Disclaimer: I don't own Cardcaptor Sakura, its English counterpart, or anything like that. All I own is the storyline and added characters.

I used the Japanese version for my story, even though I watch the English Cardcaptors. This is merely because this version is better defined and the characters are more agreeable to me. Also, this fic takes place in an alternate universe, or AU. The main characters are all in their late teens or early twenties.

This story is purely fiction. Any resemblance to real advents or another story is purely coincidental. (I read that in a book. ^_^)

This chapter is strange and seems a little random (by the way, do you like cheeseballs?) nut I assure you it does tie into the main plot.



The Sakura Valley was a beautiful place, with rich soil, simple earthy huts, and a beautiful palace. The people who lived there were simple folk, farmers, mostly illiterate. The children had no notion of war, fear, pain; all they knew was their own peaceful life.

The palace itself stood on a sloping hill, strewn in flowers. It was of white marble, with towers and such; to describe it would deplete its beauty.

More beautiful still was the one who ruled.

Lady Sakura was tall, with honey-colored hair and emerald eyes. She was a kind, innocent ruler, who had been exposed to reality as much as her people. Brains she had, love abounded in her heart, but were it not for her mentor and friend the toy-like Kero, her country would have fallen long ago.

The lady herself was sitting in her room, patiently enduring her nurse's fussing. Nurse Tomoyo was Sakura's cousin, but her affection was such that she would rather be a servant and friend than a distant princess to the girl.

"Stop fussing, Mistress," Tomoyo scolded. "I can't apply the powder if you keep moving."

"It itches," Sakura complained.

"That's because you wouldn't let me apply the moisturizer-" Tomoyo began.

"That was greasy-"

"And now you suffer the consequences," she continued doggedly.

"How about not applying anything at all?" Sakura pleaded, knowing full well what the answer would be.

Tomoyo dropped her brush.

"N-not- apply- Lady Sakura of Stae City, you are the queen of the Sakura Valley. You are not ALLOWED to wonder around with a naked face. You-"

"Sakura!"

Both girls turned around at this interruption, and both smiled to see whom it was.

"Kero-chan!" Tomoyo cried joyfully, dropping her brush, while Sakura went and squeezed the dickens out of him.

"Lady- I can't- breathe-"

Sakura laughed and released him.

Tomoyo's smile abruptly upside down as she spotting the mark Kero's food- smeared face had left on her nightgown.



* * * * * * * * * *

The servant had been fiddling with his white robes of the healing when he heard a horrible commotion from upstairs. He froze as a hideous screaming filled the air, accompanied by much yelling.

Up he leapt, down the corridor he ran, and against a shaking door he pressed his ear.

It was coming from there, he knew. He clasped his hands together and prayed to the Great Mage for luck before slamming against it.

Trying to break down a door when it is locked may or may not be a sensible thing to do. But as the servant learned, trying to break down a door when it is open is always foolish.

The door, instead of knocking him out as expected, instead opened and let him tumble in to slam into his Queen, knocking her into her vanity. He caught a glimpse feathers flying out of torn pillows and that princess/maid Tomoyo trying to strangle the queen's mentor before he realized his face was partially buried in her chest. This is most often an unfortunate place to be, and as an extra they were trapped underneath the fallen vanity. He and Sakura stared at each other, horror, dismay, and most of all embarrassment crossing each face.

Tomoyo finally looked to her right and saw the strange spectacle. Her anger transformed into physical strength, and it was later described by Kero to a stranger in a bar how exactly odd it was to see the slim girl lift the furniture that had involved the lives of many full cherry trees before throwing the servant off their mistress.

Feru, as was his name, was very apologetic. Tomoyo was far too vexed to recognize his robes, which symbolized the process of healing, and quite frankly screamed to contest a harpy. As the man was physically fit, it meant he must be mentally unhinged.

As she yelled, an intense anger grew inside him, burning until he released verbal flames upon all within earshot. It was all growing very ugly when the antique clock, which had miraculously remained unscathed till this time, chimed the hour.

Tomoyo averted her gaze to the piece of machinery and back to Feru, which let her take in the robes and realize her error, while Feru realized that his appointment with the healing priest Yukito needed him to start at its correct time, which was that very moment.

The servant bowed, smiled shakily, and said, "I am sorry for my outburst. I am due for my anger management class." His anger returned as he exited, and all could hear him breaking the marble walls and crystal windows as he vented his anger. "STUPID anger management class! How I HATE it so! I HATE IT! I HATE IT! I…"



AN: Okay, just don't ask. The next chapter will be better, promise.