A\N: Another chapter is up. I hope you all like it.

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS and 'its' characters. Other characters are purely mine.

Chapter 7: A New Concept

Syaoran and Sakura sat on the two extremes of the bed, beet red on the face. The idea to sleep together in a closed room was new and flustering to them. They just sat on the two sides unable to look at each other. Luckily, they had the courage to change into their sleeping dress in the confined dressing room. That too had resulted to so much heat in their faces, especially Sakura, that they were sure steam escaped their ears. Now they sat very silently, wondering if they can sleep at all. Syaoran would not go against his mother's arrangement for two reasons. First, he would never try to upset her. Second, he wanted it as well a little in his heart. The same was true for Sakura. Why else would she walk to his room so easily? They sat at the edges with too many thoughts running through their little heads.

Suddenly, both straightened up with surprise. They finally looked at each other without blushing. Syaoran saw sadness in her eyes as he watched her feeling it in his heart. Slowly they moved closer and Syaoran took her hand in his. He rubbed it gently to sooth her. She needed it now. He turned his head to look outside the large window. He looked at the roads. The cars stood still with lights on. The people stood like real statues. The trees stood still as if frozen while flowing with the breeze. The blown leaves floated in the air at one point without any sign of moving. Yes. The time had stopped, again. Syaoran and Sakura knew he was calling her. They were not ready to face him just yet.

Yelan knocked twice and then entered the room. She held her fan tight in her hands. Yelan looked at Sakura as she walked inside the room. The two kids could see her stern and slightly worried face. Yelan turned to Syaoran who turned to look outside. Yelan followed his gaze and was not surprised at all by the sight. Sakura stared at the bed again.

Yelan spoke in her strong tone with hints of warmth, "Is that the bad one?"

Sakura nodded, "Yes. Tonight is the third night he stopped time at the exact same time."

Yelan observed the outside carefully. There was deadly silence in the room. Yelan noticed Sakura very sad holding onto Syaoran's hand tightly. Syaoran held hers with equal firmness. Yelan looked at the girl sadly.

Yelan spoke soothingly, "Do not worry Sakura. Your cards will be perfectly fine. You are a fast learner and you will master the new teachings in time. Never lose hope Sakura. Remember that everything will be alright."

Sakura looked at her, smiled slightly and nodded. Yelan returned a warm smile and turned to Syaoran.

"Now it is useless to stay awake and wait for the time to flow again. Go to sleep both of you." Yelan ordered them.

Meiling came in at that time, "Hey why did all the clocks suddenly die?"

The three looked at her with slight amusement before looking at her with great shock. Meiling was surprised at the change of expression for as she looked from Yelan to Syaoran to Sakura.

Syaoran asked, "How are you able to move Meiling? You do not have any magic!"

Sakura's eyes widened, "Wait a minute! She was moving last night as well on the hilltop. The magic did not affect her yesterday either."

Syaoran realised that she spoke the truth. They were so tensed about her safety last night that they completely overlook at this piece of information. Yelan went to Meiling and carefully scrutinized her. Meiling felt a bit uneasy at her piercing gaze. Syaorna and Sakura waited for a while for Yelan to say something.

Yelan spoke softly, "funny. I sense magic in you. However, it does not belong to you."

The three pair of eyes went saucer wide at her words. Yelan still looked calm.

Yelan continued, "It is as if someone gave you a bit of his or her magic. It is protecting you and keeping you safe."

Syaoran turned to Sakura, "Could this be the man from your dream?"

Sakura nodded, "I can think of no one else."

Yelan looked around at the three kids, once again in deep thought. Syaoran noticed a faint smile appear on Sakura's lips at the mention of that mysterious man. He saw light return to her eyes and a longing appear as well. He saw the same things earlier at his mention. Syaoran could tell that he had a strong connection with Sakura through her mother somehow. Sakura had simply replayed the first dream in her mind.

Yelan spoke, "Rest well children. You will need relaxed minds tomorrow. Take this very seriously. This sorcerer is very powerful. I have never seen someone hold time still so perfectly for so long. He has very good control over his magic and spell. This sorcerer might be the most difficult challenge you have faced so far."

Sakura and Syaoran nodded with slight determination. They knew that much as well. Yelan smiled at Sakura.

"Sleep my dear. You should relax. You will most definitely save your friends. I have faith in you." Yelan spoke with motherly warmth.

Sakura almost remembered her mother's voice in the dream. Sakura nodded and lied down on one side. Syaoran lay on the either side still holding her hand firmly. Yelan covered them with blanket and closed the door behind her as she left with Meiling. Sakura continued to think of her mother and the strangely familiar man with her eyes shut. She did not realise when she fell asleep. Syaoran continued to stare at her delicate face in the nightlight until her breathing became even. He closed his eyes and soon fell asleep as well.

Yelan shut the door to his room and walked away along with Meiling. Yelan seemed deep in thought with slight worry visible on her face. Meiling watched her as she walked.

Meiling spoke, "Aunt Yelan. What are you going to do to find that man?"

Yelan looked at her and sighed, "Nothing Meiling. We have no leads to him. We have no clue about him. Nevertheless, he is out there somewhere."

Meiling looked down and Yelan continued to look at her silently. After a while, Yelan stopped walking and Meiling looked at her puzzled.

Meiling pointed to the next to her, "Go to sleep my dear. Goodnight."

Meiling realised that she had reached her room and entered it after smiling a nod to Yelan. Yelan watched the door shut and then walked away once again deep in thoughts.

Sakura woke up the next day feeling a warm hand around her waist and a warm feeling on both her cheeks. She opened her eyes and then turned red again. She saw Syaoran's sleeping face barely a foot away from hers. His hand protectively wound around her waist, which she liked a lot. However, she remembered that she slept all night with him. The memory only reddened her face further. She just stared at him without moving a muscle.

After a while, he opened his eyes and Sakura tightly shut hers to avoid the embarrassment of being caught staring at him at that time. Syaoran was intelligent enough to catch that from her uneven breathing, the pressure she had applied on her eyes and the redness on her face. Realising that she was actually staring at him, he turned red as well. He decided not to let her know that he caught it. Gently he took his hand back and noticed that Sakura seemed slightly down due to that. He got off without taking his eyes off her face. Just before he turned to leave, his eyes fell on a white piece of paper kept on bedside table on Sakura's side.

"Hey Sakura." Syaoran spoke softly hoping to let her think that he was trying to wake her up.

Sakura did not respond hoping to let him think she was actually asleep.

"There is another note on your side of table." Syaoran spoke with the previous softness.

Sakura jumped at the side table in a hurry without sparing a glance at Syaoran. Syaoran just smiled seeing her excitement. She looked happy to see the note before she picked it up.

Sakura spoke, "There are two notes." She read the first one aloud.

'Use the opportunity to learn to the fullest. You both will desperately need it in future.'

Sakura and Syaoran exchanged smiles knowing what he meant. Sakura turned to the next note.

'Take care my dear. Learning that magic is an entirely new concept. It is hard but I have faith in you. You will surely succeed in time. Do not overdo it okay. Say hi to Yelan for me. Oh, by the way my little angel, your mom and I both stole a kiss from your cheeks while you were asleep. I hope you do not mind. Love you.'

Sakura touched both her cheeks realising what the warm feeling meant. She smiled happily and kissed the note imaging that she kissed her mom and the mysterious man. She was his 'little angel' and she loved to know that. Tears of joy appeared in her eyes. Syaoran grew worried and approached her. She looked up at him and relaxed seeing her smile. The joy in her sparkling eyes was genuine.

Sakura spoke softly, "He came last night. Mother came as well. They are watching over us."

Syaoran smiled and nodded. Sakura looked at the note again. Yelan entered the room at that moment. She saw the scene and somehow mistook it. She had concern for Sakura and fury for Syaoran in her eyes.

Yelan came to Sakura, "My dear Sakura. What did my son do to make you cry? I promise I will bestow proper punishment over him."

Syaoran was nervous and Sakura giggled slightly. She showed Yelan the two notes with a smile.

Sakura replied, "Syaoran did not say anything. I am just happy. He came last night with my mom. My mom is watching over me. I am happy for that."

Yelan's hard eyes softened at her words. She could feel her joy in her voice. She read the notes and then smiled.

"It seems we missed meeting him. I wonder why he has not approached us yet." Yelan spoke softly.

Sakura looked at her carefully, "I believe he has good reasons for that."

Yelan was once again lost in her thoughts. She shut her eyes and stood still for a while. Sakura and Syaoran exchanged confused glances as they watched her. A short time passed. Yelan finally opened her eyes and looked at Sakura. Sakura grew a little nervous suddenly.

"Come my dear Sakura. I will show you to your room. Get fresh and we will have breakfast together. The training will start after that. You as well Syaoran." Yelan spoke as she offered a hand to Sakura.

Sakura took the hand, got off the bed and left with her after smiling a 'Good morning' at Syaoran. Syaoran returned the same smile as he got off the bed as well.

Half an hour later, Sakura and Syaoran sat at the large dining table along with Yelan and Meiling. Sakura still looked happy. She seemed determined for the things waiting for her after the breakfast. She ate enthusiastically. Yelan smiled to see her determination and enthusiasm. Syaoran and Meiling smiled as well. Syaoran was excited as well. His mother was about to teach them something very crucial for the current trouble. In addition to that, that thing would benefit him in the long run, he was sure of that. His mother had mentioned that no one knew this art other than her in the entire Li clan. Sakura and he would be next so it gave him additional boost in morale. He was going to do his best for Sakura's sake at the least. Yelan knew his mind and felt proud of it.

The doorbell rang to surprise them all. Yelan did not look much confused. They waited for a while until Wei came inside. He bowed politely to Yelan.

Wei spoke, "Mr. Kinomoto and his son are here with Miss Daidouji and…a truck."

Yelan looked at him surprised. Meiling, Sakura and Syaoran exchanged confused glances on hearing it.

Yelan inquired, "A truck? What sort of truck?"

Wei replied, "A truck full of Miss Kinomoto's belongings."

The three kids fell flat on their face while Yelan barely hid her amusement. The elder woman got to her feet.

"Escort them inside with respect and have Sakura's things moved to her room. We will be there shortly."

Sakura began to eat in a hurry. Syaoran followed suit and Meiling did not want to be the last one.

Yelan almost chuckled, "Slow down. There is no hurry."

Tomoyo rushed in at that moment with her trusted camcorder. She froze looking at Sakura for a moment and then began to record her favourite couple eat.

"!CUTE!"

Tomoyo squealed and Meiling just chuckled giving her space to continue recording. Sakura and Syaoran looked at her as if she was being ridiculous for shooting them while eating. Tomoyo did not care. Any moment that her favourite couple spent together was worth recording. Yelan and Fujitaka watched them in amusement while Touya could not stop glaring at Syaoran for being less than ten metres close to his sister. Syaoran was conscious of the glares but held off the temptation to glare back as always. He preferred to eat with Sakura for now.

After the breakfast, everyone gathered in the lobby and sat comfortably. Sakura looked at Touya and her father. He understood her confused looks and smiled to her.

Fujitaka spoke first, "Tomoyo came over this morning with the truck to get your stuff and bring it here. We tagged along at the chance to see you and wish you good luck."

Sakura smiled and nodded. Touya and Syaoran continued their greeting. Glaring! Meiling chuckled at her cousin. Fujitaka turned to Yelan as he got on his feet. Yelan followed his lead and got to her feet as well.

Fujitaka spoke, "We should be leaving now. Tomoyo has her school and Touya has his college."

Yelan adds, "You have your lecture. I understand very well. You all are late already."

Touya looked away, "That is not a problem. We have proper excuses for that."

Yelan looked at Touya with amusement. She could see his frustration in his eyes. That was the reason he avoided looking at her. She always looked beyond his facade.

Yelan spoke, "Do not worry wolf hunter. Card mistress is in good care. I will care extra special."

Touya somehow was convinced but…Syaoran was still a brat in his mind who took his little baby sister away from him. Technically, she was with him but…Touya knew it was only until she grows up. He was surer about it that even Sakura and Syaoran could ever be.

Fujitaka spoke, "It was nice to meet you Mrs. Li. Good day."

Touya just nods and follows his father, dragging Tomoyo along who still had her camera in Sakura's face because 'she would not be able to record her during training'. Tomoyo regretted the school now. Sakura and Syaoran just sweat dropped at it as they waved a farewell.

Yelan turned to the duo with serious looks, "Syaoran. Take Sakura to the training hall. I will be there in a bit."

Sakura and Syaoran grew serious and nodded. They dashed to their rooms. Sakura stared at her changed room with shock. She barely recognised it from that morning. It was much more girly than her actual room back home. There were her stuffed toys and alarm clocks but there were many other stuffed toys that she had never seen before. She guessed it was Tomoyo's doing. She ran to her closet to confirm and it and…she stood correct. The wardrobe consisted of several strange dresses that only Tomoyo could come up with in the whole wide world. She found her normal clothes at the very corner of the wardrobe as if trying to hide them from her. Sakura sighed and took out her normal clothes for the day.

Half an hour later, Sakura sat on the ground in the middle of a large hall next to Syaoran. Both concentrated on the task at hand and patiently waited for Yelan to arrive. They looked determined through their eyes. Yelan gracefully entered and they began to rise. She gestured to them to stay seated. They resumed sitting as Yelan took a seat on the ground comfortably opposite her two students. Yelan scanned their faces and smiled to see unwavering confidence in them. She took a deep breath.

Yelan spoke, "The very first thing you should know is about the art that I will teach you. It is not easy. I have my doubts that any sorcerer besides the twelve I have heard of can use this art. I learned this advanced magic using art from a respectable friend during my school days. Shall we begin?"

Sakura and Syaoran nodded confidently. They had limited time and they already knew it was very difficult.

Yelan opened her fan and brought it to their eye level. A ball of fire appeared and burned floating stably. Sakura and Syaoran were not surprised.

Yelan asked, "What do you sense from this fire?"

Syaoran spoke, "It is magical."

Sakura nodded, "Your magic is flowing into the fire through the fan."

Yelan smiled and nodded, "Yes. Nevertheless, what do you sense from the fire? Do you sense a mass of magic or something other than that?"

Sakura and Syaoran spoke together, "Mass of magic."

Yelan nodded, "Sakura. You said you sensed my flowing through the fan to the fire. What did you sense? Mass or something else?"

Sakura replied, "Not a mass. It was a thick stream of magic."

Yelan smiled and replied, "That is also a form of mass of magic. Nevertheless, you are correct. Not only you but also every sorcerer would give that answer to me. And that is where this art differs."

The fire vanished and Yelan shut the fan in her hands. She kept the fan on the floor and straightened up.

"When you sense a presence, it is like a stench of magic that hits you. That is mass as well. When you try to locate a magic with your senses, you try to find a mass of that magic. When you use magic, a large amount of your magic is drawn from you as a mass. These are you experiences of the past. These are the experiences of every sorcerer in the world. You have come so far with that and now you are stuck at a wall where they are not enough. Now you have to jump deeper into the world of magic to trace your answer. It lies with the art that I will teach you. Before that, both of you have to do something." Yelan spoke like a professional teacher.

Sakura asked, "What do we have to do?" She paid complete attention with patience.

Yelan looked at her with firm eyes, "Forget every experience of magic you have had in the past. Forget every form of magic you have ever known. Forget what magic feels like. You have to forget everything related to magic and start from scratch. The very beginning of your magical training is where we have to start."

Both the kids were shocked. Why would they have to learn an advanced form of magic by forgetting the very basics of it? Why should they go to very beginning when, at least in Syaoran's case, they had crossed it long ago? Easier said than done. Yelan took her fan, opened it and brought the fire again.

Yelan spoke, "You must be wondering why you should forget about the mass of magic to learn that art. The answer is simple. Your knowledge is only about what is on the surface. You feel a mass of magic in this fire. I do not. I sense something far more subtle in there. You know about the mass but you do not know what is inside the mass. To learn what is inside, you have to forget what is outside. Once you piece the insides together, you will understand better what is outside. You will gain greater power, understanding and control over your magic. Once you understand that, you will not need a medium to use your magic to your liking. You will be able to perform any sort of magic with a little practice using lesser magic compared to when you perform it with a medium. The medium simply channels your magic. Most sorcerers do not try to understand the subtlety of magic. Those who try, they use the wrong methods. As a result, there is almost no mage in the world who could use this art. It opens wide possibilities of magic for you."

Yelan extinguished the magic and held her closed fan in both hands. She stared at her surprised students.

"This art is an entirely new concept of magic so you have to forget all old concepts."

Sakura seemed a bit troubled now. Yelan looked at her carefully.

"Is there a problem Sakura?" Yelan questioned firmly.

Sakura looked at her, "Will I be able to use my cards with it?"

Yelan smiled and nodded, "You will be able to use them in a much better way than ever Sakura. You will understand their magic better. You will understand the moon guardian's magic better. Perhaps, if you try, you can return your brother's magic to him as well in the process. As I mentioned earlier, it opens greater possibilities to you. You can even use your opponent's magic against him."

Sakura was relieved to hear that. Her cards meant the world to her and wanted them there. She was doing it for them and she will most definitely save them. She promised herself that in her mind. Yelan was glad to see her confidence return. Syaoran found his lost confidence as well. He wondered what greater possibilities could exist with his charms or he could use new magic with his charms. He was thrilled with the idea.

Yelan looked at her two students, "Are you ready now?"

Sakura and Syaoran nodded with confidence. They will learn for sure. Syaoran needed to prove himself his clan and protect Sakura in the future. For that, he has to learn this new magic. Sakura did not stay that simple. She wanted to protect her friends from any future threats as the current where they were captured. Sakura had not forgotten what Yelan had told them just the day before. Several sorcerers from around the world should have been after her and it was a miracle that she was still there. She had a feeling that Syaoran would get caught up as well for her sake. Worst things waited for her in the close future and this new magic sounded assuring against them all. She had to learn it in the shortest amount of time. Yelan understood their minds very well. She could see the source of confidence and determination. The two, no doubt, were perfectly suited for each other.

End of Chapter 7

How was it? Forgive any mistakes. Read and Review guys.