For The Sake of Love4 Sorry, this took so long, I've been plagued by writer's block, teachers, and computer annoyances. I'd like to make two notes: one doesn't concern anyone who is reading just my CCS stories, the second will.

One: I'm taking down my Aliens: Beware the Swarm. For those of you who have no clue what that is, don't worry about it.
Two: I will be continuing The 7th Warrior Trilogy, as well as beginning a new series ...well, you'll find out.

A/N: What Happens When Sisters Get Together is not the new series I'm referring too...and neither is the next two parts of The 7th Warrior Trilogy, I'm referring to something separate.
That's all for now. Enjoy the finale to For The Sake of Love! :)

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I watched Sakura from afar as she approached Syaoran. He greeted her with no more a flicker of recognition, then if she'd been just another guest. Only one dilemma: she wasn't just another guest, she was his destined love. Something was wrong with this story right there. Wasn't he supposed to recognize her? Wasn't he supposed to gasp and grab her around the waist, kissing the life from her, telling her he'd waited so long? So why wasn't he?
Of course, this was reality. And in reality, the mask was doing its job...a little to well unfortunately. Well, the underworld consume my soul should I let this story end this way. I mean: what kind of hero would a man be if he could not even recognize the girl he's been waiting to see for the last 4 years? An ignorant and idiotic man, that's what. And I wasn't going to let that happen to him. True, I'd taken a vow never to change a story after its been done. But, this story wasn't written in stone yet, so I could still tweak it a little bit. With this in mind, I marched up to Syaoran, not even bothering to don my mask. He recognized me immediately.
" Touya!" I was pleased to see that my appearance had surprised him. Sakura's re-emergence would be a heartstopper.
" Syaoran, it's been a long time." I said casually.
" Too long, old friend. How has life been treating you?"
" Quite well, actually. A bard's work, is the most rewarding."
" That's understandable. You work to bring joy," How ironic it was for him to say that.
" How true, how true."
" But, tell me, what brings you such distance, Touya? Last I heard, you were in..."
" Yes, yes. I went to go visit some family."
" Oh? I have a few acquaintances up there myself."
" Speaking of acquaintances," I said, changing subjects gracefully. " I brought one that you should be quite familiar with."
" Really?"
" A little someone...a girl actually."
" Really." He frowned.
" There. I think you'll be pleased. I know she will be."

I pointed in the direction of Sakura. Syaoran's eyes widened, but the next words out of his mouth were astonishing.

" Oh, no. Her..."

I shook my head. Perhaps I'd gotten something lodged in my ear...

" Beg your pardon?"
" Did YOU bring her here?" He looked absolutely pale.
" Well, yes," I was confounded. This wasn't the way things were supposed to be going.
" How could you?" He looked like I'd just stabbed him in the back.
" But, Syaoran, I thought..."
" No. I trusted you, and this is how you repay my friendship?"
" Syaoran, I don't believe we're speaking along the same lines..."
" You've ruined everything! Bringing her back could change the entire course of my life!"
" But isn't that what you wanted?" This was utterly insane.
" NO! It wasn't what I wanted! In fact, it was the last thing on my list...good day!" Syaoran stalked off.
I looked at his retreating back. This can't have been right. I thought he'd be happy to see Sakura. I thought he'd rejoice and throw his arms around her, kissing her forever...that's the way most tales had gone...then again, this wasn't like most other tales. A thought crossed my mind as he disappeared in the throng of guests - had he fallen in love with another? The thought was unbearably tragic. How would I break this to Sakura? No, I shook my head, I wouldn't say anything to her yet. Perhaps Syaoran could still be reached. I could try again...
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" Syaoran what's wrong?"
" Leave me be, Eriol."
" Friend, you've been moping up here for quite some time. Pray tell, what has you so low?"
" Eriol," Syaoran muttered helplessly," Touya's here."
" He is?" Eriol arched an eyebrow," You told me only an hour before that you wished he were there. Now that he is, why are you so forlorn?"
" He brought HER."
" NO!" Eriol's eyes went wide, and he sat down. " That cannot be!"
" He confirmed it himself. I caught just a glimpse of her hair..."
" What are you going to do?"
" I'm going to avoid her the entire evening. In the mean time, I should get back to my other guests..."
" Yes. I'll keep an eye out if I see her."
" Thank you, Eriol. I'm going to put on my costume now. I'll be down shortly."
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Sakura wandered the ballroom. A page approached her.
" Good evening to you, miss. May I ask you to dance with me?"
" No, thank you. I'm a bit preoccupied at the moment."

The guest nodded, then turned around to inquire of another lady. Sakura sighed. Still wearing her mask, she'd been walking about aimlessly for over 2 hours, never quite sure of exactly where she was going. Something caught her eye. There. There was no mistaking that brown hair! She followed hurriedly after, this was the best clue she'd had since the start of her night. As she hurried after the mysterious brown hair she found herself stopped most abruptly by someone standing in her path, and tumbled to the floor in a graceless heap. A hand reached down to assist her as she rose again.
" Excuse me, miss. Are you lost?"
Sakura turned to the young gentleman that addressed her. His mask was a simple red, the upper corners flaring up before his eyes covering most of his upper face. Just below his cheek, a jagged scar creased his face, but in an alluring sort of way. Straightening her cover slightly, she curtsyed in apology, smiling half-heartedly.
" Yes, I am a little overwhelmed; this place is so big. Much bigger then my home."
" Well, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

She inspected her new friend quickly. He was taller then her, with brown hair cut short, very short actually. Medium build, muscular actually, but in a lithe sort of way...
Sakura shook herself free of her reverie. NO! Syaoran was the one she loved. She loved Syaoran! But, no matter how much she tried, she couldn't help glancing at this new stranger. He smiled reassuringly, and was about to return to talking with the others, when she interrupted him politely.

" Actually, I'm looking for someone I know..."
" Would you care to dance, miss?" He said suddenly.
" Pardon?" She was only partially listening, and turned at his query.
" Well, maybe if we step onto the dance floor, you'll have a better view of all the guests."
" Yes, maybe." Sakura said vaguely. Her eyes searched the room for her beloved. He was nowhere in sight.
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Syaoran looked about vaguely through his mask, as he danced with the third partner this night. Still no sign of Sakura...
" You're a wonderful dancer."
" Hmm? I'm sorry, my mind has been elsewhere." Syaoran apologized to his dance partner. He too was searching the room. Green. He craned his neck...he'd just seen a pair of jade green...no...that was impossible...and yet...
" Pardon me, miss, would you mind a great deal if we danced towards that direction?"
" No, of course not. Lead the way."
They followed the dancers around, but moved gracefully towards where Syaoran pointed. His guest/dance partner waited to one side as he walked towards a girl who's eyes were unmistakeably...
" Excuse me.."
The girl turned around as she was addressed...no it wasn't her. On closer inspection her hair was brown, but fell in long curly waves across her shoulders, and on the corner of of each eye a small sequin that glittered peridot green. What a fool he was. He looked around for his partner, and found her occupying herself by dancing with others. He huffed sadly.
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" Another dance, miss."
" No, I'll be fine." Sakura smiled apologetically at the page from before. It seemed like she'd become extra popular. He bowed and moved off to find someone else.
" You look worn out. Perhaps you need to step outside for some fresh air." Sakura turned. It was her partner from before, the nice gentleman...no! This wasn't at all what she wanted. Syaoran. Where was Syaoran? She had endured 4 years of torture, and she wasn't going to let it all be for waste by falling for someone else.

" No. It's all right." She smiled apologetically.
" As, you wish." What she could see of his mouth said otherwise...well, she might as well be polite.
" On second thought, maybe a little bit of night would do me some good."
Not a word passed between them as they sat beside a splashing fountain in the courtyard. Sakura smiled to herself - she'd met Syaoran in exactly the same fashion. She daydreamed back to the time, when beside that fountain he'd produced for her the little onyx rose that she'd treasured so dearly. What had become of that rose was a mystery to her. She fingered the necklace she did wear, frowning at its bulkiness. The silence remained, still in the air like fog, until finally her partner spoke up.
" It's lovely out." He leaned casually against the edge of the fountain, staring out through the blackness.
" Yes." She turned her face away.
" You're lovely as well.."
This caught her by surprise. She felt blood rush to her face, and a blush crept across her cheeks. This wasn't happening. And yet, Sakura found herself glancing up, only to find that he was facing her, gazing at her, almost as if trying to see beneath her mask. Her blushed deepened, and she turned away.

" There are some much lovelier than I."
" If you mean in a gaudy way, then yes, I would have to agree with you."
Sakura strangled a laugh. No! She can't! And yet...They were silent again, until finally the gentleman extended his arm.
" Perhaps that is enough air for the both of us."
" Indeed. We should rejoin the party." Relief overwhelmed her. She couldn't be unfaithful.
They returned inside, and sat down to watch the other guests continue their endless rounds about the ballroom, as if forever stuck waltzing. He turned to her as she fiddled nervously with her fingers, peering into the crowds.
" You never told me your name."
" Oh, forgive me, that was rude its..."
" SAKURA!" That sounded like the good bard. Thank goodness.

Sakura turned.

" Sakura?" Her partner's face went white.

Touya rushed up to Sakura. He pulled her up.

" Sakura, there's something I have to tell...you..."

Touya stopped and gaped, looking from Sakura to the masked stranger, and back again in bewildered shock. Panic arose in her mind.
" I know what this looks like, but really, it's not what you think..."
" Sakura..."

She turned as the boy took off his mask...Syaoran.

" Syaoran?"

Everything seemed to go quiet. The music faded away, and the murmuring of guests died away. The room was deathly quiet, Sakura standing incredulously staring at Syaoran. He'd cut his hair shorter, and the scar extended up the side of his face, from cheek to eye, but yes, it was her Syaoran. Ever so carefully, she took off the mask that hid her face, and looked at him. This must be a dream. It had to have been. Their hearts seemed to beat as one, each one pounding furiously, as they absorbed what they were seeing. His face, her eyes, his hair, her lips...
" Sakura." Syaoran suddenly pulled her towards him, holding her in his embrace.
" Syaoran!" Happy tears slid down her face, which she buried in his tunic, clinging to him weakly.

There seemed to be a letting out of breath, as the guests backed away to let the two reunited lovers embrace.

" I thought I'd never see you again..." Syaoran whispered, he was crying too, for the first time since he'd lost her.
" Shame on you..." Her lip trembled as she smiled up at him reveling in his touch.
Suddenly, he let her go, and for a moment Sakura was afraid that this really was a dream, and it would all disappear. But, instead, he dropped down on one knee, took her hand, and kissed it gently. Raising his eyes slowly, he pushed something onto one of her fingers. A small ring.
"When you disappeared, I thought I'd lost you forever. I thought I'd never live another day, and that I should just end it all. But, now, as I kneel before you, I know I made the right choice, to wait. Sakura, will you marry me?"
Sakura felt a lightheaded feeling, and for a moment she felt ready to faint. Suddenly, she started to giggle. That's why she'd never considered her mysterious stranger to be Syaoran. His voice had changed over her absence. She caught the look that flicked across his face, and it hurt her - disappointment. He thought she was going to say no. Dropping down to her knees, and looking at him with eyes glowing with fresh tears, she leaned close and whispered into his ear.
" Yes."
Syaoran grinned from ear to ear, a picture of the younger self that he'd lost, and picked her up around the waist, twirling her around him.
" You've just made me the happiest man." He whispered, as their lips met.
" I know." She murmurred in reply, wrapping her arms around his neck.
The crowd shouted their approval, applauding the two.
" Syaoran." Touya stared in confusion from Sakura to Syaoran and back, " But, I thought..."
" What?" He smiled in amusement at Touya's face.
" I thought you never wanted to see her again."
Syaoran looked horrified, as did Sakura who stumbled back a moment in shock. She gripped Syaoran's hand, and he squeezed hers - reassuring her that it was not true.
" Whatever gave you that idea?" Syaoran glanced a look so tender at her, it melted Touya's heart," The only reason I live now, is so that I would someday see her again, to hold her..."
" But, you told me I'd violated my friendship by inviting..."
" Cherese." Syaoran clarified.
" Cherese?" Bewildered, Touya put a hand to his head, " But..."
" I saw her," Syaoran's smile turned into a frown. " I still can't believe you brought her along."
" But, I didn't."
" Are you sure?"
" AN ANNOUNCEMENT!" Eriol interrupted, silencing the crowd as he spoke. " May I announce, that the Duke of Peonyflower has chosen his rightful bride. And, as tradition dictates, he has now completed the requirements needed to rise...Syaoran Li, has now publicly proclaimed himself ruler of Peonyflower province!"
A cheer went up among the guests, but it was short-lived. Suddenly, from among the crowd, a shriek like that of nails across a slate echoed across the dining hall.
" NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"
From out of the blue, an infuriated Cherese stormed forth to break apart the two reunited. The color drained from both their faces, and Sakura shut her eyes automatically as the raging witch stormed nearer. Syaoran stood in front of her protectively, reaching for the sword hilted at his side...
Cherese raced across the room, but stopped dead in her tracks as a booming voice called out.

" CHERESE! Come here." Touya's voice echoed across the hall.
Cherese turned for a second, and her face turned white.
" Touya?" She barely hid the incredulity in her voice," But, I thought you were in..."
" Well, as you can see, I am not. And, it be a good thing too." He reached over and grabbed her shoulder, pulling her away from the couple.
" What are you doing?!!" She shrieked, forgeting her fear.
" I've been through a great deal of trouble, trying to get this to work," He hissed lightly in her ear," So, do me a favor...better yet, do us all a favor, and kindly leave. You've shredded the weave of this yarn long enough."
He pushed Cherese towards the door, then turned with a low bow.
" I bid you all a fond adieu, and much felicitations to the happy couple."
With that, he was applauded out of the ballroom, as Sakura and Syaoran smiled at one another. But, this was not the end...
" THE PROPHECY OF ONYX ROSE HAS BEEN FULFILLED. ALL WILL BE AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN."
" Where's that voice coming from?"
" THE PROPHECY OF ONYX ROSE HAS BEEN FULFILLED. ALL WILL BE AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN."
" Who are you?" Syaoran demanded.
" ONCE UPON A TIME, A CURSE WAS MADE IN ERROR, AND FOR THAT SHE GAVE HER LIVE. NOW, THE CURSE HAS BEEN BROKEN, SO ALL WILL BE AS IT ONCE WAS."
" You're sending us back?!!!!" Sakura was the first to realize the meaning of the proclamation.
" ALL WILL BE AS IT ONCE WAS...AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN!"
" NO! You can't!" Sakura whimpered. " Not now! Not after all this."
Sakura clutched onto Syaoran, crying and holding him close. He wrapped his arms tightly around her.
" Ssssshhhhhhh..." His head rested on hers. " Sakura..."
" So long. Finally. After all this time. And now. Now, after we've finally found each other. I'll have to go back. I'll have to go back to before we met. And this, none of this will happen."
" Is that such a bad thing?"
" Don't you see? If Cherese had never been there, we never would have met the way we did..."
" Sakura." Syaoran's eyes were filled with love, and it only made Sakura's heartache more," Sakura, no matter what time...no matter what place...I'll always love you. And nothing, faeries, witches, or even Cherese, could change that. Do you understand?"
" I don't want to wait." Sakura hugged him harder.
" Ssh..." Syaoran rocked her slowly, then smiled, " Just, think of it as falling in love again. This time, the right way."
Sakura paused,then let go. Painfully trying to restrain her tears, she called out to the mystical voice.
" Take me back."
With one last glance at her beloved, Sakura felt herself grow light headed. Her last glance was of Syaoran disappearing as she did so as well.
" We'll meet again. For the sake of our love, we'll meet again." She whispered.

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" Sakura," The Prince of Chorvala smiled at his daughter," I'd like you to meet someone."
" Yes?" Sakura looked up expectantly at her father.
" This is The Duke of Peonyflower. And this, is his son, Syaoran."
" Pleased to meet you." She smiled at the boy.
" And you." He smiled back.
" Come. Let me show you the palace!" She smiled and reached for his hand, taking him towards the gardens.

They came to the garden, and Sakura started to babble out a stream of information about everything. Finally, she came to the fountain. As she sat down to talk, she stopped. Syaoran noticed her apprehension.

" What is it?"

She glanced down at the bottom for awhile, then shook her head.

" Nothing. Deja vu...anyway."

Something rustled in the bushes, and Sakura laughed as someone familiar parted the brush.

" Tomoyo! You're here!"
" Yes!"

They all returned inside, sharing information about this and that, when suddenly, the sound of instruments came from the ballroom. Syaoran stopped laughing, and gave a courtly bow in Sakura's direction. Then, with hand held out, he spoke softly.

" May I have this dance?"

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Well, that's it! I've glad that you readers have enjoyed this story so much! There'll be a new story being uploaded soon, so if you liked this story, then the next one should be a hit as well! Until then, see ya! R&R please!