Okay, so most of the reviewers of chapter five told me to continue on. So, I'll go on with this fic and I hope the readers will stick by me until the end of this story coz I reallyreally plan to make this loooong! Thanks to BlueWolf, Quantum Weather Butterfly, Tori, Synthetic Iris, Christina, relena and phoenixmon007 for reviewing.

And to CherryBlossom - hey! Thanks for putting me in your favorites. Anyway, yeahI like Taichi as well. I think he fits to be a leader. I love him as much as I love Yamato. I could make it end as Taiora but most of my reviewers want me to finish this off as a sorato. But, there's gonna be a part in this story that Taiora will come up by maybepart 11 or 12. (I told you, I'm going to make this long!) And to give you the other couples that will appear on my story, bits of Takari, Kenyako, and Jyoumi will appear. And major Junato will come at the latter part of SOULMATES. I hope you enjoy reading this part!

---wind-goddess

Part Six: At Last, A Knight

The bright morning sun shone down the grounds of Tarben. It's rays glistened Yamato's sword as he positioned again, pointing it at Maku.

"Give me the best blow you have, Ishida!" Maku yelled across him. The other trainees who fought Maku earlier ended the fight ugly.

Some of them had scratches, bruises, scars made by Maku's sword. The other unfortunate ones suffered broken bones and an aching back.

Yamato closed his eyes, then opened them again as he stepped closer slowly. Up to now, he still can't see what Maku's weakest point is.

I can't aim for his side, he's too quick Yamato thought.

Maku stepped closer also and rotated his sword, watching Yamato closely. If this kid beats me, I'll tell him to the King immediately Maku thought as he looked at Yamato, not minding the sun.

Yamato bit his lip and tried very hard not to take his eyes away from Maku. Though the hot rays of the sun were scorching his skin, he concentrated on Maku.

Yamato took a step, then made a run towards Maku.

Maku raised his sword in front of him, so that it will block Yamato's sword.

CLASH!

Their swords made contact and Yamato pulled away. Yamato was panting and was grasping for breath. I can't charge him up front Yamato thought, his brows knitting in unison.

Finally, Yamato thought of only one idea. To get Maku by surprise

Yamato holds his sword tightly with his right hand and positioned it to his right side. Maku raised an eyebrow and looked cautiously at Yamato. What attack will this boy do?

Sure enough, Yamato ran with great speed towards Maku and raised his sword again. Maku smiled. He's going to charge me in front again!

When Maku raised his sword, Yamato suddenly disappeared. "What the" Maku muttered.

Then, Maku felt a heavy and hard object hit his back of the head and Maku fell down on the ground, unconscious.

Yamato places his sword back to its case and looked at Maku. He bent down and pulled Maku on his feet.

Maku opened his eyes drowsily and peeked Yamato from the side.

"What did you do?" He asked.

Yamato looked at him and draped Maku's arm over his shoulder and led Maku to the trainees, who were sitting on a bench.

"I attacked you from behind." Yamato started as he gently helped Maku sat down on the bench.

Maku held his back head and figured that Yamato must have jumped or did a somersault over him.

"You're quite good, Ishida" Maku muttered, still rubbing his aching head.

The other trainees where quite impress with what Yamato did a few moments ago. They witnessed how Yamato crouched down in front of Maku, then jumped up using his long, hind legs and somersaulted over Maku. After landing on his two feet, Yamato holds the sword's edge and hit Maku's head using the gold handle.

"Whoa!! Totally amazing!" Mannen exclaimed, giving Yamato a handshake. Yamato just smiled and looked down at Maku. "Sorry Master, do you want some water?"

Maku let out a deep sigh and rubbed his head again. "Yesplease. I'm a little lightheaded"

Yamato then walked out of the group and made his way to the kitchen. When he was by the backdoor of the kitchen, he could hear giggles and laughter coming from the kitchen.

"Please princesssit there with Suzanne and we will get the ingredients" he heard a woman say in-between laughter.

He peeked inside and saw from a corner that the potatoes, vegetables and fruits were all rolling on the floor and in the middle of the "rolling disaster" was a young woman sitting with a dirty face.

"I didn't know it was that heavy, Cory" she just reasoned out while brushing the dirt on her blue dress.

Yamato chuckled and knocked on the wooden door, which was slightly open. The laughter ceased down and Yamato opened the door wider and he stepped in.

"Looks like you ladies are having fun" he greeted, bowing like a perfect gentleman. Cory walked towards her most favorite trainee and patted his back heavily, causing Yamato to stumble forward.

"Oh my boy! It was nothing!"

Yamato smiled and straightened his figure. He saw Sora by the corner, with her face flushed prettily. His smile widened and he walked towards her, extending his hand. "Princess, you look dazzling!" he said, a slight insult spiced his tone.

Sora blushed even more and held his hand. She looked at him, with her eyebrow raised, while he pulled her to her feet.

"Thanks for your very mocking complement" she said, doing a curtsy. Yamato chuckled and bowed down also, then whispered, "I'm not lying when I said that"

He stood up and walked towards Suzanne. Sora blushed, a small smile appearing on her face.

Yamato smiled at Suzanne. "May I have water please?" He asked, flashing Suzanne his very renowned smile that the cooks of the palace love so much.

Suzanne giggled and called on Tessie. The woman came and looked at Yamato. "Well my lad, why do you need one?"

"I hit Maku on the head."

Tessie eyed the boy curiously. "You did that on purpose?"

Yamato chuckled a bit, causing a faint blush to appear on his cheek. "We were in a duel and I need to win, of course" he explained shyly.

Cory the let out a laugh. "Oh my boy! When the day comes, you'll be the highest ranked knight of this kingdom. Or better yet, the King!" she exclaimed, winking at the now blushing Sora, who was as red as a tomato.

Tessie smiled and handed Yamato a bucket of clean fresh water. "Here. That will be enough to quench Maku."

Yamato took the bucket form Tessie and thanked her. He walked by Sora, then whispered. "I want to see you again"

Sora followed his retreating form and when even before he was out the door, he turned his head to Sora and gave her a cute wink.

If there were no people around, Sora might be swooning over him already. She let out a dreamy sigh.

"Well, wellIs my beautiful princess having a small liking on the handsome lad?" Cory asked, chuckling.

Sora turned to her and smiled sweetly. "Oh CoryI believe so!"

(afternoon) Inside the throne room of the Tarben palace

King Leonard gave an exasperated sigh and tried to think. Why did those Celetites have to announce a war?!

"I cannot possibly retreat and just walk away. He would attack this kingdom and makes sure me and my family are disposed properly" the King muttered, running a hand through his red hair.

Hugh, one of the loyal messengers of Leonard, approached the throne. He knelt down then looked up at the king. "My King, the burned houses are now fixed."

"Did anyone died?" Leonard asked quietly.

Hugh's face darkened and nodded his head slowly. "One of the houses is used for educating the lowly kids. When the fire happened, 10 children didn't make it out the place."

The king hit the armrest of his chair angrily. "It could be John's wifebut no. Monica was killed two years ago. She's the only one who could do that fire" he muttered angrily and stood up from his chair.

"What other things do my people need?" Leonard asked.

"My king, they would find a way to start their lives again. The only favor they ask of you is to protect them from the menacing Celetites. All they want is the loss of the Celetites."

Leonard can't just shrug off his people's favor. He needs to make a decision if he should accept the war or not.

"I need to protect Tarben"

Sora takes a deep breath as she opened the door and stepped inside. Closing the door behind her, she saw her mother chatting with Mimi and a young man with sandy brown hair.

Muriko turned her head to the door and saw her daughter. She waved her hand in the air and her daughter walked towards them. Sora did a curtsy and flashed a smile at the young man.

"You called me mother?" Sora asked.

"Yes, honey. I was thinking that since you're always moping around our palace, I appointed someone to teach you how to dance."

Sora's eyes widened and she looked at her mother. "Dance? ButI do not know how!"

Muriko rolled her eyes at her daughter. "Sora, that's why I called on Sir Montiel to teach you how."

Upon mentioning his surname, the young man stood up and kissed Sora's backhand. "It's a pleasure meeting you, princess. Please call me Micheal."

Sora looked at Mimi, who was wiggling her eyebrows. Sora glared at her and looked at Michael.

"When do we start, Sir Michael?"

Mannen tossed Yamato a bright, red apple and Yamato caught it. "Thanks!" Yamato said, taking a bite.

"I stole it in the kitchen. You should have seen Cory's face!" Mannen said, imitating Cory when he stole the apples.

Yamato almost choked and let out a laugh. The two boys laughed for a moment until Yamato couldn't bear it anymore.

"You really know how to make her mad, right Mannen?"

Mannen just shrugged and bit into his apple. "Hey! I try to be nice!"

Yamato then spotted a nice long tree. He looked at Mannen. "Want to go up there?" Yamato asked, pointing at the tree.

Mannen gulped then shake his hands in front of Yamato's face. "That's okay. I really don't want toclimb."

"You don't know how to climb a tree?"

Mannen sighed. "Well, yeah. I was always inside the house and my father always teach me sword skills."

It was true. Mannen is included in the richest family circle of Tarben.

"Oh"

Yamato threw his apple core away and headed towards the tree. "I guess I could go alone."

Mannen just nod his head and sat below the tree. "I'll just doze for a while" he said, yawning.

Yamato went up the tree and sat on a sturdy branch. He roved his eyes on the beautiful landscape and eyed the palace.

He could see inside a room and saw Sora. Well, it might have been a good sight, but Yamato saw her in the arms of a man.

A wave of jealousy washed over him as he continued to stare at them. They were dancing and laughing all at the same time. "Okaymaybe they're justhaving a quantity time together" he said to himself.

But Yamato cursed angrily when the young man leaned beside her head and brushed her red hair. "I'll kill him" Yamato muttered.

Sora looked at her feet and tried to keep in mind what Michael said. One, two, threeOne, two, three Sora said in her thoughts.

"You don't need to concentrate very much. Just"

Sora nodded and waltzes with him. The bad thing was Mimi and her mother left her alone with him.

She muttered something under her breath that caught Michael's attention. "Did you say something, princess?"

Sora laughed and shook her head. "No! I was justthinking aloud!" She laughed again. But Sora's laughter seemed to falter when she noticed he was leaning towards her.

"You're very beautiful" he whispered in her ear. He brought up his hand and held her hair. "Very beautiful"

Sora gulped, then the music ended. She stepped away from him and did a curtsy. "I must gothank you for the dance."

"Will I meet you again?"

Sora didn't bother to answer his question and she raced to the door, shutting it close when she exited.

(the next morning) Tarben Kingdom

King Leonard has called all the trainees at the palace. Some of them were nervous, some of them afraid. But all didn't know why they were called.

Yamato and the others walked inside the palace and saw the King and his family by the throne room. The King sat in the middle of Queen Muriko and the red haired princess.

Leonard stood up and placed his right in the air to get the attention of the trainees. "Fellowmen of the Tarben Kingdom. You've trained and your trainers have indeed worked very hard. Some of you might need more, but alsosome of you have been well enough to be a loyal knight in this kingdom."

Cheers and applause filled the throne room and the guests from the highest class of society where overwhelmed by the surprise of the king.

The King waved his hand in the air again to silence them. "And this day, I'll dub those who are ready to be a Tarben Knight!!"

Yamato saw Mark Lippett looking at him. Mark mouthed, "I'll be a knight!" Yamato just smirked and mouthed also, "In your dreams, Lippett!"

Yamato turned his attention to the King, and also stole a glance at Sora. The king was handed a piece of scroll and he shouted the name of Mannen Lockwood.

Yamato smiled and shook his friend's hand as Mannen made his way to the front. While he watched Mannen, a twinge of panic and tenseness raised in him.

What if I didn't made it as a knight? Yamato thought edgily, but kept his cool posture. Ken stood beside him as another one was called to the front.

"I'm sure you'll be called." Ken said. Yamato sighed and kept his hands on his pockets.

"I sure hope so"

Names were already called, but Yamato's name was still not heard. When Mark Lippett's name was called, Yamato lost hope.

After Mark was knighted, he walked over to Yamato and smirked at him. "In my dreams, right Yamato?" he said sarcastically while walking away.

Yamato sighed angrily and was about to walk out when the King spoke again.

"The ones I called earlier were, as I've been told, were great at sword skills. But this last one I'm about to call made an absolute remark during the training. He excelled in physical practice. A great and agile young man who has, for the first time, won a game from a great knight. A very intelligent lad that has proven himself worthy of being a Tarben knight."

All the people in the throne room were silent as they waited for the King to finish his statement.

"I call on Sir Yamato Ishida, a trainee of Maku's group!"

Yamato's eyes widened as he stared at the King with a half-opened mouth. Some of his friends were tapping and shaking his shoulders, but he could still not believe he was called.

"Go on, my lad! Go on!" Maku said to him as he pushed Yamato forward. He was greeted by applauses and cheers from the other people but his eyes feasted on the lady by the king who was clapping her hands and a wide smile placed on her face.

He gathered up his composure and walked towards the throne. He knelt down in front of the King.

"Do you pledge yourself to this kingdom, to protect my people and to protect my family as well?"

"With all my mind, with all my soul, with all my dignity" Yamato raised his face up and tilted it to where Sora is sitting.

"And with all my heart" Yamato continued, his eyes never leaving Sora.

Sora's face flushed under his gaze and she smiled at him. The King continued with his speech.

"Do you swear to give up your life for us, the people of Tarben?"

"Yes, my Kingwith all my honor, I'll give up my life for Tarben"

"Then" The king pulled out his sword and rested it on Yamato's shoulder. "I dub thee, Sir Yamato Ishida, as one of the highest knights of Tarben!"

Yamatos' head shot up to the king in surprise. He was appointed as a high-ranked knight!

"Rise up, Sir Yamato." The King said gently. Yamato stood up and the Leonard tapped his shoulder. "My people, I give you Yamato Ishida!" Leonard exclaimed, accompanied by cheers and loud ovation from the people.

Yamato walked happily towards the stable to get his horse out. The king gave the newly dubbed knights, including him, a chance to visit his family for a while to tell them that they're knights al last.

Yamato opened his mare's stall and his horse trotted and walked towards him. He puts on the saddle then turned around when he heard someone calling him.

Sora ran towards him, while Yamato spread his arms out. Sora jumped into his arms and they swirled around and around until Yamato placed Sora back to the ground.

Sora smiled at him. "I'm so happy for you, Yamato!"

"Me too! I mean, I thought I was not going to be called!" he said, flushing.

Sora laughed and brushed off the blonde bangs that hanged over his blue azure eyes. "I was pretty sure that you'd be called!" Sora exclaimed.

Yamato gazed at her and leaned forward, but she placed a finger on his lips.

"Not here, Yamato." She whispered.

Yamato sighed, then an idea came to his mind. "Will you come with me then?" His eyes plead her to say yes and she laughed.

"Where will you take me?"

"My other secret place."

Sora raised her eyebrow and looked at Yamato. "And where would that be?"

"It's a secret. You'll find out soon enough!" Yamato said, as he helped Sora on his horse.

They rode away from the Tarben palace. Sora gazed up at the blue sky and cast her eyes to the meadows and valleys. "It's so beautiful" she whispered.

"Sora?"

"Yes?"

"We're going to have to ride through the Villu kingdom."

Sora shivered at the thought of the Villu kingdom. They say the placed was cast off from people because many supernatural happenings occurred after the big fire ate up all of Villu, including the people.

"Can we not just find another way?" Sora asked. Though she calls herself tough, she's still afraid of ghosts and unseen things.

Yamato shook his head and focused his attention in front. "If we go another way, we'll get to that place by evening. I would not want to do that."

"Well, okay"

Finally, Sora saw Villu from the distance. The rode through the place as Sora shivered while looking at the ruins. They were all black and piles of skulls and skeletons were mound together at one place.

"Oh God" Sora exclaimed as she buried her face on Yamato's chest. Yamato placed his left hand on her hair and tugged on his horse's reins, causing the mare to gallop faster.

"We're away from Villu now" Yamato whispered in her hair. Sora looked up at him, and gazed behind them. Villu was now a mere black image away from them.

She was so caught up with Villu that she didn't notice that the horse has stopped.

"Sora?"

"Yes?" Sora replied, still looking behind them. Yamato leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Look over there"

Sora turned her head to where Yamato was pointing and gasped in wonder. They were on a small hill and they were gazing at a sparkling blue ocean. She could hear the faint sounds of the seagulls. The sun's rays lighted up the whole place as the warm ocean breeze circle them.

"Shall we go?" Yamato said, now mounting off the horse.

"Certainly!" Sora exclaimed and jumped off the horse. She immediately ran to the ocean, pulling her shoes from her feet.

"Yamato, hurry!" Sora exclaimed as she happily watched the waves wash over her bare feet. She giggled and looked at Yamato, who was resting underneath a shade.

"Yamato! Why don't you come here?" she yelled, hoping to catch the attention of the sleeping knight.

"You go on! This all for you to enjoy!" he yelled back as he closed his eyes again.

Sora frowned, then smiled again when an idea came to her mind. When she's near Yamato, she cupped a handful of water and smiled evilly as she poured the ocean water on Yamato's face.

She quickly jumped away, laughing, while Yamato yelled and wiped the water on his face.

"Sora!!! What did you do?!!" Yamato yelled, brushing his damp, wet blonde hair.

"Was it nice, Sir Yamato?" Sora asked sarcastically, also giggling in delight, as Yamato stood up.

"I'll get you!" Yamato exclaimed as he ran on his feet.

Sora laughed and ran as fast as her bare feet could go. But Yamato caught on her fast and grabbed her arm. "Caught you!"

But then, Sora tripped over a rock, causing both of them to stumble on the sand. Sora let out a laugh and opens her eyes.

Once she opened them, her laughter ceased down and she realized what position they were. She was lying with her back on the sand, and he was lying on top of her. She stayed quiet for a while, not minding the ocean water that washes over them.

Yamato blinked back and gazed at the damsel below him. Her hair flowed with the water that rolls over them. The afternoon sun glistened her ruby red eyes that seemed to amaze him so much.

Yamato reached his hand out and moved the strands of auburn hair away from her wonderful eyes and rested it on her cheek. "I caught you" he whispered.

Sora seemed to be lost in a tranquil moment as she continued to gaze at those deep blue orbs. "Yamato" she breathed.

Finally, Yamato couldn't stop the temptation any longer. He slowly leaned down towards her and their lips touched.

Sora could taste the salty water that rested on his lips. She whispered his name softly as he opened her mouth and let his tongue slide in. A hundred emotions swirled inside Sora's head and all she wanted was to kiss him back.

Yamato moaned softly as their kiss deepened more. He reached down his right hand and it interlaced with Sora's hand. Then, Yamato slowed down the kiss and opened his eyes. He smiled and touched Sora's cheek. Sora's eyes fluttered open and she gazed back at him lovingly.

"I might take advantage of the moment" he whispered as he sat up and pulled her to her feet.

They both stood up and agreed to take a nice slow stroll beside the ocean. Yamato removed his shoes also and smiled when he felt the cold ocean water splashed his feet. Sora was walking beside him, with a wonderful smile placed on her face.

"Would your mother be angry if you came home wet?" Yamato asked, eyeing her dress which is now damp and drenched from the salty water.

Sora giggled and nods her head slightly. "She might be angry. But I'll make up a good excuse."

Then, Yamato asked again. "I saw you dancing with a nice looking gentlemanwho is he?"

Sora looked at him sideways and raised an eyebrow. "Dancing? Ohhe's Michael. Mother called on him to teach me"

"Does your mother like him?"

Now Sora's really confused. "Why are you asking me all those questions?"

Yamato just shrugged and looked at the ocean. Sora smiled and hugged his arm. "Are you jealous?"

Yamato looked back at her with a confused face. "Me? Jealous? Of course not!" he said.

Sora stopped walking and stood in front of Yamato. "Let me tell you something, Yamato. A lady feels beautiful if his man admits that he's jealous." Sora told him with a knowing look.

Yamato cocked an eyebrow at her. "Really?"

Sora nodded and held his hand. "Yes."

Yamato chuckled a bit then scratched his hair. "Well yeahI am a little jealous"

Sora rolled her eyes and walked away from him. "He says a little" she muttered. Yamato heard it and called out after her.

Back at the palace

Leonard turned around to see who was calling him. "Who goes there?" Leonard called. He was alone in his bedroom.

"In the mirror, Leonard..."

Leonard walked towards the mirror and saw John, king of the Celetites. He was smiling slyly and his velvet robes hanged over his shoulder. "Are you ready for the war, Leonard?"

"I'm more than ready John...I'll stop you're evil doings from now on!"

John just laughed evilly and looked back at Leonard with piercing eyes. "4 days from now will the battle begin. You better win the war, Leonard...or I'll burn your kingdom just like what my wife did on Villu."

Leonard laughed and pointed his finger on the mirror. "You don't even know magic John!"

"Ah...but my daughter's an expert at it! She just burned down a few of your houses! Remember John, four days..." With that, John disappeared from the mirror.

Sora and Yamato arrived back at the palace even before the sun went down. They both brought Yamato's horse back to his stall.

"Well, you better get going and visit your family." Sora said, closing the stall's door. Yamato nodded and looked at her. "Umprincess?"

She looked up at him and smiled. "Yes?"

He stepped closer and took her hands in his. "I just want to sayI love you"

Sora smiled and gave him a small kiss on his lips. "YesI love you too"

Yamato smiled and kissed her on the forehead. "I'm glad to hear that my princess...I swear to protect you from every damn bandit or Celetites or even from Michael..."

She closed her eyes and opened them again, finding Yamato gazing back at her. "Will you promise to love me forever, Yamato?"

Yamato nodded. "I'll love you until the end of everything, princess..."

finish! pretty long, huh? anyway, pls review and tell me what you want to see in the coming chapter or just give out a comment and other stuff. I'll appreaciate it. thanks for reading!!

--- wind-goddess