Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Mage War: Prelude To Armageddon ❯ Turning the Compass ( Chapter 4 )

The Mage War: Prelude to Armageddon

 

Chapter 4: Turning the Compass

 

Tomoyo held her friend as she continued to cry. Something had to have happened between Li and her, but Sakura hadn't said anything yet. There wasn't anything Tomoyo could do at the moment as Sakura wouldn't tell her what was going on. But before she had a chance to ask again, someone knocked at the door. Tomoyo laid her friend down and walked over to the door.

 

“Who is it?” she asked. Unless it was important, Tomoyo knew her friend needed her more.

 

“It's Eriol. Open up, we have to talk.”

 

At hearing his name, Sakura shot up and ran to the door.

 

“Eriol? What's going on!”

 

Tomoyo opened the door and the young man walked in. He placed his hands on Sakura's shoulders and looked her in the eye.

 

“Sakura, I'm here to explain some things to you. If you're willing to listen.”

 

Fighting back the tears, Sakura stared back. “Eriol, Syaoran ordered the death of some people.”

 

Tomoyo gasped upon hearing this and looked back and forth between her friends.

 

“Tell me what's going on. What's happened to all of you?”

 

“Come with me Sakura, and I'll show you.”

 

“Show me what?”

 

“Who we are,” Eriol replied. “Why Syaoran did the things he did even though it meant lives would be lost.”

 

“What he did was unforgivable.”

 

“Even if he did it for you?”

 

That stopped Sakura. “What?”

 

“Sakura, there are things going on in this world that will lead to its eventual doom. Syaoran and I are only two of the people that try to hold it off and possibly ensure that it never happens. He's doing this so there will be a future for you and him.”

 

“But to kill others for it!”

 

“That was a matter of preventing a larger bloodbath,” Eriol replied. “Sakura, if Syaoran hadn't ordered that fight, the Triad and the Yakuza would have gone to open war. It would have led to far more deaths.”

 

“What? But why is he involved with those kinds of people anyways!”

 

“For the greater good. Sakura, life isn't black and white, and I'm going to show you exactly why. If you come with me that is.”

 

“Come with you? Where?”

 

“To the Foundation.”

 

“The what?”

 

Eriol simply smiled and offered his hand. “Sakura, I promise you, you'll begin to understand what drives Syaoran if you come with me.”

 

“And what drives him?”

 

“The possibility that he can have a future with you.”

 

“But a future built from blood?”

 

The smile didn't disappear as Eriol nodded. “Sakura, you can't possibly imagine the good that Syaoran has done with his life. But you seem to refuse to accept that there are such things as necessary evils. I already told you that if Syaoran hadn't ordered the hit, a mafia war would have erupted. How many people would have died, and how many innocents would have been caught up in the middle?”

 

“The lives of the many outweigh the lives of the few,” Sakura muttered. “Well I don't believe that! All life is precious and taking a life is evil!”

 

“So does that mean Clow Reed was evil?”

 

That stopped Sakura. “What?”

 

“As a mage, Clow Reed had many enemies that wished to take his secrets and kill him. If he didn't fight back, you wouldn't have the cards today. He understood the need for balance and accepted it. But can you truly say that you wouldn't fight back against someone that tried to harm you or your friends?”

 

“That's different!”

 

“No it isn't,” said Eriol. “Truth may not always be absolute, Sakura. However, you can't claim your case is different just because it is you. Syaoran is doing this to keep his loved ones safe.”

 

Sakura shook her head. “He's killing people. They don't deserve to die!”

 

Walking forward, Eriol extended his hand. “This isn't about who deserves to die, Sakura. This is about the choices we have to make in a difficult world.”

 

“Don't try to convince me the end justifies the means,” Sakura countered. “If hundreds of thousands of people die, does it really make things better?”

 

“I never claimed it did. Sakura, we're not trying to make the world better, we're trying to make it go on.”

 

“What?”

 

“I'm sure you've felt it, but I don't you understand it. The lines that hold this world together have been weakening. Something is pulling them apart and we've done everything within our power to stop it. If we didn't take such actions, the world would have ended long ago.”

 

“What? But how?”

 

“You've been unconsciously trying to stop it by bringing peace to this world. However, the chances of success for your plan are incredibly low. We've been working to stop the Apocalypse by bring order.”

 

Sakura shook her head. “Your order is killing people. I can't accept that.”

 

“You're killing people too.”

 

The forwardness of Eriol's statement shocked Sakura and the accusation shook her even more.

 

“What?”

 

“Every time you hold one of those rallies, calling for the troops to be pulled out, you encourage the rebel and government militias to be more daring. They want to go at each others throats and the fighting will only get worse if the UN pulls out. That country will self-destruct and could set off a chain reaction in the neighboring states as well. We are trying to prevent this.”

 

“You can't possibly know that this will happen,” Sakura muttered.

 

Eriol shrugged. “Though we are not one hundred percent sure, it is too high a probability for us to ignore. Sakura, we aren't just using our emotions to dictate our actions. We are guided along the probability of the future and soon the time of the Apocalypse will come.”

 

“Probability of the future?”

 

Eriol nodded. “Sakura, you have the rare ability to glimpse the future, but you can't see very far ahead. With our system, we are able to predict with great accuracy what the possibilities are and plan accordingly. However, the actions of individuals can many times disrupt those plans. Your actions are an example.”

 

Though Eriol's words rattled her, Sakura's heart was not swayed. She had her own sense of morals and the actions that Eriol was trying to defend simply reinforced them. There was no way she was going to condone or even accept these methods.

 

“You can do what you want, Eriol-kun, but I'll stick with what my heart believes in.”

 

Eriol gave her a little smile before nodding again. “It's ultimately your choice, Sakura-chan. But I must ask you to try to understand our hearts as well.”

 

With a bow Eriol walked out of the room. He took out a cell phone and quickly made the call.

 

“It's me. The Cardmistress won't stand with us.”

 

Li sighed. “You can just call her Sakura, you know. It's not like I don't know who she is.”

 

“So I'm the only one security conscious? Nothing is completely secure.”

 

“Whatever. Well, I guess it's a good thing I'm leaving the country for a while.”

 

“Oh? Where are you headed?”

 

“At the moment I'm getting ready to board a plane for France. We have to make contact with the two new candidates.”

 

“Acknowledged. Shall I deliver the report to the council, or will you do it while in France?”

 

“I'll take care of it. But shouldn't you take care of that issue that cropped up in the States?”

 

“That's being taken care of. By the way, what do you plan on doing about Sakura-chan?”

 

“Well it's not like I can measure her heart,” Li replied. “I can only give her a little time and space to think. We'll see what happens.”

 

“Be warned. The rest of the council might not feel the same way and we already know our enemies are on the move. At the moment, she's helping them, even if she doesn't know it.”

 

“Then perhaps we brought this fight out into the open.”

 

Eriol frowned. “Are you sure your emotions aren't getting in the way?”

 

“Are you sure your lack of emotions isn't doing the same?” Li replied. “It's a matter of perspective. And I think it's time we started identifying and eliminating threats. The Soldats are ready and with the situation in the States distracting our enemies, it's the perfect opportunity to strike.”

 

“Hmm. An interesting point. I presume you'll bring it up with the council next time we meet?”

 

“You do it. They have more respect for you anyways.”

 

“Haha. Very well then, Li Syaoran. Until we meet again.”

 

At the airport, Li hung up just as the boarding call came. All things considered, it wasn't too surprising the timing was so perfect. With their powers, sometimes coincidences fell into their favor. He boarded the plane and stowed his carryon. Now was the time to get some sleep before the real work began.

 

Someone shook him awake and Li looked around. Apparently they were preparing to land. Though he could be a light sleeper, if he really wanted to, he could stay unconscious for the entire plane ride. It provided him with the opportunity to rest his mind before getting to work.

 

As they landed at Charles DuGaulle International Airport, Li instinctively awakened himself. Two men were waiting for him as he walked off the plane and escorted him to a car outside. His bags were already loaded and Li was driven out of the city. It was an interesting contrast, being in Europe. From his trips to the US, Li knew that the suburbs were where the upper middle class lived. On the other hand, in France, it was where the poorer population resided. They cruised through the countryside for about an hour before pulling up to a large estate. Guards were present all around and Li took note of their weapons. Swiss makes, all of them. The Soldats really hadn't changed over all these years.

 

“The master is waiting for you,” the servant announced as Li entered the building.

 

With a nod the two men accompanying him left and Li followed the butler into the building. The interior was just as impressive as the outside, displaying the wealth that the occupant possessed. Li wasn't impressed. Flouting wealth like this wasn't exactly a good display of character. After climbing the stairs Li was shown into a rather extravagant room. A fireplace burned despite the fact that it was still day. Three men sat in chairs while a fourth was empty.

 

“Ah, Mr. Li. It's a pleasure to have you with us.”

 

“I see all of you have the time to actually relax now,” Li said. “Now that the incident has been taken care of.”

 

The man shrugged. “The incident is hardly resolved. We still have to decide what to do with the two of them.”

 

“I'll take care of that,” Li stated. “I'm simply here to supply you with new orders.”

 

“I see.”

 

The men looked amongst themselves but didn't protest. The power behind the Soldats wasn't them, it was Li and the rest of the Council. Even these men didn't really know what motivated the missions the Soldats were tasked to undertake.

 

“So you believe you can control those two?”

 

Li shrugged. “It's not a matter of control. It's a matter of persuasion. As I never ordered their deaths, they might be willing to listen.”

 

“If they don't try to kill you.”

 

“They can certainly try. However, I presume the other agents are already in place? The issue in the United States is becoming troublesome.”

 

“Rest assured,” a second man answered. “The US branch is receiving what support it needs. The Order there has suddenly gone on high alert but we have it covered.”

 

“I don't need the matter covered,” said Li. “I need assurance that your agents will help ours in resolving it.”

 

“You have it,” the first man said firmly.

 

Satisfied, Li nodded to the gathered gentlemen. He then turned and left the building. Another car was waiting for him and returned him to Paris. From there it was a simple matter to track down his other two targets. They stopped in front of an apartment and Li got out. The car would wait for him but the two men inside had orders not to interfere. Li straightened his tie and entered. On the second floor he stopped in front of the door and took in a deep breath. With that taken care of, Li knocked. After several seconds, just before he was about to knock again, an answer came.

 

“Who's there?” a woman asked.

 

“A representative who wishes to hire you,” Li replied.

 

“And who do you represent?”

 

“More like who represents me,” Li muttered before answering. “The Soldats represent me.”

 

A very long pause this time before the door opened. When he walked in, two guns were pointed at his head, one in front and one in back.

 

“Well, nice to see we're off to a good start,” he commented.

 

The door closed and Li looked at the two. One was a blond probably in her twenties while the other was a Japanese teenager.

 

“What do the Soldats want with us now?” Mireille asked.

 

“The Soldats aren't really involved. As I said, the Soldats represent me. I'm cutting through the middleman this time though.”

 

“So you were the one that ordered the Soldats after us?”

 

Li shook his head. “That was an internal dispute. I stayed out of the way until it was settled, by the two of you none the less.”

 

He glanced over at the Japanese girl and raised an eyebrow. It was certainly an interesting duo that called themselves Noir. Still, they were two of the best assassins in the world.

 

“You know, it is kind of pointless standing there with guns pointed to my head,” Li said. “I'm just one man. What can I possibly do?”

 

“Someone that is part of the Soldats always has many resources,” said Mireille. “I'm not about to start trusting you yet.”

 

“Fine by me. But can we at least sit?”

 

After exchanging glances with her partner Mireille nodded. The three walked into what counted as the living room and took a seat around the pool table.

 

“Now then, I guess I should do some explaining. I'm sure you've read the poem regarding Noir. What you failed to understand is how true it is. Noir isn't just a weapon of the Soldats. They were the ones that carried out the will of the Council.”

 

“Council? How come we've never heard of it?”

 

Li smiled. “Why would you? You were never part of the Soldats, nor did you ever accede to the authority of the Soldats. Something that is quite impressive, I must say. This means we never met. And since we never met, you were never informed of your true duties. Not to the Soldats, but to humanity.”

 

“Well, I can't say I'm impressed,” said Mireille. “We know that the Soldats are old, but isn't it a bit arrogant to claim that they help humanity?”

 

“The Soldats don't. We do. And it is because of the past Noirs that we have accomplished as much as we have.”

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

Li looked over at Mireille and then at Kirika. The two were quite different from each other and complimented each other's strengths quite well.

 

“Let's just say that a struggle that's lasted for nearly two millennia and is coming to a climax. I'm preparing for a major operation that will require some talent and you two happen to possess it. And don't worry, money isn't an issue.”

 

“Did you organize the tests?” Kirika suddenly asked.

 

Li shook his head. “Of course not. I didn't even have a say in who was to be a candidate for Noir. But that doesn't change the fact that I require Noir's services.”

 

“Why should we accept?” Mireille asked.

 

“Simple. Should you decline, we'll have to start anew with another Noir. But as you two currently hold that title, we have to clear up the complications first.”

 

“That sounded like a threat,” Mireille said, tapping the gun on the table.

 

Li looked over at the weapon and smiled. Before the two women knew what was going on he was out of his seat and grabbed Kirika. Placing her in a hold, Li pinned her down with one hand while a sword appeared in the other. Mireille took aim but didn't shot. There was no way she could kill Li before he impaled Kirika. The speed amazed both assassins as they waited for his next move. To their surprise Li let Kirika go and the sword disappeared.

 

“I hope I've made my point,” he said. “Trying to kill me would be pointless and it wouldn't benefit either of us. You may have survived the attacks of the Soldats, but you won't survive fighting the Foundation.”

 

“Foundation?” Mireille repeated.

 

“You can put away those guns,” Li continued. “If I really wanted to hurt either of you, I could have easily done so. Now that we're past pleasantries, tell me your answer.”

 

“Do we even have a choice in the matter?” Mireille asked bitterly.

 

“Not really. But try to understand it from my perspective. We're running out of time. I came here to enlist your services. If you don't help us, then we need to begin preparations for another Noir. It's simple as that.”

 

“How can you trust us after forcing us into this position?”

 

“Let me put it this way,” Li replied harshly. “If we fail, it won't matter whether you die today or not, cause you'll be dead anyways.”

 

Dead silence. The two women looked at each other before glaring at Li again.

 

“Are you a prophet or something?” Mireille asked.

 

“No. But if you doubt my words, just go ahead and test me. If you're willing to take a chance and follow me, I'll show you what we're preparing for.”

 

“It's not like we have a choice. But know this. We don't trust you and if this all turns out to be a farce, you will have to deal with us.”

 

“I wouldn't expect anything less from Noir. Now, I suggest you start packing.”

 

“What? Why?”

 

Li turned and headed for the door. “We're going for a little trip. I'll be waiting by the car downstairs. I suggest you take what you need. As far as weapons go, I'll be providing them. If you really want to try to sneak them past airport security, go ahead, but I'm not taking any responsibilities.”

 

It only took ten minutes for the two young women to walk out the door. Li was leaning against the car and opened the door for them. Mireille glared at him again but Kirika only gave him a curious look. The two certainly were different. At that moment Li's cellphone began ringing and he took it out.

 

“Hello?”

 

“Syaoran, this is Eriol. We have a complication.”

 

Li sighed. “What is it this time?”

 

“Sakura's been marked.”

 

That got his attention.

 

“What? By whom?”

 

“Apparently our enemies aren't willing to wait. They're going to try to convert her to their cause. We believe that they've already gotten to her.”

 

“Damn it. We need to go after her.”

 

“Agents are already gathering in Tokyo. Finish your assignments and bring your reinforcements. Then we'll strike.”

 

“Got it. And Eriol? Make sure nothing happens to her.”

 

“I'll do what I can, my friend, but we're at a delicate situation here. Not even the Compass can predict how this will end.”

 

Li grimaced as he closed the phone. This was the last thing they needed. Unfortunately he couldn't be in Japan right now to help find her. His next stop was Italy and only then could he go back. Hopefully it wouldn't be too late.

 

+Tokyo, Japan+

 

Eriol walked through the underground parking lot flanked by several guards. Despite the protection, he didn't feel safe. Sakura had had a similar arrangement, though it was more discreet, and yet their enemies had gotten to her. It showed how badly they had underestimated the opposition. However, now wasn't the time to hesitate. The group entered the elevator and went down even further. After several seconds the doors opened and they entered another security checkpoint. There would be no point in taking his guards in any further. If their enemies managed to penetrate this far in, no amount of protection would help.

 

After passing through a decontamination chamber and putting on spacesuits, Eriol entered the sterile lab and was greeted by one of the doctors.

 

“Hiiragizama-sama.”

 

“Dr. Uyko. What's the status on the sample sent to us from the United States?”

 

“I've never seen anything like it before,” the man replied. “In fact, it's making me rather nervous.”

 

The two men passed scientists carrying tubes of liquid and diagnostic equipment. Everyone was working on something here and it was all being funded by Eriol. Medical research and technology was his area of responsibility in the Foundation. Li took care of industrial technologies. Each member of the Foundation had an area where they worked to advance and preserve in case their efforts were for naught and the thing they feared came. After everything was over, someone would need to pick up the pieces. It would make things easier if there were repositories of data and information to help those that would do the rebuilding.

 

“If what I have found is correct, this virus is specifically designed to attack the Y chromosome.”

 

“A weapon that could wipe out the male population,” Eriol stated. “What would be the point?”

 

“I do not know, but it is extremely potent. At the moment, the virus is extremely fragile and wouldn't survive contact with open air. Oxygen is an interesting molecule. It's necessary for us to live but deadly to things like microbes and viruses.”

 

“Is there any way to counteract it?” Eriol asked.

 

The scientist shook his head. “It would take years to find a viable solution. However, what can be done is develop a weapon that will kill the virus before it infects a human being. Though we don't have any way to cure anyone that becomes infected, we could stop the virus from infecting someone in the first place.”

 

“Oh?”

 

“Yes. A possible way to neutralize the virus. The problem is that it would be nearly impossible to target it if it were in the human body. However, if we are attacking the virus while it's outside the body, say in whatever is meant to deliver it, I believe we have a chance.”

 

Eriol nodded. “Then we need it done as quickly as possible. Our agents and allies in the US are the ones that found this virus. They need a viable countermeasure to fight back.”

 

“I'm well aware of the problem, Hiiragizama-sama. But of all people you know how much we do here. This virus isn't the only one we must deal with.”

 

“Of course.”

 

Research involving cancer, HIV, and dozens of other infectious diseases, viruses, toxins, and other dangerous substances went on down here. The concentration of dangerous substances here could potentially wipe out Tokyo, but the risks were acceptable. If they succeeded in finding ways to counter these diseases, millions would be spared from death. And they were also working on something else that might change the world. No matter what, that project took precedence.

 

“There is only so much we can do, even with unlimited resources and nearly unlimited manpower.”

 

“Indeed,” said Eriol. “It is unfortunate that we cannot fight all the battles.”

 

“Unfortunate indeed. But how much time do we have?”

 

Eriol shrugged. “A few years. The problem is that there is at least another battle that our allies are fighting. We can't fight on so large a front.”

 

“We are mere scientists,” Uyko stated. “I'll leave the battles to people like you.”

 

Having seen what he had to, Eriol walked back to the decontamination chamber. After a thorough washing with dozens of chemicals, he took off the spacesuit and rejoined his guards.

 

“Will that be all, Hiiragizama-sama?”

 

Eriol nodded. Now that this was taken care of, he had to begin planning Sakura's extraction. Before all of this was over, blood would be shed.

 

+Rome, Italy+

 

Li walked down the hallways of the Italian government building with Mireille and Kirika in tow. They stayed close to him and stopped when he did. After a few words with the man at the door the three were admitted. The man behind the desk looked them over as he pushed his glasses up.

 

“It's been a long time, Mr. Li.”

 

“Same here, Mr. Lorenzo.”

 

Li took a seat though the two women remained standing. After looking at them Li simply shrugged and turned his attention back to the Italian government official.

 

“How is work at the Social Welfare Agency?”

 

“There's always something going on there,” Lorenzo replied. “Is that why you came today?”

 

Li nodded. “Keep in mind that one of my companies did the initial research that let you proceed with the project.”

 

Lorenzo looked over at Mireille and Kirika questioningly as Li followed his gaze.

 

“No need to worry,” he said. “They're with me.”

 

Lorenzo removed the pipe from his mouth and sighed. “I knew this day would come. All right, what do you want, Li? It's not like you're easy to remove anyways.”

 

Li chuckled. “I'm not one to blackmail people. Well, to a degree. However, I need your girls' special abilities. You know a little bit about what I'm involved in.”

 

After taking a puff from the pipe Lorenzo nodded. “The Soldats. The Triad. The Yakuza. What aren't you involved with these days? So you need one of my teams?”

 

“Indeed. There's a matter in Japan that needs to be settled.”

 

“Hold on. If it were a matter in Italy, even Europe, I could probably sign off on it. But in Japan? That's on the other side of the world. No matter what, I still have a cover to maintain.”

 

“Cleanup won't be a problem,” Li assured him. “I have my connections there as well.”

 

“That's not good enough. The government isn't going to like sending off a team like that, especially if it's for a private interest.”

 

“Actually, I'll need three teams. But as I was saying, my interests are diverse, and a colleague of mine happens to own a company that has been furthering research on the conditioning agent. To lessen the stress it places on the body, in other words. Another company of mine is working on modifying the carbon skeleton.”

 

“I see. How come I didn't know about this?”

 

“The research work is being done out of the country,” Li replied. “In fact, it's not even being done in Europe.”

 

“Understandable. Very well then, Mr. Li. I will assign three teams to you, but this had better be worthwhile. Otherwise I'll get hell from my superiors, especially if they receive damage.”

 

“We have facilities that can take care of it.”

 

Lorenzo shook his head. “I'm afraid I can't go that far. My superiors wouldn't be too pleased if information about the cyborgs got out.”

 

“Oh come now, Lorenzo. It was my organization that provided the information that allowed the creation of the cyborgs. Don't tell me you're afraid we'll learn something new.”

 

“Every government has secrets,” said Lorenzo. “My government is still uneasy about this program and they won't tolerate any leaks.”

 

“Very well then. How fast can the teams be assembled?”

 

Lorenzo picked up the phone and after a few minutes answered. “They'll be waiting for you at the gates. From here on out, you'll be using our vehicles to move around the city.”

 

“Very well then. I hope you told them to pack. We're leaving as soon as possible. I have a private plane waiting at the airport.”

 

“Moving rather quickly, are you not?”

 

“The situation is getting out of control. If something isn't done fast, we will lose the Key. And I'm afraid I cannot let that happen.”

 

Lorenzo nodded as Li stood and walked out the door. Both men had their duties.

 

It only took a few minutes for the three teams to appear. When they first did, Mireille couldn't help but look surprised. Three men and three girls came out. None of the girls could be older than Kirika.

 

“Who are they?” she asked.

 

“Fratello,” Li answered. “Each of the girls has been enhanced with cybernetic bodies and are conditioned to be loyal to their handlers, those three men.”

 

“What?”

 

Li shrugged. “Most of them were in desperate situations when they were brought to the Agency. Compared to their lives before, they're actually better off. Well, some of them.”

 

“It's still distasteful, using kids like that.”

 

“You'll find that some of the handlers agree,” said Li. “But sometimes necessity overrides morality. A good thing too.”

 

With that said Li approached the lead man. “The name's Syaoran Li.”

 

“I'm Jean.”

 

“And your partner?”

 

“Her name is Rico. I find it strange that you're not part of the Agency and yet know of us.”

 

“I know of many things. So who are the others?”

 

“That's the Giuseppe-Henrietta team and the Hillshire-Triela team.”

 

“Hmm. So the three top guns of the Agency. I didn't think the Director was willing to go all out.”

 

“You got lucky,” Giuseppe said. “We happened to be the teams on standby.”

 

“Well, fine by me. I presume all of you have documentation to get into Japan?”

 

The three men nodded. At that moment a van pulled up and the driver waved to them.

 

“Well, that's our ride,” said Li.

 

After dismissing his own car Li loaded his single piece of luggage and hopped on with the others. Mireille looked at the girls but couldn't figure out what was going on. At the moment she was sitting next to Henrietta.

 

“So Henrietta, that's your name right?”

 

The girl nodded.

 

“How long have you been at the agency?”

 

“Umm, a few years I think.”

 

“Is that so? How did you come to join?”

 

“Mireille,” Li nearly snapped.

 

“It's okay,” Giuseppe said. “Henrietta doesn't actually know.”

 

“And why is that?”

 

“The conditioning is designed to erase memories,” Jean explained. “This prevents complications when the cyborgs are used. As you're to work with us, that's something you should already know.”

 

Giuseppe gave his brother a look but didn't respond. As for Mireille, she glared at him.

 

“How distasteful.”

 

“Mireille,” Li warned again. “You don't even have all the information. Wait until you do before you make judgments.”

 

“You haven't exactly supplied us with any information,” Mireille responded.

 

“True, and I guess I should now. We're going to Tokyo to extract someone.”

 

“Who?” Kirika asked, finally speaking after her long silence.

 

“Sakura Kinomoto. She's a college student at Tokyo University, recently kidnapped by a religious organization.”

 

“Why is she so important?” Hillshire asked.

 

“This religious organization is a fanatical Christian organization. They believe that the end of the Apocalypse is coming and are trying to prepare the world so that it happens.”

 

“You must be kidding,” Mireille said. “Who would believe them?”

 

“Unfortunately it's not as simple as that,” Li continued. “There is a remote possibility that a cataclysm might occur in the near future and I have orders to prevent it at all costs. As this organization believes that Sakura is one of the keys to unlocking the Apocalypse, I have orders to rescue her.”

 

“So we're being sent on a wild goose chase,” Jean stated.

 

“This organization is behind the foundation of several major Evangelical churches as well as a few companies,” Li continued. “If we rescue Sakura and deal with their agents in Tokyo, it'll be a blow to their entire organization. Any information we gain will be used to expose the churches and companies and possibly bring them down.”

 

“But why do they believe in the apocalypse?” Giuseppe asked. “It seems a bit outdated.”

 

Li chuckled. “You think Islamic militants are bad? Many Christian radical groups have more resources and technology at their disposal. When the fighting breaks out, I assure you that it won't be pretty.”

 

End of Chapter 4

 

I've realized that I need to get one two of my other fics off the ground in order for a few things to make sense in this fic. And no, they aren't on Gunslinger Girl or Noir. Not that ff.net has a category for Gunslinger Girl in the first place. Nor do they have a category for the other fic that I'm working on. But they do have one for Chrno Crusade, and my current Chrno Crusade fic which is being rewritten will tie into this story. And we'll see how pretty soon.

 

Z98