Chapter 21: Fight For Life
[Why?] gasped Tala as you reached the door. Turning back you see Tala's pain filled eyes staring intently at you wanting an answer. His hand out stretched in your direction. Blood dripping slowly from his fingers down his arm. Adam was just standing in the middle of the room not moving a muscle. Shock and confusion clearly written in his eyes. But he wasn't going to get in the way. Turning back to Tala you see his eyes were still focused on your every movement. The cold icy blue of his eyes had melted and was now painfully asking for your help. Keeping your eyes locked with his, you slowly started to walk towards him. Slowly you bent down only inches from his face. [Why?] Tala repeated, his voice now cracking with pain. Leaning towards his ear, you whispered [Cause you're not Tala]. You then brought your fist down on his check leaving a black and blue mark. You then stood up glaring at the fake Tala. [So smart] the person gasped as you turned your back on him. Once you reached the door, the pain filled voice reached your ears again. [How how did you know?] the voice gasped. Turning your head back you stated, [Why would Tala ever act like that?]. Diablo's pain filled eyes were staring back at you. Slowly he opened his mouth and took a gasping breath. It was becoming harder for him to breath. He then stared into your eyes. All pain seemed to disappear from his voice as it was filled with seriousness. [Because he cares for you don't let that slip away] he gasped breathing becoming even harder for him. Slowly his eyes started to close. His breath shortened. Until he took his one last breath.
[That... was just plain weird] said Adam as he walked over to the doorway as well. You said nothing. Just walked out the door and into the hall. What Diablo had done and said had really pissed you off. But maybe stabbing him was overreacting. But the guy kissed you for god sake! And he wanted you to think that it was Tala of all people! But why was the fact of him pretending to be Tala pissing you off? What was it that really made you mad? All of this things were flying around in your head as you stood in the hall. Adam was just staring at you. He look worried. After taking a deep breath you decided you should pick a hallway to take. Looking to the left, you decide that, that's as good a way as any to go. [So... what was that all about?] Adam asked as he joined you walking down the hall. [What was what about] you said unemotionally. Adam just looked at you with a smirk. Turning towards him you glared telling him to say it or drop it. He sighed, but decided to tell you what he was talking about. [The whole 'Tala wouldn't act like that' talk back there] he said his smirk now growing wider. You just stared at him for a while trying to figure out why he would be smirking about that. In the end you figure out nothing and decide just to answer the question. [Tala's cold and heartless. You know that as well as anyone] you growled now glaring at your brothers continually widening smirk. Adams smirk lessened a little bit, but refused to go away. By now the door where the others were held was in view. [You know, you don't want to believe that though] he said lowly. Ignoring him, you reached for the handle. But before you opened the door Adam said, [Well at least they know part of our secret]. Shifting only your eyes you looked at your brother. Disbelief in your mind. Wasn't he the one that got pissed when you were going to tell Hiro? And that wasn't even half as many people that know now. [That's not going to be a good thing] you said back coldly. Adam and you stayed quiet for a while. You were a little pissed at him for not caring that some psycho told them that, but freaks when you were going to. Ok scratch that you were PISSED. [They're going to figure it out sooner or later] Adam mumbled refusing to look at you knowing very well that you were pissed. The smirk disappeared from his face. [I prefer the later] you grumbled as you and Adam walked in.
[Ready to go] Adam half asked half announced as he walked over to Jess and picked her up. Devin looked as if he was going to say something to Adam, but Adam stopped him by saying, [You're hurt too]. For awhile Devin just stared at Adam. Until finally he stepped out of Adams way so he could carry Jess. Looking defeated Devin just followed Adam out the door. [Ready as well ever be] was Tyson's response to Adams question not that anyone was paying him any attention. Everyone soon then piled out the door. You, Tala, and Kai were the last ones out of the room. [Glade to see you didn't get yourself killed] Kai said harshly as he hurried past you and Tala. It took a while for you to even understand what Kai had said let alone what it means coming from him. {How can something nice, sound so mean?} you thought as you stared at his retreating form with a raised eyebrow. [Me too] said Tala who did the same thing as Kai. {What the hell is wrong with everyone?} you thought as you slowly followed everyone else towards the door thinking about everyone's weird behaviour.
[How are we getting home?] asked Max once everyone had reached the front door. Looking around the drive way there was four bikes and a car. [The car for you guys] said Devin as he pointed towards a blue Honda Mazda that was sitting right in front of them. [Ok two problems with that idea, one not everyone's going to fit and two we have no key.] Tyson stated holding up two fingers for each problem. Adam stayed with Tyson and the others to explain that you, him, Devin holding Jess, and whoever would be riding the bikes back. As he explained you walked over to the car. Reaching into your pants you pulled out a jumbo paper clip. [What's she doing?] asked Ray seeing you unroll the clip. [You'll see] said Adam as everyone just stared at you. Once most of the curves were gone from the clip you stuck it into the key hole and started to pick it. After a minute the lock sprung and you could get in the car. You then reached into your pocket and pulled out a pair of pliers and a mini flashlight. [What don't you keep in your pants?] questioned Tyson with a laugh. Turning around you hit him in the head with a rock that you picked up. [Owww...] Tyson grumbled as he rubbed his head where the rock had come in contact with it. [We ride bikes, its good to have stuff like that around] said Devin as he watched every move you were making. Ready to yell at you for any wrong move that you would make. You then opened the car door. Lying on the drivers side floor with your legs on the set, you started to mess around with the mass of different colour wires under the steering wheel. Soon the roar of the engine was heard. Looking around you could see that everyone except Devin and Adam was starting at you amazed. Tyson opened his mouth to say some dumb ass comment. You just glared at him and growled, [Don't]. Quickly he shut his mouth and nodded. [Well meet you home] said Adam as you, him, Devin and Jess walked over to the four bikes. Well maybe not Jess she still was still knocked out. You were starting to get pretty worried about her. She was never out this long. Quickly the car backed out of the driveway. Ray behind the steering wheel. But they had left someone behind. Tala. Carelessly, he walked over to the fourth bike and pulled out his key. {Guessing that's his bike} you thought as it started up. After all the bikes were started, everyone took off down the road. But no one was heading home just yet.
The giant glowing H hung over your head as you walked into the hospital. Adam, Tala, and Devin with Jess in his arms followed close behind. The bright white walls stinging your eyes at first. Making your eyes adjust to the amount of light in this place. [Well take Jess to the nurse] said Adam as him and Devin started to walk towards the many desk. [Well be in the waiting room] you told them as you and Tala started to walk down the hall farther towards the waiting room sign. Inside the waiting room was very blue. The walls were a light blue with a floral something or other going around the top. Then there was dark blue and wooden chairs spread throughout the room. As you looked are the room you could only see one other person. And to your surprise you recognized them. [Jason?] you questioned as you took a step towards him. [Meg!] he shouted happily as he stood and gave you a hug. He also looked surprised to see you. Out of the corner of your eye you could see Tala was glaring at Jason. {What's wrong with Tala? Was Diablo actually right?} you questioned yourself looking at him. Once Tala realized that you were looking, he quickly turned away. [Who's that] asked Jason as he took a step away from you, but placed his arm around your shoulders. He was now glaring at Tala who was still glaring at him. You opened your mouth to answer, but before you could someone behind you did. [That's Tala] the person growled as they threw Jason's arm off of your shoulders and pushed you toward Tala. Who surprisingly caught you. Looking up at him, you could see that he was still glaring at Jason. {I think that place messed with everyone's head.} you thought looking around the room and everyone in it. Which now included Devin and your brother. [Tala eh, so what's so special about you?] Jason growled at Tala, now glaring even more. Tala said nothing he just gripped your shoulders tighter. Something you didn't realize he was doing until he tightened his grip. [The fact that he knows Meg better then you] growled Adam to Jason's question. This made you stare at your brother in confusion along with Tala who still hadn't let you go. Just as Jason was going to say something a Doctor walked in. [Are you the friends and family of Jess Areata?] he questioned while flipping pages on the clip board he had in front of him. [Yes] said Jason as he spun around to talk to the doctor. [Would you please follow me?] he asked as he walked out of the room. Without hesitation everyone quickly followed him quickly down the hall.
A maze of wooden doors lined the hallways as you followed the doctor. Finally the doctor stopped at the only dark stained wooden door. A golden name plate was drilled into the wood. Turning the handle and pulling the door open the doctor motioned for everyone to enter the room. Quickly everyone darted into the room with you and Tala last. Looking around the room you saw that it was very simply decorated. Diplomas and family pictures lined the light yellow walls. In the centre of the room was a light oak desk. More family photos scattered the top along with some paperwork. In front of the desk were three royal blue chairs. All of them looking wore and faded. Behind the desk was a black leather chair. That too looked worn. Behind the chair was a windowing showing a breathtaking view of the park. [Would you please have a seat] the doctor said has he motioned to the three blue chairs. Quickly Adam, Devin, and Jason had taken a seat in the chairs. You and Tala stood behind the chairs wanted to hear the doctor without being rude. [To start things off, my name is Doctor Richard, and I am the doctor that will be seeing to the care of Miss Areata. Who in here is related to her?] the doctor questioned looking around at all of you one by one. Jason slowly rose his hand. The reality of what was happening finally setting in to everyone. [You are her brother?] the doctor half stated. A head nod from Jason was the only response the doctor received. [You may go see her then. Her room is right across the hall. Knock before you enter though, the nurses may still be in there.] the doctor said soothingly to Jason. Jason slowly rose nodded and walked out the door. It looked as if he was in a trance. You slowly sat down in Jason's seat after the doctor had waved his hand telling you to sit. [Now I have to tell you some news about Jess's condition] the doctor began as he rubbed his eyes. It looked as if he didn't know how to explain what he had to say. But it shouldn't be that bad. Right? [It seems that Jess has had some major trauma. Would any of you know how that had happened?] the doctor asked looking at all of you in the face one at a time. His eyes stopped on you. But you truly didn't know what had happened to her. She was hurt and passed out before you had even got there. [She was beat] Devin said lowly refusing to look at anyone. The doctors eyes shot over to him. [Do you know by who?] he asked looking at him suspiciously. [It was a man that had kidnapped us. Along with the other three here.] Devin whispered as if trying not to remember even as he told the doctor. The doctor then turned his attention to everyone else in the room. Looking over everyone's wounds looking as if he hadn't noticed them before. And in truth he probably didn't. His eyes widened as he said [You all need to see a doctor]. [Not until you tell us what's up with Jess] Devin growled as he glared at the doctor. Devin had to be the most upset person in the room. Even though everyone was upset he probably felt as if it was his fault that Jess is hurt. The doctor sighed knowing that he would have to tell you the truth about Jess before anyone even considered seeing a doctor. [She has massive trauma to her head. It's a wonder that she's even still alive. The bones around her eyes are fractured and a couple of her teeth are chipped. Right now she's in a coma. As of right now there is no telling how long she will be in this state. The only thing we can tell is that she shouldn't be waking up anytime soon. But of course that is not certain. As soon as she's stable we will be doing surgery to correct the bones around her eyes. That should help her vision once she wakes up. We should know in a month or two if she's ever going to wake up again.] the doctor said gravely. Hearing that your heart sunk. Jess might not survive is what he was basically getting at. What are you going to do with out Jess? She's your best friend. Your thoughts were interrupted by the doctor saying [We will ready rooms for nurses to look at you. For your friends sake you should at least get looked at]. You just stared at him with empty eyes. The doctor then picked up the phone and dialled some numbers. But you lost track of his voice. You were lost in your thoughts. How could this have happened to Jess? It should be you in there almost dead. It was you that they wanted. [Miss Granger? The nurse is ready to see you] came the voice of the doctor again breaking your thoughts. Nodding slowly you stood up and walked towards the nurse that was standing at the doorway.
After thirty minutes the infection was fully out of your body. Sitting on the bed the nurse was now wrapping your arm in a white bandage to keep another infection from getting into it. Slowly you tried to stand up. But dizziness quickly consumed you. Before you even started to fall, Tala had grabbed onto your shoulders to steady you. [You may now see Jess. Her brother and other friend have already spent time with her. Now you may as long as you only see her one at a time.] the doctor said as he walked out of the room. [So who's going to see her next?] you asked looking at Adam knowing that Tala probably wouldn't want to see her. [You can. I want to talk to Tala anyway] said Adam as the three of you walked out of the room. You with Tala's help. Then stopping at the door next to yours. [This Jess's room?] you asked as you looked at the grain of the wood on the door. [Ya] Adam said lowly as he opened the door for you. [I think I can walk now] you said to Tala as you walked towards the room. A little clip came to your ears as the door closed.
Looking around the room you could see the normal white room that's found in a hospital. In the middle of the room was Jess's bed. Life monitoring machines were placed next to her bed. Connected to her by long tubes. Slowly you walked towards the bed. Low steady beeping filled the room. The face staring back at you was much paler then it normally was. Black and blue marks covered Jess's eyes. Standing next to her bed you wished you were anywhere but here. That this wasn't really happening. That it was truly you in the bed instead of her. But in reality it wasn't. [I'm sorry Jess] you said lowly now turning your gaze to the window. [If only I had gotten there sooner... then you'd be fine... I sorry... you shouldn't even be the one that's in this mess... you're right you're always the one that gets the short end of the stick.] you said lowly a tear slowly running down your check. Quickly you wiped it away and looked back down at Jess. [That's why you need to get better. To kick my ass that this happened to you and not me. Or I'm going to kick your ass. And don't think I wont] you said in heart breaking voice. You then spent the rest of your time in Jess's room remember good times you had with her. You and her racing bikes down a highway. Cops chasing you. Rock shows in the front row. Getting a tattoo together that Adam and Devin still didn't know about. You smiled remember what she got. It was a dog collar attacked to a broken leash right on her hip. To her it meant that she was wild and free. To you it meant she always belonged to someone. But then she turned to the tattoo that you got. So what does yours mean. she had asked. You just looked at it in the mirror since it was on your back. The image looking back at you was a sword surrounded by flames. Your only answer to her that it was for you to know and her never to figure out. Slowly a smile crept its way on your face as you thought of other memories. After a couple more minutes you started to walk towards the door. [Later Jess] you said hoping to hear a catch you round in response. But of course you didn't.
Just as you had walked out the door and to the waiting room you cell went off. [Ya?] you said into the phone tiredly. [What no Low?] came the voice on the other end. [No] you said dully as flopped into the chair next to Tala. [Ok then. Where are you anyway? Weren't you suppose to be home three hours ago?] the person asked worry in their voice. [Who is this again?] you asked closing your eyes and leaning your head against the wall. [Don't you know the voice of your own brother?] the person shouted on the other end. Now you recognized the voice. How could you mistake Tyson's whining voice for anyone else. [Guess I don't] you said carelessly as you opened your eyes again and just stared at the light blue ceiling. [Well you and the others need to come home and soon. Where are you?] Tyson asked. [Were at the hospital] you said as if it was a normal place to be. [What? WHY! WHOS HURT? ARE YOU OK? IS ADAM OK?] Tyson shouted making you pull the phone away from your ear. [Yes me and Adam are fine. Its Jess who's hurt.] you stated standing up and walking towards the window. [Ok well can you or Adam and Tala come home? We need to talk to you.] asked Tyson. Looking back at your brother you saw him talking to Devin trying to get him to talk. [Ya me and Tala will be there soon] you said as you hung up without even saying goodbye. [What was that about?] asked Adam as he looked at you. [Mr. D needs to talk to me and Tala] you said as you started to head for the door. [Well you cant ride in your condition.] said Jason from the other side of the room. Turning you could see him standing and walking over towards you. [Ill be fine. I've ridden in a lot worse condition then this] you said as you looked him in the eye. He just kept walking towards you. Until he was right in front of you. Taking your right hand in his he said [Squeeze your hand]. You looked at him weirdly but did as he asked. It hurt like hell to grip with your hand, but you couldn't show him that. [How are you going to use the brake?] he asked looking you in the eyes. Pulling your hand away you said [Ill do just fine]. You then started to walk towards the door again. Just this time you were stopped by someone holding on to your shoulder. Turning you saw that it was Adam holding you back this time. Glaring at him you stopped. [You're going to be riding with Tala] he said sternly. You just stared at him. First you were surprised that your brother even trusted anyone with your life other then him or Devin. Then second you were pissed at him for not believing you. [Before you say a thing, I just don't want anything to happen to you too. You and Jess being in the same hospital at the same time, I don't think any of us could handle that.] he said finally letting go of your shoulder. [Whatever] you grumbled as you headed towards the door. Tala following closely behind.
[You know your brother really does care for you] said Tala once you had gotten outside. For a minute all you could do was stare at him. {Did he just talk to me? And it wasn't about beybladeing or something I pissed him off about? What is going on today?} you thought, but grumbled [Ya a little to much]. Without a response Tala got on his dark blue bike. You were about to get on the back when Tala stopped you and pushed himself into the back position. [I'm driving?] you asked as you took a seat in the drivers seat. [No. Your arms to hurt for you to hold on the entire time.] he answered as he wrapped his arms around you to reach the handles. He then turned the key and started the bike. [What am I going to hold on to?] you asked as you slid on your helmet as well as Tala. [You wont have to worry about that] he answered as he wrapped his free hand around your waist. You both then started off down the road. Going to see what it was that Mr. D has to tell you.