HE WAS PROUD
CHAPTER ONE
It has been a week since Tala died. Everyone is still trying to come to terms with the loss of their red-headed friend.
Spencer had lost the boy who was like a little brother to him.
Ian had lost the boy who had protected him from anything and everything, no matter what the cost to himself.
Kai had lost his captain, friend comrade, fellow sufferer. He still missed the red-haired Russian anyhow.
Monica had lost the love of her life.
Brooklyn had lost what was quite possibly the only person in the world who had come close to understanding him.
Daichi (all though he would never admit it) had lost the person who he had experienced his most fun beybattles with. And he would give anything to hear Tala's voice again, even if it was just to be called a stupid midget.
Bryan had lost his brother, best friend, captain, comrade, companion. It felt as though he had died too.
And that was what he was doing now, lamenting over times gone by and all the happy memories he and the infamous red-head had shared. Tala had touched everyone's hearts, in his strange, almost child-like innocence he had always been there for them. Had never let anyone down. At school the teacher had asked the class to each provide a word that described Tala.
Cool
Awesome
Cocky
Smart
Red
Happy
Innocent
All those words and more had come up. When it had been Bryan's turn though, he could think of only one thing to say, "The only word to describe him was Tala." And they all agreed that was true.
Bryan suddenly became aware of a presence in the trees behind him, turning he saw Mariah standing there, an expression on her face that almost seemed like pity.
"You OK?" she asked.
He only shrugged in response and turned back to gazing at the river and lamenting.
"I just wish I could have made him proud, that's all." Bryan said huskily.
"What are you talking about?" the neko-jin queried.
"I wish I could have made him proud so he would've died knowing he didn't waste his life trying to help me." The lilac-haired teen repeated.
"He was proud Bryan, more than you'll ever know." Kai appeared from apparently out of nowhere.
"He just didn't know how to show it. But I know for a fact he was incredibly proud of you and Spencer and Ian. I also know that he did not once regret meeting any of you. In fact he was worried about making you 3 proud. Tala loved you and your team like you were his brothers and in many ways you were. Just because his body's gone doesn't mean his spirit is."
The bluenette walked away and Mariah followed.
Bryan thought about that and realised that, for once, Kai had actually been telling the truth. Tala had loved them, but did he make the red-head proud? Apparently. Bryan decided to figure it out tomorrow, his head was too crowded with emotions tonight. When he entered the bedroom he shared with Ian there was a brown paper parcel on the bed and a note: to Bryan, was clearing out Tala's room when I found this. It was addressed to you. Spencer Ian and Monica all got one too. From Kai.
Cautiously, for Tala had taught him to treat unmarked packages with suspicion, Bryan undid the string and opened the box. Inside was a bundle of photos and drawings, along with the cracked bit-chip of Wolborg and a letter. The lilac-haired teen unfolded the letter and began to read.