Chapter 27: Warning

The time has finally come and Syaoran couldn't be any prouder. It was one of his biggest accomplishments since his Ascension. All the redundant negotiations, tedious meetings, the late-night paperwork, endless phone-calls, and more headache-causing endeavors have all been worth it. He finally did it. He finally closed the deal.

"Everyone, I would like to congratulate you on your efforts in helping me achieve one of the biggest milestones in the company's history." Syaoran began. "I not only have one, but two good news to share with you all. The first," He pointed his index finger upward, "is that the Li Financial Group has purchased Yamamoto Savings Bank for 12.5 billion yen, much less than what we were going to pay for originally. Therefore, we saved 4.5 billion yen. That's a plus."

The executives responded with applauses.

"The second good news is," Syaoran continued. "That buying Yamamoto Savings Bank increased our stock prices by six percent." The applauses became louder, followed by a few whistles and cheers. He gestured them to silence them once more. "I cannot thank you enough for all of your commitments and hard work. To celebrate, I propose a toast." Everyone raised their champagne-filled glasses in the air. "For reaching our greatest accomplishment and fulfilling many more."

In unison, everyone sipped on their champagne as the meeting had been adjourned.

While everyone was engaging in small talk, Meiling walked over to Syaoran, who seemed a bit distracted. He was staring distantly out at the window, viewing Tomeda's striking downtown district. His expression was unreadable and Meiling wish she could probe his mind, to see what exactly was bothering him.

"Wow, you really outdid yourself." Meiling said, smiling.

With his reverie broken, Syaoran turned to his cousin. He smirked back. "Thanks." He said modestly. "I should be thanking you though. You were the one that put everything into motion."

"Well you know, cousin." Meiling teased, playfully batting her eyelashes. "Someone had to make you shine. Now I don't have to hear any more of your cranky, whiny, big-baby attitude, right?"

Syaoran laughed. He had that one coming to him. "So, I was a jerk at times." He admitted. "Sorry."

"I'm just messing with you." She said. "But in all honesty, I'm proud of you."

Syaoran reciprocated the smile with one of his own. "And I'm proud of you."

Meiling's cheeks turned to light crimson hues. "You know, everyone is going to the bar to celebrate tonight. Are you coming?"

Syaoran shook his head. "Nah. You guys go on ahead. I still have things to catch up on."

Meiling laughed, turning around. "Always the workaholic. I'll see you around."

Syaoran nodded as he watched his cousin exit the conference room.

As everyone engaged in congratulatory praises and conversations, Syaoran remained at the window. While some of the executives intended on retiring home to their families for the night, others were making arrangements for the happy-hour special. For Syaoran, catching up on some paperwork and checking on the Hong Kong headquarters served as a perfect distraction. The one thing his mind could not erase was the fact that his son now knows who his mother was. He meant on giving Aiko more time, but with all the chaos going on in his personal life, Syaoran was faced with little options. He silently cursed himself, wishing how things were simpler when he and Sakura dated.

His eyes widened as his thoughts danced on that unspoken name. Syaoran could not recall the number of times he texted and called her, and even resorting to emails. It was all to no avail, and the more absent Sakura was, the deeper Syaoran's heart ached. He longed for her warmth and the way those beautiful orbs of emerald would sparkle just for him. Her smile was more radiant than the sun, bringing him a sense of comfort—a type of reassurance that shared a familiarity with Li-Na. If only she heard the real truth of what happened, Syaoran thought to himself sadly. And if she does, what will happen then? Admittedly, Syaoran was afraid of the answer.

It was still early in the evening and the day was just starting. Syaoran removed himself from the window and ordered the executives back to their working quarters. Work still needed to be done.

~~~ooo~~~

Curiosity got the best of Meiling as she was en route to her office, hearing two distinctive voices in the passageway. One of the voices belonged to Kenji and the conversation was filled with laughter and flirty innuendos. The other voice was of a woman with a harmonious voice. Meiling followed the sounds intuitively and came to a halt the moment she saw her colleague and the new temporary assistant, standing uncompromisingly close to one another. There Kenji was, leaning against the wall with one hand in his pocket as perfect teeth flashed dazzlingly before the flustered woman, who appeared to be the same age as him. Long lashes batted flirtatiously as Kenji spoke with a smooth, honey-laced charm. Admittedly, the woman was attractive; a slender waist, blonde hair pulled into a French braid with loose tendrils falling about her heart-shaped face, and dashing cerulean-colored eyes, but she was no Sakura. She was dressed conservatively in a ruffled white blouse, a form-fitting pencil skirt, and matching pumps.

Kenji pulled his cell phone out of his pants pocket and passed it to the woman. "You should give me your number and I can definitely show you the ropes around here. You know, with less interruptions of course."

"I'd definitely like that." The woman replied. "Things tend to get hectic around here, I see."

"It does, but you get used to it after a while. But don't worry, I'll definitely make sure you are well taken care of."

Light crimson hues appeared on the woman's pale cheeks. "I really appreciate it, Mr. Hara. It's nice to know that there is someone looking out for me."

"For a gorgeous woman such as yourself, I definitely don't mind." He teased, tenderly placing a lock of hair behind the woman's ear to get a better glimpse of her lovely countenance. His lips pulled into a smirk as his topaz eyes gleamed with a lustful passion—and it irritated the hell out of Meiling.

"Oh stop!" The woman replied bashfully. "You're too much."

"Hey, what can I say?" He laughed. "I'm an honest guy."

The words sounded innocent, but Meiling saw through the facades. Disgusted, she marched over to the couple and donned a shrewd, cunning smile that Kenji could recognize. "Excuse me, Michi. May I have a moment with Mr. Hara?" She asked with the utmost professionalism.

The woman, Michi, nodded. "Sure." She passed another flirtatious smile to Kenji after typing her number into his phone. "I'll see you later." She winked.

The sound of her heels clicked off in the distance, leaving the two colleagues alone in the passageway. "I see you're getting along with Minako's new replacement."

Kenji smirked. The fact that he was caught committing some sort of illicit tryst with another woman barely fazed him. "Ah yes. Michi's a fast learner. I'm just lending her a helping hand since she has such a big job to do. And from what I can see, she's doing quite well."

"Just a helping hand?" Meiling raised an eyebrow. She crossed her arms with a disapproving scowl. "Perhaps what she does is maybe too good to be true." She paused. "After all, I hardly see you go above and beyond for anyone unless it serves some sort of benefit to you, Hara."

"I'm not quite sure if I'm following you." Kenji replied, suspicious of what Meiling's cryptically, sarcastic responses was insinuating.

"You know exactly what you're doing. I saw everything." The frown on Meiling's red painted lips indicated that Kenji was indeed crossing dangerous territory. To insult her intelligence was almost like asking for a death wish.

"And what exactly did you see?" Kenji challenged. "I'm just having a conversation with the temp. The last I've heard, there was nothing wrong with it."

Meiling darkly chuckled. "You and I both know that was not just a conversation."

"I'm simply just giving her valuable information about succeeding in the workplace when working for this company. Besides," He added, gesturing with the upward pointing of his index finger, "she will be a wonderful asset in some of the future projects in the upcoming year. It would be as if Minako was here all over again."

"I almost forgot that Minako is on maternity leave." Meiling cheerfully clapped her hands together, laughing snidely. "It works out perfectly. Obviously since the woman is unmarried and single, as I do not see any ring on her finger with the way she was eyeing you and all that flirting I just witnessed, that means a lot of alone time between you and the said temp. Tsk, tsk, tsk, you all know where that leads to, right?" She smirked. "Well, if that's the case, maybe you should be reminded of the company's policy about fraternization in the workplace."

Kenji frowned. "There is no need. I'm thoroughly aware."

"Perhaps you need a refresher, just in case." Meiling replied mockingly, pulling out a handbook from the records that she had in hand. It took only seconds to find the exact page. "To avoid the dangers of management fraternization with a subordinate employee, and to help prevent even the appearance of improper conduct, favoritism, improper use of authority or sexual harassment, it is the policy of the Li Financial Group and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates, that managers, supervisors, and any other employee who has the authority to directly or indirectly affect the terms and conditions of another's employment shall not fraternize with that employee. This policy includes dating, romantic involvement or sexual relations,' as per article eight, page seven in the handbook." The handbook was then closed shut.

"You know the handbook well."

Meiling smirked. "As your boss, it is my job to know the employee handbook inside and out."

"So you should know what it says about harassment."

Meiling glared at Kenji with daggers. Her hands tightened into a fist.

"See?" Kenji shrugged with a taunting smile. "Accusing me of fraternization even though I clearly am not can be defined as harassment."

"Only a guilty man would take it there, Hara."

"I am only guilty because you want me to be, Li."

Meiling took a step closer to Kenji with ruby-like orbs glaring dangerously into his dark topaz pairs. Her arms were still crossed and her eyebrows furrowed together with an expression that displayed both annoyance and irritation. "If I were you, Hara, I'd watch my back. Clearly, you don't know who you're messing with." It wasn't a threat, but a promise.

"Touché." Kenji said. Unfazed, he leaned over to Meiling and whispered in her ear, nearly sending shivers down her spine at the darkness of his tone. "Clearly, you don't know me either."

Stunned to silence, Meiling watched Kenji walk to his office as if the conversation never occurred. With her fists at her side, Meiling solemnly vowed if Kenji wanted war, she was the right person to wage it with.

No one ever threatens a Li.

~~~ooo~~~

The feeling was indescribable, yet it was all familiar to Eriol as he felt the warmth surging through his veins. However, there came a darkness he had never known before. It was as if something was calling out to him, desperate for his attention. The ribbons of pink and red energy wrapped around him tightly, grasping on his aura, clearly calling out to him, pleading. He recognized the aura and whom it belonged to. It's the Sakura cards. He mused as he sat in his chambers, enveloped in his own thoughts. Why are they reaching out to me? Is there something they are trying to tell me?

"So you feel it too?" A familiar womanly voice said from behind.

Eriol didn't have to turn around to know it was Ruby Moon in her truest form. "I sense a dark energy within the cards and since the magic is provided from the Card Master, that means, there is some sort of darkness residing in Sakura." He told her.

"Perhaps." Ruby Moon said, transforming back to her human form. She was now Nakuru. "You know, ever since Syaoran left all those years ago, she hasn't been the same." Eriol said nothing, pondering over the reason why the relationship between his descendent and the Clow Mistress had fallen apart in the first place. He kept a silent oath to never tell another soul, but even he couldn't deny the disappointment he felt for Syaoran. He was better than that. Surely, things could have been solved in a more logical, less emotionally traumatizing way, right? After all, the only person suffering the most aside from the child was Sakura.

"What a shame." Nakuru noted, continuing on her rant. "And I thought those two were destined for one another. I suppose the Fates had something different in mind, no?"

"All things happen for a reason." Eriol surmised, still concentrating on the dark energy calling to him. "Maybe things might take a turn for the better."

"Still, it doesn't explain why we sense a great darkness within the Card Mistress and why the Cards are reaching out to us." Nakuru said. "Perhaps Sakura knows something that we don't. If she doesn't get this under control, the cards will start acting out negatively. You know what happened the last time, right?"

Before Eriol could comment, the projector of Kero and Suppi in their plush forms emerged. "I'll tell you why! I bet it has something to do with that jerk that Sakura married!" Kero shouted.

"Good evening, Kero, Suppi." Eriol greeted.

"Don't 'good evening' me!" Kero snapped. "I told you this would happen! And now things are getting out of hand! It should've never gotten this far!"

Leaning against the wall, Nakuru placed a finger on her chin with an expressive look on her visage. "I hate to say this, but Kero does have a point. I know they're your friends, but maybe we made a bad judgment call, Master."

Eriol sat in his chair, pondering over the guardian's comments. They were right. All of them should have stepped in long ago, when things first began to go sour for Sakura and Syaoran. He returned to Japan for many reasons. One of them was because he sensed trouble in the cards. They've been reaching out to him for some time, and it seemed that things have been taking the turn for the worst. Is it too late to act now? He wondered to himself.

"I bet Sakura doesn't even know that the cards are reaching out to us." Suppi lazily added.

"That's because she's too distracted by that jerk!" Kero growled.

Nakuru looked at Eriol expectantly. "So, what are we going to do, Master? Certainly this can't go on for too long."

Eriol exhaled heavily before giving out a final response. "I'm afraid there is nothing we can do for the moment. However, there is something I do find quite disturbing." The others listened attentively. "Five years ago, Sakura and my descendent produced a child, who in theory, should have been one of the most powerful children in this generation. Though I have yet to see the child for myself, I am surprised that I cannot sense his aura."

"Maybe it skipped him." Nakuru said.

"That sounds scientifically illogical." Suppi added. "I think Syaoran is shielding the child for his own protection. After all, someone born of pure Li blood would obviously draw a lot of attention that he doesn't want."

"Or maybe, his powers needs to be unlocked. Sakura was the same way if you all remember." Kero commented.

"If that's the case, what is this child destined for?" Eriol asked suddenly. The guardians looked at him with perplexed looks. "Sakura was destined to be the new Clow Master. What other reason why the child's powers would be locked?"

~~~ooo~~~

It was relaxing, feeling the warm, cool air caressing Li-Na's skin. Dressed in a loose white blouse and fashionable jean shorts, Li-Na sat at the edge of the pool while she allowed her pedicured feet to soak in the coolness. As Aiko played nonchalantly in the shallow end with his inflatable toys, Li-Na contemplated about the conversation she had with Meiling this morning. She never realized the power that Syaoran had over people, especially the very women in his life. Perhaps it was his enigmatic personality or the fact his eyes tell a soulful story—when he allows them to. Whatever the case may be, Li-Na could never deny the intense loyalty and love that he shows to the few people he cares most about. It was the very qualities that made him special and the reason why she and Meiling connected so easily.

It probably was hard for Meiling to apologize, Li-Na mused, noting on the girl's hesitation when they first talked. She couldn't really blame her though. Meiling was only trying to warn her. After all, she knew Syaoran better than anyone else, better than his own sisters. The small discussion that she and Meiling shared changed Li-Na's entire perception of the sassy cousin. Maybe she was protecting me in a way. She knows what it's like to love someone and not have that love returned. She sighed sadly, thinking about her own one-sided romance with Syaoran. I wonder…would things have been different if Syaoran and I met at a different time? She looked over at Aiko, who seemed to be playfully splashing the water around him. She smiled to herself, realizing that the little boy was the reason for them meeting in the first place. Then again, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Li-Na slightly cocked her head to the side when she realized that Aiko's laughter was a bit too quiet. Normally, the playful little boy would conspire some sort of scheme in getting Li-Na in the pool with him, but today, he was isolating himself. That was unlike him, for Aiko was too social of a person to desire solitude all of the sudden.

Playfully, she kicked the water against Aiko, causing a small bit of laughter to erupt from his lips. "What's going on, kiddo? You're too quiet over there!" Li-Na teased, splashing more water with her feet.

"I'm just playing, Li-Li!" Aiko said, using his favorite pet-name for her.

"You call that playing?" Li-Na laughed. "You look like your dad when he's got something on his mind. Especially with those little wrinkles on his forehead. You keep doing that, you will start to look old just like him!"

Aiko playfully stuck his tongue out. "I'm gonna tell him you said that!"

"Fine then! I'm gonna tell him you've been sulking all day!"

Aiko vigorously waved his hands. "No! Don't do that!" He cried as he looked down at the pool, staring at his reflection solemnly. "He already thinks about too much anyway."

Li-Na looked back at Aiko wearily. The boy was just too mature for his own good. "Daddy is fine. Is that what's on your mind? You're worried about him?"

Aiko's fingers intertwined together. "Yeah…but I'm thinking about other things too." He replied cautiously.

Li-Na looked at him expectantly. It was rare for the boy to exhibit worry. "Like what?" She asked him.

"Just…stuff." He answered. Li-Na remained quiet as Aiko swam towards her. "I was thinking about my mother."

"Oh?" She asked. Her mouth formed an O-shape.

"I always wonder about her. And now that I know what she looks like, I can't stop thinking about her. One time, Daddy said that she was really nice. I want to know more about her, but I think he'll get mad if I ask him."

Li-Na masked the hurt on her face by replacing it with a reassuring smile. Who was she to stop Aiko from knowing about his mother? He had every right and so did Sakura, but still…she knew that in the long run, it would cause him great pain. Li-Na swallowed the lump in her throat, suspending the thoughts as she picked the boy up and sat him next to her. "Why would you think that? I don't think your dad would be upset."

"Well, after I saw her that day, they had a fight and she left. Daddy was upset until you came home. I don't want to talk about things that makes Daddy sad. He works hard all the time and I just want him to be happy when he's with us." He looked up at Li-Na expressively.

Li-Na nodded in agreement. She placed a motherly kiss on his forehead. "You're right. Daddy has a lot on his mind, but it's never too much that he can't talk to you."

"I know." Aiko groaned. "I just have so many questions."

"Questions like what?"

"Will my mom ever see us again?"

Then it dawned on Li-Na on what Aiko was saying. "Did your dad tell you about your mother?"

Aiko nodded. "Yes." He said. "He didn't say anything. He just said that the pretty lady who came by was named Sakura and that she's my mom."

Li-Na felt like she was punched in the stomach. She exhaled deeply, concealing the tortured look on her face. She couldn't allow for Aiko to know the pain it caused her, hearing about what his father did. It would only further upset the boy and she couldn't stand it when the child she loved so dearly wasn't smiling. So he told him after all. He finally told him…Xiao Lang…

Aiko interrupted her reverie as Li-Na fantasized a number of ways to verbally slaughter Syaoran. Before the day is over, Syaoran will have a piece of her mind! "I dreamed about meeting her my whole life. And now when I finally met her, I missed it!" He sighed sadly.

"That's not your fault." Li-Na said reassuringly. "You didn't know that was going to happen and neither did she. If she knew, Sakura would have given you a big hug," Li-Na demonstrated it, in spite of Aiko being wet. "And a bigger kiss" she planted it on his cheek, causing his smile to grow wider. "And she would say how much she loves you—like I do."

Aiko's eyes grew wide with hope. "You think she does? She really loves me?"

Li-Na nodded her head. "Of course she does! Enough to make you eat your broccoli too!" She playfully stuck her tongue out, ruffling his hair.

Aiko laughed, playfully pushing Li-Na. "Yuck! That's just cruel and unusual punishment!" He cried, laughing.

Li-Na raised an eyebrow. "Where did you learn those words from? Have you been watching those crime shows with your dad again?"

Aiko looked like a guilty puppy, smiling mischievously. "Maayyybe."

"Maybe, huh? I think I'll have a nice little chat with your dad about you watching grown up shows with him." She smirked.

"Oooh! Daddy's in trouble!" He sung.

She winked at him. "Yeah, you bet he is! Now, let's go inside and get some lunch."

"Yeah my favorite!" Aiko exclaimed. "Wei promised me macaroni and cheese with chicken nuggets and noooo broccoli!"

Li-Na couldn't help but laugh at the delighted child. His laughter and smiles were always refreshing to hear. Aiko's happiness meant everything to her and she would do all that she could to ensure that it stayed that way. In the meantime, she will have a bone to pick with Syaoran when he comes home.

Author's Note: Okay, we are 10 days into the New Year, so I thought it was time that you guys get another chapter from CherryB. Yes, it is still slow, but it is for a reason! Let's call it the simmer before the storm! Things will get even more messier when Sakura finds out that Kenji is being anything but faithful and it seemed that things were going so well! Well, he better watch his back because Meiling is not one to play when it comes to her friends! This is Avina-Bell, reporting for duty! I thought I post this chapter because I told CherryB. days ago that I post, but I went on leave, visited New York, and...just forgot! Not to mention that the new semester has started and I pray I'm not over my head with this. (If any of you knows Accounting really well, please message me! I suck at it! lol!)

Anyway, this is our gift to you. Although a lot of promises have been broken, one promise still remains: the story will get finished! Please, please, please review! The more you review, the more motivated we feel! See you guys another time! XOXO.