AN: I know I just updated but I had some free time and besides I couldn't stop thinking about it so I just had to write and finally finish then post.
For your Enjoyment I presnet The story of Self Sacrifice:
How it came to life: Yup 7 years ago I came up with the idea of a love spanning generations. It was hard for me to grasp my own concept at first but I got more inspiration from other authors on fanfiction and from T.V. At first I was going to give the characters their own personalities separate for CCS but I realized later in life that I was making my characters too perfect. That's when I went back to the routes and did major researching on CCS to which I realized I didn't know everything lol I learned a lot, not just about their characters but also the spelling of their names. I began the next stage, the plot line. At first it was darker then I went lighter in context. I didn't actually get my real inspiration till I happened to watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. That's sort of where I was going with the idea that the 2nd covenant had souls were as the 1st had given their souls to the Devil already. I also didn't want to pull just from Buffy so I happened to be watching Charmed again, and I noticed in the first season that when Clif puts himself in harm's way for Pheobe he in effect committed a selfless act destroying the curse of greed on him. You can see the resemblance right? With the back bones I now had I could move onto finalizing the plot line to what it is now.
Different endings: I know it was confusing to put the original ending at the front and then completely change it. Here's my logic: When I first come up with an idea for a story, I always have a climax in mind. If I know the climax I can get there. When I originally wrote the beginning scene in Self-Sacrifice (which was a risk because somehow I knew it wasn't going to end that way) I had thought that was how it was going to happen. But as I wrote the story I realized the events that would take place before hand were going to be a lot darker than I had anticipated. I didn't want my story to go that way (my previous rendition of Self Sacrifice had been very dark and it scared people! I can be very twisted sometimes…). So as the chapters developed and the story took shape I began to realize that the ending had changed. I too struggled with the outcome but as I got closer, it became clearer. I will eventually go back and redo the story, adding in those 15 or so chapters that I always wanted to add. I will also develop the relationships between the characters more; delve more on each relationship giving those that had very little screen time a little more than originally. I won't embark on this avenue however for some time since I have other projects I'd like to work on like Forever hope which I am completely redoing the storyline too.
For other future projects, take a peak to my profile to see what's coming up, they are in no particular order, but if you see one you'd like to see after Forever Hope, let me know.
Please enjoy this last chapter! Some questions that you may have been wondering about will be left to the wind for you to figure out ^^ I know it's not fair for me to do that but somehow a little mystery fits this story oh so well!
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS
XXXXX Glory's Cliff
The sun was high in the sky and its burning radiance swathed over the crowd. Many of the second covenant reborn (AN: Reborns for short) stood for hours watching the sun climb into the sky till it hurt to look. Others stood by feeling the warmth wash over them. It didn't matter anymore if they got sun burnt. They were human again and that is what mattered most. Many reborns marveled at their cloths. They were back to the way they were from the beginning. Many hunters took an eager interest in the second covenants turn around. They were human and from every point in time in history. There were a couple form 2,000 years ago, and more from 1,000 years ago. They spanned decades and centuries. One thing was for sure however, adjusting to life again was going to be difficult.
For Sakura she enjoyed the sheer bliss of it all. She literally felt like she was in heaven. The sun danced across her skin making her warm and comfortable. Eventually Syaoran suggested she hide underneath a umbrella since her skin was still as fair as ever. Sakura obliged, but only if he would sit with her. He didn't mind. Sakura listened to the chatter around her, it was comforting to hear them talk so happily. Sakura drank water and ate food that she had always dreamed of having. Eventually she looked up to observe everyone else. Currently they were sitting on pillows surrounding a low table piled with food and drinks underneath a canopy tent made of a light weight cloth. Syaoran had his arms around Sakura as they leaned against a stone block in a protective like way. Syaoran had been holding on to Sakura like that for some time, it was almost as if he didn't quite want to believe that this was all happening. Everyone from her past life were sitting with them and Sakura smiled all the more.
It seems that those who were vampires returned to the day that they were human so her bride's maids, the four Li sisters, Meiling, and Naoko were once again in their dresses. They were corset tight, light pink, and with the skirt flowing to the ankles made of a light fabric, and the top portion had a light lacey wrap around the arms and back instead of sleeves. Yukito and Jun had gone back to being in tuxes and Yukito was back to his regular self, all smiles and seriousness completely gone. Sakura herself was in her wedding dress too. It was white that hugged her curves Chest to hips then flowed to her ankles. There was a lacy wrap that when around her shoulders and attached to the front of the dress rather than sleeves like her bridesmaids.
Sakura's attention was drawn to that of Kobayashi Souta and Meiling. The man was at it again. In their past life he had tried everything to get Meiling's attention but she never noticed. Sakura giggled as she watched an embarrassed Meiling being offered a piece of cake from Souta. The two are perfect for one another!Thought Sakura as Meiling took it humbly rather than getting angry like she was prone to do.
Finally life felt right again. Everyone was happy once more, like they should have been. Mihara Chiharu was fussing over her annoying boyfriend, soon to be fiancé Yamazaki Takashi for eating too much. He protested that there was plenty for everyone else, then he started telling an absurd story about the origins of wine, to which he received a whack on the back of his head. Terada Yoshiyuki was showing his girlfriend Sasaki Rika an interesting passage in the old diaries that Eriol had lent him. Rika blushed madly whenever Terada grabbed her hand to gain her attention even though she was hanging on to every word. Tsukishiro Yukito was laughing heartedly at Kinomoto Toya's expression. Toya was peeved because of Syaoran's arms around his sister but he couldn't do anything with Akizuki Nakuru hanging on him. Ever since her arrival with Kero and Spinnel she had not left poor Toya alone. Sakura couldn't help but laugh every time she looked in his direction. Currently it was unknown were Kero and Spinnel had gone off to. Only after the sunrise did Daidoji Tomoyo announce that she was in fact engaged to Itou Ryuu, much to the shock of everyone. Tomoyo however vowed not to get married till she had made Sakura a new wedding dress. That meant only one thing, Tomoyo desperately wanted Sakura and Syaoran to get married again. Sakura for once didn't disagree with her friend on this topic. Yanagisawa Naoko and Suzuki Jun were well on their way or rekindling their romance, although Jun was having too much fun. Naoko no longer had her glasses and she could use them now, she was helpless without them! As for the Li sisters, who were enjoying every moment of the little brothers posture about Sakura, did not seem at all worried about where their husbands were and in Syaoran's point of view, he'd rather not know. Knowing that none of his sisters were involved with a man was enough for him. He was still as protective as ever.
"There's still something I don't understand," said Rika suddenly catching everyone's attention. "I am grateful to be human again but… how?"
"Let me explain, I think I have a good idea." They all looked up as Thomas came to sit down next to Eriol; Reena followed just behind him. Neither of their appearances had changed much. Thomas sill had those deep blue eyes and blackest hair, while Reena had her penetrating hazel eyes and long wavy red hair. Thomas's cloths however were a different matter. He was dressed in mage robes of sea green and it was obvious that he had magic about him; he had a magician's staff next to him. The staff was brown in color with a black moon at its apex with golden lighting forever shooting through it. Reena wore robes as well, though hers were the colors of fire, and her staff was crystal blue with an image of a hawk the color of deep orange at its apex. "It may be difficult for me to explain, but first, you all know the story of the vampire's right?"
They all nodded.
"Well then it might be a little obvious. Vampires are made from greed. That is what Dracula was. That's what he wanted. He wanted long life and riches. He was greedy for more. When Sakura became a vampire she unconsciously called upon her magic. Unknown to her by doing what she did originally to protect herself, it mixed with her wish," said Thomas, "Sakura told me once that she wished to become a vampire to save others from the fate she was forced into. The magic took on a life of its own, not to stop what was happening to Sakura but to cause a rift. To give her a way out."
"How do you know this?" asked Naoko quietly.
"I know this because a very similar thing happened to me. As you all know I was bitten by 1st covenant. Since I was not turned by Sakura or the 2nd covenant it is interesting that I am human. The reason is that as you can see I am a magician. I was completing a rite of passage ceremony releasing my magic, and taking it upon myself to accept responsibility for my powers. The vampires attacked me that night and while my magic was active, it mixed with the curse of the vampires causing my very own rift. If the last vampire in the 1st covenant were to die, I would be returned to my human self again."
"Then how did the 1st covenant die all at once? The sun had not yet raised enough," said Syaoran.
"I heard once from Saphrine that there was an unknown side affect that could spell the end of the vampires, but I think Reena knows more about this than I do." Reena shifted uncomfortably being in the spot light but spoke anyways.
"When I did some reconnaissance at the northern fortress, I was keeping tabs on the higher order. I overheard a conversation between the vampires there…"
…"I think our powers are waning. I can no longer hold a decent conversation with Lucas. While our last conversation was short, he told me some interesting things about what happened in Mammoth Mine."
"I know Lila," said Saphrine, "Our powers are waning because our time on this planet is waning."
"Vampires are gifted with long life, how can are time be waning?" asked Lila angrily.
"Oh Lila, sometimes you are very naïve." Saphrine, "The devil is not all powerful. Even his magic does not last forever."
"We can contact him then! We will beg for more time," replied Lila fervently.
"And how exactly do you propose doing that?" asked Saphrine with a coy smile, "If we were able to contact the Devil, what would we offer him? Our souls? No, he already has those. Besides only a dark mage can contact him and the last true dark mage disappeared from the face of the planet nearly 1000 years ago. Would you like to remind us how that came to be?" Lila blushed and looked away while Saphrine laughed merrily.
"Then what is to be done sister?" asked Daphnia.
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Lila looked up suddenly, "How could we do nothing? Our lives are at stake!"
"Face it Lila, we are dying. I estimate no more than 10 years," said Saphrine. She grunted suddenly grasping at her stomach, "There is one element of our curse that no one knows. I'm not even sure if father knew. When a vampire dies, I feel it. Every single one. If it's just a single death, I feel a little prick but these days it's getting worse, more and more are dying in larger groups so the pain is most assuredly worse. I am almost positive that if I were to die, we all would."
"Why you?" asked Lorna after silence had reigned between them.
"Because little sister, I was the first to be bitten by father."
"But why have we not died yet?" asked Daphnia. "Was it not father who started this all?"
"Yes but you are forgetting how he died," said Lila suddenly. "What do you propose we do then sister?"
"I propose we go out with a bang," said Saphrine with an evil glint in her eyes. "We're going to die anyways, why not make it count?"
… "With Saphrine being able to feel all the pain of those dying by us killing so many of the 1st at one moment would be too much pain for anyone. It probably drove her mad and sucked the life out of her. We know this is true because Thomas is living proof of that theory," said Reena.
"But I still don't understand how Sakura turned back time. Well she didn't actually turn time back but she did something," said Toya.
"What is the opposite of greed?" asked Thomas, "Selflessness. Sakura committed the greatest selfless act, she committed self sacrifice. Giving herself up to save the people she meant to save all along and to protect the one person she always wanted to protect." Sakura blushed. Her act of selflessness had saved everyone. It made her more happy by the second. Thomas stood suddenly to leave.
"Wait!" said Sakura, "There are still some questions I want to ask!"
"Someday you'll know," said Thomas turning to leave then turning back to say, "But I really do have to get going. More than 2,000 years have passed since I have been home. I think it is time I went home, don't you think?"
"What about living in the Valley with us?" said Meiling, it was already unanimous that they would be all traveling to Ambrosina Valley; it was the only place where everyone could truly start over.
"No, I'm better off going my separate way," he then tapped Reena on the shoulder and offered a hand to help her up. She blushed and took the offered hand. They walked through the still very lively crowd and followed him to the edge of Glory's Cliff. He used his magic to summon a large eagle, supposedly for them to fly on. Reena didn't ask how he knew this creature. When he offered his hand to help her on to its back she hesitated, "What's wrong?"
"Is this really happening?" He smiled and took her hand anyway pulling her on to the back of the large bird, to sit in front of him.
"Come on, we have a life to live." The bird took off; And Reena screamed as it plunged downward then soared into the open air. She leaned against Thomas who smiled down at her and wrapped one of his arms around her waist. Reena blushed crimson and smiled up at him. She finally had everything she ever wanted.
Everyone did, even Sakura.
XXXXX 10 Years later, Ambrosina Valley
The sun was rising over the valley walls brightening the sky. Somewhere below the lush trees stood a large home built into the wood work of the tree. It was one of many that were built into it. The largest of them however was a gorgeous house that could easily fit a family of 20 but currently only housed seven. Past the first floor, up the stairs and into the master bedroom on the second floor, resided two sleeping forms. One had wild chocolate locks of hair and the other had long auburn hair which played over her porcelain skin. Suddenly she woke with a start from her rushing dreams sitting up in her frantic escape from her dreams. She put a hand to her heart to try and calm it. She had been having a nightmare of being a vampire. She had dreamt of the first night. At first Sakura didn't recognize her surroundings. She was in a large room in a queen size bed with sheets of forest green. The canopy curtains were the shade of sea ferns, and the frame made of hard oak. There were two dressers next to one another with two doors to either side for the very large walk-in closet opposite the bed. To either side of the bed was a night stand and off to Sakura's right was the door to the bathroom. Another door in the corner of the room led to the hallway. Off to her left was the window frame with white curtains flowing with the breeze. Sakura still had her hand on her chest when she felt something there; she pulled out the flat disk, with the wolf howling into the night. It was the wolf pendant Syaoran gave to her.
Syaoran… she started to tear up just thing about him when she lightly smacked her head. She turned her head to stare down at his sleeping form next to her. He was here not dead. He had been her husband for 10 wonderful years. She reached over trying not to disturb him to pull some strands out of his eyes. His mouth twitched but besides that he didn't move at all. She could just hear the soft intake of breath. Sakura smiled. She remembered how wonderful their wedding day had been. Tomoyo had gone all out with her designs. She had worn a dress of white. It was halter-top in design that hugged her curves and flowed down only to her knees. Tomoyo had found the perfect white shoes to go with the dress. At first Sakura had been scared at how fast Tomoyo seemed to whip it up, since she not only made the wedding dress but she also went so far as to make bridesmaids as well. The light filtering in the room caught a small glint off of Sakura's wedding and engagement ring. Even though they went straight to marriage after the Winter Solstice Syaoran had surprised Sakura on their 5 year anniversary with a beautiful pear shaped pink diamond ring set in white gold. Sakura had been so happy that night that it resulted in another pregnancy. Thinking of that Sakura blushed slightly remembering that wonderful night. Her thoughts then turned to her children, and she remembered that their eldest boy was turning nine today.
Sakura leaned in to give Syaoran a kiss on the cheek when he surprised her by capturing her lips instead. She giggled and answered. He pulled her on top of him and they broke apart.
"Wow, if this is my wake up call, I'd like to get it more often," he said. Sakura blushed.
"You're the one suggesting it! Besides a wakeup call like that could add to our huge brood already," she said, but she smiled despite trying to sound angry.
"What's the matter with that?"
"Syaoran," she smiled lovingly, tracing her fingers along his jaw line, "I'm already p—."
"Fujitaka! They are at it again!"
"HOEEE!" If anyone in the surrounding houses wasn't awake already, then they were now.
"Jonathan, what have we told you about privacy?" asked Syaoran. He was blushing just as much as Sakura was. The little boy stuck his head through the doorway.
"The door was already open," he said his wide amber eyes staring at them. He had Auburn hair that was just as wild as Syaoran's was.
"You know perfectly well that it was closed," said Sakura sitting up and moving off of Syaoran, much to his obvious disappointment.
"Anyways," he went on, "We are starving, when can we eat?" Sakura gave him a look that said clearly 'go away,' and Jonathan disappeared almost instantly. Sakura kissed her husband one last time before she went to take a shower. When she was done, she went about finding something to wear today, while Syaoran got in the shower. Sakura decided on a cherry blossom colored tank top with a long white skirt with a slit to the side up to the knee. She decided on copper colored sandals and copper colored earrings to go with it. Sakura picked out cloths for Syaoran, well not really he already had them hanging on a hanger in the closet. They were kaki colored pants with a pastel green colored collared shirt. She also set out his dark leather shoes and belt. Sakura then went about drying her hair and doing her make up as Syaoran came out of the shower to get dressed. He never blow dried his hair. Sakura insisted that it would tame his locks if he did but he said no way since he knew the wild look was far better. Whenever he said that he made her blush even after all these years. Eventually the two headed downstairs. They were greeted with five pairs of eyes, dressed and ready to go, looking at them in desperation.
Sakura sweated, they must really be hungry. Sakura wished her son Fujitaka a happy birthday and gave him a peck on the cheek, he tried to move away but Sakura insisted. He was very much like his father with chocolate hair except he had green eyes. Sakura knew some day he was going to make all the girls at school melt over him if he wasn't already. Sakura then moved to kiss the twins Nadeshiko and Sonomi a month past eight years of age. They both had their mother's eyes and their father's color of hair but took on their mother's waviness. Sakura had a time of giving a kiss to her next set twins, almost seven years old. Jonathan gave Sakura a hard time while Nanali didn't mind. Nanali like her brother had her mother's hair and her father's eyes. Syaoran ruffled his son's hair and kissed each of his daughters on the head. They were soon ready to leave the house. Her daughters had all dressed in those cute summer yellow dresses that Tomoyo had made them, and the boys were dressed like their father though they wore shorts rather than pants, and they wore plain t-shirts rather than collared shirts.
The family made their way towards the Black Hawk Inn. It was their family owned business. It had started out as the beautiful restaurant that everyone had planned for the Li family but when they arrived just after Sakura and Syaoran got married, everyone realized that the houses on the upper level above the restaurant and below were ideal for hotel rooms, so they turned it into an Inn. It was very successful. All of Syaoran's sisters had contributed their knowledge on cooking to get the business going, though ironically they never left. The family usually ate at their own restaurant, and the kids raced ahead, well at least the boys did.
"Fuji, Jon, please don't get to far ahead!" called Sakura after their retreating backs. The markets were beginning to wake up, and people waved merrily at the passing family. Those who knew the Li's personally wished Fujitaka a happy birthday. When they arrived at the restaurant there was already a large table waiting for them. Sakura thanked Mimi their newest waitress, as they sat down to breakfast with Tomoyo and Ryuu along with their little ones Mei-Xing and Ji. Tomoyo was bursting it seemed with their third child.
"Tomoyo you're getting so big!" said Sakura giving her best friend a kiss on the cheek.
"Yeah and my bladder has become a soccer ball," she replied a little snippily. Sakura merrily smiled at her friend. Tomoyo's hormones were always off the charts, though sometimes she still managed to be her regular crazy self. Breakfast went well, and everyone decided to go to the park. It was Fujitaka's birthday after all.
They passed through markets and did a little window shopping on their way there. Tomoyo secretly had forgotten to get Fujitaka a present and insisted on buying him two. Fujitaka said that it wasn't necessary but giggled when Tomoyo wouldn't take no for an answer. As they left the market place and headed off towards the lifts to take them up a couple of levels, the group met up with several others, Meiling, Souta, Toya, Yukito and a few others, as well as their children. They were soon one happy large group. The children went walking ahead, the boys further than the girls who were talking animatedly together, Mei-Xing being closer in age to Nadeshiko and Sonomi as well as some of the other girls their age. Nanali walked just behind them. She was always the listener in the family and Sakura knew when she would grow older, she would be the sweetest of all her lovely daughters. Nanali had inherited Sakura's gentle nature without Sakura's open personality. But she was young yet, there was still hope that she would show her true nature and steal the show from everyone. As they came to the park the children took off to play with their other friends while the parents joined up with their friends. It was Glory's Cliff all over again. Everyone was here. Even Kaho was there with her children and grandchildren. As the men set up the grill by some picnic benches in anticipation of a huge cook out, the women went into local gossip.
Sakura wasn't really listening however. Her mind was distracted. She watched her children playing tag with the other children. Their laughter was music to her ears. Soon enough there was going to be another few children to add to this merry moment, what with Tomoyo about to pop and Sakura just barely showing, though she hadn't gotten a chance to tell Syaoran just yet. She knew he would be just as happy as he was the last time and the time before that.
"Is something wrong?" asked Tomoyo, it did not escape her attention when Sakura rubbed her belly unconsciously. Sakura shook her head while smiling. No she was far from it. She was extremely happy. Despite herself a tear escaped her. She was just so happy. She looked back at the children who came running their way, their laughter becoming infectious. Sakura realized it then. All those years ago she hoped and dreamed and fought for a future worth waiting for. And it truly was. No it was more than that. It was far and away better than she could have ever wanted.
Syaoran came over to her and gave her a kiss. He noticed the tears in her eyes, he knew something was up. She responded simply, "Don't worry Syaoran, we have the rest of our lives to figure it out!" To which he gave her a confused expression and she couldn't help but laugh at how adorable he looked!
THE END
AN: YES I have done it! I have finally FINISHED a fanfiction! Whoa I'm exhausted. I know this chapter isn't as long as the last couple but it's the Epilogue so no worries. If you all love my writing keep on a look out for Forever Hope in January to Mid-February for the 5th chapter, assuming I have the story line worked out lol.
Thank you all for reading my story, it has been a wonderful ride for me as I'm sure it has for you! Oh Geez there I go, tears and all!
Thanks so much,
Evern