Hello All! Aikouchan here with a brief explanation.

I originally wrote this story from a dream that I had a few weeks before I posted it. It was odd, random, and I don't really recall what I ate before I slept to cause such a thing! (If I knew I'd eat it every night! LoL) Regardless, i wrote the dream out (substituting myself for Sakura ... everyone else in the dream was a CCS character already! Go figure!) and while I intended to keep it a oneshot, my brain just kept expanding and expanding on it ... to this!

Luckily, you guys get to read version 2.0 - the first write-up was quite bad, and considering i'm in getting an Applied Degree in Professional Writing, I oughta show what I've learned right? So here's the start of it all, seven years before the chapter that I "dreamed" came up .... ENJOY!

SETTING: 120-ish years from now. Earth has become a thriving metropolis. Most people still travel by car or plane, but Ford, Honda etc. have developed airships, meant to soar above the atmosphere to cross distances easily (basically, it's a spaceship. I just wanna make it sound ... well less cheesy, hehe.) There are no stupid futuristic clothes or anything odd like that; not much has changed from the present, 2009, to now, in 2132 ....

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July 31, 2132

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New York City, newly dubbed the World Capital, was the hub of technology, arts, science, fashion and culture. It grew accordingly with the passing centuries, so much that the standard slum still had air conditioning, satellite television and robotic vacuums in all the houses. On the higher end of town, the richest families or the highest on the political pyramid had skyscrapers to call their home. Shining against the bright sunlight the white buildings stood, proud and clean in their environment.

Inside one of the tallest buildings, belonging to the Governor of World Security, a girl was sleeping in her white bed, in her white room, in total peaceful darkness, until the drapes were thrown open and the brilliant blue sky added to the colors.

The ten-year-old winced, pulling the covers farther over her head, despite the tsks from her nanny.

The middle aged woman walked over to the bed. "Now, now, Mistress Sakura," she scolded. "Be cooperative. Today's a big day for you! Your father and your brother giving their speeches at the meeting! And their friends are coming over to watch it on our transmitter. You're supposed to play host like a good girl!" she took hold of the covers above her head.

"I don't wanna geh-up," the kid mumbled groggily.

The maid grinned, using well-practiced techniques. "Yukito's going to be there, too," she said slyly.

Sakura sat up straight; eyes wide open, she looked at her frantically. "Did I miss it?!" she yelped.

The maid laughed and took the girl's hand. "No, no, of course not. Now come along, dear. You need to take a shower and get dressed."

Sakura nodded, and allowed her to be taken through her regular morning routine; bathed with the help of her maids, and then put into a pretty, light pink sundress while one of the older girls did her hair. After that she went out into the main room of the house, where the entire south wall was windows, curving up into the middle of the ceiling, and she ate her breakfast while being reminded of her duties that day.

This was all she ever knew. Her father, Fujitaka, Governor of World Security, had been elected into the position about eight years ago, and they got upgraded into the highest class of society – politics. She was supposed to be the cute, innocent daughter of the politician – and that's exactly what she was. There had never been a war in her entire lifetime, or her older brother Touya's, and her father's job was incredibly easy and peaceful. There were balls every other week, or luncheons and trips to embassy's in exotic locals … it was a beautiful life.

Last year, an unknown race landed on the Earth. They were tall, and their language was odd. A few months of hospitality later, a scholar came forward with the answers. The race was called Pymetrian, and according to records of the ancient texts, they were the inhabitants of the Earth during the prehistoric era. They left the Earth when threats of an Ice Age broke out. Speaking to the aliens in their language proved that this was true.

The scholar's name was Eriol Hiiragizawa, a nineteen year old assistant to her father, that was given the important duty of being the Ambassador to the Pymetrians during their stay.

That stay had been longer than expected, but Sakura's father wasn't worried. He was in charge of this whole discovery, looking after every little detail; where they stayed, if they would be protected against any punks from the slums, or if they needed anything. Eriol was constantly over at the house, and Sakura had gotten to know him pretty well. She even kissed him on the cheek once; she thought it was the right thing to do, since all the girls in her class said she was lucky because he was so cute and that they would do the same thing in her position … sometimes more.

Last month, Eriol suddenly announced that the Pymetrians wanted to hold a press conference for the world, and he would be their interpreter. They didn't say what they wanted to discuss to the planet, and they wouldn't tell Eriol. Her father agreed, saying we shouldn't deny something they want. Eriol didn't come around that often afterwards – she hadn't seen him for at least three weeks.

And today, just a few days after Touya (recently turned 18) was named Head General of the World Special Forces, him and his father had to be at the conference, along with the President of the Earth and other dignitaries and officials.

Fujitaka himself invited those who were not given the extremely exclusive invitation to the event to watch the proceedings on his uncensored transmitter in his home. They were all gentlemen in their old age and extremely concerned with politics, but they were all familiar with Sakura, so there wouldn't be a problem.

The night before her father had sat her down, telling her not to be worried by anything the men said, and to be on her best behavior. She had agreed eagerly, always happy to help her dad with his work.

By eleven thirty a few of the politicians began arriving. Some of them asked how her summer had been so far. Others told her how their children wanted to go on another horseback ride with her. And a few joked with her about her daddy's habits.

By quarter to, the room was filled. The maids and the butler were walking around, offering hors d'ovures and glasses of champagne.

At noon the room was silent as the butler turned the transmitter on. A three-by-four spread of the windows blocked out the sun behind it, and crackled to life. On the screen was the image of the World Conference Center, just in the downtown of NYC, filled with people and camera crews of local news stations. The view of her screen was a direct feed for government use; half the screen was on the stage for the Pymetrians, and the other half was focused on the World Representative table, where some people had already begun to sit.

Sakura spotted her father and her brother on the left of the President. She smiled, sitting down on the couch beside a white-haired dignitary. This is nice, she thought. For once, people can see my daddy and them having a nice conversation.

To Touya's right was the man that made her sigh – Yukito Tsukishiro. He was two years younger than Touya, but they still stood the same in height. His handsome face smiled every time he spoke, and his amber eyes gleamed behind his glasses. His white blond hair shone in the spotlight, and he was looking even more dashing in a black suit. He was a perfectly well brought up young man.

Sakura let out a sigh that would've come from a Southern Belle, resting her head in the palms of her hands. The man sitting beside her heard this and smiled at her.

"So, Mr. Tsukishiro is your betrothed, am I right?"

Sakura sat up straight, embarrassed that she forgot her manners around the guests. She nodded and smiled. "Yes, sir."

"And obviously having your husband picked out doesn't bother you?"

Sakura blinked, honestly shocked. "No! Why would it?"

The man laughed heartily, and some of the surrounding guests grinned at her innocence. He patted her shoulder. "You should be grateful, child – that boy has a bright future ahead of him. He'll make a wonderful husband."

She still wondered why he was telling her all this. "I know!" she said with a smile.

The men laughed again until the sound of a gavel being hit came from the screen. The room went silent, along with the conference hall.

The speaker on the intercom announced, "Presenting the Honorable President Anderson, and our guests, the Pymetrians with interpreter Eriol Hiiragizawa."

The "guests" walked onstage – and Sakura gasped.

She had never seen a Pymetrian before in her life. She never expected them to be tall, dark looking creatures. She gulped and her smile was gone. There was nothing to smile about while looking at them. Looking out the corner of her eye proved that no one else in the room was smiling either. But when Eriol walked onto the stage, she smiled again.

But he wasn't smiling. He looked stressed, and hesitant about the whole ordeal. He fumbled with his glasses constantly. Same for her father, brother, and Yukito. They all looked like they were attending a funeral. She frowned and tilted her head. What was going on?

The President of the World spoke into the microphone in front of him. "All right, sirs. You have my attention. What is it?"

The Pymetrian at the middle of the table stood up, positioning himself as the leader. They were all wearing masks, so she couldn't tell where their mouths were. But he spoke. And the sound was so strange and terrifying she covered her ears with a yelp.

Eriol watched the leader, listening to his speech, and interpreted it a moment later. " 'We have been here for months and you continue to ignore our requests. When are you going to listen to us?'"

"I can answer that." Fujitaka stood, addressing the leader. "Every wish and want that you've told Mr. Hiiragizawa to tell us has been fulfilled, sir. We've been as hospitable as possible. Is there something we missed? If so, why hold a huge conference just to announce that?"

"And who said we had to listen to you in the first place?" the president intervened.

The whole room winced. Someone near the back whispered to a colleague, "Anderson's never been the most tactful, has he?"

"Idiot," another commented.

After translating the response, the Pymetrians let out something that everyone could understand – a growl. There was a shaking noise that filled the room, and everyone looked over their shoulders. The maid was holding a tray of tarts, and the cups were causing a noise as her hands shook. She noticed their stares and set the tray down, apologizing profusely. "I-I'm sorry, sirs. Those … creatures … just disturb me."

"Perfectly all right, m'lady," the man beside Sakura said.

The leader suddenly began shouting at Eriol, causing a few gasps to come out from the audience at the conference, as well as from Sakura. She watched Eriol's face intently, her heart beginning to race. This isn't what was supposed to happen at all. Why are they so angry? What's going on? Why am I feeling so scared? Should I be?

Eriol's eyes widened, and his jaw dropped open as the Pymetrian continued to ramble on and on, and when he finally finished, Eriol sat shocked for a moment. Then, he cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes at the leader. He said one more thing, and Eriol frowned.

Sakura gulped. What's he doing? What's going on?

Eriol cleared his throat and said lifelessly into the microphone. " 'Why? Why should you listen to us? Because you maggots wouldn't even be alive if we hadn't caused the Earth to be reborn. You Ungrateful Scum Of The Earth Dare To Talk To Us, The Assistors Of Your Creation, Like Some Bad Guests At One Of Your Esteemed Dinner Parties? We request military supplies and you deny us that. We request maps of the entire world and population scales, and you deny us that as well. What Makes You Think You're In Charge? What Makes You Think You Should Be The Ones Giving Orders?'"

The room gasped in shocked several times at this speech. Sakura clapped her hands to her mouth, watching with wide eyes. This wasn't going peaceful at all. Nobody's supposed to be angry at each other –

Fujitaka looked alarmed at the statement. Yukito's eyebrows had drawn together in worry, and Touya almost looked murderous … as almost as if he knew this would happen. He had been a lot tenser lately, whenever talks of the press conference arose … but before he could get too graphic around Sakura, their father always hushed him. Was this what Touya worried about?

Eriol glanced back at the leader, drawing in a shuddered breath, before speaking once more with his eyes closed, as if he couldn't dare look at his fellow humans.

" 'We – Our true intention is south of your border. While you've been partying and enjoying your so-called-high-society-lives, we've been invading the South Americas, Australia and Half of Russia. In the last month they've been declared Pymetrian Territory, and now it is time to say that we are taking back was is rightfully ours… We Declare…" He paused. His voice had broken at the end of the sentence, but the leader shrieked at him once again. Eriol closed his eyes, refusing to stare at any of them. " we declare War With Earth.'"

Screams echoed throughout the conference room. Most of the dignitaries got to their feet, and the President's secret service was at his side at once. On the other side of the screen, a few champagne glasses broke as they crashed to the floor. They watched chaos soon break out, as the Pymetrians got up, and hurried as fast as they could off the stage … and Eriol followed them.

After watching a few moments of screaming, a politician hurried forward and shut the transmitter off.

"That Son Of A Bitch!!" one of the men shouted.

"He's been working with them all along!"

"I'm willing to bet my life that he gave information to those aliens!"

"He betrayed Fujitaka, then! He took advantage of him!!"

"He betrayed all of us! As of this moment, he's accused of Treason!"

"How could they have gotten to South American and Australia without us knowing?!"

"The same reason they said, Arnold," the man on the couch said, and all quieted to listen to him. He stood up, and spoke gravely. "We were too busy enjoying what we thought was a perfect life to notice that our guests may have been a threat. We assumed everything would be alright, and now it isn't."

In the distance they heard a low rumble – from the room, they could see downtown, to the conference center. A large spaceship was taking off and heading south – the Pymetrians were heading back to work.

"Gentleman," the man announced again. "At this time I think the appropriate place to be is with our families. We should all head home."

The men nodded, and thanked the maids for their services, and began to leave. One man went up to the elder and said, "Sir, what about you?"

"I'm very close to here; I'll wait with the girl for her father to get home."

The younger nodded, and headed out. The room was as silent as it was that morning, but the cheer and happiness was drained.

"I … I thought we were getting along."

The older man looked down at the girl sadly. Tears were streaming down her face, and her eyes were wide. She was hiccupping softly. "I … I thought it was all going fine."

He sighed and sat down next to her, hugging her around the shoulders. "We thought so too, my dear. Sometimes things go wrong and we can't stop that from happening. And we get too overconfident that things are going to be okay, and it ends up hurting us in the end."

"But … Eriol … he was my friend."

The man bit his lip, feeling a tad angrier with the boy than before. "I'm sorry about that, dear. No one suspected it, and looks can be deceiving sometimes. You're used to being around people that love and care for you … but the harsh reality is that the earth is cruel and unkind." He cleared his throat and tried to cheer her up. "But don't worry; your father and brother will be home shortly. They're smart – they'll head home."

But Sakura didn't want them to come home. For the first time since she was four, she wanted something much, much more desperately.

" … I want my mommy."

The man's eyes widened at this, and he looked at the maid, who was on the verge of tears from the statement. Never, not once since she was born had she asked for her mother … who had died giving birth to her.

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TBC

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