Sunlight poured into the room from the bare window and pierced Kurogane's eyes through their lids. He opened them slightly, brow furrowed as he tried to adjust to the bright environment. Slowly the room dimmed as he became accustomed and he opened his eyes wider before yawning ungraciously. He ruffled his hair which had flattened at the back where his head had leant against the wall and stood up, joints popping after laying dormant.

Fai watched through half lidded eyes as Kurogane stretched his arms above his head. Fai only realised he had let his eyes to wander down over the slightly exposed abdomen when he felt a heat in his cheeks, and he abruptly bowed his head to hide his usually pale face behind his golden locks.

Kurogane glanced, out of the corner of his eye, Fai's sharp movement and quickly lowered his arms and walked over to the kids' bed so as to avoid any awkward confrontation with the mage. He gently roused Syaoran and Sakura from their slumber and shook Mokona violently, payback.

"Kuro Kuro is so mean to Mokona!" The white creature jumped about the room begging for attention from someone more loving than the ninja.

"Tch. We need to hurry up and find out where the feather in this world is. I don't like it here." Kurogane glanced around at his companions, but hovered a little longer on Fai. "This place is…shameful."

Syaoran stole a sideways look at Sakura, who was coddling Mokona affectionately, and smiled sadly. "I agree. It's not safe for her here." He walked over to her and addressed Mokona, "can we have the clothes we saved from that cold country a few back please? We will need to blend in to draw a minimal amount of suspicion."

Mokona perked up and retrieved a pile of cloth and fur which would protect the group from the harsh wind and snow. His ears then dropped forlornly before stating "Mokona never gets to wear any cute clothes like Sakura-chan. It's not fair!"

Sakura scooped up the white bundle and twirled him around with her. She smiled warmly and comforted the creature in her singsong voice, "don't worry Moko-chan!" She spun around the room, dancing gracefully, which was enjoyed by the whole group, especially Syaoran who had a slight blush and an adoring gleam in his eyes. "I just remembered something you will love!"

Mokona let out an excited noise as Sakura went to the pile of clothes and picked up her long, button-up coat. She rummaged through its deep pocket before pulling out a small knitted item. She knelt down and beckoned Mokona over to her. "I forgot I finished making this before we had to leave." Sakura wrapped the small, yellow scarf around Mokona and tied it snugly.

Mokona patted the soft wool. So, so soft and warm. "Thank you so much Sakura. Mokona loves you. Here," Mokona jumped onto Sakura's shoulder and planted a tiny kiss on her cheek. "Moko-chan gives you a big smooch. And Syaoran too!" Mokona then kissed Syaoran and Fai as well. He then stood at Kurogane's feet looking up, face full of melancholy.

Kurogane peered back down at Mokona who looked sad. Maybe sometimes I'm too hard on him. He can be so irritating...but some days he does feel left out. Kurogane sighed and held out his arms. Cheer filled Mokona's face and he leapt up and smothered Kurogane in kisses. The creature's adorable relentlessness caused Kurogane to fidget as the light kisses tickled the ninja's face and he lost control. He let out a genuine and loud bout of laughter, as he tried in a desperate struggle to tug Mokona from him in order to relieve the distracting sensation which was rendering him a little too vulnerable for his liking. He finally pried the creature from his face and gave it a cold stare which was not quite as menacing as intended as a result of Kurogane's eyes being filled with tears after his laughter. He hadn't laughed like that in a very long time.

"Come on guys, lets get ready to go already," Kurogane stated flatly, wiping his face and making his way to the pile. They all selected their own items from the mess of clothes and Sakura left with Mokona for the lavatory to get changed. The men each turned their backs and shed their original outfits before pulling on the less conspicuous attire.

Syaoran was wearing thick, black pants tucked into a pair of laced, brown boots, and a dark grey shirt which was covered by a heavy black jacket. He had buttoned the jacket right up to his neck to minimise the amount of exposed skin to which the wind could claw at. Atop his head was a rounded hat and his pair of goggles. Kurogane wore long brown pants over the top of heavy, buckled boots, and a button up, white shirt. He had the sleeves rolled just bellow his elbow and had fastened a pair of black suspenders over his shoulders. He slid into what he was told was a double breasted suit jacket but decided against doing it up, not wanting his movements restricted. On the other side of the room, Fai was wearing slim, black slacks and a light blue shirt which was covered by a black waistcoat. He also donned an impossibly long black coat, almost reaching the ground and a top hat giving him a dignified look which contrasted with the goofy grin plastered on his face.

Before Kurogane could call out Fai's stupid expression, Sakura appeared from the lavatory with Mokona on her head. She wore a light pink dress which reached just short of her ankles and had three-quarter sleeves. She had a pair of white button boots on and was just pulling her left arm through her white coat. She carried a small hat with a ribbon tied around it. Fai walked over to her and patted her shoulder, looking at Syaoran as he spoke. "You look very pretty today, don't you agree Syaoran-kun?"

Syaoran who had been gazing at the girl, nodded his head quickly and gave a bashful smile. Sakura's face brightened a little and she went over to him and started to chatter away about something. Fai remained smiling and thought back at how far the two had come. They were so unbearably shy together in the beginning, but now they seem to have relaxed a little and are growing into each others' lives. Like two separate plants, which over years end up entwined in one another and continue as one being, blooming in beautiful synchronisation.

"Mekyo!" Everyone was startled by Mokona's sudden exclamation, and Fai hurried over to him asking were the signal was coming from.

The group reached the place where Mokona had detected the magic of Sakura's feather and looked up at the sign which told them the building was a type of restaurant. They walked inside and were surrounded by the warm glow of lanterns and the low murmurs of the patrons inside. Kurogane took in his surroundings, noting how this place was a lot more welcoming and friendly than the place they had visited the previous night. The group was suddenly joined by the two males who had been identified as Tōya and Yukito earlier in their journeys. The two stood close together and Yukito smiled warmly, inviting them to sit down at one of the tables. Kurogane shook his head, politely refusing and instead queried, "we are looking for a particular item which is somewhere around here and-"

He was cut off by the taller of the two men, "come out the back." Tōya turned on his heel and began walking away, Yukito trailing close behind. Kurogane looked at the others and Fai shrugged his shoulders happily before following in the direction Tōya was leading. Once they had made their way to the back room, Tōya began, "you're looking for a feather right?"

Syaoran spoke, surprised, "how do you know about the feathers?"

"One day Yukito was out tending the gardens, collecting vegetables for the shop, as usual. He said there was a strong gust of wind and then a feather blew right into his lap." Tōya paused and looked at Yukito who nodded and dipped his hand into his pocket. The grey haired male retrieved one of Sakura's feathers and held it out to Syaoran. The boy looked confused, not knowing whether he should take the feather from the bespectacled Yukito.

"Go on. Take it. I'm not going to force you to give me anything in exchange so here." He took Syaoran's hand gently and pressed the feather into his palm, and closed his fingers around it. He gave his hand a soft pat and smiled at the younger boy, "I have no need or desire for it, but I can tell you hold it dear to your heart." Yukito looked at Sakura and then to the rest of the group. "As you do many other things."

Tōya rolled his eyes at Yukito and tousled his hair playfully. "Oh hush now Yuki. Don't go all sentimental on them, you snow rabbit."

Yukito laughed softly and gave a wave of dismissal to Tōya. "Don't mind him. Tōya-kun doesn't quite understand the nuances of love just yet."

Kurogane sighed and put on an exterior of boredom when in reality he was deep in thought and longing. These two are obviously involved together. How do they make it look so effortless? I want, no, I need to be able to talk to Fai like this. Without the wall he has constructed between us. He needs help, and I want to give help. I have to protect those I care about. It is my duty.

"Kurogane? Kurogane?" Sakura asked, snapping him back to the present. He looked down at the girl. "What were you thinking about Kurogane?"

"Nothing. I was just trying to ignore these two love birds over here." He tilted his head in the direction of Tōya, who was now bright red, and Yukito, who was laughing at him with an arm around the taller man's shoulders.

Syaoran gave his gratitude to Yukito and explained that they had to be off. Yukito was slightly dismayed at their short encounter but wished them farewells and happy travels anyway. The group exited the restaurant and waved to the couple standing in the doorway before making their way out of the village.

During their walk, Fai's interest had piqued and he called upon Sakura for a question. "Were Tōya and Yukito ever that close back in your world?"

Sakura brought her finger to her chin, contemplating the question. "Well, onii-chan was the King and Yukito-san was the Priest so they did spend a lot of time together. But now I think about it, all the memories I have so far, there isn't a one where they weren't side by side."

Fai smiled even wider and clapped his hands together. "Hyuu! Maybe their love transcends dimensions too! Isn't that cute Kuro-tan?"

Kurogane just grunted. Syaoran spoke next, slightly chuckling. "Speaking of them, there was a rumour circulating the city that they were a couple. But no one spoke of it in general public for fear of the royalty finding out. But it was just idle gossip."

"Perhaps not. Remember what Yūko said. There is no such thing as coincidence. Only the inevitable." Fai continued his cheery walk, still thinking about Tōya and Yukito.

They were all stopped in the middle of the snowy forest by Mokona, "Mokona Modoki is all excited!" He then opened his colossal mouth and sucked the group within before hopping through the magical circle carved into the snow.