Tala1: Not much...

Pinkdevil: Being bored...no comp for 10 DAYS –sobs- Kitten TT

Taka1: O-o –backs away-

A/N: Van Helsing is the only thing on my mind, besides the hat to finish my Akabane costume –pained sigh- it's DIFFICULT!

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 Eleven

Death Embrace

Johnny was hauled off toward the center of the forest, it was a very awkward one at that. With leaves that turned vibrant colors, all cold to show how serious the matter was. The top bushes often let snow, rain, hail, sun come down. It was like the sky to the pixies he'd assumed walking on. But there were loads more to poke fun at too. Some of the animals were misshapen so much they looked like cartoon characters that you'd find in child's book. The mage was taken aback by how creative the creatures were (never minding he was on a death march of some sort) to build such a vas place that held so much. Yet did so little to aid them in the terms of fighting. But it created a good defensive as far as his knowledge went.

Being careful with what he stepped on Johnny kept moving as much as his feet could take him. He was still tired from the long journey during the desert and if he had to walk any more...fear of collapse clung to the mages mind. Stumbling in his steps he was jabbed several time by the native Pixies and merely grunted at the pricks. Course, after awhile they started to actually hurt when they puncture the flesh. Regardless he marched on as best he could. Suddenly everything seemed to mean nothing to him.

Until his stomach growled earning glares all around like he just swore something. Looking sheepish he scratched the back of his head not knowing quite what to say. How was he dragged into all this? He got bad luck in everything! "I'm err...sorry?" He shrugged his shoulders rubbing his stomach as he moved on, a bit lost while the pixies all stopped following him. Though that didn't halt them pointing spears at him. "Look I said I was sorry!" he yelled and huffed in his own little world. Folding his arms across his chest. Deaths embrace...he wondered what that was. Perhaps a bit of fire? Maybe torture him to death? In books that he had read, pixies weren't exactly kind creatures, having only been seen by a few humans. Yet, they had the reputation to play massive pranks.

Like Enrique in a sense. Only fairies were more secretive than pixies.

"Human!" The head pixie seemed to have half a heart as he zoomed in front of Johnny. Like he had become the wind itself just appearing there. "By what reason have you come to our land? Our sanctuary where we have cut off contact from civilization and live in harmony. Who sent you?" The green haired pixie looked cross with Johnny. But it was the manor speaking of what the winged being was wearing that got Johnny thinking.

A simple red shirt, a pair of blue pants slashed in a few spots for whatever reason. A tattoo ran up the left arm (after squinting to see it). A dagger was at his side, partially out of view strapped to the belt of the pants. Covering both hands were dark blue gloves. Green hair fell partway to the shoulders, earrings that were shaped like a crescent moon were evident on each ear. The black and red tinted wings were uncommon on all the other pixies. It obviously seemed to mean something, possibly the rank. A blue vest over the red shirt and a blue hat on top of the green hair, finished with a snappy pair goggles.

"I don't work for anyone!" Johnny replied after several moments of looking over the pixie to supply his own curiosity. Best to know your enemy. "I just came here with a group of travelers. One's a fairy. Perhaps you know of him? Enrique?" He had hoped, to the very least that would spark some sort of connection that would get him out of the mess. But that seemed not so. Biting his lip he glanced to the side. Looking at the lush vegetation and beautiful colors. However doomful it was suppose to represent.

Oliver wiped away a bit of his green hair and tapped his cheek in thought. Johnny didn't know what he was thinking, but maybe somehow if he could prove his innocence... "I'm going to find the lake that heals all injuries. The healing waters on Setereeo. It only fills once every decade. And..." he heaved a sigh as the look thrown to him didn't seem like a trustworthy one. So much for trying to reason. 'Well, I did get an F in logic and reasoning...' He smiled at the memory and felt his heart lift a tad. Magic schools not only had classes for those with gifted powers of certain elements. They also had classes for the none gifted.

"You're guilty as charged for coming here. But for now, it is too late. The great Gundawa is asleep now anyways," The pixie seemed to go in deep thought as he faced the other away. A peculiar expression on his face. The human had entered territories that were forbidden to the human kind. But when the great serpent Gundawa was asleep, the Death's Embrace could not be crossed. And if that was the case that denied the execution and the fun for the other pixies of the clan. "But..." Oliver sounded unsure as he whirled around "You can eat with us. Just now until later on. At midnight when the great one is awake you will walk the Death's Embrace."

'Do they just like saying the word? It doesn't have any meaning!' Agitated he was a bit glad as the pixies seemed to lower their weapons, glaring still. That was the least of his problems until Oliver seemed to wave his hands, an act of dismissal as one by one the beings fluttered away. Until at last two were left standing. At first Johnny felt like roasting the pixie but thought better of it. If he didn't want to do any act that he may regret later on. "Human, why have you come truthfully? Pixie's can sense a lie when they can. And I did" Oliver hovered in the air, one on one with fiery haired mage.

Rubbing a few spots on his skin Johnny practically snapped his reply, wincing at a few of the deep gashes from whatever had poked him. Whether it be a spear, a toothpick or metal. It hurt! "I told you! A traveler got cursed, and there's a whole group of us and we just want to help Tala to get back to normal. He's a half dragon. Anybody would want to seek out the healing waters for that." Ignoring the pixie for a moment Johnny plumped his butt down on the grass and rubbed his arm. Nasty creatures... He'd have to give the headmistress a full report on what he saw. Maybe change a few things in the books about pixies being tolerating creatures.

"Half dragon you say? And this Enrique...how did you come to meet him?" The tone form Oliver was half hidden fear. Maybe Enrique was known here. But they had passed a lot of land from just a simple village. Perhaps the damn fairy was his ticket out of here. But then again, he could be wrong and have the opposite affect. Exasperated Johnny could only look up with a weary look "I told you. Tala found him by his village. Saying how he was the only one there. Is there anything else I have to say your Majesty?" Looking down he tended to his abused skin not greatly caring if Oliver took that to offence. Be damned the whole clan!

It wasn't until Oliver was right on his arm did Johnny snap out of his little daze of prodding and gaze at the other as his arm began to shine, glow even. Engulfing the deepest part of the wounds. Then with a simple murmur the wounds began to stitch themselves back together until it was like they were never there in the first place. "O-Oi what the hell are you doing!?" Johnny didn't pull away having enough common sense that he wasn't being poisoned but healed with the basics of white magic. But why was another reason. "healing you, what else?" Oliver responded, pulling his hands away once the damage was fixed.

"Yeah. Kinda noticed that. But why would be a nice answer." Johnny frowned a bit as he inspected his arm, nothing seemed wrong with it. And yet not too long ago the midget was glaring him down like he had the power to destroy him. "Well if you're a friend of Enrique's how could I not trust you? I'm king here. And Enrique is the outlawed prince. He previously lived here" Oliver smiled gently as he perched himself on Johnny's shoulder giving the human enough the time to get to his feet and flex his arm. Good as new...

"Enrique is a WHAT?"

Ian threw himself to the ground as he rolled behind another crate. Juggling a small handful of dice, specially made thanks to the mechanic whiz. They were a lot dangerous. And when machinery were boosted with magic. That made the dice destructive and fun to use as weapons. Tossing a bunch out onto the field the purple haired teen ducked his head, hearing a loud boom as the dice landed on six. The death number. Six would kill anything in its path. Although if it was too strong, the enemy wouldn't be affected.

Poking his head out Ian tried to determine what was going on until the monster from the other side suddenly emerged. Having escaped the blast from earlier it seemed confident in its ability to kill as its jaws opened wide. A beam powering up within its mouth. The whirring sound that sounded from the side blew the monster to bits. Sending pieces of all sorts of unnecessary guts and other unmentionable body parts flailing in every direction. Looking confused for a second Ian turned only to see the smoking end of the gun that Spencer held before the tall blond raced off in the other direction.

Not at all put down by the fact he nearly risked a serious injury or death Ian jumped to his feet and cradled several darts in his hand. Such a waste on such pathetic monsters. But, if he didn't put his two cents in. Tala wouldn't appreciate it. And if they could save the village... Well. That spoke for itself. Placing a hand to the wall he moved like a panther. Melding into the walls that deflected the light of the fire where the shadows dwelled. Eye shinning he easily decapitated another monster, the head exploding into a chunky mess. Blue blood, mixed with red oozed out, seeping into the cracks in the concrete.

He exhaled. It seemed hopeless. There were just too many. It was better for a withdrawal, planned earlier. But first...

The rest of the supplies and people. Picking up where he left off he smashed one of the nearby windows, peeking into to see if there were any survivors. Ian's hopefully (though dull) smile plummeted. Two bodies were apparent. And the lizards... well. They were feasting on the bodies. 'Oh...I think I'm going to hurl...' he thought, hands moving to cover the said part of the body. His stomach churned and twisted like a cloth as his stomach did flip-flops. "Ian" a voice suddenly hissed next to him caused the teen to come to an immediate defense. Raise din one hand. The darts. In the other. Sharp double-edged cards. Made of a special metal alloy. Flexible but deadly.

"Spence is there...?" He halted; drawing in a breath at the shake of a head met his answer. Whoever was left behind was dead. Either that or fighting for their lives. Becoming desperate he clung to Spencer, heart sinking. Even with a combined well placed strategy and easy evacuation plans from previous learned attacks. They still lost people. People he knew and ate with. People he'd trusted with secrets and shared joyous laughing and celebration. "No one is left" Spencer spoke harshly, anger slicing through the air as his gaze traveled to the entrance of the town.

"But surely someone ...they could have..."

"No one is left except for the people lucky to get out. Come on were leaving, we have people that are still alive to protect." The blonde's hand waved off to the side, looking scarcely important. "There's nothing here anymore. We'll get back at them. Don't worry" He assured the short being before uncurling the tightened grip on his shirt. Finding that next to useless he wrapped his arms around Ian, lifting him off his feet and took off. Evading everything that came his way he didn't stop until he was well out of reach. Heading down a long ditch located near the back exit of the town.

Skidding down the slope of it, he brought up dirt and rocks as he slowed his descend. Slipping and sliding he made a smooth entrance as people gazed at them both. Ian and him. The women that were able to save what they could in the short amount of time clutched their belongings to their chest. Others weren't as good off. Having not been ready for an emergency such as this. Even when their town held one of the fourth stones...

"Is everyone accounted for?" Spencer barked out, gaze sweeping over the crowd of people. Of course, people died. It was life. But the amount that died was completely unnecessary. Besides that the stone that was kept for obvious reasons would have been stolen. It would be the only reason they would attack. Inhaling slowly the blonde turned his head. There was a river nearby, with it. A hidden underground cavern.

"What do we do now?" one of the villagers cried out, a small child, barely six, clung to her like glue. Her usual straight brown hair was burnt in a few areas, singed on the top making her look like a chimney. Her face was black on one side. He eyes, wide and alert. Other villagers looked to the two beings with hope beaming in their eyes. "Now..." Ian nodded off to the cavern. Mentioning everyone to come with a simple hand gesture. And slowly but surely, one by one they all slid down further. Heading to the bottom and crossing the rather muddy path. Recently having a rainfall, it was unsteady for the elderly and a hazard to young children that didn't pay attention. Too young to comprehend their danger and situation.

Spencer let out a small 'hmph' as his he reached the cavern first. Placing a hand against the smooth surface. Dirt crumpled under his fingers as he ran it over the surface. Pushing in a brief second later, the stones inside churning and moving on its own. Inside Spencer could dictate that the machinery he created inside was very old. He gave it a tune up last year. But over time it had begun to rust. It wasn't suprising given the location. With water dripping everywhere. Looking to Ian he gave a mere nod. Letting the other shorter being know it was all alright. Nothing wrong.

Yet.

The blonde chewed his inner cheek, not minding the slight glares he was receiving. Some things took time. And by the sounds of it. That was not what they had. He heard someone point and shout and slapped his face. Running a hand down it, leaving a few dirt crumbs. Why couldn't people shut their mouths once in awhile? "We got company.." He heard the purple haired gambler mutter under his breath. Weapons at his side in a flash. Grunting he waved a hand. "Get the others underground and take the SC-75 out. It should take you to Birsach. Than go and ask the king there for help" He murmured. The cavern rocks opening slowly. Just barely a big enough hole for the people to slip into.

'Like rats' Spencer oddly thought. Catching his partner's eye. And that was it. The short being already ushering people to follow him. Before long the rocks had closed back together with a long shake, the ground rumbling faintly. "Lets see...a horde of them and one of me..." he didn't look to distressed, being the only guy there. Nor did he seem put off that there were a bunch of the monsters coming at an alarming rate. Instead the mechanic just counted his bullets in his gun. Looking over the piece of machinery until at long last he lifted it. Quirking a smile. "Bingo.." he breathed. Pressing the trigger down. The land and trees engulfing flames seconds later. The water evaporated along with it.

Steam exploded into the air. Thickening the are with heavy mist. Clouding everything in its path.

Yet nothing stirred.

"Robert-kun..."

The said being cringed at the 'kun' added onto his name and evaded another hug. Raising his staff if the need arose to smash the vampire. How did he get himself into these messes? Death seemed like a better option! His eyes narrowed as he ducked and flipped the vampire over, brushing his hands off like it was nothing. Honestly Sanquinex never grew up. And the snarls and hisses from equally scary creatures weren't helping matters. "He deserved it!" he spat in defense. Stalking forward. Hoping to gain more ground than the ....monstrosities behind him.

They had gone deeper into the forest at first. The staff taking them through the worst possible parts. An occasional burst of flames or quick slash of one of the beings kept each calmed. All were doing their share as they walked. Grass crunching soundlessly under the five pairs of feet. Monsters and friendly animals alike chose it wise soon later to avoid them at all costs. Pretending they didn't exist.

And the oddest conversations.

"So you think Roberts thigh or his blood taste better?" Lupinex looked to Zomb for advice, tilting his head as if nothing was wrong about the question. Though Robert found plenty enough to say about that as it droned on. Zomb rubbed his chin in thought. They were cannibals by nature. It was a factor of their survival that depended on it. "I think his blood. They'd be enough to fill a king and his army. That is...if you kept him long enough"

Robert blanched, tearing his gaze from the two and focused on the path. Hand slowly moving upwards to cover his ears. He didn't want to hear that... "But than. If he did bleed to death than what about his body?" Cenotaph joined in on the conversation. Weird as it was. It was an amusement to see Robert's reactions. His bandaged hands twitched faintly. "Cremate it and use it for future purposes," the mummy replied darkly. Laughing silently as he thought about it. Sending cold shivers down the Summoners back.

"No..." Sanquinex backtracked to his teammates. Bonking them all across the side of their heads. "You wouldn't cremate a body like that..." he made sure Robert could hear his love tale. "You would savor it, like sweet wine or delicious cheese. Putting bits for later while exploring the body." Sanquinex's eyes flew to Robert, seeing the other tense and straighten. "Than you would soak their body with blood, and lick it off..." the other listened, amazed.

"Shutup!" Robert turned around, and started yelling his head off. Pelting all four with a hailstorm of rocks. That weren't small by any means.

Lupinex pointed at them "look Sanquinex! Love rocks from your mate!" the wolf sweatdropped as the leader of the Dark Bladers leaped forward, taking a rock to the eye and another to the stomach.

"I was...joking..."

Cenotaph shook his head. Idiots. All of them.

"Where'd he go off to?" Jazz mumbled more to himself than to the group as they trekked toward where the fiery red head had gone. The group was exhausted, even Jazz had to admit, he was too. But he wasn't a demon for nothing. But he had to fit in with them as best he could. Glancing back he tugged at the back of his bandanna, agitated. Night was coming soon and they didn't have the necessary supplies to last long. And if they did rest. He wasn't going to play watchdog and make sure they stayed alive. After all the dessert was well known for the creatures with deathly filled venom.

Snapping out of his trance he put half a mind to listen to the chatterboxes. "We won't find Johnny. We followed him and it got us off course. We'll just wait until he comes. I'm sure..." Tala rolled over his words. Not quite believing himself. "I'm sure.." he continued eyes watching each member of their little group. "That he's fine" he finished.

"He may be find now but he does need food like the rest of us." Said Kai without much emotion put into it. Johnny was the opposite of him and ever since they entered school it had been rivals from the start. But Johnny was an amazing mage. He wanted to challenge him some day but at this rate. He didn't see the chances of making it to thirty.

Tala nodded. Understandingly. "We did pack a bit of food thanks to Jazz's constant whining" He ignored the sharp glare from his companion and plopped down on the ground. Ignoring the burning sensation of the sand to his tail. "We'll rest for now.." He left no room for argument.

Kevin frowned. There were no trees in sight. Getting comfortable he drew his legs in and rested his chin on the surface. "So were waiting until night time before continuing?" He concluded. Seeing how that made sense. Nothing came out in this weather. 'That and we need to be on guard all night. Since everything comes out and all those bugs and...' his mind blanched at the thought. Nudging the purple haired necromancer beside him he gave a half grin, "ne?"

Bryan gave the elf a once over. Closing his eyes and folding his arms. Not being one to converse with anything that lived. Or dead for that matter.

Kevin pouted and looked away, ignoring the sand that flew into his eyes when the winds picked up. Smoothing the dessert surface with each grain that moved. His eyes narrowed as his sensitive hearing picked something up. It sounded like a more concentrated form of wind. But at the same time, seemed to be dulled out by something like....sand...

Absently his fingers trails over the endless grains of sand. Brow furrowing.

"You feel it too?" Kevin nodded numbly, feeling an added weight to his shoulder set in as the faerie perched down. None of the other seemed to take much interest in anything at the moment. Each seeming to be bummed out by earlier events.

"Yeah." Enrique murmured slowly, craning his neck towards where the power surge was coming from. His wings flapped faintly in agitation before folding. Knowing he wouldn't get blown off the elf just yet.

Jazz peeked an eye at them. His black cold eyes hardening as he saw the source. Unlike the other nitwits he was with. He knew exactly what it was. And wondered briefly why he was sitting here. Waiting for it to come and tear the whole area up. Not that grains were important but still. Sighing heavily he raised himself up, catching the attention from his comrades at the same time. The usual smile was not in place, and the aura he emitted was more cold and unwelcoming.

"What is it?" Tala asked suddenly, being lost that everyone but him was disturbed by something unseen. He didn't feel any different. His tail wagged up and down a few times as he fiddled with the sand, flicking it everywhere.

"It's not uncommon in these parts. But it's never during the drier season." Jazz rubbed his chin, eyeing the sky like it was to be blamed. Perhaps Boris had a weather mage of sorts with him... "That." Jazz directed a finger to a now distinguishable swirling large mass in the distance.

"Is a Sandstorm"

A/N: GOMEN NE! I've been really busy and everything seems to be lacking and and the con is only a few days away. And I've been playing dark cloud 2 and getting obsessed with Prince of Tennis (Go Kaidoh!) so..so...I've been thinking rather than typing ;D I'll get back into the mood soon. Sorry if this chapter sucked VV;