guardianlastchapter

Ribbin, you crossed the line. Matt growls fericously.

Ribbin's face drains of color. The young man in front of him reminded him of a lion on the prowl he had seen on a trip to Africa. Both had an intensely wild yet cool gaze. Unerved Ribbin took a hesitant step backwards. Stay back! Or I'll kill him! Ribbin shouted.

Matt snarls, and begins to rush toward Ribbin, but the cocking of the gun halts him.

Its over Ribbin. Give it up. Matt orders, sizing up his oppenent. Would he be able to tackle the man before he could pull the trigger? He couldn't risk it, not with Tai's life in the balance.

Throw your weapon across the floor! Ribbin grinned. He was going to be able to get rid of both of them. They both had interfered with his plans, but it didn't matter anymore. They were going to pay.

Okay okay! Matt tossed his .38 across the room. It clanked against the wall.
Ribbin laughed. The other one too Ishida. I know everything about you.

With a look of defeat Matt removed his hidden revolver, and let it join the other one.

Ribbin grinned in triumpth. He moved the gun and pointed right at Matt.

Stupid Ishida. You lose.

Tai frantically reached out for a weapon, anything! Ribbin was going to hurt his Yami. His hands collided with a soft pile of wood shavings. He clutches a handful of the stuff.

Say goodbye Ishida! Ribbin grins.

Tai flings the shavings into Ribbins face. He snarls in irritation. Matt seizes his chance while Ribbin is blinded by the shavings. He tackles Ribbins, slamming the man's head unto the concrete floor.

Matt stands gasping slightly. They were both safe. He needed to tell Tai how he really felt. He couldn't stand the thought of living his life without Taichi by his side.

Tai stares down at the limp body in shock, then gazes into Matt's intense gaze, filled with love.

Matt, you came for me!

Are you okay Taikins? Matt asks, tenderly running his fingers gently over the many bruises on Tai's face.

I am now.

Not for long. Ribbin mumbles, and fires a shot at the couple.

Matt shields Tai's body with his own. Pain explodes along his ribcage. And then everything goes dark.

Ribbin collapses back onto the hard concrete floor, a fresher trickle of blood pouring out of his head wound.

Please be okay Matt. Tai sobs with relief as the still strong heartbeat serenades his ears.

Don't die Matt! Tears run down Tai's face. I never got to tell you how I feel!

Ken bursts intot the warehouse office, followed by many police in uniform.

Ken yelps in suprise and fear.

CALL AN AMBULANCE! Tai screamed. He then lay down next to Matt's still body.

Please don't leave me! Tai pleads.

******

Tai grinned knowingly at the couple. I'm going to go visit Yami.

Ken sat next to the bed, and clasped Dai's hand.

It's my fault you got hurt Dai. I'm so sorry.

His eyes smiled into Ken's azure orbs.

Hey, it wasn't your fault. I'm just glad that you weren't hurt. Daisuke consoles his dark haired companion.

Oh Dai! Ken chokes up. Tears form in his blue eyes. I was so afraid that I'd never get a chance to tell you how I feel.

I'll be okay, really. Dai consoles

Ken cautuously moves onto the bed and embraces Daisuke.

I love you Dai! Ken blurts out.

Ken, I love you too!

******

Wild brown hair peaks around the doorway. He grins softly when Matt's eyes lock onto his brown ones. He crosses the room, and kisses Matt gently on the cheek.

Ribbin's going to be executed for his crimes. Tai says softly.

Thanks to you. Matt states.

No thanks to you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.

Tai reached out and gently caressed Matt's face. Daisuke woke up. He murmured. Matt caught Tai's hand.

How is he?

Tai grinned down at him. Almost back to his normal self, if Daisuke could be considered normal!

Matt returned the grin. look whose talking!

Ken kicked me out. He wanted to talk to Dai alone.

Tai, I want you to know that.....

Excuse me, Mr. Kamiya? The neatly dressed man asked, flipping open a badge. Could I see you for a minute?

Tai grinned down at Matt. I'll see you later. Rest up.
*******

Ken beams as he walks into Matt's room, wheeling Davis' wheelchair. You get to leave today! He says in a sing song voice. It was obvious how they felt about each other. Although he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, nothing could change his Montiyma charm and zest for life. This was demonstrated when Daisuke threw a roll at him.

Davis grinned at Matt. Come on sleepy head. I need to get out of here! The day is wasting away.

Matt glared at him. Where is Tai?

A shadow crosses over Ken's face. You mean you don't know?

Matt struggled to sit up. Know what? He asks fearfully. Had something happened to Tai?

Davis and Ken exchange a look.

Tai's been relocated Matt. Ken says gently. Witness Protection Program.

Matt stares up at the sterile white ceiling.

I need to be alone for a little bit.

Ken's face is full of regret. I'm sorry Matt. He wheels Daisuke out of the room. In the hallway Ken hugs Daisuke tightly.

That could have been us Dai.

Daisuke strokes Ken's dark head. I know. Poor Matt.

Oh Tai.... Yamato sobbed quietly. I never got the chance to tell you..... He clenches his hands into fists. How can I live without you?

Would I end it like this? Doubtful. ------