Do You Remember Me? I Remember You
By Rainbow Dreamer
*Dedicated to all those who have helped me in any way possible to make this story possible. If it weren't for the support of all you, I couldn't have done this. Thank you.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT, I repeat, I do NOT own CCS. It belongs to Clamp! I think you all know though, that this story is my own and every idea is of my own. Yep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey people! I'm back again. I know, I know, I take FOREVER to update. Gomen. Sorry. And all that. I've just been thinking how to end this story and the battle scenes, for I'm horrible at battles, so bear with me here. Thanks.
As you all know, this story is unfortunately coming to an end. I'm actually estimating only one. We'll see how this one goes, all right? Thanks for your everlasting amount of empathy.
Thanks, and more thanks,
Rainbow dreamer.
IF YOU REVIEWED FOR THE LAST CHAPTER, LOOK FOR YOUR NAME UNDER SPECIAL THANKS BELOW!
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Keetra: Wow! You guess right! I'm glad it surprised you in the end. And sorry for the cliffhanger. I'm half alive here with all the threats here. Sorry for updating so slowly.
Sweet Madison: Hey Smiley girl! Hehe. I don't know what got into me when I created Panther. It just suddenly popped in my mind.
SK: Happy reading!
Sakura-Blossom: Thanks.
*LiL * lol. I hope you enjoy this chapter and sorry for the late update.
Princess Cherry Blossom: Oh! You can give me no higher praise than that you were touched by my story! Thank you!
Elizabeth and Kimmy: Thank you both (assuming there are two of you) for reading my fic. It's okay if you haven't been reading, thank you all the same.
Kirei Ayumi: I'm glad you thought the friendship part was sweet and the battle scene even though I'm horrible at the battle scenes. Thanks. And no? Ryoko and Kali weren't a surprise? Argh! Hehe. Anyhow, thanks!
Idiot 1988: Sorry for the cliffhanger! Really. And you probably want to kill me for updating so slowly, aren't you? My deepest apologies!
Ash Night: You're not a sap. I love it when I hear that my readers get emotional in my fic. It makes me think that maybe my stories are written well enough to touch some hearts out there. Thank you.
Megami no Hikari: Heheh. Thanks.
Lilyflower: My drama queen! And the quieter version of you? LoL, I love you all the same! Thanks for reviewing!
Smilez: Yes, the story is about to come in and end. Sorry about that, but I hope you had fun reading this; I had fun writing this.
Cryst: I'll never surprise you, won't I? LOL
Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Thanks! And argh, don't kill me for taking forever to update. I've got lots of tests to prepare for like midterms, SATs, and AP exams. Urgh. How torturous.
Krzyanime boy: I'm glad you liked the twist. Thanks.
Cherry Blossom: Thanks. Sorry for taking so long to update.
Cherri Ookami: Thanks
Anime Freak 242: Thanks for loving the last chapter!
Jessi: You rock too girl! Hehe. You're wonderful enough to stick with me throughout this fic. :)
LiL Dragon Gurl 28: Thank you for all those wonderful, amazing compliments! And of course I'm continuing this! To the end!
Monkee: Thank you! I'm glad you're falling in love with my fics!
DID I MISS ANYONE? THANK YOU IF I DID. AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE READING BUT HAVE NOT REVIEWED AS WELL. THANK YOU TIMES A THOUSAND TIMES WOULDN'T BE ENOUGH TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE. Oh, and I'm not shouting. I'm just happy. Heheh
Rainbow Dreamer
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: I Love You
*** Sakura's POV***
It was a girl. Familiar. "Don't Sakura," The voice pleaded. I turned to meet Kali in the eye.
"KALI?" I shrieked. I spun around to see that Ryoko had blocked the panther from harming Syaoran.
But what scared me was that he had magic.
And it was orange.
I could feel myself trembling unconsciously as if it was cold outside. But the evening was still and no winds blew. The night sky was unbelievably dark and only one star shone in the sky. The rest were gone, covered by the clouds.
"How welcome of you to join us, Angels." Panther's voice seethed, bringing me out of my thoughts. "How very welcome."
"Angels?" Eriol questioned, trying to put the puzzle pieces together. How did this two- angels- have magic without him or Sakura or Syaoran noticing it? And worse yet, he knew these people.
"Oh? That's right, you guys don't know." Panther sarcastically mocked. He turned to me, his eyes piercing mine in a tight eye lock. "These should be the two you thought that were my partners, card mistress." His eyes flashed evilly. "How does it feel to be betrayed by your friends?" his voice rose angrily.
I just stood there. Shocked. Absorbing all the information slowly.
"Explain this." Syaoran demanded, his voice quiet and threatening. His eyes were staring hard towards Ryoko and Kali.
Ryoko sighed and ran his fingers through his flamed hair that seemed redder in contrast to his paled skin. "Like Panther said, we are Angels, but more like guardian angels. We wanted to warn you both," he looked at Syaoran then towards me, "but this was the only way that was allowed of us."
"So you decided to cheat my feelings?" Syaoran's voice had risen threateningly.
"Iie!" Kali cried. "Not you Syaoran, never." She said emotionally, shaking her head with such force that made her blond hair fly. "When the Gods told me about guarding the both of you until evil came, I thought I could do it without loving you. But I found out that I can't." She smiled. "I love you, Syaoran." She whispered.
I felt a tinge of pain in my heart and my chest tightened. She still loved him. And she was his angel. His angel. She belonged to him much more than she did. She had no hope against him. She had to let him go.
"How touching," Panther cut in before Syaoran could reply. "Are you going soft hearted the future leader of the Li Clan? How can you bring our clan into greatness with such a pitiful young boy as you! Your feelings have come across you, Syaoran Li! You no longer have that strong will in your heart no longer and I know now that you cannot, and will not, defeat me."
"That will be for me to decide." Syaoran growled menacingly, pointing his sword at Panther. The opponent merely laughed.
"How can you defeat me? You had to have an angel, at that, to protect you."
I could see a shadow flicker over Syaoran's eyes, covering those sweet amber eyes like those stars covered by the clouds. The one thing he hated most was to treated as an inferior and would do anything to prove that he was strong.
"Your father died when you were so small. Ah, yes I remember that. You were so pathetic then, crying over your dear beloved father. Of course the elders didn't let you mourn; a clan leader must be strong after all. But you failed Li Xiao Lang! You failed your first mission, to retrieve the cards that are rightfully the Clan's."
Panther stopped theatrically. "You know, we are quite alike. The cards are rightfully yours and the clan leader position is rightfully mine. We'll do whatever it takes to accomplish that, won't we?"
"Stop it!" Syaoran yelled, covering his ears.
"Afraid aren't you? Instead of retrieving the cards, you decided to fall in love with the card mistress herself in hopes of that you might still able get the cards."
"That's not true." His voice was barely over a whisper, like a whimpering child. I couldn't dare meet his eyes. Had what Panther said true?
"You told the elders that you would protect the cards through protecting the card mistress, and that perhaps through that you could have them for your clan, for your pride." Panther sneered evilly.
"Your mother was most disapproving in this." He continued. Syaoran jerked his head up. "Didn't know that did you? She even suggested that perhaps you should not be the clan leader. She couldn't imagine you falling in love with the card mistress. Yelan Li herself planned for you to marry others inside the clan."
"Syaoran, don't listen to his propaganda. You have to filter what he has said for yourself." Eriol reprimanded, trying to steel his friend out into the light where the waters weren't muddied. "Syaoran Li." He repeated, his voice firm, like a father speaking to a son.
"The Clan doesn't really want you as leader you know. They're just willing because you might marry the card mistress and then the cards will be under the Clan rule." He mocked. "But you're not in love with the card mistress. You can't even remember who she is! You're bringing great shame on your whole family."
"Don't listen!" Kali shouted. "They're all lies!"
"Shameful."
"Snap out of it Syaoran!" Ryoko yelled.
"Dishonorable."
"Li Xiao Lang, listen to me." Eriol tried to convince his best friend.
"Disgraceful."
"Gaki, ignore him." Kero burst, talking for the first time that night.
"Pity."
"Li, you know better than to listen." Yue stated calmly.
"What would your dead father say about you now?" Panther asked, dropping the last stone. This was the worst he could of done. The last thing Syaoran wanted to do was to bring pain to his dead father; he wanted his father to be proud but he had let him down.
I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. They spilled over and made a single lonely track down my cheeks. The pooled at by chin before dropping slowly to the ground.
"Onegai, don't return to the original you Syaoran." I whispered out. "Onegai, don't."
Syaoran didn't even respond to my voice. "Panther, this is between you and me only." His voice was full of steel and authority, his muscles tightening as he grasped his sword harder. "Deal?"
The corners of Panther's mouth went up in a devilish smile. "Deal." He replied in a sinister manner. With a snap of his fingers, magic flickered.
No. No. No.
Syaoran had isolated himself from me, from everyone.
No. No. No.
I bit my bottom lip. This wasn't happening. I didn't want him to turn back into that impassive person I met years ago. Those cold hard orbs that showed no life. That stubborn mouth pulled into a straight line. Those hands that had no warmth. Please, Syaoran.
No.
Eriol, Ryoko, and Kali tried to convince him out of it. He wouldn't even hear about it. The old him. The person that he hid inside was back once again. Tears were flowing down my cheeks unconsciously that I didn't even know that they were there. Kero and Yue were silent, but they expressed their disapproval.
"Syaoran," I said, my voice cracking, barely over a whisper. I tired again, clearing my throat. "Syaoran."
He heard me this time and turned towards me. Those dull eyes that showed no emotions bore into mine. They made me shiver, those chilling eyes that were glaring, as if he hated everything. They were challenging me to go against him. Taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eye and spoke. "I thought we were partners."
I could see Syaoran's hesitation, but it wasn't for long. "You left me there back at the mansion." He replied stonily.
"But you came for me."
He hesitated once again and slowly shook his head. "Iie. I came for the battle."
I closed my eyes, not wanting to see Syaoran like this, so cold, yet so like him. "So did I." I replied, my own voice surprised me. He chose not to respond to my answer.
"See how it feels? Friendship being torn away? Other people are useless! We have to be alone and fight for what we want." Panther laughed like a lunatic. He had succeeded breaking up the bonds of friendship. He would, definitely, win now.
"Shut up." Syaoran commanded, lashing out his sword. "Let's battle."
Panther laughed again, yet the ghostly panthers that were revolving around him stopped and glared icily at Syaoran. With the snap of his fingers, the panthers were charging at Syaoran like bloodthirsty hounds.
"Fire, come to my aid," Syaoran demanded, fire blazing around his sword in a steady glow. I stared; I had forgotten that he had been training magically while he got back in China. He moved into position and, with a few swift motions, he sliced the panthers in half, making them disappear lightly. His eyes faced Panther challengingly.
Panther just smirked. Snapping his fingers, a panther came that was large and wrapped himself around Syaoran.
I cried out his pain for him. My tears dropping onto the dry ground and disappearing quickly like our fading hope.
He had locked all his emotions inside himself once more.
Kali stepped out from behind me and went over to him, chanting a light spell, a sliver blue glowing pearly around her. She caught the light in her hands and touched the panther around Syaoran. It immediately recoiled itself and pranced back to its owner as if afraid.
"Syaoran, this isn't right, fighting by yourself." Kali begged, shaking his arm.
"Jiang," I started to say, walking over to her. She did not know this Syaoran. But before I could say more, Syaoran's head turned and a cold, death-glaring look was shot at Kali.
"Let go of me." His voice was monotone and deep. "Now." He commanded. When Kali refused, he simply yanked his arm out of his grasp and knocked her away sharply with a quick blow of his sword. Kali barely had time to call up a barrier for herself, but the strength made her fall to the ground.
"What the hell is wrong with you, man?" Ryoko demanded, helping Kali to stand up.
"He's back," I whispered, staring at his glaring looks. Eriol walked up beside me and held my hand, squeezing it tightly. He too, knew he was back. This was the real him, the side he managed to keep hidden these past years. I closed my eyes sadly.
"What are you talking about Sakura?" Ryoko asked furiously. I looked at him with his light green eyes flashing furiously and his cheeks flushed with emotion.
"You don't know him; you don't know the real him." I replied, as if spellbound. "This is not the Syaoran you know. This is him, the person inside him without emotions."
"What are you talking about Sakura?" Ryoko repeated, yet this time his voice was drained and distant, his eyes searching mine wildly as if to see if I were joking or not. This was not a joke. This whole thing was not funny. This was real, the real truth of matters. Everything had shown.
"Welcome to the truth, Angels." Panther greeted. "This is the real him. I guess the Gods slipped that little piece of information huh? How much do they even tell you guys?"
"Shut your mouth!" Ryoko roared, orange magic glowering around him.
Panther's smile grew wider evilly and I felt more and more uneasy under those eerie looks. He could see them getting frustrated and giving up hope. They were not one as they were they just arrived. They were falling apart. And then, everything would be his. Just a little more time.
I saw Ryoko pacing furiously, his usual calm and collected manner gone. I saw Kali, watching Syaoran intently, as if wanting to call him back with her pools of watery emotion. I saw Eriol standing next to me, his blue eyes troubled and thinking wisely to himself. I saw Kero and Yue standing next to each other, just being there for each other and not talking.
And I saw Syaoran. His sword now by his side still blazing with great fire of intense heat and colors. Those dull, lifeless almost black orbs were staring to the ground with such hate and dislike. I could sense his aurora flaring out of control wildly.
I didn't notice that Panther was chanting something under his breath until I sensed my cards glowing. Looking at the card in my hand, I noticed it was shield, shining pink. She was warning me I realized.
My head shot up as my eyes widen as I saw Panther attacking on all of us from above in full force. Shield immediately came out and a hue of pink dashing over all of us.
But it wasn't enough. It was crashing down slowly despite the strength Eriol was feeding it. I could sense that his magic wasn't blending with mine as well as Syaoran did. But why? Eriol was the reincarnation of Clow Reed. He made those cards. Yet they went better with Syaoran.
But Syaoran was refusing to help. He had closed himself in. Locked himself in.
I only had one chance left. Tossing a card up into the air, I called out the love card that Syaoran and I made after he told me that he was leaving for Hong Kong for a year. He had told me that as long as this card is alive, that meant that his love for me was still alive. It was so sweet then and it seemed, oh, so long ago.
At this moment I realized how much I wanted him to be back. The Syaoran that I feel in love with. The Syaoran that I will always love.
Now I called it for help. A maiden of long pink hair and dazzling blue eyes with a kimono of purest white came out. She gave me a reassuring smile before gliding over to Syaoran. As she was about to give him a kiss of emotions and of love, when a black magical aurora hit her away.
"Love!" I called out in distress. What had caused that? Surely Syaoran's magic was green, not black. Love looked at me painfully, unable to look me in the eye. I knew that using Love would not let Syaoran regain his emotions; I called it back. The puzzle pieces were bit by piece falling into place, showing me a dash of light, enlightening me.
"Panther," I spoke authoritatively and steadily even though I was shaking inside. My hands were unbelievably calm and my grip on my staff was firm. "What have you done with Syaoran? I know clearly that that was not his magic, but yours."
Panther grinned; he was outside the pink barrier I had created. How had he been able to attack through it? Then it clicked. It was so simple, yet it worked.
"I knew you, out of everyone else, would notice that first card mistress." He said coyly. I glared at him. "He was the one who said that this was only between himself and me."
"That does not give you the right to connect a magical tie to him." I replied firmly, feeling for the first time that night, confident of what I was doing.
"Oh dear, you saw that too?" He asked a bit too innocently. "No point in hiding any further I guess." With another snap of his fingers, ghouls of panthers were revolving around Syaoran and I could see his magic draining away to Panther through web like magical ties.
I heard Kali and Ryoko draw in a breath of surprise as much as Eriol and my guardians did. "Release him." I stepped forward, my staff in hand. "Your purpose of attacking is much more than some clan figurehead Panther,"
"It isn't?" Kali whispered.
I smiled, yet it was a sad one that contained no life. "Iie." I replied softly. "He wants me." I finished, meeting Panther's eyes directly. "Everyone else isn't meant to be here."
"You cannot be serious Sakura." Eriol firmly stated, a stubborn line drawing across his face.
"You've always been wonderfully bright, card mistress." Panther complimented, his eyes glinting evilly.
"He wants you?" Kero roared furiously, finally speaking up. "How? Why?"
I nodded and attempted a smile at Kero. "I realized it all when Love did not work on Syaoran." Those looks he sent before, making me shiver coldly. Those eyes that glinted every time Syaoran ignored me. It somehow just made sense to me that he wanted me.
"Why would he want you? He doesn't even know you?" Eriol asked sensibly.
"I've know her for years." Panther's voice seemed to glide up and down my skin in an utterly skin crawling manner; I shuddered. "I've been watching her, wanting her since she was born, since her name was first heard in my ears."
"The hell!" Kero cursed. Yue's face also expressed great dislike of this .. stalker.
Panther grinned mischievously. "Now that I've gotten the ridiculous little wolf out of the way, you're mine, card mistress." He waves his hand over my pink barrier and easily enters, gliding as if the shield was made out of water. He simply ignores the threats of those around me like Kero who was glaring with his haunches raised.
"You're mine." He whispers in my ear, licking my earlobe afterwards.
I stand like stone, unmoved by his actions or words. Instead my eyes are upon Syaoran who was standing lifelessly with black magic encaging him. I turn my eyes back to Panther, raising my chin highly.
"I happen to still love that little wolf." I state calmly, meeting his eyes with defiant confidence. "And I will always will. I will never be yours."
Panther steps back at my answer but he smiles after a moment. "Your courage has been something I've always admired of you." He compliments, tracing my jawbone with a long finger slowly. I growl menacingly, but I don't go against him. Finally he stops and looks at Syaoran over his shoulder.
"And you still won't love me, even though your dear wolf's life is in my hands?" he questions evilly, raising his right hand to set the next command.
My eyes open in fear and one look Panther's deep-set eyes; I know he's not kidding. He will kill Syaoran if that will make me his.
"Sakura, don't listen to him. If you obey him now, no one can ever save Syaoran." Eriol cautioned. I look at him, his eyes worried yet they saw clearly through situations.
"There are other ways of saving Li." Yue stated, walking forward until Panther shot him a look to stay. Kero nodded in agreement, those fiery eyes filled with sadness and anger.
I turn my head away from my friends; I had seen enough. Panther grinned, gliding his hand under my chin, forcing me to look up into those deep black orbs. "Will you be mine?" He repeated, his voice steady and commanding in a quietly dangerous voice. His soulless eyes glittered.
"Do not treat me as a baka, Panther." I replied, my voice firm. "You do not want me, but of what I can offer, is that not so?" I taunted.
Panther's smile still remained on his face, yet it was fake and pasted on. "You misunderstand me Sakur-,"
"Kinomoto." I cut in. "You will address me as Kinomoto. Only my close friends can call me that."
Panther slapped me smartly across the mouth. Kero roared angrily. I calmly collected myself and straightened myself up. "I will never give in to you." I said. "My heart belongs to Syaoran, and him only, whether or not he returns my affections."
He smirked and looked over at Kali. "You worry, my dear," He said. I gave him a dirty look when he said dear, "that Syaoran loves that female Angel."
"I envy none." I reply firmly, covering my little bit of jealously hidden within my heart. I will not be conquered by his slippery words that will throw me deep into the abyss.
"It seems to me that someone's plan backfired." Panther's words confused me and I shot him a look, wondering what he had meant by it. But his eyes weren't at me; they were at Kali, whose face had just paled. "I must thank you for helping. I couldn't have planned it better."
"What do you mean?" I demanded.
Panther grinned. "Don't you know? I'm sure one of the Angels would be glad to tell you." His eyes were glittering in a strange way that made me very suspicious. I had a feeling that it would be better for me not to know, for Panther would definitely use it against me.
"The only thing I want to know right now is why you want me." I stated smoothly. "And after that, I want to save Syaoran and leave."
Panther's maniac laughter echoed through t empty night. "Don't you want to know? You are curious aren't you? Why Xiao Lang's been acting the way he is?" He hinted.
I glared at him. "I'm not Pandora. You will not taunt me into releasing some evil."
"Oh yes, your intelligence is also something I ardently admire."
"Shut the f*ck up!" Ryoko finally burst. "Are you through?"
The man's facial features hardened immediately. He raised his hand and before I, or anyone could stop him, he attacked Ryoko with one of his panthers. Ryoko blocked but the panther was increasingly stronger and barged through the barrier making the young man soar through the air and slam into a trunk of a tree.
"Ryoko!" I cried. Kali dashed over to help him. I turned looked at Panther.
"You had no right." I growled. Panther slapped me again. I brushed my auburn locks away from my eyes and wiped the blood from my mouth.
"Do not speak to me so." His voice was deep and threateningly. "You are mine."
"I'm not property, and if I were, I certainly don't belong to you." I reply stubbornly.
"You will be mine if I say so." He grasped my wrist and pulled me closer to him, towering over me. And then he reached down and held my chin in a rigid position as he bent his face down to mind.
I shut my eyes; my hands clutched into trembling fists as he captured my mouth and forced his lips upon mine. A tear leaked out from the corner of my right eye and fell silently to the ground, my last bit of honor flowing away with it. When he noticed I wasn't responding, he let me go roughly.
"Sakura!" Eriol quickly ran up to me, steadying me. I wiped my mouth on my sleeve and gave him a weak smile before I struggled against him and stood up. I called out my staff, it shinning brightly.
"No one kisses me without my permission." I state, my voice growing with authority with each word. "If we're going to play, you're going to have to follow my rules."
Panther grinned evilly, conjuring up his Panthers. So, she had decided to fight. He had wondered how long it would take her. He too, raised his staff up and both got into their fighting stances.
They charged towards each other with such fast movements that the observers couldn't see clearly. Blurry figures attacked with contact of their staffs, not using at magic. This was how the battle went in the beginning; no one was allowed to use magic.
I drew in deep breaths, attacking Panther head on, moving quickly like Syaoran taught me to. "You move quickly. Did the little wolf teach you that?" Panther mocked, able to match up to my speed.
I growled and quickly spun on my heels, attacking him from behind. But it was a useless effort; he blocked my move easily. He then attacked and blocked with my staff quickly. I was quick, but Panther had the strength. I could feel myself sliding back slowly as he added pressure. Thinking back on the lessons Syaoran taught me, I eased off my strength, jumping backward and leaping up, attacking down. I hit him in the back, causing him to throw his balance off.
But he never hit the ground. His strongest and largest panther had prevented the fall. He turned to me with his eyes dark and empty. "Now the real battle begins." He acknowledged.
I nodded and called my aurora forth. He waited in defense mode for me to attack first, the privilege granted to those who won the direct combat.
Yes, this was where the real battle begins. And I was nervous. I had never really fought alone; there was always Syaoran by my side. And Eriol. And Tomoyo videotaping in the background, safely hid. And Kero and Yue, my guardians.
"Afraid?" he mocked. "We can end this you know. You don't have to win for Syaoran's freedom."
"I would never marry you." I retort sharply. I closed my eyes, feeling my magic running freely in my veins. I had to believe in the cards. I had to believe in myself.
I called forth water and lightening to my aid, combining to the two cards together, adding to lightning's force. I whispered an old chant under my breath; one Eriol had taught me while teaching me to increase my magical powers because I had to uphold my position as the card mistress.
Electricity with blue and yellow merged together came out and formed a triangle. "Attack." I commanded quietly, triggering the movement. Immediately the triangle blazed and attacked all of the panthers, making them all disappear.
"You're getting stronger." Panther complimented as he wiped the blood from his mouth. Attacking his panthers had affected him. After all, magic and its owner were together as one.
I ignored his comment, holding my staff while breathing a bit hard. That had made me use a lot of magic, yet it was worth it, knowing I had made damage.
Panther concentrated his magic and what he would attack me with made me freeze with free. I could sense my emotions flaring. He was using my weakness against me. And, and I knew I would not be able to win.
"Sakura, you have to fight!" Eriol called. "It's the only way to save him!"
I saw him with his worried look. I took a deep breath and looked up to face my opponent, looking into a pair of dark brown eyes. My heart was shaking with fear yet when I raised my staff half heartedly, it was stable.
Panther had controlled Syaoran to attack me, knowing clearly that I would not attack. Why did things have to be so difficult?
Syaoran, being controlled like a puppet attacked me, using his sword that had a black glow around it. I could only defend myself. I didn't want to hurt him. I heard Kero curse in the background.
But Syaoran was fast, much faster with Panther's magic inside him. I could feel my brain going numb as he towered over me, with his sword ready to attack me full force. I felt tears flowing down my cheeks. I didn't want to die this way, under Syaoran's hands, and unable to save him. Unable to see the real him again.
I bowed my head in despair, of fleeting hope.
I had lost and all things were gone.
There was no point in fighting anymore.
I lowered my right arm that held my staff and closed my eyes.
Seconds passed.
I drew in a deep breath and opened my eyes to see her standing in front of me, defending me from Syaoran.
"Kali." I breathed. "How, why?"
The blonde's face was sad and her ocean blue eyes were swimming with water. "Oh, gomenasai Sakura." She whispered. "This is all my fault."
"Why?"
"I was the one who made Syaoran forget you, so that he could fall in love with me. I was meant to just have fun with it, to test your love for one another. But, but, I found myself liking him....." Her thin voice trailed off, eyes wet and glossy as she held a barrier against Syaoran, the one she liked.
I felt my heart crack slightly from the pain. She really did love him. And Syaoran seemed to return his affections when he no longer could remember who I was.
"Gomen, Sakura." Kali said again. She was beautiful with tears glistening on her fair cheeks; her sun streaked golden hair flowing freely on her back with her crystal blue eyes twinkling. She turned away from me and looked at Ryoko. "Are you ready?" She asked her partner.
Ryoko nodded, his light green eyes serious and determined. "I'll miss you Sakura." He told me.
While I was still wondering why, the two Angels had started to glow, their magical powers increasing rapidly. Orange and blue twined together and they attacked Panther together. Panther tried to defend himself, but the magic went through magic, hitting him squarely in the chest. His ebony eyes turned to me, drilling holes into my eyes hatefully as he disappeared into the night sky. A light wind blew and he was gone as quietly as he came.
Syaoran was stirring slightly and opened his eyes, those sweet autumn orbs that shinned with life. Kali was immediately before him, worried. "Kali? What are you doing here?" He asked with a slight smile of confusion.
I stood there silently, a tear making its way down. Eriol came by to stand by me, as did Kero and Yue.
"Oh, Syaoran, I'm so glad you're okay." She whispered happily. Syaoran smiled and wiped the tears from her face gently. Kali smiled and held his hand to her cheek. "I love you." She confessed quietly. She held Syaoran's face in her hands and kissed him on the lips.
I felt my heart shatter into pieces and I found out that I couldn't bear standing here any longer. I turned on my heels and began quietly walking away with Kero and Yue by my side. Ryoko suddenly walked up to me.
"Sakura." I paused my walking slightly. "I'll miss you." He repeated and grasped my hand and placed something inside. When I opened it, I saw that I was his guitar pick. I looked up confused, but was met with more confusion when Ryoko was no longer there. I spun around me to see Eriol talking quietly with Syaoran who was also holding something in his hands.
I sighed. "Let's go home." I whispered to my guardians. They nodded in silent agreement and the three of us flew off into the quiet night sky with me on Kero's back.
Syaoran tried to talk to me a few days later after that night, but I didn't want to. I was still healing. I didn't want to meet him. I usually spent my days at the Li mansion with Kero in my room, both of us not talking much but thinking a great deal. Tomoyo and Meiling tried to talk to me after they heard what had happened from Eriol. But I didn't want to see them either. Touya was awfully caring to me those few days I locked myself in my room. He was the one who often sent me food to eat and was usually companioned with Yukito.
After three days, I finally decided to go back to Otosan at Shanghai. I had called him and ordered my tickets for the next day early in the morning. I told Tomoyo about it and she firmly decided that she was going with me. Touya and Yukito decided to go home back to Japan where they would resume going to college.
Meiling and Wei saw me off at the airport but Syaoran, Meiling told me, was in the car waiting. Why, I didn't bother to ask. I was still afraid to meet him.
Now as I look out the window of the airplane, I noticed that I never saw Ryoko or Kali after the battle that day. Where they had gone, no one knew for sure. I opened my palm and looked at Ryoko's guitar pick shining brightly in my hands.
Things would be better at home. Tomoyo moved in to our house to finish the rest of the school year with me. We would be returning to Japan after that with Otosan. A day after my return to Shanghai, I went over to Ryoko's apartment, whose door was surprisingly unlocked. As I stepped into the room, it was empty except for some furnishing that came with the room. It was as if no one lived there. It was like Ryoko and Kali were simply a piece of out imagination.
But in his room, his guitar polished brightly was there waiting for me. I smiled and walked over and ran a finger over the strings. A wonderful sound of music floated out. As I put the guitar carefully to put it back into its case, I found letter waiting for me at the bottom of the case.
Sitting down on the cool wooden floor I opened the letter carefully.
Dear Sakura,
If you receive this letter, then the battle is over. And in some ways, aren't you relieved that it is? Either way, we all didn't expect things to result this way. Before I go on with his letter however, I have to apologize for all the pains Kali and I have done to you and Syaoran. It was truly unintentional, especially Kali's falling in love with Syaoran. Indeed, we were sent by the Gods to test your love and to make it stronger so that the evil would not be able to break you two apart. It was truly our mistake when it seemed to set you both even farther away. My deepest apologies and Kali's as well for hurting you along the way.
I know you're still not talking to Syaoran, but try to. It will ease some of the pain. Your love for one another can only grow stronger. Believe me on that, will you Sakura? Give it a second try.
This guitar is yours now, and I hope you don't mind if you could keep its name, Honey Sweet. I'm rather attached to that name. And I'm afraid I cannot participate on the singing competition we practiced so hard on. Don't tell me you forgot about it! You still have a week, so contact Jeff and start practicing! You're so going to kick butt!
You're probably wondering where Kali and I are. Well, I can't say exactly where, but let's say the both of us are on a little break before our next mission. We've both learned so much from this one; I don't think we'll do anything crazy once more. Besides, the Gods have given us a scolding I don't think I'll ever forget! Man, I love those Gods.
You take care, you hear me Sakura? And what the heck are you crying about? I'm not dead! Get that horrible thought out of your mind!
Ryoko.
Oh, did I mention that I love Hamlet? Was I good? Were those letters creepy like those on TV? I'm getting better, aren't I?
I laughed lightly after reading the letter, my back leaning against the white wall with the letter on my lap. Who would of thought things would happen like this? Ryoko, you're one heck of a problem. And I could almost hear that crazy laughter of his, agreeing with me.
***** How was it? I hope the battle part was understandable. Don't worry! The story's not done yet. I have one last chapter to go, to tie up all those loose ends. *Yawn * this chapter took me forever to think of a reasonable plot as of how the battle would unfold. Yeah, so I hoped it went well with you peeps. Give me more suggestions! And I'm still looking for sweet romantic love songs!!! Tell me in your reviews~! Thanks a bunch.
Rainbow Dreamer
By Rainbow Dreamer
*Dedicated to all those who have helped me in any way possible to make this story possible. If it weren't for the support of all you, I couldn't have done this. Thank you.
DISCLAIMER: I do NOT, I repeat, I do NOT own CCS. It belongs to Clamp! I think you all know though, that this story is my own and every idea is of my own. Yep.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey people! I'm back again. I know, I know, I take FOREVER to update. Gomen. Sorry. And all that. I've just been thinking how to end this story and the battle scenes, for I'm horrible at battles, so bear with me here. Thanks.
As you all know, this story is unfortunately coming to an end. I'm actually estimating only one. We'll see how this one goes, all right? Thanks for your everlasting amount of empathy.
Thanks, and more thanks,
Rainbow dreamer.
IF YOU REVIEWED FOR THE LAST CHAPTER, LOOK FOR YOUR NAME UNDER SPECIAL THANKS BELOW!
SPECIAL THANKS TO: Keetra: Wow! You guess right! I'm glad it surprised you in the end. And sorry for the cliffhanger. I'm half alive here with all the threats here. Sorry for updating so slowly.
Sweet Madison: Hey Smiley girl! Hehe. I don't know what got into me when I created Panther. It just suddenly popped in my mind.
SK: Happy reading!
Sakura-Blossom: Thanks.
*LiL * lol. I hope you enjoy this chapter and sorry for the late update.
Princess Cherry Blossom: Oh! You can give me no higher praise than that you were touched by my story! Thank you!
Elizabeth and Kimmy: Thank you both (assuming there are two of you) for reading my fic. It's okay if you haven't been reading, thank you all the same.
Kirei Ayumi: I'm glad you thought the friendship part was sweet and the battle scene even though I'm horrible at the battle scenes. Thanks. And no? Ryoko and Kali weren't a surprise? Argh! Hehe. Anyhow, thanks!
Idiot 1988: Sorry for the cliffhanger! Really. And you probably want to kill me for updating so slowly, aren't you? My deepest apologies!
Ash Night: You're not a sap. I love it when I hear that my readers get emotional in my fic. It makes me think that maybe my stories are written well enough to touch some hearts out there. Thank you.
Megami no Hikari: Heheh. Thanks.
Lilyflower: My drama queen! And the quieter version of you? LoL, I love you all the same! Thanks for reviewing!
Smilez: Yes, the story is about to come in and end. Sorry about that, but I hope you had fun reading this; I had fun writing this.
Cryst: I'll never surprise you, won't I? LOL
Kawaii Cherry Wolf: Thanks! And argh, don't kill me for taking forever to update. I've got lots of tests to prepare for like midterms, SATs, and AP exams. Urgh. How torturous.
Krzyanime boy: I'm glad you liked the twist. Thanks.
Cherry Blossom: Thanks. Sorry for taking so long to update.
Cherri Ookami: Thanks
Anime Freak 242: Thanks for loving the last chapter!
Jessi: You rock too girl! Hehe. You're wonderful enough to stick with me throughout this fic. :)
LiL Dragon Gurl 28: Thank you for all those wonderful, amazing compliments! And of course I'm continuing this! To the end!
Monkee: Thank you! I'm glad you're falling in love with my fics!
DID I MISS ANYONE? THANK YOU IF I DID. AND THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO ARE READING BUT HAVE NOT REVIEWED AS WELL. THANK YOU TIMES A THOUSAND TIMES WOULDN'T BE ENOUGH TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE. Oh, and I'm not shouting. I'm just happy. Heheh
Rainbow Dreamer
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: I Love You
*** Sakura's POV***
It was a girl. Familiar. "Don't Sakura," The voice pleaded. I turned to meet Kali in the eye.
"KALI?" I shrieked. I spun around to see that Ryoko had blocked the panther from harming Syaoran.
But what scared me was that he had magic.
And it was orange.
I could feel myself trembling unconsciously as if it was cold outside. But the evening was still and no winds blew. The night sky was unbelievably dark and only one star shone in the sky. The rest were gone, covered by the clouds.
"How welcome of you to join us, Angels." Panther's voice seethed, bringing me out of my thoughts. "How very welcome."
"Angels?" Eriol questioned, trying to put the puzzle pieces together. How did this two- angels- have magic without him or Sakura or Syaoran noticing it? And worse yet, he knew these people.
"Oh? That's right, you guys don't know." Panther sarcastically mocked. He turned to me, his eyes piercing mine in a tight eye lock. "These should be the two you thought that were my partners, card mistress." His eyes flashed evilly. "How does it feel to be betrayed by your friends?" his voice rose angrily.
I just stood there. Shocked. Absorbing all the information slowly.
"Explain this." Syaoran demanded, his voice quiet and threatening. His eyes were staring hard towards Ryoko and Kali.
Ryoko sighed and ran his fingers through his flamed hair that seemed redder in contrast to his paled skin. "Like Panther said, we are Angels, but more like guardian angels. We wanted to warn you both," he looked at Syaoran then towards me, "but this was the only way that was allowed of us."
"So you decided to cheat my feelings?" Syaoran's voice had risen threateningly.
"Iie!" Kali cried. "Not you Syaoran, never." She said emotionally, shaking her head with such force that made her blond hair fly. "When the Gods told me about guarding the both of you until evil came, I thought I could do it without loving you. But I found out that I can't." She smiled. "I love you, Syaoran." She whispered.
I felt a tinge of pain in my heart and my chest tightened. She still loved him. And she was his angel. His angel. She belonged to him much more than she did. She had no hope against him. She had to let him go.
"How touching," Panther cut in before Syaoran could reply. "Are you going soft hearted the future leader of the Li Clan? How can you bring our clan into greatness with such a pitiful young boy as you! Your feelings have come across you, Syaoran Li! You no longer have that strong will in your heart no longer and I know now that you cannot, and will not, defeat me."
"That will be for me to decide." Syaoran growled menacingly, pointing his sword at Panther. The opponent merely laughed.
"How can you defeat me? You had to have an angel, at that, to protect you."
I could see a shadow flicker over Syaoran's eyes, covering those sweet amber eyes like those stars covered by the clouds. The one thing he hated most was to treated as an inferior and would do anything to prove that he was strong.
"Your father died when you were so small. Ah, yes I remember that. You were so pathetic then, crying over your dear beloved father. Of course the elders didn't let you mourn; a clan leader must be strong after all. But you failed Li Xiao Lang! You failed your first mission, to retrieve the cards that are rightfully the Clan's."
Panther stopped theatrically. "You know, we are quite alike. The cards are rightfully yours and the clan leader position is rightfully mine. We'll do whatever it takes to accomplish that, won't we?"
"Stop it!" Syaoran yelled, covering his ears.
"Afraid aren't you? Instead of retrieving the cards, you decided to fall in love with the card mistress herself in hopes of that you might still able get the cards."
"That's not true." His voice was barely over a whisper, like a whimpering child. I couldn't dare meet his eyes. Had what Panther said true?
"You told the elders that you would protect the cards through protecting the card mistress, and that perhaps through that you could have them for your clan, for your pride." Panther sneered evilly.
"Your mother was most disapproving in this." He continued. Syaoran jerked his head up. "Didn't know that did you? She even suggested that perhaps you should not be the clan leader. She couldn't imagine you falling in love with the card mistress. Yelan Li herself planned for you to marry others inside the clan."
"Syaoran, don't listen to his propaganda. You have to filter what he has said for yourself." Eriol reprimanded, trying to steel his friend out into the light where the waters weren't muddied. "Syaoran Li." He repeated, his voice firm, like a father speaking to a son.
"The Clan doesn't really want you as leader you know. They're just willing because you might marry the card mistress and then the cards will be under the Clan rule." He mocked. "But you're not in love with the card mistress. You can't even remember who she is! You're bringing great shame on your whole family."
"Don't listen!" Kali shouted. "They're all lies!"
"Shameful."
"Snap out of it Syaoran!" Ryoko yelled.
"Dishonorable."
"Li Xiao Lang, listen to me." Eriol tried to convince his best friend.
"Disgraceful."
"Gaki, ignore him." Kero burst, talking for the first time that night.
"Pity."
"Li, you know better than to listen." Yue stated calmly.
"What would your dead father say about you now?" Panther asked, dropping the last stone. This was the worst he could of done. The last thing Syaoran wanted to do was to bring pain to his dead father; he wanted his father to be proud but he had let him down.
I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. They spilled over and made a single lonely track down my cheeks. The pooled at by chin before dropping slowly to the ground.
"Onegai, don't return to the original you Syaoran." I whispered out. "Onegai, don't."
Syaoran didn't even respond to my voice. "Panther, this is between you and me only." His voice was full of steel and authority, his muscles tightening as he grasped his sword harder. "Deal?"
The corners of Panther's mouth went up in a devilish smile. "Deal." He replied in a sinister manner. With a snap of his fingers, magic flickered.
No. No. No.
Syaoran had isolated himself from me, from everyone.
No. No. No.
I bit my bottom lip. This wasn't happening. I didn't want him to turn back into that impassive person I met years ago. Those cold hard orbs that showed no life. That stubborn mouth pulled into a straight line. Those hands that had no warmth. Please, Syaoran.
No.
Eriol, Ryoko, and Kali tried to convince him out of it. He wouldn't even hear about it. The old him. The person that he hid inside was back once again. Tears were flowing down my cheeks unconsciously that I didn't even know that they were there. Kero and Yue were silent, but they expressed their disapproval.
"Syaoran," I said, my voice cracking, barely over a whisper. I tired again, clearing my throat. "Syaoran."
He heard me this time and turned towards me. Those dull eyes that showed no emotions bore into mine. They made me shiver, those chilling eyes that were glaring, as if he hated everything. They were challenging me to go against him. Taking a deep breath, I looked him in the eye and spoke. "I thought we were partners."
I could see Syaoran's hesitation, but it wasn't for long. "You left me there back at the mansion." He replied stonily.
"But you came for me."
He hesitated once again and slowly shook his head. "Iie. I came for the battle."
I closed my eyes, not wanting to see Syaoran like this, so cold, yet so like him. "So did I." I replied, my own voice surprised me. He chose not to respond to my answer.
"See how it feels? Friendship being torn away? Other people are useless! We have to be alone and fight for what we want." Panther laughed like a lunatic. He had succeeded breaking up the bonds of friendship. He would, definitely, win now.
"Shut up." Syaoran commanded, lashing out his sword. "Let's battle."
Panther laughed again, yet the ghostly panthers that were revolving around him stopped and glared icily at Syaoran. With the snap of his fingers, the panthers were charging at Syaoran like bloodthirsty hounds.
"Fire, come to my aid," Syaoran demanded, fire blazing around his sword in a steady glow. I stared; I had forgotten that he had been training magically while he got back in China. He moved into position and, with a few swift motions, he sliced the panthers in half, making them disappear lightly. His eyes faced Panther challengingly.
Panther just smirked. Snapping his fingers, a panther came that was large and wrapped himself around Syaoran.
I cried out his pain for him. My tears dropping onto the dry ground and disappearing quickly like our fading hope.
He had locked all his emotions inside himself once more.
Kali stepped out from behind me and went over to him, chanting a light spell, a sliver blue glowing pearly around her. She caught the light in her hands and touched the panther around Syaoran. It immediately recoiled itself and pranced back to its owner as if afraid.
"Syaoran, this isn't right, fighting by yourself." Kali begged, shaking his arm.
"Jiang," I started to say, walking over to her. She did not know this Syaoran. But before I could say more, Syaoran's head turned and a cold, death-glaring look was shot at Kali.
"Let go of me." His voice was monotone and deep. "Now." He commanded. When Kali refused, he simply yanked his arm out of his grasp and knocked her away sharply with a quick blow of his sword. Kali barely had time to call up a barrier for herself, but the strength made her fall to the ground.
"What the hell is wrong with you, man?" Ryoko demanded, helping Kali to stand up.
"He's back," I whispered, staring at his glaring looks. Eriol walked up beside me and held my hand, squeezing it tightly. He too, knew he was back. This was the real him, the side he managed to keep hidden these past years. I closed my eyes sadly.
"What are you talking about Sakura?" Ryoko asked furiously. I looked at him with his light green eyes flashing furiously and his cheeks flushed with emotion.
"You don't know him; you don't know the real him." I replied, as if spellbound. "This is not the Syaoran you know. This is him, the person inside him without emotions."
"What are you talking about Sakura?" Ryoko repeated, yet this time his voice was drained and distant, his eyes searching mine wildly as if to see if I were joking or not. This was not a joke. This whole thing was not funny. This was real, the real truth of matters. Everything had shown.
"Welcome to the truth, Angels." Panther greeted. "This is the real him. I guess the Gods slipped that little piece of information huh? How much do they even tell you guys?"
"Shut your mouth!" Ryoko roared, orange magic glowering around him.
Panther's smile grew wider evilly and I felt more and more uneasy under those eerie looks. He could see them getting frustrated and giving up hope. They were not one as they were they just arrived. They were falling apart. And then, everything would be his. Just a little more time.
I saw Ryoko pacing furiously, his usual calm and collected manner gone. I saw Kali, watching Syaoran intently, as if wanting to call him back with her pools of watery emotion. I saw Eriol standing next to me, his blue eyes troubled and thinking wisely to himself. I saw Kero and Yue standing next to each other, just being there for each other and not talking.
And I saw Syaoran. His sword now by his side still blazing with great fire of intense heat and colors. Those dull, lifeless almost black orbs were staring to the ground with such hate and dislike. I could sense his aurora flaring out of control wildly.
I didn't notice that Panther was chanting something under his breath until I sensed my cards glowing. Looking at the card in my hand, I noticed it was shield, shining pink. She was warning me I realized.
My head shot up as my eyes widen as I saw Panther attacking on all of us from above in full force. Shield immediately came out and a hue of pink dashing over all of us.
But it wasn't enough. It was crashing down slowly despite the strength Eriol was feeding it. I could sense that his magic wasn't blending with mine as well as Syaoran did. But why? Eriol was the reincarnation of Clow Reed. He made those cards. Yet they went better with Syaoran.
But Syaoran was refusing to help. He had closed himself in. Locked himself in.
I only had one chance left. Tossing a card up into the air, I called out the love card that Syaoran and I made after he told me that he was leaving for Hong Kong for a year. He had told me that as long as this card is alive, that meant that his love for me was still alive. It was so sweet then and it seemed, oh, so long ago.
At this moment I realized how much I wanted him to be back. The Syaoran that I feel in love with. The Syaoran that I will always love.
Now I called it for help. A maiden of long pink hair and dazzling blue eyes with a kimono of purest white came out. She gave me a reassuring smile before gliding over to Syaoran. As she was about to give him a kiss of emotions and of love, when a black magical aurora hit her away.
"Love!" I called out in distress. What had caused that? Surely Syaoran's magic was green, not black. Love looked at me painfully, unable to look me in the eye. I knew that using Love would not let Syaoran regain his emotions; I called it back. The puzzle pieces were bit by piece falling into place, showing me a dash of light, enlightening me.
"Panther," I spoke authoritatively and steadily even though I was shaking inside. My hands were unbelievably calm and my grip on my staff was firm. "What have you done with Syaoran? I know clearly that that was not his magic, but yours."
Panther grinned; he was outside the pink barrier I had created. How had he been able to attack through it? Then it clicked. It was so simple, yet it worked.
"I knew you, out of everyone else, would notice that first card mistress." He said coyly. I glared at him. "He was the one who said that this was only between himself and me."
"That does not give you the right to connect a magical tie to him." I replied firmly, feeling for the first time that night, confident of what I was doing.
"Oh dear, you saw that too?" He asked a bit too innocently. "No point in hiding any further I guess." With another snap of his fingers, ghouls of panthers were revolving around Syaoran and I could see his magic draining away to Panther through web like magical ties.
I heard Kali and Ryoko draw in a breath of surprise as much as Eriol and my guardians did. "Release him." I stepped forward, my staff in hand. "Your purpose of attacking is much more than some clan figurehead Panther,"
"It isn't?" Kali whispered.
I smiled, yet it was a sad one that contained no life. "Iie." I replied softly. "He wants me." I finished, meeting Panther's eyes directly. "Everyone else isn't meant to be here."
"You cannot be serious Sakura." Eriol firmly stated, a stubborn line drawing across his face.
"You've always been wonderfully bright, card mistress." Panther complimented, his eyes glinting evilly.
"He wants you?" Kero roared furiously, finally speaking up. "How? Why?"
I nodded and attempted a smile at Kero. "I realized it all when Love did not work on Syaoran." Those looks he sent before, making me shiver coldly. Those eyes that glinted every time Syaoran ignored me. It somehow just made sense to me that he wanted me.
"Why would he want you? He doesn't even know you?" Eriol asked sensibly.
"I've know her for years." Panther's voice seemed to glide up and down my skin in an utterly skin crawling manner; I shuddered. "I've been watching her, wanting her since she was born, since her name was first heard in my ears."
"The hell!" Kero cursed. Yue's face also expressed great dislike of this .. stalker.
Panther grinned mischievously. "Now that I've gotten the ridiculous little wolf out of the way, you're mine, card mistress." He waves his hand over my pink barrier and easily enters, gliding as if the shield was made out of water. He simply ignores the threats of those around me like Kero who was glaring with his haunches raised.
"You're mine." He whispers in my ear, licking my earlobe afterwards.
I stand like stone, unmoved by his actions or words. Instead my eyes are upon Syaoran who was standing lifelessly with black magic encaging him. I turn my eyes back to Panther, raising my chin highly.
"I happen to still love that little wolf." I state calmly, meeting his eyes with defiant confidence. "And I will always will. I will never be yours."
Panther steps back at my answer but he smiles after a moment. "Your courage has been something I've always admired of you." He compliments, tracing my jawbone with a long finger slowly. I growl menacingly, but I don't go against him. Finally he stops and looks at Syaoran over his shoulder.
"And you still won't love me, even though your dear wolf's life is in my hands?" he questions evilly, raising his right hand to set the next command.
My eyes open in fear and one look Panther's deep-set eyes; I know he's not kidding. He will kill Syaoran if that will make me his.
"Sakura, don't listen to him. If you obey him now, no one can ever save Syaoran." Eriol cautioned. I look at him, his eyes worried yet they saw clearly through situations.
"There are other ways of saving Li." Yue stated, walking forward until Panther shot him a look to stay. Kero nodded in agreement, those fiery eyes filled with sadness and anger.
I turn my head away from my friends; I had seen enough. Panther grinned, gliding his hand under my chin, forcing me to look up into those deep black orbs. "Will you be mine?" He repeated, his voice steady and commanding in a quietly dangerous voice. His soulless eyes glittered.
"Do not treat me as a baka, Panther." I replied, my voice firm. "You do not want me, but of what I can offer, is that not so?" I taunted.
Panther's smile still remained on his face, yet it was fake and pasted on. "You misunderstand me Sakur-,"
"Kinomoto." I cut in. "You will address me as Kinomoto. Only my close friends can call me that."
Panther slapped me smartly across the mouth. Kero roared angrily. I calmly collected myself and straightened myself up. "I will never give in to you." I said. "My heart belongs to Syaoran, and him only, whether or not he returns my affections."
He smirked and looked over at Kali. "You worry, my dear," He said. I gave him a dirty look when he said dear, "that Syaoran loves that female Angel."
"I envy none." I reply firmly, covering my little bit of jealously hidden within my heart. I will not be conquered by his slippery words that will throw me deep into the abyss.
"It seems to me that someone's plan backfired." Panther's words confused me and I shot him a look, wondering what he had meant by it. But his eyes weren't at me; they were at Kali, whose face had just paled. "I must thank you for helping. I couldn't have planned it better."
"What do you mean?" I demanded.
Panther grinned. "Don't you know? I'm sure one of the Angels would be glad to tell you." His eyes were glittering in a strange way that made me very suspicious. I had a feeling that it would be better for me not to know, for Panther would definitely use it against me.
"The only thing I want to know right now is why you want me." I stated smoothly. "And after that, I want to save Syaoran and leave."
Panther's maniac laughter echoed through t empty night. "Don't you want to know? You are curious aren't you? Why Xiao Lang's been acting the way he is?" He hinted.
I glared at him. "I'm not Pandora. You will not taunt me into releasing some evil."
"Oh yes, your intelligence is also something I ardently admire."
"Shut the f*ck up!" Ryoko finally burst. "Are you through?"
The man's facial features hardened immediately. He raised his hand and before I, or anyone could stop him, he attacked Ryoko with one of his panthers. Ryoko blocked but the panther was increasingly stronger and barged through the barrier making the young man soar through the air and slam into a trunk of a tree.
"Ryoko!" I cried. Kali dashed over to help him. I turned looked at Panther.
"You had no right." I growled. Panther slapped me again. I brushed my auburn locks away from my eyes and wiped the blood from my mouth.
"Do not speak to me so." His voice was deep and threateningly. "You are mine."
"I'm not property, and if I were, I certainly don't belong to you." I reply stubbornly.
"You will be mine if I say so." He grasped my wrist and pulled me closer to him, towering over me. And then he reached down and held my chin in a rigid position as he bent his face down to mind.
I shut my eyes; my hands clutched into trembling fists as he captured my mouth and forced his lips upon mine. A tear leaked out from the corner of my right eye and fell silently to the ground, my last bit of honor flowing away with it. When he noticed I wasn't responding, he let me go roughly.
"Sakura!" Eriol quickly ran up to me, steadying me. I wiped my mouth on my sleeve and gave him a weak smile before I struggled against him and stood up. I called out my staff, it shinning brightly.
"No one kisses me without my permission." I state, my voice growing with authority with each word. "If we're going to play, you're going to have to follow my rules."
Panther grinned evilly, conjuring up his Panthers. So, she had decided to fight. He had wondered how long it would take her. He too, raised his staff up and both got into their fighting stances.
They charged towards each other with such fast movements that the observers couldn't see clearly. Blurry figures attacked with contact of their staffs, not using at magic. This was how the battle went in the beginning; no one was allowed to use magic.
I drew in deep breaths, attacking Panther head on, moving quickly like Syaoran taught me to. "You move quickly. Did the little wolf teach you that?" Panther mocked, able to match up to my speed.
I growled and quickly spun on my heels, attacking him from behind. But it was a useless effort; he blocked my move easily. He then attacked and blocked with my staff quickly. I was quick, but Panther had the strength. I could feel myself sliding back slowly as he added pressure. Thinking back on the lessons Syaoran taught me, I eased off my strength, jumping backward and leaping up, attacking down. I hit him in the back, causing him to throw his balance off.
But he never hit the ground. His strongest and largest panther had prevented the fall. He turned to me with his eyes dark and empty. "Now the real battle begins." He acknowledged.
I nodded and called my aurora forth. He waited in defense mode for me to attack first, the privilege granted to those who won the direct combat.
Yes, this was where the real battle begins. And I was nervous. I had never really fought alone; there was always Syaoran by my side. And Eriol. And Tomoyo videotaping in the background, safely hid. And Kero and Yue, my guardians.
"Afraid?" he mocked. "We can end this you know. You don't have to win for Syaoran's freedom."
"I would never marry you." I retort sharply. I closed my eyes, feeling my magic running freely in my veins. I had to believe in the cards. I had to believe in myself.
I called forth water and lightening to my aid, combining to the two cards together, adding to lightning's force. I whispered an old chant under my breath; one Eriol had taught me while teaching me to increase my magical powers because I had to uphold my position as the card mistress.
Electricity with blue and yellow merged together came out and formed a triangle. "Attack." I commanded quietly, triggering the movement. Immediately the triangle blazed and attacked all of the panthers, making them all disappear.
"You're getting stronger." Panther complimented as he wiped the blood from his mouth. Attacking his panthers had affected him. After all, magic and its owner were together as one.
I ignored his comment, holding my staff while breathing a bit hard. That had made me use a lot of magic, yet it was worth it, knowing I had made damage.
Panther concentrated his magic and what he would attack me with made me freeze with free. I could sense my emotions flaring. He was using my weakness against me. And, and I knew I would not be able to win.
"Sakura, you have to fight!" Eriol called. "It's the only way to save him!"
I saw him with his worried look. I took a deep breath and looked up to face my opponent, looking into a pair of dark brown eyes. My heart was shaking with fear yet when I raised my staff half heartedly, it was stable.
Panther had controlled Syaoran to attack me, knowing clearly that I would not attack. Why did things have to be so difficult?
Syaoran, being controlled like a puppet attacked me, using his sword that had a black glow around it. I could only defend myself. I didn't want to hurt him. I heard Kero curse in the background.
But Syaoran was fast, much faster with Panther's magic inside him. I could feel my brain going numb as he towered over me, with his sword ready to attack me full force. I felt tears flowing down my cheeks. I didn't want to die this way, under Syaoran's hands, and unable to save him. Unable to see the real him again.
I bowed my head in despair, of fleeting hope.
I had lost and all things were gone.
There was no point in fighting anymore.
I lowered my right arm that held my staff and closed my eyes.
Seconds passed.
I drew in a deep breath and opened my eyes to see her standing in front of me, defending me from Syaoran.
"Kali." I breathed. "How, why?"
The blonde's face was sad and her ocean blue eyes were swimming with water. "Oh, gomenasai Sakura." She whispered. "This is all my fault."
"Why?"
"I was the one who made Syaoran forget you, so that he could fall in love with me. I was meant to just have fun with it, to test your love for one another. But, but, I found myself liking him....." Her thin voice trailed off, eyes wet and glossy as she held a barrier against Syaoran, the one she liked.
I felt my heart crack slightly from the pain. She really did love him. And Syaoran seemed to return his affections when he no longer could remember who I was.
"Gomen, Sakura." Kali said again. She was beautiful with tears glistening on her fair cheeks; her sun streaked golden hair flowing freely on her back with her crystal blue eyes twinkling. She turned away from me and looked at Ryoko. "Are you ready?" She asked her partner.
Ryoko nodded, his light green eyes serious and determined. "I'll miss you Sakura." He told me.
While I was still wondering why, the two Angels had started to glow, their magical powers increasing rapidly. Orange and blue twined together and they attacked Panther together. Panther tried to defend himself, but the magic went through magic, hitting him squarely in the chest. His ebony eyes turned to me, drilling holes into my eyes hatefully as he disappeared into the night sky. A light wind blew and he was gone as quietly as he came.
Syaoran was stirring slightly and opened his eyes, those sweet autumn orbs that shinned with life. Kali was immediately before him, worried. "Kali? What are you doing here?" He asked with a slight smile of confusion.
I stood there silently, a tear making its way down. Eriol came by to stand by me, as did Kero and Yue.
"Oh, Syaoran, I'm so glad you're okay." She whispered happily. Syaoran smiled and wiped the tears from her face gently. Kali smiled and held his hand to her cheek. "I love you." She confessed quietly. She held Syaoran's face in her hands and kissed him on the lips.
I felt my heart shatter into pieces and I found out that I couldn't bear standing here any longer. I turned on my heels and began quietly walking away with Kero and Yue by my side. Ryoko suddenly walked up to me.
"Sakura." I paused my walking slightly. "I'll miss you." He repeated and grasped my hand and placed something inside. When I opened it, I saw that I was his guitar pick. I looked up confused, but was met with more confusion when Ryoko was no longer there. I spun around me to see Eriol talking quietly with Syaoran who was also holding something in his hands.
I sighed. "Let's go home." I whispered to my guardians. They nodded in silent agreement and the three of us flew off into the quiet night sky with me on Kero's back.
Syaoran tried to talk to me a few days later after that night, but I didn't want to. I was still healing. I didn't want to meet him. I usually spent my days at the Li mansion with Kero in my room, both of us not talking much but thinking a great deal. Tomoyo and Meiling tried to talk to me after they heard what had happened from Eriol. But I didn't want to see them either. Touya was awfully caring to me those few days I locked myself in my room. He was the one who often sent me food to eat and was usually companioned with Yukito.
After three days, I finally decided to go back to Otosan at Shanghai. I had called him and ordered my tickets for the next day early in the morning. I told Tomoyo about it and she firmly decided that she was going with me. Touya and Yukito decided to go home back to Japan where they would resume going to college.
Meiling and Wei saw me off at the airport but Syaoran, Meiling told me, was in the car waiting. Why, I didn't bother to ask. I was still afraid to meet him.
Now as I look out the window of the airplane, I noticed that I never saw Ryoko or Kali after the battle that day. Where they had gone, no one knew for sure. I opened my palm and looked at Ryoko's guitar pick shining brightly in my hands.
Things would be better at home. Tomoyo moved in to our house to finish the rest of the school year with me. We would be returning to Japan after that with Otosan. A day after my return to Shanghai, I went over to Ryoko's apartment, whose door was surprisingly unlocked. As I stepped into the room, it was empty except for some furnishing that came with the room. It was as if no one lived there. It was like Ryoko and Kali were simply a piece of out imagination.
But in his room, his guitar polished brightly was there waiting for me. I smiled and walked over and ran a finger over the strings. A wonderful sound of music floated out. As I put the guitar carefully to put it back into its case, I found letter waiting for me at the bottom of the case.
Sitting down on the cool wooden floor I opened the letter carefully.
Dear Sakura,
If you receive this letter, then the battle is over. And in some ways, aren't you relieved that it is? Either way, we all didn't expect things to result this way. Before I go on with his letter however, I have to apologize for all the pains Kali and I have done to you and Syaoran. It was truly unintentional, especially Kali's falling in love with Syaoran. Indeed, we were sent by the Gods to test your love and to make it stronger so that the evil would not be able to break you two apart. It was truly our mistake when it seemed to set you both even farther away. My deepest apologies and Kali's as well for hurting you along the way.
I know you're still not talking to Syaoran, but try to. It will ease some of the pain. Your love for one another can only grow stronger. Believe me on that, will you Sakura? Give it a second try.
This guitar is yours now, and I hope you don't mind if you could keep its name, Honey Sweet. I'm rather attached to that name. And I'm afraid I cannot participate on the singing competition we practiced so hard on. Don't tell me you forgot about it! You still have a week, so contact Jeff and start practicing! You're so going to kick butt!
You're probably wondering where Kali and I are. Well, I can't say exactly where, but let's say the both of us are on a little break before our next mission. We've both learned so much from this one; I don't think we'll do anything crazy once more. Besides, the Gods have given us a scolding I don't think I'll ever forget! Man, I love those Gods.
You take care, you hear me Sakura? And what the heck are you crying about? I'm not dead! Get that horrible thought out of your mind!
Ryoko.
Oh, did I mention that I love Hamlet? Was I good? Were those letters creepy like those on TV? I'm getting better, aren't I?
I laughed lightly after reading the letter, my back leaning against the white wall with the letter on my lap. Who would of thought things would happen like this? Ryoko, you're one heck of a problem. And I could almost hear that crazy laughter of his, agreeing with me.
***** How was it? I hope the battle part was understandable. Don't worry! The story's not done yet. I have one last chapter to go, to tie up all those loose ends. *Yawn * this chapter took me forever to think of a reasonable plot as of how the battle would unfold. Yeah, so I hoped it went well with you peeps. Give me more suggestions! And I'm still looking for sweet romantic love songs!!! Tell me in your reviews~! Thanks a bunch.
Rainbow Dreamer