"Please don't forget this song. Do you promise?"

The wind stroked the tall grass blades, making them sway to the beautiful, crisp notes that haunted the meadow. The sun beamed down, settling on his skin and warming away the cold bite of the morning. A flock of small birds shot overhead like little blue darts, riding the breeze.

"When you want to hear my voice, play Saria's Song. You can talk with me anytime..."

Link stopped mid-note and lowered the ocarina. "Not anytime, Saria. Not anytime."

He wrapped his lips about the instrument again and blew. Saria's Song was so high spirited and energetic. It made Link reminisce about the tall, mighty oaks that lived in the Lost Woods, and the devilishly twisted path through to the glade. He recalled the Skull Kids in his mind's eye, dancing and puffing on their flutes, the motes of light that flittered about the forest, and the way the sunlight patterns on the ground shifted as the impossibly high canopy shook and rustled in the breeze.

It had been hours. Link played one final, lingering note and pocketed the ocarina. Sitting on a sawn tree trunk, Link lifted the water sack slung around his neck and drank. The water streaked down his throat and offered cool relief, replenishing what he lost in his protracted musical session. He finished his swig and gazed out over the grassy field. He had so much to ponder, but he was doing his best to avoid it for as long as he could. Perhaps it was time. He couldn't ignore it all forever.

The most pressing topic burrowed out into the light. Ganondorf.

What was he to think now? The Gerudo king was his only companion in a death tournament, of which Link didn't even want to enter. Nonetheless, Ganondorf was there every step of the way. Every confrontation, they attacked together with unrestrained ferocity, as if innately trusting the other not to withhold strength to backstab them later. It never came to that; indeed, Link had even found common ground with the great tyrant, the man who killed hundreds, maybe thousands, in another world. Maybe he had manipulated Link, but he didn't think so. Some of it was likely posturing and for show, no doubt, but the Hylian warrior knew that at least a few of their bonding sessions were genuine. No doubt Ganondorf had difficulty processing some of this, too.

So where did that leave them? Did Link retain the duty to slay the evil sorcerer, the man who would take up the Triforce to conquer and enslave? Or should such a concept be discarded in the Omniverse, where the goddesses didn't exist, where a divine law held no weight? Or had it been the holy triumvirate's will to chase the Dark Lord into the Omniverse? Or muddying the waters further, had Ganondorf truly repented from his old ways, and no longer posed a threat?

Or was it all an act to fool Link into taking over the Omniverse from right underneath him?

This is why I didn't want to think about this. Constant, never ending circles. Trains of thought that skirted the same rails over and over again. How could he make a decision when, no matter how much he contemplated, neither choice seemed like the right one? Maybe it wasn't a logical decision he made from pondering on it. Maybe the next time he saw Ganondorf, he would just ... know the right course of action.

How Link wished he had guidance now. He wished he knew what happened to the Hero's Shade. All he remembered was how his skeletal hand rested on him and Link felt a sudden surge of vitality and warmth. Had Shade transferred the omnilium he had siphoned from Link back into him in order to give Link the energy he needed to keep fighting? Was that why he faded away and hadn't returned?

Link had tried playing the Song of Time again, hoping his future ghost would seize upon the enchanted notes again and re-establish himself in the Omniverse, but to no avail. He sighed. Another fruitless topic of consternation.

He still had to reclaim the Triforce of Courage. No matter what, it was given to him. It belonged to the Hero of the era, and no one else. Syla had to be somewhere in Camelot, but she could be hiding up any old tree, and Link couldn't remember where her little canopy village was anyway.

Link hopped off the tree stump and withdrew both of his blades. The Master Sword shone with the reflected light of the sun and some of its own power. The Phantom Sword felt different, as if the light and reflections glossing over its steel blade quivered and slowed. His tenacity and skill helped him secure the full power of his divine weapon again, but the Phantom Sword wasn't even from his own era. He carved it from omnilium while he was Syla's prisoner, spiritually visiting a timeline completely alien to his own.

The Hero of Winds' era, as Shade had put it. A world where the Hyrule he knew had been devoured by a mighty ocean. Link remembered slipping into the skin of his spiritually linked kin, seeing the tumultuous waters churning, thunderclouds spurting jagged bolts of lightning, and the monstrous Bellum rising up before him.

What great reserves of knowledge and skill must be untapped in those other eras. If only Link could travel there on purpose, maybe he'd gain new insight, or at least enough to get him through his tough thoughts. There must be countless evil foes who rose up, both past and future, whom the chosen Heroes had slain with their might and artefacts. Bellum in the Hero of Winds' era, Ganondorf in his own ...

Link knelt down and impaled both blades into the ground, holding onto their hilts. Why was he assuming he was so helpless? Shade helped him the first time, but obviously the power lay dormant in his soul. He just had to figure out a way to coax it out. Surely it couldn't be that difficult.

The Hero of Time closed his eyes and focused. He remembered that painful tingle that coursed through his core during his first trip. That pain that burned into a white hot agony as it multiplied, much like when he was ripped out of the space between time by Omni, when he first made the connections to the Hero's line. He relived the uncanny way that information poured into his mind as if he'd known it all along ...

... and the Phantom Sword quivered.

Link broke his concentration to look at the weapon. What happened? He shrugged and went back to his meditation, digging about his memories for the keys to the doors, and the Phantom Sword shook again. Link was sure he didn't imagine it this time. But why was the weapon vibrating? Was it reacting to his memories?

Anything's possible in this realm. Link ran through the vault of his spiritual journey to the great ocean again, and on queue the blade hummed and tingled in his fingers. Instead of breaking focus, Link buried himself deeper into the sensation. The summoned sword brimmed with a new energy, and inexplicably, the Hylian warrior felt an identical power welling in his chest.

It burned.

This is it! Link reached out with ethereal hands and dug in tightly, pulling himself closer to the blazing energy. It grew hotter and hotter, moving from a warm glass of milk to a cooling stove to a dying fire to a smithy's furnace to a pool of magma to ...

Link clenched his teeth as the pain became white hot agony and pushed further. Flickers of thin white tendrils flashed on the edge of his vision. Tiny milky sparks leapt up and down before him, chewing away at the black behind his eyelids, filling it in until all he saw was white. The ground shook, but whether it was an earthquake or part of the hallucination, he couldn't tell anymore.

Link screamed at the molten fire that consumed his chest and everything went numb.

Quote: Le background music. (its not much, just a short post from one of my NPCs perspective enjoy)
[youtube]ze5W8cDHcsQ[/youtube]

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Matrix opened his eyes, taking in the odd layout of the Nexus while he tried to figure out exactly what had just happened. It started simple enough, when he'd entered the Game Cube in Mainframe, like he had done so many times. Everyone was busy with other things, so he'd agreed to take this one on alone. That strange sprite had spoken to him, though, calling himself Omni. It was the most bizarre game AI he had ever seen before. As he looked around, though, it began to make sense very quickly. The answer was obvious.

There were sprites of all types loitering around. The ground and the sky looked incomplete since it was just a solid white color. The only scenery was a small fountain, but even it looked like broken code hovering about a small lake. It couldn't be any clearer.

The game was glitched.

"Great. Another second rate game that can't load properly," Matrix muttered in disgust.

A broken game meant nothing but sitting around and waiting. Eventually it would crash, and he and the residents of this sector of Mainframe would be no worse for wear. But waiting was not Matrix's strong point. His robotic eye twisted upside down as he tried to figure out what the game might have been. There were ancient looking soldiers on one end, and futuristic ones on the other end, but in the middle was a mix of just about everything he'd ever seen in a game.

He was, however, very surprised to find out that his eye was operating no where near the way it normally did. His range and sensors felt limited and dulled. That wasn't right, no game had ever affected his targeting, and that would be a very strange time for the entire thing to start malfunctioning.

He clenched a fist in annoyance, pacing over to the fountain. He looked around at the odd cast of characters loitering about, and couldn't help but notice there were no binomes. That was peculiar, as he had certainly seen a few as he entered the game's path. Not like there was anywhere to hide, either.

What felt like a brief eternity seemed to past as Matrix crossed his arms, staring down at the water. He couldn't believe this game was still active. How had the User not crashed it yet? In fact, where was the User?

Matrix suddenly started looking around, not seeing any of the behavior that typically came with a User playing any game. In fact, everyone was more or less subdued. A User would have stood out nearly immediately. Matrix squinted as he turned slowly, seeing small gates in every direction that seemed to house some sort of portal.

This whole thing was getting a little more fishy by the moment. This place had the appearance of a glitched game, but a lot of things weren't adding up.

"Game stats," Matrix commanded out loud, his eye twisting and turning as it scanned the area. One of the first things he'd done upon the system restore was have his eye upgraded with a vast database of games, allowing him to know the details without the use of a guardian Keytool.

Not in Game.

Matrix frowned as that red display appeared in his right eye. No game could ever glitch so badly that it couldn't be scanned. Something was very wrong, indeed. A sudden chill ran down his spine. It had taken him a long time to make it back to Mainframe after a game sent him to the depths of the Net. He didn't know if he could do it again, and this time alone.

He took a deep breath, calming himself. He knew he needed to figure out what this place was, if it wasn't a game, and the best way to do that was to find that "Omni" AI. He wondered where that might be, but he suddenly turned to see five sprites in solid white armor with guns approaching him. He lowered his hand so that he could fast draw Gun if necessary, but let them approach. Maybe they would have some answers.

[float=right]Sat, Jul 18, 2015 1:50 pm[/float]

Hi Avenger!




From: Deadpool (<!-- e --><a href="mailto:GregzLover69style@dataverse.com">GregzLover69style@dataverse.com</a><!-- e -->)

To: Sasuke Uchiha (idk_wtf_your_email_address_is_but_who cares?This_shit_is_fake_anyway@dataverse.com)


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-






Dear Avenger (wow I felt weird putting that, since I’m from a universe where we have a slew of them, and none happen to be you! ;D),


Yo! Congratulations on winning the competition (even though you wouldn’t have, if not for that two-toned vermin, Mickey, saving your ass from DP!!!! ;D That was also a sexual innuendo . . . not sure if they have those in the Naruto universe). I’m sure the notoriety and such from becoming Champ will help you in your personal quest . . . that one was more-or-less for your writer, Marc, to understand. I guess you can say he’s your personal “God”, or whatever you want to call the controller of your destiny. I’m sure if I try to talk about that any more you’re little shinobi head will explode, so I’ll spare you the stress (or relief, depending on how you look at life).

Oh yeah, I copped a sweet little prize for my success in the competition—a tiara. Yup, the type princesses wear, or little girls who are spoiled (Samus lol << that joke is for you, not Marc). It gives me pretty awesome powers, which I can only use in a real Omniverse battle. I’m sure you won’t understand this, but it has to do with SP increases and shit like that. Also, I think it transforms me into some type of transgender person, post-op and all. Not entirely sure yet, but I’m sure my “God” will revealeth thy patheth shortly.

How’s the whole New Babylon thing going for you? I’ve had to hear Deadpony make sly remarks about how she misses Gilgamesh. I think it’s mostly because I changed him to a female, but what’s the point in artistic interpretation if you can’t implement it? I might have to bring her by there for a playdate or something. I think it’s a little sick for a pony and a human to hold a relationship with each other, but who am I to judge?

I ran back into that green guy, by the way. You know, the guy who attacked me before we met in DA. Well, I didn’t run back into him per se, but I was able to abduct one of his unborn children. Before you think that’s fucked up, the color of the egg was red. I’m sure if it had something like an Uchiha logo on it, or a Sharingan, you woulda stole it too.

Anyway, this is kinda getting lengthy now. I think my “God” has some things planned for me, but afterwards we have to meet up. Hopefully your “God” will come back around and get you going again as well. Hey, then if we manage to pull Vincent outta whatever depressing RP he’s doing we can bring the trio back!





[float=right]Sincerely,
Princess Deadpool
(Yeah, apparently that’s a thing now)[/float]





P.S. – How do you get your hair to stick up like that? Gel? Bedhair? Or do you use the “Soemthing about Mary” technique? Lemme know!

To: Samus Aran
From: Mickey Mouse

Samus,

Gosh, I sure hope you have been doing well since Dante’s Abyss. I was sorry to leave so soon after picking my reward, but I had urgent business to tend to in Camelot. Also, if I had to stay in a room with Deadpool for much longer then I might have compromised my morals again, and I did not want that to happen at all.

Oh, by the way, this is my first time trying to send anything from this nifty little thing, so I’m sorry if I do anything wrong!

Anyway, I suppose you’d like to know why I’m sending you this. Well, Samus, I guess I should tell you—although you might have already heard—that I’m on the run. I had a run-in with some jerks from this thing called the Empire a little while ago and now I think they’re sending people after me. I’ve sent Minnie (my wife) to take shelter in a little town in this area (which I can’t say until I’m sure this channel is secure or whatever, you understand) while I work on some other things. (Oh, by the way, I found my wife, Minnie! You really should meet her, I think she’d love you.)

So anyway, while I’m doing my work, I decided to try and spend some time searching for my friends. I wasn’t sure if Erza or Harry or Pepsiman would have one of these fancy devices, but I found this “email address” (whatever that means) for you and decided I would shoot something out into the Dataverse and see if you got it. I hope this reaches you well, Samus. Despite the fact that I absolutely despise living in this Omniverse, I gotta admit that I miss you guys bunches.

Anyway, I suppose that’s all I really have to say for now. Once I establish that this is actually you, I’ll go into more details about my current situation, but—well, you can never be too safe, you know. I’m sure you understand.

Hopin’ to hear from you soon, Samus.

Mickey

Name: The Omniverse Institute

Motto: "Opposition through Assistance."



Location: Howarts, in the Pale Moores, as the Unity Branch's main office and the official HQ for the Pale Moores Institute Chapter.

Main HQ planned on Death Mountain.

Purpose: To better understand and improve the Omniverse, so as to free it from the control of The Smiling One.

Structure: The Omniverse Institute is divided into four sections; Acolytes, Security, Unity, and Equality.

The Acolyte branch serves as Nealaphh's personal assistants, as well as intermediaries between the other three branches. They go wherever Nealaphh needs them. Though they answer only to Nealaphh, it should be noted that they do not necessarily 'out rank' anyone.

The Security branch is dedicated to searching out problems in the Omniverse that can only be fixed with direct confrontation or brute force. Their tasks include anti-piracy patrols, monster slaying, settlement defense and hazard mitigation. Warriors and military-minded followers are best suited to this branch.

The Unity branch is dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, whether it requires simple scientific research or espionage. It is their desire to understand all of the mysteries of the Omniverse, and are at their best whenever they are solving intellectual problem. Denizens with a mind for science and reconnaissance fit well here.

The Equality branch is dedicated to the construction and renovation of settlements and infrastructures within the various verses. This includes diplomatic efforts to try and keep potential conflicts to a minimum. Denizens who have a knack for engineering and diplomacy work best in the Equality branch.

Headmaster: Nealaphh

Acolytes:
Cat, The Grey Man, Drake Oneir (NPC), Klee and Shen (NPC)

Dean of Security: Okor Paleblood
Vice Dean of Security: Colonel
Followers:


Dean of Unity: Tom Marvolo Riddle
Vice Dean of Unity: 
Followers: Victor Wolfe


Dean of Equality: Jade Harley
Vice Dean of Equality:
Followers:

Known Associates:

Demetri Malius
Connor Hound
Miranda Frost
Red Hood


Enrollment: Currently on a case by case basis. Please contact Nealaphh or a relevant Dean via the Dataverse.

Enemies: None, though Nealaphh's crimes against the Empire and Camelot will make relations strained.

Allies: All free thinkers.

Rules:

1. Follow all ideals laid down by the Monotruth.
2. Always refer to Omni as The Smiling One or a suitable alias.
3. Question all rules.
4. Promote the Three Tenets wherever the Omniverse takes you.
5. Share your knowledge.

Faction Quest: Will be distributed by Deans via orders from Nealaphh, though Followers are free to request permission for their own undertakings in the name of the Institute.

Upon joining, all followers will receive a dark black, hooded cloak, as well as a pin that will identify them as followers of the Institute. Wearing this regalia is unnecessary except at formal events and Institute gatherings.




If you are interested in joining, let me know below, and then feel free to email Nealaphh, or one of the Deans, explaining why you want to join and which branch you want to be a part of. Also, providing evidence that you've read at least some of The Monotruth would be good.

Once you're enrolled, feel free to put this badge in your sig! :.)

This thread is to welcome Sasuke back so he can see it when he returns, and to also offer our support to him while he is away.

"Dear Sasuke! We miss you! Hope you come back soon, will be praying for you.

Take care,

Sincerely Sam."

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