Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura does not belong to me. The rightful owner is Clamp. And it's no use suing me. I have no money or valuable assets.

Onward To Treasure
'Rescued'

Sakura paced endlessly back and forth across her room. She tried to stop numerous times, but she just couldn't get the feeling of dread out of her stomach. When she gets a sense of foreboding like right now, it's usually surprisingly accurate. Sakura paced faster.

"Sakura, you're going to wear a whole in the floor," Tomoyo quipped. "Just sit still. Touya handled storms like this numerous times before."

Sakura took a deep breath. Perhaps Tomoyo was right. After all, The Nadeshiko survived more than its fair share of storms. That's where they got their invincible reputation from. Touya always managed to steer the boat and crew away to safety. Sakura looked out the window at the darkened sky. But there was something different about today that had her unsettled.

Then, heedless of the cries of warning coming from Kero and Tomoyo, she ran out the door. Dashing down the hall, she didn't hear any pursuit after her, so she opened the door leading outside with ease. Immediately as she stepped out, she was drenched to the bone. Endless amount of rain poured over her entire body making it difficult for her to move or even see. Wiping the water away from her eyes, she scanned the deck for her brother. All the crew members were too busy frantically working at their job and yelling and shouting at each other to pay her any attention. However, it was hard to distinguish who was who in the dark downpour.

A hand gripped onto her arm, making her jump. She turned around and came face to face with a soaking wet Syaoran. His hair was plastered to his face, but his brown eyes glowed fiercely. "What are you doing out here?" he yelled, trying to get his voice over the cries of others.

"Where's Touya?" Sakura screamed back. Even though they were only inches away from each other, the noises of the storm and crew members made it difficult to talk. Sakura wasn't sure if he heard her or not, but he jerked her arm and pushed her towards to door. "No!" Sakura yelled desperately, "I need to find Touya!" Still heedless of her cries, Syaoran tried to drag her inside.

Now in wild panic, Sakura used all her strength to jerk her arm away. It came loose from his grip and she dashed off into the array of men. She heard him yell, but ignored it as she scanned frantically for her brother. Something bad was about to happen and it was going to happen soon.

Lightening flashed in the sky and for one brilliant moment, Sakura saw Touya clearly. He stood at the edge of the boat yanking on a string of rope with Yukito behind him. Sakura dashed towards him, but just as she opened her mouth in warning, lightening struck. Time seemed to go in slow motion as the boat lurched. Sakura felt her heart stop as Touya lost his footing and was thrown over the railing.

"No!" she screamed and ran closer.

And what she saw made her catch her breath. Yukito stood over the railing, his upper body over the side of the boat as if grabbing onto something. Another man held onto his waste and together they yanked a body back onto the ship. Sakura saw his beloved brother, lying on the wooden floor, breathing in deeply and alive. She almost collapsed onto the floor out of pure relief.

It was then that Touya lifted his head and as if sensing she was there, his gaze made contact with hers. His eyes widened in shock. In that same instant, the ship lurched again except this time, Sakura was the one that lost her footing. The last thing she saw was Touya lunging towards her, but by that time it was too late. She felt her body slam against freezing cold water before everything went black.

-----

Sakura felt a searing pain in her chest and quickly opened her eyes to find out the cause. Wincing at the intense white light, she blinked rapidly for her eyes to adjust. Slowly, a clear picture of a forest of blooming cherry blossom trees stood before her. The sky was a startling clear blue, the grass was an emerald green and the beautiful blossoms were scattered around everywhere.

Sakura looked down and found herself laying on a white bed, garbed into a comfortable white dress. "Am I in heaven?" she uttered.

A voice chuckled behind her and Sakura immediately spun around. A man stood there. He was tall with a sweep of beautiful raven hair, but his face was lined with laugh lines around his eyes and mouth, showing his signs of aging. "I'm afraid you aren't in heaven yet," he said cheerfully as she walked towards her. Sakura had a distinct feeling she heard his voice before.

She stared at him. "Where am I?"

"No where really." He made a sweep around. "This is a hole in the dimension. It's a place that very few know about, but a beautiful place nonetheless. Don't you agree?"

Sakura nodded. "It is beautiful." The man smiled, but said nothing more. It was as if he was waiting. Sakura hesitated, but asked, "You're Clow Reed, aren't you?"

He smiled softly. "I am."

Sakura fell silent, thinking hard about what to ask. "Did you send me here?"

He nodded. "I felt compelled to talk to you, but I cannot break the barrier between the living and the dead until your life force is weakened drastically."

Sakura's eyes widened, reminded of what had happened earlier. "Touya…"

"Is fine," Clow interjected. "At the present moment he is overly worried for your safety, but other then that, he's in perfect health." Sakura sighed with relief. The prospect of losing her brother, the only family member she had left, was a draining thought. Clow smiled. "You care for him very much, do you not?"

Sakura nodded. "He may be annoying and frustrating at times, always calling me kaiju, but he's still my beloved onii-chan."

Clow nodded thoughtfully. "That is good. To know and experience love is one of life's most precious gifts."

Silence engulfed them as Sakura debated on whether or not it would be appropriate to ask the question foremost on her mind. "Clow-san, can you tell me where the treasure is?"

Clow turned and studied Sakura's face. Slowly, he said, "right now is not the right time. When you are ready to bare the responsibility and power, the location of the treasure will be clear to you. However…" he paused, "have you met Syaoran Li yet?" Sakura, confused, nodded yes. "Place your trust in him. In the future, his actions may make you doubt him, but do not let your trust waver. He will become a great ally."

Sakura, thinking back to cold, emotionless boy she had met, found that a bit hard to believe, but nodded her understanding all the same. Clow smiled again. Sakura noticed that his smile, a bit quirked to the side, gave you a feeling that he knew exactly what you were thinking.

"Sakura!"

Sakura turned around and looked over her shoulder. She could have sworn she just heard Touya yell her name however faint it was.

"I think it is time for you to go," Clow said with a small smile still on his face. "Reality is already sinking in. Until we meet again, Mistress of the Cards."

Sakura frowned as she opened her mouth to ask why he called her by such a strange name, but her surrounding began to blur all around her. All the colours swirled together until everything was a blinding white. Sakura shut her eyes. She felt like her body was being pushed backwards at rapid speed. Her stomach clenched. She didn't know how much more she could take.

When the dizziness passed away, Sakura braved to open her eyes. She found herself staring at the worried face of her brother. "Onii-chan," she uttered, feeling happiness swell inside her.

Touya straightened and grunted. "You gave us quite the scare there kaiju." Sakura couldn't help but notice there was a slight waver to his voice. "Don't ever do that again." He cleared his throat. "I have work to do." He left the room in a rush.

Yukito smiled softly, his eyes twinkling. "To-ya cares for you very much. Welcome back Sakura-chan,"

Sakura blushed by the attention and nodded as Yukito went after Touya. She turned to look at Tomoyo who was sitting beside her bed. Her best friend regarded her with worry-filled eyes. Immediately guilt crept upon Sakura. Everyone must have been worried about her. "Gomen Tomoyo-chan."

Tomoyo shook her head. "You were worried about Touya. I would have done the same if you were in trouble." Sakura smiled. She was so lucky to have such an understanding friend. "But I don't know what I would have done if Li-san wasn't there."

"Li-san?" Sakura inquired.

Kero plopped onto the bed beside her. "Believe it or not, that little gaki saved your life. I guess everyone must have their good moments."

"Kero, be nice. Li-san did a very brave thing." Tomoyo turned to Sakura. "After you fell in, he was the one that dived after you and helped you stay afloat."

Sakura thought it was very out of character for him to do something like that, but immediately felt badly for thinking such a thought. She hadn't known him for very long, so who was she to pass judgement on him? She then remembered what Clow Reed had said. "I have to go thank him."

But as she tried to stand up, Tomoyo gently pushed her down onto the bed. "You can thank him tomorrow. Right now, you need to rest."

As she mentioned rest, Sakura realised that she did feel a big groggy. Perhaps some sleep would be a good idea. After all, she did have a pretty exhausting day. With a yawn, she settled herself inside the covers until one thought entered her mind. "Oh Kero, I met Clow Reed." And with that, leaving her poor guardian hanging, Sakura fell into a deep sleep.

-----

Sakura opened her eyes and scanned her dark room. Tomoyo sat on the chair beside her, but due to exhaustion, her upper body was laid on the side of Sakura's bed. Kero slept on the left side of the pillow. He turned around, mumbling something incoherent about pudding. Sakura smiled at the sight. She then glanced out the window at the dark sky. 'What time is it?'

Carefully getting out of bed so she won't disturb anyone, Sakura padded towards the door. Opening it as quietly as she could, she walked into the deserted hallway and outside. The storm had calmed and the night sky was clear and beautiful. Stars twinkled overhead and the full moon illuminated off the glistening water. It always surprised her how fast the weather could change. It could be violent one moment, and then absolutely stunningl the next.

Stepping out onto the deck, Sakura was surprised to find she was not alone. She was about to make a quiet retreat, when the person turned around. Sakura blinked, making out the face of the figure. Relief engulfed her. It was only Li-san. If it was a member of the crew, she would be in a lot of trouble with Touya. She walked forward and stood beside him on the railing. "What are you doing up?"

He regarded her. "I could ask you the same thing."

Sakura looked out at the sea. "I love the ocean at night. Besides, this is the only time I'm allowed outside. Touya doesn't want any of the crew members to see me." She turned back to Syaoran. "What's your excuse?"

He shrugged. "I couldn't sleep."

Somehow, Sakura had expected that answer. A comfortable silence engulfed them. Sakura spoke up first. "I want to thank you. Tomoyo told me that you saved me and…arigatou."

"It's nothing."

"Also…" Sakura hesitated. It may not be wise to tell him, but…. "I talked with Clow Reed today." She regarded his face carefully. She saw a flicker of surprise, but it disappeared so quickly, Sakura wasn't sure if she imagined it or not. "When I passed out, he was able to make contact with me." Knowing how she probably sounded crazy, she speeded through the rest. "He advised me to trust you."

Syaoran was silent as he too stared out to the sea. Sakura knew he was contemplating an answer and allowed him time to think. Moments passed. Finally, he turned to her and stared directly into her eyes. "I don't know if that's wise."

That was not an answer Sakura had expected, but thinking now, it was probably the best one. It was the most truthful and there was nothing to doubt. Sakura glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She will place her trust in him. She had decided so already, regardless of his answer. He had saved her life and for that, she owed him her outmost trust. Besides, Clow Reed's judgement would not lead her astray.

Pushing away from the railing, Sakura grinned. "Perhaps, after we get to know each other, we'll be able to trust each other more. I hope we can become friends." Knowing she wouldn't get a reply to such a rash statement, Sakura gave a small wave. "I'm heading back inside now. I'll see you tomorrow Li-san!"

Syaoran watched her retreat with curious eyes.

To be continued…

It's amazing how fast I work when inspired and fuelled by reviews. Thanks goes out to FlowerLover, Yukimi the Ice Goddess, Sakura, Rachel,LupineLightning-IllusionDragon, Michael Bulaich, Tizabelle, Countdown and VampireJazzy. I love you all and your wonderful comments.