Syaoran tossed in his bed and bit his lip hard, making the fresh blood run freely with the dried blood. His mouth was caked in it from the fight and his frustration but he couldn't stop himself. Every time the memory resurfaced Syaoran punched the curtains and pulled at his hair, struggling with his control. You should never, ever regret something you do. Everything you do is by your choice and so even if there are bad outcomes, you cannot resent them or yourself. If you only think about the past then you're as good as dead. Stuck forever in a world of 'what if' was a dangerous place that was impossible to move forward from.

He had to think about saving her, not about how he killed her.

But….Syaoran could only think about the seal of Death. And about the motionless body of the kind girl. Of her last words….of the ceremony…of her life…her smile…

Syaoran had been taught about Hitsuzen. He knew the word and the supposed dangers attached to it. But even so, when they discussed Hitsuzen he thought it was more like a road you took your whole life. It was inevitable that his mother had this dream. It was inevitable that his father would give him the sword. And it was the road of destiny that lead him to Princess Sakura of Clow Country.

So was he destined to fail, then?

Was he destined to watch Sakura die before his eyes?!

Syaoran punched the curtains again.

He couldn't believe that. Didn't even want to think about it and felt his teeth pressing back into his lip for more blood.

Syaoran sat up from bed and ripped the curtains open. Though as soon as he stood he was on the round with a painful thump.

…was it destiny that made him weak? He wondered as he struggled to his feet.

…was it destiny that made him give Sakura promise he couldn't keep? He asked himself as his face hit the ground.

No.

"--I'll defy it" he panted angrily, sweat pouring down his bruised face.

If it was destiny that brought him here then destiny should know that he wasn't going to stay here forever!

"Not even the inevitable can stand in my way…." he muttered, ripping his bandages off with frustration "I made a promise…." he breathed as he clawed his way to his feet "and I will do everything it takes to save Sakura!"

From the other side of the door Yuko calmly closed her eyes as Syaoran fell to the ground with a heart wrenching cry of pain.

"Even at the price of your happiness…even if you know it's a wish that can never be granted..." Yuko smiled sadly "That is true determination"