A\N: This is so not good. No reviews. Do not be lazy guys. I want encouragement. Throwing tantrum Sniff

Disclaimer: I wish I could say I own it but my bad, I do own CCS.

Chapter 4: Another Loss

Sakura was thunderstruck. Last evening! How could he be missing like that? Technically, that would be a few hours after she faced that bad sorcerer. Could he have something to do with Eriol's case?

"Miss Mizuki. What happened to Eriol?" Sakura was clearly worried.

"Last evening he suddenly sensed some very powerful magic coming from Japan. He got worried more because when he tried, he could not sense the cards and the guardians. Eriol assumed something bad must have happened to you. He left to handle the situation. Half an hour later, Eriol called me and said that the problem was much bigger than he anticipated and he will be gone longer than expected. What happened there Sakura?"

Sakura was in tears again. He was her last hope. He would always guide her in times of trouble. Now he was missing. Her last hope was missing and she felt so helpless. How will she save her friends now?

Kaho asked again, "Sakura. Please tell me what happened there."

Sakura controlled herself. There was another woman in equal worry. No, she was in greater worry since she did not know what happened to Eriol. Sakura just had to tell her now.

"Miss Mizuki. Yesterday I faced a bad man. He captured all my cards and guardians. They are in trouble. I am sure Eriol came to face him but he overpowered Eriol. I am sure he captured him."

Kaho was silent for a while. Sakura waited for her to say something. She could tell Kaho was depressed now.

"Sakura. Be careful. If he has captured Eriol, Ruby and Spinel must be with him as well. Capturing all the cards, four guardians and the creator as well is no small thing. This foe is very powerful. You must call and take help from the Li clan. I am sure they could do something when they hear of the oncoming threat. They must have already sensed his magic last night." Kaho vainly tried to hide her sadness to advice Sakura.

Sakura nodded, "Yes Miss Mizuki. You do not worry. We will find some way to rescue all of our friends."

"Be careful Sakura. And do call me when you find out more about Eriol." Kaho almost pleaded.

Sakura smiled, "Yes Miss Mizuki. You will be the first one to know about Eriol."

She hung up and did not lose any time calling another number. Barely a ring later, the other side answered.

"SAKURA! WHERE ARE YOU? HOW ARE YOU? WHY WERE YOU NOT ANSWERING? DO YOU KNOW HOW WORRIED I WAS? WHY DID YOU NEVER CALL BACK?"

Sakura melted as soon as she heard his voice. His worry brought back her lost smile. Her heart pounded in her chest and happiness filled her to the brim.

"I am fine Syaoran. Calm down." She tried her best.

"CALM DOWN! HOW DO YOU EXPECT ME TO CALM DOWN? YOU WERE NOT ANSWERING. I WAS WORRIED." Syaoran refused to calm down. He was simply too much worried for the girl he lost his heart to.

Sakura giggled at his response. She had never seen him like this in the past.

"If you do not calm down, I will end up deaf Syaoran." She smiled as she spoke.

"Fine. What is problem? Now do not say there is none. I called Daidouji and she sounded very worried for you. She said that it would be better if I heard it from you. She was not the right person to tell me. What is going on Sakura?"

Sakura joked, "You talk a lot when you are worried Syaoran. I have never heard you talk so much."

Syaoran must have blushed at her comment. Sakura's heart was still pounding.

Syaoran spoke, "Tell me the problem Sakura."

Sakura straightened up, "Syaoran. We have a big problem at our hands."

Syaoran could feel that she was serious. She sounded worried and sad now. He could tell it was serious, much more than he had expected it to be.

"Tell me all about it Sakura." He kept his worries to the side now.

"Last night, an evil sorcerer showed up. I did not think he would be that powerful. Trust me Syaoran, I felt nothing at all from him. He effortlessly captured all my cards and even Kero and Yue are his prisoners now. And that is not even close to being the worst part." Sakura spoke sincerely.

Syaoran on the other end was shocked to hear it. He just did not have the words in his head now. Sakura felt his state. She knew he would not respond anytime soon. He did not need to since she was not finished yet.

"I fainted on the field and woke up in my room today morning. I had decided that I will talk to Eriol about it after school. That only brought up another problem."

Syaoran found his voice at Eriol's name. He found some hope now.

"What did he say Sakura?"

"I could not talk to him. I talked to Miss Mizuki." Sakura told the truth.

Syaoran felt anger inside him. Where could Eriol have gone to at such a crucial time?

"Where is he? What is he doing?"

"Do not blame him Syaoran. Mizuki told me that last evening, he sensed magic and the cards capture. He came to face the problem but never returned. I believe Eriol, Nakuru and Spinel are captives as well. This sorcerer is seriously very powerful Syaoran. I cannot use my magic without the cards. I have my key but it is useless without the cards. Miss Mizuki asked me to tell your clan about it. They would help if they find out about such a threat. You are my last hope Syaoran. Please help me."

Syaoran was simply stunned with the revelation. It was simply too unbelievable. Impossible was the right word. The strongest sorcerer of all time, Clow Reed's reincarnation, Eriol Hiiragizawa captured by another sorcerer so easily. This had to be a joke. Sakura was right. If the Li clan found out about it, that man would be considered a big threat. They would do all in their power to destroy him. However,…

"I am coming there Sakura. Before we tell the clan, I want to face him myself." Syaoran looked determined.

Sakura's heart missed a beat, "What can you do Syaoran? Eriol…"

Syaoran cut in, "You believe they are captive and I trust you on that. I just want to catch a slight chance that it is not true. Maybe he faced him, got weak, escaped to recover and face him again. If that is the case, Eriol could use some support."

Sakura felt that he was correct. No one saw it. Eriol also did not mean he was captured. He simply said it was a bigger problem and he would be gone longer. If he was alright, he could seriously use some extra help.

"But…how will you come Syaoran? If you are correct, Eriol could fight him anytime. We could be late for it."

Syaoran replied, "I will take my jet and will be there in an hour. Do not worry Sakura. We will take care of this problem and save our friends."

Sakura was still worried, "Be careful Syaoran. I will be waiting for you at the airport."

Syaoran replied, "No. Stay home. I will call you when I reach my home in Tomoeda. Come to the Penguin Park and we will meet there."

Sakura nodded, "Ok. Be careful Syaoran. I will wait for your call."

He hung up and Sakura stared at her mobile with a worried face while she held her key in one hand. She prayed for Eriol to be alright. She prayed for Syaoran's safety. She had a strong feeling that he will arrive safely but her mind said that if the sorcerer found out, he would do something. She just prayed he did not find out.

Sakura changed from her school uniform and wore her usual clothes. An outing would happen and it could get rough. She ran downstairs and sat before the TV clutching her mobile in one hand. She stared at the news to see if anything unexplained had happened. That would give her a clue about the man since she could not tell where he is currently. Fujitaka and Touya saw her worried but determined face. It relieved them immensely but worried them as well. They knew she was stepping into another magical battle that she lost just the night before.

A little more than an hour later, Syaoran called her. she was restless since the hour had passed. Seeing his name on the screen relieved her to no extent. She picked it up before the ring could finish.

"Syaoran! Are you alright?" she yelled into the phone and showed him with all her worries.

Sakura heard him chuckled on the other end and she frowned at his reaction. Of course, she was relieved to hear his chuckled that meant he was alright but she frowned because he chuckled at her worries.

"What is so funny? I was so worried. It has been over an hour. And you are making fun of me?"

She decided to show that she was offended. However, his chuckles simply increased. She was more furious now.

Syaoran replied, "Calm down Sakura. I only imagined your worried face and I found you so cute I just could not hold back. Then I imagined your angry face and I simply fell in love with it. You are just too precious Sakura."

Sakura turned scarlet at his words but she was very relieved. However, as revenge she decided not to give him another chance to imagine her.

"Fine. Seeing you talk, you seem okay. Are you home yet?" Sakura could not hide her irritation and relief.

"Yes. I got stuck in the traffic so I was a bit late. Head to the park and we will meet you there."

Sakura was confused, "We? Who else is there with you?"

"Meiling decided to tag along when she heard I was coming. You know how stubborn she can get. I just had to bring her along or else she would eat my head off. We are already on our way."

Sakura could not help but smile, "Tell her I said hi. I will meet you shortly."

She hung up and rushed to the door. Touya blocked her path and they glared at each other.

"You are going to meet that brat." Touya hissed.

Sakura snarled, "I am going to help him save my friends. If things go well, expect Nakuru home tonight."

Touya flinched at the name and Sakura used the chance to escape. Fujitaka just smiled to see his son.

"Looks like she hit your weak spot Touya." Fujitaka teased his son.

Touya just grumbled, "I just have a feeling it will not go well. But I am sure she will be fine with him."

Fujitaka nodded. They continued to prepare dinner. Extras just in case Sakura returns with her friends.

Sakura arrived at the park and saw Syaoran and Meiling arrive at the same time. All three were out of breath. Meiling from running. Sakura and Syaoran from staring at each other. Meiling decided to sit on the bench and watch them with a grin. She had been expecting to see the reunion. She came for that very purpose. She cannot help with magical fights anyway.

"Syaoran you…" Sakura was at a loss of words. Her face burned like hell.

"Sakura you…" Syaoran was in a similar dilemma. He did not know what to say.

Neither had expected to simply freeze at the sight. They had more important things at hand than staring at each other. However, they were simply unable to look away. It was as if they were under some sort of spell. Their trance broke together. Spell! They grew alert and scanned the surrounding. Meiling saw the difference and knew something was up.

Meiling asked, "Do you two feel something?"

Syaoran replied, "Nothing. I am sure it was a spell but I felt no magic anywhere."

Sakura spoke, "Same here. I am sure it was spell though."

A thick voice rang in the air, "Well well well. I expected better from the card mistress and the sword master. I did not even place a spell and yet I am being accused of a crime." His voice was mocking them. It echoed in the air and felt as if it came from every direction.

Sakura snarled, "That is him. This is his voice."

The voice spoke again, "The usual place my dear cherry blossom. I have a surprise waiting for you. Big surprise."

Sakura turned to Syaoran, "Let us go. He must be talking about the place from yesterday."

Syaoran nodded and they took a stepped to run.

The voice rang again, "By the way, Chinese girl. You should go over to Tomoyo Daidouji's place since you are no use to this fight. In addition, I never placed a staring spell on you. It is called love."

The last part felt as if he was teasing them. They both blushed though they knew now was not the time to blush. Meiling could not hide her giggle but her face was obviously worried. Sakura was in the worst state. Despite the blush, she was very worried. Meiling decided to try to lighten up the mood a little or else Sakura would not be able to concentrate on her fight.

"Is he an enemy or not? He teased you two. He knows of Daidouji and me and wants me to stay out of this fight since I am of no use. What bad man enemy cares about the innocent?"

Sakura was in tears, "He knows of Tomoyo. She is in danger."

Syaoran held her shoulder, "It will be fine Sakura. Daidouji will be fine. We have to hurry to face him right now."

Sakura wanted to but her legs were frozen. Syaoran realised this.

"Even if Daidouji is not trouble now, she will be if we do not move." He tried to provoke her.

That unfroze Sakura. She began to running and the cousins followed her.

Syaoran turned to Meiling, "You should go over to Daidouji and make sure she is fine. Even if it is according to his words, I think it is still better that you stay with Daidouji."

Meiling changed her direction immediately, "Got it. I will call you to tell about her."

Sakura and Syaoran continued running alongside on the road.

Syaoran asked, "So where is this place?"

Suddenly Sakura stopped running with a different king of worry on her face. Syaoran stopped at a little distance confused with her halt.

Sakura replied, "It is at the top of the hill outside Tomoeda. We cannot make it on foot and any vehicle cannot go either. I flew yesterday but I do not the cards today."

Syaoran chuckled at her worry and took out a charm. His sword appeared in his other hand. He smiled at Sakura who returned his smile.

'God of Winds. Answer my call.' He struck the charm with his sword and wind surrounded them.

The small cyclone carried both of them into the sky and rushed in one direction. After a while, they both were on the top of a hill. Sakura recognised the place. Syaoran looked around to see nothing but grass and a Sakura tree in the centre. They were alert for any threat since the man was not around.

Syaoran spoke, "I cannot sense any magic here. This could be a trap Sakura."

Sakura nodded, "Yes but…this is the place. Do you have your compass?"

"I do but I cannot use it unless I know how the magic feels like. Otherwise, I would not know where to concentrate."

Sakura did not reply. She took out her key.

'Key that hides the power of the stars.

Show your true form before me.

I, Sakura, command you under our contract.

Release!'

Her staff appeared and Syaoran's eyes immediately drifted to the star. He found it odd.

"Sakura." Sakura looked at him confused. He was staring at her staff.

"Did your staff always have this six-sided star? I remember it as a five-sided star."

Sakura's eyes widened. She looked at the staff, "You are right. I noticed it earlier but denied it thinking I maybe mistaking it. I was just confused."

Time stopped suddenly and a thunderbolt fell between them. They were surprised with the attack and jumped away. They looked up at the source of the thunder to find 'Thunder' card in its released state. His eyes were shining light yellow instead of the regular dark yellow. He snarled at them before shooting another bolt at both of them. Syaoran and Sakura were shocked at his doings. They could not understand why her card was attacking her like that.

Sakura shouted, "Thunder. It is I Sakura. Why are you attacking me? Are we not friends?"

Suddenly wind surrounded her and she shut her eyes with her staff close to her face clutching it very tight. When the wind died, she found herself bound with invisible ropes. She could not understand anything. She looked up and saw 'Windy' holding her. Her eyes were light yellow as well. Sakura could not make out why her cards were against her.

Sakura shouted, "Windy. Why? Is it because I was too weak and could not protect you all? I am very sorry. Please forgive me. I am trying my best. Look, I brought Syaoran as well. We can defeat him together."

Syaoran replied, "It is no use. They cannot hear you. My guess is that man is controlling them."

Sakura turned to him and found him fighting against 'Fight' card. The girl was the same as she remembered except, her eyes were not blue. They were light yellow. Syaoran was having a hard time. Sakura checked all three cards and they all had same light blue eyes and not the normal ones.

A voice rang through the air, "Nice observations sword master."

A wind chain released Sakura and 'Windy' glided away to the tree. 'Fight' and 'Thunder' returned as well. Syaoran immediately came next to Sakura. They stared at the three cards waiting for any more attacks. Suddenly several figures appeared all over the hill from vapours. It was as if they were there all along only hiding behind an invisible wall.

Sakura and Syaoran gaped at the people. Every card stood there in their released state. Every eye was light yellow. Every face was blank. Tears appeared in Sakura's eyes to see her friends like this. She noticed Yue and Kero standing in their released state among the cards. They had yellow eyes as well.

Sakura whispered, "My dream…it came true. My dream came true." She hid her face behind her hand.

Syaoran was surprised at her words though he did not look away.

"What did you see in your dream?" Syaoran asked.

"I saw him controlling all of them. They…" She could finish her words since the man interrupted.

"Yes. Your dream did come true my darling card mistress. However, your dream did not include the newest additions to my collection. Are you not going to say hello to them?" He sounded vicious.

Syaoran could not help snarl at him with anger though he did not say anything. He was more concerned about Sakura since she was crying to see the state of her friends. The man pointed in one direction and instinctively, their eyes followed it. What they saw; shattered every trace of hope they had in their hearts. Their worst fears had come true.

Eriol, Spinel Sun and Ruby Moon stood on the outskirts with yellow eyes and blank faces. The man controlled them as well. Sakura's assumption came true. The three were indeed captured by the man. Syaoran turned to the man with a very angry face. He could hear him smirk.

"I have another gift as well card mistress." He spoke as if mocking her helplessness.

The man pulled out something from inside the outer pocket of his robe. Neither saw anything but as soon as he took out his hand, Meiling fell on the floor, tied up. They had no time to wonder how Meiling came out of such small pocket since they were more shocked to see her captured as well. This acted as a blow to Syaoran's pride. He had sent his cousin away and she was captured. If he had let her stay, he might have done something to protect her but he just had to send her away.

Meiling, however, was her usual self. Not afraid at all. The man pulled Meiling into a sitting position.

Meiling cursed him, "Keep your hands away from me you pervert or else I swear I will eat away your hand."

The man shouted in return, "And if you do not keep shut then I will light a fire on your tongue."

Meiling winced since he sounded serious and she felt scared for once. Syaoran took the distraction as a chance and pulled out another charm.

'God of Fire. Ans…'

He could not even finish his words when the charm suddenly got ripped to pieces. Before Syaoran could understand anything at all, a huge circle appeared under him and grew larger by ever second. In a few moments, it covered the entire Tomoeda town as far as he could see from the hilltop.

"I believe the car mistress forgot to tell you. Fighting me using a medium is useless. With that, you will be unable to use any more mediums like charms or talismans."

Syaoran pulled out another charm but it withered away in his hand. He was shocked. He turned to Sakura and found her still in tears looking at all their friends. He could understand her sorrows. He too felt hopeless now.

"Considering that you have brought me the sword master and made my game more interesting, I will let you go just once as well card mistress." He spoke with contempt.

Sakura did not respond. She was still shedding tears at her state. Meiling heard the man grumble under his breath.

"Are you listening to me card mistress?" He spoke angrily but sakura did not respond.

Meiling smirked, "She will not listen to a scum like you."

Suddenly, balls of fire surrounded her face. She sweated profusely less due to heat more with fear for her tongue. She could feel his intense glare though she could see his face.

"Next time girl, you will lose your tongue." He threatened her and she nodded profusely.

The man got to his feet and began to walk to Sakura. Syaoran came in front of her and stood ready with his sword. He was glad at least his sword still there. Suddenly there was blinding light all around and both shut their eyes. Sakura remembered this from the night before.

"The only way for you to defeat me by using your magic without a medium." Once again, for Sakura, the voice lacked the earlier evilness. It was new to Syaoran but he felt it as well. They heard it together amidst all the light. The next instant, the hilltop was empty with only the grass and the tree present. The gentle breeze blew as time had begun moving again.

End of Chapter 4

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