It seemed like ages before Sakura actually reached Syaoran. He was on his knees, trembling slightly as he clutched at his sword hilt tightly, the sword point jammed into the ground as he was still holding the Sleep spell on the Firey card, who was laying a few feet away from him. Syaoran was obviously putting all of his weight onto his sword. Sweat was slowly running down his face.

"I'm here," Sakura said gently, as she dropped down onto her knees in front of the Firey card. She ripped her Key off of her neck and summoned her staff, and then quickly returned Firey to it's Card.

Sakura looked up exhaustingly at the Card floating in the air as she slowly raised her hand and took it gently. She brought her arm back down and stared at the Card, thoughts running through her troubled mind.

Syaoran made a sound beside her, and Sakura's head swivelled over to him. His sword was on the ground and Syaoran was slowly falling to the ground.

Sakura reached her arms out and caught him before he hit the dirt. She was barely aware of the tears running down her cheeks as she quickly slipped her Card into the chest of her dress and laid her staff on the ground.

"Never again.." Sakura whispered, as she cradled Syaoran in her arms. She put a hand lightly on the side of his face and brought his head to her chest. She put her face close to his, pressed her lips softly against his. She closed her eyes tightly and felt more tears slide down her cheeks and onto Syaoran's handsome face. "Never, ever again.."

To Sakura's surprise, Syaoran stirred. She opened her eyes and found herself looking down into Syaoran's gorgeous brown eyes. She forced a smile and kissed him softly. "You're okay," she whispered happily.

Syaoran kissed her back and nodded slowly. "I am.. But what about Meilin?"

Sakura had forgotten and cursed herself to oblivion. How could she EVER forget about Meilin?

Sakura grabbed her staff and began to stand up, clutching Syaoran tightly as she struggled with both her weight and his, since she was still in a lot of pain herself.

"Over there," she said, using her free hand to point over to the tree where Meilin was still bound.

"What did they do to her?" Syaoran said weakly. He made to take a step, and he would have collapsed if it weren't for Sakura's arms around his waist.

"I'll go to her," Sakura said. "You're too weak, Syaoran."

"Alright," he replied. Sakura was thoroughly shocked that Syaoran didn't protest, but he was obviously too tired to argue.

Sakura carefully sat Syaoran down on the ground and then nearly ran over to Meilin. Her first instinct was to put her hand to Meilin's throat. She found a pulse.

"Meilin?" she said softly. She put a hand on Meilin's face, and winced as her skin was cold. "Meilin hunny, wake up." She smoothed her hair back from her face and was suddenly aware of all the bruises on her face.

"…Sakura?" Meilin's lips moved before her eyes opened, and she looked up at Sakura with tears in her eyes. "It hurt me.." she murmured groggily.

"I know, hun, you're going to be okay." She took the Firey Card out of the front of her dress and summoned a tiny flame to rip the ropes bonding Meilin to the tree.

She clasped Meilin tightly as all the ropes fell to the bottom of the tree trunk, and she picked her up in her arms and walked slowly over to Syaoran.

"She's okay," Sakura said, as she knelt down in front of Syaoran. He examined Meilin closely with hurt eyes, as Meilin was murmuring wordless things, apparently not awake nor asleep.

"How are we going to get home?" Syaoran said, looking up at Sakura. "I can barely stand, and Meilin certainly can't."

"I can carry you both," Sakura replied, but she was completely oblivious to how she was going to carry both of them.

"You can't, Sakura," Syaoran said immediately.

"But we can." Sakura and Syaoran looked over and saw Eriol and Tomoyo standing there.

"Thank god.." Sakura whispered, as Tomoyo bent down and took Meilin out of her arms. Eriol bent down to Syaoran, put Syaoran's arm around his neck, and hoisted him up.

"How did you find us?" Syaoran asked weakly.

"No questions," Eriol said gently, just as Sakura was standing up. "I am really curious to know what happened here, but we will hold back the questions for now."

Tomoyo nodded approval as she held Meilin in her arms. "We need to get you three home."

"What would we do without you two?" Syaoran forced a smile.

Sakura smiled too. "Yes, what we do?"

Tomoyo and Eriol both exchanged smiles.

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REPLY TO READER'S COMMENTS!: I got this idea from my favourite Harry Potter author on ff.net, so I decided to try it

Inferna: She definetly would be set for most of the Cards if she caught the Firey, which she did ;)

Sweet Fairy Jaaz: I'm glad you like my story : )

Darkangel-terry11: Glad you love it.

Stargazer75: You're one of my consistent reviewers, and I am happy that you are on the edge of your seat.

Kit Taylor: Sure will keep it up : )

Topaz Owl: Lol, I'm glad you like it.

Vi3t BabiI: The fluffy parts are always the best, aren't they? Oh, and don't worry, you're not the only one that skips right to the mushy stuff ;)

Mei fa-Chan: I sure will update soon : )

mememememe!!!: Lol, that was interesting review. And nice nickname too, lol.

Leina: Love can suck sometimes, but also sometimes it can be an incredible bond.

maixwoflblossom: Mmmm I dunno what's gonna happen next, your gonna have to find out for yourself eh? :P

svetlaella: lol im bad for cliffhangers :P

anjuliet: lol yes I am a terrible person for cliffhangers :P

Yume: LOL, I love it when people do that! Haha, you'd be great for one of those people describing the episodes on the beginning and ending of shows ;) (And a good story wouldn't be good without some suspense and cliffhangers, now would it? )