BW2 Ok guys here is the next chapter of Hero Vigilante. I'm sorry that it has taken me this long to get this chapter up but most of my time has been divided lately and I have discovered that there are not enough hours in the day to what you want to do.
Before I start I would like to say a thank you to the readers that have stuck with this story. I know that it seems a little lame at the moment, but I can assure you that there is a twist that I have yet to mention. I am leading up to something I just have to get it down. If only humanity had invented a way to take what is already in your head and put it down in words for you.
Ok here's a HUGE thank you to the following awesome people:
bubbyzhao
He-Yan
AnimeObsessionFantasy
dancing wind forever
Noir Rose and
Twilight Night
And I apologise to Dancing Wind Forever. I didn't mean to make you upset by not posting another chapter yesterday. I realised that I had left out one of the chapters and was horrified and had to correct it. Unfortunately I ran out of time and didn't get to post this chapter for everyone. Forgive me? Pretty please?
Now lets get onto the next awaited chapter.
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RECAP - The Story So Far . . . .
Sakura is placed in Protective Custody after she reveals to Li that she is being stalked and harassed again, but by who, she is not sure. Sakura and Li are given new identities and are playing at being a married couple on their honeymoon, while Madison and Sakura's family are also placed in Protective Custody, all except Tori and Luna for they are out searching for Luna's family.
Madison and Eriol seem to be getting to know each other, but their rocky relationship seems to go forward two steps before it jumps back four.
Sakura meets up with Jamie and the others from the previous story and Li discovers that Sakura has been withholding important information from him about the people she knows and throws in the case. He takes Sakura back to China and Sakura is transferred to Liam Moshiboto - a detective that Eriol does not like.
Sakura not trusting the methods that Moshiboto is about to use on her case, runs away once again in search of her own answers and is now back in Tomoeda.
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It was amazing what a few days of sweat and determination could produce. The little garden was once again up and running as Luna let her gaze take in the wonder of it all. Tori came out and handed her a cool drink and she took it gratefully. He clapped her gently on the back and smiled before he sipped from his own drink.
" You know I've searched this place from top to bottom and there is no trace of anyone. I know they were here because I remember it. " Luna said. " Why is there no trace of them? "
" I don't know. It is a little strange. " Tori replied thoughtfully.
" I remember little things, but nothing that is significant you know? "
" What do you remember? " he asked.
" I remember playing out here in the sun, and playing near the tea house because the willow hid me from everyone else. I could do anything I wanted and no one could stop me. I remember a woman talking to me, warning me to be careful in a mother's voice but that's all. There is way to explain how I got from being a little girl to the misery that I experienced at the hands of Moto. " she shivered and looked up at him with haunted eyes.
" Hey it's ok now. I'm here and you have nothing to fear anymore. "
" I wish I could be so sure of that. " she muttered.
" Hey? What? " Tori asked a little startled. " Are you in danger? "
" No, no. It's nothing. " she replied. " Come on, I want to ask around and see if anyone remembers the family in this house. Someone should remember something. "
" Luna - " Tori paused unsure if he should continue.
" What? " she asked.
" If you were in trouble, " he paused and met her gaze. " Would you tell me? "
" Come on Dark Angel. " she said turning her back. " We have things to do. "
A cold shiver went up his spine and he shivered. He hoped that wasn't a bad sign.
Some hours passed and Luna still hadn't asked the questions that plagued her. They sat in the small park and swung back and forth absently on the swings while children ran passed, some shooting the strange adults playing on their swings funny glances. She watched the people who passed and wondered when she would find the courage to confront a stranger and ask them the question that had haunted her whole life. Do you know if I belong?
She sighed and kicked at the ground. Tori watched her and saw her torment. It was hard, he could tell, to not know why you lost everything you ever loved. He had a family, a sister who was hopeless at the best of times and a monster at the worst, and a father who would do anything for him or his sister. Luna had never had that as far as he could tell and from what she had told him on their journeys.
" I know a way that we could go about this if you're still game? " Tori said suddenly.
" What? " she jolted as if stung.
" C'mon. " he grabbed her hand and dragged her after him, her purple eyes wide in shock.
" There. " Tori stood back and looked at his handy work.
" I can't believe that you did that. " Luna said looking flustered.
" What? You wanted answers and this way you will get them. " he said looking at the flyer on the wall.
Anyone know of the Mikazukigata family? We're looking for information and anyone who is able to help us would be gratefully appreciated. Please call on this number. . .
" You make me sound like a lost dog. " Luna said woefully.
" Well you are in a way - ouch! What was that for! " Tori demanded rubbing his sore shoulder.
" Hmphf! " Luna walked away and Tori ran to catch up to her.
" Hey I know this will work Luna. "
" Go away. I am not a lost dog that needs pity - Hey! Put me down! What are you doing! Tooooorrrriii! Ahhh! "
Tori hefted her slight form up into the air, his arms securely around her waist and spun her around laughing as he did so at her petrified expression.
" Cheer up! " he said spinning around. " You have lost your touch Mikazuki. You used to laugh when I was the one who worried all the time. "
" I swear if you don't put me down right now I'm going to hurl! " she cried wrapping her arms around his neck.
Laughing, he came to a stop and gently lowered her down. Being nearly as tall as he, her purple eyes glared holes into his. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck and refused to let go. He smiled charmingly at her and saw her eyes narrow further.
" Wipe that satisfied smirk off your face Avalon. " she threatened.
" Nice to know I can still sweep you off your feet Mikazuki. "
" Mikazukigata. " she corrected as she pushed against him angrily. His smile widen and she growled.
She looked passed him and saw the interested gazes of a couple of the elder locals and froze going bright red. To them their display would look like two people flirting and fooling around happily. She met Tori's gaze and unwrapped her arms from around him as if stung, but he held onto her around the waist and refused to let go.
" Ikasete. " she said growling. (Let me go)
" C'mon Luna lighten up. " he said losing some of his smile.
" I don't want to lighten up Avalon. " she replied pushing against him still. " I have a mission. "
" Well this 'mission' is going to have to wait. " He jerked her up and over his shoulder and started walking back towards the car.
" What in God's name do you think you are doing! " she screeched. " Put me down immediately! "
" Ladies. " Tori nodded his head as he passed the staring group of elders and smiled.
" Nante hidoi hito! " she yelled, blood rushing to her head. (What a jerk!) " Mou yametara! " (Stop fooling around!)
Tori just shifted her weight and patted her on her butt and laughed at her outraged growl as he walked down the street to the car.
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Meanwhile in Tomoeda . . .
Sakura had spent the night back in her old room. She had hugged her pillow to her chest. When would it end? Would she ever be able to live a normal life? As she had laid there in the dark, the sounds of the night whispered through the stillness. A familiar memory came to her mind - a memory as dear to her as her own heart, one of amber eyes and chestnut hair. Tears welled up as she buried her face into her pillow and she cried herself silently to sleep for she feared that if she made too much sound, someone would find her.
For they always managed to track her down . . .
The morning sunlight filtered through her window and woke her. She blinked and became disorientated when she saw the familiar childhood room. Wasn't she just on the island out in the sun while Li worked on his laptop? Running her hand through her tussled mop of hair, she looked around as she became more awake and realised where she was and why.
She made her way downstairs silently. She opened the front door slightly and saw that there were a few papers sitting on the doorstop. She ducked out and grabbed them before dashing inside hoping no one had seen her. She locked the door and made her way to kitchen. The kitchen was still stocked and she had to sort through what was still edible and what wasn't.
She made breakfast and sat down and started to scan the newspapers a idea forming in her head as she read. She finally found what she looking for - the write up in the newest cases of murders. She read it a growing horror forming in the pit of her stomach.
She let the paper fall back on the table with a plop and sat back her breakfast forgotten. Something was linked to her she was sure where there's murders were concerned. She finally managed to drag herself up to the bathroom for her morning shower and she found an outfit that she could wear.
She walked back down to the table determined to figure this mystery out. She had no one she could rely on and she knew that she couldn't contact any of her friends or family for she knew for certainty that Li would track her down once they discovered she had run again - then again . . .
Her emerald eyes grew glassy as she recalled how Li had looked at her as she her case was transferred to Moshiboto. He no longer cared. He wouldn't come after her. No one would now.
Shaking her head she knuckled down to the task at present. She flipped a notepad open and started taking down notes. She remembered enough of the first murders to write down details. Then after that was accomplished, she started adding what she knew of the second murders from the paper.
She starred at the facts that she had written down and none of it made any sense. Thinking like Li himself now, she added things that had happened in her life before the murders had happened. When dates and places that she had been made no sense either she sat back and re-evaluated.
As the clocked continued to tick away in the silence of the empty house Sakura slapped her palms on the table and her emerald eyes flared with determination.
" There's only one option left. " she said to the stillness.
Meanwhile . . . .
The knock sounded again in the hallway. It was answered with silence. Liam braced himself and turned the handle and opened the bedroom door silently. He peeked in expecting to see a sleeping figure in the bed, but what he saw made his jaw gape and his eyes widen.
The room was empty, the covers turned back and the lady's suitcase on the end of the bed open. He walked in and scanned the room making sure his eyes were not playing tricks on him. She was gone. He looked through the suitcase and noticed her wallet and passport gone. She had escaped to somewhere, but where?
He turned and made down the hall to his coffee table where he left his laptop, Avalon's case and his cell. He hit the speed dial and listened as someone answered on the other end. He took a deep breath before he started to speak:
" I have a major problem . . . "
" Anything else I can get you? " Madison asked quietly.
" Hmmm? " Eriol muttered before shooting her a quick look. " Oh, no thank you. I'm fine. "
Madison leant back the coffee pot in her hands and looked at him worriedly. Ever since he had come back from the office he had been silent and moody. It was like he was - distracted. She set it down and moved her hair out of her eyes. She studied him as she would a new design. She took in every detail and every expression on his face and realised somewhat startled, that he was worried.
" I'm going into the office today. " she said quietly. " You can come if you like. " God, did she just say that?
" Hmmm. " he murmured staring into his mug. " That's nice. "
" You aren't even going to kick up a fuss are you? " she asked again.
" Whatever you think is best Duchess. " he replied offhandedly.
Shaking her head at him she wrote down a note and left it on the bench where he would see it when he snapped out of it. Sighing, she walked out of the kitchen and out of the house, looking once in her rear vision mirror before she drove off. A small smile played at the corners of her lips. She would pay any price to see the look of startled realisation dawn in those sapphire eyes when he realised she was gone. Again.
Sakura gulped as she was searched, lead through metal detectors and was searched again before she was lead into the visiting room. The prison was cold and foreboding and made her skin crawl. The prisoners shot her looks as she passed them behind the protective glass wall and sat down at the vacant seat.
She swallowed and tried to calm her unsteady heart. She shouldn't be here in the demons den. She should push back this chair and run. Run away and never set foot near the place again. But that was her rational side. Her determined side kept her butt firmly in the chair as the door opened on the other side of the room and she stared into the eyes that had haunted her dreams for so many months.
Yoshii Morimoto seemed truly baffled as the guards lead him towards her, but that didn't stop the predoratory glint in his cold eyes as he watched her. Her heart pumped faster and faster as he walked closer to her. Sure there was a protection wall between her and him but she felt the fear that his presence wrought reach out and clasp her soul. She struggled to breathe as he sat down and stared at her for the first time since she had walked out of the court two years previous. He reached over and picked up the phone on the wall.
" I have to say that I am intrigued why you are here. " he said, his voice like smooth silk. Sakura raised her chin.
" I think you know why I am here. " she replied through the speakerphone provided. He smiled.
" Tell me my dear, how has life been since I left you and your detective friend? "
" I refuse to have any formal conversation with you Moto. " Sakura replied coldly. " I want answers. "
" Oh? " his brow arched and she could see the calculating look in his eyes.
" You threatened me Moto. I haven't forgotten that I and I know you held your promise. I've been stalked, chased and scared an inch of my life and the only reason I am here giving you the satisfaction of my torment is so that you can call it off. "
" Call what off my dear? " he asked smiling still.
" The little minion you have running around killing all those women. I know you are behind it. So stop it. You've proved your point. You can still get to me no matter where you are. I congratulate you. You are a true sadist in all nature, but it ends now. "
" So young and so bossy. " Moto exclaimed mockingly. " I daresay it's from that brother of yours. Your father was always so humble. "
" Leave my family out of your twisted games! " she hissed he eyes flashing. " I'm the one who placed you here and I am the one that bears the burden of your sick games. Call your henchmen off Moto. "
" I would love to take credit for those lovely little killing sprees Miss Avalon, but unfortunately I don't have the luxury of being able to stake claim to them. "
" You lie! " she yelled catching the guard's attention.
" Calm down Miss Avalon if you wish to continue this conversation. " Moto said smiling less now. " You won't have another chance. "
" You lie. " she said softly meeting his eyes. " You are behind it. I know it in my heart that it's you. "
" I told you once Miss Avalon that no matter where you went or what you did I would find you. " he replied. " There is no proof that I have connections out of this hell hole and nothing that you can find. I am as silent as the night and so I shall remain. They will keep hunting you until the day you die. You took away everything from me and so I shall take everything away from you. "
" You're a foolish man Moto. " Sakura replied scared to an inch of he life. " You had it all but you took your own life away by doing all the evil things that you did. I didn't ruin your life you did, the moment you walked down the path that you trod. And if you think that you will always find me you are wrong. I defeated you once and I will do so again and then there will be no mercy for you. "
Moto met her challenging look and then threw his head back and roared with laughter. A few of the guards and the prisoners turned to look and Sakura felt the blood rush to her face. He settled down and looked at her again and she could see something akin to appreciation in his cold eyes.
" As they say - I am the Devil's advocate. I am Yoshii Morimoto and there will never be a day where I am not lord of this country! "
Sakura never broke her gaze from his. It cost so much of her soul to keep that gaze but she held firm.
" Call off your henchman Moto. You know that I will live, that I will fight and in the end I will triumph. I'll find the connection between the murders and you and then I will be rid of you once and for all. "
" Ah Miss Avalon you are a delight. Quite a pleasure. " he replied smirking.
" One more thing Moto. " Sakura said standing up and raising her chin.
" What's that Miss Avalon? " he asked almost purring.
" Know this, " she said clearly. " While I walk outside in the fresh air, you are locked up in a cell day in and day out. You have lost your freedom and your respect. While I live, you slowly die and lose all the power that you once had. When I am with my family and have all their love and laughter around me, you will be here forgotten like an old memory with no one to remember you. The novelty of your little games is wearing thin. I live and you die. It would seem that you are not as great as you once thought yourself. You, like all common men, are immortal. "
" Oh I underestimated you my dear. " he replied his smile long forgotten. His voice was cold. " You are good I'll give you that, but you cannot beat the best. "
" I wouldn't be so sure of that Moto. " Sakura replied as the guards came to escort him away. " I still walk away. "
Moto felt something snap in him as he watched her walk away from him. Her words had gotten to him more than he would ever let her know. He craved the feeling on the sun on his face and the freedom to walk away undaunted. And here she flaunted it in his face like a dagger digging in deeper and deeper into his heart. It infuriated him to think that she could waltz in here terrified of him and leave with that parting speech.
As he was dragged away and he caught the last glimpse of her as she left, he felt the hot, burning need in him and he knew that this was not the end.
Not by a long shot . . .
China . . .
" ... Ah, what's up boss? " Eriol asked as he rushed through the door. " I was kinda in the middle of something that I have to take care of. " Why in the hell did he let her to drive off without him even knowing it!
" Sit down. " Jiang replied. " There is some business to discuss. "
" Like what? I am on a tight schedule. " Gone to the bloody office again! Hadn't she ever heard of a day off!
" Hiragizawa, Avalon is missing. " Jiang stated matter-of-factly.
" Hey - WHAT! " Eriol came to a dead halt and looked at both Jiang and Moshiboto.
" It's my fault. " Liam said rubbing his temples as he stared out the window. " I should have checked on her. "
" So she's gone? " Eriol asked slack-jawed. " Just upped and gone. How the hell did she escape? "
" Out the window. " Liam sighed. " I didn't think that someone who wanted help would run from it. "
" Well we have to track her down. " Eriol said meeting Jiang's gaze. " Find out where she has gone. "
" I already have men following her. " Jiang spoke up. " We know she headed to the airport. But to where she went is where my men are working at the moment. When we have that established, then we will follow her. "
" So why did you call me in? " Eriol asked.
" You're safe guarding Miss Daidoji. Miss Daidoji is Miss Avalon's friend. Has she said anything to you indicating that this might have been planned? " Jiang asked.
" No. Not a thing. " Eriol shook his head. " She has no idea. "
" Very well, keep an eye out Hiragizawa. At this stage we have no idea where Miss Avalon could have gone and we need all the leads we can get. "
" What has Xiao Lang got to say about all this? " Eriol asked. The room was quiet.
" Well? "
" Xiao Lang hasn't been informed of Miss Avalon's disappearance. " Jiang replied calmly.
" What? " Eriol asked surprised. " Why not? He would know where she is even before she did. "
" Xiao Lang is no longer on this case. " Jiang replied. " This has nothing to do with him. "
" Oh come on! Don't give me that bullshit. You know as well as I that they care for one another. Why not let him help? "
" Because I can not allow any relationships to occur between client and employee. You know that. " Jiang replied.
" But - " Eriol began.
" Xiao Lang is already engaged anyway. " Liam spoke up. " He cannot help. " Eriol's eyes narrowed.
" What would you kn - " Eriol's retort was cut short as the phone rang.
Jiang listened and then gave directions before he hung up.
" It would seem that Miss Avalon has gone back to Tomoeda. " Jiang spoke up.
" What? Why would she go back to the devil's den? " Liam asked incredulously.
" I'm not sure. " Jiang rubbed is chin in thought. " Whatever the reason, my men are boarding a plane and heading out to Tomoeda shortly. She will be placed back in protective custody and we will hold her until we make her understand the importance of staying put. "
Eriol nodded and then backed out the door. He had some things he needed to deal with.
Li was walking down the hallway looking at the folders he was carrying when he nearly bumped into someone. He looked up and met the serious gaze of Hiragizawa. His glasses flashed in the light as he met his gaze.
" . .Meet me outside in five minutes. "
Li watched the dark haired man walk away from him and wondered what in the hell was going on. What could Hiragizawa have to say to him that he hadn't already said?
" Alright. You summoned me out here now what did you want to talk about? " Li asked as he met up with Eriol.
" It's about Sakura. " Eriol began.
" Look I already told you I - "
" She's gone and disappeared again you idiot. " Eriol snapped glaring.
" Gone? " Li asked frowning.
" Yes. Sakura was with Moshiboto and now she is back in Tomoeda for some God known reason. "
Li sucked in his breath and almost thought his chest would lock and not let him breathe again. She was back in Tomoeda? Where she was in the most unspeakable danger?
" What the hell is she doing back there! " Li exploded.
" That is why I wanted to talk to you. Jiang doesn't know. But I think that you do. "
" Why would I know why she is back in Tomoeda? "
" Because you know her better than anyone. Sakura tells you things that she doesn't anyone else. There must be a reason why she would place herself in danger and I think you know why. "
Li let his gaze drop as he thought through all the things that he and Sakura had talked about. He ran through ever conversation with her and tried to remember. Then his heart stopped and his eyes widened as they stared at the concrete below them.
" You know don't you. " Eriol whispered. " You know why she's gone back. "
" . . . "
" Please go and save her. Regardless of what she has done, go and save her before it is too late and you lose her forever. "
" She wouldn't be so stupid. " Li whispered.
" If Sakura thought that it was for a good cause, then I'd say she would. "
" How can you say something like that? You don't even know her. "
" True, but I have heard so many stories of her from Tomoyo and I see it when you think of her. Go and save her. "
" I can't. I'm no longer on the case. " Li replied darkly.
" Did you sign the paperwork? " Eriol suddenly demanded.
" What paperwork? "
" The paperwork Jiang gave you when you transferred her. " Eriol snapped.
" Of course I didn't! " Li bit back. " How could I? I - " his head snapped up and met Eriol's gaze.
Eriol smiled and the wind played with his bangs.
" Go and get her and bring her home safe. " Li nodded once his eyes blazing with determination.
" Oh and when you find her, " Eriol said smiling for the first time. " Say hi to her for me. "
Li shot him a look, the wind playing with his own messy bangs, before he turned and walked away.
" Oh and try not kill each other on the way back! " Eriol called with laughter in his voice.
Li paused and turned his head to look over his shoulder at the young idiot. He saw the huge grin on Hiragizawa's face and smiled a little to himself. Knowing Sakura she wouldn't like him dropping in on her little escapade. Well he would have berate her later when he found her.
He got in his car and made his way to the airport and managed to score a last seat on a flight going to Tomoeda. Before he knew it he was standing out the front of the airport in Tomoeda waiting for a taxi.
The wind made his messy bangs whip back and forth crazily as they drove further into Tomoeda with the window down. The sky was blue, there were no clouds and it was the perfect day.
Perfect for finding a certain emerald eyed brat.
TBC
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I know that chapter was short but I couldn't continue anymore without giving away part of the next plot. I hope you guys liked this. Please click on review and let me know what you think. I'm starting to conclude this story just so you know. Another two, maybe three at the most, chapters to go I think. Stay tuned as Ill be back! Have a great day faithful readers. Ja!
Black Wolf Chic 2