It has been an extremely long time since I updated. I'm veryyyyyyy sorry. Very sorry. I got sick, then I had exams, then my computer broke, and then it broke again, and then I started my new classes and had tons of homework. Yep, so there's my excuse. Anyway …on with the story:
DISCLAIMER (Aka-Max): Ginny does NOT own Beyblade or any of its characters! Only herself! And she doesn't own Candyland either!
SH-SP: Where did the Candyland come from? MAX! DON'T EAT THE BOARD GAME! IT ONLY SAYS CANDY! IT DOESN'T MEAN IT IS!
They Came A KnockingKai had trudged through the woods to the Biovolt headquarters all night. Dawn was beginning to break and he hurried his pace. He came to a halt when he saw two cloaked figures approaching. One collapsed in a heap and Kai caught a glimpse of blonde hair. It was Ginny; it had to be. The second ran to Ginny and reached to pull her up. He caught a glimpse of blood red hair and launched himself at Tala. For he knew it was he the moment he saw his hair, not many had that shade of red hair. Tala turned his face towards the on-comer, Kai. Before he knew it he was tackled to the ground and Kai was beating at his face. Tala reached up to stop his blows. Kai was seething with anger and threw every punch as hard as he could. Tala finally got hold of Kai's wrists and stopped the punches. Tala rolled and soon it was he who was going to throw the punches.
Ginny woke from her fainting spell to see two figures fighting. The one on top looked very familiar. It was a minute later when the hooded figure had rolled and was getting ready to hit that she realized it was actually Kai, and it was Tala who was getting ready to hit him. She ran up behind Tala and grabbed his raised arm and pulled him back. He landed on top of Ginny causing her to cry out in pain. Kai jumped up and ran to her side pushing Tala off. He sat her up and gave Tala an accusing, hateful glare. Ginny watched as Tala held his nose; it was bleeding. He also had a cut on his lip that was dripping blood.
"Let's go. We have to get you back to the hideout." He said picking her up in his arms, he turned his back to Tala.
"I want to go with you."
"You are not welcome where we are going. Go back to Biovolt." Kai snapped coldly, turning his back to him once more.
"I have left Biovolt. I have seen the error in my ways."
Kai tensed up. Tala could not return with them to the cabin. He was a traitor! He would betray them! "No." Kai said in a final tone, beginning to trudge over the hard crusted snow.
"Kai,"Ginny said softly, "Please give him a chance. He saved my life. I would be dead if he had not risked his life to break me free." Ginny said pleadingly looking into his eyes.
Kai stared at Ginny. She was bruised badly and cut deeply no doubt. He could not say no. Not after she had looked at him…that…way. "Fine." Kai said sharply turning to Tala. "But if anything goes wrong, or we are found, the blame will be upon yourself."
Tala nodded and followed behind Kai. Not a word was spoken and soon Ginny fell asleep, finally feeling secure.
Mariah woke early the next morning. She had had little sleep. She felt more tired now then she did when she had gone to sleep. She slid from under the thin covers that were on the twin bed that she and Rei had shared. He had kept her warm all night, but now, out of his arms she felt the chill of the large cabin. Rei did not stir, and she did not bother to wake him. He needed the sleep. They all did. She decided to go and make herself a small breakfast. She slipped out of the small room that had contained 2 twin beds and a double. Emily and Max were sound asleep on the twin, and Oliver and Enrique on the double, back to back. The cabin did not contain enough beds for them all so they had had to double up. Mariah and Emily hadn't minded, but she was sure the other boys had. She could hear Tyson's snoring from down the hall. She pitied Kenny who had had to bunk with him. And the other 4 in his room; Jonny, Robert, Lee and Michael. They had probably gotten no sleep at all. She entered the kitchen to find Jonny awake sipping on some coffee with Lee.
"Good morning." Lee said quietly. " Coffee?" he asked.
"Yes, please." Mariah said quietly taking a seat as he poured her a cup. She added sugar and a bit of milk before she spoke.
"Couldn't sleep?" she asked.
"Not with Tyson snoring, and everything else on my mind." Jonny said without looking up from his cup. "Kai went out for Ginny last night."
Lee looked at him in surprise. "He'll be caught! That's what they were hoping he would do! So they could get him too!" Lee said angrily, spilling coffee on his pants.
Mariah muttered something along the lines of 'stupid idiot', then a knock came upon the door. Mariah looked up.
Jonny strode to the door with Lee and Mariah at his heels. He cracked open the door, and a slight smirk appeared upon his face. "I thought you'd be dead!"
He opened the door wide and Kai walked in, with Ginny in his arms, and Tala…behind him? Mariah's mouth was wide open with shock.
"What is he doing here!" Jonny said with a sneer, his fists clenched.
"He saved my life." Ginny said quietly. She had woken upon hearing Jonny's voice.
"HIM!?" Lee said with utter disgust.
"Don't wake the others," Mariah said trying to quiet them, "They need their sleep." Mariah said turning to look at Ginny. She was blood covered all over with dark bruises underneath. Mariah held back the tears. Ginny didn't need her falling apart on her. She needed all the support she could get. "Maybe we should get Ginny fixed up and stay quiet until the others wake up to discuss anything. Meanwhile you four, get some breakfast and be quiet." Mariah said pointing to them. She reached for Ginny and Kai growled at her.
"I'll take her up. Then you can clean her up from there."
"Tala needs to get his face cleaned up too." Ginny said, she could feel Kai tense at the sound of his name.
"Fine" Mariah said leading the way to the bathroom. The water ran hot for a short time so she turned it on full blast, then added some cool water. She handed Tala a cloth and he washed his bloodied face then left without a word. Kai left only when Mariah had shooed him out so Ginny could undress.
Mariah tried not to stare at Ginny's battered body but she could not help it, "oh, Ginny.."
"Pretty bad huh?" Ginny said with a weak smile as she climbed in the tub.
"It'll heal." Mariah said quickly, then grabbed some shampoo to wash Ginny's hair. It was two washes later that the bloodstains were weak enough not to be fully noticed. Ginny had been working on washing her bloodied body, wincing at the little pressure she was applying. By the time they had finished the water was a light shade of red, but she had rid herself of the dry blood. Mariah scurried out to find Ginny's bag among the others, while Ginny dried herself. She pulled on her undergarments before Mariah started to wrap her wounds in bandages. A bandage wouldn't work for her head so she found some salve that would block the blood flow and help heal it. There was nothing they could do about the bruises. She pulled on a pair of her comfy black, fleece pants that she usually wore on long trips. She felt they'd be her best friend for a while. Loose enough to not push at the bruises or cuts, and then she pulled on her warm, red hoodie. Mariah towel dried her hair. The cabin was too damp, and they couldn't risk her getting sick. It was mostly dry when they made their way slowly to the kitchen. Ginny's stomach growled as she smelt the foods being cooked. It had been so long since she had eaten. They entered the kitchen to find Oliver busy at the stove cooking some omelets and ham. He turned to her and smiled weakly. He was obviously observing her condition. He took quick steps over and hugged her gently. She had always liked Oliver.
"I'm glad you are back." He whispered then returned to his cooking. "Omelet?" he asked.
"Yes. Please." Ginny said taking a seat. Lee, Kai and Jonny were still eyeing Tala with venom from across the table. Tala sat quietly sipping his coffee. This was awkward. The silence was disturbing. Oliver brought Ginny a plate with a cheese and ham omelet. She ate it slowly in the silence. Mariah passed her some apple juice and Ginny downed it. She hadn't realized she was this hungry.
"Would you like something to eat Tala?" Ginny asked.
Tala looked shocked. He looked up at her. "Well, no, not really."
"Oli, could you please make Tala something." Ginny asked. She could tell by his look that he had rather not, but Oliver was polite and nodded and began to make some scrambled eggs.
"You didn't have to." Tala said in a low voice with a slight scowl. Ginny smirked. "You must be hungry Tala. That walk was long."
Tala couldn't even look at her. She looked like she was in so much pain. And it was his fault. He had been so stupid to beat her at the tournament. If he had known, it would come to this…he would have lost on purpose. Oliver placed the plate in front of him, and he began to eat slowly. The eggs were good. That kid, Oliver? Was a good cook.
Soon everyone had gathered in the kitchen, and after some tense moments Ginny had gotten everyone to be quiet. They all glared at Tala, who was trying not to meet anyone's eye.
"Would you like to explain why he is here?" Robert asked, his eyes narrowed.
"Tala has left Biovolt and joined our team." Ginny said looking from one face to the other. They all looked disbelieving.
"How do we know he isn't lying? This could be just some trick of Biovolts!" Michael said hitting his fist off the table.
"He can't be trusted!" Lee said over the others.
"How could you even bring him back here! It's his fault in the first place that we're here!" Tyson yelled, one of his fits was braking loose.
"I can't believe you'd even consider trusting him!" Jonny screamed, his face almost as red as his hair. They were yelling at Ginny, who had her head hung.
"Don't you trust my judgment?" Ginny burst out, before someone else could have his or her say. "Tala saved my life! If it weren't for him I wouldn't be here! I wouldn't have even survived the night! Can't you just give Tala a chance?" Ginny said angrily looking from one face to the other. She had tears in her eyes. When no one spoke she whipped around painfully, and left the room.
They were all silent. Ginny had never, ever exploded like that, except at Tyson, but who didn't flip out at him? Tala and Kai both stood to go after her. They eyed each other and Tala made the first move to follow her. Kai watched his back as he left the room then sat down.
"Did he really save her life?" Rei asked looking to Kai.
Kai glared at his clenched fists. "Yes."
"Ginny is right you know." Mariah said quietly.
Emily nodded, "We should trust Ginny even if we don't trust him."
"Well, I think he at least deserves a chance." Oliver said sensibly.
"He'll have to be watched though, until we are positive he can be trusted." Kenny looked to Kai for his answer, although it wasn't just his decision alone.
How could she even think that he could be loyal to them! She was so foolish! Kai thought angrily, unaware of the eyes all watching and waiting for him.
Tala exited the kitchen and looked around the downstairs. She wasn't anywhere there. He walked slowly up the stairs and turned down the hall. There was a cot on the stair landing and Ginny was sitting there her head resting against the boarded window. She looked up to see who it was, her face puffy from tears.
Tala eyed her slowly, then walked to the bed and sat on the edge of it. He wasn't used to dealing with human emotions, especially a girls. There were no girls in the abbey and they were not allowed to interact with any outside of the abbey. "Why do you trust me so much? You have every right not to."
Ginny peered up into his turquoise eyes. "Why shouldn't I. You saved my life."
"But it is also my fault you are injured." He paused to glance at the gash on her temple. "If I had of lost like I should of, we would not be in this mess."
Ginny shook her head. "You don't know that. Voltaire could have done this even if you had lost. What do you mean lost like you should of? You beat me fair and square."
"I was reckless. I should have seen what was to come if I had won." He paused briefly then started again " They'll know I'm gone by now. And know something is up. Especially when they find out you are 'dead'."
Ginny laughed shortly and then gripped her ribs, "Oh, that hurts."
Mariah peered up the stairs. "We are deciding our sleeping arrangements if you'd like to join us. It's really cramped and we have to stay here until we receive news from Mr. Dickinson of what to do next."
Tala stood and waited for Ginny then they made their way to the kitchen, very aware of the silence as they entered and took a spot on the windowsill.
"So, we have to figure the sleeping arrangements out so we can get settled until we know what we are supposed to do. So where do we start?" Emily asked looking around.
"I'll sleep on the cot." Tala said crossing his arms over his chest. They all sighed with relief, none of them wanted to get stuck with him in their bed.
"Me, Mariah and Ginny could share one of the double beds." Emily offered after a nod from both girls.
"No one else will sleep with Tyson so I guess me and Kenny will take the other double bed." Max said with a shrug. Tyson was the worst to share sleeping space with. He always kicked and punched in his sleep. Not to mention the snoring and sleep talk.
"Just put the rest up for the taking and we'll go two to a single bed." Michael suggested.
"It would be easier that way then discussing it."
"Alright then." Robert said as he left the kitchen. The others soon followed. Ginny, Mariah and Emily claimed the double bed that was in the room nearest the stairs. It would be warmer there. They dragged their bags in and began to sort their clothes into the dresser they would share. Enrique and Jonny claimed one of the single beds, and Kai and Robert claimed the other.
"So, what are we supposed to do now, just wait?" Mariah asked after they had sorted their clothes.
"I guess we have to wait until it's safe to move. Kai said we're waiting for a notice from the BBA for when to make our move." Emily answered quietly.
"I think we're supposed to be splitting into groups so that if we're caught, they don't have all of us. I heard Robert and Kai talking about it." Enrique said leaning against the old headboard, it creaked slightly.
"I can't believe it's come to this." Someone said from the doorway.
They turned and saw Tala leaning in the frame. Enrique frowned upon seeing him. "Come to what?"
Ginny motioned for him to come sit down. He came and sat on the bed next to theirs. "When I heard of Voltaire's plan, I thought he was insane. But it didn't seem like it would come to violence. Not to the measure that is happening at the Abbey. He made it seem like he'd just slip into power, with no one to stop him after the BBA was conquered. But it didn't go as planned. You were all supposed to be captured after the battle, so that there would be no resistance."
"But it didn't happen." Emily stated. "We slipped away."
Enrique snorted. " Slipped away? We barely made it out."
"Not all of us are here." Mariah said shyly. She was obviously hurt by the loss of her teammates.
"Mariah." Tala said in the kindest voice they had yet heard him speak. "Here is Kevin's beyblade." He said extracting it from his pocket and handing it to the pink haired girl. She took it gently, eyeing him carefully. "You saw them?" She asked accusingly.
"When we were escaping." Tala said shortly.
"We couldn't help them Mariah, we barely made it out ourselves, we had to slip by guards, we couldn't have gotten by with 4 other people. We wanted to help them. Believe us." Ginny said taking the girls hand in comfort.
"Were Eddie and Steve there?" Emily asked quickly, tears in her eyes.
Ginny nodded. "We saw them before we left. The boys are strong. They'll make it."
There was silence for a few minutes before Mariah spoke up. "Maybe we should go start getting some supper ready for everyone. We've got quite a crowd to cook for."
"Aren't you glad we have Oliver." Enrique said with a grin, taking Ginny's hand to help her stand.
"Are we ever." Emily stated.
Kai scowled into the kitchen. How could she choose to spend time with Him, of all people. He watched as the two chopped the vegetables for the spaghetti Oliver was making.
"What's the matter Kai?" Rei asked, his hand on Kai's shoulder.
"Nothing."
"Don't beat yourself up for letting him come here. He did save Ginny. And if you choose to believe it or not, you wouldn't have gotten far into that abbey without being seen. Ginny trusts him, maybe you should too." Rei said leaving Kai to think as he went to help Mariah grate cheese.
Over the next two weeks they developed a schedule. In the morning the boys would chop or gather wood. Oliver and the girls would make breakfast, and whoever didn't chop or gather wood did dishes. Usually Tyson, Enrique and Michael. They all complained loudly while doing it too. It was the same at lunchtime and dinner. Two days after they had been there, Max had uncovered 2 decks of cards. During the evening it was now a ritual to play cards, usually Bullshit, which needed the two decks for the amount of people playing.
"BULLSHIT! BULLSHIT! BULLSHIT!" Tyson screamed pounding the table.
Oliver smiled weakly. "Pick the cards up Tyson."
Tyson growled under his breath.
"If you weren't so quick to yell bullshit you wouldn't have a whole deck in your hands." Tala said with a smirk. Most had begun to accept his presence, though some didn't. And a few had begun to trust him. Kai not being one of them. He always sat out the card games, working on his blade or practicing. He had given Ginny back her blade, and Tala had released the bitbeasts in his blade, as well as the bitbeasts in the Black Dranzer. Emily, Michael, Ginny, Mariah and Lee had happily welcomed their bitbeasts back. The Black Dranzer still contained Steve and Eddie's bitbeasts. Sometimes Kai offered to do the dishes, just so he wouldn't be asked to join in.
Ginny sighed. Something was wrong with Kai. He completely ignored her, when he wasn't yelling at her angrily for letting Tala to become close to her. She missed his company, though it wasn't much when he was there. It was just comforting to know he was watching over her.
"What's wrong?" Someone whispered in her ear. Ginny jumped and turned her head. It was Tala.
"Just Kai, he's being weird. Bullshit Jonny." She said half-heartedly. It was always fun to get Jonny. He couldn't lie and he'd have a conniption if he was caught.
"For god sakes Ginny!" Jonny said adding to his hand, which was, almost as big as Tyson's. Almost.
"He just doesn't trust me yet. Give him time." He whispered calling bullshit on Mariah and having to pick up the cards in the middle.
3 games of bullshit later, Mariah, Ginny and Emily crawled into their bed; cuddling together for warmth. Enrique offered every night to keep them warm. They always threw their pillows at him, then made Jonny pick them up for them, which made him growl. Tonight was not the same.
"Get going Enrique!" Mariah said chucking her pillow at him. Enrique ducked quickly with all the practice he had had.
"It would be a lot warmer." He said trying to convince them, "4 bodies are warmer than 3. Then I wouldn't have to sleep near Jonny."
Jonny, right on cue, picked up the pillows and handed them back to the girls. About 20 minutes later after all had calmed down and were drifting off to sleep, there was a huge bang coming from downstairs. Biovolt had found them!
SH-SP: This chappie is long enough! No need to extend it! R&R! : )
WHACK!
Max *Candyland pieces hanging out of his mouth, frying pan in hand* I thought you said it was candy! (To Ginny, unconscious on the floor.)
Max: *shrugs* Meh. *continues eating the Candyland board pieces*