A/N: Sorry for the late update. However, this chapter is better than the last one, I promise. Some fun, some surprises and some…now that would spoiling the chapter. Read and Review. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I wish I could say that I own CCS but tragically, I do not. !SOB! !SOB!

Chapter 9: The First Step

Indeed the next day, Sakura and Syaoran were surprised when Tomoyo arrived with Meiling for a sleepover. Yelan welcomed her as a perfect host would. Sakura and Syaoran missed the mischievous glint in her eyes that Tomoyo and Meiling caught very easily. After dinner, Sakura wanted to join the girls but Tomoyo asked her to sleep since she must be tired after the training. Sakura insisted but Tomoyo did not budge. As always, Sakura missed the shine in her eyes as she held her camera behind her back. Reluctantly Sakura went off to sleep. She did not realise that she went to Syaoran's room and forgot that Tomoyo loved recording the two of them together no matter what the situation. In Sakura's presence, even Syaoran seemed to forget this little detail.

Surprisingly, time did not stop that night so everyone slept peacefully and knowingly. Tomoyo and Meiling obviously sneaked into Syaoran's room in the dead of the night to record their cousins sleeping peacefully together. They managed to prevent their squealing at the sight of their cousins sleeping holding hands together and faces very close to each other. Yelan was outside the room and watching the two girls with amusement. Tomoyo shot the videos from every angle possible while Meiling was having fun watching her starry-eyed friend.

The morning began with Sakura's trademark scream. '!HOE!' Syaoran was the only one that did not cover his ears at the scream even though he was right next to her while the rest were in their rooms. Syaoran sat straight and looked at Sakura with worry that was busy reading another note with a flushed face. She gave the note to him and he read it carefully only to turn blood red at the content.

'Good Morning Sakura dear. You should be careful with Tomoyo around. Did you know that she recorded you sleeping with your boyfriend last night while you held his hand? Fortunately for Tomoyo and unfortunately (I wonder about this) for you, your face was barely half an inch away from his. You almost kissed him and she recorded it too well. Meiling was very much a part of it as well along with a third person. Be careful my dear. Your mom says hi as well.'

Syaoran and Sakura looked at each other with red faces and then raced out of the room.

"TOMOYO DAIDOUJI!" They both shouted in unison as they raced along the corridor towards Meiling's room where the said person was asleep. They were barely ten metres from the door when it opened with a bang and Tomoyo ran away clutching her camera tightly in her hands. Meiling followed suit and the young flustered couple chased them. The chase continued from the corridor to the main hall downstairs and then to the dining hall. Tomoyo and Meiling enjoyed being chased while Sakura and Syaoran were getting pissed off with every step they took. They loved their cousins and friends but sometimes, they could prove to be outrageous.

As soon as they entered the dining hall, Syaoran stiffened up and stopped chasing. Sakura continued and the culprit continued to run as well. No one took note that Syaoran had stopped chasing, Yelan sat on the head chair with her tea, Wei stood next to her and other servants were around as well. Syaoran was nervous in his mother's presence so he stopped to behave properly. The rest did not notice her as they ran around in circles around the hall.

Syaoran stood silently and watched his mother calmly drink her tea. She looked amused as she watched the trio run around. Wei and the servants chuckled as well. The morning had never been this lively in their memories. Syaoran slightly sweat-dropped to see even Meiling acting like that before his mother since she knew Yelan as well as he did while the other two girls had only a faint idea. Yelan did not say anything to stop them. She simply enjoyed her tea along with the chase she found adorable to watch. She found little Sakura very adorable when she got angry and flustered at the same time.

Yelan decided to stop the chase after a while, "Sakura dear."

Sakura paused instantly at her voice pale on the face. She had not noticed the elder woman sitting and watching her all this time. She slowly turned to look at Yelan. Yelan was indeed amused by Sakura's reaction but Sakura did not notice it. She immediately bowed for an apology.

Sakura apologised with sincerity, "I am so very sorry for my bad behaviour in your presence Mrs Yelan. I am very sorry. Please forgive me."

Yelan chuckled a bit. Syaoran simply smiled from the door. That was exactly like Sakura. He could tell that Yelan had not minded anything at all but Sakura did not notice it. She was feeling too bad to notice the obvious. Tomoyo and Meiling watched her from a distance while Tomoyo still held onto her camera with her dear life. It held the footage of her favourite couple asleep after all.

Yelan signalled to the chair next to her, "Join me for breakfast Sakura dear."

Sakura miserably shifted next to her and sat on the chair, "I am really sorry Mrs Yelan."

Yelan continued to smile warmly, "It is perfectly all right. Do not stress over it. You have done nothing to offend me. Instead, I found it very adorable. Join us Syaoran. Meiling. Miss Daidouji."

The three people came to the table and Sakura felt better knowing that Yelan was not offended. Tomoyo felt better knowing that the couple forgot about her camera for the time being. That was enough for Tomoyo to safeguard the footage. She would not give up on such a priceless footage at any cost. Meiling noticed the shine in her eyes and knew that Tomoyo was happy on the escape. Yelan was busy watching Sakura eat her breakfast that Wei had served her.

After the breakfast, Yelan sent Meiling and Tomoyo for school with a wink and glint in her eyes. The two girls understood the elder woman's mind and left before the little couple remembered the camera again considering that Sakura's infamous shout '!HOE!' sounding all the way to the main door as they rushed out. They knew she remembered the chase from upstairs. The duo ran away before Sakura could arrive to chase them again. Sakura arrived as the car drove away. Sakura sighed in defeat as Yelan smiled silently. The mission was a success.

Half an hour later, Sakura and Syaoran sat in the training hall opposite Yelan for the training. Sakura held onto his long sword and Syaoran held onto her elongated staff. They concentrated as per Yelan's guidelines on the mediums as hard as they could. Their concentration never wavered even for a moment. Sakura's determination to save her friends and Syaoran's will to help Sakura did not let it waver for hours on the run. Neither realised how time passed until Yelan announced the lunchtime. The trio went together to the dining table.

The lunch was silent as always. Unlike every day, Sakura was not sulking. She was planning her further actions for after the lunch. Yelan had her eyes on Sakura all the while. She could see a new shine in her eyes. Yelan could tell that Sakura was not down on her failure so far. Yelan could tell that Sakura was planning something. Syaoran had a similar shine in his eyes. He too was busy with his thoughts. Yelan simply smiled as she ate her lunch. She had a plan of her own now.

Sakura and Syaoran began to head back to the training hall after the lunch. Yelan stayed seated on her place and watched them silently. They realised that Yelan was not following them so they turned to look at her. They found her watching them with deep thoughts.

Yelan spoke, "I have a few things to handle for now. You two are free to do anything you plan until evening as long as you stay inside the estate or mansion. I will be in my study if you need anything."

Yelan stood up as the duo nodded. She walked upstairs and entered her study. Sakura and Syaoran looked at each other and smiled with red cheeks.

Syaoran spoke, "I will be in the backyard practicing with my sword. I have not done that in a long time."

Sakura nodded, "I will be in the training hall then. I have to keep trying."

They nodded and headed to their destinations. Sakura shut the door and went to the centre of the hall. She summoned her staff and elongated it as far as she could. She stood in the centre holding the staff firmly in her hands with her eyes shut and deep in concentration. Syaoran reached the backyard, brought his sword out and began to practice with his sword. It was his way to think better. He began to think of every way he could use to somehow learn the new art of magic faster. He wanted to help Sakura as soon as possible but at the current rate, he was afraid he could not help at all. Nevertheless, losing hope will do no one good. He had to keep it and stay determined. He had to fight off his weakness and win for Sakura. She had vowed to protect her and was willing to even lose his feelings for her if that would mean he could help her even the slightest two months back against the last clow card. Sakura stood in the centre with her staff and deep concentration. She knew Syaoran was trying his best to help. She knew he would do everything possible to help her. She almost lost him two months back because she was not strong enough. She lost her cards and guardians few days back because she was not strong enough. Even her brother ended up losing his magic because she could not sustain Yue on her own. She will not let it happen again. She will get stronger so that no one would be at risk because of her. She was only a little more than eleven and she was not willing to give up because of that. She would learn the new art anyhow and fast.

Yelan came to the backyard to collect her son. He sat in a corner resting his tired muscles and staring in the sky with a soft smile. It was a rare sight for Yelan from her son. She barely ever saw her son smile like that. She knew that he was thinking about Sakura. She decided to bring him out of his trance since he had yet not noticed her and she was going to take him to his beloved Sakura.

Yelan spoke lightly, "Thinking of Sakura, are you?"

Syaoran jumped up with surprise. He saw his mother and then stood with respect.

"M…Mother. You should have called for me." Syaoran bowed slightly to her.

Yelan grinned behind her fan with amusement in her eyes, "And miss the rare sight of my son lost in thoughts of his beloved! No. I would love to see that."

Syaoran blushed knowing that his mother caught his thoughts with ease. He did not respond and continued to stare at the ground. Yelan smiled and turned to go in.

"Come one Syaoran. We are going to the training hall. Sakura has been in there all day doing I do not know what."

Syaoran followed Yelan inside the mansion. She walked graciously to the training hall. As soon as she opened the door, the sight inside shocked both of them. Sakura lay unconscious in the centre of the hall clutching her short staff tightly. Several balls lay all around the hall in a mess. They hurried to Sakura and Yelan sat next to Sakura. She took her gently in her arms and looked at her face. Both sighed in relief as well as surprise to see her face. She seemed exhausted but content. She wore a delicate smile, as she seemed to be sleeping peacefully after whatever she did in the day. Syaoran was still worried but Yelan just smiles.

Syaoran asked, "Is she alright mother?"

Yelan nodded, "Yes. She is simply sleeping. I believe she got tired after whatever she did in here all day. Let her rest as long as she wishes while you return to your training."

Yelan easily picked the little girl in her arms and headed to the corner of the hall. She summoned a comfortable bed with her magic and laid Sakura on it. Sakura still held onto her staff very tight. Yelan covered her with the blanket and returned to her usual place to supervise Syaoran's training. She collected the scattered balls with a wave of her hand and returned it to the basket in the other corner of the hall. Sakura slept peacefully with her smile all the way to dinner.

Sakura woke up with a loud, '!HOE!' that only Syaoran seemed to have not heard in his concentration while Yelan almost fell back defensively with surprise at the sudden shout. Wei and others came in a hurry to see what trouble came up for Sakura and the rest. They were surprised that Syaoran had not heard her shout at all. Sakura looked around and then realised everything. She turned scarlet with embarrassment as she jumped off the bed and rushed to Yelan. Sakura sat on her knees.

"I am very sorry Mrs Yelan. I should not have slept and missed the training." Sakura apologised sincerely.

Yelan smiled and Syaoran looked up at her as well. They bother smiled slightly. Wei and the rest left with slight giggles realising that it was only Sakura's usual squeal.

Yelan spoke, "Do not worry. You were tired and it is better to sleep after it than to push yourself for more training."

Syaoran asked, "What were you doing in here anyway Sakura?"

Sakura smiled at both of them and then looked at her staff. Even in her sleep, it never returned to its key form.

Sakura grinned, "I have to show you something."

She raised her staff and brought its head next to Syaoran's sword. She concentrated hard and scrunched her nose in her process. Syaoran blushed seeing that. Yelan smiled at the effect on her son. Sakura looked even more adorable now and Syaoran noticed it no doubt. Yelan turned to watch what Sakura was doing and her eyes widened. Syaoran felt his sword shake and looked down at it. His eyes widened as well.

The sword shook for a while and then slowly lifted in air. It floated higher as Sakura lifted her staff gently. They both watched as Syaoran's large sword flew to their eye levels and stayed there for a few moments. Then it fell with a clank and Sakura took deep breaths as if relieved from a great burden. They stared at the sword for a while and then turned to look at Sakura. She looked a little tired but her face glowed with happiness.

Sakura turned to Yelan, "How did I do?"

Yelan found it hard to find the words. She had never expected what she saw. She gaped for a while completely out of her character with shock. Sakura took that as a sign of disapproval and disappointment and turned sad. Yelan noticed it and checked her reaction.

Yelan spoke softly with a smile, "My dear Sakura. You have exceeded all my expectations. I was not expecting something like this for another month or so from either of you. You have surprised me Sakura."

Sakura found her lost smile and beamed happily at the praise. Syaoran still could not believe it. He could not figure out how Sakura managed it when he could not. They started together and he had more experience with magic as well. Yet, Sakura managed it before him. He did not know whether to be happy that Sakura managed or to be sad that he had yet not. Sakura saw it and knew what he felt. She took his hand and Syaoran looked at her. Her sweet smile brought a smile on his face as well.

Sakura spoke, "I know you want to know how I did this. Would you like to know now or after dinner?"

Syaoran smiled lovingly with pink cheek, "After dinner would be better. Thank you Sakura."

Sakura shook her head in denial, "No. It is my pleasure."

Yelan got up to her feet and returned to her former elegant and intimidating self. The duo looked at her as they hurriedly got to their feet as well. Yelan watched both the kids carefully for a while as if analysing something. Sakura was nervous under her scrutinizing gaze.

Yelan spoke, "Come now. We have a dinner waiting for us."

She walked towards the door and the duo obediently followed her. The dinner was silent but comfortable. No one spoke a word but the air had happiness mixed with it. Sakura's happiness that she made a progress. Syaoran's happiness that Sakura was happy and she would help him progress faster now. Yelan's happiness that the training was going smoothly and she saw a result. The servants could feel the comfortable silence and that brought a smile to the faces. Yelan watched Sakura with interest as she ate oblivious of the gaze of the older woman. Syaoran silently ate his dinner planning to perform better the following day. He knew he should not be too far from it. Meiling could not help but smile at the soothing silence and Sakura's glow though she had no idea of the reason to the change. She simply sat silently watching and eating.

Yelan broke the long silence, "Sakura dear. I know you two decided to talk of it after dinner but I am curious. What did you do all afternoon to learn that?"

Sakura beamed with her smile. Yelan suddenly had the urge to pinch Sakura's cheeks adorably. She found Sakura extremely cute. Yelan resisted the urge with all her will. Syaoran had the urge to kiss her. Thinking of it, he turned beet red and looked away from her face to his plate. Meiling smiled at Syaoran's reaction but was flabbergasted at Yelan's cherry cheek and almost starry eyes. Meiling could see that Yelan was holding herself back for some reason. Since Meiling did not see Sakura's beaming face, she did not know how Sakura brought out such a reaction from her strict and stern aunt. She never lost her authoritative personality against anyone. Sakura had already brought out the woman in Yelan's heart unknowingly long ago and now she almost turned the older woman into one of her daughters. Suddenly Meiling understood where Syaoran's four sisters got their personalities. That is how Yelan might have been if she did not have the responsibilities of the clan.

Sakura replied, "I was busy trying to levitate the balls all afternoon. I failed every time but I felt that I made a progress with each failure. I kept trying until I managed to levitate a small for a second. I continued to try to hold it in air for longer time. Close to evening, I barely managed for about ten seconds before I lost control and I fell asleep in the hall. You know the rest."

While Syaoran and Meiling were shocked at her words, Yelan was again lost in her thoughts. She did not look surprised but she did not look satisfied from the answer either. Sakura patiently waited for Yelan to speak again.

After a long time, Yelan spoke, "I have hard time thinking that you managed it just like that. How did you bend your magic without knowing what it feels like?"

Sakura thought, "Actually, I had a feeling yesterday when I transformed my staff to its full strength. Before handing my staff over to Syaoran, I tried to look into the magic. Unlike every day and with Syaoran's magic, I did not sense a mass of magic. It was different from each time. I felt something flowing through the staff. Something subtle and fine. It felt like water for a moment but it was not water. It felt like my own magic. I ignored it then and the same took place this morning. This time, I managed to feel Syaoran's sword's magic in a similar flow as well. I could not go any deeper or control it but I felt a vague flow. In the afternoon, I tried to control it as much as I could. As I began, I felt some thick strings of my magic come out of my staff's head and float around. I tried to wrap those strings around the little balls to levitate them but the strings always broke easily. However, with each try, the string would stay intact a second longer. The balls are light so it did not take much time for me to levitate them but it still tires me out."

Syaoran and Meiling were shocked at her progress in a single day. Yelan looked impressed at Sakura's feat. Sakura smiled to see Yelan smile at her.

Yelan asked, "Now you are strong enough to levitate heavy objects as well like a sword, right?"

Sakura shook her head, "No. I cannot levitate anything heavy. The balls were very light. I have not tried on anything heavier than they are. I will try that tomorrow."

Even Yelan looked surprised now. Sakura was confused at the change she saw.

Yelan spoke, "You levitated Syaoran's sword. That thing is heavy."

Sakura became increasingly confused. She looked at Syaoran with her cutely confused face. Syaoran blushed unconsciously but did not notice it.

Sakura turned to Yelan, "His sword is as light as those balls. I can easily swing it around."

The trio were shocked while Sakura was increasingly confused. Yelan turned to Syaoran automatically. She knew that even Syaoran found the sword heavy when he received it a few years back. He would have never gotten used to it if he had not undergone further training with it. Meiling still found it very heavy. Sakura, who had no experience with a sword nor did she have the strength the lift one, should not have just found it light as a plastic ball.

Yelan spoke to Syaoran, "Syaoran. Give your sword to Sakura now. Sakura dear. Swing it around a few times."

Syaoran looked at his mother pleadingly to not do this to Sakura. No one wanted Sakura getting hurt by a sword. Yelan did not budge. She wanted to see Sakura's claim with her own eyes. Reluctantly, he carefully handed his sword to Sakura. Sakura held it by the hilt easily and moved to the open area at a little distance from the table. She firmly held the sword in one hand as she did with her own sword card. She swung the sword before her a few times. Clearly, she was inexperienced and did not know how to handle a sword at all. However, the audience stared at her with wide eyes. Her stroke were simple and held no power but she always stopped it abruptly as if the sword had no weight at all. She managed it with just one hand. After sometime, Sakura stopped and turned to the audience. She was confused again to see them shocked. She returned to her seat slowly. Yelan took the sword from her and returned it to Syaoran.

Yelan turned to Sakura, "That sword is very heavy. Even Meiling has trouble handling it. I am surprised that you find it so light. That is why I tried to test it."

Sakura nodded and turned to Syaoran. He simply nodded with a straight face. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Everyone was alert with the knock. No one was in the house so it could be a dangerous person. Considering that there was a dangerous person on loose with Sakura cards, Yelan and Syaoran stood ready for any attack as a male-servant opened the door cautiously. Nothing happened after the door was opened wide. Other servants rushed out find the person to knock. Yelan and group waited cautiously. They knew that assaulting the top members of the Li is not something most enemies would try without receiving the wrath from the ally clans. That was something that most would not wish to handle. The servants returned after a while empty handed. They shook their heads that they found nothing. Yelan was furious but Wei came forward to her carrying a piece of paper at that moment. He placed it in front of Yelan politely.

Wei spoke, "We found this stuck at the door. It does not look dangerous."

Yelan examined the paper carefully with her fan for a while before relaxing. She picked it up and read it quietly. The content brought a smile to her face and surprised the rest. She looked at Syaoran and then at Sakura with a smile.

Syaoran asked, "What does it say mother?"

Yelan turned to Sakura, "It seems that your secret guardian beat me to congratulating you on your success Sakura."

Sakura was confused for a moment wondering what she meant until it clicked on her mind. She beamed with happiness at Yelan as she turned to look at the paper.

Sakura asked, "What did he write this time Mrs Yelan?"

Yelan smiled at her enthusiasm, "Better hear it in his words." Yelan read it aloud.

'My dear Sakura. Congratulation on your success to the first step towards learning the art. Yes. What you achieved today is actually the first step towards your goals. It is also your first step towards your path where we will soon meet. Train hard my dear and take care of yourself. There is no hurry. Your cards still have enough magic to large a few months and I am sure that soon you will reclaim them from the enemy. Until then, work hard. Do not forget. Your mom loves you and so do I.'

'I almost forgot to tell you all something. There is a reason why Sakura find Syaoran's sword so easy to handle. It is simple. The sword is magical and it exists with Syaoran's magic. Syaoran wishes from the core of his heart to protect Sakura. As a result, his wish is transmitted into the sword through his magic. The sword wishes to protect Sakura as well now. Due to that, Sakura will always find the sword light. What makes it even lighter is the fact that Sakura and Syaoran's magic resonate almost perfectly. Therefore, Sakura and Syaoran can exchange their items if they learn how to use it and also mould it to look as they wish. However, do not try it until I arrive. Love you all.'

Sakura's eyes softened to know all that. She felt a deeper connection with Syaoran now. That brought butterflies in her stomach and Syaoran felt the same in his stomach. Yelan smiled softly. She handed the paper over to Sakura who read it all over again happily.

Yelan spoke, "It is time to sleep now. The day has been tiring to us all. Therefore, go and sleep. You two can talk tomorrow about Sakura's achievement."

They duo nodded and left the table. Meiling watched them leave the hall. She felt happy to know all that. She cannot wait to tell Tomoyo about it. She could guess the reaction she would get from the girl. Thinking about it brought a naughty smile on her face. She turned to Yelan and found her fondly smiling at another piece of paper.

Meiling spoke, "Aunt Yelan."

Yelan looked at her. Meiling felt she was dreaming when she saw Yelan's eyes wet yet happiness evident in them.

Yelan spoke, "My Eva is with him. She is looking after my son."

Meiling softened a bit when she heard Yelan's beaming tone. She was very happy, as a child is when it meets its mother. That was the image Meiling saw when she heard Yelan's happy tone.

Meiling asked, "Who is Eva?"

Yelan replied proudly, "Eva was my senior in high-school. She is a sorceress as well. A powerful sorceress. She taught me the art I am teaching Sakura and Syaoran now. She always told me that my son would achieve great things in his life and for that; he would need this art. Her boyfriend told her so as she always said. She vanished four years later leaving behind a note saying that she has to go to her boyfriend and do some things. That was the last thing I heard from her. This note today tells me that Eva is here and watching over Syaoran with him. She still loves me."

Meiling softened even further, "You really loved her right."

Yelan nodded, "Yes. I respected her above all else except my parents. When the quadruplets were born, I thought that her words were wrong. Then Syaoran was born and he turned out to be exactly as she used to tell me. Hard and strong on the outside but very soft and caring on the inside. Eva used to tell me that his life would truly begin when he would meet his soul mate and fall in love with her. I think that she knew about Sakura as well. I wish I could meet Eva now but this note clearly states that Eva cannot come out in the open just yet as it would risk a lot more than just Syaoran and Sakura. Eva will come to me someday through Sakura and Syaoran but it will be much after this person arrives."

Meiling spoke, "Sakura trusts him and the fact that your friend is with him; I think you should trust him as well. Your friend must be busy at the moment."

Yelan nodded and left her chair. She stared at the note as she walked to her room. Meiling went to her room as well. The day had been tiring as well as refreshing for the three mages in the mansion. Everyone took a step ahead to the future. Sakura learned something new. Syaoran got the hope to learn it with Sakura's help. Yelan got the hope to meet her oldest as well as dearest friend sometime in the future. The three went to bed smiling at their own advancements.

End of Chapter 8

A/N: How do you like it? Tell me with your great reviews. I am looking forward to them.