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I'd like to thank everyone for being patient with me. Finals were horrible, but now I'm free! Free! Accept for working. Boo. Anyway. I am also working on Guardian of Courage, and Faith, Hope and Love.

Warning More Mira/Sorimi Taito/Yamachi

Tai nervously looked around the school grounds, his browns eyes searching for that Matt kid. Not spotting the blonde, Tai sighs and enters the school. Whether relieved or saddened, Tai doesn't know.

That is a prodigious black eye. The red headed kid comments, falling beside him. It takes Tai a moment to remember his name. Izzy, one of the kids Joe had introduced him too. They met up with Joe at his locker. Tai continually looking over his shoulder.

Relax Tai, Yamato got suspended from school. He won't be back for a couple of days. Joe says as they walk to their neighboring homerooms.

I should have been the one suspended, not him. Tai mutters. I started it.

Relax Tai. Yamato is a troublemaker. He isn't in school more than he is. Joe said.

He'll forget about it by the time he comes back, right? Tai asks hopefully.

Izzy frowns. I don't know Tai. Just stay out of his way.

Joe adds. Keep a low profile for a while Tai. We're your friends, and we don't want to see you get hurt.

******

Math class was incredibly boring, a complete waste of time. Sora could care less if X=5. Nothing mattered anymore. Her head bent down, she appeared to be taking notes. But nothing could be farther from the truth. She traced the name she had been doodling. Mimi. But Mimi would never be hers, and it was all her fault. They had been best friends. And they just drifted away. They had let petty differences drive a wedge between them. Sora had always felt more for Mimi then friendship. But now she didn't even have that.

Sora's eyes snapped over to the door as it opened. Mimi walked hesitantly into the room.

Can I help you Mimi? The teacher asked, stopping his lesson.

I'm here for my make up exam Mr. Geoyi. She stated sweetly. When here toffee eyes caught Sora's gaze, she looked away quickly. Mimi sat down in front of the empty seat ahead of Sora, so close, yet so far away. Her long chestnut hair waved softly. Sora bit her lip, resisting the urge to run her fingers through it, wanting to see if it was as silky as she remembered.

Mimi couldn't concentrate. All she could think about is that Sora was just behind her. They had been so close once. More then best friends. She loved her. Nobody else could ever take Sora's place. With as many friends as she had, Mimi was still incredibly lonely. Forget about her. Mimi lectured herself, trying to concentrate on the jumbled mass of numbers. How can I forget about her?

The bell rang. Gathering her courage, Sora walked up to her. Hey Mimi, can I talk to-

Another girl brushed past her. And another. They ran up to Mimi, and begin talking about the latest fashion fad. Dying inside, Sora walked quickly down the hall. Hopefully she could make it to the bathroom before crying. Why did she have to love Mimi?

Mimi spoke up. Christina, Callie, Zoe, Sora wanted to..... Her toffee colored gaze darkened. Sora was gone. Maybe she had imagined it. never mind.

*****
Kari threw her arms around her big brother sobbing hysterically.

Kari, whats wrong?

Tearfully she told him. Nobody liked her. She didn't understand anything in her classes, and she missed her old friends.

It'll be okay Kari. Tai tries soothing his sobbing little sister.

I hate it here! I hate our apartment, and I hate not having a father, and I hate you! Kari bursts into tears, and runs off.

He took off after his sister. He chased her down the street, and finally caught up with her at the corner.

Kari, don't ever run away like that again! Do you have any idea what could happen to you in this neighboorhood? He shook her lightly. He couldn't let anything happen to her.

I'm sorry Tai.

He smiled gently down at her, and wiped her tears away.

Lets go home. But the alley way filled with toughs. Tai swore silently. Oh Shit!

 Look at rich boy. One of the toughs sneered.

Another one reached out to caress Kari's head. and his rich little sister. Enraged, Tai smacked his hand away.

Keep your hands off my sister!

The obvious ringleader glared at them. You just made a big mistake prep!

Tai begins to back away, his arms protectively around his little sister, but it was too late. Two of the toughs had gone behind him, trapping him and Kari.

Give us your money!

Wordlessly, Tai took out a crumpled 5 dollar bill.

Where is the rest of it?

I gave you all of it. Tai stammered nervously.

He flipped out a knife. Liar. What do we do with liars boys?

Snarling, they begin to pound on him Tai fought back as well as he could, but he was greatly outnumbered, and trying to shelter Kari. He finally suceeded in pushing her to safety before three of the gang members pinned them. They pounded him relentlessly. He could hear Kari screaming at them to leave him alone. His blurry brown eyes try to focus on Kari's small figure. Another figure, larger, appears behind her. Tai tries to warn her, but the constant pounding was making him dizzy. They're going to kill me. Run Kari!

 One of the gangsters shouts. Tai blinks in surprise as the only member pinning him down is rudely thrown against the wall. Cool azure eyes stare into his.



to be continued.....