Heavenly Destiny
Chapter 2- Face to Face with Fate
Jo-chan
Disclaimers: Standard CCS disclaimers apply. Clamp owns the characters.
*************
"How could you keep that secret from me after all this years, Okaasan?" asked Tomoyo painfully as she turned to faced her somber looking mother inside their mansion in Tomoeda.
Gone was the dynamic businesswoman and in her place stood Daidouji Sonomi, a woman who seemed to be on the verge of an emotional breakdown at her daughter's words. Sonomi's voice cracked as she tried to answer her daughter, "I-- I didn't want to lose you the same way I lost Nadeshiko- chan. I thought that by running away from truth we could have lived our lives normally, without the burden of our family's legacy..."
Tomoyo buried her face in her hands as she sagged weakly against the sofa. She felt suddenly weakened by hearing the confession from her mother. A lifetime of secrets and a life lived like a lie. It was devastating.
"Gomen Okaasan... I still can't seem to accept the fact that my life is no longer the same or perhaps, even my own. I'm trying not to be mad at you but it's hard. At night I hear voices, so many voices that someday I know I'll disappear and lose my true self," whispered Tomoyo.
"Iie! Tomoyo-chan!" cried out Sakura as she took her trembling friend in her arms. Sonomi gave in to her tears once more and Syaoran stood up and sympathetically helped her sit down the chair. He turned to face Sonomi, his expression intent.
"Daidouji-san, the Li family has always been aware of the presence of a Fumegami descendant in Japan, but the secret of your identity has been a well-guarded secret, how is that possible? Wouldn't the Japanese government be more protective over their Fumegami? And even curious as well?" asked Syaoran and Sakura looked up, looking curious as well.
The door opened in the eastern wing, stopping Sonomi before she can answer. A tall, dark-suited man strode inside and answered Syaoran's question.
"I wanted my daughter to have a normal childhood. The Japanese government never experimented on her because I'm next in position to Japan's Defense minister," answered Reisui as he faced the wide-eyed stares of the room's occupants.
"O-- otousan?" gasped Tomoyo as she bolted out of her seat and faced the grave smile of a man whose dark eyes held such wisdom and gentleness.
"It's been a long-time now Tomoyo... You've grown up to be such a lovely young lady," said Reisui with a smile. Hesitantly, almost fearfully, he held out his arms to embrace his daughter.
Tomoyo flew into his open arms and held onto him like her single lifeline. "Otou-san! Okaasan said you loved me, that what kept you from me all these years was because you wanted to protect me in a very special way! Now... now, I understand!" cried Tomoyo as her father held her with the same relief and hope.
It was a short-lived reunion however before the small cellular phone in Reisui's coat rang urgently. He pulled away from his daughter and answered the call. "Hai, Daidouji," greeted Reisui before his face darkened.
"Nani (What)! Demons have appeared in downtown Tokyo? How can that be? In daylight? What do you mean it's just 5 pm? There's still sunlight isn't it?" snapped Reisui angrily as he began pacing back and forth on the carpet.
Tomoyo and the others turned to look outside the window just in time to see the sun setting. "There's no sunlight now," pointed out Meilin with a troubled frown.
"In the darkness, evil reigns supreme," said Syaoran quoting from one of his family's magic books.
"I want to help those people," Sakura said suddenly as she stood up, looking determined and resolute. "My mother tried to stop the demons but she didn't succeed. I want to fulfill her unfinished duty," stated Sakura as she held onto her star pendant tightly.
Reisui broke off his call and shook his head at his niece. "Sakura-san, that is not possible. Only the Fumegami can defeat the reawakened demons and you are an ordinary person," berated Reisui as he wearily rubbed his brow.
Sakura scowled before she straightened her spine and announced, her green eyes taking on a steely edge as she showed her resolve in the issue.
"I am the Mistress of the Cards. I can handle any obstacle that will come my way."
Reisui and Sonomi gazed at her in a daze. "W-- what?"
Syaoran confirmed Sakura's words. "She captured the Clow Cards, a magical artifact of great and unparalleled magic. She even defeated me, the Li clan's Chosen One," added Syaoran and watched surprise and disbelief grow on the two adults' faces.
"Oh key that holds the power of the stars, reveal your true form to me! I, Sakura call upon our contract. Release!" said Sakura as her magic circle came out and the magic transformed her key into the star wand. "Let's go," commanded Sakura as she turned to look at her aunt and uncle.
"Why? How--?" asked Sonomi as she gazed at the young lady she'd loved as much as her daughter. The light in Sakura's eyes are still the same and yet the wisdom and determination she possessed was now revealed fully unlike the childlike innocence she exuded simply before. Hidden depths indeed.
"You're the Card Mistress," stated Reisui, unable to take the character Sakura revealed so suddenly. "Masaka (No way)! The Japanese government has been trying to confirm the presence of such powers before but there was always insufficient proof and data. No one can remember much of anything!" burst out Reisui as he ran his hands agitatedly through his hair.
A card appeared on Sakura's hand, she flipped the back to reveal the card's identity. ERASE. Sakura shrugged as she answered, "Cerberos and Yue, my two guardians advised that it would be better to keep the knowledge of my magic hidden. But it's different now. For me... and for Tomoyo-chan."
"I hold the Li clan's Sword of Elements and the magic of the Li clan runs through my veins. I, the future Master of the Li clan, will aid you," announced Syaoran as Reisui's jaw dropped down even farther.
"What Sword of Elements? You're the heir to the Li's?" asked Reisui in a yelp.
Without saying anything, Syaoran took off his red satin bracelet with a small, transparent, Chinese bead. He murmured a few Chinese words and light enveloped the bracelet before it transformed into a sword. The sword has also changed its appearance, slimmer and looking more like a Japanese sword but with the familiar red tassels and magical orb hanging from the handle.
"I can't believe that the wielders of all that powerful magic are kids!" sighed Reisui and was met with glares from Sakura and Syaoran.
"Magic has no bounds," both of them said in union.
Sakura and Syaoran turned to smile at each other before reverting back to the subject at hand. "Will you let us go with you now?" asked Sakura.
Reisui gazed at the two of them and nodded tightly. He felt resistant to the idea of bringing Sakura into the battle of Reawakened Evil but there was no other choice. Countless lives would be at stake and Tomoyo is still reluctant to accept her destiny. He didn't want to bring Tomoyo in a battle she'd lose. He answered slowly, "Hai... let's go."
They turned to walk out. Tomoyo called out before Reisui, Sakura and Syaoran even reached the door.
Pale-faced and leaning against Meilin, Tomoyo whispered, "I want to come with you... I want to understand my destiny."
*************
"I've never ridden on a helicopter before..." breathed Sakura as they gazed down at Tokyo's sparkling lights. Syaoran sat grim and silent beside her, all too aware of the implications and danger the Reawakened Evil possessed.
There was indeed the aura of danger and darkness so tangible that Syaoran felt tense, like he was about to step into a war.
And it was indeed a war, a battle between light and dark, good and evil.
"We defeated escaped demons with swords or guns before. By using a sword, we behead them or chop them until all the blood is gone from them. When we defeat them with a gun, we burn them up right away to prevent regeneration," informed Reisui over the clatter of the helicopter's wings.
"Regeneration?" asked Tomoyo worriedly and Reisui nodded.
"Demons have the ability to heal themselves after an injury. We managed to handle it before because the barrier Nadeshiko-san created before helped us. But now that the barrier is down..." Reisui's voice faded off, not saying anything more. It was clearly Tomoyo's turn to succeed the Fumegami's duty.
"How do I-- how did the Fumegami create the barrier?" asked Tomoyo when they landed and were walking rapidly towards the Defense headquarters.
Reisui pressed his lips tightly and didn't answer. Looking worried, Tomoyo looked around the brightly lit office. Everyone was in uniform, except perhaps a few people who were wearing dark suits like her father.
"Sit here for awhile," instructed Reisui before he was escorted by a major to head inside the Defense Minister's office.
Tomoyo, Syaoran and Sakura sat in silence, lost in their individual thoughts.
"Li-kun, how is a barrier created?" asked Tomoyo quietly, persistent in her quest for answers.
Syaoran looked at Sakura before he took Sakura's hand and held onto it before he answered, "Remember the dream? The flashing colors of red and black? The memory of tears and pain?"
Sakura and Tomoyo nodded tightly before Syaoran took a deep breath and continued, "From what I know, the Fumegami seals the Reawakened Evil by the power of her blood."
"Blood?" asked Sakura, her eyes going wide with pain at her mother's ordeal and Tomoyo's destiny. The blood drained from Tomoyo's face.
"It-- it doesn't kill the Fumegami... the Act of Sealing. It just needs the proper strength from the descendant and the magical protection of her guardian-- guardians in fact," amended Syaoran at the last minute, looking thoughtful as he recalled his lessons back in HongKong.
Looking confused, Tomoyo asked, "Guardian? That's the second time I've heard about having one. Do I have a guardian then? What did you mean by having guardians too?"
Syaoran scratched his head as he thought. "Actually, the concept of having your guardian-- a Fumegami's guardian is more than that. Your Guardian is bonded to you, by heart. That means he will be able to find you no matter where you are or where you might be. But that bond is not one-sided because you are also bonded to him. The bond is awakened when the power of the Fumegami is needed once more."
Reisui, who has just left the office stood behind them, was listening to Syaoran's explanation as well.
"Bonded by heart? How? Even if I don't now him?" asked Tomoyo curiously.
"Oh you know him," murmured Syaoran under his breath not wanting to agitate Tomoyo further. "What I said about having guardians, well, actually you have one guardian, the Guardian of the Sun but you also have protectors-- the Guardians of the Moon and Stars as well," replied Syaoran giving emphasis on Moon and Stars.
"Stars? That's me! I hold the power of the Stars! You mean to say I was destined to protect Tomoyo-chan?" exclaimed Sakura.
"Yes, that's the standard formation for sealing the Reawakened Evil. But other Fumegami's in the past had to deal with the reawakened evil on their own, it was either her guardian was missing or powerless or killed in the battle. That's why the Guardians of the Moon and the Stars became important but it was rare to find them all alive in one generation. Fate has many plans for us," answered Syaoran.
"Tomoyo now has the Guardian of the Stars and Moon on her side," mused Sakura. "But where is Tomoyo's bonded guardian, the one who holds the power of the Sun?" asked Reisui as he made his presence known. Syaoran didn't look surprised and answered his inquiry in a soft voice.
"Probably on his way here now."
***************
"Mattaku! Eriol! Why did we have to leave England and go back to Japan?" complained Nakuru as she waited for their luggage in Japan's airport.
Looking a bit tired and jet-lagged Eriol only smiled. "Patience Ruby Moon. You will know the answer soon enough. It seems that destiny called me back here," replied Eriol as he gazed out the Japanese night sky.
"Destiny huh?" asked Nakuru and Spinel who was held like a doll in her arms snorted softly. She smiled suddenly and said, "Well Eriol, I hope this time, you won't make the same mistake."
Suppi rolled his eyes and Eriol only looked at Nakuru quizzically. She shrugged and flashed an innocent smile.
The sudden aura of danger assailed their senses. "Darkness," muttered Nakuru in alarm. Eriol's shoulders grew taut as he spun around, "She's in danger," he murmured.
He began weaving through the crowd rapidly and took out his sun pendant. // I pray that I'm not too late //
************
Downtown Tokyo looked like a scene straight from Dante's Purgatory. People were running around, screaming in panic as demons swarmed over the city a hour ago. Sakura and the others arrived in time to set up shields and defend the citizens. There were casualties, around a dozen or so but most of the people stared at the magical battle raging in front of their eyes.
Gunfire rained from Reisui's men with also swordsmen helping Sakura and Syaoran fight. "Can't you put them to sleep?" shouted Syaoran above the screams of pain and sound of slaughter. He jumped and evaded a drop attack as he sent a blazing seal of fire towards the monsters while also slicing away with his sword.
Sakura, who was battling on air swooped down in time to cover Syaoran's back. She was panting in exhaustion, having set up so many shields and battling with magic at the same time. "No! It would take too much of my energy, I can-- barely keep up as it is," answered Sakura as she gasped for air.
Tomoyo was watching them from the protection of Sakura's Shield flinched whenever a demon came too close to her friends. She was gripping her hands tightly as she watched her father wielding a Japanese sword and striking down demons with speed and efficiency. "Otousan!" cried out Tomoyo as a winged demon suddenly attacked her father from above.
Heedless of the danger she ran out, wanting to protect the man she only knew recently as her father.
Reisui's eyes opened wide as he clutched his wounded shoulder. "Tomoyo! Stay inside the shield!" warned Reisui as he staggered towards Tomoyo.
Tomoyo screamed as the winged demon flew straight at her, it's mouth opened wide, it's fangs dripping with blood and gore. It gave a hissing yell, startling everyone who heard it. "Ffumegami!!!!"
"Tomoyo!" cried out Sakura only to fall down as a horde of demons blocked her. Cursing savagely, Syaoran ran to save Sakura who was already weak from the magic she has expended. "The shields! Sakura! I'm coming!" yelled Syaoran.
A ring of silver light surrounded Tomoyo as she froze before the attack. A magic formation appeared, its shape was a concentration of circles over circles. A figure wearing a black trench coat suddenly flew towards Tomoyo, holding her in the midst of the silver light as it became an impenetrable shield.
"Tomoyo!" cried out Sakura. "Finally," muttered Syaoran as the rest of the guardians appeared. "Tomoyo-chan's guardian is--" exclaimed Sakura as she sagged against Syaoran's chest.
The silver light expanded, obliterating every single demon it touched. Slowly, it encompassed the entire Downtown and finished the battle. Reisui and the others watched in amazement at the strength of a Fumegami's Sacred Light. Few Fumegami descendants have ever evoked the Sacred Light. Most of them had only invoked the 'Act of Sealing' itself.
"The Sacred Light is one of the Fumegami's powers, it has the ability to destroy evil in any form but it only kills evil, it doesn't effectively stop it or seal them for good," explained Syaoran as he recalled his sword and snapped the bracelet back on his wrist. He began to softly stroke Sakura's hair, waiting for her to calm down. He whispered, "You were great awhile ago."
Sakura smiled tiredly and waited until the silver light diminished. Her eyes opened wide as she stared at the young man she hasn't seen in years. "He looks so handsome," gasped Sakura while Syaoran scowled at his girlfriend's comment.
The young man was holding Tomoyo by her shoulders and Tomoyo looked drained. The pallor of Tomoyo's face indicated not only exhaustion but agitation as well. She pushed herself away from his grip angrily.
"What are you doing here Eriol?" demanded Tomoyo angrily, weaving slightly from where she stood. Her hands opened and closed into fists as she faced the man who she loved but never loved her back.
Furious violet eyes clashed with a calm blue gaze.
TBC
**************
Disclaimers: Standard CCS disclaimers apply. Clamp owns the characters.
*************
"How could you keep that secret from me after all this years, Okaasan?" asked Tomoyo painfully as she turned to faced her somber looking mother inside their mansion in Tomoeda.
Gone was the dynamic businesswoman and in her place stood Daidouji Sonomi, a woman who seemed to be on the verge of an emotional breakdown at her daughter's words. Sonomi's voice cracked as she tried to answer her daughter, "I-- I didn't want to lose you the same way I lost Nadeshiko- chan. I thought that by running away from truth we could have lived our lives normally, without the burden of our family's legacy..."
Tomoyo buried her face in her hands as she sagged weakly against the sofa. She felt suddenly weakened by hearing the confession from her mother. A lifetime of secrets and a life lived like a lie. It was devastating.
"Gomen Okaasan... I still can't seem to accept the fact that my life is no longer the same or perhaps, even my own. I'm trying not to be mad at you but it's hard. At night I hear voices, so many voices that someday I know I'll disappear and lose my true self," whispered Tomoyo.
"Iie! Tomoyo-chan!" cried out Sakura as she took her trembling friend in her arms. Sonomi gave in to her tears once more and Syaoran stood up and sympathetically helped her sit down the chair. He turned to face Sonomi, his expression intent.
"Daidouji-san, the Li family has always been aware of the presence of a Fumegami descendant in Japan, but the secret of your identity has been a well-guarded secret, how is that possible? Wouldn't the Japanese government be more protective over their Fumegami? And even curious as well?" asked Syaoran and Sakura looked up, looking curious as well.
The door opened in the eastern wing, stopping Sonomi before she can answer. A tall, dark-suited man strode inside and answered Syaoran's question.
"I wanted my daughter to have a normal childhood. The Japanese government never experimented on her because I'm next in position to Japan's Defense minister," answered Reisui as he faced the wide-eyed stares of the room's occupants.
"O-- otousan?" gasped Tomoyo as she bolted out of her seat and faced the grave smile of a man whose dark eyes held such wisdom and gentleness.
"It's been a long-time now Tomoyo... You've grown up to be such a lovely young lady," said Reisui with a smile. Hesitantly, almost fearfully, he held out his arms to embrace his daughter.
Tomoyo flew into his open arms and held onto him like her single lifeline. "Otou-san! Okaasan said you loved me, that what kept you from me all these years was because you wanted to protect me in a very special way! Now... now, I understand!" cried Tomoyo as her father held her with the same relief and hope.
It was a short-lived reunion however before the small cellular phone in Reisui's coat rang urgently. He pulled away from his daughter and answered the call. "Hai, Daidouji," greeted Reisui before his face darkened.
"Nani (What)! Demons have appeared in downtown Tokyo? How can that be? In daylight? What do you mean it's just 5 pm? There's still sunlight isn't it?" snapped Reisui angrily as he began pacing back and forth on the carpet.
Tomoyo and the others turned to look outside the window just in time to see the sun setting. "There's no sunlight now," pointed out Meilin with a troubled frown.
"In the darkness, evil reigns supreme," said Syaoran quoting from one of his family's magic books.
"I want to help those people," Sakura said suddenly as she stood up, looking determined and resolute. "My mother tried to stop the demons but she didn't succeed. I want to fulfill her unfinished duty," stated Sakura as she held onto her star pendant tightly.
Reisui broke off his call and shook his head at his niece. "Sakura-san, that is not possible. Only the Fumegami can defeat the reawakened demons and you are an ordinary person," berated Reisui as he wearily rubbed his brow.
Sakura scowled before she straightened her spine and announced, her green eyes taking on a steely edge as she showed her resolve in the issue.
"I am the Mistress of the Cards. I can handle any obstacle that will come my way."
Reisui and Sonomi gazed at her in a daze. "W-- what?"
Syaoran confirmed Sakura's words. "She captured the Clow Cards, a magical artifact of great and unparalleled magic. She even defeated me, the Li clan's Chosen One," added Syaoran and watched surprise and disbelief grow on the two adults' faces.
"Oh key that holds the power of the stars, reveal your true form to me! I, Sakura call upon our contract. Release!" said Sakura as her magic circle came out and the magic transformed her key into the star wand. "Let's go," commanded Sakura as she turned to look at her aunt and uncle.
"Why? How--?" asked Sonomi as she gazed at the young lady she'd loved as much as her daughter. The light in Sakura's eyes are still the same and yet the wisdom and determination she possessed was now revealed fully unlike the childlike innocence she exuded simply before. Hidden depths indeed.
"You're the Card Mistress," stated Reisui, unable to take the character Sakura revealed so suddenly. "Masaka (No way)! The Japanese government has been trying to confirm the presence of such powers before but there was always insufficient proof and data. No one can remember much of anything!" burst out Reisui as he ran his hands agitatedly through his hair.
A card appeared on Sakura's hand, she flipped the back to reveal the card's identity. ERASE. Sakura shrugged as she answered, "Cerberos and Yue, my two guardians advised that it would be better to keep the knowledge of my magic hidden. But it's different now. For me... and for Tomoyo-chan."
"I hold the Li clan's Sword of Elements and the magic of the Li clan runs through my veins. I, the future Master of the Li clan, will aid you," announced Syaoran as Reisui's jaw dropped down even farther.
"What Sword of Elements? You're the heir to the Li's?" asked Reisui in a yelp.
Without saying anything, Syaoran took off his red satin bracelet with a small, transparent, Chinese bead. He murmured a few Chinese words and light enveloped the bracelet before it transformed into a sword. The sword has also changed its appearance, slimmer and looking more like a Japanese sword but with the familiar red tassels and magical orb hanging from the handle.
"I can't believe that the wielders of all that powerful magic are kids!" sighed Reisui and was met with glares from Sakura and Syaoran.
"Magic has no bounds," both of them said in union.
Sakura and Syaoran turned to smile at each other before reverting back to the subject at hand. "Will you let us go with you now?" asked Sakura.
Reisui gazed at the two of them and nodded tightly. He felt resistant to the idea of bringing Sakura into the battle of Reawakened Evil but there was no other choice. Countless lives would be at stake and Tomoyo is still reluctant to accept her destiny. He didn't want to bring Tomoyo in a battle she'd lose. He answered slowly, "Hai... let's go."
They turned to walk out. Tomoyo called out before Reisui, Sakura and Syaoran even reached the door.
Pale-faced and leaning against Meilin, Tomoyo whispered, "I want to come with you... I want to understand my destiny."
*************
"I've never ridden on a helicopter before..." breathed Sakura as they gazed down at Tokyo's sparkling lights. Syaoran sat grim and silent beside her, all too aware of the implications and danger the Reawakened Evil possessed.
There was indeed the aura of danger and darkness so tangible that Syaoran felt tense, like he was about to step into a war.
And it was indeed a war, a battle between light and dark, good and evil.
"We defeated escaped demons with swords or guns before. By using a sword, we behead them or chop them until all the blood is gone from them. When we defeat them with a gun, we burn them up right away to prevent regeneration," informed Reisui over the clatter of the helicopter's wings.
"Regeneration?" asked Tomoyo worriedly and Reisui nodded.
"Demons have the ability to heal themselves after an injury. We managed to handle it before because the barrier Nadeshiko-san created before helped us. But now that the barrier is down..." Reisui's voice faded off, not saying anything more. It was clearly Tomoyo's turn to succeed the Fumegami's duty.
"How do I-- how did the Fumegami create the barrier?" asked Tomoyo when they landed and were walking rapidly towards the Defense headquarters.
Reisui pressed his lips tightly and didn't answer. Looking worried, Tomoyo looked around the brightly lit office. Everyone was in uniform, except perhaps a few people who were wearing dark suits like her father.
"Sit here for awhile," instructed Reisui before he was escorted by a major to head inside the Defense Minister's office.
Tomoyo, Syaoran and Sakura sat in silence, lost in their individual thoughts.
"Li-kun, how is a barrier created?" asked Tomoyo quietly, persistent in her quest for answers.
Syaoran looked at Sakura before he took Sakura's hand and held onto it before he answered, "Remember the dream? The flashing colors of red and black? The memory of tears and pain?"
Sakura and Tomoyo nodded tightly before Syaoran took a deep breath and continued, "From what I know, the Fumegami seals the Reawakened Evil by the power of her blood."
"Blood?" asked Sakura, her eyes going wide with pain at her mother's ordeal and Tomoyo's destiny. The blood drained from Tomoyo's face.
"It-- it doesn't kill the Fumegami... the Act of Sealing. It just needs the proper strength from the descendant and the magical protection of her guardian-- guardians in fact," amended Syaoran at the last minute, looking thoughtful as he recalled his lessons back in HongKong.
Looking confused, Tomoyo asked, "Guardian? That's the second time I've heard about having one. Do I have a guardian then? What did you mean by having guardians too?"
Syaoran scratched his head as he thought. "Actually, the concept of having your guardian-- a Fumegami's guardian is more than that. Your Guardian is bonded to you, by heart. That means he will be able to find you no matter where you are or where you might be. But that bond is not one-sided because you are also bonded to him. The bond is awakened when the power of the Fumegami is needed once more."
Reisui, who has just left the office stood behind them, was listening to Syaoran's explanation as well.
"Bonded by heart? How? Even if I don't now him?" asked Tomoyo curiously.
"Oh you know him," murmured Syaoran under his breath not wanting to agitate Tomoyo further. "What I said about having guardians, well, actually you have one guardian, the Guardian of the Sun but you also have protectors-- the Guardians of the Moon and Stars as well," replied Syaoran giving emphasis on Moon and Stars.
"Stars? That's me! I hold the power of the Stars! You mean to say I was destined to protect Tomoyo-chan?" exclaimed Sakura.
"Yes, that's the standard formation for sealing the Reawakened Evil. But other Fumegami's in the past had to deal with the reawakened evil on their own, it was either her guardian was missing or powerless or killed in the battle. That's why the Guardians of the Moon and the Stars became important but it was rare to find them all alive in one generation. Fate has many plans for us," answered Syaoran.
"Tomoyo now has the Guardian of the Stars and Moon on her side," mused Sakura. "But where is Tomoyo's bonded guardian, the one who holds the power of the Sun?" asked Reisui as he made his presence known. Syaoran didn't look surprised and answered his inquiry in a soft voice.
"Probably on his way here now."
***************
"Mattaku! Eriol! Why did we have to leave England and go back to Japan?" complained Nakuru as she waited for their luggage in Japan's airport.
Looking a bit tired and jet-lagged Eriol only smiled. "Patience Ruby Moon. You will know the answer soon enough. It seems that destiny called me back here," replied Eriol as he gazed out the Japanese night sky.
"Destiny huh?" asked Nakuru and Spinel who was held like a doll in her arms snorted softly. She smiled suddenly and said, "Well Eriol, I hope this time, you won't make the same mistake."
Suppi rolled his eyes and Eriol only looked at Nakuru quizzically. She shrugged and flashed an innocent smile.
The sudden aura of danger assailed their senses. "Darkness," muttered Nakuru in alarm. Eriol's shoulders grew taut as he spun around, "She's in danger," he murmured.
He began weaving through the crowd rapidly and took out his sun pendant. // I pray that I'm not too late //
************
Downtown Tokyo looked like a scene straight from Dante's Purgatory. People were running around, screaming in panic as demons swarmed over the city a hour ago. Sakura and the others arrived in time to set up shields and defend the citizens. There were casualties, around a dozen or so but most of the people stared at the magical battle raging in front of their eyes.
Gunfire rained from Reisui's men with also swordsmen helping Sakura and Syaoran fight. "Can't you put them to sleep?" shouted Syaoran above the screams of pain and sound of slaughter. He jumped and evaded a drop attack as he sent a blazing seal of fire towards the monsters while also slicing away with his sword.
Sakura, who was battling on air swooped down in time to cover Syaoran's back. She was panting in exhaustion, having set up so many shields and battling with magic at the same time. "No! It would take too much of my energy, I can-- barely keep up as it is," answered Sakura as she gasped for air.
Tomoyo was watching them from the protection of Sakura's Shield flinched whenever a demon came too close to her friends. She was gripping her hands tightly as she watched her father wielding a Japanese sword and striking down demons with speed and efficiency. "Otousan!" cried out Tomoyo as a winged demon suddenly attacked her father from above.
Heedless of the danger she ran out, wanting to protect the man she only knew recently as her father.
Reisui's eyes opened wide as he clutched his wounded shoulder. "Tomoyo! Stay inside the shield!" warned Reisui as he staggered towards Tomoyo.
Tomoyo screamed as the winged demon flew straight at her, it's mouth opened wide, it's fangs dripping with blood and gore. It gave a hissing yell, startling everyone who heard it. "Ffumegami!!!!"
"Tomoyo!" cried out Sakura only to fall down as a horde of demons blocked her. Cursing savagely, Syaoran ran to save Sakura who was already weak from the magic she has expended. "The shields! Sakura! I'm coming!" yelled Syaoran.
A ring of silver light surrounded Tomoyo as she froze before the attack. A magic formation appeared, its shape was a concentration of circles over circles. A figure wearing a black trench coat suddenly flew towards Tomoyo, holding her in the midst of the silver light as it became an impenetrable shield.
"Tomoyo!" cried out Sakura. "Finally," muttered Syaoran as the rest of the guardians appeared. "Tomoyo-chan's guardian is--" exclaimed Sakura as she sagged against Syaoran's chest.
The silver light expanded, obliterating every single demon it touched. Slowly, it encompassed the entire Downtown and finished the battle. Reisui and the others watched in amazement at the strength of a Fumegami's Sacred Light. Few Fumegami descendants have ever evoked the Sacred Light. Most of them had only invoked the 'Act of Sealing' itself.
"The Sacred Light is one of the Fumegami's powers, it has the ability to destroy evil in any form but it only kills evil, it doesn't effectively stop it or seal them for good," explained Syaoran as he recalled his sword and snapped the bracelet back on his wrist. He began to softly stroke Sakura's hair, waiting for her to calm down. He whispered, "You were great awhile ago."
Sakura smiled tiredly and waited until the silver light diminished. Her eyes opened wide as she stared at the young man she hasn't seen in years. "He looks so handsome," gasped Sakura while Syaoran scowled at his girlfriend's comment.
The young man was holding Tomoyo by her shoulders and Tomoyo looked drained. The pallor of Tomoyo's face indicated not only exhaustion but agitation as well. She pushed herself away from his grip angrily.
"What are you doing here Eriol?" demanded Tomoyo angrily, weaving slightly from where she stood. Her hands opened and closed into fists as she faced the man who she loved but never loved her back.
Furious violet eyes clashed with a calm blue gaze.
TBC
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