Ok, another foreword. I've changed the 'Syaoran' to 'Shaoran' in dialogues 'cos that's the way it's pronounced in the show. Same goes for Kero. The actual spelling is Cerberus, but I've changed it to Keroberus in spoken dialogue 'cos that's the way it is. I feel more satisfied with it that way, because it follows the series better (even if it might confuse some people). And I'm not gonna use the Cardcaptors names (Li, Madison, Eli and so on) simply because I think that those characters made up by Cardcaptors are... well... I don't like them (for all those Tomoyo fans out there, especially the Madison character. It just messes the poor girl up completely). So go on and flame me if you aren't satisfied. Now on with the story.

Chapter 2

"Hai, Sakura-san. It's me, Eriol. It's good to hear you voice," said Eriol, slightly amused at Sakura's shocked response.

"Is everything alright? What made you call me after so long?"

"I'm coming to Tomoeda soon to discuss something important with you."

"Hoe?"

"I'll explain the details to you later when I'm in Tomoeda. Kaho wishes to speak with you now," Eriol said, passing the phone over to Kaho.

"Hello Sakura! It's sure been some time since I've spoken with you," said a womanly voice over the phone.

"Mizuki-sensei! Waii! I'm so glad to hear from you after so long," Sakura was simply delighted to hear from her teacher from the Clow card capture days.

"How have you been doing lately? I've heard that a great number of magicians have come in search of you."

"Hai. A great number of them have come. It's been so tiring trying to fight them off. They come so often," replied Sakura, a sad tone in her voice evident.

"Oh… well don't loose hope Sakura-san. I'm sure you can do it. Everything will be alright, remember? I have faith in you."

"Domo arigatou, Mizuki-sensei! I can't wait for you and Eriol-kun to come back to Tomoeda."

"By the way, Sakura, how have you and Shaoran been doing?"

"We've been really happy since he returned! Shaoran has been helping me in my battles. I'm glad he hasn't been called to return to Hong Kong yet."

"That's really nice to know Sakura," said Kaho cheerfully. "Well then, Eriol and I will be seeing you soon. We'll come to visit you as soon as we arrive ok?"

"We'll all be waiting for you!"

"Sayonara for now then."

"Sayonara."

Sakura hung up and began up to her room, a delighted smile on her face.

"What was that all about?" asked Kero, flying up beside her. He had gone to the refrigerator while she answered the call.

"Eriol-kun and Mizuki-sensei will be coming back to Tomoeda soon. Eriol said he had something to talk to me about though," answered Sakura happily, despite her sleepiness.

Eriol's coming back? Kero had a nasty feeling about it. Even the last time with the Void card, now better known as the Hope card, Eriol had stayed in England. Why would he be coming this time? It had to be something serious.

"Did he say anything about why he was coming back?"

"No… he said he'd discuss the details when he gets here." Sakura walked up the stars, using the railing to keep her balance. "Kero-chan, I'm so tired…"

"Oh… alright… just this once." With that, Kero transformed into his magnificent form. Then he placed the half-asleep Sakura on his back and walked up to her room.

*~*~*~*~*

"Do you know what it is, Eriol?" asked Kaho.

Eriol shook his head solemnly. "Iie. I don't know what it is, but I can feel it strongly. It's a weird feeling, as if something of mine is returning; yet it is foreign. It is very strange." Eriol looked out through the window towards the stars. "Very strange indeed…"

*~*~*~*~*

"Sakura, I'm back!" said Syaoran as he entered the house again.

"Shh! You'll wake her up!" Kero said as he flew towards him.

"Oh… Well I brought back the cakes and Sakura's lunch anyway."

"CAKES???"

"Yeah, Sakura asked m… " Before Syaoran could finish his sentence, Kero charged at him, grabbing the bag from his hand and knocking him over at the same time. "KEROBERUS!"

"What is it, KID? Wanna pick a fight?" Kero asked, his mouth stuffed with cream cake.

"Grr… " Was all Syaoran managed to get out, remembering the time Kero had flattened him in his true form.

"By the way, KID, Sakura mentioned that Eriol called. He said he would be returning to Tomoeda soon."

"Eriol returning to Japan?" said Syaoran, as he tried to ignore the 'kid' comment. Being 16 wasn't exactly 'kid' material anymore. Then again, when did he allow Cerberus to call him a 'kid'?

"Mmm… yeah according to Sakura, he would discuss the matters only when he returned. I think it's something important though…" Kero put down the cake as he spoke, his expression turning serious. "Eriol didn't return the last time with the Void card, neither did he at anytime to help Sakura with all the oncoming magicians and wizards."

"I guess we should inform Yue as well then. Sakura… didn't seem the slightest bit worried did she?"

"No, she was probably too tired to have thought about the situation much. I had to carry her up to her room." [sweat drop]

"I'll go check if she's ok." Syaoran said as he climbed up the stairs to Sakura's room, different reasons for Eriol's return forming in his head. Suppose I should consult mother? No, she would not know much of it. Syaoran sighed. He pushed open the door gently, walking as quietly as possible into her room. The chair beside her bed stood invitingly. He sat, watching her sleep. Her peaceful expression was still full of the childish innocence she never seemed to have lost since young. Sakura. How he wished the fighting would stop. Strong she may be, but she was still a young girl, incapable of continuous battle periods. She isn't strong enough for that kind of battle yet. Wars. Suppose somebody would posses enough power to cause a huge conflict between the two… Syaoran shivered at the thought, then looked at Sakura's face again. He gently caressed her cheek, thinking of her strong will and fighting spirit (which is possibly only when she feels those around her are threatened). I wish I could protect her… always. Now that was a joke, knowing that her powers already exceeded his, potentially by a lot. If only…

Syaoran woke up with a start. He must have fallen asleep while watching her. Oh yeah, probably because I was helping her last night. Sakura was apparently awake too, looking at him with her emerald green eyes. Why am I resting on her bed? Syaoran thought embarrassedly. He must have dozed off and fallen on her bed unknowingly. Syaoran turned a brilliant shade of red. Never in his life would he have been caught in that position.

"I umm… Gomen!" Syaoran said, hastily getting up and off her bed and into a stiff standing position.

"Shaoran-kun, it's ok," said a slightly blushing Sakura. It was so nice to look at him in his sleep. She took his hand gingerly. "Thank you, Shaoran, for watching over me."

"I… I uhh… …" Syaoran stumbled over what he should say. Finally he came out with an embarrassed "You're welcome", though it sounded pretty weird coming from him. "I'll get your lunch now if you want."

"Oh yes, lunch!" Sakura sat up and looked at the wall clock. It read 5.30pm. "HOE!! It's that late already?" She shot straight out of bed. "Otou-san will be back for dinner! I should start cooking now… Will you be staying a little longer?"

"Yeah, you know I don't have anyone waiting for me at home. I'll help with dinner if you wish."

"Arigatou Shaoran!" Sakura threw herself onto Syaoran, giving him an enormous hug. Syaoran hugged her back, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes.

"Are you sure you're all right now? If you're still tired I can take care of the dinner for you," said Syaoran worriedly. Sakura nodded her head vigorously.

"I'm ok. Let's go prepare dinner together."

"Yokata," Syaoran said, before bending down to give her a light kiss on her lips.

"Shaoran…" the blush was reddening.

Syaoran continued to look at those beautiful emerald eyes, just as they gazed back at his. He hugged her again. I love her… so much…

"I love you too, Shaoran." Sakura said lovingly.

"Huh? How did you know what I was thinking?"

"Shaoran, we've been through this topic before. I can sense what you're thinking sometimes, especially when the thought is a strong one." Sakura giggled. "Ok then, let's go prepare us some dinner!"

Sakura and Syaoran both headed for the kitchen, hand in hand. It seemed like a strange thing to do, especially to Syaoran. But if Sakura feels secure doing it, he thought, then he would hold her hand for as long as she wanted. Sakura could feel her heart thumping in her chest as she walked to the kitchen. He kissed me. True, it was no big thing. The only thing was that Syaoran seldom kissed her. It was usually hugs and such. So she considered every kiss he made special. Even if it was a little one. They arrived to find a bulging belly Kero lying on the counter, the evidence of his tummy still present beside him; the cake box.

"Kero-chan!"

"Eh? Said the drowsy-eyed sun guardian.

"You finished the WHOLE cake?" Sakura nearly screamed, picking up the empty cake box.

"Oh its finished? Heh heh… I didn't know that…" Unfortunately for Kero, his innocence was transparent to Sakura.

"The cake was meant to be for Otou-san too! You'd better help us with dinner then, Otto-san will need something to fill up for the cake."

Kero reluctantly agreed.

*~*~*~*~*

"OHAYO!!! Am I late again?" said Sakura as she dashed into class, the usual morning procedure. Naoko was carrying her stopwatch and the rest of the girls were cheering and clapping.

"Wow! That's a new record Sakura-chan! You're really getting faster. Then again, you are getting taller as well. Maybe the legs are helping," Naoko said, smiling as she pressed the stop button on the stopwatch.

Sakura smiled sheepishly as she went to her seat. Syaoran had arrived already, early as usual. They were sitting next to each other in the class. He smiled and greeted her as she took her seat. Tomoyo came over to join them soon.

"Ohayo Sakura-chan!" said Tomoyo.

"Ohayo Tomoyo-chan!"

"It's been a week since Eriol last called. Any news yet Sakura?" asked Syaoran. Sakura shook her head.

"Iie, but I think he should be coming soon. He said he would be… I don't suppose he'd make us wait long if it were that serious as Kero-chan says it is." She smiled. "I can't wait to see Mizuki-sensei again."

Tomoyo felt her heart squeeze within her chest. Eriol. How long more would it be before she saw him again? She remembered how excited she was when Sakura told her that Eriol was coming to Tomoeda. And I still am. But what about… Mizuki-sensei? As happy as Sakura seemed to be about Kaho returning with Eriol, sadly Tomoyo couldn't say she felt the same. Tomoyo had once observed Eriol looking at Kaho with those 'gentle eyes', as so she called it. The gentlest ever, she remembered. I wonder if… he'd ever look at me that way. No, I've got to stop thinking about these things. Sakura-chan needs me, and I don't think I'm much of a use in a day dreaming mood. By now, Sakura was giving Tomoyo the 'daijoubu?' look already. Guess I've better stop talking to myself for now.

Just then the bell rang and Tomoyo returned to her seat. She was now seated beside Rika. Rika had grown quite a lot. Now 14, she looked almost like a young lady. Some even mistook her as an adult already. The two of them suited each other though, both being mature.

The teacher walked in and Tomoyo prepared her books and stationery, trying to get herself to stop thinking about Eriol. Eriol. But the name kept ringing in her head uncontrollably. It was a hopeless battle. She'd been like this for the past week since the news came of his coming return. It's amazing I managed to keep up the steady work pace. I don't think Mother would've liked it if any of my subjects slipped. Tomoyo sighed dreamily as she flipped through the pages of the textbook. Her eyes kept to the correct place, yet her mind wandering a thousand other places. Perhaps if she tried… no, Eriol wouldn't let go of Mizuki-sensei that easily. She knew that depression would be along the way if she didn't stop thinking about the matter. Still, she wished so much, that she could have just this small happiness in her life. She'd lost Sakura to Syaoran. She accepted that long ago, her feelings of Sakura slowly changing from then on. But then they moved to Eriol. A look of sadness crossed Tomoyo's eyes as she continued to stare blankly at the page of her book.

"Tomoyo-chan, daijoubu?" whispered Rika worriedly. "You seem really troubled. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Tomoyo stared in surprised for a moment. Had she been THAT obvious? She looked at Rika, admiring her love for Terada-sensei. Maybe, I should tell her. Maybe she could help… Tomoyo thought hopefully. Sakura wouldn't have known what to do even if Tomoyo asked for her help.

"Rika-chan, will you be free after school? I have something I hope you can help me with," Tomoyo said.

"I'm free. I hope I'm able to help you with whatever it is that's bothering you," Rika said, smiling encouragingly.

I hope so too, thought Tomoyo. She hated being in this condition. She used to be able to handle everything by herself; used to still be confident even when she knew Sakura's heart belonged to someone else. With Eriol though, things seemed to be different. Her feelings were suddenly increasingly hard to control. She wasn't that sure of herself anymore. I really hope you can help, Rika.

Sakura looked at Tomoyo from her seat. Was it just her or did there seem to be something wrong with her best friend recently. True, Tomoyo still smiled all the time, still made her magnificent costumes all the time, and she always answered she was ok whenever Sakura asked if there was anything wrong or bothering her. She turned to look at Syaoran. He was looking straight ahead at the board, concentration written all over his face. She smiled secretly to herself. The lesson happened to be Japanese. Would he know anything about Tomoyo-chan that I don't? She thought to herself about it, then decided to drop the subject. After all, perhaps it was just her being over worried. Maybe there was nothing wrong with Tomoyo. But that look in her eyes, Sakura could almost swear, there was never a time when Tomoyo's eyes looked as blank as there were now.

*~*~*~*~*

"Rika-chan," said Tomoyo nervously.

"Hai?"

School had ended and Tomoyo decided to walk with Rika. I'll just walk with Sakura tomorrow. Her head seemed to spin a little as she tried to gather up her thoughts as to what to tell or ask Rika. Should I even be telling her? Sakura should be the one I'm confiding in. Rika-chan didn't even know Hiragizawa-kun well. She walked a few more steps, observing that Rika was looking at her curiously. Her eyes show concern. Such gentle eyes… its no wonder why Terada-sensei likes her. Gentle eyes. Where had she heard that before, she thought sarcastically. Finally she took a deep breath; here goes nothing…

"You've been together with Terada-sensei for quite some time already haven't you? I was just wondering, how was it you got him to like you?"

Rika thought for a moment, her brow slightly creased. Then she smiled and stopped in front of Tomoyo. "You like someone don't you, Tomoyo-chan? Just be yourself. I'm sure whoever it is will love you sooner or later. I've never met another person as kind and thoughtful as you, Tomoyo-chan." Rika took Tomoyo's hand in hers. "Tomoyo-chan, only you can help yourself, I'm sure you know this too. You are wise and mature, you'll be able to see yourself out of this, don't worry too much about it.

"But the person whom I like," said Tomoyo blushing a little. "I think he's attached already. I'm pretty sure he's found his 'someone'."

"Did you tell him yet?"

"No. I haven't been able to due to circumstances."

"Well then, how would you know he's definitely found his 'someone' if you haven't even tried? Perhaps whoever it is, is just a close friend," Rika said encouragingly.

She's right, I haven't even tried. For all I know, Eriol might not be together with Mizuki-sensei. Tomoyo smiled at the realization. I'll get my chance to try when he returns to Tomoeda.

"Arigatou gozaimasu, Rika-chan!" Tomoyo said as she hugged Rika. "You've really helped me."

"You're welcome. I have to go now, I'm rushing to meet him."

"Oh," said Tomoyo knowingly. "Have a good time, and thanks again for helping me."

"Bye!" Rika waved as she turned round the bend in the road.

*~*~*~*~*

Sakura reached home just as Touya and Yukito were opening the front door. She really seemed to be getting faster nowadays.

"Ah! Sakura-chan, you're back early!" said Yukito.

"Yeah, Kaijuu has been learning to speed up her pace a little." There was no doubt of who had said that line.

"ONII-CHAN! Kaijuu ja nai mo!" wailed Sakura waving a fist. Somehow after all those years, she still had that name. Unbearable. Her only comfort was that Yukito didn't call her that as well.

"Sakura-chan, your brother and I bought lunch home. Let's have lunch together," said a cheerful-as-usual Yukito.

"Yeah, but I have to get to work after that."

"Hoe? What are you working as now, Onii-chan?" asked Sakura.

"Oh, I took up a job at the library. That way I can help Dad whenever he needs books for his research. The only set-back is that my shift stretches from after lunch till late evening." A look of disappointment crossed Touya's face as he said this. Yukito knew why though. With the new job, Touya wouldn't be able to look after Sakura as much as he would like to, since the working hours were during the period when she was home. Sakura also slept early as usual, even for her age. By the time Touya came home, there wouldn't be much time before Sakura headed off to bed.

The trio walked into the house, Yukito all reared up for lunch. Just as they stepped in, Sakura felt an immense aura of power surrounding the area. It was none other than the aura of Clow's power. Eriol is here. She looked around her, trying to see if he was coming to join them for lunch. Strange, I don't see him anywhere, but I can feel him.

"Something wrong, Kaijuu?"

"Hoe? Oh it's nothing," said Sakura as she turned back to face her brother. Wait a minute, didn't he just call me… "Kaijuu ja nai mo!!!!"

As soon as lunch was done and cleared up after, Touya took his leave, reluctantly. Kero came down after he left, carefully hiding himself behind the doorway.

"Return to your true form," he whispered, looking at Yukito. At once, magnificent wings grew out of Yukito's back, covering his entire body. They reopened again to reveal the lean silver-haired moon guardian. "Did you feel it?" Kero asked Yue, flying out of his hiding place.

"Yes. The one born of Clow has returned," said Yue as he withdrew his wings.

Sakura walked into the living room only to be scared by the sudden appearance of Yue. Kero sighed. The yell echoed through the house.

"Sakura, after so long, you still haven't gotten used to it yet?" Kero asked.

"Gomen! I didn't expect you to change so quickly, Yue-san," Sakura said sheepishly.

"As usual," growled an amused Cerberus.

Yue coolly ignored the comments. "Sakura-sama, perhaps you'd better check if he's coming."

"Hoe? Check if who is coming?" [sweat drop by Kero and Yue] Could she still be so unaware of her surroundings even after this long? The guardians thought hopelessly.

"Eriol," said Yue. "Have you not felt his presence yet?"

"OH THAT!" Sakura said. "Gomen! I had no idea what you were talking about." Sakura flushed with embarrassment at her ignorance, especially in the presence of her own guardians. Sakura nodded hastily in agreement and walked to the door. She opened it only to reveal the form of a young man standing right outside.

"HOEEE!!!"

"Nice to see you again, Sakura-san," said a familiar voice filled with amusement. "I knew I would scare you if I popped up in front of you." The chuckle was noticeably similar to that of Clow's.

Translations
 Iie: no
Sayonara: goodbye
Arigatou: thank you
Gomen: sorry
Yokata: thank goodness/ I'm glad
Otou-san: Dad
Ohayo: good morning
Daijoubu: are you ok?
Kaijuu: monster (Touya always calls Sakura this, not 'squirt' like in Cardcaptors)
Kaijuu ja nai mo: I'm not a monster
Onii-chan: big brother

Notes
Ok, I know I accidentally left out some translations from the first chapter. Gomen 6^_^ well they're here I think, except that I'm trying to avoid repeated translations so those words translated before won't appear again (that is, if I remember .). Hmmm... I think this chapter's a lot more satisfying than the first, as in there are more happenings and stuff. Its not as dull. Please could I have some reviews, if its not too much to ask? I'd really really appreciate knowing what you think of the story so far (yes, I know its still pretty dull.... no life yet...), or if not, whether the presentation is favorable to you viewers (if any 6^_^). For those who are wondering, the story's barely started. The mystery character in the front is a new character I have added in. ^_^ we'll see more of her later neh? Right, that's about it. Remember to review ok? heheh....turning into a naggy old grandma here...