Well, I am proud to announce that this is my Christmas finale and you
shall all love it very much! But I am very disappointed at the same time
because even after giving you all an entire week to review my tenth chapter
I've only received THREE REVIEWS!!!! You are all in deep doo-doo. So
until you all raise the bar on these reviews I'm not giving you as many
juicy bits about Sora's past as I was going to. But don't worry I hate
making people sad, and I hate holding grudges, so I'll eventually put all
of the pieces of Sora's puzzling past out there for you to put together.
Oh and I was wondering, would any of you out there like me to put in and
keep Megumi in this story? Just wondering. I've got a new OC for you guys
to meet too!
Chapter 11
Funky Brown Socks!!
(Hee hee, spyrogue you're going to really enjoy this!)
Sora and the girls had just finished eleven hours of dress shopping and headed home for more information from Koenma. The boys on the other hand, besides Kurama, were having a much harder time getting their looks together. Hiei was too short for a lot of the tuxedos, Kuwabara had his on backwards and it just went downhill from there.
Sora: It looks great Kenshin, but you can't wear those socks with it.
Kenshin: Why not, I like them.
Sora: They're brown dooffus! You must wear black socks with a tuxedo.
Kenshin: They look fine.
Sora: NO, they don't, now take them off and put on some other socks!
Kenshin: It's not like we're going to this today, why do I have to put them on?
Sora: So we can see if the socks are the proper shade of black!
Kenshin: No, I'm not changing them!
Sora: Uggggghhh! You are insufferable! I'm not going to put up with you and those funky brown socks anymore, and when Koenma gets on you about them it's not going to be my fault!
Koenma: (walking around corner) I don't see anything wrong with them.
Sora just starred at him, her jaw hanging open. She just closed her eyes, inhaled deeply as if under a lot of stress and stiffly left the room. They all regrouped later as Koenma laid out the plan of action for them.
Koenma: Ok, we have a week until this ball. Now, it's not going to be exactly in the city hall, but underneath it. Rumor has it Coronsoe has a huge underground palace in which he hides most of the time. Any biological genius who's anybody will be there, so you have to be smart and smooth. Those who don't know how must learn to waltz, among other things for this event. Sora and her Shrikans will teach you all these new techniques since they know what will be expected of you from Coronsoe and his company. Oh, and we have a prime target that we desperately need to get close to, his name is Ian Rion.
He tossed a photo to them.
Koenma: Sora, I'll leave that to you since you've got the most experience in these operations. We have very little time and much to do, so unless I am alerted of any new information you may all go and start your training. They retreated to the main hall and listened intently to what Sora had to say.
DAY 1 Sora: Ok, first of all can any of you even remotely dance? Oh dear god, this is going to be a long week!
She worked with each of them, Kurama, most of the girls, and to everyone's surprise Kuwabara caught on quickly. The others needed some more work though. Sora pared most of the bad dancers up with the ones that could dance, and then critiqued them from there.
Sora: No, no Hiei, it's one two three, one two three then turn! Botan you can't lead, Kurama has to or he's going to get his feet stepped on. Kenshin! Just stop, I've watched you make that same mistake over and over! Now come here. Take my hands now step forward, good, now to the side, no, no not so fast!
It was then that it struck her.
Sora: ** No, no it's not possible! He can't be, that's the same mistake that, no Sora get a grip! It's just a coincidence, oh now I've lost my place. **
After a grueling 5 hours of waltz lessons everyone took to their beds, they had learned to dance quickly for their feet depended on it. Sora had made them practice in the shoes that they would be wearing to the ball and if they weren't careful their feet were going to get stabbed or crushed by high heels! As Sora went to her room, which was no where near as nice as the one at her house she took down her hair and got ready for bed.
Sora: (to herself) Tomorrow we need to work on weaponry and stealth.
She began laying out several weapons on her dresser, some of which I forgot to mention before. Ripfang: Hiya!
Sora: Oh, you scared me, where are your parents and brother and sister?
Ripfang: They're getting ready for tomorrow; I can't wait to spar with your friends!
Sora: Well don't get carried away, your father will be watching too, so don't screw up! He cares about you a lot, but he can't hand over his leadership to an incompetent fighter, you know that.
Ripfang: Don't worry I'll be fine! Besides this is supposed to be a learning experience. I've never even seen another human besides you! Are they any good at fighting? I mean They all just look so scrawny you know?
Sora: Well, I guess anything would look scrawny to you if it were almost 8feet shorter than you! Silly, use your head, you should know that they're no pushovers. Sano almost knocked your head off that night when you attacked them!
Ripfang: Yeah, but I didn't feel a thing, you know my entire head is harder than steel!
Sora: Young and humorous! What am I to do with you?
Ripfang: Well, you could share with me the secrets of this grand operation you're going to be undergoing.
Sora: And nosey to boot! Well, this grand operation can't run smoothly without you guys, I'm taking you all with us, that's the only reason I need you to train with everyone tomorrow! I've hunted with your family since I was a child so I know all of your techniques and could teach everyone by myself, but you guys need to understand how one another fight and react in order to function well at this ball.
Ripfang: So who's this Ian you're after?
Sora: I'm not after him! I just need to buddy up to him; supposedly he's one of Coronsoe's top henchmen and has access to some useful information.
Ripfang: Are you going to be able to do this?
Sora: (shakily) Of course! Why wouldn't I be able to?
Ripfang: Well, you just seem like you're still getting over everything else.
Sora: I have to stop feeling sorry for myself, it's high time I let go of the past. Dwelling on it isn't going to change anything. Ripfang: Ok, it's just, and I'm saying this from a brother's point of view, I don't want you to push yourself to do anything. We may not be related by blood or anything, but I was raised with you and I've seen how Coronsoe and even your own family have hurt you. I just don't want you to be sad anymore, it has been 4 years since I've seen you laughing, smiling, or happy in general. I mean really happy, you used to be such a joyous and carefree person, and now your spirit walks as if chained to the past.
Sora: I'm glad you care so much; it's nice to know I still have someone to talk to that knows me.
Ripfang: Sorry to change the subject, but why did you loose it today once you started correcting Kenshin?
Sora: Oh, I just thought, well, oh who am I kidding, it was just a coincidence. I just remembered that my old trainer used to make the same mistakes when he had me teach him to dance. Since Kenshin's an orphan though,
Ripfang: Whoa! How did you find that out?
Sora: I asked Koenma. But I thought maybe they were related somehow, but oh well I don't have time for that right now. I need to get ready for tomorrow.
Coronsoe stood in the center of his underground palace. People rushed about putting up decorations and preparing for the big night. Coronsoe was tall, and lean with an olive complexion. His eyes a hardened gray, and wrinkles lined his features. A young man walked over to him. He was slightly shorter than Coronsoe with crimson red eyes and black hair with natural blond tips styled similarly to Kenshin's. His skin was pale and cunning shone in his eyes.
Coronsoe: So Ian, is everything going to be ready in time?
Ian: I believe so sir. What was it you wanted to talk to me about?
Coronsoe: I'm expecting special company that night and I want to make sure they are shown our best; you know what I mean don't you?
Ian: Of course, do have a picture of our suspects?
Coronsoe handed him several pictures.
Coronsoe: They will most likely be altogether, but this is the one that I'm after in particular.
He pointed to Sora's picture.
Ian: Wow! Not bad.
Coronsoe: I've got some bait that should keep them busy once they get here. But your job is going to be to get her to fall for you and then you have to bring her to me. I'll take it from there. This ball is just a way for everyone to get introduced.
Ian: What if the plan backfires?
Coronsoe: It won't! Or I will have your head!
Ian: Understood sir, you won't be sorry.
Coronsoe: I should hope not, for your sake.
DAY 2
EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!! BANG, BANG, BANG!!!! Everyone looked up from their breakfast as Sora's screams and several gunshots rang out from the floor above them.
Yusuke: Should we go see if she's ok?
Hiei: I wouldn't worry, if anything was attacking her, it's most likely lying on the floor twitching in its own blood by now.
Sora came down the stairs and around the corner, her hair was hanging in her face and she was breathing heavily.
Yukina: Goodness, are you all right?
Sora: I hate spiders! They just freak me out ok?
Sano: Is that why you fired three gunshots and screamed like you were being murdered?
Sora: It was crawling next to me on the pillow and it was, uuuuuuughh!!!!! (she shuddered)
Kuwabara: Hah! Miss high and mighty is afraid of a tiny little spider!
Sora: It's not funny! (tears welled up in her eyes and she stomped off before anyone could see her actually start to cry)
Shizuru: Someone has issues.
Keiko: You aren't kidding!
Kaoru: And I thought I over reacted sometimes.
Yahiko: Sometimes?
Kaoru: Why you little!
Sora had gone outside and sat with her arms about her knees and rested her chin on top of them. Tears now streamed down her face.
Sora: **My mother was killed by a spider, not a regular spider, but still, the memory is very traumatizing all the same. They don't understand that though, they would never understand. **
Phantom: Maybe they would if you only shared more about yourself with them.
Sora: Why do you always do that?!?
Phantom: I am gifted with the ability to read minds and why should such a gift be wasted? I'm sorry to invade your privacy, but you mustn't be angry with them, they have no idea why you get upset about these things. You need to let them in rather then shut them out of your feelings.
Sora: It's hard to do. But you're right. We have lessons to administer anyway. Come on, I don't want to walk back in there alone.
They spent the rest of the day learning to fire guns, hide them in certain folds of dresses or pockets etc. Phantom and his family spared with Sora's friends and enjoyed themselves openly.
Rose: Come on little ones! (she was shouting to Hiei and Yahiko not realizing that Hiei wasn't a child)
Hiei: She's starting to get on my nerves, but I have to admit she has some pretty good fighting techniques.
Just then Kuwabara leapt at Razor, not remembering his armored coating. Razor just looked over his shoulder as Kuwabara thudded against his back and then started to peel him off.
Razor: It's just too bad that these are quills and will stick in you, and not to me. Hey Sora, you might want to get the pliers; these are in kind of deep. I never thought I'd meet someone thick enough to just run headlong at me and leap upon my back!
Flamejaw: You can do better than that girls, come on now step up the pace!
She ducked and wove in and out of them as Kaoru, and Botan tried frantically to keep up. Smoke drifted out of her mouth as she released very small, contained bursts of flame, wanting badly to unleash her full wrath, but showing good self-control.
Ripfang: Come on, I can take you, any of you, all of you!
Kenshin, Sano, Yusuke, and Kurama prepared for their foe. Sano had more confidence though at the memory of the night he had single handedly taken on Ripfang. Ripfang knew this, and figured that Sano's over confidence would cause him to make the most mistakes. Ripfang was also a bit more hesitant though since he wasn't about to let himself get knocked for another loop! They stood stock still, attempting to read one another for a split second.
Ripfang: **I've got the upper hand, I'm faster and stronger, but can I outsmart them? **
Ripfang lunged into the center of the square of boys, pulling his first trick as he dove at Yusuke and pulled up at the last second. Yusuke, who had been expecting Ripfang to leap at him ducked sideways, but still didn't escape the entire blow from Rip's triple headed mace! It caught him in the side of the gut and would've ripped him wide open except these were only practice maces and had no spikes on them, the blow still left a nasty instant bruise and knocked Yusuke flat to the floor. But Kurama had whipped out his rose whip the second Ripfang began moving and before Ripfang could get both feet back on the ground the weapon was tight about his neck. Kurama yanked and Ripfang slid backwards across the floor!
Phantom: Come on son you can do better than that! You should've had him hauled over your head and into the wall by now!
Ripfang glared at his father for a second, and then flashed a wicked smile. It was then that realization struck him; Ripfang was only playing the fool, building up what he hoped looked like rookie mistakes in order to get his opponents to grow careless!
The day passed quickly, and other than a few cuts and scrapes to wrap up at the end it was fairly uneventful. The evening before the ball they went over the last minute kinks in the plan and got everything ready. They would go in, get as much information on Coronsoe as they could, and slip out. If at all possible they were to arrest Coronsoe should they find proof of his suspected crimes of portal misuse, abduction of individuals from other dimensions, murder, robbery etc. The list just went on and on! Sora didn't sleep that night, but practiced alone in her room. Twirling the glaive, which she adored, she executed several moves, and then moved on to her other weapons. Each gun was loaded, cleaned, and ready for cocking! Sora then proceeded to go through several hand-to-hand combat moves. Using the punching bag Koenma had lent her she went at it with her bare hands, no gloves nothing! She socked and jabbed it until the seams began coming undone.
Sora: (whispering breathlessly to herself) You'll pay for everything you've ever done to me Coronsoe! I swear by my parents' deathbeds that the last breath you draw will be cut short by my hand and mine alone!
The next day was entirely devoted to getting everyone ready for action at the party. Despite her lack of sleep Sora seemed perpetually wired with what seemed to be excitement. She was also especially pleased with herself after finally tricking Kenshin into putting on the black socks she had been nagging him about wearing.
Shizuru: (whispering to Sora) How did you get him to wear the socks?
Sora: I took his little sword and threatened to drop it into a portal, he put those socks on so fast my eyes didn't catch it! Hee hee!
Shizuru: You wouldn't actually have done it would you?
Sora: Of course not! I would never harm someone else's property, especially not one of my friends. I just can't let him go to the ball in those awful socks they are absolutely dreadful!
Shizuru: You do have a point there! Oh! I almost forgot, Yukina had something for your hair that she wanted you to see; she's in her room.
Sora: All right thanks. I hope everything goes according to plan!
That night before they left Koenma warned them that any switching off of information they would have to do would have to be done by themselves, because it was too risky to take equipment with them. They were aloud to bring no more than a small, easily hidden recorder should they obtain any useful information. Even more surprising, the horses they had brought with them were the ones they would use to get to the event, on account of the fact that none of them had cars they could easily access. Sora and the girls were made to ride behind the boys too, on account of the fact that they were a bit distracting I n their gowns. I will now proceed to describe each dress, if you don't feel it necessary to read this part then skip over it, but it's really quite good and I wouldn't condone skipping over it. The boys are all in tuxedos so of course I can't tell you much about them because they all look the same.
Kaoru Her dress was a blue halter-top, and came to her ankles. She had a shawl draped about her shoulders sprinkled with glitter. Her hair was braided loosely and held together at the bottom by a crescent moon clip made of blue pearls.
Keiko She was in a pink spaghetti strap dress with a pink sash that attached to the left shoulder strap and wound down loosely about her body and had a delicate bead border. Her short hair was sprinkled with glitter and a small amount of makeup had been applied to her face.
Botan Her dress was crimson with long fanned sleeves and a velvet trim. Her hair was actually down for once except for the two pieces just behind her ears, which were held together in the back by a diamond flower barrette.
Shizuru She had a silver halter-top dress with a V-cut in the front and back, which were laced together by a silver silk ribbon. She had liberally applied makeup around her eyes and on her lips. Her hair was done up in a bun.
Yukina Her dress was a deep green with short, ruffled sleeves and it fanned out at the bottom. Her hair was in a ponytail and was dotted with emerald clips shaped like birds.
Sora She had on a dress that had been given to her by her mother. It was bright white and snuggly fit her figure. It was covered from head to toe in glitter and was a halter-top with loose, white silk straps that hung about her shoulders. The back of the dress was open and came down to just below her tattoo, perfectly exposing and framing its deadly beauty. The dress was held together in the back at the top by one silk strap, which hooked over an opal button, shaped like a cobra. Her long, blond hair was loosely curled and piled atop her head, with one curl hanging to the side of her face. Glistening, teardrop shaped ice beads were frozen to her hair by Yukina at so low a temperature they wouldn't melt for several hours! Heavy, silvery white eye shadow and black eye liner adorned her sapphire eyes. Her rosy red lips glistened with clear, glittery lip-gloss. The most stupendous of all though was her jewelry. A pure silver necklace and earrings coated with diamonds shimmered about her. The earrings were cobras whose fangs served as the earrings' posts. The necklace had a 2centemeter thick chain, which resembled the coils of the deadly serpent and came together in the front with a detailed cobra head that sat up, fangs barred, just below Sora's throat.
On with the story!
They reached the ball at 8 o'clock on the nose, Sora dismissed the Shrikans to go and try to infiltrate the ball. An armed guard led them, among others to the underground palace. There a man waited in front of the door with several guards and asked for the name of their party.
Sora: I believe it's under the name of Sora Mitana.
Man: Very well madam, enjoy your night.
They passed through the grand doors, into the room full of golden candlelight. Down the hall was the ballroom, and before they took another step everyone turned and hissed at Sora.
Everyone: Why did you give him your real name!?!
Sora: It's not my real name Mitana was the name I took after I was married, that's the one I gave them when they asked for my maiden name though for our reservations!
Everyone: Ok, whatever let's just get this over with!
As they set foot into the ballroom they were amazed by the amount of beauty and grandeur that had been put into the place.
Yusuke: Is having too much money a crime?
Shizuru: Sadly enough I don't think so.
Sora: Hey! I've got a lot of money!
Yusuke: Well, you aren't the bad guy here!
Sora: Fair enough. Oh, there's my target.
Shizuru: Ooo, he's not too bad!
Sora: Want to trade jobs?
Shizuru: Nah, I want to see what you do to try and get his attention.
Sora: Hah! How about I chuck my shoe at your head?
Shizuru: Oh come on! You just can't take a joke can you?
Sora: Nope, gotta go, duty calls!
As she wandered off the rest of them spread out and tried to look like they had some idea of what they were supposed to be doing. Some guy then approached Keiko and asked if she wanted to dance.
Yusuke: Hands off buddy, she's with me!
He stomped off and then Keiko turned on him.
Keiko: What was that! Now that you just chased off the only guy that wanted to dance with me off the bat you had better dance with me if you want me to forgive you for that little outburst!
Yusuke: Uhh, sorry, then do you want to dance with me?
Keiko: Sure! Come on let's have some fun!
Sora had stopped to admire one of the decorative fountains in the room, when Ian spotted her. She turned to walk in the direction that she had seen Ian in before and she walked right into him!
Ian: Oh, geese, sorry miss I didn't see you there!
Sora: No, no I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention, my name's Sora Mitana what's yours?
Ian: My name's Ian Rion. Hey, I know this may be a little straightforward but would you care to dance with me?
Sora: Oh, um, sure I'd love to dance!
Ian: **Awesome! She's already walking into my trap! **
Sora: **I've got you right where I want you! **
They began to dance and slowly but surely Kenshin and Kaoru and even Kurama and Botan casually danced and began to enjoy themselves. They rest just sat back and either mingled with the crowd or talked amongst themselves.
Ian: So, where are you from?
Sora: Why does that matter?
Ian: I don't know, I just thought it would be nice to know a little bit about you.
Sora: Well, I'm an only child and I raised myself. I do what I want when I want and my word is law in my world.
Ian: Tough girl huh?
Sora: Not really, my bark is bigger than my bite, most of the time.
Ian: That's comforting. Well, I ran away from home a long time ago, I needed to be free for a while. I didn't like all of the rules back home so, I went off and did my own thing! I haven't gone home since. Sora: Why?
Ian: Why not?
Sora: You left your family, because you didn't like the rules!?!
Ian: Pretty much, my parents weren't very good to me anyway. Dad only came home once in a while when he was too drunk to talk and my mom just didn't care about me.
Sora: At least you had parents! Mine died a long, long time ago. I still miss them.
Ian: Well, then if the past is so painful for the both of us let's just stop talking about it!
Sora: Agreed. So, want to get out of this crowd?
Ian: And go where?
Sora: Back outside of course.
Ian: Ummmm, ok, but not for very long I've got some people to meet. **Boss said not to leave, god, oh well he'll understand, I hope!**
They left and took a walk outside. Ian had relaxed more and was again resuming his carefree mood from before.
Ian: So what kind of biological work do you do?
Sora: Classified, it's my little secret and I'll never tell!
Ian: Fair enough. I have to admit though; there is just something about you that fascinates me.
Sora: I get that a lot.
Ian: You want to head back now?
Sora: Sure, it's a little cold out here anyway.
Ian: You want my coat?
Sora: No, I'm not fond of charity.
Ian: Ouch, you're colder than the air out here!
Sora: Sorry, I just don't like to be viewed as soft or easy.
Ian: I don't see you like that.
Sora: You're so sweet. Ah here we are!
They walked back in and Ian left her for a moment, little did they know, each one was secretly going back to their friends or boss to report what had happened so far.
Sora: Hey, guys I think I've got our target! He's definitely trying to worm his way into our business, so I'll bet Coronsoe knows we're here. We should try and leave soon, I just have to get something set up with this guy! Oh, here he comes! I have to go, see you guys later!
She went over and met up with Ian.
Sora: Hey my friends are starting to get tired so we're going to take off.
Ian: Oh, well, hold on can I get your number or something?
Sora: Why don't you just meet me here, at 8 o'clock, out front on Friday?
Ian: Sure, I'll be there!
Well, apparently both Sora and Ian think they're a step ahead of the game! You guys will love what happens next! I can't wait to tell you all! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, or whatever you guys celebrate. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!
Chapter 11
Funky Brown Socks!!
(Hee hee, spyrogue you're going to really enjoy this!)
Sora and the girls had just finished eleven hours of dress shopping and headed home for more information from Koenma. The boys on the other hand, besides Kurama, were having a much harder time getting their looks together. Hiei was too short for a lot of the tuxedos, Kuwabara had his on backwards and it just went downhill from there.
Sora: It looks great Kenshin, but you can't wear those socks with it.
Kenshin: Why not, I like them.
Sora: They're brown dooffus! You must wear black socks with a tuxedo.
Kenshin: They look fine.
Sora: NO, they don't, now take them off and put on some other socks!
Kenshin: It's not like we're going to this today, why do I have to put them on?
Sora: So we can see if the socks are the proper shade of black!
Kenshin: No, I'm not changing them!
Sora: Uggggghhh! You are insufferable! I'm not going to put up with you and those funky brown socks anymore, and when Koenma gets on you about them it's not going to be my fault!
Koenma: (walking around corner) I don't see anything wrong with them.
Sora just starred at him, her jaw hanging open. She just closed her eyes, inhaled deeply as if under a lot of stress and stiffly left the room. They all regrouped later as Koenma laid out the plan of action for them.
Koenma: Ok, we have a week until this ball. Now, it's not going to be exactly in the city hall, but underneath it. Rumor has it Coronsoe has a huge underground palace in which he hides most of the time. Any biological genius who's anybody will be there, so you have to be smart and smooth. Those who don't know how must learn to waltz, among other things for this event. Sora and her Shrikans will teach you all these new techniques since they know what will be expected of you from Coronsoe and his company. Oh, and we have a prime target that we desperately need to get close to, his name is Ian Rion.
He tossed a photo to them.
Koenma: Sora, I'll leave that to you since you've got the most experience in these operations. We have very little time and much to do, so unless I am alerted of any new information you may all go and start your training. They retreated to the main hall and listened intently to what Sora had to say.
DAY 1 Sora: Ok, first of all can any of you even remotely dance? Oh dear god, this is going to be a long week!
She worked with each of them, Kurama, most of the girls, and to everyone's surprise Kuwabara caught on quickly. The others needed some more work though. Sora pared most of the bad dancers up with the ones that could dance, and then critiqued them from there.
Sora: No, no Hiei, it's one two three, one two three then turn! Botan you can't lead, Kurama has to or he's going to get his feet stepped on. Kenshin! Just stop, I've watched you make that same mistake over and over! Now come here. Take my hands now step forward, good, now to the side, no, no not so fast!
It was then that it struck her.
Sora: ** No, no it's not possible! He can't be, that's the same mistake that, no Sora get a grip! It's just a coincidence, oh now I've lost my place. **
After a grueling 5 hours of waltz lessons everyone took to their beds, they had learned to dance quickly for their feet depended on it. Sora had made them practice in the shoes that they would be wearing to the ball and if they weren't careful their feet were going to get stabbed or crushed by high heels! As Sora went to her room, which was no where near as nice as the one at her house she took down her hair and got ready for bed.
Sora: (to herself) Tomorrow we need to work on weaponry and stealth.
She began laying out several weapons on her dresser, some of which I forgot to mention before. Ripfang: Hiya!
Sora: Oh, you scared me, where are your parents and brother and sister?
Ripfang: They're getting ready for tomorrow; I can't wait to spar with your friends!
Sora: Well don't get carried away, your father will be watching too, so don't screw up! He cares about you a lot, but he can't hand over his leadership to an incompetent fighter, you know that.
Ripfang: Don't worry I'll be fine! Besides this is supposed to be a learning experience. I've never even seen another human besides you! Are they any good at fighting? I mean They all just look so scrawny you know?
Sora: Well, I guess anything would look scrawny to you if it were almost 8feet shorter than you! Silly, use your head, you should know that they're no pushovers. Sano almost knocked your head off that night when you attacked them!
Ripfang: Yeah, but I didn't feel a thing, you know my entire head is harder than steel!
Sora: Young and humorous! What am I to do with you?
Ripfang: Well, you could share with me the secrets of this grand operation you're going to be undergoing.
Sora: And nosey to boot! Well, this grand operation can't run smoothly without you guys, I'm taking you all with us, that's the only reason I need you to train with everyone tomorrow! I've hunted with your family since I was a child so I know all of your techniques and could teach everyone by myself, but you guys need to understand how one another fight and react in order to function well at this ball.
Ripfang: So who's this Ian you're after?
Sora: I'm not after him! I just need to buddy up to him; supposedly he's one of Coronsoe's top henchmen and has access to some useful information.
Ripfang: Are you going to be able to do this?
Sora: (shakily) Of course! Why wouldn't I be able to?
Ripfang: Well, you just seem like you're still getting over everything else.
Sora: I have to stop feeling sorry for myself, it's high time I let go of the past. Dwelling on it isn't going to change anything. Ripfang: Ok, it's just, and I'm saying this from a brother's point of view, I don't want you to push yourself to do anything. We may not be related by blood or anything, but I was raised with you and I've seen how Coronsoe and even your own family have hurt you. I just don't want you to be sad anymore, it has been 4 years since I've seen you laughing, smiling, or happy in general. I mean really happy, you used to be such a joyous and carefree person, and now your spirit walks as if chained to the past.
Sora: I'm glad you care so much; it's nice to know I still have someone to talk to that knows me.
Ripfang: Sorry to change the subject, but why did you loose it today once you started correcting Kenshin?
Sora: Oh, I just thought, well, oh who am I kidding, it was just a coincidence. I just remembered that my old trainer used to make the same mistakes when he had me teach him to dance. Since Kenshin's an orphan though,
Ripfang: Whoa! How did you find that out?
Sora: I asked Koenma. But I thought maybe they were related somehow, but oh well I don't have time for that right now. I need to get ready for tomorrow.
Coronsoe stood in the center of his underground palace. People rushed about putting up decorations and preparing for the big night. Coronsoe was tall, and lean with an olive complexion. His eyes a hardened gray, and wrinkles lined his features. A young man walked over to him. He was slightly shorter than Coronsoe with crimson red eyes and black hair with natural blond tips styled similarly to Kenshin's. His skin was pale and cunning shone in his eyes.
Coronsoe: So Ian, is everything going to be ready in time?
Ian: I believe so sir. What was it you wanted to talk to me about?
Coronsoe: I'm expecting special company that night and I want to make sure they are shown our best; you know what I mean don't you?
Ian: Of course, do have a picture of our suspects?
Coronsoe handed him several pictures.
Coronsoe: They will most likely be altogether, but this is the one that I'm after in particular.
He pointed to Sora's picture.
Ian: Wow! Not bad.
Coronsoe: I've got some bait that should keep them busy once they get here. But your job is going to be to get her to fall for you and then you have to bring her to me. I'll take it from there. This ball is just a way for everyone to get introduced.
Ian: What if the plan backfires?
Coronsoe: It won't! Or I will have your head!
Ian: Understood sir, you won't be sorry.
Coronsoe: I should hope not, for your sake.
DAY 2
EEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!! BANG, BANG, BANG!!!! Everyone looked up from their breakfast as Sora's screams and several gunshots rang out from the floor above them.
Yusuke: Should we go see if she's ok?
Hiei: I wouldn't worry, if anything was attacking her, it's most likely lying on the floor twitching in its own blood by now.
Sora came down the stairs and around the corner, her hair was hanging in her face and she was breathing heavily.
Yukina: Goodness, are you all right?
Sora: I hate spiders! They just freak me out ok?
Sano: Is that why you fired three gunshots and screamed like you were being murdered?
Sora: It was crawling next to me on the pillow and it was, uuuuuuughh!!!!! (she shuddered)
Kuwabara: Hah! Miss high and mighty is afraid of a tiny little spider!
Sora: It's not funny! (tears welled up in her eyes and she stomped off before anyone could see her actually start to cry)
Shizuru: Someone has issues.
Keiko: You aren't kidding!
Kaoru: And I thought I over reacted sometimes.
Yahiko: Sometimes?
Kaoru: Why you little!
Sora had gone outside and sat with her arms about her knees and rested her chin on top of them. Tears now streamed down her face.
Sora: **My mother was killed by a spider, not a regular spider, but still, the memory is very traumatizing all the same. They don't understand that though, they would never understand. **
Phantom: Maybe they would if you only shared more about yourself with them.
Sora: Why do you always do that?!?
Phantom: I am gifted with the ability to read minds and why should such a gift be wasted? I'm sorry to invade your privacy, but you mustn't be angry with them, they have no idea why you get upset about these things. You need to let them in rather then shut them out of your feelings.
Sora: It's hard to do. But you're right. We have lessons to administer anyway. Come on, I don't want to walk back in there alone.
They spent the rest of the day learning to fire guns, hide them in certain folds of dresses or pockets etc. Phantom and his family spared with Sora's friends and enjoyed themselves openly.
Rose: Come on little ones! (she was shouting to Hiei and Yahiko not realizing that Hiei wasn't a child)
Hiei: She's starting to get on my nerves, but I have to admit she has some pretty good fighting techniques.
Just then Kuwabara leapt at Razor, not remembering his armored coating. Razor just looked over his shoulder as Kuwabara thudded against his back and then started to peel him off.
Razor: It's just too bad that these are quills and will stick in you, and not to me. Hey Sora, you might want to get the pliers; these are in kind of deep. I never thought I'd meet someone thick enough to just run headlong at me and leap upon my back!
Flamejaw: You can do better than that girls, come on now step up the pace!
She ducked and wove in and out of them as Kaoru, and Botan tried frantically to keep up. Smoke drifted out of her mouth as she released very small, contained bursts of flame, wanting badly to unleash her full wrath, but showing good self-control.
Ripfang: Come on, I can take you, any of you, all of you!
Kenshin, Sano, Yusuke, and Kurama prepared for their foe. Sano had more confidence though at the memory of the night he had single handedly taken on Ripfang. Ripfang knew this, and figured that Sano's over confidence would cause him to make the most mistakes. Ripfang was also a bit more hesitant though since he wasn't about to let himself get knocked for another loop! They stood stock still, attempting to read one another for a split second.
Ripfang: **I've got the upper hand, I'm faster and stronger, but can I outsmart them? **
Ripfang lunged into the center of the square of boys, pulling his first trick as he dove at Yusuke and pulled up at the last second. Yusuke, who had been expecting Ripfang to leap at him ducked sideways, but still didn't escape the entire blow from Rip's triple headed mace! It caught him in the side of the gut and would've ripped him wide open except these were only practice maces and had no spikes on them, the blow still left a nasty instant bruise and knocked Yusuke flat to the floor. But Kurama had whipped out his rose whip the second Ripfang began moving and before Ripfang could get both feet back on the ground the weapon was tight about his neck. Kurama yanked and Ripfang slid backwards across the floor!
Phantom: Come on son you can do better than that! You should've had him hauled over your head and into the wall by now!
Ripfang glared at his father for a second, and then flashed a wicked smile. It was then that realization struck him; Ripfang was only playing the fool, building up what he hoped looked like rookie mistakes in order to get his opponents to grow careless!
The day passed quickly, and other than a few cuts and scrapes to wrap up at the end it was fairly uneventful. The evening before the ball they went over the last minute kinks in the plan and got everything ready. They would go in, get as much information on Coronsoe as they could, and slip out. If at all possible they were to arrest Coronsoe should they find proof of his suspected crimes of portal misuse, abduction of individuals from other dimensions, murder, robbery etc. The list just went on and on! Sora didn't sleep that night, but practiced alone in her room. Twirling the glaive, which she adored, she executed several moves, and then moved on to her other weapons. Each gun was loaded, cleaned, and ready for cocking! Sora then proceeded to go through several hand-to-hand combat moves. Using the punching bag Koenma had lent her she went at it with her bare hands, no gloves nothing! She socked and jabbed it until the seams began coming undone.
Sora: (whispering breathlessly to herself) You'll pay for everything you've ever done to me Coronsoe! I swear by my parents' deathbeds that the last breath you draw will be cut short by my hand and mine alone!
The next day was entirely devoted to getting everyone ready for action at the party. Despite her lack of sleep Sora seemed perpetually wired with what seemed to be excitement. She was also especially pleased with herself after finally tricking Kenshin into putting on the black socks she had been nagging him about wearing.
Shizuru: (whispering to Sora) How did you get him to wear the socks?
Sora: I took his little sword and threatened to drop it into a portal, he put those socks on so fast my eyes didn't catch it! Hee hee!
Shizuru: You wouldn't actually have done it would you?
Sora: Of course not! I would never harm someone else's property, especially not one of my friends. I just can't let him go to the ball in those awful socks they are absolutely dreadful!
Shizuru: You do have a point there! Oh! I almost forgot, Yukina had something for your hair that she wanted you to see; she's in her room.
Sora: All right thanks. I hope everything goes according to plan!
That night before they left Koenma warned them that any switching off of information they would have to do would have to be done by themselves, because it was too risky to take equipment with them. They were aloud to bring no more than a small, easily hidden recorder should they obtain any useful information. Even more surprising, the horses they had brought with them were the ones they would use to get to the event, on account of the fact that none of them had cars they could easily access. Sora and the girls were made to ride behind the boys too, on account of the fact that they were a bit distracting I n their gowns. I will now proceed to describe each dress, if you don't feel it necessary to read this part then skip over it, but it's really quite good and I wouldn't condone skipping over it. The boys are all in tuxedos so of course I can't tell you much about them because they all look the same.
Kaoru Her dress was a blue halter-top, and came to her ankles. She had a shawl draped about her shoulders sprinkled with glitter. Her hair was braided loosely and held together at the bottom by a crescent moon clip made of blue pearls.
Keiko She was in a pink spaghetti strap dress with a pink sash that attached to the left shoulder strap and wound down loosely about her body and had a delicate bead border. Her short hair was sprinkled with glitter and a small amount of makeup had been applied to her face.
Botan Her dress was crimson with long fanned sleeves and a velvet trim. Her hair was actually down for once except for the two pieces just behind her ears, which were held together in the back by a diamond flower barrette.
Shizuru She had a silver halter-top dress with a V-cut in the front and back, which were laced together by a silver silk ribbon. She had liberally applied makeup around her eyes and on her lips. Her hair was done up in a bun.
Yukina Her dress was a deep green with short, ruffled sleeves and it fanned out at the bottom. Her hair was in a ponytail and was dotted with emerald clips shaped like birds.
Sora She had on a dress that had been given to her by her mother. It was bright white and snuggly fit her figure. It was covered from head to toe in glitter and was a halter-top with loose, white silk straps that hung about her shoulders. The back of the dress was open and came down to just below her tattoo, perfectly exposing and framing its deadly beauty. The dress was held together in the back at the top by one silk strap, which hooked over an opal button, shaped like a cobra. Her long, blond hair was loosely curled and piled atop her head, with one curl hanging to the side of her face. Glistening, teardrop shaped ice beads were frozen to her hair by Yukina at so low a temperature they wouldn't melt for several hours! Heavy, silvery white eye shadow and black eye liner adorned her sapphire eyes. Her rosy red lips glistened with clear, glittery lip-gloss. The most stupendous of all though was her jewelry. A pure silver necklace and earrings coated with diamonds shimmered about her. The earrings were cobras whose fangs served as the earrings' posts. The necklace had a 2centemeter thick chain, which resembled the coils of the deadly serpent and came together in the front with a detailed cobra head that sat up, fangs barred, just below Sora's throat.
On with the story!
They reached the ball at 8 o'clock on the nose, Sora dismissed the Shrikans to go and try to infiltrate the ball. An armed guard led them, among others to the underground palace. There a man waited in front of the door with several guards and asked for the name of their party.
Sora: I believe it's under the name of Sora Mitana.
Man: Very well madam, enjoy your night.
They passed through the grand doors, into the room full of golden candlelight. Down the hall was the ballroom, and before they took another step everyone turned and hissed at Sora.
Everyone: Why did you give him your real name!?!
Sora: It's not my real name Mitana was the name I took after I was married, that's the one I gave them when they asked for my maiden name though for our reservations!
Everyone: Ok, whatever let's just get this over with!
As they set foot into the ballroom they were amazed by the amount of beauty and grandeur that had been put into the place.
Yusuke: Is having too much money a crime?
Shizuru: Sadly enough I don't think so.
Sora: Hey! I've got a lot of money!
Yusuke: Well, you aren't the bad guy here!
Sora: Fair enough. Oh, there's my target.
Shizuru: Ooo, he's not too bad!
Sora: Want to trade jobs?
Shizuru: Nah, I want to see what you do to try and get his attention.
Sora: Hah! How about I chuck my shoe at your head?
Shizuru: Oh come on! You just can't take a joke can you?
Sora: Nope, gotta go, duty calls!
As she wandered off the rest of them spread out and tried to look like they had some idea of what they were supposed to be doing. Some guy then approached Keiko and asked if she wanted to dance.
Yusuke: Hands off buddy, she's with me!
He stomped off and then Keiko turned on him.
Keiko: What was that! Now that you just chased off the only guy that wanted to dance with me off the bat you had better dance with me if you want me to forgive you for that little outburst!
Yusuke: Uhh, sorry, then do you want to dance with me?
Keiko: Sure! Come on let's have some fun!
Sora had stopped to admire one of the decorative fountains in the room, when Ian spotted her. She turned to walk in the direction that she had seen Ian in before and she walked right into him!
Ian: Oh, geese, sorry miss I didn't see you there!
Sora: No, no I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention, my name's Sora Mitana what's yours?
Ian: My name's Ian Rion. Hey, I know this may be a little straightforward but would you care to dance with me?
Sora: Oh, um, sure I'd love to dance!
Ian: **Awesome! She's already walking into my trap! **
Sora: **I've got you right where I want you! **
They began to dance and slowly but surely Kenshin and Kaoru and even Kurama and Botan casually danced and began to enjoy themselves. They rest just sat back and either mingled with the crowd or talked amongst themselves.
Ian: So, where are you from?
Sora: Why does that matter?
Ian: I don't know, I just thought it would be nice to know a little bit about you.
Sora: Well, I'm an only child and I raised myself. I do what I want when I want and my word is law in my world.
Ian: Tough girl huh?
Sora: Not really, my bark is bigger than my bite, most of the time.
Ian: That's comforting. Well, I ran away from home a long time ago, I needed to be free for a while. I didn't like all of the rules back home so, I went off and did my own thing! I haven't gone home since. Sora: Why?
Ian: Why not?
Sora: You left your family, because you didn't like the rules!?!
Ian: Pretty much, my parents weren't very good to me anyway. Dad only came home once in a while when he was too drunk to talk and my mom just didn't care about me.
Sora: At least you had parents! Mine died a long, long time ago. I still miss them.
Ian: Well, then if the past is so painful for the both of us let's just stop talking about it!
Sora: Agreed. So, want to get out of this crowd?
Ian: And go where?
Sora: Back outside of course.
Ian: Ummmm, ok, but not for very long I've got some people to meet. **Boss said not to leave, god, oh well he'll understand, I hope!**
They left and took a walk outside. Ian had relaxed more and was again resuming his carefree mood from before.
Ian: So what kind of biological work do you do?
Sora: Classified, it's my little secret and I'll never tell!
Ian: Fair enough. I have to admit though; there is just something about you that fascinates me.
Sora: I get that a lot.
Ian: You want to head back now?
Sora: Sure, it's a little cold out here anyway.
Ian: You want my coat?
Sora: No, I'm not fond of charity.
Ian: Ouch, you're colder than the air out here!
Sora: Sorry, I just don't like to be viewed as soft or easy.
Ian: I don't see you like that.
Sora: You're so sweet. Ah here we are!
They walked back in and Ian left her for a moment, little did they know, each one was secretly going back to their friends or boss to report what had happened so far.
Sora: Hey, guys I think I've got our target! He's definitely trying to worm his way into our business, so I'll bet Coronsoe knows we're here. We should try and leave soon, I just have to get something set up with this guy! Oh, here he comes! I have to go, see you guys later!
She went over and met up with Ian.
Sora: Hey my friends are starting to get tired so we're going to take off.
Ian: Oh, well, hold on can I get your number or something?
Sora: Why don't you just meet me here, at 8 o'clock, out front on Friday?
Ian: Sure, I'll be there!
Well, apparently both Sora and Ian think they're a step ahead of the game! You guys will love what happens next! I can't wait to tell you all! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, or whatever you guys celebrate. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday!