A/n: Thanks for reviewing! I love reading reviews, and I love my reviewers.

-Chapter Five-

It Is Time

The grand clock tower struck midnight, gradually bringing the festival to a terminal end. All around the vast grounds, people began to take their leave, weary from the event of continuous dancing, singing and socializing. And from those crowds of people, Tomoyo came forth, jumping in delight when she spotted Sakura and Syaoran resting against a bench.

"Sakura-chan!" she cried happily, scurrying up to her cousin, and embracing her dearly. "Did you have fun?"

Sakura welcomed the hug, settling down after Tomoyo released her, who had adjusted herself right next to her. "Of course I have Tomoyo-chan. And how did your night go?"

"Well, didn't you hear me? I was good, wasn't I Sakura? I was singing up on stage… Can you believe it? Gosh, it was so exhilarating!" Tomoyo smiled dreamily. "Ah, Saku-chan… I caught you dancing with…"

"KAIJUU!" interrupted a low-key growl, making heads turn towards a hot-headed Touya, "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here without an adult guardian." His gaze landed to the ground, eyebrows drooping, completing his poignant look. His emotions suddenly lashed out in anger; he scowled. It was not because Sakura disobeyed him but because there was an unwanted arm wrapped around his. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe and count to three.

1.

2…

'Oh what the heck!'

"GIRL! How many times did I tell you to get your filthy hands off me!" Touya growled rudely, pushing Meiling away from him and towards Yukito instead. The boy sweat dropped, pushing her back. She pouted and almost protested but everyone shut her out.

"Onii-chan, mind your manners. What will father think…?"

Sakura held her tongue once Touya's furious look was shot her way. His finger shook at her and he sputtered out his words, hinted with bewilderment. "You… You… The point is that you're not supposed to be here!"

"And why not? You are here. Why can't I be?"

"Hmm… let's see…How about the fact that you are only fifteen?" Sakura winced slightly, startled by Touya's bitter tone. She fell onto Syaoran who accidentally let her fall to the ground because he forgot to catch her. She got up immediately, a faint blush growing on her soft face. She turned her back to him, her eyes landing on Syaoran's smirking face instead. She gave him a dirty look for not backing her up. "First of all Touya-chan, Yue-kun is watching…" she paused, remembering that Yue had left a few hours ago, "well… Yue-kun… was."

"Oh really?" Touya scanned the festival ground in search of Yue but only saw a few people standing by, peering at them as if they were putting on a show. "I don't see him anywhere…"

"That's because he left a few hours ago. But hey, Prince Syaoran is here. He'll watch out for me. Yeah that's right! Isn't that right Prince Li-san?" There was no reply, for Syaoran's attention was brought to the festival lamps and eye-catching decorations. He gushed at how intricate the origami lamp looked. Quickly as it came, he let out a cry of pain when someone stomped on his foot, purposely trying to turn his toes into mini pancakes.

"Ow ooh…" His head jerked up to Sakura, who stared at him expectantly. He groaned, restraining himself from plotting revenge. "Wh-at?"

"Weren't you watching over me, like what I told Onii-chan a couple of minutes ago?" Sakura nearly cried, holding back the need to choke him as she clenched her teeth.

"Uh… What?"

"My. Protector."

"Hmm?"

Touya shook his head frantically, his dark brown hair flopping all over the place, completing an untidy style. He thrust his finger out at Syaoran and nearly snapped, "I can't believe it! You thought that this gaki could protect you from all the bad people. For heaven's sake, he doesn't even know what you're talking about. Have you also forgotten that he's your worse enemy?"

Sakura blushed. "Well, ugh…" she trailed off, eyes suddenly lit with interest by something underneath the bench. She nearly squealed as she plunged underneath the table to pick it up. Her eyes lit up into sparkles and her mouth twisted into an embarrass smile.

"Hoeeee! It's so KAWAII!" In her hands was a small stuff animal, the same size as Kero-chan but looked so much newer, so much better and so freaking adorable. It had a big smiling face and butterfly wings. Sakura hugged it tightly, finding comfort in the doll and almost forgetting about the big, large teddy bear that sat beside her, already having dust and cobwebs forming.

"Kaijuu, you shouldn't be hugging something that was previously on the ground. It's dirty. Who knows what kind of bacterial germ could be on it?" Touya warned, his angry features faltering into a relief expression. Sakura… she was so innocent, so naive, and when danger came her way, she probably wouldn't know it. He sighed; it had been such a night indeed.

"It's about time we head on home," he whispered, placing a hand to his forehead wearily, but he stopped halfway. He blinked at the unexpected feeling of his sleeves being tugged. He breathed in abruptly, eyes narrowing towards dazed ruby eyes. He grinded his teeth, trying to suppress his anger from releasing, but he ended up booming out, "Argh! MEILING-SAN… Ack! FUDGING LET GO OF MEEEH!"

Still, Meiling resisted his order, tightening her embrace even more.

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Droplets of water skidded down ivory skin and fell into the large, polished tub filled almost to the rim with water as clear as crystal. Finely shaped marbles of light blue and white floated in the water, serving as ornaments to the tub as water continued to rush from a silver sprout, making the pebbles float and swirl about. Again, Yue scooped up the cool water into his palms and splashed it against his angelic face, letting it slip down his face and drop back into the water. The coolness of the water had soothed him, but so far, he needed much more than that to ease him of the tingling sensation harbored in the very core of his heart.

As he turned off the faucet, he disrobed himself, allowing his clothes to land to the ground, uncaring if they got wrinkled or dirty for it did not matter. Those types of clothing had disgusted him from the very beginning because they were clothing chosen by despicable Meiling. He only wore the foreign clothing in the first place because he saw that glint of admiration in Sakura's eyes, making him want to embrace the suit proudly. But that glint had vanished, once her eyes met Syaoran's.

Slowly, he stepped into the water that reflected a rough image of him staring back at himself. He was shocked at how deeply he frowned and how his eyes looked so distant. Sakura had told him that smiling was simple and satisfying, that smiling meant that you were happy and content.

'But I'm not happy.'

His fingertips glided through the surface of the water, causing it to ripple in a circular motion. He grunted; a pang in his heart made him stop abruptly. He placed a hand to his chest, allowing water droplets to escape from between his finger tips and travel its way down the path of his well-defined stomach before it disappeared into the stream of water.

'I feel… What is this I feel?'

He could feel the soft rhythmic thumps in his chest. His heartbeat was faint but lively like a ticking clock, so dark and haunting in contrast. Yue dipped his head into the freezing water, cooling himself from the heat that scoped throughout his body, first originating from his over pouring heart. After washing and cleaning himself, he let himself out, causing water to trickle down his wet, shiny figure. He pulled on a long, white robe hanging off a hook. The robe was a gift from Fujitaka, simple and comfortable; Yue would always cherish it.

By the time his hair had dried and no longer clung to his head, he was walking down the dark aisle of the Kinomoto Castle, passing by servants who acknowledged him with a friendly bow. They no longer swooned because they knew very well that Yue abhorred those kinds of greeting. However, their cheeks still boiled with the genuine color of a blush.

'This feeling… It feels familiar…'

He felt confused and slightly deranged when a sudden feeling enveloped him. His mind felt like it was heading towards the brink of insanity, but he later found a gentle voice, breaking his trance at first sound. He breathed in sharply; glad to be lifted temporarily from discomfort.

"Home already Yue?"

Yue stopped in his tracks, spinning himself to the doorway where inside the room was Fujitaka, relaxing against an armchair with a book in his clasp. Across his features, emerged a blush, at the sight of his king… his master. "Fujitaka-sama…" Yue murmured his body in an immobile state because he was afraid to move, even a muscle, unless told to.

"Now boy, aren't you going to come inside and sit down?"

"Hai." A faint smile came to Yue's face, causing an ethereal glow to him. His bare feet met the rough, fuzzy feeling of carpet as he came into the room towards the chair next to Fujitaka. They were met by silence afterwards as Fujitaka continued to read the last pages of his book. A sigh escaped his lips as he tipped his glasses to look at Yue's half closed lids, politely sitting in a poised manner.

"Though you are smiling, I can see in your eyes that something is wrong." He placed the book on the mahogany table, turning his body and attention to Yue. "You are sad. You are grieving. Someone who has always been so dutiful and loyal should not take the treacherous burden of unhappiness."

"Grieving? Why am I grieving Master?" Both of them froze. The only sign of movement came from Fujitaka, who just blinked, surprised. Was it his imagine or did Yue call him master? The old king cleared his throat, placing a hand on the boy's shoulders, startled by how cold and numb it felt.

"Perhaps, my friend, something at the festival displeases you for you to come home unaccompanied… without the aid of my daughter?"

Yue cringed, eyes quickly averted to a desolate picture frame of Fujitaka and his family. Yue was quiet, like one snowflake falling to a ground covered in a thin sheet of snow. He still couldn't figure out what was wrong. He was so dense and he felt stupid for it, without the real sense that he was deprived from the world for five centuries.

"I left because I was tired."

"Then you would have left tired yet happily… but here, you are sad. Did you not enjoy the festival?"

"Going to the festival was not for my own enjoyment. I only came because Sakura wanted me to."

"Then why are you home when she is still there?"

"Prince Li-san was in her company. I felt no need to stay when he was with her." Yue grimaced. "Don't worry. Sakura-chan granted my permission to leave."

Fujitaka sighed, shaking his head darkly. "Yue-kun, you are not put into this world to carry out orders. You deserve to be happy," He paused, bringing his hand back to his side. "When I look at you, I see a lost boy with no meaning in life. Surely, you are a man within, an independent man. You are old enough. You are at a stage where you long for a companion, I believe?"

Yue blinked, eyes falling to Fujitaka's warm expression. 'Companionship?'

"Maybe, if you are ready, it is time for you to find a wife, a woman that will fill that hollow space in your heart. It is time that you start doing what you want. You no longer need to look out for my daughter because she is at a coming age of maturity. I must thank you for teaching her how to stay out of trouble… And if you want, you may leave this castle to start your own life, with a portion of my wealth as well. Although, I hope you can stay. I'm not pressuring for you to leave or anything, but I sense that you are miserable lately. Whatever it is, you can always talk to me about it, okay?"

Yue was lost for words. Was this really what he had wanted… a companion? He nodded stiffly, slowly rising to his feet. "Oyasuminasai…" With those last words, he turned around, the bottom of his robes swirling before he vanished through the doorway.

'Oh… Yue… your heart is broken, isn't it?'

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For the last five days, Syaoran had been staying over the Kinomoto castle, along with his cousin Meiling while their castle was put under construction for room additions to expand the size and growth of the castle. It was late in the evening. The shimmering ball of fire known as the sun was slowly setting behind the trees, allowing the moon to watch the nighttime skies.

Yue was on the banister of the balcony, leaning his back against the pillar, and not falling because of his perfect balance. His arms were crossed; silver-blue eyes were glued to the pale purple and pink colors that streaked the slowly darkening sky. He sighed, although eyes were mesmerized by the enchanting sky, his mind was elsewhere.

'I long for companionship?' he thought, recollecting everything that Fujitaka shared to him those couple of days ago. A cool breeze brushed by him, sideswiping his silver bangs and tickling the root of his hair. Without delay, his legs came up until his knees pointed to the sky. No matter how much he loved the feeling of cold air, right now, it was too cold for his comfort.

"Yue-kun, there you are. I've been looking for you everywhere," came an unanticipated, twinkling tone.

Yue's mind drew back to reality. He shifted his gaze towards Sakura, a tinted color unknowingly spreading across his cheeks at seeing her glowing, affectionate figure as she stood by the doorway, half smiling. She floated his way, leaning against the wall once she was there. Her back was to Yue while he was above her, for he was the one on the banister and she, on the ground. Her eyes were cast to the sky, the same look of admiration that Yue had displayed earlier.

"I've been here all along. You not need to worry about me."

"But I do worry about you, just like how you worry about me. After all, you are one of the very few friends of mine in which I have grown close to; I can't help but care for you."

"I see…" He restrained himself from frowning. Lately, it had been hard for him to keep himself from showing emotions. Naturally, his face voided of any emotion that prone him to being weak, but Sakura overpowered his mind, forcing him to unconsciously overflow with unrecognized emotions coming from his heart and appearing in his expressions and gestures.

"Why so quiet Yue-kun?"

"I've always been."

"How about you go inside? It's very cold out and you might catch a cold."

He avoided her statement, hinted with true concern. Instead, he wondered aloud, "Where is Li-san?" He was surprised at how harsh he had sounded, but Sakura didn't notice at all, her mind was busy in plucking the petals off a red rose founded from the garden beside the balcony. All she had to do was stretch out her hand to reach the colorful buds.

"Syaoran-kun's running some errands right now. He told me he'll be back this evening. In the meantime, I wanted to check up on you. I'm positive that I haven't seen you in awhile… How's it going Yue-kun?"

"I've been fine, as always."

Sakura nodded. Soon, they were met by awkward silence which filled the air between them. Sakura was busy humming a sweet tune to herself as she plucked another petal. Yue turned to her, eyes falling towards auburn hair bounded in the shadows. Why were his palms sweaty all of the sudden and why was his heart skipping a beat every time he gaped down at her? Even his breathing was quickening. He cursed himself for not being able to hold himself together.

"Sakura," he whispered rather hoarsely and paused. He didn't know what to say next, simply lost for words.

"Hmm?" Enchanting green eyes turned to him, causing the blood to boil to his cheeks. Her eyes were unusually bright and full of life, possibly from Li's doing.

"Anou, you and Li-kun have gotten along pretty well, neh?"

Sakura blushed in response. "He's a really nice boy now and…" her blush deepened and her gaze dropped as a lazy smile fell upon her young face, "I love him. You may think it's strange because we used to fight so much… But… people change, you know?"

"… Love?"

"You don't know what love is?" She chuckled when he shook his head. "It's like a deep, tender feeling you have for another person," Sakura sighed dreamily, scooping up the petals in her hands as she tossed it into the sparkling pond over the banister. "Love… it's just like you want to kiss somebody who means a lot to you. Now, that's love."

'Kiss?' Yue pondered on that thought and then asked again, "How can you tell if you're in love?"

Sakura blushed. "It depends really. For me, I feel happy, light and warm. But besides all these fluffy feelings, I feel kind of hurt because I don't know if the person loves me back or not. But the best thing about love is that… I feel like I'm floating… like… like flying! It's when I'm lifted into the air so that I can fly the skies… like…" then a sudden thought came to her, "like that stone statue with his beautiful wings and majestic length. If only I can really fly… that'll be the life!"

"Fly?" Yue swallowed the lump forming in his throat. He also remembered that stone statue, after being reminded so many times through countless drawings and heaps of stories. And Yue remembered one picture of an angel that Sakura drew back when she was around twelve; he remembered it so clearly that it stuck in his mind like super glue. Was it really her imagination though? That, he couldn't figure out.

Sakura's smile widened. "You may think that it's silly, but when I first saw that statue, I fell in love with him. On several occasions, I had dreamed of him picking me up off my feet and taking me into the skies." She blushed. "And to be really honest, it felt so real. Now, don't make fun of me - I know - me and my stupid fantasies."

Yue shook his head, a ghost of a smile appearing on his calm features. "I've had strange dreams before that felt real. They're not exactly pleasant dreams such as yours but they are strange."

Sakura smiled, longingly looking into his eyes. A sudden noise knocked her out of her reverie as she flipped her gaze towards the door, right away seeing Syaoran tripping into the balcony. He straightened himself and grinned sheepishly. "Hey Sakura. Good evening, Yue," Syaoran greeted, glaring at Yue as he made his way around to Sakura's side. She got up and embraced him lovingly.

"I'm glad you're back."

Yue felt sick to his stomach at seeing that boy with his arms around Sakura's waist. Besides feeling sick, the pain in his heart was back again. "Of course I'm back. With every chance I've got, I just had to see you," whispered Syaoran, pulling her deeper within his arms. "I miss you so much Sakura."

For the moment that Yue stood there, seeing the intimate scene between Syaoran and Sakura, he was already by the door. He saw Syaoran lift Sakura's chin up delicately, eyes full of childish love and desire, and in Sakura's green pools of emerald held the same expression. Soon enough, Syaoran had lowered himself and their lips had locked. It looked as if they were perfect, but it turned Yue's stomach.

'This is love? A kiss…' And seeing them engaged in this kiss made his heart break in half… as if he was heartbrokenHe disappeared by the door, already pacing gloomily to his room.

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The moon, a pale white shape, full and round, centered itself in the middle of the sky. It hung outside Yue's window. Yue was gawking at it, subconsciously feeling its energy soaking into him. He had always admired the moon. Every time he looked at it, he felt fully replenished and strengthened. But tonight, nothing could soothe the pain he felt within.

Even sleep was hard to conquer. How could he sleep when he had witnessed a scene that stung his eyes? And what he saw were two young lovers, lips connected in a longing way. He wanted to shake the thoughts away but they had engraved themselves in his mind… clear… vivid… and painful.

Soon, he was welcomed into slumber and with this sleep, he was able to erase the pain and grieving for something he could not have, just yet, because it was taken from him. But even in his dreams, the peaceful atmosphere had collapsed and vanished.

Some things don't always work out,

But don't lose hope.

No matter how haunting or negative things may be,

Just learn to cope…

"Yue-kun, it's nice to see you again my friend."

A figure in a brown cloak appeared out of nowhere, those taunting azure eyes gleaming in the dark as he came forth. He walked up closer, cape elegantly swaying with his movement, until he was right in front of a stunned Yue.

"What do you want?" It was a harsh question emitting so much emotion; it was so… unlike Yue.

The figure looked puzzle, scratching his head in confusion. "My Yue, through your voice, I can tell how much you've changed." He chuckled, furthering Yue's rage, which had been tucked securely within him, was now at the climax of wanting out.

"Why can't you leave me alone?"

"You know I can't."

"And why not?"

A glint of worry shone in the mysterious man's eyes for merely a second and then it disappeared. "Simply because it is time."

"It is time?" An arched eyebrow rose in questioning.

"How could you forget everything Yue? Time will soon be running out if you don't hurry."

"W-What?" Yue said in barely a whisper.

With no patience left for fear of the world's fate, a staff magically appeared in the distraught figure's hand and he pointed it at Yue forcefully. "Listen to me, Yue Reed, Moon Guardian, I said, IT IS TIME!"

Yue twinge, astonished by this stranger's change in tone; however, it was not the time to shed concern. "M-Moon Guardian…" he whispered brokenly. Suddenly, the gaps of his missing past were filled, overwhelming him even more.

"You are free. Now, take your leave," grounded out the figure fiercely. "It is time… It is time. IT IS TIME! NOW GO!"

----------

An angry roar erupted from Yue's throat as he shot up to a sitting position. His mind was empty and he had no control over his body. His head dropped and he was raised to his feet by some force hovering him a couple of feet above the bed as the thin sheets slipped down his slender body, to the bed and down to the floor. A blinding light gently enveloped him, and slowly, his whole form was wrapped in a white tunic robe pulled together by a blue, glowing crystal that marked his chest. He began to take a snow-white hair color as it lengthened down passed his back in waves. And from his back, large white wings sprouted. He stretched his wings to soothe the strained muscles after it had been staying dormant for many centuries.

Languidly, his head floated upward and his eyes began to radiate in a fierce white color. He blinked several times before shutting his eyes for a brief moment as he extended his arms, which were draped in long sleeves in which the cuffs were much wider and exceeded towards his knees. His eyes snapped open, revealing those emotionless ice-blue eyes.

"My time has come."

Walking up to the window, he fingered the rough panel of painted wood. He threw the window open and flowed out towards the small balcony, standing on its narrowed railings. Gradually, his wings unfolded and he arched his back up, putting one foot out to position himself for take off. He sprung to his feet, wings beginning to waver out, flapping fiercely, and immediately he was swept off his feet and into the charcoal sky.

There's no stopping you.

You are relentless and restless…

Because your purpose in life is one thing,

And that is seeking happiness…

He was gone.

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