CCS does not belong to me but rather to CLAMP. Don't forget to drop me a review~ Action is just about to start and this story will really start picking up its pace. I'm not even joking. This thing will flash by your eyes before you know it :) Enjoy!

Time skip to the winter ball

Apparently, she was so engrossed in her reading that she didn't even hear Kero warning her about the time. But the book was incredibly engaging and not in a good way. Her eyebrows were furrowed and her forehead was wrinkled in thought. She could feel shivers in the tips of her fingers and cold sweat near her neck threatening to form.

Sakura sat on her bed with a familiar book in her hands that held beautiful symbols written over the cover in gold ink. The paper was thin and wrinkled and each page she turned, she did so carefully. The translation sheet Eriol had long since given her was sitting next to her and she rarely had to reference the sheet anymore because she picked up the archaic language rather quickly.

She picked the book out randomly and for fun, yet the result was far from what she imagined. It was uncanny how the book she picked out months ago seemed to contain something that had to do with her and Syaoran's situation currently. Syaoran once told her that he was physically hurt from a nightmare although such event didn't occur again. Yet.

However, she must have been more unfortunate because the prediction of the near future about Syaoran being severely injured continued to plague her every other night. The Dream Card only shook her head, mystified, every time Sakura called her out. She would say the say thing each attempt, but each time her words became more and more insistent as if the Card wanted to believe it as well. "The future is never placed in stone. It's always shifting and changing, depending on the choices in the present. It could be that the prophecy never finished as well, Mistress."

Her green eyes squinted as she attempted to read the scribbled handwriting and read, "The people who saw it for themselves didn't believe it as well. Such a creature seemed to be created from utter hell itself or perhaps even worse. Staring into its eyes guaranteed paralysis and death. When one is in its presence, the shadows promised a certain wrathful retribution. With its eyes and a body that seemed to be made from darkness itself, it was an absolute abomination. Villagers quickly learned of its presence by certain hints that it left behind. They passed on these characteristics in case that it should ever escape from its eternal prison. They described-"

"Sakura!" The beady eyed guardian suddenly flew into her face, causing her to scream and drop the book. "I called your name a billion times already. You're going to be late if you don't take a bath now and Tomoyo won't have as much time to help you get ready," he frowned. Crossing his arms stubbornly, Keroberus stared down at his mistress with an disapproving smile.

"It's time already?" She could have sworn it was afternoon when she started reading, yet the sky was turning darker shades of orange as a setting sun could be seen from her glass windows. "I guess I'll have to read more later," she murmured before turning to her friend and patting him on the head. "Thanks for reminding me Kero."

The small guardian puffed his chest out proudly and smacked his paw against his chest. "Of course! Tomoyo gave me the important job of reminding you and promised me to bring a ton of sweets after the ball."

Sakura laughed along with him, Of course Tomoyo did or else he would have been less enthusiastic to do a favor and they all knew it. She got off the bed and placed the book along with the translation sheet on the table next to her bed to remind her to read the book tomorrow morning.

Fighting off her previously disturbed emotions that she held while reading the book, Sakura enjoyed relaxing in her bath and washing her hair. By the time she finished drying her hair, Tomoyo knocked on the door and entered with the queen's permission. Sakura smiled brightly when she saw her childhood friend. Tomoyo was gowned in the most stunning gown she ever laid eyes on. It was a deep violet blue with small crystals scattered throughout the skirt to resemble a night sky. It showed off her beautiful curves and a small silver necklace dangled from her pale neck. Walking towards Sakura in her silver slippers, Tomoyo held a pink and white gown in her hands.

"I made it just in time, seeing how you're drying your hair Sakura. Thank you Kero and as I promised, I'll bring you some treats after," Tomoyo winked.

"You're done already Tomoyo? But the ball won't be for another three hours!" Sakura protested, eyeing her elaborate hairstyle and her meticulous makeup as well. Tomoyo laughed as if it was obvious and waved her concern away. "Of course I had to be ready. Now I can help you look stunning without feeling pressured by my own needs to be ready."

"But that meant that you had to start getting ready hours ago!"

Tomoyo didn't reply but merely pointed at the stool and commanded, "Sit." As they worked, Tomoyo began to brush her hair before tying it into a beautiful hairstyle. They chatted and spoke about interesting topics. Tomoyo, for example, passed by Amia and Meiling getting ready together and saw how they both struggled to apply makeup. Meiling never personally touched makeup in her life and Amia was interestingly enough barely able to use makeup herself. Tomoyo therefore had to stop for twenty minutes to fix the two ladies' makeups and hair before coming to her room.

Sakura shared how this morning, she and Syaoran shared a sweet moment in his room, sitting near the fireplace with a comforting arm around her shoulders. They spoke in hushed tones because it was still early in the morning. He was naturally an early bird but she had woken up from the same nightmare again. Sakura didn't share the nightmare part, but told her companions how warm her husband and lover was and how even in the dead of winter, to her, he was like an endless flame burning away the coldness. Tomoyo teased her a little about that.

By then, she had finished with Sakura's hair and makeup and stepped away proudly. She applied very light makeup to none at all because what she wanted to emphasis was Sakura's natural beauty. Her green eyes stood out even more against her naturally pale complexion. Sakura stood in front of a mirror. "Wow," Sakura mumbled. "Sometimes I wonder who really has the magical power here Tomoyo. It looks beautiful." Tomoyo giggled and corrected, "You should say that you look beautiful Sakura because you are absolutely glowing today."

The seamstress led the queen to her bed and lifted up a stunning gown. It was shades of light pink and white intertwined with each other like the colors of a pink lotus flower. It was soft to touch and like Tomoyo's it had small pink and white diamonds littered throughout the fabric. Swirls of pink and white decorated the chest and the skirt and it even came with matching shoes and earrings as well. Sakura was speechless.

"This is absolutely beautiful," she whispered before tackling her friend. Tomoyo laughed in delight and grinned. "I worked days on that thing. You had better love it should be the correct statement."

"Well I love it. It's gorgeous!" Tomoyo helped her put on the dress, looped the cherry blossom necklace, and placed on her slippers before she led her to the mirror. Sakura spun a little and grinned like crazy at Tomoyo. "It's perfect."

"I think Syaoran owes me a favor sometimes," Tomoyo mused with shining violet eyes. "He should be grateful that I'm here to make you look like the most beautiful woman in the world-"

"Tomoyo!"

"-but then I guess he wouldn't like me either. I mean, he doesn't want other men to look at you either. He wants you all for himself-"

"Tomoyo!" Sakura begged. Her face was brighter than her dress and it was certainly a sight to see. Tomoyo burst out into laughter, trying her best not to mess up her outfit. "I was joking, although I was perfectly honest the entire time."

Kero grinned next to Tomoyo as well before hitting his plush forehead. "I forgot! Make sure to take you Cards and staff with you just in case Sakura. You know the rules."

"I know."

"While you two are at it, let me go get your crown." Tomoyo went across the room while Sakura hid the pouch of Cards inside her dress. Clever Tomoyo left a small pocket inside the dress that made it easily accessible although no one could see it. Tomoyo strode over to her queen and carefully set the crown on top of her head. "There. Now you truly look like a queen." And she really did and her silver crown went very well with her dress.

"Now shall we go?" Sakura stuck her arm out and Tomoyo hooked her arm around hers in fits of laughter. "Let's go meet our escorts together. I have a feeling they are both struggling don't you think?

The two women entered Syaoran's room after knocking and were greeted by the sight of two handsome men. "Looks like you two were able to dress yourselves properly," Tomoyo chirped as Eriol walked over to her to peck her on her lips. "You insult us my lady," he grinned and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"You are gorgeous." Tomoyo laughed and leaned back. "Flattery will get you nowhere dear, but you look handsome as well. As expected of my clothes."

Her fiance cocked an eyebrow at her and smirked, "So you're saying the only reason why I'm so good-looking is only because of your clothes?" Tomoyo answered evenly, "Exactly. I should give you more credit. You are a bit more intelligent than I thought." Eriol rolled his eyes and kissed her cheek again. "You little devilish angel."

Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other with small smiles after seeing their friends interact. "And here I thought," he joked "that we were bad." Sakura laughed, "They fallen for each other much harder than we thought." Syaoran mirrored his cousin's actions and kissed his wife lovingly on the lips and hugged her closer to him. "Have I told you yet," he breathed into her ear, sending ticklish shivers down her neck "that you look stunning today."

"No, but you look wonderful as well," she kissed his cheek before tugging away, much to his distress. "It's time to go Syaoran. Stop complaining." The said man grumbled, but kept her hand firmly in his grip as the two couples made their way towards the ballroom. They stopped before large red curtains that kept them hidden from view. "I love you." "And I you Syaoran."

Tomoyo and Eriol made their way first, stepping past the curtain where the announcer called their names out as the couple made their way down the golden, grand staircase. Sakura tugged their hands nervously. "Ready?" "I think I should be asking you that instead. I find living people much more terrifying than ghosts," he teased. She rolled her eyes and muttered loudly, "Even if I love you, that doesn't mean I like you being arrogant." Syaoran grinned brightly.

"His Highness King Li Syaoran and her highness Queen Li Sakura!" the announcer yelled loudly. All the guests stopped dancing and bowed or curtsied deeply to show their respects. Her arm was hooked around his and their hands were interconnected as well. The couple made their long descent down while the people clapped and cheered for the young people.

"Sometimes," Sakura mumbled quietly out of the corner of her mouth, "I don't like these kinds of occasions for this reason. It feels as if we're on showcase with all of them looking as us like that." Syaoran laughed quietly under his breath and she could feel his chest rumbling with soft laughter. "I agree, but I can only tell you one thing."

Sakura tightened her grip on his hand and she knew that he was enjoying making her impatient, full of curiosity. "Which is?" They were only halfway down the stairs and Sakura wanted nothing more for the guests to stop looking at them. "Suck it up and smile." She barely narrowed her eyes and waited patiently for them to touch the ground before purposefully stepping on his shoe. She felt him wince and glowed with victory; no one noticed their little exchange.

The couple greeted other guests as they made their way to their parents. "Sakura," her father greeted and Syaoran released her so that she could go hug her father and brother. "Father, Touya!" she sang happily, hugging the two tightly. "I'm here too Sakura," a soft voice greeted and her eyes widened. "Yukito! It's been a while," she squealed, running over to hug him as well. "I haven't seen all of you in ages," she grinned, looking at the three men. Touya rolled his eyes and let a small smile grace his lips.

"We saw you at your coronation as queen Monster." "Don't tease your sister too much Touya. She just arrived," his friend reminded. Touya shrugged his shoulders indifferently. Fujitaka smiled warmly at his daughter; she grew up well and had obviously inherited her mother's impeccable beauty. "You seem happier than you've ever been Sakura."

His daughter glowed even brighter and the pink blush on her cheeks didn't go unnoticed. "I am," she answered simply. Syaoran, who had been previously speaking with his mother, turned to the older king and bowed respectfully. "Hello there Syaoran. It's wonderful to see you treating my daughter well," Fujitaka smiled. Syaoran smiled a little back in return. "Have you been doing well sir?" "I have been, thank you."

"Hello Sakura," Yelan softly greeted, her face brimming with a soft happiness. "Hello my queen," Sakura curtsied in return, "You look beautiful." "You as well my dear."

Sakura grasped her husband's hand after they both finished greeting everyone. "Stop glaring at Touya and let's go find Meiling and Amia," she tugged impatiently. Everyone laughed at her insistence and watched her drag Syaoran across the ballroom. Touya and Yukito left to eat, leaving the two older sovereigns to speak among themselves.

"I'm glad we made the right decision Fujitaka."

"I am as well Yelan. I'm sure Nadeshiko must be happy as well."

Yelan smiled softly, "I don't think I've seen Syaoran this happy since he had been a young child. And I'm sure Sakura had something to do with it."

"Amia, you look beautiful!" Sakura squealed as she tackled her friend, mindful of their gowns. Amia laughed in return and pulled by an arm's length to take a closer look at the young queen. She was pleased to find mirth and happiness glittering in her eyes. She winked, "You look stunning as well. Tomoyo's handiwork I'm guessing. Did she tell you that she had to stop by my room to help?"

Sakura giggled as she nodded, "It was a very entertaining story." Amia rolled her eyes but nodded in agreement. "I bet she decided to take out the fact that she grew annoyed with us when we almost dropped her makeup kit." "She did," Sakura noted and the two friends laughed joyously before Amia greeted Syaoran.

"You look handsome as well Young Master," she teased and Syaoran mirrored the greeting. "You look wonderful Amia. I wonder how Ahio reacted because after all, I heard you finally accepted him courting you." The said woman blushed and fingered the crystal necklace around her neck that went beautifully with her tropical blue gown. "His reaction was priceless."

Amia and Ahio had finally gotten together, to the relief of their friends. After Amia grew warmer towards him and his charming antics, the two became very close friends and soon, Ahio had formally courted her a month ago. That was when he had given the crystal necklace he forged himself as well. Amia had accepted and later told their friends, much to Ahio's horrified embarrassment, what had occurred during the confession.

Apparently, Ahio had been blushing madly, the reddest shade of red brighter than an apple and a cherry combined. An impressive contrast to his snow white hair and pale skin. A doctor passerby who was still far away enough, hadn't noticed the mood between the two and stopped by to see if Ahio was alright. The doctor claimed, after realizing the situation, from a faraway distance, it appeared as if Ahio wasn't able to breathe. They all had a good laugh about that, much to Ahio's chagrin.

Amia and Sakura were still talking when Ahio appeared behind Amia, hugging her waist and kissing her sweetly on the cheek. " Hello cousin and hello Sakura dear. The two of you look nice together," Ahio winked. "It's a miracle that you got my cousin to look this happy and this good Sakura," he joked, making them chuckle and Syaoran to mutter to Ahio to stuff it.

The two couples talked for a while later when Ahio decided to lead Amia towards the dancing, to which Amia happily complied. Sakura smiled cheerfully as Ahio and Amia argued lightly as they made their way. "They are a wonderful match, aren't they Syaoran? Like a match that was meant to be created." Her wonderful lover hummed and kissed her forehead softly, "Just like us." Sakura grinned, but didn't push him away. "So cliche." "You're the one that started it dear." "True."

All of her old friends came to greet her and her husband as well. Naoko and Rika spoke politely to the king, but Chiharu spoke like she always did to her old friend. They all looked happy with their love lives as well. Soon, another pair made their way to the royal couple after Syaoran and Sakura finished greeting his sisters and their respective husbands; the husbands had to yank their wives away from cuddling Sakura and their little brother, saying they had yet to meet Tomoyo and Eriol. Syaoran couldn't help but feel pity towards the husbands although Sakura pointed out that they seemed happy.

"XiaoLang," a smooth voice greeted before she hugged both of them. "Meiling." She pulled back and winked at the two, complimenting their chemistry before bringing forth an unknown man. Syaoran felt the protective brother mood coming forth. "Who is this?"Sakura asked pleasantly, noting the subtle change in her husband's aura.

The man bowed low before revealing his piercing silver eyes beneath his dark hair. "My name is Dante Kinole. Please feel free to call me Dante." Sakura's eyes softened when she saw the man and Meiling flash each other quiet, loving glances. "I can see that both you and Meiling aren't too big on formalities," she joked genially. They all chuckled except for Syaoran who was glancing at the man with suspicious eyes.

Meiling huffed and placed her hands on her hips. "Stop looking at Dante as if you're trying to hunt him. He's not going to bite." "You never know," was his clipped response. Sakura smiled apologetically at Dante, "Sorry, he's careful about trusting people." Dante shook his head in understanding. "I know how he feels. I have two little sisters at home. I'm always worried about them so much, I had to end up training them martial arts."

That caught the king's attention and quickly enough, the two men engaged in a passionate conversation in regarding their favorite subject. Dante was a renowned fighter in the Hiro Kingdom much to Syaoran's pleasant surprise and the two happily agreed to spar very soon. They came back to the women who were sipping from their glasses and talking about Kero.

Sakura saw the look in his eyes and knew that Dante had successfully managed to at least be accepted by her husband.

"What made you accept him so quickly?" she murmured to which he cheekily grinned back, "He likes martial arts, is a very good fighter from what I heard from other people as well, and truly adores my cousin," he answered cutely as they saw Dante and Meiling argue in their own happy way.

They saw how Dante reached for Meiling's hands and laughed how Meiling would occasionally trip and step on his shoes. Dante was obviously in pain each time that happened, yet a smile never failed to lift his lips every time Meiling cursed as she tripped.

They could see Amia and Ahio as well, dancing near Meiling and Dante. The two must have been making snide comments as one another because the nearby dancers looked upon them strangely. But there was no doubt that they didn't take each comment to heart and just enjoyed each other's company.

Tomoyo and Eriol were obviously acting very sweet to one another, suddenly kissing each other one moment and twirling across the room in a beautiful dance the next.

"For now, he's accepted," he finished and Sakura couldn't resist the temptation of hugging him. "And people said you were cold and stiff like a marble statue, All I see is just a cute, soft, wonderful husband," she gently laughed as he led her towards the dancing. He placed a reassuring hand on her waist and grabbed her other hand firmly. "And all I see is a beautiful, smart, loving wife in front of me as well," he winked as they started to waltz.

She hummed to the music as they danced and soon enough, he followed as well. She enjoyed the vibration she felt from his chest, making her feel warmer and happier. She loved his voice and the warmth it contained. "Syaoran, if you had only one wish, what would it be?"

He raised an eyebrow out of amusement, "That was very random, if you haven't noticed." Sakura cringed in return, "I know. But still, what would it be?"

"I'll answer if you allow me three wishes."

"That half defeats the purpose but fine, I'll humor you," she grinned. He spun her around, twirling among the other dancers before settling his grip back on her waist.

"First, I want everyone I love to be happy, which includes by family and my people."

"Quite honorable."

"Second, I want strength to protect those I love from harm and teach people how to be kind and loving, like how you taught me."

"I think you're quite powerful enough, but I suppose I can't stop your ironically kind greed."

"Third," he breathed. He leaned closer to her and although they had their fair share of intimate moments, Sakura still felt her face and ears growing hot from embarrassment. "I want to be with you forever. Not just in this life, but in many others as well." He quickly pecked her on the lips and pulled back, amused by her flushed cheeks and averting eyes.

"I-I didn't know you believed in things like that," she stuttered, but his next words made her smile even more lovingly at him.

"Because I love you, I want to believe in those things. Reincarnation. Fate. Love. I believe in them all because of you."

"I love you as well Li XiaoLang," she grinned, kissing him on his cheek.

"You look your best when you smile," he mentioned, lightly brushing his fingers over her cheeks. She leaned into his touches and replied, "You do as well Syaoran. The creases along your forehead disappear and you look like the happiest man in the world when you smile."

"That's only probably because I'm with you. You make me the happiest man in the world Sakura. No one will be able to replace you in my heart, no matter what gifts they bring me. Because you are the greatest gift in my life."

"Just like how you make the colors I see even brighter each day," she mumbled before leaning towards him, capturing his lips in a sweet kiss. He responded as well, with equal amount of passion. They broke apart and smiled at each other before Syaoran pulled her into a tight, warm hug in the middle of dancing.

The other dancers took no mind to the royal couple, each and every one of them lost in their own mystical world. Sakura cherished the warmth that began to spread to her fingers and back. It was as if she meant to be with him, their bodies fitting perfectly with each other. He began to rub little circles on her back and stepped back just enough to see her shining eyes.

He seemed as if he was about to do something as well when a sudden quake shook the room. He grabbed her waist tightly and tried to steady the both of them. Sakura cringed from the sudden motion of feeling the very ground shake and tremble. The chandelier twinkled loudly and the instruments screeched as the people screamed from fright. The room stopped shaking and everyone slowly grew quiet after realizing that the quake had passed.

Syaoran pressed his lips to her forehead briefly before grabbing her hand and making their way to their parents. They ran into Tomoyo and Eriol as well and from the corner of her eyes, Sakura saw Amia, Ahio, Meiling, and Dante clustered together near the windows.

"Attention everyone," Syaoran spoke loudly. The guests grew silent from the sound of his commanding voice and gave him their full, terrified attention. "Please remain calm. We might be having an earthquake right now and soon, a few more quakes should follow after this one. The guards shall direct everyone to a safer location and I repeat, please remain calm. Everything will be alright."

Right after he finished speaking, a more powerful rumble followed and wiped out almost half of the candle lights. Realizing their situation, the guests nervously obeyed the guards and allowed themselves to be led to a safer location. In the dim lights and the eerie silence compared to moments before, everyone began to murmur among themselves. It was obvious they were terrified because earthquakes were rare in the Li Kingdom and most of them haven't experienced a single earthquake before.

Syaoran turned to Sakura. She saw the look in his eyes and didn't like it one bit. Narrowing her eyes in return, she opened her mouth to speak when he beat her to it. "Please," he pleaded "Follow everyone else towards a safer location. I must speak with my mother, your father, Eriol and your brother as well. We need to discuss how to solve this situation and I want you to be safe."

"Why aren't I included Syaoran? I've been taught how to deal with these situations just like you and now I'm a queen as well. I need to do my part, rather than hide away like a little mouse."

"Sakura," he begged, gripping her hand tighter and already pushing her towards the crowd.

"Please just listen to me and be somewhere safe. This isn't the time to fight. I have more important things to do." He saw the hurt expression on her face and winced, but the situation deemed to be more important at the moment. He watched her turned her back to him, joining the solemn crowd; he ran a hand through his hair, thinking how to make it up to her after the earthquakes settle down before turning on her heels towards the others.

Sakura walked together with the other guests as they began to spill out into the hallways. The guards seemed to be directing to people where there were no windows and where the walls were stronger. She sulked from what had conspired moments and knew that she shouldn't have acted that way. But he was always pushing her away from the danger, placing himself in front of her and each time she wanted to tell him to stop putting himself in danger because of her. She wanted to protect him as well because she loved him too, but he wouldn't see it from her point of view and this greatly saddened her.

She continued to think such thoughts when she thought she heard someone call her name. Whipping her head around, she saw no one else staring at her, so she thought she must have imagined it when she heard it again. "Kinomoto Sakura." It was then she noticed it wasn't exactly a person calling her physically, but rather mentally. And he was using her maiden name.

"If you want me to stop the earthquakes, come to the gardens. Don't contact anyone. I can see you from here and if I see you having contact with your family, your friends, or Li Syaoran, the consequences won't be pretty. After all, we wouldn't want to hurt the innocent bystanders would we?" it threatened.

It sent shivers down her spine and she could feel goosebumps forming on her arms. She knew it was a trap to lure her, but she didn't know why. Sakura tried her best to resist the temptation of following its orders and busting out her staff when a bloody image flashed in her mind. It was an unwanted image and whatever it was knew it.

Syaoran was bleeding profusely and Touya was near him, cringing with pain from the deep wound in his side. They had both fallen and were barely hanging onto life when a sword pierced through them both. She clamped down on her lip fiercely, tasting blood but it was better than screaming aloud and scaring the already terrified guests around them.

"I'm not a very patient person Card Mistress," the deep voice laughed. Compared to Syaoran's voice, it was much deeper and overflowing with cruel malice. "If you don't want that image I just showed you to come true, come immediately." Another quake shook the castle and the people around her screamed and yelled out of pure fear. It had been much stronger than the last one. "I warned you once and I'm already straining my patience enough to warn you twice. Do not make me warn you thrice."

"Stop this and I'll go," she barely whispered. "Then come." To its word, the quaking froze, but she knew that if she didn't know now, it would resume with full vengeance. She turned the corner and thankfully, no one noticed in the dim light. She made her way down the familiar halls and rushed outside towards the gardens, releasing her staff at the same time. Thank goodness Kero had reminded her to bring her staff with her tonight. She arrived at the gardens with a tall star staff in hand and the stash full of Sakura Cards in the other.

She heard nothing. No sound besides her ragged, uneven breaths. "Come out unless you're a coward," she yelled. No response was given and the voice didn't come back to life in her head either. Every bone in her body was tense and she was in her stance, ready to fight either magically or physically.

A soft breeze blew past, causing her hair to whip her face. Suddenly, her ears detected a small metallic sound. Her lithe body moved on instincts as she yelled, "Sword!" Her staff that transformed into a silver and pink sword clashed against a pure black blade. It was held by a shadowy figure and she couldn't see its face and barely its body. The moon hadn't been out to help her.

The two blades screeched and clinked as the two continued their power struggle. Fairly quickly, she realized that her opponent's strength overwhelmed hers. A memory of Syaoran's lessons back at the summerhouse echoed in her mind. He taught her that if she was ever caught in a hold, to either retreat quickly or to lunge and then bend her back leg in a squat to aim for his vitals underneath the sword. He encouraged the latter because he knew personally of her agility and speed.

She resisted the temptation of smiling and followed Syaoran's exact instructions and lunged forward slightly. Bending her back leg and bring it forward to help her balance, she squatted and was released from the hold on her sword. Her blade nearly scratched its abdomen when the figure quickly jumped back. Sakura frowned. Her opponent and she was matched in agility and speed. This wasn't good.

Her opponent decided to initiate again and lunged for her, his black sword molding into a large scythe. Wincing, she flipped back and called, "Power!" to help boost her strength. Her sword and the scythe crossed once more, but it was harder to defend against a large scythe than a blade even with the Power Card activated.

Tiring quickly, Sakura found herself more on the defense than offense. She shouted, "Fly! Dash!" and a pair of wings grew on her back along with her legs that glowed blue. She grimaced. It would have to do and she had no other method to quicken her speed. She twirled around with her blade dancing along with her once she saw an opening. He must have had a bit of trouble defending with such a large weapon as it shrunk back into a sword.

He pushed back and she dodge his quick parry with a counterattack. Right when she thought she could land a touch, he already jumped to the side and aimed for her arm. She barely dodged that one as well. A thin red line marked where he missed its target.

Desperate for another plan, she stalled, "Why did you call me out here? I doubt it's just for a friendly spar." Her sarcastic tone wasn't lost on her opponent. "It seems I have underestimated you. My skills are still rusty it seems. I should have gone with this method instead." The voice was back and it didn't take very long for her to deduce that it was the voice of her opponent.

"Wha-" she began but froze when she smelled something sickly sweet. She smelled it a few months ago. Her eyes widened in realization and she tried to cover her mouth when her body refused to listen to her. Her legs, weakened, fell underneath her as she fell to the ground. Paralysis now controlled her limp body. It was pure willpower that kept her eyes opened and she finally saw her opponent's face when he came closer.

Black hair. Crimson eyes. A tattoo decorating his left eye. Shadows.

She had read about him.

Then she blacked out.

He vanished into thin air, melding with the shadows. The ground around her body turned pitch dark and began to engulf the Card Mistress until there was no trace of her left. The only things left behind was a single ruby and a single black feather.

Back in the lost queen's room, the wind from the open windows blew in, whispering of a tragic tale that happened in the gardens. A particular strong gust forced a book to open, its pages fluttering until they came to a stop. Ominous words decorated the wrinkled, yellow page.

"Villagers quickly learned of its presence by certain hints that it left behind. They passed on these characteristics in case that it should ever escape from its eternal prison. They described the figure having hair as dark as ink, eyes as red as blood, a mysterious tattoo under his eyes, shadows gripping at his clothes and body. After he struck his victim, he would always come to leave his infamous mark of death. A single ruby, along with a single black feather."

Hope you really enjoyed this chapter because I really enjoyed writing this one out; this story is finally getting back on track and the next few chapters will be filled with tension and action. The chapters themselves will take time to come out, but don't worry, I'm not idle and is currently writing a ton of CCS Hope everyone is doing well and hoped you all enjoyed this chapter.

Thank you so much to ones who reviewed, followed, favorited, and just read my story in general because it always warms my heart whenever I check up on here. Thanks to those who reviewed last time because they were so sweet. So please my dear reader, make sure to drop in a quick review on what you think of my story so far. And hey ctdiaz, don't worry. That epilogue? You better expect it. I promise I'll try my best to make it the cutest thing ever.

BakanekoNeki out.

-BnN

P.S. - The evil, dark book thing? I've actually been plotting that thing out reeeal slowly and so subtly almost that if you don't read carefully enough, you would have missed the hints. A cookie to those who find those hints or who realized this was coming. If you didn't, that's cool cuz if I was the reader, I wouldn't have noticed either. LOL. Anyways peace out.