A/N: A quick update considering the other stories I manage! I brought forth a bigger part here, and am trying an experiment with the content of this chapter. Tell me what you think of it, either way we go further into the ever growing complexity of Kageo's life. This idea is going to be fun, here we have it with a blossoming idea snowballing into greater ideas! Let's see what comes forth today, here we go!

(End A/N)

Chapter IV: Cloak of the Kaka, Sector Seven Agent

In a familiar Sector Seven Lab, the Chief Scientist and creator of several of the Sector's best agents was at work on something. Typing away on her keyboard with a mindless rhythm on the keys while looking over several screens of data at once. At first, she blinked while looking over the most recent battle data from Kageo. With the module that she'd put into him, she could access the most basic sensory data of his on the spot. Something that she thought an error turned out to be much bigger than she thought.

"...The hell is this? Something that didn't register on any of his systems?" it didn't just strike off as odd, it wasn't possible.

As a woman of science, who had built Kageo from the ground up, she knew everything that he was theoretically capable of. Her designs of his sensory systems were not flawless, she'd made them damn good. Kokonoe found the sound files of this unknown Kaka, her image was captured by Kageo's eyes. Yet he failed to sense her out twice, even though he was looking for her the second time. Taking a moment to rub her temples, she'd have to finish his upgrades sooner than later.

"Probably some specialty ars, bah...useless S7 training isn't enough." she'd murmured and bit down on her silverine candy.

A crash course in combat training didn't really mean much, though she was glad that he made up his own form of combat, even that only went so far. He lacked experience and even during their spars, he didn't have a lot of muscle behind his attacks. Though he was always quick on his feet, apparently that didn't help him during his confrontation with this odd assassin who wanted kittens from him. What kind of shit was that? Kokonoe didn't pay it any mind, it was a threat that Kageo would have to deal with.

"Damn...if he wasn't half as useful I wouldn't be concerned." this said as the pink haired scientist adjusted herself in her seat and called over the com system.

=Kageo, you lazy kaka, where are you?=

-With Kageo-

The communication system shocked him from the afterglow of eating food, both he and Tao had managed to out eat a buffet-style challenge together, much to the owner's surprise. Tao was presently patting her tummy and mumbling about how good the food was. So this left Kageo to answer the com line.

=Professor? This is Kageo.=

=Finally, you weren't in some dead zone or stuffing your face for once.=

=Eh heh, or sleeping right?=

He couldn't help but grin a little bit, that was a bit of a smart aleck comment and he knew it.

=Smart ass comments aside, you're going to tell me what's going on about this assassin. Clearly she's a kaka and has an agenda involving you.=

=She said something information, not being specific. I think she wants data from Sector Seven's database.=

He imagined that the Professor was missing the details, so he gave the gist of it.

=Yeah, I figured that out, genius. She made it pretty clear, normally that makes you expendable. But her agenda involving you, having children. That's what I'm asking you about.=

She rubbed her forehead, how naïve was Kageo? Some days she wondered this in high volume, he was a bright kaka most times and then he acted like this.

=I only know exactly what she said, Professor. I can't understand why she's made this choice.=

Though Kokonoe was thinking of telling him how simple he was, she more or less knew that he was inexperienced with such things. He didn't know the company of a woman, something that made him adorable. She almost laughed a moment, that was going to bite him in the ass later. She knew that he understood breeding, and textbook understanding of reproduction.

=Well you'd better get wise, Kageo. It means she's going to do whatever it takes to subdue you. I'm working on an upgrade for you, but its not ready yet. Tager's too busy and Rho's not an option. So use your head, overcome her tricks and don't get caught.=

The expectation of hers for him was high. He'd always performed well, so she didn't suspect he'd end up falling victim to some random assassin, even if she was a Kaka.

=Yes, Professor I will. Also, I've been hanging out with Tao, she's sensed her twice and wounded her once. She's proven to be exceptional when facing thi assassin down.=

He was hoping that Kokonoe might allow him to stay close to her. In truth, while he hated feeling weak, admitting that he was outmatched by whatever gimmick she was using was just wise. After all, guts wouldn't solve the problem, some thinking would.

=Already aware of that. So here's an update: You're off from your usual duties till further notice. It's not super important right now, but move your ass on this issue. You're self-sufficient, Kageo, so get this done.=

Her words sounded annoyed, but in truth she knew he could handle it. So she expected him to take care of his business and stay active. It was the simplest kind of trust she had in those she created. That and she had a soft spot for the Kaka, since his loyalty was on par with Tager's, minus the serious nature. It made for minor amusement, even if she did get irate with him now and again.

=Roger that, Professor! I'll get this over with as soon as possible.=

It was the best that Kageo could offer, and he'd been freed up from up his usual duties. Now all he could do was spend time with Tao, and try to figure out a way around the trick used on him, twice now. Though he wouldn't be thinking too hard for long, since Tao suddenly dropped onto his shoulder.

"Heeelloo? Kageoo? Can you hear Tao?" her words causing the male kaka to jump.

To her amusement he'd come out of whatever trance he had been in the last 40 seconds or so. She'd tried to get his attention and he seemed to just sit there and blink for a short time. She'd patted his head a moment and remained against his side.

"Soo, you gonna answer Tao or what? Meow."

"Sorry Tao, what was your question?"

"Are we still going to see Tail Lady?" Tao herself was a bit eager to know, since he mentioned her once, she was suddenly hopeful to see her.

"Oh uh, we won't need to anymore. She left me notice earlier, that I don't need to come in." Kageo explained it away, though he imagined Tao would wonder when, she wouldn't think too hard on it.

"Aww, Tao wanted to see her after Kageo kept talking about her so much!" this moment of her gloom lasted no more than a few seconds. At least before she bounced forward and took Kageo's hand.

Then without another word, she'd dragged Kageo and herself out of their seats and to stand. Without another word, she'd taken them out of the restaurant (after Kageo left money of course!) and into the light of the day. Something struck her and she didn't know what, but something was drawing her back towards the Kaka Village. As if a silent call that only she could hear needed her to head back home. Though Kageo didn't speak, instead he followed the strange feeling and went along with Tao. With his hand in hers, he ran after her and picked up his pace, imagining that he'd learn what she was headed back for. He was a little sad that he didn't feel this pull as well, but he didn't bother lamenting it too long. They were headed to the Kaka village, there was nothing else that he needed to know.

-At the Kaka Village-

After a little bit of travel, the pair reached the Kaka Village. It was the one place that made Kageo feel at home, countless hours had been spent here since he found his way to his people. Every since he had, he made sure that he lived close, at least whenever he wasn't at Sector Seven, in Kokonoe's Labs. The atmosphere of both cats and Kaka kittens running around always made him feel younger. Such a thing was relaxing and excited at the same time.

Tao had lead the way, and was still ahead of him slightly, though she had half dragged him at first, he caught up with her. The thought of this being a normal thing made him laugh inside, it really was a common sight. Though it was the fact that Tao had been there for him more these past few days that really made him appreciate her company more. She almost seemed dashing, if in some sort of funny kind of way. Her heroics were now to be downplayed in any way, she saved his life twice in two days.

Such humbled him and his training, his raw instincts were just not good enough. He had a lot to learn about it and considered that, Tao could show him but in a subtle fashion. He'd have to watch her more carefully, see if he could keep up without any other sense being monitored by him actively. Though he knew that he was overthinking this too much, he was as much a kaka as she was. It was a matter of instinct and trusting it, as opposed to active thought.

"Meow!" Tao's sudden attempt to pounce her friend was met without success.

Kageo grabbed Tao's arms and eased them overhead, in a tossing fashion. Something that she recovered from with ease, as she curled her body into a flip and then gracefully landed on feet. She turned with a grin on her face as a rare urge came to her mind.

"Nyot bad, Kageo! You actually stopped me for once, heh usually mew think far too much to stop me. But neeow we are gonna play!" Tao took stance and threw a few rapid jabs in front of her.

"Let's have some fun then." Kageo's sleeved hands rose and raised his right palm and lowered his left in front of him in a half circle.

The self-taught form of combat incorporated finely honed instinct with movement and natural stances of the kaka in order to improve the effectiveness of his striking power. How did it fair against Tao? As his forearm caught Tao's punch against it, it seemed pretty good so far.

Kageo gracefully hopped backwards, dodging several punch attacks from Tao, just before he'd caught her left claw with his own. The rake of metal against metal always felt odd, though the dragging of the claws left sparks in the air. As Tao morphed her claws into saw-like blades and shoved down against her friend; Kageo fell backwards and quickly tossed Tao over him, by using his free right hand and feet to shove her torso overhead. A move that Tao was able to counter, by twisting her body into a half flip, enough to land on her feet in a crouched position. As she turned to face Kageo on all four, her grin never broke as she darted at him with a single burst of speed.

Once upon her target, Tao's right claw was thrust forward as her left was ready at her side for a follow up strike. Kageo leapt over her low attempt, though as he maneuvered himself through midair. As he watched Tao, he saw Tao's body contorted to help her recover as she bounced off the air seemingly and cut her speed in half. As she landed, she was already turning on a dime, and once again shot towards the airborne Kageo with her left claw leading this time. As gravity tugged the male kaka towards the charging Tao's claw, he raised his right foot and nudged Tao's claw to his right side.

As he narrowly avoided being hit by her claws, while they grazed his kaka jacket/coat it wasn't a solid hit. With this in mind, he'd brought his knee up and managed to hit Tao in her ribs. Though he felt himself tackled from her momentum, and the aerial exchange was over in a matter of seconds. Kageo grunted as he hit the ground and Tao hopped back up to her feet. As she started swaying back and forth a moment, while the S7 Kaka hopped to his feet and moved at her.

Sweeping his left palm openly towards her stomach, he felt it strike air as her swaying let her dodge it easily. Kageo's right foot rose in an inward crescent kick, coming up from the ground in a quick arc as he hoped to hit her with it. Though Tao's body again swayed out of the range of his heel as it came down. In the moment his foot landed, he'd brought both arms up in time to block a punch aimed for his chest. Though the impact to his stomach made him flinch, as Tao hit him in quick succession with the same fist.

Tao's swaying form taunted him indirectly, as she grinned at him with their clan's trademark look. Her fluid movements took him off guard and acting on nothing but instinct, he rushed her with both palms thrusting outward towards her center. The effort was met with another miss, though he sensed her movement behind him this time. Tao's speed gave her the advantage and she moved towards his back. Quickly hitting him with an open palm against his waist; while she felt Kageo's heel graze her left side.

"Meow, you're finally getting it Kage Kage!" Tao suddenly exclaimed as she tossed a few jabs in the air.

"Yes...*huff* yes I am starting to feel it." Kageo smiled at Tao, showing his teeth in the trademark grin as well.

"Aww ya tired, Kageo? We were only just getting started!" Tao was sure that he had more in him than that.

"Tired? No way! I'm just warming up, that was a huff of pain. You hit pretty good, not bad at all, Tao." Kageo complimented her ability.

"Tao's not even serious yet, geet ready for more!" the energetic Kaka declared.

"I believe that's enough for now, you two." Totokaka, the Elder of the village emerged from the shadows walking with her staff in hand.

As she looked upon the pair with a smile on her face, her presence was sudden and had gone undetected by the pair entirely. Despite her advanced age, clearly she held the skills of a Clan warrior still in hand.

"It's the Elder, meow."

"I did not sense you at all, its wonderful to see you Elder."

The pair greeted her, Tao showing a more relaxed look on her features after the Elder asked them to stop. Kageo had shown his respect with a small head bow for a few moments. Giving them both a nod, she turned and gestured for them to follow her.

"Come with me, we have something to discuss." Totokaka turned from the two and headed back towards her home.

Without another word, Tao and Kageo fell into line behind her and walked at a confident pace. Stay right on her heels now, Tao walked at Kageo's side as she looked on with a small grin.

"What an honor, Tao doesn't remember the last time she was in the Elder's home entirely!" Tao's admission did mean that she retained something that had been spoken, a statement of importance that she committed to memory.

"And I've never had the honor, it is mine certainly now. Thank you, Elder." Kageo was glad, flattered even by the chance to speak with her.

"Yes, I'm glad that you are eager to listen. I need to ask you both to do something for me." Totokaka was certain that the pair would be capable.

The Elder entered her home and stepped towards the middle, just standing before a chair that she sat down in. Both younger kaka stood before her and were eager to listen. Tao did her best to pay attention, while Kageo focused and looked at the Elder. Taking this as a serious matter, both were ready to listen and the silence in the room spoke that much.

The Elder offered a light tap of her staff against the ground of her home to ensure all attention was upon her.

"I need you two to go and meet another Kaka Clan member, one of the Librarians of the Kaka Clan." Totokaka spoke something of a simple sounding nature.

But Tao's response only showed just how rare it was in part.

"Wooow, a Librawrian? I've heard of those from Tora! They are the ones trained in the utmost hidden knowledge of the Kaka Clan secrets, who watch the arch-ives or something like that, meow." Tao's knowledge caught Kageo off guard.

She did retain more things than she let on, he thought. It was an inspiring thing to see, as clearly her being underestimated would bite any other person who did so, in the buns.

"I've heard only of them myself, under my studies, the rumors of the Archivists are that they are part of the more secretive branch of the clan. Trained in a lot more than just keeping secrets and cleaning books, but I rest my case. They are only rumors." Kageo's words were also acknowledged.

Both Tao and Kageo knew of them at least, the elder decided to give them their chance in asking the member something.

"Well you'll be meeting one of the archivists, he's bringing a book of secrets that I requested. You two are to retrieve it from him and bring it back to me when you can." The clan elder was being vague with purpose.

In fact she knew the intrigue would probably have Tao's attention, maybe something to inspire her to protect it more. Though she also knew that the Clan guardian was already eager to do what she asked. Without having to be asked a single thing, Tao announced her intentions.

"Me and Kageo will protect that book all the way! Nothing, not even the squiggly will stop us, meow!" Tao swiped at the air a few times in order to show her seriousness.

Kageo only had to grin and nod, he had nothing much to add in here.

"Well said, Tao. Now go as soon as possible, he'll be meeting you in Orient Town. I've entrusted his care to our Dr. Litchi Faye-Ling. Meet him at the clinic, he should have arrived by now." The Elder had said what she needed to, and Tao addressed her once more.

"The Booby lady? Meow! Tao will go there right away and get that book, let's go Kageo. Chaaarge!" Tao grabbed his hand and dragged the still half seated Kageo towards the exit.

With the fire of 1000 Kaka kittens burning within her, Tao would not be stopped! She took off and soon Kageo raced to keep up, with her dragging the stupidly grinning male kaka. Even though he struggled to get his footing, Kageo was glad to see her so enthusiastic. Helping everyone out really was all she wanted to do, it was the same for him once he discovered the Clan. Now this was a big undertaking and he was all too glad to address it as well.

As he moved with her, Kageo admitted to himself that he had grown to think so much more of Tao in the last few days. Considering yet again that she was more than a friend to him, at least that she made his heart patter a little more. Perhaps a childish, kitten hearted crush on her? He'd have shook his head at the thought before, but there was no denying the outcome of it now. She was certainly a gem, an upbeat, caring, always hungry, energetic, protective bundle of a Kaka. He almost wondered when he actually considered a simple fact: that she was not just his kitten-like best friend and that she actually was more of a die hard Kaka warrior who happened to be all of that instead.

Before long, the pair was back in Orient Town. Walking down the main street at a high rate of speed. Kageo had decided to keep his thoughts to a minimum and not to broach the topic with Tao until he'd sorted some of it out for himself. Tao herself was more focused on the task at hand, even though some part of her was well aware of Kageo. The degree of fondness for him that had always been there and the like.

-From Tao's perspective-

She really wasn't half as simple as she allowed herself to be seen. Certainly, Tao wasn't the sharpest tool out there, but she was by no means inept or stupid. A transition into being a teenager would certainly have its moments and she knew that. Torakaka, her elder sister always told her to be proud when she noticed her own growth. Having spent so much time with Kageo, she'd have been blind not to notice how silly he could be.

Nervous, but kind, quick to feed the pair of them, always a good napping buddy. He was a great Kaka who always tried to make more of himself, be that in the eyes of the kittens, her, or for the Clan in general. She thought him funny due to that effort to change parts of himself, all that active effort when he'd just change if he gave it time. She knew he was too focused and tended to miss the obvious. Then that nervousness would make him act odd around her, whenever they played pounce or go for pinning; he got weird and gave up so easily.

Tao had never missed what happened, his body's response to her pinning him was unmistakable. Certainly she didn't think too much about it, as he seemed to be embarrassed by the reactions he had. Still those moments made her feel more predatory at times, he'd start acting submissive and she felt like toying with him more. The few times that she did, she got excited and was more aware of him then. The thought of that did also make her more curious about that.

Thinking about him made her happy, because he often made her happy. Not just getting her food or napping, but being there with her always was nice. She felt a little warm inside and it made her feel like a kitten in a warm, safe place. Still things weren't all clear for her, she'd only started to feel this way about him during the past year. Slowly coming to recognize signs and things that reoccurred within her. He was someone that she couldn't let get hurt, it was why she beat up that old assassin Kaka.

Though that hadn't been all, she didn't need another reason to consider it. She did know that the feeling of that other Kaka planning to do things to him ticked her off, so she'd make sure it didn't happen again.

All of this thinking also reminded her of Kageo. He did that a lot, where he was constantly focused on something. Why was she doing it? Heck, she didn't know or mind. It was a good way to pass the time, they were at the Clinic. It was when she received a squeeze from Kageo, still she gripped his hand and grinned back at him. It was another she liked, though he always did it.

"Let Tao handle this, Kage Kage! Tao knows the Booby Lady real well!" her proclamation was met with a soft chuckle and nod.

She knew the look on his face, even though he tried not to do it: it was a look of taking her less serious. That was okay, since she never thought much of it, when he was surprised then it would just be a fact. Tao wouldn't say something unless she meant it. Already well aware of the fact people missed that, it never really impacted Tao's outlook. It was just another consequence of people not taking her seriously, it was something that they'd learn through her actions.

After the pair made their way into the clinic, Tao looked around for Litchi and moved towards Litchi's office room with haste. She knew that Litchi was somewhere around here and that was a good place to start.

"Booby Lady! We need to see the arch-ivist that's here with myew!" Tao's urgency stuck out.

-End Tao's POV-

Fortunately, in that very room was another Kaka, sitting across from Litchi with a cup of tea in front of him. Of course, Litchi answered Tao's request without much issue, give the present circumstance.

"I'm glad the Elder sent you along Tao, I was wondering when someone might happen along. I'll let our guest tell you the situation." Litchi's eyes fell upon her guest: Seijikaka and she offered him the floor.

Looking at the two Kaka Clansmen about his own age, Seijikaka, the Kaka Archivist in question greeted them.

"Hello, you two, I am Seijikaka, the Tome Guardian entrusted with this book delivery."

"I'm Taokaka, pleased to meet myew!"

"I'm Kageo-kaka, happy to meet you also."

Giving a nod to them both, Seiji would continue on the brief explanation.

"The trip has gone well thus far, but since arriving here I feel that eyes are upon me. My leg of the mission is complete, but I advise caution. I imagine someone will try for it. Be very careful, meow. Don't let your guard down." Seiji hoped to emphasize this to the pair.

Tao was first to answer, since she was already serious about this as it was.

"Leave it to Tao! Me and Kage Kage will take this and bring it straight back to the Elder!" Tao's chest puffed up a little bit as she declared this.

Kageo backed up Tao's declaration with his support.

"Don't worry, Tome Guardian Seiji, we will not fail. It's why the Elder sent up, we'll see it gets home safely, meow." Kageo beamed after that.

It was a rare chance to hear the tic from himself, but it was a moment of pride on his behalf. With both intentions laid out, Seiji accepted the proclamation of safety for the tome of knowledge and nodded.

"Very well, I will return from whence I came. I wish you both luck, mew." again with a light head now to them both, Seiji rose from the seat and headed out.

As much of an enigmatic figure that he appeared to be: The sage green Kaka coat of his seemed to suit him well. Aptly named Seiji, he cared a great deal about the knowledge that he carried around. Though he was hopeful that the pair would meet little or no resistance on their trip. Before long he was headed out the front entrance and bidding Linhua his final good bye. Then he was off into the crowded street of Orient Town, just another walking figure in the masses.

Wheels had been turning in motion and this tome may hold a useful secret within its midst. After the pair would chat with Litchi, it was time to go. Back to the Kaka village, unaware of just how much trouble awaited them.

(End Chapter)

The moment comes after a long chapter's midst has been cleared. We learn of Kageo's ever growing affection for Tao and that she too harbors feelings of a similar variety. Such a thing is possible given that they've known each other since they were kittens! But still taking it slow, this relationship will blossom in the following chapters.

It's been a lot of fun writing things from Tao's perspective, a serious underlying side of Taokaka that I am sure is present but never explored lays here. She is well aware of her surroundings, capable of thinking more seriously, and doesn't miss as much as any of the Blazblue characters think. With her being slightly older than Kageo(few months give or take is my estimate), age won't be an issue here. Intellect won't be an issue here, for the question is simple. What happens when a boy and girl have enough time to figure something out? Cute things come of it!

Well I hoped you enjoyed the chapter. Stay tuned for the next one, until next time.

I bid you adieu.

-Quentix.