o n c e · u p o n · a · t i m e

c h a p t e r. ii : n e w · b e g i n n i n g s

Before they knew it, a fortnight passed by speedily, and then, almost moments later, a new day was dawning. A new beginning of a new future for the Kinomoto family. There was a new addition to the family now, and even the servants were excited. Sakura found that despite herself, it sounded exciting. After all, she had never known a mother, and maybe a mother's love was what she needed. And besides, she reasoned to herself, even if she didn't like Sakura, she couldn't exactly say anything while her father was around, right? Sakura knew her father would never consent to live with a woman who treated his beloved daughter like filth.

"Hurry up, mistress! Hold still!" Yukari urged, trying to smooth the silken gown and skirts, but Sakura was squirming in her newfound excitement.

"But Yukari!" she cried. "It feels just like someone's birthday, I'm getting a mother and sisters all in one day! And Father is coming home too!"

"Yes, and if the Lady Daidouji sees you in any way short of proper, she'll pick herself up and go back to her own home, so you had best be on your best behavior, young lady," Yukari chided sternly, pulling the laces on the corset of the bodice expertly. "Now breathe in."

Sakura obliged, and Yukari tied the laces firmly, knotting the girdle as she did.

"Yukari!" Sakura shrieked. "I can't breathe!"

"You're fine," Yukari smiled, now running a brush through Sakura's wild auburn curls. "After years of panting like an animal, maybe you'll learn how to breathe like a lady if you wear these more often."

"But I feel dizzy," Sakura protested. "It's like torture!"

"Well, that's what the ladies of the court have to put up with in order to be presentable," Yukari said, smoothing out the now gentle waves and curls, as they fell softly down the girl's back. "Well, at least a fine head of hair is something remaining in the spitfire of a mistress, what do you say, Suki?"

"Mm." Suki bustled about, folding up the mud-stained clothes on the bed and stoking the fire in the fireplace. "I say the master deserves some happiness after all this time. Bringing up a child should be left to the women. Let the men fight the wars and let the women tend the house, that's what I always say."

"You speak sense," Yukari nodded, fingers deftly braiding the long auburn curls. "We left this young girl alone with a man for eight years, and look what's become of her! Hardly a lady left; more like a wild thing she is!"

"But I still cannot breathe!" Sakura complained. "Wild animal or not, everyone needs to breathe freely."

"You must get used to it, mistress," Suki said gravely, though there was a twinkle in her eye. "Now that there is a lady in the house, you will not be allowed in anything else. You will not be able to run freely, or play with those rascally lads from the other households."

"And good riddance too!" Yukari added heartily.

"I won't see Yamazaki again?" Sakura asked, her eyes widening.

"You might. But this time, if he sees you, he'll have to bow and say, 'May I be of service, young mistress?' "

The two servants giggled as Sakura went red in the face.

"He'd sooner throw stones at me than say that!" she said imperiously. Yukari finished braiding her hair and tied it with a green ribbon. She stepped back to admire her handiwork.

"Now the mistress looks more like a lady, don't you think, Suki?"

"Yes," Suki nodded, and stepped out the doorway. "Hurry up, you two! The master arrives any moment!"

Sakura felt her breath catch as she waited by the door, standing in between Yukari and Suki. Benkei waited at the gate, his eyes watching carefully, examining the path, and who was coming this way.

The afternoon was chilly, Sakura felt herself shiver. The dress was itchy and uncomfortable, and the corset was too tight. Her shoes were hard and rough against her feet, which were swathed in silken stockings. She grimaced. If there was one thing she despised, it was the feeling of smooth silk against her callused feet, so rough from running across the estates barefoot.

"Stop fidgeting, mistress," Yukari muttered. "They'll be here soon."

As if in response, Benkei gave out yell. "It's the master!" he cried. "I can see his carriage! The master is coming home!"

There was an outburst of talk among the servants, as Benkei moved to the gate and opened it, with a surprising liquid movement for someone of his years. He waited by the open gate, waiting for the small carriage in the distance to enter.

Sakura felt her heart racing. Her father, her father was coming home! And so was the Lady Daidouji, and her stepsisters. How many did she have? She doubted there could be room in that carriage for more than four people. How many sisters would that make? Two?

Two stepsisters, a stepmother and a father, Sakura thought, a smile lighting her features. Today, she would meet them!

What would they look like? According to the rest of her father's letter, the Lady Daidouji was very beautiful. And very just. Sakura's heart rose as the carriage crossed the threshold to the estate. Soon. So soon…she would see them!

"Now mistress, calm yourself," Yukari softly said. "Don't go throwing yourself at them; the ladies of the court don't run around well in those skirts of theirs. So don't you try it."

The carriage halted in front of them. Sakura stopped herself from running toward the man who emerged from the carriage. Instead, she waited by the servants, trying to look as mature as she could.

Lord Fujitaka Kinomoto was graceful for his years. A tall man, he had tame dark hair, twinkling dark eyes and a soldier's built. Dressed in immaculate black, he had a sword buckled to his belt and his boots even shone gleefully.

"Welcome home, Master Fujitaka," Benkei bowed. "We are all overjoyed to see you home safe and sound."

"I am fine, Benkei," Fujitaka Kinomoto said, smiling gently. "Everything does look tidier hereabouts, though."

"We were not idly resting," Benkei said, breaking out of his bow. "But today is a joy of rejoicing. I see you have brought us a lady of the court."

"I have brought you all an entire household, Benkei," Fujitaka said, looking around. "But I seem to have misplaced my daughter. Have you seen her?"

"Why, look for yourself," Benkei pointed to where Sakura stood. "The young mistress has been keeping herself busy, you'll see."

Fujitaka's mouth dropped comically as he rubbed his eyes and stared. "Why, Sakura! Is that you? I was expecting to present a little wild thing, and instead, I get to show a young lady! Come here!"

Sakura, ignoring Yukari's earlier advice, bounded into her father's arms, her skirts flying.

"Father!" she cried, as he lifted her in the air. "It's so good to see you again!"

Fujitaka regarded his daughter. "Would you like to meet your new family?"

"Very much."

Fujitaka nodded to Benkei, who opened the carriage door again.

At first, a young girl, no more than two years senior to Sakura herself, stepped out. Her long black hair fell well below her knees, her gown was of heavy red satin and bedecked with jewels. Her ruby eyes surveyed the estate somewhat judgmentally.

Another girl, younger in age, disembarked after her sister, with wavy black hair that fell to her waist. Her gown was of an evening blue, and they matched her wide, innocent eyes perfectly. She also surveyed the estate, her gaze curious rather than judgmental. Her eyes met Sakura's and Sakura offered a half-smile, and in return, the girl smiled softly. The older one tossed her head impatiently.

And finally, Benkei extended his hand, as a milk-white hand grasped it, and out stepped one of the most beautiful ladies Sakura had ever seen. The Lady Daidouji's face was white as snow, her eyes liquid and dark. Her gown was a deep silver, embroidered with gold. She was the essence of ageless beauty preserved. Her face radiated soft excitement.

"Oh, Fujitaka!" she uttered softly. "It's exquisite!"

Her eyes settled on the little girl next to the Lord Fujitaka.

"And who do we have here?" she asked softly, yet somewhat pointedly. Sakura didn't care, she was just so happy that someone like the Lady Daidouji would be her new mother. She was beautiful, ladylike…just like her mother! And there was no judgment in her eyes, but a soft curiosity.

Fujitaka laughed as he placed his hands on his daughter's shoulders. "It seems as though the little monster blossomed overnight into a young lady! Dearest Sakura, I present to you the Lady Sonomi Daidouji, and her two daughters, Tomoyo and Meiling."

Sakura attempted a curtsey, feeling her knees creak. "Good afternoon, my lady," she said, her words smooth. "I hope the carriage journey was well. Pardon me for saying so, but your name is beautiful, it bears the sound of larks singing across a meadow."

The Lady Daidouji laughed, the sound of windchimes, Sakura thought.

"Oh, what a darling child!" she said. "You say she is eight, my lord? Yet she talks like a lady!"

Sakura couldn't help but feel attracted to this sweet lady. Who wouldn't? Her charms were many, and she could find no fault with this lady. Perhaps this would be for the better.

"Yes, she can be quite the lady when she feels like it," Fujitaka said fondly.

"Meiling…Tomoyo…greet your new stepsister," Sonomi said, waving a hand to her daughters.

They swept into a smooth curtsey, and at once Sakura felt her face heat up. Strange, now that she had witnessed such acts of fine etiquette, she wished that she had something to display also. Next to these fine creatures, she felt every bit the uncouth, feral child the servants had always called her.

Fujitaka extended an arm and Sonomi took it. "May I escort the lady inside? Sakura, please show your sisters where their chambers are."

Sakura sat cross-legged on her bed, watching her father emptying out a bag of books, and placing them on the shelves. In the grate, a fire roared merrily, for though it was still autumn, the night was still chilly. Sakura shivered and pulled her blanket around her and edged closer to the fire, feeling the warmth wash over her.

Her father shook the bag, satisfied that it was empty. He peered onto the shelf, and laughed lightly.

"I think we need to get a bigger shelf. We're running out of room here – and you're not getting any younger. You'll be reading bigger books soon."

Sakura pointed to a thick, leather-bound volume that gleamed in the firelight. "Which one's that?" she asked.

Fujitaka took out the book and smiled. "Thomas More. Possibly the dullest you can find. I doubt an eight-year-old will have much interest in it –"

Sakura shook her head, intrigued. "What's it called?"

"Utopia," her father replied. "All about the ideals of a utopian society. I don't think you'd find it very interesting –"

"You mean like paradise?" Sakura asked, her eyes shining. "May I see that?"

Fujitaka shook his head smiling, but gave her the book anyway. "It's thick for an eight-year-old, Sakura. Maybe one day when you're a bit older, you can understand it better. Even I don't understand some of it, and I'm a full-grown man."

"But I like the name," Sakura said, stroking the brand new leather face of the book. "Utopia."

"You judge too much on names," her father laughed. "If one has a nice name, you'll like it. Is that why you took to your new mother so well?"

Sakura nodded eagerly. "She does justice to her name," she said, eyes bright. "I like Tomoyo too, her name is so beautiful, just like her. I think she looks like a doll, with her white face and long hair and big eyes."

Fujitaka laughed. "Yes, she is beautiful in her own way, but many people would not think so."

"Why not?" Sakura insisted. "She looks beautiful to me."

Fujitaka shook his head. "You wouldn't understand. How about Meiling?"

"Meiling is also beautiful," Sakura agreed. "But her – her courtesy toward others is – is less than substantial, I fear."

Fujitaka stared at her solemnly for a good minute, before bursting into laughter.

"Oh, my daughter, you will be the envy of the court when you grow older," he said, stroking her cheek fondly. "Doubtless Sonomi will make you a fine woman, and your words hold much wisdom, even now."

Sakura smiled back wearily. Somehow now, becoming a lady didn't seem all that bad.

Her father yawned widely, and then stretched. "It's been a long day."

Sakura nodded, her eyes fixed on him. "And you're a husband again."

Fujitaka chuckled. "Yes, a husband again, but a father first and foremost. You and I have been two peas in a pod, just the two of us. I suppose this will take some getting used to." He surveyed his young daughter intelligibly. "You cannot have been this keen the first time you read my letter, could you?"

Sakura blushed, but shook her head. "No," she agreed. "I was not."

"What were you thinking at the time?" her father pressed.

Sakura sighed. "Well," she said. "While reading the letter, at first I was shocked and angry at you, for forgetting Mother so easily. I – I thought you had found a replacement mother, and that you had broken your promise to me, and had forgotten about me."

Fujitaka's eyebrows had risen. "Sakura," he said reproachfully. "Could I have done that to you?"

"No," she said smiling. "And that's why I changed my mind, when Benkei came and talked it over with me. You see, I was scared – scared that I might end up like the little cinder girl, scrubbing the fireplace while her stepmother and stepsisters went to the ball."

Her father burst out laughing. "Oh Sakura," he said, shaking his head. "I think you have begun to read a little too much. Imagine thinking that!"

Sakura grinned sheepishly. "Well…I was scared, and…wasn't thinking rationally. But I've gotten over it. I like them."

"Do you?"

Sakura nodded eagerly. "Very much."

Her father gazed at her thoughtfully. So like her mother, with her fair face and clear green eyes. Her mother had been free-spirited too, and Sakura had inherited that. His daughter was brave, strong and true, despite what others said, he believed that she had not been led astray.

"Good," he said, tucking her into bed. "Because I have to go to China in a month. My general sent me a letter, I have to go."

Sakura sat up straight. "But you just got back!"

"I know," her father said softly. "But I'll be back in three weeks."

"Two," Sakura said obstinately.

"Three."

"Two."

"Three!"

"Three."

"Two –" Fujitaka paused, frowning. Sakura burst out giggling.

"Yay!" she cried. "You said so yourself! Two weeks! That's it!"

Her father sighed melodramatically. "Alright, two. Good night, Sakura."

"Good night, Father."

Fujitaka strapped on his gloves before stepping out the door, and comically acting surprised to see the entire household assembled before him, wearing similar melancholic expressions.

"I've never seen so many gloomy faces looking at me before, not even on the battlefield!" he cried, a smile lighting his features. "I shall be back in two weeks! I'm only paying the general a visit in China, and then going to visit the assembled camps around the border. I will not even be fighting! I will be back in two weeks!"

"Then go," Sonomi said, wrapping her arms around him. "The sooner you leave, the sooner you will return."

Fujitaka smiling, planting a kiss on her cheek before turning to his three daughters. "Perhaps by then the three of you will know each other better, right?" He turned to Sakura, who wore the darkest look of the three. "I'm leaving you in charge of the family, alright? Teach them the way around here. Your stepmother doesn't seem to know how to get her hands dirty."

Sonomi tossed her head arrogantly, giving her stepdaughter a glance far from friendly. Sakura shivered. Her father turned to Tomoyo and Meiling.

"And you two young ladies," he said in a mock-serious voice that made Tomoyo smile and Meiling scowl, "mind that there is a wild creature loose. I'm leaving it to you two to…help her out a tad, if you know what I mean?"

"Don't worry, stepfather. She is in good hands," Tomoyo said softly, smiling before Meiling nudged her in the ribs, and Tomoyo fell silent.

Fujitaka gave his new family one last look before turning to his horse, which waited before the assembled household. He swung into the saddle effortlessly, sliding his boots into the stirrups. The horse nickered gently. Benkei handed him the whip.

"Safe journey, master Fujitaka. We will be here when you return," he said, bowing.

Fujitaka nodded, his face white and drawn, like he hadn't slept that night. Benkei, noting his face, said quickly, "Is anything the matter, sire?"

Fujitaka gave a small laugh and shook his head. "Old war wound. Nothing big. I'd best be going…farewell…"

And he nudged the horse in the side, and they took off, galloping on the worn path to the gate, the sound of iron-shod hooves clattering against the ground echoing in the air…

"Well come along ladies," Sonomi clapped her hands. "Back to your lessons."

She turned to go, Meiling following suit, but Sakura halted them.

"Wait!" she said importantly. "It's tradition, he always waves at the gate."

Sonomi looked at her disdainfully before picking up one of her many skirts and walking inside the house. Meiling followed suit, tossing Sakura a similar disdainful glance before following her mother indoors. Tomoyo looked at Sakura reluctantly before following them as well.

Sakura felt her face heat up before racing to the front of the line, watching the distant rider galloping away, nearly at the gate.

"Come on, Father," she murmured. "You're supposed to wave…wave goodbye to us!"

Almost as a cruel response, Fujitaka slumped over and fell off the horse with a sickening thud.

The sight hit Sakura like a cold slap to the face. "Father!" she screamed, racing toward the fallen man, her heart pounding in her ears. Questions pounded inside her head…why had he fallen off his horse? What was wrong? He had looked ill that morning, he had dismissed it as an old war wound, but why was he on the ground then? Why had he fallen, and not gotten up yet?

She knelt by her father, facedown on the gravelly path. His rider's cloak was strewn about his, she pushed at his shoulder, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Father!" she was still crying, trying to wake him. He was a joker, her father was, maybe any time now, he would jump up, and grin madly and tell them how gullible they all were.

She would have screamed at him then. This was no joke, it was sickening and too real…

"Father, please get up!" she sobbed, trying to turn him over. Then she heard voices and saw others joining them. Benkei, Suki…even Sonomi was somehow there, and between the both of them, they managed to turn him over, pale drawn face to the sky.

"Fujitaka…" Sonomi breathed, stroking his face. "Oh my lord…"

"Father…" Sakura's tears had silenced somewhat, though her face was still wet with falling tears. She was still holding his shoulder, trying to move him, wake him…

His blank eyes twitched for a second, and for a moment, Sakura was ready to scream at him for playing such a cruel joke…but this was no joke. His eyes met his daughter's eyes and he drew in a shaky, pain-filled breath.

"Fujitaka…" Sonomi gasped, her hand running though hair slick with cold sweat.

But he had eyes only for his daughter.

"…Sakura…" he managed, in an aged voice shy of a croak, and Sakura felt something inside her snap, the tears were falling harder and her father wasn't getting up.

"Father…" she was still pushing at his shoulder, trying to get him up. "Please wake up…"

His eyes were misting over, his breathing was hollow.

"…S – Sakura…" he croaked again, his mouth opening and closing and finding no words, no air to breathe.

Then it dawned upon her. This was no joke. This was reality, pure reality, sick reality and she couldn't escape it. Her father was going away. For good.

"Father!" she cried softly, finding his gloved hand and clasping it firmly. "You can't go…you can't…please come back inside, we'll get the best healer, they'll make it better, please don't go…"

He smiled a painful smile. "I…I love you…" he managed, drawing his last breaths. "I love you…"

And he lay perfectly still, his eyes still glazed over.

Sakura's tears fell faster still. Her father was gone, gone! Everyone she knew and cared about were gone! First her mother, then her brother whom she'd never known, and now her father! She was alone, alone in this world, alone with the servants and a stepfamily she barely knew.

Like the little cinder girl…

Sakura felt something stir within her. She would not be like Cinderella! Her father could not leave her! He couldn't!

"Father, please come back!" she cried, shaking him. "Don't leave me!"

And she broke down sobbing.

"Oh, Fujitaka!" Sonomi cried, tears streaming down her face. "You cannot leave me here!" She took a deep breath before sobbing in a louder voice. "You cannot leave me here alone!"

Sakura felt the hands of Yukari and Suki trying to lead her away, but she brushed them off.

"Leave me!" she commanded, before reaching for her father again. "Oh Father, please come back…"

It would be ten years before another man entered her life. One who was still young in so many ways…

D i s c l a i m e r : I don't own CCS, or the plot of Ever After. Read chapter 1 for more details.

A / N : Aww, wasn't that sad? I thought it was, I'm literally crying, this must be one of the saddest things I've ever written, and I feel slightly guilty, having "stolen" most of it off the movie. Yes, it won't be a carbon copy but there will be lots of parallel scenes from the movie to this story. I feel really strapped for originality at the moment (hehe…not . )

Oh, and thank you to all who reviewed! I'm glad there are no flamers…yet…

Thanks to:

Wallpaper – a special thanks for being the first to review!

Wondering-soul – aw, thanks :blushes: yah, Ever After is a very special movie, holds lotsa memories for me. Not sure how the writing style will keep, but I'm obsessed with antiquity-style writing, dunno why tho…hehe. But I've always wondered how Danielle took to having a stepmother and stepsisters after learning about them…and I like the thought of her relating her life to a story, ironically enough, Ever After is based on Cinderella…go figure… And I promise I'll read ur story, haven't had time yet, but now it's XMAS HOLS, so yah, I'll read soon…

Red-sakura-wolf – well, I updated. Hehe…not.

Karai Kodomo – thanks! I was wondering how people would take to a remake of Ever After…I thought people would flame me. I intend to write a lot more controversial stories than this though…stick around and you might see…

Chibimae– yah, it made me cry too! Well sorta, at the masque, that made me cry half a tear…but it's the sweetest movie ever!

And I hope to be updating soon, but it's almost exam time and I need to spend a lot more time on revision, so…yah, updates may take a bit longer. Bye for now, though…

R.S.V.P! (Review, S'Il Vous Plait!)

Lotsa lub,

- Rimjhim