The Chosen Ones

"Who did you kill?"

A perplexing scene was unfolding in the Fukumura household. Sakura was grovelling with her head on the ground. One would think she was begging for mercy after amassing crippling debt from loan sharks. Or perhaps she was a servant begging an empress to spare her from being executed. Yukika sat next to her, sipping her morning cup of tea. Haruka shot a mystified gaze at both of them.

"I'm sorry, Mama!" Sakura apologized profusely. Her body was wracked with trembling. Haruka petted her head reassuringly.

"Come on, Sakura, I'm sure what you did wasn't that bad. Did you break a plate? We can always replace it," she reasoned. Yukika could see Sakura's lips quivering. She wondered if she should be the one to break the news. They had argued all night about how to break it to her. Sakura swore that she would be able to handle it. Yukika didn't think that grovelling was her way of handling it.

"I..... I applied to join S.U.N. in fighting spirits," Sakura confessed, stumbling over her words. Haruka looked confused as she processed the information. It clicked in her head. Her eyes widened. She turned to look at Yukika. The white-haired girl stared into her tea. Sakura shot back up to face her.

"What... what makes you joke around so early in the morning?" she asked. Her gaze was unsure. She ran her fingers through her hair anxiously. Sakura shook her head.

"I'm not joking, Mama. I really want to do something when the spirit burst happens," Sakura's hands were shaking as she gripped her school skirt. She looked at her mother in the eye. Determination burned bright in her gaze.

"Sakura..." her mother was at a loss for words. "I can't let you join them. It's not safe."

Her heartbeat was steady in her chest. Sakura knew that she couldn't back down. All her life she was handled this way. No camping trips, no participating in sports, she was barely allowed to join video game competitions. She knew her parents wanted to keep her safe. But she couldn't stay watching people do everything she wanted to do forever.

"I know it's dangerous, but the S.U.N. will be the safest place for me. I want to fight, I can't just run from attack to attack," she spoke earnestly. She could see a hesitance in her mother's eyes.

"You shouldn't fight, Sakura. It's too dangerous with your condition. You can be safe with me," her mother tried to convince her. She was choked up with anxiety and desperation. It was always hard on her whenever they talked about Sakura's arrhythmia. It hardly ever affected her day-to-day life, but Sakura's near-death as a baby was permanently scarred into her mind.

"You're busy with your work, you can't look after me all the time," she stated comfortingly. "And that's fine. I can look after my own, Mama. I'm already sixteen."

The sound of a china cup clattering against a saucer resounded the room. Yukika spoke up. "I already applied to join the S.U.N. as well, so Sakura won't be alone. You don't have to worry." She wrapped her arm around Sakura's shoulders. She thanked Yukika for standing up for her with an appreciative gaze. Yukika smiled in understanding. Her mother relaxed slightly in her chair.

She closed her eyes, deep in thought. She stayed that way for a long while. There were many things that she needed to mull over. Haruka opened her eyes and looked into her daughter's eyes. Those brown eyes told her that the decision wasn't a reckless one. There was fear in those eyes, cautious anxiety of the unknown. Yet an unstoppable desire was in her heart to overcome her fears. It was a look that she knew well. Sakura always had Ken's eyes. She drew out a resigned sigh.

"I know it's hard to change your mind, Sakura. Then, if you really must... let Yukika look after you," she gave in. Sakura wanted to object to her mother saying that. She could look after herself, she didn't need to be babied. She was aware, however, that it was the only thing that could make her mother relent, and even then, just barely. Her mother continued, "If one thing happens to you, one thing at all," she stared deep into Sakura's eyes. "You'll come right back home."

She nodded fervently. Sakura put her hand over her heart. Over her spirit mark. Her heartbeat vibrated in her chest.

"I promise."

That satisfied her mother. She leaned back in her chair, exhausted. She had worked all night. They looked at each other guiltily. They didn't mean to tell her at such a bad moment but they had put it off for days, during which the S.U.N. held more tests. Before they knew it, the day where the results would be announced had arrived. They couldn't put it off any longer.

"You better keep that promise, Sakura," she sighed. She hugged them both tightly. They hugged her back, relieved that everything turned out alright. Her mother let go and went upstairs to finally get some sleep, keeping her eyes on them the whole time. They waved to her before leaving the house to go to school.

The hours spent waiting for any news about the S.U.N. were torture. Angie kept muttering about how her evaluation must have been the worst they got. Sakura regretted even trying and embarrassing herself thinking she could make it. She sat in her chair, not even being able to study or pay attention to classes. She was sick to her stomach with anxiety. Yukika held her water bottle in her hands, freezing all of the water inside into a solid block.

"Every student that undertook the S.U.N. evaluation, please gather in Cadence Hall. I repeat, every student that undertook the S.U.N. evaluation, please gather in Cadence Hall. Thank you."

Everyone sprang to life at the sound of the announcement. Students were freaking out, babbling about what the results were, praying to spirits. An exorcist would have a field day with them. It took a while to get everyone to listen. Angie managed to usher every 2-A student who took the evaluation to the front of the class and organise them into a line. They filed out of the class, with their classmates booming them wishes of good luck.

All they had been able to talk about for days were the S.U.N. tests. Being tested on something more than just words on a book was invigorating. Everyone loved being able to prove themselves. To be part of something more.

Cadence Hall wasn't very spacious since there were at most 500 students attending Emelda Academy. The small space made it easier to upkeep, and the walls were always covered in beautiful paintings of flowers or outstanding murals. The stage at the front of the hall was large in order to host a variety of needs. Sakura could recall dozens of performances being held there. Memories of clapping and cheering filled her mind. Her eyes roamed the hall wistfully. How many more experiences would she hold there with her friends?

They lined up with their classes. Sakura's class was Class 2-A, the class with the best academic results. She was never at the top of the academic list but she managed to scrape on by with her satisfactory grades. Yukika sneaked her way behind her even though they were supposed to sit according to their surnames. Her chin rested on her shoulder. Sakura reached back and squeezed Yukika's hand.

The door swung open. Their principal sauntered into the hall, followed by S.U.N. representatives.Her heart soared at seeing Oko's white eyes glancing at them all. She was accompanied by a petite woman with gold beads braided into her flowing black hair and a tall man in a tailored cobalt suit. Everyone stood up to bow to the guests. A chorus of voices greeted them.

"Good afternoon, Principal Blair, Miss Oko, Mrs Labelle and Mr Nikolaj."

The adults bowed their heads in return. The S.U.N. representatives took their seats. Principal Blair stepped up to the podium to speak. She was young for a principal, only thirty-five. She stood up pin-straight, tall heels clicking against the wood. Her chestnut hair was swept into a bun. She exuded friendly energy yet no one would ever dare to take advantage of her, afraid it was nothing but an illusion. Like any principal, however, she was prone to giving long and boring speeches.

She went on about how she was so proud of everyone who tried their best to contribute to the fight against spirits. She spoke about how everyone had their own strengths and talents and they shouldn't feel ashamed if they didn't make the cut. She would miss anyone who left to join the S.U.N.. The ones who were lucky enough to make it shouldn't forget their studies.

Yukika dozed off on her shoulder. It was rather cute to hear her sleeping breaths. Sakura kept a vigilant eye on the representatives. They didn't betray any information, their faces chiseled into a neutrally polite expression. Her heart threatened to beat out of her chest. She couldn't bear all the waiting.

"Now, I welcome Miss Oko to present her speech."

That simple sentence got everyone to stand up straight. Yukika's sleep was disturbed. It was dead silent as Oko walked to the podium. Only the rushing cold air dared to speak. Sakura leaned forward. Her hands fidgeted unrestrainably. The atmosphere was of undeniable anxiety.

A kind smile lifted Oko's lips. She wasn't wearing her S.U.N. jacket today. Her arms were bare, revealing curliques of spirit marks tracing her skin. She slowly turned to look at all the students. Her blank eyes pierced everyone's defences. Her spirit marks glowed white. She took in all the feelings the students held within them in a matter of seconds. When she was done, she finally spoke.

"Thank you, Principal Blair. It is wonderful to see you all again. Our search for fresh new recruits to the S.U.N.'s program, The Otherworld Defenders, has ended. It has been a gruelling examination for you all, and for us to choose. After much deliberation, we have managed to narrow down five worthy students to join the Defenders."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. The voices grew loud with anticipation. Sakura trembled at hearing the clashing desires and outcries. Oko held a finger to her lips. The principal's eyes were sharp to give them a warning gaze. The voices died down.

"Before I go on, I must remind you. Battles are not fun. They are not something to wish for. They are not something you clamour to participate in. Many lives are at stake. Many people will be lost. There are many ways you can help other than joining the frontline. Stay and support your communities. Be aware of those that cannot help themselves and extend your hand to them."

A somber silence was cast over the students. Oko bowed her head down for a moment. They were still young and barely grasping the weight of life. The last spirit burst was nothing but a memory of a memory. The bird attack was only the tip of the iceberg. Many of them turned away from listening any longer. Perhaps it wasn't what they truly wanted. Oko looked back up at them. Her gaze was clear.

"However, we are aware that a lot of you wish to contribute more than you are able to now. Don't think that because we didn't select you, that you cannot help us in our fight to maintain peace. You are capable of much more than you are aware of."

Oko clapped her hands together. Her three eyes closed together and her wide smile returned. Her voice lost the serious undertone and became airy and mystical again. The second voice accompanying her own became even more pronounced as it echoed through Cadence Hall.

"So! Now it's finally time to announce our choices! We were hoping to find supporters, snipers, healers and direct attackers. It's wonderful that we managed to find one of each from Emelda Academy. To start, of course, we invite Miss Yukika Hisakawa to come onstage as our first Defender. She will be part of our powerful offense line. Congratulations, Miss Hisakawa!"

Clapping erupted from everyone in the hall. Yukika stood up and bowed in thanks. She made her way to the stage. Her expression was cold. She stood on one side of the stage and bowed again to the audience. Sakura could hear whispers about her, both baseless rumours and mindless adoration.

"The next student will be trusted with defending our warriors. It is a dangerous and draining responsibility, but we put our faith in his resilience. I welcome Mr Astros Brennen!"

Another round of applause. Sakura clapped, in awe that a highschooler would be tasked as a defensive unit. Astros walked up the stage. He was a striking person, with prominent circles under his eyes and piercing dark irises. His body was naturally lean but an effort had been made to keep up his muscles. His jet black hair hung over his eyes, making his appearance even more mysterious and distant.

"Where would we be without our precise snipers? This student has proved to be quick and perceptive, with impeccable timing and accuracy. Come forward, Miss Citrine Eklund!"

The students cheered and whistled. Citrine was widely admired throughout the school for her dancing skills. One flutter from her dress as she danced could cause a row of admirers to keel over. As she walked forward, she pushed her strawberry blonde hair back, showing off her baby blue eyes, causing another wild cheer to erupt. Citrine waved at everyone as she stood on the stage. She sure knew how to keep an audience watching.

"Though not fighting directly, healers are priceless to the S.U.N., without them, our lines would fall just as quickly as they arise. Our healer from Emelda Academy is Mr Mikhail Ghazal!"

His friends cheered the loudest. A small form could be made out hesitantly standing up and walking slowly to the stage. He looked no older than twelve, though Sakura knew that he was in the grade above her. He had a button nose and round brown eyes. It made her want to pinch his cheeks with how cute he was.

Everyone turned quiet at seeing the four students standing on the stage. There was only one spot left. Only one student left to fill the roster? Who could it be? Everyone's breath was bated with anticipation. Oko smiled at seeing their curious faces. She stayed quiet to let the tension build up. Sakura's heart was painful in her chest. Oko cleared her throat and announced the last student.

"The fifth student will be slated in as a weapons defender, but their versatility makes them a valuable asset on the battlefield. With sharp wit and boundless creativity, Miss Angelita Allende!"

Sakura clapped as hard as she could and cheered out Angie's name. Even when her heart was breaking inside, there was nothing that could make her happier than knowing that her two closest friends achieved something so amazing. Her mind was filling with endless questions about what it meant for them but she pushed them all down. It didn't matter. Why did she think she could actually make it?

Everyone was clapping and cheering, keeping their eyes on the five fated to stand on the stage. Sakura looked down. Her heart was twisting around. Her eyes pricked with pain. No... she couldn't let the tears fall. Why was it so bittersweet?

Oko gestured for everyone to quiet down. The cheers carried on for a little while and she let them keep congratulating the five. She held up her hands again. Everyone began to quiet down.

"We narrowed down our acceptance numbers to five students per school. However, in exceptional circumstances, we may accept another student for whatever reason. Like I said, we chose five students to join the Otherworld Defenders. However, after a lot of mulling over, we have also found someone to lead a Defender team. It is rare that this happens but we have selected a Junior Commander. Work hard to lead your attackers, Miss Sakura Fukumura!"

Sakura didn't believe her ears. Surely, she was dreaming? She stayed still in shock. Someone tapped her shoulder and urged her to go forward. She shook her head. Everything was real. She stood up. Her knees knocked against each other. Yukika was looking at her, her cold expression melted away to a warm smile. She walked forward slowly to soak in the reality.

She walked up the stairs and stood next to Angie. Her best friend joined their hands together. She gave Sakura's hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Lolitaholics and the Ice Queen are teaming up," she whispered to make her smile. Sakura tried to laugh but the tears were pouring down her face. It was horribly embarrassing to cry in front of so many students. She hid her face with her hands. They were going to fight together. They were going to keep each other safe.

Yukika rushed to her side and hugged her tight. Angie scooped up the two to help conceal Sakura from the others. The other three chosen students comforted the three as they basked in their overwhelming feelings. In the end, they were all in a group hug. 'I guess this was the first battle we got through together,' Sakura thought to herself.

They let go of each other. Their schoolmates all congratulated them, erupting in one last round of applause. Citrine smiled at her, patting her back before walking back to her position in the middle of the stage. Their principal started a few more lines about wishing luck and supporting the chosen students. The students were barely listening, too pumped up with adrenaline by watching everything unfold. Oko led the six students to the back of the stage while the principal went on a tirade about focusing on their studies no matter what happened.

"You've all made it," Oko congratulated them. "Always remember to focus on becoming better each day, the S.U.N. will support you fully with sharpening your skills."

Oko began to explain, "Go home, pack up your things and we'll pick you up this Sunday. We'll transport you to the base in City Nine but you won't be staying there. You'll be joined by other students and units. We'll be dispatched to other spots the whole time according to spirit activities until you finish your orientation. Once that's done, you'll finally be divided to proper groups and assigned to different bases. Don't worry, we'll give you a proper list of information."

Mr Nikolaj entered the backroom of the stage. His dark eyes analysed the six. They were all quiet and so was he. Sakura was scared to even breathe near him. He finished staring at them. He produced an old notebook from his suit and gave Astros a pen.

Oko said,"Thanks, Nikolaj! Here, write your contact information and we'll send a proper explanation with more details. Does anyone have any objections?"

Astros scribbled into the notebook. Citrine raised her hand.

"Will we continue our studying under the S.U.N.?"

Oko nodded. "Of course, students like you need to finish your studies. We'll have tutors for you all. You can use your uniform but you'll be given a S.U.N. badge and you can consider that your uniform under S.U.N., alright?"

They all nodded in understanding. They wrote their contact information into the book. Nikolaj took his notebook and pen back. Oko wished them goodbye and left the stage with Nikolaj. Astros handed them each a piece of paper before leaving. They looked down. The same thing was scrawled into each piece.

'Come to Class 3-D before classes start next morning. There's something I want to discuss.'