Flashback
"Tala? Tala. Tala! Come on wake up!" Kai sounded desperately at his friend.
"Huh? What is it, Kai? Do you know it's one in the morning?" Tala grumpily yelled, through a yawn. He hadn't been sleeping well since they both returned from the woods. Both boys received numerous beatings along with a stern lecture that was accompanied with a final beating for remembrance. The punishment was made to leave a lasting warning so that they'd never return to the woods.
But I didn't need those beatings to remind me. Just the thought of that night is enough to keep me out of there. It's hard to believe I even survived through it.
Tala subconsciously grabbed his blade lying next to him. The wild beast had become nothing more than a puppy to him. It proved its power, though, during Tala's daily matches against Kai. Before, Tala lost by more than a long shot, but now with Wolborg, he actually came close to beating Kai.
"Tala? Tala! Will you please come on? We have to hurry otherwise we'll never be able to see it!" Kai stressed the importance by dragging Tala out of his bed.
"Ow!" Tala's voice echoed though the Abbey. Tala hadn't actually been expecting Kai to yank him down off of his top bunk. The long fall would leave a bruised hip for days.
"What is so important that you have to nearly kill me at one in the morning?" Tala exaggerated as he stood to his feet and approached his friend.
"You'd see if you stop questioning me. Now come on or I'm going without you!" Kai was already walking down the corridor toward the training arena. Slipping out of his state of drowsiness, Tala quickly slipped his shoes on and jogged to meet up with Kai. Both continued to walk on in silence. By the time they reached the arena, Kai was nearly shaking with excitement.
What could possibly have him this worked up? They must be showing something extraordinarily interesting for him to be this excited.
As if reading Tala's mind Kai said, "They're going to be showing their newest blade! They've equipped it with all the high-techest pieces. I bet it's invincible." Tala, still sleepy, merely shook his head in understanding.
"Just think about it Tala, a new series of blades developed especially for us. We'll become the world's top bladers. We'll be rich and famous. And we can do whatever we want!"
"Are you sure they're for us?" Tala questioned. This wouldn't be the first time Kai had come up with some ridiculous fantasy in order to escape from reality.
"No! Tala. Oh just look! Look down there! That's it. That's it! That's the blade I was telling you about! That's Black Dranzer." Kai said exasperated.
Tala looked on in amazement as the blade demonstrated its power. With each blade that it took on, Black Dranzer seemed to grow more powerful. Kai seemed thrilled beyond all logic at the new bitbeast. So much that Tala had a hard time dragging him back to their cell.
"Did you see the way it took out all those blades? I mean it was just one right after another. It was so strong."
"Kai it wasn't that impressive."
"Someone's a little jealous, I think." Kai said staring at the ceiling.
"I am not." Tala stated defensively. "I just don't think you should be preoccupied with thinking about something that you're never going to have."
"And just what makes you think I'm not going to get that blade?" Kai's words were deadly.
"Well nothing, but the fact is you already have a bitbeast. And a great one at that! You know Dranzer? Remember her?"
"Yeah I know, but there's nothing wrong with having a second option, is there?" Kai was speaking in a harsh tone that had never been used around Tala. Unsure how to respond Tala remained silent.
"Hmph. I wouldn't expect you to understand anyway. I need to have that blade."
"Well fine! Why don't you just go steal it if you think it's worth all this talking!?" Tala yelled out in frustration.
"Not a bad idea. I'll be back before you know it." Kai said it so normally that it half scared and half surprised Tala.
"Wait. Kai I was joking. You don't have to go and steal it just to prove your point."
"I'm not going to prove my point. I'm going because I'm destined to have that blade! I don't expect you to understand. You may be happy with your simple blade, but for those who want to achieve greatness, they need more than just some run of the mill bitbeast. For those who want their names known, they have to go the extra distance. I'm going to have Black Dranzer."
Tala stood in the middle of the cell. His mind slowly processed the cold words that had been directed toward him, from his best friend. The words fell into his ears and sunk to his gut. The hunger that was always in his stomach was filled by the pure rage he felt for his friend. The anger fueled his brain and sent waves of betrayal, hurt, and disappointment into his heart. But with all these high emotions running through his blood, Tala spoke no words to the now stranger in front of him.
"Tala, I know this is hard for you to understand and I don't expect you to help me." Kai slowly started. "But you should know that I will get that bitbeast." Kai's eyes flashed with a dangerous determination. The only thing that now stood between him and Black Dranzer was a thin, blue-eyed, red-haired boy. In strength t he opposition was no match for Kai, but it was different when you factored in wits and agility. Tala was tall and skinny, but as fast as a rabbit running from a fox. Kai stepped confidently, but assertively forward, showing no fear. Tala stared vacantly back at the slow approaching Kai. Without thinking he stepped forward to meet Kai face to face.
"Move Tala." Kai's icy words matched the glare in his eyes. His fingers curled into a tight fist. They lay at his side, straining against the muscles that told him to nail Tala in the face. "I said move Tala." Kai's voice cut through the heavy air straight to Tala's ear.
"I can't let you through. You can't go through with this." Tala tried to reason, before his anger could speak.
"You don't have a say in what I can and cannot do."
"But we've known each other for years now. We've been friends through everything. I know you don't mean what you're saying. At this moment you're willing to say or do anything to win this argument."
"Just because we've known each other for years, doesn't mean you know me!" Kai spat out the words in Tala's face. He gave no sign of regret or remorse for the words spoken to his best friend.
"You're so use to winning that, you'd kill yourself just to be right. You're blinded by your own pride and anger. You're going to regret everything you've done."
"The only thing I'm going to regret is not leaving sooner. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to meet my destiny tonight. Try not to be too jealous when I return." Kai smirked at Tala as he pushed his way pass with ease.
This can't be happening. I have to do something. Move in front of him. Stop him. Jump on him and drag him down. Punch him like he has always taught you. Just do something. Don't let him get away. He could kill himself or worse. I have to stop him.
But Kai walked out of the cell with ease. He walked down the long, dark corridor that seemed to have no end. He walked by the intimidating door that two friends had faced together years ago. He walked past the door that would one day create a new, domineering, beyblade team. He walked down the winding staircase that led to a torture room for that future domineering team. And he walked all this way with no interruptions, no questions, no sidetracks, and no delays by anyone.
Tala remained in the silent cell. Alone in the darkness that seemed to now consume him, Tala unconsciously shivered in its presence. The words that Kai had spoken to him seemed so far off. Perhaps it was all a horrible nightmare that I'll wake up to at any moment. Shutting his crystal blue eyes wishing to no longer live in a world where a friend could turn and become a stranger, or even an enemy, Tala held to the belief that everything was an illusion. This can't possibly be real.
End Flashback
A mindless stare was casted upon the gray stonewall. Every crack, chip, or flaw that was in the wall was embedded into the mind behind the eyes. With not much else for scenery the fixated teen chose to admire his living quarters. Not that he could have seen much in the dark cell. Slivers of light peeked in through cracks while the dark held all the ground around him.
Wolborg lay on the tips of Tala's shoes. A steady rhythm of breathing told Tala that he in a deep sleep. The warm air that rolled from his nostrils wrapped around his shoes. The small amount of warmth that flowed was enough to sustain him in the coldness. It's good to see one of us sleeping. Tala moved his dozing leg slightly in hopes of waking it up, but the leg remained in its zone. Wolborg jumped up startled that he had fallen asleep. Tala moved his hand to signal Wolborg toward him. Wolborg obediently came toward his friend, where he received a gentle scratch behind his ear.
"Do you remember that day? I can't imagine that you've forgotten about it." Shivers from the memories slid down his spine.
Everything happened so fast. I'd never expected things to end that way. IF I'd only known I could have done something. Hell I should have done something. I may not have known exactly what was going on, but I knew enough to be able to stop it. Why didn't I do something?
"Why didn't I do something?" Tala whispered. Wolborg and the darkness heard his question, but the only response was the deathening sound of utter silence. Wolborg's ears twitched at the quiet break in silence and gently licked his master's hands in reassurance. If actions spoke, Wolborg's would say, "Nothing you could have done would have changed his mind. You did what you could and that's all that can be asked of you." But those words weren't said to Tala. HE received little comfort from Wolborg's attempted soothing lick. And no matter how many hours pasted, Tala pondered that same thought. Why didn't I do something?
Flashback
His eyes opened before the sirens sounded. He instantly felt there was a problem. The problem didn't have to deal with a shooting, a murder, or some nobody trying to break in. It wasn't a reporter sneaking in to uncover the hidden truth and it wasn't a surprise visit by the government worker. It was all these combined and much worse. Tala awoke and lay straight up in bed. Heart pounding and sweat dripping, the feel of running ten miles was felt all over his body. What's happening? I've never felt so weak and tired.
Tala's eyes shifted around the cell. The alarms had just been turned on, but Tala's mind was focused on one thing, Kai. Wolborg silently appeared beside Tala, to show that he still had a friend by his side. Kai, why aren't you back? It's not like you to get caught. They couldn't have caught you! You're too careful. Too strong. Too dangerous. Too you. It's not possible.
Tala was now in a state of disbelief. He ran to the short steps to the cell bars and pulled at them with all his might. They didn't budge. He slammed his slender shoulders in between the iron cylinders, trying to squeeze through in a desperate, but failing attempt to escape. But nothing the boy tried could move the bars or unlock the keyhole. The sirens continued to blare into Tala's mind causing him to loose concentration. Distant screams and hurried footsteps could be heard all through the corridors. Tala slid down the cell bars in frustration and helplessness. All around him walls shook and bits of concrete pieces fell. The metal bed shivered across the floor with the large blasts that keep occurring. Soaring flames engulfed parts of the Abby lit up the night. By three Tala's eyes began dropping, but he held out in hopes of seeing Kai return. At four his head nodded down and jerked up several times. And at five he was sound asleep despite all the noise and chaos surrounding him.
When he awoke at six, the day started out like any other. The training began with no mention of the destruction of the fire. Tala glanced around the room, trying to catch a glimpse of Kai. Where could he be? He couldn't have escaped during all that without telling me. And if so he certainly would have been found. Why isn't he here training?
The day dragged on like all the others except that Kai wasn't there by his side. He walked around in a daze and performed all his routines mechanically. His mind was focused completely on Kai and his safety. I haven't seen him anywhere. I guess…it just might be possible he left. Tala's feet led him down a hallway that he had visited years ago. It wasn't a pleasant experience and Tala didn't wish to relive it, but for some reason he couldn't resist the thought. Tala stopped directly in front of the gigantic doors that Kai and him had once faced together. Now he was alone. Tala slid down against the wall, desperate for answers but unwilling to ask the questions. Why did I even bother? There's no way I'll even get enough courage to even talk to Voltaire, not that I'd want to. But I have to find out what happened to Kai.
The voices coming from inside the room disrupted his chain of thoughts and jerked him back to reality.
"I can guarantee you sir that this will never happen again. This was nothing more than a fluke." Boris's voice seemed to have a slight quiver in it. Tala let a small smile creep onto his face, pleased that the man who had always sent fear into his friends and himself, was now receiving the same punishment.
"I want to know how this could have possibly happened? You said that thing was 'impenetrable. There's no way in or out without you knowing.' Tell me, did you know that he was able to get in, test it, and destroy half the Abby before you knew!" Voltaire's deep bellowed each word out from the dark pits of his stomach.
Who could have managed that? It's impossible. They'd be killed instantly. And who would even want to attempt something so risky. Only a complete idiot would try something as stupid as that.
"You tell me how he managed to break in that room and was able to use our top experiment? Do I need to remind you how much money we spent on it? All the research and work we've spent on building just one of them? You tell me right now, how Kai could have done all that without being seen till it was all too late!"
Once again Boris remained silent at the harsh words that had been thrown at him. His lips seemed to form words, but no sound came out. Tala paid no attention to him, though. His mind raced to comprehend what Voltaire had just said.
Kai. Kai did it. He actually did it. He stole Black Dranzer and actually bladed with it. I can't believe it. I can't wait for him to tell me all about it. I'm sure he won't mind recapping everything that happened.
"I don't know how it happened, but I can promise you it won't happen again." Boris meekly stated again.
Poor Kai. He's going to get he punishment of his life. Who knows when I'll see him again.
"So can I. From this moment on, Kai will no longer be training in the Abby. I don't see such a facility that can't even control one eleven year old, can possibly be able to train him for the world champions and greater things."
"Sir…" Boris began a failed attempt to sway Voltaire back to his side, but Tala ignored the conversation.
How could this be? Kai is leaving? For good. It's impossible. We'd said we'd be friends forever. How could he do this to me? We were friends. That means were supposed to be there for each other. Through all the good and the bad. Even after everything we had gone through, Kai was always there. He was always making sure I didn't get in trouble. He took the blame for everything. Even when they knew that I'd been the one that started it, Kai always insisted it was him. And now he just up and leaves me?
"I don't care what it takes! I want this place cleaned up before anyone knows about what happened!" Voltaire's command was enough to shake the remaining walls of the Abby down.
"Yes sir. But if the press should happen to find out about his incident, what should I tell them?" Boris unsurely asked.
"For your sake, they'd better not. But if you think that you'll fail my order…" Voltaire's voice trailed off, letting Boris come up with the rest of the sentence.
"I understand sir. I won't fail." Boris assured Voltaire.
Kai, what have you done? I wish you were here. You always knew what to do. If I hadn't been the one to suggest stealing Black Dranzer, this would never have happened. It was my entire fault. I didn't mean for things to end up this way. Really it wasn't supposed to be like this at all.
"Before I go sir, might I inquire what is going to happen to the team?"
Voltaire turned his glare to the window, while pondering the question. "Well, I suppose we'll have to find a few new members for it."
"Um, sir. In case you weren't aware of it, but during Kai's raid, all the team members were severely injured. The doctors that are working on them have reported a low chance of recovery."
"Hmph. You're telling me, we have less than two months to train a bunch of inadequate boys into a world-class beyblading team?" Voltaire's anger was on the rise once more.
"I have been monitoring some of the boys who have been showing the qualities that a champion must have. I assure you it won't be too difficult to sculpt a team in two months. But it will be a hard task if Kai will not be leading the team."
"I have one person in mind to fill the position."
"Who do you have in mind?" Boris asked interested in the new topic.
"Tala."
Tala's eyes widened at hearing his name being said by Voltaire. His name was mentioned without a following punishment. Voltaire actually sounded pleased at mentioning. The thought that something worse could come out of something so good never crossed his mind. He wants me to be on the world beyblading team. I'm going to be the leader of the world's greatest beyblading team.
