Chapter Five

Disclaimer: I don't own Card Captor Sakura…..I wish I did though

I stared out the window of the little café (A/N: not Sakura's), bored out of my mind waiting for Eriol. For the thirteenth time in that hour, I glanced at my watch and noted with annoyance my longtime friend and ally was late. Just as I was prepared to get up and take my leave, a familiar figure plopped down in the seat across from me.

"Hello again Syaoran, what's the meaning of life?" Eriol asked me out of the blue. I glared at him as I sat down in my seat once again.

"I don't have time for philosophical thinking. I have a question about flowers." That was our secret code. Flowers referred to my target, whilst keeping what we were really talking about a secret.

"What is it you need to know?"

"I need to know the origin and history of cherry blossoms. Kinomoto cherry blossoms to be exact." As I said this, something in his eyes flashed but was gone before I could decipher the meaning. He waved down a waitress and ordered a cup of tea as I circled the rim of my glass, creating a light windy sound. (A/N: Windy? Anyone get it? ;D *nudge nudge* Haha no?...)

"….Syaoran, I don't think I want to do this one," Eriol said, taking a light sip of his tea. I turned to him surprised.

"Why not? You've always helped me out." When I got the nerve to ask, let's face it. When you have a cousin who'll rub it into your face every time you asked for help, you kind of avoid this kind of scenario.

"I just don't think I want to work in the business anymore. I stopped being one of you guys myself because I wanted to live a safe and secure life with my wife. This could endanger us," he said, his eyes hardening as they always did when he talked about his wife's safety.

I don't know her, but apparently she's this big time designer who met him when they were at a piano recital. He backed out of the assassinating business afterwards but still dabbled in it to do a bit of investigating when I needed it, like Yamazaki. Both didn't want to endanger the secure lives that they've built, including their "soul mates". I heaved a sigh.

"Alright, I won't force you. I'll do investigating on my own. It was nice seeing you again," I nodded, paying for the drinks that we had ordered and standing to leave. Eriol also stood up and as he passed by me, he slipped a piece of paper in my hand. Without a single glance or nod in my direction, he left the café and disappeared in the busy streets. I pocketed the note and took off in my own direction, towards the park.

A sign post with a dancing penguin proclaimed the park, "Penguin Park", which was fitting as penguins dominated the playground. In a way it was cute but creepy, as the slide was a smooth platform projecting from King Penguin's mouth and a little empty nook showed where King Penguin's stomach was supposed to be. I sat down on a bench as watched as children played and couples walked around eating crepe, probably bought from the crepe stand I'd seen as I walked into the park. My stomach growled but I sniffled the urge to go buy one. Food stands were too easy of places to poison someone, I should know I've done it myself, and after my encounter in the alley…I'd better be on guard.

Speaking of which, my left arm still wouldn't move. No matter how much I strained to move the muscles in my left arm, it wouldn't budge. It was alive and all, but it was as if my brain had no control over my muscles in my arm. I gave a defeated sigh. This job would be easy, but there is no telling what kind of obstacles I'd have to overcome with this lame arm.

I pulled out the note from Eriol and read the contents.

I can't help you directly, but in all the years I've been in the business, the name Sakura has never came to my ears. I don't think even if I tried, I wouldn't be able to find any information on her. The only way is to find who kidnapped her and question them. Otherwise, do be cautious little cousin.

A scowl graced my features and I took out my lighter. As the note burned into ashes, I spotted Sakura walking by the park, accompanied by that raven-haired girl from her café. Tomoyo was it? I think so. I stood up and walked to them. "Kinomoto-san!" She turned and smiled, waving a little.

"What a coincidence Chen-san! You remember Tomoyo-chan right?" she said, gesturing towards her friend. Tomoyo stretched out a hand towards me, giving a smile of her own.

"I'm Hiiragizawa Tomoyo, nice to meet you." I almost froze, before recovering and plastering on a charming smile.

"Chen Syaoran. Nice to meet you as well." This was Eriol's wife!?