Summary: Sakura and Madison are very excited to see the letter Ms. Mackenzie sent. And after they look at it, Sakura begins to remember the day she learned a little more about her teacher...and her brother.


Episode 33- Recalling Return and a Previously Hidden Past


Sakura opened the door and ran over to the coffee table. She snatched up the letter sent by Ms. Mackenzie and ran right up to her room. She shut the door and was about to open the letter, when she paused. She had the distinct feeling she was forgetting something.

"Sakura!"

Sakura calmly opened her door and sweatdropped. "Sorry, Madison. I guess I'm just a little too excited."

"Then what are you waiting for?" Madison squealed. "Open it!"

Sakura opened the letter and sat on her bed. Madison sat right beside her and the two girls started to read the letter. Even Kero, who was getting curious, flew over and landed on Sakura's shoulder.


Dear Sakura,

I know I haven't been in touch. I apologize for that. It's been a long few years for me, ever since…the breakup. These last few years I've just been seeing the world and I just wish I could describe all the wonderful sights I've seen. But no matter how much I see, it still doesn't take away from the feelings of emptiness I have. I really miss Japan, but more than that, I miss all of you.

I also know this is a happy time for you. It's almost time to graduate. You're probably just a little nervous, but I wrote to tell you to relax. It'll all be fine. You should feel proud of yourself. You're a wonderful person, Sakura. And I'm happy for you. Maybe we'll meet again someday.

Love,

Ms. Mackenzie

P.S.: I know Eriol said he'd return to Japan someday. If you see Madison…tell her I said congratulations. I know he'll make her very happy.


Madison smiled warmly. "That's so sweet. I never realized how much I missed her before today."

"I always loved her," Sakura added. "There was just…something about her that made me feel…you know. I loved being around her and there'd be times when I couldn't be dragged away from the temple. But there was always something mysterious about her. And just when I thought I had the answers…there always seemed to be more questions. The first instance that pops into mind is a few days after I first met her…"


Flashback: The Dinner Table

P.O.V.: Sakura Avalon

The dinner table only held two tonight. Sakura was eating with her father, since Tori had a new job. But Sakura's mind was elsewhere throughout dinner. Her mind was on Ms. Mackenzie, the substitute teacher. She had helped her clean the temple earlier in the day and she became rather attached to her. But for some reason, Li didn't like it. He told Sakura sternly to be cautious when around her.

~* Who does he think he is telling me to be careful? I can take care of myself. Besides, I like her. She makes me feel…happy. *~

"Sakura, I heard you have a substitute," Aiden Avalon said.

"Yeah. She's…supposed to be substituting for a while. I really like her, Dad."

"Really? What's her name?"

"Ms. Mackenzie."

Sakura's father dropped his fork upon hearing that name. There was a very awkward silence that followed. Sakura was starting to feel uneasy.

Finally, Aiden spoke again. "Did you say…Ms. Mackenzie? As in Leila Mackenzie?"

Sakura nodded. "Yeah. ………Dad? Is there something I should know about her?"

There was another awkward silence. Sakura was starting to wonder if Li was right about her new teacher.

"It…has nothing to do with you. It has more to do with…Tori."

"What about Tori?" Sakura asked curiously.

"Has…he seen Ms. Mackenzie?"

"Yeah, he saw her last night."

Aiden was getting a little flustered. "Did he happen to…recognize her?"

Sakura hesitated for a moment. "You know…now that you mention it…he did. Dad, is there something I should know?"

Aiden grabbed his plate and got up quickly. "Well, I'm full. Could you clear the table, Sakura? I've got a lot of work to do."

"Dad!" Sakura interrupted. "You didn't answer me. Is there something I should know?"

Her father said nothing. He only picked up his plate and rushed up the stairs. Needless to say, that left Sakura more than curious.

~* There IS something he's not telling me. And it's got something to do with Tori…and Ms. Mackenzie. I wonder what it is? *~

~----------~

[Sakura: I thought about all that…right until I got up to my room. Then Kero told me we had a Clow Card.]

[Kero: It didn't help that you went into that night distracted.]

[Sakura: So maybe I was distracted. I had good reason to be…sort of. Anyway, it wasn't as much the next Clow Card that threw me off. It's…what that Clow Card showed me…]


Flashback: The Temple

P.O.V.: Sakura Avalon

Sakura skated towards the temple. When Kero told her he sensed a Clow Card here, she started to feel a little uneasy. She knew why.

~* The temple…again. This is where I found the last Clow Card. I…just hope it's easier than a maze. *~

"Kero…what kind of card is this?"

"A strong one!"

Sakura turned around when she heard someone else's voice. It wasn't Kero. It was Li and he had the Lasin Board in his hand.

"Oh…Li. You sensed the card, too?"

"Yeah. I sensed it coming from the temple, so I brought the Lasin Board."

Sakura let out a smile. "Well, I'm actually glad…"

But Kero cut her off. "Hey, I already KNEW this was a strong card! We don't need YOU to tell us that, kid!"

Sakura was ready to say something else, but then she noticed something. "Um…Li…where's Meilin?"

Li looked around for a moment. "Oh…she's…doing homework." Then he also noticed something. "Where's the video girl?"

Sakura frowned. "She has a name, you know. I'm…letting Madison sit this one out. I mean it IS ten o'clock at night. So…I guess it's just us?"

"I guess so," Li muttered. "Just don't get in the way."

Sakura decided it was better not to respond. She just walked alongside Li into the temple. As soon as they got in…Kero stopped.

"It's…not here."

Li held out the Lasin Board. It was still pointing further into the temple. "It's still here. You're losing it, stuffed animal."

"Well…maybe I don't see it because I'm thirsty."

Sakura agreed with that. "Yeah, I'm thirsty too. Could you buy me a drink?"

"Go ahead, kid," Kero said casually. "Be a gentlemen and get us something to drink."

"I was talking to you, Kero."

Kero was taken by surprise. "Huh? Me?"

"Sure," Sakura grinned. She handed the guardian beast her coin purse. "There should be a vending machine over there somewhere. Don't take too long. I'm really thirsty. And get one for Li, too."

Kero shrugged. "Ok, I'll get one for the kid. My treat." He flew off, leaving Sakura all alone with Li Shoran.

Just then, Sakura realized something. "Kero! You're just saying that because you have MY purse!" Seeing that he didn't hear her, Sakura just sighed and followed Li up into the branches of a tree. She looked around and found nothing. "I still don't see it."

"It's probably hiding," Li thought. "It knows we're here. Doesn't surprise me. After all, the cards know exactly who you are now."

~* Oh…why did he have to remind me of that? *~

"Ms. Mackenzie," Li suddenly said. "Is she here?"

"I…saw her this morning," Sakura answered. "She's probably around."

"Do you…feel something when you're around her?"

Sakura honestly wasn't expecting that question. "Uh…um……yeah…I do. I feel…happy."

"She makes you happy?" Li asked dryly. "I think you feel something else."

"What do you mean?" Sakura asked curiously.

Li just looked out into the temple. "I suppose power attracts power."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"There's something about her, Sakura. Haven't you wondered why the Maze Card flew to her first? She has power. I think she has Clow magic flowing within her, too. And that's a scary thought."

Sakura blinked. "She…doesn't scare me."

"Yeah, well sometimes scary things aren't always so scary on the outside."

"Well I can't help it if I like Ms. Mackenzie," Sakura shot back. "I feel the same way when I see Julian."

Li was flustered. "……Yeah…me too." He was turning a little red. "You…really like him, don't you?"

Sakura blushed. She knew the answer to that. "Yeah…I do. And I have a feeling that you like him, too."

"Um…uh…maybe…ok…yeah."

Sakura sighed. "Anyone else would think it's hopeless. We're both too young. But I guess…it's just love." Suddenly, she looked Li right in the eye and smiled. Then…he started to blush. But as fast as that happened, Li suddenly jumped down and put some distance between himself and Sakura.

~* Great. I try and have a moment with Li Shoran and he runs away. I should have expected that. I bet Julian would never do that. *~

"Sakura! Look out!!"

Sakura never even saw it coming. When Sakura jumped down from the tree, it started to glow. Then…the darkness overtook her.

~----------~

[Madison: Can I ask just one question, Sakura?]

[Sakura: Sure, Madison. What is it?]

[Madison: He blushed and you didn't tell me?! How could you?!]

[Sakura: I'm sorry, but if you saw what I went through that night, you'd understand. It was just so weird. When I came to, I couldn't believe what I was seeing…]


Flashback: The Temple?

P.O.V.: Sakura Avalon

Sakura opened her eyes. She felt like she was conked on the head with a brick. But when she woke up, she saw that she was still under the tree…only it had bloomed. It was full of cherry blossoms.

~* How long was I out? It can't be spring already. Wait…where's Li? Where's Kero? Where IS everybody? *~

Sakura was all alone. She got to her feet and realized that there was no one around. Then she heard someone coming.

~* That…doesn't sound like Li. I'd better hide! *~

Sakura ducked behind a bush. When she raised her head from the bush, she saw a boy stop over by the tree. He looked to be a young teenager wearing a junior high uniform. But then Sakura gasped. She knew who it was.

~* TORI?! *~

Tori looked up at the tree. "Hello."

~* Hello? He's talking to trees? *~

But just then, someone else walked up to the tree right behind Tori. Sakura couldn't believe it.

~* MS. MACKENZIE?! *~

Ms. Mackenzie walked up to Tori and smiled. "Saying your prayers?"

Tori nodded. "Yeah…sort of."

Ms. Mackenzie looked up at the tree. "You see something in the tree, don't you? Or should I say…someone?"

"Yeah…" Tori replied. "I can see…spirits. I'm kinda used to it by now."

"What's your name?" Ms. Mackenzie asked warmly.

"Tori."

"What grade are you in, Tori?"

"Eighth."

~* Eighth? Wait a minute…eighth? Then this CAN'T be the present! Where am I? *~

Ms. Mackenzie smiled again. "I'm Ms. Mackenzie. I…guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Yeah!" Tori said cheerfully. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Sakura couldn't understand any of this. It was all so surreal.

~----------~

[Madison: You mean…this is where you found about…you know…]

[Sakura: I didn't know it at that moment. I kept seeing other memories of the past. After seeing that…I got bounced around to the next day…]


Flashback: The Temple? (The next day)

P.O.V.: Sakura Avalon

Sakura was suddenly seeing something else. The tree was empty again. But it wasn't empty for long. Again, Tori came running up to the tree.

~* Didn't I just see this? What's going on? How is this happening? *~

Just like last time, Ms. Mackenzie walked up behind Tori. Tori turned around and became very cheerful…almost like…Sakura whenever she saw her substitute teacher.

"I saw you…just like you said."

Ms. Mackenzie beamed. "It's not just because I was your substitute. I didn't know I would be. Somehow…I just knew I'd see you again. Sometimes when you feel things…you don't always have to tell others."

Tori was taken aback by that. "Yeah…I guess not."

Ms. Mackenzie walked up to Tori and took his hand. "I have a feeling we're going to become very good friends."

Tori looked overjoyed. "Yeah…I think so, too."

~* What am I seeing? Is this the Twilight Zone? What's going on? *~

~----------~

[Sakura: It was all so confusing. But then I got bounced to a year later…and it all became clear…]


Flashback: The Temple? (A year later)

P.O.V.: Sakura Avalon

Sakura found herself at the empty temple once more. She wondered if it was going to be just like last time. But it wasn't. This time, Tori and Ms. Mackenzie walked up to the tree…together.

"Tori…" Ms. Mackenzie began. "I'm sorry, but…I have to leave. I'm going to study…far away."

Tori looked crushed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Ms. Mackenzie looked down. "Because…neither of us are good at being sad." She started to move closer to him. "It was one year ago…that we met under this very tree."

~* She's getting awful close. It's almost as if……no…it can't be! There's no way… *~

Ms. Mackenzie gazed into Tori's eyes. "I've really had a wonderful time with you, Tori."

"Then why are you breaking it off?" Tori asked sadly. He tried to put his arm around the teacher's shoulder, but she pushed it off.

"It's time to say goodbye."

"Why?"

"I promise you…next time we see each other…you'll have found someone special…and so will I." She put her fingers to his lips. "Next time we see each other…we'll be very good friends. And I WILL come back…when the time is right."

Sakura just looked on with awe. She was overtaken by this whole scene. She didn't know what to think.

~* So THAT'S why Dad wouldn't say anything. And that's why Tori was so shocked to see her last night. I don't believe it. Tori…and Ms. Mackenzie were…were…were…a couple. *~

Ms. Mackenzie looked up into the sky. "The full moon. It's so beautiful. I just wonder…………when the disaster will arrive."

~* Disaster? She couldn't mean…the Clow Cards…could she? *~

But Sakura didn't think that for long. She was very shocked to see Ms. Mackenzie…turn towards her. She started to say something, but Sakura couldn't hear her. There was a bright flash of light.

~----------~

[Sakura: Another few seconds and I would have heard what she said. Another case of bad timing.]

[Kero: Well EXCUSE ME for trying to save you! The kid and I worked hard to get you out of that loop. And after a lot of effort, we finally did…]


Flashback: The Temple (Present Time)

P.O.V.: Kero

He hoped this would work. Kero had hoped the kid could do get Sakura back and it seemed that it was all working. There was a flash of light.

Kero called out. "Sakura!" Nothing. He called out again. "Sakura!!"

Just then, Sakura came out of the tree. She had come back. She held her head. "W-What happened?" She looked up at Kero. "Kero? H-How?"

Kero sighed. "I hate to say it, but it's because of the brat."

"Li? Where is he?"

Kero just pointed towards the tree. Li jumped out and right behind him was a black spiral. Kero recognized that Clow Card.

"That's the Return Card! Seal it, Sakura!"

Sakura held out her wand. "Return Card! Return to your power confined!"

She thrust her wand down and sealed the Return Card…and it flew over to Li. Kero was expecting to see a look of disappointment on Sakura's face, but he could see that she didn't even know what was going on.

So Kero decided to explain. "Um…you probably want an explanation. Well, Return was taking you back in time…so Li…used Time to bring you back. But it took a lot out of him…as you can probably see."

Sakura saw Li nearly fell over from exhaustion. "Li!!" She ran over and caught him in her arms. "Thank you!" She then hugged him…and Kero noticed something.

~* Is the kid blushing? No…not the Li kid. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head…the Li kid falling for Sakura. But there's no way that could happen. At least *I* hope not. *~

Then something else caught Kero's eye. He looked up at the full moon that filled the sky. One thought ran through his head. Someone was on his mind…someone who could make a grim possibility a very grim reality.

~* ………………Yue *~

Kero looked at Sakura. There was the beautiful little girl whose life had changed when she opened the Clow Book. She was so innocent…so kind-hearted…so selfless. She was possibly the best thing that ever happened to the little guardian beast. But then Kero thought of that grim possibility.

~* I just pray that Yue will accept you, Sakura. If he doesn't…I could never live with myself. *~


"I didn't even know what Sakura just saw," Kero continued. "I couldn't even focus on that. All I could think about was that full moon…and Yue. I just thought about what would happen…if he rejected her…and deemed her unworthy."

"So everyone had something to think about," Madison said. "But Sakura…did Tori actually ever tell you about his relationship with Ms. Mackenzie?"

Sakura shook her head. "Apparently, he doesn't want the squirt to know anything about it. But…I have a feeling he knows. He…knows a lot more than we think he does…he's just not saying anything."

"What do you think will happen if Ms. Mackenzie ever does come back?" Madison asked.

Sakura blinked. "I-I'm not sure. I don't know what Tori would say. But I know I'd be really happy to see her. Everyone would…except for Li."

"I guess you're right," Madison sighed, looking at the letter again.

Sakura would eagerly await the day her teacher would return. And she had a gut instinct that told her that she would come back someday. All Sakura could do was wait for that day to come. But until then…

"Kero?"

"Yes, Sakura?"

"Was Li…really blushing when I hugged him?"


Any comments? Feel free to mail me at AmericanCaptor@hotmail.com and don't forget to review below. I want to hear what you think.