Card Captor Sakura Fan Fiction ❯ Mage War: Prelude To Armageddon ❯ Declaration ( Prologue )

I don't own CCS. This is one of the few times I actually remembered to put up a disclaimer. The important thing to keep in mind is that Sakura and Syaoran haven't seen each other for years in this sequel. My other one was shoty and disjointed but this will be more organized. It's been a few years since I wrote a CCS fanfic anyways.

The Mage War

Prologue: Declaration

A single man walked into the room with his gray cloak hiding his form.

"You're late."

Eight other figures stood in the chamber, each under gray cloaks to keep anyone else from seeing who they really were.

"My apologies, Michael. Life rarely conforms with the will of mortals such as us."

The man he called Michael grunted. "Remember the work that is being done here, Metatron. It is more important that any personnel endeavor each one of us might have."

The newcomer bowed and took a seat as `Michael' began the meeting.

"For some time now our relationship with the major governmental agencies in China, Great Britain, the United States, and Russia have remained stable, even profitable. Now however, something threatens the work we have done."

"And what could touch even us?"

This time it was a woman that spoke.

"It is actually the Japanese government," `Michael' answered. "They are bowing down to pressure from a protest group composed of university students around the country and voting against the latest UN Security Council Resolution."

It was a silent rumble, but the effects could be felt within the chamber. The other members were not pleased.

"As you all know, Japan is the swing vote and we need them to vote in favor," said `Michael.' "This, group, is surprisingly effective in their lobbying efforts and could be a hindrance to our plans."

"No matter what the public does, the government may be able to go the other way and survive," `Metatron' pointed out. "Perhaps we can use the other major powers to persuade Japan of the wisdom of supporting the action."

"France is abstaining from the vote yet again as their president fears political reprisals at home if he votes for it and international backlash if he votes against it."

"Zadkiel is correct," said `Michael.' "We cannot depend on the French government to pull through. It is full of faint-hearts that dare nothing for fear of losing their positions."

Political intrigue was a daily fact of life for these men and women, but that hardly meant they liked it. For them it was a means to an end as none of them enjoyed politics.

"Perhaps we should send a message," `Metatron' suggested. "Show the French the consequence of their inaction. Create an incident and spread rumors that it could have been averted if all the permanent members had acted."

It was devious, subtle, and the other members accepted it.

"Very well. Civilian deaths aren't a consideration so long as the objective is achieved. Raphael, are you up to the task?"

`Raphael' nodded.

"Very well. Once you have a plan, submit it so we will be ready to take action once it is implemented. Timing will need to be precise."

"It shall be done," `Raphael' said dispassionately.

`Metatron' stared at the other hooded figures and considered what his next moves would be. Most likely he would have to meet with several of the ministers within the Chinese government. He quickly calculated what kind of bribes or favors he would have to offer. It wouldn't cost him personally as he drew upon the combined resources available to all of them, but would still be a substantial investment.

"Perhaps we should take action against this protest group," said `Zadkiel.' "At the very least, we should show them the peril that they court."

"No," `Michael' objected. "It is not time to intervene just yet. Still, if they overstep their bounds, Metatron is perfectly capable of handling them."

The man nodded ever so slightly.

"The Foundation will not accept failure lightly," `Michael' stated. "This resolution must pass."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++

Li Syaoran looked out the window of his private jet. His reflection stared back at him, showing the exhaustion in his sharp eyes. Though they were short, his hair was still a mess from the plane ride. The business trip to London had been interesting, though he did run into Hiragizawa Eriol. Unfortunately their mutual associates had needed to meet at the same time so Li didn't have much of a choice but be in the same room as the reincarnation of Clow Reed. The only good thing was that he didn't have to see his face.

"Mr. Li, phone call from Hong Kong."

Li absentmindedly took the phone from the attendant.

"Hello?"

"Hey Syaoran."

"What is it now Meiling?" Li asked with a sigh.

"What? I can't call and ask how you're doing?"

"Meiling," Li said tiredly.

"Hey, I just called to let you know that your sister Futtie is coming home. She's visiting with her husband and son."

Li felt like banging his head on the desk in front of him.

"Why me?" he wondered aloud.

"Humph. Don't act so down, Syaoran. Besides, you know what's expected so act polite. Sheesh. And I thought Touya had a sister complex."

"Meiling, lay off me and I'll lay off Soren, okay?"

Her laughter came over the phone and didn't do much to improve Li's mood.

"Maybe. I'll see you at the airport, Syaoran."

As she hung up Li considered ordering the plane to divert to Beijing or something. Unfortunately, it was a bit late for that as he would be there in two hours. Li looked at the paperwork arrayed before him and sighed. Because of how influential the Li clan was in Hong Kong and now around China itself, there was a lot for him to do as he was next in line to succeed the Clan elder. However, at the moment Li couldn't focus on all the tedious work involved with running businesses and partnerships.

The Compass of Order had been pointing in an odd direction for the last few months, worrying him and the other members. They had laid out contingency plans to avoid disaster but perhaps this time it was inevitable. Still, they had to try.

Turning his attention back to the papers, Li had to force the thoughts out of his head. A cover still had to be maintained. By the time they landed at the Hong Kong airport, he had managed to finish most of the paperwork. Someday, Li vowed, he would find the bureaucrat that had come up with all these forms and strangle him with his bare hands.

His baggage would be taken care of by the attendants so Li packed up his papers and walked off with just his suitcase and the clothes on his back. Meiling was true to her word and stood waiting with Wei. She had let her hair grow out quite a bit and it fell to almost her knees. Still, the two buns were there and they framed her face in an elegant way.

"It's good to see you back safe and sound, Master Syaoran," Wei greeted.

"Same here."

Meiling hugged Li and started dragging him along.

"C'mon, I know you're just dying to see Futtie again."

"Yes. Back to all the teasing my sister can come up with," Li said dryly.

"At least you have a sense of humor now," Meiling replied.

"That wasn't a joke. That was fact."

They got into the car and Wei drove them back to the Li manor. Despite his old age, Wei was still an excellent guardian and capable of the many tasks assigned to him by the family.

"So anything happen while I was gone?" Li asked.

"Hmm, let's see. Well, your youngest sister Sieffa is pregnant," said Meiling. "She called from the States to tell us."

"I see."

"And Aunt Yelan is planning on taking a trip to visit her after Futtie leaves."

"Anything out of the ordinary happen with the Clan?" Li asked.

Meiling shook her head. "Not much. Actually, one of your uncles has been raising noise about you being too young to be the leader of this Clan. It'll probably brush over quickly."

Li chuckled. If only that uncle knew how extensive his connections went.

"Let the old men complain all they want. If push came to shove, they'll learn their mistake."

A concerned look came across Meiling's face.

"Syaoran, be careful what you do. You can't just dictate your will to the entire Clan. The Council of Elders exist for a reason."

That was true and something Li accepted.

"I do know what I'm doing Meiling, you don't have to watch over me every minute."

"No, you just need watching ever other minute."

The young man stretched and yawned as he recovered from the jetlag. Not sleeping on the plane had been unavoidable, but the moment he stepped onto solid ground it caught up with him.

"Meiling, just let me take a nap until we get home, okay?"

His cousin nodded and Li closed his eyes. Even someone with his power needed rest.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++

"Hoe!"

Kinomoto Sakura fell out of the bed in her dorm room and raced to get her clothes on.

"Good morning Sakura," her best friend, Daidouji Tomoyo greeted. She sipped her tea and looked at her friend frantically racing about. "Why are you in such a hurry? Neither of us have classes today."

She hopped about while trying to get her socks on and disappeared into the bathroom. Brushing her teeth as quickly as she could, Sakura also took out the hairbrush and went to work on the long mess. Because of all that had been going on, Sakura had let the hair grow out and it fell down to her back. She spat and swirled the water in her mouth, getting out the toothpaste.

"I know," she shouted out, "but I have to get to the campus to help Chiharu organize the rally."

Tomoyo put down her cup and smiled. Time hadn't changed the simple grace she held in her looks and movements. She pushed aside a lock of purple hair and watched Sakura hurry about.

"Ah yes. The antiwar demonstration that I helped organize last week. You should calm down. The others can get along fine if you're late."

Sakura reappeared and pulled on her pants. "I know, but I was late at the other two rallies too. I don't want to let them down again."

"You try too hard sometimes," Tomoyo said with a smile. She stood and grabbed Sakura's bento. "Here, I knew you were going to sleep late so I prepared this for you."

"What? Oh, thank you Tomoyo. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"What are friends for?"

Sakura grabbed her bag with her cards and put on the necklace key and raced out the door.

"Bye Tomoyo!"

"Sakura! You forgot your lunch!"

But it was too late. Sighing, Tomoyo grabbed her own jacket and the lunch. She knew Sakura could be absentminded, but lately something had been eating at the girl. No, young woman now. Tomoyo walked out of the dorms and proceeded downstairs. She and Sakura had been rooming for a year now and almost everyday Sakura would oversleep. It was a habit she never lost from her elementary school days.

Outside the sun shined down and it promised to be a beautiful day. Tomoyo walked slowly towards the main campus while other students raced forward, joining the rally that would be held today. A nonviolent one, of course. From where she was standing Tomoyo could already see Chiharu making a speech. The way she spoke, someday Chiharu might go into politics. She certainly had the oratory skills needed.

"The United Nations has no right to invade a country just because it sees fit. It has no right to play God with the lives of human beings and now it has decided to wage war! Just because they hold great power does not mean the permanent members of the Security Council can do what they wish! We all saw the disaster that happened five years ago in Iraq, and now the entire UN wants to partake in this same foolishness?"

Cheers greeted her words as the students became more fired up. Tomoyo squeezed through the crowd but it was getting difficult to move about.

"The taking of a human life is perhaps the greatest crime and now the United Nation, an organization that is supposed to be a symbol of peace, is getting ready to commit it. They assume that their judgment is final, but they have ignored the judgment of the peoples all across the world, saying they are wrong! The UN is supposed to represent our views and yet they ignore everything we have said. Right now people just like you and me are taking a stand. We will no longer accept just their words for we must see the evidence first!"

Finally Tomoyo got through and found Sakura talking with Yamazaki. When she saw her friend Sakura waved her over.

"Hey. Thanks for bringing the bento. I feel so stupid forgetting it."

"You were in a rush," said Tomoyo. "Just relax, everything's okay now. Chiharu certainly seems in fine form today."

Yamazaki smiled. "You should see Chiharu when she's taking on the politicians. Have I told you where the word politician came from?"

"Not again," Sakura said, shaking her head. "Yamazaki, we're not at Tomoeda anymore."

"Really? Was that why you believed his story about planes?" Tomoyo asked innocently.

Sakura mumbled something incoherent and didn't respond.

"Look, Chiharu is wrapping up her part of the speech," said Yamazaki.

"Violence is the last resort of fools and I personally hope that those in charge of the world's affairs are not fools. I ask that reason be used to find a solution, not guns. Thank you."

The crowd applauded and more cheers followed as she stepped off the stage.

"Your turn now Sakura," she said with a smile. "Now don't worry too much, everything is set up."

"Okay Chiharu. I'll do my best."

The little performance by Chiharu had only been the beginning. The organizers knew that people always wanted proof, something to show them that what they had been told was true. Today, they were going to get them. As Sakura walked onto the stage others were getting ready for the slide show she was about to comment upon.

"The United Nations was founded to avert war and to promote peace and cooperation," Sakura said. "They were also to ensure that the rights that all human beings should have are held sacred. However, they have failed."

Behind her a large screen had been pulled down and pictures of a mass grave appeared. All of the attendees gasped at the broken bodies and blood spilled, the corpses lying naked in the holes. Many of them were children.

"A month ago, peacekeepers sent by the United Nations executed five hundred civilians on the charge that they were rebels," said Sakura. "They claimed that rebels hiding in the jungle and among the citizenry had inflicted thousands of deaths. How can children have done that? When the Red Cross investigated, they found that over seventy percent of the dead were women and children. Most of the healthy men had already been killed during the fighting and now this. The UN isn't trying to help these people; it's partaking in the genocide that has raged there for so long!"

Angry shouts answered her statements. The people were really getting heated up by this.

"Now the UN wants to send in more `peacekeepers' to prevent the fighting from escalating. It's too late. How can we trust the UN to do a good job if they are responsible for this?"

The second picture flashed up, this time showing the inside of a Red Cross tent. Several men and women were lying on the beds, so starved that their skeletons were showing and so sick that their eyes were glazed over.

"For months the UN denied relief supplies from entering these regions and disease and starvation run rampant. The UN isn't trying to help, it's trying to destroy an entire nation for the crimes of a few. We must do all that we can to prevent this," Sakura appealed to the crowd. "The life of a fellow human being is worth more than this. They do not deserve to suffer like this. We can do better."

In the back the young man watched the rally silently. These people were good at making their case, and yet like all special-interest groups didn't tell the whole story. However, his assignment here was to watch and listen, not to interfere. That would come at another time. He tilted his glasses one more time and the little camera inside zoomed forward. It focused on the brown-haired woman speaking at the moment. Yes, his report would be most interesting.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++

With many connections in the black market, getting what you wanted wasn't usually difficult providing you had the money on hand. Cash was of course the expected method of payment and either the euro or dollar would do. The phone rang a few more times, probably having been routed through several places before finally getting to his contact.

"Good day my friend, what can I do for you?" the man on the other end greeted.

"I need some mercenaries," the man said, getting to the point.

A few seconds of silence elapsed.

"Not my usual line of business," the man finally said, "but doable. When and where will you need them?"

"Kinshasa, Congo. In two weeks. I'll have more information for you later."

"Very well. How many men?"

"Thirty. And I need an assurance that they do not care about moralities."

"Of course. They shall do anything you require, as long as you pay them."

A smile. "Good."

"May I ask why you need such men?" the dealer asked.

"Let's just say it is for a statement," the man replied, "which I shall declare very soon."

End of Prologue

Now this is a lot darker than the other ones I've written before. And don't start arguing about realism in regards to the UN. I'm fully aware of how the organization is structured and works. The reasoning behind its actions will come later.

Z98