Enjoy!

It was the next day after the opening ceremony, despite the cold the warm rays of light made it almost feel like a spring day. Quite a few contractors were out and about in the industrial area, some came for parts and some would be delivering them. The side of the roads where a mess with pallets and old parts that got flung outside. From a particular workshop Loud hard bass music was coming from inside, the garage door was half open and in it stood an old kamaz truck. Poor thing was pretty run down with various rusty spots and the front bumper hanging on for dear life.

In the back there was a large cabinet and a workbench stretching all the way from one end to the other. The purple haired brother was seated in a high chair, his feet barely touching the floor. Holding a screwdriver he was tinkering on some electronic parts.

A man stepped into the workshop holding a clipboard and some papers. "Fixing keepsakes for the Russian army now are ya? Here I have a delivery for you."

Tala popped his head out from underneath the back end of the truck. "Your neighbor wanted it driving again." He chuckled.

The man rolled his eyes. "Ah Čórt vozʹmí, don't tell me he wants to bring that thing when we get called out on a job. He will be the death of us."

"You rather want him to operate the crane? He's the reason most of us have a sixth sense now in dodging chain hooks. At least now we can get him to park somewhere far away" Tala mused while he crept from underneath the truck. Grabbing a white rag he cleaned off the dirt from his hand and took the clipboard from the man and scribbled down his signature.

The man laughed loudly. "Thank you my friend, I will be on my way again, I heard the old man is trying to weld now, but I doubt he can still see the difference between a blowtorch and a welding torch."

Waving goodbye at the man he leaned against the doorframe. "Give him my regards."

Suddenly he heard a chiming tune, he reached for his pockets and took out his cellphone and saw Spencer was calling.

"Yeah?" Tala said.

"Is Ian with you?" Spencer spoke on the other end.

"Yeah, he is here. I gave him a few crayon to chew on." Gazing over his shoulder he saw a very angry looking little person behind him making a hissing like an agitated snake.

Spencer chuckled. "Can you tell him to pick some groceries up for me?"

"Yeah sure, no problem. Just text me the list." Tala confirmed.

Spencer was quiet for a moment. "Also, Brian told me about yesterday. I mean, he didn't know the details because you are leaving us all in the dark but.."

Can't keep it hidden anymore forever. He sighed. "We should, but not over the phone. Just stay put for now, please."

Did our captain just said 'please'? Spencer frowned. "Alright, I am trusting you in this."

Tala hung up the phone and averted his gaze towards Ian. "Spencer needs a few errands, could you go and get them?"

With an annoyed huff Ian walks towards Tala fetching the list that he had written down from the text message he had received.

"Fine, fine. But only because Spencer asked!" And with that Ian darted off. For a little man he was quite light on his feet and easily maneuvered himself through the oncoming passerby's in the industrial area.

Seeing the little brother run off made Tala chuckle slightly. Such a hothead. Leaning against the frame of the large door he took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. In the far distance darker clouds started to form and a feeling of unease crept over his spine. Reflecting back on his meeting with Boris he knew it would only be a matter of time now. Although he wasn't keen on the idea of entering the abbey, he was feeling rather eager to just get it over with.

The conversation made him realize how little they knew about the and how much information was hidden from them. Only knowing what they needed to know. Those documents spoke for themselves and he was sure there where a lot more records, unanalyzed data and secrets all within the abbey.

Feelings of emptiness harbored within his core, after all these years of her absence he still wasn't used to the feeling of Wolborg not being around. Her presence made him feel light, as if the world around made sense, now nothing did. It was dark, pressing and logic gained a new definition. For years he had been searching and suddenly Boris tells him she is back in the abbey. The thought made him frown, it was all too easy.

Pushing himself off the wall he turned to the side where a panel was placed. Pressing the button on the panel the large door closed down. Once it was shut he moved to the hallway throwing off his work clothes. Underneath he wore simple navy blue cargo pants and a black t-shirt. Giving a quick glance in a stained mirror he ran his fingers through his hair throwing it back. Even he had to admit that he had seen better days. Eyes that once burned with ambition where just an echo of what they once were.

Shifting towards the office he had decided that he was not ready to deal with Spencer yet. Letting himself fall down on the sofa he leaned his head backwards facing the ceiling. Trying to relax a little he closed his eyes. In the back of his head he could hear the static noise grow louder bit by bit. Not again… he groaned as he tried his hardest to banish out the noise.

Gripping his head with his hands the invasive noise tried to break through as if something or somebody was trying to speak to him. It always sounded like mumblings but this time he started to hear the intonations of letters.

Shut up…. Shut up shut up… He winced.

Slowly the noise subdued and he regained control of his thoughts. Little time was given to catch a breath as he heard loud knocking on the door.

Hissing in annoyance he stumbled through the hallway, pausing halfway he had to place his hand against the wall for support. Followed by another loud knock he pushed himself off the wall and reached for the door handle. Opening the door, he saw a man around his age and length standing. On his face he bore that arrogant expression. You've got to be kidding me. Tala sighed.

"I had expected it to be more difficult to find you, but here we are, your appearance in the arena was pretty obvious so I thought I would honor you with a visit from me. Judging by your appearance, well…, I'd say that your retirement is not doing you much good" With his amber eyes he looked up at Tala.

Tala rolled his eyes in reply, how he hated that attitude, still he could not resist the corners of his mouth turning in to slight grin. "And yet you never had the title of world champion, Kai."

Kai chuckled, his pride would never allow Tala the enjoyment of how much that stung him, moving through the door way he greeted the redhead gave him a brotherly embrace. "Let's have a drink."

I should really reconsider turning this place into a bar… as people keep using it as a hangout. Tala sighed while following Kai. Motioning to the duo-colored male to take a seat he walked over to the desk and opened one of the lower drawers. Inside was an exclusive looking glass bottle with a broken seal and two fine looking glasses next to it, he placed the glasses on the desk and poured a drink for both of them. Tala walked over to the table he set down the glasses and sank in the sofa and kicked his feet up on the table.

Together they grabbed their glasses and raised them making a small toast. "Na Zdorovie." They spoke in unison while drinking it all down.

With a thud they placed down their glasses on the desk and Tala opened the bottle again to pour in another round.

"So, what is your true motive for coming here Kai."

Kai smiled, Tala had seen through him immediately, he expected nothing less. Despite his beaten down appearance, this man single handedly destroyed his grandfather's entire operation. Only a handful of people knew what went down in the Abbey that day, Kai included. It was something not for the public to know.

"Straight to the point, as always." Kai paused for a moment. "I saw you at the arena last night, last place I'd expected to see you." He wasn't ready to give his reason away just yet.

"I had my reasons, thought I'd show some old friends a bit of support." Tala replied in a nonchalant tone.

"I see." Kai placed the glass at his lips and took another shot. Admittedly he missed Russia's finest vodka, he could enjoy a good sake but it was nothing compared to what this country had to offer.

Silence filled the room for a while, Tala stared at the glass in front of him slowly zoning out and Kai had his eyes closed while leaning comfortably in the chair. He could feel that Dranzer was being rather uneasy in the presence of Tala.

Opening his eyes he viewed his current surroundings. "Quite the gig you have going on here."

"It's keeping me busy." Tala sighed as he placed his hands behind his head. "What about you though, heard you started to settle down."

"Heh, news spreads fast, but yes indeed I have found a person of interest. Who knows what will happen" Kai made a warm smile, thinking of the better changes in his life and how It has been affecting him in a positive way, as if finding that one last thing that his heart ached for. Now he could look at a brighter future instead of hanging in the past.

It pained him slightly to see his old friend in such a messed up state, he knew Tala quite well, they shared a good few years together in bitter times and beyond that. But this aura, this vibe that was coming from him it had Kai slightly on edge.

"Hope it's working out for you." Tala's tone being a tad bit blunt, he sighed while taking another shot and kept his gaze averted from the phoenix blader. Growing somewhat impatient with Kai and how he was taking a detour of getting to the point.

The attempt of making small talk was not working out like he had hoped to and Kai slowly started to see this, instead he was only starting to get under Tala's skin and despite Kai being a pretty superior force, he might seem calm and rigid on the outside but that made him unpredictable and extremely volatile.

His appearance in the arena had Kai slightly hoping that somewhere there was still something he was willing to fight for, if that bit where to die down, he'd rather not think of the consequences it would bring. Closing his eyes he took a deep breath, he had to come to the point sooner or later.

Opening his eyes he started to speak in a rather serious tone. "I heard rumors about the Abbey within the Hiwatari family, I also heard that you had met up with Boris. Not that it is much of my business, the details for your visit that is. However it feels like bigger things are at play here."

Clenching his hands together Tala shifted in his position, his posture now firm and tensed,

"Who knows." Tala simply replied as he shifted back into his slouched position, but his eyes where empty and void, as if his soul was missing.

Frustrated at his nonchalant reply Kai tried to calm himself and refrain from wanting to knock some sense into Tala. "My grandfather had ownership of the abbey, by contract that is. After the scheme got exposed it naturally was handed over to the rest of the Hiwatari family. My intentions where to flatten it to demolish it however we stumbled upon a hitch."

Tala snorted at Kai's explanation and busted into a laughter. Kai glanced at him with a puzzled look, at the same time he sensed Dranzer suddenly steadying.

As his laughter started to die down he took a deep breath. "You can't destroy the Abbey, hell I've tried, trust me. Tried to burn it, blow it up, even rammed a truck through the fence, nothing worked. That place has a mind of its own. But after meeting with Boris I had realized that it never tried to keep things from coming it, it's keeping something from coming out."

Leaning his arms on his knees he folded his hands together. "Perhaps you should just sit this one out Kai. Stick to the competition."

Narrowing his eyes, that statement only confirmed Kai's hunch even more, he was readying himself to go in there. Kai knew of the rumors that ice formed on the inside of the abbey and with that soulless look in Tala's eyes all he had to do was fill in the blanks now. He never refrained from the competitions because they were taking a break. The whole reason is Wolborg not being with him. Tala acting on his own had Kai worrying the most now.

Shaking his hand out of his sleeve Kai took a quick glance at his watch. Tch, already this late. It was after midnight already and they had quite the events planned out for them in the morning already. As much as it pained him that he had to sit this one out, forcing Tala to talk would be an impossible thing to do in his current state.

Getting up from his seat Kai straightened his jacket. Scraping his throat he flung his soft white scarf around his neck. "I think I should take my leave, so you can get some rest, it is quite late already. Perhaps you will come and watch the tournament?"

"No worries, I'll be fine." Making a waving gesture with his hand Tala remained seated. "Just close the door on your way out, I'll stay here a bit longer."

Taking a deep breath Kai turned on his feet and made way for the exit. Halting for a moment he took a last glance towards Tala and opened his mouth as if wanting to speak, but instead he swallowed the words and moved on.

Outside a stunning young woman was waiting for him, standing in front of the door on the driver's side she patiently leaned against the metal. Kai held his coat tight as he felt an extreme cold chill pass through him. His resistance to the cold was inferior when comparing to Tala but he could tell the difference that Russia felt a whole lot colder than it should be.

"Any luck?" Her chocolate brown eyes meeting with amber ones as she pressed a kiss on Kai's cheek.

Kai shook his head with a slight sense of defeat. "No, sadly."

"Did you bring up Julia?" She asked him with hopeful eyes.

"I didn't, he didn't seem to be in a right state of mind to discuss anything really. I brought up that I saw him in the arena but he wouldn't budge." With that Kai and Hilary stepped into the car and drove off in the late evening.

Tala leaned against the window frame, just enough that he would be out of sight from the pair, watching their exchanges. He reached for the phone in his pockets and unlocked the screen. There he saw a bunch of missed calls from spencer. Mother hen… Rolling his eyes he typed a quick message saying that he was going to stay in the workshop a little while longer.

Dragging his body back to the sofa he let himself fall on his back on top of the cushions, throwing his feet over the arm rest he tried to push them off but not which much luck, sadly he was too tired and had to admit defeat to a pair of boots.

Although he did not do it often, sleeping in the chaotic mess from his workshop was actually quite peaceful. Rolling himself on his side his head was now facing the back of the sofa, he curled up and shifted until he found that 'sweet spot' and quietly drifted off to a restful sleep.

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Morning came quickly and a warm wintery sun rose, with the reddening hues still in the sky. Daytime crew had already begun to gear up and the streets where getting more lively by the minute. Back on the sofa Tala was still fast asleep, the noise outside did not bother him much as he was quite used to it by now that until a loud knock appeared on his door.

Groaning in his sleep he tossed a pillow over his head hoping the person can take a hint. The plus side of being an engineer is that you always have something to do, the downside is… you always have something to do.

Followed by another loud knock he sat up slowly cursing under his breath. Running a hand through his messy hair in a failed attempt to make it more presentable he stumbled through the hallway towards the door. They'd better have a good damn excuse! With a highly agitated expression on his face he flung the door open.

His gaze fell upon an iron worker who nearly shat his pants when he made eye contact with Tala.

"Sir… I apologize but our section engineer has dropped out and we need one on site." The man took a few steps back trying to create some distance between him and Tala.

Rubbing the bridge of his noise he let out a deep sigh. "it's construction isn't it..?"

"Y-yes, I am aware that you are from mechanical but a foreman is a foreman" the man replied with a nervous smile.

A whole day running after construction workers… Praying that they knew the difference between a bolt and a nut he pushed himself of the doorframe and turned to the corridor to grab his gear. Construction was not his specialty but it might do him some good to get out on the field again, it would just be a for one day anyways.

Dusting off his old construction helmet he made way for the door and stepped out. "Alright, let's go, which site is it."

"Ah right, the BBA center, the client is somebody called Mr. Dickenson." Hurriedly the man paced after Tala.

Not bothered in slowing down his movement he dropped his head low at hearing that man's name. it suddenly hit him that he had heard some guys talk that they were going to strengthen the construction on the inside for lights, camera's etc. and with the first match being held tomorrow they had to finish things up.

Of course it was going to be the stadium, best to just get over with it.. Rolling his eyes he entered his truck and drove towards the construction site.

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Inside the stadium there was a small cafeteria, Mariah, Hilary and Julia were caught in small talk and enjoying a well-deserved break from training and coaching.

Julia was occupied in devouring a delicious strawberry milkshake, looking up she noticed a grimaced look on both the faces from Hilary and Mariah. "what?" she said in a high pitched tone with the straw still half sticking in her mouth.

"It is in the morning, minus 10, if not colder and you are drinking a milkshake." Hilary shook her head.

Sitting up straight Julia made a serious face. "I am mentally preparing myself for dealing with the cold, 'tis part of the training."

Mariah bursted out in laughter at her friends stupid excuse for getting to drink a milkshake. "it's ok, we won't tell Raul or Romero, your secret is safe with us."

With a pout she spoke in a low voice. "Thanks… they both are on my butt for not eating balanced meals before a match, I need my guilty pleasure 'kay."

Hilary patted on her shoulder. "We got you covered."

"Man, even after all these years I still get nervous before a match." Mariah exclaimed.

Hilary sighed. "I'm getting mental-breakdown from keeping Tyson in check. The idiot is all over the place and not to mention he needs to address his title every five minutes."

Mariah nodded at Hilary's statement. "I don't get how the guys can't stay put for 5 minutes, I mean look at us! We are competing and none of us is having troubles."

Both Mariah and Hilary eyes at Julia who was desperately trying to get out the remainder of her milkshake with the straw. As she noticed their gazes she blinked at them.

Hilary chuckled. "Okay… maybe stress eating."

Hearing footsteps approaching their table the three looked up at the joyous looking Mr. Dickenson. "Good morning ladies." He chimed in his distinct friendly tone.

"Good morning." The three chimed in unison.

Taking of his hat he held it in front of his chest and let his weight rest on his cane. "Ah it warms my heart so much to see you three together despite being from different teams, I remember seeing you rough diamonds stepping into the arena and now look at you, beautiful women, strong and dedicated. I am looking forward to the matches."

Blushing at his statement Mariah gave him a soft smile. The kind Mr. Dickenson had always treated everybody equally and rooted for each team. "Thank you, the BBA would not be the same without you and hopefully you will stay with us for many years to come."

"Could not have said it any better!" Hilary cheered.

"As much I would love to join you in a chat I am sorry but you have to excuse me, we are still preparing the arena for tomorrow as we speak and the contractor is in a pinch, I heard they found a new enforcer so I should meet him. Ah so much to do." Placing his hat back on his head he gave them a polite nod and walked off.

"Poor Mr. Dickenson, without him the tournament would be in peril." Julia laughed, again her eyes met with the sharp look on both Hilary and Mariah.

"Are you thinking what I am thinking?" Mariah mused as she elbowed Hilary.

"Oh, oh this place is going to be filled with strong men any minute now." Hilary's mouth turned into a devilish grin.

"Oh give me a break, I must focus!" Julia groaned. "Okay, how about this, after tomorrow and the match is over we can go out."

"I'd have to sneak out though or my Rei will have my head." Mariah pouted.

"Y-yeah… I get that feeling." Hilary dropping her head as well.

"All the single ladies…." Julia chimed while her hands danced along.

Getting disgruntled looks from her other two friends Julia laughed. They got up from their seats and bid each other goodbye. "Break time is over girls! Let's roll."

As they turned the corner exiting the cafeteria they bumped into the Majestics. Julia the little devil she is archer her back puffing out her chest. With her chin held up high she passed them making to keep a very challenging look in her eyes as she made contact. Although she had no clue who would be lined up against her she would not back down from a good challenge.

As the Majestics passed her in the corridor Robert dropped his shoulders with a deep sigh. "Aye, that woman she is going to be a handful."

The radiant Enrique boastfully exclaimed to his team. "I will have no trouble taming that pony."

"Hey I take offence in that!." Oliver pouted.

Johnny gave Enrique a heavy pat on his back. "I'd still be careful if I were you, Rome invaded Spain once, we all know how that ended."

"Well shit.." The roman blader ran his fingers through his blonde locks.

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Relieved he shut the door of the foreman's office behind him. When walking through the hallways he had managed to hide his bright red hair in a construction helmet and keeping the zipper of his coverall as high as he could get it. He swore that he nearly bumped in the Majestics and he saw a hint of pink hair turn a corner somewhere.

Just one day… Opening up a large envelope he pulled out the construction plans that his predecessor had left in the temporary office. Scanning over the documents he had his fingers trailing over the paper to follow the lines, corners and various other information. Most of the work has been done already but there was still problems with the alignment of a beam in the middle of the arena.

His mind started to relax as he worked his way around calculating various objects and noting that what was already done and still had to be done. Inspection can already start here, then all that is left is getting these beams in place… that's the blue front side connecting to..

The train of thoughts was broken off when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in." He replied while keeping his eyes focused on the documents.

Wiping off the dust from his soles Mr. Dickenson took off his has placing it on the rack. "I…" Suddenly stopping once he got sight of a familiar face. Blinking in disbelief he was at loss for words for a moment. It must have been at least 5 or 6 years now since he last saw the Russian. His facial expression softened and he could not help making a sad smile.

It felt good to see him again, trying to make something out of life and finding a profession. At the same time he was a bit sad that he seemed to have given up on beyblading completely, which he'd not expected to happen.

Looking up from the plans Tala made eye contact with Mr. Dickenson, for a moment he felt a bit for loss at words. Knowing the old man, he would want to discuss the good ol' days, he had neither the time or was in the right state of mind to do so. Just need to get to the point and wrap this thing up quickly. He thought with a sigh.

"The inspector is doing his round as we speak, as for the beam, the iron workers are adjusting it now, we should be ready to place it in the early afternoon." Feeling a tad bit guilty for his attitude towards the man he tried to convince himself it was for the best.

"I see, thank you for being able to come on such a short notice. I understand it is a lot that I am asking from you since the first match is only a day away. If you need anything please let me know." A hint of sadness in his tone of voice. Sitting down in one of the plastic chairs, he folded his hands together and rested them on the edge of the table.

"As far as things are going now it is manageable, just a few touch-ups." Tala replied.

"I see." Mr. Dickenson remained silent for a moment before speaking up. With a gentle expression in his eyes he looked up at Tala speaking in a friendly voice. "I hope you are doing well."

Those words shot through the Russians frigid heart, only a few had earned his trust and respect, Mr. Dickenson being one of them. He took a seat in the chair that was across the table, keeping his gaze on the drawings in front of them. "Yeah, doing well indeed."

An awkward silence fell in the room, when Mr. Dickenson was about to open his mouth they were interrupted by a knock, the person did not bother to wait for a reply and opened the door right after. One of the workers came in and saw the two men sitting across each other. "Sorry for interrupting but the beam is ready, unfortunately we encountered a problem though. The mast from the forklift truck is malfunction and with- ."

"I can take a look at that." Tala interrupted the man as he got up from his seat. Looking back at Mr. Dickenson he gave him a small nod. "I will inform you once they are finished, I have one request however."

Mr. Dickenson looked up at him questioning.

"Please don't let them know." With that final statement he turned and followed the worker outside.

With a heavy sigh Mr. Dickenson got up from his seat as he saw them both off.

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"13… 14… 15… Hng" Finishing her last set of squats Julia sat down on her mat and let herself drop down on her back, her arms stretching out sideways. Thunder Pegasus was casually roaming around the training room and would circle around her once in a while.

Looking sideways she watched her bit beast who seemed to be enjoying herself in the large space. "You've got it easy." Smiling at thunder Pegasus she opened the palm of her hand nudging it to come towards her. With a graceful jump the beyblade landed in her hand and Julia sat back up.

Getting back on her feet she stretched her arms out. "Finally done for today." She said musingly. Grabbing her water bottle and a towel she moved towards a window and opened it up slightly to let some fresh air in the training room. Wintery air was something quite new to her as she spend most of her days in warm southern countries, but over the course of a few days she started to gain a soft spot for Moscow.

She had a good view on the fences that split the workers site from the pedestrian area, multiple workers passed by, sometimes greeting one another. Her eyes fell on the parking area with a bunch of trucks and vans. Most where in a pretty run down state and half of them had their back doors open giving the mechanics access to their array of tools.

Her eye fell on a familiar truck, trying hard to remember it suddenly hit her and her eyes widened. "Tala…" She whispered while making a smile.

Turning quickly on her heels she threw a grey hoodie over her head and walked out of the training room. She kept her gaze towards the outside as she walked through the hallways of the stadium. On her way she passed a few worked and tried to ask them about his whereabouts, sadly the men had no idea what she was talking about. Thanking them for their time she kept on walking. Perhaps I had it wrong. She thought.

While she was walking further down the corridor a few of the workers ran past her towards the center of the arena, spiking her curiosity she trailed behind them to see what they were doing.

Entering the brightly lid stadium a small crew was running around haltingly, they all seemed a bit on edge. Taking a closer look she saw a group of works run from the corridor into the arena, followed by an angered Russian voice that was coming from one of the hallways, she could not quite see the man yet and only saw a dark silhouette. Must be their team leader or something. Judging by the expression on the workers faces they were quite scared of him.

Such a bully.. She pouted. Leaning over the edge of the stadiums seating area she waved her arms. "Hey! Don't be a jerk!" She shouted at him. As the man stepped from the corridor and into the light of the arena she gasped upon seeing the familiar redhead.

Their eyes met and both stood still in a moment of shock.

"Tala!" She shouted happily while jumping down to the arena.

Oh god…He cringed inwardly.

Standing in front of him she placed her hands on her hips, a group of crewman all took a step back as they all had faced the short tempered foremen already today. Looking sideways she gave them a questioning look until she realized they were all scared of Tala. Narrowing her eyes she gave him a slight push on the chest with her fist.

Shocked by her actions the workers watched the exchange between the two in fear, this woman just went against the foreman from hell.

Taking a deep breath she relaxed her posture and took a step back. "Thought things with wheels where more you thing?" looking at him questioningly her arms rested casually against her figure.

A devilish smile crept on Tala's mouth. "Well they called me in because somebody is bound to break the stadium tomorrow evening."

Pouting at his reaction she crossed her arms in front of her, though she would not show, she felt glad on the inside hearing him crack a casual joke. Still looked like shit, but it is a start.

Satisfied with her reaction he turned his back to her and moved towards the forklift truck. Turning the keys the engine came to life and he fiddled with the manual control to get an idea of the issue. As he was operating the controls some oil started to drip down in the flooring. Leaving the controls for what they where he took a white cloth and started to follow the trail of oil towards the back of the mast.

Julia shifted closer to him while leaning over his shoulders to take a good look at what he was doing. For some reason it did not bother him, it felt.. natural to have her in his personal space. "Can you get a spanner from the blue box, size 14." Surprised by his own words he wanted to call her back, how on earth was she going to know what to get, but she had already jumped off.

Much to his surprise a very eager looking Julia was handing him the correct key. "Thanks…" He mumbled.

"Grandpa had thought us some useful things back when we were younger." She mused while keeping her eyes on Tala.

While working on getting a ring that was attached to the pump off, he slowly zoned out with nothing but the background noise of Julia making small talk about some stories of her grandfather. Occasionally he would nod or reply with a simple yes or no but he didn't catch much of what she was saying.

Pacing between the toolbox and the truck he had managed to get everything back in place, with a grunt he twisted the bolt back in its right position and filled the hydraulic oil to the proper level. Again he started up the engine and nudged the control handles a few times until he was satisfied that it was operating accordingly again.

A not so friendly face turned back to the workers again and he clapped his hands together. "Potoraplivat'sya!." Those words has them running back to their work stations again.

"So what is next?" Julia looked at him.

"Shouldn't you be training?" He pointed out at her.

Huffing at his words she stomped behind him as he was taking his leave from the arena. "You sound like Romero…"

As they walked through the darkened corridor together Julia halted suddenly. "Tala.." She spoke silently.

"Hm?" He looked back at her.

"Are you going to watch the match tomorrow?" Her voice having a hint of hopefulness in it.

A odd feeling in his gut boiled up hearing her speak in such a soft manner. "Just promise you won't break the stadium, I just patched it up."

Julia made a squeal so high-pitched it made Tala's ears hurt, in her excitement she launcher herself at him giving him a hug. The sudden action caught him heavily off-guard, his brain shouted to get some distance but his body refused to move. Arms remained glued to his side as Julia's grip around his waist tightened.

He closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Crazy woman…

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Taking a turn Hilary caught Julia and Tala in her sight, as she was about the quicken her pace to greet them she was stopped abruptly by a tug on her arm. Looking back she gazed at Kai who had taken a gentle hold of her wrist.

"We shou-."

"No, let them be." Kai cut her off.

"It will break her heart though." Hilary's voice was sad.

"Without her he would not have a reason to come back, let's just sit this one out. I have men monitoring the abbey, they can tail him once he gets in." Kai leaned against the walls of the corridor crossing his arms.

"Wouldn't they perish in the cold though?" She questioned him.

"Let's hope that he reaches Wolborg first then." He replied.