Nerd or undercover agent beauty? Chapter 8: A Shocking Goodbye, a card captor sakura fanfic

Nerd?...or undercover agent Beauty?

Hi my name is Chica this is my first fanfic hope u all like it!

Disclaimer: I don't own CCS or the characters except some I have made. Also it's my own storyline! NO MAGIC! I HAVE ALSO USED SOME CHARACTERS BY LITTLE WOLF LOVER (if your looking for great stories to read check hers out there fantastic!)

Full Summary: Sakura, once a beautiful and cheerful girl. She had it all, friends, popularity and most of all a loving family. When her family was unexpectedly murdered she changed her looks. Now she is a nerd with no friends but Tomoyo Daidouji and Eriol Hiiragizawa. The only two who knows her secret is Tomoyo, her best friend and distant cousin; and Eriol another friend. Sakura was adopted and 1 year later had to move to America. When she returns 7 years later with a new look, what will everyone think? Do they even know it's her? She hides a big secret from the world, what is it? Sakura, a cold girl is now back in Japan for her last year of University and revenge for her family. What will happen? What happens when there is someone out to kill her? Who will help her when she is down? Read and find out!!

Key:

"….." talking

'…..' thoughts

Italics….Italics character action

(….) me talking

--FLASHBACK-- start of flashback

--END OF FLASHBACK--

Li Syaoran and Kinomoto Sakura

Meilin Li and Jamie Chan

Daidouji Tomoyo and Hiiragizawa Eriol

Sasaki Rika and Yang Alex

Yanagisawa Naoko and Ling Mika

Mihara Chiharu and Yamazaki Takashi

Hi everyone Chica here! I want to thank everyone for his or her reviews! They were so sweet! I really loved them! Thank you all!

Also if you reviewed please look in the review section and you shall find the answers to any questions ya'll had in there. Thank you!

IMPORTANT

I'm sorry to those who feel as if there is not much Syaoran stuff in my story. I told you all that my writing style has changed quite a lot in the past year and I'm working on making feelings and emotions be known. I'm basically putting a lot of depth into Sakura but don't worry there will be more Syaoran later. I'm sorry if there isn't much dialog to your liking, it's just that I want to focus on getting the feelings out. So when someone reads it they can feel the emotions and such that the character is feeling. I'm sorry I can't really explain this very well; I'm a sucker for angst/tragic/drama lol! But yes don't worry I'm sure I'll be making this story to your liking soon. Anyway I'm blabbing, on with the story!

Chapter 8

Boxes were packed all around her room, some big, others small. Every one of them containing valuable possessions of a lonely girl. This lonesome girl sat on her bed with a book and pen in hand, yet they were unmoving.

A long deep sigh escaped the girls' mouth as she reflected on her life. She was going to be moving soon, in less then two days. Glancing at the calendar that hung itself neatly beside the dresser, it read,

Friday April 24th in black bold numbers.

Today held so many things, how could one day carry so much? She wondered, closing her notebook and putting both the pen and book in an unclosed box.

The talent show was being held tonight.

Today the class and the school would find out it was her last day in Japan. Today her friends would find out about her moving and most likely be livid with her for not telling them earlier. Today she would come home, drag the possession filled boxes down to the mover's truck so that it could be taken to their destination. Today would be her last night in Tomoeda because by tomorrow afternoon she would be on a plane on her way to her new life in America.

Sighing she heaved herself of the bed and ambled out the door. Entering the kitchen she looked up to see an extremely stressed out mom and dad.

Both had dark circles around their eyes, and were sipping on warm cups of coffee. It seemed as if with every sip of the mouth-watering liquid their stress was being relieved.

"Morning," Sakura said walking to the fridge, opening it hastily, taking out the milk and pouring herself a glass of the white substance.

Looking up both mother and father attempted to smile as if they had no worries.

"Morning honey," Anita said, "ready for your last day?" she questioned apprehensively. She knew Sakura agreed to move but also felt as if she had a motive behind it, and the only reason she was moving was because of it.

Sakura sipped on the cool liquid and let it drown in her mouth before replying.

"Yeah, I guess so".

In truth Sakura did have a motive behind moving. She had thought long and hard and finally came to a conclusion. If she moved to a new country with her family, then she could train freely as herself. She wouldn't have to hide behind a fake wall.

Yes, moving had its many benefits. One she would be away from the worried glances of her friends. Away from the torture of her bullies, and most of all she could give up her act as a scared kind of girl.

'This will be great, train in a foreign place, then once I'm ready and confident, I can come back here for my revenge.'

Her thoughts were interrupted by her father's voice.

"Sakura you might want to get a move on, you don't want to be late on your last day," he said smartly. "We'll be there for the talent show after school, and if we don't see you before then, Good Luck," he said sincerely.

Sakura smiled slightly and whispered a quick thank you before rushing out the door and down the fairly empty streets to school.

Entering class she took her seat just before the bell rang. Ms. Hunter walked in joyfully; apparently she was very bubbly today.

"Good morning class today is going to be a wonderful day ne?" she said elatedly. "I can hardly wait till school is over and the talent show begins," she had stars in her eyes; it almost seemed as if she was a kid on Christmas day.

Squeals of excitement filled the room and each talked about the up coming performances. It was going to be a night to remember.

Sakura chose to ignore all this, and closed her eyes, resting her head on the desk. Only seconds had passed with her eyes closed when suddenly they snapped open.

She could feel a cool liquid trail down her back; glancing slightly at her back she saw a deep purple stain on the back of her sweatshirt. Then the one voice she hated with a passion spoke.

"Opps must have slipped, watch where your sitting next time," Syaoran said rudely, then laughed along with his friends Yang Alex, Ling Mika, and Yamazaki Takashi.

Syaoran enjoyed the look of melancholy on Sakura's face immensely. He had started to torment Yumi again after he came to his senses the week after she had returned to school from her sickness.

Now that he thought about it, he never understood what made him stop in the first place. He wouldn't let curiosity get the better of him. She was a nerd and a loner who couldn't stand up for herself.

So after that realization came to mind he began to make her life a living hell per say. His friends and him put things in her locker, dropped her books when she was holding them, taunted her, chucked things at her. Yes it was like the old days again, the way it was suppose to be.

He was popular; he had an image to up hold. Even though deep down he knew this was wrong, he couldn't just stop. He had his reputation and she had hers, both had to fulfill their parts.

Coming out of his thoughts he once again stared at the back of Yumi's head. Her shoulders were slumped over as if she were going to cry. A huge purple stain, from the grape juice, covered the back of her blue sweatshirt.

He wanted to feel bad for what he just did, but couldn't. Just like every other time he suppressed his on coming guiltiness.

He watched her intently as she took off her soaked sweatshirt. Carefully to make sure she didn't get any more stains on her black long sleeved shirt underneath. Taking the sweater off she let it drop beside her desk and onto the floor.

He watched as she sighed heavily then looked back up to the teacher, her full attention at the front.

Sakura was wearing black track pants with a white stripe on the side of each pant leg. Her shirt had long black sleeves while the front and back was white. The front of her shirt consisted of one word in light pink letters; it said 'Ka Ching' and surrounding the word were diamonds.

She had on her plain silver hoops again, and the same silver choker. Rings covered her fingers and two wristbands covered her wrists.

Taking in her appearance he noticed she didn't have on much of her heavy jewelry or the chain belts. She looked different since she didn't have layers of clothing on. 'Strange,' thought Syaoran.

"Dude…DUDE snap out of it," Alex said poking rapidly Syaoran on the back of his head. Alex had curly black hair with green eyes. He was very popular but not as much as Syaoran.

Snapping out of his trace Syaoran could feel a constant poking on the back of his head. He turned around to face his friend only to be poked in the face several times.

It seemed that Alex was looking around to make sure no one else saw Syaoran starting openly at the nerd.

Syaoran sweat dropped, his friend could be quite oblivious at times.

"Alex," Syaoran whispered, slightly annoyed. The poking still didn't stop, and Syaoran thought that it would leave a mark on his forehead later. Sighing he tried again.

"Alex," whispering louder this time, but still no avail.

It seemed as if his whispering caught the attention of both Takashi and Mika. They both started the snigger at the scene in front of them.

Alex heard the laughter and looked at them in question, finally he realized that his finger was poking a hard surface, and no longer a hair filled one.

Gulping slightly, he rotated his head every so slowly to face one of his best friends. Laughing sheepishly he dropped his finger.

"Heh Heh….Opps…" Alex said embarrassingly vaguely shrinking at the look his friend was giving him. In attempt to escape the wrath of Syaoran he started to stumble on his words.

"Syaoran, mate, buddy, pal, it was an honest mistake, ya know, well you were—and it was—and I was—."

Apparently his nervous rumblings caught the attention of the rest of the class as well as the teacher's. She stopped her talking and looked at the scene in front of her frowning. Inside though she couldn't help but laugh, the scene was actually quite amusing.

With every ramble Syaoran became more irritated (Oo), and with one swift smack he brought his hand down across the back of Alex's head in attempt to shut him up.

Alex jolted slightly at the impact and sweat dropped realizing he was talking nonsense and was talking quite loudly.

Syaoran pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance then spoke.

"Dude that's gonna leave a friggin mark! Jeez, all you had to do was call my name not poke me continuously! And man cut your nails!" Syaoran said rubbing his forehead.

The class laughed at the two scene creators. Syaoran rubbed his forehead and glared at Alex. Alex with a sheepish smile on his face, slowly moved backwards incase Syaoran decided to pound him.

Ms. Hunter tried to suppress the laughter within her, "Okay class that's enough. I believe we've taken up enough time watching these two clowns. Now let's get back to the lesson, we have a lot to go over today."

The class groaned in protest, but nevertheless did what they were told.

Alex let out a sigh of relief; he was so sure that Syaoran would punch the living daylights out of him.

"I know today is going to be a wonderful day but I have some very saddening news," Ms. Hunter said sullenly.

Sakura knew what was coming; she had been prepared for this. Everyone would find out that she was moving. She hated that her teacher just paused, stupid dramatic affect. Sakura always wondered why people did that, can't they just say what is to be said and get over with it?

Biting her lip, Sakura looked up to meet the gaze of her teacher.

"Unfortunately one of your fellow classmates will not be with us any longer," she explained.

Questioned glances were aimed towards the teacher. She spoke as if someone was going to die.

"She has been a wonderful pupil and I'm sure that all of us will miss her greatly," she went on.

Syaoran looked at the teacher with no emotions etched on his face, she was talking ever so slowly. It's like she was purposefully trying to make this as dramatic as possible. Rolling his eyes he looked around the classroom, who could it be? It was a girl; Ms. Hunter said so, but whom?

"She's moving away with her family tomorrow, so make her last day one to remember. I'd like all of you to give her a round of applause," Ms. Hunter said then added with a smile, "Sakura Yumi, it's been a great pleasure knowing you."

For a moment no one moved, no one talked, and the sound of a pin dropping could have been heard as clear as crystal.

Sakura looked around to meet the wide eyes looks of her classmates. She was a bit surprised, she had expected them to cheer and celebrate.

Some were coming out of their shock and smiled, happy that she would be leaving. While others had tears in their eyes, and some faces even displayed anger.

Ahh… theirs the smiles now, finally processed in their brains; jeez took them long enough, Sakura thought sarcastically. Well I'm glad I'm leaving to, so we all win.

Tomoyo was angry, how could Sakura have not told her about moving? How could she do this to her? So many questions plagued her mind as tears pooled in her amethyst eyes.

She wasn't the only one whose mind was plagued with questions. Her long time friends, Eriol, Rika, Naoko, Chiharu, and Takashi were in the same boat.

Syaoran on the other hand couldn't think. His mind was just a blank and his face held a controlled shock. She was moving? Away? But…HOW? He wasn't thinking straight. He needed to get out of here, away from people. He needed to think, something inside was bubbling and he was pretty sure it wasn't his breakfast.

"I don't hear clapping hands," the teacher saidprimly. "Come now, I know your all shocked, but no need to stare the poor girl down," she said jokingly and started to clap.

A moment later others joined, but it was a dieing cause. The applause ended as soon as it begun. Many didn't want to clap; they were delighted she was leaving. Others clapped out of reluctance while her friends clapped lightly, still in shock.

The class proceeded like usual, yet it was alarmingly quieter. Syaoran had asked to go to the bathroom and never returned. No one really noticed except Eriol and his closest friends Alex, Mika and Tak.

--Syaoran—

Syaoran sat on a sturdy tree branch; his head leaned against the rigged bark. His thoughts were all messed, clouded by questions. Why didn't he return to class? Why did he have this sudden urge to just escape everything? Why did he feel so confused and shocked at the fact of Sakura's departure? Why…?

His thinking stopped short and his eyes widened, Sakura? He said Sakura! No that was a mistake, he meant Yumi. Yes he hadn't meant to use her first name; he blamed it on his jumbled mind. It could've happened to anyone. A simple mistake that would never happen again.

Putting his head in his hands, Syaoran gave a frustrated growl. Why wasn't he happy that Yumi was leaving? Why did he feel so…so sad?

He'd been thinking about her a lot these past few weeks. Thoughts of her plagued his mind that sometimes it was hard for him to concentrate on anything else. What was so special about her?

Stupid bloody questions.

Eriol was right; there are so many other nerds he could've picked on, yet he chose Yumi as a target. It was always her. He could pinpoint her in a crowd of hundreds, she just stuck out.

Her black hair, her flawless skin, her petit body that she covered in layers, which made her, seem bigger then she truly was. Even her eyes, which he once shuddered to look into, now enthralled him. They held a certain mystery, as if she had a deep dark secret.

A secret he wanted to unfold.

The way she stared out the window into nothingness. As if she was in a world of her own and no one could touch her. The way she smelled like a mix of strawberry's and vanilla. The way she walked, her aura, her everything.

A walking mystery, silent yet deadly.

All these thoughts shocked Syaoran to the core. Since when did he pay so much attention to her? When did he absorb all this information? Did he really stare at her that much?

Confused Syaoran ran a hand through his hair, a little habit that he'd picked up when he was a kid.

Thinking deeply, Syaoran noticed how he always singled her out. How in the back of his mind she was always there. Why hadn't he ever noticed this before? Maybe the shock of hearing it was her last day in Japan brought him to his senses.

The big question though remained, what was he going to do about it.

Okay, so he figured out that there was something about Yumi that perplexed him but it didn't mean anything, right. It's not as if he cared for her, or liked her for that matter. Or was it? Maybe he did?

Why does life have so many questions? Couldn't it just have yes and no answers, plain and simple? Not confusing in the least.

Shaking his head, Syaoran laughed at the absurdity, him, her bully, having feelings for her. That was the joke of the millennium. But deep down something was trying to tell him that it wasn't, to make him realize that his laugh wasn't at all real.

Syaoran didn't heed the feeling; instead he jumped out of the tree and walked towards the school doors. Looking at his watch he noticed that it was almost lunch. He missed all his morning classes. Had he really been thinking that long? Shrugging it off he entered the school and headed for his locker.

--Lunch--

They were outside, in the warming sunlight. It seemed that the weather outside was a big contrast to Syaoran's mood.

"Yo Syaoran, where'd you run off to? You skipped all your morning classes, what's up with that man?" a perturbed Mika asked.

"Nothing really, just didn't feel like going to class," Syaoran replied simply with no further explanation.

The others waited thinking he'd tell them the real reason but it never came. Finally after a minute of silence Alex decided to speak up.

"Dude, isn't it sad that Yumi is leaving?" he asked while taking a bite out of his turkey sandwich. "We won't get to taunt her anymore."

"Alex, you know we love you and all, but can you NOT talk with all that food in your mouth," Takashi stated lightly. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't talk about my friend like that. What has she ever done to you?" he asked angrily. Talk about major mood swings.

He'd been friends with the three of them for a long while now because of soccer; they played on the same school team. At first he hated them because of them always hurting his friend but after he got to know them, they were nice guys.

The only time he got angry with them was when they picked on Sakura. He never found the amusement in it; in fact he hated it. He tried to stop them but it never worked.

The guys found out how much he hated it, and only picked on her when he wasn't around. They liked Tak as a friend and all but they never really understood why he cared for the nerd so much.

The others weren't surprised at the outburst, Tak always stood up for her.

"Tak is right, Alex don't talk with food in your mouth its sick. And Tak man chill out, he didn't mean it like that. Personally I am sad she's moving, not only because we don't get to pick on her but just because," Mika answered lamely.

"Just because…is that it, you have no defined reason? You're pathetic you know that. She's moving away for god's sake. Who knows when she'll return or if she ever will! Who's going to be there for her at her new school? Huh? I know you guys might not care about her but I do, she's my friend. And with what she's been though she needs people with her, Sakura can't keep all of it to herself!" Takashi yelled breathlessly.

Syaoran, Alex and Mika stared at him. He was really on edge today from hearing the dreadful news. They knew it was really hurting him and felt awful for their friend.

Syaoran thought about what he said and something processed in his mind. "What do you mean about what she's been though? Keep what to herself?" Syaoran asked intently. He sincerely wanted to know what happened to her but Tak thought otherwise.

"I'm not going to tell you, it's not my place to tell. And even if it was I wouldn't ever inform you. You'd just use this piece of news and shove it in her face. Tell me Li do you feel better about yourself by hurting others? How do you sleep at night knowing you've caused another person pain?" Tak questioned heatedly. He was beyond upset today and wasn't really thinking about what he was saying.

Speaking before thinking, often lands people in trouble. But who cares?

"Takashi, stop it, that's going a bit far," Alex, stated seriously. He knew Takashi felt strongly about this issue but this was a bit over the edge.

Turning towards his friend Tak raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Really now? I'm going to far? I don't think I'm going far enough actually. What, you three can taunt others but can't take it when it's you on the receiving end? That's sad, it really is," Takashi said, shaking his head slowly.

"What's that suppose to mean Takashi?" Mika asked furiously.

"It means that what you all do to Sakura, now that's going far. Just because she dresses differently then you, you naturally assume it's your job to pick on her. Have any of you ever once gotten to know her? No, you haven't. Have any of you every once tried to understand how she feels? You haven't. Now that's going far, I'm just trying to give you a slight insight on her world."

Stunned and confused faces looked back at Takashi. Smiling to himself Takashi left to find his girlfriend, Chiharu, in hopes that she'd be able ease his anger.

He also wanted to know why Sakura hadn't told any of them she was moving away.

Syaoran sat there, not talking, just thinking. Mika and Alex were gaping at Tak's major outburst. When he put it like that it did make them seem horrible.

"Dude, I hate to admit it, but he's right. We may have gone overboard," Alex said apprehensively. Guilt shimmered inside him, making him feel worse.

"I agree, we did go overboard not may have," Mika said with a slight nod.

Both faced Syaoran to see what he thought but not a word sounded from his mouth. It was as if someone took a remote control and put Syaoran on mute.

Quickly yet swiftly he turned and left the two standing there in the hot sun.

Everything Takashi said made sense; he knew it did. Having it all laid out in front of him now made it seem so petty and stupid. They weren't kids anymore, so why the torture?

It made him feel so stupid and guilty, which was something he hated feeling. Since he was young he was taught not to show emotions, not to feel them either. To be a stone: unfeeling and cold.

But living here in Tomoeda had made him forget so much of what he'd learned. For that he was glad but at the same time not. He was in Japan for a reason, a mission of some sort and wouldn't be able to leave until it was complete.

Sighing he thought about how his whole life had been planned out. From the day he first started to walk, he was trained to fight. Syaoran had to finish what his fathers' rival had started. He was going to avenge his father's murder, for his family and for himself.

Walking down the empty hallway with his hands shoved in his pockets. Syaoran wondered what was wrong with him lately. He'd been acting so different and he was sure his friends noticed but didn't want to ask what was up. They probably figured he was thinking about the mission.

Yes, Mika, Alex and even Eriol knew about it. They were all related in one-way or another. All four of them were cousins, born into wealthy families, trained to fight, and then each sent away to Japan for further training.

Eriol was the first of them to leave; he lived with his butler as well, alone, while his mother was in Hong Kong. Sadly Eriol too had no father; 'they' murdered him too. Alex was sent away at the same time Mika was. Both stuck together in Japan while living separately with their butlers. They got along with Eriol fairly well, but he had found new friends to hang out with, but they knew that one day they would all need each other and fight side by side.

Syaoran was the last to be departed from Hong Kong, and now that he was here in Japan the four knew in time their missions would commence. Secretly they were being trained to become agents, and by far they were going to be the best.

Snapping out of his trance Syaoran saw the one person that made his mind so bewildered.

There she was standing in front of her locker, getting her books. Her face was a portrait of despair. He wondered what she'd look like if she smiled.

Feeling eyes on her, she turned to the owner of such a gaze. Even before she looked, she knew who it was. She could always tell it was he. He'd been glancing at her quite often these days. At first it made her uneasy but now it just made her mystified.

Sakura had no idea why he kept looking at her, what was it that made him stare at her as if figuring out a puzzle.

She once thought that maybe he knew. Maybe someone told him her secret; it horrified her to no end. To know that her enemy; her bully held such powerful information within his grasp. But as time went on, he did nothing and said nothing, only stared.

Snapping away from the chocolate brown eyes, Sakura turned, only to be faced with angry expressions.

Tomoyo, Rika, Chiharu, Eriol and Takashi all stood in front of her. Silence over took the group and no one spoke a word. Finally Tomoyo lost it.

"Why didn't you tell us!? How could you be so cruel Sakura? Aren't we still friends or are you to wrapped up in your own depression to even talk to us anymore!" Tomoyo yelled harshly. She was hurt; it was plain to see.

Sakura had been expecting something like this to come up. But what she hadn't expected was for Tomoyo to be that angry. Usually she was a calm and sweet girl but right now she was anything but.

"I'm sorry Tomoyo, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you all," Sakura said sadly.

She really was remorseful about not telling them. But if she had told them earlier they would have tired and stopped her from leaving and Sakura wasn't sure if she had enough strength in her right now to not give in to their plea's.

"Your sorry, is that all you have to say? That's not good enough!" Chiharu exclaimed in disbelief. Tears were streaming down her face, she loved Sakura to pieces; they were like sisters.

Sakura's eyes too started to well up in tears, but she wouldn't let them fall. Blinking rapidly she looked at her shoes. They seemed very interesting right now.

Clearing his throat Eriol spoke up.

"Don't you guys think it would be better to make Sakura's last day enjoyable instead of yelling at her," Eriol questioned.

He knew just by looking at Sakura that she wasn't going to tell them anything right now. It was to soon. He understood that, by moving it would ease some of her burdens, whatever they were.

Tomoyo let out a wail and hugged Sakura fiercely. Rika and Chiharu both joined her not a second later.

It was a sight to see, three girls crying their eyes out while clinging on to a wary Sakura.

Slowing Sakura smiled, these were her best friends and she loved them all.

"You guys, let go of me… Breathing is become an issue," Sakura said with a slightly strangled voice.

Letting go of, her Sakura gasped for air.

Wiping her tears Tomoyo smiled. "Eriol's right, we're going to make your last day the best one ever! Right after school we're all going over to my house so we can get ready for the talent show tonight." She had stars in her eyes again.

"I have the perfect outfit for you as well, this'll be just like old times," Tomoyo said happily.

As much as she wanted to know why Sakura we leaving so suddenly, she knew her friend would tell her in time.

Reluctantly Sakura agreed. She knew once Tomoyo had her mind set on her modeling an outfit, it could not be changed. Nothing would stop her; she was a girl on a mission.

Spending one night with her friends will be all right, thought Sakura. She knew the danger of being with her friends but it was going to be the last time she would see them in a long while. She wanted to spend time with them, nothing would go wrong.

"Come on Sakura," Tomoyo pleaded.

"No," came the reply.

"Yes, you are going to be beautiful and take those hideous clothes off. I made this dress especially for you and you are going to wear it," Tomoyo started firmly.

They were all over at Tomoyo's house; it was just like old times. They watched TV, pigged out on food and now were getting ready for the talent show. Once again Tomoyo was trying to get Sakura to wear one of her creations.

"Come on Sakura, just wear it, you know when Tomoyo sets her mind to something nothing can't change it. Besides it's your last night here can't you just do this for us? Please," Chiharu said pleadingly. This argument had been going on for the last half an hour. At first it was funny to Chiharu, Naoko and Rika but after about 15 minutes of constant bickering they started to get a headache.

Sighing Sakura agreed reluctantly, she knew Chiharu was right. Squealing Tomoyo shoved the dress into Sakura's hands. Tomoyo was delighted; tonight everyone would see the real Sakura, the one that's hidden behind the mask. Now all she had to do was convince Sakura to take out her contacts and wash out the retched dye.

Inside the bathroom Sakura stared at herself in the mirror. People would see a part of her that she had been hiding for a year now. And she wasn't do sure if she wanted to come out of hiding yet. But one night, just one night couldn't destroy everything right? It was her last night after all; tomorrow she would be in a new country, hundreds of miles away from here.

Changing into the dress slowly, she glanced at her reflection and what she saw made her gasp. The dress was indeed very beautiful. It was pure white with medium sized cherry blossoms planted here and there. The dress it self was a halter, and dragged slightly on the floor. It fit her perfectly, hugging her form.

"Sakura are you done? You taking forever," Tomoyo called from outside the door.

Snapping her head away from the mirror Sakura walked to the bathroom door and opened it. Several gasps could be heard when she stepped into view.

"Oh Sakura, you look beautiful, everyone is going to be so shocked," Naoko said happily, this was the friend who she knew and loved. Chiharu and Rika nodded approvingly with Naoko.

Sakura nodded glancing at Tomoyo for approval.

Tomoyo stood there with stars in her eyes. "This is perfect, I knew my dress would look great on you. Now all we have left is for you to take out your contacts and wash your hair. Oh then make-up. So much to do, so little time."

"No, Tomoyo. I put the dress on, isn't that enough?"

Blinking, Tomoyo looked over at Sakura. She had a look of distress on her face.

"But Sakura, you look so much more beautiful with you old hair and eyes," explained Tomoyo.

"It's true Sakura, just for tonight?" asked Rika pleadingly.

Sakura stared at her three best friends since as long as she could remember. She wouldn't see them again for who knows how long. The thought made her heart ache. Weighing the pros and cons, Sakura answered with a quiet, yet firm voice.

"Fine, I'll take out my contacts but I'm not washing out my hair dye. Okay?"

Tomoyo smiled happily with Chiharu and Rika. She was still disappointed that Sakura wouldn't let them wash her hair but at least she agreed to show her true eye color.

"Alright! Enough of the drama, lets make magic and turn ourselves into goddesses for tonight," squealed Chiharu pumping her right fist into the air.

The others laughed, staring at their friend, she was truly one of a kind.

Loud voices filled the room. Parents, brothers, sisters, relatives all poured into the auditorium. Some already took their seats while others chatted.

Backstage the students were in an uproar. Talking excitedly with nervousness etched into their voices.

Ms. Hunter looked as if she could blow any second. "Where are those props? No, Cody you can't go home. Tina, Just breathe in and out and you'll be okay. ARGH! Where are they?" she screamed.

It was seriously a funny sight. If one didn't know her they would have thought she was a cook escaped from the loony bin.

Syaoran sat on a stool with his friends. He was wearing faded dark blue jeans, which were held up by a studded belt. He was also wearing a plain black t-shirt and a black wristband on his wrist. His hair was uncombed as usual but it completed his outfit.

In his hand he held an electric black warlock guitar. In all, he looked hot. Punk hot. It was different to see him dressed this way.

With him Alex, Mika and Eriol had on similar clothes. Alex held another electric guitar in his hands while Eriol held a bass. Mika was lightly tapping the wall with his drumsticks. They all looked ravishing.

The four of them decided to perform a song from their band. They weren't anything big, but they thought that for a talent show it would be perfect. They loved messing around with their instruments and Syaoran even wrote a couple songs. Thus, became their band 'A Taste of Chaos'.

In a secluded corner sat Sakura. Curtains surrounded her, which hid her form from chatting students, yet could still see them through the cracks. Sakura looked over at her friends. They were more than anyone could ever as for. Smiling, Sakura sat down on a chair and made herself comfortable. She was up last, so she had a long while to wait.

Out of the corner of her eye she spotted her enemy. There he was sitting around with his friends, laughing, having a good time. She had to admit he looked pretty cool with his guitar and ruffed up clothes. But that was only for her mind. She'd die before she ever admitted that to anyone.

The hall was full. Every seat was occupied as the lights dimmed and the curtains opened revealing Ms. Hunter.

"Good evening parents, friends, family, I'm glad you could all make it. We have some spectacular performances lined up ahead for this evening and I hope you all do enjoy yourselves. These kids have worked really hard all year, and each of them shines, so without further ado I would like to welcome our first performer Rika Saski."

Smiling brightly Rika walked across the stage and positioned herself on the left side of the stage. Arms raised slightly, her right toe pointed straight out and her head faced the back wall. She was wearing a black and red outfit. Sexy but flexible enough for her to move.

And then began the music. Loud, thundering and powerful. Moving like a cat, she began her dance. Hypnotizing the crowd with her movements, catching the eyes of many.

Even the eyes of one electric guitar player by the name of Alex. Who couldn't seem to tare his gaze away from the dancer in front of him.

The night wore on. One after another kids displayed their best talents. Receiving loud, appreciative claps and yells of 'that's my kid up there'.

Finally it was time to their band to go on stage. As Syaoran fixed his guitar strap, he looked out into the crowd. Turing back to the others, he nodded. They would rock the house. Yes, today they would give it their all. Because for these next few minutes they could forget it all. Forget their planned lives. Forget the past. Forget the pain, the mission on which they would embark on. In these precious few moments, it would only be them and the music. Joining as one and letting every emotion run wild.

Grabbing the mic, Syaoran spoke.

"We're 'A Taste of Chaos' and the song we'll be playing for you all tonight is called 'Easier To Run'.

The lights dimmed and a supernatural silence filled the room. Guitar cords started to pluck creating a melody. Next the sticks hit the drums, creating a beat, followed by bass. (A/N: I suggest downloading the song "Easier to Run" by Linkin Park. Seriously)

It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone

Sakura stared at the stage, which was occupied by her enemy and his friends, with wide eyes.

Something has been taken from deep inside of me
The secret I've kept locked away no one can ever see
Wounds so deep they never show they never go away
Like moving pictures in my head for years and years they've played

If I could change I would take back the pain I would
Retrace every wrong move that I made I would
If I could stand up and take the blame I would
If I could take all the shame to the grave I would
If I could change I would take back the pain I would
Retrace every wrong move that I made I would
If I could stand up and take the blame I would
I would take all my shame to the grave

Syaoran sang with everything he had. Whenever they played, he always fell into a trace of some sort. Music was something he could relate to. He wrote songs about how he felt. They were real and raw. Most people wouldn't understand where the lyrics came from. He intertwined experiences, feelings, and emotion and creating a song worth being heard.

Alex, Mika and Eriol often gave their input of the song. Changes were sometimes made. They were in this together. This was their outlet. After all, they had to grow up so fast, face challenges that no one would in a lifetime. Music was something normal, something magical, something they could breathe, feel and live for themselves.

It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone

Sometimes I remember the darkness of my past
Bringing back these memories I wish I didn't have
Sometimes I think of letting go and never looking back
And never moving forward so there'd never be a past

The four understood each other. This pain they felt, the memories of their past.

By now the audience was mesmerized. Sakura stared at them, tears unknowingly welling in her eyes.

Just washing it aside
All of the helplessness inside
Pretending I don't feel misplaced
It's so much simpler than change

She understood. This song…How could this song cause her heart to ache so much with feeling. The lyrics, she related to them so well. How was it that her enemies had written this? What did they feel? Was it true? Questions swarmed her mind.

It was just so different then their usual image. This song showed their raw passion and feelings. It was an opening to their soul. She saw that much. Could it be that even her hated classmates had a past as dark and twisted as hers?

It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone

Yes, their had to be. Something was different in the way they stood, in the way their voices projected, and in their eyes. They seemed so mature, as if they held wisdom far beyond their years. Li, Hiiragizawa, Yang, Ling; their was something about them that just screamed respect and knowledge.

It's easier to run
If I could change I would take back the pain I would
Retrace every wrong move that I made
It's easier to go
If I could change I would take back the pain I would
Retrace every wrong move that I made I would
If I could stand up and take the blame I would
I would take all my shame to the grave

As their singing came to an end, the flickering lights that had been shining on them came to a stop. Cheers, yells and clapping of excitement erupted. Lights brightened as Syaoran and the others took their bows. They knew they had shocked the student body present with their performance. And for that, they were happy. This on going image of them being, perfect, wealthy jocks was drowned.

"That was brilliant, did you hear the applause we got?" breathed Alex, still high off the adrenalin rush of performing.

"I know, holy shit, that was just amazing," agreed Eriol.

Students rushed their way to the four, congratulating them. Eriol searched for a special someone, a girl someone. Tomoyo walked gracefully up behind Eriol, and tapped him on the shoulder. Spinning around, he awed at the site in front of him. 'She looks so beautiful' thought Eriol.

Indeed Tomoyo did look stunning in her flowing dress.

"Hey"

"H..Hi T..Tomoyo" stuttered Eriol.

Smiling shyly at the handsome boy in front of her she answered, "You guys played wonderfully. I never knew you played bass," and after a moment she added, "or that you were in a band for that matter."

"Yeah, it's not anything big, just us guys messing around with our instruments. But with the way things went tonight, I think we should consider getting a label," he answered, grinning impishly.

"Well Mr.-soon-to-be-rock-star I've gotta be going, I'm up soon. Wish me luck."

Eriol nodded, "See you later, and good luck up there."

Turning around, Tomoyo headed towards the stage and waited for her introduction to finish. All Eriol could do was stare at her, she was something else.

The night wore on, and act after act proceeded. Students who already preformed went to find seats in the crowd, so that they could cheer their fellow classmates along. Sakura still sat in her chair, behind a circle of curtains. She had sat there the whole night, watching her friends perform silently. They had been looking for her earlier, but eventually had given up. She could hear her teacher announcing the last performance of the night, her. It was now of never.

Taking a deep breath, she moved the curtains aside and stepped out, walking numbly over the edge of the stage.

"I hope you all enjoyed the show tonight, but don't worry, its still not over. We have one more performance left and it's sure to be spectacular. This is her last day in Japan, so I'd like you all to give a warm applause to Sakura Yumi!" Ms. Hunter finished, walking off stage as the lights dimmed.

Clenching her fists, Sakura moved onto the stage. It was dark and she doubted anyone could see her just yet. She dreaded the spotlight that was soon going to appear on her, just as it had to the other students who sang for their talent.

Reaching the mic stand, she looked up towards the sound booth and nodded slightly. She was ready. This was her last night, and she was going to make it one to remember. 'Outo-san, Oka-sa, Oniichan, I hope your watching,' she wished silently. Glancing the crowd, she knew her new mother and father were there, watching her proudly.

"Good evening, so to end the night, I'll be singing a song I wrote a couple days ago. It means a lot to me and I hope that all of you will like it just as much as I do," Sakura spoke softly into the microphone. "It's called Someone's Watching Over Me." (A/N: All right, so this song is actually by Hilary Duff, once again. I'm sorry to all those who don't like her. Personally I don't, but the music she has fits Sakura, so I chose it. Originally I was going to make her sing an Evanescence song but sadly I couldn't find one that fit her situation.)

The music started softly and the dreaded spot light hit her. She could literally feel the eyes on her, staring her down, waiting. Her eyes were cast down so no one could see her emerald eyes just yet. Taking a deep breath, she started to sing, letting lose all the pent up emotions that were building inside her the past couple of days.

Found myself today
Oh I found myself and ran away
Something pulled me back
The voice of reason I forgot I had
All I know is you're not here to say
What you always used to say
But it's written in the sky tonight

Her voice rung through the hall like a beautiful lullaby being sung by a mother. As she sang the last line of the verse, she looked up slowly and displaying her green eyes to the world. Students gasped lightly, others stared at her in shock.

Syaoran could only stare. She had the prettiest eyes he had ever seen, that he couldn't deny. From his seat, she looked like a fallen angel. The white dress with cherry blossoms, her black hair cascading down her back and her fair white complexion. Shaking his head, he brought himself back to reality. What the hell? This couldn't be the Sakura Yumi he knew. She looked so…so different.

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
Someone's watching over me

Seen that ray of light
And it's shining on my destiny
Shining all the time
And I wont be afraid
To follow everywhere it's taking me
All I know is yesterday is gone
And right now I belong
To this moment to my dreams

Swaying to the music, Sakura let herself fall into the song. She wrote this song for her family. For the ones she loved the most. It had started out as a sad, and angry song because she was mad at them for leaving her. But then she realized that it wasn't their fault. They loved her, and would never leave her alone. She knew her mom, dad and brother were watching over her from above. And thus, the lyrics of the song hit her. It was at 3 o'clock in the morning when she decided that she would never give up. This was life, and she had to deal with it, and deal with it she would. Sakura would be strong, even in her darkest moments.

It doesn't matter what people say
And it doesn't matter how long it takes
Believe in yourself and you'll fly high
And it only matters how true you are
Be true to yourself and follow your heart

Rika, Naoko, Chiharu, and Tomoyo looked up at their friend in tears. They knew how wonderful Sakura could sing but they hadn't heard her in so very, very long. And hearing her voice after what seemed like a lifetime brought tears to their eyes.

Everyone was amazed at the young girls voice. That included, the teachers, friends, and family. Anita held onto Richard's hand tightly. She was so proud of her adopted daughter. She sang like an angel, she looked like an angel; she was now their angel.

So I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even if it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
That I won't give up
No I won't break down
Sooner than it seems life turns around
And I will be strong
Even when it all goes wrong
When I'm standing in the dark I'll still believe
That someone's watching over
Someone's watching over
Someone's watching over me

Someone's watching over me

Her voice died, and her breathing labored. Staring intently at the audience, Sakura wondered if she would even receive an applause. Just as the thought came to mind, the hall erupted in the loudest cheering and clapping of the night. Her friends sniffled while smiling and applauded their friend at the same time.

Behind them sat Eriol, Alex, Mika and Syaoran. Syaoran clapped lightly, still in shock from the performance. Who knew that his enemy could sing like an angel? Eriol, Mika and Alex applauded loudly. They gave credit where credit was deserved and in this case it definitely was.

Grinning broadly, Sakura took a bow. Her face was bright pink from embarrassment. All these people were cheering for her and for the first time in a long while she felt…happy. Walking off stage and out of sight, Sakura did a little spin. She felt like a kid again, this feeling was so foreign to her. She guessed it was the rush of relief and excitement as well as singing perfectly.

Calming herself down, she went to find her mother and father. It was time to go home for one last night.

"Sakura! Honey you were absolutely amazing!" cried Anita, crushing Sakura into a hug, tears glistening in her eyes. Richard joined them, putting his arm around the two females.

Sakura smiled slightly, as her body stiffened a bit at the contact. It was still sort of awkward that these to two people could show so much affection towards her. Looking around Sakura saw other students and classmates laughing excitedly. Talking about what they liked and disliked about the show.

"I think it's time we head home now, we still have some last minute packing to do," Richard said looking down at his watch. Anita nodded in recognition, while mentally thinking of all the things that were still left to do.

"Wait, can we stay just a few more minutes. I want to say goodbye to my friends," Sakura spoke softly.

Nodding in understanding, Richard and Anita decided to wait outside in the car.

He had seen her the minute she walked into the foyer, where all the refreshments, parents, teachers, and students gathered. He saw her walk up to her parents timidly, and he saw her stiffen slightly when her mother hugged her. He thought her reaction was a bit odd, but brushed it off. 'Must be nice to have such a loving family, who actually cares about you' thought Syaoran jealously.

Not that his mother didn't love him or anything, but they lived all the way in China, along with his sisters. He loved his mother, but sometimes he wished she would just stand up to the elders and stop all this madness.

Around him stood, Alex and Mika who were currently devising a plan to get a bigger piece of cake. The ladies that were serving the refreshments wouldn't give them another slice; they were quite strict about it. He was definitely amused by their determination.

Beside him stood Takashi and Eriol, they were talking about Tak's comedy act. It was actually really funny, and got roars of laughs.

Sighing, he glanced around once more, and once again his eyes landed on her. She was walking towards him, wait, what, she was walking towards him? No, wait, correction, she was walking towards Sasaki and that crew.

The girls engulfed her in one big hug, while tears started to leak from their eyes. Guess they were saying their goodbyes. Who knew that the outcast actually had friends that would cry over her departure? He guessed his face had a look of confusion mixed with sadness, because just then Eriol poked him in the ribs.

"Hey Syaoran, you alright?" Eriol asked staring intently at his friend. He'd seen the way Syaoran looked at Sakura. It was a look of want or longing. Now, Eriol could see this because he was fairly perspective, but Syaoran on the other hand, had no clue of his feelings towards her. Whatever he felt was pushed away and his cold, rude, and insulting demeanor appeared every time Sakura was around. It was rather sad.

"Yeah, just tired I guess, you know zoning in and out," answered Syaoran trying to cover up the fact he'd been staring at his enemy.

Raising his eyebrow, Eriol decided not to push the matter. Sighing inwardly with relief he ran his hand through his hair. Just then an all to familiar voice reached his ears.

"Takashi, Eriol, I just came to say goodbye," said Sakura timidly, looking at the boys with uncertainty. She was going to miss them; there was no doubt about it. But their friendship was kept to a minimum these past months, especially with Tak.

Eriol looked at his long time friend. She was something else, because of her, he was introduced to Tomoyo, and because of her he had friends here. She was the first one to talk to him when he came to Japan, and it was she who over looked his mysterious personality when others didn't.

Stepping forward Eriol engulfed Sakura in a tight embrace. Gasping lightly, it took a moment for her to get over the shock. Hugging him back she whispered, "I'm going to miss you too."

Smiling, Eriol let her go. Sakura smiled back thinking of all the moments, good and bad, they had shared. He always treated her like his little sister and she knew that her leaving was hard for him.

"I want to thank you for everything Sakura," Eriol said seriously, then added, "and I want you to be careful and take care of yourself, alright?"

She laughed lightly at Eriol's serious tone.

"What?" Eriol asked, "did I say something funny?" he questioned.

Shaking her head, "No, no it's not that. It's just I'm going to miss you fretting about my well-being, but you don't have anything to worry about, I'll be fine," Sakura stated earnestly.

Takashi watched the two sadly. He wished he had spent more time with Sakura. He never expected her to leave; he thought she'd always be there. Saying goodbye was odd, and hard to believe.

Feeling a slight punch in the arm, Tak snapped out of his trace. "What are you thinking about Tak? Don't put too much pressure on your brain, it could seriously damage you," Sakura said jokingly.

Opening his mouth, the words were lost to him. Instead he did as Eriol just had moments ago, he hugged her.

Pulling apart Tak said, "you know usually I'd go off about how and where punched were invented and then Chiharu would come over here and slap me across the head," he said with slight amusement. "But all I'm going to say today is, take care of yourself and never forget us because we sure as hell won't."

"I will and don't worry, I could never forget you guys, ever," Sakura said genuinely.

She looked behind where the girls stood crying silently. Turning her head back at both Eriol and Takashi she stated, "take care of them will you and please don't let them cry over me."

"We won't," they replied in unison.

Sighing deeply, she turned to the last member of the group. She only had one this to say to him.

Syaoran looked at her; surprised she would even say anything to him. Not that he wanted her to, I mean after all he still disliked her, didn't he?

She stood right in front of him now. There were no signs of fear in her eyes. She looked almost powerful, filled with confidence.

"You're a bastard Li Syaoran," she stated in an oddly and nerve wrecking calm voice. "You take other's misery for your own personal pleasure. It's pathetic. I only hope that one day you grow up and realize this yourself."

The way she looked at him spoke volumes. He couldn't speak; he was at a loss for words.

She turned around and walked back to her friends but before she reached them, her heard her say, "Li, I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive you," her voice was full of sadness and regret.

For some odd reason this hit Syaoran hard. His chest heart and something inside him told him to ask for her forgiveness, even beg if he had to. But he couldn't move. Syaoran stayed rooted to the floor, watching Sakura say her final words to her friends. At this moment all he could feel was guilt.

"You guys act as if this is the last time you'll ever see me, but it's not. We will see each other again, one day," Sakura said with a certainty in her voice. It was as if she knew something that they didn't.

But before Eriol or Tak could question her, Sakura was past them walking towards the exit.

"Bye everyone, I'll miss you," tears springing in her eyes. She didn't let them fall though. Not just yet.

Finally she walked out of the school; closing her eyes for a moment she took a deep breath. Come on Sakura, be strong, this is for the best. Nodding her head, she saw her parent's car. They were already waiting inside. Getting in the back seat, Anita and Richard looked back at her.

"You alright hunny?" asked Anita tentatively.

Sakura didn't reply right away. Pondering the question she answered after a full 2 minute silence, "No, but I will be."

AN:

Well that's it for this chapter. I thought this was an appropriate place to end it. I hope you all enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. It's an extra long chapter for all of you, as a sorry for not updating for quite a long time. Thanks for reading! Make sure you check out the review section for replies to your questions and thank you's to your wonderful reviews from previous chapters. Bye!