Sakura's Last Chance in time

by Nighthawk Imac

When her magic is accidently relevaled to the world and eventfully begins World War 3. Sakura and her freinds must join up to change the past. Project Shelved until later notice, see profile page for details

6. Renewed Faith

Sakura's Last Chance in Time

3rd Edition

Chapter 6: Renewed Faith

Location, Unknown Location, Former Federation of Russia

Date: April 6th, 2011

Time: 02:00 hrs

Everyone was sleeping; but like always, Sakura was the one exception to the rule. For almost an hour now; Sakura was lying in bed thinking long and hard about the task, and she couldn't stand it anymore. The very thought of failure now was like a horrible stench that couldn't be removed. But unfortunately, Sakura couldn't get her mind of the problem; Sakura then decided to think about else, in her head, already messed up with the problem of activating dead cards. If they were intact, or Clow book was present; Sakura at least had a fighting chance to solve the problem. With nobody else up; Sakura decided to think some more on her own. In a way, Sakura wished Melin was awake; so that she could talk to her. But it was oblivious that she was on her own for now.

What was more painful was the fact that Sakura then didn't now how to she'd cope; even if Sakura could do what ever it was she need the cards for, how could she live in this reality, a future as a criminal on the run? It felt bad in her mind how everything had changed so dramatically when she found the Clow book, met Li, and a bunch of other things in between. The when Sakura was overcoming her fears, she had her worst fear realised; and then this, in the meeting during the film, she saw what her own disloyal actions did, millions of people dead, incalculable damage, the whole future or destiny of the planet was to suffer and die. Sakura remembered how Eriol and Clow Reed said everything was fate; that it was meant to happen. But was this the correct future? Was this destiny? Sakura didn't believe that for second. But if Eriol was right about destiny, then did he know? And then why did he die protecting Tomoyo?

Something made the room was awfully cold that night; everyone was rugged up in their warm beds. Despite this; Sakura had swear on her face, it was the sweat that's created when some terrible feelings come to the surface.

"I wish…I wish I never opened to Clow book sometimes" Sakura whispered to herself, as she spoke; someone tapped on her arm. Sakura exploded in reaction and turned cover suddenly, her nerves all spiked sharply, Sakura almost screamed, but a hand cover her mouth before she could yelp. Sakura looked over in the direct and saw Theresa; she was kneeling down and looking back at Sakura with a surprised look.

"Come with me" Theresa quietly whispered,

Sakura nodded carefully and slowly walked out of the room. Sakura didn't remember Theresa sleeping in here, which made her wonder how she managed to sneak in. however the case; Sakura wasn't going to get her problems solved by not asking questions. When Sakura and Theresa had managed to get out of the room, they continued onwards to Theresa's quarters. Sakura didn't complain for one moment, as she had no idea why or how Theresa wanted to see her suddenly.

"I'm guessing you're wondering why I called you" Theresa spoke quietly,

"Yes" Sakura nodding. Theresa got down onto her knees, Sakura then realizing how elegant her body was, it kind of reminded her of Tomoyo's, but she didn't know that Rika had pointed it out before that they almost looked alike. Theresa had on her floor a large mattress laid out and imbedded into the floor, easy for relaxing on your having to sleep on the floor, Theresa had it put there so she could sit on the floor without getting the cement hard carpet. Sakura sighed and wondered at what reason what Theresa could've called her out but she knew so far that Theresa always had a reason.

"I heard you speak, just before I got your attention" Theresa spoke quietly "it seems you were regretting ever having done what you thought was best, am I right?"

Sakura nodded a yes, but Sakura couldn't imagine that Theresa would understand how it felt. But Sakura decided to be open with Theresa; otherwise, it would be pointless to try anything else.

"Fate is something unavoidable, all of us live with it Sakura-san" Theresa explained, "I could feel you before crying, when General Chang was attacking you for failing"

Sakura jerked her hair up towards Theresa; Sakura then realized something unique about Theresa's aura. Before Sakura could ask though, Theresa decided to lie down on her back. The mattress was soft and Theresa had put pillows for her and Sakura to lie down on the floor; which at first made Sakura feel a little strange about this. Instead, Sakura somehow accepted it and did the same thing.

"I felt that you would do that, but you feel, afraid of something" Theresa again spoke. Sakura now was scared for a moment; Theresa was correctly guessing her feelings at the moment, unless she had experience in them or that she was lucky, only Sakura could guess, but then there was a third option that Sakura started to believe, but as Sakura opened her mouth, Theresa started to explain herself,

"I am something like you, we both have something that the world misunderstood from the beginning" Theresa breathed for a moment, Sakura looked at her intensely,

"You have magical powers as well?" Sakura asked, Theresa looked at Sakura for a moment and then responded

"Yes, but not in the way you know it to exist" Theresa continued "I am something called a 'whispered', a kind of super being that have knowledge of things and technology decades ahead of time, we also have unbelievable luck and telepathic properties that only few people can match, you would be one of those people"

Sakura nodded slowly; now she understood it perfectly, just like Theresa said she would. Sakura didn't believe her before when she said she could understand Sakura's feelings, but now, it made sense. Sakura then felt a greater field of despair thinking about the meeting; despite all the bad things Russia did to gain their secrets, Theresa was sitting in front of the same people that almost tired to kill her. She must feel pain every time she sees the president's face. Sakura then remembered how it felt at the prison, despite how much the guards didn't want to; they still did what they had to punish her and everyone else.

"So the reason why you're a Navy Captain, was because you were a 'whispered'?" Sakura said quietly,

"Yes, I was the commander of my own ship once, but you already know the story how I lost her" Theresa referring to her talk about how she once commanded a special submarine called the Tuathan de Danann, a one of a kind military assault submarine that was apart of the then secret organization MITHRIL. Theresa sighed in her mind about her two hundred and fifty crew members who she would never see again.

"Was it painful?" Sakura asked "all the times you made a mistake or a wrong decision?"

"Yes" Theresa replied "Like you, I am not perfect or better then you in anyway. I'm simply experienced"

Sakura started to understand what Theresa meant; it was something that only Sakura knew all to well. The reminder of the amount of times that Sakura constantly made mistakes in her youth; the fact she opened the clow book was an accident, the fact that Tomoyo found out about Sakura's magic, a mere six hours after first opening the book was a mistake. Then there were the countless mistakes and lucky accidents that occurred in the years to come. Ever since Sakura opened her book, her life became a non-stop, never ending adventure.

"Sakura, you have to determine your own reality, it's the same for every person who lives in this world" Theresa continued "and personally, I don't think you ever made a mistake opening the Clow Book"

Then Sakura suddenly remembered that in between her mistakes, there were moments much like her current situation where Sakura felt like it was hopeless, situations like the first, second and final judgments, the fight with Madoushi; the sorceress from Hong Kong, and a few complex problems that came with Capturing the Clow Cards.

"Sakura, you're first and best talent was being the Card Mistress" Theresa continued "Am I can't think of anyone else that deserves to be it"

For another few minutes; Sakura and Theresa talked about their worlds and how the hoped it would turn out. Then Theresa asked

"So, how long have you been in love with Syaoran-san?"

"Every since, he saved me from the return card, it was back when we were card capturing, seven years ago" Sakura then remembered how he gave his energy to pull her out of the tree at the shrine. He didn't want to, before that, he was self centered on being the master of the clow cards "After that, we were friends, but even after the judgment with Yue; he helped me heaps when I was converting and well…"

"He had fallen in love with you?" Theresa asked. Sakura grinned and replied,

"He did, just after my fight with Eriol-san; he was on his knees because he gave me his energy. He admitted his feelings then, a few months later, I did the same" Sakura giggled "I remember how I admitted it, he and I were on opposite sides of a gap that the Void card had made. I ran up and jumped over, and then I said it"

"You and Syaoran-san are very dramatic and romantic with love" Theresa laughed "I cannot image how you two were later"

Sakura giggled, after the void card; Sakura had put up her cape and battle costume for the day. All the disasters that took place were fixed and ended, and Sakura could start getting back to normal.

"What about you Theresa-san?" Sakura asked "Do you have anyone you love?"

Theresa knew of the person; but for years, Theresa was quiet about her feelings to him. he had saved her many times, and along the way, helped her to gain confidence in being a captain.

"Do you remember the man that slammed the door down on your prison cell?" Theresa asked "He is my most important person, to me, I love him"

"Kurz Webber?" Sakura answered.

Theresa suddenly was embarrassed by her fatal mistake. Not thinking Kurz busted Sakura's jail cell door. Kurz at some points was in fact the total opposite to her like scale, mainly for his pranks he played on Theresa was the Captain of the Tuathan de Danann. Sakura looked at Theresa who tried to think of way to get out that

"It wasn't Kurz?" Sakura then remembered someone else "you mean Sousuke?"

Theresa nodded her head and replied. Theresa was happy that Sakura saw it wasn't Kurz; it however gave her a weird idea or two.

"I can still remember him when we were both working together in MITHRIL" Theresa thinking of the serious sergeant "Despite how much I hated him saluting, when it mattered, he always helped me out and made me feel better if the situation was more then I could handle"

"Did you ever fight?" Sakura asked,

"We had a few arguments" Theresa regretted the times he had exploded at Sosuke for being a soldier and not her friend "But he sometimes surprised me, especially after a certain incident, he helped me relax and feel better. I was a nervous wreak for a week onwards; then for first in his life, he said something that made you feel better"

Sakura took curiosity in what she said. Theresa lay down again on her back and rested her head on some pillows.

"He told me to cheer up, that was all he said, but it made me feel so much better" Theresa continued explaining "but a while later, I found out he loved someone else"

Sakura sighed, on hearing that, Sakura's image of Sousuke dropped dramatically. It felt worse as Sakura suddenly felt how much Theresa's story was like Syaoran and Melin's relationship. Melin loved Syaoran for years, but despite that; Syaoran didn't love Melin the same way. It hurt Melin even more when he went off to catch the clow cards, only to meet Sakura and basically become a friend. Melin then made a desperate attempt to damage the friendship between them, but only failed further. In the end however, Melin had been more supportive of Sakura and Syaoran getting together.

"What was her name?" Sakura asked curiously

"Kaname Chidori" Theresa the went continued "She was a whispered like me, but she had led a normal life, unaware of her gift until she met Sousuke; who at the time was sent to secretly guard her; but after a few misadventures, they grew fond of each other and then I lost to her. But three months later, you were captured and I finally got a reason to get him back. But then Kaname died, when Tokyo was attacked; and for a long time Soususke, would talk to anyone, he just did his missions and remained quiet the rest of the time. He hated me for not allowing Kaname Chidori to come along with him"

Sakura paused for a long moment and take in what Theresa said, then in her mind Sakura knew how she felt. Sakura held out her hand to Theresa.

"We have lot more in common then magic"

Theresa paused for a minute and wondered what she meant. Then Theresa understood, she then held out her hand and clasped Sakura's open hand.

"We do indeed" Theresa then linked her eyes and yawned. Sakura yawned as well; she felt sleepy talking about her past with Theresa. Eventfully Sakura slowly started to fall asleep, as did Theresa. It became almost impossible to resist, wanting to fall asleep on the floor matress.

"I should go back to sleep in my quarters, before I fall asleep here" Sakura got up from the floor, Theresa doing the same.

"I suppose so, if we are going to solve this problem, we better get some rest" Theresa nodding. She then walked over to Sakura and hugged her. Sakura felt like doing the same thing and followed suit in doing the same thing.

"Thank you, for cheer me up" Sakura spoke finally. Quickly Sakura and Theresa departed each other and went to their respective beds. Sakura crept quietly into her quarters and slowly slipped into her now cold bed. Sakura stayed awake for a few minutes while she was re-warming her bed with her body heat. She again was alone, but this time, her mind felt suddenly felt happier then before, Theresa help her remember of her times as a card captor. Sakura then slowly drifted asleep; hopefully she though; that it wouldn't become another nightmare like last time. But Sakura felt a little happier and still felt her body's embraced feel when she hugged Theresa. But now Sakura now felt she was more positive and her problems were now ready to solve.

Location: Sakura's Mind

Date: April 5/6th, 2011

Time: 03:00 hrs

Actual Location: Quarters level 2, sector B, Unknown Location, Former Federation of Russia

Actual Date: April 6th, 2011

Actual Time: 05:00 hrs

Sakura quietly felt comfortable, but then all of a sudden a cold chill blew down onto her face. Sakura woke up and noticed she was on the ground; Sakura rubbed eyes, assuming she had fallen out of bed. When she opened her eyes, Sakura looked around for a second, her surroundings weer completely different, she wasn't in the bunk room that she fell asleep in; in fact, she wasn't in Russia anymore. Sakura the got up off the pavement ground; and dusted herself off of dust and dirt. Sakura then realised she was wearing what she wore the night she was captured. It seemed to real; this was the park that the marines ambushed them. Sakura then turned around and ran towards the penguin slide, the about location where the explosions first went off. Nothing was left, except for Sakura's key and spent shells from automatic rifles. Sakura then saw the grime sight of Eriol's body that was dumped in the water by the marines.

Sakura then looked into the sky, smoke stacks coming from Tokyo central, in fact all around her; everything was a scolding fire, burnt out houses, and it was silent; no screaming or the sound of fire trucks, just silence. Most, if not all the buildings were blown apart around the parkland. But it seemed more was done then just arresting Sakura, it seemed like a war had broken out. Sakura started to walk down the streets of her once hometown; wondering where she was, until some landmarks came into view. Syaoran's home, which was burnt out, the interior was a shard decay of burning rubble. Sakura instead of going closer turned around and started running as fast as she could, she kept running until she came back to Penguin Park, there she turned to the left and bolted up the road towards her home.

Sakura then noticed something wrong; the distance between her home, Penguin Park and Syaoran's home was about two kilometres. But somehow, Sakura could still run the same speed if she travelled only fifty metres; no short breath, no tiredness, it was defiantly a dream that was how it felt until she tripped over and hurt herself, it really felt like it hurt. Sakura looked up and continued down the street that previous had several cherry Blossom trees ready to bloom in another few weeks. Sakura turned another corner and found her house. It was badly damaged, but like most of the houses in the street, it was still standing. Sakura approached slowly and walked up the steps to the gate; which now had been smashed off.

She walked across the ground and towards the door; the area just outside the front door and the grass below her window was covered with broken glass, tree branches and wood panels from the house. Sakura approached the door opened, it never was locked in reality, but the lock on the door had been shot off. The inside looked in relativity good condition, but the disturbing site of bullet holes and spent cartridges in the living room and kitchen, and the disturbing amount of blood on the floor, didn't leave Sakura feeling so well. Sakura slowly made her way to the stairs towards her room. Everything creaked, the floorboards, the walls. The house was badly damaged, every single window had been broken, and every piece of furniture was tipped over or smashed apart, the smell of the toilet and house pipes backed up. The whole house in darkness, expect for the shadowy light of the moon filtering through the western windows.

Sakura entered her room for the first time in four years, and it was trashed. Everything inside had been smashed apart; her desk had literally had a chainsaw put to it, Her desk chair and television set were outside on the grass below, her wardrobe was raided, and all her other belongings everything left in a huge pile on her bed. The floorboards, the ceiling and walls all were full of bullet holes, complete with Glass and plaster fragments everywhere. Sakura went to her desk to filter through the pile of trinkets, until she found a smashed picture frame, it was a picture taken six years ago, it was the actual picture Tomoyo promised to take once Sakura caught and sealed the lost Void card. It was Syaoran and Sakura standing together alone, complete in battle costume. Tomoyo wasn't all too impressed that Syaoran ripped his specifically made first battle costume that she made for him.

Sakura kept this picture next to others, ones from her card capturing days, but this one was the most valuable. She laid it down; the smashed glass was centred on her face. The other frames were snapped in two and laid on the ground. Sakura then felt she was being watched.

"It wasn't like this, six hours ago…in fact; it was just like you left it." Sakura turned around to meet the face and body a darkened stranger standing in the corner of her room; When Sakura figured the outline of the body to be her age and size; the stranger took a pace forward exposing his hat in the moonlight; Sakura stood where was and gazed at the outfit. The stranger then lifted his head up towards Sakura, revealing a shadow pale skin and the silver glasses that shinned like the moon's reflection in water. But it was all too familiar to Sakura, the voice of someone that was to him who looked so familiar.

"Eriol-kun" Sakura now definably could mistake the re-born youth of Clow Reed. He was covered in black robes and a massive hat, in Sakura's Memory; it was the same outfit he wore at the second judgement

"Why am I here?" Sakura wisely asked, she knew already that this was only a dream, and Eriol was in fact still dead.

"I came here to show you what happened just after you were captured, when you were captured at 8pm, by 6am the next day, the Federal American army will have invaded Japan, but in this point in time; Tokyo is evacuating its people, slowly; as then America navy has the 5th fleet is shelling Japan's primary naval and air defence stations"

Sakura turned and looked at a house across the street.

"What happened to these people, in Tomoda?"

"They were removed by force, three hours ago. In about two days time, this will all be levelled by bombs, to create what will Fort Dragon Air force base and new home"

"Which means…I never left Tomoda" Sakura then continued "Which means when I escaped, they dropped nuclear weapons on Tomoda"

"You are somewhat surprised?" Eriol emotionlessly spoke "Then again this war even surprised me; I only predicted it two minutes before it happened"

"…and that is why you knew where the bullet would come from, so you got in between the guns and Tomoyo"

"Everything happens for a reason Sakura, but I knew Tomoyo had to live at that point, and I'm still right now" Eriol continued "But this is one Reality…"

Everything around Sakura and Eriol started to darken around them. Sakura, whom was still grasping onto her picture, stepped back further; if she was in her bedroom, she would've fallen out the window. But instead, there was only a dark void with only their bodies emitting light. Sakura gazed around her, only herself and Eriol were standing in what appeared to be middle of space; Sakura still felt the cold chill, and the sounds of cold winds from her empty and destroyed room. Then it slowly was drowned out by another noise, the chilly wind suddenly disappeared, following that; the sound changed from a windy breeze, to what Sakura couldn't believe; cheering and clapping.

"…This is the other reality" Eriol finished his sentence,

Slowly the light regained control over the dark void to show they once again had moved; all around them now was a massive hall. Many leaders and dignitaries were seated or standing, the atmosphere, Sakura felt like it was a warm spring. At the centre of this palace like hall was a straight table with what seemed to be the most powerful nations represented, minus America. Sakura could then see, everyone she already knew Theresa and some people under a flag; representing MITHRIL, then there was a seating row just in front of them. Sitting there was Syaoran, Tomoyo, Rika, Naoko, Chihura and Yamazaki. As well as some other people, like Syaoran's mother. Sakura then saw two seats empty, the one next to Syaoran and the other next to Tomoyo.

"This will happen 2 months after the attack …You and will or were present at the signing of the Moscow Treaty. Three months; it will make Russia, China, Japan and the European Union fall under one main united government. As to prevent a repeat of what happened to you; this will be better known as the birth of the United Earth Federation."

"But that's impossible, in such a short period of time" Sakura asked, Sakura then noticed something else, her outfit had miraculously changed to a sort of military uniform similar to what she was wearing around the base; but it was also similar to the outfit she wore in the picture she held on to.

"Because of the magnitude of events that you described and proved...the final battle was terrible and…well, it made a lot of people think and the need for this federation was born"

"But how does this help me? I'm in the other reality now, the one with the three billion deaths"

Everything around Sakura and Eriol again started to darken around them. But instead, the dark void remained, and only their bodies emitted light.

"Do you remember what Ms Mitzuki told you?"

Sakura tried to remember; Kaho Mitzuki was her teacher for a short period of time; who also assisted Sakura at the first judgement, against Yue. Sakura thought long and hard about what she could've said, until something clicked in her mind, something that'll she said at the first judgement on Tokyo Tower.

"That there is no such thing as a coincidence, there is only the inevitable" Sakura looked up at Eriol, who nodded concurringly,

"It was inevitable you were going to be captured" Eriol continued "but it was also inevitable that you would be rescued, and that you will be given a chance to prevent this from happening again"

"So both of these realties are meant to happen, there just not the opposite?" Sakura replied. Eriol nodded again, He the continued,

"And then there is your ultimate spell of spells"

Sakura again tried to remember what Eriol meant, but then she remembered.

"I'll be alright for sure" Sakura whispered slowly. Eriol held his hand out and showed his key, it suddenly and glowing a faint light from inside the metal started to shine.

"This is your staff Sakura-Chan" Eriol pronounced, as he did the tiny key started to hover above the palm of his hand. Sakura looked at the glowing object, clearly Sakura couldn't understand how or what Eriol meant, seeing that the staff looked like his own. The sun staff.

"But, Syaoran-kun told me before…" Sakura hesitated and remembered what he said "…Syaoran-kun told me that sorcerers cannot use other magic expect their own"

"That is true" Eriol replied "In Li-kun's and everyone else's case"

Sakura confused and looked stunned at Eriol's comment

"You and I have the same magic and we are the only people who can use this magic" Eriol explained, Sakura looked up and retrieved the key from his hand; Sakura clasped it in and brought it up her view and opened her hand up. Suddenly Sakura saw another staff, namely her first one; the eagle headed staff that Sakura used to re-capture the Clow Cards.

"Sakura…the incantation, now its time to open it again"

Sakura stepped forward and placed her hand above the glowing key and started to recite the incantation,

"O Key that hides the power of the dark…"

The key started to brighten into a powerful beam of white light. Her circle became a bright piecing gold radiance, forming around her with the combined power of Eriol and Sakura,

"…By Covenant, Reveal thy true form to me!"

The pressure inside Sakura started to build again, the paranormal forces around her started to force the staff to open. Sakura energy channelling started to strengthen the light and the circle, the entire body was weaker then before, but the strength of the key and the magic vibrating her nerves,

"This Sakura Commands…RELEASE!"

The bright flaming ball of white light then exploded with the pinging noise of the key opening to the staff, the energy exploded across the deep void they were surrounded by, the ring started the create winds around her, the staff became a stronger light of power and began to reform into the staff made by Sakura at the Final Judgement on Tokyo Tower.

The Massive energy from the staff forced back into Sakura's body, the power rejuvenated her body wounds in full health, and Sakura became the Mistress of the Sakura Cards again. The suddenly it went black.

Location: Quarters level 2, sector B, Unknown Location, Former Federation of Russia

Date: April 6th, 2011

Time: 06:00 hrs

"Sakura!" Syaoran yelled at her unconscious body for the third time,

Sakura looked she was having a nightmare or some kinda of medical problem. It first alerted Syaoran and Tomoyo, but now Theresa, Rika, Naoko and Melin were worried. Theresa had then had to made a call for her subordinates; Melissa, Kurz and Sousuke to help if they could.

"Sakura, wake up!" Syaoran yelled, Tomoyo then noticed something. Sakura started growing; in her sleep and started to show signs of waking up. Everyone took a sigh of Relief, but Sousuke was standing by with a med kit on the side; in case of remote chance that Sakura had actually gone into shock. Sakura coughed for a bit, but she managed to sit up and look at everyone, the room was dimly lit, for an early morning. Everyone looked like hey just go up, standing around Sakura trying to figure out what was wrong with her.

"What happened Sakura? you were struggling in your sleep for ten minutes, then you started to violently toss and turn like you were been electrocuted" Melin spoke from behind Tomoyo. Sakura then sat up slowly, she put her hand down when she felt and heard glass under her sheets. Syaoran and Tomoyo both heard it as well.

"Sakura, what is it?" Theresa asked. Sousuke then noticed the sound of an object under her bed. Sakura lifted away the blankets and saw something that shocked everyone else. Sakura finally remembered the dream, and how she was holding onto a picture in its frame. Sakura now had it here with her. Tomoyo and Syaoran could recognize the picture, but were lost for words on how it ended up here; After almost a minute, Sakura the suddenly snapped to action.

"Syaoran-kun, where is the suitcase?"

Syaoran looked at her confused; Syaoran seemed to see it odd that Sakura would ask for it after what happened. But Theresa was already two steps of ahead of Syaoran. Holding the suitcase she handed it to Melissa who then put it on the bed opposite Sakura, she undid the locks to open it. Sakura then jumped out of the bed and pushed past everyone.

"Sakura, what is it, what's the matter?" Tomoyo looked confused as Sakura almost pushed her over. Sakura at the moment had a one tract mind towards something that nobody else could tell. Sakura then picked out the three cards and put them on the bed. Melissa took a gaze at the Sakura Cards for the first time

"What the hell are these?" Melissa looked at the three damaged Sakura Cards.

"Those are what Sakura-san's cards look like, at least three out of the fifty three"

Sousuke and Kurz heard this and in were shocked, the walked over to the bedside and looked at the cards as well

"These are Sakura Cards" Sousuke looked down at them

"That's correct" Sakura spoke, still looking in the suitcase. Inside the bag were a few other objects, such as Syaoran's staff, and a few dozen files. Sakura dumped them all out and started dissembling the case's form mattress that was on top.

"What are you looking for?" Theresa asked,

"Eriol's key"

Theresa and Syaoran both looked at Sakura confused. It didn't seem possible, but Sakura felt she had a reason for looking for it. Sakura then found it, the small trinket at the bottom of the case. Sakura took it out and looked at it. Theresa and Tomoyo then took a look at it; since last night, the damaged key had some how reversed its rusting and looked brand new almost,

"Eriol-kun…showed me how to get my powers back"

"That's impossible…Eriol's Dead!" Naoko spoke from then end,

"But that doesn't explain how that picture got here" Sousuke inspecting the picture, he took it out of the frame and handed it over to Theresa who looked at the image closely.

"Tomoyo, do you know when this was taken?" Theresa handed the photo to Tomoyo, who was standing next to her. Tomoyo looked at the images and automatically recognized the setting.

"This was taken at the final battle that Sakura and Syaoran were in. Sakura caught the Void card here. It was final task Sakura performed as 'Card Captor Sakura', and after that, there were no more strange incidents"

"Card Captor Sakura?" Melissa and Kurz both thought aloud "What kind of crazy title is that?"

Theresa ignored her subordinates comment and continued on Sakura who was walking to a clear spot in the room.

"Eriol said that this is my staff as well"

"Sakura, what are you doing?" Syaoran spoke loudly to Sakura.

"I'm going to re-activate and convert Eriol's staff to my power"

"That's not possible" Syaoran spoke, both shocked at Sakura ignoring his warning "No sorcerers can active another person's staff! Tomoyo-Chan, Melin-Chan; tell her"

"I don't know, magic isn't my degree" said Melin,

"Sakura, could you open the staff, with your incarnation?" Tomoyo spoke,

"Only one way to find out" Sakura body flung into full action, with restored strength. Everyone took a step back and allowed her to get out of the bed. Instead, Sakura performed a barrel roll flip over everyone's heads, kind of something Sakura did as a cheerleader. Everyone ducked down and Sakura to fly over them. Everyone including Sakura was in awe at the amount of energy she suddenly had in her body, especially after getting out of bed.

Sakura took no notice of the blinded stares of everyone around her; she couldn't even start to explain it to herself, let alone to everyone. It was a feeling of power in her body not encountered since when she first changed the staff to the star wand. Sakura look at Syaoran, and started to concentrate on opening the staff. Syaoran stepped forward for a minute and attempted to prompt Sakura to not do such a foolish thing, but something stopped him…a feeling of trust between Sakura that he was experienced when the moment counted for them to work together.

"Don't worry Syaoran-kun… I'll be alright for sure"

The key Sakura was holding suddenly started to glow a white luminosity. Syaoran stood and looked at Sakura, he smiled for the first time in a long while, he stated to trust Sakura and slowly stepped back. Just as Sakura started; Behind the group, the door burst open, the President and Admiral Borda came in.

"O Key that hides the power of the dark…"

The key lit up to everyone's surprise; the circle that surrounded her lit up a bright glare of gold. a roar of thunder started to produce from nowhere, and in credible light filled the room will bright light. The president came and awe witness Sakura's full penitential power unleashed,

"…By Covenant, Reveal thy true form to me…"

"What is Sakura doing!" The president yelled at them, both frighten and amazed at Sakura's display.

"…This your mistress Sakura Commands; RELEASE!"

The room became absolute white of little less then three seconds, when the light divided, Sakura then held up her new staff; it was exactly like the star staff, just like how Sakura had it when she had it when she was at the first judgement. The winds started to die down a bit more, and with that helped Sakura Relive herself. The energy had almost all but gone from her. But she was still able to move quite well. The tornado like wind forming around Sakura produced a powerful head wind that pushing into everyone's face. Theresa held on Sousuke as she lost her footing on the ground, everyone else shielded their eyes as the bright light became almost unbearable to see. Sakura the held up the three damaged Sakura Cards and threw them up, the cards the held position in the air in a triangle formation, spinning on their long axis,

"O Key that combines the power of the stars; listen to my plea…

…Discard thine former your old, and be reborn to your new…

…Under your new mistress, Sakura…RELEASE!"

The card all flashed for a second, each one suddenly was renewed. The cards practically looked brand new and kept spinning until Sakura lowered her staff. The room then suddenly became dark again. The bright light faded leaving everyone to re-focus there eyes for a moment. The three cards then descended; Sakura put her hand out as all the cards guided themselves towards her. Each card landed and formed a neat stack. Sakura now relieved looked up at everyone, who were staring in complete disbelief.

"I did it" Sakura announced

"Card Captor Sakura is back!" said Tomoyo cheerfully

"I still think that name is so 1998" Kurz spoke, only to be hit in the head by Melissa. But now Sakura was back in the fight. Sakura looked up at the cards, all of a sudden her head started to feel dizzy. If another ten seconds her body and limbs started to feel flimsy, Sakura blinked her eyes as if she was tired, and then it went black.

Location: Command Room 1, Sector A; Unknown Location, Former Federation of Russia

Date: April 6th, 2011

Time: 15:30hrs

After an unbelievably long four hour debriefing; president Nemerov, Admiral Borda and the high command finally agreed that Sakura had managed to talk to a dead person in her sleep, and then take about a item from past, and somehow against all odds; managed to not only re-born her staff, but managed to re-create the three cards, Despite Syaoran admitting in the meeting that it was actually impossible. For now; Sakura kept her staff in the key mode and hung it around her neck again like it always had been hung.

Sakura was now sitting down again where she had been sitting in previous meeting, halfway through the meeting, Sakura was allowed out the medical wing after she collapsed in her quarters. Sakura had noticed a major improvement in her friend's moral since yesterday. Tomoyo was now feeling much brighter then yesterday. Syaoran was still as tense on the outside, but Tomoyo and Sakura could tell that on the inside that he was probably happier then anyone else, that Sakura had managed to get her staff and cards back. Melin was absent from the meeting for some reason; despite the reason that she was now a member of Captain Testarossa's unit. Naoko and Rika quietly resumed siting down the end like before, but this time taking more interest in the meeting.

"She was lucky to get her way; I want to see this magic myself" General Chang still not convinced that Sakura had managed to rebirth her own magic. Sakura reminded quiet while the commanders at the table yelled at each. At the start of meeting; the entire High command staff saw the Security video in the quarters. The reason a security video caught this was because it was turned on when heat from Sakura's magic accidentally triggered a weapons fire alert to the security wing of the base. Automatic camera's then caught the event live. After the video was shown, General Chang and several other unconvinced Admirals and Generals argued for the next four hours

Theresa was simply too tired to really listen to everyone's complaints about the mission. General Chang wasn't one to quickly agree with anyone. Even if he did on the inside, he had a reputation to live up to. General Chang was the only member in the high command staff that didn't back the entire plan to getting Sakura out of jail, he was also was Melin's old boss, a former commander in the people's republic army, he had served for many years having seen his country blown to pieces, mainly because Sakura's magic in Japan would mean that every country around there would be hit; and china was very big target. General Chang then played a pivotal role in what was better known as the battle of Hong Kong.

The battle took almost a week, but killed almost half a billion people; in that stage of war, it was a pivotal deployment for the United States, the first time they would use the cards as weapons. The outcome however, was disastrous. The United States, or now known as the Federal States wanted to take Hong Kong intact. General Change however left them Hong Kong twenty metres below the water; after the battle, the Federal States of America drastically re-thought their tactics; and General Chang was given hero honours. Later on however, General Chang was transferred to less complex jobs after the fall of Beijing and his government. To his protest, he was then transferred off the field and into a desk job at the Rebel Headquarters, and unknown, un-named base 400km south of Tazovskiy.

But it appeared that General Chang was worse off sitting at this table and getting told by a young lady that her plan was better. But it was too late for him to make a case, the video tape proved everything. When the argument was finally settled, the president began.

"We don't stand a chance if all we are going to do is argue about something so trivial as this"

"Then…" Theresa rose from her seat "Can we please start explaining Operation Last Chance?"

Sakura wasn't keen to let the argument between the generals and staff, and remained silent until now.

"Operation Last Chance?" Sakura asked "What do you mean"

Theresa started to explain; Sakura listening and taking notes along the way

"Operation Last Chance is the second phase of Operation Card Capture" Admiral Borda continued, "Operation Last Chance; involves a team of people from MITHRIL plus you and your team, to be inserted on the 31st of March in the year 2007. Our purpose is to prevent the Central Intelligence Agency of the then United States of America from gaining knowledge of magical abilities of Sakura, whom will be now code-named 'mistress'. Assuming that the CIA will still be able to collect images, we will track them and damage their intelligence gathering services. At the same time, we will make contact with the Captain Theresa Testarossa of that time period"

Sakura then realized the intentions of the mission and nodded her head agreeably. Syaoran and Tomoyo remained hesitant about the mission, until Syaoran asked a question.

"I'm assuming this is why you took the time and return cards?" Syaoran then continued "And I to assume that you think that Sakura will be required to time travel; not only herself, but eleven other people?"

"That is correct, is there something wrong?" Theresa asked worryingly

"No, it's just that it's never been attempted" Syaoran answered, he then looked at Sakura "It also could be fatal if Sakura tries"

Everyone in the room then focused her ears on Syaoran, again. Sakura didn't like the sound of that last sentence; but why did Syaoran say it; he said before that it was also impossible to open the staff. Syaoran then explained carefully

"Sakura's magical energy draws from her own body and nothing else; When Sakura converted the staff and the three cards before, Sakura had lost all of her energy"

Sakura remembered how she had collapsed after converting the three cards and the staff; it reminded her of how she lost her energy in the earlier days of converting the Clow cards. But since then her magic had grown very strong, but her abilities had faded over the four year period she was in prison. But if it had only been the three cards, Sakura would've only had minor loss. But because after four years of not magic; plus the added factor that Sakura had to re-born the star staff and had to 'make' the three cards,

Tomoyo looked for a moment as did Rika and Naoko. Everyone looked like they did when Syaoran initially said it was impossible to open use the cards. But this time Sakura could let everyone believe it was hopeless; she stood, surprising everyone including Syaoran

"Admiral Borda-san" Sakura spoke "With all due respect to you and Syoaran-kun, I'm willing to take that risk, if it means that mission will have better chances of succeeding"

Everyone in the room was speechless when Sakura Basically had crossed the line between a civilian to a soldier. Even Theresa was amazed. But it totally shocked Tomoyo and Syaoran, and slightly worrying Naoko and Rika, who at the moment were only minor characters in this conversation.

"Sakura Kinomoto, are you sure?" Theresa saying her last name, just be sure this was the actual Sakura she knew.

"Theresa, with respect, you said it last night" Sakura realizing she spilt the secret about her midnight talk with her.

"Go on, major Kinomoto, explain" Admiral Borda always knew Theresa wouldn't harm her; and didn't really care if she had a pep talk with Sakura. The high command seemed to not care either

"She told me that I have to determine my own reality, it's the same for every person who lives in this world" Sakura continued reciting what Theresa said "and I have to do correct what happened, no matter what. Ill do it, if it will correct what has happened"

No one, including Syaoran argued with Sakura at this point. Tomoyo felt a little proud for what Sakura said, although she was amazed that Theresa had talked to her without her knowledge. But for now, Sakura had only but one option to follow her new goal in full strength. As all the members of the high command agreed, Admiral Borda and former Russian President Nemerov agreed.

"Captain Theresa Testarossa, your mission will begin in ninety two hours time. Assemble your MITHRIL team, and prepare the correct equipment for Operation Last Chance.

Location: Quarters level 2, sector B; Unknown Location, Former Federation of Russia

Date: April 6th, 2011

Time: 16:30hrs

Sakura once again crashed her head down on the bed; this time in a less stressful posture. The meeting had been a killer for her nerves, especially after her open display of defiance to the high command. Sakura felt like all the energy drain from her body the moment he had stopped speaking like she did; as if she re-opened the staff again. Behind her, Syaoran and Tomoyo approached her, they were concerned on what Sakura had said to everyone's surprise, but Sakura for the remainder of the meeting was pretty definite in General Chang's protest to call of the 'silly operation'.

"Sakura-Chan, are you feeling alright?" Tomoyo asked politely,

"I'm fine; it's just that it was almost like…" Sakura turned over to her side "…I've never had to do that to anyone before"

"You did the right thing speaking up" came a voice from the door "Any natural leader would remember to their values, and would sacrifice everything to get it done"

From the doorway, Theresa and the person known as Sousuke walked in. Sakura then quickly stood up as the two approached her. Sousuke stood still at the door and waited while Theresa approached Sakura's bed. Naoko and Rika, who had gone to their beds; suddenly also stood up at attention. Reluctantly, Theresa stopped in the middle of the room when she noticed everyone standing up at her presence.

"Its okay, you don't have to act like Sagara-san" Theresa embarrassed at what everyone did to her. Theresa wasn't somebody who liked the military style discipline that was enforced; it made herself feel even more out of place when people saluted her and called her 'Madam'.

Sousuke, Kurz and Melissa were probably the only people around at the moment who knew how to address Theresa a way that made her feel comfortable. Sakura slumped down to her bed and sat down. Tomoyo and Syaoran did the same on the bed opposite.

"I just came to thank you for keeping the project active" Theresa nodding and then bowing slightly, "on that; I've arranged dinner to be served at 19:00 tonight up here"

Sakura acknowledged and then continued to listen as Theresa asked Sousuke to take the box of gear to her. It was in fact a bag full of clothing and other gear.

"This stuff has arrived up from the inventory room; it'll be issued to you for 'Operation Last Chance'

Sakura, Tomoyo and Syaoran nodded and backed from a bed to allow Souske to dump the stuff on it. Everyone crowed around a spare bed, as Sousuke opened the bag and lifted out a metal box that was on top. Theresa somewhat delighted to see it then took it off Souske and opened the case.

"I thought I would find these ready for use" Theresa commented as Sakura looked at them.

"What are these?" Syaoran picking up a small mobile like device,

"These are your new weapons" Theresa lightly explained "They look like a regular mobile phone from that year, but it has a satellite phone range, GPS tracker, micro scanner, audio translator, and has a two thousand volt stun gun in the bottom where a phone charged would go. These are the most modern pieces of spy ware equipment we can give you. These were originally developed by the British intelligence department MI-6; but since they no longer had a use for them"

Sakura instantly felt embarrassed at the capabilities a simple tiny brick had. Syaoran and Tomoyo were slightly confused at the device which looked almost like a regular cell phone.

"I see…" Sakura felt pressured to count these items as weapons, seeing she had no clue what a stun gun was or what half the devices mentioned were. Hopefully Theresa would explain it later; Sakura only knew a few things about guns and stuff, and most of it probably was useless banter. Tomoyo then refocus her attention to an item or cloth that was pulled of the bag, it was familiar, but looked completely different to what she remembered.

"These are…?" Tomoyo looked as she automatically recognized the shield and wing insignia on the grayish scarf. However Tomoyo knew all to well that this didn't look right at all.

"These are uniforms we have created with our best guess according to some photographs, the pictures and colors had faded, but we had nothing else to go on.

"The uniforms are completely out of design" Tomoyo picked one up "Sakura-Chan can you put this one for a second?"

Sakura looked at Tomoyo for a second who suddenly looked serious at her, a particular look in her eyes only made Sakura quickly walk out of the room. Tomoyo then looked at the uniform for Syaoran, she started to mutter something. Tomoyo suddenly felt the cloth and realized a few things about them, not just the colors but the design and certain things that it seemed only to obvious to Tomoyo. She turned to Syaoran who in his mind started to look worried at Tomoyo.

"Syaoran-kun, put these on as well, I need to see for myself weather this works" Tomoyo almost demanded Syaoran to do as she said. Theresa looked completely surprised at Tomoyo's reaction to the uniforms which had apparently also changed her overall mood. Quietly in the corner, Naoko and Rika suddenly realized what was going on and both whispered to each other

"Her sixth sense is becoming active, her fashion sense"

Two minutes faded fast as Tomoyo waited for Sakura and Syaoran to change. Naoko and Rika both were starting to enjoy what would be a funny show afterwards.

"I've changed Tomoyo-Chan" Sakura entered the room again; only this time wearing the uniform for her old high school. It felt weird that she was wearing it here, but when Tomoyo ordered her to change into something, she did it regardless; this was were Tomoyo's magic lay"

"Oh my, this is incredibly bad work; I can't believe this is meant to be out uniform!" Tomoyo promptly responded looking at Sakura. Sakura looked at her uniform; which had some major mistakes that everyone could notice, and then there were only the mistakes only Tomoyo's sixth sense could find.

"The colors are not navy blue and grey, the skirt is too short, and that itself is not grey either" Tomoyo walked around the 'target', at the moment scaring Sakura and Theresa simultaneously. It was like Tomoyo had suddenly become something that felt was uncontrollable, Sousuke even gone far as flinching and feeling the need to pull his gun out from a holster.

"This scarf, the emblem looks wrong; it should have three feathers per side, not two!"

In the corner, Naoko and Rika silently giggled in their minds as Sakura was 'attacked' by Tomoyo's eagle eye in fashion details. Theresa felt like she had all of a sudden seen Tomoyo become as threatening as the enemy or anyone in the military.

"I may have been in jail for four years, but I've never seen this uniform have an emblem on the scarf tie mark. Whoever did this really didn't put a lot of effort into this"

"But… we had Melin-Chan help us with the measurements" Theresa spoke, but felt a little scared as Tomoyo tuned to face her.

"Melin-Chan does not have fashion knowledge; she does not know how the true uniform should look and feel!" Tomoyo turned her attention back to Sakura. "The socks have no strips of any description, the jumper was mad of wool, not something like this!"

Tomoyo tugged the jumper, the material was more elastic then it would've been if it were wool or something in a more natural material. This started to make Tomoyo mad, a rare thing to somebody like her. Just as she continued to examine Sakura's poor uniform, Syaoran walked in. wearing a uniform much like the one it wore in around the school. Tomoyo paused on scrutinizing of the uniform Sakura wore for a second and turned to only be shocked by what Syaoran was wearing.

"What made you think this would be acceptable in a Japanese high school!" Tomoyo almost panicked as he saw Syaoran wearing a uniform with a much lighter dark blue, the sleeves were only to the elbow and the normal red double 'V' on the left chest was gone.

"This uniform is even worse, the design on his uniform is all wrong. The pants don't even match the color of his jumper!" Tomoyo almost started to yell at Syaoran's face, almost scaring him.

"Testarossa-san, do you want me to restrain her? She appears to of gone hostile" Sousuke whispered into Theresa's ear,

"I wouldn't approach if I were you…if could be fatal"

Tomoyo looked at everything and then turned to Theresa.

"Theresa-san, with your permission, I would like to re-do all these uniforms" Tomoyo confronting her like she was talking to a superior officer. Theresa let Tomoyo calm down before she nodded approval. On that Tomoyo turned around and approached Sakura.

"Syaoran-kun, go get changed back, I need that uniform. Sakura-Chan with me, we have a lot of work to do!"

Tomoyo grabbed Sakura by the arm and almost dragged her along and out the room. Theresa simply stood alone with Sousuke trying to figure out what just happened. Despite being in front of her, it felt like they saw or heard nothing. After a short time, Syaoran came back to the room, slumping and finding a bed to crash on. Naoko and Rika couldn't hold it anymore and burst out laughing. Theresa turned her head to he two girls who laughing their head off.

"What's so funny?" Theresa asked, Sousuke took an involuntary step back from his superior, at the moment he felt some degree of confusion and perhaps uneasiness. Syaoran, who was still standing; walked over to the table where Sakura had left the picture frame from this morning. He then replied,

"In all the years I've known Sakura, I've also known Tomoyo's true magical powers"

"Tomoyo-san has magical properties?" Theresa asked,

"Not of a type that you would associate with me or Sakura-Chan, but Tomoyo-Chan has an incredible memory and sixth sense, and as you saw…a very high demand of quality in everything she does" Syaoran handed Theresa the picture "Tomoyo always pressured her fashion designs to withstand heavy damage for heavy usage over a long period of time in some cases, but despite this, all the outfits were worn once only. The picture you have has the very last one she made"

"So, Tomoyo-san basically felt insulted?" Theresa started to understand the values Tomoyo placed on her talents. It was a strange trigger, and it had some strange effects on Tomoyo; but whatever it was, it triggered her magical powers. Syaoran nodded concurringly as Theresa looked up at him.

"Once she starts a task, Tomoyo-Chan will stop at nothing to finish it. Just something that makes Tomoyo a formidable person to deal with at times" Syaoran continued to explain. In the corner of his eye, he tracked Rika and Naoko who were still laughing, but now reduced to only a giggle.

"It's not a funny thing!" Syaoran responded to them, Naoko and Rika however continued for a few seconds, before stopping,

"I'm sorry, but we like it when Tomoyo-Chan goes into her danger mode, it's just too funny to pass"

"You mean you've seen this mode before?" Theresa asked "Despite your lack of knowledge of their activities, how would you know?"

"Tomoyo-Chan has designed outfits for him to wear in plays, the first time, he had to wear a princesses' outfit" Naoko explained, recalling a time when their class played sleeping beauty and Syaoran with some unfortunate luck was given the least suitable role for him in the entire play. Theresa simply was embarrassed and could find a word to reply with; Syaoran looked back and forth at the two groups, both of which were only abusing him now.

"What part of 'I didn't want to do it' don't you understand?" Syaoran yelled,

"Regardless of the matter, we'll let Tomoyo-san and Sakura-san continues their temporary task" Theresa continued "in the meantime, I suggest all of you try to rest as much as possible and Syaoran-san, can I have a word with you?

Syaoran was taken back from her sudden request, but followed it through like he did. Theresa left the room with Naoko and Rika having Sousuke teach them the use of their 'mobile phones'.

"This paper was given to me from your cousin, Melin Li" Theresa took stapled set of papers from a folder that she was carrying. On the top was the official nonsense of the People's Republic army of china and then there was the usually banter of transfer of division business. Syaoran took a good five minutes to scan one page before he got stuck on something.

"What does this mean?" Syaoran found some of what was written slightly confusing to him

"The lieutenant has a damaged left lung and no nerve pressure in her left foot" Theresa started to explain "Both are believed to be combat injuries sustained in a battle during her years as a sniper; we are uncertain how she got them or when, but her official army record don't mention Melin ever being shot or wounded whist a member of the people's republic army. However, given the battlefields that your cousin has been to; battle of Hong Kong, Battle of the black sea, and her recent work in Norway"

"Unbelievable…" Syaoran muttering the words aloud, "…can these fatal wounds?"

"the records indicate that she's had a collapsed lung for three years; by all means, Melin should be dead" Theresa continued to speak in her matter-of-fact tone "her body would be having an incredibly hard time functioning as a human being, let alone being one of the best snipers in the Chinese military"

"You think that something else is contributing to her survival?"

"That has been a firm belief I've had at the back of my mind, despite how much Melin has denied it to her superiors, many of her officials believe she has equivalent properties for being magical"

"Melin-Chan hasn't got magical powers!" Syaoran snapped unexpectedly, feeling as if he was being integrated by Theresa "…That is that, Melin-Chan's power is too insufficient to be of concern"

Theresa paused for a moment, frozen stiff and quite at the outraged remark Syaoran spoke, she almost missed what he said next. Syaoran then remained quiet hoping she didn't hear it; he felt like he had said too much. He turned his back to Theresa and started to walk back to the room before her hand grasped his arm,

"Please wait…" Theresa responded finally "What do you mean 'too insufficient'? What are you hiding?"

Syaoran found himself having said something he really should've said before but had no choice now but to tell now, he turned around and leaned back on the wall next to him,

"It's technically unknown if Melin-Chan ever had magical powers to begin with" Syaoran breathed once and continued "When Melin-Chan was born; the Li Family's elders wait exactly thirty days as in the tradition before committing her to the first judgment. This test was to determine her magical strength and destiny; however, Melin detected no magical power of any description, despite both her parents possessing great power sewn into them"

"She failed the test?" Theresa asked,

"No exactly failed as in losing, Melin-Chan had no hidden aura of any description; she was basically a normal healthy baby. After following a month of debate between the elders, her mother and father apparently were forbidden from the Li family home in Hong Kong. But on their wish, Melin would be brought up by the second highest of the Li Family, Ieran Li-sama"

"wasn't she your mother?"

"Yes…" Syaoran nodded his head for a moment, respecting her loss "at the time of Melin-Chan's birth, Ieran Li-sama was in the fourth month of her pregnancy with her fifth child. When I was born and was dedicated with magical powers the month after, it was decided to have Melin brought up along side me as my sister"

"Over the next ten years, Melin-Chan and I became the youngest and last two people to be born in the 36th generation of Li Family, however Melin was mostly not included many events within the Li Family; weddings, funerals, birthdays. Despite the restrictions, she was trained in martial arts by Wei-sama and led a normal life as a girl"

"But Melin had no training in magic"

"We believed that it was pointless for Melin-Chan to tested for magic over the decade"

"…and it was left like this?" Theresa sighed, at the discrimination that Melin faced. But her memory of Syaoran looking at the report encouraged her to continue on, "But when you looked at the report it seemed you believed otherwise for a moment"

Syaoran nodded for the moment,

"One thing that quirked me for years; was Melin-Chan's inability in this field" Syaoran sighed another breath "this feeling only grew when Sakura made her second visit to the Li Family residence five years ago, on the request of Ieran-sama, Sakura was given a full magical power examination, to judge the growth of her magic over the expanse of her lifetime" Syaoran then placed his hands out of his pockets holding a small badge, his rank insignia, he started to play with it as he explained "All power in a human processing magical skill have their 'aura' strengthen in a what would be a mathematical equal to a liner, this Strength continues to grows until the person dies"

Theresa felt that quickly she was learning something that probably was deeper then the actual power Syaoran and Sakura had. Syaoran knew that telling Theresa a lie would be pointless now,

"With the given Liner power that Sakura-Chan had, it would be impossible for her to have magical properties before the age of three; in other words, she wasn't born with magical powers, her 'aura' had been triggered by an anomaly in her lifetime later on" Syaoran placed the little metals back in his pocket again "When I learnt of this, I decided to do some research into the Family history, after an exhausting search for a month, I found something that proved amazing"

"What was it exactly?"

"In the one thousand two hundred years of the known Li Family, only once before had their been a child born without magical powers, roughly two hundred and fifty to three hundred years ago, a girl had been born and failed the tests, and had been removed from the Li family with her parents" Syaoran continued on more "after much protests, from the Li family, this person had married a person who immigrated from Europe, who was an outcast to a family who had banished him from England. These two married and had one child, when the child was tested for magic, he had an almost twice the power of anyone in the Li Family at the time. after twenty five years since the first test, this women was then re-tested for magic. The person had amazing power herself; this resulted in not only her re-admittance into the Li Family, but her direct ascension to the 2nd head of family. The son of her, then became the most powerful person ever to live in the Li Family"

"Who was this son? Theresa asked; strangely knowing the answer, however Syaoran replied,

"The creator of the original Clow Cards, Clow Reed"

"So you're telling me that…" Theresa was cut off by Syaoran's hand covering her mouth,

"Melin-Chan may have greater potential then she might believe" Syaoran spoke "its very possible that Melin-Chan may even have the equivalent power as Sakura"

Theresa thought about that for a minute and then spoke,

"Syaoran-san, when you can; could you please have a talk to her about that?"

"I could try, but from the looks of it" Syaoran looked at the records he was holding; the list of battles was also listed and went onto three pages "It wont matter what I have to say"

Location: Command Room 1, Sector A; Unknown Location, Former Federation of Russia

Date: April 6th, 2011

Time: 23:30hrs

It wasn't ethical or humanly righteous for Theresa to be called to the high command room by herself, without warning or anything close to an invitation, especially at this hour; when it seemed impossible for a command meeting to take place. Despite those facts, Theresa appeared in the room, only to find two men sitting at their seats. Theresa immediately hit it that this was either bad news or very bad news. She had left Sakura and the entire group to sleep, there didn't seam to important enough to have everyone in her team come.

"Captain Testarossa" President Nemerov spoke quietly, "Please sit down"

"What's this about?" Theresa asked, as she sat down the room was quickly darkened.

"Theresa, did you bring the medical status sheets on Sakura?" Admiral Borda asked. Theresa lifted her arm and relived a folder that she had taken with her. A few moments later, Admiral Borda then took the file folder and started to read it, in the meantime Theresa looked around at the other desks, not one general, admiral or Air force commander was present,

"Admiral, can I enquire to why I'm only here?"

"I've ordered the generals and Admirals to assist their subordinate's immediately," the president quietly explained "about thirty minutes ago, we received word that a massive ground force of broke the border near Mongolia and are heading directly north to north west. At around the same time, there was heavy bombing on several coast towns north and north east of the base here. I've ordered the air force and missile divisions to defend us against a nuclear threat in case it comes up, but we believe that the Americans have caught up to us"

Behind the president and on the other two side walls, the projectors started to show a satellite image of the base at night time. Admiral Borda then continued to explain

"As we feared, the American spy satellite network was put into overdrive in the aftermath of the strike on Japan. They started to do a triple scan of every square inch of land we still control; and they now believe they have us, which unfortunately, they are right" on the screen, six images were shown in pairs side by side each pair had one was a visual and one night vision mode. "This fighter jet landing gave away out position, in the first two images we can see it, in the last it has gone inside, also, the inferred image shows the runway lights and several other heat signatures outside the mountain, before the Americans might have scanned this place, but only seen a tank or two, nothing would've looked weird, but now the fighter jet was in this, they have check it out.

"So the Americans have us" Theresa sighed "What now?"

"Frankly speaking, the Americans realize that we had her and our attempts to fool them have all failed, but we don't yet know what they are planning on doing, they could nuke us or they could attempt taking the base" Admiral Borda explained "If they've sent troops in, its most likely they are going to take the base as a measure, I've half of the remaining Arm Slaves into that sector, with those, they will give us something in the vicinity of eight hours to retreat from the base. The other half will assist in anti missile and anti aircraft operations…if required. I've asked every single plane we can spare to fly within twenty minutes of this base and ten minutes of the frontline"

"With our forces, that'll suppress the forces greatly for a while" President Nemerov paused for a second before continuing "However, we have only a few weapons to suppress a ballistic missile attack, the M-9's can use there cannons and rocket launchers, and we are lining a counter ICBM missile station to protect us, but we calculate that will only suppress thirty missiles with seventy percent success rate"

"I see" Theresa thought and the replied aloud "what do you want me to do then?"

"You have at maximum four hours to get your unit ready to go, I suggest waking them up in the next thirty minutes would be wise" Admiral Borda replied "take the suggestion as a order and follow it out, in thirty minutes, the base will be alerted about the pending attack. You know what to do"

"Yes Sir" Theresa replied sharply,

"Prepare for battle"

Location: Quarters Level 2, Sector B; Unknown Location, Former Federation of Russia

Date: April 7th, 2011

Time: 00:01hrs

At the precise moment of a moment past midnight, klaxons of every description blared full red alert to the entire base, every room was suffocated in the noise of the alarms which yelled to everyone on station. Momentary, the base flew to life with its entire personnel awaking or returning to their posts. In only a matter of seconds, everyone was awake and moving.

Inside their room, Sakura, Syaoran and Tomoyo almost suffered a heart attack when the klaxon blared for the first time. The lights in there room were the regular color white, as well as the standard flashing red lights that created a heightened mood. Once Theresa had very quickly briefed Sakura, everyone quickly was getting ready. After an exhausting eight hour job; Tomoyo had triumphed and finished all the uniforms, even made the proper hats and winter gear to spare.

"Major Kinomoto, use your army winter gear only, the rest of your locker gear has been packed away in your backpack!" Sousuke yelled to Sakura, who for some reason was looking for the school uniforms. On the floor beside each bed was a backpack issued to everyone, they were a regular camping backpack; loaded in each was enough gear to survive a week in the woods, or a month outside on the streets. Syaoran, Tomoyo, Sakura, Naoko and Rika all had the same gear while Melissa, Kurz, Sousuke and Melin were carrying much larger backpacks, as opposed to Yamazaki and Theresa who had no backpack at all.

To Sakura; everything was happening so fast, everyone around her getting dressed in their uniforms and putting on a backpack, Theresa, who was already dressed was walking up and down with Yamazaki checking the gear in a small bag that Yamazaki was going to take.

"Major Kinomoto!" Yamazaki spoke to her for the first time "Please wait until we've been ordered downstairs"

"Yamazaki-kun? When did you get here?" Syaoran asked,

"Five minutes ago" he quickly answered back "just get your uniform on, and make sure your comfortable in it; you'll probably be wearing it for a few days!"

Syaoran nodded in agreement and tucked his shirt in. on his bed was a bunch of equipment that he had to put on him before he even put the bag on. He quickly threaded the belt through his combat pants, which were warm thermo gear in winter camouflage colors. Tomoyo had Theresa help her put on her gear, seeing some of it required minor adjustments. Kurz and Melissa both helped Rika and Naoko who were slowly getting ready. In another ten minutes; Sakura, Tomoyo, Syaoran, Rika and Naoko were standing wearing a full field combat outfit, all of it in the typical Russian black and grey, with their shirts, pants and trench coats a mixture of black grey and white. Sakura's feet felt unexpectedly comfortable in the combat boots that she had been given.

While they were waiting, Kurz, Melissa and Melin were organizing their gear in the corner; each of them had a steel box with them, obliviously their gear. Sousuke finished suiting up Theresa and Yamazaki in the same outfit as Sakura and Syaoran, proceeding to suit himself up. To Theresa, this was considered a smooth operation; everyone was working together like clock work; Sakura's group was ready, and Melissa's URUZ team plus Melin would be ready in a few minutes. Upon finishing getting dressed, Melin opened her case for a moment, gazed inside and then shut it tightly, placing it into an empty area of her backpack.

"Alright!" Sousuke spoke as he put his case into the bag and closed it up.

"URUZ team is ready Captain, Colonel" Melissa stood up to Theresa and Yamazaki. From a technical stand point, both of them were evenly ranked in their respective services; Theresa Testarossa being a Navy Captain and Yamazaki Takashi being an Army Colonel. In terms of the operation, both of them were considered the commander. Before anything else could happen, the room phone rang. Yamazaki went to answer it; for a few seconds it's sounded pretty normal until he instructed Theresa to join him.

"Yes sir...we are all ready…URUZ team, CLOW team, both are ready to go…yes sir…ten minutes…yes sir"

Yamazaki hung up the phone and then whispered something into Theresa's ear. From what Sakura saw; Theresa felt a little stressed when she heard what Yamazaki had to say. For a moment, Theresa stood still, pretending to still be hearing something from Yamazaki's mouth. When she felt better, Theresa turned to address everyone.

"In sixty minutes time, the Federal American 6th, 7th, 16th, 44th and 50th amour divisions will be within firing range of this base, but in thirty minutes time, we will be gone, Admiral Borda has ordered the evacuation of this base, expect for us. We are commencing out operation in thirty minutes time, after we have been addressed by the entire high command and the regiment at this base. The ceremony will commence in ten minutes, as off 00:17 hours, Admiral Borda and president Nemerov have commissioned the 274th Special Forces unit, code named 'Winter Strike'. Our orders; save and protect the future"

"Alright URUZ two is active" Melissa lifted her backpack on, everyone in her team and Melin did the same. Sakura followed suit; but fell short of the same effortless, the bag was very heavy to Sakura, but manageable. Slowly everyone else put their bags on. Sakura checked a special pocket on one of the bag straps, on it had a small star; the pocket was big enough to store all fifty three of the cards, if she had all of them. Sakura then felt it necessary to open her staff. If she were escape in a hurry or do anything, she would have been able to use her 'weapon'.

After the quick light show had finished, Sakura looked around one last time at the bedroom that was her home for a two days, she looked back at the bed and noticed the picture was gone. She then remembered that Theresa had taken it before and placed it in her bag which Yamazaki now had. Sakura lifted her head up high and started to march forwards.

Despite leaving ten minutes ago from their quarters, it took exactly that amount of time to walk down to the ground floor where to their amazement, a small crowd had gathered around a elevated platform which was actually a truck docking bay. Sakura felt ridiculous that they were cheering her departure when all their lives were at stake. Despite this everyone marched out and walked up to where there were asked to stand, everyone was half cheering/half worried. But at the moment would be the last cheer they would have in their lives.

"The president wanted to give you one last gift before you leave Sakura-san" Theresa explained carefully to Sakura as they approached the stage "it will be the last thing you have to do before we leave"

Sakura agreed, they obliviously wanted to do this, which explains why they did up and go when they heard the news. Sakura, Syaoran and Tomoyo lead everyone on URUZ team and CLOW Team up onto the 'stage' and stood in a single row.

"Attention!" the person with a microphone spoke, at that instant, the crowd died down in noise and listened "presenting the service medals to the departing team on 'operation last chance', the president of the former Federation of Russia will be presenting the medals with head of MITHRIL, Admiral Borda"

Everyone looked intent on watching the show, despite what was going on. Sakura only hoped that they would have this finished as they said it would, it was too risky already having a ceremony before the enemy was at the gates. At the end single row, president Nemerov was standing beside Admiral Borda; whom was a tray with various medals.

"Testarossa, Captain 1st Rank Theresa" The president approached her as the first person in the row "For service and fighting with the highest expectations in the Russian/Rebel/MITHRIL Naval Operations, you are awarded the Honor of Lenin Distinguished Service medal for your conduct, honor and diligent service whist Commander of the submarine squadron Red team sigma, your efforts cannot be forgotten"

Theresa looked at the medal, it was a brass and silver medal, but it was the receipt for losing her own submarine, the Tuathan de Danann. She looked up straight and saluted for the crew she had lost.

"Takashi, Colonel Yamazaki" The president walked alone to him, who had been standing right next to Theresa "For providing your services to the MITHRIL and Russian intelligence bureau, providing tactical and intelligence gathering that have prolonged the Russian frontier; you have also been awarded the Honor of Lenin Distinguished Service medal; your contribution to the intelligence department has been more then the expectations of your duty"

Although Yamazaki didn't look like, the pain of Chihura not being here was saddening to himself. It grudged the medal in his hand and kept himself from feeling emotional.

"Kinomoto, Major Sakura" the president approached her slowly until he was able to shake her hand "For bravery defining the odds behind enemy lines, you are given the 'European service medal for Prisoners Of War', and the 'Order of the Commenweath' from the united kingdom for bravery against immense adversary in the most extreme of conditions. You are also awarded the Russian Cross for being wounded in combat; and finally the Distinguished Service Medal of the Federation of Russia"

Sakura held out her hand as she received the four medals, without doing anything except escape from jail; she had been given some of the highest awards in several countries that she wasn't even a citizen of. But it felt like a proud moment for her, as well as a guilty moment to, if was the end result of four years in jail and four years of global conflict; to her, if felt like it was only the beginning. Sakura pocketed the four medals in a front pocket on the opposite side of her card's pocket. The President and Admiral Borda continued down the line to Syaoran, Tomoyo, Rika and Naoko; who all respectively were given the European service medal for Prisoners of War. Tomoyo was also given the Russian Cross for her stomach wound that she received in the battle in Tomoda. After Naoko, the URUZ team and Melin were standing to attention like regular soldiers.

"Li, Lieutenant Melin" The president approached Melin who had stiffened her body and replied with a monotone 'yes sir', "For bravery and dedication to your duty on the frontlines, you are given the Republic Medal of China, the Russian Cross, the Medal of the people's republic and the soldier's medal of the European Union. You are also given the 'Order of the Commenweath' and the 'Empire Distinguished service' awards for your actions in the battle of Hong Kong a defending on the previous and present land of the British Commonwealth.

"Yes Sir" Melin Replied receiving the medals, straight away Syaoran could tell that Melin wasn't even acting like her normal self. But to everyone around her, it was normal. Melissa, Kurz and Sousuke were the last to receive the medals. It now appeared that the armed forces here had been saving up their accomplishments to give their medallions out now. In the back of Sakura's mind; she could not stop thinking how this was happening too quickly or how out of place this ceremony was. Sakura gazed out to the group who all still were present, nobody seemed to have left the crows, in fact, and it had grown.

The president and Admiral Borda returned to the podium that they had been at before .Sakura looked intensely at everyone who now were waiting for their leader to speak,

"This Unit is about to commence the most difficult campaign of the war, a war in which should never have happened. With out combine forces in this new team, they will become an unstoppable force that will turn the tide of history. All the hopes of the lives lost and the lives of our brothers and sisters in arms all over the world pray together that Sakura and her team will complete their mission. For four years now, we have worked everything we have to this definitive moment in our history, this moment will forever not exist in the history of the known world, but the lessons we have learnt will hopefully turn the tide of our struggle towards our ultimate goal" everyone started to cheer, despite the fact that Sakura and didn't understand a thing he just said

If the cheering had been any louder, they probably wouldn't have heard the impact of a missile outside. The alarms all went hyper and everyone started to panic and run in every direction.

"All hands, the ceremony is over, now prepare to battle!" the president yelled over the microphone,

All the soldiers started running outside as the sound of three more missiles impacted onto the mountain itself. The ground rumbled at the sound of the rocks being moved around them. Admiral Borda and President Nemerov then turn to run down a hallway, Yamazaki and Theresa and the URUZ team quickly followed suit. The emergency alarms in the building rang heavy beats. Sakura and Tomoyo ran with all their might, despite the heavy backpacks restraining their speed, Sousuke grabbed Sakura's hand and ran with her to what appeared to be an empty hanger inside the building. I was empty and it contained several parked helicopters and several unused M-9 Arm Slaves.

Sakura allowed herself some time before standing up straight again.

"Sakura, you have to leave, now!" Admiral Borda spoke "the Americans don't intent to let anyone here live"

Sakura quickly looked around at the Russian President, his senior staff who had joined him finally. They were pretty worried that Sakura wouldn't make it.

"Two final things before you leave Sakura" Admiral Borda was the given a medical case from a doctor "Because of your energy output on this, we need to give you the dosage of adrenalin now"

"Understood" Sakura confirmed, the previous day when they were in the medical examination, it had been decided that Sakura would be given several energy boosters to help provide some energy to keep Sakura from collapsing halfway through the spell. It took only a few minutes, a few minutes they didn't have to have the liquid injected into Sakura. It was quick job considering how long they took to inject the liquid into her arm. Syaoran knew this had to happen after Sakura had told her about it, and didn't feel as defensive when they proceeded.

At long last, everyone was in place, nothing else had to be done, Sakura pulled out the three cards and took her stance. But before any words could be spoken, Admiral Borda spoke

"Before you leave Sakura" Admiral Borda tossed something to her "Remember to open this when you finish your mission"

"Yes Sir" Sakura spoke once more.

Sakura raised she staff again and waited till everyone going with her was close enough to do what she had to do first. The Star Staff had unexpectedly closed some time ago, so Sakura went the procedure of opening it again.

"O Key that hides the power of the dark…"

The key lit up again and the circle that surrounded her lit up a bright glare of gold underneath everyone crouching down around her. A roar of thunder started to produce from nowhere which echoed thought the large hall,

"…By Covenant, Reveal thy true form to me…"

An incredible light started to glow from the staff and Sakura, everyone looked up as Sakura finished,

"…This your mistress Sakura Commands; RELEASE!"

The bright flaming ball of white light then exploded across the hanger with the pinging noise of the key opening to the staff, Sakura looked around as she could barely see the hanger outside the vortex of wind swirling around her. Sakura fiddled her pocket for a minute before finding a Card labelled 'Hope'

"O Card that combines the power of the stars; listen to my plea…

…Use the power of your heart to shield me and those I care for now…

…Under your new mistress, Sakura…RELEASE!"

The card glowed into a white and dissipated from her hand, all around her and everyone in the magic circle, a bright orange globe had formed, it swirled a bright light of yellow and white in some places, indicating where it was at the weakest. Sakura blinked her eyes for a few seconds; the adrenalin was starting to kick in, right on the mark. Sakura quickly didn't hesitate and raised her staff again, the orange globe slowly devoid it self of the white spots that worried some people; Tomoyo and Theresa realizing that her energy was now up, Sakura pulled the last two cards out of her pocket and flicked them into the air,

"O Card that combines the power of the stars; listen to my plea…

…Use the power of your heart to shield me and those I care for now…

…And allow us to travel to the time we now need to defend….

…Under your new mistress, Sakura…RELEASE!"

Another bright light started to push out of Sakura; from everything inside the Globe, the colors were inverted, which scared Tomoyo for a moment, which had never been in frozen time. But Sakura pushed all her energy towards her staff, it was working…everything went white and for almost five minutes. For that time, it felt like nothing had ever happened.

It was all so sudden in, Sakura's mind; which was quickly flashing something in the equivalent of her memory. Sakura quickly was seeing time reverse, the events of her escape, the battle of Murmansk, the Indian blockade, the battle of Nepal, the battle of Neking, the Battle of Beijing, the Battle of Hong Kong, the fall of London, the landing of the 3rd American army in Spain, the battle of the north sea, the battle of Iceland, the battle of Mexico, the Russian and European Union alliance signing, The attack on Singapore, the Nuclear weapons attack on Berlin…all the images of these events in the past four years were quickly reversing in Sakura's mind, Quickly Sakura's energy was being drained as she kept pushing onto keeping a stable shield for everyone.

Her body was shaking, draining every last ounce of blood and nerve pressure into her heart. Sakura was however still winning, he shield was holding, rumbling violently but it was holding its thick orange color. Suddenly the shield was starting to break from just above Sakura, the yellow then white then almost clear image of the sky changing, but it was bad if their was a hole. They all felt the cold wind from outside and for another thirty seconds, the clouds disappeared around them. Sakura suddenly started to feel weak, and light. But it didn't mean Sakura could give up, on final effort into her mind, pushing every last molecule of energy. Then it suddenly, the entire circle went white and started to disappear, but Sakura knew she had done it. The wand was humming a warm liner of power, pushing some energy back to her.

The cold winds of the night time in a place all to familiar to Sakura, Syaoran and Tomoyo reflected onto them before they could see where they were. For another few more seconds Sakura slowly withdrew her power from the staff and back into her drained body.

"We're out of it" Theresa spoke "Is everyone alive?"

In the darkness everyone were suddenly impacted into the soft snow around the area the had crashed,

"URUZ two, roger" Melissa spoke

"URUZ six, roger" Kurz Spoke

"URUZ seven, roger" Sousuke replied

"Tiger fourteen, roger" Spoke Melin inexpertly calling out her call sign for the first time

"Werewolf, Roger" Yamazaki responded before anyone else spoke "Naoko and Rika are safe"

"I'm alright" Tomoyo spoke, unaware what everyone else was saying,

"I'm alright as well" Syaoran spoke. Everyone was calm and now waiting for one final voice, but it never came.

"Where's Sakura-san?" Theresa panicked, thinking only of the worst. Everyone had somehow managed to spread out over a ten meter radius when they fell two meters on the hill slope. Immediately; Melissa and Sousuke got up and used their flash lights to look around the area. After a quick scan, they saw everyone in a wide circle from where Sakura would be. A moment before Sousuke started to yell her name, they heard a quiet yelping noise from the snow. Syaoran also noticed it and looked to where Sakura had been standing, instead of a slightly angled ground, there was a hole of some description, and from there a quiet voice was yelling out of it

"Sakura-Chan!" Syaoran rang over, stopping short of the well that Sakura apparently made.

"Sousuke, Kurz; get her out of there!" Theresa ordered them

Kurz and Sousuke dropped their backpacks and quickly went to work

"Melissa, we need a rope!"

"Right" Melissa went to her belt where a rock climbing rope had been attached to her before they left. Sousuke quickly was digging out snow from where Sakura had landed to make the hole bigger; eventually they uncovered Sakura's head

"Thank you!" Sakura yelped from her hole

"Hang on, Sakura-Chan" Tomoyo yelled from behind Theresa who was commanding the rescue team.

"Rope is secured. Give this end" Melissa passed Sousuke a Piece of rope with a weight on the end. Sousuke started to lower the rope until it incidentally bumped Sakura's head.

"Hang on to that rope!" Souske instructed her carefully. After a quick pull, Sakura was out with her backpack still attached.

"Sakura-Chan, are you alright?"

"Yea, nothing to bad…" Sakura looked at he soaked uniform and gear.

"Where are we?" Kurz looked around at the night sky and then at he mountains around here. Tomoyo quickly recognized where they were and started to run over to the edge of a nearby hillside, and from there a small house was plainly visible at the end of a small valley. Sakura and everyone else caught up to Tomoyo as saw the Homestead, flickering with light.

"We are at where this entire problem began" Sakura spoke "We're home"