BW2
Hi there everyone. I have just been introduced to 'Love Hina' and I love it. Dying to see the second season which I will have to try and get my hot, little hands on. Have also watched 'Princess Mononoke' by Miazaki the producer of 'Spirited Away' and 'Howl's Moving Castle'. Have to say that it is another master piece. Was a little disappointed by 'My Neighbour Totoro'.
Also seen some more of 'Tsubasa' and who can't say that they haven't melted when they watch the way Li and Sakura interact with each other? Also watched 'Full Metal Alchemist' and have fallen in love. What more can I say? I love it!
I've decided that I'm going to put more things related to me in these little notes before the chapter begins so people can get to know me a little better. I won't do it all the time, but occasionally. Ok here I go:
Munching on Spearmint Leaves, (the confectionary, not the real thing in case anyone was questioning my sanity). Hoping they might give me a brain boost, but all they seem to be doing is giving my toothache. :(
Currently listening to:'You Are My Love' as featured in Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. I just adore this song! It's so sweet and full of feeling. I also love the version Sakura sings with that weird lady in the World of Outo (sp?) The Sakura World anyways.
For those that might be looking for a cool Tsubasa site go to: http/ the official site and has heaps of stuff on there. And if you're like me and love the songs used in Tsubasa, then go to this link:
http/ downloadable songs from the series.
Thought for the day: 'Money makes the world go round. For those unfortunate not to have any, the world stands still.'
Ok, here is the next chapter.
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"...Hong Kong International is now boarding at gate 10. Please make your way to the boarding gate immediately. "
Sakura stood near the huge windows in the airport and watched another plane soar up into the crystal clear sky. She watched it soar up into the sky until the sunlight glinted off the pristine white wings and the sharp glitter hurt her eyes and forced her to re-adjust her vision closer to the ground. What was that saying about the sky being the limit? Huh, well her wings had well and truly been clipped.
Beside her on the ground was her travel case. The rest of her luggage had been already sent to the plane along with Li's. She kept her face turned to the window, but her gaze shifted to catch a glimpse of Li standing at the counter talking to the lady behind it. He nodded and picked up their tickets and turned to scan the crowd for her. She shifted her gaze away and stared back out at the runway and the beautiful day that had no effect on her.
She hadn't even been able to say goodbye to Leiko and the others.
She sensed him before he came to stand next to her. His cologne drifted around her and she tried to put it and the owner from her mind. It was childish, but she hoped that if she ignored him, maybe he wouldn't exist and then she could stay with her friends and forget the whole nightmare still swirling around her, threatening to shatter her sole existence.
" It's time to go Avalon. " he said and she closed her eyes at the finality of it all.
" How can you be so calm? " she whispered. Emerald eyes flashed to amber and pinned him, demanding an answer.
" Part of the job. " he replied emotionlessly. Sakura flinched like she had been slapped.
" So I'm just another job now. " she muttered to herself as she watched another plane take off.
" C'mon, we don't want to be late. " he bent and picked up her travel case giving her no choice.
Sakura looked at the plane soaring into the sky and sighed; turning she followed after him.
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The hallway was quiet. Nothing stirred and she inched the door back a little more so she could peer out. Nothing moved, so Madison crept forward and closed the door behind her. She tiptoed past her bedroom and continued down the hall till she came to the stairs. She paused and looked over her shoulder making sure she wasn't being followed. Nothing stirred. Sighing, she made her way down to the kitchen where she made herself some herbal tea and from there, she headed to her office and closed the door. She threw open the curtains and basked in the early morning light. She quietly opened the window to let the brisk air flow into the room.
She booted up her laptop and opened her work from the previous night. But before she sat down and started, she put all the papers that needed filing into their folders, making sure that she placed the copies into their prospective folders so she could take them into the office later, before she placed her copies into the filing cabinet.
She checked her notes on the pad beside her laptop and crossed out things that she had already had accomplished; making mental notes about what still needed to be done. She sipped at her herbal tea and felt her body relax. Now that her working space was clean and tidy once again, she sat down and placed her attention onto the task at hand.
Time lapse China
Madison blinked and stretched her arms high above her head, wincing as her neck cracked. She closed her laptop and turned to look outside. The sun was brighter now then when she had first sat down. She glanced at the clock on the desk and noticed it was late morning. She stood and stretched her legs remembering that she was still in her pj's. She filed away the new folders and placed more on the pile for her to take into work later. She picked up her cup and opened the door.
She wasn't surprised to see Hiragizawa sitting at the table drinking coffee in the kitchen as she walked to the sink and placed her cup in the dishwasher to be washed later.
" Good morning. " he spoke up. " I see you slept in. " she could hear the smirk in his voice.
" Good morning Hiragizawa. " she replied cheerfully. " Actually, I've been up with the sun early this morning. I just finished my work from last night. Beautiful day isn't it? " She could feel his narrowed gaze on her back.
" You've been up since early this morning? Working? " he asked. She turned around and hit him with a sunny smile.
" Hai. And now that all my work is completed, I can go have a shower and get ready for the day. "
He watched her go and his hand tightened further on the mug in his hand. Was she out of her mind? She reminded him of Xiao Lang - Work, work, work. Did she have anything in the brain of hers other than that damn program that made her work all the time?
Fifteen minutes later he was still sitting at the table waiting for her return. She breezed in humming to herself and walked out of the kitchen and returned with a stack of Manilla folders in her arms. His eyes narrowed when he knew it was work-related.
" Oh no Duchess. " he stood up and moved towards her. " Stop right there. "
" Hmm? " she questioned in a musical tone.
" If that is what I think they are, you are in trouble. " he said and took the folders from her arms.
" Would you mind giving them back to me dozo. " she said patiently. He flipped the top file open.
" I knew it! You can't help yourself can you? " he said glaring. " All you do is work, work, work. "
" There is no law that says working is prohibited. " she said calmly. " Now would you give them back to me please. "
" What are you planning to do with these? " he asked. She arched her brows in answer.
" You are not going anywhere today Duchess, " she glared at him. " Unless it's with me. " her eyes widened.
" I've decided you have a lot of issues that need my help. "
" I beg your pardon? " Madison demanded starting to feel her carefree mood slipping.
" Yep. " he said dazzling her with a 100-kilowatt smile. " You've forgotten how to live and I've made it my mission to get you back on the right track. "
" I knew you were deluded Hiragizawa, " she took the folders back meeting his gaze. "But not this insane. I didn't think bumping your head did any damage, but now I'm starting to think that you have shorted a circuit. "
" Of course you'd think that Duchess. " he tapped her on the end of her nose making
her blink in surprise. " But I will show you otherwise. "
" Whatever Hiragizawa. " she relented and headed out of the kitchen. " If you're determined to make my life your mission then hurry up. I leave in five. " she threw
over her shoulder.
" What a woman. " Eriol smiled to himself as he followed after her.
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It was quiet. She was too quiet.
Li shifted his gaze from looking out the window on the plane to the sleeping figure of the girl beside him. She hadn't said one word to him since boarding a couple of hours ago. She had murmured a thanks to the stewardess but that had been the only time he had heard her speak.
He shifted in his seat wishing they were in Hong Kong already. These planes were always cramped and annoying. He wasn't looking forward to the conversation with Jiang when he walked into his office and announced that he was giving up the Avalon case; that he wanted Avalon transferred to the next available detective a.s.a.p. He would be questioned, analysed and found lacking. He sighed as he laid his head back against his seat. How could he explain it? How could he explain that this was the last thing that he could do for her? He couldn't even look after her right. Maybe he should resign? That had been on his mind a lot lately as well.
He heard her murmur in her sleep and wondered how she could sleep at a time like this? Her life was in danger and the one guy that had been hired to protect her was giving up on her and couldn't even find any evidence as to who could be behind the stalking.
He tilted his head to watch her and felt pain deep inside. She was such a sweet, innocent thing sometimes. He reached over and brushed honey-brown hair away from her eyes before he realised what he was doing. She was not his concern anymore. But why should she pay for your mistakes a voice whispered inside as he tensed. He sighed again and turned to look back at the window.
It would be all sorted out in Hong Kong where they would say their goodbyes and that would be that.
Time lapse China
Madison waved goodbye to the woman at the main counter as they walked back outside. She had handed over the folders and now the day was hers to enjoy as she pleased. Beside her Eriol walked with his hands in his pockets and she couldn't help the fleeting thought that he did always seem to have this handsome persona. Pink staining her cheeks in a tell-tale sign, she pushed the thought away and turned her face away.
" So what are we up to now? " she asked before she could think of anything nice about him.
" Well that depends on what we find. " he replied, the cheery smile on his face.
" C'mon, it's time I taught you how to live again. " he grabbed her hand and dragged her after him.
They grabbed lunch and ate it in a park as they watched the children run around and chase one another. When they were done they strolled around talking about nothing in particular, Eriol making her laugh on several occasions. They walked passed shops and supermarkets until Eriol paused and looked down at her thoughtfully.
" What? " she asked blushing at his scrutiny.
" This won't do. " he murmured and tapped his chin in thought.
" What won't do? " she replied curiously.
" This whole 'I'm just come from the office' look. " he said and stepped closer to her.
" What have you got under that jacket? "
Madison stepped back scandalised and glowered at his knowing smirk and humorous eyes.
" What is underneath is none of you busi - " she began but gasped when he unbuttoned the jacket, revealing the stylish top underneath.
" Tsk, tsk, tsk. " he muttered shaking his head sadly. " C'mon. This won't do at all. "
" Hey! " she tried to pull away as he dragged her inside a shop where she had jeans, tops and shoes thrown at her at rapid speed.
" Get changed. " he pushed her into the change stall and she felt her head was about to fall off.
" What is wrong with what I'm wearing? " she challenged her reflection in the mirror. " This is all the latest designs. "
" Exactly. " his head appeared around the door and their eyes met. " You need to let go. Now hurry up. "
" Who the hell do you think you are! " she demanded as he retreated.
" You're salvation. Now move it. " came the reply from the other side of the door.
Muttering to herself she changed into the jeans and was in the process of pulling the pale lavender top over her head when she sensed he was back again. She turned around eyes wide.
" HENTAI! " she screeched and slammed the door in his face.
" Hey you nearly took off my nose. " he complained.
She stepped out of the stall, (after rapidly donning her top and shoes) glaring daggers at him before replying:
" That's what you get for being a Peeping Tom. " before she promptly kicked him in the shin.
" Ouch! What the hell was that for? " he demanded glaring.
" You wanted to peep - that was the viewing fee. " she replied sarcastically as she stuck her nose in the air and stormed off.
He limped after her as she made her way to the counter to pay for the clothes as well as a jacket she had picked up on the way. She whipped out her credit card and swiped it. She typed in her details and waited for the transaction to complete. She shot him and undignified look.
" Are you happy now? " she asked as 'approved' came up on the screen.
" Not quite Duchess. " he replied leaning over her shoulder. Her face went red and her breath caught at his nearness.
" W-what do you mean? N-not q-quite? " The woman behind the counter was watching them curiously.
He leant back and placed a kiss on the back of her neck, feeling her tense instantly in shock. He pulled the clip from her hair and watched as the raven locks fell freely down her back, to tumble around her shoulders.
" Now you are perfect. " he whispered in her ear before he stepped back and smiled at the woman behind the counter.
" I - " she choked. Eriol stepped forward and took the receipt and the bag with her old clothes in it and hauled her outside.
" Now we can have fun. " he smiled.
He continued down the street where he disposed of the bag with her old clothes in the trashcan. Madison gasped and tried to retrieve them, but his hand tightened around hers and he dragged her off after him. He pulled her into the cinema and paid for two tickets to see the latest movie and stocked up on popcorn and munchies before he lead her to seats up the back where they had a great view of the screen.
They sat though the movie and Madison had to admit that it was a great movie. She munched on the popcorn and became absorbed into the storyline as it went on. When it was over she blinked when the lights came back on and wished it hadn't ended. She looked up into his smiling face and knew that he knew she had enjoyed it.
" So what now? " she asked. " Another movie? Shopping? What is on the great Hiragizawa's agenda? "
" Nothing. " he replied with his trademark smile on his face. It was full of mysteries.
" What do you mean 'nothing'? " she asked sharply trying to forget about his great smile.
" Just what I said. We find what we find and enjoy what we come across. " he replied eyes twinkling.
She followed him out of the cinema and pondered to herself. Why was she focussing on the more charming aspects of this annoying detective than his bad side? Ever since he had scared her half to death and then suffering the concussion she had thought about him differently.
" Madison? " her head snapped up and she stared at him.
" Gomen. I must have drifted off. " she blushed. He smiled at her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
" How about a sundae? " he asked as they walked.
" Sounds great. One would think you're trying to get on my good side Hiragizawa. " she smiled tentatively.
" Damn, looks like you busted me on that one. " he laughed. After a moment, she joined in with him as they walked on.
They were sitting in the bar eating their sundaes when Eriol's head suddenly snapped up and he was looking at the TV in the corner. Madison followed his gaze and tried to pick up what had caught his attention.
" . . Three more victims have been discovered in Tokyo, Japan at two o'clock this afternoon. Apart from the location and the gender, no further conclusions can be made as to why these victims were targeted. "
" Not again. " Madison glanced at Eriol her gaze mirroring shock and sadness.
" Duchess, I'm going to take you home now and I want you to stay there and have the alarm on. I have to go to the station and see what's going on. " she nodded and waited
for him as he paid for their desserts.
Meanwhile . . . .
Sakura stared out the window as the taxi drove them across town. Nothing was taking her interest, but it didn't matter anyway, her thoughts were focussed on the inside. Li also sat with his gaze focussed on the scenery as they drove. In the front the driver sang along with the song that was playing on the radio as he dodged through traffic.
( . . . We interrupt this program for a special news bulletin. )
" Oi! " the driver glared at the offending radio as the song was cut off.
What followed had all three people tensing and listening with undivided attention.
( . . apart from their location and gender, police say they cannot link anything else with this crime. . . )
Li shot Sakura a quick look, noticing her pale face and frightened expression. He leant forward and asked the taxi driver to step on it and handed him another bill. As they speed across town Sakura tried to unclench her fists, but they remained closed. Was it a coincidence that these woman were killed so close to home? Was it a message for her from Moto? Too many questions buzzed in her head but one thing remained clear.
" . . . It's because of me. I just know it. . . "
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Eriol ran up the second flight of stairs and pushed the door open at the top to race into the main office. He passed offices and people who he'd worked with before he came to the waiting area outside of Jiang's office. He came to a stop when he saw the young woman sitting on the lounge staring out the window. From the look on her face she was worried and sad. It was like the weight of the world was weighing down her shoulders. He looked into Jiang's office and stared surprised.
" Well I'll be . . " he muttered as he walked closer into the room. " Xiao Lang. "
" You know him? " came a small, melodic voice from the corner. Eriol started and looked at the young woman.
" In a manner of speaking. " he replied smiling charmingly. " I take it that you know him too? "
" Hai, " she replied looking away sadly. " I do. " Eriol frowned at her reaction and wondered who she was.
" Has he been in there long? " he asked as he stood near her. She nodded twice.
" We arrived about ten minutes ago. " she replied quietly.
" I see. Well then, " he sat down and stretched his longs legs out in front of him. " I guess I'm in for a long wait. " he shot her a smile.
Sakura looked at the man that looked no older than Syaoran from the corner of her eye. He did seem charming with a boyish youth. His sapphire eyes were warm and kind with just a hint of mischief behind his glasses. A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Her gaze flicked up to look once more at the back of Syaoran's back as he talked with Jiang. Here she was sitting here like nothing was about to change. She should be in there arguing or something. She could run away, but that was something Ying Fa would do, not Sakura Avalon.
She sighed and went back to staring out the window. Who knew, maybe it was for the best anyway.
" Can I get you anything Miss? " Eriol asked for the third time.
" Huh? What? " she jerked back to reality and looked up at him with wide emerald eyes.
" Can I get you anything? I'm about to head to the coffee machine. "
" Oh no, I'm fine thank you. " she replied with a small smile.
" Here. " Eriol handed her the cup that he had gotten for her anyway. " Looks like you could use it. "
" Oh, thank you. " Sakura replied as she took the cup. " I'm sorry, I don't even know you're name. "
" Eriol Hiragizawa. Pleased to meet you. "
" Nice to meet you Mr Hiragizawa. My name is Sakura Avalon. "
Eriol felt like he had been push down a flight of stairs. This charming creature was the young woman that had been stalked, threatened, nearly killed on several occasions, who had pulled an amazing coup and landed the biggest and meanest badies into the state prison. Not to mention that she was going through it all again with no leads and what startled him most, was that this poor dejected creature was the best friend of the young woman he had sworn to protect. Boy would Madison freak and make a fuss if she were to see her best friend looking like this.
" Nice to meet you Miss Avalon. I guess that would explain how you know Xiao Lang. " she nodded sadly.
" You haven't told me how you come to know him. " she replied sadly.
" That's easy. I'm his partner. " he replied. The cup paused halfway to her mouth and her eyes widened.
" His partner? " she queried.
" Well I was. " he replied. " I kinda got fired, but I'm still working here. It's a complicated story. "
" So it would seem. "
" So why is he in there and you are out here looking like the world has fallen apart? " he asked.
" Ah - " she began but stopped in thought. " You see - "
Suddenly the door to Jiang's office opened and Jiang stood there in the flesh.
" Miss Avalon, would you care to join us for a moment please. "
" Yes sir. " she replied and stood. Jiang flicked his gaze to the person beside her and tensed.
" Hiragizawa what the hell are you doing here? " he demanded.
" Nice to see you again Boss. " he replied cockily. " Thought I'd check in and see what news you have for me. "
He glared but managed to calm his temper.
" Get in here Hiragizawa. " he threw over his shoulder as he turned and walked back to his desk.
Sakura took the chair beside Li and tried not to fidget. This was it. Eriol leant up against the wall near her and rested his head on the back of his hands. Jiang sat down and looked at the files in front of him. He sighed before he looked up and met Sakura's gaze.
" You know what all this is about? "
" Hai. I don't agree with it, but I have to let you be the judge on the final matter. " she replied.
" Hmmm. I have to say that I am not happy about this. " Jiang said. " You did break protection laws Miss Avalon. "
" But how was I supposed to know that people whom I didn't expect to see would appear like that? I had to tell them or have them blow my cover. Li over exaggerated per usual. " She saw Li tense beside her.
" I see. " Jiang shot Li a look and the turned back to Sakura. " You do understand that I have no choice but to transfer you to another agent? "
" What? " Eriol asked his eyes narrowing. " Why is she being transferred? "
" Because I requested it. " Li replied emotionlessly.
" What? Why? " Eriol demanded. " You are the best one for her case. "
" That is no longer an issue. " he replied coldly.
" Why? " Eriol demanded arguing back.
" Remember who you are speaking to Hiragizawa. " Li turned and glared. " I do not answer to you. "
" That's bullcrap and you know it. I may be a rookie, but that doesn't make me any less equal than you. I have every right to question your authority or in this instance, you're sanity. "
" Please enough. " Sakura pleaded. Her gaze was focussed on her lap, her hands clenched tightly in front of her.
" I don't want any more arguing. Please. Mr Fu please continue with the transfer. I bow to Mr Li's wishes. "
" You do? " Eriol questioned in surprise, Li's face mirroring his surprise.
She clenched her hands tighter and hunched her shoulders.
" Hai. " she replied softly.
" Very well. " Jiang sighed. " I will hand you case over to Moshiboto. "
" No way! " Eriol protested making Sakura start. " Are you out of your mind? Moshiboto? Li are you gonna let her go to Liam? "
" What's wrong with him? "
" Nothing. " Jiang replied glaring at Eriol. " Some question his ability to be a successful detective, but I have seen him work and I believe you will be safe with
him. "
" Then I guess there is nothing to do other than go and meet Mr Moshiboto. " Sakura replied.
" Very well. Li you will find some papers on your desk for you to complete. Hiragizawa, wait here. Miss Avalon please follow me. " Sakura nodded and stood up.
Jiang preceded her out of the office. Eriol glared at Li and made no effort to hide his emotions. Sakura stepped away from the desk and made her way to the door without a backward glance. She was about to leave when Li stopped her.
" Wait. " she froze at the door. " Do you still have the ring? I need to return it to the Protection Department. "
" I'm afraid I no longer have it on me. " she replied without turning to face him. " I got rid of it. "
" You what - ? " Li stated, eyes wide in shock.
" Hai. " she replied and stepped closer to the door.
" What do you mean? What did you do with it? " he demanded a fierce expression on his face.
She finally turned to look at him. Eriol remained silent and forgotten in the corner.
" If you really must know I threw it over the cliff on the island. "
" You threw it - " he choked off in shock. " Do you have any idea how much that ring cost? They'll kill me for it being lost! "
Sakura shrugged her shoulders slightly making him fume in anger.
" I meant nothing so why worry so? It was just a trinket that represented a fake world that never existed. Now if you excuse me, I am no longer you're concern. Oh, it really was a pleasure to meet you Mr Hiragizawa. Hopefully I will have the pleasure of meeting you again one day. And thank you for the coffee, I didn't get to drink it, but it's the thought that counts. I haven't had such selfless kindness in a long time. " she
smiled at Eriol before she turned and left.
It was quiet in the office after she left until Eriol sighed and leant against the wall.
" You really are an idiot you know that. "
" Butt out Hiragizawa. It is none of your business. " Li seethed. She threw the ring over the cliff! How could she!
" I repeat: You are an idiot. "
" It has nothing to do with you. So concentrate on your own problems and leave me alone. " he stormed out of the office and slammed the door behind him.
" It's nice to meet you Mr Moshiboto. " Sakura bowed to the blonde haired man in front of her with golden eyes.
" It's nice to meet you too Miss Avalon. I'm surprised that this case has been handed over to me. What happened to Xiao Lang? " she flinched and Jiang handed the folder
to him.
" That is not the issue at the moment. If you have any questions come to me. Until then, go over this and feel free to ask any questions of Miss Avalon that you think are relevant to the case. "
" Yes sir. " he replied and smiled at Sakura. " If you'd like to take a seat, I'll go over this and see what can be our first course of action. " Sakura nodded and did as he
requested.
" You and Miss Avalon will be placed in protective custody once again, but somewhere a little more remote I think. Until we can dig up so more information on who is after you, I think that would be the safest thing to do. " Jiang stated.
" Li was meant to be searching. " Sakura said. " But I guess he was too busy looking out for me to find anything. "
" That's not true. " Jiang said. " Xiao Lang called in everyday to give us leads and any ideas he had. My men have been out scowering, trying to find anything. We have some people looking into a few leads, but nothing so far. "
" He -? " she couldn't continue.
How could she have been so naive? All those nights he was on his laptop. He had been trying to find out anything about her stalkers. She was an idiot! How could she think that he wasn't trying to help her? It didn't matter much anymore anyway. Li had ditched her and now she would have to rely on this man to help her.
Jiang watched the turmoil race through her emerald eyes and wondered at the cause. Could this be partial to why Li wanted to transfer her? Had something happen between the two? Probably. He mentally shook his head. He had seen in the past how those two had acted around each other and he knew he wasn't a fool. He just hoped Xiao Lang would come around.
Jiang marched back into his office after safely seeing Miss Avalon into Moshiboto's office. He closed the door and looked up to see Eriol waiting for him. He sighed. Today it would seem that he was in for a big headache. Several in fact.
" State what you want Hiragizawa and be done wit it. "
" Firstly I want to know why you are letting Avalon go into Moshiboto's care? Are you insane? He is no where as skilled as Xiao Lang. "
" Xiao Lang wanted out of that case and so I granted it. "
" But why him? "
" Don't come in here and question my authority. The matter is closed. Now what else did you want? "
" Three more women were killed in Tokyo at two o'clock today. " Eriol stated quietly.
" I know. " Jiang sighed. " There are no links to the first case. "
" What do you think it means? " Eriol asked.
" I don't know. " Jiang replied. " But you must have something to say about it otherwise you wouldn't be here. "
" I think it has something to do with the Avalon case, don't ask me why but something is telling me in my gut. "
" Well we can't base anything on your gut. " Jiang replied.
" But - "
" Look unless you have solid evidence, don't waste my time. "
" But Daidoji and the others could be in danger. "
" Unless you have failed to notice, Daidoji and the others related to the Avalon case are well and truly out of harms way. No one knows where they are. "
" Be that as it may - "
" I am not in the mood for your arguments. Now go and do your job and protect Daidoji. "
" I thought I fired myself? " he said with a cocky grin.
" Get out before I have you thrown out! " Jiang roared all patience lost.
" Ok, ok I'm going boss. " Eriol said and walked out. " Nice suit by the way. Did you loose a couple of pounds? "
" OUT! "
Li stared at the file in front of him. He had been staring at it for how long he didn't know. He blinked and suddenly focussed again and sighed as he shoved the offending folder in his top draw. He felt someone watching him and looked up to see Hiragizawa standing casually in the doorway. He glared and refused to acknowledge him.
" And here I thought your manners couldn't improve. " Eriol said mockingly.
" Go to hell and get out of my doorway. " Li snapped.
" My you are in a snit aren't you? " Eriol mocked. " Would this have anything to do with abandoning a certain lovely maiden who needs your help? " Li clenched his teeth
and swore he wouldn't react.
" Oh well you don't have to worry anymore, " Eriol said casually. " It seems that Avalon and Moshiboto are getting along like a house on fire. I don't know what Jiang was thinking putting her in your care. She obviously needed a man like Liam to get things done right. "
There was a loud thump as the chair Li was sitting in flew back into the wall as he stood up challenge written clearly on his face as he snarled at Eriol.
" You obviously have something to say Hiragizawa, " Li grated. " So say it. Don't stand in my doorway talking bullshit. "
" My I am impressed, " Eriol replied. " You have a backbone after all. And here I was thinking you a coward. "
" Coward? " Li demanded. " Are you deliberately baiting me? "
" Maybe I am and maybe I'm not. " Eriol replied as he strolled into the room. " The fact still remains the same. "
" You bastard! I am no coward! " Li yelled angrily.
" No, you are something worse. " Eriol said quietly. " You are a deserter. "
There was complete silence.
" You copped-out on someone who considered you her friend and confidant. You betrayed her when she needed you the most. "
" She betrayed me by holding out on me! " Li fought back. " She held important information from me that could've helped me keep her safe! Instead she foolishly opened a gap in the shield around her. How am I supposed to stand up to that? "
" How many times have you held out on her? " Eriol asked calmly. " How many times did you hold something from her when you knew she could help? "
" You are straying from the point Hiragizawa. "
" Am I? " Eriol leant his hands on the desk and met his glare. " I think you took the easy way out because you got scared. Scared that you couldn't hold your own and protect her. You didn't see the look on her face while she was sitting in the waiting area while you talked to Jiang. It looked like her whole world had fallen apart and you were the bastard behind it. " Li sucked in a breath and tried to calm his temper.
" You ran. Admit it. "
" I will not admit to anything you say. " Li seethed.
" You're loss. Hope Moshiboto knows what he's doing. "
" You are not messing with my head. " Li snapped. " You can try but it won't work. "
" How hard can it be for you to admit that you were wrong! " Eriol demanded his voice rising.
" I was right! I was right in my decision to transfer her case to someone how could handle it. "
Eriol swore and before either knew it, Eriol's hands wrapped around Li's collar and slammed him into the wall with a loud thump. Sapphire eyes were burning with such anger that Li felt the first tinge of fear.
" You stupid idiot. I never took you for a coward. " Eriol breathed before he let go and Li's feet hit the ground.
" At least I knew when I made a mistake and did something about correcting it. You just sit back and let a disaster happen. " Eriol shook his head and backed away. "How can you do it? To her? "
" You don't understand. " Li muttered breathing heavily.
" I understand what I see when you both look at each other. " he replied and Li's head jerked up.
" I just didn't think you stupid enough to throw it all away. " with that he walked out and didn't look back.
Li remained standing for a little while before he pulled his chair back towards the desk and sat once again. Hiragizawa had really blown a head gasket. How'd have thought that cocky grin could disguise such emotion beneath. Li was utterly surprised. Where was Mika when you needed him. He sighed and leant his head back against the chair. He couldn't go back on his word. He couldn't. Sakura was better off.
---------------------------------
Some hours later
Sakura took off her jacket and looked around Mosibto's apartment. It wasn't overly large and it wasn't small and cramped. It was a nice size for an apartment on this side of town she'd been told as they drove there. She turned, after putting her jacket on the rack, to find Mosiboto offering her anything to drink. She declined and walked into the sitting room after him.
Sakura looked around at all the pictures and paintings on the walls and had to admire his taste. She'd thought he'd be stuffy and down-to-business sort. Guess that went to prove that her judge of character was way off. Feeling the uneasiness wash over her again, she forced it back and made herself concentrate on what Mosiboto was saying.
He was busy telling her that they would make their way to the new destination Jiang would send to them so they could get her out of harms way. Sakura listened but her mind kept telling her that it wasn't right to disappear into the mists and let someone try to figure out who had been stalking her. No, she had seen what had happened at the island, it was a distraction and nothing more. She needed to find out who was after her. Disappearing wasn't going to help that.
She snapped back to the present with a start when Mosiboto slapped the file with her case in it on the table. She opened it and saw her statement and other details she had given when she had first made this known to Li. There were pages with other notes in what she knew to be Li's writing. She breathed in deep and went over the details again.
" We'll need to add the people that you met on the island. " Mosiboto said. " So we can get as much info as you are willing to give so we can have a broader scale to work with. "
" My friends wouldn't hurt me. You insult me as Li did to think otherwise." Sakura said quietly.
" I understand how you must be feeling Miss Avalon, but please understand I am only doing my job. "
Sakura gave all the information he needed and watched as he wrote it down. She watched the pages fill up and continued on with anything that could help. She told him about the island and the people who she talked to and had laughed with, but the special moments that she had shared with Li, she kept to herself, locked away in her heart.
After she was finished Mosiboto sat back and re-read everything making sure that he had left nothing out. When he was done he closed the file and thanked her for all her help. Sakura nodded and wondered what would happen to her now.
" I'll go over this again in the morning and then I'll do some paperwork and get other cases that have had young women stalked like yourself. That will be my starting
point. "
" Other cases? " Sakura frowned. " But how many cases are there out there? " she asked incredulously. " That could take months. "
" All the more reason for us to get you into hiding Miss Avalon. "
" And what about my family? Am I allowed to speak with them, call them? "
" At the present time - no. I'm afraid they are in protection like yourself. You can't contact them or their cover may be blown. I'm sorry. "
" I see... " she turned her head away so he couldn't see her building tears. " I guess I will call it a night. "
" Of course. You've had a long day. I will show you were you can stay. " he lead her down the hall to a spare room.
Sakura thanked him and got changed for bed. Everything was so new and strange again and was it any wonder that she felt that she had had the ground yanked out from underneath her? She laid down and tried to drift into sleep, but she remained wide awake. Paper-pushing? She thought back over Moshiboto's words. That was taking a huge step back wasn't it? Besides Li had already been doing that and nothing had come of it otherwise he would have said something she was sure of it.
She rolled over and stared at the unfamiliar ceiling and sighed. It looked like she was going to have settle for waiting. She turned again and then closed her eyes. Who was she kidding? She couldn't just sit back and let her life get taken away from her. She had already had that happen the year before. If she was going to find answers, she was going to have to do it herself.
Again.
She sat up and looked around the small room. There was the door that lead to the hall, but going by the light that she could see underneath the door, Mosiboto was still up. She glanced at the window and slowly got out of bed to tip-toe to the curtains and look outside. There was a small drop, but she could make it if she used that drainpipe.
She changed and looked at her suitcase. She couldn't take it with her. She would have to cut her loses and worry about clothes later. She grabbed her wallet with her money and passport and took one look around the room. She was sorry to do this, but she wasn't going to find ay answers if she stayed here. She lifted the window and then quietly slipped outside and grabbed the drainpipe and made her way down to the street below.
Once her feet touched the ground, she looked back up at the window that she escaped from and felt a pang in her chest for doing this. But regardless, if Li wasn't helping her, then no one could help her but herself. She turned and ran into the night. She hailed a taxi and made her way to the airport.
She didn't care who saw her or if she did leave a trail for them to find her, she was going back and that was that. She scored a seat on the late night flight and as the stars twinkled in the night sky, Sakura found herself once again in Tomoeda.
It was time to find out answers.
TBC