10

Goodbye

~~~~OO~~~~

A/N: Finally getting to use the line, "Sorry Tyson, that's why I always brand my slaves." Finally! And here's also the answer why there's no Blitzkrieg Boyz. Read on!

As expected from a big group of teenagers who've met each other after years and a nice old lot which never believed in acting maturely just because of old age, the party continued till late night and finally ended at 4 in the morning. Within an hour, the guests were out and the resort staff plunged in the efforts to make the place habitable again. Less out of courtesy and more due to orders from a certain Tachibana, no one dared to sleep before everything was back to order. With so many hands plunged in the efforts, by 8 the resort was restored to its normal state and by 8:30 am, everyone was so fast asleep that even dynamite would fail to wake them up.

It was nearly 5 in the evening when they woke up. After spending another two hours over tea and snacks reminiscing last night's badass party, it was time to plan the things out for the next day and to move on to the packing.

Good times do come to an end after all.

That night, Tala knocked softly on Miss Katie Russell's door. She opened the door and Tala followed her inside, Hiro following the trail. She motioned the young men to sit on the chairs.

"...So?" Hiro attempted to come directly to the point, his anxiousness growing every moment seeing the lady's stern expression.

"Well..." she took a deep breath and gave a smile, "you can have another party if you want as he's ready to go for a liver transplant."

"Thank Goodness!" Hiro spoke letting out the breath he'd hold on so far. "You're fantastic Miss Russell, you really are..." he got up and hugged her lightly but she could easily see the joy in his eyes at the news. Tala was much more self-controlled but that didn't prevent him to break into a wide grin.

"I mean, it's really amazing that we finally could convince him to not give up on his life, it really is. But how did you do it? We know you have a hand in there..."

"Oh leave it." She declined with a wave of her hand, all the memories in an instant flashing through her mind. "The point now is, that I'm gonna stay with Stan for some more time till his operation and I guess Arthur too would be staying back, it's still not confirmed though I'd rather not have that jumpy old bloke around again in my life." she ended with a laugh attempting to mirror what was going on in her mind.

"In any cases, we are at your service ma'am," Hiro bowed before her and she chuckled. Exchanging some more little talks, they were at the door leaving the room when –

"Ah yes, Tala, I guess you'd want to check your website today. We have a little surprise for you and the Hiwatari boy," she said with a slight hint of mischief in her voice.

He didn't say anything neither did he react as was his usual nature but from inside he was utterly surprised. Once outside, Hiro enquired about it. Tala refused.

"You know Valkov," Hiro said leaning against the wall in the hallway, "I've numerous ways to know what it is about so it would be better if you tell it yourself. Besides, I do think there was a reason for you to drop out of University even though you receive an education allowance from BBA which, I daresay, is more than enough to finance for your Bachelor's course twice."

Tala had his back against Hiro. He smirked.

"Not much of a big deal but there's this school which I and Kai wanted to start and we were short of finance."

And he just walked away as if he just hadn't revealed the cause of his existence.

Being an orphan, living in the abbey and never getting proper education somehow gave to birth to a desire within him of starting his own school. He didn't want other street kids to end up the way they had. Kai shared the same intentions but with a more fierce passions than his; he had seen the Hiwatari heir go all around raising money for the school and how he nearly pointed a gun at that government official's head who did not sign the papers of their land saying they were too young to engage in buying and selling.

But Spencer and Bryan – they moved out, refusing to give any kind of cooperation. It wouldn't have mattered if they had openly declared their non-allegiance. But they didn't. They instead chose to pretend that they were in and then ditched the whole project taking away 85% of the sum that had been collected by then which led to all the investors backing off and the land which they had bought to be kept on mortgage. Spencer said he had his own life to live and he cannot always move on as a tail of the team. And Bryan... he had much more to do in life than that.

Spencer got a job in Russian Army, left university in mid-term and was presently in Military training camp. He often reflected on his words leading to some quiet phone-calls which either Tala didn't pick up or Kai switched off and locked his phone somewhere out of reach. As for Bryan, that git was still in second year of college where he drooled over girls at night and over beer in the day.

Blitzkrieg Boyz had broken beyond repair.

Tala had to give up his education and his allowances to amend the loss but he made sure that Kai didn't follow the same suit because his leaving the University would come as a raw deal. Kai was not an idiot, he understood it full well. Finishing his course – which was a condition put by Voltaire – and taking up Hiwatari Enterprise was a better way to materialise the desire – because how much ever Voltaire had drained its resources, it was still very capable of funding a small school. It was a hard time for both of them but the desire that no other kid should ever have a childhood like them...

He shook his head to clear it all out and went to Kai's room where they together discovered that they had – in the past 6 hours – received online donations of a total of 102,829,042 Japanese Yen (910,892 US Dollars).

Tala slumped over an armchair with a sigh. "Someone obviously knows our secret around here."

Kai didn't even need to think who he or she was. Apparently, it was a she.

Tala leaned back, yawning and feeling a great gratitude inside. "Don't you think it was true?"

Kai cocked an eyebrow.

"The saying that... 'Do good and good will come to you'... haven't we heard that somewhere?"

~~~~OO~~~~

"I was almost starting to expect that this holiday never ends," Mr. Arthur Frank said as he put his bag in the back of the car. It was morning and the luggage was being loaded in the vehicles. Time to go.

"Apparently, me too." Mr. Black spoke, probably the first word he said since last night. "I'll let you do the talking Mia." He expressed in a rather put out tone and climbed in the car.

"Ah don't worry he's absolutely fine," Ms. Mia told Hilary who was looking concerned about Mr. Black's behaviour. "He's just a bit upset over going back."

She forced a sad smile.

"You know children; you have no idea how special and amazing this whole autumn holiday had been for us. We all are about 65 or nearby 70 in age, we've been through a lot of phases of life. School, college, university, job, profession, marriage, children, grandchildren... but out of all that, you chose to give Stan a gift – indeed a gift to all of us – of re-uniting with school friends. You know the friendships which are formed on the first day of school, when for the first time we come to live with people other than our family, are the purest forms of friendship... without any greed or motives. After all this time, none of us ever thought that we'd be able to get a chance to go back to that innocent childish stage so when suddenly one day our phone rings and an unknown voice through it says that they are arranging a re-union... It did feel a dream come true. We all are – including Black the Sourpuss – are really thankful to you all for this... for everything you did for all of us...I know you must feel I'm just rambling and rambling but you'll know the worth of it when you'll reach my age."

The blade-breakers smiled shyly. Who is used to hear so much praise in one go?

Hilary stepped forward a wide warm smile trying its best to hide the sadness in her eyes, "We should be thankful to you for giving us what we yearned for whole of our lives. Because honestly speaking, none of us ever had a family to start with. You know... the kind with Dad and Mum and Grandparents who tell you stories and lovely aunts who cook the most delicious things, uncles who always are ready to take you anywhere you want and tons of siblings to create havoc... hell, most of us didn't even have active mothers in our lives..."

Her voice threatened to break down at this point when a warm comforting hand reached her shoulders. Tyson's.

"So this was the first time that we experienced that how it is to live in a big family," Tyson cocked his head to Ray and winked.

Ray continued – "Really. All the fun we had with you all, all the stories you told us, all the things you taught and of course, the scolding, we actually realised how great it is to have older ones to guide you in life. So we don't think any of us needs to be thankful. It was a great experience for all of us. Sudden and untimed, yes. But amazing."

He ended with a cheeky grin and Daichi clapped at his words. The old lot almost broke in tears as both sides lunged forward to hug each other. A big group hug where no idea who was embracing whom, but everyone was sure that there was something in the aura which made the cold morning wind of November 2 suddenly warm and tender...

"Fine guys, fine, time to move on," Hiro announced, "Kai, Ray, Max, Kenny, get into the cars, we are already driving late. And June Granger, don't even dare to try and hide in the backseat we are not taking you."

He turned with stern eyes to his sister who looked at him with puppy dog eyes. "Please..."

"A no means no." He scolded and others – already seated in the vehicles – only laughed in response.

"Sometimes, I really hate you a lot."

Hiro grinned. "I assure you the feeling is very much mutual sweetheart." And he moved in the car.

"Fine! Go all of you." She threw up her hands in frustration. "And I swear I'm gonna disappear somewhere! You'll die looking but never be able to find me and then you'll realise the worth of June Granger! Hmph!" and she turned around on her heels, walking off to the resort.

"Oi June!" Max called amidst his chuckles but she didn't stop. "It must be hard to handle her isn't?" he called out to Tyson and Hiro. Tyson laughed hard and Hiro replied –

"Considering that the word 'Drama Queen' was probably invented after her, of course it isn't hard to handle her."

Max laughed and started the engine and soon other cars followed by. Hiro, Ray, Max, Kenny and Kai were going to leave the older lot to various stations and the airport to ensure their safe departure.

Kai looked at her withdrawing figure, she did turn back once and caught his glance but he instantly turned away. They had not talked since that night. He was angry and not interested in talking to her anymore. At least, not now.

~~~~OO~~~~

The big resort felt quite silent and lonely now that only Hilary, Tyson, Daichi, Tala and June were left there. They were to move to their homes the day after tomorrow as everyone decided, it was worth a little rest after the non-stop fun for the last 20 days. Grandpa Granger too went away with Mr. Dickinson tagged along with Miss Katie Russell.

But only within half an hour, the resort was again taken over head by the Granger siblings. Mr. Granger had called to inform them that he'd be coming in an hour or two. He had returned from yet another expedition and since the resort was on his way to somewhere where he had to go before returning home, he'd drop by for just a couple of minutes.

June was bouncing up and down eagerly waiting for her father, looking every now and then from the window or making a round to the gate. She didn't even realise when she fell asleep in her room.

She yawned as she got up and untied her hairs but almost died of shock when she realised she had slept for two hours! She caught a glance of some cars standing on the avenue and jumped in joy. Others were probably back and judging by the black Ford, her dad was here!

~~~~OO~~~~

"You bastard- Ah!"

"Tala! No!"

Hilary screamed but a masked man muffled her voice and tied her with ropes as were all the others in the room. Tala glared at the figure standing near the door even as he laid stooped low on his knees. Daichi and Tyson were trying his best to struggle free but no use.

They were on gun-tips. One mistake and they were dead. Because Tala was sure that the man in front of them was not the one to make mercies.

Boris Balkov.

He'd recognise this man even if he had a thousand disguises.

"What do you want?" Tala spat at him. There was no use of asking why and what the fuck he was doing out of jail.

"Apparently nothing from you my boy," Boris said in a wickedly sweet voice, savouring the helplessness of the kids in front of him. "My sole purpose of coming here is you, Mr. Tyson Granger."

Tyson glared at him as one of Boris's men placed a knife across is neck.

"Since I don't have time for pleasantries," his voice suddenly deep and a serious expression replacing his features. "Just one question – Where. Is. She?"

"I... I don't k-know."

Boris's expression became even more severe. He would've ordered to shoot Tyson then and there when they suddenly heard an excited squeal 'Papa!'

The door of the room flung open and Boris's body was wrapped in unexpected warmth and comfort, his fists clenched as his sides, but it went as soon as it had come. He looked at the intruder – innocent, small and confused. Perfect.

"I'm sor—Tyson!" June tried to apologize for mistaking someone else for her Mr. Granger but gasped seeing the state of the room.

"RUN!" Almost everyone shouted in unison to her but they were late. She was caught. Boris looked her from top to bottom and then glanced at Tyson.

"Seems like you've got someone new to care about," his sounded amused as if this was just a game he was playing. "Hade!"

A well-built man stepped out from the back, greed dripping from his every move.

Boris glared at Tyson as he shoved June towards the man called Hade, "Your early Christmas gift, Hade. Play with her as much you want."

Hade gave a grunt of pleasure

"No! Leave her!" shouted Tyson, "She has nothing to do with it! Leave her!"

But Boris hit him straight across the face. Tyson stumbled down and just minutes after Hades leaving the room with June, there was a terrible, drawn-out scream from outside.

"JUNE!"Tyson bellowed and he started to writhe and struggle against the ropes. "JUNE!"

There was another scream cutting the prisoners in the room like knife. Boris's laugh echoed in the room; he was enjoying the screams. Hilary was shaking with fear and Tyson was struggling harder than ever to loosen the grips around him.

"You bloody scumbag! JUNE!" Another scream and Tyson was red with fury. Daichi's 15 year old self was numb to what was going on. They heard Hade's voice from outside -

"Oh, you look hot with those cuts... reckon I should make some more?"

June mumbled something which was inaudible to them but she screamed again, her voice echoing off the walls. It went like physical pain though the bodies; Tyson dashed at Boris in utter desperation and a bullet fired. It flew straight past his shoulder and Boris shoved him down.

"Tyson!" Hilary shouted and tried to get a hold of him but one of the black-covered men held her back, his nails digging in her arms.

"Sir!" Hade cried from outside all of a sudden, "Sir! Come here please!" The urgency in his voice made Boris scrunch his brows in confusion. Nonetheless he got up and opened the door, motioning the others to follow him.

Hilary, Tyson, Daichi and Tala were pushed out of the room in the hall. Hade was supporting June, who seemed unconscious, and was holding a short silver knife on June's throat.

He had a greedy, malicious, crazy-sort of grin over his face. "Her hand..."

All eyes trailed to the limp hand hanging on her side. Boris went, rashly held it to take a look and all of a sudden his expressions changed.

"Tie and dump her in the car," his cold voice bellowed. Tyson let out a clear groan of protest, hiding his horrified state, the pain in his shoulder growing more.

"N-no..! Don't take her... She's not the one you want...!" Tyson's shout was almost as good as a confirmation.

The devil's lips curled in a sneer as he held June's limp hand up at the others.

"Sorry Tyson, but that's why I always brand my slaves."

There on her inner forearm was a rough scar spelling a word, the letters jagged at the edges. Whatever had caused it was sharp, extremely sharp and whoever had caused it had etched it deep. Repeatedly. Long time ago.

It spelled a word.

'BITCH'

Tala stared at it, the cruelty behind the act triggering millions of memories and Daichi just closed his eyes, moving closer to Hilary trying to hide himself. She gasped, and Tyson stood motionless; this was something he never wanted to be discovered.

Sirens of police jeep echoed all around outside and the abbey minions – who were previously enjoying the show – grew alarmed. Boris threw a quick look of loathing at his prisoners, already ready to kill the one behind it.

His eyes stopped on Tala, who shot the Tala special smirk as he slowly slid a phone in his pocket. He had used the opportunity when Tyson was creating havoc over June's screaming to call the Police. Boris was enraged. Police had gained entry and throwing Tala one last look of pure hatred, he signalled something to Hade. Hade nodded and the rest all made a dash for the back exit. Grabbing the moment, Tala mustered up his strength and beat down the guard holding him.

Hade already had June by her hairs, he, with considerable force, smashed the back of her head in the nearest wall and dashed out.

Chaos ensued as police entered. Tyson and Hilary lunged forward to June, while Tala grabbed the whimpering Daichi by the collar. Boris was successful in running away.

~~~~OO~~~~

Tala sat, his breath returned to normal, as the nurse tended to his wounds. None of the attackers had been caught and as expected, there were no clues to track them.

Report was filed with the police but everyone knew it won't have much effect. They had police protection but Tala knowing Boris full well, knew that this is just the start. Because he had slight instinct that Boris would come back. He had wanted June so badly, he would come back to claim her again. But why did he want her in the first place?

His phone rang. Kai.

He picked up the call and even before he could say 'hello' Kai's urgent voice came from the other side –

"Got the news?" Kai asked and Tala knew full well what the topic was.

"Experienced it." He replied.

"What happened?"

"Boris attacked. We were all caught and June was tortured like hell. I doubt she'll be stable after getting up if she gets up at all."

There was silence on the other side. He heard the intake of a deep breath. "I'm at Hiwatari Enterprises, Tokyo branch and Voltaire's on a video conference. It was probably this company he used to get a bail. They were out on Halloween night."

"His offence was non-bail-able!" Tala shouted, causing the nurse beside to jump in surprise.

"I know. Can't talk much."

With that he hung up. Tala too did. He sensed a deep contempt from his voice which he thought was entirely justified.

Boris and Voltaire were released on Halloween night in a gap of four hours, he read from a report via net. There was no doubt that they didn't come to know about their release which actually would've been running on all channels as the main headline. They were busy in partying and the next day too was a very lazy one. Also, they should've been a cautious provided the fact that Kai was already attacked once. But no! He wanted to smack himself for such ignorance.

Bloody hell, they were sentenced for 8 years each! And the gits came out in just 3 and 5 years!

He went to check on others. Daichi was in a better state but still a bit shaken by incident. He didn't blame the kid. He was just 15 and probably had never been exposed to such a torturous experience.

He went to June's room. She was in her bed, two doctors around her. An urgent medication team was called for them by the Police and one doctor by Tyson's special contacts, as they were not in a condition to travel at all. In the days he had known her, he could say she didn't deserve all this. He stood at the door, gazing at her and her scarred hand.

He heard noises and in an instant Hiro rushed in the room dashing to his sister. Anxious. Worried. Desperate.

As others entered, he slipped out of the room.

~~~~OO~~~~

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