I shook in shock. Cypher... Tala... he'd hurt Kai; my prince... I
clenched my fists, resisting the urge to release the catch by my knuckles
and just launch myself at his throat. But I knew I wouldn't and couldn't
anyway. Tala and I had grown up together, my parents fostering him when we
were five. He was practically my brother before he was sent to join
Biovolt. Tala shook his head at me, sadness written all over his face.
"I'm so sorry Oliver. I knew you were... inclined in that way, but I had no choice."
"Well!? I take it you haven't found the chip! What do you want to do now!?"
"Calm down, Oliver. I was going to suggest you try and get a hold on the other Bladebreakers' blades. Maybe the chip is in one of them."
I shook, Tala's revelation freezing me to the spot in which I stood. I refused to believe what I was hearing. Tala...? You've changed... I shook my head. It wasn't his fault... I took a deep breath to speak again.
"So the chip might be in one of the other new blades? Right..."
I closed my eyes momentarily, thinking. The Bladebreakers are staying in my house... Getting hold of those blades wouldn't be too hard. But... they're friends... No, I mustn't think that way now. I had to think as Shadow... I sighed and nodded. I opened my eyes and looked up at Tala.
"Cypher... you ever wonder why we're told to do this? I mean... why the boss makes us kill hurt and steal?"
"The boss does have a name."
"I don't hear you using it. Well?"
"To question our superiors is to welcome punishment, Shadow."
Just then, as if rehearsed, we were interrupted by Tala's own mobile phone, almost identical to mine apart from the white casing, when it started vibrating in his pocket. Frowning, he answered.
"Hello..."
I waited for a while, listening, keeping an eye on my foster brother's face.
"What? But boss... I..."
Tala's face paled and looked up to me. I sensed this wasn't a very good conversation. The silence from Tala was starting to frighten me. What was the boss saying? I was edgy, awaiting his reaction. Tala's face began to harden. This did not bode well... The phone snapped shut in Tala's hand.
"What did the boss say?" I dared asking.
Tala looked into my eyes. For a moment, I thought I saw remorse, but that disappeared. Instead, the old hardness that had been characteristic in Tala for the past few years deepened.
"You've near enough defected, Shadow. The boss says that you were to be taken out. I'm sorry, but you know how it is..."
I had to stifle a gasp. Disbelief rooted me in the spot. Defected? How? Surely, I'd know if I had truly defected. Tala pulled his crossbow off his shoulder. I took this as my cue. I turned and ran for the stairwell. An arrow embedded itself into the stone wall next to the entrance. I knew I had to move fast. Tala's shot would most probably not miss next time. I flew down the stairs, not knowing how much of a wide berth Tala was going to allow me.
A swish. I managed to move before a dagger pierced my shoulder, but crashed into a pew. I used the momentum to roll away, but crashed hard into another pew. More arrows trailed along the side of me, missing me by millimetres. I stopped rolling and got to the aisle. I rubbed the shoulder that crashed into the wood. There was going to be a bruise there in the morning.
"How could you have defected, Shadow!? Don't you care for Father's well- being!?"
I sharply took in a breath. I did care! I had always cared! I wanted to tell this to Tala, but it was hard to speak to him once he had been given his mission. I launched myself up and ran. Not quick enough... I gasped and stumbled a little, before falling on my face. I winced and looked down. A dagger was next to my feet, ending the rip in my boot and the slash on my ankle. I looked up. Tala was pale and grim. He was running towards me, one dagger out, ready to fight. That did it. I knew no matter how much I didn't want to fight him, I had to defend myself.
"I'm sorry Tala!" I shouted before releasing the catch and rolling onto my back.
I took a swipe at Tala's legs, managing to make him stumble a bit. I couldn't help but notice blood well up on his ankle. I winced for him and stood up. Tala had recovered and aimed his crossbow at my chest. I moved. An arrow stuck into the pew behind me. Tala held his dagger again and slashed. I yelped and clutched my side. I imagined the red blood welling up. A blow connected with my face. Stars danced before my eyes. Tala really knew how to punch...
I sensed Tala coming near. Turning rapidly, ignoring the searing pain in my side, I pushed my fist upwards. Tala yelled. Pulling the claws out of his arm, I swept my feet under him, making him fall back into a pew. I half wanted to go and help him up, but with Tala in his present state, I had no chance of leaving the cathedral alive... I took the cowards' way out. I ran out to the fresh air outside...
Without looking back, I ran, hand clutched at my side. I managed to keep hidden. Police seemed to have loosened up their patrol a bit. I found it hard to breathe through the adrenaline and pain. I didn't know how, but I soon found myself in my room, panting hard. My vision slowly blurred, but I dared a look at my side. My usually pristine white blazer was blood red around the wound. I slowly peeled off the blazer and polo neck jumper. Nausea crept up my gut. The slash was deeper and longer than I originally thought.
Getting up and gathering my things, I stumbled into the en suite. Thank God I have this attached to my room; it'll be too awkward to explain to the other guys if I bumped into them in the corridor to the other bathroom looking like road kill.
******
The next morning, Oliver's wounds were no better. He woke up in agony from the fight the night before. His eye and cheek were swollen, with a nasty bruise adding to the affect. He removed the make-up kit from the bathroom cabinet. No time to be apprehensive about wearing make-up. If it hid his black eye, then it would be worth it. He was happy with the concealer, but he hoped the swelling wasn't too noticeable. He unwound the night's bandaging and replaced them with new ones. He stopped the bleeding the night before, luckily. Wincing, he washed and dressed. After that, he simply laid back on his bed, thinking. Why would the boss want him dead? Was it something to do with Kai, the files, or both? The only way to find out was to find the chip.
"In the new blades..."
Slowly getting up, Oliver checked the time. Only six in the morning. With any luck, the Bladebreakers would still be at the hospital, or at least too deep in sleep to notice him. Oliver crept to the first room. Max's. Carefully, quietly and quickly, Oliver searched through Max's belongings. Oliver stumbled across a picture; of Max and his mother. Oliver couldn't help but feel upset and sorry for himself. Family... Poor Max; at least he still has both his parents... hopefully. Carefully, Oliver packed it away safely and looked around the room. Max must have his new blade on him. He'll have to look for Max later that day.
Rei's room. The Chinese boy stirred at first when Oliver opened the door. Oliver returned to his own room for a moment before re-entering the tiger's room. As he first thought, Rei had his new blade in his hand. Cautiously, Oliver got a grip on the blade. Rei stirred again. Oliver sprayed a small mist over Rei's face. Waiting for a while whilst the tiger breathed in the sleeping gas, Oliver gently removed the white blade from his hand. Carefully, he took the blade apart, looking for any unusual features that may be the chip. Nothing. The different pieces were clean. Remembering where each piece went, Oliver reassembled the blade. He couldn't help but marvel at the design. It was definitely an improvement to Rei's old blade. Combined with the Driger bit, it'll probably give Unicolyon a run for his money.
Now for Tyson, Oliver thought, gently shutting the door behind him. Looking into the boy's room, he saw Tyson's bed was slept in, but no Tyson. Oliver frowned and shut the door. He put his hand on his hips, thinking.
CRASH!!!
"What the...?"
Oliver walked down to the kitchen. A sight greeted his violet eyes. Batter was splattered on each wall, flour scattered on a worktop and floor, eggs smashed on the floor, utensils piled high on the table...
"Tyson! What are you doing!?"
The flour covered boy turned around, a frying pan with bubbling runny batter sloshing around inside it in his hand. He grinned at Oliver.
"Morning, Oliver! I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd try and make myself a snack."
Oliver's face contorted to a mixture of horror and amusement. Sighing, Oliver automatically rolled up his sleeves.
"Stand aside, Tyson. Let the expert through."
Oliver started helping Tyson with his pancakes, directing him to clean his mess in the kitchen. Soon, the kitchen was clean and the pancakes were rescued. Tyson dug into his pile of food whilst Oliver sat across him with a cup of tea and watched with disgust as Tyson ate. Tyson reached for the ketchup.
"For goodness sake, Tyson. You're not going to put ketchup on your pancakes, are you?"
"Wfhy nfot?" Tyson said, pancakes rolling about in his mouth.
Oliver looked away in disgust as Tyson spread a big helping of ketchup on the top of his pancakes. Oliver noticed Tyson's new blade on the side and picked it up.
"Tyson. May I take this blade apart? I'm interested what new improvements the PBA made for you."
"Sure, go ahead. Just be careful. I hope you can put it back together."
"Merci; and don't worry, I will."
Oliver carefully unscrewed the attack ring and took out the weight disk, inspecting them for any signs of the chip. None... Seeing that Tyson's blade hadn't held the chip, he put the blade together again.
"Interesting. Weight disk is heavier and the attack ring is harder to grip but looks to be quite effective in attack."
"Nothing but the best from the PBA. Pity Douglas is dead though; I'd really like to thank him. Wonder who killed him..."
Oliver stared into his cup of tea, thinking about Tala. Tyson ate quietly after that before speaking again.
"Hey, I'm going back to the hospital, later today. I'm gonna see if Kai is allowed any visitors. Wanna come?"
"Oui. I'll come. I haven't had the chance to speak to Max, either."
"Don't worry. I'm sure he'd appreciate the concern."
Oliver continued staring into his cup, thinking. If the chip is supposed to be in the new blades, then Max is the only one left. He'll have his new blade on him. Oliver hoped Tala didn't get to Max first.
******
In the hospital, Max was stirring. He stretched in his chair next to his mother's bed. He glanced at her sleeping form. She had woken up the night before, after the guys went home. Max smiled. He knew now for sure his mom was going to be fine. Leaning over gently, so not to move any of the wires, Max gave his mom's cheek a peck.
"Morning mom. I'm gonna get myself a little breakfast. Be back in a few minutes."
Max got up and stretched once more before walking to the cafeteria. A nurse walked into the room, smiling at Max.
"Going for breakfast? Take your time. I'll be giving your mother a bath and check-up."
"Oh... thanks."
Max walked slowly down the corridor, listening to all the beeps and hissing around him. He glanced into the room that held his captain. Kai was still unconscious. Max felt a surge of anger build up in him. Whoever hurt his mom and friend had a lot to explain for themselves. Max soon found the cafeteria, smiling at the cashier as he paid for his fruit and juice. He looked around for a seat and stopped suddenly. A few tables away, sitting with his back to him, was the figure of a familiar red head. His sleeve was rolled up and his lower arm was bandaged.
"Tala?"
The Russian boy turned around, looking half surprised at the sight of Max.
"Max, isn't it...?"
Max smiled and nodded, sitting with the boy. Tala looked down at his drink whilst Max ate, thinking.
"Hey, Tala. What happened to your arm?"
"...An accident. Cut myself on something."
"Ouch, that must of hurt."
"...yeah..." Tala said quietly, remembering how he really got the cuts.
"Hey, uh, you wanna go for a walk? My mom's getting her daily check-up, so I got some time to kill."
Tala took some time to think through this. Hopefully, maybe he could use this opportunity to check Max's blade...
"Sure. Don't see why not."
******
I frowned, impatiently tapping my foot. Why, oh, why did I use the extra strong sleeping spray? Rei was taking a very long time in coming round. I sighed exasperatedly at my stupidity and disappeared into my room for a while whilst Tyson and Johnny argued over whether boiling hot or ice cold water was an effective way of making someone wake up. I opened the drawer on my bedside table and took out a photo frame and a frameless photo. I stared at the framed photo of myself, Tala and my parents, dragging my finger over the glass over myself and Tala as boys; and over my parents' faces, wondering when it all went wrong.
I sighed and put away the family photo. I looked at the other photo I had. Far more recent and candid. I was very lucky to be able to get such a good shot of Kai. My eyes welled up slightly. I took this picture before Kai left Paris, after the first time I saw him. I knew I preferred other guys to girls before Kai, but he was the only one who stirred such powerful emotions. Without realising, a tear fell from my eye and onto Kai's face.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
"Hey, Oliver! Rei's up! We'll be ready to go in a few minutes!"
"See! I told you cold water was more effective, Granger!"
"Shut up, Johnny!"
"Such behaviour is uncouth for a Majestic, Jonathan."
"Please don't argue, guys!"
"Kenny! We're not arguing, we're just debating!"
Enrique slipped into my room, looking very flustered. He grinned at me.
"Have you ever seen what happens to a cat when you splash water on it? Well, let's just say I'd rather be taking Lupinex out for a walk during a full moon than see what Rei would do to those guys." ((A/N: Really! Became a very cranky cat's personal scratching post when I tried to give it a bath when I was a kid!))
True enough, Enrique and I winced when a serious sounding growl came from Rei's room; Rei saying something low but menacing and the guys outside yelped. Enrique and I smiled sheepishly, imagining the scene outside my bedroom door. I sighed and packed my photos away. Enrique spoke again.
"Hey. You still upset 'bout Kai?"
"Amongst other things..."
"Well... I'm no good at playing the agony aunt, but I'll give it a shot. When Kai wakes up, tell him how you feel."
"What?"
"Tell him how you feel. Sure, he may brush you off, but you'll never know until you try."
"What's that got to do with me being upset?"
"Well, maybe you want to have the chance to know what Kai will say. But whilst he's in the sandman's hands, you have no idea what Kai will say."
I nodded to myself at this reasoning. The Italian playboy had a point, no matter how absurd it sounds in my head. I turned around and smiled at Enrique.
"You actually made sense, Giancarlo. Merci."
"No problem. Doctor Giancarlo, Love Therapist, at your service."
We laughed at this idea. I stopped laughing and smiled. I hadn't laughed genuinely in a long time. Enrique listened at the door and nodded, indicating an all clear. He was about to leave.
"Hey... Enrique. You don't mind me being gay, do you?"
"Honestly? Listen. For the hundredth time, I don't care. Just don't get your hopes set on me if Kai lets you down. I know I'm good looking, but I'm not interested."
I raised my eyebrow, shaking my head and smiling. The guy knew how to be funny when the mood suits him.
"Anyway", he continued, "Kai would be perfect for you. He's got enough masculinity for the two of you. It wouldn't matter if you looked like a. . ."
My aim was true. The pillow caught Enrique in the face before he could complete his sentence. A knock on my door interrupted our impending pillow fight.
"Hey guys! Let's go already! Max is waiting and Kai might be awake, wondering where we are!"
Enrique flashed me his trademark grin before opening the door to a pretty shaken up Kenny. Behind him, Rei was emerging from his room, fully dressed and stepping over a bundle which resembled Johnny and Tyson. The other went downstairs. I stopped Enrique before he walked out to follow.
"Merci, Enrique. You're a great friend."
"Hey, no problem! Just remember you owe me one now!"
******
Tala and Max sat on a bench in the hospital garden. They'd been quiet for a while and Tala couldn't find the right opportunity to get Max's blade. Might as well try some small talk, then build up to asking for the blade... Tala considered. He really wasn't in the mood for causing physical harm; especially in such a public place.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Tala asked.
"My mom. She was attacked a couple of days ago. I'm staying by her side until she gets the all clear."
"Oh..."
"Whoever's put my mom in here has a lot of explaining to do. You know Kai? He was attacked as well."
Tala feigned surprise, but couldn't help but feel guilty. He thought about what Oliver said the other night. "Kai?"
"Yeah. I tell ya, if I get my hands on whoever did this, I'm gonna murder them."
Tala blinked at this. This innocent, usually cheerful blonde boy? Max sighed and shook his head.
"What am I saying? I'll never have the guts to do anything like that... Anyway, I was meaning to ask you or Kai, and if it's too personal, don't worry. Well, er... never mind. You probably don't want to talk about it."
"I'm curious now. What do you want to ask?"
"What was it like, growing up in the Abbey?"
Tala sat up a little straighter at this. He never expected this, though maybe he had to talk about it sometime...
"It depends... if you see the practical side, as in food, shelter and something close enough to warmth, then it was fine."
"I mean, as in the whole order taking and training?"
Tala thought for a while, unsure what to say. True, he hated it in the Abbey; the Demolition Boys disliked the place, period. But Tala couldn't really compare that to freedom, because he still was taking orders from a different master now. Tala decided to stay quiet. He had to remember; he can't afford getting close...
"Well... how about the whole turning you into a cyborg thing?"
"I'd rather not talk about that..."
"Okay...Do you have any family?"
Tala bowed his head sadly, "Yeah... a foster brother I was very close to, but we're... on very bad terms at the moment...
"Oh..."
Max remained silent for a while, observing Tala. He hadn't looked up in his entire explanation.
"Must be hard to get back into the loop, huh?"
"Must be..." Tala whispered. He looked down at his other hand, thinking. He wasn't used to having someone show sympathy towards him. It felt strange, yet... like an old feeling he once knew many years ago; like love, happiness and feeling protected. Tala looked up and without realising, locked eyes with the blonde boy. Tala couldn't help but notice how deep a blue the other boy's eyes were, and yet how warm they can be, in comparison to his own icy blue eyes. Max stared back into Tala's eyes, unsure what to say, but reluctant to move away. Max saw the wolf's sadness, anguish and some sort of longing to be accepted, and felt the need to brush them away.
A car starting up somewhere broke their gaze and they looked away, embarrassed. Tala mentally kicked himself. What was he thinking!? He can't get close! He kept reminding himself. Look where is got Oliver!
Max rubbed the back of his head, trying to think of an alternative conversation opener. He wanted to know more about the Russian. He didn't have to. Tala spoke up.
"So, er, I hear you got a new blade. May I see it?"
"Sure thing!"
Max stood up to search his pockets. The boys didn't notice the black car drive past behind them, or the large man getting out and running towards them. It was only when Tala was knocked off the bench and Max was roughly grabbed did they realise what was going on.
"What the...!? Tala, help!"
Tala winced, having landed awkwardly with his ankle which was cut as well, thanks to Oliver, but jumped up quickly and ran to the black car where the man was dragging Max. The trio never noticed, but a green object fell out of Max's hand and rolled into some nearby bushes.
"What's the meaning of this?!"
"The boss wants the kid brought in." The man growled. Tala was frozen for a fraction of a second, but the hardness returned. "There was no need for shoving me face first into the dirt."
"Tala...?" Max asked fearfully, looking at the Russian.
Tala nodded at the man and limped slightly to the other side of the car, trying his hardest not to look at Max. The man near enough threw the blond into the back seat as Tala slid into the passenger's seat. Rubber squealed on tarmac as the car drove away. Max looked up to the back of the wolf's head, confused.
"Tala...?"
"...It's Cypher." the cold voice replied.
========================================================
Hmmm... well, how's that? Pretty good, ne? No? Oh well, tough!
"I'm so sorry Oliver. I knew you were... inclined in that way, but I had no choice."
"Well!? I take it you haven't found the chip! What do you want to do now!?"
"Calm down, Oliver. I was going to suggest you try and get a hold on the other Bladebreakers' blades. Maybe the chip is in one of them."
I shook, Tala's revelation freezing me to the spot in which I stood. I refused to believe what I was hearing. Tala...? You've changed... I shook my head. It wasn't his fault... I took a deep breath to speak again.
"So the chip might be in one of the other new blades? Right..."
I closed my eyes momentarily, thinking. The Bladebreakers are staying in my house... Getting hold of those blades wouldn't be too hard. But... they're friends... No, I mustn't think that way now. I had to think as Shadow... I sighed and nodded. I opened my eyes and looked up at Tala.
"Cypher... you ever wonder why we're told to do this? I mean... why the boss makes us kill hurt and steal?"
"The boss does have a name."
"I don't hear you using it. Well?"
"To question our superiors is to welcome punishment, Shadow."
Just then, as if rehearsed, we were interrupted by Tala's own mobile phone, almost identical to mine apart from the white casing, when it started vibrating in his pocket. Frowning, he answered.
"Hello..."
I waited for a while, listening, keeping an eye on my foster brother's face.
"What? But boss... I..."
Tala's face paled and looked up to me. I sensed this wasn't a very good conversation. The silence from Tala was starting to frighten me. What was the boss saying? I was edgy, awaiting his reaction. Tala's face began to harden. This did not bode well... The phone snapped shut in Tala's hand.
"What did the boss say?" I dared asking.
Tala looked into my eyes. For a moment, I thought I saw remorse, but that disappeared. Instead, the old hardness that had been characteristic in Tala for the past few years deepened.
"You've near enough defected, Shadow. The boss says that you were to be taken out. I'm sorry, but you know how it is..."
I had to stifle a gasp. Disbelief rooted me in the spot. Defected? How? Surely, I'd know if I had truly defected. Tala pulled his crossbow off his shoulder. I took this as my cue. I turned and ran for the stairwell. An arrow embedded itself into the stone wall next to the entrance. I knew I had to move fast. Tala's shot would most probably not miss next time. I flew down the stairs, not knowing how much of a wide berth Tala was going to allow me.
A swish. I managed to move before a dagger pierced my shoulder, but crashed into a pew. I used the momentum to roll away, but crashed hard into another pew. More arrows trailed along the side of me, missing me by millimetres. I stopped rolling and got to the aisle. I rubbed the shoulder that crashed into the wood. There was going to be a bruise there in the morning.
"How could you have defected, Shadow!? Don't you care for Father's well- being!?"
I sharply took in a breath. I did care! I had always cared! I wanted to tell this to Tala, but it was hard to speak to him once he had been given his mission. I launched myself up and ran. Not quick enough... I gasped and stumbled a little, before falling on my face. I winced and looked down. A dagger was next to my feet, ending the rip in my boot and the slash on my ankle. I looked up. Tala was pale and grim. He was running towards me, one dagger out, ready to fight. That did it. I knew no matter how much I didn't want to fight him, I had to defend myself.
"I'm sorry Tala!" I shouted before releasing the catch and rolling onto my back.
I took a swipe at Tala's legs, managing to make him stumble a bit. I couldn't help but notice blood well up on his ankle. I winced for him and stood up. Tala had recovered and aimed his crossbow at my chest. I moved. An arrow stuck into the pew behind me. Tala held his dagger again and slashed. I yelped and clutched my side. I imagined the red blood welling up. A blow connected with my face. Stars danced before my eyes. Tala really knew how to punch...
I sensed Tala coming near. Turning rapidly, ignoring the searing pain in my side, I pushed my fist upwards. Tala yelled. Pulling the claws out of his arm, I swept my feet under him, making him fall back into a pew. I half wanted to go and help him up, but with Tala in his present state, I had no chance of leaving the cathedral alive... I took the cowards' way out. I ran out to the fresh air outside...
Without looking back, I ran, hand clutched at my side. I managed to keep hidden. Police seemed to have loosened up their patrol a bit. I found it hard to breathe through the adrenaline and pain. I didn't know how, but I soon found myself in my room, panting hard. My vision slowly blurred, but I dared a look at my side. My usually pristine white blazer was blood red around the wound. I slowly peeled off the blazer and polo neck jumper. Nausea crept up my gut. The slash was deeper and longer than I originally thought.
Getting up and gathering my things, I stumbled into the en suite. Thank God I have this attached to my room; it'll be too awkward to explain to the other guys if I bumped into them in the corridor to the other bathroom looking like road kill.
******
The next morning, Oliver's wounds were no better. He woke up in agony from the fight the night before. His eye and cheek were swollen, with a nasty bruise adding to the affect. He removed the make-up kit from the bathroom cabinet. No time to be apprehensive about wearing make-up. If it hid his black eye, then it would be worth it. He was happy with the concealer, but he hoped the swelling wasn't too noticeable. He unwound the night's bandaging and replaced them with new ones. He stopped the bleeding the night before, luckily. Wincing, he washed and dressed. After that, he simply laid back on his bed, thinking. Why would the boss want him dead? Was it something to do with Kai, the files, or both? The only way to find out was to find the chip.
"In the new blades..."
Slowly getting up, Oliver checked the time. Only six in the morning. With any luck, the Bladebreakers would still be at the hospital, or at least too deep in sleep to notice him. Oliver crept to the first room. Max's. Carefully, quietly and quickly, Oliver searched through Max's belongings. Oliver stumbled across a picture; of Max and his mother. Oliver couldn't help but feel upset and sorry for himself. Family... Poor Max; at least he still has both his parents... hopefully. Carefully, Oliver packed it away safely and looked around the room. Max must have his new blade on him. He'll have to look for Max later that day.
Rei's room. The Chinese boy stirred at first when Oliver opened the door. Oliver returned to his own room for a moment before re-entering the tiger's room. As he first thought, Rei had his new blade in his hand. Cautiously, Oliver got a grip on the blade. Rei stirred again. Oliver sprayed a small mist over Rei's face. Waiting for a while whilst the tiger breathed in the sleeping gas, Oliver gently removed the white blade from his hand. Carefully, he took the blade apart, looking for any unusual features that may be the chip. Nothing. The different pieces were clean. Remembering where each piece went, Oliver reassembled the blade. He couldn't help but marvel at the design. It was definitely an improvement to Rei's old blade. Combined with the Driger bit, it'll probably give Unicolyon a run for his money.
Now for Tyson, Oliver thought, gently shutting the door behind him. Looking into the boy's room, he saw Tyson's bed was slept in, but no Tyson. Oliver frowned and shut the door. He put his hand on his hips, thinking.
CRASH!!!
"What the...?"
Oliver walked down to the kitchen. A sight greeted his violet eyes. Batter was splattered on each wall, flour scattered on a worktop and floor, eggs smashed on the floor, utensils piled high on the table...
"Tyson! What are you doing!?"
The flour covered boy turned around, a frying pan with bubbling runny batter sloshing around inside it in his hand. He grinned at Oliver.
"Morning, Oliver! I couldn't sleep, so I thought I'd try and make myself a snack."
Oliver's face contorted to a mixture of horror and amusement. Sighing, Oliver automatically rolled up his sleeves.
"Stand aside, Tyson. Let the expert through."
Oliver started helping Tyson with his pancakes, directing him to clean his mess in the kitchen. Soon, the kitchen was clean and the pancakes were rescued. Tyson dug into his pile of food whilst Oliver sat across him with a cup of tea and watched with disgust as Tyson ate. Tyson reached for the ketchup.
"For goodness sake, Tyson. You're not going to put ketchup on your pancakes, are you?"
"Wfhy nfot?" Tyson said, pancakes rolling about in his mouth.
Oliver looked away in disgust as Tyson spread a big helping of ketchup on the top of his pancakes. Oliver noticed Tyson's new blade on the side and picked it up.
"Tyson. May I take this blade apart? I'm interested what new improvements the PBA made for you."
"Sure, go ahead. Just be careful. I hope you can put it back together."
"Merci; and don't worry, I will."
Oliver carefully unscrewed the attack ring and took out the weight disk, inspecting them for any signs of the chip. None... Seeing that Tyson's blade hadn't held the chip, he put the blade together again.
"Interesting. Weight disk is heavier and the attack ring is harder to grip but looks to be quite effective in attack."
"Nothing but the best from the PBA. Pity Douglas is dead though; I'd really like to thank him. Wonder who killed him..."
Oliver stared into his cup of tea, thinking about Tala. Tyson ate quietly after that before speaking again.
"Hey, I'm going back to the hospital, later today. I'm gonna see if Kai is allowed any visitors. Wanna come?"
"Oui. I'll come. I haven't had the chance to speak to Max, either."
"Don't worry. I'm sure he'd appreciate the concern."
Oliver continued staring into his cup, thinking. If the chip is supposed to be in the new blades, then Max is the only one left. He'll have his new blade on him. Oliver hoped Tala didn't get to Max first.
******
In the hospital, Max was stirring. He stretched in his chair next to his mother's bed. He glanced at her sleeping form. She had woken up the night before, after the guys went home. Max smiled. He knew now for sure his mom was going to be fine. Leaning over gently, so not to move any of the wires, Max gave his mom's cheek a peck.
"Morning mom. I'm gonna get myself a little breakfast. Be back in a few minutes."
Max got up and stretched once more before walking to the cafeteria. A nurse walked into the room, smiling at Max.
"Going for breakfast? Take your time. I'll be giving your mother a bath and check-up."
"Oh... thanks."
Max walked slowly down the corridor, listening to all the beeps and hissing around him. He glanced into the room that held his captain. Kai was still unconscious. Max felt a surge of anger build up in him. Whoever hurt his mom and friend had a lot to explain for themselves. Max soon found the cafeteria, smiling at the cashier as he paid for his fruit and juice. He looked around for a seat and stopped suddenly. A few tables away, sitting with his back to him, was the figure of a familiar red head. His sleeve was rolled up and his lower arm was bandaged.
"Tala?"
The Russian boy turned around, looking half surprised at the sight of Max.
"Max, isn't it...?"
Max smiled and nodded, sitting with the boy. Tala looked down at his drink whilst Max ate, thinking.
"Hey, Tala. What happened to your arm?"
"...An accident. Cut myself on something."
"Ouch, that must of hurt."
"...yeah..." Tala said quietly, remembering how he really got the cuts.
"Hey, uh, you wanna go for a walk? My mom's getting her daily check-up, so I got some time to kill."
Tala took some time to think through this. Hopefully, maybe he could use this opportunity to check Max's blade...
"Sure. Don't see why not."
******
I frowned, impatiently tapping my foot. Why, oh, why did I use the extra strong sleeping spray? Rei was taking a very long time in coming round. I sighed exasperatedly at my stupidity and disappeared into my room for a while whilst Tyson and Johnny argued over whether boiling hot or ice cold water was an effective way of making someone wake up. I opened the drawer on my bedside table and took out a photo frame and a frameless photo. I stared at the framed photo of myself, Tala and my parents, dragging my finger over the glass over myself and Tala as boys; and over my parents' faces, wondering when it all went wrong.
I sighed and put away the family photo. I looked at the other photo I had. Far more recent and candid. I was very lucky to be able to get such a good shot of Kai. My eyes welled up slightly. I took this picture before Kai left Paris, after the first time I saw him. I knew I preferred other guys to girls before Kai, but he was the only one who stirred such powerful emotions. Without realising, a tear fell from my eye and onto Kai's face.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
"Hey, Oliver! Rei's up! We'll be ready to go in a few minutes!"
"See! I told you cold water was more effective, Granger!"
"Shut up, Johnny!"
"Such behaviour is uncouth for a Majestic, Jonathan."
"Please don't argue, guys!"
"Kenny! We're not arguing, we're just debating!"
Enrique slipped into my room, looking very flustered. He grinned at me.
"Have you ever seen what happens to a cat when you splash water on it? Well, let's just say I'd rather be taking Lupinex out for a walk during a full moon than see what Rei would do to those guys." ((A/N: Really! Became a very cranky cat's personal scratching post when I tried to give it a bath when I was a kid!))
True enough, Enrique and I winced when a serious sounding growl came from Rei's room; Rei saying something low but menacing and the guys outside yelped. Enrique and I smiled sheepishly, imagining the scene outside my bedroom door. I sighed and packed my photos away. Enrique spoke again.
"Hey. You still upset 'bout Kai?"
"Amongst other things..."
"Well... I'm no good at playing the agony aunt, but I'll give it a shot. When Kai wakes up, tell him how you feel."
"What?"
"Tell him how you feel. Sure, he may brush you off, but you'll never know until you try."
"What's that got to do with me being upset?"
"Well, maybe you want to have the chance to know what Kai will say. But whilst he's in the sandman's hands, you have no idea what Kai will say."
I nodded to myself at this reasoning. The Italian playboy had a point, no matter how absurd it sounds in my head. I turned around and smiled at Enrique.
"You actually made sense, Giancarlo. Merci."
"No problem. Doctor Giancarlo, Love Therapist, at your service."
We laughed at this idea. I stopped laughing and smiled. I hadn't laughed genuinely in a long time. Enrique listened at the door and nodded, indicating an all clear. He was about to leave.
"Hey... Enrique. You don't mind me being gay, do you?"
"Honestly? Listen. For the hundredth time, I don't care. Just don't get your hopes set on me if Kai lets you down. I know I'm good looking, but I'm not interested."
I raised my eyebrow, shaking my head and smiling. The guy knew how to be funny when the mood suits him.
"Anyway", he continued, "Kai would be perfect for you. He's got enough masculinity for the two of you. It wouldn't matter if you looked like a. . ."
My aim was true. The pillow caught Enrique in the face before he could complete his sentence. A knock on my door interrupted our impending pillow fight.
"Hey guys! Let's go already! Max is waiting and Kai might be awake, wondering where we are!"
Enrique flashed me his trademark grin before opening the door to a pretty shaken up Kenny. Behind him, Rei was emerging from his room, fully dressed and stepping over a bundle which resembled Johnny and Tyson. The other went downstairs. I stopped Enrique before he walked out to follow.
"Merci, Enrique. You're a great friend."
"Hey, no problem! Just remember you owe me one now!"
******
Tala and Max sat on a bench in the hospital garden. They'd been quiet for a while and Tala couldn't find the right opportunity to get Max's blade. Might as well try some small talk, then build up to asking for the blade... Tala considered. He really wasn't in the mood for causing physical harm; especially in such a public place.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Tala asked.
"My mom. She was attacked a couple of days ago. I'm staying by her side until she gets the all clear."
"Oh..."
"Whoever's put my mom in here has a lot of explaining to do. You know Kai? He was attacked as well."
Tala feigned surprise, but couldn't help but feel guilty. He thought about what Oliver said the other night. "Kai?"
"Yeah. I tell ya, if I get my hands on whoever did this, I'm gonna murder them."
Tala blinked at this. This innocent, usually cheerful blonde boy? Max sighed and shook his head.
"What am I saying? I'll never have the guts to do anything like that... Anyway, I was meaning to ask you or Kai, and if it's too personal, don't worry. Well, er... never mind. You probably don't want to talk about it."
"I'm curious now. What do you want to ask?"
"What was it like, growing up in the Abbey?"
Tala sat up a little straighter at this. He never expected this, though maybe he had to talk about it sometime...
"It depends... if you see the practical side, as in food, shelter and something close enough to warmth, then it was fine."
"I mean, as in the whole order taking and training?"
Tala thought for a while, unsure what to say. True, he hated it in the Abbey; the Demolition Boys disliked the place, period. But Tala couldn't really compare that to freedom, because he still was taking orders from a different master now. Tala decided to stay quiet. He had to remember; he can't afford getting close...
"Well... how about the whole turning you into a cyborg thing?"
"I'd rather not talk about that..."
"Okay...Do you have any family?"
Tala bowed his head sadly, "Yeah... a foster brother I was very close to, but we're... on very bad terms at the moment...
"Oh..."
Max remained silent for a while, observing Tala. He hadn't looked up in his entire explanation.
"Must be hard to get back into the loop, huh?"
"Must be..." Tala whispered. He looked down at his other hand, thinking. He wasn't used to having someone show sympathy towards him. It felt strange, yet... like an old feeling he once knew many years ago; like love, happiness and feeling protected. Tala looked up and without realising, locked eyes with the blonde boy. Tala couldn't help but notice how deep a blue the other boy's eyes were, and yet how warm they can be, in comparison to his own icy blue eyes. Max stared back into Tala's eyes, unsure what to say, but reluctant to move away. Max saw the wolf's sadness, anguish and some sort of longing to be accepted, and felt the need to brush them away.
A car starting up somewhere broke their gaze and they looked away, embarrassed. Tala mentally kicked himself. What was he thinking!? He can't get close! He kept reminding himself. Look where is got Oliver!
Max rubbed the back of his head, trying to think of an alternative conversation opener. He wanted to know more about the Russian. He didn't have to. Tala spoke up.
"So, er, I hear you got a new blade. May I see it?"
"Sure thing!"
Max stood up to search his pockets. The boys didn't notice the black car drive past behind them, or the large man getting out and running towards them. It was only when Tala was knocked off the bench and Max was roughly grabbed did they realise what was going on.
"What the...!? Tala, help!"
Tala winced, having landed awkwardly with his ankle which was cut as well, thanks to Oliver, but jumped up quickly and ran to the black car where the man was dragging Max. The trio never noticed, but a green object fell out of Max's hand and rolled into some nearby bushes.
"What's the meaning of this?!"
"The boss wants the kid brought in." The man growled. Tala was frozen for a fraction of a second, but the hardness returned. "There was no need for shoving me face first into the dirt."
"Tala...?" Max asked fearfully, looking at the Russian.
Tala nodded at the man and limped slightly to the other side of the car, trying his hardest not to look at Max. The man near enough threw the blond into the back seat as Tala slid into the passenger's seat. Rubber squealed on tarmac as the car drove away. Max looked up to the back of the wolf's head, confused.
"Tala...?"
"...It's Cypher." the cold voice replied.
========================================================
Hmmm... well, how's that? Pretty good, ne? No? Oh well, tough!