gardian1

Later that night in Odabia

What do you mean they haven't been eliminated! He yells at the other gentlemen standing before him.

One of the men steps forward. They have disapeared sir. Our sources say they've left Odabia.

But their family and friends haven't. He replies bitterly. I've spent too many years building my empire. I'm not going to go to jail because you idoits can't track them down.

The men cringe as Senator Ribbin pulls out a gun, and removes all but one of the bullets.

Have you ever played roulette before? Senator ribbin smiles evily.

No sir. The one standing before him answers, his voice shaking slightly.

Its quite simple really. Senator Ribbin points the gun at one of the men. Click. Although someone may escape the bullet time after time, sooner or later....

Bang!

Another of the men fall to the floor, a crimson stain

you run out of chances.

Now, What do we know about Tai's bodyguard?

The man next to the dead body speaks up, trying not to look at the body next to him.

His name is Yamato Ishida. He appears to be a very close friend to Kamiya. He stops, terriefed of the look in Ribbin's eyes.

Please continue. I'm not bored. Yet.

Former member of the Odabia band Young Wolves. He became a security expert, and is quite good at it. He has never lost anyone.

Senator Ribbin smirked. You forgot yet. Or do I have to give another roulette demonstartion?

They all bow their heads down. No sir.

Everyone has a weak point. Find it! Then elimenate them both! Senator Ribbin yells, and then laughes eviliy.

A week later.....

Tai and Matt spent their days together, getting to know each other better. They laughed and joked, reminiscing about their not so unusual child hoods. Matt felt an immense sense of relief. Sora always yelled, and treated him like he was stupid, belittling his cooking and love of music. Tai never treated him badly. Tai was like a big hearted kid. He was always so warm and caring.

Matt thinks to himself, was he always like this, or am I noticing it for the first time?

Tai notices him staring and smiles happily. Is something wrong Matt?

Matt sits down next to him. No Tai, I was just thinking.

They sit silently on the couch watching another movie. Tai left his arm on Matt's shoulder. The blonde didn't say anything to him about it. His own arm was across Tai's shoulder as well. Drawing comfort and strength with the presence of one another, they remained like that until the phone rang.

Ring

Ring

Tai jumps, startled.

Matt smiles and reaches into his pocket. Its okay Taichi, its just my cell.

Matt still has his arm around Tai.

Matt, its Sora.

Oh, hi Sora. Matt stands up, preparing himself for another confrontation, trying to desperately maintain the feeling of peace and contentment he had been feeling earlier.

Taichi makes a face, then sticks his tongue out at Matt, who retaliates by smacking the brunette with a nearby pillow.

Hi Matt. I just wanted to apologize for before. It just makes me mad, because I miss you so. When are you coming home honey? I need you.

Tai needs me too, he is still in danger.

Tai looks up at this, his brown eyes wide and wary.

MATT! I have so tried to be understanding of your , but this is insane. Can't somebody else guard him for a while? This is taking forever!

Sora, please. Its only going to be a few more weeks. Ken is working on moving up the trial as we speak.

MATT! I WANT YOU TO STOP IT! Matt blanches, and holds the phone away from his ear.

Tai springs into action, and grabs the phone out of his hand. Sora is still yelling.

Uh Sora? Tai breaks into her tirade.

Tai? What are you doing? I was talking to Matt! She snapped.

Tai scowls. No, you were yelling at Matt. He's busy right now, so we'd appreciate it if you didn't call to yell at him. Matt is under enough pressure.

Sora stammers.

Later Sora. click. Hands the phone back to Matt.

Why did you do that Tai? Matt demands.

Tai jumps off the couch. Come on Matt. She treats you like garbage. Didn't you hear how she was talking to you?

Matt looked at directly at Tai with narrowed eyes. Tai, that's not the point. She is my fiancé.

Do you love her?

I don't know, I mean, yes. We're getting married aren't we?

Tai throws the phone at Matt.

Why don't you call her back. When this is all over you and her will live happily ever after, her yelling at you, you getting yelled at. And I won't have anyone, not even Kari! Tai chokes out, and then runs out of the cabin.

Tai! Wait!

The phone in his hand begins ringing incessantly. With a muttered curse, Matt tosses the phone down without answering it and sprints out the door after Tai.