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

Part Twenty-One: This Last Fight

[As always, I give plentiful thanks to the Wondrous Ever Intangible Bluegoo for assisting me with this chapter, it's long, and much of it . . . well, let's just say, ya know how I said Eriol's the ONLY one who will live to see the dawn. . .? {Grins broadly} just thought I'd remind you, y'know that anyone, maybe everyone might. . . oh, I dunno. . . DIE . . . or something minor like that. . .]

The door swung open.

Ruby stepped in first, flanked by Keroberos and Spinel Sun. she glance up as the dragon glared down at them. "Welcome to the mansion of Clow Reed . . ." He intoned deeply, "You're just in time for the party . . ."

Eriol glared up at him, "Where is Mystrasa Kyree?"

The dragon didn't even bat an eyelid as he continued, "Drinks will be served on the sixth floor as well as . . ."

The group glanced at each other, as Sakura exclaimed quietly, "I can feel the Maze . . ." She closed her eyes, "And the Illusion . . ."

Syaoran nodded, "She wants to break us up . . . split us up physically . . ."

Eriol grabbed Tomoyo's hand and held it tightly, as he looked around, "Stay close . . ." Touya glanced up at the huge dragon, as Eriol asked the question on both their minds, "Where's Kaho?"

The dragon smirked, his blood stained yellow teeth flashing sharply. "Which part?" He chuckled with dark humour, "If you want to start a treasure hunt . . . you could start with the bit you're standing on . . ."   

Tomoyo pressed her hand against her mouth as she glanced down at their feet, charred wood, and blood stained the floor. Sakura didn't look down, she'd mourn later. "Where's Mystrasa Kyree?"

"As I was saying . . ." The dragon continued cordially, "Drinks and my main meal will be served on the sixth floor . . . or, because I'm so very impatient, I could always –" He spread his wings suddenly, and roared, "--EAT YOU HERE!!" He dipped his head suddenly, and snapped at them. Eriol, Tomoyo, Keroberos and Spinel dived to the left, Ruby, Touya, Sakura and Syaoran jumped to the right.

The dragon smirked as he made his first divide. He slammed his foot down between them to make sure they couldn't regroup. Turning his back on the card mistress and her group, he concentrated on the two sun guardians, the child reincarnation and his concubine. The sun guardians made the first move and leapt into the air, trying to blast him with their fire. He lifted a wing and brushed them away, sending them into the Maze's first trap. Spinel and Keroberos disappeared through one of maze's fake walls.

He grinned darkly as the Illusion card descended behind him and trapped the elder two of the card mistress' group.

Ruby growled as she found herself and Touya thrown back into a room. "Damnit!!" She growled and started to search the room for a door, "We've got to get to the others!!"

Touya nodded, and started to feel the wall for irregularities, knowing very well that while the Illusion could fool the eyes . . . it couldn't hide the door from touch.

"Tomoyo-chan!!"

Sakura screamed as she and Syaoran were suddenly pushed towards the stairwell, they fell painfully against the steps. Syaoran swore quietly as he rubbed his back, but quickly doused the pain as the dragon's large tail came whipping towards them. He grabbed Sakura's arm and yanked her up. "Come on!!"

"Tomoyo-chan!!" Sakura and Syaoran ducked as the tail past over them, they raced up the stairs, "Tomoyo-chan! Oniichan! Kero-chan! If you can hear me . . ."

". . . GET TO THE SIXTH FLOOR!!"

Sakura's voice rang out, as Keroberos and Spinel found themselves in a jungle. Spinel turned to Keroberos, "hear that?"

"And obeying!" Keroberos nodded, "come . . . we've got to find our way out before the woody gets any more denser . . ." he paused as he say something move out of the corner of his eye. "Spinel, stay still . . ."

Spinel did as he was told. "What is it?"

"It's a vine . . . and as I remember the woody doesn't have very good eyesight . . ." Keroberos looked ahead, the path ahead of them was clearing, the door in clear sight. He glanced at either side; a different kind of plant was lining itself along the path. Lining up like guns for the firing squad. "On my mark . . . transform . . . and fly for the door like a bat out of hell . . ."

". . . GET TO THE SIXTH FLOOR!!"

Eriol backed away from the dragon, his staff held up in one hand, Tomoyo's hand held securely in the other. The dragon chuckled darkly, "That's if you live long enough to get to the first!" The ground shook as he took a heavy step forward.

Tomoyo stepped back, and looked up, a large glass chandelier hung above the dragon's dark orange head. She blinked, and glanced at Eriol, he was too focused on the dragon to notice the opportunity offered to them. Biting a pale lip, Tomoyo frantically tried to think of a way to get Eriol's attention without alerting the dragon.

Saurian chuckled deeply, "Oh . . . how I'll enjoy eating your little concubine . . ."

Eriol's lavender-grey eyes narrowed in cold fury, "To get to her, you kill me first!" He raised his staff, and snarled heatedly, "And I don't think you are yet powerful enough to destroy a reincarnation of Clow Reed!"

Saurian lowered his head, bringing his hideous eye to their level, "I could roast her alive, don't you think? . . . Hmmm, I bet she tastes like . . ." His large reddish eyes flickered to Tomoyo, "She tastes like a dry white, with just a hint of vanilla . . . why don't you describe her taste? . . . I do like to hear what's on the menu . . ."

Eriol's temper grew, his aura flaring with his anger.

". . . just like that Kaho woman . . ." The dragon smirked, "He had her too . . . her aura reeked of his, his scent on her skin . . . Did you know that, concubine? Ooooh . . . she tasted of wine too . . ."

Tomoyo felt Eriol squeeze her hand tighter, and blinked as he heard his voice in her mind, //Stay close to me . . . and don't be afraid . . . I won't let him touch you . . .//

She blinked again and smiled, //I'm not scared. And I know that you won't . . . I'm a little more interest in what's hanging above his head, then what's he's saying!!//

Eriol's eyes flicked upward once then back down again, the only sign he had heard her. He looked at the dragon, who tilted his head suspiciously. The reincarnation's aura was suddenly too calm . . .

"I'm sure your concubine won't mind you spilling all her secr--- ARRGGGHH!!" The chandelier tinkled delightedly as it came crashing down on his head. The diamonds and crystals bounced and rained down on Tomoyo and Eriol as they span and ran away.

"We've got to get to Sakura-chan!!" Tomoyo shouted as she covered her head with her free hand. She followed Eriol blindly, as he ran forward. "The sixth floor!! How do we---AAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIHHHHH!!!"

The dragon shook his head, and smirked as the two escaping people ran straight into one of the mistress' carefully prepared trap. The concubine screamed, as she and the child reincarnation fell through the floor. Saurian turned into his middle form and peered into the dark hole, as there was a loud splash. "Hmmm . . . I wonder . . . how does drowned concubine fry? Do they fry well? Or will I have to dry her out first?"

Sakura and Syaoran ran along the corridor, only to find themselves up against another wall. "We need to find the stairs again!" Syaoran cursed, "Let's go back to where we were!"

"Good id---"

Syaoran span as another wall appeared behind him, and the wall in front of him slid away to nothingness. "Damnit!! Sakura!!" He threw his hands against the wall, knowing that maze wouldn't just yield under him. "Sakura!!"

"Syaoran-kun!!" He span and found Sakura just running around the end of the corridor, "Syaoran-kun! Where are you?!"

"Here!" He sighed, and ran up to her. He hugged her briefly before grabbing her hand, "Don't let go, okay?"

Sakura nodded mutely.

Syaoran paused, "What is it?" Her eyes seemed so sad, he swallowed, "Don't cry . . ." He raised his free hand and brushed it over her cheek lightly, "Whatever happens, don't cry . . . I'm here . . ."

She looked at him.

And nodded again.

Sakura ran around the corner, "Syaoran-kun?! Where are you?!"

She shrieked as she felt something trip her up, rolling and bouncing back up Sakura glanced up to see the loop card's signature gap fade. She looked around, so the loop card had tricked her. Cursing she looked around, "There's nothing I can cut you with." Sakura growled and spun, "What can I do?"

Eriol grabbed Tomoyo and held her close as they dropped through the darkness. He didn't know exactly what to expect other than the fact the Watery card was below them. The impact with the water was hard, and they were swallowed up immediately. Eriol felt Tomoyo grab onto his clothes desperately, it was so dark here, and they could see nothing. He closed his eyes briefly and forced his staff to glow. Opening his eyes, he saw Tomoyo look back at him and smile, she was okay. Nodding, he looked up; they had to get to the surface.

Tomoyo started to kick with her feet, her large purple cloak was moving easily, not soaking up the water at all. Eriol frowned as he noticed the back of his cloak was feeling a little too heavy. Tomoyo's beautiful eyes widened as she noticed the Watery growl menacingly and grab a hold of Eriol. What could she do?!

There was a burst of air as the Watery dragged Eriol down suddenly, Tomoyo cursed silently, as her human instincts forced her up. Her head broke the surface, and she took great gulps of air.

"Ah, Concubine . . ." her head snapped up, the dragon was floating just about the surface, "Maybe I should boil you instead . . ."

Tomoyo drew a quick breath as the dragon lit the surface of the water with his hot flame. She swam down to where she saw Eriol last, he was still struggling with watery.

He glanced up at her and pushed his staff to her, air escaping from his mouth faster. Tomoyo's brow creased with dread as she caught the gold staff easily, he was drowning, no matter how powerful he was, he couldn't stop himself from drowning . . .

Touya and Ruby searched frantically, when Touya suddenly stopped. "Ruby . . ."

"What?" Ruby looked around, her hand ready for attack. "What's wrong?"

"The room . . ." Touya stepped back from the wall, "it's getting smaller . . ."

"Oh, Shit!" Ruby growled as the room's walls took a sickening step forward, "It's the Move card . . . but it's not powerful enough to-"

"The Power, I can feel the Power as well . . ." Touya ran to the wall and started to run his fingers over it blindly, "We've got to get out of here!!"

//One . . . two . . .//

The vines seemed to ready themselves. Keroberos paused again, //This isn't going to work . . . the woody can tell . . .//

Spinel was silent as he thought, //We need to move Keroberos . . .// he dipped his eyes to Keroberos' feet, //the vines are wrapping around us . . .//

//I know . . . we need some other way . . .//

The door flung open suddenly, as the Rain card bounce in on her card. The door slammed shut, and the cute little card settled herself over them and rained down hard.

Keroberos growled, as the trees grew faster, "Perfect . . . just what we need . . ."

Sakura frowned, "I need the sword card . . . or something I can cut it with . . ." she walked around the corner and found herself where she started, "I need to cut the loop . . . but I need a sword . . ."

She blinked as she felt Syaoran's green aura pass her . . . and the Mirror card following him.

"Sakura . . .?" Syaoran stopped as he felt a doubling on his senses, Sakura was on the other side of the wall . . . but she was behind him . . . wasn't she?

Syaoran felt Sakura grab at his robes, and push him forward. He spun and found her holding his sword. "Sakura?!"

"I . . ." her eyes filled with tears, "I can't keep this up . . . we're losing . . ."

"No, we're not!" He stared at her, "Give me my sword back."

"Syaoran-sama . . ." She murmured, as she raised the sword, "Please run away . . ."

He shook his head, "I'm not leaving you . . . we said we'd come through this together!"

Her light brown bangs swished quietly as she shook her head, "Run away please . . . I can't . . . I don't want to hurt you . . ."

A bright red control collar flashed, and Sakura looked up suddenly, her emerald green eyes narrowed. Syaoran jumped back as she dived towards him with his own sword.

The Rain looked so worried as she watched them, Keroberos looked back at her and smiled. "I know, it's not your fault . . ."

The card looked like crying as she nodded her thanks.

"And don't cry!!" Keroberos called up, "We don't need any more water!!"

Spinel tilted his head back, he was shorter than Keroberos, "It looks like the Watery is busy somewhere else . . ."

"Or that bitch of a Clow Reed likes to see people drown slowly," Keroberos nodded, he glanced around, the trees had stopped growing. He frowned why would they stop growing, when they had so much water?

There was a dull thud from behind the wall, and Sakura banged back, "Syaoran-kun?! Can you hear me?! Syaoran kun?!"

Syaoran clawed at the girl's hand as she pinned him to the wall with unusual strength, "Mirror card!! Try to resist!! You've . . . got to . . . try!!"

The card's eyes crimped slightly as she pulled back her sword arm, "I'm sorry . . ."

Sakura jumped back as something ruptured the wall. Plaster and blood dripped from it, Sakura's eyes widened as she recognised the blade. "SYAO-RAN-KUN!!" She threw herself against the wall and beat her fists on it desperately, "ANSWER ME!"

More bubbles escaped from Eriol as Tomoyo swam behind him, he was still fending off the Watery. Tomoyo looked at the surface, Saurian's fire occasionally lighting the surface. She shook her head, and concentrated on holding her breathe down for now. She reached around and grabbed Eriol jaw, and held it shut. The first thing was to stop him from drowning. The Watery didn't pay her that much attention, almost as if it was deliberately giving her a window of opportunity, Tomoyo held the staff hard in her hand as she swung it through the water.

Eriol's eyes widened as he saw his staff come into his line of sight, it glowed slightly, faintly, but it was glowing! Tomoyo was accessing the tiny amount of magic she had. The staff connected with the Watery, and dispersed her briefly. Enough to let go of Eriol. He grabbed his staff from Tomoyo, and thrust it to the Watery. The card's pupil-less eyes widened as Eriol directed a much larger blast of magic to her.

Saurian growled as a bright streak of gold flew past him. The Watery card had been defeated . . . he growled and glanced at the surface. Bubbles were coming up nicely, they may have defeated the Watery, but they were going to drown. He grinned and with a neat back flip dived into the water.

Ruby pressed her back against Touya, as they continued to search for the door, "We can't hold out for much---"

"We have to try!" Touya snapped, he looked up, the ceiling was coming down as well. Growling, he pulled out his key.

"What are you doing?" Ruby called over her shoulder, lifting her legs against the incoming wall, as she and Touya press hard against each other.

"Power card!!" Touya yelled suddenly, as his staff appeared in a flash, "I challenge you . . ." the walls stopped their movement, and pulled back slightly. There was a glow of light and a little girl appeared. The Power card looked at them gratefully. Touya nodded, and stepped over, "I challenge you . . ." He began, the card closed it's eyes awaiting it's challenge.

//Touya!! Hit it with as much magic as you can!!// Eriol's voice sounded loudly in his mind. Touya winced, but did as he was told. The Power card didn't even realise what was happening as Touya brought his staff down on it's head hard. Ruby jumped forward as she heard Eriol's call as well. She wrapped her arms around Touya's body, and willed as much of her power to him as well. There was a bright flash, and the two looked up just in time to see the bright streak of light as the Power card streaked away.

Eriol grabbed Tomoyo's hand, and pulled her behind him, as they watched saurian transform into his champion form. As the arrogant dragon looked around for them, they swam around him, and grabbed his back.

Sakura slid down the wall, "Syaoran-kun . . ." She cried weakly, "Syaoran-kun . . . can you hear me?"

There was a metallic sound, and a quiet swish. She blinked and quickly rolled out the way as the sword card embedded itself in the wall. She glanced at it as it wiggled and got loose. Held by some unseen swordsman, the sword floated closer. Sakura blinked and instantly looked down, the shadow card held the sword card easily. She looked up again as the card came crashing back at her. Sakura ducked and moved away, //what can I do?!// She narrowed her eyes as she jumped up, //I need the sword to cut the loop, I need to get the sword away from shadow . . . how can I get it?//

She stared at the loop card as it's signature line flared again, the sword came crashing down beside her. "All right!" Sakura turned, "You wanna get me?" She sprinted forward and stopped just in front of the loop, "Come and get me!"

The sword card waved slowly, trying to coax her away from the loop, but Sakura held her ground. She stepped closer to the loop, and felt it wobbled uncertainly. It couldn't move without breaking and Sakura wasn't going to move without the sword card's deadly swipe. She clutched her staff, "I know you want to come home. . . I can feel it. . ."

The shadow card rippled on the floor, uncertainty clouding it briefly. The red control collar flickered brightly, and the shadow card lurched forward, Sakura smiled as she fended off the shadow card's first strike with a shadowy arm, and stepped out of the way of the sword. All three cards sparked brightly as they all made contact. As all three cards' visible forms came into existence, Sakura drew back her staff as if to seal them. "Don't worry!!" She called, as all three turned towards her, "I'll win you back!!"

The three turned into sharp bright streaks of light and headed straight up. Sakura turned and ran, "Can anyone hear me?! Anyone at all?!"

"Anyone at all?!"

Sakura's voice was muffled under water, Keroberos kicked and struggled as the vines made one last ditched attempt to hold him down. The room was filling with water!

The vines were weakening. He couldn't think why that was, normally when the rain and the woody got together. . . Keroberos blinked as there was a sudden movement in the water, Spinel was suddenly dragged away. Keroberos growled to himself and pushed up, escaping the water. He gasped loudly as his head broke the water's surface. The rain quickly moved to hover over him as he yelled out, "Sakura!! We're in here!! Hurry!!!"

Sakura ran into a wall, and bounced off it uncaring as she ran towards the muffled voice of Keroberos. "Kero-chan?! Where are you?!"

"He's down there." She skidded to a halt as Hei-ying stepped out, and pointed down the corridor.

"Why should I trust you?!" She edged past him slowly, as he smiled sadly at her.

"You defeat the cards by hitting them with your staff, and overloading them with magic. Your friends have already discovered this. The girl you call Tomoyo is fine, and looking for you." Hei-ying paused as he looked up, "Yue is on the fourth floor, Mystrasa on the sixth, Keroberos is in that room."

Sakura nodded, and stared at him. "Why are you . . .?"

Hei-ying smiled as he stepped forward, "I am the adviser of the Cardcaptor . . ." He knelt quickly and fiddled with his earring, "This is a special earring, give it to Yue when you get him back."

"Why . . .?" She murmured, staring as he quickly clasped her hand around the earring and stood.

"Hurry . . ." He spun and walked away, "And mistress?" Sakura looked up from her hand, as he paused again, "Tell Keroberos that I wish I could have been . . ." He smiled softly, "I could have been a better brother . . ."

Sakura blinked, as the angel disappeared, the Maze card changing the layout again. She stared into her hand; the sparkling jade earring lay cold in her hand.

"Sakura?!" Keroberos' muffled voice yelled out, "Are you there?!"

She blinked and ran off again, the earring slipped safely into her pocket.

The water seemed to explode as Saurian emerged from the water, he growled as he flapped his mighty wings, "Parasites!!" He roared as he flew out of the water, "Geddoff me!!" Eriol and Tomoyo held on tightly as Saurian blasted through the floor of the entrance hall. A blast of Ruby red hit the side of the dragon, as Ruby moon and Touya appeared in the second floor landing. Eriol pulled Tomoyo up; the stairs were just in reach. "Tomoyo, hold my hand!" She looked at him, as he wobbled back slightly. Eriol looked up at Ruby, //Hold your fire until we're off. . .//

//Gotcha . . .// Ruby held her bow taunt.

"One . . ."

Tomoyo took a deep breath, her eyes on the stairs.

"Two . . ."

Eriol tried not to be aware of the sickening height between him, Tomoyo and the floor.

"THREE!!" The two ran as fast as they could, and leapt into the air. Ruby closed her eyes, Touya grasped the railing tight. Eriol and Tomoyo sailed through the air . . .

The door was locked.

Sakura kicked it hard, her anger boiling over. Keroberos was yelling alternatively now, he'd be yelling loud and strong for a few seconds, then fall silent, when he came back, he'd sound weaker. The water seeped under the door, they were drowning. Sakura glared at the door, and saw the lock card float slowly in front of it. She'd already tried her key on it, but Kyree had put a lock on the lock. "Damnit!" Sakura kicked the door again, "Kero-chan?! Can you still hear me?!"

"Hai!! Hurry!!"

The sound of panting made her turn, as Syaoran came running down the corridor. "Sakura!!"

Sakura blinked, "Syaoran!!" She threw her arms around him, "You're okay!!"

He smiled and hugged her gently, "If you don't hurry, those two will drown!"

They turned back to the door, and Sakura raised her staff, "I don't know if this will work. . ." Closing her emerald eyes, she felt Syaoran put his hands over hers and smile reassuringly by her ear.

"Trust yourself . . . it will . . ."

As she summoned her energy, Sakura murmured as she opened her eyes suddenly, "You're not Syaoran. . ."

The smile faded slightly, "I know. . ."

"Is he dead?" Sakura's power reached it's peak, and she brought the staff down hard on the door. The door creaked and burst under the weight of the water. Sakura held on tight to the 'Syaoran' as the gushing water swept past them. She gulped for air as she struggled to her feet. The 'Syaoran' smiled as he pulled her up. "Not yet . . ." he kissed her gently on the cheek, "But you must hurry . . . We can't keep him out of the Master's attention for long . . ."

Keroberos coughed weakly as he dragged Spinel out, Sakura blinked and turned away from the 'Syaoran', "Is he okay?!"

The lion shook Spinel, and shook him harder, "Suppi? Suppi?!"

Spinel Sun wasn't breathing.

Yue ran down the corridor. He was lost, the maze card shuffled again. It wasn't letting him join the fight!

"Damnit!" He slammed into a wall again, "Let me out!"

Spinning, Yue ran in the opposite way, turned a corner only to find it blocked again.

"How can I find the truth when I'm lost?!" He yelled in utter frustration. He growled as he found himself in front of the snowflake and the moon door again.

"No . . ."

Tomoyo let out a small cry as she saw the stair railing pass in front of them. They had missed.

"Hiirawagizawa-sama!!" She heard Ruby scream as they started their sickening drop. Tomoyo felt Eriol dig his fingernails into her arm and raw blood leek from the crescent shaped punctures as his other arm shot up.

They hit the wall hard as they swung from his snagged staff.

 Eriol panted as he looked down, "Are you okay?"

"Dazed but fine!" Tomoyo called up, as she looked up at him, "What now?"

"Now it's time for a little feed!" The choking breath of the dragon engulfed Tomoyo for the second time in her life. "Anyone up for a little game of Piñata?"

Tomoyo growled as she pushed herself from the wall, half span and kicked out at the dragon. Hitting the wall again, she smiled as the dragon jumped back in pain, and her boot dripped with a slick liquid.

"She's a feisty one!" Saurian clutched at his eye, as he growled, "Makes for tough stringy meat!"

Ruby drew her Bow, and aimed for the side of the dragon's immense head. The soft twang, and the Ruby red arrow stuck true, and the dragon staggered back as Ruby flew down to held her master.

Touya kept his eyes on the dragon, and noticed a fog swirl at the bottom of the stairs. "Ruby! Hurry!!" He glanced at the rotting Mist as it eagerly ate the stair rail, "It's the Mist card!!"

A cough, a huge heaving cough, and a splutter of water.

Spinel sun, heaved with all his might all the water he had swallowed. He felt people roll his body on to his front, and bang his back hard. He coughed harder, and tried to raise his head.

"Are you okay, Suppi?!"

Spinel opened his eyes, blurred double vision showed him swirled colour, "My name's . . . not . . ." He coughed violently, and continued quietly, "Not . . . Suppi."

Keroberos dipped his head, and licked his fellow sun guardian, relieved. "I know . . ." He looked at Sakura, "Where's the Gaki?"

"I don't know, we got separated . . ." Sakura ran into the room quickly, "Rain! Woody!!"

The two cards looked at her, Sakura hit the Rain first, the tiny little spirit smile with appreciation as she disappeared in a flash of light. The Woody spread her arms, holding back her trees desperately. Sakura smiled, knowing how much it was hurting the Woody to disobey like this . . .

"Thank you, my dearest Woody . . . "

The card started to smile and cry at the same time. She trembled as her trees surged forward.

Sakura raised her staff and brought it down hard. "I will save you."

The green card smiled tearfully again and nodded, before disappearing in a flash of gold.

"To-ya?"

Touya turned in time to see the back of an angel's robes disappear around a corner.

"To-ya . . . where are you?"

He glanced back down at Eriol, Tomoyo and Ruby, and decided that there was nothing he could do from where he was. He turned and ran after the voice.

"I'm coming, Yue!"

He ran along the corridor, always too late to see Yue, but always in time to see the back of an angel's robes disappear around a corner. He growled and tried to run fast.

"Kino . . . moto-san . . ." a voice cried out weakly as he past yet another corridor.

Touya stopped and retraced his steps. "Syaoran?"

"Touya . . . help . . ."

The taller boy ran over quickly as soon as he spotted the little wolf. Syaoran was nailed to the wall by his own sword. "Wha. . . what can I do. . .?"

Syaoran shook his head, "I . . ." He swallowed heavily, a thin trail of blood was running from his pale lips, "I've been using my . . . magic to . . ." His head dipped, and he shook it slowly, "To. . . stop the bleeding. . . but I . . ."

"Shhh. . ." Touya straightened, and pushed Syaoran's shoulder back, forcing the younger boy upright. "I'm going to pull it out, okay?"

Syaoran frowned, closing his eyes, steadying himself for the pain.

Unknown to them, a jade eye narrowed gratefully.

Hei-ying edged around the corner, careful that he remained unseen. He smiled, glad he's led Touya to find the Li clan head, any longer, and the clan head might have died. He glanced up, knowing this wasn't exactly what Kyree meant by leading them around the house. But then. . . he smirked as he walked away, the Obedience Spell was always left to his own interpretation . . .

"Take Tomoyo!!"

Eriol swung Tomoyo as best he could to Ruby. He glanced down; the Mist card was eroding the railing!

Swearing, Eriol jammed his feet against the wall, and started to haul himself up. Ruby held Tomoyo tightly as she flew up to the second floor again, "Touya?"

Tomoyo blinked and looked around, "Where's he gone?"

Ruby swore, "Damnit!" She put Tomoyo down, "I've got to get Hiirawagizawa-sama!"

"Wait!" Tomoyo grabbed her, "There's no sense in losing me too! Come on . . ." She ran to the stairs, "We've got to stay together!"

Eriol dragged himself up, and over the railing. "Staff, Retract!" He glanced at the dragon, it was gone.

He looked around, he could hear something . . . It was a sound like . . . a sound like a bird twittering but not quite. . .

Sakura dashed out the room, "We've got to find Syaoran, and the rest!!"

Keroberos groaned as he tried to pull Spinel to his feet, "Come on Suppi . . . you've got to move . . ."

Spinel moaned out loud as his feet slipped out from under him. Sakura looked around, "What can I do . . .?" She knelt down quickly, and placed her hand on Spinel's back. "Until we find Eriol . . . draw power from me, okay?"

Keroberos' head snapped up, "Sakura, you cannot support three guardians!"

She stared at him, "Something that will trigger the Triad thing?"

"No. . . But . . . you're not . . ."

"I'll have to be!" She shook her head, and pulled up Spinel's chin, "I don't support the cards right now, and I can barely feel Yue drawing power . . ."

Spinel looked at Keroberos, who sighed and nodded. The blue panther closed his eyes, and began to glow a deep blue.

Ruby jerked as if someone had collared her.

"What is it?!" Tomoyo grabbed her hand, "Ruby-chan, what is it?!"

"It's . . ." Ruby's eyes filled up with tears, "Suppi . . . he's not drawing power from Hiirawagizawa-sama anymore . . . I . . ." She closed her eyes and clenched her fists, "He's dead . . . My Suppi is dead."

Tomoyo pressed her hand against her mouth, "No . . . Spinel-kun . . ."

Ruby's head snapped up, and she glanced at Eriol. The dragon was playing hide and seek with him. Growling, Ruby grabbed Tomoyo and slung her over her shoulder, screaming bloody revenge for her dead brother.

Touya pressed his hand hard against Syaoran's stomach, "what can I do?" He pressed down harder, "I . . ." Syaoran's eyes were unfocused, Touya growled quietly, and closed his eyes, //someone . . . help me . . .//

Yue's head snapped back to the door, Touya's voice was muffled from behind.

"Someone . . . help me . . ."

"To-ya!!" Yue staggered back, and threw himself against the locked door, "Open this door, and let me in!!"

Kyree snarled as another card flashed and landed in her hand, the cards were falling so easily!

"DAMN YOU!!" She screamed as she locked the cards in her dark book, "How can you be so weak?!" She spun and glanced down at the magic circle, Hei-ying smiling as he betrayed her.

Kyree closed her eyes, and gasped as she sensed what was wrong with him.

The Yin-Yang Syndrome had been activated between them, everything between them was being countered and balanced like the scales of the Libra card. What Hei-ying lost, Yue gained. What Hei-ying gained, Yue lost . . .

She growled as she sent her only choice of orders, to prevent the scales from balancing completely. Her eyes narrowing as she waved her hand over the magic circle, Hei-ying's image fading as Yue's came into focus.

Yue's insanity was being countered, balanced. Hei-ying was becoming sane.

Saurian raised his head, as he heard Kyree's spat order. //Kill Hei-ying.// grinning darkly, he raised his razor sharp tail, ready to separate the reincarnation's head from his body.

"Eriol!!"

The reincarnation jumped and span, ducking Saurian's spin. The dragon growled and tipped his head back, becoming his middle form quickly. But not quick enough. As his wings peeled back, he got a stunning kick to the snout and fell down the stairs.

Ruby landed, and backed up, as the stairs began to collapse.

"It's the Mist card!" Eriol shouted, he grabbed Tomoyo's hand and started to run. Ruby paused, staring down into the hazy mist for the dragon.

"Bastard . . . I'll kill you." Ruby nodded as she swore at the unseen dragon, for my brother. She muttered before turning and running.

Sakura and the two sun guardians bounded down the corridor. "Syaoran?!" Sakura shouted, "Where are you?!"

"Where are we?" Spinel glanced at Keroberos as they ran.

"Third floor. The west side. " Keroberos looked up, "Sakura!! The—"

Sakura gasped as suddenly she found herself in a gravity-less part of the corridor. She looked around, "I don't have time for this!" The Float card's visible form faded in and out, Sakura nodded, and swirled her staff around, whacking it hard. "Float!!"

The card disappeared quickly with a streak of light. The sun guardians ran forward, and caught Sakura as she fell from the air. Sakura quickly rolled off them, and started to run again. "Come on!!"

Yue sank to the floor in front of the door, the maze card refused to let him go anywhere but here . . . Touya was in there, Clow . . . everyone . . . but they had lied to him . . . betrayed him . . . hadn't they?

The key glowed slightly with Hei-ying's jade magic.

The moon angel's shoulders slumped as he stared at the foreboding doorway. He knew he needed to enter, somewhere in his broken heart, his broken mind, he knew. He needed to find the truth, what really happened . . .

Ruby bounced off the wall, and ran as the Mist card ate the stairs. Tomoyo coughed slightly, she was cold and wet still. "Where do we need to go, to get to the sixth floor?"

"First . . ." Eriol brought his staff down on the first few tendrils of the Mist, and the card streaked away. "We need to find the others. . ." He looked around quickly, "We're on the second floor . . . east side. . . let's go. . ."

Touya looked up suddenly as he felt Eriol pass nearby, //ERIOL!!//

Eriol gasped and stumbled as Touya's loud thought caught him off guard, //What?!//

//You're near to us.//

//Us?//

//Syaoran's with me . . . he's hurt bad; I've stopped some of the bleeding for now but . . . we need to get to him to a proper doctor or I don't know what to do!//

Eriol growled as he took another turn, dragging Tomoyo and Ruby behind him, //You've got the same amount of magic as me, Touya! Use it to heal him . . . concentrate on nothing but the wound, and that you want to seal it . . . I'll fix it better when I get to you!//

Tomoyo stumbled slightly, "Eriol . . . it's getting too cold . . ."

Ruby shivered, "It's the Freeze card . . ." She looked around, "Keep moving . . . I'll get this one . . ."

Eriol shook his head, and grabbed Tomoyo, "Come on!"

"I . . ." she'd closed her eyes, and started to shake her head.

"Don't give me any 'I can't' because you have to, Miss Tomoyo . . ." Eriol growled, dragging her, and pushing her in front of him, "I'm not giving you any choice!"

Sakura smiled as she sealed the sweet and the move quickly. The two cards disappeared, and streaked away. "I'm going to do this!" She promised herself. She looked around, "Where are we now?"

"Third floor, north wing . . ." Keroberos looked around, "We need to get to a stairwell . . . follow me!"

"Third floor . . ." Kyree's eyes narrowed as she waved her hand over the magic circle, Eriol still pushing his precious little woman forward, "And the second floor . . . three floors to go . . ."

Saurian pulled himself out of the rubble, "Butterfly girl . . . Butterfly girl, am I going to enjoy plucking your wings, Butterfly girl. . ."

Ruby growled as she kicked the Freeze card aside, the card shattered with the force of her magic and streaked away, the Change card pounced on her back, "Kutabare!!" Ruby threw her back against the wall, and kicked the downed card along the corridor. It too streaked away. The ground heaved with a mighty bounce as the Jump card stormed in. Ruby blinked and ran to the former stairwell, she raised her hand and beckoned it closer.

The Jump card made a jump for her.

Ruby ducked and the card went crashing past her, falling downward. Ruby smirked and waited for the stupid card to come bouncing back up. The dazed confusion of the card didn't stop Ruby as she drew back her hand and punched the card hard in the face. The card arched away before streaking up. Ruby wiped her hands and panted slightly.

"Butterfly girl!!"

Ruby looked up to see saurian flying towards her. "Ruby!!" Eriol shouted, "Let's go!!"

She nodded, and glanced back at the dragon, lifted a hand and sprayed him with a dozen Ruby shards. Satisfied she'd temporarily blinded him, Ruby moon span and ran down the corridor to her master.

Syaoran groaned quietly, the shock becoming too much for him. Touya was feeding magic into the wound but he didn't know enough about the process to get it right. Clow wasn't being of any help, he could feel Yue just a few floors above him, //Focus . . . Touya, I'm coming . . .// Eriol whispered in his mind, //Please don't let me lose my descendant . . .//

The stairs below them were ruined, "Damnit!!" Sakura shouted, she pressed her hand against her mouth, "What are we going to do?"

Spinel jumped out, and Keroberos turned to her, "Jump on!"

The three flew down as fast as they could. Unaware of the dark angel trailing them.

"Run!" Ruby pushed Eriol and Tomoyo, "Runrunrun!!"

A plume of flame just singed the end of her hair, saurian roared as he flew behind them, "Concubine!! Butterfly!! Come, come! I don't want my meat all tough and toned!!!"

Eriol growled as he pulled Tomoyo and Ruby into a room, kicking the door shut behind them. He levitated a chest of drawers over, and Ruby and Tomoyo pushed as much as they could in front of it. Ruby panted as she patted the back of her hair, "Bastard . . . I'll avenge Suppi!"

Eriol shook his head and walked over to the window. "That's true, Ruby, but it will have to wait for now. . ."

"What are you doing?" Tomoyo followed him over, "We can't exit through the window . . . the storm would—"

"We haven't got much of a choice," He opened the window, "We'll have to scale the building . . ."

"Eriol . . ." Tomoyo looked out, "We've got to get to Syaoran-kun . . ."

"I know . . ." The blue haired boy nodded, and closed his eyes, //Touya . . . Is there a window nearby?//

Touya looked up and around, //at the end of the corridor . . .//

//Can you get to it . . .?//

//I can try. . .// Touya stood, and shrugged off his coat, Syaoran looked better and he wasn't bleeding anymore. He lay his coat over the younger man, and rushed over to the window, throwing it open he looked around. Eriol was leant out a window about six rooms away. The blue haired man nodded, and shouted, "I'm coming!! Try to stay by the window!!"

Touya gave him the thumbs up, and ran back to Syaoran. Carrying the younger man gently, Touya set up station by the open window, uncaring of the driving rain as it pelted them.

"Sakura . . ." Syaoran opened his eyes and rasped, "I feel her near . . ."

"Syaoran . . ." Sakura's head snapped over, "He's on the second floor . . ."

Spinel and Keroberos nodded, and changed direction, diving downward.

Hei-ying watched them from the fifth floor, and glanced at the stairs for the sixth floor. "Almost . . . almost there . . ."

Yue stared at the key. Then at the door.

He drew a quiet breath and stood, it was time to discover the real truth. No more smoke and illusions, it was time for the real truth. The key seemed to slip eagerly into the lock.

Yue blinked, a shadow of a doubt falling over his mind. Did he want to know? Did he want to find out that Keroberos and Clow had lied to him all this time? That Touya was wrong, that he didn't love Yue or Yukito at all?

The key turned.

Did he want to know that he was wrong? Did he want to find out he was the one who had done all the betraying?

The door creaked open.

Did he want to find out what really happened all those years ago?

Yue opened his eyes as he looked around the room. It was a child's room, a room . . . he knew . . . recognised. A nightmare, years long ago, he had had a nightmare about this room. He looked around; toys and bed covers were strewn around the place. A room violated by violence. Everywhere was stained with blood. His blood. The room hadn't been touched since the attack Hei-ying had wreaked on him. Yue sank to the floor, staring at the devastation all around him.

He was wrong.

Yue the Judgement Maker had been wrong, all this time. Touya, Keroberos . . . they had been telling him the truth, and now . . . and now he had led them all here . . .

He clutched his head, and screamed.

"NO!!"

Hei-ying's head snapped to the side, as he feel Yue's pain. He closed his eyes and ran blindly to the fourth floor. He had to help Yue, had to sooth his pain. The sharp pair of scissors glinted on his ankle as he ran. "Yue!! I'm coming!! Little moonbeam, I'm coming!!"

Kyree growled as she watched Yue. She held her hand out, and the magic circle's vision changed to the second floor. Touya was still tending the Li clan head. Her eyes narrowed, as she commanded the maze card to change again.

The Storm card and the Windy battled; the stronger element card was trying to hold back the Storm from the house. Knowing full well, the small band of people treading along the ledge would never make it if they attacked. She glanced at the Thunder beast as he tried to keep himself from attack, allowing only small bolts fly at them, after their steps, near misses reminding them to hurry.

Another shot from the Thunder card caused some rubble to break away from a ledge above theirs, Ruby pressed herself against Tomoyo, and kept a firm hand on Eriol as they walked along the narrow edge. "Hiirawagizawa-sama . . . I feel the Maze card . . ."

"I know . . ." Eriol tried to walk faster; "We've got to get there before it changes again and we lose them."

Touya stuck his head out, come on!! He shouted over the howling wind, he blinked and saw the windy card swirl around, holding back from attacking them directly. He smiled at her, offering silent thanks for her resistance. He held out his hand and pulled Eriol through the window. Eriol immediately tended to Syaoran, as Touya pulled Tomoyo through. Ruby waited until Tomoyo was all the way though before looking around quickly, sadness clouding her mind briefly, //Suppi . . .//

"Ruby!! Come on!!" Touya called, holding out his hand.

She shook her head, and reached for his hand. Touya gasped as he looked up suddenly, Ruby turned. The windy couldn't resist anymore.

Eriol glanced up as he felt Ruby moon being ripped away from the window.

"Eriol . . ." Syaoran said quietly, "Ruby . . ."

"I know . . ."

"Go . . . I'll live . . ."

Eriol shook his head, "Not this time . . ." He closed his eyes, and concentrated on Syaoran's wound, and not the screams of his moon guardian as she was thrown against the hard stone of the building.

Spinel suddenly took a right turn.

"Suppi!!" Keroberos yelled as he chased after him. "Where are you goin'?!"

"It's Ruby!!" Spinel shouted back, as he ran to the window. "I can hear her!! Ruby!!"

Keroberos closed his eyes as he concentrated, he too could hear Ruby screaming. He felt Sakura grab his fur tighter as they doubled their speed. Spinel growled as he prepared to blast out the window.

"Where do you think you are going?"

Spinel and Keroberos growled as saurian stepped out of the corridor between them and the window. "Bastard!" Keroberos yelled, "Get out of our way!!" Sakura looked around for some sort of distraction, she bit her lip as she slid off Keroberos' back.

"Kero-chan . . . Spinel-kun . . ." She commanded quietly, but not so quiet Saurian couldn't hear, "You distract him long enough to give me enough time to go to Mystrasa directly . . ."

Keroberos turned suddenly, "Sakura!"

She shook her head, and started to edge away, "Ready?"

"Sakura!" Keroberos protested, but stopped as Spinel put his paw against his.

"She's the card mistress . . ." Spinel murmured, "Trust her . . ."

"One . . ." Sakura backed away, "Two . . ." Keroberos and Spinel approached the dragon slowly, Saurian smirked as he kept his eyes on Sakura, "THREE!!"

The two sun guardians feign an attack on the dragon, as Sakura span and ran down the other corridor. Saurian ignored them both and flew after Sakura. Spinel blasted the window out and ran up to it, "Trust her, Keroberos!! Come on!!"

Keroberos glanced down the corridor, Saurian's taunting shout rising. He shook his head and ran after Spinel as the two leapt out the window.

Ruby was in so much pain. She couldn't think, couldn't breath, she wasn't given enough time to even brace herself against the next throw. Her back felt like it would break, her chest as if it would crack open. She just wanted the pain to . . .

. . . stop. He'd give anything in this world, just to make the pain stop. He curled up and stared out the window, rocking back and forward, Yue just wanted the pain to . . .

. . . stop. How could he be this way? How could he fail his real mistress like this, fail his brothers so? Yue was in so much pain, and Hei-ying could feel more pain from his cousin, the other moon guardian, Ruby moon . . . she was . . .

. . . dying. She was dying. She felt the bitter metallic taste of blood in her mouth, her eyes were blurring, she couldn't make sense of anything anymore, just the thud. Thud. Thud. Thud of her own body as she hit the wall again and again. Ruby broke, screaming out one last time, "SOMEONE—"

"--HELP ME!!" Yue cried out, his breath misting the clear glass, frosting his pale reflection with beads of condensation.

Spinel glanced up and dragged as much air as he could into his lungs, roaring as his Ruby red fire spilled out of his mouth with a force unknown to him. His darling sister, they were killing her! Ruby screamed on last time, begging for mercy before the windy was blown away with Spinel and Keroberos' combined attack. She whimpered quietly as she fell. Landing heavily on Spinel's back. The panther huffed out with her dead weight, but he managed to fly up to the window.

Touya waved them up, and they climbed through soaked and panting. Tomoyo ran forward, and threw her damp cloak over Ruby, it was the best she could do. Ruby was hyperventilating, her eyes darting back and forward under her eyelids. Tomoyo pulled her up into her lap, and rocked the weak moon guardian gently, "It's okay . . . Ruby, can you hear me?" Ruby began to cough, her breathing evening out, Tomoyo smiled and brushed the wet hair off the moon guardian's face, ". . . It's okay . . ."

Eriol help Syaoran to his feet, the little wolf almost as good as new. He smiled and patted Eriol on the shoulder, as the reincarnation tended to Spinel and Ruby. Syaoran grabbed Keroberos by the fur, "Where's Sakura?!"

A hand suddenly stuck out and dragged her into a room, she almost screamed when she heard a desperate hiss, "Shh!"

The dragon flew by, too stupid to sense for auras, as her mysterious rescuer dragged her down the darkened corridor. //It could be Yue . . .// she wondered as she followed them quietly, //. . . or Hei-ying. . .//

The rescuer dragged her into a room, and led her to some stairs. She felt a sharp push, and stumbled up the stairs. "These will take you to the fifth floor . . . you will find your friends there . . ."

Sakura stumbled and turned, "Hei-ying."

Hei-ying stopped and looked up at her.

"Come with me . . ." Sakura asked quietly, "Join with me . . ."

He smiled, reaching out to touch her. She grabbed his hand, and held it tight, feeling their magic connect easily, one star to another. Hei-ying closed his eye and smiled again, this time with a touch of relief, "Maybe later . . . I've got to get to Yue first . . . he's my little brother . . . I can't let Mystrasa keep him . . ."

Sakura nodded and turned to run, her every step sure even though she had nothing but the dim light of the huge windows to guide her.

"So, you *are* seeking redemption . . ." Kyree noted with a tone of disgust, she turned her attention on the people of the fifth floor, "Silent card . . . Silence their lives."

Saurian flew out into the main hall, he had lost her, had lost them all . . . he turned and flew up to the sixth floor.

Yue stared out, he could feel them, all around him, Touya, Keroberos, Eriol, Ruby, Spinel were above him one floor, Sakura was below him, two floors, Kyree was above him two floors. Saurian was on the same floor now, and moving up, and Hei-ying . . . Hei-ying was below him three floors.

He closed his eyes and reached out, //Hei-ying . . . Why?//

//. . . Why?//

Hei-ying pressed his hand to the glass, //Does it matter now?//

//yes.//

He sighed internally, //because I loved Clow. Just like you do, I loved him.//

//Loved?//

Hei-ying nodded, not remembering that Yue couldn't see him, //She's going to kill your friends . . .//

Yue was silent.

//Don't you care?//

//I . . . they don't want me back . . . they couldn't, not after what I've done . . .//

Tomoyo looked up as she felt something familiar. She looked around, and focused on the end of the corridor, there was a bright blue flash as something travelled from one painting to another. She blinked and held up her hands, "shh!!"

Silence descended on the group as Tomoyo pointed down the corridor, another blue flash travelled closer from one painting to another. Tomoyo recognised it, one of the first cards she and Sakura had faced, it's signature coming closer and closer.

The Silent card.

She turned and looked out the open window. It was a trap, if anyone made a single noise . . . they would be . . . she turned her attention back on to the card, sliding her hand over Ruby's mouth to stop her moaning. The card took it's visible form before them.

A single noise . . . and the perpetrator would be sent out of the building. Five floors from the ground.

//Who will be first?//

Hei-ying shook his head at Yue's quiet question; they too could feel the Silent card above them. There was no escaping this card. Hei-ying closed his eye and reached into his pocket. Sliding reassuring fingers over his silver scissors.

High above the jade-eyed angel, Yue's heart sank. He knew who Mystrasa would choose. He knew deep within his heart, who would sacrifice themselves to distract the card long enough. He *knew* who it would be. Drops of dark red blood ran unnoticed down his arm, welling from the crescents his nails had cut in to his pale palms. //I will not pity them. They do not deserve my pity . . .// he thought bitterly, he couldn't return to them now, they wouldn't want him, he had lead them to their deaths. Some part of Yue was almost indifferent to this, but another, a part he thought he had lost, pulsed in agony. But there was no way to leave his mistress . . . Kyree, and he did not want to, not . . . want . . .

Internally the pain rose to a cry.

//I can't go back . . . // Yue's eyes widened as he felt silence descend the house, waiting, waiting, waiting, //I want this over//

With an effort, Hei-ying pulled himself out of the stance he had adopted, having instinctively mirrored his brother's taut position, causing him to tighten his grip on the scissors he held. It's gleam was hidden in the darkness of his pocket.  If Yue was going to make a move, it would be soon, and he would be expected to stop him . . . no-one would know, not even the mistress, that he had had a choice . . . For a second the old hatred surfaced more virulently than it had for a long time.

//But then. . .//

It faded into regret, always regret . . . Hei-ying closed his eye and fingered his dull blade. A sharp jolt of pain brought his eye open again, to see a trail of red running from his own wrist.

//Just like Yue's . . . //

He looked out the window again; the storm was obscuring the moon. Hei-ying blinked as he realised that was why Kyree had deployed the storm card to keep the storm around the house. She had known that it was possible that either he or Yue would come to their senses, and she was starving them of magic, making them depend on her for their magic more.

Hei-ying breathed out, misting the glasses, he was the one. The one that would disobey her. Once again, twice in his life, the spell that had so binded him so hard to Clow Reed gave way, Hei-ying was going to save his brother . . . not only that, but save his life. He smiled as he gazed into the window; his hair was streaking with white.

Almost quiet as a thought, Hei-ying whispered "Your choice, Yue."

//Eriol.//

Eriol's head tilted slightly, the only sign he had heard Touya, //Yes?//

//On my mark---//

//--You'll be killed!//

Touya mentally shook his head, his eyes locked on the still Silent card, //We have no choice, you and I are the only ones powerful enough to defeat this card . . .// Eriol nodded slowly, as Touya continued, //On my mark . . . one . . . //

Sakura pushed herself hard, striking every card that got in her way. She barely paid attention as each card gratefully streaked away. She could feel Eriol powering up his magic.

//Two . . .//

Yue stood, could he do it? Could he free himself from all of this . . .?

He stared out, and groaned, as he felt Eriol power up his staff, so Yue was right. He did know who would give themselves up.

She narrowed her eyes; this would be the test of her control over the two angels. Mystrasa Kyree's laughter was almost audible in the malicious sorcery; as in complete silence, the spell broke. 

"Now." Hei-ying noticed quietly. With finality, the magic chose its victim.

"NOW!!!" Touya yelled, the Silent card open her eyes and lifted her finger as Eriol ran forward, her concentration so great on transporting the powerful magician out she didn't notice Eriol running toward her.

Her finger brushed her lips a split second before Eriol hit her with his staff.

There was a bright spark of glow as the card dispersed, and it's last spell was cast.

Abruptly his voice was wrenched away from him. It felt as if he had been plunged into ice, but it was air, not water, as Touya was transported outside the silence enclosure the Silent card had made of the room . . . but at the same altitude he had been before! The ground stretched away into a dizzying drop below him; time expanding for the instant before gravity took hold. He was suspended in mid air, wisps of air, nothing but the regretful Silent Card to support him. His eyes widened . . .

. . . He couldn't breathe.

  -----------------------

And Now It's Time For LEAVE IT TO DOCTOR MEGALOMANIA!!!

DrM: [throws hands up] Argggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Touya: [seriously put out] That's MY line!!

Yuki: [Seriously putting out] Poor Touya!! Come here ad let me make it better!!

Yue: [Seriously putting more out] NO!! Me!!

Hei-ying: [Seriously putting even more out] Aw Yue, baby. . . come to someone who'd really take care of you!!

Saurian: [Seriously put off] Thank you, I WAS going to enjoy a nice meal, with full side orders but no, nono. YOU had to go and spoil it all. . .

Heero: [seriously scowling] I'll kill anyone I like!! [thinks] and then I'll go kill anyone I DON'T like!!

Clow: [covers eyes and starts pushing DrM out the room] Thank you Dr. Mmie. . . that's enough bad word play tomorrow. . .

DrM: But-but-but all work and no word play makes DrM a dull girl. . . Clow! CLOOOW!!!

Touya: Okay people, YOU know what to do. . . in order to make sure I don't die a gruesome and most likely painful, humiliating death at the hands of a possessed Author . . . I mean, card, CARD . . . ya gotta review, Reviews appease the Author just like sacrificial Lemons . . . I mean, VIRGINS . . . do.