Chapter 1

A Terrible Past

Flashback

A 3 year old girl with innocent emerald eyes watched as her mother and father were unfairly accused of attempting to injury the next young duke of their city, by bumping into his royal pram accidentally. The same pair of eyes witnessed her parents forced onto the killing platform (AN: he he.... Couldn't think of a better name for it...). There was a moment of silence. Then chop. Her parent's lives were ruthlessly cut short by the guillotine. The little girls stared at her brother, not knowing the truth of what just happened.

A lonely 17 year old Sakura wondered the streets begging for scraps of food. After her parents' death, her brother had taken care of her by doing odd jobs 24/7 as a way to supply food to the table. But it was never enough.

Flashback ends

When Sakura was 10, her brother caught a particularly bad cold, and could not longer continue work. If only they could have afforded a doctor, her brother would not have had to suffer, and eventually die from starvation.

Flashback

"Touya, I'm hungry Can I have some bread"

"I'm sorry Sakura, but all we have left as bread crusts" cough

"That's okay, I don't mind crusts" (AN: All of you people out there who waste food.... BE ASHAMED!!!)

Sakura hops happily to a clean...um... cleanest corner of their... house. Actually it was more of a couple of cardboard boxes put together in a stinky alleyway.

"Here Touya, you have some. You sick, you need to build up your strength"

"No, cough you eat it cough sniff. I'm feeling a sniff bit tired cough I think I'll cough sleep for a while.

"Are you sure brother? Your cold is getting worse, so I suppose rest is good for you."

Touya falls into a blissful sleep, only to wake and find he has joined his parents up above. When Sakura goes to wake him up she finds him stone cold, and that he is no longer breathing.

Flashback ends

Sakura weeps for his death, and still does... 7 years later.

Sakura's P.O.V

'Hum... I wonder if the baker has any crumbs left. He's such a kind person to offer me food, even if it's only a little. I don't blame him. Times are hard and depression is sweeping on everyone.'

Somewhere far away bells ring

'Oh no! The duke is coming for he's monthly inspection. That means no food until it's over. The duke doesn't take kindly to beggars disrupting his visits. Plus I think he's a big grump! But I'd better no say that aloud, or he'll have my head! Though I must admit he has lovely eyes... gosh Sakura come back to reality please, and quite dreaming about impossible fantasies! I'd better find a nice patch of street to hide away in until this is over. Wait, isn't that the baker just over there. Maybe I will have time to ask for food if I hurry.'

"Greetings gentle sir" Sakura chirps using her sweetest voice.

"Hi Sakura. No need for flattering. You've come for food right?" smiles the baker

"Yes, was I that obvious?"

"Well that's the only reason you ever come here, so yes!"

"Oh, chuckles so do you have any?"

"Do I have any what?"

Sakura sweat drops

"Food..."

"Oh, well I've been saving up all I can, but this is all I can afford to give you."

Hands Sakura a handful of crumbs, and a piece of crust

"I'm sorry not to be able to afford to give you more. I truly do fell sorry for you. Your mother and father were good friends of mine when you were little, but then they... died."

"Yea, it's sad the fire killed them both. They died to save my brother and I didn't they? (A/N: she doesn't know the truth yet. Her brother died before he could tell her, but the baker knows)

Tears slowly falling down her cheeks

"Don't cry, it wasn't your fault Sakura. I'm sure none of your family want to see you like this"

"Your right, well I really glad for your offering of food. Even if it's only a little. I know business isn't going well, and yet you still find spare food to feed me. I will be forever grateful"

"Ha, just like your mother. She always had a way with words. Now off with you before the duke arrives"

"The duke, I completely forgot! Thanks for the reminder, and the food. Bye!" she yells as she turns a corner and disappears swiftly.

'I really fell sorry for that girl. But I am keeping my promise to look after her. Her poor parents. I should have told her the truth about their death, but it would hurt her fragile character too badly. Maybe when she's a little older...'