Grace of White Magic
…
Tsubasa groaned lightly… What's happening…? Why do I feel so lightheaded…?
"Sanae…?" He softly murmured. The teen shuffled to his feet and felt the ground smother beneath him…Like the clouds…
Wait a minute… clouds?
Tsubasa stood firmly, looking around as his lost vigor returned. But, his eyes grew weak, thinking… "I—I'm dead?"
And there was no doubt. He was standing before rich, white gates… Gates to Heaven…
I'm dead…
He smiled sadly, gazing around the blue skies. "Sanae…" He softly cried… I'm going to miss you so much.
"Young fellow, do you miss your friend?" A withering hand was placed on his shoulder. Tsubasa gasped and turned.
"Who're you?" He quickly acknowledged, and in surprise, felt he actually knew him from somewhere.
The man gently smiles at the Captain and speaks "I'm Peter, Tsubasa."
Tsubasa smiled slightly. "You know me… and…" he gulped. "I'm dead."
Peter pats him gently on the shoulder "You're right about that. But don't worry." He gave an encouraging smile that touched Tsubasa. "You have been a Saint in your own ways. You saved your loved one from the danger of being killed. You gave away your life to save her."
Tsubasa nodded slightly. "Thanks for reminding me, Peter. But I didn't tell her… about…" he trailed off. My feelings…
Peter beckoned Tsubasa to go through the gate. Tsubasa complies as Peter gave a push, opening the gates. "Tsubasa, your actions proved your lover for her, and it goes beyond any word you say." Peter prompts a delighted smile. "Now, my friend, God is calling you."
Tsubasa nodded to Peter and goes through the gates… So warm… what is awaiting me here?
A benevolent aura greeted him. What is this place! He thought in surprise and curiosity. The floor was brilliantly marbled and seemed to glitter beneath the bright sun towering over. The sun's heat was calm and cold as his hand glided above, comprehending its soothing radiance… On the other pathways, there were people, both old and young. They were all contented. Does everyone deserve this place? Or are they simply chosen by the length of their good deeds during their lives…?
If Sanae was here to see this… he inwardly sighed.
"Tsubasa!" A fellow came down from another gate before him. His smile was charming and dazzling, it overwhelmed him. "You must be Tsubasa, am I correct?"
The Captain lacked a proper reply. He's like a bishounen! Wait. What am I thinking?!
"Hmm?" Receiving a questioning glance from the person, he flushed in embarrassment and replied. "Yes, I am! And you are—?"
The young man smiled again, dazzling Tsubasa, or as a matter of fact, overwhelming him again. "I'm Matthew. Father told me to lead you to Him."
Tsubasa nodded trying not to quiver in nervousness. Matthew was quick to notice and comforted him with a genuine tone. "No need to be jumpy, Tsubasa. Father will welcome you with open arms."
Naturally. Tsubasa mused his reply, following Matthew.
After going through another passage, they went to an area decorated in beautiful gardens of flowers, with fountains of pure water and patches of healthy grass. The flowers bloomed in wonderful colors equaling the sun's magnificence.
It was sad…
A landscape like this is rare in earth…
Matthew smiled and proudly chuckled. "This is God's garden. Anybody is welcome here, especially you, Tsubasa— because you are one of His children…" And you deserve a lot more than praise. Matthew thought cutely.
"Really?" Tsubasa exclaimed loudly as he wondered around in interest. Matthew nodded, tagging along.
All this Christian stuff is hard to get used to. Tsubasa lightly smiled, looking around. Well, good thing all the anxiety about Sanae disappeared, and he didn't know whether he ought to remain happy about it or not.
After taking a few turns in the garden, they arrived at a clearing… there were a group of people gathered near this tall person.
Tsubasa's breath caught. No way…
It was Jesus telling stories to a group of children. Whether they were small, crippled or deformed, Jesus was happy that they were with him. The children were happy as well.
Jesus felt the presence as soon as they arrived and glanced up at Matthew and Tsubasa. Tsubasa felt himself redden. He looked so gentle and his presence was too benevolent to be true!
"Jesus." Tsubasa smiles shyly as Jesus' gaze on him deepened.
"Tsubasa" Jesus inclined his head and smiled charmingly. " My children, I would like you to meet a new friend. He is Tsubasa." He beckoned Tsubasa to go nearer. " Tsubasa, do you want to join us for a quick story before you meet with My Father?"
Tsubasa felt the overflowing joy in him. "I'd be glad to!" Tsubasa smiles cheerfully as he sat near the kids. Matthew was kneeling behind Tsubasa, already knowing the story Jesus was about to tell. And he knew that tale by heart…
"There is God's most powerful Word—to His people, they called it White Magic. This magic is the most spiritual aspect of life and is used for good purposes. Its adversary separates it, which is the Black Magic. It is used commonly by evil and people use it out of bad purposes. My Father's people are misled by Black Magic and are used by Lucifer to control them against him. We have tried to banish these demons for long centuries to prevent them from assaulting the people. All the hard work paid off when we sealed him in his own chest…"
Tsubasa blinks twice… Chest…? No… way! His eye brows furrowed in confusion…
"At this very moment…" Jesus continued. "It was reopened once more and Lucifer strives to rule the land under him. We need a hero who will banish Lucifer once and for all. But this hero I am talking about was the same person who opened the box and released Lucifer from his confines. I firmly believe that he is ready to save everyone of the suffering…"
Tsubasa flushed awkwardly… He knew! Did he know it happened? Did he foretell it to the others? Tsubasa felt confused and torn. Of all the things I caused… why did it have to be something related to the fate of this world!?
A chuckle lured him away from his thoughts. Jesus leaned in front of him and laid a hand on his head "Our Father knows what he will do with you. But, I am certain you can save everyone. Your brave act moments ago was very chivalrous."
"I have a question… Why choose me of all the people?" The unsure Captain gulped, his childlike eyes gazing at Jesus. The Savior gently borrowed his left hand and looked at the palm.
"Your blood was used to unseal Lucifer. With that, only the person whose blood was shed is to be the only one who can seal him back… you, whose blood was chosen by the previous user of the Profound—Father will be explaining everything soon."
Tsubasa's eyes widened, seemingly befuddled to no extent. "Me…? Hero? A user of the Profound?"
Jesus smiled "White Magic can be used by everyone but the Profound is something that others can't posses. You and the other four people are the chosen ones to wield it."
Other four… The way Jesus said it was so warm… Tsubasa nodded as Matthew stood from his spot. "Tsubasa, let's go. It's time."
Soon, they left Jesus, who was telling more parables to His children. Then, from a far away place, there was another gate… Matthew stopped. "Tsubasa, you go ahead. God is waiting for you."
Tsubasa nodded nervously as he pushed the gate open…
Luminous light greeted him…
"aaah… so bright…"
Tsubasa, I am glad you are here. A voice spoke beneath his ear…
"God? What do you want to tell me…?" questioned Tsubasa, concentrating hard enough to hear God perfectly.
Listen closely, My dear child.
You have been chosen to protect earth… I allow you to use your powers for your own sake. The Profound you queried earlier allows you to do limitless spells, summons and powers. Chosen people can only wield the 5 Profounds. Tsubasa, you are one of them. You are tasked to find the other four once you get back to earth.
"Ah! You mean I will go back to earth?" Sanae, I'm coming back! He smiled triumphantly.
Yes. You are given your life back. Your destined Profound is the Wings of Hope. Use it wisely…
"Ah…?!" What's—happening!?
Tsubasa felt his entire body go numb—and then, an incredible heat filled his whole body…
A scream escaped his lips… I feel like I'm being roasted alive!
But in one moment—he felt something grow within his back… It was a strange and new kind of pain—but he withstood it. A second passed…
Tsubasa's wings sprouted on his back. White, pure feathers grew longer and overlapped each other…
"Wow…! I can… fly!" he gasped…
You can do more with that. But you will uncover most of it in your journey. Now, I must tell you about the other Profounds hidden away at different parts of the world… the Tears of Divine, Tiara of Glory, Cuffs of Strength, and Eyes of Prudence. The four chosen ones shall own their respectful Profounds. When you get back to earth, you need to find all four chosen ones before going to Babylon to train. Babylon is where certain people cherish the White Magic. You know what to do afterwards…
"Yes! After training at Babylon, we will find the four other Profounds! Then, we defeat Lucifer!"
I am glad you understand. But bear in mind that once you use your Profound, it will drain your energy. Be very careful. That is why you need to train yourself in Babylon before going through any lengths. If you lose your energy, certain things can happen… You might die if you overuse your Profound. To be able to use your Profound depends on how you command it. You can use it when you want to or not.
"Lord, thanks so much! I couldn't help but feel so excited going back!" His smile broadened.
Wait, Tsubasa. I must tell you that we are speaking to each other through Astral Projections. Meaning that your spirit traveled here. When you go back to earth, you must find your body and return to it.
"Ahh so I must find Sanae to get back! Sure! You can count on me, God! I will vanquish Lucifer!"
He was engulfed in one blast of white light before the heat came around again.
Everything…
Everything is happening so fast…
Then, without noticing, he was back at the Gates of Peter. And ever so slowly, his whole body lifted himself…
"I'm flying…" he fawned ecstatically as he savored the taste of the wind against his wings… With one swift plunge downwards, he soared against the clouds.
Somersaulting a few times, he quickly navigated his way across the skies. His large wings aided him as he soared in high unbelievable speeds, diving and twirling like a hysterical swallow personified.
Ha, ha… like playing soccer in mid air…! He mused, looking down at Shizuoka beneath the clouds.
He gracefully lands in front of Nankatsu High School. Albeit quiet, the school seemed absolutely normal. Scratch school off of his list! He has to worry about getting back to his body. And to find his body, he needs to find Sanae.
Flapping his wings at a low pace, he went to the nearest hospital. At the moment he dropped his wings, it instantly disappeared. Convenient. He smiled and quickly ran in the hospital in high hopes of discovering Sanae.
Luckily, he spotted her in the Emergency room. Sanae was quietly weeping as she sat before Tsubasa's cold body. A mask was over the teen's face, and he was attached to a lot of equipment propped on the side of his bed.
No wonder she was so distressed. I look like I'm already about to die… he frowned as he looked at his body reduced to such a state.
"Oh Tsubasa… Why?" His Anego cried as she cradled his hand gently in hers. Oh how long Tsubasa wanted her to do that—but he can't feel a thing, considering he's separated from his body.
Tsubasa slowly advanced to the opposite side of the bed, fearing that Sanae might sense him. He looked at the life supporter and the blinking light was ranged far lower—it clearly meant to him that his body would be lost. He closed his eyes and heaved a breath…
Sanae didn't notice—but the green light on the life supporter was back up…Up and down vigorously. The continuous bleeps of life made her jump. Gasping, she yelled for the doctors. "Doctor! It's Tsubasa…! Tsubasa's back!"
Owww…
My body…!
The soccer player slowly opened his eyes and hitched a breath. All the unbearable pain came crashing down on him, especially his back. It was searing with pain. His hand was fully numb, and his head ached, an aftermath of the black smog he inhaled…
Everything hurts…
"Tsu-Tsubasa…"
All the pain vanquished before her sobbing word… It was only a few seconds before he picked up his consciousness. Sanae is hugging him.
He felt a blush rise on him, but Sanae didn't care. She hugged him with all her—love? Choking in disbelief, Tsubasa heaved a heavy rasp through the mask. "Sanae—it's…okay."
"Tsubasa! Don't you dare do that again! Or else I… I won't forgive you! Ever!" shouted Sanae as she glanced at Tsubasa with a threateningly painful look.
Tsubasa grinned weakly and replied. "I'm…home, Sanae."
"Home?" Sanae chortles accidentally. She cleared her voice "Anyway, the doctor said you'll be staying in the hospital again."
Tsubasa elicits a tired groan. "No way…I don't even want to spend a day here… I'm…sick of it, really."
After minutes of finalizing, the doctor told Tsubasa to spend the rest of the day in bed. Tsubasa protested of his confinement in the hospital and so they concluded he would be staying in his house for a month. No going out of the bed and no soccer.
In cases like this, the doctor is always triumphant. So, poor Tsubasa has to endure what the doctor said. And as he was being escorted back home, via Ambulance, he talked with Sanae.
"You…saw heaven?" The surprised girl gasped as she received a nod from Tsubasa. "How is God? How's everybody there?"
Tsubasa's grin was free spirited, so he replied "Well—God is really great! I met Matthew and Peter! What heaven really looked like—" he paused for a few seconds. "… Is a secret."
Sanae does her standard soft pout. "So you mean I'll have to die to see it?"
"No." Tsubasa glances at the window and sees the big puffs of clouds. He smiles "It's just up there. And it was so beautiful."
And with my wings, I can fly up to Heaven anytime I want.
"Sanae?"
"Yes, Tsubasa?"
"Do you believe in…Black Magic?" Tsubasa questions quietly, still looking at the skies.
Sanae arched he eyebrow and replied "Uh—fairly, I guess. Why ask?"
"Have you tried it before?" His question went in a curiously low whisper…
The girl just laughs at the soccer captain "Well…we just do it for fun—Kumi and I. She told me she has an Ouija Board in her grand father's house."
That's…Black enough. Tsubasa sighed inwardly.
"And you know what? Two weeks ago, Kumi decided to call on someone. A demon she says. I told her that it's so creepy—but it came out! When we ask how she looks like, she had big curly horns and a pair of black wings!" excitedly explains Sanae, unaware of Tsubasa's pale expression that curled in fear.
Big—curly horns and black wings? It's that darn teacher, Kylie! He coughs and asks—rather grimly "Did you release it?"
Sanae reluctantly replied "I—don't know? I didn't go through with it. Since we are just two and the thing was kinda strong, it sort of got out on its own. It actually replied to us…"
Tsubasa shuddered. Wait, calm down, calm down. It's the past and Sanae didn't mean it. Then he spoke "What did that demon tell you?"
Sanae jittered and looked away, "It told us—that someday… L-Lu—err, you know who will rise with the blood of an owner of White Magic… I didn't believe it anymore. I was scared… But Kumi didn't mind—because it didn't hurt us."
The soccer player bit his lip as he replies to Sanae in loud thoughts. He rose just hours ago, Sanae. And he was unsealed with my very blood. But, it wasn't their fault. It was that demon's…
When they dropped on Tsubasa's house, Sanae slowly carries him off in a wheel chair. Inside, Natsuko, Tsubasa's mother, was so worried and glad that Tsubasa was home. Tsubasa himself was so darn glad that she was back.
Sanae spoke rather shyly "Okay, I'd better be going now, Mrs. Oozora, and take care of yourself Tsubasa!"
Natsuko smiled at Sanae "Don't worry about Tsubasa. And it's already 7:00 pm. You dearly need to go home before your parents worry about you too."
Sanae smiles at Natsuko then to Tsubasa. As an ending statement for Tsubasa, she chuckles "You know what? You and Jun can be great friends once he knows what happened! Two soccer players in wheel chairs playing something other than soccer!"
Tsubasa pouts innocently "I'll be out of this thing before you know it, Sanae!"
Once Sanae was gone, Tsubasa apparently had a hard time trying to take a bath. He also didn't want to move around the small house in this thing they called a wheel chair. So he dragged himself up the stairs and to his room. His mom was downstairs, and told him that she'll be preparing him a nice dinner. A memory reverberated in him…
I will never ask where she left early this morning…
So, as Tsubasa struggles for his pajamas, he mutters grudgingly. "The devil will be tailing after me before I find the other chosen ones. But who will I start with?"
God said that the chosen ones would reveal themselves—how? Maybe in a manner. Tsubasa slumps on the bed that suddenly triggered the pain of his back. As settles down, he glances at the pictures beside his bed… He badly missed Nankatsu FC.
Stroking the picture's simple frame; he glanced at each and everyone. Genzo… Taro… I hope you guys are safe now… I'm not just any ordinary soccer captain. I'm…going to save the world. But—I wish you guys could help… I wish you guys are here with me…
He barely noticed that he was falling asleep. Slowly moving towards the pillows, along with the picture frame settled on his chest, he fell into a deep, deep slumber…
Saint of Cure, lend me your rite to heal. Doctor either friend or foe and respond to my call!
Quick beeps echoed in the room loudly… Tsubasa yawned and sat up from the bed.
"Ah, what a night…" He murmured, scratching his head. A dazed smile spreads across his face as he stared out his window…
The sun was already coming up. But, he did have a nice sleep…peaceful and…quiet. A low growl from Tsubasa's stomach lurched. Smiling sheepishly, Tsubasa forgot to eat dinner and his mother didn't thankfully bother him sleeping.
But above everything, he noticed there was not a bolt of pain or a sting as he turned…Tsubasa jolted out of his covers and inspected his body from head to toe. What! Impossible!!
"Where—where are my injuries!?"
The teen continuously slammed his back on the bed—and no soreness was felt. Instead of feeling satisfied for himself, he was utterly wary… Looking around the room, there was not a person seen.
Who could be doing this…?
But as he looked at the slightly ajar door—a face was seen. And it alerted Tsubasa greatly.
"Who goes there?!" Tsubasa lowly scowled.
"Take it easy, Tsubasa" A chuckle. "You should be grateful I healed you…"
The door slowly opened, and the mysterious figure stepped out of the dark shadows.
Who could it be…? Tsubasa's stance was still apprehensive, looking at the other figure.
Against the light, his face was lit. His eyes, like Tsubasa's are dimly lit. His brown hair was up to his shoulders. A white bandanna was visibly tied around his forehead.
" M-Matsuyama!" gasped Tsubasa in shock. "You did this? How!"
How could he do this! Matsuyama's one of us?!
The Furano Captain smiled a bit and coolly replied "I used a little bit of my magic, if you're still oblivious. Are you one of the five?"
Knowing where this discussion is going, Tsubasa nodded. Matsuyama was kind of like the type of guy who wants answers immediately. The Furano captain's eyebrows furrowed "I see. When I saw you being rushed to the hospital by Sanae and I had that feeling."
"But how—how did you do this?" asked Tsubasa without hesitation, referring to his injuries disappearing.
"Tsubasa, it's White Magic." Matsuyama replied matter-of-factly, staring at the utterly innocent looking Captain. Is Tsubasa really the one…?
"Tsubasa, can you do me a favor?"
"Anything, for Furano's captain." Tsubasa smiled amiably and cocked his head on one side. "So—what do you need?"
"I need you to help me. Help me—bring Yoshiko back…" Matsuyama pleaded in a voice of sadness and guilt.
Yoshiko? What could've happened! Tsubasa was startled. He slowly advanced nearer Matsuyama "What happened to her?"
The next few words echoed disastrously in Tsubasa's head. Yoshiko was kidnapped by a demon. Tsubasa could hardly stand it… "But I hardly have anything but—the… Wings of Hope"
"Tsubasa!!" Matsuyama bent on his knees and begged harder, gripping the other's shirt tightly… "Please Tsubasa! I want to get her back! I'm the one who's not strong enough! I only mastered the Heal spell!"
"B-But…" hesitated Tsubasa, as he saw the grief in Matsuyama's eyes... Utter grief.
"Alright." Tsubasa nods his head… "I'll do what I can. For Yoshiko, and to repay you for healing me."
Soon, Matsuyama left to get ready.
Tsubasa needed to ready himself as well as he went in the bathroom. He could distinctly remember the Furano Captain's words…
We meet at the old school house in the last district at the stroke of 10 am.
Sighing, Tsubasa splashed his face of cold water.
Matsuyama doesn't know what he's doing. The last district! That demon sure knows a good hide out…
When he was done taking a bath, he wore his standard blue, white and green patterned jacket, his blue faded jeans, and his soccer shoes. He happily dashed out of his room and loudly stomped down the stairs. In the process, he hears her mother's normal toned voice call. "Tsubasa! No running down the stairs! Especially in your condition!"
Darn, I forgot! Tsubasa scowled inwardly as he grudgingly searched around for his wheelchair. Finding it in the living room, he dashed for it and seated down in time when his mother entered the living room as well.
"Ah! I guess your sleep wasn't that bad after all. I guess you feel better, right?" smiled Natsuko as she ruffled Tsubasa's jet black hair.
Tsubasa hid his hands and replied. "Well—mom I need to go now! I'm going to meet up with Matsuyama!"
"Hmm? Since when? I never heard the phone ring nor have I brought him up."
W-What? Tsubasa gasped inwardly. Then again, a while ago, Matsuyama told him that he came up from the window of Tsubasa's bedroom.
"Errm." Tsubasa thought hard for an answer "Well, it was last week! I just forgot to tell you we're going to meet now!" Tsubasa fibbed so innocently.
"Oh okay. But not until you've eaten your breakfast, young man!" Natsuko fell for it, but she wasn't going to let Tsubasa go without eating the most important meal of the day "You know breakfast is good for your energy!"
Energy? Breakfast boosts energy, yeah! Tsubasa checks his watch, and it read 9:30 am… he grinned sweetly at Natsuko. "Sure, mom!"
…It has been 10 minutes, as Tsubasa eats almost everything on the table, sans plate and utensils of course. The egg, rice, beef—then, after drinking lots of water, stands up and runs towards the door without his mother looking. "Go to go, mom!" he hurriedly ran out.
"Be careful, Tsubasa! Your injuries might—" Natsuko was cut off—discovering the wheel chair, unmoved across the table.
"Tsu-Tsubasa's… standing!" She gasped.
Tsubasa never thought twice about releasing his wings, but being seen was his ultimate problem… Seeing people with wings will never be a usual sight…
He ran and turned, passing numerous blocks and passing the Wakabayashi Mansion. He hurriedly dashed. He also passed the old Nankatsu field and didn't glance twice. He passed the old temple where he kicked the soccer ball up to Genzo's place…
Everything I did in Shizuoka bore me a lot of fond memories… He thought as he ran.
There is no way I'm going to let some psychotic demon take over and ruin mankind!
He hastily dashed to the infamous part of town… The last district…
Clients abandoned the last district because it was said to have been corrupted by evil demons. But as Tsubasa thought about it, the place was actually a perfect place to give his powers a jumpstart against the demons. No wonder Matsuyama thought about this place.
So…dark… He sighed, looking around.
Because of the mass of trees, the town hardly had any shred of sunlight. Its abandonment by society made it look more like a ghost town. Tsubasa shuddered violently. Demons or not, he couldn't easily overcome his fear.
From afar, he can see the old haunted school where rich kids from this district come to. And then, in front of the school, he can see Matsuyama standing without any fear.
Tsubasa ran quickly—never looking back. Boy, Matsuyama. I hope you know what you're doing. In awhile, he was beside him.
"Tsubasa, is your energy full?" Matsuyama immediately asked, throwing a determined glance at the shaking Tsubasa.
Tsubasa warily answered him. "Probably."
"Okay. Let's go."
The two advanced deeply in the town… Unaware of a trap set for them…
tbc.
PLZ READ:
OMG another long chapter because of EDITING. If I could make a comic out of this damned (lol irony) fanfic, I'd give it up sooner or later. I don't know why I support straight Captain Tsubasa pairings. My main fandom waves towards yaoi and the like.
Buuut as you can see, there are a lot of sub text. /fail
Disclaimer: Don't own Captain Tsubasa and the like. Bible (LOL) owns Jesus, God, Matthew and Peter. AHUEAHUEAHUE. That's so weird…
