A/N: Helloo everyone. I would like to share my painful experiences with you but I realize that would just be a waste of time. So to summarize I have been in a lot of pain and I feel like I'm dying and I am currently overdosing on codeine, but other than that, I've finally decided to update this chapter. I hope it satisfies the distastefully long wait.

Legend
"dialogue"
thinking
song lyrics
-Character P.O.V. change
line break/horizontal line - end scene, scene change and/or 3rd person P.O.V. switch
Flashback / End Flashback

Disclaimer: I do not own Card Captor Sakura, which belongs to CLAMP, or, as mentioned before, the song 'Have You Ever' by S Club.


(Recap)

'Right here.' A smiling Eriol materialised in their minds and they felt his energy surge through them. However, he was not alone. Syaoran and Sakura were shrouded by a multitude of auras and they felt the spirits of their friends and families surge through them.

Sakura smiled, tearfully. "Minna-san... you're all here..."

"They'll always be with us, Sakura. They told us as much." Syaoran smiled. "Eriol helped us see that."

I'd give my all...

"Alright, alright, alright!" XiaoFuei looked at them impatiently. He summoned his clones back to his body and they formed into one, and he looked revived. Holding out his fist, it crackled with energy. "A touching moment, really. But don't think that because a whole bunch of dead mortals are around you, you'll suddenly become all-powerful."

"Not all-powerful..." Syaoran started, assuming his fighting stance. He smirked as Sakura mimicked him.

"But we can sure as hell put up a good fight." She finished.

For your love...

Undeterred, they quickly recomposed themselves and prepared themselves for the next attack. XiaoFuei smirked.

"And then there were two..."

...tonight.

(End recap)


Card Captor Sakura
Of Amber Orbs and Emerald Pools
Chapter 11: Have You Ever?

The stage was set. Everything was silent. The trees were barren, the land was charred, the waters were deathly silent as they lapped the ashes of the island. The world that once awed with its ethereal beauty now paralyzed with its traumatic aura.

And still, in the centre of it all, stood three figures on which everything existing depended on.

XiaoFuei smirked. "Are you ready?"

Sometimes, it's wrong to walk away

The two chosen ones looked at each other, then back to their opponent, sword and staff in hand. Taking a deep breath, Sakura fixed her gaze on him. "As ready as we'll ever be."

"Good." Though both parties were apparently 'ready', no one moved for a while. Finally, XiaoFuei laughed his cruel laugh.

Syaoran clenched his fist. "And what do you find so amusing?" At this, his 'father' only laughed harder.

"DO you not see?" He was met by two glares and he rolled his eyes at their 'lack of imagination.' He began to pace, the two eyeing him wearily and distastefully. "Did you ever imagine this to be the final destination?" He was pleased with their undivided attention. "That it would be you two against me, on this barren wasteland, that is almost disturbingly quiet?" Laughing again, he could only shake his head. "Where is the romance in this? I expected everything to be more... oh I don't know..." he tossed them a nonchalant look, almost mockingly. "...epic."

Annoyed, Syaoran growled. "Just what do you hope to accomplish by wasting our time?"

"It's all so cliché, don't you think?" He continued, ignoring them both and trudging on his way. He paused to look them in the eye and Sakura noticed something.

"What are you saying?" She inquired, slowly, wondering if she misinterpreted his look.

His smile answered for her. "Do you not see?" He repeated.

Though you think it's over

They looked at each other, then back at him in wonder. "See what?" They were beginning to tire of his games and he grinned, knowing their thoughts and simply recited what they knew too well.

"There will be a glowing sphere. It will call upon the ones destined to save the world... or bring its destruction." He paused, allowing them to analyze the prophesy closer.

Syaoran gave him a look. "Yes, we've established that the prophesy is talking about Sakura and I-"

"Did I say that?" They were shocked at his playful look as he elaborated. "I don't remember saying who the chosen ones were, do you?"

They looked at each other, alarmed. "But we are the only ones left-" Sakura was interrupted, once again, by XiaoFuei's laugh.

"You're smart. Think this one over." He continued, as if to highlight his point.

"The ones fated to face a great task, one that requires a great sacrifice. Where love once thrived in their hearts, guilt, betrayal, and uncertainty will dominate. The chosen ones will slowly succumb to the great evil that they have unknowingly brought upon the world."

Smiling, he let Sakura continue. "Sapphire is Eriol and the Elders. Gold and Silver represents the four guardians. Amethyst and Ruby are Tomoyo, Meiling, and those related... they will all vanish." Sakura looked at Syaoran, almost fearfully.

"But there will be two who shall endure the most pain, and the most sacrifice. They will take it upon themselves to hold the fate of the world in their hands, and their hands alone, as they are finally brought into the world of their creation. The world that glowing sphere beckoned them to. In that world, they must make the ultimate choice: To save the world, or to save their loved ones- Syaoran don't you see?"

He looked at them, confused.

"I don't understand."

XiaoFuei smirked and Sakura looked helpless. "The chosen ones are not you and I. They are you and him."

Knowing, there's so much more to say

"Yes, it's true." XiaoFuei continued pacing around them, happy that someone was able to figure it out. "We are one in the same, my son. Sure, the prophesy fits you and the cherry blossom quite well, but we forgot one little factor." He paused for a more dramatic effect as dread slowly seeped into Syaoran's veins. "You know what I speak of."

Syaoran glared and spit out the truth. "'The ones fated to face a great task, one that requires a great sacrifice.' You speak of the sacrifice I have made, haven't you?"

Sakura looked at him in wonder, searching her memories for a mention of this 'sacrifice.'

"Correct. So what are you waiting for?"

Flashback (Chapter 4)

Suddenly the moment's gone

He looked me straight in the eye, "I had to, so I could be cured of my..." he paused, thinking of a word. "...'roots.' Cured so that… you guys would actually accept my help… and to ensure victory. That's why I'm no longer a half-vampire. That's why I have greater powers. And that's why I believe I can take out my father. If the only way to beat him is to take him down with me, then so be it. It was my decision alone to make, and I'd appreciate that no one," He stressed, pointedly, "should speak of it any further."

And all your dreams are upside down

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off. "I've made up my mind, and it could possibly be our only hope. You don't understand the extent of his power! Even now, he knows I have expanded my abilities but he still believes he is stronger and when it comes down to it I won't have the heart to kill him or myself. But he's wrong. I'd never surrender to him, ever." He finished with loathe in his voice

And you just wanna change the way the world goes round)

End Flashback

"I've told you this is all cliché." XiaoFuei smirked as the two processed the information slowly. "We could do the whole final battle thing and kick each other around for a while, but that's hardly any fun for either party."

"I wouldn't be too sure." Syaoran responded, coldly.

He smirked. "Ah, I'm sure someone like you would enjoy that, Xiao Lang." Syaoran's glare intensified and XiaoFuei held his hands up. "Not that I want you getting all touchy on me, so I'll stop." He shrugged. "All I'm saying is that there's more to this than ruthless fighting."

Sakura raised an eyebrow, "So do you have a proposal for us?" She suddenly smiled sweetly, "or would you rather give up to us quietly as to not humiliate yourself further."

XiaoFuei laughed at her cocky response. "Fiesty, aren't we?" He shook his head, "No, my precious Sakurrraa." He drawled out her name in a sickeningly sweet manner. "I am simply waiting for my kawaii little son to unleash these 'special powers' that he supposedly made a 'great sacrifice'." He smiled. "I know my sacrifice was my soul, obviously. I sacrificed my identity as the pathetic human XiaoFuei Li. And today I stand before you, all-powerful," he boasted, cockily, "and ready to become the ruler of the Universe. You know, all that jazz."

Sakura looked at Syaoran, worriedly. "What are you going to do, Syaoran? What is he talking about?"

Tell me...

Closing his eyes, a golden aura engulfed Syaoran as he breathed in deeply. XiaoFuei and Sakura only watched in amusement and worry, respectfully. When the light subsided, all was silent.

...and nothing had changed.

XiaoFuei, obviously, responded negatively. "That's it?" He snorted, and looked quite annoyed.

"Do you know what your problem is?" Syaoran's voice was deathly quiet and he slowly met the eyes of his 'father', his own shining golden for a moment.

"Humour me."

They both shared an identical smirk, as Syaoran responded. "You assume too much."

Raising an eyebrow, XiaoFuei snorted once again. "Do I?" In a flash, he whipped out a dagger and whipped it at Sakura, embedding her left shoulder with a painful 'thud.' Groaning, she stumbled and grabbed the handle, weakly, trying to pull it out. Blood was seeping through from the wound and she glared as she struggled with the blade.

Have you ever loved and lost somebody?
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry?

Syaoran, getting over his shock, turned to look at him as opposed to helping her. "Like I said, you assume to much." He grit out, and XiaoFuei yawned.

"Just trying to give you some motivation to use those spiffy powers of yours."

Syaoran smirked. "I don't need your piti-"

"SHUT UP!"

They whipped around to look at Sakura just as she yanked the dagger out and returned the blow, throwing the dagger straight at XiaoFuei's chest. Both the former and his son stumbled in shock when the dagger impaled his chest.

"B-bitch.." XiaoFuei stumbled backward, winded by the unexpected blow.

To their surprise, Syaoran stumbled back as well, as if he suffered the same injury.

"S-sakura..." Syaoran grit out, coughing violently. "Dammnit- you weren't supposed t-to..."

"I see!" XiaoFuei laughed insanely, as he recognized the predicament. "This is how you planned to take me down with you? By mirroring my pain?" Grinning malicously, he grabbed the handle of the dagger and twisted it around, inflicting a blinding pain that was slowly killing Syaoran from the inside. "Too bad I can handle pain much better than you can."

"L-like I said before..." Syaoran choked out, spitting out his own blood as he clutched his chest. "You assume... too... much..."

"Syaoran!" Sakura screamed as she ran to him, horrified at what she had done.

Can't you see?
That's the way I feel about you and me, baby

"FORGET IT!" Syaoran ground out, then tossed his sword at her. "Finish it!" He spat, trying to keep consciousness.

"B-but Syaoran..."

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME JUST FINISH IT!" he cried in agony as XiaoFuei slowly pulled out the dagger, stumbling to his feet.

"So this is a surprising turn of events," he coughed violently as spasms of pain racked through his body, but he managed to hold his ground somehow while Syaoran struggled to keep conscious. "What shall you do now, Ying Fa?"

Looking between the two distraughtly, meeting the challenging look of one and the urgent look from the other, Sakura shakily raised Syaoran's sword.

However, she still hesitated.

Have you ever felt your heart was breaking?

"FINISH IT!" Syaoran cried, but it was too late. XiaoFuei knocked the sword out of her hands and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off her feet.

"Did you think it would be that easy?" He growled, bringing his face disgustingly close to hers. "Think again. Never underestimate your opponent, remember?" She felt as if he was sucking her soul out of her body as she realized he was somehow absorbing some of her power.

Tossing her aside, she clawed at her throat, gasping for air and feeling incredibly weak and drained.

"Pathetic humans." Materialising his own sword, he advanced on the two menacingly. "I'll just have to wipe you both out now. There is no more glory to be had."

Lookin' down the road you should be taking?

"Fool!" Syaoran spat as he pulled Sakura behind him as best as he could. "If I die, you die as well!"

XiaoFuei paused, but shrugged. "In retrospect." Sighing, he gripped Syaoran by the shirt and tossed him aside. "Guess I won't take my chances." Meeting Sakura's gaze, she bravely sat up and met his gaze dead on, ready for whatever he would throw at her. He grinned. "Such a wonderful spirit. Such a shame, really-"

"Y-you said it... not me..." coughing, time seemed to freeze as Syaoran held is sword and plunged it into his own heart, the screams of the other two blurring out as pain engulfed him.

Falling to his knees and mirroring his son's agonizing twists, XiaoFuei's head shot up and his eyes suddenly grew softer. "Xia..Xiao Lang..." he wheezed, clutching his chest as Sakura stumbled over to Syaoran and rested his head in her lap, tenderly.

"...father?" Syaoran choked out, his blurring eyes looking at his dad's fleeting image.

Seeming to blur in and out of reality, XiaoFuei smiled. But it was without a trace of evil, as his image disintegrated into the atmosphere.

"Syaoran..." Sakura cried as she gripped his hand tightly, the other hand stroking his face. Her own pain was forgotten as she looked upon his face. His eyes were struggling to stay open.

I should know

He was smiling weakly as he looked at her, squeezing her hand lightly. "It's finally over. My task... is complete."

However, she did not feel the joy he did. Shaking her head in denial, she looked at him tearfully. "N-no. This can't be how it ends.. it can't be!" She gripped the sword hilt and ripped it out of him as he groaned, the pain intensifying. However, she would have none of it as she desperately tried to put pressure on his wound, transferring what little energy she had left to try to keep him alive.

Around them, the skies were clearing and everything was calm and peaceful.

The opposite of the turmoil that was resting in their hearts.

'Cause I loved and lost

He coughed and she wiped the blood that was flowing from his mouth, holding back her tears to maintain a clear vision of him. He reached up and touched her face. "I'm..." he struggled, his voice becoming faint. "I'm glad you... remember..."

She smiled sadly, a deep guilt flowing through her that she finally remembered when they no longer had any time left together. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words were coming and the tears stung strongly at her eyes as she grew frustrated at her lack of words. Instead, she pulled out a small, familiar object from her pocket and showed it to him.

Laughing weakly, he opened the box and took out the ring, slipping it onto her finger. Choking down a sob, she quickly moved to lie down beside him and put his arms around her. She gripped him tightly to her body, not caring about his blood that was soaking through her battered clothes. "What happens now?"

He spoke soft, so softly she strained to hear him. "The night XiaoFuei Li was attacked... he shall die... like he was supposed to."

Sakura looked up at him, anguish in her expression. "But that means-!"

He looked at her grimly and nodded, the finality unbearable on his face. "That I will never be born. C-correct."

"No!" Holding him tighter, he gasped in pain but they remained in that position, not wanting to face the truth in his words. But they knew that was the price that they had to pay.

"S-sak..ura..."

Their silence was interrupted as Syaoran's breathing grew very laboured, and Sakura watched in horror as he began to fade the same way that XiaoFuei had. "Sakura!"

"Syaoran!"

He was almost gone now, and she tried to cling to him desperately but her hands went through his fleeting image.

Her world went blank as he disappeared.

The day I let you go


A blinding white light.

Tears?

Emerald eyes opened to the world.

"It's a girl, Nadeshiko... our baby girl..."

The smiling eyes of a father, a beautiful mother, a fascinated brother.

"What's her name, tou-san?"

Nadeshiko smiled at her husband and son as she held her daughter, tenderly. Looking at Fujitaka, he nodded and smiled warmly.

"Sakura. Kinomoto Sakura."


"Otou-san, will okaa-san be okay?" a young Touya inquired, deathly afraid for his only mother. They were currently in the emergency ward at Tokyo hospital. It seemed like a short while ago they were here, greeting his little sister to the world. He clutched her hand as he felt her shiver.

Fujitaka looked sadly at his children, patting his daughter's head softly and addressing his son. "I don't know, Touya-kun... I don't know..."

"Kinomoto?" A doctor appeared, a grim look on his face as he pulled Fujitaka aside.

Looking at their serious faces, then to the door that was keeping him away from his mother, Touya bent down to his little sister who was sucking her thumb, looking afraid at the unfamiliar surroundings.

"Nii-chan!" She exclaimed and hugged him tightly, as if she understood what was happening. He hugged her fiercely. "Don't worry, kaijuu. Nothing bad is gonna happen to you again, cos I'm gonna protect you forever..." he kissed her forehead as their crying father approached them. "I promise..."

(Can't help but think that this is wrong
We should be together)


"Excuse me?" a soft voice interrupted her daydreams as a young Sakura looked beside her, questioningly, at the little girl who was poking her arm.

Shy amethyst eyes met her dazed look. "Ano... may I please borrow an eraser?"

Snapping out of it, Sakura quickly pulled out one of her favourite bunny erasers and handed it over, giving her classmate a friendly smile. "Hai!"

"...arigatou gozaimasu." The girl blushed, timidly.

Sakura only smiled in response. "My name is Sakura! What's yours?" she piped in a genki tone.

"Daidouji, Tomoyo..." the girl replied politely, and was about to continue when-

BRIIIINGGGG

The bell interrupted the new friends as everyone began to pack their things. Looking at the clock, Sakura gasped. "Hoee! I better hurry before onii-chan is angry!" she grinned at Tomoyo and waved. "See you tomorrow, Tomoyo-chan!"

As she ran away, Tomoyo held the eraser delicately and smiled after her new friend. "Arigatou...Sakura-chan."

(Back in your arms where I belong
Now I finally realize, it was forever that I'd found)


"KONIIIICHIWAAAAA!" Sakura screamed at the little fluff toy that suddenly spoke to her. "So you were able to wake me up!"

Puzzled for a moment, she paused. "An Osaka accent?"

The creature continued, undeterred. "Well, this book has been in Osaka for quite a while, so I managed to pick up the accent." It stated, matter-of-factly.

Grabbing the 'toy' suddenly, Sakura looked at it from all directions, trying to make sense of it. "...where's the battery or switch on this thing?"

The plushie 'flew' up, indignantly. "W-WHOA! WHAT ARE YOU DOIN'!"

Sakura was confused. "Where is that sound coming from?"

The toy looked offended. "I am not a toy! I'm Cerberus, Guardian Beast of the Seal! I guard this book!" 'Cerberus' stated, as if the most natural thing in the world.

"Seal? Cerberus?"

Cerberus grinned, proudly. "That's right! Guarding these cards and making sure they don't fall into the hands are all part of my jo- WHAT!" he looked in the book, hopelessly. "THE CARDS ARE ALL GONE! WHY! WHERE DID THEY GO!"

Sakura looked perplexed, but suddenly remembered and held up a single card. "Do you mean this?"

Cerberus looked overjoyed as rejoiced. "This! This is it! This is itt!" Then he paused, expectantly. "So, where are the other cards?"

"Well... I said 'Windy'..." Sakura laughed, nervously, and Cerberus nodded in encouragement. "And then suddenly a wind came..."

"Uh huh..."

"...And they all flew away!" She finished, laughing nervously.

Cerberus joined in her laughter. "I see!" They continued laughing until, as if just realizing what she said, his eyes bugged open and he freaked out. "NANII!"

(I'd give it all to change the way the world goes round
Tell me...)


"Class, we have a new exchange student today." Terada-sensei announced as class 4-1 murmured, curiously. "Please welcome Hiiragaziwa Eriol."

A boy with dark midnight hair and sapphire eyes entered and bowed to the classroom as the teacher explained where he was from and looked for a place for him to sit.

Sakura looked at Eriol, oddly, as he met her gaze. His eyes held a knowing look and almost a sense of... sadness.

"Sakura-chan?" Tomoyo's voice interrupted her thoughts and she turned to her best friend. "What's wrong?"

Casting aside the feeling of loss in the back of her mind, she smiled at her friend and reassured her nothing was wrong.

"Kinomoto!" Her head snapped to her sensei. "Please raise your hand."

"Hai!" Sakura answered, and Terada pointed to her. "Please sit behind Kinomoto-san, Hiiragaziwa-san."

"Arigatou gozaimasu." Smiling politely, Eriol made his way behind Sakura. Smiling, he exchanged introductions with the two friends and the lesson progressed, but in their minds they were all wondering if something was missing.

(Have you ever loved and lost somebody?
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry?)


"Eriol-kun!" Sakura called out, worriedly, as the Twin Card knocked him onto the ground, painfully. "Are you alright?"

"Sakura-chan! Hiiragaziwa-kun!" Tomoyo called out worriedly and moved to help, but Eriol shook his head in response.

"I'm alright. Please stay back, Daidouji-san." Turning to Sakura, he looked at her encouragingly. "Nice try, Sakura-san. But think. Which card can help you in this situation?"

Scanning through her deck after a failed attempt with the fiery and Eriol's aid, Sakura suddenly pulled out the mirror card. "MIRROR! Create an image of myself to help me fight!" Summoning the card, the mirror card took the form of her mistress, costume and all. They took on a familiar stance and lunged at the Twin, with the help of Power and Fight.

"Using so many cards at once." Eriol sighed, grimly. "It is taking its toll on my powers, as well." The half-reincarnation of Clow had to tell Sakura the whole story, as the situation was somewhat dire and she was in need of his assistance. He knew that it was not supposed to be this way... the cards were very dependant on his own power at present and Sakura could only harness that power in her current state, as she had not yet passed the Final Judgement.

He thought back to a conversation he had with a descendant of his predecessor. Li Yelan...

Flashback

"Are you positive, Li-sama? Your warrior will not be ready to assist the chosen Mistress in Japan at this time?"Eriol inquired, worriedly.

Though he could not see, Yelan nodded and sighed. "Yes, Hiiragaziwa-sama. I'm afraid she puts up a strong effort, but she still has a far way to go before we are able to send her off on her own. Unfortunately she will not be of much help to the Card Mistress in her current state."

Sighing, Eriol knew he would have to take matters into his own hands. "Very well. I will leave for Japan in two days. However, I will send my guardians over to assist in her training and preparation for the types of forces she will encounter." Before he hung up, he breathed in deeply, gravely. "Please hurry, Li-sama. Matters are not progressing as they should and, at their current rate..."

"I understand."

(Can't you see?
That's the way I feel about you and me, baby)

End Flashback


The Arrow card glared at Sakura as it flew higher, dodging any blasts from the Shot card.

"Sakura! Trap it!" Kero called out, yelling in surprise as Arrow began shooting blindly as she dodged. Changing into his true form, he made a protective barrier around Eriol, Tomoyo, and the unconscious Yukito as Arrow flew to the top of the school and behind it, successfully fooling the Shot.

Calling back the card, Sakura reached out with her senses, determinedly. It was her final card, and she was not about to give up.

"Watch out!" Tomoyo called, using her eyes as opposed to the others who were simply using their senses. The Arrow managed to sneak up behind Sakura and was arching her bow for a shot when Sakura whipped around, ready.

"SHIELD!" The projectile deflected, harmlessly, and Arrow barred her teeth as Sakura whipped out another card. "WOOD!" Catching the card by surprise, vines trapped her in her place as Sakura summoned the seal and joyfully finished her task.

"RETURN TO THY TRUE FORM! CLOW CARD!"

With a final struggle, the Arrow card materialized at the tip of the staff and flew down to Sakura's expecting hands. Turning around, she grinned at her friends and ran to meet them. Grabbing the awaiting pen from Tomoyo's hands, who was gushing about getting the final capture on tape and at the same time sad that this was her last capture, Eriol and Kero merely looked at her seriously.

"It is not over yet." Eriol stated, mysteriously, just as Sakura finished signing the card. She looked at him, puzzled.

"What do you mean?"

To their surprise, the trees around them began to rustle and a bright light exploded behind them. Turning around, they gasped, shocked, as they turned to see...

"Yukito-san!" Sakura gasped in shock.

(Have you ever felt your heart was breaking?
Lookin' down the road you should be taking?)


Breathing in deeply, Sakura skated to school, slowly. Kero had woken her up early, saying she needed the energy. At first, she thought it would be because it was her first day of her third year in high school. However, she remembered Eriol's wise words before he left on his vacation to Hong Kong.

"The journey is never truly over..."

She could not help but feel incomplete, and thinking of his words only proved that. She hoped that whatever happened today would help her with this odd feeling.

Shaking her head, she was about to enter the school gates when her best friend's limo pulled up beside her. Slowing down to a stop, she grinned as she sensed a familiar aura accompanying her.

"Tomoyo-chan! Eriol-kun!" she greeted as they stepped out from the limo, Eriol gallantly offering a hand to help her out. They had begun dating a few months ago, and she grinned as they still managed to blush lightly at the smallest public gestures of affection.

Before she could continue, a third person stepped out from behind Tomoyo. She had long black hair held up in two odangos, and as she turned in her direction Sakura's attention immediately turned to her burning red eyes that held great confidence and wisdom.

Eriol smiled at her, warmly. "Sakura-san! Allow me to introduce a member of the Li Clan from Hong Kong, descendants of Clow Reed..."

The girl smiled and extended her hand. Sakura, honoured, shook it in a friendly greeting.

"Hi, you must be the Card Mistress. Meiling Li, at your service!"

(I should know
Cause I loved and lost the day I let you go)


"Meiling-chan! Eriol-kun! Doushite!" Sakura cried to her friends as they stood before her, the truth finally revealed.

Tomoyo looked down, feeling betrayed and looked at Eriol accusingly. "Did you mean to hurt Sakura-chan this entire time? Why did you lie to us?"

"You're wrong!"

Ruby Moon flew down, a frustrated look on her face. "Can't you see? Eriol-sama and Meiling-sama care so much about you!"

This shut them up as they stared at Ruby in disbelief, Cerberus and Yue staying silent by their Mistress' side.

Sakura looked at her friends, seeing the sadness in their eyes.

Spinel spoke up. "Eriol-sama sent us to train with Meiling to prepare these 'occurances' for you so that you may change the Clow Cards into Sakura Cards with reason, as to avoid confusion. It was not his intent for anyone to be hurt, just motivated."

Nodding slightly, Eriol spoke up. "There were many instances when you could have been severely hurt, Sakura-san. But we never meant to hurt you. However, we could not tell you the truth because you have to have reason to transform the cards. You must believe us..."

"Sakura-san." Meiling walked towards her, her eyes grave. "We will talk about this later. Right now, you must transform your remaining cards." She held out her hand to help the Card Mistress up. As a guardian, yes, but as a friend as well.

(I really wanna hear you say that you know just how it feels
To have it all and let it slip away)

A determined look settled in her eyes as she nodded and took the offered hand. Bringing out her deck, she tossed the remaining Clow Cards into the air and they formed a circle around her as her celestial symbol appeared beneath her feat.

"O Cards created by Clow..." she chanted, the familiar words rising with her tone. "Discard thine old forms and be reborn in the name of 'Sakura,' thy new mistress!"

One by one, the remaining Clow cards changed; the Cloud, the Shot, the Rain, the Fight, the Storm, the Silent...except...

"Light... Dark... doushite?" Sakura gasped as her cards returned to her, the two remaining Clow cards stopping before her.

Eriol closed his eyes painfully. "I see." All eyes snapped towards him as he held out his sun staff, grimly. "I have no other choice, then."

Knowing that the Light and the Dark could not be transformed by any form of determination, like her remaining cards did, Sakura clutched her wand and braced herself. "What are you going to do, Eriol-kun?"

Opening his eyes, he rose his staff and the everything was suddenly engulfed by a blinding white beam that seemed to suck the lightness out of the sky. A dark veil shrouded Tomoeda.

Suddenly, Meiling felt faint and stumbled, falling against Ruby who held her gravely. Before they could react, Tomoyo uttered a small cry as her camera fell to the ground, her body soon following it.

"Meiling-chan! Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura cried out and Eriol grit his teeth.

Kero glared at him "What have you done?"

He looked at them gravely. "Darkness has surrounded this town. Everyone will be asleep from now on..."

"Masaka!" Yue grit out. "Clow, doushite!"

Sakura's blood had run cold. "Why did you do that?"

(Can't you see?
Even tough the moment's gone)

"Actually," Eriol smiled grimly, "I would have put you all to sleep as well... but you have become stronger. Though at this rate, if the darkness remains before the day breaks, Tomoeda will stay asleep... forever."

"No!" Sakura burst. "How can I wake them up?"

He stared at her seriously. "You must break my magic with your own."

"NANI!"

"CLOW!"

Kero and Yue stood protectively in front of their mistress, but Spinel and Ruby intervened. "WE are your opponents." Spinel warned them, and they charged.

"STOP IT!" Sakura screamed and all eyes were on her. Tears were cascading down her cheeks and her knuckles had turned white from the death grip she had on her staff. Eriol looked at her sadly.

"The clock is ticking. Morning will be here soon. What will you do... Sakura-san?"

She looked at the remaining Clow cards in her hand. Tossing them up, her symbol appeared beneath her feet and she closed her eyes, determinedly.

"O cards created by Clow..."

"Sakura! That didn't work last time!" Kero growled but he could not reach her as Spinel blocked his path, sending a blast at him. Yue was struggling with Ruby and Eriol continued to stare, sadly.

"Discard thine old forms and be reborn..." she channelled all her power into her wand as her aura glowed, brilliantly. "... in the name of 'Sakura!" She shouted. "THY NEW MISTRESS!"

A brilliant aurora emanated from the Light and Dark as they slowly began to transform. However, to their horror, the power simply was not enough and the light began to dim.

"Please change!" Sakura screamed, desperately. Tears began to cloud her vision and she felt light-headed. Something was wrong, something was missing, and it was so evident she felt physically winded.

(I'm still holding on somehow
Wishing I could change the way the world goes round)

"I must believe in the cards, and myself..." She closed her eyes and a voice suddenly echoed in her mind.

Because you're 'Sakura'... and everything will be okay, for sure... I believe in you...

Unknowingly, tears streamed down her face and her eyes snapped open. "...dare... who..?" Amber eyes flashed in her mind, and a warmth surrounded her body. She felt safe, protected, encouraged. "Zettai daijoubu. Everything will be okay..." Sakura smiled.

"For sure!"

A bright light burst from the Sakura symbol and the Light and Dark glowed brilliantly as they were finally transformed, successfully.

Grinning with tears of joy in her eyes, Sakura held the two cards to her heart for a second and then threw up the Light card.

"LIGHT!"

Her spirit was released and she smiled beautifully at her mistress, nodding, then flew up to the sky and spread her arms, her powers releasing and chasing the eternal darkness away.

Slowly, everyone began to wake up, and were filled with the warmth from the Light and Sakura's power, smiling to themselves.

And the sun rose in Tomoeda once again.

(Tell me have you ever loved and lost somebody?
Wished there was a change to say I'm sorry?)

But it was not over.

Recalling the Light, Sakura quickly summoned the Fly card, surprising the others as her wings sprouted from her back and she stood there, proudly.

"Sakura-san?" Eriol called, hesitatingly, as she simply smiled at him, happiness radiating from her. They suddenly noticed that her staff had grown to about the size of Eriol's, and had a golden star at it's end with radiant wings. She then held up a card that had materialized in her heart while she was transforming her final cards, and they all looked in wonder.

It was nameless, and had a heart with two wings and a crown on it.

"This is it." She spoke in a voice that sounded almost foreign to her own ears. She sounded older, wiser. "This is what I have been searching for." Throwing the card in the air, she hit the card with her staff.

A warmth surrounded them all as they watched the mistress fly into the sky, tears sparkling after in her wake. A single name was on her lips.

"Syaoran!"

And they remembered.

They remembered his burning amber eyes, his stoic stature, his short temper. But most importantly, they remembered his quiet and calm caring nature, his kindness, his warmth. They remembered their friend, cousin, descendant, rival, master, lover...

Xiao Lang. Li. Syaoran.

(Can't you see?
That's the way I feel about you and me, baby)


What's happening?

It's warm...

The wind... is... warm...

Her feet gently touched the floor as she opened her eyes, taking in a deep breath and surveying her surroundings. The sky was glowing an ethereal golden colour and she appeared to be on an island of sorts. A single cherry blossom tree stood beside her and as she looked passed the picturesque, earthen green of the grass, she saw dark waters that seemed to glow the colour of the island...

"Emerald..."

The word sounded odd to her ears, and she turned back to the tree. It was in full bloom, and the blossoms suddenly began to fall and swirl around her. Inhaling, she let the familiar scent of the blossoms consume her, and the warmth made her feel like she was home...

Touching the trunk of the tree she smiled and close her eyes.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" A soft voice inquired beside her. Her smile widened but she did not move otherwise. "Will you not open your eyes, Sakura-chan?"

As she shook her head stubbornly, the voice laughed and stroked her hair, lovingly.

Sakura's lips trembled as she turned to the beautiful figure. "Okaa-san..."

"Hai." Kinomoto Nadeshkio confirmed, embracing her daughter tightly. "My sweet little Sakura-chan." Sakura returned the embrace and mother and daughter stood for a while, basking in the moment. However, Nadeshiko soon spoke up. "Come, Sakura-chan. I want you to meet a friend of mine..."

Turning around, they met the familiar amber eyes of none other than...

(Have you ever felt your heart was breaking?
Lookin down the road you should be taking?)

"XiaoFuei Li. Pleased to make your acquaintance." He had dark brown hair and his eyes almost had a certain apologetic look in them as Sakura shook his hand, smiling in greeting. "There is something we must tell you, Kinomoto-chan..."

They sat down, under the shade of the tree, and Nadeshiko and XiaoFuei gently relayed a story to Sakura. A story that seemed so familiar, it was chilling.

It was a story of dark times, when the sun had all but disappeared and the world was shrouded in darkness. Demons, vampires, monsters, every being that was ever created in a nightmare or a science fiction novel... they were all real.

They took the world by force and slaughtered all who stood in there way. History had repeated itself over and over as the same mistakes were made as had been in past world wars and catastrophic events and slowly, but surely, humans became a minority on Earth. Very few survived. Those that did lived in revived fallen metropolis known as Atlantis, where they were bound by a limited freedom and a false sense of security.

There came the time when a final confrontation was to be set up, when then fallen heroes decided to pick up their strength and fight to the bitter end. And although they saved the world, they could not stop the horrible tragedy that was doomed to befall the world.

The horrible tragedy that the world only encountered once before, when a magical force had unknowingly threatened the lives of all those involved...

And when the story was was over, they told her the names of those involved. She was especially stunned when two of the names were-

"Kinomoto Sakura... and Li Syaoran..."

Looking up in shock, she turned to see a tall, built young man around her own age. His features were hard, but his eyes were soft and he had a small smile on his face.

Standing up, she took in his dark, chestnut hair and brilliant amber eyes.

(I should know cause I loved and lost the day I let-
Yes, I loved and lost the day I let-)

"S-syaoran?" Sakura gasped in shock.

His eyes lit up and he smiled fully, stepping up and grabbing her elbows. He looked excited. "You remember...?"

Grinning she hugged him fiercely. "Yes...! I knew all along... I knew something was missing... I knew it was not right... because..." she looked up at him warmly. "because you were not there with me. And nothing is right without you."

Grinning, he bent down and kissed her softly. Pulling apart, their foreheads pressed together, they simply closed their eyes and stayed in that position for a while. Their hands were gripped together, firmly, as if letting go would mean the death of them.

Nadeshiko and XiaoFuei looked at their daughter and son, respectively, in happiness. Finally, the couple turned to the parent that they had lost.

Syaoran and XiaoFuei seemed to stare at each other for a long time, struggling internally. It was Syaoran who broke the awkward silence and surprised them all by running up to his father and punching him square in the jaw.

"Syaoran!"

"It's alright." XiaoFuei grinned, and the two women were shocked as they heard the laughter coming from their companions.

Seeing their confused looks, Syaoran quickly spoke up. "Well I wasn't going to run up to him and hug him, if that's what you were wondering about."

Patting his son on the back, affectionately, they all shared a precious moment and sat down together.

"So what happens now, father?" Syaoran asked, curiously. "Is it possible for me to exist knowing that you..." he stopped, mid-sentence, and his head bowed. "I'm sorry."

He smiled at his son. "I should be sorry. I caused this pain, through my own weakness." Before the others could protest, he held up his hand to stop them. "But one thing is for certain. The bond that you two share is so strong that you were able to defy this destiny many, many times. You managed to come together, no matter what. And in a world where Xiao Lang did not even exist, Kinomoto-chan managed to save him simply by remembering him. That," he finished, smiling at the lovers as they held hands tightly. "Is a love beyond boundaries."

Nadeshiko smiled at them fondly. "The question is not what will happen next... but more of when it will happen." And with that she stood, bringing her friend up with her as well.

Puzzled at her words, they looked at each other before standing up as well.

"So is this 'goodbye'?" Sakura asked sadly, looking from her mother, to XiaoFuei, and finally to Syaoran.

Squeezing her hand tightly, Syaoran smiled at her. "No. It's 'until we meet again.'"

Smiling at him, she exchanged hugs with her mother and XiaoFuei, then turned back to him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she inhaled shakily, a little afraid of what fate would throw at them next. He returned the embrace tightly, as a bright light surrounded the four of them.

A wind picked up, and she found herself being carried away from his embrace.

"I love you!" She called out, as their hands struggled to keep together. Nadeshiko and XiaoFuei were no where in sight.

He grinned, confident that they would meet again. "I know."

Their hands were finally separated and their world was once again, consumed by a bright light.

(Yes, I loved and lost the day I let you go...)


A/N: Okay. I'll keep this short since this chapter was as long as ass. But a big thank you goes out to...

Onigiri Momoko, for sticking by my pathetic lack of updates and not giving up on me. I did finally update, so I hope you like how things are wrapping up.

subaku ai.tsuki, for being such a wonderful friend and giving me great feedback on this odd little story. I would also like to congratulate her on her success and for not deleting her Naruto story ;) (go read it :P)

AnimeObsessionFantasy, for keeping with it and paying attention to some of the little hints and reasons I have in here.

sweetlove73, for loving this story even though its angsty and sad and overdramatic -

Jarnetre, for the wonderful comment and I don't think I thanked you before :)

Piccoleia Star, for I finally updated and am pretty much finished this story so I must extend my thanks and I hope you like how things turned out.

And everyone else who has read this story... I hope you get your two cents in for this chapter because there's one more after this and that's... the epilogue.

Until then, ciao! Hope you have a great summer! (summer if you're where I am, that is)

Next : Of Amber Orbs and Emerald Pools : The Epilogue - If You Believe
There is nothing in this world that cannot be, if you believe.

-T. (Conspiratorial Omen)
( 22 / 06 / 05 )