"Speaking"
-thinking- / Flashbacks
scene change
(Author's Note)

Disclaimer: *sniffing* *can't stop* Ooohh maannn!! This'll be the last 'Disclaimer' I ever use for this fic!! T.T *sniff* I don't own CCS and *sniff* will never own CCS. -_-'

The Goddess of Light & The God of Earth
Epilogue:

By: Azure Rosas


_________


Before they reached the Daidouji Mansion, Sakura already informed Syaoran about her past relationship with Kiechi and why he was put in prison. She told him how Takashi saved her, which seemed to calm him down a bit, but he was more angered, then calm. His fists were firmly clenched and even though he had on a serious expression, she was still obvious to the wild fire burning feriously in his amber eyes. It took a lot of persuasion from Sakura to stop Syaoran from hunting Kiechi down and butchering him to pieces.

"Really Syaoran, it's alright!" Sakura protested, having to drag him to Tomoyo's house. "Just forget it!"

"But Sakura!" Syaoran insisted, trying uselessly to get away from her hold. "He needs to learn his lesson!"

Pulling him to a stop in front of the door that led into the mansion, she looked up at him with a reassuring grin before throwing her arms around his neck. She whispered softly into his ear, "I don't think he'll ever bother me again as long as he knows that you're here to protect me."

His lips tugged up into a faint grin as he snaked his arms around her waist to pull her closer to him. Craning her neck back so she had a better view of his face, a light red hue crossed her cheeks the minute their eyes came in contact. Okay, sure, they admitted their 'undying love' for one another, but that doesn't seem to stop her from blushing whenever he was around. If he wasn't holding her at the moment, she could swear that she'd collapse because of how weak her legs seem to feel. Everything around them seemed to fade away and all that mattered right then and there was the person in their eyes. Their faces started to inch closer and closer to each other as their eye lids gradually closed. Then their lips came in contact into a passionate, yet sweet, kiss that both deepened instantly.

Meanwhile

"Oh Kami-sama! Where can Sakura be!?!" Tomoyo shrieked out in panic, everyone already have looked everywhere in the mansion for any signs of Sakura.

"Maybe she went out for a walk?" Takashi suggested. "Her coat's missing."

"But...Why would she leave without us knowing!?" Tomoyo questioned, her amethyst eyes wide with worry.

Eriol placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his sapphire eyes twinkling in a mysterious way. "Don't worry Tomoyo, dear. They're just fine."

She eyed him suspiciously, immediately recognizing 'the look' he had in his eyes. "Eriol, honey, I know you're keeping something from me so WHY DON'T YOU SPIT IT OUT!?"

He sweat dropped and tried his best to act innocent. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh whatever!" she retorted, rounding on him with suspicion. "Don't think you can keep anything from me Hirrigazawa, Eriol because I know you more than you know yourself! Now, I know you know where Sakura-chan is so tell me!!!" Then her suspicion grew. "And what do you mean by 'They're just fine'?"

Smiling mysteriously, he pointed towards the door now knowing that it was quite useless persuading to his fiancée that he knew nothing of Sakura's whereabouts. "You'll find out what I'm talking about just outside that door."

Tomoyo blinked and glanced at Touya and Fujitaka, both of them looking just as confused as she did. Shrugging to them, all three made their way towards the front door, followed by a grinning Eriol and a bewildered Chiharu, Takashi, Rika, and Naoko. The second Tomoyo opened the door, her video camera was in her hands, recording the scene displayed before them as stars appeared in her eyes. Touya was fuming in rage and had to be held back by Chiharu, Takashi, Rika, and Naoko who, along with Fujitaka and Eriol, were grinning from ear to ear. Sonomi, out of curiousity, joined them to see what everyone was all smiley about. Her face beamed in happiness when seeing Sakura and Syaoran standing at the porch, kissing.

"KAWAII!!!" Tomoyo squealed, unable to contain herself any longer.

The minute that word reached the couple's ears, they broke away from the kiss and faced everyone with beet red faces. Their eyes were wide in surprise, mostly shock, and a huge sweat drop rolled down the back of their heads.

"H-how long have you all been there?" Sakura stammered, glancing at the REALLY angry face of Touya and then at Tomoyo's video camera.

"Long enough to get the most kawaii-est scene ever!" Tomoyo exclaimed, smiling widely as she waved it side to side. "I think I'll call this one...Lover's First Kiss!" (A/N: *scratches head* I'm not sure if it really was their first kiss 'cause I can't remember ^^;;)

"I think that's a perfect title!" Chiharu agreed wholeheartedly.

"Perfect title my -" Touya began through gritted teeth, trying to get at Syaoran.

"Touya!" Fujitaka scolded, sending him a warning glance.

Syaoran sent Touya a smug look, a smirk crossing his face. This only seemed to anger the over-protective brother a lot more as his struggling became more forceful. "When I get my hands on you...!"

"You'll what?" the amber eyed boy asked tauntingly.

Touya growled and the others simply sweat dropped. Laughing nervously, Sakura stood between the two before they killed each other. "'nii-chan! Syaoran-kun! Both of you better quit your arguing before I MAKE you!" They didn't take her threat likely. She had her ways to make them Silent.

Touya ceased his struggling as him and Syaoran crossed their arms before looking away haughtily. Sighing deeply, Sakura shook her head at how 'childish' they act. "You two...."

"What are we all just standing around here for!?" Tomoyo suddenly spoke up as everyone turned their attention to her. "Let's get back to the Christmas Party!"

Everyone agreed, and without reluctance or hesitation, they made their way inside. But...

"Wait, Kinomoto-san! Touya-san!" Syaoran called before they walked back in.

"What is it, gaki?" Touya spat, him, his father, and the 'gaki' being the only ones out there at the moment.

Fujitaka eyed his son and then turned to face Syaoran calmly. "What is it Syaoran-san?"

"I'd like to ask you both something..." he began, fiddling nervously with a small, velvety box in his jacket-pocket.

"Go on," Fujitaka urged.

"Is it okay if....If I ask Sakura's hand in marriage?"

"No it is NOT okay," Touya snapped, crossing his arms and glaring at him.

Holding up a hand to silence Touya, Fujitaka smiled at the Future Leader of the Li Clan. "I trust you, Syaoran-san and I know that you love Sakura-chan just as much as she loves you. And I know that you'd take care of her no matter what so...You have my blessing and permission."

"But...But 'tou-san!" Touya cried out, not believing what his father just said. "How can you trust him!?"

"Because..." he trailed off with his eyes closed. "Sakura-chan trusts him and loves him. Isn't that all you need to know?" With that said, he went back inside to join the party, leaving Syaoran alone with Touya.

All was silent between the two rivals, neither knowing what to say to the other. Glancing down at the younger boy before him, he sighed and spoke up. "Do you really love my sister?"

Staring silently up at him, he tore his gaze to the ground. "Hai, I do."

"Would you ever hurt her?"

"Iie..." he murmured in reply. "Hurting her is the farthest thing from my mind right now. I'd rather die then do anything at all to hurt her in anyway."

"Would you willingly give your life to save hers?"

"I would do so without a thought."

"Would you care for her? Protect her?"

"I already have and will continue to do so until the day I die," Syaoran replied, his voice sounding firm. He looked at Touya with his intense amber eyes and it was then that he finally realized just how much this boy loved his sister.

Syaoran wasn't sure if it was the answers to his questions, or the tone in his voice, or the look in his eyes that made Touya say the next thing he did.

"Then...I give you my blessing and my permission."

His amber eyes went wide in shock as he watched the man that supposedly despise him, walk back into the Daidouji Mansion, leaving his last words ringing loudly in Syaoran's ears. Who would've thought that he'd actually allow him to ask Sakura to marry him!? He stood there, looking completely dumbfounded and feeling like a complete idiot. Sighing, he followed in pursuit.

There went the easy part...Now it was time for the hard part.

Later On

After having dinner, everyone gathered near the Christmas Tree to exchange gifts with one another. During this time, Syaoran sat apart from the others. He fiddled absentmindedly with the velvet box, completely ignoring the presents that were gathered at his feet. He was surprised though that he even got any because no one was expecting his arrival. They just explained to him that they were planning on giving it to him whenever he came back to Tomoeda, and so insince he's back, they gave them to him.

"What's that you got there?"

Looking up, he was met by Tomoyo's amethyst eyes. She took a seat next to him and looked at the small box with curiousity. He immediately put it away, not really wanting to tell her. "It's...nothing."

A smile formed across her face. He mentally kicked himself. He should know by now that no one...NO ONE...can keep anything from Daidouji, Tomoyo. "I know what's in there! An enga-" Syaoran clamped his hand over her mouth before anyone could hear.

"Shh! Daidouji-chan!" he hissed, glancing around to make sure no one heard. No one did. Sighing with relief, he removed his hand.

"Let me guess...You're going to propose to her?" Tomoyo murmured, her voice sounding giddy and excited.

Syaoran nodded, speaking to her in the same low tone. "Hai. I already have Kinomoto-san's and Touya-san's permission to do so."

She blinked, looking obviously surprised and shocked. "Touya-san is ACTUALLY letting you go through with this!?"

"Yeah. Don't think I know why, 'cause I don't. I'm just as stumped as you are."

"When are you going to ask her then??" Tomoyo questioned, smiling quite innocently at him. Maybe a bit *too* innocent for his liking.

"Why should I tell you?" he asked in suspicion.

"So I can video tape it of course!" she replied, as if it were the most obvious answer.

Chuckling, he shook his head. "And THAT'S exactly WHY I don't want to tell you."

Letting out an air of exasperation, she leaned back against the couch and narrowed her eyes at him. "Mou. You're so mean! Well then...I guess I'll just have to follow you until you propose so I can get it all on camera!" Her pout changed instantly into a face with a crooked and evil grin. Syaoran's eyes turned to dots as a bead of sweat rolled down the side of his head.

-She scares me sometimes...- he mused silently in his thoughts. -No wonder her and Hirrigazawa belong together. Both of them have the same crooked minds-

Pulling out the tiny box, he looked at it and continued to fiddle with it. Tomoyo glanced at him and smiled faintly, her evil grin gone. She placed a hand on his shoulder, causing him to look up at her. "You know...if I were you...I'd ask her right now."

"Do you really think I should?" he asked doubtfully.

She gave him a confident grin. "Of course I think so! If you don't do it now, do you really think you'll have the courage to do so in the future?"

He heaved his shoulders up and down in a sigh. "You're right..." He glanced towards where Sakura sat near the fire place on one of the couches. He stood up with a determined expression. "I'll ask her."

"Good!" Tomoyo exclaimed, standing up on her feet and whipping out her camera. Deciding to help him out by giving him a little push in the right direction, she shoved him towards Sakura. "Go on!"

Stumbling forward, the next thing he knew, he was standing before the emerald eyed Goddess. She looked up and smiled when seeing it was him. "Why hello Syaoran."

He adjusted his shirt collar, hiding the velvet box behind him. All determination and courage dropped instantly to the pit of his stomach when meeting her bright eyes. Tomoyo stood beside Eriol, her camera focused on Sakura and Syaoran. Touya happened to walk by them, and as he did so, he nudged Syaoran.

"Ask her you baka!" he hissed before walking away.

"S-Sakura?"

"Hai, Syaoran?"

"I...I need to a-ask you something..." he stammered, wondering why he was so nervous. Well, that's obvious isn't it? He's scared that she'll reject him!

"What is it?" she asked, giving him a quizzical look.

Glancing up at the ceiling, he took in deep breaths. -Here goes nothing...- Gathering whatever courage he possibly could, he went down on one knee, took Sakura's hand in his, and held out the velvet box that was open to show the engagement ring. Right when he knelt down before her, everyone stopped what they were doing to watch. Her emerald eyes went wide when realizing what he was doing. "Sakura Kinomoto...Will you marry me?"

Her eyes filled up with tears. No folks, not tears of sadness or dismay, but tears of joy. That was something Syaoran missed. When seeing her eyes glaze over, he began to have second thoughts and completely doubted if what he did was the right thing. On the other hand, Sakura already knew the answer to his question without having to think twice, actually, without having to think at all. She threw herself off the couch and into Syaoran's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck as a wide grin was evident on her face.

Syaoran blinked, looking confused at her actions. "Sakura? Why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?"

"You silly oaf!" Sakura cried out through laughter. "You did nothing wrong!"

"Then...why are you crying?"

She slightly pulled away from the hug so she could have a better view of his face. Her emerald eyes twinkled brilliantly, joy beyond words beaming on her face. "Because, Syaoran, I'm happy. I'm happy that you asked me to marry you!"

"So...then...Is that a 'yes' or a 'no'?"

Sitting down in front of him, her grin widen even more as her head nodded up and down. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Syaoran stared at her for a while, her words slowly registering in his mind. When it finally hit him, he broke into a smile as he removed the ring from the box. It was a simple, 15 kt. gold ring with carvings of cherry blossoms engraved around it. Taking her left hand, he slipped the ring onto her ring finger before they both embraced and kissed one another. Everyone in the room applauded, Tomoyo trying her best to keep the camera focused on them while jumping up and down in joy. Touya was the only one not clapping, but he did have a smirk on his face.

"Yatta! He proposed!" Nakuru squealed.

Yukito had a wide grin on his face as he munched on some food, his head bobbing up and down while applauding. Meanwhile, under one of the buffet tables were two certain Sun Guardians, watching all of this.

"Well, it's about time he asked her," Kero remarked to his companion.

"Yeah...and who would've thought he'd actually go through with it?" Spinel Sun commented.

Kero nodded his head in agreement. "I have to admit, that kid's got guts."

Hong Kong - Li Mansion
Valentine's Day / The Wedding


"....It is now time to say your vows," Father Lin said, nodding to Sakura and Syaoran.

The wedding took place at the back yard of the Li Mansion. Everything was like a dream come true to Sakura as she stared up at the man who was going to be her husband any minute now. Everyone was there: the whole of the Li Clan, Meiling and Shui, Touya, Fujitaka, Tomoyo, Eriol and everyone of their classmates and people they know from Tomoeda. Even Gem, Crystallight, Rage, and Kinto were there. Kinto was only there for the day, having permission from the rest of the Council of the Gods and Angels to attend to the wedding and reception. No one knew that Gem and them would be at there. It was a wonderful surprise, especially for Sakura and Syaoran. (They explained to them that they were informed of the wedding by the Gods.) Tomoyo and Eriol were the Best Man and Woman.

Thinking back to all they've been through, all the adventures they faced and all the hardships they managed to rise from, Sakura's eyes shimmered brightly with tears as she began to speak the words from her own heart. "Ever since you came into my life, I felt...I felt alive; I felt free, Syaoran. With you around, I didn't have anything to worry about because I knew that you'd be by my side through thick and thin. And you were. Never once did you let me down. You were always there for me when I needed you the most, and I thank you for that. When I think of life without you, I feel empty inside; nothing felt right. I don't ever wish to feel that way...because a life without you...doesn't seem like one at all. Nothing would be the same if you were gone from me.

"You encouraged me, Syaoran, to live on and strive to do my best. You gave me all the faith and hope I needed to accomplish the task at hand." Flashbacks of the times they talked to each other at night, battled their foes and defeated them flashed rapidly in their minds. "Without you...I'm not sure where I'd be at the moment."

"Syaoran. . . They're gone. . ." Sakura whispered in a cracked voice.

"Shh. . . They're not gone Sakura. . . They're in your hearts forever," Syaoran whispered into her ear, hoping to comfort her. He smoothed her hair down as he continued to rock her. Once her shaking stopped, she looked up at him with dull emerald eyes.

"Arigatou Syaoran. . . " she said.

He smiled. "Your welcome."


"All those times I held you back...You could've gone on without me...but instead, you chose to stay with me no matter what."

"Sakura, what's wrong?" Syaoran asked gently.

"I can't go on," Sakura said between sobs, covering her face with her hands. "I just can't go on. . . "

"And why's that?" he asked.

"Because I'm scared!" she exclaimed. "When I looked at that. . . that castle. . . I felt as if we were being watched by a pair of eyes. . . Evil eyes. . . Dark eyes. . . I felt cold. . . Alone. . .Scared. . . I just can't go on. . . "

"Sakura, look at me," Syaoran stated firmly. She removed her hands and looked up at him. "You're not alone, I'm here. And me and you are going to do this together. Remember what Hirrigazawa said? Remember what we promised him?"

She looked down. Of course she remembered. Her and Syaoran promised Eriol that they'd never give up hope, but here she was, already giving up. "Gomen nasi Syaoran. . . ."

"It's alright," Syaoran said, smiling at her. "Now are you with me?"

Her eyes burned with a new light. . . hope. . . revenge. . . . and determination. She wipped her tears away and smiled back at him. "I'm with you all the way."


"You never abandoned me, Syaoran...Not once have you abandoned me," Sakura gave him a watery smile, her tears flowing freely down her cheeks. "And now...It's my turn to swear to be by your side. I love you Syaoran, and from this point on, I promise to love you, cherish you, care for you, and protect you until the day I die." With all that said, she slipped the wedding ring onto his finger.

Rage and Crystallight glanced at each other, grinned, clasped their hands together and returned their attention to Sakura and Syaoran.

Now it was Syaoran's turn to say his vow. Staring deeply into her emerald eyes, all she saw was love reflecting in them...Love that was for her and only her. Resting the palm of his hand against her cheek, he smiled tenderly at her. "You're one of the most stubborn, and strongest girl I will ever know. Even though you think you needed my help, truth is, I needed your help just as much as you needed mines. When I first met you, I have to admit, I started to think that you needed serious protection. But you never did...You proved me wrong so many times with your stubborness."

"Come out and face us!" Sakura demanded as she changed her key into her staff, Syaoran changed his pendent into his sword, Eriol summoned his staff, Nakuru changed into her true form, and as did Yukito, Kero, and Suppi.

Amongst the black mist, a figure could be seen. The mist slowly evaporated, to reveal K'van.

"Come to me Card Mistress and your friends here won't get hurt," he said, indicating the unconscious Touya, Naoko, Chiharu, Rika, Yamazaki, and Tomoyo.

"Leave them alone," Sakura hissed. "It's me you want, so let's fight!"

"Iie, Sakura-chan," Syaoran said. "Let me fight him."

She shook her head. "This is my fight Syaoran-kun." With that said, she walked towards K'van.


"I remember how I use to be silent and kept things to myself. I remember how rude I was...that is...until I met you. You became my friend, Sakura. You taught me without even knowing it what the true meaning of life is. You showed me how to be more opened up...You showed me how to smile...And you taught me to love. I thank the Gods above every day for sending you into my life."

Yelan smiled gently at her son, tears stinging her eyes. She proudly looked at how grown up he was and how much he changed over the time he spent at Japan...all because of one girl...Sakura. Looking up at the sky, her smile widen slightly. -Wherever you are, Rinji, I know you're watching-

"As I think back into the past and remember all those times I could've lost you....It frightens me to know that. I was scared whenever you were takin' from me. I felt lost and life didn't feel worth living. But I made a promise to protect you and I meant to keep it."

"Sakura!"

She looked up to meet a pair of amber eyes. She still shivered as she held out a hand towards him, a hint of hope in her eyes. "Syaoran? Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me," he assured, kneeling beside her. She threw herself against him, wrapping her arms around his waist and burrying her face in his shirt. Warmth spread through her body and no more did she feel lonely.

"You're back! You didn't leave me afterall!" Sakura exclaimed, relief evident in her voice.

"I'd never leave you alone," he whispered softly into her ears, snaking his arms around her shoulders and drawing her closer to him. "Sakura, it's time we returned."


"You mean all the world to me, Sakura," Syaoran continued, taking her left hand in his, "and having you in my life is the greatest thing that ever happened to me." He placed the wedding ring onto her finger. "I love you Sakura, and from this point on, I promise to love you, cherish you, care for you, and protect you until the day I die."

"Now that the wedding vows have been said..." Father Lin began in a loud, clear voice, "I give to you all: Mr. and Mrs. Li, Xiaolang! You may kiss the bride."

They embraced each other tightly before their lips locked into a sweet, blissful kiss. Everyone stood up on their feets and applauded the newly wed loudly and joyfully. Nadeshiko and Rinji glanced at each other as proud grins crossed their faces. They were invisible to all eyes, but Sakura and Syaoran saw them fly up to the sky the minute they broke apart from the kiss. Clasping hands with smiles on their faces, they walked down the red carpet that was littered with scattered blossoms from sakuras and peonies. Tomoyo and Eriol followed in pursuit, Tomoyo keeping her video camera focused on them. Intertwining her free arm with her husband, (Yes, Tomoyo and Eriol are already married), a title for this film popped in her mind.

"You want to know what I'm going to call this one, Eriol-kun?"

"Nani?"

"I Promise."

"I think it's perfect," Eriol murmured into her ear as they watched Syaoran sweep Sakura off her feet and into his arms, their merry laughter drifting through the air.


The End...


Azure Rosas: *blinking* I can't believe...it's actually finished! Yatta! I finished another fic!!! *bouncing around in joy* I think this one was more successful than Never Alone and War & Love. Not only did it reach more words than War & Love but it's longer than Never Alone in chapters! Well...it's only longer by one chapter ^^;;
Niko: Okay...here are the list of people that she'd like to thank for reviewing the fic:

Mary; Katsu-chan; Idiot1988; Akiako; Keetra; Kawaii-CherryWolf; sK; Litwolf689; Feyla - KittyKat; silvercherrywolf; KawaiiSakuraAngel; Animefreak242; Momiji-chan; HeavenlyAnimeAngel; Ti'ana; Chrissy; kawaiiaznangel36; Isa-chan; Devils Sanctuary; Sakura-Free-Spirit; RuByMoOn; link no miko; Syvonair; Feline Angel Sakura; Shinhwa-Gurl89; mysterious ghost; chibiookamigirl; Katie; someone; Kaylie-chan; SapphireStar; sakurablossom star; Winged Angel; sakurakawaiicherry; Sakura Li-tenshi; SuzakuNoMiko/KadokyaputaSakura; liltrickygurl; Azi; Monique; Louella; MEll; green-pixie-stick-faerie51; Luna; Reader; Crystal; Faolitiama; Sujakata; Amber Dream; chocobaby; Alexandera H. Cliff; iemuf; kstar8; ?; Anime Angel Eri; Kayla; CCSfan; Silver Star; Silver-Cherry; Meruru; miss nioko; Caoilfhionn; Articuno; and thank you to the person who reviewed but left no name.

Niko: *out of breath* *panting* *can't talk anymore*
Azure Rosas: ^^;; You know...when I first started this fic, I didn't think I'd be getting THIS much reviews but who'da thunk it that I'd get over 200? I thank everyone that's reviewed, even if they only left one review. And I mostly thank the reviewers that have been reading this since the beginning *winks* Luv ya all! ^-~ Anyway, I have a question to those that read my other fics: Should I write longer chapters for them or should I just leave the length short so I can leave lots and lots of cliffies? *innocent grin* Oh, I also forgot to mention that Rinji is just a made up name. I didn't know what Syaoran's father's real name is so I had to make it up and stuff. Also, Crystallight and Rage are two of my veerryyy old characters that I made up two years ago when I was in 6th grade. They had another companion that was a girl that I wanted to use in here, but I forgot her name so I came up with Gem. Anyway, I'm gonna miss working on this fic but I'm just glad I got it over with. *sighs* Sayonara minna-san and arigatou for all your support!
Niko: Ooohhh yeah! And don't leave without leaving a review! *wavez* Bye-bye!