Card Captor Sakura - episode 69

This is a strange episode about yet another shocking revelation that assails Sakura's senses: Eli just plain admits to Sakura that he is Clow Reed himself, and this time there is no memory effacing trick involved or reality-twisting manouevre to cause ambiguity. It's all plain as day, a stark revelation with the suddenness and impetus of a thrusted knife. As an added bonus, he tells the awestruck heroine that Lee is a manifestation of Clow Reed's spirit, which explains why he has always been able to summon the power of elementals. The fact that he reveals all of this cues Sakura in on the nature of his next request: turn all of the remaining Clow Cards into Star Cards or else the world as everyone knows will succumb to endless slumber and murkiness. The trying challenge at first seems to be simple enough, Sakura gets by without any major difficulties and converts all of the cards but two. The stumbling block is that she's still not in possession of enough power to get round both the Light and Dark cards. The reason for this soon comes to light: these specific cards are under Clow Reed's protection. With no clear way out, You-Wei and Kero decide to combine forces to help her out, resulting in them concentrating their magic powers onto her staff. Adding to the tense affair is that they are counting on Sakura to succeed, lest they remain trapped in the staff for good. While taking a few faltering steps forward, Sakura acquiesces to their help and does what she can, hoping for the best. Staring in quiet astonishment is Lee, but the good-natured kid pitches in as well, launching his own magic onto the staff. With a last shred of effort, Sakura brings her threatened friends back, dispels Eli's magic and brings the final two cards under her control. Eli makes to escape, while Kero and Julian follow in hot pursuit and Sakura goes over to help Lee to his feet. Being battle weary allows Lee to taper down his inhibitions, and he finally tells Sakura what he always wanted to tell her.