Replaced by a Note

By Lightkit (Yay me!)

Hello faithful readers! I know you haven't heard much from me (unless I happen to have been reviewing your stories), but that's the pressure of nerd school. Either way, I do so apologize to my readers, and hope that you will not hunt me down. But thank you to all who reviewed my previous chapters, and special thanks to those of you who are actually hanging in there with my random updates. I have a lot planned for this story, and shall not let it go totally to waste.

Thank you to Feelin SPAZTIC, massie, PR Princess, YouGotsToLoveMe-, BunBun-Zarkelador, Ellanna, MurasakiNeko13, and kibamaru87 for your reviews from the last chapter!

Massie- don't worry! You'll find out! Eventually. XD
Ellanna- Oh believe me, we will be seeing a LOT of Random Guy throughout this story! XD

Disclaimer: Don't own it. Maybe random guy, but otherwise not.

Ch. 11- Finally we found it!

None of the boys slept very well that night. They tossed and turned in their hotel beds, imagining what might have happened or be happening to their precious flower.

The next morning, after Yuki finally woke up, they drove over to the Dunkin' Donuts by Playa del Aguadilla. Momiji, being the quickest, leaped right over the door as soon as Yuki parked. He darted inside while Yuki, Kyo, and Haru got out of the car. Immediately, his sharp eyes saw the note sitting on a chair at a table by the window. Yuki, Kyo, and Haru walked in the door as Momiji sat down at the table. Yuki nodded to Kyo and Haru, and proceeded to get in line to buy their donuts and drinks, whilst the cat and ox joined Momiji at the table.

Yuki had to wait in line to order their food, and Kyo was getting impatient. He drummed his fingers on the table, glaring silently down at them while he rested his chin in his hand. Haru stared blankly out the window, not noticing all the women and girls staring at him. Momiji, who couldn't stand the quiet, began to tap his foot, and babble about anything that came to his mind to Haru, who wasn't really paying any attention to what Momiji was saying.

When Yuki finally brought the donuts and drinks to the table, Kyo grabbed his glazed donut and said, "You sure took your time. Now can we please open the d—n envelope to see where we have to go next?!"

Yuki glared at Kyo as he handed Haru his vanilla donut with chocolate frosting and Momiji his Triple chocolate donut with sprinkles. "Well, excuse me for taking so long you majesty, but I had to wait my turn like everyone else." He took a bite out of his glazed donut, chewed, swallowed, and said, "Now, let's see what's next." He carefully opened the envelope, and held his breath as he pulled out a photo. He blinked twice as his face blanched, and laid it in the center of the table for the rest of them to see. Kyo, Momiji, and Haru leaned in and saw Tohru.

She lay slumped against a wall, suspended by manacles clamped around her delicate, white wrists. Her hair, which had been lustrous and full, now splayed, tangled and dirty, across her back like a fan. Her pale arms were laced with dark bruises, her shirt and skirt were tattered and entire pieces were ripped from the fabric. Her face alone lay untouched, her chin resting against her chest as she lay unconscious.

Kyo growled low and deep, his hands clenching into fists as he glared at the picture. Haru tensed, eyes narrowing angrily, struggling to rein in his dark side. Momiji squeaked in horror, his eyes wide and his hands over his mouth. Yuki reached over and flipped the picture so the image would no longer stare at them. He reached back into the envelope to pull out the piece of paper that had their next riddle. It read:

Standing guard over San Juan since 1589,

All of those that I defend consider me benign.

My enemies at sea say nay, I'm horrid at my best.

I'd rather be completely destroyed than be a pirate's nest.

Housing soldiers day and night, standing by the sea,

This here riddle might leave you stumped,

But your next one lies with me.

I'll leave it at that. So what do you think of this one? Figure this one out, and you'll get a virtual, 10ft long chocolate bar. It's really not that hard.

I will say this again. I apologize for my infrequent and sporadic updates. It is rare that I get time to type chapters. OH! Before I forget…CLFBF and I have a deal of sorts. Once I update, she must update too. Now, go nag CLFBF!!!

Otherwise, please press the review button! And I will do my best to update ASAP!

Luv,

Lightkit