Author's Note: Exams are the worst gift man gave to his child. Trust me. ;-p Sorry for the late upload.

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or its characters. !SOB!

Chapter 5: Unexpected Hope

Sakura woke up suddenly with the alarm. She looked around in a daze for a while and suddenly remembered the events from the night before. Her eyes watered automatically. She had once again seen the same dream. Her friends were bound with yellow strings and the man controlled them. Eriol, Nakuru and Spinel were there this time. They looked sad and…depressed. Her eyes flooded as she silently got out of bed. Her legs automatically traced the path to her mirror. She stared at her dull emerald eyes. He puffy red eyes, pink cheek and pale face proved how devastated and hopeless she felt.

With Eriol captured, what hopes does she have now? She does not know anything at all about magic. Even Syaoran looked helpless without the charms. She knew he tried to act strong for her but inside he was just as helpless as she was. The worst part was that even Meiling ended up captured. She could even use magic. She should have nothing to do with this mess but she ended up like that since they were friends and she tried to help.

Sure Syaoran would tell the clan now. Maybe the clan could do something but if no magic will work, what will they do. She has never seen any sorcerer use magic with bare hands. She does not know how to use magic with her staff. No. She has seen someone. Clow Reed used it without his staff when she went into the past once. Eriol used his staff but she knew he did it with bare hands sometimes. If even Eriol did not stand a chance, what good will she be.

Her mobile rang. It was Syaoran. She could not describe her happiness at that time.

"Syaoran. You are safe. I am so glad." She shouted in the mobile.

"I am glad you are fine as well. I was worried for you." Syaoran sounded as much relieved as she was.

"Syaoran. About Meiling, I am very sorry. I…" Sakura begin apologising he cut her off.

"Meiling is here Sakura." Syaoran stopped and Sakura was dumbfounded.

Was she hearing thing! How could Meiling be there when she saw her bound just last night?

"Syaoran. How could…" Sakura began only for Syaoran to cut her off again.

"I do not know Sakura. We as much surprised as you are. We just woke up and found each other here. I do not even remember what happened after that blinding light."

Sakura could not believe it. She just stared at her image in the mirror. Suddenly her eyes widened as she saw what she was wearing. She wore her nightdress. Her father and brother would never change it. Once again, it is a mystery.

"Sakura!" Syaoran yelled in her ears worried now.

"Y…yes Syaoran." She realised that she had zoned out for a while.

"Thank god you are there. You did not respond on my calls so we got worried." Syaoran sighed.

Sakura turned pink on the cheek, "Syaoran. I have to go to school. We will talk after it ends. I have a lot to tell you. Things I did not have time to tell you earlier." She sounded serious.

Syaoran picked her tone, "Alright. Take care Sakura. I will talk to mom about all this and ask her for help from the clan. I am sure they will help once they find out about the captures."

Sakura nodded, "Thanks Syaoran. I will meet you after school."

She hung up and stared at her image. She looked determined once again. She wiped off her tears and strengthened her heart. Meiling was alright. Something must have happened in the time they were unconscious. She turned to leave when her eyes fell on a piece of paper stuck to the side of the mirror.

'Sometimes help comes from the most unexpected places. Keep hopes Sakura.'

She recognised the writing and simply smiled. Just reading that note had strengthened her heart to greater heights. She felt very warm in her heart. She again looked at her image and ran to the bathroom.

She hurriedly ate her breakfast. Fujitaka and Touya could not help but smile to see her bit excited. Touya decided not to tease her just once. Sakura skated to her class with Touya on her tail on his bike. Sakura entered her classroom, greeted her friends with a smile but not her usual smile of course. Tomoyo and others felt better to see that she was not as depressed as the day before. Sakura tried to concentrate on the classes but her entire mind would always race to Syaoran and then get lost for couple of times. The teachers would have noticed her lost looks if Tomoyo had not woke her up each time she got lost.

The last bell rang and Sakura was in a hurry. She did not stop even for Tomoyo to catch up as she raced down the corridor and stairs to the school gate. Tomoyo ran after her confused as to why she was in such a hurry. The sight at the gate both answered as well as amused her. Syaoran and Touya were in a heated glaring contest. Sparks flew at their glares as Meiling just enjoyed the show. Sakura sighed and Tomoyo giggled. Meiling noticed them and waved to them.

"Miss Kinomoto. Miss Daidouji. Good to see you all again." Meiling shouted to them.

The two names broke the staring contest as the brother and the boyfriend looked at them. Syaoran and Sakura exchanged a blushing smile while Touya frowned at the sight. Meiling rushed to hug Tomoyo.

"I did not get to meet you last night Miss Daidouji." Meiling frowned. "That fool kidnapped me on my way." She grinned, "But I am here now and I am so glad to see you again."

Tomoyo nodded, "I am happy as well. I did not know Li and you had returned."

"We arrived last night in a hurry." Meiling whispered, "Wish I had a camera to record the scene when they met last night. It was very romantic."

Tomoyo whispered back, "Did they kiss?"

Meiling chuckled, "I doubt either have the guts to do that yet. They simply lost track of everything staring at each other. I felt forgotten and neglected."

Tomoyo and Meiling giggled and turned to Sakura. Syaoran and Sakura were still staring at each other. Touya stood against the wall sighing at the sight.

Sakura returned to the real world first, "Syaoran. We need to talk."

Syaoran returned as well, "Yes. But not here."

Sakura nodded and turned to Touya, "Big brother. I promise I will return home before dark. Tell dad not to worry."

Touya frowned, "Fine. Only if Tomoyo stays with you. I do not trust you being alone with the brat."

Syaoran and Touya almost entered another glaring contest when Sakura replied, "Sure."

Touya went away glaring daggers at his little sister's boyfriend. Other students from the school building had already begun to come out. Fearing that her classmates would hog Syaoran and Meiling if they saw them, Sakura hurried left the gates. The three followed her closely.

Sakura stopped after a while, "We need a place to talk privately. It might take long."

Meiling suggested, "How about we go that cafe by the toy store I found this morning?"

Sakura and Tomoyo exchanged confused glances. Syaoran seemed to like the idea though.

Tomoyo asked, "What cafe Meiling?"

Meiling replied, "It is just a ten minute walk from the school gate. I saw it this morning it seemed…lively."

The last word confused others more than ever. They all exchanged glances and Meiling sighed.

Sakura spoke, "I remember the toy store but…I do not remember a cafe close by."

Meiling grinned, "All the more why we should go. It must be new."

Meiling began to walk and others simply followed. Syaoran was still thinking about Meiling's meaning to 'lively'. He did not notice Sakura slip next to him with pink cheeks. Tomoyo was behind them with an evil glint in her eyes and camera recording them. No one noticed her though.

Sakura squeaked, "Syaoran."

Syaoran broke out of his thoughts with that barely audible squeak. Talk about ears or…keep guessing. He found Sakura closer than most of the times. His cheek reddened as well.

"Ye…yes Sakura." He spoke softly.

"Can I…can I…" she was either too shy or more than just too shy to say it.

Finally, when she knew she could not say it, she simply touched his hand with her hand. He felt electrocuted at the touch but he understood what she meant. He simply smiled seeing Sakura was blushing and did not meet his eye. Syaoran took her hand and she smiled shyly. Tomoyo was having a great time recording everything. Another addition to her 'Sakura and Syaoran moments' collection.

They walked hand in hand with red faces until Meiling suddenly stopped. She turned around to face them.

"Here it is. The…" Her eyes fell on the linked hands. She noticed their red faces and smirked. "Give me a copy as well Miss Daidouji. Aunt Yelan and all my friends would love to see what just happened."

Sakura and Syaoran were stunned. They were so caught up in their own moment that they completely forgot about Tomoyo and her recording habit. They heard Tomoyo's evil laughter behind them and dared not turn around. Suddenly they let go of the hands and stood sternly. Tomoyo recorded this as well.

Meiling shook her head, "Welcome to the Cherry Blossom and Little Wolf cafe. I am sure it is a new one."

Both Sakura and Syaoran gasped at the name.

Sakura spoke, "Cherry Blossom!"

Syaoran spoke, "Little Wolf!"

Meiling looked at both of them confused for a while and then it struck her. She turned to the name of the cafe with shock evident on her face.

"No way! Cherry Blossom as in Sakura and Little Wolf as in Syaoran! What a coincidence?" Meiling exclaimed.

Tomoyo smiled, "All the more reason why we should go inside."

They four walked in while Sakura and Syaoran still could not believe what just happened. They stepped in and found it mostly occupied with couples.

"CUTE!" A female shout made them jump.

Before they could look at the source of the sound, a pair of hands bear hugged both Syaoran and Sakura, rubbing cheek with them. They were shocked as well as red by being treated like that by a…woman.

She squealed, "You two are so cute! I do not want to let you two go."

All four suddenly remembered Syaoran's four sisters. It made Sakura and Syaoran shudder as if the woman would do the same torture as the quadruplets did.

A male voice scolded, "Is that any way to treat the customers Elliot? Release them and give them a table."

The woman reluctantly released them and stood up. She was frowning and pouting at the man who interfered in her fun. The four took a good look at them. The woman was tall with fair complexion. She had dark blue hairs with red linings. Her blue eyes showed her irritation at the man. He was an inch or two taller to her. He had raven hairs and dark chocolate eyes.

Elliot spoke, "You always spoil my fun Sullivan. If you will always be that mean to me, I will not marry you."

Elliot ran away faking a sob. Sullivan shook his head with a sigh, "That woman."

He turned to the four customers with a smile, "Sorry about that. She is always that hyperactive when she sees kids and finds them cute. I will take you four to your table. This way please."

He guided them to the window table for four. After comfortably seating them, he went to the counter where Elliot was. She was still frowning and faking sobs since no tears rolled out of her eyes. The four watched them carefully since they could not keep their eyes away. Sullivan kissed Elliot's cheek and she cheered up instantly as if nothing had ever happened. He simply smiled and pointed towards them. She kissed his cheek and ran to them. The four were stunned to see such a mood swing.

Elliot stopped against them, "Well then cute kids. What will you take? Today's special is Cherry and Wolf Holding Hand Sundae with extra toppings."

Both Sakura and Syaoran turned beet red and Tomoyo barely hid her giggle.

Tomoyo spoke, "We will take four of that please."

Elliot grinned happily, "Coming right up."

She ran away and Meiling turned to her friends, "I told you, did I not? This place is lively."

Syaoran spoke, "I would say crazy and unreal."

Tomoyo nodded, "Yes. Talk about co-incidence. We came to cafe named after them and now we will eat something that feels like celebration on what they did on the way. This will surely become the greatest film of all."

Sakura and Syaoran finally noticed that Tomoyo was still recording it all. They again could not hide their blush. Meiling could not hide her chuckle at her cousin and his girlfriend. Tomoyo let out her infamous laughter as usual.

Syaoran attempted to change the topic, "So…we have other things to talk about."

Sakura suddenly remembered the reason they were in the cafe, "Yes. I have so much to tell you."

Sakura turned to Meiling, "I was so glad when I heard you were safe Meiling. I mean…"

Meiling shook her head, "It is fine. I was just careless, that is all."

Sakura asked, "I am so sorry I got you into this mess. I did not think he would kidnap you."

Meiling smiled to reassure her, "Do not worry Sakura. I am fine and here, that is what matters."

"How did you escape any way?" Sakura asked her confusion.

"I did not." Meiling replied plainly. "I remember that blinding light last night. The next thing I know, I wake up in my room in the Li mansion. I have no idea how I got there and who changed me into my night dress."

Syaoran spoke, "Same here. I remember nothing after that light. Ah yes. I remember that voice telling me to use my magic without a medium to defeat him. Next thing I know is that woke in my room in my nightdress. Wei looked shocked to see us this morning. He said that we never returned last night."

Tomoyo looked shocked and worried but shockingly to all three, Sakura did not look surprised to hear the news. They exchanged confused looks while Sakura thought in her head.

"Thought so. Did you find anything when you woke up? I mean a note or something." Sakura asked the cousins.

Syaoran and Meiling were surprised and hurriedly took out a note each. They gave it to Sakura who smiled on reading it. Her reaction was shocking to the rest.

Meiling's note read, 'Do not get involved in this war. Your role lies along with the fashion princess later.'

Syaoran's note read, 'I saved your cousin this time but be careful next time. Expect the unexpected hope.'

Sakura re-read the notes carefully. She had a warm expression that made Syaoran blush.

Meiling spoke softly, "Sakura."

Sakura looked at her with confusion this time, "Who is the fashion princess?"

Tomoyo just could not miss recording the intense blush on Syaoran's face seeing Sakura's extremely cute confused face. Meiling noticed it and just smirked.

"Is that not obvious Sakura? I only know one person that fits that name. Am I wrong Miss Daidouji?"

Tomoyo laughed, "Most probably you are correct. I do design my Sakura's costumes."

Sakura and Syaoran sweat-dropped at her laughter.

Syaoran spoke, "You do not look surprised to see that. It is as if you expected it."

Sakura smiled at him, "Yes. Your story fits perfectly with how I expected it to be. Waking up in our nightdresses along with a note is just the way it has been for me. My note said that I should keep hope and sometimes help comes from the most unexpected places."

Elliot came at that time carrying four large colourful bowls of sundae. She was just as cheerful as ever.

"Here are your orders cute kids. Enjoy while it is cold." She left with the same wind she had arrived.

They began to eat their sundaes and could not hide their liking. They could barely stop their hands and mouth. It was very delicious. They totally forgot the topic of discussion in front of the sundaes. Sullivan arrived at that time.

"You should slow down kids. Otherwise you will end up sick." Sullivan spoke softly.

Sakura blushed and slowed down like the others. Sullivan left hiding a snigger. Elliot watched happily from the counter. She was very amused and ready to pounce on them finding them very cute.

Syaoran broke the silence, "So um…you said you would tell us about your dream."

Sakura lost her blush and grew serious. The trio noticed the change.

"Two days ago I had a very powerful dream. Eriol sensed my magic all the way to England and called just when I woke up at dawn. He asked me to be careful after that." Sakura recalled her dream about her mother to them. She had a faint smile on her lips. "The day went by normally but that night, time stopped and I sensed a powerful magic. The top of the hill and that sakura tree were the same as in my dream. Next thing I know is that he captured Kero, Yue and all the cards. I woke up in my room the next morning. That time I had another dream." Sakura narrated her dream in which she saw her cards begging her to help them. A tear escaped her eye and Syaoran's heart felt the pain. He took her hand in his hand and she just smile faintly at him. "I was not myself feeling hopeless the entire day. After school, I met big brother and he gave me a piece of paper he found in his locker. The paper had asked him to take care of me since I was depressed. I remembered that someone had called the school that morning and asked the teachers to take extra care of me since I was sad. When I touched that paper, I felt the very same feeling I had when I hugged the man from my dream. I had to find him and I felt some hope build in my heart. After that I found that Eriol was missing and then I talked to you."

Tomoyo slapped her mouth in shock, "Eriol is missing!"

Sakura shook her head, "Not any more. He came to fight that sorcerer along with Ruby moon and Spinel sun. All three ended up being captured. Last night, we came up against all of my cards. He controlled them."

Syaoran and the rest could feel anger build up inside her. He held her hand tighter and she calmed down slightly.

"If I have to guess about that voice in the light, it has to be the man my mom asked me to find. He takes us home and he rescued Meiling. I am sure he is strong but maybe he is not powerful enough to beat him. I want to help but I am useless without my cards. I do not know how to use my magic without the cards."

Syaoran spoke, "I am in a similar dilemma. I talked to mother and no one uses his or her magic without a medium to control it. Otherwise, it just becomes a mass of energy useless in a fight."

Meiling spoke, "But I did not see that man use any medium. He used his bare hands to make that seal and even captured me. He used nothing for it."

Syaoran nodded, "Yes. He is a powerful mage. Clow Reed was the only one who managed something like that. Eriol had the best chances but even he could not manage it."

Sakura asked with concern, "What should we do next? The cards were fading in my dream today. I am worried."

Syaoran sighed, "Well I am waiting for mother to contact me. She said she would get back to me soon. Other than that, we can leave Daidouji and Meiling out of this. The man from your dream is correct. They are not a part of this."

Meiling began to think, "He said we had a role to play later. I wonder what he meant."

Syaoran's mobile began to ring. He picked it up.

"Yes Wei." He heard something and his eyes widened in shock. "We will be there soon."

He returned his pocket to his pocket looking as shocked a ever. Others got worried.

Sakura asked, "What happened Syaoran?"

Syaoran looked at her, "It is…mother."

Meiling almost shouted, "Aunt Yelan! Is she all right?"

Syaoran nodded, "Yes. She is fine. Just that…she is here in Tomoeda."

He heard unison 'WHAT!' from the trio. Syaoran looked at them all and nodded.

"She arrived a few minutes back and is asking to meet you Sakura."

Sakura became nervous. Yelan was an intimidating woman and Sakura had experienced her presence once. She felt her mind go blank just looking at her with awe back then. Yelan was very powerful both in presence and in magic.

Sakura stuttered, "W…why is…s…she here?"

Syaoran shook his head, "No idea. She wants to meet you immediately."

Meiling asked, "Are your sisters here as well?"

Sakura and Tomoyo felt a chill run down their spine at her question. Both remembered how his four sisters had squeezed the breath out of them in Hong Kong. They seriously did not want to undergo that torture again.

Syaoran replied, "No. Mother came alone."

Sakura and Tomoyo sighed in relief. Meiling giggled at the sigh and Syaoran successfully guessed the reason.

Meiling spoke, "I guess we should finish our sundaes before meeting her."

The trio nodded and they began to silently eat the sundae. Sakura and Syaoran occasionally stole glances at each other that did not go unnoticed by the other two. Meiling and Tomoyo exchanged smiles at their cousins' thefts. After the sundae, Syaoran offered to pay at the counter.

Sullivan shook his head, "A man came in and paid your bills while you kids were talking."

The four of them were shocked. Someone came in and paid their bills! No one knew that they were in that cafe. Who would be so lenient and nice to them for no reason?

Sullivan gave Sakura a piece of paper, "He left this for the emerald-eyed girl. That would be you."

Sakura took it and her eyes widened along with a smile. Others came to her and read the content.

'Eat nicely my dear. You deserve the treat. Your mom says hi.'

Sakura whispered, "Hi mom."

Sakura turned to Sullivan, "Thank you sir. We will come again."

Sullivan nodded with a smile. They began to leave when Elliot arrived next to Sullivan.

She shouted cheerfully, "Tomorrow's special is Blossom and Wolf Sleep Together Sundae. Do not miss it."

Sakura and Syaoran turned into a deep shade of red all over their faces. They dared not turn around to their cousins with their stiffness. However, Tomoyo and Meiling did not need to look at them. They already knew the outcome. They barely hid their giggles. Tomoyo did not fail to record their silly walk out of the cafe.

Wei stopped his car next to the cafe and they all got in. Syaoran and Sakura were back to serious facade. Sakura was slightly nervous. Syaoran tried not to look but Sakura could tell he was just as nervous as she was. She could not hold his hand though she wanted to badly because he sat across her with Meiling instead of next to her. The ride to his mansion was very silent.

Sakura was awed by the size was his mansion. She was used to Tomoyo's mansion but his mansion awed her no doubt. She stared at it for a while until Tomoyo and Meiling pulled her inside behind Syaoran. A tall, raven-haired and slim woman in an expensive Chinese dress waited for them in the main hall. She hid half her face behind her fan with her eyes shut. She seemed to be concentrating on something. Sakura and others just waited for her to come out of it. Her silent presence continued to intimidate them. Sakura gulped with nervousness.

Yelan opened her eyes with a deep breath. She stared directly at Sakura. Her eyes had a depth that make Sakura fell as if Yelan saw more than just her appearance. It increased her nervousness several folds.

Yelan broke the long silence, "I stand correct card mistress."

Her soft, commanding voice strangely lowered Sakura's nervousness. Yelan noticed it but her smile went unnoticed due to the fan covering her mouth. Syaoran stepped forward.

"Hello mother. It is good to see you here."

Yelan nodded, "It is good to see everyone as well. Card mistress, no, it should call you Sakura as that suits you more. Sakura. How are you?"

Sakura tried to smile, "I am fine. Thank you Mrs Li."

Yelan nodded, "Three nights ago, the entire Li clan lost their sleep close to dawn due to presence of a very powerful magic coming from Japan. It felt familiar but the intensity made me believe it was not you. However, today I can vouch it was your magic. That explains why Syaoran was the only one unaffected by the presence. What happened that dawn Sakura?"

Sakura was shocked at it, "You felt it as well. I was just dreaming. Eriol said it was a powerful dream but I did not think anyone else felt it."

Yelan shut her eyes looking troubled now, "No Sakura. Li clan is not the only one to feel it. Every sorcerer in the world felt your magic and I am surprised you are still standing unharmed after that. I doubt only one mage would attack you. Something is off about this entire thing."

Sakura looked troubled now. Yelan was once again in deep thoughts.

"I can only think of one reason but that seems unlikely. Anyway, my purpose of arrival to Tomoeda is not to tell you about that. I came for a different reason." Yelan opened her eyes and looked at Sakura.

Yelan shut her fan and handed it to Syaoran. Sakura and Tomoyo gasped at her flawless beauty. She did not look mother to five kids. She could easily pass off as her daughters' sister. Syaoran was shocked that his mother parted with her fan that has never happened in his memories. Yelan raised her right hand, palm-up to her chest level. The four kids watched her carefully. Suddenly a ball of fire popped over her palm and floated gracefully. They were shocked to see that. Yelan brought her other hand to the fireball and it exploded. The resulting flame took the form of a large wolf and raced around the hall at an incredible speed. Suddenly the wolf turned into a tornado of fire and with another burst, flower petals rained in the room. The scene looked incredibly beautiful to the kids. They stared around at the raining petals with wonder. Yelan returned to her graceful stance and the petals vanished leaving no change inside the hall.

Yelan stated, "I have come to teach you how to use your magic without a medium."

End of Chapter 5

AN:- Sakura is so CUUUUTE! I hope Syaoran hugs her. That would so ADORABLE!