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

2 April, 2001

Ohayo, minna! Gomennasi, this is another long one, though not quite as long as the one before it. Honto, I do try to make them shorter, demo my "flaw" keeps getting in the way ^_^ Read my bio to know what that flaw is. Gomen for taking so long. Flame me if you must.

Again, arigatou to Digidynasty for all her hard work beta reading this series for me and giving me alternatives to some of the ideas I came up with. Domo, Imoto ^_^

Card Captors

"Dimensions II - Test of Evil"

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

Higato Allan stalked the dark and empty halls of the Li Clan's estate, a furious growl issuing from his throat. His plan was ruined. It had been so simple, so perfect. For the Li Clan nothing was more sacred and revered that Fate itself. When one spoke of Fate guiding their path one was always believed. All Higato had to do was explain to the Elders how Fate was working to bring him and the lovely Kinomoto Sakura together. There was no way the Elders could refute the proof he offered. The lovely Japanese girl would have then been his. But his dear Cousin, Li Xiao Lang, had managed to find an even better plan. He had presented the lithe cheerleader to the Elders as the chosen of Keroberus, as the Mistress of the Clow Cards. And to make matters worse he had presented her as his partner and equal. His soul mate. Higato knew what that meant. His Okaa-san's family legends had been drilled into him from the first moment he learned to understand.

If Kinomoto was really the Card Mistress and if she and Xiao Lang were truly the Card Captors, then they fulfilled Clow Reed's prophecy. They were far more than Fated to be together.

They were destined.

This made Higato all the more furious, bringing him close to howling. He had been refused this prize yet again. And now the taunts of his many Cousins and the reprimands of his elders haunted his self-tortured mind.

You are obsessed...

She'll never want you...

The Card Mistress's path lies with Xiao Lang's, never with yours...

She refused you...

She loves Xiao Lang dearly. It shows...

Don't Li-sama and the lovely sorceress make a handsome couple?

Higato shouted out his frustration, striking a nearby marble column with his fist to help vent some of his fury. It hurt. He smiled at the pain. Pain was good. This was the kind of pain he wanted Xiao Lang to feel in his heart.

I deserve lovely Kinomoto so much more than he does, he growled.

You certainly do, a hollow sounding voice suddenly agreed in his mind.

Higato spun around in place, his rage rising again that someone had been eavesdropping on his private thoughts. There was no one with him. The halls were completely empty save for him. He blinked a few times in confusion.

Don't bother trying to find me, Higato, I am nowhere near right now, the voice informed.

Am I going mad?

The voice chuckled. Not yet.

Who are you?

A friend. Someone who is quite fascinated by your anger and obsessive nature. I would like to help you.

Why?

Again the voice chuckled. You could say I am the patron saint of the rejected. You want the sorceress, but she rejects you because of the Little Wolf.

Hai.

Then remove the Little Wolf.

Remove?

Permanently.

How do I do that?

Just do exactly as I tell you and you'll receive exactly what you deserve.

* * *

Li Mesuinu screamed with all her might in the privacy of her bedroom in the estate's guest pavilion. A vase shattered against the wall, spilling water and fresh cut flowers in every which direction.

So close.

She had come so close to being rid of the outsider once and for all when Higato had stepped up and issued his challenge. She had been certain that his story about Fate and dreaming about the Card Mistress had been enough to convince the Elders to let him claim the girl. Xiao Lang's heart would have been sufficiently crushed that it would have been so simple for her to step in and comfort him, becoming an instant friend and no doubt a future wife for the action.

But the Elders had denied the challenge.

Then the Hellhound had attacked, making matters even worse. It had been the last shred of proof the Card Captors had offered to the Clan to support all their previous claims.

They worked with each other perfectly.

They understood what needed to be done with barely a word spoken.

The outsider called and used the Clow Cards with the utmost ease.

Through and through, Xiao Lang and the Card Mistress were, truly and definitely, partners.

Another vase went crashing into a wall from Mesuinu's hand. The rumors had already begun to circulate through the estate about the pair, rumors that had the sorceress about to become the one and only woman to stand at Xiao Lang's side as his wife.

Yet another vase went flying.

Her only comfort was that this news was still only an idle rumor. And rumors could be changed.

Are you to be the one to change this rumor? a disembodied voice near mocked.

She whirled around in place, frantically searching for the source of this voice. Fear rose bitterly in her throat like bile. "Who's there? Who said that?"

You have nothing to be afraid of, Mesuinu, the voice soothed. I am a friend.

"How do you know my name?"

The voice seemed to chuckle. I know quite a bit about you. I know how much you hate the Card Mistress. You want her gone.

"Hai."

Permanently.

"Hai!"

I can help.

"Why?" she suddenly thought to ask. "Why would you want to help me?"

Because you have been rejected. I help all those who have been rejected.

"What do you get out of all this?"

The satisfaction of knowing that justice has been rendered for a wrong that was done. All you have to do is follow my instructions to the letter and everything will be perfect.

"Perfect?"

Hai. You will receive what you so justly deserve.

Mesuinu had a long pause in consideration. She knew nothing about this spirit, yet it seemed to know an awful lot about her and her wants. He wanted to help her get rid oh her problem, her nemesis. She began to smile. With the Card Mistress out of the way she knew for certain she could easily make Xiao Lang forget the outsider. He wouldn't be able to resist her charms.

"Tell me what I have to do."

Her smile grew wider in twisted pleasure and anticipation as the ghost whispered its plan in her attentive ear.

Soon, Xiao Lang, I will make you mine.

* * *

Syaoran just stared into the eyes of his beloved Cherry Blossom as they lay facing each other, his arms encircling her lithe form protectively. Sakura's own gaze matched the intensity of his gaze spark for spark, her eyes watching his soul lain bare behind the unmatchable sunsets that were his eyes. He wasn't afraid to show her his heart or his soul. She was a part of him and they had finally taken the first step to ultimately joining their hearts. Sakura smiled to herself as she remembered a time where his deep gaze would terrify her. There had always been a fierce fire, a ferocious-ness, to his stares.

Not anymore.

Now his gaze only held love and promises for the future. For Syaoran he knew there would never come a day when he would tire of her beautiful eyes. Emeralds of the first water. There was no better way to describe those indescribable eyes. They held such a depth and such innocence that any strong man could drown in their exotic color. He had long ago given up and willingly let himself drown.

Ever so lightly he let his fingers trail down between her shoulders blades down to the small of her back, just to where her slip began. Her eyes closed in bliss, a soft gasp escaping her smiling lips. A pleasant shiver coursed through her body at his touch, causing her to unconsciously arch her back, inadvertently pressing herself close along his full length. His arms tightened around her svelte form as he smiled, then leaned in to gently warm her lips with his own. She leaned in towards him to cause the embrace to deepen and linger. He didn't fight against her, only against his urge to go much further than just a simple kiss.

Sakura clung to her Little Wolf, remembering the events of the past hour. She knew if this continued she wouldn't get much sleep this night, but it would be a night forever ingrained into her mind. Their first kiss. It had been heated and passionate, both losing themselves to bottled up emotions. Years of pent up and denied feelings and actions were finally being released in a crashing wave. Somehow along the way Syaoran had rid her of her silk robe and she had giggled breathlessly then at the expressions of awe, wonder and surprise all jousting for dominance on his handsome features. The last, and up until then only, time he had seen her wear this thin and light slip had been back at his apartment in Tomeda when his Okaa-san had insisted she and Tomoyo should spend the night to wait out a vicious snow storm. She knew he wasn't used to seeing so much of her skin, which explained the sudden blushes when they had gone swimming as kids. And this had also been what had stopped them both from going too far, a sudden flash of fear at what they were doing, at the direction they were heading in.

Not yet.

Both had felt the same way about this. It was as yet too soon to commit so completely. They weren't ready for that step just yet. Presently the Card Mistress smiled into the kiss she was sharing with the Li Clan's mightiest sorcerer from a thought that entered her mind.

Might not be ready to make love, but making-out is definitely alright, she thought.

Sakura suddenly heard Syaoran laugh inwardly through the strengthening bond they possessed. His form shook slightly as he tried to hold back his chuckle. She pulled back slightly from the embrace to stare at him quizzically.

"What's so funny?"

"Gomen ne." He gently kissed the tip of her nose. "I was eavesdropping."

She blinked, lost for a moment, then began to giggle in understanding. He had heard her thought due to their bond. Neither had yet learned how to shut it off, though neither really wanted to. It was oddly comforting sharing minds in this way.

"So what do you think about that?" she questioned coyly, referring to her previous thought.

He grinned. "I agree wholeheartedly. The moment we... commit has to be so very special." He cuddled her close and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "You deserve only the absolute best, my Ying Fa." he whispered.

She grinned at him in curiosity, raising one eyebrow in questioning. "Ying Fa?"

He gave her a shivery warm smile as only he could. "It's your name in my language." he replied softly.

She blinked, still grinning, rolling the name over and over in her mind in a form of a test. He picked up on her thoughts and smiled at the adorable innocence it radiated around her.

"Ying Fa..." She smiled brightly, nearly blinding him. "I like it."

Syaoran chuckled. "So do I, but I like the one wearing the name even better." he grinned playfully.

Sakura favored him with a coy smirk. "Only like?"

He smiled seductively as he crushed her close to his chest. "Love..." he amended and kissed her brow.

Her eyes closed in bliss at how gentle he was.

"Adore..." he continued, placing a kiss on one of her closed eyes.

To the Card Mistress the feel of his breath against her face was a mild and pleasant torture.

"Worship..." and he kissed her other eye.

The feel of his lips was a stronger form of pleasurable torture.

"In love with..." he whispered as he kissed her cheek.

Sakura could feel tingling goose bumps race over her flesh.

"Devoted to..." and he lightly kissed the tip of her nose.

Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. She was certain he could feel it.

"Care for..." he breathed against her other cheek, kissing it right after.

An unbidden moan escaped her parted lips. Her skin felt hyper-charged from his touch.

"Fond of..." and his lips grazed her chin.

She gasped blissfully.

"Find irresistible--"

"Syaoran...?" she pleaded, breathless from his tender attention.

"Hai?" he husked against her lips, smiling when he felt her tremble.

"Tojikomeru."

She then quickly cupped his face between her hands and pulled it down to her own to claim his lips in a deep embrace. He willingly succumbed to her insistence, gathering her close in his arms to make the embrace last longer. He pinned her to her back, pressing her into the pillows as he savored the sweet taste of her soft lips. She was a sweet nectar he would never be able to tire of. Sakura had never felt anything quite as comparable to this moment. True, their souls merging had been bliss, but it had been on a more spiritual level.

Nothing like this.

This was both spiritual and physical all at once. His gentle touch, his unending kisses, fired off every nerve in her body at once until she felt near mad with euphoria. Their senses were fully alive, on fire, feeling everything around them as if it were the very first time. They could easily feel their auras mixing in an electrical-like tingling along their skin. Their minds intertwined to whisper endless words of love and share in each other's experiences. It got to the point where neither could tell from whom the feelings and wordless thoughts originated from. With their lungs burning desperately for air they parted from the kiss. They just stared at each other for a moment as they panted to regain their breath. Her eyes twinkled with love and mischief in the dark like a pair of sparkling gems, a grin appearing on her glistening lips.

"Wow!" she breathed in a mixture of awe and impishness.

He merely smiled down at her, tenderly and lightly brushing his lips to hers in a teasing embrace. She inhaled a shivery gasp, trying to force a firmer embrace, but he denied it only to continue the light torture. He could hear her mind pleading with him to end the torture, begging him to kiss her. Syaoran smiled and moved his face to nuzzle the base of her jaw, lightly kissing the sensitive hollow behind her ear.

"Syaoran..." she whimpered desperately.

"Shhh..." he soothed in her ear, gently nipping her earlobe. "It's getting late and you had a busy day."

"... I... I'm not tired..." she stuttered breathlessly.

"Still, you should get some rest." he whispered. Then, he pulled back to smile down at her seductively. "There'll be more time for fun after we deal with this whole mess with Mummaro's Gate."

She pouted, her eyes smiling up at him. "You're doing this on purpose."

"And you're stalling. Now sleep." he ordered gently.

"Just a little while longer?" she pleaded adorably.

He resisted with a soft chuckle. "Sleep."

"Mou, Syaoran--"

He placed a finger on her lips to silence her. "Patience, my Ying Fa. There'll be plenty of time for that later."

"Promise?"

He nodded. "On my honor and love for you." he assured.

This seemed to quell any further argument from her, her pout now replaced by a purely loving smile. She snuggled closer to him, her head pillowed in the crook of his shoulder. The young warrior/sorcerer rested his cheek against the top of her head, holding her body close to his own as he wrapped his thin covers around them, their legs intertwining comfortably. Sakura smiled blissfully at the feel of his strong hands tenderly caressing her back and at the sound of his powerful heart beating under her cheek. Her arms tightened around him. Long minutes passed in contented silence.

"Syaoran?" she mumbled as sleep began to grip her senses.

"Hai?" he near yawned, succumbing to his exhaustion.

"Aishiteru." and she fought off sleep just long enough to place a soft kiss in the hollow between his collarbones.

He smiled and gently pressed his lips in a lingering kiss to her brow. "Aishiteru, Sakura." he breathed, then fell into a peaceful sleep.

* * *

The Life Card smiled warmly, pleased at the scene the Seeing Pool revealed to its glowing eyes. The Card Mistress and the young warrior/sorcerer of Clow Reed's line were a couple now, as Life had so hoped they would become. The words had been spoken and the actions it had seen between the duo had been undeniable. The last time it had seen them they had been devoted to each other, but had still been afraid to express any of their feelings. Now the devotion ran far deeper since all their feelings were laid bare to each other. For now the captive card was content to watch them sleep wrapped tightly in each other's arms. After everything the card had seen and endured, this sight was heartwarming, even if the magical creature had no heart to speak of.

"What are you watching to make you smile so, my dear." the dark one questioned from immediately behind the card.

Life slapped its hand down on the water's surface to destroy the image before its captor could see it. The dark one frowned, more annoyed than angered at the action, and shoved the card away harshly from the pool.

"Stupid creature. You only delay me. You can't stop me from seeing what you saw."

Li Syaoran's dark double waved a hand over the pool's rippling surface and the waters stilled at the silent command. He peered into the dark depths, his black eyes widening in surprise at the sight. A low growl of growing rage soon followed. There was the lovely Cherry Blossom nestled warmly and comfortably in the arms of the Little Wolf, both fast asleep. They didn't seem to have a care in the world. The air began to crackle with building power as the rage within the dark one grew with each passing second.

"So this is your betrayal, my sorceress." he hissed low

Life looked at him in confusion.

Betrayal?

"You will regret this, dear Sakura. In the end you will turn to me. I will make sure of it."

* * *

Perched comfortably on one of the bedposts at the foot of the oversized bed, Kero watched the sleeping couple with both interest and slight envy. He had woken up early that morning on Sakura's pillow only to find the bed empty. There had been no immediate sign of her in the room anywhere. Worry had begun to grow in the small creature as he had flown over to the closed bathroom door and listened. There had been no sounds from there. In a panic Kero had flown to the only person he knew would have been able to find the missing sorceress no matter where she was: Li Syaoran. He had flown in through the open balcony doors, ready to shout the warrior awake, and received a shock at the sight, immediately silencing him. Sakura was there, sleeping in the arms of her boyfriend, without a single line of worry on her face. At first Kero had been afraid that the two had done something they shouldn't have, but his fears were squashed by the lack of clothes strewn about the room. They had waited.

There had been a time when the Guardian Beast of the Seal had been the exclusive sleeping companion to the teen Mistress of the Cards. But now it would seem he would have to share that exclusivity. He sighed softly to himself. Sakura was growing up so it was only natural that she sought different company than the likes of a diminutive magical creature. She wanted someone to hold her, someone she felt impossibly safe with. As much as he didn't like the Chinese warrior/sorcerer, Kero knew that Clow Reed's descendant would never do anything to hurt Sakura, that he would always protect her with his life. Truth be known, after five years, Kero was starting to find that Syaoran was growing on him, despite the annoying name-calling. The whole fact that he hadn't taken advantage of the sleeping sorceress once made his respect for the warrior rise another notch.

Kero shifted his vision to a far less visible spectrum and noticed how their auras blended and wrapped around each other so perfectly and so completely until it was hard to tell the colors apart. Syaoran moved slightly, inhaling a deep breath of Sakura's sweet scent as he woke. His arms tightened around her with a smile, his lips finding her brow to leave a kiss there. A smile appeared on Sakura's lips as the tiniest sound of appreciation escaped her throat. She snuggled herself closer to her boyfriend, her face nuzzled against the base of his jaw. Kero had to smile at how adorable they both looked this way. After roughly a minute Sakura suddenly began to giggle softly at something.

"We have a watcher." she half whispered, half giggled to Syaoran.

He near growled. "I know. I was kind of hoping the stuffed animal would leave." Deep amber eyes opened and glared at the watching Kero. "Anyone tell you it's not polite to stare?"

Kero frowned. "Anyone tell you it's not polite to name-call?" the magical creature countered.

Sakura giggled at them both and opened her eyes to the world. "Konnichiwa to you too, Kero." she greeted.

"Tell me one thing."

"Nani?"

"Why are you sleeping here in the gaki's bed instead of your own bed?" Kero demanded testily as the duo sat up groggily against the bed's headboard.

"... I... um... didn't originally intend to spend the night." she answered with a shy blush. "I... I needed to talk... about the battle last night and the meaning of the black quartz. I wanted to know why you both thought it meant trouble. You were asleep, Kero, I didn't want to wake you. I knew Syaoran was still awake so I came here."

The tiny Guardian Beast of the Seal flew over to his Mistress to land on her knee, a remorseful expression on his toy-like face. "Sorry I'm not being more help about Mummaro's Gate and all."

She smiled. "It's okay, Kero. Clow Reed couldn't have told you everything he knew. He was bound to have left things out."

"I still feel I should be doing--"

All three of them stiffened abruptly as their magical senses screamed to life. Somewhere on the estate, very nearby, were two very distinct and familiar senses of powerful magic. Kero hovered in the air, on the defensive of his Mistress, frowning in the general direction the feeling was coming from.

"Clow Cards." he hissed. "I was wondering how long it would take them to show up." and he flew over to the balcony's open door.

The Card Captors leapt out of the bed and followed him, their sharp eyes scanning the mist covered terraces below for any sign of the mysterious Clow Cards. As yet there was no sign of them, but they could still feel their presence seeming to radiate from everywhere at once. The rising sun warmed the tropical island causing thick banks of mist to hide everything from sight. No amount of squinting could help them see through the fog. A single concentrated thought from the warrior/sorcerer was all it took to transform the spherical onyx pendant at his throat into the Li Clan's Clow sword.

"O Key of Clow,

Power of Magic, power of Light,

Surrender the Wand,

The Force ignite!

Release!"

At the teen sorceress's chanting call the small key she wore at her throat transformed into the Clow Sealing wand.

"Where are they?" Sakura questioned herself aloud.

In answer to her almost silent question the ground began to shake and rattle violently. They could hear the sound of grinding stone and rumbling earth mere seconds before large, column-like mounds erupted from the ground, thrusting skyward. The Mistress of the Cards blinked in surprise, then frowned in determination. This card was relatively easy to name.

"The Earthy Card." she voiced.

"That's one. So where's the other one?" Syaoran wondered.

The thick mist abruptly lifted as the air's temperature rose drastically. The Card Captors braced themselves, ready for any and all impending attacks. That was when they finally caught sight of it: the second rogue Clow Card. It was just as ethereal as any of the other cards. It was a flaming being on a pillar of fire, a pair of flaming wings sprouting from its back.

"The Fiery Card." Sakura suddenly blinked and looked to Kero. "Two elements at once? I didn't think that was possible."

"They're ignoring each other, otherwise they would attack each other." Syaoran explained instead. "Fiery and Earthy can't really do much to hurt each other."

"But they can cause an awful lot of damage to everything around them." Kero pointed out as the Fiery Card started a fire in one of the estate's pavilions.

"The guest pavilion!" the warrior cried out.

Sakura's frown deepened in growing determination. "No time to change. Jump Card! Release and dispel! Release!" she commanded, a tiny pair of wings appearing at her ankles. "I'll distract the cards, you get those people out of there."

With a curt nod from Syaoran both teens leapt from the balcony to a rooftop several meters below with the Guardian Beast of the Seal hanging on to his Mistress's shoulder for dear life. That was where the teens parted company. The young warrior continued on to the guest pavilion to warn those inside to get out, while Sakura headed for the Clow Cards with Kero. Syaoran risked a glance at his girlfriend. No sooner did the cards see her did they start to chase after her. The Li Clan's future leader grit his teeth in worry at the sight and ran across the pavilion's roof to the large gong on the other side of the building.

Be safe, my Cherry Blossom, he thought.

Always, my Little Wolf, came her gentle reply.

Slightly reassured Syaoran leapt off the roof and swung his sword at the mighty bronze disk hanging there. Its deep resonance reverberated to the far reaches of the island, bringing all the sleepers on the estate slowly out of their drowsy humors. Syaoran ignored the burning fire and billowing smoke and rushed into the building, pounding on closed doors as he went.

"Fire! Everybody out! Move, move!" he shouted as his groggy relatives began to appear in the corridor. "Out! Move it! Fire! Get out, now!" and he shoved his family members towards the door in all urgency.

He barely noticed Allan stalking towards him, ticked off at being awakened so early. He grabbed Syaoran's arm in a vice grip, forcefully turning him around to face him.

"Just what the Hell to you think you're doing?" he demanded of the warrior/sorcerer.

Syaoran wrenched his arm free with a harsh glare at his Cousin. "I'm saving your life, even if you don't deserve it! If you haven't noticed, the building's on fire!"

His anger at his Cousin having snapped him completely awake, Allan looked around and began to notice the thick smoke collecting near the ceiling. He was going to ask his Cousin why there was even a fire to begin with when he noticed him looking off to one side vacantly, worry on his face.

"Sakura..." the warrior breathed in concern.

Allan gripped his arm again as Syaoran began to turn away. "What about Sakura? Where is she?" he demanded to know, anxiety in his voice.

Syaoran didn't answer, merely tore his arm out of Higato Allan's grip and ran outside. Wondering why he was suddenly so concerned for the Card Mistress, Allan followed close behind him. The estate's entire population was now gathered outside, most of the attendants working to put out the fires started by the Fiery Card. The young warrior pushed his way through the stunned crowd to where the battle was taking place, his Cousin right behind him. Once at the front of the crowd Syaoran assessed the battle in the blink of an eye. Sakura was severely outnumbered by these two element cards, but she was putting up a valiant resistance. No matter what the Earthy Card did she would always land on her feet and she dodged the Fiery's attacks with the grace of a dancer. His split second assessment done, Syaoran rushed towards the battle to help even up the odds. The Fiery Card had its back to him and didn't see him approach.

"Now! Element! Water!" he called, the flat of his sword striking the center of a strip of paper on which a spell was written.

The card barely had a chance to turn around before a blast of elemental magic hit it full force. The water sizzled and steamed away on contact with the card's flaming body, but it did draw its attention away from the tiring Card Mistress. Sakura smiled in gratitude to her beloved Little Wolf.

As always, your timing is impeccable, she sent him gratefully.

Seal the Earthy. I'll keep this one busy.

With a nod she turned her attention to the moving column of earth and stone, its movements causing the ground to shake and gaping chasms to open up. Sakura managed to stay standing despite it all, avoiding this card's slow attacks with ease thanks to the Jump Card.

"Kero! You wanted to be of more help! This is as good a time as any to start!" she called to her tiny Guardian Beast.

He flew over to her shoulder, managing to stay as she weaved and dodged the card's attacks. "Earthy is a tricky card to capture. Attack cards won't work on it."

Sakura leapt out of the way of another attack, this one in the form of a giant serpent made of dirt and stone, and took the precious few seconds she had to take in her present situation. Syaoran was holding his own against the Fiery, using his elements of wind and water in combination with the Freeze Card he possessed to keep it occupied and on the constant defensive until Sakura was ready to capture it. His Clansmen were bravely fighting the fires that had been started. And Earthy was tearing huge gashes in the terraces. Then something caught Sakura's eye.

Everything on the estate was being damaged in some way...

... except for the trees!

Why not the trees? she questioned herself. Trees grow in earth... they need it... roots dig deep into the earth-- Roots!

She skidded to a stop and faced the card in sudden defiance. Kero gaped in confusion. "What're you doing? Keep running!" he urged.

"It's okay, Kero." she answered in all confidence. "I know which card to use."

"Nani?"

A glowing circle of patterns and symbols appeared at her feet as she held both a Clow Card and her wand at ready. "Wood Card! Release and dispel!" She threw the card out before her and struck it dead center with her wand. "Release!"

At her call the card transformed into a multitude of twisting branches all reaching out towards the serpent of dirt that was Earthy. The leafy appendages wrapped themselves quickly around the creature in a constricting hold, effectively stopping all movements from it. The Card Mistress allowed herself a small triumphant smile as she raised her wand again.

"Wood Card! Earthy Card! Return to you powers confined! Wood and Earthy!"

The Clow Cards began to glow for a moment before transforming into misty tendrils. These tendrils, as if pulled by an invisible force, raced to a glowing rectangle hovering almost patiently under the point of Sakura's sealing wand. No sooner did they completely form into the Tarot-like cards did Sakura grab them and turn her full attention to her boyfriend fighting off the Fiery. That battle had suddenly turned bad for the warrior. The remaining card's aim was getting better, its strikes now barely missing Syaoran.

"Kero! Options?" the sorceress questioned quickly, beginning to feel her exhaustion from capturing Earthy, her breath becoming labored.

"No matter which card you use against it, Fiery can use it to make itself stronger."

"What if I use more than one? Two cards?"

"Two cards at once? It's never been done before!"

"I have to try!"

"You're too tired!"

Sakura saw Syaoran barely dodge another blast of fire, feeling him tire from this battle. "I don't have a choice!"

The glowing circle appeared again as she readied her wand and two new cards. Her limbs were beginning to feel like lead, her lungs beginning to feel constricted. The circle at her feet wavered, then vanished as her strength left her.

Kami-sama, help me! she wailed inwardly. I can't help him!

Use my strength! she heard her beloved warrior's voice echo in her mind.

She looked at him and found him still concentrated on evading and distracting the card before him. Time seemed to suddenly slow, all actions going in slow motion. He back flipped away from the card to give himself some breathing room and turned his amber eyes in Sakura's direction. But instead of the gold she had expected to see his eyes shone a fierce white. The sorceress blinked once and felt her gaze lock tightly with his. Something powerful was building on the edge of their bond, preparing to arc towards her.

Use my strength! she heard him repeat once more and she heard something strange hovering in the background of his voice.

It was familiar. She closed her eyes and concentrated her whole being to lock onto his strength. She didn't know how she knew this was the right course of action. She didn't even know if this would work. All she knew was that something within her was guiding her to do what she had to. A surge of what felt like fire and electricity fired off within her. She became aware of everything living around her, life and magic alike. It felt as if she was in two places at once. She re-opened her eyes and suddenly understood what was happening. Their connection, their growing bond was enabling them to perform a kind of merge from a distance. She lacked a proper term to describe the sensation. She smiled as she felt her soul mate's strength fill her. The magical circle re-appeared at her feet, glowing brighter than ever, as she once again readied the cards and wand.

"Windy Card! Water Card! Release and dispel!" With both cards overlapping each other she threw them out in front of her, striking them both at once with her wand. "Release!"

From the cards erupted two magical beings, flying back-to-back directly at the Fiery Card. Their target turned slightly, sensing their approach, but when it noticed them it was already too late. Windy and Water altered their own forms while in flight, becoming as ropes to bind and weaken their fellow card. No matter how hard Fiery fought and struggled against them it couldn't break free until, finally weakened, it collapsed to the ground in a steaming heap. Lightheaded from the exhaustion brought on by using so many Clow Cards at once, Sakura stumbled imperceivably as she moved closer to the defeated elemental. She could feel the light connection with the warrior fading. Syaoran's strength had also weakened from helping her. Sharing strength was a drain on his reserves, but he fought it off to keep it from outwardly showing. Her vision blurred slightly as she panted, but she cleared it with a shake of her head. Now was not the time to weaken. Now was the time to call all these cards back. She raised her wand high with trembling arms.

"Windy Card! Water Card! Fiery Card! Jump Card! Return to your powers confined! Windy, Water, Fiery, and Jump!"

All four cards obeyed her call without resistance or hesitation, seeing to disappear together into the one glowing rectangle at the wand's point. The shape shimmered for a moment more before splitting into four individual cards. They flew into Sakura's waiting hand, acknowledging her as their one and only Mistress and controller. She smiled at them in thanks, heaving a deep sigh in relief that this battle was now over. Her exhaustion finally won the better of her and she toppled over. Syaoran rushed over and caught her just in time, breaking her fall in arms that suddenly felt like lead. He gently eased her to her knees to the ground and cradled her comfortably in his arms as she struggled for breath. They clung to each other as they rested, willing whatever strength they had left to manifest itself.

"Are you okay, Sakura?" he asked her gently, stroking her hair.

She nodded shakily, resting her cheek to his chest. "… Just… so many… at once…" she panted. "… Give… me a… second… Did… did we… merge…?"

"I…"

He paused.

Had they merged? No, there would have been pain.

What had pushed him to tell her to use his strength?

How had he known it would work? It was if something had guided his actions at that moment, something ancient, older than time itself.

"I don't think so. I don't know what happened." he finally admitted.

She nodded, wanting to understand what had just happened but knowing they would probably never get the answer. Then, as if remembering something, "Where's Kero?"

The warrior looked up from his beloved to find her tiny Guardian Beast of the Seal and froze at what he did see. "By the Great Dragon…"

Sakura looked to where his eyes were fixed and gasped in shock at the sight. Kero was floating in midair on his back, just hovering limply, the symbol of Clow-sama's magic appearing beneath him. No one dared approach, too stunned by this sudden turn of events. As everyone watched his tiny wings grew to an immense size and wrapped around the Guardian Beast, completely obscuring him from sight. The wings began to glow and scintillating white, forcing everyone's eyes away for the moment. When the blinding brilliance faded the most amazing sight was revealed for all to see. A large winged lion now stood there, a red jeweled metal harness covering the back of its neck and its breast, and a red jeweled headpiece covering his head. The creature was magnificent and radiated with magic. His deep gold and pale yellow fur seemed to glisten like new, his long tuft tail swinging back and forth languidly. Its wise golden eyes regarded the gaping Card Captors before suddenly chuckling, walking towards them.

"Close your mouths before you swallow something you might regret." the beast told them in a deep and gentle voice.

Their mouths snapped shut in shock.

Sakura blinked, still stunned. "Kero…?"

"Hai." Keroberus answered casually. "I told you a long while back, Sakura. As soon as all the elementals were sealed I would regain my true form."

"Hai, I remember. I… I just didn't think you would be so… so…" she spluttered.

"So impressive." Syaoran finished for her.

"Hai." she agreed with a slow nod.

Keroberus smiled in pride at the praise, then looked at his Mistress in worry. "You took a big risk tapping six cards at once. You're sure you're okay?"

She smiled in reassurance. "Hai, I'll be alright." She reached out a tentative hand and touched his cold, wet nose as if to test if this was really real. "This is just going to take quite a bit of getting used to."

"This is so kawaii!" Tomoyo's voice squealed from off to the side. Camera in hand she, Meilin and Lerae came racing up to the trio. "I got it all on tape, every wonderful second of Card Mistress Sakura and Card Captor Li battling the elements." Daidouji had stars in her eyes as she clutched her camera preciously. "I think I'll call this one Battles and Revelations."

Meilin tentatively approached Keroberus and circled around the massive beast to take him in from all angles, Tomoyo training her camera on them both to capture the moment as well. "I knew the Guardian Beast of the Seal was supposed to look really incredible, but I sure wasn't expecting anything like this. You're huge!"

The magical lion arched an eyebrow at her, slightly surprised at the compliment from the she-brat, then returned his attention to his Mistress. Syaoran had carefully helped her back to her feet and was now wrapping her up in a robe his Okaa-san had brought them. Casting a quick glance to the crowd the Guardian saw it was an excellent idea to hide the sorceress's lithe form from sight. Higato Allan was frozen in place, had been since he had laid eyes on Sakura, and was practically drooling over her due to what she was barely wearing. Keroberus stepped into the teen's line of sight and hissed at him in a clear menace and warning. Allan backed away from the creature by a step, afraid of what this beast was capable of doing now in this form.

"Kero, what is it?" Tomoyo questioned.

"Hm?" He turned to her and smiled innocently. "Oh, nothing. I'm just calming someone's raging hormones."

She understood and stifled a giggle. "I almost feel sorry for him now. With both you, like this, and Li watching over Sakura, Allan might as well give up."

Meilin shook her head in a negative. "He won't. He has Li blood in his veins and one thing our Clan is known for is our determination in the face of adversity."

"Or is that stubbornness?" Keroberus quipped.

She glared at him, shaking a menacing fist in his face. "Don't start, cotton fluff."

He looked unconcerned by the threat. "Or you'll do what, she-brat?" he countered with a small grin.

"Kero!" Sakura admonished, making him wince slightly. "Dealing with those cards was more than enough fighting for today, don't you think?"

He bowed his head to the young sorceress in apology and was rewarded by a tight hug of appreciation and thanks from her. Keroberus couldn't stop the pleased purr that rumbled in his throat from her action. She giggled in response to it and scratched him behind the ear affectionately.

Lerae bowed slightly to Sakura at this point. "Card Mistress, perhaps you should get dressed now. The attendants have the fire well under control now. I will have breakfast prepared in the main hall--"

"Actually, Ma-Ma…" Syaoran interrupted, casting a quick glance to his girlfriend.

The sorceress blinked, suddenly understanding. The studies on the Gate, right? she questioned mentally.

Hai. Then, when she nodded, "Could you have something brought to the library? We'd like to start researching the Gate's location right away."

Li Lerae paused as she looked at the two Card Captors before her. She had felt the subtle connection between them, a very slight touch of something far stronger than any magic she had ever encountered. And it ran far deeper as well.

Finally she nodded to her Son's request. "I will have it brought to you after you have changed."

Sakura smiled and bowed slightly. "Arigatou, Li-san."

But before the sorceress had a chance to fully straighten again, both Tomoyo and Meilin each hooked one of her arms and began quickly dragging her back towards the estate's main building, leaving a stunned Syaoran and Keroberus behind. All the two males heard as the girls left was Tomoyo ranting about some perfect outfit she had for the Card Mistress and a groan of apprehension from Sakura as he two friends giggled giddily in some form of delight. Blinking repeatedly in surprise Keroberus looked to Syaoran who was rubbing the back of his neck, still partly stunned at how fast the three had disappeared.

"Kind of makes you glad to not be a girl, ne?" the lion voiced.

"Nani?"

"Means we're not likely to be Tomoyo's fashion targets." he grinned.

Syaoran looked at him strangely for a moment, then groaned as he slapped the beast's shoulder and began to walk away. Keroberus chuckled and jogged a few steps to catch up to the warrior and walk at his shoulder.

"Given time, though, she will start designing for us too." the golden Guardian added to his previous comment.

"Hopefully she won't. You do know you're locked out of Sakura's room now." the sorcerer voiced to his ancestor's creation.

"No doubt." he sighed. "I'll just wait outside for whoever comes out first."

"Won't be any of the girls. Tomoyo is in her designer mode right now. They'll be an hour at the very least and you know it."

"Hai. It's a disease, I think."

"What makes you say that?"

"Because your she-brat of a Cousin seems to have caught it too." he grinned toothily.

Syaoran sighed heavily. "As if one wasn't bad enough."

"Just you hope she doesn't infect your Sisters with this too or you'll never see the end of it,… gaki." he smirked.

He raised an eyebrow at him, a tiny quirk turning up one corner of his mouth. "Parish the thought,… cotton ball."

* * *

Mesuinu watched Xiao Lang walk off in the company of the Guardian Beast of the Seal. A thrill raced up her spine as the memory of several minutes earlier passed before her mind's eye. The sorcerer had looked regally majestic standing bare chested and bare foot amid the chaos the fire had caused. He had kept his cool, ordering his relatives to evacuate the burning building. A natural born leader. Mesuinu had been sorely tempted to fake an injury to gain his attention and have a chance to get close to him, but Higato had ruined the moment by confronting the warrior. Then Xiao Lang had run off with a look of worry on his handsome face. Higato was only a step behind him and Mesuinu was a step behind Higato. Outside had been the reason for the fire and Xiao Lang's worry. Two creatures, one made of fire and the other of earth, had been battling with the outsider. How the warrior had known the Card Mistress needed help was still a mystery. Mesuinu had watched the battle avidly, noting how each time the outsider seemed to be about to need some assistance Higato was ready to jump into the fray. But his attempts were always a split second too late. Xiao Lang was there just before him to lend a hand. And then, the battle over, the Card Mistress had collapsed in exhaustion, caught in the warrior's arms before she hit the ground. Mesuinu growled to herself as the outsider was tended to and then led away by her friends.

"The weak little baka." she muttered. "She collapses after such an easy battle. I could've done so much better than her."

"Do not be so quick to judge someone or something you know nothing of, Mesuinu." Li-san stated, abruptly appearing at the girl's side.

Mesuinu jumped, startled, and faced the Clan's matriarch. "This isn't right, Li-san." she began in complaint.

"How so?"

"Card Mistress or not, she is an outsider. Our laws are clear on this. Xiao Lang's interest in her is so very wrong."

Lerae remained passive. "It is?"

"Hai!"

"Who would you rather he show an interest in? You?"

Mesuinu was silent for a moment, blushing furiously and standing tall. "She is weak, Li-san. Xiao Lang deserve someone strong."

Lerae's lips thinned at this. "Ah, I see. Mesuinu, you were chosen, by the Elders, as one of the most promising candidates in our Clan for Xiao Lang to chose from for a wife. You were the strongest. But this was before any of us knew or learned of the existence of the Card Mistress. She is far stronger than she appears."

"But she is an outsider!"

"Who possesses Clow magic. This makes her of the Clan. Xiao Lang has made his choice in this matter very clear by his actions last evening, Mesuinu. Accept it." and Lerae walked off towards the estate's main building.

The teen girl balled her fists at her sides, her svelte frame trembling in fury. I'll never accept it! she fumed. Not so long as I have a breath left in my body. I will not be denied.

* * *

With his wings magically hidden from sight, Keroberus paced back and forth like a caged animal, his anxiety growing over the prolonged absence of his Mistress and her friends. A keening growl rumbled in his mighty chest as he turned and continued pacing in a new direction. He hated waiting, especially when he could feel danger so near to the Card Mistress. There was something about this island estate that just felt so wrong now. It was different from so many centuries ago. True, back then the feel of dark magic had been present, but had been very tiny. Almost like a small buzzing in the back of one's mind. Nothing like now. Now, it was a lot stronger. Syaoran looked up from an ancient tome he was skimming through and watched the Guardian Beast for a moment. Every so often he would see him pause to look in the direction of the closed library door, then continue his relentless pacing when no one entered. The young warrior/sorcerer couldn't stop his chuckle in amusement.

"What's so funny, gaki?" Keroberus demanded with a frown, continuing to pace.

"You are. And you call me impatient. You're going to wear a hole in the floor of you keep that up."

The beast turned again to continue his worried march. "I can't see how you can be so calm right now."

"Because I have no reason to be worried."

"You should be." he growled. "What's taking them so long? Something must've happened. I should've stayed back there to wait for them. That Higato guy might have hurt them and kidnapped Sakura."

Syaoran chuckled again. "Would you listen to yourself! You're worried over nothing. They're fine."

He stopped and faced him. "How can you be so sure?"

The warrior grinned and looked at the door. "Five… Four… Three… Two…" He leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed confidently over his chest. "One."

As if by magic the library door opened and in walked the three teen girls they had been waiting for. Keroberus sighed heavily in relief at seeing them all safe and unharmed. Tomoyo, dressed in a short light purple tunic decorated in white orange blossoms and white shin pants, walked backwards to better record both Meilin and Sakura's entrance into the library. Both girls also wore tunics and shin pants like Tomoyo's, only the tunic colors were different. Meilin's tunic was sky blue decorated in white peonies while Sakura's was a flattering rose with cherry blossoms. Everything was kept simple, yet radiated a subtle elegance that only the Daidouji teen could capture in her designs.

Keroberus smirked. "Gone native in your thinking, Tomoyo?"

The videographer smiled brightly. "To be able to capture my Sakura as a China doll, of course! And it makes all three of us look like Sisters."

"Very nice." he agreed.

Syaoran felt his mouth begin to hang open, his eyes fixed solely on his beloved sorceress as he stood slowly. Sakura smothered her smirk at how completely awed and stunned he looked, noting how regal he seemed in sand colored slacks and sea green, short sleeved shirt.

Do wolves drool? she questioned coyly as she walked up to him.

His mouth immediately snapped shut, then a slow grin appeared on his lips. Wolves only drool when they see something very appetizing in front of them.

He felt her momentary confusion at his response, then her hand shot up to her mouth to cover her surprised reaction, a deep bashful blush covering her cheeks. Syaoran chuckled softly and drew Sakura into his arms, holding her close in a tender greeting. He gently nuzzled her ear.

"You are beautiful." he whispered warmly.

She giggled faintly and pressed deeper into his arms. "Xiao Lang…" she murmured, her hands lightly smoothing the fabric of his shirt over the planes of his chest.

"Alright, you two, break it up!" Meilin suddenly ordered, physically pulling the Card Captors apart and receiving a growl from Tomoyo who was video taping the scene. "We have work to do right now. You can be all lovey-dovey with each other later."

The amethyst-eyed teen looked at the table in the center of the open space and blinked at the high piles of tomes and scrolls laid out upon it. "Is this everything we have to go through?"

Syaoran sighed heavily, partly for having to let Sakura leave his arms. "This is most of what the Elders asked for last night. The rest should arrive a little later. And there's the entire library to go through as well."

"Everything?"

"Hai."

Sakura squared her shoulders in determination and picked up a tome at random. "Let's get to it then."

* * *

The dark one carefully peered into the waters of the Seeing Pool, scrutinizing the images it revealed to him with avid interest. The Card Captors and their friends were not plotting revenge or an attack as he had first thought they would. That was something he would have understood. Instead they had sequestered themselves away in the Li Clan's library reading ancient scrolls and books for several hours now, searching for something as yet undetermined by the watcher.

"What are you and your friends up to, my lovely Cherry Blossom?" he questioned himself softly.

With the barest twitch of his hand the moving images shifted to the book Sakura carefully pulled off of a shelf. The symbol of Clow was neatly carved into its leather cover.

"Researching magic with which to fight me, my dearest?"

Sakura opened the book and began skimming through the Japanese and Chinese magic characters neatly inked across each page. She sighed in frustration, replaced this tome back on the shelf, and chose a different book, a much thicker one, baring the same mark on its cover as the first. The dark one suddenly smiled in understanding.

"Ah, you're trying to find me. Good. I grow tired of watching you at a distance. I am so much closer to you than you think, dear one."

She opened the leather bound book and he saw her blink at the Latin words written on the pages. The dark one smiled softly, carefully stroking her cheek reflected on the water's surface.

"Find me, My Love." he whispered.

* * *

Find me, My Love.

A frigid phantom hand brushed the young sorceress's cheek, making her cry out in surprise and fear, and dropping the heavy book she held. She took a quick step back, confused, hitting her back hard to the bookcase as her hand gingerly touched her cheek. All she could do was stare emptily at the floor in terror. Something real had touched her. Something cold, dark, so evil, and yet it had also felt so familiar. Her entire body trembled in growing shock. The feeling she was left with was as if someone had slapped her for no apparent reason. No one had told her she would ever experience something such as this.

"Sakura!"

Her head snapped up and to her right just as a very concerned Syaoran came around the corner to stand at her side, peering anxiously at her frightened face. Keroberus was there as well, keening softly in worry, afraid at his Mistress's sudden outcry and present demeanor. She looked as if she had been terrorized by something now invisible. Syaoran gently cupped the sorceress's face in his hands. That, alone, seemed to calm her fears.

"What happened?" the warrior questioned ever so gently.

Tomoyo and Meilin appeared around the corner just as the lithe cheerleader collected herself enough to speak.

"… I… I felt something… It was cold, dark… It… It touched my cheek…"

She could feel the sudden flash of protective rage explode within her beloved warrior and she gripped his wrists to keep his hands against her cheeks to both calm him and restrain him. He understood the move, knowing there wasn't a target yet for him to focus on so anger right then was useless. His thumbs gliding over her cheeks as he wrapped his aura around her like a protective shell. Her green eyes smiled at him in thanks and relief, deciding it was for the best to omit the whisper she had heard accompanying the touch.

"Are you okay?" Meilin questioned her friend.

Sakura nodded shakily. "H-Hai. It just spooked me, that's all. Gomen."

Keroberus shook his head in negative. "Don't apologize for this, Sakura. It's hardly your fault. The power of the Gate is getting stronger and this is just one more proof. Whatever is in there doing all this seems to be taunting you. It's confident. That's a bad sign. We have to find Clow-sama's notes."

She paused for a second. "He wrote all his personal notes in Latin, right, Kero?"

"Hai."

"I found this one just before the, um, incident." She quickly picked up the book she had dropped and opened it for Keroberus to see. "Like this?"

His golden eyes skimmed over the pages and seemed to light up suddenly. "I think this is it! There's something written here about an amazing place filled with magic."

Syaoran blinked. "You can read Latin?"

"Of course! Clow-sama taught it to me way back when." He took the book from his present Mistress and quickly skimmed over a few pages. "Mm, this will take a while to read. Lots of entries here."

"In that case I have a suggestion." They all looked to Tomoyo in curiosity of her statement. "We've been cooped up in here for close to six hours now. I don't know about the rest of you, but I find the air is getting kind of stale in here."

Syaoran nodded in agreement. "We'd be more comfortable outside while we wait for the oversized cotton ball to find the right entry."

The Guardian Beast of the Seal frowned at him. "Why am I the one suddenly stuck doing all the research now, gaki?"

"Because you're the only one out of all of us who can read this without the constant use of a Latin Dictionary."

"Oh." he grumbled.

Sakura suddenly shivered and instinctively hugged her own sides. Maybe I can warm up outside, she wondered to herself.

You're cold? she heard her beloved partner ask her mentally.

She met his concerned wolf eyes. A little bit cold. That encounter was frigid, bone-chilling even.

Syaoran draped an arm around her shoulders to tug her close to his side, placing a gentle kiss on her temple in the process. She gratefully nuzzled against his side, her arms around his waist to keep his close, as they followed the others out of the library to a small private sitting terrace just across the hallway. The noonday tropical sun beat down comfortably on the secluded area, welcoming the five with a gentle breeze. Keroberus settled himself on one of the skirting walls and began to read the ancient tome from the very beginning while the others relaxed into various padded wicker settees, the soul mates of course sharing one to stay close to one another. They all agreed that this break from the library's stuffy atmosphere was a very welcome distraction. Sakura nestled herself against her boyfriend's chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, letting it lull her back into a state of pure security and warmth.

"I remember Li-san saying that we would be schooled by your private tutors." she voiced softly.

"That's tomorrow. Okaa-san wanted us all to have the weekend to get used to being here and to get used to the rest of the family."

"And what a huge family it is." Tomoyo let her head droop back to take full advantage of the warm sunlight. She sighed a small grin. "You know, Li, your family history would make a really epic movie."

Meilin chuckled. "But under which genre? Historical documentary or pure fantasy?"

"Either would fit. Not that your Clan Elders would ever allow it." she ended in a grumble.

Syaoran grimaced ever so slightly at the mention of the Elders. "The trapped themselves in three hundred or so years of tradition. They're afraid of change because of what it might do to their status within the Clan. Bringing them into the present is slow since they begrudge every tiny change someone proposes."

"But you'll soon change that, ne?" the Daidouji teen smirked.

"Hai, but gradually. No use rushing into the future when you're just as unsure as they are about the consequences." He looked down at Sakura resting comfortable against his chest and smiled when her jade eyes met his, his fingers lightly trailing up her spine. "Besides, the present is oh so very appealing."

She blushed a pleasant shiver and returned his smile shyly.

Meilin looked to the reading Guardian Beast. "What about the past?"

Keroberus held up a clawed paw, silently signaling them to wait another moment, and turned another page. "I think… Hai, I think this is what we're looking for."

"Well, don't keep up in suspense, Kero." Tomoyo urged.

"Hai, hai, just a second." He cleared his throat theatrically. "Due to my recent travels this is the first time I have been able to find a moment to write my thoughts. The last few days have been filled with wonders and visions that leave a man in awe in their presence. I have spent much time on the Islands of Japa. A most wondrous place, but its pace of life is much too rushed for my preference. On my return to the dear and ancient Land of Chin, I was summoned by my honorable Otou-san for a meeting that will forever exist in my heart as a miracle. I have met the woman who is to be my wife. I no longer have a reason to curse my Otou-san's name for this arranged union. She is sublime and simply radiates such powerful magic all around her. I feel I will be very happy with her at my side and she seems to be quite amenable to be my wife. Now my task is to locate a home for us and the magic we shall create together as the years shall pass. I believe I have found just the place. This island is a paradise beyond all expectations. I have decided to name this ocean gem Bing Di Lian to honor the love I feel for my blessed Li Ying Fa--"

Both Syaoran and Sakura blinked and straightened in surprise. "Ying Fa?" the warrior questioned. "But, that's…"

"Sakura's name, hai, I know." replied Keroberus.

Tomoyo frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean by Ying Fa is Sakura's name?"

"Both mean cherry blossom, one in Japanese and the other in Chinese. Clow-sama's Ying Fa came from a small village at the edge of what's now Tibet. She came from a long line of wizards. Clow-sama is also talking about this very island."

"Kero, onegai, continue." urged the Card Mistress as she settled more comfortably against her boyfriend's chest.

The magical creature's eyes quickly scanned the page to find where he had left off. "Ah, here we go. This one is dated a few days later." He paused slightly. "I have completed my exploration of this lush isle and have found something very odd about it. At first very thrilled with my discovery I now find myself growing increasingly displeased with it. I have this overwhelming sensation of being watched by someone or something growing in power. There is something foreboding about this fair island now, but I will not be frightened away from this like some skitter-ish rodent. This island shall be tamed. I will see to it. This place is far too beautiful to contain darkness."

"There's a break of about a week now." Keroberus reported before continuing. "I have found the source of these dark feelings. My instincts were correct and have guided me to it. I have found a buried temple--"

"He found it! He found the Gate!" Meilin nearly shouted. "We're on top of the Gate!"

"Kero, is that true?" the teen videographer questioned in trepidation.

The Guardian Beast of the Seal skimmed down a few lines of the text to find the answer. "After much research into this strange temple I have found it to be filled with dark magic. And it is growing in strength and power with each passing day. During my stays within it strange voices have whispered to me, speaking of horrors the world much endure in some form of retribution for a wrong long since forgotten. I can only conclude that this place is cursed. I have found a place that should have stayed hidden for all time. I have drained most of my magic for many lunar cycles to come to re-bury the temple to a depth hopefully no one will ever reach and where its dark magic will never escape. This place will be hidden where a seeker will least suspect it. Who will ever suspect me of hiding such a dark force under my very home? By Kami-sama, I have no choice but to do this. My magic is not strong enough to destroy this cursed place. The Fates have not been as kind as I had first thought them to be at my arrival here. My island is the home of Mummaro's Gate. I pray my descendants are strong enough to overcome this legacy I leave them. Buddha forgive me, I have unearthed the devil."

To Be Continued…