24

by Aspirator

At the Zeroth Hour

11:16 PM

Takashi knew it was too good to be true when he started 12 years ago at the best publishing firm in Carlisle City. For one, their elevators sucked.

"Ten." Takashi repeated with a scowl, looking up at the masses of blue and grey above him. The elevator was designed to be voice-activated, looked like a single cylindrical strip of meteor showers, and as fast as light. Or that's how they advertised it. "TEN!" Takashi yelled again. Most advanced 25th century technology, his ass. This dang elevator needs a maintenance -

Abruptly, Takashi's stomach dropped. After a blink, a portal opened before him to reveal the tenth floor as he had requested. "Finally," Takashi uttered. In a rush to get to his office, he hadn't seen the petite figure scampering from the hallway to his left.

All Takashi managed to glimpse were tufts of dark brown hair and vibrant dark Auburn orbs before he was knocked over and the carpeted floor collided with his back.

It came out in a single breath, so quiet, so light, Takashi almost missed it. "I believe you."

Takashi froze, his wide eyes bore into hers. But she quickly scrambled off of him, her face void of deceit as she apologized profusely and dusted herself off at the same time. Maybe he had imagined the teensy white square slipping into his shirt pocket.

"I didn't know anyone else was here at this hour." She commented lightly, picking up his things for him.

Takashi blinked, hastily snatching up his papers and books. Stumbling over his words, he managed to utter back, "Uh - I...me neither."

She paused, still crouching over his notebooks and many utensils, and considered him.

Takashi looked down, resisting the urge to grimace. Soon, there was going to be the 'oh - you're that guy! The crazy guy who tried to publish that insane theory about - what was it? - Variants?' And then there would be a sneer, or a robust laugh, or even a shake of the head. If one were oblivious enough to his discomfort, they'd even continue, 'didn't they move you to the Fiction Department?'

It never came.

Instead, she rocked back on her heels, tilting her head to the side. Her dark brown curls cascading over one shoulder. "Chiharu."

Takashi blinked, dropping the pens he had just gathering into his hand. "What?"

"I'm Chiharu."

Oh. It took him a moment to realize that she was looking at him expectantly. "Takashi." He returned reluctantly. Surely, now that he had stated his name -

"I know."

There it is. Now he just needed to gather his things and run before the verbal attacks came.

Takashi didn't answer. He stood up and she stood up with him, hefting the manila file folder under her arm. After one more apologetic smile, she bid him well. No sneer, no disapproving shake of the head. Her warm, Auburn orbs flashing up to meet his quickly before she marched off with a cheerful gait.

11:20 PM

A whirl of long, light auburn hair in contrast with the worn black clothing sped through the blood red bridge leading into the city. Rather than being on it, however, she was climbing on the underside of it and in the shadows. Sakura squinted in the darkness. She stilled once she got to the end of the bridge, crouching in the shadows just under it.

zoom zoom zoom

The cars, not touching the ground, sped by faster than the speed of sound. Despite the time of night, there were still a lot of cars around. Sakura waited until the last headlight passed her before she poked her head out of the shadows to take a good look at her location.

She realized her mistake as soon as she spotted the welcome sign. She cursed under her breath. She should've known. It was Carlisle City, the most watched, most isolated city in the Pangeo. How could she have allowed the Enforcers chase her there?

Wrapping the air around her as she went, she made herself a human submarine. Quickly gliding through the water, she allowed the darkness of the night to her advantage. Her first instinct was to torpedo through the waters to the mainland - but of course, the Enforcers weren't stupid. They probably had the entire island surrounded.

Sakura adjusted her path in the water along with the curvature of the city. Once she was a good distance, she surfaced for air. Her green eyes swept through the darkness, watching for movement. Then, slowly, she lifted her hand. She levitated a small blob of water, then gently threw it on the ground. She shaped footprints and random droplets, forging a path into the city. It'll distract the Enforcers for a while.

Her green eyes swept over the bright lights of the city longingly. No, she was a Variant. A single slip up, just one mistake, one accidental use of her magic and she'll be handed over to the Enforcers. (They'd be having a field day, of course.)

But she wasn't going to let them win. Sakura dove back into the water, making her way up the side of the island before resurfacing again by the northern tip. Carefully, she watched for any movement, any eyes, anything before she lifted herself out of the water.

She quickly sprinted into the forest, the National Park of Carlisle City, covering her tracks with her magic as she went. She slowed down once she was out of the open area. Sakura kept her watchful eyes roaming, careful to stay in the shadows or look inconspicuous. She wouldn't be surprised if they had cameras inside some of the tree trunks.

Finding a well shaded part of the forest and near the edge (if she had to make a run for it), Sakura settled on a rock. She took a deep breath and thought her situation over.

She was trapped. Carlisle may be a big city, but it was an island. Eventually the Enforcers were going to find her. They were smart, too, and they had eyes everywhere. At the most, Sakura had twenty four hours.

Twenty four hours and no where to run. Sakura swallowed thickly; her situation wasn't looking so good. She reached for her neck, taking out the necklace tucked under the folds of her clothing.

It was time to call in the Cavalry.

Taking the necklace off of her neck, she held the treasured ornament in her hands. It looked like some sort of key. On one end was a small pink circle, enclosing a yellow star. Two minuscule wings came off the sides of the circle. There was an even smaller red jewel that connected the two ends. The other end of the key were two simple rectangular teeth.

Gripping it tight, Sakura closed her eyes. She evened her breathing, feeling her veins start to vibrate with her magic. She channeled a light load of it through her arms and into her fingertips, allowing them to tingle a little. The key in her hands glowed brilliant, the yellow star whirling quickly with magic. The gust of magic was short lived, the key dulled and the yellow star stilled.

She had sent the message.

11:22 PM

Takashi continued on his way, the strange encounter pushed to the back of his mind as he stumbled back to his office. His eyes quickly landed on two new pieces of paper now decorating his bland walls. There was the article he wrote. Then there was a picture of the Best Science Fiction Award trophy next to it.

Of course, Takashi rolled his eyes as he plopped down in his chair, he couldn't leave his office for ten minutes without someone laughing in his face. He was one of the most reputable journalists in Carlisle City.

For the umpteenth time, Takashi absently skimmed over the article that led to his downfall.

Carlisle City? The Commonwealth of Pangeo? It's a lie. A global governmental lie. Big Brother had told them it was an egalitarian society, that everyone was equal, and they were just there to protect their rights.

Wrong. The People weren't equal. Not when there were Variants.

The People quickly dismissed him; Variants were a thing of the past. Back when there were nations. See, according to historians, there were different countries around the globe and those countries didn't agree on anything or even have the same language. No wonder they failed. And the Variants went down with them; the People scoffed at him, even second graders knew that.

And for his argument that Variants have survived secretly in this society? Cursed with so much power? Impossible, the People were all equal. They had nowhere to hide. The Enforcers make sure of that.

Takashi sighed, gathering his things and turning off his computer. He checked his watch. It was getting late, almost midnight and way past working hours. The thought of time brought him back to the strange encounter earlier with - what was her name? - Chiharu.

Takashi refrained from reaching for his shirt pocket because he knew, he just knew, the Enforcers were watching. After his attempt to publicize his theories, Big Brother was always watching.

Takashi shook himself from his thoughts. He frowned as he quickly stuffed everything in his worn leather suitcase, and slung it over his shoulder. Grabbing his coat, he made his way out the door. With a single wave of his free arm, the lights were magically turned off in his office and the door gently shut.

See, the thing about egalitarian societies is that everyone gets a little dose of magic. That, Takashi was thankful for. Stuffing his coat under his arm and digging out his keys, Takashi wearily struggled with the lock on his office door. Magic-proof locks, on the other hand, he had a love-hate relationship with.

11:42 PM

As commander of the Enforcers, Yue was honored to be the only one who made contact with Big Brother. He held his head high, and walked with an arrogant and purposeful stride.

Yue sat down stiffly in the chair, staring straight ahead. At first glance, it was a pitch black wall. At second glance, however, once could only slightly discern that it was a screen.

The letters appeared one after another on the screen as Big Brother communicated.

REPORT?

He was always so straight to the point. Yue smoothly dished out, "Haliquinta is under control. The natural disaster in Lorman has been contained. Monitoring has been set up in Locar Village." And he continued the report monotonously for the next few minutes. Until the screen responded.

AND IN CARLISLE, THE JOURNALIST?

"Quiet." Yue responded easily.

PROGRESS ON THE VARIANT?

At this, Yue let on a smirk as he gazed into the dark abyss - but it was just a screen. He responded with a hint of triumph, "We chased her into Carlisle City. She's trapped there, and she can't hide forever. Now all we need is twenty four hours and we'll be rid of all Variants."

SHE CAN STILL ESCAPE WITH MAGIC

He knew Big Brother was going to bring that up. "Yes, well, teleportation takes a great deal of magical energy for one. She's been on the run, we've worn her out. She can't have enough energy left to even-" He regretted his babbling immediately.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE VARIANTS

"I-yes, sir." Yue bowed his head to show respect. "But Keroberos, our Magical scientist, has recently completed Project Dome. It's a forcefield and an anti-magic shield. It's large enough to surround the city. People can still use magic - they will barely notice it. They just can't get past it, in or out, physically or magically."

SET IT UP?

"...no."

GET IT DONE

"Yes sir." There was a pause, before Yue spoke up again. His voice hesitant, and still strong. "The Variant…We need twenty four hours at most." He was asking for permission.

Patiently, Yue waited before the pitch black screen. He waited for a response, a command, a praise - anything. He tongue glided over his bottom lip, his hand settling on his thigh anxiously.

11:48 PM

Takashi had read the slip of paper as soon as he ducked out of the Enforcer's watchful eyes. Namely, he slowed down the elevator only a millisecond - for there was the only place the Enforcers didn't have cameras - and skimmed through it quickly. It was directions.

So here he was. He cursed himself for his curiosity the entire way as he ducked under the Southwest Bridge, landing in the small beach and ignoring a rather horny couple. At least they didn't see him when he felt in the foliage by the wall and ducked into the darkness. Apparently, he had walked into the underground sewer system - but he followed the lefts and rights as the note had said. Now, he was standing in the middle of a vast, empty cavern.

Not that he could tell anything because it was so dark. He couldn't even conjure up light. A Variant could, probably, because that required pure magic. All the People really had was plain magic. There was a difference. Plain magic relied on things already existing.

Takashi squeezed his eyes shut, and opened them again. There was no difference. He cursed himself for the umpteenth time. How many times did his curiosity get him in trouble?

11:56 PM

Sakura perched on the rock, hidden under the shade and foliage of the forest. Her knees to her chest, she waited patiently. Suddenly, the key clutched tightly in her grip began to glow.

Sakura let a smile grace her face. Again, she closed her eyes, channeling her magical energy from her veins to the tips of her fingers. She felt it pour into the key, giving the other party enough magic to teleport.

Breathing heavily, she let slack her grip on the key, hanging the necklace back on her neck. It continued glowing, and forms were starting to take shape in front of her.

She could feel the displacement of the air as the teleporters start to materialize. Sakura was already quickly controlling the air particles around her part of the forest, containing the air molecules within her area. The displacement of the air would certainly draw the Enforcer's ever watchful eyes around the city.

AND THE CLOCK STRUCK MIDNIGHT

00:00

There was a pop! as each person materialized. Sakura let her eyes wander from face to face. Her smile widened and her vivid Emerald eyes shone more lively.

The Cavalry had arrived.

A breath of relief released from her. Her lively eyes didn't last long, however, nor did her smile. Both faded quickly as she fell from the rock and laid limp on the soft grass.

She had used too much magic in one night.

00:00

Takashi nearly jumped out of his skin when everything lit up. All around him, the walls turned into screens and the ceiling diffused white light, illuminating the room. That wasn't what concerned him, however.

It was the human circle around him, the threatening looks copied all around, and the absence of familiar warm Auburn orbs and dark brown curls.

00:00

Yue's pale grey eyes lit up as he stared up at the short sentence. Big Brother had finally responded:

SO IT BEGINS.

ELIMINATE HER AT ALL COSTS.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR ALL CHAPTERS

I will be using the 24 hour clock or military time as the time reference. (Ex. 11:30 PM = 23:30)

Cardcaptor Sakura is hereby disclaimed. I will also disclaim 24 (TV Show) and 1984 by George Orwell. Despite the fact that I have neither watched nor read either TV show or book, I was inspired by the main idea of 24 and is using the term Big Brother coined by George Orwell.

What do you think? I don't have an outline or plan for this story, but I really like it and I'm gonna wing it, but it's gonna be awesome.