Author's note:
This story is a figment of my (er dark) imagination. Similarities to any situation is absolutely coincidental. Please Follow and Review! Thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS, Clamp does. I do not own the song Ever After, Bonnie Bailey does. Oh, and if you noticed, I also borrowed some of my favorite characters from a few Chinese novels that I've fallen in love with. So yea, I own no characters here. Zilch.

Thank you everyone for the likes and follows!

I deeply apologize for the dead-slow update! Life caught up and I had no choice but to cope up and keep afloat lol

Ahhhh and I had so much plot swirling in my head but couldn't find the words (and magic) to make it real (~~well, in the story, I mean)

/(T o T)/ Ganbaremasu! (๑T o T๑)/ Fighting!

Chapter 31: Their Strongest Ally (Part 1)

The moment Sakura was ushered inside their private room, she immediately noticed that CEO Shen Qiu was standing in one corner and is immersed in a serious conversation with Toru and Gao Yang. A few feet from there stood a woman with her back to Sakura, and was drinking a glass of wine as she looked out the beautiful night scenery of Tokyo below them.

Wanwan stood up from her seat as soon as she saw Sakura enter the room and walked over to the private bar to get her a drink.

"Hey, Sak! You've finally arrived! Come on, sit over here with us!" Kitsu hollered as soon as he noticed her in the room.

Sakura smiled as she walked towards them and Toru, Gao Yang, and Shen Qiu also returned back to their seats. Shen Qiu shook Sakura's hand politely and pulled out the vacant chair beside him so that she can take her seat.

Sakura sat down and saw that the seat on her right is still empty so she looked over the silent girl over the window, obviously still oblivious that she is the only one remaining standing in the room besides the servers.

"Shen Miao, what are you doing? Get back here right now, dinner is about to start." Shen Qiu's domineering voice rang out in the room.

The girl snapped back to reality and she quickly turned her head to look to where the voice came from and her eyes widened as saucers when she saw Sakura beside her brother.

"Mei Hua? Is that really you?" the girl uttered in disbelief.

Sakura squinted her eyes to verify what she's seeing. "Jiao Jiao?"

The other woman's laughter surprised everyone present since she has been silent the moment she has arrived. Koko and the others felt that she looked familiar but they didn't exert any more effort to think further about it and just started drinking and engaged themselves to animated conversations with their friend Ryu.

Kitsu's brows furrowed as he watch the two women hug each other and pinch each others' cheeks while giggling like teenagers. "Jiao Jiao?"

Shen Qiu shook his head and explained. "She is Shen Miao, my only sister. Her little name (nick name) is Jiao Jiao. Only I and my parents call her that and I too, am surprised that CEO Sakura knew her in this name and that they seem to be very good friends."

"Ah! Maybe they met when Sak was in Beijing a few years back during her ~~~oof!" Kitsu almost dropped the glass he was holding when someone suddenly kicked him hard under the table.

Seeing Ryu and Shen Qiu's confused expression at Kitsu, Toru cleared his throat. "He was saying that around 2013, Sakura stayed for a year in Beijing for personal reasons. She wasn't confident then of her abilities to take over the company hence CEO Touya has made arrangements for her in another country."

"Ah, then that must be it. Jiao Jiao did stay in Beijing from 2010 until last month. She and her husband has just returned to Tokyo together and is thinking of settling back here for good."

Xiao Shi nodded his head in understanding. "Then her husband must be Director Xie Jing Xing. It was a big news in China when the Shen family married into the Xie family, if I remember correctly."

"Yes."

With Shen Qiu's affirmation, the matter between Sakura and Shen Miao is immediately clarified to the boys. Xie Jing Xing is from a powerful military family in China and his father is the current Military Commander-in-Chief of the country. Naturally, he is being persuaded to prepare and take over his father's position but news has it that the elusive young man still has no plans to do so.

Who is Xie Jing Xing?

He is China's top businessman for the past three years and Asia's top 2, just one rank above the combined partnership of Li Syaoran and Li Yelan. If one is not in good relationship with the other, this Xie Jing Xing can be a formidable opponent to the almighty Syaoran.

Refusing to join the military, Xie Jing Xing's focus was entirely on continuing to build his business empire. He started his own company as soon as he finished university at the age of twenty one. Unlike ordinary businessmen, he pushed his newborn company to its peak in just a matter of five years and has finally made XIYU Corporation internationally known.

For the eight years that XIYU Corps.' has been thoroughly nurtured by Xie Jing Xing, Li Syaoran has been his only constant business partner and friend the whole time. They have met before during their university days and it was Syaoran who has advised him to build his own company instead of continuing his adoptive family's own line of business.

And of course, he couldn't rise that fast without participating in the dirty business on the underground and snatching up its king's position. Due to his exemplary skills and good judgment in dealing with things below and above ground, it is only natural that his success rate kept rising fast hence he decided to create a group of mercenaries dedicated solely to protect and serve him.

Enter the Mo Yu army.

The Mo Yu army, as Xie Jing Xing named them, is deserving of the term "army". Because it is in reality, made up of elite martial artists Xie Jing Xing himself recruited from the secret world of jianghu (pugilist world in China). Xie Jing Xing was an orphan and he was raised by a respected master, Elder Yuan, in the jianghu. He learned martial arts from the moment he could walk until he was adopted by the Xie Family when he turned thirteen years old.

Unlike the Black Diamond and the Wolves, the Mo Yu Army is not a mafia group. Their existence is not kept only in the underground world; where Xie Jing Xing is, the Mo Yu name follows. The Mo Yu army accompanies Xie Jing Xing as his bodyguards wherever he goes, and their power extends even to the underground dealings and not one mafia has ever won against them. Even the Black Diamonds and the Wolves always show due respect to them and has never crossed them.

The brute strength of the Mo Yu army alone has made Xie Jing Xing a renowned underground king even if he rarely involves himself with the underground dealings nowadays.

Xiao Shi excused himself and went out the balcony for a moment. He pulled out his mobile and called Mei Ling.

"Hey Mei! Are we in good terms with the Mo Yu Army?"

"Of course we are. They serve Director Xie Jing Xing and he is one of Syaoran's closest friends. Hey, you've met him many times before! Why do you ask?"

"Oh nothing. Seems like I still haven't recovered most of my memories. Thanks anyway Mei!"

Xiao Shi ended the call and he glanced at where Sakura and Shen Miao is. He felt a sense of familiarity with the new girl but he cannot put his finger on it.

"Damn, I need to consult someone about this memory loss. I feel like a storm is brewing somewhere." he muttered before taking out a cigarette as he walk back to where Mochu and the others where.

Meanwhile, on an isolated corner of the private room.

Sakura pinched the other girl's cheeks and gleefully praised her.

"Jiao Jiao! Your skin is smoother than before! And your cheeks are so plump, I am dying of your cuteness! Toru told me that Shen Qiu brought tonight his newlywed younger sister who has just arrived yesterday. Who would have thought it is you! I am so happy! Neh, Jiao Jiao, marriage suits you well, huh!" she winked at Shen Miao provocatively.

"Stop it, Mei Hua!" Shen Miao pinched Sakura's cute button nose in retaliation. "Quit acting like we are real friends! Now I learned that you treat me as a fool!"

The petite girl shot her a fierce glare look before adding, "You never contacted me after we separated! And on top of that, you dare lie to me about your name. You told me your name is Ying Fa (A/N: or Ying Hua is cherry blossoms in Chinese)! You dumb liar!"

She harrumphed loudly, acting like a grumpy old man, but Sakura still find her friend too cute. She bent over and patted her tiny head. "I know that I can give you a million apologies but it will never satisfy you. But still, I am really, really, really sorry for keeping so much from you. If only I could tell you everything, you know I would right? Anyway, why are you here? How long will you be staying?"

She smiled sincerely to the woman in front of her. Just a few moments ago, this woman exudes such cuteness like a bunny but now, she suddenly looked like an angered tigress.

Shen Miao let out a sigh and leaned back on her chair as she pick up a glass of red wine.

"Forget it. I know this is just one of my tantrums. I really miss you, Mei Hua. When Jing Xing heard that his good friend Syaoran is getting married, we immediately informed everyone at home that we will be staying here in Japan for an indefinite period of time. Who knew his wife is the person I have been looking for for a year!."

She whirled the liquid inside the glass and took a whiff of its scent.

"So what should I call you?"

"My real name is Sakura. Whenever I am in Beijing and Hong Kong, people call me Ying Fa. But there is this one child who insisted that name did not suit me well and decided on her own to call me Mei Hua." the corners of her lip curved upward.

"Hmp. Well that child is really good in giving names. You are the strongest woman she has ever known her whole life!"

Sakura tried to fight off her tears. This girl..

Shen Miao kept her head down as she stare blankly at the dark liquid in her glass. Trying to sound normal, she softly whispered, "Hey...Have they acted?"

Sakura took a sip of her rose wine and narrowed her eyes. A few seconds passed before she replied to Shen Miao.

"I am not sure. I feel a lot of enmity, but I don't think one of it is them."

Looking at Sakura, Shen Miao's eyes softened and she stood up and pulled out the soft chair beside her. She held her hand and placed her own head on Sakura's shoulder.

"I am here for you, Mei Hua. We're together again so don't worry too much."

When she felt Sakura's head on top of hers, Shen Miao gently pressed pressed her hand and closed her eyes.

This girl, she saw her when she had been in her most broken period. She watched her try her best to survive. She is a few inches taller than her, her eyes had a stronger look in them, her chin always held higher than any other girl she knew, yet Shen Miao know that this girl's heart is much more delicate than hers. She is much more trusting to others than her.

This woman, may be stronger in brute strength than her, but the two of them how much Sakura treasures Shen Miao's protection.

Two females, one quite taller than the other who is petite. Both exudes femininity and softness, yet whenever the males in the room look at them quietly chatting side by side, on will never think that one of these two was ever once weak.

***XoXoXoXo***

"Hey, what's up?" Sakura slipped out to the balcony to answer her mobile.

"Honey, how are you? Do not drink too much." a slightly hoarse masculine voice came from the other line.

Smiling, Sakura walked over and leaned on the balcony rail. She looked up and gazed at the beautiful crescent moon, shining brightly at the cloudless dark skies.

"I am good and yes, I've only had a few drinks, you do not have to worry. Why did you call? Is something up in your end?"

With a sigh, Syaoran told her that he might come home really late, most probably in the early dawn. HIs good friend Jing Xing has annoyingly demanded to meet with him tonight and he couldn't shrug him off.

Sakura let out a little laugh "Oh is that so? Alright, just get back when you can." she glanced at the beautiful watch on her slender wrist, "I'll ask Wanwan to drive me home in about an hour. I suddenly felt exhausted. It's a good thing that my cousins have taken charge of entertaining the clients for me tonight."

"Why wait for an hour?"

Translation: Go home right now. Why bother with the fools.

Sakura's eyes softened after hearing domineering tone. This guy is just too cute!

If the great Li Syaoran knew that his overbearing attitude which scares off the rest of the population is deemed as "cute" by his woman, he might vomit blood!

"I am fine, really. I just got reunited with one of my best friends who turned out to be the younger sister of Shen Qiu! We are just chatting in a separate table from the rest, so it is not taking up much energy from me."

"Alright, we'll do it as you say. Give me a call when you are on your way home. I love you sweetie. I miss you."

"Honey your voice sounded a bit whiny at the end"

"Well it's because I really want to go back home with you right now and, ahem, do important stuff."

"Xiao Lang! People there might hear you!"

"Don't care!"

"SHUT YOUR CRAPPY MOUTH PLAYBOY!"Sakura heard Natsume roar.

"F*** off, you slimy head!" Syaoran roared back. "Alright sweetie, I have to go. Your ugly cousin found me here outside and I have to get back and listen to those rich old men blabbering my ears away."

She stifled a laugh as she bid him a final goodbye before hanging up her phone.

Staring back at the dark sky, she noticed some tiny stars appearing near the now almost-hidden moon.

Her life may be dark, and clouds may keep her from seeing the light.

But from time to time, the One who holds the universe in his hands, sends extraordinary people to enter her life and lend her their own light so that she may get through the darkest of the darkest path.

As the memory of what happened exactly 22 months ago resurface in her mind, she whisper sincerely to the night,

"It's been almost two years. Thank you for Jiao Jiao."

Half an hour after Sakura entered the room, a man's shadow emerged from the corner of the balcony.

Because she was happily talking to Syaoran and was also distracted by the sudden appearance of Shen Miao, Sakura's vigilance is at its lowest. She did not even notice that Xiao Shi was sitting at a corner chair, totally hidden from her view by a large plant.

Actually, he was just sitting there smoking his cigarette when Sakura suddenly came from the inside. He gave a nod at her as he puffed out the last of his cigarette but she did not see him. Since it was dark, he thought she saw him so he just sat back there, quietly trying to clear his blurry memories. The appearance of Shen Miao hugging Sakura has set off an alarm in his head but he just could not figure it out.

Unintentionally, he overheard her say something that has finally unlocked this shuffled memory in his mind.

"It's been almost two years. Thank you for Jiao Jiao."

Xiao Shi felt like someone has hit his head with a shovel and he felt bursting pain crash through his head and eyes. He panicked and tried to call out for Sakura but he could not utter a word. He tried to calm himself down and as his emotions stabilized, the pain gradually subsided. And after it did, the memories from two years ago clearly passed before his eyes as if he was watching a movie.

Two years ago, he was held captive somewhere. Which country it was, he had no idea. But he remembered he was alone in a cell.

In a dark, underground cell.

He is sure it was located underground because there was no skylight. The air was damp, chilly, and stuffy, and the lights are only from the candles or oil lamps that the guards will bring with them whenever they check on him or give him a small piece of flatbread and a small bowl water. They usually appear only twice a day. Whenever they appear, since they brought light with them, he will subtly look around and see where he was and if there is any way for him to escape.

Well, he snort. He has always failed any of his "escape attempts" for the past four years. The enemies tactic of regularly beating him up and starving him has always drained him of his energy and made him weak all day long.

He remembered that the walls were made of ragged rocks, like those walls of a cave. It was also cold, and one can feel the big drop in temperature in certain period of time, which he assumed to be nightfall, and used it to tell if a day has gone by. He made a tally on his wall to count the days that he had stayed in that hell pit.

Four hundred and fifty eight days.

He had counted 458 days, excluding the days when he was unconscious and who knows how long he has lost his consciousness due to the combined torture and starvation.

Sigh.

Xiao Shi took out another cigarette and lit it up. He took a long drag and gazed up to the skies.

Charge it to experience. The moment he get extract his revenge, those scums of the earth won't even have the chance to keep even the last shred of their dignity. Oh he won't kill them off immediately. That is just too easy for them.

Xiao Shi closed his eyes as he leaned back on the chair, sorting through this sudden outburst of memories.

Where was he? Ahhhh, yes, in that underground prison cell.

He was sure that he is the only prisoner in that disgusting place. He has never heard anyone speak or breathe besides himself and the 2 scum guards.

Then one day, he was busying himself in counting his tally marks to double check if he has really stayed there for three hundred days when he heard the rumbling sounds of men's boots marching in regular rhythm not far from where he was.

He doved under his almost see-through torn blanket and pretended to be unconscious, which the guards don't find unusual anymore, as he positioned himself in an angle wherein he can peek from one of the holes of his blanket and see what is happening in a small hallway near his cell.

After a few seconds, he saw one of his guards emerge in the hallway holding an oil lamp. He walked further down the hallway where he can not see anymore. He heard him unlock something and a sound of metal creaking. Then the guard must have resumed walking again and he heard the same things the second time.

Must have opened two prison cells.

Xiao Shi shuffled quietly and tried to move his body nearer to the side of the hallway, as he curiously squint through the hole and see what is going on.

"ALL CLEAR!" a man's voice boomed throughout the cave.

The rumbling footsteps resumed but this time, Xiao Shi heard something like wheels rolling on pavement. Is it a wheelchair?

Xiao Shi strained his neck further in order to see cleared and as soon as he saw what the commotion was all about his eyes widened with surprise and fear for the new prisoners.

He saw a group of men wearing black clothes and black leather military boots pushing two steel beds like those in hospitals. The loud "clang, clang" of metal hitting metal made Xiao Shi confirm that the person in bed must've been handcuffed. The silence from the prisoners must mean that they were unconscious.

What shocked him right to his bones was that bodies of the two new prisoners were too small and thin to be a man's. So he tried to look harder and then he saw it. One of them was facing him and even with a medical mask covering her pale face, Xiao Shi was a hundred percent sure that it is female.

Xiao Shi felt an electricity burst through his body and when his eyes opened, a trace of fear can be seen in them.

"It's been almost two years. Thank you for Jiao Jiao."

"He was saying that around 2013, Sakura stayed for a year in Beijing for personal reasons. She wasn't confident then of her abilities to take over the company hence CEO Touya has made arrangements for her in another country."

"It's been almost two years."

"It's been almost two years."

"It's been almost two years." …..

Xiao Shi abruptly stood up from his seat and slowly emerged from the shadows.

His amber eyes appear clouded and unfathomable.

His instincts are telling him that he has stumbled upon something that is best forgotten.

"Damn, I need to consult someone about this memory loss. I feel like a storm is brewing somewhere."

Looks like he is exactly at the eye of the storm.

1. Jiao Jiao - "delicate"

2. Mei Hua - From wiki: The plum blossom, known as the meihua, is symbol for resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, because plum blossoms often bloom most vibrantly even amidst the harsh winter snow.