Author's Note: Yes, I know…I haven't finished my other story, The Saga Of Twelve, but, because of some recent events that have shadowed itself upon me, I had the urge to write this story. Or, I should say, at least the first chapter. We'll see how it turns out, now won't we? So, read and as always, enjoy!

Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me whatsoever. They belong, respectively, to CLAMP and I have properly given them there ownership so in essence…don't sue me.

Prologue

            A young girl stood still before Tomoeda University, her nerves at the edge. "I hope I can do this," she said to no one in particular.  Her parents had just moved to this foreign town from Tokyo and everything around her was so strange and new.  What she wouldn't give to run back to the city she loved; what she wouldn't do…

            She was broken from her thoughts when she felt someone's hand grasp her shoulder.  She jumped, startling both her and the person in front of her.

            "I'm terribly sorry," the other girl said, sincerely meaning the words. "But you look so much like her, I thought you were…"

            "That's quite alright," she said, interrupting the other girl. "I'm new here and…"

            "So you are her!" The other girl said, shoving a document with a picture attached to her.  "I'm Chiharu, your guide around Tomoeda University. And you must be Yumi Onosaka, I take it."

            "Yeah," she shyly stated, handing Chiharu back the folder with all her specifics on it. Birth date, previous schoolings, interests, hobbies…everything.

            Chiharu began walking through the school, Yumi following close by her side. "So, tell me, Yumi," Chiharu began. "You like it here so far?"

            "Um, I guess. It's just so new here."

            "You'll get used to it, trust me." Chiharu suddenly stopped and pointed to the large, open room to her right. "That's the cafeteria and the courtyard is just beyond that. When it's really nice, most of the students eat their food out there or in the nature area or wherever."

            "Okay."

            "And over here," Chiharu said, walking out the doors and into the courtyard. "is the populous of Tomoeda University. Well, most of them. It is lunchtime."

            Yumi looked before her, taking all of this in. There were so many people around her doing various things. Throwing around a Frisbee, eating food from the cafeteria, studying and whatnot.

            "First year at college, I take it?" Yumi nodded, still absorbed with everything around her. "I know it's a bit overwhelming. I mean, I've been here for over two years-I'm a junior now-and it's still awesome to see all this." And it wasn't just the amount of students; it was the architecture around her! Yumi looked up at the cathedral-like spires that lined the tops of the medieval-looking buildings. "The buildings are pretty old, they date back pretty far," Chiharu stated, as if reading Yumi's mind.

            "Anyways," Chiharu continued, walking into the crowd. "I'm going to give you some pointers. Ya know…introduce you to the do's and don'ts of this school." Yumi walked next to her, not knowing what to say. "Don't look so shocked! This school is wonderful, period. But, as with all schools, there are just some things you probably should know."

            "Alright," Yumi said, a little reluctant.

            "First off, always use the buddy system after dark. Don't worry, Yumi, the school's perfectly safe but it doesn't hurt to be a little cautious."

            "Okay."

            "Secondly, taking classes is almost like competition here. You know that Tomoeda University is a really good school, so congratulations for getting in! But, if you want your name to stick out among the thousands of students, you're gonna have to speak up, be a little more personal with people and do your work and do it good." Chiharu suddenly stopped and turned around to face Yumi. "And next, I'll introduce you to all the cliques."

            "I thought that stuff stopped in high school." She said as more of a statement than a question really.

            "I wish. It's horrible, I know, but all of society is like this, why should college be any different?" Chiharu looked at Yumi sincerely and then broke out into a smile. "Anyways, Yumi, don't worry. Most people are really nice here. The important thing is to see through their drama masks, football helmets and glasses and realize that everyone here just wants the same thing."

            "And what's that?"

            "Well, it varies…but generally to experience with life, love…and hopefully, one day, to get a diploma."

            Yumi smiled to herself and scanned the courtyard, watching all the groups interact with each other.  Under a large tree, however, she noticed one girl not with anyone in particular.  There were people around her, perhaps friends but she seemed quite involved with the book in front of her. "What clique does she belong to?" Yumi asked.

            Chiharu followed Yumi's gaze until her eyes fell upon the girl under the tree. "Oh," she said. "That is Sakura Kinomoto and she doesn't belong to any clique."

            "Why not?"

            Chiharu shrugged her shoulders as she looked at Sakura. "Don't know.  Too independent, maybe. But that's just a guess."

            "Does she have any friends?"

            "Oh, yeah. Plenty."

            "Is she just…self-absorbed?"

            "No way. Not in the least."

            "Then…I don't understand it." Yumi looked around her at all the groups. No one was as self-actualized as this girl seemed to be. It was as if she knew something everyone else didn't. "Why is she alone?"

            Chiharu took a deep breath and exhaled as she spoke. "She's not alone, Yumi. She has friends and people who care about her and who she loves in return it's just that…she doesn't necessarily need them…all the time." Yumi turned and opened her mouth as if to say more but Chiharu cut her off. "Trust me, I'm one of her friends. And anyways, let's just drop it. I have more of the school to show you. C'mon." As Chiharu led a wondering Yumi away, neither girl could get her mind off the mysteriousness of Sakura.  This girl had a strong sense of self and her aura was stunning in its entirety.  And here, my readers, is where the real story lies.

            The story of Sakura.

Author's Note; Well? How was it? Don't fret my young ones, there's going to be plenty about Sakura and Syaoran in the future. PLENTY. This was just setting the whole story up. Ya know, the time and place, the characters, etc. And the following chapters will be longer as well. As for the rating? PG, for now…later chapters might turn into PG-13 or even R, depending on the language and sexual themes. But, we'll see. Anyways, review if you wish! If not, don't worry, I won't hold it against you.

THE NEXT CHAPTER SHOULD BE OUT SOON! TONIGHT MAYBE (if I have the motivation) BUT DEFINITELY SOME TIME THIS WEEK.