Tala1: Well...not much happening lately but Rps, Hw, Trying to write, play games, and sit doing nothing, yar great life there. Pinkdevil: we have no life so it doesn't count... Taka1: oh yeah,
A/N: I have been getting into a Getbackers fetish lately and Akabane/Kagami seems to be constantly on my mind...then samurai deeper kyo and such, -sigh- why cant I stick with one thing.... at a time? XD oh well...
Disclaimer: Don't own Beyblade...wouldn't mind though if it meant I could draw better XD
Pairing
Bryan/Tala Sanquinex/Robert Johnny/Kai Lupinex/Rei Michael/Lee
Oliver/Zomb
Jazzman (will be known as Jazz cause
'man' doesn't fit) /Judy
Enrique/Cenotaph Kevin/ Steven
Ian/ Spencer, Ozuma/ Joseph, Dunga/ Mariam
(just a reminder of the pairings)
Chapter Ten
Wandering Souls
Flicking a dice between his fingers he caught with a saddened expression watching the dots change from one to two to five to six, often he wondered if Tala was going to ever come back. Truly he would have told him first off before rushing into the unknown, without guidance too! Who knows what could have happened to that reckless teenager. Scratching his ear with his free hand the eyes landed on a bar. No better place to wallow in self-misery then his best element to gain money in a heartbeat.
Gambling. Ian's life was gambling and stealing. That was how he made his living in the first place. To support himself and maybe some friends that done really have a life to begin with. In other words the orphans. Reaching for the doorknob he opened it up and frowned at the smoke that inhabited the bar, clouding his sense of smell. With a light slam he straightened his black short, equipped with a chain connected to it, with two rather large pockets to hold his weapons.
Dice. Darts, and cards. Might not look like much but to the rather short teen it was everything needed to protect himself with. "Hey Ian!" the head of the said person snapped up. Someone called his name out and looking ahead he couldn't help the small smile to pass over his face. Spencer, the blonde that always stuck by the smaller boy never failed to miss a single day of seeing each other. Closing the wide gap from the bar to the entry of the door Ian seated himself on one of the many stools, cocking an eyebrow at the awaiting beer before him turning to face Spencer's face.
"Okay, spill it" Ian said flatly as he watched the beer be tipped to the side to pour the contents into a clean glass. This was the only time the older teenager would ever have a beer ready to be gulped down, and if it was serious enough usually have two bottles. Happened every time Spencer needed to get something off his shoulders. Usually important information, classified even.
The tall being looked amused for a moment at Ian's response before he placed both elbows on the bar table with a unfulfilled look passing over his healthy face, as glass clutched in his right hand "I heard news of Tala..." he spoke so low that Ian almost didn't catch that, but after the sentence he felt like bursting with questions. However he was silenced as Spencer took a long gulp of the alcoholic beverage before speaking again, swishing the glass side to side.
"He's teamed up with a bunch of people"
'That's it?' Ian looked at the swishing contents wondering what could be wrong. He had never seen his friend so emotional, even on little expeditions in the past it was never this bad! Not since the last one at least... "So? He use to always do that" the purple spiky haired teen replied with a shrug of his shoulders not seeing the huge problem in the situation, no that there was any. "He's found Bryan, and teamed up with a bunch of freaky people and sources say...that he has recently been cursed" that got Ian's short attention.
"Cursed?" Ian did not want to admit it but the vanishing disappearance would make sense if Tala was ashamed of a curse. But, a simple remedy from the nearby healer could have cured him. "Yeah" the tall blonde continued his tale "seems that Boris was the one that did it" a loud gasp followed that statement as a burst of liquid flew from the purple haired thief's mouth onto the table, the talking around them silenced instantly.
"What? Are you crazy?" Ian slammed the cup down ignoring the fact that the bar was completely silent having heard the name spoken, without fear. Before long Spencer realized that his little comment was starting to get a lot more attention than he first presumed and sliding off the stool he nudged the shorter figure in the side. "We'll continue this outside come on" shuffling of chairs was sounded as the occupants watched the two figures leaving the bar with shocked looks.
Long ago....
Since the war where evil had won, people looked to a hero. The legendary hero of Calanis. One that knew no equal, adored by millions, unstoppable with his powerful magic and skills. He was known as the Defiant, one who defied evil, orders and everything. The only one to stand up to the warlock Boris and his boss, Voltaire.
Now, many years later people all over feared the warlock Boris, unmatched in anything he had killed the Defiant. The Defiant was also from the very village Tala, Ian, Spencer, and many other well off families lived. Soon a rebellion was made to resist this horrible evil that plagued the world. But with such a corrupted world, not many were willing to resist. They just allowed it to happen.
A reason why the village was one of the main focus of Boris and Voltaire. It had the highest probability of rebelling. A threat that was worthy to their eyes. But also something to be destroyed. Which led to the burning of the village centuries ago. Sending several screaming, and running for their lives.
"You just don't say his name out in public, what's wrong with you?" Ian waves his hands up and down. Trying to get a reason on why the other had said it in the first place. It was a forbidden name to speak. Especially in towns. Why didn't Spencer keep his mouth shut? You'd be caught dead if a spy heard you say that. "Well I think people should just unite and fight back" dark blue eyes pierced Ian's brown ones before moving upwards to glare lightly at the sky. Spencer wasn't the sentimental one, but even he had his limits.
Why was the planet so corrupted? What made it this way? Why did a warlock rise to power? It was questions like those that Spencer knew he wouldn't find in books. Since they only told about the history or about the world. Nothing more and nothing less.
The ridiculously short gambler frowned upon seeing the look marked on the mechanics face. There was that look again. Hopeless thinking yeah, yeah he'd seen them all "hey snap out of it man! Why do you say war will be the thing that takes down Boris huh?" the shorter teen shuddered to say Voltaire's name. No, he wasn't afraid he just didn't like the name. Boris was more than enough!
The mechanic suddenly stopped by a bench and let his tall figure sit down, hunching over like he had a bad day. He didn't want to say anything to Ian because most of the things he predicted would come true. Many things actually, had indeed come true. It was an enigma..."because I know it's going to happen" as expected Ian shrugged and turned his head, the purple hair swaying a bit. "Well, whatever man. But you know what was cool? The price for newer equipment I mean..." the mechanic had to smile at his friends endless amount of energy. Spencer admired the spark that would appear in his friend's eyes at any mention of a battle, or a challenge.
Not only that but the blonde would also like how Ian would rephrase things, make him smile when he was down. But most of all was the slow attention span, a great thing that his friend had or else half the conversation he had with Ian would never be forgotten. Then the nagging and pestering would never end. "then this guy" Ian continued as he lifted a leg up to rest on his knee a smirk plastered on his face. Obviously proud for something he did.
"Came around the corner demanding his money. And I didn't cheat honest! Then he was all like freaking out on me so I put him in his place heh, heh...." The laugh dimmed a bit as Ian focused his attention ahead of him. Putting a hand to his forehead the short teen squinted trying to make out what was heading their way. Putting the distance between what was coming, was at least a fifty-minute run but at that speed...it would reach the village in less than twenty.
"Hey Spence do you know who or rather what that thing is? Over there by the hill?" like a guide to himself Ian pointed his finger to the direction where the rumbling was coming from and cocked his head in confusion. Since when did this village especially get visitors? It was a very rare thing that's for sure. Looking to Spencer, Ian was glad to note that his confusion wasn't the only one lost and confused. Hell Spencer knew the whole place better than him. "I don't know but it looks like some fire lizards?" It was debatable but for sure it was some creature. Didn't matter who or what though.
"Nah to big..."
Truly the mechanic and gambler were stumped. They hadn't ventured outside at all save for the small errands given to them to deliver goods and receive them. Course that was also an important job for money and survival.
Screams alerted the two to be on guard as a woman ran past them, a burning trail behind her as her skin began to decay and rot. Flesh fell to the ground, her screams alarming the rest that were inside or doing something else and hadn't noticed the carnage soon to be brought upon them. Fireballs streaked across the sky like meteorites, crashing against the houses setting it aflame. Wood was incinerated by the fires, whatever could withstand the impact was burned to the point of it non-existing.
"What the....hey Spence watch out!" a fireball sailed overhead the two as they crashed to the ground. The immense heat burning the shoulders and back as they dived down quickly to avoid it. Recovering from the initial shock Ian lifted himself back up feeling his throat go dry "Spencer our village is under attack!" it didn't take much to see how bad the homes were being torn apart. How the people ran like they were suddenly headless chickens flocking their homes and others in need to grab last essential items. Even though half wouldn't even make it past the gates, let alone survive the invasion.
The ground shook as the creatures that were sighted some time ago were now very visible to the naked eye. The beasts were covered in a armored plating on there back, reptile webbed feet moved them quickly across the ground. How that was possible was beyond Ian. The red skin tone was a sign of a fire element and behind it, the tail was a sprouted flame on the tip. Make it mad and the tip would become an inferno burning its closer victims to the ground with ease.
Behind those were another equal bunch of scary looking monsters only with blue skin tone, supposedly ice or something along those lines. It was quite unclear to Ian and Spencer. "Spence what do we do now?!" Ian hated to fight, even less to run away when he could fight but, sometimes it was unavoidable. At first they were rooted to the spot, the continuous whipping wind beating their body like sand and water. Until Spencer hardened his gaze, taking command even though he was only around 15 years old.
"Ian, gather the children! You there!" The tall blonde pointed directly across from himself to get the attention of a being wandering around in panic. But not seriously hurt. Though his hair looked a bit burnt, and face smeared with ash "Go get the food supplies save everything you can!" Spencer continued to bark out orders, retrieving a small object from his pocket, holding it at eye level. It was a new invention he had been trying out, to make it like a crossbow but with bullets. Special bullets made from monster carcasses, to add an element effect.
Quickly scampering off, the man that was yelled at went to do his job, grabbing whatever was saved and untouched. But to his dismay a lot had been destroyed and tainted. Completely useless to the people. Yet. He couldn't give up on the head mechanic. That boy was a genius! If he needed food, then he would try to get it in time. Whoosh Another fireball streamed forward, igniting upon contact with another building, burning it to the ground in a matter of minutes.
Dismay and panic, chaos and rage consumed the village. The dead were spared the suffering while the slow and elderly were burned alive. "Come on old man! Move!" Ian tugged on an old mans jacket, the face was recognizable easily. It was Taketo Kureto, one of the elders of the village. He played a key important role in the villages life. Being able to construct his tales into wonderful stories, inspiring many that did not get the pleasure to enjoy the outside world.
"I'm going, I'm going. No need to rush"
Only one problem. He was deaf, though the tug got him moving in a hurry as flames began to lick against the ground, swarming around like bugs in a long red hot trail. Terror gripped Ian as everything began to fall apart. More screams echoed. And in his mind he wondered what had caused this. What had they done to deserve this? "Spencer!" he called out in worry as another woman took the old man away. Smoke blinded the gambler as he gritted his teeth calling out again for the unusually tall teen. "Spencer!!"
No sign of the tall blonde. Anywhere.
Panting Ian rushed blindly in a unknown direction, squatting down to gulp fresh air from the bottom. No need to pass out during this carnage, this act of destruction "Ian!" the said person looked up. Relief flooded as Ian scrambled to his feet, wiping his brow looking eager "status?" a shake of a head confirmed his thoughts, giving him a horrible feeling, descending in the pit of his stomach. "Not good. But the people are safe. All the food is contaminated. Even if we get away nothing is left. And the village is burning and the monsters are on a rampage come on lets GO!" Spencer reached out grabbing the shorter being by the collar and dragged him in a hurry.
Already in Spencer's mind a map was stretched out on a clear marble table, telling him where everything was. The alleys, the houses that were accessible, and the secret areas that led to the sewers. "This way!" Ian was continually dragged, but the purple haired being said nothing as he glanced back and forth, the adventure like this came only once in a blue moon. If only if they had more warriors then this encounter would or at least could have been prevented a bit.
Well....maybe. Even outside help but that were miles away. Days away.
"Spence duck!" Both figured hit the ground again the impending bang of a tail swung over, hitting the crates nearby. Dislodging them into mere pieces of food, spilling the half rotten contents. Spencer lifted the gun and aimed, firing with a push of a button, blowing the face to smithereens. For a few seconds all was quiet "you know what Spence, these things aren't that tough. And look, hardly any mess" he exclaimed pointing at the blue guts that evaporated into a puddle of water. A reload of the guns ammo was heard as the mechanic looked back with a grin "Not at all."
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"Are we there yet?"
"No"
"Now?"
"No."
"...Now?"
"SHUTUP JOHNNY!" Kai roared in anger as he turned away from the hot red haired being focusing his attention elsewhere. Behind the group was trudging across the barren land, complete with sand, sand, rocks, hell why not more sand. Not to mention extreme heat and little wind. Made some of the people unhappy. No, that was an understatement. Some were completely furious. Well...as said, some were.
"We'll be going up the hill as we go, were going up the hill...." Jazz sang merrily, not seeming the least bit upset about the heat. Nor was Johnny being of the fire element, they both could take it. And were making sure the rest suffered. "Where there' no water" Jazz loudly spoke, letting the note hang in the air like a shrill scream "where there's no water" Johnny responded in a much deeper tone. "Only barren field of untouched laaaaaaaaaand" they chorused and proceeded to sing their made up song, over and over again.
Soon even Tala with patience made out of gold couldn't help but look murderous.
"Guys shut up!" Tala barked as he shuffled through the sand, kicking it up as he went, spraying it all over the place. He was starting to get a giant headache. And the sand, stretched forever! "Hey" Enrique grumbled pointlessly, moving his head to rest against one of Tala's odd spikes "thought I saw a cactus. Maybe land soon" The group said nothing as they all shuffled on. All in bitter hopes of reaching water, or at least. Someplace like a lush forest.
That was until Bryan noticed something out of the ordinary as they continued to walk. Long before they had entered Bryan noticed that they weren't really moving along. They had passed the cactus, granted that the whole group was moving. But the cactus moved as well. It was like they were frozen in time, walking the same thing every step. Same scenery, same grains of sand...
"Wait you guys.." Bryan stopped and placed a finger down onto the ground. It didn't feel like sand. More like a floor. Kevin crouched down and felt the so-called sand and grimaced, leaping to the side. Crashing into the others and sending them all tumbling down to the ground. Loud yells and curses erupted form most of the foul-mouthed team members, other than that though. None felt very mad. "Watch where you're going you klutzy elf!" Johnny snarled as he shoved the delirious Jazz and kicked away Kai jumping back to his feet. Spreading his arms he felt an unnatural rush of heat. Due southward. Back where they were.
The fiery red head took a few steps and hurried off, leaping over the mounds that got in his way. Behind he could hear the group moaning and groaning trying to get back up. Only Bryan and Kevin knew what he was doing and tried to call him back. But he couldn't. The air was relaxing and soothing. Calling to him from the farthest part of the desert, calling his soul to the altar...
Skidding to a stop he panted and shook his head. What the hell was he thinking? 'Better yet why am I thinking about fire? I still have to roast that stupid fairy!' Johnny looked back with a grunt of disappointment noting that he had gotten himself lost in a desert. Which, as if by magic, deformed. Wavering in front of his eyes like a wave to take shape of a forest. A loud chattering sound pierced through his ears as he rubbed the exterior with a frown. Damn. He'd have to keep a closer eye on where he was going next time. Maybe he should have taken Bryan's advice.
All around him stood trees that could shame the great gods and goddesses. Standing like pillars of old buildings they blanketed out the sun at the top, allowing no rays or moonlight to go through. It was light enough where he was standing though, the water ("where had that come from?" Johnny wondered) was radiating the harsh light. It was blinding but Johnny was used to such things.
Focusing his eyesight he knew for a fact he wasn't alone. Little giggles erupted from all sides as he took a single step, then stopped rubbing his hands together, sparking a bit of magic form his palms. And like a moth to a light the little critters, by the thousands all came toward him like a mass of flies. Pixies, millions of them crowded around awed by a human mage was able to cast magic. Cooing a bit some dared to get closer but a rather girlish one (all pixies were males as far as Johnny could tell) hushed them all down. Seemingly the king or prince that ordered them around.
The chatter hushed one by one and soon only silence was evitable in the area. Two huge eyes locked onto Johnny's, and for a while he did nothing but stand and look stupid. In all honesty though. Johnny had heard some interesting tales of Pixies being found in forests and damp places. Hiding away from the human kind. Most of which were not very good for hearing since pixies had an enjoyable past time creating illusions, distracting victims to their pranks. Even to death pixies would play with corpses and often strike deals with demons in exchange for other things.
The world really was a cruel place.
"Human! You who dares to break our illusion and step into our forest of the damned. Speak up for your crime!"
"Uh, what crime?" Puzzled Johnny scratched his head with a dumbfounded look. He just stepped into the place and already he was lost. In speech and in surroundings.
"No human is allowed to step foot inside unless chosen by the gods during the first moon of the month" The voice was a bit quieter, high pitched but it was understandable. And why would you need gods to decide for you? That puzzled the fiery haired mage as he just folded his arms looking rather self-centered with a rebellious air hanging over him.
"There is no god" Johnny spoke deadpanned "God is nothing. God is but a figment of mans mind, to make the after life seem less harsher, creating two sides. One for God to rule and his brother the Devil. If God was so powerful why doesn't he fix this land? But no, he leaves it to us. Therefore god is a false hope created by man." Long ago Johnny had told his teacher the same thing. She was part of a organized committee to serve god and travel around the lands. Course, there were a lot of gods and goddesses but that was always taken in account.
But why did he feel so passionate? So strongly about explaining this to pixies? Maybe it had struck something within him that he couldn't explain long ago. Hesitating he suddenly found himself at the mercy of almost equal amount of spears and swallowed hard. Maybe he shouldn't have opened his big mouth in front of pixies. Small as they were. They were most deadly when insulted or made a mockery of. "Eh heh, sorry about that"
The head pixie frowned and continued to glare. Not cutting any slack for the human that looked a bit edgy. Humans never knew the laws of pixies to begin with.
"For you impudence I, Oliver of the Pixie colony of the Damned, sentence you to a walk through Deaths Embrace!" The pixies shared murmurs and wide eyes. Suddenly Johnny had a bad feeling about that.
Deaths embrace wasn't a good thing was it?
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A/N: OMG! A chapter FINALLY done lol. Bout time ne? I've been working on Helsing more than this, and Shaman Life...so yeah. Blah ne?