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RisingDragon
Goat Herder
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-4276 post
Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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Demoman
Demoman
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He was certain the voice... armor... whatever the hell it was... was mocking him now. He finished off the starfruit and wiped the juices off on his pants.

Luckily, he knew the answer that question already. A little, useless tidbit gleaned from what little memory he had recovered. "White, and black. To a degree. And green and blue, a little."

Mostly useless.


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
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-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
Acquired on 1 April 2012

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"Correct." The booming voice said calmly. "You have made it to the end of this portion of the trial; only two questions remain." The voice stated, and then went silent for nearly a minute just to torture R.D. a bit.

"The first question is: If you were given power beyond that of the dwellers of Olympus, and beyond that of even Ziatoch...what would you do with such incredible power?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
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-4276 post
Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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Demoman
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"I'd first use it to wring Azaleas' neck," he muttered. Well, he had a little list. He spoke louder. "I'd use it to kill Azaleas first, or maybe the remaining Beasts if they got in the way. Then? I'd pay Re-Tuul a little visit, see if I can't shunt his ass into Hell and tear him apart."

The monster had it a long time coming. First Mesia, then himself, and his friends... if he had that kind of power, he'd definitely turn it against Re-Tuul. But he knew that Azaleas had to be the priority; too many were counting on him. "After that... I don't know. I'm pretty sure you're talking about Lumiya, so I'll probably go harass Ondal about it or something."

Where was Ondal, anyway? He really would've thought he'd be around by now to offer advice. Better him than the Principality, that's for sure.

"I guess I'll see how to get rid of it." He wasn't sure if he could, though. He had seen the kind of power Lumiya had given him already. More? He wasn't sure. "If I can't... well, I'm sure someone will do something about it."


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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"I speak of a power even greater, young guardian." The voice echoed through the room. "What would you do if you bore the title of Balance?" It asked somewhat slowly, making sure every word sunk in. "You are familiar with what a Balance is, aren't you?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
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-4276 post
Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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Demoman
Demoman
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Pyro
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"... why should the title of Balance matter to me?" R.D. asked back, instantly on guard. The way people talked like that implied a great deal more than what they said. Something told R.D. that there was more going on than the simple acquisition of power.


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
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Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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"This is to determine your character, R.D.. I want to know exactly what you would do with the greatest power in the multiverse aside from that of God." The voice replied firmly. "So I shall ask you one more time... What would you do with the power of a Balance?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
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Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
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Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
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Demoman
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"Answer's still the same. Kill the Beasts, kill Azaleas, kill Re-Tuul. Then see what I can do to get rid of it," he said. Lord in Hell, he did not want to end up in the same trap as Kuro.


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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"You are, indeed, and interesting subject." The voice stated, more so to itself. "The final question is such: What is it you need from me?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
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-4276 post
Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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Demoman
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Pyro
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Finally. The thought drifted through R.D.'s mind.

"I need you to transport me to Earth, in the Ventre dimension," he told the voice, hoping this was the end of the tests. "Preferably to a place where I can do the most good for the people there at the start. Somewhere where I can observe my surroundings and make sure I'm not in some ambush waiting to happen."


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
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Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
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Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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"Hm... You ask for much, young guardian. The dimension of Ventre is not easily reached. Beyond that you wish to be placed in a specific spot." The voice let out something of a moan, as though to signify it was pondering something. "I can send you to a place where you can decide where in Ventre you wish to go--it is a nigh endless tower of portals, but I will provide you with the needed instructions to find Ventre." It said after a brief silence. "But first, you must offer a sacrifice to the knight."

Suddenly, shining eyes that swirled green, blue, and white lit up in the armor and stared at R.D. as its arms came to life and moved forward with its hands open to receive.

"All magic comes at a price, and your wish is an expensive one. Are you willing to pay the price in order to protect your loved ones, your allies, this world, and yourself?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
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Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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Demoman
Demoman
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"Some prices are too high to pay, no matter what the offer is," R.D. said, not yet moving to meet the animated armor. He'd paid one such price already. "Let me hear it and I'll decide if it's worth paying."


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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"Your swords, they are quite exceptional. One of those should do nicely for payment." The voice replied. "However, if you prefer I am also willing to accept a portion of your lifeforce, which will be dictated by the knight's scale."

The voice waited a moment to give R.D. a little while to think about the deal. "What will it be, R.D.?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
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Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
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Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
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My Phase Blades?

He supposed that made sense. Craftsmanship from the Isle was quite rare as it was, and as far as swords go, there were nothing superior to a Phase Blade. He sighed. He wasn't eager to part with them, but he didn't think such swords would help him in the fights to come. Not against what he stood against.

R.D. unbuckled the belt carrying the swords and their makeshift scabbard, and after giving them a brief once-over, he stepped forward--a disconcerting motion when there was no ground to feel underneath his feet, whatever his abilities with flight--and lay the belt in the armor's gauntlets.

"Good luck keeping them if the Isle decides they want them back," he said.


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
ImageImage
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
Acquired on 1 April 2012

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The fingers of the gauntlets wrapped tightly around the swords, and then the armor, swords, and the entire room vanished as though they had been blown away by a mighty wind. Then, quite abruptly, a woman in a black mage robe trimmed with purple stood before R.D. with a purple metallic rod in her right hand. The rod stood at nearly six feet tall, so probably a good seven inches taller than her, and had a glowing sphere of black and red mounted at the top.

"Oh please," the young-looking woman said nonchalantly. "The Seven don't frighten me in the least, so why should I fear The Isle?"

Light gradually returned to the area in the form of fireflies, just like the ones R.D. had followed. They illuminated what appeared to be the inside of an enormous tree. The ground was wet and green, and vines and other greenery were growing up the inside of the hollow tree. On one side of the room there were huge shelves full of books, some probably older than Earth itself. Near those shelves was another set of shelves that had many strange items on them, which now included R.D.'s blades.

"So, you're Earth's last hope?" She thought aloud as she approached the boy. "Well, I guess you can't be too pitiful if you managed to battle it out with Sheena."
The mage looked him over quickly, and then brushed a few strands of her long black hair away from her fair face, and back behind her ear. "Anyways, time to get back to business. When you arrive in the tower find the beam of light and go into it, it will act as an elevator. Go to floor nineteen million two thousand eighty two, and then turn left. There you will find the portals to Ventre, but beware of the guardians. If they find you wandering around without permission things could get very bad for you... So, are you ready?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
Inactive
-4276 post
Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Heavy
Heavy
Acquired on 2 April 2012
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Demoman
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Pyro
Pyro
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So it was all a trick. Figures. R.D. refrained from commenting on the mage's remark about the Isle. If they really wanted those back, then they'd have them back, one way or another. He also chose to ignore her condescending remark about her abilities. Like I need to prove anything else to you, he thought irritably.

"Nineteen million, twenty-two thousand and eighty two... got it," he said, memorizing the number quickly. He glanced back up at the woman. "I'm ready. Let's see this tower of yours."


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
ImageImage
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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Quote

"Alright. Let's do this." She said with a cockeyed smirk, and then raised her staff only to bring it down again, and hard. Magical rays of red and purple light spouted forth, soon engulfing the warrior. "If you throw up upon arrival, that's perfectly normal, so don't worry about it."

The mage's eyes turned gold for a moment, and her grin grew as though she had come to realize something. "I wish you the best of luck, R.D.," she said kindly. "You're going to need it."

The light surrounding R.D., which had come from the sphere on the magician's rod, became brighter by the second. "Oh, and tell Kuro that Kaitlon says 'hello'."

The next thing R.D. would see was a flash of red & purple, followed by utter darkness, and then bright light from all around him, for he was now in the tower dimension called The Nexus.


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
Inactive
-4276 post
Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
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Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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Demoman
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The transportation was not unlike his frequent use of Chaos Control, and R.D. weathered the storm of magic to the best of his ability, riding along the waves and letting Lumiya examine and memorize the magical energy and its properties for future use--magic was useful, and Lumiya did not discriminate. The powers of the Light, the powers of the Dark, all was fair game to the Weapon of Souls.

Soon, he came out of the storm, no worse for wear. Frequent use of Chaos Control left him feeling fine, and he opened golden-glowing eyes as he arrived in... the center of the goddamn Multiverse.

Bluish crystal-like ground squished soundlessly under his feet, and a brilliant swathe of stars spread out around him and the tower before him, marred only by an empty blackness off in the distance. A blackness he and Matt had inadvertently caused.

"Son of a bitch, I just left here," he growled, looking up at the Dark Tower. Somewhere in this folded space, the origin was hidden, and somewhere in this folded space, the Omega Core waited, recovering from its temporary destruction at Dragon Drive FINAL's hands. "Whatever. Let's get this shitstorm sweepstakes over and done with."

He approached the Nexus at a steady, purposeful pace, never once feeling the gaze of the cloaked entity behind him, watching him. R.D. threw open the doors and stepped out of the multi-dimensional nebula, into the Nexus.


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
ImageImage
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
Acquired on 1 April 2012

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Quote

"Oh... Uhm..." Kuro muttered as he stopped and stared at Awai. "Hello...Awai."
"W-W-What...?" Awai stuttered, completely stunned by what he saw before him.
"I'm not alive, I'm merely a spirit. I live in Heaven, and occasionally drop in to give helpful tips to our heroes. Also, the guy that's taking over Earth is not me, and is actually a Balance from another dimension." He said quickly, hoping to answer all of Awai's questions before they could even be asked. "You caught up, now?"
"O...kay." The Light Balance said hesitantly. "So He let you in, huh?"
"I was surprised, too. But that forgiveness thing is no joke."
"So why are you here, Kuro?" Awai asked somewhat frigidly.
"I seek assistance from the E.D.C., specifically Lament." Kuro replied in a similar tone.
"I see. So you haven't come in search of your missing piece?"
"You knew about that? You knew about what they're doing with Mercy?" The late Balance seemed taken aback. He had not expected Awai to be involved.
"Knew? Of course I did--I suggested it."
Kuro's eyes widened greatly; he was obviously shocked by this information. "You did what?" How could Awai, the man closest to the carnage he had caused, suggest that a piece of his soul be made a Balance? Had everyone gone very mad while he was in Heaven? "How could you, Awai?! Are you totally insane?!" He exclaimed, his eyes now narrow with anger.
"He isn't you, Kuro! He's different!" The Light Balance of Beta shouted to defend his actions.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I already got this speech from Serenade, so save it!"

Suddenly everyone in the Nexus froze, sensing an outsider coming in, but not from a portal. Nobody ever used the normal entrance--there was really no use for it. Unless...

"He's here." Kuro thought aloud.
"Who's here?" Serenade asked, but received no answer.
Kuro floated right through Awai, through the door, and out into the hall to meet R.D. as he came in. "R.D., you made it."

"That felt weird..." Awai said as he stood in the other room, his whole body rigid.

The late Balance stopped and glanced around, quickly noting that the boy was alone. "Where is Alasea? Why is she not with you?"


RisingDragon
Goat Herder
Inactive
-4276 post
Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Emi Ibarazaki
Emi Ibarazaki
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Heavy
Heavy
Acquired on 2 April 2012
Demoman
Demoman
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Pyro
Pyro
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Quote

"She has this tendency of trying to get me to rest, but I really, really didn't think we had the time," R.D. said to Kuro as he walked in, nodding to him in acknowledgement. Behind him, the figure cloaked in black had already disappeared. "So I left her behind. She means well, I know, but things are spiraling out of control in Asia."

If that mess of Shadow Creatures, Fire Demons, and Myrddraal all trying to kill one another was any indication...

He paused, not really acknowledging Awai yet. "Also, Kaitlon says hi," he told the former Balance.

He looked between the two of them for a bit. "Something tells me there's a mess going on here in this... tower," he said. There was a tense feeling in the air.


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
ImageImage
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
-1485 post
Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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Quote

This did not sit well with Kuro. He had warned Alasea not to let the boy out of her sight, and yet here he was, unattended. ~This is bad. Without the girl to keep him in check he might go mad; and my time in this realm is limited. I can't very well stay with him on his journey through Ventre. What am I going to...?~ His thought was cut short when he heard the name Kaitlon. "Kaitlon?"

A thousand and one memories came rushing back as he thought upon the powerful lady mage who had held his heart so long ago. A smile crossed his lips as he felt a sense of happiness and relief knowing she was well.

"Kuro! I'm not done talking with...!" Awai shouted as he barged out the door to follow the spirit, but then fell silent upon seeing the Rising Dragon. He blinked a couple times, and then turned to Kuro. "Kuro...what's going on?" His gaze then moved back to the boy. "R.D., why are you here? This place is off limits to mortals."

Without warning there was a shift in the atmosphere, and the balance of all living things. R.D., as quick a study as he was, probably would have no idea what the feeling was. However, the Balances knew.

"...and so it is done." Kuro muttered. "A new Balance of Beta Dimension is born."
"Do not worry, old friend. I will watch over him, and steer him in the way he should go." Awai said reassuringly.
Kuro only glared at him, as if to say 'you had better', and then looked to R.D. again. "Should I assume Alasea has told you nothing about your troubling condition and why I wanted you to come here, to the Nexus?"
"Condition...?" Awai thought aloud, slightly startled by the word.


RisingDragon
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Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
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Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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Demoman
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Pyro
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"She didn't get the chance. I wasn't going to let her try and talk me out of leaving," R.D. muttered. "We seriously do not have the time. There's about to be a massive war at Azaleas' castle between him and Ziatoch, and time flows differently for each dimension."

He shook his head as the feeling swept over him, and Awai and Kuro were about to reinstigate some argument he figured they were having when he arrived. "What's this you mentioned about a condition?" he asked, arching an eyebrow at the former Dark Balance. "If it's the lingering corruption from spending time in Shayol Ghul, I've got it well under control."


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
Inactive
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Fluttershy
Fluttershy
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Derpy Hooves
Derpy Hooves
Acquired on 1 April 2012
Princess Celestia
Princess Celestia
Got all items in the AFD2012 event!
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Kuro and Awai stared at the boy, their focus now back to the matter at hand. "I see. So that's how it started." Kuro thought aloud. "I knew it was impossible for somebody without corruption to use it."
"Kuro, what are you talking about?" Awai asked just as Serenade decided to join the group. "Is there something wrong with the boy?"
"There is, indeed." The spirit of the deceased Dark Balance replied, never taking his eyes off of the Rising Dragon. "R.D. has begun developing access to the dark-link."

Serenade & Awai exchanged worried glances. Awai's eyes then went to Kuro, and Serenade turned to R.D. with that same fearful expression on her face.

"Are you sure?" The Light Balance of Beta asked softly.
"I am. The growth pattern is not unlike that of NightShade."


RisingDragon
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Lilly Satou
Lilly Satou
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Emi Ibarazaki
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Heavy
Heavy
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"I've developed an access to the what now?" was R.D.'s only response. His face was carefully blank, his mind unsure if that was good or bad. Probably bad, given the looks everyone was now giving him.


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
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"The dark-link." Kuro said bluntly. "It's a tool originally used only by Balances of Darkness, but over the centuries other beings of darkness with enough power and the right level of intelligence have also been able to use it. However, most are never able to use it for anything beside long-range communication akin to telepathy."
"But that's only the tip of the iceberg." Said Awai. "The dark-link functions exactly like the light-link, but obviously they are restricted to only beings of evil or good. The Balances will often use these links to manipulate other beings of good or evil in order to maintain balance."
"That is a very useful part of it, but that still isn't the full potential of the dark-link." Serenade interjected. "Kuro, during his time among the living, was able to sense the intentions of opponents using the link, as long as his opponent was a being of darkness."
"Anyhow, we could go on and on about this for hours, but there's really only one thing that matters. That thing is this: the dark-link is a sign of terrible corruption in a being such as yourself." Kuro said gravely as he neared the young warrior. "So, we need to find out how much it has spread, and how to get it out of your system."


RisingDragon
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R.D. squeezed his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. It'd figure. That's probably what Alasea had wanted to talk to him about. She's going to kill me when I get back.

Long-range communication, manipulation of creatures linked to it, sensing the intentions of his opponents linked to it? It sounded useful. And explained a lot. You stay in the shadows long enough, and the shadows begin to stay in you.

"Well, it'd explain why I was able to know what Donovan was going to do before he could do it," he muttered, no doubt worrying the rest of them on what he'd accomplished with it already. "But there's no more corruption. I told you, I dealt with it. Ziatoch's powers may be foul, but they're still divine in nature. All I needed to do was flush it out of my system with Crystalis."

Alasea had been able to detect afterwards that all traces of Ziatoch's influence had been eradicated from his system. Leaving him with this... Dark-link.

He had a feeling they weren't going to take his word for it, though, any more than Kaitlon had.

Edited by RisingDragon on April 6, 2013 at 17:41:27


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
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Nobody said a word for a moment, they just listened to R.D., somewhat shocked by what he had said about Donovan. When he was finished Kuro just stared at the boy blankly, and then turned to Awai and Serenade.

"Humor me a moment." He said to them. "What's my name?"
"Kuro." Awai said one eyebrow raised, making it clear he was confused as to where this was leading.
"What position did I hold for thousands of years?"
"Dark Balance of the Beta dimension." Serenade replied this time.
"And what is it that a Dark Balance does?"
"They monitor evil energy and beings within their dimension to ensure that shadow does not overtake light." Awai answered plainly.
"How do they do that?" Kuro asked.
"By the use of their powers granted to them, usually by the great I Am. These powers include, but are not limited to: creation and manipulation of the elements and dark elements, super enhanced physical performance, teleportation, the dark-link, full knowledge of all things evil or dark within their dimension, longevity, shapeshifting...the list goes on and on." The Balance of Beta stated quickly.
"One last question." Said Kuro. "How was the E.D.C. formed?"
"The short version is such: you went dimension hopping when he discovered your ability to create portals, found six new dimensions and then The Nexus. We rounded up the Balances of each dimension and formed a council to help each other out in times of need, and over time we all learned much more about our own abilities and the various forces of good and evil simply by spending time with one another." Awai said, now understanding where Kuro was going with these inquiries.
"Thank you both." He said with a small bow. "But now I must ask: Why do people insist on challenging me when it comes to matters of darkness?" He said to nobody particular as he slowly turned to R.D. once again. "Why, R.D.? Why? Do my thousands of years in the business of controlling darkness mean nothing to you...or do you merely not care?"

Kuro moved up close to the boy, getting right in his face. "Rising Dragon, there is no tool for dispelling the dark-link. You can't just wish away the shadows. You are corrupt, plain and simple; the dark-link is proof of it. It's not some parting gift from the dark side--it is a seed. A seed that, if what you've said is true, is quickly growing into a thick and thorny brier patch." He said most gravely.


RisingDragon
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"If it can do all the crap you said it can, then good," R.D. shot back. The words seemed to echo in hallway in the ensuing silence. "Whatever corruption is inside of me, I can deal with."

The words sounded insane.

"I've already got mental protections placed on me to prevent anything external from influencing me," he said. He had felt that first-hand when Sin had tried to corrupt them at the Pillar of Dawn.

"I've already killed the link this corruption has to Ziatoch," he continued. The Crystalis had seen to that. Ziatoch couldn't influence him internally any more than He could externally.

"I've already seen what hoping for too much power at once leads to, so I don't bloody plan on relying on this Dark-link for everything," he finally finished. He'd seen what devastation he'd left behind in the canyon that wretched day. "And as it stands, I'll need to develop this access to how I need it considering where exactly I'm going and what I have to do!"

He pushed himself right through the spirit of Kuro and started for the doors. "I have nineteen million floors to traverse, so if we're going to discuss this Dark-link, we might as well do it while we're walking. Azaleas isn't going to be patient when he finds out I went to Ventre, after all. Might as well use what bloody time I have while he's unaware that I'm headed for his place."

Cue verbal explosion from the present Balances in 3... 2... 1...

Edited by RisingDragon on April 7, 2013 at 21:19:01


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
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Kuro was enraged, fearful, and saddened all at once, but above all he was helpless. There was nothing he could do. He was only a spirit after all, as R.D. made perfectly clear by walking right through him. Nothing he said had gotten through to this boy, and he had a feeling there was nothing at all he could say to make him understand. The dark-link was dangerous, and needed to be taken care of as soon as possible.

"You're such an idiot." Kuro muttered angrily.
"Idiot or not, you aren't going anywhere." Serenade said coldly, and then with a snap of her fingers the light energy, the purity, and any good within R.D. turned against him and rendered him immobile. "You may seem stable now, but I cannot risk somebody with your level of power turning into a being of chaos and hopping into any dimension he pleases." The Supreme Light Balance moved over to R.D. quite calmly, and looked him directly in the eyes. "You, Rising Dragon, are a flight risk, and shall remain in the Nexus until you can be properly examined by the Supreme Darkness. Understood?"

Edited by Juno on April 8, 2013 at 1:16:51


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"You can't risk somebody of MY power level turning into a being of chaos?" R.D. said softly as he was rooted into place. He stared back defiantly at the woman. "You can't risk someone of my power level hopping into any dimension he pleases?"

There was an undercurrent of cold, contained fury in his voice that made his quiet words seem loud in the room. "Where was that attitude when Azaleas killed two of your compatriots and did the same damn thing in my home dimension?"

And the cat was out of the bag, wasn't it? In what little light there was in the room, the shadows created by Serenade standing between him and the column of light Kaitlon told him to enter, she could see muted gold rays shooting through the irises in his eyes, from pupil to sclera. "Spare me your hypocrisy, Balance," R.D. said coldly. "I'll play your game, but I will get to Ventre regardless of whatever the hell you find or whatever the hell you want. And if this Supreme Darkness of yours doesn't show up in the next minute, I'm leaving anyway. You've already lost Ventre to the enemy. I won't let you lose Beta as well because you're all upset I have to do your goddamn job for you."


"Why do you care that I care that you care enough to care that I care for caring?" "Conversation isn't your strong point, is it?"
"I worship the supreme comrade Cossack!"
"OugharagarraaahhHHH: When 'Ow' just won't cut it."
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CAPCOM: We put the "No" in Innovation.

Juno
I AM the Iron Pony!!
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Fluttershy
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Acquired on 1 April 2012
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie
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Derpy Hooves
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Princess Celestia
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"Do not presume to know anything about my duties." Serenade said firmly. "The dimension you seek is over nine-million floors up. Do you know how many floors are above it?" She paused shortly for dramatic effect. "A number does not yet exist for that amount, and I monitor each and every floor--every dimension! So excuse me for overlooking one every few thousand decades."

"Now, now..." A male voice came from behind Serenade, and then the man baring the voice walked closer and placed a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Who has upset my dear and timid counterpart?" The eyes of Lament fell on R.D., and they were as cold as ice. "I know Awai is not foolish enough to do this, and Kuro over there is good and dead..." He then looked over to the spirit for a couple seconds and smiled. "Hello old friend."
"Hey, Lament." Kuro said quite commonly.
"So that just leaves you, boy." The Supreme Darkness said as he turned to the lad with a bone-chilling grin. "What's his deal, anyway, Kuro? I presume you have something to do with him being here."
"Do you not sense it?" Kuro asked as he walked closer to the group.
"Corruption...not unlike NightShade or Azaleas." He said, never taking his gaze off the boy warrior. His eyes widened slightly as he looking within R.D., searching for oddities. "The dark-link is spreading throughout his system..." Lament stated, and then turned his eyes to Kuro. "Very odd for a creature of light."
"That's why I brought him to you. I figured you were the only one who could do something about it."
"It will take time..." Lament replied, and Kuro hung his head. "Time he doesn't have. In order to give him a proper examination, and shrink the corruption down to a size that it's removable without damaging him...we would need a few days."
"That's too long. Everything could be gone by then." Kuro said somberly.
"I know... The best I can do right now is place a seal on it, and hope it doesn't get broken. It will restrict some of is abilities, and probably make him weaker, but it should ensure that he doesn't go mad before he can get back to The Nexus." Lament stated in a manner befitting a doctor.
"Speaking of which, I need you to arrange for a guide to accompany him through Ventre."

At that moment Gyro came walking through the door to see what was going on in the main hall, leaving the rest of the Dark Balances in the council room.
"Perfect timing, Gyro." Said Lament. "I need you to return to Ventre with this young man after I place a powerful seal within him."
"Uhm... Okay." Gyro said with one eyebrow raised, obviously a bit taken aback.