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Sharp, needle-like stabs of pain radiated throughout Sakura's entire body. She was locked back in her room and she didn't know what time it was, but she was sure she'd been lying on the bed for more than an hour.
Breathing was painful. It felt as though there were shards of glass in her lungs, and her throat was raw from screaming in agony.
At some point, as she lay there, the man she soon came to know as Akio walked in with her meal, but she could hardly find the strength to move.
"Tomoyo..." she whispered her sisters' name like it was some sort of good luck charm. As she thought about her sister and the distress she might be in, Sakura managed to force herself into a sitting position. Her body screamed and protested, but she needed to find the strength to help her sister.
She was sure Syaoran and Eriol would be organising a search party or rescue team, so she needed to do what she could from her end as well. The long hours of hell felt like an eternity to Sakura. All she wanted was to be home and safe in the warm arms of her loving husband.
She tried to stand from the bed, but her legs crumbled beneath her, unable to support her weight. Clenching her teeth, she slowly crawled to the table, feeling determination stir inside her. She would not lose to this lunatic. Not in one hundred years.
A whimper escaped her lips as she pushed herself to her knees, using the chair as a support, and she slowly lifted herself into the chair. She took a long moment to catch her breath before she started eating, and when she finished and let it settle, she made her journey back to the bed.
She was woken the next morning to eat and again, made to wait hours before Akio returned to take her to the lab. She demanded to see her sister, but all she got was another slap to the face as she was strapped into the chair. This time, she made sure to watch his every move as she searched for the best way to get an opening for herself.
She endured three more days of excruciating pain, but she found that the pain afterwards was becoming less. It was because of this that she was able to make her opening.
As she sat feeling utterly exhausted in the chair, Akio undid the restraints on her wrists, which were raw and bleeding from her thrashing about. As he undid the restraints around her ankles, she kicked him in the face, hard, and she was sure she heard the sound of bone cracking.
With no time to waste, she leapt from the chair and grabbed the nearest heavy object, swinging it around and over his head, hard, knocking him unconscious, and then once more just to make sure.
Then, she stumbled out of the lab, her body starting to give out for the day.
'No, I have to find Tomoyo!' She screamed in her mind.
She forced herself forwards, stumbling through the large house until she came to the staircase. It looked daunting, given her current state, but she pressed on. Slowly, she began her ascent, step by step, clutching the rail. Sweat soaked her forehead and pain rattled her body. Once she reached the top of the stairs, she fell to her knees as they gave way beneath her.
"Tomoyo...please be okay," Sakura whispered.
Mustering all her strength, Sakura pushed herself back to her feet, using the wall as a support. She inched her way slowly along the corridor until she came to the door that led to Tomoyo's room. She turned the knob to find it opened with ease, and she guessed that Tomoyo's door had been left unlocked purposefully.
Tomoyo was sitting by the window, cradling her baby bump. She appeared to be unharmed. Relief washed over Sakura as she fell to the ground with a loud thud.
Tomoyo looked over and gasped in shock, "Oh Sakura! What did that monster do to you!?" she asked as she waddled as fast as she could over to her.
"We're not done yet." Came a low, angry growl. "I will succeed in lifting that seal!"
Tomoyo glared at the man before her. She could tell that he was badly injured and she assumed it was Sakura's doing. She was about to retaliate, but then she saw a glint of silver in his hand. It was a scalpel.
He picked up Sakura, slinging her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and pointed the scalpel at Tomoyo. "Get up. Now."
Tomoyo did as she was instructed and stood.
"Come with me. Now. Or I'll cut that baby right out of your womb."
Alarmed, Tomoyo nodded as she cradled her bump protectively, letting him give her the directions to where they needed to go.
...
Syaoran watched as the Magical Containment Force readied themselves to head into the familiar mansion Syaoran had only visited a few times. Eriol stood nearby talking with the captain, exchanging a few words before they moved to head in. It had taken them a few days to organise everything-too long in Syaoran's opinion, but they weren't superhuman. Everyone in the Magical Containment Force was trained in countering and containing any form of magic. So, should something happen, they would ensure the surrounding area was not destroyed. They also excelled in containing magicians, which was their core mission as they went in.
To detain Akio Nakamura.
Syaoran went inside with them. If anything was wrong with either of the girls, he needed to tend to them. He knew how to keep himself safe and as such, would not be of any hindrance to the team.
He followed behind, their footsteps silent. The captain kicked down the door and they all hurried inside, guns at the ready. Syaoran's gun was loaded with bullets, while the teams were slightly different and designed specifically for containing magic and magicians.
Before they even reached the stairs, they heard screaming. Syaoran forced his panic down upon hearing the voice and recognising it as Sakura's.
One of the groups was right beside the door of the room from which the scream came, and they busted it open.
"Step away from the girls!"
...
Sakura roused to find Tomoyo was strapped in the chair across from her, looking terrified and frightened. Tomoyo's amethyst coloured eyes landed on Sakura and she saw a flash of relief. Akio noticed and looked over, seeing she was awake.
"What are you trying to achieve?" Sakura demanded. Her body was still aching terribly from her earlier torture.
Akio didn't answer as he organised a syringe with a green liquid in it. He turned to Tomoyo, who shook her head, fearing what was in the syringe. "No, please-I beg of you!"
"Don't hurt her!" Sakura shouted.
Akio paid them no attention as he administered the needle into Tomoyo's arm. Sakura waited for her to start crying out in pain, but instead nothing happened. Tomoyo watched Sakura with fear, while Akio picked up another syringe with a clear liquid inside and walked over to Sakura.
"What the hell did you just do to my sister?!" she hissed.
He jabbed the needle into her neck and she screamed. He yanked it out and waited.
The door slammed open and several people in black uniforms filled the room, pointing their guns at Akio.
"Step away from the girls!" a commanding voice shouted.
Suddenly, Sakura felt as if her insides were being ripped to shreds and she coughed hard, bringing up a large amount of blood.
Akio grabbed a scalpel but before he could get over to Tomoyo, one of the officers pulled their trigger. Something hit him in the shoulder, throwing him off balance, and then several more shots were fired. Tomoyo watched as lines of what looked like electricity connected back to the strange guns, completely immobilising him.
Sakura coughed again, bringing up more blood, and she cried out in pain.
Syaoran ran in, followed by several others and was alarmed when he saw the amount of blood down Sakura's front. He rushed over to her and started undoing her restraints before he started checking over her. He frowned. Something wasn't right with her magical energy.
"Shit." He cursed.
"My lord, how can we help?" the three who were accompanying him looked worried.
"The seal on her magic has been weakened. We need to make sure it doesn't break, otherwise Sakura's magic will go out of control." Syaoran explained. "I'm going to strengthen the seal with my own magic-I need you to get Lady Tomoyo out safely and she needs medical attention. As you can see, she's heavily pregnant."
"Understood."
They hurried over to Tomoyo and helped her out of her seat, and she quickly told them about the odd drug Akio had given her. She was rushed out immediately.
Syaoran checked Sakura's pulse. It was beating steadily. He sighed with relief and then focused his magical energy on her. He sought out the seal, sensing the strange blocking sensation and focused on strengthening it. Slowly, bit by bit, as if building an impenetrable box around it.
It was tiring, but thankfully it wasn't life threatening.
"Sakura," he whispered her name.
"Syao..." her voice was barely audible.
"You're safe now. It's okay." He murmured softly, and he watched as a small smile wavered on her lips before she passed out from the pain her body was enduring.
Syaoran lifted her carefully into his arms and glanced around the lab.
"Investigate this immediately." He ordered, and then walked out.
Outside, everyone was in a panic. Syaoran walked over to Eriol, who was looking quite pale.
"Eriol, what's going on?" he asked.
Eriol snapped out of his stupor and swallowed hard. "It's Tomoyo. She's gone into labour."
...
Sakura woke to a throbbing pain in her head and she sat up slowly, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. It had been three days since she'd been brought home by Syaoran. He had tended to her and looked after her closely, rarely leaving her side.
She carefully twisted her body around so that her legs were hanging over the edge of the bed and she sighed, wondering when the lingering pain from her torture would disappear.
The door opened and Syaoran walked in, seeing that she was awake. He smiled, and she stood as he walked over to her, pulling her into a gentle hug.
Sakura wrapped her arms around his waist and breathed in his scent, resting her head against his chest. She was so relieved to finally be home and back in Syaoran's arms.
"How's the pain?" he asked softly.
"My head is killing me, and everything aches, but it's not terrible." She replied.
"I'll give you something for the headache." He murmured, "Do you want to go see Tomoyo today? She's been looking forward to seeing you."
Sakura looked up at him curiously. "I feel like I'm sensing a hidden objective."
He couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, I may want to keep you close while I'm picking up some documents from the hospital."
She smiled in amusement. "I do want to see Tomoyo, and her sons."
"I'll let you get dressed. Come down when you're ready-Ami has breakfast waiting." He said softly.
Sakura nodded, and he kissed her forehead before parting and leaving the room.
She stretched and walked over to her wardrobe, looking for the creme coloured gown she had gotten from her mother, and dressed herself carefully. While her body still ached, it was no longer as painful to move around as it had been three days ago, thanks to Syaoran's care. He had stayed by her side as she vomited constantly for the first day and had nursed her with barely any rest the second day. She still wasn't well, but she was recovering.
After clipping some of her hair back, she made her way down to the dining hall to eat breakfast with Syaoran.
It was pleasant outside with a gentle breeze blowing through the trees. Sakura followed Syaoran into the hospital and down the main hall until he came to a stop at the first corridor on the left.
"Tomoyo is in room nine. Follow the signs down and you'll find the maternity ward with ease. I'll be with you when I'm done." Syaoran explained.
Sakura nodded and smiled. "Thank you."
He returned her smile before he turned and headed for his office. Sakura sighed softly and walked down the hall, following the signs down to the maternity ward.
She spotted a familiar person up ahead, someone she didn't really want to see. Sid noticed her and walked towards her with a bright smile on his face.
"Sakura! It's been a while-the kids have been asking where you've been. Rumour has it that you were kidnapped." He said.
"It's true. So was my sister." Sakura replied.
His eyes widened with surprise and sympathy. "Oh god, I'm so sorry."
"Tell the kids I'll come by when I'm available."
"I'll walk you to your sisters' room." He offered.
She shook her head, "That's not necessary."
"Please?" he pleaded, making the face she caved into every time he pleaded for something from her. This was why she tried to avoid him so much. She was not interested in him and he made her uncomfortable.
She said nothing and continued down the corridor. Taking her silence as a yes, he walked beside her.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm doing better than I was three days ago, thanks to my husband." She replied.
"Oh, that's good." His voice lacked his usual enthusiasm at the mention of her husband. "Do you have to talk about him with me? Let's just talk about us."
Sakura froze. "Get away from me." She growled.
"What?" he blinked.
"You heard me. You can't control me." She snapped. "If you'll excuse me."
Sakura hurried forwards, leaving him behind. She found room nine and sighed softly, knocking on the door. A quiet "come in" sounded and Sakura slid the door open to reveal Tomoyo resting in the hospital bed. Resting in a cradle were two little baby boys.
Tomoyo smiled at her sister, "It's good to see you, Sakura."
Sakura returned her sisters smile as she sat down. "Sorry I couldn't come earlier."
Tomoyo shook her head. "Don't apologise. We both know you were in worse shape than I was."
Sakura raised her brow. "I didn't have my uterus shredded from giving birth."
Tomoyo winced. "You know that's not what I mean."
Sakura just smiled.
"How are the boys?" she asked instead.
Tomoyo looked over at the cradle. "They're fine. Thankfully they both fall asleep easily and feed easily for now."
"I suppose that's good." Sakura replied. "Syaoran said that the green liquid was what caused you to go into labour-he's currently looking over all of that man's research notes relentlessly, trying to figure out why."
"What about the seal on your magic?" Tomoyo asked with worry.
Sakura smiled. "He rebuilt it."
"And he's okay? Isn't that stuff dangerous?"
"He's been quite tired, and he's eating a little more than normal, but he said it'll pass." Sakura answered, "What's Eriol up to?"
Tomoyo sighed. "He's helping with legal matters in regard to the man who kidnapped us... I'm just relieved that my twins are okay. I was really scared when he injected me with that stuff..."
"I was scared too." Sakura murmured.
"So, what happens now?" Tomoyo asked.
Sakura shrugged. "I guess we get on with our lives."
Tomoyo stared at her. "Just like that?"
"I guess."
Tomoyo looked a little unsure. "Sakura..."
"Tomoyo, please, I'm fine." Sakura insisted.
Tomoyo sighed. "Have you at least talked to Syaoran about it?"
Sakura was silent.
"Please, Sakura. Don't bottle it up." Tomoyo begged.
Sakura stared at her hands as she fidgeted. "I...I'll think about it."
Tomoyo knew their conversation was at an end, so she just nodded.
...
Syaoran looked up when he heard a soft knock on the door, and spotted Sakura looking a bit sheepish.
"Hey, is everything okay?" he asked.
"Yes, everything's fine. Tomoyo said she wanted to get some rest, so I figured I'd come and find you." Sakura explained, "If you want, I can leave and visit the kids until you're ready?"
Syaoran shook his head, "No, It's okay. Come here."
She walked over to him, closing the door behind her a little and he took her hand.
"What's on your mind?" he asked.
Sakura stepped closer to him and hugged him, resting her head against his broad chest. She felt herself relax completely, all the tension easing right out of her muscles.
"Everything, I guess." She said quietly. "I just want to try and get back into our normal everyday life. Is that okay?"
"Of course, it is, love. But if you need to talk, I'll always be here." He said softly as he held her.
Sakura smiled. "I love you."
Syaoran kissed her temple and spotted movement from the corner of his eye, recognising the doctor.
"How can I help you, doctor?" he called out.
Sakura looked over her shoulder and a minute later, Sid walked through the door. He was holding a file in his hand.
"Yamazaki wanted me to give this to you." Sid explained, handing over the file.
Syaoran took it, "Thank you."
"You two know each other?" Sid asked.
Syaoran raised his brow. "I would hope so. Sakura's my wife."
Sakura struggled to keep her lips from forming a smug smile when she saw the look of complete surprise on his face. Hopefully, now he would leave her alone.
"Oh, wow, I didn't realise." Sid laughed. "Small world."
"Yes. I suppose so." Syaoran murmured. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Sid shook his head, "No. I'll be leaving now. See you later."
Syaoran watched as Sid left, and Sakura giggled. "Did you see his face? I can't believe he didn't connect the dots."
"He's still been bothering you?" he asked.
"I've told him to stay away from me. Now that he knows you're my husband, maybe he'll go away."
"Let's hope he will. Otherwise I might have to get involved."
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Yes sir."
He chuckled, "Ok, I'll finish up so we can head home."
"Take your time." Sakura smiled. "Don't rush."
Syaoran smiled at her and sat back down in his chair to finish what he was doing.
...
Sakura watched the fire flicker back and forth. She was resting comfortably against Syaoran's chest, who was reading through some papers from a report in regard to Akio Nakamura. She was snapped from her daze when he set them to the side, and she felt her lips curve into a mischievous smile. She reached up and grazed her lips against his pulse.
Taken by surprise, Syaoran tightened his grip around her waist. It wasn't like Sakura to initiate these sorts of activities, so it was exciting and new. Eager, he cupped her cheek and pulled her in for a kiss, catching her lips with his. She kissed him back, hard, and her fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt as she undid them.
As he parted, he couldn't help but smile. "You're rather eager tonight." He breathed.
A soft blush tinged her cheeks, "Take me to our room," she whispered. He lifted her in his arms and did as she asked.
Sakura fell back into the sheets once he removed her dress, leaving her in her sheer undergarments. She threaded her fingers through his hair as he caught her lips with his, a small moan escaping her lips.
Syaoran parted in favour of removing her remaining garments, his fingers grazing her skin and sending shivers down her spine.
"Syaoran..."
He took in her gentle features as she lay bare before him. Every time he saw her, she always took his breath away. Slowly, his hand slid down over her stomach and between her legs, parting her folds. As he rolled her sensitive pearl beneath his finger, he leant in and nuzzled her neck before kissing her.
Sakura whimpered from pleasure, squirming beneath him as he teased her. She could feel that familiar coil in her abdomen again, building and winding tighter with his caresses. But just before it burst, Syaoran pulled away.
She whimpered at the loss, "Syaoran please," she begged him, but he just smiled.
She watched as he pulled away from her and stripped himself of the rest of his clothes before he re-joined her, nestled between her legs.
He cupped one of her small breasts in his hand and rubbed his thumb over the hardened nub, making her gasp.
"Syaoran..."
"Mm?" He smiled against her lips. He could see she desperately wanted him, but he wanted to hear it.
"Please," she begged.
"Please what?"
She looked desperate. "Please, don't tease me like this."
He smiled deviously. "I want to hear you say it."
Her cheeks flushed red and she buried her face in his neck.
"Tell me what it is you want." He whispered huskily.
Sakura parted her soft pink lips to speak, but she couldn't form the words. "I..."
"Hmm?" He nuzzled her neck and then nibbled her ear.
"I want you." Her voice was barely audible.
Syaoran smiled. He decided it was probably time to stop teasing his wife and give her what she wanted. He readied himself at her entrance and easily slid in. Sakura arched her neck back and he smiled. It always gave him a sense of pride when he knew how good he could make her feel. Slowly, he started making love to her.
Exhausted and covered in a thin layer of sweat, Syaoran and Sakura lay in each other's arms, their legs tangled together. Sakura's head was resting on his chest, her eyes closed.
"What are you thinking?" he asked curiously.
"Mm... just about how much I love you."
He chuckled. "Oh really?"
Her lips curved into a small smile. "Yes."
"Sakura?"
She lifted her head, so she could see him, "What?"
He sighed softly. "Never mind. It's nothing important."
"You sure?"
"Yes, love." Syaoran smiled and squeezed her body gently.
Sakura could feel her eyelids becoming heavy, causing her to close her eyes. Syaoran reached over and turned the lamp off before closing his own eyes and soon fell into a deep sleep beside her.
Guess what?
THAT WASN'T THE CLIMAX! :p