AN: All right, late update because the chapter was a bugger to write, but I had fun. It was trying (like scrapping about 5k-6k words trying) but fun. Episode came about from Kiscia's and MasterExpose's requests, though neither would be the main focus of the episode.
Concerning any questions regarding ep3 about what the real deal is, if Kai died or some such. Let's just say that what you thought is canon and leave it at that.
As a side note, hi Guest! I've received and placed your request in the queue. As for future references, could I trouble all anon readers that if you're going to submit a request and/or review please use a unique name? It would be nice to refer to you guys other than guest 1, 2, 3 and so on. Thanks!
Pre-Notes: Michelle K. Davis (Terraformars) is here again and I'll take this chance to announce her as Bryan's staple partner. I like my headcanon couple for them, shrugs* And officially both Bryan and Michelle are my best supporting actor and actress.
Main time line is post G-Rev, and pre-Season 1. Theoretical date is listed anyway so there shouldn't be any confusion concerning timelines.
Wolf Taming
The many disjointed, unrelated, prompts for Tala and Kai across multiple AUs and canon.
Episode 4
Creative Handle
[Tokyo Dome, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan : 24 May 2014 : 14:54 PM Local Time : Fourth Beyblade World Championships, Final Match]
The white blade tipped and wobbled, spurting the last power of its spin before it tilted to its side and rolled into a stop, clinking against the nearby rubble. The blue blade above it whirred and emitted sparks as if announcing its absolute victory over its opponent. If I had highly developed mental abilities like Kai Hiwatari I may be able to hear BB - 01's cry of triumph.
A majestic moment, I suppose.
Kai Hiwatari stood unmoving from his spot at the side of the dish, mouth slightly ajar as he watched the scene before him unfold. Shocked, I imagine, but there was nothing shocking about the turn of events. His opponent's lose was a matter of simple probability. He and Tyson Kinomiya were very much equal in all aspects, like two sides of the same coin. You can't always expect it to always fall on one side.
"AND THE WINNER IS KAI!"
The boy's head shoot up to the announcer upon hearing his name.
"Kai!"
It was the only warning Kai Hiwatari received before Tsx81-728 bodily tackled him into an embrace, clearly ecstatic by the result. Bryan Kuznetsov soon followed and ruffled the boy's hair as Spencer Petrov patted him on the back. Ian Papov was by their side jumping and laughing, showing a childishness that should had been curbed off by their prior training. If Boris Balkov could only see his elite team now, he'd be disappointed. He reared soldiers and yet here they were behaving like any other common civilian.
Tsx81-728 yelled something at Kai Hiwatari. It took the boy a second or two and another word from Tsx81-728 before he gave a surprising uninhibited smile to him. Bryan Kuznetsov had taken Kai Hiwatari away from Tsx81-728's grasp before he could react. Tsx81-728 seemed lost, then. How odd...
Or was it?
Tsx81-728 has been displaying peculiar social queues lately, especially around Kai Hiwatari. I have already discerned its pattern, it was rather a basic one, but have yet to confirm it. None the less it will answer whether or not Tsx81-728 now has the capacity for such advanced emotions.
Flashes from cameras blinked rapidly and repeatedly, the stadium still in a raucous uproar, capturing Tsx81-728 and his team as they celebrate their victory.
"Give a round of applause to your new World Champions! The Blitzkrieg Boys!"
Stanley Dickenson went up to the stadium and congratulated Tsx81-728 and the others. I took that as my queue to leave. As much as I want to stay and observe more, there was work to be had. Not to say I minded. It was still for the sake of Tsx81-728's development after all
Being the hand for that development is a joy and privilege in it itself.
:::
[?, Moscow, Russia : 24 May 2014 : 01:33 AM Local Time] - [Journal Recordings dated 01 Jan 2005 to 30 Jul 2014]
Physical Development : Voice Journal #55 : 01 Jan 2004
"T81-728 shows no sign of any abnormalities and exhibits the body of a healthy eight year old child. It is to be noted, however, that T81-728 seems to be able to tolerate low temperatures. The observation was made after viewing the footage of the outdoor survival training conducted on the 11th of August, year 2003. An experiment will have to be conducted in order to prove this.
If experiment is proven correct, GC-192923w97 will be permanently implemented in the following batches."
:
Social Experiment 1 - 7 : Voice Journal #1 : 30 Jan 2004
"Boris Balkov has permitted to let a newly instated recruit, Kai Hiwatari, to meet T81-728. Kai Hiwatari shows unwillingness to interact with T81-728 but T81-728 exhibited knowledge for correct social behavior for intermingling with apparent peers. He has successfully coaxed Kai Hiwatari in introducing himself.
Further observations will be done to determine whether or not T81-728 will be successful in future attempts to build closer rapport. A relationship that could be considered as camaraderie or friendship in nature is ideal for T81-728's social development."
:
Social Experiment 1 - 7 : Voice Journal #10 : 19 Feb 2004
"T81-728 has successfully built rapport with Kai Hiwatai and can be considered as his friend. This concludes Social Experiment 1.
Nothing follows."
:
Social Experiment 3 - 6 : Voice Journal #9 : 15 Nov 2004
"Placing T81-728 in a situation where his immediate comrade's health is compromised made him display actions that could be considered protective in nature thus passing Social Experiment 3 - 6 positively. In line with this, Social Experiment 3 - 7 and Social Experiment 8 - 1 will now commence upon the introduction of another human variable, Bryan Kuznetsov. The experiment will test whether T81-728 is able to build positive rapport to more than one variable and his response in belonging to a peer group."
:
Social Experiment 3 - 7 : Voice Journal # 1 : 17 Nov 2004
"Following the events from Social Experiment 3 - 6, T81-728 exhibits wariness around Bryan Kuznetsov indicating that he has not determined whether the new variable is friend or threat. However, T81-728 does not reject the new variable's presence.
A chance to build connection is possible."
:
Cognitive Development : Voice Journal #45 : 25 Dec 2004
"From the recent IQ test conducted by Biovolt Training Facility, Russian Branch, T81-728's general average score belonged in the 87.3 percentile of all the subjects undergoing training. It depicts an above average intelligence. While not remarkable among children recruited by Biovolt, it should be noted that T81-728 scored considerably higher in Leadership and Abstract Reasoning. T81-728 scored in the 4.33 percentile for Abstract Reasoning and in the 1.76 percentile for Leadership. This leads to the hypothesis that T81-728's mental capabilities have not yet been fully tapped.
Reinforcing T81-728's education on the courses he is lacking should improve his scores. If not, modifying GC-2193932cf00 should be done."
:
Social Experiment 8 -1 : Voice Journal #1 : 01 Jan 2005
"After placing second in the recent ranking test conducted by the Biovolt Training Facility, Russian Branch, T81-728 along with Kai Hiwatari and Bryan Kuznetsov have been placed in Boris Balkov's elite Blading team. A new human variable has also been introduced, Spencer Petrov. At present, T81-728 remains neutral when interacting with the new variable, showing neither hostility nor amiability.
Belonging in a group will be another milestone achievement for T81-728 and will help in his development greatly. Aside from this, it will also pave way for observing whether or not T81-728 can integrate himself in a formal group and if he is viable for a leadership position."
:
Social Experiment 8 - 1 : Voice Journal #2 : 19 Jan 2005
"Day 19 in the group. T81-728 shows ability to function in a group and can coexist with new and older variable, Spencer Petrov.
At this point in time, Boris Balkov has not chosen a leader for this group. However he has divulged information that he is considering T81-728 and Spencer Petrov for the position. This leads to the conclusion that human variables can recognize T81-728's potential for leadership.
Other pertinent observation made throughout the span of this experimentation is that T81-728 is showing signs of pack mentality. A common behavioral pattern found in any human societal system. Data, however, is still deficient in determining whether this is due to external factors or the GC-192923w88's influence.
Withholding GC-192923w88 for T-82 should produce the needed results."
:
Physical Development : Voice Journal #89 : 05 Jun 2005
"A viral disease has spread in Biovolt Training Facility, Russian Branch, and has taken 16 casualties. T81-728's immediate peers have succumbed to it one by one, Kai Hiwatari being the first due to inborn respiratory defect, followed by Bryan Kuznetsov and Spencer Petrov. However, despite having interacted in close proximities with his peer group, T81-728 has yet to show signs of being infected. This signifies superior immune system. The coming physical health check up will be able to determine this.
In a related note, Boris Balkov has isolated T81-728 from his peers to prevent infection. This will place the observations over T81-728's immunity against the viral threat in a disadvantage but has given an opportunity to closely observe T81-728's social response over a direct threat to his immediate peer group that can now be considered as his family group."
:
Social Experiment 13 - 5 : Voice Journal #4 : 18 Jun 2005
"Following the case of the viral disease, identified as VD834325, T81-728 shows elevated levels of cortisol in his system. Level elevated further upon Kai Hiwatari's worsening condition. At present Kai Hiwatari has entered Stage 4 of the disease and is not expected to recover.
When Kai Hiwatari expires, Social Experiment 20 - 1 shall commence."
:
Social Experiment 20 -1 : Voice Journal #1 : 11 Jul 2005
"Time of death is—
:File corrupted
:
Personal Journal : Entry #56 : 12 Jul 2005
Though I did not choose it as my field of expertise, I find myself wanting to delve deeper into the study of entities known as Bit Beasts. Why, just yesterday afternoon I've witnessed a very curious case.
Kai Hiwatari had been clinically declared deceased as of 16:04, 11 July, year 2005. It would have been an exciting day to push through with Social Experiment 20 – 1, if it weren't for what transpired afterwards.
As of 17:35, 11 July, year 2005, 91 minutes since time of death, Kai Hiwatari's heart beats again, baffling us all. A medical miracle, if I've ever seen one. Next to Kai Hiwatari was the medium of his avian Bit Beast, emitting heat of 122 °F. Not a remarkable discharge of energy, however experts from the field have identified naturally occurring Bit Beasts of parasitic nature, needing a host to manifest itself and its capabilities. Kai Hiwatari's Bit Beast, referred to as BB - 01, should theoretically not have energy to emit heat when its current host has expired.
Dr Zagart and Dr Kinomiya had a gleam in their eyes that I could recognize while they watched the attending physician assess Kai Hiwatari's vitals, declaring him fit in a short while. I would be most excited too, if this was my field. Further analysis also showed that Kai Hiwatari's inborn respiratory defect has also been cured.
A very curious case.
It was decided that Boris Balkov will not be privy of this event. Despite his genius in the field of mental rehabilitation, his erring obsession over personal ambitions will no doubt misuse this scientific opportunity.
:Delete File?
...
—Yes
:
Personal Journal : Entry #77 : 13 Oct 2005
Dr Kinomiya has successfully extracted BB - 01 from its medium and is now commencing the next phase in cloning—
:Delete File?
—Yes
:
Find: Project Black Dranzer
...
0 Matches found
Find: Black Dranzer
...
0 Matches found
Find: _
Find: _
:
Personal Journal : Entry #80 : 07 Feb 2007
I must say, I am impressed. Despite only sharing the barest minimum of my life's work to Dr Kinomiya, he has successfully transformed extracted genetic information from BB - 01 into a viable code for cloning. He is now ready to start Phase 3 of his project. However, his methods are crude and cannot compare to—
:Delete
—Yes
:
Personal Journal : Entry #99 : 11 Dec 2007
It seems I have made quite a blunder.
The experiment I have conducted regarding Bit Beasts had been a success with P - BB - 00 bonding with Kai Hiwatari upon contact thusly proving my hypothesis on the possibility to bond with more than one Bit Beasts. It opens the opportunity of introducing T81-728 to another Bit Beast and test whether or not he too has the capability to host more than one of the parasites.
However I have not accounted for Voltaire Hiwatari to extract Kai Hiwatari from the training facility after the events following his contact with P - BB - 00. It caused any future experiments for hosting to cease due to lack of source of control data.
It was my mistake. The probability of Voltaire Hiwatari to deviate from his normal thought process had been so little that I assumed it irrelevant. I did not expect him to show caution for his kin's well being. Kai Hiwatari has suffered multiple bone fractures and head trauma that caused memory loss—
"So the good doctor was behind it... Typical."
:
Find: P - BB - 00
...
...
46 Matches found
:Copy?
—Yes
:Delete?
—Yes
:
Physical Development : Voice Journal #178 : 25 May 2011
"Boris Balkov has administered unknown enhancing serum to T81-728 without prior consultation. Subject is exhibiting positive results in terms of muscle strengthening. Accelerated cell division also observed, too little data available to determine whether said side effect is positive or negative, more concerning in subject's aging. Elevated brain activities are currently observed through fMRI.
Subject expected to stabilize within 10 hours. Subject will be referred to as Tsx81-728 if stabilization is successful.
Nothing follows."
:
Social Experiment 32 - 4 : Voice Journal # 1 : 10 May 2013
Tsx81-728 has met with Boris Balkov after he and his family group disbanded from Biovolt on 01 June, year 2011. As expected, Tsx81-728 showed hostility to previous relation and had acted irrationally despite having above average mental faculties and cognitive abilities.
Despite incurring detrimental injuries due to the experiment, Tsx81-728 passed Social Experiment 32 - 4. After conducting physical check up, Tsx81-728 is expected to be fully functional within 192 hours and viable to undergo further experiments again.
Nothing follows."
:
Personal Journal : Entry #166 : 2 Jul 2014
I wish to make contact once again with Dr Zagart. I've heard Project Z is enjoying its success, but data will have to be gathered before I finalize my conclusions. Project Z is still, after all, an inferior copy of my work concerning the T series.
I have yet to make contact with Dr Kinomiya and inquire of his studies regarding Bit Beasts, however. Throughout my close observations over Tsx81-728's development, I have also been making notes on Kai Hiwatari. I have proven that subject has developed very advanced mental abilities that allow him to connect and commune with BB - 01 to a certain level.
I will make a separate compilation of my findings regarding Kai Hiwatari and present it to Dr Kinomiya. I am certain that the doctor will find it very curious.
:
Find: Kai Hiwatari
...
...
...
...
671 Matches Found
:Copy?
—Yes
...
Find: Zagart
...
20 Matches Found
:Copy?
—Yes
...
Find: Project Z
2 Matches Found
:Copy?
—Yes
...
Find: Kinomiya
...
18 matches found
Del—
—Yes
:::
[Training Hall 2, Federal Training Sports Center, Moscow, Russia : 06 Jul 2014: 13:45 PM Local Time]
"Just because you won a match against Kinomiya doesn't make you all that, Kai. Get off your high horse."
Kai Hiwatari's lips thinned into a line and visibly tensed at the reprimand. His discomfort is beginning to be more visible as we progress further into Social Experiment 50 - 1. It's within normalcy but it will only be a matter of another misplaced criticism from Tsx81-728 to make Kai Hiwatari reach his breaking point and flee from another confrontation that will occur.
Bryan Kuznetsov's blade collided and locked with Kai Hiwatari's, the friction from the blades' high speed rotation causing sparks to emit. The white blade pulled away from its opponent before slamming into it in quick successions with loud, thin pings, driving it back and making Kai Hiwatari struggle to what should have been a very easy training match. Given his calibre, Bryan Kuznetsov shouldn't have given him any difficulties. However, Kai Hiwatari has been put under stress ever since Tsx81-728 showed signs of hostility against him after the events from the fourth Beyblade World Championships.
"Concentrate!"
Kai Hiwatari's blade managed to flee from Bryan Kuznetsov's attack, enabling it to gain momentum for a counter. It was easily dodged and Kai Hiwatari's blade only succeeded in embedding itself into the dish's wall.
"God damn it, Kai! That was pathetic—"
"Why don't you just fuck off for a sec, Tala?" Bryan Kuznetsov snapped.
Kai Hiwatari ignored them both and nimbly went down the dish to retrieve his blade. He pocketed it quickly and began exiting the premises.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?" Tsx81-728 growled. "Training's not over! Get your ass back to the dish!"
Kai Hiwatari breathed deeply before turning to face Tsx81-728, his demeanor steely. "To pack. I've obviously overstayed my welcome."
"What? Turning your back on us again?" Tsx81-728 accused. "Fine! Go ahead! It's not like I'm not used to it by now!"
An unreadable expression crossed Kai Hiwatari's face. Hurt, perhaps? His past transgressions has always been a source of uneasiness and, or, conflict amongst their family group. For Tsx81-728 to bring it up so callously would be like applying salt to a wound. It would certainly apply more strain in his relations to Kai Hiwatari.
Kai Hiwatari passed by me and I didn't need to pretend that I wasn't observing them. His and Tsx81-728's conflict had escalated to the point where any bystander would stop his activities and listen in. Kai Hiwatari turned around the corridor, leaving Training Hall 2, without any acknowledgement to his surroundings.
"And where are you going?"
My attention came back to Tsx81-728 who was now shifting his ire to Bryan Kuznetsov.
"Fixing your shit, as always," Bryan Kuznetsov answered, high strung, before turning around and following Kai Hiwatari's route.
"He's the problem here, Bry! He's so busy dicking around with that damn Spanish bastard when he should be training!"
Bryan Kuznetsov stopped in his tracks, sighing, turning his head to Tsx81-728. "It's for a business deal, asshole."
"That's bull! He didn't say anything to me."
"That's because you're being an asshole, asshole." Bryan Kuznetsov resumed walking again. "Take a fucking chill pill, Tala. I can't always cleanup after you."
Bryan Kuznetsov approached my immediate area and, unlike in Kai Hiwatari's case, I gripped the handle of my mop and pretended to clean the floor. It wasn't needed. It was still most obvious that I was aware of the events transpiring around me. However, it was normal human behavior to keep up with appearances to satisfy the concept of politeness.
"Sorry you had to watch that again, pops," Bryan Kuznetsov said to me.
I gave him a cordial smile. "It's normal."
"Doubt it," he muttered, eyebrows twitching down. "It's been months and Tala's still a fucking moron."
I would have to disagree. Tsx81-728's show of aggression towards Kai Hiwatari is still within normal bounds. This behavior is used by some even though it will only cause demerits in their relation to another person. It's a type of inborn defence mechanism present among humans to protect their psyche from factors that may cause harm. What I sometimes question, though, is the reason why Tsx81-728 considered Kai Hiwatari as a prospective mate. Society in general still stigmatizes against such partnership and it is human nature to conform in his society. Furthermore, intercourse will be most unproductive as neither is equipped with proper reproductive organs needed for offspring.
Ah, but such is the irrationality of human nature. Tsx81-728 succumbing to it is a success I will gladly take.
"At the rate he's going, it's gonna take something drastic again for him to fucking realize things," Bryan Kuznetsov muttered, successfully reacquiring my attention. "Well, see you, pops. I have some damage control to do. Again."
I watched Bryan Kuznetsov's retreating back, plans formulating in my head in droves. It was always a pleasure conversing with Bryan Kuznetsov. The boy always gives sparks of inspiration to make experiments more exciting.
:::
Personal Journal : Entry #169 : 02 Aug 2014
I have successfully made contact with Boris Balkov. Variable should be able to accomplish the conditions for ending Social Experiment 50 - 1. However, I do not quite approve of his would be methods in accomplishing said task. I am confident that Tsx81-728 will survive its after effects. The survivability of his current family group, however, is questionable.
No matter, there is allowance for collateral damage for all experiments. If anything this will only re-open Social Experiment 20 - 1 and that will make it most worth it.
:::
[Kocho Hall, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Japan : 24 Dec 2014 : 11:03 PM Local Time : BBA Christmas Party]
"Whiskey, straight. Two," Bryan said over his shoulder to the bartender, leaning his back on the bar counter. Beside him, Tala seethed and glared daggers at the back of Lavalier's head all the way across the hall. Knowing the moron, he was ripping Lavalier into bloody ribbons in his head.
"That bastard just can't take a hint, can he?" Tala muttered.
Bryan only nodded and thanked the bartender absently when their drinks were placed with a dull thud on the counter. He was getting tired of Tala's shit.
"If you're gonna make a scene, Tal, I'll save you the trouble and punch you right here, right now."
Tala glared at him, then, knowing that he wasn't bluffing. Bryan took his whiskey from the counter and tipped it into his mouth. A fizzy, limey, disgustingly sweet flavor washed over his tongue. He spat the drink back to the glass and whipped his body around, facing the bastard of who didn't know jack shit between whiskey and Shirley Temple. "What the fuck is this?"
"A Shirley Temple," came the bland reply of a woman from under the counter, her English straight and with no awkward pronunciation of syllables like a normal Japanese local.
"No shit, lady," Bryan growled. "What I want to know is why the fuck—"
The woman stood up and Bryan's brain instantly froze and only registered three things: one – definitely not Japanese, two – glasses, and three – totally hot.
"The BBA Chairman instructed that no alcohol will be served. No exceptions," she said, brushing back her short blonde hair with a casual flick of her wrist. Instantly, Bryan didn't care one flying fuck about Mr Dickenson's choice of kiddie drinks.
"I'm Bryan," an introduction tumbled from his mouth. "Kuznetsov. Bryan."
A coy smile pulled the corners of her small plump lips. She leaned onto the counter, crossing her arms under her well endowed breasts, cupping them up and frying Bryan's brain again. "And I'm—going to tell you your friend is about to make a scene."
Bryan blinked. Wha—
"I suggest you pick up your wits Mr Kuznetsov before Red over there sends a guest to the infirmary."
He craned his neck back and, "Shit! Fuck!"
Bryan raced with wild abandon, zipping and pushing his way across the crowd to get to Tala, cursing himself for his stupidity. Who the hell gets mooned by a chick at first glance? Moron. Bryan cursed himself more when he arrived just in time to see Kai slug Tala across the jaw that sent the dipshit to the ground.
"Consider that as my official resignation letter, Ivanov," Kai spat smoothly in their native tongue.
The whole room hushed into silence. Kai briskly fled, leaving them all in a daze. Bryan opened and closed his mouth, trying to put his protests into words.
"Don't you walk out on me! Kai!" Tala yelled.
Tala jumped up to his feet and ran after the younger teen before anybody could make heads or tails to what the fuck just happened.
"Bryan?"
Bryan turned to his side, hearing his name whispered in a familiar Russian accent, and found Ian staring at him, worried, looking a lot like the 14 year old brat that he really was. Bryan grimaced. Ian knew Kai and Tala were at odds with each other but Bryan and Spencer didn't think it would do any good if he knew just how bad. "Don't worry, shrimp. They'll sort this out."
"But Kai —"
"They'll sort this out."
"Bryan! Ian!"
Bryan looked up and saw Spencer running towards him.
"Your phones! Check it!" the blond demanded sharply, alarm inflicting his tone.
Bryan took his phone out, frowning, confused at the sudden unreasonable request. He tapped the phone's screen twice, bringing it to life and found one message from an unknown number. He slid his thumb across the screen and opened it.
'Happy New Year
—Boris Balkov'
"The fuck—" Bryan's eyes widened at the realization of what the message meant. A warning almost leaping from the tip of his tongue when the world blackened out and exploded with a deafening bang.
:::
[?, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, Japan : 25 Dec 2014 : 12:07 AM Local Time : 64 minutes after terrorist bombing]
Tala pressed his eyes tightly together, consciousness returning, mind whirring a mile an hour, assessing damages he could feel in his person—laceration in his right shoulder blade, minor... He was running after Kai and—
Tala eyes snapped open, heart beating frantically as he searched around the ruined hallway. Ice stabbed his stomach repeatedly upon seeing the mountain of rubble just a few feet from where he was lying on the floor, Kai under it, not moving.
He quickly scrambled up to his feet and slid down to where Kai was. A massive concrete slab was pinning him from the waist down, and there was small pool of blood beneath him. "Shit, shit, shit." Tala tentatively touched Kai's neck and released the breath he was holding when he found a pulse.
Tala swallowed thickly, forcing himself to calm down as he checked where the blood was coming from. He ducked down on the floor and tried to see but couldn't and came to a shaky realization that he shouldn't try and dislodge Kai from the rubble. He could hurt him more, kill him if dared... Tala hunched over on his knees, helpless and frustrated and afraid. Absently, he brushed away the blue strands of hair that had fallen forward on Kai's face and found a gash across his forehead that would require several stitches. Kai stirred, making Tala pause in his ministrations.
"Ta...la...?"
"Shh, I'm here," he soothed, voice cracking. "You're all right. Everything's all right."
Kai breathed deeply, closing his eyes.
"Kai, no, don't. Keep awake."
Tala's eyes burned as Kai blearily opened his again. "...Get help, idiot," Kai murmured quietly. "I'll... fine here."
No he wasn't, and they both knew it.
"I'll keep you company."
Kai hummed in response. Tala sat down and laid his hand over at Kai's smaller one, gripping it lightly, his thumb rubbing the smooth skin. They shared a moment of tense silence, and then the words he should had said and shouldn't have said now came tumbling down from his mouth in a broken whisper.
"I'm sorry."
Kai slowly looked at him with unsteady, dimming eyes. "I... I know... I like you too..."
Kai turned his hand so that their palms were touching and squeezed his hand weakly. Tala squeezed his hand back and desperately begged for a miracle.
:::
:Uploading...
[Memory 200 of 213]
"Kai!" Tala ran up to the younger boy curled on the cold stone floor. He scooped him up to his chest and gave him a shake, feeling panic nipping at his throat. "Hey, hey, come on Kai. Talk to me."
"...a...'t. Br-ea..."
"Where's your puffer?" he demanded, shoving his small hand into Kai's pockets, looking for it there. He was left empty handed after his frantic search. NoNoNoNo. "Where?"
Kai shook his head, wheezing and sucking air deeply, his chest heaving.
"Hey! Somebody!" he called out, swivelling his head from left to right, searching around the room. "We need help!"
Kai doubled over and coughed feebly. "Tal... can't..."
Tala's grip on his shoulder tightened. "For God's sake! I know someone's out there! He can't breathe!"
"Shut the fuck up! Da—"
Tala's head shot up and saw an older boy march up to their spot on the floor, brows furrowed and a deep scowl marring his face. He dropped down on one knee beside them. "Bryan Kuznetsov," he said sharply. "Hold him upright," he ordered placing a hand on Kai's back.
Kai gripped the front of Tala's shirt and buried his face onto his neck, hiding from Kuznetsov. "Kai, come on, he's trying to help."
"It's fine. Listen kid, Red's gonna do some breathing exercises. I want you to follow him."
Kuznetsov nodded at Tala and started taking deep, slow breaths, motioning for him to do the same. Tala pulled Kai closer to him and copied the gray haired boy's actions. Kai struggled with the motions, opening and closing his fists, but soon managed to shakily follow Tala's lead. The three of them stayed like that for what seemed like forever before Kai's breathing calmed down. Tala sagged against Kai's prone form, relief spreading over him like a balm. "Thanks," he murmured over at Kuznetsov, grateful.
"Don't mention it."
Tala gave him a tired grin. "Tala Ivanov, by the way," he said, and then indicted at Kai with his chin, "This bean sprout here is Kai Hiwatari."
"'Em not a bean sprout," Kai rasped softly, the material of Tala's shirt muffling his retort.
Kuznetsov snorted. "More like a personal ankle anchor."
Tala's face pulled a frown. He didn't think of Kai as a burden.
"Listen, Red," Kuznetsov said, standing up. "You and he get picked on a lot, right?"
Tala didn't offer any answers and Kuznetsov didn't expect any. It was as what he said. A small price to pay for being Boris's favorites.
"Does anyone else know he's sick?"
"No, just you and some guards. The doctors, obviously. And Boris."
"Good, keep it that way. If the others find out, you can bet your ass they're gonna use that against bean sprout. And it's hitting two birds with one stone, too, because you obviously are two peas in a pod. It's easy to kick up, say, a dust storm during training, you hearing me?"
Kuznetsov didn't stick around to hear his reply nor to chat. Kai looked at him with worry filled eyes. Tala hugged him tighter. "It's okay. We're okay," he promised. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you, I promise."
He slept in Kai's cell that night, making do with his promise.
[Memory 200 of 213]
:Upload Complete
:Uploading...
[Memory 201 of 213]
...
:::
[Room 810, Takeda General Hospital, 28-1 Moriminami-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan : 28 Dec 2014 : 10:30 AM Local Time]
Bryan pushed the door open with his shoulder, taking care not to squish the pastel monstrosity of a bouquet he was carrying, behind him Ian and Spencer followed. The conversation in the room hushed into a stop.
"You brought me flowers?"
Bryan snorted at Kai's incredulity. "You wish," he said, "brought you something better. Here, catch." Bryan tossed a large bag of mini Snickers to his bed, the bag of chocolate landing on his lap with a crunch of its plastic wrapping. "Can't imagine your good doctor gives you your daily dose of diabetes bars."
"And if you knew, then you should've left it at that. Give him an apple or something."
"Who died and made you a dietician?" Bryan countered, giving an unimpressed look at Tala.
"No one, and Kai eats too much sweets as it is."
Kai opened Bryan's gift and ate one without so much as missing a beat. Ian moved to take one from the bag as well but Kai closed the bag by squishing it between his clamped hands. Ian gave him a dirty look. "Share some, bastard."
"It's mine."
"So what? Share."
Tala remedied the situation by deftly prying the bag from Kai's grasp before the younger could react. He then tossed one of the chocolates to Ian who fumbled with the candy and then to Spencer who caught it easily with a hand. "This is too much for you alone," Tala grumbled when Kai gave him a glare.
The point was taken away when Spencer gave his chocolate to Kai. Tala scowled.
"When are they letting you out?" Spencer asked straddling one of the empty seats, ignoring the red head, leaning his weight forward to the steel back rest.
"End of week," Tala answered for Kai. His ice blue eyes darkened, frowning. "Doctors wanted to run some more tests."
"I thought you're all fine?" Ian asked, the question muffled while he chewed his chocolate, turning to Kai.
"I am," Kai grunted. "They're just looking for an excuse to make me spend more cash."
Bryan knew that was one big, fat lie. Kai could go any time he wanted. He was just doing this to humor, Tala. Tala was still high strung after what happened, what with Boris still crawling in whatever hole he dug up, free. Bryan couldn't really blame him, hell all of them were tensed, stressed, paranoid and everything fucking in between.
Well.
Kai was being extra generous to do this for Tala just to put the red head's mind at ease, even for a bit and even though he was a complete and absolute dick to him just a few days ago.
Still was.
Especially when Lavalier showed his mug yesterday. Kid didn't really know when to take a fucking clue. Bryan would had tossed it for a blond thing but that'd do a disservice to another blonde he knew who was confined two floors down.
"They're just making sure," Tala said, eyes searching as he look at Kai.
"And you're making a big deal out of this," Kai answered, sighing, eyes softening.
"You..." Tala started. "I know what I saw, Kai."
"I'm fine."
Bryan rolled his eyes. Though he was glad, fucking glad, confetti and all that shit included, that these two morons finally came to an understanding concerning their feelings, this sap they were doing belonged to a soap. Preferably one Bryan would gladly skip over for a nap or had somebody else gush at him about it until he told them to shut the fuck up because he didn't give a flying fuck if they saw the fucking cosmos or Nostradamus in each other's eyes.
"Oi. Get a room," Ian sneered in disgust.
Kai arched an eyebrow at him, expression snapping into complete blandness. "We are in room."
"Besides the point! I mean, come on, really?" Ian whined, words thinning highly at the end. "Do that shit when we're not here!"
Kai smirked and Bryan, not for the first time, thought that those dicks might be, just might be doing their sap shit on purpose. Though, sap or not. There was a valid reason to worry. Kai came out totally unscathed from this whole shit. No way they were gonna gloss over that especially when they dug Kai under 500 fucking something pounds of concrete with a few rebar skewering him in the stomach.
They'll have their much needed discussion when they were in somewhere more secure. Secure meaning their loft back home in Russia.
"There's the door, Ian," Tala drawled, leaning back against his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. "You three can show yourselves out."
Ian pulled a face. "We just got here."
"And I'm telling you I want to enjoy my boyfriend," Tala dragged the word out, and then added just to annoy the fuck out of Ian, and successfully Bryan as well, "Alone."
Smug bastard.
"You're disgusting, you know that. right?" Ian quipped.
"I meant now, Ian," Tala inclined his head towards the door.
Spencer shook his head and got up. "Tell us when something comes up. Anything."
"Yes mom."
"Kai's still recovering, Tala. Don't overdo it."
Ian gagged, face twisting into a grimace. "Jesus Christ! My brain, Spence!"
Spencer shrugged before fixing Kai and then Tala a serious look. "I mean it, Tal."
The two exited, Spencer silently and Ian with more fanfare. The only reason why those two were going without that much of a fuss was because Spencer wanted to get in touch with the investigation team, muscling his way in if he had to, and Ian, well... Ian was Ian. Bryan sometimes didn't know where that shrimp goes off to lately.
Bryan looked back at Kai and Tala. Tala was rubbing the back of his neck, having a hard time keeping up with his bravado while Kai was staring down at his clasped hands, ears red. Despite their open admission of their current relationship, it was still fucking obvious that they were still floundering their way in it. They were probably talking about it, too, when he, Ian and Spencer came.
Still...
"Well, I'll see you love birds later," he said casually causing both to splutter.
Bryan smirked. They make it so easy.
"Asshole," Tala muttered, knowing full well that he was making fun of them.
"Yeah, whatever," Bryan waved off, "I have my own bird to woo."
"You're not serious, are you?"
The blonde, blue-eyed bombshell flashed behind Bryan's eyes, confident, witty and had a hidden strength thrumming under the seductive curl of her pouty lips. The mental image made him grin. "Sure am."
Bryan bid them goodbye with a two fingered salute. Reminding them for the last time that if they were gonna do it he stocked some condoms at the bottom drawer of the closet, under Kai's underwear. Don't want Kai getting pregnant now, do we, Tala?
Tala threw the bag of Snickers at him, the contents spraying out, and Bryan dodged it, cackling. He knew he'd get his just desserts for the deed, this was Kai and Tala after all, but rendering the normally 'too-cool-for-you' duo into an embarrassed, mortified mess because of the sheer moronicness and the very insinuation of his statement made it worth it.
Bryan whistled all the way to the elevator, mood light, punching the down button with his thumb and waited for his ride. He knew that those two were still in their honeymoon period, and God fucking help them all when it was over. Kai and Tala were easily the two most stubborn, arrogant pricks Bryan had the most unfortunate luck of having for brothers, but even so. Even so, at least right now, in this moment, everything was finally right in the world.
The doors slid open, Bryan stepped aside to let the only passenger pass. The doctor gave him a cordial smile that was perfunctory with his kind of people. "Good day?" the man asked pleasantly, tone all business-like, clinically detached and feigning empathy just how Bryan absolutely hated it. It reminded him too much of those fucking white coats back in the Abbey.
Bryan, despite himself, gave a lopsided grin to the stranger.
"You bet."
:::
[?, Moscow, Russia : 07 Jan 2015 : 02:16 AM Local Time]
[Memory 213 of 213]
:Upload Complete
I made my way to one of the cylindrical tanks, excitement threatening to bubble over. I stared in awe at the body suspended in the artificial amniotic fluid, held in place only by the respiratory tube and the stainless steel cranial adapter injected at the base of his skull. He was perfect. Perfect. From the very number of the strands of his hair to physical prowess... mental capabilities, thought process, habits, mannerism—everything. From the moment he was inseminated until before the very first time Tyson Kinomiya had defeated him in battle, they will be one and the same.
I placed my hand on the glass, and pretended I could feel the unblemished, smooth skin of his face on my palm. It struck me, then, that this awe that I was experiencing must be comparable to how parents view their newly born offspring.
Tsx81-729 opened his eyes into a half mast, the icy blue depths unseeing, comprehension quite outside of his grasps, waiting for me to hand it to him.
I tore my eyes from my creation and entered the final command to complete his consciousness. A smile pulled the corners of my mouth while I imagined the possible scenarios of their inevitable confrontation. My hands shook in anticipation.
I wonder what Tsx81-728 will do?
End
End Notes: This episode is more like a prologue for a multichaptered story that I may or may not publish (convince me and I might). The start of my internship is looming above my head and I can be called any time. When it starts, expect a 6 month hiatus or we'll see if I'm still alive by the end of the day and can still write.
A side note, I found a really nice story for Kai and Tala. Although, it has Tala for the bottom which is not my cup of tea, at all. But the story's great and I could forgive that, alignment and spelling issues included. If you have time and looking for a good read check out: When the world goes dark by Breeyar98. The story's erotica, btw.