Whee! Here I am, with yet another story I happened to come up with. It popped out of nowhere but I decided I wanted to write it. Sheesh, I keep jumping from story to story. WAHH…one day this will all come to my head and I shall become insane. Well…I guess I already am… …err…gosh, am I really that crazy? –coughs- Ahem, well onto the story. Full summary? Eh, why not…

Kinomoto Sakura is a skillful yet spunky ice skater that learned by mere trial and error. Her parents, wishing for her to go steps further, hires the professional but cocky coach, Li Syaoran. Two different personalities, can they possibly cooperate with each other? Sure they can…with a bit of love, that is…

Disclaimer: No, I do NOT own CCS. Do I seem like CLAMP to you? No!

Release My Soul

Chapter 1: Releasing the Shock

A chilly breeze flew past a cozy cottage house. The comfy home was surrounded by frigid snow, which was about one and a half feet about the ground. Puffs of warm smoke exited out the bricked chimney and swiftly vanished in the wintry atmosphere. Trees surrounding the tiny structure were enclosed with the slightly frozen matter, covering the very few leaves that managed to adhere to it even through the autumn months. Leafy shrubberies stuck out here and there, hardly seen in all the whiteness. A corroded, old truck was parked in front of the house; small particles of ice had grown onto the exterior. The snow was everywhere, roofing over all in sight. The nearest houses were spread out about a quarter of a mile apart, approaching the countryside. The nearby town, Tomoeda, was a few miles away.

Behind the house existed a small pond, almost wholly frozen. A wooden, sturdy fence encircled it. The snow had piled around the enclosure, and various vines were snaked around the rough surface. On the huge chunk of ice skated a young woman. Her eyes shone of sparkling emeralds and strands of auburn hair fell around her delicate face. She danced around the small lake. The metal blades of her ice skates burrowed into the frozen water, leaving marks of where she skated. She glided around, picking up speed. She appeared not the least bit fazed of the bitter winds or the falling snowflakes, due to wearing a comfy fleece jacket; instead she was focused in her own little world, separated from reality.

She was reluctantly brought back to the existent world when she heard her name calling out to her.

"Sakura!"

The young woman ceased her movement, slowing down. Her eyes traveled towards her house and met the shining eyes of her mother, who had opened the window and poked her head out. Her wavy gray hair fluttered with the briskly winds. She wore a slight frown across her face, and her crunched brows indicated she was somewhat angry or disappointed.

"Sakura! Come here this instant!"

Sakura's lips curved downward and worried about why her mom was so upset. She stepped out of the ice and sighed, trudging through the heavy snow. She walked through the back door, the temperate heat warming up her body. She untied the laces of her old, beaten skates. It had worn out in nine years time, practicing outside during the winter months frequently. Sakura would buy new ones, but she couldn't possibly afford any.

She entered her kitchen and found her mother, Kinomoto Nadeshiko, and father, Kinomoto Fujitaka, glaring at her. "What?"

Her mother picked up a bunch of mail in front of Sakura's perplexed face. "Sakura," her mother calmly said. "Why did we not receive any acceptance letters from any universities or colleges in such a long time?"

Sakura shrugged. "Maybe they don't want me in their colleges. And I'm perfectly fine with that."

"Sakura, that's not the point. You are nineteen years old, young lady. You have had straight A pluses through elementary and high school, and one of the most intelligent girls on the island! Any college would be thrilled to have you and call you one of their students!" her mother sighed heavily.

Her father spoke in a deep voice, almost making Sakura shudder. "Sakura, did you not send registration letters to the universities?"

Sakura stared at them blankly, not knowing whether to answer the question or not. "I-I uh…"

Her mother groaned. "You didn't, did you?"

"Um…"

"Sakura!" yelled her parents simultaneously.

Sakura held up her hands defensively. "Okay! Okay! So I didn't send any, no big deal. Frankly, I don't care to go to college."

"Why not, Sakura?" Fujitaka asked.

Sakura sighed, her temper starting to rise. "I've told you this many, many times! But you and mom still won't listen!"

Her mother moaned, knowing where this was leading. "Oh, Sakura. Is this about that ice skating thing again?"

"Yes! I don't want to deal with any calculus expressions, scientific equations, or study books over half my weight for hours and hours! I want to skate, to go pro!"

Fujitaka massaged his temples. "Sakura, we've been over this multiple times before. You haven't even taken any lessons. How can you possibly become a professional when you have not even been properly trained?"

"Dad, have you watched those Olympic women on television? I can do just about anything they can, and I didn't even have some fancy coach who charges thousands of yen to guide me!"

"Sakura! Why do you keep insisting? You are chasing an impracticable dream! Do you really think you can compete against those famous girls? How can you possibly think you can become one? And furthermore, why would you want to?" Nadeshiko asked, a little too harshly.

"You don't understand!" Sakura yelled, close to tears. "All I want is to figure skate! It is not just a hobby to me; it is a passion! It's something I want to do for the rest of life, even if I grow old and weary! I want to skate! Why won't you understand me?"

Sakura ran out the kitchen. She slipped on her tan snow boots and went out the front door.

"Sakura!" her mother called.

"Let her go, Nadeshiko. I suppose she needs time." Fujitaka stated.

Nadeshiko suppressed a sigh. "Why won't that girl just go to a college? She's perfectly capable to get into any university she pleases; yet all she thinks about is skating! It has been like this ever since—" she stopped, refusing to awake old, forgotten memories.

Fujitaka stroked his chin and exhaled noisily. "Well, she does love the sport, dear. And she is very good at it. Maybe she could have a try at it."

Nadeshiko frowned. "Oh, not you too!"

"Hear me out, honey. I have seen the women who compete on television, and I can see Sakura is just a bit under them. Sakura is a young lady with a stubborn attitude and a strong will. She can succeed in anything she wants to. In this case, it is figure skating. The girl wants this, Nadeshiko, and who are we to stop her from living her dreams? Ever since Sakura was little, we always told her to live her dreams. Now, well—doesn't that seem hypocritical of us if we stop her? Sakura isn't a small girl anymore; she's a young lady who is competent of just about anything. We should let her pursue her dreams and encourage her as well. Nadeshiko…we have to let her go her own way…" he whispered at the end.

Nadeshiko sulked, knowing his words were true. "I suppose you are right, as always. It's just—I've always dreamed that my children would have the best jobs the world could offer. When Touya graduated from high school and went on to college, I assumed Sakura would follow. I mean, Touya is now a flourishing lawyer in Tokyo! I always thought Sakura would have some kind of job as successful as him."

"But Sakura and Touya are two individual people."

"I know…but do you really think Sakura can make to professional?"

"I don't believe she's ready…but if she has someone to help her…" Fujitaka stared at the ground, deep in thought. After a couple seconds passed, he smiled reticently. "And I think I might know the person who is proficient enough for the job."

Nadeshiko widened her eyes. "You mean…like a preeminent trainer? We couldn't possibly afford one!"

Fujitaka smiled as he picked up the phone. "That is why it is good to have connections."

¤¤¤

Sakura marched through the snow in resentment. She wanted to figure skate; that was all she asked for. Why couldn't her parents understand that? WHY? She loved to ice skate. The way it felt to glide across the ice, the feel of the breeze that swept past her, and the way the world seemed to vanish temporarily with just a step into the frosty ground, shielding her from reality's malevolence, harshness, and desolation. It was her escape from the world and its dissatisfaction and heartaches. The enjoyment of the sport created an illusion of an ideal world, all her own and away from the real earth. She always wanted to feel that, which is why she wanted to turn it into a profession.

Sakura observed the world around her. She snorted in repugnance. If people other than herself saw with their eyes what she looked at, they would have said the earth was beautiful, peaceful, and charming. But Sakura would look deeper, seeing how filthy and rotten it was. She saw past the delusions, concentrating on how appealing it might seem at first, but it devastated with iniquity and a bunch of rubbish.

Sakura groaned in frustration. Maybe taking a walk was a horrid idea, seeing once more how foul the world really was. She was not in the mood. Actually, she never really could be in the mood. She mumbled angrily to herself as she headed back home.

¤¤¤

Sakura grumbled as she opened the door. She was just about to enter her room when she heard her mother say her name.

"Sakura?" It was said in a sweet tone, unlike the furious one Sakura expected.

Sakura rolled her eyes as she faced her parents for a second time. "Yes?"

Her father smiled at her, and Sakura thought it was odd. A bit too odd… "Glad you came back, Sakura. Listen, your mother and I have been thinking…that maybe we were wrong. If you really desire to skate, then you may if you wish."

Sakura gaped at the two, believing that she was not hearing right. Were her parents not just fuming at her about half an hour ago? Why the sudden change? "I-I-I'm sorry. Did I hear you right? You are letting me skate? For an occupation?"

Her mother wore a grin that kept growing. "Yes Sakura, if this is what you want, then we are willing to support you in this."

Sakura blinked a few times in disbelief. This wasn't a dream, was it?

Fujitaka coughed a bit before continuing. "But—there is one condition, Sakura."

She frowned. Of course there's a condition…there always is. But it could not be too bad, could it? They finally agreed to let her skate, and she had to jump at the chance. She'd do anything to get the job.

"…You will be under a personal trainer."

"WHAT!" Sakura nearly screamed. Okay, she would do anything to skate, except that. She wanted to achieve her dream her own way; she did not need some person butting in her life, ordering her around, and shouting down her neck if she did even the tiniest little mistake. No, she does not want that to happen, thank you very much. "I don't need a coach! I can do well by myself. Besides don't the high-quality ones cost much money?"

"We would not need to pay much. I contacted a close friend of mine, whose son is a superlative figure skating trainer. Do not worry, Sakura; you will be in very good hands."

"But Dad, I can do this myself."

"Sakura, I know you are a very skilled figure skater, but you need at least a person to help guide you or point out a few things to help you improve."

"I don't need a coach, Dad! I can improve myself, with no help from anybody!"

"Sakura, do you want to skate or not? This is my condition, you know; and to skate, you must accept it."

"B-b-but, Dad…I-I…"

Nadeshiko put a hand on her daughter's shoulder. "It is all right, Sakura. Your father knows very well what he is doing. You should trust him."

Sakura heaved a sigh. "Must I really do this?"

Her parents nodded and she grunted. "Fine, fine. I'll do it." Sakura was still reluctant, but she was desperate as well.

Fujitaka grinned. "I knew you'd say that. Now, you must travel to Tokyo for your lessons. We have already bought your train ticket; you'll depart tomorrow morning. My friend has offered you to stay at her house for as long your lessons will take."

Sakura gawked at him in shock. "Tomorrow morning? Why…WHY do I have to leave so soon?"

Fujitaka chuckled. "My friend…is very prompt and straightforward. She tends to be swift and efficient."

"So I have to stay with some strict lady?"

"Yes, Sakura, but I do think you will learn to adapt."

"And just how long will these horrid lessons take?"

"For as long as your coach wants; he will know when you are ready."

Sakura let out a small 'humph.' "Who exactly will be my trainer?"

"His name is Li Syaoran-san. He is about your age I believe, maybe one or two years older. It has been several years since I last saw the boy, but from what I saw, he is very talented. So I assure you that you are in very capable hands. He has taught many people of all sorts, despite his age. "

"Great, just great." Sarcasm overcame Sakura's voice. "Might as well pack right now given the awfully short amount of time I have." Sakura gave her parents an annoyed glare and stomped into her bedroom.

Nadeshiko gave her husband a worried look. "Are you really sure we should do this? Let her go out in Tokyo?"

He nodded. "Yes, it is very safe. Who knows? Maybe Li-san will warm up to Sakura."

A small smile crept along Nadeshiko's face. "Perhaps, although I doubt that will happen. Sakura has not shown her lighter side since…her freshman year of high school. Deep inside, I know that cheerful, affectionate side of her is still there, longing to be set free and to love again."

"I'd love to see that side of Sakura, too. There's still hope, for it is not impossible. All Sakura needs is a little push."

¤¤¤

Clothes hung everywhere, and some were thrown about in every which way. Sakura pulled out the drawers of her dresser and simply threw the clothing onto her bed. She emptied out her drawers one by one, taking all her belongings. After all, who knows how long she would stay in Tokyo? She wore a tight frown, grabbing some accessories and dumped them on her bed as well. Sakura slid open her closet and dragged a humungous suitcase out. Jeez, out of all the crazy things her parents would demand of her…but she had no choice, unless of course, she wished to study millions of books all day long and write several different reports.

"Tch…" Sakura quietly mumbled to herself. She folded her clothes and placed them in the luggage. She could not believe she was currently packing all her stuff to go to Tokyo and take lessons from some probably strict guy she had never once laid eyes on for probably many months, even more! Sakura moaned once more as she tossed some remaining items into her suitcase.

Sakura laid back into her bed, breathing deeply. She didn't want to leave her home; she actually did like staying here. It was serene and silent, traits that the overcrowding cities lacked. She always did favor the simplicity of her humble abode. She glanced out her window. The sky was beginning to darken, but it was not very evident since the white flakes of snow dropped down from the heavens. Sakura slipped herself into the covers of her little twin-sized bed, yawning ever so slightly. She felt like sleeping early. After all, she did not know what tomorrow would bring and she did feel rather exhausted. Her eyes closed and opened a few times before drifting into sleep.

¤¤¤

Sakura muttered to herself the next morning. Apparently, she had been doing that plenty of times lately. Sheesh, this whole thing has been driving her to insanity.

Sakura had accidentally slept in an hour longer than she intended. She rushed in the bathroom and took a quick shower. About half an hour later, she hurried out to the kitchen and snatched a piece of toast, smothered with strawberry jelly. She took a bite while brushing her wet, silky hair. Her parents were already fully awake and dressed, eating their breakfast. They watched her run forwards and back, an irritated look on her face. After some time, she finally managed to haul her luggage with her. It was about an hour before Sakura's departure, so they stepped outside into their tiny truck. Sakura took one long look at her house before they drove away into Tomoeda.

¤¤¤

Sakura gave out a look of boredom as she stepped into the line of passengers.

Nadeshiko gave her daughter one last hug. "Be careful, Sakura. And be nice to your trainer!"

Sakura nearly snorted out loud. Easy for her to say…

"You'll be picked up at the train station, so don't worry. Yelan-san, my friend, is very kind; just don't get her angry." Fujitaka chuckled gently. "But when you see her, would you please say hi for me, Sakura?"

Sakura nodded. "Uh…'kay, but are you really sure you want me to do this?"

Her father smiled, knowing his daughter was still trying to get out of this whole arrangement. But there was no changing his mind now. "Yes, yes. Now get on that train before I have to force you in."

Sakura tried to smile. "Fine, I suppose I have to…" she turned around to the ticket taker in front of her and gave him the ticket. Sakura looked back at her parents, who were smiling sympathetically at her. They waved goodbye, and Sakura did the same.

Sakura looked around. There were small hallways leading to several rooms. From her point of view, she saw some food bars to her right and the rooms to her left. She ambled to the left side and started looking for her room.

"Mm…twenty-nine…twenty-nine…where is that room twenty-ni—" she stopped when she saw the numbers glued to the wooden door before her. She silently opened the door, which let out a small creak. Inside were a built-in bed with inserted drawers and a mini television was fastened to the right of the ceiling. Sakura placed her suitcase below the TV and stared out the small window. The train had already started moving, picking up its rate as the seconds passed. Sakura watched as flashes of Tomoeda sped past her, barely able to perceive the parts of the town. She was going to miss the town, and she hoped to see it again soon. Sakura unzipped the front pocket of her baggage and drew out a small book. She plopped onto her bed and began reading where she had last left off. This is going to be a long trip…

¤¤¤

The following morning, Sakura came out of the train, lugging her baggage behind her. She was dressed in black jeans and a white fur jacket. A pair of sunglasses hung above her dainty nose, concealing the glints of dullness in her eyes. She inhaled the fresh air. Gosh, it was extremely boring inside that stuffy train. The previous day, all she did was finish her book, eat a little, and wander aimlessly around the train, having brief conversations with some of the travelers. The rest of the time was spent in her miniature room, staring at the tedious, white ceiling for hours before she fell into a light nap. She could have seriously died from the boredom.

Sakura glanced around, ignoring the pushy people marching past her in the growing crowd. She looked around. Great, she was now searching through a mass of people for someone she did not know. If only life could be a bit more simpler. Shoving herself past the people, she squinted to look for any kind of sign of whom she needed to meet with. She did not even have a clue of whom she was to meet. This is ridiculous.

Then Sakura noticed a small sign bearing the words: Kinomoto Sakura. She ran up to the man who was holding it up. He was very tall, about six feet, and wore black sunglasses and a white suit. "Kinomoto Sakura-san, I presume?" he inquired at the young lady before him, who was taking short pants of breath.

"Y-yes." She answered.

He gave her a brisk nod and turned to open the door of the limousine parked behind him. Sakura mumbled a small thanks as he closed the door and placed her suitcase in the back trunk. The man hastily entered and sat on the driver's seat. Sakura massaged her cold hands as the chauffeur began to drive. She started to become nervous as the minutes rolled by. She wondered what it would be like living in someone else's home, someone she had never known. She felt like running out the car door and back to the train station, begging them to allow her to go back home. Within minutes, the car stopped in front of an enormous, imposing mansion. As the driver opened the door for her, Sakura stared at the house with fascination. Not once in her life was she able to stay at such a luxurious house. Sakura took her luggage from the chauffeur and passed through the lofty, metal gates. She stopped at two huge, wooden doors and knocked timorously. An elderly man with gray hair greeted her at the door.

"May I help you?" he asked.

"Yes, I am Kinomoto Sakura."

The man nodded. "Ah, yes. Yelan-sama has been expecting you. Follow me."

Sakura entered through and went after the man. She gaped at the inside of the building. Various doors were situated at the sides, and a large staircase was built before her leading upwards to more doors. The house was silent…eerie, actually. Sakura was led up the stairs and walked straight across to a pair of dark brown, wooden doors. Sakura ran her fingers on the smooth surface, examining the intricate designs that had been carved into it. The man knocked loudly at the doors.

"Yes?" a soft yet commanding voice beckoned them to come in.

The old man cleared his throat before speaking. "Yelan-sama. Kinomoto Sakura-sama has arrived."

Sakura slowly looked up at a striking woman. She had long, raven black hair that was tied up and dark brown eyes that could bore into anyone's and read him or her like an open book. Her cherry red lips stuck out in her white, pale skin. Sakura realized they were in a huge private library, where millions of books had been placed on the shelves along the walls. The middle-aged woman sat in a comfy chair, reading a large, red book.

The woman stood up and walked to Sakura. She placed her long, bony fingers on Sakura's chin to observe her face. The tips of her lips curved upward. "You look somewhat like your father, Sakura-san."

Sakura's green eyes simply stared at the woman before her. "Um…m-my father says h-hi…" she stammered.

Yelan's fingers slipped away from Sakura face. "That was very kind of him." she hesitated. "I understand you are here to take figure skating lessons, ne?"

Sakura wanted to answer her with a flat-out no and say she was only doing this because her parents were forcing her, but she was fearful of what the woman would say. "Yes." She simply responded.

"My son is a very good teacher, and I'm sure you will improve once he is done with you."

A flash of anger leaped into Sakura's eyes. Unintentionally, her words made her dread staying here.

Yelan continued. "I'd introduce you to him now, but I am afraid he's out at the moment. Until then, you may start unpacking." She turned to the man. "Wei-san, please escort her in the room we've prepared."

"Yes, ma'am." He answered.

Before leaving the room, Sakura said, "U-um…thank you, Li-san."

"Please, call me Yelan."

Sakura nodded as she exited the library. Hmm…Yelan was considerably nice. Hopefully her son would be as nice her.

¤¤¤

Sakura was led to a room close to the library. It was big, larger than her room back home. It had a comfy queen-sized bed. The red covers were made of smooth silk and the feathered pillows were very plump and cozy. In front of the bed hung a medium-sized plasma television. There were an empty dresser and closet. A nightstand stood beside the bed, and a sturdy table was placed near a corner of the room. A large window was built at the back; its velvety red and golden drapes covered the outside view.

Sakura hauled her suitcase on top of the bed and unzipped it open. She removed the items of clothing and placed them into the closet and dresser. About half an hour later, when she was just about done, she noticed a young man a little older than her leaning on her door and simply watching her.

Sakura stopped in her tracks when their eyes met. The man had dark brown hair, tousled around in a disorganized fashion. Locks of hair nearly hid his warm amber eyes. He was a bit thin and muscular. Hmm…he was handsome but discourteous. Kinky…

"Excuse me, but don't you know it is rude to stare at people?" The words came out of her mouth but she could stop herself.

The man gave a sudden look of surprise but quickly covered it with a smirk. "Perhaps, but it is equally rude to snap at someone, especially one who lives in the house you are staying at."

Sakura frowned and ignored him, hoping he would go away. Instead, he observed her fascinatingly. Not being able to stand his presence, Sakura asked coldly, "Is there something I may help you with?"

He kept smiling, starting to enjoy himself. "No, no. I'm fine, Sakura."

She furrowed her brows. This man, whom she had never met in her life, had just called her by her first name—and with no honorific! "How do you know my name?"

"It's not impossible for the resident to know the name of his guest."

Sakura gritted her teeth. "Well, in any case, it's Kinomoto to you."

"But why? I like calling you Sakura."

"Well, I don't." Sakura pushed him out of the room.

"Feisty, aren't we?" he joked.

Sakura sighed and put her hands on her hips. "Look, who the hell are you?"

"Wouldn't you like to know, ne?" His smirk grew bigger, as if that were even possible. Sakura glared hard at his face. "Fine. If you must know, my name is…Li Syaoran, your personal figure skating trainer."

Sakura was literally about to faint right there.

¤¤¤

Dun dun DUN! I hope you liked this chapter. I kind of got lazy at the end, as you can probably tell. Hehehe…anyways, this story is quite different from my other stories, but I like the twist.

Sakura finally meets Syaoran…can she survive? Tsk tsk…you'll find out in the next chapter. So did you like it? Loved it? Hated it? Felt…uncertain about it? Send me a review and tell me what you think. Plus reviews inspire me to write more, which lead to faster updated chapters! So…bwuahahaha!

…I think I really am going insane…