[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

March 1, 2001

Beware!! This is a long chapter. ^_^() Hence the overly long delay in posting. Gomen, minna!

Card Captors

"Dimensions II - Test of Evil"

By : The MOUSE............................

Sakura was floating on a sense of utter peace and pure contentment as she surfaced lazily from her deep sleep. One by one her senses came alive to the world around her. She could feel the gentle warmth of the morning air caressing her cheeks and the cool smoothness of the bed sheets against her bare legs. The thick aroma of salty sea water and lush vegetation filled her nostrils. And the sound of surf hitting rocks in the distance played a soothing background to the crystalline sounds of twittering birds and the sound of fighting...

Fighting?

She bolted upright in the bed, getting her first look at her new surroundings. She strangled a surprised gasp at the understated opulence of the room she was in. All the colors and shades were soft, designed to calm and relax a person sleeping within. A motif of peonies and bamboo dominated the room. Flowering cherry blossom branches decorated the small bedside table. Kero was still sleeping on her satin pillow, snoring and muttering softly from dreams.

Matte, wasn't I just in an airplane?

Again the sounds of fighting reached the young sorceress's ears and she hopped out of bed, throwing open the balcony doors and stepping out into the early morning daylight.

And froze.

A paradise greeted her wide aventurine eyes. Aquamarine skies and sapphire waters surrounded a lush jade landscape skirted in pearl white sands and jet-black rocks. White washed stones made up short walls fencing in wide terraces of well-kept emerald lawns.

This is Syaoran's home? she marveled, realizing her room was three stories up from the highest of the terraces.

The sounds of people doing battle drew her attention away from the scenery down to the highest and largest of the green terraces. A number of people were gathered there, roughly three dozen at first glance, surrounding two fighting individuals. By the looks of things it was some sort of morning practice. Squinting for a better view through the already bright breaking dawn Sakura saw the reason this daily routine had attracted such a large crowd. The two sparring individuals were none other than the Li Clan future leader and her beloved Little Wolf, Syaoran, and his Cousin, Meilin. The sorceress smirked. She should have known they wouldn't have given up their regular routine just because they were home.

She raced back into the room and began rummaging through her suitcases for a change of clothes. Etiquette wise, showing up, wearing the same clothes you had worn the previous night, just wasn't done.

"Kero! Wake up!" she called as she rushed.

The Guardian Beast of the Seal woke groggily at the cry, rubbing his eyes with his tiny paws as he sat up on the pillow.

"Nani?" he grumbled tiredly. "What is it?"

"Everyone else is up already and outside doing their practices." she announced as she began to change.

"Oh, is that all." and he let himself fall to his side to go back to sleep.

Sakura quickly adjusted her light skirt jumper, of a dark forest green color, over top her white short sleeved blouse, then ran for the door, pulling on her shoes on the way.

"Your fault if you miss breakfast!" she called, disappearing out of the door.

Kero cried out in something akin to devastation. "Matte!" and he zoomed after his Mistress.

Catching up to her he took the lead, guiding her down flights of stairs and through numerous twisting corridors to where he knew she wanted to go. There was only one place big enough outside for daily practices: the main terrace. Kero remembered the days and nights Clow Reed would practice his magic and fighting skills for hours on end on this vast, man-made platform. It was always a peaceful place where a higher consciousness and concentration could be achieved.

Just ahead, at the wide open paper door leading outside, stood four, teen girls that the Guardian Beast of the Seal recognized from the previous night. He hadn't gotten around to asking anyone who they were to have the run of the estate like it seemed they had. The girls stood together, speaking in low and giddy tones about something. He though he heard Syaoran's name spoken with much reverence and adoration every so often. The four suddenly noticed the approaching Card Mistress and her Guardian and became hushed. Sakura felt self-conscious under their intense scrutiny and gazes of contempt. It was as if they were judging her for some reason, deciding her worth over their own. Sakura cautiously circled around them to get by, wondering what the reason was for their stares, and continued out onto the terrace. The four teens followed a few steps behind her, unnerving the Mistress of the Cards even more with their back stabbing gazes.

Kero suddenly turned and flew right up into their faces. "You four have a problem?" he snapped with a deep scowl.

The four took a step back in surprise at the sight of the magical creature. None of them knew how to respond.

"Kero." Sakura called patiently. "Be nice. Lead by example."

The Beast with the Golden Eyes glared at the four for a moment more, rudely stuck his tongue out at them, then flew off to land on his Mistress's shoulder with a smug expression of triumph. The young sorceress gently patted his bulbous head and continued walking towards the crowd.

Li Lerae, standing at the edge of the fighting area, sensed Sakura's powerful magical aura before she saw the young sorceress. She turned and, at an unspoken signal from the matriarch, the gathered crowd parted to allow the Card Mistress to approach. Sakura fought against an embarrassed blush from all the attention she was getting from these people. They obviously knew things about her that she had not yet discovered about herself. Kero took it all in stride. Daidouji Tomoyo already stood at Lerae's side, video taping the entire morning practice in avid fascination. She noticed her friend's approach, smiled at her in greeting, and then continued taping. The Clan's matriarch bowed to Sakura in respect and welcome, a bow the sorceress returned with a bright smile.

"I trust you are well rested, Card Mistress?" Lerae asked, mirth in her voice.

Sakura's blush finally won the upper hand and colored her cheeks. "Forgive me for being such a deep sleeper, Li-san. I guess I was a lot more tired from that capture than I thought."

"Do not apologize, Card Mistress." she smiled. "For one to sleep so deeply in a strange place denotes that one feels secure."

"And for you, Sakura, there's no safer place than Li's arms." Tomoyo quipped slyly, never taking her eyes off the sparring duo before her.

"Tomoyo!" her friend gasped with an even deeper blush.

"Don't even try to deny it, I have the proof on tape."

The cheerleader groaned in dismay, then turned her attention to the sparring Cousins. It showed that they had learned and practiced these fighting moves with each other every day of their lives. Every move was beautiful and fluid, flawless, but also deadly in nature. The two seemed completely oblivious to the large number of people surrounding them, watching their every move with avid attention, silently judging and gauging each stroke. There were no other sounds save for the sharp breaths and shouts from the fighters and the whistling sound of fast moving Bo staffs. The motions had an almost hypnotic effect on the sorceress, drawing her complete focus to the teen warrior sparring not far away from her.

He wore all green. Meilin was dressed much the same way, only her colors were bright ocher, almost gold. Syaoran's shirt was tight, almost molded to his appealing physique, his pants loose enough to allow no restriction to movement. Leather strips were wrapped tight around his shins, wrists and hands to protect them from stray blows. The skin of his arms glistened from a thin film of perspiration in the growing day's light, his tawny eyes fixed and alert to his Cousin's every move.

Meilin twirled her Bo expertly, then swung hard, a blow Syaoran easily blocked with his own Bo. Then, in a move too rapid for the eye to follow completely, the warrior struck his Cousin's staff away, knocked her off her feet, and pinned her to the soft lawn with the end of his staff held bare millimeters above her throat.

Meilin hissed a soft curse and groaned in defeat. "Why can't you let me win just once?" she near whined.

His eyes twinkled in mischief, but he didn't smile. "Now where's the challenge in that?"

"You losing should be enough of a challenge for you." she quipped with a raised eyebrow.

Syaoran tapped her chin with his Bo in chiding. "It's more of a challenge for you to try to beat me."

Meilin growled. "I want a re-match!" she issued as he helped her up.

"Maybe later." and they bowed to each other, signifying that the practice was now over.

Quiet, almost reserved applauds rippled through the gathered crowd in appreciation to a battle fought well and honorably as an attendant approached the fighters to retrieve their weapons. The quartet of teen girls suddenly raced forward to Syaoran, babbling giddily in excitement before his staff could be taken. The warrior heard them approach before he saw them. He whirled around, his Bo held in front of him to ward off the quartet, a deep scowl of displeasure and warning on his face. The small group near skidded to a sudden stop on the dew covered grass. A mixture of shock, fear and disappointment was written on each of their faces.

Sakura valiantly suppressed a giggle at the sight as Meilin joined them, certain she could almost hear the low growl of warning issuing from her beloved partner's throat. The look on those girls' faces was priceless. For once she was glad Tomoyo was capturing the moment on tape.

"How kawaii!" Tomoyo squealed in delight, staring through her camera's viewfinder. "The mighty warrior won't let the pretenders near him."

Sakura blinked and turned to her and Meilin in confusion. "Pretenders?"

"Yeah." the ruby eyed teen agreed. "Don't you know who they are?"

The Card Mistress shook her head in negative.

The once rival become friend chuckled. "They were the four the Elders chose for Syaoran to pick a wife from."

She blanched slightly at the news. "... They... I... Oh..." was all she managed to stutter.

"Show them up." Tomoyo suggested, evilly playful.

"Nani?"

"Show them up. Prove to them that they don't stand a chance with Li with you around."

"... I... I could never do that!" she protested.

"Hai, you can."

"It... It wouldn't be right!"

The teen videographer clicked her tongue in patient exasperation. "I am seriously going to have to teach you the finer points of love and war." and she gave her friend a sharp shove forward towards Syaoran.

The shove's momentum kept the teen sorceress moving forward a few more steps. She felt a hot, embarrassed flush tint her cheeks as everyone's eyes turned to watch her approach the teen sorcerer. It was as if they were all silently questioning her right to come near the future leader of the Li Clan. This one felt her approach from the feel of her powerful aura reaching for his own. It was a purely instinctual move from the magical essence. Syaoran's warm tawny eyes met the vivid green of his soul mate's eyes and his stance relaxed just enough to be inviting only to her. His Bo was still held before him to ward off the others, but it no longer seemed a barrier to the Card Mistress.

Sakura felt a smile come easily to her lips at the sight of his eyes twinkling at her, smiling at her even though he hid his real smile from everyone else. She loved his eyes. In a single glance his eyes could speak lengthy volumes. And he seemed to save this special invisible smile just for her, knowing she was the only one who could see it. His private smile, just for her. Ignoring the contemptuous glares from the four ex-brides-to-be, she boldly continued on until she stood in front of her beloved warrior on the defensive. Casually, she leaned her elbows on the still upheld Bo staff, her chin resting in her hands as she gave Syaoran a cute grin. She could feel him fighting to keep a stoic expression as he merely raised an amused eyebrow at her. He succeeded, his scowl remaining.

"You know, most people would be afraid of me right now." he voiced.

She giggled softly at the playful twinkle she saw in his sunset colored eyes. "True, but I'm not like most people."

"I'll give you that much." he agreed.

"Besides, most people also don't know you as well as I do."

"Honto ne?" He lowered the Bo to his side, giving her ample warning before hand so she could straighten. "And what, pray tell, do you know?"

"I know that I have absolutely nothing to fear from you."

He gave a slight nod as he handed his weapon over to the attendant. "That's one."

"I know that even if you're not smiling on the outside, you are smiling on the inside."

"How do you know that?"

She smiled sweetly. "Your eyes are giving it away. And I also know that no matter how mean and nasty you try to make yourself out to be in reality you're just a big softy."

He mock winced. "There goes my reputation."

"You men and your precious reputations." she accused, playfully poking his stomach, causing him to squirm and caused shocked reactions from those in the crowd. "Your tough warrior image is safe enough with everyone else. You have a different one with me."

"What reputation would that be?"

She could see a tiny smile trying to tug up the corners of his lips. The one of being the man I am hopelessly in love with, my Little Wolf.

A clandestine smirk won the battle on his face. With me you have a reputation of being a dangerous woman, he sent as he led her back towards his Okaa-san, a gentle hand to the small of her back.

Sakura blinked at him. Dangerous woman?

Syaoran nodded.

How so? she queried further.

He stopped her and brought his lips close to her ear. "Because you hold my heart and life in your hands." he whispered warmly.

A silent gasp escaped her lips at the admission, her eyes closing of their own accord as her heart did joyful summersaults from the feel of his gentle breath tickling her ear. She vaguely heard the surprised gasps and whispered comments from the gathered crowd as she felt Syaoran cup her cheek in a gentle, callused hand. The hand of a fighter, of a man used to battle. But to her it was the softest, most incredible hand in the world. She marveled that such a tender appendage could hold as much strength as it did.

Her skin felt finer than even the finest woven silk. A work of art at its best. Syaoran didn't care if his actions were out of character to the eyes of the Clan. He didn't need to justify any of his actions to them. This was the woman he loved, that he adored. That was reason enough. He ran the pad of his thumb across her cheekbone, wishing for her eyes to open again. Even the purest of colors was put to shame in the presence of her glittering eyes. They held all the innocence and beautiful emotions of the Universe in one simple glance. One noticed her eyes first, and then the rest of her beauty would come into focus after that. He ran a hand through her soft hair, letting it come to rest on the side of her neck. He smiled when he felt the goose-bumps race over her flesh beneath his hand.

With a loving smile adorning her lips Sakura looked up at him and saw the reason for the crowd's surprised reaction. The usually stoic and publicly reserved Syaoran sported a tender smile directed solely at her, his amber eyes drinking her in as if she were fine nectar. And the world melted away from the smile and the love in his eyes. A pleasant shiver raced down her spine at the sight.

He didn't need to tell her just how much he loved her.

By his actions and looks, she already knew.

* * *

Sienna colored eyes scowled at the tender scene unfolding between Li Xiao Lang and this Japanese outsider. This wasn't right. Powerful eddies of magic radiated around the green-eyed girl in grand waves. Rumor on the Clan Estate had it that this outsider was none other than the Mistress of the Clow Cards herself, the one charged with capturing and therefore control the mighty deck of cards created by Clow Reed. In that case she was the second part to the Legend of the Two.

Mesuinu scoffed at the idea.

This girl looked far too frail and naïve to be the one to capture the Clow Cards. She was far too innocent. Only one as strong and seasoned as Xiao Lang could possibly succeed in this task. And only she, Mesuinu, would be the one to stand at his side, not this outsider. Clan law was that bloodline could only wed bloodline to ensure the strength and continuity of the line and magic. The lineage had to stay pure. Of all the Clan members available for this, Mesuinu possessed the strongest magic. It was obvious she was the one to be chosen to stand at the warrior's side. The Clan Elders had realized this fact, this being the reason she was chosen as one of the four. And her contenders had realized this as well deciding to graciously bow out and help her ingratiate her to the Elders and to Xiao Lang. Mesuinu's parents had been so thrilled to have their only Daughter chosen as one of the four. She had promised not to disappoint them no matter the cost. She would stand at the Clan Leader's side as his wife.

But the arrival of this so-called Card Mistress threw out Mesuinu's entire carefully orchestrated plan.

Her plan had been that as soon as he returned she would make sure he noticed her at every turn and event and eventually have him become completely enamoured with her. It was simple. As conceited as it sounded she knew she was beautiful. Hair darker than ebony, a rosy cream complexion, eyes the color or rich sienna wood, toned musculature... how could he not see she was perfect for him, that she was his complement?

He didn't see. That was the problem. He ignored her and the other three candidates, instead focusing his attention solely on the outsider. By law this wasn't right. She was Japanese, an outsider, and a non-Clan member. His affection for her was forbidden.

But then why was no one doing anything to stop this?

Mesuinu stifled a growl threatening at the back of her throat. Calm yourself. There's no need to worry. The Elders will be the ones to break the news to him. She isn't of the Clan so she doesn't have a chance.

She allowed herself a small smile as the Japanese girl and Xiao Lang parted ways, the girl led away by the Clan matriarch.

After tonight, dear Xiao Lang, you'll come to realize that you have no choice but to choose me.

* * *

Deep in the cold bowels of Mummaro's Gate a dark eyed teen smiled gleefully at the events he witnessed unfolding, images being reflected in the dark waters of a seeing pool. He nodded in approval to the possessive thoughts the shunned Clan member was thinking. His plan was coming together even better than he had expected and dared hope. This girl was the second player he needed in his little game. Soon, both players would be in place and the plan could finally be put into motion. Revenge was at hand.

Soon.

Very soon.

* * *

The day passed quickly.

Daidouji Tomoyo wrung her hands nervously into the pleats of her skirt. She sat at Li Meilin Rae's left and behind Li Lerae's right shoulder, a place of honor, a place usually reserved for a Clan member. This was Tomoyo's first tip-off that something amazing would happen this night. The rest of the room was lined with countless standing members of the Li Clan, all of Li Syaoran's closest to most distant relations. Young Daidouji had tried counting them all, to get an idea of just how large this family truly was, but stopped when she reached sixty. There were just too many and more kept arriving.

This room was huge!

It was almost the rival of the largest of Tomeda High School's gyms. It wasn't a very high room, perhaps just over three meters in height, made of dark bamboo panels and thick mahogany columns. Nor was it very wide, enough for twenty well built men to stand shoulder to shoulder across it. It was the length that was impressive. Easily one hundred meters. But neither the size of this chamber nor the vast numbers of people were what made her nervous. It was the fact that she had been expressly forbidden to bring any recording devices what-so-ever into this hallowed sanctum. The ceremony to take place here was secret to the utmost degree. She had agreed to this term out of respect to her gracious and, up to now, generous hosts, but she knew that she would end up missing something epic or completely romantic. She was certain of it.

A sudden hush abruptly fell over the gathered Clan members as an unassuming side door opened. Through it hobbled seven ancient looking men. All were wizened and bent from age, leaning heavily on sturdy wooden canes, their ceremonial robes hanging loosely on their bodies where once they had fit just perfectly. The entire room bowed to this congregation as these men made their way onto a low stage to their throne-like seats. Tomoyo bowed as well, realizing who these aged men were to command such respect.

These were the Li Clan Elders.

All seven were clean-shaven, not a hair on their heads or faces, all wearing pressed silks of green and gold, the Clan's symbol embroidered in black on their chests. Their eyes were the most striking aspect. They ranged right across the spectrum from a bright feline gold to rich cadmium red. Their gazes were sharp and alert. The seven sat and the eldest of them, sitting in the center chair, surveyed the crowd for a moment.

Tomoyo let her eyes scan over the Clan members as well, familiarizing herself with the faces. There were so many she didn't recognize from that day's events, but a few of them she was beginning to know. She knew a scant few from sight alone from the grand tour Lerae had given them of the Li Estate that day. Syaoran's Sisters stood in the crowd each with their husbands and many children. Tomoyo smirked. It was hard to picture Syaoran as an Uncle. She stifled a chuckle at the memory of their first meeting. The young warrior had expertly hidden his surprise at the sight of these ten children as they swarmed around him, somehow sensing he was family. Sakura had laughed at her boyfriend being buried under the throng and struggling to walk under the weight of so many children clambering all over him. His numerous nieces and nephews were simply adorable and so well behaved around strangers, especially now in the serious atmosphere of this room. Watching those gathered Tomoyo's violet eyes suddenly caught sight of a face she knew wasn't supposed to be here. It was simply impossible. A small frown creased her brow. This person meant trouble.

Meilin noticed the frown on her friend's face from the corner of her eye. She nudged her side to get her attention, her eyes silently questioning her. Respecting the deep silence in the chamber Tomoyo used her eyes to point out the face she had noticed. Meilin followed the direction her eyes were pointing in and she too frowned at the sight.

Higato Allan, standing tall and smug next to his Okaa-san.

The teen videographer's eyes questioned the Chinese girl at her side as to the reason Higato was even allowed here. To her knowledge the boy was Japanese and of no relation to the Li Clan. Meilin shook her head, silently telling her not to question for the moment. Tomoyo reluctantly agreed to this, keeping a watchful eye on the obsessed basketball player across the chamber from her.

"Li Xiao Lang!" the eldest of the Elders intoned in a voice far stronger than his frail looking body seemed capable of.

Two attendants at the far end of the room opened a set of massive doors, then bowed in deep respect to the one standing just beyond them. The Li Clan's future leader stood there, dressed in blindingly white silks bordered in black and forest green. His clothes were an exact replica of his battle outfit, without the head wear. His sword was sheathed and strapped to his back within easy reach. He strode forward with purpose, keeping his head held high and his eyes fixed on the Elders before him. Syaoran walked the length of the room with the stealth of a feline until he stood in front of a pair of stiff cushions laid out on the floor before the Elders' stage. With practiced grace he removed the weapon from his back and held it up in front of him as he kneeled on the cushion. He laid the sheathed sword on the floor between himself and the Elders, then bowed low, hands to the cool marble floor, forehead a bare inch from the ground. Tomoyo mentally ticked off the seconds he remained this way.

Two...

Three...

Four...

Five...

Then he straightened, his eyes focused on a spot on the stage in front of him. The Elders were silent for a moment as if in judgement of the warrior kneeling before them.

"Li Xiao Lang." one Elder began. "You were charged in retrieving the Clow Cards from Japan."

"Hai." Syaoran replied crisply, knowing where this was going to lead.

"Have you found the Clow Cards?" another asked.

"Hai."

"Have you brought them here?" still another Elder posed.

"Hai."

"You lie, Xiao Lang. The Clow Cards were not found among any of your belongings." yet another Elder challenged almost petulantly.

Both Meilin and Tomoyo winced hard. Mistake!

Syaoran raised his eyes slowly to frown at the Elders in barely contained anger at being called a liar in front of his Clan. "Have the Elders suddenly taken to searching my personal possessions or questioning my word of honor?" he growled in a clear challenge.

"We simply wish for the Clow Cards to be returned to their rightful owner, the Li Clan." another tried to placate.

"The are with their rightful owner." Syaoran countered.

"But they are not with the Clan." one Elder pointed out practically.

"No, they are with the Card Captor."

"Then show us this person who you call the rightful Card Captor." the last Elder demanded.

Tomoyo saw the young warrior barely turn his head to the back of the chamber, an unspoken signal to the attendants there to re-open the massive doors. The violet-eyed teen held her breath in anticipation, even though she already knew who would be standing there. The gigantic doors swung open without resistance on finely oiled hinges.

* * *

From the other end of the chamber Mesuinu fumed, mentally screaming vicious curses at the girl standing at the door. She really was the Mistress of the Cards. But it was impossible. Such a frail girl could never be the wielder of such power. And there was no way Mesuinu would allow this outsider to get between her and Xiao Lang, no matter who she was. She frowned at the girl standing just within the doorway. Card Mistress or not, this girl had to go.

* * *

Higato Allan's near gray eyes scanned the vast room for any sight of the lithe Japanese cheerleader. He knew she was here somewhere. She would never miss this kind of event. Beside, the Daidouji girl she always hung around with was already here, sitting with Li-san.

Why wasn't Kinomoto there as well?

He mentally shook off the question and turned to the back of the room to see this Card Captor his dear Cousin said he brought with him. The doors opened wide and so did Allan's eyes at the sight.

In the name of Tin Hau! She is the Mistress of the Clow Cards?

* * *

There stood Kinomoto Sakura, the Book of Clow tucked under one arm, her sealing staff in hand. She wore a far more feminine version of the white outfit Syaoran wore, bordered in black and pink. Braided pink, white and black ribbons decorated her short hair. Kero floated just above her right shoulder, a look of certainty and pride on his tiny features. For her part Sakura seemed perfectly demure and calm, her eyes on the marble floor. In reality she was struggling to keep her breath steady and to slow her racing heartbeat. She had always hated being the center of attention, of being under the scrutiny of large crowds. It was a phobia of hers. But this was the Li Clan tradition, she had to respect it. She would respect it, for her beloved Syaoran. Silently she wondered how Kero could be so calm and collected in front of so many people. Steeling herself she began to walk forward towards the Elders' stage. She could hear the hushed murmurs from the crowd around her. Silent questions of her right to wear the colors she did and of her right to be in the sacred sanctum and still more whispers of appreciation. She did her best to block them all out as she continued on.

Nervous, my Cherry Blossom? Syaoran's gentle voice whispered in her mind.

She stifled a soothed smile. A little, but you're here, my Little Wolf, so what reason do I have?

Sakura heard him chuckle in her mind in response. When she stood before the stiff pillow at her partner's side she held up the Book of Clow and the sealing wand in presentation as she kneeled down. Then she placed the items on the floor in front of her and bowed low as her partner had done. Finally straightening she kept her eyes lowered to the floor and waited in silence. Part of her desperately wished she could reach over and hold Syaoran's hand to bolster her own courage, but she knew it wasn't allowed from the depth of tradition his Clan was steeped in. A gentle brush of loving emotions against her mind reassured her. Syaoran felt her nervousness, it was almost a tidal wave from her.

Deep breaths, Sakura, he instructed gently. There's no danger here. Clear your mind of everything and be calm.

Her nervous fear receded away, nearly vanishing from sense. Kero lightly flitted down and stood defiantly on the Book of Clow, boldly staring the seven Elders in the eyes, almost daring them to even try something against the cards or his Mistress. A long silence followed as the Elders scrutinized the new arrival. If Syaoran had not been mentally whispering soothing words into her mind Sakura knew she would have cracked.

"She is the chosen Card Captor?" one of the Elders inquired in incredulity.

"Hai." Syaoran answered. "Kinomoto Sakura of Tomeda District, Japan."

There was another pondering silence. Then, "Kinomoto Sakura, why were you chosen for this task?" another Elder demanded of her.

Sakura took a deep breath to steady herself. "I- I was the one who found the Book of Clow and accidentally released the cards. I- I was charged by Keroberus, the Guardian Beast of the Seal, to retrieve them." She could feel their gazes shift to the small magical creature glaring up at them.

"Is this Keroberus?"

"H- Hai."

Kero floated up to the Elders' eye level and glared at them in annoyance. He didn't say anything, just stared at each one in turn, gloating inwardly each time he saw one of them squirm under his glowing golden eyes. These seven recognized him as a powerful force, even in his diminutive state. But at the same time Kero could sense these Elders had a sense of self-importance that was far too great. The Elders had originally been chosen to guide the Clan, not lead them in this manner.

There was a long silence. Then, "Kinomoto Sakura, are you aware of our Clan's claim on the Cards of Clow?" another Elder demanded to know, now beginning to ignore the glaring Guardian Beast of the Seal.

"H- Hai." the nervous teen answered.

"Then why do you persist on keeping the Clow Cards instead of returning them to our Clansmen?" another near shouted.

"I-..."

"We are the descendants of Clow Reed. His creations and the Clow Cards rightfully belong with us. Not some outsider."

"With all due respect, Elders," Syaoran began harshly in defense of his soul mate, "... it is her right to do this as the chosen of Keroberus. He alone can choose who the Card Captor will be, not the Clan Elders."

Kero's frown deepened at the seven in clear menace. "Clow Reed chose Elders to simply guide the Clan and those with magic. You've taken your powers beyond what they should have been."

"How dare you speak to us this way!"

"We dare out of your lack of respect for the rightful Card Mistress!" the diminutive creature shouted in return.

"You should have taken the Cards of Clow from her, Xiao Lang." yet another chided the warrior.

"I tried, Elder, but she was too stubborn in the matter." From the corner of his eye he saw Sakura valiantly try to smother a chuckle. "Besides, I then realized the captures were far easier when I worked with the Card Mistress instead of against her."

"You are partners?" one Elder demanded in near shock.

""Hai."" the Card Captors answered together.

The seven Elders stared at each other in wonder and uncertainty at this new development. They whispered among themselves, trying to decide on a proper course of action. They could see the girl cast a worried glance over to Xiao Lang as if searching for reassurance. She seemed to rely on him. The warrior/sorcerer glanced back and smiled gently at her, his hand reaching over to grip hers in a confident squeeze.

Xiao Lang, smiling?

Xiao Lang, being affectionate?

Wholly out of character to the stoic warrior they had seen five years ago. After a moment they sat back in their throne-like seats and regarded the two teens kneeling before them in respect with their eyes once again on the floor. Their hands were still clasped tight.

Was this Clow's prophecy?

Was this the Legend of the Two?

What were they to do with this new development?

* * *

A dark-eyed figure chuckled softly at the image reflected in the dark waters. The little Cherry Blossom was a wonderful source of confusion to these traditional Elders.

"Perhaps I should add a further interesting little twist to this situation." he smiled wickedly. He looked to a wall and a shadow peeled itself away from it. "You know what to do, my pet."

And the shadow vanished. He turned to the Life Card huddled not far away, its light having dimmed considerably since its capture. He frowned at it slightly.

"Don't look so glum, my dear Life." It looked up at him tiredly. "Soon, your precious Card Mistress will come to me. Then, I can put you out of your misery." The card looked away as if no more interested than if he had told her the weather. He laughed and turned back to the seeing pool. "Come to me, dearest Sakura. Your destiny and death await."

Behind him, Life closed its eyes and shed a tear for a future that seemed filled with hopelessness.

* * *

The eldest of the Elders regarded the teen Card Captors thoughtfully, rubbing his bottom lip. Before him kneeled the most powerful of the Li Clan's sorcerers and the Clan's future leader. His magic was strong and pure, his lineage was direct to Clow Reed himself. At his side was a lovely teen girl, an outsider, whom he claimed was the present and rightful owner of the Clow Cards. This made her the Universe's greatest sorceress. He could feel the waves of magic circling around her, as yet unlocked by this jade-eyed beauty. To add to that Xiao Lang had admitted to being her partner in the captures of the cards and he was presenting her to the Clan as his equal. There was only one reason anyone would risk his or her honor to do this sort of thing and it terrified the Elder.

Could Clow-sama's prophecy finally be coming true?

"Xiao Lang, do you claim to fulfill the prophecy? That you are those mentioned in the Legend of the Two?"

"If ever there be two to hunt for the cards of magic, let them be male and female. Let them feel animosity, let them feel jealousy, let them feel compassion, and let them feel love." he quoted from the Clan legend. "I can see no other explanation, Elder."

Syaoran turned his head and smiled at Sakura whose eyes glittered brightly in understanding, finally realizing what this legend and prophecy were and also realizing what he had just done. He had just admitted to his whole Clan that he loved her. Her heart threatened to burst within her bosom at the honor. Clow Reed had been aware this would happen, even so many centuries ago. She understood her own persistence now to befriend this warrior. Destiny had been guiding her actions from the start. Her eyes locked with his as she returned his gentle loving smile, vaguely aware of the soft gasps and murmurs rippling through the crowded room, barely hearing the kawaii squealed softly by Tomoyo, barely aware of an annoying tingling at the edge of her senses. All she was aware of were Syaoran's eyes. A single glance from the Elders hushed the crowd once more. But the silence seemed to be a signal for one individual in the crowd to step forward and come stand a few steps behind the kneeling pair. His athletic body was trembling in barely contained rage and jealousy. Both Card Captors suddenly felt the hairs on the back of their necks stand on end in dread.

"I challenge his claim of Kinomoto Sakura!" this teen shouted, making sure everyone on the chamber heard him.

Sakura froze in shock only instants before she heard a low growl issue forth from Syaoran's throat. She turned slowly, instinctively reaching for her wand lying in front of her, hoping beyond hope that this wasn't who she thought it was. It was impossible for him to be here, now, at this moment. Much to her dismay Higato Allan stood there, his steel gray eyes travelling over her almost hungrily. She scrambled to her feet quickly and backed herself against the edge of the Elders' stage, clutching her staff to herself in some form of defense. Syaoran stood before her in protection, sword in hand, a deep scowl aimed at the obsessed basketball player. Kero hovered at the young warrior's shoulder to add whatever help he could. The Elders watched the scene from the safety of the stage, almost unperturbed by this turn of events yet intrigued at how protective their Clansmen was towards the as-yet-to-be-decided Card Mistress. Meilin and Tomoyo were going to race over to add their support to their friends, but Lerae stopped them.

"This is their battle, little ones." she told them. "We must not interfere with the course of Fate."

Reluctantly resigned to the fact they couldn't help, the two girls watched helplessly.

The eldest of the Elders looked down on Higato Allan in tired annoyance. "What is the basis of your challenge?" he demanded of him.

"That she was Fated to be with me and not with my Cousin." Allan replied proudly and confidently. He knew that Fate was a respected force within the Clan. The cheerleader would be his for sure.

Sakura blinked at something Allan said and looked to Syaoran. Cousin? she questioned mentally.

His shoulders hunched slightly. Long story.

She crossed her arms with a coy frowning smirk. As it is you'll have a whole novel to tell me.

He winked a playfully sly grin. We'll make a night of it.

A shy smile adorned her lips as a deep blush colored her porcelain cheeks.

"Higato," one Elder began, not having noticed the silent exchange between the Card Captors, "... how has Fate shown you this girl was yours?"

He stood tall and proud. "Fate has made me dream of her."

Syaoran snorted, vainly trying to stifle a burst of laughter.

Another Elder shook his head. "Is that all? Dreaming of someone is not necessarily Fate. In your case, Higato, one would have to say this is an obsession."

"There! That's the first right decision you've made so far." Kero beamed.

The Elders scowled at him, something the Guardian Beast of the Seal promptly ignored.

Allan was becoming flustered. The Elders dared to deny him his prize? "She is mine! Fate removed Li for over two months to let me woo her!"

The Elders looked to Syaoran in confusion. "Removed, Xiao Lang?"

"Hai." the warrior answered simply.

"And where were you during this time?"

"I was still there, but invisible. An event I will explain if given the chance, Elders."

This seemed to satisfy to ancient men. Then, returning their attention to Allan, "Did you succeed in wooing Kinomoto Sakura?" another Elder queried, raising an eyebrow.

Sakura smirked and shook her head, Syaoran turning to smile at her. "No, he didn't succeed." she replied before the basketball player could form his words.

"Then Fate is not at work, only obsession." yet another Elder concluded. "Your challenge is denied, Higato."

The annoying tingle at the back of Sakura's mind grew slightly in intensity, enough to draw her attention from the goings-on before her. Something was coming, something powerful. Something dangerous, but it wasn't a Clow Card. It didn't feel the same. Movement suddenly caught the corner of her eye and she looked up in time to see Allan launching a punch aimed for Syaoran's head. Her fearful expression was enough of a warning to the young warrior. In a blindingly fast move he blocked the impending blow and painfully twisted Allan's arm behind his back, shoving him away from himself hard. The basketball player stumbled in an attempt to keep from falling, quickly regained his balance, and then whirled around to face his Cousin, rubbing the pain from his arm.

At that very moment Sakura's senses flared to life and she gasped. Whatever it was she had felt earlier had arrived. It was dark, evil. Syaoran felt it as well, the sensation temporarily drawing his attention away from Allan. The obsessed teen saw his chance and threw another punch aimed for his Cousin's face. In Allan's mind he believed that if he could mar the handsome teen's features then perhaps it would convince Sakura to consider him. The blow missed completely when the teen sorcerer easily ducked and began running after his beloved sorceress already heading for the chamber's door with Kero barely managing to keep up to her.

"Open the doors!" the Card Mistress shouted to the attendants.

"Do it!" her soul mate ordered them when he caught up to her.

Startled, the attendants obeyed quickly, opening the massive wooden doors to the night bathed terraces beyond. The moon was hidden by dark storm clouds moving in from the East, casting no light to see by. Both Card Captors' senses screamed in high alert to the magical form hiding somewhere in the darkness ahead. Cautiously the duo stepped away from the ceremonial pavilion and the throngs of people crowding the door behind them. At the head of this crowd stood the seven ancient Elders. Whatever this strange attack was they considered it the perfect opportunity to test this so-called Card Mistress's abilities. If she was the real sorceress then she would defeat this force.

"Where is it?" Syaoran grumbled under his breath. "Is it a card?" he asked more loudly of his girlfriend, his eyes trying to pierce the thick night.

Sakura's eyes stayed fixed on the shadows. "No, it feels different, darker... bigger."

"But it is here." Kero voiced. "It's waiting for us to make the first move."

"Well I want to see what I'm up against before I try anything." Syaoran stated with a nod to his partner.

She understood and nodded in return. A Clow Card appeared in her hand as she closed her eyes in concentration. A glowing circle of light and glowing ancient symbols of power appeared at her feet.

"Glow Card. Release and dispel." In a lightning fast move she tossed the card out before her and hit it dead center with the head of her wand. "Release!"

Instantly the card seemed to explode into a multitude of floating spheres glowing with their own inner light. They floated quickly to every recess of the terrace, chasing away every and all shadows and darkness until the massive shape of the attacker was revealed.

"By the Great Dragon..." Syaoran breathed in a mixture of awe, fear and disbelief.

Towering a full story in height stood a creature of pure nightmare. Four powerful legs tipped in razor sharp claws; a long tail much like a whip, a muscular torso covered in a rough mix of coarse hairs, sharp spindly spikes and thick scales, and sitting atop a thick neck base sat the three heads of a dog. White fangs gleamed within red mouths, six red eyes searching for their prey. The entire creature was blacker than pitch, a vicious growl rumbling in its shared ribcage. The ground shook with each lumbering step this monster took. All three heads suddenly howled at once, the deafening wail echoing in the estate's neighboring mountains. The fur on Kero's back stood on end like an enraged cat.

"Cerberus." he hissed venomously.

Syaoran shook his head slowly in clear disbelief. "The Guardian Beast of Tartarus. The creature who hunts down souls to bring them to Hell and keep them there."

"That's not possible!" Sakura protested. "He's only supposed to be a myth."

"Tell him that."

One of the demon dog's three heads swung around to the stunned Card Captors, its glowing red eyes narrowing at the feel of magic from them. It snarled, revealing glistening white fangs. The soul mates and the Guardian Beast of the Seal braced themselves, ready for any move from this creature of nightmares. They didn't have long to wait. With a mighty belch a column of blue fire shot forth from its maw towards the magical trio. Kero flew straight up and out of the way, leaving the soul mates to dive away from the flames and each other.

Sakura rolled to her feet and stared at the hulking creature in shock. "There wasn't anything written anywhere that he could do that!"

"I don't think anyone knew he could do that!" Syaoran replied.

"Run behind him! It'll take him a few minutes to figure out how to turn around!"

Sure enough, with each magic user circling around the creature on either side of it, the Hellhound struggled with its outer two heads to decide whether to turn left or right. This gave the partners a brief moment to regroup.

"Any ideas how we stop this thing?" Sakura questioned her boyfriend.

"Your guess is as good as mine. This is the first time I've gone up against something like this."

"Oh, like I'm an expert?" she replied lightly.

He suddenly grabbed her shoulders and pulled her down out of the way just as the creature's wiry tail lashed just above their heads. Looking up again the magic users noticed the Hell beast's three heads had finally come to a consensus and the body was beginning to turn to attack, completely ignoring the throngs of helpless people at the pavilion watching the battle. The two teens blinked in realization.

"We're the targets!" Sakura exclaimed.

Syaoran frowned grimly. "Never a dull moment." he grumbled.

The lithe sorceress called upon the Jump Card, making a pair of tiny white wings to materialize at each of her ankles, only seconds before the whip-like tail swiped at them again. Together the partners jumped high, avoiding the appendage.

"We've got to lead him away from the pavilion!" Sakura called to Syaoran as they touched ground. "We can't risk the others accidentally being hurt!"

"Head for the jungle!" he called back.

She saw him swing his sword at the incoming tail as she turned to run, slicing off the end of the beast's tail. It howled in pain as a green itchor spurt forth from the fresh wound. It whirled around, its red eyes flashing in fury and pain, and ran after the sprinting Card Captors. Syaoran easily caught up to Sakura and stayed ahead of her by a mere stride, part of his mind marveling at the stamina and speed she had accrued over the years of battling cards.

Was it your plan to seriously tick him off like that? he heard her say in his mind.

Hey, he's following us, isn't he?

Tell me again that you have an idea of what to do.

Sure do. Follow my lead, he instructed her as they neared the tree line.

He took a running leap against the nearest tree trunk, using it to jump higher on the neighboring tree; to finally use this last one as another jump point to the high tree branched near the canopy. Sakura followed suit only a leap behind him thanks to the Jump Card. Following a zig zag patterns the Card Captors leapt from tree to tree, branch to branch, trying to lead the legendary three-headed canine away from the estate's buildings all the while trying to stay away from it themselves. Unable to run through the edge of the jungle due to its size, the Guardian of Tartarus ran along the tree line, glowing red eyes almost desperately keeping the fleeing duo within its sight. Syaoran kept an eye on the creature as well as he hopped along, gauging what to do next. In mid-leapt, a sort of plan came to him to gain time. Leaping onto another branch he came to a sudden stop. Just as Sakura landed next to him he whirled around, wrapped an arm around her slim waist, and leapt to the tree they had just come from. From there it was a short hop to the jungle floor, hiding under the thick foliage at the tree's base. Cerberus stopped running and sniffed at the air, confused that it couldn't see it's prey anymore. Its three heads growled softly as it searched the treetops.

Now what? Sakura sent as she struggled to quiet her panting breath. She was pressed close to Syaoran's back to keep an eye on their antagonist through the foliage.

There has to be a way to stop big, bad and ugly, the warrior reasoned, trying to stay focused on the task at hand and not the warmth of her body pressed against his back. He has to have some sort of weakness we can use.

Thunder rolled in menace from the approaching storm looming closer to the Li Clan Estate. Cerberus's three heads looked to the clouds with an almost warning growl as if trying to ward them off. He cringed and his menace became even more ferocious when lightning arced across the sky, forcing the beast to take an involuntary step back. The hidden pair did not miss the move. Slow grins spread across their faces at the sight.

Well, well, well. So the mutt is afraid of a little lightning, is he? the warrior smirked in satisfaction.

Sakura held up the Thunder Card with a coy grin. Then let's teach it a few tricks of our own, ne?

Syaoran looked to the Clow Card, then to Cerberus, then shook his head in negative. We need something stronger than the Thunder Card and my lightning element. Much stronger.

She paused in thought, then blinked at an idea. Raiju!

He looked at her sharply. Can you summon him?

Again she had a thoughtful pause. I'll need your lightning element to give the card enough power to release him.

He nodded, then stared hard at the Hellhound, his body tensing in readiness. Ready?

The sorceress crouched, ready to pounce. Hai.

They waited just long enough for the three heads to be looking off away from them, then dashed out onto the terrace to stand behind the monstrous creature. The duo stood at some distance from each other, each prepared to summon their magic to come to their aid. Again the glowing circle appeared at Sakura's feet as she held up the Clow Card.

"Thunder Card. Release and dispel." she began to chant.

Syaoran pointed his sword at the Clow Card she held, trying to get his timing just right for this delicate maneuver.

Sakura tossed the card in front of her. "Release!" she called, striking the card's center with practiced ease.

"Raiden Shorai!" the warrior/sorcerer shouted, a bolt of lightning erupting from the tip of his sword to connect with the now glowing Clow Card.

The glow grew in intensity, crackling with swirling electricity as both Card Captors pour more and more of their magic into this rare event. Cerberus turned to face the soul mates, growling as it took a sudden step back, unsure about this growing ball of electricity before it.

* * *

The dark one frowned at the scenes he saw in the seeing pool. He struck the stone edge in frustration.

"No, you fool! Attack!" he shouted. "Now!"

* * *

The sky suddenly seemed to light up above them as Nature's greatest light show added its own fury and might to the Card Captors' endeavor. The large ball of electricity exploded into blinding white light, forcing everyone's eyes closed to keep from being permanently blinded. When the glare faded a new creature stood there made of pure light and power, energy made manifest.

Raiju had returned.

The two beasts stared each other down like two Alpha males vying for dominance. Both Sakura and Syaoran approached Raiju on either side, wary of its power, knowing he could be just as unpredictable as the lightning that had spawned it. The thunder beast literally crackled with power.

"Raiju!" Sakura commanded of the beast's attention.

Electricity made living turned his head enough to see his Mistress point her wand at the rival beast, a frown of determination on her face.

"Sic him!" she ordered fiercely, her voice even.

He looked again to Cerberus, let loose a terrifying howl, then shot forward at his target with the speed only lightning possessed. The Hellhound never had a chance to move out of the way. Mighty jaws of pure energy clamped down hard of the base of the three sinewy necks with a sickening crunch. Bolt of electricity cascaded all around Raiju's body, penetrating the victim of his bite in merciless waves. Cerberus howled in agony, bucking wildly, trying to rid itself of the magical creature at its collar. Its lashing and jerking brought it dangerously close to the Card Captors. Purely out of instinct and worry for Sakura's safety, Syaoran quickly wrapped an arm around her waist and leapt out of the way of a massive incoming paw. At a safe distance they turned back and continued to watch the battle. Kero suddenly appeared between them, also intent on the fighting creatures.

Syaoran frowned at the Guardian Beast of the Seal. "Where have you been all this time, stuffed animal?"

Kero frowned at him in return. "I've been trying to keep that rabble you call family from interfering here, gaki."

Sakura didn't pay attention to the two, her eyes fixed on the creatures locked in a mortal combat before her. Raiju released his grip from the front of Cerberus's collar, shifting a short leap onto its spiked back. The thunder beast's brilliant white fangs sank into his prey's shared nape with a resounding snap only seconds before a bolt of lightning came crashing down at the master of thunder's bidding. The loud energy bolt had no effect on Raiju, but gave very startling results on the Beast of Tartarus. Flesh and scale seemed to transmute into gleaming black crystal. As Sakura watched she began to notice fissures appearing all over the crystalline surface. It took her a second to realize what was going to happen and it was almost a second too late.

"Shield Card, release and dispel, release!" she called in a heated rush.

A transparent bubble surrounded her and her two companions a split second before the solidified beast exploded into a multitude of crystal shards. The force of the explosion reached the three, even within the protective barrier, knocking them to the ground. Recovering moments later they looked up to find Raiju scratching at the rubble as if in search of his foe, then howling to the sky in victory. The Card Mistress recalled the Shield Card and the Jump Card before dashing to the edge of the pile of rubble,

"Raiju!" she called to the thunder beast with a bright smile.

He looked down at his Mistress and his canine-like features seemed to return her smile. With his tongue lolling out on one side he leapt down from the debris to his Mistress, nuzzling his face against her neck affectionately. She laughed at the mighty beast being so gentle and hugged him tight, noticing how carefully he held his energy in check so as not to harm her. He keened happily at the pride and affection his Mistress radiated

"You did really well, Raiju." she praised.

His lightning bolt of a tail wagged joyfully as he stared at her, the semblance of a smile pulling up the corners of his mouth, his tongue lolling out to one side. It gave him an almost comical expression.

"You're an overgrown puppy after you're captured, you know that?" Syaoran accused with a playful chuckle, giving the beast a good scratch behind the ear. "Well fought."

Raiju merely blinked at him, his expression unchanging and his hind leg twitching from the pleasure the scratch gave him.

"Arigatou for your help." Sakura then told the thunder beast. She looked up at the glowing orbs in the air. "You too, Glow. Time to go back now."

The physical representation of the Thunder Card sat on his haunches and waiting patiently to be re-sealed by the Card Mistress. She smiled at him, at the ease he was making this for her. She raised her wand high with one hand.

"Glow Card, Thunder Card. Return to your powers confined. Glow and Thunder!" she chanted, her wand connecting to a spot in mid-air.

Raiju and the glowing orbs melted into mist and materialized into a pair of Clow Cards floating in the air. They drifted easily into their owner's waiting hand, unresisting. She smiled at them one last time before looking to her boyfriend and her Guardian both examining the pile of black crystal. Syaoran picked up one of the chunks and frowned at the feeling it gave him. Sakura felt it too thanks to the unique bond they shared. The aura around the piece was dark, cold, a tingling charge around it that felt nothing like the residual change of electricity. It felt very ancient. She moved closer without realizing it, her hand hovering tentatively above the glittering stone in his hand, not yet daring to touch it herself. Fear filled emeralds met protective clear amber.

"What does it mean?" she asked him.

"Trouble."

* * *

The dark one leisurely paced the vast underground chamber, absently staring at the rough floor as he thought about what he had seen. True, he had not intended on killing either of the Card Captors with his little demonstration, he knew they would easily defeat Cerberus, but he had at least hoped to rattle their resolve at finding him enough to seriously slow them down. Instead he seemed to have only inadvertently bolstered it. Now, more then ever, they wanted to find and stop him. But he had also learned a few things about those two along the way.

The Little Wolf, the Li Clan's pride and joy, was indeed a powerful force to be reckoned with. But he had a weakness that was so easy to exploit. His strength came from protecting those he cared about. Those he loved. And there was no one he loved more than the sorceress. It showed in the way he looked at her, in the way that he immediately understood her thoughts without her saying a word.

As for the lovely Cherry Blossom, the dark one learned she was a whole lot stronger than he had originally given her credit for. She had such fire of spirit, such courage when others were in need. She had nerves of steel when determined enough about a situation.

The dark one smiled.

She was perfection. He understood now why Higato Allan was so obsessed with the beauty with a pure heart. The dark-eyed teen returned to the stone rimmed pool and gazed down fondly at the still image of the jade-eyed girl reflected there within its waters.

"A terrible pity you must die, little Cherry Blossom. But you reek of Clow Reed's magic so you must join the Fate of all the others... after we get to know each other better, of course."

Try as he might he couldn't fight the unfamiliar stirrings deep within him, where his heart would have been had he had one. His hand hovered over the image of the innocent faced sorceress, wishing for a single touch of her velvet skin.

"... dear, sweet Sakura..." he breathed ever so softly.

* * *

Rain pattered gently against the clay tiles overhanging Li Syaoran's private balcony late into the night. It was a soothing sound, mixed with the soft rumble of thunder, but still Syaoran felt uneasy. Sleep refused to come. He lay on his oversized bed and just stared at the ceiling, thinking, enjoying the feel of the cool sheets against the skin of his back and arms. It was too warm outside, even with the rain, to wear a shirt to bed. Just the pants seemed to be enough. He had a lot of questions about what had happened earlier on the terrace with the Hellhound, Cerberus. He wondered what the reason had been for this attack. It seemed so senseless yet orchestrated for a specific purpose.

What was that purpose?

The answer was yet unknown. Cerberus had been defeated and Sakura was safe. For the moment that was the most important thing. A smile suddenly touched his lips.

Sakura...

Moments after he had told her the shards of dark quartz meant trouble the ranking members of his Clan had rushed up to them. He would forever remember the adorable look of shock on Sakura's face when his whole Clan, minus Higato and some unknown girl, had kneeled before her in deep respect and some visible fear. Any girl who could control Raiju the Thunder Beast with such ease was definitely a force to be reckoned with. The eldest of the Elders had then declared her to be the one and true Card Mistress and that the Clow Cards were rightly hers. She had looked so bewildered about it all that Syaoran had forgotten himself and laughed.

Whispers among the crowd reached the Elders on how Higato and the girl were refusing to bow down to the sorceress. A bare hand gesture had called for the attendants to force them to their knees in respect. Higato had growled in protest. Then, when everyone had sufficiently recovered from the sight of Cerberus and the battle, he had leapt to his feet and had re-issued his challenge. The Elders had merely glared at Higato, making him shrink visibly. Once again the Elders had denied him and had then begun to lead everyone back into the pavilion.

The hours that had followed had been spent recounting all the card captures to date and the cause for Syaoran's mysterious two-month disappearance. The young warrior smiled as he remembered how his Clansmen had blanched and gasped in shock when they had heard he had died due to the Portal Card. He had gone on to explain that in his spirit form he had helped Sakura capture the Death Card since they had discovered they were soul mates. Higato had voice a very loud protest at this statement, but another glare from the Elders and the rest of the Clan had silenced him.

Syaoran wondered just how much of a humiliation it would take to make Higato back down once and for all. Couldn't he understand that Sakura didn't want him?

Then the Elders had asked the question as to why Syaoran had begun to make inquiries into Mummaro's Gate and it's location. In response Sakura had explained her vision, but the young warrior had felt she had held back on some information. What was she hiding? A long silence had followed her explanation as the Elders had debated among themselves. Then a decision had been rendered on the information they had been given. Every hidden scroll and text containing any kind of reference about Mummaro's Gate would be turned over to the Card Captors for study. Then they had adjourned for the night.

And now here Syaoran was, staring at the ceiling, sleep refusing to come as he mulled the day's events over in his mind.

Syaoran? came a gentle voice in his mind.

He looked up at the wall separating his room from that of his beloved partner. Sakura?

Her mind seemed to smile for a moment and he marveled at how much stronger their link was becoming. Walls did nothing to block them from each other now. Their aura naturally reacted to each other's presence, reaching out to blend and mix tenderly. Just like it did now. No matter how used he would become to the sensation he would still marvel at it, feeling blessed.

Why aren't you sleeping? he sent her in questioning.

I could ask you the same thing, she replied almost jokingly. Then she sighed softly. I was just thinking about things, about the battle.

Same here. That whole battle left a bad taste in my mouth, but I can't figure out why. There was something... I don't know... off about it all.

Like we were supposed to win?

Something like that. More like we were being tested... or more like we were being played with.

Tell me about the black quartz. Why do you think it means trouble?

Mummaro's Gate is supposed to have a series of dark crystal rings controlling the energies gathered over the centuries. I think...Cerberus was a creature made up of those accumulated energies and it was sent by the real power behind it all. Whatever is inside the Gate is getting stronger.

There was a sudden silent pause with a flash of fear from her. Syaoran?

Hai?

May... May I come over?

A small, unbidden smile touched his lips. My door is unlocked, he agreed.

I won't be bothering you?

Of course not.

He sat up in bed as he heard the faint sound of her door opening and closing from through the wall. He reclined comfortably against his headboard, taking a deep breath of the thick tropical air hanging in the night, just as his door opened just a crack and Sakura's auburn haired head popped through. Her vivid green eyes seemed to glow with their own light in the dark room.

"You're sure I'm not bothering you?" her soft voice questioned timidly.

He smiled, his gold eyes twinkling brightly. "You could never bother me." and he motioned her further into the room.

She blushed slightly with a shy grin, thankful is was dark enough to hide the shade covering her cheeks, and slowly padded into his room on bare feet, silently closing the door behind her. She had seen him shirtless once before, but the sight of him then was nothing like now, bathed in the dim night, back lit by the occasional flash of distant lightning. The pale pink silk robe she wore seemed to shimmer in the darkness, finding what little light there was and reflecting it. It hugged her curves as she subconsciously tugged the belt knot tighter. Still not quite sure she should be there she sat on the edge of his bed and stared at her hands folded in her lap, her toes playing in the plush carpet. Thunder rolled gently in the distance, overlaid by the patter of rain. He watched her in silence for what seemed endless minutes, taking in every little adorable and beautiful detail about her, wondering what was troubling her to seek him out at this time of night. He figured it was her vision about Mummaro's Gate. An angel such as her should never have to worry about anything in life.

"That vision still have you worried?" he asked her gently.

She blinked, raising her eyes from her hands to a spot on the carpet ahead of her, not yet daring to look at him. It was taking most of her willpower to keep from throwing herself against his chest and never letting go. And who knew where that would lead.

She finally lowered her eyes again. "Sort of." she answered him.

"Sort of?"

Her hands bunched around a fistful of silk. "I haven't let myself have it again. It's a distraction."

"From?"

"From finding the Gate, from everything else I should be concentrating on."

"Then you are worried about it."

"I'm... I'm not really worried about what happens to me, the vision makes that very clear. I'm more worried about what happens after, about what happens to you."

"To me?"

She merely nodded.

"Is that what you were hiding from the Elders, the fact that I'm involved in this and that you didn't know what would happen after... after...?" and he gestured helplessly.

She nodded slowly, biting her lower lip to keep it from trembling, noting how he refused to say she would ever die. His hand gently gripped her shoulder for a moment, a wash of caring concern flooding her senses from his touch, then his hand slid down the length of her arm slowly to take her hand, his fingers braiding with her own. He gave her hand a slight tug to get her to face him. Her eyes stayed fixed on their joined hands before she finally looked up into his gentle and warm eyes.

"May I see the vision?" he asked ever so gently, almost cautiously. There was no pressure, no demands. This was her choice.

Sakura's eyes stayed locked with his for a moment more, then closed her eyes as she let the vision surface in front of her mind's eye. For the second time in her life she shared her mind with his. She could feel his mind carefully slip into hers and suddenly all outer awareness ceased. There was only the overly warm and pleasant sensation of each other's presence being in so very close contact with each other, their souls brushing along the way. The first time they had joined minds to view a vision both had been hesitant about it, about their feelings for each other. Both were afraid their emotions would show. But now there were none of those frightened barriers they had once put up. Every joyous and loving sensation was laid completely bare for the other to see. It was sheer bliss, the closest they had come to repeating the merging from weeks before, but the moment was not to last. The vision began and all previous feelings ended.

Syaoran paid attention to every tiny detail showed through her eyes in this vision: every archway, every column and pillar, every design drawn on the walls, columns and pillars. Every little thing he saw could be a clue to where the Gate was or, even better, how to stop it. He was seeing through Sakura's eyes as she went through the motions of this vision. She walked through torch lit tunnels from an unknown point of origin until she reached a vast looking chamber. It was exactly as she had described it the first time. A large circular chamber with a high domed ceiling. A round hole was punched through the center of the dome, allowing bright daylight to shine down. Huge, massive stone pillars reached three stories high to support the dome. They were pushed away from the walls to allow for a kind of alcove-like corridor to run the whole circumference of the chamber. The tiles of the floor were arranged in a pentagram within a circle. Symbols in various languages, including Greek, Chinese, and Japanese, were scattered all around the design. This was a symbol of great power, a nexus. And at its center was the altar with the body covered by a white sheet. The vision's Sakura tentatively approached the covered body and drew back the sheet. Sure enough, there was a copy of Syaoran looking very dead, as she had described. He saw her reach forward to touch his double lying there when suddenly the once dead body sprang to life and grabbed her arm. The eyes of his double were completely back.

"Give me you power, little Cherry Blossom." his doppelganger stated in a harsh, hollow sounding voice.

The knife appeared just as she had said. Syaoran heard the rattle of chains and saw his own reflection in the blade. He was somewhere behind the Card Mistress. The knife found the sorceress's heart and all went suddenly dark.

When Sakura's senses returned she realized she was no longer sitting on the edge of Syaoran's bed. Instead she was now nestled in the young warrior's lap, her cheek to his naked shoulder. A faint blush touched her cheeks at his warmth. One of his hands held the back of her head while the other was pressed to the center of her back to keep her pressed close to his bare chest. Her own hands were pressed flat to his skin above his heart, feeling him tremble ever so slightly. It wasn't from cold, she was sure of that, nor was it nervousness. Afterall, he had held her close before, granted not when she had been completely healthy. In fact, the last time he had felt her close to his bare chest this way was shortly after the Death Card's first attack. And they had not been alone then. Now they were alone and both of them were injury free.

She concentrated on the link they shared, bringing it to the forefront of her mind, and plunged her awareness into it in order to learn what was causing him to tremble so. Sakura felt a kind of worry, a deep fear from him, noting how his every sense seemed to be concentrated on her. It was as if he wanted to memorize every aspect of her: the cherry blossom scent that permeated her hair; the velvet feel of her skin; the warmth of her body, and the fluttering of her heart pressed to his chest. It was then that Sakura understood Syaoran's sudden need to keep her so physically close to himself. The vision had shown him that he would be utterly and completely powerless to stop her death this time. He was deathly afraid to lose her just as she was terrified beyond belief to lose him. She now also knew what he would be capable of doing if her vision came true. Her own fears abruptly flared to life and she pressed herself deeper into his protective arms as he held her closer, having felt the fear from her. She couldn't let him do something so drastic, so senseless, even for her.

"Syaoran?" she questioned softly.

"Hai?" His voice was a near whisper.

"Promise me something?"

"Anything you want, just name it." he assured, his arms squeezing her close briefly.

She closed her eyes, hoping he would understand what she was asking of him. "Never give up."

The young warrior paused as he considered her strange request, feeling her fear as her presence drifted pleasantly in his mind. Then he winced as the meaning of her words hit him. He suddenly crushed her close, nuzzling his face into her silky hair.

"Don't ask that of me, Sakura." he pleaded almost desperately next to her ear. "Onegai, that's the one promise I can't even begin to hope to keep."

Sakura felt something deep within him, some sort of barrier, suddenly snap wide open. "Syaoran..."

He was rambling in something akin to desperation. "My life is pointless if I can't see your smile anymore, if I can't hold you. Memories would only kill me. When I told you that you held my life and heart in your hands I meant it. I would die if you couldn't grace this world anymore. I don't want to lose you, Sakura... Ying Fa..." he ended in a hush.

Ying Fa? Silently she wondered why that name sounded so familiar.

Something warm and wet touched her cheek.

Tears?

His tears?

He was seriously afraid to lose her. And she understood him so well. She too was afraid to lose him, but her dauntless faith in him and his abilities refused to let her believe he would go before she would. He was far too strong. And yet, in all that strength, there was his fear of losing her. Slowly and gently she raised her head from his shoulder and placed her hands at the base of his jaw to get him to look at her. It was heartbreaking sight for the teen sorceress to see her beloved and strong warrior reduced to the semblance of a terrified child losing something or someone cherished. Salty tears sparkled on his cheeks in the dim room. Sakura managed to kneel up slightly, while remaining in his quivering arms, and carefully smoothed his shaggy brown hair away from his eyes.

"Shhh..." she soothed gently and tenderly kissed his forehead. "I won't leave you..." she whispered and kissed the tears away from one of his eyes, feeling the peaceful wash of slight relief flow through him. "Never ever..." she assured and kissed the tears from his other eye, his relief growing in strength. "Aishiteru--"

In a bold move brought about by her tender ministrations, Syaoran lifted his face closer to hers and captured her lips with his own. At first surprised by the move she jerked her face back by an inch and just stared at him in a mild shock. He stared back, his warm tawny eyes both apologetic for his boldness and searching her Spring green orbs for any sign of acceptance or rejection. Her eyes were blank of an answer for a moment, debating over what he had just done. Her lips still tingled pleasantly from the tentative attempt at a kiss. He had kissed her. It hadn't been accidental and there was no way he could have planned this situation.

A pure, loving, spontaneous kiss.

A slow smile dawned on her face as brilliant as the rising sun, her arms wrapping around his neck to keep him close. An awed and shaky smile touched his lips at the loving look of acceptance she shone at him. Syaoran allowed his fingers to reach up and trace a soft lock of her hair down the side of her face.

"What god did I please to deserve you, my Ying Fa?" he questioned in a tender whisper, silently wondering if she knew just how seductive she could be.

Her adoring smile seemed to light up the dark room. "I ask myself the same question about you… Xiao Lang."

His eyes lit up in delight at the sound of his true name from her lips. A thousand choirs of angels couldn't have made it sound better than she just had. With newfound confidence he tipped her face to his own and touched his lips to hers, swallowing her quickening breath. Sakura pressed closer to him, body to body, heart to heart, her lips parting with a soft sigh to deepen their first real embrace. Every nerve in her body seemed to fire off at once with sudden and vivid electricity, awakening to his passion arcing back and forth across their mental bond until she wasn't sure it belonged to either Syaoran or herself. She thrilled at the feel of his soft lips against hers and his strong hands caressing her back. He marveled at the suppleness of her curves and her sweet taste on his tongue. The world around them appeared in brief flashes, the latest ones showing them that he had gently lowered her to her back. His heavy warmth pressed her to the mattress as his mouth worked against hers, each engaged in a mutual exploration of mouth and body. A small alarm peeled in the back of Sakura's mind as his hands found the sash of her robe, warning her that this was dangerous if they continued.

She ignored it, not caring about the warning. What would happen would happen if it were meant to be.

Right now she was with the man she loved dearly.

All else didn't matter.

To Be Continued...