Rimnerel: Man, up to chapter 13 already. Yay! I hope everyone will continue to enjoy this one. I have plans for it. And hopefully those plans will be great.
Kai: Okay, now can we get to the reviews?
Rimnerel: As long as you're doing them.
Max: I want to do them!
Rimnerel: Do them then. I don't care which saru atama does it, as long as it's done.
Max: Rim would like to thank FREAK014, Angevar, russle, blazing-wolf-08, Unknown, B. Tiamat Atardecer, and Kaikeyi for their reviews. And Rim would like to thank russle for the typo. She meant to but the c before the v but it just got switched around because she was too happy finishing the chapter.
Rimnerel: Okay, now that I have that settled, let's see what I can do for this chapter.
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"Hey Kenny." The young man turned his head to see Tyson's blonde haired friend Max walking up towards him. Kenny, Tyson, Johnny, Max, and Zeo were at the local comic book store. Which of course was Tyson's idea to drag everyone into town, having got his allowance for the week. When Kenny had asked his cousin whether or not he knew about managing money, Johnny made quite a few cracks about Tyson managing his money into either into his stomach. Causing yet another bickering match between him and the blue haired young man, until Max and Zeo had to break them apart.
Kenny had stood back with a smile, watching the little spat, but his mind had been elsewhere. One of those things happened to be Jordan. The next, his realization towards how he felt about Tala, and how he was exactly going to tell the older man without seeming like some starry-eyed kid with an infatuation. Why weren't things like this easier to deal with? He wasn't an optimist when he came to love...he should say he wasn't going to be an optimist when it came to love. There was not going to be any way he was going to think of idealistic thoughts about him and Tala being together for every, or living here to be close to the male.
If anything, this was only going to be a summer thing. Then when he goes back home, everything would be left there. What good was he thinking about returning next summer? By then, Tala would have forgotten all about Kenny and what went on between them, if anything did occur. It would be the same on Kenny's end. There was no use making long term plans for them. They would go there seperate ways, if they were to meet up again, it would be a brief remembrance of what happened, and then they would move on in their lives. Kenny wasn't one that believed in the whole love conquering all thing, nor of some fairy tale romance lasting an eternity.
Kenny's thoughts were cut short as Max finally reached him. Tyson was over on the other side of the store with Johnny and Zeo. Kenny preferred to remain near the front of the store, checking out the section where works of fiction were kept. The blonde looked over the section of books that Kenny himself was glancing over. A short, yet energetic smile came to Max's face.
"You must really like dramas, huh?" Max inquired, picking up a book, looking at the cover. "The Odyssey?"
"One of the greatest works of Europe," Kenny remarked, remember reading the book when he was younger.
"What's it about?" Max asked.
"Well, there was this great war hero who had just finished winning a war. He and his crew were sailing back to home, but he made the Gods angry and it follows the long journey it takes for him to get back home."
"Wow, it must be a really great story. You've read it before?"
"Actually I have," Kenny stated.
"So, how long did it take him to get home?" Max put the book down, looking at Kenny.
"Almost twenty years. Not counting his time fighting the war."
"Wow," Max awed. "He had a wife?"
"Yes, Penelope who bore him a son before he went to war," Kenny said.
"Almost twenty years since he saw his wife and then his son was almost grown when he finally returned home. That is really messed up. Bet his wife was mad. Either that she thought he was dead and remarried or something like that, huh?"
"No, she never remarried. She waited for him to return home, fending off suitors that wanted her and his Kingdom. She never gave up, no matter how many years passed with no word from him. She had faith until the very end when he came back to her and their son," Kenny said. For a minute silence took the place of the conversation that was there. Finally, when he looked over, he found Max grinning.
"You and Tyson are really different, aren't you? While he's into comics, you read all these epic stories and stuff. If Tyson didn't say a word, you would never know that him and you are related. It's funny how different you two are," Max smiled.
"Thank you, I think I would worry if I was completely like him," Kenny joked.
"Maybe so," Max grinned. The smile stayed there until it suddenly dropped. Max turned his eyes to another book, studying it carefully. "Hey...Kenny, can I talk to you about something?" Max lifted his eyes up, studying Kenny before his glance fell back on the book.
"Um, sure. But I would have thought that you would discuss it with Tyson or the others before me," Kenny said, wondering exactly what the blonde haired male wanted to talk to him about.
"Well...if I talk to them, I know how they would get. Sometimes, they get a little too judgemental and stuff for my taste. You seem like you'd keep this to yourself rather than blurt it out. Tyson seems to pick that trait up too many times. You don't mind listening to me, do you?" Max wondered.
"If I can help, then I sure," Kenny nodded.
"Cool, let's go outside, Tyson will be busy for a while anyway." Kenny followed the blonde outside, sitting on a beach near the store. Not that many people were out on the streets, being that the weather was still well into the high nineties. Later that day, all four of them were going to head out to a pond that the group used as their own private pool. It was somewhere near Zeo's house, wherever that was.
Kenny looked over at Max who was twisting a piece of his shirt in his hand. "So, what is it that you want to speak to me about?"
"Well...I want a honest opinion. Do you think that..." A blush came to Max's cheeks as he looked at Kenny hesitantly. "Do you think that it's strange that...well...I was wondering if you would think that it's strange to like another guy?" Flushing ever so darkly, Max looked down at his feet, twisting the end of his shirt even more. Silence fell into the space of words as Kenny thought about it.
"Strange...?" At one time he may have thought about it being strange, but currently Kenny had no right to say anything negative towards it because of his own situation. How could he be judgemental of the blonde's obvious feelings for the green haired male in the store, when in fact Kenny was no different, because of his feelings for Tala. "You like Zeo, don't you?"
The remark brought out a deeper blush from the blonde as he nodded. "Promise you won't tell Ty."
"He has no right to know unless you and Zeo want to tell him," Kenny voiced.
"You...don't find it strange?" Max asked.
"I have no right to be judgemental of others. My friend once told me that it doesn't matter who you love, as long as they love you in return. If you feel strongly enough for that person, who am I to be a hypocritic and tell you what you can't do. That's why the world is so fucked up in the first place. If we could all stop criticizing each other, we would get somewhere in this world. I think it's better to follow your own way rather than let someone guide you on a path they want, don't you agree? If someone told you to give up Zeo now because they wanted you to, would you just because they said so?" Kenny voiced.
"I...I don't want to give him up just because of someone telling me. I would want to know why, if it was because he may hurt me or treat me wrong. Zeo...he's a really wonderful person. When I'm with him, I feel like everything is right. I couldn't think of him doing anything to cause me pain," Max confessed. "When he smiles at me, it's like the day brightens up for me and nothing could go wrong."
"Then forget what everyone says," Kenny shrugged. "If my cousin or anyone else tells you wrong, remember whose life it is."
"Thanks Kenny," Max smiled.
"No, I think those were more of my best friend's words than mine that you heard him telling me so many times," Kenny admitted. "Any way, I think if I told you to give him up, I would be telling myself to forget about my own feelings."
"There's someone you like other than Jordan, don't you?" Max asked. When Kenny looked at the male, he didn't see any anger over the obvious point that Kenny didn't like Jordan. "She came to me yesterday saying that you were in love with someone else and she didn't know who."
"I'm sorry," Kenny said geniunely. "I'm sure she's really a wonderful person, but..."
"Don't worry about it. She will get over it. Sometimes Jordan is too passionate about things and when something happens, she takes it harder than most normal people. So, what's your person like?" Max inquired. "A guy or girl?"
"A guy," Kenny said.
"Your best friend?"
"Rei...no. It's just someone that I've recently met. He's...well...he's a mystery to me, but he just pulls me closer towards him no matter how few times we've met up. I want to get to know him better, but I haven't figured out a way quite yet." A tiny smile came to Kenny's mouth thinking about his ever so strange love.
"Do I know this person?" Max inquired with interest. "Maybe I can help you out if you haven't told them yet."
"Well...no, I think I'll eventually get around to tell them. But thanks anyway for the offer." How was he supposed to tell this young man that the person he liked was...well...Tala? He had no idea what Max's opinion on that would be.
"So, who is it?"
"You really want to know?" Kenny asked. Max shook his head rapidly, his eyes shining with excitement. Well...either it would kill him with shock or have him staring at Kenny like he grew a second head. Either way, Max would be the first person that discovered his secret. "You got to promise that you won't tell Tyson this until I get around to finding a way he won't freak out on me."
"How bad can it be? I mean, it's not like it's his worst enemy or anything like that," Max joked, before seeing the look on Kenny's face and gasping with realization. "No way! You aren't really serious that...that you like..."
"Tala, yes," Kenny replied. Max's mouth dropped to the ground as he stared at Kenny with goldfish eyes.
"Oh my god! Tyson would have a heart attack if you told him that. I mean, he and Tala have been at each other's throats for years now. And then to learn that his cousin liked his...Kenny, how in the world did you manage to fall for someone like that." Getting over his shock, the blonde gave the brunette a serious look of concern. "If it was anyone else that I knew, I wouldn't be saying this, but you got to be careful. Tala's...there are a lot of things about Tala that you don't know."
"That's why I want to know more about him. I know about all the things you guys say about him. But do any of you really know if they are true or not? Maybe they're just rumors and..." Kenny started, but Max cut him off.
"Kenny, I know you haven't been here like that, and they may seem like rumors to you. Heck, they may be, but Tala still has some dirty little secrets. He's not just some misunderstood case, he really is dangerous to be around. Him and Kai both. They both love to screw around with people's heads and lives, not caring one bit if they hurt that person in the long run. They do things for kicks. I don't want you getting hurt by them, you're like my friend. I'm not trying to run your life, I can't, but I just want you to make sure you don't get in too deep, okay," Max replied.
"They probably do, but I'm not going to get myself in trouble. I just want to know what makes him tick. It fascinates me to think that someone so different from me, might be the same."
"Maybe. Tell me, since you've obviously been around Tala, has Kai tried to make a move on you?" Max wondered. "It's like he has this thing for Ty or something." That brought a memory back of Kai telling Kenny about wanting to get lost in the woods with both him and Tyson. The corner of his mouth quirked.
"If I hear him tell me what an great ass I have one more time, I may have to kick him down a hill," Kenny laughed. "Yes, he definitely has something for my cousin. A scary obsession might I add in."
"Sometimes I wonder," Max said.
"What?" Kenny questioned. He turned his eyes back to the blonde, who looked reflective on some subject. "Max?"
"I wonder, if Tyson, at least subconsciously, might want to respond to Kai. I remember a time about a year ago where I was supposed to be waiting for Tyson. He was running late, so I went back into the school to see what happened to him. I found Kai pinning Tyson against a locker, whispering something to him. Tyson was trying to ignore him, but there was this flickering in Tyson's eyes...thinking about it now, it could have been want. There's always been some sort of magnet pull with them, I don't know it is, but it seems to always have been there."
"Really? But why would he just want Tyson when he's probably had tons of girls who could..."
"Ah, he told you he was bi, huh? Yes, he proclaimed that to Tyson one day. Saying that until the day he could have Tyson, he would sleep with girls. Tyson told him to go die off into a corner because he would never have him, or come close to it," Max chuckled. "We were thirdteen at the time. I think that was around the time that Tyson was trying to get Johnny to ask Emily out. Which was close to the time also when Tyson told me he was starting to like Mariah."
"Hey, what happened to you to? Why are you out here?" Tyson came walking out of the store with a bag of comics in hand. "You guys trying to ditch the rest of us?"
"No, we were just talking, nothing more," Max said. Turning to Kenny, he gave the male a grateful look, followed by one of concern. "Thanks for listening to me Kenny. And remember what I said, okay?"
"I will," Kenny nodded.
"What were you guys talking about anyway?" Zeo said, as Max gave him a slightly loving look that went unnoticed by no one, yet Zeo still blushed slightly. Had Max been talking with Kenny about their relationship. He wondered what Kenny thought about them. It didn't seem like he was against the idea, or the air wouldn't be as light as it was.
"Tyson, myself, Kenny, random things. You know, things to pass the time," Max shrugged with a light smile. "That and choosing your own paths in life to follow."
"Okay, that's a little bit too deep for my taste," Tyson remarked.
"At least someone in your family has a thought process besides Emily. Between you and Ian, I don't know who I want to kill first," Johnny stated. Tyson looked at him, kicking the much taller male in the shin. Johnny yelped as he glared down at the blue haired male beside him. "I'm going to drown you when we get to the pond."
"Yeah, just try it McGregor, I would love to see it," Tyson mocked.
"Hey you two, stop fighting. You're like a married couple always arguing like you don't have anything better to do with your time," Zeo said.
"That I agree with Zeo on," Kenny said.
"Let's go get some ice cream," Max said.
"That sounds like a plan, Max. I think ice cream would be nice right about now," Johnny said after continuing to glare at Tyson for a minute. "What do you say Tyson? Ice cream?"
"Sure, why not," Tyson said.
"Then it's settled. Come on," Max said. The boys followed their blonde haired friend down the street to where the ice cream shop was. Along the way, Tyson and Johnny got into another pointless session of bickering. While this was taking place, Zeo took the opportunity to walk with Max and Kenny. Looking from one to the other, he gave them a funny stare.
"Okay, spill. What were you two talking about?" Zeo whispered.
"Nothing much, but you cutie," Max winked. Zeo flushed, looking over at Kenny to see his reaction, but only found a small smile rise to each corner of his mouth. "I asked him his opinion since I'm not ready to tell tweedle dumb and dumber back there." Max indicated to Johnny who had Tyson in a headlock and Tyson yelling for Johnny to let him go if he wanted children in the future.
"You don't have to worry about me saying a word," Kenny added in. "Or being a hypocrite about you two being gay, because I'm no better myself." Zeo nodded, understanding what the brunette was thinking. Now if there was a way to tell Tyson and Johnny without the constant teasing. By the time the five reached the ice cream shop, Johnny and Tyson finally settled down, much to three individuals' relief. Before the group got to go into the distinct roar of a dirt bike raced up the street towards them. Kenny heard Tyson growl as both turned to look at the same time.
As expected, being that Tala and Kai were the only ones in town anyway that owned dirt bikes, both were coming up the street towards the group. One of the bikes slowed to a stop near the side walk. The other bike slowed to a stop next to the other bike. Both figures took off their helmets. A pair of auburn eyes flickered over to Tyson, a gleam flashing within them momentarily. The azure eyes paid no attention to the either his cousin or Tyson's glaring.
"What do you idiots want?" Tyson retorted.
"You're never happy to see us, are you Tyson?" Kai said in an amused tone. "You know that I only appear when I feel like you need to see me the most."
"Drop dead bastard," Tyson scoffed. "Now what do you want?"
Tala didn't answer Tyson's question. Instead, his eyes shifted to Kenny, finding the male staring back at him without any hesitation in his eyes. His hair wasn't wearing the ponytail like usually, but his bangs were brushed from out of his eyes. Those blue eyes studied Tala's azure pair for a long minute before breaking the stare. So even after that incident, he was still bold enough to look him in the eyes. A feeling slight feeling of mirth overcame him, then quickly fled. Finally, Tala's stare came to rest on the main reason he and Kai had stopped.
"Tate, where's your mother?" Tala inquired in a neutral tone.
"My mom? Knowing her, she probably went across town to the other hospital for a while to see how things are there," Max said, not really afraid of the boys, yet didn't want to step into their paths. He still could not believe this was the man that Kenny liked. It just didn't seem...well...real. They were two extremely different people with different upbrings and backgrounds. Maybe this love...maybe it wasn't for him to understand.
"What do you want with Max's mom anyway?" Tyson said angrily.
"She's a docter dumbass, why would anyone go looking for a doctor?" Tala said snidely, before putting his helmet back on and cranking up the engine on his bike. Speeding off, he left Kai there, who continued to stare at Tyson.
"What the hell are you still looking at me for?" Tyson snapped.
"Don't take your anger out on me because of Tala," Kai smirked. "I was just going to ask you if you wanted to ride with me?"
"Why the fuck do you think I would go anywhere with someone like you," Tyson shot at the older male. Kai didn't look dejected by the retort. In fact, for a brief minute, he turned his attention away from Tyson to meet Kenny's eyes. Again, there was that strange, uncomfortable stare the male got. "What the hell are you looking at?"
"The brunette. Hello, how are you?" Kai winked. An angry flush rose to Tyson's cheeks as he shot Kai a hateful look.
"Stop trying to talk to my cousin, you bastard!"
"Your cousin, so..." A wicked smirk reached Kai's eyes, which were laughing with complete mischief. "Tyson's cousin, you want to come riding with me?" Kenny turned his head away to keep from laughing. "What...do I make you nervous? There's no reason for it, don't tell me you're the shy type? Don't pay your cousin no mind, he's just jealous that I might not find him sexy anymore. If you want to, you can come. I would love to--" Kai blocked the fist that was aimed at his face, lowering Tyson's hand. A short playful pout jutted out Kai's bottom lip for a second as he fixed his eyes back on Tyson. "You have nothing to be jealous about, Tyson. I was just joking with your cousin. You know you're my only lover."
"Drop dead," Tyson said through clenched teeth. "Stop talking to me and my cousin and lose yourself as you're going to find that other fucker."
"Fine, since it seems that I will only make you more jealous by flirting, I'll go find Tala." Stroking the back of Tyson's hand with his thumb, before the blue haired male snatched his hand away, Kai gave Kenny another wink before putting on his helmet, cranking up his bike, and speeding off too.
"Stupid ass, fucking bastards," Tyson muttered. "Kenny, sorry you had to see that."
"That's okay, Tyson. No harm was done," Kenny said, putting on a straight face. Even if Kai was a bit too offensive with his tatics, it was still humorous. Tyson said something other things that Kenny sort of tuned out. He wondered exactly why Kai and Tala were looking for Max's mom. If she was a doctor, did that mean that one of them were hurt, or maybe one of their parents? He really hoped that everything was all right with them.
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Tala kicked shut the door to the house, in a very pissed off mood. A minute later, Kai opened the door and walked in, then closed the door behind him. He smirked amusingly at his cousin who had just been told off by the receptionist at the hospital Doctor Judy Tate was seeing other patients at. Tala expected to charm the lady into telling him exactly which room Dr. Tate was in, but the lady had not yeilded that information to him. Saying that if he needed to see her, make an appropriate appointment then come back later. No amount of coaxing moved the woman into telling them where the doctor was, and Tala left very, very pissed off.
"You know, if you don't cool down, you're going to pop a few blood vessels. Then you really will see Doctor Tate," Kai snickered.
"Shut your goddamn mother fucking mouth," Tala growled. "That fucking cunt made me look stupid in that fucking hospital. And she had the nerve to look at us like we're trash! I bet if I had slapped at smug look off her fucking face..."
"And got yourself arrested for assault. You know that they're trying to find a reason for locking us up, that would have given them every incentive to do so," Kai pointed out.
"But it would have been worth it."
"Well, whatever. Just chill out, we can go out tomorrow and find Doctor Tate. I'm sure she'll be back at her own office tomorrow," Kai said. "Why did you need to find her anyway?"
"I was going to ask her if she could up the dosage on Aunt Irene's medicine," Tala responded. "She's been more agitated than usual. I don't know why." The young man suspected it was because Hannah told her that his uncle, which of course was her husband, would be home soon. She never wanted to marry him, everyone knew that, especially when they weren't able to produce any children of their own. Yet he would not let her leave, saying it was beneficial for their families. For him maybe it was, because the business that he ran now was once her father's, until the old man's death more than ten years ago.
"I see. Well, I can go back out and stick around her office until she comes back. You just chill, all right," Kai stated, heading back out the door.
"Or is it that you want to mess with Tyson some more?" Tala countered his cousin's "helpfulness."
"Hey, if I find him while I'm hanging around, no big deal mixing a little pleasure with business. Life becomes quite drab otherwise. Later." Kai headed out the door, not waiting for his cousin to respond. Tala shook his head, not understanding why his dual haired cousin would continue to mess around with the blue haired young man for as long as he did. It was uncharacteristically not a "Kai" behavior. Not once had he made the male consenting to do what he wanted, then ditch him later. It was as if...well...as if Kai enjoyed this game, and the real conquest would be when Tyson submitted willingly.
"Hell, I don't understand him at all sometimes," Tala said, making his way up to his room.
"Master Tala!" Clover's voice stopped him on the way up. Tilting his head to the side, he watched her make her way to his side.
"What is it, Clover?" He definitely wasn't in the mood to deal with her, let alone anyone else.
"Um...I was told..." Clover looked down at her hands, nervously.
"What?" His voice held a note of cold command, causing the girl to flush.
"I was told that when you got back, that your uncle wanted to see you immediately sir," she all but blurted out in one breath.
"My...he's here already?" Tala felt his anger seep away, replaced by an all too familiar emotion when it came to that man. He could taste the dull crawl of fear making its way up his throat, coating the back of his mouth with its bitter taste.
"He arrived early this afternoon while you were out sir," she whispered.
"Is he in his study?" The young man's voice was slowly giving out by the moment. He had expected to be gone when his uncle came back. Nor had he expected him back so soon upon announcement. His eyes flickered to Clover, who gave him a shallow nod. Saying nothing, the young man descended the few steps he had started to climb, heading towards his uncle's study which was tucked away from the dining room, kitchen and pallor. His heart pounded at his ribcage each step he took, the taste of fear growing stronger.
He remembered the first time his uncle had called him and Kai to his study. It was because of the two little boys breaking a very valuable vase playing catch inside the house. Neither boy was prepared for what happened, thinking they would get scolded for the carelessness. Yet, when they had entered the room, the man was waiting for them, fury darkening his features. Instead of the scolding they expected, they were met with lashes from a leather belt buckle and a good slap across the face for their wrongs. That lesson taught them a few things that day: fear, what real pain was, hatred, and understanding to stay out of their uncle's way. No matter how hard they tried, it seemed inevitable at times to stop crossing the man's path.
Reaching the study, Tala saw the light on within the room. Raising a shaking hand, Tala knocked once, waiting for acknowledgement.
"Come in," came a deep male's voice from inside. Tala hesitated for a second, knowing this wasn't going to be good. Pulling the door open, the young man walked in, finding his uncle's gaze on him immediately.
"You wanted to see me sir." This was maddening, the feeling that numbed his body, creeping into his bones, weakening his neutral mask of calm. He was the only person on this Earth that could smack him down from his nefarious pedestal. Tala hated it, wanted to do something about it, but years of being dropped from his fridgid grandeur crippled his imperfect rebellion of authority figures.
His uncle's cold gray eyes examined Tala. "Where's Kai? I heard he was staying this summer."
"Stepped back out sir," Tala said, lowering his eyes.
"For?" the man inquired.
"I was asking him to find Doctor Tate. Aunt Irene's been really agitat--"
"Decided to up the dosage, boy," his uncle interrupted coldly.
"I was just--just going to ask her opinion," Tala stated. Maybe that was pratically a lie, but there was no way in hell he would tell his uncle the truth. The young man may be reckless at times, but there was a limit to which he would not tread.
"And if I were to believe that, you would continue to take me for a fool. I know you boy. You're just like your father, worthless and do things for your own benefit."
The biting tone in his uncle's voice made the young man flinch. Even if he had known his father, Tala would not object. Maybe he was like the man who had left him in this situation, right now, he didn't give a damn. He wasn't here to stop any of this from going on. What did he care about the honor of some dead man who Tala had inherited his genes from.
"Uncle, I--" That was as far as Tala got when the man slammed his hand down on the chestnut table, standing up from his leather chair. His eyes now a dark gray, almost as if they were black. He stalked over from the chair, looking down at Tala with disgust. The man was much taller than Tala himself, standing well at six foot four compared to Tala's five foot eight.
"Don't try to explain yourself to me, boy," the man cut him off. "I know about your genes. They are exactly like that damn father of yours. Every time I look at you, I can see your father. There's not a single thing about you that's like Alexial. I don't know why she would marry that imbecile Ivanor anyway. All he was after was the money she would have inherited."
"I--" Tala didn't get out the rest as a hard slap came across his cheek, rattling his teeth and causing him to stagger back from the blow. Getting his footing before he toppled over, the young man looked wide eyed at his uncle, aware of the trickling from his nostrils.
"I didn't ask you to respond!" the male snarled, walking up to Tala, fury in his eyes backing Tala against a wall. Cornering the red head with no where to go. "You don't think I know, but I do. I've been kept informed while away. You realize that boy? I know all about you. Every little detail of your actions." The look within his eyes turned from fury to disgust. Tala saw the hand raised again, balling into a fist, but he was too paralyzed to move.
The blow was swift, knocking all the wind from the young man, also dropping him to his knees. Clenching his mid section, the red head felt tears involuntarily well up in the corners of his eyes. He wasn't going to cry, he wasn't going to break down. That's what his uncle wanted. He wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction of it.
"Get up boy," the older male commanded. When the boy gave no indication of following that order, the man growled, kicking him swiftly in the side. "I said get up!" Tala choked back the whimper rising in the back of his throat. Lifting his face, he saw another boot come down, this time catching him in the stomach, despite the limited protection his arms gave him. "If I have to tell you one more time."
Tala made the move to stand when the boot caught him in the face, splintering pain throughout his entire face. His eyes went out of focus for a minute, gasping at just how bad he wanted to throw up right then and there. Just when he thought things would stop spinning he was hauled to his feet, shoved roughly against the wall, his head snapping against the cold, hard material. His eyes again went out of focus.
"You didn't think I would find out what you and Irene did, did you? You thought you were safe, didn't you, you little bastard? I could care less who you fuck on your own time, but you are in my house, and I will not tolerate such audacious manners under my roof!" Another fist caught Tala in the face, hurling him back into the wall more. Another fist, one that he didn't see, came across his temple, while another one found its way to implant itself into his chest.
Every time Tala thought he would pass out, he found a new area on his body throbbing from a punch or kick inflicted on his being. He even lost account of how he was now curled up into a ball on the wooden floor. There was a second or two within the beating he distinctly heard a door opening and footsteps. Maybe he was just hallucinating as another boot came in contact with his chest.
"Uncle Boris!" Kai's voice came unexpectedly as Tala tensed up for another kick. Raising his eyes which stung with blood, he found his cousin in the doorway, his face sheet white, staring down at Tala. That was about all Tala got to see before passing out into much welcomed darkness.
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Rimnerel (cackling): Oh yes. I may be late posting, but it really is worth it with to get in all this before the next chapter.
Rei: Congratulations, not only is this the longest chapter ever, but you have Tala nearly killed.
Rimnerel: Thank you so much.
Kain: I think he was being sarcastic.
Rimnerel: I know, but hey, can I help that it was a kick ass chapter....literally. (chuckles) Okay, let's see. Next chapter...well...I'm heading to the beach soon, so I will update Sunday when I get back. I hope everyone enjoyed, I have so much more planned for this after all. Later gang.
Kai: Okay, now can we get to the reviews?
Rimnerel: As long as you're doing them.
Max: I want to do them!
Rimnerel: Do them then. I don't care which saru atama does it, as long as it's done.
Max: Rim would like to thank FREAK014, Angevar, russle, blazing-wolf-08, Unknown, B. Tiamat Atardecer, and Kaikeyi for their reviews. And Rim would like to thank russle for the typo. She meant to but the c before the v but it just got switched around because she was too happy finishing the chapter.
Rimnerel: Okay, now that I have that settled, let's see what I can do for this chapter.
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"Hey Kenny." The young man turned his head to see Tyson's blonde haired friend Max walking up towards him. Kenny, Tyson, Johnny, Max, and Zeo were at the local comic book store. Which of course was Tyson's idea to drag everyone into town, having got his allowance for the week. When Kenny had asked his cousin whether or not he knew about managing money, Johnny made quite a few cracks about Tyson managing his money into either into his stomach. Causing yet another bickering match between him and the blue haired young man, until Max and Zeo had to break them apart.
Kenny had stood back with a smile, watching the little spat, but his mind had been elsewhere. One of those things happened to be Jordan. The next, his realization towards how he felt about Tala, and how he was exactly going to tell the older man without seeming like some starry-eyed kid with an infatuation. Why weren't things like this easier to deal with? He wasn't an optimist when he came to love...he should say he wasn't going to be an optimist when it came to love. There was not going to be any way he was going to think of idealistic thoughts about him and Tala being together for every, or living here to be close to the male.
If anything, this was only going to be a summer thing. Then when he goes back home, everything would be left there. What good was he thinking about returning next summer? By then, Tala would have forgotten all about Kenny and what went on between them, if anything did occur. It would be the same on Kenny's end. There was no use making long term plans for them. They would go there seperate ways, if they were to meet up again, it would be a brief remembrance of what happened, and then they would move on in their lives. Kenny wasn't one that believed in the whole love conquering all thing, nor of some fairy tale romance lasting an eternity.
Kenny's thoughts were cut short as Max finally reached him. Tyson was over on the other side of the store with Johnny and Zeo. Kenny preferred to remain near the front of the store, checking out the section where works of fiction were kept. The blonde looked over the section of books that Kenny himself was glancing over. A short, yet energetic smile came to Max's face.
"You must really like dramas, huh?" Max inquired, picking up a book, looking at the cover. "The Odyssey?"
"One of the greatest works of Europe," Kenny remarked, remember reading the book when he was younger.
"What's it about?" Max asked.
"Well, there was this great war hero who had just finished winning a war. He and his crew were sailing back to home, but he made the Gods angry and it follows the long journey it takes for him to get back home."
"Wow, it must be a really great story. You've read it before?"
"Actually I have," Kenny stated.
"So, how long did it take him to get home?" Max put the book down, looking at Kenny.
"Almost twenty years. Not counting his time fighting the war."
"Wow," Max awed. "He had a wife?"
"Yes, Penelope who bore him a son before he went to war," Kenny said.
"Almost twenty years since he saw his wife and then his son was almost grown when he finally returned home. That is really messed up. Bet his wife was mad. Either that she thought he was dead and remarried or something like that, huh?"
"No, she never remarried. She waited for him to return home, fending off suitors that wanted her and his Kingdom. She never gave up, no matter how many years passed with no word from him. She had faith until the very end when he came back to her and their son," Kenny said. For a minute silence took the place of the conversation that was there. Finally, when he looked over, he found Max grinning.
"You and Tyson are really different, aren't you? While he's into comics, you read all these epic stories and stuff. If Tyson didn't say a word, you would never know that him and you are related. It's funny how different you two are," Max smiled.
"Thank you, I think I would worry if I was completely like him," Kenny joked.
"Maybe so," Max grinned. The smile stayed there until it suddenly dropped. Max turned his eyes to another book, studying it carefully. "Hey...Kenny, can I talk to you about something?" Max lifted his eyes up, studying Kenny before his glance fell back on the book.
"Um, sure. But I would have thought that you would discuss it with Tyson or the others before me," Kenny said, wondering exactly what the blonde haired male wanted to talk to him about.
"Well...if I talk to them, I know how they would get. Sometimes, they get a little too judgemental and stuff for my taste. You seem like you'd keep this to yourself rather than blurt it out. Tyson seems to pick that trait up too many times. You don't mind listening to me, do you?" Max wondered.
"If I can help, then I sure," Kenny nodded.
"Cool, let's go outside, Tyson will be busy for a while anyway." Kenny followed the blonde outside, sitting on a beach near the store. Not that many people were out on the streets, being that the weather was still well into the high nineties. Later that day, all four of them were going to head out to a pond that the group used as their own private pool. It was somewhere near Zeo's house, wherever that was.
Kenny looked over at Max who was twisting a piece of his shirt in his hand. "So, what is it that you want to speak to me about?"
"Well...I want a honest opinion. Do you think that..." A blush came to Max's cheeks as he looked at Kenny hesitantly. "Do you think that it's strange that...well...I was wondering if you would think that it's strange to like another guy?" Flushing ever so darkly, Max looked down at his feet, twisting the end of his shirt even more. Silence fell into the space of words as Kenny thought about it.
"Strange...?" At one time he may have thought about it being strange, but currently Kenny had no right to say anything negative towards it because of his own situation. How could he be judgemental of the blonde's obvious feelings for the green haired male in the store, when in fact Kenny was no different, because of his feelings for Tala. "You like Zeo, don't you?"
The remark brought out a deeper blush from the blonde as he nodded. "Promise you won't tell Ty."
"He has no right to know unless you and Zeo want to tell him," Kenny voiced.
"You...don't find it strange?" Max asked.
"I have no right to be judgemental of others. My friend once told me that it doesn't matter who you love, as long as they love you in return. If you feel strongly enough for that person, who am I to be a hypocritic and tell you what you can't do. That's why the world is so fucked up in the first place. If we could all stop criticizing each other, we would get somewhere in this world. I think it's better to follow your own way rather than let someone guide you on a path they want, don't you agree? If someone told you to give up Zeo now because they wanted you to, would you just because they said so?" Kenny voiced.
"I...I don't want to give him up just because of someone telling me. I would want to know why, if it was because he may hurt me or treat me wrong. Zeo...he's a really wonderful person. When I'm with him, I feel like everything is right. I couldn't think of him doing anything to cause me pain," Max confessed. "When he smiles at me, it's like the day brightens up for me and nothing could go wrong."
"Then forget what everyone says," Kenny shrugged. "If my cousin or anyone else tells you wrong, remember whose life it is."
"Thanks Kenny," Max smiled.
"No, I think those were more of my best friend's words than mine that you heard him telling me so many times," Kenny admitted. "Any way, I think if I told you to give him up, I would be telling myself to forget about my own feelings."
"There's someone you like other than Jordan, don't you?" Max asked. When Kenny looked at the male, he didn't see any anger over the obvious point that Kenny didn't like Jordan. "She came to me yesterday saying that you were in love with someone else and she didn't know who."
"I'm sorry," Kenny said geniunely. "I'm sure she's really a wonderful person, but..."
"Don't worry about it. She will get over it. Sometimes Jordan is too passionate about things and when something happens, she takes it harder than most normal people. So, what's your person like?" Max inquired. "A guy or girl?"
"A guy," Kenny said.
"Your best friend?"
"Rei...no. It's just someone that I've recently met. He's...well...he's a mystery to me, but he just pulls me closer towards him no matter how few times we've met up. I want to get to know him better, but I haven't figured out a way quite yet." A tiny smile came to Kenny's mouth thinking about his ever so strange love.
"Do I know this person?" Max inquired with interest. "Maybe I can help you out if you haven't told them yet."
"Well...no, I think I'll eventually get around to tell them. But thanks anyway for the offer." How was he supposed to tell this young man that the person he liked was...well...Tala? He had no idea what Max's opinion on that would be.
"So, who is it?"
"You really want to know?" Kenny asked. Max shook his head rapidly, his eyes shining with excitement. Well...either it would kill him with shock or have him staring at Kenny like he grew a second head. Either way, Max would be the first person that discovered his secret. "You got to promise that you won't tell Tyson this until I get around to finding a way he won't freak out on me."
"How bad can it be? I mean, it's not like it's his worst enemy or anything like that," Max joked, before seeing the look on Kenny's face and gasping with realization. "No way! You aren't really serious that...that you like..."
"Tala, yes," Kenny replied. Max's mouth dropped to the ground as he stared at Kenny with goldfish eyes.
"Oh my god! Tyson would have a heart attack if you told him that. I mean, he and Tala have been at each other's throats for years now. And then to learn that his cousin liked his...Kenny, how in the world did you manage to fall for someone like that." Getting over his shock, the blonde gave the brunette a serious look of concern. "If it was anyone else that I knew, I wouldn't be saying this, but you got to be careful. Tala's...there are a lot of things about Tala that you don't know."
"That's why I want to know more about him. I know about all the things you guys say about him. But do any of you really know if they are true or not? Maybe they're just rumors and..." Kenny started, but Max cut him off.
"Kenny, I know you haven't been here like that, and they may seem like rumors to you. Heck, they may be, but Tala still has some dirty little secrets. He's not just some misunderstood case, he really is dangerous to be around. Him and Kai both. They both love to screw around with people's heads and lives, not caring one bit if they hurt that person in the long run. They do things for kicks. I don't want you getting hurt by them, you're like my friend. I'm not trying to run your life, I can't, but I just want you to make sure you don't get in too deep, okay," Max replied.
"They probably do, but I'm not going to get myself in trouble. I just want to know what makes him tick. It fascinates me to think that someone so different from me, might be the same."
"Maybe. Tell me, since you've obviously been around Tala, has Kai tried to make a move on you?" Max wondered. "It's like he has this thing for Ty or something." That brought a memory back of Kai telling Kenny about wanting to get lost in the woods with both him and Tyson. The corner of his mouth quirked.
"If I hear him tell me what an great ass I have one more time, I may have to kick him down a hill," Kenny laughed. "Yes, he definitely has something for my cousin. A scary obsession might I add in."
"Sometimes I wonder," Max said.
"What?" Kenny questioned. He turned his eyes back to the blonde, who looked reflective on some subject. "Max?"
"I wonder, if Tyson, at least subconsciously, might want to respond to Kai. I remember a time about a year ago where I was supposed to be waiting for Tyson. He was running late, so I went back into the school to see what happened to him. I found Kai pinning Tyson against a locker, whispering something to him. Tyson was trying to ignore him, but there was this flickering in Tyson's eyes...thinking about it now, it could have been want. There's always been some sort of magnet pull with them, I don't know it is, but it seems to always have been there."
"Really? But why would he just want Tyson when he's probably had tons of girls who could..."
"Ah, he told you he was bi, huh? Yes, he proclaimed that to Tyson one day. Saying that until the day he could have Tyson, he would sleep with girls. Tyson told him to go die off into a corner because he would never have him, or come close to it," Max chuckled. "We were thirdteen at the time. I think that was around the time that Tyson was trying to get Johnny to ask Emily out. Which was close to the time also when Tyson told me he was starting to like Mariah."
"Hey, what happened to you to? Why are you out here?" Tyson came walking out of the store with a bag of comics in hand. "You guys trying to ditch the rest of us?"
"No, we were just talking, nothing more," Max said. Turning to Kenny, he gave the male a grateful look, followed by one of concern. "Thanks for listening to me Kenny. And remember what I said, okay?"
"I will," Kenny nodded.
"What were you guys talking about anyway?" Zeo said, as Max gave him a slightly loving look that went unnoticed by no one, yet Zeo still blushed slightly. Had Max been talking with Kenny about their relationship. He wondered what Kenny thought about them. It didn't seem like he was against the idea, or the air wouldn't be as light as it was.
"Tyson, myself, Kenny, random things. You know, things to pass the time," Max shrugged with a light smile. "That and choosing your own paths in life to follow."
"Okay, that's a little bit too deep for my taste," Tyson remarked.
"At least someone in your family has a thought process besides Emily. Between you and Ian, I don't know who I want to kill first," Johnny stated. Tyson looked at him, kicking the much taller male in the shin. Johnny yelped as he glared down at the blue haired male beside him. "I'm going to drown you when we get to the pond."
"Yeah, just try it McGregor, I would love to see it," Tyson mocked.
"Hey you two, stop fighting. You're like a married couple always arguing like you don't have anything better to do with your time," Zeo said.
"That I agree with Zeo on," Kenny said.
"Let's go get some ice cream," Max said.
"That sounds like a plan, Max. I think ice cream would be nice right about now," Johnny said after continuing to glare at Tyson for a minute. "What do you say Tyson? Ice cream?"
"Sure, why not," Tyson said.
"Then it's settled. Come on," Max said. The boys followed their blonde haired friend down the street to where the ice cream shop was. Along the way, Tyson and Johnny got into another pointless session of bickering. While this was taking place, Zeo took the opportunity to walk with Max and Kenny. Looking from one to the other, he gave them a funny stare.
"Okay, spill. What were you two talking about?" Zeo whispered.
"Nothing much, but you cutie," Max winked. Zeo flushed, looking over at Kenny to see his reaction, but only found a small smile rise to each corner of his mouth. "I asked him his opinion since I'm not ready to tell tweedle dumb and dumber back there." Max indicated to Johnny who had Tyson in a headlock and Tyson yelling for Johnny to let him go if he wanted children in the future.
"You don't have to worry about me saying a word," Kenny added in. "Or being a hypocrite about you two being gay, because I'm no better myself." Zeo nodded, understanding what the brunette was thinking. Now if there was a way to tell Tyson and Johnny without the constant teasing. By the time the five reached the ice cream shop, Johnny and Tyson finally settled down, much to three individuals' relief. Before the group got to go into the distinct roar of a dirt bike raced up the street towards them. Kenny heard Tyson growl as both turned to look at the same time.
As expected, being that Tala and Kai were the only ones in town anyway that owned dirt bikes, both were coming up the street towards the group. One of the bikes slowed to a stop near the side walk. The other bike slowed to a stop next to the other bike. Both figures took off their helmets. A pair of auburn eyes flickered over to Tyson, a gleam flashing within them momentarily. The azure eyes paid no attention to the either his cousin or Tyson's glaring.
"What do you idiots want?" Tyson retorted.
"You're never happy to see us, are you Tyson?" Kai said in an amused tone. "You know that I only appear when I feel like you need to see me the most."
"Drop dead bastard," Tyson scoffed. "Now what do you want?"
Tala didn't answer Tyson's question. Instead, his eyes shifted to Kenny, finding the male staring back at him without any hesitation in his eyes. His hair wasn't wearing the ponytail like usually, but his bangs were brushed from out of his eyes. Those blue eyes studied Tala's azure pair for a long minute before breaking the stare. So even after that incident, he was still bold enough to look him in the eyes. A feeling slight feeling of mirth overcame him, then quickly fled. Finally, Tala's stare came to rest on the main reason he and Kai had stopped.
"Tate, where's your mother?" Tala inquired in a neutral tone.
"My mom? Knowing her, she probably went across town to the other hospital for a while to see how things are there," Max said, not really afraid of the boys, yet didn't want to step into their paths. He still could not believe this was the man that Kenny liked. It just didn't seem...well...real. They were two extremely different people with different upbrings and backgrounds. Maybe this love...maybe it wasn't for him to understand.
"What do you want with Max's mom anyway?" Tyson said angrily.
"She's a docter dumbass, why would anyone go looking for a doctor?" Tala said snidely, before putting his helmet back on and cranking up the engine on his bike. Speeding off, he left Kai there, who continued to stare at Tyson.
"What the hell are you still looking at me for?" Tyson snapped.
"Don't take your anger out on me because of Tala," Kai smirked. "I was just going to ask you if you wanted to ride with me?"
"Why the fuck do you think I would go anywhere with someone like you," Tyson shot at the older male. Kai didn't look dejected by the retort. In fact, for a brief minute, he turned his attention away from Tyson to meet Kenny's eyes. Again, there was that strange, uncomfortable stare the male got. "What the hell are you looking at?"
"The brunette. Hello, how are you?" Kai winked. An angry flush rose to Tyson's cheeks as he shot Kai a hateful look.
"Stop trying to talk to my cousin, you bastard!"
"Your cousin, so..." A wicked smirk reached Kai's eyes, which were laughing with complete mischief. "Tyson's cousin, you want to come riding with me?" Kenny turned his head away to keep from laughing. "What...do I make you nervous? There's no reason for it, don't tell me you're the shy type? Don't pay your cousin no mind, he's just jealous that I might not find him sexy anymore. If you want to, you can come. I would love to--" Kai blocked the fist that was aimed at his face, lowering Tyson's hand. A short playful pout jutted out Kai's bottom lip for a second as he fixed his eyes back on Tyson. "You have nothing to be jealous about, Tyson. I was just joking with your cousin. You know you're my only lover."
"Drop dead," Tyson said through clenched teeth. "Stop talking to me and my cousin and lose yourself as you're going to find that other fucker."
"Fine, since it seems that I will only make you more jealous by flirting, I'll go find Tala." Stroking the back of Tyson's hand with his thumb, before the blue haired male snatched his hand away, Kai gave Kenny another wink before putting on his helmet, cranking up his bike, and speeding off too.
"Stupid ass, fucking bastards," Tyson muttered. "Kenny, sorry you had to see that."
"That's okay, Tyson. No harm was done," Kenny said, putting on a straight face. Even if Kai was a bit too offensive with his tatics, it was still humorous. Tyson said something other things that Kenny sort of tuned out. He wondered exactly why Kai and Tala were looking for Max's mom. If she was a doctor, did that mean that one of them were hurt, or maybe one of their parents? He really hoped that everything was all right with them.
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Tala kicked shut the door to the house, in a very pissed off mood. A minute later, Kai opened the door and walked in, then closed the door behind him. He smirked amusingly at his cousin who had just been told off by the receptionist at the hospital Doctor Judy Tate was seeing other patients at. Tala expected to charm the lady into telling him exactly which room Dr. Tate was in, but the lady had not yeilded that information to him. Saying that if he needed to see her, make an appropriate appointment then come back later. No amount of coaxing moved the woman into telling them where the doctor was, and Tala left very, very pissed off.
"You know, if you don't cool down, you're going to pop a few blood vessels. Then you really will see Doctor Tate," Kai snickered.
"Shut your goddamn mother fucking mouth," Tala growled. "That fucking cunt made me look stupid in that fucking hospital. And she had the nerve to look at us like we're trash! I bet if I had slapped at smug look off her fucking face..."
"And got yourself arrested for assault. You know that they're trying to find a reason for locking us up, that would have given them every incentive to do so," Kai pointed out.
"But it would have been worth it."
"Well, whatever. Just chill out, we can go out tomorrow and find Doctor Tate. I'm sure she'll be back at her own office tomorrow," Kai said. "Why did you need to find her anyway?"
"I was going to ask her if she could up the dosage on Aunt Irene's medicine," Tala responded. "She's been more agitated than usual. I don't know why." The young man suspected it was because Hannah told her that his uncle, which of course was her husband, would be home soon. She never wanted to marry him, everyone knew that, especially when they weren't able to produce any children of their own. Yet he would not let her leave, saying it was beneficial for their families. For him maybe it was, because the business that he ran now was once her father's, until the old man's death more than ten years ago.
"I see. Well, I can go back out and stick around her office until she comes back. You just chill, all right," Kai stated, heading back out the door.
"Or is it that you want to mess with Tyson some more?" Tala countered his cousin's "helpfulness."
"Hey, if I find him while I'm hanging around, no big deal mixing a little pleasure with business. Life becomes quite drab otherwise. Later." Kai headed out the door, not waiting for his cousin to respond. Tala shook his head, not understanding why his dual haired cousin would continue to mess around with the blue haired young man for as long as he did. It was uncharacteristically not a "Kai" behavior. Not once had he made the male consenting to do what he wanted, then ditch him later. It was as if...well...as if Kai enjoyed this game, and the real conquest would be when Tyson submitted willingly.
"Hell, I don't understand him at all sometimes," Tala said, making his way up to his room.
"Master Tala!" Clover's voice stopped him on the way up. Tilting his head to the side, he watched her make her way to his side.
"What is it, Clover?" He definitely wasn't in the mood to deal with her, let alone anyone else.
"Um...I was told..." Clover looked down at her hands, nervously.
"What?" His voice held a note of cold command, causing the girl to flush.
"I was told that when you got back, that your uncle wanted to see you immediately sir," she all but blurted out in one breath.
"My...he's here already?" Tala felt his anger seep away, replaced by an all too familiar emotion when it came to that man. He could taste the dull crawl of fear making its way up his throat, coating the back of his mouth with its bitter taste.
"He arrived early this afternoon while you were out sir," she whispered.
"Is he in his study?" The young man's voice was slowly giving out by the moment. He had expected to be gone when his uncle came back. Nor had he expected him back so soon upon announcement. His eyes flickered to Clover, who gave him a shallow nod. Saying nothing, the young man descended the few steps he had started to climb, heading towards his uncle's study which was tucked away from the dining room, kitchen and pallor. His heart pounded at his ribcage each step he took, the taste of fear growing stronger.
He remembered the first time his uncle had called him and Kai to his study. It was because of the two little boys breaking a very valuable vase playing catch inside the house. Neither boy was prepared for what happened, thinking they would get scolded for the carelessness. Yet, when they had entered the room, the man was waiting for them, fury darkening his features. Instead of the scolding they expected, they were met with lashes from a leather belt buckle and a good slap across the face for their wrongs. That lesson taught them a few things that day: fear, what real pain was, hatred, and understanding to stay out of their uncle's way. No matter how hard they tried, it seemed inevitable at times to stop crossing the man's path.
Reaching the study, Tala saw the light on within the room. Raising a shaking hand, Tala knocked once, waiting for acknowledgement.
"Come in," came a deep male's voice from inside. Tala hesitated for a second, knowing this wasn't going to be good. Pulling the door open, the young man walked in, finding his uncle's gaze on him immediately.
"You wanted to see me sir." This was maddening, the feeling that numbed his body, creeping into his bones, weakening his neutral mask of calm. He was the only person on this Earth that could smack him down from his nefarious pedestal. Tala hated it, wanted to do something about it, but years of being dropped from his fridgid grandeur crippled his imperfect rebellion of authority figures.
His uncle's cold gray eyes examined Tala. "Where's Kai? I heard he was staying this summer."
"Stepped back out sir," Tala said, lowering his eyes.
"For?" the man inquired.
"I was asking him to find Doctor Tate. Aunt Irene's been really agitat--"
"Decided to up the dosage, boy," his uncle interrupted coldly.
"I was just--just going to ask her opinion," Tala stated. Maybe that was pratically a lie, but there was no way in hell he would tell his uncle the truth. The young man may be reckless at times, but there was a limit to which he would not tread.
"And if I were to believe that, you would continue to take me for a fool. I know you boy. You're just like your father, worthless and do things for your own benefit."
The biting tone in his uncle's voice made the young man flinch. Even if he had known his father, Tala would not object. Maybe he was like the man who had left him in this situation, right now, he didn't give a damn. He wasn't here to stop any of this from going on. What did he care about the honor of some dead man who Tala had inherited his genes from.
"Uncle, I--" That was as far as Tala got when the man slammed his hand down on the chestnut table, standing up from his leather chair. His eyes now a dark gray, almost as if they were black. He stalked over from the chair, looking down at Tala with disgust. The man was much taller than Tala himself, standing well at six foot four compared to Tala's five foot eight.
"Don't try to explain yourself to me, boy," the man cut him off. "I know about your genes. They are exactly like that damn father of yours. Every time I look at you, I can see your father. There's not a single thing about you that's like Alexial. I don't know why she would marry that imbecile Ivanor anyway. All he was after was the money she would have inherited."
"I--" Tala didn't get out the rest as a hard slap came across his cheek, rattling his teeth and causing him to stagger back from the blow. Getting his footing before he toppled over, the young man looked wide eyed at his uncle, aware of the trickling from his nostrils.
"I didn't ask you to respond!" the male snarled, walking up to Tala, fury in his eyes backing Tala against a wall. Cornering the red head with no where to go. "You don't think I know, but I do. I've been kept informed while away. You realize that boy? I know all about you. Every little detail of your actions." The look within his eyes turned from fury to disgust. Tala saw the hand raised again, balling into a fist, but he was too paralyzed to move.
The blow was swift, knocking all the wind from the young man, also dropping him to his knees. Clenching his mid section, the red head felt tears involuntarily well up in the corners of his eyes. He wasn't going to cry, he wasn't going to break down. That's what his uncle wanted. He wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction of it.
"Get up boy," the older male commanded. When the boy gave no indication of following that order, the man growled, kicking him swiftly in the side. "I said get up!" Tala choked back the whimper rising in the back of his throat. Lifting his face, he saw another boot come down, this time catching him in the stomach, despite the limited protection his arms gave him. "If I have to tell you one more time."
Tala made the move to stand when the boot caught him in the face, splintering pain throughout his entire face. His eyes went out of focus for a minute, gasping at just how bad he wanted to throw up right then and there. Just when he thought things would stop spinning he was hauled to his feet, shoved roughly against the wall, his head snapping against the cold, hard material. His eyes again went out of focus.
"You didn't think I would find out what you and Irene did, did you? You thought you were safe, didn't you, you little bastard? I could care less who you fuck on your own time, but you are in my house, and I will not tolerate such audacious manners under my roof!" Another fist caught Tala in the face, hurling him back into the wall more. Another fist, one that he didn't see, came across his temple, while another one found its way to implant itself into his chest.
Every time Tala thought he would pass out, he found a new area on his body throbbing from a punch or kick inflicted on his being. He even lost account of how he was now curled up into a ball on the wooden floor. There was a second or two within the beating he distinctly heard a door opening and footsteps. Maybe he was just hallucinating as another boot came in contact with his chest.
"Uncle Boris!" Kai's voice came unexpectedly as Tala tensed up for another kick. Raising his eyes which stung with blood, he found his cousin in the doorway, his face sheet white, staring down at Tala. That was about all Tala got to see before passing out into much welcomed darkness.
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Rimnerel (cackling): Oh yes. I may be late posting, but it really is worth it with to get in all this before the next chapter.
Rei: Congratulations, not only is this the longest chapter ever, but you have Tala nearly killed.
Rimnerel: Thank you so much.
Kain: I think he was being sarcastic.
Rimnerel: I know, but hey, can I help that it was a kick ass chapter....literally. (chuckles) Okay, let's see. Next chapter...well...I'm heading to the beach soon, so I will update Sunday when I get back. I hope everyone enjoyed, I have so much more planned for this after all. Later gang.