me: 'ELLO 'ELLO!! Wow, sorry for the extremely LOOOONG wait guys! I know I know, I'm a terrible person that should be set on fire, I've given myself the guilt trip already, haha. But this semester has been extremely hectic since the school district messed up my ENTIRE schedule (rolls eyes) So yea... getting used to it has been a pain.
BUT!! like the last chapter, I have so many awseome ideas that I want to put into this story that the chapters will probably continue being long, YAY FOR YOU!! haha.
Anywayz! GUESS WHAT!! Since today's my 16th b-day!! (I know, I'm street legal, is that scary or what) This chapter is a birthday present from me to you!!... on MY b-day!! ...strange... haha.
And it's got all the stuff you've been anxiously awaiting!! ... well... most of it anyway, haha. And the ending's gonna be a shocker!! YAY!!
My Quote of the month!!:
"I realize I live in a fantasy world... but I've also come to the realization that not everyone lives there with me." -- Me.
ALL OF MY ABSOLUTELY AMAZING REVIEWERS!! (you all get a free toaster!! WITH the toast!! how special do you feel now?)
Crazy with Happiness:
lil-lilac86:
l'ange-de-fue
BandGeek99:
AngelSachiya:
bw1080: (in wise guru voice) I AM honored, oh thank you amazing reviewer bw1080. (bows) WHOOHOO!! Sry, I've been wanting to do that to someone FOREVER!! haha. YAY NINJAS!! anywayz, all of your guesses have the potential to be correct, I won't say you're wrong... but are you right?? Muwahahaha!! The world may never know!! ...until a later chapter!!
M M Forever
nomigid: I will never stop. So don't die. haha
Dragonfire411
kragin: Thank you, thank you, thank you very much! (claps)
Super garurumon: (squeals) I found a YaYing Buddy!! YAY!!
I think I responded to everyone... if not then you have permission to throw this fuzzy yellow phone at me in your reviews. (waves fuzzy yellow phone) YAY RANDOMNESS!! Doesn't THIS make you want to review more! I know if I got to throw a fuzzy yellow phone at someone I'd totally review!! haha.
Well, ENJOY!! (gets hit in head in fuzzy yellow phone) DAVIS!! YOU'RE NOT A REVIEWER!! YOU DON'T COUNT!!
TTTTTTTTTTT
last time: Hey everyone! Mimi here! Well, the King has gone a little out of his mind since we crashed his ball, he's started these horrible curfews and ordered his elite Black Squadron to hunt us down. Ken has decided to team up with the Black Squadron's head Myotis and Commander Pied to form a plan to caputre Taichi, but, knowing those two it shouldn't be too much of a threat, haha. Taichi is another story ... he's not recovering and it's beginning to worry us. He keeps complaining that the Coventry is like a prison, but it's for his own good and he needs to understand that! Which is exactly why Yamato and I have decided to not inform him about Sora staying with us or anything else that's happening outside. He'll just want to go and fix everything... and with his injuries it might cost him his life. But I have told Sora everything I feel obligated to tell her, but now Jeri's stumbled upon some troubling news and Henry has this new obsession to find out something Myotis had in writing. Man, can our lives get any MORE hectic?
TTTTTTTTTTT
A gentleman of noble standards whistled a happy tune as he walked down the tidy streets of the First District. Here and there a cart of fresh fruit or other vendors of expensive luxuries like flowers and chocolate were being sold. It was a lovely morning, although some clouds in the distance gave the ominous warning that a storm was approaching.
The gentleman paused at a street vendor and gazed at all the fine jewels and fabrics being sold. His daughter's birthday was rapidly approaching and he still hadn't found just the right thing to buy her yet. Smiling, he decided to take a gander at all the splendid things; silken purses and pouches, fine silver and gold bracelets, a ring or two with large rubies in the center, and many other valuables that made his hand instinctively reach for his wallet.
"Do you see anything that pikes your interest sir?"
The man shook himself out of his pensive thoughts to smile at the owner of the cart, "Yes, actually, but I'm not sure which one my daughter would like the best. Would you have any suggestions?"
The street vendor tapped his chin as he, too, swerved his eyes over his merchandise. "Hmm... a young lady sir? I'd have to implore you to buy something simple."
"Simple?"
"Oh yes sir, take it from a man who has three daughters of his own. A young lady of fine upbringing usually prefers something simple, but eye catching, and somewhat expensive, but from the heart. Like... ah! This for example!" He pointed to a golden heart-shaped locket hanging from top of the cart's window.
The gentleman eyed the piece of jewelry before a smile lit up on his face, "I think she'll love it. I'll take it."
The vendor smiled happily, "So glad to be of assistance, sir. That'll be --"
"YEA!! Take 'em to the gallows! Let the bastards hang!"
"BURN THEM ALIVE!!"
"Judgment awaits these damned souls!"
Both seller and customer arched their necks to see a mob of furious people marching towards the Ichijouji castle, dragging a young man and woman behind them while shouting obscenities at them.
A young man who had been following the mob stopped where the vendor and customer stood, his brows furrowed, "What is the cause of this insanity?"
The gentleman shook his head at the sight and pulled out a scroll from within his jacket, "I'm afraid another pair of innocent civilians are being taken to their deaths." He unrolled the parchment and revealed a large wanted poster.
"May I?" The young man asked, holding his hand out.
The gentleman shrugged and placed the scroll in his hand upon which the youth began scanning it with intense brown eyes. With each word written his eyes grew darker until they were almost black.
"It's a shame that our society has come to this," the vendor shook his head, "the Prince of Thieves isn't one that will just walk around in public! What makes those fools think they've caught someone whose unattainable?"
"I'm in complete agreement my friend," the gentleman stated, "the prince would have to be barking mad to be walking around in broad daylight with the whole city after his head. But I also hear he got pretty banged up after the palace ball fiasco."
The vendor smiled, "Ah yes I heard about that. I must admit, though, I have to admire the Prince; he doesn't put up with any crap from anyone, not even Prince Ichijouji. He's got courage, I'll give him that."
The young man had been listening to their conversation with a small smile on his face, although his eyes never left the paper. "I'm sorry to interrupt gentlemen, but would it be alright it I kept this?"
The man whose poster it was shrugged, "I don't see why not. Are you a fan of the young woman whose face is drawn? Lady Takenouchi? My, my, the Prince has fine taste; kidnapping such a jewel amongst jewels. Although I bet his Highness wasn't too thrilled about his bride being taken from him," he chuckled.
The young man smiled, "No I suppose he wouldn't, but is it certain the prince is behind it?"
"Not entirely, no," the vendor replied, "there isn't any concrete evidence proclaiming he did it. But we all know he did," he grinned, "what sensible single man wouldn't jump at an opportunity like that, especially since I hear the princess wasn't happy about her engagement. I heard she threw a fit."
The youth with brown eyes nodded, "I can't blame her." He placed the poster within the confines of his cloak before nodding to the two, "It's been a pleasure gentlemen, but I must take my leave." He calmly turned towards an alley and, as if by magic, vanished before the others' eyes.
The gentleman turned back to the vendor, "Now where were we? Ah yes! How much was that locket again?"
"Twenty five gold coins, sir."
As the customer reached for his pouch of money an Ichijouji soldier came up to them, "Can we assist you officer?"
The soldier said not a word but handed each of them a flyer with the face of a young man with brown eyes. Beneath the picture was written ALERT AUTHORITIES IF SPOTTED. While at the top was written EYE WITTNESS DISCRIPTION OF THE PRINCE OF THIEVES.
The customer and vendor stared at the picture before turning to one another, small smiles on their faces, "Well," the vendor said chuckling, "I guess he is barking mad."
TTTTTTTTTT
Brilliant Sora. Absolutely brilliant.
Sora was tempted to lightly beat her forehead against the cool, damp grass she was currently staring at. If body heat could set flammable substances on fire she was certain her cheeks would have the entire courtyard aflame.
She hated the stereotype of noble women; beautiful, poised, gentle, and above all graceful. If there was one thing Sora Takenouchi was not capable of it was grace in heels. Who the hell was, really? Even Mimi struggled at times, although she would always blame it on a crack in the tile or some other ridiculous excuse. Lack of grace was just another point to add to the "why-Sora-believes-to-be-adopted" list she kept track of in her mind.
"I am never wearing heels again." she murmured as she pushed herself off the ground.
"Thank god! Then you'll be able to save us all some misery."
Sora narrowed her eyes, bracing herself for what was sure to be an awkward and embarrassing moment. She turned to face the poor guy she-- no, no, no, fell on just reminded her of her predicament... she turned to face the poor victim of her misfortune.
"I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention to where I was going." She laughed nervously but her laughter came to a halt when she saw the person whose legs she was currently laying across.
He was definitely one of the more handsome men she'd ever laid eyes on... which meant he had to be with the thieves. Yes, it was painfully obvious -- just from the few of them that she'd encountered during her short stay -- that they were some of the most eye-catching people in Ichijouji. She was certain it had to be mandatory, like it was in some sort of contract they signed: "Must Be Sexy In Order to Join." She took into account all the thieves she'd met so far and noted that they all fit these credentials; Mimi and Hikari were gorgeous in both physical and mental definitions of the word, Yamato was almost god-like with his grey blue eyes and halo of golden hair, Daisuke was definitely easy on the eyes with his bright smile and mahogany colored hair, and now this guy -- with his short glossy blue locks and abyss-like eyes -- was added onto the archive.
Sora was brought out of her stupor when he took her hands and they rose off the ground together, "We'll need to find you some proper shoes before the day is over." He smiled and Sora found his smile contagious, although her cheeks were still stained bright red from her clumsiness.
"Oh! Sora this is Henry," Hikari had jumped to her feet as well, a warm smile on her face.
"Hikari my darling!" He exclaimed, taking her hand and kissing the back of it, "You're looking ravishing, as always," his sentence was finished with a suggestive wink that left Hikari rolling her eyes.
"Henry's an actor," she clarified, seeing Sora's confusion.
"Which means he's arrogant, flashy, and a complete jerk."
"You wound me Daisuke! Although it's your own damn fault you can't compare to the charm and mastery I have over women."
Hikari smirked, "And conceited. You forgot that one Davis."
Henry glared at her for a moment before moving to stand beside Sora, "Sora I must say what a privilege it is to finally meet you, but the rumors of your beauty don't do you justice. I was foolishly expecting a lovely rose, not this divine, rare, exotic --"
"Give it a rest Henry," Hikari giggled, "you've probably scared her, she doesn't know what to say!"
He grinned, "Only say that you'll join me for dinner to--" His invitation was cut off as Hikari jabbed her elbow into his side, snickering, "you know, you are the most hopeless person I've ever met."
He sighed dramatically, "Alas, the heart wants what it can't have." He shrugged apologetically in Sora's direction, "But I'm afraid it wouldn't have worked out anyway, my heart already belongs to the goddess Mai."
Hikari smirked, "And what is she the goddess of?"
His smile vanished as he closed his eyes and squeezed the bridge of his nose, "Loquacious obscenities."
"Only around you Henry, but who would've guessed!" Hikari giggled, "With the way you fawn over her I'm surprised she hasn't called one of the guards to file a restraining order against you."
He grinned coyly, "She'll come around...eventually."
"Inform me when that momentous day occurs," Daisuke smirked.
"I'll do you one better, you'll provide us with a toast at the wedding where you will promptly eat your words."
Daisuke rolled his eyes, "I'll be sure to request a ticket for the train of reality under your name when I visit Mrs. Mokobon later today."
Sora had been watching the exchange of insults and smart remarks with a sense of uncertainty. She still couldn't be sure of her place amongst the thieves. Was she a friend...or a prisoner? Technically she had been taken against her will, but she knew she would have received a severe punishment (likely equivalent to the death penalty) if she remained at the castle. So here was the question presented before her; Had she been saved? If not, then what were they planning to do with her? If she had been saved, then what were they going to expect in return?
Sora wasn't completely shrouded to the world outside of her plush home in Takenouchi. She knew the general idea of the way people thought, and in this instance she could understand that if something was done for someone then that someone would be required to do something in return. It was the way of the world; you save me I owe you a life debt. Her dilemma was centered around what that could mean...
Hikari, Daisuke, and Yamato seemed friendly enough, she didn't have too many worries about them... but the other thieves... the prince himself... they could be trouble.
"So Henry," Hikari's voice broke through Sora's train of thought, "what were you doing out here?"
"Waiting for the two -- or should I say three -- of you actually." He paused, trying to decide the best way to approach the subject. "I suppose you could call me a messenger of sorts... I was asked to give you a message from your brother."
Hikari's eyes widened, "You've seen him!?" She stepped up to Henry with the fierceness of a tigress, "Where is he?"
Henry did not move from his spot despite the intimidating figure standing before him, "He would not say. All he said was --"
"And you let him go!" Hikari was practically radiating with fury, "Henry did Jyou not inform you of my brother's physical state!! He could get hurt! Or be recognized! He can't afford another serious injury or he'll -- he'll --" her eyes began to produce moisture despite her feeble attempts to control herself.
Sora watched the younger girl for a moment before placing a hand on her shoulder and squeezing it gently. "Hikari... I'm sure he'll be okay." To the noble's astonishment the brunette spun around and embraced her in a tight hug. Sora blinked in confusion and turned her frantic eyes towards the two males standing a few feet away, begging for some sort of instruction on how to handle this matter.
Daisuke smiled broadly and motioned with his hands to hug her back and Sora hesitantly copied his actions.
"He wasn't getting any better staying cooped up in his room."
Daisuke's smile vanished as he turned towards the spymaster, his hands inched towards his belt where he kept his daggers, "No one asked your opinion Henry."
Henry's stoic gaze turned towards him, "If I recall correctly Daisuke, you should have no say in the matter. Taichi was able to leave during your watch, no?" Henry walked over to where the girls still stood and gently took Hikari's shoulder and turned her to face him. "Kari...I ran into him this morning -- here, to be more precise -- and I could tell he was suffering. You and Mimi and Yamato are keeping him in the dark about everything and --"
"It's for his own --"
"Good. Yes, yes, I've heard it all already." Henry rolled his eyes, "But let's put yourself in his place for a moment. The last thing you remember is being at the castle and then waking up in this place with injuries you can't remember receiving. And then when you ask what the hell has been happening you're met with vague answers that leave you more confused than ever. And to top it all off you're not allowed to leave your room! I don't know about you Kar, but I would be driven to the point of insanity by now."
Throughout Henry's explanation Hikari's eyes lost their puffy, swollen look as his reasoning began to breach through her overprotective little sister barrier that was built within her mind. She had to admit she would have done the same thing if she were in his place...
"I'm still going to unleash all my fury towards him when he gets back," she stated, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "He's had me worried sick all day."
A huge tension lifted from the air and the group of four took a deep breath of the cleared air.
"Now!" Henry announced on a much lighter note, "How about some breakfast!"
"Thank god." Sora whispered as she placed a hand over her growling stomach. "I thought you'd never ask."
TTTTTTTTTT
Prior to his stay with the Thieves, J.P. had never been one to obsess over his looks.
He stared into one of the vanity mirrors, shuffling his hand through his hair and closely examining the side of his chin where he was still anxiously awaiting the first signs of a stubble.
A good day for people like Junpei -- a child shipped off to a labor camp after his town was conquered by the Ichijouji army -- included finding even the smallest morsel of food cramped into the spaces between the bricks in his cell, discovering a spare patch of clothing from a deceased comrade that could be sewn onto the rags he considered clothing, and getting a small amount of water -- much too small to use for bathing and hygiene.
He turned to the side, eyeing his new blue vest that covered the simple white shirt he wore. The vest was the most expensive thing he had ever owned; a cotton material with small brass buttons carefully crafted into the hem where the two sides could connect. Black breeches that were a bit too big for him billowed around his ankles where new, pressed socks were hugging the lower half of his shins.
Smiling at his reflection and turning this way and that, J.P came to a simple conclusion; he had to be one of the sharpest looking people in the whole damn kingdom.
"J.P. are you still in there?"
Junpei's eyes lit up at the sound of the familiar voice, "Yes I am Zoe." Yep, I'm sure she's been waiting all this time to see how I clean up. he winked at his reflection as this thought crossed his mind.
"Well will you hurry up." Another voice this time, but still obviously female.
"Of course sweetheart." Haha! J.P. you've already got them lining up outside your door! Straightening his vest one more time, he reached for the handle and threw it open, expecting to see the awe-inspired faces of the female population! ...but to his shock that wasn't exactly the welcome he was greeted with...
Smack!
"Hey!" Junpei's hand instinctively flew to his cheek where a burning hand print now glowed fiery red against his pale skin. "What they hell was that for?"
Rika stood before him, hands clenched in fury, "Call me sweetheart again and I can assure you your face will be the least of your worries." She shoved passed him and slammed the door behind her, leaving J.P staring with a chagrined expression at the closed door.
"Sorry J.P, but I'm afraid it looks like you've made the list."
Junpei shook himself out of his flabbergasted state and turned towards the angelic beauty who stood with her arms crossed over her chest, a jocose smile plastered on her pretty mouth. After getting over his lucid embarrassment J.P shuffled his feet out of bashfulness, "What list?"
Zoe grinned at his obliviousness, "The list of unfortunates that have made Rika's bad side." She smirked, "I'm afraid not many have lasted long in this place after making her angry." She chuckled as she watched Junpei's expression become slightly uneasy. "But don't worry, hopefully you'll be out of here before she gets the chance. We've lined up some possible job applications that we think will suit your... interesting talents." Zoe spared him a small smile before she spun on her heels and began navigating her way through the Thieves' den.
J.P, eyes glancing over his shoulder at the door, raced after her. "Hey Zoe! Wait for me!" Zoe's pace didn't falter, so it came as a mild surprise when her temporary house-mate caught up with her so quickly. "I was wondering if maybe you wanted to umm... I mean... maybe you and I could --" The duo had reached two large double doors before he finished his sentence, and although the thick wooden doors had to be about a foot thick the sounds of battle could still distinctly reach their ears.
Zoe spun around to face the edgy look that had suddenly found its way on J.P's formerly confident face, "Yes?"
With his extra height he didn't have to stretch his neck in order to peer around the blonde thief, but his actions -- eyes glancing back and forth between her face and the door, feet shuffling nervously, his hands slipping against each other as beads of sweat appeared on his palms -- were evidence enough to show Zoe that he was curious about the source of the commotion behind her, although he was terrified by the screams and cries of warfare.
"Uhhh... maybe you shouldn't go in there... it sounds dangerous."
Zoe grinned as she tossed her blonde hair over her shoulder, "Scared?"
Junpei immediately straightened and puffed out his chest just enough for Zoe to take notice. "Of course not!" he winked at her and bowed his head before continuing, "I just don't want a beautiful lady like yourself to be subjected to --" The door suddenly slammed shut.
Junpei, startled from his attempts at charm, began scanning the area frantically for signs of the girl... but she had disappeared!
Behind the doors the sounds of cheering and bloodcurdling screams became louder and more enthusiastic and the boy from the labor camps had several vivid images of what could be happening to the object of his affection behind those doors. He needed to charge in there and save her! He needed to do something! He couldn't let her be destroyed by the blood thirsty animals baying and snarling in the room before him.
"Are you just going to stand there gawking at the woodwork all day?" Junpei was suddenly thrusted aside from behind as the other girl -- Rika he believed she was called -- grabbed his shoulders and shoved him out of the way, mumbling an almost inaudible "dumb fat ass" as she threw the doors open and stormed inside.
With the door now open and Junpei no longer disoriented he received his first eye-full of what had been making those terrible noises.
"Come on Takuya!"
"Come on Koji! You're not going to let him get the best of you are ya!"
The room Junpei was currently gazing into was the most amazing he'd ever seen...; the ceilings were high and cheap paper lanterns with candles hung from them, supported by mix-matched beams of all sizes, thicknesses, and colors. The wall immediately to his right was host to a number of broken theatre seats -- some with stuffing probing through the cushions, some containing rips and tears at the seams, some with three legs instead of four -- on a large raised platform where a number of his new comrades were sitting, yelling obscenities and insults at the four on the floor before him. The four on the ground each carried numerous traditional weapons -- swords, shields, bows and arrows, daggers -- and were jabbing, slicing, and stabbing at their opponents, using everything around them to try to gain leverage over the other three. Their skills were incredible, but it wasn't the amazing feats being preformed by the four thieves that left Junpei gawking; it was what was being stored within the room.
Coins of all precious metals imaginable -- silver, copper, iron, steel, brass, gold -- were piled high against the walls from every country he could name. He recognized a few of the different kings and queens represented on each of the different shaped pieces of metal; the silver hexagon shaped pieces of currency were obviously from a region in France, copper pieces from the port cities in the south that had their trademark fish-god engraved into them, there were many that Junpei didn't recognize, but the most abundant were those belonging to the Ichijouji kingdom's currency -- gold, silver, and brass with the Ichijouji's crest on one side and a cursive "I" engraved into the other.
But the coins weren't even half of the luxuries his eyes were currently feasting upon; jewels like rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and sapphires were glowing against the dull sunlight of the mountains of coins, poking their heads against the metals like gleaming flowers of all types and colors, sizes and shapes.
Clothing embroidered with glittering sequence, sparkling gems, and patterns formed from gold and silver coated string that were fashioned from precious materials like silks were folded neatly in piles on expensive looking tables and hung in elgant wardrobes.
Works of art -- murals, paintings, tapestries, and statues -- were situated all over the place, and dishes, goblets, silverware and other table decorations were almost as high as the piles of currency.
But, much to the delight of Junpei, the most exquisite part of the room was the farthest corner where there were several cabinets filled with the most delectable, rare foods and wines known to existence. Cakes of all flavors with frosting morphed into designs ranging from flowers to people taunted him. Hard candies and lollipops shined in the lights, glossy and gleaming. The smell of chocolate reached his nostrils even from the distance he kept himself from it all. French bread and other fine cuisine also made their presence known by the delicious smells radiating around the room. Junpei felt faint.
He felt like his throat was constricting at the amount of wealth being presented to him.
These -- These -- kids had collected the greatest treasure trove on the planet's surface! And yet he had gotten arrested for taking a cake.
"Will you be needing a bucket Mr. J.P?"
Junpei was brought out of his greedy stupor when a small metal pail was shoved roughly into his chest by the eldest member of the Thieves present. J.P instantly recognized him as the red-headed thief he met on the carriage.
Choruses of, "Koushiro!" echoed around the room as all heads turned to watch the entrance of one of the original seven. Instantly the fighting on the ground ceased, weapons were sheathed, and Takato, Takuya, Koji, and Kouichi wiped their brows with cloths and towels.
"Hey Izzy!" Takuya greeted enthusiastically.
"How are Taichi and the others doing?" Koji asked, tying his signature black cloth around his head after adjusting his pony-tail.
Koushiro smiled weakly, "Yamato, Mimi, and Jyou are all fine but..." he rolled his eyes, "I'm afraid Taichi's gone missing."
All happy murmuring came to a halt at this revelation.
"He's missing!?" Takato repeated, eyes widening.
"Which definition of missing are you referring to Koushiro?" Iori asked, his eyes troubled. "Did he run away? Or do you guys suspect foul play?"
"It's still uncertain at the moment. He went missing last night while Daisuke was supposed to be watching the door... Hikari was furious when she found out. I've already informed Catherine and Michael to be on the look out for him, but we all know that if Taichi doesn't want to be found it's unlikely that he will be." He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Which is why we need the rest of you to help us. Tai is in no condition to be walking around, he'll kill himself if he's not careful."
"And you want us to help look for him." Miyako summed up.
"Precisely."
Takuya clasped his hands together and turned to his team, "Alright guys, we have a search and rescue mission on our hands. Koji and Kouichi, go down town and scour the streets, listen for anything that could lead us in the right direction. Zoe and I will accompany you and then take to the roofs."
Takato nodded in agreement, "Ryo and Rika, you two should check around the castle, but be sure not to get caught."
"No kidding." Rika rolled her eyes.
Takato gave a pleading look to Ryo who smiled reassuringly.
"Iori and Miyako will take to the borders of the town and move inward while I'll start from the center and weave outwards. Takato I need you to go with Takuya and Zoe to check the rooftops." Koushiro commanded.
"What about me?"
All eyes suddenly turned towards the outcast of the room and Koushiro bit the inside of his cheek to keep from saying something cynical, "You stay here. We've got enough people on patrol, plus you don't even know what Taichi looks like."
Junpei looked prepared to argue, but there was no need, the next moment the door behind them flew open and a blur of red came rushing into the room before colliding with Takato and knocking him to the ground from the force of the impact.
"JERI?!"
TTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Taichi was smiling broadly as he skillfully walked through the cramped streets of Ichijouji's Second District market place. Dodging groups of exultant people, hopping over drunken people laying in the streets, and sidestepping around anyone that gave him more than a casual glance was a training exercise all its own, and one that he enjoyed partaking in wholeheartedly.
It was so wonderful to be back on the streets, away from the cold confines of his temporary room back at the Coventry. He cared not that his life was in danger at the moment, paid no heed to his stiff, aching muscles and stinging cuts, the sun on his face and the wind in his hair was so relishing and wonderful that it blocked out all the unpleasantries of the previous night and everything leading up to it.
"Excuse me sir?"
Taichi's musing came to a halt at the feather light touch of someone tugging at the leg of his pants. He turned to face the smiling, blushing face of a little girl -- maybe six years old -- with short, unevenly cut brown hair and large blue eyes. He smiled and knelt down so he was eye-level with her. "Hello, how can I help you?"
She giggled, "I was wondering if you would buy a flower from me... please! I almost have enough to buy something to eat for my little brother."
Taichi glanced behind her and saw a small group of children ranging from four to about ten watching them with large, desperate eyes. He gave them a quick wave that left them all smiling and giggling, "Sure I'll buy one." The little girl clapped her hands excitedly and pulled a small, delicate pink rose from a basket on her arm.
"Thank you, thank you so much!" She gently placed it in his hand and he pulled a small pouch from the confines of his cloak and handed it to her. Her eyes widened when she felt the weight in her palm, "H - How much... They're not that expensive, sir."
Taichi grinned, "Take it. Now all of you can eat tonight."
The little girl looked conflicted for a moment, but closed her little hand around the pouch, a large smile on her face. She quickly gave him a brief hug and raced off to her friends, waving the small pouch excitedly and squealing.
Taichi spun the rose in his hand for a moment, watching the shocked reactions she was getting from the other children, who, consequently, kept glancing at him with admiration, before they scurried into the back allies. He silently stood up, his sides screaming in protest, his heart lighter than it had been all day.
It wasn't long ago that he and his friends were in their places, although, he noted smirking, these children were taking a more honorable approach to living on the streets than he and the thieves took.
He smiled as he stared at the rose, Hmm... I think I might know someone who would appreciate a flower today.
TTTTTTTTTTTTT
Ken narrowed his eyes as his eyes, once again, found their way up to where their glorious chandelier had hung not long ago. The empty space on the ceiling filled him with rage every time he chanced a glance at it, filling his desire further to find the Prince of Thieves.
He stared at the limp rope that once held something so valuable; in a sense, he was similar to that rope. He had once controlled the Prince of Thieves and all of his amazing swordsmanship, but, much like the rope that hung to chandelier, that control had been severed, and, just like the chandelier itself, Taichi had become deadly, almost succeeding in killing him.
Ken placed his elbows on his knees and rested his lips against his thumbs, a pensive expression combining with his glaring eyes. He had many plans. Many ideas. All of which could work against the thieves... but how many of these plots would work in his favor as well? This was the big issue he was faced with.
Taichi had become a symbol for rebellion, and if he captured him and put him to death the citizens would surely revolt. But he couldn't allow him to continue these heinous acts!
His only option involved what he told Myotis and Pied the last time the trio had met; turn the thieves' image into dastardly villians and turn the war against them. Pied had suggested to framing the thieves for an attack against the city... but would it be enough? Would the public's view of the thieves change drastically enough that they sided with their prince? Ken knew he was liked by the upper class people, and many commoners liked him more than his father, but how many would actually choose him above the charming antics of his villanous rival? Unless he paid people off, he really couldn't think of anyone below the First District that would help him -- and what good were those rich idiots in actual combat?
Yes, this was a sticky situation indeed. He had the military trumph card, but the resistance had the Prince of Thieves. He had the ruthless soldiers, but they had the numbers. He had the knowledge of all of the political bits of war, while Taichi had the leadership experience. He had cruelty and anger on his side, while they had courage and hope.
He was pretty much screwed if he didn't get the people to flip sides. But how?!
Ken's eyes swerved to the door as the sound of someone knocking echoed around the huge room. He hated being interrupted.
"What reckless moron has the balls to aprroach me while I'm planning."
The door slowly opened and a young Ichijouji soldier walked in. Ken watched him advance and couldn't help but narrow his eyes; this soldier had an obnoxious aura about him, and an annoying smirk upon his face. His soldiers never approached him like that, they were all too fearful of his power and influence... well... almost all of them.
He mentally groaned when he realized who it was. "Yutaka."
"Your Magisty," Yutaka inclined his head towards the prince, still smirking.
Ken leaned back in his throne, placing a hand over his eyes in aggrivation, "What are you doing here? Your next briefing is tomorrow, I don't have time for this foolishness."
"Yes, because staring at the ceiling takes so much of your precious time." Yutaka chuckled. Ken's eyes narrowed and Yutaka's smile slipped. Yutaka cleared his throat before addressing the prince in a much more formal manner, "My liege, I thought I should inform you that I have a meeting with the Prince of Thieves tonight."
Ken grinned maliciously, "So you know where they are?"
Yutaka nodded, "They're in hiding my lord. Apparently the Prince of Thieves was mortally wounded the last time you saw him."
"Good." Ken laughed. Yutaka winced at the sound of the Prince's laughter; there was no joy, there was no happiness... it was sinister. "So where are they?"
"The Coventry on the edge of the Second District."
Ken's eyes widened in excitement. "If I sent an attack squad they'd be trapped..."
"On the contrary, my lord, they'd probably be able to escape befoe you show up and then we wouldn't know where they were." Yutaka then removed some papers from his breastplate, "Which brings me to the other reason why I'm here your highness." He cautiously stepped towards the prince and presented him with the papers.
Ken sighed as he stared at the name neatly written on the paper, his eyes betraying his confusion, "Jeri Katou?" He looked up and glared at the spy who, in turn, rapidly set to explaining.
"She is working for the Prince of Thieves, my lord. A spy for the enemy."
Ken stared at the name, his temper rising each time he read it. "I want this bitch captured, I will send Myotis to apprehend this traitor." He ripped the papers in half and tossed them to either side of his like confetti. "You," he turned back to Yutaka, eyes glowing with hatred, "get as much information about the Thieves as you can, but that is not your main objective tonight." The Prince nimbly rose from his throne and walked towards the haughty Ichijouji soldier, "You're going to help me put my plan for Taichi's capture into action, or," he grinned sadistically, "I'll kill you."
TTTTTTTTTTTTT
Mrs. Matsuki was smiling.
Normally this wasn't such a momentous occasion that it required mentioning, the bubbly middle-aged woman was almost always happy, but the last week or so had been rough on her and a few wrinkles that had been absent from her face prior to that stressful week were beginning to show around her eyes.
She reached into her cabinet for a long glass vase and quickly filled it with water from a small basin she kept on the counter of her fine establishment.
She had been frantic with worry upon hearing about the fate that befell her children that night of the Prince's ball. Word had spread like wildfire that both the Prince of Thieves and Prince Ken were dead, laying broken and bleeding beneath a huge chandelier. On any other occasion she would've brushed off these ridiculous rumors since Taichi was pronounced dead whenever he pulled an insane stunt or refused to show his face for more than three days at a time, but something about this particular announcement caused all the partiers in the streets to sober up and crowd around for more details.
She carefully placed a single pink rose in the water, watching it bob in the water before plunging to the bottom of the vase.
The story was given by a man Mie was certain to have attended the extravagant ball (what with his garrulous bragging and all), and perhaps it was the massive amount of details placed into the tale that left Mie quivering, or maybe it was the fact that Prince Ken was included amongst those that were pronounced irrefutably deceased that made her feel faint, but whatever the reason Mie had gained at least five years worth of grey hair in that single night at the thought of her son and adopted children laying, unmoving, on the cold floors of Ichijouji palace -- a place she knew they spent the worst years of their life being held against their will.
She turned around to place the beautiful flower on the counter where she could admire its beauty all day.
She spent four days restless, without any information from any of the Thieves, but finally a ray of light appeared when Takato came to visit her. He explained everything and even allowed her to hug and sob over him and the others for about an hour, turning away customers to allow her to gather her wits about her again. It took a while, but she began to recover and by that sunny afternoon she was back to her chipper self.
"Thank you so much for the flower Taichi, it's lovely," she smiled.
"Sure thing Mrs. Matsuki," he smiled bashfully, "It's the least I could do after putting you through so much."
She waved her hand, "I'm alright. There's no need to make a fuss over little old me, raising Takato has proven that I can handle almost anything." She turned to grab a rag from under the counter and proceeded in shining up the already spotless surface. "Taichi I know most of the details involving your condition," she paused to give him a stern look, "which leads me to believe you're not here with the consent of the other thieves."
Taichi shrugged, "And what would you say -- hypothetically of course -- if I told you your assumptions were correct?"
Mie placed her hands on her hips and glared at her adopted son, "Hypothetically, I'd say you were a fool. You're out and about with the whole city after your head and no one knows where you are! What would happen if you were caught? You'd be forcing all of your friends, and myself, through that rollercoaster of a ride we went through last week during your absence."
Taichi lowered his gaze, not out of shame because he did nothing wrong, but because he didn't want his mother figure to see the sudden darkness he knew his eyes must've taken. He was so sick of people telling him what was best for him. Jyou was a doctor, so, therefore, knew everything about the human body and what was best to keep it healthy, but he knew very little about the soul or the spirit. His physique was in bad condition, Taichi knew this, but if he stayed a moment longer in the solitary confines of the Coventry he knew his mentality would increase in instability. He was not going crazy, but the stress and anxiety of the situation were building up and he was afraid that one thing might set him off and cause him to say something or do something he might regret later. They were all worried about him, but they really had no idea how much they should be worrying about themselves when he was left to brood on his thoughts as long as he had.
"Taichi?" Mie was staring at him with worried eyes; his silence had caught her off guard.
"I realize you guys are only trying to do what you think is best for me," he stated softly raising his gaze, "but it was causing more harm than good."
Mie Matsuki saw a rare sight during that moment; the suffering and depression Ken had been responsible for creating in this remarkable boy. He didn't let it show often, being the epitome of enthusiasm and happiness that he was, but when he did Mie was always struck by the grief she knew most of the thieves suffered from due to their early childhoods.
Somehow she knew she must've overstepped a boundary. How? She had no idea. But that didn't stop her from slowly walking around the counter and enveloping him in a gentle hug, wary of his injuries.
He hugged her back, but his mind was still elsewhere. He would have to return home soon and when he did he knew he was going to be facing some upsetting arguments -- the scroll within his cloak was a reminder of that -- but he wasn't sure he wanted to return just yet.
He smiled slightly when he realized the more experienced thieves would now be placed at his door, and, more than likely, a second or third thief would be stationed to make sure he didn't escape. Yep, it will be like his stay at Ichijouji castle all over again.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Matsuki, but I really should be going."
She smiled as she held him at arms length, "You're absolutely right Taichi, you need to get back home and get some sleep." She beamed as she bustled back over to her counter and Taichi started for the door. "Oh! Taichi!"
He paused in the doorway, "Yes?"
She was now filing through some papers that had been collected on a table. After a few moments she let out a small, "Aha!" and separated a piece of parchment from the rest. "When will that new member be arriving for his interview?"
Taichi's brows furrowed, "What?"
She squinted her eyes at the letters on the paper, giggling, "My eyes aren't as good as they once were... umm... it says here that you and the others rescued a boy from the castle and he's currently staying with you."
Taichi closed the door and once again removed the hood from his face, striding over to stand beside the baker and read the letter for himself. "Junpei?"
"You didn't know? It says here he's been with you since the raid and you're currently looking for a job for him. Koushiro told me he suggested me as an employer to you and that you agreed."
Taichi's eyes narrowed, "You don't say. And Koushiro told you I agreed to this?" His eyes suddenly flashed with malice, "Well, that leaves me to wonder what else they've been keeping from me."
Mie quickly took note of the sinister edge his voice took and she carefully placed a hand on his shoulder, "Maybe this is all just a misunderstanding?"
"Oh no I understand everything," his voice was once again calm, but if anything it sounded more dangerous than ever. He reached into his cloak and extracted the wanted poster with the picture of the Sora drawn on its surface, "They failed to mention that Lady Takenouchi was missing as well. The older thieves believe that with me out of commission for a while they don't have to readily inform me about everything like they should. I trust their judgment on most things, but I won't stand for having decisions like who to consider trustworthy with the location of our hideout and who our members are made behind my back. They're pushing their luck."
Mie nodded, she had to agree with his logic. Yamato, Hikari, Koushiro, and all the original seven were the big decision makers, but Taichi would usually give the final word. If there was a dispute against what he said then it was taken to a vote, but for him not to even be informed on the occurrence of most of these things sounded almost mutinous, a thought which disturbed her.
"People make mistakes."
Taichi didn't respond to her final plea for mercy for the other Thieves, his blood was still boiling. "I'll stop by again tomorrow." He grabbed the handle of the door and calmly opened it, but despite his normal outward appearance, one thought was running through his mind as he skillfully navigated through the busy streets of the Second District markets; Mistake or not, there will still be hell to pay.
TTTTTTTTTTTTT
"I knew it! Zat color is perfect vith your hair!"
Sora smiled nervously as the blonde thief held a long sleeved tunic against her chest. The tunic was a rich burgundy color that had a sharply declining V-neck that left Sora raising her eyebrows, but the French thief assured her that she had a white undershirt that would still look "très magnifique!"
"Thank you Catherine, I can't express how great it is to not be wearing that dress anymore."
Catherine grinned broadly, "You are quite welcome Sora, but zere iz no reason for you to thank me, I love dressing my friends." She giggled, "It iz one of my... how do you say... hollies?"
"I think you mean hobbies, love."
Catherine grinned, "Yes! Zat iz the word I was looking for, merci Henry."
Hikari laughed, "Well I'm relieved to know that I won't be Catherine's only doll for a while."
Catherine waved her hand, "You know you love it ven I find new things for you to wear. Now let me see... vich shoes, vich shoes..."
Sora watched as the young woman dug through the huge pile of clothing and shoes she had placed on the table. Sora was still in shock that Catherine was more than willing to give up all of these beautiful garments to supply Sora with a new stylish wardrobe.
During their breakfast Catherine had shown up and introduced herself to the noble, promptly bonding with the beautiful auburn-haired young woman. They realized they had quite a bit in common with one another since Catherine explained that she had, before the Ichijouji invasion, been a wealthy French aristocrat.
"Yes, I vas taken from my home when I was very young because my family refused to submit to the Ichijoujis. I grew up in dis 'orrible place, but it has gotten much more bearable since I have become acquainted with the Thieves. Koushiro 'as been kind enough to help me with my English, and all of the people here are so vonderful. I don't know vat vuld've happened if Taichi and Hikari had never found me."
Catherine understood what it was like for Sora to lose her family and everything in such a short period of time, so she did what any other red blooded young woman would do in this situation; she offered to take Sora shopping.
Sora was more than willing to accept whatever Catherine offered her, as long as it wasn't any trouble, which, Catherine assured, it wasn't.
"Catherine has enough clothes to supply an army," Daisuke chuckled, "I'm sure it can't be that much of a burden to get rid of some of it."
So Catherine had left momentarily only to return with Michael assisting her in carrying an armful of some of the most gorgeous articles of clothing Sora had ever seen. After a couple of hours of "which brings out her eyes more, this or this?" or "Daisuke you have no fashion sense, the one on the left looks so much better." Sora now had a complete wardrobe of five tunics, four pairs of breeches, two formal gowns, and about ten pairs of shoes.
"A lady can never have too many shoes." Catherine explained.
"Or common sense, but you don't see too many girls lining up for that," Henry smirked. He immediately received three intimidating glares from three equally intimidating young women.
Daisuke smirked as Henry was placed in the hot seat. He enjoyed watching the arrogant spymaster squirm under their stares for a few minutes before rising out of his chair, the legs scraping against the floor, "Well ladies," he made it a point not to make an exception for Henry in this general grouping, "as much as I'd love to stay, Takeru and I are part of the next search party going to look for Tai."
"Are you rendezvousing with the younger members as well?" Henry questioned.
"Yes, and they'll accompany us back. But, wait a sec, why aren't you coming with us Mr. High-and-Mighty?"
"I'm meeting with Yutaka later today," he replied with a scowl.
"Why don't you like him? Yutaka is a perfectly nice young man." Catherine questioned.
"I don't trust him."
"Taichi doesn't either," Hikari noted. "And I'm not too fond of him myself... but he does supply us with important information we wouldn't be able to receive otherwise."
"If half of it is even true."
"You two are far too suspicious for your own good," Catherine smiled.
"Well, regardless of what I think of him, we're forced to work together, so he's visiting later today."
"Fun," Hikari smirked.
"Oh yes, loads."
Daisuke smirked, "Well, I shall see you all later." He spun on his heels and started for the corridor that led to the courtyard.
Upon opening the large wooden doors he smiled as he felt his tensed muscles relax a little after residing within the stuffy kitchens for so long. He couldn't wait until Taichi was well enough to return to their hideout; despite the beauty of the Coventry, one who was accustomed to the insanity and mischief of their hideout was easily bored in a place filled with so much tranquility and peace. Not that anything was wrong with peace and happiness! ...it just failed to provide entertainment for the notorious thieves.
Daisuke sighed, he felt such sympathy for his friend and mentor; he really didn't understand how an adventurous spirit like Taichi's could be caged in a prison -- a magnificent prison, but a prison nonetheless -- like this. He understood completely Taichi's desperate desire to escape this place, which, unbeknownst to the other thieves, is precisely why he left his guarding position the previous evening.
Hikari would maim him if she knew he let him go on purpose, but he felt he did the right thing... unless Taichi is found dead in a gutter or something... but he highly doubted anything that dramatic would happen!
"At least I hope so..." he murmured to himself.
"Davis I always knew you had psychological issues, but I didn't realize just how much they'd progressed."
Daisuke looked over his shoulder and rolled his eyes, "Impeccable timing as always TJ."
"Oooh! Impeccable! Big word Daisuke! Have you been reading the Koushiro's log book again to try to impress Hikari?" Takeru smirked as he joined his friend in the courtyard.
Daisuke's smile soon turned to one of mockery , "Surprisingly no, but I wouldn't put it past you to pull something along those lines, the way you pine after her is so obvious a blind person would see it." Takeru laughed good naturedly in response, although, Daisuke noted with satisfaction, his cheeks were a few shades redder from embarrassment. "So where have you been all morning? You missed meeting our residential princess."
"Sora? Oh, I met her yesterday. I have to admit that the rumors of her beauty are not over exaggerated, although I'm relieved to know that the rumors regarding her personality are also correct. I don't think I'd be able to handle it if we were catering the whims of a spoiled princess."
Daisuke nodded in agreement as the duo continued towards the doors on the opposite side of the courtyard. "She's nothing like any of the aristocrats I've ever had the misfortune to meet."
Takeru smiled. "As much as I enjoy her company though, it's so tedious keeping her a secret from Taichi."
"Yes, it is pretty annoy--" Daisuke's steps faltered as Takeru's statement was processed in his brain, "A secret? Taichi doesn't know!?" He turned to face the blonde thief, panic in his eyes, "We're harboring an awall princess who happens to be the fiancé of our most hated enemy! An enemy, must I remind you, that has been the cause of all the suffering and pain we've been through in our lives and you're telling me Taichi doesn't know!"
Takeru blinked a few times, confusion on his face, "You didn't know?"
Daisuke sighed dramatically, "Whose brilliant idea was this?"
"Davis, we've got more pressing matters at hand than who to point fingers at." Takeru's innocent aqua eyes had narrowed due to the seriousness of the situation. "If you didn't know then I'm guessing no one else knows either, except, perhaps, the other older thieves."
"Hikari doesn't know," Daisuke stated. "She was gushing about how she couldn't wait for Sora to meet Taichi."
Takeru bit his lower lip, "This places us in a difficult dilemma... we have to either find Taichi before anyone else does, otherwise Sora's presence could be revealed, and tell him ourselves and bare his temper," both thieves winced at this thought, "or, we can keep him as far away from Sora as possible until Mimi and Yamato decide to tell hm."
"I should've known those two were behind this!" Daisuke exclaimed.
Takeru crossed his arms over his chest, "Alright, well I'm not keen to face Taichi when he's angry, so my vote's for the second one."
"Mine too."
"Okay, Daisuke I want you to go stand by the entrance on the off chance he'll show up, I'm going to find Yamato and Mimi. They're the idiots behind this whole thing so they've got to know what's going on."
Daisuke saluted overdramatically before racing back into the kitchens from whence he came.
Takeru ran a hand down his face, muttering curses about his brother and his girlfriend and their underestimated value of Taichi's temper. Of all the ridiculous -- He shook himself out of his stupor, noting that he hadn't the time to dwell on how to kill his brother. So, without further delay he rushed towards the entrance in the hopes that he would run into the people he was just seething about.
TTTTTTTTTTTT
Takato stared at his girlfriend with wide, shocked eyes as she told her tale.
Takato was one of the few that were allowed to stay behind after Jeri's entrance, mainly because he refused to leave Jeri when she looked so distressed, and Koushiro wasn't in the mood for another argument. Taichi still needed to be found, however, so, much to the dismay of the other thieves, Koushiro sent them all away until only Junpei, Takato, and the red-headed genius himself remained.
Seeing the obvious fear on her face and the way she clung to Takato like a lifeline led Koushiro to believe that one of his many case scenarios that involved the girl had occurred, and this fact bothered him greatly.
When Takato's relationship with the shy young woman continued to progress Koushiro had suspected something would happen to her... something that could have devastating effects for her and the thieves themselves. When Takato wanted to introduce her to all of them and reveal the part of him hidden from her Koushiro had pleaded with Taichi to forbid it.
"It will only lead to disaster," he had stated.
For days the older thieves argued over this situation, some siding with Takato, some with Koushiro, until finally Taichi made his decision. He chose to compromise with both parties by telling Takato that he must first figure out how Jeri would react to such a momentous piece of information. Koushiro tried to protest, arguing that Takato wouldn't be able to handle the situation as well as one of the elder members would, but Taichi had given him the benefit of the doubt and so began the dramatic theatrical performance that would determine whether Jeri lived or died.
Takato had enthusiastically complied to Taichi's wishes and rushed to meet his girlfriend that afternoon. Much to the dismay of the Prince of Thieves, though, Yamato, Koushiro, and Jyou all agreed that someone should shadow the younger thief to make sure Taichi's orders were not being ignored. With the number of supporters for this suggestion Taichi had no choice but to allow it, so Hikari, a neutral member of the conflict, agreed to be the one to shadow the younger boy.
Later that evening Hikari returned before Takato with shocking news; Takato had done just the opposite of what he was supposed to do. He let too many clues, too many hints, too many signs slip until it took Jeri approximately thirty seconds to understand exactly what Takato was referring to, and, unfortunately, she freaked out.
The reaction was completely understandable since she was working in the palace and had heard all of the lies spread about Taichi, but nonetheless Takato returned heartbroken, and it was only going to get worse for the thief.
Taichi was enraged, he had put so much faith into the boy only to have it thrown back at him. But by unintentionally telling Jeri everything Taichi was now placed in a difficult position; he needed to figure out what to do about the girl and he needed to do it before she started spreading rumors about them. With a heavy heart he ordered Takato to be locked into his room while two of the more responsible members apprehended Jeri and brought her to their hideout where she was to be put on the thieves' version of a trial. She was terrified, obviously, but the trial was so much worse; Takato was released to be Jeri's defender, but he was going up against the mastermind of the thieves himself, Koushiro. Koushiro and Takato were practically at each others' throats the entire time, but Taichi paid neither of them any heed; he was scrutinizing Jeri's every move, every expression that crossed her face, every tiny detail that would've gone unnoticed by anyone else.
She was obviously uncomfortable, and who wouldn't be in that kind of situation? But Taichi had seen nothing that convinced him that she would betray their secret... however, he hadn't seen anything that proved that she wouldn't either. Finally he decided to speak,
"Jeri, I'm going to ask you one question and I want you to answer with complete honesty; don't beat around the bush or lie because you think your answer is wrong, got it?" Jeri nodded weakly in response. Taichi folded his arms across his chest and leaned back into his chair, his eyes still narrow, "Do you trust me?"
That was the last thing Jeri expected to be asked so it took a few moments for her reeling mind to calm so she could think straight. What kind of question was that? She was tempted to say yes just because she felt she would be punished in some way if she said otherwise... but the Prince himself warned her not to lie and saying yes would definitely be considered lying on her part. She considered her options and finally decided to answer with an honest "No."
He smiled in response, "Good, because if you did I would consider you a fool." His body instantly relaxed and he jumped from his seat in a manner that was very Taichi-like, completely opposite of how he acted when he was the Prince of Thieves. He walked over to Jeri, stopping just a few feet from her, before continuing, "You see Jeri, I am in a rather... difficult situation thanks to your boyfriend." He chanced a quick glare towards Takato before his eyes swerved back to the suspicious eyes of Jeri. "I'm stuck in an ultimatum; either you have to prove to me that you are, without a doubt, completely trustworthy, or I'm afraid I'll have to kill you. This decision is neither fair for you nor for me because, quite frankly, I don't know you." He ran a hand through his hair and started to pace, "You are in a similar position Jeri; You know nothing about me except the things you've heard, which, for all you know, could be lies, your first instinct is not to trust me, a wise decision, but would you kill me?" Jeri vigorously shook her head which caused Taichi to smile again, "Exactly. So what to do..." His pacing ceased as he plopped back into his chair and fixed his eyes on the floor, his brows creasing in concentration.
The other thieves, completely silent during his explanation, shifted anxiously in their seats, exchanging looks and whispering quietly amongst themselves. They had never seen a case like this, where the solution wasn't blatant.
Finally Taichi came out of his daze-like concentration and immediately focused on Jeri, "I believe I've come to a consensus." He had a large smile on his face, "You will stay here with us for a week or so and then we will come to a conclusion. Judging you minutes after we've met seems unfair, and this way you'll be able to get to know the other thieves and vise versa before we do anything we might regret." He glanced around for any objections before a sly smile curved his lips, "Of course you'll be staying with Hikari or Miyako, I don't plan on being kept awake by your raging teenage hormones."
Koushiro smiled, he could still remember the shade of red Takato's face had turned and he could definitely say that any tomato would've been wild with envy.
He was the only one unsatisfied by the conclusion. He didn't think along the lines of killing the girl but he most certainly disagreed with her continued participation in their secret world for safety precautions. Running amuck at Ichijouji castle was bound to cause problems and he was afraid that this soldier that had stopped her was now going to cause issues for the thieves... issues that could've been avoided if a certain girlfriend hadn't been submitted into their dangerous life.
But, shockingly, the news of the suspicious guard was not the worst of what she told...
"Soo... this prince dude is planning on killing his father?... What a fruitcake."
Takato glared at the oblivious commoner once Jeri was finally finished reporting everything she'd seen and heard the last few days. "This is a serious matter," he scolded.
Junpei shrugged his shoulders apathetically. "The king is a bastard, we all know that, what's the big deal if his crazed son decides to kill him? Wouldn't it be better for us with that tyrant off the throne?"
Koushiro rolled his eyes, "Absolutely not. Sure, having the King gone would be a step forward, but with Ken on the throne it would only lead to five steps back. Ken is far more ruthless and cruel than his father, and, if anything, his father is the only one that can keep him in check. If something were to happen to him Ken would have free reign... free to do whatever he pleased..."
This very thought caused three of the four present to shudder.
"I can't imagine what he would do to all of you," Jeri muttered.
"I would hate to see what he would do to Taichi," Takato stated, eyes clouded with anxiety.
"Jeri, you are absolutely certain--"
"Yes Koushiro! For the final time! I heard Ken as clear as day on his way out the door, and many of the other servants heard the same thing. I'm not hearing things."
Koushiro sighed and rested his face in his hands, "I apologize Jeri, but you have to understand that this piece of information could prove disastrous for our cause. Our rebellion plans depend entirely on the King staying alive."
"Why?" Junpei asked, sincere curiosity lacing his voice.
"The King is hated by all, a rebellion against him wouldn't require too much pressing, a rebellion against the Prince however..."
"The prince is thought of by most people as a god sent compared to his father. Most people believe that nothing could be worse than the King, so they support Ken. There are very few that truly know how evil he is; slaves and servants, criminals, and his soldiers, and they're all completely under his command." Takato finished bitterly.
"So a rebellion against him would be much harder to form?"
"Precisely Jeri, precisely..."
There was a long moment of silence as the thieves contemplated how to bypass such an obstacle. Finally the only non-thief decided to break the silence.
"Well, sounds to me like you guys are screwed."
The other three each gave him an irritated scowl, "Thank you so much JP."
"Hey, I'm just voicing what you're all thinking." He leaned forward in his seat just a bit, "There are two options that I can clearly see. One, you could warn the King that his life is in danger, but let's face it, the bastard's not going to think his son is going to be the culprit. Or number two you could let the events play out and try to come up with a solution."
Koushiro nodded, "I was thinking along the same terms. We're going to need the other older thieves to help me out with this one, maybe Taichi can think of something I haven't."
"But what about his injuries?! Jyou said any stress --"
"Could kill him? Please Takato, think rationally. If Taichi wasn't killed by severe torture, malnutrition, and a freaking chandelier falling on top of him and cutting him into pieces then I highly doubt a little stress will be the cause of his death. Besides, if you think about it, when he does find out about everything I think all that fury will be more harmful to him than me telling him now. Damnit, I told Yamato and Mimi not to keep him in the dark." He shook his head furiously. "Junpei you're coming with me. Takato escort Jeri back to her house, I don't like the sound of this soldier interrogating you Jeri so I want you to follow all the safety precautions we've taught you."
Jeri nodded in response, "Alright."
"I'll meet you at the church Koushiro." Takato stated.
Koushiro smirked, "Good, because I have a feeling that all hell is going to break loose and I'm not eager to face it alone."
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Daisuke sighed as he leaned against the doors of the Coventry.
"And here I thought guarding Taichi when he was here was boring." He chuckled dryly to himself as he watched the dwellers of the church run about with their daily errands and whatnot. "I suppose I deserve this. If I hadn't let Taichi go in the first place..." He paused his musings and thought of the situation he would've condemned Taichi to if he hadn't gone with his instincts. A small smile appeared on his face, "Okay, I suppose this boredom is worth having our Taichi back."
He crossed his arms over his chest, "But I'm still bored."
"Zen... oof!... vould you mind...giving...AH!!"
Daisuke's eyes widened as the next moment an avalanche of different pieces of clothing fluttered to the floor, all coming from a hallway that was currently blocked from his line of sight by a wall. He quickly rushed around the corner and was welcomed by the interesting picture of Catherine laying face down in a pile of clothes.
"Catherine? What are you doing?"
Catherine raised her head and blew a strand of her blonde hair out of her eyes, "I am 'aving tea with the queen. What does it look like you imbecile!!"
"Um... laying on the floor?"
"Wow, you are ze genius." She lifted herself onto her knees and began gathering up the garments and folding them in her lap.
Daisuke grinned before plopping on the ground and assisting her. "What happened?"
"I suppose I got a little carried away," she replied bashfully, "I 'ad too many outfits to carry, so I could not see where I was going."
Daisuke grinned, "Don't worry Catherine, I fall down all the time it's no big deal."
Catherine smiled at his attempts to cheer her up, "Zank you for your reassurance Davis." She gracefully rose to her feet and offered the maroon haired thief a hand, which he happily accepted.
"I'll help you take the rest of these to you room if you'd like."
"Zat would be very...gentlemanly?"
Daisuke chuckled as the duo continued towards the back rooms, neither noticing the door behind them opening.
TTTTT
Okay...now!
Come on Taichi this is ridiculous, do you WANT to stand out here all night?
...
...
Go in...now! ...Nooooow!... now? God Damnit!
Taichi irritably ran a hand through his hair, cursing himself for being such a spineless coward. He glared at the building before him; bathed in the light from the setting sun and glittering from its many windows the outward appearance of the Coventry was anything BUT dastardly. It gave any passerby the impression that it housed God himself since it was probably the most innocent and beautiful building in Ichijouji.
But Taichi knew differently. Behind its false impressions and beauty lies a place filled with his inner demons, inner demons just begging for him to open the door so they could unleash their hell-sent fury upon what little sanity he had left.
You're being absurd! If anything is waiting behind those doors it's more than likely going to be one of your friends waiting to tell you off for making them worry.
Taichi knew the rational voice in his head was making more sense than he was, but he still couldn't will his feet to move up the stairs separating the street from the Coventry. There were seven stairs in total. Seven small, insignificant, trivial steps that could be treaded upon by even the smallest of feet.
Exactly, they're JUST stairs! So what's stopping you?
They're not JUST stairs! They're better comparable to the seven different levels of hell -- each stair left him feeling more and more tortured than the last, leading him closer and closer to the heart of his misery.
Oh please, aren't we being just a bit overdramatic?
Taichi rolled his eyes. Okay, maybe a bit...
The cause of his pain was evident, and out of all of the prominent choices the Coventry in the Second District was not one of them. But was it really so much different than Ichijouji castle? True, it had no cells or tools of torture, but whose to say it's not a torture chamber in its own way? Taichi was finding it to be as bad -- if not worse -- because of the time he was granted to do nothing but recollect on old times past. It was terrible! At least in Ichijouji he was too busy trying to survive to think about what was happening to him, or what happened to him years ago in that very cell. But now in the Coventry where his only company was solitude all of those many memories and thoughts that he shoved to the back of his mind were beginning to resurface.
He was alerted back into the world around him by the sound of heavy footsteps marching towards him. Soldiers he realized.
Without hesitation he spun around and darted across the street. The entire block was a residential neighborhood with about ten decaying houses, the Coventry, and a butcher's shop that had only mediocre supplies and was about to go out of business. He dashed between two of the houses and easily scaled the house, using its broken bricks as foot and hand holds. Upon reaching the roof he crouched beside the chimney and watched the small platoon of soldiers march by. For a moment he was worried that they were conducting another search for him, but as they glanced around Taichi could tell that they were looking around, but not really seeing any of their surroundings. He concluded that they were just patrolling the streets for anyone that was still out wandering this close to curfew, and relief instantly washed over him.
However, precautions still needed to be taken so he remained completely still until the sound of their unsynchronized marching was only a dim drumming in the distance before standing up. With the immediate danger gone he calmly removed his hood, allowing the rays of the setting sun to bath his face in a rich glow.
He closed his eyes and smiled halfheartedly, "I guess even the best days have to come to an end eventually. Too bad."
The day wasn't anything spectacular... but it was the first time in weeks that he didn't feel like a breathing corpse; dead in spirit. He couldn't express how wonderful if felt to be whole again, and the last thing he wanted was to return to what he had been before his escape. He opened his eyes, noting immediately how the liveliness had already started to dim, how his smile already began to feel false -- placed there for show.
He smirked as the sun continued to set, casting the top of the chimney in shadow. "Do I really want to go back to a place that feels more like a cage than a cell in Ichijouji castle?"
It was a question that had been burning in his mind all day, but now as he spoke it he realized how ridiculous going back sounded. He didn't want to go back to a place where his nightmares had absolute control over him. Hell, he didn't think he could go back to a place like that... at least not for long periods of time
He narrowed his eyes, aggravated.
Was he really that weak? Was he incapable of staying alone without disturbing the resting places of shameful habits he picked up during his past?
He didn't think so, in fact the more boastful sections of his brain were shouting a very firm HELL NO!! ...But then why were the scars on his wrists becoming more and more apparent as he stayed there?
He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "Damnit Taichi, pull together what little sanity you have! This is ludicrous!" He chuckled, "And speaking of ludicrous, now I'm talking to myself. God, I need a mental hospital or something." He shook his head, but continued smiling.
He had to face the facts though, he had to go back. If for no other reason than to scare the hell out of Yamato and Mimi for keeping so many things from him.
At the thought of his two friends a new spark of intense fury began to swell within his breast, as well as a new sense of determination that overwhelmed his fear of the Coventry. He'd willingly face all of his demons if it meant that those two would be put back into their places, in fact he could probably get his inner demons to help...
He smirked as he jumped off the roof, landing without difficulty. He ignored the way his palms began to sweat and how his throat constricted the closer he got to the building.
It's JUST a building, It's JUST a building, It's JUST a building where your traitorous friends are lurking, It's JUST a building, It's JUST a building, It's JUST a building.
He sprinted up the stairs, not allowing his mind a chance to get worked up again, and threw the doors open.
The cool autumn wind soared passed him and blew out several candles that illuminated the dark corridors. Taichi wasn't sure what he was expecting when he finally returned, but it wasn't anything like this. Silence. That's what he was welcomed to; absolute silence.
"Where is everyone?" He asked himself as he removed his cloak and took the poster in his uninjured arm.
Silence. Chilling, ominous silence.
They're still a chance! We can turn around right now and never come back!
Taichi ignored the little voice in the back of his head and set his mind to work on more productive thoughts. The first objective on his agenda was to locate Yamato and Mimi and give them the guilt trip of the millennia... now where would they be?
He contemplated between the many areas the couple could be located and found that he was hoping against hope that they would be in the back rooms, that way he could avoid an audience when he confronted the puppet masters in this theatrical charade they created. He wasn't sure how much their argument would escalade, but he was comforted by the sword hanging from his belt. It was possible that the two natural rivals would choose violence over words, it had happened on several other occasions where Jyou and Izzy had to step in before one of them got seriously injured. They always forgave each other afterward, Yamato calling Taichi a hot-tempered idiot and Taichi returning by saying Yamato was a pretty-boy with an attitude that was too peeving for words, but this time was different...
Taichi had never felt so betrayed before, and since the main conspirators were his two best friends he felt violated. He knew exactly how they accomplished keeping him in the dark, and the very thought almost made him physically ill.
Hikari would never agree to such treacherous activity, so he came to the conclusion that she was as much in the dark as he was, not so much about the outside world but more along the lines of the innards of their group. That left five other members of the elite, six if Henry was included in all of this. He knew Jyou would agree with Mimi and Yamato because it would keep him unstressed which would theoretically help him get better, but he knew the other three wouldn't agree with what they were doing. Koushiro was loyal to Taichi through and through, they worked as a strong team and were more like brothers than friends, he knew Koushiro wouldn't approve of sneaking behind his back. Henry had taken a blood oath -- his idea, not Taichi's -- that he would never double cross the Prince of Thieves, so he wouldn't partake in anything that would even come close to breaking that oath. And Takeru would completely side with Hikari's views, even if she wasn't there, so he was out of the picture as well.
So we're left with a tie, and how would one solve something this momentous? Brag about their position of course! Yamato had used his title as Second in Command to surpass everyone and ultimately become the victor in this disagreement. Taichi would be damned if he didn't suspend that title the moment he saw the bastard.
He shook his head angrily as he rounded the corner to their private wing, but when he did he was met by the most peculiar sight.
Daisuke and Catherine were standing in Catherine's doorway chatting pleasantly with one another.
"Zank you again Daisuke."
"No problem, people tell me all the time that I was born to be a clothes rack." Daisuke grinned brightly.
"Vell you are scrawny enough," she winked.
"Hey! I am NOT scrawny! Do you see these muscles," He flexed one of his arms to prove his point.
Catherine rolled her eyes, "Yes, yes, very good Daisuke." She giggled as he continued muttering to himself, "Vell, I really must put the rest of those clothes away. Au revoir mon ami."
He rolled his eyes, still annoyed by her earlier comment, but waved before turning and walking down the corridor. "Scrawny? Yea right I am anything BUT --" Daisuke's ranting paused when he finally focused on the hallway in front of him, in fact, his whole body paused.
"Good evening Davis, having fun with Miss Rupert, are we?" Taichi smiled deviously.
Daisuke didn't respond, instead he rushed to meet his mentor, "Taichi! Where the hell have you been! We've been worried sick about you! Are you hurt? You better not be otherwise I'm sure the whole church will be prepared to destroy me! Do you have any idea how close Hikari was to killing me earlier?! I'm lucky to still be alive!!"
Taichi laughed, "Are you done yet?"
Daisuke shook his head, "You're such a bastard Taichi! I thought you were dead!" He took a few deep breaths and slowly composed himself, "There, now I'm done."
Taichi smiled, "Relax Daisuke, I'm fine. I didn't so much as fall down and scrape my knee today, and you're obviously not dead so your worrying was completely unnecessary."
"Right, unnecessary. Remind me to use that one next time Hikari worries about you and see how she takes it." He rolled his eyes.
Taichi smiled again, the first sincere smile Daisuke had seen on his mentor's face since he was captured, "Davis I never got the chance to thank you. By allowing me to escape... I think you pretty much saved my life." He placed a hand on the younger boy's shoulder, "You're a good friend Daisuke, a better one than my idiot elite members have been."
Daisuke shrugged, "I'm just glad to see that you're feeling better."
Taichi's eyes suddenly darkened, "Not entirely, unfortunately." He stopped spinning the poster between his fingertips and handed it to Daisuke, who unrolled it slowly and cautiously. "I learned quite a bit on my small-scale adventure Daisuke." He watched as the color drained from the younger thief's face, "But I'd have to say the most prominent piece of information I discovered was that everyone, yourself included, has been keeping me completely uninformed about the things happening outside. I had no idea Sor -- Lady Takenouchi was missing, nor did I have any idea public searches were being conducted. Hell, they didn't even tell me the price for my arrest was raised!"
Daisuke tore his eyes away from the poster, "Taichi, to be honest most of us younger thieves didn't know you were left in the dark."
Taichi was silent for a moment, and the look on his face was equivalent to someone slapping him. "What?"
Daisuke nodded, "We thought you were up to date on everything that was happening. I only just found out this morning that you didn't and it was fricken TS that told me. The nerve! He was informed instead of me! Man, there must be some sort of code that states that --"
"Daisuke shut up for a second, I'm trying to think."
"Don't hurt yourself," Daisuke muttered under his breath, but one glare from Taichi made him clamp his jaw shut.
Taichi started to pace, his eyes darkening more and more. "So, Yamato and Mimi have not only gone against me, but our entire family as well." He stopped pacing and a smile worthy of the devil crossed his face, "Well, this changes everything."
If Daisuke hadn't known Taichi as long as he had he'd admit to being scared shitless by the terrifying glow in his eyes, but he knew Taichi so he found himself only along the lines of terrified. He looked absolutely menacing and Daisuke was starting to wish that he hadn't mentioned anything to Taichi...
!!SLAM!!
Daisuke jumped when Taichi's fist came into contact with the door that was inches from his face. He was shocked into immobility and kept glancing between his clenched hand and his enraged face. And yet the only thought running through his head was.
Wow. Two words my friend: Anger management.
Taichi pulled his hand back suddenly and in seconds Daisuke discovered why.
"Vat is going on!" The door opened harshly and a furious looking Catherine emerged, "Who ze hell is banging on my -- Oh my goodness! Taichi!"
Taichi blinked rapidly as his brain tried to comprehend what the young French woman was saying. In the few seconds it took for Catherine to get over her shock of seeing him, she had thrown her arms around his neck and started scolding him with rapid English mixed with French.
"Oh my goodness Taichi! Là où vous avoir été!? Ve vere so worried about you and Je ne peux pas croire que vous feriez quelque chose si inconsidérée! Hikari was out of her mind vith worry!" She grabbed his shoulders and pulled away from him, glaring, "I should be absolutely furious vith you." Slowly her face broke out into a smile, "But I am too relieved to see zat you are alright." She hugged him again and Taichi was left looking over her shoulder at Daisuke, the picturesque of confusion.
Daisuke rolled his eyes and muttered something about "Women and their mood swings."
Catherine was suddenly aware of the younger thief's presence and spun around, her face malicious. "Daisuke Motomiya! You are ze very reason Taichi escaped! I swear if it vas I that vas in charge of punishments you vould rue ze day you made so many of us worry! Of all of ze stupid, 'orrible, reckless, irrational, awful things you could 'av done!" Daisuke, in his attempts to escape the blonde woman's wrath, had backed up as far he could and now had his back pressed against the wall. Catherine, however, was still in front of him and yelling loud enough to rouse the dead. Daisuke immediately looked to Taichi for help, but the Prince of Thieves simply laughed before winking and walking away.
Daisuke's eyes widened and he quickly grabbed Catherine's shoulders, halting her accusations. "Catherine did Hikari follow my orders earlier?"
Catherine fell into a thoughtful silence as she tried to recall what those orders were.
Daisuke sighed, seeing the blank look, "Did Hikari escort Sora back to her room?"
"Oh!" Catherine smiled, "Yes, I believe she did." Her smile soon vanished though as she watched Daisuke's face go from worried to one of absolute terror. "Vat?"
"Catherine you have to help," he pleaded. He glanced around the corridors fearfully before whispering just beside her ear, "Taichi doesn't know anything about Sora!"
Catherine drew back in horror, "You are joking, no?"
He shook his head and the two stared at each other, dreadful images running through their minds at the speed of light. "Daisuke, we 'av to do something!"
"I know, I know! He's already furious since he found out that everyone has been lying to him, if he discovers Sora..."
Catherine's eyes widened, "Alright, you will get Taichi as far away from here as possible, I don't care how you do it. I vill take Sora out of ze Coventry until Taichi has... iced over."
With their agreement set the two sprinted down the hallway.
Taichi was quickly approaching the door where he hoped Yamato and Mimi would be located, and with every step his anger grew bit by bit.
But how was he going to start?
He wasn't the type of person to storm into a room and start shouting about whatever was bothering him. He had more tact than that. He chose, instead, to play a game with his victims; mess with their heads, make them wonder whether or not he knew what it was they were keeping from him. It wasn't the nicest thing to do, but it usually ended with them apologizing and admitting to what they'd done.
But this tactic had only been practiced on the younger members.
He smirked, Mimi and Yamato were going to be a challenge and he enjoyed challenges.
"Taichi! Taichi wait!"
Catherine and Daisuke sighed with relief when he stopped, but he stopped too abruptly. Catherine managed to stop her mad dash just before colliding with him, he grabbed her wrist with his uninjured hand to keep her balanced. Daisuke, however, crashed into Catherine's back with enough force to send both of the sprawling, Catherine directly on Taichi's broken arm.
Taichi yelped when he felt pain from his arm rush to every part of his body. Through gritted teeth he managed to mutter, "Damnit! What the hell were you two doing?!"
"Oh! Taichi I am so sorry," Catherine quickly climbed off of him. "Here, allow me to look at your arm."
Taichi winced as he sat up, his arm, still in its sling, cradled against his chest. Catherine gently ran her delicate fingers over the bandaged skin, feeling for any bones that might have been knocked back out of place.
"What's the diagnosis doctor?"
Catherine smiled slightly, "I believe you vill live, but you vill 'av to have your arm amputated."
Taichi rolled his eyes, "Damnit, not another one."
Her smile dimmed somewhat, "It looks very painful." She traced her fingers over the serious bruising that wasn't covered by the bandages.
"Yea, image how it feels." He laughed as the duo rose to their feet.
"Vell, I volunteer Daisuke to take you to ze kitchens to get you zomething zat will cool off your arm."
"Me?"
Catherine glared at him, "Yes, since you are ze reason his arm is hurting again."
Daisuke stared at her as everything clicked. Brilliant! This was an inconspicuous way to get Taichi away from Sora! "Alright, alright." He muttered angrily. "But I don't see why Taichi needs an escort."
Catherine grinned and gave Taichi a quick peck on the cheek, "Feel better my friend."
"Catherine I really don't --"
"Do you vant me to get Hikari?"
Taichi was silenced, knowing that his sister would take something simple like this to the extreme.
"Very good!" Catherine giggled.
Taichi rolled his eyes and he and Daisuke headed for the kitchens. "There's no arguing with her is there?"
"Which is different from every other woman in our group how?"
Taichi grinned, "I guess you're right, bunch of crazy, controlling --"
Catherine rolled her eyes when the two were out of earshot. Crazy, maybe a bit, but controlling! ...well... maybe a bit of that too.... She laughed as she walked towards Sora's door, the very room Taichi was headed for not two minutes ago. Without his knowledge, Yamato and Mimi had moved into his room since he was still stationed in the hospital, while Sora was living in Yamato's room.
She lightly knocked on the door. "Sora?" No response. She knocked again, "Sora, may I come in?" Still nothing. Catherine's brows furrowed as she slowly opened the door and peered in.
It was a modest room; a small bed with clean white sheets, a chest at the foot of it that was now filled with Sora's new wardrobe, a desk opposite of the door with quills and stationary, and a small bedside table with a bible resting on top. The window overlooked the Coventry's garden, dead at this time of year, and white curtains hung billowing in the slight breeze that sneaked through the open window. It was a lovely room, but the only reason for her entering the room wasn't there!
"Sora?!" She quickly walked inside, checking small corners and beneath the bed, praying that she did not just send Taichi straight into the fugitive's sight. "Oh gods," she muttered. Without wasting another precious moment the young French woman dashed out of the bedroom and raced along the corridors, hoping to whichever god was listening that she wasn't too late!
TTTTTTTTTTTTT
Henry scowled at the young man before him.
Yutaka, still in his Ichijouji solder uniform, was smirking broader than Henry had ever seen on him.
"So, what'll it be Henry? Ten gold pieces for this amazing piece of information, or nothing."
Henry narrowed his eyes further, "You should not be in this for a profit, you should be in this for the cause. If it will benefit Taichi and the other thieves you should be willing to give it up without this nonsense."
Yutaka smirked, "So I take it you don't want to know what the Prince is up to?"
Henry growled, "You're a sick bastard." He calmly reached into one of his pockets and threw a small violet pouch on the table between them. "You get your money," his hand slammed on the pouch as Yutaka reached for it, "after you tell me what's so important."
Yutaka glared at the blue-haired spymaster, "That condition wasn't part of my terms."
"But it is part of mine." Henry snapped.
The two spies glared daggers at one anther, neither backing down from the challenge. It was finally Henry that drew back, grinning maliciously. "Well, if you don't believe your info isn't worth the amount you requested, then maybe I should just dismiss you until you can find something that's worth all of the time you've wasted."
Yutaka chuckled, "Poor simple minded Henry, always believing your opinion to be right. I just want my rewards to be guaranteed, it's almost Tommy's birthday and I want to get him something nice. I can assure you what I overheard is worth far more than a measly ten gold coins, I'm giving you a bargain! You should be thanking me!"
"Yes, well, I'll be the judge of that once I find out what it is you overheard." Henry hissed.
Yutaka was grinning again, a grin that could be mirrored on a spider that was about to eat its prey, watching it struggle. "I heard this straight from the Prince's mouth. He was discussing with Pied and Myotis how the search for your beloved Prince was going, he wasn't happy with the results. So he came up with a plan to lure you out of hiding." Yutaka was watching Henry's face with interest, waiting for the calm facade to vanish. "He's going to have a public execution in the town square for all of the poor souls accused of being in liege with you thieves. It's going to be one hell of a bonfire." Yutaka grinned when Henry's knuckles clenched. "The Prince feels that you thieves won't be able to resist playing the hero and saving them, so he's going to have guards stationed on the streets to apprehend you the moment you show yourselves."
Henry narrowed his eyes, "That bastard! He's killing hundreds of innocent lives to capture us!"
Yutaka chuckled, "You are the infamous, murdering, dastardly thieves Henry, you should be used to these kinds of punishments for the public."
Henry rose from his seat and slammed his palms on the table, "Are you insinuating something?"
Yutaka's grin had yet to fade, "Only that your cause might be doing more harm than good. Ever consider something like that?"
Henry snarled, "Are you sure you're not the one who views his opinions above everyone else's? If we were hated by so many wouldn't we be behind bars already?"
The glaring contest began again.
This time it was Yutaka who stopped first, "I've reported my bit, so if you have nothing left to say to me then I'll just take my earnings and leave."
Henry shook his head, "No, you're staying here until Taichi returns. He'll want to hear all of this from you."
Yutaka smirked, "Loose sight of him already? Your Prince is rather unpredictible isn't he. Perhaps having him behind bars would be beneficial for you thieves as well."
Henry's fury had reached a boiling point by the end of that statement, "You son of a --"
"Cursing makes you sound unintelligent Henry. I would expect better from a Lord's son, but I guess when you're around street rats like them for too long --"
Henry, righteous fury giving him extra speed, was on the other side of the table in the blink of an eye, a knife pointed at Yutaka's neck. "You want to repeat that now you ball-less wretch?"
Yutaka glanced at the blade, all traces of humor gone. "Hard of hearing?"
Henry smirked, "Don't push me Yutaka. I know you're not on our side of the playing field, and the moment you slip up, " he pressed the knife into his skin, just far enough to cause a sweat to form on Yutaka's brow, "my hand might do the same."
Yutaka, eyes narrowed, batted his arm aside. "It's a pity your brains haven't been put to better use Henry, but it's your decision I suppose..."
A knock on the door interrupted the bluenette's response and Henry reluctantly strode across the small, private room the two spies were using for their conference. He opened the door, as calmly as he could muster, and his eyes narrowed with confusion.
"Michael? Jyou? What can I do for you?"
Michael's face was distressed, but Jyou was the picturesque of serenity. "Hello Henry. Pardon the intrusion, but I thought you'd like to know that Taichi has returned. He'd probably like to hear what the two of you are discussing."
Henry nodded, "Thank you Jyou, we'll be there in a moment."
Jyou smiled crookedly and lowered his voice before asking, "How are things going?"
Henry scowled darkly, "Wonderfully, you'll be invited to the wedding."
Jyou chuckled, "Why Henry I didn't realize you swung that way." Henry's scowl deepened. "Alright, alright, I get it, Henry doesn't have a sense of humor while Yutaka's here. I'll be sure to remember that."
Henry rolled his eyes and turned to Michael, "And what's wrong with you?"
Jyou's lighthearted mood quickly dried up, "Well... umm... you see... Michael was the one who noticed Taichi was here, but it wasn't umm..."
"He was with Catherine." Michael finished, eyes downcast but fists clenched.
Henry's eyebrows shot up, "Care to elaborate?"
Jyou rubbed the back of his head, "Michael's afraid that they're... Well, they were in an interesting position and Michael expects the worst."
"What kind of interesting position?" Henry inquired.
"On the floor."
"Oh." Henry wasn't sure what to make of that, but at the moment they had more pressing matters to attend to. He turned his gaze back to his... acquaintance and ushered him over to join the conversation. "Michael I don't believe you've had the displeasure, this is Yutaka Himi. Yutaka, this is Michael Barton."
"Well met Yutaka." Michael held his hand out for Yutaka to shake.
Yutaka glanced at his outstretched hand, disdain crossing his face, "Another street rat."
Michael's eyes widened a bit and his hand slowly dropped to his side. A sudden dislike for this young man bloomed in his bosom.
Henry's sour attitude had returned and he glared at the spy, "Yutaka, Jyou has just informed me that Taichi has returned."
Yutaka smirked, "Good, for the public's sake anyway. At least now we know he's not out murdering anyone."
Michael and Jyou narrowed their eyes into deadly glares, almost matching that of Henry. "Who are you to speak about Taichi that way?"
"Someone that's got a piece of valuable information that might just turn the tables of the rebellion if you play your cards right. Now, where is he, I feel filthy staying in this vicinity any longer than necessary."
Three absolutely loathsome glares followed his back as he started walking down one of the corridors.
"Well, now I see why you don't like him." Michael mused.
"I think it might be wise to get rid of him," Jyou noted, glancing at his comrades.
"We can't. Koushiro says it's too late, this bastard knows too much, if we cut him loose he might tell Ken everything, and we can't afford that." Henry stated.
"I don't know... it seems more harmful to keep him around if you ask me."
"I agree Michael, I agree. I have a strong feeling he's not on our side..."
"Let's hope, for our sakes, our suspicions are incorrect." Jyou said quietly. "Because if he's been passing information to Ken... we're all screwed."
The three exchanged worried glances before following the Ichijouji soldier, all three considering the same thing; plunging their swords/knives into his back.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTT
"Taichi when are you coming back home? It's too quiet without you and the other older thieves."
Taichi rolled his eyes, "Whenever our resident doctor is convinced that I won't break into a million pieces by stepping outside."
"Oh great, we might as well move all of your things here then."
Taichi laughed, "Jyou's not that bad... just...a little eccentric." Takuya, Daisuke, and Zoe raised their eyebrows and Taichi laughed again, "Okay, okay, so he's the most crazed, idiosyncratic, obsessive person I've ever met in my life, but he means well."
Takuya sighed dramatically, "But if you were outside all day and nothing happened to you, shouldn't that be proof enough that you can come back home?"
"I hope so."
Daisuke nodded in agreement, "This place is really starting to annoy me, do you realize how many times I've gotten lost in this place!"
"Oh come on you guys, it's so pretty! I wouldn't mind staying here for a few days." Zoe countered.
Taichi smiled as the trio erupted into a debate over whether or not the place was an enjoyable place to stay. He had his own opinions of the place, but decided to keep those to himself to avoid awkward questions. The younger duo had walked into the Coventry just as he and Daisuke were passing by, and, since Taichi hadn't seen any of the younger members since his captivity, he was instantly bombarded with hugs and questions.
"Taichi I heard you took on fifty guards single-handed!"
"Takuya you idiot, a chandelier fell on top of him."
"That's still pretty impressive though. I mean he lived!"
Taichi grinned as the duo erupted into another argument. Honestly, it was like having a second Daisuke and Miyako.
"Well, Taichi you have to replay every detail later. Man, I'm so mad that I missed it! The fight of the century and I was stealing stuff." He trailed off with a roll of his eyes.
"I'm also curious about how you managed to switch places with Daisuke." Zoe added. "Did you have this planned out the entire time?"
Daisuke beamed, "Yep... well... sort of."
"We'll explain later." Taichi stated, "Catherine's trying to catch up with us." He slowed his pace and the other three mimicked him, each wondering how the heck he did that.
Daisuke
kept glancing over his shoulder the closer she came. Why wasn't
Sora with her?
Catherine was panting when her steps fell
beside the others, and Taichi patiently waited for her to catch her
breath before asking, "Is something the matter Catherine?"
She glanced at Daisuke and he understood immediately, Sora wasn't in her room... which meant she was probably still in the kitchens!!
"Umm... I believe Hikari vas looking for you."
Taichi narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "Then why didn't you tell her to go to the kitchens? You didn't have to run all the way over here to tell me that."
Crap!
Daisuke needed to come up with something fast! They kitchens were located at the end of this hallway and if Sora's there...
"Ummm... while you two figure things out I'll go get you something for your arm Tai!" Daisuke said quickly before dashing down the rest of the corridor.
Taichi watched the maroon-haired boy race down the hallway as though his life depended it. He slowly returned his focus to the french woman, crossing his arms over his chest and looking only slightly intimidating. "What's going on?"
"Notzing!"
"Uh huh, then explain to me why Daisuke is suddenly in such a hurry right after seeing you."
"He iz shy?"
The two younger thieves giggled at that suggestion. Daisuke was anything BUT shy.
"Wrong excuse Catherine. Care to try again?"
"He does not like seeing you in pain and wishes to get somezing to help very quickly?"
Taichi narrowed his eyes further, "We were walking just a minute ago, why the sudden change?"
"Mood swings?"
The younger thieves began laughing again.
Taichi pinched the bridge of his nose and bit his lower lip to keep from snapping at her ridiculous remarks. "How about we try the truth this time Catherine. Why do you want me out of the kitchen?"
Catherine looked nervous, "Alright! I admit it, we vere planning a surprise party for your return and it iz in the kitchen."
Taichi glared at her and spun around, continuing towards the kitchens.
Catherine's eyes grew as she raced after him, but unfortunately when she tried to stop him he broke into a run. Catherine quickly realized that all of those years of running from Ichijouji soldiers paid off, she couldn't keep up with him.
He reached the doors to the kitchens without even breaking a sweat and calmly opened the doors.
TTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Takato had very fond memories growing up. He, unlike most of the thieves, had a very pleasant childhood with his mother and father (before he died due to the TB outbreak), and it got even better when Taichi and Hikari stayed with them, even if it was only for a couple of years. He was one among the few that hadn't joined the thieves because of a terrible past they were hiding from, or looking a for a replacement family for the one that had been destroyed by war.
He joined to help the cause. He joined to give Taichi and Hikari another soldier for their stealthy rebellion.
He had many happy memories growing up, but the one he was experiencing right now was among the sweeter ones.
It wasn't a particularly beautiful evening; dark storm clouds hung in the air and blocked out all the stars and the moon. He couldn't use any of the more common routes; sticking to the filthy alleys to avoid detection by Ichijouji soldiers. And there was a very high risk of being caught by Ken's men and brought before court to be tried and killed. If anything, the situation should place this moment as one of his least favorite memories, but one large factor changed that; Jeri.
Yes, at that very moment his beautiful, innocent girlfriend was leaning against his chest, waiting for the signal that it was safe to continue towards her house. Takato figured that if he was in prison, awaiting the death penalty, if he saw Jeri's smiling face at least once then he'd be able to plunge through the unhappiness and find the light of the situation.
She was that wonderful, and he loved her for it.
"What are you smiling at, Takato?"
Takato turned his attention back to the focus of his thoughts and smiled at the smirk on her otherwise innocent face. "Just thinking about you."
Jeri giggled softly and gently shoved him, "That was a very cheesey line Takato." She smiled at him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, "But you get points because you looked so cute when you said it."
He blushed and rolled his eyes before returning them back to the two guards stationed at either side of the alley they were currently hiding in. They were pacing in front of it, their eyes scanning everything attentively, and Takato quickly realized these soldiers were in a more experienced army. The King must be getting increasingly paranoid if he's placing his better soldiers on curfew partol.
"We'll have to take to the roofs," he whispered softly.
Jeri gave him an incredulous look, "Takato you can't be serious! Me, scaling a building! I have trouble keeping my balance on flat surfaces."
Takato laughed quietly, "Relax." He carefully took her arms and wrapped them securely around his neck, "Just don't look down, and hold on tight." Takato watched as the fear in her eyes slowly resided, he knew she was worried due to her fear of heights.
Jeri nodded slowly and burried her face into his chest, tightening her grip around his neck. An almost inaudible, muffled "Okay" gave Takato the incentive to move, and he quickly jumped up several crates and barrels until he was high enough to reach the roof.
"Are you alright?" He asked Jeri softly. She nodded and he wrapped his arms around her waist for a moment, assuring her that she would be safe with him. Then he grasped the ledge of the roof and pulled them upward, careful not to scrape Jeri's back against the edge. He positioned himself so that his legs were dangling off the edge while Jeri sat in his lap, her face still buried in his chest. He smiled and kissed the top of her head then slowly guided her to the top middle section of the roof.
"Alright Jeri, you can look now."
Jeri smiled as she glanced around before her eyes were drawn back to Takato's, "Thank you."
He shrugged, "No big deal."
They joined hands and began walking through the darkness toward her small house on the edge of the First District.
They walked in a comfortable silence before Jeri decided to break it, "Takato?"
"Hm?"
"Are you..." She trailed off, unsure how to ask the question.
Takato turned his gaze from the darkness ahead to stare at his girlfriend as she tried to form words. "What's wrong Jeri?"
She sighed, rolling her eyes, "Do you think I'm in... danger?" They were both quiet for a long time. "You know, since that Ichijouji soldier stopped to question me. I know I left behind that purse and his brother brought it back to me, but it seemed so... strange that he happened to start interrogating the only person with ties to the thieves in that entire market place."
"Jeri don't worry, I think you're just being a little paranoid." Takato grinned, squeezing her hand comfortingly.
She lowered her eyes, "I hope so..."
He smiled, "Don't worry, I'll protect you, and Taichi and Yamato and all of the others won't let anything bad happen to you either." He laughed softly, "You've got the best protection force in all of Ichijouji working for you, there's nothing to be afraid of."
A smile smile found its way upon Jeri's face after Takato's reassurances. "Okay, I trust you."
"Good to hear, because we're going to have to jump down from here."
Jeri groaned, "I forgot that when you go up you have to come back down."
Takato laughed and crouched in front of her, "Here, climb on my back."
Jeri complied hesitantly and Takato took off towards the edge at a pace that made Jeri's grip on him tighten out of fear. Takato crouched on the ledge and glanced around cautously, searching for any Ichijouji soldiers.
"That's strange..."
"What?" Jeri slowly peered around his shoulder.
"There aren't any soldiers around here. Everywhere else there have been small squads stationed after every few houses, here... there's no one..."
"Is that cause to be worried?"
"Most of the time, yes."
"They could be switching squads?" Jeri suggested, trying to find a logical explanation for the strange events.
"Yea... or they could be lessening the amount of guards towards the castle because the King thinks we're hiding in the Second District." Takato seemed satisfied by these two options and carefully scaled down the side of the building, using windows, broken bricks, and any other manner of makshift foot and hand holds he could find.
When they were safely on the ground Jeri climbed off his back and the duo raced across the street, careful to remain hidden from the light coming from the surrounding windows. Jeri reached the door first and opened it silently, ushering Takato to follow her indoors and away from the dangerous streets.
When the couple was safely inside Jeri closed the door and began fumbling for something to light the candles in her house.
"Takato, I think I left some matches on the table by the door, can you hand them to me?" Takato didn't respond but the next moment she felt a small box appear in her hand where her matches were located. "Thanks." She quickly grabbed the candle closest to her and let it, allowing the warming light to evaporate the shadows around her.
"You're welcome."
Jeri's eyes suddenly widened at the unfamiliar voice, fear immediately seizing her. She spun around only to have a rough hand clamp over her mouth while another hand grabbed her wrists and brought them behind her back, the owner of the hands overpowering her without much difficult.
"LET HER GO!"
Jeri stopped struggling as more candles were lit, allowing her to see her captor's face. She felt the color drain from her face when her eyes adjusted to see Takato being restrained by several large men... all clothed in black.
The Black Squardon.
"My. My. My. I came here to set a trap for a mouse and end up catching a street rat as well. Hm hm hm. It must be my lucky day."
"Myotis." Takato hissed.
Jeri wasn't sure who this man was, but he was obviously an important member of the Black Squadron, and Takato obviously didn't like him. Myotis had unusually pale skin that almost looked blue in the dim light, he had long blonde hair that was tied into a single strand down his back, and the coldest grey eyes Jeri had ever laid eyes on. She supposed he might have been handsome at one point in his life, but that eerie, merciless aura around him make her shake in fear.
"Myotis what the hell are you doing here, let Jeri go she's done nothing to you." Takato ordered, eyes narrowed.
"Oh but that's where you're wrong." Myotis chuckled in his throat before walking towards her. "She's been leaking information from the palace to you thieves, and she will have to be punished for her heinous acts against the crown." He placed a hand on her cheek, "Pity such beauty has been wasted on filth like the thieves."
Jeri narrowed her eyes and jerked her face away from his hand.
"And such spirit." Myotis chuckled, allowing his teeth to flash in the candle light.
"Leave her alone!"
Myotis's smile only broadened at this demand and he calmly turned to face the thief. "And what will you do if I don't? Hm? Taichi and Yamato aren't here to protect you." He clenched one of his fists and plunged it into the boy's gut, grinning sadistically as he watched the thief double over as far as he could with his arms still restrained. Myotis chuckled and gave a hand signal to the other members of the Black Squadron who instantly advanced upon the bound thief, cracking their knickles and drawing weapons from their belts.
Jeri watched in horror and Takato tried to fight against them, despite how hopeless the cause was, but he was quickly overrun by the sheer numbers of the Black Squadron. Soon pained yelps and sounds of a beating reached Jeri.
"NO! Takato!" she screamed, struggling again, but it was no use... she was too weak. "Takato! No stop this! Please stop! STOP!!"
Myotis turned to her, still grinning, "Oh don't worry my dear, your turn will come." He walked towards her again, "You last four years as a spy. Let's see how long you'll last in the Ichijouji dungeons."
Jeri screamed as the men that had her restrained began to walk towards the exit, dragging her with them. "Let go of me! LET GO!! TAKATO!! TAKATO!!"
When her screams were the only sign of her presence Myotis snapped his fingers and the remaining BLack Squadron scurried out the door and into the night, leaving only him and the bruised and bloodied mass on the floor in the small house.
He scowled, disgusted that people like this were what was keeping Ichijouji from reaching its full potential. He leaned down and grabbed the boy from the collar of his shirt and lifted him so that their eyes met; bruised and swollen met cold and icy. "I want you to run back to whatever hell hole you and the other street rats are hiding in and tell you beloved Prince that we've taken your little girlfriend. She will just be the beginning of your payment to the Prince." He dropped the younger thief on the floor and stepped on him on his way out, blowing out all of the candles before closing the door.
To any passerby it would appear as though nothing dastardly had just taken place.
A low growl of thunder echoed across the sky and a few drops of rain splattered upon the cobblestone streets.
TTTTTTTTTTTTT
Time had slowed.
There was no other way Sora could desribe it. The four stood, tables and other obstacles pushed to the back of the room, each holding their prefered weapon and moving with such speed, agility and grace Sora was sure there was some mystical force about the way they moved. After watching their quick, precise movements Sora concluded that their amazing precision and almost sixth sense reactions HAD to be due to time slowing down, just around them, and just enough for them to know exactly what was going to happen a split second before she did.
It was almost like a dance. A violent, dangerous, amazing dance that Sora wished she could be part of.
She could count the number of times she nearly cried out when she was sure Hikari was going to be stapped by Yamato's weapon, couldn't remember how many gasps had escaped her lips when Mimi preformed a trick with her knives that left Takeru on the defensive, couldn't fathom how often her jaw hit the table when the blonde brothers teamed up and did something that could only be accomplished through a psychic link between the two.
They assured her they hadn't prepared or memorized a battle pattern, that this entire preformance was live and improvised, but Sora was beginning to have her doubts.
It was only after an impressive display of teamwork by Hikari and Mimi that the practice session officially ended. Hikari had dropped to the floor just as Takeru had swung his blade at her, she rose up with such speed that Takeru was caught completely off guard when she crossed her two blades (faces up of course) and slammed them into the blonde's abdomenm sending him sprawling into Yamato. Mimi had taken advantage of Yamato's momentary shock to ram her shoulder into his chest and knock him down, instantly pouncing on him and crossing her blades across his throat while Hikari copied her actions. There was a moment of tense, awed silence before the four began grinning and congradulating each other, apparently Hikari had been trying to find a partner that could take down the brothers and Mimi was the first to help her succeed.
"Yes!! I told you your day would come Tk!" Hikari giggled, jumping off of the flushed young man. She quickly sheathed her weapons before holding a hand to her fallen comrade, "Good match Takeru." Her triumphant smile dazzled her best friend and for a moment he stared at her hand, confused, before accepting it, his cheeks turning red.
Sora grinned as the duo walked back over to her, still hand-in-hand. "So, did you enjoy the show Sora?"
Sora didn't know how to answer the question without sounding like some rabid fangirl, so she grinned broadly and nodded enthusiastically. "I wish I could fight like that!"
Takeru placed his sword in his sheath and smiled, "I'm sure you'll learn a thing or two if you hang around all of us for a while. We're pretty good at training new recruits."
Hikari nodded, "But you'll have to ask Taichi of course, he knows everything about swordsmanship. He could turn you into a master in a couple of weeks!"
Takeru gave her a disbelieving look and Hikari rolled her eyes in response, "Okay... maybe not a master, but you'd be really good."
"Kari adores Taichi." Takeru laughed.
"I can tell." Sora smiled.
"He's just jealous because he and Yamato don't get along as well." Hikari winked.
"What! We get along fine! Hey Matt we get along grea -- Oy! Get a room you two!"
Hikari giggled as she watched the couple glare at him for interrupting thier make-out session, but, grudgingly, stood up and joined their small group.
"Just you wait Takeru, when you and Hikari finally get together we're going to mock you mercilessly," Yamato grinned evilly.
Hikari and Takeru began stuttering protests as their faces began to radiate embarassment, the duo glanced at one another between every other objection, as though unsure.
"Denial," Sora stated, smirking.
"No!!"
Sora held up her hand, "I've been conscious for less than twenty four hours and I see it."
The three that weren't being tormented errupted into laughter as the younger thieves present continued to get more and more uncomfortable with the topic.
"Let's change the subject." Hikari said suddenly.
"Oh no, you two aren't getting off that easy." Mimi smirked.
"We should lock them in a closet together and see how long they last," Yamato said deviously.
"Or we could --"
Whatever brilliant idea Sora had come up with was quickly forgotten as Daisuke raced into the kitchens looking paniced and frantic. "HIDE!!"
Yamato raised an eyebrown, "From?"
"Taichi! He -- and I -- and Catherine -- and the door -- and with Sora -- urghh! Just HIDE!!"
Yamato and Mimi instantly jumped out of their chairs at the mention of their friend. "Taichi's back!?"
"Oh crap." Takeru whispered.
Hikari glanced at the four of them confused, "What's going on?"
No one responded and Mimi quickly took Sora's arm, tugging her gently towards the other entrance at the opposite side of the room.
"Mimi what's going on?" Sora asked.
"No time to explain!" Mimi whispered. "Yamato, go black the door or something!"
Yamato and Daisuke immediately raced for the door, but it was too late.
The doors swung open to the sound of Catherine screaming for Taichi to stop, but he was too annoyed and angry to listen. He walked into the kitchens only to be grabbed by Yamato and Daisuke.
"Taichi what are you doing back?" Yamato asked, trying -- and failing -- to inconspicuously lead Taich iback into the corridors.
Taichi's eyes instantly became deadly and he ripped his arm away from his blonde rival. His voice wasn't raised, but Yamato had never heard anything more menacing in his life than what came out of his friend's mouth, "Don't touch me Ishida."
Yamato stared at him, confused, "Tai wha --"
Taichi spun around and broke out of the hold the two thieves had him in and walked further into the kitchens, anger pulsing off of him like an aura.
Yamato glanced to the other side of the room and saw that Sora had stopped Mimi, her hands on her hips. Taichi hadn't seen her yet! If he could keep him occupied long enough...
The blonde thief jumped in front of his rival, his eyes narrowed. "What's you problem?"
Daisuke flinched when he heard Yamato utter those words. Wrong thing to say...
Taichi glared at him, his eyes were so dark they were almost black. "Stand aside."
"You didn't answer my question."
"And I won't, otherwise I might do something I might regret." Taichi glared at him and tried to move around him, but Yamato grabbed his shoulder.
"What's wrong with you?" He demanded. Yamato suddenly felt nervous. There was something obviously wrong with his best friend. "Did something happen."
"YOU TELL ME." Taichi snapped. "Oh wait! But you won't do that will you. I had to find out everything that's been happening in this entire fucking city by leaving! I couldn't count on YOU to tell me what the hell's been going on!"
"Taichi?"
Taichi tore his enraged eyes away from Yamato and allowed them to soften a bit when Hikari rushed over to him and enveloped him in a hug. "Hey Kari."
"Taichi, what's going on? Why are you so upset?"
Taichi's furious eyes turned to Yamato, "Where's Mimi?"
Yamato, who had remained silent since Taichi's first outburst, suddenly narrowed his eyes, "Why?"
"I know you don't have the brains to pull all of this off." Taichi sneered.
Yamato clenched his fists, "Leave her out of this."
"She's as much to blame as you are!"
"What are you planning to do to her?" Yamato demanded, hand inching towards his blade.
All of the ferociousness suddenly vanished from Taichi's face and a look of devestation appeared in it's place. "What? Yamato... you didn't honestly think I would hurt her... did you?"
Yamato didn't respond, his hand still on the hilt of his sword.
Hikari quickly grabbed her brother's hand. "No, no of course he didn't." She turned to glare at the blonde thief, "You should be ashamed Matt, I can't believe that thought even crossed your mind. You know Taichi loves Mimi."
Yamato's grip on his hilt still didn't loosen and his eyes remained deadly.
The pain Taichi felt was put to the back of his mind as quickly as he could, he would deal with it later... His eyes narrowed again as he hand lightly rested on the hilt of his blade.
"Mimi! I refuse to go anywhere until you tell me what the hell is going on!!"
Yamato closed his eyes for a brief moment, wishing that Taichi hadn't heard... no such luck however. When Yamato's eyes opened again Taichi's face was turned to look at the area Mimi and Sora were standing. Yamato watched the emotions of Taichi's face intently, noting how shock was the first emotion that was processed by his brain.
"Sora?" he murmmered softly.
As though hearing her name being called Sora turned to face them, her eyes widening when they rested on the Prince of Thieves.
"Daisuke?"
Then confusion.
Sora took several steps towards him, unsure. When they were standing in front of each other Sora cautiously placed a hand on his cheek.
Finally, rage. Pure, frenzied, animalistic rage.
Sora eyes narrowed at the exact moment Taichi's did and the hand that had been resting on his cheek was quickly drawn back and returned with full force with a loud, echoing
!!SMACK!!
TTTTTTTTTTTTT
me: WOOT!! IT's over!! IT'S FINALLY OVER!! How'd you guys like the ending? I LOVE it!! But that's because I know what's gonna happen!! MUWAHAHAHAHA!! I love my brain (pats brain on the head)
Brain: ...I'm not YOUR brain...
Davis: Okay, are you smoking something?
me: No, why do you ask? (is standing on head next to a flamingo)
Davis: ... no reason...
me: (grins) REVIEW PLEASE!! Remember... fuzzy yellow phone!! You know you want it!! (waves it around mockingly) LOVE YOU ALL!! LATERZ!!
CS
