Gomen!!!!! .. But I'm continuing for anybody who is actually reading this! ^^ If
there is anybody that is...
Thanks to Pink Cherry Blossom, and wildfire_angel1985 for reviewing. I love you guys so much! It really brightened my mood. Special thanks to Pink Cherry Blossom who stuck with this story since the very beginning. And, by the way, I'm planning to finish the story in this chapter and end it with an epilogue. ^^
(a/n)= Me talking (Author's note)
" "= Character talking
' ' = Character thinking
***= Different scene
Everlasting Story
Chapter 10. Fighting for the sake of love
They had it all planned out. Everything was perfect. They were going to save the world no matter what it took. Our two legendary heroes.
***
"All right, Sakura," Syaoran said mounting his horse. "It's time."
Sakura nodded. They were going to do it. After days of planning it out with the enemy right by their side. She climbed onto the chestnut mare behind Syaoran. They were still trying to find their lost friends, Eriol, Yue, Meiling, Tomoyo, and Kero who they lost days ago.
"Oh, Syaoran! Sakura! We're getting ready to leave already?" Kenji asked, hurrying up to them. They had stopped by at a restaurant for dinner.
Syaoran shook his head. "No, we just want to check something out. You stay here and finish your dinner, all right?"
Kenji looked confused. Syaoran's voice sounded angry. He had better listen. "Oh ok...." he said. 'Had they found out?' he thought to himself while walking back to the restaurant. 'I wonder what they plan to do.'
***
Sakura sighed, exasperatedly. "What kind of screwy plan is this?!" she complained. "If you hadn't told me to sit back and relax while you do all the work, then maybe I could've thought of something better!
"Sakura, Sakura," Syaoran said. "Where are your manners, honey? I'm sure your brains could never think of anything this brilliant." He smiled sweetly. Noticing the threatening glare on Sakura's face, his smile weakened and he said, "Ok, ok I'll shut up now....."
She smiled. "That's better. But I still think that this plan isn't going to work out."
"Whatever....."
"By the way, Sakura, have you noticed any changes?" Syaoran asked.
"Changes? What do you mean?"
"You know... Physical changes, mental changes, anything? Or maybe even your clothing?" He peered closely into Sakura's face.
She moved back a pink blush caressing her soft cheeks. "Well... no," she answered. "Why?"
"You've heard the legend before right?" Syaoran asked. "The heroine is the Mistress of Clow, and the hero is the One."
Sakura gasped. "WHAT??!! You're kidding right?" 'How come I never knew?' she thought. "S-so that means..... I, Sakura Kinomoto, am the reincarnation of the heroine who saved the whole damned world with the One ten billion years ago?!"
"Ten billion years?" Syaoran said. "Where'd you get that from?"
Sakura shrugged. "I had to make it sound unbelievable."
He sweatdropped. "Right, all we have to do is find the One."
"How do we know who the One is?"
"His magic. It's terribly powerful. We should be able to feel it," Syaoran answered.
"Then, how come I can't feel it right now? I think it should be powerful enough to be felt around the world."
'Hmm...... Good point,' Syaoran thought. "Maybe, because he didn't arise yet? Because he didn't meet Kenji yet?"
"Then it'd be hopeless to find him. If he didn't meet Kenji his power hadn't awakened. So this is all a waste. You should've thought of it sooner. No wonder I can't feel any tremendous power coming my way," Sakura closed her eyes exasperated.
Syaoran stared. She's right. They had been so wrapped up in finding the One that they didn't even know what they were going to do. Sure, they had the little radar but there could be other strong sorcerors in the world. If the reincarnated form of the One was here, then they shouldn't be able to feel it at all because they would be just a normal person, that is, until they meet Kenji.
"But Syaoran?" Sakura started looking closely at him.
"Yes, Sakura?"
"I've been sensing very powerful magic coming from you these past few days. Even some changes in your physical appearance," Sakura said, her eyes still closed.
Syaoran's hope flared. "Do you think....."
Sakura opened her eyes and smiled. "There's no need to search for the One anymore, Syaoran. He's right here."
Syaoran, too, smiled. 'Oh this is so perfect,' he thought. "Now all we have to do is go through our plan perfectly."
"What time was it when we first saw Kenji?" he asked.
Sakura shrugged. "Around midnight I suppose?"
He nodded and turned away from Sakura, his face turning red. Over the weeks he had known her, he had developed strong feelings for her. After they're mission, Sakura might have to go back, or one of them might die. He had to tell her before time. 'What's wrong, Syaoran!' his conscious hissed. 'Now's the perfect chance! Don't miss it!'
He cleared his throat and Sakura looked at him. "S-S-Sak-kura?" Syaoran frowned. 'Damn, my voice is too high and squeaky.'
"Yes, Syaoran?"
"I-I-I..." He couldn't seem to know what he was saying anymore.
"Spill."
"I.... Just never mind," Syaoran said sighing exasperatedly.
"Syaoran, don't you ever get my curiosity up like that and then drop the 'Never mind' words on me!" Sakura lectured. "Just say what you have to say, I won't get mad."
"I... I love you?" Syaoran coughed. His words sounded very awkward and came out souding like a question.
Sakura stared at him speechlessly. No words came out. Syaoran, meanwhile, sighed. He knew it wouldn't work out. "Never mind, I told you you shouldn't hear it. Just forget all about it and concentrate on the plan then all right?"
Sakura gave him a strange look and then started to panic. "N-no, no!" she exclaimed. "I mean..." her voice quieted down. "I love you too..."
It was Syaoran's turn to be surprised. "Really?"
She nodded.
"Really, really?"
She nodded.
"Really, really, really???!!!"
Sakura giggled, "Yes, Syaoran, really!" She leaned towards him and kissed him.
***
Kenji grinned to himself while he was sitting down at the restaurant table waiting for his bill. 'So they had found out, huh,' he thought. 'Maybe, I'll set up a little surprise for them...'
***
Eriol, who was currently staying at Haiyakou inn, sat down on his bed, and started to think. Started to think of the events of the past days. Working in the inn, sleeping, eating, thinking, thinking, and thinking. A sharp knock at the door startled him, interrupting his thoughts.
"Yes, who is it?" he called out.
"Mail," the bored voice behind the door answered.
He confusedly stood up, and slowly walked to the door. 'Mail? Since when did I get mail?' Opening the door, he saw a middle-aged man looking very tired and bored holding out a rusty, tea-spilled envelope.
"Are you going to take it or what?" the man asked rudely.
Eriol, who was pissed off, gave the man an equally rude look back and snatched the envelope from his filthy fingers slamming the door in his face behind him.
"Ungrateful, young bastards..." he heard from behind the door.
Carefully, Eriol, looked at the front. It was addressed to Eriol Hiiragazawa, Haiyakou Inn Room 24, Haiyakou City. He was way confused, and slowly, peeled off the envelope seal. Taking out the neatly folded paper inside he read,
"Eriol,
Eriol! We desperately need your help! Sakura, and I are trapped... With the enemy! We're at Tarekanyou right now, along with the legendary Kenji. In one day, Sakura's going to transform-"
At that point, in the 'Sakura's going to transform', the word 'Sakura' was crossed out and rewritten as 'we're'. "So, Syaoran's the One huh..." Eriol muttered, and continued reading.
"we're going to transform soon, and so is Kenji. We're currently staying with him, and I have a plan. It involves you and the rest of the group. We have to bring down Kenji, I'm suspecting he's the one who caused all the problems, and then, the books will be normal again, and the world is saved. Now this is what we do..."
***
It had been an hour since Syaoran and Sakura had confessesed their love to each other. Now, they were the most unusual couple ever. They'd make fun of each other, and were still rude to each other. Except for at times, when they were kind, loving, and gentle.
They finally reached their destination... The Tarekanyou post office. "You wait out here," Syaoran said to Sakura, and walked into the building. The door creaked annoyingly loud, and all the visitors turned to stare at the strange man. He tiptoed, afraid to make the slightest sound as every single person inside, including a dog, was staring at him. He walked up to the counter where there was a skinny young boy sitting there looking tired.
"Hello, would you mind if you checked if any messages to Syaoran Li had arrived here?" he asked bravely.
The boy shrugged and got off his seat. Syaoran waited patiently by the counter careful not to glance directly into the eyes of the strangers who was still watching his every move. Finally, after several minutes he walked back and handed a crumpled letter to Syaoran. 'Guess they don't take care of other people's stuff,' he thought, sighing. He thanked the boy who was slumped in his chair and turned and walked out.
He went to Sakura waving the envelope. "I got the letter from Eriol!" he called to her.
"That's great, Syaoran!" Sakura smiled.
Hurriedly, Syaoran ripped open the seal and read aloud,
"Syaoran,
I got your message and it's good to know you're okay. I think your plan is neat, and it'll work out. It won't be that long to reach you and I already told everybody else. The plan is in action now, and Kenji is so going to go down.
Eriol
Ps. I'm glad to know you're the One, and take care of Sakura!"
Syaoran finished reading the letter and deposited it back into the envelope. "Kenji should think we're not coming back anymore. He's in Tarekanyou Main Restaurant remember, so it'd take about an hour and a half to get from there to here. Let's hope he doesn't find out about the plan. You sure you remember everything Sakura?
Sakura sighed. "Yeah, yeah Syaoran now go!" He nodded and rode the horse away.
"See you soon!"
She started pacing after Syaoran rode away out of sight. Thinking of the plan over and over again. After another hour, the plan went just as it was planned and Sakura saw Kenji riding on a horse plain in sight. She waved him over and he rode to her.
"Sakura, how come you're not with Syaoran, and how come you didn't come back?" Kenji asked. "Are you okay?"
Sakura's face had froze when she saw Kenji's face up close.
*Flashback*
One century ago, outside of Tarekanyou post office
"Sakura, how come you're not with Syaoran, and how come you didn't come back?" Kenji asked. "Are you okay?"
Sakura bawled when she saw him and ran up to him. "S-Syaoran broke up with me!" she shrieked. "I-I hate that bastard!" Kenji took her into his arms and hugged her.
"It'll be all right, Sakura," he said with a calm, comforting voice. "We can be together. You don't need that horrible man with you. We can start a new life... With these..." He took out three emeralds; one necklace, one bracelet, and one ring.
*End of flashback*
Sakura blinked. "What was that?" she mumbled.
"Pardon?" Kenji asked.
She shook her head furiously and remembered the plan. Big fat crocodile tears ran down her face, as she started to cry. "S-Syaoran said he hated me!" she sobbed. "And h-he left me here!"
Kenji looked surprised. "I thought you guys already hated each other. Like real bad too."
Inwardly, Sakura glared at him. 'Stop ruining our plan!' She forced more tears to come out. "N-no! That was j-just an act! We really loved each other!"
"Oh..." Kenji spoke quietly. "I'm sorry... Tell you what, how about we go find him and patch things up? I'm sure he didn't mean it."
Sakura through her tears smiled a little. "T-thanks Kenji, that would be nice."
Kenji smiled too. "We'll use my pendant." He took out the silver pendant that would show where Syaoran was. He held it out and closed his eyes, concentrating hard. After a couple of seconds, he opened his eyes again and spoke, "He's at the beach, let's go."
Something in Sakura's mind kicked in.
*Flashback*
One century ago, outside of Tarekanyou post office
"Let's take down Syaoran first so he won't be any trouble," Kenji said.
Sakura looked up. His voice sounded harsh and evil. This wasn't the Kenji that she knew.
Kenji took the emeralds and placed two of them on himself. The necklace and ring. The bracelet he gave to Sakura to keep. Closing his eyes, he concentrated and then his eyes shot open again. "He's at the beach, let's go."
Akihabara beach
Sakura nodded, and they rode together until they saw Syaoran in sight, who was fumbling with his black and white bracelet.
"Hey, you, bastard!" Kenji yelled, he jumped off his horse, and just as Syaoran was about to face fully towards him, Kenji punched him in the face.
Syaoran spat out blood, eyes flaming, and drew out his sword ready to strike. "Fuck off!" he shouted, slashing his sword.
He barely missed Kenji's whole face as he left a clean cut at the bottom of Kenji's left cheek.
*End of flashback*
Sakura shook her head. 'What is with this?' she thought furiously. Looking at Kenji, she gasped suddenly. There at the bottom of his left cheeks was a scar. Had it been there before? She had never really paid attention to the cheek, but if she did even look at his face, she should've noticed it, because it was a huge deep scar.
"What happened over there?" she asked him, gesturing to his bottom cheek.
"This?" Kenji said, touching his scar. "I can't remember..."
Finally they reached the beach. There was Syaoran, just standing there as if waiting for them, his sword withdrawn.
"Syaoran, what are you doing here? What did you say to Sakura?" Kenji asked coming up to him.
Syaoran lowered his sword. "Nothing, just waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Kenji wanted to know. "Waiting for Sakura to come and apologize for something she didn't even do that caused you to hate her?" His voice was filled with so much cruelty and harshness, that Sakura took a step back. Kenji's arm swung forward and his fist hit Syaoran's jaw.
Blood poured down his mouth, and he wiped it away, raising his sword again. "Who the hell are you anyway?" Syaoran hissed.
Kenji gave an evil laugh. "Me? Why I'm Kenji of course, the friendly old Kenji always giving people advice helping them out in trouble... That old Kenji you mean? Well now I'm something far more different than that... Far more... How would you say it? Evil?" He laughed coldly again.
Syaoran looked up. He could see the full moon shining it's secretive light. It was near midnight, and he wasn't surprised at Kenji's change of attitude.
All of a sudden, Kenji started glowing.
Time.
Eriol shot out from a bush and attacked the transforming Kenji sending him to the ground. Kenji was still transforming, lost between the lives of the legendary Kenji and the modern Kenji. His mind shot back in forth from century to century...
"Nice try, that was a pretty smart plan but it isn't going to work out with me as the enemy," Kenji all of a sudden said, standing up. He was still glowing, but didn't seem the least bit confused. "I knew you were going to plot something against me, Syaoran." He grinned. "And so I plotted something against you back..."
There was a final blast of white light, and it was dark again. Kenji was standing there in a different outfit, more like a battle costume, instead of his normal ragged old-fashioned clothes. His eyes were colder, and glazed. There were strange markings over his face, and he was wearing a headband. He was more physically built and even more mysterious.
Sakura bit her lip. This wasn't part of the plan. Kenji was supposed to be totally confused and lost between the two lives, and that's when they would attack him and destroy the evil one, saving the innocent kind one to live.
Suddenly, memories came into her... Memories of a century ago... Memories of being the heroine, and what the real story was behind the legend... She glanced over at Syaoran and could see he was dealing with the same kind of feelings, and gave the same expression.
Her friends burst out from their hiding places, each giving out a tense look on their face, knowing that the plan had gone wrong. Sakura stared at them. Her beloved friends, companions, comforts... What would become of all of them? Kenji has got to go down. She turned her gaze slowly to her enemy. His transformation was complete. But not quite. She fingered her necklace and ring. It was hopeless really without the bracelet...
"Now just hand over the treasures you little brats..." Kenji whispered, eyeing Sakura and Syaoran. "Hand it over, and I'll spare you."
Sakura looked over at Syaoran. He was darker, more physically built too, and his clothes had changed. She looked down at herself and realized that the same thing had happened to her. But why was Kenji looking at Syaoran? Wasn't she the only one who had the treasures? Her memory raced back to the bracelet she wanted to buy... Syaoran was staring at it wasn't he? Could it be that he had bought it and it was here now? That meant that they still had a chance.
"Syaoran, the bracelet!" she whispered so that nobody but the two of them could hear. He nodded and tossed it over fast as lightning. She looked over at Kenji. His face showed no expression. 'Wow, Syaoran is good...' she thought fumbling to put on the bracelet.
"Ha! Do you think I'm that stupid, Mistress?" Kenji sneered. "Don't you remember that I have my pendant? The one that I used 100 years ago to collect all the three treasures?"
Sakura gulped. 'Damn he can see the whole world's movement with that pendant... But what can he do anyways? I have all the power in my hands... But what is his plan? Surely he could've thought this up and made a resistance. I'll have to do it anyways... It's our only hope.'
"Oh, and before you all die, I must confess that it was I who switched the books, it was I who bombed Akihabara castle, it was I who made you go through all this... Because I wanted you to feel the pain that I felt when you betrayed me, Mistress of Clow, one hundred years ago!" he was screaming by now. "To feel the pain of losing someone I love... You betrayed me for Syaoran! Don't deny it Mistress after I told you that I would care for you instead of him, because you two broke up, you ran back to him, and fought me for the treasures. You cheated me, you never loved me, all you wanted were my emeralds!"
'What?' rang Sakura's startled thoughts. 'What is he talking about?' She searched her brain for a memory. And then it came to her.
*Flashback*
One century ago, Akihabara beach
Kenji cupped his hand around his cut and breathed out. He roughly grabbed Sakura's wrist and twisted it so that she cried out in pain and was facing him. Laughing a little, he pulled her closer and wrapped his other arm around her. "Sakura is with me now, Syaoran Li..." he breathed. "Give it up, she loves me."
Syaoran's eyes widened and he searched Sakura's frightened eyes for the truth. He saw passion for him, and fear for Kenji... So what was it? Should he really give up as he had nothing to fight for anymore or did Sakura really love him?
"Kenji, what's wrong with you?" Sakura whispered, tears spilling out of her scared eyes. "This isn't you, where's the Kenji I know?"
Kenji smirked. "The Kenji you know? What's wrong with me? Don't you love me?" He pulled her even closer and pushed his lips onto hers.
Sakura pulled away, and ran towards Syaoran. "Sorry, Kenji... You aren't the one I love..."
He gaped. "W-what? H-how can you do this to me...?"
Sakura's eyes darkened. "How can I do what to you? You did it yourself... You've changed Kenji, and I found it deep within myself who I love."
"B-but... You can't... I love you, Mistress..." Kenji whispered sinking down onto his knees.
*End of flashback*
So that was the story behind the legend. She took a deep breath and spoke. "I never betrayed you Kenji. You betrayed me. You gave your soul to the emeralds didn't you? They took over your body and became you. All for the sake of power and love..." Tears rolled down her cheeks and she shook her head. "I saw it then that Syaoran was the one I love truly!"
Kenji shrieked. "Stop saying that!"
Taking the distraction, she wiped the tears from her eyes and closed it. She had all three treasures and had all the power she needed, and hopefully, it was the thing that would take Kenji down. Sweating, she concentrated on a green light in her mind, hitting Kenji straight in the chest and him falling, and...
"Ahhh!"
Opening her eyes fully, she saw a beam of emerald light shooting out and attacking Kenji, sending him to the ground. It worked! She gave out a small, relieved smile and closed her eyes again. What did she want to happen now? That's right, she wanted the evil Kenji to disappear, but the kind one to continue living. She concentrated on Kenji's soul, trying to grab it out of the body.
Kenji yelled out, and fell to his knees, hugging his body. "No, I won't let you do that, Sakura..." he whispered, grinning a little. "No!"
Sakura gasped and opened her eyes, losing her concentration, as Kenji reached into his pocket and took out a sharp dagger, aiming it at Sakura's chest. He shot it out, without a warning and it soared towards Sakura, sharp point in front... She closed her eyes, waiting to feel the fatal blow of pain... But it never came. Instead there was a female scream. 'Meiling's voice,' Sakura realized and opened her eyes once again.
She gasped at the sight. Syaoran had jumped in front of her and taken the damage. The dagger was sticking out of his chest and his breathing was ragged. A pool of blood had started filling up on the ground. Sakura stood there in shock and disbelief. Too shocked to know that tears were raining out of her eyes.
"I'll still live..." Syaoran breathed shakily getting up on trembling knees. He gave a sharp yank on the dagger and it came out of his chest, fast but painful, which brought a little gasp from Syaoran and a cry from Meiling. Sakura watched tearfully as Meiling continued to sob in Tomoyo's shoulder. Tomoyo embraced her friend.
Yue and Kero stood there looking horrified while Eriol had a saddened look on his face and was whispering something like, "You can do it... You can do it Syaoran..."
"Sakura... I love you... And... I'm going to save you... From this ruined man... My heart still beats for you!" Syaoran screamed out the last few words and lunged forward taking a powerful, fast swing at Kenji.
Kenji's eyes widened as Syaoran's sword drove through his stomach, so deep and powerful that you could see the end of the sword pointing out of Kenji's back.
Syaoran's breathing became even more ragged and he fell down, unable to keep his balance anymore. His vision was blurred and the pain in his chest was unbearable. He knew deep inside of him that it was his end but refused to acknowledge the truth. Instead, he pulled himself back up and walked towards Kenji and reached for his sword. As he was about to grasp the handle, his physical body couldn't take it anymore and he fell.
"Fight for me, Sakura..." Syaoran's eyes closed forever.
Sakura stared at the body of her love. 'Fight for me, Sakura,' the words still rang in her head. Her eyes were wide and tears were pouring down her cheeks without her noticing. She didn't hear the wailing sound of Meiling, nor the sobbing of Tomoyo, the hushing, soothing sounds of Yue, Kero, and Eriol... And especially the rustling sound of Kenji moving slightly... Inside Sakura's mind, it was all dark, and there was nothing left. Until reality finally hit her. 'He is gone,' her mind told her. 'There is nothing we can do about it, his life is already gone.'
She fell to the ground on her knees. Meiling, and Tomoyo stopped crying, Yue, Kero, and Eriol stopped muttering... Sakura couldn't take any of this anymore. She screamed, and wailed, and gritted the sand with her furious hands.
"Hey, what's with all the crying, the sad part isn't here yet, I'm still alive," said Kenji's mocking voice.
All eyes turned horrified, to the man who was perfectly healthy and not stained with blood. He was one with the emeralds, and immortal.
Angry tears dripped onto the beach, as Sakura's sadness changed to furiosity. "You! You're still alive!" she shrieked. "I can't take any of this anymore! I don't care what the sacrifice is, as long as you die!!!" An emerald aura surrounded Sakura, as Kenji raised high in the air unable to move.
Kenji chuckled. "Do you think that's going to stop me? After all, I am the emeralds, and the emeralds are me." He hovered back down to earth. Sakura felt a small tug on her necklace, bracelet, and ring, and they all disappeared from her body. Without looking, she knew that they were placed on Kenji.
Sakura, to everyone's surprise, smirked. "So, what, you think that's going to stop the power of love? I don't need stupid green things to defeat you!" With those words, she was surrounded with a pink aura. "I'm fighting for Syaoran!" She took Syaoran's blood-stained sword from the ground and turned to face Kenji.
He made the first move and raised his hand. And then he couldn't move. "What?!" he screamed and looked around, his head the only part of his body allowed to move. There were Sakura's friends. Meiling, Tomoyo, Eriol, Kero, and Yue all holding onto his body, not allowing him to move.
"Go, Sakura!"
"Now's your chance!"
"We're fighting with you, Sakura."
"We're all fighting for Syaoran."
"We're going to defeat Kenji together!"
Sakura, warmed by all her friends' words and actions, smiled as her pink aura grew brighter. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Nothing was happening. Just as she was about to lose hope, a cold wind blew past her face, and she felt a warm hand on her cheek. 'I believe in you, Sakura,' said a soft voice. It was Syaoran's spirit coming back to fight with her. "Syaoran." The sword she was carrying flashed a green light which blended perfectly with her pink light.
Opening her eyes, she gazed at Kenji with her deep emerald eyes. And suddenly all was a blinding white, and a deafening scream rose in the air...
***
Fujitaka looked around the beach at the seven bodies on the ground. 'So, two died and five survived huh...' he thought. 'They did an excellent job, and I'm amazed that at least one was actually a survivor of this long and ferocious battle.'
He noticed a green necklace, ring, and bracelet, half buried in the sand. A slow wind blew by, and they disappeared forever into the darkness, never to be used or seen again. Fujitaka smiled, and closed his eyes. In a purple flash, he, and the seven bodies were back at the Kinomoto house.
***
Meanwhile, Sakura Kinomoto, was awake all this time, just too exhausted to move or greet her father, Fujitaka... Or her father, Clow. Her heart still rained with tears inside. Kero had apparently died too, for being too close to Kenji as he died by the light. He had been such a good- no that doesn't describe it- amazing friend, always comforting her, she comforting him. She felt terrible about his death as she felt responsible for killing him. But deep inside her, a voice said that Kero didn't want her to feel that way and it was all right. She knew it was Kero talking and soothing her.
And Syaoran.
That made Sakura allow tears to seep through her shut eyes. She would never have won without him, and she'd never forget him. He fought for her, and she fought for him. But why did he have to die?
"Still thinking about me?"
Sakura's eyes shot open. To her amazement (and joy), there was Syaoran, looking alive and healthy sitting down on the couch. "Syaoran!" she cried jumping into his arms.
He smiled as he took her in and kissed her. "Congratulations on defeating Kenji."
Sakura giggled. "Thanks... But didn't you..."
Syaoran nodded. "Yes, I died. But Clow was nice and allowed me a few minutes here just to say good-bye."
"Oh..." Sakura mumbled as tears threatened to come out again.
"Don't cry, Sakura," Syaoran said smiling. "I love you."
She sniffed. "I love you too... That's why it hurts for me to know that you're going to leave me again."
They fell into a comfortable silence. Sakura was wrapped in Syaoran's arms. It felt so good, just being there. Suddenly she felt cold.
"S-Syaoran?" she said alarmed.
"I'll be watching you, Sakura," he said. Sakura could see that he was fading away into the air. Tears poured out for the millionth time that day.
"Don't go!" she pleaded trying to hang on to his arm. But she couldn't feel him. She only felt cold air, and could see the fading figure of Syaoran.
"I'm not leaving you, Sakura. I'll always be by your side. Stay out of trouble little girl, and who knows, maybe I'll play Santa and... Well, that's a secret," Syaoran said playfully. He kissed her forehead, but Sakura only felt a cold wind touching her. "But maybe I'll come back to my love one day..."
Sakura cried out as Syaoran's figure disappeared. 'What did he mean?' Sakura thought. 'But maybe I'll come back to my love one day...' Hope jumped in her. 'Maybe he'll come back to me one day.'
***
Wow... That's one long chapter! Good news, there's still an epilogue even though the ending seemed like an epilogue anyways *sweatdrop*. Please leave a review behind! ^^
Oh, by the way, did I mention that there's a gallery for this up now? It's at my site so go check it out! ^-^ Review about the picture in the review of the story too! I'm doing a picture for each chapter so I have chapter one and two's pictures out. My main is currently down, because of some problems I'm having with html, but it'll be back up soon. Fanfiction.net for some reason won't show my site's URL so go to my settings and click on my site. Type in after ryuuen_star/fanart.html and u'll be there. ^^ Enjoy!
Thanks to Pink Cherry Blossom, and wildfire_angel1985 for reviewing. I love you guys so much! It really brightened my mood. Special thanks to Pink Cherry Blossom who stuck with this story since the very beginning. And, by the way, I'm planning to finish the story in this chapter and end it with an epilogue. ^^
(a/n)= Me talking (Author's note)
" "= Character talking
' ' = Character thinking
***= Different scene
Everlasting Story
Chapter 10. Fighting for the sake of love
They had it all planned out. Everything was perfect. They were going to save the world no matter what it took. Our two legendary heroes.
***
"All right, Sakura," Syaoran said mounting his horse. "It's time."
Sakura nodded. They were going to do it. After days of planning it out with the enemy right by their side. She climbed onto the chestnut mare behind Syaoran. They were still trying to find their lost friends, Eriol, Yue, Meiling, Tomoyo, and Kero who they lost days ago.
"Oh, Syaoran! Sakura! We're getting ready to leave already?" Kenji asked, hurrying up to them. They had stopped by at a restaurant for dinner.
Syaoran shook his head. "No, we just want to check something out. You stay here and finish your dinner, all right?"
Kenji looked confused. Syaoran's voice sounded angry. He had better listen. "Oh ok...." he said. 'Had they found out?' he thought to himself while walking back to the restaurant. 'I wonder what they plan to do.'
***
Sakura sighed, exasperatedly. "What kind of screwy plan is this?!" she complained. "If you hadn't told me to sit back and relax while you do all the work, then maybe I could've thought of something better!
"Sakura, Sakura," Syaoran said. "Where are your manners, honey? I'm sure your brains could never think of anything this brilliant." He smiled sweetly. Noticing the threatening glare on Sakura's face, his smile weakened and he said, "Ok, ok I'll shut up now....."
She smiled. "That's better. But I still think that this plan isn't going to work out."
"Whatever....."
"By the way, Sakura, have you noticed any changes?" Syaoran asked.
"Changes? What do you mean?"
"You know... Physical changes, mental changes, anything? Or maybe even your clothing?" He peered closely into Sakura's face.
She moved back a pink blush caressing her soft cheeks. "Well... no," she answered. "Why?"
"You've heard the legend before right?" Syaoran asked. "The heroine is the Mistress of Clow, and the hero is the One."
Sakura gasped. "WHAT??!! You're kidding right?" 'How come I never knew?' she thought. "S-so that means..... I, Sakura Kinomoto, am the reincarnation of the heroine who saved the whole damned world with the One ten billion years ago?!"
"Ten billion years?" Syaoran said. "Where'd you get that from?"
Sakura shrugged. "I had to make it sound unbelievable."
He sweatdropped. "Right, all we have to do is find the One."
"How do we know who the One is?"
"His magic. It's terribly powerful. We should be able to feel it," Syaoran answered.
"Then, how come I can't feel it right now? I think it should be powerful enough to be felt around the world."
'Hmm...... Good point,' Syaoran thought. "Maybe, because he didn't arise yet? Because he didn't meet Kenji yet?"
"Then it'd be hopeless to find him. If he didn't meet Kenji his power hadn't awakened. So this is all a waste. You should've thought of it sooner. No wonder I can't feel any tremendous power coming my way," Sakura closed her eyes exasperated.
Syaoran stared. She's right. They had been so wrapped up in finding the One that they didn't even know what they were going to do. Sure, they had the little radar but there could be other strong sorcerors in the world. If the reincarnated form of the One was here, then they shouldn't be able to feel it at all because they would be just a normal person, that is, until they meet Kenji.
"But Syaoran?" Sakura started looking closely at him.
"Yes, Sakura?"
"I've been sensing very powerful magic coming from you these past few days. Even some changes in your physical appearance," Sakura said, her eyes still closed.
Syaoran's hope flared. "Do you think....."
Sakura opened her eyes and smiled. "There's no need to search for the One anymore, Syaoran. He's right here."
Syaoran, too, smiled. 'Oh this is so perfect,' he thought. "Now all we have to do is go through our plan perfectly."
"What time was it when we first saw Kenji?" he asked.
Sakura shrugged. "Around midnight I suppose?"
He nodded and turned away from Sakura, his face turning red. Over the weeks he had known her, he had developed strong feelings for her. After they're mission, Sakura might have to go back, or one of them might die. He had to tell her before time. 'What's wrong, Syaoran!' his conscious hissed. 'Now's the perfect chance! Don't miss it!'
He cleared his throat and Sakura looked at him. "S-S-Sak-kura?" Syaoran frowned. 'Damn, my voice is too high and squeaky.'
"Yes, Syaoran?"
"I-I-I..." He couldn't seem to know what he was saying anymore.
"Spill."
"I.... Just never mind," Syaoran said sighing exasperatedly.
"Syaoran, don't you ever get my curiosity up like that and then drop the 'Never mind' words on me!" Sakura lectured. "Just say what you have to say, I won't get mad."
"I... I love you?" Syaoran coughed. His words sounded very awkward and came out souding like a question.
Sakura stared at him speechlessly. No words came out. Syaoran, meanwhile, sighed. He knew it wouldn't work out. "Never mind, I told you you shouldn't hear it. Just forget all about it and concentrate on the plan then all right?"
Sakura gave him a strange look and then started to panic. "N-no, no!" she exclaimed. "I mean..." her voice quieted down. "I love you too..."
It was Syaoran's turn to be surprised. "Really?"
She nodded.
"Really, really?"
She nodded.
"Really, really, really???!!!"
Sakura giggled, "Yes, Syaoran, really!" She leaned towards him and kissed him.
***
Kenji grinned to himself while he was sitting down at the restaurant table waiting for his bill. 'So they had found out, huh,' he thought. 'Maybe, I'll set up a little surprise for them...'
***
Eriol, who was currently staying at Haiyakou inn, sat down on his bed, and started to think. Started to think of the events of the past days. Working in the inn, sleeping, eating, thinking, thinking, and thinking. A sharp knock at the door startled him, interrupting his thoughts.
"Yes, who is it?" he called out.
"Mail," the bored voice behind the door answered.
He confusedly stood up, and slowly walked to the door. 'Mail? Since when did I get mail?' Opening the door, he saw a middle-aged man looking very tired and bored holding out a rusty, tea-spilled envelope.
"Are you going to take it or what?" the man asked rudely.
Eriol, who was pissed off, gave the man an equally rude look back and snatched the envelope from his filthy fingers slamming the door in his face behind him.
"Ungrateful, young bastards..." he heard from behind the door.
Carefully, Eriol, looked at the front. It was addressed to Eriol Hiiragazawa, Haiyakou Inn Room 24, Haiyakou City. He was way confused, and slowly, peeled off the envelope seal. Taking out the neatly folded paper inside he read,
"Eriol,
Eriol! We desperately need your help! Sakura, and I are trapped... With the enemy! We're at Tarekanyou right now, along with the legendary Kenji. In one day, Sakura's going to transform-"
At that point, in the 'Sakura's going to transform', the word 'Sakura' was crossed out and rewritten as 'we're'. "So, Syaoran's the One huh..." Eriol muttered, and continued reading.
"we're going to transform soon, and so is Kenji. We're currently staying with him, and I have a plan. It involves you and the rest of the group. We have to bring down Kenji, I'm suspecting he's the one who caused all the problems, and then, the books will be normal again, and the world is saved. Now this is what we do..."
***
It had been an hour since Syaoran and Sakura had confessesed their love to each other. Now, they were the most unusual couple ever. They'd make fun of each other, and were still rude to each other. Except for at times, when they were kind, loving, and gentle.
They finally reached their destination... The Tarekanyou post office. "You wait out here," Syaoran said to Sakura, and walked into the building. The door creaked annoyingly loud, and all the visitors turned to stare at the strange man. He tiptoed, afraid to make the slightest sound as every single person inside, including a dog, was staring at him. He walked up to the counter where there was a skinny young boy sitting there looking tired.
"Hello, would you mind if you checked if any messages to Syaoran Li had arrived here?" he asked bravely.
The boy shrugged and got off his seat. Syaoran waited patiently by the counter careful not to glance directly into the eyes of the strangers who was still watching his every move. Finally, after several minutes he walked back and handed a crumpled letter to Syaoran. 'Guess they don't take care of other people's stuff,' he thought, sighing. He thanked the boy who was slumped in his chair and turned and walked out.
He went to Sakura waving the envelope. "I got the letter from Eriol!" he called to her.
"That's great, Syaoran!" Sakura smiled.
Hurriedly, Syaoran ripped open the seal and read aloud,
"Syaoran,
I got your message and it's good to know you're okay. I think your plan is neat, and it'll work out. It won't be that long to reach you and I already told everybody else. The plan is in action now, and Kenji is so going to go down.
Eriol
Ps. I'm glad to know you're the One, and take care of Sakura!"
Syaoran finished reading the letter and deposited it back into the envelope. "Kenji should think we're not coming back anymore. He's in Tarekanyou Main Restaurant remember, so it'd take about an hour and a half to get from there to here. Let's hope he doesn't find out about the plan. You sure you remember everything Sakura?
Sakura sighed. "Yeah, yeah Syaoran now go!" He nodded and rode the horse away.
"See you soon!"
She started pacing after Syaoran rode away out of sight. Thinking of the plan over and over again. After another hour, the plan went just as it was planned and Sakura saw Kenji riding on a horse plain in sight. She waved him over and he rode to her.
"Sakura, how come you're not with Syaoran, and how come you didn't come back?" Kenji asked. "Are you okay?"
Sakura's face had froze when she saw Kenji's face up close.
*Flashback*
One century ago, outside of Tarekanyou post office
"Sakura, how come you're not with Syaoran, and how come you didn't come back?" Kenji asked. "Are you okay?"
Sakura bawled when she saw him and ran up to him. "S-Syaoran broke up with me!" she shrieked. "I-I hate that bastard!" Kenji took her into his arms and hugged her.
"It'll be all right, Sakura," he said with a calm, comforting voice. "We can be together. You don't need that horrible man with you. We can start a new life... With these..." He took out three emeralds; one necklace, one bracelet, and one ring.
*End of flashback*
Sakura blinked. "What was that?" she mumbled.
"Pardon?" Kenji asked.
She shook her head furiously and remembered the plan. Big fat crocodile tears ran down her face, as she started to cry. "S-Syaoran said he hated me!" she sobbed. "And h-he left me here!"
Kenji looked surprised. "I thought you guys already hated each other. Like real bad too."
Inwardly, Sakura glared at him. 'Stop ruining our plan!' She forced more tears to come out. "N-no! That was j-just an act! We really loved each other!"
"Oh..." Kenji spoke quietly. "I'm sorry... Tell you what, how about we go find him and patch things up? I'm sure he didn't mean it."
Sakura through her tears smiled a little. "T-thanks Kenji, that would be nice."
Kenji smiled too. "We'll use my pendant." He took out the silver pendant that would show where Syaoran was. He held it out and closed his eyes, concentrating hard. After a couple of seconds, he opened his eyes again and spoke, "He's at the beach, let's go."
Something in Sakura's mind kicked in.
*Flashback*
One century ago, outside of Tarekanyou post office
"Let's take down Syaoran first so he won't be any trouble," Kenji said.
Sakura looked up. His voice sounded harsh and evil. This wasn't the Kenji that she knew.
Kenji took the emeralds and placed two of them on himself. The necklace and ring. The bracelet he gave to Sakura to keep. Closing his eyes, he concentrated and then his eyes shot open again. "He's at the beach, let's go."
Akihabara beach
Sakura nodded, and they rode together until they saw Syaoran in sight, who was fumbling with his black and white bracelet.
"Hey, you, bastard!" Kenji yelled, he jumped off his horse, and just as Syaoran was about to face fully towards him, Kenji punched him in the face.
Syaoran spat out blood, eyes flaming, and drew out his sword ready to strike. "Fuck off!" he shouted, slashing his sword.
He barely missed Kenji's whole face as he left a clean cut at the bottom of Kenji's left cheek.
*End of flashback*
Sakura shook her head. 'What is with this?' she thought furiously. Looking at Kenji, she gasped suddenly. There at the bottom of his left cheeks was a scar. Had it been there before? She had never really paid attention to the cheek, but if she did even look at his face, she should've noticed it, because it was a huge deep scar.
"What happened over there?" she asked him, gesturing to his bottom cheek.
"This?" Kenji said, touching his scar. "I can't remember..."
Finally they reached the beach. There was Syaoran, just standing there as if waiting for them, his sword withdrawn.
"Syaoran, what are you doing here? What did you say to Sakura?" Kenji asked coming up to him.
Syaoran lowered his sword. "Nothing, just waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Kenji wanted to know. "Waiting for Sakura to come and apologize for something she didn't even do that caused you to hate her?" His voice was filled with so much cruelty and harshness, that Sakura took a step back. Kenji's arm swung forward and his fist hit Syaoran's jaw.
Blood poured down his mouth, and he wiped it away, raising his sword again. "Who the hell are you anyway?" Syaoran hissed.
Kenji gave an evil laugh. "Me? Why I'm Kenji of course, the friendly old Kenji always giving people advice helping them out in trouble... That old Kenji you mean? Well now I'm something far more different than that... Far more... How would you say it? Evil?" He laughed coldly again.
Syaoran looked up. He could see the full moon shining it's secretive light. It was near midnight, and he wasn't surprised at Kenji's change of attitude.
All of a sudden, Kenji started glowing.
Time.
Eriol shot out from a bush and attacked the transforming Kenji sending him to the ground. Kenji was still transforming, lost between the lives of the legendary Kenji and the modern Kenji. His mind shot back in forth from century to century...
"Nice try, that was a pretty smart plan but it isn't going to work out with me as the enemy," Kenji all of a sudden said, standing up. He was still glowing, but didn't seem the least bit confused. "I knew you were going to plot something against me, Syaoran." He grinned. "And so I plotted something against you back..."
There was a final blast of white light, and it was dark again. Kenji was standing there in a different outfit, more like a battle costume, instead of his normal ragged old-fashioned clothes. His eyes were colder, and glazed. There were strange markings over his face, and he was wearing a headband. He was more physically built and even more mysterious.
Sakura bit her lip. This wasn't part of the plan. Kenji was supposed to be totally confused and lost between the two lives, and that's when they would attack him and destroy the evil one, saving the innocent kind one to live.
Suddenly, memories came into her... Memories of a century ago... Memories of being the heroine, and what the real story was behind the legend... She glanced over at Syaoran and could see he was dealing with the same kind of feelings, and gave the same expression.
Her friends burst out from their hiding places, each giving out a tense look on their face, knowing that the plan had gone wrong. Sakura stared at them. Her beloved friends, companions, comforts... What would become of all of them? Kenji has got to go down. She turned her gaze slowly to her enemy. His transformation was complete. But not quite. She fingered her necklace and ring. It was hopeless really without the bracelet...
"Now just hand over the treasures you little brats..." Kenji whispered, eyeing Sakura and Syaoran. "Hand it over, and I'll spare you."
Sakura looked over at Syaoran. He was darker, more physically built too, and his clothes had changed. She looked down at herself and realized that the same thing had happened to her. But why was Kenji looking at Syaoran? Wasn't she the only one who had the treasures? Her memory raced back to the bracelet she wanted to buy... Syaoran was staring at it wasn't he? Could it be that he had bought it and it was here now? That meant that they still had a chance.
"Syaoran, the bracelet!" she whispered so that nobody but the two of them could hear. He nodded and tossed it over fast as lightning. She looked over at Kenji. His face showed no expression. 'Wow, Syaoran is good...' she thought fumbling to put on the bracelet.
"Ha! Do you think I'm that stupid, Mistress?" Kenji sneered. "Don't you remember that I have my pendant? The one that I used 100 years ago to collect all the three treasures?"
Sakura gulped. 'Damn he can see the whole world's movement with that pendant... But what can he do anyways? I have all the power in my hands... But what is his plan? Surely he could've thought this up and made a resistance. I'll have to do it anyways... It's our only hope.'
"Oh, and before you all die, I must confess that it was I who switched the books, it was I who bombed Akihabara castle, it was I who made you go through all this... Because I wanted you to feel the pain that I felt when you betrayed me, Mistress of Clow, one hundred years ago!" he was screaming by now. "To feel the pain of losing someone I love... You betrayed me for Syaoran! Don't deny it Mistress after I told you that I would care for you instead of him, because you two broke up, you ran back to him, and fought me for the treasures. You cheated me, you never loved me, all you wanted were my emeralds!"
'What?' rang Sakura's startled thoughts. 'What is he talking about?' She searched her brain for a memory. And then it came to her.
*Flashback*
One century ago, Akihabara beach
Kenji cupped his hand around his cut and breathed out. He roughly grabbed Sakura's wrist and twisted it so that she cried out in pain and was facing him. Laughing a little, he pulled her closer and wrapped his other arm around her. "Sakura is with me now, Syaoran Li..." he breathed. "Give it up, she loves me."
Syaoran's eyes widened and he searched Sakura's frightened eyes for the truth. He saw passion for him, and fear for Kenji... So what was it? Should he really give up as he had nothing to fight for anymore or did Sakura really love him?
"Kenji, what's wrong with you?" Sakura whispered, tears spilling out of her scared eyes. "This isn't you, where's the Kenji I know?"
Kenji smirked. "The Kenji you know? What's wrong with me? Don't you love me?" He pulled her even closer and pushed his lips onto hers.
Sakura pulled away, and ran towards Syaoran. "Sorry, Kenji... You aren't the one I love..."
He gaped. "W-what? H-how can you do this to me...?"
Sakura's eyes darkened. "How can I do what to you? You did it yourself... You've changed Kenji, and I found it deep within myself who I love."
"B-but... You can't... I love you, Mistress..." Kenji whispered sinking down onto his knees.
*End of flashback*
So that was the story behind the legend. She took a deep breath and spoke. "I never betrayed you Kenji. You betrayed me. You gave your soul to the emeralds didn't you? They took over your body and became you. All for the sake of power and love..." Tears rolled down her cheeks and she shook her head. "I saw it then that Syaoran was the one I love truly!"
Kenji shrieked. "Stop saying that!"
Taking the distraction, she wiped the tears from her eyes and closed it. She had all three treasures and had all the power she needed, and hopefully, it was the thing that would take Kenji down. Sweating, she concentrated on a green light in her mind, hitting Kenji straight in the chest and him falling, and...
"Ahhh!"
Opening her eyes fully, she saw a beam of emerald light shooting out and attacking Kenji, sending him to the ground. It worked! She gave out a small, relieved smile and closed her eyes again. What did she want to happen now? That's right, she wanted the evil Kenji to disappear, but the kind one to continue living. She concentrated on Kenji's soul, trying to grab it out of the body.
Kenji yelled out, and fell to his knees, hugging his body. "No, I won't let you do that, Sakura..." he whispered, grinning a little. "No!"
Sakura gasped and opened her eyes, losing her concentration, as Kenji reached into his pocket and took out a sharp dagger, aiming it at Sakura's chest. He shot it out, without a warning and it soared towards Sakura, sharp point in front... She closed her eyes, waiting to feel the fatal blow of pain... But it never came. Instead there was a female scream. 'Meiling's voice,' Sakura realized and opened her eyes once again.
She gasped at the sight. Syaoran had jumped in front of her and taken the damage. The dagger was sticking out of his chest and his breathing was ragged. A pool of blood had started filling up on the ground. Sakura stood there in shock and disbelief. Too shocked to know that tears were raining out of her eyes.
"I'll still live..." Syaoran breathed shakily getting up on trembling knees. He gave a sharp yank on the dagger and it came out of his chest, fast but painful, which brought a little gasp from Syaoran and a cry from Meiling. Sakura watched tearfully as Meiling continued to sob in Tomoyo's shoulder. Tomoyo embraced her friend.
Yue and Kero stood there looking horrified while Eriol had a saddened look on his face and was whispering something like, "You can do it... You can do it Syaoran..."
"Sakura... I love you... And... I'm going to save you... From this ruined man... My heart still beats for you!" Syaoran screamed out the last few words and lunged forward taking a powerful, fast swing at Kenji.
Kenji's eyes widened as Syaoran's sword drove through his stomach, so deep and powerful that you could see the end of the sword pointing out of Kenji's back.
Syaoran's breathing became even more ragged and he fell down, unable to keep his balance anymore. His vision was blurred and the pain in his chest was unbearable. He knew deep inside of him that it was his end but refused to acknowledge the truth. Instead, he pulled himself back up and walked towards Kenji and reached for his sword. As he was about to grasp the handle, his physical body couldn't take it anymore and he fell.
"Fight for me, Sakura..." Syaoran's eyes closed forever.
Sakura stared at the body of her love. 'Fight for me, Sakura,' the words still rang in her head. Her eyes were wide and tears were pouring down her cheeks without her noticing. She didn't hear the wailing sound of Meiling, nor the sobbing of Tomoyo, the hushing, soothing sounds of Yue, Kero, and Eriol... And especially the rustling sound of Kenji moving slightly... Inside Sakura's mind, it was all dark, and there was nothing left. Until reality finally hit her. 'He is gone,' her mind told her. 'There is nothing we can do about it, his life is already gone.'
She fell to the ground on her knees. Meiling, and Tomoyo stopped crying, Yue, Kero, and Eriol stopped muttering... Sakura couldn't take any of this anymore. She screamed, and wailed, and gritted the sand with her furious hands.
"Hey, what's with all the crying, the sad part isn't here yet, I'm still alive," said Kenji's mocking voice.
All eyes turned horrified, to the man who was perfectly healthy and not stained with blood. He was one with the emeralds, and immortal.
Angry tears dripped onto the beach, as Sakura's sadness changed to furiosity. "You! You're still alive!" she shrieked. "I can't take any of this anymore! I don't care what the sacrifice is, as long as you die!!!" An emerald aura surrounded Sakura, as Kenji raised high in the air unable to move.
Kenji chuckled. "Do you think that's going to stop me? After all, I am the emeralds, and the emeralds are me." He hovered back down to earth. Sakura felt a small tug on her necklace, bracelet, and ring, and they all disappeared from her body. Without looking, she knew that they were placed on Kenji.
Sakura, to everyone's surprise, smirked. "So, what, you think that's going to stop the power of love? I don't need stupid green things to defeat you!" With those words, she was surrounded with a pink aura. "I'm fighting for Syaoran!" She took Syaoran's blood-stained sword from the ground and turned to face Kenji.
He made the first move and raised his hand. And then he couldn't move. "What?!" he screamed and looked around, his head the only part of his body allowed to move. There were Sakura's friends. Meiling, Tomoyo, Eriol, Kero, and Yue all holding onto his body, not allowing him to move.
"Go, Sakura!"
"Now's your chance!"
"We're fighting with you, Sakura."
"We're all fighting for Syaoran."
"We're going to defeat Kenji together!"
Sakura, warmed by all her friends' words and actions, smiled as her pink aura grew brighter. She closed her eyes and concentrated. Nothing was happening. Just as she was about to lose hope, a cold wind blew past her face, and she felt a warm hand on her cheek. 'I believe in you, Sakura,' said a soft voice. It was Syaoran's spirit coming back to fight with her. "Syaoran." The sword she was carrying flashed a green light which blended perfectly with her pink light.
Opening her eyes, she gazed at Kenji with her deep emerald eyes. And suddenly all was a blinding white, and a deafening scream rose in the air...
***
Fujitaka looked around the beach at the seven bodies on the ground. 'So, two died and five survived huh...' he thought. 'They did an excellent job, and I'm amazed that at least one was actually a survivor of this long and ferocious battle.'
He noticed a green necklace, ring, and bracelet, half buried in the sand. A slow wind blew by, and they disappeared forever into the darkness, never to be used or seen again. Fujitaka smiled, and closed his eyes. In a purple flash, he, and the seven bodies were back at the Kinomoto house.
***
Meanwhile, Sakura Kinomoto, was awake all this time, just too exhausted to move or greet her father, Fujitaka... Or her father, Clow. Her heart still rained with tears inside. Kero had apparently died too, for being too close to Kenji as he died by the light. He had been such a good- no that doesn't describe it- amazing friend, always comforting her, she comforting him. She felt terrible about his death as she felt responsible for killing him. But deep inside her, a voice said that Kero didn't want her to feel that way and it was all right. She knew it was Kero talking and soothing her.
And Syaoran.
That made Sakura allow tears to seep through her shut eyes. She would never have won without him, and she'd never forget him. He fought for her, and she fought for him. But why did he have to die?
"Still thinking about me?"
Sakura's eyes shot open. To her amazement (and joy), there was Syaoran, looking alive and healthy sitting down on the couch. "Syaoran!" she cried jumping into his arms.
He smiled as he took her in and kissed her. "Congratulations on defeating Kenji."
Sakura giggled. "Thanks... But didn't you..."
Syaoran nodded. "Yes, I died. But Clow was nice and allowed me a few minutes here just to say good-bye."
"Oh..." Sakura mumbled as tears threatened to come out again.
"Don't cry, Sakura," Syaoran said smiling. "I love you."
She sniffed. "I love you too... That's why it hurts for me to know that you're going to leave me again."
They fell into a comfortable silence. Sakura was wrapped in Syaoran's arms. It felt so good, just being there. Suddenly she felt cold.
"S-Syaoran?" she said alarmed.
"I'll be watching you, Sakura," he said. Sakura could see that he was fading away into the air. Tears poured out for the millionth time that day.
"Don't go!" she pleaded trying to hang on to his arm. But she couldn't feel him. She only felt cold air, and could see the fading figure of Syaoran.
"I'm not leaving you, Sakura. I'll always be by your side. Stay out of trouble little girl, and who knows, maybe I'll play Santa and... Well, that's a secret," Syaoran said playfully. He kissed her forehead, but Sakura only felt a cold wind touching her. "But maybe I'll come back to my love one day..."
Sakura cried out as Syaoran's figure disappeared. 'What did he mean?' Sakura thought. 'But maybe I'll come back to my love one day...' Hope jumped in her. 'Maybe he'll come back to me one day.'
***
Wow... That's one long chapter! Good news, there's still an epilogue even though the ending seemed like an epilogue anyways *sweatdrop*. Please leave a review behind! ^^
Oh, by the way, did I mention that there's a gallery for this up now? It's at my site so go check it out! ^-^ Review about the picture in the review of the story too! I'm doing a picture for each chapter so I have chapter one and two's pictures out. My main is currently down, because of some problems I'm having with html, but it'll be back up soon. Fanfiction.net for some reason won't show my site's URL so go to my settings and click on my site. Type in after ryuuen_star/fanart.html and u'll be there. ^^ Enjoy!
