Majah's FanFictions(Bleach, CCS and Gakuen Alice)

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Seven:
"Unexpected Meeting"
[ Link in FF.net ]

"Do you think it is possible, George? Do you think there is some truth in what he says?" Sakura asked her butler. She is back in her hotel room and is now changing into her new white sundress while George waited outside the closed bamboo doors of the walk-in closet. Inside Sakura is bare-footed as she steps in front a full-length mirror. All her other clothes are carefully arranged and hanged around her.

"It iz really far-ov, Miss." George answered as he stands patiently "...vat, conziderin' zee evolution ov technology in zee past few yearz. Anyzing can be possible. Ezpecially wid InterVEZT."

Sakura zips her dress up and studies herself in the mirror. "I know. I've already heard about this rumor but never really paid any attention." She opens a small drawer and looks for a ribbon to match what she currently wears. "It doesn't concern rogues, after all. But still, I can't help to wonder." She ties the ribbon to her hair and fluffs it a little. "Damaski-is is not just a full-player. He is an elite veteran."

"Vat r u tryin' to zay, miss?" George asked.

Sakura opens the closet doors and stuck her head out to look at the butler. "George, I want you to find out about this patch. Get in touch with your underground sources and see what you can dig up."

"Very 'ell, Miss."

"You may use my laptop to log on." she motioned to unit on the bedside table.

"Yez, Miss."

"Three days he says." she went over to the bed and put some things inside her bag. "But I want you to find out everything you can before that." then she looked up at George; cutely while holding her bag in front. "...it would make me happy if you can give me a report this evening."

George sighed. "Az u wish, Miss. Vat I am not promising anyzing. Underground news iz not izy to find." He walks over the laptop and placed it on a bigger table nearby and sits to operate the machine. Not long after the familiar sound of InterVEST's welcome message filled the room as George logs on to his character.

Sakura caught a glimpse of Georges character hopping about Galvan, one of the five major cities in InterVEST. She couldn't help but to cringe a little as she looks from the zombie-like butler to the dainty smiling online character he has.

"George...you are the the best example of the reason why one shouldn't trust online people by their mere looks. Who would have thought that that pig-tailed little girl with braces is actually an old man like yourself." she said motioning to the jolly little character tugging other people's sleeves inside the game.

"Zee inzernet iz a double-edged sword, Miss. Everyone should vee aware of itz proz 'n conz."

"Yes, I know that. Thank god I am always reminded about it everytime I see you." Sakura shakes her head then picks up her hand bag. "I'll be in a luncheon with father and Tomoyo-chan. See you later, George."

"Hav fun, Miss."

She waves goodbye, "You, too."


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"This way, Miss Kinomoto." a male attendant said as Sakura stepped out a small boat towards the restaurant.

"Thank you." she said; smiling. She was greeted by a cool breeze of sea air as she looks up and reads the large arched sign. 'The Lagoon' it says.

The Lagoon is another hot spot in the Marianas Isle for it is an original design of a floating restaurant. Its base is a large bamboo raft safely anchored a few feet from the shore. It's lamps are all made of capiz shells and a very old oil lantern hangs as chandelier in the very center of the main dining area. The place is homey and relaxing. No music fill the air due to the fact that its owner wants to maintain a very natural environment. The only things that can be heard are the sound of waves togerther with people talking and eating.

Once inside Sakura was greeted by a young waiter dressed in floral polo shirt and shorts. "Miss. They are already waiting for you in the seaside table." he said to her; extending one arm to indicate the location.

"Ah yes. Thank you." she smiles cheerfully.

Not long after she got a view of her father, Fujitaka Kinomoto.

"Father!" Sakura gives Fujitaka a warm hug. "Eh? You're alone. Tomoyo is not here yet?"

"Actually, she was here ealier. Unfortunately, she received a very urgent call." Fujitaka said assisting his daughter as she sits before taking a seat himself.

"An urgent call?" Sakura looked worried.

Fujitaka smiled. "Don't worry. Tomoyo predicted that you will be, so she told me to tell you not get worried before she left."

"She left? She's no longer in Marianas Isle?"

"Yes. The botique called and it seems that there had been a problem in the shipment of textiles. Those silk ones that she expects to be delivered two days from now."

"Wai! The expensive ones from Constantine?" Sakura remarked.

"Yes...I think those are the ones." Fujitaka nodded as he looks at the menu handed to him by the waiter.

"Why? What happened? I pray that she didn't get swindled for it." Sakura asked anxiously.

Fujitaka smiled. "You, my dear daughter, can think of the very worst situations sometimes. No.." he said reassuringly. "she didn't get swindled. It seems the textiles got delivered earlier than expected. It got delivered today. And since it is from Constantine, it had problems going through customs. The papers no longer match the items."

"I see." Sakura looked relieved. Now she understands why Tomoyo left in a hurry. "Now she has to deal with customs."

"Yes." Fujitaka confirms. "I think she is currently battling her way through the legalities of importing goods. She sends her apologies and promises to call you as soon as poissble."

"She doesn't need to apologize." Sakura sighs. "I sure hope she is doing fine."


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The sound of the ambulance's siren rang throughout the road as it makes it way to Udon International Airport.

"Oh hush that thing up! It only adds to the ringing inside my ears!" the old man said to the ambulance's driver.

The nurse in the passenger seat is about to say something but was cut off when the young man sitting in front of the old man's stretcher spoke. "They need the siren to get pass the traffic easily." he said calmy to the senior citizen.

"Bah! Ambulances should provide treatment or first aid reliefs to patients. Funny that this one worsens my condition." the old man complained.

The young man gave an apologetic smile to the medical aide with them; a middle-aged dark-skinned fat woman with short curly hair. She in return just gave an understanding smile.

"Your condition wouldn't have deteriorated if you just listened to your doctors and stayed in bed." the young man lectured the stubborn patient.

The old man took a sharp intake of breath, "Stayed in bed?" he said in horror. "At this time? Less than two weeks from the official announcement of the release of the patch? Never! There are still some bugs that needed to be ironed before the official release. If I want things to run smoothly as planned, I should take care of it within this week."

"Those bugs won't be fixed at all if you end up a cold corpse." the young man countered.

"Me? a corpse...at this time?" the old man tapped his chest a little. "Nev..." but he ends up coughing hard.

"Now...now...do not agitate yourself." the medical aide said rubbing the old man's back as he coughs.

The young man sighed. It was mid-afternoon when he received the news about his mentor fainting out cold in InterVEST's server room. He was engaged in another appointment at that time. But the odds seems to be at his side when he was able to find a way to bail out from it and rushed to the old man as soon as possible. Apparently, his mentor's case of verdigo (a worse kind of diziness; sickness common to old people) is getting bad along with his weak lungs.

"We will be arriving any moment now." the ambulance driver said "The private plane which will take you to the Northern Hospital will be waiting there."

"Ah...at last...the torture ends." said the old man who is starting to be too grumpy.

"A specialized doctor will be waiting for you there." the young man told him. "There you will be fully taken care of and the approriate therapy shall be administered to you. No computers for you until your condition improves."

"Lad, are you actually forbidding me?"

"Yes." he said firmly.

Inspite of bad health, the old man chuckled. "What makes you think that I'll follow you."

The young man gave out another sigh. "Please. Do not argue anymore. I've dealt with enough stubborn people today. I do not have any more strength to handle another debate."

"I find it really amusing," the old man started "...how you seem serious, uptight and cautious whenever you are around with me. I'm not the one decides on things by the snap of a finger. Unlike someone you know who can dream things overnight...I have everything planned out for years. Yet you agree with him hurriedly."

The young man raised a brow and gave a small smile. "Correction. I follow him. And following doesn't necessarily mean that I agree with him."

The old man is silent. It looks like he is carefully choosing his words when the ambulance halted.

"We are here." the driver announced.

Outside the sound of airplanes arriving and leaving can be heard. The large steel sign hang at the very top of the structure. 'Udon International Airport' it reads.

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Tomoyo starts to raise her voice at the short-haired woman behind the controller desk. "What do you mean you still can't process the papers!"

"I'm sorry, Miss Daidouji. The papers you carry says that the Constantine goods should arrive two days from now. But the ones you are trying to claim arrived today. The computer won't accept it. We are still holding the goods." the woman said sternly and impersonal.

"These are Constantine textiles we are talking about! Do you know how expensive and rare they are? I've been expecting the for quite so long now! You can't just hold them." Tomoyo complained. "Surely, common sense tells you that it is the same goods. Its only the arrival date that got inconsistent."

"I'm sorry, Miss. Nothing I can do. We have our orders to strictly follow the data given by the computer. We have no choice but to hold it."

"And for how long are you going to hold it?"

"We don't know." the woman answered.

"You don't know!" Tomoyo exclaimed. People nearby starts staring at her but she doesn't care. She is starting to get furious. She had been in Udon International Airport since noon. And so far, customs is giving her a hard time. "What kind of answer is that? The least you can give is a schedule. I demand to talk to the officer in charge at once!"

Behind, Tomoyo's botique assistants attempt to restrain their angry boss but to no avail.

"He is not here, Miss. He is checking new cargos at the receiving area." the woman explained.

"And where is this receiving area?" Tomoyo asked impatiently.

"It is beyond Gate 3's departure window. I suggest that you either come back later or sit and wait for him here." she motions to the empty plastic chairs nearby.

"Look, I have been here for hours and I haven't eaten lunch yet. These goods are too precious to me to be left behind any longer, so I am taking my chance in finding him in the receiving area." And with that Tomoyo turned to her heels and strided towards Gate 3.


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"Well lad, looks like I won't be seeing you for quite some time." the old man said to the young man who pushes his wheelchair towards the private plane. Bodyguards and medical people follows behind them. But both men seems oblivious to the noisy surroundings as they went pass Gate 3's departure window.

"Not that long time...I will try to visit you as soon as I am free." the young man said reassuringly; his glasses slips a little from his nose as he leans to speak near the old man's ear.

"With all the work you have? i doubt." the old man said trying to hide his grim expression.

"I'll call you everyday if I have to." the young man smiled.

"Hpmh! You better be coz you need to report recent developments."

"Don't worry." the young man continues to push the wheelchair. "And speaking of developments, I would like you to know that he had given her three days to make her own investigations about the patch. It seems she doesn't believe him."

"Really?" the old man looks up to the small yet luxurious plane before him. "Now that's inconvenient."

"Should I start spreading information about the patch?" the young man asked.

"Nah. I do not want the undeserving ones to get the news." the old man answered; thinking for a moment.

"She wouldn't consider his proposal if she doesn't believe." he countered.

"My bet is that..." the old man started "...she probably instructed that chirpy pigtailed kid to look for underground info. You can spread details about the patch but make sure that it is only within that kid's network. I would prefer one trusted person and that person in return shall transfer the news to the brat. And the brat passes it to her."

"Sound logical enough. Okay. I shall arranged it." the young man nodded in time for the medical aides and nurses to take over the old man boarding the plane.

People boarded the plane and not long the plane was cleared for take-off. The young man watched as it made its way to the runway and flew away. When the tail of the aircraft is no longer in sight, he turns and started walking back towards Gate 3.

"So many things to do. So little time." he said to himself as he reached the departure window.


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Tomoyo was busy constructing the words she is going to use, when he sees Custom's Chief Officer, inside her head that she didn't realize that she was striding fast towards the people in the departure area. She shove those that are in her way as she desperately tries to look for customs employees' grey uniform.

"Where could he be?" she mutterred as her eyes surveyed the area.

The airport is a very busy place. So many people...so many baggages...so many announcements that she has to concentrate hard to keep up to the pace. She is a few steps away from Gate 3 when she finally spotted the familiar uniform.

"Finally!" she exclaimed. But before she can call the person's attention, she lost sight of him in the crowd. "No...wait...darn..." she started to run to catch up to the man in grey uniform. "Oh please, don't go to far!" she was so busy trying to not to loose sight of him that she wasn't paying attention to her surroundings. She kept running until a little beyond Gate 3...

insert collision sound here-

"Ooof!" Tomoyo exclaimed as she bumped hard on someone which caused her to loose her balance and fall hard on the floor. "Ouch..." she said teary-eyed.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't looking. Are you alright?" a concerned masculine voice asked.

"No...no...it was my fault ...I wasn't looking and..." Tomoyo halted saying as she looked up and found herself looking to a pair of warm eyes behind clear glasses.

The young man reached out a hand to help her up. In one swift move, she was back on her feet in no time.

"Nothiing's fractured, right? I would not forgive myself if you were hurt badly." he said worriedly, still holding her hand.

Tomoyo is staring at the young man when one of her assistants caught up with her.

"Miss Tomoyo, are you alright? I was still far when I caught site of what happened." her assistant asked; panting.

Tomoyo snapped back to her senses. "Umm...I'm fine, Lana." she said smiling at the worried person. Then she looks back at the man before her. "Ummm...ah..." then down to her hand which he is still holding.

"Oh!" he seemed to have realized also "I'm sorry," he said apologetically placing one free hand behind his head. "...Miss...Tomoyo?" then he looks down to the fair hand he is still holding. "...and since I am already holding your hand I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself." he smiles and changes his hold into a handshake.

"I'm pleased to meet you. My name is Eriol." he shakes Tomoyo's hand. "Eriol Hiiragizawa."

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Eight:
"That Guilty Feeling"
[ Link in FF.net ]

Tomoyo was still looking at the young man's face as she limply shook his hand. Hiiragizawa, she thought. Where had she heard that name? It seems awfully familiar.

Eriol raised one brow as he noticed her staring at him. "Anything wrong, Miss Tomoyo?" he asked her; leaning downwards to check on her flushed face. He placed another hand on top of hers in a clasp as he do so.

"I think your glasses is a bit askew," she started saying.

"Oh," Eriol blinked and glanced at his reflection at the airport's large glass windows. In the middle of the hussless and busstles of the airport, it is a miracle they can still hear each other.

"And I think..." Tomoyo continued softly. Eriol looked back at her questioningly. "...you should let go of my hand now, Mr. Hiiragizawa." She is surprise at how calm and small her voice sounded when she spoke to him. In another case, she would have been shouting at the opportunistic guy.

Eriol was silent for a moment then glanced down at the hand he is still clasping. "Oh! I'm so sorry." He lets go of her hand and bowed a little to apologize. "So sorry. And please...call me Eriol." He smiles at her.

Eriol...Again, the name sounded familiar. She studied the young man before her. He is tall and steady built. His dark hair is smooth and his eyes gleem with intelligence behind the glasses. He smiles warmly at her yet there is something about his presence which seems to command sophistication which is making her search her mind on where she had encountered his name.

Lana gave a small cough, interrupting Tomoyo's thoughts. "Miss...the shipment...customs..."

"Oh!" Tomoyo exclaimed, finally snapping back to the matter at hand. She looks past Eriol's shoulders and tries to look for the Chief of Customs that she was trying to reach earlier. "No...where is he!" she said slightly in panic.

"Hmmm?" Eriol said. He moved away slightly to give way to whatever the young lady seems to be looking at. "What seems to be the problem?" he asked.

Tomoyo stepped forward and stretched her neck to look beyond the heads and people arriving from nearest terminal gate. "The Chief of Customs," she started. "..I was trying to talk to him when..."

"When I came blocking your way." Eriol finished for her. He steps beside her trying to look at the crowd before them.

Tomoyo blushed a little. "I didn't mean to sound that way...but..."

Eriol waved a hand about. "No no...don't worry about it. It was my fault really." he said smiling apologetically again to her. "I don't mean to intrude, but what seems to be your business with Makoto-san, anyway?"

"Makoto-san?" Tomoyo asked the guy beside her.

"Makoto Yune, the Chief of Customs." he replied as he strains his eyes trying to catch a glimpse of the man.

"You know him?" she inquired curiously.

Eriol gave up finding the man in the mob of people before them and once again focused his attention to the fair lady beside him. "Let's just say..." he started. "...I've had business with him before." He placed both his hands inside his pockets and casually addressed her. "So tell me...why are raking your way towards him? I never thought he had that strong appeal on beautiful women."

Tomoyo's cheeks felt hot as he joked around. "It's not like that, okay." she clears her thought and tries to concentrate. "It just has something to do with my business." she said generally speaking, not wanting to give details to a complete stranger.

"Ah of course. Who am I to ask you such things." Eriol said.

Tomoyo didn't think she was that transparent. "I'm sorry..I didn't mean it to come that way..." she was about to say more when Eriol halted her.

"No worries. It is not my place to ask after all. But you know, I'm a lawyer. Perhaps I could assist you in whatever issue you have with Customs."

"You're a lawyer! But you look so young!" Tomoyo exclaimed surprised.

Eriol laughed. "That's what everyone says. But really...I am."

"Ummmm..." Tomoyo gave him a skeptical look.

Eriol chuckled some more. "Okay... I don't blame you for not believing me. It's your choice. But then again...I might be very useful if you would believe me."

"Really." Tomoyo crosses her arms on her chest. "How useful?"

"Well, for instance..." he took out one hand from his pocket and motioned at the vast airport. "You seem to have lost the Chief of Customs. I could get in touch with him in an instant."

"You're serious!" Tomoyo said to him; wide-eyed.

"Why of course. Why would I joke around with something like that especially when its quite obvious that your business with him is really important." he tilted his head to motion at Tomoyo's assitants standing nearby, looking at them tiringly.

Tomoyo still gave him a skeptical look.

Eriol gave out a sigh and fetched out his cellphone. "Ah...the people these days. Very untrustful." He dialed a number and placed the phone to his ears and waited as the other end rings. Tomoyo's skeptical look got replaced with a hopeful one as she waits.

"Hello? Makoto-san?" Eriol said to the person who answered at the end. "Yes, It's me." he looks down at Tomoyo winking. "No...there is no problem with Mr. L" he cut off what he was about to say, realizing that Tomoyo is listening intently. "...there is no problem with him." he said instead. "But there is someone I know, currently standing beside me, who seems to be having some kind of problem with customs. We are here in the airport. Would you care to meet us? Or tell where you are, for that matter." he pauses as he listens to Makoto-san's answer. "Uh-huh...okay...we'll be there." Eriol hangs up.

"Well?" Tomoyo said anxiously.

Eriol smiles down at her. "He'll meet us in an information booth, a couple of gates from here."

"Really!" Tomoyo brightens up. Her eyes sparkling. "We must go now! I've been here since lunchtime. I wouldn't want to loose him again. Quickly!" Without even thinking she grabs Eriol's arm and drags him with her.


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Sakura strides bare-footed at resort's sandy white beach. Her feet dugs in more deeply to the warm grains as she fancies herself with the waterfront view before her. She took off the large straw hat that she was wearing. She sways the hand holding it absent-mindedly as her mind wanders off to the recent happenings in her life. She used to be so bored. She had everything. Everything a girl like her can wish for. But was it really hers? Everything she has now? She did not need to work. Everything just lands in front of her and that's it. There is no fulfillment. Nothing at all. She looks up at the clear sky and let her auburn hair be carried by the wind. But where had she found fulfillment?

In InterVEST.

She could not explain why. In InterVEST she started from nothing at all. It may sound stupid but she really value everything she had accomplished inside it. It is not real yet she knows she can proudly say that it was hers. ALL hers.

insert ringing sound here

Sakura's trail of thoughts were interrupted by a ring from her cellphone. She reaches inside her small handbag and took it out. She flipped it open and read the display.

'Damaski-is calling...'

"Hoe!" Sakura exclaimed. "He is calling me...again?" It is mid-afternoon and she had only talked to him this morning. Heavens, she is talking to him more than Tomoyo.

She answers the call. "What do you want?" she said bluntly; keeping in mind that she must be on guard since they are not friends in InterVEST afterall.

"What? Not even a nice hello in a sweet voice?" the man in the other end chuckled softly.

"If I knew it was you earlier I would h"

But Damaski-is spoke hurriedly, "I know...I know. There is no need to say it out loud." He pause for a while and seems to shift his position judging from the rustling sound she hears from the receiver.

"So..." Sakura said slowly.

"Hmmm?" Damaski-is replied.

"Why did you call!" she exclaimed impatiently.

"I promised earlier that I would call you as soon as I get off the meeting, didn't I?"

"That's it? Why would I care whether you call me or not."

"Of course you would care. You will miss me."

Sakura can't believe what she is hearing. "Of all the nerve!"

Damaski-is only chuckled once more in the other end.

"Stop toying with me, Damaski-is. I know you don't really like me. To you I am just another business venture and you are just the type of person that will do anything just to get what he wants." she throws back at him.

"Ouch," Damaski-is is obviously pretending to sound hurt. "You don't really think I like you, eh?"

"Of course not." Sakura said firmly. "How could you. After our history in InterVEST...that is very unlikely."

"Let bygones be bygones. This is a fresh new start for both of us." he said seriously.

"Let's just say it could be a fresh new start but please...drop the act, Damaski-is. Don't take me as one of your girls online that you can 'goof' around with."

"I don't 'goof' around with girls." he said quietly.

"Whatever." Sakura shove if off. She sat down slowly on the sand and tucked her legs underneath her as she placed her hat back to her head.

"So..." it was Damaski-is turn to start with the word.

"So...what?" she replied. Her finger starts to trail on the sand before her.

"Have you done your homework?"

"Homework?" For a moment she was lost on what he was talking about. "Hoe! That."

"Yes. THAT." he stressed.

"Are you kidding me? It's only been a few hours." Her finger continues to leave marks on the sand. "You said you will give me three days." she complained. She doesn't seem to notice that she is talking in her usual sweet calm manner in that last sentence.

Damaski-is became silent for some reason. The only thing that can be heard is the sound of the waves as it sweeps shells ashore. Time seem to pass as the call counter of her cellphone continues to progress. Both parties lay quiet and still, but it was comfortable...and peaceful.

"Agatha..." Damaski-is finally spoke.

"Hmmm?..." Sakura said; her finger still busy in doing its masterpiece on the sand.

"...uh...nothing."

"Eh?" she replied in an asking tone.

"Nothing. Really..." he breathes in deeply. "...it's nothing. Forget about it."

"If we are online, I would have sent you hundreds of question marks." she said slightly pouting.

Damaski-is gave a small laugh. "I bet you would." he replied in a deep casual voice. "Listen...I will drop the act as you said. Coz I think we are way pass that stage."

"Uh-huh."

"So this will lead us back to the deal." he reminded her. "I trust, you are doing your part now. So there is nothing I can do but to wait."

"How trustful of you to say that." she said sarcastically.

"TRUST, my dear, is a very important ingredient in a relationship. May it be a business or a personal one."

"As you say." she replied.

"But of course, you are free to call me whenever you miss me." If Sakura could only see his face, he might have had a wide grin pasted on it.

"Damaski-is!"

"Okay..okay...just kidding. Dropping the act in 5...4...3...2...1...Act dropped." He goes back in his monotonous tone. "You know how to contact me if you have arrived with a decision."

"Of course." she said bluntly.

"Have a nice day." And with that he hung up.

Sakura was slightly taken a back on how he just ended the call. She removes the phone from her ear and looks at its screen in front of her. They didn't talked much but the call was long. The ubber silence is what made the it long. He doesn't seem to mind calling her in extensive durations on a mobile phone. She figures that whoever he is in real life, he sure is not a poor person. His bill will reach the roof if he continues to call her in this manner. Then she thought, of course! he is not poor. He is a full-player. And full-players pay a large fee in InterVEST. No ordinary person can afford it.

"He must be a rich business man or something like that." she said to herself.

Sakura sighs and places her phone back to her handbag. For some reason, she felt down. She reminded herself that she should be glad that the call ended. There is no point in talking to him any further. Then howcome she feels disappointed?

No sooner than later, her cellphone rang again. This made her jump; startled.

"Hoe!" she gave a small laugh. "He couldn't resist after all." She picks her cellphone once again and answers the call. "You can't resist, can you!" she teased.

"You're right, my dear cherry blossom! I couldn't resist being away from you." the man in the other said in a lively voice.

Cherry Blossom? He called me 'Cherry Blossom'. Then it dawned at her. Her caller is not Damaski-is.

"Yukito!" Sakura exclaimed. "How...how are you!" She stammered a bit with her carelessness. She should have at least looked at the caller-ID. Sakura made a mental note to always check the display before answering a call from now on. Good thing Yukito assumed ahead about her remark.

"I'm fine, my angel." Yukito answered sweetly. "Although, I feel guilty of not being with you in that paradise escape."

I am also starting to feel guilty...but about something else, she thought. "Oh, don't worry. I completely understand." she cooes at him. "It cannot be helped. You are really needed there."

"Sometimes I wonder how lucky I can be to have someone as understanding as you are." he said. This made Sakura feel more guilty. How could she get anxious about another man to call her when she has Yukito.

"Your words overwhelm me." she said trying to smile. She shouldn't be feeling guilty. After all, it's not like she has a relationship with Damaski-is. It is like what the man said, another business deal. This made her feel better.

"There are no words to describe you, my cherry blossom."

Sakura blushes, "Oh Yukito." she said softly.

"I've been trying to reach you for ages." Yukito started saying. "Your line had been busy."

"Hoe!" She had turned off the incoming feature of her phone because she hated the idea of being interrupted while talking to someone. "It was..." she desperately tried to search for the right excuse. "It was a telemarketer." Great, Sakura. The abominable telemarketer again. Well why not? She used the same excuse with Tomoyo earlier. No harm in using it now? It would make things consistent. She was nodding to herself as she started pacing about at the beach. Tropical trees nearby started to cast shadows on where Sakura stands as the sun shifted its position on the sky.

"Telemarketer?" Yukito asked.

"Yes." Sakura confirms. "There had been a pesty telemarkerter this morning. And he keeps calling about additional services for my phone." Liar. Liar.

"Oh." he said, "You're just too kind to shove him off that's why he is taking advantage of you."

Great. The very same thing Tomoyo told her.

"Which company is this telemarketer connected to? I'll talk him off. He is being a pain. I mean, wasting your time for that long."

"No!" Sakura said in a slightly high voice.

"Huh?" Yukito sounded confused.

She clears her throat. "What I mean is...there is no need to do that. I've already dealt with him. He is not going to bother me any longer."

"Are you sure, cherry blossom?" he sounded concern.

"YES." Sakura said praying that Yukito will believe her.

Her prayers were answered. "Well okay. If you say so." he said cheerfully in the other end.

Yukito talked to her for a few more minutes. Giving her recent updates about his project with her brother. Sakura in return told her about Tomoyo and her trouble in customs. Both agreed to give Tomoyo a call in the the evening.

"I have to go, my Cherry Blossom." Yukito finally said. "I still need to meet Touya."

"Oh sure. Send my regards to him." she said smiling as she is once again standing on the very same place she sat earlier.

"May you have sweet dreams tonight." he said to her. "Love you."

"Love...you..." she said in a small voice. Yukito hung up and Sakura is left staring at the phone in her hand. Yukito as usual is full of sweet words and gentle voice as he talked to her. It astonishes her on how she thought twice when she said the words 'Love you' to him that day. The very same guilty feeling creeps back to Sakura.

"I am not doing anything wrong, am I?" she said; whispering to herself. She looked at down at her feet, but doing this only intensified the guilt welling up inside her which made her almost drop the cellphone she is holding.

On the sand, the traces her finger had made unconsciously earlier are still evident. At the center, one sand drawing stood out. It was Damaski-is' name written inside a heart-shapped dwindle.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"My apologies for the mishap, Miss Daidouji," Chief Makoto Yune apologizes to Tomoyo as he gives her the documents of the shipment.

"I guess it cannot be helped with such an expensive shipment from Constantine." Eriol said smiling at her. "Even I, was astounded on how you were able to push through such a deal."

"I have my contacts." Tomoyo chirped. "And I did a favor before with influencial people from Constantine. I would like to thank you, Mr. Makoto that you spent your time dealing with my predicament. And to you as well." acknowledging Eriol. "For helping me."

"The pleasure is ours." Makoto-san said.

"I told you to just call me, Eriol." the other man reminded her.

Tomoyo just smiled at both men. She is very relieved that her shipment is now safely being loaded to her van. Her assistants are taking care of it as they speak.

"Well, I think it is best that we get going now,Makoto-san." Eriol said to the older man; extending his hand to him. "Thank you for your time."

Makoto-san took the young man's hand and shook it. "Anytime. If you need anything, just remember to call." After shaking Eriol's hand. he extended his hand to Tomoyo. "And to you as well, Miss Daidouji. Any friend of Mr. Hiiragizawa is a friend of ours as well."

Tomoyo took his hand thinking that what his reaction is going to be when he finds out that she had only met the man that afternoon. "Thank you." she said smiling brightly. "Thank you again." The anger she had earlier completely died down.

And with that, Makoto-san bid farewell and left the two standing in front of the special package terminal.

"That went smoothly, didn't it?" Eriol remarked, still looking at the back of the man retreating to the crowded airport terminal.

"Yes." Tomoyo nodded. "You are really a lawyer." she said; giving a small laugh. "I apologize for not believing you earlier."

Eriol places his hands in front of him. "No need to apologize. It is completely understandable. I am a stranger after all. And it is only proper for a lady such as yourself not to trust a man you just met."

"And that lady shouldn't have grab that stranger and drag him with her." she exclaimed; laughter in her eyes.

Eriol laughed as well and held out the arm that she gripped earlier. "I think it could have been broken. Everything was happening so fast that I could have sworn that if this is an open air, insects would have squashed on my glasses like what they do on your windshield."

Tomoyo blushed. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't worry about it. It was...quite an experience." he said looking at her. "Say, Ms. Tomoyo...You said you were here since lunchtime?"

"Yes." she answered.

"Then I assume that you haven't eaten lunch yet?" Eriol said taking off his glasses and wiping it with a piece of cloth. "Perhaps, that cafe across the street would sound appealing?"

Tomoyo's glance fell beyond the airport's glass automatic doors to the small cafe across the street.

"I know it probably doesn't suit your elegant taste," he spoke as he placed his glasses back on his eyes. "Far far away from Constantine's rich culture..."he continued. "...but I hear they offer one of the best cappucino in town."

Her lips curved in a smile as she wryly looked up to him, "Why...Mr. Hiiragizawa...are you asking me out for lunch?"

"Oh please...call me Eriol." he grinned.

Tomoyo raised one brow.

"I promise I'll call it even." he continued to grin sheepishly. "Come on...my treat."

"Okay...if you think my company will make you happy as to call it even." she agreed.

"Fabulous!" Eriol exclaimed.

"But in one condition." she said.

Eriol looked at her questioningly.

"You have to call me Tomoyo. Just Tomoyo." she smiles sweetly at him.

"My pleasure..." he nodded. "Do I dare offer you my arm again, Tomoyo?" he said extending the same arm she had gripped earlier.

"How brave of you to do so." she said as she took it.

"Yes." he started walking towards the exit with Tomoyo beside him. "How brave of me indeed." he casually said yet his eyes seems to gleem mysteriously in another meaning only known to it.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"George, what do you got for me?" Sakura asked outwardly as she came bouncing from the hallway and into her hotel room.

"Vut Mizz...itz only 'bin a few 'ours. Zer are much zings to confirm." George protested; glancing back at Sakura from where he is seated.

The old butler currently sits in a stool which seems too small for him as his head bents down at Sakura's small laptop. His pig-tailed smiling little girl character is still wandering about from city to city inside InterVEST.

"I know, George, and I truly apologize." she said as she flopped down a large rattan seat cushionned with peach floral-patterned pillows at the far corner of the room. "But I have to admit that I am really starting to get anxious about the whole thing."

"Ankzious, Miss?" George let his character to sit for a while under shade and looks back to his mistress. "Does zis mean zat you are startin' to velieve, ze Mastre?"

Sakura slouched farther down the comfortable seat and closed her eyes as she answered her butler. "To be honest...I got this gut feeling inside. An intuition that tells me that such a patch...exist."

"It iz not unlikely zoo happen, Miss."

"You think so, George?" she said with eyes still closed.

"Yez."

"Is that a personal opinion or did you already found out something in the underground world of InterVEST?"

George remained silent. His silence made Sakura opened one eye and peered at him half-alarmingly.

"Oh George." she started weakly. "I was kinda hoping that my gut feeling is wrong."

The butler returned to his character in the game and continued using the controls. "Yah know very well, Miss. Zat I zon't rely on zoley subzective matterz. It haz to be supporzed with zee facts."

This made Sakura sit upright. "So you already found out something in the underground."

"I've heard avout something in zee underground." George nods. "Vat..." he emphasizes. "...itz still just herzay, nozing iz confirmed. Yet we ol know zat..."

"If there is smoke, there is fire." Sakura finished for him.

"Yez. Vut zon't worry. I am hopin' zoo talk to a couple ov my good zources. I zink I can give yah a full report by zee evening." There was a brief silence before George spoke again. "Vat if ze Mastre is telling the truth, Miss. Vat will yah do?"

Sakura did not answer the butler immediately. She seem to have taken some time and thought of it deeply.

"Kinomoto Sakura's reaction on everything will be like this." she finally said as she looked at George will teary scared eyes. "I will never...in my right mind venture in such a thing, George."

The butler's eyes left the screen of the laptop for a moment to look at the facial expression Sakura is giving him. His mistress is attempting to look cuter than she really is as she quiggles in a childlike manner on her seat.

Making sure that George got her message, Sakura went back to her upright position and cleared her throat.

"Agatha, on the other hand..." she continued in a more serious and formal tone. "...will see what the great Damaski-is has to offer." She ended her statement with a proud playful smile.

"I zee." George replied. He shook his lifeless head then went back in tending to his character in InterVEST who seems to be tugging every passersby's shirt.

"That's it?" Sakura asked thoughtfully. "That's all you have to say?"

"Miss...for ol zis time zat I have been assizting yah in your endeavours...I've learned only vone zing."

Sakura blinked. "And that is?"

"Zat my life will never vee borin' az long az I remain loyal to yah wishez."

"Hoe!"

"I zink yah bring out zee vest in me, zon't yah zink?" And with that he gave Sakura a full-wide smile exposing his crooked teeth. He did this while shoving the laptop's screen so that Sakura can see his character's cheerful smile inside InterVEST.

Sakura looked from her smiling butler and to the pretty little girl inside InterVEST. She couldn't help but to give a nervous grin.

"As long as you are happy, George...As long as you are happy."

[Jinshi Yu]

pfft. Nyeh.

[Laine_Purple]

crying POST POST POST POST!!! heart

[Majah]

Laine_Purple

crying POST POST POST POST!!! heart

I will post later....it's not easy to post all 19 chapters here. sweatdrop

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Nine:
"Agatha Believes"
[ Link in FF.net ]

Eriol listened thoughtfully at the lady in front of him. The pretty dark-haired Tomoyo is talking lively as she takes a bite from her food every now and then. Twenty minutes had passed since they left the airport to eat in the cafe across the street. They are sitting by the window of the cafe and he couldn't help but noticed people from outside giving Tomoyo a second a look as they pass by. The girl is indeed lovely that she catches attention especially in a bland place.

The cafe is nothing out of the ordinary. The same smell of blended coffee fills the air in contrast with the old backdrop they have. The place was not decorated to look old. It is just really OLD. Wooden tables and chairs got chipped off sides and plain white curtains hang at the windows. Smoke from the pipes of the older customers fills the air as the rusty exhaust fan in the corner could not handle it all.

Eriol took another sip from his cup. By this time both of them had finished what they were eating.

"I apologize if I've asked you to eat in such a place." he started saying; one hand motioning at the surroundings.

Tomoyo smiled. "Oh don't worry. It's okay. I don't mind as long as my stomach gets filled. I really don't mind."

"I'm happy to know that." He looked at Tomoyo's empty cup. "How about another cup of cappucino? That is, if you're not in a hurry."

She looked thoughtfully at her cup. "Ah sure. Why not. It is really rich in flavor...their cappucino."

"I told you." Eriol happily remarked. He waved his hand to the waiter and motioned for him to fill their cups again.

The young waiter came and tended to their request. Eriol watched as Tomoyo politely thanked the waiter. He thought for a moment. He wonders what she will do if she finds out about something. It was quite obvious that she haven't realized who he really is. But he couldn't help to think if that expression she made ealier, when they bumped into each other, was from being startled or did his name rang any bells when he mentioned it.

He tries to contain the devious smile that is starting to creep on his face as he schemes a little. How will the Kinomoto's princess' bestfriend react if she finds out something about his identity? Perhaps...he should drop a hint and see what happens.

In a split second, Eriol had made his decision.

The waiter was about to leave when he spoke. "Um wait."

"Yes, sir?" the waiter asked.

Eriol took out his wallet and gave his credit card. He did this a briefly as he could; not wanting to dessiminate too much information from glancing that much in his wallet. A subtle hint would be enough. "Here. Please process our bill."

"Very well, sir." and we that the waiter left.

In truth, Eriol had cash with him. But his little plot could only be accomplished if he uses the card. He looked at Tomoyo who seems to be busy sipping from her cup.

Not a moment longer, the young waiter returned. "Mr. Hiiragizawa?" he asked.

Eriol looked in the corner of his eyes to check on Tomoyo. He was rewarded with same dazed expression from her eyes at the mention of his name.

"This is the total amount. Please sign here." the waiter bent downwards and reached for his pen.

But Eriol waved a hand. "It's okay. I have my own pen."

"As you wish, sir."

Eriol reached out inside his coat and took out his pen. He did this swiftly to look casual but made sure that the part of the pen he wanted Tomoyo to see is within her glance.

The pen he took out is something used within Li Syaoran's company. It is specially customized and given out to trusted officers and employees. It was an elegantly styled black pen with thin gold linings at the center and at the tip. Along its upper bodice, the crest of the Li Family was etched in gold; a sun surrounded by stars. He made sure that 'that' part of the pen is facing Tomoyo as he carefully signed the small sheet of paper.

It was a picture-perfect moment. Eriol knew he would not forget Tomoyo's face as her mouth dropped open and the cup that she holds in both hands looses its balance. The waiter, being as alert as he can be, caught the cup, but it was done in a brisk action that it caused some coffee to spill on top of the mantel.

"Oh! I'm a..uhm..." Tomoyo stammered.

"Not to worry, Miss. I'll take care of it." the young waiter said as he dabbed tissue on the spill as a temporary solution.

Eriol helped to contain the spill as he reached across the empty table beside them and took its napkins and placed it on top of the spill. "Here." he said; giving the waiter the bill that he had just signed. "Better get a cleaning cloth or something."

"Yes, sir. Right away, sir." the waiter nodded and walked back to the counter.

"It's not that grave, Tomoyo. I'm sure it will be cleaned up immediately." he said not looking at her eyes as he busied himself in the much contained spill.

When Tomoyo did not answer, he decided to face her and see the result of his actions.

The person that looked back at him is no longer the smiling sweet girl he was with earlier. Tomoyo's mouth is set in a grim line; her eyes as cold as ice. Eriol pretended not to know anything as he asked her. "Uh...anything wrong?" he looked innocently.

"You're Eriol Hiiragizawa." Tomoyo said firmly.

"I-yes..." Eriol said in a semi-confused gaze, yet inside him, he is fighting not to laugh. "I thought that was quite established for quite some time now?"

"You're Li Syaoran's lawyer and most trusted friend!" she blurts out; her eyes full of anger.

"I didn't know that I am that popular." he smiles then stopped for a brief moment as if to think. "Oh wait...I am not 'that' popular because if I am then you would have realized that the very first time I told you my name."

Tomoyo gave a sharp intake of breath and narrowed her eyes. "The Li family tried to kill my bestfriend." she said to him accusingly.

"That my dear, was not proven in any manner." he said casually. "I'm sure Kinomoto Sakura has some other hidden enemies somewhere." his eyes twinkled with delight.

"She does not have any hidden enemies!" Tomoyo exclaimed. "Wait...you mentioned Sakura's name. That means you know who I am all along."

Eriol smiled darkly. "You are a new...friend."

"A new friend?" Tomoyo could not believe what she was hearing. "A person, who in any manner connected to that awful family who attempted to murder my bestfriend and defends them, is no friend of mine!" She said this in a louder voice which caused the people inside the cafe to look at them.

But inspite of heads turning towards them, Eriol kept his cool. He is enjoying this. "Again, I would like to remind you that there is no proof in such a thing."

"Oh there is proof." Tomoyo hand started waving about. "Sakura's brother saw that knife with the Li family's crest etched on it."

"Unfortunately, that much alleged knife is no where to be found." Eriol countered coyly; his smile never left his face.

Tomoyo placed both her hands on top of the table and leaned closer; her eyes like small knives themselves. "I bet one of the Li cronnies hid it somewhere."

"Well...it's either that or her brother didn't see it at all."

"I beg your pardon!" she said. "Are you actually saying that he invented everything?"

Eriol looked thoughtful for a moment. "Considering the strong feelings welling up between the Li's and the Kinomoto's, it could be that his judgement was clouded that day."

Tomoyo's mouth opened and closed. "I..." she searched for words. "...I couldn't believe I am hearing this!"

He shrugged. "It is a possibility, you know."

She looked at the man before her and took a deep breath before finally standing up. "I am not going to sit here and listen to you. It is quite obvious that you are someone from 'their' side."

Eriol did not move nor speak. He only looked at her in a steady gaze. A cool smile still pasted on his face.

"I thank you for what you did earlier and for lunch." she continued in an impersonal tone. "Someday I would return the favor, but rest assured that I will do it in my own way. That last thing I would like is to end up being used by you." she shots back at him. "Proly...it may have been your intentions right from the start."

"How sweet of you to assume, but I've helped you because I really wanted to help." he said to the lady who is picking up her handbag and preparing to leave. People around is now listening all ears. Who wouldn't? Especially now that they found out who these two people are and that they were talking about the two prestigous families.

Tomoyo only glared at Eriol. She turned her back at him and started walking towards the door.

"So tell me, Ms. Daidouji..." Eriol called on to her; being formal once again as he used her last name. "Do you like Kinomoto Touya?"

She stopped on her tracks for a moment and shot him a cold stare then spoke after some time. "Goodbye, Mr. Hiiragizawa." And with that Tomoyo left the cafe.

Eriol bends his head downwards and let his bangs cover his eyes. The simple smile never left his lips but his eyes is dying with laughter and amusement. A light buzz started to rise from the people inside the cafe as they started whispering at each other. The waiter came and gave Eriol his card and receipt. He took it and placed it back inside his wallet and glanced at everyone inside the cafe. This made the people look at him silently.

"That was quite delightful, wasn't it?" he said to them; still smiling.

The people inside the cafe realized that they were poking their heads to something that they shouldn't have and went back to their own business. Eriol was half glad that there are not so many customers at that cafe. Heck, the old place rarely gets that number of people. It was probably the reason why he chose to eat there in the first place.

Eriol left a tip and walked out to the streets. He begun to stride towards the parking lot when he realized that he didn't bring his car since he went there in an ambulance. He took out his cellphone and dialed. He leaned on a tree near the entrance of the parking lot as someone finally answered on the other end.

"It's me." he began. "I need my car. Would you drive it here? I'm at the entrance of the parking lot in UDON International Airport." The person he is talking to seem to tell him something as Eriol listened.

"Did he now?" he said approvingly. "Well then, looks like our little princess is not wasting any time considering she had her underdog snooping around. Listen, I got specific instructions. Make sure she gets what she wants to know. Log on and meet up with that little pig-tailed camper and plant the information. I want Harry to log-in, too. Two reliable sources are better than one. If he will believe...she will also." he stopped once again to hear what the person in the other line is saying. "Riight." he seems satisfied. "And oh...I need a couple of men to come over that old cafe in front of the airport. I need a little containment crew." Eriol chuckled. "Don't worry...not that many people. Just give them a reason not to talk about what they've heard and saw." And with that he hungs up.

Another batch of people came swarming out of the airport. It seems another flight had arrived. The activity in the airport became apparent once more as Eriol waited on his spot.

"Now..." he said mysteriously;his eyes hidden behind the shiny reflection of the sun to his glasses. "...it shall all begin."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An old building shines brightly in the middle of the modern city as the night enhances the glass lanterns which hungs on its walls. Time, it seems, had flowned back to the past as the turmoil of the darkest days of the country was brought back to life.

Syaoran could not help but to be amazed as he stepped out of his car and gave the valet his keys. Tonight they are reopening the Grand Opera House after being shut down for more than 50 years; way before he was born. It had been there ever since the early days of Great Grandpa Li. For a hectic city running in modern technology, the Grand Opera House is the only antique building which had remained standing despite its brittle walls. There had been debates in the government on whether to keep the building or not. Yet finally, conservationalist succeeded in influencing a huge chunk of the congress that the government finally agreed in restoring the whole place.

The result was close to beyond words. Syaoran remembered standing on the far end of the street trying to look at the old thing as a child. His mother had restricted him in going close to the place since it had became dangerous due to its deteriorating foundations. But now...

"Welcome, Mr. Li." an attendant in a tuxedo with matching white gloves greeted him as he strides up to the carpeted path.

Syaoran gave him a nod. "Right this way, please." the attendant bowed and guided him up the stone steps.

Around him camera flashes as the press relinquishes the moment to capture every guests that arrives. Especially now that every member of the high society was invited. The main entrance to the Opera House is a fifteen feet high stained glass double doors supported by two stone pillars adorned with grotesque statues of winged creatures. The restoration committee really did a good job.

The smaller doors were closed so that everyone will get a grand entrance to the building. The Opera House itself was high. There are a number of flight of stairs to venture before arriving at the very entrance. The whole thing was carpeted with the striking color of red. Gold-trimmed velvet hung from waist-high posts, barricading the sides where the reporters are. From time to time, guests would either arrive in their fancy cars or driven by a limousine.

At the sides, the press is trying to get a statement from him, but he didn't stop to greet any of them. He care less from any of this publicity. He is only here for the spirit of the history being opened once more for the joy of everyone. That's about it. With one final look at the bright lights that fill the buildings wall above, he entered the opera house much to the reporters' disappointment.

Once inside, Syaoran was taken a back. If the exterior is astounding, the interior is magnificent. It made him forget all the people which surrounds him as historical items were carefully placed from corners to the vast reception hall. Marbled steps shine underneath the large crystal chandeliar at the center of the room. Fresh flowers arranged on every antique vase. Cocktail prepped up in stone-like perches adorned with same grotesque carvings. Large paintings of things that had happened in the past about the rebelion hang on the walls in frames trimmed with gold.

He takes in a deep breath. The scent of the place was old and musty but it was only appropriate for such thing that screams history.

"Champagne, sir?" a waiter dressed like the attendant except that the attendant wears a red sash and he doesn't, offered his silver tray of drinks.

"Thank you." Syaoran said politely as he took one glass. Everyone are at their best formal evening wear. Even himself is dressed in a nicely tailored black tuxedo; his chestnut hair neatly brushed towards the back. He shook hands with many business colleagues and made his rounds to his circle of men. After that he fashioned himself to stand in one corner alone.

No sooner than later he felt that someone is watching him. Indeed there was someone as he looked up and met scrutinizing eyes of a woman standing by the stairs which leads deeper inside the opera house. She wears a navy blue evening gow which glistens under the chandelier's light. Her hair tied up in two nots with silver-grey ribbons. She stands elegantly at where she is yet she gives him a disapproving look.

Syaoran gave a goofy smile and salutes the woman. The woman in return rolled her eyes and focused her attention to the man walking towards the center of the hall. It was the mayor of the city. He gave a speech regarding the Grand Opera House being a historical landmark. He officially annouced the opening and everyone clapped. Soon lights wavered motioning the start of the opera. Everyone started going to the main hall. Syaoran did the same but instead of going where most of the guest are, he made his way up. It leads to the private boxes positioned above to get a better view of the stage. He went beyond the velvet blue curtains and entered the box.

She was already there. She sat elegantly with her spectacles perched up in one hand as she examines the stage below. Syaoran slid at the fancy cushioned chair beside her and tried to relax.

"How nice of you to actually come." she said in an uptight voice.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." he replied smiling.

"It would have been nicer if you brought along a date."

Syaoran knew that they will once again go back to that topic. It always pops out whenever they meet. "If I brought a long a date then you would feel out of place...dear sister."

"I am a married woman, Li Xiao Lang." she gasps. Only family members and close friends calls him by his birthrite name. In exception of Eriol who prefers to call him 'Syaoran'.

"And your husband had been long gone, Li Mei Ling." he counters. This seems to change the older woman's expression.

"That's Chun Mei Ling to you." she sounded hurt as she avoided his eyes.

"Aw come on, sis. It had been ten years since he passed away. Don't you think that is enough mourning already?" Syaoran asked.

Below the orchestra is starting to warm-up; the curtains are being drawn back and lights started to dim.

"I would forever hold his memory in my heart." Mei Ling said proudly.

Mei Ling is one of his older sisters. She got married in the early age of sixteen in an arrange marriage. At first she regretted everything but as soon as spent more time with her husband-to-be, she fell in love with him. The feeling was mutual so there were no problems. Yelan, their mother, had once again succeeded in matching one of her children with a terrific life partner. Unforunately, after two years, Mei Ling's husband died. The plane he is on crashed. His sister had been devastated, but being a strong woman that she is, she recovered but still up to this moment remain loyal to the memories of her husband.

"You're hopeless." Syaoran remarked as the actors and actresses below started to sing in their operatic voices.

"I'm hopeless?" Mei ling said; trying to whisper as to not to disturb the events below. "You're the one who never bring any future lifetime partner. For how long do you think can you hold off mother? You're lucky you even reached the age of twenty-three without having to answer to her matchmaking hobby."

Syaoran leaned closer to Mei Ling so that he won't have to speak out loud. "It is called charm, dear sister, which adds up to my convincing power."

The show below intensifies along with the Li's private box's conversation.

"Be responsible, Xiao Lang. You are the head of the company. And whether you like it or not, you are also an heir to the familiy's wealth. You are going to need someone to pass down everything to one day."

Syaoran was glad that they are in an opera house. If there were in another place, Mei Ling couldn't have been scolding her on top of her lungs.

"I am still young. There are lots to be done. The time for it will come eventually." he said quietly; his eyes focused at the dramatic scene below.

Mei Ling sighed. She let the topic die down for a while before speaking to her brother regarding another issue. "Xiao Lang..." she started.

"Hmmm?" he said half-distracted.

"Mother wants you to come to the board meeting this Saturday."

Syaoran looked at her sharply. "There is no need for me to go there. I thought I made it clear with her."

"Well one could only hope. You are after all the only son in the family." she explained, but seeing his determined face she quickly shifted to another ground. "Very well then. If you don't want, then at least attend the family luncheon after that."

"Luncheon?" Syaoran asked.

"I think mother got another plot against our very bestfriends." she said sarcastically.

"Oh...that." Syaoran gave a small laugh. "What is it this time?"

"I don't know. She is being secretive about the whole thing."

"Isn't it quite too soon. I mean don't they deserve a rest every now and then? Not being able to get this Opera house's restoration project is already a huge let down for the Kinomoto Developers Corp." he asked in a matter-of-fact tone.

Indeed the Kinomoto's tried getting the prestigous project but thanks to his mother's influence, the project bid was awarded to someone else.

Mei Ling gave silent giggle. "Well too bad for them."

The curtains closed below and everyone clapped. The lights wavered once again signalling an intermission. People started to pile out to the cocktail hall. Both Li stood up and started walking out.

"Well, whatever it is...as usual...she can count me in." Syaoran gave a mischievously smile to his sister.

"As always." she smiles back at him.

As they reached the door leading to the cocktail room, Syaoran stopped walking, faced his sister and gave her a light peck on the forehead. This surprised Mei Ling.

"What's the matter, Xiao Lang?" her eyes confused.

"I'm going now." he said.

"What! But you've only been through the first part!" she complained.

"I've only came here for two reasons. The first one is see the historical structure for myself, and the second one is to talk to you. I think I've reached my goal, so I am calling it a night." Syaoran smiles at his beloved sister.

"Oh very well then! Somethings just don't change." she sighs and gave him a light hug. "Off you go now."

"Thanks. Take care on your trip home." Syaoran turn on his heels and proceeded to the exit.

"Xiao Lang!" Mei Ling said stopping him from his tracks. He looked back questioningly at her.

"Please do remember to not to loose that crest again." she said slightly smirking.

Syaoran briefly chuckled and nodded knowingly. "Don't worry. I will remember next time."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was almost twelve when Syaoran took off his tux and untied his bow tie.

"The traffic these days," he shook his head. He sits at the foot of his bed, took off his shoes and flops back to the inviting mattress. He closes his eyes and wondered what his mother is upto this time. He pondered about it for a while but exhaustion claimed him and before he knows it, he was dozing off.

But his sleep was interrupted by a ringing sound. "Um..wha?" he groaned as he realized that it was his cellphone. Who could have been calling him at this hour? He reached for his cellphone, slid it open and put it on his ears, "Yeah?" he said sleepily.

"I need to see ALL your plans in black and white." a familiar female voice in the other end said.

He thought he heard wrong. "Agatha?" he asked.

"Tomorrow noon at Central Park. Be there." It was Agatha. No question about it.

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Ten:
"Central Park Mishaps"
[ Link in FF.net ]
(I started paying attention with the tenses and grammar form here on)

"Tell me again...what are we doing in Central Park?" Eriol's grumpy voice filled Syaoran's ears as he asked him through a hidden two-way radio tucked beneath the baseball cap the latter was wearing.

"We are going to meet Agatha." he answered strainly. He tried to hide the anxiety welling up inside him.

It was fifteen minutes before noon and even under the heat of the sun, Central Park stayed cool with its shady trees and glistening man-made river.

A bark interrupted their conversation as Syaoran got tugged forward.

"And kindly enlighten me once more as to why you ended up having fun with my dog while I got stuck in a hotdog stand?" Eriol did not make any attempt to disguise the dismay in his voice.

Indeed, a few feet away, a rather popular food vendor stood sturdy with its orange and white striped umbrella and large-wheeled cart. The stainless container was decorated with arrays of condiments and buns. Hot steam escaped the lid at the center; heating franks to its juiciest form. Behind this cart stood Eriol. He wore white pants, shirt and shoes with matching orange shaded striped apron, and chef's hat labeled with flowery writings which read, 'Eat while its hot'. His round glasses became blurry from the hot steam every now and then.

Like Syaoran, Eriol also had a portable two-way radio tucked hidden underneath his hat. Its frequency was specially set to the pair for security reasons. As small as it can be, this device had been the latest of its kind with its state-of-the-art receiver and amplifier that even a whisper can be heard loud and clear.

Syaoran chuckled. "Because I am your boss and my job is to boss you around." he said jokingly.

"That is not funny." Even from afar, Eriol's grouchy face was evident.

For a brief moment, Syaoran tried to hide his laughter by turning his back from his friend. He wouldn't have thought he would be able to make Eriol pose as a hotdog vendor. It was terrible enough that he had deprived him of wearing his favorite suit, but getting him into such a ridiculous uniform really tested Eriol's patience.

"I know you're laughing." Eriol muttered under his breath. "Don't you dare turn your back on me." he said in a low voice as he noticed an elderly customer looked up at him strangely. "Oh yes ma'am, would you like some mustard to go with that." he offered in gusto with a winning smile pasted on his face.

Syaoran slid his cap downwards to cover his face. His anxiousness briefly forgotten. The noise in Eriol's end crawled from the hidden communication device on his head down to his ear.

"Sorry...sorry." he said in between much suppressed laughs. "Must not make you angry nor crease lines in that fair handsome face of yours." he looked at the corner of his eye and saw Eriol raised one brow questioningly. "Or else the loving 'public' will be very much disappointed."And with that he collapsed with a more outright laughter. Eriol's large dog joined in as it skipped around Syaoran while barking.

True enough, as ridiculous as Eriol's outfit can be, the man was able to attract a small crowd. Before him, young girls giggled and pushed their way in an attempt to get the cute hotdog man's attention by buying his goods. The old woman Eriol served earlier shook her head disapprovingly as she made her way out of the persistent crowd.

Eriol took another order from an overly happy sixteen year old with the same smile on his face, but his eyes glared at Syaoran's direction. "I'm going to get you someday for this."

Syaoran could only chuckle some more. "And I shall await that day." he said mockingly. "But for now..." he pulled the dog's leash and started walking in an opposite path. "I'm going to enjoy it." He felt Eriol's sharp daze fell at his back. "Come on, Rufus." he tugged the black rottweiler with him.

"On the serious note, Syaoran..." Eriol started to say. His voice sounded clear to him inspite of the busy park. "Shouldn't I be less conspicuous considering the fact that the general idea is to see Agatha without getting seen by her?"

Syaoran reached a small wooden bridge. He stopped there for a while as he looked up the shaded path a few steps away. It lead to a granite structure where the clocktower stood in all its glory. The man-made river surrounded the center mound. The raging waters colided with the large rocks artistically lanscaped at its banks. The river was not deep. It was barely a knee-high yet the refreshing atmosphere it illuminated was the very thing people loved that made them go there to get some rest from a tiresome day at work. Central Park was the only part of the city that has a live habitat in it. It was considered as the heart of the city; a rare sight for a place filled with towering structures and skyscrapers.

"You are already less conspicuous, Eriol." he replied.

"You call this...less conspicuous?" the lawyer snorted. The sound of dressing being squirted to the hotdog made a small racket which filled the speaker's output in Syaoran's end.

"It is." he confirmed. "You will be questioned more if you're just standing there and no one is buying from you."

"Here's your change, miss." Eriol said sweetly to someone then went back in talking in a low voice. "Okay, you lost me." he told Syaoran.

"That hotdog company you are currently representing is known to always employ 'attractive' employees. It is normal for their hotdog stands to get mobbed by a large percentage of female consumers throughout the city." he explained to Eriol.

"Really?" Eriol sounded surprised. "Howcome I am not aware of this interesting information?"

"The very same reason why you're a lawyer and I'm a businessman." Syaoran answered airily with a smirk.

"A-ha." the lawyer remarked unethusiastically.

Rufus barked loudly as a rabbit went jumping out of the bushes and into a the pebbled path. The dog, being as large as he can be, launched forward and took Syaoran with him in full force.

"Woah, Rufus. Easy now." he called after the dog.

Syaoran got dragged into the pebbled path by Rufus. Around him, people were busy with their own business to look closely at the young man near them. It was not like they would bother anyway. Same as Eriol, Syaoran was out of his usual tailored suit. He was wearing jeans, shirt and worn out jacket together with a ragged down cap. But in contrast with Eriol's neatly combed hair, Syaoran's was tucked loosely making some amber strands cover his eyes carelessly. To everyone's view, he was just another ordinar guy...enjoying the day with his dog.

"The crowd around you will provide you cover." Syaoran continued. "Just keep an eye out on that brown envelope, Eriol."

"The precious plans are still safely intact by the cotton candy stand, your Eminence." Eriol replied with sarcasm. The girls around him seemed oblivious of the man talking to himself.

Syaoran made a side glance. Indeed, the brown envelope which contained his InterVEST plans lay untouched inside a colorful container beside the cotton candy machine a few feet away from Eriol's hotdog stand. He walked down the pebbled path and allowed the dog to sniff around. He casually looked up at the clocktower.

Five minutes to twelve.

He looked back at the scene below. Children came running every now and then as they played at the friendly park. Adults sat under the shades and ate from their picnic baskets. Teens strolled around showing off their skateboards and roller blades. Some were checking the food stands. Others just admired the view. Everyone looked carefree and honest. To them, it was just another day in the park.

Syaoran thought for a while. Will Agatha really come? Will this be the day that he would finally meet the character who had given him a hard time in InterVEST? Will she have the same personality or would everything be the opposite? No one could really tell if it originated from something online.

As if on cue, Eriol spoke. "Don't you have any idea what your beloved Agatha looks like?" his voice aired with a little static as he reached below his cart to get more condiments.

Syaoran was silent for a while. He frowned as he settled himself at the fountain near the clocktower. "All I can say to you is that her voice sounded young." he answered.

"Her voice sounded young? That's all? You've been telling me exactly the same thing for ages." Eriol exaggerated.

"Because you've been asking me exactly the same thing for ages now." Syaoran countered.

"I can't help it." his friend mumbled. "It is not everyday that you will completely trust your adversary."

"I am not completely trusting her." Syaoran snapped. "Coz if I am then I would personally hold that damn envelope on that cotton candy stand."

It was true. Last night, he almost fell from his bed when it finally sunked into him that Agatha wanted to meet in Central Park. It was rare enough that she called him, but to actually suggest something that involved IRL intervention was something he did not anticipate. He was counting on just sending the files via email or file transfer, but no, Agatha wanted to see everything in black and white. Apparently, she had truly done her homework and found out that he was telling the truth about the Ultimate Patch. He could't help but to wonder who Agatha was in real life.

Even so, a smile crept on Syaoran's face. She was lying when she said that she wouldn't care less about what happens to full-players since she was just a rogue. Any InterVEST player would see the opportunity the patch held. What more would an elite like Agatha; rogue or not? At last, he could see the light of his plans shining upon him.

"And considering that no one is holding that alleged envelope." Eriol started. "Would you think she would realize that the package is actually there?"

Syaoran sat down on the granite edge of the fountain and let Rufus play around. "She's smart. She'll figure it out." he nodded. The arrangement was to place the documents inside a colorful tin container while standing beside the cotton candy cart. In that way she would know it was him amongst all the people around Central Park. But being a schemer with his experience, he would never allow himself to be exposed in the open in such a manner. May it be bygones.

"How great faith you had bestowed upon her, my Lordship." Eriol's smirk was very evident in Syaoran's ears.

"Will you stop calling me those names!" he snapped back to the lawyer once again.

"Wha-at?" the other man said innocently. "Oh but, lead characters in those novels you read are being called as such by their weak subordinates."

"You are not weak, Eriol."

"How unweak of me to get pushed around by my employer to downgrade myself into a hotdog man." he said sarcastically.

Syaoran gave a light snort. "My dear subordinate, just shut up and keep your eyes open. People are starting to give you weird looks."

"More hotdog, Ma'am?" Eriol bursted cheerfully to the customer nearest to him. Then he muttered one last time under his breath. "I'm really going to get back on you someday, Li Syaoran."

"And I shall look forward to it, Hiiragizawa Eriol." Syaoran chuckled carefreely without really knowing that Eriol meant something else with those words.


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A child stared at the tall stranger. His hands gripped the sides of his small checkered overalls as the stranger's shadow befell on him. His innocent eyes wavered. His tiny lips quivered. The stranger bent down and moved a little closer. His bony white hand started to reach out to the child. Nearby, other children peeked with curiosity from the playground's stalls. They watched the man and his interaction with the boy.
The child's eyes widened as George extended his arms further to give the boy something. He held a string with a blue balloon tied at the end. Light cracks from his backbone can be heard as he bent lower to hand over the balloon to the little child. The boy in return just stared past the novelty. His gaze went straight to George's lifeless face. Time seemed to go by as both stood there unmoving. The wind blew lightly and rustled the trees around them. Dry leaves got blowned for a brief moment.

Then the little boy started to cry...

insert loud crying sound here-

...and ran as fast as he could...away from George.

George just stood there. His posture was still bent; balloon still in hand. His faced slumped gloomily as he watched the little boy run. He directed his gaze to the children by the playground that kept staring at him. The moment his head turned to them the children screamed and jumped from the stalls. They ran in every direction possible away from George's eyesight as well.

"Ungrate-vul 'lil bratz." he said while straightening his posture. "Hmph! Ze kidz zis days."

It was nearly noon and Central Park buzzed with activity as people from the offices nearby started to flock the place for an early lunch. From afar a school bus stopped at the side gates. It was the second bus to arrive in the area carrying elementary children. That day was their field trip and they got to enjoy the park's new sunken ship attraction. The said structure was made a few feet away the west section of the clocktower. It was a manmade ship in the middle of a large fountain; half-burried to the ground and fifteen feet high. The city council wanted to promote a peaceful and jolly mood that instead of making it a pirate ship, they made it look like a sunken galleon with blue powdery color and not the common brown or old-wood one. The attraction's staffs were all dressed in sailor suits in the same shade of blue. They were scattered to give white and blue balloons to children. Their faces were painted with two large blue circles and were made to smile to visitors.

A few steps away, the attraction's official mascot, a bear dressed in sailor clothes, came hopping gleefully. The bear shook children's hands and posed for pictures.

George could only sigh. He placed the blue balloon back to the bunch he carried around and wore his sailor cap once more. He would rather be a butler his entire life than take this kind of job. All the same, he must obey and support his mistress at all cause. He then looked at the jolly mascot who was giving cute handwaves to the children. He sighed once more.

"Sunken ship staff! Gather here, please." a small fat man said using a megaphone.

People dressed in sailor suits started to move towards the man. The mascot bid farewell to the kids and joined the small crowd. George unethusiasticaly complied but made sure that he stayed hidden at the back.

"Hello-hello!" the man started saying. "I am this attraction's manager and I would like to commend all of you for doing a good job so far."

The staffs applauded for a brief moment, after that the fat manager continued. "As you all know, we are currently new in Central Park. I am happy that we are getting many visitors, but I think we still need our presence to be felt more. Central Park is a huge place and I think that we still need to extend our jolly atmosphere to every part of it. I've concluded this from the large amount of emails I've been receiving lately asking why we just stayed in the West Section. This is the reason that I am instructing all of you now to go expand our horizons and explore the places beyond the playground. I'm sure many people will be delighted to receive our balloons and entertainment, don't you all think so?"

The crowd cheered in agreement.

"Well then...I better not keep you all." he said. "Go spread happiness!" and with that the man chuckled.

Excited murmurs can be heard as the staffs started to go about the different places of the park. George, however, remained lifeless and moved slowly. The bear mascot noticed this so it quickly hopped to his side.

"For all its worth, I think you look...err...young, George." a sweet female voice echoed from the bear suit.

"Like fahzer, like daughzer." the butler said; obviously referring to Fujitaka's request of him wearing the leaf headset and hula during the resort's event a couple of days back.

The bear mascot childishly placed both hands at its back and dwindled a bit. "Aw George. I promise that after I get the documents from Damaski-is, you can have a day-off." Sakura's voice stayed muffled from inside the headgear.

George sighed once again. "Noh need to zu zat, miss. Letz just vee fast 'n get zis over wid."

The clocktower at the very heart of the park struck noon. Its gong vibrated from the manmade river throughout. It caused the birds from the trees to fly from their branches to the sky.

Sakura adjusted the sailor cap of the bear suit she wore. "Looks like it's time to roam around, sailor." she said cheerfully to the "not-so-happy" George. "Musn't keep that cotton candy waiting."

"Ap-parenztly..." he replied grimly. "...nize goin' in zee mass mailin' thing, by zee way."

"Why...thank you, George." she said as she started towards the pebbled steps. "I almost ran out of names to use in those emails." With one final giggle, Sakura separated herself from the loyal butler.


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Rufus howled in unison with the clocktower as it striked twelve.
insert dog howling sound here-

"Hush, Rufus!" Syaoran tugged hard on the dog's leash which caused it to cease creating that awful noise. "Damn it, Eriol! Your dog can really be a pain." he whispered harshly.

Eriol's chuckle can be heard from the receiver. "Serves you right for bossing me around. I shall remember to give him a steak later as a reward."

"Ha-ha." Syaoran remarked ironically.

From where he stood he could see men and women in sailor clothes greeting everyone with balloons in hand. "Woah, where did all those people come from?"

Syaoran saw Eriol glancing around him. "Hmmm..." his friend started saying while holding a hotdog bun in hand. "...they're probably from the new sunken ship attraction at the west section of the park."

"I see." the young man said; pulling the excited dog with him. "This is not a good time for all these people to be here." he observed as he made his way back towards the food stands. "It would be difficult to keep an eye out for Agatha."

No sooner than Syaoran said this, a swarm of kids came running from the picnic area towards the center of the park where the stalls were located. He squinted his eyes to see what the commotion was all about. Finally, he saw the reason. From the shades of the trees, a bear mascot came hopping about in its powder-blue sailor costume. The kids went ecstatic. Their parents were quite amused. Other sunken ship staffs started to give out balloons of white and blue. All of them were attracting attention from the other people in the park that the area was starting to get mobbed.

With all of this occurring, Syaoran's view of the cotton-candy stand got blocked. "Shoot!" he muttered under his breath. He started to panic a little. Those were valuable documents. He must not loose sight of them. "Eriol!" he started to say in a slightly alarmed voice. "What's happening there? Can you still see it!" Unfortunately, Syaoran only got a static sound from Eriol's end. "Can you hear me!"

With no response from Eriol, Syaoran got worried. "Come on, Rufus." he gripped the rottweiler's leash and broke into faster strides as he went down the pebbled steps to the stands below. Along the way, he pulled his cap downwards once more and let his messy hair cover most of his face. It would be a disaster if someone from the crowd recognized him.

Finally, he saw the hotdog stand. Eriol caught a glance of him and started motioning with his hand. It seemed that a couple of excited kids had pushed their way through the stand and almost knocked down the large striped umbrella attached to the cart. Eriol was still holding its pole with one hand. The other hand took turns in signalling Syaoran and raking inside the hotdog bin. Apparently, Eriol's radio got knocked out as well in his attempt from keeping the umbrella to fall. What's more, his hotdog stand was getting mobbed by more people now.

Syaoran realized that he could not count on Eriol any longer. He has to go near the cotton-candy stand himself. Rufus barked excitedly as Syaoran made his way to the agreed meeting site.


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Sakura was grateful for the bear's large headgear. It gave her a way to scan the area without turning her head. No one noticed that her eyes were roaming around. She wondered if Damaski-is was already waiting for her. Finally, she saw the cotton-candy stand. Her eyes narrowed as she skimmed the place.
Children, of course, were all over the sweet stand. The old cotton-candy man was busy making his product and taking orders from his buyers. Parents stood together with their children. Her eyes fell from one father to another then she shook her head. No. Damaski-is can't be a parent...can he? For a brief moment, the idea of Damaski-is being an established married man crossed her mind. Strange enough, the mere thought of it gave her butterflies in the stomach.

"Beary-beary!" a little girl called out to her. Other children glomped her bear suit. They pounced excitedly up at her. Sakura, being the mascot she can be, just waved and touched little children's heads while the other staffs started giving out balloons. Once again she directed her attention towards the cotton-candy stand while she held two small hands in her costume's paws and started hopping lightly towards the meeting place. Boys and girls followed her like how chicks followed a mother hen. Her gaze fell on a colored container at the stall. Inside it, a sealed brown envelope was evident. It laid there alone and untouched.

Looks like Damaski-is had the same idea as her. Neither of them really trusted each other to actually be out in the open and wait. Again, thanking the bear headgear, Sakura tried to look around while her hands gestured to the children. In another person's eye, the mascot was still actively attending to the children. In truth, Sakura's attention was focused somewhere else.

Her observant eyes fell on the other people around, but considering the mob gathered around the hotdog stand nearby, the growing customers of the cotton-candy stand and the crowd the sunken ship staff attracted, Damaski-is could be anywhere and anyone. She caught a glimpse of the "not-so-happy" George and felt relieved that the butler was nearby.

Obviously, both parties don't want to risk that much. There were only two things she can do. Ignore the whole deal and forget about the proposal considering that Damaski-is, himself, was not trustful enough. OR...she can go ahead and get the package without anyone really noticing it. The former would have been easier. Why would she even consider his proposal anyway? She was just a rogue. Plus, it was quite obvious that he wanted to see her true identity first than risking his own. Even so, she already know why she was willing to risk. The Ultimate Patch had truly been installed and its implementation will start in less than two weeks. It can bring her InterVEST dreamworld into reality. Even if she was a rogue, her assets will be enough to level-up Damaski-is existing ones. It was "power" waiting to be grasped. She had felt so excited about it since last night when George confirmed everything. And what's good about it was that Damaski-is didn't lie about the whole marriage thing. It was just something that shall qualify one to enter the new city inside InterVEST where the Ultimate Patch shall be applied.

To be able to roleplay in a society...that was what the game developers termed it. She knew very well why she was exerting effort in the whole thing. Cause deep inside she knew she wanted everything she had achieved inside a game to be real. InterVEST, had one way or another, meant so much to her. It had become her second life. As greedy as she sounded for wanting to attain more than what she already have in her perfect life, she knew that InterVEST had become more real than whatever her rich Kinomoto world can offer.

Inside the game...she felt free.

So she decided firmly; then and there...her eyes fixed on the package a few feet away. She will go for it.


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Happy barks from the large rottweiler seemed nothing compared to the noise the place started to have ever since the sunken ship staffs came. Syaoran concluded that even if Eriol's radio was safely plugged, they won't be able to hear each other. He never predicted that the attraction will decide to send out its people to the other parts of the park that day. Usually, they stayed in the West Section. He wondered for a brief second if Agatha had anything to do with it. His eyes fixed on the documents that is now back on his sight. He felt relieved that it was still intact. For a moment, Syaoran's anxiety returned. He suddenly became aware of the fact that Agatha might be looming around and scanning the area, herself. He checked on his reflection at a steel pole. Surely, no one would recognize him in the way he had worn his hair. No one can ever tell that the 'Li Syaoran' would wear ragged street clothes. Never in his life had he tried on such clothes. He was not brought up to such. Snotty as it may sound, Li Yelan would never allow it.
"Beary-Beary!" a little girl said to the mascot a few steps away.

Cute. Syaoran thought as he saw the bear get mobbed by the kids. The mascot wore sailor clothes with a matching silver anchor dangling around its round waist. Some of the children clung into it that Syaoran almost felt sorry on whomever was inside that suit.

Suddenly, he felt a jolt in his arm. It was hard and fast that he wasn't able to prevent it. Rufus, as big as he can be, tugged abruptedly towards the mascot. The black dog seemed attracted to the dangling anchor around the bear's waist. Rufus charged and barked with all his might; dragging Syaoran with him.


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"Woof! Woof!" a barking sound interrupted Sakura's thoughts as she deviced a plan on how to get to the documents without getting seen. She was only a couple of steps away from the darn thing.
"Woof! Woof!" it came in closer this time.

"Doggy! Doggy!" the children around Sakura said. Some of the parents nearby grabbed their kids away from the excited dog. Other boys and girls were delighted by the huge black mass coming towards them that they started focusing their attention to it.

Sakura forgot about the colorful container for a moment as she tried to concentrate at the dilemma she might be in. It seemed that the rottweiler was attracted to the anchor dangling around her bear costume.

"This can't be good." she whispered to herself.

Good thing though, the children around Sakura hampered the dog from completely reaching her. She saw the owner of the dog being dragged along by the powerful mutt. He was a young man wearing a baseball cap and worn-out jacket. She couldn't see his face for he was looking downwards as he tried to restrain his dog.

Those children that weren't scared of the huge dog came screaming with delight as they tried to touch it. Unfortunately, the dog's attention was still focused on her silver anchor. With its owner still struggling for control, the rottweiler lurched forward towards her.

Sakura panicked but the bear costume prevented her to do drastic movements. The only thing she can do was to stand there and used her hand to protect her. The dog was only inches away.

She closed her eyes and waited for the impact...but it never came.

"Stop it, Rufus! Heel!" an authoritative male voice rang the air.

The familiar tone sent a chilled down Sakura's spine. That can't be...? She felt her heart skip a beat as she started to open her eyes.

Just in front of her, the guy wearing the cap was tightly gripping the dog's leash. He was taller than Sakura; around Yukito's height, perhaps, but leaner in built. His chestnut hair covered most of his upper face yet it revealed a fairly strong chin. His head was still bent downwards as he tried to fight his dog. "Come on, Rufus. Don't be such a pain." he said to it.

Sakura blinked. It was the same voice. She can't be mistaken...or can she?

Around her, children screamed in delight due to fascination for the dog and to the fact that it was beside a sailor bear. They started to push towards Sakura, the dog and its owner.


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It was chaotic. Syaoran cursed under his breath as he get pushed around. Even the children's parents got entangled in the scene. Rufus continued to bark excitedly.
"Damn it." he said.

But his cursing did not help as a sudden movement from the crowd pushed him forward.

-insert bumping sound here-

He bumped straight to the mascot. He felt the fake fur on his skin as he found himself sandwiched between the mob of kids and the bear. This caused his grip on the leash to loosen which allowed Rufus some freedom.

The dog started moving in circles...around Syaoran and the mascot.

"No Rufus! No!" he shouted at the dog as he realized that he was still holding the end of the leash and Rufus was going around them. The leash was starting to bind the bear's legs and his legs together. "No no no no! Don't Rufus! No!" he commanded the dog, but it was too late.


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Sakura was dumbfounded when she heard the dog owner's voice due to its likeness to Damaski-is' voice over the phone. Now she thought she might faint as the guy bumped into her. She didn't know how to react to the idea of being so close to Damaski-is...physically. That is...if the guy was really him. She was not entirely sure. Her head was starting to spin with the topsy-turvy going on around her.

"...Don't Rufus! No!" she heard him say once again.

What is it now? What is happening? The large bear headset prevented her to move that much but she still managed to look down at the dog. She gasped in horror when she saw her legs and the dog owner's legs being tied up by the leash.

The coil got tighter. Both of them started loosing their footing. The pushing of people around them did not alleviate the situation. In attempt to steady herself, Sakura could not help but to wrap her furry mascot arms around the young man's waist. He, too, seemed to be having the same problem that he had no choice but to place one hand on her back. He let go of the leash and tried taking it off but to no avail. The dog had made to many rounds.

For a brief moment, the park seemed to disappear as Sakura got a chance to come face to face with the guy as he turned his head about; his gaze followed the dog. She could not see clearly with all the racket going on, but she can tell that the man before her was indeed young. Perhaps, a couple of years older than she was. His hair covered most of his eyes, but from one sudden angle, she was able to get a glimpse of one deep hazel eye. She knew she hadn't met him before, but there was something about him that seemed familiar to her. Even so, Sakura felt warm as she tightened her arms around him.

Finally, the rottweiler stopped barking and started reaching for the anchor. "Damn it, Rufus!...no! Don't you dare!" the guy said alarmingly.

Sakura tried not to squeal. If this guy turned out to be really him, then she wouldn't want to blow her cover. Instead, she closed her eyes as the large dog placed its paws on her waist and tugged the anchor in full force.

And that was it. It was the last straw. Both lost their balance and came crashing hard on the ground.

-insert crashing sound here-

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The park seemed to disappear from Syaoran's consciousness as he fell to the ground together with the mascot. His left arm felt numb as the bear landed on it. His weight added to the pressure when he, himself, ended falling on top of the mascot. He had managed to slip his hand on the staff's headset to prevent the mascot's head from hitting the pebbled surface that could have caused a more serious injury.

Time seemed to past as both of them lay motionless. Around them, people started to get worried. The rest of the sunken ship staffs started making way towards them. Syaoran, though, couldn't care any less of what's happening around him. His eyes remained closed as he waited for his body to scream the pain. He tried to move his head and realized that it was resting on something warm and soft. He breathe in deeply. A sweet fragrant scent met his nostrils.

Women's perfume?

The mascot gave a slight groan...a female groan. Syaoran got puzzled. Then it started to dawn at him. He ignored the inflicted hand and used his other arm to push himself up. He quickly lifted his body a bit to see the mascot before him.

Indeed, there lay the furry thing. Everything seemed intact except for the headset. It was partly detached. It revealed a delicate chin and a fair white neck where his face nuzzled ealier. Syaoran was shocked.

The person who wore the bear costume was a girl.

He looked at her wide-eyed. He didn't expect a female to be in such a bulky heavy thing. "Oh my god..." he started to say. "...are you alright?" He got worried. He knew his weight might have crushed her.

She gave another groan. She seemed to be in pain.

"I'm so sorry." he continued saying.

He heaved himself to the other side as other people loosened the leash on their feet. She hadn't spoken yet aside from the groans. This worried him even more.

From a far, Rufus stayed sitted; happily munching the silver anchor he took. Syaoran made a mental note to yell at the dog later. But for now, he decided to take off the girl's bear headgear. It was already partially separated. Removing it will be a piece of cake.

He reached down and was about to disentangle it when...

...a bony white hand shot out to restrain him.

"Woah." Syaoran exclaimed in surprise. He found himself face to face a ghoul-like man in a sailor outfit. For a second there, he wondered how on earth the sunken ship management hired such a scary person.

"Sir, are you alright?" another staff in same costume asked from behind.

"Uh...yeah..." he answered. "..but I don't know about her."

"Don't worry, sir. We'll take over from here. Our medics are on their way."

Syaoran was helped back to his feet. Sunken ship employees were flocking around him and checking whether he was injured. "No..no..I'm fine." he said despite the deep wound he got in one hand. "It's your mascot lady that needs to be checked upon."

Eriol came rushing through the crowd. "Syao-" then he realized he shouldn't be yelling his friend's real name. "..Yo man! What happened? Are you alright?" Eriol said instead.

"I'm fine. It's just a little scratch."

"Nice going in trying lay low." Eriol whispered when he arrived at Syaoran's side.

"Well this might not have happened if not for your blasted dog." Syaoran said accusingly.

"A dog will always be a dog." the lawyer chuckled.

Syaoran cursed under his breath. He was about to walk away when he remembered something. "Damn it, Eriol! The documents!" he exclaimed.

"What? Oh yeah...Agatha..." Eriol turned around and faced the cotton-candy stand. "I hate to say this but..." he started to say when his eyes fell on the location where they left the package.

Syaoran focused his gaze to the sweet stand.

The colorful container was gone.

"s**t." was the only thing Syaoran could say.

"You could try calling her later." Eriol suggested.

But Syaoran remained silent; a frown welling up on his forehead as sign that he was in deep thoughts.

"You know...just to confirm if she really got it." the lawyer continued.

"It's the bear..." Syaoran started to say weakly.

"What?" Eriol leaned a little closer.

"It's the bear!" Syaoran turned to his friend and shook him. "Don't you get it!"

"Get what?" the lawyer said confused.

Syaoran let go of him and started scanning the area. The sunken ship sailors were still at large. Everyone was there except for one. He looked up the railings and saw the medics but no injured person near them.

"It's her!" Syaoran said without looking at Eriol. "She's the one wearing the mascot costume!"

"The sunken ship sailor bear?"

"Yes. I thought it was really odd that the attraction's staffs started spreading out the park. She might have done something to gain access to these parts." Syaoran went around and started looking for any trace of the bear.

"Don't you think that's a little way off?" Eriol said trying to reason.

"It's not that far-off, Eriol. I mean...look at you. I made you pose as a hotdog man. Being a mascot is just a same thing." Syaoran grabbed Eriol by the sleeves. "Come on, Eriol. Let's spread up. She couldn't have gone that far."

After a few more minutes, both men met up in front of the sunken ship attraction.

"Nothing, Syaoran." Eriol started. "I even checked the management, and they can't seem to find her. What's more is that they couldn't find her file."

"Was she a regular employee?" Syaoran asked.

"According to the HR department, no. They said she just volunteered to do the job since the man who was suppose to be the mascot reported sick today."

"So she was just a passerby in the right place in the right time. Was that it?" he said looking down at his feet thinking; hands on hips.

"Yes." Eriol said flatly.

"I think it was really her." Syaoran concluded. "Darn! I can't believe I was so slow."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George had to erase some 'employee files' at the sunken ship's office that he took him a while to go back to the car. By the time he arrived there and sat behind the wheels, his mistress was already seated at the passenger side still wearing the bear costume except for the headgear.
"Miss..." he started to say.

"Just drive, George." Sakura said still breathing heavily. She looked straight; wide-eyed. Her face was flushed and she had her arms around the brown envelope; the colorful container tossed at the back seat.

"Zon't yah zink we shud scan it first for trazers?" the butler said thoughtfully.

"Just drive, George!" Sakura snapped. Then she realized that she just raised her voice to her loyal companion. "Just...drive..." she said more mellowed down. "...please..." she looked at him with pleading eyes.

"Need not zay more, miss." George nodded, started the engine and drove out of the park.

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Eleven:
"The Deal"
[ Link in FF.net ]

Sunrise sneaked its way up towards the pink drapes of Sakura's room that early morning. Workers of the Kinimoto mansion can be heard from the window as they began to do their chores. It was just another day; another set of usual tasks. But for Sakura it was far from being ordinary.

Sakura's cellphone started to ring.

-insert ringing sound here-

-ring-

With her back flat on the bed, Sakura just stared at the phone on her hand.

-ring-

She hadn't slept a wink since last night.

-ring-

She was reluctant to read the documents inside the envelope after her little adventure in Central Park the day before.

-ring-

She was still confused.

-ring-

Tired...

-ring-

...anxious...

-ring-

...and excited. All in one emotion.

-ring-

She didn't know whether its because of how grand and ambitious the plans inside the envelope were that she felt like this.

-ring-

Or...the fact that the young man with the dog could be Damaski-is, and for him to fall on top of her will be too much for her to handle.

-ring-

And now, Damaski-is was calling her. He had been doing so since the day before.

-ring-

She couldn't get herself to answer it.

-ring-

Then finally, the ringing stopped. Sakura turned her head to face the display of her phone.

'15 missed calls from Damaski-is' It said.

"Well at least he hasn't been sleeping like me." she murmurred.

Coward. Sakura thought. Look at what you get yourself into this time. She looked up at the ceiling. Its own version of mini-heaven smiles back at her. Her room's cherubin painting in pink clouds filled her sight. They all look innocent and carefree. Too bad she doesn't feel like this that very moment.

It hit her right smack in the face. That everything in her little dreamworld inside InterVEST can be a reality. And all she had to do was sign. Sign the contract that Damaski-is included in the documents from Central Park. She had checked every part of it and with George's investigation inside the game backing it up, everything was clean. There was no indication that it was only a scheme of the other to get back at her.

Sakura sat up straight ignoring the pain from her muscles and bruises she got from yesterday's incident.

"This is it Sakura." she said to herself. "What shall it be?" she continued; grasping her phone hard. "It is an opportunity of a lifetime." looking at the papers before her. "It's not like everyone will know. You just have to bargain this with Damaski-is. Yes...that's the most logical thing to do. Bargain your side. He looks desperate enough, make sure you get your end as well."

And with that she started dialing Damaski-is' number.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Syaoran paced left, right and around his penthouse. He was still wearing the shirt from yesterday but replaced the jeans with boxers. Since he arrived, he had been calling Agatha. Unfortunately for him, she hasn't answered even one of it.

He stopped walking and looked at the his computer's monitor on his desk. He had logged on InterVEST the whole night, hoping that she'll be there as well, but his hopes were in vain.

"Argh!" he ruffled his hair in desperation. "I can't take this any longer!" He picked up his cellphone again and shook it in front of his face. "Where are you! Did you or did you not get the documents! Were you or were you not that sailor bear!" Then in a more mellowed down voice. "Cause if you were...the bear..." he softly said. "...are you alright? How many bruises did you get from the fall?"

Syaoran continued staring at the phone in his hand. He seemed to have calmed a bit as he heaved a sigh and sat down at the foot of his bed. He placed one hand on his face and closed his eyes.

Okay...one more. Just one more try... he told himself.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sakura was about to press the "call" button when her cellphone rang again.

'Damaski-is calling...

answer call or ignore to call dialled number?'

She took a deep breath and clutched the phone for a brief moment. This is it. She picked 'answer call' and was about to say "hello" but Damaski-is spoke immediately.

"Are you alright?" he said in the other end worriedly.

"Hoe!" was the only thing Sakura could say.

"Hoe? That's it? After not answering my calls since yesterday, that's all you have to say to me... 'hoe'?" he started to sound angry.

For a brief moment, Sakura forgot her uneasiness and anxious feeling, and started to counter him. "Well, I was surprised! I didn't expect you to ask me that."

"What were you expecting me to ask?" he asked. "After all...you might have ended up with bruises from yesterday."

Sakura's eyes widened as his words started to sink in. He mentioned bruises and was asking if she was alright. Could it be that...

-image of the hazel-eyed young man with the dog flashed on her mind-

She sat there quietly curled up with her knees touching her chest; one hand balled into a fist near her face. Does he know that it was her?

"Hello? Agatha? Are you still there?"

"I don't know what you are talking about." Sakura lied.

It was Damaski-is' turn to stay quiet. He hesitated for a moment, yet finally he spoke with renewed determination. "I think you do...very well know what I mean."

Sakura gave a sharp intake of breath. The person she was talking to sounded so convinced and sure.

"You may enlighten me a little as to what it is you are saying." she replied.

"Ahmmm...okay. Might as well do since this is both getting us nowhere. I think it is quite obvious that you want to know how much I know, so I'm saying it out loud." he paused briefly. "I know you were the sunken ship bear, Agatha."

Upon hearing this, Sakura almost dropped the phone. She was kind of hoping that he didn't knew. Now the next thing that shall be baking her noodles was whether or not he had seen her face or even knew that she is Kinimoto Sakura. George assured her that the headgear did not fall off, but the young lad was close in removing it.

"Oh really?" she said in a voice which came out softer than expected.

"Yes. Really." he remarked. "Don't deny it, Agatha. Everything fell into place. I thought it was kinda weird that sunken ship employees suddenly spread through our area of meeting in the exact same time we are suppose to be there. I've even checked with the attraction's office. How odd for them not find any record about their dear little mascot that turned out to be a female."

Again, Sakura was silent. Damaski-is seemed to respect this for he did not speak another word either.

-silence-

-silence-

-silence-

-silence-

-silence-

"Are you that guy with the dog?" she finally had the courage to ask.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Syaoran's heart thumped hard inside his chest when Agatha asked him. He knew that if he said to her that she was the bear, the likeness of her asking him back about that, was great.

"Do you think it was me?" he asked the girl on the other end.

"Yes." she answered softly.

"Howcome?"

"Both of you sounded the same." she said.

Yes, that will be a giveaway. Again, he silently cursed Eriol's dog for being such a pain. He analyzed the situation for a moment. If she knew it was him, does this mean that she had recognized him as well? That he is Li Syaoran? She was wearing quite a bulky suit, and with all the commotion going around them, it would have been difficult to really observe things in front of her. The again, they were so close and tied up that she could have recognized him.

Syaoran's felt warm in having recalled when his face got nestled on her fair smooth neck. He could just smell her perfume scent once again.

"Hello? Damaski-is?" Agatha pulled him back to reality.

He shook his head to wipe out the thought and was slightly embarrassed that he had been drifting off.

"Yeah. It was me." he said bluntly.

Syaoran could have easily denied. He could have just said it was someone else that he hired. Or it was his brother hence the similarity of the voice can be plausible. But suprisingly he hurriedly admitted it. What was the point of denying it? He wanted things to be as clean as possible. If he wanted her to be his partner in this gigantic arrangement, he might as well try to be honest as possible.

Well...okay...not that transparent, but it is a good way to start things.

He heard Agatha gasped. A smirk crept on his face. It looked like she was really the damn bear.

"There...I admit it. So now you know who I am." he remarked and to further test the waters. "I am a businessman, Agatha. You can check my track record IRL. You can drop by my office anytime you want. Now you know where to find me..."

"Hoe?" Agatha said; sounding confused.

Syaoran stopped. He was about to say more but hearing her like that...

She didn't recognize me. She doesn't know I am Li Syaoran. He realized.

"My god. I didn't know you were that blind." Syaoran chuckled.

"Hoe! Are you making fun of me!" Agatha seemed infuriated by his statement.

Smiling, he continued. "We were face to face. It's not like I was wearing a mask or something."

The doorbell rang. Who would visit him at this early hour? He stood up and went to answer the door.

"But I am wearing a large bear headgear! It's not easy to move around with it especially when your dog is jumping around excitedly!" Agatha blurted out.

He opened the door and saw Eriol standing there, already in his usual suit; crisp and fresh. "Ah! So the bear was really you!" Syaoran said triumphantly. Eriol raised a brow as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Syaoran mouthed "Agatha" while pointing to the phone he was holding. The lawyer's mouth curved into an "Oh" indicating that he understood. Syaoran started walking towards the glass sliding doors leading to the pool area with Eriol closed behind; listening.

"Hoe!" Agatha remarked again. "Ummmm..."

"Too late, Agatha...too late." Syaoran chuckled some more.

"Okay fine." she said bitterly. "It was me."

Syaoran reached the marble railings that surrounded the penthouse and looked far at the view that met him. Towering buildings shone like crystals from the sun's rays; a breathtaking view of the city during early morning which he got the priviledge of seeing, being able to reside on top of the tallest building in the country. Eriol, on the other hand, sat on one of the lounge chairs near the pool. He watched his friend with observant eyes.

"So, it is also safe to confirm that you got the documents intact since the container disappeared after the commotion with our dear little bear out of sight?" he said smiling.

"Yes." Agatha confirmed. "I have it."

"Great." Syaoran was relieved. If those plans got into the wrong hands, it will be the end of it all. "But..." his smile was replaced with a frown. "...were you alright?" reverting back to his question earlier. "You were after all..." he seeked for the right word. "...crushed."

"It's nothing." Agatha replied. "I can still survive. It was just a couple of bruises. The suit was heavily padded."

"Oh good. For a moment there I thought you were seriously injured." Then without really thinking, Syaoran murmurred in a low tone. "The thought of getting that smooth skin bruised alarmed me."

"What?"

Syaoran realized what he just said. "Ah! Um...nothing.." he stammered. "I said I am so sorry about the falling over thing."

Now both of Eriol's brows shot up. A mischievous smile formed on his lips. Syaoran saw this and glared at him.

"It's okay..." the girl in the other end said weakly.

There was an awkward silence.

-silence-

-silence-

-silence-

Eriol rolled his eyes. He picked a small empty flower basket on top of the lounge table and threw it at Syaoran. His friend in return protected himself and motioned his hands indicating that he got the message.

"So..." Syaoran started to say. "I assume you've already read the documents. Even browsed the CD included in the package?"

"Yes." Agatha confirmed.

"And?" he waited for her answer.

"And I can't believe you are actually dreaming of something like this!" she exclaimed in disbelief.

"Why? What's wrong with it?"

"What's wrong? Don't you think it is too ambitious to actually dream of controlling every industry in the country?" she replied.

"You sound excited, though." Syaoran smiled as he leaned at the railings. He flashed a thumbs-up sign at Eriol.

Agatha seemed taken a back for a moment. "Ummm..."

"Ummm yourself." he chuckled. "You know that eventhough it is indeed ambitious it is not that farfetch to happen. In fact it can be done with InterVEST new schemes."

"Damaski-is..." Agatha started. He heard a noise at her end and concluded that she must be pacing about. "...tell me if I got this right. InterVEST will be launching an ultimate patch in two weeks...oh wait a minute...less than two weeks coz you already knew about this a few days ago."

"Yes." Syaoran nodded.

"And in this ultimate patch, InterVEST developers had stroke a deal with the government and with the business world to make it a reality not only inside the game but in real life as well."

"You found out about this yourself." he shrugged.

"Indeed, I did. After much coaxing in your part." then she continued. "The alleged patch was said to be already installed and is currently in stress testing. If no problem arises, it would be out to the public in a matter of days."

"That is correct."

"And you...being a veteran full-player want to get most of it and ahead of everyone for that matter. That is why you concocted this." He heard some rustling on her end and guessed that she was probably waving the documents in front of her.

"Again, you got it right." he once again confirmed.

"SkyLark, Incorporated." she stated out loud. "A corporation within the game, InterVEST, that shall spawn in the new city the ultimate patch shall create. This city within the game shall be containing infrastructures, businesses, and even government offices that actually exists in real life. Same stocks...same dealings...it's like going to your office but with the conveniences of being at home. InterVEST money will have the same equivalent with the currency we are using in the country. When you think about it...InterVEST won't be just another game. It will be like an extension of your work area."

"I heard InterVEST developers were frustrated programmers who failed to setup a virtual office system years back. They weren't able to this professionally before and hence used the game as an outlet. But eventually they were able to finally discover which technology to use and since InterVEST is quite popular, they've decided to integrate it within the game." Syaoran casually supplemented.

"I could just imagine the tax the government will be getting." she said.

"Huge. That's for sure. Every registered player of InterVEST are taxpayers. From their tax to the tax of their businesses, everything's going to pile up." he nodded as if Agatha was just in front of him.

"Yes...the registered players." she paused. "Which will lead me in that particular topic I should be discussing with you first."

"I'm all ears, princess." Syaoran smiled.

"Hmph." Agatha picked her words. "Again, correct me if I am wrong. The new city in InterVEST needed to have a feel of an existing society. The profits that can be earned inside are enormous that they have to make sure people are serious about their dealings inside, hence a society needed to be formed. So in order for anyone of us to enter this new city, you needed to be maritally connected to someone."

"And that is where you come in." he butted in.

"Indeed." her voice became unreadable. "You want me to marry you inside InterVEST."

"Yes."

"I've checked my reliable sources and it is safe to say that civil status within the game will ONLY stay within the game and not in real life." she said.

"That is what I've been telling you before. There is no need to worry. It's not like we are getting married in real life as well. The status is only within the game. The only thing that shall be valid in real life are those that has anything to do with business." he said in a convincing voice.

"Okay...okay..I get the point." Agatha sighed. "But let's be frank shall we?"

"Sure." Syaoran ran a hand on his messy hair. Eriol placed his hand under his chin as he listened.

"You are really greedy." she said straight.

Syaoran chuckled. "Ouch. I'm hurt."

"If other people will hear about your marriage proposal in InterVEST. They would probably think...'oh look Damaski-is finally fell for his rival. That's so romantic.'..."

"Isn't it romantic?" he said in an exaggerated tone; obviously faking it.

"Oh yes, it is. Look I'm swooning." Agatha said sarcastically. "Especially after reading your SkyLark, Inc. documents of combining my game assets to yours which will eventually lead for SkyLark to have a business empire in every industry in InterVEST available."

"Exactly." A huge smile is forming widely at the young man's face.

"You greedy greedy little pig!"

"Ouch and Ouch." Syaoran laughed. "Like what I said before, Agatha. This is a business deal. That's all there is to it."

"Yeah, I can plainly see that now." she said somewhat irritated.

"Don't tell me you are actually hoping for something more?" he said haughtily. This caused Eriol to smirk.

"What!" she remarked in a high pitched voice.

"I mean, if you were hoping...well that can be arranged. I am ready to do anything necessary to get what I want. And if it makes you feel more comfortable, I'll act the part. We are suppose to roleplay after all." he remarked mischievously.

"OF ALL THE NERVE!" Agatha said angrily. "What do you take me for? Some highschool girl waiting for her first kiss!"

"Well, you do look quite young." Syaoran observed as he remembered the delicate chin. "...your neck, that is..."

"My neck! You can immediately conclude after seeing only that!"

"Easy...easy...you are already shouting, dear Agatha." he continued to laugh.

"As far as I can remember, you are not that old either. Probably a couple of years older than I am." she blurted.

"So...you are a couple of years younger than I am."

"Hoe!" she seemed to have realized that she had mentioned more than she should.

This only amused Syaoran more. "I am finding that little expression of yours...cute."

"Stop it, Damaski-is! You don't have to act it. Just drop the whole thing and let's proceed with talking business." she said in a serious tone.

"I am kind of hoping for that."

"Okay...well here is the thing. I have no problem with the merging nor with SkyLark." she started.

"Good. Good." he nodded while looking in Eriol who is still at that moment, carefully listening.

"But I have two issues I have to discuss with you before I sign any contract."

"And those are?" Syaoran waited patiently.

"First, is the control of SkyLark." Agatha said matter-of-factly.

"What about it?"

"I want equal control." she said strongly.

Syaoran frowned. "But won't you have equal control of it as my wife inside InterVEST?"

"Actually, as your wife I would have equal priviledges but in terms of decision-making, Damaski-is, if you add every stock share up. You'll own 51 percent of it and I'll own 49 percent." she complained. "Your voting power still exceeds mine, meaning in every decision we have to make legally, yours will be automatically recognized. That's not pretty fair, Damaski-is."

"It added up to those precentage? I must have skipped it."

"Oh really?" she sounded like she was tapping her foot on the floor.

"Swear!" Syaoran started walking towards his computer inside to check on the numbers. "I've been too excited about the whole thing that I only estimated the shares. They both look equal to me." He motioned for Eriol to follow. The lawyer understood and went inside as well. Syaoran pointed towards the computer. Eriol nodded and logged into InterVEST to access Damaski-is' stocks record. Syaoran watched as Eriol computed and produced a graph of his and Agatha's assets.

"Well. It may look equal but 1 percent can make a difference." Agatha pouted a little.

Syaoran waited as Eriol provided the numbers. In the end, his share really did exceeded 1 percent. "Bravo, Agatha. You were able to take this in consideration overnight? You're really good. I wonder what you really do in real life."

Agatha choked at the remark.

"Hey, are you okay?" Syaoran asked.

"I'm fine...I'm fine. Something just caught in my throat."

"I'm looking at the percentage in the computer now." he continued and studied the graph Eriol provided him. "Hmmm...we could attain equal percentage if you'll gain another asset."

"That's all I have." she replied. "It would take time to get another one since I just acquired real estate lots in Suban City. You know the rules. There should be a 30-day span before you can buy another asset."

"I can't wait that long. The patch will be officially announced in matter of days."

"Well, I'm not going to sign the contract if it says you'll get 51 percent." she stood her ground.

Syaoran thought about it for a second. "Then I'll give you one of mine."

"What?" Agatha couldn't believe what she just heard.

"The rule says you cannot buy for a span of 30 days. There is nothing stated which says that you cannot accept one traded to you for free."

"But won't that look suspicious?"

"I'll just say that it is an engagement gift." Syaoran nodded.

"You're going to give me a full asset as an engagement gift?" she exclaimed in disbelief. "People would normally give rings or items in InterVEST, you know."

"I am Helroi Damaski-is. Who says I'm normal?" he smiled arrogantly to himself.

"Hoe!"

"Actually, I think that would be a very good image. It could just plainly say to everyone that we are indeed elites and powerful people." Syaoran rejoiced at the thought.

"Okay...let me replace my description of you earlier. You are a greedy greedy power-hungry pig."

Syaoran grinned. "You must make the best of this opportunity. It may not come again." he paused to look at his asset records. "So...is there anything you would like to have that I own."

Agatha was silent for a moment and thought about it. "Are you really going to give it to me?"

"Why must I always repeat myself to you?"

"I can't help it, okay! It's not like we are friends or something. I am still dealing with the thought." then she continued. "I'll be happy with anything as long as it will make us have an equal percentage."

"Fine. I'll have my lawyer..." he looked at Eriol. "...arrange it...today." His friend's shoulder drooped down when he mentioned the word "today".

"Hoe! That fast?"

"I see no point in doing it in a later time." Syaoran patted his friend's head. Eriol, in return, narrowed his eyes and started doing the papers for asset transfer inside InterVEST.

"But there is another thing! I said two things, right?" Agatha reminded him.

"Shoot."

"I'm not going to register as a full player." she said.

"What!" Syaoran thought he heard wrong. "You are not going to register as a full-player?"

"Yes."

"Why the hell not!" he started to pace around the room. "How are we going to go through our plan if you are not a full player?"

"The ultimate patch is not applicable to rogues, but it doesn't say it is invalid to half-players as well." Agatha explained.

"You want to be a half-player?" he asked. Eriol frowned upon hearing this.

"Yes." she answered.

"But why do you prefer to be a half-player when there are more priviledges being a full-player?"

"I know you are quite prominent, Damaski-is. And you have no problems with people getting acquianted with your life IRL, but with me it's a different thing." she explicated. "I wish for my true identity to remain a secret from the outside world. I would support you in any way I can inside InterVEST, but that's about it. We can do business as usual through the game or through a call. I think our little system is quite efficient as it is."

"Wouldn't it be much each easier if we knew each other IRL." Syaoran pointed out.

"NO." Agatha stressed. "I'm sorry but I have personal issues that I couldn't tell you. Being a half-player will gain me access to the new city, but with the comforts of not exposing my identity to the public. That's about it, Damaski-is. These are my terms. If you agree, then fine...I'll sign your contract. If not, then it is best that you find someone else. Rest assured, though, that I shall be honorable and shall not expose these plans of yours if I choose not to sign. That I can give you for all your troubles."

Syaoran was quiet for a minute. He continued to pace around. He stopped at the glass sliding doors and placed a hand on his hips and sighed. Half-players also qualify to the new scheme. It would be harder doing business in such an aloof arrangement, but still it was better than nothing. There was no one else who had Agatha's qualifications that matched his.

"You got a deal." Syaoran told Agatha. "If you want to be a half-player than a full-player...then fine."

"Great!" she said cheerfully in the other line. "All documents shall be picked up and sent to InterVEST's main business centers through the safe deposit box both of us will get upon registering SkyLark."

"There's no other choice." he said while looking at Eriol who just shrugged. "So when are you going to sign the contract?"

"I'll sign it when I receive the asset transfer from you."

"Good. Then it is safe to say that SkyLark shall be born, first thing in the morning." Syaoran smiled dreamily.

"Hopefully. If everything goes well." Agatha agreed. "So I guess, it is settled then?"

"Yeah." he confirmed.

"Okay. I have to go now. The earpiece in my cellphone is starting to get hot." she said in a less agitated tone.

Syaoran gave a small laugh. "Mine as well." He was about to say goodbye when he remembered something. "And oh, Agatha..."

"Hmmmm?"

"The day they launch the ultimate patch, I want you to get yourself ready." then he started to smile mischievously. "You're going to get the most memorable marriage proposal ever inside InterVEST."

"Hoe!"

"...and the grandest wedding ever." he ended in a mysterious tone.

"Show-off." and with that Agatha hanged up.

For a moment, Syaoran just stared at the glistening pool outside. The sun had risen in a sturdy position in the sky. He had been talking to her for that long.

"...the grandest wedding ever." Eriol mimicked him.

Syaoran chuckled. "Would I settle for anything less?" he moved his head to the side to face his friend.

Eriol gave a light smirked and reverted his attention back to the asset transfer on the screen. "For someone who is career oriented, you sure no how to flirt with the ladies."

"I'm not flirting."

"Oh yes, you were."

"Agatha is still a girl. It doesn't hurt to try to get her using those kind of methods." Syaoran said casually.

"So you admit it."

"Maybe..." Syaoran stepped outside and picked up the flower basket, Eriol threw at him earlier. "...and you actually threw this to me." He threw the thing back to the lawyer inside.

"Hey!" Eriol exclaimed as he caught the small basket before it hit him. "You were letting your heart speak out. I mean..." he once again used a Syaoran-like tone. "...The thought of getting that smooth skin bruised alarmed me...I mean, what kind of business talk was that?" Eriol reminded him. "...or should I ask...which part of your body was having that kind of conversation?" he teased.

"Very funny, Eriol...very funny." Syaoran answered sarcastically.

"Does she really smell that good?" his friend's smile widened.

"Eriol!"

"Okay Okay fine." Eriol raised his hands in defeat, then he suddenly reverted to a more serious tone. "You know...you could easily trace her. We could check her number...get a name or something like that."

"You think I didn't know that?" Syaoran started to walk back inside. "But both of us gave our word. If she doesn't want to be known IRL, then I repect that."

Eriol shook his head. "Very well, then. If that is what you want."

The businessman moved towards the bathroom. He had been wearing yesterday's clothes for too long. "Why were you here this early, Eriol?" he asked the other while he started to remove his shirt.

"Because unlike you, I am just a regular employee who had fixed hours of work to attend to."

"Ha-ha." Syaoran said, his voice muffled from inside the bathroom. "You know those don't apply to you."

"Either way, I find it a need to do since you seem to have forgotten about an appointment which you needed to keep badly today." Eriol continued to type and click at the computer.

"And that is?" He finally had the shirt off and was turning on the shower.

"A certain luncheon with family members?" Eriol said as he leaned back on his seat. "...particularly requested by your mother?"

"OH s**t!" a loud crash can be heard from the bathroom indicating that Syaoran must have dropped something. "Damn it, Eriol! I completely forgot!"

"Yeah I know, what are friends for."

From inside the bathroom, Syaoran had been throwing curses. His voice got drowned by the sound of running water.

"And Syaoran...I hate to be another deliverer of bad reminders, but...are you sure you shouldn't mention Section 41 to Agatha?" Eriol asked his friend again.

The sound of water stopped echoing as Syaoran turned it off to answer Eriol clearly. "And I shall say it to you again. There is no need for her to know that."

"Sure?" the lawyer repeated.

"Yes. It is not like I'm going to die in the next set of years anyway."

"What if...you do die?" Eriol's face was unreadable as he took off his glasses and started wiping them with a piece of cloth.

Syoaran gave a small laugh. "Then that's why you are here for. It's going to be your job to fill her in with those details."

Eriol placed his glasses back. "Great." he said with a smile forming on his face.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fujitaka stared at the crackling fire inside his stone fireplace quietly and unmovingly. His eyes were unreadable as he leaned back at the wooden seat. Not far, a simple-styled table complemented the room. Its top adorned with lace and a vase contained three stems of carnations. At the corner, nearest to where he was seated, lay a wooden box. It looked old and musty. Its obvious existence throughout time and time before was greatly emphasized.

The aging man heaved a sigh as he slowly reached for the box. The grandfather clock, which was nestled between two bookcases, chimed an hour past noon. It was snowing outside at the Kinimoto mountain cabin up north.

"I haven't opened you for quite a while." he started saying in a sad voice, as if waiting for the antique box to reply. He ran his fingers to the almost wornout carvings on top of it. His eyes reflected his sad tone. It was his grandfather's death anniversary and as usual, Fujitaka visited that lone place in the middle of the wilderness.

Finally, Fujitaka opened the box. The drapes were drawn and the light from the fireplace casted shadows inside the wooden case, but no sooner than the later, an object glistened from within when a lost stray of bright reflection caught it.

A silver knife lay quietly inside. It was apparent that like its container, the knife was also quite old. Yet despite of it, its blade lay sharp. But what seems to be most distinguished about the small weapon was the crest carved at the edge of its handle...

...a crest of a moon surrounded by stars; the crest of the Kinimoto family.

He moved to reach for it inside, but he hesitated and withdrew his hand. "I am not worthy to hold you." Fujitaka said. "For I, myself, hold a grudge against them."

As if on cue, his hand fell on an empty spot below where the old knife rested. The red cushion was molded as if to hold another object; another object of same size and feature...

...another knife of its kind.

But the spot lay unmoved and hallowed.

Fujitaka's hands gripped both sides of the wooden compartment hard as his frowning eyes fell upon the empty slot. As much as he wanted to honor the secret his great grandfather had told him before, he couldn't erase the memories of the events that happened that almost cost him his daughter's life.

Time seemed to past as he sat there staring from the knife to the empty spot.

"This is getting me nowhere." he finally said. He closed his eyes as he calmed himself down. When he finally opened them, he focused his attention to the lid of the opened box. From within, an old picture was attached to it. Its yellowish and tarnished material beckoned Fujitaka. It had been there ever since. Hidden from sight...hidden deep from the years. The fury that surfaced inside his eyes was replaced with sadness. He stared at the picture. The room was shadowy and the only thing that can be made out of it was the features of two middle-aged men smiling.

"I don't think..." he started. "...Touya will understand. But you should be handed down from one generation to another and he is, after all, my eldest." he bent his head. "...Sakura, in the other hand, will...but I don't want her to carry the burden. You should have been buried with the rest of history."

And with that, Fujitaka closed the box.

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Twelve:
"Family Duties"
[ Link in FF.net ]

Syaoran skillfully flipped the knife he had on his hand. Its shimmering blade shone against the gloomy hallways of the Li Historical House. It was way past noon and as usual, he was late on a family luncheon. Servants in round-collared red oriental clothes bowed as he passed by them. Syaoran nodded and continued playing with his little weapon.

It had been quite sometime since he had walked on the carpeted floors of the huge house that was known to be Li Yelan's home. Paintings of the Li family's ancestors beckoned him as they stood out from the old oak panels. Eventhough the halls were clean, the glints of the sun which invaded through tall glass windows, gave the place a musty feeling. Like the opera house, Li Yelan's residence shouted history beyond anything else.

Syaoran felt nostalgic as he stepped further down to the largest room at the end of the long passageway. He paused for a while to look at his reflection at a medium-sized mirror near the door. For a brief moment he could see himself as a young boy, wearing a small bow tie, tailored shorts and jacket with dirt-free shoes and ivory-white socks. He fiddled the knife he had in his hand as he remembered the day his father died. The alleged knife was passed down to him being the only son in the direct descendants of the Li bloodline.

He decided to face the antique mirror squarely. The reflection of the boy was now lost and he could only see himself; tall and sturdy in his black coat and shirt with matching pants. His hair still hung wet from the recent shower he had. He looked like a grown man, but inside, Syaoran knew that the boy in him had stopped growing and was replaced with something more vengeful.

He reached for the wooden carvings around the mirror. The artwork was symbolic for any Li. Because the one who made those was the same man who made the crest etched in the knife he now held; the symbol of a sun surrounded by stars- the Li family crest.

"And to think you almost lost that years ago." a woman's voice spoke from behind.

"My apologies. Like what I said to sister," Syaoran faced the origin of the voice. " it will never happen again."

"I know it can be dramatic for that knife to actually be tainted by that family's blood. So you may use it in any manner you like." Li Yelan stood elegantly under the family room's large doorframe. Her hair tied in a bun with a few strands of long black hair hung loose on the side of her fine face. Streaks of gray hair blended neatly againts the ornaments which adorned her head. Like the people in the household, she too, wore an oriental dress. Except hers was in elegant jade green and a distinguishable rank emulated from her being; signifying a powerful mistress of the manor. "But, you must be careful. I don't want our family to be branded as murderers by the polite society."

Syaoran chuckled. "Better rumors than actual facts, eh Mother?"

"Yes. Better." Yelan said firmly. She strode like a ghost towards her son. "So how's the family's little boy?" she started to say as she reached for Syaoran's coat and neatly pulled it into place. "Enjoying a man's world, I hope?"

"Mother..." he complained after seeing how fixed he looked the moment his mother's hands touched his clothing. Yelan frowned when he loosened his coat a bit, thus destroying what she just did. "I am a grown man." Syaoran continued to say to his mother. "No need for you to worry yourself with me."

"No need for you to get disturbed by your own mother...you mean." she said haughtily and turned on her heels to start walking back to the room which she emerged from a while ago.

Syaoran placed his hands on his hips and bent his head a little as he watched the older woman stride briskly away from him. He sighed. "It's not like that..." he started to follow her. "I've been really busy."

"Too busy to even visit your family?" Yelan waved her hand about; showing her disapproval. A young maid bowed at her when she reached the middle of the room. "Your fan, Madam."

"Thank you, Ching." Yelan said and took the fan from the maid. "Be gone, now."

"Yes, Madam." Ching bowed once again and left.

By this time, Syaoran had reached the family room. He was greeted by nods from elderly Lis'. He nodded to them in return. At the far end of the room, his sisters waved and smiled at him. The eldest, Mei-ling, just sat there with one brow raised and shaking her head disapprovingly. She tapped her elegant watch signifying the time. Syaoran could only smile apologetically.

"I just saw Mei-ling a few days ago." he said hopefully. His sister rolled her eyes.

Yelan turned back to him in a snap. "That..doesn't count!" Yelan scolded him while waving the fan she held in front of his face. "When was the last time you were here, Li Xiao Lang!"

Syaoran squinted a bit when his mother called him in his full name, and placed both hands inside his pocket. "Ummm..." he appeared to be thinking. "...a...while?"

"Months!" Yelan said as she tapped his son's head with the tip of the closed fan. "How can a Li such as yourself withstand the need of going to this historic manor!"

Oh boy...He thought to himself. This is going to take some time. He must find a way to revert things before he ended up getting preached at for the rest of the afternoon. "I still keep in touch, dear mother." Syaoran said in his most adorable smile, hoping that it will melt the anger that had been boiling up inside Yelan. "I haven't been here for months, yes...I admit...I am sorry." he moved closer and placed his hands on his mother's shoulders. "...but I am still a very active member, am I not?" he directed his question to their relatives nearby. They all nodded in agreement. "Why... I think that plot of yours in getting the opera house away from the Kinomotos' reach was utterly magnificent. I believe I shelled out one or two resources to get your contacts to agree to your will." He hugged his mother from behind. "Would I ever forget my loving family?"

This seemed to have worked. Yelan softened a little; her anger evaporating fast. "Oh...alright." She broke free from Syaoran and once again tapped the tip of ther fan on his head harder this time. "Just make sure that you stay faithful to your duties."

Again, Mei-ling rolled her eyes. Her beloved brother striked again.

Syaoran smiled triumphantly. "Of course, mother. Nothing's more important than family." He pulled out a cushioned chair nearby and sat.

"Good." Yelan appeared to be contented. She sat as well, near Mei-ling. "Since it is quite obvious that my son had missed the luncheon," she started saying to the rest of the Lis inside the room. "I shall go ahead with the matter at hand. May he starve to death if he hasn't eaten lunch yet."

Syaoran bent his head downwards; smiling. His sisters, except Mei-ling, giggled.

"As you all know this morning papers bore a rather interesting news." Yelan started to say. The people in the room started to whisper against one another; nodding.

Syaoran frowned. "What news?" He had been busy with Agatha that he hadn't read the papers yet.

"Oh for the love of God, Xiao Lang. You were the last person I expect not to know." his mother sounded surprised. "You are, after all, a very active player in that game."

His eyes widened at the mention of the word, "game". Could it be? "There's an announcement regarding InterVEST?" he asked anxiously.

Mei-ling reached out and gave him a copy of the morning paper. Syaoran hurriedly took it and there he saw the headline.

'InterVEST reveals another breakthrough in Technology'

His heart started beating fast as he continued to read the article.

'Next week, fourth day of the new month, InterVEST and the government shall be holding a grand event

as they launch a surprise scheme that shall rock the business world for a lifetime. As for now, the minds

behind the new feature are keeping their mouth shut as to what it is. All that they are giving the press

is the invitation for EVERYONE to come in this, what they call, the largest evolution that shall happen in

the gaming industry.'

Syaoran couldn't believe his eyes. How could he missed this? InterVEST was announcing the damn patch in four days. And here he was thinking it would come out in a week or two's notice.

"What's the matter, Xiao Lang? You look pale." the ever observant Mei-ling asked him. "Do you know anything about this new InterVEST scheme? I believe you said to me before that you were cooking up something. Is this it?" All eyes in the room turned to him.

"Well...um.." he stammered while cursing his sister silently. "...there had been rumors for upgrades but nothing solid. I don't know what this could be." He lied. His mother will throw a fit if she finds out that he had plans in marrying someone he only knew in the game. Eventhough, they would only roleplay, somehow he was aware that it would hurt his mother's pride in choosing rightful matches for every Li.

"That's a shame." Yelan remarked. "I was kind of hoping you would know something since you are doing large transactions within that complicated game."

"Unfortunately, no. I have no idea. I am as surprised as you are." It was half true since he was indeed, surprised. Mei-ling's eyes narrowed but she opted to remain quiet.

"Very well then." his mother straightened her posture. "This InterVEST thing is a very grand event. Everyone is invited to attend. Meaning, the Kinomotos will be there as well, together with tons and tons of people." she paused to smile connivingly. "This is a good chance to strike again, don't you think?" Upon saying this, she started to fan herself briskly.

Everyone nodded in agreement, except Syaoran.

No. Not now, mother. He silently thought to himself. The launch of the Ultimate Patch would be the most important event of his life. He couldn't possibly taint it with whatever plot his mother was planning to do to their enemies.

"Xiao Lang..." Yelan interrupted his thought.

"Yes, mother." he said as he sat straighter.

"For all of this time, you've been concocting 'unexpected acquiantances' with the Kinomotos during events, that I leave this one to you." his mother said. Everyone motioned approvingly.

Syaoran's eyes cannot be read as he stared at his mother.

"Remember, dear brother..." Mei-ling butted in. "...duties."

"Of course." he said plainly and composed, but inside Syaoran felt like screaming.

"Splendid!" Yelan exclaimed. "Then, it's settled. You have the family's support in whatever it is you would come up with, Xiao Lang." The rest of their relatives smiled happily.

"I'll inform all of you tomorrow." Syaoran confirmed in an impersonal tone. His goofy attitude earlier was gone.


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"I would fetch your car now, Master Li." a vallet working fo the Li family told him as soon as he stepped out of Yelan's historic house.
"No, thank you. I think I need some fresh air. I'll walk over to my car." Syaoran said to the young man.

"As you wish, sir." the young vallet bowed and went to tend to the other Li family members.

Syaoran walked absent-mindedly towards his car. His thoughts were roaming. Such a good timing for his mother to pick the InterVEST event to plot something against the Kinomotos, and better yet, hinting on him that particular preference of harming the other family's princess.

"How the hell am I going to do two different yet grand things in one night? That would probably be the day I get announced publicly as one of the owners of SkyLark." he said to himself as he reached his car. He opened the door, slid in, closed it and stared silently at the steering wheel. He silently thanked Agatha for registering as a half-player instead of a full one. Otherwise, her true name will also be revealed together with his...in front of his family. His mother won't be that happy if she heard his only son proposing in front of thousands of people in the event to a woman he hardly knew; game or not a game.

His thoughts were again interrupted as his cellphone rang.

-insert ringing sound here-

Syaoran slid it open and answered. "Yeah?"

"For a man who just got a new company that shall monopolize the industry, you sounded down." the man in the other end remarked.

"She signed the contract, Eriol?" he felt revived at the thought.

"Yes. The transfer was made with no problem. And as Agatha promised, she signed the merge. The documents were waiting in InterVEST's main office. Your copy of the key to SkyLark's safe deposit box is waiting for you there, so I suggest you drop by before going home." his lawyer explained.

"That was fast." Syaoran checked whether he was hallucinating or not.

"Have I ever let you down?" Eriol chuckled. "I am faster than a speeding bullet when it comes to legality. And you did tell me before to make things legal as soon as she agrees."

"What will I do without you, Eriol?" a small smile started to form on Syaoran's lips.

"You don't sound so happy, though." Eriol observed. "Cause normally, you would be ecstatic."

"Don't mind me. I am once again hooked with family 'duties'."

"This is the first time I heard you sad in correlation with the word 'duty'. You would normally be jumping for joy at the chance of striking at the Kinomotos."

"Yeah, well...unfortunately, mother wants me to do it at the day of the launch." Syaoran said grimly.

"You're kidding. I thought your mother was not interested in InterVEST."

"She isn't. It's the crowd and opportunity that she loves the most." he explained.

"Great. Then you will be very busy that day." Eriol chuckled. "...in four days to be exact."

"You've read the papers, I assume?"

"Yup. Read it as soon as you left." his friend confirmed.

"Damn, Eriol! Everything's moving so fast." Syaoran said; gripping the stirring wheel with the other free hand.

"Well, you do want everything to happen immediately. As far as I can see, you are getting what you wanted."

"I guess, you're right." he sighed. "I just hope my family 'duties' don't interfere with my plans with SkyLark in that glorious day."

"Knowing fate...I'm sure it will." Eriol said in an indifferent tone.

Syaoran frowned. "What's that suppose to mean?"

"Nothing. I just felt like saying something mysterious." Eriol laughed.

"You are impossible, Eriol. Utterly, impossible." Syaoran said jamming his key to his car. "If you don't have anything more to say, I'm going now. I'd better see my beloved SkyLark's spot in InterVEST then call Agatha afterwards."

"Sure, go ahead. My work's done for this day anyway." his lawyer said.

"Okay. See you tomorrow." and with that Syaoran hanged up and started his car.


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Eriol leaned back at his seat. He had been smiling for quite some time now. Li Yelan ordered his son to do something harmful to the Kinomotos at the day InterVEST launches the Ultimate Patch.
"Fate is quite handy, don't you think so Rufus?" he said to his loyal dog.

Rufus could only bark happily back at him. Eriol reached at the dog and patted his head. "That was a great thing you did in Central Park."

The dog howled excitedly as if to agree with his master. The lawyer laughed once again. He seemed to think for a while then clicked on something on his computer.

The screen flashed before him.

'InterVEST Ultimate Patch Launch welcome drinks guest entrance layout' it said.

Eriol smiled evilly as he placed Li Syaoran's name in the same panel as the Kinomotos. "You know, Rufus..." the dog barked again. "..the event shall be having a welcome drink area wherein guests would be able to mingle before the actual event starts. They would be entering from different doors in the Grand Hotel." he said pointing to the floorplan at his computer. "Wouldn't it be nice to place my dear friend's name in same entrance the Kinomotos' shall be taking instead of being with me? It would be nice to see all of them in one room." Rufus howled again.

"Ata' boy! You understand your master well." he said; chuckling. "Hmmm...the problem would be, I have to take one person out from that entrance since I'll be squeezing in, Syaoran's." He surveyed the list once again. His eyes caught the name 'Daidouji Tomoyo'. He grinned with delight. "Now, this will spice things up in my side. I mustn't be lonely during that time." Rufus could only bark at his master's devious plans.

Eriol dragged Tomoyo's name towards the panel where his name was enlisted. He sat back and admire the masterpiece of names and layout he had been creating for the past hour.

"This is going to be quite fun, don't you think so, Rufus? " he said laughing as the dog howled in unison.

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Thirteen:
"Tavenzouh"
[ Link in FF.net ]

"A call for you, Sir." a refined ederly butler entered while holding a delicate-looking telephone. "...in the secured line."

"Oh hello, Charles. Is that my dear little lad?" an older man spoke up from a musty couch at the far end of the room. His white brows raised up in delight.

The butler named Charles made his way in the twist and turns of expensive porcelains and urns which remained scattered in the massive room. Piles of old upholstery laid in heaps as if it had just been thrown around by a tornado. The walls were covered with worn-out textile which could have been glorious during its days.

"Indeed, Sir. It is none other." Charles said; his pointed nose held up high as he finally reached his destination.

The older man's smile was radiant when he took the phone from the butler. "Thank you, Charles. You may go now."

"Very well, Sir." he slightly nodded and made his way back to the door.

The old man waited until he was once again alone before placing the receiver on his ears. "Eriol, my lad. How have you been?" he said while looking out the window beside his seat. The wind blew into the room which made a few strands of his long graying hair escaped its knot at the back.

"I should be the one asking you that." the young man, on the other end, replied.

The seated man briefly chuckled. "Well that will depend on what you shall report to me."

"Seriously, don't you think of anything else?" Eriol exclaimed. "You should be taking care of your health. This whole InterVEST scheme is stressing you out."

"In contrary, dear lad." he leaned as if Eriol was just in front of him. "It is revitalizing me." he whispered. "And besides...I am here, aren't I? This place is supposed to be my healing ward." He, then, examined the lush green meadows which met his eyes outside the window. Clouds above drifted in the blue sky like cottons. "This place..." he continued "...is so peaceful, but inside me...it is far from being like so." his eyes appeared distant for a moment.

Eriol's sigh can be heard from his end. "I am doing the best I can. Too much actually, since I am starting to feel guilty because no matter how you put it. I am betraying a close friend."

"This is for Li Xiao Lang's own good." the old man said firmly.

"Yes, I know that, but it doesn't erase the fact that I am, one way or another, lying to him."

"You're acting innocent in front of him. It's different from actually lying." the other said matter-of-factly.

"Great. I live in two different worlds." Eriol remarked grumpily.

The old man chuckled once more. "Oh come on, lad. You know as well as I do that you are enjoying every moment of it."

The younger fellow smirked. "Okay fine...I admit it. Lawyers are suckers for an opportunity to manipulate."

"That's my boy!" he exclaimed. "So...what news were you going to tell me? I gather it is about the launch."

"Tonight is the launch of the Ultimate Patch." Eriol remarked. There was an obvious hint of mischief in his tone. This caused the old man's brow to shot up again.

"Lad...what did you do this time?" he asked in an anxious voice.

"Nothing that grand." the younger man said casually.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah...I just happen to switch Li Syaoran's name from someone in the Kinomotos' side of the list for the welcome drinks area in the event." Eriol said nonchalantly. "So it seems...my dear friend won't be drinking with me."

The old man grinned. "Brilliant, Eriol...just brilliant." Then he was silent for a moment. "Should I dare ask whom you switched his name with?"

"Umm..." The man in the other end stated in an indifferent tone. "...just someone close to the Kinomotos."

"A young lady named Tomoyo Daidouji, perhaps?" the old man remarked quizzically. "Do you think she would fancy a margarita in the welcome drinks area as much the cappucino from the cafe across the airport?"

Eriol gave a light laugh. "How the bloody hell does someone who is currently staying in the other side of the world know about that?"

"You utilized quite a large number of 'containment crew' just for that special occasion. They talk, too, you know."

"Ah such a dilemma. Sometimes I wonder if I should hire people to contain the containment crew, but then again who would contain those hired people." the young man sighed once again.

The old man chuckled heartily. "Such a dilemna indeed...so...is she pretty?" he said in a teasing voice.

"You know...that really sound awfully familiar. Where on earth have I heard it." a sound of snapping of a finger can be heard from Eriol's end. "Oh yeah! I use it to Syaoran every now and then." his tone suddenly changed into a serious one. "Listen here, old man. Don't use my own style against me."

"I am your mentor, lad!" the old man laughed. "Where else would you learn to do something like that but from me?"

"I was just having fun, okay...it was not my fault that I bumped into her." Eriol said defensively. "Hey...are you snickering! Don't hide it. I can still hear you!"

"Ha-ha...sorry lad. I just couldn't help it."

"Well enough already. Let's return to the matterat hand." he cleared his throat. "Li Yelan also ordered her dear son to come up with something against Kinomoto Sakura at the launch."

"Really? That would be quite interesting to see. How will our Xiao Lang execute it?"

"To be honest, I don't know." Eriol answered. "He hasn't spoken about it since the family luncheon."

"I wish I could be there to see everything." the old man said sadly.

"I'll be your eyes. Don't worry. Just concentrate in getting better."

"Indeed. What will I do without you." the old man smiled.

"Yes...well...enough with the drama. I have to get ready for the launch." there was a noise as if he had just opened his closet.

"I almost forgot that it is already night time over there."

"This is going to be a night to remember." he chuckled deviously and was about to hang-up when the old man butted in sharply.

"Wait. Eriol."

"Huh?" the other sounded confused. "What's the matter?"

"I need to tell you something." the old man started to say. His fingers started to tap on the window sill.

"What is it?"

"Remember the will you made for me a couple of years back?" he said in a serious tone.

"Yes. It was one of my very first tasks during my internship after law school. What about it?"

"Actually, it had been revised...by another lawyer." the old man remarked. "...six months after you made it."

"Oh." Eriol became quiet for a moment. "Did I make a mistake somewhere?" he asked worriedly. "... that you have to redraft it, I mean?"

The old man smiled. His eyes were warm as he spoke back. "No. You drafted it quite perfectly."

"Huh? Then why did you have it made again?" the young man got confused.

"Because I changed my beneficiaries."

"Oh." Eriol remarked once more. "There are other charities you want to give your wealth to? Or did some organizations somehow found out that you're giving away all of it to charitable institutions that they picketed in front of your house and demanded that you consider them?" he said jokingly.

But the old man remained serious. "Charitable institutions are still in it, but they are only going to get a small portion of my wealth."

"So I guess, the organizations won. But why do you have to get another lawyer to redraft it? I thought you said, I made it perfectly."

"Because you're in it." the old man said straight and clear.

"What!"

"Eriol..." he started to say. "...as far as I am concerned, you are like a son to me. I consider you as my family...the only one truly loyal to me. And I am grateful. That's why I made you an heir in my last will and testament. Lad...when I die, you will get 90 percent of everything that I own...10 percent will go to charities. You've worked hard with me to establish InterVEST. It is only right that it gets passed down to you."

"You own over 50 billion worth of assets!"

"Yes." the old man nodded casually as he leaned back to his seat. The young man in the other became silent. Time seemed to passed as the old man waited for a response.

"But...uhm...you...ah..." Eriol stammered. Then finally he took a deep breath. "No! You can't do this! For crying out loud...if you want to hand it down to someone, consider your kin first! The two of you haven't talked for ages but still...You must think of your younger sister before me, Mr. Reed!"


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Syaoran paced left and right wearing black pants and unbuttoned white shirt. His coat was carelessly tossed on top of his bed; his tie half-made and dangled loosely around his neck. It was clear that he was quite uneasy, disturbed and deep in thought. It was Wednesday, fourth day of the month; the day InterVEST shall officially announce the Ultimate Patch. The very thing he had been waiting for since the day he received underground information about it inside the game.
"Why did mother have to pick this day...of all the days." he muttered under his breath. He stopped walking abruptly to face the full-length mirror beside his closet's doors. He had his hands on his hips as he studied his reflection. His hair was still wet from the fast shower he took after arriving from the office. He didn't even bother to comb nor to dry it with a towel. A few drops of cold water laid on the tips of the chestnut-colored strands. Yes, he took a cold shower today. He was all mixed-up inside with strong fiery emotions that he thought the cold sensation shall bring his temperament in balance.

"Unfortunately for me, it didn't help one bit." Syaoran sighed and shook his head. The mirror in front of him got sprinkled with water from his hair as he do so. For a moment he just stood there, then slowly he arched his head to glance at the shiny little blade of the Li heirloom knife. It was currently perched on top of the bedside table. "If that blasted 'Li-wannabe' didn't interrupt me years ago and dreamt of pleasing mother by taking the opportune moment from me, I would have stuck you right at the center of Kinomoto Sakura's heart right then and there!" Then he ailed and leaned his forehead on the mirror before him. He let his head dwindle. "I mean...what kind of idiot would attempt to kill someone in a wide frontal attack in front of everyone else!" he scolded the alleged knife as if it was a person.

He squinted his eyes and slightly banged his head on the glass. "...back then..."

banged his head-

"...right then..."

banged his head-

"...I could have easily gotten rid of that girl..."

banged one more time-

"...then I wouldn't have to do this now!" Syaoran bursted as he spun and threw his arms around aggresively. His actions died down eventually and he became silent. His shoulders slumped as he exhaled. "...and not on one of the most important and busiest night of my life." he murmurred in a soft voice. "The night wherein Helroi Damaski-is' true identity as a veteran full-player shall be announced...the night wherein everyone else shall know the man behind one of the most powerful players in InterVEST...the night SkyLark shall be known...the very night I shouldn't be risking a DAMN SCANDAL!"

He once again faced the mirror. He stretched both arms towards it and leaned while he looked at himself straight on the eyes. "You can do this." he remarked at the reflection that met him. "You can do this." he repeated. "It would be just like before...only this time you wait after the announcement before striking. You must not ruin this special occasion with an 'unfortunate' event at the beginning." He closed his eyes and tried to convince himself. "Just..." he continued. "...calm down." He opened them again. "Everything will turn out as planned."

Syaoran remained silent after that. His anxious feelings slowly evaporating. "Good." he removed his hands from the mirror and stood up straight. The cold glass had once again reflected a sturdy cool-looking man. "Yes...that's it. Remain like that." He was once again composed. "...and enjoy." he walked towards his precious knife. He took it and gripped the handle hard. He glanced back at the mirror and this time he saw himself as a boy in a tailored little suit and bow tie; the very same clothing he wore the day his grandfather handed the knife to him...

...the family heirloom...

...which sealed the duties he had to do as a Li.

For a moment, he just gazed at the boy's eyes. In return, the boy in the mirror could only look back at him...shaking his little head.


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"LET'S BRING THIS PA-RADE TO THE H-O-U-S-E!" the event's host in a white sparkly tuxedo shouted with his microphone in hand. He was dangling on a rope ladder as an equally white-colored helicopter flew low above the crowded streets that surrounded the Grand Hotel. Spotlights knifed throughout the night sky like sabers crossing against each other, making a path for the chopper to pass through. Fireworks filled the spaces in between as their light formed different shapes and designs; sprinkling the heavens with festivities.
People cheered below while they showed off their fancy costumes full of glinting sequins. The colors were marvelous as people of different sizes marched down from Town Square upto the hotel where InterVEST shall be holding its event. An event wherein only few elites knew what it truly was.

People like me and Damaski-is. Sakura thought as she gazed outside their family's limousine.

"Wow! This is amazing! I'm so lost for words!" Tomoyo exclaimed on her seat beside Sakura. Her eyes sparkled at the sight of ravishing in-game clothings currently being worn by dancers and artists invited by InterVEST's event organizers. They brought to life the characters being role-played inside the game. "Oh look at that!" she pointed to a hare-like individual. The character would have been cute if it was not loaded with what looked like some kind of ammunition at the end of its arms and ears.

"For someone who is lost of words, you surely speak a lot." Touya said irritably at the opposite end of their seat. Truly, Tomoyo had been pointing out things ever since their limo reached Town Square where InterVEST's parade began. Yukito, who sat beside him, gave an apologetic smile as if he was doing it in behalf of Touya. Both men were wearing formal coats.

"Oh really?" Tomoyo glared at her bestfriend's older brother. "At least I can appreciate art and good sense of costume design unlike some people I know who can't even tell the difference between a golden era design and a toad." She flipped her long hair and once again focused her attention. "I mean...such a shame for an architect, really." Her sapphire hair-pin, which matched the sky-blue backless evening gown she wore, glistened as she did so.

"Why...you little..." Touya was about to say something when Sakura suddenly spoke.

"Those are called Hare-lings, Tomoyo-chan." she said to her bestfriend in a rather serious tone than she had anticipated. Despite all the festivities around them, Sakura felt down. Maybe perhaps it was because of the lingering uncertainty and nevousness that never left her since the day she registered as a half-player and signed Damaski-is contract of the merge. And promise of bethrotal after the patch got officially implemented. "Actually, they are just plain little bunnies when you first catch them." she continued explaining to Tomoyo. "They are good pets during that stage but some opt to evolve them to fighting units hence the ammo at the tip of the arms and ears."

"Oh how cruel!" Tomoyo said teary-eyed. "Such a dreadful thing to be doing to cute little bunnies."

"Actually, they are quite powerful in their evolved form. I, for one, had used them to go up against..." Sakura's voice trailed off as she realized that all eyes inside the limo was on her. "What?" she blinked.

"Are you still playing InterVEST, Cherry Blossom?" Yukito asked her with a suprised expression on his face. Fujitaka who had been reading a piece of paper, set it down for a while when he heard this remark. He was sitting in front of them beside the ever-stiff George.

"Well...um..." Sakura stammered as her family looked at her with same expression as Yukito's. Tomoyo, on the other hand, just continued to observe outside. "I just pass time with it." she gave a small laugh. "It's nothing serious, really. I just like to sometimes entertain myself with it. It's not like I'm paying to play."

Everyone was quiet for a moment. Tomoyo looked like she would like to speak but decided not to. Instead she took out her digital camera and started taking shots of the parade before them. Silence lingered until George cleared his throat and Yukito spoke once again.

"I see. Well then...if you've been playing it then you must have been looking forward to this day, since after all, this is an InterVEST event." he said smiling.

"I think it is a treat to see people suit up with their favorite characters inside the game." Sakura replied.

"You don't look too happy, though." Touya butted in. His arms were crossed on his chest as he looked at Sakura sidewardly.

"Sakura said she just passed time with it. You don't have to necessarily like what you happen to do during your free time. Especially if there are nothing else to do." Tomoyo cut in. "You need to ba emotionally attached to someting in order to be happy." She smirked. "Then again, how can you understand such a thing when you are a cold...bitter aging man."

Sakura wasn't expecting Tomoyo to go on her defense. She was, after all, trying to hide her InterVEST connections from her. She would have given a startled expression if not for her bestfriends last comments about the 'bitter aging man' thing which seemed to have gotten into Touya. She ended giving a nervous laugh.

"Who are you calling a bitter aging man, twerp!" Touya exploded in an angry voice. He sat up straight and faced Tomoyo at the other end; pointing a finger at her.

"You are!" the girl span her head to face him. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him. "I'm really getting fed up with your uninvited comments!"

That was it. Touya and Tomoyo started fighting. Their voices were far louder than the festivities outside the limo. As if it was bad enough, when Tomoyo grabbed a small red pillow nearby.

"Oh are you starting to get physical with me?" Touya taunted. "You start using that and you're going to regret it!"

"Who do you think you are scaring!" Tomoyo shot back.

"Of all the-" he wasn't able to continue since Tomoyo threw the pillow right smack on his face.

"Hey you two..." Yukito tried to stop them but to no avail.

"That's it! You've crossed the line!" Touya took the pillow thrown at him and used it as his weapon against the dark-haired girl. Tomoyo, in return, looked for another object to utilize. Her eyes landed on the wine bucket.

"Aw nah, mizz!" George slightly panicked at the damage the bucket might bring. He tried horrifically to keep it from the young lady's reach. Meanwhile, Touya started his revenge by hitting Tomoyo with the pillow. This caused for the girl's hairpin to disentangle from her lovely hair. Tomoyo fumed and worse comes to worst, they ended in a cat fight with Sakura and Yukito sandwiched between them.

Fujitaka sighed and shook his head. He leaned back and asked their driver. "Are we still far, Martin?"

"We are close, Sir." Martin answered back. "But the parade is in full blast that motorist will have to drive slow."

"I understand." Fujitaka's voice can be barely heard with all the racket his son and daughter's bestfriend had been making. "Just carry on."

Yukito tried with all his might to stop the two hostile parties while George kept solid objects away from them. Sakura just laid back on her seat and directed her gaze at the host that dangled fearlessly on the chopper's ladder. She knew, sooner or later, that her brother and Tomoyo would end up in another fight. They always do. So it was normal. No need for her to get worried.

Instead, her mind wandered off to the matter at hand. SkyLark was already up. Damaski-is' lawyer did wonders with all the legalities and arrangement for both individuals, that she won't have to get worried of getting her real identity known, yet at the same time, able to get her share of the profits with no problem at all.

And now, the only remaining thing was the official announcement and then the marriage... She pondered and clasped her hand. She looked down at her elegantly cut jade-green gown. Calm down, Sakura. She said to herself. It's just something that's going to be done inside the game. It's not like you are actually going to get married in real life. You and George had checked this numerous times.

"Are you alright, my dear Cherry Blossom?" Yukito's voice interrupted her thoughts. It seemed both Touya and Tomoyo had calmed down and went back at gazing outside.

She faced Yukito and met his warm eyes. "Oh, It's nothing, Yukito." Sakura mustered her most winning smile. "I just feel uneasy with all these creatures bouncing about." It was half-true. She really did feel uneasy, except it's not because of the reason she just gave.

Yukito placed his hand on top of hers. "I must admit that playing them inside the game is different from actually seeing them up close. I understand if you feel uncomfortable with it."

Oh Yukito...actually they look fascinating. I'm so excited seeing them up close. She thought sadly to herself. But she could not expect for Yukito understand what she truly felt since she hadn't been altogether honest with him regarding her InterVest 'adventures'. He wasn't even aware, till now, that she was still playing it. Maybe she should tell everything to Yukito one day. She owed him that much. Sakura was silent for a moment when she suddenly thought of something.

"Yukito-kun..." she started to say.

"Yes, my Cherry Blossom?"

"The way you said that remark. It's like you've seen the game, yourself." she curiously asked him.

Yukito looked taken a back for a moment. "Oh." he smiled. "Well, yeah...I've played it."

"You did?" Sakura

"Okay...scratch that. I am still playing it." Yukito said cheerfully.

Sakura's mouth dropped open. "You're playing InterVEST!" She exclaimed loudly that made another head turner from the people inside the limo.

Yukito cleared his throat. "Well, yeah...I didn't know it mattered to you that much."

"Wow, that's nice to hear, Yukito." Fujitaka said. "You are probably excited with this event. I'm not a player but look at me. I am overwhelmed with all this suspense of 'rocking the business world scheme' and 'the largest evolution in the gaming industry'. Imagine how everything will look like in a player's view."

"Indeed, Kinomoto-san." Yukito nodded.

Tomoyo just looked at Yukito and then met Sakura's eyes. For a moment, Sakura thought her bestfriend will mention the incident she caught her at the day of the fashion show. She was relieved when Tomoyo remained silent.

"What was that handle you used in InterVEST?" Touya spoke up. "Cedric...Cedric Tavin...something."

"Cedric Tavenzouh." Yukito said slightly embarrassed since everyone's attention was suddenly focused on him.

If Sakura was holding something, like the wine bucket on George's shaky hands, she would have dropped it at the mention of the name.

Cedric Tavenzouh! Her mind was about to explode.

As in...Lord Cedric Tavenzouh! The Viscount of Maran! Sakura couldn't believe her ears. She couldn't speak out. Yukito is actually the alleged Viscount in InterVEST! Her thoughts were pounding inside her head as she stared at Yukito. He couldn't possibly lie, could he? It was not very Yukito-like to lie.

Beside Fujitaka, George coughed tremendously.

"Are you alright, George?" her father asked the butler.

"I'm zee fayn, zir. Juz got somethin' caught n mah throat."

As if on cue, the dancers outside stopped dancing as another swarm of performers blocked the road. They were wearing tribal clothing and harnesses. Their face and bodice were painted in silver and red. Black feathers adorned their headsets as they positioned themselves at the center. Spectators waited anxiously. Not soon enough they were awarded as the host at the chopper spoke on top of his lungs.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...THE ANCIENT DANCE OF MARAN!"

Someone wearing the longest robe stepped up on a high platform and blew an ivory horn. The sound echoed throughout the streets. After which it was followed by sound of drums being hammered in unison making the streets tremble with the exotic beat. And with this, the silver and red tribe started to dance.

The expectators cheered. Even those inside their cars had rolled down their windows to clap. It was a sight to see.

"Now that's nice." Yukito exclaimed. Excitement cannot be hidden from his eyes as he watched.

"Hey, the guy said Maran. Isn't that the place you always stay in InterVEST?" Touya asked.

"Why yes!" His friend answered him. "I do own some lands in Maran."

'Own some lands in Maran'? Why that's an understatement! Sakura squealed inside. Lord Cedric Tavenzouh owned the whole city of Maran!

"Ne...Yukito-san..." Tomoyo suddenly interrupted. "Do you know someone by the name of 'Dama'...umm...'Damask-'...something?" she asked casually.

Sakura's head turned sharply towards Tomoyo. She tried desperately to hide her gasp. She was kind of hoping her bestfriend will remain quiet about what she saw. What's more was that she didn't know her bestfriend had seen that much from her laptop that day.

Yukito frowned at Tomoyo's inquiry. "You mean, 'Damaski-is'? Helroi Damaski-is?"

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah...no no no! Tomoyo how could you ask Lord Cedric Tavenzouh about Helroi Damaski-is! No! No! Sakura screamed inside her.

"Yeah! That's right!" Tomoyo confirmed cheerfully. "I didn't quite catch his full name."

"Yes, I know him." Yukito continued to frown deeper. "I mean, who doesn't?"

Sakura bit her lip. It was rare to see Yukito to frown like this. It was obvious that he was greatly affected by Damaski-is.

"Tomoyo-chan...how did you know about Damaski-is?" Yukito asked her bestfriend curiously.

"Oh!" Tomoyo blinked for a while as if not anticipating the question. "I just often overhear his name...from people I bump into. Is he someone important?"

Sakura was grateful that Tomoyo made up that part on how she had came across Damaski-is' name. You are a true friend, Tomoyo-chan.

"Just great. He is getting known even outside the game." There was a note of hatred in his voice. "Important? Well I guess, yes, he is someone important...and cold-blooded if you ask me."

"Cold-blooded?" Sakura didn't like the way Tomoyo sounded when she repeated Yukito's words. "Really? How?"

"Well...um..." Yukito's eyes were suddenly distant but then it changed to its usual glow. "...I don't think I should bore everyone with Damaski-is' tales. Let's just say we have a 'slight history' together. Something I would rather not remember in detail." he smiled. "But that's about it. Something unimportant."

Again, 'slight history' was another understatement. As far as Sakura was concerned, both Helroi Damaski-is and Cedric Tavenzouh were elite full-players. But Damaski-is was more senior in terms of gameplay, hence he was considered as a veteran player. Tavenzouh registered in InterVEST a year or two after it first came out. Unlike the latter, Damaski-is doesn't own a whole city, but you might wonder why on earth he was considered more powerful. He was often feared by City holders but the viscount hated him. In terms of doing business in Maran, Damaski-is often toyed with Tavenzouh which lead to many conflicts. Why he did so was a mystery to everyone. Some say they used to be friends and betrayed one another. Others say Damaski-is was just rotten to the core. Some thought Tavenzouh was just washing his hands about something.

'Slight history' was not the word to describe it.

Yukito suddenly shifted his attention towards Sakura. "Cherry Blossom...you did mention that you play InterVEST every now and then. Any chance of letting me know your handle?"

"Hoe!" Sakura blinked. She was too deep in her thoughts that she fumbled for an answer. "The truth is..." She searched her mind. "...I forgot." She finally blurted out.

"You forgot?" Yukito looked confused.

"Umm, you see, Yukito...unlike you, I am only a rogue. And like what I said earlier... I only play whenever I feel like it. When I do play, I use different names that I loose track of them." Sakura said apologetically. Again, it was half-true about the rogue thing but lying in the end. Damn you, Damaski-is! For making me lie this much to my loved ones! She silently cursed the man.

"I see." Yukito gave a small laugh. "Well, if you would play again, why not tell me so we can..."

But he was interrupted by George. "We arh hir, sirz 'n madams." He said lifelessly that it sounded like he was scaring someone.

"Splendid!" Fujitaka exclaimed. "I was quite wondering when we will be able to get out of our seats." He happily peered towards the entrance of the Grand Hotel.

"Finally...I don't think I could take this gruesome drive any longer." Touya said grumpily.

"That what happens to aging people." Tomoyo remarked in her cute small voice.

Touya shot her a side glance. "Don't start, chipmunk."

"Yeah...yeah...whatever." She said rolling her eyes.

"Oi...oi...you two." Yukito reminded them not to continue their childishness to the launching. He seemed to have forgotten what he was about to say to Sakura.

Sakura exhaled in relief and mouthed the words 'Thank You' to George who just acknowledged it with a slight nod. Her dear butler's perfect timing strikes again.

Their limousine stopped at the North entrance of the Grand Hotel. There were four entrances to one of the prestiguous hotel in the city. All of these entrances catered the welcome drinks before everyone got called into the main hall at the center of the hotel. In the outside, the Grand Hotel beckoned everyone with its modern architecture and endless string of lights. The streets might be filled with bizaare looking people in their costumes, but once you stepped inside the carpeted floor, you will be greeted by formally dressed attendants in tux. Women receptionist wore a simple-cut black long gown with InterVEST's logo embroidered at the chest. They all bowed to every person that shall come up the drive. Valets took the keys from guests who drove themselves to the event.

The morning paper, which held the invitation and announcement of the mysterious event, included the list of people and which entrance to use at the day of the launch. Theirs were on the North entrance.

All of them went out of the limo and allowed attendants to lead them to the respective tables which carried the list of guests. Fujitaka, Touya and Tomoyo went on ahead to the desks for registration. Sakura held Yukito's arm as they entered the hotel.

"Oh wait." Sakura suddenly said.

Yukito looked at her questioningly.

"I left my bag in the car." She let go of his arm and spun around.

"Itz hir, miss." George said clutching her tiny bag.

"Oh thank heavens, George. It might have been difficult to contact Martin with all this crowd." And to Yukito she said, "You go ahead, I'll catch up." she smiled cheerfully at him.

"Okay, Cherry Blossom. I'll look for your name." And with that, Yukito went ahead.

Once alone with George, Sakura took her bag and fell a step beside her butler. "Yukito is Lord Cedric!" she whispered to him while smiling at other guests.

"Vizcount Tavenzouh. I waz quite zurprised mahzelf." George replied.

"How the hell does my boyfriend turned out to be someone who also plays InterVEST!" she deperately tried to keep her voice down. "And he is not an ordinary player...he owns the city of Maran, for crying out loud!"

"Quite a zhocker." George nodded.

Sakura faced him and clutched his arms. "George...how can we missed this? How could I have not known that Yukito is also playing the game. And to think he is also a full-player!" she said to him slightly panicking.

"Purrhapz, maybe...he nevar did zell yah...and yah nevar did asked him...or he might hav hint-ed vat yah nevar did payed any attan-tion zince yah wer zoo buzy with ze 'mastre?"

"Oh George..." she placed her head on the older man's chest. "I am going to be Helroi's Damaski-is' wife in InterVEST while being Cedric Tavenzouh's girlfriend in real life. How messed up can I be?"

"Naw...naw...miss...people ar' lookin'..." the butler shifted uncomfortably.

"Sorry George...sorry." she once again started walking towards were the other were.

"I gazer, yah dun hav any planz in zelling Yukito-zan zat ur Agatha."

"No, George...no." Sakura said absent-mindedly.

"I nevar did like Tavenzouh." George said matter-of-factly.

"George..that's sweet. But don't try to make me feel any better." she said teary-eyed.

"Hu zayz I'm tryin' zoo make yah feel veter? I waz just bein' honest."

"You don't like Yukito?" she said suddenly curious at George's remark.

"I zon't like Tavenzouh. I didn't zay I zon't like Yukito-zan."

"And their different?" she asked.

"Yez." the butler replied.

"I wonder if you're going to like whoever Helroi Damaski-is will be in real life. I heard all full-players will be announced after the event." Sakura looked at George inquiringly.

"Zee question hir, miss...Iz not vat I shall like... it'z whezer yah will like zee mastre' after yah found out who he iz in real lyf."

And with that, George left the blinking Sakura to assist in the new commotion, Tomoyo seemed to have conjured.

"What do you mean, you can't let me in since my name is not listed in this entrance!" her bestfriend asked the receptionist furiously.

[Laine_Purple]

hehe~ thanks~ when are u going to update the new chapter in FF net? ... been waiting... ^_^

[Majah]

Laine_Purple

hehe~ thanks~ when are u going to update the new chapter in FF net? ... been waiting... ^_^

I'm kind of aiming...this weekend. biggrin

[Meigumii]

Majah

Laine_Purple

hehe~ thanks~ when are u going to update the new chapter in FF net? ... been waiting... ^_^

I'm kind of aiming...this weekend. biggrin

surprised Really? Whee yay~ 4laugh heart

[Majah]

Quote:

"Incorporated"
by Majah

:Chapter Fourteen:
"When Characters Unveil"
[ Link in FF.net ]

"I'm sorry, Miss...but your name is not listed here. Therefore, we cannot let you in." The short-haired receptionist told the enraged lady.

"But that is impossible!" Tomoyo placed her hands on her hips. Her small bag dangled on her wrist as she leaned her face closer to the person behind the desk. "I saw my name after the Kinomotos at the paper which served as InterVEST's invitation. Daidoujis' names were often tied with the Kinomotos, so I cannot be mistaken!"

"I truly apologize, Miss, but we were strictly instructed to only let in those whose names are enlisted in this entrance. This is to avoid havoc since InterVEST invited almost everybody. So if your name isn't here, then there is nothing else I can do about it." the woman explained.

"I will create havoc if you refuse to let me in!" Tomoyo shouted which caused a lot of people to look at them. It was obvious that the dark-haired girl still carried the irritated aura she had back in the car with the fight with Touya.

People started whispering. George, who had been there for quite some time, cleared his throat. His eyes gave a signal that other guests were starting to anticipate the scene that was about to form.

"Are you sure her name was not listed there?" Touya surprisingly stepped in behind Tomoyo. He lightly pulled her back to keep the young lady from darting threats to the personnel. "Is it possible that it was left out?" His said calmly.

"I don't think that is possible, sir." Another receptionist supplemented. "This list was double checked. There is no way anyone's name will be left out."

"I see." Touya thought for a moment. His hands never left Tomoyo's arms. "Is there anything both of you can do? Perhaps, check your masterlist again...if there is one."

Both women smiled back at the handsome man. "We could radio the other entrances and check Miss Daidouji's name." One of them cooed back at him. Fujitaka and Yukito, who were both nearby, couldn't help but to give a nervous smile seeing how both ladies took in fast at Touya's requests.

Tomoyo, on the other hand, could only look up at the tall man behind her, blinking. She was starting to get aware that Touya was towering at her back.

"Yes, that would be fine." Touya said; giving the ladies a reserved smile.

It was quite amusing to see how such a small thing bring much reaction to others. Both receptionists were close to swooning by the time Sakura caught up with everyone. She looked from the bewildered Tomoyo to her older brother and to the receptionists. Obviously arriving late, she opt to throw her questioning look at Yukito. She was rewarded when the man explained to her what's happening.

"Hoe! I see." Sakura exclaimed worriedly after hearing the details from Yukito.

"I just hope it will all work out fine. It is a shame to leave Tomoyo here." Fujitaka said.

"Don't worry, Father. I'm sure it will all be straightened out." she smiled confidently.

"Actually..." Yukito started to say. "...I am more worried of Touya. He seemed to have cornered Tomoyo-chan in a tight grip."

Indeed, both person in front of the receptionist's desk, stood unmoving. Time seemed to pass as the air of bafflement turned into an uncomfortable one. From the reflection both casted at the translucent golden yellow glass doors which led to the welcome drinks area, Tomoyo and Touya's faces stiffened.

"You should be letting go of me now," Tomoyo interrupted the silence. Her eyes darted threateningly as she looked at the older man through their reflections.

She was answered by Touya's icy glare. "I don't thinkI should."

The other receptionist, that was left at the table while her partner radioed the other entrances, looked at them uneasily as she started to feel the tension between the two. People near them glanced with curiousity. Others just went on ahead after seeing their name in the list.

"You should." Tomoyo said forcefully.

"I shouldn't." He continued to say.

Not far from them, Fujitaka could only smile while both Sakura and Yukito bowed apologetically to other guests. George's shoulders heaved in a deep sigh. What had started as a small remark was becoming louder and louder.

"Should."

"Not."

"Should."

"Not."

Finally, Tomoyo fumed. "And why!" the dark-haired girl broke away from the other man's grip feistily. "...may I ask that you shouldn't!" She said while facing her bestfriend's brother angrily. Her lovely silver earrings dangled below her ear. Both her hands closed into fists.

Touya just looked at her for a moment. Then eventually, he spoke. "Chipmunks can really be loud." He placed a finger inside his ear in an annoyed manner.

This made Tomoyo angrier. "WHAT! How DARE you CALL me THAT again!" That was it, the girl snapped. Her arms flung about as she throwed nasty retorts back to the man. People just awed at how this lovely girl can go on and on. Touya just remained silent and looked up at the ceiling which was decorated by marbled cherubims.

"You are the worst among theworst!" she continued to say. "You...you-----"

Then suddenly he smiled; his eyes hidden underneath long bangs. And with one swift motion, he grabbed the aggrevated Tomoyo close to him. The young girl's words got drowned due to Touya's unexpected move. He leaned close to her ear and spoke in a calm deep voice. "Sshhh...a beautiful lady like yourself shouldn't be speaking like that."

The wide-eyed Tomoyo could only hold onto the arm which was wound around her neck. The man just let his forehead lean on top of her shoulder. He gave a light chuckle before speaking again.

"I think I hear that confirmation call from one of the entrances..." He began to say.

"Call...?" Tomoyo said in a weak confused voice.

Then he suddenly straightened up and was back to his icy annoyed stare. "Let's go. You are creating a scene." And with that he dragged her with one of his arms hooked around the back of her neck.

"!" Tomoyo was speechless as she was forced to follow Touya away from the reception desks.


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Leaning behind a large marble pillar at the grand staircase of the North Entrance, Eriol watched the scene below. His sturdy features were hidden from the crowd. He leaned at one side with both hands casually placed inside his pockets.
"My...my...it is a rare occasion that we find the unwavered Eriol Hiiragizawa in such an intense deep frown." A chirpy voice suddenly interrupted.

"Don't you have anything to organize below?" Eriol said to the woman wearing a shiny backless maroon gown; his eyes never left the two people near the reception. "You are, after all, InterVEST Corps' Head of Marketing and Public Affairs."

"E--h? Can this really be true?" Nakuru hovered around Eriol's side as she took a peek to what the young man was strictly observing. "You're getting too tense, Hiiragizawa. This is very unlike you." Her dark brown long hair swung over her shoulders as she looked. "And besides...this is a well-oiled machine..." She said while motioning her hand about. "...nothing much left to do."

Eriol was silent for a moment while he eyed the raven-haired lady below as she got dragged by another man. His eyes were as cold as ice. "That guy really pisses me off." He murmurred under his breath.

"Which guy?" The older woman taunted. "That ravishing grouchy Architect which has that lovely lady's wholehearted attention. My oh my..." Nakuru placed one gloved hand on her cheek. "...I wonder what it is like to be touched by such a man." She sighed.

"If you're so eager to know then why don't you find out for yourself." Eriol snapped back.

Nakuru blinked innocently. "Are you angry, Dah-ling?" She playfully linked her arm to the young man and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Don't call me that." He said to her, yet his eyes never left Tomoyo's whereabouts.

"Bu-t I always call you that." The woman slightly pouted. "Why correct me now?" Then she giggled. "Is it because of her?" She whispered close to him. "Do I now have a rival for dear Eriol's heart?"

Eriol finally pulled his eyes away from what he had been observing at the reception and gave the older woman beside him a sharp look. This caused the other to laugh lightly.

"Okay...okay...I get your point." She finally pulled away from him. "Honestly...this is the first time I've seen you with this kind of aura."

"This is a big night." Eriol went back gazing at the sight downstairs. He seemed to have lost the raven-haired girl from the crowd. "Many things are happening all at once. I can get pressured, too, you know." From both personal life and business life. He thought to himself as he recalled the phone conversation earlier with his mentor, Clow Reed. As if InterVEST, itself, wasn't complicated enough...the old man has to add the inheritance bit. He felt his head throb when it immediately calculated the impact the will can do to everyone if the largest portion of the Reed family's wealth goes to him.

"It is really improper." He muttered absent-mindedly.

"What is improper?" Nakura immediately jumped at the words that slipped out from his tongue. "Holding such a delicate creature like that? Yes, I think it is indeed improper. But in a caveman way, I think it is quite sexy." She suplemented; obviously interpreting Eriol's remark in a different way.

Eriol faced the woman and towered over her. "Don't start with me, Nakuru." And with one swift move, he turned to his heels and started walking towards the opposite hallway which lead to the South Entrance of the Grand Hotel.

"Awww..." Nakuru pursed her lips. "Such timing for a bad mood." She placed her hands on her waist and glanced down at the reception area. "To think that...of all your rare days to be grumpy, you picked this gathering to be like that."

Eriol didn't reply. The scene below didn't exactly make him feel any better. He continued walking; his back against the other woman. His footsteps echoed on the vastly marbled floor. Nakuru, herself, became silent. The festivities below vibrated through the walls of the private hallway.

A few feet away from the lift leading to the South Entrance, he stopped. For a while, he just stood there. His face was hidden from Nakuru's view. The woman raised a brow of inquiry as she stared at the young man's back.

"Nakuru..." Eriol finally spoke.

"Yes?"

"Deal with him...that Kinomoto Touya..." He said in an icy tone.

The woman cooed. "As you wish."

And with that, Eriol continued to pace towards the lift and disappeared from sight.


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Syaoran arrived at the South Entrance of the Grand Hotel; sleek and ravishing as usual in his black tux. The festivities outside was utterly amazing. He had never seen such likeness of the characters inside the game 'till that night. Every detail was carefully thought of and magnificently executed, that it almost made him want to jump into his own character's costume and dance with them on the street.
The smile that lingered on his lips didn't stay very long when he stepped in front of the reception desk. The aura inside the hotel was different compared outside which reminded him of the tasks he had to face that evening. Surely, the greatness of the event can be seen from both, but inside, the mood was more serious. Like a classy gathering with everyone wearing their best suits and evening gowns. This was not a surprise, really. InterVEST, after all, was a huge company with stocks that can be regarded as one of the highest in the market.

"And after this announcement, I'm sure it will soar more to the sky." He muttered under his breath.

"Pardon, Sir. What did you say?" A smiling petite attendant behind the desk interrupted his thoughts.

"Oh sorry. I believe I was telling you my name." Syaoran replied to the lady.

"My fault," The lady waved her hands in front of her. "I didn't hear you quite clearly. I thought you were saying something else." she smiled sweetly up at him. He gave her one of his famous cool smiles which made the young woman flutter.

"Um...Please hold on a bit, Mr. Li..." She said and started scanning the list in front of her. "...while I look for your name."

Syaoran raised a brow. "You know who I am? I believe, I haven't told you my name yet."

"Oh..." The receptionist looked slightly embarassed. "...but sir...who doesn't know Li Syaoran?"

No point in denying a fact. Popularity had always been a part of every Li. "I just hope you heard nice things." He replied politely.

"Of course, Sir...of course..." She slightly bowed. "Now let me see..." Then she suddenly frowned. "...this can't be right."

Syaoran frowned as well and tried to peek at what the lady was looking at. "Why? What's wrong?"

The petite receptionist blinked and looked up at him. "I can't seem to find your name here."

"What?" He gave her a surprised look. "But the paper said 'South Entrance'. This is the South Entrance, right?"

"Yes, this is the South Entrance. I know I've seen your name enlisted under this entrance from the paper as well." The lady looked confused.

"What about Eriol Hiiragizawa? Is his name enlisted there?" Syaoran asked.

The receptionist ran her finger down the list. "Yes. Mr. Hiiragizawa's name is here." She nodded and tapped the white print.

"Do I hear someone mentioning my name." A voice suddenly spoke up behind Syaoran.

"Eriol!" Syaoran exclaimed. "Where the hell have you been! I've been calling you for hours!" He scolded the man.

The lawyer placed his hands in front of him like a shield. "Woah...woah...sorry, I fell asleep."

"How could you fall asleep at a time like this!"

"I said I was sorry." Eriol grinned. "Anyway, what seems to be the problem?" he asked placing an arm around Syaoran's shoulder; leaning to get a better view of the list.

"She can't find my name in this entrance." Syaoran answered him.

"But I found yours." the receptionist smiled cheerfully at Eriol.

"That's good. I mean, if my name's listed, then Syaoran's would most likely be there also. Would you kindly recheck it again?"

"Yes, we belong in the same company after all." Syaoran nodded hopefully.

Eriol cringed a little at the mention of 'same company'. If Syaoran noticed, he didn't say a word.

The receptionist shook her head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Li. I still can't find your name anywhere."

Syaoran was about to speak again when a male attendant motioned for the lady behind the desk to come to him. He was holding a radio in one hand and an immensely thick parchment in the other. The receptionist excused herself and went to him. The two men waited patiently as the two hotel staffs talked to each other. Finally, the petite woman returned to them.

"Mr. Li, We think we know why your name was not listed here."

Syaoran and Eriol both looked at her questioningly.

"It seems that there had been a glitch in the system and guests' names had been mixed up. A colleague of mine just informed me of same things happening in other entrances."

Syaoran frowned. "This is incovenient. I had always been together with people within my social circle. Even InterVEST Corp. is smart enough to know that. Are you telling me that I was separated?"

"Apparently, Mr. Li. In behalf of the management, please accept our apology. Don't worry, we will be rearranging guests back to the original roster during the main event. But for the meantime, please bear with us and proceed to the entrance where you are currently listed."

Syaoran sighed and looked at Eriol who only shrugged.

"It's just for the entrance and welcome drinks." The lawyer said and patted his friend's shoulder. "Don't be in despair...we shall be together again in no time." He motioned dramatically.

"Cut it out, Eriol. You're starting to make me feel sick." Syaoran stared disgustedly.

The lawyer chuckled. "So tell us..." he focused his attention back to the receptionist. "...which entrance is my dear friend enlisted?"

"The North Entrance, Sir." she replied.

"Well, do you hear that Mr. Li Syaoran?" Eriol nudged the other man.

"Yeah...yeah." The businessman sighed. "It's not like I have any other choice. I am in no mood to create a special VIP request scene here. Might as well go to that entrance."

"Splendid!" The lawyer cheered. "I thought you were going to order me again to arrange something." They started walking away from the desk towards the hall leading to the North Entrance.

"Not this time, Eriol. I need to do many things tonight. I don't need another attention-seeking event." His eyes went far off as he thought deeply.

"I see. Family duties?" He asked in a low tone; making sure that only his friend can hear him.

Syaoran nodded. "And more." He stopped walking and faced the other man. "Well, I guess, this is it. See you later in the main event."

"Alright. Goodluck." Eriol said smiling. "May you play your cards right so I won't end up cleaning 'things' again."

"I wish so, too." With that, Syaoran went on ahead to the opposite side of the hotel.

Eriol saw Syaoran's back disappear in the crowd of people. The smile he had on his face was replaced by a serious expression. He stood there contemplating for a moment. Finally, he turned to his heels and walked slowly towards the South Entrance's welcome drinks area. Along the way, he caught a glimpse of the male attendant who was holding the radio and gave him a knowing nod. The man nodded in return.

"That's one set off to face his fate." He murmurred to himself. "Now, if only my mood would lighten up. Perhaps, a swirl of raven-colored hair can entertain me."


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"So, I guess we won't be seeing Tomoyo-chan until the main event?" Yukito asked his bestfriend as they strided towards the North entrance's welcome drinks area.
"Yup." Touya answered reservely.

"It feels incomplete without her." Fujitaka said. "Tomoyo-chan had always been with us during these kind of events."

"Do you think she would be alright?" Sakura spoke worriedly. She walked beside Yukito with one hand hooked in his arm.

"She should be fine." Yukito answered. "Tomoyo-chan is a strong young woman."

"Strong barbaric woman." Touya supplemented matter-of-factly.

"Onii-chan! You should stop teasing Tomoyo. It's getting out of hand." Sakura pouted. George, who was following close behind, gave out a sigh.

Touya was silent and just kept walking. Around them, people were starting to leave the reception area. The carpeted hallways became filled with excited guests who were on their way to the next room. The Kinomotos were one of the last bunch of people to proceed to the adjacent hallway. The trouble with Tomoyo's registration was the one that dragged them behind.

"I think Touya has his own reasons." Yukito gave a small smile.

"Hoe?" Sakura blinked.

"Shut up, Yukito. Mind your own business." Touya said grouchily.

The engineer broadened his smile as he slightly bowed his head apologetically. "Hai. Hai."

"?" Question marks became almost visible on Sakura's face. She looked from one man to another. This only caused Yukito to chuckle. He pulled Sakura closer to him. "Don't worry, my cherry-blossom. It can sometimes get confusing on a lady's point of view."

"Well okay...if you say so." she said up to him. "But..." to her older brother she darted her words with a determined cute expression. "...Tomoyo better not end up getting hurt."

Touya remained quiet and paced more briskly to catch up to Fujitaka, who had went on ahead of them.


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Syaoran waited for the lift to carry him towards the North entrance. As it turned out, the opposite side was elevated a few stories above the ground. The Grand Hotel used to be a large hilly place. When construction began, the developers opt to keep some of the highlands, hence, the end result was an uneven structure lanscaped to fit the terrain.
He had carefully planned everything tonight. He must not make one mistake or else his InterVEST dream might get jeopardized. Maybe it was better that he got separated with Eriol. He will be able to move faster as a single person.

Syaoran nodded to himself. Yes, it would be better. He reached inside his inner coat to touch his precious knife. He was aware of the lift's security camera. As much as he wanted to bring it out, he couldn't risk being seen with it. Not with the Li's family crest engraved on it. For the meantime, he was just contented in touching the knife's cold blade; a reassurance that everything will be alright. He closed his eyes and reviewed the plan he had for that night. He would act normally and socialize with fellow InterVEST players, while keeping an eye out for Agatha. Syaoran's sure she would be attending as well. She wouldn't miss the whole gala. The question was whether or not he would recognize her. Or will the heavens be kind enough to make her do the first move.

Nah...With what he was planning to do with the Kinomotos, the heavens will never favor him. Eventhough they were partners, Agatha chose to remain hidden in the background. He would be SkyLark's front in all of this, yet all of the decisions shall be done in the backend with Agatha on his side. Virtual side...that is...

Syaoran removed his hand from the heirloom. He leaned against the golden railings of the lift and studied the faint reflection thrown back at him by the golden-plated walls. In what manner shall he bring harm to the Kinomotos tonight? It was either he used the conventional method of poison or fight head on. Poison would be something his mother would do. It was a woman's weapon. He felt uncomfortable using it.

He tilted his head on one side. He shall place it at the bottom of his list. He should survey the vicinity first before acting. The last attempt before was irrationally done. He shall do this with finesse.

The soft bell of the lift rang on his ears as if it was a large temple bell. It had reached its destination. As Syaoran stepped out, he couldn't help but to feel so worn-out all of a sudden.

This is it. Syaoran thought to himself. The start of another impossible task.
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"Ar' yah zure, yav brought it wiz yah, Miss?" George asked his mistress outside the door of the ladies room.

"I'm sure, George." Sakura answered while rummaging inside her bag.

A few minutes after arriving at the welcome drinks area, Sakura remembered that she forgot to fill-up her player's final profile in InterVEST. She was no longer a rogue, but a registered half-player. Meaning her 'Agatha' needed to have the right personal information given to InterVEST in order for them to honor her status and it has to be confirmed electronically. She had excused herself from everyone and said she needed to freshen up. Lucky for her she found the ladies room empty, since all of the guests were busy mingling with each other at the drinks hall. She met George halfway. The butler was instructed to check on Tomoyo.

"Oh George..."She said worriedly. "How could I leave it out? Today is the deadline. Damaski-is will kill me."

"Am zure, he vill vee lenient. Yah can stil' fass a late confirma-tion. Zee few dayz lapse upon registerin' waz just protocol, avter all."

"Him...lenient? Don't make me laugh, George. He will not let me hear the end of it. You know how he wanted things to be done immediately. The point of making me sign that contract days back was to get ahead of everyone. If I missed out something simple yet important process like this one, he'll fume like a dragon." She rolled her eyes and finally gave up raking inside. Sakura decided to dump everything at the side of the sink. "Plus, I don't need to pay a fine if I confirm today."

"I vonder how he zhall luk...fuving like a dragon." George suddenly said.

For a moment there, the image of the young man with the dog in Central Park, flooded her mind. She felt her cheeks grow hot at the recollection. Time seemed to pass.

"Miss, ar' yah alrayt?" The butler's voice interrupted her thoughts.

Sakura shook her head to erase the image. "Shoot...I know I tossed it in before we left." Going back to the matter at hand.

Normally, guests were allowed to use the computer terminals provided by InterVEST at the Grand Hotel's booth hall. They were setup there so that others who might want to change their player status may avail of the transition. Unfortunately for Sakura, she cannot use these terminals. Not with everyone around...especially Yukito. Plus, there was another thing that Damaski-is might be lurking around and see her real life identity.

Her only hope now was to use her pocket PC, which was configured to access InterVEST's website online.

"I hayt to say zis to yah, Miss..." The butler shifted uncomfortably on his feet. "...vat I zee a few women goin' towardz hir. Yah veter hurry up."

"A-ha!" Sakura exclaimed triumphantly. "Found it!"

George gave a sigh of a relief. "Zank, goodness."

A noise of stuffing things back to the bag can be heard from the door. "I'm going to do this inside one of the cubicles. I think you can proceed in checking on Tomoyo. I'm going to be fine now." She said cheerfully to the loyal man.

"Zat, I should zoo. Take car', Miss." With that, the butler left for the South Entrance.

Inside, Sakura placed the toilet seat down so she could sit on it while she operated her pocket PC. Voice of two women became evident as they entered the comfort room. Both were absolutely clueless to what she was doing.

She placed the device in mute and logged in InterVEST's website. She started filling up the last form. By the time the two women went out, Sakura had pressed 'Submit Final Profile' and confirmed change of player status.

"Okay...that's done." She stretched a bit before going out of the cubicle. She checked her reflection on the mirror, straightened out some strands of loose hair, and sprayed a bit of her perfume before leaving the ladies room.

Like George, Sakura breathe out a relief once back at the hotel's lavish hallway. She studied her surroundings for a brief moment. The whole area was deserted. From afar, she could here people's muffled laughs and voices. "I guess everyone's having a good time at the welcome drinks area." The comfort room was located at the far end curve of the hallway, yet the gala at the other side can still be heard. "I should be going back. Yukito will be worried if I'm gone that long." She said to herself and started pacing back the carpeted hall.


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Syaoran started to get anxious. A few minutes more and he will be interracting with InterVEST's society. Well...not all of them might be from InterVEST, but still...most of the guests were players. He wondered if anyone knew Li Syoaran was inside the game. It was no secret that he made his fortune online.
He smirked. They would have probably assumed that he was a player, too. He doubt, though, that anyone will jump to the conclusion that he was Helroi Damaski-is. As far as he knew, only his most trusted clients were informed of his real identity; fellow veteran players...most of them were.

And a few elites...

But that was about it.

...elites...

Agatha's bear image of being crushed on the ground flashed on his mind. He felt more anxious. He remembered her white smooth neck. How will she react once his true identity got revealed later? Will she fear him? Many businessmen were afraid and aloof in dealing with a Li.

Syoaran was deep in his thoughts when he went past the ladies room. A familiar scent filled his nostrils. It was a timid flowery scent. His strides became slower.

Agatha's perfume!

He felt his heart thumped faster. On reflex, his body twisted back towards the ladies room. He stopped in front of the door; wide-eyed. He didn't know what to do. There was no mistake. It was Agatha's. He had dreamt of that same scent every night since the Central Park incident. Was she inside of the room or had she been long gone and only her scent lingered?

Syaoran was debating on his next move when he caught a movement at the corner of his right eye. He immediately focused his glance towards the curve leading to the welcome drinks area, just in time to see the hem of a jade-green gown disappearing from view.

"Agatha..." He whispered and sprinted towards that corner. Maybe the heavens do not despise him after all.

He was nearing the curve when he heard a familiar expression.

"Hoe!" And heard a thud. It sounded like she dropped something on the floor.

This caused Syaoran to halt. His hand touched the edge of the wall; not wanting to go any further. It was really her. The 'Hoe' gave it all away. Suddenly he felt very nervous. What kind of a person was she? What does she looked like? Was it alright to just walk over and say hello?

"I hope it isn't broken..." There was a rustling sound of her gown. She must have picked up whatever it was she had dropped. "...I've grown attached to this cellphone. It would be a shame to replace it." She said.

Cellphone! Of course! Syaoran thought and reached for his own mobile device inside his breast pocket.

There was a beep. "Oh thank goodness, it is still in one piece." Her cherry voice filled the empty hallway.

His hand was shaking when he slid his phone open. Perhaps, he should at least take a peek. Slowly, he leaned forward and inched his head to the corner. His eyes grew wider, than they already were, when he finally saw her.

There stood...her back against Syaoran, a young lady wearing an elegantly cut jade gown...

There stood...her auburn hair held high in a knot while loosely styled curls framed her face...

There stood...her delicate fair neck, on which Syaoran had memory of, almost glistened in contrast to the deep red carpet...

There stood...

Kinomoto Sakura...

Time stopped as he watched her tucked her phone inside her bag. This can't be...he contested reality. How could Agatha turn out to be Kinomoto Sakura?

As if she sensed someone watching her, the young woman slowly turned her head towards his direction. This jolted Syaoran and realized his current position. He immediately hid back to the corner; just in time for him to be missed being seen by her.

Syaoran slumped back against the wall. He absent-mindedly raked his hair; destroying its silk-combed form. His bangs fell on his eyes as he tried to absorb everything.

Agatha is Kinomoto Sakura? He thought. "What shall I do now?" He muttered under his breath. Is this for real? Maybe I made a mistake. Their location, after all, can be accessed by the public. Perhaps, she just caught Agatha's perfume from the ladies room?

At the hallway, Sakura shrugged and continued walking towards the end of the hall. Syaoran heard her small steps. Inside, he was debating himself.

Both Agatha and Sakura have the 'Hoe' expression. Wasn't that too much of a coincedence? What does the Kinomoto Princess do, anyway? He raked his brain for some background information. He was more focused with what her father and brother do, rather than what she does. Finally, some information surfaced. He believed he read from somewhere that she was into fashion? Weren't she and her bestfriend, Daidouji Tomoyo, started a botique? Or something like that... But he doesn't think Kinomoto Sakura remained in the shop. I think the Daidouji heiress was the one who took over. Hence, it was obvious that the little Kinomoto Princess was not into business. Agatha, on the other hand, was a powerhouse.

Syaoran took the initiative to look once more. He glided his body halfway and saw the lady almost at her destination. He stepped back once again. There was no use burying himself with speculations.

"There is one sure thing left to do..." He gripped his phone hard, closed his eyes and dialed Agatha's number.

As if on cue, Kinomoto Sakura's cellphone rang.


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Sakura was a few steps away from the welcome drinks area. The doormen smiled at her and started opening the double doors when her cellphone rang.

- insert ringing sound here -

"Hoe!" She slightly jumped in surprise. She looked inside her bag and was greeted by her phone's glowing ringing light. She picked it up and flipped it open.

'Damaski-is calling...' The display said.

Sakura blinked. Will she answer it? Was it safe to answer? She looked around. The hallway was empty and in front of her, only the two doormen watched her. No one was around to confirm her identity. So why not? She hadn't talk to him since that contract signing day, and to be honest...she was kinda expecting him to call more.

Again, the image of the young man in Central Park, swam in her mind. She shook her head once more to get rid of the memory. Sakura stared at the blinking screen of her phone. She looked back at the double doors of the welcome drinks area and saw the two doormen eyeing her questioningly. She motioned that she changed her mind of going in and smiled apologetically. The doormen understood, nodded and closed the doors they opened for her.

Sakura took a deep breath and answered the call.

"Hello?" She said as she paced back the hallway which she strided before. "Such a convenient time for you to call..."

There was no answer from the other end.

"Hoe?" She frowned. "Damaski-is? Are you there?" She looked around her again to make sure that she was alone.

- Silence -

For a moment there, she thought that maybe Damaski-is might have leaned on his phone and wasn't aware that her number got dialed accidentally. She listened more intently. If this was the case then she should hear some background noise since she was sure that the man will be exposed to the festivities held at the Grand Hotel.

Puzzling enough, the other end was quiet. Sakura's frown deepened. There was something wrong.

"I know you're there, Damaski-is. You'd better tell me what's going on or I'll hang up!" She pouted.

- Silence -

"Hmph!" Sakura was about to end the call when Damaski-is finally spoke at the other end.

"Do you want to know what's going on?" His deep voice filled the earpiece.

"Hoe! Finally!" She placed one free hand on her hips. Her bag dangled freely at her wrist. "What's up with you? I thought you dialed my number by mistake."

"I thought I made a mistake, too." His tone sounded uneven. "But not about dialing...about something else."

"Hmmm?"

She could hear Damaski-is take a deep breath on his end. "Look..."

"Eh?" Sakura tilted her head innocently.

"Look." He repeated strongly. "Look...from where you emerged earlier."

"What? I don't understand..." She started to say. "...I..." But she wasn't able to finish what she was about to say. From the corner curve of the long hallway, a man stepped out.

He was wearing a slick black tux. Part of his chestnut hair was combed back, but some of his bangs hang loose. He looked at her with wavered eyes; phone in hand.

The man who just stepped out...was Li Syaoran.

Sakura's eyes widened. She was shocked to see Li Syaoran in front of her. And what's more...she was talking to Damaski-is on the cellphone when...

Could it be? This is impossible! Confusion filled her eyes.

As if he understood, Li Syaoran murmured. "Agatha..." It can be barely heard normally, but it reached Sakura clearly through her cellphone. Her phone which carried her conversation with...

"Damaski-is..."She uttered; almost whispering. Her shocked expression never left her face.

They just stood there unmovingly. Both staring at each other's eyes, as if waiting on who will make the next step.

"Sakura!" A worried voice interrupted the silence. The young lady almost jumped in surprise. Not far away from them, Yukito was striding towards her. Touya followed like a storm behind him.

"What do you think you are doing with my sister!" Her older brother's angry voice confronted Li Syaoran.