" Look, I know this is weird, but lets just keep it to the fact that I'm looking for a lost friend of my father's. He's the son of a man my father use to know. They lost touch a few years ago, and my father misses him. I want to find him and you are the only one that I know who can. " She'd stayed awake most of the night thinking it up.
" Is that the only reason? " Li asked and she looked away.
" Yes. "
" I see. "
She stopped and looked up at him.
" Please do this for me Li. I'd ask anyone else, but - " He watched her face. " there's no one else I can turn to. "
" That's not true. There's my mother, Wei. You seem to get along with them. " he stopped when he saw that he face had gone white.
" Please don't suggest that ever again. " she said and looked away. Li frowned.
" If you are back in town, where are you staying? " She mumbled something and he asked her to repeat it.
" In a motel. " she said glarring at the sidewalk.
" What! " Li grabed her arm and she looked up angrily. " Are you crazy! " She shrugged.
" This is rediculous. Come with me. " he snapped.
" Where are you taking me! " she demanded.
" What is the name of the place you are staying at? We are getting your things and taking them back to my place. "
" No! " she tugged at his arm and dug her heels in.
" Stop it. " Li snapped back glarring at her. " You are acting like a child. "
" And who in their right mind drags someone along the street! " she demanded.
" I am not getting into this with you. The topic is not for discussion. Hurry up. "
She dug her heels in further and grabbed at his arm. She looked up at him pleadingly.
" Please Li, don't make me do this. " she begged. " Please just let me tell you what I came to and let me go. "
He stopped and she braced herself in front of him. She was breathing hard from her struggle and Li looked back at her calmly.
" You know that it's possible that I will find out the whole story later on don't you? " She seemed to think this through and then nodded.
" I know that you are smart, smarter than me at times, " she admitted grudgingly. " But until then . . . "
" I go along with what you tell me? " he asked cynically. She nodded.
" Come on. " he took her arm and lead her across the street to the park.
" Why are we here? " she asked looking around in confusion.
" You wanted to talk, so here we are. " Li said sitting down on a park bench.
Ying Fa studied him warily and then, seeming satisfied that they weren't being watched, she sat down beside him and stretched her long legs out in front of her.
" What do you need to know " she asked leaning back, throwing her face to the warm sunlight.
" You could start with a name. " he said turning slightly towards her and crossing his arms. She watched the white clouds drift past before she spoke.
" Touya. Touya Kinomoto. " She'd thought about that too. Tori had mentioned once that that was a name he'd use if need be.
Li nodded storing that piece of information in the back of his mind.
" And you simply wish for me to find him? "
" Yes, and get a message to him. " she replied tipping her head forward so she could meet his gaze. " I've already saved you months of searching for him. All you have to do is pinpoint him. " Li arched his brow.
" And you came across the information how? "
" Do I ask you how you do your work? " she shot back.
" As a matter of fact - " he began, but she waved her hand impatiently, cutting him off.
" Never mind. Look, he's in Sante Rosa. That is with absolute certainty. " Li's eyes widened.
" I am impressed. " he stated and she could hear the sarcasm.
" Hey, " she shot forward and glarred. " You're not the only one with skills you know. " He laughed but there was no humour.
" I'm already beginning to understand that and see it for myself. Often. " he emphasized. " Makes me wonder exactly how much you do know Ying Fa. " She frowned.
" What's that supposed to mean? " she asked warily. Li leant forward so he could lower his voice.
" Let's be honest about this. " he began. " We both know that there is more going on here than either of us are willing to allow the other to know. You are far from honest with me, but then again, that's how it's been since day one. You mix truth with lie, feeding me enough that my curiousity will be satisfied for a time, hoping that I stop prying. You like being ambigeous don't you Ying Fa? In fact, you need to be. "
She showed no sign that he had completely nailed her. In truth she was shaking with fear inside. She had misjudged his intelligence; something that she couldn't let happen again.
" Maybe I hold my privacy above all Li. " she replied calmly. " Maybe I will do anything to keep it private. "
" Anything? " Li questioned.
" Even it meant coming to you. " she shot back. " And believe me, it's the last thing I want to do. "
" But here you are. " Li drawled and she stiffened.
" If you believe in irritating me every five minutes Li, I will go to Mika. Actually, I think it might have been better if I - " he grabbed her arm when she went to get up.
" Don't be a fool. " Li said irritated. " Mika wouldn't be able to do it. "
" Oh? " she asked hautily, glarring down at him. He released her arm and she sat back down.
" Whatever's going on Ying Fa, keep him out of it. He doesn't have what it takes to handle tricky situations like this. Much as I hate to admit it. "
" Sure that's the only reason? " she asked angrilly.
" You're my responsibily, " he started after a moment and she glarred at him. " but also, you're my family, as much as I hate to admit most of the time. " he finally admitted. She kept his gaze and then looked away, sighing.
" Fine. Just do what I asked. Find him for me Li. " she got to her feet and turned and smiled.
" I'm kind of enjoying this. I think it's the only time in our whole relationship that I get to tell you what to do for once. " she smiled and Li rolled his eyes.
" Tell me how much I owe you next time we meet. " she said, and with that, she got up and walked away leaving him to his thoughts.
A few days later . .
" Ok, so his name is Touya? " Li repeated and she nodded stuffing another fry into her mouth. Li sipped from his coffee and thought.
" You're looking for him because he is a friend of your father's and you wish to give him a message so he will get in contact with your father? "
" No, I want him to get into contact with me first. I have to be certain that you do your job right and that it's the right guy. " Li glarred at her as she continued to eat, but refrained from saying anything.
" You know what I think? " he said after a while.
" You make sure I always know what you're thinking. " she shot back without blinking, stuffing some more into her mouth.
" I think this is the biggest piece of bull I've ever heard. What you ask of me isn't making any sense. There are too many angles that don't meet up. " She choked and Li had to thump her on the back before she could breathe again. She looked up at him with wide, frightened eyes.
" What? " she managed to gasp. " I thought we covered this the other day when we met! " Li sat closer and met her gaze.
" I know you don't think me stupid Ying Fa. There's more to this than what you are telling me. " he said softly.
She shook her head denying it and he sat back watching her.
" What you know is all I know. "
Li shook his head, not accepting it.
" Ying Fa I have paperwork to fill in. The evidence has to match the documentation. I can't file the case report with missing gaps and saying that they're there because someone asked me to do her a favour and to ignore everything else that may be important. They won't be impressed by that excuse Ying Fa, and I won't put myself in that position. "
" Screw the evidence and the stupid reports you have to fill in! " she exploded standing up. " All you have to do is find the person and I'll do the rest! Mou! Is that too much to ask! "
" Sit down. " Li said coldly. He hated it when she fired up like this.
" No. Screw you and the whole damn lot of you. " tears filled her eyes and she dashed them away. " I knew coming to you was a big mistake! I hate you. " she ran away before he could catch her.
Throwing money on the table and grabbing his jacket, Li jumped up and ran after her.
" Ying Fa! What is it? Why are you crying? " Tomoyo demanded as she heard her friend crying sorrowfully.
" I couldn't find him! " she wailed. " I thought I had and then I lost them! And now the only person who I thought could help, won't! I hate him! "
" Oh Ying Fa. " Tomoyo said sadly. " I'm trying. "
" I know you are, but it isn't enough is it? I need to know what is going on and I can't come home until I do. Tori left for a reason and then well you know the rest. " she sniffed.
" I'm sorry Ying Fa. "
" Don't be. I just want to come home. "
" I know. "
" Keep looking. " she begged.
" I promise. "
" Ja. "
" Ja. "
It had been two days since she had last seen Li. She had sat in her hotel room and thought through all of her options. She didn't have a lot of them. She had a plan. She hoped she'd get away with it. But to do it, she needed to get Li out of the office.
She waited until Mika left the office before she pulled out her phone. She dialled and waited while it rang. Li answered shortly after.
" Agent Li? " she said in a very formal voice.
" Yes? "
" This is Sue-Lyn, I work down at the front desk. I'm sorry to bother you sir, but Mr Osakii said that he needed you to come imediately. He just left, but he said that you would know where to find him. He said it was rather urgent sir. "
" Mika said that? " she could here the frown in his tone.
" Afraid so sir. Does it mean anything to you? "
" No. I'll just call him and ask him what the hell he is on about. "
" Ah, he said that the battery in his phone had died. That was why you were to know where to find him. "
She heard him swear and smiled.
" Thank you; Sue-Lyn you said? "
" Ah, yes sir. "
" Can you get Bart to lock up for me? "
" Right away. "
" And Sue-Lyn? "
" Yes? "
" Why did you ring on the outside line and not the one used within the department? " Sakura faulted and then bit her lip.
" The line down here is having some trouble. We have someone looking into it. "
" Good. " and with that he hung up.
Now the hard part.
She walked in and the guard shot her a look.
" Could you direct me up to the cleaning station? I'm new here. I'm filling in as part of my temp job. "
" Pass? " he asked. She fluttered her eyes up at him.
" It's upstairs. I'm supposed to receive it with the uniform. " He arched his brow, and she threw herself into her role.
" I'm so excited! I've been waiting to do this for weeks! I'm trying to find my calling in life ya know? " She flashed him a dazzling smile.
" So how did you know that you wanted to be a guard? " when he didn't answer she babbled on for a few minutes and then sighed.
" Oh, well, I better go. Don't want to get in trouble. Bye! " She ducked into the elevator, just as Li came out onto the foyer. He nodded to the front desk and the guard returned the nodd.
" Hope you get that line sorted out soon. " The guard looked at him strangely, but he didn't have time to ponder on that at the moment.
Ying Fa typed away furiously at the keyboard trying to find anything in/on Li's computer that might help her. She didn't have the access codes, and that limited her to minimal movement on the desktop and put her at a serious disadvantage. She searched for as long as she dared, but nothing she did accomplished anything. She was new at this, but geez, couldn't a girl get a break? Giving up ten minutes later, she used the fire exit to escape unnoticed and walked back to her motel despirited.
An Hour Later . .
Li slammed his apartment door and didn't care that it was late or the fact that he had slammed it hard. Mika's reaction should have been what he expected after that strange call. So why was he so miffed? Because someone had made a fool out of him. Dessie curled around his legs and he remembered to feed her.
After a shower and a cold beer, he went to bed and lay in the dark thinking, Dessie purring softly on the end of his bed.
A week later
In a world that seemed alien to her now, Ying Fa walked about wondering what she was meant to do now. The cold wind pulled at her hair that she concealed beneath her warm hat. She stopped and starred when she saw the snow. It curled around her and tingled when it touched her lashes and melted.
She felt so alone.
Needing some comfort, she started walking again and didn't stop until she found herself outside the apartment building where Li lived. She went inside and unlocked his door with her hairpin and she curled up on his bed, hugging the pillow to her as she cried herself to a dazed sleep.
That's how he found her later when he got off his early shift and had come home. He could tell she'd been crying and he watched her concerned. So young and so troubed. And yet, so strong at the same time. She stirred and blinked herself awake. Li sat down on the edge of the bed and smiled reassuringly down at her.
Seeing that smile seemed so strange to her and she burried her head and started sobbing again. She felt him pick her up and she wrapped her arms around him and burried her head into his chest and cried. Cried for the fear, cried for all the difficulties she had to face; old and new, cried for the home she was forced to stay away from, cried because she needed to.
Li patted her gently on the back while she calmed down. Poor kid, she must be going through a lot. She sniffed and then pushed away from him, wiping away at her tears.
" Gomen. I know I shouldn't be here. " she sniffed again, not looking at him. " But I - " Li lifted her chin and made her look at him.
" It's all right Ying Fa. " he said seriously. " You can come here any time. My door is always open. It's what being a part of the Li family is all about. " She looked away and sniffed again. Li handed her the tissue box and she smiled at him sheepishly.
" I have four sisters. " he said simply and she managed a watery smile.
" Well that explains it. " she said softly.
It was quiet for a while before Li spoke.
" Look, " she looked up at him. " I'll help you with this case no questions asked. " Her eyes widened and she starred at him.
" What - ? "
" On one condition. " Li said firmly.
" Which is? " she asked warily.
" That you get your things and come back here. " he grabbed her as she went to bolt.
" No, no, no, no. " she was shaking her head and tried to slip passed him.
" Why? " he demanded.
" You wouldn't understand. "
" Is it me? " he asked. " Are you afraid of me? " She starred at him horrorfied.
" Me? Afraid of you? "
" Well why are you set against not being here? "
" I - " she paused. She couldn't tell him why. Li arched his brow when she didn't reply. She sighed.
" Is that all? " she muttered.
" And as soon as I find this guy, you tell me what's going on. "
" What! Cheat! That's two! "
" Take it or leave it. " Li said meeting her angry gaze.
" I'll leave it thank you. " she went to get up, but he grabbed her arm and made her look at him.
" How important is it that you find this guy? " She stiffened and glarred at him angrily like a trapt animal knowing it was doomed.
Li nodded and then grabbed his keys and indicated for her to follow.
" Now where are you staying? "
It had been three weeks since she had come back. Three weeks since Li had called Yelan and Mika and let them know that she was safe and back where she belonged. When it came to where she had been, she neatly side-stepped the questions and soon, Li stopped asking knowing that it was pointless. He was just going to have to find out the answers himself.
Ying Fa paced back and forth. Dessie watched her as she went back and forth. She glanced at the phone but it didn't ring. The front door opened and she looked up as Li walked in. He looked up and met her questioning gaze. She stepped forward and he placed his keys on the bench.
" I might be on to something. " was all he said. Her throat closed and she went to the lounge and leaned against the back watching as he went about his business in the kitchen.
" Lunch is in the fridge. " he paused and the headed for the fridge. " Thanks. " he mumbled as he pulled it out.
" Well? " she asked. He came and sat down next to her and unwrapped his lunch and bit into it. She turned and watched him.
When he didn't say anything she grew agitated.
" You know, I would hate to be your dentist. " she said.
" Why's that? " he asked not looking at her.
" Because your teeth would be just as stubborn as you. You'd have extract them out, piece by little piece. "
He smirked at that and she growled annoyed.
" I like it when you do that. "
" Why? "
" Because I know I'm getting to you. "
" Xiao Lang can we deal with your obvious power issues later? What about the case? "
" Someone matching his description was last seen yesterday buying a train ticket in Boston. "
" Boston? " she gaped at him.
He nodded.
What the heck was Tori doing in Boston?
" Mean anything to you? " Li asked.
" Nope. Not a thing. "
" Something else too. "
" Hmmm? "
" There's a young woman travelling with him. " Her breath caught in her throat. So that woman she had seen was with Tori.
" Li, track him down. I believe he is the one I want. " Li paused and turned to look at her.
" No questions. Just get a message to him. "
" And that would be? "
" I'll write it down and you get it to him. "
" How? I'm not going anywhere near Boston. "
" Li, your the geneius here. Figure it out. " she got up and took his plate to the kitchen.
Three days later . .
" It's done. " Ying Fa looked up from the book she was reading.
" What's done? "
" You're letter has been given to the man that matched the description you gave. He received it yesterday according to my sources. "
The book slipped from her numb hands and fell to the floor.
" Are you serious? " her emerald eyes were wide.
" Yes. " Li replied as he placed his keys on the bench in the kitchen. He turned to find that she was searching his eyes.
" You are serious. " she whispered. She couldn't believe it.
Li leaned up against the bench and watched her. She wasn't looking at him anymore, she was starring off into her own thuoughts. Then she blinked and starred back at him.
" How did you manage to give him the message? "
" I forwarded it to someone who was in the area and who owed me a favour. "
" WHAT! " she exploded. " ARE YOU INSANE! " Li balked at the tirade.
" He could be trusted; the man I sent. No one will know what was done. " Li replied calmly. She whirled around shocked.
" That is beside the point, I trusted you, YOU! "
" I can't see why you are so worked up about this. I did as you asked; I got your message to him. "
Her mouth worked but nothing came out. She couldn't believe it. So she closed her mouth walked past him and went into her room.
No sooner had she flopped onto her bed, he was there.
" I don't see what the big deal about this is - " she glarred at him from her bed. " unless there's something that you're not telling me? " he arched his brow as he leant against the doorframe, and she looked away.
" There's nothing to tell dectective. " she replied haughtily.
" How long are we going to keep this game up of "If I Don't Say Anything, Then it Doesn't Exist?"
" Look Syaoran, " she said and rolled onto her side to look at him. " when you were growing up with your sisters, were you ever able to get any information out of them that they didn't want to give? "
" No, but - "
" Then give up while you're ahead. You have no chance with me babe. " she winked and then went back to starring at the ceiling.
The phone started ringing and as he turned to go get it. She swore she heard him say 'women'. She heard him talking and then she decided what her next coarse of action was to be. Hopefully Tori would have her note and not think it a trap. If he did, then there was no chance of her ever getting to see him again. She couldn't let that happen. Brother and sister needed to be reunited. She had to know what to do. She was sick of walking around blind and afraid.
She jumped up and grabbed her phone and a jacket, and took one look over her shoulder at Li talking on the phone, before she lifted her window and sat on the edge. Li heard the noise and looked up at her as she disappeared over the edge. He ran to the window and looked down as she slid to the ground and took off running.
" Ying Fa! " he called, but she didn't hear him. He finished his phone call and grabbed his keys and bolted down the stairs to go look for her.
Ying Fa walked along the icy ground and prayed her phone would ring. She passed a payphone and stopped. She approached it and picked up the handle and her fingers paused as she went to dial the number in Japan. Should she? Would they be able to trace it. Most probably. She sighed and placed the receiver back down. She walked off thinking how badly she wished she could hear her Tou-san's voice.
She walked past a temple and stopped. Needing to get out of the cold wind, she lowered her head against it and walked inside.
The train continued to speed along the track as dusk fell. The lights within became brighter and reflections of the people inside were now the only thing to be seen instead of the scenery. Two people sat side by side in the almost empty carriage.
Tori's long fingers played with the little piece of paper the stranger had given him. It was now creased from him constantly fiddling with it, but the words, written in Japanese, still stood out and continued to ring in his head.
We need to meet. Ying Fa.
Beside him, Luna looked from his troubled frown to the creased bit of paper.
" Do you know who it is? " she asked softly. He continued to stare at it for a while before he answered her.
" Yeah. " she looked at him in surprise. She waited for him to continue but he remained silent.
" Who is it? Should we hide again? " she whispered. His dark eyes looked up from the piece of paper to look at her.
" Luna, " his eyes looked haunted. "It's my sister. She wants to meet. " Luna's eyes widened.
" The one that was following us? She wants to meet? Where? "
" I don't know. I have to call this number. "
" And are you? Going to get into contact with her I mean? "
" I have no choice. She's desperate Luna. I understand if you don't want to come. I won't ask you to put your life in danger for no reason. "
" Do you think we will be in danger? "
" I don't know. " he answered truthfully.
" Then wherever you dare tread dark angel, so shall I. " she smiled softly and he nodded.
They sat in silence for a while as the train continued on its journey. They rounded a bend and then Tori sighed.
" Stay here and keep a lookout. I'm going to call her. "
" I'm coming to. We shouldn't seperate. "
Tori looked down at her and she stood. He walked to the back of the carriage and found a quiet spot. He pulled out his cell, a gift from Tomoyo, and dialled the number she had given.
Ying Fa found her own quiet spot and sat down ignoring the chill. As if by magic, her cell started ringing and she starred at it before she answered.
" Ying Fa? "
" Touya? " she choked and looked around. There was no one. " I can't believe it. " she whispered.
" Listen this has to be short. What's going on? "
" Is it true you are in Boston? "
" Squirt, annoying questions later. What's happened? Why are you looking for me? "
" I need to speak with you. Tori what is going on? " She heard him sigh.
" I'm afraid. " she said softly when he didn't speak.
" Sakura it's ok. "
" No it's not! " she cried. " How can you say that! I'm running and I don't even know from who! They found me and all I could do was run! I don't even know who we are running from! "
There was dead silence.
" They found you? " she heard him choke out.
" Hai. " she sniffed and brushed away her tears. " Now I'm back again and so far they haven't caught on. "
Tori starred at his phone before he spoke again.
" You went back! Are you insane! '
" Onii-chan! "
" Sakura are you sure you're safe? " She didn't reply.
" Sakura? "
" I really need you here. " she said softly. He sighed.
" Where are you? "
" You want me to disclose that over the phone? Are you dense! " she snapped.
" Just checking. " came the mocking reply and she smiled.
" Meet me in four days time, Shanghai. I'll meet you. Ja! " and with that she hung up.
Tori starred at the phone. Meet her in Shanghai? Where in Shanghai?
Ying Fa waited until Tomoyo answered the phone.
" Touya will be in Shanghai in four days time. Keep and eye on him and ring me the moment he gets here. "
" Got it. " and with that she hung up.
Ying Fa got up and ran out of the temple and headed back towards the apartment. She was so happy that her feet didn't even touch the ground the whole way back. Tori was coming at last!
She used her hairpin to open the door and danced inside humming. She kicked off her shoes and didn't even bother with her slippers. She danced inside and saw Li turn around.
" Ying Fa where hffyfhbehd - " his eyes widened as she launched herself at him, her arms wrapping around him, as she planted her mouth firmly on his. Her eyes danced a she pulled back and smiled.
" Thank you so much Syaoran. " she kissed him on the cheek this time and danced off singing.
Li watched her go and wondered what the hell he had done to deserve that?
In the bright hallways of Tomoeda University, a tall man walked by. People who saw him smiled and bowed respectfully as he passed and called out greetings. He pushed open a door and walked in. He was instantly surrounded by artifacts, computers, devices and tools that were used on the dig. A tall man straightend from his work and turned, a look of surprise on his face.
" Ohayou Avalon-san. " Morimoto, Yoishi greeted as he came over to him.
" Ohayou Morimoto-san. " Aiden replied. " Is something wrong? "
" Iie. " the older man brushed away his concerns with the wave of his hand. " Just came to see how things were going? " Aiden still held a look of surpirse on his face but turned back to his work.
" Heard from your children Avalon-san? " Aiden looked up startled.
" My children sir? "
" Hai, remember you said that they were travelling. It's been some time. Have you heard from them? "
" Iie. Not a word Morimoto-san. "
" Ooh, how unthoughtful of them. " Morimoto frowned. " You should teach them some respect. How unkind to go travelling and not let their poor father know where they are. " Aiden straightened from his work.
" I trust them. I know that they are safe. They will come home when they are ready. "
" Indeed? " he arched his eyebrow. " Well then, there doesn't seem to be any problems. Carry on. " he smiled and turned to leave.
" Oh, " he stopped and turned around. " has the missing artifacts been found by any chance? "
" Iie. There is no sign of them. " Aiden replied calmly.
" Hmmm. Well we'll just have to double our efforts to rertieve it. For all we know it cold be anywhere couldn't it Avalon-san? "
Aiden nodded and bowed respectfully as Morimoto left. When he was sure he was gone, he removed his glassses and sat down heavily in his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose. Why were things so complicated?
4 Days Later . .
Ying Fa had been buzzing around all morning. Since today was his day off, Li had watched her all morning without comment. She cleaned, sang, had cooked them both breakfast, and had washed up. Something was going on and he wanted to know what.
" Morning Dessie. " she sang, scooping the cat up and rubbing noses with her. " Isn't it a beautiful day? "
Li looked out the balcony doors to the snow and the freezing wind. Yep, something was definitely was up.
A ringing sound startled them both and Ying Fa practically ran to her room to scoop up her cell. He heard her talking excitedly with someone and then she came out of her room shrugging on her coat and gloves.
\
" I'm going out. I'll be back - " she paused thinking. " sometime later. " she said nodded and walked toward the front door.
" Whoah, wait a minute. " Li jumped up and walked after her. " Where are you going? " She turned a mildly annoyed look on her face, but her eyes danced excitedly.
" Out. "
" Out where? " he asked.
" Just out. " she humed as she put on her shoes.
" Ying Fa. " he warned and she sighed and looked up at him.
" I'm meeting a friend. I told you I'd be home later. "
Then it clicked and Li looked down at her startled.
" You're meeting him aren't you? " he asked. She stiffened and looked back up at him from the floor where she had finished putting on her shoes.
" Who? "
" The one I got the letter to. " Li replied and watched her eyes widen. Well there was his answer.
" You are not going alone. " he said and went back into the kitchen to get his keys. "
" What are you doing? " she asked warily as he put on his jacket and came towards her.
" I'm coming to. "
" What! " she demanded. " I don't need a babysitter. "
" Well you just got one. " he slipped into his shoes and felt her heated glare.
" There is no way that you are - " He glarred at her.
" Cut it. " her glare intensified. " You haven't seen this guy for how long? I am your guardian. End of discussion, period. Now are we going or what? "
She threw her hands up in the air in defeat.
She sat huddled in the car as they drove along to the airport. He'd practically had to drag the information out of her. She looked out the window and ignored him.
" You're not coming inside. " she spoke up.
" Yes I am. "
" Like hell you are! " she turned on him. " I don't need you embarrassing me. " Li snorted.
" Me? Embarrass you? " he asked arching his brow.
She kicked the glove box in frustration.
" Hey. " he warned and she glarred at him. " Bite me. "
" Don't tempt me. " he bit back.
" You can not do this to me. " she cried. " Please don't do this to me. " she begged.
" Kami Ying Fa, you make me feel like I'm a father tresspassing on his kid. "
" You? My father? Puh-lease. " she starred moodily out the window. " Like you'd know anything about it. " she mumbled.
They continued to the airport in silence.
When they pulled up she glarred at him over the roof of the car as he got out.
" Alright. You have to remain at least ten steps behind me. "
" Eight. "
" Ten. " she argued.
" Five. Take it or leave it. " Li said firmly. She glarred at him and then closed her door and walked around the car to glare up at him.
" Mark me Xiao Lang Li, " she said quietly. " after today, I'm going to make your life a living hell. " She turned around and walked inside.
In the terminal Luna looked around them cautiously.
" Are you sure she said to come here? " she whispered.
" Yes. " Tori replied reading the newspaper. His dark eyes looked over the top of the page to stare at her.
" Will you stop looking like you're expecting to be jumped. " Her purple eyes turned to stare at him.
" Well aren't we? " she demanded quietly. " For all we know this could be a trap. " Tori looked down at the paper once more. " Sakura wouldn't do that. I know her. "
" Well you might like to leap head first, but I'm not as bullheaded as you are. " she snapped turning to look at the crowd.
Tori rolled his eyes and went back to reading.
Ying Fa looked everywhere. She went to the terminal where people from Boston had arrived and saw no sign of them. Feeling Li's presence behind her didn't help her think straight either. Her eyes scanned the crowd. She would have looked straight past them if she hadn't looked again. They looked like a normal couple sitting down waiting. She started walking toward them hoping Li kept his word.
Tori spotted her first and he stiffened. His eyes darted to Li behind her and she turned to Li.
" Remember five paces buddy, and no interrupting. This is personal. " Li brought his hands up in defense.
" I've already been told my life is forfeit after this, so I'm going to behave. "
" Good. "
She turned back around as Tori stood up. The girl looked up warily before she masked her face. Ying Fa took his hands and squeezed tight as Tori glarred at Li.
" Who the hell is he and why is he here? " he demanded quietly.
" Just ignore him. I couldn't ditch him. He's my guardian. " she smiled at Tori's surprise.
" Listen, " she said quickly. " my name is Ying Fa, no last name. You are a friend of tou-sans that he lost contact with years ago and I wanted to track you down because he misses you. Got it? " Tori nodded and she smile brightly and hugged him.
" Who is she? " she whispered in his ear.
" Luna. A friend. " he replied and stepped back to look at her. " Geez squirt you've changed a lot. Now you're a tall, skinny runt. "
"Touya! " she gasped and then glarred. She cuffed him and he laughed rubbing the side of his head.
" Ahem. " she sighed and turned to look at Li as he cocked his eyebrow at her.
Sighing she stepped back and indicated Li.
" This is Xiao Lang Li. I'm under his care for a while under the strict orders of Aunty Yelan. " If Tori was surprised he didn't show it. He nodded and sized him up quickly.
" Syaoran this is Touya. Although you already know that, the code of respect demands that I introduce you. " Li returned the gesture of sizing up the other man.
Ying Fa's gaze landed on the other woman and Touya turned around and held out his hand to her. She placed her hand in his trustingly and returned Ying Fa's gaze.
" Ying Fa, this is Tsuki; my fiancee. "
" Pleased to meet you. " Ying Fa smiled. Her eyes met Touya's. " Have you eaten yet? "
" We had something on the plane, but that was hours ago. "
" Well then, lunch is on me. Xiao Lang will pay of course. " she smiled at Li sweetly. Li glarred angrily and Ying Fa placed her arm around his arm still smiling.
" Bet you wished you had stayed home right? " she said quietly.
" You wish. " he retorted as she let go and danced over to Touya's side happily.
" What is he doing here? " Tori demanded quietly as they waited in line at the sidewalk stall.
" I couldn't ditch him. He insisted on coming. Does he over-protectiveness remind you of someone? " Tori glared over his shoulder at Li. Ying Fa dug her elbow into his ribs.
" Cut it out. If he sees you, he'll watch me closer and we won't be able to get away. "
" We can't hang around for long. It's dangerous for us to be here. "
" That's what I wanted to talk to you about. You have a lot to explain onii-chan. " she said softly, firmly. He spared her an annoyed glance and she crossed her arms in defense, raising and eyebrow.
" So how are we going to ditch him? " Tori demanded as they stepped forward in the line.
" I don't know. " she said biting her lip watching Li as he talked with Luna.
Suddenly they watched as Li's phone rang and he turned away to try and hear what was being said. Luna looked to Tori and Tori grabbed Sakura's hand and started running off in the opposite direction. Luna took off after them. Sakura gasped with surprise.
" Touya! "
" Hurry up! " he called back over his shoulder, Luna running beside him.
" But - Li - " she tried to say.
" Forget it! " he cut in as they fled through the busy crowds.
Sakura rested her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath.
" He's a what! " Tori and Luna yelled in union when Sakura had finally managed to get it out that Li was a cop.
" I tried to tell you. " she gasped as she tried to catch her breath.
" Just great! " Luna glared at Tori.
" What are you doing with a cop? " Tori demanded.
" Yelan Li said that it was best thing for me to go under his care for the moment. I'm posing as a distant cousin that he's never heard of. " Tori groaned and ran his hands through his hair.
" It was Li that got my message to you. I asked him to track you down since I knew that you were near Sante Rosa. "
" And how the hell did he track us down? " Tori glarred.
Sakura shrugged.
" He's good. That's all I can say. "
Luna looked around the warily.
" Maybe we shouldn't be standing around talking about such things in the open, no matter how deserted. " Tori glarred at Sakura.
" Do you know of a place? " Sakura nodded and lead them down the street to a small cafe where they could have a booth to themselves up the back.
They sat down and Tori pinned Sakura with his gaze.
" Was it you who I saw in Sante Rosa? "
" Hai. If you saw me, then why didn't you let me see you? "
" I didn't know it was you until after I saw your face. By then you had disappeared and I couldn't find you. "
" Oh Tori. " Sakura said miserably. " Please tell me what is going on? Who are we running from? "
Tori sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.
" Look, all I can tell you is that it's someone that tou-san is working with. That's all you need to know for now. "
" Then why did you tell me to grab the box - the one that is yours - and run? You knew something, that's why you ran all those months before you came back and told me to run didn't you? "
" Listen, " Tori leant closer and pinned her with his dark gaze. " artifacts are mysteriously going missing from the university and tou-san is the one getting the blame for it. I know the truth and I intend to do something about it. But for me to be able to do so, I have go back and figure out a way to deal with it. I need you to stay out of it and remain here with the cop. " Sakura shook her head.
" Tori, they already found me once, I don't think remaining here is a wise thing to do. That's why I took off to America to try and find you. When I couldn't find you, I came back thinking that it would take them a while to figure out that I was back. I don't know who found me, but someone did. Who Tori? "
Tori grabbed her hands and she starred up at him surprised.
" You have to stay safe Sakura-chan. If that cop doesn't protect you - "
" He's more a detective really. " she cut in softly.
" Cop/Detective, whatever. " he said waving away the interruption. " Just leave it to Luna and I got it? "
She smiled sadly.
" More orders onii-chan? "
" Just stay safe. " he ordered.
" Oh nii-chan! " she cried coming around the table and giving him a hug. " I want to go home. "
" I know. " he stroked her hair and hugged her closer. " You've no idea how I've missed you. "
" If it's anything like how I've missed you, then I know what you mean. " she replied into his shirt.
" We really have to be going. " Luna interrupted. Tori nodded and Sakura pulled back and smiled up at Luna.
" Please take care of him. I'm relying on you. " she moved from Tori and hugged the young woman. Luna balked clearly surprised.
" I-I'll do my best. "
" I guess it's till we meet up again eh nii-chan? " she winked and walked to the door and waved to them.
" Ashiteru! " then she was gone, running down the sidewalk.
Tori sighed and Luna looked at him worried.
" Still want to go back? "
" I have no choice. This has to end. " Luna was quiet for a moment. " I like your sister. She's sweet. "
" She's naive. "
" Is it wise to leave her in the care of a cop? If he gets wind of who she is and what's going on - "
" He won't. And if he does we'll deal with it. For now it's the only thing to do. "
" You don't sound convinced. " she replied watching him.
" Because I don't like it. " he shot her a dark look.
Ying Fa walked along, hands deep in her pockets as the cold wind swirled along the street heading towards her. She tucked her chin against her chest as it hit and bit into her cheeks. She'd be glad when she got home. She kicked at the pavement at that thought. Home. She hadn't been thinking of that home, but the one that she shared with Li. She had to smirk to that thought. At her old home she'd never have to resort to using a hairpin to get inside. Her fights with Tori reminded her of the similar ones that she had with Li. They were similarities between both places she now called home.
She stopped suddenly frowning.
Speaking of fights, she was most likely to be in for one when she did get back to the apartment. Li was not going to be happy that she had taken off. He'd give her the lecture and the look and she would state the obvious; she could take care of herself.
It was getting harder and harder to cloak herself in deception when she had to rely on Li to help her, now more so than before. But she had needed to find Tori! Although the answers she had recieved hadn't satisfied her, she was going to deal with that later. But for now, she needed to get home.
The door suddenly opened and she starred at the slippered feet in front of her from her crouching position as she had tried to get the hairpin into the lock.
" So that's how you've been doing it. " came Li's voice from far above her.
She looked up the tall length of him and smiled sheepishly. She stood up and placed the hairpin back into her hair and walked past him.
" What's for dinner? " she threw over her shoulder as she walked into the warmth of the loungeroom. She heard the door close and heard him walk in behind her as she raided the fridge.
" Man, do you buy anything resembling food when you're out or what? It's looks like the bare side of the moon in here. All space and nothing anywhere. " she smirked at her remark and shut the door and looked up into an expression she didn't recognise.
She frowned and tilted her head to the side.
" What's up? "
" We need to talk. " Li replied meeting her gaze. She rolled her eyes.
" Not this again? Seriously Li it's getting old. Can't we do something else for a change like go out or something? "
" In here Ying Fa. " he said as he went and sat down in the loungeroom. Wondering what it was about, she shrugged at Dessie and followed after him.
" Look if this is about earlier I couldn't help it. It was way out of my hands- "
" That's not what I wanted to talk about. " came the cool reply. That really puzzled her.
" Then what - ? " she began but he cut her off.
" Where did you go for those four months Ying Fa? "
" Huh? " she balked surprised. " Where did that come from? "
" I been thinking - "
" Well there's an revelation if I ever heard of one. " she smirked and patted Dessie as she curled around her legs.
She could feel his glare before she looked up and was met by it. She bit her lip and looked away.
" Where Ying Fa? " he asked again. She mumbled something and he frowned. She looked up and met his gaze and looked away quickly.
" I'm not playing around Ying Fa. I want to know. "
" You haven't been bothered with it until now! " she accused. " I thought we were over this? "
" You side-tracked me with your case, but now that that is out of the way, I want to know now. No more secrets and lies. "
She wouldn't meet his gaze. Couldn't. How was she going to get out this one?
" I'm waiting Ying Fa. "
" Well maybe I don't want to tell you. " she replied defiantly.
" Alright, " Li said keeping her gaze. " we'll start with my credit card. " he watched her cringe. " How did you manage that? " She got up and sat down in front of the heater ignoring him.
" I don't want you going through my things - "
" I did no such thing! " she retorted furious. " You dropped it stupidly in the kitchen and I found it. "
He masked his face and she glarred angrily at the floor.
" You haven't bothered with all this until now. Why's it so important all of a sudden? "
" Because I've been letting you get away with bloody murder and it has to stop now. " he replied. She snorted.
" Yeah, like you'd be able to control me. " she muttered.
" Give me credit Ying Fa; I'm trying. "
" Yeah I can see that. " she retorted. " Between work and work you really have time to sort out what you believe to be a troubled child. " she rolled her eyes and played with Dessie. " Give me a break Xiao Lang. I'm not as stupid as you believe me to be. "
" What's that supposed to mean? " he demanded. She looked up and pinned him with her gaze.
" I know you hate me, I'm an intruder. You didn't want me here and I didn't want to be here. We spark chips of each other's shoulders. I believe you incompetent and you believe me wild and obnoxious. You can't control me and I don't want to be controlled. I'm old enough to know what I want and yet, you can't see past the fact; treating me as a child. I know you stay at work so you can avoid me. Truth is, it doesn't bother me. I do as I like, staying out of your way and keeping the peace. "
" That is not true. " Li replied firmly. Is this what she thought?
She shrugged and scratched Dessie behind the ears.
" You want the truth; here it is. " she said suddenly. " I copied your details down from your card knowing that I'd need it for later when you well and truly ticked me off. " she challenged him to say anything. " That happened when you interferred with Takashii and me back that time. "
" I had every reasn to - "
" No you didn't! " she retorted and glarred at him. " Takashii was my friend and you tried to ruin it! "
" Friendship was not what he was after! " Li glarred back.
" I do not need you to interfer! I can take care of myself! "
" So you keep saying, but yet you keep getting into trouble and if it weren't for me, Kami knows where you'd be! "
" If I wanted a body gaurd I would have asked for one! "
" Then why are you here? " he demanded. " Isn't that why Aunty Yelan put you in my care! " She glarred molten fire at him.
" Maybe I was brought here to try and teach you some manners. As I recall, it wasn't until after I came that you started acting like a civillised person. " her eyes swept the room. " It certainly is cleaner. "
It was his time to glare at her.
" We were talking about why you decided to use my credit card. " he reminded trying to control his temper.
" Put two and two togther Xiao Lang, " she retorted. " you're good at that. "
" I'd prefer for you to tell me. "
" Ok, so I decided that I'd pay you back. For butting in on my life and for leaving bruises on my arm when you dragged me from the cop shop that night. " she glarred and was glad to see him look surprised. " You didn't know that did you? " she asked smirking coldly. " I bore your fingermarks for days afterward. So I used your details on the internet and got them to do the place over. Don't regret it either. "
" If I left marks on you Ying Fa, I apologise. " he said. " I didn't mean for it to happen. "
" But it did and I'm over it. I got you back didn't I? " she smirked.
" Ying Fa - "
" No, don't stop me now. " she continued to smirk. " You wanted to know most of it, so I'll do my best. "
" I put that snake in your bed. " her eyes were cold and held no warmth. " I just wanted a reaction. I hate the way you always seem so straight forward and serious. You have no fun. You work all the time and you have no love for life. You've never skipped a day just to do whatever you want.
" You're overprotective like a mother hen. Maybe instead of being a bully and a dominating force, why don't you try being my friend? "
" I am not a bully. " Li retorted.
" Aren't you? " she rose an eyebrow.
" Who runs after you whenever you're in trouble? Who runs around in the night trying to find you when you go missing? Who calms you down when you have a nightmare? " he demanded ignoring her blush.
" I never asked for you to do those things - "
" I know you don't. You shouldn't have to! That is what being a gardian is all about Ying Fa. Being there when they are needed. "
" I'm not parentless Li. " she retorted dryly. " I know what is expected of a parent. " He looked at her surprised.
" Then what are you - "
" Doing here with you? " she finished, then smirked. " That's for me alone to know. "
Li frowned and seemed to stamp down on his temper.
" Why aren't I allowed to know what is going on? " he demanded. " 'Take care of her' my mother tells me. Sure, try doing that and the ungrateful minx turns her claws on you the moment you try to help. Tell me what I'm suppose to do Ying Fa? Why are you here? " She rose her chin defiantly and he growled annoyed.
" Fine! Then we'll get to the next thing that we put off. Where were you for those four months? " She kept quiet starring at him difiantly.
" I mean it Ying Fa, where were you? "
" Why do you want to know? " she demanded suddenly. He gaped at her.
" Why - ? " he repeated his eyes showing his shock. " Ying Fa! You can't just up and disappear without letting someone know where you were! "
" Well someone did know where I was so it's ok. " she looked away from him.
" Who? " She sighed. He wouldn't let it go.
" A friend. "
" So where did you go? " She sighed tiredly.
" Let it go Li. I'm tired and I've had enough. " she rose unsteadily to her feet and walked away from him into the kitchen.
He followed her.
" I won't let it go Ying Fa. Not this time. "
" Look give me the lecture, lay down some rules and just let it go. "
" Why bother with rules when I know you'll do everything in your power to break them? " She smiled.
" You're leaning Li. There's hope for us yet. "
" There is no hope for us Ying Fa. I can't keep taking care of you if you won't give a little. "
She lost her smile and turned to face him.
" What are you saying? " she asked quietly.
" My mother asked me to take care of you for two months. That time has well and truly past- " The glass she had picked up slipped through her fingers and smashed onto the floor.
" You're sending my away. " she breathed. She shook her head in denial.
" I'm sorry Ying Fa. " he placed his hands in his pockets and looked remorseful.
" I knew it. " she whispered. " You don't want me. " Li shook his head.
" It has nothing to do with not wanting you. I just can't trust you anymore. You make it too hard to. "
She looked away not believing that he was getting rid of her.
" Tori you are so dead when I get my hands on you. " she whispered.
" What? " Li asked not hearing her. She glarred at him.
" Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Everything is dandy. " she forced a smile and walked out of the kitchen and went into her room and closed the door behind her.
She leant against the door for a moment gathering her strength, and then she started to pack. She packed as much as she could fit into the travel bag and tidied up the rest. Afterall, half of it wasn't even hers anyway. It was all old stuff that Meilin and the four sisters never wore or noticed gone. She was surprised that Li or the others had never noticed before. When she was gone, Yelan would collect it all and put it back where she had retrieved it from.
She made sure she had her phone and everything that mattered and went into the bathroom and collected what remained there as well. She was almost done when there was a knock on her door and Li opened it and surveyed everything.
" I have to go into work. We'll talk more when I get back. "
" It won't matter anyway. By then I'll be gone. " when she looked up he was gone and she sighed.
He hadn't even had the time to hear her.
Oh dear! Things aren't really looking up are they? I know this wasn't a very happy chapter, and I know you are wanting to know what is going on. All I ask is that you keep reading and bear with me. Please review and let me know what you think. If you have any tips or suggestions I would greatly appriciate them! Please excuse grammer and spelling, you know I'm not all that great at it.
