A/N: Hey guys…. You must have thought that I have died from something…. I'm sorry about the last 2 months when I suddenly disappeared. I have been tied down by a surprising amount of schoolwork…. Now my com graphic card is damaged so I can't update Charade since the plot is in there so I settled for my new baby, War of Flight. Other than my studies, it's depressing to say this again but my grandfather had passed away on 18th February at 3.45pm. Everyone was there the moment he slipped into nirvana but it stabbed my heart to see my grandmother mourning for her husband. I felt really guilty for avoiding the oily food she gave to my family constantly, but as you can see it's for a good reason… Now let's stop this chit-chat and carry on with the story shall we?
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Disclaimer: I don't own Cardcaptor Sakura... and I'm sure you don't too!
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Chapter 2: Team
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Three years have passed since that day…, the day when all the selected Destine children met for the first time. The war has caused many innocent lives to perish within the clash but both sides are still going strong since both have the same amount of people when the war began.
Our selected young Destines now stood before General Fujitaka in silence. Sakura Kinomoto bit her lip in worry as her grip on Tomoyo Daidouji's hand tightened. Her emerald eyes stared into her father's own grieving orbs.
It was the first time she had seen him so upset.
Sakura's eyes wandered to the other children in the camp. Yes, she had seen them around camp but not that often to become friends. Why was she suddenly called here? And why was the amber-eyed boy beside her was emitting such a cold aura?
Sakura heard the tent flap behind her but restraint herself not to look. There was a scuffle of chairs and everything was silent was again.
Her father cleared his throat and her attention was solely on him again.
"We have come here today to announce the beginning of these children's training. They will be the elite team of soldiers when they have completed their training at age 18."
Sakura's eyes widened at this news. Sure she was young, but she knew about the war and everyday hoped that in some small way, she could end this. She didn't think she would be the one that plays the biggest part!
"I will be training these children personally and will make a report for every one of them monthly. I will now introduce them to everyone."
Fujitaka sighed and spoke, "Sakura, come here please…"
The young girl epped and shivered under the watching hawk eyes. She took a small step out of the line and turned to face the crowd.
The room was dark but she could see many faces in the shadows.
"Daddy? What's goin-"
"I want you to introduce yourself Sakura…and say out your powers."
Sakura was now thoroughly confused but obeyed her father anyway.
"My name is Sakura Kinomoto…. I have the Holy power of the Destine."
Suddenly… a hand rose from the darkness, a hoarse voice that caused a shiver down Sakura's spine.
"May we have a demonstration of the young girl's powers? Her powers mature the fastest among the Oiseau Race."
Murmurs broke from the darkness. Sakura's emerald eyes flicked white for a moment, her powers?
Fujitaka retaliated immediately, "We are gathered here to talk about their training, not to see their extent of their powers!"
Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shirt and saw Sakura's small hand clasping onto his uniform, "It's ok Daddy. I will do it."
"But Sakura… your powers haven-"
Suddenly, Sakura's unadulterated white wings sprouted behind her back. She started to emit a white misty glow. Her eyes were closed and she raised her hands slowly. Her star sign start to shine throughout the room, blinding many of the audience eyes.
Everyone else was visibly surprised, mostly her father who was standing besides her.
The amber-eyed boy smirked a little at the girl's demonstration. He had to admit that this was quite an accomplishment for a Destine the same age as him. He looked at his own two hands which glowed darkly. He too had his powers.
Sakura's auburn hair fluttered in the wind. She opened her eyes as they glowed white. A sphere of light was manifested in her hands as it shot to the tent ceiling, creating a hole for the sunlight to shine through.
Soon, she lowered her hands and her ashen eyes returned to its normal emerald colour.
The other children in the room clapped at Sakura's short, yet impressive display. Sakura blushed at the applause and went back in line beside Tomoyo, who smiled at her.
Fujitaka was rooted to the spot and now understood why his daughter was the chosen elite holy destine. Her powers were just too advanced compared to a normal one at her age.
He next called out Tomoyo and she introduced herself as the Sound Destine of the Beurre race.
She sang her favourite song and everyone was mesmerized … especially a young sapphire-eyed boy in the line. Her powers though, weren't that matured compared to Sakura since she was also younger compared to her best friend.
Takishi Dashi was third in line. He commenced his introduction as the Shield Destine of the Foncé Race. He was the oldest among the rest and his shield powers had left the generals in the room with a very good impression.
Rei Kinoshi was eager to be the next. She introduced herself as the Potion Destine of the Beurre. Sakura had talked to her a few times but Rei always had to run of to do some errands for her sick mother.
She presented a bottle of pure water and hugged it to her chest. Her sliver wings sprung behind her back and she glowed light green. The bottle of water began to boil into a deeper shade of blue. The Beurre in the room recognized the potion as a Level 2 Healing Potion.
Sakura's smile weakened then…. It must be because of Rei's sickly mother that Rei was able to accomplish such a feat.
Mei Ling Rae was next and she proudly demonstrated her Shadow stealth ability of the Foncé Race. She sank into her shadow that was cast on the ground due to Sakura's earlier performance.
Everyone was silent for a moment before they were shocked by Mei Ling's reappearance in Tomoyo's shadow.
Eriol Hirragizawa was next and he winked at his audience. His diamond marking on his forehead glowed for a moment before a replica of him appeared beside him. Tomoyo Daidouji was the first to clap. It seemed that he has the Illusions ability of the Beurre.
Last but certainly not least, the boy beside Sakura stepped out. Sakura's eyes were trained on the mysterious boy who she had found strangely cold yet seem so confident and strong… very much unlike her.
"My name is Syaoran Li……"
His eyes glowed darkly as his devil wings appeared behind his back. He placed his hands in front of him as a long dark pole was synthesized out of thin air. Sakura was shocked at the boy's powers as the others in the room.
The dark pole grew as one end became pointed. It turned out to be a spear of magical dark pulsing energy. Sakura felt the dark energy and found it quite comforting despite its appearance.
Syaoran slammed the spear onto the ground as his dark energy drove a shockwave throughout the area in the room. Even one of the surprised general's chairs toppled over.
"and I have the Dark ability of the Foncé Race."
When Syaoran's eyes reversed back to its normal state, Sakura was the one who smiled at him.
He spotted the young girl's admiration; he couldn't help but feel somewhat… satisfied.
The meeting ended since it was obvious that the children had proven themselves to be the best among their race.
The generals left as the children were ordered to stay behind.
"Daddy? Why did you keep this from me?"
Fujitaka's strict gaze weakened as the last general left the room.
"I'm sorry Sakura. I wanted you live a normal life before you found out about this. It's just not right for such youngsters like you to be in a war and to be seen as a weapon instead of a being."
Syaoran spoke out next, "Why were we chosen?"
Fujitaka sighed, "Actually you all are the descendants of the most powerful Destine of each of your powers since all the four races settled on this land. Powers of Destine are not necessarily genetic per se. For some unknown reason…. This is the first time that all descendents of the Warrior Destines all have powers. Many speculated that this was because of the war, so as you all will be the leaders that will bring an end to this war."
"Hoe…" Sakura's eyes swirled at the sudden amount of information given.
Mei Ling puffed out her chest and spoke, "I'm sure we will win this war. I can feel it!"
Syaoran rolled his eyes and stated, "It's not just about confidence. It's a matter of strategy and placing of strength."
Rei placed her finger on her lips, "Errr…. Does anyone understand what he said?"
All the other children shook their heads except for Eriol. Fujitaka smiled at Syaoran's knowledge.
"You're a smart one. You're Ryu Li's son aren't you?"
Syaoran nodded. Fujitaka could only chuckle, "Just as expected from a son of a brilliant man such as your father."
Suddenly, Tomoyo heard footsteps from far away. This was also one of the abilities of Sound Destine with an acute sense of hearing.
"General Fujitaka! The King wants your presence!"
Fujitaka nodded at the panting soldier, who had his white wings outspread. The messenger must have flown quite a bit from the caste to the B.O.F headquarters.
"Sakura, why don't you and your new friends head off to the dining room? It's almost lunchtime."
"Sure Daddy. Be safe!"
"I will."
With that, Fujitaka and the children separated.
On the way to the dining room, Mei Ling suddenly spoke out next to Sakura.
"Hey there Kinomoto! Since we're going to be a team from now on, let me re-introduce myself! My name is Mei Ling Rae, and this is my cousin Li Syaoran."
Sakura smiled at her new friend, "My name is Sakura Kinomoto. Oh! He's your cousin? That's so cool! By the way, all of you can call me Sakura!"
Tomoyo giggled from the other side of Sakura, "My name is Tomoyo Daidouji, aka Sakura's best friend since we were 2!"
"You guys were together since last year? I only played with Syaoran since I've been here. Not that we played much…. He's such a grouch!"
A distinctive "Hey!" could be heard from the back.
The three girls chatted non-stop. Until……..
"Hey watch-out!"
The three-girls snapped their heads up just in time to see the door of the dining room right in front of their faces.
Sakura sweat-dropped, "I guess we were too deep in our chat…"
Sakura turned to her savoir, "Thanks Syaoran."
Cold eyes glared back at Sakura, "The name is Li."
Sakura felt hurt and turned around quickly to open the door. Mei Ling sighed, "See? What did I tell you?"
The Next day…..
Nadeshiko stepped into her daughter's "tent-room". She sighed as she observed the room's surroundings. It was rather plain and simple. In it was just a makeshift yet strangely comfortable bed, a wooden table, chair, a mirror, a sliver basin of water and an oil lamp.
There were nothing that a young girl like Sakura should have; like toys, dolls and hanging wind chimes.
Her daughter was sleeping peacefully in her bed, making soft breaths. It pained Nadeshiko to see her daughter growing up like this.
Nevertheless, it was now an hour earlier than when Sakura usually wakes up. However, she has no choice but to wake Sakura up for her first day of training.
She crouched down to the level of Sakura's bed and patted on Sakura's body gently.
"Honey… time to wake up!"
It took a few seconds before Sakura opened her eyes, "Mother?"
"It's time to wash up Sakura. Today is your first day of training."
Suddenly, Sakura bolted from her bed, shocking her mother in the process.
"There's no need to rush Sakura…"
"I want to get there sooner! I want to become stronger faster so I can save other people!"
Nadeshiko smiled at this revelation, "I understand. But before you go, I want to fini-"
However, in a split-second, a dressed Sakura snapped into the "living room" and drank down her milk hastily and bit into her sandwich.
"Done! Bye Mother!" Another swish of white and our dear flower vanished from her caring mother's sight. (A/N: That rhymes!)
"-sh your breakfast."
When Sakura reached the training grounds, she noticed that she wasn't the first one there.
"Syao- I mean… Li? What are you doing here so early?"
"I should say the same for you."
"I came here early because I didn't want to miss any of the first day of training."
She took out a small brush from her backpack that she had brought along with her and started to brush her white wings.
Syaoran snorted at Sakura's actions and decided that he should practice while waiting for the others.
He closed his eyes as he faced a bulls-eye target. The black curved moon glowed slightly on his forehead as a sphere much like Sakura's one the previous day except it was black appeared in Syaoran's palm.
Sakura watched in wonderment as Syaoran then threw the orb right smack into the bulls-eye target.
Except it didn't hit the target…. But blew the whole thing to smithereens.
Sakura was shocked at the extent of Syaoran's powers. She looked at her own two hands and suddenly felt very weak.
"Sakura!"
The young girl snapped from her thoughts and saw that the rest of her friends were approaching.
She waved at them cheerfully but still felt a certain speck of sadness in her heart.
Soon Fujitaka also arrived and told them their schedule for that year.
(A/N: No watch…. Sundial only)
0900-1100 Magic training (Target)
1100-1200 Rest / Lunch
1200- 1400 Magic Synthesizing/ Methods
1400-1430—Debrief
1430 Dismiss
(A/N: Remember! 3 year olds! Combat training will only start at five year old. Strategy & weapons start at four year old I know their language is kinda advance too. But as I mentioned they have high magical capability isnormally equals tohigh metal ability is most stories anyway. Think about it.)
Then, they immediately began their training.
During Target practice….
Tomoyo was up first. She stared hard at the bull-eye target 100 m away. She thought hard and then knew what she could do. She picked up a blade of grass and blew into it.
Instead of a sweet melody, a loud disturbing sound wave came from the leaf, creating tremors around that area.
Everyone covered their ears as Tomoyo's amethyst wings sprouted. She then focused on the target 100m away and her sound waves blasted against it, causing it to topple over.
When the tremors stopped, Fujitaka smiled and clapped. Sakura felt worse now… what if she couldn't do it like Syaoran and Tomoyo?
Rei was already prepared for her turn; she pulled out a milky solution and hugged it to her chest once again. It turned misty red, now the milk has become an acidic solution.
She threw the bottle high up in the air and used her leg to slam it into the target. It was a direct hit as the target melted away from sight.
Takishi was the fourth. He took a reasonable amount of effort but he managed to extend a long and narrow shield. It went straight through the target and cut it into halves.
Mei Ling was next. She too had to think like Tomoyo to solve the distance problem. She spotted the target shadow and smirked. She bent down onto her shadow and pressed onto it. Suddenly, her hand sunk into the ground and it reappeared out of the target's shadow. With the tiniest push, she was able to topple the target over.
Eriol and Syaoran had seemed to put in the least effort as one used his side levitation ability and the other dark orbs respectively. Sakura watched her friends shine like the stars they are. Would she be able to hit the target too?
Her father called her name and she almost jumped up a few feet in the air.
She took the place of her friends and concentrated on her powers. Her confidence was weak and she squeezed her eyes shut. Looking at the target so far away, she released her light orb.
There wasn't an impact… she missed.
Everyone was silent as they watched Sakura. She was so motionless…. So still. Out of the blue, she bolted from the training field as her father shouted for her behind.
However, only one person had spotted a small shine that flowed behind the girl, she was crying.
Sakura ran and ran…. Her tears flowing freely from her emerald orbs.
She was weak… the worst among the rest. She was the only one who missed. She… wouldn't be an elite anymore.
Suddenly, she saw her favourite cherry blossom tree right in front of her.
She found it when it was her 2nd birthday with Tomoyo. Since then, when she was upset or blithe, she would go to this tree. It always seems to calm her troubles.
She slowed down and slumped onto the base of the tree, crystal droplets flowing down rosy cheeks.
She felt useless; unworthy… what's more, it was in her father, the great Oiseau general presence that she committed such a mistake!
Suddenly, she heard footsteps coming closer. She didn't dare to look up.
What if it was her father? Coming to reprimand her for such a crucial mistake?
"You're crying."
That wasn't her father…..
"Li!"
Sakura was visibly surprised, "What sniff are you sniff doing here?"
He held out his hand in front of her, "To get you back to where you belong."
Sakura shook her head as she laid her head back onto her shaking knees, "I don't belong in that team. I was the only one who missed the target!"
Syaoran quirked his eyebrow, "Is that why you're crying? Wow… you're pretty dumb."
Anger flared within the girl as she stood up to Syaoran to retaliate against that insulting remark, "What do you mean I'm dumb?"
Syaoran sighed as he sat beside Sakura, "Look, everyone makes mistakes. You were the last to go, obviously seeing that all of us were able to hit the target, you would feel that it is also required for you to hit the target as well."
Sakura nodded soundlessly, not knowing where this was going.
"But the thing is, you don't need to hit it. It was just a practice. I could tell you were too scared to really concentrate on the task. That's why you missed."
Sakura had stopped crying by then, she saw sense in Syaoran's words. The scene replayed in her mind and compared it to the time of her other friends' turns. Their faces held confidence, so much unlike hers. She understood now.
Syaoran stood up and turned his back.
"So… stop crying and go back… It's just another round of practice and it will be lunchtime. Anyways…. You look better without tears."
Sakura smiled gratefully at the "compliment". She rubbed her eyes and began to head back towards the camp.
"Thank you… Li…. My friend."
And guess what? Sakura was able to hit the target on her second try.
A/N: Done! That was longgggggggggggggg. I hope you guys like it! I gonna upload the file nw. Toodles!Btw, the next chap is gonna be 1or 2 years later. Not sure when I will update though! ByE!
