Hey!!! *waves* thanks for all the reviews, I loved them!!! *hugs you all* THANK YOU! Sorry for all the flash back business, but next chapter it's gonna be an all dialogue core. And even though Sakura and her family have Japanese names when they are English…..just imagine those are English names, okay? Okay, now read ;)

*~*Thank You list*~*

UrbanCinderella-waaa!!! My first reviewer, feel special ^___~ *blush* peeps just keep on liking my summary…*scratches head* that's a first. But thank you so much!! I hope you like my new chapter^_______^Midnight Crystal-you liked the poem? *blush* thanks, hehehe…I made a second part, yup^^;; yes, Sakura and Syaoran IS kawaii n_n;;  Hehe, espero que voce gosta do novo capitulo^_~

F@l@pino H@ter SlAyer- n__n;; lol, thanks for reviewing!! And see! I have continued!! *points to new chappy* okay, enjoy;)

Nishasha-hey! Thanks for reviewing, and I did add you, just gotta talk sometime, eh? Hope so too! Enjoy!

Girl-who-sings-the-blues- *blush* yes, Syaoran always has a way to conquering Sakura's heart^^;; he's so sexy!! *drool* heheh…Sakura is gonna flip when she sees him^_~ hope you like the new chappy!!

Skylover-^______^;; thanks for reviewing, and enjoy the new chappy!!

Kawaii berry-yes, it's my first CCS fic, I have written other four fics……but they are esca^^;; *points to pen name* yes…..*blush* I'm glad people like my work^^ here's the new chapter!!!!

Kaede-hehe, mind reader^_^;; lol, it's always obvious, but I'll have some twists…*cough* can't say too much, now can I? Nope!!^^;; enjoy!!

Kali Kamiya-thanks for reviewing, and guess what? The new chappy is up! YAY! Hope you like it :p

Lifes-mysteries18-thanks for reviewing ;)

sweet-captor- ^____^ thanks!! I hope you enjoy the new chappy =)

Sakume Nohara-thanks!! enjoy the new chappy^_^

Summer lover-ahhhhhh!! *hugs you* THANK YOU!!! Well….you gotta think like in their time, women couldn't confront men, and she is his daughter, and had to obey him. And don't forget, Sakura is a strong girl^_~ but this chapter explains better, so yeah…….^^;; Syaoran is coming, hold your horses! Hehehe….next chapter we'll see our sexy guy, lol. I haven't seen pirate of the carribean…..u_u;; *sniff* so…not…fair!! *sobs* I'll definetly have to watch it later^_^ I hope you like my new, longer chapter!!! YAY!!! *claps* so proud^.^

Tk-*bows* I try to make my stories different from others, originality is what I aim for^__^ hope you like the new chapter! Thanks once again for reviewing!

kawaiitenshisakura-thanls for reviewing, enjoy the new chapter! =D

KanbiAme- thanks!! ^__^ enjoy the new chapter!

StarJade-^_____^;; some people like the summary…..thanks for reviewing!! I got chapter 2 done *bows* I hope you like it^__~

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thank you all who have reviewed! I'm so happy!! *grins like a maniac* I'm very glad people like this fic^_____^ this chapter is dedicated to you!:p enjoy!!!!!!!!

*~*Thief of my heart*~*

***Chapter two-Unwanted Company***

I wonder what time it is. Thought Sakura as she sat up in bed, scratching her head as she blinked away her peaceful sleep. It must be quite late. She reasoned as she noticed the intense rays of light sipping underneath the wooden door. As Sakura quickly swung herself out of the bed, she scrambled her way to her small wardrobe, looking through her diminutive amount of clothing.

After choosing a plain olive dress, with matching dark green shoes, Sakura combed her silky brown hair carefully. Glancing at her reflection at the mirror, Sakura was pleased with what she saw. When she was finished adjusting her hair with delicate hairpins, she quickly left the room as she shut the door.

While Sakura made her way to the deck of the ship, she was greeted by the fellow crewmembers and the captain.

"Mornin' lil lady," greeted the captain with a nod as he sipped on his tea.

"Morning captain," said Sakura as she breathed the clean air, gazing into the clouds playing with the sun's rays while tucking a flying strand of hair safely behind her ear.

"ya're just in time for breakfast," said the Captain with a smile.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sakura sighed as she lifted her head from her almost finished novel, glancing into space once more. Time is not by my side, the days seem to go on forever. Or at least the days seem longer. It's too dull here, with nothing to do…..and I'm running out of ideas to keep my mind off time…..off my future….. thought Sakura as she glanced at her lap, with a small smile adoring her angelic face.

I wonder how father and brother are doing now…..paused Sakura while she flicked an imaginary dirt as she thought back when her father broke the news of marriage.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Sakura?" asked a faint masculine voice with a knock outside Sakura's room.

"Yes, brother?" replied Sakura softly recognizing the voice as she made her way to open the door, revealing her handsome brother.

"Father wishes to speak to you," Said her brother with a tint of sadness in his eyes.

"What does it concern, Touya?" asked Sakura as she gazed into dark pools of maroon eyes, reflecting so many hidden emotions.

Touya sighed, as he ran his hand nervously through his untamed raven locks, "I cannot answer that for you, he will tell you. But Sakura…" Touya paused, as if thinking what to say, making Sakura anxious.

"Broth—"

"Be brave, you're the bravest person I have ever known, Sakura. Make us proud," said Touya as he gathered a confused Sakura into a warm hug, as she wrapped her arms around his waist, since he was almost two heads taller than her.

"Brother?" asked Sakura unsure of his meaning as he stepped back, clearing his throat while glancing at the floor.

"You should go," replied Touya, as he looked one last time at Sakura before heading to his own way, leaving Sakura to her thoughts while she gazed at Touya's back until he closed the door to his room softly with a click.

Well, better not make father impatient. Thought Sakura as she made her way down the marble stairs, lifting her dress slightly, while she looked sideways at the elaborate tapestry, a scenery of the sea with a few fleet of ships visible to the horizon. Sakura smiled sadly as she turned a corner to see the door where she would meet her mother to read bedtime stories.

Sakura quickly tossed that thought aside as she knocked on the door softly, and after hearing a faint response, she opened it gingerly to see an aged man seated on the grand velvet chair, behind a massive table filled with stacks of documents and papers. The man lifted his head at the presence of his daughter; he smiled softly as he motioned for her to enter the room. Sakura closed the door behind her as she walked slowing to her father, head bowed low to show her embarrassment for making him wait.

"It's all right, Sakura," said her father with nod as he looked at his daughter.

"Hello father," said Sakura as she took her father's hand, brushing her lips softly against the dry hand of her father's.

"Let me see your face, child," said her father hoarsely, while adjusting his bifocals.

Sakura held her head up high with her eyes fixed to her father's, noticing how he aged since her mother's death. Fujitaka was a man in his early sixties, much older than other father's from Sakura's colleagues, since her father married at the age of twenty-seven, when her mother was only sixteen.

Even though at a critical age, it was quieting visible how handsome her father was, with glistening gray hair and a wrinkled smile, many women still wanted to marry him. Sakura smiled as she sat before him, remembering his eyes full of sparkle and a bright smile before changing to dull orbs of auburn and a forced grin after her mother passed away.  He loved her mother very much, and it pained Sakura that he was still grieving over her death even now, after so many years….

As Fujitaka coughed slightly to gain his daughter's attention back, he sat carefully facing the young woman before him, smiling as he saw his wife in her, "You look more like your mother by the day, Sakura."

Sakura's eyes soften at the mention of her mother, and smiled brightly at her father, "Thank you, father."

"She was very beautiful, you have her eyes," Said he father as he looked fondly at her.

Sakura touched her cheek to feel the warm heat emanating as she looked at her father.

Fijitaka coughed as his thoughts resumed to Sakura's reason of presence, "Sakura, how many years old are you now?"

"I'm turning seventeen in two months," Said Sakura curiously as she paused, wondering why her father was asking such a question when he all ready knew the answer, but not act rudely into questioning him.

Her father nodded as his eyes held hidden meaning, " I see, Sakura, have you seen how our profit has been declining?"

Sakura stiffened, what is he trying to say? "I…. I've noticed that it has not been as abundant as other years," Sakura mumbled quietly.

"Yes, that is true," said her father as he leaned against the chair, engulfing him, as if trapping him there forever, "How do you feel about New England, Sakura?"

"I have only been there once, and I find it beautiful, it's so different from here, in England," Responded Sakura carefully, frowning inwardly at her father's questions.

"Sakura, I have something important to tell you," Fujitaka paused once again, thinking his words wisely, "You, and Touya, are my most precious gifts, you know that, right my child?"

Sakura nodded slowly, "Yes, I do."

Fujitaka smiled softly as he leaned forward, as if about to whisper, "You know that whatever I choose, is for the better of this family, correct?"

Sakura nodded her head, "Yes, always."

Her father sighed, while taking her delicate hand in his rough one, "Sakura, I would never do something against my believes if it was entirely necessary, do I not?"

Sakura's eyes widen at the sorrow of her father's words, "Yes, whatever you choose, it's for the best, even if it may cause conflict or unhappy wanting."

"My daughter," said Fujitaka uncomfortably, "You also know I love you," it sounded more like a pleading statement than a question.

"Yes," said Sakura meekly while placing her other hand over her father's warm cheek.

Fujitaka looked once again at his daughter, breaking his heart with the upcoming news, "Sakura, you remember that I once said you could choose the man of your heart? Unlike the arranged marriages as other young women have?"

Sakura looked puzzled by the question, "Yes, I was a child, it has been so many years."

Her father nodded while his eyes stayed focused to Sakura's, "My darling, your father has done something against his will, the only choice, and I want to ask forgiveness."

"Father?" asked Sakura nervously, not liking where the conversation was heading.

"Sakura, the reason why I called you here, is…" Fujitaka sighed, looking at Sakura's confused eyes, "I have arranged a marriage for you."

Sakura stiffened, her eyes widen as the words sunk into her. Arranged marriage, arranged marriage…Now I know why Touya was looking at me that way. Thought Sakura sadly as she blinked back tears almost chocking while she asked the only thing that ran through her head, "why? Why father?"

"I did not wish this fate for you, I would never take your freedom, but alas, there was no other way," said her father quietly.

Sakura kept quiet as she looked at her father with watery eyes, the silence in the room making the air intense and suffocating.

When Sakura could take no more, she finally cried her question, "But how could you do this to me? I….I'm so young, and you promised, you promised…" the last statement was only but a whisper as Sakura collapsed to the floor, covering her mouth as a sob erupted within her throat.

"My child, our income has declined drastically, I didn't want to bother you with men's worries," paused Fujitaka once again while fixing his eyes on the window, noticing the melody of rain falling against the glassed window.

 "Mr. Buckley, your future husband, has a mass factory of vehicles, a wealthy man. He has been looking for a wife, and when he heard of your beauty and our crisis, he decided to make an offer. If I agreed in giving your hand in marriage, he would pay all our debts and more, he would give us 10% of his profit yearly. I disagreed at first, but I knew if we didn't do something soon, all our belongings would be used as payment, and we would be left with nothing."

Sakura stopped wailing as her father's words struck her, she stared at her father, even though knowing it was impolite, she never knew the seriousness of the problem, only viewed it as a minor burden, "I'll do it," said Sakura while shedding no more tears.

Her father blinked, not expecting her daughter to agree so early, and a sad grin formed on his lips," I'm sorry for causing the burden on you, my child. If there was another way, I would have done so."

"I know, father. I'm no longer a naïve child, I may still be young, but I'm a woman, and must take my responsibilities and destiny as it is, after you and Touya have done so much for me." said Sakura softly.

Her father smiled, a true smile, something Sakura had not seen since the day her mother walked on earth, "You are truly Nadeshiko's daughter. She would always put the people she loved the most before herself, completely unselfish, that's why I fell in love with her, she was such a wonderful person."

Sakura smiled, taking both of his hands into her own, " And she fell in love with a wonderful person too."

Her father smiled once again, drawing his daughter into his arms, surprising her, "Thank you, thank you for being my daughter."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sakura smiled. You're welcome…. there was a soft cough, and as Sakura turned her head, she noticed it was the captain, looking a floor, embarrassed to disturb her.

"Sorry to bother you, lil lady, but tis time for supper."

Sakura blinked, not realizing she had spent her whole day dazing off, and soon she smiled with a nod, "Thank you, I haven't noticed the time went by so fast," said Sakura in a daze as she looked up, noticing familiar stars twinkling above her, in a sea of engulfing blackness.

"Tis quiet alright, I will leave you now at peace, your meal is in your room, good night, lil lady," said the captain with a wave as his descending figure disappeared below deck.

Sakura turned her head once again to the stars, wishing she could stay this way forever, relaxed and carefree, with nothing to worry about, problems out of her mind for a mere split second. Sakura started to hum her favorite song once more, enjoying the cool breeze tickling her soft creamy skin, closing her eyes as she savored the moment in her mind.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sakura made her way to the room as she hugged herself, trying her best to prevent the penetrating air to weave itself through her thin dress flying helplessly with the wind. I knew I should have brought a shawl. Despite the chilling sensation, Sakura smiled as the tune of the music kept playing in her mind. I know, one day I'll find true love. Thought Sakura determinedly as she opened the door to her room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sakura snapped her eyes open to the faint sounds and murmurs that could be heard outside of her room. Sakura hesitated, wondering why someone would be conversing in the middle of the night. Curiously, she crept out of bed silently. Sakura scratched her eyes while walking slowly as she pressed her ear against the door, trying to comprehend what was occurring. What is happening outside? It sounds…it sounds as if they are moving about, and yelling? Why? Sakura was becoming hostile, and decided to dress first before exploring. Even though she was dead curious, she still had to keep her modesty.

Once Sakura was dressed to a simple navy blue dress, and black slippers, she opened the door carefully, avoiding any unwanted attention. Sakura peeked her head outside, noticing men walking everywhere, holding...guns? Sakura was utterly confused.

To the far end, she could dimly see the men where lining canons, for what? This was a crusade ship, not some war ship! Or where they really? Sakura panicked, realizing she was the only female, and alone with these…. pirates? She did not want to think what would happen to her if she were alone in a room with one of those….wild creatures. Sakura shuddered at the horrifying thought; not even realizing there was a figure towering over her.

"Lil lady," said the captain hoarsely.

Sakura jumped with a yelp as she did not feel his presence, and blushed at being caught peeking, as if she did something wrong.

"What are you doing up in the middle of the night?" asked the captain more seriously.

Sakura gaped, and closed her mouth, and when she was about to say something, nothing came.

The captain raised his brow at her, and Sakura blushed once more, placing her hand over her flaming cheeks, "I, uh...heard some bizarre sounds," confessed Sakura timidly.

"Tis not safe for ya to be awake at such a time," said the captain as something flashed before his eyes, making Sakura even more curious.

"I'm a light sleeper, and this is the first time I have heard any kind of moving about at night," said Sakura confidently as she looked straight into the captain's eyes.

The captain blinked, never hearing Sakura speak in that tone before, and than softened seeing her willpower, "There is something going on, lil lady, you're quiet the observer."

If Sakura was in other circumstances, she would have blushed madly, and there was no time for such foolish things, and she asked politely, ignoring the last statement, "What is happening?"

At those words, the captain's eyes changed, "I wouldn't want to bother you with such problems."

Sakura frowned, she wanted an answer soon before she yanked her hair out, and it did not help that the captain was blocking her once perfectly good view.

"Captain, I'm aboard this ship, and I should know what is happening," Said Sakura gathering impatience. Why are men so secretive?

The captain gulped, "I…..lil lady, I suggest you go back into your room, we are very busy," said the captain as he began to retreat.

Sakura boiled how could they be so pig headed?? "I would like an explanation, now," growled Sakura, surprised by her own actions.

The captain stopped abruptly, turning on his heel as he faced the beautiful young woman, "We are being followed by pirates."

.

.

.

.

.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Wolves cry with aching hearts,

Angels roam the earth with empty meanings.

Gazing into their eyes with found destinies,

Sharing two hearts into one as they soar.

Obstacles may come with awakening sorrow.

As gentle as flowers baked under the mighty sun,

As strong as the glistening sword of brave knights.

They remain together with stronger emotions,

Side by side as they make their way to freedom.

All end with happiness,

As they seal their love with a kiss.

That nothing is greater than true love.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

muhahahah!!! *cough cough* evil cliffy here!! Sorries, but I just HAD to end there^___~ I hope you liked this new chapter, and please review! They are really important to me, thank you!! sorry once again for the flashbacks, they are important. Until next time,

hitomi-chan^-^

19/09/03