Title: Final Confrontations (Chapter 9)

Genre: Card Captor Sakura

Rating: PG? How would you rank something like this?

Warnings: Well, here it is. My angst chapter. *cries*

Pairings: Yue/Sakura, Eriol/Tomoyo, Yukito/Sidereal, Touya/Nakuru, and Suppi/Crinis.

Notes: This will be the final chapter, save for maybe an epilogue. But how this will end, I want the readers to decide. Tell me what you think! Otherwise, I'll leave it here. I have a second ending in mind…

Disclaimer: CCS does not belong to me. They belong to the marvelously talented group called CLAMP. I merely own Even, Crinis, and Sidereal, so please don't sue me! I have nothing of value. ^-^;;;

~ What we do in life,

Echoes in Eternity.

Maximus "The Gladiator"

"Will you hurry up already?" The irritated voice of Kinomoto Touya called out as he tapped his foot against the floor of the department store they were in. At his side, Tsukishiro Yukito was laughing softly and shaking his head, only adding to Touya's anger. "It's not funny, Yuki!"

"Gomen, gomen! But it's rather funny To-ya… It was after all, your idea to take them shopping today." At his statement, the young man with dark hair wilted. His reaction only caused the silver haired boy to laugh once more.

"Yuki… Sometimes its better to leave my statements rhetorical…" Yukito gently patted his shoulder in sympathy as Touya raised his dark brown eyes to the dressing room they stood outside of. "I must have been sick when I suggested this…"

"Now, now To-ya. You were the one that said that you couldn't resist it when Akizuki-san treated you politely. You said that she deserved a reward for keeping her 'atrocious personality' under control…" The slightly shorter boy wove a finger in the air pointedly while giving his best smile.

"Please don't remind me…" Touya groaned and slowly sank into a nearby chair. "It's your fault though for inviting Sidereal-san. She's only encouraging Nakuru-san to try on everything they see. Where Sidereal-san is a nice girl… She's a walking shop-aholic."

Yukito merely smiled pleasantly and looked in the direction the girls had went. He really didn't mind the waiting, and he liked to see the girl with soft blue hair smile. In a way, he knew he was getting far too attached to the girl, especially when he knew that his other side was head over heels in love with his mistress. He didn't want anyone to get him wrong though; he adored Sakura very much, except that it was in a brother to sister manner. "I don't mind it so much…"

"You like her… Don't you Yuki?"

"Hai…"

"Have you told her?"

"Iya… It's better that I don't." Hazelnut eyes rested on his best friend as the sickly smile crossed his pale face. "Besides… Yue-san has other things in mind."

"You two make me angry… you know that?" Touya watched Yukito blink in surprise as he continued. "You always worry about the other and forget about what matters to you. If you didn't live in the same body, I'd swear you two should get married…"

With widened eyes, Yukito couldn't help but look surprised. Touya had a point thought. They were two completely different beings with totally separate ideals for happiness. "To-ya…"

Looking up a bit remorsefully, Touya wasn't allowed the time to apologize. Sidereal walked out and spun about as she grinned at the two of them. "I present to you! Akizuki Nakuru, Starlet Sidereal style!" With a wink, the blue haired girl stepped aside in order to let the brunette through.

Stepping out timidly, Nakuru didn't know what to do or even say to the two boys with wide eyes. With downcast eyes, she stood before them wondering if she was going to have to hit Sidereal after this was over with. To her surprise, she heard both of the guys gasp in surprise. Finally looking up, she met Touya's gaze and saw his mouth gaping. Wincing, she didn't know how to take the gesture. "Does it look that bad To-ya?"

Touya's eyes slid down over the solid maroon A-line dress and couldn't believe that this was the same girl he'd ran from at the mere sound of her voice. She looked so modest, and in a manner of speaking, very attractive. It wasn't too much, yet it was beautiful. Closing his mouth, he managed to shake his head. "I like it."

"Honto ni?" Nakuru's brown eyes began to sparkle as she stared at Touya hopefully. "You really like it? It doesn't look bad?"

"It looks wonderful, Akizuki-san." Yukito smiled pleasantly and nodded his head in approval. "Do you plan to buy it?"

Suddenly Nakuru wilted at the thought. "Eriol-san didn't give me enough money, so I'll have to ask him later…" Dropping her eyes to the floor sadly, Sidereal had half a mind to offer to buy it for her. She was here to make Nakuru happy, not depressed.

As she moved to make the offer, Touya cut her off in a soft unsure tone. "Oi, Don't be upset Nakuru-san… If you like I'll help you pay for it." At his words, the false form of Ruby Moon looked up in excitement suppressing the urge to launch her self at him.

"Arigauto, To-ya! I'll pay you back…"

"No need… Yuki, you and Sidereal go ahead to the food court while I go with Nakuru-san to pay for this." Touya smiled slightly and winked at his best friend.

Yukito knew what he was thinking, and wasn't so sure if he should be thankful enough. "Are you sure? I know you don't like waiting…" Touya nodded and held up a hand to halt any further protest.

Nakuru merely beamed and began to walk back into the dressing room to change. "I'll hurry To-ya!" Disappearing, the other three allowed themselves to smile.

"I like seeing her so happy." Sidereal spoke softly as she brushed wayward strands of blue behind her ears. "She's come a long way since I met her."

"Yes she has… I have a feeling that it was your doing, and it was no accident." Sidereal looked up at the false form of Yue and smiled. He truly was completely different from Yue.

"That's for only me to know, Yuki!" At her address for him, the boy began to blush lightly.

"Whatever happened, I'm rather thankful. She doesn't try to strangle me anymore…" Touya nodded slowly then turned to the others with him. "And why are you two still here?"

Snapping to attention, the pair smiled nervously and began to back away. "Gomen, gomen! We're going… Iku, Sidereal-san?" The girl nodded happily and gave a slight wave to Touya. "See you later."

Touya watched them walk away and smiled to himself. It pleased him to see his friends happy. It was strange that things were going so well. He even felt drawn to the overly excited Akizuki Nakuru where before he found her irritating. Shaking his head, he knew things were changing. He just wondered if he were ready for it or not.

Meanwhile, Sidereal was walking silently along side of Yukito. The young man was truly kind and amiable. In all essence he was the perfect guy that anyone could love. In all truth, she had never been drawn to that type, mainly because they reminded her too much of her master. She used to tease the young mage by saying that would be like dating your father. Smiling softly, she looked up at Yukito with a sort of awed expression. Where his heart was very much like Even's, he wasn't as chivalrous. In a way, that attribute about her master always made her think he was trying too hard. Where with Yukito, his gentile manner came out so naturally.

The thoughts in her head began to jumble and soon all she could do was blush. Looking down at her reddening cheeks, Yukito blinked in surprised. "Sidereal-san, Daijoubu?"

Jumping in surprise, she managed to no her head in reply. "Daijoubu. Sorry to worry you. I was just thinking."

"May I inquire what you were thinking about?"

Watching the warm smile on his face brought a smile to her own countenance. "I was thinking about you."

At her answer, he also began to blush lightly and look away. Nervously he pushed his wire frame glasses back into position and laughed nervously. "Is that so? I feel honored." Inside, Yukito felt like a jumbled mess. He knew that Touya saw Sidereal as a bit too nice, but whenever he was with her, she was sweet and kind hearted in the purest sense of the words. She made him feel what 'floaty' as Sakura would say.

Pulling out a chair at a table, he motioned for her to sit. With an intent gaze, he watched her every move wishing he could get up the nerve to tell her what she did to him. He knew he needed to. It was like a thrumming urgency that was pounding at the back of his consciousness. Taking a deep breath, he knew he at least needed to hint at it. "Sidereal-san… I really like… being with you."

Looking up quickly, the girl smiled at him brightly. "I like being with you as well." Golden eyes shimmered slightly as they followed him to his seat across from her.

Shaking his head, he knew that he needed to say more. "What I mean is… Well… Sidereal-san… I really like… well… you…"

This caused her to blink in surprise. After allowing it to sink in, she managed to smile broadly and nod her head sagely. "Hai… I understand. I really like you as well, Yuki." Both smiled at each other in silent understanding with a feeling of relief. As she moved to speak again, she felt a pair of arms wrap tightly about her neck in a frantic hug.

Whispering excitedly, Sidereal knew instantly who it was. "Thank you! Thank you so much Sidereal-san!" Turning her head slightly, she smiled at the sparkling eyes of dark brown belonging to Nakuru. Just behind her, Touya was smiling lightly trying his best not to laugh at the predicament that the poor girl with gold eyes was now in. Letting out a soft laugh, she patted Nakuru's head and nodded her head. Her job was practically done, and all that was left was her master's business. Whatever it may be….

~*~

"Ha! I told you I was better!" A maniac laugh of the tiny little girl voice rang throughout the small room. The T.V. was on, and the screen of SNK vs. Capcom flashed across the screen. Before the controller on the floor, the white cat with black stripes did a victory dance and spun about happily. "You can't beat me Keroberos!"

Not far from her, Kero had a small yellow paw rolled up into a fist as he defiantly shook it at her. "I'll beat you next time! C'mon! Pick your character!" Pushing a few buttons, the menu screen once more popped up and he browsed the characters only to pick Ken.

"I knew you'd pick him! He's got an enormous ego like you!" Snickering, the little cat sat back down and scratched her chin thoughtfully. "I'll pick… this one!"

"Iori? You've got to be kidding! I'll beat you into the ground! Capcom will always be better than SNK!" Kero's eyes lit up in a fire of seriousness as he flexed his arms in a showing off manner.

Crinis on the other hand, stood up defiantly and twitched her wings in anger. "Take that back! SNK rules!" At those words, the too launched at each other and began to throw several punches in the midst of their rage.

"You could never beat the mighty Keroberos!"

"Ha! Don't make me laugh! Boys are far too over rated!"

"That's what you think! OW! Leave the wings alone!"

"Move over beast of the seal cause Crinis here is taking over!"

"Cut that out! ITAI!"

"WIMP!"

"TAKE IT BACK!"

"Heh! Make me! AH! Not my tail!"

"Who's the victor now?"

"OH! You incorrigible yellow PLUSH TOY!"

"Hey! It takes talent to look as good as I do!"

"Is that so? It takes a lot of talent to be that delusional as well."

"Brat!"

"Chauvinist Pig!"

"Whiney little girl!"

"I AM NOT!"

"Are too!"

A chorus of growls and glares followed suit as the two sat arms crossed looking extremely battle torn. Chins rose defiantly as they missed the sound of the window opening that led into Sakura's room. The dark midnight blue cat fluttered in and was surprised to see the little white cat glaring angrily at Keroberos. "What the…?" Landing between them, he gawked from one to the other.

"SUPPI!" Kero glanced at his counterpart sun guardian and spoke in a fast voice thick with an Osaka accent. "Tell this brat that I'm the best and she doesn't compare to me! AND that Capcom is better than SNK!"

Crinis growled at Kero and shook a tiny white paw at the other. "Liar!"

Spinel looked at the two for a moment with bored green eyes, before stopping them on Kero. "Keroberos… you know her?"

Crossing his arms and arching a brow, the yellow guardian looked away and huffed. "Unfortunately!"

"Hey! You invited me over!" Crinis shot back in an angry voice.

Once more, Spinel found himself stuck between the two angry beings in the room with him. "Keroberos… for your information… SNK is better. The other topic I refuse to comment on."

Kero looked back at the dark blue cat with misty eyes and a pathetic pout as he pleaded with Spinel. "You can't mean that Suppi!"

"I can and I do…"

"Now THAT is what I'm talking about." Spinel turned and looked at the smiling Crinis as she began to clean herself up from the little tussle her and Kero had been in. "Arigauto, Suppi!"

Blushing lightly, Spinel shook his head lightly to straighten out the thoughts in his head. How did Keroberos know her? She didn't seem so evil now as she sat there smiling before him. She almost seemed…cute. "You're welcome…"

Kero finally blinked and looked at the two smiling at each other before something finally clicked. "EH! Suppi! You like her don't you?!"

Jumping in surprise, the dark blue cat hopped onto his hind legs and faced off with Kero whom was smiling sadistically. "I do not!"

"Do too!"

"NOT!"

"Then why are you blushing?"

"You!!!!"

Crinis sat back on her haunches and began to giggle softly. It was so cute to watch them argue. On one hand, Kero brought out the lively and childish side of her, where Spinel made her feel placid and warm. There was a definite difference between the two, but she truly felt far more drawn to Spinel whether she wanted to admit it or not.

~*~

The lithe teenage girl knocked softly on the large wooden door wondering if anyone was home. Eyes of jade roved about nervously as she questioned whether or not this was really a good idea. The weather about her was growing colder indicating that fall was just around the corner. Sakura didn't get cold very easily, but she still didn't like the feeling of the chilled breeze on her bare arms. Hugging herself tightly, she didn't even realize when the door opened before her. "Sakura-chan… How nice to see you."

Looking up in surprise, Sakura met the smiling eyes of midnight blue peering at her from behind the wire frame glasses. "Eriol-kun! I'm glad you're home!" Smiling brightly, she waved her hand to him in a polite greeting gesture.

"That I am. Please come in." Standing aside, Sakura walked in slowly and waited patiently for him to close the door. After that, she followed him into the sitting room and sat down upon the sofa there. "Now may I ask what I can do for you?"

"Ano…" Instantly she looked down to her clasped hands on her lap and felt the sweat bead lightly along her forehead. In truth, she didn't know if this was a good idea, and she wasn't really sure how he would react to her questions. "About… Even-kun…"

Looking up sharply, Eriol hadn't expected that name to enter the conversation. He knew that Sakura was troubled, but he didn't think that she had realized the quarrel between them. "Oh, what about him?"

"I know… That you two don't get along. And he admitted that he and you were to have a duel… But I don't understand! I was hoping… that…"

"I could fill in the gaps?" The girl with honey brown hair nodded slowly and refused to look up at her good friend. "I don't know Sakura-chan… But I'm sure that he told you that you should stay out of this. And I am inclined to agree…"

"You can't mean that Eriol-kun! I don't want either of you to get hurt!" Worry filled her large jaded eyes as she gave him a saddened look.

"I don't know what he intends… But I'm sure that he isn't out for my life. Please do not worry so much… I'm the one being challenged and I'm not all that worried any longer." Eriol gave her a grave look before rising to his feet. "Shall we move to the kitchen? I could make us some tea…"

Sakura nodded slowly then followed him out of the room. Plopping into a chair in the kitchen, she couldn't help but worry. "Demo… Eriol-kun… I have this feeling… This horrible eerie feeling…"

"That we'll end up dead? Or one of us at least?" Sakura nodded again in a wilted manner while staring at her hands. "I don't know Sakura-chan… Orrin in Clow's lifetime had been a good friend. They talked often, and I don't see why he would be so angry with me."

"He told me that his reason was closer to me than I realized…"

This remark brought a curious look to his face as he poured hot water into a porcelain teapot. "Closer than you realize? Sounds like it half involves… Would that be it?" Pausing thoughtfully, his eyes acquired a far away look. "He was angry at Clow for the way he treated Yue… Though I don't know why…" Sitting down at the small table with Sakura, Eriol gave her a questioning look. "Has Yue found out about him?"

"Hai. Yue-san said that Even-kun seemed very interested in his happiness…" Sakura took the teacup he offered to her and stared at its contents blankly.

"Then it probably has a lot to do with Yue. Though, one can't be sure. I'll find out soon enough. All I can do is ask you to stay out of it…" Eriol watched her with a serious look that made her frown intensely.

"Eriol-kun! That's not fair! Can't you stand down? Can't you refuse the duel?" There was a strain in her words that seemed to make his heart hurt. He didn't like seeing the card mistress so hurt.

"I can't do that. I'm sure you asked him the same… did you not?" Sakura nodded slowly in defeat. "Then just as he cannot let this go, neither can I. It is of a sentimental value that I don't expect you to understand. I'm sorry Sakura-chan… It's just how things are. I didn't want to hurt you, but in order to save the cards… it was necessary to create those situations. Please believe in me and Even-san, as I believed in you."

Still staring at the cup in her hands, she barely managed to nod her head sadly. "Just… I can't promise you I'll stay out of it… But I suppose… I can try…"

"You have a good heart Sakura-chan… I'm sorry that this hurts you so much. Do me a favor?"

Sakura nodded in reply as she looked up to meet his deep blue eyes. "Sure."

"Don't tell Tomoyo-chan about this. I don't wish for her to worry. She knows that I'm having problems, but she doesn't know about the duel. It's better that she doesn't…" Blinking in surprise, Sakura managed to nod again. "Arigauto…"

~*~

In the dark of night, a figure stood upon steeple of the church bell tower. A long cape fluttered about in the wind, encasing the form in an eerie ghost like feel. In one black-gloved hand, was a long silver staff spun from sterling English ivy and one solitaire star at its top. The circle in the center of the star glowed an eerie light slivery blue as the wind began to twist about him. "It's time… Eriol-san… I can't avoid Sakura-chan's questions any longer. The time is up…"

The long braid of ebony flew over his shoulder in one gust of wind then finally came to rest on his chest. Eyes of amethyst seemed to glow in the night as the staff rose and swirled slightly in the night sky. Blossoming beneath his feet, his symbol representing heaven and earth appeared in a silver and gold glow. "We don't need any interruptions once this begins…"

Suddenly a voice broke the bleak silence as a willowy figure walked across the roof toward him with elegant strides. "Time already? You are being rather impatient Even-san…" Pouting eyes of gold met amaryllis as the long pale blue hair blew wildly about in the strong breeze.

"I can't keep avoiding Sakura-chan… It's time to get this over with…" Even's voice was uncharacteristically deep as he turned toward the direction of Eriol's home.

"Master… we still don't understand what you plan to do…" Crinis lifted off of Sidereal's shoulder and looked at her master with pleading eyes of light blue.

Even merely smiled at the small sun guardian and pressed a finger to his lips. "Crinis-chan… your only concern is to keep Eriol's guardians away and safe. This is between Eriol-san and I…"

Nodding dejectedly, the girls attempted to smile. Both simultaneously closed their eyes only to have the same magic symbol bloom beneath their feet. Silvery thread arose from their feet and wrapped about them like a cocoon, only to fade away leaving them greatly changed. Sidereal opened her eyes slowly to reveal feline gold eyes, and slender iridescent pixie wings rose out of her shoulder blades flexing lightly. Her near goddess style tunic gave a soft blue sheen as she turned in the moonlight to her counterpart.

Where Crinis had been, now stood a beautiful tiger with silver tipped fur and cerulean blue eyes. Both wore identical jewelry consisting of silvery ivy, and fairy wings glittered in the night sending off a prismatic effect. "We're ready master."

Even gave a slight nod then turned away once more as if to wait for some one to arrive. In a matter of minutes, someone did indeed arrive. Lighting upon the roof elegantly, Eriol gave a dark look to the mage standing upon the bell tower dressed in solid black. His own black robes lavished in colorful symbols of the sun, fluttered out in the wind as they waited for the other to speak.

Landing beside Eriol, Spinel Sun in his true form sat upon his haunches and threw a gaze in the direction of the Siberian white tiger. His turquoise eyes bore an unspoken sadness that only Crinis could see. It shot a wave of guilt through her that she had never felt before.

On the other side of Eriol landed his female moon guardian with long locks of deep pink slipping through the night air. Eyes of magenta locked on those of gold, and the two wondered why this had to be happening. Had this happened sooner, Ruby would have gladly taken on the blue haired guardian, but now she didn't feel right about it.

Jumping down to Eriol's level, Even stood at full stature with his silver staff at his side. Violet met midnight in an icy manner before Eriol finally lifted his hand and held out the key of darkness. "Oh key that hides the power of darkness, reveal your true form to me, your master, Eriol. Release." A dark blue light emanated from the key as it spun just above his open palm. Growing into a staff, the sun and moon at its top also took shape sparkling in golden radiance.

"That's what I like most about you Eriol-san… No nonsense." Even smiled lightly then rose his staff. "Do you want my reasons before or after?"

A dark obsidian brow rose lightly as the look of amusement crossed Eriol's face. "I have a choice? How kind of you to offer. I think I'll go with before so I know what I'm fighting for…"

"As you wish. To make a long story short… I hated you for the way you couldn't be more affectionate to your guardian. Yue deserved far better than you, and all you gave him was pain… Then, not only did I hate you, I envied you as well. I went so far as to cast the one curse I swore I'd never use…"

After Even had paused in his explanation, Eriol felt his eyes grow wide in surprise. "You… you're the reason… that Clow died!"

"That is correct… In order to kill him silently… I used the curse that took my life as well…" At those words, all eyes fell on Even in disbelief. Apologetic eyes turned to his beloved guardians as he tried to explain. "I didn't want anyone to know… I know now, that I was terribly wrong. I plan on making all of my mistakes right tonight. Please… just do this one last thing for me…"

Reluctantly, Crinis and Sidereal nodded to their master still unable to believe what they had heard. Where they knew that Even had hated Clow, they hadn't thought him capable of murder. Now, all they had been asked to do was keep Ruby and Spinel safe. It was all that Even had ever asked them to do.

Turning back to Eriol, Even allowed his eyes to grow cold. "Do you hate me now Eriol-san?" The reincarnation of Clow was now trembling and gripping his staff with all his strength. Already pale skin turned ghostly white with the intensity his grip held. "Good… Then let's begin."

"How could you? I didn't want to view you as a murderer!" Raising his staff into both hands, Eriol clenched his teeth together. Even merely smiled and rose his staff. Silvery white light gathered at the center of the star, then leapt out like a dancing silver and white flame. As it approached Eriol, Spinel moved to help his master only to be thrown back as something collided with him.

Looking up in shock from his spot on the ground, he met the apologetic gaze of Crinis as the magic circle glowed beneath her feet. "Nani?!?!" Unexpectedly, he felt strong silver vines wrapping about his midnight form securely latching him to the surface of the building. Opening his mouth to counter attack, a looped vine snared his jaw closed.

"Forgive me… Spinel-san…" Looking down at the ground, she couldn't bring herself to look back at the fight behind her.

Yelping in surprise, Eriol narrowly leaped out of the way of the attack. It wasn't that it was a strong attack; it was just that he hadn't expected his guardian to be handled in such a way. Turning to Ruby, he saw her looking at her fellow guardian in anguish and surprise. "Suppi-chan!" Leaping in his direction, she didn't sense the golden topaz crystals flying at her. As they hit, she fell face first into the ground.

Sidereal landed beside Ruby Moon and allowed her face to twist in sadness. She hadn't wanted to hurt her, but her job was simple enough; keep her out of the duel. Watching Ruby slowly raise to her feet, she saw a look of anger flash in her magenta eyes. "How could you Sidereal-san?" Forming a ruby crystal over her hand, she moved to throw it at the blue haired moon guardian. Instead, she wasn't quick enough, and Sidereal now stood off to her right with a silver arrow to the side of her head.

"You'll do your fellow guardian and master no good if you are dead…" Ruby gritted her teeth together at the sound of the other girl's voice before allowing her arms to fall limply to her sides. "I'm sorry, Ruby-san…" At that moment, the same circle appeared beneath her feet and sent slender vines lacing about Ruby's body like strong ropes. She could no longer move.

Sidereal felt her eyes begin to water as she lowered her bow and allowed it to vanish. If only it didn't have to happen this way, she wouldn't have to feel liked she'd betrayed a close friend.

At this, Eriol felt the rage rise inside of him. "What do you plan to do with them?" The fiery glare was directed at Even as the circle of Clow glowed dimly beneath his feet.

"Nothing… I merely want them to stay out of this duel. That was my reason for creating Sidereal and Crinis. They were never meant to fight. Only to detain. Now we can begin and have no interruptions." With a careful smirk, Even lifted the staff to rest horizontally in front of him with his right hand. His thin lips then began to move in a silent chant as he rose his left up before his face then sliced it out to touch the glowing staff with his middle and index finger.

At the gesture, swirling wind ripped around his body sending the black robes flaring about. Eriol watched wide-eyed wondering what the other was planning to do. He felt so helpless and confused. He didn't know if he could trust Even when he'd claimed that he meant no harm to Ruby and Spinel, and he didn't want to take any chances. Positioning his own staff before him at ready, his eyes followed the gathering light at the end of Even's silver rod.

With a slight smirk, Even's eyes flew open to reveal sparkling violet glowing in the center as a spiral of light and wind shot out toward Eriol out alarming speed. In surprise, Eriol threw up a barrier and felt the beam ram into it at full force. It was stronger than he had expected, and it was gradually shoving him backward. Throwing a worried glance behind him, he wondered if he could move out of it's path only to find that Sidereal and Crinis had positioned themselves directly behind him. If he moved, Spinel and Ruby would be hit because they could not move.

The prospect made him tremble with fear. He wouldn't be able to keep it up much longer, and if he failed, his treasured friends and creations would be killed. Cursing under his breath, he turned to see that Even had no intention of letting up on his attack. Gritting his teeth, he felt the sweat bead along his forehead. He couldn't lose. He couldn't fail his guardians, and he promised Tomoyo that he would be all right… He would be all right.

As Eriol began to lose ground even more, a flash of pink light appeared and a sweet voice called out a command. "Shield!" In that instant, the uniquely designed object appeared between Eriol and Even. At the sight, Even's eyes widened in surprise causing him to cease his attack. "STOP IT!"

Both Eriol and Even looked to the opposite end of the roof to see Sakura standing there with her star staff clutched tightly in her hands. The look of sadness was evident on her face and the sheen of tears was visible in her eyes. "I can't do that… Sakura…" Even brought the staff to his side and gave her a dark look causing her lithe form to shiver.

"Sakura-chan… This is a matter of settling old scores… Stay out of it." Eriol also gave her a dark look as he waved the staff of darkness in the direction of his opponent. "You wouldn't understand…"

Landing beside her trembling form, Yue flared out his wings in order to shield his love and mistress from the harsh magical wind caused by the two sorcerers. Even watched Yue silently for a moment before turning back to Eriol with a calm look. "I'm sorry… but I can't allow you to intervene. Raising the silver rod in his right had, a dark mist emitted from it and encased the two dark haired magicians. "Let us continue…"

Eriol nodded and smirked slightly. "This is between you and I…" Swinging his staff in a vertical motion, he seemed to cut both air and space in the one gesture. Rising it upward in the sky, dark energy began to gather its tip and swirl about while Eriol chanted out his spell.

Meanwhile, Sakura stared at the dome with wide eyes. In her head, she could still see the ghost like figures dueling inside, and she felt with each move and chant they made, her heart was shattering. Yue rested a hand gently on her shoulder then gazed at the detained Spinel and Ruby looking very distressed, but what made his heart ache worse, were the looks of confused anguish on Crinis and Sidereal's faces. "This can't be happening…"

Sakura balled her hands into tight fists about her staff then shook her head. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she fought the sadness in her heart. She didn't understand. Why must they fight? There was never a good reason to fight. Raising her eyes once more, she could no longer stand aside. Pulling from Yue's grip, she sprinted toward the dome and somehow broke through the barrier. In a blind run, she flew out in front of Eriol's attack and cried out in vain. "Please!"

It was too late, the attack had been released, and neither Sakura nor Even had enough time to block it. Pain entered Even's heart as he watched the beam of dark power fly toward the tiny girl that had brought happiness to so many people's lives. Dropping his staff, he ran forward and grabbed her wrist yanking her to him. Without thinking, he spun about so that his back was to the attack, and Sakura was safely shielded before him.

Horror was evident on Eriol's face, as he too dropped his staff and fell to his knees. As the light faded away, the dome did as well. Yue ran forward looking about wildly for the people that he cared so much about only to see the devastating sight before him. Eriol had his eyes closed and head bent all the while down upon his knees. On the other hand, the dying swirl of dust and destruction faded away to reveal Sakura also on her knees with Even on the ground beside her.

Waves of tears were trailing down her cheeks as she called his name and gently shook his shoulder. "Even-kun…. Even-kun!" Yue was horrified. Walking with unsure steps, he couldn't believe his eyes. How could this have happened?

"EVEN-SAN!" Sidereal ran forward dropping the magical hold that she held over Ruby in order to run to her master's side. Dropping down to her knees. She pulled his limp form into her lap and began hug him tightly. Tears poured freely down her cheeks as she rocked the almost childlike form. "Master…."

Crinis was in shock. Each step she took toward Even, the more her heart denied what she saw. There was no way that her beloved master could leave them. They loved him so much. Stopping short, her cerulean eyes fell onto the silver staff on the ground. Blindly she bent down and took it into her mouth before proceeding over to her sister and master. Letting it fall with a clatter to the rooftop, she numbly nudged the boy in Sidereal's arms with her muzzle. "Even-sama…"

Being free, Ruby and Spinel finally found the will to move and return to their master's sides. Ruby kneeled beside him and gently brushed his midnight hair from his eyes only to see tears falling slowly down his alabaster cheeks. "Eriol-san…"

Reaching out a shaking hand, Eriol rested it on Spinel's head and brought in a shaky breath. "This… wasn't suppose to happen… not like this…"

"Master…" Spinel was at a loss for words. He didn't know what to do for his master, nor for the terrified tiger mourning for her fallen master.

Yue stopped beside Sakura then lowered down beside her. He knew that she was upset, he could see it even if she weren't crying. Wrapping his arms about her, she finally buried her face into his chest in order to sob. "No! Yue-san! It's all my fault!"

Shaking his head, he reached up a hand to slip it through her hair. "Sh… It's not your fault Sakura-chan…" He wanted to tell her it would be ok, but he didn't know if it would be. The spell that had hit Even was very powerful, and since there was nothing to block it, he'd taken the blow full force.

Within Sidereal's arms, Even stirred ever so slightly. One violet eye opened in order to look up at his guardian and smile lightly. "S-sidereal-chan… please… don't… cry…"

Eyes of shimmering gold shot open and stared down at Even with grief. "Even-san… I… I can't help it! Please… you can't leave us!"

Closing his eyes once more, he managed to lift a hand up and wipe her tears away. "You're much prettier with a smile." Turning his head, eyes of violet slitted open in order to look at Yue and Sakura. A small smile touched his lips as the hand fell to the ground and closed upon his staff.

Sidereal shook her head violently and finally lowered it while closing her eyes. She knew it was hopeless. He was dying and she could feel it. Crinis dropped her head heavily against her master and closed her eyes. She had no idea how to handle the grief. "Master…"

Blinking very slowly, Even lifted the staff and took a deep shaking breath. "One… last thing… I need to do… before I go…" Yue and Sakura looked up and met his gaze with confusion clearly written in their eyes. "I promised… to make you happy… Yue… I hadn't meant… for this to happen." Raising the staff slightly, he barely managed to wave it in Yue's direction while muttering something under his breath.

Dazzling white light leapt from the star at the end of the silver rod and enveloped Yue in pure light. As the brightness faded, another person stood rigidly beside Yue who was still holding Sakura tightly. Blinking in bewilderment, eyes of hazelnut fell upon Even as the staff fell with a clatter to the ground. "Nani? Daijoubu?"

Looking up, Sidereal couldn't believe her eyes. Iridescent wings twitched slightly as her eyes met Yukito's in one stunned moment. Not only was he standing there, there was also something else very different and yet familiar about him. "Yuki…" Suddenly her eyes went wide as she looked down at the frail and limp form in her arms. "NO! EVEN-SAN!"

Fresh tears fell down her cheeks as Yukito ran over to her and knelt beside her. A timid hand reached out and placed two fingers against Even's neck in order to find a pulse. Yanking back, Yukito felt his eyes widen in fear and sadness. "He's… dead…"

All eyes stared on in disbelief. It wasn't true. It couldn't be true. Eriol felt faint and swayed heavily into Ruby Moon whom held him up gently with her arms about him. "I… I killed him…"

"It wasn't you fault master!" Ruby closed her eyes and buried her face into his dark colored hair trying desperately not to cry.

Spinel looked up and saw the shock in Crinis' eyes making his own heart twist in pain. Padding over to her, he wished there was something, anything he could do. "Crinis-chan…" Instantly the great white tiger turned to him and buried her head in his indigo fur. She couldn't look anymore.

Yue was stunned. Once again, Even had to die at a young age. It wasn't fair. Averting his eyes to Sakura, he knew she needed him and he had no time to grieve. It would take a lot of time to heal the guilt that she now felt in her heart. Even if it weren't her fault, she would still blame herself. Holding her tightly he closed his eyes. Even had kept his promise. He helped him find the one he loved… then gave him the freedom to be with her always. But why did it have to cost him his life?

Sidereal finally drew her head away from Even and stared down at him in sadness. He was gone. All this time, he had never even been able to find happiness for himself. "Was this… what you had meant… Even-san? You didn't mean to end it this way… did you?" As her the words came softly from her lips, she felt his body grow lighter in her arms. He was fading away.

Yukito blinked in surprise trying his best to sort out what was happening. First off, he wanted to know why he was out on his own with his other self still holding on to Sakura. Sad eyes of brown focused on Even and somehow knew it was his doing, but what surprised him more was that the figure seemed to be disappearing. In moments, the boy had faded completely away and all that remained was a soft breeze filled with a silver shimmer.

Sad golden eyes rose to peer at Yukito as her arms hugged her frail shaking form tightly. "Yuki… He… he passed his power on to you…" Choking on a sob, Sidereal gave him an intent look of melancholy. "You are now my master… and Crinis'…"

Wrapping his arms gently around her shoulders, he was careful not to hit her seemingly frail wings. "I don't know what that means… but you can explain it to me later…" Brushing a gentle hand through her hair, he felt the pain ebbing off of her in waves making his entire body hurt. "Everything will be ok… It'll be all right Sidereal-chan…"

~*~

I will seriously end it right here unless I get enough persuasion to do otherwise. Thanks so much for reading. I hope that everyone liked it. It's definitely been a tear jerking experience for me.