A/N: Thank you for reading on to the third chapter! :-D If I may be so bold, please review if you want to! It would make me very happy to get some feedback on this.

Let's get right into it, then. :-D

Chapter 3: Name

Kilala returned with two other female elves. The new elves must have been twins, for they looked exactly alike. They helped the princess up and glanced at her torn, bloody fingers.

"Ah, Little One, you've been working hard. Let us take care of you," the two elves said in perfect unison. Their voices were a melody.

"Sakura, these two are Kanti and Namid. I will wait for you in the hot springs," Kilala purred and padded off into the darkness of the forest, leaving Sakura with the unfamiliar elves.

However, Kanti and Namid seemed perfectly at ease. "Now, Little One, please sit on this rock while we attend your wounds," the twins instructed. Sakura did as she was told while the twins took up their positions on either side of the princess, each gently holding one of Sakura's hands.

Sakura wondered what was going to happen… until the elves began to sing. There were no words involved, yet Sakura seemed to understand what they were trying to convey. The sound was so beautiful Sakura felt tears prick her eyes. She did not notice her wounds had healed until the duo ceased their song, leaving Sakura with an empty feeling inside her chest.

"Come with us, Little One," they sang, taking the princess by her newly repaired fingers and leading her into the forest.

It was not long before the trio reached another clearing. It was filled with many diverse female elves in various stages of undress. When Sakura, Kanti, and Namid entered the clearing, the elves glanced their way, but then carried on with their business. Sakura was surprised that these elves could be so open about their nudity.

"Please undress, Little One, and through that archway are the hot springs. Kilala will be awaiting you while we clean your clothing," Kanti and Namid sang once again in perfect unison. Sakura, feeling as if she was having an out of body experience, obeyed.

'I wonder why they call me 'Little One'… And I also wonder where Syaoran-kun is. I miss him,' the princess thought. "Um, may I have a towel, please?" the timid girl asked, as insecure and self-conscious as ever.

The twins laughed a tinkling, melodious laugh—again, in perfect unison. "Why, Little One? There is no reason to shield yourself—you are safe here. Besides, how is one to cleanse oneself with an impeding towel?"

Still unsure, Sakura nodded and gave the garments to the twins. Shivering, the princess walked through the archway on the far side of the clearing and saw several female elves bathing beside a short waterfall. Kilala almost immediately caught her eye, and the girl hurried over, eager to hide her body in the depths of the water. The warm water felt so good to her aching muscles—the princess almost melted.

"Have you decided to join me, Little One?" Kilala purred, leaning her head back into the water. She had various creams and washes spread about her on the smooth rock ledge. "Here, let us bathe," the elf said, taking a dollop of cream in her hands and rubbing it about her neck and breasts. Sakura, after a moment of indecision, echoed the elf's movements on her own body.

"K-Kilala-san? Why do you have so many tattoos?" Sakura inquired, washing her breasts as discreetly as possible. The cream she used bubbled softly as it was rubbed on the princess' skin, issuing a delightful floral scent.

The elf purred. "Little One, they are not simple tattoos. They are a part of me. These markings on my body visually detail my relationship with my sister, Amayah."

"Amayah?" asked Sakura.

"You may have seen her accompanying me as I was summoned to the Tree Mother. She once was an elf, as I am. One day, quite unexpectedly, she came to me and said, 'I have decided. I am going to become that which my heart desires.' It was not long before her body began to transform. Though I longed to be the same as my sister, I realized that I did not want to give up my life as one of the Tree Mother's elves. However, having seen our close bond, the Tree Mother gave me this gift—these tattoos. They allow my sister and me to communicate, though we share the same tongue no longer," Kilala ended her speech with a soft note.

"Is it sad?"

Kilala moved over to Sakura and poured a liquid over the princess' head, then took a handful of white cream and began to wash the young girl's caramel hair. "At times, yes. I wish that we could share the same form and be in one another's company throughout the day. But what of you? Are you saddened?"

Sakura closed her eyes as she felt the elf's fingers massage her head. "By what?"

"You and the Protector—Syaoran. It seems as if a great aura of pain surrounds you both."

Sakura thought about this a moment. "I… I think… I think that I love him."

Kilala hissed softly and snapped, "You do not think about a matter so important. You must feel it within you. You either do or you do not. You must feel it with conviction, feel it within your very bones, that it is true. Otherwise, you are lying, both to yourself and to the one you think of."

Sakura sat back, stunned. "You're right…" Almost unconsciously, she stood, her eyes filled with conviction, then sank back into the water when she remembered her nakedness. "I do love him. I love him with everything inside me. I love him so much that sometimes, I can't take it. It's just that… I'm so sure that I'm just a princess to Syaoran-kun, just a burden to him."

The purple elf gently washed the cream out of Sakura's hair. "I am positive that you are mistaken, Little One. Though I cannot help you in this matter, I will give you this advice: If you never relay to him your feelings, the two of you will never progress in your relationship, and you will always feel regret not telling him. Now, will you please help me with my hair?"

Sakura set to work on washing Kilala's gorgeous long hair, and when the two were both clean and smelling quite floral, they climbed out of the warm pool of water. Sakura shivered at the sudden exposure to the cold.

Amayah, the great Black Panther, sauntered over to them, carrying two towels of moon cloth in her mouth. As soon as the cat set down the towels, Sakura grabbed one and wrapped it around herself, her face red. Amayah exchanged a glance with Kilala, and the elf laughed. "Amayah feels that you are too self-conscious, Little One. You should rejoice in your body, not hide it." The elf bent down to pick up her own towel and vigorously dried herself with it, carelessly exposing her body to dry her long black hair.

Sakura blushed, but did not reply. She had a feeling that she would be subject to one of Kilala's fierce lectures if she disagreed. The girl dried her hair as quickly as possible, and then wrapped the towel around her body.

The elf took her hand, having thrown her own moist towel around her shoulders, and led Sakura back through the archway into the clearing. Inside the clearing was a multitude of female elves, all preparing for dinner. Many wore long, flowing gowns of moon cloth, leaves, and flowers that conformed to their bodies perfectly; others were still completely naked, conversing with one another in soft, happy voices. Many sat in a circle, styling each other's hair, adorning braids with flowers and leaves. Kilala brought the princess over to one side of the room, where the most beautiful elf Sakura had ever seen awaited them. This elf had soft blue skin and silver eyes. Her ankle-length silver hair was weaved into a braid while a black, flowing skirt of moon cloth hung around her hips. Her breasts were covered with a sash of moon cloth that was draped around her shoulders and fastened to a close at the center of her chest with an onyx clasp.

"This is Miyu, the creator of our moon cloth. She will help you prepare for dinner, Little One," Kilala purred. "I must go and prepare myself. Amayah and I will fetch you when you are ready." She padded away, still naked.

"Hello, Little One," sang Miyu, taking Sakura by the hands and leading her to a tall tree. "I have been instructed to construct for you a dress to replace your old things while you reside here. Let me say, I have never encountered someone with as fair a complexion as you, but I will strive to ensure that your clothing will be a masterpiece once I am done. Please stand here—it will not take long." Miyu pointed to a tree stump and Sakura climbed atop it, standing erect until the elf took away her towel.

Sakura's face burned. "B-But—"

"I need to see your body, Little One. I must become familiar with your every curve and crevice in order to create something that is for you and only you. Also," Miyu said with a mischievous glint in her silver eyes "I was told to ensure that this dress is something that will entice your not-yet lover."

That was it. Sakura's face went up in smoke while her soul fainted. All the girl could do was stand there dumbly as Miyu took various measurements of her body. "You are so slight, Little One. So small," the elf observed. "It will not require as much moon cloth as I originally expected to clothe you. I will make for you a cloak as well!" The beautiful elf was ecstatic.

The elf skipped to the large tree and climbed up until she reached the top. Sakura did not know what the elf did up there as she covered her body, but she was anxious. Would this dress be as revealing as the others Sakura had seen? The girl did not think she could bear showing herself to Syaoran.

When Miyu returned, she held in her arms a bundle of moon cloth, but this was different than any other Sakura had seen on this world. Normally, the moon cloth was always midnight black and so silky one expected to touch the sky if they reached out too far. The moon cloth the elf held for Sakura was silvery white, shining brightly in contrast to the elf's dark skin. "I believe this is my greatest creation," Miyu said with conviction and happiness. "Rather than capturing the essence of the night sky under the moon, I chose to capture the essence of the moon itself to compliment your pale skin. Please allow me to dress you."

Sakura was still slightly mesmerized by the cloth. "Y-yes," she said absently as the elf approached her. When the princess felt the material go over her head and wrap around her body, she thought she would go insane. It felt as if her skin was being kissed by a thousand petals, only softer and smoother and lighter. It was as if she was floating in the gentlest sky on the calmest night. The cloth conformed to her body perfectly, but Sakura could not help but shudder as she felt the material move on her.

"Is it appealing to you?" Miyu asked. It was inconceivable that the girl would not like the dress, but the elf was still nervous.

Sakura, looking down at the dress, could only stare in wonder. "I… I love it."

Miyu beamed and then gently set the cloak around Sakura's thin shoulders. The girl quivered, feeling the cloth cover her arms. "This moon cloth is very special. Not only is it soft, lightweight, silky, and fashionable …" almost instantly, Miyu whipped a dagger out of her skirt and sliced at Sakura's abdomen before the girl had time to react. However, the blade did not cut the fabric, though Miyu had put a significant amount of force behind it. In fact, at the moment the cloth was struck, it straightened on Sakura's body, tightening and forming a shield. Then, once the dagger was no longer a threat, the fabric went limp and flowing once again. "Moon cloth is virtually impenetrable and indestructible." The elf grinned in pride at her work.

Sakura was in shock. Had she just been stabbed at, or did she blink? "U-um, that's… great."

Miyu took Sakura's hand once again and helped her step off the stump. "Now, let us style your hair." The elf led Sakura to the circle of elven females sitting in a circle, fixing on another's hair. "Have fun, girls!"

And Sakura was left once again in unfamiliar hands. The elves swarmed her, commenting on her hair; apparently, they had never seen this color of hair before, nor were they accustomed to her hair's length.

When it was all done, Sakura's hair was adorned with small white flowers that almost matched her moon cloth dress and several tiny braids were woven throughout her caramel locks. The elves had also painted the princess' lips with a slightly pink lip balm, made from honey. When they deemed her appropriate, the elf women scattered into the trees.

Kilala padded behind Sakura, holding a pair of white slippers with pointed toes. The princess noticed that Amayah trailed behind Kilala silently. "Please put these on, Little One, and then I will accompany you to the dinner table. I hear that your Protector has been anxious to see you," the purple elf said with a grin. Kilala now wore a long black moon cloth dress that was in Greek style; it was as a blanket clasped at her right shoulder with an onyx brooch, drooping down toward the left, and held together at her waist with a long moon cloth sash. Her hair still flowed freely about her shoulders.

The girl blushed at the mention of Syaoran and put the white slippers on her dainty feet. "I'm ready," she said.

Kilala took the princess' hand and led Sakura through a maze of trees, Amayah silently following them, until they reached a large clearing once again—but this time, several long wooden tables spanned the length, and every seat except for two was filled with elves and Sakura's companions.

Syaoran immediately felt her presence. Sakura was finally here, and his amber eyes snapped to her pale form. When he took in her appearance, it made him stand, knocking his chair to the ground as he sucked in a breath. She was gorgeous. Her porcelain skin glowed, and her eyes were brighter than he had seen them in a long time. In fact, her whole body seemed to shine and glow as she smiled. Her dress fit her delicate form perfectly—the empire waist accentuated her small bust and the skirt of the dress seemed to flow from her body like water as she walked. The low, scooping neckline was embellished with lacy silver decoration and framed her face quite nicely. The cloak, clasped at her neck with a small silver hook, spread out behind her like a train.

The boy automatically ran to her. Her eyes shimmered when her gaze focused on him and her body seemed to glow that much brighter. She called his name with the honorific, and it was music to his deprived ears. It was all he could do not to envelope her in his embrace when he reached her. Instead, he took her frail hands in both of his gloved ones and smiled wide at her. "Hello, Hime. You are gorgeous." Before he could stop himself, the compliment slipped out. A blush rose to his smiling face.

Sakura's face burned, but she beamed back at him, her heart skipping a beat at his words and his touch. "H-hello, Syaoran-kun. I-I've missed you. You look very handsome as well."

It was true. Apparently, Syaoran had washed as well, and had been made moon cloth garments. However, in contrast to her own clothing, his moon clothes looked almost exactly the same as his normal outfit—the only difference was that these were shinier.

Sakura found herself lost in his warm amber eyes, those eyes that she had missed so much today.

It took them at least thirty seconds to realize the entire clearing was silent, watching them. Kilala laughed when the two turned away from one another, their faces equal shades of red. "Let us sit down and dine."

Composing himself, Syaoran offered his arm to the princess. Smiling once more, she took it, and the two teenagers walked to their seats. Syaoran, always the gentleman, pulled out Sakura's chair for her to sit in, then pushed the chair to the table once she was safely seated. After doing this, the boy righted his own chair and sat down beside Sakura. Kilala took the head of the table, and Amayah sat patiently beside her sister.

The Tree Mother's voice rang out in the clearing. "Once again, we have been blessed with a day of sun and happiness, and, as the day's end nears, we shall celebrate with feast. Please sleep well tonight, my children, as tomorrow will bring a new day. Tomorrow, we shall put an end to the Father Mountain's corruption, thanks to the humans that now sit with you at the tables." In response to this, a ringing chorus of cheers broke out among the elves. "Now, you may eat!"

Suddenly, the tables grew branches; and on the branches grew all manners of fruits, vegetables, and berries, prepared in every way imaginable. From the side, several elves set out platters of meat on the tables (though Amayah was now nowhere to be seen).

Kurogane immediately dug into the venison while Fai contented himself with some winter berries and wine. Syaoran picked a mango from the tiny tree in the table, then noticed the princess staring at a deliciously ripe-looking strawberry just out of her reach. He smiled and picked it gently for her. "Would this interest you, Sakura-hime?" he teasingly asked her.

Sakura's face reddened. "Please, Syaoran-kun?" Her lips were so moist and pink; they were begging for the strawberry.

In a momentary lapse of decorum, he leaned toward her, preparing to place the strawberry directly into her slightly open mouth. However, the momentary look of panic in her eyes immediately stopped him. Alarmed at himself, he quickly set the strawberry on Sakura's plate and, face reddened, looked down.

Sakura was blushing as well. "Th-thank you," she whispered, her heart beating far too quickly. She brought the fruit to her lips, unable to think of anything other than that Syaoran had been touching it. The strawberry was succulent, so sweet and juicy. The next thing on her plate was a vegetable salad drizzled with olive oil; she enjoyed every bite, though her mind was still occupied with the boy who sat beside her.

The air between the two teenagers sizzled with intensity as the meal went on, and by the time the desserts had grown, it was all the two could do not to run from one another.

When Sakura saw the vanilla ice cream, she immediately yearned for another strawberry. There was one—on the other side of Syaoran. She would not be able to reach it herself. Should she ask him? Her face blushed with indecision.

But Syaoran, ever vigilant, picked the strawberry for her, and, meeting her gaze for a moment with his smoldering amber eyes, handed it to her. He cleared his throat. "H-Hime, please forgive me for… earlier. I didn't mean to offend you, and I definitely don't want you to feel uncomfortable around me. I'm sorry." He avoided her eyes for a moment.

Sakura looked down a moment. "Don't be sorry, Syaoran-kun. It's okay. Really." The princess looked at him, and when their eyes met once more, they were comfortable with one another.

"Hime…." Syaoran said softly, a smile returning to his face,

Sakura returned the gesture gratefully; then her face went red. "S-Syaoran-kun… It's okay if… No, I mean… I would like it if… if you called me… by my name, 'Sakura'… without the title." She fiddled with her fingers, anxiously waiting his response with bated breath.

Syaoran was speechless for a moment. Was this really happening? Blushing, but unable to look away from the princess—no, from the girl—Syaoran replied, "It… would make me very happy to be able to do that, Sakura-hi—no, Sakura…chan."

Sakura shook her head. "No honorific at all. P-please." She had to be determined.

Syaoran's eyes softened at her. "I will only do that… if you call me by my name as well, Sakura-chan."

Sakura's face went up in smoke. "G-give me some time for that, p-please."

The boy smiled softly at her. He had not been this happy in so long. "Yes, Sakura-chan. Would you like another strawberry?"

….

After dinner, Kilala led the group through the woods until they reached a rather large tree with several tree houses in its branches. "Unfortunately, there are only two free tree-houses—and each house contains enough space for only two people. The unoccupied houses are that one" the elf pointed to one "and that one." Kilala pointed yet again, to a house far more secluded than the others, almost hidden from view. "As I trust you all are adept enough at figuring your own sleeping situations, I will leave you to your sleep now." Before leaving, Kilala looked long and hard at Sakura, as if trying to convey something to the young girl.

Once the elf was gone, it was time to figure out sleeping situations. "Mokona wants to sleep with Fai-san!" the little creature cried.

"And I would like to sleep with Kuro-puppy!" the magician cried.

Kurogane's eyebrow twitched, and his face turned to Syaoran. "You better thank me for this, kid." The ninja, clad in moon cloth, began to climb the tree to the first house, with Fai following him, holding Mokona.

Syaoran looked to Sakura, his face slightly red. "Well, Sakura-chan, I suppose that leaves us with the other house."

Sakura nodded. "But… I'm not all that good at climbing," she confessed embarrassedly.

"Who said you would have to do the climbing? Hop on my back, Sakura-chan." Before she could protest, Syaoran turned around and waited.

Sakura's heart leapt. Taking a deep breath, she clambered onto Syaoran's back, locking her arms and legs around his body, blushing. She was positive that he could feel her heart beating erratically, pressed as her chest was to his back. "I'm ready, Syaoran… kun."

Syaoran went to the tree and began to climb to their house, his heart in his throat. He could feel Sakura's fast heartbeat on his back, and it slightly amused him. He wanted to stay like this forever; therefore, it seemed far too soon that they reached the tree house. Syaoran paused before entering the tiny place, savoring the feel of her body against his. His jaw set as he decided.

"Syaoran-kun? Is everything all right?" Sakura asked, slightly worried. Her breath tickled his ear.

"I'm not going in… until you call me by my name."

A/N: Ah, I know! Such an intense moment! I'm sorry, but my heart was beating so fast and I was so happy writing this that I couldn't help it! Syaoran and Sakura just make me so excited. : -)

Reviews are appreciated: let me know how I'm doing!

Disclaimer: Again, (sadly) I do not own Tsubasa Chronicle.