{Authors Note: Tala's Lullaby was created by me ^_^ I actually have a midi
of it if you care to hear it. Email me and Ill send it to you!
aeonstarlet@hotmail.com . This chapter is pretty innocent compared to the
last two. And I do think I will continue this story. If you would so kindly
review I would be pleased to see some input on my work. All of the other
song pieces used in this were By Bryan Adams from the Spirit Soundtrack.
(which is by the way was an excellent creative CD to work to!}
***********************************************************************
They closed in, Boris in the lead. "So you think you could escape? I thought I taught you better!"
He was pinned in the corner. There was no where left to run. He eyed his surroundings frantically, hoping for some small chance of escape. It could not end like this.
Bryan. He was so upset when they parted at the gates. Did Bryan make it safely? Did he escape with the others?
"This time your demise is imminent Tala. I warned you the first time you tried to escape, that the next escape would be death. And what's worse, you let the others escape!" Boris hissed as he lunged for Tala's throat faster than would be expected for a man Boris' size.
Ah ha! A way out! Tala smirked to himself as he easily dodged Boris, sending him into the snow headfirst. All Tala had to do now was make it to the other side of the courtyard!
"Don't just stand there you idiots! Get him!" Boris shrieked in fury, getting to his feet.
Tala watched the other guards warily. He was praying to whatever gods were listening that this worked. He thought again of seeing Bryan. And That was all he needed. A feral grin spread across his face as he crouched low. His confidence returned. He was going to break free whether Boris liked it or not! He was one of the Demolition Boys. A survivor. He knew damn well that the guards couldn't stop him if they tried.
~~So you think you wanna take me on
You must be crazy!
And not any single thing you've done
Is gonna phase me.
But if you wanna have a go
I just wanna let you know.~~
The guards leapt towards him, Tala gave a yell and uncoiled form his crouch, springing into the air, well over their heads. On landing he broke into a sprint, heading straight across the courtyard, as part of the wall was lower there.
Six-hundred feet.
Tala could hear them fast approaching, and pushed himself.
Five-hundred feet.
He could hear Boris yelling to the other guards by the gates to catch him. Tala knew he had to keep going. If he could just pass these gates, he would be free!
~~Get off of my back
And into my game
Get out of my way,
And out of my brain~~
Get out of my face
Or give it your best shot.
I think this time you better face the facts
Get off of my back! ~~
Four-Hundred feet.
Gunshots fired off in his direction. He couldn't afford to get shot now! He was almost there!
Three-Hundred feet.
Tala began to dodge back and forth, not giving them anything to aim at. He lowered his body, picking up his speed.
Two-Hundred feet.
~~Get out of my face
Or give it your best shot.
I think this time you better face the facts
Get off of my back~~
An explosion at Tala's feet sent him sprawling head over heels. He tucked his body and controlled his landing to the exact point that when he landed he was off again and running without pause. Had Boris forgotten that he was the perfect warrior?
One-Hundred Feet.
Tala began to pick up more speed, almost flying thanks to the adrenaline pumping through his body at that very moment. He had to time this just right. He prepared himself to leap the minute his hit his mark. He smiled. Goodbye Abbey, goodbye Biovolt, and goodbye Boris!
Bingo!
Tala pushed off, his long legs giving him the leverage and power to launch him up far enough to grasp the top of the wall with one hand. He quickly heaved him self up and over the wall. His feet had barely touched ground, and he was off again. He had to lose them. This wasn't over yet. He could hear them following close behind. He ignored his racing heart and proceeded to speed up again, hoping to lose them as he turned a corner.
~~Gotta fight another fight.
Gotta run another night
I'm getting out, check it out
I'm on my way and it don't feel right.
I gotta get me back
Can't be beat and that's a fact.
Its okay, I'll find a way
Ain't gonna take me down no way.~~
He wasn't going down now! He thought that He and Bryan would never see each other again when he was locked inside. But now, very soon, he would be free. He concentrated on Bryan. His face, his eyes. It gave him more endurance. It made him feel stronger. He pressed on through the icy streets, unheeding to anything but his need to escape.
Why did it all go wrong?
I wanna know whats going on.
What's this holdin' me.
I'm not where I'm supposed to be.
By the time he felt it safe enough to rest a moment, he sat on the edge of a nearby fountain and looked up, shivering as the full effect of the horrid cold hit him.
All light had faded from the sky, and it was replaced by low hanging clouds. A storm was brewing. He had to find shelter, and fast. The sound of footsteps echoed in the alley not too far from his resting place. They were still in pursuit!
~~Don't judge a thing 'til you know what's inside it
Don't push me, I'll fight it.
Never gonna give in, never gonna give it up no way
If you can't catch a wave then you're never gonna ride it
Can't come uninvited.
Never gonna give in never gonna give it up no way.
You can't take me.
I'm free.~~
Tala was off like a shot, south towards the docks. He ignored the cramping muscles and refused to think about the cold. All he knew now was the need to run. He pressed on, not even slowing down until he reached the Train depot. He ducked into the bathrooms and quickly entered a stall closing the door behind him. Not that he had to use it. He just needed a safe place to catch his breath. He was more tired than he had thought, but he was far from out of the fire yet. He still had to find out where Bryan went. That was his destination. Wherever Bryan was he would go. Nothing else mattered.
~~I've seen every sunset, and with all that I've learned
Is to you I'll will always.
Always Return.~~
When he had caught his breath, he quickly exited the building and took the north road, towards the business district. He would try all the hotels, then, contact the travel companies to find out just where Bryan had gone. There were no signs of activity in the dark streets, as Tala set off again at a brisk jog for the Royal, the hotel where most BeyBlade teams stayed when travelling. As he ran, he tried to push thoughts of recapture out of his head. That was the last thing he needed. He had little money, as he placed most of it in the jacket Bryan wore. He could have gone to The BBA branch there in Moscow had it been earlier.
He didn't stop running until he could see the lights of the Royal ahead. It stood Seventeen stories high, and was decorated lavishly. He just hoped he could make it there without conflict.
"Bryan, I hope you escaped and survived." Tala prayed as he began to slow down, his energy finally waning, after about six hours of straight running.
He was now just on the opposite side of the street from the Royal, and he remained in the shadows a moment, watching for signs of surveillance. Finding none, He fixed his jacket and pulled up the collar. Walking briskly across the street, and avoiding traffic, he walked into the lobby.
"May I help.Oh!" a woman called from the counter. "This way please young sir.your room is ready."
"Pardon?" Tala was confused. How did she know him? He just shrugged and followed her into the back.
Once in the back she smiled. "Glad you're safe. I work for the BBA. No worries. One of your friends is here. Here's the key." She smiled as she handed him some fresh towels, the key supplies and a manila envelope. Tala looked from the envelope to her face in questioning.
"Reimbursement from the BBA for the mess you've been embroiled in. Theres quite a bit here. Your friend's is in there too. Now hurry up! In the elevator!" she hissed as she looked outside, catching sight of Boris' men. "Room 1720! It's at the very east wing, accessible only through the locked stairwell on the 16th floor! Those keys will unlock it!"
Tala nodded and quickly took the elevator to the 16th floor. It felt like forever, waiting for the slow elevator to climb. It probably wasn't that long, but since he was in a hurry, it seemed like hours.
He looked down both sides of the hallway, locating the locked stairwell. Silently he sprinted to the door and unlocked it, making sure it was locked again before he headed up. He didn't want to take any chances.
He pushed open the door at the top of the flight and looked carefully around. There were only two rooms on this floor. They were surely full size suites. He located 1720 immediately and walked up to it. He placed the key in the lock and turned it, then placed the second key on the ring in the lower lock and twisted. Then, finally he slid the card key through the slot and opened the door slowly. He was careful to be quiet, as he saw it was Rei and Kai asleep on the bed near the table. So they managed to get out for sure. They would be able to help him find the others he hoped. He turned his back and locked the three locks, and then slid the chain lock across. The one they had all forgotten to use earlier.
He placed the towels on the table and slid off his boots. He knew it was safe here. He hoped the other bed was not in use. He needed to rest. He slowly crept by Rei and Kai, but was stopped by a hand as it grasped his wrist, yanking him back. He looked into Kai's face. He had rose silently without Tala knowing and had snuck up behind him.
"Kai."
Kai immediately let go breathing a sigh of relief. "Gods! Don't do that! I thought you were Boris!" he hissed.
"Sorry."
"At least we don't have to go looking for you tomorrow." Kai smiled.
Tala was taken aback. Kai was actually relieved to see him. Then it was true! Kai and Rei had rescued them. "Thank you for knocking out security." He whispered.
"Don't mention it." Kai smiled again. "But be careful when you go to bed."
"Huh?"
"Never mind." Kai Grinned "Wash up. There's extra clothes on the table, and some left over take out from dinner. Then you can think about sleeping."
Tala just gave him an odd look. "Thanks." He entered the small kitchenette and warmed the food on a small plate. Then, leaning against the counter he quickly ate his fill, putting the rest in the small fridge. He opened one of the cans of soda and gratefully let the liquid slide down his throat. He needed that as he hadn't drank in over 6 hours. Carrying his can back into the other room he noted Kai had the small table lamp on and was sorting through the papers on the table.
"Can't sleep?" he whispered, dumbfounded that Rei could sleep through all the noise they had been making.
"I just remembered I have to check all these schedules. We have to find out when we can get out of here and back to England."
"Is that where you and Rei are headed?" he asked as he leaned on the doorjamb.
"Not just us. You too." Kai said as he circled something on the list. He looked up, his face as serious as ever. "We're not letting you stay here in Russia. We're heading to England, then from there we cross over into France by boat. We keep on the train until we reach Copenhagen. There we head to Robert's mansion. That's the safest place for all of us right now.
"You always were a smart one Kai." Tala smiled. He and Kai had their differences, but deep inside, Kai was next to Bryan on his list of close friends.
"You should get a quick shower. You look like you need it." Kai said as he put down his pen. He put a finger to his lips. "But be quiet, I don't know how soundly Rei will be sleeping. It's not far off from his normal waking time."
"Sure." Tala agreed, grabbing his towel and quietly moving into the bathroom, ignoring the second bed. He closed the door and turned on the water, Stripping off his old clothes and hopping in.
The water was warm, and he had to stand facing the spray because his back was still in horrible condition and now it burned like a Hell forge. He gingerly splashed water onto his back and let it run down, cleaning the dirt off. He washed his hair quickly and scrubbed himself clean. Shutting off the water, he stepped out and dried himself off with the warm towel. He didn't bring the extra clothes in with him, so rather than run out and get them in just a towel, he grabbed the other terrycloth robe and wrapped it around himself, and folded up his clothes.
He walked out of the bathroom and turned on the small lamp by the window, placing the clothes on the table. He looked over to the bed hoping that it was alright to sleep in. There was someone already in there?
He cautiously made his way over, hoping maybe they had found either Ian or Spencer. He hoped they were alright. It could have been Max too for that matter. He moved close enough to pull the covers back enough to see the figure.
He saw soft violet hair, almost silver in the low light. The boy was small but well built. In his hand he clutched a jacket.Tala's Jacket.
"Bryan." Tala squeaked, Blue eyes wide, emotion interfering with his voice. He stood there, unsure whether to scream, or whisper, wake him up or let him sleep. He stood thre in a sort of daze, unable to grasp the fact that Bryan was there. With him again.
It did not matter anyway. The light had roused Bryan from his sleep and he cracked open one sleepy eye, taking a moment to focus on Tala before he gave a start and sat bolt upright.
"Tala? Tala!" Bryan cried at the sight of the scarlet haired teen.
Tala wasted no time leaping over Bryan on to the other side of the bed and pulling him close.
"Yes. Yes It's me! I made it!" he wept as he encircled his young lover with his strongest embrace, laying his cheek against the soft silken hair, and breathing in the scent of him, almost needing to assure himself that Bryan was indeed there beside him.
Bryan said nothing. He just buried his face in Tala's chest under the robe and sobbed, holding on for dear life. He was terrified that Tala would disappear if he let go. That earthy scent again surrounded him, sending him into a euphoric bliss. He was home. Tala was safe!
"Tala.Oh Tala." he sobbed.
"Hush now. Hush." Tala soothed as he moved down into the covers, taking Bryan with him. He pulled the sheets up around them and smiled. He regarded Bryan with reverence as he again placed his arms around. He kept Bryan as close as he could, humming softly, a traditional Russian lullaby.
"Soft sings the winter wind,
And quiet are the pines,
As the night flows gently,
Through heart and mind. "
Bryan relaxed, and closed his eyes, swept into bliss by the touching strains of Tala's song. He remembered Tala used to sing it to himself when he was alone in his room. Bryan used to put his ear to the wall, or just lie back in his bed, as the strains of the melody used to enchant him into peaceful sleep. Now he was almost in a trance. The sweet voice filled his ears and reassured him they were safe. He soon joined Tala in the song, adding a higher harmony and a soft balance to the hauntingly familiar tune.
"Soft calls the moonlight,
So just close your eyes.
And sleep to the music of
The melody of the night."
Kai and Rei stood by the doorway, with wide smiles. If they could just get out of Russia then everyone was alright. The song had riveted them to their spots. The tune was simple, nothing fancy, but it had an impact. It seemed to reach inside and calm the senses. Kai held Rei by the shoulders and hoped that the two lovers would remain reunited. Enemy or friend, No one deserved to lose someone they loved.
"Let's get some sleep Rei." He yawned once the Melody was over, and the two were asleep.
Rei just nodded and taking Kai's hand, let him lead the way to bed.
Tala opened his eyes a few minutes later to sneak one last look at the sparkling treasure he now held in his hands.
Bryan.
***********************************************************************
They closed in, Boris in the lead. "So you think you could escape? I thought I taught you better!"
He was pinned in the corner. There was no where left to run. He eyed his surroundings frantically, hoping for some small chance of escape. It could not end like this.
Bryan. He was so upset when they parted at the gates. Did Bryan make it safely? Did he escape with the others?
"This time your demise is imminent Tala. I warned you the first time you tried to escape, that the next escape would be death. And what's worse, you let the others escape!" Boris hissed as he lunged for Tala's throat faster than would be expected for a man Boris' size.
Ah ha! A way out! Tala smirked to himself as he easily dodged Boris, sending him into the snow headfirst. All Tala had to do now was make it to the other side of the courtyard!
"Don't just stand there you idiots! Get him!" Boris shrieked in fury, getting to his feet.
Tala watched the other guards warily. He was praying to whatever gods were listening that this worked. He thought again of seeing Bryan. And That was all he needed. A feral grin spread across his face as he crouched low. His confidence returned. He was going to break free whether Boris liked it or not! He was one of the Demolition Boys. A survivor. He knew damn well that the guards couldn't stop him if they tried.
~~So you think you wanna take me on
You must be crazy!
And not any single thing you've done
Is gonna phase me.
But if you wanna have a go
I just wanna let you know.~~
The guards leapt towards him, Tala gave a yell and uncoiled form his crouch, springing into the air, well over their heads. On landing he broke into a sprint, heading straight across the courtyard, as part of the wall was lower there.
Six-hundred feet.
Tala could hear them fast approaching, and pushed himself.
Five-hundred feet.
He could hear Boris yelling to the other guards by the gates to catch him. Tala knew he had to keep going. If he could just pass these gates, he would be free!
~~Get off of my back
And into my game
Get out of my way,
And out of my brain~~
Get out of my face
Or give it your best shot.
I think this time you better face the facts
Get off of my back! ~~
Four-Hundred feet.
Gunshots fired off in his direction. He couldn't afford to get shot now! He was almost there!
Three-Hundred feet.
Tala began to dodge back and forth, not giving them anything to aim at. He lowered his body, picking up his speed.
Two-Hundred feet.
~~Get out of my face
Or give it your best shot.
I think this time you better face the facts
Get off of my back~~
An explosion at Tala's feet sent him sprawling head over heels. He tucked his body and controlled his landing to the exact point that when he landed he was off again and running without pause. Had Boris forgotten that he was the perfect warrior?
One-Hundred Feet.
Tala began to pick up more speed, almost flying thanks to the adrenaline pumping through his body at that very moment. He had to time this just right. He prepared himself to leap the minute his hit his mark. He smiled. Goodbye Abbey, goodbye Biovolt, and goodbye Boris!
Bingo!
Tala pushed off, his long legs giving him the leverage and power to launch him up far enough to grasp the top of the wall with one hand. He quickly heaved him self up and over the wall. His feet had barely touched ground, and he was off again. He had to lose them. This wasn't over yet. He could hear them following close behind. He ignored his racing heart and proceeded to speed up again, hoping to lose them as he turned a corner.
~~Gotta fight another fight.
Gotta run another night
I'm getting out, check it out
I'm on my way and it don't feel right.
I gotta get me back
Can't be beat and that's a fact.
Its okay, I'll find a way
Ain't gonna take me down no way.~~
He wasn't going down now! He thought that He and Bryan would never see each other again when he was locked inside. But now, very soon, he would be free. He concentrated on Bryan. His face, his eyes. It gave him more endurance. It made him feel stronger. He pressed on through the icy streets, unheeding to anything but his need to escape.
Why did it all go wrong?
I wanna know whats going on.
What's this holdin' me.
I'm not where I'm supposed to be.
By the time he felt it safe enough to rest a moment, he sat on the edge of a nearby fountain and looked up, shivering as the full effect of the horrid cold hit him.
All light had faded from the sky, and it was replaced by low hanging clouds. A storm was brewing. He had to find shelter, and fast. The sound of footsteps echoed in the alley not too far from his resting place. They were still in pursuit!
~~Don't judge a thing 'til you know what's inside it
Don't push me, I'll fight it.
Never gonna give in, never gonna give it up no way
If you can't catch a wave then you're never gonna ride it
Can't come uninvited.
Never gonna give in never gonna give it up no way.
You can't take me.
I'm free.~~
Tala was off like a shot, south towards the docks. He ignored the cramping muscles and refused to think about the cold. All he knew now was the need to run. He pressed on, not even slowing down until he reached the Train depot. He ducked into the bathrooms and quickly entered a stall closing the door behind him. Not that he had to use it. He just needed a safe place to catch his breath. He was more tired than he had thought, but he was far from out of the fire yet. He still had to find out where Bryan went. That was his destination. Wherever Bryan was he would go. Nothing else mattered.
~~I've seen every sunset, and with all that I've learned
Is to you I'll will always.
Always Return.~~
When he had caught his breath, he quickly exited the building and took the north road, towards the business district. He would try all the hotels, then, contact the travel companies to find out just where Bryan had gone. There were no signs of activity in the dark streets, as Tala set off again at a brisk jog for the Royal, the hotel where most BeyBlade teams stayed when travelling. As he ran, he tried to push thoughts of recapture out of his head. That was the last thing he needed. He had little money, as he placed most of it in the jacket Bryan wore. He could have gone to The BBA branch there in Moscow had it been earlier.
He didn't stop running until he could see the lights of the Royal ahead. It stood Seventeen stories high, and was decorated lavishly. He just hoped he could make it there without conflict.
"Bryan, I hope you escaped and survived." Tala prayed as he began to slow down, his energy finally waning, after about six hours of straight running.
He was now just on the opposite side of the street from the Royal, and he remained in the shadows a moment, watching for signs of surveillance. Finding none, He fixed his jacket and pulled up the collar. Walking briskly across the street, and avoiding traffic, he walked into the lobby.
"May I help.Oh!" a woman called from the counter. "This way please young sir.your room is ready."
"Pardon?" Tala was confused. How did she know him? He just shrugged and followed her into the back.
Once in the back she smiled. "Glad you're safe. I work for the BBA. No worries. One of your friends is here. Here's the key." She smiled as she handed him some fresh towels, the key supplies and a manila envelope. Tala looked from the envelope to her face in questioning.
"Reimbursement from the BBA for the mess you've been embroiled in. Theres quite a bit here. Your friend's is in there too. Now hurry up! In the elevator!" she hissed as she looked outside, catching sight of Boris' men. "Room 1720! It's at the very east wing, accessible only through the locked stairwell on the 16th floor! Those keys will unlock it!"
Tala nodded and quickly took the elevator to the 16th floor. It felt like forever, waiting for the slow elevator to climb. It probably wasn't that long, but since he was in a hurry, it seemed like hours.
He looked down both sides of the hallway, locating the locked stairwell. Silently he sprinted to the door and unlocked it, making sure it was locked again before he headed up. He didn't want to take any chances.
He pushed open the door at the top of the flight and looked carefully around. There were only two rooms on this floor. They were surely full size suites. He located 1720 immediately and walked up to it. He placed the key in the lock and turned it, then placed the second key on the ring in the lower lock and twisted. Then, finally he slid the card key through the slot and opened the door slowly. He was careful to be quiet, as he saw it was Rei and Kai asleep on the bed near the table. So they managed to get out for sure. They would be able to help him find the others he hoped. He turned his back and locked the three locks, and then slid the chain lock across. The one they had all forgotten to use earlier.
He placed the towels on the table and slid off his boots. He knew it was safe here. He hoped the other bed was not in use. He needed to rest. He slowly crept by Rei and Kai, but was stopped by a hand as it grasped his wrist, yanking him back. He looked into Kai's face. He had rose silently without Tala knowing and had snuck up behind him.
"Kai."
Kai immediately let go breathing a sigh of relief. "Gods! Don't do that! I thought you were Boris!" he hissed.
"Sorry."
"At least we don't have to go looking for you tomorrow." Kai smiled.
Tala was taken aback. Kai was actually relieved to see him. Then it was true! Kai and Rei had rescued them. "Thank you for knocking out security." He whispered.
"Don't mention it." Kai smiled again. "But be careful when you go to bed."
"Huh?"
"Never mind." Kai Grinned "Wash up. There's extra clothes on the table, and some left over take out from dinner. Then you can think about sleeping."
Tala just gave him an odd look. "Thanks." He entered the small kitchenette and warmed the food on a small plate. Then, leaning against the counter he quickly ate his fill, putting the rest in the small fridge. He opened one of the cans of soda and gratefully let the liquid slide down his throat. He needed that as he hadn't drank in over 6 hours. Carrying his can back into the other room he noted Kai had the small table lamp on and was sorting through the papers on the table.
"Can't sleep?" he whispered, dumbfounded that Rei could sleep through all the noise they had been making.
"I just remembered I have to check all these schedules. We have to find out when we can get out of here and back to England."
"Is that where you and Rei are headed?" he asked as he leaned on the doorjamb.
"Not just us. You too." Kai said as he circled something on the list. He looked up, his face as serious as ever. "We're not letting you stay here in Russia. We're heading to England, then from there we cross over into France by boat. We keep on the train until we reach Copenhagen. There we head to Robert's mansion. That's the safest place for all of us right now.
"You always were a smart one Kai." Tala smiled. He and Kai had their differences, but deep inside, Kai was next to Bryan on his list of close friends.
"You should get a quick shower. You look like you need it." Kai said as he put down his pen. He put a finger to his lips. "But be quiet, I don't know how soundly Rei will be sleeping. It's not far off from his normal waking time."
"Sure." Tala agreed, grabbing his towel and quietly moving into the bathroom, ignoring the second bed. He closed the door and turned on the water, Stripping off his old clothes and hopping in.
The water was warm, and he had to stand facing the spray because his back was still in horrible condition and now it burned like a Hell forge. He gingerly splashed water onto his back and let it run down, cleaning the dirt off. He washed his hair quickly and scrubbed himself clean. Shutting off the water, he stepped out and dried himself off with the warm towel. He didn't bring the extra clothes in with him, so rather than run out and get them in just a towel, he grabbed the other terrycloth robe and wrapped it around himself, and folded up his clothes.
He walked out of the bathroom and turned on the small lamp by the window, placing the clothes on the table. He looked over to the bed hoping that it was alright to sleep in. There was someone already in there?
He cautiously made his way over, hoping maybe they had found either Ian or Spencer. He hoped they were alright. It could have been Max too for that matter. He moved close enough to pull the covers back enough to see the figure.
He saw soft violet hair, almost silver in the low light. The boy was small but well built. In his hand he clutched a jacket.Tala's Jacket.
"Bryan." Tala squeaked, Blue eyes wide, emotion interfering with his voice. He stood there, unsure whether to scream, or whisper, wake him up or let him sleep. He stood thre in a sort of daze, unable to grasp the fact that Bryan was there. With him again.
It did not matter anyway. The light had roused Bryan from his sleep and he cracked open one sleepy eye, taking a moment to focus on Tala before he gave a start and sat bolt upright.
"Tala? Tala!" Bryan cried at the sight of the scarlet haired teen.
Tala wasted no time leaping over Bryan on to the other side of the bed and pulling him close.
"Yes. Yes It's me! I made it!" he wept as he encircled his young lover with his strongest embrace, laying his cheek against the soft silken hair, and breathing in the scent of him, almost needing to assure himself that Bryan was indeed there beside him.
Bryan said nothing. He just buried his face in Tala's chest under the robe and sobbed, holding on for dear life. He was terrified that Tala would disappear if he let go. That earthy scent again surrounded him, sending him into a euphoric bliss. He was home. Tala was safe!
"Tala.Oh Tala." he sobbed.
"Hush now. Hush." Tala soothed as he moved down into the covers, taking Bryan with him. He pulled the sheets up around them and smiled. He regarded Bryan with reverence as he again placed his arms around. He kept Bryan as close as he could, humming softly, a traditional Russian lullaby.
"Soft sings the winter wind,
And quiet are the pines,
As the night flows gently,
Through heart and mind. "
Bryan relaxed, and closed his eyes, swept into bliss by the touching strains of Tala's song. He remembered Tala used to sing it to himself when he was alone in his room. Bryan used to put his ear to the wall, or just lie back in his bed, as the strains of the melody used to enchant him into peaceful sleep. Now he was almost in a trance. The sweet voice filled his ears and reassured him they were safe. He soon joined Tala in the song, adding a higher harmony and a soft balance to the hauntingly familiar tune.
"Soft calls the moonlight,
So just close your eyes.
And sleep to the music of
The melody of the night."
Kai and Rei stood by the doorway, with wide smiles. If they could just get out of Russia then everyone was alright. The song had riveted them to their spots. The tune was simple, nothing fancy, but it had an impact. It seemed to reach inside and calm the senses. Kai held Rei by the shoulders and hoped that the two lovers would remain reunited. Enemy or friend, No one deserved to lose someone they loved.
"Let's get some sleep Rei." He yawned once the Melody was over, and the two were asleep.
Rei just nodded and taking Kai's hand, let him lead the way to bed.
Tala opened his eyes a few minutes later to sneak one last look at the sparkling treasure he now held in his hands.
Bryan.
