A/N: New Chapter is up. Read and Review please.

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS and its characters.

Chapter 8: Harder Than Expected

Sakura and Syaoran sat obediently to begin the new learning. They would follow everything Yelan had to say. Yelan did not fail to notice their slight impatience.

Yelan broke the short silence, "Patience is very important in this. It is far more difficult than you could expect. It took me years to learn it and many more to master it. You have to do that in weeks. Stay calm and be patient."

Sakura and Syaoran nodded making sure to keep their heads cool all through their training. Yelan closed her eyes and once again began to think. The two kids knew she was planning something for them. After a while, Yelan opened her eyes and looked at them carefully.

"I do not know of any other way to learn it. Therefore, I will do it just the way I had learned it." Yelan spoke softly. "Sakura. Release your wand. Syaoran. Bring out your sword. Put as much magic as you could in them."

Sakura and Syaoran nodded. Moments later, they sat with their items in their hands. They concentrated to put more magic in it. Sakura's wand elongated. The wings became bigger and the six-sided golden star transformed into a ten-sided golden star inside the circle. The base of the wand had a red crystal embedded into it. It had a faint white glow inside it making it look as if something was present inside the crystal. The new wand was different from any wand she had seen so far. Syaoran's sword elongated as well. It shone much brighter than ever as if made of diamond. The hilt was longer with a blue gem embedded at the end. The part joining the hilt and the blade shone as if made of pure gold. It had several carvings all over it that looked like moon in its various stages. It looked enchantingly marvellous.

Yelan smiled to see the outcome, "Now exchange your mediums. Syaoran shall take the wand and Sakura shall have the sword throughout the training."

This part surprised them a little but they did as she told them to do. She knew best. Sakura had expected the sword to be heavier but it barely had any weight in it.

Sakura spoke, "This is so light. It feels like feather."

Syaoran looked relieved to hear that she found it light. He was worried she would find it very heavy. Yelan simply smiled to hear her words. She knew a deeper meaning and reason to it.

Yelan continued her work, "The medium you now hold is full to the brim with magic. It is not your own magic. Since you know about each other's magic, this part should work faster and better. You have to feel the magic in the items you hold. You have to feel it as not a mass of magic. You have to try to enter that mass and try to find the insides. This is the first thing you must learn. This is very basic of this art."

Syaoran asked his query, "Why did we exchange them? Could we not just try it with our own items?"

Yelan smiled, "It is much more difficult to examine your own magic compared to a foreign magic. You are too used to your own magic so you will undoubtedly miss several aspects of it. That is why it is best to start with foreign magic."

Syaoran and Sakura nodded. Yelan got to her feet.

"You two can start anytime you wish. I will return shortly." Yelan spoke and left the hall.

Sakura and Syaoran exchanged a smile and then turned to the items they held tightly. Both felt massive amount of magic present in them and they recognised it easily. However, they felt it as a mass just as Yelan had mentioned earlier. They began to concentrate on the item. They knew it will be difficult but they will manage it without a doubt.

Yelan opened a portal above her fan and smiled as she watched her two students try their best. She walked through the corridor watching them. She had to admit that Sakura looked exceptionally cute when she concentrated with a wrinkled nose. Syaoran for once seemed oblivious of Sakura's presence. His expressionless face and blank eyes surprised Yelan a bit. She did not know that Syaoran concentrated in such a peculiar way. Seeing him gave her a feeling that he had no thought in his mind any more. Sakura was new to this so Yelan could tell she was having a hard time clearing her mind for the task.

Meiling spoke, "Syaoran looks slightly scary Aunt Yelan. Is it alright?"

Yelan looked at her niece walking next to her. She did not realise when Meiling had joined her.

Yelan did not change her facade, "I believe it is his way to concentrate. He is very determined to learn it. Sakura, as I expected, is having a much harder time. She never had to do much when she used the cards. The cards did everything for her. She simply needed to feel the magic presence in times of problems and supply the cards with her magic. She is not used to such things so it is difficult for her. I guess Syaoran will learn faster compared to Sakura dear."

Meiling looked at Sakura with worry, "I hope that does not dishearten her."

Yelan nodded but did not reply. She shut her fan and the image vanished. Meiling walked next to her in silence until they came to the kitchen. Meiling did not notice it until they reached the kitchen since she was thinking about her cousin and best friend. She was surprised since Yelan never came to kitchen. The maids and the butlers inside were shocked as well. They bowed politely as she entered.

Yelan told them in a commanding voice, "I would like today's lunch to be of Sakura's favourites. Meiling will tell you about the favourites and we will eat in the back garden." Yelan turned to Meiling with a smile, "Simply an attempt to keep her cheered up. Do you think my son will mind it?"

Meiling smirked, "If he sees Sakura happy, he will love it."

Yelan and Meiling exchanged a smile. Yelan left the kitchen most graciously and Meiling stayed behind to help the staff. She wanted to give Tomoyo a call for better options but she knew Tomoyo would be at school. Meiling sighed and sat recalling all she knew about Sakura's favourites. The staff patiently waited for her to tell them what they had to prepare.

Yelan walked through the corridor towards the training hall carrying a book in one hand and her fan in the other. She walked lost in her thoughts letting her legs take her to her destination automatically. She slid open the door noiselessly and entered the hall. Yelan watched her students still trying hard on the task. They had not moved an inch in all this time. Yelan returned to her former position and scanned both the kids carefully. She saw sweat appear on Syaoran's forehead and his eyes revealed slight frustration. Yelan could tell he was still where he started. Sakura sat with much more sweat on her face and hands. She looked slightly disheartened but she still tried to concentrate. Yelan could tell she had not progressed either. She sighed audibly and that caught the kids' attention.

Yelan looked at Syaoran, "You have to have more patience Syaoran. You cannot learn it in a single day. It took me a year to accomplish what you are trying to learn in a few weeks. I will take time but you will manage it."

Syaoran nodded and Yelan turned to Sakura, "Sakura dear. You are very new to this thing. Therefore, it is much harder for you. However, you are doing it in the wrong way. Do not try to use your eyes to concentrate. Use your mind and sense for the purpose. You have to feel the magic. You have to feel the subtlety of the energy. Sometimes, sorcerers find it when they shut their eyes. You can try that as well. Look at the magic through the eye of your mind."

Sakura turned red on her ears and nodded. Yelan noticed it and knew that Sakura felt embarrassed.

Yelan smiled, "I am sure you will manage it dear. You have your determination and reason to help you." She looked at Syaoran next. "Do not forget both of you that this task is the first as well as the most crucial step to master this art. It will act as the very foundation to your further training so you have to accomplish the feat as fast as possible. No pressure from my side and I am confident that you will emerge victorious in your struggle. Good luck."

Yelan opened her book and began to read. Sakura and Syaoran exchanged a smile and then continued trying to concentrate. Yelan had an eye on both of them without actually looking at them. She noticed Syaoran looking calmer than before. Sakura seemed to be thinking something as she stared at the sword. After a while, she shut her eyes and concentrated. Yelan simply smiled a mysterious smile as she returned to reading her book.

The lunch was very silent. Sakura and Syaoran sulked since they made no progress at all. Of course, seeing her favourite dishes cheered Sakura up and that brought a smile to Syaoran's face. Meiling felt better to see the tense atmosphere lighten up. Nevertheless, no one broke the silence. Sakura would have retired to her own room if Yelan had once again not asked Syaoran to sleep all night. Sakura's 'HOE!' and Syaoran's 'WHAT!' rang all over the mansion once again. Meiling enjoyed it as much as Yelan did to see the little couple berry-faced as Sakura followed Syaoran to his room for the night. Meiling and Yelan exchanged amused glances as they watched them ascend the stairs to his room.

Time stopped that night before the couple could fall asleep. Sakura was saddened once again and Syaoran held her hand comfortably to warm her up. She indeed felt better when he held her hand. Yelan sat in her room conscious of the halted time and slight stiff with worry. She knew she was gambling here with her students. If they did not make it in time in learning that magic, Sakura will lose enough to break her down. Nevertheless, she had no other choice. This was the only option left to her and from her experience of the past; she knew that losing hope would only make things worse. She knew she had to trust them and be patient. Yelan sat silently in her room reading her strange book. Meiling was not used to moving while nothing moved. It was too awkward for her. Yet, she felt the heavy atmosphere in the mansion. She could guess how her friends felt. She knew how her aunt felt. She felt useless every time she remembered all this. She had come to help her cousin and friends but she was helpless. She simply sat on her bed under her blanket sulking at her thoughts. She waited for the time to start flowing once again so that she could once again feel normal. None realised when sleep overtook them in the night since everyone woke up next morning the same as last night. Yelan was still on her chair. Meiling lay in sitting position under her blanket. Sakura and Syaoran woke up still holding hands. They smiled to each other with red faces while they still lay on the bed. Yelan left her chair, picked her fan and looked around scrutinizing. Meiling jumped off her bed with a large yawn. Sakura and Syaoran sat up after a while and reluctantly let go of each other's hands. Sakura felt her cheeks warm just as the morning before. She knew the reason and it was not Syaoran. Syaoran suddenly saw Sakura looking around as if searching for something. He watched her with confusion for a while until Sakura stopped her search with a slightly sad face. He shifted closer to her. She sensed his approach and smiled to him.

"I better go to my room and get ready for training. You do the same Syaoran." Sakura spoke melodiously.

Syaoran was not convinced with her smile but nodded nonetheless. Sakura hurriedly left his room without looking at him again. Syaoran wanted to stop her and talk but decided to let her approach him whenever she felt sober enough to talk. Syaoran decided to get ready and not give his mother a reason to complain.

Yelan entered his room as soon as he got off the bed. She had a serious look and yet a tender smile.

Yelan looked around, "I see. Sakura is up already."

Syaoran nodded, "She just left moments ago to her room."

Yelan sensed slight concern in his tone.

"Are you not telling me something Syaoran?" Yelan questioned putting on a mysterious air around her.

Syaoran gulped. He knew this air very well. Yelan had realised his concern and guessed that it was for Sakura.

Syaoran nodded, "Well…Sakura woke up fine and then began to search for something. She did not find it and turned sad. She did not tell me whatever she was looking for. I would have helped her look for it."

Yelan pondered over her son's words for a while with closed eyes. Syaoran watched his mother nervously rooted to his place. He did not even dare to move or speak as long as Yelan had that air around her. Yelan looked at him after a while with softer eyes.

"I can guess what she searched for but I will ask her during breakfast. Be on time Syaoran." Yelan left with that and Syaoran released the breath he held. He sat on the bed for a while deep in thought.

'!HOE!' Sakura's trademark shout echoed throughout the mansion to break Syaoran's thoughts. Worried for her safety, he ran out of his room to her room. He saw Meiling, Yelan and Wei hurry to her room as well along with other servants in the mansion. They all looked very worried. Yelan seemed more tensed compared to everyone else. They stopped opposite her door and threw it open. The sight before them surprised everyone.

Sakura stood in the centre of the room staring at the huge poster hung above the head of the huge bed. Her scarlet face and shocked looks showed that she was very embarrassed. The audience followed her line of sight to see what embarrassed her so much. They saw the poster and its contents. The next moment, Syaoran turned beet red as well, Meiling laughed, Yelan hid her smile behind the fan and the rest decided to leave with amusement.

The poster was a huge picture of Sakura and Syaoran hugging on the broken stairs of the clock tower with the sun rising in the background. Sakura and Syaoran wore Tomoyo's dress on the eve when she caught the last card two months back. The scene was from the time after she had caught it. They had confessed their love and Sakura had jumped to hug him before the stairs returned with the sun rising since she could not wait for the damage to disappear. Both looked very happy in the scene.

Syaoran and Sakura stared at the poster with open mouths while Meiling and Yelan stared at them with amusement. Both were equally scarlet seeing the scene but they did not look this red in the picture. It seemed natural to them. Yelan stepped forward and noticed a piece of paper stuck to the corner of the poster. She waved her hand and the paper floated to her hand. Yelan did not look at the content of the paper and gave it to Sakura.

Yelan spoke, "I believe you were searching for this when you woke up."

Sakura looked at the paper with her normal face and then at Yelan. She smiled to the older woman and then returned to the paper. Sakura beamed seeing it and the rest smiled to see her happy.

'A little gift to our little blossom and little wolf. You managed to do the impossible that day with capturing the card and retaining his feeling for you. Be patient and you will succeed. The magic is difficult but you will manage. Tell your wolf to do the same. I am sure that we will meet soon, again. We love you my dear.'

Sakura read it aloud for the rest the first time and then read it in her mind several times. She smiled happily, as she read it. Sakura whispered, "I love you two as well mom." And looked up at the huge poster. Yelan looked at her with warm eyes. Syaoran stared at the poster as well remembering those wonderful moments when he hugged her. He remembered her warmth very clearly. Meiling watched the young couple staring at the poster with loving eyes. Yelan turned to the poster as well. She had to admit that Syaoran and Sakura looked extremely happy in it. She had barely ever seen her son that happy.

Meiling decided to break the long silence, "You know what. If Tomoyo sees that, she will make a fuss on missing to record that moment when you two hugged. She will try to get you two to repeat it for her."

Sakura and Syaoran flinched at that. They both knew Meiling was correct with her words. Yelan looked amused to see the little couple scarlet as well as nervous.

Yelan spoke, "I think we should get ready for breakfast and then for training. Meiling. You will be late for school if you do not hurry."

Meiling was stunned. Sakura and Syaoran were surprised as well.

Meiling asked, "I have to go to school! Why did you not tell it to me yesterday?"

Yelan smiled to her, "I wanted to surprise you. Besides, Sakura and Syaoran need to train. They cannot go but you are free. I figured you could use this time and continue your studies here to help these two later when they join in."

Meiling nodded and ran away shouting that she is late. Yelan turned to Syaoran.

"Syaoran. Why are you still standing here?" Yelan spoke with fake irritation.

Syaoran knew it was fake but decided to run away before it became real. Yelan smiled to see him fled. She turned to Sakura who grew nervous. Yelan approached her gracefully, bent down and kissed her forehead.

"Good Morning Sakura." Yelan lovingly wished her with a smile.

Sakura smiled angelically, "Good Morning Mrs Yelan."

"You did not succeed yesterday but do not be disheartened. Do not worry and keep trying. I am sure you will learn it soon. I have faith in you my dear."

Sakura nodded, "Thank you."

Yelan straightened up, "I will see you at breakfast then."

Sakura nodded and Yelan left looking at the poster with a smile. Sakura glanced at the picture once before dashing to the showers. The breakfast was silent since Meiling had run off happily to the school when she found out it was the same as Tomoyo and others. She simply could not stop herself and she was running out of time as well.

After the breakfast, the duo went to the training hall and continued their training under Yelan's watchful eyes. By evening, they had still not made any progress. Sakura was dejected once again. Syaoran began to train sword fighting in the hall while Sakura stared at her star-key in her palm. Syaoran glanced at her occasionally and saw her sad. He could no nothing but watch since it was not her fault. Yelan had already told them in the very beginning that it would take months for any sign of progress and they had been at it for only two days.

The dinner was noisy with Meiling narrating the events of the school. Sakura was laughing at the comical events. Syaoran and Yelan smiled to see her laugh. Meiling continued to narrate her story regarding Yamazaki lying once more about her 'fated' return and Chiharu pulling at his ears. Naoko thought of a new story about her return and Rika looked cute when she saw Mr Terada. Tomoyo misses Sakura but is waiting for them to return. Meiling made an excuse about Syaoran's delay in arrival that satisfied everyone. They are now looking forward to seeing him again.

The night was the same as every night. Time would stop at the same time and they would fall asleep mysteriously only to wake up the next morning with everything normal. It did not bother them much except for Sakura. She saw the same dream every night and it was getting worse with every passing night. Her cards and guardians would look weaker with every dream. It reminded her of how little time she had left and increased her doubts and insecurity. She desperately wanted to save them before time runs out she could do nothing currently. The new magic was her only chance and she was making no progress at all. A week had already passed.

Tomoyo dragged Sakura and Syaoran to the new cafe in an attempt to cheer them up along with Meiling. Strangely, Elliot did not strangle them. Instead, she looked at them as if asking what was wrong. Sullivan gave them similar looks from behind the counter. Elliot took them to their table and waited for the orders. Tomoyo looked through the menu for a suitable thing to order. Curiosity got the better of Elliot as she watched Sakura and Syaoran.

"You two look very down. Is something the matter?" Elliot asked gently.

Sakura smiled to her and shook her head, "We are fine. Thank you for asking."

Elliot was not convinced, "No. Something is bothering you two. Tell me. Maybe I could help or say something to help you. I prefer to see kids smiling rather than depressed. Please tell me."

Sakura and Syaoran exchanged glances. Syaoran held her hand warmly under the table. Tomoyo and Meiling let Sakura decide what to say. Sakura took a deep breath.

"I have been trying to learn something very important for a week now. However, I have made no progressed at all. I have limited time to learn it all but I have not even grasped the first step." Sakura spoke softly.

Elliot spoke, "Do you have a teacher to teach you the proper way?"

Sakura nodded. "What does s/he have to say about it all?"

Sakura grimly replied, "She told us at beginning that it would take months so a week is too soon but…I want to learn it as fast as possible. It is very urgent."

Elliot smiled softly, "If she said that it would take months then follow her words. She knows the best. She must know the proper reason for the long period of learning. You do not have to be in a hurry. Sometimes, we should learn things slowly since hurried learning could prove bad in the end. Take your time learning it and do not be depressed if it is taking long. Relax and smile. If you feel down, just come here and I will make something nice for you."

Sakura smiled and nodded. Syaoran and others felt better that Sakura gave a genuine smile. They smiled thankfully to Elliot who continued to smile at Sakura.

Elliot smiled, "I can give you an example. Cooking. You cannot learn to cook properly in a day or two. It requires patience, practice and dedication. It takes months to perfect a single dish and years to become a master chef. The fastest way to cook anything new is to cook as if you are doing it for the first time. So stop being depressed in a week. Every time you try to learn, do it the way you did it on your first day minus the mistakes. Take your time to learn it properly."

Sakura nodded, "Thank you. I feel much better."

Elliot nodded with a grin, "Good. Then I will bring you kids a new sundae I have been working on for a while now. I call it, 'Cheer up Cute Wolf and Strong Blossom'. It is on the house today."

Elliot did not wait for them to speak. She rushed to the kitchen and Sullivan simply shook his head from the counter. He attended to the other customers while Elliot was busy in the kitchen. Sakura and Syaoran were scarlet at the name. Meiling and Tomoyo stifled a giggle. Syaoran glared at the cousins and Sakura stared at the table.

The sundae was huge and obviously very delicious. Elliot kept staring at them happily from the counter while they ate. The four kids could tell that she was hugging the daylight out of them in her mind. They felt glad she did not do it as she did the last time. Nevertheless, their thoughts could not keep them distracted from the sundae for too long. It was simply brilliant.

Sakura indeed felt better after that. Elliot seemed like an over-excited happy-go-lucky kind of girl but Sakura had to admit that she was pretty intelligent. Syaoran learned something new as well. The evening training period surprised Yelan slightly. She could sense the renewed vigour present around her two students. They seemed more determined and barely depressed. Yelan could not help but smile to see that her decision to let them off for the noon had such positive change in them. Both concentrated better than earlier.

The dinner was silent once again. Sakura looked slightly down but she ate heartily. Syaoran was in a similar state. He seemed down but relaxed as well. Yelan smiled to see it. Meiling did not bother with it. Elliots words had lifted their spirits and she knew it will be a while before they are down again. Until then, she did not need to worry about anything at all.

Yelan spoke, "Sakura. Syaoran. How are things until now?"

Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other and then at the older woman.

Sakura replied, "We have made no progress at all. We still stand where we stood a week ago."

Syaoran spoke, "Yes. It felt easier but it is hard. This new art of magic is much harder than expected."

Yelan smiled and nodded, "Yes. It is hard to learn but not impossible. I have faith that you two will manage it in time. Nevertheless, you are wrong to say that you have made no progress at all."

Sakura and Syaoran looked at her with surprise. Yelan smiled knowingly.

"I have been watching you since the start and I can tell that your control over your magic has improved. Your senses have sharpened as well. However, they are not sharp enough for the current task. Nevertheless, I can tell that if it continues like this, you two manage it in a month or two. Cheer up. You two are doing great."

Sakura and Syaoran smiled happily at each other. Sakura smiled at Yelan.

"Thank you Mrs Yelan. Knowing that boosts our confidence a lot. We will disappoint you."

Yelan nodded, "You must be tired after the tiring day. Why do you two not head to bed now?"

Sakura and Syaoran nodded and left the table after bidding Meiling and Yelan a 'Goodnight'. Yelan and Meiling watched them ascend the stairs together with a smile. Once they disappeared around the corner, Meiling turned to Yelan.

"Sakura's room is to the right. Why did she head left with Syaoran?" Meiling questioned her doubt.

Yelan smiled with mischievous glint in her eyes, "Why my dear niece? You already know the answer to that question. They always sleep together. I do not have to tell them to it anymore."

Meiling smirked, "Our little Sakura is growing up. Wait until Tomoyo knows of it."

Yelan nodded without losing the glint in her eyes. Suddenly the glint increased several folds.

Yelan spoke, "Meiling. How about you invite Miss Daidouji for a sleepover tomorrow without telling Sakura?"

Meiling sniggered, "Aunt Yelan. You are very naughty."

Yelan smirked, "I cannot help it. I am a girl at heart after all."

End of Chapter 8

Tell me how it was. I know this chapter turned out to be slightly boring. Forgive me for the mistakes. Nevertheless, I promise that the next chapter will be more fun. Hold your breath everyone.

By the way; can someone please provide me with the correct timelines of CCS. I have sort of messed it up in the future chapters and I want to fix it up before posting it. Please help me.