Disclaimer: CCS = CLAMP's. *Cries a river*
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Trial of Fate
By AshN
Chapter Thirteen
The woman was decked in a deep green evening gown that fell just below her knees. The material was made from the finest of silk and by the most experienced of seamstresses. A scarf of a darker shade was draped loosely around her shoulders.
She really was breathtaking.
Though the gown wasn't too alluring with its round bodice and long lacy sleeves, no. It was the woman in the dress that attracted attention and caused jaws to drop and eyes to stare.
But she wasn't alone.
A man was with her. He had a sinful grin plastered on his face as he enclosed his hand around the woman's wrist. Even from far, you could still see that his grip was gentle and soft. It was then that the woman turned to look at him; her expression could not be seen. Instead, her elegantly curled hair swayed back and fourth as the man led her away from the crowd.
The dreamer tossed and turned frantically in her sleep.
He had brought her to the garden.
There were rows and rows of flowers of all kinds. He held her hands as he guided her down the concrete steps; they stopped under an old tree with pink flowers. The woman's face was tinted with a lovely flush as the man looked down at her.
She said something that made him laugh.
In irritation, the dreamer squeezed her pillows as tight as she could, for the dreamer could only see, not hear.
The couple stayed that way for a while. A moment later, the man must have said something that alarmed the woman. She took a step back, but not before the man's strong arms reached out and wrapped themselves around her waist.
The woman's eyes widened, but then relaxed.
The dreamer still could not catch a glimpse of her face. She kicked at her blankets in frustration.
The man's golden eyes were intense as he whispered in her ear. He brought his head up and brushed a tendril behind her ear. With profound tenderness, he reached for her chin and tilted her face up towards his.
"NO!" The dreamer had had enough.
Mei-Fa's small hands had her blanket in a death grip. She was panting as she tried to regain breath.
"No" She repeated again, her voice muffled. "Please, no."
She had never had this particular dream this intense before. From experience, she knew that the day was fast approaching, her dream was about to become a reality soon enough. It was as if she had been sitting there, in front of the couple --She couldn't remember anything else being so fierce. Though she had been close, very close, she still had not been able to catch a glimpse of the woman's face.
"Why?" Mei-Fa's amber coloured eyes blinked. "Why can't I see you?"
With one last sigh, Mei-Fa slipped out of her covers and into her fluffy slippers. She couldn't possibly go back to sleep at this rate. She couldn't see who the woman in her vision was --but the man was her father.
Why couldn't she just dream about the Princess and her Prince again?
***
"Who made these?" Eien Fujitka chewed on the chocolate chip covered muffin. "They're damn good." His mouth was full and his speech came out muffled.
"Such a flatterer." Meiling shook her head with a grin as she poured herself a glass of milk.
"No, really," He brushed a hand through his blonde curls and took another mouthful. "Who baked them?"
Meiling laughed as Eien struggled to retain an expression of innocence on his face. She threw an oven mitten at her fiancé.
"An angel's answer," Eien sighed dramatically. "I hope you won't mind if I take several of these to work."
Meiling's red eyes glowed with joy.
"Or maybe I'll just save myself the trouble and take you instead." He grinned.
Meiling opened her mouth to respond, but a male voice beat her to it.
"Good mornin'."
The couple turned their heads at the cheerful voice.
"And how are we today?" Li Syaoran sat himself down at the dining table. He was dressed causally in a white t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans. A shower had left his dark brown hair a devilish wet mess.
The blue-eyed man raised his eyebrows a fraction. "Are you supposed to be Li?"
This earned another laugh from Meiling.
"If that was suppose to be funny, Fujitka," Li smiled, not at all deterred. "You failed miserably."
Eien shrugged and leaned back on his chair, his hands behind his head. "Just checking, that's all."
"Your, uh, disposition seems rather um, sunny today, Li." Meiling observed, trying to find the right words.
"Yah." Eien added, studying the other man. "Something's wrong."
Li chuckled. "You two are quite the pair," Another smile. "Have I ever told you that?"
"Good god, man." Eien looked slightly amused, and slightly bewildered. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"It does seem strange," Meiling quipped. "But I think I like him this way."
"But it's damn weird."
"Well, I don't think I'm any different," Li responded. "Why don't you kiss my as-"
"Whoa," Meiling cut off his blasphemy. "There's good news, isn't there?"
"Maybe the man finally got himself a woman." Eien muttered.
"Screw you."
Meiling ran her fingers through her long raven black hair, impatient. "Good news on Mei-Fa's custody case?" Her ruby eyes brightened with hope.
"Nothing new that I know of." It seemed to him that everyone was asking him that these days.
"Then what is with that goofy grin?" Meiling folded her arms to her chest.
"Am I interrupting something?" A small voice came from the hallway.
"Mei-Fa!" Meiling smiled. "You're sure up early."
"Good morning, everybody." She rubbed her eyes and stepped into the eatery room. "I had a dream, and couldn't sleep."
"Mornin' Kiddo." Her father waved.
"Here," Eien grabbed a muffin. "Have one of these, they're good."
She accepted the muffin with pleasure. "Thank you, Eien." She turned to her father. "Daddy? Can I talk to you?"
Li smiled at his daughter. She had her hair tied up in two small braids; he'd never seen it like that before. "Sure, kid."
"Can we go to my room?" Her eyes were eager.
"What's wrong?" There was suddenly concern in his voice.
"Just follow me." Instead of leading the way, Mei-Fa went behind her father and started to push him towards the stairs.
He gave one last look to the couple in the kitchen before he was dragged upstairs.
"Cute kid."
"Mm-hmm." She agreed with a sigh. "Makes you wonder about her heritage."
"Li? I agree."
"Eien!"
"I know," His handsome face turned sincere. "We talked about this just the other day."
"I know, I know," She raised her hands into the air. "Cheng's clean." She paused. "Sort of."
"So he's good as his job," Eien drawled out. "It's natural that everybody would want him as their attorney. He plays to win, and that's exactly what the players want."
"And he'll take any job that comes his way given that the client is willing to pay enough." Meiling finished with another sigh.
"The man lacks morals."
"But only if the pay is good."
"Of course, a crooked lawyer, if you will." Eien looked distraught. "Unfortunately, there are way too many people in that line of business to track."
"But he's one person."
"One very clean person," Eien paused. "Figuratively speaking. Actually, it's not illegal. Every citizen has a right to his or her rights. He can defend whoever and however he wants. Lie and/or cheat."
"Now what?"
"My other conclusion would be that Cheng's little mind holds no knowledge as to whatever Jin-Jin really wants Mei-Fa for."
His fiancé looked thoughtful. "Why do you say that?"
"Cheng's a pawn in her game; the puppet being pulled by the strings. Whatever it is Mei-Fa has that her mother wants so badly is well worth the trouble of this whole custody issue." He explained. "Think of what she's paying, if anything, Zing Cheng does not come cheap."
"Makes sense," Meiling agreed, admiring his cleverness. "She was never the type to share anything."
"Right." Eien stood up. "Whatever she's after, it's big."
"How big?" Meiling eyed him crucially.
"Perhaps the ex-husband doesn't even have a clue." Eien looked up. "That big."
"Li? Not knowing?" Meiling looked befuddled. "That's crazy."
"I know." He agreed softly.
"And?"
"It's Operation Jin-Jin time." Eien grinned, twirling his car keys around his fingers.
Meiling groaned. "Be careful, Eien." She paused, then added: "And behave."
"Always."
***
Mei-Fa sat on her bed, a frown on her face. With a wave of her hand, the bedroom door slammed shut.
The door crashed.
Except it wasn't nearly loud enough to vent her frustration and anger.
The little girl twirled her finger in mid-air and reopened the door once again. She watched as this time, she made sure to open the door the entire way. Mei-Fa squeezed her eyes shut and flicked her hand towards the door, as if she were swatting a fly.
This time, the door crashed against its frame with a loud thud.
"Daddy," She spoke up to the ceiling. "Why is it that you don't believe me?"
Her earlier conversation with her father ended up with Li smiling and ruffling her hair. He had told her that she was such a silly girl, and that children dreamt all the time. This however did not mean that these dreams actually ever occurred in real life. Actually, he seemed certain of it.
She hadn't warned him about the woman. That would have been a little too weird. She had simply told him about her dreams in general, mainly, how each and every one of them had always came true.
Even before she told him, something inside of her already knew that he wouldn't believe her. The last time she tried, that intense flame in his eyes wasn't there, it was no different this time.
This wouldn't do at all.
The Princess and Prince will never have each other with another lady interfering.
***
"Your Honour," Sakura paused and gestured her right hand with a small wave in the air. "If it pleases the court."
"How about this colour, Sakura?" Tomoyo sat on Sakura's bed, studying her variety of fabrics.
"Huh?" Sakura glanced at her friend absently. "Oh Tomoyo," She sighed. "I think I lost my confidence."
Tomoyo narrowed her eyes at the lawyer practicing her lines. "I don't see why you bother to rehearse. Honestly, you're a natural. And you excel in the heat of the situation."
Sakura didn't hear her. She was now pacing back and forth, attempting to act out the court proceedings. "I need a judge." She snapped up her head to look at Tomoyo. "But you'll do, Tomoyo. Just sit there while I address my case." She looked thoughtful. "And it would help if you could act like a judge too."
She rolled her amethyst coloured eyes. "Not this again, Saku."
"The mirror just doesn't cut it." Sakura strolled over in front of Tomoyo. "I think this would work better if I had an audience too."
"Stop worrying, and listen to me." Tomoyo set the deep green fabric aside. "I've seen you in progress before, and all this nervousness is for nothing." She said as matter-of-factly.
Sakura looked skeptical. "Sure. Now will you be my judge?" She watched as her friend lifted her brows and shook her head. "Alright, fine. You don't have to act the part, just sit there."
"I have to get your gown done first." Tomoyo's eyes twinkled.
"Oh no," Sakura brought her left hand to her temple. "The banquet is tomorrow night!"
"Mm-hmm," Tomoyo smiled. "You deserve some fun in your life."
She breathed in and out. "Why on earth did I agree to go?"
"Mutual attraction." Her grin was devastating.
"Whatever. Our relationship is strictly platonic." Sakura muttered. She started to recite her lines once again, stopping and pausing every so often, unaware of the lurking shadow at her bedroom door.
"Platonic, huh?" The male voice sounded amused.
Sakura was the first to recognize the voice. Slowly, she turned her head until her green eyes met his amber ones.
"Li-san." Tomoyo greeted with a laugh. "Then you disagree?"
Sakura didn't let him answer. "Don't you work or something?" She accused.
He shrugged with a grin. "My business, my rules."
"Oh." She said lamely. "Well, I'm working, and you're interrupting." It was the best thing she could come up with, given the circumstances. She had major work to do, and couldn't let any distractions get in her way. Li Syaoran was the master of distraction.
He raised his brows. "I was wondering if you cared to develop our, as you said, 'platonic' relationship over lunch later." His tone held a trace of mockery.
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut, hoping this wasn't happening. She could literally feel her face heat up. It felt like she was on fire. She must have looked like a tomato.
"Hot?" Li smirked, his amber eyes glowing.
"Sorry. Busy. You have to go." Sakura grabbed a hold of his arms and pushed him out the door. She shut the door and listened as he walked away. Her ears were able to pick up his last words as he walked down the hall.
"Platonic?" He had muttered. "Like hell. I'll show her platonic."
"Now," Sakura tried to regain her composure, but Li's last words were still spinning through her head. "Where were we?"
Tomoyo brought the pillow up to her face, doing her best to conceal her smile.
"Don't you start, Tomoyo." She threatened.
Tomoyo didn't bother with the pillow any longer; she thrust it playfully at Sakura and startled to laugh happily.
"I need a glass of water." She muttered in a similar way as Li had done.
***
Time was running out, she couldn't wait any longer for the bastard to leave his house.
Jin-Jin Chin pulled her car out of the bushes where she had been staking the Li mansion for all of the morning. It was now past noon and there was still no sign of Li stepping out of his home. Damn him.
She parked directly in front of the huge home and reached back for the wrapped box she had effortlessly bought the other day. As she did, Jin-Jin kept her gaze glued on the door.
The blonde came out again.
This must have been the hundredth time the man has stepped in and out of the doorway. If she remembered correctly, the nuisance was Li's cousin's boyfriend. What was her name? Ah, Meiling.
She really had no idea what the blonde was doing. It seems that he was outside breathing in the air or something. He shrugged his shoulders while lifting his arms, as if he were working out. Then, he sat down on the porch and pulled out a magazine. He thumbed through it, apparently very engrossed.
"Whatever." Jin-Jin muttered as she opened her car door with one hand and the gift clasped firmly in the other. She slid out and straightened her red dress. With elegant sophistication, she walked up the marble steps to the front door.
He raised his chilly light blue eyes to meet hers when she reached the porch.
Jin-Jin was a little taken back at his cold eyes. They reminded her of how ruthless and cold that bastard could be.
All of a sudden, he grinned. "What's up, Ms. Chin?"
She nearly stuttered. "I'm sorry, have we met?"
"They call me Eien." His eyes were lit with mischief. "And I believe we have, actually." He pretended to think, looking thoughtful as he placed a finger to his lips, subtly indicating her rudeness.
The message wasn't lost on her. "I'm sorry," She smiled for the sake of it, her tone turned out sarcastic. "It was awful of me to forget."
She watched as the blonde waved it off as insignificant. She frowned. "I have to business to attend to here, now if yo-"
"So," Eien cut in. "What are you here for?"
"That's none of your business." She informed him starkly.
He smiled. "Fair enough." The blonde reached for the door. "On my behalf, come right in."
She narrowed her eyes at him. Just what was he playing at?
The inside was just as she remembered it to be, nothing but the best for Li Syaroan.
"Now," Eien was smiling again. "Who is it that you have your business with?" He stopped and continued again. "Pardon me, I, of course," He informed. "Will go and fetch them for you."
"What are you, the butler?" She sneered.
"A civil servant's work is never done, ma'am." He told her frankly, still with the same cheerful expression on his face.
All hell broke loose when the master of the mansion descended the curved stairwell.
"What the hell are you doing here!?"
"Hey Li," Eien turned. "Ms. Chin is here for business matters, you remember her, don't you?"
The roar almost made her deaf. She swore underneath her breath. "Still the loud and obnoxious bastard, hmm?" She commented bitterly.
The furious man ignored her. "You let her in Fujitka!?" He was now standing at the doorway, yelling at the other man.
"Can't deny a lady, now can we, Li?"
Li swore, but calmed a little when he heard the light trace of mockery in Eien's voice. He turned to Chin. "What the hell do you want now?" He noticed the wrapped present she held in her hand. His anger returned.
Eien winced and braced himself.
"You have no right to give Mei-Fa anything," His eyes glowed bright gold. "Furthermore, she does not and will not accept anything from you."
"That hurts," Jin-Jin pouted. "But I'm her mother. I always knew you were heartless, but this is unbelievable."
"What on earth are you all-" Meiling stopped when she came around the corner. "What are you doing here?" She asked angrily. This woman had already done so much to hurt Li, Mei-Fa and the rest of the family. Why was she here?
"You're all making more of this than needed." The woman let out an inelegant snort. "I'm here to visit my daughter," Her eyes were on Li when she mentioned this. "There's nothing wrong with that now, is there?"
"She doesn't want to see you," Li dangerously informed her. "You are no mother to her."
Jin-Jin made a face at him. "Why don't we let Mei-Fa decide on that?"
"I am her father and I'll do whatever it is I have to do to protect her." An irritated Li bit out.
Jin-Jin smiled as sweetly as she could and batted her long, curly eyelashes. "We wouldn't have this little problem now if you bothered to file for child custody a couple years ago, hmm?"
"Get the hell out of my house before I personally throw you out!" Li's threat came out as a roar.
Sakura, who had been hovering at the top of the stairs watching the ridiculous dispute, spoke for the first time. "Li-san," She waited until he turned around and gave her his full attention. She knew she had it when his angry amber eyes softened and stared right at her. "Let her speak to her daughter, as the other parent, you have the right to witness whatever it is she has to say."
"Sakura." He said quietly. "What are you doing?"
Jin-Jin's lips immediately curved downwards in a fierce frown.
Eien, who had been watching Jin-Jin's every move nodded. "That sounds reasonable enough."
Upstairs, Mei-Fa was standing behind Sakura, gripping her shirt with both hands. "What does she want to speak to me for, Sakura?" She whispered.
Sakura looked down at the brave little girl. It had been her idea to want to oblige to what Jin-Jin had come here to do. Mei-Fa had heard the screaming and yelling downstairs and ran straight to Sakura to inform her of who their guest was. Not that Sakura couldn't have guessed. "You don't have to see her if you don't want to." She told Mei-Fa once more.
"I have to," She insisted in a small voice. "It's the only way to make her leave, then we can go back to being a family again."
"It's a mother/daughter talk," Jin-Jin snapped downstairs. "You wouldn't be interested."
"She's four years old." Meiling narrowed hers eyes and pointed out calmly.
"Just ask her," Jin-Jin smiled smugly. "She wants to have a relationship with her mother."
"Like hell."
"I'll talk to her, daddy."
Li glanced up to see his daughter emerge from behind Sakura, where she evidently had been hiding. Sakura was looking at her, her emerald green eyes filled with worry.
"Mei-Fa!" Jin-Jin smiled brightly. "Do you want to talk to mommy?"
Mei-Fa saw the flashy box Jin-Jin held in her hands. She wondered what she was here for. Her mother had never bothered to buy her anything before.
"With Li." Sakura stated firmly.
"Alone?" Jin-Jin voice held false hope. "Mommy bought you a very nice present, sweetie."
Mei-Fa gave her father a small smile, knowing he was about to protest. She squeezed Sakura's hand for the same reason. She took a deep breath. "Okay, for a little bit."
Sakura's eyes widened. All of a sudden she remembered the scene at the coffee shop, Mei-Fa had been terribly frightened. She needed to do something, but what could she do when her father wasn't able to do anything. Her eyes darted over to Eien, he remained motionless. Li's eyes were murderous.
Jin-Jin's smile was horrifying as she started her way up the stairs.
"We'll wait by the door." Eien nudged Li on the shoulder. "She'll call if anything goes wrong."
Reluctantly, Li agreed.
Sakura had already beaten them both to it.
***
"This is for you," Jin-Jin handed her daughter the box. "Go on, open it."
Mei-Fa defiantly disobeyed as she set the box aside.
"Such spirit." Jin-Jin smirked.
Summoning up all her courage, Mei-Fa spoke. "What did you come here for today?"
"Why," The browned-eyed woman laughed to herself. "To give you this gift, of course."
"Am I supposed to believe that?" Mei-Fa's eyes burned.
"So like your father," Jin-Jin reached to stroke her hair. "Who did this for you? It's very elegant."
Mei-Fa tried to get away from her mother's touch. "Sakura did! And she's going to save me from you!"
Disgusted, Jin-Jin withdrew her hand. "Ah yes," She started. "The bastard's new toy." She watched as Mei-Fa clenched her hand in a small fist. Jin-Jin let out a hoarse chuckle. "You think she'll keep me away from you? Keep dreaming, little one. Do you have any idea how much you're worth?"
Her hands tightened.
"Go on," The woman eyed her fists. "Use that special power of yours on me."
Mei-Fa's eyes widened in surprise at what she had just heard.
"Little fool," The woman threw back her head. "Did you honestly think I didn't know? What do you think I wanted you for? That I actually loved you?"
"I never wanted your love, Jin-Jin."
"Face it," Jin-Jin delivered. "You're a freak, and I only want to use it to my own advantage."
"Why are you telling me this?" Mei-Fa asked. "Daddy and Sakura are right outside, I don't understand." She was still in shock. How had Jin-Jin figured this out? She had always done her best to keep her talent hidden -Like super girl.
"You never did notice," Jin-Jin laughed again, a terrible sound. "Well, of course you didn't. You started acting strange since you were sleeping in your crib. I am your mother after all. I knew something was strange when the mobile above your head was constantly spinning, even when I had it turned off."
"T-then you've always known?" Mei-Fa stumbled.
"Kept it away from that bastard too." She said proudly. "He wouldn't have done anything, he's different than I am. Sure, he's cruel when he needs to b-"
"Stop it." Mei-Fa said, not wanting to believe this. There had been an incident when she was just two and a half. The ball she had been playing with had bounced into the cellar downstairs. Her gut reaction was to go down and retrieve it, which was what she had done. All of a sudden the door had slammed shut, she had thought she had accidentally closed it with her powers, but she knew now that wasn't the case. Jin-Jin had done it. She knew this because she tried to use her powers to open it, but Jin-Jin had nailed it shut. Why else would she have felt the need to nail it shut so quickly if she didn't know?
Jin-Jin Chin was crazy.
"I hate you."
"Now, now," She said happily. "Don't be like that. But you're probably wonder why I'm telling you this, hmm?"
"Not really." Mei-Fa said bravely.
This disgruntled Jin-Jin.
"You're insane, and you'll hurt someone I love if I ever told."
A little happier that she held the upper hand, the woman nodded. "You were always such an intelligent child."
"After all," Mei-Fa continued, her voice monotone. "You locked me in that cellar because it would make daddy sad."
"So you can put two and two together!" Jin-Jin applauded. "That bastard really was scared, he thought he lost you. He really would do anything for the people he loves. Such a fool."
She was exactly like her father, and Jin-Jin knew it.
"I'm sure you know where this is going," The evil woman drew out. "Not only will I hurt Sakura should you tell anyone about this conversation, but it will probably hurt your father as well. Since he seems to have developed something tender for that slut."
Mei-Fa gritted her teeth together, her fear for herself was no longer there. She was now frightened for Sakura. She could never let anything happen to Sakura. Her father would be hurt too, Jin-Jin was right. Sakura would get hurt because of her, if she ever told. She didn't doubt Jin-Jin for a second.
"Since you seem to be in agreement, this is my expectation."
Mei-Fa waited for her to say more.
"Come the day of the trial," She grinned wickedly. "You will make a special request to the judge to live with your mommy. You will tell them I have always treated you well and you couldn't ask for anymore than that."
Mei-Fa closed her amber eyes; all of a sudden she was very tired. She nodded. She nodded for the sake of Sakura.
To be continued.
There, done. What do you think of Jin-Jin? Oh, but she is evil. Tell me what you think. =D It's been fun. I sent out notifications last chapter, but somehow I don't think my hotmail was working that day. . Sorry if you didn't get anything and found this chapter today. But I shall attempt to do so this time as well, and pray it works. =P
By the way, this one is nearly finished, I think. A few more chapters to go. I'm starting a new story soon, look for it. And it's a ghost story as well, with lots of character development. =)
If you know any lovely InuYasha fics, would you please tell me? Thanks. =P I've caught InuYasha fever, it would seem. 'Til next time. -Ash
Whoa. Like, it's an update. Thanks for all your support. =)
Trial of Fate
By AshN
Chapter Thirteen
The woman was decked in a deep green evening gown that fell just below her knees. The material was made from the finest of silk and by the most experienced of seamstresses. A scarf of a darker shade was draped loosely around her shoulders.
She really was breathtaking.
Though the gown wasn't too alluring with its round bodice and long lacy sleeves, no. It was the woman in the dress that attracted attention and caused jaws to drop and eyes to stare.
But she wasn't alone.
A man was with her. He had a sinful grin plastered on his face as he enclosed his hand around the woman's wrist. Even from far, you could still see that his grip was gentle and soft. It was then that the woman turned to look at him; her expression could not be seen. Instead, her elegantly curled hair swayed back and fourth as the man led her away from the crowd.
The dreamer tossed and turned frantically in her sleep.
He had brought her to the garden.
There were rows and rows of flowers of all kinds. He held her hands as he guided her down the concrete steps; they stopped under an old tree with pink flowers. The woman's face was tinted with a lovely flush as the man looked down at her.
She said something that made him laugh.
In irritation, the dreamer squeezed her pillows as tight as she could, for the dreamer could only see, not hear.
The couple stayed that way for a while. A moment later, the man must have said something that alarmed the woman. She took a step back, but not before the man's strong arms reached out and wrapped themselves around her waist.
The woman's eyes widened, but then relaxed.
The dreamer still could not catch a glimpse of her face. She kicked at her blankets in frustration.
The man's golden eyes were intense as he whispered in her ear. He brought his head up and brushed a tendril behind her ear. With profound tenderness, he reached for her chin and tilted her face up towards his.
"NO!" The dreamer had had enough.
Mei-Fa's small hands had her blanket in a death grip. She was panting as she tried to regain breath.
"No" She repeated again, her voice muffled. "Please, no."
She had never had this particular dream this intense before. From experience, she knew that the day was fast approaching, her dream was about to become a reality soon enough. It was as if she had been sitting there, in front of the couple --She couldn't remember anything else being so fierce. Though she had been close, very close, she still had not been able to catch a glimpse of the woman's face.
"Why?" Mei-Fa's amber coloured eyes blinked. "Why can't I see you?"
With one last sigh, Mei-Fa slipped out of her covers and into her fluffy slippers. She couldn't possibly go back to sleep at this rate. She couldn't see who the woman in her vision was --but the man was her father.
Why couldn't she just dream about the Princess and her Prince again?
***
"Who made these?" Eien Fujitka chewed on the chocolate chip covered muffin. "They're damn good." His mouth was full and his speech came out muffled.
"Such a flatterer." Meiling shook her head with a grin as she poured herself a glass of milk.
"No, really," He brushed a hand through his blonde curls and took another mouthful. "Who baked them?"
Meiling laughed as Eien struggled to retain an expression of innocence on his face. She threw an oven mitten at her fiancé.
"An angel's answer," Eien sighed dramatically. "I hope you won't mind if I take several of these to work."
Meiling's red eyes glowed with joy.
"Or maybe I'll just save myself the trouble and take you instead." He grinned.
Meiling opened her mouth to respond, but a male voice beat her to it.
"Good mornin'."
The couple turned their heads at the cheerful voice.
"And how are we today?" Li Syaoran sat himself down at the dining table. He was dressed causally in a white t-shirt and a pair of faded jeans. A shower had left his dark brown hair a devilish wet mess.
The blue-eyed man raised his eyebrows a fraction. "Are you supposed to be Li?"
This earned another laugh from Meiling.
"If that was suppose to be funny, Fujitka," Li smiled, not at all deterred. "You failed miserably."
Eien shrugged and leaned back on his chair, his hands behind his head. "Just checking, that's all."
"Your, uh, disposition seems rather um, sunny today, Li." Meiling observed, trying to find the right words.
"Yah." Eien added, studying the other man. "Something's wrong."
Li chuckled. "You two are quite the pair," Another smile. "Have I ever told you that?"
"Good god, man." Eien looked slightly amused, and slightly bewildered. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"It does seem strange," Meiling quipped. "But I think I like him this way."
"But it's damn weird."
"Well, I don't think I'm any different," Li responded. "Why don't you kiss my as-"
"Whoa," Meiling cut off his blasphemy. "There's good news, isn't there?"
"Maybe the man finally got himself a woman." Eien muttered.
"Screw you."
Meiling ran her fingers through her long raven black hair, impatient. "Good news on Mei-Fa's custody case?" Her ruby eyes brightened with hope.
"Nothing new that I know of." It seemed to him that everyone was asking him that these days.
"Then what is with that goofy grin?" Meiling folded her arms to her chest.
"Am I interrupting something?" A small voice came from the hallway.
"Mei-Fa!" Meiling smiled. "You're sure up early."
"Good morning, everybody." She rubbed her eyes and stepped into the eatery room. "I had a dream, and couldn't sleep."
"Mornin' Kiddo." Her father waved.
"Here," Eien grabbed a muffin. "Have one of these, they're good."
She accepted the muffin with pleasure. "Thank you, Eien." She turned to her father. "Daddy? Can I talk to you?"
Li smiled at his daughter. She had her hair tied up in two small braids; he'd never seen it like that before. "Sure, kid."
"Can we go to my room?" Her eyes were eager.
"What's wrong?" There was suddenly concern in his voice.
"Just follow me." Instead of leading the way, Mei-Fa went behind her father and started to push him towards the stairs.
He gave one last look to the couple in the kitchen before he was dragged upstairs.
"Cute kid."
"Mm-hmm." She agreed with a sigh. "Makes you wonder about her heritage."
"Li? I agree."
"Eien!"
"I know," His handsome face turned sincere. "We talked about this just the other day."
"I know, I know," She raised her hands into the air. "Cheng's clean." She paused. "Sort of."
"So he's good as his job," Eien drawled out. "It's natural that everybody would want him as their attorney. He plays to win, and that's exactly what the players want."
"And he'll take any job that comes his way given that the client is willing to pay enough." Meiling finished with another sigh.
"The man lacks morals."
"But only if the pay is good."
"Of course, a crooked lawyer, if you will." Eien looked distraught. "Unfortunately, there are way too many people in that line of business to track."
"But he's one person."
"One very clean person," Eien paused. "Figuratively speaking. Actually, it's not illegal. Every citizen has a right to his or her rights. He can defend whoever and however he wants. Lie and/or cheat."
"Now what?"
"My other conclusion would be that Cheng's little mind holds no knowledge as to whatever Jin-Jin really wants Mei-Fa for."
His fiancé looked thoughtful. "Why do you say that?"
"Cheng's a pawn in her game; the puppet being pulled by the strings. Whatever it is Mei-Fa has that her mother wants so badly is well worth the trouble of this whole custody issue." He explained. "Think of what she's paying, if anything, Zing Cheng does not come cheap."
"Makes sense," Meiling agreed, admiring his cleverness. "She was never the type to share anything."
"Right." Eien stood up. "Whatever she's after, it's big."
"How big?" Meiling eyed him crucially.
"Perhaps the ex-husband doesn't even have a clue." Eien looked up. "That big."
"Li? Not knowing?" Meiling looked befuddled. "That's crazy."
"I know." He agreed softly.
"And?"
"It's Operation Jin-Jin time." Eien grinned, twirling his car keys around his fingers.
Meiling groaned. "Be careful, Eien." She paused, then added: "And behave."
"Always."
***
Mei-Fa sat on her bed, a frown on her face. With a wave of her hand, the bedroom door slammed shut.
The door crashed.
Except it wasn't nearly loud enough to vent her frustration and anger.
The little girl twirled her finger in mid-air and reopened the door once again. She watched as this time, she made sure to open the door the entire way. Mei-Fa squeezed her eyes shut and flicked her hand towards the door, as if she were swatting a fly.
This time, the door crashed against its frame with a loud thud.
"Daddy," She spoke up to the ceiling. "Why is it that you don't believe me?"
Her earlier conversation with her father ended up with Li smiling and ruffling her hair. He had told her that she was such a silly girl, and that children dreamt all the time. This however did not mean that these dreams actually ever occurred in real life. Actually, he seemed certain of it.
She hadn't warned him about the woman. That would have been a little too weird. She had simply told him about her dreams in general, mainly, how each and every one of them had always came true.
Even before she told him, something inside of her already knew that he wouldn't believe her. The last time she tried, that intense flame in his eyes wasn't there, it was no different this time.
This wouldn't do at all.
The Princess and Prince will never have each other with another lady interfering.
***
"Your Honour," Sakura paused and gestured her right hand with a small wave in the air. "If it pleases the court."
"How about this colour, Sakura?" Tomoyo sat on Sakura's bed, studying her variety of fabrics.
"Huh?" Sakura glanced at her friend absently. "Oh Tomoyo," She sighed. "I think I lost my confidence."
Tomoyo narrowed her eyes at the lawyer practicing her lines. "I don't see why you bother to rehearse. Honestly, you're a natural. And you excel in the heat of the situation."
Sakura didn't hear her. She was now pacing back and forth, attempting to act out the court proceedings. "I need a judge." She snapped up her head to look at Tomoyo. "But you'll do, Tomoyo. Just sit there while I address my case." She looked thoughtful. "And it would help if you could act like a judge too."
She rolled her amethyst coloured eyes. "Not this again, Saku."
"The mirror just doesn't cut it." Sakura strolled over in front of Tomoyo. "I think this would work better if I had an audience too."
"Stop worrying, and listen to me." Tomoyo set the deep green fabric aside. "I've seen you in progress before, and all this nervousness is for nothing." She said as matter-of-factly.
Sakura looked skeptical. "Sure. Now will you be my judge?" She watched as her friend lifted her brows and shook her head. "Alright, fine. You don't have to act the part, just sit there."
"I have to get your gown done first." Tomoyo's eyes twinkled.
"Oh no," Sakura brought her left hand to her temple. "The banquet is tomorrow night!"
"Mm-hmm," Tomoyo smiled. "You deserve some fun in your life."
She breathed in and out. "Why on earth did I agree to go?"
"Mutual attraction." Her grin was devastating.
"Whatever. Our relationship is strictly platonic." Sakura muttered. She started to recite her lines once again, stopping and pausing every so often, unaware of the lurking shadow at her bedroom door.
"Platonic, huh?" The male voice sounded amused.
Sakura was the first to recognize the voice. Slowly, she turned her head until her green eyes met his amber ones.
"Li-san." Tomoyo greeted with a laugh. "Then you disagree?"
Sakura didn't let him answer. "Don't you work or something?" She accused.
He shrugged with a grin. "My business, my rules."
"Oh." She said lamely. "Well, I'm working, and you're interrupting." It was the best thing she could come up with, given the circumstances. She had major work to do, and couldn't let any distractions get in her way. Li Syaoran was the master of distraction.
He raised his brows. "I was wondering if you cared to develop our, as you said, 'platonic' relationship over lunch later." His tone held a trace of mockery.
Sakura squeezed her eyes shut, hoping this wasn't happening. She could literally feel her face heat up. It felt like she was on fire. She must have looked like a tomato.
"Hot?" Li smirked, his amber eyes glowing.
"Sorry. Busy. You have to go." Sakura grabbed a hold of his arms and pushed him out the door. She shut the door and listened as he walked away. Her ears were able to pick up his last words as he walked down the hall.
"Platonic?" He had muttered. "Like hell. I'll show her platonic."
"Now," Sakura tried to regain her composure, but Li's last words were still spinning through her head. "Where were we?"
Tomoyo brought the pillow up to her face, doing her best to conceal her smile.
"Don't you start, Tomoyo." She threatened.
Tomoyo didn't bother with the pillow any longer; she thrust it playfully at Sakura and startled to laugh happily.
"I need a glass of water." She muttered in a similar way as Li had done.
***
Time was running out, she couldn't wait any longer for the bastard to leave his house.
Jin-Jin Chin pulled her car out of the bushes where she had been staking the Li mansion for all of the morning. It was now past noon and there was still no sign of Li stepping out of his home. Damn him.
She parked directly in front of the huge home and reached back for the wrapped box she had effortlessly bought the other day. As she did, Jin-Jin kept her gaze glued on the door.
The blonde came out again.
This must have been the hundredth time the man has stepped in and out of the doorway. If she remembered correctly, the nuisance was Li's cousin's boyfriend. What was her name? Ah, Meiling.
She really had no idea what the blonde was doing. It seems that he was outside breathing in the air or something. He shrugged his shoulders while lifting his arms, as if he were working out. Then, he sat down on the porch and pulled out a magazine. He thumbed through it, apparently very engrossed.
"Whatever." Jin-Jin muttered as she opened her car door with one hand and the gift clasped firmly in the other. She slid out and straightened her red dress. With elegant sophistication, she walked up the marble steps to the front door.
He raised his chilly light blue eyes to meet hers when she reached the porch.
Jin-Jin was a little taken back at his cold eyes. They reminded her of how ruthless and cold that bastard could be.
All of a sudden, he grinned. "What's up, Ms. Chin?"
She nearly stuttered. "I'm sorry, have we met?"
"They call me Eien." His eyes were lit with mischief. "And I believe we have, actually." He pretended to think, looking thoughtful as he placed a finger to his lips, subtly indicating her rudeness.
The message wasn't lost on her. "I'm sorry," She smiled for the sake of it, her tone turned out sarcastic. "It was awful of me to forget."
She watched as the blonde waved it off as insignificant. She frowned. "I have to business to attend to here, now if yo-"
"So," Eien cut in. "What are you here for?"
"That's none of your business." She informed him starkly.
He smiled. "Fair enough." The blonde reached for the door. "On my behalf, come right in."
She narrowed her eyes at him. Just what was he playing at?
The inside was just as she remembered it to be, nothing but the best for Li Syaroan.
"Now," Eien was smiling again. "Who is it that you have your business with?" He stopped and continued again. "Pardon me, I, of course," He informed. "Will go and fetch them for you."
"What are you, the butler?" She sneered.
"A civil servant's work is never done, ma'am." He told her frankly, still with the same cheerful expression on his face.
All hell broke loose when the master of the mansion descended the curved stairwell.
"What the hell are you doing here!?"
"Hey Li," Eien turned. "Ms. Chin is here for business matters, you remember her, don't you?"
The roar almost made her deaf. She swore underneath her breath. "Still the loud and obnoxious bastard, hmm?" She commented bitterly.
The furious man ignored her. "You let her in Fujitka!?" He was now standing at the doorway, yelling at the other man.
"Can't deny a lady, now can we, Li?"
Li swore, but calmed a little when he heard the light trace of mockery in Eien's voice. He turned to Chin. "What the hell do you want now?" He noticed the wrapped present she held in her hand. His anger returned.
Eien winced and braced himself.
"You have no right to give Mei-Fa anything," His eyes glowed bright gold. "Furthermore, she does not and will not accept anything from you."
"That hurts," Jin-Jin pouted. "But I'm her mother. I always knew you were heartless, but this is unbelievable."
"What on earth are you all-" Meiling stopped when she came around the corner. "What are you doing here?" She asked angrily. This woman had already done so much to hurt Li, Mei-Fa and the rest of the family. Why was she here?
"You're all making more of this than needed." The woman let out an inelegant snort. "I'm here to visit my daughter," Her eyes were on Li when she mentioned this. "There's nothing wrong with that now, is there?"
"She doesn't want to see you," Li dangerously informed her. "You are no mother to her."
Jin-Jin made a face at him. "Why don't we let Mei-Fa decide on that?"
"I am her father and I'll do whatever it is I have to do to protect her." An irritated Li bit out.
Jin-Jin smiled as sweetly as she could and batted her long, curly eyelashes. "We wouldn't have this little problem now if you bothered to file for child custody a couple years ago, hmm?"
"Get the hell out of my house before I personally throw you out!" Li's threat came out as a roar.
Sakura, who had been hovering at the top of the stairs watching the ridiculous dispute, spoke for the first time. "Li-san," She waited until he turned around and gave her his full attention. She knew she had it when his angry amber eyes softened and stared right at her. "Let her speak to her daughter, as the other parent, you have the right to witness whatever it is she has to say."
"Sakura." He said quietly. "What are you doing?"
Jin-Jin's lips immediately curved downwards in a fierce frown.
Eien, who had been watching Jin-Jin's every move nodded. "That sounds reasonable enough."
Upstairs, Mei-Fa was standing behind Sakura, gripping her shirt with both hands. "What does she want to speak to me for, Sakura?" She whispered.
Sakura looked down at the brave little girl. It had been her idea to want to oblige to what Jin-Jin had come here to do. Mei-Fa had heard the screaming and yelling downstairs and ran straight to Sakura to inform her of who their guest was. Not that Sakura couldn't have guessed. "You don't have to see her if you don't want to." She told Mei-Fa once more.
"I have to," She insisted in a small voice. "It's the only way to make her leave, then we can go back to being a family again."
"It's a mother/daughter talk," Jin-Jin snapped downstairs. "You wouldn't be interested."
"She's four years old." Meiling narrowed hers eyes and pointed out calmly.
"Just ask her," Jin-Jin smiled smugly. "She wants to have a relationship with her mother."
"Like hell."
"I'll talk to her, daddy."
Li glanced up to see his daughter emerge from behind Sakura, where she evidently had been hiding. Sakura was looking at her, her emerald green eyes filled with worry.
"Mei-Fa!" Jin-Jin smiled brightly. "Do you want to talk to mommy?"
Mei-Fa saw the flashy box Jin-Jin held in her hands. She wondered what she was here for. Her mother had never bothered to buy her anything before.
"With Li." Sakura stated firmly.
"Alone?" Jin-Jin voice held false hope. "Mommy bought you a very nice present, sweetie."
Mei-Fa gave her father a small smile, knowing he was about to protest. She squeezed Sakura's hand for the same reason. She took a deep breath. "Okay, for a little bit."
Sakura's eyes widened. All of a sudden she remembered the scene at the coffee shop, Mei-Fa had been terribly frightened. She needed to do something, but what could she do when her father wasn't able to do anything. Her eyes darted over to Eien, he remained motionless. Li's eyes were murderous.
Jin-Jin's smile was horrifying as she started her way up the stairs.
"We'll wait by the door." Eien nudged Li on the shoulder. "She'll call if anything goes wrong."
Reluctantly, Li agreed.
Sakura had already beaten them both to it.
***
"This is for you," Jin-Jin handed her daughter the box. "Go on, open it."
Mei-Fa defiantly disobeyed as she set the box aside.
"Such spirit." Jin-Jin smirked.
Summoning up all her courage, Mei-Fa spoke. "What did you come here for today?"
"Why," The browned-eyed woman laughed to herself. "To give you this gift, of course."
"Am I supposed to believe that?" Mei-Fa's eyes burned.
"So like your father," Jin-Jin reached to stroke her hair. "Who did this for you? It's very elegant."
Mei-Fa tried to get away from her mother's touch. "Sakura did! And she's going to save me from you!"
Disgusted, Jin-Jin withdrew her hand. "Ah yes," She started. "The bastard's new toy." She watched as Mei-Fa clenched her hand in a small fist. Jin-Jin let out a hoarse chuckle. "You think she'll keep me away from you? Keep dreaming, little one. Do you have any idea how much you're worth?"
Her hands tightened.
"Go on," The woman eyed her fists. "Use that special power of yours on me."
Mei-Fa's eyes widened in surprise at what she had just heard.
"Little fool," The woman threw back her head. "Did you honestly think I didn't know? What do you think I wanted you for? That I actually loved you?"
"I never wanted your love, Jin-Jin."
"Face it," Jin-Jin delivered. "You're a freak, and I only want to use it to my own advantage."
"Why are you telling me this?" Mei-Fa asked. "Daddy and Sakura are right outside, I don't understand." She was still in shock. How had Jin-Jin figured this out? She had always done her best to keep her talent hidden -Like super girl.
"You never did notice," Jin-Jin laughed again, a terrible sound. "Well, of course you didn't. You started acting strange since you were sleeping in your crib. I am your mother after all. I knew something was strange when the mobile above your head was constantly spinning, even when I had it turned off."
"T-then you've always known?" Mei-Fa stumbled.
"Kept it away from that bastard too." She said proudly. "He wouldn't have done anything, he's different than I am. Sure, he's cruel when he needs to b-"
"Stop it." Mei-Fa said, not wanting to believe this. There had been an incident when she was just two and a half. The ball she had been playing with had bounced into the cellar downstairs. Her gut reaction was to go down and retrieve it, which was what she had done. All of a sudden the door had slammed shut, she had thought she had accidentally closed it with her powers, but she knew now that wasn't the case. Jin-Jin had done it. She knew this because she tried to use her powers to open it, but Jin-Jin had nailed it shut. Why else would she have felt the need to nail it shut so quickly if she didn't know?
Jin-Jin Chin was crazy.
"I hate you."
"Now, now," She said happily. "Don't be like that. But you're probably wonder why I'm telling you this, hmm?"
"Not really." Mei-Fa said bravely.
This disgruntled Jin-Jin.
"You're insane, and you'll hurt someone I love if I ever told."
A little happier that she held the upper hand, the woman nodded. "You were always such an intelligent child."
"After all," Mei-Fa continued, her voice monotone. "You locked me in that cellar because it would make daddy sad."
"So you can put two and two together!" Jin-Jin applauded. "That bastard really was scared, he thought he lost you. He really would do anything for the people he loves. Such a fool."
She was exactly like her father, and Jin-Jin knew it.
"I'm sure you know where this is going," The evil woman drew out. "Not only will I hurt Sakura should you tell anyone about this conversation, but it will probably hurt your father as well. Since he seems to have developed something tender for that slut."
Mei-Fa gritted her teeth together, her fear for herself was no longer there. She was now frightened for Sakura. She could never let anything happen to Sakura. Her father would be hurt too, Jin-Jin was right. Sakura would get hurt because of her, if she ever told. She didn't doubt Jin-Jin for a second.
"Since you seem to be in agreement, this is my expectation."
Mei-Fa waited for her to say more.
"Come the day of the trial," She grinned wickedly. "You will make a special request to the judge to live with your mommy. You will tell them I have always treated you well and you couldn't ask for anymore than that."
Mei-Fa closed her amber eyes; all of a sudden she was very tired. She nodded. She nodded for the sake of Sakura.
To be continued.
There, done. What do you think of Jin-Jin? Oh, but she is evil. Tell me what you think. =D It's been fun. I sent out notifications last chapter, but somehow I don't think my hotmail was working that day. . Sorry if you didn't get anything and found this chapter today. But I shall attempt to do so this time as well, and pray it works. =P
By the way, this one is nearly finished, I think. A few more chapters to go. I'm starting a new story soon, look for it. And it's a ghost story as well, with lots of character development. =)
If you know any lovely InuYasha fics, would you please tell me? Thanks. =P I've caught InuYasha fever, it would seem. 'Til next time. -Ash