The rest of the group left the room and went to enjoy their few hours of break. Tai helped Sora up.
"So what do you want to do today?" Tai asked her. As he put his hand around her to help support her as she walked.
"I don't know, I suppose just relaxing would be nice." She smiled at Tai. She walked, with Tai, to her room. It was a little room connecting to the barracks. It was small, almost like a closet. In side it had enough room for one person. Sora had it decorated the best she could. It had a variety of plants on shelves and there was even a small window looking out on a forested area. It was a quaint little place. Tai sat on the bed, while She went to the window and stared out at the beautiful scene. The bright sun was high in the sky.
"Do you want to go outside and have a picnic?" He asked. She turned and smiled.
"That would be wonderful." She sighed.
Tai watched as Sora walked to a small chest that lie near the foot of her small bed. She rummaged through the objects till she pulled out several articles of clothing. She handed Tai a pair of pants and a normal looking shirt.
"You won't want to go out dressed like a rebel member- if anyone saw you, the empire would be here in seconds." Tai nodded and too the cloths. Sora stood up and held up a simple sundress. She pressed the wrinkles out of the cloth with her hands. She motioned for Tai to turn around so she could change. "No peeking now." She smiled innocently. Tai gave her a devilish smirk.
"I don't know if I can promise that." He said as he walked up to her and passionately kissed her. He began to unbutton her shirt slowly.
"What happened to the picnic?" Sra giggled as Tai ran down her neck w/ affectionate kisses.
"Picnic? I don't remember any picnic." He said smoothly as he succeeded in taking off her shirt- watching so he didn't snag it on any of her stitches. As he got her shirt off he noticed the severity of her injuries. She had black and blue marks covering most of her creamy skin. He gently ran his fingers across the bruised flesh. With sorrowful eyes he looked at her. She smiled back at him and drew him close.
"Sora- are you sure you're up to this.." Tai whispered into her ear as he nibbled her earlobe.
"I'm fine." She replied. "I've been in worse shape and still pulled off a mission."
"Who says I was talking about the mission?" Tai winked as he ran his hands behind her back.
"Well who says I was going to let you get that far?" Sora breathed out seductively.
"Hum…" He moaned out as his hands continued to explore her body, as his lips ravished her neck with kisses.
She giggles lightly as she felt his loving touch pick her up and set her gently on her bed. She went to work on removing his clothing and soon they were engulfed in the most passion of both their lives. Soon they both all but collapsed on to each other as they panted. They had exhausted themselves with the endless intimacy. They now snuggled close- basking in each other's warmth that radiated from their sweaty bodies. Tai was just about to start another round of rocking together when the door to Sora's room burst open.
"Hey Sora, I need you to look…at this." Izzy said. But soon he saw the naked frames of Tai and Sora, and was silenced.
"Izzy!" Sora exclaimed as she pulled Tai closer to cover her nudity.
"Sorry- oh geez…" Izzy said embarrassed as he quickly scrambled out of the room and closed the door.
Tai and Sora laid in utter silence for a while, before both began to blush a bright red.
Sora drew Tai into another loving kiss and rolled out from underneath him.
"Do you have to go?" Tai asked. He was a little mad; he and Sora had only begun to share themselves and now she had to leave.
"Tai… I love you. But I have a job to do- and that takes precident over my personal life." She said sadly as she looked into his hurt eyes. She was now half dressed, as she sat back down near him. "Once the empire is gone- we'll have all eternity to be together…" She smiled as he held him and stroked his bareback.
"Is Sora coming? She was in her room, right?" TK asked Izzy as the red head entered the command center.
"Um…" Izzy said, still a little pale. TK, Matt and Joe waited foe an answer from the boy.
"She.. She… was a …a little busy at the moment…" Izzy blushed, not knowing what to say.
Before anyone could say anymore on the subject, Sora walked into the room.
"Sora?" Izzy stammered. "I…I…"
"What's up?" She said as if nothing had ever happened. Izzy calmed down and returned to the task at hand.
"They found out what we were planning."
"What? The empire knows we are going to attack… but how?"
"They know we are attacking in five hours… but not how or from where…"
"If we move now… can we still pull it off?" TK asked, as Sora stood and thought.
It's twice as risky…" Joe said.
"We have no choice." Sora sighed. "We leave in an hour. Get your stuff ready." She commanded. "Izzy get to work on those computers, Matt- can you be ready in a few minutes?"
"If you can do this, then so can I." He said. Sora nodded.
"Alright." She walked over to the computer desk and hit the PA system to address the station.
"All hands- there will be a slight change in plans- we leave in one hour! Instead of four hours, you have 30 minutes to get your gear and be in your specified hangers. Good Luck!"
She turned back to the group of onlookers. "Well- let's go." She said with a grin.
Everyone set to work - Izzy on the computers, Joe left to get the medics ready, while Sora, TK and Matt went over maps and back up plans. Not to long after the PA message Tai came into the room. He walked over to Sora.
"What's going on?" He asked as he wrapped his arms around Sora's waist and pulled her close. She however pulled away.
"Tai.. Please… they found out about our attack, so we need to move up the departure time."
Tai seemed a little hurt, but understood that Sora didn't need the extra distraction right now.
"Alright everyone is clear then?" She asked. Everyone nodded. "OK! Now let's make our way to the armory and stock up." TK and Tai followed in silence as Sora walked quickly to the room where the rebels held their illegal weaponry. Tai looked wide-eyed on the enormous stockpile of weapons. Sora walked to a locked closet and took out a key from her pocket. She opened the closet that contained several sniper rifles. She swung one with a shoulder strap over her shoulder, and took two more before grabbing a bag of ammunition. She handed one rifle to Tai. TK pulled out several regular guns off shelves. Sora then gathered an array of various other artillery. Not to long after they met up with the rest of their squad in the transport hanger.
"What happened to our leave?" Davis whined.
"It got cut short." Sora said. "Now let's stop whining and prep for the mission. Is everything ready to go Izzy?"
The red head nodded. "We're set in twenty minutes. Lights out for the base."
"For how long?" Tai questioned.
"I don't know- they probably will be expecting our virus, since they already know our plans…." Izzy said nervously. "There's nothing I can do- this isn't just another base, it's the main headquarters… the emperor is there- and he's definitely going to be guarded heavily."
"But…" Tai began to complain- but Sora stopped him.
"It'll be enough time- give us as long as possible… TK- I've decided to change plans a bit… you aren't coming in!"
"W-What?" TK questioned.
"No offense- but you'll just slow me down- besides." She put her hand on the boy's shoulder. "I don't want you to get hurt."
"Sora…" TK started. "I understand."
"Alright- let's move out team." With that her team pilled into the transports.
There was silence all the way to the drop site, near the base.
Tai and Sora began their trek towards the compound. And soon they were with in sight of the humongous building.
"Izzy should have the computers off line in a few minutes.": She whispered as she and Tai hid in the brush near the wall.
"Sor…" Tai whispered as he took her hands. "I love you."
"I love you too Tai."
"Then don't come in- let me handle this mission. I can pull it off… I…I… can't stand to see you hurt again… please." Sora took a hand out of his and stroked his cheek.
"Taichi… I can't just sit back and let others fight for me… I have to; no I want to do this! We'll do this together." She kissed Tai. The kiss was cut short, however, when empire soliders surrounded them- guns drawn.
"Freeze!"
Soon both Tai and Sora found themselves chained to a cell wall.
"This seems vaguely familiar." Sora chuckled. "I don't think I've ever been caught so much in my whole life…"
"Well we did get inside." Tai replied.
"Ya- but we're kinda in a sticky situation right now." Sora tried to wriggle her wrists free. "I wish I knew who the snitch was…" She sighed, breaking free was useless. "When we get out of this, he's going to get it! But first the emperor is going to go down, we finish this mission at all costs!"
"Now, now, is that anyway to talk about your host? You won't be finishing any mission now or ever again." A menacing voice cackled as a tall man walked into the room. His face was hidden in shadow, until he stepped into the dim light. He had black hair and wore sunglasses.
"So you are the enemy?" He said staring over at Sora, and then over to Tai. "Ah.. Kamiya, is it? So good to see you" Tai just glared at the man, he recognized al to well. "Don't you know who I am? Have you forgotten everything the empire has taught you already?"
"Of course, I know who you are- Ken Ichigoge, the corrupt emperor. You're the reason for all the poverty and destruction on this world." Tai growled.
"Oh good you do remember me- although I see things have changed a bit. You are no longer my brightest up and coming general- what changed you?" Tai remained silent for a time.
"I guess I smartened up and realized you really were an evil…"
"Or might it have something to do with this alluring creature?" Ken interrupted, as his attention returned to Sora. He grabbed her chin and pulled her face up so he could take a better look at her. He moved his hand and began to caress her soft skin. Tai tensed up and was filled with rage once more.
"Leave her alone!" Tai yelled.
"Temper, temper." Ken laughed. He enjoyed playing with his prisoners. "So you want to destroy my beautiful empire?" He asked Sora.
"Damn right!" She hissed as she jerked her head from his hands.
"Vicious. I like that in a woman… and a prisoner. So you were able to turn two of the most loyal officers against me? How irritating."
"No matter what you do to us- the rebellion will continue until you are nothing!" Sora said with malious in her voice.
"So you think- not after what we have in store for you- we'll show those rebels of yours what happens to those you oppose us." Ken laughed evilly.
"NO! I will not let you hurt her!" Tai snarled as he struggled with all his might.
"You are in no position to order me around." Ken said as he punched Tai in the stomach. Tai recoiled in pain. Sora did her best to hide the pain she felt as Tai gasped for air.
"He's innocent you know." Sora stated coldly. "I seduced him and his friend into helping me-," She continued. Tai was silent- he couldn't speak after that blow, but eh couldn't believe what she was saying. "That's right! I held them both by gunpoint and forced this one to lead me to you! After he got me I here- I would have killed him too."
"W-what? Sora?" Tai gasped.
"Really?" Ken said with some skepticism. "It's obviously clear he's in love with you… are you sure that's the way it is?"
"NO!" Tai screamed. "Sora!" It now donned on him that she was trying to save his life…
"How could I love an imperial officer? They all deserve the same fate."
Suddenly ken began to beat on Tai. Sora couldn't take it anymore- the sight of Tai being beaten mercilessly. She creamed out his name. "Taichi."
"Nice try with the pathetic attempt to save his life… even if I would have bought it, he'd still have to die. Very noble of you, but useless in the end. So who will out live the other? Such a hard question to answer."
Sora was burning with frenzy now at the thought of losing Tai… she began to violently pull at the chains that bound her to the wall.
"The rebellion is going to get you- sooner or later- even w/o me there. And I hope they torture you before you are sent to burn in hell!!!!" She spat at ken.
"I see we have out first volunteer." Ken laughed. He motioned for the guards to unchain her. Once freed she tried to break free of their grip. "I suppose you'll want a last request?"
"NO! SORA! PLEASE!!" Tai was about to break down.
Sora defiantly straightened her hair and covered her mouth as she coughed into her hand. Before they were about to tie her hands behind her back, she ran to Tai. She took his head in her hands and kissed him. He saw no fear in her fiery orbs. Suddenly he felt Sora's tongue slip a small piece of metal into his mouth. She ended the kiss as she was pulled back and subdued.
"I'll walk to my death if you don't mind." She said as she looked back to Tai. "We'll see each other again.. I promise."
"Maybe in the next life." Ken replied.
Sora was escorted to the door. Before exiting she turned once again and mouthed a tender 'I love you' towards the weeping Tai.
"Don't cry for to long- you'll be joining in her fate soon enough. Oh- and watch the monitor, you'll see the execution along with the entire empire!" With that ken left. Tai was now alone. He now remembered the piece of metal Sora had managed to slip him; he went to work on his chains. He tired desperately to pick the locks of the chains that held him. It was a slow process, but he had to keep trying… for Sora…
"So what do you want to do today?" Tai asked her. As he put his hand around her to help support her as she walked.
"I don't know, I suppose just relaxing would be nice." She smiled at Tai. She walked, with Tai, to her room. It was a little room connecting to the barracks. It was small, almost like a closet. In side it had enough room for one person. Sora had it decorated the best she could. It had a variety of plants on shelves and there was even a small window looking out on a forested area. It was a quaint little place. Tai sat on the bed, while She went to the window and stared out at the beautiful scene. The bright sun was high in the sky.
"Do you want to go outside and have a picnic?" He asked. She turned and smiled.
"That would be wonderful." She sighed.
Tai watched as Sora walked to a small chest that lie near the foot of her small bed. She rummaged through the objects till she pulled out several articles of clothing. She handed Tai a pair of pants and a normal looking shirt.
"You won't want to go out dressed like a rebel member- if anyone saw you, the empire would be here in seconds." Tai nodded and too the cloths. Sora stood up and held up a simple sundress. She pressed the wrinkles out of the cloth with her hands. She motioned for Tai to turn around so she could change. "No peeking now." She smiled innocently. Tai gave her a devilish smirk.
"I don't know if I can promise that." He said as he walked up to her and passionately kissed her. He began to unbutton her shirt slowly.
"What happened to the picnic?" Sra giggled as Tai ran down her neck w/ affectionate kisses.
"Picnic? I don't remember any picnic." He said smoothly as he succeeded in taking off her shirt- watching so he didn't snag it on any of her stitches. As he got her shirt off he noticed the severity of her injuries. She had black and blue marks covering most of her creamy skin. He gently ran his fingers across the bruised flesh. With sorrowful eyes he looked at her. She smiled back at him and drew him close.
"Sora- are you sure you're up to this.." Tai whispered into her ear as he nibbled her earlobe.
"I'm fine." She replied. "I've been in worse shape and still pulled off a mission."
"Who says I was talking about the mission?" Tai winked as he ran his hands behind her back.
"Well who says I was going to let you get that far?" Sora breathed out seductively.
"Hum…" He moaned out as his hands continued to explore her body, as his lips ravished her neck with kisses.
She giggles lightly as she felt his loving touch pick her up and set her gently on her bed. She went to work on removing his clothing and soon they were engulfed in the most passion of both their lives. Soon they both all but collapsed on to each other as they panted. They had exhausted themselves with the endless intimacy. They now snuggled close- basking in each other's warmth that radiated from their sweaty bodies. Tai was just about to start another round of rocking together when the door to Sora's room burst open.
"Hey Sora, I need you to look…at this." Izzy said. But soon he saw the naked frames of Tai and Sora, and was silenced.
"Izzy!" Sora exclaimed as she pulled Tai closer to cover her nudity.
"Sorry- oh geez…" Izzy said embarrassed as he quickly scrambled out of the room and closed the door.
Tai and Sora laid in utter silence for a while, before both began to blush a bright red.
Sora drew Tai into another loving kiss and rolled out from underneath him.
"Do you have to go?" Tai asked. He was a little mad; he and Sora had only begun to share themselves and now she had to leave.
"Tai… I love you. But I have a job to do- and that takes precident over my personal life." She said sadly as she looked into his hurt eyes. She was now half dressed, as she sat back down near him. "Once the empire is gone- we'll have all eternity to be together…" She smiled as he held him and stroked his bareback.
"Is Sora coming? She was in her room, right?" TK asked Izzy as the red head entered the command center.
"Um…" Izzy said, still a little pale. TK, Matt and Joe waited foe an answer from the boy.
"She.. She… was a …a little busy at the moment…" Izzy blushed, not knowing what to say.
Before anyone could say anymore on the subject, Sora walked into the room.
"Sora?" Izzy stammered. "I…I…"
"What's up?" She said as if nothing had ever happened. Izzy calmed down and returned to the task at hand.
"They found out what we were planning."
"What? The empire knows we are going to attack… but how?"
"They know we are attacking in five hours… but not how or from where…"
"If we move now… can we still pull it off?" TK asked, as Sora stood and thought.
It's twice as risky…" Joe said.
"We have no choice." Sora sighed. "We leave in an hour. Get your stuff ready." She commanded. "Izzy get to work on those computers, Matt- can you be ready in a few minutes?"
"If you can do this, then so can I." He said. Sora nodded.
"Alright." She walked over to the computer desk and hit the PA system to address the station.
"All hands- there will be a slight change in plans- we leave in one hour! Instead of four hours, you have 30 minutes to get your gear and be in your specified hangers. Good Luck!"
She turned back to the group of onlookers. "Well- let's go." She said with a grin.
Everyone set to work - Izzy on the computers, Joe left to get the medics ready, while Sora, TK and Matt went over maps and back up plans. Not to long after the PA message Tai came into the room. He walked over to Sora.
"What's going on?" He asked as he wrapped his arms around Sora's waist and pulled her close. She however pulled away.
"Tai.. Please… they found out about our attack, so we need to move up the departure time."
Tai seemed a little hurt, but understood that Sora didn't need the extra distraction right now.
"Alright everyone is clear then?" She asked. Everyone nodded. "OK! Now let's make our way to the armory and stock up." TK and Tai followed in silence as Sora walked quickly to the room where the rebels held their illegal weaponry. Tai looked wide-eyed on the enormous stockpile of weapons. Sora walked to a locked closet and took out a key from her pocket. She opened the closet that contained several sniper rifles. She swung one with a shoulder strap over her shoulder, and took two more before grabbing a bag of ammunition. She handed one rifle to Tai. TK pulled out several regular guns off shelves. Sora then gathered an array of various other artillery. Not to long after they met up with the rest of their squad in the transport hanger.
"What happened to our leave?" Davis whined.
"It got cut short." Sora said. "Now let's stop whining and prep for the mission. Is everything ready to go Izzy?"
The red head nodded. "We're set in twenty minutes. Lights out for the base."
"For how long?" Tai questioned.
"I don't know- they probably will be expecting our virus, since they already know our plans…." Izzy said nervously. "There's nothing I can do- this isn't just another base, it's the main headquarters… the emperor is there- and he's definitely going to be guarded heavily."
"But…" Tai began to complain- but Sora stopped him.
"It'll be enough time- give us as long as possible… TK- I've decided to change plans a bit… you aren't coming in!"
"W-What?" TK questioned.
"No offense- but you'll just slow me down- besides." She put her hand on the boy's shoulder. "I don't want you to get hurt."
"Sora…" TK started. "I understand."
"Alright- let's move out team." With that her team pilled into the transports.
There was silence all the way to the drop site, near the base.
Tai and Sora began their trek towards the compound. And soon they were with in sight of the humongous building.
"Izzy should have the computers off line in a few minutes.": She whispered as she and Tai hid in the brush near the wall.
"Sor…" Tai whispered as he took her hands. "I love you."
"I love you too Tai."
"Then don't come in- let me handle this mission. I can pull it off… I…I… can't stand to see you hurt again… please." Sora took a hand out of his and stroked his cheek.
"Taichi… I can't just sit back and let others fight for me… I have to; no I want to do this! We'll do this together." She kissed Tai. The kiss was cut short, however, when empire soliders surrounded them- guns drawn.
"Freeze!"
Soon both Tai and Sora found themselves chained to a cell wall.
"This seems vaguely familiar." Sora chuckled. "I don't think I've ever been caught so much in my whole life…"
"Well we did get inside." Tai replied.
"Ya- but we're kinda in a sticky situation right now." Sora tried to wriggle her wrists free. "I wish I knew who the snitch was…" She sighed, breaking free was useless. "When we get out of this, he's going to get it! But first the emperor is going to go down, we finish this mission at all costs!"
"Now, now, is that anyway to talk about your host? You won't be finishing any mission now or ever again." A menacing voice cackled as a tall man walked into the room. His face was hidden in shadow, until he stepped into the dim light. He had black hair and wore sunglasses.
"So you are the enemy?" He said staring over at Sora, and then over to Tai. "Ah.. Kamiya, is it? So good to see you" Tai just glared at the man, he recognized al to well. "Don't you know who I am? Have you forgotten everything the empire has taught you already?"
"Of course, I know who you are- Ken Ichigoge, the corrupt emperor. You're the reason for all the poverty and destruction on this world." Tai growled.
"Oh good you do remember me- although I see things have changed a bit. You are no longer my brightest up and coming general- what changed you?" Tai remained silent for a time.
"I guess I smartened up and realized you really were an evil…"
"Or might it have something to do with this alluring creature?" Ken interrupted, as his attention returned to Sora. He grabbed her chin and pulled her face up so he could take a better look at her. He moved his hand and began to caress her soft skin. Tai tensed up and was filled with rage once more.
"Leave her alone!" Tai yelled.
"Temper, temper." Ken laughed. He enjoyed playing with his prisoners. "So you want to destroy my beautiful empire?" He asked Sora.
"Damn right!" She hissed as she jerked her head from his hands.
"Vicious. I like that in a woman… and a prisoner. So you were able to turn two of the most loyal officers against me? How irritating."
"No matter what you do to us- the rebellion will continue until you are nothing!" Sora said with malious in her voice.
"So you think- not after what we have in store for you- we'll show those rebels of yours what happens to those you oppose us." Ken laughed evilly.
"NO! I will not let you hurt her!" Tai snarled as he struggled with all his might.
"You are in no position to order me around." Ken said as he punched Tai in the stomach. Tai recoiled in pain. Sora did her best to hide the pain she felt as Tai gasped for air.
"He's innocent you know." Sora stated coldly. "I seduced him and his friend into helping me-," She continued. Tai was silent- he couldn't speak after that blow, but eh couldn't believe what she was saying. "That's right! I held them both by gunpoint and forced this one to lead me to you! After he got me I here- I would have killed him too."
"W-what? Sora?" Tai gasped.
"Really?" Ken said with some skepticism. "It's obviously clear he's in love with you… are you sure that's the way it is?"
"NO!" Tai screamed. "Sora!" It now donned on him that she was trying to save his life…
"How could I love an imperial officer? They all deserve the same fate."
Suddenly ken began to beat on Tai. Sora couldn't take it anymore- the sight of Tai being beaten mercilessly. She creamed out his name. "Taichi."
"Nice try with the pathetic attempt to save his life… even if I would have bought it, he'd still have to die. Very noble of you, but useless in the end. So who will out live the other? Such a hard question to answer."
Sora was burning with frenzy now at the thought of losing Tai… she began to violently pull at the chains that bound her to the wall.
"The rebellion is going to get you- sooner or later- even w/o me there. And I hope they torture you before you are sent to burn in hell!!!!" She spat at ken.
"I see we have out first volunteer." Ken laughed. He motioned for the guards to unchain her. Once freed she tried to break free of their grip. "I suppose you'll want a last request?"
"NO! SORA! PLEASE!!" Tai was about to break down.
Sora defiantly straightened her hair and covered her mouth as she coughed into her hand. Before they were about to tie her hands behind her back, she ran to Tai. She took his head in her hands and kissed him. He saw no fear in her fiery orbs. Suddenly he felt Sora's tongue slip a small piece of metal into his mouth. She ended the kiss as she was pulled back and subdued.
"I'll walk to my death if you don't mind." She said as she looked back to Tai. "We'll see each other again.. I promise."
"Maybe in the next life." Ken replied.
Sora was escorted to the door. Before exiting she turned once again and mouthed a tender 'I love you' towards the weeping Tai.
"Don't cry for to long- you'll be joining in her fate soon enough. Oh- and watch the monitor, you'll see the execution along with the entire empire!" With that ken left. Tai was now alone. He now remembered the piece of metal Sora had managed to slip him; he went to work on his chains. He tired desperately to pick the locks of the chains that held him. It was a slow process, but he had to keep trying… for Sora…
