Hello everybody!

A/N: Sorry... don't think I'll be able to be as dedicated and responsible as I once was until this whole 'getting into college' thing is over. Well... the story still here. That's what matters right? Thanks for the reviews all you guys and thanks again for putting up this slacker.

dISCLAIMER: i, mAGAMA-dRAGOON, DO NOT OWN ccs! clam... WAIT A MINUTE... WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE... OH... Caps was on. P

Sakura means Sakura in Syaoran's... oh... never mind. If you still didn't get it then you never will.

"Character Talking"

Character Thinking

(Me Talking)

All the life on the planet is based on a magical energy called 'Mana'. The Sun and the Moon provide this mana to every corner of the planet. Those who learn to manipulate the mana are called magicians. A long time ago, Clow Reed mastered the use of both Sun and Moon mana and created his masterpiece in the use of these types of magic, the Clow Cards. Half of them used the mana from the sun and half from the Moon. Now, after accidentally setting those cards on the loose, Kinomoto Sakura must help Li Syaoran, a descendant of Clow, and Kerberos, the guardian of the cards, to capture the cards which, not having Clow to provide them with mana anymore, are going on a rampage after the magical energy they need to live.

Card Captor Sakura

Chapter 9: Sakura and Syaoran - Act IV

Part 4: Eriol's Burden

"Hello everybody." It wasn't until the very last second that Syaoran realized how absolutely ridiculous was the idea that he could actually pretend to be Sakura. Just the mere thought of it would cause anybody to roll over laughing how did he expect to fool that women who was now hugging him like there was no tomorrow.

Just keep smiling. She always hugs me like this. Sakura kept telling him trough her thoughts. But the way his facial muscles moved around and twitched could hardly be mistaken for a smile. It was hard enough for him to breathe with all that pressure. Tomoyo's mother was definitely stronger than she appeared to be.

Finally, Sonomi let go of her deadly grip. Syaoran gasped for air. "Sakura-chan, are those really your clothes?" Sonomi asked, analyzing his clothes. They really were his, not Sakura's. Since the only feminine piece of clothe available at his apartment was a wet bunny suit, Tomoyo had borrowed Syaoran's clothes to dress what she thought to be Sakura in something dry. However, since Syaoran was in Sakura's body, the clothes made him look strange.

"You're cute in this tomboyish look, even though it doesn't really suit your personality." Sonomi said with a grin.

Syaoran realized he was probably the first boy ever to look tomboyish. Of course, that didn't stop him from blushing; he hadn't had any time to pay attention to a mirror and he hadn't realized how unnatural those clothes looked on a girl's body. Would Sakura really look cute wearing his clothes?

Don't go there! You're just feeding the spell. He told himself.

Hoe? Don't go where? Sakura's thoughts came in return.

Syaoran blushed even more. N-nothing. He was also probably the first person to stutter in his thoughts.

Even though they couldn't hear the couple's thoughts, Tomoyo and Mei Ling found the scene rather funny and had to hold back their laughter as they greeted everyone, not only for that, but for all the conversation that succeeded.

Go on. Syaoran told Sakura mentally, still stabilizing his breath. Now you greet my mother properly.

Alright. Sakura bowed elegantly to Yelan. A little too elegantly, even a bit too feminine, much to Syaoran's despair. "Hello, Okaa-sama." Sakura said, sounding just like Syaoran.

Not only was it easier for an outgoing person to play an introverted one, but Sakura knew she didn't have to convince anyone of her fake identity since the only one who didn't know of the spell was Sonomi, and she'd never even met Syaoran. As a result, Sakura was ten times calmer than Syaoran. That kinda got to him in a competitive sort of way.

Yelan couldn't help but smile to herself. "Syaoran, how many times do I have to tell you to leave the formalities for when where among the elders?"

Sakura blushed, all her composure gone. She had to hold back not to say 'hoe' out loud. Did I do something wrong? She thought.

Syaoran felt a bit of vengeful satisfaction. He knew his mother had done that on purpose. He'd have to thank her later. Don't worry, this always happens. Syaoran quickly added, making sure not to look at Sakura, not wanting to raise any suspicion. Just say you're sorry.

Sakura bowed. "I'm sorry." She said, pulling herself back up too quickly.

"Don't worry." Yelan put her hand at Sakura's shoulder and pushed her gently so she would face Sonomi. "This is the friend I told you about. Tomoyo-chan's mother, Sonomi."

Sakura bowed to Sonomi too, her whole body stiff like a stone. Once one gets nervous it takes a while to return the body to its normal pace.

"I'm sorry I couldn't come to your dinner Daidouji-san." She said in an obviously pre-rehearsed way. The more she tried to sound like Syaoran the more she'd sound like there was something wrong with her voice now.

Sonomi shook her head. "Don't worry, I'm glad you came now. Are you sure you're feeling better?" She said, noticing Sakura's weird behavior. "You look a bit sick." Sakura and Syaoran blushed at that.

Back at the limo, Mei Ling had told Sakura and Syaoran that Sonomi thought Syaoran was not only sick, but with diarrhea. It was no surprise that Syaoran had had to hold himself back not to scream at the girl.

"Why would you say something like that?!" He'd said, blushing with anger and embarrassment.

Mei Ling had just looked away and said: "I was angry at you at the time. But it's too late to change the story now."

Eventually they settled for a lighter appproach to the story.

"I'm fine thanks." Sakura answered hastily, remembering her alibi. Her heart started racing. "It was just some nausea, probably something I ate, but I'm fine now. Really. Nothing to worry." She said, looking at an embarrassed Syaoran with the corner of her eye.

"Well..." Yelan started, loudly, purposely interrupting the conversation before Sakura showed too much hints of their secret. "Now that we've all introduced ourselves, I suggest we go to our rooms. You kids still have school tomorrow and it's already late. Wei-san, could you show Syaoran to the room he'll be sleeping in?" She said, hurrying to let Sakura relax again.

Wei nodded respectfully. "Of course Yelan-sama. If you'll excuse us, good night." He said getting a collective goodnight back.

Sakura turned to the group. "Good night." She said, getting the same response. She let out a thankful smile to Yelan and the woman smiled back as if saying: "Don't worry about it dear."

"This way, Syaoran-sama." Wei put a hand on Sakura's back and started conducting her down a hallway.

Sonomi turned to the girls and Syaoran. "You too, girls." She said. "You'll all be sleeping in Tomoyo-chan's room, at her own request. I guess the three of you already know your way there right?" She joked.

"Yes." Tomoyo and Mei Ling answered in unison, followed by an off-synch 'Yeah' by Syaoran.

"Good night then."

Mei Ling closed the door behind her and immediately broke out into laughter, followed by Tomoyo.

Syaoran glared at them. It was such a deadly glare that they stopped laughing at the same second. "It wasn't funny! As a matter of fact it was terrible." He said, folding his arms.

"I'm sorry Syaoran, but hey, at least everything turned out okay. You just have to call Kinomoto-san here and we'll be free to follow her plan." Mei Ling said.

"Plan?" Syaoran raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't she tell you?" Tomoyo asked. "She thinks she's found a way to get rid of the spell."

"Oh yeah!" Syaoran exclaimed, shocking himself with how he could have forgotten something so important amidst all that silly pretending he was being forced to do. "I completely forgot."

"Well, hurry up and call her here. You don't want to spend the night like that do you?" Mei Ling insisted, but there was no need. Syaoran was by far the one most anxious to hear Sakura's idea. He was even more anxious to get rid of the spell than to get his body back.

Kinomoto-san! Are you there? He called out through his mind. When the answer came he smiled to himself, satisfied with how much control he had gained over their telepathy.

What is it?

Come over here, I need you to tell me how to get rid of the spell, quick! He told her.

Ok, just... wait a minute.

Fine, but hurry. He said mentally before returning his attention to Mei Ling and Tomoyo.

"She'll be here soon." He said.

"Alright, so we'll just have to wait." Mei Ling said, sitting down on her bed. The room had been set up with three beds, which was no problem, seeing how big it was. She let her body fall down and stared at the ceiling. "I hope Kinomoto-san's idea works, that's the only way you'll get your body back right?" She asked Syaoran.

Syaoran nodded. "But it's not that simple. Who knows what she's got in mind, and even if it works, the Change might not show up."

"Don't be so pessimist!" Mei Ling said, pouting.

Tomoyo smiled reassuringly to Syaoran. "I'm sure Sakura-chan knows what she's talking about. She was so happy when she found out about it."

"But that doesn't mean it will work." Syaoran said, sitting down on a bed too.

"We won't know until..." Tomoyo's eyes widened suddenly. "Kero-chan!" She opened her purse immediately. "Kero-chan, are you ok?" She asked the guardian, though it was obvious he was not.

Kero flew out of the purse, flying in unstable curves, mumbling something unintelligible. His eyes were spinning around the room.

"Poor thing." Mei Ling said, sweat dropping.

Kero finally fell in the bed Syaoran was sitting. He looked around him and slowly regained his full alertness. The first thing he did was point his paw at Tomoyo's purse menacingly. "That thing is evil!" He declared.

"What's the matter? Can't hold your breath?" Syaoran said teasingly. "Serves you right."

Kero stared at him. "If you weren't in Sakura's body I'd..."

Syaoran smirked. It felt good to do this routine with Kero. It helped him get his mind off the real problems. "You'd what? Fly against me? Make a smart comment on me? Cause that's about all you do."

"That does it! Now you're just trying to get me mad." Kero shouted, flying straight towards Syaoran. The boy instinctively reached out to grab Kero with his hands, but his reflexes weren't fully adjusted to Sakura's body yet, and before he could even get a grip on the guardian he felt his teeth burying themselves in his finger.

"Argh!" He waved his hand back and forth trough the air, trying to relieve the pain. Of course. Even though I'm getting used to mundane tasks like walking, I'm still not fully adapted to Kinomoto-san's body. I should have known.

"Syaoran!" Mei Ling jumped to his side. "Are you ok?"

"Ha! Take that brat!" Kero bragged.

Mei Ling stared at him. "You're even more stupid than I thought."

"Hey! Watch it!" Kero said, pointing at Mei Ling's face.

"Don't you... Uh?" Mei Ling turned to the side and noticed Tomoyo had a video camera in hands and was recording the whole ordeal. "What are you doing Daidouji-san?"

Tomoyo giggled. "This scene is worth gold." Her giggling was about to become a high pitched laughter when a click was heard on the door and Sakura came in, followed by Wei, already wearing pajamas.

Syaoran didn't know how she had gotten hold of one of his pajamas he'd left in Hong Kong, nor did he want to know if she had seen his body in nothing but underwear.

Sakura held a tray with two bowls of ramen. "Hungry?" She said, referring to Syaoran.

Syaoran's face lit up. He was already hungry when the puppet master put him to sleep three hours before. Now, he was starving. "Where did you get those?" He asked, not being able to hide his gladness in seeing some food.

Wei chuckled. "It was Kinomoto-san's idea. She said that neither of you had anything for dinner, so she asked me to fix these up."

Sakura walked up to the large study table in Tomoyo's room and served the ramen. "There you go." She said. She took a seat in front of a bowl of ramen and let the other one by her side. "This one's for you Li-kun."

"T-thanks." Syaoran answered awkwardly. He suddenly 'remembered' that her presence was still uncomfortable to him, despite her understanding of the whole spell situation, and their closeness to fixing it. Maybe that even made things worse.

"I'll leave you alone now." Wei announced, going for the door. "Kinomoto-san said you were going to try something with the spell didn't you? Good luck to you, and good night."

"Thanks." Sakura and Syaoran said in unison before Wei closed the door behind him.

Tomoyo took a seat on one of the beds, followed by Mei Ling. "Go ahead and eat... we can talk about the spell latter." Mei Ling said, seeing the way Syaoran stared at his ramen.

"Itadakimasu." The couple said before diving into their respective ramens with a gluttony that reminded Tomoyo of Kero's lust for dessert.

Yelan walked out to the backyard of the Daidouji residence, apparently alone. The silence there was deadly, making the place look a lot like the background for a horror movie, but it did nothing to repel her.

"You can show yourself." She said, though there was no one there.

"If you insist." A voice answered. The same voice Syaoran had come to know as the puppet master. "I would appreciate a nice conversation."

Out of the shadows, a human started materializing itself. His whole body was covered in mist, thus concealing his identity. The only distinguishable feature was his short stature and his deep, low voice.

Yelan raised an eyebrow to him. "Why the stylish appearance?" She asked the man. "I've seen your face before."

"It's just a spell to make sure nobody else will see us. If anybody looks here, he or she won't see or hear a thing." The man answered.

"I see. Afraid your other isolation spells might fail?" Yelan teased.

"Not with normal people, but with Sakura..." He stated.

"Speaking of which, I'd like you to sort a few things out for me." Yelan said, changing her tone to a more serious one.

"Whatever you wish." The man said, faking an exaggerated politeness.

Yelan ignored his mocking. "I have my reasons to believe that Sakura already knows of the spell."

"You're right, she found out thanks to the Change's amazing powers." The man said.

Yelan couldn't help but frown. "It was your fault, I gather."

The man blinked, slightly surprised. "You could tell? I was only doing them a favor."

"Yes, but that's not my point. When Syaoran told me you decided to remove the spell, I thought that you would leave them alone. How can I be so sure that you will stop interfering in his trial and his life if you keep treating them as pawns in your plans?" She said, starting to loose her temper. "You say you have the best of intentions and that you're doing all of this for Sakura's safety, but apparently, you just want them to catch the cards as soon as possible so you can get what you want out of her." As Yelan said those words, the mist around the man started to vanquish, first around his feet, then his legs and slowly moving up. "This is the present. The center of this whole story is Sakura and Syaoran, not you! You have no right to make things easier or harder on them. They have to live all of this to the fullest. Learning with their mistakes and rejoicing with their successes. What will they gain from these experiences if you keep messing up everything that happens?"

The mist around the man's face cleared, revealing that his short stature was in fact a consequence of his age. Despite his adult voice, the mysterious man was nothing but a twelve year old boy with navy blue hair. However, his eyes showed great wisdom. Behind his glasses, they showed glimpses of his many secrets to whoever stared at them, causing a sensation of complete inferiority to those who were not secure of their own self.

Yelan found no problem staring into those eyes. The boy before her had willingly taken off his cover so he could look at Yelan face to face. Not to intimidate. His intention was to show Yelan how serious he was. "You couldn't be more right." He said. "But you must understand, that I do all of this out of fear."

Yelan sighed. "Fear of what? That Sakura might fail? You should fear that she'll never be able to help you latter if you don't leave her alone now. Or even worse, she might not want to."

The boy shook his head. "I have grown fond of Sakura and her friends. I really want this to be about them. If I were doing all of this for me alone, I could leave her be, but you know that's not the case. I have Clow's promise to fulfill and only Sakura can help me." He made a short pause, to think his words thoroughly. "I'm afraid, Yelan-san. Afraid that she might not be able to handle it, or that she might give up if things get too hard."

Yelan snorted, showing little compassion for the boy. "That's the price you pay for accepting this promise. Clow didn't call it his burden for just any reason. If Sakura gives up, even if she dies, that's her own life, not yours."

The boy stood silent, amazed by Yelan's speech. It had been quite a blow on him and he was now lost, questioning his methods and objectives. Yelan didn't say a word. She just let him consider what she had said.

Finally, he let out a hint of a smile appear on his face. "You know, I guess it was a good thing to talk with someone who doesn't have to carry my burden. I had been blinded to that perspective for a long time."

Yelan let her scowl dissolve, but kept a serious expression. "It's never too late to learn something new."

The boy chuckled, though with little excitement "You're right. I've been using those two as a way to release my burden. It's not really fair with them." The blue haired boy looked at the room Sakura and Syaoran were. "As soon as they break the spell, I'll leave, and only come back when all the cards are gathered."

"I'll take that as a promise." Yelan said.

The man smirked. "Alright. It's a promise, though in exchange, I'd like to give just one more push in Sakura-san's quest."

"I think you missed my point." Yelan said raising an eyebrow.

"Just listen." The man said, reclaiming his usual, calm, smiley self. "I think you'll like it."

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A/N: Sorry! For being double-late. Sorry! For this chapter in which not much happens.

Thanks for all the support, despite my lack of efficiency in supporting you guys. As the tests for college grow nearer (read my ranting on chapter 24 or my profile.) I'm spending more time in the books every day and that's becoming not only time consuming, but stressful. I'm finding it harder to write. I know it's supposed to be something that takes you out of stress, but when you have a deadline, it becomes another thing to worry about too. That's why I'm writing in a slower pace. Thanks for the understanding.

Bye!