-Why-

06 – You're Frugal

By Euphrosyne


"The new cameras are installed then? Good. Her sudden improvements don't make sense, there has to be an outside influence!"

Boris bowed at the man's outburst.

"The girl was suppose to crumble, a perfect trade. The law is on our trail Boris, our plans are sliding off track."

"She is your blood…" The masked man's attempt of a compliment was shot with a glare. "The World Tournament will be our chance and their undoing. The Demolition Boys are ready."

Voltaire didn't look too convinced. "The Demolition Boys will never be ready with that Tah-la as their captain. The child holds too many morals; he was brought in too late." There was pause. "Kai, he is the one destined for great things."

Sensing the man's dissatisfaction, Boris willed to reverse his opinion. "We have a project, sir. A masterpiece, I can confidently say. Genetically, our creation will be identical to the Russian captain but better-"

"Do not contradict yourself; you are only further lowering my opinion of you. How can one be identical yet better?"

"Forgive my incompetence, sir, but if our experiment succeeds-"

"You are unsure then? Are you wasting my time with penury aspirations?"

"I'm sorry, sir-"

It was too late, the older man left the room.


"Nature or nurture? The great debate itself. Why am I attracted to her?" The redhead argued with himself as he journeyed towards the west end. "The others like her but as a brother, a teammate, a rival…" It was starting to become unnerving. Quietly, he tapped on the door, two short one long.

Even before 'the reveal,' Tala felt comforted by Rye's stories of Kai and the corresponding outside world. It was only recently however, did the redhead discover his yearning for the girl's companionship.

He knocked again. No answer. He began picking the lock.

The dorm was empty, everything in sight but the bearer herself.

Tala began to panic, something was wrong.

Concealed by the shadows of the night, the boy began searching for his comrade. The halls were usually deserted at this time.

Humming of beyblades in the junior department caught his attention. It didn't make any sense.

With no other possible route, Tala rimmed the walls and followed the sound. In the middle of the stadium stood Rye in her setup attire congratulating a young girl with an uncharacterizing smile.

"If you think you're too small to make a difference, you're obviously never been in bed with a mosquito!"

Was that humor he just heard?

The blue-haired girl giggled, accepting the piece of bread happily.

"Are you insane, Rye?"

The child stopped in her spot, breadstick between her teeth. Rye shot an arm forward, stopping Tala in his tracks. Sasha hid herself behind her trainer after making eye contact with the angry male.

For seconds, the three just stood in silence in their stationed positions, the two teens staring each other down. From time to time, Sasha would sneak a peek in hopes of peace.

"You're being stupid."

"I'm being humane."

"Civility dies once you step foot in Biovolt!"

"What is this illusion called the innocent of youth, Tala?" The questioned obviously stunned the redhead. "Maybe," she sighed before continuing, "Maybe in this blind belief we can find truth for another. Do not end her life because you never had yours."

Sasha's trembling signaled Rye to her aid. Brushing the crumbs from her face, the dark-haired girl knelt down. "Remember Sasha, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." The words were shot in the boy's direction. She stood to leave.

Following her into the torch lit halls; the captain grabbed her arm. "What's the reason? That's all I ask."

"The world isn't rational, Tala. Must you justify everything?" His silence demanded further expansion. The girl sighed.

"She's mute, Kai's sister."

There was surprise.

Studying his eyes for a morsel of compassion she hesitantly continued. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Make your choice." She released herself from his grasp, disappearing into the dark.

"You're too smart for your own good; they'll kill you for it."

She turned. "Man stops respecting himself when he losses the respect for his fellow creatures; I fear not death."

A salute credited him.


Yes, those were Martin Luther King Jr. ("The ultimate measure of a man…") and Jose Saramago ("Man stopped respecting himself…) quotes. Powerful people.

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