Author's Note: Magic does exist in this story but it is not a main way of fighting because it drains more energy in this world than in… Card Captor Sakura for example. Today's chapter is probably only one of around maybe a little less than six incidents with full blown magic in the fights. (There might be a few minor magical showdowns, but I want to keep this fic away from too much magic. It's a tale about swordsmen after all!)

Summary: There's a certain prophecy that tells of four legendary swords with the powers of the elements. This prophecy was passed down until it became legend... and then myth. Now, a thousand years later, the swords have resurfaced and two people set forth to claim these powerful weapons. What will happen when their paths cross?

Ruler of the Elements

Chapter 3: Magic's Role

"It's been a long time, Sakura."

"Clow Reed… Sensei…"

The crowd murmured to each other at the unexpected conversation between the two contestants. Why were they talking?

Looking at the lowering sun in the sky, Clow said, "We'll have to talk later Sakura. For now, we need to start this fight. As a contestant of this tournament, I can't go easy on you just because you were my student and still are, a good friend."

"Demo-" Sakura started but was immediately cut off by Clow.

"No buts, Sakura. This is a tournament and you're in it. Now show me how much you have improved."

"As you wish," Sakura conceded and sighed. But even if she had agreed to start the battle, she just stood there unmoving. It was only after Clow blocked a lightning fast kick that came from another Sakura that appeared in front of him, did the crowd know that the battle had started.

Immediately after her attack, Sakura disappeared like smoke leaving behind no trace of her existence. Suddenly, Clow sidestepped out of the way as Sakura reappeared out of thin air to stab at thin air. She turned her body and her momentum into a low spinning slash at Clow's legs, but she doubled over with pain when Clow's fist unexpectedly sank into her stomach and a kick sent her flying across the stage.

"It seems your speed has greatly improved to be able to leave an after-image (1), but don't forget that I know almost every single one of the moves your father taught you."

"How could I forget?" Sakura replied sarcastically as she got up. She winced at the bruise forming on her stomach but immediately got into a new stance with her sword pointed up in front of her while her left hand was behind her back. "So how about I show you something of my own making?" she exclaimed as she disappeared again. Several after-images of her formed around Clow, one disappearing while another appeared in a different spot every few seconds. Clow stood there uncaring as he silently tracked down Sakura's movement with his eyes which were now cold and calculating.

Then, a voice drifted into the air around the stage murmuring, "Lightning formed and thunder gathered, fill the air with your sparks, Thunder Arrow!"

As the spell ended, three Sakuras appeared in a triangle position and slashed down with their swords with three streams of lightning that connected in the middle where Clow was still standing. Furthermore, beams of electricity linked the three blades to form a barrier as the skies ripped open with a loud roar and bolts of thunder dropped down into the center, ripping the stage apart.

And then… the air quieted and Sakura appeared at the edge of the stage, crouched and breathing heavily, staring at the cracked ground. She shook her head to clear it as her energy left her. Meanwhile, the crowd was silent, watching in wonder and amazement as they finally let out the breath they had not realized they had been holding. Then, claps were heard from the opposite edge of the stage and a voice was heard, saying, "A wonderful show of magic, Sakura." And there stood Clow Reed without a mark or a scratch! "It seems that you have improved," he complimented. "Though it is true I have never seen that particular use of magic before, but you forget a certain gift I have called: Future Sight. In fact, I saw that coming before you did," he continued in a tone that was not boastful but just stated the fact.

Sakura grimaced as her body was sore from using that huge amount of magic and slowly stood all the way up. She then smiled at her old mentor and said, "But I did not forget, Sensei." As she spoke, something that looked like a card glowed under Clow's foot and drifted Sakura's open hand as she yelled out, "Wood!" and a barrier made of forest surrounded and trapped Clow Reed. Four glowing cards drifted back into Sakura's hand before she put them away. Only those who had extremely quick eyes could have noticed the cards and even then, they would have thought they were hallucinating. Magic was heard of, but magical cards?

Then, the silence was broken as Clow's voice drifted out, "I admit defeat."

"And we have a winner!" the announcer yelled. The battle was over…

(1) After-image is when someone's speed is so great that you see an image of where they were a few seconds ago. So, instead of being able to attack that opponent or block their attacks, you wouldn't be able to do anything unless you possessed the same or greater speed or keen eyesight. Magic works too.

Ending Note: I'll clear up something here and now. Though Sakura has the cards, they demand a high amount of energy so they will not be used nor mentioned very much. There are two reasons for her use of magic in this fight: 1) Clow Reed is a user of magic, 2) She wanted to show Clow how much she had improved, and 3) She needed to use it as a distraction so that she could end the fight without hurting her mentor.