Cry of a Wolf

by LiLover131

Days have passed since Sakura and the others arrived in Hong Kong to visit Syaoran. However, they never thought they would come into the face of Syaoran's greatest enemy. And what about these new powers Syaoran has? Why are they dangerous? COMPLETE!

46. All Things Must Come to an End

Lilover131: Whoa! ANOTHER update?! You guys must be lucky! It didn't take a year or more for me to update this thing! XDDD I'm so sorry that I was so absent with this fic before, but I've been real determined as of late to finish it! So here we go! I never gave up on this thing!

Cry of a Wolf-Chapter Forty Six: All Things Must Come to an End

Syaoran's situation had worsened, and Sakura grew incredibly worried. Even in his sleep, his pain was evident. His brow was furrowed, and he tossed and turned on the bed. The boy's forehead was covered in a thin sheen of sweat, and his breaths became more ragged. Sakura looked to XiaoLian, her eyes brimming with tears.

"What can I do for him? There must be something I can do..."

Tomoyo comfortingly rested a hand on Sakura's back and handed her a handkerchief.

"Don't cry, Sakura-chan...Li-kun wouldn't want to see you so upset..."

The emerald eyed girl nodded slowly in agreement, trying to put on a brave face and gently wiped the tears from her eyes with the offered handkerchief. Eriol inspected Syaoran rather intently, investigating the magic involved, and hoped that Clow's knowledge would somehow be of use. For a moment, his face turned very serious, and his hand outstretched toward Syaoran. The magic circle that belonged to Clow formed underneath the sleeping boy's body, and a light wind swirled around the room. Eriol's expression was strained as he focused his energy on the task at hand, but the mental battle seemed in vain when a gust of wind exploded throughout the room, the doors bursting open, and the magician was swept off his feet.

Sakura gaped in shock. Never in her days did she think she would see the reincarnation of the strongest magician in the world be knocked off his feet from anything.

"Eriol-kun! Are you all right?!"

Both her and Tomoyo rushed to his aid, and he sat up and nodded gently.

"I'm all right...the curse is stronger than I anticipated...this wasn't just done by one magician...it was done by many."

The girls frowned, and XiaoLian's head hung low. She knew very well how hopeless the situation was.

"The fact that I was reborn in this form and became the balance between my brothers was not something the Li clan decided. I myself chose to take on the task and cast a spell on myself...I knew it was an impossible thing, but I had to try...my brother did not kill Himeko...I just know it...! Our brother, XianLiang, even believed Shun was innocent! For that, he was punished and forced to join in his fate"

XiaoLian's eyes were filled with sadness, and Sakura gently pet her head and gave her a warm smile.

"I believe he is innocent too. Maybe he has done some bad things in the past, but not this..."

The girl remembered how Shadow had treated her back in the clearing, and although he had stolen her first kiss, his aura felt gentle. She sensed no malice in him.

"He is hurting...he's angry...I can feel it"

Kero suddenly floated in and gently landed on Sakura's shoulder.

"But the way he killed Naraku...I mean, the guy was a jerk, but that Shun guy didn't hesitate to cut him down..."

The group grew silent for a moment at this thought.

"Was he really so cold, I wonder?"

Eriol broke the silence, gathering the attention from the others, and his face was intensely serious.

"Naraku no longer had a soul...he had given up all that made him human for the sake of revenge. It's possible he too had feelings for Himeko and his anger over her death misguided him. Was it really so heartless for Shadow to end his life? Perhaps he had done him a kindness and ended his pain"

XiaoLian made a whimper-like sound, as if she was trying not to cry.

"Shun...he was always like that...he did things that seemed cold, but he never did them without reason"

Sakura could see that XiaoLian truly loved her brothers, even despite everything that had happened thus far. She could understand that hope that good was still there, and Sakura believed with all her heart that there was.

"Eriol-kun...is there any way to rid them of this curse? Can their souls be freed?"

Eriol's face was deep in thought.

"A curse like this is rather complicated to break...and its magic is so ancient, that I am not entirely sure of the methods that were used in the first place.."

XiaoLian stirred, suddenly very alert.

"The Bagua mirror!"

Eriol seemed surprised to hear this, and everyone else was clueless.

"Bagua mirror?" Sakura asked. The others seemed rather curious as well. No one had ever heard of such a thing.

"Bagua means 'eight symbols' in the Chinese language. They are a large part of philosophy in the Taoism"

Eriol explained as he found a piece of paper on a table and drew what the symbol looked like. On the paper was an octagonal shape formed of three-lined dashes centered around a yin yang symbol. Some of the dashes had breaks on the top dash, middle, bottom, or two lines at once, but the pattern was different for each side. Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.

"That's..." Tomoyo started.

"...That looks like Syaoran's magic circle!" Sakura cried out, staring at the paper. Eriol nodded before XiaoLian continued.

"Yes...there are eight symbols within the magic circle, and each represents different elements and principles. The eight within the circle are Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Thunder, Wind, Lightning, and within the center of the circle is the yin yang symbol, the balance of everything"

All nodded in understanding, and Eriol looked back to XiaoLian inquisitively.

"What does this have to do with a mirror?" he asked, and the wolf cub seemed unsure of her own thoughts. However, she was willing to try whatever possible!

"In the Li vault, there is an ancient item, a special Bagua mirror. Normally, they are used as charms to bring good fortune, but the one owned by the Li family had other uses as well. It could be used to perform exorcisms of sorts or to seal away a spirit."

Sakura seemed more optimistic hearing this.

"So you think that this mirror might help?"

XiaoLian was quiet for a moment, obviously thinking very deeply.

"Well, it is the same item that was used to seal my brothers. In theory, it could perhaps be used to reverse the effects, but the amount of magic required to do it would be enormous"

Sakura's face grew very determined, and Eriol didn't deny it's possibility. It was starting to look like there might be a solution after all, but why did XiaoLian still look doubtful?

"How much magic? I'll do it! I have to..."

"It would require eight humans with magic in their blood..."

The auburn haired girl frowned once more as she tried to ponder the possibilities. Kero looked down a bit hoplessly. Neither he, Yue, or XiaoLian could help, since they were not human, and Syaoran wouldn't be able to contribute. Touya also was incapable after giving what magic he had to Yue in order to save Yukito. That left Sakura, Eriol, and Yelan...they were still five short.

"Five more humans with magic in their blood...where are we going to find that many people in such little time?"

Touya stated as he looked down at Syaoran's weak form. He wasn't going to hold out much longer. Only a few moments passed before Yelan's powerful voice interjected from the doorway. She was accompanied by her daughters, Meilin, and Yukito, who had all left the room momentarily to get some fresh air and tea to help calm everyone's nerves.

"My daughters all have magic in their blood. Although it's only a little, it should suffice?"

Sakura began to look hopeful once again. The sisters all smiled softly in response, ready to do whatever necessary to protect their brother. That made four, so now there was only one left.

"Then we only need one more...who are we going to find on such short notice?" Tomoyo asked.

Sakura stood and paced around the room. If only Mizuki-sensei were here! She thought hard, and words sprung into her mind in a memory.

"He was so surprised when he saw my magic too!"

"You have magic too?"

"It's not much...but it comes in handy"

The girl rushed to Yelan's side and gently took her hand. Her eyes were desperate but determined, and the mother was stunned by the girl's actions.

"Li-san! Syaoran's grandmother! Xueman-san! Do you think her magic is strong enough to help?"

The woman's expression changed dramatically , and she slowly nodded, a gentle smile gracing her features. Her hand moved to cup Sakura's face as a mother would their child.

"We must get Syaoran to the Elder's Shrine right away...the Li vault should be within it"

Sakura nodded in agreement before Yelan looked over to the rest of the group.

"Meilin...Daidouji-san...if you could please fetch my mother-in-law. Keroberos, if you don't mind carrying them there...as quickly as you can"

Kero soluted and gave a loud 'Yes maa'm!' Soon, Yukito offered to carry Syaoran, and he could sense the magic pulsing through his fingertips. The boy's body was like a bomb ready to explode, and his soul was in danger of becoming collateral damage. A human body was not meant to hold more than one soul, and after so many years of carrying them with him, it was finally taking its toll.

Meilin and Tomoyo were also quick to leave, Kero flying as fast as his wings would take them, and everyone else rushed to the Elder's Shrine on foot. Fortunately, it was close by, but with the recent murder of most of the council members, the entirety of the Li community was in a bit of disarray. The group received strange and some concerned looks from the few passerbys out at that time of night, and upon seeing the state of their future leader, the people began to whisper. Many bowed respectfully at Yelan's presence, however she did not have time to acknowledge them before they entered the shrine.

The building still had a solemn atmosphere, it's sacred nature having been tainted by the murder that took place inside of it. XiaoLian couldn't help but look around at the architecture of it in awe.

"It looks exactly the same as it did all those years ago...amazing..."

The entered a long hallway with stone floors and red pillars along the walls. The ceilings were elegantly detailed with Chinese calligraphy, magic symbols, and strong spiritual animals, such as dragons and wolves. At the end of the hallway, there was a large door, covered in many protective charms. Undoubtedly, it was harboring something very valuable. Sakura felt the air of importance behind it, and Yelan stepped forward, resting her hand on the circle within the center of the door. There was a resounding sound of stone grinding against stone as the doors opened, and the magic that was hidden within the room hit Sakura like a ton of bricks. All around were ancient items of all sorts. Swords, amulets, scrolls, books, jewels, and much, much more. It was a trove of treasures that no normal human could ever fathom.

"There was all this magic back here? How come I could not sense it?"

Yelan stepped forward into the room, looking around the room for the mirror she desired to find.

"This room has a protective seal that hides the auras of the items. We would be in danger more often than we already are if every magic wielder could sense our treasures. Many of these items have been passed down for generations in the Li clan, some of which Syaoran will inherit someday"

Sakura was in awe and gazed around until one item caught her interest. At first, all she saw was the gold octagonal design, but it was the same as the symbol Eriol had shown her earlier, and within the center was a circle shaped mirror where the yin yang symbol would have been. It hung by a red tassel on the mouth of a golden wolf statue.

"Would this be it?"

The girl took the item gently into the palms of her hands and stared at her reflection. Then, for a brief moment, she saw something within it that was not her face. A vision of a black haired boy with red eyes appeared, and his eyes were filled with tears as he held someone in his arms. His body was covered in blood and the girl's face was concealed by his chest. He was in visible agony, and just as quickly as the image appeared, it was gone. Sakura gasped and nearly dropped the mirror. Yelan moved to her and took the mirror, her fingers gently tracing it.

"Yes...this is it. I imagine it showed you something, seeing as your expression has changed"

Sakura nodded slowly, and XiaoLian stared at her for a moment.

"The mirror often will show someone what they need to see, whether they want to or not"

There was a moment of silence before the group made their way back to the council room. This was an ideal spot for their spell, since there was a opening in the ceiling that let in moonlight.

"Rest Syaoran in the center and place the mirror on top of him. Make sure it is facing the moon so the light can soak in. It will help the strength of our spell. A full moon would be better, but we don't have time"

XiaoLian was thinking hard as she tried to replicate the necessary factors of the magic they were about to attempt. Syaoran was placed where asked, the mirror gently placed on his chest. Within minutes, Tomoyo and Meilin came rushing in with Xueman by their side. She was not fully dressed, seeing as it was so late in the evening, but her face turned grim as she glanced at her grandson on the ground. The woman moved to Yelan, taking her hand and squeezing it ever so slightly.

"I knew something was off when Syaoran came to visit...his spirit is in chaos..."

Sakura's frown returned, and she bowed respectfully towards his grandmother.

"Please help us save him!"

Xueman smiled at Sakura and nodded before the group spread out into a circle around Syaoran. Each extended both of their hands out in front of them and began to focus on the boy in the center. The mirror atop of him began to glow, and the magic that emanated could even be felt by those without magic. Wind swirled around the room, and the magic circle of the Li family formed beneath them. Sakura became hopeful as the light began to wrap around Syaoran's body.

Suddenly, Syaoran's eyes seemed to snap open, and Sakura gasped when she saw the red color of his eyes. Eriol's face changed, and the brunette boy stood up slowly, the mirror falling carelessly to the ground as his eyes glanced around at his surroundings. When he realized what was occurring, his expression became enraged, and with a loud cry of anger, everyone in the room was sent flying off of their feet. Black wings expanded from his back, and he shot up into the air through the opening of the ceiling. Everyone winced in pain from the fall they each took, but Sakura was quick to get back to her feet and followed after him using the FLY card.

"Wait! Don't go! Shun-san!"

The speed his wings took him at was most definitely impressive, and Sakura was barely able to keep up with him. The two flew high up into the sky, where no human's eyes could possibly see, until Shun finally halted in his flight, turning to face the girl with hate in his eyes.

"You can't get rid of me!"

His hands filled with fire, and Sakura shook her head frantically.

"We're not trying to! We want to help you!"

Shun did not listen and threw flames in her direction, which she narrowly avoided. She could see the look of betrayal in his features, like he had been mortally wounded, and the vision she had seen in the mirror replayed in her head.

"I know you didn't kill Himeko!"

He did not hesitate even at hearing those words, still throwing magic in her direction. Each shot became faster and more difficult to evade.

"I don't care what you think!"

Sakura did her best to fly closer to him, but not without receiving a few burns to her arms.

"Please calm down! I don't want to hurt you! I won't!"

With a determined push, she made it to the boy and wrapped her arms tightly around him, his magic ceasing, at least for the moment. His eyes were wide and he wriggled around in her grasp, still untrusting.

"It's okay...you've been through enough...everyone here wants to help you...we want to set your soul free...your brother's too..."

The boy's body began to shake, and Sakura gasped softly. He was afraid...

"I don't want to...I have nowhere to go...I have no body to return to...no one who will accept me...Himeko is gone because of me..."

He then pushed Sakura forcefully off of him, his teeth bared in emotional distress.

"I disobeyed the Elder's by falling in love with her...so they killed her...they killed her and framed me for her murder...! I want to destroy every part of this clan after what they did to me...All of it! I'll destroy ALL OF IT!"

The sky cracked with lightning, and the earth began to shake below them. It was like the scene in the clearing all over again. At this rate, everyone on the ground would die.

"You can't! Please stop!"

He was on the path of destruction, unable to be stopped it seemed, until everything seemed to disappear. The boy held himself, and a few words were muttered with strain.

"I won't let you hurt them...!"

Sakura's emerald eyes widened as she recognized the person who now spoke.

"Syaoran!"

The eyes that were once red now were the usual amber, though the wings on his back remained black. Syaoran grit his teeth at the amount of energy it was taking for him to regain control of his own body, and he could barely stay up in the air.

"Don't be foolish! Don't you understand that you have people who have fought for you?! Your brother, who joined your fate despite not being involved...your sister, who gave up her afterlife to watch over you! And now, Sakura, who doesn't even know you, wants to help you, and all you can think to do is to destroy everything!"

His eyes turned back to red as Shun retaliated towards him.

"What do you know about me?! You know nothing!"

The boy was visibly struggling internally, and Shun's memories began to enter into Syaoran's mind. Himeko's last moments, through Shun's eyes. Syaoran closed his eyes, and he could see the black-haired boy standing before him. The two stared at each other within the depths of his mind, a peaceful place that looked like the forest of his dreams.

"...She was smiling..."

Shun halted for a moment in his assault, and his eyes widened.

"What..."

Syaoran stared at Shun, his amber eyes full of gentleness.

"She was smiling when she passed..."

The black haired boy grew silent before Syaoran continued.

"My mother said before my father passed, that he was smiling. He was at peace. But I never forgave myself, because he died for my sake...surely you must be feeling this way as well"

Shun did not disagree, but the pain seemed to be bubbling up again.

"It's okay that you're hurt...I was for a very long time. But I found comfort in my friends...my family...Sakura...you don't have to suffer anymore"

"You're just saying these things because you want me out..."

Syaoran shook his head.

"You must have seen it...the life my grandfather and father lived. They were surrounded by people they loved and were content when the end came. If I were to die today, tomorrow, or fifty years from now, I would be okay with that. I'm not afraid of death. We all will die someday, and when I do, I will see everyone again. Himeko isn't gone...she's waiting for the day she'll see you again, this time without anything to stop you from being together...your brother and sister have given up so much to help you see this"

Shun's eyes were wide, and he looked down at his feet, his fists clenching as tears brimmed in his eyes.

"I've made her wait such a long time...do you think she'll forgive me?"

Syaoran smiled and nodded before another white-haired figure entered the scene. Shun's older brother, XianLiang, came forward and rested a hand on his shoulder, a joyful expression on his face.

"Shun...let's go together. Everyone's waiting for us"

The younger brother nodded and looked a bit skeptically at Syaoran.

"Are you sure your girl can do the spell? It took eight of China's strongest magicians to do this"

The amber-eyed boy nodded in determination.

"I believe in Sakura...she has never failed"

Shun smirked at his words.

"You've got a good girl, you know. She's been fighting for you this whole time. You better not let her go"

Syaoran laughed a bit before approaching the other boy.

"By the way..."

Shun blinked at the sudden motion before he was gripped onto by the shoulders and kneed in the stomach. He groaned in pain, holding himself and coughing as he regained his air.

"What the hell was that for?!"

Syaoran scowled at him for a moment.

"That's for kissing Sakura!"

XianLiang chuckled and helped his brother back onto his feet.

"You did deserve that, brother"

Shun growled and rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. He should get to it himself rather than wasting time. He's already wasting time just by being here when he could be getting you and I out of here!"

Syaoran's smile returned and he saw a light shine from above.

"Sakura's waiting for me..."

Soon enough, the light engulfed him, and his eyes opened. He was still in the sky, but his wings were no longer there. Beneath him was the balloon-like form of the FLOAT card, which kept him in the air. Above him was the moon and Sakura, her eyes filled with tears. Upon seeing him wake, she embraced him tightly.

"I was so scared that I had lost you..."

"Sakura..."

He reached up to cup her face and adjusted himself so he was sitting up straight. The two stared into each other's eyes for a moment.

"Thank you, Sakura..."

The boy leaned in slowly before pressing his lips gently to hers. Sakura's eyes closed before she kissed back, her heart being soothed by the warmth she felt at their connection. Everything in the world was perfect in that moment. Even after the kiss ended, their eyes both remained closed as their foreheads pressed together. For a few minutes, they stayed that way until Syaoran's fingers intertwined with hers, and he whispered softly.

"Let's go...everyone must be worried..."

The two stood before leaping off of the FLOAT card, their wings spreading out to catch them. Holding hands, they flew safely to the ground, giggling as the cool air chilled their warm blush covered cheeks. They were on top of the world.