Chapter 48: The Duel of the Sun and Moon

Release date: June 17th, 2004 

Word count: 52,383

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Thoughts: If I was reading these chapters in the order of release date, the next chapter would be the Christmas Special, aka Chapter 49.75 (posted on Feb 29th, 2004). But since I'm reading chronologically, after Ch 48 there's still Ch 49 and Ch 49.5 before I get there! At this point in time, Wish-chan was in her first year of college so her schedule was all over the place and she had a roommate too who apparently bugged her about the writing.

The Yahoo Ring was born in February 2004. Past!Wish-chan pondered about how it will turn out. Thankfully after 18 years it's still a place for NT and CC discussion and I'm also using it to lead a book club with the manga chapters.

Kai is getting sicker because of his gunshot wound. Very nice foreshadowing on Wish-chan's part. 

I love the subtle passage of time in NT. I'm just a handful of scenes in and there's already three mentions of the weather getting colder.

Erika is stunned when Syaoran asks her about her aspirations. I think she would make a great fashion model but she has the potential of being an actress too. In that conversation he tells her about Sakura's greatest weaknesses and he also tells Erika that she's nothing without Eron. This place a huge part in what's to come.

I still remember coveting the imaginary Card Captor Sakura and Friends PC game that Kai designed. 

Hmmm, Erika just bounded herself to a promise with Syaoran on how she won't hurt Sakura if he tutors her. How does she get around that?

It's amazing how Wish-chan connected Erika's failed attempt of controlling Syaoran with The Obedience with Eriol's failed attempt to do the same but with thread during Erika and Eriol's first conversation in NT.

Chapter 47: Shredded Fantasy

Release date: August 2nd, 2003

Word count: 26.813

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Thoughts: I'm so happy that we're hitting the climax of the true identity of Mikai in this chapter. I purposely kept myself away from Ch 47 fanart on dA to not spoil myself.

Coordinated outfits are the best outfits and the S&S pirate and gypsy costumes are some of my favourites. I love it whenever Final Boss Tomoyo gets her way!

There's a lot more bickering than usual between Syaoran and Eriol. Foreshadowing for the next chapter!

Oh, the second force was The Transform! Now that I think of it, I totally remember Googling "pink amorphous jelly" and using it for the Sakura Card.

I like how Kero-chan was muttering about how fitting it was for Tomoyo to conjure a dangerous dragon instead of a peaceful unicorn.  

While Sakura's Fantasy in Arc 4 was only populated with characters who passed away, there are versions of Miara and Keisuke here. I loved the comment about how Miho's father looked familiar.

Good news: Syaoran told Sakura the truth about no longer being the Chosen One, that he loved her and then he kissed her. Bad news: he made her forget everything.

Everyone's pyjamas in The Fantasy were so cute!! It would have made for adorable fanart. 

Syaoran and Sakura were not only provided with dinner, breakfast and a place to sleep, but their outfits were washed and mended as well. Does Miho's Fantasy include house elves?

Chapter 46: Spinner of Cobwebs

Release date: August 2nd, 2003

Word count: 25,661  

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Thoughts: The opening scene is so beautifully written and it pulls on your E&T heartstrings even if you aren't a shipper.

In my Breakfast 2.0 fanart I dressed Meilin in her Seijou middle school uniform but she's not attending classes while her leg is healing.

I love S&S telepathy so much. I hope that present-day Arc 4 Sakura will finally take down the walls and let Syaoran in again before the finale.

It's so odd with how Eron can openly joke about not sending out forces from the emotions category yet because S&S cause enough turmoil themselves. 

Hello, Nina! I wonder if she always was Sakura's relative or if that just something Wish-chan developed along the way. 

Wish-chan talked about her journalism internship in the updates so it's fun to see Miho's actual article included in this chapter instead of the key points being expressed through the text.

Sakura hiding Syaoran and Wolfie-chan under the covers when Touya comes in to check in her at 2 am will never not be funny.

Syaoran finally says that he loves Sakura! Too bad it was buried in his warning to Eron to stay away from her.