Chapter 3

"..." Speech

(...) Thought speech

"What?"

Even before his words had died Ian felt his body connect with the wall behind him, unprepared for such a reaction he was unable to prevent the gasp of pain which escaped him. Valiantly trying to keep his composure Ian couldn't deny the utter fear he was feeling as he looked towards the one before him; sapphire eyes burning with a rage and anger he'd never seen before, at least not directed at him.

Although they all lived in fear of provoking Boris's wrath, that was nothing compared to what he was facing now. It had always been Bryan that Boris and the guards were weary of, but now Ian saw first hand what happened when the Wolf was pushed to far.

"I'm telling you what I heard; I thought the best thing to do was to get you or Bryan. I didn't what else to do."

"Ian isn't the one to blame Tala; none of us knew what was going on. That's why he had us busy all afternoon so we wouldn't know, directing you anger at Ian wouldn't help."

Turning his lilac gaze upon those before him Bryan remained in his position against the wall, silently watching as Tala registered his words. Slowly, but surely the anger which racked his form diminished slightly, enough for the red head to release his grip upon the one he held. Taking a moment to watch Ian quickly pick himself up, Bryan signalled for the younger to leave them before returning his attention to his captain.

Taking a moment to take in what was before him Bryan wasn't fooled by the silent reverie he was giving off, after years of knowing each other Bryan was able to read the younger youth like a book. Seeing the clenched fists which rested at his sides Bryan could sense the pent up rage coming from the one he considered a brother. Feeling his concern increase Bryan pushed himself away from the walls stony surface, taking a moment to brush aside stray strands of hair Bryan made his way to where the other stood.

Stopping behind his friend Bryan could see he wasn't the only one concerned about the youth's wellbeing as he took note of the whitish glow which came from a certain blade. With a thousand thoughts running through his mind it took a moment for Bryan to realize that a cool, noble voice was ringing in his head. Recognizing Wolborg's voice immediately Bryan knew the best policy was to listen the ancient spirit out, although having a bitbeast was an honour they did tend to make their presence own.

"What has upset my master? I can sense his anger, yet I can not learn why? Bryan what has happened?"

"It's Boris, he's hurt Anaya."

"The one my master cares for, what has happened? I've sensed great worry from Fiero and Shiva, but I can not get information regarding their mistress."

Even though the ancient wolf spoke calmly enough Bryan could sense the growing anger that Wolborg was emitting. Looking at the wolf spirit now, or any of their bitbeasts for that matter, you would never have guess that he had been reluctant to accept Tala as his master. Yet, after everything they'd been throughout the years not only had everyone come to respect their individual bitbeast and see them as a friend, but the bitbeast themselves now looked differently towards their partners. Fiercely loyal the bitbeast would die in order to protect their partners, and in Wolborg's case the spirit had taken a second duty of watching over Anaya.

Realizing the task of comforting two emotional individuals at once was more than he could handle, Bryan decided to call in the reinforcements. Connecting his own faithful companion Bryan welcomed the soothing tone that was Falborg, knowing that when it came to his own bitbeast he didn't have to explain things with words Bryan left the task of dealing with Wolborg with him.

Returning his attention to the only other person present in the room Bryan felt a little unnerved about how quiet Tala had gone, normally he would rant and rave but beside from his initial outburst he had done nothing else. Yet, thinking over the situation Bryan could understand why, until now Tala had never been faced with the rare emotions that hit when someone you cared about was hurt. Like any of them Anaya had received her share of knocks, it had been a while till she'd received such a beating as this.

The fact which must make it harder for his captain to deal with was that although he had always worried about her, it was only in recent years that he'd come to admit that his feelings towards the girl in question had gone beyond mere friendship. Bryan actual remembered the night, three years ago when the younger than confined in him that he felt stronger about their female member. At the time Tala didn't know what it was he feeling but as he got older he finally realized what it was that he felt towards his companion, slowly but surely the Wolf had fallen in love with the Lioness.

Yet, despites the feelings he had Tala had kept them hidden, despites from himself, Bryan knew no one else knew about Tala's feeling regarding Anaya. Although the Russian captain kept his feeling while in check, not only for his own safety but for Anaya as well, it was times like this that they really came out. Watching his friend Bryan knew he couldn't watch Tala do this to himself anymore, despites the risks involved Bryan knew that it was time Tala faced Anaya.

In was times like this that reminded Bryan just how fragile life was, and how quickly things could change.

"You can't blame yourself, none of knew what he was going to do."

"This is his fault….I told her to stay away, but she never listens…..I should have been there."

"But you weren't, stop blaming yourself for this and you can't blame Kai either."

Watching Tala spin around Bryan didn't falter under the burning gaze which settled on him, holding a hand up to stop Tala's response Bryan continued.

"Yes you can't blame him, as much as you'd like to. Unfortunately Anaya decided to do what any of us wanted to do, just like us she wanted answers."

(And it would seem they were answers she wasn't supposed to find.)

Containing his surprise as he heard Falborg's voice in his head Tala realized that Bryan was using his bitbeast to communicate thoughts he didn't want Boris or the guards to hear. Unable to prevent his smirk as he realized what the Falcon was doing Tala quickly sobered up as he realized there was a lot to this than met the eye, following Bryans form from the training room Tala decided to listen his friend out. Passing his reply to Wolborg Tala knew from the slight nod that Bryan had got his answer, if there was one advantage to having a bitbeast this was one.

Although they had quickly got use to the idea that they could talk with their bitbeasts, it had come as a bit of a surprise when they realized their bitbeasts could talk with the others as well. A trick they put to great use when they wished to speak, without the always present cameras picking up what passed.

(Think about it, don't you find it strange that Boris barred us from seeing Kai till he said we could. Then when one of us did, we were punished so harshly for it.)

(You think there's something up.)

(Yes, even after the story Boris told us that night I've never been able to truly believe it something didn't seem right. I think Boris is covering something up, something he didn't want us to find out.)

(But why? If what you're saying is true, why go through all this trouble? He knew what would happen if Kai came back, he knew we'd be angry.)

(Exactly, he was expecting us to be angry that way we wouldn't ask questions, we'd be to busy hating him so ask them.)

Feeling the silence which settled between them Bryan knew Tala was thinking over what he said, obviously despites the anger and bitterness he had towards the one in question part of him felt the same way as he did. No matter what had happened Bryan knew if Tala felt anything like he had hoped the stories weren't true and that some how he could regain his friend back that their brother would come home. Now it would seem that maybe that hope had foundations to build upon, and it would seem that Tala did indeed feel the same if only slightly.

(Ok, maybe it's true, but what to we do about it? Boris is probable going to make sure none us get to Kai now.)

(Maybe not Kai, but we can still get to Dranzer and threw her we get to him. I'll deal with Kai, I'm sure Ian will be able to get into his files.)

(You don't want any help?)

(No, cause you're going to be dealing with Anaya. I would stand by and watch you do this to your self any more, you either tell her or I will it's your choice.)

(Don't make me Bryan; I can't do that if Boris found out.)

(To hell with him, none of us know what could happen here, if we'll be around to see tomorrow. Today proved that, you need to tell her otherwise you might never get the chance.)

(You really mean this don't you.)

(You bet I do, be in the old watch tower in an hour I'll bring Anaya there.)

Hearing the frustrated sign Tala gave as he turned his blue gaze towards him Bryan gave a slight smirk before bidding his friend farewell as he headed to the infirmary. Sensing Tala watching him as he made his way down the corridor, Bryan prayed that things turned out alright. He didn't regret him blackmail with getting Tala to confess, but he did worry about want would happen afterwards, yet if it came down to it Bryan knew that if Boris wanted to get to either of them he would have to go through him. If Ian had thought Tala was scary before he hadn't seen scary, lucky enough no one had seen the Falcon when he finally snapped hopefully no one would. But if that day came Bryan hoped it was Boris that got the full force of it.

To Be Continued.