(Preshow) Preshow Facility

[Ricter]

Not one for eaves dropping the weasel would simply scan around where everyone was talking, people mingling here and there in small groups. Detailing conversations about heroics, times they killed another Prime, the typical gloat festival before a big fight to which they would be singing another tune if they had lost or in fact died. Which he’d rather take a loss than flat out die and have to spend god knows how long as some spirit just waiting in probably a huge line to get back to his original body.

Still, his eyes would drift past shapes of people, creatures both big and small and things hes never seen before but was more than happy to experience and put to memory. Most were humanoid in nature, not something feral or even looking like they belonged in a zoo rather than a fighting competition, granted he was no exception to that comment so the weasel would keep it to himself.

Pulling out a pen he began writing on a note pad, he didn’t know anyone here so he kept too himself, not only this but he would look people up on the omni’s version of the internet. The good thing about being unknown was if it came to a fight Ricter could at least surprise someone, not that he planned to get far since its been around maybe a week or more since hes been here. First up though would be a man with long blue hair, or purple hair, his eyes squinted as he just watched people mingle from afar.

He looked up faces of people, the net being just as big as it always was but looking at his attire he would simply type that in too. What they looked like, facial expressions. All that stuff and he would find next to nothing, probably because doing all this with out someones name was hard as hell and he should just stick to waiting till things start. Or finding the official registry.

Pouting, the phone was placed away soon after, having no real use for the time being but he would begin to write down notes, nothing that would pertain to what was happening but small reminders as he stayed to the side. Seems like they were all fairly friendly with one another, if not just flat out friends with one another, which made him question just how many people knew each other in this realm but that was a question for later.

Right now was preparing plans, or just writing notes for his purpose here, what he wanted to do and figure out while participating in this event. He had a bit of a wall flower like attitude but he didn’t see a need to try and make friends in an event like this when he didn’t know the backgrounds of anyone and could very well be talking to some cataclysmic warden of infinite doom and destruction just because they seemed like a ‘nice guy’.

So he'd stay near the teleporters for now, watching everyone begin to head off to which ever place they wanted to go too. But he would take note of Yu Kanda, Victor, Shantotto, a woman with pain on her body and looking more so something out of a novel like mad max. A more feral mustelid but orange in color and his companion, as well as a demon who seemed to be quite popular among them, but that was it from the group that he was currently peering at.

Ricter would stay in the main hall though, sitting down and just writing some small notes with a pen, such as weapons, body shape, and what posture they had if any.

[Shantotto]

Shantotto was taken aback by the actions of the one known as Lord Victor. Her instinct cried out to incinerate the man for taking something from her without her permission, but her ladylike restraint prevented it, she was sure someone as well liked and lusted after as the man she knew prior only as “Bannisher4lyfe” expected rash response to his provocations.

“That was quite uncouth, what were you tonight in your youth.” The brown nosed mage said aloud.

As the trio of New Babylonians moved towards the library, the paparazzi seemed to finally take notice of the tarutaru.

"Who are you?"

"What are you?"

"Are you with New Babylon?"

"Are you competing?"

The questions bombarded the mage the same way she had bombarded Gabranth when he dared to confront her. Of course there was nothing left of the judge, she had told him she was going to incinerate him, pretty armor and all. It had not been an idle threat. However now those who pestered her were the very people she had agreed not to harm. The conundrum was very real.

In an instant she felt herself lifted from the walkway and held against someone's back no different than a coat over the shoulder. The man holding her like this, Victor Wolfe, began running forcing Kanda to follow. Shantotto’s eyes were full of irritation at being manhandled by so many people in such a short time.

“Unhand me you tool, before I teach you a lesson as if you were in school!” The mage said as she squirmed against the much taller male to little avail.

“Shhh” The blond haired Victor whispered over his shoulder as he dashed towards the library.
“Don't give anyone a glimpse of what you can do. It would be wise to consider most everyone here as an enemy.”

Behind them Yu Kanda ran, catching sight of Victor seemingly whispering sweet words into the mage’s ear, A sigh escaped the exorcists throat as he caught up to them.

“You had best not be trying to do what I know you are trying to do.” The swordsman's voice sounded disapproving between huffs for breath.

"remember my magical friend, surprise can be the most effective spell on earth, no one expects you to be a master mage, and not many here know that I have learned a bunch of new tricks, so hit them hard, fast and show no remorse, most of these scum would kill you without blinking "

Kanda heard the words, almost surprised at this mentoring side of Victor, though the guardsman knew Victor Wolf well enough to know this facade could not possibly last.

The trio reached the entryway of the library, bursting through the doors.

Those who were there all looked at the hard breathing trio of two men and a small woman being held like a bag. And yet none seemed to think much of it, compared to the loudness of the main area, the library sounded just like what it was, a nice peaceful library. Shantotto was set down, her feet, happy to be on the ground once again.

“Hmmmph” was all she said as she began to walk away, clearly displeased with the way she had been handled. Even then the small mage couldn't help but stand in awe of the library where she found herself.

“My word, I've not seen a library this size. It's so large I dare say I can't believe my eyes.”


Victor joined in the rhymes "yes some of these books are almost as thick as my dick"
Kanda nearly facepalmed. “And he’s back.” was all the exorcist said.

Shantotto’s face looked positively disgusted.

Victor, Kanda, Shantotto all in library.

[Marisa Kirisame]

As Marisa looked up from her tome she saw the newcomers enter the library, the almost comically traditional hat being the most defining feature besides her bright blonde hair and golden eyes. She shook her head as she dug back into reading her book and working on a set of alchemical explosives on the side.

"Add a pinch of gunpowder with a fully ground up phylacium gorgaium mixed in. Then fill the vial up with three fourths water. Then let the batch sit for ten minutes and I will test the batch out." She talked as if she was teaching an apprentice how to make explosives. Marisa knew she needed complete concentration and the library was the best place to make no mistakes and pulled out her smallish notebook before flipping to a diagram and writing down the new batch as number three thousand four hundred and twelve and any visual signs.

"It's green and slightly bubbling with a slightly . . . accidic smell." She smiled at her work before tuning in to the newcomers with her eyes peaking up over the vials due to her short stature. She was suprised to see the Lord at the fighting compitition. And much more so to see someone shorter than her at first glance.

In her viewing of the newcomers some black smoke came up into her face showing for a second bright red hair, before she waved the smoke away and her blonde hair came back and she none the wiser but to anyone who looked at her she would have a fairly dirty face. She shrugged as she pulled out some corks and capped each of the vials hoping they had the explosive power to be good enough to keep people moving. Once she had put away the vials in her apron she dwsummoned all the equipment she didn't need such as the hakkero being used as a water boiler mostly.

She rubbed her face as she stretched as her work was going swimmingly.

marisa is still in the library open to interacting with other's

[Erik Vrell]

Erik glanced around the preshow facility, in utter awe that he was finally in the danteverse. Valerie was no less impressed by the facility, although she was impressed in a slightly different way. The young girl looked around with a mix of curiosity and childlike wonder as opposed to Erik’s excitement over the facility he had only heard about. Erik’s amazement quickly began to wear thin as the girl tugged at his arm every few seconds, eagerly trying to show Erik towards something new and exciting. Although the girl’s excitement was cute and somewhat infectious, Erik had never been good with kids and couldn't keep up with the energetic child. 

“Who’s that over there?!” She asked, pointing to a group of primes in the corner of the room. 

“Competitors, I'd assume.” Erik replied.

“Oh. And what about them?” 

“That's Jak.” Erik said, a slight hint of bitterness in his voice.

“What's wrong? Did he piss you off?” The girl said, unphased by her own crude remark. 

“No, he just kind of ditched me when we were going to go racing once.” Erik replied.

“Do you want me to hurt him?” The half-zombie asked, baring her unnaturally sharp teeth.

“Uh, no thanks. Let's just sit down here, okay?” The psychic said quickly, trying to avert a minor catastrophe.

“When do I get to see daddy fight?” Val asked as she took a seat on a nearby chair.

“Well, when the tournament starts and he gets into a fight, I suppose.” Erik said, not too sure himself. 

“Are you going to fight daddy?” Valerie inquired, sounding a little apprehensive. 

“Well, I might have to.” Erik said, carefully gauging the half-zombie’s reaction. “But, then again, we might be fighting together.”

Val nodded slowly, not fully sure about how she should take that piece of information. Erik sighed quietly as the girl’s attention was grabbed by another competitor. She was spirited, of course, which was to be expected of Victor Wolfe’s child. Just like her father, however, being around her was surprisingly draining. Erik thanked the gods when he saw a flash of lightly coloured hair and the corner of a red eye. Victor had entered the danteverse, and Erik could reunite father and daughter. For completely altruistic reason, of course. 

“Hey, look, your dad’s going to the library.” Erik said, pointing the young girl in the library’s direction. 

“Daddy!” Val said as she leapt from her chair and sped towards the library, Erik in hot pursuit lest she tear someone in half in her excitement. The girl threw herself towards her father eagerly, the assassin a little surprised but not unhappy. 

“Apologies, lord Victor.” Erik said. “She's rather energetic.”

“Well, duh, she's a kid.” Victor said, a wry smile on his lips. “You were one once, too.” 

“I don't remember being so spirited when I was a child.” Erik mused before turning to the others who had joined Victor. The psychic bowed slightly to the assembled group.

“Greetings, I am Nobleman Erik Vrell of New Babylon. Victor’s, uh, subordinate.” The priest said, not wanting to make himself unnecessarily vulnerable in front of his boss. One Wolfe was exhausting enough, and the last thing he needed was an innuendo right now. 

Moved to library with Vic and Co.

[Mickey Mouse]

The time Mickey Mouse spent being whisked off to the Dante Verse in one of their fancy-schmancy teleportation devices was decidedly small compared to how much his stomach dropped when he arrived and saw all the warriors gathered. Although no blood had been shed just yet, the smell of the preshow facility still reminded Mickey of gore and carnage. A long hallway stretched out before him, petering off into paths to other areas and filled to the brim with creatures of all shapes, sizes, and moral compasses. They fluttered throughout the place, an eerie air of camaraderie blanketing the grand foyer—a striking juxtaposition to the violent delights that would soon take place.

The pit in his stomach felt strangely similar to the one he’d felt way back when at his first Dante’s Abyss, his identity hidden and shaking in his shoes at the prospect of going toe to toe with the big guys. Nevertheless, he attempted to adopt the enthusiastic demeanor of the other fighters and plunged headlong into the crowds, weaving between their huge legs. He’d forgotten just how intimidating these guys could be.

Why, again, had he decided to put himself through this?

For justice, he supposed—to finish what Samus started and banish Karl Jak once and for all, ridding the Omniverse of one more no good bad guy. That was what heroes did—they figured out how to empty to world of its most deplorable villains and followed through.

Samus had failed to arrest Jak the last time any member of MESH dared cross into the purple-suited dude’s home turf; Mickey wouldn’t let himself do that. He’d win this competition, and he’d corner the loser and send him off to the Underverse for good. He didn’t really believe in banishment as a punishment—but he wasn’t doing this for himself. He was doing it for Samus, and for the good of Omniversians everywhere. Like little Susie.

Winning, he discovered, was going to be a little harder than he thought. The number of potential competitors was massive, and the majority of them seemed unfamiliar; Mickey spotted a face or two in the crowd he recognized, but for the most part, they all seemed like total strangers. Well, total strangers and Blues.

Wait.

Blues?!

Mickey clambered up the back of a large man and stood on his shoulders for a second, ignoring his protests and dodging his gargantuan fist as it tried to sway him away like a pest. He squinted a bit and sure enough, just across the chamber, he spotted his best buddy’s characteristic crimson armor, yellow scarf, and sun glasses. Thank goodness—a friendly face amidst an ocean of unknown ones.

“Blues!” he called out, and the preteen machine perked up at the squeaky sound and quickly scanned the room, finally locking eyes with the mouse.

“Mickey!”

Proto Man and Mickey Mouse darted at each other, shoving through the crowd and diving beneath the legs of much larger warriors until, at last, they’d fallen into each other’s arms. The king squeezed his buddy tightly, debating whether or not he’d ever let go.

“It’s so dang good to see you, Blues,” Mickey whimpered in his friend’s metallic shoulder.

The preteen machine nodded, stepping out of the embrace. “You too, Mick,” he smiled, and for a moment, the two didn’t even speak—they just relished in finally being reunited. After being separated for so long, the irony of finally rediscovering his bud here in this heckhole was not lost for the mouse. “I’ve got so much to catch you up on,” Blues broke the silence.

“I heard a little,” Mickey shrugged, remembering how Minnie had mentioned the weird dark force thing tons of primes had been off fighting. “But I’m gonna need some details, pal!” He slapped Proto Man playfully on the arm.

“Oh yea, of course,” Blues nodded, “But Mickey—what are you doing here?” The preteen machine gestured toward the sticker on his shirt with a number on it. “Did you sign up?”

Mickey but his lip. “Yeah.”

“But I thought you said—“

“I’ve got my reasons, Blues,” the mouse waved it off. Yes, he’d sworn to himself that he’d never return to the Dante Verse and yet here he was, undoubtedly about to watch some friends and some not so much get brutally murdered. He supposed if he left here with some more permanent psychological scarring, he’d only have himself to blame.

Tentatively, Mickey reached into his pocket and dug out the banishment circle, flashing it to Blues. “I’m gonna get him, Blues,” Mickey whispered. “I’m gonna finish what Samus started and get Karl Jak.”

“Mickey,” Proto Man reached out and grabbed his friend by the shoulder, pulling him close. “Mickey, it’s too dangerous,” the preteen machine protested, “That guy’s too powerful. And my sensors are saying he’s somehow disabled banishment circles here. I don’t know how he can do that, but...”

“...you mean it’s not gonna work?” Mickey’s eyes widened a bit and he said some not nice words to himself. There had to be some way to take this dude down, right?

“I don’t think so—and, um,” Blues’ eyes traveled up above Mickey and focused in on the teleporter. “...speaking of banishment,” he said, forebodingly, “Don’t look now, but we’ve got big trouble.”

Mickey didn’t really follow that command—‘don’t look now’—and immediately spun around. Stepping out of the teleporter was an all too familiar mane of golden hair, and a smile that sparkled too much for the dirty soul it belonged to. Mickey and Blues hadn’t scowled this much in years.

“Oh, geez.”

[Victor Wolfe]

The red-eyed kin folk embraced upon their meeting, toothy grins on each of their faces as Victor lifted his child into the air and in a hug, swinging the girl around to gleeful giggles and drawing strange looks from some of the other inhabitants of the library, some of them wondering if he knew the purpose and proper etiquette of such a building. Of course in his many years at the imperial academy, the young assassin had picked up on that the library was supposed to be a place of quiet and learning, however, what the spectators did not seem to realise that the new father did not care for their rules. 

Spotting another one of the Nippurian elite that seemed to be making up a large portion of this competition the assassin grabbed a few books from a nearby shelf labelled with badly drawn animals, and crayon designs before sitting down at a table near the mage who seemed to be working on something to make even the most dangerous of rebels jealous. 

"Well I assume that we should have a talk about our tactics for this wonderful event, so why don't you all take a seat?" Victor smiled politely as he pointed to the open chairs, raising an eyebrow to his companions. Shantotto was the first to respond. 

"I concur, I've Made it my mission to bring our plans to fruition" She continued to rhyme every sentence, the Lord of Nippur very quickly realising that this was not just a joke but a character trait and something he would have to get used to very quickly. She had answered their call for new members though and seemed to have stuck around, thus he answered respectfully. 

"Thank you very much Dr. Shantotto, now how about you do the same, and be quiet like always whilst I school you all on this event" Victor said sarcastically as he looked to the exorcist who held back his rage, not wanting to have an outburst in front of a child and simply huffed before taking the seat furthest away from Victor. Before the assassin could even ask Erik Vrell also took a seat as he seemed keen to avoid doing anything to draw Victors more teasing side away from the Exorcist. 

"Oh Mari, so good to see you again this is Erik, he can read your mind and is the best follower a Lord could ask for! That is Dr Shantotto, she is a mage like you so I assume you will have a lot to talk about on that subject." Victor pointed to the little girl sitting on his lap whos eyes were now locked onto the blonde mage and the ]concoction she was mixing. 

"This little bundle of joy and adorableness is my daughter, Valarie Wolfe!" Victor said with a huge amount of pride on his face as the little girl gave a happy wave wondering if the short mage could be a friend. Victor then pointed to the exorcist across the table. 

"And this is Mr Kanda, he is an exorcist of some sort, and if I had to say one thing based on my knowledge of him so far, its that he is far better with the sword at his hip, than he is with the one that defines his sex" Erik stifled a chuckle, this was much more fun to watch when it wasn't aimed at him. The exorcist could bearly hold back his rage as his fist collided with the table. Valarie not getting the joke decided that if it was making other people angry it was most likely hilarious and decided to laugh along. 

Handing one of the children's books to his daughter Victor leaned back so she could get more comfortable. The book with a picture of a tortoise and a hare on the cover drew the attention of the girl as she began to read it, zoning out of the conversation. Victor began to teach his awaiting students, filling their brain with sweet-salty knowledge. 

"So welcome to Dante's Abyss, this is a yearly tournament held by a glorious madman named Karl Jak, his sociopathy only matched in brilliance by his taste for the colour purple and that god damn amazing hair. He is a prime so powerful that this place, his own personal verse seems to almost laugh at the rules set by the smiling one. From what I have observed it seems that the event changes every year, the year I took part had us all dropped in random locations with a weapon and only finished when one man was left standing, New Babylons right hand of the King, Sasuke Uchiha. If you don't know who he is and you see a kid with more angst than an emo band, more muscles than I would have is I only injected roids for sustenance at that age, and hair that makes mallards campaign for it to be censored on the Dataverse, then that is probably him." Victor took a break from his explanation as he noticed his kid finish the book in front of her, it was a story that Victor knew from childhood, and he wanted to see if she could tell the moral of the story. 

"So honey, what did you learn from that little story?"

"That the hare should have used his advantage to set a death trap for the tortoise, then he could have slept as long as he wanted to and still won the race whenever he wanted!" She said confidently.

"Very good dear! You see if you are going to be lazy do it after you have covered all of your possible failings, never be the cause of your own defeat" Victor patted her on the head as he passed the next book, one with a green character, Victor quickly flicked through it himself, it seemed to be about someone performing a great heist on a holiday but then cowering out of it. Handing the book to his child he patted her on the head as he turned back to the group who seemed to be stunned at the morals that Wolfe was passing on. Before any of them could object Victor made a show of coughing to clear his throat as he continued. 

"But yes, it does seem that the format can change so who knows exactly what this one will be. All I can tell you is that it will probably try to remove you from your comfort zones and get as much entertainment as can be gotten from you all, even if that means killing you, it is an event that can drive even the most well-mannered primes to commit horrific acts to scrape out whatever little advantage they can get, some don't even survive long enough to be killed, the stress causing them to kill themselves or shut down and refuse to move. Please do not do that, Karl has this... Thing in a white mask with a machete that will hunt you down and kill you without a second thought." Shantotto seemed to be noting things down in her notebook, Victor could appreciate good note keeping skills, and as he finished his sentence Valarie handed the book back to him, her eyes pleading to ask her about it.

Raising a finger to the group of primes he once again grinned from ear to ear as he took the book back.

"So what did you learn from this tale my little one?"

"That if you allow yourself to feel empathy for the people you punish for wronging you it can all come back to bite you in the ass!" The girl clapped to herself confidant as always. 

"Very good again, although there are two other lessons to be learned here. The first being that people will judge you based on your appearance so remember, the face of an angel, mind of a devil. And if you can learn to fake being nice to people a lot of the idiots will fall for it and let you into screwing them over even harder at a later point." Victor patted the head of the girl as he handed her another children's book this one having a picture of a rabbit in a blue coat. 

Once again the gathering of New Babylonian primes where stunned by Victor who saw this as the perfect chance to propose his plan. 

"So I say if the format allows for it, we go easy on each other, any advantage is useful and we don't need New Babylonian brothers killing each other in the first few days of this event, I also ask as the head of the Nippurian public image council that if you are going to kill someone, make it look merciful. I know that torture is amazingly fun but if I see any of you remove every organ someone has before ending it by cutting off their head then I am calling you in for a meeting when we get back to the city!" Before he could ask what the other primes thought of his plan Victor felt the prodding of a bored child at his chest again. 

"So what did you learn this time my dear?" 

"That so long as you look cute, innocent and weak people will feel sorry for you and thus you can get away with stealing the shit they need to survive and only do a minimum sentence if they can ever manage to catch you!" Both Wolfes smiled as the head pats continued confirming that the little girl had done well with her studies for the day. 

Once again the other New Babylonians seemed too stunned to say anything causing Victor to ask "So any questions?"

[Skeletor]

Skeletor stepped into the Preshow facility with a strange sort of familiarity. Although the Syntech teleport chamber was far cleaner than Snake mountain would ever be, the scientific equipment reminded him of his own laboratories. He would have to make some significant changes if he was going to be spending much time amongst the barbaric trolls.

The hallway was awash with lights and large personalities. Combatants tangled with their future competition and the paparazzi alike, and the shift in tempos from the frozen village cause Skeletor’s reaction to be slower than normal. He could see several conversations and easily more primes than he had found in any one place before. There were even more than Darkshire, but no one that Skeletor recognized. There must be more troublemakers than he had thought, or perhaps it was not only the Elders who banished people to this place? For the moment nearly everyone’s attention was on two small figures, one of whom seemed to be a mouse, and the third warrior who had just arrived. Their importance was entirely meaningless to Skeletor, though he was mildly annoyed than none of the reporters felt inclined to interview him.

In large glowing overhead letters, various signs pointed the way towards a cafeteria or library, a plethora of locations meant to sate the impatience of the contestants while they waited. The Warlock placed his hands on his hips staring up at the sign. while Skeletor was tempted to see what knowledge Karl Jak thought worthy of inclusion in his official library he had more pressing concerns. Never go to a battlefield blind if you can help it, and never pass up a chance to make the odds more in your favor. The warlock strode over to the nearest employee, a hapless camera operator, and stood intimidatingly close to the poor intern.

“Listen up, you snot-faced slackjaw! I am here for the tournament.” Skeletor spoke imperiously, “Where is this Dante’s Abyss being held?” the bleary-eyed teenager looked at him with a confused expression.

“Dude, you’re like, already here…” was the mumbled reply, though the whelp wasn’t able to look Skeletor in the eye socket. Thoroughly cowed, perfect.

“NOT the facility, you addle-brained dolt!” Skeletor shouted, drawing glances from a couple of Syntech’s security guards, “Where will the fights themselves be held?” the same vacant expression met his, but the intern slowly started nodding as he finally seemed to catch up.

“they’re all over the place man! We have to teleport people to the bunch of them.”

“Show me this, teleportation chamber. It sounds important.” Skeletor demanded.

“I mean I guess if you want directions…” the intern shrugged, and led Skeletor away from the reunion of Protomouse and down the hallway a short ways. He stopped and pointed towards a large room filled with machinery and what Skeletor could only assume was the teleporter. “You can’t go anywhere yet though, cause the tournament hasn’t started, and Karl doesn’t want anybody breaking anything.” The intern turned and ambled back towards the unfolding story before he missed any headline material. Skeletor watched him go, purple cloak pulled about his shoulders, and death’s head skull ever-grinning.

“No of course not. That could cause all kinds of problems! Nheehehehehee!” Skeletor cackled before striding off in the direction of the Teleportation hub.

Skeletor is going to be in the teleportation hub to see if he can tamper with the machinery. Anyone who wants to catch him in the act is welcome to.

[Amber Veritz]

The orange haired girl stood in the lobby momentarily before scanning her current surroundings. Not so many primes were in this area currently, but there were a few Syntech employees hustling around, one of which attempted to greet her.

“Good morning Ma’am. You are no doubt a prime to participate in this year's event?” She asked standing formally and almost as if she’s said it too many times for her taste.

“Yeah, here hold this.” Amber replied, taking off her old brown hoodie that covered her dress and handing it to the woman donned in white. It was a bit cold in the Frozen Fields this time of year, even for someone well adapted to a frigid climate. “Thanks.” The faunus- er, human now.(that was going to be hard to remember.) -proceed to walk into the pre-show area. With eyes peeled for Karl Jak, she scanned the room. A walking skeleton, a group of more competent looking people and just some employees. She sighed.

“Dammit, Id hoped he was here already.” She mumbled to herself starting to relax a little bit. Just as she was starting to get comfortable, she noticed one of the men in the group stand up and walk away.

“Curse that Victor. Can’t keep his commentary to himself.” The man grumbled as he walked in Amber’s direction. She could barely make out what he was saying. Human ears fucking suck. She stood up from her seat to introduce herself.

“Uh, hey.” The huntress said holding out a hand to shake. “I’m Amber, nice to meet you.”

“I don’t recognize you. Have we met?” He asked hesitant to shake the girl’s hand, yet he was surprised to feel her fierce grip. She was easily enough a Prime.

“Nope, Amber Patrica Veritz. Huntress in training and patron of Atlas, Frozen Fields.” Her grip became more fierce as she spoke proudly.

“A hunter?” Kanda asked, trying to escape the death grip subconsciously.

“It’s a long story. I exterminate monsters from my home world.” She explained as if she’d explained it enough. “Basically I'm a warrior for the good of mankind, and faunus kind.”

The exorcist thought she was answering his questions, but with every answer came three more in mind. Instead of complicating the conversation with annoying questions, he opted to move it forward.

“If you’re a hunter, I guess we have something in common - I'm an exorcist.” He says in his own proud tone

“Gesundheit.” Amber replied. He raised an eyebrow.

“I free the spirits of ghosts.” He tries to explain.

“Hm, that sounds noble, and cool, and exciting all at once. Tell me more.”

[Bandit With No Name]

The juggernaut ushered Caret into the over-large training facility, the mechanic’s eyes puffy and pink. Caret sniffed and wiped her nose. However, her face was not one of weepy sorrow, but instead one of deep and intense frustration. “I know that she didn’t… do anything,” she said firmly, attempting to talk out her feelings, “it was just the way she didn’t even want to engage with me.”

The bandit patted a rough palm her back, not entirely sure how to best console her. “I mean, yeah, she was being a little bit of a dick, but not everyone is gonna want to talk with you, Caret. It might not even be a secondary thing. She just might have been distracted, or busy or something.”

“She wasn’t though!” the young mechanic retorted. “Whatever,” she spat, “I just hate being treated like I’m a nobody.”

The broad woman’s lip curled down, “Yeah, it sucks.” She took deep breath as if to speak, but only let out a long exhalation. Instead she just patted her on the shoulder again. “Do you wanna take that anger and hit a bag a few times? Punch it out?”

She shook her head. “Nah, I want to build something.” She rubbed her palms together, looking down at them. “Need to get my hands dirty.”

“I dunno kid,” the monolith of a woman said, planting a hand on her hip. “I don’t think this place has anything set up for that kind of thing.”

Caret’s fingers interlaced and her expression somewhat deflated. It was then that Balanlara walked from the back of the room, where she had previously gone unnoticed. Without a word she took up Caret’s hand, looked into her eyes, and smiled. Caret returned the nurturing gaze, a sense of placid wonderment replacing that of frustration. The serene eldar led her away, towards the back of the room, and lowered herself to the floor.

“Sit with me,” she said, the echo of her voice seeming to encapsulate the pair from the rest of the world. Caret complied, kneeling down in front of her. “A Mon’Keigh cannot truly understand what I will attempt to teach you, but it may be helpful nonetheless.” Caret didn’t understand what the strange woman meant, but she remained silent.

“For my people, emotion and obsession are very dangerous. Dangerous in both a personal sense and a literal one.” She closed her eyes, and held hers hands out in front of her body, fingers straight and palms flat. “Our culture proscribes us to follow certain paths, Ai’elethra, to aid us in controlling our emotions. It allows us to segregate ourselves and our lives from dangerous emotions. This was a ritual I learned during my time within the Path of Awakening. Follow along with me.”

Caret solemnly nodded her head, then attempted to mirror her hand position. Balanlara took a deep breath, and held it. “Acknowledge the air around you. Feel it. Know it in its stillness. Sense its currents, and know that even in stillness, there is motion.” She slowly exhaled and paused, only breathing in just enough to speak. “Know that every breath is a choice. You welcome the air into your body only after consenting to its presence. You may deny it at any time.”

Caret took a few slow, calm, cautious breaths, then exhaled. She held it, her lungs empty, her hands wavering in front of her. She pushed her eyes together firmly in concentration, thinking and feeling, and eventually her face turned pink. She gasped suddenly, then took a few more panicked breaths. “But don’t I need air?”

“You need nothing,” Balanlara responded placidly. “You see two fates before you: one where you choose to breath and live, or one where you refuse and die.”

Caret’s eyes opened and her hands fell. “What kind of choice is that?”

“The choice we make in every moment, at every intersection of our lives. You alone can make it.” She inhaled slowly, in a controlled manner. “You decide what shall have power over you. You decide if whether or not pain will command you.”

The lithe woman’s hands flowed through a series of complex movements that Caret could never hope to follow. “In blindness, do not attempt to see. In deafness, to not attempt to hear. Simply feel the air around you. Feel your body in its presence, and feel your body affect it. Know the air, just as you know your own breath.”

Caret closed her eyes again and held her hand out in front of herself. “Move slowly, at first. Until you know the small things that come before the large,” the eldar instructed soothingly. Caret’s hand move back and forth, tiny turbulence creating almost unnoticeable sensation. “Do you feel it?”

“Yes,” the mechanic said softly, “I can feel it.”

“Good.” Balanlara’s eyes opened and she gazed upon the human. “Do you still feel angry?”

Caret paused and thought for a moment before confirming, “No.”

“Then I believe that is enough for now.” Balanlara stood, her red rep dress flowing up with her.

The nameless woman nodded to her subtly. “Thank you.”

[Ricter]

Ricter would watch everyone begin to walk in, not as much as they were coming in prior but he’d notice a women with animal like ears sprouting from the tops of their head, almost unnoticeable given the hair color and ear color matched so well. Not many before that as other creatures, namely humanoid in appearance, added to the mix. Still, for now he would finish writing notes and give a deep sigh, wall flowering sucked was what he concluded and soon got up and go explore.

Now he had a map, made by the people running this event, so he’d try to pick out where he wanted to go over all other locations. The group ahead of him seemed to be heading in the direction of the library, which seemed appealing, he liked reading and getting info from text and books and maybe this tourney had some facts about herbs and things similar to them.

Gym? No, he didn’t enjoy working out, besides he couldn’t lift a whole not and would probably get scoffed at, mind you he was very good at taking a punch. Barracks, no. Plus he just came from the main hall so he’d forfeit his wish to go to the library and just head there since it seemed everyone was going there anyways.

Everywhere he went he kept hearing the name Karl Jak, the show man for the entire event, he had no history with them, which could be said for everyone here currently. But he seemed pretty out there with how they dressed, not too mention how they sponsored this whole event. Walking into the library he found it was quite the popular place, not extremely silent but a nice place to relax and sit down to maybe read something for once. The bookshelves rose to the ceiling and probably had all manor of things that could be used, from medical to the mundane, spells and witchcraft that reminded him fondly of when he was with his own companion before ever coming here.

Alas he wouldn't dwell on the past too much as he passed by the front desk and went into the facility, he’d walk past the group who was talking with one another. The small one of said group being carried along by someone with with some height, he couldn’t tell what he looked like but got a good look at them before they left the hall. Still he wouldn’t linger by them if at all, actually he would notice someone with a pointy hat seemingly making some kind of potion.

“That seems familer...Can’t quite tell though.” His coy tone was only heard by himself as he kept his thoughts as just that, simple little thoughts. But As a plume of smoke would burst up, covering her face and hair in a shade of black in comical fashion before the dust would vanish from it soon after he wouldn’t walk over immediately, instead he would take up a small book or two from the shelf before heading towards her table.

Aiming to sit across from her but with enough space as for her to see who he was he would address the magician in kind, “Afternoon, hope I’m not breaking your concentration on your brew.” She’d see an almost cartoonist styled character sit down, not too tall but tall enough to not be smaller than her, he was drenched in tan colored fur, and had bright blue eyes while having a pink nose and white coloration over his mouth that slipped down into his brown shirt. If she was paying attention she would see that he wore no shoes but did wear blue jean pants and carried a sword on his back, like all edgy anime heroes. Round ears as if he was almost a bear but in fact he was a weasel and a large poofy tail that was probably half her size if they cared to measure.

Finally she would see he was wearing a white coat, having the name “Dr. Casenger” Imprinted on one of the pockets, similar to a lab coat but obviously the title gave it away. He’d place down two books, on on old alchemy and another on dark world magics, stuff of demons and the underverse, or what could be recovered from the underverse. All of which would be on full display for her to see as he tried to make some form of conversation, which he would politely start off by offering his hand, “I’m Ricter, nice to meet you.” She’d find his hand was a paw, same number of digits but he had brown colored paw pads that were probably just as soft as they looked, all the while he hoped his appearance or anything wouldn't turn her away. Or she’d just flat out say ‘fuck off’ and tell him to hit the road.

In the library, trying to talk too Marisa

[Desman Black]

Despite the fact that Desman didn’t see Zedd or Dante as the reading type, he decided to look around library anyway as it was quite a large area whole sections blocked off by the other bookshelves. To be honest it seems to be set up more like a fantasy JRPG puzzle then a real life library. Not that he went to libraries much; Nexus, despite his love of reading, was quite happy to do what his brother wanted.

In fact, he probably spent more time in the library in that one year then he did his whole life. Picking a book up of the self he started reading. From the first couple of pages it seemed like a romance crime novel. Two of his favourite genres…

Desman quickly put the book back. His face tearing and his determination diluted. He needed a place to be alone.

Desman has left the library and is headed for and is headed for the barracks

[Broly]

It was exactly what Broly and Emilia had feared. Dante’s Abyss existed here, wherever they had ended up, this Omniverse.

“Your brother would level this place if he saw this.” Broly said under his breath, towards his wife as they made their out of the teleportation area and into what appeared to be the general assembly room.

“He’d get his wife to do it. Gods know that Skleros cunt has the power to take out half of Vejita by now.” She replied, her words fill with hatred.

“What, you mean Luna? Last I heard she had died.” Broly said, turning around to face her, continuing his movement walking backwards.

“Good.” The Saiyan woman said crossing her arms and taking in the scenery before her.

“You’re just like your father. So much hate for a family you barely even knew.” The permanent Super Saiyan said with a grin.

“Keep it up.” His wife replied.

Taking her hand, he kissed it and pressed it to his cheek. The two Saiyans had been through so much together and this was the beginning of a new adventure for both of them.

“Let’s at least go take a shower and get some sleep. They said you had a private room, right?”

Broly nodded and followed his wife as she took his hand and led him off into the complex.

Broly is in his private quarters with his wife in the Barracks. 

[Marisa Kirisame]

As the love sign magician was shocked with the things Victor was teaching his aparent child; she rebounded by shrugging and putting on a simple smile and answering him. "Didn't plan on killing anyone in the first place." Her voice would not waver during this point. To be frank it was nice to see there was other mages around she thought wishing she had researched how to deal with mind readers like Satori youkai.

"Afternoon, hope I'm not breaking your concentration on your brew." A voice spoke in her direction as she turned smirking.

"No, I was just finishing up my brew is all." She would take a good look at the creature. To be honest he looked very much like a youkai would back home and was greatful for it. 

He held out his paw and spoke once again in a show of politeness. "My name is Ricter, nice to meet you."

Marisa gave a really weak handshake but if Gilgamesh was there he would of been angry at the show of respect to the weasel . . . youkai?

Marisa spoke in turn to the doctor with a fairly easy going voice. "My name is Marisa Kirisame and it is nice to meet you. Well I'm fine to head somewhere and to talk if you want, or here is fine also?" Her voice was a bit overly excited as she had a fairly large honest grin on her face, she was also was interested in Ricter as she gave him free reign as to where they would go and if they would go anywhere.

She would of changed her wording if she knew or even realized how that could of been taken by some people. "I gotta ask, 'cause I'm interested in your reasoning. Why did you decide to join this? I mean I joined because it's reminiscent of  back home or at least the semi rules on fighting is." She sighed as the pint sizer witch looked at the odd creature dishing for an answer to her question.

Marisa is still in the library talking with Ricter 

[Ahana Varma]

When the light vanishes, I’m in a completely different location entirely. There are people all over this hall-like area, plenty of whom are very obviously contestants, as they stand out easily from the staff and the reporters, who are mostly just ordinary humans, not loaded down with weaponry of any sort.

Thankfully, none of the latter bunch approach me. I’ve had some experience with their sorts before, from back on my own world, when our old raja decided to make out to the people that those of us returning from the wars with the highest kill counts were some sort of selfless heroes… it’s a pain in the ass having to give interviews while watching my every word, lest I accidentally give the (accurate) impression that I just really love murdering the everloving fuck out of people, rather than being all noble and heroic and shit.

Given how generous and kind-hearted the God-King of Nippur has proven to be, I can only imagine that he too would disapprove if he ever realised that I harbour such feelings… so even after coming to a whole other reality, I’ll still need to lie to the media if I ever do have to interact with them.

The contestants, though, might be another matter... there are plenty here who seem like they'd be more than happy to murder a few folks. Amongst them I see a group of three rough-looking women, one of whom is carrying a large, misshapen warhammer, heading away together, and a bare-chested, blue skinned man, who somehow has a skull for a head… another lich. Damn, this Omniverse just has a ridiculous number of powerful beings… I’m not looking forward to having to fight that guy. Ugh, but what if he’s the very first person I end up in combat against? How am I ever supposed to prove my value to Gilgamesh when even the most extraordinary of entities are apparently commonplace in this freakish realm.

Hell, never mind ignoring me—I can understand that—but none of the reporters even approach that muscle-bound, undead monstrosity, despite his existence being akin to some eldritch horror dragged straight from the pages of an ancient tome of myths and legends… it worries me a lot, to be honest, to think that there can really be that many people considered more worthy of approach than this creature. It’s not death itself that I fear, not with Omni’s promise of rebirth, but even a man of such boundless beneficence as my king must surely run out of patience eventually, if I continue to fail him. I must do well here, or I could easily find myself tossed aside like worthless trash.

Wanting to look around some more, perhaps get a better idea of what I’m up against, I take a glance at a nearby sign, which helpfully indicates where to find all of the facility’s amenities. The two that stick out to me immediately are the Library area and the Dojo & Gym section. The biggest, toughest muscleheads of the group are likely to be training non-stop before the tournament… while the more cerebral sorts will be occupying their minds.

After a brief ponder, I decide to head to the library first, since whilst mere thugs can still pose a threat—particularly when equipped with anti-magic artefacts and amulets, to protect them from harm whilst they close in on their targets—it is generally a safe bet in my experience to assume that magic users are the primary danger in any and all engagements.

I pass a few more of the odd competitors as I make my way through the building, but none of them strike me as being anything close to the same level as a lich… if I’m lucky, I might manage to make it at least a couple rounds through this thing.

When I enter the library, I spot a group sitting together at a table. One man is rather normal looking, whilst another would be too, if not for the glowing, red eyes which give him a more intimidating aspect… though this is reduced somewhat by the adorable little girl with those same eyes—a relation, to be sure; a daughter, I guess—sitting in his lap whilst she intently studies a picture book. There is also a strange being of diminutive height which I figure might be some sort of imp, a girl in a pointed hat, and what might be a type of beastman-mutant... though its appearance is far… cuddlier than those of its barbarous ilk that I’ve seen in my own reality.

The latter couple seem to be engaged in a discussion of their own, though my attention is quickly drawn away from them when I notice that a couple of the others wear badges bearing a symbol I recognise; the head of a lion, cast in gold. The emblem of Nippur… or rather, the faction of New Babylon; Gilgamesh’s subordinates. He did say that some of the others would surely be up for taking part in Dante’s Abyss, which must be who these two are. I’m a little surprised not to see that enthroned lich whom I encountered previously in city here as well, since surely such a mighty individual would be certain to bring glory to the faction were it to participate…

But then again, it no doubt has more valuable ways to be spending its time than engaging in a publicity stunt. In fact, its continued presence in Nippur may even be the main reason that the god-king felt it would be safe enough for him to leave his city behind and come here to join this contest himself.

“Nice badges. Are you two from New Babylon?” I say without preamble upon striding over to their table, casting my gaze between the ordinary-looking guy and the red-eyed one.

“That they are, dear lady, and that we are... and how might we help you today?” the blonde man is the one to speak. He acts cheerful enough and even winks at me playfully. I’m not fooled into thinking he’s as relaxed as he pretends, though; he places his hands on the shoulders of the little girl… an innocent enough gesture, but one which suggests he’s ready to shove her aside, out of harm’s way, at a moment’s notice, should it become necessary. He's ready for trouble in case I'm here to try and pick a fight.

I know that my king hasn’t always been the most universally adored of people, so it comes as no surprise that his followers might expect a certain level of hostility during an Omniverse-wide event such as this, “I am as well. Just newly recruited. I… helped the king fight off some bandits.”

I opt not to tell them how bad a job I did of it. No sense in letting everyone know that I’m going to be the weakest link who’ll be letting our team down if I can avoid it, “My name is Ahana Varma.”

“Ooh,” he grins, “that’s great. Always nice to meet a new recruit. I’m Lord Victor Wolfe and this is my beautiful daughter, Valarie Wolfe. Over here we have the Nobleman, Erik Vrell, then Shan- sorry, Dr Shantotto and Marisa Kirisame, who’re also members of New Babylon, and… Ricter, was it?”

“Yes.” confirms the beastman who had been attempting to converse with Marisa, nodding his head.

“And Ricter, then, who isn’t actually one of us, but is hanging around here anyway because he seems interested in whatever weird concoction it was that Marisa was cooking up a minute ago, for some unfathomable reason.”

“Hmph.” grunts the girl in the pointed hat, “Just because you’re fixated on one thing and one thing only, Lord Victor, it doesn’t mean there aren’t any men in the Omniverse with more than two brain cells to rub together.”

“Ohoho,” laughs the doctor, Shantotto, “That does sound a fair assessment of Victor, our dear lord, who’s ever so obsessed with wielding his little sword.”

“Uh...” I begin unsurely, thinking that the Omniverse must have a pretty lax concept of nobility if these people are free to speak rudely to a lord like this. But then again, if these are Nippur's elite, perhaps they all just know that they are important enough to Gilgamesh's cause that they can get away with such discourtesy. They’re certainly not what I was expecting of the god-king's retinue, but I'm sure that they must all be a fearsome lot nonetheless.

In any case, I don't really need to worry about what to say next, since before I can manage more than a single syllable, I’m talked over by two people at once. It’s a bit difficult to hear
exactly what it is that Erik is saying—as he gestures helplessly over towards Valarie—since Victor speaks at a much greater volume, but I’m pretty sure that it's something like, “Really? We’re talking about that with a child sitting right here?”

Meanwhile, Victor gives Shanotto a warning glare and loudly announces, “Hey, I’ll have you know, there is nothing ‘little’ about my sword!”

There’s a moment of silence next, when the red-eyed man notices that several others in the library are now staring their way, Shantotto smirks and Marisa rolls her eyes.

“Anyway, come on, Ahana, pull up a chair and join us.” the lord instructs.

“... Alright then.” I agree after a moment’s hesitation. They’re certainly an unusual bunch, but I suppose I should have expected as much; of course such a pragmatic figure as King Gilgamesh would be gracious enough to overlook a few small… eccentricities, in the name of recruiting the most powerful possible Primes to his side, to better protect his people.

Ahana has moved into the Library.

[Serraph Quarrere]

Teleportation was something he wasn’t akin to, nor was he looking forward to using again. He’d appear upon the teleportation deck, his left hand cradling his stomach while the other propped himself upon the point of his umbrella.  Nausea enveloped his thin frame but he’d quickly recover before the nearby guardsman could help him. He’d step from the teleportation deck, one hand upon the pommel of his umbrella, the other clenching at his loosely fitting robes, tightening them around his chest. He wasn’t keen to show the whoever may be watching the perfect gaping hole at the base of his neck.  

He’d wave off the guard's assistance with a soft smile. “I’m fine. Thank you.”

“As you wish. Do enjoy your stay”, the guard would say before returning to his nearby post.

Serraph’s gaze would move from the guard to the varied crowd here. There wasn’t much he could say about the people here. All appeared to be similar to humans in one way or another. Serraph smiled with unadulterated glee. Everyone here looked strong. The strong were always fun to learn from. He’d walk towards a glowing stand detailing the layout of the facility. His grey eyes got as far as the room described by one word, “Library.”

His excitement got the better of him and so he’d rush to said room, his hand clenching  upon his robes to keep his body concealed from the swarms of camera drones following him. If not by the contract he signed, he’d strike them down without a second thought. Serraph’s race through the corridors drew many eyes from contestant and guard alike. Once inside the library’s embrace, the cameras ceased their advance. Was such a place a sanctuary?

“Unlikely”, he’d answer himself, turning his grey gaze to the massive room. Lined with countless bookcases and scroll racks, the room seemed to go on forever.  The smell was as he’d remember, the musky smell of old paper and parchment. It was befitting him, the former Lord Librarian of Los Noches. He’d walk the isle separating the bookcases, taking in the atmosphere in which he was most comfortable. His hand would fall from his robe to the pommel of his rapier belted to the outside of said robe.

He’d come across a meeting of sorts among primes, a few he’d recognize and a few he did not. Cautiously he’d approach, recognizing the short stature of Shantotto. He’d circle around the table, his soft gloved hand brushing over the small woman’s shoulders as he went. Surely these were the other servants of his great King Gilgamesh. He was among friends here. He’d pull an open chair from the table next the the male blonde one, before scooting his chair tightly against the table. His presence hadn’t yet been acknowledge yet he sat there attentively, grey eyes curiously moving from person to person. A blue haired woman would catch his eye but upon the briefest of examination, it would seem her attire was designed to. He’d chuckle internally at it but otherwise kept his thoughts to himself. A hand would move to stroke at his hair, his thumb hair gliding against the papery white locks, his digits filing through the bleached white and blood crimson strands mixed within. Most others appeared human aside from his colleague, Shantotto. His eyes fell upon her, her arms propped up upon the table, lifting her from the seat that seemed almost tailored to her as she engaged in the conversation the others were having. The Arrancar would chuckle at this, drawing the eyes of his peers. He’d blink and move his gaze to the stained oak table. “Erm.. Hi there”

Serraph is now in the library

[Yu Kanda]

***********Just a few moments earlier************
There Victor was, once again the bullshit factory is running at full speed. His lips kept moving and producing an unfathomable amount of proverbial cow manure. He had these fools wrapped around his manipulative little fingers, did none of them see Victor for what he really was? A conman with a god complex, a brilliant one at that, but still a conman. The scary part was, due to his title as Lord and the constant support of the singular brain celled people surrounding him, he was in a position which is nearly untouchable. He knew this...and enjoyed it thoroughly.
 
What is surprising is the fact he has an offspring. The youngster’s physical characteristics resembled the blonde assassin in many ways. Kanda pitied the poor lass, no one chooses their parents but she must've drawn the shortest straw in god’s parents lottery. This child was ruined from the moment she called a man like Victor Wolfe her father. Alas, god works in mysterious ways, he must have a plan for her in some form or another. When the moment arrived  his lordship offered an enquiry the exorcist decided to jump in with a quick jab,” -You- have a daughter? How on earth is that even possible?”
 
Victor tilted his head, almost as if he wasn't expecting a question of this nature. After all he was just explaining the fine prints of Karl Jak’s carnival of death. The other Nippurians looked at him slightly confused, some as if it was normal the maniac had a child. Others gave him the “Why-are-you-insulting-a-lord?” look. The swordsman didn’t mind, his facial expression resumed to be unaffected by the amount of attention he was receiving suddenly. "I don't like him." Victor's offspring huffed with puffed cheeks, only to receive a soft shush from her uncle.
 
"Oh Candy, didn't your parents give you the talk? No worries, I'm here to help. You see, when a man and a woman get drunk until the female is pretty enough they start having urges. Once the man's hidden stick of power awakens from its slumber, the magic begins. The raw, ancient power of this majestic artifact needs to be contained within the hidden tomb of happy valley." Young Valerie was listening with widened eyes filled with wonder. Shantotto appeared as though she wanted to correct the Lord but halfway through raising her hand Erik stopped her, shaking his head swiftly before the doctor did something she might regret.. Victor continued his extensive hand motions during the explanation.
 
"The man now has to hurry, there is a small window of opportunity for him to bring the rod of birth to its destination before the cave collapses. If, our hero is able to get passed the traps and is able to reach the pedestal of ascendancy he is victorious! Fireworks are shot everywhere! And with the right amount of magic, -BOOM-…..A magical baby is born into this beautiful world." He ended his explanation with a soft, almost mystical tone of voice. Valerie started applauding.
 
The captain's left eye had started twitching quite early in the story. A feature which didn’t go unnoticed the researcher. Erik did seem to be enjoying not being on the receiving end of Victor's shenanigans and decided to add a bit of fuel on top of the already lit bonfire, "He still seems confused Victor. Perhaps a demonstration or visual aid is required." It seemed like such a good idea at the time he made the remark. However, the pressuring death glare he received from the exorcist made him reconsider. For the duration of the aftermath Erik would do everything in his power to abstain from eye contact with the demon hunter.
"I think you're right! Someone get me some crayons." The assassin started looking in the nearby vicinity for anything he could use to produce yet another piece of art for Kanda. The swordsman knew this man would get him expelled from the competition if this continued. A single, loud, displeasing grunt was the last sound he produced before turning his back and stepping out of the library. Erik was barely able to contain his laughter.

"It seems your analogy struck a sensitive nerve. An educated guess is, he has been trying to conserve." Shantotto observed ever so brilliant.

"That's it!" Victor shouted, "That's the source of his frustration, he needs to get laid! Don't worry Candy! I got you!"
Kanda couldn't get away fast enough.

continued from Amber's post

*********present*******

 

What a pleasant surprise, for once he met a person that wasn’t completely weird. Ever since he set foot in the competition's facility he encountered nothing but questionable individuals. A lust fueled demonic woman, a rhyming midget, Victor with his daughter and fan club. With this one however, no red flags appeared. For obvious reasons he would remain weary yet so far, there were no immediate alarming features. Except maybe the short sword she was carrying around. Her white dress
 
Kanda started to calm down from the library scene and was finally able to have a normal conversation with the prime who introduced herself as Amber. Her reference towards his divine task as being noble sat well with the exorcist. It seemed not many people recognized the sacrifice and burden that came with being chosen as a warrior for god.
 
"Thank you Amber, it's a burden of a mission. But one I am more than willing to carry." He said with a pinch of self-righteousness. "But, where I my manners. My name is Kanda." With his hand still in Amber's grip he was hoping this would finally release him of the prolonging agony. A crunching sound was finally heard, originating from the swordsman's hand.
 
"Oh I'm so sorry! I didn't realize, you alright Kanda?" She said, finally releasing him. Genuine concern originated from the huntress. Finally a normal human being around these parts.
 
"It's fine, it was just noise." The captain said, trying to save him the embarrassment of actually admitting his hand was about to fall off. "So what brings a huntress to Dante's abyss?"
 
The question seemingly struck a nerve, the facial expression was still showing kindness but showed a slight hint towards something more displeasing. "What?" The exorcist pressed on, noticing he was on to something. But, like a mask being readjusted, it disappeared just as quick as it arose. "Oh,…it's nothing. But to answer your question, I'm here for Karl Jak. I still have some words I wish to exchange with that man." Even though her words were politically correct, there was still a few very indistinctive signs in her body language that betrayed other intentions. She was quick to change the subject," What about you? What brings you to Dante's Abyss. Can't say I have seen you compete before."
 
Not digging any deeper to her answer Kanda decided to let it go, "To make a statement, send a message to the Omniverse. Nippur no longer undefended, we are not weak, we will prevail. And if I get to slay a demon or two in the process, that's a nice bonus."
 
Amber nodded along, "Haven't heard of Nippur before? Where is it?"
 
"It’s a city in the endless dunes. Not the most comfortable of places but the city has its charms. We are currently rebuilding it after an attack, with this statement I'm hoping no one is stupid enough to try again. We are with quite a few here actually, even though most of the people that I've spotted here that represent the same city as I do are complete idiots. I hope they don't get themselves killed, or worse, make the rest of us look like incompetent fools." The sentiment was followed by a long drawn sigh. The huntress was kind enough to listen to his troubles without interrupting. It was a nice change of pace.
"Sounds like you really let them get to you." She observed sharply. "You do know that you can't have your mind on trivial things like that during a competition as deadly as this one, right? Perhaps you need a moment to yourself, get your mind in order before you end up on the wrong end of someone's sword."
 
Kanda nodded in agreement, "You're probably right, I have been wasting too much energy dealing with clowns and vixens. I need a break." After realizing Amber was probably right he noticed a familiar face walking towards the library. 'A crap, I don't want to deal with that right now.' Was the first thing in his mind. "I am going to find a place to get my mind back on track. Thank you Amber, this actually was just what I needed."
 
Amber tilted her head slightly to the right, crossed her arms behind her back and offered Kanda a final smile, "Not a problem, we all have times that we need a break from reality. I will go look around, see if Karl is somewhere around these parts. I might come check back on you later!" Her quick spin made her white dress dance with the wind as she continued her search for the puppet master of this show.
 
Kanda started heading towards the main hall, where he found a nice quiet spot when he first arrived. Near a tree, few people around and the perfect place to escape the madness of Victor, his groupies and other unwanted primes. All this sensation was starting to become annoying. Soon this thing would begin and here he is worrying about the wrong things.
 
Arriving at the planted tall tree Kanda started to take off his long coat.  Revealing a more battle appropriate attire. A sleeveless black shirt, red belt, long black pants with leather boots. It was time for him to get in the right mindset. With military precision he folded the long coat into a neat square package. At the base of the tree he sat down, resting his back against natures pillar. He placed the folded piece of clothing on his lap. Kanda's mind was starting to settle down. Closing his eyes he started to shut himself out from the rest of the world. All he needed was some time to himself, a moment of meditation. It wasn't long before the world around him disappeared from his senses.
 
[quote] Kanda is back in the main area, meditating / sleeping against a tree [ /quote]
 

[Ricter]

"Nice name, your last name seems...foreign, granted everything here 'seems foreign' now that I think about it." Marisa seemed like a pleasant person over all as she would address him back and give her name, partly glad that he wasn't distracting her from what the witch was crafting as he sniffed the pot a bit, his nose wiggled a tad, taking in a small whiff before almost sneezing, smelt like gun power which he should not be trying to sniff up at all. Not that he was interested only in this, but he was in some ways an alchemist, just not for the explosive kind of craft, more so the healing parts. Still, his interest would stay on the mage in front of him, or witch, it was hard to really say what she was but the pointy hat and bubbling brew she was making pointed to both.

At the mention of talking else where he would perk up, he didn't mind talking anywhere so long as he wasn't interrupting, but his response would be given all the same. "Oh, either is fine, which ever place your more comfortable in, I just enjoy the library is all. Though seems like a lot of people wanted to come directly here as well." Which he'd adjust, just in case she did want to go some place to talk he was fine to do so "Might need to lead the way though, wouldn't want to keep my nose pressed in a map while talking to you, unless you wana walk around that is." His smile spreading across his fuzzy face, posturing to leave if she was fine with it also.

Funny enough Ricter was similar to a yokai, being a familiar, just he had no folk lore associated with him unless he wanted to go into that route and try and be known for doin weird stuff to people. The witch who turned him into a familiar from just a normal ferret was keen on giving him the ability to use magic freely and so he could develop skills on his own, but anything could happen now that he was here in the omniverse. But wiether she knew it or not this was the main reason why he seemed more so fine talking to her than some others in the room. None the less he knew her wording seemed off at first but he took it as innocently as any polite person might, "Why did I join?.." The question came as a small surprise to him, it was hard to say why he did join in the first place, sure he had a few reasons but those were stereotypical and nothing really special.

Mulling it over in his head he would scratch one of his rounded ears, looking up at the ceiling before his eyes would go back down towards hers, "Well I planned on actually assisting with medical needs for the tournament, since I wanted to see how advanced their clinic was, but...As you can guess the gave me a big fat no, so I joined in. Mostly to see what abilities I could spot and maybe fine a cure for if they were illness based or something that could give me more idea's on how to fix. Figure out what powers I'd need to find a cure for, and in a way add to my list of deadly illnesses that I need to purge." It was a complex answer but it was the truth, he wasn't much on the fighting thing but he didn't mind it if it was all for fun, he just didn't like the whole dying aspect of this.

But her question would be directed back at her after he told her a few small things, "I've also only been here for around two weeks, 'here' being this whole 'Omni-realm' place, so I at least wanted to experience this once if only to try it out, I just wish I knew about the whole dying rule...but meh, I guess it's warranted in some ways. Not that I'd be interested in being all blood thirsty and wanting to rip someone apart. But enough about that though haha, you said this was a lot like your home? The whole fighting rules thing? It sounds like you must have been in a lot of fights back in your original realm, how was it like? If you don't mind me asking." The weasel spoke with an inquisitive tone, completely interested in knowing about where people came from. Plus the witch seemed more than interesting on her own, for now though he would listen after he gave his question, foregoing his books as he didn't need to read them if he was just going to have a nice talk with who could be an ally or just an opponent for later.

Possibly leaving the library with Marisa

[Marisa Kirisame]

As Marisa heard Ricter ask about her home she nodded as she got up, rather keeping this fairly personal. "I'll tell you about Gensokyo, while we walk alright?" Marisa asked the weasel with a calm voice as she went to exit the library. Her stomach started to growl causing her to smirk. "Actually I'm pretty sure I found a restaurant making some of my home cusine." She got a nod from the servant and the two started off for the food.

"Well I come from a place called Gensokyo, or the land of fantasy. Where common sense takes a break. It's home to spirits and creatures as well as a few gods, who live there due to the outside world making them dissappear due to lack of belief or faith." Ricter nodded slightly as it sounded somewhat feasible but Marisa continued to speak.

"Well to keep the youkai and others from causing too much trouble my best friend, Reimu put in a set of rules that places beauty and meaning over power and just deadly combat. Sure me and her have to put down a especially violent Youkai but most of the time it works well overall." The love sign magician sighed as she placed her hands on the back of her head.

She chuckled as she looked over to the weasel. "You really look like a shikigami if I'm going to be honest. In anycase I'm a magician who is an apprentice of Miss Mima. Miss Mima was a really good teacher, teaching me all the basics of magic." Marisa smiled sweetly in a genuine fashion as she tenderly remembered those memories.

"So the fights?" Ricter asked the slightly daydreaming witch, causing her to be brought back to reality. She chuckled as she rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

"Sorry, about that so the fights you made a contract weither it be verbal or written and the winner can have the loser do what they want besides killing them if they are human. You have a number of 'spellcards' to use once you have taken enough hits. These can range from being straight forward to being really complicated to dodge. Usually danmaku is made to be able to dodge but in the case of like a run away convict we use seemingly impossible to dodge danmaku which is illegal on most cases. Damage wise it usually is not much more than a getting slapped or having some clothing damage." Marisa breathed for a few moments before seeing the restaurant area.

The two primes entered an Asian restaurant and Marisa took off her hat letting her bed hair show fully to anyone who looked. She smirked as she sat down at a table and interlocked her fingers before asking with interest. "So if you want I would like to hear you talk about your home and past before being taken into the Omniverse." She asked with a restraint not usually seen from her.

Marisa and Ricter are in the restaurant area

[Ricter]

Rising to his feet he would nod back to Marisa as she mentioned talking while walking, which was pretty much the plan as he would get up and begin doing just that, at this he would notice her stature in relation to his own. She was around 4’2” if he was using other kinds of ‘special’ measurement, but she’d be about a foot shorter than he was plus a couple more inches/centimeters to boot. He wouldn’t guess her age, especially given his own friend enjoyed looking as young as possible in some cases or as a twenty year old woman in others. He’d take up his position on her left side, walking out of the library only to hear her stomach growl a bit, seems like she was feeling hungry.

“Sure that sounds great, I’m always open to trying new food.” The weasel did feel a bit peckish, and given he always had mostly meats and mushrooms he could go for maybe something different for once, other wise he’d be all chubby and have kids want to climb him like he’s a big stuffed animal. Which has happened before…Minus the being chubby part, anyways! As Ricter and Marisa walked he would nod and listen to her story, not interrupting much as he was interested and actually intrigued by her culture and what they seemed to enjoy doing or better yet what they established as rule of law.

At the mention of being called a shikigami he would point to himself and before saying, “Shikigami? Is that like origami?” He didn’t know the word of course but he gave a cute ‘I don’t know what it is’ kinda look, probably with a speech bubble next to it filled with dots. Granted this wasn’t an anime so she’d just see his clueless face but she continued and he would let her go from there. Asking about the whole fighting thing was next once she got into her culture which seemed more so fantastic, to think that all the gods and creatures of some legend could live together in harmony and not kill one another was amazing.

Though that’s probably why they had fighting rules, still he would wait for her explanation which seemed to be a bit odd. If not just flat out that someone could be another persons slave if they lost a fight which seemed extreme but when it came to gods he knew how fickle they could be at times, he’s read enough stories of legends to know. With the mention of spell cards he wondered if it was kinda like gold fish, one of the only card games he played with his friend back at home, or spades now that he was living with two other roommates. But he was sure that ‘Danmaku’ was a term for some kind of attack, or ability that he was strictly unfamiliar with, and that was okay with him.

Once the restaurant came into view however he would stop and look around for a bit, getting a good visualization of what this place seem to give off, a vibe you could say. It seemed traditional, like the old buildings of shines long lost to age, but he would make his way over to a table and sit down, but not before taking off his sword which was in a brown sheath having buckles to keep what ever was inside latched in but also only one simple buckle that go’s around his chest as he placed it next to him standing upwards. On the mention of himself he would be pulled away from the menu for a moment to answer her question, thinking.

“Me? Well uh…lets see…” Wondering where to start he had a long history, though he believed starting at the basics was the best for any story. Smiling he would nod once the weasel got an idea, “Okay, so where I’m from the world revolves around two suns and three moons, I wont go into specifics about everything but the suns were rivaling gods who were brothers that wished to have the same job. Long story short they worked together, so typically when the morning comes around you’ll see two suns dancing around one another. As for the moons they represent night, mana, and water. While the two suns represented light and life. They were created too…well provide all three of those things to the world I live in. The world over all looks like a typical lush realm, oceans, beaches, mountains, that sorda thing.”

Laughing it was too complicated to really go into so he’d continue, “When I was born I wasn’t as you see me now, I was actually a small feral little ferret with a brain the size of a walnut. I was the pet of a young girl whom took really good care of me, she was sweet and got teased a lot about having a weasel for a pet rather than a dog or cat but I’d try to cheer her up about it. Eventually over the years she went to normal schools but wanted to go into a field of magic, which was hard for a human to do since she wasn’t born with mana or the skills to really wield it.”

He’d pause as he looked down at the menu, seeing what was in it before he’d keep going, “As she became a teenager she passed an exam to get into a school of magic, she wanted to become a wizard buuuuut…She got kicked out because a class mate placed an enchantment on her wand to blow up half the classroom when used. She didn’t feel happy after that, so she instead became a witch, pulling some dark magics from the hags around the area we lived in and killing them only to add to her spell book.” Looking back to Marisa he would continue his story, not even getting to his part yet.

“She’d manage to kill so many hags she had enough spells to rival some of her previous teachers by the time she became twenty, however that’s where I came in. Ferrets typically have a life span of around fifteen or so years, maybe more if taken care of, I was around eighteen around that time, through it all I was just her loving pet, but eventually I became her best friend given she was eventually found out and ran out of town for being a witch. Even with all the good she did they resented her so much, and as I was nearly on my death bed she preformed a ritual.” He’d begin tracing his finger on the table.

A light would shine from said index finger as eh drew out a special rune, one that looked like a backwards 'R' with lines going through it. Explaining as it would show but fade soon after “My worlds magic dose not revolve around cards but runes, or what we call them, sigils. Typically you and write it on anything and for spells they are just effects, say if I want to make the table float, I’d write the sigil first, then write something over it and-- tada! It floats, each one is unique and basically its a small game to find ones or make your own, even complex ones can be made to do a bunch of effects at once but eventually run out. As for how this relates to the story…” He’d soon raise up his hand and show her a sigil on his paw, it was a glowing stamp that faded on command it seemed as he explained. “This is the rune my witch has, and imprinted one me. Its the main reason why I’m here and not all tiny or dead.”

But back to the story he would give a breif clearing of his throat before saying “Back to what I was saying-- So, using the body of her older brother whom they killed as a warning by the towns folk she combined his thoughts and body to my own, more or less making me a familiar. Like her brother I gained his skill in using a sword, however I only gained vague memories of whom he was when he was alive thanks to the ritual. In addition as long as she lived, I lived, so I devolved my time to protecting her above all else. After this decades passed, my witch and sister to some degree would begin to grow more powerful, so much so we have to fight a small army at one point. When I mean ‘we’ I mean she did most of the heavy lifting, I just helped in small ways.”

Relaxing back in his chair he would soon add, “She never grew old, stealing some magic from another mage to have an eternal body she liked skipping between looking 8 years old and 20, which was off putting at first but you get used too it after having her hop on my shoulders as a kid for the millionth time and with how old I am now. It was actually my 122nd birthday the day I got taken here, her’s too, but I kinda miss being around her a lot now…That’s kinda it I think, we lived in a small cabin, and didn’t get bothered much after the empire grew wary of how one thousand men got turned into chickens. We lived mostly alone together but she’d always manage to make the day seem more exciting than the last, from making it rain fish, too just going realm hopping. Which was the main reason why when I came here I though it was a prank till omni showed up and gave me a reality check.”

Once he was done he would soon notice one of the waitresses and gesture for them to come over with a small wave, pointing, “Can I have this please?” He’d point to what looked like yakisoba noodles with pork and chicken mixed in, which the syntech employee would nod and write it down, looking to Marisa next for her own item to order. Ricters blue eyes traced back to Marisa, hoping that his story was at least interesting to some degree, he wasn’t a great story teller but he didn’t mind sharing some things about himself.

Sitting in the restaurant with Marisa

[Gilgamesh]

Gilgamesh never got used to the moment of weightlessness when traveling through the Omniverse. His body felt like it was flying before a sudden stop and he was put into a bustling room. The hall was filled with many people, combatants and spectators alike. While it frustrated him that these people were here to compete for his treasures, he would take great pleasure in slaughtering them. The sound of loud conversations reminded him of the last time he was here, the carnage he wrought upon them. A cheeky grin grew on his face as he took his first few steps down the hall, his golden armor clinking.

Deciding to take a survey of his potential opponents, his eyes glanced across the room. Nothing impressive so far. Regular men and women, some of his fellow Babylonians leaving the room, an anthropomorphic mouse and a child robot...Gilgamesh took a double take of the last one. Mickey Mouse and Proto Man. His haughty demeanor shifted into one of fury, his arrogant smirk morphing to a rage-filled frown.Mickey, who was staring at Gilgamesh, made brief eye contact with Gilgamesh before jerking his head and averting his eyes. Hustling over, Gilgamesh made a beeline towards the pair of primes with fire burning in his crimson eyes. The two primes arrogantly pretended that they had not seen the King.

The jingling of his armor came to a stop as Gilgamesh menacingly loomed over Mickey. Proto Man glared defiantly up at Gil and Mickey hesitantly turned around to see the furious Golden King. A scowl was prevalent on his face as well. The Rodent took a deep breath and calmed himself before speaking.

“We don’t want any trouble Gilgamesh.” He spoke flatly and calmly as if he was intentionally holding himself back.The disdain in his stare however, could not be as easily masked. His fists were clenched as well and the Mouse had even taken a fighting stance alongside his robotic compatriot.

The mongrel’s statements were almost amusing, making Gilgamesh laugh for a brief moment. “Trouble?” He said while finishing his laugh. “You sent me to a literal hellscape in which I was tortured beyond your comprehension for two years.” Both of the primes stayed quiet and continued their glare at Gil. “TWO FUCKING YEARS.” Gilgamesh shouted at the top of his lungs, clearly drawing the attention of most of the people in the room.

Mickey’s frown deepened and he wagged his finger at Gilgamesh, “Watch your language!”


He bared his teeth and took a step forward, preparing to slaughter his hated enemies. Their defiant stanced only angered him even more. Many eyes were upon him and a few of Karl Jak’s henchmen had begun to observe the clash. Realizing where he was, and not wanting to get collared again for violent behavior, Gilgamesh took some time to calm himself. Standing upright once more, he spoke again, with his anger and hatred barely covered with politeness.

“Can you imagine how many of my people starved or murdered in my absence? I was murdered over and over again for two whole years and for what?” Gilgamesh questioned. “I am a King... What gives you the right to make that decision.” His voice tapered off and had calmed down but his demeanor had not changed.

Mickey was a bit lost for words and the primes had just stared at each other. Between the two mongrel’s Mickey was the first to speak up. “You took advantage of those people and were using them for your own benefit. You are not a good person!” Mickey touted from his high horse. This was so pitiful. Gilgamesh had been burning in hell for two entire years because he ‘wasn’t a good person’. It was so pathetic that it made Gilgamesh break out in laughter. It was all one cruel joke and he was the punchline.

“I’m not a good person?” Gilgamesh smirked beneath his tides of anger, his laughter calming down. “I am a King and it is my right to rule.” His arrogant attitude came right back, “Besides, the people in the Dunes need food and protection. If I give them that, then what does it matter if I am a good person or not?” He asked the Mouse. Without giving the rodent a chance to answer, Gil questioned the two of them.

“Now which one of you is the ‘good person’ who stole from me?”

Gilgamesh is yelling at Mickey and Proto in the hallway