The Scramble [Complete]

[Maximillion]

Leaping, from rooftop to rooftop, sword in hand, the young ebony man would slash through those opponents who had parachuted down into the village below, stopping occasionally to drop to the ground, then spin like a top in an upward spiral motion, slicing those who had attempted to mob him into ribbons. As he moved, displaying uncanny stamina and reflexes, more and more of the alien insurgents would clamber onto the rooftops and attempt to halt him. One fired a pistol at him, and stared on in shock as Maximillion's head rose until he was eye level with the bullet, then suddenly appeared on the other side of it, sword upraised, eyes closed and a triumphant smirk upon his lips. The bullet would suddenly split in half, and punch through the throats of two of the aliens who had been positioned behind Maximillion, preparing to hit him from behind.

Such feats weren't uncommon to this one, whose mind analyze the geometry, wind velocity, the various dimensions, and even the most minute muscle twitches and contractions in order to predict the moves of his opponents. Some called him Black Yokai, for despite being apparently human, he moved and fought like something out of a storybook. They all thought he had supernatural strength and speed, but it all honestly came down to a complex science, highly advanced mathematics that would give some of the world's greatest mathematicians a splitting migraine two seconds in, and a body conditioned through years and years of rigorous training and dedication to his craft....

WAR.

Back in those days, these were amongst the things said of Maximillion during his stint as the young samurai boy. They didn't realize that it was the brain of a man who had lived, in one form or another, for the better part of a millennia. Although every reality he existed within varied, he carried with him a vast amount of general knowledge that was applicable wherever he went, and it didn't take long for him to figure out how the Plane, Dimension or World he was transported to (as he often was) was unique, and what it would take to exploit it's makeup in order to accomplish his goals.

In some of his lives, he had been more successful than others. There were even times when the causes around him, in one of the lives he had assumed control of, had been so riveting, so heart-wrenching, he had spent his time focused on that, rather than his usual goal at intellectual supremacy.

However, he was beginning to realize that the Omniverse was going to be one of the most challenging realities he had ever been implanted into. Was it his desire to 'exploit' the proverbial 'code' of any realm he was in that made him a subject of interest to Omni? Or was he just drawn out of a hat of likely candidates, no knowledge or interest in what made Maximillion unique from a number of others?

I need to find others like myself. Maximillion thought to himself, chuckling as he yet again found himself reminiscing about his life as the young ebony Samurai boy. If what they say is true, these 'Primes', like myself and the others here, are individuals who are unique, exceptional even. That means that there may be those who came before us, like this Bradley, who have amassed a significant amount of power, and perhaps even knowledge whilst here. What this means, then, is that I need to find a realm that has, within it, beings such as myself. The more familiar my surroundings, the more likely I am to achieve the desired results.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," Maximillion said finally, a charming smile playing along his ebony lips as he addressed Thrall, Bradley and - in his sweeping gaze - the others gathered.

"Does your realm have, within it, beings with razor sharp canine teeth..." He pointed to his canines, which were elongated, like a Vampire's. "...and a thirst for blood? Perhaps this realm might also have, erm.." He thought back to some of the beings he had encountered, or read books about. Werewolves? "Men who transform into furry beasts during the full moon, after being bitten by one who was already afflicted by such a condition? Or..." He thought harder. Demons? How would he describe Demons? "...or beings who are rumored to come from a place called Hell - a fiery inferno where only the most deadly, insidious and malicious beings reside - roam the realm, fighting amongst themselves, and exhibiting a high degree of competitiveness and aggression?"

Maybe this 'Omniverse' didn't have beings like that here, maybe they did. If they did, however, he would be amongst familiar territory, and he would begin on his search for knowledge and, with it, power.

"And, ah, are there any here who could lead me to said place, should it exist?"

[Omni]

The two Primes looked at each other. Neither spoke first. Bradley smiled. Thrall sighed.

"There is a Verse ... that matches what you describe. The Pale Moors." The Orc folded his thick fingers together. "It used to be a verdant place, but now ... What you are seeking, you will find there." He pointed to the southeast. "I strongly advise you stick to the village there, Darkshire. You are a Prime, indeed, but there are worse things than death in the Moors."

Bradley said nothing. He didn't have to.

[Maximillion]

The looks Maximillion saw the two exchanging, before they even spoke, told him that such a place did likely exist. Whether their expressions were due to them thinking the ebony man was walking to certain death - or worse - or because of some secret the two shared between themselves. Eyeing them closely, he saw Bradley smile, which could mean any number of things, as the man was as shrewd as he was selective with what he expressed openly. That Thrall sighed might mean that he was disappointed that this was one less Prime interested in coming back with him, or perhaps it meant any other number of things.

There was just too little to go by, with what little they expressed between them, and their telling him where the Gate was, rather than offering to guide him there, told him that they likely had no interest in exposing themselves to whatever might lie beyond the Gate to these Pale Moors, and that Maximillion was likely on his own should he wish to venture there.

"My thanks, gentlemen." Maximillion said finally. Drawing his black cloak around himself, cowl still down and black hat still adorning his head, he would turn, cloak billowing as he turned in one pivot, and he began the trek towards the area indicated by the Orc.

Before he had went even three yards, he stopped, then turned his head just barely to where he could regard the two out of the corner of his unnatural eyes.

"When I next see you, I hope I will see more of these Verses you speak of, the ones you reside within, so that I may look into the amazing traits your realms possess. I hope I will be able to look you up personally...I only wish I could be in three places at once, so that I could see all the sights in one fell swoop..."

With that, he tipped his hat with respect to the two leaders, then began the slow trek towards the Gate that led to these Pale Moors indicated earlier in their conversation.

[Kenpachi Zaraki]

The transition was much like blinking. The raw power of the Lifestream vanished, and with it the blinding, deafening, searing sensation that had accompanied it. Death had come on swifter feet than the man could have imagined. Mere seconds ago he had stood above the rift, taking in the beautiful, terrible view. Was this the end?

Blink.

For the briefest of moments, darkness replaced brightness; absolute, impenetrable darkness of an all-consuming nothingness. A second later, the darkness seemed to abate, though not as one might expect. Had the moment passed slower, he may have perceived the shift. Darkness was still very much a reality, though this seemed…different.

Death? Vincent wondered. No, this was not the case. His mind still existed in the darkness, fully aware of what had just transpired. It felt almost as if his mind was drifting in a different plane. A peaceful, soundless darkness surrounded him, calming his whirling mind. Afterlife? The ex-Turk had never given the idea much weight, though it seemed likely that he had found himself precisely there. Unaware of any bodily sensations, he had only his thoughts ensuring him of his existence; that is, until company arrived.

“My name is Omni.”

The words appeared in his mind. The silence had not gone, yet he still “heard” it. It was almost as if the words were within his mind, imagined. The ‘voice’ continued, this time somewhat ‘louder’, more pronounced. It felt like a gentle whisper creeping its way in. Louder still, the voice expounded.

“This is not the world you know.”

Vincent’s mind filled with details, slowly churning through the mass of information. It felt like a wad of taffy as his brain attempted to process what he was experiencing. Each new sentence added to the cue, his mind in overdrive. He struggled to keep up, disbelief hampering his thought. Moments later (or what felt like moments), the darkness began to fade. Slowly, steadily, light replaced darkness as if he was climbing out of a well.

- - -

Pain; dull, achy agony permeated his brain. He ran a hand under his thick, dark hair, rubbing the base of his head. His eyes opened and he was met with an utterly unfamiliar sight. Vincent lay flat on his back, his cloak tucked neatly beneath him, almost as if someone had taken the time to straighten it out before he had lost consciousness. Directly above him he saw…nothing. A vast, empty whiteness stretched skyward above him, farther than he could see. Rolling his head to the side, he saw a similar effect off toward the horizon; or at least where the horizon would ordinarily be. The blank white of the ground met with the whiteness of the sky, blending together incomprehensibly. He sat bolt upright, quickly glancing around. Where the hell am I? He thought. Remembering the preceding events felt like water through a sieve.

The raven-haired man got uneasily to his feet, a sleep-life grogginess gripping his mind. He could not locate a single object as far as he could see; indeed it seemed he did not even cast a shadow. Above him he found no source of illumination, though ‘everything’ seemed well-illuminated. Presently, he directed his attention toward the sound of falling water behind him. Not 10 feet behind him there stood a massive, incredibly intricate fountain. Its shape was unlike anything he could describe, its metal etched in complex, ornate shapes. Metal, or was it marble? The fountain seemed to change its shape whenever Vincent attempted to sum up its shape. Water cascaded down its many surfaces, splashing and spraying in all directions. He watched the droplets fall toward the ground, only to vanish into the whiteness. Though the ground was solid under his feet, his lungs still sucked in air and he could plainly see and fell, it seemed this realm did not abide by the physics he was used to.

What is this place? He wondered, pain and grogginess still warring over control of his head. How had he come upon this place? Was he dreaming? A dream would definitely explain how and why he was here. Perhaps an illusion, or mako poisoning? Had he been drugged, this phantasm being all in his head? Vincent peeled back the glove on his right hand, running the index finger of his clawed gauntlet roughly across his skin. The tiny prickles of pain as the sharp metal dragged across his skin informed him that he was not asleep or subdued. The gunslinger closed his eyes, focusing on remembering where he had been before awakening. It slowly came back to him: he had fallen into the Lifestream and awoken here. Had he wound up here as an effect of the Lifestream? If not, what had happened?

“Omni. The Rift…” he began, turning as the faint sound of voices drew his attention toward the fountain.

Just beyond the arching water Vincent was able to make out a group of figures. One a militaristic looking man with an eye patch, seated in a large ornate chair. Another hulking green figure in medieval style armor sat cross-legged on the ground. Various themed soldiers stood near each ‘leader’, motionless. A small motley group stood with their backs to the fountain, apparently speaking to the duo and amongst themselves. A few of the group splintered off, heading out into the nothingness. Following their path Vincent could make out the vague outline of various arches on the periphery. Cautiously, the pale warrior stepped closer to the group. He unconsciously reached to the empty holster at his side, cursing at Cerberus’ absence. To compensate, he buckled his cloak tighter around his shoulders, obscuring his arms and torso. He stepped lightly, preparing to fight if necessary. As he neared, he picked up on bits of conversation.

“You are a Prime, a gifted individual summoned to the Omniverse by Omni.”

‘Prime’? Is that what we all are here?

“We represent two different kingdoms… We are both here to recruit.”

Vincent furrowed his brow. Recruiters…wonderful, he thought. He watched as some picked sides, while others wandered off on their own. A few remained at the fountain, still deciding Vincent assumed. With a sigh, the raven-haired man stepped toward the recruiters.

“Hello!” the one-eyed man greeted as he approached. “My name is Bradley. I would like to cordially extend to you the opportunity to travel with my men to the glorious metropolis of Coruscant.” He smiled as he spoke, his weathered face crinkling. “This situation is no doubt difficult and confusing, and the Empire will do whatever it can to make you comfortable during your stay.”

The enormous green man spoke up, his deep voice coming from behind yellowed fangs. “Be advised, Prime. Not everything Bradley says is truthful.”

Bradley scoffed in response. “Oh, Thrall. Do let him make his own decision, don’t want you poisoning the well this early.” He spoke with obvious contempt for the creature, placing extra emphasis on ‘poisoning’.

Thrall ignored the comment, instead taking his turn to speak. “Welcome to the Omniverse. My name is Thrall, and I represent the kingdom of Camelot. You are likewise welcome in our fine village, we have room to spare and you will be free to do what you please.” He shot a glance at Bradley on the word ‘free’.

Vincent nodded in acknowledgment. Everything was not quite ‘clicking’ about this universe. “Who is this Omni?” He uttered, slightly off topic.

Thrall spoke first, resting his great head on his ham-sized fist. “He is the creator of this world. Not much is known of him, other than that he brings those he finds interesting here and gifts them with the ability to use Omnilium.” Spying Vincent’s semi-confused look, he continued, “The currency of our universe. As you’ve no doubt been informed by Omni himself, anything you desire can be obtained with it. You need only want, and it will appear.”

The pale gunslinger pulled a gloved hand from beneath his cloak, holding it palm-up in front of him. Staring into his hand, he focused on the thought of his revolver, now adrift in the Lifestream. Though he was still unsure of this place and of its citizens, he entertained the idea. No sooner had he began to mentally conjure the image of Cerberus did he feel a weight in his palm. Seemingly from thin air, the firearm materialized, just as it had been before the fall. Vincent smiled, marveling at what he had just done. Magic? The gunslinger flicked his wrist, opening the chamber of the gun. He found it empty, devoid of ammunition. I guess guns and bullets aren’t a package deal.

Holstering his gun, Vincent thought for a moment. Summoning and other such tricks was fun, but a growing concern nagged at him. The Rift on Gaia, and whatever had caused it remained unaddressed. His friends and allies would assume him dead, and the Weapon- if it was a Weapon—would rise from the chasm and take lives. Valentine did not delude himself with thoughts of him single-handedly stopping some creature, but he could not very well remain here and do nothing. He thought of Shelke and of Lucrecia.

“I’ll follow whoever can get me to Omni.” He said, finally.

Bradley’s grin returned. “You’re not the first to say that. Assist Emperor Palpatine, and the Empire will aid you in reaching Omni.”

“I must caution you, that is a dangerous journey. And Palpatine is not to be trusted.” Thrall insisted, concern on his visage.

Vincent nodded. The creature did not seem to be lying, though Bradley’s invitation offered the chance of returning; returning perhaps in time to help his friends. Whether it was a lie or an attempt to manipulate him, the pale man didn’t care. He had to take the risk.

“Lead on, Bradley.”

[Sarah_Kerrigan]

A passing dream?

It certainly felt that way; each time Kairi shut her eyes, she wondered if she would not hear the crashing of waves, or, the cawing of the many birds as they dipped down among the water for their lunches. However, it never happened. Those Islands that she gave name to, were just as long-gone as the rest of reality was from, well, whatever this place contained.

A vastness of nothingness that led to great arching doorways in the far, far off span.

In a way, his (terry’s) silence had been a reply. The mask that hid his face, at least to her, now, spoke for a solemn finality: there is no going back. The thought rested in the back of her mind, with that name, Omni. The masked crusader could remember, but, she could not – like grasping at straws the links in her memories fell and were carried off by the winds.

Stolen.

She waited as long as she dared in the White. Her foot that had been tucked behind the other swept to the front, and, she shifted sideways. Inhaling deep she sighed, stretched her arms above her head and stepped forward. The footfall a lighted touch upon . . . (the ground), patted, and, with a brief and hesitant longing,

Kairi looked back at Batman, deciding that like he, she needed answers - reassurance of some kind.
Despite what she did or did not remember, the fountain where troops gathered with their leaders in toe, flowed on and spread consistently outwards. At first, she made no indication of which side of things – Bradley or Thrall – her steps would carry her unto. However, as the distance closed in and as her focus narrowed, her feet guided her closer and closer towards the War chief, until the point where she was only several meters away.

Strangely enough, out of the two, what some would consider a monster, was less intimidating than the man with one-eye-patched, and, his soldiers of the White, supporting him as he sat upon a great throne; not humble in the least at any rate. They practically matched the nothingness, and each bore weaponry of the likes that she had never seen before. And, they didn’t feel right, but, she couldn’t put to words if they felt wrong like everything else about the Nexus did . . . if they should not be at all.

Thrall on the other hand, sat quaintly and his eyes swam with something she may have once recognized in the boy with no name: honor.

Even as she approached them, it would be clear that her resistance to this new world, was barely kept in check. Her eyes peered from one group to the other, upon the fountain, and, past them all into the great White again. The last of her cautious movements still left her meters away, and, she positioned herself in a rather . . . feminine, almost, timid posture. Yet, when she did meet his eyes, her own, a spiraling cascade of blue, with ever the slightest amounts of droplets lingering, as though they were ready to form tears, but, had not quite yet done so, blinked, shutting off to the world for just a few moments.

One hand slipped behind her back and gripped the opposite, stroking and rubbing it nervously, as, a foot tucked itself behind the other, and, her upper body swayed briefly, back and forth. Without rhythmic variation, for a few seconds she only looked, her lips parted but unable to find the words she needed.

Remember what he said . . . Kairi wanted to look back to see if the Hero had advanced as well, but, resisted the urge. She needed to appear confident, or, at least somewhat competent as someone summoned here. However, she was still at a loss to those memories, and, she could place little emphasis on why – out of all persons in the many worlds – she was chosen. . . . the light I carry? She mused, wondering, but, as her eyes opened again, she knew if she stayed silent any longer . . . actions, or, words would be done and said for her.

"Would you,” she looked up at Thrall tilted her head to the side, and, parted a few scarlet locks with a hand, “tell me why I am here?” It would be rather obvious given her attire, that she was no warrior, or, even a person whom expected combat; no weapons, no sense of ill intent, and, perhaps the most odd, a good portion of herself was shielded . . . by some force . . . a magic perhaps, but, regardless: the girl whom could not remember, appeared, pure.

[Omni]

“Why?” Thrall rolled his massive shoulders idly. “Best to ask Omni that himself. We interest him, so he says. I prefer to find my own answer for why I’m here.” He looked Kairi in the eyes gently, as if encouraging her to do the same.

“He’s right,” said Bradley, from a ways across. He was stood up, leaning casually on his sword. “We’ve all found our places in the Omniverse.”

There was a silence in the air. Thrall broke it.

“My place is Camelot. At least for the present. It is a good home.”

“And mine is Coruscant.” Bradley smiled. “You’re also welcome to join me in it. Though for the moment, my place seems to be here, watching the fountain with this cheery fellow.”

Thrall eyed the military man as he spoke. “I’d advise you to pick one of the two. Though I do not wish for anyone to be roped into the Empire, you’re safer in Coruscant than you are in the other verses. Outside of Coruscant and Camelot, the verses are … wilder.”

Kairi was left to think.

[Victoria]

Her name was Lightning, but, she had had another name before that. It had been a real name, wholesome, the sort of name you gave to a normal person. She never told anyone that, because it wasn't her, not anymore. Clara was dead. She had died with her father, with her mother, and then...her sister.

Serah wasn't dead; she was just frozen in time. It might as well have been the same thing, though. If not for her stupid brooding she wouldn't have let her sister run off like that. Here she was, though, and Serah was trapped.

The one that took it hardest was Snow. It wasn't like he had lost the last person in his family. Even so, Serah was special, she knew it. Her sister had a special gift for making people believe in the impossible...Gods, did she ever fuck that one up.

She'd spent too much time with her back to the proverbial wall. Never let them take her down, never let them destroy what she had left, and then she went and let them win. Not only was Serah a human-sized crystal, she, herself, was branded and fated to end up the same way.

Save Cocoon...

How could she, with this rag-tag group? A man she hated more than she'd admit aloud, a boy that wanted revenge, a wayward adventurer that had something to hide, and then there was Sazh. Good old Sazh. Well, he was alright.

Maybe this group wasn't so bad. Even so, it was a lot to take in, and they had only so many Phoenix Down's.

If only she had taken her vacation time early. If only she had spent more time with her sister, instead of learning how to climb the military ladder. It wasn't worth it. So many regrets...and Lightning had no choice but to pretend that everything was going to be okay.

--

“Get back,” she shouted, running up ahead of the party.

Snow had remained behind, in some valiant show of self-sacrifice, attempting to dig Serah out of the crystal. It was no use. She knew it, the others knew it, there was only one way to go and that was forward. She’d said her goodbyes.

Sazh jumped back, lifted his gun, and fired a few rounds at the beast in front of them. It was a hulking mass of flesh and destruction. It glowed red and ugly at its core. They said that, when a Pulse I’Cie failed to complete their focus, this is what they would become. A Cie'th, a monster.

“Lightning!”

Hope called out, but it was too late, as a volley of blizzard ice buffeted against her. She’d been hit harder, they’d had tougher foes. The scorpion machine created by the PSICOM had just died by their hands. Sure, Snow had been there too, but it wasn’t as if she needed him.

She didn’t count on another beast jumping in, however, and the odds began to stack against them. It was all she could do to shake off the previous attack and rush forward with her sword in hand. The blade reflected off the crystalline surroundings, and she leapt, forcing the blade right between the monster’s eyes.

It roared in fury, pain, and withered like a rotting corpse. She pulled out her sword and whipped around. The other creature was on her a beat later, its clawed hands grappling hers. Her sword clattered to the ground. While the others fought to overpower the hulking mass, she stared right into its dead, demonic eyes.

“I’m I going to become like you?” she said.

It felt like more than a moment, but it was only that. Lightning felt a surge of awful, agonizing magic, as the monster fought back and forced her away. She stumbled, hand to her chest, eyes wide. All she needed was a cure spell, a potion, worst case scenario, they could bring her back…but there was always that fear of the unknown and the fear of whether she would finally die for good.

“No, not today!” she said, slumped to the crystal floor, and watched the others take down the creature with everything they had. Hope ran toward her, his hands reaching into his bag, she knew he’d help her. By then the world began to fog, flicker, and fade.

--

Omni…

Her eyes stared up at a vast veil of white. So much of it, it was blinding, but not. Her blue eyes roamed left and right, her lips straight, her mind swirling with old memories, and new. It took a few beats of her heart before the most recent memories flooded to the surface of her mind.

You interest me…

She sat up and pressed one hand against her face. That’s what the creature had said. Was it a creature, though? She had to wonder, as she tried hard to remember what Omni had looked like. For some reason her mind couldn’t settle on an image. All she had was a name, and that name was etched into her cranium.

“Serah,” she said suddenly and stood. Lightning found her sword in its sheath where it belonged. Her hand settled on the hilt, as if finding comfort there, while her gaze swept her surroundings. It was just as white in every direction as it had been looking up.

She saw in the distance a fountain, and further, she saw black arches. Her feet began moving before she realized, and she approached the fountain. It was a beautiful thing, almost shimmering, as it poured gallons of water up and down.

Lightning rounded the large structure to find that she was not alone. A man sat with all the air of a king on a throne. Next to him…

Her hand twitched on her sword. She had to fight the urge to draw it. The creature next to the king was, without a doubt, a monster. It wasn’t anywhere near as dastardly as the mutations she’d just faced, but even so.

Why am I here? she asked herself. She should have resurrected. This was not Cocoon, and it couldn’t be Gran Pulse. Something had gone terribly wrong, but, she kept such things to herself.

Not more than a few feet away from the creature and the king was a girl. Chances were they were all harmless, but she kept her guard up just in case. “How do I get out of here?” she asked in that cold, level voice of hers. Her question was directed to the man on his throne. She could only assume that the green beast beside him wasn’t able of speaking the common language.

The only way to go is forward, she told herself. If she was not dead, she was in some other place, and she would get out. If she didn’t complete her Focus…

[Sarah_Kerrigan]

Several names. Camelot. Coruscant.

They held meaning, perhaps power as well, however, Kairi could remember nothing familiar about them; they were just as foreign as that presence lingering all around the White. Omni . . . even thinking it in silence was unsettling, and, for a moment . . . she did recall:

Pitch black, a stark contrast to the Nexus, what had been one type of nothingness exchanged for an appeal to the more sinister. A face in the dark, all around peering at her, and, a voice piercing through the veil – soft and ear-piercing at the same time and no less all-encompassing. It spewed confidence with a shade of arrogance, maybe even some rightly earned in one way or another.

‘You interest me’ The words resounded over and over again, possessing a strange finality to them. Then, there was nothing once again. She could not remember. The chains that were linked in one moment, were severed in the next and discarded into their own existence, a pocket realm as it were.

Kairi shuddered and reality took shape once again, or, at least what passed for reality here. She blinked watching as the gentleman to her right leaned upon his sword, almost as though – she wanted to ask but she did not – he needed it to support himself. Yet, that could not be right. There was something else, too but the thoughts slipped away.

“Mmm . . . “ she reflected, her gaze shifting to her feet and her arms now relaxing at her sides. The first words had been parted, and, she was noticeable less nervous; the jitters were fading, and, so was the haze that had clouded her mind since her arrival. Even if she did not remember, this place was starting to become real to her. And, with it nerves that made her stomach lurch and nausea hit her in waves, were now mixed with bouts of fear, trepidation, and, mostly the feeling of truly being alone and separate from what she could at one time, call a home.

Not dreaming then . . . the girl in red decided. Her head rose and she looked from Thrall back to Bradley and rested her soft, almost timid, gaze upon the
Orc. Maybe he would be surprised that of the two she seemed to be more afraid of the one that was her kin. His troops were just as faceless as the White. They represented something that she could not fathom and in that unknown span, danger resided.

After some time, she parted her lips to reside, again finding comfort as one foot tucked itself behind the other and played with it. A nervous habit, but, nonetheless, an effective one. Her thoughts and her body became steady; breaths slowed and her eyes became fixed, narrowed while a serious expression took its place upon her face.

Then, she did not respond. Movement overtook them as a shadow reflected and rebounded off the streaming water of the fountain. Someone crept around the side and thereafter out in the open. Another newcomer, and Kairi immediately brightened, a smile appearing with any sense of determination all-but slipping away for its counter in genuine warmth and care.

“Well, hey there, you,” she consoled. “They’re here to help with that . . . “ she gestured to the pair: one sitting and the other standing at close hand to his weapon of course, innonently not realizing that the question hadn't been meant for her at all. “I think,” she shrugged. Despite her nerves, fear, and, despite, well, everything, she could not help but feel drawn to the only other female in present company, and, was glad to welcome even a stern stranger to their company. At least she would no longer be addressing man and orc alone. That in itself was a blessing.

Still peering at the approaching soldier she added: “My name’s Kairi . . .” though the words almost trailed off and her voice became shaken at her own volition. Soft mannerisms took root and they practically vanished away to the endless trickle of flowing water behind them. She had caught a glance of the expression which weighed Lightning down and it had struck something deep within her.

I . . . I know that look . . . She thought to herself. Riku. A name came to her but not of the boy with the bright smile and face.

[Victoria]

Lightning's azure gaze shifted to the right where the young girl stood. Her brown hair, simple clothes, and nervous mannerisms reminded the soldier of a mouse. Yes, indeed, this youth was a tad mousey as far as presentation went. A kindness was in her eyes, however, and it travelled down to the tilt of her lips into the warmth of a smile. It was all simple and clear-cut; genuine.

When was the last time, she wondered, since she had seen such a smile? Ah, yes, her mind wandered for a brief moment down the tunnel of her memories. Serah's smile had always been that way. She didn't believe in the concept of deception. When she gave you a smile, it was a real one, and it was full of every ounce of belief and wholeheartedness that the girl had in her tiny little body. For what Serah lacked in combat skills, she made up for in her personality.

“I see,” said Lightning. It was all she said. She could have said more, but, she was more intent on leaving than making friends. That was how she ended up with Hope becoming a shadow, granted, he'd suffered a terrible loss. Then, the others, and she was sure that they would have tried even harder to become friends. If she had just gone alone they would have never been branded.

“Yes, as the young lady has explained, we're here to help with that,” the human replied. He shifted on his throne and gave Lightning a once over. “My...friend and I, we're here to tell you that you have more than a few choices at your disposal.”

The green beast made a noise in his throat and shot a look at the other. “What Bradley is saying is that you can pick a side to join, or you can go your own way. I would suggest that you come to our side, in Camelot.”

Lightning's brows raised as the orc spoke. “And you are?” she questioned.

“My name is Thrall.”

“Yes, you could go to Camelot, or, you could come to Coruscant. You will have access to all manners of technology and comforts beyond your wildest dreams. The Empire will give you housing, and, I can tell you're the sort of woman that would fit right in with the soldiers if you so choose.” The King sat straight in his throne and gave the pink haired woman a smile that was laced with deeper intentions.

Lightning didn't answer, instead, she glanced toward the new arrivals. Her mind weighed the odds. There was a war of sorts going on. One side was obviously full of themselves, the other, a little underwhelming. She wanted no part of it. No one was telling her what she wanted to know. She didn't want out of the White into some other place. She wanted out of this Omniverse as a whole.

Save Cocoon...

Serah's big bright eyes, and gentle smile, were all that she needed to remember her Focus.

“My name is Lightning,” she finally turned fully to the brown haired youth. “Thank you for your help, Kairi.”

No more than a curt nod was given to Cole. The less she knew of these people, the better. It would do her no good to drag them into her mission. They could help her no more than she could help them.

The pink haired soldier gave no indication to either side that she would join them. She turned and headed into the white distance, heading toward the gates in the distance. If she had to find her way home without help, so be it. If she had to find Omni to get home, she would find him. It was through his own admission that she knew how she got here. The so-called God of Omniverse had brought her here. Well, if she did turn into a monster because of him, she would kill him first.

[Sarah_Kerrigan]

There were others now. Omni had snatched them, from wherever they happened to be, and, now they were just here; here in: the White. It probably had a more formal name given unto it by its creator, Omni, however, it could not achieve much more than nothingness. The only thing which separated one step in any direction, from another, was the gathered. A king upon his throne, a beast with honor, their men, and, what they called the Primes. Now, stronger in number than they had been in moments prior.

As one of the newly vested, Kairi, mostly fell silent after Lightning’s arrival. She listened, but still, unlike them, could not remember anything further about her own meeting with the force behind it all. She had decided that in the nothingness, there was reality, so much so that representatives from two opposing sides . . . ideologies were here to guide newcomers to their respective lands. Yet, she was starting to feel that rise of nerves, gripping, powerful, sweeping through her stomach with a rising, and trembling sort of nausea, fueled as a whole by nervousness.

Instinctively, she crept towards Lightning, resonating with her, perhaps yes because they were of the same gender, but more so because she reminded her so much of someone that she had once known. The boy with the name. Riku. He held the same sort of determination, driven and powered by it, he had lost himself. And, in that regard, Lightning, looked that way. That worried Kairi. Her steps fell softly in patting footfalls, approaching tentatively, and tucked close to one another. Gazing back from Bradley and Thrall she politely nodded to them both, gesturing her own thanks in a respectful bowing of her head.

She cringed when she heard another voice, nearly jumped as a shiver ran down her spine and she turned to face the man that had spoken. “My name's Kairi,” she did reply, but as startled as she had been, the rest of what she might have said became nothing more than the dryness of her lips and the teeth which momentarily bit into them, drawing a dull, throbbing pain for her to briefly focus on. Although one thing did remain consistent, she smiled tilting her head slightly to the side to welcome another fellow stranger.

There was a pureness that lingered in her words and posture, arms tucked together and gripping strong as her body swayed in place. Even so, her mind wandered and swirled with the information exchange, new concepts were forming and thought patterns of their own were started to answer questions she at first, could not form properly.

Is . . . is everyone brought into the world . . . l-like this?

Unlike the young girl, they were taken most likely with their memories intact. Some might become angry . . . have those soldiers . . . Regardless of these worries, Kairi, stifled them to some degree when she realized that the woman from before had thanked her. “I-it was nothing, really. I only just got here myself, and . . .” Her voice trailed off; Lightning was heading away from the group rather rapidly at that.

An influx of emotion suddenly overwhelmed the Princess of Heart; she was torn. Torn because she did not know what was right to do. If these people, the one in black, practically spawned in it and wrapped in chains and of course, Cole, needed help, she did not wish to leave them in the hands of two recruiters. However . . . I . . . I can’t let her go off on her own . . . Kairi looked back. At least, they’re together, for now . . .

So, she nodded to them both and gave an apology, “I’m so, so, sorry . . . but they’re here to help. I just think that she'll need help too.” And with that she took off after Lightning, her steps shifting into a light run to make up for whatever lost ground there might have been between the pair. “Hey, mmm,” she called out, “Lightning, wait up. I’m coming with you.” Her steps became harder upon the ground, and she trekked on until she came up unto the soldier's side.

She shouldn't be alone right now . . .It's not right . . . this is j-just all so wrong.

[Victoria]

“Lightning, wait up, I’m coming with you!”

That girl. Lightning just barely looked over her shoulder, but she didn’t stop. Why is she coming with me? She didn’t go any faster, or any slower, simply kept on her way toward the south of the expanse. This gate was just as good as any of the others, maybe it would lead home, or maybe it would lead toward death. It wasn’t that she wanted death, but it would have been a better fate than what was in store for her.

“Look, kid,” she said once Kairi was at her heels, “I’m not a babysitter.”

Maybe she’ll go away once she realizes I don’t want to be friends.

But whatever Kairi had to say fell on deaf ears as the soldier kept on. There was no pussyfooting around when it came to Lightning. She wasn’t going to make Kairi do one thing or the other, but she also wasn’t going to pretend to want her help.

After walking in stoic silence, they were close enough to the gate to see the mists pouring through the void and ghosting along the ground. It was a bizarre sight, white mixing with white, it felt as if Lightning were walking on clouds. It began to feel cool, the air dropping, gaining a crisp quality. It was as if she could taste the cold on her tongue.

The arch was comprised of glistening blocks of ice. No block was the same as the other, each one being a different size and shape. Frost covered jagged corners, snow piled at the threshold, and a gust of biting chill swept at the air around them. It looked similar, aside from the cold, to the crystalline lake she had been taken from.

“I’ve never felt cold like this before,” she said at length, after staring at the portal as if to make it stand down and quit with its choice in temperature. “I – we – can’t go on like this.”

Lightning, with one hand on the hilt of her sword, lifter her other hand up. Her gloved palm faced the sky of the void, and she stared in thought. She could feel those big owl eyes of the youth on her, staring, wondering, but Lightning said nothing.

This is Omnilium. It’s what ties the Omniverse together. Without it, you are nothing. With it, anything you desire can be yours. But you will need more than this. If you desire it enough, you will find it. You will find that using it comes naturally. Just think of what you desire most.

She woke further, and further from the fog of this dimension. Her mind was clouded, and her memories mixed, but she had focused intensely on her entrance to this god-awful world. Omni had spewed all manner of things at her, and although some of it made sense, none of it mattered to her. In the end, magic was magic, no matter what provided it. She, herself, had an AMD, but she was sure the thing wouldn’t work here.

But now I’m I’Cie…

Lightning closed her eyes and focused on the so-called power of Omnilium. If what Omni said was true, she would be able to create what she needed. If it was this cold outside the gate, chances were, it would be even colder inside.

It took time, more time than she expected, but she could feel it. A warmth filled her core, her fingers tingled, and light swirled to life in her palm. It enveloped her hand, and it fell like the mists at their feet. It was a vibrant light, not white, just there and growing. Minuets passed, and she didn’t so much as open her eyes. All she could do was focus, breathe, and get the job done.

Just when it felt that the task would never be complete, a pile of clothes appeared where the light had gathered. In a flash, a sparkle, and a exhalation from the soldier, it was done. She opened her blue gaze to stare at the results. “These will suffice,” she said, and picked up the coat. It was lined with fur and as she pulled it on she noticed immediate warmth surrounding her.

“If you insist on coming with me you had better get this gear on,” she said to Kairi. “Also,” she gave the girl a glance, from head to toe, “I don’t know what will be on the other side. If you don’t know how to fight, just stay out of the way. I’m not a hero, and I’m not here to protect you. I can’t stop you from coming through the portal, but I won’t have you whining if things get tough.”

God damn it, why do I attract these kids?

She stepped forward, pulled the hood of the jacket over her head, and walked into the Frozen Fields.

[Sarah_Kerrigan]

Something shifted, in the very air around her (lightning), as Kairi overlooked from beside her. A prescience; a warmth and then the silence that spread about the span of nothingness. The youth shivered, folding her arms across her chest, while, watching as some manner of magic was unfolding right before her eyes. Unlike the Soldier, she could not remember what had been revealed about the nature of the universe, in actuality the source of its power, wherein, each and every Prime brought into existence, could tap for resources, and, in turn create and shape what they desired. That was the something missing from the chained links of her memories.

“Omni,” she mumbled, again most likely not for the last time. For some reason that name came again, and, she remembered. Her mind flashed back, away from the White briefly, and, back into the Darkscape. An endless span of nothingness much like the Nexus, but, completely void of life, of any power save for the voice that spoke and the figure that lingered as just a silhouette in the shadows around every corner. She had been there, or at least partially there before she was here . . . and yet could do nothing to answer the calling as words danced through her mind, almost, mocking her very existence.

‘This is Omniliumn’ Omni said. ‘ . . . There are others. Of course, they too desire Omnilium.’ It ties everything together . . . the girl recalled, staggering back head-first into reality as the biting cold swept over her again, and a bright light swirled around Lightning’s hand. Kairi understood, just a bit more what the Soldier wanted . . . mainly because she could relate to wanting to get back to her own home, however, there was something far more sinister in Lightning’s direct way. I know that look . . . that longing . . . everything about it told of familiarity.

Lightning sought an escape, but, at the moment Kairi believed that there might not actually be one. Regardless of the truth behind the matter, and no matter how cold, or aggressive the response to her being there was, she had no intent in actually leaving. Not while she believed that there was any chance of Lightning becoming lost. In both the literal, and metaphorical sense, the path she treaded with such determination, worried the girl. And, although Kairi might not have been able to explain why she felt so drawn to that need and longing, she could say that she cared enough not to let someone lose their heart to an impending darkness.

The White, it almost shimmered, flickering brighter for a moment, thereafter, steadying and calling forth some unknown presence. Kairi blinked. Clothes appeared, coats lined with great furs warped and skidded about the ice at her feet. Instinctively, Kairi was already reaching for one as Lightning advised her to do so at any rate. She flushed, realizing that she had not asked permission, yet, it seemed given now that Lightning herself had wrapped one around her body to bask in its warmth. Her own hand grasped one, brought it closer to her chest, and, then, she dressed as well, sighing in relief as warmth crept up all around.

Why does she . . . want to be alone? The teenager wondered, but, would put no words to that thought. Yes, she was a tad frightened of her new ‘friend,’ but that would not stop her from venturing across that threshold in front of them. Not even the cold could do that, and, no matter what lay ahead, she did, truthfully, want to help, in her own way.

“I think . . .” she began peering up at her senior, and looked away out in to the vastness that was the White. “You said you don’t want to look out for me, but, I think you need someone to stop you . . .” and Kairi did not elaborate unto exactly what she meant, because in part, she didn’t know herself. Yet, it seemed right to say. “I’m a healer,” she added, “I’ll leave combat to you, but don’t except me to run away if you’re hurt. You can’t ask me to abandon you.”

Why did I say that . . . I don’t know if I can . . . Kairi looked at her hands and they glowed with a soft energy. That was right too. Yes, she was a healer, and, she could tend to wounds if given enough time. How this ability came to her she couldn’t exactly remember, but, she had brought someone back once: the boy with no name, back from a darkness that consumed his heart. If she could do that, she could do this too.

After telling in turn, Kairi pulled up the hood of her own coat and followed right on after Lightning. Her steps echoes as footfalls once or twice and thereafter vanished all from the realm.

[Nightwing]

Grayson's eyes opened only to overwhelm his occipital lobe, forcing them to close once again. He could only peek with a wince as his pupils adjusted to the white canvass like scenery before him. One look to his hands --as they were moved reflexively to provide shade for him-- suggested his attire had been altered. What the hell?...

Another look down confirmed his wet towel had been replaced by the combat gear he donned during patrols. "At least they gave me a clean one." The raven haired vigilante only shook his head as he sat up, pushing off the ground with a hand for support to bring himself to a stand. "This never would've happened in the bat-bunker...I've got to talk to Wayne about this."

It was second nature now despite how Bruce was typically how he addressed him; the very vigilante who trained and inspired his heroics. Nightwing was always a good study, using what he'd learned over the years like an outline for direction in times like these. That and his innate ability to make combat decisions on a whim, the instinct naturally honed by years of experience.

Anyone could have been listening. Everyone was a potential threat. What he needed to do was assess the situation and find out where he was. Then escape.

A quick glance of his surroundings revealed a fountain resembling a gargoyle whose mouth and ears served as the spout for water. The figure itself looked distraught, almost as if it was drowning in the very fountain it perpetually filled. The concept was dark and unique for sure, but definitely gave off a feeling of home that resonated with the acrobat for some reason. Beside the gateways were figures posted comfortably, almost as if they had been waiting for him and in the distance there were gateways, varied in design. He made his way towards the fountain as it seemed to be the established center of all this confusion. It wasn't too crazy to deduce where these gates led to by appearance was it? Because if that was the case then Nightwing was losing it and fast.

For each he could see a foe previously encountered. Strangely enough their names began to fade but their images were etched deep within his memories. From a plant woman to an iceman, all the way to a beast of mud. No gate seemed safe. His only option was to interrogate the figures beside the fountain. After all, standing around in hesitation wasn't going to resolve anything.

Though confident in his ability to defend himself he approached the fountain casually. Muscles relaxed but at the ready to relay a signal to fast twitch receptors as usual.

"Who's in charge here? I've got questions and no time to waste. Don't bother lying either..." He tilted his head a bit to change the angle of his glance, a body language technique used to aid in intimidation as he held the stern look. "I'll know."

[Omni]

"In charge? That'd be Omni." Bradley grinned. "I take it you've already met him. But you can talk to us. We're representing the Empire ... and the Kingdom." The way he said the last word, as though referring to the disappointment of the family, was unmistakable.

"What do you want to know?" offered Thrall.

[Porphyr]

Porphyr peered up at the blank canvas with contempt. The nearby fountain frothed and gurgled, the water clear. He could sense no corruption in its depths.

His scarred lips split in a sneer. Apart from the fountain, everything in every direction was white, clinical, sterile. The sort of place you could conduct surgery in without antiseptic. Porphyr's gunpowder eyes narrowed in disgust. He scratched his chin with filthy nails, watched mottled skin and whiskers flake away, stark yellow in contrast with the ground.

"That's more like it," he cackled. Sweat traced paths down his grimy forehead like the tines of a rake through leaves. The fever raged inside him, an ever-present affliction. He delighted in his frailty, the weakness in his emaciated frame, those moments of glassy-eyed distance when he could veritably feel each compromised cell in his body.

Nothing excited Porphyr more than weakness.

He laughed, his head tossed back, coughing his glee into the sterilized air. Blood and phlegm dotted his cheeks. He wiped them away with an encrusted sleeve.

That's when the sound of voices reached him.

Three of them shattered the stillness. A young man's, cocksure, almost arrogant, broken up by the rumbles of two older men. Porphyr listened for a while, scraping the wax out of one ear. Still, he could make out no words.

The fountain shifted, panels of metal and sheets of glass rearranging into a new geometric pattern. Through a water-flecked pane, he saw three blurry forms. Two stood rigid, gesticulating with their hands. The third, a vast, hulking specimen, stood in surly silence. They were healthy, strong, free of disease. Porphyr spat in their direction.

After a while he approached, adjusting the bracer on his right wrist. With a thought, it conjured a small throwing knife. He used it to prick his finger. The contagion bubbled up to the surface, roiling. His fingers seized up and grew gnarled and stuff. With his other hand, he grasped the knife and tucked it back into the bracer, ready to infect the first of the trio who posed a threat.

As he stepped around the fountain, they came into view: two humans and an orc, none of whom he recognized. They fell silent when they saw his shuffling form, the pockmarks and boils dotting his skin.

Porphyr dragged a hand through his greasy hair. It came back sticky. His bloodstained lips creased in an oily smile that didn't extend to his eyes. "Greetings," he rasped. He convulsed with a bout of untimely laughter. "I am Porphyr, Contagion's Clasp. I was hoping for some information."

[Blackfire]

She was from a place called ‘Destiny Islands’. His reaction was the same as hers after explaining that he was from Gotham City – puzzled.

“Heard of them?” she asked.

“Nope,” he replied with a toothy grin, but it quickly faded as he glanced over her shoulder, observing the leader in military attire, to the Orc. Kairi was not going to give him the answer he was looking for; not a girl who hardly knew anything about the Omniverse.

Batman turned towards the girl to inform her about his agenda, but to his surprise, she had already distanced herself from him, and seemed to be heading in the direction of the Orc. The Gotham crime fighter turned his attention to the one eyed man, moving hurriedly until he was a meter away from the leader. “You are…?” the costumed combatant enquired, pointing his right, index finger at the man.

“King Bradley. Greetings, Prime.”

“It’s Batman. No nickname; just Batman.”

“I should explain. In the Omniverse you are known as a Prime, Think-”

“Couldn’t give a crap about nicknames. Are you associated with Omni?”

“Yes I am,” replied the King. “However, I am in command here. I’m sure you have queries, just as every other Prime has. Feel free to burden me with them, and I will provide answers.”

“Okay genius, Omni mentioned something about a someone in this so-called Omniverse who is supposed to be my rival. I don’t want to meet him, her, or whatever the crap it is yet. Kinda kills the fun and I’m going to need some excitement in this shithole you call a universe. Just tell me what planet he’s on, or whatever shit you call planets in the Omniverse, or whatever.”

King Bradley folded his arms, maintaining a calm composure, despite Batman’s vulgarity. If Omni had not provided the Gotham native with a location, then it was impossible for the King to know. The leader leant back with the realisation that a golden opportunity had been presented to him. “May I suggest Coruscant?”

“Coruscant? What’s so special about it?” replied Batman.

[Omni]

(Takes place before Lightning, Cole and Spawn's arrivals)

Bradley folded his hands together with a smile. "I'm glad you asked. Coruscant is the most technologically advanced verse in the entire Omniverse. We have more security, more potential, and are better equipped to serve your purposes than anywhere else. Anything you need, we have it."

"Also the most corrupt," added Thrall.

Bradley tutted. "Green with envy, I see. Of course there are some criminal elements, and that's why we're always on the lookout for Primes worthy of protecting our great city."

Thrall crossed his arms. "It's not the city that needs protecting."

[Blackfire]

Based on the information Batman had gathered from Bradley, Croscucant seemed like a place that catered to the Gotham crime fighter for combat purposes. Batman had to give the militant leader credit; he was a natural salesperson – the way he had highlighted a particular aspect of Croscusant that suited Batman’s profession. On the other hand, there was the Orc who had spoken to young man for first time, interrupting him and King Bradley’s conversation. The creature’s voice was croaky, and deep enough to send tingles under the combatant’s costume. He degraded Croscusant by stating that it was a corrupt place. Bradley replied by indicating the Orc’s jealousy. You could slice the tension between the two with a knife. It was only then that Batman discovered the reasoning behind the segregation between the two leaders, which resulted in two separate small armies. It was as clear as crystal that the rulers were rivals.

“Please excuse Thrall,” said Bradley, smirking. “He does not comprehend the fact that you’re a crime fighter who’s driven to take down criminals.”

Now Batman grinned, to the Orc’s dismay. This was entertainment.

“That’s not my point,” replied Thrall. “My point is; Croscusant is not the place that needs protecting.”

At that point, it became obvious to the crime fighter what was transpiring. The Orc was ridiculing Croscuscant in order to promote his homeland or the place he resided. There was more…

“So let me get this straight,” said the young ‘Prime’, pointing his right, index finger at Bradley, and then shifting it towards Thrall. “You two are both promoting your turfs, right?”

Both leaders responded at the same time.

“Correct,” replied Bradley.

“Yes,” replied Thrall.

They turned towards each other, grimaced and then returned their stern expressions towards Batman.

The youngster clad in black placed his left hand on his hip and slanted towards Thrall. “What’s so badass about your turf then?”

This situation reminded Batman of chess match. Both leaders had moved their pieces back and forth, but Bradley had placed the opposing King in check. Now it was Thrall’s turn to get out of check and put Bradley in check.

[Nightwing]

The uniformed man's grin left Nightwing uneasy. An unusual reaction to be completely truthful but one motivated by his deductive intuition, reasoning inspired by the knowledge both imparted onto him and gained throughout his years. It was clear these people knew more than he. They were not there by coincidence and certainly not intimidated by his methods. Suggesting that initiating combat or anything close to it would likely end in a way the masked vigilante wouldn't favor. Luckily they seemed civilized enough, leading the young raven haired acrobat to believe that a simple exchange of words might better suit his efforts.

"What empire are you talking about and exactly whose kingdom is this supposed to be anyway?" Nightwing inquired with an arm crossed while gripping at the opposite bicep as it bent at the elbow to place his finger at his chin, only to tap it from time to time. Responding to a sub-conscious need to regulate he began to pace as he so often did in situations such as these that despite his best efforts he felt truthfully unprepared for. Were he to be distracted his scattered thoughts they would only clutter and add to his confusion. So as an acrobat and naturally energetic person, the constant motion helped him clear his mind, or at least he felt this was the case. Allowing him to better process information and articulate his concerns.

"I just want to know why I ended up being the one taken. I mean...out of everyone that I know. The people that I've worked with..." A hand combed his head from forehead to the end of his pony-tail in one swift motion. "why is it that I was taken when I still had so much more to do?"

[Arius Lamont]

Had he met Final Death? He still felt like he existed. He still felt his body --the shell of unlife sustained by vitae. He had not perished. He had the foggy memory of being sucked in through a portal of light. Now, he was in an endless sea of darkness --much like the Abyss, an infinite universe of darkness that the Lasombra clan knew how to slip through with their shadow controlling power, Obtenebrate. However, his location was suddenly revealed by a figure speaking in the distance.

Omnilium, Omniverse, and Omni.

Arius thought to himself how someone felt pretty all-important to name an entire dimension and themselves after the idea of "all". However, if this being had the power to create this entire existence, that did make Omni some sort of god, did it not? Lamont knew of multiple planes of existences in his world, such as the spirit plane, the world of Fae, the worlds of Mages, the Abyss, and Hell. Still, this place must be entirely different than anything of his old world. Nonetheless, if being brought to this place was because Arius was important, he would not argue at all.

Rebirth in Death.

While Arius did not worry about death too much, as he was an immortal vampire, being reborn upon death was a pleasant consideration. Would rebirth be of his current or previous form? Lamont hoped that the Omni would realize that he would not want to be reduced to a simple kine, even if it meant the sunlight and blush on his cheeks. Besides, with others that had been brought here by Omni, it was possible that his gifts would be too useful to be discarded. Lamont would have to test the waters to see exactly who was in the Omniverse before doing anything that would reveal his condition; he had been trained to always obey the Masquerade --the effort of concealing the existence of the supernatural from the eyes of mortals. It is how vampires had survived as long as they have; cainite society could be brought down on its knees by modern technology and resistance. It was much easier to play a game of charades, never letting kine of what went on in their world, than by ruling like they had in the dark and ancient ages. However, Arius did not know what this world was like in terms of the population it held and the holders of its power. Therefore, the best option was to play it safe until more information and been collected. Once that was done, it could be determined what his next motive would be.

It is at this point in thought that the Tremere vampire realized that he was no longer in the dark void, but in a bleach white world full of light, standing in front of a majestic fountain. Nearly panicking by the presence of such bright light, considering that natural light from the sun meant death for a vampire, Arius flinched and put his hand in front of his face. Realizing that he was not smoldering with intense pain, Lamont opened his fingers and saw that the light came from no entity or sky. Perhaps, this world had no sun. After all, on Earth, only natural sunlight acted as a bane of vampires; no scientific ultraviolet light or electromagnetic reaction could affect kindred that way Even moonlight, which was nothing more than sunlight reflected off the moon, was harmless. Of course, Omni could make any sun he wanted to be a "natural sun". Still there was no sun in this desert of white; there was only a group of bickering humanoids and a fountain morphing beyond comprehension. Currently, the water spewed from it in a high arch, falling into a pool. Lamont walked towards it, feeling the spray on his face. He cupped his hand and dipped it in the water, acknowledging that it was all really there. He also contemplated on how he could get his hands on some of this Omnilium. He could normally rely on alchemy and other forms of blood magic to create what he needed with minor concentration, but already the vampire noticed his blood felt less potent in his veins. The curse felt diluted --though not out of lesser generation; he could not have lost the degree by which he was separated from Caine. Still, he felt as if the Mark of Caine had a tarnish on it, as if the Beast was looking at him through a looking glass. Arius knew he'd have to examine his blood density and experiment with blood magic later on. For now, he had to deal with the people that stood around him, conversing with one another.

Taking a look at the people that stood around him, it was clear that there were some bizarre creatures. One looked like a deathly Nosferatu, but claimed he was "Contagion's Clasp", whatever that meant. Otherwise, there were several bickering men-in-tights that screamed either "I am a vigilante" or "I am a vigilante with powers" --which was ridiculous to consider, but potentially possible in the Omniverse. Otherwise, some other folks stood around, chatting.. Two men seemed to be explaining the world and answering questions --one with a military suit and eye patch and the other was large and beastly, like an orc was depicted in modern media. There was clearly biased talk about Camelot and Coruscant. These factions at least had a more civil relationship than the Camarilla and the Sabbat.

"So, this is, indeed, the Omniverse? It seems rather barren. Too white for my taste. For what it's worth, I am Arius Lamont, Attorney at Law. It is a pleasure to meet you folks" he stated, politely nodding. The man that appeared to be in his late twenties stated. He wore a black suit, black shirt, and a red tie --all pressed perfectly. Likewise, his dark-brown hair was neatly trimmed and coiffed. His appearance and demeanor led no inclination to any observers that he was anything other than an average human --whatever that meant here.

In the distance, Arius saw people walking to various gates, disappearing through the magic veil. These must be the gates that the two had mentioned, but there seemed to be gates to other places as well. It befuddled the vampire to consider that no one bothered to simply settle this white world itself. However, he understood that these people wanted domains; this was a world of greed, where people took claims for themselves and guarded it. They played each other like pawns in a grand game of "who will have the most". This was a society of barely cooperative arrangements against common foes. Therefore, nothing was different to the kindred; he had a few hundred years of practice in the great Jyhad, the struggle of the ancient Methuselahs for dominance in modern nights. He played the game, knowing that, in turn, he would one day be an ancient himself. Every prince had once been a neonate; therefore, the best way up the vampire ladder was simply to work the system to your favor. If this world followed similar social politics, he would fit in very well.