Chapter 6
Disclaimer: insert standard disclaimer!
Tai's heart beat fast as he rode towards his camp. He knew his life was basically over, but maybe he could buy Matt and the others enough time to escape Tai's fate. He was doing this for Sora, for the chance that she might live.
Soon he saw the camp, just as he had left it. Except there were reinforcements. He knew that his second in command had reported his strange behavior from the start, and a new commander had come to assume power.
"Halt! Who goes there?" A harsh voice called out.
"It's me, Commander Kamiya." He laughed, that would be the last time he would be called that.
"Sir, please dismount and follow me."
Tai complied. He followed the man silently. He looked at the faces of his men. They were grim. Taichi knew now, that the end was near. He, however walked with pride towards his commanding officer.
"Nice to see you again Kamiya, to bad it is not under better circumstances."
"It is nice to see you sir. It has been an honor serving under you. I expected you to be here, so you can save me the speech. I report my failure to convince the Nobleman Takenouchi to ally with the king. I also assume full responsibility for the loss of the prisoners and any other charges made against me by my second in command."
"I take no pleasure in doing this to a loyal officer."
"I bear no hatred towards you sir. Do what you were told to do."
"Very well. I am here by ordered to sentence Taichi Kamiya, former commander of his majesties army, to death for treason and various other crimes of misuse of power. Officers please take the prisoner into custody." And with that two men ripped the king's crest off his shirt and took away all his medals and rank markers. His hands were bound behind his back. "For the moment, we will have to delay your execution. My first priority is to assuming control of the province in question. You say they will not come when peacefully asked, so we will take them by force. Alright men, we leave before dawn. You may take the prisoner away." The new commander said, as Tai was lead off. He was restrained around a large tree. He stood as the new men tied him to it. He was powerless to stop the coming attack.
Sora awoke to the sound of hammers and men working. She rubbed her still reddened eyes, as she buried her head into her pillow. She breathed in deeply. She could still smell his heavenly musk on the sheets. She was once again reminded of the fact that her Taichi was probably dead now. She couldn't take that thought. She slid out of bed and went to the window. She looked down as she saw her home being fortified. She knew that a few pieces of wood would not save them. She changed out of her tear stained dress and back into pants. She didn't know what to do. Every part of her longed to find Taichi. But knew it would be almost impossible to leave unnoticed. She left her room and went quietly down the stairs and outside. She needed to find Matt. He was instructing archers as to where to position themselves for the battle. Once he saw Sora, he excused himself and went over to her. He hugged her.
"How are you holding up?" He asked her.
"They'll kill him…won't they?" She asked painfully.
"Sora, he bought us precious time. He knew he had to do something. He did it for you."
She once again broke down. "I can't live without him. I feel empty inside…"
"I know Sora, it hurts me just seeing you like this. Maybe they haven't hurt him yet. You have to keep up hope. You'll see him again… I can feel it." Matt hugged her. "I better get back to work. You should go and get yourself ready too." She nodded to him as she left and returned to the castle. She ran to the armory and grabbed some spare weapons. 'I have to go after him!' She told herself. 'If I can sneak out and hide while their army attacks, I can slip back into camp, and find Taichi.' She smiled at her plan. It was worth a try. If she died, then she died that much closer to his loving embrace. She changed cloths and found a dark colored cloak. She then slipped out the back entrance of the manor. She took the long way to get back to Tai's army camp.
Tai was receiving 'special' treatment from his new guards. After the first dozen blows to the gut, he began to feel numb. So the continuation of the torture didn't bother him. Inside he knew he was already dead the second he pulled from Sora's arms. He tried to recall the images of her, but somehow they seemed so far away and not enough to satisfy Tai. However he kept thinking of her, so that if, and when he died she would be the last thing he would think of. He was bleeding from almost every part of his body now, as his smirking guards, stabbed him with daggers. They had been told that they could rough him up, but not kill him yet. No, his death was going to be a public execution after they had taken the province. The thought of the end was almost a comforting thought. He knew that he didn't want to die, but it was inevitable. He looked up at the stars that were now overhead. He felt an inner peace thinking that she was probably staring up at then also. Soon he passed out due to the loss of blood.
Sora pushed herself on. She was extremely tired but the thought of Tai, somewhere dieing, made her carry on. She had to. Soon it would be dawn, and she knew that in order for her plan to work, she had to be far enough away from the enemy's army as they charged for her home. Her thoughts drifted back to her home. There Matt would be fighting to the death. But once she had Tai, they would be able to help them. Tai was an excellent fighter, and with his skill and strength, they would surly prevail.
"Oh Tai. Hold on a little longer…please." She begged as she pushed onward.
Matt had positioned all the shooters he could along the mansion walls, they were as ready as they would ever be. He had rounded up all the women and children and even armed them. But they were for now, safe in the inner corridors of the building.
'Where's Sora?' He thought. He had looked all over for her. But then he thought of Tai. She had more than likely gone after him. She truly loved the guy, and he seemed to love her in return. But there was nothing he could do for either of them now. He had a city to defend. Now all they could do was wait. He figured they would attack at dawn. Tai had said that was general procedure for the army. To take your enemy while he ate breakfast, or was still asleep. He wished that Tai was not yet dead. Tai and Sora truly were meant to be together, how could a love that strong end like this?
Tai was awoken before dawn by a few last punches by the guards who were now leaving him, basically hanging from a tree. His feet no longer touched the ground, he had been retied up higher. With a nicely positioned rope tightly on his neck. He could feel the bark piercing his back, he was so tightly bound to the tree now that every inch of his surged with a new kind of pain. But there was nothing he could do, but try to stay alive, so that he could experience an even greater painful death later that day. He was basically left unguarded. They would need all their men in the battle. He hoped Matt had listen to his warning. He then thought of Sora. He hoped that somehow she had left to hide somewhere. All he wanted was for her to live.
Sora felt the thunder roll underneath her feet. The army was moving now. And it was just as Tai had said it would be, before dawn. She waited till they passed. It was now silent. Time for her to make her move. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. No one was in sight. But the smoldering fires were a sign that she was close to where they had Tai. She quietly scanned the perimeter to see if anyone had stayed behind. But found none. She ran straight for the cabin. But it was empty. She ran frantically from tent to tent, finding no sign of her Taichi. Her last place to check was where they held the prisoners the first time Sora came into camp. The forested area. She didn't care how much noise she made now. As she jumped over discarded pots and supplies. She heard a noise. It was the sound of someone gasping for air. She followed the sound until it lead her to him. Her eyes welled up with tears to see her Tai alive. She ran to him.
"Taichi!" She screamed as she hugged him. She drew back once she saw the condition he was in. His eyes were tightly closed and there was a rope choking him.
"So..ra" He muttered. He moaned in pain. She pulled out a small dagger from her belt, and began to free her lover. Once she cut the last rope, he fell on top of her. He was in bad shape. Sora cried as she saw what they had done to him.
"Oh Taichi… what have they done to you?" She cried as she held him in her arms. "Please don't die on me. Not when we are this close." She didn't know where to begin treating his wounds. She ripped her cloak up and formed crude bandages. The sun was now peeking up over the horizon, as Tai finally opened his eyes to see Sora's face. She was working fast to stop the bleeding. Just feeling her touch eased Tai's pain. He weakly gave her a smile. She leaned over and kissed his lips. "You'll be fine. You'll see, we'll get married and be together forever." She told him of how their life would be as she continued to bandage him up. "There. All better?" She said as she kissed his lips again. She noticed Tai's horse was still there. She ran to get it and brought it back over to where Tai lay.
"Now, we just run away together. And we never think of this awful situation ever again." She said with a smile. But Tai shook his head. He had regained some strength now. He sat up slowly.
"No Sora. We need to help your family. Matt needs us." He said weakly. "And besides I'm not about to let those ass holes cheap shot me and get away with it." She smiled at him. He still wanted to help them, he had done so much already. But he wanted to do more. Sora helped him mount his horse. She left him for a second and returned carrying a weapon for him. She jumped on and took the reigns as Tai's arms grabbed around her waist. As they rode Tai kissed her neck.
"I love you." He said every once and a while as they rode quickly towards the army and her home.
"Crap! Here they come!" Matt shouted at he saw the enemy's army on the horizon. "Get ready archers, and make sure you hit them! We can't afford to waste arrows." Matt bravely took up a position ready to lead the ground assault. 'I hope Sora is having better luck.' He thought, as the first volley of arrows shot off. "ready men! Let's show them to not invade our homes!" And with that Matt led a huge mass of soldiers and civilians towards the enemy, who were now right up close to the manor house.
A tremendous battle enraged. Both sides lost a lot of men. But the enemy seemed to have an endless supply of fresh men. Matt knew that they were doomed if something didn't happen and soon.
"Sora, I need you to get me close to the commander. If he falls, I might be able to get some of my loyal men to stop fighting. It is the new troops that won't listen." Tai said. Sora nodded. Her home was now insight. She saw the carnage that had resulted. But she kept on her course straight for the manor house.
"There he is." Tai pointed. He kissed Sora one last time as she galloped closer to the commander who was unaware of them.
"I love you." She said as Tai jumped from his horse to the back of the Commander's.
"This is nothing personal, old friend, I'm just following orders!" Tai then thrust his sword through the man's back. He fell to the ground. Tai now took control of the commander's horse.
"I reclaim my position of Commander of this army." He yelled. And like Tai had said, his old men, who had a trust in him stopped fighting and drew back. "Men, I have new orders now. We fight for the freedom of this land. The king is not a just ruler! And we will revenge the death of our king. And our first step is to stop these soldiers from taking this province. Who's with me?" Tai's speech was replied with a roar from his men, as they turned on their former comrades who still fought against them.
Somewhere in the middle of the fighting Matt looked up and saw Tai on top of a horse fighting. He looked in bad shape, but he was alive. Matt's heart soared at the thought of Sora being happy.
"Matt look out." A voice warned. Matt ducked a blade that would have hit him. He then stabbed the would be assassin. He turned around as saw Sora.
"Thanks! I owe you again!" He smiled as they both continued to fight off the enemy.
After a full day of fighting the king's soldier's surrendered due to lack of a commanding officer. The men who allied with Tai cheered as they helped save the province. The townspeople gave a sigh of relief to see their village was now safe once again.
Sora was off her horse now. She began to search for Tai.
"Tai?" She yelled his name out.
"We need a medic over here!" A shout came out. "Quickly it's Commander Taichi he needs help!" Sora's heart began to beat rapidly at the thought of losing him now. She pushed her way through the crowd of onlookers to find Tai lying on the ground coughing up blood.
"No! Tai!" She ran to him and held him. "Please don't leave me now." She begged. Matt helped clear a path for the doctor to get through to him.
"We need to get him inside." The doctor said. Matt and another man carefully lifted Tai and ran him into the manor house, with Sora following close behind.
Sora and Matt stood outside the medic's rooms as they treated Tai's wounds. He had lost a lot of blood, and was slipping in and out of consciousness. Soon the doctor opened the door and let the two enter and see their friend.
"We gave him a sedative, to ease the pain." The doctor said as he began to clear away all the bloodied rags.
"But he's going to be ok?" Matt questioned as he rubbed Sora's back. She was holding Tai's hand lovingly.
"He should be fine, it might be a few days till he fully wakes up."
"Sora, we need to take him to a room, where he can get some rest." Matt said as he attempted to pick up the wounded Tai. "I didn't think he looked this heavy." Matt joked as he walked out of the room. Sora never strayed to far from his side. But instead of walking to the guest chambers, Matt walked into Sora's room and set Tai down on her bed. She smiled, a little embarrassed that her secret was out.
"He's all yours." Matt smiled at her. "I have to go and free the other provinces. With Tai's men, I don't think the king will have a kingdom for long." Matt walked back over to Tai. "Hey buddy, you better get your ass better soon, you have a girl that really cares for you. And thanks for everything." Matt left the room. Sora slowly walked to Tai's side. He looked at peace. She had to check his pulse several times, just to make sure he was still with her.
Night soon fell and Sora gently snuggled close to Tai. She needed to feel him near her. She laid there for a while before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning the rising sun's gently rays woke Sora. She slowly got out of bed. And walked to the water basin on a table in her room. She wetted a cloth and returned to Tai. She began to wash his face. And she checked every bandage, changing the ones that were red with blood. Sora wanted to cry again as she looked at his body, full of stitches now to close the wounds and help them heal.
Sora left the room only to go and get food and new bandages. Her father and various others came to check on them. Sora, however didn't even want to speak to her father.
"Sora you must understand that I had no other choice but to…" Her dad tried to reason with her.
"No, dad. Your job was to protect people. Instead you put hundreds of lives in danger and many more dead. They were going to kill him daddy…" She started to cry at the thought of what would have been in store for her love, if she hadn't come after him. Her father just watched as she cried into Tai's lifeless hand and left.
It had been a full three days now since the battle ended. And Sora was still faithfully at Tai's side. It was her birthday tomorrow, but she didn't feel like celebrating now. Matt was still gone, and Tai wasn't getting that much better. Granted he wasn't getting worse, but she longed to have him hold her.
She drew herself a bath in the adjoining bathroom. 'Maybe the warm water will help me relax.' She thought as she filled the tub with the water buckets the servants brought up. She was about disrobe and slip into the water, when she heard a moan from the other room. She quickly rebuttoned her gown and ran to see if Tai was waking up. As she came running into the bedroom, she saw his hand rubbing his face.
"Tai?" She said as she practically jumped on the bed and knelt by his side.
"Oh wow…does my head hurt." Tai groaned. As he opened his eyes and saw Sora next to him. "Sora, you are a sight for sore eyes…" Before he could say anything more Sora began to kiss his lips joyfully. She began to cry as he returned her kisses and held her in his still wounded arms.
"I thought you'd never wake up." She cried in between kisses.
"I'd never leave you again." he answered her as she slowly stopped kissing him and tenderly caressed his face. "So how did things work out? I don't remember to much of the end of the battle…"
"Forget about the battle, we are together again. Oh Tai. I love you so much…"
"Shh, I know. I know. I love you too." He took her into his arms and rocked her. His body still hurt but he didn't care. He moaned slightly at the movement. She looked at him concerned.
"Are you still in a lot of pain?" She stroked his messy hair. HE smiled at her.
"I'll be ok, as long as I have you. It was worth all the pain, to be together."
"I know exactly what can relax you… a nice warm bath. And it just so happens that one is already drawn. Are you able to walk?" She asked as she rolled off of her love. He slowly moved and was standing. Sora helped steady him as she supported him as he walked to the bathroom. Sora helped him undress, and soon Tai slipped into the bath. He sighed as the warm water covered his bruised body. Sora grabbed a sponge and began to bathe him. Massaging his back with her hands and lips. Tai was unaware of the pain now. He let Sora continue for sometime until he turned and met her lips with his. They passionately kissed. And suddenly Sora slipped and fell into Tai's knees. Water splashed all over the floor as she began to laugh. Her dress was soaked. But she didn't care. She moved in the tub, so she was straddling Tai, and continued to kiss him. After a time they just lounged there. Sora still in her dress, that was now totally wet, in Tai's bare arms. The once warm water soon turned almost ice cold, Sora stumbled around until she was able to get up. The weight of the soaked dress was great so she took it off. Tai pulled himself out of the tub and began to dry himself off. Sora came over to him, she was in her undergarments now they were still soaked. She again kissed her mate. Tai chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Sora asked.
"I was trying to dry myself off, and you come over and get me wet again." With that he took the towel and whipped it around her and pulled her closer to him. He smiled devishly at her. She returned the smile. She helped support him as she walked him over to the bed.
"Let's get married tomorrow." She suddenly sighed as she nuzzled Tai's chest. He was taken a little bit by shock at the timing, but he smiled. He liked the idea of being with Sora forever.
"Anything you want." He answered. They both drifted into a peaceful slumber as the night continued.
In the morning Tai got up out of the bed quietly. Sora was still sound asleep. He walked over to the bag he had packed and brought with him on his first trip to her home. He opened it up and took out a pair of cloths and quickly changed. Then he pulled out a small pouch. He then set it in his pocket and went to look out the window. The sun was rising in the sky. The world seemed to have a sense of tranquility to it. People were busily repairing their homes, which were destroyed during the battle.
Tai sighed. He was happy. But for some reason he didn't know if he fully belonged here. He had never really had much of a home. His past was mainly a mystery to him, but now he had a present and a future. He was deep in thought that he didn't notice Sora get up and dress. She came over to him and wrapped her arms around him. He smiled as he realized she was awake.
"Tai we don't have to get married, if you don't want to…." Sora started. She knew he was thinking about something. But she didn't know what was bothering him.
He turned around to face her. "No, I want to marry you." He reassured her. "I have never been so sure about anything in my life before you… I need you." He looked into her beautiful crimson eyes. She was striking. Her face just radiated with love. Tai held her close. He now realized she was in an all white gown. Tai just smiled. He knew they belonged together. So arm in arm they ran down the stairs of the manor, and out to the little church. Where they were married in a short and simply ceremony. Tai pulled the little pouch out of pocket, and opened it. Sora's eyes light up even more as she saw a small ring.
"It was my mother's." Tai said. "I would like you to have it, and use it as a wedding ring, until I get you…"
"It's perfect Tai. I don't need any other ring. I love this one, and I love you."
Sora smiled as he slipped it on her finger. It fit perfectly. They sealed the marriage with a kiss. They were now totally joined together, forever.
As they walked back inside the manor, they happily walked back up to Sora's room.
"Now it's time for your present." She said. "Tai…I'm pregnant." Tai's mouth dropped. He had hoped they would have a child, and now he would be there to see it grow inside of her.
"I'm going to be a daddy?" He whispered. He was so happy. She smiled and nodded her head. They laid down on the bed. Tai began to kiss her stomach. He affectionately moved his hand around the area that would be carrying their child. He looked up at her face. He was so happy, he couldn't even form words. Sora just smiled and touched his face.
Disclaimer: insert standard disclaimer!
Tai's heart beat fast as he rode towards his camp. He knew his life was basically over, but maybe he could buy Matt and the others enough time to escape Tai's fate. He was doing this for Sora, for the chance that she might live.
Soon he saw the camp, just as he had left it. Except there were reinforcements. He knew that his second in command had reported his strange behavior from the start, and a new commander had come to assume power.
"Halt! Who goes there?" A harsh voice called out.
"It's me, Commander Kamiya." He laughed, that would be the last time he would be called that.
"Sir, please dismount and follow me."
Tai complied. He followed the man silently. He looked at the faces of his men. They were grim. Taichi knew now, that the end was near. He, however walked with pride towards his commanding officer.
"Nice to see you again Kamiya, to bad it is not under better circumstances."
"It is nice to see you sir. It has been an honor serving under you. I expected you to be here, so you can save me the speech. I report my failure to convince the Nobleman Takenouchi to ally with the king. I also assume full responsibility for the loss of the prisoners and any other charges made against me by my second in command."
"I take no pleasure in doing this to a loyal officer."
"I bear no hatred towards you sir. Do what you were told to do."
"Very well. I am here by ordered to sentence Taichi Kamiya, former commander of his majesties army, to death for treason and various other crimes of misuse of power. Officers please take the prisoner into custody." And with that two men ripped the king's crest off his shirt and took away all his medals and rank markers. His hands were bound behind his back. "For the moment, we will have to delay your execution. My first priority is to assuming control of the province in question. You say they will not come when peacefully asked, so we will take them by force. Alright men, we leave before dawn. You may take the prisoner away." The new commander said, as Tai was lead off. He was restrained around a large tree. He stood as the new men tied him to it. He was powerless to stop the coming attack.
Sora awoke to the sound of hammers and men working. She rubbed her still reddened eyes, as she buried her head into her pillow. She breathed in deeply. She could still smell his heavenly musk on the sheets. She was once again reminded of the fact that her Taichi was probably dead now. She couldn't take that thought. She slid out of bed and went to the window. She looked down as she saw her home being fortified. She knew that a few pieces of wood would not save them. She changed out of her tear stained dress and back into pants. She didn't know what to do. Every part of her longed to find Taichi. But knew it would be almost impossible to leave unnoticed. She left her room and went quietly down the stairs and outside. She needed to find Matt. He was instructing archers as to where to position themselves for the battle. Once he saw Sora, he excused himself and went over to her. He hugged her.
"How are you holding up?" He asked her.
"They'll kill him…won't they?" She asked painfully.
"Sora, he bought us precious time. He knew he had to do something. He did it for you."
She once again broke down. "I can't live without him. I feel empty inside…"
"I know Sora, it hurts me just seeing you like this. Maybe they haven't hurt him yet. You have to keep up hope. You'll see him again… I can feel it." Matt hugged her. "I better get back to work. You should go and get yourself ready too." She nodded to him as she left and returned to the castle. She ran to the armory and grabbed some spare weapons. 'I have to go after him!' She told herself. 'If I can sneak out and hide while their army attacks, I can slip back into camp, and find Taichi.' She smiled at her plan. It was worth a try. If she died, then she died that much closer to his loving embrace. She changed cloths and found a dark colored cloak. She then slipped out the back entrance of the manor. She took the long way to get back to Tai's army camp.
Tai was receiving 'special' treatment from his new guards. After the first dozen blows to the gut, he began to feel numb. So the continuation of the torture didn't bother him. Inside he knew he was already dead the second he pulled from Sora's arms. He tried to recall the images of her, but somehow they seemed so far away and not enough to satisfy Tai. However he kept thinking of her, so that if, and when he died she would be the last thing he would think of. He was bleeding from almost every part of his body now, as his smirking guards, stabbed him with daggers. They had been told that they could rough him up, but not kill him yet. No, his death was going to be a public execution after they had taken the province. The thought of the end was almost a comforting thought. He knew that he didn't want to die, but it was inevitable. He looked up at the stars that were now overhead. He felt an inner peace thinking that she was probably staring up at then also. Soon he passed out due to the loss of blood.
Sora pushed herself on. She was extremely tired but the thought of Tai, somewhere dieing, made her carry on. She had to. Soon it would be dawn, and she knew that in order for her plan to work, she had to be far enough away from the enemy's army as they charged for her home. Her thoughts drifted back to her home. There Matt would be fighting to the death. But once she had Tai, they would be able to help them. Tai was an excellent fighter, and with his skill and strength, they would surly prevail.
"Oh Tai. Hold on a little longer…please." She begged as she pushed onward.
Matt had positioned all the shooters he could along the mansion walls, they were as ready as they would ever be. He had rounded up all the women and children and even armed them. But they were for now, safe in the inner corridors of the building.
'Where's Sora?' He thought. He had looked all over for her. But then he thought of Tai. She had more than likely gone after him. She truly loved the guy, and he seemed to love her in return. But there was nothing he could do for either of them now. He had a city to defend. Now all they could do was wait. He figured they would attack at dawn. Tai had said that was general procedure for the army. To take your enemy while he ate breakfast, or was still asleep. He wished that Tai was not yet dead. Tai and Sora truly were meant to be together, how could a love that strong end like this?
Tai was awoken before dawn by a few last punches by the guards who were now leaving him, basically hanging from a tree. His feet no longer touched the ground, he had been retied up higher. With a nicely positioned rope tightly on his neck. He could feel the bark piercing his back, he was so tightly bound to the tree now that every inch of his surged with a new kind of pain. But there was nothing he could do, but try to stay alive, so that he could experience an even greater painful death later that day. He was basically left unguarded. They would need all their men in the battle. He hoped Matt had listen to his warning. He then thought of Sora. He hoped that somehow she had left to hide somewhere. All he wanted was for her to live.
Sora felt the thunder roll underneath her feet. The army was moving now. And it was just as Tai had said it would be, before dawn. She waited till they passed. It was now silent. Time for her to make her move. She ran as fast as her legs could carry her. No one was in sight. But the smoldering fires were a sign that she was close to where they had Tai. She quietly scanned the perimeter to see if anyone had stayed behind. But found none. She ran straight for the cabin. But it was empty. She ran frantically from tent to tent, finding no sign of her Taichi. Her last place to check was where they held the prisoners the first time Sora came into camp. The forested area. She didn't care how much noise she made now. As she jumped over discarded pots and supplies. She heard a noise. It was the sound of someone gasping for air. She followed the sound until it lead her to him. Her eyes welled up with tears to see her Tai alive. She ran to him.
"Taichi!" She screamed as she hugged him. She drew back once she saw the condition he was in. His eyes were tightly closed and there was a rope choking him.
"So..ra" He muttered. He moaned in pain. She pulled out a small dagger from her belt, and began to free her lover. Once she cut the last rope, he fell on top of her. He was in bad shape. Sora cried as she saw what they had done to him.
"Oh Taichi… what have they done to you?" She cried as she held him in her arms. "Please don't die on me. Not when we are this close." She didn't know where to begin treating his wounds. She ripped her cloak up and formed crude bandages. The sun was now peeking up over the horizon, as Tai finally opened his eyes to see Sora's face. She was working fast to stop the bleeding. Just feeling her touch eased Tai's pain. He weakly gave her a smile. She leaned over and kissed his lips. "You'll be fine. You'll see, we'll get married and be together forever." She told him of how their life would be as she continued to bandage him up. "There. All better?" She said as she kissed his lips again. She noticed Tai's horse was still there. She ran to get it and brought it back over to where Tai lay.
"Now, we just run away together. And we never think of this awful situation ever again." She said with a smile. But Tai shook his head. He had regained some strength now. He sat up slowly.
"No Sora. We need to help your family. Matt needs us." He said weakly. "And besides I'm not about to let those ass holes cheap shot me and get away with it." She smiled at him. He still wanted to help them, he had done so much already. But he wanted to do more. Sora helped him mount his horse. She left him for a second and returned carrying a weapon for him. She jumped on and took the reigns as Tai's arms grabbed around her waist. As they rode Tai kissed her neck.
"I love you." He said every once and a while as they rode quickly towards the army and her home.
"Crap! Here they come!" Matt shouted at he saw the enemy's army on the horizon. "Get ready archers, and make sure you hit them! We can't afford to waste arrows." Matt bravely took up a position ready to lead the ground assault. 'I hope Sora is having better luck.' He thought, as the first volley of arrows shot off. "ready men! Let's show them to not invade our homes!" And with that Matt led a huge mass of soldiers and civilians towards the enemy, who were now right up close to the manor house.
A tremendous battle enraged. Both sides lost a lot of men. But the enemy seemed to have an endless supply of fresh men. Matt knew that they were doomed if something didn't happen and soon.
"Sora, I need you to get me close to the commander. If he falls, I might be able to get some of my loyal men to stop fighting. It is the new troops that won't listen." Tai said. Sora nodded. Her home was now insight. She saw the carnage that had resulted. But she kept on her course straight for the manor house.
"There he is." Tai pointed. He kissed Sora one last time as she galloped closer to the commander who was unaware of them.
"I love you." She said as Tai jumped from his horse to the back of the Commander's.
"This is nothing personal, old friend, I'm just following orders!" Tai then thrust his sword through the man's back. He fell to the ground. Tai now took control of the commander's horse.
"I reclaim my position of Commander of this army." He yelled. And like Tai had said, his old men, who had a trust in him stopped fighting and drew back. "Men, I have new orders now. We fight for the freedom of this land. The king is not a just ruler! And we will revenge the death of our king. And our first step is to stop these soldiers from taking this province. Who's with me?" Tai's speech was replied with a roar from his men, as they turned on their former comrades who still fought against them.
Somewhere in the middle of the fighting Matt looked up and saw Tai on top of a horse fighting. He looked in bad shape, but he was alive. Matt's heart soared at the thought of Sora being happy.
"Matt look out." A voice warned. Matt ducked a blade that would have hit him. He then stabbed the would be assassin. He turned around as saw Sora.
"Thanks! I owe you again!" He smiled as they both continued to fight off the enemy.
After a full day of fighting the king's soldier's surrendered due to lack of a commanding officer. The men who allied with Tai cheered as they helped save the province. The townspeople gave a sigh of relief to see their village was now safe once again.
Sora was off her horse now. She began to search for Tai.
"Tai?" She yelled his name out.
"We need a medic over here!" A shout came out. "Quickly it's Commander Taichi he needs help!" Sora's heart began to beat rapidly at the thought of losing him now. She pushed her way through the crowd of onlookers to find Tai lying on the ground coughing up blood.
"No! Tai!" She ran to him and held him. "Please don't leave me now." She begged. Matt helped clear a path for the doctor to get through to him.
"We need to get him inside." The doctor said. Matt and another man carefully lifted Tai and ran him into the manor house, with Sora following close behind.
Sora and Matt stood outside the medic's rooms as they treated Tai's wounds. He had lost a lot of blood, and was slipping in and out of consciousness. Soon the doctor opened the door and let the two enter and see their friend.
"We gave him a sedative, to ease the pain." The doctor said as he began to clear away all the bloodied rags.
"But he's going to be ok?" Matt questioned as he rubbed Sora's back. She was holding Tai's hand lovingly.
"He should be fine, it might be a few days till he fully wakes up."
"Sora, we need to take him to a room, where he can get some rest." Matt said as he attempted to pick up the wounded Tai. "I didn't think he looked this heavy." Matt joked as he walked out of the room. Sora never strayed to far from his side. But instead of walking to the guest chambers, Matt walked into Sora's room and set Tai down on her bed. She smiled, a little embarrassed that her secret was out.
"He's all yours." Matt smiled at her. "I have to go and free the other provinces. With Tai's men, I don't think the king will have a kingdom for long." Matt walked back over to Tai. "Hey buddy, you better get your ass better soon, you have a girl that really cares for you. And thanks for everything." Matt left the room. Sora slowly walked to Tai's side. He looked at peace. She had to check his pulse several times, just to make sure he was still with her.
Night soon fell and Sora gently snuggled close to Tai. She needed to feel him near her. She laid there for a while before drifting off to sleep.
The next morning the rising sun's gently rays woke Sora. She slowly got out of bed. And walked to the water basin on a table in her room. She wetted a cloth and returned to Tai. She began to wash his face. And she checked every bandage, changing the ones that were red with blood. Sora wanted to cry again as she looked at his body, full of stitches now to close the wounds and help them heal.
Sora left the room only to go and get food and new bandages. Her father and various others came to check on them. Sora, however didn't even want to speak to her father.
"Sora you must understand that I had no other choice but to…" Her dad tried to reason with her.
"No, dad. Your job was to protect people. Instead you put hundreds of lives in danger and many more dead. They were going to kill him daddy…" She started to cry at the thought of what would have been in store for her love, if she hadn't come after him. Her father just watched as she cried into Tai's lifeless hand and left.
It had been a full three days now since the battle ended. And Sora was still faithfully at Tai's side. It was her birthday tomorrow, but she didn't feel like celebrating now. Matt was still gone, and Tai wasn't getting that much better. Granted he wasn't getting worse, but she longed to have him hold her.
She drew herself a bath in the adjoining bathroom. 'Maybe the warm water will help me relax.' She thought as she filled the tub with the water buckets the servants brought up. She was about disrobe and slip into the water, when she heard a moan from the other room. She quickly rebuttoned her gown and ran to see if Tai was waking up. As she came running into the bedroom, she saw his hand rubbing his face.
"Tai?" She said as she practically jumped on the bed and knelt by his side.
"Oh wow…does my head hurt." Tai groaned. As he opened his eyes and saw Sora next to him. "Sora, you are a sight for sore eyes…" Before he could say anything more Sora began to kiss his lips joyfully. She began to cry as he returned her kisses and held her in his still wounded arms.
"I thought you'd never wake up." She cried in between kisses.
"I'd never leave you again." he answered her as she slowly stopped kissing him and tenderly caressed his face. "So how did things work out? I don't remember to much of the end of the battle…"
"Forget about the battle, we are together again. Oh Tai. I love you so much…"
"Shh, I know. I know. I love you too." He took her into his arms and rocked her. His body still hurt but he didn't care. He moaned slightly at the movement. She looked at him concerned.
"Are you still in a lot of pain?" She stroked his messy hair. HE smiled at her.
"I'll be ok, as long as I have you. It was worth all the pain, to be together."
"I know exactly what can relax you… a nice warm bath. And it just so happens that one is already drawn. Are you able to walk?" She asked as she rolled off of her love. He slowly moved and was standing. Sora helped steady him as she supported him as he walked to the bathroom. Sora helped him undress, and soon Tai slipped into the bath. He sighed as the warm water covered his bruised body. Sora grabbed a sponge and began to bathe him. Massaging his back with her hands and lips. Tai was unaware of the pain now. He let Sora continue for sometime until he turned and met her lips with his. They passionately kissed. And suddenly Sora slipped and fell into Tai's knees. Water splashed all over the floor as she began to laugh. Her dress was soaked. But she didn't care. She moved in the tub, so she was straddling Tai, and continued to kiss him. After a time they just lounged there. Sora still in her dress, that was now totally wet, in Tai's bare arms. The once warm water soon turned almost ice cold, Sora stumbled around until she was able to get up. The weight of the soaked dress was great so she took it off. Tai pulled himself out of the tub and began to dry himself off. Sora came over to him, she was in her undergarments now they were still soaked. She again kissed her mate. Tai chuckled.
"What's so funny?" Sora asked.
"I was trying to dry myself off, and you come over and get me wet again." With that he took the towel and whipped it around her and pulled her closer to him. He smiled devishly at her. She returned the smile. She helped support him as she walked him over to the bed.
"Let's get married tomorrow." She suddenly sighed as she nuzzled Tai's chest. He was taken a little bit by shock at the timing, but he smiled. He liked the idea of being with Sora forever.
"Anything you want." He answered. They both drifted into a peaceful slumber as the night continued.
In the morning Tai got up out of the bed quietly. Sora was still sound asleep. He walked over to the bag he had packed and brought with him on his first trip to her home. He opened it up and took out a pair of cloths and quickly changed. Then he pulled out a small pouch. He then set it in his pocket and went to look out the window. The sun was rising in the sky. The world seemed to have a sense of tranquility to it. People were busily repairing their homes, which were destroyed during the battle.
Tai sighed. He was happy. But for some reason he didn't know if he fully belonged here. He had never really had much of a home. His past was mainly a mystery to him, but now he had a present and a future. He was deep in thought that he didn't notice Sora get up and dress. She came over to him and wrapped her arms around him. He smiled as he realized she was awake.
"Tai we don't have to get married, if you don't want to…." Sora started. She knew he was thinking about something. But she didn't know what was bothering him.
He turned around to face her. "No, I want to marry you." He reassured her. "I have never been so sure about anything in my life before you… I need you." He looked into her beautiful crimson eyes. She was striking. Her face just radiated with love. Tai held her close. He now realized she was in an all white gown. Tai just smiled. He knew they belonged together. So arm in arm they ran down the stairs of the manor, and out to the little church. Where they were married in a short and simply ceremony. Tai pulled the little pouch out of pocket, and opened it. Sora's eyes light up even more as she saw a small ring.
"It was my mother's." Tai said. "I would like you to have it, and use it as a wedding ring, until I get you…"
"It's perfect Tai. I don't need any other ring. I love this one, and I love you."
Sora smiled as he slipped it on her finger. It fit perfectly. They sealed the marriage with a kiss. They were now totally joined together, forever.
As they walked back inside the manor, they happily walked back up to Sora's room.
"Now it's time for your present." She said. "Tai…I'm pregnant." Tai's mouth dropped. He had hoped they would have a child, and now he would be there to see it grow inside of her.
"I'm going to be a daddy?" He whispered. He was so happy. She smiled and nodded her head. They laid down on the bed. Tai began to kiss her stomach. He affectionately moved his hand around the area that would be carrying their child. He looked up at her face. He was so happy, he couldn't even form words. Sora just smiled and touched his face.