Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Last time:

"Ok racers get ready for the count down," Leo yelled into the microphone while the crowd cheered on.

"5…4…3…2…1…GO!"

Now:

Sakura and Syaoran pressed their accelerator pedals. Their cars zoomed past the eager spectators in a blur of pink and black. Sakura's car was in the lead but Syaoran's car was only a mere meter behind.

Sakura had the route mapped out in her mind. She had counted five sharp turns, a few normal curves and not many straight paths. Now that she was in one of the few straight roads, she floored the gas pedal, taking any advantage she could. Sakura released the pressure on the gas pedal a little as she got ready for the first sharp turn. She then pressed the clutch all the way to the floor and shifted into a higher gear. Just before she entered the turn, she released the clutch to complete the shift and steered the wheel to its maximum to execute the turn. As soon as she was coming out of the turn, she accelerated and straightened the steering as she drove along another straight path.

Several meters more, Sakura executed the same technique again for another sharp turn. Once she completed the turn, she glanced at the review mirror to check for Syaoran. What she saw didn't surprise her -he was still right on her tail.

Syaoran was impressed. Sakura had managed to stay in the lead, and he was having trouble finding the opening to overtake her. If he was racing against someone else, he was certain that he'd be in the lead by now, and with no problem. Syaoran shook his head in disbelief. Sakura was really something.

Since the first time he'd met her, she was different from other girls. She didn't worship him like he was some sort of a god, or swoon every time he walked by. He grinned. In fact, it was quite the opposite. She glared and yelled at him every time they met-that was probably his fault, but he liked that. It made him feel normal. That could possibly be the main reason that made him attracted to her, together with her innocence, sincerity, and down-to-earth personality. She was everything he wanted in a girl. She was…Syaoran shook his head. Now was not the time to be thinking about that. He had a race to win.

Syaoran recalled the route in his mind. He had only three chances to overtake her. And he still needed to find an opening, not to mention the method he had in mind was highly risky. But he had no other choice; it was the only way if he wanted to win the race. He studied her car and the path in front of him cautiously. He had to find an opening, even if it was a small one.

He watched, unblinking, as Sakura's car started to curve as she entered the turn. His face then split into a grin. He had found it, his first chance.

He took a deep breath, steadying his racing heart. The technique he was about to execute, if done improperly, could be catastrophic but he knew he could do it. Syaoran kept the gas pedal on the floor while pushing in the clutch. At the same time, he quickly shifted to the next gear. As soon as the new gear was selected, he re-engaged the clutch. He could feel a small bump in acceleration but that was enough for what he had planned. He then applied the pressure to the break pedal, pressing the clutch all the way to the floor and shifted into the next gear. And then he released the clutch to complete the shift just before steering the wheel to execute the turn. His black car curved right next to Sakura's pink one but his front was ahead of hers. As soon as he came out from the turn, he accelerated and straightened the steering. He was now in the lead.

Sakura gaped as she watched Syaoran's car slide past her and overtake her from the inner lane. It was impossible! She was sure there was no opening. He must have done something… but what? Sakura started going through all the possible scenarios and techniques in her head but she found nothing! What did you do, Syaoran? She grumbled in frustration. Sakura hated not knowing something.

She slid her foot across the brake and gas pedal, twisting the steering wheel as she drifted along the curves. Only one sharp turn left. If she couldn't find a way to overtake him then, she was doomed. Sakura floored the gas pedal, knowing that the path from now till the next curve would be straight.

She was thinking of how she could turn this race back to her favor. She was thinking of what to do at the last turn when her thoughts suddenly went back to Syaoran. She knew for certain that he'd be mad at her for her deception. She just hoped he'd give her a chance to explain and with any luck, he'd eventually forgive her. A loud screech brought her back into reality. Her eyes widened in surprise. What on earth? Sakura hastily steered the car to the right lane, almost hitting the wall in the process.

The lane she was in now shouldn't even be there. How could it just appear out of nowhere? She then gasped, recalling a certain conversation with Leo. So this was the blocked path he was talking about. I hope that was the only path.

Sakura was thankful for Syaoran because if he hadn't made that loud noise, she was certain she and her car would be part of the new decoration on the wall. Her heart was still beating wildly, and her hands shook from the close call. This was the first time she had been scared. Other times were not as serious as this one. If Touya found out about this, she bet that he'd probably lecture her or worst, make her quit racing. Nodding to herself, she decided to keep this little secret to herself. What he doesn't know won't hurt him.

Coming out of her musing, Sakura concentrated on her current situation. She had figured out the solution to win the race, even though it had a fifty-fifty chance of success, she had to try it. She watched Syaoran's car on the other side of the separated lane. His car was coming closer and closer to hers as the two lanes merged to form one. She sped up until her car was directly behind his and then swiftly swerved right, pressing the gas pedal at the same time, trying to overtake him. However, Syaoran followed her action, blocking the path. Sakura swerved back and he did the same.

Well, I guess this method is out. But don't you worry. I have another trick up my sleeve. She grinned, readying herself as she came nearer to the turn. She switched from the middle lane to the inner lane, knowing that when Syaoran started to turn, his car would leave a space in the inner lane. She'd use this opportunity to try to make a lead.

Sakura partially released and then reapplied the accelerator pedal at the same as she declutched and shifted into the next gear. She reapplied the throttle after re-engaging the clutch. She moved the gear shift knob up to neutral, one column to the right, then up to the new position on the top row. Smoothly, she released the clutch pedal, allowing the engine speed to match up with the car's speed. Once that was done, her car slid fluidly side-by-side with Syaoran's car. However, before the turn was complete, she floored the gas pedal, making the car launched forward resulting her being in the lead. Sakura lifted her foot the accelerator pedal when she passed the finish line. She stepped on the brake, did a 360 degree turn before she came to a stop.

Her heart was pounding against her chest. The only noise she could hear was the loud pumping of her own blood.

I did it. I won!

Sakura stopped herself from screaming in excitement. Instead, she stepped out of the car with a large beam on her flushed face. The crowd went wild at the sight of her. Some cheered and screamed while some were disappointed that the Emperor King had lost.

Sakura started walking when she was suddenly swept from the ground and into someone's arms.

"I knew you'd win!" Ryo spun her around while she giggled wildly.

"Thanks, Ryo!"

"Congratulations, Sakura," Takashi said as he joined the two.

"Thanks Takashi!" she said breathlessly as Ryo set her down. "Touya!" Sakura squealed when she saw her brother walking towards them. She ran up to him and gave him a bear hug.

"I won!"

Touya smiled, and patted her head affectionately. "Good job, Squirt. Though you only beat him by mere seconds."

Sakura looked up at her brother, pouting, "Syaoran is not easy, you know."

- X -

With Syaoran

After the race was over, Syaoran remained inside his car with an astonished but proud look on his face. He smiled faintly. Sakura kept on surprising him.

He stepped out of the car and froze. His smile turned grim as he watched Sakura hanging on a man's arm, talking and laughing with him and two other males. His amber eyes darkened and narrowed. His fist clenched until his knuckles turned white. His good mood now dimmed, mixing with anger and hurt. Any thoughts of talking to her had disappeared from his mind.

He watched as Sakura paused and turned to face him, and as she started walking and stopped a foot away from him.

"Umm…t-that was an awesome race," she started timidly, fidgeting with the hem of her top, her eyes downcast. Syaoran didn't reply; he only stared blankly at her.

Sakura looked up and nearly faltered. His gaze was distant and cold. His eyes were darker than usual.

"I—erm—"

"Congratulations," Syaoran interrupted emotionlessly. Sakura opened her mouth but she didn't get the chance to reply. "You're the new Shinto Champion…Sakura," he ended and left.

Sakura froze. Her eyes widened, staring at the empty air in shock. She stood rooted to the ground for a few seconds before she snapped herself out of it. "Wait!" she shouted, running after him. "Wait, please!" Syaoran didn't stop. "Please, Syaoran!" she cried out desperately, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Syaoran continued walking, ignoring her call. "Syao-"Sakura tripped and fell. She stayed on the ground with her head hung.

Three footsteps came running in her direction but Sakura paid no heed to it. She was lost in her misery.

"Squirt," Touya kneeled down next her, "Sakura?" Seeing no response from her, he shook her shoulder gently. Sakura reached out for him and then buried her face into his chest. Her shoulders shook with each sob. The three males looked at each other in confusion and concern.

"What's wrong, Sakura?" Touya asked worriedly, rubbing her back soothingly. Sakura's reply was muffled by his shirt. Touya lightly pulled her away from him, lifting her chin up. He gritted his teeth at the sight of the tear streaked face of his sister. He pushed his emotion down and asked her to repeat.

"I-It's over. H-he knows! It's o-over!" Sakura said again and again.

"What's over? Who knows what? Sakura, tell me!"

Sakura shook her head, not hearing what Touya had said. "It's t-too late. H-he's gone! My fault. All my f-fault!"

"Hey, we need to get going," Takashi said, looking down with a sad face at Sakura.

Ryo kneel down next to her and shook her hard. "Sakura, snap out of it!" he shouted. Sakura looked dazedly at him. Ryo, for the first time in his life, felt helpless. "You need to get your prize. They're calling for you," he added in a softer tone.

Sakura shook her head, "I don't want it," she sniffed. "I want to leave." She looked at Touya and asked, "Can we please leave? I-I don't want to stay here anymore."

"After you get your prize, then we leave."

She sat in silent for a few seconds before nodding. "Okay." Touya stood up, pulling Sakura up with him. Sakura held onto him tightly and the four walked towards the crowd.

Leo started his speech. He thanked everyone for coming. He thanked the racers for their participation and their wonderful performance. He thanked the sponsors and the SRC. He asked one of the SRC people to come up and hand out the prizes. "Now, without further ado, please give your hands to our Shinto Champion. Cherry!"

The audiences clapped and cheered deafeningly. Touya nudged Sakura from her spot. She reluctantly moved, pulling her cap lower. After she had received her prize, Leo called on the second and third winners to come up. Sakura stiffened when Syaoran walked pass her and then stood on her right. She desperately wanted to talk to him but her body and her mouth wouldn't corporate. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, calming her nerves down. As soon as Leo dismissed them, Sakura turned to her right but Syaoran had already left. She bit her lips, stopping herself from tearing up again.

"Hey Cherry, congratulations!" Lei said. Sakura gave him a small smile, thanked him and excused herself, leaving him baffled on the stage.

When Sakura reached her brother and the others, she told them she wanted to leave. Touya nodded.

"Takashi, take Sakura to the car. Ryo, drive Sakura's car back to the hotel," he ordered. The two nodded. Takashi took the items from Sakura's arms and ushered her to the direction where rental car was, while Ryo went to opposite direction. After the three left, Touya walked towards the group he had been watching."

- X -

After Syaoran left the stage, he went back to tell his friends that he was leaving. Meiling wanted to celebrate, even if he had come in second place but Syaoran declined. However, before he could leave, a male voice called out to him. Syaoran turned; his posture changed at the sight of the person in front of him.

"What did you say to her?" Touya asked coldly, glaring at Syaoran. Syaoran merely glared back at him but didn't reply. Touya gripped him by the front of his shirt and repeated the question, but this time in a louder and more commanding tone.

"It's none of your business," he replied icily. Syaoran's friends watched, wanting to interfere, but Eriol stopped them with a stern look. Meiling gave him an irritated look but listened to him nonetheless. Tomoyo on the other hand, watched Touya with interest.

He looks so familiar.Her brow knitted as she studied his face with an intense look. I think I've seen him before… but from where. She frowned, frustrated as she couldn't recall his face with the names from her memories. Fighting off the urge to stomp her foot, she concentrated on the conversation between him and Syaoran instead.

"Anything to do with her is my business. And those who make her cry is unforgivable." Syaoran stayed silent. Touya gave him a fierce look before he let go of Syaoran's shirt. He then added in a warning tone, "Stay away from her," and then left.

"What was that about? Syaoran?" Meiling glanced at Touya's retreating back and then back at her cousin. Syaoran said nothing and started to leave but Meiling blocked his path with a determined look. He merely pushed her aside, causing her to stagger a bit, and then walked away. Meiling gasped, surprise at his action. Blinking away her surprise, she fumed and started towards him but Eriol held onto her, shaking his head. Meiling stomped her foot, muttering incoherently.

- X -

With Sakura and Takashi

The trip to the car was a quiet one. Sakura trailed behind Takashi with her head down. Takashi could hear a sniff coming from her every now and then. He glanced worriedly at her, wondering what she and the brown haired boy had talked about to cause such a drastic change in her emotions.

When they reached the car, Takashi dumped the items from his arms onto the front passenger seat. He opened the back door and ushered Sakura in. He then sat in the driver's seat, waiting for Touya. A few moments later, there was a knock on the window. Seeing Touya outside, Takashi unlocked the back door. Touya found Sakura curled in the backseat, asleep. He lightly shifted her body so that her head would be on his lap.

Nearly an hour later, Takashi parked the car at the parking lot in the hotel they were staying at. Touya carried Sakura all the way up into his room, and then laid her down on the bed, covering her with a blanket. He then sat on the end of the bed, while Takashi sat on the chair, both lost in their own thoughts.

- X -

It was 8 pm when Syaoran returned home. He proceeded towards the stairs but found they were blocked by Eriol, who stood waiting with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Where have you been, Syaoran? We've been waiting for you." Meiling said, leaning on the wall at the entry to the lounge room.

"I never asked you to wait. Move, Eriol."

Eriol remained stationary. Syaoran glared at him, attempting to push him away, but Eriol didn't budge.

"Syaoran, we need to talk. Please," Meiling gestured to the lounge.

"There's nothing to talk about," he responded curtly

"Don't lie to me, Syaoran." Meiling narrowed her eyes. "I know something is going on."

Syaoran turned to glare at her. "It's really none of your business, Meiling. So stay out of it."

"It is my business. You're my cousin, Eriol and I…we care for you," her tone softened. "We just want to help. Please," she pleaded.

Syaoran sighed in resignation. Meiling was too stubborn. He knew if he didn't start talking, the three of them would not be sleeping tonight. He walked into the room and sat on the couch. Meiling and Eriol followed after but they both sat on an opposite couch from Syaoran.

"What is going on, Syaoran? Who was that man? Why was he so angry with you? And who was the girl he was talking about?"

Syaoran leaned back, closing his eyes. "Are you sure you want to know?" he asked, fighting his emotions from surfacing.

"Yes," Meiling nodded.

"I just recently discovered a secret, hidden from me…from us by someone we trust. You know how much I detest lies…well this person lied to me. Not only that, she…" he trailed off recalling the picture of Sakura smiling, laughing and hugging that man.

"She? Who are you talking about?" Meiling asked, looking at Eriol, who shrugged, and then back at him.

"…Sakura."

"Sakura? What about her?"

"She's not as innocent as she appears to be. She has fooled everyone. She lied! She…"he couldn't bring himself to say that she had cheated on him. "I shouldn't…I wish I'd never met her."

Meiling gasped at his outburst. "You don't mean that! Tell me you didn't. If she heard you say that, it'd break her heart!"

"What about me?" Syaoran stared at her. His eyes were filled with pain. Meiling was shocked at his open emotions. This was the second time she had seen him in this state. And the last time was when his father died. She quickly rushed to his side and sat down beside him.

"What's going on? What did she do? Please tell us what's wrong," she asked, nearly panicking.

Eriol, who had been silent the whole time, finally said, "Take your time, Syaoran. We have all night."

Syaoran took a deep breath before replying, "I've found out that Sakura is Cherry, and Cherry is Sakura."

"What?" Meiling shouted incredulously. "Are you certain? She's—I just can't believe it!"

"Are you 100 percent sure?" Eriol repeated.

"Yes, I saw her with my own eyes," he answered through gritted teeth.

"Hmm, that makes sense I guess," Eriol concluded, tapping his chin. Meiling looked at him for an explanation.

"First, according to you, Sakura's knowledge of cars is on par with mine and Syaoran's." Meiling nodded. "Second, haven't you ever wondered why Sakura never appears at races while Cherry is present? Third, the sun doesn't shine at night, so why does Cherry wear a cap? Fourth, haven't you detected how abnormal her voice is? It sounds too fake."

"No, it never crossed my mind. So if Cherry is Sakura…" her eyes widened, "then that man. The one she's with at the race…does that mean she's cheating on Syaoran?" Syaoran stiffened but he remained close-lipped.

"I wouldn't go so far as to say she's cheating on you, Syaoran. I may not be the best at judging people, but for some reason, I know that Sakura is not that kind of person. She doesn't give off the bad vibes you know?"

"I… agree with Eriol," Meiling started slowly, "Besides, I don't think Tomoyo will befriend, let alone be 'best friends' with cheaters and liars. Sakura must have an important reason for not telling us the truth."

"So, what should I do?" he asked weary.

"Give her the chance to explain before you do something that you'll regret it later," Eriol suggested.

"I know this hurts you but take what Eriol said into consideration. Sakura is different. She's unique, one of a kind. I don't want you to lose her because you two can't communicate. So please, talk to her."

"She's probably hurt too," Eriol added, "You did hear that man said she cried didn't you? If she has no real feelings for you, why'd she cry?"

Syaoran's mind went over what both Eriol and Meiling had said. It made sense. But he was still hurt. "I need to be alone. I need to think." He proceeded to his room.

"Do you think he'll be okay?" Meiling asked in concern.

"He's a Li. They're strong people, especially Syaoran. He'll be fine, trust me."

"I really hope you're right."

That night Meiling called Tomoyo and told her everything. At first, Tomoyo was surprised but she got over it. She had known Sakura for so long. She knew that Sakura would never intentionally meant to hurt anyone, especially someone she loved.

The atmosphere lightened after Tomoyo's justification of Sakura. They were ecstatic that Sakura was a racer, a damn fine racer at that! They decided that they would give Sakura a surprise visit tomorrow morning and take her out for some girl time. The two girls talked for an hour before they bid each good night.

- X -

Next morning

"I'm sorry girls, but Sakura didn't come home last night." Fujitaka stated looking at the two girls that sat in front of him.

"What do you mean she didn't come home?" Meiling shouted and stood up from the couch.

"Meiling!" Tomoyo elbowed her friend.

"Sorry Mr. Kinomoto," she blushed and sat back down.

Fujitaka smiled, "Not to worry girls. Sakura was too tired to come home last night and decided to spend the night with Touya."

"Who?" Meiling frowned. She didn't know anyone by that name. Tomoyo on the other hand, let the name run over her mind again and again. I know him. I know that I know him. His name's very familiar, but why can't I remember him? Come on think, Tomoyo, think!

"Touya is my son. Sakura's older brother," he explained. "I'm not surprised you don't remember him, Tomoyo. It has been a long time since you last saw him."

Tomoyo gave him a silent 'O' and nodded in remembrance.

"Oh yes, now I remember. Sakura did mention that she has a brother," Meiling said.

"I'm sorry Uncle, but I forgot about Touya," Tomoyo blushed in embarrassment. Fujitaka waved her apology away with a smile. "Umm…if you don't mind, can we see his recent photo?"

"Of course, I won't be a moment." A few minutes later, Fujitaka came back with a photo frame in his hand and give it to her. Tomoyo smiled in gratitude.

The girls huddled together. Both eyes widened in surprise at the picture. It was that man from the race!

"Oh Kami! Syaoran…oh no, no! We need to go Tomoyo, now!"

The two thanked him for his time and apologized for leaving so abruptly. Once they reached Tomoyo's car, Meiling slid inside the front passenger seat. She speed dialed to her cousin but it was unsuccessful. "Damn it! He switched it off!" She left a voice mail for him and threw the phone into her handbag in irritation. Meiling leaned back into the seat and then out of the blue, she started laughing. Tomoyo looked at her, puzzled.

"This whole thing is just a big misunderstanding. Seriously, Sakura's cheating with her brother? Oh Kami! Poor Syaoran…"

"You really can't blame him. If I was in his shoes, I'd probably think the same thing."

"Hmm, yes. I totally agree." Meiling nodded in understanding. "Now, if it was me…"

"You'd slap them both and then curse them to hell before asking for an explanation?" Tomoyo offered.

Meiling chuckled, "Most definitely!" She sighed, "We really need to find Syaoran before he does something crazy."

"Yeah," Tomoyo agreed, "Hey, why don't you call Eriol? Maybe he knows Li's whereabouts, and besides you could give him the update."

"Hmm, that's a good idea."

- X -