The Li Family Affairs
Chapter 3- Syaoran Returns
By JooCieFruIT
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS.
Welcome to Chapter 3 of the Li Family Affairs. This will be the last update before school begins soI hope you enjoy. Please Review at the end.
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Author's Chatter: Just wanna let a few things out. Please skip if u have no interest in my life.First off, I spent a WEEK downloading Samurai X Trust and Betrayal which is a MUST for ALL Rurouni Kenshin Fans. (Steven, if you're reading this you have GOT to download it). It combines the perfect amount of action with romance and is just so sad…yeah I cried TT. Haha but any of you RK fans out there have got to see it. Its amazing.
Secondly, I just have to express my disappointment with the Video Music Awards this year. Two words: It SUCKED. The host was Diddy and honestly I wasn't surprised the show went terribly cuz Diddy sucks at hosting. Also, wtf was up with the performances? They were all rap- I don't hate rap but I can't believe that they had like seven rap performances and only like3 rock/pop performances. WTF! And then my disbelief that Gwen Stefani didn't perform and also how Kelly Clarkson won Best Female Video and Best Pop Video when she was so undeserving of it! Gwen's Hollaback Girl as tastefully done and WAY better than Kelly's "Since U been Gone". I swear this show was rigged. I was so pissed off! I stayed up til like, 12:00 watching it. What a disappointment. It was pure shit. Any readers seen it and feel the same, gimme a holler. Alrite well enough of my bitchin. Onto the story.
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End of Chapter 1- The Danger Begins
"Kero!" she called again, throwing her jacket on the yellow couch. Silence. Sakura tried to flip on the light but to her surprise, the electricity was dead. Her heart was pounding so loud she swore it could have popped out of her chest. She called for him again.
"Ke-" Sakura felt a strong gloved hand fasten around her mouth as a sharp, sliver knife glinted against her neck in the dim moonlight.
"Shut the hell up or I'll slit your pretty little neck."
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Chapter 2- Syaoran Returns
She tried to struggle but the consequences sunk deeper into her neck, piercing the peachy flesh. She could feel the sour breath of a manon her neck, sending chills down her spine. He tightened his grip on her as she attempted to wrench his arm away. Sakura tried to call out again but to no avail. Finally she came up with a plan. Pretending as though she had fainted from shock, Sakura relaxed a bit and just as she had predicted, the man loosened his grip. At that moment, she gave him a swift kick in the groin and darted.
"KERO!" she hollered desperately. Hadthey gotten Kero too?. A hand came out of nowhere and gripped her ankle. No! Sakura thought as she stumbled and slammed head first into the carpeted stairs.
"SOMEONE HELP ME!" cried Sakura as she pulled out her key. Sprawled across the stairs, she glimpsed three shadows atop the steps and knew that the assailant downstairs was indeed working with someone else.
"Key of my own Star, grant-" Two strong arms grabbed both her ankles and yanked her all the way down to the bottom. Sakura cried in pain as her body hit the wooden floors. Grabbing the only weapon she could reach, Sakura chucked the picture of Grandpa at her attacker. She hit him squarely in the face; he howled like a mad dog as the glass buried into his skin. Pulling herself up, she pulled out her key again.
"Key of my star, Release!" Sakura cried, "SHIELD!" Nothing happened. Frantic she cried again. She heard a slight chuckle from one ot the figures, as if laughing at her feeblish attempts with a toy key.
Shit…this is a REALLY bad time…. she thought. They lunged at her again and grabbing hold of an umbrella, she smacked the closest one in the jaw and fled straight out the door.
"HELP! SOMEONE HELP ME!" she hollered knowing just how audible she sounded in the quiet night. However, the street remined unmoved by her pleas.
"Stop right there." came a voice. It was one of her assailants. Apparently, they were not mindless drones.
"What do you want?" spat Sakura, turning around andtaking up a defensive stance.
"Cooperate and no one gets hurt." the middle one spoke, in a deep voice. He was tall and built with broad shoulders and bulging muscles. She trembled at his size but still stood her ground.
"What have you done to Kero." she demanded, ignoring his request. The one to the left, slightly plumper than the rest came forward a brandished an orange like thing in his right hand. Sakura's eyes widened with shock.
"KERO!" Sakura cried lunging for the unconscious beast. Shereached for the oaf's hand but he swung it out of her reach. Frustrated, she tried again only to be struck down with a wooden club by the right figure. Sakura immediately pulled herself together.
"What do you want," she repeated, panting for breath. The three attackers looked at each other and once more, the man in the middle spoke. He pulled out a fuzzy brown thing and Sakura recognized it as the teddy bear she had givento aboy. A boywho had captured her heart five years ago.
"Do you recognize this?" he asked, holding it up to the dim streetlight. Sakura tried to mask her shock.
"How'd you get that?" she asked, not taking her eyes off the bear. He tucked it back into a formidable black sack.
"Come quietly or else 'Kero' gets hurt." they threatened.
Sakura eyed the three suspiciously. She didn't recognize any of the faces or rather eyes. What the hell did I ever do to them? Sakura knew that these were not your average human beings. She could sense the magical aura surrounding their forms, a surging energy that made her skin crawl. She could hear a weak moan escape from the stout man's palm.
"How do I guarantee his safety." she said, refusing to budge. She would have to stall them until a plan formed in her mind.
"I give you my word. You are not the victim here."
"Then who is?" Sakura demanded, refusing to show that she was indeed puzzled.
"It's none of your business. Just shut up and come quietly." the man said, a little more threateningly.
"I demand to know what you want me for. My magic?"
"Your magic is no use to us…yet." the man replied, taking a step forward. "You have three seconds to submit to our demands."
Sakura grounded her feet. She wasn't giving up.
"1..." the man counted. Still she did not move.
"2..." Sakura tightened her grasp on the staff.
"Three!" he cried and all three of them shot at her like bullets. Swiftly dodging them, she charged at the left man, whacking her staff into his protruding belly. He silently cried out in surprise as the wind was knocked out of his full-figure. Next, she slammed her wand into the man's hand, knocking Kero out of his grip. Grabbing Kero's limp body just before it hit the pavement, Sakura shot past all three.
"Get her!" she heard one of them cry. Sakura almost regretted turning her head as she glimpsed star like daggers, chasing after her. Shit! All five stars buried themselves into her flesh. Sakura screamed as they impacted, three in her upper right leg, one in her lower back and one in her left arm. She was thrown into the concrete pavement, with a mouthful of gravel. She felt numb but noticed that her red pants were now a deep scarlet. Sakura turned onto her back as her attackers loomed over her. The man that had said very few brandished a long curved dagger from its sheath. Sakura could see the moonlight reflected on its silver face soon to be soaked with her blood. They're going to kill me… she thought weakly feeling dizzy from the current loss of blood. The man raised his arm. Sakura snapped her eyes shut in fear and prayed that it would end quickly. A scream sliced through the silent night; and it wasn't Sakura's.
In fact, she was surprised or rather horrified to find the man with the dagger sprawled to her right, his eyes opened yet blind to any sight. His weapon was still lodged in his fist. Shocked, she lifted her head weakly to see the remaining assailants fighting a green cloaked figure. With a swift cut, Sakura watched as he sliced the stout man in two as the remaining man fled, although not very far until he was given the honor of the green figure's sword. Although her savior's back was all she could see, she made out his figure. Chestnut hair and those emerald green robes. It could've only been on person…
"Syaoran…?" Sakura muttered weakly before slipping into darkness.
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Her head was spinning as her eyes slowly opened and adjusted to the blinding light. Is this heaven…Sakura thought although she realized how ludicrous the idea was a few moments later.
Her eyes roamed the environment as she recognized the familiar furniture and setting of her living room. Groaning from the searing pain that pulsed through her leg, she sat up and noticed the cleanly white of bandages that bound her wound.
"You shouldn't sit up…" came a voice. She heard the soft fluttering of wings. Kero?
"W-who are you?" she muttered weakly, raising a hand to her forehead. She heard a soft chuckle. Two small paws guided her head to the bright red pillow.
"I'm here Saku. Dun worry. You're fine."
"Wh-why do I feel so…numb?" she persisted, blinking a few times, trying to adjust to the light.
"There was poison in those metal chips. I managed to remove them just in time." came another voice. It was stronger, deeper and much more powerful. She knew who it was; Sakura turned her head to see Syaoran sitting crossed legged on the opposite couch. For a moment, her body seemed to stop. Then she bolted upright.
"Sy-Syaoran?" the words rolled out on her tongue like a foreign language. Was she still dreaming? She felt her hands tremble slightly. Syaoran nodded.
"I'm glad you're okay." he said standing up. He began to walk towards the door.
"Wait! Where are you going?" she called after him.
"There's things I have to do. Just rest. I promise this won't happen again." he opened the door. "Good-bye…Sakura."
Sakura was flabbergasted. That was unlike the Syaoran she had known at all. This imposter was cold and icy. Her Syaoran was warm and understanding.
"What happened?" she said to Kero. The guardian shrugged.
"I was playin video games and I heard the front door slam. Thinking it was you I said 'hi' and thought nothing of it until I was being squashed in some guy's fist. I blacked out and woke up to find Syaoran tending to your wounds." He related the events that took place before she awoke.
((((((((((((Kero Flashback))))))))))))))))
The winged guardian awoke slowly as he began to regain consciousness. His head was throbbing and his limbs felt numb. Hovering a little above the yellow couch, he saw a figure tending to Sakura, who lay almost lifeless on the opposite couch.
"Sakura!" Kero cried suddenly and shot over to where she lay. "How is she … Syaoran?" he addressed the young man.
"Don't worry she'll be fine." was the reply. Kero gazed at the man before him, trying to absorb all the changes that took place within five years.
The chestnut hair was still there, messy as always. Syaoran's facial features had certainly matured. The shoulders had broadened and beneath his traditional Chinese outfit - similar to the one he wore before but now a lighter green with golden trimmings- Kero could see the outline of toned, steel muscles. But it was the eyes that had changed the most. Gone were the innocent brown orbs, now replaced by deeper ones that seemed to conceal the darkest secrets. In five years, Syaoran had gained the physique of an adult but his mind and soul had aged much more than his body.
"Welcome back." was the only thing Kero could manage. He watched as Syaoran carefully wrapped the clean white bandages over the 3 inch wound.
"I'm just here on business." Syaoran answered brusquely.
"What kinda business?" asked Kero, a little perturbed by Syaoran's attitude. Sakura stirred slightly but didn't say anything.
"Those men were after me. They were going to use Sakura as bait to get to me. I can't drag her into this. Her magic isn't strong enough." explained Syaoran.
"Whaddya mean her magic isn't strong enough! She has Clow's power! Very few can surpass that level of energy!" argued Kero.
"Well they are out there. You'd be surprised…" Syaoran said, adding the finishing touches on his patient.
"Exactly what kind of trouble you in?" Kero said, in a more demanding tone.
"It doesn't concern you or Sakura," he snapped back. "So please- stay out of it."
"You know Syaoran, it wouldn't hurt if you let us help." said Kero, emphasis on the last word.
"I don't need your help. I can do this alone." shot Syaoran in a final sort of way. Kero backed down.
"Fine. Don't come running back to us for help when you're bleeding to death. Hey wait- where ya goin?"
Syaoran opened the front door and brandished a small velvet pouch from his pocket. He mumbled something and sprinkled small grains of sand over the threshold. Immediately, a neon blue line appeared and then as fast as it came, it faded into nothing.
"What the hell is that!" exclaimed Kero.
"Keep your voice down you'll wake her up!" Syaoran snapped back. He shut the door and proceeded once again into the living room. "It's a protection spell. No one can enter this house without permission from the ones who live here. Make sure Sakura knows."
"Wait so there's more of these freaky dudes and they're coming back?"
"I don't know. But we're better safe than sorry. As her guardian promise me this- protect her at all costs. Her magic is too valuable to be wasted."
Kero cocked an eyebrow but before he could say anything, Sakura stirred and slowly opened her eyes.
(((((((((((((((End of Flashback)))))))))))))))))))))
She was silent for some time and then,
" Are you sure it was him?" asked Sakura, her eyes still drawn on the front door.
"Pretty sure yeah- it was the same aura and everything just a LOT stronger. I guess his magic has grown. Why do u say that?"
"Because- he seems so different. So cold?"
"Well people change Sakura. But I do agree. His attitude was ticking me off a bit. It's probably just some teen hormonal thing. " Kero snickered a little at his own remark.
"Do you think he's in danger?" Sakura asked. The yellow plushie detected a hint of worry in her tone. He shrugged.
"Dunno. But I wouldn't worry too much. He's a big boy now. You just have to concentrate on your problem."
"Wha-" Sakura said. Kero shook his head.
"You know the one about the dream…yeah I'd say that's way more life-threatening than Syaoran's 'business'." Kero stated in a firm sort of way. Sakura sighed and plopped back down onto the pillow. Kero was right. It was Syaoran's problem. She didn't want to butt in but at the same time, she did want to assist him. After, she owed him so much.
Kero floated over and gave her an affectionate pat on the head.
"Just rest for tonight Sakura. Don't forget you got work tomorrow. By the way, Syaoran left you some ointment to put on those wounds."
"Oh. Right. Well good night then." Sakura said, glancing at the green tin on the coffee table. She didn't need to be told twice. It was near midnight and her shift started at 8:00 AM. Sighing, this time from exhaustion, she reached for the light switch and turned off the light, blanketing the living room in darkness. She lay for a while, pondering the events of tonight. Seeing him again made her happy. But the change in him was not favored. Perhaps the emotions back then were nothing more than those of a two naïve eleven year olds. They were eleven- what the hell would they have known about love? Groaning she shoved the thought into the back of her mind. She would need energy to put up with that bitch she called a boss tomorrow.
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Morning found Sakura scurrying about and late- as always.
"Crap! Kero can you please clean up the mess! I need to get to work!" Sakura hollered. By mess she was referring to the one in the living room where she had thrown the picture of her grandfather.
"I got it!" Kero yelled back and Sakura dashed up the stairs two at a time and then into her room. Frantically, she pulled out her employee outfit for the day and stripped off the bloodstained one she wore right now. She had an hour to shower, eat and walk to work.
Sakura ran up the steps of Burger World with five minutes to spare. It was a beautiful day outside and the clear skies were a great contrast to the weather yesterday.
"Hey Sakura!" came a cheerful voice as the emerald eyed girl bounced into the locker room. There was no doubt whose voice that could be.
"Good morning Andrew!" she replied heartedly, throwing open her locker and stuffing in her bag. There was no time for conversation as the perturbing voice of her boss called her to work. She gave Andrew a meaningful look as the headed to her station.
When they finally met up again, Sakura was getting ready to leave for the day. For some reason, probably the stress, she had a severe migraine. At moments, it would peak giving her the feeling of someone hammering into her head.
"So how was your day?"
"Hell," replied Sakura with a laugh, trying to control the headache. "You always ask me that, have you noticed?" It was his turn to laugh.
"I guess I'm not so good at striking up a convo eh." he replied flashing her that stylish grin. As she reached for her bag, he noticed the bandage on her arm.
"Hey, are you okay?"
"huh? Oh this?" Sakura said gesturing to her arm. Andrew nodded, waiting for an answer. Think fast…thought Sakura. The thinking only added to her migraine.
"Well its kinda an embarrassing story." she said slowly, choosing her words carefully. "You- well yesterday, on my way home-I-I accidentally tripped over some rock and stumbled into the bushes where a particularly sharp twig scratched my arm." She hoped Andrew would believe her.
"Well, is it okay?" Andrew asked. Good- he bought it.
"Its fine." replied Sakura. Reaching for her water bottle, she placed and Advil in her mouth.
"'kay so we'll still be on tomorrow night right?"
"Uhm," she had almost forgotten about Friday. "Yes. So where are we going?"
"Hmm. It's a surprise but wear something dressy alright?"
"Alright." Sakura replied, only half listening. Shehoped the medicine would kick in fast.
"Hey, you wouldn't mind if I walked home with you right?" Andrew asked. Sakura shrugged.
"Sure. But don't you have a ride?"
"Haha yeah I do but its being fixed. Engine problems."
"Ahh. I see." was her response.
"You know Sakura-" his tone changed from casual to sensual- "you have really beautiful eyes." Sakura felt the heat rush to her cheeks.
"Uhm- thank you." she said, managing a smile. Andrew cleared his throat, apparently surprised that he had just said that.
"Let's get going shall we?"
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It was only 4:00 but both Burger World employees were thankful that the day was over. They walked side by side along the streets making small talk about life and family. Sakura became particularly interested in Andrew's parents andeleven other siblings, nine of which were girls. They also concentrated on Sakura's family - her father and Touya but she was glad Andrew didn't ask about her mother. That was a sensitive matter. Before they knew it, both stood outside the gate to Sakura's house.
"Well, thanks for walking me home. I hope it wasn't too much trouble."
"My pleasure. Have a good night. And I'll see you tomorrow." Andrew said. He reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. Sakura felt her cheeks redden.
"Uhm- you too…" she stuttered as he smiled and continued down the street. Sakura watched him off as a sleek limousine rolled into the curb. The passenger window rolled down and a cheery lavender-haired girl spoke.
"Well well well. And who might that be?" Tomoyo inquired with a teasing glint in her eye.
"Oh Tomoyo. He's just a guy from my work." Sakura said, fully aware of how red she was. Tomoyo eyed her expectantly. "And his name is Andrew." Sakura said taking the hint.
"I dunno Sakura. He's awfully cute." she said giggling. Sakura flushed even more.
"Yeah well. I'm going to hang out with him tomorrow night so-" Sakura fiddled with her thumb.
"Oo like on a date?" Tomoyo squealed. She was more anxious about tomorrow night than Sakura. In any case, Sakura decided that it was best not to talk about Syaoran's return right now.
"I guess so."she said.
"Ooo Sakura! I'm so glad you moved on. Andrew is so cute." Tomoyo exclaimed. She cleared her throat. "Anyway I'm just here to say that I'll be out of town for the next two weeks. I'm going to study with a designer in England. She's a close friend of my mom's."
"Wow congrats! I wish you the best of luck." Sakura said smiling. Tomoyo beamed.
" Thanks. I'm really hoping she'll market some of my designs if she finds them appealing."
"I'm sure she will. You're an awesome designer." Sakura encouraged. Part of it was a lie of course. The outfits from the Cardcaptoring days were hideous- well most. Some were cute but definitely not practical. But in five years, Tomoyo's designs had improved and Sakura knew that one day, she would be saving up money to purchase her best friend's designs.
"Yeah well I gotta go Sakura. I'll call you when I get there so you can tell me about Prince Charming." Sakura rolled her eyes.
"Bye Tomoyo. Love you lots!"
"See ya Sakura. Love ya too." and with a wave, the limo cruised down the street and rounded the corner, opposite of where Andrew was headed. Calling it a day, Sakura turned in the direction of her home.
"Mmmm something sure smells good." remarked Kero as he glided into the kitchen.
"If you say so, " replied Sakura as she stirred the bubbling pot. "Its just some ramen. I still haven't grocery shopped."
"Ahh well last night was hectic." Kero said, sniffing the contents of their dinner, " With all that magic business." he added, proceeding to the cupboard to get a bowl. Sakura shrugged and then remembered an important detail that she had forgotten to mention.
"Kero." the guardian's ears perked up "Last night, my staff didn't work. I called upon it, and nothing happened."
Kero gave her a puzzled look. He pulled out the utensil drawer and brandished a pair of red chopsticks.
"Are you sure you concentrated hard enough? I mean it has been a while." he asked her.
"I'm sure. With my magic I probably could have fought them off." said Sakura.
"That's strange. I've never heard of someone's powers disappearing from long periods of no use. I mean it IS possible but highly unlikely." Kero explained.
Sakura switched off the stove and absently stirred the ramen, waiting for the noodlesto cool.
"I don't know what to do. If those guys come back…Syaoran might not be there next time." she started slowly, "and with my magic gone, I could be done for."
"Listen I think it's just a mental thing. You haven't used your powers in five years- they might just come back tomorrow. And plus Li said he would take care of it. So you should be ok." Kero stated pointedly. He began to help himself to a serving of noodles. Sakura watched as he took 10 long strips of noodle into the blue bowl, leaving her with a little over half. Sighing, she dumped the remains into an identical bowl and took it to the table. Kero wolfed down his meal while Sakura did so little as prodding it with her chopstick.
"Hey you gonna eat that?" Kero asked between mouthfuls.
"Duh. I will I'm just thinking." she replied, a little disturbed at Kero's pig-like behavior.
"Okay what-ev. Ima go play some more video games. Just rest and I'm pretty sure your magic will return. By the way, update me on that dream." and with that, he left the kitchen, leaving Sakura alone with a bowl of ramen and dirty dishes in the sink.
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Thank you to all my readers and reviewers.
Please Review this Chapter and check out my other story titled "The Crimson Canvas". Thank you- JooCieFruIT.