A/N: Thanks to Moon Blossom, Mevneriel and Mistress Sakura for reviewing my previous chapter.

Ok, stupid name for the new character, Kuro, which means Black. I'm sorry, my Japanese sucks totally. But I figured that someone who's going to put Sakura through some ordeals couldn't possibly be the bearer of light, so the name 'Black' seems suitable enough.

Ahhhhhhhh, something bad happening to Sakura this chapter, nothing to do with Kuro yet. He'll just appear in dreams for this and the next few chapters.

Another kissing scene between Yue and Sakura. You know, my brain juices are drying up trying to come up with all these kissing and mushy stuff when I have no experience at all. Sigh, so please pardon me if it's not realistic or whatever.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: PROTECTING SAKURA

After they had a great dinner at the Kinomoto Residence, Yuki left and Touya went straight up to his own room. Sakura was so happy that she couldn't sleep. "Haaayaaan!" Thinking about the enjoyable time she had with Yuki in the cinema, and the fact that her onni-chan has accepted their relationship.

"Sa-ku-ra! Why didn't you tell me huh?" Kero-chan demanded.

"Tell you what?" Sakura had no idea that Kero-chan eavesdropped on them earlier, and now knows that she and Yuki/Yue are a couple.

"That you are together with Yukito and Yue."

"Hoeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! How did you know?" Sakura put her hands on her red cheeks.

"The almighty guardian beast has his ways." Kero-chan smirked.

"OH, I ah……..it just happened recently anyway….heh heh heh." She cracked a weak smile and sat on her bed. Hugging a pillow to her, she confided in Kero-chan.

"And I had some problems of my own recently, so I didn't really wanted to talk." Seeing Kero-chan's worried expression, she quickly added. "But I'm fine now! Really!"

"I'm glad you are all right now Sakura, but………" A serious look came into Kero-chan's beady eyes. "But WHERE'S MY DINNER????"

"I forgot! It's in the fridge, let me get it for you!" Sakura bounded downstairs, taking two steps at a time. The phone rung, and she picked it up. "Moshi Moshi, Kinotomos Residence."

"Sakura-chan! Are you alright? Why didn't you come to school today?"

"Oh Tomoyo-chan! I'm fine, don't worry. Ah…..I just skipped school and went out with Yuki."

"Yuki? You mean Yukito-san? OH! I see! So you finally told him how you felt?" Tomoyo went all-starry eyed at the thought that her best friend had skipped school to be with the one she loves. So…..romantic.

"Hai! And…..ah…..he returns my feelings." Sakura blushed prettily.

"Omedetou! That's great, Sakura-chan! I'm glad you are with the one you love, and happy now. I'm also relieved that you are all right."

"I'm sorry to have made you worry, Tomoyo-chan."

"It's ok, but I'm not the only who's worried about you………" Tomoyo's conversation was interrupted by the doorbell ringing at Sakura's home.

"Sorry Tomoyo-chan, someone's at the door, I'll see you tomorrow at school, ja ne!" Sakura hung up the phone and rushed to the door.

"Syaoran-kun!" She was surprised to see him at her doorstep, looking uneasy and fidgeting.

"I……..I…….I just want to see if you are ok." He muttered shyly. Pacing in his room for almost two hours before making up his mind to visit Sakura, he was now nervous all over again.

"Oh, I'm fine! Thank you for being concerned, Syaoran-kun." She smiled and invited him inside.

"It's ok! Ah……I better go home now! Bye!" He turned to leave, but she stopped him. "Wait Syaoran-kun, I'll walk with you part of the way." She grabbed a coat and closed the doors. Through the window upstairs, Touya shouted, "Hey Sakura! Where are you going with that Chinese Gaki!" Though it was dark, Touya had perfect vision when it comes to anything concerning Sakura.

"I'm just going out for a while, don't worry! And his name is Syaoran!" Sakura grabbed Syaoran's hands and ran before Touya could protest.

Syaoran turned red in the face when Sakura took his hands. "Where are we going?"

"If you have some time, could we go to the park for a while?" Sakura asked.

"Ah, ok….."

They sat on the swings and Sakura started. "I just want to thank you for saving me that day, when I fainted on the sidewalk, and also to thank you for comforting me."

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing….."

"You are always like this, acting all grumpy, but is actually very kind." She beamed at him. He flushed.

"I know, because when I was collecting the Clow cards, you were always by my side to help me and encourage me. You are really a good friend, Syaoran-kun."

"Ah……….." Syaoran was embarrassed; he didn't know what to say.

"And if you ever need my help, Syaoran-kun, please don't hesitate to ask, ok?" She turned beseeching green eyes onto him. He nodded. "Arigatou, Sakura."

Her eyes grew wide and she flung her arms around him. "You finally called me by my name! I'm so happy!" Sakura was overjoyed. Since she had returned to the past, she missed the close friendship she had with him in the future.

Blood rushed up to Syaoran's head as he nearly fainted. Then his face resumed its normal look, and he looked intensely at Sakura. "If, if you are ever troubled by anything again, please look for me, and I'll help with whatever I can."

"Arigatou, Syaoran-kun!" She beamed, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

They said their goodbyes to each other, and Sakura walked home quickly, remembering she still has to get dinner for Kero-chan, who is probably having a tantrum by now. 

Warning: Some bad stuff ahead………Should be PG-rated or higher

Scroll down to the next divider if you don't want to/can't read this.

It was rather late, and the streetlights weren't much help as a few had short-circuited. Walking pass a dark-alley, Sakura suddenly felt rough hands grabbing her into it. She tried to scream, but her mouth was covered. Kicking and struggling, she tried to turn and see who is dragging her into the alley, but it was too dark. Dimly, she could sense two male auras holding on to her. Though their auras were weak, as they probably have no magic, they seemed to be physically strong. Breathing through her nose, Sakura could smell the sweaty and sour scent of the two men. She gagged, as the hand over her mouth tightened. Another hand was bruising her limbs with their vicious hold, and she was hurting. The men laughed cruelly, not believing their luck at finding a young piece of meat that was foolish enough to walk home alone in a dark street. Sakura's heart cried with terror when she heard a ripping sound. They were tearing open her white cotton-shirt viciously. Calloused hands roamed over her smooth legs brutally, while she was still being restrained. A nasty voice panted out in excitement, "Hey little girl, wanna play?" His companion sneered meanly. "Yeah, I bet you will like playing with us!" Sakura tried to bite the hand that's over her mouth, and she drew blood. "Bitch!" She was slapped hard across the face, so hard that her teeth banged against each other. Fighting with all her might only seemed to make the men angrier, as they threw a few punches to her stomach. As she felt her skirt being lifted, she shrieked in her mind. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! YUE!!!!! HELP ME!

Yuki had just reached home and finished taking a bath when Yue felt that Sakura's in danger. Yuki transformed as Yue took over, and flew in the sky, searching for her aura. Her aura was transmitting highly distressful signals, shock, fright and terror. Yue was trembling with picnic, hoping that he'll find Sakura in time. His silver eyes narrowed when he finally found her specific location. He swooped down, and what he saw made his blood run cold. Two burly men were looming over Sakura, hitting her like a punch bag. Her eyes were wide with pain and horror, shirt torn.

The two men were about to start on their real motives on Sakura when they heard an inhumane and carnal cry that made their hairs stand at the back of their necks. Whipping around, and forgetting about Sakura for a moment, they saw an angel, an angel that had the eyes of the devil that seemed to be burning with the flames of hell. Yue was merciless; he wanted to kill the two evil humans who dared to hurt his Sakura. He threw shards of crystals at them, and the two villains shouted in pain as their body were cut by millions bits of glasses. They ran out of the alley as fast as they could, and Yue wanted to give chase. But Yuki held him back, wanting to see how Sakura is doing. Yue was jolted out of his blind rage, and hurried over to Sakura.

Yuki's and Yue's heart shattered when they saw her lying on her side, arms and legs hanging lifelessly on her as she laid like a broken doll. Her emerald eyes were glassed over in shock, tears glimmering in them. Her lips were caked in blood, and they were bruises all over her face, neck, arms and legs. The white blouse she was wearing was now in tatters, showing her cotton slip that was smudged with streaks of blood. She didn't cry, didn't make any sound. Her mind was blanked. She was scared out of her wits when the men started to lift her skirt, and her mind had rejected the reality with her final cry for help to Yue. 

"Sakura." Yue whispered brokenly, his voice hoarse. He didn't dare to touch her, for fear of hurting her frail form. She seemed so fragile that one touch would make her crack into a thousand pieces. There was no respond. Sakura couldn't hear anything, trapped in the horror of her mind.

Go and carry her out of here, Yue. We need to get her home quickly. She must be really hurt, we won't know if we keep still!

Yue nodded, and gently gathered her into his arms. Looking down at her unblinking and blank stare, Yue felt a small part of him shrivel up and die. He flew at the speed of light back to her house. Touya had sensed that Sakura was in danger, and was dashing out of the house when he saw Yue landing on the porch, carrying her.

"What happened to Sakura??" Touya had difficulty breathing, when a light shone on Sakura and showed her in a very bad shape.

"Let's get her in first." Yue had no patience to explain anything; he wanted to make sure Sakura is not badly hurt. Touya nodded and went to get the medical kit. Yue put her carefully onto the couch in the living room, and kneeled down beside her. "Sakura…….please, say something." Yue said in a tortured tone.

Again, she gave him a blank stare, not speaking. "Damn it, the medical lotion's all gone!" Touya cursed. "I have to get some from the pharmacy, you take care of her." And he ran out of the house.

Yue heard the door slammed, and turn his attention back to Sakura. She was still in shock, her breathing getting lighter and softer. "Sakura!!!" He shook her, wanting to wake her, to get some response from her. Feeling her shoulders grabbed by two hands, she snapped out of her trance and started struggling, thinking it was the two villains.

"NO! NO NO NO! Let go of me!"

"Sakura, it's me, Yue!"

But Sakura was trapped in her own nightmare, and couldn't hear him. Yue tried to hug her, to assure her that it's all right now, but she fought even harder as she felt him pressing his body to hers.

"NO! GET AWAY FROM ME! DON'T TOUCH ME!" A sob caught at her throat, and she froze. Then she pleaded as she cried, "Please don't hurt me……please…..please………"

Yue was in agony, he could feel her anguish washing over him in great waves. Yue sent comforting signals through his silver aura to Sakura. It worked. She calmed down and allowed him to embrace her. He murmured soothingly as he held her in her arms, and wrapped his wings protectively around her. Sakura let out the tears she's been keeping in torrents, sobbing brokenly as if she would never stop. She has gotten over her shock, but now she felt pain, and the horror of what nearly happened to her made her shiver. If Yue had not saved her in time, she would have been violated. Feeling her shiver, Yue tightened his hold.

She finally calmed down and lifted her head from Yue's chest. "Thank you."

"Sakura…….I should have been there earlier, I shouldn't have left your side and gave those two evil beings a chance to hurt you. I……I have failed you." His head bowed in shame and guilt, as his wings folded his back.

She cupped her hands on his pale face. "No, it's not your fault. I was the one stupid enough to walk on a dark street alone. Don't worry………..I'm fine now."

Yue shook his head, not able to forgive himself. Sakura saw his emotions clearly, and forced him to look into her eyes. "NO. Don't blame yourself. Please." She felt Yue was hurting more than her. Wanting to comfort him and show him that she doesn't blame him at all, Sakura kissed him. At the same time, she wanted to seek comfort in his lips, to feel protected in his arms.

Yue was surprised, but responded fervently. He had been so scared when Sakura looked at him with those lifeless blank eyes, thinking that he had lost her forever. Sakura is his life now, and if anything happens to her, he wouldn't be able to carry on. He felt her forgiveness, love and comfort in the kiss, and returned one of his own. Wrapping his arms around her, he drew her closer, so that their clothes were the only space separating them. Yue opened his mouth over hers, sucking her delectable lips lovingly, caressing them with his soft tongue in short strokes. Shifting smoothly, he brushed his lips tenderly over her face, avoiding the bruising parts, careful not to hurt her. His eyes shone with love and reverence, like he's worshipping his goddess. A hand tangled into her honey chocolaty hair as the pads of his fingers rubbed over her scalp in slow circles. His other hand rested on the back of her small neck, enjoying the feel of her supple skin. At the back of Sakura's, Yue and Yuki's minds feverish with passion, they could barely register a sound coming from the entrance and someone clearing his throat rather loudly.

"AHEM." Touya had rushed home after getting the medical supplies, worried sick about Sakura, but found the couple making-out on the sofa. He was torn between concern for his sister, and the anger at Yue for kissing her.

The two finally broke apart, with Yue looking slightly flushed, and Sakura blushing like mad. An unfathomable expression covered Yue's embarrassment. He stood up and took a couple of steps back, leaning against the wall and facing both Sakura and Touya.

Touya gave Yue a glare, before getting to Sakura's side. "Are you ok?"

"Hai! Daijoubu!" She tried to smile but winced in pain instead. Touya saw this and tended to her wounds as best as he could. He grimaced at the bruises that are already turning purplish-blue. And his eyes widened in horror at the state of her clothes, now that he got a close look. Sakura suddenly realized her shirt was torn, and all that covers her top body now is a thin piece of white cotton slip. She hurriedly cross her arms over her chest and blushed. As her arms came up, Touya saw scratches and small cuts on them. He frowned, and said, "Take off your clothes."

Yue's head snapped around, staring unbelievingly at him. Sakura was shocked at his request. "Hooooooooooooooe!! Onni-chan!"

Touya's expression grew serious, as he explained. "You are badly hurt, and I don't know how many more wounds you have hidden by your clothes."

"But I'm a girl!!! And….." And Yue is here, thought Sakura shyly.

"There's nothing I haven't seen before anyway. I watched you grow up, and even bathed you when you were younger, remember?"

"But, But…." BUT I AM A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD! Sakura wanted to scream. She took a deep breath and said. "Look, I'm fine. The only other wounds on me that you can't see are the ones on my stomach." She lifted her arms up and showed him the bruises on her stomach where the men had punched her. Both Yue and Touya were horrified at the wide array of bruises that were spread all over her midriff. They were a colorful mix of red, blue, green and purple. Sakura saw their expression and cracked a joke. "It's like rainbow, huh?" Obviously, they don't find her joke funny. Touya continued to take care of her, while asking what had really happened to her.

Haltingly, she related her terrifying experience. In the comfort of her home with her love and her brother caring and protecting her, she no longer feels fearful. But Yue and Touya were not feeling the same way as her. They were frightened, then furious. And both of them realize that they had failed to protect her. Sakura yawned after she finished talking. "I'm going to wash up and sleep. Thanks Yue, for saving me." Yue nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He wanted to hit something, to smash his fists on the walls. He was in rage and he wanted to kill those two who hurt Sakura, but they escaped. Sakura was oblivious to this, as she was so tired from the ordeal. She went upstairs, and the two remained in the living room.

Touya felt the same way as Yue, only that he wished he had stopped Sakura from leaving the house so late at night. Then he remembered that Sakura was supposed to be with that Chinese Gaki. He muttered angrily, "Stupid Chinese gaki, he should have walked Sakura home." Yue caught his words and asked, "Li-Syaoran? She was with him just now?"

"Yes, that brat came to look for Sakura and they went for a walk. I should have followed them…..but I didn't…….."

Yue's eyes narrowed. So it's that kid's fault. IF he had not come to look for Sakura at night, she wouldn't have gone out.

Hey Yue, I don't think it's his fault; it's just something unfortunate that nobody wishes it would happen. Stop blaming yourself and others. The thing we should do now is to stay close to Sakura, and protect her from now on.

Yue, can I talk to Touya?

Yes.

There was a flash of white light as Yue wrapped his wings around himself, and Yuki took over.

"Yuki." Touya greeted his best friend listlessly.

"To-ya. Don't blame yourself." Yuki smiled kindly at him, reading his mind like an open book.

Touya sighed, glad to have the company of Yuki instead of that weird fellow, Yue. "Thanks Yuki, but I can't help it." Yuki walked to him and patted his shoulders. "I know."

"To-ya, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it, Yuki?"

"You know about Yue, and you probably know that all my memories before meeting you and Sakura are created, right?" Touya nodded.

"So I'm actually living alone, and not with my grandparents, since they don't really exist." Touya gestured for Yuki to continue.

"Yue and I want to protect Sakura." He blurted out finally.

"I know, but what is it you want me to do?" Touya was puzzled, not sure what favor Yuki wants.

"I want to move in with you guys, so that I can protect her better."

"WHAT?"

WHAT are you saying, Yuki?

Yue, this is the best way for both of us to protect Sakura-chan, isn't it?

I suppose………but I don't think HE will agree.

"Touya, I know you have a spare room, and if it's all right with your dad, I would really like to move in here."

Touya scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose I can talk to my dad about this, when he comes back tomorrow. But no promises ok? The final decision lies with him."

"Thanks To-ya! I knew you would understand!" Yuki beamed at him.

"Yeah, whatever. Since it's so late, you might as well stay overnight here."

"Hai, arigatou!" Yuki followed Touya out of the living room.

I can't believe he actually agreed to your idea.

To-ya's protective of his sister, but he trusts me. And he knows two persons protecting her are better than one.

But he doesn't seem to trust me.

Oh, don't worry, he'll come around soon enough.

I don't worry, and I couldn't care less about what he thinks.

Okay, whatever you say, Yue.

Yuki giggled as Yue snorted.

Meanwhile, in Sakura's room, Kero-chan was oblivious to the whole incident, having fallen asleep after waiting a looooooooong time for his dinner. Sakura slept, and had another dream.

SAKURA'S DREAM

"Doko…" Sakura finds herself in a strange place. "Eh? Petals?" Petals were swirling around her, and she looked around. She was in a chapel decorated with many beautiful flowers. There was nobody in the chapel but her. Suddenly the door of the chapel opened and bright sunlight poured into the chapel. She used her hand to shield her eyes from the sudden assault of light. Peeking between her eyes, she saw a figure standing at the entrance.

"Who?" Sakura's eyes widened as the mysterious person drew closer to her. It was a tall handsome young man, who has long red hair loosely tied in a braid. Though his hair was beautiful as it was silky and shiny with many color highlights, Sakura was more captivated with his eyes. They were the color of champagne, golden and warm liquid eyes filled with emotions. He was wearing a dark formal suit, one that sets off the many highlights of russet and gold that glinted from his hair in the sunlight.

"My love." His voice was soft and gentle, like a whisper of the wind, caressing and surrounding Sakura seductively. She blushed, and looked down. She got a shock to see herself wearing a wedding gown. It was beautiful, with lots of lace and made of pure silk, but the color was wrong. The gown was red, a deep crimson red that reminds her of blood. She frowned, feeling a little uneasy.

Tender hands cupped her chin and her head tilted up, once again looking into the stranger's eyes. She was drowning in them, and try as she might, she couldn't tear her gaze from his mesmerizing eyes. He bent down, getting closer and closer to her lips…………..

"No!" Sakura jerked back just in time to avoid his kiss. "Who are you?" Again, despite the warm enchanting eyes and handsome face, unease flooded into her.

The stranger smiled, patiently, and a little sadly. "Don't you remember me? And our promise?"

"No, I don't even know who you are!" Sakura was feeling a sense of creepiness wrapping its tendrils around her heart.

"I'm Kuro……………..your love." He stated.

"Huh? But I really don't know you, I have never met you before!" Sakura protested.

"You have forgotten. But you will remember. And then, we can finally be together." His smile twisted, more predatory now.

Sakura backed away from him, and her hands went up to her neck to look for her key. But her hand snapped behind her back, held by invisible straps. Panic started growing in her mind, as she struggled. Blood spurted from her wrists as the invisible ropes tore into her skin, causing her to scream in agony. There was a cruel laugh from Kuro, before everything faded into darkness.

Touya and Yuki had heard her blood-curdling screams and rushed into her room spontaneously. Kero-chan had been trying to wake Sakura up when the two burst in, and he quickly pretended to be a stuffed toy. Sakura suddenly sat up in bed abruptly, as Touya and Yuki reached her side. She panted in short, uneven breaths, cold sweat casting a thin layer of gleam on her forehead.

"Sakura! Are you all right? What happened?" Touya and Yuki asked together.

She shook her head, and remembering the last part of her dream, she held her hands up. To their horror, her wrists had thin red lines and were bleeding. She winced in pain, while Touya went to get the medical kit for the second time that night. Yuki cradled her hands and examined them.

Ask her what happened. Did someone attack her just now?

"Yue and I want to know what happened, Sakura-chan."

Remembering only fragments of her dream, she replied. "I was in a dream, and there was a man………I can't remember his name. He told me…….that he is my love, and we made a promise to each other. Then there was pain in my hands, and I was struggling…….and finally I woke up."

Yuki frowned in confusion. "He said he's your love? Do you know him?"

"No, I have never seen him before in my life………but there was something about him that made me scared, very scared."

Sakura's dreams mean more than we know, and it seems we have a new enemy that we have to protect her from. It's a wise choice you made, Yuki, in suggesting to move into this house.

Yuki nodded. "Don't be scared, Sakura-chan, we will protect you."

Touya entered the room and tended to her new wounds. "You can't go to school tomorrow, rest at home for a day or two."

"But I already missed school today!"

Touya put the antiseptic on her wrists non-too-gently, causing her distraction. "Ouch! Onni-chan! These are my hands, not a piece of meat ok!"

"To-ya! Be more gentle ok?" Yuki scolded him lightly. He scowled, but followed his suggestion silently. After her wrists were bandaged, Sakura went back to sleep. Touya asked Yuki what happened to Sakura and he told him about the dream. He had a worried look, and said, "I'll convinced dad to let you move in as soon as possible."

The next day, when Fujitaka got home, Touya spoke to him about Yuki's request. Leaving out as much details as he can yet still trying to sound convincing was difficult, but Touya pulled it off. Yuki moved his things to his new home after school, with the help of Touya.

Sakura was alone at home with a fussing Kero-chan when she heard the doorbell rang. She was already feeling much better, her speed of recovery miraculous. Skipping down to open the door, she hummed a little. Touya had told her about Yuki moving in with them this morning, and she was overjoyed. Expecting Touya and Yuki at the door with Yuki's stuff, she flung open the door with enthusiasm.

"Konnichiwa!"

"Sakura-chan! Konnichiwa!" Tomoyo greeted while Syaoran stuck his hands in his pockets and mumbled a hello.

"Tomoyo-chan, Syaoran-kun! Please come in!" Sakura was happy to see them. She prepared some tea and brought it to the living room where they were all seated. When she settled down, Sakura noticed two pairs of eyes on her. "Huh?"

Her friends had all noticed her bruises, those on her face being the most obvious. Tomoyo rushed to Sakura's side and stared at her with worried eyes. "Sakura-chan! What happened to you!" Syaoran's sharp eyes narrowed as he searched subtly for any other injuries on her body. His expression was grim when he saw the cuts and scratches on her arms, the bandaged wrists, as well as the darkening bruised on her legs.

"I'm fine, I'm fine!"  Sakura tried to assure her friends.

"No you are not! You are badly hurt! Who did this to you?" Tomoyo asked.

Seeing that Tomoyo wouldn't let her questions rest till she get some answers, Sakura launched right into her incidents, starting from last night's assault to the one from the dream.

Syaoran's expression quickly turned from horror to guilt when he realized that if he had sent her home, she wouldn't be hurt.

Tomoyo was worried about Sakura, feeling helpless that she couldn't protect her.

The sound of the front door opening broke through the silence. "Oh, it must be Yuki and Onni-chan!" She was right, as Touya and Yuki stumbled into the living room with a few heavy boxes. Sakura rushed forward to help but was intercepted by Syaoran and Tomoyo. "You shouldn't assert yourself, Sakura-chan." Tomoyo said as she held her down gently. Syaoran went to help Yukito with his load.

Touya said, "Whew, I didn't know you had so much stuff, Yuki. Let me rest for a while first before moving them to your room."

Syaoran and Tomoyo froze. Sakura explained. "Oh, Yuki's going to be living with us from now on." Syaoran flushed, while Tomoyo hid a smug smile behind her hand. Syaoran mumbled something about going home and dashed out of the house. He couldn't believe that Yukito will be moving in with Sakura. He was so confused, feeling something close to jealousy. But towards whom? Yukito or Sakura?

Tomoyo dragged Sakura upstairs, eager to find out the latest development in her best friend's romance. "So you guys are living together now huh? Wow, how romantic!" Tomoyo's eyes twinkled with merry.

"Huh? Oh! It's nothing like that Tomoyo-chan! Yuki and Yue just want to protect me, that's all."

"That's even more romantic! The knight-in-shining armor! Oh ho ho ho ho! And you two will be together almost 24 hours a day, besides the time you go to school!"

"Tomoyo-chan!" Sakura blushed.

Suddenly, Sakura and her two guardians sensed an aura. She recognized it as Eriol's, and remembered her mission to turn the Clow cards into Sakura cards. She told Tomoyo that there are some weird events she has to check out. Tomoyo held up a costume that she seemed to whip out of thin air and begged Sakura to wear it. It was a sleeveless, pink battle suit, with matching short pants and red ribbons placed strategically around. Remembering her promise to call Syaoran if anything strange occurs, Sakura quickly dialed his number.

Together with Yue, Kero-chan and Syaoran, Sakura located the spot where Eriol's aura was the strongest. It was the fountain near the park, and currently isolated. She waited, as she couldn't remember which move Eriol would make this time. Syaoran sudden cry caught her attention. "Sakura! Run!" He was moving strangely, almost as if someone was controlling him.

That's it! I remember now! Eriol was using some strings to control Syaoran. Ok, I need to change the water card and the sword card.

Sakura took out the water card and transformed it, then directed it to cast water around Syaoran so that she could see where are the strings. Meanwhile Syaoran was using one hand to suppress the other that was trying to attack her. Yue wanted to fight him, but Sakura told him no. She quickly transformed the sword card and cut away the strings manipulating Syaoran. He collapsed to a heap, but seemed to be all right.

Sakura told the rest of them to go back first as she's got something to do. Yue refused, saying that he has to protect her. Sakura whispered something to Tomoyo and then said to the others, "I have to shop for some GIRL'S stuff with Tomoyo, ok? Besides, it's broad daylight now, hardly dangerous." Syaoran flushed, while Kero-chan nodded knowingly. Yue cast another uneasy look at Sakura before agreeing reluctantly. They left, and Sakura thanked Tomoyo for helping her.

"But Sakura-chan, what do you want to do alone?" Tomoyo asked curiously.

"Ah……….I………I can't tell you now, but I promise to explain everything to you next time, ok?" Tomoyo sighed, then nodded and left as well.

Sakura called out to the trees, "Hey Eriol-kun? You can come out now!"

Eriol jumped down and approached her, smiling. "Good work, Sakura…….." He frowned when he saw the injuries on her body.

"What happened?"

Sakura related the events all over again. She had wanted to ask Eriol about her dream, and that's why she had told the others to leave her. Eriol's hands clenched and unclenched, his only outward reaction towards Sakura's experiences. Inside, he was seething.

"So what do you think, Eriol-kun?" Sakura's voice broke through the red haze of rage that was threatening to rob him of his sanity.

"Ah, I'm not sure, but you have to be extra careful now. If I have his name, or a description of his appearance, I could probably find out more. But as it is, I can't."

"I'm sorry I couldn't remember any useful details." Sakura apologized.

"Hey, it's all right." Eriol took her hands in his, and looked into her eyes, trying not to grimace at the large bruise was covering her face.

"I should apologize, for giving you trouble with the cards today when you are already injured. How are you feeling?"

"I'm ok! Daijoubu! I'm still a little sore, but I'm sure the pain will fade into nothing in no time!" She replied optimistically.

Unknown to the two, Yukito was standing nearby, with Yue inside him and watching the two talk. Because Yue had been worried about Sakura even though she insisted she'll be fine, he had changed back into Yuki to follow her secretly. Since Yuki can hide Yue's aura, Sakura won't find out that he's following her, and protecting her just in case.

Yue was shocked when a familiar aura approached Sakura.

An aura that's like Clow, yet it is not Clow. And the person who had Clow's aura is a boy of Sakura's age? Not possible, Clow had died! Unless……….unless Clow had reincarnated. Then why? Why did you not look for me, master? And how did Sakura know you? Is this all part of your plans again? Does Sakura knows? Is she part of the plot to deceive me? Why?

And Yue's heart began to be clouded with doubts, doubts about what's the truth, even doubts about whether Sakura really loved him, or is it part of the plans.

Yue? What's wrong? Who's Clow? Oh……….your previous master? So is this dark-hair boy a reincarnation of Clow-san? I don't know why Sakura-chan is with him, but I'm sure they have their reasons. Sakura-chan will never hurt us; maybe it's just something she has to do, right? How can you doubt Sakura's love for you! She loves us! That's the one thing that's real, that's true and never going to change. You know that, right?

Yuki, how can I be sure? She didn't even tell me that she knows Clow's reincarnation! And who knows what they are planning? She doesn't trust me enough to tell me anything?

Oh, Yue………..

I'm going to sleep for a while Yuki, you take charge of things here.

Wait Yue!

Yukito shouted Yue's name in his mind, but there was no response. "This is not good………." Yukito said to himself sadly.

=====TBC=====

Sneak Preview: Next chapter's on the future, which is really bleak. If you want me to inform you of my updates, drop me an email. Thanks and pls review!