Disclaimer: Card Captor Sakura isn't mine.

Previously in Worth Fighting For:

Syaoran turned to Sakura and heaved a sigh of relief to know that she was alright. Soon, the officers on duty gathered closer to her. Commander Yue, Advisor Yukito, Mori and Shinjiro inched closer to the palanquin to form a human barricade to protect the queen. Syaoran saw Haruki ran after the shooter and Asami raised her bow and released an arrow to the shooter. The arrows pierced the shooter's leg, preventing the shooter from fleeing and Haruki caught the shooter.

Syaoran bent down to check on Yamazaki and saw the arrow pierced on his upper body.

"You're safe," Yamazaki whispered.

"Shut up," Syaoran frowned at him. "Don't say a word."

He smiled, knowing that his prince was safe, that he hadn't failed in protecting him. "Thank you, God." He groaned in pain when Syaoran snapped the tail of the arrow. His breathing became heavy. Soon, he closed his eyes.

Worth Fighting For
Chapter 38: Letters

Syaoran took a long stride towards the room when he heard the news that Yamazaki has awoken. At least they have one, good news since the attack during the Her Majesty's parade days earlier. So far, most of the news regarding the attack on the coronation day has been a negative one.

Haruki and Asami has been the two who apprehended the shooter at the scene. But unfortunately, the shooter was found dead in his cell in one night he was detained by the justice department. Apparently, the shooter has taken a type of poison before the police could interrogate him about anything.

Everyone was shocked to hear it. The queen was livid at this news. Commander Yue has been blaming himself for this event. Minister Abe has taken the blame for the weak security in his department. And Syaoran... He was definitely furious. Nothing could describe the way he felt when Yamazaki—his friend, his confidant—fell beside him with his blood pouring out of his chest. If he was back in Li Dynasty, he would raise hell. He would demand the shooter to be interrogated and prosecuted right away. It was preposterous to think that anyone was bold enough to shoot an arrow towards Her Majesty's direction.

The prince was glad to find that the arrow had missed Yamazaki's vital point. He lost some of his blood, but Sakura had commanded the Royal Infirmary to send the best physician to look after Yamazaki. After a long surgery to remove the arrow, and to treat his wound, the physician has given them a guarantee that Yamazaki will be able to survive, with a long rest for his recovery.

Syaoran knocked softly on the door and nodded to the guard who was looking after Yamazaki. He watched the guard leave the room and walked towards the bed. "You're awake."

"Yeah," Yamazaki said with his voice hoarse.

"You've been asleep for almost five days."

"I know," Yamazaki nodded once. "The physician who attended me told me a few things."

"How are you feeling?"

He tried to sit up, but gave up the idea when he had no strength to do so. Yamazaki groaned. "In pain. But alive."

"Good." Syaoran dragged a small stool and sat next to his bed. "I reckon that Commander Yue will be here soon to interrogate you about what happened on the coronation day. But first, I wanted to hear from you."

"There's not much to tell. Haruki, Mori and I, we were getting ready for the queen's departure. I saw what you were doing and that that person, aiming his bow and arrow to shoot you. I have to act." Yamazaki closed his eyes momentarily. "The shooter wasn't really aiming towards Her Majesty, you know. He was aiming for you."

Syaoran clenched his jaw. He had his suspicion. He saw how the shooter aim followed him when he stepped up on the palanquin to protect Sakura. But of course, he never mentioned this to anyone. He thought that he might be mistaken. But now, Yamazaki has confirmed his suspicion. "That was why you jumped before me." He watched Yamazaki nodded. "Don't tell that to the Commander. We were lucky that everyone thought that you were saving the queen's life. Everyone seems to think that you haven't adjusted to address her as 'Your Majesty'."

Yamazaki frowned when he remembered what he may have shouted as he protect the prince from the arrow. "Understood. But why would anyone want to harm you? Did you make any enemy here?"

"Not that I know of. I can't think of any reason why anyone in Clow wanted my life."

"Haruki and Asami did get the shooter, right? Didn't he spill anything about the attack?"

Syaoran grimaced. "Yes. Haruki and Asami did apprehend the man. But the assassin has taken whatever information he had to the grave. We suspected that he may have taken poison, or someone had poisoned him to death before the Department of Justice gets their chance to interrogate him."

Yamazaki tried to sit again. "What?" He grimaced, knowing that it was a mistake to do so.

"The palace has been in chaos since then." Syaoran said. "I'm just glad when the physician told us that you will be able to survive. I'm not sure what I will do if you hadn't."

Yamazaki smiled a bit. "You cared for me." He laughed when Syaoran gave him a dirty look. "How's the queen? Is she alright?"

"She's safe. I can't leave her side for too long without knowing that you aren't here looking after her while I'm away." He smiled as he patted Yamazaki gently on his good shoulder. "Have a good rest and full speed recovery, alright. It drove me crazy that I haven't been able to sneak out frequently," he joked.

"Her Majesty's royal guards are capable to protect her."

"I know. But I trust that she will be safer when you're around to look after her. And I couldn't leave, when you weren't conscious."

"Does this mean that you're planning to sneak out now that I have regained my consciousness?"

Syaoran chuckled. "Yes. In fact, I am planning to sneak out this evening," he frowned as he remembered a few things he needed to settle. "There are a few letters that need to be delivered. But don't worry much. You just focus on recovering, alright?"

Yamazaki sighed. He paused as he heard footsteps, suggesting that someone was coming towards his room. "Someone's coming."

Syaoran nodded. "It could be anyone from the Department of Justice." He stood up to open the door and was surprised to find Chiharu at the door.

"Hi," Chiharu spoke meekly. "I heard that Yamazaki is awake. Is he alright?"

"Yes. He's alright, but still recovering," he moved slightly to his left, making a room at the door. "Do you want to come in and visit him?"

Chiharu shook her head quickly. "It wouldn't be appropriate. I shouldn't be seen here. But," she thrust a package wrapped with blue cloth. "I made something for him to eat. Could you give this to him?"

Syaoran took the package from her. "Alright. I'll tell him you come to visit." He watched Chiharu smile before she returned to where she came from. He returned to Yamazaki and placed the packaging on a small table. "So, your girlfriend came to give you this."

"My girlfriend?" Yamazaki repeated in confusion.

Syaoran smiled teasingly. "The maidservant. Chiharu."

"What?" Yamazaki spun his head towards the door and regretted it when the pain on his shoulder came.

Syaoran watched his guard in amusement. He laughed when Yamazaki gave him a dirty look. "She couldn't come in to visit you though. She said that it wouldn't be appropriate for her to be seen here," Syaoran said. He unwrapped the packaging and looked into the flask. "She made porridge for you. Are you hungry?"

xxx

Lady Tomoyo rushed into the queen's study when the door swung open to let her in. "Your Majesty," she bowed. "I heard about the attack from my mother when I came back. Are you alright?"

"Yes," Sakura said. She smiled in relief upon seeing her cousin's face. She stepped forward and pulled Tomoyo into a tight embrace. "I'm alright. But one of my guards was badly injured to save me."

"I heard that from my mother," Tomoyo pulled away to give the queen a look over. "You must be scared. I'm just glad that you're safe. What were they thinking, brazenly going after your life in daylight, where the people are gathering? Did they catch the assassin?"

"Yes. But the assassin took a poison before Commander Yue or anyone from the justice department could interrogate him." Sakura said, watching Tomoyo frown. "Minister Abe has taken the blame for the weak security in his department. Syaoran thinks that there may be another attempt after my life." Reflexively, she clenched her fist to control her fear. "But we can't really do anything without any information on my opponent. We don't even know who it is and what are they after."

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there during your coronation," Tomoyo said. "What did your brother say about this?"

Sakura shook her head. "I don't know. We haven't been able to keep in touch. He sent a letter through Rika, saying that someone was watching Terada's movement. He suggested that it would be better if we stay low for a while. And now, Syaoran thinks that it would be dangerous for us to contact them. There might be people watching us after the attack."

"I could try to—"

"No," Sakura interjected before Tomoyo finished. "I didn't want you to endanger yourself. Whoever wanted me dead will definitely keep a close eye to me and my supporters in the palace. We will wait for Touya to reach out to us first. He'll be in contact when he thinks it's safe."

Tomoyo heaved a sigh. "I understand."

Sakura smiled. She knew that her cousin wanted to be a help, but she couldn't risk putting Tomoyo in danger. Someone could be watching Tomoyo because of their relationship. "So. Tell me about your trip."

Tomoyo perked up. She had almost forgotten about the news she brought from Attanin. "I have good news for you." Tomoyo took Sakura's hand in hers and led her towards a chair, motioning her to sit down.

Sakura watched her cousin with interest. It has been some times since she saw Tomoyo this excited. "What is it?"

"My father and I made a trip to Attanin to discuss a business deal. My father has been trying to secure a business deal from Attanin for years. But Attanin has been closed towards other countries. They weren't really fond of any outsider. But the new king was trying to reach out to their neighboring countries—they're trying to expand their economy. And then, Sy—" she bit her tongue before she could mention his name.

Sakura laughed. "I know that you're excited about your new business deal, Tomoyo, but take a deep breath, Tomoyo. Or else, you might accidentally bite your tongue again."

"I'm sorry," Tomoyo smiled sheepishly. "But Your Majesty," she took a deep breath and tried to speak slowly this time. "The good news is that, Attanin has agreed to trade their rice with us."

The Regent Queen's smile froze. "What?"

Tomoyo nodded furiously. Her smile broadened. "Yes. You don't have to worry about spending too much of our money to buy from Mikage or Usetsu anymore. Attanin is selling their rice cheaper than what we used to buy from Mikage."

Sakura felt her breath hitched. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Really?"

Tomoyo nodded again. "Yes."

"But how?" Sakura asked. "Why are they selling their rice cheaper? Is the quality of their rice lower compared to what we used to have?"

"It's not," Tomoyo said. "I made sure of it. It's just that, their main produce is rice, and for a few years now, they have been experiencing a surplus. They're trying to export more of their produce. Besides, we have promised to trade our sea salt and dried seafood items to them. Clow is very rich with seafood product and Attanin is most impressed with the quality of our country's salt."

"Tomoyo! This is great news!" Sakura spoke after a few seconds of silence. "We have to tell the ministers the good news the first thing in the morning."

"Of course. My father will help you in any way that he can."

She smiled happily at the news. "Is this why you depart to this business trip unexpectedly? To secure this business deal?"

Tomoyo smiled again, because Sakura's smile is contagious. She was happy to see her cousin smiling again. "Yes. A friend of mine helped. He gave us a letter of recommendation to Attanin's royal family. That too, was one of the reasons why Attanin agreed to this trade, and why they are willing to sell their produce, cheaper to us."

"Really?"

Tomoyo nodded again.

"Then, I have to meet your friend. I have to thank your friend for the trouble."

Tomoyo was surprised at the queen's request. She was hesitant to reply, knowing that she wanted to protect Syaoran's secret for a while longer. But soon, she nodded. "Of course. When the time is right, I will introduce him to you."

Half an hour has passed since the two cousins catch up with their stories and gossips. Then, Naoko's voice echoed into the room, announcing that Syaoran was present to see the queen.

When Syaoran stepped into the room, he was surprised to see that Tomoyo was with the queen. "Your Majesty," he bowed to the queen and turned to nod at Tomoyo.

"I heard that you went to see Yamazaki. How is he?" Sakura asked. "Is he well?"

"Yamazaki is conscious," Syaoran said, smiling. "The doctor had advised him to have a long rest to recover. But it might be a while before he could hold his sword or bow and arrow."

Sakura let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad to hear that he has regained his consciousness. At least you can take it easy, now that Yamazaki is well and recovering," she said and smiled. "You may not notice this, but you have been quite restless since Yamazaki took that arrow."

Syaoran blinked, wondering what the queen was trying to say. "Your Majesty?"

"I know that you were worried about him, probably more than I am. But it was nice to see that regular scowl of yours missing and a smile returning to your face." Her smile widened as she looked at his perplexed expression. "Tell Yamazaki that he will not be allowed to return to his duty until he has fully recovered. This is a royal decree."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Your grace is immeasurable." Syaoran bowed and straightened up again. "I'd like to request a permission to go out."

"Granted." Sakura nodded. She knew that Syaoran would try to get in contact with her brother. In fact, he had been sneaking out solo, since the attack for this purpose. And every time he went out, he would bring along a letter she had written for her brother. "If my brother tries to get in contact, if you encounter him, please tell him that I'm safe and that I can still hold on until we discover who wanted to harm us."

Syaoran bowed again and headed towards the door.

"Syaoran?"

He paused and turned around. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Be careful."

"I will," he said and exited the queen's quarters. He halted when he heard the door swing again and watched Tomoyo exited the quarters, pacing towards him. "Lady Tomoyo," he nodded, careful to the palace's eyes that might be watching them. "I didn't expect you to return sooner. I take it that everything is going smoothly as you wanted."

"Yes. Thank you for your help. Without your letter of recommendation, there is no way we could secure this business deal this quick." Tomoyo said. She reached into her inner pocket and pulled out an envelope. "Here. A letter from your sister."

Syaoran tried his best not to cringe upon seeing the letter. He could guess what Fanren has written in there. "Did she say anything to you?"

Tomoyo shrugged. "Not much. But she did question your intention to recommend Attanin to do business with us. Interestingly, she thought that I'm your lover, that you only recommend us to woo me."

Syaoran snickered and shook his head. He could not believe that Fanren would think that he was trying to persuade Tomoyo.

"I have told your sister half of the truth," Tomoyo watched his face grim. "That you were only helping me because you were trying to woo my cousin. Your sister was excited to hear the story of how you pretended to be someone else to get close to her."

Syaoran groaned. "Thanks," he deadpanned. He could guess what will happen the next time he see Fanren.

"I don't think she prefers the version where you signed up as her royal guard to learn martial arts." She smiled when Syaoran looked at her dangerously. She gestured them to walk and talk, knowing that he was on his way out of the palace. "So tell me, what has been happening in the palace while I wasn't around. I heard about her uncle's marriage proposal to Prince Kei of Mikage from my mother and that invitation to a neighboring country to halt Mikage from waging war. For some reason, I don't think that was my cousin's idea. And Yukito wouldn't suggest something like that."

Syaoran tried his best to hide his grimace. He knew that Tomoyo was watching him. "That was the best way for Clow to avoid war. At least for a while."

"And what about you?" Tomoyo asked. "You do know what will happen when the representative arrives? Someone might recognize you. And worse, what if your father decided to send a representative from Li Dynasty? How do you expect to hide from them?"

"I send a separate letter to them, asking them not to send anyone," Syaoran said and smiled. "Don't worry about me. I know how to deal with this."

Tomoyo watched him with worry. "Alright. I owe you one for helping me with to secure the deal with Attanin. So, if you need my help," she trailed off as Syaoran nodded. She knew that Syaoran will find her if he ever need a favor from her.

xxx

Syaoran walked towards the road that sells merchandise from Li Dynasty, hoping to find a few herbs to grind some potions for Yamazaki. He paused briefly when he sensed that he was being followed by two men pretending to be peddlers. He stopped by a few more shops and bought variant things, attempting to confuse his pursuers. Soon, he stopped by a tavern and ordered something to eat. He watched the two men entered the tavern from the corner of his eyes. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword when the two men inched closer to his table, and soon the two men took an empty seat directly behind him.

The warrior waited as an attendant arrived with a plate of steamed bun and a cup of tea. Then, he made an attempt to turn around to look at the two men. He stopped abruptly when one of the men spoke to him.

"Please. Be at ease."

Syaoran knew right away that the king sat behind him. He turned to glance and saw that the other man was Terada. Syaoran heaved a sigh and sipped his tea. "It took you so long to try and make a contact." His voice was low, but he knew that Touya heard him. "The Regent Queen was getting worried."

"There were too many eyes focusing on the palace since the coronation. We have to be careful, or all our effort will go waste," Touya said. "How's my sister?"

"She's fine," Syaoran answered.

Touya heaved a sigh. He was present during her sister's coronation the other day. And when he witness how a man, aiming his bow and arrow towards her, he wanted to run to her and protect her. But both Terada and Kaho had stopped him. They pointed out that Syaoran, Yue and the others were there to protect her. They have to remind him of his cause before he decided that his sister will be alright. "Thank you, for protecting my sister."

"She wanted me to tell you that she can still hold on to the throne until your quest is over," Syaoran said. "But I suggest that you settle everything and return to the palace quickly. I don't think Her Majesty will be safe in the palace for long."

Touya fought the urge to turn around and face that brat. "What do you mean?" his voice sounded dangerous.

"Minister Akira reported that there has been some activity with Mikage's army on the borders," Syaoran said. "They think that Mikage might be preparing for war, especially since Clow refused to continue purchasing their produce."

Touya clenched his fist. He knew that he has to act fast before Mikage or anyone else could destroy his family and his country.

"Speaking about the rice trade," Syaoran continued. "Lady Tomoyo and his father have secured a business deal with Attanin. They are selling rice cheaper than the price Clow used to buy from Mikage."

"That's good news," Touya spoke. "Although, I don't think Mikage would appreciate this new business transaction. They might decide to declare war against us sooner."

"Her Majesty had invited representatives from Mikage and a few other neighboring countries to Clow for a visit. She planned to establish a new relationship with them in the same time, stopping Mikage's plan to attack Clow, at least for a while. Mikage wouldn't dare to attack, or they could accidentally harm any of the representatives and made a new enemy."

"That plan could work," Touya said after a brief silence. "But it could also backfire. The representative's safety would be Clow's responsibility once they stepped on our soil. They might choose to side with Mikage and accuse Clow of trying to do something."

Syaoran frowned. The king was right. If he didn't plan everything right, Clow would still be in danger. It looks like he will have to inform Commander Yue to assign enough people to look after the diplomat.

"When are the representatives expected to arrive?"

"Her Majesty planned a festive for them in two weeks. They should arrive between next week and so."

Touya nodded. He needed to spy on Mikage and find out what they are up to.

"Another thing," Syaoran said. "Yusuke has been recruited into the police force and is now working under Commander Yue."

Touya groaned. "I know. I saw him during the coronation. Kaname found out that Abe recruited him. Keep your eyes on him. Don't let him hurt my sister. Don't let him near her."

Syaoran nodded, even though the king could not see him. He stared at his now empty plate and stood up, deciding that it was time for him to go. It wouldn't look good if he lingered too long at the tavern. Someone could be watching him. Syaoran bent down abruptly and pulled out a letter from his sleeve. "Excuse me, sir," he said to Touya. "I think you dropped this."

Touya glanced at the warrior and then to the letter. When he saw the Nadeshiko flower shape, painted on the bottom corner of the letter, he knew right away that the letter was from Sakura.

xxx

Back in Li Dynasty, a female with long black hair was seen running through the corridor, with a letter in her hand, causing the palace guards to yell at her. Finally, the female stopped before a door. But instead of knocking on the door and announcing her presence, she brusquely pushed the door open. "Master!" She paused when she noticed that the prince was with a guest. "Sorry," she bowed properly. "Crown Prince Eriol."

The Crown Prince glared at the female before him. "Don't you learn how to knock, Nakuru?"

"I'm sorry," Nakuru smiled sheepishly. "But I have important news."

Eriol glanced towards his guest and motioned him to leave him alone with Nakuru. He waited for his door to shut with a click and leaned back on his chair. "What is it?"

"I have a letter for you," Nakuru said. "An invitation from Clow. Their newly appointed queen invited a representative from Li Dynasty to visit them next two weeks. They seek to establish a new relationship—politically and economically—with us."

Eriol closed his eyes. "And the Emperor wanted me to be the representative?"

"Not really. The Emperor was going to send someone else as our envoy."

"Then?" Eriol raised a brow. "How is this important?"

"I thought you might want to go because Prince Syaoran is there. In Clow. He delivered you a separate letter," Nakuru stepped closer towards Eriol's desk and handed him a letter. "And he wants you to stop Li Dynasty from sending any representative."

"Curious," he muttered quietly. Eriol unfolded the letter and scanned the content. "Fascinating," he smiled. Then, he looked up. "Nakuru, pack your things. We're going to Clow as the representative. And find out discreetly from the Empress or her daughter if they know what Li Syaoran is doing there."

End of Chapter 38: Letters

Thank you so much for worrying about Yamazaki. Of course, I couldn't just kill Yamazaki from the story, even though it was tempting to do so. I have a few things planned for Yamazaki later.

Do you like this chapter? There wasn't any SS moment, but Eriol finally made his appearance. Yay! In my earlier plan, I wanted him to make his appearance in chapter 18 or so. But, it didn't seem right. What do you think will happen next? Please submit your review and tell me what you think.

24 March 2016