Legend
"dialogue"
thinking
song lyrics
-Character P.O.V. change
line break/horizontal line - end scene, scene change and/or 3rd person P.O.V. switch
Flashback / End Flashback
Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura, which belongs to CLAMP, or the song 'My All,' sung by Mariah Carey.
Card Captor Sakura
Of Amber Orbs and Emerald Pools: The Revised Version
Chapter 10 : My All
(Recap)
He turned to me. "And you..." he suddenly whispered. "...you..." a single tear escaped his eye and I began to cry as we felt each other's pain and sorrow.
"I'm sorry... Syao-chan..." I whispered, emotionally and we both froze.
"...what did you say?" He whispered, and hope filled his eyes and I searched them desperately.
"I-I... d-!"
I gasped as he suddenly closed the distance between us and kissed me fiercely.
I wanted to know you...
(End recap)
I'm thinking of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
Sakura trudged down the corridors, slowly and purposefully making her way outside. She knew it was time just like she knew she needed to suppress any uncertainties and doubts along the way.
"Sakura-sama! Can you not stop and think about this, first?"
"Sakura-chan! Matte!"
Yue and Cerberus' concerned calls echoed after her as they worriedly followed her, even knowing their feeble attempts would not stray their mistress' stubborn will.
I know I am being too reckless... Sakura thought, hesitatingly, but I am almost positive there is no other way. If we don't get things done now... when will they be done? She voiced her thoughts as they made their way down the stairs, the two guardians growing more desperate at her response.
"Sakura-san? What is all this commotion about?" Yelan approached, worriedly.
If it's wrong to love you
Then my heart just won't let me be right
All eyes were on the Card Mistress as she shuffled, grim determination set in her ways. She knew what responses she would receive for her attempts. "Yelan-san..." she started in a flat tone. "I'm tired of sitting here and mourning. Something has to be done before he can make another move and maim us any more than he already has!"
"Surely you can't be suggesting that you go now, Sakura-san?" Kaho piped in as the Li sisters, looking worried and exhausted, also came in on the predicament to voice their own concern.
"Why not now?" Sakura bristled slightly. "Maybe this is the attitude that has gotten us into this catastrophic dilemma!"
Her harshness struck a chord and the front hall grew silent as she sighed inwardly, knowing that her words sounded cold but the truth could not be denied. She thought back to the day before- the almost 'motivation' for her current state of mind.
Flashback
The kiss caught her by surprise, and she was too shocked to even react at first.
(Cos I've drowned in you
Slowly, she succumbed to her conflicting emotions and just closed her eyes and gave in, knowing in her heart that this was more real and right than most of her thoughts on the matter ever since she returned from that accursed battle.
Battle...
Regaining her senses, she tried to pull away. "Syaoran..." she gasped and he kept on kissing her, desperately, longingly.
"Syaoran... stop this..."
When he finally responded by hesitating slightly, she took her change and pushed him away, hastily making her way inside.
"S-sakura!"
She continued to walk briskly, wiping a few stray tears from her eyes. I can't handle this... not now... She thought miserably, to herself.
"Sakura, wait!"
"Leave me alone, Syaoran..." She called back over her shoulder and made her way to the stairs, hoping to reach her room before him and lock herself in.
However he was too fast and stopped her in the middle of the stairs, grabbing her wrist. "Please!!" he cried desperately.
"I'm sorry! I can't take anymore of these feelings. They're just so overwhelming!" Sakura responded, tearfully. She didn't even understand what she was saying at that moment.
Syaoran sighed, defeated. "You're right. I'm sorry. I should've known better, and... I just... you should do whatever you feel is right." He hugged her to him and whispered another apology as he let her go and walked away quietly.
Syaoran... gomen ne... Walking to her room, she quietly locked the door and heard Meiling stop Syaoran in the hall and what was wrong.
And I won't pull through
Without you by my side)
"Syaoran..."
End Flashback
"Exactly."
His voice snapped her out of her thoughts as she whipped around to meet fiery amber orbs, knowingly meeting her gaze. She nodded slightly and turned back to the others.
"So that's why I-"
"We."
Her eyes met his again, this time confusion evident. "Nani?"
"I'm going too." Syaoran clarified as he walked up to her, his gaze holding hers the entire time.
She began to protest, that familiar feeling of dread welled in her stomach, knowing deep down there was a reason as to why she was so opposed to him coming along. "Syaoran..." He stopped directly in front of her, their noses almost touching, as his eyes met hers challengingly.
"I'm going too."
The two shared a non-verbal conversation. After what seemed like an eternity, Sakura finally nodded in consent and understanding.
I'd give my all
To have
Just one more night with you
The others slowly accepted the situation and checked them over for anything that might restrain movement or hinder their strength. As preparations were being made, Sakura couldn't fight the feeling that there was something more she really needed to know. However, before she could ask, Shiefa approached them, her sisters following closely behind.
"Sakura-chan, Xiao Lang," She acknowledged and they nodded. "We know you two probably want to head off alone, so we won't tell you how foolish it is."
Fuutie nodded. "Instead, we'll give you our blessings." She smiled softly and grabbed their hands, placing hers over both their own. "My gift is the spirit of the wind, to guide you flawlessly."
"Mine," Feimei piped in, "is the ward of water. To protect you with strength."
Fanren followed suit. "May the soulful fire give you courage and motivation." She grinned.
They looked at Shiefa who smiled softly, though her eyes gained a sad look as they met her little brother's and he looked down slightly. Shiefa always knows... he thought to himself. As if reading his thoughts, she nodded slightly, leaving Sakura a little confused at their exchange.
I'd risk my life
To feel
Your body next to mine
"I..." she finally spoke, as she mimicked her younger sisters, "bless you with the breath of the earth. Wherever we are, and whatever happens, our hope and love will follow you wherever you are."
Sakura nodded in gratitude as the sisters hugged them, wishing them well. Kaho and Yelan soon came as well, followed by the guardians who made a last plea to follow the two chosen. A plea that was immediately declined.
Hands still intertwined, Syaoran gave Sakura's own a little squeeze and she looked up at him. He smiled in encouragement. "We should get going..." She nodded, reluctantly.
Syaoran was thinking over their situation and more particularly, the outcome of the battle. He knew what would happen if they lost, but... he also knew what would happen if they won. And that was something else that Sakura had yet to recall, and he had not told his family about it as of yet.
Sending a side-long glance to the brown-haired mistress, he closed his eyes momentarily. I... just hope she remembers everything before... the end...
As if sensing his distress, Sakura turned to him. "What's wrong?" she inquired softly.
"...are you sure you don't want anyone else to come with us? Your guardians? Meiling? Eriol?" he asked instead, drifting away from that area of his thoughts.
Shaking her head, determinedly, she enforced her decision. "We need to keep them here and fighting, where it matters. XiaoFuei knows that we can't beat around the bush for much longer."
A/N: Just making it look a little better, there was a significance to the name but I forgot : But it definitely had nothing to do with translation... it's not translatable.
Syaoran frowned. "But... the battle should only be between my father and I..."
Cos I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
"Forget it." Sakura interrupted. "Like you basically told me a few moments ago, don't even think you're going into this alone." she confirmed before he could even protest, and he had to smile a little.
"Brilliant advice." a voice interrupted them, and they turned their attention to amused pairs of sapphire and ruby eyes. Eriol continued. "In fact, you could say it was our inspiration as well."
They noted their attire and their faces fell, and Syaoran was about to protest, but his cousin laughed. "Don't even think you're going into this alone." They smiled and she just shook her head helplessly, continuing a little more seriously. "Syaon. Sakura-san. We deserve to fight for our loved ones as well."
Eyes softening, Sakura nodded in understanding, and Eriol reassured her. "Don't worry. Our guardians and everyone are more than capable of taking care of themselves. This is what really counts, wouldn't you agree?"
"So it's settled!" Ruby Moon interrupted, grinning at their cute exchange even though this was a grave moment. "Get to it, then!"
They nodded and were about to make a move when they paused. Spinel, as if reading their thoughts, had to make his dry comment. "So how were you expecting to get there?"
Sweatdropping, Sakura laughed nervously and everyone fell over anime-style. "What? I knew I was forgetting something..."
I'd give My All
For your love
Tonight
Smiling helplessly at their situation, Syaoran interrupted. "We'll just focus and try the way we always do. I'm sure, if our thoughts and wills are strong enough, we'll find that world again."
"More like it'll find us..." Sakura muttered as the four made a circle and the two chosen concentrated on their destination, as Eriol and Meiling had no idea where they would be going, but focused on their task and who they would be facing instead.
As a bright light flashed and engulfed them, the spectators looked up when it died down to find the four fighters gone.
"Good luck..." Yelan whispered softly.
Cerberus piped in. "It'll be okay! They can win!" Everyone was silent. "Don't tell me you guys don't believe...!"
"It's not that, Cerberus." Shiefa interrupted, sadly. "They'll win... but can we?"
He stepped up, more seriously this time. "We will see them again...?" he more asked than stated.
Yelan turned to him, her expression solemn. "He has what he wants. There's no need for us any longer... you know this."
He looked down, and Kaho suddenly smiled sadly and mysteriously. "Maybe in another life, Cerberus. Another world..."
Baby can you feel me,
Imagining I'm looking in your eyes?
The four landed on a field of lush green grass. They sprung up instantly and surveyed the area, wearily.
"...Is this the place?" Meiling asked in awe.
Syaoran nodded, grimly. "There's no doubt about that. This is that other world," he turned to Sakura, "Do you remember?" he asked softly.
She was looking around, in awe as well. Fragments of her memory were coming back, and the others waited patiently for her to take a look around. The sunset-tinged clouds in the "sky"... the lush grass... the beautiful cherry blossom tree... and the sparkling surreal waters. Flashes entered her mind, of the disturbance of this peaceful picture... blood... bodies... faceless corpses... and she screamed. The others cried her name out in shock and went to move towards her, but they found they could not.
To their horror, she fell back and began to levitate in the air, her eyes glazing over and being replaced by nothing but an eerie, pure white. Syaoran noted that Eriol looked slightly disturbed as Sakura began to chant in a voice that was not quite her own.
"There will be a glowing sphere..."
"It will call upon the ones destined to save the world... or bring its destruction." Eriol was speaking at the same time as 'Sakura' was, a grim tone in his voice.
"Eriol...?" Syaoran asked, hesitatingly. He had heard these words chanted once before, as well. But what did they mean?
Meiling, who was annoyed that she did not understand what was going on growled, frustrated. "Am I the only one who doesn't get this again!" However, before she could continue ranting, Syaoran held up a hand to silence her as Eriol and Sakura continued.
"The ones fated to face a great task, one that requires a great sacrifice. Where love once thrived in their hearts, guilt, betrayal, and uncertainty will dominate."
The chosen ones will slowly succumb to the great evil that they have unknowingly brought upon the world. Sapphire. Gold. Silver. Amethyst. Ruby... they will all vanish."
"But there will be two who shall endure the most pain, and the most sacrifice. They will take it upon themselves to hold the fate of the world in their hands, and their hands alone, as they are finally brought into the world of their creation."
"The world that glowing sphere beckoned them to. In that world, they must make the ultimate choice: To save the world..."
...or to save their loved ones.
I can see you, clearly
Vividly emblazoned in my mind
"What!" Eriol, Syaoran, and Meiling cried as Sakura dropped to the floor, seemingly unconscious. Syaoran growled. "Where are you, XiaoFuei?"
Oh dear. It seems I have become far too predictable. What ever shall I do?
The laughter echoed around them. And the three formed a protective triangle around the card mistress.
Hm... now where have I seen this before... protecting the precious flower in a hopeless and dangerous situation... ah! I know! All the time!
He materialised in front of them, slowly floating down to their level. "It seems to be all you pathetic mortals ever do." he spat, finished.
"Are you quite done yet?" Meiling growled, impatiently. "Because if you are-"
XiaoFuei laughed, interrupting her. "'You'd like to kick my ass now.' Isn't that right, my darling little niece?" He circled them, as was his custom. "So fiery. Look how you've grown! I must say I am quite proud. The Li Clan never fails to amaze me." Before Meiling could retort, he quickly turned his attention to Eriol, who was eyeing him angrily.
"What's this?" He smirked. "Eyeing me with such hate. Mad I killed your girlfriend?" He grinned, evilly, as Eriol tensed and the other two glared at him spitefully. "Or are you angry about killing your little brat-"
BOOM!
And yet you're so far
He was interrupted as, faster than any of them expected, Eriol whipped out his staff and blasted fire at him.
"...I don't know if that was wise, Eriol..." Syaoran stated slowly, as the smoke cleared and XiaoFuei was nowhere in sight. Even Meiling had to agree as they surveyed the area.
Bending down, Meiling shook Sakura softly, trying to revive her. "She's not waking..." Meiling admitted worriedly after a while. "I wonder... if..." She looked up at Eriol.
He shook his head, still pumped from his attack and looking quite murderous. "She can't be in the same state I was. Her aura hasn't weakened enough. In fact..." he paused, sensing something odd. "It seems she's struggling with something."
Syaoran, letting his guard down for a moment after sensing nothing, finally bent down to check on her, though very wearily. "I think he might be doing his stupid mind tricks again. And there's not a damned thing we can do for her. She has to wake up on her own." He growled, extremely frustrated. This was NOT how their 'visit' was supposed to turn out. The battle hadn't even started yet and they were already so defeated.
Like a distant star
Meiling looked at him with wide eyes. "...if she doesn't wake up?"
"Don't talk like that." Syaoran snapped.
Meiling looked down. "But the last time she woke up..."
"She didn't remember you, Syaoran." Eriol finished, and they looked at him as he had finally calmed down. "Correct?" Syaoran simply nodded in response. "Tell me what happens when you enter this state." Eriol ordered firmly.
Sighing, Syaoran began to explain the dreams and visions XiaoFuei would plant in his mind, holding Sakura's hand tightly.
I'm wishin' on tonight
Sakura
I'd give my all
To have
Just one more night with you
I slowly opened my eyes and found myself shrouded in that dreadfully familiar fog.
Welcome to your mind, Cherry blossom.
A voice echoed around me and answered my question before I could even form it. I looked around, dazed.
"Where are you?"
I'm here. I've always been here. Don't you remember?
"Why can't I see you?" I felt that I should be feeling something other than this helplessness. That there was something I was forgetting about. Why couldn't I see him?
Did you want to see me, Sakura?
"Yes..."
He appeared before me, in all his glory. Familiar hardened features, beautiful amber eyes... I smiled. "There you are."
He grinned and embraced me. "You didn't think I'd leave you alone, did you?"
"Actually," I smiled sheepishly and returned the embrace. "for a second there I almost did. This place... it's so cold when you're by yourself..."
He caressed my hair. "I know, sweet Ying Fa... but we're together now and that's all that matters..." I smiled and stood in his embrace, a peaceful silence washing over us.
I'd risk my life
To feel
Your body next to mine
Sighing happily, I looked up at him. "I wish we could stay like this forever, but..." I paused.
"But what?"
I frowned, thinking to myself, and searched his burning amber eyes. Something was off. Something was wrong. Something didn't quite fit...
I suddenly found myself being let out of his embrace and being compressed by a familiar laughter that sent shivers up my spine. I was falling...
"Syaoran!"
Wrong...
Cos I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
"Sakura!" Syaoran shook her desperately. "Wake up!"
They were all shocked when their unsettling silence was disturbed by her sudden scream. Her eyes snapped open, unseeing, and she thrashed violently. Meiling yelled to the skies angrily at their invisible opponent.
"What are you doing to her?"
I was merely trying to give her what she wanted... Happiness...
"Define 'Happiness'!" Eriol ordered, dangerously. They were met with XiaoFuei's disturbing chuckle.
Simple. She was locked in a blissful embrace...
He appeared before them.
"With me."
Syaoran growled and hugged her body to him as best as he could. "You lie!"
"Do I?" He grinned and paced around them, holding up his hand before the other two could attack. "Not yet, children." He turned back to his 'son.' "How could I lie? Did you not see the peaceful look she had on her face while she dreamed of us? That is..." he glared at Syaoran. "Until her mind was plagued with doubts when you had to interfere and touch her."
Suddenly, he had pulled Sakura away from them and kept them at bay, cradling her form. They could only watch as he coaxed her from her sleep. "Wake up, Ying Fa..."
They watched in horror as she blinked her eyes open, sleepily, and yawned cutely, smiling up at XiaoFuei. Her hand lifted to his face and Syaoran's heart dropped in that moment, shaking his head in disbelief.
However, she shocked them then. "Syaoran?" She grinned sleepily.
I'd give My All
For your love
Tonight
XiaoFuei's face clouded in anger. "NO! IMPOSSIBLE!" He flung her away and she was caught by a very surprised Syaoran who had forgotten everything at that moment.
"...Sakura? Do you... remember?"
"SHE CAN'T!"
They were interrupted as XiaoFuei threw a tremendous blast at them that sent them flying. Being the first to recover, Eriol rose and smirked. "I guess she didn't love you, after all."
"You sick fuck." Meiling spat at her 'uncle', rubbing salt in the wound.
XiaoFuei growled. "She's. Mine." He lunged at Eriol and they exchanged blasts, fighting fire with dark fire. Meiling was on standby, standing in front of her cousin and the card mistress protectively.
"Syaon!" she called back, keeping her eye on the struggling Eriol. "Get her up! We have to work together on this!"
Syaoran was still trying to revive Sakura. He knew she would wake up easier this time because XiaoFuei was occupied and could not be controlling her mind. "Go help Eriol, Mei." He ordered. "Don't worry about us."
Meiling whipped around. "Unfortunately, hon, there's not much I can do in a cock fight. And a magical one, at that." She spat sarcastically.
They were interrupted by Sakura's groan. They looked down at her as her eyes finally opened. "Syaoran? Meiling? What's going on?" She spoke slowly, still disoriented.
Forgetting the memory issue, Syaoran spoke up quickly. "Good, you're awake. We have to help Eriol. This is our battle." Meiling glared, but he returned it warningly. "Don't deny it. I don't want you two hurt-" Before he could continue, Eriol was knocked harshly to the ground right next to them.
"Eriol-kun!" Sakura yelped in worry. "Are you alright?"
Eriol stumbled up and dusted himself off, glaring at XiaoFuei who was smirking from above. "Peachy. Just fucking peachy." He grit out.
"You know..." XiaoFuei drawled, infuriatingly. "For the half-reincarnation of Clow Reed, I must say you did put up a good fight. Too bad you were too pussy-whipped to stay in shape or else you would have put up a better one!" He sneered and Eriol saw red.
I'd give my all
To have
Just one more night with you
"Calm down, Hiiragaziwa!" Meiling snapped. "This is not some round of who has the bigger staff!" She turned to XiaoFuei. "If you want a real fight, come down here and face us without your cheap tricks."
XiaoFuei grinned and complied. "You mean face you, fighting your style?" Meiling got into a fighting stance in response and the other three followed suit. XiaoFuei laughed. "Alright, then. But I'd like to challenge your notion that this is not a game. And, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I will raise the stakes a little."
Waving his hand carelessly, a familiar cloud of dark smoke swirled and they saw an image of the Li Palace in Atlantis, still standing behind the protective barrier. The only problem was this time there were no howling demons everywhere. This time there were two distinct sides; the fallen Li army and the demon legion facing off.
"What is this?" Syaoran ground out, worried for his guardians and clan.
XiaoFuei responded with another smirk. "See... dear Yelan forgot to mention that she knew a little more than she let on." His smirk turned into a sadistic, bloodthirsty smile. "And all I had to do was snap my fingers and your little bubble would burst." Their eyes widened as he snapped and the glass dome that protected Atlantis from the deep waters of the ocean shattered instantaneously, and the ocean crashed upon the destroyed metropolis, wiping out his demons outside of the barrier. "I had no use for them anyway," he admitted nonchalantly at their agonized expressions as the Elders' did their best to keep up the barrier but to no avail.
They watched in anguish as their protection fell and the "forces of good" were wiped out of the picture.
I'd risk my life
To feel
"Y-you fucking piece of shit!" Sakura spat, shaking, stumbling into Eriol who just stood erect, frozen, watching where his guardians and friends once stood. There was nothing but water as the image faded.
Meiling had pulled down Syaoran as she collapsed, sobbing pitifully. "My family..." he whispered quietly.
For a second, XiaoFuei actually looked remorseful. "Such a waste." He admitted, sighing sadly. "I really don't like having to go to such lengths just to motivate you."
"Motivate us?" Meiling questioned, her voice eerily calm and monotonous. "This was simply a motivation for your sick game?"
XiaoFuei turned his attention to her. "Lovely plan, wasn't it?"
They were all a little shock when Meiling began to laugh coldly. "Wonderful. In fact," she rose, slowly, her bangs covering her eyes. "I would say you succeeded more than you think."
He eyed her suspiciously. "And how so?"
"Because..." He was shocked at she flew at him, her head snapping up and her ruby eyes blazing furiously.
"YOU WILL FEEL THE WRATH OF MEILING LI!"
And she attacked with everything she had.
She acted to quickly for them to stop her. Blinded by rage, she attacked with such power and precision that she seemed almost human. A slow realization dawned on Syaoran that she was fighting too recklessly and this might end in disaster. As he tried to run at them in hopes of intervening before she got killed, to his horror he was met with that same, foreboding barrier that did not let them interfere with the battle.
Your body next to mine
Cos I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
"NO!" Syaoran screamed, banging on the barrier. Eriol looked on worriedly and Sakura looked confused.
"Syaoran, Eriol... I don't understand. She has the advantage! XiaoFuei is struggling out there!"
Syaoran whipped around. "Don't you see, Sakura? His plan was to blind her by her rage. When in that state anything can happen! This could all be an act! He could... she could...!"
"No." She stopped him and looked at him seriously. "We have to believe. We can't do anything but watch right now. And we can't let him get to us like that!"
Eriol interrupted. "You do realize it's foolish to believe the battle will be as easy as a simple hand to hand combat-" their attention was caught as a roughed up XiaoFuei slammed into his own barrier and was shocked by the impact, a deathly serious Meiling at the centre of their 'ring'.
"Had enough?" She threw at him, approaching him cautiously, fixing him with her merciless gaze.
XiaoFuei glared at her and stood, brushing himself off. "Little girl." He ground out. "You just fucked with the wrong Uncle." With that, he sent a blast of fiery inferno with deadly accuracy at his target. The other three screamed her name as Meiling nimbly brought her arms up to block the attack that hit her full force.
They choked as the energy crackled and exploded, blinding them momentarily.
When they looked up... they needn't explain the bitter sorrow that consumed them.
The entire area was scarred. The cherry tree was dead and fields were barren. the water was infected and covered in ash.
XiaoFuei turned to them, smiling victoriously, the only one left standing at the other three looked up at him in pure loathing.
Meiling Li was no where in sight.
I'd give My All
For your love
Tonight
"Next victim." He smirked and beckoned to Eriol, whose eyes dulled and he disappeared before Sakura and Syaoran could react, reappearing in the 'ring' right in front of XiaoFuei.
Snapping out of his state, he glared. "You will pay for destroying my family and friends."
"You realize that you have no recovered from our previous battle." XiaoFuei stated, seemingly disinterested. "Do you still wish to fight me?"
Eriol held up his staff and began to summon his power. "I will fight you to the death."
"So be it." XiaoFuei smiled grimly.
Sakura collapsed on the other side of the barrier. "This is like the Final Judgement." She whispered painfully, and Syaoran knelt beside her. "When you and I were the candidates. He's going to take us one by one and finish us off." She looked at him sorrowfully. "We didn't stand a chance. We never did."
"Stop it." Syaoran spat harshly. "Save your strength. Eriol needs our support."
'Don't worry.' Eriol's voice echoed in their minds and they turned to see him and XiaoFuei circling each other wearily. 'I know I will die...'
'Eriol-kun, please! Not you, too!'
His eyes flashed to them for a moment and he smiled.
'This is your battle.'
He summoned a barrier around himself just in time as XiaoFuei sent a barrage of lightning bolts at him.
"Impressive reflexes." XiaoFuei drawled as smoke rose from the field from the sheer power of the blast, and he knew that Eriol had survived the blast. He was surprised, however, as cold metal bashed his skull and he was sent reeling to the ground.
Eriol levitated above him, panting slightly, but smirking. "It seems you were weakened from your battle, as well."
"That won't do, will it?" XiaoFuei smiled innocently. "I guess I should end this pretty quickly." He closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his torso. Eriol, eyeing him suspiciously, did not give him a chance to power up and quickly blasted him with another energy beam from his wand, channelling whatever power he could muster that created a collision so large the charred earth was dented.
As all who looked to the crater that was left after the smoke had cleared, their eyes widened as XiaoFuei stood there... with three other forms of himself surrounding him, protectively. They grinned.
"It is quite ironic how they called me the One, don't you think?"
I'd give My All
Eriol closed his eyes and chuckled bitterly. "Never thought it would come to this."
"Giving up already, half-Clow?"
"No."
Eriol floated down and landed only with the grace that he could possess.
"I just never thought you would waste so much of your energy hiding behind your little clones."
He was met by laughter as the four 'XiaoFuei's' surrounded him. Standing calmly, he held his staff in two hands and closed his eyes.
Sakura and Syaoran looked down, knowing the inevitable was to occur and feeling powerless as they could not stop it. However, they heard Eriol's voice again.
'Don't worry...'
They looked up as, before XiaoFuei and his clones could attack, Eriol seemed to melt away, leaving only his robes and staff behind. Everyone present looked shocked. His aura had disappeared, meaning he was dead... but what had he done?
'We will meet again.'
"Eriol?" Sakura whispered, uncertainly. Syaoran squeezed her shoulder.
'Right here.' A smiling Eriol materialised in their minds and they felt his energy surge through them. However, he was not alone.Syaoran and Sakura were shrouded by a multitude of auras and they felt the spirits of their friends and families surge through them.
Sakura smiled, tearfully. "Minna-san... you're all here..."
"They'll always be with us, Sakura. They told us as much." Syaoran smiled. "Eriol helped us see that."
For Your Love
"Alright, alright, alright!" XiaoFuei looked at them impatiently. He summoned his clones back to his body and they formed into one, and he looked revived. Holding out his fist, it crackled with energy. "A touching moment, really. But don't think that because a whole bunch of dead mortals are around you, you'll suddenly become all-powerful."
"Not all-powerful..." Syaoran started, assuming his fighting stance. He smirked as Sakura mimicked him.
"But we can sure as hell put up a good fight." She finished.
They rushed at him in unison, pulling out their respective weapons.
"THUNDER!"
"Raitei Shourai!"
They attacked simultaneously, two powerful blasts of lightning hitting him.
Rolling his eyes, XiaoFuei blocked their attack. "Please... if that didn't work on the Twin, how could it possibly work on me-"
Sakura quickly leapt with the Jump and kicked him hard with Power to Syaoran, who in turn forcefully threw him to the ground.
"Didn't it?" Syaoran smirked and XiaoFuei growled. Roaring, he sent out a powerful ring of energy that the two forced themselves to endure, trying to keep their eyes on their enemy. While he had them stunned temporarily, he quickly flew up and knocked Sakura into Syaoran, sending them into a harsh plummet to the earth.
Undeterred, they quickly recomposed themselves and prepared themselves for the next attack. XiaoFuei smirked.
"And then there were two..."
Tonight...
A/N: Battle continues next chapter. This song is left open to interpretation. If you think about it, it fits quite well in certain aspects... though I didn't match it up with the parts I wanted to because (as you could probably tell) I was having a lot of problems with this chapter. This story is coming to an end soon. Very soon. As in two more chapters and an epilogue soon. Haha. I'm not even gonna comment on how long it took me to get this out. Screw schedules. It's just hard to write Fanfiction these days. No, I'm not going to say that it's not "serious" writing. Because I still believe in it and there are still so many good writers out there (even on this site alone). It's just hard to get the inspiration I used to. I'm not as into it as I used to be. That's probably evident in the changes in my writing style, haha. Yet I'll still finish all my stories. One day. And don't comment about the deaths, haha. They're all significant. :P Please continue to read and review... I'm not quite dead yet.
Next : Chapter 11 - Have You Ever?
Time is of the essence, one that possesses the strength to erase both wrongs... and rights.
-T. (Conspiratorial Omen)
27 / 03 / 05