Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ The Enemy Revealed ❯ Reunited! The Cherry Blossom and her Little Wolf ( Chapter 11 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

The Enemy Revealed
Chapter 11: Reunited! The Cherry Blossom and her Little Wolf

Psycho laughed as the Night Terror hovered near Sakura. "Okay, boy, enjoy your snack!"

The other Masters joined in with the evil clown. The defeated Guardians watched helplessly with their Cardian captors. Below, Hacker kept his back to the scene.

If Sakura's eyes were still open, she would have seen the living darkness before her. If her lips could move, a loud "Hooooooooeeeee!" would have greeted the Night Terror. Instead, it found its victim unconscious. Edging in for the kill, it prepared to swallow the Cardmistress.

"Raitei shourai!"

"Lightning!"

Two thunderbolts shot out from behind Sakura and struck the Night Terror. The dark creature was thrown back towards the Masters.

"Huh?" Psycho looked for the source of the attack.

Hacker turned around. "Could it be...?"

"Nani?" Yukito wondered.

Nakuru blinked. "That was..."

"Then that means..." Suppi-chan said.

Kero-chan groaned. "Great. Now we have to be saved by him."

"Correction. We are going to be saved by them," Suppi-chan said.

Frustrated, the Night Terror roared. "Get her!" Psycho ordered. The dark creature rushed at Sakura.

"Illumination!"

A bright light filled the sky. Roaring, the Night Terror staggered back.

"Hey, who turned on the lights?" Psycho shouted, shielding his eyes.

"I can't see!" Techno exclaimed.

"Ditto here!" Cracker shouted.

Psycho snarled in frustration. The light finally faded. The Night Terror was still hovering near Sakura. However, Psycho perceived a tall figure in a dark cape and hat standing between it and its target. "Hey, where'd he...?" the evil clown began to ask, but he stopped once he saw who was with the newcomer.

Umbriel managed a small smile. "Missing these?" he asked, pointing to Yukito and Nakuru. Kero-chan and Suppi-chan flew besides him.

Nakuru eyed the Darkling. "Umbriel. What...?"

Suppi-chan looked into Umbriel's face. "If you're here..."

In response, Umbriel nodded silently. He kept his gaze on the Masters, then looked at Tokyo Tower. Next to him, the Guardians attended to Sakura.

"Sakura!" Kero-chan shouted, trying to wake her up.

"Is she...?" Nakuru asked Yukito, who held his fingers against the Cardmistress' neck.

"She's still alive, but if something's not done soon..." Yukito stopped himself from saying more.

"Huh?" Psycho turned his attention to his Cardians. The Guardians were gone. Suddenly, the Cardians split in half and disintegrated one by one. Refocusing on Umbriel, he noticed the sword in his hand.

"Uh, Psycho..." Cracker said, pointing to the Night Terror.

The dark creature winced, then roared loudly. A slash mark appeared across its body. When it finished voicing its pain, the Night Terror flew at Umbriel and the Guardians.

"Shining Charm!"

A wave of golden energy struck the Night Terror. It joined the Cardians into oblivion with a loud boom.

"You!" Techno hissed, seeing Umbriel. He raised his hammer. "This time I'll..."

"Nightwing!"

Thousands of shadow bats swarmed over the Masters. Psycho and his cohorts in the sky swatted at the creatures. Cracker resorted to firing at them wildly. "Hold still!" he shouted with cannons ablazing.

Hacker swung his beam sabers at the bats to defend himself. "Hmmmmmm..." he wondered as he took out more bats.

"Now! While they're distracted! Give 'em what you got!"

"Right, boss!"

Two missiles with angry faces flew at Psycho, Techno and Cracker. The resulting explosion threw the three Masters back.

"Our turn!"

"Payback time, Giggles!"

A beam of light struck Techno and sent him flying. A powerful gust of wind caught Psycho and Cracker and flung them with the hunchback. Hacker jammed his beam sabers into the ground and hung on until the wind died down. Landing on his feet, he resigned himself to observing what was going on.

"Sakura!"

A boy in green Chinese traditional garments armed with a sword ran to where Sakura laid. Behind him, a large wolf in armor ran towards the scene with two girls riding on its back. Above them, a winged unicorn in golden armor with two girls and a spike-shelled bear with a boy flew with them. The bear's head was out while his limbs were retracted into the shell.

"Hey, Greenbean! Wait up!" the bear's rider cried.

"The gaki!" Kero-chan exclaimed.

"Suppi-chan..." Nakuru began, pointing to the newcomers.

"I know, I know," Suppi-chan sighed. "Should we be surprised?"

Seeing Sakura on the ground, Syaoran hurried to her side. "Sakura!" he screamed. After picking up the Star Wand, he took her into his arms. "No..." he whispered.

"She's still alive," Yukito reported to the Chinese magician.

"But why isn't she movin'?" Kero-chan asked.

Yukito frowned. "I wasn't here, remember?"

"Those damn Masters!" Kero-chan curled his paws into tiny fists.

Holding her staff, Ready got off Pegasus Uni, and the ever camera-carrying Tomoyo followed her. With his Shadowwalker Rod, Brandon leaped off O.G. Meiling jumped off Lupe while Maya climbed off. All of them joined Syaoran.

"I thought I told you to stay home," Suppi-chan admonished Eriol's three students.

"Gee, you're welcome for saving your butts," Brandon quipped.

"I think we have other things to worry about," Nakuru said, gesturing towards Sakura and Syaoran.

Tomoyo pointed her camcorder at the scene. "Sakura-chan..." she whispered.

Meiling watched her cousin and the girl he loved. "Are we...?"

Ready clutched her Staff. "Not if I can help it."

Syaoran removed Sakura's mask. He saw her eyes were closed. He traced along her cheek, feeling her soft skin. "I'm sorry," he said in a barely audible voice. "Please wake up, Sakura. Please." Tears fell from his eyes and onto the Cardmistress' face. "Don't leave us. Don't leave me..."

A moan escaped from Sakura's lips. Her eyes slowly opened and beheld the face of her concerned love. "S-S-S-Syaoran...kun?" she whispered.

"Sakura!" Kero-chan cheered.

"Sakura-chan!" Tomoyo exclaimed, still filming.

Sakura blinked. "Am I dreaming, or am I in that wonderful place in the sky with okaasan?" she asked, making a great effort to move her lips.

"You're not dreaming, and you're not dead." Syaoran removed Sakura's helmet and moved his fingers through her hair. "I'm here for you, Sakura."

Sakura tried to raise her hand to touch Syaoran's face, but her arm remained immobile. "Syaoran-kun, I can't move..." she strained to say.

Ready stood before the couple. Syaoran looked up at her. "Can you help her?"

"I'll try," Ready said with a nod. Studying Sakura and the Guardians, she held her Staff out. "Restoration!"

The tip of the Starlighter Staff glowed, and the light spread onto Sakura and the Guardians. Syaoran beheld the golden aura around his beloved, then looked around him.

"Amazing!" Tomoyo exclaimed as she continued taping.

Yukito looked at his glowing hand. "My, how unusual."

"I'm feeling...stronger," Kero-chan remarked, flexing his arms. Near him, Suppi-chan and Nakuru nodded silently to each other.

The glow faded away. "What just happened here?" Yukito asked.

"Ready just revitalized us Guardians," Suppi-chan explained. "We should be strong enough to return to our true forms now."

"What about Sakura?" Kero-chan asked, looking at her and the boy he strongly disliked.

Syaoran returned his gaze to Sakura, who opened her eyes fully. "Syaoran-kun..."

"Are you okay?" Syaoran asked softly, handing her the Star Wand.

"I am," Sakura answered as she took the Star Wand, "now that you're here with me." She reached up for his face. "Syaoran-kun..." she said as she touched his cheek.

"Sakura..." A blush crept slowly onto the young Li's face as he looked into Sakura's green eyes. Sakura's face reddened as she gazed into his brown eyes. His face reddening even more, Syaoran pulled Sakura towards him. Without resistance, she fell into his arms. Gulping and hearing his heart go "Badum badum badum" rapidly, Syaoran slowly wrapped his arms around the girl he loved. Sakura wrapped her arms around his back and leaned against his shoulder.

"Syaoran-kun," Sakura whispered, smiling.

Syaoran's hand moved to the back of her head. "Sakura," he whispered back, feeling her hair.

"Kawaii!" Tomoyo gushed.

"Aw, that's so sweet," Ready commented.

"Oh, why isn't Touya-kun here so I could hug him?" Nakuru wished.

"I'm feeling sick," Kero-chan moaned.

Sakura and Syaoran's eyes widened. They saw almost everyone around them watching their tender moment. Tomoyo was filming intensely. From afar, Hacker observed the reunion of the two young lovers. Quickly, they ended their hug, and Syaoran helped Sakura to her feet. They bowed her heads until the redness faded away.

"Sakura-chan, you and Li-kun were so kawaii!" Tomoyo exclaimed, patting her camera. "I'll call this 'Sakura-chan's reunion with her true love.'"

Sakura sweatdropped. "Tomoyo-chan..."

Cupping her chin in her hand, Meiling looked over Sakura's battle costume. "Daidouji-san, what were you thinking?"

"I wanted to make Sakura-chan look like the true heroine she really is," Tomoyo answered.

Maya studied Sakura's outfit. "A very well-constructed costume, Tomoyo. Excellent craftsmanship and very practical. You have the makings of a fashion designer."

"My duty in life is to make Sakura-chan look wonderful," Tomoyo said, beaming.

"Definitely something going on there," Brandon whispered to O.G.

"Uh-huh," O.G. said, nodding.

Kero-chan flew up to Ready. "Hmmmmm, a Starlighter."

Suppi-chan joined his fellow Sun Guardian. "This, Kerberos, is Brighton Ready, daughter of the Grand Illuminator," he said, gesturing a paw towards the red-headed American while glaring at her, "and one of Eriol's pupils, who is supposed to be studying right now."

"I thought you guys needed some help," Ready said.

With Syaoran at her side, Sakura walked up to Ready. "I heard you in my dream," she told the young Starlighter. "You're here to help me."

"That's correct." Ready bowed a little. "It's an honor to meet you, Cardmistress."

"Oh, just call me Sakura," Sakura assured the Starlighter. "Besides, I need to thank you for coming here."

"No prob," Ready said.

Maya joined them. "I'm sorry we weren't able to come sooner," she said, looking at their ruined surroundings.

Sakura pointed to the Ecomancer. "You were in my dream, too."

Maya nodded. "Torres Maya at your service."

"Inventor, Ecomancer-in-training, and my best friend," Ready added with a smile.

"Ecomancer?" Sakura wondered. "And Kero-chan called you a Starlighter," she said to Ready. "What exactly are those?"

"An Ecomancer is a magician who can control the elements, and a Starlighter is a magician who uses both Star and Light Magic," Syaoran answered.

"Star Magic? Like mine?" Sakura asked.

"That's right," Ready replied.

"But if you practice two types of magic, then you're more powerful than me," Sakura said.

"Actually, you're more powerful than me," Ready said.

"Why?" Sakura asked.

"Because you're the heir to Clow Read's magic," Ready answered. "Your Star Magic is more powerful because you created it through your own effort while we Starlighters use basic Star Magic that's been around for some time."

Sakura looked around her. "I didn't feel more powerful."

Syaoran put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll find a way to fix all this."

"I hope so, Syaoran-kun," Sakura said. "I hope so."

Pegasus Uni joined them. "Good to meet you, Cardmistress," she said with a slight bow of her head.

"Wow!" Sakura exclaimed at the sight of the winged unicorn.

"This is Pegasus Uni, one of my Guardians," Ready said. "Umbriel is my other one," she added, pointing to the dark figure watching Tokyo Tower.

"Do you have a Guardian?" Sakura asked Maya.

"Yes, I do." Maya looked for Lupe, and when she found her, she could not help but grin and shake her head. "In fact, there's Lupe now."

Sakura watched as Lupe bounded towards Kero-chan and stopped in front of him. "Kerberos!" she shouted.

"Um, who are you?" Kero-chan asked the large armored wolf.

Lupe smiled. "I'm Lupe, Guardian to Torres Maya," she said cheerfully. "I'm so happy to finally meet you, Kerberos!"

"I'm sure." With a sweatdrop running down his forehead, Kero-chan laughed nervously.

"I watched your fight against that evil clown, and I thought you were magnificent!" Lupe gushed.

"Ya think?" Kero-chan said, smiling.

Suppi-chan hovered near the golden Guardian. "Of course, then he was badly beaten by that evil..."

Kero-chan grabbed the dark cat by the throat and pulled him towards him. "Mention what happened and I'll stuff you full of sweets after we get back home," he growled, fixing his eyes on Suppi-chan's.

"I'll be good," Suppi-chan squeaked.

Lupe proceeded to tell Kero-chan how fabulous he was, and he told Lupe to keep going. O.G. watched all this with some amusement. "Great, just what we need, a lovesick Lupe."

"There's something I thought would never happen," Brandon said.

As Lupe continued to enlarge his ego, Kero-chan spotted Brandon. His eyes darted to the boy's cap. Quickly, he transformed into Kerberos and flew at the young Shadowwalker with a roar.

Brandon barely had time to jump out of the lion's way. "Hey, what the...?"

Landing, Kerberos faced Brandon. "Shadowwalker!" With that, he unleashed a powerful fire burst.

Brandon leaped over the fire. Kerberos fired again. "Why do people keep trying to kill me?" he shouted as he danced around Kerberos' fire attacks. Meanwhile, O.G. was stuck between defending his master and attacking the Cardmistress' Sun Guardian.

Ready's eyes went wide at the sight of Brandon being attacked by the golden-eyed Guardian. "Brandon!" she shouted, rushing towards the spot.

Sakura saw the attack and rushed over with Syaoran and Maya. "Kerberos-san, what are you doing?" the Cardmistress asked.

Kerberos stopped firing. "This filth must be purged at once! He's dangerous!"

"No, he isn't!" Ready ran to Brandon's side and shielded him from Kerberos.

"Huh? A Starlighter defending a Shadowwalker?" Kerberos was puzzled. "When did this happen?"

Suppi-chan appeared before Kerberos. "Ever since the two sides stooped hostilities between each other about a year ago. You really should pay attention to what happens in the magical world."

Kerberos looked at Brandon, then Ready. "Well, since the Starlighter's standin' up for him, I guess he's okay." He walked up to them. "Sorry about that," he apologized to Brandon.

Brandon glared at the golden Sun Guardian. "You know, today hasn't exactly been a walk in the park. We had to fight our way through a whole lot of robots to get here. Then there was a certain someone who kept complaining about riding with me and dissing my ride." He shifted glares to Syaoran, who glared back.

"Much as I hate to admit it, the stuffed animal's assessment of you is half-right," Syaoran said gruffly. "You're not exactly a threat to my life."

"Syaoran-kun!" Sakura exclaimed.

Only Ready's strong grip prevented Brandon from attacking Syaoran. "Will you calm down?" she demanded. "We have bigger problems to deal with."

"Let me at 'im!" Brandon shouted. "I'll show him what a Shadowwalker can do!"

"Wrong-o, Brandon." Ready grabbed Brandon by the collar and gave him a death glare. Her eyes were ablaze. "You're going to accept Kerberos' apology and you're going to put aside this little macho dispute you have with Syaoran or I'm going to show you what a very ticked-off Starlighter can do."

After calming down, Brandon gave Ready a little smile. "You look cute when you're mad."

"Just accept the apology, mister," Ready said, grinning back at her friend.

"Yeah, boss," O.G. said, nodding in agreement. "Kinda insulting if you blow off the Cardmistress' Sun Guardian."

Brandon faced Kerberos. "I accept your apology, oh mighty Kerberos, great golden-eyed Guardian of the Cardmistress."

"That's better," Kerberos said, grinning.

Maya and Meiling shook their heads. "And how long have they been together?" Meiling asked.

"Oh, I've lost track," Maya answered.

Having recorded the moment, Tomoyo smiled. "It looks like two more need my help in romance."

"I'll accept any help you can give me," Maya said. "I've tried so many times I've lost count."

Kerberos eyed the large bear in the spiked shell. "So you've heard of me?"

"Yep. All us Guardians, Starlighter and Shadowwalker, know about the creations of Clow Read," O.G. said frankly.

"This is true," Pegasus Uni said. "Despite their efforts, both sides could never copy exactly Clow Read's creations."

"You're one-of-a-kind!" Lupe gushed.

Kerberos grinned at Sakura. "Ya hear that? I'm one-of-a-kind!" he bragged.

Sakura studied the three animal Guardians. "So you all get your own Guardians?"

Ready nodded. "Just like witches and their familiars."

Sakura pointed to Umbriel. "Is he also created?"

"No, he's a Darkling." Noting what her Guardian was doing, Ready started walking towards him. "Hmmmmmmmmm..."

"The hostages!" Sakura recalled, following the Starlighter. Syaoran joined her at her side.

"Finally," Brandon grumbled, earning his a glare from the Chinese magician.

Kerberos faced the three animal Guardians. "So, what other good things do you know about me?" he asked happily.

As the other magicians and their Guardians talked amongst each other, Yukito spotted Umbriel as he looked at Tokyo Tower. "Hmmm?" he wondered as he joined the Darkling. "Excuse me, but what are you doing?"

Umbriel kept his gaze on the tower. "There are hostages in there."

"Hostages?" In an instant, Yue appeared. "How many?"

"I am still counting," Umbriel replied. "They are all gathered in the main observation deck."

Sakura, Syaoran, and Ready joined them. "We have to get them out of there before the Masters return," Sakura said urgently.

"I believe we have an obstacle," Umbriel said solemnly, pointing to the lone figure ahead of them.

From his position, Hacker eyed the two Guardians and their charges. His arms were folded across his chest, hiding the scar Sakura gave him.

"The one from Hong Kong," Syaoran realized, readying his sword.

Hacker recognized him. "Ah, Mr. Li. We meet again."

Umbriel drew his sword. "I recommend you release the people in the tower.

"Or we'll come in there and get them ourselves," Yue added.

"All of us." Led by O.G., the other Guardians appeared behind Yue and Umbriel. Followed by Tomoyo, Meiling and the other kid magicians joined Sakura, Syaoran, and Ready.

Meiling assumed a battle stance. "Just try something."

Hacker raised a hand. Yue and Umbriel got ready to charge him. A Keyboard appeared in front of the Master Cyber. Hacker pressed a key, and a Window with Formatter Altron materialized.

"Y-yes, Master Hacker?" the underling asked.

"The Guardians are on their way to liberate the hostages," Hacker said. "If you value your existence, I suggest you and your Servers depart before they come."

"As you wish," Formatter Altron said, nodding.

The Window vanished. "Do as you wish," Hacker told the Guardians. "They were given due warning."

Yue and Umbriel nodded to each other, then dashed past Hacker and headed towards the tower. Umbriel leapt from beam to beam towards the observation deck while Yue flew. As they made their way upward, Formatter Altron and his Servers exited from the tower.

"There's something I didn't expect," Brandon remarked as the Cybers marched up to Hacker.

"I would have to agree," Maya said.

Formatter Altron stood before the swordsman. "As you commanded, Master Hacker, the hostages have been left for the Guardians to rescue."

"Good." Hacker turned to Tokyo Tower. A blue light flashed from the observation deck. Seconds later, Yue and Umbriel emerged from the tower and rejoined their mistresses.

"The hostages are now in a safe place," Umbriel reported, bowing to Ready. "The Japanese Self-Defense Force are taking care of them now."

"That's great," Ready responded.

"Thank goodness," Sakura added.

"That's one problem solved," Syaoran said. His eyes shifted to Hacker and the Altrons. "Now for this one," he said, readying his sword and stepping before Sakura.

The Altrons aimed their guns at the kids and Guardians. In turn, they readied their weapons. Suppi-chan and Nakuru transformed. "Bring it on," Brandon said, keeping his energy blade in front of him.

"Ready," Formatter Altron began. "Aim..."

"Halt!" Hacker shouted, blocking the lead Altron's path of fire with his beam saber.

Formatter Altron froze. "Master Hacker?"

Hacker kept his focus on the Cardmistress, the other kids, and the Guardians. "I tire of using armies to decide this battle," he declared. He looked at Syaoran. "The Cardmistress is still recovering, Mr. Li. Do you wish to fight on her behalf to preserve her claim to the Sakura Cards and Star Key?"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Brandon said, waving his hand. "You want to take on Greenbean in a one-on-one fight?"

"That is exactly what I propose," Hacker clarified.

Syaoran looked at the Master Cyber. "If I defeat you, will you leave Tokyo and never bother Sakura again?"

Hacker shook his head. "I'm afraid I cannot promise anything on your second request. The User wants the Cardmistress' magical objects," he answered. "However, I can promise you that no matter what the outcome of the duel, I will withdraw all Cyber forces from this city."

Meiling narrowed her eyes at Hacker. "Syaoran, don't trust him." Her focus shifted to the Altrons.

"If you're worried about outside interference..." Hacker looked at the Altrons, who lowered their weapons.

Syaoran nodded. "Everyone, stand down."

"What?" Kerberos and O.G. exclaimed.

Brandon stepped out and got into Syaoran's face. "Greenbean, are you out of your freaking mind? Evil robots, remember? They want to kill humans, including your girlfriend?"

"I believe Hacker."

All eyes were on Sakura, who joined Syaoran at his side. "Great, don't tell me you've gone nutzoid, too," Brandon remarked to her.

Syaoran growled. "Don't you dare talk to her like that!"

Ready covered her eyes with her hand. "Oy vey."

Umbriel, Spinel Sun, and Ruby Moon sighed. "Maybe we should have accepted another Shadowwalker as an apprentice," Spinel Sun said. "His brother would've made a better choice."

"He left on his own path, remember?" Ruby Moon told the winged panther.

"Oh," Spinel Sun said. He turned to Umbriel. "How's he doing, by the way?"

"He is fine," Umbriel answered, keeping his eyes on the Cybers.

"What about...?" Ruby Moon began.

"I believe Brandon's other reason for coming to England was to get away from her," Spinel Sun said. Spotting Brandon with Ready, he added, "Of course, the obvious reason also works."

"Hacker is different from the other Masters." Sakura looked at the swordsman. "When the other Masters transformed, he didn't. He fought me in that form."

"Um, can you say 'big trick'?" Brandon asked.

"You mean like something a Shadowwalker would do, assassin?" Syaoran asked.

Brandon's ears blew out steam. "Forget the fight with the walking tin can over there!" He pointed his Shadowwalker Rod at the Li magician. "You and me, Greenbean. Right now! Winner gets to kick robot butt!"

Emerging from the group, Ready grabbed Brandon by the ear. "I think you should let him handle this," she told him as he dragged him along, ignoring his cries of pain. Tomoyo filmed the whole scene.

Maya, Pegasus Uni, O.G., and Lupe sweatdropped. *Typical,* they all thought.

Syaoran and Hacker eyed each other. "My Servers will not interfere," Hacker said. "You have my word as a warrior, Mr. Li."

"Oh, don't make me gag, Hacker."

All eyes darted upward. Psycho, Techno, and Cracker hovered above them. "'My word as a warrior'?" Psycho continued, making a wretching noise. "If I were human, I'd be losing my lunch right now."

"Oh, goody. The Three Stooges are back," Brandon said snidely, keeping his weapon in front of him.

"Psycho..." Hacker shook a fist at the clown.

"Hacker, Hacker, Hacker," Psycho said, wagging his finger. "When will you get it through your pointed little head that honor is a human failing that the User really hates?"

"And when will you get it through that twisted little mind of yours that such excessive force is unnecessary for these simple missions?" Hacker countered.

Techno giggled. "Boy, Hacker, you need to liven up."

"Yeah," Cracker agreed. "Have some fun. Waste a human or two, especially the helpless ones."

Syaoran pointed his sword at Psycho. "You're the one who tried to kill Sakura!"

Psycho took notice of the Li magician. "Ooooooo, look, boys, it's little Sakura's boyfriend!" he said before breaking out into a fit of insane laughter. "Put the toothpick away before you hurt yourself, Junior."

Syaoran clenched his teeth and intensified his glare on the evil clown. "This ends now! I won't let you hurt Sakura or anyone else!"

"My, someone's got a good speechwriter," Psycho sneered. "Guess I'll have to teach you a lesson." His finger crackled, and he pointed it at Tokyo Tower. "One order of barbecued fleshbags coming up!"

Cracker looked at the tower. "Uh, Psycho, there might be a problem with that."

"What would that be?" Psycho asked

Techno giggled nervously. "The hostages are gone."

"What?" Psycho glared at Formatter Altron. "You let them go?"

Formatter Altron gulped. "Um, well, Master, you see..."

"Joy Buzzer!" A bolt from Psycho's finger vaporized the unfortunate subordinate.

"Oh my," Tomoyo said from behind her camera.

Brandon blinked. "He wasted one of his own guys."

"Hoooeeeeeee..." Sakura said, keeping her eyes on the evil clown.

Syaoran held her hand and looked into her eyes. "Don't worry. I'll protect you, Sakura."

"Syaoran-kun," Sakura said, returning the gaze.

Tomoyo started recording the young couple. "Kawaii."

"Please stop the pain now," Kerberos said.

"Hang in there, man," O.G. told the Sun Guardian.

"Oh, give me a break," Brandon groaned from behind, earning him another ear yank from Ready.

"I think it's sweet," Ready said, glaring at Kerberos and O.G.

Psycho looked at his enemies. "Okay, even though I can't waste the humans in the tower, I still got you guys to kill."

"Fat chance!" Meiling shouted defiantly. "We can take you all on!"

"Actually, from what we've seen, we might be at a slight disadvantage," Maya observed. "The leaders are far more powerful than the other robots."

"Yeah. They did mangle you guys before we came," Brandon said.

"They got lucky!" Kerberos said angrily.

"One Master was able to defeat two Guardians," Tomoyo pointed out.

"So how about we gang up on them?" Ready asked.

Maya studied the situation. "Hmmmmm...if we could combine our attacks, it would be possible to defeat them."

"That's right," Sakura said. "We can't give up!"

"Sakura is right," Spinel Sun said. "If we work together, we can defeat the Masters."

"We'll have to defeat the lower level goons first," Meiling said, looking at the Altrons. "That won't be a problem."

"Hey, Laughing Boy!" Brandon shouted to Psycho. "After we wipe out your flunkies, we're going after you!"

Psycho laughed. "I believe you're mistaken, Crow Boy."

"After we dispatch your soldiers, you will fall before our combined might," Yue said, shooting a death glare at the evil clown.

"With Kerberos leading us, we Guardians will defeat you!" Lupe declared proudly.

Pegasus Uni sweatdropped. "Lupe..."

"Yeah, with me leading the Guardians, I'm gonna knock that stupid grin of yours off yer face!" Kerberos shouted, grinning.

"I would not get too overconfident," Umbriel warned.

"Look at them, Umbriel." Ruby Moon gestured towards the Masters and the Altrons. "After we destroy the troops, the Masters are outnumbered."

"Yeah, and I think these guys are no match for eight Guardians and four magicians," O.G. added.

"Ahem!" Meiling gave O.G. a dirty look.

"Oh, and one mistress of the martial arts," O.G. said.

"That's right," Meiling said with a nod.

"Well, maybe you should check your math." Psycho swept his hand with a grand gesture. "Everyone into the pool!"

"Hoe?" Sakura wondered.

The sound of movement made itself known to the humans and their Guardians. Sounds of jet engines filled the sky. Marching footsteps got closer.

"I don't like this," Ready said, preparing for an attack.

The ground rumbled around them. Enters shot out of the ground and surrounded the magicians, their Guardians, and their friends. They were followed by Deleters, Shifters, and Tabs.

"Nani?" Kerberos said.

Led by Controllers and Altrons, hordes of Cybers marched towards Sakura and the others. Backspaces rolled alongside Inserts, Caps, Homes, Ends, and Nums. Above, the sky filled with Arrows.

Tomoyo recorded the incoming enemy forces. "These must be all the Cybers in Tokyo."

"A-a-all the Cybers in Tokyo?" Sakura said shakily. Glaring at the incoming army, Syaoran stayed close to Sakura, his sword drawn.

"Minus the ones we destroyed to get here," Maya added.

Pegasus Uni looked around her. "We didn't really put a dent in their forces, did we?"

"Apparently not," Umbriel said solemnly.

Brandon eyed the seemingly infinite number of Cybers. "Guys, we're gonna need a bigger boat."