Disclaimer: I do not own Cardcaptor Sakura, its characters or story line. I make no profit from this story. It's just for fun.

Chapter 8

Saving Sakura

Sakura lay still, unmoving in her bed. Kero was perched beside her on her pillow keeping watch over his weak mistress. Several time throughout the night he hovered over her to feel the warm breath enter and leave his mistress to assure himself she was still alive. Eriol and Kaho also popped in from time to time. The last time had been just after midnight to inform Kero that they were catching a flight in a few hours back for Japan. Kero had gathered up Sakura's items and stuffed them in her suitcase, before taking up his watch.

Just as the sun was rising Eriol entered the room quietly. He stood beside the bed, watching Sakura as she slept. If not for the faint breathing one might think her already dead. Eriol sighed and looked to the small guardian.

"Kero-Chan. There may be something you can do to buy us more time. I fear she will not make it back to Japan. When you feel her magic can sink no lower you can transfer some your own powers to her. You make your own power, yes, but you do contain some of the powers of the current master. If your going to try it I suggest doing it at the last second possible, for that will buy us the most time." Eriol said as he carefully picked up Sakura and carried her out of the room. Nakuru came in and picked up Sakura's suitcase and followed Eriol, a solemn expression on her normally happy face. Kero followed silently, deeply scared for his young mistress. Everyone packed themselves into the car and raced to the airport. They boarded the plane without problem and settled in to wait out the long flight.

Yue sat beside Asuka's bed watching her, wondering about Sakura. Although terribly weak himself he refused to give up his watch. Asuka was his only way to know Sakura still lived. His hand rested on her left side, against her rib cage so he could feel the weak but steady heartbeat. Sighing he lay his head down and gave unwillingly into sleep.

Early in the afternoon Asuka woke abruptly, startling Yue from his deep sleep. Lifting his head he looked down at her. She beckoned him close.

"Water…" She croaked hoarsely. He found a glass of water on her bedside table and lifted her head a bit so she could drink easier. Once she had drunk to her fill she lay back down. "Sakura comes." She said softly, "But not in time."

Yue froze as the words fell from her mouth. Setting the glass back down he sat back down and contemplated Asuka. Without saying anything he placed a hand on either side of her face and leaned down to place his forehead against hers. The magic circle surrounded them as he transferred all the energy he dared to her.

Meanwhile…

Kero watched his mistress intently as their plane flew on. Finally, when he could bear it no longer he gently lay on her barely moving chest. Eriol draped a heavy blanket over them, full of spells to block anyone from seeing the magic transfer. Kero focused on his own power and located the bit of magic inside himself that belonged to Sakura. He forced it into his weak mistress. Unknown to him, Yue had just transferred his power to Asuka. The combined energies woke both Sakura and Asuka. Sakura looked around bewildered at her surroundings. Eriol smiled, relieved and sat down beside her to explain things.

"We are a flight back to Japan. I'm sorry for not telling you, but you and Asuka cannot be separated like this. It's too hard for the power that you share to be spread out. As Bilbo said in Lord of the Ring, its like butter scrapped over to much bread." He explained. Sakura smiled softly and nodded.

"It's okay Eriol-kun. I know you had my best interests at heart." She said quietly as she drifted back off to sleep. Eriol tucked the blanket firmly around to keep her nice and warm before returning to his seat. Kaho looked over at him. He could see the question in her eyes without her having to ask it.

"It will be close but I think she will pull through. Hopefully Yue is taking care of Asuka." He said. Kaho nodded and settled into her seat, relieved. Everyone but Eriol and Kero closed their eyes to sleep for the rest of the flight.

Several hours later the plane made a smooth landing on the Tokyo landing strip. Everyone got off the plane in a rush, Sakura supported between Eriol and Nakuru. Eriol, having made arrangements before hand for a rental car, was pleased to see their car ready and waiting for them. Carefully getting Sakura in they drove like mad, trying to get her and Asuka together.

Yue sensed Sakura as soon as her plane landed. He stood quickly and went to pick up Asuka but had to stop. His weakened state left him dizzy and a little nauseous. Swallowing hard he shoved those feelings aside as best he could and gathered Asuka up in his arms. Heading to the open window his wings materialized and he dived out. He heard Asuka gasp in surprise as she woke finding herself plummeting to the ground. At the last minute he spread his majestic wings and glided rapidly in the direction of Sakura's home, knowing Eriol would take her there.

Yue was not surprised to see Touya and Yukito waiting for him in the living room. Even without his powers he still somehow knew when Sakura was in trouble. Big brother intuition he supposed. He carried Asuka up to Sakura's room and laid her on the bed. Moments later there was a knock at the door. Touya answered it, revealing Eriol holding an unconscious Sakura. Without saying a word Eriol carried Sakura up to her room and laid her beside Asuka. He gave a nod to Kaho who ushered everyone out except Kero and Yue.

"I know you both have given up energies to keep them alive, but more must be done." Eriol said quietly knowing everyone was standing outside the door. Kero and Yue glanced at each other with a look that clearly said they would do everything they could to save their beloved mistress. Eriol nodded and joined Sakura and Asuka's hands. "Remember when you bonded with her staff when I placed my judgment on her?" he asked, earning a nod from both guardians. "This will be something similar. Instead of fusing your powers with her it will require more than that." Eriol paused, hesitating on how to word his next sentence. "Sakura and Asuka are dying at this point. Her soul, severed but still moving as one, is trying to depart this world. You must ground it. You will need to fuse souls with her. Act as a grounding line for her. In her weakened state you should be stronger than both of them." He explained as he laid a special burning incense stick between their hips. The scent was something neither had smelled before. It was a combination of the purest magic, the darkest magic, Sakura's distinct cherry blossom scent and Asuka's jasmine scent. Eriol nodded that Kero and Yue should breath the perfumed smoke coming off the smoldering stick. Both guardians did not hesitate and plunged their faces into the smoke and breathed deeply. Eriol watched in silence as the bodies of both guardians dropped to the ground.

Kero and Yue stood in a gray place with no sky, ground, and landscape. Nothing existed here except the mist that consumed everything. They stood quite still trying to sense the presence of Sakura and Asuka but couldn't. Kero stood in his true form sniffing, trying to pick up a scent. Finally, they decided they couldn't be much help just standing there and decided to walk. They picked a random direction and set a brisk pace. The mist was confusing. They couldn't tell if they were walking straight or in circles.

Both stopped rather suddenly, Kero walking into Yue. Peering around the still moon guardian Kero could make out a swirling in the mist, watching he could see shapes starting to focus. There was a lake of crystal clear water. The water had a strange feel to it. It felt exactly like pure magic. Suddenly Sakura and Asuka appeared beside the lake, both struggling to reach the water first.

Sakura tripped and fell but grabbed Asuka's leg bringing her to the ground beside her. Not bothering to get up, she scrambled on her hands and knees towards the water. Asuka threw herself on top of Sakura and grabbed a handful of her hair to hold her back. They were so caught up in their struggles that they didn't noticed the guardians until Kero held Sakura down to the ground, while Yue pinned Asuka down with her hands behind her back. They both looked up the guardians in surprise. Sakura quit her struggling, while Asuka tried all the harder, making her difficult to hang on to. Yue glanced at Sakura with an apologetic look before striking Asuka in the back of the head with just enough force to knock her out. Sakura winced but understood.

"You must both touch the water at the same time if you wish to live. It contains your magic. But you both must consume it for both halves of the soul needs it." Yue said softly while picking up Asuka and carrying her down to the water's edge. Sakura, getting released by Kero followed. Yue held Asuka's fingers above the water while Sakura did the same. Kero counted to three for them. Yue thrust Asuka's hand in while Sakura did the same.

Sakura gasped at feeling the magic re-enter her. The water was trying to pull her in. She fought trying to yank her hand back but couldn't. Kero nudged her and whispered for her to put her arm around him and hang onto his armor. Sakura did, fear in her eyes. Meanwhile Yue was holding onto the unconscious Asuka as the water tried to pull her in as well.

"What's happening?" Sakura asked, breathless with the effort of keeping herself on the shore. Kero grunted with effort and left the explaining to Yue.

"The water not only represented your magic but also the afterlife. Your powers are so weak that the guardians of the afterlife are trying to bring one of you to their realm in hopes that the other will survive. We can't let that happen. They are judging by the strength of your powers normally. You feel like you have the strength of two completely separate beings and souls. They don't realize you are two halves of a soul. We must keep you both here or you will die." Yue said clinging desperately to Asuka. Sakura nodded in understanding.

She glanced over her shoulder at the water, which was no longer clear and calm. It was black and churning. Squinting she could make out figures at the bottom. They beaconed her to come to them. Without thinking her grip on Kero started to slacken as she was drawn to the figures. Yue and Kero cried out for her to hang on but their cries fell of deaf ears. She reached out with one hand towards the figures.

Just as her hand went to make contact with the water a bright light burst from the surface. The light blinded all on the shore. Sakura, drawn by curiosity was the first to look back. Her mouth fell open in shock as the image of her mother standing on the surface was there. Nadeshiko smiled at Sakura.

"Mother?" Sakura asked softly, not quite believing what she was seeing. Nadeshiko smiled and nodded, her expression serene.

"Your time has not come yet Sakura. You must fight. Don't give into them. You have so much to live for." She said gently touching Sakura's cheek. Sakura nodded and smiled.

"I will fight mother. Don't you worry. Your right. I have my time, but it isn't now!" Her voice full of determination she yanked her hand away from the figures and gripped Kero all the tighter. The image of her mother faded as Sakura yanked herself from the water with Kero's help. Asuka fell free from the water's grasp as well. Everyone collapsed in a heap beside the now still waters. Before any of them could utter a word Kero and Yue were thrust back into their own bodies.

Eriol watch silently as Kero and Yue climbed to their feet and moved closer the see their mistress. Sakura opened her eyes a crack and smiled. Asuka lay awake but her eyes closed. Sakura struggled to sit up but Eriol firmly pushed her back down

"You both need much rest." He said softly watching her nod and relaxed into her bed. He turned to leave but stopped and grinned as he heard both of their stomach's growling. "But perhaps after you eat something. I shall have food brought here." He added as he headed out the door.

As soon as Eriol was gone Yue knelt beside Sakura taking her hand in his. She smiled weakly at him. Sighing in relief Yue leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. She smiled and closed her eyes resting under his watchful care.

Asuka abruptly rolled onto her side with her back to Sakura and Yue, jealous of the two. Yue glanced at her thoughtfully, and settled down on the floor beside the bed still holding Sakura's hand. Yue remained like that until Eriol came back in the room with a large tray of food for the girls. Yue helped Sakura while Eriol helped Asuka. Once fed both girls drifted back off to sleep.

Downstairs everyone sat in the living room sipping tea and pondering the problem.

"Well as soon as they are both well I expect Asuka will be up to no good again." Eriol said softly, swirling the liquid in his cup around gently. The others nodded in agreement.

"What can we do? I mean we can't kill her and she said that Clow Reed said Asuka needs to be shown the lighter side of life. How can we make her see that?" Touya muttered thoughtfully. Yuki looked around the room at all the glum faces.

"What if…what if she was made happy by getting what she wants? Isn't happiness a good emotion?" He said slowly. Everyone looked at him in confusion. He hurriedly explained, "Asuka was made from everything bad Sakura ever felt. Deep down…what if she's jealous of everything Sakura has. She has a family who loves her and takes care of her. She has friends that look out for her. She has Yue and Kero to be with her always. Not to mention she has all this power and the cards at her disposal. What if…she had those? What if she was loved and cared for?" He asked softly. Eriol leaned back in his chair with a thoughtful expression.

"Its worth a try. It would certainly make her feel good things but the problem doesn't lie with her feeling these things. It lies with our performances being genuine. I suspect that she knows us well enough through Sakura that she'd be able to realize that we'd be putting a show for her. Those spending time with her would have to be genuine about how they feel. How many of you can do that? Genuinely care for her?" He asked glancing around at everyone. Most avoided his stare. Yukito smiled softly.

"But she IS Sakura isn't she? We could all just pretend it's her we're spending time with. We would just have to be careful to make sure she doesn't see it that way or I think it would make her angry." He said. Eriol nodded slowly.

"It might work." He agreed. Touya set his teacup down on the table with unnecessary force.

"Ok I can accept spending time with her and all that stuff but giving her the cards? No way. She has already proved what she is capable of without them. Can you imagine what she could do if she was in control of them?" He said. Kaho nodded.

"I would have to agree on that point." She said looking at Eriol. He closed his eyes and thought for a while. After several long moments he opened them and looked around. Holding up one finger he left the room and headed upstairs. He returned a minute later with book containing the cards. "What are you doing Eriol?" Kaho asked curiously.

Eriol opened the book and began searching through the cards. Finding the one he wanted he held it up. It was mirror card. "I suggest a compromise. They can both only call on the cards so many times a day. Lets say that on any normal day Sakura and Asuka can both use the cards in equal amounts. So if Asuka doesn't use them at all neither can Sakura. If they both want to use them they both need to approve the use. That way Asuka can still have some control but it wont be anything that Sakura can't stop from happening if it's wrong."

The others nodded in agreement of this decision, not being able to see any other solution that would satisfy everyone. Eriol held up Mirror and focused his magic into it. "I may not be Clow or the current master but the card should recognize my power enough to speak to me." He said. He smiled, as the card appeared standing beside him. She looked at him curiously.

"Hello Mirror. I am Clow's reincarnation. I'm glad you answered my call. I have asked you here to discuss something important for Sakura. I know the cards do not want anything to do Asuka but I have a request. We want to help Sakura with this problem but we need to come to an agreement on the cards. Asuka wants control over you all as well. So I propose a split of power governing the cards for now. You both have equal control." He said. Mirror glanced at the book, which had begun to glow softly.

"The cards do not want to be used by Asuka. She will use us for bad things and we want no part of that." She said softly. Eriol smiled.

"I understand that. By she would not have total control over you. Anything she wants to do with the cards Sakura would have to approve and vice versa." He explained. Mirror thought for a moment.

"I believe we could do that for our Mistress but only for a short time. We do not want to be under Asuka's control, shared or not, for long." Eriol nodded in understanding before glancing at everyone else. They all seemed to still be in agreement so he thanked mirror and cards for their help and returned her to her card form.

"That solves that problem. Now we just have to wait for them to recover." He said picking up his cup of tea once more.

"Just think…another Sakura with different coloring! That means all new outfits to match! The wardrobe possibilities are endless!" Tomoyo exclaimed. Eriol smiled while everyone stared blankly at her.

"I think you would be the best candidate to befriend Asuka first" He said with a chuckle.

A/N: I am so sorry to my readers for the stupidly long wait for this. Life has gotten fairly busy. Trying to go to school for college and I got married. I now have two children who are 2 years apart. Its been keeping my on my toes with so little me time I can barely go to the bathroom. But my son is getting bigger and I find I'm starting to have a tiny bit of mom time now. So hopefully the next chapter will be out without to long of a wait.

That being said I would like to thank everyone for the words of support and comments that made it possible to continue this story. With my now hectic life, I probably would have abandoned my account had it not been for the constant positive feedback from my readers! So a huge thank you goes out to everyone! You guys are my inspiration and reason for continuing to write instead of catching up on sleep and housework. (The dishes will still be there tomorrow!) Thank you everyone!

*Nacris*