Hero Vigilante

by Black Wolf Chics

Seq. to D. Misconcptn. A killer is devastating Japan and chaos is all around them once again. Luna, determined to find her past, discovers a secret that could tear her world apart. Can they bear to find the truth?

2. Chapter 1

Hero Vigilante - Chapter One

Ok, here it goes. . .

1 Year Later . . .

The trees along the street stirred and danced crazily in the wind stimulated from the black helicopter hovering nearby. Red and blue lights danced across the houses and apartments across the street as police and investigators alike, walked around doing their jobs. Yellow tape blocked off the front stoop of a building and like the trees, danced in the wind from the helicopter.

A huge spotlight scanned the area from the black chopper and people darted back as another car arrived on the scene, a man getting on in his time, stepping out of the car. His hair whipped around on his head and he cursed. He reached back into his car and brought the CB to his mouth.

" Kingston! Get that bloody over-grown pigeon back up into the air! You're driving me nuts down here! "
" Yes sir. Over. " came back through the speakers.

Mumbling under his breath as the black chopper glided back into the air, Detective, Sergeant Kale Brody made his way under the yellow tape and up into the apartment building. He stopped when he walked into the room where forensics where taking photos of the crime scene. He let out a long, slow whistle as was his way of dealing with surprises of this kind.

A young woman layed sprawled on the carpet, her soft green eyes starring glassily up at the ceiling. A thin trickle of blood drying on her chin from her mouth. Her blonde hair mattered and coated in blood from the stain on the floor beneath her. She was laying in a manner that was obvious that she had stumbled and then had collapsed. She had been surprised - from behind.

" Oh boy. " Kale sighed and stepped closer flashing his badge at the team of forensics. " What happened here? "
" We aren't completely sure. " a young man stepped up beside him. " None of the neighbours heard or saw anything. "
" Break in? " Kale asked.
" Looking into it. " the young man replied. " She missed her dinner appointment with the Kinsley's next door and they came over to see if she was alright and found her like this. They rang in immediately and they're giving their statements now. "

Kale nodded and stepped around the young woman's body and looked down for any clue as to what might have happened.

" Such as shame . . " he trailed off shaking his head. " Clear this up as quickly as you can. "
" Yes sir. " the young man replied.

" Sir, " another young officeer stepped into the room. " I think you better come look at this. "

Frowning, Kale looked at the young officer beside him and then to the one in the doorway. Following the young man down the stairs and stepping out into the cold air of the night, Kale looked at the young man beside him.

" Down there sir. " Kale turned and looked down the street.

" Dear God . . " his eyes widened.

A block down the road, more red and blue lights flashed, a young man putting the tape around the stoop of another building, and starring further than that, another familar scene was unfolding, tape going up around another set of apartments.

" It would seem that someone has been very busy . . " Kale noted under his breath with anger starting to burn.
" If the press get hold of this sir - "
" You leave the press to me. " Kale snapped. " I'll handle it. I want this kuso yaro caught. Is that clear! "
" We'll do our best. "
" Call me if anything else comes up. " Kale tossed over his shoulder and walked back to his car.

The Next Day

We've been here before.

The sun was shinning, another year, another beautiful spring. The two story yellow house stood against the backdrop of the clear blue sky. There were no clouds in sight. Inside, a young, vibrant nineteen year old bounded down the stairs and called out her morning greeting as she had been doing since she was old enough to be able to speak it.

Three men looked up and smiled at her in return.

" Good morning Sakura-chan. " they said in union.

Sakura's emerald eyes widened in delight as she saw her brother and his friend Julian.

" Julian! " she smiled brightly, her eyes glowing brightly with happiness. The tall, dark man beside him snorted in disgust.
" You'd think being her brother, she'd save greetings like that for me, especially since I haven't seen the squirt in almost two months. " Tori said dryly sipping his coffee.
" Onii-chan! Mou! " Sakura pouted angrily. "It's not my fault I like Julian more than you. At least he isn't always cranky and annoying. " she hugged Julian tightly before she sat down at the table.
" You hear that Julian, from now on we're mortal enemies. My own imouta, picking my own friend over me. "
" Well I am more likeable. " Julian said smiling fondly at Sakura. Tori's eyes widened in surprise.
" Well I be damned. " he muttered.

" Pancakes Sakura-chan? " Aiden asked.
" Hai. " she smiled accepting her breakfast.
" You look happy this morning Sakura-chan. " Julain said smiling eating his fourth helping of breakfast.
" Arigato Julian. " she replied and smiled at her father.
" Yeah must be the new hairstyle or something. The squirt isn't usually this happy. Something must be up. "

Sakura fingered her short locks that swept her shoulders and shrugged.

" Maybe it's because of my date with Thomas this morning. "
" So he finally won you over hey squirt? " Tori asked flicking the paper. Sakura's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
" Why are you taking it so calmly. Why aren't you raising the roof? "
" I trust you. " Tori replied surprising everyone.
" Who are you and where is the real Tori? " Sakura demanded. Tori shrugged trying to contain his smile. " Make sure you have a good time. " Sakura gulped down the last of her juice eyeing him over the rim of her glass.
" I'll see you later. Ja! " she ran out of the room and the door slammed closed seconds later.

" That was certainly kind of you Tori. " Julian said pouring the last of the juice into his glass.
" Oh, I wasn't being kind. I just know that it won't last. So I know Sakura-chan is in good hands. "
" Tori. " Aiden chided as he cleaned up the breakfast table.
" Hey leave that Mr Avalon, " Julian said. " I'll clean it up. Don't you have a conference to get to? "
" Oh damn. " Aiden said looking at his watch. " I completely forgot about that. I better get a move on. "
" Want some help Tou-san? " Tori asked.
" Iie. I should be home later tonight. Make sure Sakura-chan gets home before dark. "
" She's nineteen Tou-san. " Tori said fingering the paper and turning the page. Aiden rose his eyebrows at Tori.

" I'll be making sure she's home before that. " he replied calmly.

It was only after Aiden had left and the breakfast table cleared that Julian turned on the tv to see the news. He stopped dead when he saw what the news was on and Tori dropped the paper and was out of his chair and standing beside him watching, his face full of shock.

. . late last night three woman were murdered in cold blood in their apartments in down town Tomoeda. They were discovered several minutes apart. There was no sign of break-in or forced entry. How the killer managed to get in still remains a mystery to Detective, Sergeant Kale Brody of Tokyo Police Department.

'We're dealing with it. Forensics are doing their bit and then when they have the results, they'll hand over their reports and we will take it from there. '

This is the first major felony to occur since the trial of Mr Yoishi Morimoto 12 months ago. Will this be the beginning of something even more sinister than Morimoto?

Tune in for updates on our twelve o'clock special. I'm Tanaka Youksou.

" Where did Sakura-chan say she was going again? " Tori whispered unable to speak.

Other side of Tomoeda . .

Sakura glanced over her shoulder once more and swore she saw the shadow again. It couldn't be happening again could it? She thought they had given that up several months ago when she hadn't biten.

" Something wrong Sakura-chan? " Sakura looked back at the guy beside her forcing a smile.
" Iie. I just thought I saw someone I knew. "
" You've been doing it almost all day. Is someone following us? "
" No, no. Sumenisen. " she waved his concern away. " Have you ever had that feeling like someone is watching you? "
" Once before. " Thomas replied looking behind them.
" I'm sure it's just my over-creative imagination playing tricks on me. I should stop listening to Niki's stories. "

He smiled for the first time since the conversation began.

" I take it you were listening to one of her new ideas for her new horror? " Sakura grimanced.
" Unfortunately, yes. "
" You don't like horror stories? Movies even? "
" Not even ghost stories. " she replied smiling ruefully. " I run away as fast as I can. "

He smiled and they walked together down the walkway watching everyone as they went about their business. They made their way to a small park and sat down together.

" I've had fun today Avalon-chan. " Thomas said taking her hand. Sakura blushed and ducked her head shyly.
" I've had fun too. You're a great guy. "
" I want to see more of you. " Thomas lifted her chin and the blush deepened.
" Well all you have to do is ask. " Sakura replied and smiled.

Thomas smiled and leant in closer and Sakura lifted her mouth ready for the kiss she knew had been coming all day. Her eyes flickered to the city-scape behind him and she gasped jerking back before their lips brushed. Thomas frowned and turned to see what had the colour draining out of her face. He saw the news report and his eyebrows lifted.

" Oh my God. " Sakura breathed standing up and walking closer trying to catch the words.
" Sakura? " Thomas asked coming up behind her.
" When did it happen? " Sakura asked starring at the huge screen up on the building.
" Last night. " Thomas replied. " It was on this morning as well. Looks like they must have come up with something for it to be this big. "

Sakura turned and looked at him.

" Aren't you concerned? " she asked. " I mean, that happened here in down-town Tomoeda, so close to home. Aren't you the least bit concerned or afraid? "
" I admit that it is a bit of a shock but we live in the other side of Tomoeda. We're safe Sakura. "
" Never think that you are safe. " Sakura said and turned back to the screen trying to ignore his surprise.
" I think you're maybe taking this to heart Sakura-chan. Come on. Lets go to the mall or something. "

She let him lead her away and couldn't get the images out of her head.

'Remember . . . ' whispered through the breeze making her shiver.

Detective, Sergeant Kale Brody sat at his desk, in his office, with several reports layed in front of him. And none of them made any sense.

1st Victum

Gender:Female Name: Tanya Jameston Description:Blonde hair, green eyes, 5'7, slight build Age: 25 years old Found: In apartment on Third Street, Tomoeda, Japan Injuries:Knife wounds to the lower and upper back. Bleed to death. No other injuries reported

2nd Victum

Gender:Female Name:Pansy Peterson Description:Red hair, gray eyes, 6'2, meduim build Age:20 years old Found:Apartment on Third Street, Tomoeda, Japan Injuries:Tendons cut at the back of left and right knees. Throat slit

Third Victum

Gender:Female Name:Feimei Ayanami Description:Black hair, green eyes, 5'9, average build Age:18 years old Found:Apartment on Third Street, Tomoeda, Japan Injuries:Suffication via plastic bag wrapped around victums head. Signs of struggle, but no clue to suspect

Was the only clues to this case the street and the gender?

Sighing, Kale Brody sat back and starred out the window. He'd been racking his brains for over sixteen hours and not one ounce of progress had been made. How did someone get into the apartments and commit the crime without anyone noticing?

But someone had seen who had commited the crime. And she was preparing to run.

Luna Mikasukigata had been walking around trying to clear her head the night before, when she had seen the strange man lurking around the apartment blocks and had ducked into the shadows watching him. She'd watched as the man had rang the bell and had been admitted. Something told her to leave, but she stayed where she was, her feet rooted to the floor.

He emerged several minutes later and had progressed down the street looking up and down the street before doing the same thing with two more apartments. She caught a glimpse of his face and frowned. She knew that face. It was familar. Time must have escaped her, because the next thing she knew, red and blue lights were flashing everywhere and police were scrambling all over the apartment building up the road. The first one that the man had gone into.

She knew then what had happened and she felt sick. She stuck to the shadows as she bolted back to the small, run down apartment that she had secured for herself after the trial 12 months earlier. She locked the door behind her and set up the small alarm system she had concocted from scratch.

She stayed awake for most of the night unable to sleep and wondered at the poor people that hadn't deserved such a fate. When the first news report came on she listened going cold. Murdered in cold blood. She knew then, at that moment, that she couldn't stay here while all this was going on. Wasn't she always saying that she was going to in search of her family? The ones that had died mysteriously almost at her birth. It was time to put actions to her words. But she couldn't leave straight away, oh no, only the foolish would try to attract the attention of the cops. If she tried bolting, they'd pick it up and her butt would land in the interview room.

No, she would wait for as long as she could.

Sakura finished her date with Thomas and leant against the door and sighed as she listened to him walk away. How could such a terrible thing happen to those women? Suddenly the door flew open and she stumbled back and was caught in her Onii-chan's arms.

" Good. You're home. " he said and dragged her inside. " I was getting worried. "
" You saw the news? " Sakura asked when she was once again standing straight.
" Hai. We saw it this morning after you had left. Did you kiss him? " Tori suddenly demanded.
" What business would it be of yours anyway nii-chan? " she said and then sighed. " But you already know that I didn't because you were watching out the window. "

" I told you she would see you. " came Julian's voice from the proximity of the kitchen.

Tori grumbled under his breath and Sakura had to smile. She patted him on the shoulder and made her way up the stairs.

" I'm going to have a shower and then I will come down and help Julian with dinner. " she paused on the stairs.
" Try not to eat everything on me Julian! " she called and the carried on upstairs when she heard:
" I'll try not to Sakura-chan! "

Shanghai

A fist slammed down on the desk with such a thudd that the coffee cup jumped, coffee spilling over the rim. Amber eyes bore with such fury that they seemed to glow with heat.

" I don't need a replacement! " Li yelled, trying to contain his fury, but failing. " Especially not him. "
" Since Mr Osakii's is unavailable due to his honeymoon Mr Li, I suggest you get use to the idea of someone taking his place until he returns. "
" But - "
" No but's. The sign on your office clearly states: Osakii & Li. Not - Li Uno. " Jhiang replied calmly.
" To hell with the sign on my door. I'll get it changed. I am not working with him. Not in this life time. "
" Then consider this the next lifetime, because I said you are working with Hiragizawa and that is final! "
" But - " Li tried and missed the redness forming around Jhiang's neck.
" It is FINAL! " Jhiang roared back. " I do not need some sassy assed punk coming in here telling me how to run my office. What I say goes, because in this lifetime, I overule you. Is that clear! "

Li's eyes narrowed.

" I'll rebel. " " Then you'll find your ass out on the street with a 'redundant'sign around your neck. Now get out of here and stop wasting my time. Put all that negativity into something productive - like doing your job! " he slammed the door in Li's face and shut the blinds.

Li muttered under his breath and ignored the looks he received from the other people around the office. It was everyday that Jhiang lost his temper, but when he did. Oh boy. He went back to his office and stopped in the doorway, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

Hands rested behind his head, feet up on Mika's desk, a coffee cup steaming away nearby, dark navy eyes twinkled with mirth behind glasses as he watched Li glare at him.

" Geez, I don't know what you said to make that angry, but I think they heard that one all the way back up to Main. "
" Yeah well, I hoped he popped a vein. " Li muttered and sauntered into the room and collapsed down into his chair ignoring the young man beside him.

" I did try to warn you that my transference here was legit. But someone couldn't believe it. "
" Look, Hiragizawa, when I want you to talk to me, I'll send you a postcard. "
" Now that is negativity for you. It's exactly what Jhiang was talking about. "
" I think I know what Jhiang was talking about. I was less than two feet in front of him. " Li shot back angrily.
" Well you shouldn't question your boss. "

" Hey genius, " Li said. " he's your boss now too don't forget. "

A smirk formed in the corner of Eriol's mouth and Li's eyebrow twitched annoyed.

" Yes, but only until Osakki comes back. Until then, I'm looking forward to working with you. It should be fun. "
" Kami, please shoot me. " Li groaned and let his head fall on the desk with a thudd.

Eriol simply smiled and went back to watching the world go by.

Two Weeks Later . . .

A Black V8 Holden Commadore pulled up and Li stepped out slammed the door behind him.

" I never thought someone could be so bloody opinionated. Do you ever shut up? " Li asked garring at Eriol.
" Well, if you did your job right. " Eriol shot back. " I wouldn't have to re-assess everything you do. "

Li rolled his eyes and walked inside.

" I mean for starters, " Eriol walked beside him. " That little old lady back there had no idea what was happening and you're practically shaking the life out of her to try and get the information out. "
" She was stalling. " Li replied and took the stairs two at a time. " She probably had as light case of dementia for Kami's sake. " Eriol shot back behind him. " For all we know, she could have collapsed back there with a coranary, and you wouldn't even care. "

" You might like to dally and charm everything that moves Hiragizawa, but we have a job to do in case you hadn't noticed. " Li replied dryly.
" I do not charm everything that moves. "
" Matter of opinion. " Li muttered.
" You see, right there is your problem. " Eriol stopped and glared at his back. " Are you always so cynical? "

Li stopped and faced him.

" When I am placed in unwanted company, definitely. "
" I know you have some partner issues going on Xiao Lang, but this is going beyond a joke. " Erio retorted.
" Hey, if you don't like my attitude, then don't let the proverbial door hit you on the butt on your way out. "
" Oh no. You're not getting rid of me that easily. " Eriol smirked. " My contract doesn't end until after Osakii comes back. Unless you get plastic surgery done and managed to become Osakii's twin - "
" Ha ha. You're so freakin' funny. " Li retorted and walked off again. " Is that all you've got? "
" Ok, what about that little kid on fifth? "
" What about him? "
" He was five! Not fifteen! " Eriol said catching up to him again. " The way you carried on, I was surprised that poor little kid didn't kick you in the shin and call out for his mother. "
" Like I said before, we don't have time to play around. "
" Ever heard that you'll catch more bees with honey than with vinegar Xiao Lang? "
" What is with your philosophical crap? " Li demanded, pushing the door open. Eriol caught it before it closed.

" It's called being open-minded Xiao Lang, something that I'm starting to realise you're not. "
" Look, I see what it is I have to do, I come up with a plan, and I do it. Simple. "
" In otherwords; Black and White. " Eriol filled in.
" Don't put words in my mouth. " Li snapped turning to face him again. " Why the hell did you become an detective anyway? "
" Because I enjoy it. " Eriol replied.
" Shame. I think you would have done better as a shrink. You'd have fun telling people how to live their lives and you'd get paid for it. "
" Well you still wouldn't get away from me then. " Eriol replied, a smirk on his face.

A young woman stepped up and coughed politely.
" Excuse me. "

" Oh and why is that? " Li demanded.
" The only difference would be that instead of working together, you'd be paying me for my time instead. "

" If I could have only a minute of you're time. " the young woman spoke up.

" If you are implying Hiragizawa that I'd need my head exaimed by you, then you are out of your mind! " Li snapped.
" I'd get much enjoyment out of it Xiao Lang. Trust me. I'd love to know what makes you tick. "
" You sarcsatic kusoyaro! " Li grated angrily.

The young woman's violet gaze darkened and she placed her purse down on the nearest bench and grabbed the cup filled with water from the filter and threw it at the two raging males. They stopped dead and turned to look at her in stunned silence. Water dripped from their clothes.

Madison straightened her black hat, a feather dancing slightly in the air and picked up her purse and straightened her jacket that matched her skirt and hat.

" Now that is much better gentlemen. " she began meeting both their gazes. " Such discussion and language, " she shot Li a look meant to quell. " should be kept where other people won't be able to hear it. "

She shot Eriol a disapproving look and his gaze darkened.

" If the two of you can't be civil, then don't be where the other is. As it is, you have kept me waiting for five minutes and probably going to delay me several more by the time you sort yourselves out. I have a tight schedule and standing around all day watching two vamped up males go at each other is not my way to address such things. "

" Miss Daidoji?" Li asked in disbelief. Madison dipped her head, her feather in her hat dancing slightly.
" Ohayo Gozaimusu Li-kun. " she replied and looked them over disapprovingly, shaking her head.
" I'll be in your office while you - get cleaned up. " her heels clicked on the floor as she made her way towards their office.

" Who the hell is that? " Eriol asked annoyed. He wasn't a little boy to be chided.
" That, " Li said wiping the droplets from his sleeve. " Is a friend of mine. "
" Pfft. " Eriol muttered angrily. " Go figure. " Li stopped what he was doing and looked at him strangely.
" You don't like her? "
" Does my opinion ever matter? " Eriol shot back.

" Well I'll be dammed. " Li muttered in surprise. " Something finally mananged to get to you. "
" Xiao Lang, before Miss Daidoji interrupted us in her ever pleasant way, I believe we established the fact that YOU disturb me. " Li smirked taking the upper hand for once.
" Ah, we established the fact that my actions disturb you, not my character. "
" Go to hell Xiao Lang. " Eriol muttered and walked towards their office.

" I'm surprised you're not doing a little victory dance Xiao Lang. After all I believe you just scored one on me. "
" All you see is the smirk Hiragizawa, but believe me I'm doing the victory dance. " he tapped his head.
" Pfft. You call that strut a victory dance? " Eriol arched a brow. " You need serious help. "

Madison rose when they entered and she watched as they took their seats. Her violet glanced at Eriol briefly and then met Li's gaze, missing the stiffening of Eriol's spine.

" Take a seat Miss Daidoji. " Li said.
" Call me Madison Li-kun. " she said and placed her purse at her feet. " After all you are a friend of Sakura-chan's. "
" You sure about that? " Li asked remembering a certain letter of emotional distance he'd received after Tomoyo's party that night a year ago.

A small frown darkened her face for a moment and then she nodded.

" Listen Li-kun, " she began. " I unfortunately don't have the time that I would like for this matter, but my new lingerie line is being launched - " she studied her watch on her wrist, her hands covered in black gloves. " This afternoon, so I must not dally. I - "
" Oh my God! " Eriol exploded. " You're THAT Miss Daidoji! Of Daidoji Designs! " he gaped. Madison nodded and looked back at Li.

" I always wanted to meet you. " Eriol said getting her attention again.
" Hiragizawa. " Li warned. For a guy that had hated her a moment ago, he certainly did a turn around.
" I always wondered what I would say to you when I got the chance. " Eriol leant forward smiling.

Madison arched her brow and shot Li a sideways look.

" Yes? " she asked coolly.
" I always wanted to tell you that your designs are perfect. Every detail, every curve. It's amazing. You have real talent. "
" Thank you. " Madison dipped her head. " But, perhaps the next time you meet someone who you admire, I would plan what you will say in a little more detail. I already pay people to tell me what they think of my designs. What you say is what I already know. " she smiled ruefully at his crestfallen expression. " I just don't want you to waste you next chance. " Li smirked at his partner's expression.

" Now Li-kun. " Madison began and missed Eriol's glare. Oh she was ice queen this one, he thought.
" What I have to say - "
" Hang on a sec. " Li began and looked at Eriol. " Why don't you go and make yourself scarce Hiragizawa? "
" My pleasure. " Eriol snapped and made sure he slammed the door when he left.

" Oh dear, I think I upset him. " Madison replied sadly. " I think I should apologise. I just get so used to people telling the exact same thing that I get sick of it. I look for originality and honesty. Something new and different"
" He'll get over it. " Li replied and smiled. " Now what can I help you with? "

Madison looked down and played with her gloves.

" I'm not sure how I should go about saying this - "
" Just come right out and say it. " Li said.
" Ok. I'll try - " her violet eyes looked up and met his and she swallowed.

" Sakura-chan is missing. "

You could have heard a pin drop. The office was so quiet. Li starred at her for several minutes before he spoke.

" What did you say? " he asked not sure if he had heard right.
" Sakura-chan has been missing for over a week. When her father called me I was so worried, but I didn't want to alert him, You see Sakura-chan has been acting strange ever since the whole thing with Moto I - "
" Whoa, whoa, whoa. " Li said raising his hands in defense.
" Start at the beginning and take it slow. " Li advised and she nooded.

" Sakura-chan has never really been the same since the whole thing with Morimoto. She was always jumpy and weird. I know that that is to be expected, but when it continued well after the trial, I started to get worried. Anyway, the other day Sakura-chan's father rang me and asked me if I had seen Sakura-chan. Knowing that something must be wrong I told him that Sakura was staying with me and that she was helping me with my line and that she must have forgotten to tell him where she was. I felt so terrible saying it.

" Anyway, I told him that Sakura may be coming with me to launch my new line. He was ok with that, but I could tell that he was worried. That was three days ago. I haven't heard or seen her since. I tried ringing her cell, but she either is ignoring me, has it turned off or - or she can't reach it. " she choked back a sob and Li stuffened.

" Madison, did anything happen in Tomoeda before she disappeared? " A tear spilled down her cheek and she nodded.
" The murders. " she muttered wiping the tear way. " Murders? " Li asked eyes going wide.
" You don't know? " she asked. " It was all over the media. Three women were murdered in cold blood. So far nothing can be traced. No break-in, no clue as to why they were killed, the only thing that they have been able to link is their gender and the street where they were killed in. " Li swore and leapt up and started pacing.

" Did she indicate anything? Where she might go if she needed to? If anything was bothering her? "
" Xiao Lang, " Madison said. " Everything bothered Sakura after the trial. She jumped at her own shadow. "
" I can't believe she just disappeared. There has to be something . . "
" Li, I have gone over this in my mind ever since I was alerted to the fact that she was gone. Nothing makes sense. "

She sighed and picked up her purse.

" That's why I came to you. You spent all that time with her, you know how she thinks - "
" Do I? " he asked and she stopped. " Do I really know the real Sakura Avalon? I spent all that time as you put it with a different person, an illusion. I don't think I know her at all Madison. "
" Li, please. I had no one else to come to. I need you to find her. Payment is no problem. Name your price I - "

Li reached over and placed his hand on hers as she was about to write the cheque.

" I never take money from friends, and I don't intened to start now. "
" But - "
" No but's. I'll find her. Give me a number to contact you on, and I'll do what I can. "
" Arigato Xiao Lang. " she sighed in relief and stood up and hugged him as Eriol walked back into the office.

He stopped and watched the two and then Madison stepped back and wiped away more of her tears.

" Here is my card. You can reach me on any of them. No matter which one you ring, it will always get to me one way or another"
" Hai. " he said and she smiled. " I better go. I have to get back to my jet and you know how bad traffic can be. " she turned and saw Eriol.
" I'll escort you down. " Eriol said bowing and she nodded.
" Thank you once again Xiao Lang. " she said over shoulder as she walked out and Eriol closed the door behind her.

The wind blew past as Madison opened the building door and stepped outside. Eriol walked out behind her. She looked up and down the street and then turned to look at him.

" Listen Mr -? "
" Hiragizawa, Eriol. "
" Mr Hiragizawa, about what I said up there - '
" No problem. " he said and she rose an eyebrow.
" You don't want my apology? " she asked.
" You want to still give it? " She smiled quickly and then shook her head ruefully.

" So, do you always throw whatever is close at hand in an arguement? "
" When testosterone threatenes to bring fists out, then yes. I do. " she replied looking at him.
" Xiao Lang and I always fight like that. There was no danger. "
" Not from where I was standing. " she said. " Besides, like I said, I don't like to be kept waiting. "
" Then what are you doing now? Don't you know that you have to hail a cab before one will come Duchess? "

Her eyes narrowed.

" I am not stupid Mr Hiragizawa. I am waiting for my ride. Don't insult me by implying anything else. "

Eriol rose an eyebrow and she turned away.

" And don't call me Duchess. "
" Why not Duchess? " Madison closed her eyes in annoyance before she opened them again and met his gaze.

" Ok, I get it. I insulted you in there and you're determined to make a fool out of me for my ignorance. If that's how you operate, then fine, take your cheap shots if it makes you feel better. I'll just stand here and pretend to be dumb. " Eriol clenched his jaw and glarred at her.
" The only one who threw cheap shots in there was you. "
" And I already tried to apologised for that, but you wouldn't let me. "

Just then a black car parked at the curve and three women dressed in black got out and watched the two. Madison sighed relieved and started walking towards the car. She was about to get in when she was turned and pushed up against the car. She held back her startled cry and met Eriol's irratated gaze.

" You like being the ice queen don't you? " he growled low.
" Miss Daidoji? " inquired her body guards unsure. Madison waved them away.
" What do you mean? " she demanded of him.
" You like to pretend a cool aloofness don't you with people. You think you can tread all over them and then walk away unhurt. You're wrong if you think that. " he suddenly whipped her hat off and she cried out when her raven locks tumbled down her back. (Her hair has grown since the last story.)

She watched his eyes darken and she swallowed.

" That's how I like my women. Warm and tussled, like they just came out of bed - my bed. " he said quietly and she blushed crimson.
" You have no right - "
" I think I do. Afterall, " he ran his fingers through her hair. " You did say that I needed to come up with something more articulate when I got my second chance. Didn't you? "
" I meant with someone else. " she said and tried to pull away but she was pushed up against the car.
" Miss Daidoji? " called her body guards again.
" I-I'm coming. " she stuttered. Eriol smirked.
" I think you're enjoying yourself. " he said and she glarred. " I'd be guard food if you weren't. "

She went red again.
" Unhand me this instant. " she hissed.
" Have a good flight Miss Daidoji. " he kissed her briefly on the mouth and then stepped back. " Remember me. "
" In your dreams Mr Hiragizawa. Besides, " she said tidying her hair. " I doubt that I'll remember your name by the time that I get to the airport. " she flashed him a look. " After all, you are just another fan in the ever growing crowd. " she made sure to flash the length of her long legs as she got into the car and the motioned them to drive.

Eriol watched them go and knew that this wasn't the end of this. He wouldn't let her get the last word. She'd have it - but only over his dead body.

----------------------------------------

It was a dark room despite the fact that there was a minimal amount of light coming in from the small crack in the window where the curtain was parted. The light flashed from the silver of a blade as it was cleaned and sharpened. The only sounds made in the quiet room where the even breathing and the repetitious sounds of blade against stone as it was slid down and along the blade.

It had been easy. So easy he could have laughed. He had been doing worse things since he'd been able to get his hands on a good blade. Following orders weren't his forte, but HE was paying good money and he always was a sucker for a high price. He suppresed a grin when he thought back on the look of confusions on the local D's faces. They had no idea it was him. He was too good.

Maybe he should really stump them . . The thought made him grin.

------------------------------------------

A familar place across the sea

Emerald eyes smiled for the first time in days when they starred back out of the old familar bathroom mirror. Her short locks swang around her face like it had when she had been younger. She took one more look at her image before she walked down the stairs and called out a greeting.

Maggie turned around from cooking on the stove and her eyebrow arched up questionly.

" Good morning Maggie. Need some help? "
" Trying to take over my kitchen again? " came the retort.
" Nah uh. " Sakura replied. " You'd pummel me with whatever you could get your hands on. I'll leave it to the pro. " " Good. Here eat this. You're too skinny. "
" I am not skinny. I'm just right. "
" Hah! " Maggie snorted. " You'd get up on one of those horses out there and the wind would knock you off. "

" Mags stop nagging the twig. She'll break under the stress. "
" What is this? Pick on Sakura day? " she shot Seth a look and he smiled.

She had arrived about four days ago and they had been both pleased and shocked to see her. They had seen the court trial on the tv and had then come to realise the secrets that she had harboured. They'd talked that first night about the things that had happened and she had answered a lot of questions. Takashii had welcomed her with open arms and she had been here ever since.

" Just might be. Better watch out. " Seth smiled and reached past Maggie and snatched a piece of bacon and wasn't quick enough to miss the quick rap on his knuckles with the spatular.
" Wait your turn. " Maggie glarred and pointed to the table. " Sit. "

Seth sucked his knuckles and shot Sakura a look and Sakura bit her lip to keep her laughter in check.

" Ah Mags, did I tell you how beautiful you are this morning? " Seth sat down at the table smiling at Sakura.
" You're not getting anything until the boss comes in. " Maggie replied calmly.
" Ah, but the sun makes your skin glow softly and the light when it touches your eyes! " Seth smirked.
" Keep that up and you'll have Mr Calloway upon you young Seth. " she replied shooting him a look. " And the answer is no. "

Seth clutched at his heart and made a gurgling noise.

" Oh the pain! My love rejects my kind words. She would leave this poor, suffering devotee to die because he cannot worship what he loves with all his heart. "
" By all means worship away. " Maggie said setting the toast on the table. " But you'll have to wait. "

Sakura giggled and met Seth's smiling face.

" Even this beautiful young woman mocks me! The unjustice of it! " " Oh Seth. " Sakura laughed. " I think you should give up while you can. " Seth smiled and then kissed Maggie on the cheek when she placed his plate in front of him.

" Thank the heavens! The lady blesses me! " and he dug into his breakfast like a starved man.
" Hmph. " Maggie watched him and rolled her eyes when he grinned at her, mouth full of food. " Men. " she sniffed.
" Arigato. " Sakura said and took her plate and started eating. " You see. " Maggie pointed at Seth who stopped his fork half way. " That's manners for you. At least Sakura can thank me properly. "
" Tkakdn sjdhn muffjeb. " Maggie rolled her eyes at his pitful thank you and smiled when her back was to them.

" We must have been hungry. Aren't you supposed to wait for me? " Takeshii asked when he walked in.
" Hmsnduj kjhduurd, sbiodjdhea " Seth said and Sakura giggled again. It seemed some things never changed.

Takeshii smiled at Sakura and she met his gaze and then smiled.

" Smells good. " and that was all he said before, he too, dug into his breakfast.

It was good to be sitting back in the saddle and to look up into the endless blue of the Colorado sky. Around her the other ranchers whistled and cracked their whips as they drove the cattle along the dusty trail to the northern pasture. The dogs barked and chased the strays and Sakura sighed content. It seemed that once again her troubles seemed so far, far away . .

Shanghai - A Few Days Later

Li threw down the report he had started and groaned in frustration. Basing what he had collected from Madison, which wasn't very much, he had practically no idea where Sakura could be. He hadn't talked with her in just over a year, what was he supposed to do?

No one had seen her. He'd tried the numerous modeling agencies across the globe and none of them were expecting her back until the next season began. He'd tried other places that Madison had said could be places that she might go to, but he'd drawn blank.

Where the hell could she be?

He imagined a cold, dark room, he lifeless body strewn across the floor -

He slammed the folder down on his desk and swung around to stare out into the streets below, his mind working away furiously. Eriol came in and placed the hot coffee down on Li's desk for once he took pity and made sure it was hot and watched the reflection of his temporary partner.

" Any luck? " he asked sipping his coffee.
" Huh? " Li looked up.
" Any luck with this girl of yours. "
" She's not my girl. " Li replied back irritated. " And no, I have no clue. Nothing. "
" Too bad. " Eriol went back to his desk. " Maybe she just needed to get away. You know, like a respite thing. "

Li shook his head and then he sat up straight and turned to look at Eriol.

" The ranch. "
" What? " Eriol looked up confused.
" That's it. It has to be. It's been the answer all along. " Li jumped up and was grabbing his jacket.
" Hey where are you going? " Eriol asked startled.
" Take over here for me. I don't know how long I'll be. Maybe a couple of days, maybe more. "
" But - " Eriol watched him walk out of the office and he blinked confused. " What ranch? "

Three Days Later

Maggie was potering around in her garden in the early light before the sun was hot in the sky, when she heard a vehicle driving up the main road. She looked up and brushed the dirt off her hands as the jeep came to a stop out the side of the house. A young man got out and looked around him. He called out something to the driver, and taking his gear out of the back, watched as it drove off, leaving a cloud of dust in its wake.

Maggie wiped her hands on her apron and walked a little closer, her eyes calculating and watchful.

" May I help you? " she called out and watched the young man walk towards her.
" Hi Maggie. Long time since I saw you last. " the young man said and her eyes widened in shock.
" Well hell! If the West hasn't risen again! Look at you! " she looked him over carefully and smiled.
" If I wasn't thirty years younger and my love of my life not around, you'd be a good catch boy. I knew you'd turn out good. Didn't I always say you would? " Li couldn't help but smile charmingly. "

" What on earth brings you all the way out here? You and the boss patching things up? "
" Ahh - " Li looked around and Maggie sighed.
" Been too long. Too long. You wait until Mr Calloway finds his bad-boy from the West is back. Come on. "

Li picked up his bag and followed after her.

" Ah Maggie, tell me, is Takeshii around by chance? "
" So you have come to talk to him? " Maggie asked over her shoulder.
" Sort of. Look I'm only here because something has come up. Is he here? " Maggie pushed open the screen door and held it open for him as he stepped inside.
" He might be home later, if not then, it will be in the next couple of days. "

" Couple of days? " Li asked increduously. " What the hell would keep him away for that long? "
" Cattle drive, and don't you get ansty and impatient with me boy. I can still put you over my knee. "
" I'd like to see you try it. " Li retorted just like he used to and placed his bag on the floor.
" Here, " Maggie shoved him a drink and he skulled it, thanking her. " So why you here? Girl trouble? "

Li shot her a look and looked around.

" You could say that. " he saw her look and frowned. " No, not like that. I'm looking for someone. "
" Well there will be time for that later. Come, I'll take you upstairs so you can settle and then I have to put lunch on for my boys. Come on. "

They walked upstairs and Li looked to the room on the right where he was usually placed when, long ago, he'd used to come out here with his family and stay for a month or two, but Maggie walked straight past it and opened another door for him. He walked in and placed his things on the bed.

" Now, sometimes you'll here Seth making a racket in the next room when he's home. Just ignore it. He's a loud as they come, but he'd doesn't mean to be. "
" Who's Seth? " Li asked curiously. Maggie smiled and fixed up her apron.
" Ah, he's my boy. Reminds me of you sometimes. Just as lovable and smart-mouthed. Even tries to steal his breakfast like someone else I used to know. " she shot him a meaningful look and Li smiled.
" And let me guess, you keep him waiting like you use to me no doubt. "

" If one eats, we all eat at the same time. " she replied. Li smiled.
" I remember that old saying. I'd forgotten it till now. "
" Yes well, time enough for that later. Now you can either have a nap or you come make yourself useful. "
" I'll come and help. " Li replied and saw her surprise. " I've changed Maggie. " he said softly.
" Yes, I can see that. Come on then. Come and tell me what you have been up to. "

Takeshii didn't come back that night or during the next day. Li held his anger and helped Maggie around the house or did work in his room. He hadn't seen Sakura and he was hoping that Takeshii could give him some answers. If she had been here, then maybe he had a chance of catching up to her.

It was towards the afternoon when he heard yaps from dogs and the clip clop of horses that he got up and came downstairs. He walked out the door and stood in the shade of the porch crossing his arms across his chest, watching as a herd of riders came into the yard.

Sakura was weary from spending the last few nights on the dusty road. They'd taken the last of the herd to the far nothern paddock and she hadn't realised what that involved. Her body ached and she'd be lucky if she could walk straight after it all. They finally halted into the stock yard near the stables and Sakura sighed. Her hat was pulled low over her brow to shade her eyes and she'd pulled her scarf up over her nose to keep out the dust.

Seth smiled as he jumped down from his mount and came over to her and helped her down, his hands steady on her small waist. Her knees wobbled as she touched the ground and he held her steady.

" The first thing I am going to do is have a nice hot bath. " she murmered from behind her scarf. Seth smiled.
" You got to get there first. "
" Oh very funny baka. " she muttered and straightened up holding onto her mount. " You could help you know. "
" Ok, one bath coming up. " he hauled her up, ignoring her yelp of surprise and carried her over to the water trough.
" SETH! " she shrieked as he dumped her unceremoniously into the cold water.

The others laughed as they watched on and even Li smiled watching them not knowing who she was.

" Now there's your bath. " Seth smiled as he knelt down beside her. Her emerald eyes flashed fire and she reached out and grabbed his shirt and pulled her scarf down.
" You're a dead man. " she muttered glarring at him. " A very, very dead man. "

He splashed her once more and then jumped up and started leading his horse toward the stable laughing all the time heartily. Takeshii had handed his horse to another having seen the figure standing on the porch watching them.

Takeshii looked at Sakura as she pushed her hat off, the sunlight hitting her dusty hair not disguising the honey-brown colour, as she jumped out of the trough and scooping up a bucket, filled it with water and turned to reap revengence. Seth went to duck and then stopped as her saw her gaze go behind his shoulder and her face drain of any colour.

Li slowly unfolded his arms from across his chest, starring in disbelief from the balcony across the yard. Sakura swallowed nervously and then tore her eyes away, taking the opportunuty to drench Seth. He coughed and spluttered and looked at her mutinously. She managed a wobbly smile and then dumped the bucket, pushing her short hair behind her ears. It was in a short ponytail, but the side bits had come undone.

" Hope you enjoyed YOUR bath. "

She walked to her horse and grabbed the reins and lead it into the stable before Seth could retaliate.

Takeshii walked up the steps to the porch and looked at Li.

" Xiao Lang. What a surprise. "
" Renaulds. " Li replied looking back at the stables.
" No doubt you are here for a reason. Come inside and let us have a drink. No doubt I could use it. "
" I was here to ask you something, but my question has been answered. " Takeshii was quiet for a moment.
" Sakura I take it? " Li arched his brow at the first name basis. " Yeah, Sakura. " he replied and didn't miss the arch of Takeshii's brow at his use of familarity.
" Then come in and let Maggie put something together for us. They'll be in shortly. "

" So how long have you been here for? "
" I got here yesterday. " Li replied. " Look, I came here to talk to Sakura. We have some things to discuss. "
" Really? " Takeshii replied sitting down and Li scowled at his tone.
" Work related Renaulds. " Li bit back.
" Oh I believe you. " Takeshii replied and heard the porch door open and talking could be heard.

" . . oh no Mister smarty britches. " Sakura's voice carried. " You threw me in that trough so I get the bath first. "
" How about a compromise? " Seth asked as they walked past the door. " I could join you. "

Li scowled and clenched his fist. Sakura's laugh carried from the stairs.

" Dream on hentai. " she replied. " You'd take up all the room anyway. I want it all to myself. "

Whatever he said made her laugh and then it was quiet. Li forced his anger down and then looked at Takeshii.

" How long has she been here? "
" Sakura?" Takeshii asked. " About a week. " he replied when Li had nodded.

Li shot the stairs another look and then sighed and drank the drink Maggie placed in front of him.

" Has something happened? " Takeshii asked.
" What do you mean 'happened'? "
" Well what would make you come across the ocean, all the way out here, to a place where you hate and all for the sake of finding, no, talking to Sakura? "
" That is none of your business. " Li replied calmly as he could.
" I see. Well, you are family so I can't throw you out, so you're welcome to stay as long as you need. Now if you'd excuse me, I need to take a shower and see to some invoices. "

Li watched him go before he skulled the remainder of his drink and then headed upstairs to see to some work. He smelt the cherry blossoms from under the door and he knew why he hadn't been placed into the old room. Sakura had it. He shook his head and then made his way to his room.

In the bath, Sakura's expression was far from relaxed. It fact she was worried. Why was he here? He couldn't know could he? She toyed with the bubbles that swirled in the scented water around her and tried to block out all her thoughts. Her muscles weren't as tight as they had been before, but still she stayed on in the bath. She couldn't face him yet.

When she was rinkled and nearly cold, she pulled the plug and dried off. She dressed in a white top and a denin skirt and left her hair out after she blow dried it. She clipped the side bits back and placed clear gloss on her lips. She padded out barefoot and made her way down stairs.

Maggie was in the kitchen preparing dinner and Sakura offered if she could help in any way. She switched on the radio and moved her hips as she collected things out of the fridge. She hummed under her breath to the song and then turned around and gasped because there was Li standing in the doorway watching her.

She blushed red and opened the fridge and placed the things away trying to ignore him. But it didn't work. She knew he was there. Maggie gave her orders and Sakura nodded and did then without question. She looked up and met Maggie's knowing gaze and blushed again.

" So what can I help with you with Maggie? " Sakura asked trying to avoid Li.
" Well, why don't you stop trying to pretend that hunk of man isn't standing in the doorway and offer him a drink? "

Sakura closed her eyes and counted to ten before she opened them and glarred at Maggie.

" Consider yourself crossed off my Christmas list. " she muttered and turned to look at Li.
" What will it be? " she asked looking at the floor. " Soda, water, beer, dunk in the dam? "
" Sakura! " Maggie waved her wooden spoon at her angrilly.
" Ok, ok. Mou. " she rolled her eyes. " I'll just get you a beer since I know you'll drink it. "

Li uncrossed his arms and walked into the room and took the drink from her.

" So, ahh - " she trailed off looking at anything other than him.
" Why am I here? " he threw her a line.
" Yeah I guess. It couldn't be a coincidence that you'd be here for anything other reason than me right? "

Li arched a brow.

" My, your ego has grown. " Li drank from the beer. " What makes you think I'd be here for you?" Her head snapped up and she met his gaze.
" You're not here for me? " she asked, a hopeful light lit her eyes.
" No, I'm actually here because of Madison. "
" Tomoyo? " Sakura gaped surprised. " Is she ok? Is she hurt? I - "
" Calm down. " Li said and she closed her mouth. " I'm here because she asked me to. "

" She asked you to come here to ranch? " " Not in so many words. " he said evasively.
" She either asked you to come here or she didn't. Which is it? " she asked losing patience.

Li simply arched his brow again and she turned away annoyed as Seth walked in.

" Seth come give me a hand. " she asked and turned her back on Li.
" Sure. " he said shoving his hands in his pockets, his blonde hair damp from his shower. " But first, what do I get out of it? " Sakura shot Maggie a mutinous look and smiled at him.
" You can get your hands into whatever and I won't try and stop you. I'll even stand in Maggie's way so she can't get to you"
" Babe you're my angel. " he swept across the room to kiss her on the top of the head. " Now what can I devour first? " Sakura laughed and smiled up at him.
" Just make sure that there is some left for dinner Seth. " she joked and directed him to the task at hand.

Li didn't like the way this was going. He put down his beer and met Maggie's gaze.

" Anything I can do to help? "
" Why don't you get Takeshii to show you around the place? " Sakura said as Takeshii strode in. " I'm sure he would love to show you what he has done with the place. "
" Trying to get rid of me Sakura? " Li asked directly. Her shoulders tensed and Seth turned to meet his gaze calmly. Li read the message. Back off.

" Why would I want to do that Xiao Lang? " she returned calmly. " After all you're not here for me, so there is no reason for me to be involved is there? "
" Don't bet on it. " he muttered loud enough so she could hear it. " Come on Renaulds. Show me what you got. "

When he was gone, Sakura dropped the knife she was using and braced her arms on the edge of the bench and sighed. Seth rubbed his hand comfortingly up and down her back and she turned and hugged him drawing in his strength. She pulled back when she was calmer and smiled.

" Come on, dinner won't get made if we slack off. " she smiled at Maggie and they finished making dinner together.

Meanwhile

Takeshii paused and looked around the lit up sky. Beside him, Li paused and placed his hands in his pockets.

" You're here because of Sakura aren't you? " Takeshii asked. Li remained quiet.
" I'm not the least surprised. When she turned up here the other night, I knew something was wrong. I know I am right if you turn up a few days after her. "
" What has she told you? " Li asked.
" Digging Xiao Lang? " Takeshii asked. " Why don't you just ask her yourself? "
" Because I'm interested in what you have to say. " Takeshii remained silent for a moment and then looked at Li.
" There isn't anything to tell. She came back because she said that she owed it to us to give us the truth. "
" About her last visit? "

Takeshii nodded.

" I was in Japan at the time and saw the Morimoto case. It was a shock to learn the truth I can assure you. "
" At least we can agree on that one. " Li replied and Takeshii nodded.
" Yes, I imagine that it would've been a blow to you; someone who was close to her. "
" I am not close to her. " Li retorted coldly. " She means nothing to me. "
" Yes, I can really see the truth of that statement. " Takeshii said shaking his head.
" And what is that supposed to mean Renaulds? " Li grated.
" All I'm saying is that it's not everyday that you physically go after someone Xiao Lang. " Li's jaw clenched.
" At least not since high school when you wanted to get - " he paused seeing Li's look. " Ah, since you were so popular. " he concluded.

" You're getting off the track Renauld's. "
" Maybe so, but then again, maybe I'm not. Maybe I'm not that far from the truth. " Takeshii replied.
" I already regret coming here and now I'm regretting coming out here alone with you. " Li retorted.
" Kami forbid that you actually 'bond' with anyone in this life time Xiao Lang. " Takeshii pushed away from the railing and looked at Li ignoring the glacial glint in his cousin's eyes.
" If you want to know why Sakura is here, then ask her. It'll be straight to the point, just how you like it. No strings attached and it's certainly not going to waste anymore of your time. Plain and simple. "

" Nothing is plain and simple with Avalon. " Li replied looking up at the stars.

Takeshii smiled in the dark.

" Oh man, you've got it bad. " he said before he walked inside.

Li watched him go inside and then turned back to the stars.

" What the hell did he mean by that? " he pondered his anger simmering below the surface.

Sakura pushed the screen door open and looked up and saw Li sitting on the porch swing and stopped dead.

" Oops, gomen you're out here. " she turned around and went straight back inside.
" Sakura. " Li called and she paused in the act of closing the door. " We need to talk. "

Sakura silently cursed her bad luck and then back-tracked.

" Will it take long? I really am bushed. I think my nice comfy bed right about now woul - "
" You won't sleep as neither will I. So drop the act. " She huffed as she dropped into the seat beside him.

" Ok Mr Smart Guy, so I can't run from you. Can you blame me for trying though? "
" Depends on what exactly you are running from. " Li replied. Sakura sighed and leaned back on the seat.
" Why did you come here Li? " she asked. " Did Tomoyo send you here? "

" Why did you run? " he said totally ignoring her question.
" Do you have a warrant for that information Mr Li? " she shot back and smiled when she saw his jaw clench.
" Don't play games with me Avalon. " Li ground out. " I'm not chasing you all over the world every time you get the itch to play games. "

" You think I'm playing games? " she said calmly. " Well I can't say that I'm not surprised by that hypothesis. "
" And what is that supposed to mean? " he demanded.
" Well, like per usual Xiao Lang, you're ready to jump on the proverbial high horse of yours, and you're so far off the ground your feet swing! " she starred straight ahead and refused to look at him. " You know nothing ok. "

" Well why don't you enlighten me? " he ground out.
" I don't think I should. " she shot back and crossed her arms.
" Don't make me use measures against you Avalon. "
" You wouldn't dare. " she glared at him.

" Wana make a bet? " he shot back. She went to get up, but he pushed her back down on the swing.
" We are not finished. " he said and she slapped his hands away.
" You can't make me talk. You don't have a warrant stating that I have to. Don't think that I didn't snoop around that office of yours all that time I was staying with you Xiao Lang. I know what you can get away with and what you can't. "

" I can resort to what ever measures I deem appropriate for the time. " Li said. " It's my call. " She snorted and looked away.
" Just go home Mr Li. " she said resorting to formality. " There's nothing for you here. "
" Oh no. " he said getting her attention. " I didn't come all this way to just walk away with nothing. Now something is going on with you and if Tomoyo is observant enough to pick up on it, and believe me I have seen the uncanny ability of that young woman and it scares me at times, but if she says something is wrong with you and that you are jumping at things that aren't there - "
" Excuse me -! "
" One day you are jumping at shadows - " Li's voice rose over hers. " And the next, you disappear. I know when someone thinks that they are being hunted. Now tell me the truth; is it Morimoto? "

She stared at him so long that he thought that he must have struck a nerve. Finally she blinked and looked to the door.

" Seth. " she breathed and Li turned to find the young man standing in the door way looking at them.
" Is everything ok Sakura? " he asked. Sakura stood up and nodded.
" We were just finishing up. " she said softly. " Hey you wanted to talk about that new tack that you bought didn't you? " it was a weak excuse, but it did the job.
" Yeah. Have you got the time? "
" Sure. I'll be right in. I just have to say good night to Mr Li. " Seth shot Li a look through the screen and backed away.

" Your protector Sakura? " Li asked quietly looking up at the stars.
" He's more to me than what you will ever be. " she replied. " Good night Li. " " We are not finished Sakura. " Li replied as she made it to the door. " Eventually you will have no more excuses. "
" Maybe you are right. " she replied. " But then again, so many things have been lost to silence. "

Li watched her walk in and felt the angry frustration her words had caused. He was never one to yell, but that was exactly what he felt like doing. Screaming until his throat was too sore to question anymore. But then again, that would let her know of the trouble she was giving him. Like she said, many things were lost to silence. . .

The next day . . .

Her fingers shook as she typed in the number. She listened as it dialled and then swallowed when she got the message bank. She listened to the beep and then spoke.

" Tomoyo, it's me Sakura. Listen, why did you send Li after me? I was going to call you when I could. Look, don't worry please. Everything is fine and I'll see you soon. Promise. "

She hung up and looked up and met her gaze in the mirror. Did she really look that haunted? She shook her head and put on a happy face and walked down stairs. The boys were out and she sighed in relief. She told Maggie that she was going to go outside and read in the hammock and catch some rays.

She was half way through her book, when her eyes drifted closed and she dropped the book in slumber.

" So nothing important has come up? " Li's voice came over the speaker phone.

Eriol looked at the stacks of files that were now starting to take over his desk. He had to stretch his neck just to see over the top of them.

" Nope, absolutely nothing. Everything here is just dandy. Why do you ask? "
" Because I left you in charge, that's why. " came through the speaker.
" You need more faith in me Xiao Lang. " Eriol smirk.
" Yeah I just bet. " Li muttered. " Let me guess, there's files everywhere and you can't deal with them all right? "
" Ah, why would you say something like that? " Eriol felt the sweat run down his neck.
" Because I don't trust you. " came the instant reply. Eriol just grunted, crossing his arms.

" Look, the business I had to take care of isn't falling through like I thought it would, so I may have to stay longer. Just do me a favour and call Lao Ma on line 3 and tell her that I'm begging her once again. She'll come up and help you. "
" Now why would I need any help Xiao Lang when I have everything under control? " Eriol shot back.

He cringed when he heard the curses come through the speaker.

" Ok, ok, ok. " he placated. " If I have any need for her, I'll call her. Lao Ma, line 3, got it. Ok bye! " he hung up and sighed.

He sat at the desk and grabbed the first case off the towering pile all the while muttering under his breath.

" . . . need help . . as if! . . doesn't trust anyone . . "

He starred at the file for five minutes before he sighed and reached for the phone and hit line 3.

" Yeah, hey is this Lao Ma . . ? "

Danger.

She sensed it even before she came awake. She layed perfectly still and waited for whatever it was that woke her to move again. She sensed it again and heard the crunch of the dirt beneath someone's foot. A shadow crossed her closed eyes turning red to black and she held her breath. They didn't move again and she could almost see the gun being lifted and aimed and then -

She didn't wait any longer. Her eyes snapped open and she struck out with her hand connecting solidly with someone. She heard them grunt in response and then before she could think, she leapt out of the hammock and kicked out with her foot and knocked the person backwards. She heard the battle cry and vaguely realised it was her own terrorfied cry of determination. She slammed into the person and sent them both sprawling into the dirt. She lifted her fist and was about to bring it down with all her might, when something grabbed her wrist and fought against it.

" Sakura! " Li yelled struggling to hold her wrist up above him. " Snap out of it! "

Her fist slammed down into the dirt centimetres from his face in the dirt. She starred down at him and he watched as the terror slowly left her eyes and she gazed down at him in shock.

They were both breathing heavily and her eyes widened when she saw the blood coming from Li's nose. What had she almost done? She scrambled away from him as the screen door opened and Maggie came running out. She had seen the whole thing from the kitchen window.

Li sat up and sighed and wiped the blood away from his nose as Maggie reached them. She fussed and Li tried to tell her he was fine but she wouldn't hear a word of it. Li looked to Sakura and saw that she wouldn't look at either of them. She knelt with her hands clenched in her lap and she seemed to be miles away.

He crouched in front of her and shook her gently on the shoulder. Her eyes slowly looked up at him and he could see how upset she was.

" What have I done? " she whispered.
" It was instinct Sakura. It's ok. " Li reassured.
" You're nose is bleeding. " she said and looked up at Maggie. " I had no idea it was him. "
" It's alright Sakura. " Maggie said and helped Sakura to her feet. " We'll clean both of you up and get an ice pack on that nose of yours Li. " Sakura shook her head and then burst into tears. Li met Maggie's startled expression and sighed.

" Are you feeling any better Li? " Maggie asked.
" Fine. " Li muttered as he continued to pinch his nose as he stood near the sink.
Maggie nodded and then made her way over towards Sakura.
" Let me have a look at your hand. " she reached for Sakura's hand, but she snatched it away.
" Leave it. " she snapped and turned her head away. " Just look after Li. " " There's nothing more that I can do for Li at the moment, but I can clean that graze on your hand. "
" I said leave it. " she glared and stood up. " I don't need your help. I'll take care of it myself. "

They both watched as she bolted upstairs and slammed her door. Li took the tissue away from his nose and looked at Maggie.
" Just leave her for a bit. I think she got a bit of a shock earlier. I'll go and talk to her when she's a bit calmer. "
" What on earth got into her? " Maggie whispered. " I saw the whole thing. She leapt out of that thing like it was on fire. " Li shot the stairs one more look.
" I know Maggie. Believe me, I'm going to find out what is going on. "

After fixing up the small graze on her hand, Sakura grabbed her bags and started throwing her things back into them. She had to get out of here. Never before had she let her fear blind her to the fact that she was with a friend instead of foe. She had never attacked a friend before and she couldn't believe that she had done so. Li wasn't exactly a friend right now, but that was no excuse. The fact that he was a cop too -

" Oh no . . " she groaned and started zipping up her bag shaking her head.

A knock sounded on her door and she paused.

" Sakura? It's Li, can I come in? "
" Ah, umm I'm kinda sleeping. Bad headache, please go away. " she grabbed her shoes and placed them in another bag.
" Come on Sakura. " Li said through the door. " I know you better than that. You can't blame yourself for what happened. It was an accident. " " Please just go away. " she said and ran into the bathroom to grab her cosmetic bag.

She hurried back out and the bag dropped to the floor scattering everything when she saw that he had come in and was looking at her bags on the bed. She swallowed when he turned to look at her.

" Just a bad headache? " he said meeting her startled gaze.
" Just go away. " she said unfreezing bending down and started placing everything back into the bag.

She zipped up the case and walked past him and placed it in her bag as well. She turned around and nearly walked into him.

" Is this your answer for everything? " Li demanded.
" You don't know what you're t- "
" I think I have a pretty good idea. " he cut her off. He stared at her and she looked away.
" Why can't you just tell me? " he asked. " There's nothing to tell. " she replied stubbornly.

Li mentally counted to ten less he strangle her stupid neck.

" Lets look at it from my point of view. " he said calmly. " Tomoyo comes to me begging me for my help because her best friend had disappeared and she is covering for you with your family. She says that you've never really been the same since the trial - "
" Can you blame me for that! " Sakura demanded. " I nearly was drowned, killed, crushed and God knows what else! "

Li nodded his head to try and calm her.

" Do you forget that I was there through it all as well? But then I find you here, where I knew that you would run if someone was after you because of the expanse of the land. Not many people know of this ranch, which is why I knew that if my hunch was right, you would be here and you were Sakura. I found you here. "
" I said I wanted to come and see Seth and Takashi to repay them for their kindness last time and to make then understand why I did what I did last time. " Sakura replied still not looking at him.

Li came closer to her and lifted her chin and made her look at him.

" And now that I am here, you are ready to run again. " he said quietly.
" I decked you out there! Or are you suffering from a concussion? " she paused and then starred at him.
" You aren't suffering from a concussion are you? Oh God, please that's all I'd need! "
" I haven't got a concussion. Will you calm down? " Li said firmly.

She jumped up again and started packing once more.

" Will you stop that. " Li grabbed her bags and placed them on the other side of the bed out of her reach.
" What right - " she began but his look stopped her.
" It's come to this Avalon. " he said seriously. " You are not leaving this room, until you tell me what is going on. You wouldn't have decked me out there if you weren't suffering from traumatic stress. "
" You are being stupid Li. " she said crossing her arms. " I am fine. " Li arched his brow.
" You sure? " she nodded and then he looked over her shoulder. " Then who's that? "

He got the reaction he knew he would get.

The blood drained from her face before she grabbed the nearest thing she could reach and whirled around ready to fight if she had to. She became confused when she saw nothing behind her and then she looked around her leaving nothing to chance.

Li came up beside her and calmly removed the sneaker from her death grip and placed it on the bed. He took her into his arms and held her gently while she shook.

" You d-ddid that on p-pur-purpose didn't y-you? " she demanded shaking.
" Gomen, " he said using japanese. " but it proves my point. You are afraid and I want to help. "
" Y-y-you, " she began and then Li cried out when her knee cut him straight where no man should be kneed.
" Kuso yaro! " she spat, shaking in anger as he cowered on the ground. " How dare you! "

She grabbed her bags and glarred at him unaware of the tears that streamed down her face.

" You are just like Morimoto! You will use any means necessary to get whatever you want from me! Is it any wonder why I run? It's to get away from people like you! "
She bolted down the stairs nearly colliding with Maggie who had heard the yelling. Li leant up against the doorframe and met Maggie's gaze.

" Don't let her get away! "

But it was too late. Sakura was out the door and running towards the jeep that Seth had just pulled up in.

" Get me out of here please Seth. " she begged as she jumped in. Seth surprised by the tears on her face, slammed on the accelerator and sped off down the dusty road.

Li hobbled down the stairs and watched the jeep get smaller and smaller. He heard Maggie come up behind him.

" What on earth just happened? "
" I just made the biggest mistake of my life. " He gripped his hair with his hands as he watched the jeep disappear.

Seth waited until the ranch was out of sight before he pulled to the side of the road and looked at Sakura.

" You want to tell me what that was all about? "
" What is it with you males? Why do you all think that something is wrong with me or that I need to tell you something? Isn't a girl's thoughts her own anymore? "
" I didn't mean to upset you further Sakura. " Seth said gently. " I'm worried. "

She shot him a look and then wiped her tears away, sniffling in the process.

" I'm sorry. I think I'm in way over my head. " she replied looking out the window.
" Is there anything I can do? " Seth asked.
" Not unless you can make me disappear, then no, I don't there is anything that you can do Seth. "
" You're in trouble aren't you? "

She turned back around to look at him. Why did he sound so much like Li? She didn't say anything for a minute and then she looked down at her lap and sniffed.

" Yeah, I guess you could say that. " she looked up at met his gaze. " You're the only one that I've admitted that to. I doubt Li would be happy with you. Here he's been trying to get me to admit it for a while now and you get it out of me within minutes. " she laughed and then hung her head. " I'm a mess Seth. Maybe you should just take me to the nearest station so I can get out of here. "

" No. " he said firmly and she looked up at him startled.
" Nani? " she blinked.
" I'm not going to help you run away Sakura. You did that last time and look at the mess it got you into. No, this time you have to take a stand and fight. " " I can't stand and fight. " she shot back. " He'll kill me if I do. " she gasped and clamped her hands over her mouth.

" I see. " Seth looked down at the steering wheel and clenched his hands there.
" Oh Seth, you weren't meant to hear that. " she muttered. " Well in that case, the best thing would be for you to go back to that guy back there and let him help you. He's not a useless as you may think him to be. "
" I know Li's not useless. " she shot back. " I know how good he is. But, " she looked away again. " I can't risk him getting hurt. He saved me so many times last year. This time I don't think we'll be that lucky. "

" So you'd rather just walk away and give up? " Seth demanded looking at her.
" I'd rather have it that they take me than go after me, then my father and brother and then my friends. "
" Don't you think that they will do that anyway? "
" Huh? What are you saying Seth? "
" Well if they're that kind of people, then don't you think that they're not going to wait for you to come to them? They'd probably think of ways to get you to them instead. Do you get what I'm saying Sakura? Your family is probably already in danger because you came out here. Now what are you going to do about it? "
" What do you expect of me? "

" Are you just going to sit around and let them hurt you and those that you love? Or are you going to fight them the only way that you can? "
" And what way is that? " she whispered. Seth just looked at her and she hung her head again.
" You mean Li don't you? You want me to put my trust in Li. "
" He'll be there for you Sakura. I know that he will. " Seth replied.
" How can you put so much faith in someone that you've only just met? " she asked.
" Because I know that I can, that's why. " he smiled for the first time. " Besides he looked after you before didn't he? Whose to say that he won't again this time? "

A small smile formed and she blinked back tears.

" Oh Seth. "

Takeshii watched Li pace back and forth in front of him. He'd come home an hour ago and found the place in turmoil.

" Will you quit walking a path in my carpet Li. My neck is getting sore from watching you. " Li shot him a glare and continued pacing.
" How could I have been so stupid? I knew that something was going on and I go and pull a stupid prank like that. "
" No wonder she can't stand me. "
" Look, you said that she took off with Seth? " Takeshii asked. Li nodded.
" Then take a seat. I'm sure they'll be back soon. Seth will talk some sense into her and calm her down and then you can grovel all you like. "
" Why am I not surprised that you can't be serious in a time like this? " Li demanded.
" I am serious Xiao Lang. I'm keeping a cool head unlike you. " he rolled his eyes. " Being in love with her makes you fall apart at the seams as soon as the smallest thing happens. " Li froze and turned to look at him in shock.

Takeshii shrugged smirking.

" Perhaps maybe we need to handcuff the two of you together so you prevent total melt down. "
" What the hell are you rambling on about? " Li demanded. " I am - " the closing of the front door shut him up.

They both met each others gaze before they bolted to the door and peeked out into the hallway.

" Anyone home? " Seth called, his hand on the shoulder of a smaller figure.
" Sakura? " Li whispered his heart thumping a million miles an hour.
" Sakura? " Takeshii asked stepping out into the hall. " It's good to see that you are back. You had us worried. "

Sakura ducked her head and muttered a 'Gomen' before she looked up and met Li's gaze. The two of them looked at each other without saying a word. Seth rubbed her shoulder in comfort and then jerked his head motioning for Takeshii to follow him and leave them alone.

Sakura watched them go and felt her courage slip. She looked back at Li as he approached her. She looked down at the ground and waited for him to say something.

" Gomen. " her head shot up when she finally heard him speak. " Gomen, Sakura-chan. " he said again. " I was stupid and - It's just that I was worried. " he finished looking away from her.

She sniffed and then threw her arms around his neck and wept on his shoulder as his arms came around her in comfort. He let her cry. He didn't care who saw them, only that he knew that she needed this.

She murmured incoherent words that he couldn't understand, but he rubbed her back and soothed her with his words until she managed to calm down. She sniffed and continued to bury her face on his shoulder and he let her. He caught Maggie's gaze from his peripheral vison and she motioned for him to take her up to he room to let her rest. Li nodded and then, gently as he could, he scooped her up and took her upstairs.

He closed the door and walked down the stairs when he knew that she had fallen asleep. He walked down the hall and met Seth half way there. Seth looked upstairs and then back at Li.

" She ok now? "
" Yeah, I think so. " Li replied. " How did you manage -?" " That's what friends are for. " Seth smiled a little. " She just needed a little steering in the right direction. "
" I guess then that I have to say thank you. " Li replied a little reluctantly. Seth smiled and patted Li on the shoulder.
" Take care of her for me k? " and with that he walked off and left Li on his own. Li looked up at the stairs one more time.

' Is it Morimoto? ' his mind wondered.

The room was in darkness when she woke. She remembered the events that had happened earlier and she threw her arm up over her head and groaned. She had behaved like a hysterical fool. What Seth and the others would think she dreaded to know. But when she had thought that she was under attack - on both times - she had acted on instinct.

She was just about to pull the covers up and bury her head under them when someone knocked on her door and light flooded in when it was opened a second later. She peeked out from the covers and saw that the figure surrounded by the hallway light was Li.

" Sakura?" he whispered and she blinked at him, seeing that she was awake he walked in further. " You ok? "
" Sure. " she whispered and tucked the blanket under her chin. " I was just about to pull the cover over and bury my head though. " she replied. He closed the door a little and sat down on the edge of her bed.
" Why? "
" Do you honestly need to ask that after the way I acted earlier? " she gave a harsh laugh. " It's a wonder you didn't knock me out. " " You had a good reason Sakura. " he said reasonably.
" Yeah, I went physo. " she shook her head and rolled away from him.
" No you acted on fear. " Li corrected. " There is nothing wrong with that. "

She rolled back over to look at him meekly.

" Please don't make excuses for me detective. I feel horrible enough as it is. "
" Well gee, I was only trying to make you feel better. " he replied dryly.
" Well you're only making it worse. " she replied and tugged to blanket up over her head.

" Are you wallowing in self pity in there Avalon? " came Li's voice.
" What if I said it was more personal mortification detective? " came her muffled reply.
" Same thing. " he smirked when the blanket flipped back and she starred at him with a frown.
" How is that the same thing? They're two completely different things. "
" Wallowing is wallowing and it got you out from under there didn't it? " he smirked.

She glarred at him and then disappeared back under again.

" Avalon, " Li sighed. " Am I going to have to arrest you to get you out from under there? "
" Maybe. " He tugged the blanket away and won despite her effort to keep it up. He smiled at her glare.
" No more of that. I came in here to ask you if you wanted any dinner? "
" Huh? " she asked confused. " What time is it? "
" After eight, but Maggie wanted to know if you wanted dinner all the same. "
" Iie. " she replied in Japanese. " I'm not that hungry. "
" Dessert then? "
" Iie. "

Li rested his arm on the bed on the other side of her and lowered his head to met her gaze.

" Hiding in here won't make it go away Sakura. "
" Tell me about it. " she muttered and struggled to sit up. " You don't have to re-live it every day of your life. "
" Then trust me and tell me about it. " he whispered softly.
" But then he'll come after you too. " she replied desperately.
" Who Sakura? " he asked keeping her gaze. " Morimoto? " She turned her head away and he sighed.
" The longer you let this go on the more power they have over you and the more people who could get hurt. "

" Don't you think that I have already thought of that? " she demanded keeping her gaze averted.
" Then help yourself by telling me so that I can help you. "
" Why do you want to help me? " she demanded, her green gaze flashing fire at him. " I was the one that made your life hell, I lied to you, did horrible things to you, I ran away and made you worry I - "

" Made me live. " he cut in and she gaped at him. " Live? How was that living? "
" Well you taught me to respect others more so than myself, to take pride in my home by keeping it clean, and you kept me on my toes chasing after you which is more than what any other woman of your measure has ever gotten from me I can assure you. " he replied.

" You class me in the same category as your ex's? " she asked her eyebrow rising.
" Annoy you? " he shot back.
" Don't really care. " she replied haughtily.
" Yeah right. " he smirked and she rolled her eyes and turned her head away. " So other than to annoy me and see if I was still alive, what else were you wanting? "
" To see if you wanted to come down and socialise? "
" Do you think that would be a good idea? " she asked uncertain.

" You honestly want my opinion? " Li asked.
" Forget I asked. " she said and sighed. " I think I want to stay in here. " Li smirked.

" Not good enough. " came his reply reaching towards her.

" Li put me down this instant! "

Seth and Takeshii looked up at the cursing coming down the hallway.

" Now what one earth is happening now? " Maggie asked.

Li came striding with Sakura's form over his shoulder cave man style.

" I swear you're a dead man! A very dead man! " she screeched. " Put me down! The blood is rushing to my head! "
" One visitor coming up. " Li smiled as he gently lifted Sakura and placed her in the chair near the window.

She glared at him in fury with her hair mussed up.

" You just wait detective. " she spat. " Don't dare turn your back because I'll be there! "
" I look forward to it. " he replied and looked at Maggie. " You got any dessert left Mags? "
" I don't want - "
" Don't listen to her. The blood had flooded her brain. " Li cut her off and smiled.
" Jerk. " she muttered placing her chin in her hand.
" Wench. " he muttered back and she flashed him a glare to let him know that she had heard.

" I'll go and get it. " Maggie said and walked out of the room.

" Feeling better now Saku? " Seth asked.
" Yeah. " she sighed. " I guess. " she shot Li a look. " No thanks to him though. "
" You're welcome. " he replied sitting down.

" Here you are my dear. " Maggie said coming back in and carrying a small bowl. " My hubbies favourite. "
" Pudding! " she cried smiling. " Oh Mags I love you! "
" Whose idea was it again? " Li muttered looking at Takeshii who just smiled. Sakura dug into it heartily, moaning in delight at the taste.
" T'is is mfhfghs good. " she said around the spoon. The others smiled at her antics.

" So you going to tell us what is going on? " Takeshii asked later on. Sakura stiffened and put the empty bowl and the spoon on the table.
" Alright. But do you understand the danger? " she asked looking at her lap.
" Hey what! " Li shifted in the chair in surprise. " I nag at you to tell me and all he has to do is ask and you spill? What gives! "
" He has treated me like a lady. " she shot back looking at him. " I haven't been slung over his shoulder. "
" I wouldn't put it past him. " Li muttered looking at Takeshii's smirk.

" Anyway - " Sakura took a deep breath and started back at the day of the trial and how Morimoto had cornered her in the bathroom and tried to choke her. She went on to explain how he had threatened her and that he would come after her, even if it meant that he had to hire someone to do it.

She went on to explain that weeks after the trial that she thought she was being followed, but she had put it down to pananoia due to the stress and trauma she had suffered in the previous encounter with Moto at the University and the trial. Then she had glimpsed the men following her and then she knew that more than one was tracking her. The shops, the bakery, her home, they targeted her.

She was frightened remembering how he had threatened her. She knew then that he was making it clear that he was keeping his promise, but since nothing had happened as yet, she believed that it was just trying to get to her and she tried to put it from her mind. But it was hard.

Then the night of Tomoyo's party she knew that they had breached her friend's security without triggering it and she realised how clever they were. They were true professionals - that scared her and it was then that she knew that she had to distance herself from those that she loved and cared for. If they could breech Tomoyo's security, then what would stop them coming back again and hurting Tomoyo to get to her?

Things started going down hill since that night. She'd be alone in the house, her father at work, and she would hear things, things meant to scare her - the rattling of a window when there was no breeze to cause it, tiny pebbles hitting windows - it was a nightmare and it was harrasement.

She lived in fear. There was nothing she could do. Then there came the time when someone would bump into her and she would excuse herself for being so clumsy only to find herself looking up at one of the men she knew had been following her. They were getting cocky, showing there faces, issuing threats to her face, intimidating her. She could go to the cops, they might believe her, but then one of her family might disappear or a friend, who knew who they would take out they would say.

Then she saw the murders of those poor woman and she felt herself die a little more inside. She had no idea why they were killed, but she couldn't help linking it to her. Had she done something wrong? Had she disobeyed their orders? She had become their puppet, a shell which was filled with nothing but fear. Nothing like her normal self.

Then it became too much. She packed up her bag and left. She used all the training that she hadn't forgotten and got out of the country. She headed to Colorado and made the rest of the way to Takashi's ranch by car and paid the guy well and made sure to give him a false name and kept her hair under a hat. If they followed her, she was going to make then look to find her and she hoped that if they had followed her this far, that they fried their brains out in the process.

The room was quite when she had finished. She had stared at her lap the entire time and she clenched her hands and refused to look up. Someone moved and she looked up to find Li staring down at her. She blinked and looked down at her lap again.

" Why didn't you tell me sooner? " he asked. " Why Sakura? No one should go through that. No one. "
" You couldn't help. " she whispered. " They'd have hurt you to. I wasn't going to have that on my concience. "
" I'd have liked to see them try. " Li retorted and she looked up.
" Don't you see? " she asked. " I was not going to let them hurt you or anyone else because of me. "
" I'm a cop, I was put through training for this sort of thing. " he retorted.
" I don't care. " she snapped and looked away. " I know what is the more important and that's that. "

" But at what cost for you Sakura? " Seth said cutting in. " Why sacrifice your life for something that you could help prevent? " " You don't know him - Moto - he's dangerous. " she said to her friend. " I still bear the scars of the last encounter with him. It was nearly my last. "
" But who saved you? " Li said crossing his arms.
" I know who Li. " she replied angrily. " Do you think there isn't a day that has gone by that I haven't thanked you for what you did? "

Li sighed and ran his hands through his hair and she remembered that gesture as a sign of frustration.

" Mina-san, " she said smiling softly. " Please don't worry about me. I'm fine. Really I am. "
" Well I don't like it. " Maggie jumped up angrily. " No one hurts my girl. No one. "
" Maggie's right. " Takeshii said nodding. " No one will hurt you anymore Sakura. It's the least that we can do. "
" You don't understand. " her hands clenched on the chair. " Why won't you listen to me when I say I don't want any of you in this? "
" Because we care and you'd have to knock us unconcious to stop us from helping you. " Seth said firmly.
" Li. " she pleaded. " You wanted the truth and now you have it. Please don't do anything stupid. "

" I'm sorry Sakura. " Li said after a minute of silence. " I have to do what I have to do. "
" Li! " She yelled when he walked out of the room. " Her frightened eyes went to the others. " What is he doing? "
" Probably making some calls and getting backup. " Seth replied smiling.
" This is no joke Seth Rogers! " she cried.
" Alright little one. Calm yourself down. " Maggie stepped in. " You're getting all worked up for nothing. "
" How can you say that? " she demanded. " I just got his death certificate signed! "

" Now that's enough of that. " Maggie said angrily. " Now come with me and we'll get some herbal tea into you and that should settle you down so you can think clearly. "
" But - "
" No buts. Now come. " Maggie dragged her out of the room.

Sakura starred miserably into the bottom of her half empty cup. Her reflection starred back at her and she wondered what was taking Li so long. He hadn't gone anywhere, she could hear him walking around upstairs. How could she have spilled it all like that? Tori would tell her that she didn't have the knack for playing it low. How right would he be? She had more or less waved a red flag in front of the men chasing her and done what she had tried not to do - get the police involved. Trust her friend to be a detective of all things.

She sighed and rested her chin in her hand on the table. Maggie was pottering around in the kitchen keeping an eye on her and was not going to let her out of her sight either, so there was no way Sakura could sneak past her and go try and convince Li that to help her was complete folly.

Just then she heard footsteps coming down the stairs and they both looked up as Li walked into the kitchen looking straight at her. She knew that look - the look of determination and the will to succeed no matter what.

" Oh no . . " she lifted her head and met his gaze. " I know that look, whatever you have up your sleeve the answer is n- "
" Sakura. " Li cut in leaning against the doorframe. " How do you feel about getting married? "

Sakura starred at him and gulped. She should have known . . .

TBC

Author's Notes

I know that this chapter was a little long winded, but it was necessary to get all of the above out of the way. I ask that you remember that for the last year, Sakura has been shadowed and watched and she is freaked out by the stalking and knows that if she reveals that she is being stalked, that Moto will act on her family, for she believes that it is Moto who is after her once again.

Mika is on his honeymoon and Jiang has replaced him temporarily with Hiragizawa; a rookie agent. He doesn't agree with the tactics that Li uses to gain information and constantly reminds Li of this.

The news of the murders haven't reached China yet as Kale Brody is trying to keep the whole mess covered for the time being. He believes that if this information was leaked out to the public that it would start a mass-panic attack and in the confusion, give the murderer time to strike again. He also likes to know the facts before he acts on them.

Well that's the first chapter completed. Please review and tell me what you think and I'd just like to say that if you find any mistakes it's because I'm practicing my touch typing. Now that that is out of the way, please look forward to the next chapter.