A/N: Well- do you guys really think you deserve another story?? I don't know… I had hoped the reviews would have been better for that other fic… come on people- make my days brighter- with comments- anything! You can't give me tons of reviews- and then leave me with hardly anything… Kate feels sad… you don't luv me anymore! *Sniff*

Ok mood swing over- or is it???

Anyway- I haven't had much of the free time- but once I do, hopefully I'll be able to actually read some fics and return the favors to all you loyal readers. You are the reason I'm back posting the next round of Taiora fics-

So here you go and enjoy- oh and I'm assuming you are all acquainted with the standard disclaimers and such- so I'm not going to have to write them for every chapter right? Good :) they so annoy me…

-

Chapter 1:

Conquest

-

The world was in a continuous place of death and suffering. Wars had brought the rise and fall of countless kingdoms. Power was sought and paid for with the lives of many.

Passion and pleasure where things the powerful lusted after as they extended their borders and conquered new lands.

The great house of Kamiya was among the dominant states of the time. Their military prowess and speed where unmatchable. The swordsmen of the Kamiya kingdom where known for ruthless slaughters and unbridled skill in combat. The King's elite squads of Royal Knights were feared continent wide.

At the command of the king's oldest son and his best knight, the Elites were invincible. Within days, they would crush city after city, annexing them into the Kamiya kingdom. No one stood a chance.

Most cities surrendered as they approached. There were a few, however, that tried to resist them, but they soon fell victim to the mass force of the Elite Knights.

The only town that posed the biggest resistance was that of Takenou. The entire town had barricaded its city with great walls. This city was of special significance and was greatly desired for it's strategic position near the ocean. It's port created great wealth for its citizens and the surrounding area. The townsfolk were also use to defending themselves due to other attempts, from practically every kingdom, to take it over.

None had succeeded. This, the people accredited to the excellent military achievements of the town's elected mayor and his family. The kind hearted, yet strong willed man and his three children made up the Takenouchi family.

However, even their military force could not withstand the mounting forces of the Kamiya kingdom indefinitely.

Causalities of the endless assaults were rising rapidly. The Kamiya armies had spared none. As the situation grew bleaker, the major had no choice but to surrender or witness the deaths of the defenseless women, children and the rest of the people under his care.

Sending out word to the assaulting armies the city of Takenou became the newest losers in the struggle for power.

The Kamiya Elites were the first of the King's armies to enter the city walls. The destruction inside was great, yet the walls masked it to the outside. If the city had not surrendered when they did, the Elites might have had to fall back and regroup with reinforcements.

A blond haired man rode a top a mighty steed into the city leading the group of elites. His blue eyes scanned the area. The Kamiya army had already rounded up the remains of the town's fighters and wounded. Confining them to a section of town and erecting a fence to keep them confined, they hoped to avert any troubles. The man was in awe of the city's size and fortifications.

Usually a city would destroy itself before surrendering- but not this one. They had enough explosives to do it, but the casualties would have been horrific for both sides.

The remaining townspeople were definitely not very welcoming; he didn't expect them to be however. The quiet whispers of the people were finally disrupted by a loud protest near the prisoner's fence. As the person in command at the moment the rider went to check out what was creating the commotion.

-

"I demand you let me in there this instant!" A fiery red headed girl said as she clutched a basket full of medical supplies. "There are injured people in there that need tending to!"

"No way Missy! I have strict orders- no one in and no one out!" A large guard said as he grabbed the girl's arm. This caused the bandages and basin of clean water to fall on the dirty soil.

"And I say I don't care! I'm going to go and help them." She retorted, as she broke free of the guards grip with a powerful kick to the stomach.

The group of guards watching the commotion laughed at the man's failure to subdue a mere girl.

"That wasn't nice Missy! I'm through being Mr. Nice Guard to you vermin." He said drawing his sword. Swinging it at the girl, she dodged it and landed another kick to the guard. This caused the rest of the guards to take action. The girl's actions were also beginning to cause the prisoner's to become protective. It took three men to contain her and still she squirmed against them.

"That's enough." The blonde said as she finally stepped in to stop the ruckus. "Men unhand the maiden."

"Yes, Lord Ishida." The guards said as they dropped the girl.

"But Lord Ishida this girl was…"

"I said enough! I don't want to hear it. Your army commanders are letting you get soft! If a mere girl can get to you- what would happen in battle? It's disgraceful! When Prince Kamiya gets back he'll hear of your weakness." The blonde said as he dismounted. Walking over to the girl, he smiled. She was even more striking up close.

"What's your name girl?" He asked as she finished picking up her supplies.

"It's Sora. Now may I tend to the wounded?"

"Sora? It's a beautiful name that matches an equally beautiful maiden." The smooth talking attempt didn't seem to work on her. Looking a bit angry, he continued. "I am Lord Yamato Ishida, second in command of the Royal Elite Knights. But one as lovely as you may call me Matt."

"Well Matt," she started with distain in her voice, "I demand to be allowed to treat the injured!" She repeated.

"Demand? My dear are you in any position to command anything?'

"According to the terms of surrender, we still retain the basic rights to help the needy. Containing the injured and prisoners in a fence is inhumane."

"My, my, temper temper. But your eyes sparkle even more radiantly when you get angry." Matt smiled as he grabbed her arm and pulled her closer to him. "I suppose I could let you check on your wounded… if…" He whispered in her ear.

"If what?" She asked trying to pull away.

"I think you know what I'm asking for." He grinned as he saw her disgusted expression.

"What would Lady Mimi say if she saw you right now?" Came a voice from behind them. Matt recognized it right away and released the girl. She drew away from him the second he let go of her hand.

"Prince Taichi?" Matt said acting surprised. "You're back so soon? What's the word form the capital?"

"All is well, good friend. However, I do ask you to refrain from pestering these people. They have retained their dignity by stopping the bloodshed. Miss you may tend to the wounded." The man with the dark brown hair said as he rode his horse closer. Medals and emblems adorned his uniform. His face was serious and his garments organized. Everything was pristine except for his wild brown locks. Sora finished picking up her supplies and began to walk away.

"Halt you insolent girl! You disrespect your Prince- Bow before his highness!" Matt yelled and stopped her.

"I have no Lord, but the one in heaven. Kill then if you will, for I will bow to no man."

Tai was taken back by her brave words. He stopped Matt and the guards before they struck her. This person intrigued him. He jumped off his horse and approached the girl.

His dark eyes met her crimson orbs. He saw her prepare herself for a beating as he drew closer. He wanted to smile at her brave front she tried to keep up.

"Go now and heal your hurt, but when you have finished… I would like to speak with you dear lady." he smiled and motioned her to go.

She was quite shocked when the beating hadn't happened and now he was smiling… he was smiling and not angry… she quickly ran off into the gates of the fence as it was opened for her.

-

Tai watched as she ran off into the group of prisoners.

"Such a striking creature… she would be a great lover with such a passion and fire." Matt said longingly.

"Now what would Lady Mimi think if you brought a mistress from the front?"

"Spoils of war? Besides my dearest wife is unable to please me at present time." Matt said.

"Your WIFE happens to be carrying your first offspring good friend."

"Exactly why I need a creature to entertain me until she has …recovered… So what word does your father send?" he asked changing the topic of conversation.

"Our king is sadly on his death bed. The campaign he led to the East took too much out of him."

"So you will be crowned soon?" Matt asked his friend.

"He needs me to wed first." Tai sighed.

"Well there are abundant women to choose from in all the lands we have conquered. Surely one is to your fancy?"

"None that would love me back." Tai said with a sigh.

"They will with time friend. Besides there are hundreds of towns to look in." Tai simply shook his head. "No? What do you mean Taichi?"

"Father bids me bring back a woman from this town. The alliance of the marriage union would allow father to have better control over these people…" Tai replied. "And their port."

"So find one that suits you."

"My father wants me to find their mayor. Supposedly, he has three children. We've been confirmed the oldest son is dead, the second son, along with his father is here, but wounded in with the prisoners… but the third child… is a supposed beauty. I am to bring her back with us."

"Well then let's find them." Matt said as he and Tai entered the prisoner's holding area with a few guards.

-

A/N: that's all you get for now… you have to make me want to find time to type. *Hint* *hint* *wink* *wink* you know what I mean…