Chapter 1

Looking out at the sea of untouched whiteness before them a lone figure stood gazing out at the world, unfazed by the icy chill which was settled in the night air. With the stony frame of the window resting against their back the watcher seemed memorized by the eerie play of light that danced across the snows surface. Unhindered by clouds the silvery moon above casts its pale light over the Abbey's grounds, making its shadowy recesses that much darker.

However, the sigh of frustration that escaped closed lips shattered the peaceful image as the one in question tried to make some sense of the numerous thoughts that were running through their head. Becoming aware of the newly descending snow they extended an open hand into the outside world, the soft touch of fresh snow hitting their palm as they caught the falling flakes. Resting delicately within their palm the droplets of snow were reduced to pearls of water as they became held with in a clenched fist.

Feeling the moisture that gathered in their hand they found themselves thinking back on the day's events, a pair of eyes narrowing as the memories returned.

Flashback

"Please no! Please someone help me!"

Remaining hidden within the pillars shadow a silent figure watched with reserve Alexander's frantic struggles as he fought against the guards which held him. Watching Alexander's aimless struggles they couldn't stop the brief flare of pity they felt for the boy however, this emotion was quickly washed away as their training kicked in. Regardless of position the Abbey didn't tolerate failure; everyone who lived here knew the prize for failure. In this world there was no place for weakness, only the strong survived otherwise you faced the same fate as Alexander or worse. At least in cases like Alexander's their punishment was brief, unlike theirs which was an on going nightmare they couldn't escape.

Hearing shouts of protest from those Boris had invited to the Abbey the individual in question found their simple natures laughable, they really didn't have a clue. Deciding to quietly slip away they quickly halted in their stride as they finally noticed all the team's members, eyes widening in surprise as they recognised one of those present.

Despites the years that had passed the memories of the person before they had never faded, no matter how hard they tried they couldn't forget. Taking in the two toned hair and crimson eyes they were finding it hard to acknowledge their presence, of all people this person was the last they ever expected to see within the Abbey's confines. Yet, even as they looked upon the familiar face the nagging feeling that something was wrong wouldn't leave them. Despites the cool composure he was giving the haunted look which danced in his eyes couldn't be hid, not from those who knew how to look.

Watching the crimson eyed teen for a moment longer they could only ponder this information in puzzlement as they tried to figure out what this could mean. Caught up in their thoughts it took a moment for them to notice the departure of Boris's guests, seeing them departure they were about to follow their example when Boris's voice reached them.

"Tell me if I'm wrong, but I do believe that I ordered you to train with the others."

"Yes sir, but when I heard you'd invited the Bladebreakers I thought it would be valuable to see how they battled."

"And what did you make of the Bladebreakers."

"They have talent, but they'll be no problem to defeat. However, what about him?"

"You have no need to trouble yourself about Kai; I have plans for our young Phoenix. As for now you will rejoin Tala and the others and continue your training."

"Yes sir."

"And one more thing, if you ever disobey me again you will not get off so lightly."

"Yes sir."

Not wishing to test Boris's patience the one in question quickly excused themselves, planning to put as much distance as possible between them. Despites the question that were plaguing them they knew better than to voice them, if anything Boris was always good on his threats.

End Flashback

Clearing their mind of the memory they quickly turned their attention towards the clenched fist before them, feeling the bitter cold which hit they pulled it in from the outside world. Glancing down at the rivers of water which flowed from the opened palm they quickly realised that someone was approaching them, about to turn and face this newcomer they decided against it as a familiar air reached them. Recognising the familiar cool yet spicy scent they knew immediately who it belonged to, they had yet to meet anyone who matched the scent of their red headed captain.

"So is it true? Was it him?"

"It's true; he and his team have arrived to take part in the Championships."

"He has some nerve coming back here, and before things are over I'll make sure he knows it."

"Even now you're still as anger as you were back then."

"He betrayed us! After everything, after all the promised we made he still betrayed us or have you forgotten?"

Greeted with only silence from his companion Tala quickly curbed his anger, immediately regretting the words harsh words he'd said. Despites the brutal training and the daily tortures Boris put them through to rid them of any sense of emotion Tala still found that towards his team mates he still felt them. It was a fact that applied to them all, despites the cold and ruthless attitude that they portrayed to Boris and the world the small group of teens still felt emotions towards each other. In all honesty when it came down to it Tala knew that with out a doubt he would risk anything for those that made up his team, the only group of people who had ever been there.

Although some of his team mates had arrived later than others the group had practically grown up together since early child hood. It was the events which took place during their time here that had really banded them together, making Tala realize that despites the cruelty others showed him his fellow team mates were ones he could always depend on. Thinking deeply on the matter Tala knew each of those making up the famous Russian team felt the same; even the quiet Bryan shared his feelings.

Hearing a sigh Tala turned his blue gaze towards the shadowy form of his companion, seeing the drop of the head Tala remained silent as they stepped away from their perch. Watching them enter the corridors scattered light Tala once again gazed upon the familiar form of his team mate.

Clothed in their familiar attire the Russian's slim frame could easily be seen under the white legging they wore, a single blue strip running down each leg. A sleeveless jacket of mild blue colour covering their upper body, ending as mid-thigh and beginning with a high collar. Sleeves of white covered most of her arms. However, it was often their physical appearance which caught people's attention and which often led to their downfall.

With a pale complexion that only added to their pleasing appearance, eyes of an icy blue matched only by those of a husky stared back from under navy bangs. While navy bangs framed their face hair of purest white was held back in a low ponytail which hung in silken strands to their knees.

Taking his friend in Tala knew that many misjudged them, simply because of their gender. Due to the teams name opponents in the past had never expected anything but boys, so when faced with a girl they thought it was some kind of a joke. However, that idea was quickly wiped away when they finally fought her face to face in battle, quickly learning why she was the only girl to be allowed on the team.

"I haven't forgotten, I remember everything just like you. Yet, I can't help but wonder….I can't explain it, but there was something wrong."

"Whatever the situation I hope he snaps out of it, I wouldn't want anything to spoil the moment when we crush him and his team."

Hearing the determination in his voice she couldn't blame Tala for his anger towards their former friend and team mate, and to be truthful she couldn't deny that she didn't hold her own anger towards him. Kai's betrayal was felt by everyone in the team but none more than Tala, Bryan and herself; in times past the four had been inseparable. Yet, despites the feelings of anger she couldn't help but feel that there was more to the story than they knew. The haunted expression she'd seen within Kai's eyes was natural and it caused her to wonder.

Moving past her friend she was halted by the hand which rested on her arm, looking into blue eyes she could see the message Tala was silently conveying. Wanting to talk away from the Abbey's security cameras she nodded her agreement before carrying on.

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Gripping the ladders final rung the icy eyed girl accepted the offered hand as she gained her footing upon the grey tiles. Following Tala's lead across the towers roof she truly felt in her element as she made her way across the tiles, this was one area were her enhancements came in handy. Arranging themselves on the roof the two Russian's sat looking out at the world around them, each taking the world in.

"I heard Boris wasn't too pleased with you today."

"When is he ever pleased with anything? He finds no greater pleasure than reminding us our position."

"I wouldn't disagree, but we have no choice Anaya besides its better than the punishments."

Realizing the truth of his words Anaya could only bow her head in agreement; glancing towards the sleeves that covered her arms Anaya could do nothing but agree. In years long past her once stubborn nature had dealt her a punishment she wasn't likely to forget, leaving her permeate reminders. In the aftermath of the ordeal Bryan had come up with the idea of the sleeves that she now wore to cover the scars she had received. Yet, despites the hate she held for the man Anaya knew Tala was right they had no choice, this Abbey was all they knew it was the only home they had.

Feeling a hand gently tilt her head upwards Anaya gave the red head a slight smile as she saw the look of understanding which rested within blue eyes. Seeing the smile of encouragement that he gave Anaya accept the embrace he offered before an arm settled around her waist as she leaned against him. Taking a sideward glance towards her captain Anaya felt truly honoured that she gained Tala's trust and friendship; otherwise she would never have come to know this rare side to the Russian, one he only showed to those he trusted. Yet, even as she pondered this information Anaya couldn't help but wish for something more. Although she couldn't pin when it had happened Anaya knew that lately her feelings towards a certain blue eyed teen had developed beyond the boundaries of friendship.

"Boris enjoys nothing more than power and this is one place where he knows he can impose himself. He doesn't need a reason to do so just the fact that he can is incentive enough. In your case being female doesn't help you it only adds to his sick game."

"I don't wish to be reminded of that fact; I know very well the enjoyment Boris gets out of his twisted game especially with me. But you seem to forget I now have at least some protection, you and Bryan don't have and don't think I don't know were Boris has been directing his attention lately."

"I wouldn't lie to you, but I don't want you risking yourself for us Boris will only bend so far. The others will be fine, especially Bryan and myself why do you think we avoid being alone lately. It's you we worry about; I had to hold Bryan back when he heard what happened."

"Guess I forget sometimes what I must put the four of your through, you'd think I'd learn."

Feeling the answering squeeze Tala gave in reply to her answer Anaya felt a peace settle between them, knowing it wouldn't last long the two took this time to enjoy it. Glad of the others company the two teens wondered what the future could possible hold for them.

To Be Continued.