Author's Note: Hello, again. (smile) I think I'm on a roll with this updating-on-a-good-time thing. Lol! I'll keep this up for as long as I can. I know this update took a little longer than the last few, but I still got a pretty good time. Anyway, THANK YOU FOR YOUR REVIEWS AND SUPPORT! I appreciate it SO much, so enjoy!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Part 9: Wait and See

He breathed in the scent of the forest. He loved being out doors. Maybe part of the reason why his post was in the woods area was because he was the outdoorsy-type. But the Silver Knight knew better. He knew that the reason why he was put there was because he was the first line of defense. He was suppose to block anything and everything from entering the kingdom. And if he could not, then it was up to the Bronze Knight to keep the intruder away from the castle and if he could not, all hopes fell on the Crimson Knight. It had been done this way to make it harder and harder for the intruder to get to the royal family. For protection.

If the intruder were to get passed him, then he'd have a hell of a tough time getting beyond the Bronze Knight and the Crimson was fierce. If his legendary fighting skills did not make the intruders run away then seeing him in action would. Each line of defense was stronger than the previous. No one had ever gotten passed the Silver Knight anyway, so there were never any real intruders, no real challenges.

He kept guard, watching the area around him. He liked this. He preferred being outside, doing his job rather than being inside and doing nothing. It was why he insisted on going back to his post as soon as he was back on his feet. That and also because of the fact that he felt even better than before he was eaten alive by the creature in the woods!

The Crimson Knight wouldn't allow it at first. He insisted on him staying in bed. The Bronze Knight agreed fully, but they caved in after some convincing from the Silver Knight. He smiled to himself as he remembered. He was grateful to know how much they truly cared about him. It had come to such a huge surprise. In all the years that they had known each other, neither of them showed him how much they felt for him. The Bronze and Crimson Knights didn't even show love for each other. The Silver Knight was the only exception of the three. On occasion he showed them affection. To him, they were like his older brothers , but he was afraid, to be honest. Especially, because they didn't treat him too kindly and it seemed to him that they didn't like him too much. But despite this, he cared for them, anyway. It seemed perfectly okay, but he wasn't so sure about the other two never who had never once said anything that might have give away a small hint that they cared at all for the Silver Knight, not until that day a few days ago, anyway.

When he awoke, he was stunned to see that they were there, sitting beside his bed, waiting for him to awake. It surprised him even more when he realized that they had been there for him since the moment they knew it was him who came out of the creature's abdomen.

Now they came personally to check up on him. They would leave their posts at least twice a day to see if he was still standing and if they thought he needed a rest, they'd send someone to cover him and send him to the castle to rest. But it was weird being in the castle by himself. He didn't feel he belonged in there, but Lady Sakura made him feel welcome and she would accompany him. He had gone in at least twice for a rest, though it had been at least five times that he was told to go and take a break by his brother knights.

With all that aside, everything else was alright, considering the events of a few days ago. The prince from the south and his crew were properly announced to the people, the preparation for a war had commenced, and the knights were going in for some more training.

He sighed. The thought of fighting in a war rattled him. It brought him back to the days in his old village where war and corruption ravaged the land and bled into everyone and death became a welcoming escape.

"You don't look too well."

He turned, facing the Bronze and Crimson Knights. It was the Bronze Knight who spoke first and now the Crimson took his chance.

"You should rest," he began, turning away in search of a near by knight to take his place. "I'll find you someone to cover-"

"No," the Silver Knight interrupted gently. "I'm fine. I was just. . ." his voice drifted. "Thinking."

The knights looked at him carefully.

"About the village," the Bronze Knight said, peering into him.

The Silver Knight looked away as he nodded, ashamed of himself now.

"Don't be ashamed, Ristumei," the Crimson Knight assured. "You have become a powerfully skilled warrior and you fight for a much greater cause than the knights who ravaged your village. You hear me?"

He nodded.

"Good." The Crimson Knight looked at him one more time and then he said, "Well, keep it up."

He began to walk away as the Bronze Knight patted the Silver Knight on the shoulder. He then turned away and followed the Crimson Knight.

"Thank you," the Silver Knight said. They turned. "For. . .looking after me while I was unable to look after myself. And for finally accepting me." He felt the threat of tears, but didn't let them come. "It meant a lot to me."

There was silence between them and for a moment neither of them said a word.

"You're my family now," the Crimson Knight said, "and I take care of my family."

The Silver Knight breathed a sigh of joyous relief, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding back. And then the Bronze Knight topped it off.

"You're our little brother," he said with a smile, "how could we not look after you?"

A lone tear escaped his eye. He nodded. "Thank you," he said again and with a nod the Bronze and Crimson Knight began their walk back to their own posts.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

His most favored title? Sakura thought.

The wizard smiled. "Yes," he said as if to answer her thoughts, "his most favored title. He took a great deal of care with the Princess." He turned to her. "It pains him to see you."

Sakura stared at him, stunned. "Me?"

Yukito nodded. "I'm sure you've heard that you look like the Princess of the Southern Kingdom."

Sakura nodded, remembering how everyone looked at her. They feared her at first sight. It was only after a while when they began to treat her as a person and not an apparition. She sighed.

"It's quite a compliment," Yukito said, "to have people say you look like the Princess. Though young, she was very special."

Sakura looked at him, curiosity in her eyes. "Special?"

Yukito nodded. "She had a gift, a power that was never heard of before. She was too young to use it, but everyone knew she possessed it."

"So no one has ever seen this gift?"

Yukito shook his head. "No," he confirmed. "But we knew she had it."

"How?"

Yukito paused for thought, wanting to choose his words carefully. "Well," he began, "it was always in her presence and everyone who held her in their arms felt an immediate warmth and comfort and there was always a peace about her that was calming. When they held her, they wanted nothing more than to please her. The same could be said about her presence and her aura. Everything about her was soothing and peaceful. We knew she had some kind of ability that was different. And we knew she would some day bring us all peace."

Sakura said nothing for a moment, trying to take it all in. "She sounds like quite an amazing person."

"She. . .will always remain as such." He paused and silence fell upon them. Sakura looked into her lap, feeling just a little nervous.

"Yukito!"

Sakura and Yukito turned at the voice. Prince Touya exited the castle and began his way toward them.

"I've been looking for you and. . ." his voice drifted off when he noticed Sakura staring intently at him. She blushed and looked away when he turned to look at her. "Good afternoon," he greeted, bowing slightly. Sakura stood.

"The pleasure is all mine, Prince Touya," she said in return, bowing herself.

When she stood up, he was staring at her. He looked about ready to say something, but he refrained. Turning back to Yukito he said, "Queen Yelan wishes to talk to you about the vision you had."

Yukito nodded. He smiled at Sakura as he stood. "We'll talk again soon," he said.

She nodded. "Of course."

She watched as the two men walked off together and as they entered the castle. Sakura remained watching, until Prince Touya turned to look at her once more. The pain in his eyes could not be masked. Not even if he had tried.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"So the restrictions and limitations have been lifted," Queen Yelan said thoughtfully. She was happy to hear it, but it disturbed her. Why would he want this? she asked herself. Surely it could only work against his favor and not for it.

"We'll just have to wait and see," the young wizard said.

Yelan nodded. "It's all we can do for the time being.

"Your highness," Tomoyo said. "I think the messenger pigeon has arrived."

Everyone turned to look out the window, mesmerized by the sight of the soaring pigeon. It flew toward the window with ease and grace and into the awaiting arms of the Southern Prince. The pigeon took delight and comfort in his arms and rested there and as if this sort of thing happened all the time, Prince Touya allowed the bird to remain as he removed the paper from it's mouth. He unfolded it and read it aloud. "Queen Yelan," he began, "I support you and I trust your judgment. I too have worried for the Northern Queen's safety, but I hadn't the strength in my heart to bring it up. Unfortunately, I am unable to join you in person, but I have sent. . ." His voice drifted and a look of shock replaced it.

"What?" Queen Yelan said after a pause. "Touya."

"I have sent. . .Nakura Akizuki to take my place. I will stand ground here in my Kingdom. Always, King Eriol Hiiragizawa of the Eastern Kingdom."

Queen Yelan smiled wickedly, loving Touya's uneasiness. He wasn't a big fan of Nakura Akizuki. She liked to annoy him. She liked to annoy everyone, but the girl was sweet when she wanted to be and she was some warrior. "Ah, I see," she said. "Your future wife, is it, Prince, hm?"

He shifted. "Please," he said. "Last I remember she was into that guy from the Western Kingdom."

"You mean King Yue?" Yukito said. "Hm. Maybe so, but that doesn't mean she doesn't like you as well."

Touya rolled his eyes. Yelan laughed. "The girl will be here to show the support of the East and you'll just have to be nice."

"Aren't I always?" Touya asked.

The Queen said nothing. "Just be friendly, Touya."

He said nothing and allowed the bird to remain in his arms as he walked away.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

It only took a matter of moments for Nakura Akizuki to fill the castle with energy when she arrived only a few days after the pigeon came back with the message and warning of her arrival and a few hours after Yukito received two more visions. Powerful ones of the other carrier pigeons. One after the other. It had taken a great amount of his energy and it was a frightening thing to witness. His eyes were hazed and his body went stiff and by the time the first one ended, another one seemed to attack him and this one had made his body shake. When it was over, he announced the arrival of the three more carrier pigeons with more good news. He attempted to keep his composure, but it had taken to much out of him. He fainted and collapsed in Prince Touya's arms.

"It's been. . .busy," Tomoyo said as she sat down beside Sakura in her room, pulling her away from her thoughts.

Sakura nodded. "Is. . .Yukito alright?" she asked, her concern genuine.

Tomoyo looked at her, a little surprised, but she nodded. "He'll be just fine. He's resting up now. Prince Touya is watching over him as we speak."

"Good," Sakura replied. "It was. . .like nothing I have seen before."

Tomoyo nodded as she stroked Sakura's hair.

The girl shook her head, holding her hands tightly to her chest. "How will I handle a war, if I can't even handle watching Yukito and these powerful visions of his?" Sakura turned to Tomoyo, her eyes pleading for an answer.

"You're strong in your own way, Sakura," Tomoyo assured. She sighed. "This war won't be easy, but it's something that many people feel is needed."

Sakura shook her head. "Only destruction can come of this and who needs that?"

Tomoyo did not reply and Sakura did not say another word.

"Touya has his reasons."

Both girls looked up. Nakura stood in Sakura's door. "Hello," she said. "Greetings from the Eastern Kingdom, Lady Sakura. Tomoyo."

"Greetings," Tomoyo and Sakura said together.

Nakura took her time as she spoke. "Touya feels this is the only way to break Darco's spell and Queen Yelan is supporting him. With her and Touya together they create an amazing duo. One that no one can deny. Touya is a legend on the battle field, one greater than the Crimson Knight and his fellow Royal Knights. And Yelan's judgment is always trusted. Her gifts are known throughout the entire world and she is greatly admired. And not only that, but Yukito is with them as well. He adds more to the cauldron with his own well-known powers."

Sakura looked at her and nodded, "It doesn't make me feel that much better, but thank you."

Nakura nodded. "Don't worry too much, Sakura. I'm sure that Touya won't let anyone perish on the battle field. In all his battles only a few men have died and that's from both sides."

Nakura left the room and Sakura remained with Tomoyo by her side to contemplate Nakura's words.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Every day this got to be more and more real. Syaoran sighed. He had spent less and less time with Sakura by the day and the talk of war, grew and grew. Every day the Crimson Knight was training the other knights, preparing, always preparing and he was tired of it all!

He stood up, ready to leave the confines of his room when he saw Sakura standing in his door way. She was upset. Sorrow played in her eyes and on her face and despite this she looked beautiful. Breath takingly beautiful. "Sakura. . ."

She hesitated, but she stepped into the room. "I hope you don't mind."

Syaoran shook his head. "No," he said. "Do you want-" He gestured toward the chair he had been sitting in, but she shook her head before he could finish.

"I just needed to see you," she said, surprising herself. "I've. . .missed you."

Syaoran was floored by her words and by his own emotions. He didn't know what it was, but he was able to let his heart rest on his sleeve around her. His eyes softened despite his nervousness and his body eased. "I've missed you too, Sakura."

She walked to him and stared up at him. "This war. . ." she said. "When will it actually begin?"

Syaoran sighed. He didn't want to talk about it, but he couldn't just leave her question unanswered. "It's uncertain right now," he said. "But it will happen. Don't be mistaken. We're just waiting on the other Kingdoms."

Sakura nodded. "I understand." She said nothing for a moment and then, "Well, I'll just be-" she began to walk away, but Syaoran took her arm.

"Don't go just yet," he said. "I. . ."

Sakura looked at him, waiting, but Syaoran didn't say more. He wanted to hold her and-oh, god!- kiss her, but it was strange to him. He wasn't expecting these emotions at all and it threw him into a loop. "Sakura, I. . ."

He shook his head, his heart pounding as he let her go. "Never mind."

She looked down. "I should go," she said, but she didn't move. Instead she continued to look at him, her eyes resting on his face with a longing that matched the one he felt in his heart. He wondered if it was showing in his own eyes and he wondered why Sakura was able to make him feel this way. What power did she hold over him?

Without thought, or any realization, he moved toward her.

It was just instinct. They both moved closer, feeling the warmth of the other on their bodies, gravitating and wanting, lusting for something that neither one of them could put words to.

"Your highness, sir."

Syaoran pulled away, his heart racing, aching. He looked up. A lone knight stood in the door way. "Yes."

"The Silver Knight. . ."

Panic seized Syaoran now. "What happened?" He could feel Sakura panicking beside him too.

"He's detected something. . .another creature and it's. . .fast approaching."