OMG I've been DYING to post this chapter but was caught up busy yesterday lol. Anyway! Yay reviews! Thank you all so much! :D
Vermillion: Thank you so much for your review, it really means a lot! Good luck with your studies! :) Haha well, I needed her to run as you will see why at the beginning of this chapter! Enjoy it! ;)
Ariao: Thanks for your review! Haha you don't need to bribe me :P Anyway enjoy this chapter! ;)
Potasi: All is revealed in this chapter! Well, not ALL but yano :P her phobia lol. Enjoy this chapter :D and thanks for reviewing. As for tips? Um, avoid OOCness with Tala unless you plan to make him a cocky playa or a silent nice guy or a cold brute. Stick to one personality. Uhh I duno really lol, just don't rush into romance if you plan to add romance :P
Rebelle Boss: Thanks for reviewing! I hope you enjoy this chapter! :D
Guest 1: Thanks for the review! Enjoy this chapter too :D
AKA: Aww thank you! And for your review! I can't do Tala P.O.V to be honest cos he's such a hard character to write in first person especially in such a cold personality. I tried but failed lol. It's in Normal POV and I did my best to catch Tala's thoughts! Hope its okay. Oh there won't be like a dramatic love triangle, like one that is SO large that its a plot itself. It's indirect. Oh this chapter has a bit more than fluff ;) ENJOY!
Guest 2: Thanks for the review! Heres some more lol.
Guest 3: Thanks for reviewing, I did it in Normal POV because Tala first person is too hard lol. Enjoy anyway!
leikoashimage: Haha sorry! Enjoy this one though, I think you might be more than pleased! Thanks for reviewing!
The EPIC ninja of AWESOMENESS: Firstly, epic name lol. And second, SORRY xD I had to! But you WILL like this chapter! I hope lol. Third, thanks for reviewing!
AHH OKAY. I tried TALA POV but it failed so yeah it's mostly in Normal lol. Its full of drama goodness and follows on from the episode 43 Live and Let Kai! ENJOY! :D
Chapter Thirteen
With my heart pounding and thoughts flying around my head and the fear still fresh in my skin. What had just happened? What possessed Tala to take such a step? He had always been distant and cold yet... None of it made sense. I felt like I couldn't hear or focus or anything which resulted in me bumping into a figure. A habit that needs to break.
"Watch it."
I blinked, not recognising the voice which had been a little husky but cold like Tala's. As I turned my head up, I had to stop myself from yelping out. I came face to face with a pair of mahogany eyes that were familiar in its bitterness. Then I remembered what had happened to Kai and his link with this abbey.
"K-Kai..."
His eyes narrowed automatically and his face became wary.
"How do you know my name? Who are you?" his voice half boomed as he demanded information.
My voice seemed to be caught in my throat and I couldn't speak up. Looking at Kai made me shiver, much more than the impact I had from meeting Tala.
"Your silence says it all. The abbey doesn't welcome intruders" he snapped.
"I'm not an intruder" I retorted quickly, stepping forwards, surprising him in the process. "I'm the abbey's doctor."
I never seen such a darkened look on anyone's face as his had become right now. I realised that since he was part of this abbey in the past, he would obviously know about the vile actions of previous doctors here. He probably saw me as the same like everyone else did. This increased my fear. Kai merely glared and didn't say a word and just like that, he brushed past me like I was trash. Kai was part of the Bladebreakers, or he used to be... Why did he have such a cold personality? Why would he ditch his team? The plan!
"Kai wait!"
I spun around and saw him stop in his tracks but didn't turn to face me. This made it a little easier I supposed.
"Why are you betraying your team? Boris only intends to use you for his plan to take over the world!"
My face was pleading, my heart was pounding and I wondered what he must be thinking. Perhaps he was in shock after realising. In response, he only remained silent and began resuming his walk. That confused me.
"Didn't you hear what I said?"
"Hn, whatever."
I froze, holding my breath as my eyes widened. The tone of his voice...
He knew.
Kai knew what Boris was planning; he knows the reason for his being here and...He didn't care. That diminished all my hopes of having Kai helping to stop Boris' plan. But why? What could Boris have possibly promised to Kai that would make him stay by his side even if he knew he was a mere pawn? I slumbered back to my room; chin down in defeat and thinking of the two events that had me stuck in a dilemma. The first, Kai was out of the picture if I wanted his help. By the looks of things he wasn't very fond of me either. And the second... Tala. I felt shivers run up my spine and tears pricked my eyes as I did my best to hold them in. Not only did I remember my father's words which had strictly forbid me from fraternising with any of the students but I simply couldn't...with Tala. What was he thinking at the time? We had a bond but I never thought it would exceed over that. I couldn't.
I suffered from Philophobia.
*Normal P.O.V*
Tala attacked the wall again and again, over and over. His rage levels had never been so high and furious. Wolborg violently thrashed everything in its path until all that was left was a pile of rubble and broken rocks. As he returned into his master's hand, Tala growled, turning on his heel and leaning back against the wall with his head lowered and eyes closed. The flash images of what had just happened were clashing like a warzone inside of his head. What had possessed him to do it? The moment her voice trailed off when expressing what it was like to be forgotten by your dear ones...he felt something tug at his chest. A feeling he wasn't familiar with but it was like a stabbing pain, like his own body and mind couldn't bear to see her suffer the same fate. He even brought his pride down and gone as far as apologising to her! But deep down...he wanted to. For the first time he regretted a lot of his actions which his mind wanted for him to do. Her face was so fragile, so innocent and pale... It didn't help that her emerald green eyes looked more mesmerising than ever which he had never noticed. What was he thinking? Even now, it was like he was losing his mind. What were these new found emotions he was feeling? It confused him, angered him, made him feel weak and worst of all...the feeling wasn't going away and he didn't want it to. Touching her skin shocked them both, for he had no idea what brought him to wipe away her tear. All of a sudden he was suddenly drawn to her, he felt a battle of emotions inside and even his pulse was beginning to race. He couldn't explain it and seemed to ignore all logic when his eyes fell to her pink pale lips and then a sudden urge ignited inside him and he found himself wanting to be closer, to touch...
If it wasn't for her sudden action to shove him back, he didn't know what would have happened. At the same time...when he was pushed away, something else seemed to hurt him inside his chest. He wasn't sure of the feeling and didn't want to either. He growled again, turning around to lash out at the wall with his fist, not caring about the pain that seared his knuckles. Just what exactly was she doing to him? How could he make it stop? He exhaled, standing up straight, furious with himself for losing it and all because of Juliette. He scoffed. The way he was able to say her name now and so casually, it was a complete change over from how he used to treat her. He left the room in a deathly silence. That didn't stop him from continuing to think about what happened as he headed back. The girl looked like she had fear printed on her face when she shoved him back, he only caught a glimpse before she bolted and he didn't bother to run after her. He was too far into shock to do that. What was he doing? What relationship did he hold with that girl? He may have put some of his faith in her but that didn't mean things between them were any different...were they?
The common room door slammed shut and Tala cursed. He didn't care if the others were sleeping.
"Did you break a nail?"
Tala jerked his head up to see Bryan leaning against the wall by the fireplace where he had a small smirk planted on his lips and his arms were crossed as he looked at him. He glared back at him and turned his head away.
"Don't tick me off. I'm not in the mood."
Bryan's smirk only widened. He liked risking his life to pull Tala's strings; it would be easy to make him confess to what was wrong. Though options were limited. It was either Kai, Boris ordering him to amp up his strength for the matches the next day or because of a little pink haired doctor.
"You look agitated. Losing faith in Juliette so soon?" he taunted.
At that moment Tala's eyes shot open and some sort of dark expression fell over his face. He hit the nail on the head on that one. Bryan inwardly scoffed. So it seemed his captain had another encounter with Juliette and at this time of night too.
"You look different."
Tala turned to glare at Bryan, arching an eyebrow.
"You're scared to get close to her, aren't you?" he pushed on.
The look on Tala's face almost said it all, if he wasn't so good at hiding his emotions. He's known Tala for years so it wasn't too hard to decipher. His eyebrows arched now in surprise.
"You feel something for her don't you?" He pushed himself off the wall, arms falling by his sides as his face was brimming with shock.
Tala growled. "What?"
Bryan narrowed his eyes. "You do. Because you know how vulnerable she is, you have the need to protect her."
Tala's eyes widened before he frowned. "Be quiet Bryan," though he knew that to some extent Bryan's words were cold truths.
Bryan chuckled bitterly. "You don't fool me Tala, I know you care about her like most of us do. Try to deny it as much as you can but it won't help you."
Those dark words were something Tala didn't want to hear. He didn't have to deny something that wasn't true. He wanted to rip out his brain so that the nagging feeling of what he was trying to believe was wrong would go away.
"Enough, I don't want to hear another word from you" he threatened in a deep voice.
Bryan smirked, crossing his arms. "Why? Can't face the truth? All this and yet you're meant to be the cold one."
"I said enough Bryan!"
The loud echo of Tala's roar passed through the walls and into the other 2 bedrooms.
"What the hell is going on here?" Ian half growled, his voice still drowning with sleep. His ruby eyes narrowed on seeing two of his team members at each other's throats verbally.
Spencer also walked in, not looking too happy about being woken up when their team had an exhibition to win tomorrow. Yet he remained silent.
"Nothing" Tala hissed, glaring at Bryan before brushing past them all and into his room, slamming the door behind him.
It was nothing to him. He would forget tonight ever happened and he would get his answers too. The big question being why she suddenly feared him at the last second. Perhaps like him, she was feeling the same and angry at herself. He sighed frustrated, before sitting back on his bed, thinking of the coming events tomorrow.
"Tomorrow is when it all begins..."
The morning was near, with almost a half hour till training drills would begin. It was also the day the Demolition Boys exhibition match was taking place and Boris no doubt was finalizing his preparations. Juliette wondered what would happen today, so much has happened after all and what with Kai being here mysteriously too. What would be Boris' next move? She didn't know.
'How are you feeling my dear?' Artemis' voice echoed.
Juliette yawned lightly. 'I'm all right, a little light headed but I suppose it is normal after last night's events...'
She immediately recalled the moment she had with Tala and felt herself go dizzy and her breath was caught in her throat. After a lifetime of abiding strict rules and being sealed away from the outside world apart from her clinic, she never experienced such close relationships with anyone. Her only strongest bond had been with Artemis but that had been based on friendship. With Tala...it was something else. Something she feared ever since her mother and father split ways. Perhaps even earlier. They never acted like they were a happy couple who loved each other dearly and being the oblivious person she was, she believed this was the way couples were. After her mother left, she was never pampered, nor received any feelings that were close to love or comfort. Her father restricted her from having close friendships with anyone so she obeyed, believing her father to be right. He was the elder, the superior. She feared to be left alone like her mother had done to her father. She feared the feeling and believed it to have never existed. It was only Tala who suddenly made her realise love existed. She couldn't ever find herself experiencing that feeling. Ever. It was like with Demetri only his intentions were the opposite and clear, he was doing what he was doing on the base of lust and power. Tala was different...
She winced, brushing away the thoughts from her mind and jumped out of bed, showering and dressing in her uniform before sliding Artemis carefully into her pocket and leaving her room to get some fresh air for a bit. On her way to the outside training arena in the center of the abbey, she inhaled deeply allowing the icy air to prickle her nose but it felt good all the same. After ages of being stuck in the dark tunnels and dungeons, it was like being free from suffocation. Like on her balcony back home.
Home...
What was happening there now? What was her mother doing? Had they really forgotten about her? They didn't call, neither of them and she was starting to feel like she was going to disappear and soon she would wither away in this abbey. She looked around, checking for guards and students and of course, cameras. She spotted one and hid behind one of the long stone pillars before pulling out Artemis into her palms.
"Can you feel that Artemis?" she whispered, smiling and looking up at the dull cloudy sky.
'Yes. Freedom.'
Juliette nodded. "It is true freedom... I wish I could just run away Artemis, be free to do what I want. Run through meadows, throw a snowball, have the wind flowing through my hair every day, all day" she breathed out, watching the cold aftermath of seeing her breath in the sub-zero temperatures.
'One day, you will be free Juliette. Truly free' Artemis assured.
"I hope so..."
A hand grabbed her elbow, spinning her around and pinning her against the wall with an arm on each side of her head, trapping her within a small space. She immediately yelped, quickly stuffing her blade into her pocket before her eyes shook in utmost fear when she looked back into the cold orbs of icy blue.
"What are you doing?" he questioned, his voice sounding threatening.
The thoughts of last night flashed inside both their heads then and Tala found himself fighting himself inside while Juliette felt like she was on the edge of hyperventilating from shock.
"I...I-I"
"To me! We both know what happened last night. Tell me what's going on; tell me what these irritating emotions are and what drug you are using to change us all. TELL ME!" He roared at her face making her flinch back as far as she could and turned her face away in a wince.
Her heart was pounding loudly and it was hurting her chest. She couldn't think with being in such a close proximity to him, her vision blurred slightly with her head feeling dizzy. Tala immediately noticed and leaned back a little to analyse her, losing all form of anger. He had no idea what to do but stepped back 2 steps away from her as she recomposed herself and wiped her forehead of what looked like damp sweat. What just happened? Was she ill again? And why was he concerned again?
"You owe me an explanation. I know you're behind this, your face even said it all last night" he demanded.
Juliette blinked, feeling herself calm down. Tala was accusing her of what he had done last night. His own actions that confused even her and now the blame was being put on her.
"I...I did nothing!" she cried out.
He glowered and frowned. "Don't you lie to me" he took a step forward.
Juliette frowned, not fearing to take a step forwards. "Have you ever considered that what you did, was because you yourselfwanted to do it?"
Tala froze, flinching. He didn't like those words. She was supposed to tell him she was the mastermind behind it, that she drugged him somehow into having feelings after the time she told him that he shouldn't be afraid to feel. He couldn't face the fact that he was the one that took the step and listened to his feelings. He was Tala. Captain of the Demoliton Boys, the most feared and ruthless blader in the world. He had a title. A status. Pride.
Juliette could tell Tala wasn't enjoying the fact that he couldn't put his blame on her. For once, he was the one to blame for his actions. She wanted to leave, to run away as far as possible from him. She didn't want to start her morning like this nor face Tala ever again to avoid last night from repeating itself. Tala on the other hand was lost in thought. Could it really be true? What Bryan had said...what Juliette had just said...? He didn't want to believe it. He couldn't believe it. The irritating feelings were clashing inside him again and majority of his body was rejecting the side that denied in him not caring about Juliette. He HAD wanted to get closer. His eyes flickered to see her starting to edge away in an attempt to leave. He slammed his hand an inch away from her face and trapped her once again before stepping closer.
"I don't care about you and since you ran away, it means you don't either and what happened last night never took place. You understand that?" He breathed into her face, watching her shaking green eyes shiver.
Juliette couldn't breathe and she felt a sudden wave of pain hit her heart. She ignored it and nodded weakly, wanting to get away from him. He didn't realise that she ran away because what the action from last night, would have brought a new emotion that she feared so much. It didn't fit Tala either. She watched as he pushed off and walked away, neither of them noticed a dark figure in the shadows, watching.
Juliette sighed, feeling relaxed but now she felt she had lost what friendship she had with Tala. She cherished their relationship because it gave her hope and strength to take down Boris in some way and that she could change a cold hearted person. She never realised the extent of her feelings for the red head but it seemed she underestimated her care levels for the boy. Tala was one she felt strongly about and now it all seemed to have disappeared in a matter of 2 minutes. She had lost Tala...again. And that hurt. Keeping her tears inside she found this as the better option for if Tala had been feeling something new then it was best she avoided him. She hoped Tala wouldn't show any change when battling otherwise like the others, he would be punished too.
With the morning training sessions underway, the Demolition Boys had already set off for the Biovolt Stadium in the heart of Moscow for the exhibition match Voltaire had prepared. This included a match with the American team the All Starz and the unknown team from China, the White Tigers. Juliette was left alone with only the students and the guards in the abbey and security on the high end. She sighed, walking through the tunnel halls with her briefcase at her abdomen. As much as she would have loved to go to the match, her father had ordered her not to leave the premises without his permission and now that they weren't on talking grounds, she didn't have the courage to call and ask. She had seen Bryan earlier and wished him luck but it seemed that the first 2 matches were going to be taken care of by Ian and then Tala. It looked like they were saving Kai for dessert or the cherry on top of the icing. It was going to come as a big shock to everyone, she was pretty sure of that.
"You all right doc?"
Juliette blinked out of daze and looked up to see Cole holding a plastic lunch box. She smiled weakly.
"I'm fine, how are you and Juan?"
He frowned then but sighed. "He's not as cheerful as he used to be that's all I can say."
Juliette felt guilty. She could have done more to save Juan from his fate but the more she thought of ways to do that, the more unreal it sounded. Either way she would have angered Boris and then she would have to face the consequences from her father. Even worse she could be sent away from here and she vowed to save them all. She traced back her thoughts. She vowed to save Tala...
"You don't look like you're fine, maybe you should be the one in bed" Cole smirked playfully.
Juliette lightly chuckled, feeling a wash of warmth, thankful that there was someone like Cole nearby. He was always such a positive person even when situations are dark. It was only when it came to his brother that he tended to lose it a little.
"I'm fine really, if Juan or you need anything, don't hesitate to find me okay?" she reassured.
He smiled and nodded. "Sure thing."
She watched as he walked away, heading back to the dorms where Juan was most likely. Love and comfort... Perhaps if she had a sibling, she wouldn't be so afraid. She wondered what it would be like to have an older brother or sister. Or even a younger one. Someone to count on or have by your side no matter what. Someone who is your own blood. No... Not everyone who is your own blood is reliable. With a sigh, she continued her journey.
"Please keep still."
"Wai- ow! Stop, stop, stop."
Juliette frowned, leaning back and recalling her arm back. She looked at the purple haired boy with his bare back to her who was hissing out in pain. Keiji had the misfortune to receive a painful lash on his upper back just below his left shoulder. It had cut pretty deep but not so much that it needed stitches. She deducted that it would need a lot of antiseptic and he was struggling to keep still as his wound was tender and burning him.
"Keiji there's only a little more, just hang on all right?" she urged, leaning forwards and dabbing again.
His back shook from the touch and he winced, hissing out in pain. Juliette heard a line of curses followed by a growl before he jumped off the edge of the bed.
"It's too tender, I can barely lift my shoulder" he snarled, flicking his violet hair from his face.
"Let me at least put a bandage on it" Juliette protested, standing up as she threw away the used cotton wool and went to grab a fresh bandage.
Keiji sighed. He watched her grab what she needed. She had always been so caring and pulling out all the stops when needing to help someone. He admired so much about her and Boris could punish him all he likes. He would not change his thoughts and feelings about Juliette.
"Keiji?"
He blinked, shaking his head slightly finding it a little embarrassing to have zoned out in front of her. Her green eyes blinked back at him and it was forgotten.
"Yeah, all right" he agreed and turned so she could do her job.
During the time he recalled how he had acted towards her in the beginning. From seeing her in the small room to shoving her against a wall violently. The miracle of when she saved them from Boris and every moment he had with her after that. He didn't fail to notice the angelic features she had either, like her pale creamy skin and delicate green eyes like actual emeralds and her long eye lashes with her soft tuft of long pink hair. She didn't fit here at all. Keiji wouldn't deny that she was someone he would probably admire for a long time to come. On cue she finished and he smiled something he was now able to do easily when he was around her.
"Thanks" he nodded before he grabbed his jacket and shirt with his right hand and gave her one last lingering look before leaving.
Juliette felt better, having had her mind off current situations. Keiji was someone she could be casual with and open to though unlike Bryan, he wasn't as non responsive. Keiji was happy to talk to her about anything but she couldn't bring herself to tell him about Artemis. She felt like she was betraying their trust but Artemis' safety came first. Boris probably had his eye on her. Her mind wandered to what was happening in the stadium now. They surely had reached and was possibly starting their matches soon too. Perhaps she could see the match; it was surely on live TV. Boris should have one right? And she wasn't leaving the premises so that was allowed. She nodded in agreement to her mind and left the infirmary.
As she neared the office and security room, she could hear voices and paused just outside the room.
"Sir, we are ready to analyse Ian's battle."
A guard... I walked inside, surprising the two men at the computers.
"Hey you! You're not supposed to be here" one of them spoke up.
"I...I know, I was hoping if I could watch the match, after all I haven't really seen them in a battle like this before" Juliette innocently asked.
The guards exchanged looks before nodding, granting her permission.
"Thank you."
She stood behind them, watching the middle screen where there was a shot of Ian standing at the battle dish and on the opposite side was some sort of football player.
"I'm sorry but what team are they against right now?" I asked one of the guards, narrowing my eyes at the screen.
"The All Starz."
So these were the All Starz? She could see their team bench consisting of 4 other people. Another 2 males who also looked like sporting characters, a basketball player and baseball player. The shorter ginger haired girl with large glasses looked like a part scientist with her white lab coat. An older woman with blonde hair also wore one. She assumed them to be their team's coaches. Juliette watched as the signal for the match to begin had been given and at the same time, the guards had turned on their scanners to analyse Ian's every move and the football player's. The match started off with a bang and strangely the large built up blade belonging to who she knew as Steve from the commentator, was battling weirdly. He was avoiding contact with Ian and just doing near misses instead. It was like he was planning something.
"Sir, they're trying to breach our firewall" the guard spoke into a microphone to whom she presumed was Boris.
"Let them try" came the reply from Boris with a dark chuckle.
Juliette frowned and looked back at the screen to see Ian's attack go into action. It seemed Steve had called forth his bit-beast, an orange bull which had her amazed. It charged in a stampede at Ian's Wyborg that seemed to be moving strangely too. She almost gasped when Steve's blade flew out the dish defeated. It was so fast that she never expected it and one blink and she would have missed it. Ian was much stronger than he seemed to be... And then she saw it, the horror of watching Ian chuckling bitterly at his opponent as if to say Steve was a walk over. Something was wrong; they were acting all cold and bitter again. Was it the fight for power and to be the best? Was it really so addictive? She looked down dejectedly.
"All data on Ian is complete Sir."
"Very good."
So far nothing had been happening, just a very surprising match. Juliette's ears perked up when hearing Tala had entered the stadium and the crowds screamed. Tala was a popular blader... Possibly the most popular as he was the defending champion, the force to be reckoned with. Her eyes sadly followed the red head captain who walked into the stadium looking like his usual cold and stoic self and approached the dish. She noticed that his opponent was the basketball player and also that each member of the All Starz had a unique launcher just like the Demolition Boys. It all based on sport. Tala's match was over before it could even lengthen out. Juliette clamped a hand over her mouth as her eyes widened. Tala was so much stronger than she had anticipated and he looked like he didn't even use an ounce of his power. She didn't like the look of no remorse or happiness from his win, like he expected the match to turn out this way. It was a best of 5 match and if the All Starz lost again...
Too lost in thought, she almost missed Kai's entrance. The screen shot an image of his old team and it was then Juliette felt the sadness of what they must have been thinking on seeing their team mate on another team. A traitor. She sighed.
"I don't think this situation has ever come up before."
Juliette snapped her head up to see the commotion happening in the stadium. What was going on?
"Sir, we have Kai ready to be analysed and we have the bit-beast system scanner online. Black Dranzer's power will be shown when Kai battles."
"Black Dranzer?" Juliette mumbled under her breath as she switched gazes to the guard's screens to see Kai's image and another image of a black phoenix.
'It's the darkness again Juliette, watch carefully.'
Juliette nodded and watched the screen as the All Starz all joined the dish. She was confused on why Kai seemed to be battling all 4 including the glasses girl who now seemed to be some sort of tennis player. Juliette watched as Kai released his Black Dranzer into the dish as 3 other blades entered that included Steve's and the basketball player, Eddy alongside the ginger haired girl. All 3 surrounded Kai's blade and it seemed like he would have no chance to win but then suddenly the tables turned. The black blade violently hit against Steve's and Tryhorn came defeated. Eddy's blade was next to be out with just a swipe. Juliette's eyes gleamed when seeing a bright sea green alligator go forth to attack Kai's blade and watched in despair as she was defeated too. It seemed the last player, Michael was left and Kai just laughed in bitterness. Juliette's eyes widened when seeing a black phoenix rise up from Kai's blade, radiating darkness and evil power as it clashed with the beautiful golden eagle. Michael didn't stand a chance and his blade was then defeated. In a matter of minutes Kai had defeated a whole team and so easily, laughing away at his victory. Juliette felt herself flinch.
"Sir, we have all data on Kai and Black Dranzer."
"Excellent, now there's only one thing left to do."
Juliette jerked her head upon hearing it. One thing? What did he mean by that? She watched the screen and had to hold back the horror to watch bright colours in the air. Kai was stealing the All Starz bit-beasts.
"Na-Nani..."
Unable to comprehend what was happening; Juliette took step forwards, eyes wide open in dread.
'Black Dranzer is sucking out the spirits, swallowing them within him!' Artemis cried, feeling the same distraught as her mistress.
"I...I...I don't believe it..." Juliette gasped, shaking as she felt her body starting to fail to respond. How could she have not seen this?! Tala and Bryan didn't even mention that Boris planned to use Kai as a means to steal bit-beasts and Kai...he obeyed without any remorse! The hunger for power was so great that he seemed to have been completely taken by it. He didn't even care. A tear slid down Juliette's cheek and she lunged forwards.
"Kai! Stop Kai! You mustn't! It's wrong! Kai! Kai!" she cried out, hoping perhaps he would hear, though she knew he couldn't.
"Hey! Stop! Kai can't hear you" a guard pushed her back, away from the controls.
"You have to stop him! You can't do this! This is wrong!" she pleaded, eagerly looking at the screen to see Tala give a nod in approval to Kai who walked past. Her heart felt like it had been hit by a mace. Tala knew... They all knew...
She froze and remained silent and the guard let her go seeing it was safe to. Her face turned blank and her eyes turned cloudy. Boris was stealing away bit-beasts, he could steal away Artemis if he knew but the fact others were losing their own hurt her more than anything. Kai needed a serious talking to and she wasn't afraid to be the one to tell him. As she was lost in her sorrows she noticed that Boris had informed the guards that everyone except Kai was returning back to the abbey.
"Yes Sir."
It seemed Kai was flying solo and was going to take out the White Tigers too. She couldn't stand to watch the match. She already knew what the outcome would be and she didn't want to experience more pain than she already had. She left the room, wiping her eyes away and charging to the Level 5 training room to see Keiji settled down on the steps in exhaustion and Astor too. They looked in surprise to see her suddenly and noticed something was wrong with the blank look on her face like her soul had been drained.
"Juliette? Hey are you all right?" Keiji shot up and immediately bolted over to her.
Her eyes failed to respond and she just stood there motionless. Only her lips moved.
"Boris is using Kai to steal bit-beasts..."
"What?" Keiji frowned. Astor joined his side and looked annoyed.
"I figured he would do something like that. Just didn't realise he would use Kai to do his dirty work."
Juliette felt another wave of tears stream down her cheek and Keiji felt himself wrap his arms around her and holding her tight, ignoring the stares from the others. The guard had left the room for a few moments so he was safe to give her comfort for a moment.
"I never thought...anyone could be so brutal, so evil to go so far as to stealing other's bit-beasts using a boy" Juliette murmured in a broken voice against Keiji's chest.
"It's all right. You got to keep up a high chin. Don't forget where you are Juliette, this isn't the place where dreams come true" he mumbled into her hair.
"Yeah, that would be Disneyland" a voice snorted, joining the trio.
Keiji glared darkly at Cole who grinned before he shifted his eyes at the girl in his arms. Cole immediately wiped off his smile.
"There's nothing we can do. This plan has gone too far already and if anyone of us get involved then we can kiss our lives goodbye" he frowned.
Juliette moved away and wiped her tears and put on a strong face. They were right, if she was going to do something then she would have to realise that everything she would find in this abbey wasn't going to be pleasant. This would require talking to Kai and this time, she would demand for his help and in exchange maybe she could free him from Boris' clutches. Make him see the right path. He had friends who entrusted their faith in him and he betrayed them for power. Kai had a good side, he had to. And she was going to help that part arise.
As she headed back past through a hall, she noticed 4 figures walk in and she immediately narrowed her eyes and sped up to come face to face with the Demolition Boys. Her eyes particularly glaring into 2 icy blue ones that closed on seeing her appearance.
"You lied to me" she whispered out.
"We didn't lie, we just didn't tell you the whole truth" Bryan retorted in defence.
Emerald eyes sparked in anger at Bryan. She had felt so betrayed and her eyes shook but she vowed to keep up a strong hold.
"Why Bryan? I trusted you! I trusted you all; you knew I could have done something. You said you had faith in me! If I knew Boris was going as far as stealingbit-beasts then I would have done everything in my power to stop him!" she cried in despair.
Ian and Spencer remained as they were and merely grunted. Her eyes flickered to Bryan who looked away like he was ashamed and finally her eyes fell on Tala as a last resort. She expected Tala to have told her the full truth, he did put his trust in her but what good is that if she couldn't do the same? They all broke her trust. She refused to cry but it didn't stop them brimming her eyelids. She looked away in disgust.
"It doesn't matter...I guess the feeling of betrayal is something I am used to."
Tala's eyes reacted upon hearing the sentence. As did Bryan's. Bryan frowned; feeling disgusted with himself because he broke her trust and it was all for the sake of power. A lust worthy feeling. Juliette couldn't possibly understand how addictive it was and that they all thrived for it. For Tala, he didn't know what to say or think but the fact she spoke the truth hit him hard. He refused to react; he couldn't care about her now. He was far too livid at how Boris treated him earlier. How Kai was treated like he was a king. How dare had Kai told them they were not worthy of him? THEY were they defending champions and it was only because of Black Dranzer given by Boris that he had won. His blood boiled. He looked up to see Juliette leaving them, with slightly slumped shoulders.
"Let's go."
The evening had come and Kai had returned to the abbey. This meant Juliette could put her attempt into talking Kai out of the plan into action. She took a deep breath, clutching Artemis tight who radiated warmth and positive energy giving her the strength to continue. As she walked through the halls she still had the heavy feeling of betrayal on her chest from the Demolition Boys, even after everything they did together, in the end, the hunger for power always conquered over her. It deducted her faith in beating Boris and made her worry that perhaps she had no chance to beat him. No, she had to stay positive.
She had checked all the training rooms she had been in before and found them Kai-less. Where would he be now? He wasn't in any of the exercise rooms either or simulation chambers or even the dungeons. That was another thing, Kai was never in the dungeons and being Voltaire's grandson, he was surely protected against it like she was by her father. Though why he didn't cut off that rule was anyone's guess.
As she passed an unknown passage she noticed how much darker they were compared to the others and she feared the night of what happened with her and Demetri. She saw a door and felt relief, entering herself inside to find a poorly lit training room. It looked so isolated and one she had never seen before. There was no glass control box but just a dish alone in the center. What was this place? A forbidden training room?
"Looking for me?"
She gasped in a jolt and turned around to see Kai appear from the shadow's arms crossed. His face looked smug and it worried her.
"Kai..." she whispered out.
He frowned. "What do you want?"
She swallowed, trying to remember why she was here in the first place. That's right; to make him see that what he was doing is wrong! She swallowed upon remembering how brutal he had been in the exhibition match and showed no remorse. Fighting back her fears she stood confident.
"I want you to stop doing what you are for Boris. I know he promised you all the power like he does to every student here but you will only turn into power hungry beasts!" she began.
Kai remained as he was and shut his eyes. "So?"
Juliette flinched. She hadn't expected that.
"So? Kai this is wrong! You have a team who must be worried sick for you and to feel so betrayed into seeing one of their own friends fighting with another team...and so ruthlessly too! You stole bit-beasts Kai! That is something no blader should deserve!" she cried out, clenching her fists.
Kai let out a dark cackle making Juliette shiver and recoil back. He was much worse than she thought...was there a way to save Kai anymore? There had to be.
"What I do is none of your business really. I don't care about friends and I don't care about what's right and what is wrong. All I want is my Black Dranzer and to be the strongest blader in the world" he announced.
"Sounds similar. Like Tala."
Kai's eyes darkened and he glared. Juliette blinked back and then turned wary when she saw his lips turn into a small smirk.
"I want a battle."
Juliette was taken aback. "Ex-Excuse me?"
"You heard me. I said I want a battle with you."
Juliette didn't know what to fear then. The fact that Kai was challenging her out of the blue or the fact that he may know something that she had been trying to hide...
"I...I...I don't blade..." she defended shakily.
His smirk only widened. "Don't try and hide it from me. I know you have a beyblade. I saw you this morning. I know you have a bit-beast called Artemis too."
Juliette collapsed on her knees, fear ringing in her ears and she found it difficult to swallow air. It couldn't be true, had she been so careless? How could Kai have noticed that within a few days?
"I said we battle. If you win, I might just listen to you but we know that won't happen. If I win..." he smirked darkly making her flinch. "...then I take your bit-beast."
Juliette's heart stopped and she gasped out loud, clutching Artemis in her pocket tightly. Kai couldn't! She wouldn't!
"IYAA! I will never battle you! I will not let you take away Artemis!"
Kai's eyes closed and he shrugged. "If you don't battle me..." his eyes shifted open and he smirked "...then I'll tell Boris about your little secret."
Juliette felt her heart stop again and this time it was failing to restart. She couldn't explain the apprehension she was feeling right now and to come to a situation where she could lose Artemis...
'My dear Juliette, you must agree to Kai's challenge. Battle Juliette. Battle!'
'NO! I won't lose you! I cannot!'
'We both made a promise to each other Juliette, let me fulfill it and I assure you, I will not leave you. We will both fight together.'
Juliette felt herself shake violently. She had never used Artemis in a battle; she had never battled against another. To risk such a huge thing would be idiotic but it would be worse if Boris were to find out about Artemis... She closed her eyes, took a deep breath and clutched Artemis tight in her hands and stood up, keeping her head leaning forwards, shadowing her eyes.
"I accept."
Kai smirked triumphantly. They both walked to the dish and began setting up their launchers until Juliette froze, jerking up and searching for camera's.
"Relax. This is an old training room, there is no form of security in here anymore so your secret is safe" he assured. "...for now."
She swallowed and her hands shook as she set up her small launcher she had always carried in her shirt pocket and the ripcord she tucked into the belt of her skirt.
Tala frowned. He was pacing in the tunnels, trying to fight the images of Juliette's face that bore pain from their betrayal. Why was she always in his head? Why couldn't he just forget about her? He didn't care for her, not anymore. As he reached a higher level tunnel he stopped and punched the wall again in frustration. Her irritating innocent face was like a drug to him and he found himself wanting to be near her and talk to her right now. Perhaps she would listen if she still trusted him. No. He wasn't so weak. She could rot for all he cared. He wasn't changing for anybody.
His ears caught the sounds of blading and he immediately reacted. Following the sound he came across a dark tunnel leading out to a stone balcony that had been shut down after the controls and security crashed. His ears caught the blading sounds now nearer. Was someone blading in the training room below? He blinked, frowning before walking forwards to the open bricks that had now cobwebs. His eyes widened to see 2 familiar figures, battling in the dim lighting.
"I summon Trygle!" Kai called out, raising a fist.
Juliette's eyes opened wide in shock to see the golden eagle at Kai's behest.
"You're using other people's own bit-beast?! That's worse than anything Kai! How could you do that?" She cried out.
"Easy. I'll show you. Attack!" He commanded.
Tala's eyes widened further. What was Kai battling Juliette? How did it come to such a situation and Juliette even said she never battled with Artemis so why now? Unless Kai... He growled, watching closely. Kai knew about Artemis, he had to and now he was trying to draw her out and Juliette was more than reluctant to do that. She was far too innocent. His hands turned into iron grips as he held the metal handles of the broken controls and his teeth grinded against each other.
'You must summon me Juliette! Else we will have no chance to survive this!'
Juliette winced, shutting her eyes tightly. "I cannot! I can't lose you!"
Kai arched an eyebrow before smirking, realising the situation.
"Your bit-beast will make an interesting addition to my army. A talking spirit was what I always wanted" he smirked.
Juliette's eyes shot open and she began to lose faith. Kai was beating her and her pale green beyblade was wobbling.
'Juliette! Now!' Artemis pleaded.
Juliette shook her head violently.
"I cannot!"
Tala was watching the match in complete disbelief. If Juliette didn't use her spirit then there was no way she was going to win.
"Come on..." he growled under his breath.
"You don't want to fight? Fine by me. Fire Attack Black Dranzer!" Kai called out.
Juliette gasped in fear as she watched darkness overcome them and the evil black phoenix rose from Kai's blade. She was frozen and didn't know what to do.
'JULIETTE!'
Even Artemis' cries were fading out as she watched the black blade dangerously head for her own. She was done for. She was going to lose Artemis!
"IYAA! ARTEMIS!" She cried out into the open air.
A bright teal radiant glow formed around Juliette's blade and the center chip glowed as a Artemis rose from her blade in open view for the first time against the evil black phoenix. Kai's blade rebounded back as Tala and Kai shielded their eyes from the scorching bright light. Juliette looked up in a daze to see her lifelong partner looking beautiful, her bow and arrows safely tied behind her shoulder and her arms covered in leafy vines and her forest green hair flowing like her crystal like gown. Her eyes opened slightly to reveal the emerald gems that she shared with Juliette.
Tala gasped. He had never seen such a spirit. So human and so...radiant. She was so much like Juliette and he could see why they both held such a strong bond. Kai was also thinking the same, in shock that there was such a bit-beast like a human. But that wouldn't stop him; he now wanted to win more than ever.
"It's time to end this and win myself your bit-beast" he smirked then with a growl he ordered his blade to attack.
"Full attack my bit-beast army!"
Juliette's eyes widened at the rainbow colours now charging at full speed to her beloved Artemis. Tala gripped his hands tighter as his eyes widened and mouth ajar as he watched the light explode the room. It was too dangerous! It was heading at full power at Juliette who was still too fragile. She was going to get hurt!
"I cannot lose you Artemis! ARTEMIS, AERIAL TEMPEST!" Juliette cried out.
She had no idea how but the words were in her head yet she never used the power. Artemis grabbed her bow and arrow and from the air, a sparkle of positive and bright energy encircled the arrow she now pulled back to shoot. And it was in that second when the arrow released and Kai's army of colours clashed that the room shook with a tremor and everything went white. Tala held on tight as he was shoved back from the impact even from where he was. He couldn't see a thing and when the white began to dim he crawled up the controls and looked through the gap into the arena. Smoke cleared slowly and he saw Kai stand up straight, looking anxious as the outcome was yet to be revealed. Their eyes fell to the dish where it was clear and empty with only the glimpse of two beyblades out of the dish and had stopped spinning.
It was a tie.
Kai's eyes widened as he picked up Black Dranzer. He gazed down at it like he couldn't believe the outcome. He didn't lose, that was the main thing but how had she managed to make them tie? He glanced back to the spot where the girl stood and saw the space empty. Tala eagerly looked out and saw a figure laying on the floor, lifeless and his heart suddenly stopped. The smoke cleared and there revealed Juliette, all torn and bruised laying on the floor with her beyblade a meter away like her.
"JULIETTE!"
Tala didn't care; he leapt through the gap and landed on the platform below, ignoring the shooting pain in his ankle. He sent Kai a glare, pausing to see him smirk and then without a second glance, he left. Tala clenched his fists. He was going to kill Kai, one of these days he was going to destroy him so bad he would beg to be killed. His eyes moved over, remembering the girl.
"Are you all right? Wake up" he called out.
When no response came his eyes widened and he leapt to her side, crouching down and lifting her lifeless neck to see her head hanging low like she was no longer there. He put a finger, dreading it as he did, under her nose to feel no air coming out. He double backed, eyes widening. Shaking her he called out.
"Juliette? Wake up, Artemis is safe. Wake up!"
His attempts were futile as she remained lifeless. Her face bearing a few bruises and looking more innocent than ever. Pain tugged at his heart. How could he deny it? He cared for her, he wanted to protect her and look at her now? He could no longer deny that he didn't feel something for her. Something new. Something he never heard of. Seeing her face in his lap said it all. In that moment, she meant everything. Their faith. Their hope. His salvation. He looked back down and gently tapped her cheek.
"Wake up, come on wake up! Get up!" He cried out, now feeling tenser as his whole body shook. Then he remembered something.
'She told me that we're linked through our energies so whatever I feel, she feels it too. When I'm unconscious, then her image erases from my blade until I awaken.'
In a jolt, he gently placed her head down and reached over for the pale green beyblade a meter away. He picked it up hastily, heart pounding and felt it drop when he saw the image of the chip... It was empty.
"Artemis? Speak to me dammit! I know you're there! You need to help Juliette!" He yelled at the blade in eagerness.
When no reply came his eyes opened wider than ever and he let out a gasp. He jumped back to Juliette, lifting her onto his lap as he held her face with one hand and the other arm supporting her underneath. He never felt so much fear in all his life, not when getting punishments, not when his father sent him not, not when he was a kid on the streets stealing. It was like his soul was ripped away. He shook her a little harder, finding his voice on the verge of breaking.
"Juliette? Juliette talk to me dammit, THIS IS NOT FUNNY!"
Her unresponsive body remained as it was. He found himself furious, disgusted at himself and his heart felt like it was exploding into shards. The ice was broken away. Her brushed away her soft rose pink hair from her delicate face and placed a palm onto her cheek, cupping it as he brought her closer, feeling coldness radiate from her body. There still was no air coming from her nose or mouth. Tala cursed, he couldn't find himself to hold himself together. He never knew he could be so vulnerable for a girl like her. She was really...something.
"Juliette please wake up. Get up..." his voice then broke. He had no more strength all of a sudden and in that wonder of a moment, he pulled her right against his body so they fit like a puzzle piece. Her head rested on his shoulder and his other arm supported her body as he nuzzled into the side of her head into her hair and a tear escaped the edge of his eye as he growled and cursed.
"Dammit..." he hissed.
He recalled every moment they had since the beginning. When he first hurt her and she didn't react. When she saved him and bandaged his arm twice. When they both stayed up in the pillar room at night. When she introduced Artemis to him, trusting him openly to keep her secret. The number of times she never gave up on him...and he had ruined everything. He couldn't protect her. Her scent was like the forest, fresh and addictive. He inhaled it, tightening his eyelids shut as he held her in the dim lighting.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry Juliette."
He apologised again. He was at fault. He was hungry for power that he forgot all reason and he forgot he put his truth into her for a reason. As he slid his hand down from her neck, leaning slightly back so she didn't fall off, he slid it down her soft arm and linked his fingers with her motionless ones, squeezing it tight. He never would have considered that these feelings existed. He lost her. He lost someone again.
After a few silent moments, Tala remained as he was, eyes shut as he held her. Suddenly feeling fingers clutching over his own his eyes shot open and he looked down at the hand that was now moving. A burst of hope ran through him as he watched her pale fingers clamp over his own, linking them together. He then heard a small groan and cough and he jerked back, pulling away as her face came into view. Her emerald eyes opened slowly, revealing life and hope. The same eyes he was so eager to see. They suddenly widened on seeing his own icy blue ones that were surely soft and warm.
"T-T-Tala?" she croaked.
He glared and growled before throwing her against him in a bear tight hug.
"You stupid idiot!"
Juliette felt the same fear run through her veins and something else. Pure utter shock. Tala was here, with teary eyes and the look of fear written all over his face. He was here, holding her tight like she mattered more than anything in the world. Her eyes brimmed with tears and her heart pounded along with Tala's. He pulled her back again, faces inches away from touching. She flinched back, fearing everything and was on the bridge of suffocating literally. His hand cupped her cheek as he narrowed his eyes and his teeth grinded.
"You are never doing that again. I won't let you go away."
Her eyes widened in shock and she failed to gasp, because it was then, Tala brought his head right down and pressed his cool lips upon her on and held her tight. As the waterfalls slid down her cheek, she froze, her brain not responding. Tala was...kissing her. That feeling she feared was making her feel sick. But then slowly she found warmth in the action as she looked at his face that removed itself from all cold and bitterness. Now there was only warmth and something else... Her heart melted and she closed her eyes, giving the response her mind screamed.
OH MY GAWD. THEY KISSED. THEY ACTUALLY- okay okay. Now tell me what YOU thought by reviewing! :D
I absolutely LOVED writing that chapter and I hope you liked it! Kai is such a big meanie!
Okay next chappie will include her meeting the Bladebreakers officially! And other stuff ;)
A few things:
ONE: Philophobia does exist, it's the fear of falling in love. I'll go into it more next chapter :)
TWO: I have a tv production this week so I probably won't update until the weekend. Who knows, if you guys review it might encourage me to post faster :D I need to write more chapters, slowed down lol.
THREE: If there is any spelling, grammar, two words together then sorry! Let me know, but it's late and I'm tired and fanfiction is annoying when posting chapters that have been edited on Word T-T
FOUR: Did I mention I love you guys? Your awesome for staying loyal!
Okay okay, night! :D