Chapter 9 – Interviews (2)

FLASHBACK –1999 (Winter)

Along side with the fierce sound of impact, the beyblade that shot up into the air started to crumble into pieces. The beybattle field became quiet, as if all, not less than a hundred, boys who were training, held their breath in unison. What broke the silence was the scream of a boy who had lost his battle and had his beyblade completely destroyed. That scream was soon drown out by the voices of the other boys.

When Tala tried to walk past the boy who had fallen onto his knees to pick up the pieces of his beyblade, the boy who was hunched over looked up at the red head with only his eyes. What was inside his eyes weren't just the look of defeat. There was already a strong will to fight. He stood up once more. After standing he returns to training, to become stronger. There was no other choice but to continue on fighting and win. That didn't apply to just him. It also applied to all the other boys, including Tala.

"What are you looking at, Tala?" Bryan had spoken with diffidence. Tala knew he was behind him, sensing that he was hesitant to talk to me.

"The snow," Tala only informed as to what reflected within his eyes.

"I see," Bryan again, replied plainly before falling silent. The roaring sound of the spinning beyblade, and the panting from rigorously training on the training machine.

Ever since Tala had accepted Boris' invitation there wasn't a day where this ceased.

From under his eyes spread the harbor of Severodvinsk, and ahead of the white sea's road was completely covered in snow. As if that wasn't enough the snow kept falling unforgivingly. To be able to see the earth buried beneath the snow would possibly be in the distant future. No, it would be better if the earth had never shown. Tal was entranced by the white snow. He liked this scenery.

"Snow is nice," From the words that naturally dropped from his mouth, Bryan walked up from behind, and from beside me he nodded slightly. It wasn't only Bryan and Tala, but most of the boys from the Abbey probably liked the world that was taken over by the snow.

The snow buried everything. The dirty earth from below was hidden and buried. The snow was cold and chilled the whole body. But it was impartial. Without differentiating between the rich and the poor, to the happy and unhappy, it continued to fall. The boys who knew of poverty and unhappiness, who came to here to escape from a horrible living, couldn't have disliked this snow. They knew more than anybody that the snow could bury away the unpleasant memories.

Happy memories weren't something that Tala didn't know. A father who was a proud soldier, and a mother who was kind, cheerful and a great cook. Deep within his memories were of a warm household and inside there, was little Tala who was laughing. But that was a faint memory.

The country's system changed and his father had lost the occupation as a soldier. What he lost wasn't just that. Both his pride and ambition were gone. What remained for father were the glory from the past, and reminiscence of the better days. The man who used to be a proud soldier, a wonderful husband and father immediately drowned himself in alcohol. He would raise his hand against his wife and son without a reason, and became a man who laid around in self pity.

This also changed Tala's mother who would always be smiling. She would look extremely saddened and held a shadow of fear inside her eyes. Half a year later she even resigned being a mother. She left by herself abandoning both Tala and his father.

After his mother's disappearance his father's violence became worse. Even so, Tala stayed by his father's side. And hoped that him mother would someday return. His Father would eventually become the proud and kind man he used to be. Tala held those hopes within my heart.

That's why he stayed by father's side who would abuse him while demanding to bring food and alcohol. To live Tala had to steal. During those time , he met Bryan.

Bryan had come from a similar environment. That's why they met on the streets, and from one look they had a mutual understanding.

The both of them tricked and stole from people. They were saved from one another's company even if there were no signs of improvement during those harsh days. It was a short time, but Tala's smile had returned, but that smile was nothing more than an illusion brought about by the false living.

From continuously stealing, people had their eyes kept out for the boys, and they were caught in a trap set up by the owner of the butcher shop. They could not escape. Of course in a poor town there was no function of law.

When caught you did not get handed over to the police, but only ended up in a terrible situation.

–that was the end.

When Tala was giving up, the man who held out a helping hand to us was Boris.

Boris was looking around Russia's land for children who had great athletic abilities, to achieve some guy's ambition. I was indecisive with Boris' invitation, whose purpose were a mystery to them. It was because Tala's head was full of the faces of the man who was both depraved and abusive, but was still his father, and of his mother who might return home.

I held onto the faint yet happy memories. Yet what appeared when he opened his eyes was the dingy stone paving, shoes that had holes and from inside were toe nails that had grew long and became filthy–

This was reality.

Now, both Bryan and Tala are here. To become stronger. To acquire the world through beyblading, they're here in the Abbey Boris have founded.

"What are you looking at, Tala?" Bryan asks the same question once again. With a glance I examine his face. It was faint but there was a look of worry on Bryan's face. That question of what Tala was looking at wasn't a literal question

From here on out what was going to happen to them? That was what he wanted to ask, most likely. If we remain in the Abbey they wouldn't starve or shiver from the cold. They could sleep peacefully. Compared to all that had happened this was heaven. But that was if we could remain strong. The number of children who were training to become the strongest 'blader was less than a thousand. Once they lost, it was over. Every day, they saw numbers of children that had lost being chased away from the Abbey.

Bryan was worried. Not knowing when the days of fighting and training would end. The days where they have to train and continue to win.

Yet, Tala did not have these uncertainties. It was because he knew losing was impossible, because he was stronger than anyone.

Tala smiled at Bryan and replied, "The future,"

To control the world through beyblading. That bright future, was the future that stood ahead of him.

"–isn't that right?"

Bryan nodded. On his face, he didn't hold a look of uncertainty no longer.

END OF FLASHBACK

Nobody in the room moved nor made a sound after Tala had told his story. Bryan was staring at him unbelievably, shaking his head in disappointment beside him. Spencer was looking from Tala back to Bryan. Even the last member of the Blitzkrieg boys, Kai was staring at Tala, shocked knowing this little back story.

Tala looked around, avoiding everyone's gaze except for one… His wife.

Julia had arrived a few minutes before the interview started. Her hand was on her throat holding whatever was stuck in there. Breath, noise she didn't care. Even Brooklyn who had joined her was staring at the red-head. Tala stared right at her, his eyes full of concern and worry, then looking away after.

"Wow" the interviewer finally broke the silence after a few minutes, "We surely did not expect that"

"The hell!" Bryan said, looking angrily at Tala, "We promised that no one is ever going to know that. We buried those memories the moment we set foot into the Abbey!"

"Yes I know that" Tala answered back, glaring at the guy, "And I promised I wouldn't keep anymore of those secrets. And come on It's time that everyone knew this, It's been years Bryan"

Bryan glared, holding his breath, "Fine. Whatever…" he gave in, "It's not like these people are going to find out anything more than that. That's all there is to it, if you have any more secrets you're on your own" he said settling down on the couch, crossing his arms in front of him, his anger not subsiding. Tala sighed, somehow letting out his backstory was a relieved. Like a heavy weight finally lifted, but still he wouldn't forget those sleepless nights in Russia were he used to live.

"You were never an orphaned to begin with, nor is Bryan here. I mean isn't the Abbey an orphanage place?"

"That was what the public knows. But it wasn't" Spencer answered; seeing as that his two teammates were still talking there fight silently. "It's a whole lot different"

"Yes, we heard about the illegal stuffs going around back then. Kai had provided us much with that info during the past interviews" The interviewer replied, "Seeing as that this subject is a lot sensitive, I'll no longer ask about this"

"Thanks" Spencer replied, "Now are you two going to continue that death glare battle or are we just going to finish the interview here?"

"We're continuing" Bryan answered with gritted teeth, "Both of you are doing the talking, just lost my mood"

"Grow up" Tala sneered, looking away.

The interviewer cleared his throat, feeling the tension grow "Ummm ok, moving on. Let's talk about your work, Spencer let's start with you. You work under Hiwatari Enterprise as well? Engineering Core based from the info you have given."

"Correct" Spencer replied, "Kai offered me a job, I wasn't expecting it seeing as that I was short in education. But Kai offered a scholarship in the school I want while I work under him. So yeah that's pretty much the story"

"Hey! How come Kai never offered me a cool Job?" Tyson called out from the crew.

"Tyson!" Hilary screeched, grabbing the guy by the collar, "Shut up, this is not your interview" she whispered, mouthing sorry at the crew. "You idiot Tyson"

Spencer rolled his eyes at the guy, ignoring him, "As I was saying, I think Kai handed out a helping hand to all of us, in the Blitzkrieg Boys team"

"Yeah, Even though I hate the guy, he offered me a job as well. Under Hiwatari Enterprise of course" Bryan answered, his mood changing slightly.

"You do? And here I thought you were just clubbing all night" Tala said, "Who knew Kai would have a soft spot for you" he teased

"We're not playing games here Ivanov" Bryan warned, "Kai offered, I guess he saw that we were struggling when Mr. Dickenson's funding has ended. I mean the fund only covered up until we were of a certain age but after that, it was every man for himself"

"So regardless of how you feel towards Mr. Hiwatari, you still took the job?"

"Yap… But under different conditions of course. I finished college first then gave me the management position in Russia, working strictly under him of course" he replied, "But man, he's a damn tough Boss!"

"And that's news to you how?" Spencer asked sarcastically

"Because he gave me a very important position but he grilled my ass every time he asked for reports" Bryan, "Talk about work machine! If you think the guy was a silent blader, man Kai's worst when he talks, let alone lectures you over the phone."

"That's because you keep slacking off idiot" Tala answered, getting annoyed.

"Slacking off? He called me one time in the meeting and yelled at me! Man, he was really on fire that day"

"That's because you were using the company email for your own purposes" Spencer pointed out, "Man, do your internet surfing at home you sick bastard"

"It was one time! ONE TIME!" Bryan defended, "Whatever why are we even talking about that!"

"Because you're an idiot" Tala answered, slightly glancing around the room.

"I take it that the other member, Ian is also Kai's employee?" the interviewer continued.

"Actually… It was Max who offered Ian a job. I guess the little guy was good in repairing beyblades and tweaking on with those technologies, Max actually offered him a decent job in America, though he's still based in Russia seeing as that the guy gets home sick easily"

"Yeah still a kid in heart" Bryan teased, "Nah the guy's awesome"

"Wow is that a compliment Bryan?"

"Shut up" Bryan snapped at him, "At least I give the guy some attention, regardless how much we boss the guy around"

"Whatever"

"And now you, Tala… Based from the rumors, you won the position of being the New Director of the BBA from both Hiro and Brooklyn. Kai was offered to be the director but as per the guy he won't be able to manage both. Rumors said you just paid Kai to get that position."

Tala raised an eyebrow at the guy, "Sorry, rumors aren't true. Kai offered it to me."

"So Kai just gave the position to you even though the position was meant for either him, or Hiro or Brooklyn?"

"It's a long story" Tala simply answered, "Kai offered the position to me and that's just that."

"Were you qualified for the position? I mean from what we heard you never went to school, after you retired from Beyblading no one heard from you again"

"Yes that's true" Tala said, "After retiring, I focused on a lot of things. On myself, and things got a little out of hand. I fooled around with my girlfriend, and I was stubborn, irresponsible, a total idiot. I slacked off because I never knew what I wanted to do. I just focused on being happy I guess, I mean I never got the freedom I got. Nor the peace of mind that I wanted" Tala explained, "I felt carefree I guess, until I got Julia pregnant, that's when thing went downhill again. I man up and got responsible, I was scared, sometimes I feel like breaking but no… That only thing that kept me going was because of her" he said calmly looking right at Julia, who looked away blushing.

"She calmed me, no matter how frustrated we were getting, or how tight we were with money, or when she almost got killed, we took every hardship and just made it fun" Tala smirked, "And I couldn't ask for anyone better to run through those hard times"

"Sounds like you are apologizing" The interviewer said.

"I am actually" Tala sighed, "I fucked up and I'm hoping that after this interview, I get to— well at least talk to her or maybe hug her."

"Ohhhh" the crowd cheered at him, even Bryan and Spencer smirked at the red-head.

"Since when did you get all so cheesy Tala?" Bryan teased

"Shut up"

The interviewer laughed, "I'm sure you'll get over those fights. Like you said, you went through hell before this. Back to the topic on the BBA, I heard before you got the position, you disappeared for almost 3 years I think? I mean no one heard of you after that"

Tala felt uncomfortable in his seat, "Yeah that's true too"

"So where have you disappear to?"

Tala scratched his head, "To be honest, I was looking for my parents" he said feeling uncomfortable blurting that out.

"You what?!" Bryan shouted, "You told us you were doing Military services or whatever you called that! And now you tell us you were looking for your parents?"

"I asked Kai a favor, long before all of this. He found them and as an exchange I took the BBA Directors position."

"Wow, Here I thought the secrets are all out" Bryan replied, looking confused at the red head, "Why the hell did you not tell us this?"

"Whoa wait a minute, so you found your parents? I mean from earlier you mom left and your father became an abusive person. Tell us more. This is a very intriguing piece of knowledge coming from the former leader of the Blitzkrieg Boys" the interviewer interrupted, curious at the sudden information.

Tala hesitated slightly, looking down on his hands, he didn't expect things to get this far in the interview, he breathed in slowly, "My father was dead, I went back to my home town. From what the people told me, alcohol poisoning… no surprises there. But my mom, I found her somewhere in Siberia. Home for the aged, it turns out she never married and just dedicated raising a small orphanage. Teaching kids she spent her time with."

"She's alive?" Bryan asked, looking surprised.

"Not anymore" Tala said quietly, "She died after a few months later, blood cancer"

Both Spencer and Bryan looked at the red-head; they never imagined their leader was going through a lot. "Sorry man"

"No big deal" Tala assured, "I never expected to find her alive. But man, when she saw me she just held me tight. "He said looking happy, "Funny, I've forgotten how much I miss those warm hugs felt. I spend the last few days with her; I took care of her at the home. Until finally she just passed away"

Tala glanced around, rubbing his eyes. He hated showing weakness. He cried on his mother's funeral, and he was glad no one was around to see him break down. Ironic, of all the pain he went through that was the worst one yet, "So yeah, after her death I isolated myself from everyone. No communication to anyone, not even to my wife. I spent those years training to be a better person"

"Talk about lone wolf" Bryan commented, "Still doesn't make sense, Three whole years Tala? No way could you have survived living out somewhere in Russia. I couldn't imagine you sleeping in other people's home"

"That's because he wasn't… He was staying in Jail" Kai said out of the blue, "You may have cut off communications from us. But I had eyes watching you Tala" he said as everyone's eyes shifted all on him after hearing him explain

Tala smirked, crossing his arms in front of him, "Expected that from you Kai" he replied, "Yes, Kai's right. I was spending time in Jail, but not as a prisoner. God I didn't kill anyone, so don't look at me like I'm mad or something" Tala explained, aware that all eyes were looking at him with shock.

"I was making sure Boris and Voltaire were intact… That was all there is." He told all of them.

"I told you before Tala, they're in there for life." Kai pressed, "That was not necessary"

"Just making sure, besides unlike you, I spent the rest of my childhood in a nightmare. You weren't the one having to survive the harsh environment of the Abbey Kai. You weren't the one who had to take all those blame, all those severe punishment, all those sleepless night—"

"Enough… No sense fighting something over the past" Spencer interrupted feeling the tension rise, "It's over. Moving on please."

Tala cleared his throat, collecting his composure, "You're right… Sorry. Was out of line" he said, "Anyways that was that. Over and done with"

"Change topic please?" Bryan asked, annoyed with the sudden shift in moods

"Yes well, I guess that's enough of the drama part. Well that's the entire question we have for this segment. Thank you for your time" the interviewer said gratefully, bowing at them.

END OF INTERVIEW 2

Julia sighed heavily as she leaned back on the couch, and a certain red-head had his head buried in her stomach, arms wrapped tightly around her waist at Tala kneeled in front of her. After the interview, Tala hesitated in approaching her, but after that segment she caved in and both of them went to the next room in private.

They didn't both say anything, as soon as Julia had sat down, Tala went down on his knees and just laid his head on her lap. They were both exhausted to say the least.

"So…" Julia began, laying a hand over his red hair. "I guess you have a lot of explaining to do"

Tala didn't say anything; he just nodded on her lap. This day was tough, he didn't expect to talk about his past, let alone what he did for the years he went MIA. And it was too emotional… this was something he cannot handle.

Julia sighed, she was still mad at the guy for being a cheat. Her blood boiled every time that image of them replayed in her mind. How she loved to punch the bitch over and over again, and Tala just stood there while she did it, but then again he didn't expect her to knock the bitch out cold.

"I'm sorry" he mumbled, raising his head a little to look at her, "I swear that bitch and I have nothing going on." he continued, hugging her waist even tighter, "I am being honest"

Julia growled and pulled at his hair, causing the red-head to yelp in pain "OW! JULIA!"

She pulled harder until his head was lifted up, "Honestly Tala cut the drama! It really doesn't suit you!" she sighed heavily, still gripping his locks. "Besides… that's not the only reason why my blood is boiling right now" she said pulling hard.

"OUCCCHHH! Again with the hair pulling! OUCHHH!" Tala yelled, grabbing her hand

"Military Services huh? Not an orphan Huh?" Julia smirked angrily at him, her hand tight on his head, "I should pull every strand of your hair off your head! More secrets, more lies… "

"I didn't want you to worry!" He called out trying so hard to pull away, causing only pain on his scalp. "You were badly hurt back then, telling you what I was supposed to do will only make your condition worst"

"That's what your worry about!" Julia yelled pushing him off her, Tala landing hard on the floor. She stood up and pointed a shaking finger, "I spent 3 years thinking that my husband is out there in Russia training for whatever the hell reason and then—DAMN IT! Forget it" she yelled frustrated, collapsing back onto the chair.

Tala reached out to her, "And a more reason for me to apologize and make it up to you" he whispered, pulling her towards him.

"Still, that was selfish of you to keep all of those to yourself!" Julia said, frustrated at him "We promised we wouldn't keep those kinds of secret… We're on this together. We've been through a lot together…"

"I know and I'm sorry…." Tala said weakly at her, but she just sighed heavily. She pushed him off her, crossing her arms in front of her.

Tala looked at her, sitting down beside her as she looked away at him. She was fuming angry, but he couldn't blame her. After that incident with Selena, he dropped two bombs today and both of them can hardly handle it.

After a few minutes of silence, "How did she look like?" Julia whispered.

"huh?"

"Your mom, how did she look like?" she repeated, her voice now calmed but still has a hint of anger. Tala smiled slightly, she was talking to him again, and he let out a sigh of relief as he pulled her once again in his arms. She was still pissed but at least she was allowing a little contact.

"She was just the same as I remember when she left" he replied, pulling her towards him, leaning for a kiss.

Julia raised a hand over his face, stopping him, "I'm still pissed at you idiot" she said, Tala laughed at her.

"I know… Let me make it up to you" he said and kissed her hand instead, thus she blushed at his action.

"Idiot"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

A/N: For the flashback part in Tala's past… those are not mine. They belong to the original author Takao Aoki, creator of beyblade. This was edited instead of it being in Tala's POV, I edited it to a 3rd person point of view. I do not take credits for that part. Hope you enjoyed!

For those curious where I got Tala's past… you can read the original Japanese version on the author's website, for the translated version there are sites that made the translation (tumblr, forum, etc..).