I wonder if Kai will have got the message? Knowing him, probably not. Still, hopefully I'll be gone before he comes back. I don't much like the idea of having to carry through Boris' ultimatum. I suppose it's my own fault, I shouldn't have these feelings in the first place, let alone have acted on them so openly. I do feel a little guilty for being so harsh with him, but unless he thinks I hate him, or feel nothing at all, he won't give up. I don't expect even that much will dissuade him however, Kai isn't any more used to these feelings than I am, so I don't think he's just going to give up.

It's really a shame that he's so persistent, it will get him hurt, one way or other. Still, that is part of the reason I like him, he's strong willed, not one to quit, he just steps back and thinks of another way around it, which is why I'm quite sure he won't just leave this be. The question is whether he will wait a while, or if he'll rush in. Under 'normal' circumstances, he would wait and analyse everything, but he sounded quite desperate on the phone, so I'm worried he may act quickly. I don't want him coming back here until after I'm gone.

From the letter I can only assume that Boris is less than pleased with my apparent relationship with Kai, I need to convince him that there isn't anything to worry about. That is easy enough with Kai out of the way, but if he stands in the way, I may be required to harm him in order to prove my loyalty.

Regardless, I have more important issues to consider. Things are about to move forward, it seems there is far more to this place than meets the eye. It was quite foolish of me not to realise, after all, why else would they send me here? The one they seem to think is of the weakest loyalty in the Abbey. This place is designed for manipulating people into following their beliefs. The strength and influence of this nihilists is far greater here than I had allowed myself to believe.

On that fact, it is quite possible that Kai is involved as well, but I don't believe that to be the case. He isn't weak, his isn't completely part of the herd, he has his own beliefs as well as sharing those of the herd. More than that though, Kai is open and honest, he truly wants to help people, he's not a knowing part of this game, just another toy.

They want to know about the Abbey because we are a threat, one they want to destroy, but they dare not move too quickly forward, because they don't know enough about us. Despite all their hard work, the Abbey and it's capabilities are still a mystery to them. That was where Kai came in, his curiosity for knowledge combined with my supposed weakness meant they could learn what they needed to know. That was the idea at least, too bad for them it didn't work.

Once the Abbey struck out, they presumed that I had been abandoned, but it also came to light in the fact that Kai said nothing, that he had become too deeply involved and so no longer proved useful to them. Better he be allowed to return to the herd than risk becoming a threat to it himself, which is why they approved my request to be removed as a client of his so easily. Of course, the other hope was that I shared his feelings and so by spending time with him away from a psychological environment I would be better integrated into their society and beliefs.

Their continual underestimation of me has most definitely worked in our favour however, they have no idea of what is to come, they truly believe that I am a failure, removed from the Abbey, one that will provide all the help and reassurances they want. On the contrary, I am the best trained of everyone and I am a fundamental part of taking you fools out. So blinded by your petty beliefs, morals and virtues, decadence has set in so far already, in such cases, one must completely remove the tumour, lest it continue to grow and spread.

My place in this, as set by Boris, though with no knowledge of such myself, was but simply to find the heart of the decay and corruption, you have played into our hands so very easily. But then, what else was to be expected? The blind cannot see danger, no matter how close it is and with such decadence and anti-naturalism in place, instincts are beyond lacking as well. There really was no threat to us at all, only to you. Boris knows that I won't fail him, none of us will. Which reminds me, it's about time I got going, I have to find out my mission objectives from Boris.

-

Tala stepped into the abandoned warehouse, ignoring the eyes he felt on him. He knew that he was in no danger, his instincts told him that he was among friends. He continued towards the small office, as the letter had instructed. Despite his calm exterior however, Tala was anxious about the meeting, he wasn't sure what Boris would expect of him in regards to Kai. Finally Tala entered the office, though stayed in the doorway, waiting for Boris' instructions.

"Close the door and take a seat." Boris said bluntly, not bothering to look up from the desk he was currently sat behind.

Tala quickly but calmly did as he was asked, before waiting for Boris to speak again. He could tell that Boris was unsure of something because he was irritated, which meant Tala had to be careful. Losing his temper with Boris now would be a bad idea, regardless of what he was told to do.

"We are on a tight schedule Tala, I can count on you to do whatever is necessary I assume?"

"Of course Sir. What is it you need me to do?"

"We need to 'make some noise' but for us, the task is somewhat more difficult. What I want you to do Tala, is to take a few materials into your new friends' building. I'm sure you can think of something to talk to them about. Then once you leave, we can take care of the rest."

"Understood Sir."

"This place must be extinguished. This poison must not be allowed to remain."

"Yes Sir."

"Everything must be destroyed Tala. Can I trust you to partake?"

"Yes Sir. My loyalty is as it has always been, I will do anything you ask of me."

Boris smiled slightly, standing up, he looked directly at Tala. "I am very pleased to hear that, though I expected no less from you. After all, you are my greatest success."

"Thank you Sir, I won't let you down."

Boris nodded before opening a metal briefcase that had been placed at the side of the desk. Tala knew without looking that the case contained some sort of explosive, something insignificant that wouldn't raise suspicion. Though it also required getting a remote detonator inside, which could prove to be more difficult. Without question or hesitance Tala took the charge and detonator, slipping them into the pockets of his leather jacket. He then nodded to Boris before leaving.

-

Well that wasn't quite as bad as I had feared, Kai wasn't really mentioned at all. I'm surprised Boris wants to take things this far though, for us to act so openly... I've always known that we'd have to at some point, but it seems a little early, none of us really know what to do. I suppose that we'll just have to learn quickly, Boris wouldn't be acting unless we were ready and the time was right. Besides, we aren't really going to have any problems with this place, it's too small and back-water.

To destroy everything...that was the closest he got to talking about Kai. Destroy everything, does that mean everyone has to die? That seems pretty extreme... I hope he just meant the town and not it's population. I know these people are weak, but killing everyone won't do us any good either, otherwise all human life ends, the Abbey has no women in it.

Saying that, I suppose I can't really be surprised that I seem to have homosexual tendencies, nor would I be surprised if most of the others did too, after all, the lack of women is not going to stunt the natural sex drive, not that Boris wants that. Though the reason we don't have any women in the Abbey, other than the fact that most regard the herd instinct highly and are nihilists, is because we simply don't have the time in our training to deal with their needs.

It seems a shame really that they never took the time. Despite Nietzsche's not so favourable ideas of women, given the right upbringing, they are no different than we are. They only behave the way they do because they are bought up to believe that is the ways things are meant to be. Besides, that was a long time ago now, the role and character of women has changed since his time, I'm quite sure they would be useful.

We know now after all that they make good soldiers, especially when it comes to espionage and sniping. Also, having no women extricated from standard beliefs seems like a hind-sight on Boris' part, unless of course I'm wrong and there are others, just separate from the Abbey. That could be why Boris seemed disappointed with this whole mess with Kai. I am his best after all, the one he wants the best for, and expects the most from...

Anyway, I have more important matters to be considering. I need to figure out an excuse for visiting them and I need to work out where to plant the charge. I need to consider where I have access to, as well as remembering where all the security cameras are, since this restricts where I can plant the charge. I need somewhere out of the way, out of sight that I have reasonable access to, I can't afford to raise suspicion either. Minimum risk, maximum damage... Now think Tala, what is the best location?

-

Right, I know what to do and how to do it, all I have to do is pull it off. I don't want to let them down after all, what kind of example would that be setting? The most difficult part will be balancing my emotional output so that they think I'm genuine. Should they think something is wrong it could ruin everything and I can't afford to let that happen. Honestly, what is this? Since when do I ever doubt myself? Just get on with it already.

Now all I have to do is convince them to let me in and then make a pit-stop to the lavatory to plant the charge. Neither should be difficult. The most difficult part in the process will be the conversation with them. The main problem will be leaving relatively quickly without raising suspicion. If I'm going to them for help, why would I leave abruptly? That part I shall have to 'play-by-ear', no amount of planning will help.

Still I don't normally have much to say and I can always feign not being ready to go into any details. They have a tendency of believing what they want, rather than being objective, so really it shouldn't pose too much difficulties. It's too late to be worrying about this anyway, I've already agreed to get this done and the fact that I'm about to go inside the building definitely means that it's far too late to be having second thoughts. Besides, compared to some of the things Boris has had me do, this really is easy. The only reason that I'm worrying is because I don't know how far Boris intends to take this.

Okay, I'm in without any problems, though with the girl at the reception I doubt it would be difficult to get in even if I were openly armed, she seems that she'd over-look anything I did. While I won't deny that the slender brunette is attractive, she seems to be lacking in the intellect department, and with the low-cut short scarlet dress, she looks more like a prostitute than a receptionist. Though saying that, I expect that's precisely what got her the job, those in charge are all middle-aged men with over-active imaginations, I'm sure they love her attire.

Never mind that Tala, get on with things already. The charge and detonator need to be combined and set. There is either an air vent located in one of the cubicles, or there is the main pipe, that the charge can sit behind. While the vent would maximise the damage a little more, there is the chance of a security system of some description being installed, so the pipe is probably the safer bet. Placed as close to the door as reasonably possible will help with the distribution of the blast and it is concealed within one of the cubicles, I shall just have to hope that the cubicle is question isn't occupied...

Luck it seems is on my side, the entire room is empty. That makes things much easier and much quicker. Right, all set, everything is in place and working so that's half of it down. Now I just have to talk to them and get out, and the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned. I don't much like the idea of being in a building that is set to explode... It isn't that I don't trust Boris and the others, just that accidents happen, charges can quite easily be set off unintentionally.

I forgot how boring and irritating these people are, but at least they're gullible as well, it didn't take much to convince them that I'm afraid the Abbey is going to come after me. Offering no validation for that 'belief' has worked in my favour as well, they're not overly interested in listening to me until I have something interesting to say. I give it another minute or two before they usher me out.

Wonderful, that was as effortless as I should have expected it to be. It's rather disturbing just how much they managed to affect me. I can understand why Boris sent me and why this was handled the way it has been. Still, for everything they did achieve, they were never going to make me like them, I will never fall that far. Anyway, this façade is over, I have no need to concern myself with it any longer. All I need to do is head back to the others and find out what Boris wants me to do next.

-

Tala quickly headed back to the warehouse, making sure the entire time that he wasn't being followed. Boris would be less than pleased if Tala were to make such an amateur mistake. This time upon entering the warehouse however, his way to Boris' office was blocked. Tala frowned slightly placing his hands on his hips.

"We need to talk Tala, Boris will wait a while before he gives his orders." Bryan stated bluntly.

"Talk? About what?" Tala snapped back.

"You know what Tala, that boy." Ian stated, preventing Bryan from snapping at the redhead again.

"Kai, is none of your concern. Anything I may have done here is not your business. The idea was to 'fit in' after all..." Tala replied sharply.

"Come on now Tala, don't get so defensive, we're just a little, concerned, that's all." Spencer replied calmly, not wanting them to start fighting.

Tala was 'top-dog', everyone knew that, but the three of them had seen changes in their leader that they were none to fond of. Boris had only trusted Tala with so much because he was capable of interacting with outsiders without getting involved, but this time was different. Tala had shown genuine affection and concern for the bluenette, something that was very out of character. It wasn't that they didn't trust Tala, it was because they trusted him that they were worried, but unfortunately Bryan wasn't one for emotions, and usually anger was the only one he seemed to feel.

Tala sighed, removing his hands from his hips. "Look, I understand, but you're out of order. I'm not going anywhere, so just relax. My loyalty is with the Abbey, or I wouldn't be here, now would I?"

"You promise Tala? You'll do as Boris asks if that boy comes?" Bryan asked in a concerned tone, surprising the others.

"Yes. I'll follow my orders, as always."

"That's great Tala! We were worried you were going to ditch us, Boris included. Still...do you really care about him?" Ian jumped from excited to concerned making Tala smirk.

Tala shrugged, letting the smirk fade. "I really don't know, probably not. Wouldn't be like me if I did, would it?"

"No, it wouldn't. That's good, so long as this place hasn't taken you from us." Bryan stated, losing the annoyance he had shown since Tala had arrived.

"Of course not. You don't really think I'm that weak do you?" Tala replied playfully removing the remaining traces of tension.

"Enough now boys. It's time to prepare." Boris stated calmly before walking towards the main hall.

Tala nodded to the three others before following Boris, knowing that they would be right behind him. Any concerns he may have had with the Abbey's actions had been removed, and he would do his duty as he had always done, he wasn't going to let them down. Just as they had lost any doubt they may have had in him. Everything had returned to the way it had always been, the way they wanted it to be.

-

Well that was certainly interesting. Things won't be particularly difficult to get done at least, nor does it require much if any bloodshed. I suppose I was a little foolish to have presumed it would be anything more than scare tactics, but then, I seemed to have lost a little perspective during my stay here. As I said, killing them is less useful then 'reprogramming' them, if there is no one alive then there is no survival of humankind. All we need to do is open the eyes of the populous, which will by no means be easy, but it is necessary.

If they truly understood the consequences of their actions, and I mean really understood, they couldn't possibly continue as they are now, right? I'm not too sure that I'm convinced of that, people seem to be pretty stupid. The herd instinct is very strong, removing that, or even moulding it into something less destructive would be difficult. It's frustrating to think that way, to think that all our hard work could very well be for nothing, but we have to try nonetheless.

Everything can be taught, even if the older generations don't take too well to this, the younger generation is easier to change, after all, they are already being brainwashed by society. I think the most difficult part of this will probably be the simple fact that people no longer want to work for anything, they want everything as easy as possible. Anything that requires any sort of effort is discarded for something easier, even the most simple of tasks is 'improved' with technology. It truly shows just how bad the decline of the human race is. For that reason, we have to do everything in our power to change things.

In some ways it seems a shame to destroy this quaint little town, for all it's faults it is quite beautiful and peaceful. It is very dangerous for that reason however, subtle poisons can be far worse than aggressive ones. Certainly, to affect me so much without my realising it is impressive and very worrying. This is quite the weapon, such subtle manipulation, but it only works so long as you don't know it's there, now that I do it can't affect me any more.

I should probably be concentrating a little more on what I'm doing, rather than everything else, not that I suppose it makes much difference. Other than the fact that I'm pretty much done now, this doesn't require much attention, it's mainly just 'mindless' destruction. Of course there isn't anything mindless about it, all our actions are precision tactical strikes. For whatever reason, they seem to believe that many of our acts are random and senseless, but we certainly don't operate that way. For everything a reason. All it requires is a little common sense, even if they don't understand what it is that we're working for.

-

Tala slowly around the rubble left after his final assignment had been completed, double-checking everything was as it should be. The redhead was known for being a perfectionist, not that it was a title he minded. Once he was happy that everything had been completed properly he started heading back to the warehouse. Then when everyone had returned they would be able to start on their way back to Moscow and the Abbey.

So far everything had proceeded according to plan and there had been very little resistance. People it seemed were not willing to stand up and defend their properties or 'friends and neighbours', despite the teachings they apparently lived under. Given the option to leave or die, most chose to run away, never questioning the validity of the threat. The few who did chose to fight back were stopped easily enough, but they were the important ones, those with strong wills were capable of accepting the truth.

Tala walked casually from the street and through the gate that led to the warehouse. He had checked a few other things on his way back, so he knew that he would be the last to return. He usually double-checked the work to some degree to make sure everyone was doing their jobs properly, and it also took some of the stress from Boris and the others. Of course it also strengthened his position and importance, which he would not complain about.

Tala had walked about half of the yard when he heard someone call his name from the gate. He sighed softly, recognising the voice as being Kai's. His hopes of the bluenette staying out of the way had been destroyed. Tala casually turned towards the boy, who had run to close the distance between them, Kai finally stopping about 5 feet away from Tala.

"Tala...what? You haven't..." Kai spluttered, breathing heavily.

"You're not making much sense you know. So very out of character..." Tala stated half-sarcastically.

"What's going on Tala? What is all this."

Tala sighed softly, allowing his eyes to close briefly before walking to Kai and wrapping his arms around his neck, pulling Kai into a chaste kiss.

"You know Mr Hiwatari, you've caused me a lot of problems. That's okay though, all that is over with now."

"Tala please, stay here? Don't go with them, don't do this."

"So weak...you're making us both weak, you know, I almost... Anyway, you don't need to worry any more. Good bye Kai."

Tala placed a soft kiss on Kai's lips before stepping backwards. Kai frowned not wanting to Tala to leave, but also unsure of the meaning of Tala's words.

"Please stay Kai? I love you."

Tala smiled disdainfully, putting his hands into his coat pockets. "I had rather hoped that you wouldn't say those words Kai. I had hoped that perhaps you would prove us wrong. You do keep disappointing me Mr Hiwatari. Good bye."

Tala removed his right hand from his pocket and it took Kai a moment to register that Tala had something in his hand, by which point his world went black. Tala placed the silenced pistol back in his pocket and turned back to face the warehouse and his waiting colleagues. All loose ends had been tied up and there would be nothing left to make him doubt himself or his position. Now the only thing there was to think about was their mission and failure was never an option.


Now before you start trying to kill me, I never said Kai was dead, that's up to you to decide :-p

Anyway, finally finished! Yay! Thanks for the reviews, and for putting up with some pretty awful chapters...

Also thanks to Der Wille zur Macht (The Will to Power) by Friedrich Nietzsche for Tala's perspective on things, his ideas are very interesting (so if you want to know more, read it, lol).

Hope you all enjoyed! Da svidaniya (bye)!