Author's Notes:
Well, these three are all about Kurogane. I meant for this fic to be about Syaoran and Sakura, but it seems to be extending beyond what I planned. But that's okay, because Kurogane is awesome.
22. Worry (150 words)
The first time Kurogane worried about the other members of their group was in the country of Jade.
"Are you sure those two will get out?"
Kurogane ignored the words. Of course they'd get out. The boy would never let his princess get entombed in the castle. They'd rise from the river any second now.
The flow of the river grew heavier.
The boy could handle himself. Surely. And if he couldn't, his journey had been doomed from the start.
They didn't surface.
The mage stared at the rushing water. His face was grim.
Kurogane sensed something under the water. "There," he said calmly, refusing to admit to the relief he felt.
The others looked up. Kurogane extended a hand just as the boy's arm broke the surface. The cut on his cheek had been washed clean by the current.
The ninja allowed himself to feel relief. Just this once.
23. Loyal
When Shirasagi castle rose from the horizon, Kurogane felt the first rush of enthusiasm he'd experienced in months.
Tomoyo waited, dressed in elaborate robes. When he got close, he went down on one knee and bowed his head. "Tsukiyomi."
"Lord Suwa," the princess said. Then she smiled, and she was Tomoyo again. "Welcome home, Kurogane."
A rare smile crossed his face, far different from the murderous smiles he was used to. Though those are getting rarer, he thought. His eyes slid over to his student and the mage.
Regardless of where he went with them, he'd always return to Tomoyo.
24. Reason
"Was it wise to send him away?"
"There are others who need him more," Tomoyo said. "Those people will, in turn, become precious to him."
Souma frowned, but said nothing. True, leaving oneself vulnerable was suicidal. But this was more important.
"Kurogane lost everything when Suwa burned," the Tsukiyomi murmured. "And he will not leave my service of his own volition. I am sending him away so he can learn what it means to have a family, even if they are not of his blood."
"You truly are kind, Tomoyo."
Or cruel, the princess thought, staring up at the sky.