Why, Hello and welcome to my little world of weirdness!

I state for the record that, while I really, really wish I did, I don't own any of the wonderful characters that will grace this story . . . they are all CLAMP's, always have been, always will be! However I do lay claim to a few of the original characters, for example . . . I own Hei-ying, and his false form, Tomodachi Yukito, I own Mystrasa Kyree, and Carolyn and Amanda Reed, I don't own The Dragon, Saurian because he is on loan from my very good friend, the ever intangible Blue Goo.

In This Tainted Soul . . . There Lies Hope . . .

By Dr Megalomania

[ahem – if anyone's offended by me using their usernames in the A/N's {gulps} Erm . . . I'm sorry, please don't FLAME me!! Also, I've had threats of people that are going to stop reading if I kill any more people . . . [pouts] that's just plain mean . . . how's Dr Mmie – love this nickname French-Fille!! {on Star Wars, as a trekkie OFFICIALLY I'm a hater, but . . . I do have a soft spot for ol' Darth Vader} – How am I supposed to have *any* fun writing and put any tension into this without at least a few deaths/close encounters?! [Giggles] so okay, I'm not going to warn you, because that spoils it for you and for me. take heart, trust me – shut it, Bluegoo!]

Part Seventeen: Divided And Conquered

"And the Card Mistress shall bring me the rest . . ."

Mystrasa looked around the park, sensing movement on behalf of the Card Mistress. She growled, and glanced at Hei-ying, "Well?"

"You attacked before I could go any furth---" Hei-ying stumbled back as Mystrasa landed a stinging slap across his features. He regained his balance and hung his head, "I'm sorry, Mistress . . ."

"I want no more excuses." Mystrasa glanced at her hand; it glowed with her renewed strength, "Saurian!" The huge dragon paused in his sniggering long enough to listen to his orders. Hei-ying pressed a hand against his cheek celebrating in his pain, for some reason he felt glad he'd been able to provoke her to lose her temper. It wasn't often and he always suffered, but it help him exist, knowing that just sometimes he had real power over Clow in some ways. Hei-ying sighed, and tuned back in for his orders.

Yue landed by Touya as the tall boy was just turning, his magic circle fading out of existence. Touya turned and looked at Yue for a moment before asking, "Did you sense it too?"

Yue nodded, he spread his wings to fly to Sakura when Touya grabbed his arm, "No . . ." He muttered, looking to the park, "I need you to come with me."

"You are not my Master."

Touya's head snapped to him, "No . . . But I sensed the Illusion Card heading that way . . ." Touya's blue eyes narrowed coldly as Clow snapped, "Or were you too caught up with Tomodachi to notice."

Yue pulled his arm away, "You . . . You have no *right* to spy on me!"

"I *do*."

"Since when?!"

"Since you and I became lovers!"

Yue scoffed, and paced in a small circle, "The only lovers here are my false form and Touya . . . Between you and I there is *nothing*!"

Clow growled, Touya's face paling. Both men had had little sleep, little time to understand what had been happening, and Yue's last insult was too much. He snapped.

Yue raised his arm quickly to block Clow's slap. Their eyes locking with cold fury on both parts, "You will never touch me again . . ." Yue hissed, "Never *ever* again."

Mystrasa smiled as she cast a stealth spell, concealing her body away from normal view, the magic making the light bend away from her. Smirking, she slipped back into the foliage; her plan was in motion . . . the plan she had in the making for the entirety of her existence was finally in motion . . .

Saurian was the Card Mistress' first challenge, with his skills and powers enhanced by the Cards already in her possession; he would be an adequate distraction and a drain on the Card Mistress' power. As her power began to dwindle, Mystrasa would pluck the Cards out of her possession as easy as a thief would pick an unsuspecting pocket. At some point Saurian would be charged with separating Yue from the crowd. Getting him into Hei-ying's reach where Hei-ying would deal with him. She smirked again, "And as for Keroberos . . ." She chuckled deeply as she felt the Card Mistress start to come towards the park, "Keroberos shall learn the price of his betrayal . . ."

Sakura flew as fast as she could her mind only on her missing Cards, she took a brief moment to survey those behind her, Tomoyo and Eriol rode Spinel, Ruby flew directly behind her, with a grim look on her face. Keroberos carried Syaoran without complaint as they rushed towards the park. She closed her eyes and squeezed her staff, whatever was before them would now be revealed . . .

"Sakura!" Her eyes snapped open and she glanced at Syaoran he pointed down. Below them were her Oniichan and Yue, Sakura nodded and took the group down. She frowned as she neared the pair, Yue's low hissed voice and Oniichan's harsh barked answers carried clear on the wind.

"We don't have time for this!" Ruby shouted at the two. They snapped out of their argument, shock showing on Touya's face, and indifference from Yue. Sakura approached both carefully, aware of the tension in the air, "Oniichan . . . Yue . . . my Cards hav—"

"I know."

Sakura looked at Yue, "Then what can we—"

"They are in the park." Yue didn't even look at her as he pointed to the park; his eyes were still locked on his former lover. Touya growled, but made a visible effort to gather himself, "There isn't time for this . . . Yue . . . until—"

"Agreed."

Touya sighed sharply as Yue spread his wings and took off quickly. Keroberos growled quietly as he padded past, "If you have widened the gap . . ."

"Shut up, Keroberos! There isn't time!" Touya snapped back, he climbed on to the lion's back and motioned his sister forward with his staff. Sakura glanced at Eriol, the blue haired reincarnation glared at Touya, his expression showing clear disapproval.

Tomoyo sighed, and squeezed Eriol's waist, "We should get going . . ." She held up her camera half-heartedly, "Time for Cardcaptor Sakura?"

Sakura smiled at her dearest friend's attempt to lighten the mood, she swallowed and nodded, "Yeah . . . time for Cardcaptor Sakura . . ." She looked at the park, Yue's figure waiting as a speck above it, "Here goes . . ."

As the entire group landed, the park was silent. The swings moved slightly with the cold biting wind, the snow gusting slightly. Sakura nodded as she took it in, and pulled out her last remaining Cards, "Dark, Light, Fly, Power, Shield, Mirror, Fight, Jump, Time, Sword, Libra, Shadow, Windy, Watery, Firey and Earthy."

"The most loyal of your Cards . . ." Keroberos commented quietly, "It will take a lot of power to separate them from you."

Sakura nodded, taking comfort from this fact, she held them close to her chest. "I will protect you."

"Oh . . . How cute you are . . ."

Their guard flew up, and they all looked around. Their disputes, their argument, all was forgotten as the deep voice resonated around the park. There was a deep chuckle, "And to think . . . How easy you are to break . . ."

Eriol growled, his frustration finally boiling over, "Who are you?! What is your purpose?!"

The Illusion Card began to fritz and disband, as it revealed the massive dark dragon. He laughed as the guardians stepped back, forcing their Masters and friends back. Eriol held up his staff to protect Tomoyo, as she moved behind him. "Go . . ." He murmured, "Get to safety . . ."

"Saku—"

"*Now*!"

Tomoyo hesitated, "Eriol, I can't leave you . . ."

Sakura turned slightly, "Tomoyo-chan . . . Leave now . . ." She glared at the dragon, "My friend means you no harm . . ."

Tomoyo edged away, moving to the safety of the trees, the dragon held absolutely still until she turned her back on him to run. As fast as lightening, his movements enhanced by the dash Card, he had wrapped his tail around her legs and hauled her off her feet. The dragon smirked down at them as he held Tomoyo up, he shook her, and her camera crashed down in front of Sakura's feet. Smashed into tiny pieces. Sakura tilted her head back as the dragon lifted Tomoyo towards his mouth.

"Now, why deprive me of a good snack, little girl . . .?"

Tomoyo couldn't scream, the hot rank breath of the huge dragon choking her, her large purple cloak covering her from sight as she trembled alone. She couldn't see her friends, couldn't hear their voices. A deep growl below her, and the smell of decayed meat told her senses one thing. The dragon's gaping jaws were open.

"NOOOO!!" Sakura screamed, she kicked off and flew up, "Tomoyo-chan!!"

"Ruby! Spinel!!" Eriol shouted desperately. Ruby drew her Ruby shard bow, and Spinel flew up instantly, as the dragon stared to growl deep within his hardened underbelly, preparing his fire to cook the tiny girl in his grasp.

Tomoyo saw glimpses.

Through her blinding cloak she saw the dragon, his mouth open, somewhere in the bowels of the foul creature a fire raced out eagerly. Her mind weakened and started to shut down, her fear seizing up her limbs in preparation. "Sakura-chan . . ." She murmured, the blood started to rush to her head.

Fire coming closer, shards of red flecked her sight, or was it shards of red dashing past like spears? Black that had nothing to do her claustrophobic cloak started to close up her vision, "Eriol . . . Help me . . ."

Her fingers went numb, she couldn't feel her feet. Her eyes started to roll back in her head as the fire boiled up faster.

"Eriol . . ." Her vision went blank . . .

She was falling was all she knew . . .

. . . and then . . .

Tomoyo knew no more.

"Tomoyo-chan?!" Sakura screamed, "Tomoyo-chan?!"

Keroberos looked down, unable to watch. Syaoran swore quietly in Chinese as the dragon's flame burst forth. Ruby Moon flew backwards, as the heat grazed her chin, she stared past him defiantly as Eriol and Spinel flew around. She smirked as the dragon growled with disgust, "My snack!!" He yelled angrily, "That's my snack!!"

Ruby deftly grabbed Sakura, and ducked and weaved as the dragon spat small bolts of fire at them; the Card Mistress sobbed quietly, "Tomoyo-chan!!"

"Daijobu!" Ruby murmured quietly, "Daijobu! Look!" She nodded her head to Eriol. Sakura wiggled in her grasp to see Spinel quickly land on the other side of the lake, and Eriol jump off quickly, his arms full with a burning cloak, he pulled it off quickly, throwing it away from his safe catch. Tomoyo lay on the grass, un-responding to him.

Sakura's head snapped to the dragon, and she pulled out her Cards, "No one hurts my friends!!" She screamed as she pushed out of Ruby's grasp, "No one!"

The dragon laughed heartily, "You could have fooled me . . . I thought Li Meilin was one of your friends . . ."

"You . . ." Syaoran's head snapped up, "You . . . You killed her!!"

The dragon tilted his head and stared down at him. He smirked and lowered his massive her to the ground to peer at Syaoran, "And I supposed you are the great Li Clan Head . . . she said you will feed me to your carps, oh great and mighty Clan Head . . ."

"Shadow, windy become a restraining chain . . ." Sakura threw the Cards out, "*Release*!!"

Mystrasa smiled as she held out her hands, "Thank you, Card Mistress . . . Cards . . . Revoke thy Mistress . . . Card, I call thee . . . Thy name . . . Shadow . . ."

The Windy Card paid little heed as the Shadow Card stopped suddenly, she went on to try and wrap the immense dragon in her soft power. Sakura watched in horror as the Shadow Card clutched his head and withered in obvious pain, "No. . ." The Card seemed to implode in on itself, fading from existence. "NOOOOO!!!"

The Shadow Card appeared in her hand in a flash, it's dark form established and it's blood red collar binding. She looked up, "Try again, Card Mistress . . ."

Hei-ying winced as he felt another Card being ripped away, the Mistress would have complete control soon. He tilted his head back, feeling unusual freedom in his false form. The Moon was getting less every night; his Mistress' plan was timed just to perfection, so that the next few nights Yue would be at his lowest ebb. He frowned and lifted his hand, "Little Moonbeam . . . it's time . . ."

Yue's head snapped hard to the left again, causing Touya to growl. Not at Yue, but at Clow, the older magician was being very impatient with Yue's obvious lack of concentration. He fought hard against the snipping comment, but it past through his lips icily, "Yue, please concentrate, your Mistress needs you . . ."

Yue glared at him briefly before flying up to join Ruby. She glanced at him briefly as he flew beside her, "Clow's just—"

"I know!" Yue snapped, he drew his arrow and aimed it at the dragon, he watched Touya out of the corner of his eye as the taller boy tried to use some of the magic he had, //I know . . .//

The dragon smirked at them, "So . . . Moon insects . . . think you shall defeat me?" He lifted his head drawing a quick breath before roaring at them, hot burning flame jump out at them eagerly. Ruby and Yue used each other as platforms as they pushed away quickly, their hair and outer edges of their robes burning crisply. Ruby glanced at Yue as the dragon blew a plume of heat at Syaoran and Touya. She frowned as she noticed a black strand of something hanging from his hair. Time resumed and she focused once more on the dragon. Yue's new hairstyle could wait until later.

Spinel grabbed the back of Syaoran's clothes and Keroberos did the same with Touya as they darted the dragon's sweeping tail and flew to safety. The two Moon guardians had them covered, as they darted through.

Sakura landed briefly by Eriol and ran over quickly, "Tomoyo-chan?!"

Eriol waved her back, "She'll be okay . . . get out of here!" He glanced at the dragon, "We can't fight it!" 

She shook her head, "My Cards . . ."

"Sakura!!" Keroberos roared as he and Spinel landed nearby, "We're overwhelmed by this thing . . . We've . . . We've gotta call retreat."

"Coward."

All eyes turned on Yue as he brushed himself off, Ruby snapped towards him and pushed her face into his, she stared at him for a hot moment, before speaking, "And what are you?"

He glared at her, "I am a guardian of these Cards. He eyed her coldly, "And since the Mistress is safe, I should return to the fight." With that, he spread his wings and flew off. Keroberos stepped forward, "Yue! Come back!! Yue!!!"

The lion spread his wings and prepared to follow. Kero, stay here and protect Tomoyo-chan. Sakura tapped the Fly Card and flew after her Moon guardian as fast as her wings could manage.

Saurian smirked as he watched the Moon angel break off and fly after him, //Mistress.//

//Yes Saurian, I see him . . . //

//Now?// Saurian pulled his tail up to knock the angel down swiftly. Awaiting his Mistress' order, Saurian moved his tail up further and held it in position. Yue glanced at the moving tail, seemingly aware of it's purpose, but unaware of his sweet little Mistress behind him. The angel pulled arrow after arrow, growling more and more as each arrow failed to have an impact.

Saurian's entire being concentrated, waiting for that one order. That final, whispered command . . .

//Now.//

Yue's eyes widened as he realised that the dragon's tail was a decoy. The huge dark orange wing of the beast swept him aside like a leaf, and sent him crashing into a tree. Sakura screamed as the dragon's tail suddenly came crashing down on her, plunging her into the deep lake beneath.

Mystrasa grinned, now . . . now as the Card Mistress' consciousness faded out, now was the time . . . "Dark, Light, Fly, Power, Shield, Fight, Jump, Time, Sword, Libra . . . thy name called, revoke the poisoned magic of Sakura . . ."

There was silence for a few seconds, disbelief as the surface of the water bubbled slightly.

"Sakura . . ." Touya whispered, "Sakura . . ."

The water surface stilled, and the dragon lifted his tail. Yue was shaken, he'd led her to her death . . . his mouth hung open as the bubbles stopped, and the surface stilled.

"No. . ." Ruby shook her head, shaking it slowly, "No. No. No. No . . . That didn't just happen . . ."

Spinel blinked and quickly bounded over to his Master, as the young man stumbled backward, shock numbing him. Eriol fell back onto his Sun guardian, his mind incapable to understand what had just happened. "Sakura . . ."

Syaoran hobbled to the edge of the water, staring at the spot where Sakura had been thrown in. "Sakura. Come on . . . if you stay under any longer . . . you'll drown . . ."

The surface began to bubble again, magic rippling the water strongly. A golden glow bubbled up from beneath. Syaoran smiled as he recognised the signature of the Sakura Cards, "Come on Sakura . . . Come on . . ."

"YES!!" Ruby shouted as she rushed to the water's edge, "Here she comes!!"

Yue breathed a sigh of relief, as Sakura's remaining Cards started to power up. She was safe. He smiled and struggled to get to his feet, he hadn't failed her after all. Yue suddenly felt a little better about himself, the sudden rush of emotions revealing to him that despite his true origins, he still functioned as a guardian. He made a mental note to apologise to Sakura as soon as this battle was over. She deserved better.

The water started to bubble more violently, Eriol pressed a hand over his mouth and then wiped his brow, //That was too close . . .// He smiled at Touya, but blinked as he watched the older man's look of hope disappear. Eriol glanced back at water's surface. Ten Sakura Cards floated on the surface in formation.

Sakura did not.

"NO!!" Syaoran lunged forward and grabbed the railing as the Cards zipped away, and the underwater glow faded. "Sakura! Sakura, get out of the water!!"

She opened her eyes.

Her head . . . so very light.

Her chest . . . so very heavy.

She had to open her mouth, let the air out. It was too heavy. She tried to open her mouth, but found someone was holding it shut. She turned in the water, looking until her eyes met warm amber. Her father stared at her, smiling slightly. He tipped his head back, and looked up.

Sakura looked up to see her mother smiling down at her. A long hand was extended and flexed slightly.

"Come on Sakura . . . Come to mommy . . ."

Sakura blinked, //Mother . . .//

"Go on, Sakura . . ." Fujitaka murmured, "Go to mommy . . ." He pushed his daughter up into his wife's arms, she caught her easily. Sakura looked down as her father waved at her. //Father . . .// She blinked slowly, as her mother let go over her leaving her to float just below the surface, she glanced around wondering what would happen to her. Her parents looped loving arms around each other, and blew sweet kisses to her. Smiling as they faded.

A single bubble floated out of her mouth.

Yue groaned as he realised he was wrong. He scrambled to his feet, his mind whirling in so many circles, it hurt so much. "What have I done . . .?"

His head started to hurt, hurt so much. He clutched it, digging his nails into his skull hoping the external pain would drive away some of the internal. "Someone . . . please . . ." He groaned quietly, "Please help me . . ."

He looked up as he heard the dragon's cruel growling laughter echo all around. He looked over the lake as Touya and Syaoran jumped into the freezing waters, desperate to save Sakura.

Just as she felt her world crash into darkness, Sakura was hauled up, and out of the water. She breathed in great heaving gulps of air as she was pushed up, and pulled up onto the bank. Eriol's warm robes were thrown over her, hands ran over her, checking for broken bones and voices, constant voices. She frowned and tried to hear only one.

"Sakura."

She felt her hand being squeezed.

"Sakura. Open your eyes."

She tried to obey.

"Come on Sakura. I know you can do it."

Blurred, doubled vision returned to her eyes, as she whispered weakly, "Syaoran?"

Syaoran smiled in relief. "Sakura . . . Sakura . . . you're safe . . ."

Yue flew up as rapidly as he could, his head still hurting, his emotions unbalancing. He could see that they had dragged Sakura from the icy water's death, but was she alive? He growled, even if she wasn't he would avenge her. He would deal with the dragon first, and then himself. How could he fail her like this?

The dragon ignored him as he spread his dark wings. It was laughing loudly, laughing at Sakura, at their small group as they flocked and fussed around Sakura. Yue floated behind the beast's head, determined to cut it off. He raised his bow arm, ice magic crackling into existence instant.

The bow sang quietly, as he drew the string back, and he aimed the arrow. "I'll kill you . . ."

Touya's head swam as Clow's anger bubbled over, he glance at Eriol. The blue haired reincarnation was shaking, his anger too growing stronger. Clow was becoming uncontrollable.

Mystrasa Kyree gasped as she felt her soul connect, become one for a brief instant. She felt it, her chest constricting with the energy. For the moment's breath, Mystrasa Kyree, Hiirawagizawa Eriol and Kinomoto Touya . . . were one in mind . . .

She raised her hand, reaching out blindly.

Eriol felt it first; he gazed out across the water, past the dragon. The calling was so strong. Touya blinked, his head turning. "There . . . across the water . . ."

"I know . . ." Eriol stood, "I can feel it too . . ."

Mystrasa smirked, "I'm here . . . here, I'm here . . ." She closed her eyes, "Yue almost got Sakura killed . . ."

Touya growled as he felt Clow's anger take away the quiet moment, //Clow. No. I won't let you.// he glanced at Eriol as the boy faltered, Eriol felt to his knees, and gasped. "Clow!" The lavender-grey eyes snapped open, and looked with deep blue. "*Clow!*"

Touya wasn't there anymore.

Mystrasa smiled, "My power . . . The Cards are mine again, my power is growing . . ." She opened her black eyes, "It's *Yue's* fault, Sakura almost got . . ."

//. . . killed because of that idiot of a guardian// Clow's voice hissed, yet, Touya could tell it wasn't Clow. The monster in Clow's form had returned. Eriol held his hand up, trying to block the strange influence, "Touya . . . it was the dragon!"

The taller boy's hands wrapped around the railing, "I know . . . the dragon's fault, Sakura . . . it's all the dragon's fault . . ." He growled and looked up unable to contain his fury anymore, he roared up. "SAKURA ALMOST GOT KILLED BECAUSE OF YOU!!"

"YOU BASTARD!! YOU ALMOST KILLED HER!!"

Yue blinked, frowning slightly, who was Touya yelling at? Surely the dragon . . . must be. Touya wouldn't accuse him of failing . . . would he?

Hei-ying felt his Mistress direct a huge amount of magic to him, he smiled, soon . . . soon he would have his revenge on Yue, "Yue . . . it's all your fault . . ."

Yue's head began to spin, he didn't fail Sakura . . .

". . . You did, and now they want you out. . ." Hei-ying whispered, knowing only Yue heard him. "Come to me, little Moonbeam . . ."

He didn't fail Sakura! Yue growled and pulled his bow taunt, Touya's voice still ringing up. The dragon shrugged, and turned his long neck. The rotted breath breezed up as the dragon chuckled deeply. "Who's been a naughty Moon guardian then?"

"To-ya?" Yue hesitated, "No . . . He means you . . ."

The dragon mocked quietly, "But *you* led her to me . . ."

Yue glanced at Touya, seeking reassurance this wasn't true, but the taller boy had turned away to tend his sister, "To-ya?"

//Yue . . . You have fail me . . .// Clow's voice resonated quietly in Yue's head, //How could you? I trusted you with Sakura's life and you fail me like this . . . You are a disappointment . . . I should have destroyed you when I had the chance . . .//

Yue's magic arrow and bow snapped out of existence, he stared at Touya in abject horror, "Nani?"

//Leave me//

"To-ya . . ."

//Leave me!//

"Clow . . . no . . ."

//Such a horrid mistake . . .//

"Papa . . ." Yue whispered as he felt the nausea build up in his stomach, threatening to spill out again, he flew back, away from the dragon and his rank breath, away from the people he trusted so much. He had to find somewhere . . . someone . . .

"You disappoint me, Yue . . ." Mystrasa spoke almost silently, using the voice Card to project Clow's voice into Yue's mind. Her black eyes slid open as she whispered again, ". . . Leave me . . ."

Sakura opened her eyes, "Yue . . . Are you okay?"

"Yue?" Touya blinked as he remembered Yue, he spun and looked around, the angel was flying away, "YUE! STOP!! YUE!!"

The angel paused and looked at him, the icy voice clear in his mind, // So, I *am* correct . . . I am nothing to you . . .//

//That's not true, Yue!// Touya called back, //That will never be true! I love you!//

//LIAR!!// Yue screamed back in his mind, the angel zipped away, leaving Touya reeling from the volume of his angry thought. Syaoran put his hand on Touya's shoulder, "Where's he going?! We need him!!"

Keroberos ran forward, "Yue! Come back!!" He paused as Spinel ran in front, bidding him not to abandon his station; Keroberos stared after Yue's receding figure. "Little one! No!!"

 "Well . . . well . . . well . . ." Sarcasm dripped off the dragon's tongue as he hovered closer. "What do I have here?"

Yue landed, without knowing why, he could fly easily for another ten miles, he glanced around the glade, and found himself alone. "What have I done?" He sank to the ground and broke, his mind unable to cope with his actions of the night. Sakura . . . his Mistress, betrayed by him. Touya . . . his lover, abandoned by him. Clow . . . his creator, shamed by him.

Tears of remorse rolled down his face, the part of him forever Yukito begged for him to return, beg their forgiveness, for acceptance back into their arms once more. He closed his eyes, as his fist tightened to anger. //NO!// He snarled, "I will never grovel . . . they betrayed me! If Sakura's dead it's her own fault!" He pushed himself up, and stumbled around. Anger bubbling up in his mind, hate in his heart. "So, Clow thought I was a mistake after all . . . hmm . . . I wonder what else has he lied to me about?!" He kicked the dirt, mentally pushing Yukito back as the snow rabbit tried to ease his anger. No . . . He was going to let it build to it's full potential. If Clow lied to him, then so did everyone else.

"Keroberos, Eriol . . . everyone . . . liars." He threw his head back and growled loudly, his frustration hindered only by his intense weariness. The Moon was waning, fading away from the night's sky. Yue's catlike eyes flickered from the Moon to the stars, the star guardian . . . "Hei-ying . . ." He frowned, had they lied to him about Hei-ying?

He knew Hei-ying had tried to tell him the truth, had almost succeeded, but Clow and Keroberos had stopped him. With no one to trust, Yue's battered mind clung to this. His emotions were too uncontrolled, his normally logical mind rushed to this safe harbour of a fact. It could be true, it could be false, but there was nothing he could do to prove it right, either way.

The angel groan and sank to the ground, "Someone help me . . . Please . . ." He clutched his head, and sobbed, "Please!"

"Yue?!"

The angel stopped suddenly at the familiar voice. Tomodachi stared at him, shock growing on his face. The dark haired boy started to breath deeply, "Is it really you?"

 Yue stared at him wretchedly, "Who . . .?"

Tomodachi ran over and skidded to the ground beside him, "My little brother . . . Could it be you?! Yue?!"

Once again, in a time so full of confusion, Yue found a harbour in Tomodachi, "Who are you?"

The pale lips curved into a smile, a grateful smile, as the boy leant forward and wrapped his arms around Yue, tears filling the unusual jade eyes, "My brother, Yue . . . I found you . . ." he rocked them back and forward, moving his hands in soothing circles on the angel's back, "My dear . . . sweet . . . little . . . brother . . . I've finally found you . . ."

"Who are you?" Yue murmured weakly, his eyes sliding shut. He curled into the embrace, glad to find comfort. "Who are you?"

The rocking slowed, and Yue closed his eyes as he felt magic envelop them. He felt the material under his cheek change, the shoulder length hair grow sleeker, the very smell of the man changed to a springy freshness, a relief from the stinking breath of the dragon. He opened his eyes and pushed up to stare into the face of his rescuer.

Hei-ying smiled faintly at him.

Yukito yelled and cursed, he believed Keroberos, believed their friends, Hei-ying was evil. But Yue . . . Hei-ying spread his arms welcomingly, Yue wanted to know the truth . . . he leant into open arms and sighed with relief as his brother's strong jade aura enveloped his own weaker aura. He smiled as his brother began to whisper reassuringly, "Don't worry, my Little Moonbeam, I've come to protect you . . ."

"From who?" Yue mumbled, starting to doze.

"From you . . ." Hei-ying tilted his head back, and smirked, careful to keep his voice even. They had won. "I've come to protect you from yourself . . . you are the third guardian . . ."

"Oniisan . . ." Yue murmured, knowing he was right, Hei-ying was always right, "Tell me . . . what can I do? What can I do to make things better for all of us?"

Hei-ying pushed him back, and stared very seriously into Yue's teary eyes, "Come with me . . . my Little Moonbeam, let me protect you . . . come with me . . ."  

Keroberos, Spinel and Ruby formed a wall between the dragon and their human Masters and friends, Syaoran growled and stood by Keroberos. The lion growled quietly, keeping his eyes locked with dragon, "Gaki . . . this is no place for you . . ."

"I'm not going down without a fight." Syaoran nodded grimly, "Meilin will be avenged."

Touya nodded, and stood also. He glanced to the horizon where he last saw Yue's fleeing figure, then at the dragon, he held out his hand and murmured his incantation quietly. The silver Moon staff appeared suddenly, as Touya took his place by Ruby. "I won't let you touch my sister again."

The dragon smirked, and tilted his head mockingly. "Awwww . . ."

Eriol helped Sakura to sit up, when he noticed Tomoyo get unsteadily to her feet, "Tomoyo . . ."

She wobbled over to Syaoran's side, and stared up at the dragon. She started to shake her head slowly, "I won't let you get past me to my Sakura-chan . . ." She murmured quietly, her pain in her voice, "Never."

Sakura blinked and cried out quietly, as Eriol got up and followed Tomoyo, he held his staff up in front of her, "And to get past her, you'll kill me first . . ."

Tomoyo threw a sidelong glance at him, and smiled weakly. She saw a smile tweak at his lips, as he stared resolutely at the dragon. The dragon stared down at them, and started to chuckle. His deep dark snorts turned to guffaws, "Oh how precious . . . The weak little Card Mistress has idiot friends . . ." He stopped laughing instantly, "Can't you see? We've already won."

"Who is we?!" Ruby yelled up, she made a show of looking around, "I see no one but a big, fat, ugly son of a bitch!"

The dragon smiled mockingly, as a deep violet glow appear on top of his head, forming into a woman. Her long black hair twisting in the wind. She moved forward, her long robes over coat blustering about her body. She smiled as Eriol recognised her clothes, chuckled as Touya recognised her features, and laughed out loud as Sakura found strength enough to push herself to her feet and run forward in shock.

Mystrasa Kyree glowered down at them, wrapped up Clow Reed's robes. She suddenly fell silent, and held her arms out from her side. "O, Card of the Master Clow Reed . . . hear me now . . . Mirror Card, hear me now and obey . . ."

Sakura clamped her hands over her pocket. "No!"

"Thy name called, revoke the poisoned magic of Sakura . . ." 

"No!" The Card floated, struggling in the air, Sakura grabbed the Card, and wrapped her fingers around it. "No!!"

"Thy Mistress revoke . . ."

Syaoran and Tomoyo jumped up and grabbed Sakura's waist as the Card started to pull away, Sakura squeezed her eyes shut, "Please! No!!"

". . . the Master return. . ." Mystrasa threw her hand forward, and reached out, "I, Clow Reed re-born, command thee!"

The Mirror Card began to tremble, and glowed bright and brighter, Sakura cried out quietly, as the Card started to burn her with it's struggle. "Please hold on, Mirror . . . please . . ."

Tomoyo gasped as she felt another Card brush past her cheek. The Hope Card exploded into it's human form and clamped it's hands over Sakura's, "Mistress . . . hold on please . . ."

"I'm trying!" Sakura cried, "Please, Mirror . . . Don't leave me!!" The emerald-eyed girl opened her eyes as she felt her hands loosen, "No!" The Mirror Card's humanoid form stared back, tearful.

"Mistress Sakura . . ." The pale green girl pleaded, "Please don't let me go . . . I don't want to go!!"

Sakura trembled, as her Card's hand started to pull away. "No . . ."

The Hope Card closed her eyes, her sister's aura becoming sealed; she rested her head against Sakura's back, "Please hold on . . ."

Eriol stepped forward, and reached up, "No . . . It's not supposed to be this way!!" He turned his head and shouted up angrily, "It's not supposed to be this way!!"

"This *is* the new order!" Mystrasa snapped back, "It will *be* as it was *before*!!"

Sakura's fingers felt as if they would rip away from the knuckles at any moment, the Mirror Card's own hands becoming softer as they faded from existence, "Mistress Sakura . . . Help us . . . Please. Please . . ." The pupil-less eyes widened as she was torn away, "MISTRESS SAKURA!!"

"NOOOO!!!" Sakura screamed as she and her friends fell back to the ground. She raised her head miserably as she watched the Card return to it's true form, and Mystrasa Kyree clamp her pale hand around it. The black-eyed reincarnation smirked as she took the Card up to her face in a mocking mirror of Sakura's favourite Card pose, and revealed the Mirror Card, sealed and transformed.

"I've won . . ." Kyree smiled, "Do you understand now Cardcaptor? I've won . . ." She spread her arms out, the Mirror Card floating out slowly, as Kyree was surrounded by Sakura's Cards. "If you want them back, you must become the Cardcaptor once again . . ."

Eriol and Touya sprang to their feet, "It's not supposed to be this way, Clow!"

"Of course it is!" Mystrasa breathed passionately, "Join with me . . . or perish! Either way, I, the rightful Clow Reed will live one more time!"

"Give them back . . ." Sakura stared at her, "Give me back my Cards . . ."

"If you want them . . ." Mystrasa sneered, "Take them from me . . ." She motioned the Cards floating around her, "They are right here for you, Cardcaptor . . . *Take* them from me . . ."

Sakura pushed away from her friends and walked towards the water's edge. She drew a deep breath and looked up, fifty-two of her Cards floating in a deep malevolent violet circle around the reincarnation. She felt a light kiss in her cheek and turned to find the Hope Card beside her, the Card smiled and turned into it's Card form, "It will be all right . . . for sure, Mistress Sakura, for sure . . ."

Sakura nodded her thanks and looked up again, her magic circle faded into existence slowly, as she prepared herself. "O, Cards of Sakura . . . please hear me now . . . Return . . ." She held up her hand as Mystrasa had done, she raised her voice, "Hear me now, I, Sakura, your true Mistress call thee! Return to my side!" 

Mystrasa smiled as the Card began to shake violently, the deep violet flashed with deep gold. She didn't even bat an eyelid as the Cards burst away from her and transformed into their humanoid and creature forms. Sakura smiled as the Card started to race to her eagerly; the Windy and the Earthy held up the back herding the Cards forward, the Watery and the Firey either side, ensuring no Card strayed.

"All right!" Keroberos roared, as Sakura smiled, she held out her arms welcomingly as the Cards raced to her desperately. As the Cards drew closer, Sakura smiled to see the Mirror Card at the front racing forward, a smile on her lips. "Mistress Sakura . . ."

Mystrasa Kyree drew her arm up slowly, as the Mirror Card reached for the safety of her Mistress' arms.

"Cards, cease."

The weaker Cards were the first, their blood red control collars tightened, choking them, the other Cards started to slow to a stop as they realised their collars were killing them. The Mirror Card, the Light and the Dark, the Earthy, the Windy, the Watery and the Firey scrambled forward. Dropping away one by one, until just the Windy and the Mirror Card were capable of carrying on, the Windy gave the Mirror one more push ahead of her before falling back.

"Mistress Sakura . . . please help us . . ."

Sakura held out her hand, leaning as far over the railing as she could, "Just a little further . . ." Their finger tips brushed gently, Sakura cried to see the pain in her Card's eyes, "I will not relinquish you like this . . . please just a little further . . ."

Kyree growled, and closed her hand into a fist.

The Mirror Card cried out as the collar tightened again, she gasped, "Save us Mistress Sakura . . . please . . ."

Her pale hand whitened as she yanked it back, pulling on some unseen leash. The Mirror Card screamed as she was pulled back, and sealed once again.

Sakura fell back, exhausted and light headed. She could give no more. Syaoran caught her, and lowered her gently to the ground, the dragon's mocking laughter ringing out as Sakura's magic circle faded, and her friends gathered around. Sakura stared at Kyree as the dragon hovered a little higher.

"So . . ." Kyree called down to them, the Cards once again hovering around her in a trapped circle, their anger burning bright violet. "Now I, Clow Reed re-born, have my Cards . . ."

"Clow!" Keroberos roared up, "This is not the way!!"

Kyree smirked at him, "Ah, Keroberos . . . what a fool I was to choose you over Hei-ying . . ." She held out her hand a jade green glow burned bright, a jade magic circle appearing suddenly. A pale, jade-gloved hand appeared from the rip in existence, and grasped her hand confidently.

Eriol shook his head slowly, as the magic revealed the rest of the being, "No . . ."

His sleek black hair, still torn from when Clow cut it, twisted in the wind, his once pure white wings replaced with that of dragon's, Hei-ying let go of Kyree's hand, and stared down, "We meet again, my little Sunbeam . . ."

"Hei-ying!" Keroberos growled, "You bastard, I'll kill you!! You bastard, I'll kill you for sure this time!!"

The black haired angel smirked as he glanced at Kyree. She smiled at Sakura, paying no more heed to Keroberos, "And now . . ." she held out her other hand. "I have my angel."

"No." Touya whispered as the new magic circle began to draw itself in the air. "This isn't the way it's supposed to be."

Pale fingers reached out and touched Kyree's deathly pale hand.

"Little one!!" Keroberos shouted, "NO!!"

The ice blue of the circle seemed so cold as it formed in the air.

Sakura started to cry, "No . . . No . . . Onegai . . . no . . ."

Yue smiled as he stepped through, gazing fondly at Hei-ying before turning. He glared down at them all, his anger turning him against them fully. Yukito was weakening, and only a ghost of remorse fell over Yue's face as he gazed at his fallen Mistress.

Touya growled, and shouted up, "Yue! Don't do this!!"

Mystrasa Kyree held her hand forward, and the Cards piled into her hands instantly, Hei-ying smirked at Keroberos before stepping behind Kyree, he glanced at Yue. The white haired angel gazed coldly at Touya, the sleek black plait whipping around his shoulder.

"Make your decision, my little brother . . ."

Yue stared at Touya, silent, all emotion draining visibly away.

Touya shook his head, "Yue . . . come back to me . . . please . . ." He dropped his hands, his staff returned to it's key form, "Please . . . I . . . we, Clow and I, we love you . . ."

"Liar."

Touya's head snapped up as Yue spat the single word, "Believe me. Please."

"Never *ever* again." Yue hissed, he glanced at Sakura, once again Yukito's sadness surfaced briefly. Sakura reached up, her eyes pleading with him to stay.

"Onegai . . . Yue-kun . . . Onegai . . ."

"I'm . . ." His eyes softened, his Mistress was so weak now, her eyes pleaded as he heard her voice in his mind amid the chaos, //Onegai . . .// Yue's anger started to boil again, he didn't want to be weak, not like her. His eyes narrowed as Yukito started to weaken again.

Hei-ying blinked as he sense his brother's pain, his jade eye flickered to Mystrasa to see if she'd make some sort of move to soothe his confusion, as Clow had tried once with Hei-ying. The dark Mistress smirked at Yue's pain.

Yukito made one last bid, locking eyes with Sakura, "I'm sorry."

Sakura's sobs rose up in the night as the dragon stated to fly away, Kyree riding his back, Hei-ying and Yue flanking her.

"YUE! PLEASE, NO!! YUUUUUEEEEE!!"

------------------------------------------------

AND NOW IT'S TIME TO LEAVE IT TO DOCTOR MEGALOMANIA, HER TRUSTED LIEUTENANTS AND LEGION OF TERROR!!!

Clow: [puts hands over eyes] So that was the almighty Cliffie, eh?

DrM: {grins] That's the Cliffie!!

Clow: You suck, DrM . . . you suck very much . . . [frowns and yells] Hey! Where are you going?!

DrM: [grins even more] Germany. Two weeks. [Picks up bags and runs off] Bai, bai, see ya in two weeks!! [Door slams]

Clow: [sighs] I guess it would be nice for her if you R&R, so when she came back she'd hit two hundred reviews . . . [grins evilly] or we can say we did, and then run away!!

[Several people clear their throats behind him; Clow turns to find some of DrM's Trusted Lieutenants, with her Legion Of Terror as back up]

Clow'd9: [grins] Guess what, Clow-y? [Clicks handcuffs]

Bluegoo: [steps forward with some rope] *WE'RE* the baby sitters while DrM's away!

Clow'd9: [giggles as Clow falls over] Like she'd trust you to behave!

[Saurian gulps as French-Fille, Dark Ice Angel and The Raven Mark step in]

F-F: [cracks knuckles] OH ho ho ho hoooo! I've got my list, and I'm checking it twice . . . guess who came up as a bad widdle dragon?

D.I Angel: [chuckles evilly] That's right, Saurian-baby . . . Twooooo Whooooolllleee Weeeeeeeekkksss!!

T.R.M: [rolls up sleeves] Kill Rika, huh? [Produces rather large baseball bat] oh yeah . . . this bat's got a *name* . . . It's called *Pay Back* . . .

Saurian: [Gulp and squeaks] Help Me!!

[Caroltrue jumps out, and holds up note]

Caroltrue: [quickly to stop carnage] Sorry you three, but while DrM's away, she puts Saurian in my trust . . .

[F-F and TRM growl, shake their fists and glare at Saurian]

D.I. Angel: [points at the dragon] You'll get yours, Saurian-baby . . . [nods while TRM holds up Pay Back]

F-F: Uh-huh . . . [grins darkly] Caroltrue can't stay awake *ALLLLL* the time . . . Two weeks is a pretty long time, Saurian . . .and remember . . . [pats Sword] This has got your name on it . . .

[Meanwhile]

Yue: Why me . . .? [Groans as Clow'd9, Moon Mistress, The PenMaster, Mateem Bluewing and pretty much everyone else jumps on him Syaoran's Sister styling, then carry him out of the room like some sort of sacrificial virgin] Dang it! Why am I so pretty?!

[Kyree and Hei-ying try to tiptoe out without anyone noticing]

Saiai Yohji: [pointing] THERE THEY ARE!!

Cat: [raises sword] GET 'EM!!!

[S.Y and Cat run after Hei-ying and Kyree with Legion of Terror]

Legion of Terror: [War cry] ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!

mz anmanjiko: Wait for me!! [War cry] ARRRRGGGGHHHH!!

[Icefire and Flame Solo put fists on hips and shake heads slowly]

Icefire: There's one word to describe this . . .

Flame Solo: [Nodding] hmmm . . .

Both: Nutty.

Bluegoo: [Sits in DrM's favourite seat . . .] YEEEOOOOWWW!!! [Only to get zapped by a bobby trap, gets letter and reads] 'Never sit in DrM's Favourite chair . . .' [Sighs and shakes head] Well, while DrM's away, please R&R . . . [looks around] If only to stop the nuttiness of it all . . .