A/N: Well, it sure has been an eventful three weeks since my last update. My life was basically turned upside down… and not in a good way. I just wasn't in the mood to write for a while after things started to shuffle. School also began again- so that did take priority to stories.
I guess I can never win in life… But I survived. What ever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? Personally I want to hit whoever said that… it still sucks even if you survive.
Oh well, on the bright side I still am alive and breathing and typing. Lucky you.
I did also get an interview with the JET people… this might be my ticket back to Japan! I've been really depressed for the last month with all this "fun" going on- this is the first time in my life- but it looks like my luck might be changing… I don't want to get my hopes up…
Anyway- on with the story.
Thank you to the faithful reviewers and the occasional reviewers. They really brightened up my day with the randomness and thoughts on the fic. Please keep it up. I have to admit I feel a little discouraged with the lack of involvement from the reader… I've never had this problem with fanfics before… is it my writing? Or is the story? The couple itself dead? I hope not… I really enjoy Taiora
Before I begin, I do need to apologize to the few reviewers that have been waiting for a while... Sorry it took so long to get this up. I had good intentions to update this a week ago. Oh well, it is here now. Enjoy!
The duo made their way back towards their temporary home in relative silence. Each had their own things to sort out. Tai was trying to take in all that the Prophet had said about him finding happiness here, finding love… having a family and saving the world.
'Sure is a lot to accomplish for just one guy.' He thought to himself. Following close to his guide of sorts, the red head too seemed to be busy entertaining her own thoughts.
"So, do you know what we do from here?" Tai asked trying to break the silence. He knew she must be deep in thought, but he felt better actually talking.
"What do you mean?" Sora asked forgetting about the inner struggle and looking back at her charge.
"Well, once you are all healed, do you know what we'll be doing? A sort of offensive or something against these bastards who seem to like to kill?"
"We've tried numerous offensive attacks, but none have really worked... say, you sure you're not forgetting anything? No special training or anything..."
"Useful?"
"Yeah..." She smiled slightly seeing the sparkle in his deep brown orbs... 'he had gorgeous eyes' she thought for a breif moment before looking away.
"Well, I had this conversation with your pal Matt earlier, but nope. Nothing that I can think of that would be of much use."
"Oh..."
"Some messiah I am right?" He laughed. "If those bugs knew what a loser I was they probably wouldn't have wasted their time..."
"Don't say that... I'm not too wild about the fact that one person can suddenly make things better, but I'm sure you have something that could possibly help... you said you had a degree from college? What was that like?"
Tai felt a little better as they chatted and walked. His heart jumped as he got the frown off of his companion's face, and even got her to chuckle at some of the crazy college things he had done.
The walk back to the house went by too fast for Tai. However, before they both realized it the two were walking up the stairs to Kari, Tk and Matt's home.
"Kari." Sora called out as she entered the house Tai had left that morning. "We're here. Are you home?"
"Sora!" Kari smiled as the brown haired girl hugged the other fiercely. "I was worried about you. Tk said you were injured in the attack."
"Nothing too serious. Don't worry about me. How about you? It's been a while since I've seen you with all the trainings going on." Sora smiled returning the hug.
"Yeah, I'm surviving. And I'm glad you're staying here. You know you're welcome to stay as long as you need. Don't worry about the chores, or anything." Kari smiled not wanting to let Sora out of the hug. "Oh and you brought Tai back."
"Hello." Tai smiled as he set the large box down.
"We stopped by my place for a few things." Sora explained seeing the question in Kari's eyes on the contents of the luggage. "Just the necessities for me and then some old clothes that Tai can use."
"Ok, well Tai has the spare bedroom, so you can stay with me. The bed's large, otherwise we can take turns on the couch in there." Kari smiled as she ushered the two into the house. "I can have dinner ready in a bit. I just got home from work myself. Tk and Matt should be off in a little bit."
"Did Matt say who was on monitor duty tonight?" Sora asked as they all entered the kitchen for some liquid.
"You are off duty until your wounds heal. Matt already told me to not tell you ANYTHING." Kari told her.
"Kari, you can't expect me to sit this out when important things are going on- Especially with small wounds like these."
"Sora, you have deeper wounds then you know. You have to take time and morn. You were there for me, and I'll be here for you as well… both of you." Kari added looking over at Tai.
"Fine, I'll just have to ask Matt himself when he gets home." Sora muttered as she took the offered cup and quenched her thirst.
"This water tastes funny." Tai said looking at the clear liquid strangely after taking a drink.
"Oh, I forgot to mention the small differences in foods… this is an enhanced water. They took the radiation out of it and added in minerals and other things our bodies need but cannot get anymore. Most foods are altered."
"I guess that makes sense. I'm surprised to even have people alive after a nuclear explosion." Tai reasoned.
"Well there aren't many left. The prophet probably already told you about the two clans. We've been disagreeing for ages… it's stupid really." Kari explained.
"Well, neither side's elders listen to the other side. What do you expect? I think that the outsiders need to show a sign of good will and unity so we can get over the past and work together." Sora said looking into her cup as well.
"And is that were I come in again? The prophet said something about me joining the tribes and something about a child sealing the clans together…"
"A political marriage of sorts?" Kari questioned.
"I don't know she didn't tell me much." Tai sighed and finished his drink.
"Well, sleep on the information and go back tomorrow." Kari smiled as she shrugged her shoulders.
"I just don't think that the people in here will all of a sudden be friends with the outsiders." Sora sighed as she looked up. "I think I'm going to wash up before I settle in..." Sora said handing the cup back to Kari.
"Sure thing Sora, you know where things are." Kari replied. "Oh, and welcome home."
Tai watched as Sora once again smiled as she left the room. The house was full of warmth- it truly did feel like home.
"So, what do you want for supper?" She asked as Sora left the two 'sort of' relatives alone.
"Um, anything sounds good. I'm actually kind of hungry."
"I would imagine. It's been a long day again, huh?"
"You could say that."
After Kari began working on the nightly meal, Tai decided to take a better look at his new residence. He just wanted to get a better feel for the place and the kind people living there. In their own way, they did have a family thing going. Tk and Kari were very much the children, while Matt's strength and organization filled the role of a father. Sora's role seemed to play that of a mother- in all of the pictures he found, she was always there supporting the group. The four were very close.
"Dinner is ready." Kari called into the hallway. Tai's thoughts were interrupted when he heard her voice calling. Leaving his exploring for a later time, a time when his stomach was full, Tai quickly returned.
Entering the kitchen Tai noticed the two blonde men had arrived sometime after dark.
"Hello again." Tk smiled as he motioned for Tai to take a seat on his left. Kari set the large plate of meat and vegetables before them and then took her place to Tk's right. The young men began to dish up their plates as soon as Kari was seated.
"It looks good Kari." Matt said as he piled his plate full. It was apparent that he had not eaten much all day as he began eating. Tai watched the older man for a few minutes before turning to Kari and taking the dish Tk had passed.
"Where's Sora?"
"Yeah, isn't Sora staying here with us? Doesn't she want something to eat too?" TK asked putting down his fork. He was about to get up when Kari placed an arm on his to signal him to stop.
"The poor thing was exhausted. She went straight to bed after getting settled in here." Kari explained. "I'm actually a little worried about her… she said she wasn't hungry all day, and I know she hasn't had a good night's sleep for nearly a week before all this."
"Sora will pull through." Matt said not looking up from his meal.
"How can you be so sure Matt… I mean she won't ask for help, she's too stubborn." Tk stated looking at his brother.
"Just, leave her be. She'll work things out on her time." Matt replied looking up and eying everyone at the table. His gaze moved from Kari and Tk to Tai sitting across the table from him. "I trust you are comfortable here? If you need anything, please let someone know."
"Um… yeah, I'm fine. I would like to talk with you later on what the prophet told me." Tai said feeling more comfortable around the older blonde.
"After we eat, I have some time. We can sit in the den and discuss whatever you wish."
Near the end of the meal, the door to the kitchen opened and a sleepy looking Sora entered.
"Why didn't you get me up?" She asked as she went to the counter and got a glass.
"You were tired. And you said you weren't hungry. You really should eat something Sora." Kari replied getting up and finding Sora a plate. "Here you are."
"Thanks."
"Sora, how are you feeling?" Tk asked looking at the newly changed bandages she had on her arm.
"I'm fine Tk, just a little laser burn is all."
"I'm glad." He said getting up and hugging her before she sat next to Matt and Tai. Putting a few vegetables on her plate, she slowly began to eat a little.
"It's really good Kari. Thanks."
"No worries." Was Kari's reply.
"Well, since we have things to talk about, do you want to move to the den?" Matt asked Tai. Standing up Matt stood behind Sora for a moment and put his hands on her shoulders in a supporting and comforting manner. "When you're done, come in too. I need to speak with you about several things." Matt added to Sora before motioning for Tai to follow.
"If you'll excuse me." Tai said as he stood and left the room.
"He's kind of cute…" Kari said with a little smile watching Sora's gaze follow the men that left the room.
"Yeah… what?" Sora said snapping her head back to Kari. "Excuse me?"
"Come on Sora, he's a good looking guy. You should 'go out' with him."
"Playing match maker again? I don't have.."
"Oh stuff it. You do have time. You should make the time. You and Matt are only human, and people would understand if you took a day or two a week off to have some fun."
"Kari, there isn't room for fun in the line of work Matt and I do... If we don't do our jobs, jobs no one else seems capable or wanting to do, people get killed."
"People are getting killed regardless Sora. Don't you see? Our world isn't going to be destroyed if you have a little fun with a guy."
"Kari, I don't need this right now…" Sora sighed and poked at her food on the plate.
"It could help take away the loneliness you feel inside. I know you are hurting Sora… I can see it. The light and sparkle in your eyes have dulled…"
"Kari, my parents just died."
"Don't try and cover it up with their deaths… you've been slowly getting worse long before this incident. You push too hard. You are only one person after all. And Matt is also a man, you two aren't supermen… and people here will understand that in time. But you can't always do everything for them…"
"Kari, yes, I do think that both Matt and Tai are good looking men. And given different situations I would be more than happy to admit I would like to have the kind of relationship you and Tk have… but mixing work and home life like that would only be disastrous."
"There more to this than you are letting on…"
"You're right. You are absolutely right. If I let my personal feelings get in the way, my judgment gets clouded. I can't, no I won't let that happen."
"Fine, but I still think you need to enjoy life more for your own sake."
"I'll be alright, don't worry about me." Sora smiled as she reached and squeezed Kari's hand. "I promise I will try and enjoy my 'off' time more, but I can only do so much. Now, I better get in and talk with Matt."
In the den, Tai and Tk relaxed on a large couch. The room wasn't decorated that well, it told Tai that times were hard, and little luxuries were very important. The walls had more pictures of friends and comrades in arms. Again the happy and warm feeling entered his soul and Tai actually felt welcome in the house- minus the cold experience with the blonde talking at the moment.
Looking at Matt, Tai's earlier questions continued to barrage his mind. Who was this Matt, what made him tick, what did he expect of him, why was he so cold, and many more questions stirred him to find some answers.
"So there's nothing, no information you can give me on these things… no nesting places, where they come from, things like that? I don't mean to belittle the work you've done, but you couldn't find anything out about your enemy?"
"Easier said than done... Ask Sora about the scouting mission she led and you'll find out why we are having so much trouble finding out information on them." Matt's cold glare worsened. He knew that he shouldn't be mad at the new comer- he was ignorant to the situation and its complexity. They had a lot to work through before things could find a solution.
"Ask me what?" Sora asked as she entered and took the empty seat between Tk and Tai on the couch.
"The scouting mission in the outlands." Matt said in a serious tone.
Tai watched her face lose all happiness that she had regained. She closed her eyes for a moment and sighed. It was definitely not an easy topic to talk about.
"We lost twenty men in less than ten seconds… I don't know why I survived that run. There were only two of us that escaped." Her breath was ragged as she retold the horrors of the supposed breakthrough in the war. "In the end, we gained little helpful information on the creatures. I'll let you read the reports tomorrow if you like."
"You ok Sora?" Tk asked as he saw her shake a little. He had heard the stories… Matt had felt horrible after sending her into that hell. If either had known what was going to happen, neither would have let Sora lead that team.
"I brought some tea." Kari smiled bringing in a tray with a pot and cups. The mood brightened after that, more talk on the city and things Tai could expect to encounter were the new topics of the long discussion.
Somewhere in the course of the evening Sora began to fall asleep. Gradually the weight from her head caused her boy to shift.
Tai was suddenly aware of a flower scent attacking his nostrils. It was pleasant and exotic- Then a weight on his shoulder. Looking, he found a mass of auburn hair resting peacefully on him.
Kari smiled as she noticed a red blush begin to taint Tai's face. Silently she made eye contact with Tk and the young couple both smiled at the cute scene on the couch.
"She must be exhausted." Kari finally broke the silence. Matt looked up from the report he had found caught his full attention. Tai caught a brief look in Matt's blue eyes that caused him to shutter. The look bordered on a warning. The older blonde seemed almost possessive at that moment, before he looked back to his paper and then his watch.
"I suppose I should retire as well." With that Matt stood and set his work down.
"What should we do about Sora?" Kari asked kind of hoping to spark some reaction out of the older guys in the room.
"I'll carry her up to bed, no use in waking her up now." Matt responded as he walked over to the sleeping girl. "Sora, let's go to bed."
"…no… I'm fine here." She muttered nearly snuggling into Tai's arm.
"But Tai might want his arm back."
"…what?" She said opening her eyes and noticing she was using Tai as a pillow. Moving to a sitting position she yawned and closed her eyes again.
"Come on champ." Matt said as he put his arms around her and lifted her into his arms. Placing a light kiss to forehead, Matt steadied himself and began to walk.
Again Tai caught a glimpse of the other man's eyes… To Sora her relationship with Matt might be just one of a friend, but Matt felt differently. Tai felt cold with her warmth removed. The scent of flowers still lingered almost teasing his nose.
Tai tried not to look too disappointed as Matt kissed her forehead and he watched her arms wrap about Matt's neck for support. Soon the two were gone from the room.
"So are you two going to stay up late?" Kari asked seeing that the two hadn't made a move to get up. "I think Sora will be up early tomorrow- especially if there's something to do. So you had better get enough sleep."
"Don't worry Kari, we're just going to talk for a little while longer." Tk promised as Kari gave him a quick goodnight kiss and left the room.
"You're lucky." Tai smiled after seeing the love in the younger boys eyes.
"With what?" Tk asked looking at Tai.
"You found the one person who truly loves and understands you. And you're so young... you two must have been made for each other."
"Well, in this society you understand the idea that life isn't going to last forever. We never said anything for a few years... we were both too shy. It was Sora that pushed us together. She really has been like a mother to the both of us... I just want to see her happy."
"She has Matt doesn't she?"
"Well, I can't tell you that he's not interested... I mean any guy would be interested at first glance. Matt is one of the few that have remained around her for long enough to get close. She doesn't like to open up to people..."
"What do you mean, 'remained'?" Tai asked.
"She puts up doors and walls. Her mother kept telling her to do things a girl should do even while training and fighting... Sora chose to follow the path of constant training and self sacrifice. She fights for a time where everyone is free of those things."
"That is..."
"Stupid. She really needs to think of herself over others once and a while. Especially now. She's the last of her clan..."
"What do you mean the last?"
"The Takenouchi clan has always been the sworn protectors of the coming savior and the city's strongest line of defense. They have always been the most skilled and dedicated to the survival of the city... but they were also the most likely to end up dying in battle due to their fierce fighting spirit. A few years ago some of her extended family went to the outsiders with a peace offering... we never heard from them again. Many suspect that they were murdered by the outsiders, other think they never made it through the wastelands separating us... they could have also been killed by the bugs. So all that was left was the clan elders. Three adults and a child. The oldest elder died three years ago and passed the family's torch to Sora's parents."
"So she doesn't have anyone left? No relatives at all?"
"Sadly no- Sora was the last child born to the clan. For some reason not many children were surviving childbirth... but Sora's birth was celebrated I guess. The city was really getting concerned about the line of Takenouchi."
"It seems that people here rely on too few people for their existence. I see lots of people here in the city, why aren't you all helping in this effort to stop these terrors from attacking?"
"That's a good question- Sora and Matt have tried to get everyone involved. They've come a long ways in building up the defense systems. We were lucky for such geniuses to come along in our generation. But then I suppose that we never really did get to be kids, so that explains why we are so advanced in military thinking and tactics."
"That's sad."
"But we did it because we had to survive. I guess we never really knew there was much to miss out on if you think about it. We followed our parents and did whatever they were doing."
"Tk, do you think that I really can help you guys out that much? I mean I've lost most of the fights I've been in..."
"It doesn't matter what I think. If you keep putting yourself down you'll never be able to do what you need to do in life. You need to have hope. If you follow your heart, then there's no end to your potential. I believe in you Tai."
"Thanks Tk... I have to admit, that I've never been this self doubting before... it's just so much to take in... you know?"
"I understand. Just hang around with Sora and she'll take care of you. And if you need anything Kari and I are here."
"Thanks."
"Now, I better get to bed. You should do the same. Sora is one hell of a mean drill instructor and tomorrow is your first day through a basic training of sorts."
"I can't wait."
A/N: The next chapter this will pick up more. I just needed to get a few foreshadowing things down. This seems like it will be a long story... so I hope you all are all in for the long haul. I hope to not let things stop me from updating twice a month... that should give me enough time to manage school, work and the writing.