A/N: This fanfiction is taking off pretty fast for me, I am pleased with the progress and the fact that its engaging. As we proceed, the danger factor will pick up, as a pair of kaka face the torrent together! We will explore it in the latest chapter as Kageo's life grows more complicated.

(End A/N)

Chapter V: The Path of the Kaka Warrior, Part I

"I'm sorry to entrust this task to you two alone, but I must return to the Library. We're receiving a new book anthology soon, someone must receive it." Seijikaka said this with a small, knowing grin upon his visible features.

"Meow, noo problem Seijikaka! We'll get this to the Elder, she'll know exactly what to do with it!" Tao excitedly exclaimed.

"We will not fail, thank you for trusting us, Seijikaka." He'd give her a deep bow of his head, only to have a hand placed on his shoulder.

"Naturally, we are clan, are we not? Now I have lingered long enough. Thank you all again, Dr. Faye-ling, for having me. Taokaka and Kageo-kaka for delivering a tome for me, I cannot thank you enough." Seijikaka seemed to be very grateful for the assistance.

With a quick round of 'you're welcome' from the present company, Seiji moved towards the exit at the clinic. He did not want to warn them further, for in the shadows had ears, then someone would figure the book worth more than many other books.

Once Seiji was gone, Litchi would go to see Kageo and Tao off from the clinic. Since it was best to try and keep Tao on task, between the good doctor and Kageo that was going to be a constant. Even though Litchi had her concerns, given the ominous nature this tome, as hinted by Seiji's words and his nature. She wondered what kind of knowledge the Kaka Library had? Such a thing was a stunning thought, as the knowledge would go back since before the Dark War, after they were created.

"Well you two should keep your eyes open out there, you never know what you'll run into out there." Litchi cautioned the pair.

"No problem, Booby Lady! Tao's on the job, we can't possibly miss, meow!" Tao was more than sure of it.

"Thank you, Dr. Litchi, I'll be sure to keep the careful lookout whilst trying to keep up with Tao." Kageo hoped to reassure her, though still making sure to keep the comment light-hearted.

"I'd go with you, but the clinic is really busy and I can't leave Linhua alone." Litchi seemed unsure as to whether she should.

"Booby lady, you worry too much. Tao is on the job and so is Kageo! We can't miss, meow!" Tao's energetic retort came quickly.

"The thought is appreciated, but we can handle- whoa! W-wait!" Kageo exclaimed as he was dragged out of his seat and out to the street.

As Kageo tucked the tome away within his Kaka coat, he'd had a brief scan of the surrounding space while regaining his balance. As far as he could tell, there were no threats nearby them within a mile of them. With Tao at the helm, it was a matter of keeping pace with her, which could be a chore within itself. She was so dedicated to getting the job done, that her drive surpassed Kageo's, despite the comparison of dispositions. It was rather funny given that they'd just come from there earlier and were already heading back. Tao looked to Kageo and gave a strong squeeze to his hand, feeling that the deed couldn't go wrong. Given that they just got their hands on the tome, the delivery was going to be easy!

"Meow, Kageo, part of being a Kaka is knowing when not to worry. You can't always worry or wonder whether something was done right, sometimes things just happen, riiight?" Tao's outlook on life was pretty simple.

"Quite true, Tao. One cannot question every step they make, they should just walk on, so to speak." Kageo nodded, iterating something similar to what Tao had just told him.

"That's the spirit! Though you should talk with less strange words, mew, you might not be understood." Tao commented on it, though that energy never left her tone.

The pair was making hood progress, with Kageo bringing up the rear, though staying close to the leading Tao. He made sure to give her no reason to tug him along, while keeping an eye on their surroundings. Fortunately, no one on the street cared much about two Kaka walking along the side of the street. Both were known around Orient Town and were either seen as annoying or seen in a neutral view. Kageo always paid platinum dollars and even left tips at restaurants, it made it easy to give himself a better reputation.

Most eyes were too busy wrapped up in their own lives to pay two random beastkin any mind. At least, most were too busy, though it didn't say very much for the strange man standing in the center of the pair's path. The man was dressed in the black and white color combination of the infamous Librarium's intelligence department. The man had a short blade holstered at his waist, and wore a black and white beret on his head sideways. The man's eyes were trained on the two Kaka and seemed to be hinting at some malice.

Tao gave the man a single look, then headed down the side of an alleyway with Kageo in tow. Though it was clear that both Kaka knew that this man was not here for something pleasant. With no words passed between the pair, both leapt onto the nearby rooftop in near silence. With the man heading into the alleyway moments later and finding it empty. Though he looked up, he saw nothing and found himself sneering.

The two were smarter than they looked, but it wasn't going to save them in the end, "Mangy cats, you can't escape the reach of the Library." the man's dedication shown in his word choice.

The man effortlessly leapt onto the nearby rooftop and looked around, trying to spot movement, though it was hard in the glare of the sun. He eventually found two small dots in the distance and appeared impressed by their speed. But he gave chase, using an application of his armagus armor to give him the edge: it enhanced his physical features and would let him perform superhuman feats. While not much in the way of armor, the man felt confident that he could handle two Kaka. So he was in pursuit of them and seemed to be closing the distance between them.

Up ahead, Tao was leading the pair as they left Orient Town and made it to the outskirts of the old cityscape that was under the side of Kagutsuchi, the area leading towards the Kaka village. She had commented on the man's surprising stamina, "Wow, he's moving pretty good for a regular guy!"

"Well, its time we put him down. We don't have time to waste on this guy and we can't let him follow us to the village." Kageo said, not willing to take this stranger to their home.

"Then we can play with him, right here, meow!" Tao had stopped on one of the old buildings just as Kageo landed on it, the pair stood up together and waited on the man's appearance.

Soon enough the man had leapt onto the edge of their building and looked to the two Kaka. He noticed one had a stoic look across their features and the other had a wide grin. It was surprise to see anything beyond the trademark grin on the features of a Kaka. He also noticed that the stoic expression across the second Kaka was only one distinction between the two. One was taller than the other and curvier than the shorter one with slightly broader shoulders.

"Hand over the book, we know you have it." were the first words out of the man's mouth. A stern and demanding tone seemed perfect for a pursuer like him.

"We? Meow, there's only one of you. Are you alright in the head, Hat guy?" Tao quickly gave him a label, since he was a strange guy with a weird hat.

"She's right you know, weirdo. Besides, its rude to demand anything of someone you've just met. Especially, when it has nothing to do with you." Kageo's retort was more direct and playful.

The man's lip twisted into one of annoyance, he was already feeling his anger grow as his demand was all but ignored. Without waiting before long, he drew the short sword from his waist and pointed it at the pair. As his eyes narrowed, he barked out another ultimatum.

"Repeat, you will relinquish the book that one of you possesses right now or I will act within my authority to take it from you! Last warning, Cats!" he was just shy of yelling this, his tone showed the agitation that quickly grew on him. He was not going to take being mocked by a pair of beasts.

"Give you a book? You need to read something, Hat guy? You should got to a library, that's where you can get one, meow. And control that temper, mew, getting all mad for no reason is bad for you." Tao's grin didn't loosen any, as she addressed him as she would anyone else.

"You heard her, Hat guy, you should go to a library and get lost in a good book. It's a lot safer." Kageo's words were playful, but also menacing.

Tao was ready for a fight, since she could sense the man's agitation as it grew dramatically. No sooner had Kageo finished his taunt, did the man rush at the pair, with sword raised in both hands. As he cleared the distance between himself and the nearest target, the blue hooded Kaka, he swept down at from his left side in an adjacent swing; he wholly expected to hit his target. However, he found that he narrowly missed his target, since the kaka dodged backwards. While the man's grip adjusted to bring the armagus back up on the Kaka's side, he found a single sleeved hand halting the attempt.

"Good swing, but far too predictable." Kageo said this while showing off his enhanced strength.

The man struggled to bring the blade up for several moments, before Kageo stepped on the flat of his blade with his left leg and after a quick leg up, he kicked him across the face with his right boot. Though as the man began to fall backwards, Kageo brought his right heel down across the man's knees and dropped to the ground with the force of gravity. The man immediately cried out in pain and attempted to adjust his position on the ground, kicking up at the feline. Though once more, Kageo's agility was clearly too much for him. The man was back on his feet though, and mad as a hornet.

The very same soldier had little chance to turn in time to get punched in the face by Tao, who sent him teetering with her blow. As he shook off the hit and thrust a kick out in her direction, he missed again and received a backhand from Tao once more. He didn't have any bearings on where she was, given that she was moving so fast. Even though he knew they were fast, he figured his armagus armor would take care of that, but both were almost like blurs. Though the female was definitely faster than the male, at least from what he'd seen.

"Seek their blood, Lactus!" awakening the ars armagus weapon, the sword had gained a ready aura of green around it and the man seemed to be grinning now.

Kageo said nothing about the sight, as his systems quickly identified the danger rating of his armagus and as they presently calculated what the weapon could do; he unsheathed both of his claws and stalked towards the man. Moving quickly, as the man's forearm jerked up and blocked Kageo's left claw, the kaka's right boot still found his midsection, before his claws extended. While his foot raked up and tore across his midsection, surprisingly rending into the light armagus armor somewhat. As his left claw quickly resheathed, Kageo's right foot kicked up and with the foot claws extended; would meet the sword in a display of sparks.

The intelligence agent stumbled back in surprise as he felt both pain and blood starting to seep from the wound across his midsection. Still he managed to shove the Kaka's foot down and thrust his blade at him, hoping to get him while his foot lowered. However, he found that he missed the male kaka by a large margin. He thrust ahead and hit nothing, only to have his feet kicked out from beneath him. As his body fell, he felt an elbow hit him in the spine just before he hit the ground.

"Oof! Damn...damn you both!" the agent was quick to rise, even though he was aching, he stood tall and pointed his glowing blade at them both.

"Wow, you're really bad at this, hat guy! You should go back and practice, meow.~" the sing-song voice of Tao ringing out.

"Shut UP! No more from either of you! Shut your damned bestial traps!" Though as he yelled this, he'd feel a presence behind him.

"No one likes a species hating man." Kageo's words came as he clubbed the man on the back of his head with his fist.

The force from the Sector Seven Kaka was strong, enough to make the man lurch forward as his eyes rolled up into his head. Normally, Kageo would have been gentler, but the man was in no position to demand anything, and yet he was. While the man fell into an unconscious state of being, the male kaka took up his armagus and tossed it off of the building's edge. Hearing the blade clack and clatter against rooftops as it fell further down the hill area they were near, he'd turned back to face Tao. This had gone surprisingly well, that actually made things a lot easier since they were able to defeat him so easily.

"That was a little too easy, mew, he just wasn't any good at playing was he?" Tao chimed in, looking down at the unconscious man.

"Nope, he was pretty horrible at it. Heh, nice job back there, we took fast care of him. Now, its time for us to get back home." Kageo left the downed man there and grinned.

Sure this guy would come back later and try again, but that was fine by him. He wasn't going to take a life unless he had to. It was just his methodical thinking about the trouble it would cause. In truth it wasn't worth it, especially since he was so weak. Feeling a sudden weight on his side, Kageo stumbled back as
Tao laughed and held onto him.

Though he managed not to fall, Tao immediately switched from holding onto him, to taking his hand tugging him along with her. She immediately took the lead and started heading back towards the Kaka village. While grinning widely as she led the way to the Elder's home, with Kageo keeping right at her side. The village was very close and the trip took them less than 10 minutes to make. The two would be there in near no time flat at the high pace that they took.

Though the two had long left, the Kaka assassin appeared from the shadows and looked at the downed Librarium officer and made a face. She was going to have to clean up this mess, though she hadn't accounted for needing to be rid of a Library official; she couldn't have him coming back with a bigger squad. She thought that Kageo was too soft in this right, and Marinkaka was taking it upon herself to clean up the mess. After stepping up alongside the unconscious man's body, she examined the damage done and grinned a little bit. The kid did have some good moves, she made sure to draw her sleeve to his neck.

"And the mocking bird says...good night." Marinkaka chose to say the strange and ominous line, before unsheathing her claw in his throat.

With her second hand holding a cloth over the man's mouth and nose, as soon as a dagger she was sporting entered his throat, the man sputtered out blood into the chloroform covered cloth. He gagged and died quickly as she suffocated him. She snuffed his life out quiet and quick, not making a big deal about this task, she found that her chore was made easier. Getting rid of a guy like this would be easier, he didn't seem that important and lacked any real skill. She'd make sure to dump the body near the docks. With the dagger in hand being gang affiliated, she'd be sure to make it look like a gang killing.

"A low ranker, will make this easy to pin on some hapless gang. End of story." she'd say this while taking up the body and toting it over her shoulder.

She was fast to disappear from whence she came, as she was off to set the scenario on the docks. It would keep the Library off of her prey's back and her own by proxy. As the last things he needed was the troublesome government trying to investigate her activities. Between this and the fact that her little victim was none the wiser to her being there, meant that she was doing better. Making sure to deliver her proper show of skill, the next time that she got involved with Kageo and that Taokaka, it would be very different.

-In the Elder's house-

The trip ended in relative safety, as both Kageo and Tao sat down in the parlor of the Elder's home. She was looking over the tome that Kageo and Tao had brought to her and seemed to be in deep thought. Though she was pleased with what she read, it left her quiet and contemplative. While Kageo was more humbled by this, Tao had wanted to know what was in the book. She had gone through a great deal of effort and focus to see the book got to the Elder safely, she could share the secret now, right?

"So, Elder, what's the big secret in that book, meow? Tao wants to know!" Tao's infectious nature had drawn a small laugh out of Kageo.

Though he didn't say anything, he was also quite eager to know something about the book. It looked like an anthology book of some sort, one of a collection. Even though he wasn't sure what kind of series it was, he made sure not to look in on it. As this was to be entrusted directly to the Kaka Elder, and if she wished to show something of it, then she would. He managed to maintain something of a neutral expression as she answered Tao.

"This is a book of knowledge from the Dark War era, written by one of our own. From the first generation of Kaka warriors, these are the words given literacy. However, the secrets will take some time to decipher, young Tao. I intend to share the secrets with the Clan after I've had some time with this book." Elder Toto explained it to Tao, though the explanation was for them both.

"How long will that take, Tao wants to know!" Tao relayed her enthusiasm straight away, how could she not be excited?

Secrets from the first generation Kaka warriors? There were a lot fewer things cooler than that! Kageo was looking on with a bit of a playful grin, as he chose to answer Tao's question for her.

"We may be waiting a week or a month, or longer. But don't worry, we can keep each other distracted, Tao. What else are best friends for?" the words made Tao's grin widen.

"That's right! Alright, then Tao will just wait until the Elder has the info, meow!" Tao sounded as if she was sated with what was said. Though her hunger quickly got the better of her, as her stomach gurgled loudly. "But right now, Tao's hungry, c'mon Kageo you will feed me neow!" She'd say this while looking at him.

"Sure thing Tao, head outside first, I wanna say something to the Elder first." Kageo said as he stood up.

"Hurry up, Tao's starving, meow!" Tao darted outside without waiting for the Elder's word of good bye.

The Elder shared a small laugh with Kageo, as Tao's stomach could lead her on sometimes. Though the laugh ended as she offered her thanks to Kageo for his assistance.

"Thank you for delivering the tome, after hearing about that run-in you had, I believe this book may even have a Librarium secret that may serve us if I identify it." Toto seemed to be curious about it.

"You're welcome, Elder Toto. I'm just happy that I assisted the Village. It really makes me feel like of the clan." Kageo was smiling brightly at that, it always made him feel like he contributed.

"Of course you are, Kageo. Never forget that as long as your heart is in the right place, that you are always helping the Clan." The elder wanted him to know that he was always one of the Clan.

As he nodded to her and turned to head out after Tao, the Elder called to him once more to get his attention.

"Kageo, before you go, I just want you to think about the future. You may find yourself seeking a companion, a life companion at that. Consider one of the Clan, you are getting around that age and you're almost an adult. It's for the future, but keep it in mind, alright?" She said this with a light smile, beneath the mask that she wore.

"Uh of course, Elder. *ahem*, I should be going now." Kageo managed out after clearing his throat, he was often nervous about that prospect.

Especially since all he did most days was think in his free time. He was considering his future down the line and this brought him right back to thinking about Tao. It was a thought that was on his mind more as time went on. He made sure that he'd keep it in mind to ask her about it alter. As with Tao, there was no beating around the bush and he knew it.

With one final good bye to the Elder, he headed outside and met with Tao. Given all of this in mind, he greeted his best friend with a wide smile and a word on going to his home.

"Alright, Tao! Let's get going, we should get to cooking so we can eat!" Kageo's gung ho attitude was met with a fiercely happy grin from Tao.

"Alriiight!" she'd say this before grabbing his wrist and tugging him off towards his home.

-At Kageo's house-

The trip was brief, made in under two minutes at the high speed pace of Tao's dash. She was hungry and knew that Kageo made great dinner. Since they'd just be eating for two, it was going to be a very welcome thing. As usually she shared with the kittens and it made a nice light snack. This time the two would eat for full bellies, at least as long as Kageo had enough food. Once at the door she stepped to the side and bounced on her feet eagerly.

"C'mon c'mon c'mon, Kageo! Tao's starving, my stomach is gnawing at me, meow." she prodded him verbally, watching him fish the keys out of his pocket.

"Hah, alright Tao, in we go." he'd say as he unlocked the door and pushed it in.

Once inside, Tao rushed up the stairs in a few bounds and hopped onto his couch. She waited eagerly for him while he locked up and came up after her quickly. Knowing that they were both hungry, Tao was not alone in being famished. After the fighting they'd done earlier, he was especially feeling it right now. Once the large cauldron style pot was over the fire, he lit it with flint and began to fill the large pot up with a large bucket he used.

A few trips to the kitchen space and he found the pot full enough. It was time for a good stew, he knew that it would fill them both up. A beef stew of kinds seemed like a good idea, so he started seasoning it. Even though it was going to take a while to cook, he thought that it was good idea to bring up some small talk. He fatefully decided to see what Tao thought about a future companion, as the subject made him nervous.

"Hey Tao, I have a question for you." it sounded harmless enough.

"What is it, Kageo?" Tao asked while looking up.

"Well its about what the Elder last said to me. She asked me about...well seeking out a companion in life. And it got me thinking." as he said this, he was glad that he faced away from her.

"Oh yeah, the Elder talks about that all the time with Tao! Have a companion to make life easier, safer, and fun, meow!" Tao's answer was as expected, forthcoming and free of much thought.

"Well, I mean...you know, life companion. Ever much more than a friend, you see." he clarified what he meant, figuring that the meaning was lost on Tao.

"Yeah, I know silly! Mew, the Elder had a talk about Tao with that a few times. The last time she said, when Tao finds someone that makes her heart beat faster and that makes her all kinds of happy; to never let them go, meow." Tao's answer was enough to floor Kageo, who now felt sheepish for his thoughts.

Falling silent a moment, he did realize how dumb it was of him to underestimate her yet again. Even though he didn't have a lot of time to think inwardly, as soon he felt arms around his sides. Naturally it was Tao and she was now hugging him from behind, and squeezing his waist. Looking over his shoulder, he couldn't really hide the blush in his cheeks. The look on his face made Tao's grin widen, as she said what she was thinking.

"Nyahaha! Taaoo knew it! Kageo has a big crush on meow, don't you?" she pressed her chest into his back, not thinking of the consequences of it really.

Though Kageo let off something of a soft mewl, more out of his surprise and the fact that she was squeezing him so tightly. Finally getting his act together, he managed something of a response to her. Even though at this point, the cat was out of the bag. Though in this way, it was more the tip of the iceberg.

"W-Well meow...yes, I do have a crush on you, Tao. Eh heh...err...how long have you known?" Kageo decided it was safest to leave it at this.

His feelings were certainly stronger than even a big crush. The fact that she knew again floored him and he was cursing himself mentally for thinking that he hid things well. He was pathetic at actually hiding something, especially from someone with strong instinct. Once again he was thinking and quite hard about what he should do here. Tao broke his thought pattern as she nuzzled the back of his neck.

"Tao figured out why Kageo was nervous when we were playing earlier in the week, why your body was reacting and such. Hee, its cute, Tao thinks, meow. Though you can't hide something really well, mew. Tao saw right through that attempt, nyahaha!" she was still holding him close and looking at his blushing face intently.

"What do you uh...want to do with that? My fondness only grows stronger, I like you, Tao. So when I think of a companion, one day I think we would make great...uh...companions." Kageo hated to say it now, but he was alluding to it.

Tao had seen straight through him, and it seemed that she was a master of uncovering things. As she looked at him, asking that question so boldly; it had her momentarily quiet. She answered this as best she could, "Tao doesn't know what to do really. I like Kageo too, such a great friend, treats me well, rests with me, gives Tao a lot of food! Heh, you're the best friend Tao has. And Tao's heart does beat a little quicker." it was something that she could admit.

But she also continued, "But Tao still doesn't know. Ya see, Tao doesn't think well when she's hungry!" she'd say this while looking down at the stew.

"We'll take later, after food, meow!" it was a fact now, something that Tao herself said was happening.

"R-Right, after dinner then." Kageo would say this as he went right to work adding more spices.

The large cauldron pot allowed for a good stirring momentum to be maintained. He stirred carefully while adding some spices and some herbs. He was definitely working on bringing out the flavor in the stew. He had pre-cooked and salted it to preserve the already prepared beef side. He chunked up the beef before putting it into the stewing broth, cooking helped him keep his mind straight.

It was another 20 minutes before the food was done. Once it was prepared to eat, he pulled out his extra large soup bowls and utensils for the meal. He then poured Tao a large portion first, before giving himself the second. Even though he managed to be civil about how he approached his meal, it did not meal he was less ravenous. Once the meal was served and he had his bowl in front of him, he took large a spoonful and downed the broth and beef quickly.

The first serving was done away with quickly, as Tao finished her bowl first and asked for a second. Once Kageo gave her another full bowl, he finished his first and moved onto his second as well. It persisted this way over the next 30 minutes, with both of them getting equal sizes and Tao finishing first. It was only when the pair reached their 5th servings, that the large cauldron pot was down to the last of it. Kageo doubted there would be any of it left over, which was fine with him.

The pair finished off the stew single handedly. Tao was gratefully patting her belly and looking up at Kageo with a big grin. One of those satisfied looks that was rare to see on her face. It was something that he'd keep in mind, even though he thought he mentally accounted for her perceptive mind; he knew he'd fallen dreadfully short. She was more dynamic than words or thoughts could predict.

With the silence over the two, it was Tao who broke it with a few words, "So Kage Kage, remind me of what we were talking about before? Something to do with companions, Tao remembers, meow."

That brought a smile to his face, even though it was still somewhat nervous; she asked him and he would not try to hide it. "It was about what you think of me as a companion? A potential future companion in life."

"Hmm, that is a tough one, mew. As Tao said earlier, I don't know for sure. Kageo, you do have a lot of good traits! You cook well, you play good games, fight pretty well, and you look after Tao's hunger closely. We're such good friends, mew, and Tao's never tried anything else." she pointed out the situation as it was.

Her biggest problem was knowing what to do next, as she usually let instinct take a lead. It gave her a clue normally about what to proceed with. The best course of action usually was fast and while she wasn't afraid of making a choice, she was still unsure. Kageo did make her heart race when she thought about him. She'd seen his face once or twice when they played Pin.

She thought he looked cute, especially when he was blushing. All that she needed now was a good sign of what to do next. And thought she was waiting for the next sign, a thought came to her mind. Something that was going to put all of this to rest. As soon as Kageo gave her another soft glance, she placed her hands on his shoulders and cheerfully posited the question in mind.

"So, what doesn't Kage Kage do something about it? Tao isn't sure and you seem a little more sure. Show Tao how you feel, meow!" her playful grin stood there as she rocked his shoulders.

He remained quiet for a moment, as the approach to the situation came, and she asked him to show her how he felt. He ceased movement all together as he froze up, what was he to do with that? Simply acting was not what he thought he could do just yet, even though the urge to do so was there. Nothing within him denied the fact that Tao being this close made him come to life, he was actually giddy with the fact. He did think, a lot about what he wanted to do and it seemed to be several seconds too much for Tao.

"C'mon Kageo! Stop thinkin' so hard, you feel something strongly, meow. Tao understands this, sooo show her! Don't think, go ahead, Tao won't take no for an answer!" another light push against her best friend's shoulders from her hands, as she looked into his eyes.

As she pressed herself into Kageo's private space and was now in physical contact with him. Her chest pressing into his and soon the gaze they held became somewhat deeper, as for once Tao was intrigued by what she saw in his eyes. An eagerness for something to happen filled her friend's eyes and brought a light chill to her spine, a thing alien to her with the exception of one person that came to her mind. Good Guy made her feel like butterflies were in her stomach when she thought about him and he made her very happy too. Tao felt a similar feeling to that, but it was something else...perhaps more exciting?

It felt akin to butterflies dancing in her stomach, having a party or something that busy. For one of the rare times in Tao's life, she felt a little pang of something that she couldn't identify; it almost made her draw back. Though she stopped herself, questioning why should she bother to do that? Kageo never made her feel uncomfortable and this was just another face of being unsure. She wagered that she knew what Kageo was thinking about doing, and some part of her was as eager as the excitement she saw in his eyes.

For Kageo, once Tao had pressed herself against him, the nervousness heightened as a few sparks jolted up his spine. The fact that she was pressing into him had made him even more protective over the urge to do something. But he knew that Tao would not let him draw away from this, and to be honest he hadn't wanted to draw away. Soaking up any courage that he found within himself at this time, he started leaning in closer towards her. He knew that he wanted to show Tao how he felt through something that he dreamed of doing before, soon enough as Kageo's eyes shut, he felt that his lips had found their mark.

"Mmm...?" the soft sound coming from Tao, as she felt the soft, but gentle pressure of Kageo's lips against her own.

The pair of Kaka were quiet except for some soft sounds from the pair, who were presently lip locked in what was Kageo's first kiss. It felt like a wonderful sunset into a starry night for Kageo, as such a dreamscape visual was the best way to describe how this felt. The urge to kiss Tao had been sated now and something new and strong surprised him. As the feeling seemed to just several grades, he liked Tao a lot, he realized in the moment. He felt reassured about himself and the feelings within the 40 seconds that the kiss was engaged in.

To Tao, she was somewhat confused by the myriad of emotions that suddenly jumped before her. A feeling inside of her started growing and seemed to push her to draw in closer, her tail found Kageo's and curled the pair all the way to the tip. Perhaps she was just indulgent in the new sensations, but they didn't feel bad. In her mind, it was a wash of clarity that she wasn't used to, as something in the kiss just felt so nice. It was a fact that she'd never experienced anything like this before, but she hadn't been eager to end it.

Perhaps it was a jump of something in Kageo that whispered for him to take further, but he was a master of self control. The kiss finally came to an end, having lasted between one and two minutes, much longer than he expected. He breathed deeply at first, as the warm feeling of lips was replaced by the slightly cooler air in the warm apartment. Kageo was suddenly very aware of reality hitting him hard, as he was aware of his body's response to Tao's pressing into him. Tao's ample bust was flattened out against him and their bodies were somewhat entangled as they stood, it was impressive that they were balanced still.

Suffice to say, he almost apologized for it happening, at least Kageo was prepared to. Instead, Tao leaned in and kissed him again, ending any resistance of his logical mind in the moment. He could hear Tao's gentle mewing as she held the kiss and gripped his shoulders a bit tighter. Her hands adjusted with various pressure in something of a relaxing massage. Once again the two were wrapped in a bliss brought on by the fog brought on by the sweet pleasure of a kiss.

"...Mmph." slowly managing to break the kiss again, Kageo found himself meeting Tao's hazy gaze.

"So, that's how Kageo feels...hee. Pressing lips, Tora said that was kissing, Tao thinks, meow. Kage Kage should've said something sooner, then we could have done this more, mew." Tao had been quite subdued, lulled by the enjoyment she sampled in a kiss.

Tao was leaning into Kageo somewhat heavily, though it wasn't actively her intention. If anything, the male kaka was sure that both of their bodies were aware of the attraction between them. So in order to leave this to a minimum, Kageo did not press much with the issue. But he did manage to think of something to say quickly. As he knew that Tao might kiss him again, it wasn't a thing that he felt he could stop again.

"I was afraid, Tao...heh, I'll admit that's why I couldn't tell you right away."

"You were afraid? Why, meow?"

"It's just really silly as to why, I didn't know what you'd say, and that worried me."

"Kageo, you are so silly, meow. Tao would've responded like she did tonight!"

"A fact that I know now, Tao. I won't make that mistake again, I promise."

The dialogue had ended on that note and Kageo had to laugh, something that Tao shared in the moment with him. He was laughing at the fact that he had been so afraid of rejection, of Tao saying he was weird, and even though he knew that she wouldn't be so judgmental, that he still failed to. Staving it off so long had created a rather amusing scenario at which he finally acted on his feelings. All the while he hadn't been thinking about the fact that it wasn't quite over. Tao had not broken away from him, in fact her tail was squeezing his in an affectionate manner.

"Hmm, though Tao wonders why we stopped? It felt so nice, why bother stopping?" Tao asked Kageo, as she respected his breaking away for the moment.

"We can't take this too fast, right Tao? I mean we could just let our emotions and instinct carry us, but it just might be too soon. Do you know what I mean?" Kageo felt confident that she knew what he meant, though he waited to hear her answer.

"Aww, no fun! Though Tao admits you're right on that, Kage Kage. Both Tora and the Elder talked about how important the bonding process is. We're already so close...but you want to wait more, right?" Tao's understanding had been clear on it, with it so thoroughly explained by her sister and the Elder.

"Yes, even though it'll be hard to resist going further faster, we can continue hand in hand. I won't be shy about sharing a kiss with you after tonight, Tao." he sounded pretty bold as he spoke, though it did work.

As Tao still rest in the warmth of her best friend's arms, she rubbed his shoulders over and let a grin playfully dance along her lips as she spoke, "Good, because Tao wants to do that again. I know that it feels so nice, makes Tao feel so dreamy. Like...dreaming, meow." she iterated the thought.

The two definitely agreed on that and while both of their bodies were aware of each other. The heat between both Kakas had calmed down somewhat, as Kageo gave Tao a light nuzzle on the cheek and moved the two back towards a pile of blankets and pillows in the corner. Given that he had this pile in the event of both company or being too lazy to go to his room, it would serve its purpose for sleep tonight. Kageo fell backwards and brought the entangled Tao along for the ride to the thick cushion created by the pillows and blankets. As she fell upon him, Tao gave a light yawn and her trademark grin rose along her features.

"Tao's not so sleepy right now, Kage Kage. Normally, sleep would be perfect after such a meal, but... *yawn* mmm, on second thought, Tao will just get comfy, mew" the transition of Tao being awake changed quickly while she spoke.

With Kageo rubbing Tao's back in two areas that he knew she liked, he felt her curling into him slightly, paying less mind to how they were laid out. This was fine with him, as he just preferred for both to get some rest after all that happened. He could feel his body calming down and Tao slowly being lulled to sleep by his rubbing her spine and just at her left side. It was listening to her soft breathing and the gentle mewls of relaxation coming from her that helped ease him into a state of ease. With the excitement of the moment put to an end, he felt himself slipping towards sleep in the warm company of Tao's presence.

The S7 Kaka took the chance to tug a blanket from the side of the pile and cover them both in it. Something that came with some ease, he didn't stir Tao at all whilst doing so. Once the blanket was over the two, he could hear his companion's low snoring and occasional sleeping mewls. As Tao pressed her face into the crook of his neck, Kageo couldn't help but let off a sleepy smile. Though he imagined he'd be waking up with drool on his face or his neck, it was well worth it, as far as he was concerned.

Sleep took both Kaka and the night ended with little consequence and the two would sleep into the next day.

-The Following Day-

As Kageo slowly came to awaken in the pile of linens, he could feel Tao's weight still upon him and that much made him smile. It felt like she was still unconscious, as generally she was a heavier sleeper when compared to him. He just enjoyed the moment, since he wasn't going to be moving anytime soon. Given that Tao tended to just readjust whenever he squirmed, he would let her sleep and just watch her a little, he thought. Even though this plan went out the window, as he heard knocking on his apartment door downstairs.
He had to get up and he knew it, therefore as Tao adjusted on his back, he'd rose on all four to see if he could slide her off. Though he couldn't slide her off, instead he found her clinging to him and sighed lightly. As she tucked her head just against the side of his neck and snored in it, and even though it was loud he made sure to support her legs as he headed downstairs. It was strangely cute in his mind. However with the increase of knocking once more, Kageo's attention was once more drawn to it.

"Who is it?" he'd ask this twisting the door knob and opening it to his guest.

"It's Torakaka, may I come in?" the familiar voice brought a smile to the kaka's face.

"Tora-san! It's been so long, it's so good to see you! Please come in, and Tao's in my company. Well err, on my back as I'm sure you can see." Kageo said this as he stepped back, with Tao still snoring on his back.

All the while, Tao's ears twitched with the sounds of voices, but she didn't seem to react. As she was happily resting against Kageo's back. Still just warm and comfortable, mostly since he made sure she was comfortable. Though finally, a sleepy eyed Tao's head rose up as she yawned loudly. While she finally let her legs down, she was still waking up and hadn't noticed Torakaka's presence yet.

"Ah, just the two I hoped to find. Good to see you, Kageo." the soft tone of Torakaka's voice would come first before he ushered her in.

Tao's eyes opened wider as her face grew a big smile, it was her older sister Torakaka who was here! Paying them a visit, that was a wonderful thing for her, and she let her sister know that much by moving to embrace her. Tao buried her face in her sister's shoulder and wrapped both arms around her waist. The embrace that happened as the sisters reuinted seemed to be a sweet notice, it was something that Kageo took a backseat too. As he stayed back long enough to let the two have this moment for themselves. After several moments of Tao's wowing over her sister, she was soon standing back at Kageo's side while Tora spoke of why she came.

"I come bearing some important news from the Cat person, meow." Tora's feline tic was far less of an issue for her, but most certainly apparent.

"The Cat person? What is the news? I am curious nyeow." for Kageo the tic was even far less of an issue. Though by now, his curiosity and the surprise brought it right out.

"Who knows? But it is big, meow! I'm veery sure of that, the Cat Person always has important things for us to know, please shaare sis!" Tao hit the nail on the head, as both she and Kageo were almost dying to know.

Tora held back a smile and continued with her explanation, "The Cat Person knows battles ahead will be harsh, you are both to train with me for a time. I shall help you prepare for this mysterious battle that the Cat Person spoke of. I will show you what I know and instruct you in finding your way as a true Kaka Warrior. The future of our Clan lays in your hands."

Despite the vagueness of the news, both Kageo and Tao were pretty stoked. It was something about having one's progenitor ask for you to prepare for something that made you ready for anything. Perhaps that was just how Kageo felt, though the sentiment was shared in some form of it with Tao. She was excited in her own right, both about training with her sister and helping out the Cat person.

Life managed to throw them something that the pair could face together, it certainly seemed that they would be doing just that. With the beginning of a new day, training was the next thing on the horizon. At least after breakfast, as Kageo knew that Tao would complain as she often did. It was strangely cute and endearing to him, perhaps this was why he fed her whenever she was in his company. The next move was to make breakfast for the three of them, fortunately something that he could manage; it helped that he had finished shopping some days back.

(End Chapter)

And there we have it, a hint of romance followed by the next big move for Kageo and Tao specifically. A little chance for Torakaka to make an appearance and train this pair. Naturally Marinkaka will be after her target once again soon, as she doesn't give up so easily. What lays in the future for the Kaka assassin who doesn't realize that she's been betrayed? We'll find out!

Till then adieu

-Quentix