Disclaimer: I don't own the CCS characters or affiliated names, the ladies of CLAMP do. I do however, own everything else.

Words of the Wolf:

Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss. – (I do not recommend this in reality, just metaphorically…)

Why are there six pedals when there are only four directions? – Caboose, RvB

Warning: This story isn't 100 percent about skating. It's more about the people. (This needs to be explained to some people)


Live Life on the Rails

Part 1

Chap 4

"Guys…I understand this is a war. That the enemy has masses against our meager guerilla forces… But could someone please explain the purpose behind this madness?" Sakura exasperated.

She had been put into service, currently putting color dye in shampoo, and gorilla glue in hair gel, and several other things. Tomoyo was working with Akira on something with wires, while Kioshi was on the phone, and Takeru…was being Takeru, as he lay quietly on the bench.

Akira answered, "What you are doing is one of the key parts of our plan. Just know that your job is vital."

Sakura was grumbling about the lack of information as Kioshi finally got off the phone.

"Alright troops, it's time!"

Everyone stood and mock saluted him as they left the school's garden roof top and headed down the stairs to the gym. Sakura handed the many bottles of mixed ingredients to Takeru, and Tomoyo passed him several other things that had been placed in a bag for the quiet burly boy to carry.

Being careful not to be seen by the teachers or fellow students who were running about the gym, the four 3rd years peered through the window as Takeru snuck into the boy's locker room, and 5 minutes later, he was in the girl's locker room.

No one saw him, no one noticed the tall skater enter and leave the locker rooms. Sakura asked, a bit in awe,

"Is this why he's called Phantom?"

The others nodded, and Akira spoke up, "Takeru's family is one of those old martial arts clans. They get hired a lot as body guards."

Takeru joined them after a few minutes, and the five watched as the PE students started going to the locker rooms. Waiting with anticipation, 6 minutes later the screams of horror and anger started, and the older members of Windy high tailed it out of there.

Skating out of the school parking lot the second the bell rang, they headed to a nearby gas station across the street, taking out toy binoculars as they sat on the curb, Akira passing out cans of soda. Not a minute later, the others of Windy joined them, and together the group had some good laughs as the 3rd year preps and jocks all came out to the school parking lot with some form of punishment, be it dyed hair, dyed body, sticking up hair, hands stuck in hair, odd teeth colors, or suspiciously soaked clothes. It seemed some were still having problems with their slick soled shoes.

It just made Sakura laugh harder as they scrambled out of the school property, frantic. Kioshi stood when most of them had left their sight, "Well, I think that was one of the best pranks ever. Happy Birthday, Sakura-chan!"

The others put in their own words, and Sakura just beamed at them. It was a pre-celebration of her birthday, so the prank had been set up quickly. When they were done with their drinks, they got on their boards and headed to Sakura's, having been invited to celebrate her 18th birthday.

None of them said anything as her home came into view, but she saw a few looks of appreciation as they passed through the fashioned iron gate, and they passed a slightly crowded driveway. Entering the house, Etsuko was already at the front door, greeting Sakura. Sakura beamed at the older woman,

"Etsuko-san, these are my friends. Tomoyo, who you might remember. Kioshi, Akira, and Takeru are third years with us. And Eniwa, Shouta, and Kenji, our Kouhai. They all came for the party tonight."

At first Etsuko's face was a bit frozen, but her smile brightened after a second, and she ushered the parade inside, taking their shoes into a little cubby by the entrance. The older woman eyed the boys critically, and asked Sakura quietly,

"Do they need attire?"

Sakura shook her head, whispering back, "Did you get a package for me today?"

Etsuko nodded, curious. "Yes, we put in your room."

Sakura smiled, "Their clothes are in there…Also, could you not tell our parents about Tomoyo being here? We want to surprise them."

Etsuko smirked knowingly, "Of course I won't, dear. Now, go upstairs. Your mother's in the kitchen with the cooks, and your father's bound to come out of the parlor soon with the guests. Don't want them catching you. As for your friends, I'll say you have company joining us."

Sakura pecked Etsuko's cheek, "Thank you, Etsuko!"

With that, the eight of them ran up the stairs, and Sakura closed her bedroom door quietly behind her when everyone was inside. Tomoyo spoke up first, glancing around the room.

"Definitely different from your old room."

Sakura nodded, watching as the guys went straight for the TV and game consoles. "Yeah. I like it, I really do…but sometimes I miss my old bedroom."

Tomoyo quirked an eye brow. "You mean in the old house, or in America?"

Sakura sat down on her bed. "The old house, before we moved to America. It was before Kinomoto-obaa-san died. I loved the traditional house. Remember, we used to skate across the halls, and get in trouble for messing up our kimono?"

Tomoyo smiled. "Yep, Yukito and Toya both were chasing us around."

The two shared a grin as they turned to watch the guys already going at it on the Xbox. Tomoyo got up to open the large box that was left by Sakura's desk, and she pushed it over to the bed before opening it.

Pulling out several outfits, Sakura got a good look at what the guys would be wearing. They had the same design, a tailored black suit with little fixes that Tomoyo had given to them to create a more fashionable air instead of the usual humdrum, and different shirt colors to change the uniformity. Calling over the younger boys, Tomoyo assigned the suit with the boy, and sent them to change in Sakura's bathroom.

First came out the twins. They had higher popped collars, Shouta in a purple shirt while his brother wore a blue shirt, both with black ties. Eniwa had on a black shirt under the jacket, and a silver chain necklace, while his hair was put in a higher ponytail.

The rest got off the game console long enough to change as well. Akira wore a black shirt as well under his jacket, but with a red tie matching his hair, and the collar lapels a bit longer on his than the others. Takeru had a white shirt and black tie, though his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, and he wore fingerless black gloves. Kenji had on a green shirt with both collars popped up, but wore a gold necklace and a single gold chain on his hip.

Sakura wanted to laugh at how they looked so out of place in these clothes, but Tomoyo was quick to staunch that laugh by showing Sakura her own dress. Sakura almost said no right then and there, but the look on Tomoyo's face stopped all protest. Going into the bathroom, Sakura weaseled her way into the contraption with Tomoyo's help, and sat on the toilet seat as Tomoyo worked on make up and hair. Sakura wanted to fidget, but since she didn't want to make her cousin redo everything, she stayed perfectly still.

When Tomoyo finally backed away, Sakura could almost hear the smile in her best friend' voice. "Take a look Sakura."

Standing now, she moved to examine herself in the mirror, and she was shocked at herself. She was gorgeous…and she felt comfortable with her new attire and make over. Her long hair had been bumped up in the back, and a bun held almost carelessly, her hair let loose in strands of banana curls, her long bangs swept off to the left of her face, showing the dramatic and smoky effect of black eyeliner and gold and red eye shadow.

The dress was a corset bodice of black silk and gold embroidered dragons, the fabric under the skirt was taffeta and puffed up the burgundy satin to the ground, with black ribbons falling and swept into a multi layered bow in the back under the corset. Along with the dress were arm length black lace gloves that were cut to show Sakura's hand, though the fabric was held in place by a ring on Sakura's middle fingers. The jewelry was just as beautiful, a simple silk black choker with a dangling gold chain holding a tear drop ruby, and in Sakura's ears were matching dangling gold chains.

The first words that escaped her red painted lips were not praise, however.

"Goth-lolli? Seriously, Tomy-chan?"

Tomoyo smiled at the mirror as she now changed into her own clothes.

"Not exactly. More like Moulin Rouge meets lolli. This isn't your official debut, but this will give the impact that you are a versatile model. And nothing says versatile, like a tomboy skater, wearing this. Now, help me, I need the sash to be a little tighter."

Sakura turned around to help Tomoyo into her own dress of the evening. It was a tight purple dress that fell to the floor, though the top half was white with a kimono collar that ended at her cleavage and long sleeves that ended at Tomoyo's knees. Around Tomoyo's middle was a black obi with a simple knot, the black fabric falling to the floor along with the rest of the dress.

Tomoyo made quick work of her own hair and make up. She straightened it, putting half of her hair in a bun with two chopsticks with dangling silver moons. She put on thick black eyeliner and misty silver eye shadow. Around her neck was a simple silver chain with a pendant.

With the two of them finished, they left the bathroom, and the guys turned to only have their eyes bulge out. Takeru was the one to speak up first, nodding his head at them with a slight smile.

"You both look very beautiful. You'll do great."

For some reason, that was the only praise Sakura needed to feel better about this whole night. The others were quick to follow in lavishing praise, to which both girls smiled and laughed. After a while, a knock on the bedroom door quieted everyone done. Sakura called out from the couch, controller in hand.

"Yes?"

Etsuko's voice came from behind the door. "It's time to come downstairs, Sakura-chan. Everyone's gathered down in the living room…and your brother mentioned something about grand entrances and tripping, but I didn't catch all the details."

Sakura rolled her eyes, but responded back, "Alright, thank you! I'll be down in a second."

Turning off the game, Sakura took a deep breath and looked at her new friends. With a wry grin, she asked timidly,

"Ready?"

Tomoyo came over, adjusting Sakura's skirt, and adding a pin to Sakura's hair that had some netting fall in front of Sakura's face, stringing something around Sakura's hair. She smiled brightly at Sakura.

"Come on, we'll knock 'em dead. Guys, you go out first. Do it just like I told you. We want this unofficial debut to awe the guests."

Kioshi stretched his arms, getting a yawn out before they went downstairs,

"Why is that again?"

Tomoyo swatted his arm, before rechecking his and the other's suits. "Because, most of these people are future patrons, investors, and could help Sakura get in the gate with job offers."

The boys nodded and Kioshi led the way out the door. As Sakura left her bedroom, she felt the butterflies rushing into her stomach, her heart pounding so rapidly, her hands shaking. Tomoyo took notice, and squeezed Sakura's hand, whispering in Sakura's ear.

"It's like skating, with out the board. Just one trick, one breath, one step at a time."

Tomoyo let go, and started going down the stairs first. From the top landing, Sakura could hear the gasps of awe and murmurs of confusion. Waiting a few seconds, she took another deep breath, and then took the first step.

It felt like hours as the party in the living room came into view, and Sakura did everything she could to keep her basic functions running. Breath, blink, step, keep balanced, back straight, just move forward. At the sides of the 5 foot wide staircase, were the boys of Windy standing erect on either side a few steps away from each other, faces in a grin, and as Sakura finally came to stand between Takeru and Kioshi, both came forward and linked arms with her.

Sakura saw from under the netting the shock from the guests of the party. There was a sense of satisfaction at seeing not just her parents dropped jaws, but Etsuko's and the other house staff, and Toya looked ready to either tackle the boys or hyperventilate. Sakura kept stepping down the stairs smoothly, her head still held up, and as her escorts walked down, the others walked down the stairs so to make way for the three.

Tomoyo was standing at the very bottom, where the other boys came to stand, Eniwa and Akira taking Tomoyo's arms. Finally stepping to the bottom of the long staircase, Sakura smiled serenely at the still stunned guests. In her head, she congratulated herself for not tripping, but she spoke kindly,

"Welcome, everyone, to my 18th birthday party."

It took a second, but everyone responded in someway, but most were shouts of 'Happy Birthday!' Sakura's parents and Aunt Sonomi came over, Toya not to far behind. Fujitaka asked, curious,

"Sakura…what's going on?"

His question was brushed aside when Sonomi inquired, "So, when did you girls find out?"

The cousins looked at each other, eyes laughing. Tomoyo responded, "The day after Sakura got back. We met at the mall's book store."

All four of their family grumbled, and Fujitaka shrugged, "Guess no one won that one."

Sakura laughed, extending her hand out to Tomoyo. "I win this one, Tomy-chan."

Tomoyo nodded a smirk on her face at the surprise on her family's faces as she brought from her sleeve a couple bills, handing them over to Sakura. "I don't feel a bit sad that I lost that one either."

Now that that was settled, Sakura decided to introduce their friends, pointing them out. "Okaa-san, Otou-san, these are our friends; Kioshi, Takeru, Eniwa, and Akira. The twins hustling food from the waiter are Shouta, with the purple shirt, and Kenji, with the blue one. Guys, these are my parents, Fujitaka, and Nadeshiko, and my brother Toya. My other brother, Yukito, isn't here, but you'll meet him eventually."

The four present all bowed and greeted her family kindly, and Sakura's parents responded in kind, thanking them for pulling Sakura under their wings. After a few minutes of greeting some of the other guests, Sakura found someone she had and yet had not wanted to see. The woman with black hair and pale skin stood proudly in the center of a circle's attention, wearing a designer suit of cream and blue, a soft laugh escaping her at listening to someone's joke.

Sakura dislodged herself from her escorts, motioning for them to go over to Tomoyo and the others, and she proceeded over to the circle alone. A silent approach however was not going to happen, as someone nearby called out her name.

"My, Sakura-sama, you look so beautiful! I never would have recognized you with this outfit, if someone had said otherwise!"

Turning to face this other group, Sakura smiled at the compliment, and answered. "Thank you. My mother would be proud to hear of it."

The group of gentlemen and few ladies chuckled, and the nearest man pulled Sakura into the circle, linking arms with her as he patted her hand gently. His voice was gravely and rough, but gentle,

"A magnificent entrance to one's own birthday; Gave half of us a heart attack, including myself, Sakura-chan."

Sakura grinned at the old man holding her arm, knowing him very well. His name was Tanaka Kitamaru, a jovial old man that reminded her of a Santa Claus without a beard a clean hair cut. He was a decent sized man, and filled out his blue business suit, but his smile just made you want to smile right back. He had always been very close to the family, and considered Sakura, Toya, and Yukito as his own grandchildren, since they spent many years at the Kinomoto restaurants, which he ran in place for the family.

"Who am I to pass up an opportunity such as that, Kita-jii-san?"

He chuckled again, "Never one to not surprise, ne?"

The others nodded, laughing a bit at the small joke many in the Kinomoto's social circles had in connection with the Kinomoto daughter. Sakura glanced around the circle, noticing some others that she knew well.

"Ai-san how is your family? Is your wife well? I heard from my parents that she was in the hospital a bit earlier than expected for the baby."

Mihara Ai was a short man, but not to be ignored, since he was chairman of the technology company that was in joint with the Daidouji family's Piffle Princess. He was only 37, but a very intelligent and serious man, and he was the one that was leading the technology market, especially in toys and entertainment. He smiled fondly at Sakura,

"She is well, thank you for asking. It was actually just a scare, but the doctor told her to be less active for now. Ichiro is excited about having a little sister. Three years old, and ready to be a grown up."

Sakura laughed softly. "He'll be a great older brother, I don't doubt."

Ai nodded his head in a silent thank you. Sakura shifted her attention to another gentleman. He was plain looking with a clean cut black hair, and not very eye catching in anyway despite his expensive business suit, and just an inch taller than Sakura, but he had a trustworthy smile, which was directed at Sakura. Namayaru Toshiro was a clean cut kind of man, and very formal, but sometimes you could crack his shell to get him to talk. He was in charge of the Agriculture which held properties for farms, fishing sectors, and produces, and while half of the foods went to her family's restaurants, the other half went to market and grocery stores.

"And you, Toshiro-san? Have you and your daughters been well?"

The 40-something years old man nodded, "My eldest is in her last year of university. She has the highest marks out of anyone in Tokyo U in her department of Scientific Research. And my youngest is starting her first year in senior high school."

Sakura nodded, "You must be really proud of them!"

"That I am."

Before Sakura could speak anymore, she heard her mother's voice calling for everyone's attention.

"Everyone, it seems dinner is ready to go, so let us adjourn to the dining room."

With out a protest, everyone starting heading towards the smell of food, and Sakura unlatched from Kitamaru and found Takeru and Kioshi at her side once again. They guided her to the head table with the rest of her family, and she was sitting facing the entire party, between Tomoyo and her father. Toya had decided to put it upon himself to take photos of almost every little thing about the party. The boys of Windy were able to get a table near by the head table, the work of Etsuko, to which Sakura was grateful.

The courses of meals came and went, and Sakura ate what she could, though her nervous stomach was trying to rebel. It came as a shock to Sakura, that she was so anxious about this. When she was skating, she was in her element, and had this calm about her when she was about to start. But now, she was almost scared of what was about to happen.

Standing up, Sakura tapped the side of her glass, ringing everyone's attention to her with the clear sound. Looking around the room, she swallowed hard. Over 40 people were staring at her as she gathered her thoughts quickly.

"Thank you all for coming here tonight to celebrate with me. It's not over yet, but I have finally decided on an issue that several have been wondering for years."

At this, Tomoyo stood up to the side of her, smiling, and Sakura continued.

"My cousin Tomoyo is officially starting her fashion line in time for the fall, named Clow, and I've been asked to be model, face, and spokesperson for the line. And after some considerable thought, I have agreed to follow in my mother's footsteps, as Tomoyo has followed in her mother's steps. So, I hope all of you will wish us well with our career plans and endeavors."

It was quiet for a few seconds, until a sort of cheer up roared around the room, a wave of congratulations was heard through out the room. Nadeshiko and Sonomi rose up to hug their daughters first. Nadeshiko held tightly onto her daughter, smiling so brightly that she looked ready to faint from excitement.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?"

Sakura snuck a quick glance at Tomoyo, who twitched her head just slightly. Sakura bit her lip a little as she smiled, fighting the urge to tug at her bangs.

"I wanted this to be a surprise, because I've thought about this very much."

Nadeshiko nodded her head, smoothing some of the fabric on Sakura's dress. Sonomi grinned at her niece, pulling her into a hug as she whispered softly,

"Then, thank you for joining Tomoyo on her endeavor. We'll have a meeting later about all the legal stuff. But for now, congratulations."

Sakura smiled, and as others came up to the front table to offer their congratulations and hints of support to the both of them, she eased up a little, as Toya started taking group photos of herself and others.

The deserts were brought out, and as guests mingled between the tables and around the model and designer-to-be, prodding for details of how this came to be. As Sakura finished answering the question from an inquirer, her attention was caught by the appearance of a well known figure. The black haired Chinese beauty came walking over to Sakura and Tomoyo, a bright smile on her face as a path seemed to melt to make way for her approach. With out so much as a hello, she pulled the young girls into a warm hug.

"Oh, you two are such a delight to see. I've been yearning for both of your attentions all evening, and you've ignored me completely. There is pain in this old woman's heart."

Tomoyo balked, "Old you are not, Yelan-san. As for the slight, you punish us as you see fit."

Yelan's sleek black eyes narrowed as the corner of her mouth lifting as she glanced playfully between the two girls. "Is that so? Well, how about this for punishment; I want a photo with you two. I haven't had one with the two of you since you were starting elementary school."

Both girls smiled at the woman, and linked arms with her, and Sakura said in all seriousness,

"We accept your punishment."

Yelan chuckled, and the three went to grab Toya for a photo. Yelan was placed in a chair, and Sakura and Tomoyo stood on either side of her. After a few snaps, Toya ordered Nadeshiko and Sonomi to stand behind their daughters. Soon, it turned into a family photo, as Toya was pulled into it by Fujitaka, and Kenji was given the camera.

When that was finished, Yelan stayed next to the girls as others came around to talk. Sakura mainly asked after their families and their health, though she did question about some of the businesses statuses. There had apparently been some trouble with the hospitals that Sakura's family had founded in the past, though it quickly been taken care of, and was under the watch of their chair representative, Mihashika Keiko. Keiko was a tall and slender woman of 40, with a hawk like appearance, and had a serious nature and sharp tongue to match it. She wasn't the type to brown nose, which was why Sakura's parents kept her in charge of the hospital front.

Their family's lawyer Takamuo Takashi only came by to wish them well before he'd have to head out, the early 30's lawyer had apparently still no luck on the dating scene, but Sakura and Tomoyo wished him well with his date tonight. He blushed at their support, being the quiet and modest guy he was, but he smiled at them with simple thanks as he left.

"You know, I have a feeling it isn't going to work out well tonight." Sakura said quietly, watching the man leave. Tomoyo and Yelan nodded, and Yelan added,

"He smells like to much perfume and delicacies. She'll probably misunderstand completely and throw a fit; poor Takashi-kun."

They didn't have much time to think about the possible predicament that the young man would be in, because Etsuko and a few others carried in the last dessert. A large sheet of chocolate cake with caramel drippings, with heath bar crunches and whipped butter cream. Sakura had to take a really deep breath to blow out all 18 of her candles, and everyone clapped as the last flame blew out.

The guests didn't start leaving until midnight, and Sakura saw them out the door, making sure the inebriated ones had a ride home, and as the last of the adults left, she finally collapsed on the couch in the family room, where the boys of Windy were once again going at the game console, and Tomoyo sat down pristinely next to the exhausted Sakura, and she pulled the pile of trinkets off Sakura's head, placing them in her lap.

After a while, Sakura managed to steal one of the wireless controllers from the twins, and she was sprawled in front of the TV on the floor with the rest of the boys, going at it in an all out Halo 3 death match. As she sniped someone, there was a flash of light, and everyone turned to see Toya grinning evilly,

"You sure look poised and ready to take the world by storm, ugly Kaiju."

Sakura glared at her brother, stopping herself from throwing the controller at him. She growled a warning,

"Toya…"

However it seemed Toya's attention was now split six ways as he stared down these strange boys. It was quiet for a couple seconds, until he smiled warmly at them, sitting on the ground. Introducing his-self properly this time, he got a controller from one of the guys, and soon it turned into a match of him and Takeru vs. Akira and Shouta in a slayers match.

Sakura sat back on the couch, baffled, and Tomoyo was also in the same condition. Toya had assimilated and accepted these boys in seconds. Sakura whispered into her cousin's ear, still apprehensive,

"You think he was abducted and replaced by someone?"

Tomoyo shrugged, "I don't know, but I like this new Toya-nii-san."

Before Sakura could comment, the other adults finally came in, Fujitaka settling himself into his arm chair while the three women behind him were giggling hysterically about something or other. The three of them squeezed onto a love seat together, Nadeshiko practically sitting on Yelan's lap, but none of them minded as they acted like high schoolers.

Fujitaka asked his daughter seriously, "Are you positive about this, Sakura?"

Sakura sat up and nodded her head. Fujitaka gazed at his daughter for a bit, until he smiled softly, "Then you have my support."

Nadeshiko chimed in, her voice firm yet gentle, "We'll work out the details in the morning, so you stay here tonight."

She had directed that at Tomoyo as well, who replied with a simple yes. After a while, the guy's rides finally arrived, but before they left, Sakura pulled them all into a group photo with her and Tomoyo, and she hugged each one tightly. As they left through the front door she called out,

"Thank you."

It was Eniwa who spoke up this time, and he smirked charmingly, "Happy Birthday, Empress Ying Fa."

They waved her off, and Sakura came back into the house, a smile on her face after a long and tiring night. Hugging the three slightly tipsy women good night, to which they gave the girls sloppy kisses good night, and Fujitaka crushing the two girls in bear hug, and Toya practically chasing the two up the stairs, Sakura finally let out a deep sigh.

Neither spoke as they helped each other untie their dresses, pulling them off and slipping into pajamas. Tomoyo unpinned the bump in Sakura's hair, and like an old hobby, brushed it out, before wiping the make up off. They crawled into Sakura's bed, and as sleep almost took her, Sakura grabbed Tomoyo's hand like when they were kids. She whispered into the dark, not expecting an answer,

"Are we even remotely ready for this?"

She was caught by surprise when Tomoyo chuckled and whispered back,

"Not even. That's why we need help. It's going to be hard, but we'll pull through. With the two of us together, everything always comes out right."

Sakura tightened her grip on her best friend's, a wavering smile on her face unseen. She cleared her throat in response,

"We always seem to get in trouble, ne?"

Tomoyo giggled softly and Sakura joined her, while sleep began to over take them, and the moon stretched its light through parts in the curtain to illuminate the bed and the clasped hands.


"Sakura, Tomoyo, it's time for you to get up. You've got a long day ahead of you."

Sakura wanted to ignore the disturber of sleep, but Etsuko was no person to mess with. One sign that you weren't getting up, and she would open the curtains and pour water on you. Sitting up, Sakura yawned, stretching her arms a little as she saw that Etsuko was moving around the room, picking up clothes while other house staff members were going in and out of the room, bringing gift wrapped boxes and gift bags.

Shaking Tomoyo a little, Sakura rubbed the crumb out of her eyes as she took a better look at the illusion. Nope, it was real. There was a mountain of presents in her bedroom. Etsuko smiled warmly at the upright Sakura as she looked around the room.

"First, breakfast, which should be up here momentarily, and then you need to open the presents, and we've already found some thank you notes you can chose from to write back. At around noon, you've both got lunch at the Daidouji's. Don't worry about dressing up; this is just an informal meeting."

Sakura nodded numbly as she crawled out of the bed first and ran to the bathroom quickly. Her business finished, she stepped aside so Tomoyo could go in, and she saw that breakfast was already provided on a large tray. Munching on the oatmeal, Sakura waited for Tomoyo to finish her own breakfast before she'd enlist her help with the gifts.

Tomoyo pulled out a pad of paper, and Sakura started unwrapping. It took almost an hour to get everything, but not a gift was left behind. Most of the gifts were simply gift certificates, or returnable items, but she also had many jewels sent to her, small pieces of furniture, kimono, hair trinkets, and the like. Gratefully, some knew her enough to get her video games, and new skating equipment. Her skating manager and trainer, Tsubame, had also sent a gift of boxing gloves since Sakura's old ones had worn out.

She was quick to write the thank you notes, and finished in time to make it to the lunch meeting. Tomoyo picked out her clothes for her, throwing a pair of pants at Sakura.

"We're laying low today, so I'll let you go normal. Wear your fake glasses, too."

Sakura did as told, and put on a hoodie too with a large hood. The two girls went by car to the Daidouji home, and were ushered in by the house's guards. Lowering the hood but keeping on the glasses, Sakura followed behind Tomoyo as they went to the dining room.

Inside already were their mothers, Yelan, and Nadeshiko's business partner and family friend, Yamato Kisaki, who had retired from modeling to start the agency and studio with Nadeshiko. They waved the girls inside, and someone brought in lunch for them.

Sakura didn't even realize she had been so nervous about all of this, until she realized that she had eaten her whole meal, and not once did she even notice the taste, or what she had eaten. Her mind had been so wrapped up listening to the four women speaking and deciding what was going to happen from then on.

"Obviously, the sooner she starts lessons, the better. Since the image being portrayed by Sakura's physique is usually a down side to most designers, we need to find a way to silence the protests before they start."

Kisaki nodded fervently to Nadeshiko's statement, putting in her own piece,

"We'll need to start a portfolio gradually. As for lessons, she should start immediately."

Yelan and Sonomi consented to this, and Yelan restated something,

"We need Sakura to have at least three successful magazine appearances and a billboard by the start of summer vacation. She needs to have her name out there, before Tomoyo's featured fall line in September."

Sonomi inquired, "Does Tomoyo's line have you as the support for its fabrics and sew shops?"

Yelan nodded, sipping her tea, "Of course. I'll also have some assistants and design students hired to help her along. I know Tomoyo's already taken fashion classes and have been job shadowing you for years, but it never hurts to have more creativity. Tomoyo, what is the main image of your line?"

Tomoyo swallowed her food before answering, "It sounds almost cliché, and kind of risky, but it's a contradictory broad focus. A dabble in everything, a unique clash of clothes styles; dresses for all occasions, clothes for kids, clothes for teens of all cliques, and clothes for adults of all back grounds."

Yelan's eyebrow rose up, "So, a department store approach?"

Tomoyo smiled, "Exactly, just more fashionable."

The four women smirked at the young girl's confidence. Sakura felt a bit jealous that Tomoyo had the confidence to back up her dream. Sakura didn't even really want to be here. She wanted to be back in the US, skating to her little hearts content. But there was no backing out.

As the four woman deliberated, with Tomoyo commenting here and there, it was decided what Sakura's new schedule will look like.

On Monday, she would begin acting and modeling classes at Nadeshiko and Kisaki's agency and studio, with special supplementary classes. Everyday five hours after school she would be training. It felt like unfair special treatment, but Sakura knew that both of them would doggedly train her and force her beyond all limits unlike other models, because they can.

Yelan made herself a supervisor of sorts for both girls, planning to catch up on both of their progress, seeing as she had plans to make sure they started off properly.

As Sakura got back into the car to head home, she was still left in her musings. She had confidence in her athletic ability but not in this whole new world she was being submerged into. But from now on, she'd have to use bravado to hold face and to fulfill her cousin's dream.

As Sakura realized something, she sighed quietly to herself, a slight smile on her face. She was truly pitiful. For almost ten years she had lived without any real sort of friendship aside from family or camaraderie with other skaters. She had thought she was fine with these kinds of things. But she wasn't. It was why she was so accepting of the boys of Windy. Why she was willing to go along with anything.

She didn't want to let Tomoyo down. She didn't want to lose her best friend again.


Author Commentary:

My brain is fried. The first half of this chapter felt more up to par for me, but I think I dropped the ball during the end of the birthday party.

Anyways, again as I always lamely do, I apologize for these long lapses in time between updates. I always plan on writing, and cranking out a chapter or three for my stories, but then I lose all the juices.

College and work are succubae. They truly are.

That, and I'm stuck in this rut of depression and doubt, so it happens.

Hopefully, I'll have another chapter out by October, since lately my soul has been a little bit more replenished.

This chapter was betaed by Atsuko Tenshi, and my new beta Shiroyuji. YAY!

Alright, you know the drill, Read it, Review it, Love it! Later

Wolf