The Angel of Black Wings Chapter 1 - Memory
Okay, some of you people who watch what I write may already know that at one point I said I wouldn't do multiple stories. I think saying that in itself was a mistake. I've got WAY too many ideas, and I just can't concentrate on one story at a time. I figure that I'll clear my head by writing multiple stories at once, then I won't keep everyone waiting one or two months on end for just one freakin' chapter. 'Kay? 'Kay. And, when I mention the heights of the CCS characters, it's a Guesstimate. XP There's no real data on that, so, yeah...
There was no silence this night. No peaceful slumbers or tranquil skies dotted with stars. There were only flames, smoke, and blood. Corpses of hundreds upon hundreds of creatures, some of which were thought to not even exist, lay scattered. Some were in pieces, others as brutally maimed. And the casualties continued to rise. A small family of three lay behind the burning rubble of what was once their home. Before them, their assailants' forms were clearly visible. Demons. From the Ahriman species Vampires, there was not one species that was not present to this slaughter. The mother of the family, a Succubus, looked to her husband with nothing short of sorrow and fear filling her eyes to the brim. The husband, an Angel, shook his head, his wings twitching slightly. Both looked to their child. A son of only 5 years, he lay huddled against his mother, shivering in true horror. Upon his back were black, feathered wings, proof of his breed. At one point, they had been a family of four, but a bomb blast that had leveled their home seemed to have taken the child's sibling, a girl of 3 years.
The mother sat up, embracing her son one final time, her words expressing how much she and her husband loved him, and how they absolutely forbid him to leave the hiding place they were planning upon concealing him in. The father's words were for the boy to be strong if they didn't return, to wait for the assailants to leave their ruined home, head on towards a new village, and find a place to stay. The child only found the strength to muster a nod, too frightened to give anything else. The mother finally set her child down and slid him into a part of the rubble that was away from any threat of the flames, concealing him from sight. They then stood, and rushed forward towards the enemy. Before they could even strike, though, demons pounced at them from every side, swarming them. The child sat in the rubble, eyes wide as he watched his parents' slaughter, taking in every second of it...
12 years later, a young man stood atop a hill, overlooking a fair-sized city filled with what appeared to be a few sky scrapers, hundreds upon hundreds of homes, and other buildings that humans would use in their every day lives. His hair, a healthy dark brown, was grown out to his waist, and tied into a thin ponytail. A black sweatshirt clung tightly against his frame, showing clearly a fairly built form that was not overly-bulked, but defined enough to prove formidable in the eyes of most just by a glance. Hanging from his waist, a pair of black jeans that fit loosely around the legs, shifting to wave in the wind as an East-bound breeze blew by. Black boots, covered in dust and scrapes, kept his bare feet from making any contact with the grass and dirt beneath him. Eyes of Hazel gazed upon the town in a glare. Standing at 6"0, he remained totally still, his eyes continuously scanning over the city before him.
He chuckled lightly as he began to walk, his arms dangling at his sides as he thought to himself. 'So, this is where the target lives... I don't feel any extra special auras, so this little job may just go faster than most the others I've been getting lately. Honestly, if this guy's not able to handle a little girl that I can't even detect, he's seriously some kind of loser...' His current line of work was a mercenary. He'd do any reasonable job for just the right price. This time, it was to steal a valuable artifact of Magic. It wasn't some extremely rare talisman, or some kind of Godly powerful gem, though. It was a book of what seemed to be Tarot Cards. By what his studies on the book and it's owner brought up, said owner was a teenage girl. The name of the girl was Sakura Kinomoto, age 17. She lived in Tomoeda, Japan, a fair-sized town with an average-sized population. A low crime rate, cheap housing, and almost no gang activity to mention. It would seem that this town would be paradise to the average man.
That was solely to the average man, though.
This mercenary had done his homework on this Sakura girl, this town, and it's history of extraordinary activities and happenings. He knew of totally bizarre events that had occured with no logical explanation, and of how these events would end as quickly as they began. Only a powerful form of magic could bring out such bizarre events, and it would take an equal or greater form to banish these events. His studies of the girl brought him to the conclusion she was the one who most likely had ended the aforementioned events. After studying her family tree, he'd learned she was a distant descendant of a long-dead and powerful magician that went by the name of Clow Reed. Apparently there was another descendant closer in the lineage, a Chinese boy by the name of Syaoron Li who had come to Tomoeda on a few occasions, and finally moved into the town for good. The mercenary wasn't sure on whether or not either of these two possessed any serious magical capabilities, but he had his assumptions of the two, and was far from horribly concerned about any trouble that may come along. He murmured softly to himself as he came towards the city limits, "This job shouldn't take long at all..."
The very same Sakura Kinomoto that this mercenary was to acquire the book from was absolutely oblivious to any possible dangers at the moment. It was Sunday afternoon, and for she, Syaoron, and her ever vigilant, ever present companions, Tomoyo Daidouji, and Keroberos, that meant that it was time to wander about the town in search of something to entertain themselves. Of course, Kero, being the only Magical creature in Tomoeda, was hidden in Sakura's handbag, his head sticking out like that of a stuffed animal, but his eyes darting back and forth, trying to find some good place for them to stop at. The past 4 years hadn't changed the Guardian of the Clow Book one bit. Naturally, one would expect Kero's physical appearance to remain the same over lengths of time, as it was a necessity for Guardians to remain in good form. But his habits were the same as always, still a total video game junkie, and junk food maniac.
Sakura had changed quite a lot, though. She had finally hit her growth spurt a year or two back, which was a great relief to her, as at one point she began to worry if she'd be stuck at a 7th grade height for the rest of her life. Now she was 5"3, and appeared about as tall as other young women her age. Her hair remained the same, save for the two small pigtails she used to put a small amount of her hair in every morning. Her figure had filled out as well, about an average size for a 17-year-old. She wasn't half as naive as she used to be, but there were still many things she would easily fall into in terms of tricks and lies other which other people would speak or act. Her kind and modest frame of mind had also managed to retain itself through out the trials of Junior High and High School.
Tomoyo shared many of the same traits, though she now stood at 5"4, and had grown into a more curved and filled out figure than her close friend. Her hair had grown out to her knees, but it remained as well-groomed and tamed as ever. Physically, she had changed a great deal, but she was almost the exact same as she used to be during the days when she would video tape Sakura's exploits in capturing the Clow Cards. If anything, she had grown even more hellbent than ever on getting Sakura to try on outfits she would make especially for her. She still with held a strong love for Sakura, if not stronger than before, but she knew in her heart that for Sakura's happiness, it would be best not to interfere between she and Syaoron by interjecting her own emotions.
Syaoron had changed the most dramatically of any of them, physically and mentally. His body remained thin and powerful, as before, though now he stood about 5"8. His hair had remained mostly the same, though now it was slightly better groomed, and much less could be found to hang into his face. He'd grown much more open to people, but he still kept himself reserved for the most part, knowing well it's not wise to trust everyone that just gets up and walks. He didn't blush nearly as easily as he used to, but with some effort, turning him several different shades of red was something anyone could do.
The relationship Sakura and Syaoron shared together had grown much more passionate over the past few years, since Syaoron returned from China to stay in Tomoeda with Sakura for good. It had gone from a strong rivalry in the beginning, to friendship, then puppy love, and all the way to dating and kissing. The young couple had reached an overwhelming level of joy a few weeks ago after Syaoron proposed to Sakura to wed her within a year after they graduated from High School. Sakura accepted his offer with absolutely no hesitation. Despite the fact that they were still only in their Junior year of High School at that time, an engagement at a young age was still something that wasn't too uncommon, a fact proven by the time Syaoron was engaged to Meiling Li, his cousin, back in Elementary.
"I still can't believe that my Sakura-Chan's already engaged!", chimed Tomoyo. She had insisted she would be the one to work on Sakura's dress, despite the fact that the wedding wouldn't be taking place for at least two more years. Sakura blushed a little bit at the mention of the engagement, nodding. "I know. But Touya really threw a fit about it..." Syaoron sighed a bit, scratching the back of his head. "We've all known each other for 7 years, and he still treats me like he did when we first met..." Tomoyo blinked, then smiled softly, shaking her head as her charcoal colored hair shifted back and forth in a ponytail she had tied it in. "Yeah, but you know it's only because he's so protective of her... Besides, you didn't exactly make the best first impression when you tried to take Sakura's cards from her." Sakura giggled a little, nodding to the young man beside her, reaching out and grasping his hand within her own. "I've gotta agree with her on that, Syaoron-kun. But Onii-Chan's probably long since over that. He's probably just doing what every other big brother does when their little sister finds that special someone."
Her happiness came to an abrupt halt and was immediately replaced with worry as the Chinese boy came to a dead halt, his smile shifting to a serious gaze. "Syaoron...", the Emerald-eyed young lady said softly, "... are you alright...?" Syaoron looked out the corner of his eyes to the left, his fists clenched tightly. "I sense something...", he murmured to the Card Captor. Sakura blinked, shutting her eyes. She gasped, clutching her heart as she dropped to one knee suddenly. "Sakura!", Tomoyo called out with great worry eminating from her voice as she rushed to her friend's side, kneeling with her. "Is everything alright?", she inquired of her close friend.
The auburn-haired young lady shook her head, her eyes filled with concern. "... I've never... ever felt such a dark presence...", she spoke, her voice trembling softly. Syaoron knelt down beside her, offering a hand to help her to her feet. "Then you've never felt the presence of a Demon's soul, young woman...", spoke a voice from behind. The three teens shifted their gazes behind them to a young man in all black who, by what appearances could tell, looked to be about their age. Syaoron looked to Sakura as if to tell her to just stay back for this, then stood, glaring at the one before them. "What do you mean...?" The young man chuckled, slipping his hands into his jean pockets. His eyes shifted to Sakura and her purse, a light smirk coming across his lips. 'Feels like the presence of those cards I'm supposed to be looking for is eminating from in that girl's purse...' He shifted his gaze back to Syaoron, then tilted his head towards a nearby alley before returning it to it's upright position upon his shoulders. "I'd suggest we talk about it in there. This isn't for the ears of an average human... I'd recommend that the young lady with the black hair stay out, though."
Syaoron gave a nod after a moment of contemplation on the matter. He dipped his right hand into his pocket, his eyes narrowed in a cold glare he hadn't used in years. His index and middle fingers closed around a Lightning talisman. Though he never really intended to use it, but he always felt it never hurt to have a little extra protection around just incase. The fact of the matter was, he didn't want to use it, but if worse came to worse, he had his priorities of protecting his friends and the one he loved, and that was a priority that took priority over anything else. Sakura brought herself to her feet, her right hand grasping tightly the pendant about her neck that was the Star Wand. She carried her own suspicions, as well as fears, of this new person. She looked over her shoulder to Tomoyo. "Go on ahead, we'll meet you at the King Penguin slide later..." Tomoyo's hands were clasped together over her chest, wearing upon her face a worried expression. "Are you sure that you and Syaoron will be alright?" Sakura smiled reassuringly and nodded to her close friend, turning and embracing her as she whispered softly into her ear. "Don't worry. If this guy makes any trouble, Syaoron and I can handle it..." Tomoyo nodded, returning the embrace for a few seconds before she stepped back, nodding softly. "Alright. I'll see you guys in a bit." Although still concerned for the well-being of her close friends, she was confident now that they would be fine. Without another word, she turned and walked off.
"If we're done with the wishy-washy crap, can we get on with this?", snapped the young man. At this point, Sakura and Syaoron were both glaring towards him as they nodded, following this person into the alley. After about 3 minutes of walking, when he was sure they were out of earshot of any passer-bys, he turned to face the couple. Li stepped forward, tightening his grip on the paper talisman in his pocket. "Now explain what you meant by "demons". And don't give us any crap by explaining what they are, either, we know already." The figure chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, of course, of course. It would make sense that you wouldn't understand exactly what I meant when I said that. After all, a town like this is practically free of such troubles. No doubt thanks to your cards, Ms. Kinomoto. And, Syaoron, of course. I'm sure that a direct descendant of Clow Reed would be of great assistance to the Card Captor."
Sakura and Syaoron's eyes both shot wide, taken aback by what they had heard. Sakura took one step back, bracing her legs as she pulled the Star Pendant off the string around her neck. "H... how did you...?" The figure smirked. "Oh, come now. You shouldn't be so surprised. If I can so confidently tell you of Demon energies, why shouldn't I know about the you, your boyfriend, and the secrets of magic contained within you and the Clow Cards? Or that midget Guardian in your purse posing as a Plush Toy? Cerberus, was it? By the pathetically weak aura he gives off, he probably would be better off as a Plush Toy. Sure as Hell couldn't do anything against me..." Kero had no hesitations about fuming over this person's mocking words, and almost immediately took to the air, pointing one paw at the figure. "JUST WHO THE HELL D'YA THINK YOU ARE ANYWAYS, CALLIN' US OUT LIKE THIS, PAL? IF YOU WANNA START A FIGHT, AT LEAST GIVE US A DAMNED NAME SO THAT WE CAN PUT IT ON YOUR HEADSTONE!" Sakura's face faulted into a shocked and embarrassed look before she grabbed Kero by the tail. "KERO!" The figure chuckled a bit as he listened to Kero's outburst and observed it's silencing by the hands of his Mistress. "A name, huh...? I don't remember what my original name was. Haven't been able to since I was just a child...", calmly spoke the figure as his hands emerged from his pockets, fingers spread wide open. Near the palms of his hands, two strange glows began to emit, one white, the other black. The glows continued to grow into spheres. The white sphere took upon itself the shape of a Long Sword, while the black took on the image of a Dagger. "But along the time frame of some 7 years when I was an assassin, a frequent client of mine dubbed me Death Bringer..."
Well, I gotta say, I REALLY like how this is starting off. Remember folks, there're gonna be a lot more characters showin' up than just those limited to CCS, so expect anything! I'm a little peeved I can't use question marks and exclamation points in combination for a stronger feeling when asking questions, but, I guess those're the breaks. Thanks for readin', and hope ya keep watchin' for Chapter 2!