Mingle of Sadness

by Entranced In Thought

Disclaimer: Klump owns CCS, I only own

this story.

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They both knew it would happen eventually.

They had been delaying it with one thing after

another, and for a time, it worked. They should

have known it was too easy.

However, now that the time had come, nothing

could be done. Ideas were dry, and time was

no longer on their side. The inevitable

had come.

Li's family had already come. They made their

statement clear that he was to leave with them

in two days, no less. No amount of begging or

pleading would have done. This was Li's family,

and being as stubborn as Meilin, they would not

give in. Li was needed in Hong Kong, and they

were determined to get him there, even if they

had to drag him kicking and screaming.

It should of been the world to him. He would have

been rich, powerful, and his life's needs would be

filled without hesitation.

Except one.

Sakura. At that time, they both knew of the

feelings they shared, as well as they knew of

the inevitable fate for them. No words were

used or necessary on that last afternoon, as

they sat together under a small cherry blossom

tree, hugging and sharing their tears.

They had achieved a certain bond, which couldn't

have been broken. They both understood that, and

would continue to no matter the distance that separated

them. Gone was the once childish demeanor of their

actions; all that was left was the unity of two

lovers who were about to be separated.

The sky was beautiful that day. The sun had donned

an extra-enchanting shade of orange, seemingly

consoling them. Even the clouds had been away,

causing mischief in other parts of the world.

They would never look upon Li here again.

That single plane of existance...where they knew

each other in and out, their accomplishments,

their ambitions...their love. A love that would

be put to the test across miles and miles, across

the rapid waters and serene plains, like the one

they were sitting upon. The tall grass lazily

moved about, taking in the sunlight. It would

have been a paradise, had the truth not been

weighing so heavily upon them.

They stayed together like that, breathing together,

sharing their emotions, even as the sun started

dipping down. All too soon, it had disappeared.

With much reluctance, they both got up, and

headed to their final meeting place.

Upon arrival, Li's parents were there, looking

impatient. Sakura and Li, knowing what was to

become and what couldn't looked into each other's

tear-filled eyes for the last time, as if to

keep a photo of that memory in their minds for

all eternity. No one needed to tell them anything,

for they already knew the pain that lay ahead.

Their relationship was in limbo, hanging on a

thin thread not knowing which way to go, in

an endless abyss of questions, choices, and

decisions.

No good-byes were said. For as long as they

would live, they somehow knew in their hearts

that they would see each other again. There

was no doubt in it; nothing but assurance.

It was Li who spoke the last words.

"Sakura...for as long as I stand upon this

soil, for as long as my heart beats with

longing for you, I will promise this. This

setback will not faze me. I shall not let

it. I will do whatever I can, and someday,

I shall return to you. Please...wait for me."

Sakura didn't answer. She didn't need to.

Li already knew her answer from the start.

He always had. And she knew he knew it.

Mustering all the strength he had, Li turned

around, his head low. Slowly, he walked to his

family. They gave no signs of remorse, only

of a certain sterness he had gotten used to.

The night shone brightly outside, acknowledging

the fact that two lovers were separated that day;

if only by distance. It also sparkled with the

fact that Li was right: someday, he would return.

Until that time, time must go on, and so would life.

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End Story

Author's Notes: Sad, maybe, but I had to get this

out. A little distraction from my main work on

Secrets of the Clow.