Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Disaster Brings Us Together ❯ Ping ( Chapter 2 )

Thank-you to everyone reading this! I'm so glad you've taken the time!! Here's the next chapter, a little shorter than the first, but the next will be longer. I realize this topic is very… delicate… and I hope I've done an okay job depicting it. My knowledge on it is based out of my psychology book… As always, if you have questions, comments, criticisms or whatnot feel free to e-mail me: pikogio@yahoo.com

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Disaster Brings Us Together

Chapter Two: Ping

Syaoran couldn't keep his feet from moving, much less his eyes. It seemed that every part of his body was brimming with nervousness, making him pace his apartment as his gaze danced around fleetingly. He saw the phone sitting on the kitchen counter and gave it hard glare, willing it to ring. Why hadn't anyone called yet? He was worried about Sakura, more worried than he would care to admit. The expression in her eyes after she'd awoken from her nightmare was one he never wished to see there. It was filled with pain and pure terror… and the worst part was it hadn't left her expression entirely. When her best friend had come to collect her and when she'd given him her best smile, it was there. What he would give to make that look disappear…

But that was off topic. No amount of medical treatment could erase these occurrences from Sakura's mind. Now he was worried about, among other things, the more physical aspect of… things. Damn, it made his blood boil just to think about it. That man… what if she had been hurt physically in the attack? She'd seemed alright but he hadn't bothered to check. And there were worse possibilities still. What if…? A shudder ran through his body. No, don't even think about that.

It's only been ten minutes since they left, baka, that's why you haven't heard. They're probably still in the waiting room. He sighed, knowing that was true; but it still didn't make him any less tense. What am I so worried about? She can take much better care of Sakura then I ever could, that's more than obvious… Now wasn't the time for self loathing, he had to get over that and think of someway to help Sakura.

If I don't stop with the pacing soon I'm going to ware a hole through my carpet. Syaoran thought wryly. They probably won't even be seeing her for another half an hour, and then who knows how long till she comes out. Baka doctors, don't they understand how… Oh, never mind.

It wasn't the doctors' fault. Really it was no one's fault, save than damn bastard… No, off that topic… Syaoran allowed his feet to take him in a circle around his living room a few more times before the nervous energy pent-up in the house got the better of him. He couldn't spend his entire day like this, if he was in this house much longer he just might explode.

His gaze drifted to the window and onto the white snow outside. Just imaging how cool and calm it was elicited a wistful sigh from his throat. A walk; it would help me think and get rid of some of this nervous energy. But the thought of not being here should Tomoyo or Sakura call wasn't at al pleasing. I do have that cell phone. He reminded himself, jogging to the bedroom to pull out the machine from piles other useless junk. Finding it, he checked the batteries, nodding in approval when it still worked.

Syaoran sighed in appreciation as the brisk winter air rushed against his face. The side walk was covered with drifts of snow that crunched beneath his boots. He pulled the collar of his jacket up around his neck to keep the cold air out and sunk his hands deep into his pockets. The farther down town he walked to more people he saw walking down the sidewalk. His suspicious mind couldn't help but examine each man that passed him carefully, thinking that he'd be able to apprehend Sakura's attacker by sight alone.

Thoughts circled around his mind on the same topic; Sakura. His mind had been deprived of her for so long that it drank up every new image and memory of her gratefully. He recalled last night, how comfortable and right it had seemed to hold her, the joy he felt when she clung to him, the sorrow and fear in her eyes when she woke up from that bad dream…

"Damn it, whoever did this to her will pay. I will kill them myself," he muttered angrily, balling one hand into a tight first. "Once I find out who…"

"Xiao Lang?"

Syaoran's head snapped up at the sound of his true name. The speaker was male, standing a few feet in front of him with a curious expression on his face. There was no denying the relation between the two; they had the same messy hair and nearly identical faces. But while Syaoran's eyes were a deep amber, the other had orbs as black as obsidian. Shaking his head in disbelief, Syaoran stared at his eighteen-year-old cousin.

"Ping?" he questioned.

The other smiled and gave a brief nod. "Yes, it's me. You're the last person I expected to see in Japan, what are you doing here?"

He cringed at the memory those words brought up. "You know the clan sent me here on a mission. Why are you here?"

The burly Chinese youth smile slyly and gave a wink. "It's a secret, can't tell."

Syaoran and Ping were very close, acting more like siblings than the cousins they actually were. The older boy was the only person in Hong Kong Syaoran trusted fully, save Meiling, and he was the only one who could see through his cold attitude. When they were a younger, Ping had acted as an older brother and was now one of his closest confidants.

Syaoran's cell phone rang, startling both youths from their thoughts. He flipped it open, noting who was calling, and gave his cousin a short look. "Excuse me." Pushing the call button, Syaoran glared of into the distance as he demanded, "How is she?"

"Hello to you too Li-kun." Tomoyo answered.

The girl's tone seemed to be light, or as light as it could be under the circumstances. That was a good thing, or she might have been trying to cheer up her friend… "Is she all right?" he demanded again.

"All right, I don't know," she replied softly. "If you're referring to the appointment then yes, all tests came back negative and Sakura's okay, physically." She sighed. "But in… in this kind of a situation that's incredibly minor, or so the doctors told me. There could still be a lot of emotional damage below all the obvious. The doctors tried to get her to talk, but she wouldn't say a word. How can we help her if we don't know what's wrong."

"We know what's wrong, Daidouji." He pointed out bitterly.

"I know but… Oh, you know what I mean. There was even a police officer waiting outside the room. She wanted to come talk with Sakura, but the doctors refused and she just waited in the hall incase something useful was said. Sakura didn't even try to describe the attacker… Li-kun, I get a horrible feeling when I think that that man is still at large…"

He nodded, a similar feeling rising in his chest. It was dangerous, at the very least, with that bastard running around free. "I know, but she'll talk when she's ready and not before. You can't force her, it would only make things worse."

"I was meaning to ask… would you talk to her."

"Me?!"

"Yes you, Li-kun! She's always felt safe around you and now that you've made up she really trusts you too. I think you were always the one she could be the most open with."

And then I ruined it all by being a damned coward and running away… Now's not the time to wallow in your guilt, get your act together...

Tomoyo took the silence as a negative. "You have to at least try. Please Li-kun, for Sakura…"

"I was going to say yes if you gave me a minute," he mumbled.

"Oh! I knew you couldn't say no to…" A brief pause enveloped the line and Tomoyo gave a half-hearted chuckle. "Sakura-chan doesn't like us talking about her. Here, she wants to speak with you."

Before Syaoran could object, the phone was passed and Sakura's voice drifted over the line. "Good-morning, Syaoran-kun." Her tone sounded light again, almost bouncy. She couldn't feel that much better, that stupid girl was putting on an act…

"Hi Sakura," he returned. "How are you feeling?"

"Alright," she replied after a pause, fighting to keep her tone upbeat.

"Why wouldn't you talk to the doctors?"

There was silence. Syaoran sighed mentally and decided the change the subject. It was obvious she wouldn't be blurting any information out over the phone if she hadn't told it to her best friend in person…

"I'm downtown right now and I happened to run into my cousin Ping. You should come meet him, Sakura, I'm sure you'd like him."

"Really?" She wondered, happy again. Tomoyo's voice could be heard mummering in the background. "Tomoyo-chan says that's a great idea and we're heading back over to your apartment."

"Now?"

"Now." She echoed, "Bye Syaoran-kun."

The phone clicked, leaving only a dial tone where Sakura's voice had been. He let out a breath of relief. At least that was cleared up. Now that he was sure Sakura would be okay physically, he could start helping her heal mentally…

Syaoran glanced from the phone in his hand to his cousin. Ping had a knowing half-smirk on his face as he wondered, "Girl friend?"

"No." He cursed the slight blush rising over his face. "Just a friend. Would you like to come back to my apartment with me? My friends are coming to visit and they'd be glad to meet you." And it would probably cheer Sakura up a bit, she loves meeting new people…

Ping smiled. "Sure, sounds like it'd be a good time." He started walking forward the stopped, turning around to give his cousin a taunting expression. "It's been a while, Xiao Lang. I bet I could make it back there before you do."

Syaoran shot him a skeptical look before launching himself into an all out sprint. His feet slipped and skidded on the snow but they carried him in front of his cousin as he raced towards his home. The two boys ran through the streets, dodging pedestrians and snow banks, before collapsing against Syaoran's front door in exhaustion.

"Not… bad… little cousin. I let you… win… this time…"

Again, Syaoran was skeptical as he pulled a key from his pocket and unlocked the door. Stepping into the warm apartment made his flushed face burn horribly, but he tolerated the warmth and slipped out of his outer garments. "Sure you did, Ping. Is it to much to ask that you just admit your getting old?"

"Old, right." Ping took off his boots before flopping down onto Syaoran's couch. "It must be nice to have a break from training, but you realize that means I'm probably ahead of you."

He offered his cousin a drink before taking a seat beside him. "I doubt that," he answered, confident. "What's the last thing Win-sama taught you?"

The older of the two took a few moments to consider. "Ah… it was a reverse round house."

"You can't be serious!!"

"Don't go getting all high and might yet. It was modified with a…"

And so a lengthy conversation regarding martial arts techniques ensured, occupying both boys until the doorbell ran. Syaoran got up, suddenly encompassed by an unexplainable sense of guilt. Here he was laughing and enjoying himself with his cousin while Sakura was going through the most trying time of her life…

"That's probably them," he told Ping.

He walked to the door and opened it, revealing Tomoyo and Sakura. "Hello again, Syaoran-kun." Sakura greeted him, giving him a small but genuine smile and a hug, which surprised him. Tomoyo didn't squeal `kawaii' as was expected, but stood there with a sad look on her face.

"Everything went okay, Sakura?" He wondered, although he already knew.

"Normal, no… complications or anything…"

So she had been dreading it too… It looked like Sakura wasn't as naïve as they all suspected… He could have killed himself for that thought when the double meaning behind it became apparent.

"I'm glad," he replied earnestly, escorting both girls inside. "I have someone I want both of you to meet; my cousin Ping."

Sakura looked up at him questioningly. "The one you told me about on the phone? I didn't know you had any other cousins beside Meiling." It was working, he observed. This temporary distraction was making her forget…

"I do, Ping has been like a brother to me."

"That's so touching Xiao Lang." Ping joked. They entered the room and he stood up, looked at the two girls with a polite smile and preparing to bow. "It's very nice to meet you both. I'm Li Ping, from Hong…"

Sakura froze completely, eyes locked on Ping.

"Sakura-chan, are you okay?" Tomoyo wondered with concern. She slipped her arm around her friend's shoulder, shaking her slightly to break her from this stupor. It was very unlike Sakura to act like this. What it possible that she was remembering?

Suddenly, her eyes shot open, the pupils dilated with fear. Sakura began shaking furiously as she bit her bottom lip, taking a gulping breath of air. Tomoyo threaded her other hand into hers and Sakura clutched to the hand like a life-line.

"Sakura?" Syaoran demanding, but still she didn't reply. "Sakura, talk to us. What's wrong?" He placed his hand on her shoulder comfortingly.

Her pupils contracted suddenly and a strangled cry broke from her throat. Sakura's actions became violent as her mind was overcome with an instinct to escape. She slashed at the hands holding her and the action was so sudden that Tomoyo and Syaoran stepped away from her in shock.

Tomoyo regained her wits before the young Chinese boy and called out to him. "Li-kun, grab her before she hurts herself!"

He complied numbly, catching her before she could run back out the front door and holding her firmly against his chest. Sakura fought him for a few seconds before he forced her to meet his eyes. Her expression was frantic but calmed as she gazed up at him. She put her arms around his neck and held on like it was the only thing that mattered. Her eyes were shut, but the tears still fell.

Syaoran placed a and on her head and whispered comfortingly, looking to Tomoyo for help. The dark haired girl was hovering around the couple, looking as lost as he felt. What had caused his dead Cherry Blossom to react in such a manner?

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Sakura saw him as soon as she walked into the room. She thought she recognized his voice, but she convinced herself that it couldn't be him. It was Syaoran's older cousin. Would Syaoran really let someone who had done something like that to her into his home? The answer was no, he most defiantly would not.

His black eyes, the had same eyes that had bored into hers just last night, meet hers as soon as she entered the room and she couldn't fight the terror rising in her veins. Just seeing those eyes again made all the images real. Like last night she could feel his touch on her skin. Again she felt him overpower her and no matter how she fought she could do nothing to stop him.

She should fight back, not stand there shaking in surrender. It would take a single, well chosen card to destroy that evil man right where he stood. Sakura could do nothing but shake, however, as more horrible memories rushing through her mind and blinded her with images she would just as soon forget.

His eyes were mocking, bragging and focused on her alone. He remembered, how could he not, and he was proud. He stared at her, never wavering. Syaoran and Tomoyo were still beside her, couldn't they tell! This man was staring openly at her with those horrible eyes… why didn't they help?!

Sakura felt a hand around her shoulder and another one taking her hand. Panic shot through her veins.

Run, run run run run run!!! Was the only command her panicked mind could comprehend and she dashed to complete it. The only thing that mattered now was escaping, running as far away from this place so she would be safe. Sakura ripped at the hands holding her mercilessly, scratching and tearing desperately.

Finally she was free. Thank God she was free. It wouldn't happen again, she could run and get some place safe where this man couldn't find her. She turned towards the door and made to run towards it.

A pair of arms caught her around the waist and she wanted to scream. Desperately she fought as her captor pulled her to his chest. Sakura relaxed seconds later as she felt an aura wash over her. Syaoran was holding her. At the same time she felt a new aura that was eerily similar to Syaoran's. It was Ping; he possessed magic.

Oh God, how was that possible? What if it happened again? He had magic that he could use against her, and now, now… More images. She cringed and clutched to Syaoran. His hand was in her hair, stroking it lightly, but she didn't feel safe. On the contrary, she felt very exposed and venerable as Syaoran held her. His cousin was still watching her, she could feel those eyes drilling into her back. Sakura shuddered again and gave in, turning her mind over to the hysterics that were threatening.

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"She's hysteric," Tomoyo observed, her tone too high to be considered normal. She stood by Syaoran, watching her friend sadly but not daring to touch her.

He nodded. "I think so, but I don't know why…"

"The doctor thought something like this might happen," she said softly. "Since she refused to talk they assumed she was keeping everything she felt bottled up inside her. It was just a matter of time before she burst because of those feelings."

Those damn doctors, talking about her in such an impersonal manner… Syaoran shook his head. It wasn't their problem, they probably saw situations like this on a regular basis so that they no longer felt any emotion towards the victims. Still, he didn't like this…

Syaoran examined the girl clutching his neck and lifted her gently into his arms. "Shh… Sakura, I promise you your safe here. Nothing will happen, I promise…" He wasn't sure if she understood his words, but saying them made him feel more in control.

"We should probably let her lay down somewhere quiet." Tomoyo suggested and he nodded in agreement.

"Xiao Lang?" Ping's voice interrupted the conversation. The young man had been so silent during the outbreak that he'd all but forgotten he was there. Now, though, he looked slightly nervous, his eyes looking briefly to Sakura before meeting his cousin's eyes with concern. "Is she going to be all right."

"She's been going through a hard time…" Syaoran said slowly, shifting Sakura into a more comfortable position. It was difficult considering she refused to release her death-grip on his neck. "I'm sorry, Ping, but you'll have to excuse us."

His cousin nodded in understanding, sitting back on the couch but not taking his eyes from the three.

Syaoran started down the hall. "We'll take her to my bedroom," he told Tomoyo, who had taken on of Sakura's hand and was squeezing it gently. The little group made their way down the hall and into the bedroom. It was cool and calm here although the bed was unmade and the sheets ruffled. He set his burden down gently, untangling her hands from around his neck. Sakura apparently didn't want to be left alone and she grabbed at him with a free hand, catching his shirt and holding it tightly

He heard a rustling sound and looked over to see the raven haired girl going through her purse. She pulled out a small orange bottle containing a couple of white pills. "From the doctor," she explained. "They're to help her sleep, so she doesn't hurt herself…"

"Tomoyo?" Sakura spoke suddenly, eyes darting to her friend. Her friends exchanged glances over her head before Tomoyo sat on the bed beside her.

"Hai Sakura, it's me. You need to listen, okay? Try to calm down…"

Her request brought a look of horror onto her face. Sakura's eyes became misty again and her shaking starting again. "Tomoyo-chan, you can't be here. You have to leave, please."

She was more than confused, a hand resting gently on her friends cheek. "What are you talking about, Sakura?" Tomoyo wondered pacifying.

"He'll… he'll… I don't want you hurt too, Tomoyo! If you stay here than he could…"

"Sakura, calm down," she said soothingly. "I'm perfectly safe and so are you. Li-kun's right here, he won't let anything happen."

She shook her head, more tears leaking from her eyes. "You don't understand Tomoyo!! He's here, he'll…"

Tomoyo had succeeded in getting the top off the medicine and handed the pills to her hysteric friend.

"Take these, Sakura."

She complied with a little coaxing, then lay back in the pillows. "I… I want to go home… Tomoyo…"

Again, she and Syaoran exchanged glances. "No one's at your home Sakura, remember? It'll be better to be here, I'll stay with you. Li-kun will be here too so you don't need to worry."

They sat by her bed for hours, taking the occasional bathroom break. When the sky outside the window turned dark, Tomoyo reluctantly rose from her post beside the bed and handed the bottle of pills to Syaoran.

"I need to go, my mom wanted me home." She said unhappily, looking down at the sleeping Sakura. "She'll be alright when she wakes up…"

He nodded. "Yes," although he wasn't sure he believed that himself. "These pills, how long do they last for?"

Tomoyo shrugged. "I'm not sure, she should sleep until morning but just incase…"

"Here, I'll walk you to the door."

Smiling slightly, Tomoyo gathered her things and followed him out of the room. Halfway down the hall, she wondered suddenly, "Li-kun, is your cousin staying with you?"

"For tonight, yes. There's no where else for him to go. Why do you ask?"

She dismissed the question with a shake of her head, but she still seemed slightly worried. "No reason."

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Sakura awoke to darkness; she was in Syaoran's bed again, but why. She rolled over, trying to get back to sleep, but felt something that made her freeze. A hand ran across her face and down her cheek, stopping at her neckline.

"You've had people terribly worried, Sakura," purred a deep voice that made her shiver in fear.

No… Please…

"Are we cold, little cherry blossom? You're shaking."

Go away. Leave me alone, please…

She couldn't speak, couldn't yell, couldn't do anything but lay there frozen.

The man chuckled. "We still have negotiations to make, my Sakura. But not tonight. I think

you've had enough excitement for one night." The hand was brushed back up the way it came and then was gone.

"Good night Cherry Blossom, and sweet dreams." His black eyes caught in the moonlight as he headed for the door, a triumphant smirk lining his face.