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Sakura no Tenshi

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Chapter Eight – The Banishment

Angel Sakura was still in the garden when it happened. Recently, she had found a reclusive little corner in the heavenly garden, a place where sakura trees bloom all year round. More than once, she had fallen asleep on a bed of sakura petals.

The meeting with Angel Hitono-sama did not go that badly as well. At least she was able to tell her who was the demon in charge of it, if not pinpoint their exact purpose. However, she had been surprised when a legion of angels was sent down, not a single demon was left. All the lesser demons had vanished, leaving only the trademark clumsy traces of the fact that they had once been there. Their leader, Akuma Syaoran, certainly was not left behind. She still shuddered at the memory of the auburn-eyed boy.

Most of the celestial residents, namely the angels, were surprised by their lack of missions lately. It seemed that Makai had finally decided to lie quite for a while. This was rather hard to conceive for all the angels. The majority was completely certain that the demons were most definitely planning something big. The minority, or rather the more informed ones, seemed to have a hunch, a right one at that, that an internal strife was finally breaking out in Makai. However, no matter the cause, it was generally true that all the angels were quite uneasy about this quietness. Angel Sakura was no exception.

Getting back to the story, Angel Sakura was actually sound asleep in the heavenly garden when it happened. She was awakened by shouts of anger and surprise of the other angels. She leapt to her feet in alarm, all sleep gone from her beautiful emerald eyes. She was vaguely aware that she had yet another dream. However, as with all the other ones, she couldn't seem to remember what it was.

She had confessed this to Angel Kaho. To say that the older angel was mildly surprised was a terrible understatement. Both were fully aware of the fact that Angel Sakura was a yumemi, perhaps one more knowledgeable than the other about the implications, however, it was clear that a yumemi was supposed to remember her dreams. That was the whole point. Both had investigated but neither had come to a satiable conclusion. Nevertheless, Angel Kaho had a nagging feeling that someone was tempering with Angel Sakura's magic. However, the evidences were too little.

Anyway, Angel Sakura was very surprised to see that nearly all the angels were panicking. Most had taken to their wings and some athletic ones were on their feet but they were all going towards the same direction. They all moved towards the heavenly gate. It was an awesome spectacle. So many beautiful angels were flying [or running in some cases] in one direction. The sky was clouded over with white bodies and no face showed a trace of hesitation as all heads turned towards the direction of the heavenly gate. Angel Sakura tried to ask what had happened but all shoulders shrugged off her insistent fingers. She decided to follow first and ask later.

The arrival at the heavenly gate cleared all her doubts or nearly all of it. In the middle of the heavenly gate, just one step away from the heavenly court, was the biggest demon she had ever seen. Gathered all around the demon must surely be all the angels in heaven. Hundreds of angels flew around the demon, attacking it with their various spells. Others attacked by land and some were busily pulling out ofudas. Angel Sakura drew in her breath sharply. Scattered about the demon's feet were the bodies of three angels, who were already disintegrating. She choked back as sob as she recognized one of them as Angel Hanako.

However, even though all the angels were tackling the demon with whatever abilities they have, only two angels seemed to be doing the main fighting. Angel Hitono faced the demon squarely and Angel Tomoyo was just beside her. Pure power shot out from Angel Tomoyo's fingertips and they burnt holes right through the demon. He reeled back from the impact and momentarily seemed to be on the verge of losing balance. Then, miraculously, right before the very eyes of all the angels, the holes began to heal and finally closed up, as if they had never been there before.

The disbelief on Angel Tomoyo's face was total. Angel Sakura found herself perversely fascinated by the full-fledged fighting between angels and demons. Lightning crackled constantly in the air as various angels summoned it and mini-tornadoes seemed to form all over the place. Jets of water sprouted out of unknown sources and flung themselves at the demon, who either evaporated them with a fire shield or absorbed them into his own body.

Above all the fighting and spells, was the horrifying noise. The hundreds of voices all chanting different spells at the same time was almost equivalent to the rumblings of an extremely active volcano. Most angels groaned and moaned as they sustained injury inflicted by the seemingly indestructible demon. Throughout all these, however, none of the angels screamed, either in pain or fright. All wore grim but determined expressions on their faces. Only a tiny flicker in their eyes betrayed the shock and disbelief they felt.

Just when the demon thought he had widened the circle with the ever-increasing number of injured angels, more rushed to take their places. For the first time, the demon looked a little disorientated, as if overwhelmed by the sheer number. With a soft cry, the angel in front of Angel Sakura fell abruptly. Angel Sakura immediately moved forth to take her place, hence seeing the battle in its full ferocity. Her jaws dropped. The demon was even bigger than she had thought. Even though all the angels were casting spells at him, most wounds seemed to heal instantly.

How did this thing get here? She wondered silently while hurling fireballs with all her might. Angel Tomoyo in front of her was fighting courageously. She had on a vaguely shocked expression, as if she was expecting something surprising but it did not turn out according to her expectations. Angel Hitono was throwing numerous spells with amazing speed. Then out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Angel Kaho standing stork still just outside the circle of the demon's attacking range. She had this dreamy expression that made Angel Sakura worry momentarily for her sanity.

Suddenly, she saw her hands clasped together close to her body then thrusted out suddenly. Four more pairs of hands mimicked her moments. She realized that it was a formation. In response, the demon staggered back, its eyes glazed over. Mentally, it was completely knocked out by the full blast of five highly skilled telepaths, not to mentions five that were in formation. Taking this opportunity, Angel Hitono flew into the air.

"Sword!" she cried, her powerful voice rose above all the chantings and murmurings. From the thin air, a huge sword was materializing, as if assembled from the very molecules of air. Aside from Angel Sakura, nobody seemed to be surprised. Before it was fully visible, Angel Hitono wielded the heavy sword and swooped in on the demon for the lethal blow.

It happened in the blinking of an eye. A moment later, Angel Hitono had flown past the demon. Behind her the demon's mouth opened in a perfect circle. Its hideous face radiated disbelief. Without another sound, its head dislocated from its shoulders and landed with a dull thud on the floor. The huge body swayed unsteadily before falling down in a lifeless heap. A humongous silence befell heaven as the demon's body disintegrated with a puff of foul smoke. However, something glittering seemed to linger for a moment longer before it vanished too.

An audible sigh of relief was heard as the atmosphere lightened just a little. Then Angel Hitono turned to face the angels. Her face was livid with anger. In a barely controlled quiet voice that shook with rage, she asked, "Who did it?" When nobody answer, she repeated. "WHO DID IT?"

Angel Sakura grew nervous even though she reminded herself that she had no reason to. The ringing silence grew even heavier as nobody admitted to Angel Hitono's accusations. Finally, she motioned for Angel Kaho, who looked extremely pale. "Who did it?" she asked for a third time in a calmer voice. Angel Kaho's eyes showed fear and the faint glister of tears. She closed them. "Well?" demanded Angel Hitono.

Opening her eyes and tears flowing free, Angel Kaho looked utterly miserable.

"It was… Angel Sakura."

Angel Sakura's eyes widened in shock. She felt her face tinged with embarrassment as every single pair of eyes focused on her. Most of all, she felt Angel Hitono's harsh scrutiny extremely uncomfortable. Staring uncomprehending around, she soon felt the small amount of hostility in all their gazes. What… what the hell are they talking about?

~*~*~*~*~

Syaoran was extremely disgusted by this sudden turn of events. He had expected bloodshed. He had expected a battle. He had expected, with relish, sucking out the essence of souls with potentials. Instead, a sudden command from the dukes ordered him to retreat, full force. Another command had specifically warned him against making any unauthorized moves on Nagasaki privately, as if they had expected what he wanted to do. He was extremely disgusted.

Most importantly, he returned to find Makai in a disgusting state. Every single demon was keenly aware of the hostility between the dukes and Akuma Naagasushite. Everybody had taken sides, either with the dukes or against them. Secret defiances of orders of the dukes were getting more and more rampant. Everything was just short of open rebellion. Not that he minded a battle with demons. It was the aftermath that got to him. Demons had a nasty habit of eating up their opponents, no matter how revolting they may look.

Naagasushite was also beginning to trust him more and more, or rather, the closest a demon could get to trusting another of its kind. Everyday, he would rave to Syaoran about the strategies he would employ to drive the dukes off their thrones and what he would do once he was in power. Truth to be said, Naagasushite was more intelligent, more ambitious and more powerful than most demons, if not all. However, one of his failings was that he couldn't seem to keep his mouth quiet. Syaoran resented this very much. He rather wished the other demon would just get the whole thing over and done with.

However, Grand Duke Ashitarote was nevertheless, an extremely powerful demon. It was by no luck that he climbed to his current status. Much planning would be required before the big day. During the course of waiting, Syaoran came to realize how little patience he possessed.

~*~*~*~*~

"Angel Sakura! You're now banished from this place. Your wings will soon be clipped and you'll never be allowed to return." Angel Hitono stated simply and coldly as she glared at the young angel contemptuously. More than one angel gasped in shock at this announcement. This was unheard of.

Angel Sakura couldn't believe her ears. She was banished from heaven because of a crime she wasn't even aware of? This was hardly hair. She lifted her chin defiantly. "And why?"

Angel Hitono stared at her in shock. No one had talked to her in this manner before. "And why?" she parroted incredulous. "You mean to tell me you have no idea of the gravity of your offence?" Angel Sakura cringed as the other angel's voice climbed several octaves. Steeling herself, she said, "No. I don't think I've done anything wrong."

She felt surprise coming from all the angels present. Even Angel Kaho looked faintly puzzled.

Some anger drained away from Angel Hitono's face. However, she still looked at Angel Sakura with utmost displeasure, like a strict piano teacher who discovered that her student had never touched the piano for a whole week [a/n: personal experience]. "You mean to say you've got no idea how the demon got here?"

Angel Sakura shook her head. Angel Hitono gave an exasperated sigh. "Explain to her, Angel Tomoyo-chan."

Hai, Angel Hitono-sama.

Was it her imagination or did she saw a gleam of triumphant in Angel Tomoyo's eyes?

The demon, which we've slain just now, did not come to heaven by any luck or chance. In fact, it was impossible for anything without a recorded angelic essence to enter the heavenly gate at all. The bar on the heavenly gate was created by God himself. Even the most powerful demon could not hope to enter the gate by force.

Angel Sakura felt a dreaded sickness in the pit of her stomach as she realized the implications. She longed for the other angel to stop. However, Angel Tomoyo continued without flinching.

This meant that, to enter the heavenly gate at all, the demon must possess the angelic essence of a known angel. While this demon was dying, some of our angels with the gift of mind sensed that the angelic essence in the demon was in fact… yours.

"But how did it get there?" asked Angel Sakura in alarm. Angel Tomoyo gave her a devilishly sweet smile.

That, is what we hope you could tell us. Note that to lure a demon to heaven is a sin punishable by death. Heaven is a sacred place, not to be tainted by the foul demons. Banishing you from heaven is actually a light punishment.

"But I was innocent! I never gave the demon my angelic essence, if that's what you're thinking! However could you think I'm guilty based on so little evidences?" Angel Tomoyo gave a mocking laugh.

So little evidences? What other evidence was needed since the angelic essence was found to be yours? There's no way you can explain yourself now. Either way, the fact is that it's your angelic essence that lured it here. You would have to bear the consequences.

Angel Sakura bit back the tears that were threatening to fall. Angel Kaho and most of the other angels were looking at her now with pity. Angel Hitono finally looked at her. It was obvious that her anger had appeased.

"I'm sorry, child. This is a first time for me too. However, I have to clip your wings. It's a rule," Angel Hitono said finally.

"Please Angel Hitono-sama!" Angel Sakura pleaded. The tears were falling freely now. "Don't drive me away from heaven. This is my only home."

Angel Hitono only bowed her head. "I'm sorry, child," she muttered softly. Straightening herself, she commanded in a crisp voice, "Clip her wings now. However, let her keep some of her true gift and some of her powers."

Angel Sakura sank down with a sob. A pair of angels had come forth, each holding a pair of scissors. She did not feel any pain as her wings were cut off, just a terrible loss, as if something very precious had been taken from her life forever. She wept and wept, totally wetting the front of her dress.

She was not alone in her tears. Angel Kaho came and hugged her, whispering her good-byes, asking her to take care of herself. Slowly, one by one, the other angels came forth to hug her. Even though extremely well-composed, everyone looked startled, as if they couldn't believe whatever that had happened.

The only one who hung back was Angel Tomoyo. She was watching the whole scene with a small satisfactory smile.

Finally, the moment came. Angel Sakura was to be banished from heaven to Chijou. She would be a mortal and experience life and death as a mortal. Pushing the sadness aside, she felt fear. She realized that she was the first fallen angel ever.

Taking one last opportunity to converse, Angel Kaho hurried whispered to her, "Just now Angel Hitono said that you would get to keep your true ability. Do you know what is it? Aside from your abilities as a yumemi, do you know what other powers you possess?" Seeing the terrified angel's shake of head, she groaned softly. "I really hate to leave you with so little protection. I…" She never got to finish the sentence as Angel Hitono interrupted her.

"Angel Sakura, please know that this is a heavenly rule. None of us wanted this. Now, it's time for you to go," she paused, as if considering whether to say something or not. Finally, she said it, "Please take care of yourself. We'll miss you." Not a few sobs were heard after this.

Angel Sakura felt vulnerably light without her wings, not that her wings were heavy, she was not used to the emptiness on her back. Taking a deep breath and a last look at her fellow angels, she walked right through the heavenly gate. And started falling. This time, she did not scream. A long passage of extraordinary colours passed her by as she fell to her birth.

A stunned silence fell after Angel Sakura took the plunge. Though they all knew it was inevitable, many could not believe when Angel Sakura finally jumped. They had expected Angel Hitono to retract her command at the last moment. The older angel herself looked a little startled to see the young angel disappear from their sight. Finally, she waved a weary hand asking the rest of the angels to return to whatever they were doing.

Still with a small smile, Angel Tomoyo too turned to go. She felt a restraining hand on her shoulder. She turned around to face the fierce gaze of Angel Hitono. "Don't leave yet," she said tersely. Angel Tomoyo was a little alarmed by the strange expression on the other angel's face.

Hai.

When nearly all the other angels had left, Angel Hitono finally began to speak. "Don't think I'm not aware of what you have done. Honestly, I'm terribly disappointed with you. As a senior angel, I would have expected you treat a minor with love. Instead…"

Cold fear licked at Angel Tomoyo's heart. How did she know? She wondered silently. She tried her best to hide her agitation.

Are you going to banish me from heaven too, Angel Hitono-sama?

Angel Hitono looked a little taken back by the other angel's bluntness. "No," she replied tiredly. "I'm not going to go through all those again. No, I have some other things for you to do. Take it as, an atonement of your sins."

Angel Tomoyo was surprised. She had expected the older angel to fly into a rage. She looked at her questioningly.

"I want you to go down to Chijou and pose as a mortal to protect her. This is the least you could do for her, after what you've done to her. Take this as long-term mission. Don't forget, I'll be watching you." Angel Hitono too turned to go.

Angel Tomoyo stared at her retreating figure with shock, then anger. This was worse than any punishment. To think that all the trouble she went to just to get rid of her, she had to be stuck with her again. With a frustrated cry, she resignedly flew down to Chijou.

~*~*~*~*~

Syaoran had a weird feeling in his stomach the moment he woke up. He felt something important was going to happen today. The look Naagasushite gave him as he stood guard over his bed confirmed his suspicions. [1] This is the day.

~*~*~*~*~

Fujitaka Kinomoto did not even notice the pain when his fingernails dug into his palms as his wife gave another strangled scream. He mopped at his shinning brow absentmindedly. All who knew him would probably agree that this was the only moment Fujitaka had been anything but calm, except maybe when Touya Kinomoto was born. The aforementioned boy was currently lounging lazily on the chairs provided by the hospital. Only the whites of his knuckles as he gripped onto the hand bar and the way his body tensed whenever his mother gave a particularly loud scream betrayed the nervousness he's feeling.

"Never another one," Fujitaka murmured fervently as he paced outside the room his wife was in. A particularly bloodcurdling scream made him stopped momentarily before he resumed his pointless pacing. Finally, a series of screams brought him to a standstill. Then they suddenly stopped. The silence felt uncomfortable, as if it had never meant to be there. True enough, soon, the distinct crying of a baby was heard. Both father and son rushed to the door expectantly.

Finally, the doctor pushed open the door, wearing a huge grin on his face. "The birth was very successful. You have a daughter and she has the most astonishing pair of green eyes I've ever seen." Feeling faint with relief and weak with happiness, Fujitaka rushed past the doctor to his tired but smiling wife. "Nadeshiko," he whispered with love, "thank you."

His gaze shifted from his wife and he looked down to see the most adorable baby he had ever seen, or so he thought in his heightened fatherly sense. Finding no words to describe the beauty he had seen in the tiny baby, he asked simply, "What shall we name her?"

"Sakura," Nadeshiko said softly but firmly.

Fujitaka nodded affirmatively.

"Sakura Kinomoto she will be then."

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[1]: demons dun haf to sleep but syaoran has to. He's a mortal rite? anw, while he's sleeping, naagasushite has to stand guard over him coz if not the other demons will harm him. We dun want dat to happen, do we?

A/N: There, its not dat long, is it? the later updates might take even longer though so pls be patient with me. So here it is… the last chapter of Sakura no Tenshi Part I. There'll of coz be a part II. Remember to support dat too ne? oh yar, I received quite a lot of inquiries abt wat dat demon ting was in the last chap. If u all still remember, in the chap before the previous one, Tomoyo placed Sakura's angelic essence [gosh, how the hell did I come up with these kind of childish names?] at some part of dat forest n a demon smelt it rite? anw, he came n ate up the essence and he became powerful. Coz sakura's essence is extremely powerful. As to wat her true ability is, dat still kant be revealed now.

Anw, thanx to everybody who's reviewed. I really appreciate it very much. However, to encourage me further and prevent me frm dying of excessive sch work, everyone who reads diz story shld review. though im not saying u muz review but it's a bit unfair to me if u dun review rite? I did spend a lot of effort writing it… ::pitiful look::

Disclaimer: Sadly, CCS does not belong to me. To make up for dat, im going to manipulate her charac as much as possible. ::evil laughter::

A/N [2]: firstly, im so glad dat so many ppl lyk lord of the rings. ::hearts:: secondly, for anyone who's craving for a little romance in this story, it'll come out in the nxt chap. Or rather, the nxt part. Be prepared for a bit of angst too. im promising no happy ending. ::grinz::