Authors note: Ok this is an actual mission chapter. I've decided to do this one person by person since scenes overlap. Is that lazy? Perhaps, but it was the best way I could think of.
Mission four: Hospital's are never, ever fun.
"Congratulations you are now a full fledged member of the team!" Calista stated happily.
"It really feels official now." Sora beamed. She was examining herself in the mirror. The uniform fit her like a glove, she should compliment Hikari on a job well done. It was exactly the same as the others; a simple black turtleneck and bullet proof vest on top, thick trousers covered in various pockets and lace up combat boots on bottom. It was easy to move in and neither too hot or too cold.
It had been a few days since she and Yamato had returned from their 'outing' and today was their first mission together as a couple. The mission was a simple search and rescue of a teenage boy. His mother was a lawyer who had pissed off the wrong people in her pursuit of justice. But, as luck would have it, she was a close friend of Tai and Hikari's mother. Thus the assistance of Omni was guaranteed.
Sora punched and kicked the air a few times to test its maneuverability. Smiling in approval she spun around and placed her hands on her hips. "It's perfect!"
"There's our newest member! Ready to go?" Tai said striding into the room with Yamato in toe. Sora gave them both a little spin to show off her new threads. Yamato frowned and stood in front of her. She looked up at him, her intially giddiness quickly dispersing thanks to his displeasure.
"You don't like it?" She said with slight annoyance. He shook his head, grabbing her waist he pulled her close. "It's not like I don't like it, its just the things you usually wear are a little more..." He leaned closer so the others wouldn't hear his whisper "...easy to remove."
She gulped, a tinge of pink settling in on her cheeks, and pushed him off. "You pervert."
He chuckled and played with a strand of her hair. "Like you're any better."
She went a darker shade of red. Ok, maybe it was true she had been pulling him into her room more times then he had into his, but that was because he always left her wanting more! Besides, he was the one who interrupted her shower and that was definitely the most perverted thing they had done so far. Still, he seemed to be limiting himself, never even attempting to take it that significant step further.
Tai coughed into his hand making them both jump. They did that pretty often, acting as if they were the only two people left in the room, and Tai was worried by it a little. What if they wouldn't be able to focus during the mission? Ah, it would be okay, they won't let it affect them. They're too good for that.
"Alright lets move out." Tai commanded. Everyone followed him out of the room obediently; that was one of the things he loved about his squad, they were loyal and knew when to follow orders.
"Wait!" Yolei stopped them just as they were about to leave central hall and handed Sora a uzi and a small packet of cartridges. "Take this. It's custom made so it only fires paralysing bullets. Uzi's aren't usually compatible with those kind of rounds so thank the stars you have a genius like me on your side!"
"Thankyou Yolei! Does everyone have ones like these?" Sora said in sincere appreciation, taking the items from Yolei she tested their weight. Yolei frowned and there was an uncomfortable silence.
"No you are the only one who will be using those. The rest of us are using live rounds." Tai said stoically. Sora shoved the uzi into the back of her belt and kept her eyes to the ground. "I thought killing wasn't how you operated."
"It isn't. We don't aim to kill or cause harm unless we absolutely have to, but sometimes its simply impossible. The people we are facing will be trying to kill us, the sad truth is most of the time its kill or be killed." Tai said solemnly.
"Besides I only just worked out all the kinks with that weapon. Use it sparingly I won't be able to make more in a hurry." Yolei chimed in.
"We all asked Yolei to make these for you because you have never killed before so, if possible, we want to keep it that way. However, if the danger to yourself or the team is too great and the only course of action is the elimination of the threat, I expect you to make the right decision. That's why you also have the twin pistols, whether you want to use them is up to you." Tai explained with a somber expression.
Sora snapped her head up with confidence, if they all could do it then so could she. "I'm prepared."
Tai gave one of his trademark grins and patted her shoulders. "That's what I like to hear! If that's all Yolei we really are going to go."
"Don't let me hold you up, and remember, not today!" Yolei replyed with a wink.
"Not today." Everyone besides Sora chorused. She sidled up to Yamato and slipped her hand into his. "What is that anyway?" She asked.
"It's a promise. We promise not to die, not today. It's a bit stupid but we've been saying it since we were kids." Yamato shrugged squeezing her hand. She went quiet, she hadn't really dwelt on the fact that they might not come back everytime they left the base, it was disturbing.
"It's more comforting then stupid." She said once they reached the vehicle locker. he thought about it for a second, then smiled and picked her helmet off the seat and handed it to her. "It's just like you to see it that way."
Koushirou was pacing back and forth in the classroom. Mimi had gone to visit her parents for the day and would be back any minute. He kept glancing anxiously at the door, she had promised she would tell her parents about them this time and he wasn't sure how they would react.
The door opened slowly and she walked in. She didn't look him in the eye and sat down in her seat without speaking. That was a very bad sign. Normally one couldn't get her to stop talking. She fiddled with the silver bracelet on her wrist and shuffled about in her seat. Walking around her he started rubbing her shoulders lightly. "That bad huh?"
Freezing at the contact she soon let herself relax. "...I couldn't do it."
"And do you have a good reason for that?" He said calmly. She didn't like his tone, he was obviously upset.
"He kept going on about how T.K and I should get married a few day's after the bloody coronation! How was I supposed to interrupt? 'Sorry dad I don't want to be queen because I love someone else'!"
"Thats exactly what you were supposed to say." He sighed. She tensed beneath his hold, he knew where this was heading now and he didn't like it one bit.
"Have you met my dad? He will never let me give this up!" She shouted. Cringing at the change in volume he kissed the top of her head. This calmed her down which was the result he was hoping for.
"I know it's hard for you. But I also know that your father loves you and if you convince him you won't be happy as queen he won't argue." He cooed. Sighing she stroked his hand soothingly. "I have to do it don't I?"
"Afraid so. And you might want to do it before the wedding." He said. She giggled and pinched his hand. He yelped and took it back trying to rub the pain away.
"That's obvious!" She laughed, getting up she sashayed over to him and drapped her arms over his shoulders. Twirling a piece of his hair between her fingers she grinned wickedly. "Then again I could marry T.K. in name only and have a hot, steamy affair with you." Kissing him softly she slipped her tongue into his mouth allowing him to take control.
"Isn't that what's going on already?" he countered when they eventually pulled apart.
"This is where they're holding him? How are we supposed to find him!" Sora exclaimed in a hushed whisper.
"It used to be a hospital until it got damaged in the war, the cost of repairs was too great so it eventually was left to rot. Now it's an excellent hidey-hole for badies." Tai responded easily in a whisper of his own. He was using a pocket sized telescope to check out the place. It certainly was massive, the two halves that could be single buildings in there own right were connected by a smaller building only two stories tall in the centre. It looked like that was the original hospital and the two others had come after. Both sides loomed at six stories high, they were wide and there was no telling from this angle how far back they went. There were several tunnels providing further connections further up as well.
Happy with the lack of guards and security cameras he stood and motioned for the others to follow. They all stood in a line in front of the massive automatic opening. A large metal sign proclaiming 'Welcome to Goma hospital' hovered over the entrance. Several letters were missing from each word besides Goma and the metal was rusted. It wasn't a welcoming sight at all.
"What's our course of action?" Yamato asked jovially enough.
"That's easy, you and Sora take one side and Calista and I will take the other. Sweep the building as quickly as you can. If anyone runs into trouble let the rest of the team know through the communicators, same thing goes for if you find the target. Which one takes your fancy?" Tai answered with a half smirk. Yamato examined each side, the left was in a worse state then the right and looked unstable. Tai noticed his indecision. "Want to flip for it?"
"Do you have a coin?" Was Yamato's reply.
Tai rolled his eyes. "Do you think I would have mentioned it if I didn't? Tails you get right, heads I get it." Flipping the coin he caught it and slammed it onto the back of his hand. He frowned a little when he pulled his hand away revealing the tails.
"That's that then." Yamato smirked and motioned for Sora to follow him in.
Tai watched them go and turned to Calista. "Let's not waste any time then. Care to watch for cave-ins?"
"You sure are unlucky today, usually you never lose the coin flip." She commented with a roll of her shoulders. It was true, usually Yamato was the unlucky one, Tai shrugged it off and strolled in with Calista close behind.
They were cautious, walking through the stagnent standard hospital halls on high alert. They checked each room they could though several were collapsed and therefore unsearchable. Some of the doors had to be forced open and Tai had nearly fallen when they gave way more then once. When they reached the end the hall split into two separate passageways. The neon signs hanging from the ceiling showed one path led to the paediatrics ward and one to the dermatology and various other departments. Tai groaned, he hated separating but it would take a lot longer if they searched each side one at a time.
"Come on Tai we can each take care of ourselves, and if things get hairy we can always double back. We've got the communicators too." Calista encouraged.
"This is why we need more members!'
"Geez you can't tell me you really thought we could search a place this big without having to separate at some point." He gave her a despairing glance and she realised that was what he thought. He was an excellent leader but sometimes, only sometimes, he could act so stupid. "Fine I'm giving you a helping hand. I'll take paediatrics." She sighed and went on her way.
"Never took you for a kid person!" Tai called jokingly after her. She looked over her shoulder and stuck out her tongue at him before continuing on her path. He smiled and set off in his own direction. Why did girls always do that to him? "Must just be the effect I have on them." He laughed quietly to himself.
...
Yamato and Sora had run into an identical development. Only their choices were between surgery and recovery wards. he really didn't want to separate and he could tell she wasn't to big on the idea either.
"Are you ready for this?" He asked with genuine concern.
"You don't think I can do this?" She said with annoyance. He was taken aback and shook his head. "No, you can handle yourself fine."
"Good." Snapping her head toward him she pulled him over by his vest and kissed him quickly. "I'll see you in a bit." She smiled cockily and walked toward the recovery wards. He laughed deeply, she was acting so tough but had picked the wards. Soon he became serious and went his own way.
...
Calista
Calista had been walking for ages. Go up the stairs, search every room along every hall, check if elevators are working, go up stairs again. Lather, rinse, repeat. She was starting to wonder if this was the right place after all. There weren't any signs of the living anywhere. Still she continued on until she reached the fourth floor. She was actually happy to see a few armed men chatting to each other, human contact at last! That feeling faded immediately when they opened fire. She ducked back down the stairwell and pulled out her pistols. As soon as the shooting subsided she leapt out of hiding and took down all five men easily. With growing unease she took in their uniforms and frowned. This was supposed to be a simple kidnapping, why were Shinian soldiers here?
Flipping one of them over she checked his pockets for any communication devices. Nothing. Searching the others produced the same results. Maybe she should have left one alive for questioning, Tai was always scolding her for being too quick to kill. It wasn't really her fault, her whole fighting style was based around eliminating the enemy. She sighed, better let Tai know she has run into the enemy.
"Tai? I engaged the enemy." She said informatively.
"Are you okay?" Tai responded quickly.
"Yeah I'm fine, no survivors though." She could practically hear him frown.
"Cali..."
"I know okay! It was just instinct, I'll try to make sure it doesn't happen again."
"Don't worry about it. I'd rather you stay safe. Remember to-' A tinge of panic coursed through her when the device cut off. What had happened, did someone get to him? She quickly tried to contact Sora and Yamato, no luck their either. That was somewhat comforting, it meant the devices were malfunctioning and Tai most likely wasn't attacked. Still, better safe then sorry. She was about to go back when something flickered in the corner of her vision. She stepped back just as several bullets whizzed past her face. She huffed and ran into the door the flickering had come from. It opened with the force of her impact revealing a hall connecting to the other building. It had tall windows either side so it was very easy to see and yet her assailant was nowhere in sight.
She spun around to check behind her and saw some movement. Whoever was attacking her was no ordinary soldier. They were fast and dangerous, but so was she. More shots were exchanged and the attacker was moving about the room but she couldn't see what they looked like. This speed was inhuman! The person was a blur shooting every chance they got, one bullet took a few strands of her hair with it. Too close.
Thankfully a pattern started to emerge. The attacker would jump to the left, run forward, jump right and double back. She could almost laugh at the clumsy pattern as she intercepted it and backhanded the person. She pointed her pistols at the smoke filled rubble and finally identified her enemy. It wasn't what she had expected at all.
A young girl barely older then five stood before her, or rather what used to be a young girl. She was bald and the right side of her face, along with most of her body that Calista could see, had been replaced with mechanical parts. The one black eye that was still human was glazed over in an all too familiar fashion.
Calista growled lowly. The mechanical parts were new but the rest of the symptoms she recognised. So those crazy assholes were still off doing whatever they wanted. In the back of her mind she had always known that was the case. It still infuriated her. She knew the child was beyond saving, the look in her eyes told it all. The red mechanical eye whizzed and contracted focusing on Calista.
"Sorry kid. I wish there was something I could have done." Calista said sadly. She fired just as the ground beneath her shook, the tremor was slight so the explosion must have come from the other building but it gave the child enough time to dodge and barrel into her. She struggled with the child's tight grip around her waist but couldn't bring herself to punch the human side of the kids face. She heard yelling coming from the direction of the stairs and fought harder finally breaking free. The child transformed its hand into a dagger and lunged but Calista was faster. She shot the child through her human eye. The child shuttered and made some whirring noises before collapsing leaking blood and some strange oil like fluid onto the ground.
Calista rose slowly, the footsteps coming up the stairs behind her growing faster in their pace. She turned to the stairwell and froze when she glimpsed the connecting hall in her peripheral vision. Another child was standing there dressed all in black and, being dragged along without resistance by her wrist, was Sora.
...
Tai
Searching was a pain. Four floors up and still nothing. Progress was slow and even his usual upbeat attitude didn't make the task any easier. He saw a path pointing to paediatrics and considered that this might be the right time to go find Calista. He started to head in that direction when his communication device flared to life and Calista's voice filtered through. Speak of the devil and she will come. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and gave his responses, why did she have to be so impulsive? Then again he couldn't really say anything; impulsive was his middle name.
"Don't worry about it. I'd rather you stay safe. Remember to contact me if you need any help." He waited patiently for a response. When none came he realised he couldn't hear her anymore and hastily checked if it would work for Sora and Yamato...nothing. This was why he hated separating; technology could only go so far! He sprinted in the direction the paediatric sign was pointing ignoring the other halls passing by. Running for what felt like forever he saw some stairs in the distance. It was then that he tripped. He stopped himself from falling flat on his face by pressing his palms against the floor. Checking to see what he had tripped on he saw a metal wire glistening in the starkly lit halls.
"Hahahahahahahaha! Sis said I was crazy but it worked!" Tai groaned at the new voice and turned to see Davis crouching by the wall in one of the halls he had been ignoring with one end of the wire in his hands. Davis was wearing the same uniform he had worn the last time they met.
"Why didn't you just attach the wire to the wall? That way you wouldn't have had to pull on it when you heard me coming. And why did you just laugh instead of attacking me? You lost the element of surprise you created." Tai said flatly straightening himself up. If he hadn't been so worried about Calista he would never have fallen for something so stupid. That's what he told himself anyway. Davis's previously triumphant grin fell and was replaced by annoyance.
"Well...that's...it's more heroic this way."
"Heroic? How is tripping someone heroic?"
"That's not the heroic part, I didn't want to attack you while you were at a disadvantage."
Tai looked at the boy in surprise. Normally soldiers in the Shinian army lacked morals of any kind. He had always thought of the Motamiya's as killing crazed siblings who were more trouble then they were worth. He had never wondered what their motivation was. He noticed Davis still hadn't attacked him though he had pulled out an uzi. Tai took out his own twin pistols and waited for the boy to make a move.
"Aren't you going to shot or something? This is awkward." Davis said with annoyance shuffling from foot to foot. Tai watched him quizzically, what was this kids deal?
"I'd rather not fight you if that's an option. " Tai replied.
"No it isn't! I'm going to get rid of your whole group and become a hero!" Davis snapped. He started firing erratically and Tai barely avoided the bullets. He dove behind the side wall, not the best place since all Davis needed to do was round the corner. Tai sighed, he knew he wasn't exactly old but Davis couldn't be more then sixteen, how could the army employ such young children? He didn't want to fight him. He ran for it. He heard Davis pursue and ducked into one of the rooms. It was a standard patients room and he pressed himself against the wall as the door became riddled with bullets.
"Why are you doing this!" Tai shouted over the gunfire. It ceased abruptly so he continued. "You don't seem like a bad kid! Don't you know killing people is wrong!"
"...Yeah, but you're evil! And it's okay to kill evil people. Your group has killed lots of soldiers!" Davis yelled back. Tai was suddenly angry; this kid was obviously one of those poor people who didn't fully understand what was happening in this country. Kicking the door into two clean halves that flew at a surprised Davis thanks to his increased strength he discarded his guns and kicked Davis's out of his hand. Davis yelped and punched back, Tai caught the punch and threw the boy forcing him to land on his back.
A pain shot through him and he released Davis to clutch his newly wounded forearm. When had Davis produced that knife? And from where? Tai came within a hairs breadth of every lunge Davis threw at him. Tai felt the room tremble around them and he pinned Davis against the wall. "Listen to me kid, we're the good guys. Check it out for yourself, we only ever kill when necessary. We fight to save people and free Zui from Shinian oppression." Tai said evenly.
"That's not true! You can't be the good guys because we are!" Davis spate back.
"Then tell me this, why were you going to execute innocent people the last time I saw you. There were children among the sentenced." Tai replied. Doubt flickered behind Davis's eyes for a moment and he stammered trying to come up with a suitable response. Tai smiled, he was getting through to him.
"Tai! Little help?!" Tai looked up just in time to see Yamato sail past him. He was shortly followed by a cackling Jun who ran past brandishing a...machete? What was that girl's problem! Tai relinquished his hold on Davis and let him drop to his knees. "I don't think you're a bad guy. If you ever feel like fighting for the real good guys then use this." Tai tossed a small black device over his shoulder and winked at Davis before taking off after Yamato and Jun. Davis caught the device and examined it feebly. Who was that guy? He...he was super cool!
Tai ran in the direction he thought they had gone and almost collided with a toasted Jun who was running in the opposite direction. She was still holding her machete and he took out his guns to defend but she just ran past him. He watched her go with concern, in all the times they had locked horns she had never just run away from a fight. This meant that whatever was happening upstairs was something even she couldn't face. And that made him take the stairs two at a time with all the speed he could muster. He was going so fast he almost stepped on Calista's head. He did a double take when he looked at her still form and noticed she wasn't breathing. Her position on the stairs prevented cpr so he grabbed her and ran up the stairs. Laying her on the floor at the top he started administering the cpr. She finally opened her eyes and coughed loudly rolling onto her side. Only when she started breathing again did he look up in time to see Yamato get thrown into the wall.
Davis quickly pocketed the device when he saw his sister approach. She huffed and grabbed his arm. "Why the hell are you just sitting there! We need move on to our next assignment."
"What's our next assignment?" He asked dumbly as she dragged him along. She shook his arm roughly and pushed him in front. "Start running you idiot! What is wrong with you anyway, since when do you ask questions during work!" She shouted. He didn't respond and began running as he was told. He wondered why he had never thought about who was right before now. It was so strange, that guy had completely shaken his whole foundation of belief without even really trying.
...
Sora
Maybe this was a mistake. Sora hated this place; the others didn't seem to realise this was her first time in a hospital. She knew what they looked like and everything, she may have lived in the middle of nowhere but that didn't mean she didn't have a tv. Being in the halls for real was pretty scary, and every time she checked a room she would jump at the slightest noise. Her progress was pretty slow. More then anything she wanted to go back and see Yamato. Thinking of him reminded her of his faith in her and that renewed her vigor. So this was a hospital, what of it? She had faced far more frightening things then that.
An image of Jun shooting wildly at them with her red hair being blustered about by the wind flashed through her mind. She laughed, that certainly had been scary. She was on the second floor. Not very far up then. She wondered if it might be better to go to the top and start from there instead. As if to heed her wishes the elevator came into view. She pushed the button expecting nothing, so when the door pinged open she was a little surprised. Stepping in she pressed the button for the sixth floor. The elevator groaned as it ascended and she grasped the handlebars for reassurance. Third floor went by without incident, as did fourth. It was on the approach to the fifth floor that the elevator creaked. She heard a loud snapping sound from above and stifled a scream when the elevator plummeted back down several feet before it came to a grinding halt.
"Guess the safety works." She said shakily. She soothed her frayed nerves and let go of the handlebars. She took a few timid steps toward the door in case the elevator fell again. When nothing moved she began searching for methods of escape. The emergency escape above was an option, but she doubted she could reach it even if she managed to use the handlebars for leverage. She went to the door and stuck her dagger in the slit. Using it as an improvised lever she pulled with all her might. The door squealed loudly and opened a crack. She dug her hands in and managed to open it wide enough for her to squeeze through.
Unfortunately the elevator had stopped a little more then halfway above the opening for the forth floor. The created hole was a tight fit but she managed to push herself through. She landed on her feet and dusted herself off. She examined her surroundings, more rooms, more halls, classic hospital atmosphere. No people. She supposed that was a good thing, but it still bugged her. Hospitals shouldn't be this...empty. She resumed her search, going one room at a time.
It was in a particularly large ward that she did run into people. Lots of people sporting standard army issue rifles and staring right at her. She close the door slowly. Maybe they hadn't noticed her? The door burst off its hinges thanks to a barrage of bullets and she took off down the hall. Adrenaline pumped through her veins and she pulled out her special uzi and fired behind her not even bothering to look back. With that many people she was bound to hit someone. She heard a few curse words and the sound of people tripping over what was probably other people from behind her. She gained a few feet on them and slipped into another ward. She tried to catch her breath but lost it when she spotted a young boy tied to a chair in the middle of the room. He matched the description to a T; short brown bowl cut hair and pale skin .
Perfect, just perfect. She had found the kid they were looking for but was unsure she could get him out of here on her own. She pressed the previously forgotten communication device in her ear and was dismayed when it wouldn't work. She was liking this mission less and less. Putting her uzi away she ran up to the child and undid his bonds. His eyes were closed and he slowly opened them to look at her. She gazed at him with compassion.
"Who are you?" He asked, sounding strangely calm for a child in this situation. She knelt down, smiled at him and rubbed his back reassuringly. "I'm a friend."
The door burst open and a couple of soldiers poured in. They froze when they looked at her, then at the boy, and promptly turned tail to run. Sora watched them with curiosity when something sharp whistled past her face and embedded itself in the last retreating figures back. She turned slowly, horror creeping into her veins, and saw the boy's outstretched arm.
"Do not interrupt. I am talking to a possible target." He said in monotone. Sora backed away quickly holding her uzi in front of her with both hands. He turned to her and stood still with his arms at his side. "I will only ask one more time. Who are you?"
"Like I'm going to tell you!" She shouted back trying to keep the fear out of her voice.
"You misunderstand. Your answer will be the difference over whether you live or die. My main targets are male, but I have one female target as well. You seem to be a bit too old. However, I can not afford to kill the target by mistake." He said quietly taking several steps toward her. She fired and ran toward the door, even at that close range he managed to dodge every shot and block her at the door. He threw successive punches and kicks. She blocked and avoided most of the hits but she couldn't return any blows. She was on the defensive and would eventually tire if things continued like this. She saw an opening and went for it with a sharp jab.
She panicked when he avoided the blow and got her arm in a tight hold under his own. He applied some pressure making her cry out in pain. Gritting her teeth she drew her dagger from behind her with practiced ease and nicked his face before he could get away completely. She wasn't aiming to kill; how could she? He was only a child. She flipped back and went for the door again. He went to block her but this was within her expectations. She struck out with her dagger and he fell back, then she took out her pistol and shot the ceiling above him making it collapse.
She had seen the weakened structure when she came in and was glad of it now. It gave her the time she needed to get out the door. Running for dear life she took off down a long hall. She had to get away, find the others and let them know it had been a setup from the beginning. There was the possibility that there was another child fitting the description being held captive still but she highly doubted it. Jumping into another patients room she sat on the bed to calm down and think. That kid was hot on her tail; she could hear him looking in the other rooms. It was only a matter of time before he found her. She scanned the room for possible escape routes and found none besides the window. Great, a choice between trying to scale the building or get caught by a manic child. She hated both options with a passion.
Opening the window and peeking her head out she realised it really wasn't an option at all. The walls were too smooth and lacked footholds. The ledge to the window further down wasn't very large and she would have to be in free fall for a few feet before she could reach it. She heard approaching footsteps and pointed her pistol at the door. Jumping up onto the ledge she held onto the window and stared at the door. It opened casually, as if the boy already knew she was there. He watched her with no emotion just as before, an odd glazed over look in his eyes.
"Why are you targeting us? She asked with determination.
The boy didn't answer. He stood stone faced, then hugged himself and sank to his knees. She watched him with suspicion as tears starting pricking the corners of his eyes. "I...I don't know where I am. What's happening?" He looked straight at her and let the tears fall. "Please...I want to go home!"
She tried to ignore him. But when he started weeping openly and held his face in his hands her heart softened. She had always been a compassionate person, and seeing a child break down was hard for her to watch. She lowered her weapon slightly and inched closer too the room. Suddenly he was right beside her with his hand on her wrist forcing her to drop her gun. Wincing at the pressure she mentally berated herself for dropping her guard. He pulled her off the ledge still keeping his hold.
"You don't have to do this! You're just a child!" She tried. Silence reigned and she fervently wished he was listening. This obviously wasn't the case, she felt a sharp pain in the back of her neck and the world faded away.
...
Yamato
Yamato loathed hospitals. He especially hated operating theaters. And yet here he was glaring at the swinging metal doors as if to challenge them. He had swept the floors as quickly as possible and was already on the fourth flour. Why they decided to put the theatre up here he had no idea, but that wasn't really his problem. This was the last room he needed to search. He had already taken down a few pesky soldier groups and had tried questioning a few of them. Even using his most persuasive methods they still claimed to not knowing anything. This he could believe; soldiers in the Shinian army usually just followed orders no questions asked. He wanted to find Sora and the others. Communication had been cut off a short while ago and he was worried. This whole mission felt really wrong, it wasn't going how he thought it would at all.
Shuddering he finally opened the door. He swallowed hard at the cold clinical feeling, it brought up old memories that made him nauseous. If it wasn't for the surroundings he would have noticed the woman sitting on the operating table sooner. He groaned and sighed inwardly. Of all the soldiers in all the bleeding Shinian army they just had to send Jun.
Jun grinned at him and stretched out on the table invitingly. "If it isn't my favourite rat. Did you miss me?" She cooed.
"I was hoping you had died." He replied easily. She sat up straight and glared at him. "That's not very nice!"
"Neither is this." He said as he tossed a grenade at her. She whacked it away with her hand and leapt to the side in time to avoid most of the blast. He turned to run but something wrapped around his ankle and pulled him back into the room. He flipped over just as she leapt on top of him. She was sitting on his chest with a foot planted on either side of his head. She held a black leather whip and cracked it with a wicked grin.
"You're right that wasn't nice at all...how should I punish you?" She stated in an unnerving tone. He lay still and narrowed his eyes at her.
"This is the second time." He growled. His hands balled into fists and his knuckles went white. She raised an eyebrow and knelt in closer. "Second time we meet?"
"No. Second time you've touched me without my permission!" He yelled throwing her off of him. She flew into the wall and gasped at the impact. Yamato took a few calming breaths, only a little, he'd only use a little. He could do it, he could control it, he had done it before. Somehow it seemed easier if he thought about Sora. She put his mind at ease. He stood and calmly pulled out his twin pistols and took aim.
"You are sooooooo messed up!" Jun shouted as she stood. Yamato scoffed and starting firing. She ran in a wide ark and threw the whip at him. Whacking it away from his face he started walking toward her. He stopped when she yelped and fell to his feet writhing in pain. He pointed the nozzle at her head and she grinned up at him. "You don't show any mercy do you? I kind of like that in a man."
He grunted as a sharp pain originating from his left calf coursed through his veins. The pistols clattered to the floor as he twitched involuntarily due to the shock. He stood momentarily frozen and she rolled away and stood. She had been faking the hit and waved a large black taser at him. "This sends out enough electricity to put a guy in a coma, I'm surprised your still standing." She sighed in disappointment.
"Takes much more then that to hurt me." He said twisting his wrists experimentally and jumping backwards to avoid her lunge. She laughed and pulled out her pair of uzi's. Reaching into one of his pockets he pulled out two small metal rods and threw them in quick succession. She paused and checked herself and all around her. Shrugging when she saw nothing she went to shoot at him only for the uzi's to jam. She clicked the trigger several more times before whistling lowly and tossing them away. Yamato went for his pistols but was stopped by a...machete? Where did she get that from! She chuckled and swung at him in a few wide arches. Her seemingly erratic movements were actually quite difficult to avoid and he found himself being herded into a wall. He wasn't going to let that happen in a hurry. He dropped down and she sliced through the air his head had occupied seconds before.
Tackling her they rolled across the floor exchanging blows. He got a few strong punches to her face while she bopped him on the forehead with the hilt of her machete. She was cackling the whole time. He pinned her to the ground with his forearm pressed to her throat. She wheezed and tried to get him off but he held firm. He watched her eyes roll to the back of head and he finally released her. He didn't want to kill her. This was pretty contrary to his greeting but that was beside the point. For all her insanity she didn't seem like that bad a person. He got up and rubbed his forehead. She could hit pretty damn hard. He wavered a little on his feet, that electric shock had rattled his system. He went for the door with his head in one hand. If Jun was here then Davis wasn't far behind. He wanted to find Sora right away.
Something flew by his face and he turned slowly. He should have killed her. She ran at him with a mad look in her eyes swinging her machete wildly. He really should have killed her. He ran for it, not caring that he was backtracking. He sailed down the stairs and ran through the third floor and onto the second. He was starting to feel exhausted and looking over his shoulder told him she wasn't going to give up anytime soon.
Maybe he could tap into his skills a little more and increase his speed. He didn't want to risk it, his head was still swimming and he couldn't afford to lose it right now. A question loomed before him; why wasn't he turning around to face her? The answer was a surprisingly normal one and that was incredibly unusual for him; he simply didn't want to. She creeped him out and the thought of hitting her smiling face or listen to her cackle when he tried to shoot her sent shivers down his spine. He was fast, zipping through the halls with little trouble but she was somehow keeping pace even though she was carrying a heavy weapon.
He went through a connecting hall into the other building and spun around to toss a few more grenades at her, hopefully to stop her pursuit. He used four because when it came to Jun he would rather be safe then sorry. She stooped under them and still ran forward, the resulting blast shook the ground beneath them and sent her flying forward. He had stopped to regain his composure and watched with annoyance as she got up relatively unharmed. Her hair was frazzled and singed, she looked ready to explode.
"DAMN IT I JUST WANT A HUG!" She yelled and ran for him again. He still had a lead on her and was getting very tired of this little game. Running up the stairs to the third floor he spotting Tai holding Davis against the wall. Good, maybe he could do something about the maniac woman.
"Tai! Little help?!" He managed to shout as he went past. In the back of his mind he wondered what Tai was doing, it had looked like he was talking to Davis. Why he would want to waste time with idle chat was beyond him. He climbed the stairs with the full intention of rocketing by anything he came across at the top when he saw something that stopped him in his tracks.
A young boy, the target he believed, had Calista on her knees with his small hands wrapped around her neck. She was turning blue and feebly pulling at his hands. Yamato noticed Sora laying limp and lifeless nearby. His body shook violently and with an angry scream he went for the boy. He was still in control, just, but the power of his punch was enough to send the kid flying. Unfortunately he kept his grip on Calista. When he hopped back up he threw her at Yamato. Yamato dove to catch her but was interrupted by a fist to his gut.
The punch was powerful and nearly sent him reeling. He kept the emotion out of his face, blocking and parrying the boy the best he could. Several factors were impeding his progress: he couldn't focus properly because all he could think about was checking on Sora, his blood was roaring in his ears and, possibly worst of all, the world was turning red as he slowly lost his hold over himself. This kid's attack patterns were efficient and took minimal effort, not a step was wasted.
He recognised it immediately, it was similar to his own and Calista's. So that's whats going on...he has finally released a few of his toys out into the world. Thinking about the past broke his focus long enough for the kid to kick him in the chest and send him flying into the wall. The wall cracked under the pressure and he slid to the floor. The hit must have broken a couple of his ribs, they ached like crazy.
"Yamato! What do you think you're doing to my team!" Tai yelled causing Yamato to notice his presence. The boy looked from Yamato to Tai and frowned. "Yamato Ishida and Tai Kamiya I assume."
Yamato and Tai both froze and shared a worried glance. How did he know who they were? It was possible, due to his assumed background, that he had been told of Yamato's existence. And, if he was in as deep as they though, it wasn't strange for him to know that the prince of Zui was still alive. But he shouldn't know that they were a part of Omni, and he certainly shouldn't know Tai's face!
The boy took their silence as conformation. He then began walking over to where Sora lay. Yamato and Tai sprang into action at the same time. Tai attacked the boy forcing him back and Yamato ran to Sora's side. He checked her pulse and breathed a sigh of relief, she was just unconcious.
"Sora I need you to wake up." He whispered in her ear as he lifted her into a sitting position. She groaned and rolled into him resting her head on his chest. He shook her gently and pushed her away. She slowly opened her eyes and smiled up at him dreamily.
"Hey you...come for the parade? Can you believe how realistic those pink birds are..." She mumbled lolling her head to the side. He frowned and grabbed her chin to make her look at him. "Snap out of it!" He said urgently but not unkindly.
She blinked a few times and jumped when she finally came back to her senses. She scanned the room frantically and saw a blur of movement in the middle of the room. She also saw Calista running up to them while rubbing her throat.
"Is that Tai?" She murmered as the blur came into focus. Yamato ran his hand through her hair till he had a hold on her by the nape of her neck. He pulled her into a fervent kiss, ending it quickly and resting his forehead against hers staring right into her eyes. "Yes, that's Tai. I need you to answer an important question, who knocked you out? Do you know why they didn't kill you?."
"It was the child we were supposed to rescue. He said something about having a female target that he couldn't kill...I think he might have been talking about Hikari." She answered.
"What makes you say that?"
"Because he said his target was a bit younger then me, Hikari and I have sorta similar hair though the colors really different."
Yamato's frown deepened. How much info did this kid have? At least there was some good news, apparently the kid had been ordered to take them alive, that made things a lot less dangerous.
He exhaled and stood pulling her up with him. "Here's the new plan. Tai and I will stay here and take down this kid, you and Calista will go find the handler. He shouldn't be that far, I would say he's on the next floor by now." He said with authority. By now Calista was standing beside them and nodded in conformation.
"Handler? What's that?" Sora asked just as Tai came skidding to a halt in front of them with both the kids fists in his hands.
"I'll explain on the way!" Calista yelled as she ran down the hall. Yamato pushed Sora after her as Tai lost his grip and fell on his backside. She gulped and ran after Calista catching up quickly.
Yamato slammed his fist into the kid's face forcing him back a couple steps. Tai took the opportunity provided, kicking the kid in the stomach sending him even further back.
"Been a while since we've done this." Tai stated. Yamato smirked and helped him to his feet. "Sure has, I believe I won last time."
"That was because I gave you the opening and you know it." Tai replied with a scoff. Neither of them took their eyes of the kid while they conversed. The kid was standing there glaring at them while wiping some blood away from the corner of his mouth.
Tai and Yamato attacked in perfect unison. Tai went in full force, punching and kicking with great speed but leaving himself open on mulitple occasions. That was were Yamato came in, if Tai's fighting could be described as reckless then Yamato's would be calculating, he defended Tai whenever he threw a shot too wide or was a little too slow.
When faced with two opponents who were extremely good when alone and practically unstoppable when together one would think the kid would have been beaten within the first few hits. He was being pushed back and throw about without landing a single counterattack but he kelt getting back up.
Yamato caught a kick sent his way and swung the boy towards Tai's waiting foot. The impact sent the boy into the wall. Walking over they both glared down at the boy who was struggling to get back to his feet.
"You work together much more effciently then I was led to believe." The boy said through a coughing fit. Yamato grabbed the boy by the collar, hauling him to his feet he shoved him against the wall.
"How did you know about us?" Tai asked with authority.
The boy stared back silently with that odd glazed over expression. Yamato pursed his lips and tried to look the boy in the eye. "What's your name?" He said in a even tone.
"I am Tracker." The boy responded in monotone.
"That's not your real name." Yamato snapped. The boy wore a shocked expression for a split second before settling back into anger.
"I AM TRACKER!" The boy shouted in such a high pitch that they both winced. He then produced a small knife and slashed at Yamato who released him to avoid the blade. The boy dropped forward and pulled out a small vial contaning a strange shining blue liquid. "I was ordered to take you alive. Please try to survive." the boy said in that same monotone.
Yamato went for the vial but the boy had already drank the contents. Yamato and Tai both felt their blood run cold. They could practically feel the waves of malice emanating from the kid. The boy staggered forward and they both watched him carefully. Then, faster then a flash of light, he was face to face with Tai.
It took a second for Tai's mind to catch up with his eyes when he felt a sharp pain in his lower abdomen. He glanced down to see the boy had lodged the small knife into the gap between his vest and trousers.
"Tai!" Yamato shouted. Kicking at the boy he was surprised when his foot sailed through thin air. Feeling a presence behind him he moved quickly to dodge. A small flicker of blood spurted from the new cut on his neck. If he had been a second slower he would be dead.
Jumping to Tai's side he clasped down on his new cut. "Are you okay?" He asked with concern while searching the room for the boy.
"Yeah...its a shallow wound." Tai grunted. He too was applying pressure to his injury. It wasn't bleeding too much, but they would both feel better once it got treated.
The boy reappeared before them with his hands on his hips apparently waiting for them to make the next move.
"So much for not killing us, I think we might have pissed him off before." Tai said trying to chuckle through his pain.
"I have to agree." Yamato replied.
"Do you have any idea what that stuff was? He's a lot stronger then before."
"Afraid not. Must have been made after I left."
"Well that's comforting. So, whats the verdict?"
Yamato closed his eyes and sighed. "He was still in there...there's a possiblity he can be saved."
Tai nodded and grinned. "Then we have to save him."
Yamato cast him a sideways glance. "Are you sure? We have no idea how strong he is now."
Tai started to laugh but stopped with a wince when it agitated his wound. "Come on now, you forget who we are."
Yamato smirked and turned his attention back to the boy. Things were a bit harder now but they could manage. Besides, they didn't need to beat the boy, they just needed to give Calista and Sora enough time to get the required information. No problem.
Then the boy moved too fast for even them to follow, and when Tai went flying and Yamato had a close up view of the kids foot in his face they both had the same thought. This might be a problem after all.
...
"So whats a handler!" Sora yelled as they ascended the stairs to the fifth floor.
"That kid was raised to be a perfect soldier. To make sure they don't run off to do their own thing every child has a handler. The kids are usually forced into submission through an addictive drug that compels them to obey only their handlers voice. The handler usually hangs around to make sure the kid does their job, they also have the drug on their person just in case the kid starts coming back to their senses." Calista shouted in response.
"If you know all that why havn't you shut the place down!" Sora yelled after her.
Calista stopped abruptly and Sora narrowly avoided slamming into her. Calista spun on her heel and grabbed Sora's vest. "Don't you think we would have if we could have? The facility is in Shin, and in case you havn't noticed we aren't exactly welcome there." She hissed.
"I'm sorry I didn't know." Sora replied sadly. Calista's eyes softened and she quickly let Sora go.
"No, I'm the one who's sorry." Calista responded quietly before resuming her run. Sora followed and frowned. They ran in silence until Calista held out a hand to halt Sora. Sora thought hard for a moment, shadowing Calista closely she whispered. "Is there really a drug like that in existence?"
"Trust me, its just as bad as it sounds." Calista responded. She slowly opened a door into a large open childrens ward. The light was off so the only source was the soft rays of the setting sun coming in through the windows. Sora bumped into Calista's back when she stopped suddenly.
"What the-? Can you stop doing that?" Sora said with slight annoyance. Rubbing her nose Sora went around to see what Calista was staring at. Standing in the center of the room with her back to them was a tall woman wearing the same black clothing as the boy. Her long bleach blonde hair was tied into a tight bun. She turned slowly with her arms crossed over her chest and smiled widely. She was fairly pretty, with light hazel eyes and small features. Her lips were thin and exposed a little two much gum thanks to her strange smile.
Sora glanced at Calista who had turned as white as a sheet. The woman stepped forward with outstretched arms. "My dear Hunter, how have you been? I've been looking all over for you." She drawled.
"My name is Calista." Calista seethed in response.
The woman's smile faded and she withdrew her hands. "That's right you've been corrupted by Yukio's biggest mistake."
"I was saved by Yamato. I'm not here for a chat, tell me the name of your new charge." Calista growled.
The woman sagged and shook her head. She drew out a packaged syringe containing a clear liquid. Calista swallowed hard and tried to keep from trembling. "That's no way to talk to me. You've been missing this haven't you? Tell you what I'll give this one to you if you beg me for forgiveness."
Sora stepped in front of Calista and struck a fighting stance. "Stay away from her, I'll be the one to take you on." She said with conviction.
The woman laughed and slid the packet along the floor. It hit Sora's foot and she knocked it away, glancing over her shoulder she saw Calista following it with her eyes. "Don't worry I'll deal with her. Concentrate on yourself." Sora whispered to her soothingly.
Calista nodded and hugged herself. She backed up through the open door until she hit the wall outside and slid to the floor. Sora smiled and turned her attention back to the woman.
"Tell me that kid's name and no-one has to get hurt." Sora barked. The woman smiled and produced two S&W guns. "Sorry girl you're too old to join my adorable flock."
"That's the best thing I've heard all day." Sora scoffed.
