Finally updated! Thanks for waiting guys! Read on and review pls!! thanks! Thanks for those who reviewed the last chapter! Review this one as well!

Part 18: Seeing & Leaving

Part Two

Yamato opened his eyes slowly, trying to get used to the morning light. He slowly sat up, bringing a hand over his eyes. He surmised that he was in a room, and it was large indeed. He tried to think why is he here, but he soon felt pain in his head.

The wide oak door opened, causing Yamato to look at the visitor. "Who…who is it?" he asked hoarsely.

It was a young woman, dressed well and worry was evident on her face. "Darling! Are you all right?" she asked, hugging him with all her might. He sighed awkwardly and slowly got loose of the woman's embrace.

"Lady…" he started, holding his head for the pain is too much to bear. "What happened to me?"

"You fainted, darling. It took me a while to settle my wits for I fear that you could have died." She whispered.

Yamato tried to remember what happened, but nothing came to his mind. What happened to me…he thought. Why did I faint? What did I do to cause me to faint? He thought hard, hoping to get an answer. He shuddered and tightened his grip on the woman's hand. "I…I can't…" he moaned. "I can't remember anything…"

"What can you not remember?" The woman asked curiously.

Yamato gritted his teeth in pain and closed his eyes. "Everything… I can't remember anything…" He slowly looked at the woman. "I forgot who you are… I forgot who I am… I can't remember anything!" he yelled.

The woman hushed him and hugged him in her arms. "Darling… your name is Yamato. I am your fiancé. And you're the heir to the throne of the Celetites…"

Yamato inhaled the scent of the woman hugging him. Yes, she smelled familiar. She must be his fiancé. "Is that who am I?"

She nodded her head and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Yes, Darling. I am your fiancé…" she whispered, smiling inwardly. "You'll be our savior from those wretched and villainous Tarben people…"

The blonde closed his eyes yet again, hoping to at least remember a certain event. But it only adds to his pain.

"Tarben…" he murmured.

Mimi brushed away the sticky strands of hair away from her face as she blocked her eyes from the morning sun's rays. "Honestly, how do the people here manage to wake up so early and not be so sweaty as I am now?" Mimi whispered to Sora who in turn gave a cheery laugh.

Raising an eyebrow at her, she said "What is so funny?"

Sora shook her head and breathed in the fresh morning air and smiled. "It's a glorious morning!" she said. A happy sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes and hug herself. Instantly, his visage appeared. His shiny blonde hair, the gorgeous smile and those amazing blue eyes piercing through her. She could almost hear him say, "I missed you" over and over again.

Mimi rolled her eyes then smiled for her friend. She couldn't blame Sora for being happy. For at last she'll be able to meet Yamato again. For how many months she suffered emotionally. Oh yes…her heart suffered much. It may be easy to think about it, but she knew Sora suffered much deciding which one to choose.

A few meters from them stood Taichi. He may look tough with that cool demeanor and the cold stare he usually shows. During Mimi's stay with the bandits, she noticed that whenever Sora talks to him he mellows out. It was obvious. He was happy. She makes her happy.

It's just too sad to think that Yamato makes Sora happier.

Taichi knew that. He wouldn't be too dense of a man. He was only the second choice. He accepts it. He's committed to it. And he will wait. God knows when.

Mimi smiled and greeted Joe as he gave her a wink and proceeded to where Taichi was standing with Izzy. Her stay wasn't really a bad luck. It brought her happiness as well, like meeting Joe.

(afternoon)

Rest…finally I can rest…

Taichi sighed and laid on the grass where he used to talk with Sora. Sora… the name always made him feel happy yet full of regret. It was with her he felt love. Love he never knew existed. That made him happy. What made him regret the feeling is because of the pain it brings to him. He may be tough outside but he inside he was crushing. How could someone so near you feel so far?

So ironic…

Why can't just destiny or fate just make her fall in love with him? Destiny's too playful. Now here he is, acting as if nothing hurts. He would rather have a thousand bruises inflicted upon him rather than feeling this pain Sora gave.

He doesn't blame Sora for the pain.

No one's to blame.

It was unbearable. She loves me I know…but it's just isn't enough to even be compared to that of Yamato.

He closed his eyes then heard the rustling of the grass. Someone's near. He knew who it is.

"Ready tonight?" he asked, eyes still closed.

The person sat beside him and answered a simple yes. It wasn't the answer he was expecting. He was expecting a cheery laugh followed by a happy "yes". Confused, he opened his eyes and sat up.

"What is it?" he asked straightforwardly.

He could sense her feeling nervous. "Tai…I can't help but feel not right. I can't quite explain it however." She said slowly, unsure of her feelings.

Taichi gave her a smile. The smile he usually reserves for her. "Don't worry too much. The others and I are going to accompany you." He said, giving her a pat on the shoulder. He stood up and gazed at the view for one last time. "You'll be happy. I'm sure of it." He whispered.

It was evident in his voice that he was aching. Sora stood up and stared at his retreating body. She wanted to call out. Should she?

"Tai!"

He heard her clearly but resumed on walking. I can't go back…I won't go back… he thought as he walked farther away.

(Celetites kingdom)

The guards opened the bedroom door for him. He walked in, surveying the room. Behind him followed Jun and a servant. Two hours ago his fiancé and King John briefed him of his past. They told him who he was, why he was in the palace.

Flashback

"Yamato!" The king hurriedly welcomed him and patted his shoulder. "My son, thank heavens you are fine."

The blonde prince nodded his head. Since he entered the throne room, he kept noticing that everyone's eyes were on him. And it wasn't comfortable.

"Father, don't rush him just yet. He's still recovering." Jun said, her eyes twinkled with mischievousness. The king nodded his head.

"Ah yes…it seems you forgot everything my lad."

"Yes sir… I have completely no clue of anything." Yamato said, looking at the king. Somehow, it bothered Yamato that the King wasn't looking directly at him.

Jun stepped close to Yamato and hugged his arm. "Father, he needs to recover soon! We need to avenge our kingdom from Tarben."

The King hushed his daughter and summoned Kaar at once. "Kaar will know what to do." The king said.

And at once Kaar appeared clothed in black garment and black veil. "I welcome you back Prince Yamato." Kaar greeted, humbly bowing in front of the prince.

"Could you tell me my past? My family? Tell me everything." Yamato said in a low tone. Kaar looked at Jun and King John, both backing up from Yamato. The doors were closed and the curtains slowly covered the windows until nothing is left but Kaar's crystal ball illuminating an eerie light.

Yamato peered in closer to the ball and saw images soon forming.

"My prince…" Kaar started, waving her free hand. The images zoomed in front of Yamato. It was as if he was in it.

"Tarben terrorized our kingdom ten years ago. Blood covered the streets. Pleas for mercy were heard throughout the night. Slashing of swords echoed in the air as Tarben covered the kingdom with terror."

Yamato's eyes grew wide as the images around him became clearer. He could hear the desperate cries. The moans and the agony of those hurt and dying. Blood was all over. It looked too realistic.

"Your mother was there. Your father was fighting. And Tarben knights killed them with no mercy." Kaar whispered. She was successful. The visions will soon be permanent in his mind. Soon Yamato will have no trace of his past but the images Kaar showed him.

End of Flashback

Yamato walked towards the window. Tarben is miles away. How could those barbarians be so cold-hearted.

Jun approached her silent husband-to-be and gave his hand a squeeze. "Yamato?"

His eyes were lost for a moment. Then, she could see Yamato's emotions. "I can't help it but despise them." He muttered.

"Darling, all will be well. All will be…" Jun whispered, as she pulled him for a kiss.

Inside the throne room, Kaar and King John were discussing of a plan. "The Tarben princess is with them. We should execute the bandits then take the princess as hostage for Leonard to surrender."

King John smiled evilly, drinking his red wine. "Beautiful plan indeed. We will take Yamato."

"Why should we? It's better for him to stay here."

John shook his head. "No Kaar. You see, Yamato and the princess were planning to return to Tarben this midnight as what my daughter informed me."

John placed the cup down and laughed evilly. "Here's what I have in mind Kaar. Guards, fetch Yamato at once."

(midnight)

Sora checked herself in the mirror for the last time then opened the door when somebody knocked.

"Taichi!" Sora greeted as she exited her hut. "I've never been so nervous and excited in my entire life."

Taichi just smiled and gave her a cloak. "Yolei made it. You should wear it on your way home. It will be cold."

Sora approached him, and after getting the gift, gave him a hug. "You're a great leader…" she whispered.

"Tai! Let's go!" Joe called out as he brought out a horse for Sora and Yamato.

"I've got a feeling this isn't going to be good…" Taichi murmured as he followed Sora.

(at the meeting place)

Sora gave Mimi a smile as she and the bandits stayed back and decided to give the couple a time for themselves. Sora could now feel her heart leaping for joy as she neared the tallest tree in Mt. Zimu. Underneath it will she meet Yamato again and everything will be over.

"Ya...Yamato?"she called out in the dark.

The wind's speed suddenly picked up, causing Sora to chill. Hiding among the shadow of the tree was…

"Is that you?" Sora said in a croaked voice. Finally…

He stepped out of the shadow and stepped where the moonlight cascaded its light. Tears soon fell from Sora's eyes as she stared at him. He was really here.

She slowly approached him, extending her hands to cup his face and be able to hug him once again. She cried in joy as she wrapped him in a warm embrace. Yamato just stood there, staring at the woman.

"Finally, everything will be over…" Sora whispered, slowly looking up to gaze at his eyes.

His eyes…

Something's not right…

Suddenly, Sora felt something pierce her side as she saw Yamato's lips curve into a smirk.

"You filthy woman don't deserve to live." He hissed out, pulling the knife he stabbed on her side.

Sora couldn't say anything. Before anything else, she heard Taichi's strong voice chant and in seconds, Yamato was pushed backward by a mighty force. The brunette rushed to the princess' side. "Sora…"

"Fire!"

In that instant, Taichi and Sora were surrounded by fire. Sora tried to sit up and look at the man who betrayed her.

"Sora, you are looking at the young prince of our kingdom…" the woman beside Yamato said in sweet sarcasm.

"You…what have you done to him? You witch! You trampled with his mind!" Sora yelled, causing the pain on her side to ache more.

Yamato pointed his sword towards Sora and glared at her. "You are not to insult my wife." He said in vain as he drew Jun close to his side.

Can't quite take the pain anymore, Sora fell unconscious in Tai's arms.

"Now's your chance darling. Finish the princess!" Jun hissed.

"Bastards! You'll never lay a hand on her!" Taichi yelled as he chanted another spell. A green ball of light formed around them, making the fire mellow down. Yamato tried to get close but the force field was unbearable.

Yamato cast a look on Taichi, both eyes were fiery. "Tell her to return to Tarben. I'll be avenging the people who died because of her and her kingdom…" he said in an angry yet controlled voice as Jun warped themselves back to where they came from, at the other side of the mountain.

Yamato held his sword firmly. "Kill the bandits." He ordered as his men marched towards the place where the Kari and the others were asleep, unaware of what is instore for them. Without their leader and most of the men to protect them.

«hey guys! It took me a long time! Anyway, hope you liked this chapter! Was it good? I hope so! I gave the best in this chapter! I'll be updating Dreams & Wish in a short while. Pls review! It is what inspires me to write more! Love you all!» -- insaneinsane Ü