Hayy, dearest readers. This is the new fic I've been talking about for so long. It's summer holidays—finally! Don't worry about me not updating, 'cause I already have Chapters 2 and 3 all done, and can update it anytime! I really hope you enjoy it because I spent quite a lot of time on it. Enough chit-chat—enjoy!
Love Everlasting
o.n.e тhe.faяeωell
The radiance from the sun soaked into her skin as she opened her eyes to find the day unfolding before her.
Upon remembering the special events that will occur that day, the young girl tossed back the covers in a rush. Hurriedly, she twisted the door knob and flung open the door, only to collide with a boy and crash to the cold floor.
"Ouch…" murmured the young girl. She gasped as she glanced up and found herself staring into the intense eyes of her beloved. Eriol…
"Eriol! I'm so sorry! It was my fault for not seeing wh…" the young girl started off. Her apologies were cut off when Eriol helped her off the floor in a firm yet gentle grasp. Without a word, he pulled her into him, embracing her as if this was the last they would ever see of each other.
"Sakura…" his voice floated in her head, interrupting her chain of thoughts and causing her heartbeat to sound in her ears. The very smell of him intoxicated her.
Sakura sealed her eyes tight, salvaging her last moments with the love of her life.
"Eriol! The time has come when your journey must begin at once. Time cannot be wasted."
Sakura groaned inwardly.
Eriol pulled away, but still he kept a firm grip on Sakura's fragile shoulders. His navy blue eyes penetrated her emerald ones.
"Sakura, even though I must part with you now, please know that the miles between us will not separate us. The war I am to assist in will be dangerous, but thinking of you will keep me going." Eriol paused as he tugged something out of the pocket of his trouser. He pressed a majestically carved flute into Sakura's palms.
"The moment you learn to play a song, I will come back to you. When I return to your side, I will make you the happiest bride in the world." Eriol pledged.
With tears sparkling in her eyes, Sakura could only nod in acceptance of his vow.
Eriol would never break a promise.
"I love you, Eriol." Sakura stood on her tippy-toes to kiss Eriol on the lips. The moment their lips touched to form a kiss that lingered many months after, they both knew that their promises to each other, has been sealed.
6 months later—
"Good morning, Sakura!" sang a young girl, with flowing black hair.
"Good morning, Tomoyo!" replied Sakura. Tomoyo was Sakura's cousin and best friend. She was the only one Sakura could dump all her misery on—someone that would always lend a shoulder for her to cry on—someone that would always have the right words for the right moments. Sakura slipped into the kitchen, unnoticed by anyone else. Mornings were usually a bustle. Nobody knew where everyone was. Sakura glanced around the room.
There was Kamye, far off in the corner of the rather large room, reading his books again. Sakura's emerald eyes met Kamye's hazel one, and they smiled a good-morning. Kamye is such a kitten. Although quite young, he is one of the members of the village's Elders.
Then, of course, there is Nadeshiko, Sakura's mother. Also, in the kitchen preparing a feast of a breakfast was Fujitaka, Sakura's father. Nadeshiko and Fujitaka always seemed like they were just married. They simply could not stop sweet-talking to save their lives.
As usual, Touya was off, grumbling about every little thing unpleasant about the house. Sakura smiled at her 21 year old brother.
"Sakura! Why don't we go out the back door to catch some air? It's always so crowded in the mornings!" whispered Tomoyo. Sakura eagerly agreed. They tip-toed out the back door and dramatically breathed in great gulps of air.
Tomoyo and Sakura settled down near the big cherry tree. The cherry tree stood atop a hill, over-looking the entire village of Everlasting. The sun had just popped up, and people were beginning to vacate their homes to work or farm.
"When do you suppose they'll be back?" inquired Tomoyo. This was beginning to become a traditional question they both ask each other in the mornings. Sakura acknowledged who Tomoyo was implying at once. Sakura blushed.
"I don't know. I tried practicing the flute like he told me to, but I just don't have enough time on my hands. Besides, no one I know knows how to play the flute, let alone a whole song!" muttered Sakura. Every night since he's been gone, Sakura had silently prayed to the night sky for his safety and return.
"I know how you feel. I miss Chichiri a lot, too."
Chichiri was Tomoyo's fiancé. Both Eriol and Chichiri were sent off as soldiers in this war between China and Japan. Each village had to send two young men to assist in the war.
Six months of not seeing Eriol was a heartbreakingly long time. It was especially hard for her since memories of him were everywhere. In fact, it was right under this cherry tree that they had confessed their feelings for each other…
Flashback—
Sakura gazed out into the stillness of the night. Leaning against the cherry tree, Sakura counted the many shimmering stars in the sky above. The wind softly blew her hair, sweeping it across her delicate face.
Sweet dreams
Was what he said as he went underground away from me into the dark…
Her solitude was interrupted when someone placed a warm hand on her arm and draped a blanket over her shoulders.
Sakura murmured a "thank you" without looking to see who it was.
"Um…Sakura…I have been meaning to tell you something."
Sakura's head shot up when she heard the voice. It was Eriol, the boy whom she's had a crush on since she learned what the word meant.
Shifting her gaze, she saw a glimpse of Eriol illuminated by the fade light of the moon, before staring at the ground again. Feeling the blood in her cheeks, she whispered, "What is it?"
Forced me
From all my innocence and to the very ordinary day today
"You and I…we've known each other…for how many years?" His eyes were not focused on her, but at the scenery before them.
"12 years. I've known you since the day you moved into the village of Everlasting with your family." chuckled Eriol. He twisted around to face Sakura. Even though his eyes were shielded by his deep blue hair, Sakura could feel the emotions unleashing in his voice.
"Did you know that I've always thought of someone who would come into my life, and bring me joy and fill me with laughter each day? I was often solitary before you were born. I did not fit in. Many of the village boys loathed me for I was different. I used to think that they did not like me because my hair color or my eye color was weird. There were many times when the boys called me a freak and made fun of me. When you came into my life, you taught me that I was not a freak, but a unique and special person that could not be found elsewhere in the world. You made me realize that I was doing nothing wrong; that the boys that never took the time to find out about me were the losers." Eriol paused for a long period of time. It was not before he started to speak again, did Sakura realize there were tears in his eyes.
Watch and wait
And see what comes
From the soul of a man who is uncertain
"You introduced me to new friends—friends that loved me for who I am. You gave me unconditional love and were there to support me whenever I had a tough decision to make. I need you to know that I love you and have always loved you, even if I was too shy to reveal myself." The last sentence Eriol had murmured with such intensity, that Sakura found that she could not tear her eyes off of Eriol.
Am I dreaming? Did he really say that?
"Eriol, you are special to me, too. The first friend I made when I came here was you. You taught me a lot of things that I otherwise would not have known. I love you, too, because you're unique; you're special and most of all, because you're you. You don't pretend to be someone you're not. I love you." mumbled Sakura.
When the sand washes out to the sea
When the dreams fall away and the promises forgotten
Would there still be someone there for me…for me…
End of Flashback—
"Sakura! Tomoyo! Breakfast is ready! Hurry in before Touya eats it all!" shouted Kamye.
Tomoyo and Sakura scrambled to their feet and sprinted inside, their worries forgotten for the moment.
Stuffing herself with goodies, Sakura didn't even notice another presence in the dining room until a hushed silence washed over everyone else.
Hovering about the door way, a large man with a mask covering the bottom half of his face stared at everyone.
"Master Shukoni! Please do come in!" Fujitaka ushered the Master into the humble room. Master Shukoni settled himself comfortably in a chair. It was not unusual for him to just suddenly appear, since he often discussed matters and decisions about the village with Fujitaka, the government official that was placed as the head of the whole village.
"What brings you here, Master?" inquired Nadeshiko. Master Shukoni was the head leader of the Elders. He controlled the religious ceremonies and even the police force. Although Sakura has never seen him fight before, she heard from different people that he was the country's best swordsman and fighter.
"We have a problem, Mister Fujitaka." Master Shukoni said. The silence deepened as everyone realized how solemn he was
"It seems that a stranger has entered our village. His horse had carried his wounded body to our gates and a young couple has given him hospitality yesterday night. He is still badly injured and has not woken up yet. I think you should come down and check this out." explained the Master.
Fujitaka nodded, and got up to leave. Stopping in midair, he turned to Sakura and asked, "Sakura, why don't you come with me? Mary is out to another village to nurse someone, and you're the only other nurse here. Come and see if you can heal him."
Mary was the village's doctor and Sakura was her apprentice. Although Sakura only stopped for lessons at her cottage once or twice a week, due to her lack of free time.
"But…but I'm not done breakfast!" whined Sakura. In the end, however, she gave in and followed them to where the young man was currently nursing.
Even in the dim light, Sakura could see very clearly the outline of the body that lay in the bed. A heaping fire was built for him. As soon as Sakura reached his side, she knew that the warmth of the heaping fire would not help him. He was simply too far gone.
Surprisingly, Sakura felt her eyes brimming with tears for this stranger. Gazing at his face, she felt oddly sad and terribly upset. Even through the bruises and gashes on his face, Sakura could tell that he had fine features. His hair was a messy chocolate brown, gelled with blood and dirt.
"Sakura," whispered Fujitaka, awakening Sakura from her trance-like stage. Leaning over to take his pulse, Sakura noticed something shimmering in the glare of the light. Tugging it out, she saw that it was a heart-shaped necklace. Engraved on the back of the necklace, was the name Syaoran…
«§ïlνεя§τaя»
Okay, I hope you all enjoyed that and that it wasn't too boring! Gomen if it was! But I wonder who this stranger is…and what will become of him as the story unfolds :wink wink: If any of you have any questions, please email me at and also leave a comment if you wish.