Disclaimer: I do not own CCS. sniff

Chapter 13: The Truth

Sakura woke up with her usual shout, "!HOE!"

She looked around in surprise and saw her own room. It was morning outside.

"!HOE!"

Touya and Fujitaka wondered about the second shout, as they were busy downstairs with an unexpected guest. Sakura rushed to her desk and opened the drawer. She saw her 'Sakura' book. She was beyond happy to see it. She unlocked it and opened it. The cards were present inside. They glowed as soon as she touched them and floated in the air to surround her. Sakura was happy to see each one of them floating around her, covering her in their warm aura. Kero came out of his drawer rubbing his eyes.

"What is with the ruckus so early in the morning?" Kero asked her sleepily.

Sakura caught him and choked him in a hug happily. Kero struggled to breathe and free himself but Sakura held him too tight. She was very happy to see everyone back.

Touya opened the door without knocking, "Oi kaijuu. Come downstairs. We have a visitor."

Sakura looked at him and freed Kero. She raised her hands and the cards glided into her hand. She looked at them lovingly and then returned them to the book.

"Who is it?" Sakura asked softly.

Touya cleared his throat, "Well he is an old family friend. In fact, he was mom's childhood friend and very close to her. He has not come since she died but he is here now. Come on down."

Sakura nodded, "I will be down after I freshen up."

Touya frowned, "You will have time for that all day. Come down as you are now. He is literally a family so nothing is wrong with the way you are now."

Sakura glared at him and then went down with him. She nervously came to the living room and saw her father sitting with a man. She was sure she had seen him somewhere but could not remember where. The man looked at her and smiled warmly. Sakura felt strange emotions swirl up in her heart at his smile. She felt that she had felt that loving gaze somewhere before.

Fujitaka spoke, "Sakura. This is Michal Sullivan. He was your mother's greatest friend and confidante. Be nice to him."

Sakura was still speechless. Michal got to his feet and came to her. He sat before her.

"Hello Sakura. How are you doing?"

Sakura was still speechless. She just stared at him as strange emotions swirled up in her heart. He continued to smile lovingly at her. Fujitaka and Touya watch her curiously since she was never left speechless like this due to a stranger. She was always overfriendly and beaming with happiness.

"Has anyone ever told you that you have your mother's eyes? They look just as pretty on you as they looked on Nako when she was your age. Though, I will have to admit that you look much cuter than she did."

Sakura blushed at his praise. Her heart had warmed up for some reason. It must because he said her eyes were like her mother. She smiled and nodded.

Michal got to his feet and looked behind Sakura with amused eyes. Sakura turned around and was taken aback to see Kero gliding towards them with an evil grin. She stepped forward to stop him but he was already at his eye level. Sakura awkwardly watched from Kero to Michal back to Kero. She raced her brain for the situation.

Kero broke the silence, "You owe me so much. You would better be prepared to pay me for it or else."

He tried to look intimidating and scary but a stuffed toy could never look scary. Michal just laughed while Sakura was beyond troubled now. Kero had only made the situation worse by talking.

"That is…he is…it is just a toy. A mechanical toy. My friend gave me. Ahahaha. That is just a toy."

Michal smiled at her obvious lie and looked at Kero, "Hello Keroberos. Magical sun beast."

Sakura was shocked that he knew about Kero. Michal looked at Sakura with amusement in his eyes.

"Your father told you that I was your mother's greatest confidante. Do you really think she would not have told me about her dormant magic and stuff?"

Sakura was surprised and then sighed. Michal laughed at her. He rubbed her head gently and turned to leave.

"I will come again. I have some things to handle for now so please excuse me."

Fujitaka smiled and nodded, "Consider it your own house. You are welcome here anytime you come."

Michal nodded and walked with him to the door. At the door, he turned to Sakura.

"Next time we meet, I hope you will be more talkative." Sakura blushed with embarrassment at her mistake. Michal found her adorable. He turned to Kero. "I know a great ice-cream parlour. You are welcome to go there and eat as much as you wish free of cost as long as you do not fall sick."

Kero threw his tiny hands in the air with happiness and excitement. Michal left with that. Touya began to arrange the table for breakfast as Fujitaka returned. Sakura returned to her room to freshen up.

Sakura ate her dinner, "Dad. How did I return home last night?"

Fujitaka smiled his usual smile, "Yukito brought you home with Kero."

Sakura returned to her food.

"What about Syaoran?" Sakura innocently enquired.

Touya flinched at his name while Fujitaka was amused.

"Yukito told me that Eriol took him to his home. You can skip school today as well. From what I have heard, you still have to go and face that person tonight."

Sakura remembered it and grew serious. She was lost in her thoughts. Kero was enjoying on the table and this angered Touya a lot. Some person had endangered Sakura and captured all her cards and yet her guardian was enjoying himself stuffing his belly.

Touya caught him by his tiny wings, "Why are you so cheerful? Do you not care about Sakura facing him?"

Kero remained silent, "Sakura will be fine. I would not be here today if she was not good enough."

Sakura spoke, "If he wanted he could have easily killed Syaoran and me last night. I could tell that he was not even trying hard and at the end, he just let you all go. I was not strong enough. 'Sweet' and 'Mirror' are hurt because of me."

Kero spoke, "They are fine. Tonight when you meet him, ask him to tell you of the way to talk to them. I am sure there is some way you could without summoning them and endangering them. Eriol might know something as well."

Sakura nodded and silently continued to eat her breakfast. By noon, Syaoran came to meet her along with Meiling. He was worried about her when he did not see her that morning. Meiling was glad to see everyone back home. Yelan had sent her congratulations to her. Sakura enjoyed her afternoon and evening. Meiling was happy to know that Sakura would soon be joining her to school. The best news for Sakura was that Syaoran would join as well. Yelan had decided it would be better if they stay together. Tomoyo was excited ever since the letter from Sakura's secret guardian about designing several costumes for her favourite couple. Meiling still did not know the role she would play.

The night was uneasy for the duo. They walked on the streets together along with Yukito waiting for the time to stop. Eriol, Ruby and Spinel were missing since morning and Sakura would have worried had Kaho not called her late in the evening to tell her that Eriol was with her in England. From the sound of it, Kaho seemed troubled but Sakura did not ask her about it. Kaho did ask her to be extra careful now. The trio with Kero in her pocket waited for the call.

At the usual time, time stopped for everyone but the trio. That was the call and they flew to the top of the hill. The mage sat under the tree. Eriol, Spinel and Ruby were present in their false forms as well as Kaho. The atmosphere was peaceful surprisingly. As soon as they arrived, the mage got to his feet. Sakura and Syaoran were cautious. He walked towards Sakura and Syaoran came in between protectively.

Kero spoke, "Relax. He is not going to hurt her. He just wants to do something he has been wanting to do for all this time but held back since he was to be the bad guy. Trust me on that one."

Syaoran was surprised and did not believe it until Eriol used some spell to displace him away from Sakura and bound him in place. Sakura stood cautious but even Yue was calm and she did not know what to do now. The mage stopped opposite Sakura and Syaoran struggled to free himself. The mage stared at Sakura's scared face for a while before he bent forward and kissed her forehead. A strange new emotion overcame her heart in an instant. She remembered her dream from months ago about her mother and a stranger that was not so much of a stranger. Sakura lowered her guard and staff. He then hugged her tight and Sakura could not control her tears. She was scared but her heart was filled with strange warmth. She did not know the man but her heart seemed to recognise him.

"I am sorry." He whispered softly in her ears. "I am sorry if I hurt you in any way Sakura."

Sakura was surprised. Syaoran was shocked to see Sakura in tears. Sakura returned the hug involuntarily.

"I did not want to hurt you or trouble you but that was the only way to make you stronger. I am really sorry for everything my dearest Sakura. Please forgive me." His apologies were sincere. Sakura saw Kaho smiling at her.

"Who…who are you sir?" Sakura asked with a cute confused face. She no longer felt threatened at all.

The man chuckled and separated from her. He removed the hood to reveal his face. Sakura was shocked. It was Michal Sullivan. Sakura's eyes tear up seeing his face while Syaoran was surprised at her reaction.

"Un…uncle Michal. Y…you are…you were…" She was at a loss of words. Syaoran was shocked that she knew him.

Michal nodded, "Yes. I am the man from your dream with your mother. I am the mage that captured your cards, guardians and Eriol. I am Michal Sullivan. I am the sender of all those letters you would receive in the morning. I would steal kisses from you while you slept. And I love you as my own daughter."

Sakura was speechless. Syaoran felt his binds vanish but he still could not move due to shock. Michal stared at Sakura adoringly. Sakura held his robe tight in her fists still finding all this information hard to believe.

"The last time I hugged you was when you were born. After that, I had to leave on important business but I continued to watch over you. I have been watching your every move, your every moment of life in all these years. And I have not been doing it alone. Your mother has been doing it with me."

Sakura felt a familiar warmth behind her. She turned her head around to see her angelic mother's ghost smiling at her with all her love. Nadeshiko came closer and hugged Sakura, as any mother would hug her child. Sakura cried her eyes out finally meeting her mother. She always wanted to meet her in all these years and finally her wish was fulfilled. She was beyond happy. Nadeshiko rubbed her back soothingly.

"Now now. Do not cry my Sakura. I am not going anywhere anytime soon."

Michal stood up on his feet. He looked at Kero, Yue, Eriol and the rest. They nodded to each other. Nadeshiko noticed it as well. She separated from Sakura, kissed her cheeks and then turned her around while still holding her in her arms. Sakura loved to be with her mother.

Michal broke the silence, "I am sure you two have a lot of questions to ask. I am here to answer them."

Sakura asked, "Why did you pretend to be a bad person?"

Michal smiled, "It was to get you to take me seriously. I captured your cards for the same purpose. I wanted you to grow stronger."

Syaoran asked, "Why is that? You even went as far as capturing Eriol."

Eriol smiled, "No. He never captured me. In fact, he never controlled anyone of us. All the cards, guardians and even I were in our senses. It was our decision to do that."

Sakura and Syaoran were shocked. They looked at Kero and Yue who nodded to agree.

Sakura asked, "Why?"

Eriol spoke, "I arrived to fight him knowing you had lost. He said that he wanted to talk to me and after listening to his reasons, we all would decide what was to be done next. He told us everything about the upcoming dangers on you two and thus he wanted to make you two stronger. This was the only way fast enough. The cards, the guardians and I agreed that we should help him for your sakes. He simply created the illusions of glowing yellow eyes to make you believe that he controlled us all. It was hard on us to acts as your enemies but it was for your good so we bore with it. He suggested about invading your dreams to make you work harder. Syaoran and Yelan would take care that you do things properly. Thus, here we are today."

Syaoran and Sakura were dumbstruck to hear that. Sakura was still worried.

"But…you hurt 'Sweet' and 'Mirror' and…"

Michal replied, "That was just an illusion. I would never hurt people precious to you."

Sakura opened her book and took out the two cards. They indeed smiled in the image with no hurt marks. The cards pulsated together as if telling her that they were unhurt.

Michal took them from her and the cards materialised. 'Sweet' went and perched on Sakura's shoulder and then kissed her cheek. Sakura liked it. 'Mirror' came in her true form without any hurt mark. Sakura was very relieved to see that. She went and hugged her favourite doppelganger with affections. 'Mirror' comforted Sakura as best as she could.

"I am fine mistress. He is telling the truth. He showed you an illusion that time."

Sakura looked at both her beloved cards with a loving smile. Syaoran was happy just to see her happy. However, other pressing matters bothered him.

Syaoran asked, "What sort of danger is she in that you all had to go to such lengths?"

Michal replied, "Eriol will confirm it that all the mages in the world have suddenly grown very silent ever since Sakura captured the last card. Well there is a reason to it. They all are scared of you two. They planning to assault and kill you before you two become a threat to them."

Sakura and Syaoran were very shocked. Why would the mages of the world plan to kill them all of a sudden? Neither remembered doing anything to hurt them. They did not even know any other mages.

Eriol nodded, "That is true. A few months ago, I realised that the clans around the world were suddenly gathering for some secret work. I did not why they did so. I tried to figure out the reason but they were too careful. Even with my best spying magic, I was unable to determine anything. If you remember Sakura, the last time we talked on the phone, I warned you about this very thing."

Sakura remembered it suddenly and nodded. Yue and Kero watched her being worried. They were worried as well. If it a few mages, things would have been easier. Nevertheless, everyone in the world was after their little mistress. They could not take it lightly.

Syaoran kept his calm, "But…why do they want to kill us?"

Sakura looked at him and then calmed down slightly to see him calm.

Sakura spoke, "That is right. We never hurt anyone. Why do they want to hurt my Syaoran?"

Syaoran turned scarlet. Eriol looked at him with amused eyes while Syaoran glared daggers at him. Yue grumbled while Kero sighed. Nakuru giggled silently while exchanging amused glances with Suppy. Michal just smiled with Nadeshiko behind Sakura. Sakura was clueless to what she had said.

"The reason they want to hurt you two is simple. They all have been watching you two since you began to collect the Clow cards. Since then, they have watched you grow in terms of magic. You both are almost equal in terms of magic. Your growth has been remarkable. That growth is exactly what scares them."

Eriol looked at Michal with scrutinising eyes, "Yes. But their growth should not have been shocking. She is the mistress of the Clow cards, now Sakura cards after all. It…"

Michal shook his head, "True but even you my friend have failed to see what Clow Reed failed to see long ago. Sakura's magic has stayed dormant inside her all this time. Only a fraction got used up every time she used her magic. The rest has been unused until now. Syaoran's magic condition was that until Sakura does not use her true magic, he could not use it either. Both of them barely used a fraction of it even in the most difficult of battles. It was locked up until they learned to properly control it as they can do today. That was the reason I had then go through all this training with Yelan."

The guardians, the duo and Eriol were shocked.

Kero shouted, "You mean they have much more magic than we have seen so far."

Michal nodded.

Michal began to explain, "Sakura started at nothing. However, in less than a year, she surpassed Clow's magic. It takes other mages several years to gain such strength with proper training. She surpassed Clow and that was at the time she transformed the last two cards. Four months later, she had grown so powerful that even with her depleted magic, she was able to capture, seal and transform a card with combined power of all fifty-two cards."

Sakura opened her mouth to say something but Michal stopped her.

"If you are going to say that the 'Heart' card did it, you are wrong. Yes, it was an original card and yes, it was a powerful card. However, it was just as powerful as any other card. It only carried your feeling and nothing else. That magic was insufficient. Majority of it was your own magic."

Michal paused at this and studied Sakura and Syaoran. They stared at him unbelievingly. He took a deep breath. Eriol stood next to them with the guardians with a pale face.

"You were already twice as strong as Clow Reed ever was by that time. Syaoran was close behind. Your magic kept increasing with time. You are a little more than twelve and currently you are thrice as powerful as Clow Reed was. Syaoran, once again, close behind."

Eriol became paler at this. He was surprised even than Sakura and Syaoran were. Michal had told them that their increasing power was viewed as a threat to the mages around the world. He never said anything about this part before.

"Now you can guess what the mages of the world would think about you. This unbelievable increase of magic is threat to them. As a result, they want to finish you both off before you become too powerful for them. Clow Reed's power was no joke. Yet he barely managed to seal the last card with great difficulty and too much loss of magic. Clow Reed knew Sakura would surpass him but he could not predict it would increase to such an extent. For other mages, it took most at least ten years to become as powerful as Clow was and at least twenty to become twice as powerful. Out there, there are mages who are at least five times as powerful as Clow was. It took them more than fifty years to do so. That is why I wanted you two to be ready when the assault starts. The last three peaceful months were the peace before the storm."

Eriol stepped forward at this point, "Are you not mistaken Michal? No one could possess such great power. I can understand twice but thrice and five times are simply too much. Clow Reeds powers stopped growing after a while. The mind and body cannot handle that much power."

Michal looked at him grimly. Eriol understood he did not want it that way either.

"I would be very happy if were mistaken Eriol. Sadly, I am not so I am trying to keep these two safe. Your magic will not grow any further. We both know that you have reached your limit. In Sakura and Syaoran's case, they have merely started. The rate of growth is proportional to the limit of the person. In a little more than a year, they have come so far. They will go beyond and surpass all. Their magic growth shows it all. I just hope they stop soon though I have my doubts it is anywhere near less than a decade."

Eriol's jaw dropped. He had a hard time imagining it. Sakura and Syaoran were just as surprised as the four guardians were. Michal did not seem to be joking at all. He talked seriously and simply observed how they took the news. Sakura felt Nadeshiko's warmth increase behind her and knew her mother was worried for her.

"It will keep growing until they reach the limit. I am not worried about that though. They can grow as much as they wish. I just want them to survive this war and live a happy life." A smile swept on his face.

Sakura felt the warmth of his smile. It felt similar to the times when she saw her father smile at her. She knew he loved her and he knew she understood from her returned smile. Syaoran was lost in his thoughts.

Syaoran asked, "Will they attack a Li? I mean the Li clan…"

Michal interrupted him, "I am afraid that when time comes, you will even face the Li clan. The world of magic works in an alliance that even your clan would not dare to break. There are other clans just as powerful as the Li clan and some more powerful."

Syaoran was shocked with this information. He stared at Michal without a word in his head.

"That is why your clan has been trying to get you out of the clan. They cannot afford the other clans attacking them. As a result, they instructed your mother to never teach you or anyone what she taught you until that person become the next leader. That is why, there might come a time when you two will even face Yelan in battle. Yelan knows about this."

He diverted his attention to Sakura. She seemed troubled as she looked at Syaoran.

"Why do my Syaoran have to fight his mother? It is not fair."

Michal giggled at this and Eriol simply smiled. Syaoran turned red like tomato at her words.

"Do not worry Sakura. I will be there right to the end. I will see to your safety."

Eriol, "Yes. We will help you as much as possible."

Michal turned to him, "You will not get time to do that Eriol. You will be too busy with your own fights."

Eriol was slightly surprised with that.

"Why me?"

"I never said these two are the only targets. You are also a target; not because of your power but because of Clow Reed's magic and skill to see the unseen. You are also a part of this war. Three targets at three different places was simply too risky. That is why I collected you three together. You would have greater chances together."

Eriol stared at him with disbelief. Michal simply smiled at him.

"You all should return home before it gets too late. I will accompany Sakura to her home."

Syaoran grew serious now, "By the way…" Everyone looked at him. "How are you related to Sakura?"

Michal and Nadeshiko smiled to see him glaring at Michal. Sakura opened her mouth to speak but Nadeshiko stopped her. Kaho and Eriol were now watching them from a distance while talking.

Michal spoke, "Sakura's mother, Nadeshiko and I are childhood friends. We have known each other since the longest time. Therefore, when Sakura was born, she asked me to be her godfather. That should explain everything."

Syaoran was surprised but accepted it. He simply grumbled to everyone's amusement. Michal undoes the time magic. Syaoran, Eriol and Kaho left together. Sakura watched them with worried looks. Michal notices it and gives a smile.

"In the coming fights, you might encounter mages who will use their magic to manipulate your emotions. They will try to trick you into hating Syaoran."

Sakura looked at him with surprise, "I will never hate him. I love him a lot."

Michal smiled, "I know you do but I am simply warning you. Those tricks work sometimes. Since you know about it now, no matter what happens, always love him and have faith in him. We both know that Syaoran loves you just as much. Do not let those lies and fake proofs convince you."

Sakura gave her warm smile, "I will never let them do that."

Michal bent forward and kissed her forehead. They began to leave.

The town was lively though it was getting late. Sakura, Michal and Yukito walked together towards the Kinomoto residence. Nadeshiko glided behind Sakura staring at her lovingly. Sakura looked happy and Yukito was glad at it.

Sakura turned to Michal, "By the way uncle, do you have someone you love?"

Michal looked at her with surprise at the sudden question. Yukito could not hide his amusement at her curiosity. Nadeshiko hid her mouth behind her palm with starry eyes directed teasingly at Michal. Michal blushed slightly and then smiled at her.

"Yes. Eva Elliot is also a mage. We decided to marry after this war. I know it is a bit late but I have no idea what she has in her mind. She too loves you a lot so she suggested it."

Michal stared at the sky and Sakura stared at him. Sakura smiled to see the same eyes as Syaoran had when he looked at her.

"Where is she?"

"She is home. You will meet her someday. I am sure you will like her."

Sakura happily nodded. His flushed face did not go any pale. Sakura knew he was thinking about Eva. She simply wondered where she had heard that name before. She wondered where she had seen Michal before. Michal looked at Nadeshiko and smiled evilly. Nadeshiko just returned her usual warm smile.

End of Chapter 13

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I uploaded this chapter two weeks ago but due to some problem it never reached the site. So here is the re-upload… Enjoy!