The Meaning of Power

Summary:

Cannon to Clear Card Arc. As Sakura's power grows and a new enemy threatens her, Sakura must embark in a new journey in Hong Kong joining the Li Clan for support in fighting this new battle. With new challenges in between, Sakura will learn of her own strength and the meaning of love and friendship.

Disclaimer:

None of the characters in the story belong to me. This story is based on the anime/manga with a spin from my own imagination and not for any lucrative purposes.

Background information:

This story picks up after the anime/manga Clear Card Arc. Akiho is still present, the cards are still clear, there are new cards being captured and so on. I have changed a few things here and there to make sense in my story but otherwise the past is essentially the same and any discrepancies with turn of events are covered so the reader can follow the plot easily.

Author's Note:

This is my second language so please be forgiving of my English. Also, this is my first fanfiction so the quality may not be the best. Constructive criticism is welcomed.

Chapter 1

The Premonition

"Sakura, wake up!" I could hear Kero calling for me as I came back to my senses, a sudden headache making itself present.

"Kero? What's going on?"

"Your father, he has been calling for you, it's getting late"

I looked at the clock above my bed with surprise, I was never a morning person, but it was unusual for me to sleep this late, it was almost midday, I must have slept over 12 hours straight, yet I continued to feel tired. I got up as quickly as I could, thanking Kero while I dressed and came down the stairs shortly after to meet with my father who was waiting for me in the kitchen table while staring lovingly at the picture of my mother.

"Good morning mom, dad!" I said, noticing there was a heavy atmosphere as I stepped in, confused by it yet smiling to make my father happy. He smiled back at me and gestured for me to sit down and share a meal. Apparently, he had been waiting for me to eat, despite how late it was.

"Where is Touya?" I asked while I drank some water and grabbed my chopstick ready to eat.

"He is at work, he took an extra shift this weekend. Are you feeling well Sakura? You were sleeping for a long time..."

"Sorry dad! No, I am feeling great, I went to bed late, I am sorry about that!" I lied, but I could tell he was still unhappy with my answer.

"I see... well, I have to return to the university this afternoon, but I will be back tonight, can you make dinner for us? Your brother is inviting Yukito over and I need to talk with you both about something"

I resisted the urge to ask more questions as I felt the worry in my father's voice and just nodded knowing I had to be patient but unable to calm the anxiety that was making itself present. We finished our meal in silence and shortly after, my father left for work.

Today was Saturday, the weather was warm and inviting. We had just welcomed spring and a new school year was about to start next month so vacation was in full swing. I decided to take a walk and do some shopping for today's dinner. I was so distracted thinking of what to make while cleaning up the kitchen that I barely missed the sound of the phone ringing in the background. Kero came down the stairs with my cellphone in hand complaining that I was too scatterbrained for my own good. I took the phone as quickly as I could not even checking who the caller was.

"Hello?"

"Sakura, how are you? It's Syaoran" My heart melted hearing his voice.

"Syaoran! Sorry, I was not expecting your call, I am fine how are you?"

"Listen, I am sorry I have not been in touch lately, I didn't have time to call before, you see, my mother made a surprise visit to Japan and we have been taking care of a few things here"

"Your mother? How nice, please send my regards to her!" I chirped, a vague memory of her invading my mind, a smile playing on my face at the thought.

"Well, she has actually made a sudden request, I am sorry for the short notice, but she wishes to meet with Keroberos, Yue and... you"

"Ohh..." That's all I could say, I was taken by surprise with the request, I knew Syaoran's family knew of my powers and the cards but it was an odd request no matter how I looked at it. I started to feel nervous, I had not seen his mother since the time I traveled to China a few years back.

"I know it's sudden but this is important" He was nervous too, I could tell.

"Yes, that's fine, when should we meet?"

"Now, if that's okay, I am afraid the issue at hand can't wait"

"I understand. I will have Kero find Yue. My father and brother are out today, we could meet at my house if you would like"

"We will head that way soon, sorry Sakura" With those last words the call ended. Kero was staring at me with a curious look. Now I was completely sure something was wrong, and I could not help but worry, I had a bad feeling about this.

"Kero, I need you to bring Yue here now"

Kero did not even question why, he flew out of the window knowing by the tone of my voice something was wrong and left in search of the guardian while following his magical presence.

I needed to keep busy to keep my nerves on check, so I focused on tidying up the house instead. I put some water to boil for tea and tried not to think about what it could be Syaoran's mother wanted to talk to me about. It was close to 30 minutes later that I heard the doorbell ring and hurried to let my unexpected visitors in. Yelan was in front of Syaoran, dressed in traditional Chinese attire just as I remembered her. She smiled at me when she caught me staring, marveling at her beauty.

"Sakura-chan, it's so nice to see you again, you have grown to become a beautiful young lady"

I blushed, thanking her for the compliment while politely moving away to let them in. I looked up to Syaoran whose expression was quiet. I led them to the sitting area and offered them some tea which they took politely.

"The guardians?" She asked and I could tell the conversation was to start soon.

"Kero is getting Yue to come, they will be here shortly"

"I see, I am sorry to impose on you in such short notice, but you see, the matter at hand can't wait any longer. Do you remember what my power does Sakura-chan?"

I hesitated for a moment, thinking back to the night she had helped me by warning me of dangers she could foresee and helping me pass through the magical well while we were in China. Somehow, the question made sense and the answer left my lips without thinking.

"You can see the future"

"Yes, as a direct descendent of Clow Reed I have such gift and with the Li Clan's resources I have some important information we must discuss. You see, I am sure you have noticed how your power has grown while your body grows weaker"

I knew what she meant, I could sense things that Syaoran could not. I could see the past even when I had not tried to. Kero was tired all the time and so was I. Yes, I had noticed. I had the feeling that something was off for close to a year now with odd things happening more and more often.

"People with great magic can do many things but it all comes with a price. I have seen it, you cannot longer control your magic, it's hurting your body and if we don't do anything about it, you could die."

I dropped the tea cup I was holding. I knew something was wrong, but I never thought it was this bad. I could tell she tried to tell me the news as calmly as she could but I sensed the worry in her voice and noticed Syaoran clenching his fists as she said it.

"What can I do?" I asked, almost in a whisper, surprised Yelan heard me.

"I am afraid I do not know the answer just yet, but I know what we can do to buy us time. You must go to China to receive proper training and learn how to control your power. You also need a place where you can use it freely to keep your power balanced."

"China? Training?" I held by head, feeling a headache coming.

"Yes, it's imperative that you learn to control it and also use it often so your body can release its power instead of destroying your body. This will give us time to find another alternative. Besides, I have seen it, your destiny is in China with the Li Clan so that is the place where you are destined to go"

I blushed, understanding the meaning behind those words and also afraid for the fate that awaited me should we don't find a solution.

"When should I go? How long will I be gone? My family..." I had so many questions coming to my mind.

"Sakura-chan, it is not fair of me to ask this of you, still so young, barely 14 years old. I know the news I brought today are difficult to understand" she stood up, approached me affectionately and hugged me tight. I had barely noticed I had tears in my eyes as I was processing this information. I was scared. Very scared.

"The Li Clan will protect you. You will not be alone. Your guardians should come too. Your family will be fine that I promise, and believe me or not, they will understand." She gave me another smile that was able to calm me down and I nodded, understanding the seriousness of the discussion and knowing full well difficult times awaited me.

"We should leave as soon as possible, I will handle things from here and let you know when we are all ready, as to how long you will be gone I can't say that for sure but it will be awhile. You should talk with your family, I am sure they will understand"

I understood then, this was not going to be a quick fix. We were interrupted by Kero and Yue coming in from the window, Yue with a serious expression on his face.

"Keroberos, Yue. Thank you for coming. I am aware my presence is unexpected but as you have noticed, Sakura's power continues to grow at an immeasurable speed. The Li Clan wants to help and we think Sakura should undergo training to manage her magic and have the opportunity to use it more often so her body can release it. As you know, many great sorcerers are in China, descendants of Clow. We need Sakura to go train there under our care and you both of course, as guardians and protectors should come as well."

"Who do you think you are, taking Sakura away? I bet that kid just wants her to himself, I will show you..." Kero was having a massive temper tantrum, upset at the prospect of me leaving.

"I understand" Yue interrupted "I am aware of the gravity of the situation. As her guardian I will go." He said no more, Yelan nodded in polite agreement and this was all it took to leave Kero speechless. After some time of solemn silence, Kero finally spoke.

"Of course I will go too, I will never leave Sakura alone!"

"Very well" Yelan said while standing up to take her leave "I will be in touch and Sakura-chan... everything will be fine" She gave me another warm smile. I wondered if my mother would have smiled the same way if she were here, there was something about her that reminded me of mother. Could it be a mother's touch?

My thoughts were interrupted by their departure, Syaoran following his mother on the way out while glancing at me for a moment.. Once they left, I collapsed in the couch not knowing what to do, still processing the conversation.

"Are you okay Sakura?" Kero asked, still worried.

"Yes, I am fine, I just don't know how to tell dad about this... and leaving everyone behind..."

"Mistress, I need to leave, Yukito needs to meet your brother soon"

"Yes, of course, thanks Yue"

"Cold as ever!" Kero said once Yue was gone "What are we going to do Sakura? We still don't know why the Sakura Cards became clear and why there are new cards, and your dreams..."

"There is definitely something big going on but I also have a feeling that the answers are not here" I had been thinking about this over and over. I felt like something evil was approaching and I needed to find out what it was. I was having dizzy spells more often, and I could see that person looking down on me, sending shivers to my core.

I went about my day, trying not to think so much about the events that happened that afternoon. I prepared some dinner and when I was almost done I heard the door open. I welcomed Touya and Yukito from the kitchen and soon they made their way there as well.

"Smells good Sakura-chan" I heard Yukito praise.

"You don't have to lie Yukito, don't you know monsters can't cook"

I instinctively tried to slam my foot on his foot in anger but Touya was faster than me and moved his foot at the last minute resulting in me painfully hitting the floor.

"Brother! I told you I am not a monster, jeez, and my food is good, if you don't like it don't eat it, more for Yukito and me!"

"Fine, fine! You can cook... sometimes" he laughed, I let it go and kept myself busy. Yukito and Touya helped set up the table and shortly after we heard dad come in as he had promised. Once dinner was ready and served we spoke for some time, laughing and talking like we usually did until dad got serious and asked to speak to us, Yukito included.

"It's been awhile since we were all together like this. I know we have all been busy so thank you for making time for this. I have been meaning to talk with you all about something not knowing when the right time was but unfortunately, I don't have much time left. You see... I have been in touch with Yelan Li and I was informed that Sakura is needed in Hong Kong"

"Dad..." I attempted to interrupt, not knowing what to say, not wanting to tell my secret but somehow wondering if he already knew.

"It's okay Sakura. There is much I don't understand and a whole lot more I need to learn. This decision did not come easy, as your father, my only wish is to keep you safe and make you happy. I cannot longer keep you safe Sakura... I don't have the power to do so but the Li family can so I must ask for you to go where you can be safe"

I was in shock at what I was hearing, unsure of how much he knew, my thoughts interrupted by Touya.

"I can keep her safe dad, why are you sending her away?"

"I am afraid you both know this is bigger than us, I cannot longer turn a blind eye to this. There is a reason why I am an archeologist, seeking to understand the past... seeking to understand Clow Reed"

I gasped, I could not believe he knew that name. Touya looked surprised too, did he know?

"Yes, I know. I had been warned of the future. Touya, you have also seen a glimpse that I know... and Sakura, your dreams are trying to tell you too." He paused for a second, not at all surprised by our confused faces before continuing "No, I do not possess any magic but your mother...She was the one who had it, who gave you your gifts."

"Dad, you knew? All this time?" Touya declared, accusation in his voice. Confusion still etched in my face. I guessed Touya may know of Kero in the past but his reaction and the declaration he had power surprised me anyway.

"Yes son, I did. Nadeshiko has not left, she watches over all of us and sometimes speaks to me, of you, of your quests. As a father, I fear every day, for your safety, for your fate. Yukito-san, I am afraid I know of you too and I thank you for protecting my daughter"

Yukito was suddenly surrounded by wings and Yue came out without further ado. Nobody looked surprised and Yue remained quiet as he appeared.

"Keroberos, come on out too" My father asked and Kero came out from my bedroom, I guessed he had been eavesdropping.

"It's nice to finally meet everyone formally. Thank you Keroberos for protecting my daughter too. Now it is my hope that no more secrets are between us and that we unite as best as we can to fix this as a family"

"Dad, I am sorry... for not telling you about this" I said, feeling guilty for hiding such a big secret from him. "I didn't want to put you in danger..."

"It's okay, I understand. This is how it was meant to be"

"Dad, is mom still here? I have not seen her in years" My brother asked.

"You can see mom?" I asked, confused and surprised

"Not anymore, I used to when I was younger, she was always watching over you Sakura" I teared up hearing that, I missed my mother very much and lately I had an urge to see her more than ever, even asking the Record card to show me a past where she was happy in her grandfather's house. Did I see her too that day? I wondered...

"To answer your question, yes sometimes I can, but not always, only when it is important" Father continued, interrupting my thoughts "She had the same power as you Touya, she told me so many times before, seeing things nobody else could."

"Didn't it bother you?" Brother pressed clearly wanting more answers.

"No, I love her" My father replied with a smile.

"Brother, if you can see mom, can you see other spirits too?"

"Yes" He declared and said no more. He knew I knew about him giving his powers to Yue, but I did not know they had returned as he now was saying. We all fell silent for some time trying to understand what had just taken place.

"I will go with her" Touya broke the silence "I will not leave her alone"

"I understand, I think that should be fine. I will talk with the Li family to arrange for this as well."

With that said, the night ended and the next day we were informed we would leave in a week's time. The next week passed by as quickly as it had come, we were all busy with preparations for the move and I spent almost every day of that week together with my best friend Tomoyo. She was sad about my departure but remained strong as she promised we would keep in touch. Because we were on a school break, I did not see the others. Before I knew it, the week ended and so I left with Yelan Li, Syaoran, Kero, Yue and Touya for Hong Kong. It was hard saying good bye to my father that day, but if he was sad he chose not to show it, instead he encouraged me to succeed in my training and to be safe from the challenges coming ahead.