"Speaking"
-thinking-/song lyrics
(Author's Note)
scene change
Disclaimer: *sighs* -_- I only own the Gods/Goddesses/Angels and people/things that are unrelated to CLAMP. CLAMP owns the cast of CCS and everything that has to do with CCS. I also do not own the song featured in this chapter.
The Goddess of Light & The God of Earth
Chapter 34: Right Here Waiting
By: Azure Rosas
_________
Oceans apart day after day
As I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
I see you next to never
How can we stay forever?
She gazed absentmindedly through her window and out at the darkened world. Her elbow leaned against the sill with her cheek resting on her palm. Her emerald eyes never wavered or moved; they just simply stared forward and off into space. Snow drifted gradually from the dark, gray clouds and down to the already snow-littered earth. The trees were completely leafless; only the winter snow to adorn the branches. The only things that allowed her to take in every detail of the outside world were the lights coming from the street lamps and the lights penetrating through other peoples' windows. Not a soul could be seen dashing around the streets. Her eyes darted to the side walk. She half hoped, and half wished, that someone would come walking down that side walk, walk up their porch, and knock on their door with a grin on his face. But that thought went down the drain as minutes past by. She heaved her shoulders up and down in a deep, sad sigh. She tried her best to keep it low, as not to worry her faithful Guardian Beast who worked furiously to beat a video game that he's been playing for quite sometime.
But her sigh reached his small, round ears. His tiny beady black eyes darted from the t.v. screen and rested on his Mistress. She wore plain white sweats and an everest green t-shirt. Her auburn hair was kept up in a tight pony tail, held by a black band. The smile that he was use to, was replaced by a firm frown that he never got use to during the past months. Her emerald green eyes were unusually dull and lifeless; they didn't seem to hold the sparkle they once had. His keen eyes observed her pink aura. It flared around her, as if trying to reach for something that was so far out of reach while letting out a longing feeling. It didn't have the joy and happiness it once held. These feelings she seemed to be emitting, sent shivers up and down his spine. He hated to see the state that his Mistress was in at the moment.
Pausing the video game, he fluttered his small white wings and flew up to her. Furrowing his eye brows in worry, he flew in front of her face. "Sakura?"
She didn't reply.
He waved a paw in front of her face. "You-who! Sakura? You there?"
She blinked and finally snapped back to reality. She gazed at Kero, as if just noticing that he was there. "Oh, Kero-chan. What is it?"
Kero let out a sigh. "Are you alright, Sakura?"
"Of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" Sakura questioned, tilting her head in confusion.
He shook his head, knowing very well that she was trying to sound bewildered as not to show her true emotions. "Never mind." Lifting up his head, both Mistress and Guardian stared out the window and watched the snow drifting down to earth.
An image of a certain, amber eyed God crossed her mind's eye. A sudden wave of desire and longing washed over her more forcefully, drowning her in sudden dismay and sorrow. Her heart ached tremendously for the chestnut haired boy. It seemed to be crumbling piece-by-piece as days and months go by. Pressing the palm of her right hand against the window, her eyes glazed over with hot, fresh tears. Her mind cried and shouted his name as if in hopes he'd hear and come barging into her room. But he was too far away...he was to far away from her. She seemed to weaken as days go by. Her powers decreased over the months and her skin was pale. She hardly never ate and it would have to be either Kero, Touya, Tomoyo, or Fujitaka that would force her to swallow some food. She didn't seem to have any energy left in her. She's been this way ever since he returned back to Hong Kong; back to his home in China. A flashback ran to and fro through her mind.
Flashback
"I'll come back," he answered with a nod.
"Promise?"
"I promise," he vowed.
All was silent between them two as they just stood there in one another's arms. Sakura broke that silence though. "Syaoran..?"
"Hm?"
"Even...Even though you already know, I still wanna say it..."
"And what's that?" he questioned, looking down at her quizzically.
She gave him a short, yet blissful, kiss on the lips before staring deeply into his amber eyes. "Aishiteru, my Little Wolf."
He gave her a heart warming grin, a loving and caring one. "Aishiteru, my Cherry Blossom."
Another wave of silence enveloped them. It seemed as if nothing else needed to be said. All they wanted to do was hold each other while they still had the chance. Reluctantly pulling away from the hold, Sakura looked up to meet his gaze. "Ano...Syaoran? I have just one more question."
"What is it?"
"How..." she tried to find the right words to put her question in. "How come you have to go back to China?"
Syaoran sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging down. "I recieved a phone call the other day from my mom. She said now that I had completed my mission, which was to protect you, I'm to return back home. It was the Elders' orders and there's no way I could disobey them. I tried reasoning with my mom to convince the Elders to let me remain in Japan for a little longer, but not even she could change their minds. They want me to go back to finish my training before I become Leader of the Li Clan."
Sakura turned her head to the side and looked at the ground. "I...I understand."
There was another reason as to why he was returning back to Hong Kong, but what it was, he did not mention it. Cupping her chin in his hand, he gently forced her to look up at him. "I gave you my word that I'll be coming back, and I tend to keep it."
A watery smile crossed her face. "And I don't care how long it takes, Syaoran. Just remember that I'll be waiting for you."
He pressed his forehead against hers while grinning. "Someday, Sakura, when you least expect it...I'll come walking down this grove of trees."
"And when that day comes," she mumbled softly, "I'll be right here waiting for you."
End of Flashback
Wherever you go, whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
"Kero-chan?" Sakura spoke up.
"What is it Sakura?" Kero questioned, glancing at her in a quizzical way.
"Do you think Syaoran will ever come back?" she asked as she turned to look at him with hopeful, emerald eyes.
He gazed sadly at the Card Mistress. He knew that he'd never truly understand just how much she loved the Chinese Gaki, but he knew that he'd just have to respect their feelings, especially now that Syaoran is also his Master. Kero sighed deeply before looking back out through the window. "If you believe, Sakura, that he'll come back....Then I also believe that he will." Looking back at her, he gestured down at the bed as he eyed her firmly. "Now, go to sleep Sakura-chan. It's getting late and you look like you could use your rest."
Obediently climbing under the covers, she rested her head on the pillow as her eye lids gradually covered her emerald orbs. A grateful smile was plastered on her face. "Good night, Kero-chan..."
He grinned faintly while turning the t.v. and the bedroom light off. "Good night, Sakura."
Next Day / Hong Kong
Hacking and slicing furiously at nothing but air, sweat beated down his brow. Ignoring the snow underneath him and above him, he continued on with his sword training. Jumping into the air, he raised his weapon above his head before stealthily bringing it down with a battle cry. Images flashed rapidly in his mind's eye of an emerald eyed girl. This distracted him; making him lose his balance or nearly dropping his sword. Shaking his head to rid the picture, his excerise seemed to slow down a bit.
A teenaged girl, at least 18 years of age, with jet black hair held in two seperate buns, watched his session from afar. Her eye brows creased in worry as a sadden, almost sympathetic, look crossed her golden red eyes. Tugging her coat more tightly around her, she walked towards the 19 year old with a mug of hot cocoa. Ever since he returned back to Tomoeda, all he does is train. During the months, she managed to get him alone, or practically cornered at a wall, and had him explain all that happened when he went to Japan. She learned everything that went on and even managed to pry some other secretive stuff from him like: his feelings for Sakura. She knew then that this...'Sakura'...was the reason for Syaoran's change in mood and emotions. He seemed to be allowing his feelings to show and he wasn't that cold, heartless person she once knew before he left. He was kinder, gentler, and more opened. But there would be times when he'd try to hide his emotions, especially in since he's been feeling weak and tired lately.
Ever since he returned home, he was unusually pale. He hardly ate and it seemed as if he never got enough sleep. The deep lines under his eyes were evident and visible. He seemed to be slacking off in everything he did. He was late for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; his training sessions were done poorly; and he always woke up late. Before they were let off for Winter Break, Syaoran would constantly fall asleep during class time. It was odd for him to be doing all of this, and everyone was noticing. Also, as the Elders pointed out, his powers decreased drastically. Her and everyone else were deeply worried for him.
"Xiaolang?"
Coming to a halt, he turned to face his fiancée. His breathing came out as low, soft pants and his skin seemed almost white. "What is it Meiling?"
Holding out the mug, she eyed him worriedly. "You look cold. Why don't you come inside, sit by the fire, and drink this?"
"I'm fine," he stated flatly. "A little cold can't phase me. Now if you don't mind, I need to train." He turned his back to her.
She glared at his back and shook in furry. He was seriously starting to get her mad. "Xiaolang! You listen here!" she demaned firmly and angrily. "If you keep this up, you'll just end up getting sick! Actually, I'm surprised you haven't even gotten sick yet! I don't know what the hell is wrong with you but I can't stand watching you suffer like this!!!"
He faced her with surprised, amber eyes.
Grabbing one of his wrists, she practically dragged him towards the Li Mansion. "Now, you're going to do as I said earlier: come inside, sit by the fire, and have a nice cup of hot cocoa. And don't you dare disobey me and go back outside or you'll have to feel Meiling Li's wrath!"
They entered the mansion as a sudden wave of warmth washed over them like a tidal wave. They walked into the family room where a merry looking fire cracked and burned brilliantly in the hearth. Taking a seat on opposite couches, Syaoran carefully drank the hot cocoa that Meiling supplied him with. Placing the mug on the coffee table, he glanced up at his cousin and fiancée in a grateful manner. "Thanks, Meiling. I really needed that."
"You're welcome," she replied with a grin while curtly nodding her head.
Meiling is Syaoran's future wife. Neither of them agreed to their arranged marriage. They would protest against it until they were to worn out to even bother to speak with the Elders. They would tell the Elders that they were in love with someone else and that they didn't wish to marry one another. But they didn't care. They would just retort back saying how they needed to keep the Li Blood line strong.
"Hey, Xiaolang?" Meiling spoke up, breaking the silence.
"Yes?"
"Can you tell me about....About....Sakura?"
A faint smile crossed his face as a distant look came upon his amber eyes. Flashbacks and images of only her was all that he saw. He remembered everything about her and he knew he'd never forget. He told Meiling how nice she was; how her smile would brighten anyone's dull / foggy day; how her emerald eyes never ceased to sparkle. Once he was done, she grinned at him and finally understood just how much he loved this girl and why he loved her.
"She really does sound like a nice person..."
"Indeed she does," a third voice spoke up.
I take for granted all the time (all the time)
That I thought would last somehow
I hear the laughter, and I taste the tears
But I can't be near you now
Oh Can't you see it baby?
You've got me going crazy.
They both glanced up to see a black haired woman standing at the entrance of the family room. She strode towards the couch and took a seat next to Syaoran. She looked at him firmly in the eye and he could swear he felt her boring holes through his skull. "Tell me, Xiaolang...Do you truly love this girl?"
He nodded dumbly, wondering where his mother was heading towards.
A soft smile played across her rosey lips. "Then go to her."
A shocked and surprised look appeared on his face as his amber eyes widen. That was something he never expected to hear from Yelan. "But...Mom...The Elders -"
She waved a hand as if dismissing his comment. "Don't worry about the Elders. I sorted things out with them. I had them realize that Sakura's father is the half reincarnation of Clow Reed, and insince we are descendents of Clow Reed then...You get the picture. And I also pointed out to them that if they wanted to keep the power of the Li line strong, then they had to start realizing that arranging marriages between cousins isn't going to help." Then she winked at them. "And I told them that having two Gods in our Clan would surely allow a stronger generation of Li's."
He blushed at his mother's last statement, obviously realizing what she meant by it. Meiling, on the other hand, giggled at his tomato red face. "Now..." Yelan continued on. "Pack your things, go to Japan, ask the girl to marry you, and come back here so we can actually arrange the wedding!"
Grinning gratefully up at his mother, Syaoran jumped from the couch and practically ran up the stairs and towards his room while calling a "Thanks" over his shoulders. Considering the weak state he was in, he seemed more energetic than before now that he knew he would be returning back to Tomoeda, Japan; returning back to Sakura.
Meanwhile - Tomoeda, Japan
"I can't wait 'til the Christmas Party!" an over-excited Chiharu exclaimed with a wide grin spreading across her face.
"Neither can I," Naoko inputted, smiling at her friend's exposure of how much she really was looking forward to the party.
"Tomoyo-chan always manages to give everyone a great Christmas Party," Rika praised the blushing amethyst eyed girl.
"Oh quit it Rika-chan...You're making me blush," Tomoyo stated bashfully as she placed her palms over her burning cheeks.
"She's right though," Eriol inquired, grinning amusingly at his soon-to-be-wife.
"Oi! Did you know that Christmas Parties were originated in Rome?" Takashi interrupted in his matter-of-fact-tone while pointing an index finger up at the ceiling.
"Oh hush up Takashi-kun," Chiharu growled before racking her fist against her boyfriend's head.
Rubbing the area where he hit her, he put on a pout. "Well...It's true!"
They were all gathered at Sakura's house; each one of them occupying a space on either of the couches set in the living room. When they arrived, they built a fire in the hearth where it roared and burned with an atmosphere of power and warmth. Sakura stared into the brightly lit flames absentmindedly, flashbacks of the nights her, Syaoran, Crystallight, Rage, and Gem spent gathered around a similar fire; laughing and enjoying each others' companies. Her shoulders heaved up and down in a sigh as she bowed her head slightly. Even though the adventure they went through was tough and perilous, she missed the days she spent with them. She missed all four of them greatly. Even though it's already been months since their journey ended, it was still quite hard for her to get over the fact that...it was all over. No more worries. No more problems. No more troubles. But she still had worries; she still had problems and troubles.
She was completely stumped and confused about why she was so weak and always tired. All of her friends were worried for her. None of them knew what to do. Wearily rubbing her eye lids, she leaned her head against the arm chair. She wasn't obvious to the concerned glances everyone was sending her. Everything around her...she didn't seem to see. All she saw was the days she spent; traveling with the others to retrieve the Four Elemental Stones. All she saw was Syaoran. All she saw were his intense and warm amber eyes. All she felt were his arms around her. All she wanted was for him to hold her again.
Tomoyo glanced at Eriol in sheer worry. He looked back at her with obvious sympathy gleaming in his sapphire eyes behind his glasses. Her hand seeked his and once found, they intertwined their fingers together as he gripped her hand more gently in hopes to reassure her that Sakura would be all right in the end.
-Why does Kami have to be harsh on those that have already been through enough?- Tomoyo questioned silently in her thoughts. -Can't he see that they belong together? Sakura and Li-kun don't deserve this...They don't! They deserve nothing more than happiness after all they went through in their adventure- She sighed. -I hope Li-kun comes back...and soon. I don't know how much longer I can bare seeing Sakura like this-
Takashi looked at Chiharu in a quizzical manner, hoping that she would be able to explain to him why she was acting so oddly. But all he recieved was a shrug and a look that showed she was just as confused and lost as he was.
"Sakura-chan?" Rika spoke up softly, breaking the awkward silence.
Snapping out of her thoughts and blinking away the hot, fresh tears that formed in her eyes, Sakura faced Rika. "Nani?"
Sakura forced a grin to everyone. "Hai, daijoubu. Don't worry about me. I just...haven't been feeling well lately, that's all."
From the base of the stair case, Kero stifled a snort. Spreading his tiny white wings, he flew back into Sakura's room where he quietly shut the door behind him. It wasn't sickness that was bothering her. No. It was something different. After stopping by over Eriol's mansion a few times in the past with Yue, they, along with Nakuru and Spinel Sun, managed to come up with an answer to her situation after doing months of research. They would look through a bunch of Clow Reed's old books in Eriol's personal library. Nakuru was the lucky one. She came upon the book that held the answer to Sakura's problem; AND to Syaoran's as they soon learned later on after reading over the information they needed to know. This is what the passage in the book read:
"When two sorcerers fall in love, they are instantly connected to each other through their auras and a magical link that connects one to the other. Thus, because of this special link the two sorcerers share, they are able to feel one another's emotions, feelings, pain, etc. But, when they are seperated / far apart from one another, their bond immediately breaks. This 'magical link' will be cut off. When this does happen, it causes the two sorcerers to face certain symptoms like: a drastic increase in power, sleepiness, vulnerability to any kind of attack, weak (physically and mentally), and possible sickness. The only way to fix the magical link between them, they must be brought back together where their bond would be reunited."
Kero would've blamed the 'Chinese Gaki' for all the suffering he was causing Sakura, but he couldn't because he knew the boy was going through just as much as she was. But he allowed himself to blame the Li Elders for their problem. If they hadn't demanded Syaoran to return back to Hong Kong, both of them would be happy. And even though he hated to admit it: Syaoran was the only person that could return her back to normal....
....while all he could do was pray that he'd return back to Tomoeda, and fast.
Wherever you go, whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
"Why don't I make us some hot chocolate?" Sakura said, standing up and making her way to the kitchen to remove the unnerving attention she finally realized she was recieving from her friends.
"I'll help you!" Tomoyo offered before trailing behind her.
Once they were in the kitchen, the two girls busied theirselves over making the hot chocolate for them and their friends. When they were almost finished, Tomoyo couldn't contain herself anymore. She needed to know what was wrong with her and she would die from worry if she didn't know.
"Sakura," she began sternly. "I want you to tell me what's wrong."
Taking a side glance, Sakura looked back at the drink she was currently making. "What do you mean, Tomoyo?"
"Oh don't give me that crap!" Tomoyo snapped, harshly slamming the mug against the counter.
She stared at the raven haired girl in surprise. Never once had she snapped at her in such a tone before. Never.
"I know there's something wrong with you! We all do!" she exclaimed, though low enough so the others wouldn't be able to hear. "You haven't been eating. You haven't been sleeping. You've been oddly weak and tired and pale. We're all worried about you Sakura! Can't you see that?"
Bowing her head and looking down, guilt glimmered in her emerald eyes. "Gomen nasai, Tomoyo. I didn't mean to be the cause for everyones' worry." She bit her bottom lip and tightly clenched her fists, not daring to look up at her friend. "Not even I am sure what's wrong with me." Her body trembled gently, along with her voice as she continued on. "Ever since....Ever since Syaoran left...I don't know...Something in me just - just snapped and everything seemed so out of place. I feel lost, Tomoyo. I feel like giving up and dying. I hate these feelings. I only want them to go away. I try and try to ignore them and simply accept the fact that Syaoran returned home...but something won't allow me to...Something seems to hold me in these horrid feelings." She fell to her knees and burried her face in her hands. The tears that she fought so deseprately to hold back all of those months, finally gave way and she broke into uncontrollable sobs. "Gomen nasai."
Face softening, Tomoyo dropped to her own knees and embraced her best friend in a comforting and friendly hug. She rubbed the violently shaking girl's back while rocking her and whispering soothing words into her ear. "There, there Sakura. There's no need to apologize OR cry. I'M the one who should be apologizing. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."
"Tomoyo? What if Syaoran never comes back?" Sakura managed to whisper through her tears, neither of them aware of Rika, Eriol, Chiharu, Takashi, and Naoko who gathered at the kitchen.
"He'll come back, just you wait," Eriol answered, kneeling beside them and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"How do you know?" Sakura asked, looking up at him with red-rimmed eyes.
"Because he loves you," Takashi spoke up before wrapping an arm around Chiharu's shoulder.
"And because of his love for you, that will allow him to return to you," Chiharu added as she leaned in closer to Takashi.
"Besides," Rika began in a confident tone, "Li-kun isn't someone to break a promise."
"She's right, you know?" Naoko agreed, while nodding her head. "He always keeps his word."
A watery smile made its way across Sakura's tear stained face. She looked at each and every one of them, feeling grateful to have such wonderful friends. "Arigatou, minna-san. You guys are the greatest."
"Itashimashite,(You're welcome) Sakura-chan," Rika replied, grinning softly. "Just remember that we're always here for you when you need us the most."
Later On
Pulling on their coats and shoes, Sakura saw them off to the door. It was time they headed back home before dinner.
"Well...I guess I'll be seeing all of you tomorrow at the Christmas Party," Sakura said.
"You're going to wear the dress I gave you, ne?" Tomoyo asked hopefully.
Grinning, a slight sweat drop rolled down the back of her head. "Of course, Tomoyo-chan."
She smiled in return. "Good. See you tomorrow!"
"Okay. Bye minna!"
"Bye Sakura!" they called off as they walked down the porch and down the streets of Tomoeda.
Waving them off, she went back into the house once they disappeared from sight. Sighing deeply, she leaned her back against the door and slowly slid to the ground. Her eyes were half open as a sudden wave of fatigue enveloped her. Head bobbing up and down, she tried her best to stay awake. Scrambling to get up onto her feet, she stumbled to the couch and slumped on it. The minute her head hit the soft cushion, she was instantly asleep; stuck in a dreamworld with images and flashbacks of Syaoran in her mind's eye.
When hearing nothing more than silence coming from down stairs, Kero decided it was now safe for him to show himself. Flying down the stair case, he came to a halt in mid-air when seeing Sakura sleeping peacefully on the couch. A faint grin was on her face, along with a content look. Getting a spare blanket, he placed it over Sakura and turned the lights off, nothing but the dim fire and Christmas lights from the Christmas tree to light the room.
"Sleep well, Sakura-chan."
Next Day - Hong Kong, China
8:36 A.M, December 25th
They were all gathered at Hong Kong Airlines to see Syaoran off on his plane: Yelan, Sheifa, Fanren, Fuutie, Feimei, Meiling, and even her boyfriend: Shui Po. (A/N: Some of you may know him from 'Never Alone' and the sequel to that one ^^ I just adore them together!) His plane would be taking off any minute now.
"I really wish I could go with you," Meiling huffed, feeling slightly depressed. "I really wanna meet Sakura."
"Oh don't worry Meiling," Sheifa assured, the youngest of the Li Sisters. She grinned at Syaoran and winked. "We'll be able to meet her, soon."
Feimei giggled. "Yeah. I bet she's REALLY pretty."
"And cute," Fanren added in.
"And nice!" Fuutie inquired with a wide grin.
Syaoran's cheeks flushed over with a bright red color as he sighed and shook his head, feeling quite embarrassed. Yelan couldn't help but smile at them as she turned and faced her son.
"I expect you to return home soon," she spoke in a low tone, "with your future wife."
As if he couldn't blush an even brighter red....he did. Ignoring what she just said, he changed the subject with a different question. "Mom? Do you know what's causing me to be...so..."
"Weak?"
He nodded his head.
Closing her eyes, Yelan thought back to her studies and all she learned when she was a little girl, growing up around magic. She then parted her eye lids and quoted the passage from the book that Kero and them read from back in Japan.
"I understand now..." Syaoran stated, glad that he finally knew the reason.
"I find that quite romantic..." Fanren sighed dreamily.
He eyed his older sister skeptically. "Romantic!?"
"Yeah," Fuutie instantly agreed.
"Two sorcerers..." Meiling began with the same dreamy look as Fuutie and Fanren, "forever bonded by love and destined by fate..."
Shui and Syaoran glanced at each other, both thinking the same thing: -Girls-
"FLIGHT 0198 TO TOMOEDA, JAPAN...NOW BOARDING," a voice from the intercom boomed over the chattering of the crowd. "I REPEAT, FLIGHT 0198 TO TOMOEDA, JAPAN IS NOW BOARDING!"
"Well...that's my flight. I better be going," Syaoran said. But before he left, the girls didn't let him go without a hug.
"Hurry back little brother."
"We'll be waiting for you."
"Don't forget to ask her!"
"And bring her back when she says yes!"
"We're really looking forward to both of your arrivals."
"And...good luck," Shui whispered before patting him on the back.
Taking in a deep breath, he made his way towards Gate 3 while muttering, "I'll need it."
I wonder how
(how we can survive)
this romance
But in the end if I am with you,
I'll take the chance (I'll take the chance)
Tomoeda, Japan
They were all now gathered at the Daidouji Mansion, where the usual Christmas Party they threw every year was at. Their house was decorated, though looking more "brighter" and "wonderful" than the last. A great, beautifully decorated Christmas tree was in the family room where a majestic fire burned in the hearth. A bunch of their classmates were there, along with some of Sonomi's own friends. Sakura arrived there with Touya and Fujitaka, both men wearing neatly kept tuxedos. Sakura, of course, wore another of Tomoyo's creations.
It was yet another great success for Tomoyo. Sakura adorned a lovely, emerald gown which was made especially to match her eyes. The top half hugged her curves, with a low V-Neck to show off some cleavage. The straps were thin and at least three quarters of her back was exposed with straps crossing to make an X. The bottom half flared out, giving off the impression that she were gliding when she walked. On her feet were simple, flat healed, white shoes and her hair was kept up in a bun, a few strands of her auburn hair framing her face. An around her neck was the necklace that Syaoran gave her back when she was three: a small shaped head of a wolf made of pure crystal glass with gleaming green eyes attached to a golden chain.
She greeted everyone warmly and blushed whenever she recieved compliments on her beauty. Sakura then found Tomoyo and Eriol sitting alone on a couch, talking to each other with grins on their faces. Eriol wore a tail coat tuxedo while Tomoyo wore a simple, violet gown made of velvet. Even in the simplest of outfits, she looked absolutely beautiful.
"Hello Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo greeted once she approached them. Her grin widen and stars were instantly in her eyes. "You look so pretty!"
Smiling, but blushing, Sakura waved a hand to dismiss her comment. "Nonsense, Tomoyo-chan. You're the one who looks pretty!"
A light red hue crossed her pale face. "Really, Sakura...You look stunning in that dress!"
"And you look beautiful in yours," she continued to persist.
Chuckling at their stubborness, Eriol interrupted them while putting on his charming grin. "Ladies, ladies. Both of you look absolutely wonderful tonight."
"Oh Eriol, you were always the flatterer," Sakura stated teasingly before lightly punching him on the arm.
"But it's true," he continued on.
Tomoyo giggled. "And you look really handsome, Eriol."
"Well, I try to look my best for milady," he said in a smooth tone.
Sakura watched them, her emerald eyes gleaming in amusement.
Standing up, the half reincarnation of Clow Reed dipped lowly in a bow as he extended an arm out for Tomoyo to take just as a slow song began to drift through the building. "Would milady care to dance?"
"I'd be honored, O Kind Sir," Tomoyo replied, grinning sweetly as she placed her hands in his.
He led her to the dance floor and in no time at all, they were both dancing slowly in each other's arms. Sakura couldn't help but smile at them, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes. Soon, Chiharu and Takashi joined them, followed by other couples. Deeply sighing, she leaned back against the couch, wishing for Syaoran to appear, and take her to the dance floor where they would dance together with no worries and troubles; just with thoughts of one another. Frowning deeply, she felt hot, fresh liquid glaze over her eyes. Feeling the need to take a walk through the cold, night of Christmas, she got up, grabbed her coat, pulled it on, and left the Daidouji Mansion without anyone noticing.
Kicking deafly at the snow, she walked down the snow covered side walk as snowflakes drifted gradually down from the dark sky. She could see her own breath before her as she breathed. Pocketing her hands deep in her coat, she shuddered as her teeth began to chatter.
"Man...Why does it have to be so cold?" she mumbled through her chattering, continuing on through the deserted streets.
Wherever you go, whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
She shook her head to rid the small pile of snow that formed on her head. It fell down on either side of her and down to the ground. After a few minutes, she came to a halt, now surrounded by a grove of trees. They were bare; their branches extending out like claws trying to grasp the air. The leaves and blossoms that once occupied them were completely gone now over the time when winter came. Glancing around, her eyes became hopeful as she turned her head side to side. Sighing, she leaned her back against the trunk of a near by tree, her legs feeling like lead and her eye lids feeling heavy as she slumped to the ground. This was the same place she stopped at everyday...simply in hopes that she would find Syaoran walking down the path of trees and towards her.
Hugging herself, she shivered more violently than before. An air of eeriness (Is there such a word?) and nervousness gripped her tightly. She could feel a pair of piercing eyes staring straight at her. Her orbs darted here and there for any signs of the person who owned those eyes, but saw no one. She would've used her magical senses to locate the person, but her powers were to low and oddly drained to do anything.
"Who - Who's there?" she stammered.
"It's been a while...."
She was really starting to feel frightened now. "Who are you?"
"Don't tell me that you forgot about me already?" the voice spoke in a "fake" hurt tone.
"If you'd just show yourself then maybe I would be able to know who you are!" Sakura snapped, though her voice slightly wavered.
The sound of snow crunching reached her ears and then a person stood before her. Her eyes traveled up his slightly baggy black pants, up his red shirt covered with a leather jacket, to his frowning, light tanned face, and up to his piercing silver-blue eyes. He had neatly kept silver hair that was sleaked back along with dark blue high lights. He looked quite handsome, but foreboding and one that looked like he smokes and drinks. Her eyes widen even more, her fear and horror evident on her pale face.
"No..." Her head shook in disbelief. "It...It can't be..."
"Oh, but it is, Sakura," he replied with a sneering smirk.
"K-Kiechi..." she stuttered. "I thought you were in jail...?"
"I was in jail, thanks to that fuckin' friend of yours," Kiechi spat. "But I was released just yesterday."
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her body shaking even more.
"Can't I pay my girl a visit?" he questioned, kneeling in front of her.
All fear left her, instantly replaced by anger and dispite. "I'm not your GIRL anymore! I have someone new in my life! Someone that actually CARES and LOVES me!"
He grabbed her coat collar, hauled her onto her feet, and roughly slammed her back against the tree. His eyes scrunched up into a glare and she coward before him. "I don't care who this guy is! You're mine and no one elses, ya got that?"
She didn't reply. Considering the dreadful state she was in, she couldn't use her magic or any of her self defense skills to fend him off. And besides, whenever he was around, he made her feel like dirt...he made her feel like an ant that could be easily crushed and stomped on. "What do you want from me?"
His lips tugged up to an evil smirk. "All I want is YOU. And this time, none of your fuckin' friends are here to help you!"
"They'll come looking for me!"
"First off, I bet they don't even know you're gone," Kiechi sneered. "And second, how can they help you when they don't even know where you are?"
Grinding her teeth, she tried to keep her gaze steady. He was right. She was completely vulnerable to him now. Without Syaoran...she's nothing. "Wh-why don't you just leave me alone!?"
He released his hold on her coat collar. "Hm. Good question..." His eyes them gleamed with an evil look. "I guess it's because I wish to continue where we left off before that damn Yamazaki came and interrupted us."
She could feel tears stinging her eyes. A cold feeling formed at the pit of her stomach as her insides churned and seemed to tie painfully into knots. She stared forward with wide eyes, half obvious to the fact that Kiechi had his hand stroking her left cheek. He rested his palm on her cheek before leaning towards her. Their lips were centimeters apart and Sakura could feel his hot, alcoholic breath beating against her face.
"You know, Sakura, I waited for the day when I'd see you again," he whispered huskily while nipping her ear. "I've waited for a very long time."
"Well...Now that you have already seen me...Maybe we should both be on our own seperate ways?" Sakura's voice squeaked. She hated this feeling of vulnerability. She hated it more than she thought.
"Silly, silly Sakura," he murmured, running his hand down her neck and bringing them under the coat where he rested his palms on her shoulders. "I haven't seen all of you, yet."
She gulped, never really caring if he heard or not. Grabbing her wrist, Kiechi made an attempt to pull her somewhere, but she finally snapped back to her senses and began to struggle desperately to get out of his hold and run towards the Daidouji Mansion. She groaned mentally. Why did she have to leave the place anyway? He kept a firm grasp on her wrist, still trying to pull her away.
"Quit struggling and make this easier for the both of us!" Kiechi grunted. "I don't wish to hurt you!"
"You'd have to KILL me to get me!!" Sakura snarled venomously. She acted on her instincts and aimed a kick at his shin. The tip of her heal hit target and his grip was released as he howled and hopped around in pain. Choosing not to wait for him to make another move, she made a mad dash towards the mansion. But she barely got 6 paces away when she was tackled harshly against the cold, snowy ground. Withering under Kiechi's weight, she could feel him sitting on her back while pinning her arms to either side of her. She returned back to the shivered, frightened girl Kiechi found sitting at the foot of the tree as the snow started to seep through her clothing, starting to drench her by its freezing water.
"I'm not going to let you get away from me THAT easily," he growled as he flipped her over so she lied on her back and he sat on her stomach.
"Why don't you just leave me alone!?" Sakura shouted at the point of hysterics. Her eyes shimmered brightly with tears. "Why must you bother me!?! All I want is for you to leave me alone!!"
He smirked at her, leaning in closer. "I love the smell of fear coming from one with such innocence...Well...at least SOME innocence that wasn't stolen before. And don't worry, the rest of that innocence will be all mine."
The tears started to leak down her cheeks as she eyed him fearfully. "Leave me be..." Her throat felt dry and soar as she stared into his eyes. "Just leave me be..."
"I suggest you do as the lady suggested."
Sakura's eyes went wide as her heart seemed to skip a bit. They both looked up to see Syaoran, glaring daggers at Kiechi.
"Who are you?" Kiechi questioned in a hiss.
"I? I am Li, Syaoran. And who might YOU be?" he retorted back, his voice sounding as cold as his glare.
"I am Kiechi, Sakura's boyfriend," he snapped.
"My EX-boyfriend!" Sakura inputted, earning a harsh slap across the face.
"Keep your mouth shut, girl!"
Syaoran balled his hands into tight fists, feeling his power returning as his green aura a lit like flames. But of course, that all went unseen by Kiechi's eyes, but he did see the wild fire burning darkly yet brilliantly in his amber eyes. Sakura could feel her own powers returning, all feeling of weakness and weariness abandoned both of the Gods in an instant. She would've pushed Kiechi off of her, but his weight put that thought down the drain. (And no, he's not fat or anything.)
"Don't make me repeat myself," Syaoran stated through gritted teeth, trying to contain himself before he did something drastic like: kill him. "Listen to what she said and leave her alone!"
"Oh? And what are you going to do if I don't?" Kiechi asked with a hint of mocking in his voice.
Striding towards them, Syaoran toward before Kiechi looking dark and menacing. He grabbed him by his jacket, heaved him off of the girl, and threw him over his shoulders. The silver-blue eyed boy rolled across the snow before coming to a stop. Pushing himself up onto all fours, he coughed slightly and narrowed his eyes at Syaoran who stared back at him steadily. Getting up on his feet, he began to walk away, not exactly wishing to feel the full extent of Syaoran.
"Don't think this is over!" Kiechi exclaimed wildly as he took off in a run.
"Well guess what? It's over! If I ever find you around Sakura AGAIN, you won't be so lucky!!!" Syaoran threatened dangerously as he disappeared from sight.
Turning around, he was about to help Sakura up when he felt someone throw themself against him with their arms wrapped securely around his neck.
"Syaoran!" Sakura cried out, tears of joy falling down her cheek as she burried her face in his shirt.
His expression softened and he snaked his arms around her slim waist, pulling her closer to him. Now that he had Sakura in his arms, he felt alive once more. They both felt alive and it seemed as if they were just born into a new light. Everything was clear again and the need to live on was stronger than ever. They held onto each other as if there would be no tomorrow if they didn't.
"Oh Syaoran, I'm so glad you're back!" Sakura sobbed. "I've missed you sooo much!!!"
"I missed you also," he whispered gently, trying to calm the crying girl in his arms. "Now hush, Sakura love. There's no need for tears. Tears don't suit a lovely face like yours."
Blushing, her crying came to a cease. Lifting her head up, emerald met amber. After those long, harsh months without one another...they were back together once again. I guess you can say that both of them thought the wait was all worth it, simply because they were together in the end.
Syaoran helped Sakura up onto her feet and she clasped her hand in his and began to lead him towards Tomoyo's mansion where the Christmas Party was at. They probably noticed her disappearance by now and would most likely be worried.
"You have a lot of explaining to do," Syaoran remarked to Sakura. "I'd like to know how you and this...Kiechi guy know one another and why he attacked you."
Sighing, Sakura nodded. "Alright."
Oh I love you
Oh whatever it takes, whatever you do, wherever you go
I am never leaving you
Oh yeah I am gonna be waiting
I'll be right here waiting for you
End of Chapter
Azure Rosas: Yay! Yay! I've updated! Wahoo!!! I don't consider that a cliffhanger, do you Niko? *on good terms with Niko now*
Niko: Nope. I thought it was the perfect ending! ^^ *in a REAL good mood*
Azure Rosas: ^^; *knows why* Anyway, before I thank the reviewers, I'd like to apologize. I would've posted this before New Years or before Christmas, but I ended up going somewhere soo...I guess you can see why I haven't updated when I wanted to. -_- I really wish I could meet my own dead line! Arr...Welp, besides all that, time to get on with my thank you's:
KawaiiSakuraAngel; Kawaii-Cherry Wolf; Keetra; Isa-chan (Niko thanx you for the hug); sK; kawaiiaznangel36; Chrissy; Ti'ana; Idiot1988; HeavenlyAnimeAngel; Momiji-chan; Animefreak242; Katsu-chan; Litwolf689
Azure Rosas: And to answer some of Animefreak242's questions: 1) Yes, Sakura and Syaoran can still change into their godly forms 2) I'm planning on writting another CCS fic once I'm done with all of my others called Dark Ages. 3) I don't think I'll be writting any crossover fics but I MIGHT write a fic for Gundam Wing. I luv that show! ^.^
'n'-e-wayz, I hope you all liked this chapter. Took me a while to type it but I managed to do it. I was planning on posting it last night..but I wouldn't have had it up until around 2 or 3 in the morning and I was sooo tired -_- Well, the next chapter is most likely the last and I pray to have it up before I go back to school on Tuesday! ._.
Niko: *all smilez* ^^ Please leave a review and ja ne!
-thinking-/song lyrics
(Author's Note)
scene change
Disclaimer: *sighs* -_- I only own the Gods/Goddesses/Angels and people/things that are unrelated to CLAMP. CLAMP owns the cast of CCS and everything that has to do with CCS. I also do not own the song featured in this chapter.
Chapter 34: Right Here Waiting
By: Azure Rosas
As I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
I see you next to never
How can we stay forever?
She gazed absentmindedly through her window and out at the darkened world. Her elbow leaned against the sill with her cheek resting on her palm. Her emerald eyes never wavered or moved; they just simply stared forward and off into space. Snow drifted gradually from the dark, gray clouds and down to the already snow-littered earth. The trees were completely leafless; only the winter snow to adorn the branches. The only things that allowed her to take in every detail of the outside world were the lights coming from the street lamps and the lights penetrating through other peoples' windows. Not a soul could be seen dashing around the streets. Her eyes darted to the side walk. She half hoped, and half wished, that someone would come walking down that side walk, walk up their porch, and knock on their door with a grin on his face. But that thought went down the drain as minutes past by. She heaved her shoulders up and down in a deep, sad sigh. She tried her best to keep it low, as not to worry her faithful Guardian Beast who worked furiously to beat a video game that he's been playing for quite sometime.
But her sigh reached his small, round ears. His tiny beady black eyes darted from the t.v. screen and rested on his Mistress. She wore plain white sweats and an everest green t-shirt. Her auburn hair was kept up in a tight pony tail, held by a black band. The smile that he was use to, was replaced by a firm frown that he never got use to during the past months. Her emerald green eyes were unusually dull and lifeless; they didn't seem to hold the sparkle they once had. His keen eyes observed her pink aura. It flared around her, as if trying to reach for something that was so far out of reach while letting out a longing feeling. It didn't have the joy and happiness it once held. These feelings she seemed to be emitting, sent shivers up and down his spine. He hated to see the state that his Mistress was in at the moment.
Pausing the video game, he fluttered his small white wings and flew up to her. Furrowing his eye brows in worry, he flew in front of her face. "Sakura?"
She didn't reply.
He waved a paw in front of her face. "You-who! Sakura? You there?"
She blinked and finally snapped back to reality. She gazed at Kero, as if just noticing that he was there. "Oh, Kero-chan. What is it?"
Kero let out a sigh. "Are you alright, Sakura?"
"Of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" Sakura questioned, tilting her head in confusion.
He shook his head, knowing very well that she was trying to sound bewildered as not to show her true emotions. "Never mind." Lifting up his head, both Mistress and Guardian stared out the window and watched the snow drifting down to earth.
An image of a certain, amber eyed God crossed her mind's eye. A sudden wave of desire and longing washed over her more forcefully, drowning her in sudden dismay and sorrow. Her heart ached tremendously for the chestnut haired boy. It seemed to be crumbling piece-by-piece as days and months go by. Pressing the palm of her right hand against the window, her eyes glazed over with hot, fresh tears. Her mind cried and shouted his name as if in hopes he'd hear and come barging into her room. But he was too far away...he was to far away from her. She seemed to weaken as days go by. Her powers decreased over the months and her skin was pale. She hardly never ate and it would have to be either Kero, Touya, Tomoyo, or Fujitaka that would force her to swallow some food. She didn't seem to have any energy left in her. She's been this way ever since he returned back to Hong Kong; back to his home in China. A flashback ran to and fro through her mind.
Flashback
"I'll come back," he answered with a nod.
"Promise?"
"I promise," he vowed.
All was silent between them two as they just stood there in one another's arms. Sakura broke that silence though. "Syaoran..?"
"Hm?"
"Even...Even though you already know, I still wanna say it..."
"And what's that?" he questioned, looking down at her quizzically.
She gave him a short, yet blissful, kiss on the lips before staring deeply into his amber eyes. "Aishiteru, my Little Wolf."
He gave her a heart warming grin, a loving and caring one. "Aishiteru, my Cherry Blossom."
Another wave of silence enveloped them. It seemed as if nothing else needed to be said. All they wanted to do was hold each other while they still had the chance. Reluctantly pulling away from the hold, Sakura looked up to meet his gaze. "Ano...Syaoran? I have just one more question."
"What is it?"
"How..." she tried to find the right words to put her question in. "How come you have to go back to China?"
Syaoran sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging down. "I recieved a phone call the other day from my mom. She said now that I had completed my mission, which was to protect you, I'm to return back home. It was the Elders' orders and there's no way I could disobey them. I tried reasoning with my mom to convince the Elders to let me remain in Japan for a little longer, but not even she could change their minds. They want me to go back to finish my training before I become Leader of the Li Clan."
Sakura turned her head to the side and looked at the ground. "I...I understand."
There was another reason as to why he was returning back to Hong Kong, but what it was, he did not mention it. Cupping her chin in his hand, he gently forced her to look up at him. "I gave you my word that I'll be coming back, and I tend to keep it."
A watery smile crossed her face. "And I don't care how long it takes, Syaoran. Just remember that I'll be waiting for you."
He pressed his forehead against hers while grinning. "Someday, Sakura, when you least expect it...I'll come walking down this grove of trees."
"And when that day comes," she mumbled softly, "I'll be right here waiting for you."
End of Flashback
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
"Kero-chan?" Sakura spoke up.
"What is it Sakura?" Kero questioned, glancing at her in a quizzical way.
"Do you think Syaoran will ever come back?" she asked as she turned to look at him with hopeful, emerald eyes.
He gazed sadly at the Card Mistress. He knew that he'd never truly understand just how much she loved the Chinese Gaki, but he knew that he'd just have to respect their feelings, especially now that Syaoran is also his Master. Kero sighed deeply before looking back out through the window. "If you believe, Sakura, that he'll come back....Then I also believe that he will." Looking back at her, he gestured down at the bed as he eyed her firmly. "Now, go to sleep Sakura-chan. It's getting late and you look like you could use your rest."
Obediently climbing under the covers, she rested her head on the pillow as her eye lids gradually covered her emerald orbs. A grateful smile was plastered on her face. "Good night, Kero-chan..."
He grinned faintly while turning the t.v. and the bedroom light off. "Good night, Sakura."
Next Day / Hong Kong
Hacking and slicing furiously at nothing but air, sweat beated down his brow. Ignoring the snow underneath him and above him, he continued on with his sword training. Jumping into the air, he raised his weapon above his head before stealthily bringing it down with a battle cry. Images flashed rapidly in his mind's eye of an emerald eyed girl. This distracted him; making him lose his balance or nearly dropping his sword. Shaking his head to rid the picture, his excerise seemed to slow down a bit.
A teenaged girl, at least 18 years of age, with jet black hair held in two seperate buns, watched his session from afar. Her eye brows creased in worry as a sadden, almost sympathetic, look crossed her golden red eyes. Tugging her coat more tightly around her, she walked towards the 19 year old with a mug of hot cocoa. Ever since he returned back to Tomoeda, all he does is train. During the months, she managed to get him alone, or practically cornered at a wall, and had him explain all that happened when he went to Japan. She learned everything that went on and even managed to pry some other secretive stuff from him like: his feelings for Sakura. She knew then that this...'Sakura'...was the reason for Syaoran's change in mood and emotions. He seemed to be allowing his feelings to show and he wasn't that cold, heartless person she once knew before he left. He was kinder, gentler, and more opened. But there would be times when he'd try to hide his emotions, especially in since he's been feeling weak and tired lately.
Ever since he returned home, he was unusually pale. He hardly ate and it seemed as if he never got enough sleep. The deep lines under his eyes were evident and visible. He seemed to be slacking off in everything he did. He was late for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; his training sessions were done poorly; and he always woke up late. Before they were let off for Winter Break, Syaoran would constantly fall asleep during class time. It was odd for him to be doing all of this, and everyone was noticing. Also, as the Elders pointed out, his powers decreased drastically. Her and everyone else were deeply worried for him.
"Xiaolang?"
Coming to a halt, he turned to face his fiancée. His breathing came out as low, soft pants and his skin seemed almost white. "What is it Meiling?"
Holding out the mug, she eyed him worriedly. "You look cold. Why don't you come inside, sit by the fire, and drink this?"
"I'm fine," he stated flatly. "A little cold can't phase me. Now if you don't mind, I need to train." He turned his back to her.
She glared at his back and shook in furry. He was seriously starting to get her mad. "Xiaolang! You listen here!" she demaned firmly and angrily. "If you keep this up, you'll just end up getting sick! Actually, I'm surprised you haven't even gotten sick yet! I don't know what the hell is wrong with you but I can't stand watching you suffer like this!!!"
He faced her with surprised, amber eyes.
Grabbing one of his wrists, she practically dragged him towards the Li Mansion. "Now, you're going to do as I said earlier: come inside, sit by the fire, and have a nice cup of hot cocoa. And don't you dare disobey me and go back outside or you'll have to feel Meiling Li's wrath!"
They entered the mansion as a sudden wave of warmth washed over them like a tidal wave. They walked into the family room where a merry looking fire cracked and burned brilliantly in the hearth. Taking a seat on opposite couches, Syaoran carefully drank the hot cocoa that Meiling supplied him with. Placing the mug on the coffee table, he glanced up at his cousin and fiancée in a grateful manner. "Thanks, Meiling. I really needed that."
"You're welcome," she replied with a grin while curtly nodding her head.
Meiling is Syaoran's future wife. Neither of them agreed to their arranged marriage. They would protest against it until they were to worn out to even bother to speak with the Elders. They would tell the Elders that they were in love with someone else and that they didn't wish to marry one another. But they didn't care. They would just retort back saying how they needed to keep the Li Blood line strong.
"Hey, Xiaolang?" Meiling spoke up, breaking the silence.
"Yes?"
"Can you tell me about....About....Sakura?"
A faint smile crossed his face as a distant look came upon his amber eyes. Flashbacks and images of only her was all that he saw. He remembered everything about her and he knew he'd never forget. He told Meiling how nice she was; how her smile would brighten anyone's dull / foggy day; how her emerald eyes never ceased to sparkle. Once he was done, she grinned at him and finally understood just how much he loved this girl and why he loved her.
"She really does sound like a nice person..."
"Indeed she does," a third voice spoke up.
That I thought would last somehow
I hear the laughter, and I taste the tears
But I can't be near you now
Oh Can't you see it baby?
You've got me going crazy.
They both glanced up to see a black haired woman standing at the entrance of the family room. She strode towards the couch and took a seat next to Syaoran. She looked at him firmly in the eye and he could swear he felt her boring holes through his skull. "Tell me, Xiaolang...Do you truly love this girl?"
He nodded dumbly, wondering where his mother was heading towards.
A soft smile played across her rosey lips. "Then go to her."
A shocked and surprised look appeared on his face as his amber eyes widen. That was something he never expected to hear from Yelan. "But...Mom...The Elders -"
She waved a hand as if dismissing his comment. "Don't worry about the Elders. I sorted things out with them. I had them realize that Sakura's father is the half reincarnation of Clow Reed, and insince we are descendents of Clow Reed then...You get the picture. And I also pointed out to them that if they wanted to keep the power of the Li line strong, then they had to start realizing that arranging marriages between cousins isn't going to help." Then she winked at them. "And I told them that having two Gods in our Clan would surely allow a stronger generation of Li's."
He blushed at his mother's last statement, obviously realizing what she meant by it. Meiling, on the other hand, giggled at his tomato red face. "Now..." Yelan continued on. "Pack your things, go to Japan, ask the girl to marry you, and come back here so we can actually arrange the wedding!"
Grinning gratefully up at his mother, Syaoran jumped from the couch and practically ran up the stairs and towards his room while calling a "Thanks" over his shoulders. Considering the weak state he was in, he seemed more energetic than before now that he knew he would be returning back to Tomoeda, Japan; returning back to Sakura.
Meanwhile - Tomoeda, Japan
"I can't wait 'til the Christmas Party!" an over-excited Chiharu exclaimed with a wide grin spreading across her face.
"Neither can I," Naoko inputted, smiling at her friend's exposure of how much she really was looking forward to the party.
"Tomoyo-chan always manages to give everyone a great Christmas Party," Rika praised the blushing amethyst eyed girl.
"Oh quit it Rika-chan...You're making me blush," Tomoyo stated bashfully as she placed her palms over her burning cheeks.
"She's right though," Eriol inquired, grinning amusingly at his soon-to-be-wife.
"Oi! Did you know that Christmas Parties were originated in Rome?" Takashi interrupted in his matter-of-fact-tone while pointing an index finger up at the ceiling.
"Oh hush up Takashi-kun," Chiharu growled before racking her fist against her boyfriend's head.
Rubbing the area where he hit her, he put on a pout. "Well...It's true!"
They were all gathered at Sakura's house; each one of them occupying a space on either of the couches set in the living room. When they arrived, they built a fire in the hearth where it roared and burned with an atmosphere of power and warmth. Sakura stared into the brightly lit flames absentmindedly, flashbacks of the nights her, Syaoran, Crystallight, Rage, and Gem spent gathered around a similar fire; laughing and enjoying each others' companies. Her shoulders heaved up and down in a sigh as she bowed her head slightly. Even though the adventure they went through was tough and perilous, she missed the days she spent with them. She missed all four of them greatly. Even though it's already been months since their journey ended, it was still quite hard for her to get over the fact that...it was all over. No more worries. No more problems. No more troubles. But she still had worries; she still had problems and troubles.
She was completely stumped and confused about why she was so weak and always tired. All of her friends were worried for her. None of them knew what to do. Wearily rubbing her eye lids, she leaned her head against the arm chair. She wasn't obvious to the concerned glances everyone was sending her. Everything around her...she didn't seem to see. All she saw was the days she spent; traveling with the others to retrieve the Four Elemental Stones. All she saw was Syaoran. All she saw were his intense and warm amber eyes. All she felt were his arms around her. All she wanted was for him to hold her again.
Tomoyo glanced at Eriol in sheer worry. He looked back at her with obvious sympathy gleaming in his sapphire eyes behind his glasses. Her hand seeked his and once found, they intertwined their fingers together as he gripped her hand more gently in hopes to reassure her that Sakura would be all right in the end.
-Why does Kami have to be harsh on those that have already been through enough?- Tomoyo questioned silently in her thoughts. -Can't he see that they belong together? Sakura and Li-kun don't deserve this...They don't! They deserve nothing more than happiness after all they went through in their adventure- She sighed. -I hope Li-kun comes back...and soon. I don't know how much longer I can bare seeing Sakura like this-
Takashi looked at Chiharu in a quizzical manner, hoping that she would be able to explain to him why she was acting so oddly. But all he recieved was a shrug and a look that showed she was just as confused and lost as he was.
"Sakura-chan?" Rika spoke up softly, breaking the awkward silence.
Snapping out of her thoughts and blinking away the hot, fresh tears that formed in her eyes, Sakura faced Rika. "Nani?"
Sakura forced a grin to everyone. "Hai, daijoubu. Don't worry about me. I just...haven't been feeling well lately, that's all."
From the base of the stair case, Kero stifled a snort. Spreading his tiny white wings, he flew back into Sakura's room where he quietly shut the door behind him. It wasn't sickness that was bothering her. No. It was something different. After stopping by over Eriol's mansion a few times in the past with Yue, they, along with Nakuru and Spinel Sun, managed to come up with an answer to her situation after doing months of research. They would look through a bunch of Clow Reed's old books in Eriol's personal library. Nakuru was the lucky one. She came upon the book that held the answer to Sakura's problem; AND to Syaoran's as they soon learned later on after reading over the information they needed to know. This is what the passage in the book read:
"When two sorcerers fall in love, they are instantly connected to each other through their auras and a magical link that connects one to the other. Thus, because of this special link the two sorcerers share, they are able to feel one another's emotions, feelings, pain, etc. But, when they are seperated / far apart from one another, their bond immediately breaks. This 'magical link' will be cut off. When this does happen, it causes the two sorcerers to face certain symptoms like: a drastic increase in power, sleepiness, vulnerability to any kind of attack, weak (physically and mentally), and possible sickness. The only way to fix the magical link between them, they must be brought back together where their bond would be reunited."
Kero would've blamed the 'Chinese Gaki' for all the suffering he was causing Sakura, but he couldn't because he knew the boy was going through just as much as she was. But he allowed himself to blame the Li Elders for their problem. If they hadn't demanded Syaoran to return back to Hong Kong, both of them would be happy. And even though he hated to admit it: Syaoran was the only person that could return her back to normal....
....while all he could do was pray that he'd return back to Tomoeda, and fast.
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
"Why don't I make us some hot chocolate?" Sakura said, standing up and making her way to the kitchen to remove the unnerving attention she finally realized she was recieving from her friends.
"I'll help you!" Tomoyo offered before trailing behind her.
Once they were in the kitchen, the two girls busied theirselves over making the hot chocolate for them and their friends. When they were almost finished, Tomoyo couldn't contain herself anymore. She needed to know what was wrong with her and she would die from worry if she didn't know.
"Sakura," she began sternly. "I want you to tell me what's wrong."
Taking a side glance, Sakura looked back at the drink she was currently making. "What do you mean, Tomoyo?"
"Oh don't give me that crap!" Tomoyo snapped, harshly slamming the mug against the counter.
She stared at the raven haired girl in surprise. Never once had she snapped at her in such a tone before. Never.
"I know there's something wrong with you! We all do!" she exclaimed, though low enough so the others wouldn't be able to hear. "You haven't been eating. You haven't been sleeping. You've been oddly weak and tired and pale. We're all worried about you Sakura! Can't you see that?"
Bowing her head and looking down, guilt glimmered in her emerald eyes. "Gomen nasai, Tomoyo. I didn't mean to be the cause for everyones' worry." She bit her bottom lip and tightly clenched her fists, not daring to look up at her friend. "Not even I am sure what's wrong with me." Her body trembled gently, along with her voice as she continued on. "Ever since....Ever since Syaoran left...I don't know...Something in me just - just snapped and everything seemed so out of place. I feel lost, Tomoyo. I feel like giving up and dying. I hate these feelings. I only want them to go away. I try and try to ignore them and simply accept the fact that Syaoran returned home...but something won't allow me to...Something seems to hold me in these horrid feelings." She fell to her knees and burried her face in her hands. The tears that she fought so deseprately to hold back all of those months, finally gave way and she broke into uncontrollable sobs. "Gomen nasai."
Face softening, Tomoyo dropped to her own knees and embraced her best friend in a comforting and friendly hug. She rubbed the violently shaking girl's back while rocking her and whispering soothing words into her ear. "There, there Sakura. There's no need to apologize OR cry. I'M the one who should be apologizing. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."
"Tomoyo? What if Syaoran never comes back?" Sakura managed to whisper through her tears, neither of them aware of Rika, Eriol, Chiharu, Takashi, and Naoko who gathered at the kitchen.
"He'll come back, just you wait," Eriol answered, kneeling beside them and placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"How do you know?" Sakura asked, looking up at him with red-rimmed eyes.
"Because he loves you," Takashi spoke up before wrapping an arm around Chiharu's shoulder.
"And because of his love for you, that will allow him to return to you," Chiharu added as she leaned in closer to Takashi.
"Besides," Rika began in a confident tone, "Li-kun isn't someone to break a promise."
"She's right, you know?" Naoko agreed, while nodding her head. "He always keeps his word."
A watery smile made its way across Sakura's tear stained face. She looked at each and every one of them, feeling grateful to have such wonderful friends. "Arigatou, minna-san. You guys are the greatest."
"Itashimashite,(You're welcome) Sakura-chan," Rika replied, grinning softly. "Just remember that we're always here for you when you need us the most."
Later On
Pulling on their coats and shoes, Sakura saw them off to the door. It was time they headed back home before dinner.
"Well...I guess I'll be seeing all of you tomorrow at the Christmas Party," Sakura said.
"You're going to wear the dress I gave you, ne?" Tomoyo asked hopefully.
Grinning, a slight sweat drop rolled down the back of her head. "Of course, Tomoyo-chan."
She smiled in return. "Good. See you tomorrow!"
"Okay. Bye minna!"
"Bye Sakura!" they called off as they walked down the porch and down the streets of Tomoeda.
Waving them off, she went back into the house once they disappeared from sight. Sighing deeply, she leaned her back against the door and slowly slid to the ground. Her eyes were half open as a sudden wave of fatigue enveloped her. Head bobbing up and down, she tried her best to stay awake. Scrambling to get up onto her feet, she stumbled to the couch and slumped on it. The minute her head hit the soft cushion, she was instantly asleep; stuck in a dreamworld with images and flashbacks of Syaoran in her mind's eye.
When hearing nothing more than silence coming from down stairs, Kero decided it was now safe for him to show himself. Flying down the stair case, he came to a halt in mid-air when seeing Sakura sleeping peacefully on the couch. A faint grin was on her face, along with a content look. Getting a spare blanket, he placed it over Sakura and turned the lights off, nothing but the dim fire and Christmas lights from the Christmas tree to light the room.
"Sleep well, Sakura-chan."
Next Day - Hong Kong, China
8:36 A.M, December 25th
They were all gathered at Hong Kong Airlines to see Syaoran off on his plane: Yelan, Sheifa, Fanren, Fuutie, Feimei, Meiling, and even her boyfriend: Shui Po. (A/N: Some of you may know him from 'Never Alone' and the sequel to that one ^^ I just adore them together!) His plane would be taking off any minute now.
"I really wish I could go with you," Meiling huffed, feeling slightly depressed. "I really wanna meet Sakura."
"Oh don't worry Meiling," Sheifa assured, the youngest of the Li Sisters. She grinned at Syaoran and winked. "We'll be able to meet her, soon."
Feimei giggled. "Yeah. I bet she's REALLY pretty."
"And cute," Fanren added in.
"And nice!" Fuutie inquired with a wide grin.
Syaoran's cheeks flushed over with a bright red color as he sighed and shook his head, feeling quite embarrassed. Yelan couldn't help but smile at them as she turned and faced her son.
"I expect you to return home soon," she spoke in a low tone, "with your future wife."
As if he couldn't blush an even brighter red....he did. Ignoring what she just said, he changed the subject with a different question. "Mom? Do you know what's causing me to be...so..."
"Weak?"
He nodded his head.
Closing her eyes, Yelan thought back to her studies and all she learned when she was a little girl, growing up around magic. She then parted her eye lids and quoted the passage from the book that Kero and them read from back in Japan.
"I understand now..." Syaoran stated, glad that he finally knew the reason.
"I find that quite romantic..." Fanren sighed dreamily.
He eyed his older sister skeptically. "Romantic!?"
"Yeah," Fuutie instantly agreed.
"Two sorcerers..." Meiling began with the same dreamy look as Fuutie and Fanren, "forever bonded by love and destined by fate..."
Shui and Syaoran glanced at each other, both thinking the same thing: -Girls-
"FLIGHT 0198 TO TOMOEDA, JAPAN...NOW BOARDING," a voice from the intercom boomed over the chattering of the crowd. "I REPEAT, FLIGHT 0198 TO TOMOEDA, JAPAN IS NOW BOARDING!"
"Well...that's my flight. I better be going," Syaoran said. But before he left, the girls didn't let him go without a hug.
"Hurry back little brother."
"We'll be waiting for you."
"Don't forget to ask her!"
"And bring her back when she says yes!"
"We're really looking forward to both of your arrivals."
"And...good luck," Shui whispered before patting him on the back.
Taking in a deep breath, he made his way towards Gate 3 while muttering, "I'll need it."
(how we can survive)
this romance
But in the end if I am with you,
I'll take the chance (I'll take the chance)
Tomoeda, Japan
They were all now gathered at the Daidouji Mansion, where the usual Christmas Party they threw every year was at. Their house was decorated, though looking more "brighter" and "wonderful" than the last. A great, beautifully decorated Christmas tree was in the family room where a majestic fire burned in the hearth. A bunch of their classmates were there, along with some of Sonomi's own friends. Sakura arrived there with Touya and Fujitaka, both men wearing neatly kept tuxedos. Sakura, of course, wore another of Tomoyo's creations.
It was yet another great success for Tomoyo. Sakura adorned a lovely, emerald gown which was made especially to match her eyes. The top half hugged her curves, with a low V-Neck to show off some cleavage. The straps were thin and at least three quarters of her back was exposed with straps crossing to make an X. The bottom half flared out, giving off the impression that she were gliding when she walked. On her feet were simple, flat healed, white shoes and her hair was kept up in a bun, a few strands of her auburn hair framing her face. An around her neck was the necklace that Syaoran gave her back when she was three: a small shaped head of a wolf made of pure crystal glass with gleaming green eyes attached to a golden chain.
She greeted everyone warmly and blushed whenever she recieved compliments on her beauty. Sakura then found Tomoyo and Eriol sitting alone on a couch, talking to each other with grins on their faces. Eriol wore a tail coat tuxedo while Tomoyo wore a simple, violet gown made of velvet. Even in the simplest of outfits, she looked absolutely beautiful.
"Hello Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo greeted once she approached them. Her grin widen and stars were instantly in her eyes. "You look so pretty!"
Smiling, but blushing, Sakura waved a hand to dismiss her comment. "Nonsense, Tomoyo-chan. You're the one who looks pretty!"
A light red hue crossed her pale face. "Really, Sakura...You look stunning in that dress!"
"And you look beautiful in yours," she continued to persist.
Chuckling at their stubborness, Eriol interrupted them while putting on his charming grin. "Ladies, ladies. Both of you look absolutely wonderful tonight."
"Oh Eriol, you were always the flatterer," Sakura stated teasingly before lightly punching him on the arm.
"But it's true," he continued on.
Tomoyo giggled. "And you look really handsome, Eriol."
"Well, I try to look my best for milady," he said in a smooth tone.
Sakura watched them, her emerald eyes gleaming in amusement.
Standing up, the half reincarnation of Clow Reed dipped lowly in a bow as he extended an arm out for Tomoyo to take just as a slow song began to drift through the building. "Would milady care to dance?"
"I'd be honored, O Kind Sir," Tomoyo replied, grinning sweetly as she placed her hands in his.
He led her to the dance floor and in no time at all, they were both dancing slowly in each other's arms. Sakura couldn't help but smile at them, a hint of envy flashing in her eyes. Soon, Chiharu and Takashi joined them, followed by other couples. Deeply sighing, she leaned back against the couch, wishing for Syaoran to appear, and take her to the dance floor where they would dance together with no worries and troubles; just with thoughts of one another. Frowning deeply, she felt hot, fresh liquid glaze over her eyes. Feeling the need to take a walk through the cold, night of Christmas, she got up, grabbed her coat, pulled it on, and left the Daidouji Mansion without anyone noticing.
Kicking deafly at the snow, she walked down the snow covered side walk as snowflakes drifted gradually down from the dark sky. She could see her own breath before her as she breathed. Pocketing her hands deep in her coat, she shuddered as her teeth began to chatter.
"Man...Why does it have to be so cold?" she mumbled through her chattering, continuing on through the deserted streets.
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes, or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
She shook her head to rid the small pile of snow that formed on her head. It fell down on either side of her and down to the ground. After a few minutes, she came to a halt, now surrounded by a grove of trees. They were bare; their branches extending out like claws trying to grasp the air. The leaves and blossoms that once occupied them were completely gone now over the time when winter came. Glancing around, her eyes became hopeful as she turned her head side to side. Sighing, she leaned her back against the trunk of a near by tree, her legs feeling like lead and her eye lids feeling heavy as she slumped to the ground. This was the same place she stopped at everyday...simply in hopes that she would find Syaoran walking down the path of trees and towards her.
Hugging herself, she shivered more violently than before. An air of eeriness (Is there such a word?) and nervousness gripped her tightly. She could feel a pair of piercing eyes staring straight at her. Her orbs darted here and there for any signs of the person who owned those eyes, but saw no one. She would've used her magical senses to locate the person, but her powers were to low and oddly drained to do anything.
"Who - Who's there?" she stammered.
"It's been a while...."
She was really starting to feel frightened now. "Who are you?"
"Don't tell me that you forgot about me already?" the voice spoke in a "fake" hurt tone.
"If you'd just show yourself then maybe I would be able to know who you are!" Sakura snapped, though her voice slightly wavered.
The sound of snow crunching reached her ears and then a person stood before her. Her eyes traveled up his slightly baggy black pants, up his red shirt covered with a leather jacket, to his frowning, light tanned face, and up to his piercing silver-blue eyes. He had neatly kept silver hair that was sleaked back along with dark blue high lights. He looked quite handsome, but foreboding and one that looked like he smokes and drinks. Her eyes widen even more, her fear and horror evident on her pale face.
"No..." Her head shook in disbelief. "It...It can't be..."
"Oh, but it is, Sakura," he replied with a sneering smirk.
"K-Kiechi..." she stuttered. "I thought you were in jail...?"
"I was in jail, thanks to that fuckin' friend of yours," Kiechi spat. "But I was released just yesterday."
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her body shaking even more.
"Can't I pay my girl a visit?" he questioned, kneeling in front of her.
All fear left her, instantly replaced by anger and dispite. "I'm not your GIRL anymore! I have someone new in my life! Someone that actually CARES and LOVES me!"
He grabbed her coat collar, hauled her onto her feet, and roughly slammed her back against the tree. His eyes scrunched up into a glare and she coward before him. "I don't care who this guy is! You're mine and no one elses, ya got that?"
She didn't reply. Considering the dreadful state she was in, she couldn't use her magic or any of her self defense skills to fend him off. And besides, whenever he was around, he made her feel like dirt...he made her feel like an ant that could be easily crushed and stomped on. "What do you want from me?"
His lips tugged up to an evil smirk. "All I want is YOU. And this time, none of your fuckin' friends are here to help you!"
"They'll come looking for me!"
"First off, I bet they don't even know you're gone," Kiechi sneered. "And second, how can they help you when they don't even know where you are?"
Grinding her teeth, she tried to keep her gaze steady. He was right. She was completely vulnerable to him now. Without Syaoran...she's nothing. "Wh-why don't you just leave me alone!?"
He released his hold on her coat collar. "Hm. Good question..." His eyes them gleamed with an evil look. "I guess it's because I wish to continue where we left off before that damn Yamazaki came and interrupted us."
She could feel tears stinging her eyes. A cold feeling formed at the pit of her stomach as her insides churned and seemed to tie painfully into knots. She stared forward with wide eyes, half obvious to the fact that Kiechi had his hand stroking her left cheek. He rested his palm on her cheek before leaning towards her. Their lips were centimeters apart and Sakura could feel his hot, alcoholic breath beating against her face.
"You know, Sakura, I waited for the day when I'd see you again," he whispered huskily while nipping her ear. "I've waited for a very long time."
"Well...Now that you have already seen me...Maybe we should both be on our own seperate ways?" Sakura's voice squeaked. She hated this feeling of vulnerability. She hated it more than she thought.
"Silly, silly Sakura," he murmured, running his hand down her neck and bringing them under the coat where he rested his palms on her shoulders. "I haven't seen all of you, yet."
She gulped, never really caring if he heard or not. Grabbing her wrist, Kiechi made an attempt to pull her somewhere, but she finally snapped back to her senses and began to struggle desperately to get out of his hold and run towards the Daidouji Mansion. She groaned mentally. Why did she have to leave the place anyway? He kept a firm grasp on her wrist, still trying to pull her away.
"Quit struggling and make this easier for the both of us!" Kiechi grunted. "I don't wish to hurt you!"
"You'd have to KILL me to get me!!" Sakura snarled venomously. She acted on her instincts and aimed a kick at his shin. The tip of her heal hit target and his grip was released as he howled and hopped around in pain. Choosing not to wait for him to make another move, she made a mad dash towards the mansion. But she barely got 6 paces away when she was tackled harshly against the cold, snowy ground. Withering under Kiechi's weight, she could feel him sitting on her back while pinning her arms to either side of her. She returned back to the shivered, frightened girl Kiechi found sitting at the foot of the tree as the snow started to seep through her clothing, starting to drench her by its freezing water.
"I'm not going to let you get away from me THAT easily," he growled as he flipped her over so she lied on her back and he sat on her stomach.
"Why don't you just leave me alone!?" Sakura shouted at the point of hysterics. Her eyes shimmered brightly with tears. "Why must you bother me!?! All I want is for you to leave me alone!!"
He smirked at her, leaning in closer. "I love the smell of fear coming from one with such innocence...Well...at least SOME innocence that wasn't stolen before. And don't worry, the rest of that innocence will be all mine."
The tears started to leak down her cheeks as she eyed him fearfully. "Leave me be..." Her throat felt dry and soar as she stared into his eyes. "Just leave me be..."
"I suggest you do as the lady suggested."
Sakura's eyes went wide as her heart seemed to skip a bit. They both looked up to see Syaoran, glaring daggers at Kiechi.
"Who are you?" Kiechi questioned in a hiss.
"I? I am Li, Syaoran. And who might YOU be?" he retorted back, his voice sounding as cold as his glare.
"I am Kiechi, Sakura's boyfriend," he snapped.
"My EX-boyfriend!" Sakura inputted, earning a harsh slap across the face.
"Keep your mouth shut, girl!"
Syaoran balled his hands into tight fists, feeling his power returning as his green aura a lit like flames. But of course, that all went unseen by Kiechi's eyes, but he did see the wild fire burning darkly yet brilliantly in his amber eyes. Sakura could feel her own powers returning, all feeling of weakness and weariness abandoned both of the Gods in an instant. She would've pushed Kiechi off of her, but his weight put that thought down the drain. (And no, he's not fat or anything.)
"Don't make me repeat myself," Syaoran stated through gritted teeth, trying to contain himself before he did something drastic like: kill him. "Listen to what she said and leave her alone!"
"Oh? And what are you going to do if I don't?" Kiechi asked with a hint of mocking in his voice.
Striding towards them, Syaoran toward before Kiechi looking dark and menacing. He grabbed him by his jacket, heaved him off of the girl, and threw him over his shoulders. The silver-blue eyed boy rolled across the snow before coming to a stop. Pushing himself up onto all fours, he coughed slightly and narrowed his eyes at Syaoran who stared back at him steadily. Getting up on his feet, he began to walk away, not exactly wishing to feel the full extent of Syaoran.
"Don't think this is over!" Kiechi exclaimed wildly as he took off in a run.
"Well guess what? It's over! If I ever find you around Sakura AGAIN, you won't be so lucky!!!" Syaoran threatened dangerously as he disappeared from sight.
Turning around, he was about to help Sakura up when he felt someone throw themself against him with their arms wrapped securely around his neck.
"Syaoran!" Sakura cried out, tears of joy falling down her cheek as she burried her face in his shirt.
His expression softened and he snaked his arms around her slim waist, pulling her closer to him. Now that he had Sakura in his arms, he felt alive once more. They both felt alive and it seemed as if they were just born into a new light. Everything was clear again and the need to live on was stronger than ever. They held onto each other as if there would be no tomorrow if they didn't.
"Oh Syaoran, I'm so glad you're back!" Sakura sobbed. "I've missed you sooo much!!!"
"I missed you also," he whispered gently, trying to calm the crying girl in his arms. "Now hush, Sakura love. There's no need for tears. Tears don't suit a lovely face like yours."
Blushing, her crying came to a cease. Lifting her head up, emerald met amber. After those long, harsh months without one another...they were back together once again. I guess you can say that both of them thought the wait was all worth it, simply because they were together in the end.
Syaoran helped Sakura up onto her feet and she clasped her hand in his and began to lead him towards Tomoyo's mansion where the Christmas Party was at. They probably noticed her disappearance by now and would most likely be worried.
"You have a lot of explaining to do," Syaoran remarked to Sakura. "I'd like to know how you and this...Kiechi guy know one another and why he attacked you."
Sighing, Sakura nodded. "Alright."
Oh whatever it takes, whatever you do, wherever you go
I am never leaving you
Oh yeah I am gonna be waiting
I'll be right here waiting for you
End of Chapter
Azure Rosas: Yay! Yay! I've updated! Wahoo!!! I don't consider that a cliffhanger, do you Niko? *on good terms with Niko now*
Niko: Nope. I thought it was the perfect ending! ^^ *in a REAL good mood*
Azure Rosas: ^^; *knows why* Anyway, before I thank the reviewers, I'd like to apologize. I would've posted this before New Years or before Christmas, but I ended up going somewhere soo...I guess you can see why I haven't updated when I wanted to. -_- I really wish I could meet my own dead line! Arr...Welp, besides all that, time to get on with my thank you's:
KawaiiSakuraAngel; Kawaii-Cherry Wolf; Keetra; Isa-chan (Niko thanx you for the hug); sK; kawaiiaznangel36; Chrissy; Ti'ana; Idiot1988; HeavenlyAnimeAngel; Momiji-chan; Animefreak242; Katsu-chan; Litwolf689
Azure Rosas: And to answer some of Animefreak242's questions: 1) Yes, Sakura and Syaoran can still change into their godly forms 2) I'm planning on writting another CCS fic once I'm done with all of my others called Dark Ages. 3) I don't think I'll be writting any crossover fics but I MIGHT write a fic for Gundam Wing. I luv that show! ^.^
'n'-e-wayz, I hope you all liked this chapter. Took me a while to type it but I managed to do it. I was planning on posting it last night..but I wouldn't have had it up until around 2 or 3 in the morning and I was sooo tired -_- Well, the next chapter is most likely the last and I pray to have it up before I go back to school on Tuesday! ._.
Niko: *all smilez* ^^ Please leave a review and ja ne!
