"Good morning, Tokyo! Mokona-chan here on your favorite station, CLAMP radio. Broadcasting straight from the campus of CLAMP School to give you the hottest news. Speaking of which, did everyone see last night's fireworks show announcing the return of a very fond thief? Seven years ago, Saint Blossom and our own Night Magician were, well… as thick as thieves. Wonder if the Magician would be so willing to forgive the Saint for her sudden departure? Is Tokyo about to become the place of a power struggle? If you don't know the answer, then you must definitely be new here."

A slender hand reached on the shelf to turn off the alarm radio before retreating underneath the covers. Groaning, the mound beneath the blankets shifted. "A few more minutes…" came the muffled reply.

"Sakura-chan, you don't want to be late on your first day of school!"

The blankets didn't move.

"Mreow!" A swift yellow-orange blur pounced on the comforter with a loud screech. Grabbing a corner in his mouth, he pulled off the bedspread to reveal the drowsy teen. The teenager who also happened to be moonlighting as the thief Saint Star. Shaking his head at her, Kero jumped on the shelf above her head and one by one tipped the items over, including a stuffed doll dressed in pink. Sakura winced as they hit her on the head.

"I'm up! I'm up, Kero-chan!" Rubbing her head, she glared at her old friend as she dutifully replaced the items. Kero haughtily walked out of the room and jumped down the stairs.

"Good job, Kero-chan," Fujitaka Kinomoto praised, placing a saucer of milk and scratching behind the cat's years. Kero purred at the attention.

"Ohayoo!" Sakura greeted, now dressed smartly in a navy blue uniform. The tie around her neck and the pocket square in her breast pocket were a matching shade of scarlet, while gold letters proudly stated CLAMP. Her long, wavy auburn hair was held back by a bold red headband. "Good morning, Okaa-san," she said to the picture frame of a young woman as the family sat down for breakfast.

CLAMP School happens to be an enormous institution encompassing kindergarten, elementary, junior high, high school, and university divisions. The campus can be likened to a small town, complete with movie theaters, hospitals, a Catholic church, and living facilities. Father Fujitaka and daughter Sakura Kinomoto lived in such a facility: The Tsubasa Building, room 303.

"Be good while we're gone, Kero-chan," Sakura grinned as she secured the door. Draping her pink roller-skates over her shoulder she cheerfully greeted the occupant stepping off the elevator. "Good morning!"

"Good morning," the female returned, eyeing the fact that they were both wearing identical uniforms. Yet Fanren Li did not know the fellow junior, even though she knew everyone who attended CLAMP School, and vowed to learn more about the girl as she continued onto room 302. Not a beat later, a figure came out of the room as a cell phone rang and he dug it out of his pants to answer it.

He was also dressed in a CLAMP school uniform, only with slight changes. He wore the second-year red tie, but in his pocket was the telltale student council white pocket square. Leaning on his door, he spoke into the phone, giving a nod to his twin sister in greeting.

"Yeah, it's me, Syaoran."

Fanren waited until he was done with his call to grin wickedly before launching into a gigantic hug as a proper hello. Syaoran sighed, letting her get her hugs over and done with, being used to this. She cupped his face, noticing a bandage covering his cheek. "What's this?"

He moved out of her grasp, slightly irritated that an animal had gotten the better of him. "A cat scratched me."

"Well, only you would look so ruggedly handsome after a cat attack," Fanren teased, kissing his cheek affectionately. "And was that Mother on the phone?" she asked him.

"Yeah, it was Mot-" he corrected himself. "It was the Chief. She wants to come into the Station."

Fanren raised her eyes in anticipation of the gossip while she wrapped her arm around his. "So is it true? Did Saint Blossom really come back?"

Syaoran frowned, remembering the star-shaped calling card that clearly named a "Saint Star". "We can't be sure, but someone's issuing a challenge to the police. In fact, I think she or he is using the name Saint to cause trouble."

Fanren pouted. "Darn. The Saint was such a legend."

Her twin frowned at her. "Fanren. A thief is a thief."

Smiling sweetly to appease him, she said, "And you'll catch her, won't you, little brother." He rolled his eyes at the nickname. She quickly changed the topic, "Say, did you get any new neighbors recently?"

He shrugged, "I think some people moved into the room next door a few days ago. I saw the boxes."

Silently noting that her anti-social brother had not even bothered to meet his next-door neighbors, Fanren reluctantly let him go as they started to part ways. She was heading early to school, while he obediently started to the station. "Lunch under the tree?" she called out to him. "I'll bring you a bento!" She grinned when he turned back to give her a nod.

Moments later, Syaoran reached the Police Station where his own mother was the highest-ranking officer. And his boss. He knocked on her door, stating, "Detective Syaoran Li here."

"Come in."

Police Chief Yelan Li looked even more imposing behind her grand desk. Although having coveted the position after her husband's death, there was no one who could say she was not suitable for the job. She stared down her son with cold eyes of disappointment and failure. Pointing to the morning newspaper, she frowned at him saying, "Detective, you failed once again to capture Night Magician. Did his accomplice Saint Blossom succeed in distracting you?"

Syaoran coughed behind his hand, shifting uncomfortably. The newspapers were always getting out of hand, going as far as speculating that Saint Blossom had returned to the Magician's side this time. "It can't be determined yet if this 'Saint' is really Saint Blossom, or if he or she will be helping Night Magician. All that's decided is that there is a new face who decided to make our work more difficult. However, I will capture the Magician, Moth- Chief."

"I don't want promises, I want results, detective," Chief Yelan said sharply. "Regardless, this new criminal will be added to your cases, just in case she ends up as the Magician's accomplice. That is all." She waved him off. "And Syaoran," she added softly. "If there are no results, I will have you move out of that apartment and back into the house."

Syaoran nodded before closing the door behind him. He would capture Night Magician and 'Saint Blossom' by the end of the year, he vowed. His sanity could not bear it if he had to spend one more day with his mother and four sisters.

"I'm Sakura Kinomoto, nice to meet you," the brunette introduced herself to class 2-B with a wry grin. "I'm hoping this year will be a lot of fun." And it will be, she promised silently as the light danced in her eyes.

"Kinomoto, you can sit …" the homeroom teacher, Mrs. Makiko Midori of the English Department, scanned the room for an open seat. "…next to Li-san. Li, raise your hand please."

Sakura's eyes widened when she realized who she would be sitting next to. But she couldn't help but smile in return to Li as she sat down at her new desk. "The elevator, right?"

"Hn," Fanren nodded with a matching grin. "Fanren Li. Just moved in?"

"Yep. Tsubasa Unit 303." Sakura's eyes were daring, Come and visit.

The amber eyes widened approvingly. "Blood type?"

"A. And you?"

"O. Worst subject?"

"Math. Favorite subject?"

"PE." And they knew they had something in common. "Club choice?"

"Cheerleading."

Another approving look and Fanren asked the important question. "Attached?"

"Not currently. You?"

"Same here. So…" Fanren gave the other girl another sweeping look. "…Sakura-chan?"

Sakura's grin was brilliant, glad to have made a friend so quickly. "Only if I can call you Fanren."

"Deal."

There happened to be a wide grin on Fanren's face as she raised a hand. "Midori-sensei, I would like to my switch partner for class rep. I nominate Sakura-chan."

The teacher asked the opinion of the class, who agreed with their class princess. Everyone knew that Syaoran Li was the controlling force of the Student Council, but it was his twin sister Fanren Li who had him around her finger. It was not a good idea to cross Fanren, so if she approved of the new kid, everyone approved. She shot the new girl a thumbs-up, saying, "Stick with me, Sakura-chan. You'll fit right in."

Infiltration and daytime persona covered? Check.

Having desks sit next to each other really helped Sakura bond with Fanren. The girl also had a bright and bubbly personality that it was completely compatible with Sakura's. The two became such fast friends that it was like they knew each other for years instead of just that morning. For lunch, Fanren invited Sakura to eat with her and the girls under the school's wisteria tree, which Sakura grandly accepted. However, Fanren forgot her bento so Sakura waited outside the classroom before they could head to the tree together. The cherry blossom was waving her hand in greeting to new friends who passed in the hall when a comment caught her ear.

"…really, the Saint doesn't have a chance in Tokyo."

Frowning, Sakura tried to quell the anger that sparked within her. Turning around to see who exactly insulted the Saint, she spotted a pair who just passed her. She wasn't sure if they were the ones, but her eyes gravitated towards the male with chestnut hair.

Just then he turned around, as if he knew he was being stared at. Something about his amber eyes simply drew her in, making Sakura unable to pull away. Was it because she accepted his challenge or because of something more?

"Syaoran-sempai? Syaoran." Behind him, Eriol Hiiragizawa looked to see what had captured his friend's attention. It surprised him that it happened to be a green-eyed brunette; it wasn't very often that the Student Council Vice President gave a girl the time of day. (Try never.) Eriol looked again at the new girl. Lovely girl or not, Syaoran already had his hands busy whenever Eriol turned into the Night Magician. And oh, how much fun that proved to be.

"Syaoran." This time he did turn around when Eriol put a hand on his shoulder. He grinned. "Lunch awaits. Let's go."

"Sakura." She was also pulled out of the staring contest when Fanren hooked arms around her, bentos in hand. Fanren cocked an eyebrow and matched it with a secretive smile when she realized who just walked away. "That's the Vice President you were ogling at, you know."

Sakura instantly turned red. "You're wrong! I wasn't- I mean, I don't-"

Fanren giggled as she pulled the other outside. "Come on, I'm starving." As the two approached the wisteria tree, the girls, (cheerleaders and Student Council fan club alike) greeted their new student with fervor. Fanren settled into her place next to Syaoran, smiling sweetly at Eriol who shifted to make space for her. She handed a bento to her sibling. "Syaoran Li, the Vice President," Fanren introduced.

"Hajimemashite," Syaoran grunted.

"And my twin brother," Fanren added, giving Sakura a sly smile. The green-eyed girl fought down a blush.

"This is our Treasurer, Eriol Hiiragizawa." The mentioned gave her a glance smoldering with mysteries and riddles before resting into a face of politeness. He nodded in greeting. When Eriol shifted the conversation to the Saint, everyone, including Sakura, who had even heard of the two thieving legends back in her hometown, could not help but add their two cents in.

"I can't believe there are two thieves in Tokyo now."

"Saint Blossom and Night Magician together again? Wow!"

"So you really believe the Magician will join the Saint?" Eriol inquired openly.

"Of course, those two are friends, aren't they?"

"Yeah. Together they were unstoppable, not even the police could catch them!"

"That was a long time ago, though. Things are different now," Sakura insisted.

"Then Mokona-chan will be right? Power struggle?"

"They're going to fight over who gets Tokyo?"

Eriol smirked. "I don't know about you, but soon the Saint will be a faint memory. No one can compete with the Magician."

"A long time ago the Saint always beat the Magician," argued Sakura. "She'll do it again."

"Who do you think will win this time? The Saint or the Magician?"

"Saint-" "-Magician." Sakura and Eriol exchanged frowned glances at the difference of opinion.

"The Saint uses her own wit help those in need," she shot back.

"The Magician is clever enough to steal beneath the noses of the police and still returns the items," he countered.

Sakura tried not to get agitated. "The Saint steals for a purpose."

Eriol almost raised his voice. "The Magician proves how faulty the security is."

"Both are you are forgetting one thing," Syaoran interrupted as finally joined the conversation. "They are both thieves. Both of them will pay for their crimes."

We'll see about that, both Eriol and Sakura thought.

The CLAMP School's Catholic Church stood majestically, while its white alabaster stone reflected the bright light of the afternoon sun. A gleaming cross was raised atop the bell tower, and all of the tall windows were made out of stained glass. Up the numerous steps and through the double doors, the inside of the church revealed the pews and the display of the altar.

At the front, Rika Sasaki used a matchstick to light up the candles. Instead of her school uniform, she wore the white habit of a nun. The headdress completely covered her chin-length brown hair, only showing her small round face.

"Sasaki-chan." A hand reached to touch her shoulder lightly and she turned. "Someone would like to speak with you in the confessional."

Rika bowed reverently with a smile. "Thank you, Father Tereda."

The nun-in-training slipped into the dark booth. Immediately the other person spoke, softly but loud enough for her to hear. "Forgive me Lord, for I have sinned…"

"Go on," Rika prompted.

"…I caused everyone trouble by setting off fireworks."

Instantly the partition was slid aside and Rika shared a matching grin. "Sakura-san. It is nice to see you again."

The auburn-haired gave a little wave from the other room. Then her face turned to concern. "Is there any news?"

Rika shook her head, smiling softly. "No lost sheep at the moment. All I've heard is the exciting news of the Saint's return. That was quite a display, Sakura-san."

She grinned in response. "I have friends in many places."

"It must have left somewhat of a mess. You remembered not to leave any evidence behind, yes?"

Sakura blinked then inwardly cringed. "I have to go check on something. See you later, Rika-san," she said as she headed out.

At Tokyo Tower, Syaoran and his team of investigators shook their heads at the clutter of firework canisters and explosives. Luckily the landmark wasn't damaged, or else the Saint would have a lot more to answer for than just public disturbance. "Gather everything and clean it up," the detective told his team. The officers nodded, saluting their superior respectfully. Hoping to find some clues, Syaoran started to walk around.

It was then he caught sight of someone else. "You there!" he called out. She was wearing the CLAMP uniform, so he should know her name… "Kinomoto! What are you doing here?"

Sakura turned around, almost jumping out of her skin. "Li-san! Ah, um…" searching wildly for an excuse, "I wanted to see the Tower, since I'm new here." She laughed nervously. "There's not a lot of people here, huh?"

Unsmiling, he told her, "That's because Tokyo Tower is closed for the day. It's roped off for the police. You shouldn't be here," Syaoran said, grabbing her arm to lead her out. He hated interlopers. She could have damaged potential evidence or leaked information to the public.

Immediately Sakura frowned. She didn't deserve this rough treatment. Wrenching out of his grasp she snapped, "Okay, I'll leave. Let go of me!" She was going to leave in a huff without doing what she came for when something sparkled in the distance. "What is that?"

Silently Syaoran walked over catching sight of a glass bowl glimmering in the afternoon sun. Using a handkerchief to examine the item closely, he murmured, "It's the Kobayashi bowl."

Sakura softly gasped, disbelief showing on her face. "So it's true. He really does return them…" She had seen the newspapers detailing Night Magician's last heist, complete with pictures of the stolen item. It was only a matter of time the glass would be returned, the papers said. Sakura didn't believe it… but it seemed like the Magician was not a common thief after all.

Still examining the bowl, which was expectedly and thankfully undamaged, Syaoran noticed his companion had bent down to pick something up. "This fell to the floor," she told him, showing him a star shaped note.

Syaoran cursed under his breath. "Drop it in the bowl," he ordered. Another note from Saint Star, and it was already compromised. "And you should leave, Kinomoto."

Again a glare flashed in Sakura's eyes. This guy was nothing like his twin sister! "Fine! I'm going!" She'd delivered the message, so there was nothing else to do here. (There was nothing incriminating left but she still felt bad for the mess.) Stomping off in the direction of the exit, Sakura left feeling furious. Who did the Vice President think he is? What was he doing there, anyway?

Girls. He would never understand them. Rolling his eyes, Syaoran focused on the note, which was short and simple. "Sorry for the mess. –Saint Star."

Night returning items, Star apologizing? Of all the thieves he had to catch, he had to get the ones with morals. The detective in him shook his head. Thieves were criminals, and it was his job to stop them. Carrying the glass bowl and the note, he decided to head back and package the items for safekeeping.

Thieves were thieves, and that was that.

"Tadaima!" Sakura spoke happily as she returned home after school. Since Fanren the cheerleading captain arranged for Sakura's tryouts to be tomorrow, it would be best if Sakura had a good night's rest. Besides, today was a good day. She made some friends and nobody suspected anything else.

"Welcome home," Fujitaka greeted her. "You have a guest," he said as he stepped aside to reveal a grinning dark haired girl.

"Tomoyo-chan!" exclaimed Sakura as she flew herself into Tomoyo Daidouji's embrace. It was a well-practiced routine: Tomoyo would raise her arms and Sakura would complete the hug. With Tomoyo in a wheelchair it might have changed the way things were done but their friendship still remained.

"How mean, Sakura-chan," Tomoyo pouted. "You never told me you were returning to Tokyo."

Sakura pulled back to grin wickedly. "Surprise!" she whispered. Then speaking normally she asked, "How did you find out where I live, anyway?"

Tomoyo returned a secretive smile. "I have my ways."

A close relative and friend of the family, Tomoyo was invited to stay for dinner. Catching up took no time at all. Fujitaka had been reinstated as a professor on the university division and Sakura joined the high school. They had enough of living in the rural town of Tomoeda, so they returned to Tokyo. Tomoyo was more than glad to have them back.

Sakura offered to accompany her friend downstairs, where a car waited. In the elevator, Tomoyo finally confronted the brunette. "Sakura, are you the Saint that everybody's talking about?"

Looking away quickly, Sakura mumbled, "I don't know what you're talking about."

Sighing, Tomoyo said, "I was there when you discovered your mother was Saint Blossom. I was there when they lowered Aunt Nadeshiko into her grave. You can't tell me the Saint is back, Sakura, when I know for a fact that it's impossible!"

The elevator dinged before they opened. Sakura didn't speak as she pushed the wheelchair and its occupants to the building's entrance. "Sakura-chan…" Tomoyo started.

"The Saint is back," Sakura lifted her chin resolutely. "Saint Star will continue Saint Blossom's work."

And Tomoyo understood. As her driver lifted her from the chair to place her in the backseat, Tomoyo saw the determination and lingering sadness in her friend's eyes. It wasn't just helping people by stealing what people needed. It was about remembering Nadeshiko and the good she accomplished. This was important enough to Sakura that she would be willing to break into houses and evade the police. So no matter what Tomoyo said, she wouldn't be able to change Sakura's mind.

She rolled the window down. "I get it," Tomoyo said with a smile. She offered Sakura a small rectangle box. "Just be safe, okay?"

Nodding, Sakura waving good-bye as the car drove away. She opened the box and Sakura smiled. Inside was a cute pendant of a gold five-pointed star encircled by a pink ring. White wings framed the two sides and a fine chain added a finishing touch. Inside was also a note written in her friend's hand.

Wear this.

"It's much too early to be under the covers, everyone. Mokona-chan here with the latest news. Apparently Night Magician has returned the Kobayashi glass bowl! The Magician wins again. Will the Saint let this one stand? Word out is that she is a brand new thief. Saint Star, not Saint Blossom. What's the connection? You'll know when I do. So just sit back and enjoy. The fun is just beginning. Mokona-chan, signing off."

A/N: Thank you so much to The Unknown, LadyCrazyMonkeyPants, tearsfalldownmycheeks, Aurioca, MoonlightShadowHostess, IndigoShortCake, blackanimefan, Lily887787, and :D for reviewing. Your comments always inspire me to write more!