Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Mage War: Prelude To Armageddon ❯ The Foundation ( Chapter 2 )

This is going to turn into a crossover and it should be interesting to see how I merge at least two other series into this.

 

The Mage War: Prelude to Armageddon

 

Chapter 3: The Motion

 

“We have to find out more about these people,” Meiling said. “It's obvious they're involved with something huge, but without more information we have nothing to go on.”

 

Futtie looked up from the books with a frown. “Easier said than done. From what I've seen, there are only three times in history that that emblem shows up. However, whenever they did, it was something major.”

 

“What was the most recent?”

 

“Umm, well, this is certainly not good. It was when Adolf Hitler's rise to power started.”

 

“Wow. But are they connected?”

 

Futtie nodded. “It was on a letter addressed to Hitler.”

 

“And Syaoran is involved with these people?” Meiling said incredulously.

 

“The best way would be to ask him, but he went to Japan right after the meeting.”

 

“Grr. He is really making this hard on us. And we're trying to help him!”

 

“I wouldn't say digging into his business is helping him,” Xi said as he appeared. “However, I am disturbed by Master Syaoran's involvement with this organization. It is a dangerous association for both him and the Clan.”

 

“Oh dear god.”

 

“What is it?” Meiling asked.

 

“Look at this.”

 

It was another old book, this one also in another language. This time, it was in German.

 

“It's an order about a man named Martin Luther,” said Futtie.

 

“Luther. Where have I heard that name?”

 

Xi walked over and answered. “He is the man that started the Protestant Reformation in Europe. It was a movement to reform the Church and remove the corruption in it. You should pay attention more in class, Meiling. Especially since you studied European history.”

 

“Well you can't expect me to remember everything,” Meiling said, then turned to Futtie. “What does it say?”

 

“My German is a bit rusty, but I think I can make it out. Let's see, it's an order telling them to protect Luther? Something like that. Uh, well, it's an older version of German so it's translated something like this. `It is by our decree that the Princes of the Rhine are not to allow the honorable Martin Luther to be captured by the Catholic Church.'”

 

“Hmm, yes. I ran into that document some time ago but I didn't think much of it. There have always been forces behind the scenes making their mark, and it didn't surprise me enemies of the Church would try to help Luther. He was a very popular leader and obviously was used to fight the influence of the Church. But by who?”

 

“Umm, it doesn't say,” said Futtie. “No one even signed it, it's just this stamp.”

 

“Whoever they were, they must have been powerful,” said Meiling. “I mean, they ordered the rulers of Germany around.”

 

Xi smiled. “So you do remember some things.”

 

“Hey, I didn't sleep through all of my classes.”

 

Meiling opened up another book, this one from China. At least she would be able to read this one. It was a book on legends and had nothing associated with the Gray Wing. This annoyed her to no end as she wanted to find something definitive and maybe force Li to tell them what was going on.

 

“Xi, a question,” said Futtie. “You said the Knights Templar were some of the most powerful people in Europe during their time. Did they survive King Philip's attack?”

 

“Many went underground,” said Xi. “The Swiss banks were actually founded by the Knights Templar survivors and many people claim that the Brotherhood of Freemasons is actually the current day Knights Templar. However, that is doubtful.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Quite simply because an organization of that power would have great difficulty hiding itself today. They must have some kind of public front in order to keep people from getting suspicious.”

 

“So why don't we see if this Gray Wing as a public front?” Meiling suggested. “I mean, there has to be something, right?”

 

“We can go through some of the Clan's business associates,” said Futtie. “Someone most have heard of this Gray Wing. No matter how secret they are, they must be active, and any action will leave records.”

 

With Futtie gone to make some calls, Meiling tried to do the other bookwork. But as she could not read German or French, she had to stick with the English, Chinese, and Japanese books.

 

“Xi, do you think this Gray Wing would have a strong presence in the United States?” Meiling asked.

 

“It's very likely. In fact, it is also possible that they either control members of the government or are in positions of power themselves. Having influence over the most powerful nation on Earth has its advantages.”

 

“Hmm. But we don't know what the objective of this organization is, so we can't identify the people that might be involved.”

 

Xi nodded and opened another book. As the archivist, he had a good idea of what was in each book. However, with age comes a failing memory so he no longer remembered the details.

 

-Tokyo International Airport-

 

Not too much had changed since his last visit to Japan, except that it was even more crowded. How that was possible, Li did not know. But then again, Japan was a chain of islands that had a population that rivaled that of the United States. Their overpopulation problems were bigger than China's and almost as bad as India.

 

It was almost 2:00 PM and his ride would be here soon. Sakura had insisted that she and Tomoyo pick him up, even though the Li Clan also maintained a penthouse inside Tokyo with the appropriate staff. This of course meant a car and driver on call. When his old friends arrived, Li just walked out into the streets so they wouldn't have to go through the trouble of parking. Tomoyo had come with her limo and when Li got in it was no surprise that her bodyguards were also present.

 

“Hello Syaoran,” Tomoyo greeted. “It's been a while.”

 

“Yes it has. Hey Sakura. I hope you're well.”

 

To say the least, it was an odd situation as the two lovers saw each other again after over six years. Though they had kept in touch somewhat, meeting face to face was a different story entirely.

 

“I've been fine. You seem to have been rather busy lately.”

 

Li wondered who Sakura had learned subtly from. “We all do what we feel is right.”

 

“Let's not argue yet,” Tomoyo interrupted. “You just got here and there's a lot of catching up to do. I'm sure we'll learn to understand each other again.”

 

Ever the peacemaker. Still, Li appreciated Tomoyo's efforts.

 

“So both of you are attending Tokyo University now,” said Li. “How have your studies been?”

 

“Hectic,” said Sakura. “There are lots of things going on and we still have to study a lot. It's not as bad as high school, but close to it.”

 

“That's life,” said Li.

 

“What about you?” Tomoyo asked. “Why aren't you going to a university?”

 

“Oh, I am,” Li said to their surprise. “However, since my field is economic and political theory, I get to travel around a lot. My professor doesn't care if I'm not there as long as I turn in reports and papers. I think I've thrown enough curveballs at him to keep him from noticing that I'm gone so much.”

 

Tomoyo and Sakura laughed, glad for the moment of normalcy. After all the time he had spent in Japan, a sense of humor was only one of the things Li had gained. They chatted about old times and told each other about recent happenings. However, it wasn't until they got to some office on the campus that they got serious. Chiharu and Takashi were also present with Eriol leaning against the back wall.

 

“I see you're also here,” Li said. “Coincidence? Or does something keep drawing us back to Tokyo?”

 

Eriol replied with his sly smile. “Who can say? I personally don't believe in coincidences.”

 

Li grunted. “Neither do I.”

 

“So,” said Chiharu. “It's nice to see you again Li, but, well, that little announcement by the Chinese Foreign Minister kind of makes us ask how much you have changed.”

 

“We're all doing what we think is right,” said Li. “You seem to think that a peaceful resolution is possible. I don't.”

 

“Is there anything that separates our judgments?” Tomoyo asked.

 

“Possibly. For one thing, I've been in the Congo. It's really ugly, and the only places even remotely secure are the areas the UN keeps a large force in. The rebels aren't about to back down, and there is no government remaining in Congo.”

 

Sakura shook her head. “Violence is the last resort of fools. You can't fight a war to end one.”

 

Li raised an eyebrow but it was Eriol that replied.

 

“You seem to have forgotten World War I and II. There are plenty of other examples, but I don't think it's necessary to go into those.”

 

Chiharu let out an exasperated sigh. “Are both of you against the Peace Corps?”

 

“Talk is for after the rebels are defeated,” said Li. “If they don't respect your power, you aren't going to accomplish anything.”

 

“And yet if we showed goodwill, they might respect that more,” said Sakura.

 

“That is only true if they are honest,” said Eriol. “The leaders of the rebels aren't motivated by what's good for their people but instead for revenge against the government and those associated with it.”

 

At that moment Eriol's cell phone started ringing and he excused himself. This left Li to deal with the others by himself.

 

“Do you think violence can end violence?” Chiharu asked.

 

“No, force ends violence. How it is applied determines whether it is violent or not.”

 

“You've changed a lot,” said Sakura. “When I last saw you, you were far gentler.”

 

“I've seen a lot of things,” Li replied. “The world isn't always a pleasant place to be, and yet humanity clings to it.”

 

“Does that mean we should take the lives of others?” Tomoyo asked.

 

Li looked them over, knowing fully well they weren't going to be convinced.

 

“It is a crime to waste lives,” he said at last. “However, it is a duty to spend them if that is the only viable resort. Of course, I'm sure that's one view none of you will ever accept.”

 

“Life is too precious,” said Sakura. “I can't believe even you would believe that.”

 

“Syaoran, I need to talk to you,” Eriol said as he reappeared.

 

Glad for the excuse to disappear, Li followed his associate into the hallway.

 

“There's a complication,” said Eriol. “The Triumvirate is making a move against the Yakuza.”

 

Li frowned. “And yet we control the Yakuza.”

 

Eriol nodded. “They supply a great deal of funds that allows our research to go unhindered. They know what they're doing and if we lose control of the Yakuza, there could be serious repercussions.”

 

That was an understatement. The Foundation was what kept the Japanese Yakuza and the Chinese Triads from going for each other's throats. If it erupted into a full scale syndicate war, things could easily destabilize.

 

“Who do we have to take out?” Li asked dispassionately.

 

Back in the room, Sakura was also getting a phone call. After carefully listening, she waited for Li to return. When both men walked into the room, she had her own questions ready.

 

“Syaoran, what's the Gray Wing?”

 

“Uh what?”

 

Both men were mentally caught off guard but didn't show it physically.

 

“Where did you hear that?” Li asked.

 

“Just answer the question,” Sakura said. “What's the Gray Wing? You too Eriol. I know you know what it is too.”

 

“The Gray Wing,” said Eriol. “You're going to have to be more specific. That phrase is used by many people.”

 

Sakura frowned. “So, how does it associate with the two of you?”

 

“It doesn't,” Li answered calmly. “I'm not sure who told you it did, but they're wrong.”

 

“Fine. If you have secrets, let's talk in private.”

 

Sakura grabbed both men and dragged them to another room. Unable to contain their curiosity, Tomoyo and Chiharu followed and waited outside. As always, her camera was out and taping the event. However, for some reason they could hear nothing. Tomoyo guessed Sakura was using her magic again and stopped trying to eavesdrop but Chiharu wasn't as informed.

 

Inside a quite vocal argument was taking place.

 

“Syaoran, you've never kept secrets from me before. Why are you starting now?”

 

“Because this doesn't concern you,” Li countered. “Do you tell me everything that happens in your life?”

 

“What about you, Eriol?”

 

“Li is correct. Though this matter is important, you are not involved in it. If in the future you do become a part of the development, we'll tell you everything.”

 

“And yet it seems like you two are playing games with politics,” said Sakura. “I'm starting to wonder if maybe there're more people involved, manipulating things so you get your way.”

 

“Don't be ridiculous,” said Li. “There's no world-wide conspiracy or anything like that. Just because our ideas of how to maintain and impose peace are different doesn't mean anything.”

 

“It means I don't know you anymore,” Sakura said softly. “Either of you.”

 

The two men looked at her silently and didn't even begin to speak. Finally Sakura walked out of the room. As she passed her friends, Tomoyo caught the glint of tears coming out of her eyes.

 

“What did you three talk about?” she demanded. “Sakura is crying!”

 

“She wanted to know things we couldn't tell her,” said Eriol. “And she also insisted that we knew.”

 

“Can't, or won't?” Chiharu asked. “You two do seem to know a lot and are probably involved with things we aren't aware of.”

 

Li frowned. “Let me ask you something. If I asked you two something that was a secret, something that you could not tell anyone, would you tell me the truth or lie?”

 

“I would say I couldn't tell you,” Chiharu said. “However, this isn't some schoolyard secret. It's like you two are playing with lives.”

 

“As are you,” said Eriol. “Your Peace Corps has affected the lives of many people. And yet you don't seem to understand the political reality of the world or the practical reality in the Congo.”

 

“We know that they don't need more troops,” said Tomoyo. “It can only end in more violence.”

 

“If the troops pull out, what's to keep the government and rebels from going at each other's throats?” asked Li. “Wait, there is no formal government anymore. That means the rebel militia is in power and will probably launch a massacre.”

 

“We can enact a transfer of power and demilitarization,” Chiharu insisted.

 

“Without a military to make sure both sides keep the deal?” said Li. “That's not going to happen. Without an outside force, it's just going to repeat again.”

 

“You're rather pessimistic,” said Sakura. “Can't you trust human beings to be decent?”

 

“I can trust a human to be decent,” Li replied, “but I can't trust humanity to be decent.”

 

Eriol's phone rang and he dragged Li out. After saying goodbye both men disappeared.

 

“I can't believe how much they've changed,” Sakura said after they had left.

 

“Before he left Li was a caring person,” Tomoyo agreed. “And I always thought Hiragizawa was more cultured.”

 

“Well, I'm going to see exactly how cultured those two are,” Sakura said.

 

“You're going to follow them?” Takashi asked.

 

“That's the only way I'll get answers.”

 

“I'm coming too!” Tomoyo said and grabbed her camera.

 

Then they left Chiharu and Yamazaki just looked at each other.

 

“I thought that camera was glued to Tomoyo's hand,” said Chiharu. “I didn't even know she had put it down.”

 

“More like she's glued to Kinomoto. They're always together.”

 

-Downtown Tokyo, Yakuza Territory-

 

Despite how shady this part of the city was, no one dared bother Li or Eriol. They entered the restaurant and were immediately taken upstairs and seated. Another man joined them moments later.

 

“Well, it isn't everyday that we are so honored. How may I serve you gentlemen today?”

 

“Unfortunately we don't have the time to enjoy your establishment's cooking,” said Li. “We know there's going to be a meeting tonight, and it's going to be attacked.”

 

The man frowned. “Then we must cancel the meeting.”

 

Eriol shook his head. “No. We need this meeting to go ahead. It'll show us who the traitors are.”

 

“Very well. Should I have security tightened?”

 

Li nodded. “We'll handle the rest.”

 

When the three men left they didn't notice someone come through the wall. It was Sakura, holding the Through Card. She frowned and disappeared again back through the walls and appeared in the alley where Tomoyo was waiting.

 

“So? What happened?”

 

“This is getting weirder and maybe more dangerous.”

 

“Hmm. How suspicious.”

 

“Tomoyo, this isn't like when we're kids,” said Sakura. “I really have a bad feeling about this.”

 

“Well, I'll help you any way I can,” said her friend.

 

“Good. I need you to trust me to do this by myself.”

 

Reluctantly Tomoyo nodded and Sakura hugged her friend.

 

“Just let me handle this and I'll tell you about it later. Trust me.”

 

“I know. I just, well, I worry about you sometimes. You put yourself in a lot of danger.”

 

“It's for what I believe in.”

 

-Li Residence, Tokyo-

 

A chessboard was in between the two men as they engaged in a friendly game.

 

“Chess was always such a simplistic game,” Eriol commented. “If a computer is better at it than chess, then there is a flaw in the basic design of the game that permits it.”

 

“Oh whatever,” said Li. “Just make your move.”

 

With a smile Eriol did so and Li cursed silently. Though he had put up a valiant fight, the conclusion of their match was more or less predetermined. The wisdom of Clow Reed was a hard thing to defeat.

 

“Another game?”

 

“How about one that isn't over in five minutes?” Li suggested.

 

“Then pick one,” Eriol replied with a smile. “We still have some time before the meeting.”

 

This time it was Li's turn to smile. “How about a game that a computer can't win at?”

 

“Oh? And which one are you referring to?”

 

Li stood and walked over to one of the cabinets. He pulled out a large board and two containers. Eriol chuckled at the selection.

 

“Ah, the ancient game of Go. I didn't know you played.”

 

“It's been a while, and this game will certainly take a long time to play. I think we might have to leave it and come back a few times.”

 

“Nothing wrong with that. Shall we start?”

 

Before Li could respond, the phone started ringing. He picked it up and quickly handed it to Eriol.

 

“It's Nakuru.”

 

Eriol took the phone. “What is it?”

 

“Eriol, Kaho-san says her stomach is starting to hurt! What should I do?”

 

“It's too early for her to be going into labor,” Eriol replied. “Did she try some ginger?”

 

“Yeah but it didn't work!”

 

Eriol sighed. “Nakuru, you're overreacting too much. Make her some chicken soup. That should help.”

 

“Uh, actually, I'm glad you mentioned that. See, Kaho-san has been getting a craving for that soup you made her last month.”

 

It didn't take much effort to see where that was going. Eriol sighed and nodded.

 

“Fine, I'll come home and help you.”

 

“Thank you Eriol! I'll see you soon!”

 

A click sounded and Eriol handed the phone back to Li with an apologetic smile.

 

“It seems I'm needed at home. You think you can handle this mission by yourself?”

 

Li nodded. “It's not like bullets can really hurt me. Good thing I'll have actual backup for this.”

 

“That's what the Soldats are for. An internal power struggle within their structure was just settled and control has stabilized. Give it another week and we'll contact the new representatives.”

 

“Good to know. Well, I hope Kaho doesn't give you too much trouble.”

 

“It's the joys of married life, Syaoran. You should try it sometime.”

 

Li smiled slightly and shook his head. “I don't think my prospects are that high right now.”

 

When Eriol was gone, Li sank back into his chair and looked at the game of Go that they had barely started. Life was more like Go than it was like chess. And it was just as complicated. Li took another look at the clock and sighed. Another hour before everything went down.

 

-Tokyo University-

 

Sakura looked over her many cards. Several would come in handy for her spying on Li and a few others would be useful for her own protection. The location wasn't exactly the safest place in Tokyo. She sighed and slumped down on the bed.

 

“Tomoyo, what do you think Syaoran is really up to?”

 

“Who can tell?” her best friend replied. “We know it has something to do with the situation in Congo and the Security Council vote coming up.”

 

“Yeah, but it can't possibly be that simple, can it? Syaoran wouldn't be involved in all this just by himself. Eriol sounds like he's also a part of all this, but there must be other people too.”

 

“Who knows? But right now, just focus on finding out what Syaoran is up to. You can worry about who else is involved later.”

 

“True.”

 

Sakura rolled over and stared at the TV. It was some documentary about Japan's economic development and hardly something she considered interesting. She clutched her key and felt the power cruise through her. With a blink, the channel changed to a drama.

 

Tomoyo smiled at her friend but also shook her head. “Should you really be using your magic for such trivial things?”

 

“Practice makes perfect. There isn't much else for me to do these days. I have all this magic but I can't use it in public. I wish I could help people with the powers I have though.”

 

“I'll grant you that, and I know I used to pester you into using your magic. But it isn't a good idea to become too dependent on it. You can't use it for everything.”

 

“Oh I know. Otherwise I would use it to do my math homework.”

 

“Really Sakura, I expect better from you!”

 

Sakura flashed a smile and burst out laughing. “Tomoyo, you know I would never do anything reckless.”

 

“Perhaps. But sometimes your heart will lead you to recklessness.”

 

With a sigh Sakura nodded. There wasn't any point arguing about that, as Tomoyo was right. Sakura was all too willing to forget about her own personal safety for the sake of others. But she had already lost Li once. Something inside of her didn't want that to happen again. When the time came, Sakura hugged her friend and disappeared out the door. Tomoyo looked sadly after her and sighed once again. Though she had matured, Sakura's heart was still the same. She could never walk away from anyone in need.

 

Sakura had plenty of time to prepare when she arrived at the spot. She didn't even really need to call the cards to reach their power anymore. Without another thought Sakura stepped through the walls and floated to the second floor. The Invisible was rather handy for this kind of stuff. She watched as several men in suits walk in and sit down. They all obviously knew each other though the atmosphere was tense. Finally Li walked in himself. All of the members stood and bowed to him with him returning one.

 

“Gentlemen, thank you for trusting me enough to come tonight. As you all know, the Triad is planning to attack this meeting, and thus I made special preparations to welcome them.”

 

“Li-san, you have earned our trust many times before,” the oldest of the men said. “Please, have a seat and join us.”

 

“You are very kind,” Li replied. “The preparations are complete and I expect the Triad will make their move any minute now.”

 

As if to confirm his words, the men started hearing noises from outside. A few looked rather nervous but none moved from their seats. Food was brought in and one of the Yakuza men walked in. He whispered something to the oldest Yakuza leader and received a smile. The man raised his cup of sake and all the others joined him.

 

“To a fine meal in peace,” the man said. The others echoed him.

 

After the first course, another man walked in. This time the man leaned over to Li and said something. Li smiled and stood.

 

“Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure dining with all of you, but I must now take my leave. The Triad has backed down and they won't dare intrude upon your territory for quite some time, I'd say. Thank you for your cooperation.”

 

“Thank you for settling this issue, Li-san. Though normally we would strike back at such an affront, we will honor your request.”

 

Li bowed one more time and walked out of the restaurant. He looked around and took note of the clean-up crew at work. There weren't even any cops around. A sign of how proficient the Soldats were.

 

“Well Syaoran. I never thought you'd be involved with these people.”

 

Li spun around and found Sakura standing behind him. He cursed silently at not having felt her aura earlier.

 

“Sakura, what are you doing here? This isn't exactly the safest part of Tokyo.”

 

“I know. I just saw eight people get shot. What is going on here Syaoran! What are guns doing here!”

 

Japan was a gun-free nation, Li reminded himself. He wouldn't be surprised if Sakura had never seen one in real life.

 

“Sakura, come with me and I'll explain thins.”

 

As he tried to move towards her Sakura backed away.

 

“What's happened to you Syaoran? You used to be kind and understanding. Now you're involved with the Yakuza? How could you become a criminal?”

 

“You don't even know what's going on here,” Li replied. “Just come with me and I'll explain things.”

 

“And why should I trust you? If you would order the death of other humans, why wouldn't you lie to your fellow humans as well?”

 

“Because I would never do that to you!”

 

Sadly, Sakura shook her head. “I can't believe that right now, Syaoran. I don't even know you anymore.”

 

Without another word Sakura ran off and vanished. Li cursed again as he tried to sense her aura, but Sakura had grown far too powerful for that. He quickly ran back to his car and jumped in. Taking out his cell phone, he started calling the others. First was Eriol.

 

“What is it?” the mage asked.

 

“Sakura somehow found about the meeting and witnessed the fighting.”

 

“Well this is certainly troublesome.”

 

“You're telling me. I need to bring a motion to the floor. We need to start telling her the truth, at least some of it.”

 

“Very well then. I shall speak with the others. Some will resist such a course of action.”

 

“We're running out of options,” Li stated calmly. “This is the only way to retain a hold over her.”

 

“For your or for us?”

 

“Is there a difference.”

 

“I suppose there isn't. Very well Syaoran, proceed. I'll handle the Foundation.”

 

“Thanks Eriol. I owe you one.”

 

“Get Sakura back and we'll call it even.”

 

And that was what Li intended to do as he sped back to his penthouse.

 

End of Chapter 3

 

Interesting, no? No real fighting, but there will be some action. Still developing characters right now.

 

Z98