ACChan: Okay, finally a new update. It was only about eight months or so. Sorry about that. For some reason this was just a hard chapter to write.
Flashback
It is said that in the darkness of night, shrouded by fog, a lone creature dares to venture out. With features of a wolf, but strength that could be compared to an elephant, the creature hunts out new prey. For years men of high stature have tried to capture the untamable beast. But one after another, each failed and perished at the mercy of the wolf. A lone howl in the night is all that separates this reality from fantasy.
"How sad." A now depressed ten-year-old redhead whispered.
"Yeah. The news said that thing has killed over fifty people. And we're not talking about your normal average Joe person here. These guys were buff." Replied a slightly taller ten-year-old bluenette. With some help from his muscles, he demonstrated to his friend how strong the men truly were.
"You know if you were as smart as you were strong, you might actually know what I'm talking about." Tala jokingly mocked his friend's poses.
"Yeah well, Hercules made it through life just fine using his muscles."
"Kai, Hercules went insane, killed his family, spent the rest of his living in his own little guilt ridden world, till he finally committed suicide." Tala sight heavily. Tala enjoyed reading and had become fascinated by all they had to offer his curious mind. Even though Mythology was completely fiction and he despised the topic, he would read anything he could get his hands on.
"Oh." Were all the words that could escape Kai's mouth. After hearing a mini autobiography of Hercules's life from Tala, there wasn't much left to say. There's just no point in arguing with the guy when you both know he's right. He's read more books than a lawyer. Too bad all of them are completely useless and have no point to them.
After a few minutes of ear splitting silence, Kai brought up their previous discussion. "So what were you talking about when you said how sad?"
"The wolf, of course." Tala slightly rolled his eyes at his friend, making sure that he saw him.
"Oh please. You make it sound like it was obvious." Kai said crossing his arms, a new habit he had begun to develop lately. "Plus why would you care about such a beast anyway? It's not like it can feel anything."
"You don't know that." Tala said defensively. His quick reaction to Kai's last statement startled both boys and shocked Kai out of his stance.
"Oh and I suppose those fifty dead bodies prove me wrong?!" The anger in Kai's voice couldn't be mistaken in his last statement. But despite that you couldn't tell he was angry. The Abby had cleaned all traces of his emotions away that is to any average person. But I know you better than that Kai. You can't try to fool me into believing your acts. I know how you truly feel and it's okay to open up. You don't have to be the 'Great Kai' all the time.
"Listen. Let's just forget about the subject, okay? Let's face it, the whole story is probably just a rumor started up by the media to get people's attention and sucker them into believing in superstitions." Kai temporary moment of anger ceased to exist as he returned to the calm, cool, and collected person Tala had now for the past year.
"Um?yeah. Right, of course. I mean it's not like there is even a wolf near Moscow."
"Yeah and guess you feel right into their little greedy hands, huh? Just like always." Kai playfully gave a pushed at the red head's shoulder, just to show that he was joking. But before he could react, Kai bolted out the door, running toward their cell. That idiot. He knows running in the corridors isn't permitted. He's just asking for trouble.
Tala gave one last glance at the newspaper article. Stealing from the Abby's library, if that's what you would call three shelves of books, was forbidden. But then again I'd only be borrowing it. I'll give it back sooner or later and it's not like they're going to miss this newspaper.
As inconspicuous as he could possibly be, Tala picked the newspaper up and slid it down into his boot. Oh man. What if that camera saw me? Whoa, when did that guard come back in here? And will he stop looking at me as if I'm some criminal. Maybe I could just return it now and they wouldn't punish me too badly. Ugh just calm down, Tala. Deep breathes. What am I talking about, that stuff never works! I really need to stop sweating otherwise all that ink will run and all I'm going through now won't be worth jack.
Tala slipped out the door and although he had disapproved of it beforehand, he began sprinting down the all after Kai. Great now when they catch me running they can nail me for stealing. What a great influence you are on me, Kai.
End Flashback
"Tala? Tala are you in there?" A small voice whispered through the nearly impenetrable door. The short boy ventured to barely tap the door in hopes of getting a response.
What?who is that? It can't be?there is no way he could be here! It'd be impossible!
"Tala if you're in there, please answer me!" The voice filled with urgency and fear once again whispered into the windowless door.
"Ian? Ian is it you? How'd you get here?" Tala's mind began racing with questions along with growing fears.
"Oh, that was the easy part. All it took was some skilled beyblader to tail the bad guy, wait till he left and then search the rooms, if that's what you'd even call'em. But that was the hard part." Even through the steel door Tala could see the proud grin on Ian's face to have found their friend.
"So now what?" Ian's voice searched for guidance from his trusting captain.
For what seemed like hours no response came. Tala sat quietly up against the door pondering a solution. There is no possible way that I could get out of here. But maybe?yea that should work.
"Ian, I want you to listen closely and do exactly as I say, no questions asked. I want you to go back to Brian and Spencer and you three get out."
"What? You mean get them then come back for you, right?" To Ian's distress, no answer came. "Tala! You do mean come back for you, right!? Answer me!"
"No. You three have to go without me. Spencer knows the way just as well as I do. You guys will have no problem escaping." Tala's voice spoke full of confidence, which his fellow friend didn't seem to share.
"Tala, I'm not leaving without you! We're not leaving without you! After everything we've been through you except us to just to up and leave without you!?"
"That was an order, Ian."
"Rgh." Kicking the door out of sheer frustration, Ian snuck away at the orders. Brian and Spencer are not going to like this at all. But what Tala decides is what we follow. Whether we want to or not.
It's for the best, really. They never would have made it out with me. I would have only slowed them down. And it's not like they need my help anymore. Between the three of them, I know they'll make it.
Tala subconsciously reached into his pocket and pulled out his loyal friend, Wolborg. Tala stared at it mindlessly for a few seconds before attaching it to his launcher. With a swift pull he sent it spinning into the darkness. This somehow always set your mind at ease. You said that the consistent spinning always put you at peace with yourself. I hope it does the same for me. From the way things are going I'm going to be here for a while.
As if sensing his master's pain and distress, Wolborg appeared in an instant beside his master. The once ferrous, killing wolf turned into a lapdog. Any outsider would never believe that the now sleeping wolf had once frozen a Beystadium. But I know you better than that. Sure you put up a tough front but that's only to protect us. Tala's gentle rubbing behind the wolf's ear stopped. Wolborg gave a sympathetic look to comfort him.
"They'll be leaving for good soon. Getting out of here and starting over, yeah, that'll be good for them?" Tala's mind began to think of all the things they'd do. Spencer would be outside playing American football. Although he'd never admit to it, Spencer loved to play the game as much as he loved to beyblade. And he just as good at it as he is at blading. Ian would be tinkering with some little gadgets or machine. Tala laughed as he remembered the time Ian had taken apart his beyblade, but forgot how to put it back together. And Brian, well, he'd be doing nothing. I can just see all three of them, outside of here. Doing something that they love, with no one to hurt them. Wolborg's nose gently nuzzled his once bloody hand.
"And then it'll be the two of us. You know, before we meet them. Just like the old days."
Flashback
"So remind me again why we're going out into the MIDDLE of NOWHERE to practice?" Tala irritably questioned Kai's logic for the tenth time since they had left the Abbey. Somehow Kai had gotten the idea that they should go and practice outside in the woods.
"I figured we could use a change of pace. You know, get out see the woods."
"There is nothing, but miles upon miles of trees Kai! Sure it might be different if there was actually something else, but there isn't. It's just trees and more trees." Tala let out a long sigh.
"Well, I hope you feel better after all that." Kai answered sarcastically.
"I do. And personally I find it hard to believe you're dragging us out here just to practice. So what else do you have planned?" I know you better than this Kai. You never do anything just for the hell of it. With you there is always an alternative motive.
"If you really have to know, that stupid article you read in the paper won't stop bugging me."
"What do you mean?" Tala asked, at his friend's reference to the newspaper that now rested in his cell. There's no way he knows what I did.
"It's just, well?what if it is true? We could be the ones to capture it. Think of how much a thing like that could be worth! Plus it's not like we have anything better to do." Kai shrugged as if his last few sentences meant nothing to him either way.
The two walked in silence only disturbed by the crunching of the snow.
"I knew you believed it." Tala grinned.
"Whatever. I just figured it'd be better than practicing."
"You believe it, but you're just too full of yourself to admit it."
"No, I'm just saying that since you were absorbed about that article, we could investigate." Kai said nonchalantly.
Fine Kai. You just go one believing that.
They'd been shuffling through the icy snow now for over three hours. There wasn't much security to the Abbey. After all, in the middle of a frozen wasteland, who would leave the only place within a thousand miles of society? Only the older bladers were required to have security. Being the official representatives of the Abbey put pressure on them, which usually led to a few disappearances. So it was an easy opinion just to leave. Of course no one ever had succeeded. But Kai and Tala had to admit that being the amateurs of the Abbey was much better than becoming the top dogs. Although the wonderment of what it felt like to being charge was never far from their minds.
"So are we there yet?" Tala asked wearily.
"No, so will you stop asking."
"I wouldn't have to if you'd tell me where we were going!" Tala's anger began to rise, at the annoyed tone in Kai's voice.
"You know what? I'm getting feed up with your complaining!" Kai shouted, turning around to face his friend, fists clenched at his side.
"Yea? And I'm getting tired of you bossing me around!" Tala unexpectedly yelled back.
"What are you going to do about it? Not all of us can be runts and follow people around like dogs!"
Blinded by rage Tala lashed out at his once friend. Kai toppled to the cold snow, surprisingly taken off guard. Both boys struggled against each other's pulls and punches. But it was all too late, before either of them realized what they were inches away from. Before either of them could react, Kai and Tala tumbled, slid, rolled, and flipped down a snow-covered hillside.
Kai reached a stop, thanks to a tree, and gradually stood up. Disoriented from the spill down the steep hill, Kai's knees and mind caved in and he once more fell to the earth.
Tala opened his eyes slowly, as if seeing the world for the first time. Ugh, I feel worse than when I caught the flu last year and threw up for days. So where am I? And where the hell is Kai?! Tala scanned the area for his friend, or foe, but was unable to see any sign of him.
"Kai? Kai! If you're playing some joke on me, it isn't funny!" Tala screamed at the top of his lungs, but only to hide the nervousness inside his gut. It wasn't like the story scared him or anything; it just wasn't helping his situation.
Aimlessly Tala began to walk in what he thought was a North direction. Hopefully the way back to the Abbey is just up here. If I keep walking in the same direction, I'm liable to find it. And if not, there has got to be some place close by. But the further Tala walked, the thicker the trees became, the darker the sky got, and the more terrified Tala became. Because, as everyone knows, only the dangerous creatures venture out at night.
Tala continued his wandering, at a sprint. Icy blue orbs scanned every area of the woods, in search of a warm spot to sleep and for looming beasts. Even at arctic conditions, perspiration began forming around Tala's brow and an excess of breathes led to a stumble, which turned into a fall, which ended with him face down in the snow. Of all the luck. Every tree is the mirror image of another. For all I know, I'm going in a giant circle! Dusk is coming within minutes and I can't find any place to stay.
With what little hope he did have left, Tala crawled across the wet snow. Things can't get any worse then they are now. Tala remained so concentrated on that thought, that it was all too late for him to notice the hole inches away from him.
No sound escaped Tala's throat as he tumbled down into the hole. A little sore, Tala rounded around to study his surroundings. Dirt walls were bordered with a tangled mess of grass, twigs, and leaves. Chunked up pale rocks, if that was what they truly were, surrounded the giant bed.
Exhausted and unwilling to question his temporary shelter, Tala curled into a ball and fell into a deep slumber. No noise could possibly stir him. So deep and peaceful was his sleep, that he would have appeared dead to any person.
Yet a boisterous thud woke Tala from his dreamy snooze near midnight. I can't see a thing. It must still night. Tala's once droopy eyes were now adjusting to the darkness of the den. But long before he could clearly view the enormous beast, Tala sensed that something was near. The air hung thick with a range of emotions. Fear swelled inside of Tala's shaking body. It can't be. Kai was right, there's no possible way that this is real. It has to be a hallucination. Giving himself a pinch, Tala nearly fainted with sheer terror when the image in front of him remained. I'm dead. There is no hope, left for me. To avoid suspicion, Tala slowly backed up against the cave wall.
The beast was just as it had been described in the newspaper. It's eyes paralyzed you in mid-air and with every step taken it inched closer to Tala's position on the wall. His face soon fell victim to the wolf's thick, irregular breathing and it's warm saliva. It's eyes examined the young boy who dared invade his home. I wish he'd just get this over with instead of sizing me up. But the wolf seemed incapable of attacking or even walking at the moment. Maybe it's blind and can't see me. Deciding that it was better to risk an assault escaping rather than waiting for death, Tala slowly edged along the wall hoping to reach the exit. But the wolf had taken notice of the movement and seemed to have a growing interest in his prey. Tala also noticed the wolf's eyes followed his every move. This is it. It's now or never. Tala's legs went from creeping to a full sprint. Up the steep side of the hole he'd fallen into and out into the thickness of trees, shrubs, and freezing ice. It must have snowed at least two feet last night. This is going to make things a lot harder for me. I'll have to move quickly if I want to be alive tomorrow.
Through the frigid ice and the aching that was traveling through his body, Tala managed to push forward. The thought of the wolf catching him drove him faster. I have to keep going. I must be getting closer to the Abbey. And they probably have a team out looking for me now. Yeah Kai must have told them what happened and now they're out here searching for me.
The thought that he had rescuers looking for him spurred him into a crazed sense of happiness and illusion. Not far form where he was, laid a huge tangle of bushes. The perfect spot to hide, rest, and wait for my rescuers. But as Tala neared the bushes, a faint growl was heard. Fully aware of the danger that was buried in the bushes, Tala once more found his feet backing away from the spot. Memories and fears suddenly flooded his mind.
But to his utter horror a creature just as worse arose from the enormous bush. Oh no! I don't believe this! First a wolf and now a bear. What comes next, a crazed killer? The bear raised on his hind legs, feeling the need to assert his authority over Tala. It's paws swung madly, nearly knocking Tala to his feet, had he not dodged. Furious at his failed attempt, the bear let out a powerful growl that seemed to shake the earth and Tala's small body. For several minutes, the world stood still in silence.
The deathful silence was shattered by a lone wolf's howl. Spinning around, Tala's eyes once more connected with his prior fear. The panic of him subsided when the bear once more reared up and lunged at Tala. Froze in space, Tala could only watch as the bear came roaring closer. Move! Just mover your legs! Why can't I do it?! Come on legs! Do something! But Tala could only watch in bewilderment as the wolf jumped over his red head and sunk its razor teeth into the bear's thick coat.
The fight commenced and without any second thoughts both animals viciously attacked one another. Fur was torn and scattered across the now red stained snow. The once peaceful forest was now a bloodthirsty war zone. The young kid had been forgotten for the time being. But either side could win. It really doesn't matter wins, just so long as I am long gone. As he turned around for one last look, his feet froze. His mind, eyes, and thoughts were focused on the wolf. It's fighting with everything it's got. But why? It can't be for me?can it?
Tala stood watching as the massive paws of the bear struck down the wolf.
"NO!" Tala's voice rang out into the silence. Startled the bear turned around saw his next victim, gave his previous victim a final look, and renewed his charge toward Tala. Well, this is it. Stupid Kai, he never did have good ideas?but I'm gonna miss him. Tala squeezed his eyes shut, hoping the end would come swiftly. But when nothing struck him after a few minutes, Tala dared to open his eyes to steal a peek. Astonishment sent Tala in a fit of crying when he realized what had happened.
The wolf pulled through the pain and pinned the bear to the ground, near severing the bear's neck. Just a few yards away lay the bear that had once poised such a danger. Now it was nothing but a rug. The wolf also laid in a still position on the bloody snow. Tala was drawn to the creature like a bug to light.
A soft whimper was heard from the now dying wolf. Tears of remorse began to fill in Tala's blue eyes.
"Hey, don't you worry. You'll be just fine once I get you a doctor. Then you'll be just fine. You'll be fine. I promise." Tala closed his eyes trying to fight back the tears, but they soon poured down is cheeks.
Tala's face fell into the soft, thick fur to hide his shame. I haven't cried in over three years. And now I'm crying over some wolf, who tried to kill me.
A warm, sticky tongue began licking his hand. Trying its best to comfort the young boy, the wolf's life was almost to an end.
"Thank you." Tala respectfully said as the wolf's eyes closed for good. After a few more tears were shed, Tala slowly rose to his feet. As he turned his back to leave the gruesome scene, a blinding light flooded the area. What's happening?
"Tala? Tala! Ha, I can't believe I found you! Are you alright?" Kai's voice rang out through the trees.
"Yeah I'm fine." Tala's voice was filled with sadness, while his face was stained with tears.
"Are you sure? What happened here? You didn't get hurt did you?" Kai just couldn't get an answer to satisfy his curiosity.
"I promise I'm okay. It was just a bear and a wolf, but they're both dead."
"Just a bear and a wolf. Glad to hear that! How can you say it like that?" Kai screamed at him.
"You know, I don't really want to talk about it right now. Can we please just go back to the Abbey?" Tala pleaded.
"Yeah, but only after you answer my last question. Where'd the wolf go?"
Both boys studied the area, but found no sign of the wolf. Kai was about to crack a joke about Tala's wild imagination, till he saw the body of the dead bear.
"Well, I guess we'd better get going. I'd rather not get stuck out here for another day." Kai stated.
"Yeah." Tala said. Both walked in silence till Tala spoke.
"So I guess we didn't get a rescue team?"
Kai laughed, "Yeah, either that or they got lost out there too."
By late that night, both boys had reached the Abbey, received punishment, a little nourishment, and more punishment. At last, they were sent to their cell.
"So did you think about my questions?" Kai asked still needing to hear his answer.
"No I haven't. And I really don't want to. Why don't you pick a different topic to talk about tonight?" Tala exhaustingly said. Ha, even though I'll be asleep before your second sentence.
"How about this one then? Do you think you're beyblade will ever match up to mine?" Kai laughed knowing that Tala was wide-awake now. Whipping out his blade, Tala jumped out of bed and shoved it into Kai's grinning face.
"Take a good look at it, buddy, cause one day this will be the blade to defeat your winning streak." Tala boasted.
"Yeah, yeah. Keep talking. You probably couldn't, uh, hey! What a minute."
"What? Did you just realize that it was an insult?" Tala laughed, but Kai didn't join in. His gaze remained on Tala's blade.
"Hey what is it?" Tala asked, a little concerned about his friend's behavior.
"Your blade. It's got a?bitbeast." Kai said amazingly.
"What? Kai stop joking. Just because your blade has a bitbeast doesn't mean you have to rub it in my face."
"No, I'm serious." Kai said grabbing Tala's blade and showing it to him.
Disbelief at the sight of his own bitbeast, Tala shook his head rapidly. After all how could it be true? Why would I have a bitbeast? Especially one like this?
The small figure of the giant wolf was now captured on Tala's blade. With alls its strength and speed still inside of him, the beast was going to be nearly invincible. But how did he get in there?
"Hey Kai? How do you get a bitbeast?" Tala asked, hoping Kai would clarify what happened.
"Well, it's kinda hard to explain. You don't really get to pick the one you want. It's them that pick us. And you have to have some kind have connection with them."
"Yeah, but can a bitbeast start out as a real animal and then turn into a bitbeast?"
"Um, well, I wouldn't see why not." Kai said unsure of the answer, himself. And what's it matter to him anyway.
But by the time the thought occurred to Kai, Tala was in bed sleeping peacefully. I can't believe it. That giant beast is now Tala's bitbeast. Leave it to him to make friends with a wolf.
Well into the night Kai lay staring at the ceiling. But it was during these hours that he heard a few murmurs coming from Tala. Kai's ear strained to hear what he was saying.
"Go! Come on, you got it! That's it. Good job, Wolborg." Tala spoke softly holding his new prize possession in his grip.
End Flashback
"Yeah it'll be good for us and them. We'll just have more time to train, instead of being distracted by them. We won't have to constantly worry about them. We can focus only on getting stronger. " Wolborg's soft growl protested against Tala's judgment, but it was meet with a reassuring pat on the head.
"Everything will be fine." Tala whispered, trying to reassure himself more than Wolborg.
Well that's the end. I'm almost positive this is the longest chapter. I hope everyone enjoyed. Reviews and suggestions are welcomed. And just so everyone knows the reference to Mythology was all thanks to my school summer assignment. Since my volleyball life is almost over, only a week left, I'll have more time to work on my story. Yay! Everyone have a great day!
ACChan
