I feel like I have lost reviewers and readers :( please review people cos it seriously encourages me to write faster! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Im meant to be up early tomorrow yet here I am posting cause I promised to update quick!
Not much time so I shall reply to reviews fast. A massive thanks to:
Beylover
tangmo: I have heeded your criticism so I hope this chapter is better :)!
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Thanks for reviewing that last chapter! Please review at the end of this one too! :D
This chapter isn't as long as the past 2 but it is filled with lots of drama goodness! So I hope that makes up for it! Gah I love this chapter lol. anyway it follow episode 42 of Beyblade and we finally meet Kai! Enjoy!
Chapter Twelve
*Juliette P.O.V*
I didn't feel bad when Tala pulled his hands away from my own. Like before, his radiant pale skin was smooth and slightly cold. The clash of our temperatures was like an electric shock. I was fairly happy that things were different; in fact I was more than pleased he accepted who I was. Though he didn't verbally tell me that he trusted me, I felt as if he had but not completely. He didn't reply after that moment, instead he turned away like he was deciding whether to put his faith in me or not. There was a barrier, some sense of reluctance in his eyes which I couldn't decipher. Tala was more than a block of ice that needed melting; he was like permafrost - impossible to melt. While waiting for word on Juan, I anxiously sat on one of the infirmary bed's which I realised were a little pointless in having seeing as the blader's rarely stayed in them. Neither the less, I was grateful for its comfort at the moment. While my equipment and materials were kept by the cabinet ready, my mind wondered what the current state of the little boy was. He was so young, so fragile. No child should have to endure such procedures.
Tala had left the room for a moment but returned shortly after and leaned against the wall with his usual stoic position- crossed arms, eyes closed and chin down. He didn't have to be here but I guess he was just as curious as I was to see what becomes of Juan. His presence helped a little though he refused to speak so I didn't push him. It was bad enough with the plan that was due to be set into motion the next day. The horrible sickness in the pit of my stomach was worse than ever for a range of reasons. I hadn't yet tackled a way to counter Boris' plan and neither made any progress within that sector. Surely I wasn't the only one who knew the abbey was up to no good, someone had to be tracking them some way? I sighed; relying on false hopes was useless. But I had to do something. I never expected another issue to rise up so fast.
The infirmary door flew open violently before the culprit slammed it shut behind him and silently standing before me. I glanced up in a jolt and saw even Tala had opened his eyes. The wary look in the moonstones had me worried and suddenly I felt like running from the room.
"Is there something you want to tell me Juliette?"
His voice was calm and low for the moment but his eyes narrowed. Sliding off the bed, I blinked expression-less at the gray haired male.
"Bryan I...I don't-"
His eyes darkened. In a second he lifted up his arm and lifted up the sleeve revealing clear pale skin. I glanced at it before looking back at his eyes, confused.
"I was sure I got nipped by a blade on my arm, now there is no sign of a scar or wound."
It took a great amount of self control not to look shocked or guilty; I regained my position and continued to act dumb. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it! I was sure he wouldn't remember or he had been unconscious when they gave him the cut. The lump in my throat was building up that I knew eventually I'd have to let out some form of a gasp. Tala glanced at me, eyes narrowing; I looked at Bryan, refusing to look anywhere else.
"I checked all your injuries Bryan, you had none on your arm apart from the slight bruise" I replied, feeling guilty for lying.
His arms fell back by his side and he sounded like he had just chuckled in his throat. It was a dark and bitter chuckle that made me wince inwardly. His eyes closed.
"Funny that. I don't have a bruise on my arm. Not a single injury now that I think about it..."
Taking a step back, I failed in keeping the surprise from showing on my face. My eyes widened and he noticed my reaction and smirked. Oh god, I was uncovered, I wouldn't be able to recover myself from this lie. Bryan's smirk suddenly disappeared.
"Tell me the truth kid, what did you do?"
His tone was accusing and I felt like a witch with forbidden powers but I was far from it. How could I explain that I had gained the ability to heal through my bit-beast? If I hadn't he would have died... I looked down like I was ashamed to face him.
"I...I don't know..." I stammered weakly.
"That's not an answer" he snapped back coldly.
"Bryan, you can get your answers later" Tala's voice echoed from somewhere.
I was surprised and glad he had intervened in this moment to save me. So he would protect my secret... I had a feeling he knew how I managed to cure Bryan. I was closer to Bryan than Tala so why had I entrusted my secret to the cold hearted man before Bryan? It was wrong...
"I'm not waiting around to get my answers, I'm getting them now" Bryan snarled, making me flinch.
I glanced back at Bryan then, feeling defeated. I could tell them both right?
'You must only proceed if you have full faith in them Juliette. You cannot let this secret escape past these walls' Artemis warned.
'I...I don't know Artemis. I feel like it is killing me that I am keeping this secret from them. As grateful as I am for their kindness and faith, I worry that Boris will find out. I feel as if I am insulting them by not trusting them.'
'This choice is yours Juliette. Follow your heart.'
I sighed quietly, arguing on which part of my body I should listen to. The passionate side of my heart where I should confide in both Tala and Bryan or the more logical side of my brain where telling them could mean Boris discovering Artemis. Demetri after all, had found out Tala's phobia by eavesdropping. Who knew if he was out there now? Fear must have shown on my face because Bryan toned down his levels of harsh and cold expressions and frowned. I tilted my chin down and dejectedly looked at the ground with my eyes clouding.
"I...I have a bit-beast" I admitted, closing my eyelids halfway.
I didn't dare to look up but curiosity got the better of me when there was silence. Surprisingly, Bryan seemed to be unaffected by this revelation. That was unexpected. His eyes simply questioned but his seemed to lack the coldness it had a moment ago.
"That's not an answer either" he frowned.
I glanced at Tala who also remained as he was but his eyes reclosed. I shifted my eyes to the side. I guess I would have to tell them sooner or later... Taking a deep breath I turned to the side and pulled out my beyblade.
"It is something I had never been aware of. I only stumbled across it when I treated you in the cell. Artemis told me" I quietly began, eyeing my blade.
"Artemis?"
I nodded, turning my head to look at him. "My bit-beast."
His eyebrow arched. I figured he was also bewildered that a bit-beast could speak. Like Tala.
"She's different from all the other bit-beasts. I like to refer to her as a spirit. But that is going past the point; you were very much close to death Bryan. Had she not informed me of such a method then you wouldn't be here today" I winced at the last part, feeling slightly agitated at the thought and how it sounded now that I said it aloud.
They both remained silent but Tala seemed to have opened his icy blue eyes again, intrigued.
"I was told it's called channeling. We are both interlinked through our energies and I had used her energy to heal you."
Now Bryan's eyes slightly widened before they turned away looking taken aback. The idea itself was preposterous; no one would heal like that, as far as I was concerned. I glanced at Tala who didn't seem fazed by this, I didn't know whether to feel relieved or not. But then he said something that sent a chill down my spine.
"You got any other secrets or powers up your sleeve that you want to tell us?"
His tone of voice was cold and his eyes narrowed. I blinked, looking away. Was there anything else I was able to do that I hadn't yet discovered? I doubted that. So I shook my head.
"So you have a bit-beast that speaks. You can heal people using some crazy energy thing and you lied to everyone" Bryan accused.
I immediately jerked my head up and stared wide eyed at Bryan. The truth hit like a boulder crashing down on my head. I looked away ashamed and bit down on my bottom lip.
"There's a reason. If Boris gets a hold of her blade and bit-beast, there's no doubt he would use that to his advantage. Adding on this 'channeling' doesn't make it any better, if Boris discovers this..." Tala's voice tailed off as he half grimaced and grit his teeth together and turned his away to the side.
I looked at Bryan who seemed to be in deep thought. Tala was right; the fact I now had such a ability because of Artemis it made it even more dangerous if Boris ever discovered her. I clutched her tight and protectively put her back into my pocket.
"Boris wouldn't be able to use such method himself but I'm afraid he may extract Artemis from my blade and bestow experiments on her" my throat tightened and so did my guts at the thought.
"So if you had this ability all along, why hadn't Artemis told you about it before? Why now?" Bryan questioned, looking a little annoyed.
I sighed lightly. "It has its disadvantages too. Using the said ability also drains my life force."
Both Tala and Bryan seemed to react to this piece of information and jerked their heads up and eyes shot open wide. Tala even stood up straight away from the walls while his arms fell down by his sides in slow motion.
"What?"
I turned to face Tala wholly. There was an unreadable expression other than shock on his face. With a small nod I blinked. "The longer I hold on when healing, the more life force energy it drains from its host. I was close to facing the darkness myself when healing Bryan..." I admitted, shifting my eyes to Bryan whose eyes widened even more after my final words.
"Damn" Bryan spat, turning away for a second before facing me once again, looking slightly angry. I tensed.
"Don't you ever use it again; I don't care if I or someone else is bleeding out. There are other methods- human methodsto treat people" he snapped.
I flinched. "I couldn't let you die."
"You were still stupid to endanger yourself for a minor cut" Tala intervened, folding his arms with a dark glare on his face.
"Had it been minor then I wouldn't have, you were dying Bryan!" I cried out.
"Leave it kid. What's done it done, avoid using that method and keep a low profile. Boris isn't stupid, he can discover your little secret like that" he snapped his fingers in my face that it made me jump and clutch my sweater.
"How else do you think we all ended up at the dungeons? Boris must have been keeping an eye on you and who you interact with and then it shows when it comes to our training. We got sent to the pit to beat the emotions out" he confessed.
I struggled to speak, to breathe, to stand. I fell back down on the bed, body slightly shaking. I felt so...violated, so stupid...so afraid. If Boris had found some way to discover my relationships with the students and that had affected their training then who could tell when he would discover Artemis too? I prayed that he hadn't yet found out.
"It's my fault..." my weak voice whispered. "It's my fault you're all facing punishments and suffering."
I felt weak and numb. Because of my stupidity and intentions to change everyone, they had all suffered the price of the outcome. That only led to one conclusion, I wouldn't be able to do a thing when Boris has a hold over all of them. That made me feel worse.
"I put faith in you because I chose to. Don't start losing confidence and admitting defeat yet. You're keeping us sane" Bryan stepped in, giving me a meaningful look with his gleaming silvery eyes.
I gazed into them, feeling the strong bond and faith he had put in me. Bryan was right, as warmth over took my body I stood up.
"Then I shall not disappoint you." I stole a glance at Tala whose radiant blue eyes were on me. "Any of you."
Bryan's lips turned into a fragment of a smile, you wouldn't realise it was there but I detected it. That gave me more confidence. I could make a difference here. Bryan turned to leave but was stopped when his captain spoke up.
"If you're not up for the simulation tomorrow morning, I'll let Boris know I dismissed you to train the level 5's. I won't have my team lack strength when those Bladebreakers get here" Tala glowered.
I was appalled. Not by the fact he ended it on a rough note. But the fact I had detected a slight concerned tone behind his voice. He knew Bryan was possibly not at full strength yet after today so he was covering for him. I felt immediate admiration for the two of them. They held such a strong bond, more than any of the other students here which included Spencer and Ian. Cole and Juan were brothers so I supposed that was different. Bryan and Tala's relationship was like one I'd never seen. I hadn't realised I was smiling and almost missed Bryan leaving. The door slammed shut, leaving us in silence.
"Arigato. Thank you Tala."
He turned to look at me, confused. "For what?"
I smiled lightly. "For keeping the secret about Artemis."
He didn't change his expression but I noticed it softened a level and that was enough. His blue eyes were staring into my emerald gems and for a while we stood that way when I finally looked away. There was a thick level of tension between us and it had felt strange... Nothing bitter nor cold but it was almost like I wasn't looking at the same Tala anymore. It was a weird feeling.
Thankfully, the event had taken my mind of Juan completely but as soon I remembered, my stomach fell again. When the guard came into the infirmary after a few silent minutes, shortly after Bryan left that was when my heart jumped up to my throat.
"Your presence is required Miss Juliette. Boris shall see you in the dungeons."
I didn't know what to fear more. Boris or the state of Juan. My eyes flickered to Tala who gave a small nod of reassurance and I took a deep breath, nodding back in gratitude before grabbing my briefcase and following the guard out. While I was escorted to the dungeons, my heart hammered against my chest furiously and I found it harder to inhale breaths of oxygen. I was shivering even though I had worn many layers of clothing and my hands shook. What could I expect? What would Boris say or order me to do? Would he forbid me from treating Juan? No! I shouldn't think such thoughts.
I noticed the stocky figure straight away and the ruby eyes of the mask. I flinched inwardly but kept my face blank. Boris had planned this to happen because he discovered my strong bond with Juan. Boris smirked upon my arrival and I glanced up at him, awaiting his dictation.
"There you are. I hope you aren't feeling too upset over the previous events..." his sneering voice asked.
Surprised, I blinked. Was he really asking about how I felt right now? He knew I wasn't happy at all with his decision yet he was taunting me because he knew he could. He was a man of pure evil. I shook my head reluctantly. He smiled sinisterly in return.
"Good. You must grasp that things are done differently here in Russia. Is that understood?" his voice, yet low it was a threat.
I nodded solemnly.
"You can take care of the boy" he remarked before walking off with his guards, leaving me in the god forsaken dungeons alone.
I immediately bolted for the nearest cell and found the small figure crouched by the back wall, struggling to sit upright. My heart broke and I lunged forwards, running down by his side at once to analyse him.
"Juan! Juan look up at me, I'm so sorry this happened to you Juan, it's all my fault!" I cried, letting the salty tears appear once more as I lifted his chin up to reveal his bruised and bloody face.
The glowing amber eyes I had loved were now stripped out of its life and a cloudy dull orange. I gasped, clambering a hand over my mouth. He looked disastrous. A groan escaped his lips as he tried to sit up against the wall.
"Hold on Juan, I'll help you" I grabbed his elbow gently but was hit by another bullet when he yanked his arm away.
Feeling like I had just lost my soul, I looked at him, astounded. The painful feeling of hurt wavered over me and I knew I was crying.
"D...Don't" he croaked out, letting out a hiss.
"Na...Nani?" I whispered my voice on its hind legs.
As I tried to help him again he flinched away, searing another bullet in my gut. Why was he acting like this?
"You...You can't. If B-Boris finds out...he...he'll hurt us b-both" he struggled to speak as he winced and let out a whimper, obviously hurting a tender spot on his side while he leaned back against the wall.
"I do not care what Boris thinks! He will not harm you any more, he cannot harm me either" I assured, feeling anger ignite inside me.
I grasped his hands gently but firm so he didn't pull away. "I promise, I'll save you so you do not have to endure this suffering anymore."
I gazed intently into his eyes and nodded in confidence. He seemed to falter a little before nodding and smiling once again. "I knew I could trust you Sakurai-san" he murmured.
I wiped my tears, smiling in return before I grabbed my briefcase. For the next few minutes I tended to his bruises, bandaged his lashes and applied cream to his cuts. One of his ribs had badly bruised so I added some balm to reduce the swelling and pain. Juan seemed more relaxed but something seemed wrong. Like he was being affected inwardly too.
"Juan, is there anywhere else you need me to treat?"
He avoided my eyes for a moment before looking back and smiled warmly. Some colour returned to his eyes which I was thankful for. "No. Thank you."
I gave him a gentle hug and stroked his cheek with one hand before helping him up and return to his dorm. Halfway we met with Cole who looked more heart broken than I was on seeing his little brother injured severely.
"Boris will pay. I don't care how but I'm gonna make him wish he was never born" Cole snarled, clenching his fists tightly.
I looked at him miserably; it wasn't surprising that he was feeling angry after seeing the state of Juan who could barely walk. I had him on 2 days bed rest as he argued that more than 2 would enrage Boris even more.
"I will put a stop to this Cole, justice will be served" I assured with a confident glare.
"Tch. I'd strangle him with my own hands, only then will I feel justice has been served" he hissed.
I shook my head. "Violence won't help us now Cole, he has too high security and endless supply of guards here. We wouldn't last a second if everyone suddenly rebelled and I doubt that everyone would go against Boris" I frowned, disappointed. If everyone here saw the bigger picture behind the whole best blader dream then perhaps we could have had a chance to rebel. It was far too dangerous to rebel now with few numbers and I doubted Tala would be happy. Would he be by my side or choose to follow Boris?
The morning chills was a wakeup call. The bladebreakers arrive and that meant Kai would be here, right where Boris wants him. How he would draw Kai here was a complete mystery and why Kai? Did he really need the boy as much as he needed his bit-beast? These questions were thrown aside when I showered and dressed and headed outside. It seemed the skies were cloudy with no snow falling. Just chilly breezes. There were drill practices already taking place out there. I watched in disgust at how the Level 3 and 4 students were brought out and given orders from the guards set there.
On my way to the infirmary to pick up some medicine for Juan, I spotted the Demolition Boys heading north, probably to go speak to Boris. On hearing my footsteps, an icy blue pair of eyes turned to look directly at me. Tala's expression was again, unreadable and he must have noticed my frown. Yes, today was the big day and he was going to obey Boris' orders. As the other Demolition Boys walked away, Tala lagged behind giving me one last look and following them. I sighed. He hadn't wanted me to speak to Kai, but I couldn't follow those demands. I had to talk to Kai, talk him out and warn him off.
As the afternoon passed, I had been in the Level 2 training room, treating the burns a few students had from their exercise work out. There was no word about Bladebreakers nor about Boris. Perhaps there was a delay in the plan or maybe the Bladebreakers weren't yet in Russia. I highly hoped so. Boris's plan would begin to crumble if they weren't. It made it easier.
"Don't apply too much pressure on your hands, okay?" I advised the boy known as Adrian. He simply nodded before getting up and returning to his battle dish.
I hadn't seen or heard about the Demolition Boys either. Only a rumour that Boris had sent them to a special training unit outside the abbey. I shouldn't worry I guess.
There was a sudden commotion uprising in the room and I immediately heard the word Bladebreakers. My head jerked in the direction it echoed from and neared the group of boys now chatting frantically.
"I'm serious. He had Tyson challenge Alexander, I think they're still in the entrance hall upstairs!" a boy ushered.
Alexander? The name was familiar! A ghost image of a dark haired boy came to my mind. I had treated him not long ago this morning. He had only a headache and seemed reluctant to talk. If this boy was right and that they really were upstairs, then I had to go!
"I can't believe Boris welcomed those Bladebreakers here, they don't have any right" another's snide comment echoed to my ears.
I froze, swallowing a gasp. So they were here. This changed everything; Boris was already one step ahead. How could I have not seen this? Of course everything would go to plan; if it didn't then Boris would make it! Turning on my heel, I sped out the room and began making my way through the endless tunnels and up the hidden stairs to the abbey above. What would bring the Bladebreakers here? It's not like they would choose to come here by choice...
I was out of breath when I thought I reached the entrance hall but there was only silence which meant I was in the wrong place. Frantically, I turned my head from side to side to figure out which way.
'Artemis? I need your help.'
At once Artemis began scanning through her chakras and directed me towards the said hall. At long last and out of breath I came across Kyle who glanced up and looked alarmed to see me.
"Juliette? What are you doing here? Sho-"
"Tell me what's happening Kyle! What is this about Alexander?" I cut in and hurriedly blurted out the words.
Kyle's eyes widened and he looked down with a glare. "That Tyson, from the bladebreakers, he beat Alexander...so bad..."
I felt myself hold my breath, heart pounding. I feared the worst.
"Alex didn't even see it coming, none of us did...Boris just crushed his blade and had him sent away" he confirmed.
Now I let out a small gasp and looked down in horror. I was too late, he got Alex and now he was going to suffer, a possible worse fate since he somehow must have angered Boris with his loss.
"It was like he knew they were going to be here and invited them to the abbey. Putting on his 'good guy' pretence" Kyle snarled.
Boris was smart. I had to give him that. He didn't miss a single step. I had my work cut out for me.
"Kyle, was...Kai there?"
His head jolted up and eyes widened before narrowing suspiciously. "Why?"
I didn't say anything and shrugged. "I heard it from the other boys" I lied again, as much as it killed me.
Kyle scoffed bitterly. "That bastard was there all right, acting all high and mighty. Good riddance. I'll be happy to see the Demolition Boys crush them at the tournament" he smirked, making me flinch at his tone.
I merely nodded and he walked off. I'd have to see Alexander. The corridors seemed longer on the way down to the cells and I found myself feeling more than nervous. Boris wasn't going to let Alexander go so easily. Finally I reached the tunnel of cells and noticed 2 guards outside, a third figure with no mask. Boris.
He sent me a glare when I approached him, feeling like I had just been hit by a sledge hammer. I swallowed the lump and looked into the cell to see a pleading and frightened Alexander.
"Help me! Help me please! I'm sorry! I promise I won't lose ever again" he cried.
I felt my heart break at the pleading cries and it sparked the confidence I needed. Turning to Boris I gave a pleading look.
"Please, let him go. Everyone makes mistakes and learn from them. Alexander won't-"
"There is no room for mistakes in this abbey. Alexander has proved he is not worthy to be a student here" Boris snapped.
I winced and glanced at Alexander who was giving me a look that urged me to carry on.
"Alexander is a phenomenal blader, Tyson was a more experienced challenger...I don't think-"
Again I was cut off. "Your authority isn't to advise me on what is best and what to do. We have had this conversation Juliette, do not let me bring it up again, understood?" He snarled, darkening his glare.
I swallowed and lost the will to argue. It was pointless, I couldn't say anything and I sent a sympathetic look towards Alexander who fearfully shook with terror.
"Yes..." I mumbled out and looked down, defeated.
I heard him grunt in satisfaction before the footsteps drowned out. I turned to the cell and gripped the bars.
"Forgive me Alexander..." I sadly whispered. "I am far too helpless."
He shook his head and gripped the bars too. "You can do something! Anything! Please try" he pleaded eagerly.
I stepped back, taken aback and nodded. "I will try my best to help you all Alexander, don't worry."
After that painful event, I found myself going back to the infirmary and grabbing a few painkillers to take to Juan. The ghostly image of Alexander's petrified face refused to leave my mind. Boris was really turning harsh on them, now that the Bladebreakers were here. Kai was yet to be drawn here, I couldn't figure out what would bring him here. Juan noticed this worry when I reached his dorm.
"Something is wrong, why do you look so sad?" He weakly asked.
The amber eyes hadn't regained its full brightness but to some extent it was almost like normal.
"Nothing Juan, don't worry. I'm just thinking where the Demolition Boys are..." I replied with a weak smile.
"You really care about everyone."
"I do, those who are innocents shouldn't be treated this way."
He looked away sadly then and I knew what he was thinking. If only things were so simple...
That night I left my dorm and stealthily made my way to the familiar pillar room of darkness. It wasn't a surprise to see Tala there, venting his rage out on his blade but I somehow felt a shade happier knowing he was back here. Maybe he could answer a few questions.
As I sat down on the bench I watched him focus on his late night training. I guess he really didn't want to talk and seemed really angry about something. Perhaps he had heard about Alexander and that fact the Bladebreakers were here also made him feel frustrated. Like Kyle.
"Tala?"
He stopped and recalled his blade before sighing quietly. As he prepared his launcher again I continued, he was listening.
"What does Boris want with Kai personally? Could he not just have his sacred bit-beast?" I asked, voice slightly shaking.
"If it were only that he was after then Boris would have taken over the world long ago" he replied back, releasing Wolborg again.
I frowned, looking down. He hadn't answered my question really but I doubted he was going to give a straight answer. Something was bothering him.
"You seem stressed. Is everything okay?"
No reply. After a few shrilling sounds of his blade clawing the walls, he recalled Wolborg and walked over towards me and sat down.
"Keep yourself busy tomorrow. Don't go wandering around, I'm warning you" he suddenly blurted out with a semi cold tone.
I blinked, turning to him. "Why?"
His eyes closed and he looked like he was holding in a rant. "Don't ask. Just obey."
Now it was my turn to turn cold. "Obey? Tala you are treating me like how Boris treats me. Only I hold respect for you and not for Boris, you have to let me in" I pleaded.
He looked at me so suddenly that I jumped a little inside, feeling my heart pound. I was lost in his pools of blue and noticed just how long his black eyelashes were.
"Boris' plan goes into action and it is only now that things will start getting hectic and dangerous. If you get involved you risk our lives, so stay out of it. Don't go talking to Kai" he ordered with a stern voice.
I frowned and turned my head away. "I have to do something."
"No. Let the championships be over."
I felt myself feeling rage. I snapped back to him, almost making him flinch.
"That's all you care about? The tournaments? Alexander is now in the dungeons because of a small mistake. Boris will succeed in capturing Kai and soon will take over the world. This isn't fair Tala, you are being selfish!" I cried out.
His eyes darkened. "So what? I worked to get where I am, I'm not throwing it away. Not for anyone."
I felt tears prick my eyes then and a wave of hurt. I looked up at him, succeeding in capturing his attention.
"Then I guess...I was wrong about you."
As I got up to leave his voice stopped me.
"Elaborate on that."
Turning my head over my shoulder I replied.
"I saw the relationship you hold with Bryan. I thought that was the real Tala deep down. Now I begin to doubt that you have a good side and perhaps my being here is meaningless after all..."
Silence.
With a sigh I faced back. "Don't be afraid to fight Tala. Don't be afraid to feel. You are a human too" I weakly smiled and turned to leave.
I couldn't bring myself to heed Tala's words and stay away. There hadn't been any word about Kai or the Bladebreakers. So for the morning and part afternoon, I had kept myself busy. Otou-san hadn't called in a while now and neither did okaa-san. I guess my last comment must have really set them off and now they chose to forget me altogether...
As I was heading back to my dorm I heard a small commotion coming from down the halls. Where the labs were, it seemed the scientists there were successful in extracting the fighting spirit from a bit-beast. My eyes fell into the liquid green tank where a wolf had been wired up. I forced myself not to gasp or cry out. Both Artemis and I shared the pain that the spirits and animals had to go through.
After another hour at the dungeons I stopped. This isn't right. Nothing has happened so far and the day was coming to an end. What was Boris planning and why was Tala so eager to have me be occupied? It didn't add up. Maybe I should go see Boris, perhaps I could stall him from proceeding if he was busy, after all. I was still Tamaki Sakurai's daughter. Confident about my decision I decided to head on to his passage where his office and security room had been held.
"He took out the camera."
There was a dark chuckle coming from a familiar voice.
"Yes...he did. Fortunately, we have more, maintain camera surveillance" Boris's sinister voice ordered.
I froze. What was happening? Was he checking up on someone? On me? I feared this and eyed out for cameras, finding none. I stood outside the archway entrance of the security room.
"Switching to camera 90" another voice replied. A possible staff member.
"Good, now dispatch a repair crew, have that camera fixed!" Boris demanded.
"Yes sir."
I was too curious now. I peeked my head in and had to clamp a hand over my mouth to stop myself gasping out loud. On the screens, there displayed a male with 2 toned hair in different shades of blue. His face was tensed and angry. There were 2 cobalt blue triangles on each of his cheeks, possibly war paint. He had on blue cargo pants and a tight black vest with some sort of red arm guards with metal spikes from his fingers to his elbows and a sheer white scarf with a long tail around his neck. Was...was this Kai? It had to be! But what had brought him here? How had Boris managed to draw Kai back here? These questions were making me drive mad. I collapsed against the wall silently and was in deep thought.
Kai was here. It meant Boris was one step closer. It also meant I could finally get to warn Kai off but with cameras all chasing him, I doubted I could right now. The chase went on and the evening took over. It seemed Boris was somehow pushing Kai towards somewhere. But why?
"FIRE!"
I jumped at the sudden voice of Boris and glanced back inside to see the screen. A bunch of lasers were attacking the 2 toned male, running. I hoped he wouldn't get hurt.
"He's descending to Level 5" the staff member informed.
Boris chuckled darkly once more. "Goody Goody."
At that second, loud alarms set off making me catch my heart in my throat. Someone breached the abbey? I bolted from his office in case he decided to come out and began running, trying to head upstairs. Guards and masses of students began running past resulting in me hiding away in secluded corners. There was a flock of them heading my way making my heart race. What was I to do? A large door seemed to reveal itself up the dark flight of stairs to my left. I took a deep breath and took the passage, finding myself out in the chilly midst of the Russian night. It was empty with only the lands of snow in view and not a guard in sight. Where was I?
"You don't have a problem with us dropping in do you?"
I recognised that voice. That was Ian! I hid myself behind the round entrance of the abbey doors. There I stealthily peeked to the side to see a group of 4 figures. The first, a blue haired boy with a red cap. Blue shorts and a red shirt over a yellow one. The next a short boy with his eyes covered by his chestnut brown hair with large glasses in them holding a laptop in his hands. Another, taller one with jet black bangs with a yin and yang sign on a red headband tied around his forehead. The last a blonde in orange overalls. They each wore a pale coloured jacket to which I caught a word on the back. BBA. These had to be the Bladebreakers!
"I hope not, cos you're the intruders here."
I froze. That voice...was unmistakably...Tala's.
"Got that? You're trespassing on private property."
Tala and Ian...both working together keeping them from getting inside. Something was going down with Kai in the abbey, I was sure of it. I felt a wave of hurt when I thought at how Tala was easily following Boris' orders, not caring about a thing and it seemed Ian was too...
"Is our friend in there?" A new voice asked. I turned to see an annoyed looking blue haired male. He must have been Tyson.
"No" came Tala's quick reply. It seemed Tyson caught this too.
"That was a quick answer, we haven't described him yet."
There was silence and Tyson spoke again. "Well I think he is in there."
"Oh do you now? Then go right in, if you can get past me" Ian's rough voice sneered and he set up his launcher.
"Now you're talking my language."
I glanced round to see Tyson and Ian go head to head in a battle. What was going on? Were they stalling them there so that whatever was happening with Kai inside? I didn't know what to do. Step in and stop Tala and Ian and let the Bladebreakers know what was happening or ignore it and find out what was happening with Kai? I would risk a lot of lives here if I intruded...Tala was right about that. I sighed quietly, turning back to go indoors through the way I came.
The tunnels were dark and I felt a sickness again in my stomach. What was happening? I didn't even know whether Boris had succeeded but seeing his chase after Kai obviously said he had. I had failed. Or maybe not yet...
Later that night, it was silent. Whatever happened with Kai...I had to find out. Slipping out of bed still fully dressed I left my dorm. As I passed a hall I had never set foot in, I heard the sounds of rocks being smashed. Had Tala changed rooms? Following my instincts I looked into the room to see a different figure. A two toned figure. My eyes widened to see Kai there in his glory, a smirk on his face as he held something in his hands. So it was true...Kai had joined Biovolt. But how? How did Boris succeed in doing so? He must have given some sort of bribe or offer to Kai that he couldn't deny.
'Juliette! There is a dark force in this room, coming from the one called Kai' Artemis cried in my head.
I hid myself to the side, unable to face Kai right now after hearing Artemis' alarming words.
'What do you mean?'
'I cannot pin point it exactly but it is another spirit. A dark one and very powerful. Stay away from it.'
What could it be? Did Kai have something to do with it? Was it him? I shifted my eyes to sneak a glance and saw him looking down at a black beyblade in his hands. A beyblade! A dark bit-beast perhaps? Is that what Boris used? Kai turned around making me jerk back and speedily walk away from the room with my pulse racing. I made my way back to the pillar room and gasped in fright on seeing Tala sitting there, staring down at his blade. His eyes shot up suddenly to me and I relaxed.
"What are you doing here?" His tone seemed too feeble and lost its rashness.
I walked closer and fidgeted, recalling earlier events. How he had lied to the Bladebreakers about Kai being here. Which reminded me.
"What happened to the Bladebreakers Tala?"
He looked almost shocked, eyes widening like he hadn't expected me to know. I narrowed my eyes.
"I know what has happened. I know Kai is here and that you and Ian were outside stalling his team mates. I saw you" I admitted blandly.
He looked even more shocked now and then turned his head away in a gruff.
"I told you-"
"I know, but you cannot expect me to sit there and watch Boris succeed" I interrupted.
He glared darkly, standing up and facing his back to me.
"Tala, what is bothering you? I know you are not happy with Boris' plan. Is it Kai?" I questioned, risking it but tilted my head to the side.
His fist clenched. I caught that. So it was Kai. It was like his rival had joined him and Boris cast him aside. Perhaps he felt neglected... With a bundle of confidence I walked towards him and shakily took out a hand and grabbed his wrist gently. He tensed but I turned him round to face me. His eyes looked take aback.
"It's Kai isn't it?"
He looked away and grunted and pulled his hand away.
"Boris forgets I am captain. It's like the rest of us don't even matter anymore and all his focus is on Kai. I'm the one worthy to be called champion blader" he snarled making me flinch.
"Remember, he is using Kai here to get what he wants. You are a magnificent blader Tala, whether Boris chooses to ignore that then it;s his decision. You are already a champion, a tournament won't give you that title really, just a label to everyone else" I replied, giving a weak smile.
He looked almost surprised, losing his coldness for a moment. He turned to sit down again so I joined him. I leaned back sighing.
"Tell me Tala, what drawed you to this abbey? How is Kai related to everything? I'm sorry for prying but I'm curious..." I risked a glance at him to see him frown but then soften his features.
"I wasn't drawn here. Not like Kai. I was here since a young age, trained to be the best."
I shifted closer, eager to finally listen to his story.
"When my mother was gone. My father got angry. He lost all emotions and tossed me aside but like the idiot kid I was, I stuck by him, having hope that she would return and he would turn back into the father I knew. That was pointless" he narrated.
I immediately felt a tug at my heart. He had father issues too and also had lost his mother somehow at a young age but for him, an earlier stage...
"Because of his lack of responsibility, I had to go out and steal food and alcohol for him. It was then I met Bryan, doing the same."
I sucked in a gasp. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Such a tragic event took place it was no wonder he had turned so bitter and cold. Bryan too...
Tala sighed deeply. "That's when we both met Boris. He helped us out when we had both gotten caught stealing. He made an offer than no boy could refuse. Here I am."
I flinched. Tala had gone through so much at such a young age...for me I had been locked away and stopped from having freedom. But reduced to stealing...
"I tried to escape once, when realising what a swine Boris Balkov actually was. It didn't end pretty" he bitterly hissed.
I failed to keep the wince showing on my face and he noticed, he looked at me and that's when I saw the broken and tortured soul behind his windows of icy blue. It made my heart ache. He stood up and walked over to the wall, facing his back to me.
"Now I'm stuck here. My parents don't care and the only thing I live for is beyblading. Kai was also a student here when he was a kid seeing as he was Voltaire's grandson. He managed to escape which is why he seems to have everything revolve around him" Tala's tone turned cold and bitter.
I leapt up and approached him carefully.
"Neither of you deserved the life you got."
At that second he turned around sharply and grabbed my arms, shoving me against the wall with a tight grip on my upper arms. I gasped out a wince but noticed his blue eyes shaking as he darkened his glare.
"Don't feel sorry for me" he half snarled.
I blinked, breathing quietly and my heart was now pounding so loud I felt my ribcage break.
"I don't. As sympathetic as your story is Tala, I think mostly it is unfair. We share similar traits. Both having a bad father and losing our mothers at some point until they both forget all about you..." my voice tailed off and I did my best not to break down.
His grip suddenly disappeared making me look up in surprise. His face had lost all signs of coldness. No bitter traces in sight. It made my pulse increase. I hadn't realised a tear made its way down my cheek and his blue eyes fell on it. Out of nowhere his hand lifted to my cheek, slightly hesitant and I was too shocked to breathe, following his hand. His smooth skin touched mines once more and wiped away the tear with a soft swipe of his thumb. I felt my insides tighten and heart was racing. A strange feeling overcame my body and I was finding it hard to think.
"I'm sorry."
My eyes widened in awe. Tala...had just apologised...to me. I was too astounded to move or breathe and kept staring into his eyes. They were locked to mine and it seemed like we was both lost in each other's gaze, trying to figure out what was going on.
"Juliette."
Now I was near to being on life support. My heart leapt to my throat and I felt a sudden heat rush to my cheeks. What was happening? The way he had said my name, for the first time in a voice so soft and lingering. It was almost...soothing. Then I received my next big shock, something changed in his eyes. They were no longer blocks of ice. No longer shielded. No longer cold. They shifted down at my face away from my eyes. And it was then, Tala edged closer towards my face, leaning his head down to my level. He was inches away from skin contact and I was struggling to think and breathe. As he took another notch forwards, I reacted, the fear inside me was set free and I gasped for air.
"IYAA!"
I shoved him back, the fear evident on my face as my body shook like jelly and I felt weak. He stumbled back, before freezing, realising what had just happened. In that moment I ran. I ran as fast as I could with my heart pounding and fear ringing in every inch of my body. Had Tala just tried to...be intimate? I couldn't face him; I couldn't fall into this... It was a phobia I couldn't escape from.
AAAAAAAH. How dramatic was THAT? Liked it? Hated it?
Bryan finally knows about Artemis! Yaay Tala apologised but it ended on such a dramatic note!
Don't kill me lol, theres still lots to come! Next chapter is the BIG climax! Well, ONE of them anyway lol. Please please PLEASE REVIEW? I love hearing your feedback and it encourages me to write faster and post faster too! If you want a quick update then you know what to do! :D
Thank you every loyal reader and reviewer, love you guys!
Hint: Next Chapter will have Kai's battles in the exhibition AND a big dramatic scene with Juliette ;) muahahaha of course, TALA too!
Now I need to sleep lol. Ciao!