::Blink blink, smile:: I love reviews. And I'm very happy that so far people seem to like this fic. (^-^) {very very very happy} The more reviews, the faster I'll put this lil' ficcy up. ^-^ BUT… lately I've been having problems with my internet (otherwise this chapter would have been up a long time ago) so… gomen nasai! To the people who wanna know: yes there is some couple's WAFF ('warm and fuzzy feeling' for those who don't know what it means). Anyway, I hope you all like this chapter too.
Demon's WingsBlue Mist and Scars
Sakura observed the boy beside her. It was hard to picture the sleeping face ever crying. She could imagine, or had seen, everyone with the water droplets in their eyes, even Touya and Eriol. But for some reason she could never have imagined tears falling down Syaoran's face. It made her tremble remembering his expression. She never wanted to see him like that again. It was too heartbreaking. The gentle roar of the plane didn't bother her anymore. Just to think that a few days ago those sisters of his dressing her up and laughing… And his mother was so beautiful…
"If anything were to happen to me or my daughters, you must take care of my Xiao-lang."
Sakura sighed, Kaho had been doing a better job of that than she had. She glanced at the woman on the other side of Syaoran, calmly reading a book. She leaned back… yesterday was a complete blur. First that scary lady came and destroyed everything. Then they found out from the police that random killings of the Li family had occurred. Meiling's family was luckily spared. The remaining Li family was going into hiding and insisted that Syaoran go to Japan. He was the future leader of the clan and they all felt he would be safer there. Meiling was still with her family somewhere in China.
They had just gotten the news, the Li family was threatened and several cousins, aunts and uncles had already been killed. Sakura remembered Meiling crying with relief in hearing her own family was safe. Syaoran was as impassive as stone. That was when they found out Meiling was going to her family and, through magic, the Li family made an agreement: "Xiao-lang as our future leader, you must go to Japan. You will be safer there. We will hide until we can find a way to stop this evil." Everyone was packed and ready to go on the first flight possible to Japan. They were standing in front of the hotel, waiting for the taxi.
"Xiao…" Meiling was on the verge of tears, "I have to stay, but you… you just stay alive alright?" Syaoran didn't say anything. Meiling hugged him tightly, forcing a smile, "If you don't, I'll find a way to make your after-life miserable. And you know I will!" For a minute, Syaoran let his hands hang limp by his sides. He then wrapped them around his cousin.
"I know you would. And you'd better live too. Got that? Not matter what, you stay alive."
"You think I'm gonna let some lil' ol' demon kill me? No way. I've got too much to do." They let go of each other. "Another adventure… oh boy." She put a hand on her hip, "Well, we'll all make it through. Like Tomoyo said, we always do." Syaoran simply nodded. A honk came as a cab turned in front of them.
"Li Meiling?" The diver asked.
"That's me!" They loaded all of her stuff into the cab. And after depressing good-byes to everyone, she turned to Syaoran and gave him a quick sisterly kiss on the cheek. "See ya!"
Syaoran waved slightly, "Ja!"
As the car drove away, Meiling stuck her head out the window and shouted, "And remember what I said earlier! You've got a mouth!!" Her voice was almost out of range, "USE IT!"
Syaoran choked, "MEILING!!" He glanced at Sakura and blushed forty shades of red and pink. She blinked. Everyone laughed, that Meiling…
"Syaoran, what was she talking about?" Sakura asked as naïve as ever.
"Nothing!" He spluttered, "Nothing!"
Sakura frowned, she'd have to ask him about that someday.
Eriol, Nakuru and Spinel were staying in China for a little while, then were going to England, to see what they could find out about all this. He was going to come back to Japan as soon as possible. Sakura glanced at the seat behind her. Touya had been the most hurt physically. One of his legs was broken and the other had several torn muscles and cracks in the bone from when a large piece of the house had fallen on him.
Syaoran stirred in his sleep, "Stop… sis…" He murmured. "Mom…"
Sakura winced. She almost wished he would sleep forever, so he could stay in his dream world, where his family was still alive. "We're now arriving to Japan. Please…" The voice came over the speaker and became another noise in the background as Sakura watched Syaoran's eyes flickered open.
"Already?" Syaoran raised an eyebrow, "That was quick."
"Since you slept most of the way, I'm sure it was." Sakura smiled, then poked her bag. "Of course it will feel much shorter for Kero-chan." Syaoran shook his head. Then immersed himself into thought. The minutes ticked by and Sakura watched him stare at nothing.
She tapped his arm, "I know that look, what is it?"
"Hm?"
"That look you get when you thinking about something in particular you don't understand and the rest of us don't know about." She smiled, "So what is it?"
"I was about to ask the same myself." Kaho put her book down. "Please enlighten us."
"Well," He frowned, "It's weird, but when that demon-woman was going to kill me… I saw this deep blue light and fainted. When I woke up… I wasn't anymore hurt than before… well except for…" He looked at his arm. A fifth tally cut had appeared. He had showed them earlier that day; apparently each mark represented his sisters and mother. "Anyway, the light felt like rain. In my dream, rain was something that saved and protected me… so I'm just… wondering about that."
Sakura and Kaho exchanged looks, "Here I thought someone was still awake and helped Li out." Kaho whispered to herself. "I shouldn't make such assumptions, silly me."
"Someone must have helped you." Sakura said, "Maybe even defeated her. She seemed pretty intent on killing you, so I doubt once you went unconscious she would have spared you."
"I doubt whoever it was actually defeated her." Syaoran shook his head, "We all heard that voice later. But something did fight her off for now, because we haven't heard any of those sayings since then."
Kaho nodded, "At least we have someone like that on our side. We'll call Eriol and tell him this."
Syaoran sighed, "Right." He looked out the window… the sun was out. He frowned. He couldn't look at the sun without seeing his sisters dead in the heat and his mother's body in daylight.
*********
"So he'll stay with you?" Fujitaka Kinomoto asked, looking out the window at the small group talking beside the car. He felt immense pity for the boy.
"Yes, Yukito's grandparents are here for once and I know you'll have your hands full with Touya's injury." Kaho replied. "Both Yukito and Touya wanted Li to stay with them. Surprising considering Touya and Syaoran do not get along." 'And Yukito said that Yue wanted the boy to stay with them… hmm I guess everyone's true colors are showing.' "I just hope everything works out for him."
"Well, he's always welcome here." Fujitaka said, "I don't understand why an assassin would want to kill the Li's." He sighed, "Then again, weren't they an extremely influential in politics and economy in China?" He looked from Syaoran to an old looking, green book on the table.
"Yes, they still are." Kaho watched Syaoran, "They're just carrying out business in secret."
"Someone probably wanted more power for themselves." Mr. Kinomoto frowned slightly.
"I'm sure." Kaho nodded. 'Just probably not in the way you think.' "Well, it's been a long trip, we'd better get going. He looks tired."
"All right then. Nice talking to you, again."
Kaho smiled, "You too. Good-bye."
*********
Syaoran opened the door. "I hope you don't mind." Kaho smiled softly.
"Not at all." He glanced around his new room. He wouldn't mind living here. It was a temple… it felt safe… "Arigato Mitzuki-san."
"Why don't you start calling me Kaho? I like it better."
Syaoran looked a little surprised but then returned to his usual calm expression, "All right then… Kaho-san."
She smiled, it was better than Mitzuki-san, "I'll let you get settled then." She was just about to step out of the room, when she turned to look at him, "Li?" He looked up at her. She opened her mouth to say something, but it never came out. She shut her mouth, "… Just tell me if you need anything." He simply nodded and she left the room.
"Kaho-san…" Syaoran whispered her name. With a sigh he began to unpack. 'I wish I understood what was going on…' He put everything away while absorbed in his thoughts. 'Who was that-that… thing?' He thought of the great dark dragon wings, the bloody daggers, the light from the fires… 'Hell, it was hell…'
Xiao-lang…
"What the-?" He looked around him. "Who said that?"
Xiao …
He began to tremble… he knew that voice, but it couldn't be… His legs gave way beneath him, he fell to his knees. There was more than one voice, they were echoing inside his mind. "Stop… just stop…" He whispered.
Xiao…why?
"…but they're all dead." He held his head.
You're so kawaii!
See? You should have that smile on more often.
We love you very much. You know that right?
You're coming along, Xiao!
"No!" He shook his head, "Stop! Just stop!" They were always saying that sort of thing. Whether over Sakura or over his training… anything… but they were gone…
Kawaii!… you should have done something…then we'd still be there…Xiao!
… love you…
"Just… stop it…" He shook uncontrollably. "Leave me alone… please…"
Xiao… Xiao…why didn't you do anything sooner…He could feel the tears coming on, but he refused to let them fall. Their voices wouldn't leave… and only stopped to turn into screams. "Why didn't I?" He buried his face in his pillow, "No…" Minutes became hours as his family screamed and talked to him…
Xiao…why?A gentle knock at his door brought him out of his trapped mind. The voices stopped. He just wanted to sleep. He was sore… mentally sore.
Outside the door, Kaho frowned, Syaoran had been in his room all day. She respected the fact that he may need some time alone, but she had gotten worried. She walked down the halls and lightly knocked on his door again, "Syaoran?" There wasn't an answer, she frowned and opened the door slowly. She sighed, seeing him sleeping on the bed.
"Hello." Came a muffled voice from the pillow.
Kaho raised an eyebrow, "I thought you were asleep."
"I wish I were asleep. Or better yet, dead."
"Don't say that!" Kaho sat beside him.
He turned over to look at her, "Why not? My family is," He frowned, "For all I know, with that thing after me, I'll probably be dead by dawn."
Syaoran of all people… saying something like this, "Did something happen? Did you have a strange dream or something?" She held his eyes with hers, "Because I don't think that you believe what you've just said." He broke away from her stare.
"I don't know what to believe any more." He frown ,"And at the moment, I don't care."
Kaho exhaled slowly, telling herself that there was no talking to him like this. He was much too stubborn, "Ok. But why don't we go to the park tomorrow. Maybe the fresh air will help you think."
"Right…" his tone was slightly sarcastic.
She arched her eyebrow, "Do you want anything to eat now?"
"No thank you." He closed his eyes.
Kaho reached out and ran her fingers through his hair over and over again. 'He's still a child.' She felt such a pity for him, 'Only a child.' She had no idea what he must have been going through right then. And even less of an idea of what he was thinking when he saw his family, dead and dying. He sighed, letting her stroke his hair… his mother used to do that when he was younger…
"God, why'd they die?" He whispered.
*********
Kaho watched Syaoran out of the corner of her eye. He knew she was watching him. She was worried and he knew why. He hadn't eaten much and hadn't really left his room for who knew how long… When was the last time he left the temple grounds? When they went to the park a week ago… or was it two weeks? He couldn't remember… well, at least they were out now…
'I'm such a bastard.' He thought, 'She's been taking care of me this whole time and all I've done is lock myself up and make her worry…' Everyone would come visit, but he'd just pretend to be sleeping. 'Baka Xiao… baka baka baka…' Why didn't he want them around? They probably hated him now… He suddenly had an urge to do something, anything…
"Kaho-san…" He looked up at her.
"Yes?"
"Do you know any good movies that are playing? Maybe we can all go see one…"
Kaho looked surprised… would wonders never cease… Syaoran Li… actually suggesting a social activity? What happened there? "By 'we' you mean Sakura, Tomoyo…"
"Yukito too, … Touya's probably gonna come along." He scowled, "How is he anyway?"
"Better, but he still has to use a wheel chair…"
"Touya… in a wheel chair…" Syaoran's eyes twinkled wickedly, "I'll ask Daiduoji to take lots of pictures…"
Kaho smiled. "Sounds good to me."
Xiao… 'God no…' Xiao… you could have saved us… thought about it harder…Syaoran grew stiff, 'Why didn't I? Oh God it's my fault…'
"Syaoran? You all right? You look a little pale."
Xiao…you could have told someone sooner… we could have still been alive…'Stop… I- Please… I'm tired…' "Hai… I'm fine."
Kawaii!
…love you.
Xiao…why?
"Syaoran!" A perky voice called out. He looked up, Sakura, Tomoyo and a boy he had never seen before came running up to him. "Ohayo! How are you doing?" The green eyes sparkled, "Mitzuki-san, ohayo." She smiled sweetly, as always. "Oh, you haven't met Kenneth yet."
Syaoran was trying very hard not to glare at the young blonde. They did stare at one another, each wondering about the other's relationship to Sakura. "Your boyfriend right?" Syaoran confirmed.
"Hai." She blushed slightly.
Tomoyo stood beside her friend, "Both are so kawaii." She whispered, "And both care about you a lot." Sakura didn't say anything.
"Ahem… well, Syaoran, this is Tushiro Kenneth. Kenneth, this is Li Syaoran."
"Pleasure to meet you." Kenneth bowed his head slightly.
Syaoran nodded, "You too." Kaho and Tomoyo could feel the tension between the two boys. Sakura was oblivious to it all. But they were trying hard not to let their disapproval of the other show, for Sakura's sake.
"So, what are you two doing out here?" Sakura asked, smiling at Syaoran and Kaho.
"Just breathing." Syaoran shrugged.
"We were just thinking about watching a movie sometime." Kaho smiled, "Why don't you all come along?"
"That'd be fun!" Sakura smiled.
Tomoyo nodded, "I heard of this one really nice movie that was playing."
Kaho glanced at Kenneth, "Do you want to come?"
He looked thoughtful, "It'd depend on the day. But otherwise, I'd love to come. Thank you."
Syaoran flinched, struggling not to let his jealousy get the better of him, 'I hope he can't come.'
Kaho glanced at Syaoran, suddenly getting the feeling that she shouldn't have said anything to Kenneth. 'I'm incredibly dense.' She thought.
Xiao… Xiao…'No…' Syaoran felt his arm throb. That pain was slowly returning. 'Dear Lord, not now…'
"Syaoran?" Sakura cocked her head as his hand slowly clenched his forearm… an all too familiar motion. "You ok?"
Kawaii!! … love you…why?"I'm fine. I just wish people would stop asking me that."
A phone was heard. Kaho sighed and plucked her cell phone from her bag, "Moshi Moshi?… Oh!" She looked surprised. Then grew serious, "Really now? … all right… yes yes, I know. … All right I'll be right there. Bye then." She glanced at Syaoran, "We have to go." She put a hand on his shoulder. "Good-bye. It was nice meeting you Kenneth."
Syaoran simply gave a slight wave of his hand and said quietly, "See ya."
"Oh, okay." Sakura waved with a smile. "Bye."
"Syaonara." Tomoyo and Kenneth smiled.
"Why the sudden hurry?" Syaoran asked, getting into the car.
"That was Eriol-san." Kaho said, staring the car, "He said he found something interesting and sent it to me. He wants to know what I thought of it."
"About that thing that killed my family?" Syaoran asked, trying to be as emotionless as possible.
Her grip tightened on the steering wheel, "No, something else. He found bits and pieces about a golden orb."
"Oh…" His curiosity. Got the better of him as they drove down the sun-baked streets.
Xiao… kawaii Xiao…He flinched. Why wouldn't his sisters' voices go away?
Xiao…"Li?" Kaho glanced at his pale face, "What's wrong?"
"Hm?" He looked up at her, "Nothing's wrong. Stop asking."
Xiao… couldn't you have helped us?"Li," She sighed, "Stop lying. It's not helpful."
"Just stop worrying, it's nothing, I swear."
Xiao…love you… screams erupted in his head… why?He closed his eyes… he could see the fire and blood, smell the smoke, hear the screaming and explosions. He opened his eyes afraid to close them again.
"Li?" He snapped out of his thoughts, realizing Kaho was already out of the car and waiting for him. He stepped out closing the door behind him. He walked silently up the steps and around the shrine. Kaho slid open the doors to the rooms in the far back. She walked across the kitchen and to a computer quietly humming in the corner of the room.
Syaoran walked straight into the kitchen as the woman checked her e-mail. "Well?"
Why, Xiao?… kawaii Xiao…
"It's all scattered bits and pieces." Kaho sighed, scrolling down the e-mail. "He found occasional phrases like Orb of Peace and things like 'it was created by sorcerers but that's all." Kaho raised an eyebrows, "Well…"
Syaoran looked over her shoulder and handed her a small cup of tea, "What is it?"
"Arigato." Kaho took a sip, "Well, he found something about a fusion. Some words kept popping over and over again like, 'guards,' 'demons,' 'bearer,' and-"
Why, Xiao?…
"-but he couldn't interpret the rest of it. It was in Latin and a few other ancient languages and dialects. Um… golden orb… something about wild magic and demons. Oh! Clow Reed was mentioned but Eriol-san can't remember anything about it. But whatever this golden orb is, it was broken up and scattered."
Syaoran stared off into space, "She looking for the pieces…" He frowned, "The orb is defiantly magical and was closely linked with demons… She was part demon herself. It'll probably give her more power, because isn't that what most magical objects do? Maybe it'll give her more dark magic or some kind of access to a new magic."
Love you…. But why, Xiao?…
Kaho blinked a few times, she would always be amazed at the way his mind worked. And the woman didn't have to ask to know who 'she' was. Syaoran rested his chin in his hand, he knew something about this he just didn't know why… He couldn't put his finger on it…
Xiao… kawaii… Xiao… love you … screams… get him out! … screaming echoing in his mind… why didn't you try to help us? We love you!
"Damn it!" Syaoran clutched his head, "Just leave me alone!"
Kaho stared with wide-eyes, "Li?!"
Kawaii Xiao… you should have done something…"Make them stop…" He shook his head, "I'm sorry!" His mind broke down to the screams and he feel to his knees. "Please stop! Stop!"
Xiao…She fell to her knees and put her hands on his shoulders, "Li?! Li!"
*********
"Arigato Yukito." Kaho looked at the boy sleeping on the couch, "I hate to leave him alone. I hope it isn't a problem."
"No, not at all." Yukito shook his head, "I feel sorry for him. Just what happened?"
Kaho sighed, "I'm not sure. He went mad. But I heard him say something about wanting the voices to stop, him being sorry, I couldn't tell and then he passed out. He's probably thinking of his family." She frowned, "I've got to go to a meeting at the school. Something about next year's program. I might take a job as a substitute." She walked towards to door. "But call me if anything happens. Bye."
"All right. Bye." Yukito smiled, then glanced down at Syaoran. He but his hand to the boy's head. "No fever and he's delirious?" Yue asked from inside his head. "Grief can do that." Yukito said quietly.
"Uh…" Syaoran groaned and his eyes opened for a brief second, only to close again. "Yukito? Where's Kaho-san?"
"She had to go somewhere, but asked me to keep and eye on you." He knelt beside the boy, "How are you feeling?"
"I keep hearing them…"
"Ask who does he hear?" 'I know, hold on.' "Who?" Yukito asked, curious.
"My… sisters… and mother…"
"What are they saying? Ask him." Yukito sighed, "At the moment, Yue's being incredibly impatient so I'm just going to change into him, all right?" Syaoran shrugged. A bright light filled the room and Yue was kneeling next to Syaoran.
"What are they saying to you?"
"My name, that they love me and that I'm kawaii…" He sighed, keeping his eyes closed.
"What else? I doubt just that would drive you mad." "Well, Yue, you sure are blunt." Yukito chuckled. 'Oh be quiet.' Yue thought.
"Then… then they're screaming again… asking me why I didn't do anything sooner." Syaoran began to tremble a little, "Why didn't I?"
"Because none of us knew what was going on. No one had the faintest clue." Yue said, "It's not your fault. You can't hold yourself responsible."
"But- I can't get that image out of my head…" Syaoran was struggling not to let his emotions get the better of him. Yue could see right through him, but didn't comment. "I can't look at the sun with out remembering the heat of the room, that fire and blood…" He opened his dead auburn eyes, "I just can't." He sat up slowly. "I-I…" He crossed his arms, unsure of how to continue… but words weren't necessary. but words weren't necessary. Yue seemed to understand. He sat beside him and put an arm on his shoulder. Syaoran simply went limp. Tired… He didn't know what to think… Some part of him knew Yue was right… but the other part just didn't accept it… They just sat there a little while, a wordless conversation…
"I need some fresh air." Syaoran sighed, getting up slowly. A white light filled the room and Yukito stood next to him, "Mind if I come along?"
"No." Syaoran shook his head. Leaving the temple grounds, the two walked aimlessly around the town. Yukito kept glancing at Syaoran. The boy seemed normal; that old, half-glower was there on his other wise expressionless face, his eyes were mirrored, so no one could see what was going on in his mind. The day was unusually cool for a summer afternoon. Both wore jackets and jeans.
Syaoran's arm grew tense. He winced slightly, making a familiar motion… "Is your arm hurting?" Yukito asked, already knowing the answer.
"What gave you that idea?" He asked.
"Well, for one, you're grabbing your arm again." Yukito pointed calmly. Syaoran frowned and pulled apart his arms. "Let me see." Syaoran stared at him a moment, his face held a pallid expression. "Why are you so worried?" The older boy asked, "Let me see your arm. It's not like I'm not going to bite."
"It's not you I'm worried about." Syaoran said quickly, "We've got to get out of here now!"
Yue then sensed it, the dark aura the brought the smell of blood and smoke with it in his mind. Yukito was quickly replaced by Yue as the guardian lifted Syaoran up and soared away.
*********
"Kero-chan, you should really stop playing those things." Sakura sighed. She watched as the little yellow guardian became 'one with the video game'.
"But Sa-ku-raaa…" Kero whined,
"No buts this time Kero. You've been playing that thing since five in the morning!" Sakura reached out, read to turn off the game system.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Kero shouted, watching the plane on the screen crash and burn.
"There." Sakura turned off the system. Now she wouldn't have to feel bad. He had already lost.
"Nooo…" The 'stuffed animal' whimpered. "No! No! No! No! No! No!!!!" He was stomping around the room like a little child.
Mistress!
"Huh?" the two perked their heads up. That sounded disturbingly like Yue… A shattering wave of magic blew over them… a dark feeling. In less than a second, Cereberus and the Card Mistress were flying. "She must have followed us to Japan." Sakura said. "How did she know? Eriol told us to hide our magic and we did."
"She probably knew something about all of us." The Guardian turned towards the park.
A loud, crushing explosion greeted their ears. Smoke leapt through the trees ahead of them. The two raced towards the pillar of smoke. "Syaoran! Yue!" The guardian was lying on the ground, dead or unconscious, they couldn't tell. "Oh my God!" Sakura pulled out one of her cards, eyeing Syaoran. The boy was pinned to a tree by the demon-woman, her red aura glowing dangerously. The demon drew her dagger along his face. "Watery!" A torrent of water smashed into the demon throwing her back.
"Get the kid out of here!" Cereberus shouted, "I'll take Yue! Go while she's still down!"
White wings grew from her back as she grabbed Syaoran, 'Oh my god, he's so light!'
"Sakura?" She heard him whisper. Then he went completely limp. With a sudden burst of energy, she pushed off into the air, followed closely by Cereberus, who had somehow gotten the unconscious Yue onto his back.
A loud shout echoed behind them. A sudden gust of wind brought Cereberus crashing down, "Your turn." Claws found their way into Sakura's leg.
She screamed and dove into the trees, nearly dropping Syaoran. She didn't look back as she touched-down on the grass. She had no idea where the guardians were. Her wings vanished as the demon landed. Her long dark hair billowed around her. But her face was shadowed. Her wings were large and scaly.
"Give him to me and I'll spare your life… for now." The she-demon growled.
Sakura's response came through the cards, "Mist!" She shouted. Enshrouded by fog, Sakura picked Syaoran up again and made her get away through the trees.
Ducking behind a small dirt cliff, Sakura brought out two more cards, "Illusion, hide us from her sight! Shield, don't let her sense our magic!" She sighed and leaned back against the ground. This was exhausting. Feeling the Mist return to its card, she knew that she demon was looking for them.
"Gomen, Sakura." Syaoran whispered, startling her.
"Give me a heart-attack why don't you?" Sakura sighed.
"Sorry again." He was sitting up, leaning back on the dirt wall.
Sakura watched him carefully. She was itching to do something about that gash next to his eye. "What are you sorry for?"
He shrugged, "Being a burden."
"You're not a burden." She assured him. He didn't believe her, she knew he didn't. She was about to say something, when he looked at his arm. Rolling up his sleeve, he looked at the five tally-scars on his arm.
"Sakura… She's getting closer."
"Hoe?" Sakura cocked her head, "How can you tell? I don't sense anything."
"Every time she's near, my arm begins to hurt." He stated, as calmly as he could. Not even a minute passed when Sakura began to feel a burning red magic.
"I'll use the fly and we'll be gone before she gets here."
"Don't fly…" Syaoran whispered, the pain in his arm was getting intense, "She'll see us then… we'll both… be killed. You've got the shield… and illusion up, anyway…"
Sakura shook, where was everyone? If that thing found them now, they were dead. Syaoran closed his eyes. "Sleep card," she murmured, hoping to spare him some agony. The sleep emerged from its card, but no matter how much of its magic it tossed on Syaoran, he just wouldn't sleep. An alien red aura flashed every time the glittering dust touched him, eating it away. The sleep returned to its card. Sakura shivered 'I can't do anything when she's near.
His eyes opened slowly. He was struggling not to let his fear, or pain, show. The cut by his eye seemed to bleed more intensely than before. She bit her lip, sensing the bloodied aura over her head. Minutes became years as she silently prayed the creature would leave. Tentacles of dark magic, slimy with acid seemed to crawl over her skin, looking for a vulnerable spot. The feeling slowly faded and the tentacles drew back. Sakura breathed normally only much after the demon disappeared completely.
Syaoran relaxed, sliding lower to the ground. Closing his eyes, he thought, 'How long are we gonna be stuck ere? Sakura won't be able to keep the cards up for much longer. I can feel it.'
Sakura looked over him, "Let me see that." She made him turn his head to the side, so she could have a better look at the wound. There were two cuts next to his left eye. She bit her lip, "Don't move…" She said quietly, kneeling over him. She took off her jacket and wiped the blood away. Cleaning away the red stuff that was also on his other arm, she sighed, wondering for the millionth time what was going on.
Syaoran gently pushed her back, "You shouldn't do that. There isn't any point. You'll only mess up your jacket."
"But-"
"No but's." Sakura frowned slightly. "We'd better stay put until we're sure she's gone. The Illusion and Shield card are draining." He watched her with steady eyes. "Don't waste your energy."
She knew he wasn't nearly as calm as he seemed. But he sure was a good actor. "Fine." She muttered. She really was tired.
"Close your eyes and relax." Sakura did as she was told.
One thing that always surprised him about Sakura was her ability to fall asleep instantly. Syaoran envied her for it. But right now, something else was on his mind…
That thing was still out there and would be for a long time. It was after him and as long as he stuck around Sakura, she was in danger. He glanced at Sakura's sleeping figure. He wasn't going to let her or anyone else get hurt… 'Might as well. I don't have anything to lose.' "Bye, Ying Fa."
He raced through the forest, trying to get as far away from Sakura as possible. Maybe then that thing would get away from her. Somehow, he knew it was following him.
But he knew where he was going and that demon didn't. Coming to his destination, he looked about him, towards the edge of the forest. Behind him, was a tall cliff. His arm began to throb again.
Syaoran stared down then back at the forest. Taking a step back, he could hear his sisters again…
Xiao… kawaii Xiao…
Love you!
Why?...
He shook his head, realizing this black haired demon was torturing him. It had to be her.
"Xiao… Li Syaoran." A chilling voice echoed around him, "Why don't you just let me kill you? I will take your energy eventually. I can do it slowly and painfully, like I have been doing, or quickly and without so much pain." The aura grew immense.
"No to both." His voice held his determination.
"There is no other way." The dragon-winged woman came out of the trees, her dark hair flowing around her.
"Yes there is." Syaoran another step back; the heel of his foot was touching the edge of the cliff. "And I'll take it." Tipping himself back, he felt the rush of the air as he plummeted to the ground below. 'No one will get hurt at my expense. No more pain. I'll see my family again.' He could hear the she-devil screech as a million and one thoughts rushed through his head, 'Yukito, Kaho, everyone, I love you. Sakura… I hope you and Kenneth are happy together.' An ironic smile crossed his face, 'Looks like Meiling's gonna have to find a way to make my after-life a nightmare.'
Ripping through… Blue light… Scars burning… The ground rose up to meet him…
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