Right Here Waiting

Chapter 18: The Sword

Syaoran simply stood, trying his best to catch his breath. He shut his eyes, feeling his body simply losing its power. Then Adelyn looked up and saw her advantage. She tightened her grip on her sword. She dashed towards his direction, pointing the sword straightly to his heart.

1...

2...

3...

"Ugh." Sakura was there, holding Syaoran tightly as she could. Her arms were wrapped around his body as she took the full attack of her opponent.

Syaoran's eyes flew wide, not knowing how exactly it happened. In a blink of an eye, Sakura was close to him. He shivered. He looked at her, seeing her eyes shut in pain. "Sakura." He choked, being conscious only on the girl in his arms. His amber eyes studied her as she half opened her eyes and plastered a weak smile.

His hands moved to her waist and finally, he felt the thick liquid flowing on her back. Blood.

Sakura looked up, letting her see his face. She knew she broke her promise, but she knew very well that it was not supposed to be his fight. It was hers, and there was no way she could sacrifice him to her battle. "I'm glad."

"Sakura." Syaoran uttered once again, realizing what just happened. His heart raced, this time in horror. He stiffened as he felt her hands losing her grip. He tried to balance her, but the fluid on her back flowed faster. Fear was evident on his eyes.

Adelyn took a step back, with the sword pulling out from Sakura's body. Then in a second, she transformed into the young woman with amethyst eyes. Tomoyo shook, her eyes saw the whole scene. She weakened and dropped the sword then slowly fell on her knees.

Syaoran tried to balance her, but Sakura was too weak. He set her down, denial conquering his senses. "Sakura. Sakura." He whispered, holding her tightly. He had always carried her before, from the time they were kids to capture the Clow cards, from the time they were a bit older whenever she slept on the most inconvenient place. However, never in his dreams that he would see her lying in his arms this way.

Sakura tried not to wince further. She saw Syaoran shivering and still aware of his presence. His touch was comforting enough for her to know the right answer to the confusion she had to deal on few days ago. Looking up, her emerald eyes met his amber orbs. She smiled weakly. "I'm glad. You're safe."

Syaoran weakened, realizing what she had done. He was supposed to protect her, but instead she accepted the fate that should have been for him. All this time, he knew that it was not impossible for her to guard him too. It was stupid of him. He should have been watchful—more powerful. Looking at her emerald eyes, Syaoran felt his eyes moistened and blurred. Tears began to form, and he could do nothing to hold it back. In her eyes, he figured out the main reason for her action. There was no use of denying it. And as if she was reading his mind, she parted her lips to say those words he had been longing to hear.

"I love you."

The words were soft, but clear enough for him to hear and comprehend. Syaoran let his tears fall, knowing what might come next. "Don't do this." He murmured, voice breaking. He could not say much, for everything was overwhelming for him. If he had heard those words in other situation, he might have been happier, but those words were not meant to open their book. It meant goodbye.

Sakura was dying, and she knew that he needed to hear those words. This girl who was gasping for her life had the very intention to protect him in whatever way she could. "Just continue to be happy, alright?"

"Kinomoto Sakura, you can't do this. You cannot leave me."

Sakura smiled. Harsh. Up to the very last moment, she knew that Li Syaoran could never express himself fully and lovingly. He had always been reserved, contrary to how Eriol was accustomed to. Yet she understood. That was probably why they complemented each other. Her role for him was to make things light, to make things enjoyable, which he found hard to determine. He had always had a warrior facade, but she knew, to her heart, that the real him could be one of the most compassionate person ever. Her eyes were half-closed and she could feel her fingers turning numb. She summoned a weak laugh. "I won't. I will continue to guide you and to watch over you."