Hello Wonderful Readers!

Chapter 18 of: When the Knight met his Squire.

I'm glad the last chapter was much more successful than the previous.

It was apparently really funny.

Cuz most of the reviews I got said

"lmao"

Or something of that sort.

Anyways,

Disclaimer: Basket Fruits Own Don't I.

If you can understand that I'll give you 1 million space bucks!

Barf: ONE MILLION SPACE BUCKS?

If you can understand that whole thing about the one million space bucks…you will have made my day.

When the Knight met his Squire

It had been 3, yes 3 months since Akito and Kureno had returned from the meeting with the leader of the dragons. Unfortunately, it was never spoken of. What did this mean exactly? Well here's an example:

"Hey Bob."

"Hey Jim."

"Did you hear about Akito going to see the head dragon guy?"

"…no…"

"oh, well he went and saw the lead dragon dude…I wonder what happened. He hasn't talked about it…"

"What does dude mean?"

"I don't know…that guy Manabe made it up…"

Suddenly out of nowhere a guard came and stabbed Jim with a sword. He died.

"Hey, why did you kill Jim?"

"Don't bring up the King's affairs or this will happen to you too!"

Note: That was just an example, our beloved Jim is not dead.

Akito had certainly been acting differently since his visit. You would rarely see him, but when you did he was always smiling. Always happy. Even when he had bad headaches he would just calmly walk away saying things such as, "I'm sorry to leave but I must rest."

For the first month it creeped everyone out but by the third month they were used to this new Akito. Whatever he and the dragons discussed must've been something beneficial for Akito and his people because he was always in such a good mood now.

Everyone knew that Akito changed, especially when he started to improve things in the castle. New maids started working so that the old maids could have more time off, fewer executions, and Akito was much more open to people trying to become knights. In fact, he was a little too open with it; he would hire people who had no idea what the hell they were doing with a sword.

As for Kyo, well, he wasn't going to complain about this new Akito. Why? Well Akito was giving Kyo tons of things to do!

No kidding.

Family meals were different now too. Akito would sit back and say nothing; everyone else would do the talking.

He would just sit there and smile.

Akito surprisingly was allowing Momiji to become a knight as well. Kyo was one of the knights teaching the kid. Momiji would come over to Kyo's room and Tohru would watch the two boys practice.

The main thing that made everyone happy was that they didn't need to worry about another war with those dangerous dragons.

Life just seemed to be getting better and better.

It was a normal day for Tohru and Kyo. She got up and took care of stuff while Kyo got ready to go to town and serve justice! (Like a superhero!)

"Alright Tohru, I guess I should be going. Oh yeah, tonight…I had plans for us…alone. As in, no inviting anyone else since you like to do that a lot. If that's alright with you I mean… to go with me that is..." Kyo started to blush as he walked up to the door where Tohru was standing. Tohru did her big goofy smile, and nodded.

"Of course Kyo. Why wouldn't I?"

Kyo stood there for a minute to think of a reason, "Well I guess because you might not-"

He didn't get to finish what he was going to say because Tohru pulled his face down to hers. She had become…different these past few months. She wasn't as shy when it came to hanging around Kyo. He never understood how she suddenly changed, but hell, it didn't bother him.

"Oh, you might want to dress up as well. You don't have to but… ya know." Kyo added.

After saying goodbye, Kyo left and Tohru quickly went to get dressed. She wanted to get out of her room as quickly as possible because it was a rule Kyo had made with her. She needed to go hang out with Rin or someone while he was gone.

This was obviously because Kyo didn't want Tohru to be alone. Tohru couldn't blame him for his protectiveness, in fact, she was very happy he was that way about things.

Tohru walked out to the courtyard to sit at a bench she regularly sat at. She did this every day while waiting for one of her best friends to finish his work. He usually came at noon-ish. He happened to come early today, joining Tohru almost immediately after she sat down; she was surprised at the timing.

"Manabe! You're here already?" Tohru asked. She stood up and walked over to the boy.

Yes, Manabe was one of Tohru's best friends. She could never talk with Uo and Hana because they always had to work, Momiji was different now and always wanted to practice sword fighting, and Kyo obviously had to do his duties.

And somehow, Manabe was always there to hang out with Tohru.

She was probably the only person who could ever tolerate him. (Not true!)

Manabe scratched the back of his head and replied. "Yeah, Akito let all of us out early today. I have no idea why. All he said was that he wanted to go rest and that we should all go enjoy this day to the fullest. Then he just walked off."

Manabe sighed and for once had a frown on his face. "It makes me a little nervous. I suspect he is up to something really bad…I know that's weird to say but…"

Manabe seemed frustrated.

"Manabe, do you dislike Akito?"

This question caught him off guard a little. Did he dislike Akito? Who doesn't dislike Akito? That was the real question.

As Tohru and Manabe were walking around the courtyard, he decided today would be the day that he would tell her everything.

"Honestly, I have very mixed feelings about Akito…Let's just put it this way… Machi, my little sister, wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Akito. My mother died giving birth to her, my father was executed for threatening Akito, and then…there was just Machi and I. For some reason Akito really pitied us…so instead of just killing us then and there, he made us work for him…as servants.

I grew up to be the man I am today. I came up to Akito saying I wanted to train to become a knight, I am after all 19, which is about the time right? He laughed at me and again pitied me. He let me become an assistant. And Machi…she was tired of being a servant as well, she used to tell me all the time. But Tohru, what she did to become a squire…got me so angry. If I had known then…"

They both stood there for a minute, Tohru watched Manabe stare at the ground. Once he finally looked back up to her, he continued.

"I'll put it this way. She had to go and see Kureno. You know who I'm talking about right? Akito's little bitch boy. Akito required her to, 'Do as Kureno pleases, or stay a servant. Doing this will prove your loyalty to me'. Well, she proved it alright… I never knew until she told me a few months after the incident. It was the first and last time she would speak of it. When I think about it now, I'm not surprised that Akito would put someone up to that just for his own amusement.

I'm happy for Machi now, because no matter how much her or Yuki deny it, they are together. In all honesty I don't think they would have met and gotten together if she hadn't done what she did…so I guess everything happens for a reason, right? My sister is happy, so I'm happy. You know, she even told me not to quit being Akito's assistant after what happened. She told me to stay and enjoy it; to always joke around, be myself, and never let what happened to her get to me. Especially since she says it was her choice, or so she claims.

Manabe looked back to see Tohru had stopped walking with him. She was just standing in place, holding her hands tightly and looking down on the ground. He walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder,

"Are you okay?" He wiped the tears off her eyes with his finger and waited for her reply.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's over with now. Here, let's go find someone to bug or something!" Manabe said, and smiled to Tohru. She slowly formed a smile and nodded. The two walked in the castle in search for Yuki.

Tohru and Manabe were hanging out with Yuki and Machi, who had the time to chat for once. All in all, it was a fun day for Tohru… besides learning about Manabe's family tragedies of course. Tohru looked at Machi and she couldn't believe that this quiet girl who seemed so shy could be as brave and strong as she actually was.

Tohru was having so much fun with everyone but she was even more excited for later. She knew that she and Kyo were going to have a special night tonight.

When the sun began to set, Tohru stood up from the table she was at with Yuki, Machi, and Manabe.

"Excuse me everyone. I'm sorry but I must go now. Kyo will be here in any minute. Goodbye everyone!" Tohru said. She smiled and quickly ran off before anyone could say anything. She knew it was a little rude, but she couldn't help it! She was so excited!

Manabe sighed, placing his hand on his forehead and resting his elbow on the table.

"That guy Kyo is your cousin right Yun Yun?" He asked seriously.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Unfortunately? Does that mean he's a bad guy?"

"No, he's just an idiot. Kyo and I never really have gotten along. Well, until he and Tohru met. "

Machi stared silently as the two men continued talking; she watched her brother's facial expression. It was definitely different from his usual expressions.

"She sure ran off to him quickly, didn't she? She always does. When the sun goes down she runs off to see him." Manabe stated.

Yuki sighed in a bored manner. "Two love fools if you ask me."

Manabe chuckled a little after Yuki said this.

Meanwhile, Tohru was running up to her room so she could get ready. She wanted to dress as best as she could, though she didn't have a big wardrobe to choose from. Everything she owned Kyo had seen on her…except one thing. She was told by her mother to wear it for a special moment in her life, and Tohru had the feeling this would be that special moment.

Kyo having her dress up must mean it's a special night, right?

She decided to wear her most precious item tonight for him. Her mother's dresses, one she had worn when she was with Tohru's father when they were both young. It was a white silk gown that had sleeves going off the shoulders. It was so simple, yet so beautiful and elegant. It fit her in all the right places too, showing curves where they should be and complimenting her cream colored skin.

Her hair had two white lacy ribbons and she even had white shoes to go with the whole outfit! Everything worked out perfectly; she just hoped Kyo would like how she looked.

Kyo walked up to his room wondering why Tohru hadn't met him once he entered the castle. It wasn't that he was mad about it…it's just that he was really looking forward to it. He was a little curious what she was up to. Kyo opened the door to his room, he couldn't help but smile. There was no word to describe how this girl looked, just staring at him and smiling.

"Welcome home Kyo."

Usually Kyo would say thanks but right now he couldn't speak.

Words wouldn't come out of his mouth.

She walked up to him and placed her hands in his. "Are you alright?"

All Kyo could do was nod, Tohru smiled. She let go of his hands and stepped back, "Is this appropriate for tonight Kyo?"

Kyo was still smiling, and now his words could finally come out.

"Yeah. Tohru…you look absolutely beautiful…gorgeous…fantastic. So many different things right now could help describe you but…we don't have the time and I have to get ready too."

It was just what Tohru wanted to hear. Especially since she was worried Kyo wouldn't like how she looked. She giggled at the way Kyo complimented her. When he came back, he was dressed in all black and of course he looked hot, making Tohru blush.

"Are you ready Tohru?"

She smiled, nodded, and stood up as Kyo took her hand in his. They walked to the Sohma Gardens and walked up to the patio that was in the middle of the whole garden. There was a little table with two chairs and two plates of food set up. Tohru had tears in her eyes because she was so happy. Everything was just so romantic; she was the happiest and luckiest girl in the world.

After eating and talking, the two "love fools" as Yuki would say, were lying in the grass staring up at the sky. Hand in hand and talking.

"Thank you so much for all of this Kyo! I've had such a wonderful time. "

She turned her head to the right and stared at Kyo. He sat up and pulled Tohru up. She had a confused look on her face.

"It's nothing; don't make a big deal out of it…" He pulled a little red velvet bag out of his pocket and continued speaking, "I wanted to give you something. It's not that big of a deal but I hope you like it."

Kyo handed the bag to Tohru.

She just stared down at the bag for a minute.

"Well? Are you gonna open it?"

She nodded and slowly pulled the string holding the bag together. She pulled out the little hard object and gasped. It was a diamond ring and it certainly was a big deal whether Kyo believed it or not.

It was HUGE!

It was a kind of ring the king would wear! The girl covered her mouth with her left hand as Kyo took the ring out of her right hand and slipped it on her ring finger.

"I hope that gasp means you like it…" Kyo said jokingly. He knew she loved it but he just wanted to mess with her.

Which it worked…

"N-no K-Kyo I L-love it! S-so much! T-Thank you!"

Wow she stutters a lot.

Kyo laughed as Tohru put her arms out to hug him.

"I love you Kyo. And thank you so much, this whole night means so much to me." Tohru said, tears forming in her eyes.

"Me too Tohru, me too."

And there it was again. One of those perfect moments for this story to end, they kiss, they get married, and everything is happy…

Yeah right. Too easy.

They were about to kiss when they heard screams coming from the castle. Both stood up quickly and looked up to the sky where they saw blazing fire filling the sky with smoke and eternal darkness.

"What is it?" Tohru asked frightened.

Kyo knew this was going to be trouble.

"I don't know… but let's get in the castle!" He quickly took the girl's hand.

The two ran into the castle walls.

Omg, my longest chapter yet!

Ooooh. This is where hopefully, it will really make you guys be like "OMG!"

I don't know if it will necessarily be funny from this point on …but I'll try to add little bits of humor here and there.

Reviews would be awesome.

And thanks to everyone who has been reviewing. And definitely thanks to everyone who is reading the story!

Until chapter 19,

Sarah.