Author's Apologies: Sorry. Sorry. Sorry for the very late update.

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or any of its original characters.

Chapter 10: Desperation

Obviously, Yelan noticed Syaoran improve a great deal in the next two days. Sakura's help had worked much better for him than anticipated. He had managed to levitate the balls as well as Sakura could manage. His better control over his magic helped him catch up to Sakura easily in shorter time. Sakura was learning to control her magic now. Until now, she never had to bother about controlling it. Things were automatic for her so she never learned it. Now she was having slight trouble, as it was a new experience for her. Syaoran was faring better at it compared to her and she saw it well, knowing the reason well too. Syaoran and Sakura continued to train under Yelan's watchful eyes and experienced guidance.

During training and outside training, everyone began to notice a confident glow on her face constantly. Sakura felt hopeful regarding her cards more than she felt earlier. She took a step forward and even her guardian acknowledged it. It has been two days since her little feat and Syaoran's improvement made her happy as well. She skipped her way towards breakfast smiling at the note she found that morning. Yelan noticed the skipping with her observant eyes and smiled behind her cup as Sakura took her place at the table.

Sakura turned to Yelan, beaming, "Good morning Mrs. Yelan."

Yelan nodded, "Good morning Sakura. You are very enthusiastic in the morning."

Sakura nodded, "I am very happy."

Syaoran and Meiling came in with respect. They took their places after a respectful greeting to Yelan. Both smiled to see Sakura cheerful though the smiles were for different reasons.

Yelan broke the brief silence, "Did you see a great dream Sakura?"

Sakura looked at her and shook her head, "No. Ever since he captured my cards, I see the same dream every day. Earlier, they would fade and look weak but in the last two days, everyone looks better. I am happy for that. Why did you ask Mrs Yelan?"

Yelan shook her head, "Nothing. You seemed unusually happy so I simply guessed it was due to a dream."

Sakura smiled a thousand-watt smile, "I am happy because mom said that she would meet me soon. I cannot wait to meet her."

Yelan and others were surprised at her words. They looked at each other in shock.

Yelan spoke, "I thought your mom had…passed away."

Sakura nodded, "Yes. I missed her all this time. But…Touya used be able to see her ghost as Yue told me five months ago. Maybe she will come before me at that time or I will be strong enough to see her at that time."

While Syaoran and Meiling were slightly surprised, Yelan looked at Sakura with kind eyes. She smiled as she stared at the cute little girl for a while.

"I wish you all the luck Sakura. Do remember to introduce your angelic mother to me as well?" Yelan spoke softly.

Sakura beamed, "I would love to Mrs Yelan."

Meiling could see Syaoran blushing as he stared at Sakura's bright face. The rest of the breakfast passed without talks. Yelan had an eye on Sakura all the time and her other eye was on her son. Sakura seemed lost in her own world while she ate and Syaoran seemed lost in his own world with Sakura to Yelan's amusement. After breakfast, Sakura and Syaoran left to get ready for the day's training leaving Yelan and Meiling to talk. Yelan took a deep breath as she sat back in her chair. Meiling looked at her and saw her worried now.

Yelan spoke, "Tell me Wei. Should I be worried about Sakura right now?"

Wei bowed respectfully next to her, "You are correct to be worried madam."

Meiling asked, "Worried? Why?"

Yelan looked at her neice carefully, "Sakura is happy and ecstatic about meeting her mother soon. She wants to meet her and that will happen only after she frees her cards. She wants to meet her as soon as possible. That is where the problem lies."

Meiling did not understand and asked again, "What problem? Why meeting her mother sooner is a problem?"

"Sakura barely remembers her mother. Syaoran told me everything. He told me that Sakura wanted to see her mother as well when Yue told her about Touya managing to see her. Now she has a chance for it. How much chances do you think there are that she will get impatient and desperate for it?"

Meiling's eyes widened. She knew Yelan was correct. There were heavy chances and her own experiences with fights had taught her that desperation often leads to disasters.

Yelan continued, "The magic they are learning currently is not something you can learn in a hurry. It takes time and it is still no joke. Even I have yet to fully master it after all these years. Sakura's desperation could cause her great troubles. I am simply praying that she does not walk that path."

Meiling spoke, "Normally Sakura is very calm and patient but I think I can understand her mind right now. I will ask Syaoran to keep her in check."

Yelan nodded, "That will be better. Watch out for her too."

Meiling nodded and left. Yelan left the chair after carefully pondering on her thoughts for a few minutes.

Another week passed. Sakura's initial cheerfulness slowly got masked behind worry. Syaoran could not understand the reason for her worries. He decided that she was worried for her cards but she always sounded fine with that. She was in no hurry to rescue them since she wanted to be ready for the fight. However, she was worried and seemed slightly agitated now. She would frown a lot at her failures and she would try hard to the brink of exhaustion. Yelan was worried as well and she knew the true reason. Meiling knew as well but Syaoran would refuse whenever she told him about Sakura getting desperate. He was confident that she was not since she was in no hurry with the cards. With every passing day, her agitation increased. Her frowns of irritations on her failures were at the brink of turning into screams of frustration. Even her magic handling capacity had deteriorated by now. Another week had passed as well. Tomoyo, Touya, Fujitaka and even Syaoran had failed already to keep her in her senses but she was losing it. No one had ever seen Sakura like this. No one ever wanted to see Sakura like this. The fact that she had not received any letter from her secret guardian in three days only added to her frustration.

The dinner was silent with a very heavy atmosphere. Sakura was frustrated and others could see it very clearly. Yelan was worried for her. Meiling and Syaoran occasionally shared worried glances for her. Wei and other servants were worried as well. The dinner proceeded in absolute silence.

Sakura finished first and got up, "Good night everyone."

Sakura walked away and the audience watched her in silence and worry as she ascended the stairs to her room. For the fourth night, she went to her room instead of Syaoran's room and she would lock it from inside until morning. Yelan looked at Meiling with worry for the little girl. Syaoran seemed to have no appetite either once again. He silently got up, bowed apologetically to his mother and left without a word. Yelan did not stop him since she understood his mind very well. Syaoran went to his room. Yelan and Meiling retired to their rooms as well after sometime. At the usual time, time stopped signalling that the mage had arrived and wished to battle Sakura and Syaoran. Though neither ever went to fight since they both knew they were not ready yet.

Yelan sat in her room reading the book with an uneasy feeling until she felt Sakura's magic escape the mansion and head out. She barely got to her feet in shock when she felt Syaoran's magic follow Sakura. She knew that her son and Sakura had gone out but did not want to guess the reason for it. They were still not ready and going to battle was suicide. She rushed out of her room and went to Sakura's room. The window was wide open and Sakura had probably climbed down the tree outside.

Meiling came inside and saw Yelan extremely worried, "What is the matter Aunt Yelan? Where is Sakura?"

Yelan looked at her and sighed, "She left to fight the mage. Syaoran went after her as well."

Meiling's eyes widened in shock as she rushed to the window and stared outside it.

"Are you not going to help them Aunt Yelan?"

Yelan replied, "I would like to but I hold no power against this opponent. Controlling all the Sakura cards along with four Guardians and Eriol is something I doubt even Clow would have managed easily. Sakura and Syaoran have the magic but they cannot control it. I am sure her secret guardian will save her."

"Why did they go so suddenly?"

"I knew Sakura was desperate. I just did not think that she would go to fight him when she was not even ready yet. Syaoran, I believe went after her to either convince her to return or help her. I hope those two are safe. I hope Eva brings them back safe."

Meiling sighed. She did not understand much but she knew that Yelan must have had a strong reason to not follow the duo considering that it was extremely dangerous for them.

"I guess we will just wait for their return." Meiling spoke softly and then turned to go.

Yelan stared outside the window for a few seconds with extremely disturbed and shaken eyes before she took control and followed Meiling. Neither slept as they waited for the duo to return safely. The clocks stayed motionless, as time itself did not move.

Sakura raced through the street with her six-sided star wand in her nightdress. She raced towards the hill looking determined. She did not notice Syaoran with his sword following her at a distance. Syaoran kept it that way and did not try to disturb her. He knew her mind and he knew she would not listen to him at all. He would simply try to help her and protect her as much as possible for him. The cars, the people and even the wind stood still as they approached the hill.

Fifteen minutes later, Sakura stood at the top of the hill opposite the huge Sakura tree. Her cards, guardians and Eriol stood before her with shining yellow eyes and the evil mage sat at the base of the tree carelessly. She could feel him smirking at her under the hood though she could not see it at all. Moments later Syaoran joined her and she was surprised. Before she could speak, the mage spoke.

"Well. Well. Well. You two finally decided to show up after making me wait for weeks. You would better not disappoint me for I will not take it kindly." He spoke menacingly.

Syaoran whispered, "Sakura. We are not ready yet."

Sakura shook her head, "I have to defeat him. I have to defeat him fast."

Syaoran knew it would be in vain and he stood correct. At least he tried. 'Windy' flew towards them with strings of her wind and they barely avoided it. Sakura tried to use her magic but nothing happened. Syaoran was calmer so he had managed to bind the earth around him to form a small shield. Though the shield broke immediately, it gave him an extra second to dodge and be by Sakura's side.

"At least the boy managed something. Looks like you disappoint me card mistress." The mage spoke evilly.

He stood up and walked next to 'Sweet'. The little creature did not move as he brought his finger to her cheek and scrubbed it. Magically, her cheek broke like crumbs. Sakura and Syaoran were horrified when they saw it. He turned to them next.

"For every time you fail card mistress, I shall hurt one of your cards. If you are not careful, one might die."

Sakura had tears in her eyes now. Her friend was hurt and it was because of her failure. Come to think of, they all became his puppets because she was not strong enough. Maybe it would be better if she did not try at all. She sank to her knees ready to give up.

"And if you do not try at all thinking I would not take it into account, I shall hurt two of them."

Sakura stared at him with horror. He gave her no choice. She had to do it and she barely had the confidence that she would be successful. She did not want to hurt any of her friends and whether she tried or not, they will be hurt. Sakura slowly got to her feet clutching her wand tighter. Syaoran stood with his sword ready for a fight next to her.

'Watery' jumped at Sakura with 'Earthy' aiming for Syaoran. Syaoran jumped out of the way as the ground shattered due to 'Earthy's attack and hurled the flying rocks at the mage. Yue ice shards defended him. Sakura jumped away from 'Watery' as well and tried her magic again. She failed to do anything and Watery attacked her again. She saw the mage approaching 'Mirror' this time. Sakura got scared as she looked at him raising his hand to hurt her. She forgot about 'Watery' and turned to him with teary eyes.

Suddenly a huge ball of pink energy formed before her wand and darted like bullet towards him. Sakura and Syaoran were surprised at this. The cards got out of the way, as the ball hit the mage but caused no damage as he countered it with a barrier. His fingers were inches from 'Mirror's face.

"Impressive." He spoke with evil in his voice. "That was a start. Nevertheless, you failed on your previous attempt."

Sakura was horrified as he touched 'Mirror's cheek and left a burned spot. Mirror did not even flinch like a perfect doll and the mage returned to looking at Sakura with pure evil laughter.

Sakura was in tears as she inched closer to 'Mirror' wanting to apologise to her and all the other cards as well. Syaoran appeared before her with his sword ready.

"We should retreat Sakura. We do not stand a chance tonight." Syaoran spoke urgently as well as softly.

A sudden bright light blinded them. They shielded their eyes and tried to look ahead but saw nothing in the excess light. Sakura felt strange warmth surround her a few moments later.

"You have done enough Sakura. Go home and train properly." The same soft voice spoke to her that she had heard earlier at the start of this mess. "Do not lose hope and do not try such a desperate attempt again. Keep trying sweetie."

Sakura felt into a deep slumber as well as Syaoran. The light vanished and left behind nothing but the Sakura tree on the hill. The mage, the cards, Eriol and the guardians had vanished.

Yelan woke up with a start. She was shocked that she had dozed off suddenly. She should not have until she sensed magic around her. Someone cast a sleep inducing spell on her. Yelan got out of her chair and stood up. She sensed Sakura and Syaoran in their respective rooms. That brought a smile on her face. She could guess who casted the spell on her. She turned to the clock and saw it moving.

Yelan left the room in a hurry to see the duo. She softly opened the door to Syaoran's room and went inside. Syaoran was asleep in his bed, changed into his nightdress. He seemed comfortable and in deep sleep. He looked peaceful to Yelan. Yelan kissed his cheek softly and left the room noiselessly. She went to Sakura's room next. Sakura was in her nightdress as well and slept cosily under the blanket. She wore a smile so she was probably dreaming something good. Yelan stroked her head a few times with a warm smile before straightening up. Her eyes fell upon a paper on the nightstand with Sakura's name on it. Yelan could tell that it was from her secret guardian.

Yelan left noiselessly as she heard Sakura's soft whisper in her sleep, 'Mommy'. She returned to her room and climbed into the bed for the night. The two students would surely need a little punishing and some extra training the next day.

Sakura woke up the next morning and saw Syaoran with Meiling watching her with a worried face. She sat up rubbing her eyes and looked at them with confusion.

Syaoran asked, "How are you feeling now Sakura?"

Sakura opened her mouth to speak but Yelan came in and spoke first, "Talks can wait for after breakfast. Hurry up and get ready for the day everyone."

Her commanding tone and strict eyes left no space for words. Syaoran and Meiling left in a hurry. Sakura got off the bed and sadly looked at Yelan. Yelan simply smiled knowing her mind.

"I know you snuck out in the middle of the night. Whatever you had in mind, we will talk after breakfast. Right now I am simply glad to see you back safe and sound." Yelan spoke nicely.

Sakura was not surprised but she only felt worse now.

"Syaoran came after me too. I am really sorry. I never realised he followed me." Sakura apologised.

Yelan smiled, "I would not have liked it if had let you go alone. He loves you so it is his job to protect you. He did well following you and I have nothing against it. Do not worry."

Sakura nodded gently still feeling bad. Yelan watched her for a few minutes.

"Get fresh and come down for breakfast Sakura after you have read that letter on the bedside."

Yelan left with that and Sakura rushed to the paper. Her eyes widened as she read it. Soon she stared at the paper with a red face full of embarrassment but still holding a huge smile. She skipped to the washroom not noticing Yelan and Meiling watching her from the corridor with smiles.

The breakfast was silent. Sakura was feeling guilty for the previous night and Syaoran did not know what to say. He knew that his mother knew they snuck out and he knew she would be angry. Yelan and Meiling enjoyed the silence watching the couple nervous as they ate. Wei and the servants could see the amusement in Yelan's eyes. Syaoran avoided looking at her so he missed it and Sakura would have missed it even if she looked at her. She was that dense a girl. They continued eating slowly.

Yelan sat straight as soon as she finished her breakfast. Meiling finished soon after her. Syaoran and Sakura sweated slightly as time passed before she would scold them. They knew punishment was in store for them. They finished together and gulped as they looked at each other.

Yelan cleared her throat, "Let us hear your reasons for sneaking out last night at such a dangerous time without my permission. Sakura. Syaoran."

Syaoran and Sakura stared at the table nervously and sadly. Yelan waited for them to speak.

Syaoran broke the brief silence, "I sensed Sakura leaving the mansion and I just wanted to bring her back. But I knew she would not listen so I just followed her to make sure he stays safe."

Yelan scanned him carefully for a few moments. She hid half her face behind her fan suddenly.

"Well I would not have liked it if you had left her alone to face the danger. You did the right thing going after her. Nevertheless, you left the mansion without my permission so I will have to punish you for that. And no Sakura. His share of punishment will not be transferred to you. He left on his own will."

Syaoran nodded while Sakura closed her mouth with pink cheeks due to embarrassment at Yelan catching her thoughts so easily. She returned to staring at the table. Yelan smiled at it.

"Why did you go out Sakura?" Yelan asked softly to make it easier for the little girl.

Sakura saddened slightly, "I…I do not know what came over me. I think I just…wanted to…meet my mother fast."

While Yelan was not much surprised, others were shocked. Sakura gave a sad smile as she stared at the table.

"My mother promised that I would meet her again at the end of all this. I wanted to meet her as soon as possible. I tried to learn everything fast. But when I could not learn it and always made mistakes, I got frustrated. I tried hard but…I failed. I thought if I manage to defeat him by some miracle, I could meet her. I was wrong. I am sorry for everything Mrs Yelan."

Syaoran and Meiling looked at her with caring as well as sympathising eyes. They could now understand how she felt all this time. Suddenly Sakura burst into tears to their shock.

"I am so sorry Mrs Yelan. My foolishness endangered Syaoran. 'Sweet' and 'Mirror' are hurt as well. It is all my fault. I am so sorry." Sakura cried.

Syaoran got out of his chair but Yelan beat him to it. She came next to Sakura, took her hand away from her eyes and smiled lovingly at her as she wiped her tears away.

"You were desperate to meet your mother and I knew you were. It is perfectly all right to feel the way you felt. You love her and you want to meet her. Do not cry my dear. You will meet your soon enough. Simply be patient."

Yelan kissed her forehead, "And do not think that you have no mother. I may be strict most of the times but I have five children. I am a mother as well. You could always think of me as your mother."

While Syaoran and Meiling softened up at this, Sakura was shocked. She felt great respect for the woman now as more tears appeared in her eyes. Yelan hugged her adoringly. Syaoran had never seen his mother like this but deep down he knew she was a very loving woman. Sakura cried in her embrace feeling gratitude for her.

Yelan moved back and wiped Sakura's tears, "Never feel that you have no mother. I am here for you."

Meiling smirked, "Consider it as practice for your future."

Yelan smiled behind her fan understanding her words. Syaoran turned beet red as he stared at his cousin with shock. Sakura stared at them with a very cute confused face since she did not understand the meanings.

Yelan spoke again, "However, your actions simply cannot be forgiven that easily. As your teacher, it is my duty to punish you. Therefore, off you two go to the training hall and wait for me there."

Sakura nodded and went after Syaoran to the backside of the mansion.

"By the way Sakura, what did your guardian say to you this morning?" Yelan questioned with curiosity.

Sakura beamed as she smiled, "Mom and him scolded me for being so careless and stupid. They were worried for me. Also, they said something about an Eva person planning to eat you alive for letting some mess get too far. What mess did he talk about?"

Sakura questioned clearly missing the flinched look Yelan had not. Syaoran and Meiling had never seen Yelan nervous in their life and they were shocked beyond all expectations.

Yelan answered, "The mess has already been handled so let us just leave it. Go and be ready both of you."

Sakura and Syaoran left. Yelan sighed as she sat in her chair. Meiling looked at her aunt curiously.

"I have never seen you so nervous Aunt Yelan."

Yelan looked at her casually, "Eva just has that sort of influence on us. Even Syaoran's father was scared of her. I heard that he met her in his college and she defeated him very easily. That broke his unbeaten streak sword fighting. She is sweet and caring but deadly when angry. I guess she is pissed off at me now."

Meiling smiled as she spoke, "She is your friend and she looks over Syaoran so I guess you should worry too much."

Yelan straightened up, "You have school today. Go and get ready."

Meiling walked away as Yelan got to her feet. She began to make plans on the young couple's punishment now. She wanted to enjoy it as well train them on the way so that they can be stronger.

End of Chapter 10

Read and Review soon.

Those wishing for action and stuff, keep your fingers crossed. You will get to see a lot of action, romance and funny moments later in the story. I promise you that. Ciao.