Summary: She was one who could light up everyone's day with a smile. But when one day, her hopes and dreams are shattered, will she still carry out her motto? Her role? Her destiny...

Disclaimer: I do not own any CCS characters, CLAMP does.I do own the story though.

Author's Notes: Hi! I'm bubbly emerald and I'm a new comer, so I hope that you will forgive me and give me comments. This story happened in the past, so it's more of an "old-time" story. Please read and review to give encouragement. Also, I would like to have opinions from others. Thank you. P.S-I'm still not too sure of my quotation marks so I'm sorry for any errors...

Chapter 1

Understanding the cruel face of reality

" Sakura! Come to okaa-san!" Five year old Sakura rested her gaze on her mother, her emerald eyes positivly shining with delight at the sight of her mother. Fujitaka entered the room, on his back riding Touya. Seven year old Touya hopped off his father's back and held protectively on his sister's hand. Sakura smiled before gazing upon her family's reflection in the mirror, smiling fondly. Fujitaka had auburn hair and brown eyes. He had a strong bulid and worked as a boss near the castle for the emperor. Nadeshiko was gentle, as so was Fujitaka. She had raven black hair and her skin was pale as pearl powder. Having a willowly grace and lanky figure, she had the most beautiful voice and amehthsyt eyes. Touya was one who was already stunning handsome, even though he was seven. He and Sakura was equally good in martial arts, but Sakura could execute house-hold chores well, as good as any mother or maid can ever be. Sakura, had enchanting emerald eyes and the sweetest voice and auburn hair with flowed to her shoulders. Startlingly pretty for her age, Sakura was DEADLY when she held a sword or got into a fighting stance.

Embracing her family, they shared a family kiss before Nadeshiko slipped a silver necklace on Sakura's neck. " Happy birthday kaijuu! " Touya answered with a smirk that seemed to have been stitched on his face. Fujitaka blandly smiled and answered instead to the already pouting Sakura, "Alright darling. Don't be angry now. It is your birthday afterall, stop ok? "Holding Sakura's hand tightly in his, while Nadeshiko held on to Touya's. Grasping on to her locket, Sakura grinned at her family members. Sharing a family hug, Sakura had some sort of foreboding sense within her.

Sakura suddenly felt the urge to use the bathroom. " Gomen-nasai! Otou-san, Okaa-san. I need to use the bathroom desperately. Please? " Laughing, her family gave a gesture. Sakura immediately sped off, her long hair flowing behind her. Her parents , seeing that Sakura was gone, gave each other wary looks. Looks of tiredness were exchanged. They knew that the empire was to be over-ruled soon, by a stronger empire of the Li's. The Li's were kind, MUCH better rulers then the present ones. But the Li's were also used to resorting to power and brute strength while conquering the capitol of Kokoron. Many lives were claimed. Unknowing to her parents, Sakura also knew about the crisis.

" BOOM! " everyone in the vincinity looked around wildly. Dread filled the faces of the citizens nearby for they knew, the time had come for the Li's to attack. The vincinity was safe for a long time without being under attack. The present emperor knew nothing about the state affairs. The emperor killed all the citizens that he thought dangerous. Guards of the Kinomoto's country stopped in front off the house, in front of the three members of the Kinomoto family.

The guards looked apologetic for they knew that Fujitaka had served the emperor well. They withdrew their swords and horror-sticken, the three members braced themselves for the impact. Touya was understanding and cuddled up towards his parents. Tears flowed freely down their faces and the soldiers brought their swords down. They didn't even bother to resist as they knew that there was no escaping. Closing their eyes, Nadeshiko's only hope and wish was for Sakura to remember to take care of herself. Touya's was for her sister to stay her bubbly self. Fujitaka, for her to treasure life.

Sakura, as if hearing this ,vowed to follow her parents wish. She had seen everything from the second floor window. Eyes brimming with tears, Sakura let her heart and soul be overcome with grief for that one day. Knowing what was to be done next, she hid in her room, doors locked and shutters down. Her father had mentioned that soldiers would not check the interior of the houses so Sakura hid in her room, hiding in sorrowful regret. Recalling what she had promised her parents, Sakura dried her tears and fought back her incoming fears back. Her fears of being alone, dispised, frightened her so.

In the darkness of the night, Sakura crept out of her bed, and clambered down to her parents dead bodies. Holding her parents hands in her own small ones, she grasped them tightly as ever, not wanting to let go. She embraced her parent's body and carassed their faces dearly, salty streams flowed down the cheeks of her faces. Her motivation and will to live were shattered and now, no longer able to live in the carefree phase of childhood but to understand the cruel face of reality. Seeing a bunch of stray flowers, Sakura's plucked them and placed them on the bodies tenderly. Sobbing more heavily, Sakura knew what she had to do next.

Brading her hair, Sakura packed up a bundle and changed into clothes in contrast to rags. It was drab and dull-coloured and was a two piece, consisting of a shirt and pants. Taking in the cool air of the night, Sakura gave a final glance to her home. Picking up her bundle, she slung it over her arm, and finally, bade farewell to her home. On her was only her necklace, the only memoir of her family. Clutching her necklace tightly, Sakura strode off. She densely thought that Fate would smile down on her, after taking away her family but she would change on this thinking in the none too distant future...of tomorrow...

Hope you've enjoyed it, BubblyEmerald.