Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura isn't mine.

Previously in Worth Fighting For:

The princess eyes were piercing when she looked at the commander. "Commander Yue," her tone, warning.

"I cannot turn a blind eye to his act. You know very well that the ministers are watching your every move. The ministers would be displeased if I didn't punish him. They will pressure me for being lenient." Yue said. "Your royal guards were under my authority. It is my job to discipline them. It is my job to punish them when they did something wrong."

Sakura closed her eyes momentarily. "Well then. From now on, Syaoran will no longer be under your authority." She glanced to Syaoran and saw the puzzled expression. "I promote Syaoran as my warrior, effective immediately."

Worth Fighting For
Chapter 25: The Missing Princess

Lady Tomoyo folded the papers in her hand and looked straight to the princess uncertainty. "Are you sure about this?" she asked. "Your highness, this letter could be a hoax, send by someone who wanted to harm you."

Tomoyo couldn't suppress her worry when the princess summoned her in the night to show her the letter which was supposed to be from the missing king. Imagine her surprise when the princess informed her that she intended to meet the sender of the letter on the night of the cremation.

"I know that," Sakura nodded. She had thought of it carefully, and her heart told her that this was the right thing to do. She even took precaution by consulting her cards. But she shouldn't say that out loud to her cousin.

Sakura took a deep breath and spoke. "But there's also a chance that the letter was indeed from Touya. I can't ignore the handwriting and the Nadeshiko insignia. The insignia was a secret code for us. There must be a reason why he chooses not to return back to the palace yet."

Tomoyo bit her lips as she handed the paper back to the princess. She knew that it would be hard to convince the princess to ignore the letter. She was worried that someone was trying to harm the princess, just like the last time with the fake policeman.

"Which is why I decided to tell you about this letter, despite the notice not to," Sakura said. "I'm scared that someone might try to harm me with this letter, but I can't risk the chance of meeting my brother again."

Her gaze softened. Tomoyo understood that the princess was hoping that her brother was alive, somewhere, instead of having him dead, lying in the morgue of the Justice Department. Tomoyo too, wished that the dead body wasn't the king. But she didn't want to get her hopes up.

"And," Sakura made a face before she continued. "I want to ask you a favor."

Tomoyo smiled. "I will do anything for you."

Sakura clenched her fist and continued, "I need you and a few of your guards to accompany me to the meeting place."

"My guards?" Tomoyo uttered in confusion. "Why do you need my guards? Not that I mind. I did say that I will do anything for you. But, why do you want my guards to accompany you to the meeting place? What are you planning?"

"I couldn't trust my guards enough to take them with me," Sakura said. "I mean... I trust Syoaran," she continued before Tomoyo could say something. "But I don't think that having him around with me would be a wise decision."

"Why not?"

The princess fiddled with the hem of her dress. Her face turned slightly pale. "I don't think that this is the right moment to introduce Syaoran to Touya. I'm scared that Touya will try to kill him. You know how it is with Touya. He didn't like any men to get close to me. Imagine how Touya would react when he learned that I have appointed Syaoran as my warrior."

Tomoyo smiled. She knew that Touya will be furious. Her smile quickly disappeared when the other information registered to her. "Wait. You appointed Syaoran as your warrior?"

Sakura nodded hesitantly.

"What? When did this happen? I mean, why?"

Sakura heaved a sigh and slumped into her seat. "It's a long story. But I only did that to save him from Commander Yue's punishment."

Upon noticing the princess weary expression, Tomoyo decided that this was not the time to question the princess with her curiosity. Instead, she bowed and agreed with the princess' request. It will be interesting to see what will happen when those two men meeting, but, this will not be the most appropriate time to let those two meet.

xxx

Sakura smiled when she saw Syaoran stood outside and was glad that the commander had released her guard from that awful place. "Are you alright?"

Syaoran bowed. "Yes. Thank you, your highness." He cleared his throat when he noticed that the princess's cousin was giving him a funny look. "It was generous of you to come for me, but it was not necessary for you to defend me before the commander."

"I will not have my people, especially you, pay for something that was my mistake," Sakura said. "If the commander wanted to punish someone, it should be me. After all, it was me who wanted to go out. I should be apologizing to you for enduring everything for me."

"Please don't," Syaoran said hastily. "You're the ruler of this country. You shouldn't be apologizing to your mere subject."

The princess frowned at his arguments. "Whether I'm a queen, a princess or a servant, I should be apologizing when I'm wrong. And I caused you enough trouble. "

Syaoran smiled at her words, but his smile faded quickly, realizing that they were surrounded by others. "But still, I don't think my appointment is necessary."

"Nonsense," Sakura said. "I have decided that I'm going to take the position as the legitimate ruler of Clow. And appointing you as a warrior is necessary, now that my life might be in danger against various threats. After all, you have given me your words that you're going to help me to fight against my enemy. I hope that offer still stands."

Syaoran bowed again. "Of course." He shifted his weight from leg to leg. For some unknown reason, he found it hard to act the way he normally acted around the princess. Not after that conversation he had with Yamazaki in the prison last night.

Sakura motioned one of her maidservant to step closer and took a small bag from her. She gave him a look over and saw that he was wearing a new uniform, black from top to toe with his sword in his grip. "You look nice in your new uniform."

Syaoran stood rigidly when the princess complimented him in front of her entourage. "Thank you, your highness."

"I have something for you," she pulled out an ornament and pinned the ornament on his shoulder. She noticed how stiff his posture was and knew that he was probably nervous. She looked up to tell him to loosen him up, but was surprised when she noted how close her face was to his. Sakura gasped, and stepped back immediately when she was done.

"I—" the princess took a breath to compose herself. "That will be your emblem from now on," she told him. "I choose them myself. I thought that the shade of green looks great with you. It's very special. This emblem may help you around in the palace. It wielded the same power as the power of my decree. I trust that you will be using it wisely."

"Thank you, your highness." Syaoran bowed again. He glanced towards the emblem with uncertainty. In just one night, he had been promoted and been given something as powerful as the emblem. The princess must have trusted him too much to give him the emblem. Syaoran looked and watched the princess left for her palanquin. They were heading towards Akatsuki shortly after this to attend the king's cremation.

As soon as the princess entered her carriage, Tomoyo paused before Syaoran with a knowing smile. "Congratulation on your appointment."

"Thank you."

Tomoyo suppressed her smile. "But a word of advice: If you didn't want anyone else to find out about your feelings, work more in concealing your expression around her," she glanced towards the princess, hoping that Syaoran would understand what she was trying to say. "It's becoming transparent. But, it was good to see a smile on your face once in a while."

Syaoran watch as Tomoyo went into the carriage with a frown on his face. Soon, he understood what Tomoyo was saying. Syaoran cursed inwardly; wishing that Yamazaki had never made him realize his feeling towards the princess. He wondered if he has been grinning like an idiot the whole time the princess was near him. He didn't like it that he cannot control what he feels, and how he reacted when the princess was near. He was trained better at controlling his expression during his training.

xxx

The princess made a face when she saw the ministers were waiting for her arrival. She knew right away what the ministers were going to say to her after this. After all, the ministers had been trying to discuss the same matter the moment they learned of the king's death.

Sakura closed her eyes to brace herself. She looked up and smiled when Tomoyo reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. The princess was greeted by the ministers as soon as she exited her carriage and caught glimpse of the ministers looking at each other, as if to dare anyone of them to speak first.

Finally, Minister Abe from the department of justice stepped up. "Your highness," he bowed. He welcomed the princess to the place, and made a small talk by asking her about her trips.

The princess was about to take her leave towards her lodging when minister Abe spoke again.

"Your highness. I know that you have just arrived from the palace, but the ministers have discussed and—"

Sakura cringed inwardly. "If you're going to discuss with me regarding the matter of the next ruler of Clow, I suggest you to stop there," she interrupted. She turned to the ministers with firmness in her eyes. "My brother was found dead with his body burned beyond recognized. His body has yet to be cremated, I am not going to discuss or hear anything regarding this matter right here, right now."

The ministers began to shift uncomfortably at her words and tone.

"If anything," the princess continued. "I will be discussing the matter regarding the next successor after the mourning period is over. Isn't this the way Clow usually does when a king passed?"

"But your highness," Minister Abe spoke. "The mourning period will last for a week. I don't think we should wait for that long to discuss this matter."

Sakura shot him a glare. "Are you saying that we should disregard our law and tradition?"

"No," Minister Abe disagreed. "But the only reason why Clow were able to wait until the mourning period is over was because there was always the crown prince to take over the role of the king. The former king did not have an heir, or appointed anyone as his successor. How will the government function without a ruler?"

"My brother appointed me as his substitute. I will continue my role as his substitute before we discuss the matter regarding the successor," the princess countered. "I will not be having this conversation again," her eyes darted dangerously towards Minister Abe before she made her way towards her lodgings.

The princess slumped down on the floor once she entered her lodgings. She brought her knees closer to her chest and breathed slowly.

"You did a great job facing the ferocious ministers," Tomoyo spoke as she closed the door behind her. She had instructed the princess maidservant, and guards to give the princess time and space before the cremation.

"Do you think so?" she raised an arm and was not shocked to see that she was still shaking. "Meeting with the ministers always terrifies me. I don't think I'll get over this fear anytime soon."

"You did well," Tomoyo spoke. "You've gotten braver and confident."

"But it was all just an act."

"It was a very good acting," she commented. "At least the ministers kept their mouth shut for a while." Tomoyo approached her cousin and sat down next to her. "But, what are you going to do with the matter of the successor?"

Sakura sighed. "I don't know. I rather not think about it. But whether Touya's alive somewhere as the letter claim to be, or no, I will have to hold on to the crown. I'm not giving away this country to those greedy ministers." She looked up and gave her cousin a small smile. "Besides, isn't that the only way I have to survive life in the palace?"

Tomoyo turned to give her a hug. She couldn't imagine what Sakura must have felt, dealing with all this. "I will be here for you if you need me; you know that, don't you?"

Sakura nodded slowly. The two of them stayed that way for a little while until Tomoyo pulled away to meet up with her guards. They were going to set up a safe path for the princess to sneak out, unnoticed for her meeting with the owner of the Nadeshiko letter. Tomoyo looked up to the sky when she exited the lodging. She had less than two hours to plan everything.

Tomoyo turned around and saw that Syaoran was at the princess's door. She bowed and smiled when their eyes met. Her first task will be to get rid of Syaoran. It will be a challenge to sneak out unnoticed from the warrior.

xxx

Tomoyo took a deep breath when she returned to the princess' lodging with a tray in her hand. She had set up everything they need to do with the help of Sakura's most trusted maidservant, Chiharu, and her guards were waiting for her somewhere. Now, all she needed to do was to make sure that Syaoran didn't notice their disappearance as per the princess's request.

Syaoran inched away to give Tomoyo access into the princess's lodging just as Chiharu announced her arrival. He peeked at the tray in Tomoyo's hand and saw an array of clothes and accessories. He knew right away that the princess was going to get ready for the ceremony.

His hand gripped on the sword in his hand as he scanned his surroundings. He couldn't shake off the uneasiness he felt once they arrived, and he didn't like what he felt. He was worried of any unpredictable event. This was an unfamiliar territory for him. He wished that he had been given more time to learn more of this place before they came here. He hadn't been given enough notice, what with his sudden new position in the princess's court. For now, there was nothing he could do but to disperse his guards around the lodgings, and to stay as close as possible to the princess.

Syaoran turned when the door to the princess's lodging swung open, and saw both Chiharu exited the room. He frowned when he saw Chiharu whispered something to the other maidservant, causing them to leave.

"What happened?"

Chiharu looked up to Syaoran, hesitant. "It's time for her highness to get ready. Please reject any visitors if anyone comes looking for her."

Syaoran nodded. He noticed the maidservant's anxiety, but decided to dismiss any thought and return to his position. Soon, the two girls who disappeared earlier on Chiharu's instruction returned with two covered trays on their hand. The girls then entered the princess's lodging, leaving him all alone outside of the room. After a while, he spotted Yamazaki heading towards him.

"How's everything out there? Is everything alright?" Syaoran asked.

"Everything's fine," Yamazaki waved a hand. He sat down on the porch to take a swig of water from his flask. It was then that he noticed the lacking numbers of the princess's maidservant, standing on guard outside the door. "Where are the other maidservants?"

"Her highness is getting ready for the ceremony."

"Hmm... Isn't that too early?" Yamazaki commented. He looked up to the sky to estimate the time. "There are still a few more hours before the ceremony begins."

Syaoran shrugged. "You know how women took a long time to get ready for anything. At least the princess will be on time for the ceremony," he cringed at the memory of his four older sisters.

Yamazaki took another swig from his flask. "So that's why I saw the princess's maidservant heading towards the forest just now."

Syaoran frowned at the news. "You saw the princess's maidservant heading towards the forest?"

Yamazaki nodded. "They're probably going to fetch some water."

Syaoran's frown deepened. He knew that the maidservant would use the water from the well just outside the princess's lodging for water. His heart raced at the thought of some assassin wandering around the lodging, posing as a maidservant. "And you didn't think to check their identity?"

Yamazaki scowled, but understood quickly what the prince was afraid of. "Easy. I recognize one of the girls as the princess's cousin, Lady Tomoyo. So I let them pass. After all, they seem to be in a hurry and I was in the middle of inspecting this place as per your request."

Syaoran held his breath at the information. "Are you sure you saw Lady Tomoyo?"

"Yes," Yamazaki confirmed. "Lady Tomoyo's guard, Natsumi was there to escort them. I wouldn't worry too much about the maidservant if I were you."

"Damn it." Syaoran finally figured out what was going on. Syaoran was about to swing open the princess's door, when Yamazaki appeared before him, to stop him from doing anything reckless.

"What do you think you're doing?" Yamazaki spoke nervously. "I thought you said that the princess was getting ready for the ceremony. You know very well that men were prohibited to enter the princess's room without invitation. Are you trying to get us both killed?"

"I know what the princess and her cousin was up to. This isn't the first time that this has happened," Syaoran said. He then recalled Chiharu's agitation. "The princess is sneaking out from his lodging with the help of his cousin."

Yamazaki looked at the prince as if he had gone nuts. "Why would the princess be sneaking out? We're far away from any town. We were surrounded with trees and wilderness. Where do you think the princess would want to go?" Yamazaki hastily stood up and stop Syaoran when he made another attempt to break in into the princess's room. "Your highness," he announced. "Is everything alright?"

Seconds later, Chiharu appeared. "Her highness is taking a bath. Is there anything that I can help you with?"

"Move," Syaoran commanded. "Please. I need you to move aside and let me through."

Chiharu hesitated. But after a while, she stepped aside to let him pass through. She knew that sooner or later, Syaoran was going to force his way into the room. Chiharu unconsciously bit her lips as she watched Syaoran went around the lodgings, calling for the princess in anxiety. She squeezed her eyes shut when Syaoran slid open the room that was supposed to be the princess's sleeping chamber. She knew what Syaoran will find in the room—six of the princess's attendants sitting on the tatami with absolutely nothing to do.

"Where's the princess?"

The six other attendants shook their head. Then, Syaoran turned to Chiharu, asking the same question.

"All I know was that the princess has somewhere that she must go," Chiharu admitted. "It's the truth. The princess never told us anything, or what she was planning. We were merely her servant. We follow her orders. We dare not to question her action."

Syaoran grunted. He knew that Chiharu and the others were telling the truth. "Did you say they were going into the forest?" Syaoran asked to Yamazaki.

The prince's guard nodded. "They're heading north."

Syaoran took a deep breath and clenched on his sword. "I don't want anyone of you to breathe a word on the princess's disappearance," he said to the attendants. "Yamazaki, please ensure that no one finds out about this incident. Buy us some times if I didn't return with the princess before the ceremony. Inform me if the princess decided to return," He watched Yamazaki nodded, and exited the room to search for the princess.

Syaoran went towards the north side of the forest and began his search for the princess. He wondered what on earth were the princess and her cousin planning, to enter the forest at a time like this.

He wondered if the princess was running away from everything because she got scared with everything, now that her brother was about to be cremated. A part of him was angry that the princess didn't tell him anything before she leave despite his promise to help her. But a part of him was worried for her safety. Syaoran didn't care of whatever reasons the princess might have to escape her lodging. He just wanted the princess to be safe. He prayed that nothing happened to the princess.

He glided into the forest swiftly, silently like he had always done for many times. He frowned, as he tried to recall the map of the forest. He made a hasty stop when he sensed that someone was coming towards him. He cursed inwardly, sensing that it wasn't the princess's footsteps. From what he could perceive, there were two men heading towards him. From the footsteps, he knew that whoever that person was, was in a hurry.

Syaoran made a decision to climb up the trees and wait for the person to pass. He was going to observe from the top, and decided whether the people were a threat, or not.

Soon, two people with masks covering their face ran pass him. Syaoran could see that both men were carrying weapons and that they both were very good at martial arts. Fearing that the two might be some assassins after the princess's life, Syaoran took out two darts and threw it towards the two strangers.

One of the men turned around just in time and swung his sword to block his darts.

"Who's there?" one of the men spoke, with his sword in his hand. "Show yourself."

Syaoran weighted his choice. He could continue his pursue for the princess, or he could stay here for a while and take care of the two men. He decided to stay and fight against those two, fearing that they might find the princess sooner than he would. Syaoran jumped down from the tree, and took out his sword. Now, they're going to fight, two against one.

xxx

Sakura paced around the room with worry. Once in a while, she would stop just to crane her neck to search for her brother. She had found the small cottage located in the forest, just like the letter had said, but she had yet to see anyone.

"Your highness," Tomoyo spoke up. "You're going to tire yourself if you didn't stop pacing around the room."

"Touya is taking up too long to get here, don't you think?" Sakura said.

Tomoyo's gaze softened. She didn't want the princess to get her hope up, and be disappointed that she wasn't going to see her brother. "Maybe he's not coming," she suggested.

"He's coming," Sakura said with firmness in her eyes. "I know he is."

Tomoyo decided to give the princess a little bit of time. After a while, she saw her guard; Natsumi, signaled her and knew that it was time to leave. "Your highness? It's time."

"Please," Sakura pleaded. "Let us wait for just a little longer."

Tomoyo let out an inaudible sigh. "Whether the writer of the letter appears or not, we have to get back to your lodging before the ceremony began, or before anyone noticed that you were missing. Or else, Chiharu and the others will be in trouble."

Sakura nodded. "I know that," she said quietly. She craned her neck one last time, hoping that her brother will make an appearance before she decided to leave, but he didn't. Reluctantly, the princess turned to her cousin, signaling her that she was ready to leave, and giving up on her brother.

The princess followed as Tomoyo's guard, Natsumi lead her out from the cottage. Two more guards followed. They walked quietly, heading towards the lodgings. After a while, Natsumi stopped abruptly, causing the others to panic just a little bit.

Natsumi raised a hand, and signaled the other girls to be quiet. Soon, they all could hear the sound of metal clanking. "We better use the alternative route to the lodgings," she suggested. "We didn't want to engage in someone else's battle." She turned around and stopped once again when she felt the princess's tugging on her sleeves.

"What if it was my brother?" Sakura spoke. "He might be in danger."

Natsumi suppressed a grimace. She exchanged a look with her master, Tomoyo, and nodded. "I'll go and scout the situation," she announced. Then she turned to the other two guards. "If I didn't make it back here in a few minutes, the two of you will escort the princess and Lady Tomoyo safely back to the lodgings."

Sakura watched as Natsumi departed. She prayed that everything will be alright. Shortly after, Natsumi returned to them, panting, with concern on her face.

"Your highness," Natsumi bowed. "We have to hurry," she watched the princess's face paled with worry. "It seems that his majesty and his guards were having an intense duel with your guard, Syaoran."

The princess frowned at this information. "What?" She could guess what was going to happen if she didn't stop the fight soon. She knew how good her brother and Syaoran were in sword fighting. And both of them were not the type to fight without giving it all out. Soon, Sakura made a dash towards the direction of the metal clanking. She needed to stop the fight soon, or one of them might die.

Sakura panted heavily when she stop. Even from afar, she could see how intense the sword fights were. Their movement was fast. She felt a surge of relief, seeing that her brother was alive, along with his guard, Kaname. But soon, that feeling turned to horror, as she watched her brother battling against Syaoran. Her jaw dropped when she watched her brother backed towards a tree. And her heart pounding like mad when she watched Syaoran raised his sword up high, aiming for her brother.

"Stop! Stop it!"

End of Chapter 25: The Missing Princess

Thank you so much for your review in the previous chapter. I'm happy to read what you guys think of my story, and writing.

This time, I wrote a slightly longer chapter. I hope it was worth the wait.

I was going to stop at the moment Syaoran met those two strangers in the forest, but then decided to change my mind. I hope I wouldn't make the next chapter too short by doing this. I think it will be exciting to see the main characters assembling together.

What do you think of this chapter? Please drop me a review XD