training ground
Kai was an asshole, knew not what he did, and wouldn't have stopped if he knew. But Tala didn't have the time, he had other priorities, and he'd just have to take it. It was alright; he was something of an expert in standing there and taking it. Waiting until he'd be free to push Kai back. Push Kai right over a cliff.
He looked forward to it. Because Kai treated him as though good enough to scorn him, when it was a secret from Kai, and if Kai had known he might have stopped but Tala had enough pride and enough common sense not to tell. Kai couldn't be trusted.
But Kai didn't ask, even if the interest Bryan showed the Barthez Battalion when they crossed paths tipped him off.
Because if Tala didn't trust him to stop let alone help, then Tala had to take it. If Tala was going alone he'd have to be strong. Couldn't whine, couldn't let Kai know. Only hope their common hatred, apart from Kai because Kai was different—only hope hate would sustain. Because if they couldn't withstand Kai, they'd never withstand Boris.
And Kai knew he couldn't be trusted to help.