me: HOORAY ANOTHER CHAPTER!!!! Wow! And this is like, record timing too!! Cool! Well, I know I left you guys in suspense, so I'm not gonna talk today!!
I just wanna thank my awesome reviewers!! I LUV YOU GUYS!!! OH! And I'm gonna reply to those of you that don't have an official screen name!! YAY!!!
AngelSachiya
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reader - THANX SOOOOO MUCH!!! I'm glad you're liking my fic . YOU ROCK!!
M M Forever
jerseygrl90
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Crazy With Happiness
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Litanya
BandGeek95 - You finished the Harry Potter book in eight hours!! WOW!! And I thought "I" was obsessed, lol. I finished it in two days after I got it at midnight the night it came out! IT WAS AWESOME!!! haha, I luv your reviews!! THANX SOOO MUCH!!! YOU ROCK MY SOX!!!...and I'm not wearing sox!!!
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TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
last time: Hey Guys, Yamato here. Well, you can imagine my frustration. I'm in Ken's ball, a place I really don't want to be, and I'm trying to find Mimi, but I haven't been able to find her and it's driving me insane!! So while everyone else is enjoying themselves I'm looking for my girlfriend that has seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth!! Well...okay, so not everyone is enjoying themselves, Taichi hasn't been...or has he? Turns out the person everyone thought was Taichi, really isn't Taichi, and now Ken's throwing a fit that he escaped. Damn...where is Taichi!?!
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Ken, with a savage glint in his eye, ran a hand across his face and flicked the wetness off his hand. He chuckled evilly, "Did you find that heroic boy?" The boy being questioned said nothing as he glared fiercely at the Prince he loathed. "Well, with all the trouble you've cost me, I have every right to execute you, now don't I?" He waited for the spark of fear that always appeared in his victim's eyes when he threatened them...but it never ignited in this one's. He chuckled again, impressed by this boy's courage. "Kid, I admire your valor, but here, within my domain, hero's are always crushed." Still, the boy remained stubbornly silent. "So, here comes the question that will either set you free, or condemn you to your death; Where is the Prince of Thieves?"
To the Prince's extreme annoyance the boy smirked. "Do you really believe that after all I went through I'm just going to tell you?"
Ken's mouth formed a thin line, "I'm only giving you this one chance. If you blow it you will be hanged."
The boy stared at him for a moment, seeming to debate his options, but then he met Ken's eyes with a fierce determination. "This is what I have to say to you Ken," he paused for a moment for dramatic effect, "Go. To. Hell. I didn't go too fast for you did I?"
Ken's eyes narrowed in controlled fury. "Alright, if that is your choice." Ken made a move to replace him on the floor, but at the last second he changed his mind and brought his hostage back towards him, only this time he unsheathed his sword and held it against his throat. "Come out Taichi, or your pawn here will be killed!" roared the furious Prince.
The thieves were watching in an awe-struck silence, the boy's identity had been revealed to them when Ken placed the knife at his neck, and, to their horror, the face was all too familiar.
"Daisuke!" Miyako whispered, fear evident in her voice.
"But -- I don't -- how could --?" Hikari rambled as she looked at Daisuke, hoping to find the answers to her incomplete questions written across his face...no such luck, however.
"Wait, if that's Daisuke...then where's Taichi?" Takeru questioned beside her.
Ken was wondering the same thing as he stared at all the people before him, all had an expression of absolute shock or terror plastered on their faces. "SHOW YOURSELF TAICHI!! OR ARE YOU TOO COWARDLY TO REVEAL WHERE YOU'VE BEEN HIDING?!?!"
Silence.
No one dared to speak while their Prince was raging, especially when he had a dangerous weapon clasped in his hand.
The silence seemed to last hours. Everyone was looking around trying to locate the Prince of Thieves, but it was a futile effort since not many knew his true identity. The guards in the room had either raced to alert others of the escaped criminal, or ran to escape the wrath of their Prince who would probably want to persecute all of them for not noticing the difference between the actual prisoner and the impostor.
Hikari noticed all of the odd looks she and her friends were recieving as the nobles searched for her brother, these were people that had nothing better to do than attend grand balls and extravagant parties, they were accustomed to seeing the same people at every party, and, Hikari soon realized, the thieves' garments were far too nice to belong to commoners. It was no wonder they were attracting suspicion!
Sensing that they would be found out soon if they remained together, Hikari quickly ordered her friends to go to their posts, she knew Ken was now looking for them, determined to figure out how Taichi escaped, and he didn't care how many innocents had to die in order to find them. "Guys, it's time to put phase two into action. I'm sure Yamato already knows this, but if he doesn't Mimi you to take his place, Takeru will show you to your station."
The Thieves all nodded and swiftly vanished into the crowd. When they were safely out of sight Hikari turned her attention back to Daisuke, so many questions were buzzing in her head that she was justified when comparing it to a hive of angry hornets. Where is Taichi? How the hell did he escape? How was Daisuke able to take his place with all these people watching? Where is Yamato? Did Koushiro complete the mission with the younger members?
"Hikari?"
Hikari jumped and prepared to raise her fist, but then she realized the person addressing her used her name. Turning around, she outwardly sighed when she realized who it was. "Jyou! Geez! Don't sneak up on me like that!" She shoved his shoulder slightly.
"I'm sorry." Jyou said smiling.
Hikari sighed, "Where have you been all night? Catherine told me she ran into you and you told her you were checking on something."
"I went to the dungeons just in case Kouichi, Zoe, and Takato hadn't made it out yet. The last thing we'd want is for those three to get caught on top of everything else that's happening."
"Good thinking. So is everything on the outside in order?"
Jyou smirked, "Kari, Koushiro is in charge."
Hikari managed a small smile. "Right. Stupid question."
Jyou chuckled a little before a deep frown furrowed his brows. "Hikari, what's happened? Isn't that --"
"Yes."
"But how --"
"I don't know. Jyou, can you tell if he has any serious injuries?"
Jyou stared at the battered figure of their friend, eyes narrowed. "None that I can see from here. Although I am worried about that drug Ken mentioned earlier. If it's the drug I've presumed it to be, then he would need to take a very precise amount; too much could cause him to become addicted or make him fall into a coma-like sleep, and not enough could have unwanted side effects that might prove just as deadly."
"Alright. When we go after the Prince, you get Daiske out of here."
Jyou nodded and was about to add something to their conversation when a blood curdling noise caused them to freeze. Hikari and Jyou whipped their heads towards the front of the room as a pained yelp echoed around the almost silent ballroom.
"You should know by now Taichi, I'm not the most patient individual. If you keep me waiting too long, my hand might just...slip. So come out from where ever you've been hiding and face me!!"
And that's when it happened.
The room was suddenly filled with the foreign sound as it bounced off the walls and filled the otherwise silent dance hall. Someone had the gall to laugh while Ken was about to kill someone!! The silent onlookers began circling their immediate area, terrified that the person laughing was standing directly behind them. It was so silent that the laughing filled the air with an overpowering sense of mockery that caused Ken's eyes to darken to the most extreme level.
"Ahh, but Ken, I haven't been hiding! In fact, I've waltzed directly before you on several occasions this evening, literally." he chuckled, "You were just so sure of yourself that you didn't trust your better judgment!"
Gasps echoed around the room as the occupants quickly located the source of the laughter. Standing casually on the balcony directly above them, leaning slightly over the edge to get a clear view of what Ken was doing, was the infamous, bloodthirsty Prince of Thieves.
The crowd took his appearance in a rather comical way, in Taichi's perspective. A few of the elderly ladies in the room let out melodramatic gasps before falling backwards into the open arms of those standing behind them. Several of the younger women let out high-pitched screams worthy of horror movies, and a few of the courageous (and foolish) young men drew their swords with an almost musical "shing". But most, as was expected, stood. Just stood. Stock still, slack-jawed, widened eyes, the whole picturesque "struck dumb" look.
Taichi had to hold back another bellow of laughter as he watched this scene. Honestly! You'd think aristocrats would have more dignity...
Of course, as he scanned the crowd he also caught sight of many figures whom he recognized; his friends were positioned fan-like amongst the rest of the crowd, a strategy that, Taichi recalled, Yamato was very fond of. As he examined their positions he unconsciously noted in the back of his mind the type of plan Yamato and Koushiro had formed in his absence, it was something simple, but effective; They would break away from the crowd to hold off the guards while he took on Ken, keeping the fight fair between the rivaling princes.
Nodding with satisfaction he realized it would work parallel with his own, but in order for their plans to work they would both have to wait until Daisuke was out of harms way.
Smirking, he decided to wait until Ken got over his shock before going to meet him, after all, there wouldn't be any fun in making a total fool out of him unless he was prepared.
Ken was staring up at his nemesis with the utmost loathing. "So, you decided to stick around even after I discovered your little plot, how very noble."
"Wow Ken, coming from you that means a lot." Taichi replied, rich with sarcasm.
Ken smirked, "Laugh all you want Taichi. However, I'll be the one getting the last laugh! Are you forgetting your friend here is at my mercy!" Ken's eyes had brightened with a malicious glint that was only rivaled by his insane smile.
Wow that face is one that not even a mother could love. "How could I forget about him Ken? After all, your majesty is hiding behind him. It's pathetic really, hiding behind a kid," he sighed and shook his head, "I expected more from a Prince, but, alas, life is just full of disappointments."
Ken's eyes twitched, but he didn't release Daisuke, if anything he dug the knife deeper into his skin, allowing small beads of blood to bloom upon the blade. "That trick won't work on me, Taichi."
"Trick?" Taichi blinked in surprise and replaced his smirk with complete innocence. "Why Ken, I would never trick you!" He straightened his back from its slouched position over the balcony before jumping onto the thin ledge of marble. Balancing cat-like he smirked again, "Well, alright, I would. But not in a completely obvious manner like the one you just accused me of."
Ken chuckled, "Well forgive me for that false accusation, I'll be sure to scratch that one off your lengthy record."
Taichi bowed mockingly, "Normally I would thank someone for such kindness, but I won't in your case. You're just too much of a bastard for me to waste a perfectly good gracious comment on." Taichi straightened and walked over to one of the walls that the balcony was built into. On each side of every balcony were long black banners with blue trimmings that proudly showed off the Ichijouji family crest; half of a circle that curved slightly to the left (a/n: it's the Crest of Kindness), it was red, so it stood out against the banner like bloodstained black velvet. Taichi studied it for a moment before unsheathing his sword and plowing it through the thick fabric.
Gasps echoed around the room at this obvious sign of rebellion, but the gasps soon turned to screams as the Prince of Thieves jumped from the balcony, clutching the hilt of his blade, before sliding down the length of the banner.
Ken watched as he landed on his feet, the banner was split in two and billowed ominously as Taichi turned to face him.
"Show off." Daisuke mumbled, trying to ignore the stinging pain from the knife at his throat. Ken seemed to have learned his lesson at the previous battle, because he didn't loosen his grip on Daisuke or the the knife...but Daisuke would just need him to drop his guard for a millisecond for him to pull off an escape. He fidgeted slightly, testing how firm Ken's grip was, sadly, though, his grip was like an iron clasp.
"Let the boy go Ken." Taichi said calmly, although the fierceness behind his eyes gave away his calm exterior.
Ken, however, wasn't intimidated. "What's he mean to you Taichi?"
"Nothing." Taichi replied, his eyes never leaving those of Ken, so he missed the hurt look that crossed Daisuke's face for the most fleeting of moments. Daisuke wasn't going to lie, that one little word stung worse than any wound he'd received all night. He shook his head sternly, Taichi was just bluffing to get him safely out of this situation. It took him a few moments to convince himself of this thought, though.
"Nothing? Oh really?" Ken's smirk broadened. "Well, since he obviously has no sentimental value to you, I suppose you wouldn't mind me doing this." He dug the knife deeply into the exposed flesh on Daisuke's neck. Daisuke gave a pained yelp as the knife became half-way embedded into his skin and blood began escaping from the wound more freely.
Taichi watched the action impassively, his eyes only drifting to Daisuke before settling back on Ken's icy glare. He shrugged, "Why would I care? I've never met this boy before."
Ken chuckled, "So he was completely willing to impersonate you, a perfect stranger?"
"I payed him handsomely for his troubles."
"I don't believe you Taichi, this kid," he spat the last word out as if it burned his tongue, "is one of your precious thieves! I know it!"
Taichi smirked, "So you think you have me all figured out?"
Ken laughed, "I don't think, Taichi, I know I've figured you out."
"Well then, don't let me keep you from your dramatic tale. Please amuse us Ken and fill the room with your incorrect theories concerning my friends and I."
Ken narrowed his eyes, but he continued with his story regardless. "You fell for my trap Taichi, admit it.
At one point or another you overheard some of my men discussing the security measures being taken for my return to Ichijouji. Well, I told them to! I ordered them to let the information leak into the city where I knew you would hear it. I knew you would plan a raid to try and catch me off guard, but in reality Taichi, it was I that caught you completely unprepared.
I didn't include the extra regiment of archers positioned upon my rooftops, so that when you tried to turn my ambush against me I would not only retain this vital advantage point in our battle, but also have a vast quantity of your thieves out of commission as well.
Then it was just a matter of separating you from your friends. With minimal protection for your friends it was easy to target one and use her against you. With you distracted it was relatively simple to apprehend you, and although you managed to escape my clutches, that battle is still a deep gash in your pride. I can see the shame written on your face from losing that battle. It's always been your weakness Taichi, you care too much! If you ever hope to become a great leader you have to be void of all emotions, that way they can never be used against you! Only a fool uses his heart in battle!"
"I swear your ego is more than enough to fill this entire castle." Taichi stated, rolling his eyes. Ken blinked, this wasn't the response he had imagined. "Did you even consider the possibility that I discovered your brilliant plan and countered it with one of my own?" Ken's face fell, and it was all Taichi needed to see in order to get his answer. "And that's your greatest weakness Ken. I know I've reminded you of this fault numerous times, but repetition seems like the only way to get it through your thick skull. You underestimate your opponents! You think so highly of yourself and your brilliance, and yet a lowly commoner like myself has been able to get the best of you for years!"
Ken scowled. "I don't believe it! How could you possibly learn that the entire encounter was a trap!"
Taichi grinned before plopping onto Ken's throne. He swung his legs over one of the arms and began studying his blade. "You know, this is the most uncomfortable chair I've ever had the displeasure to sit in."
The ballroom was silent. Everyone was in awe over the fact that someone had outsmarted their Prince, but their shock was increased tenfold when the Prince of Thieves sat in Ken's throne. Now THAT was an act of high treason. Anyone that was foolish enough to sit upon the Ichijouji throne (and insult it nonetheless!) would be immediately put to death. But...this wasn't exactly a shocker, it wasn't a secret the Prince of Thieves had been reserved for the gallows the moment he began humiliating the Prince, but to see him rebel in this manner was shocking...and to some...inspiring!
Taichi shifted in the chair, oblivious to the fact that everyone was gawking at him. "Alright, so you want to know how I figured out it was a trap? Well it doesn't take a genius to figure out a plan that was this badly organized." he looked up from his sword to catch the satisfying glare he was receiving from Ken. "The first time I heard it, I had a feeling something wasn't quite right. Two Ichijouji soldiers were discussing a matter of extreme importance in a pub of all places," Taichi rolled his eyes at this, "But I threw into consideration that they might be drunk, so I went ahead and told my team about this new piece of information and we began planning for it, but I was still wary of it. It turns out I had every reason to be worried. Civilians were discussing battle plans on the streets for the next few days. You might as well have placed big flashing arrows above their heads that screamed, "Trap!". Honestly! I was almost insulted at the simplicity of your plan!." Taichi rolled his eyes again before returning them to the sword in his hand, where he began running his thumb along the edge.
Ken was flushed with rage by now and he made a mental note to whip every single soldier senseless for being so idiotic. Ken closed his eyes and chuckled, "Impressive, I'll admit."
"Not really, a three year old could've seen through that...that...I can't even call it a plan it was so daunting!" Taichi ceased his thumbs movement and rubbed his temples, shaking his head. "I expected a little more of a challenge."
"You want a challenge?"
Taichi looked up just in time to see what was happening. He threw his torso against the other arm of the chair just as the knife Ken had been holding pierced through the wood where Taichi's head had been seconds before. Taichi quickly regained his bearings and realized that the arm of the throne was digging painfully into his back. He winced as he jumped off the throne, ripping the knife from the splintered wood. Without his knife, Ken had nothing to keep Daisuke restrained, so, without much effort since Ken had apparently forgotten about him, Daisuke threw his head back and allowed the back of it to slam into Ken's nose.
Ken yelped in shock as his hands flew to his nose where blood was gushing.
"Nice one Daisuke!"
Daisuke spun around and smiled with relief. "Thanks Tai."
"Alright, go get yourself checked out, I saw Jyou over there."
Daisuke's eyes widened, "But I want to fight!"
"I want you to as well." Taichi stated, a note of disappointment in his voice. "But with that drug still in your system, and with the risk of serious injuries, I'm afraid I can't let you."
Daisuke pouted, but reluctantly saw the logic behind his mentor's words. "Okay, but if anything happens --"
"You'll be the first to know." Taichi assured.
Daisuke nodded weakly before racing into the crowd that, in the last few minutes, had gone into a state of panic. People were running about with no thought on their mind other than escaping; ladies threw up their expensive shawls and purses into the air or onto the floor, ditched their heels, and were screaming in terror as they vacated the building. Men that decided to show up in armor waddled out of the ballroom, while the more sensible of the aristocratic men began assisting the ladies into the cool night air.
The only ones that seemed unperturbed by the upcoming battle between rivaling Princes, was Prince Ichijouji's most elite guards and Taichi's band of thieves; Catherine, Mimi, Yamato, Hikari, Takeru, and Michael. By now Jyou and Miyako had ushered a reluctant Daisuke out of the ballroom with the confusing crowds, but...there was one more that remained that no one seemed to notice...
Sora was hiding -- no, wait. Sora didn't hide. Hiding was a cowardly and completely un-Sora-ish act that was reserved for the weak!! She was merely spying on the events that were taking place at that moment with the Prince of Thieves and Ken. She didn't want to be seen, she was weaponless (unless you count her shoes, which if aimed correctly could put an eye out), and...to be blunt, she had no idea which side she would fight for! But she wasn't about to leave either! In fact, there were still about one hundred people that decided to stay and watch the show, although they preferred to take the dangerous fist class seats. But Sora knew better, she had seen these two young men fight and she'd be damned if she didn't give them credit for their extraordinary skill and talent. The last thing she would want would be to find herself on the wrong end of one of those swords, completely defenseless. She was reckless, but she was smart enough to realize the chances of her winning a match like this was zero to negative one million.
Sora's eyes drifted towards Ken and the Prince of Thieves. Ken was clutching his nose as blood began filling his palm and drizzling onto the floor. "Damnit!" he hissed as he moved his hand from his face, inspecting the thin streams of blood that stained his pale porcelain skin. For a moment he was fascinated by the sight of it, it wasn't often he got to see his own blood...He stared at the blood drops as they slithered down his wrist before curling to run down the other side of his arm. Unsurprisingly, the foreign sight of his own blood had only ever been caused by the younger boy standing before him. No one else was brave enough, or foolish enough, to harm him. He calmly directed his attention from his hand and turned it to the boy he had previously been thinking about.
He was still standing on his dais, sword drawn, but his expression was anything but worrisome. Cocky, arrogant bastard! Ken seethed as he watched Taichi gaze around the nearly empty room with a curious expression on his face.
Taichi hadn't seen the ballroom since it was remodeled about a year ago, and now, with the lack of people, he could take in the new surroundings and appreciate the new decor. The floor hadn't changed, still the same boring black and white tile King Ichijouji was so fond of (he chanced a fleeting glance at the King as he thought this. But, unsurprisingly, the King was hacking his lungs out once again and could only give him an icy glare, the same one that Ken inherited). All the furniture had been upgraded, he noted, now it seemed luxurious as well as sophisticated, but if anyone decided to sit in one of these seemingly harmless chairs they would soon discover them to be the most stiffly uncomfortable pieces of craftsmanship ever created by the hands of men. Chuckling at this thought, his eyes wandered up to the ceiling; the color was black, big surprise there. He noticed the same tattered tapestries were still hanging around various points in the ballroom, each showing a vivid description of a battle fought to gain Ichijouji its power. One of them, he smiled with satisfaction, was still scorched beyond recognition, although he was sure the King made up some valiant story to go with the intensely burned material.
He furrowed his brows in confusion. There wasn't really any change to the room; the furniture, a few extra windows, and the more elegant qualities of the balconies were new, but that was all. He was beginning to feel the seeds of disappointment begin to flower when he realized something that was significantly different. It was...the feeling of the room. Ichijouji castle was the definition of doom and gloom, but Taichi had never experienced such a feeling of hopelessness, as though all the happiness within him was being sucked dry. There was no life in this room. No hope, light, happiness...it was like an empty shell that allowed people to inhabit it's depressing stone walls in order to try to fill the void within, and even then it received no true happiness. He shivered. He didn't like being back in this place. Too many horrible memories lingered in these walls...memories he wished he could forget.
Ken noticed a change in Taichi's expression the instant it occurred. Oh! And what was this? A flicker of fear passing through those amber orbs he had grown to hate? He smirked as recognition hit him like a lightning bolt. "Contemplating old times Taichi?"
Taichi snapped out of his stupor immediately, his eyes had narrowed and darkened in the same instant.
Ken chuckled, he knew he was riling Taichi by bringing up the past, but he planned to use that to his advantage. "You know, I can remember bits and pieces of a particularly fond one concerning you in this very room. Now what was it..."
"Shut up."
Ken smiled broadly, "Getting upset are you, boy?" he was preparing another insulting comment, when a look of remembrance crossed his face. "Ah! Now I remember. Isn't this where you had your final conversation with that old fool before we killed him?"
Taichi looked murderous by this point. His amber eyes were almost black with hatred and rage, besides his eyes, no other emotion showed on his face, but those eyes were enough to have anyone scared stiff, the devil himself couldn't compare with the fury those eyes held. "Don't you dare bring any of my friends into this."
Ken smirked as he removed his sword from the belt around his hip, "I say good riddance to that crazy old man, the world would be a much better place without people like him and --"
Ken was cut off as Taichi closed the distance between them with inhuman speed. Ken barely had enough time to raise his own sword to block the uppercut from slicing his head in half. Their swords were crossed as both tried to overpower the other, Ken grunted slightly from the strain in his arms, but his smirk didn't waver as he finished his sentence, "and people like you."
Taichi's eyes flashed as he ducked. Ken, thrown off balance by the sudden loss of his opponent stumbled forward and left himself open for an attack. Taichi, from his position on the floor, smirked as he dug his blade into Ken's exposed side. Ken cried out from the shock of the pain, but didn't miss his own opportunity to hack at the younger boy. He found his balance, but Taichi was quick enough to miss what Ken intended to be a fatal strike and only received a deep cut on his shoulder before jumping out of the way.
Taichi jumped to his feet, the pain in his shoulder forgotten in his boiling rage. Ken spun around, a hand covering the deep gash but the state of his clothing proved that it wasn't preventing the massive amount of blood loss, but Ken seemed pretty oblivious to the wound as he glared at his opponent.
"You'll regret that." he spat.
"The only thing I regret is not doing it sooner." Taichi hissed.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Mimi had watched the exchange between Taichi and Ken with extreme interest. These two had a hatred for one another that not even the fiery depths of hell could fathom, and yet they were conversing with one another as though they were old colleagues. Strange. she thought, but then she was reminded that this was Taichi.
She smiled slightly, but then she noted how Taichi's expression had changed dramatically.
Everyone else in the room seemed to sense the change as well; the few elite guards that remained to protect Ken immediately drew their weapons, holding them tightly in their hands as the thought of battle passed through their sharp minds. Mimi understood that the moment Taichi attacked Ken those guards would race forward to protect their master with everything they had, and Taichi would be outnumbered.
She silently prayed that the others had realized this too. They were too far away to communicate with one another and she couldn't abandon her station with the threat of an attack looming so closely.
After a quick debate with her opposing sides she came to the conclusion that if the elite soldiers rushed to Ken, she would rush to stop the one closest to her. If the others hadn't thought of this already they would eagerly follow her lead and Taichi would be left to deal with Ken. She smiled at her logic, but the smile faded when she realized she didn't have anyone to discuss her brilliance with...well, she could talk to one of the many young adults surrounding her, but that would be unwise. She was somewhat shocked at the fact that so many people stayed behind when they've had numerous chances to escape. Didn't they realize they were putting themselves as well as Mimi and her friends in danger by sticking around?!?!
She sighed, she supposed they didn't care. Most of them were of noble class, and therefore had no idea how dangerous a situation like this was. A few of them even dragged one of the small tables and sat around it for a more comfortable viewing experience. Mimi almost shook with rage at this spectacle, her friends were in mortal danger and these spoiled brats thought it was some sort of dinner show!! If she had the option she would march over there and --
The sound of steel on steel shook her from her thoughts. Without a second thought she wretched two of her knives from their hiding places among the folds of her dress. Holding one in each hand she shouted at the crowd to move out of her way as she raced towards the elite guard that had already lept into action to defend his lord.
The soldier ran behind Taichi, sword in hand, prepared to plow his sword into the Prince of Thieves's back, but Mimi charged in front of him, crossed her knives into an X and caught the blade at the crossing point. The guard gave a start as she began pushing him backwards, her strength overpowering him. The guard, with his reputation on the line, quickly pulled his sword back and tried to land a slash at her side, but Mimi stopped his sword with one of her knives and, after placing the other one between her teeth, grabbed his wrist and kicked him in the stomach with enough force to send him sprawling across the floor. She calmly removed the dagger from her mouth and spun her weapons in her hand with the skills of an expert.
The man staggered to his feet, his face exposing just how shocked he was that a girl could fight with such ferocity, but the next moment a cruel smile found its way upon his lips.
Mimi stared at him, waiting for him to say something or try to hurt her or...something! Why else would he be looking at her like that?...Unless! She spun around, but she was a little too late, another of the elite guards had grabbed her around the waist, pinning her hands to her sides.
"Let me go you bastard!" she screeched.
"Hm hm hm. How's a pretty thing like you know how to wield knives like that?"
Mimi could've gagged. His mouth was right beside her ear and his fingers were tracing patterns on her stomach.
"Come on girly, drop those nice weapons of yours. I might be able to convince the Prince to pardon your traitorous actions...for a price."
Mimi's eyes flashed with fury, "Like hell I would you filthy, disgusting --"
"Hey!"
Whatever other words she had been planning to say stopped abruptly as a third voice joined their conversation.
"Let her go."
The guard responsible for her capture didn't turn around, but he did look over his shoulder to answer the punk kid that had the gall to tell him what to do. "Oh yea? And what are gonna do if I don't?"
"Let. Her. Go. Or else."
"Or else what?" the guard asked, his voice full of amusement. What was this kid going to do to an experienced guard like him?
"I'll kill you."
The soldier would be lying if he stated that the tone of this boy's voice didn't unnerve him, but he'd be damned if he let this kid know that. "Yea right! Tell you what kid, if you leave now I won't inform the Prince of your foolish acti --"
Mimi looked over her shoulder at the man, only to find that his eyes were wide and a choking, wheezing sound was rattling his foul breath. Not waiting for an invitation, Mimi heaved his arms off her slim waist and shoved his bulky frame out of her sight. He hit the floor with a sickening thump as his blood began to form a puddle beneath him, but Mimi didn't even spare him a glance. Her attention was completely focused on only one person, and he was standing right in front of her.
"Yamato?"
Yamato smiled, "Seriously Mimi, do you even have to ask?"
Mimi smiled before lunging herself at him, her arms wrapping around his neck as all of her emotions caught up with her. She was so overjoyed to finally be back in his arms that she felt warm tears begin to cascade down her soft skin, however she was smiling and laughing at the same time. She was back! It had finally hit her. She was back with Yamato, and Taichi, and Hikari, and Takeru! And as her eyes finally met the cool blue of her lover's, and as Yamato stared into her lovely honey colored ones she vowed she would never leave them again.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
"Alright, what's you name and what were you accused of?"
The kid he was questioning looked nervous as he fumbled with a loose sting on his trousers. "Um...my name is Junpei...but everyone calls me J.P."
Koushiro nodded as he recorded the boy's name on a clipboard he had brought with him. "Okay, and what did they convict you for Mister J.P?"
"Theft."
Koushiro raised his eyebrows, his interest spiked a bit. "Really?"
"Yes."
"And what were you convicted of stealing?"
"A cake. Me and my friends were starving so I walked into a closed bakery and stole a cake."
Koushiro nodded. "Interesting." he scribbled something on his clipboard before asking one final question, "Do you have any skills J.P?"
"Skills?"
"As in...do you have any special talents that might help us find you a job and a place to stay?"
"Well...I'm pretty good with magic tricks."
Koushiro sighed inwardly, "Magic tricks?"
"Yes."
"But do you have anything that might prove useful for an employer of some sort?"
"Well I can --"
A knocking on the carriage door interrupted J.P's response.
Koushiro ran a hand over his face, he was never going to finish at this rate. "Come in."
Zoe opened the door and popped her head inside the carriage. "Sorry Izzy, but Jyou wants to see you as soon as you're done with this one."
"Alright, thank you Zoe."
She nodded before throwing a quick smile at the fugitives and closing the door.
Koushiro growled in annoyance. "Alright J.P...now, where were we?" he asked himself as he looked over his notes. "Ah yes. You were saying about any skills you possess."
Silence.
Koushiro looked up from his notes and almost screamed with frustration. J.P. was staring at the spot Zoe had been just a moment ago, a faraway look in his eye and a ridiculous blush staining his cheeks. Koushiro impatiently cleared his throat, "J.P?"
"Woooow, she was beautiful."
Koushiro picked up his clipboard and hit himself on the forehead with it. "Why am I always stuck with the idiots!?!" Without another word to J.P, Koushiro opened the carriage door and jumped into the cool evening air, mumbling obscenities into the wind.
"What is it Jyou?" Koushiro asked, trying to mask the impatience in his voice.
Jyou looked up from whatever he had been crouching over and gave Koushiro a small smile. "Are they that bad?"
"You have no idea. I'm about to kill this one kid."
Jyou chuckled before patting the seat beside him. "Koushiro, do you know anything about Narcotics?
Koushiro blinked. "Why?" But as he sat he realized exactly the reason Jyou had asked the question. "Daisuke!?!"
Jyou nodded. "Taichi and Daisuke switched places at one point. Judging by the look of him, I'd say he took Taichi's place for just this one evening."
Koushiro's eyes widened. "All those bruises and all that blood is from one evening!"
"Iz not tha bad." Daisuke slurred, his eyes still shut.
Jyou sighed and wiped his glasses with the hem of his shirt before replacing them upon his nose. "Yes. I can only imagine the type of injuries Taichi must be suffering with. But, we'll discuss what's happened later, I need you to help me figure out the dosage of narcotics he was given."
"They drugged him!" Koushiro exclaimed.
"Yes. So he wouldn't fight back when Ken allowed civilians a chance to beat the hell out of him." Jyou's eyes attained an uncharacteristically dark look at the mention of Ken's cruelness.
Koushiro, however, looked furious. "That bastard! What right does he have to do this sort of thing to a human being!"
"Well, he is the Prince."
Koushiro gripped the sides of his head for a second as he let out another growl. He stayed there for a moment before slowly calming down. "I just...can't believe... that son of a bitch..." Jyou nodded, completely understanding. Koushiro took a deep breath before continuing. "Okay, back to the problem at hand. I don't know much about Narcotics Jyou, I'm not a doctor."
"I know that," Jyou said rolling his eyes, "but I don't know how to determine if this is an overdose or not. If it is Daisuke could be in serious danger. I'll know how to help him," he stated, seeing the look on Koushiro's face, "but if the drug was given at the right amount Daisuke will be fine...he might be a little out of it for a day or so, but that's nothing a little bed rest won't cure."
"Alright, where do I fit into all this?"
"Do you know Daisuke's medical records?"
Koushiro blinked, "Why would I know about his medical record, or anyone's for that matter?"
"Because you seem to know everything." Jyou said as though stating the obvious.
Koushiro remained silent for a moment before replying, "Fair enough. I'll check my log book. I may have written some notes while you did one of your senseless check-ups on the entire team."
"Hey, less talking more getting the book. Daisuke could be put into a coma if you don't hurry!" Jyou rolled his eyes before turning back to the semi-conscious boy.
"J..oe...do you ink I did okay...it wa my irst mission by my...self."
Jyou smiled, "I think you did great Daisuke, but I know the people you really want to hear that from aren't here."
Daisuke nodded slowly before drifting out of consciousness.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Catherine smiled as she lowered her stiletto daggers, extracting the narrow blade from the back of the surprised guard. He made a soft choking noise before collapsing on top of his would-be victim.
"Ow!"
Catherine giggled as she observed the blonde male shove the man off of him, a disgusted look on his face.
"You should..." Catherine struggled with the words for a moment, her brows wrinkled in concentration, before smiling with pride, "watch your back."
Michael chuckled, "Why? When I've obviously got you to do it for me."
Catherine smiled as she offered her friend a hand, which Michael eagerly accepted.
"So...umm...how are you fairing?"
Catherine pointed behind her to a pile of wounded soldiers, "I sup'ose I am doing alright."
Michael tore his widened eyes off the gruesome sight and turned to look at Catherine again. "Wow, remind be never to get on your bad side."
Suddenly the duo spun around, back to back, as several soldiers tried to ambush the unsuspecting couple. Michael spun his sword in his hand before plowing it into the closest of the guards, another guard discovered this to be the perfect time to strike so he charged forward, prepared to knock the head off of the youth, but he was stopped by a swift kick in the stomach. He stumbled, off balance and confused until he saw that the girl that was accompanying his prey was standing before him, her weapons brandishing menacingly.
The guard quickly regained his footing, spinning the sword in his hand to intimidate the young girl. It didn't work.
Catherine raced towards him, her eyes set in a steely look of determination. With one hand she thrust her dagger towards his chest, he raised his sword to defend himself against the blow which gave Catherine all the opportunity she needed. She gave her weapon a quick twirl before slamming the point into his side issuing a cry from the man, but he wasn't about to go down that easily. Keeping his sword in place against his chest, he used his other hand to grab her arm, twisting it until she relinquished her hold on one of her daggers. Smirking with triumph he forced her arm behind her back, but she slammed her heeled shoe onto his foot before spinning around and thrusting her other dagger into his left shoulder. He winced, but slammed his knee into her stomach causing her to gasp and topple backwards.
Clutching her bruised abdomen, she glared at the enemy.
"Hm hm, looks like you're weaponless." he chuckled as he pulled the dagger from his chest, inspecting the blade. "Too bad, you were a worthy opponent." He raised his sword and plummeted it towards Catherine, but it halted just above her stomach. Catherine turned her attention from the frozen face of her attacker and directed it at the sword puncturing through his chest.
Catherine sighed and placed a hand over her racing heart, "Zank you Michael."
Michael smiled as he helped her to her feet, "I guess this makes us even."
She smiled as he tossed her weapons to her. She caught them with ease before the duo rushed back into the action.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTT
"So," Mimi panted as she knocked yet another soldier unconscious, "I take it you've been busy these last couple of days?"
Yamato blocked another strike from the elite soldier he was battling, "I guess you could say that." He jumped out of the way as the soldier drew back his blade and tried to slice off his arm. "We really haven't done anything new," he paused as he ducked from another carefully planned swing, "just planning Taichi's rescue and plotting Ken's demise." He cracked a small smile as he landed a well aimed kick at the side of the man's knees, "The same stuff we've been doing since you left."
Mimi laughed a bit before ducking and pivoting to the side of her current opponent, making a deep gash into his sword-wielding wrist. "Well I'm glad to hear our cause has reached the ears of so many. I can't wait to meet all of the -- hang on a sec, " she glared at the elite that had disarmed one of her hands. In one swift motion she revealed another knife she had been keeping under her belt and threw it into his thigh, just above his knee-cap. He fell to the floor, grasping his knee in obvious discomfort, while Mimi calmly retrieved her weapons. "I can't wait to meet all of the new recruits."
"You'll love some of them, I'm sure you'll get along with Miyako and Zoe, but there are a few who --" he grunted as the hilt of his opponent's bade made contact with his shoulder. The force of the hit was enough to send him spinning to the ground. Not heeding to his throbbing shoulder, he focused all of his weight onto his hands before throwing his legs beneath the soldier's in a windmill motion. "There are a few that are a bit..."
"Arrogant?"
"That's a polite way of putting it."
Mimi laughed again as she blocked another attempt at her throat, "Don't worry about me Matt, I grew up with you didn't I?"
Yamato chanced a glance at her, she had long ago removed her eye mask so he could clearly see the amusement in her eyes. "You're hilarious."
She shoved her opponent to the ground and plowed her heeled foot into his chest, and Yamato inwardly shuddered about the pain that must've caused. She straightened her shoulders and gave a mock bow, "Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week."
Yamato smirked before knocking his enemy onto the floor, a deep, but not fatal, wound in his side that would keep him from the battlefield for the rest of the night. He spun around and walked over to his girlfriend, a sly smile on his lips. "You better be here longer than that."
Mimi smirked, "Oh? And what would you, Yamato Ishida, do if I disregarded your request?" She batted her eyelashes playfully.
He smirked, and had already prepared a witty reply, but something above him caught his eye. He whipped his head around just in time to see something get thrown over the sides of one of the balconies before crashing on top of the couple. The weight of whatever it was knocked them both off their feet and they crashed on the floor in a tangled mess.
"WHAT THE HELL!" Mimi screeched as she tried to sit up.
Yamato blinked in confusion before realizing that the infuriating device that was keeping them glued to the floor was a thickly roped net. "Shit."
Already they had caught the attention of most of the room and even now guards of all sizes were gathering around them, weapons drawn.
"I'm gonna fricken kill the bastard that did this." Mimi seethed. She was furious with herself for allowing this to happen, but even more so due to the fact that her daggers had slipped out of her hands when the net fell on them, and were now lying beneath the dirty boot of one of the elite soldiers. Yamato had kept his grip on his sword, but it was of little use since he could barely move his arm.
"Damnit," he whispered. "Alright, Meems, can you move at all?"
"That's a stupid question Matt, don't you think if I could we'd already be out of this mess?" she rolled her eyes. Yamato glared at her and Mimi sighed, "Okay, okay, I get it, not helping. But what are we going to do?"
"Well, these guys noticed, we can only hope someone on our side noticed as well."
"Great plan." Mimi rolled her eyes.
"Well do you have a better one!"
Mimi didn't reply.
"Didn't think so."
Mimi blew a strand of her hair out of her eyes, "Alright, but what do we do until someone comes?"
They turned their eyes on each other before glancing around at all of the smiling enemies surrounding them. "Ummm...not die?"
"Brilliant Ishida. Why didn't I think of that."
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Sora was watching all of the battles with extreme interest. Wow, these guys are good...
She still had no idea which side she wanted to win; she had every reason to be against the Prince of Thieves, after all the horrible things she'd heard about him, but those could all be rumors...While on the other hand, she knew Ken was a vile and cruel beast, and she hated every thing about the pompous, arrogant bastard. She was torn between sides, and she didn't know what to think anymore.
Sora was entranced by the battles. The followers of the Prince of Thieves had so much skill! They defeated opponent after opponent with seemingly little effort, a few were even talking to one another as they battled.
Her eyes darted from each engagement, greedily taking in the movements of the blades and the movements of the wielders; there was one encounter taking place with, whom she presumed to be the youngest two out of the group, a girl with short brown hair and a boy with messy blonde. These two were the most interesting to watch because they put their whole being into each attack, they had their soul, heart and mind on the battle and she could tell these two were formidable opponents.
There was another battle concerning two different blondes, a remarkably beautiful girl and an equally attractive young man. These two were the least experienced out of the group, she noted, they weren't completely in tune to every movement their body made and therefore would make small mistakes every now and then, but they both had fast reflexes and sharp senses that alerted them when they made these mistakes. But one oddity that Sora noticed was that the girl killed every opponent that came her way, unlike the rest of the team, and Sora wondered what had triggered this strange lust for Ichijouji blood.
Then there was the battle that Sora had been watching most attentively. There was another blonde male that had a strong resemblance to the youngest boy. He was very good looking, but Sora noticed almost immediately that he was obviously taken by the beautiful girl that was fighting at his side. She had long honey colored hair, and on more occasions than one, she had the odd impression that it was Mimi, but then she shook her head and reminded herself that Mimi didn't know how to fight. These two were so connected with one another that they seemed to know exactly when the other was in danger, almost as if they had a sixth sense of some sort.
And finally there was the war raging between the two leaders themselves. Some of the moves each of them used was enough to cause Sora's mouth the hit the floor. The Princes were obviously masters at the art of swordsmanship. Each movement was faster than the last and neither seemed out of breath even after the last hour! But the most obvious difference between their battles and the other ones was the fact that these two were striking to kill. Ken and...Taichi she believed Ken had called him were out for each others blood.
"WHAT THE HELL!!"
Sora's thoughts were jostled at the sound of the scream. Her eyes instantly located the source of the cry and she felt her muscles stiffen. A net had been thrown over two of the thieves, and now they were completely defenseless!!
"Oh no." she whispered. She glanced around, hoping that one of their comrades had heard the distress call, but they were all being cut off from their friends as the number of guards seemed to multiply. The youngest ones were attacking furiously, but even with their amazing skill they were still being pushed in the wrong direction. The blonde duo were suffering similar difficulties, and even the Prince of Thieves himself tried to help them, only to be slammed into the floor as Ken's hilt made contact with the side of his skull.
Sora stared at the figures that, only moments before, had been dominating the battlefield, and now, in their haste to help the fallen duo, were now struggling against their opponents and concerning over their comrades.
Sora felt useless. She knew how to wield a sword!! But would she be assisting the enemy if she saved their lives?
The crowd around the duo was growing greater and greater and Sora screwed her eyes in thought. What should she do! If she helped wanted criminals she could be putting more innocent people in danger, not to mention she would have no power when she became queen of this god forsaken place.
But weren't you planning on disowning that title anyway?
Sora stopped her racing thoughts as that one little voice broke through the haze of her emotions. The voice spoke the truth. She was planning on running away. But that didn't give her any excuse to allow wanted criminals to walk free! Even if she wasn't going to rule, she didn't want these people to suffer any more than they already had.
Haven't you heard the old saying, The enemy of my enemy is my friend?
Sora slammed her fist into the ground. Of course she'd heard it! She looked back at the battle and felt her heart speed up. These people had definitely acquired the number one spot on Ken's long list of enemies, but they might be her enemies too!
Suddenly the clangs of steel and shouts of the injured were overwhelmed by another yell.
Sora knew it was the girl, there was no mistaking it. She knew she had to make her decision now. She bit her lip in thought. Even if they were her enemies they didn't deserve to die in such an unfair manner. Even if they were guilty of everything else, Sora was sure that they were not guilty of foul play during a battle.
She clenched her fists in determination. Her mind was made up.
She ripped her heels off her feet and raced into the battle field. On her way towards the fallen thieves she snatched a sword from an injured Ichijouji soldier, ignoring the feeble protests from the bleeding man. She inspected the sword, it was, by no means, an extravagant blade, but it would have to do.
She raised the blade across her chest as she approached the group of Ichijouji men, they all had their backs to her, making this the perfect opportunity to take out as many as she could before they realized they had an unwanted opponent. She brought her sword down upon the first three unlucky guards she ran into, cutting deeply into their backs and sides and causing them to cry out in alarm. She quickly silenced their screams by slamming two of their heads together and pressing a pressure point on the final man's neck. But the racket didn't go unnoticed and a group of five turned to her, weapons raised. She slashed one across the chest before kicking him into the one standing behind him, then she revolved her sword until the blade was tucked under her arm as she thrusted it into the man standing behind her. She pivoted on the spot, turning her blade so she could disarm another group of three. She punched another in the jaw before she had a clear path to the thieves.
Keeping her blade drawn she ran towards them.
"Matt, look! There aren't as many guards!" Mimi whispered happily.
"Looks like one of the others noticed we needed help." Yamato agreed.
"Yea, I wonder who it -- SORA!!"
"MIMI!!"
For a moment the two females were completely silent, eyes wide, mouth agape, the picturesque "duh" look. Then, as though some spell was lifted off of the duo, they began bombarding each other with questions.
"Why are you still here!?!"
"Where did you learn to fight like that!?!"
"Where the hell were you all night!?!"
"You're friends with these guys aren't you!?!"
"Did you take out all of those soldiers by yourself!?!?"
"Who is this!?!"
"Why didn't you -- wait, what?"
Sora motioned to Yamato, who was staring at the two young women with looks of confusion. "Oh! I completely forgot about you Matt."
Yamato rolled his eyes, "Thanks Meems, love you too."
Mimi giggled. "Sora, this is Yamato, Yamato, this is Sora."
"A pleasure, I'm sure." Yamato said. "I'd introduce myself properly if..." he tugged on the area of net closest to his hand.
"Oh! Sorry, here let me get you two out of there." Sora kneeled down beside them and slipped the tip of her sword beneath one of the rope pieces, she pulled her sword upward and the piece split in two, then she proceede on the others.
"It's a good thing you came when you did." Mimi stated as she felt the ropes loosen sufficently.
Sora glanced up and realized for the first time that Mimi had gotten hurt during all of this; the bruise that she had gotten upon their arrival was showing now that her make-up had been wiped off, her dress was cut in several places and the edges were soaked in blood, unlike Sora she had kept her shoes on and to Sora's astonishment they were still in perfect condition, she was sure there were more visable injuries along her body but Mimi showed no sign that she was in any pain. Sora nodded in reply as she sliced through the final rope and Mimi and Yamato rose to their feet.
"Come on you two, let's get out of here."
"Get out of here? Sora we can't do that!" Mimi said.
"Why not?" Sora demanded.
Mimi could tell Sora was furious, and she had every right to be. Mimi had kept the majority of her life secret and, although she had planned to tell Sora before they left, now Sora knew everything, but she found out in possibly the worst way imaginable. Sora had always been completely honest with her, and Mimi hadn't...
"Look Sora I know you're mad at me, and I don't blame you if you don't trust me right now...but these guys are my friends and I refuse to abandon them again." That said, Mimi retireved her daggers and rushed over to assist Catherine and Michael, who were having some difficulty holding off soldiers.
Yamato watched Mimi's back before turning to Sora, "She didn't tell you about us?"
She narrowed her eyes in her friend's direction. "She did. But she failed to mention you were with the Prince of Thieves."
Yamato sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "Sora, I'm not going to pretend that I know you...but from everything Mimi's told me about you, you sound like a good person." he turned his gaze back on Mimi, who was now fighting against yet another guard. "You've helped us, it's possible that you've even saved our lives, but we're loyal to our friends, just as you are to yours, and we can't abandon them..." He gave her a quick smile before giving her back a light push, "Your bravery won't be forgotten, now you should get out of here, we'll meet up with you later." With that final statement he raced towards his girlfriend, eager to resume the fighting.
Sora watched his back for a moment before narrowing her eyes, Like hell I will! I've been dragged into this, and I'm not going to leave now! She hadn't the faintest idea where this sudden boost of confidence came from, maybe it was the adrenaline...but she knew that these thoughts were right. Steeling her determination, she plundged into the fight. After all, she too had a friend she didn't plan on abandoning.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
"Out of breath already Ken?"
Ken glared at his enemy as he tried to reduce the amount of panting his body was forcing him to use. "Don't get cocky Taichi, you're slowing too."
Taichi shrugged. He would never outwardly admit it, but he was beginning to tire, but his pride was forcing him not to show any symptoms of weakening. Normally he would be prepared to go on much longer than the period of time that the duo had been fighting, but he was still suffering from his stay at Ichijouji castle; fatigue and injuries were beginning to take their toll and he wasn't sure if he would be able to make it out of this one without at least one more serious injury. Damn, Damn, Damn Taichi think! Use your head! There's a way out of almost any situation, you just have to find it!
Taichi was thrown out of his furious thinking by Ken making a running swipe at his forearm. Taichi jumped to the side, just enough to dodge the blade, then he slammed the hilt of his sword into Ken's cranium. Ken, his balance already being tested due to his position, toppled to the ground, but not before grabbing Taichi's shoulder and swinging one of his feet behind Taichi's knees, bringing him to the ground with him.
Taichi's head began to spin as the back of his head collided with the hard tiled floor. He furiously blinked away the dizziness, but that was all the opportunity Ken needed. Ken slammed his foot on Taichi's wrist, disabling him from using his sword, then he grasped a handful of his hair and forced his head back as far as it would go. Taichi glared menacingly at him, but in the position he was in he realized that the chances of intimidating the prince were slim to none.
"What is it about your past that gives you nightmares Taichi?" Taichi struggled, but his strength was no match for the evil Prince's in his current condition. "Is it me?" Taichi shut his eyes tightly as he tried to force Ken's voice from his head. "No, that can't be it...Is it the thought that you placed all of your friends in danger?" Taichi clenched his fists in rage. "No, that isn't it..." Ken smirked, "I know! It's those dark nights after a match. The blood of your victims still on your clothes and skin. You killed all those people Taichi, does that fact haunt you the most?"
"Shut up."
"So many innocent lives lost. And it's all your fault."
"No it's not! Shut. Up!"
"And not only did you kill countless civilians, but you also insured the deaths of numerous palace staff, maybe not by your own hand, but you did bring about their deaths."
"SHUT UP!"
"I bet it makes you wish you were never born, think of all the lives spent so that your sorry excuse for a soul could live on."
Taichi opened his palms and gripped the stone beneath him, his eyes blazing. "I might Ken. I might wish I was never born every now and then," he suddenly swung his leg around to kick Ken in the side, freeing his arm. Taichi then swung his sword at Ken's other hand, cutting an extremely deep gash into his arm, causing Ken to recoil his hand and allowing Taichi to move his head freely again. Then he jumped into a kneeling position and placed the tip of his sword at Ken's neck, smirking, he said, "but it always helps me sleep at night knowing I'm not nearly as much of a bastard as you are."
Ken glared at him before kicking him sharply in the stomach. The duo quickly jumped to their feet and charged at each other, swords drawn.
Ken's sword clashed against his rivals, then with all the strength he could muster he shoved thier swords downwards then aimed a punch at Taichi's face, but Taichi caught it with his free hand.
Ken's eyes widened slightly at this, but he quickly improvised. He slid his sword up Taichi's until he was able to grasp Taichi's other wrist. Taichi noticed this only a second too late as Ken forced his arm behind his back then grasped his other wrist and spun him around so his back was facing Ken's. Without waiting for Taichi to recover he released Taichi's arm that he had pinned behind him, then he placed his free hand on the elbow of Taichi's other arm.
Taichi saw what was coming before it happened, but it didn't stop the excrutiating pain from overwhelming every one of his senses. Ken, in his cruel twisted version of amusement, shoved his hand forward where Taichi's arm bones met, severing the connection between them with a sickening CRACK!
The sound of a pained yelp escaping from Taichi's mouth was deafening, and it wasn't long before the entire room's attention was focused on them.
Taichi screwed his eyes against the terrible pain, reminding himself that he had endured far worse than a broken arm. He calmed his strained breathing and tried to think about anything but the pain. He placed his hand over his limp arm, scowling, but he quickly noted a miraculous fact that turned his scowl into a relieved smile. Ken had broken his left arm! He was right handed and could still weild his sword! It almost seemed too good to be true, but he wasn't about to forget the serious disadvantage of his other arm being immoble, not that he could. He smirked, he wasn't out of the game yet.
Ken, however, must not have realized this startling factor because at that moment he had left Taichi in his seemingly unconscious state and was now addressing the crowd about his victory over the streetrat.
"And now you see my people! Not even the greatest threat of our time can stand up to me! The Thieves reign of terror is no more!!"
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Yamato froze when these words reached his ears. What!?!
His attention was instantly drawn to Ken, who was standing bloody and bruised in front of his throne. A arrogant but tired smile on his face as he began spouting nonsense about how they were beaten and how he reigned superior. Yamato shook his head, Taichi couldn't have been defeated.
He shoved his way back to Mimi and Sora. They had seperated not long ago to make sure Takeru and the other thieves were unhurt and prepared to escape. He was lucky enough to run into Catherine and Michael early on and they were fine, for the most part. Catherine had been raging at one guard in particular that formed a large rip in her favorite dress, Yamato almost pitied the guy. Michael told him they were prepared to leave as soon as they were alerted, the only problem being that Yamato didn't have any idea how to alert all the thieves at once to make their escape. He had been pondering this delima when Ken made his announcement.
"Yamato! Ken said --"
"I know, I heard him."
"It's not true is it?" Yamato's silence was answer enough to the distressed brunette. Mimi grabbed Sora's arm, knowing Yamato would follow. The trio scrambled over the wounded Ichijouji soldiers until they ended up behind Ken's throne. Mimi and Yamato peered over the side of the chair and Sora heard them both urse under their breaths. Curious, Sora looked over the other side of the throne and her hands clenched the wood of the chair. Even from their spot away from him, Sora could immdediately tell his arm was broken by the odd angle at which it was hanging. She then looked up at his face; there was pain, and Sora could only imagine what having your arm broken in such an inhuman manner must have felt like. She studied his face for a moment and suddenly a small smile appeared on his face. What could he possibly be smiling about??
He slowly got to his feet, glaring at Ken's back, but Ken was so immersed in his "victory" that he didn't notice. Taichi drew a knife from his belt, flipped it in his hand a couple of times before smirking, "You shouldn't turn your back to an opponent unless they're dead, Ken."
Ken froze before slowly turning around. "How are you still conscious?"
Taichi laughed, "I've had worse injuries, Ken. Do you think a broken arm is enough to stop me." he didn't wait for a reply as he sent the dagger flying out of his hand. Ken braced himself for the impact...but it never came. He opened his eyes and realized that the knife hadn't been aimed at him, but at something hanging above him. Ken raised his head toward the ceiling, and fear swelled in him as he realized the Prince's goal.
A rope above him had been severed, and now the giant chandeller was hanging by a few threads, sure to break at any moment.
Ken backed away, "You fool! You'll crush us both!!"
Taichi shrugged, a smile playing on his lips, "Not scared of your fate, are you Ken? Knowing what awaits you on the other side." he smirked as he drew another dagger, "I know I'm not." Before Ken could cry out for him to stop the knife was already speeding towards the rope that was keeping the chandeller hanging. It was like watching your lifeline about to be cut.
Ken, in his fear tried to run as the diamonds raced towards him, preparing to rip through his flesh, practically beggiing for his blood, but it was no use. In seconds in crashed to the floor, burying the tile with different sized crystals.
Yamato, Mimi, and Sora were all knocked to the ground, the force of the crash causing the throne to fall on top of them, Sora was knocked unconsious as the armrest struck her in the head, but otherwise the trio was fine. The other Thieves were far enough away to not be affected by the crash, but soon the four of them rushed to the scene.
But Taichi was no where to be seen.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
me: OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE I LEFT IT THERE!!! That's possibly the most evil cliff-hanger I've ever done!! MUWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!! Wow! This chapter was really fun to write! I luv action sequences!! Don't worry dudes, I promise to have the next update up soon! I'm gonna try for next week, because school starts on the 27th and I want another chapter posted before I return to hell, lol.
Hoped you guys liked the chapter!! REVIEW!!! PL PLZ PLZ PLZ REVIEW!!! haha, Until next time!!! LATERZ!!!
CS