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Enter The Arena As Your Avatar -- The Spinoff!

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KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#329001: Mar 18th 2020 at 9:53:39 AM

She follows, looking around at the inside of the hall as she does so.


"Heh. Yeah, I won. But..." Skippy lets out an exasperated sigh.

"It was a bit of a bumpy road. First, there was the Chief Executive Officer, who my other allies and I had to fight after our venture together through the Cog Golf Course opened the path to him. We were looking for the bosses' promotion cores, but the C.E.O. ultimately got demoted by the real big boss, the Chairman, which means his core wasn't there. Turns out, it was in the Executive Office Towers, way off in the distance from Bossbot HQ, which are so heavily guarded that no Toon could hope to make it past the security Goons."

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#329002: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:02:39 AM

The hall is a noticeable amount darker than the room they were in before. There's some dim red lights running across the walls, likely the scanners.

The hall itself is a pretty long one, taking a few minutes to walk through. However, there's eventually light at the end of the tunnel, as they approach the main monitor room.

Once they get there, they'll find that it's empty.

"Pseudo is probably in his private quarters.", Botar says as he puts his bag on the desk. "I'll go see."

He warps away, leaving 42 alone for the moment. Should she decide to look at the camera feed, she'll be able to see Ken Tahn's cell. It might surprise her to realize that the criminal Botar mentioned is, apparently, a child.


Fuel... somewhat has trouble with the names. However, they both still seem to follow.

"How'd you get past them then? If you didn't, you couldn't have won, right?"

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#329003: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:06:55 AM

The Sheperds finally return to the fort after their long trip. Samsara stretch her arms and back.

I might just end up falling asleep for two days after this. Hrm. She says.

Well, with all due respect, you did run off to fight some abomination bear alone!

You Ylissians have some kind of bottomless stamina... sigh.

Fear not friends, for our trip is at end, and I am confident that no more surprises await us!

The fort's doors opens and Niagara stand right behind them, arms spread wide open.

Haha, it seems that you're wrong, Lucina!

Lucina blinks briefly, opens her mouth before closing it, move around and then finally manages to embrace Niagara, bawling her eyes out. Samsara stares in confusion as well, then...

Oh... oh, you're me! She says. Niagara hugs Lucina for now, but smiles kindly. Oboro, who's confused, doesn't react, leaving it up to Takumi to lean slightly into her ear.

Psstt, I don't think it's you.

Well, yes, it's almost instinctual! I... I'm so glad to meet you, sir Niagara!

As I am, Lady Samsara!

Niagara focus back on Lucina, who finally step back, wiping away her tears.

How... how are you back? It's... it's wondrous! Utterly wondrous!

It's a long story. We ought to move somewhere more comfortable before I tell you! Follow me.

The Sheperds moves deeper into the fort, and the doors closes...

...

A lot of the Sheperds, with the exception of Miriel and Laurent, are gathered in the main room. Samsara (who had some needed rest) and Niagara are staring at one another, trying to see the differences beside obvious ones.

This is weird... you're me but so different...

Fascinating, how we can take such different yet similar paths!

Meanwhile, Xander is discussing with Lucina.

It could be good for us to compete at this festival. I have no doubt that we would appreciate the income to buy from Anna!

Indeed! But... may I offer one thing?

Of course!

May I stay behind? One need to defend the fort should our absence be noticed!

...

Near Claus's base.

Bokuko is near, using one finger of Susanoo as a pull-up bar. A nearby Dres stares, annoyed!

Stop! It's not a pull-up bar!

Well, you stop then!

No, because then I'd back off and you'd win!

Hahaha, then I win either way!

Dres grumbles.

Edited by Bolded1 on Mar 18th 2020 at 6:10:41 PM

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#329004: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:10:54 AM

42 puts her bag on the desk as well.

She looks at Tahn's cell. And, considering her operations with a certain raccoon-themed cat burglar, the existence of a child criminal actually isn't that surprising to her.

"I hope Chandra doesn't go his way."


"Well, I tried to storm the Tower myself, and failed miserably. So I gathered as many allies as I could find, including one really big robot who was friends with Tarboy, and we stormed the place in a huge wave. There, we... Well..."

Skippy sighs. He glances at Bokuko and Dres from the corner of his vision. He also notices Claus, but doesn't remark on any of them.

"We found replacements of all four of the boss Cogs. Three of whom had their cores stripped specifically to ensure they couldn't be brought back by promoting lesser Cogs to their positions, but there they were anyway. And we had to fight all four at once. We found the C.E.O.'s promotion core, but by then it didn't feel like it meant anything to have it."

Edited by KiriK on Mar 18th 2020 at 12:11:32 PM

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#329005: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:16:23 AM

The Pale, Shrine of Mehrunes Dagon

The Sons of Odin sit upon the steps leading to the doors of Mehrunes Dagon's shrine, conversing amongst each other.

"I wonder, Thor, do you think your red-haired buffoon of a counterpart will be participating in this tournament?" Loki inquires. "Violence is his one true love, after all."

"Oh, I know he's going to be there, Loki," Thor replies. "As a matter of fact, I hope I'll get the opportunity to knock some sense and humility into that war-obsessed braggart's thick skull."

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Mar 18th 2020 at 10:30:44 AM

DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#329006: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:24:51 AM

A bit of the implied intimidation factor may fade away when Tahn, probably out of boredom, is fighting an imaginary battle, which ends up with him turning around a bit too quickly, making him lose his balance and face-plant onto the ground of the cell.

Botar then warps back in with Pseudo in tow.

"I didn't expect you'd find the ingredients so fast.", Pseudo says to him, sounding like he was continuing a conversation from earlier. He then turns to 42 and smiles.

"Ah, 42. Welcome to my base.", he says, walking over to the desk and putting what looks to be some sort of bracelet on it.


Fuel looks a little confused.

"Wait... then... did your enemies sabotage themselves? Why would they do that?"

Edited by DevilPsyco on Mar 18th 2020 at 6:43:09 PM

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#329007: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:28:08 AM

After a little while, Bokuko land right near everyone, though she catch herself on her hands before making an acrobatic spin jump to land back on her feet.

Hey guys!

Dres joins them, deactivating Susanoo.

Edited by Bolded1 on Mar 18th 2020 at 6:35:57 PM

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#329008: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:32:46 AM

"Hello, Pseudo. did you hear that broadcast the other day?"


"Hey there." Skippy repositions his angle to be facing everyone nearby.

"They didn't sabotage themselves. The Chairman tricked us into thinking those cores were important. Turns out they didn't need those to promote new bosses, and he was all too willing to laugh in our faces about it. And if the Executive Office Tower takes an elite team to get through, Cog Nation, where the biggest and baddest reside, is impenetrable."

"But then later, one of the Cogs from Cog Nation came to me with a message direct from the Chairman himself, inviting me in. He was literally challenging me to get through it... so I went and rounded up a team."

Edited by KiriK on Mar 18th 2020 at 12:32:53 PM

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#329009: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:42:42 AM

"About the tournament? Yes, and one of the treasure prizes is a very important artifact.", Pseudo says, looking more serious. "We have to ensure that, no matter who wins the tournament, this artifact won't fall into the wrong hands."

He sits down on his chair.

"If anyone other than my direct allies, but not an enemy, gets their hands on it, I suppose I'll just have to try to buy it back from them.", he ponders. "I have a good amount of money left over from getting the materials for my base that I couldn't get in the Arena itself. I'd try to buy it directly from this Green Jr fellow, but considering his wealth, I doubt anything I can offer would be enough."

"Should I go see if we can prepare Tahn's meal?", Botar asks, which snaps Pseudo out of his muttering.

"Huh? Ah, yeah, go ahead with that."

Botar nods, grabbing the two bags, and walks into a hallway. Pseudo looks back at 42.

"But enough about my troubles. How are you doing?"


Fuel, Nana and Claus are taken by surprise by their sudden appearance, and Claus instinctively raises his arm cannon.

When Skippy acknowledges them though, Fuel, surprisingly, is the first of the three to realize they're not enemies, so he puts his hand on Claus' arm and pushes it back down.

"I don't think there's any reason for that, pal."

"... I suppose not.", Claus says, though there's still some wariness in his eyes. After that, the three continue listening to the story.

"I'm kinda surprised you didn't ask us for help. We would've gone with you.", Fuel says.

"... how did things go when you accepted his challenge?", Nana asks, getting a bit worried. The tone of the story hadn't been implying much good.

Edited by DevilPsyco on Mar 18th 2020 at 6:51:09 PM

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#329010: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:49:50 AM

Don't worry! I'm friendly, and she's... grumpy, hehe!

Dres sighs and shakes her head in annoyance. They listen to both.

Oh, we should've been here to help! Remarks Bokuko, not really glad at the idea of failing to help a friend in need.

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#329011: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:53:01 AM

"Isn't there an ongoing truce with Gravitas? If they have so many units, surely they have the funds to support all those people, which means it'd be worth a shot to ask them or their Freelancers for a loan. ... Granted, they'd likely try to use the resulting debt as leverage."

"I'm not participating in the tournament. The rules indicate style and flashiness are the key to victory, but I'm built to gather and analyze data. All of my combat functions are founded upon practicality."


"Sorry about that." Skippy leans back and rubs the back of his head. "Figured you guys might be busy, and I needed the strongest allies I could find as fast as I could find them. If it were up to me, I'd have grabbed that Sarah lady and her blond friend too."

Skippy smirks. "Don't be such a downer, though, it went fine. The only troubling parts were... well, we didn't fight any Cogs. The Chairman turned my strategy against me and employed combat robots from other worlds to defend the Cog Nation facility we were attacking. That, and... the Chairman had a secret backup plan we didn't know about until then, involving the light in the hearts of me and my allies, and the darkness in the hearts of the boss robots we'd been fighting. More on that in a sec."

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#329012: Mar 18th 2020 at 10:54:37 AM

Thor and Loki begin walking through the snow-covered plains of the Pale, continuing their discussion.

"If using that box to bargain with the Cyber Angels does prove to be ill-advised, and they're beyond all reason, I think Hela should be the one to face their leader."

"Heh, I imagine our dear sister would be all too happy to do so."


Solitude

Nicole shadowboxes in the courtyard of Castle Dour, listening to her favorite pump-up song on a pair of earbuds as she throws down with a group of imaginary enemies.

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Mar 18th 2020 at 10:59:57 AM

DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#329013: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:02:44 AM

"I think my hopefully-permanent allies would have my head if I went as far as to loan money from my temporary allies.", Pseudo says. "I don't think the situation is so dire that I'd have to consider a loan just yet either."

He then smirks.

"Oh? I guess we're similar in that regard. None of the members of my organization will be participating either. We'll instead be keeping an eye on the area, in case the Cyber Angels try to attack during the tournament. As long as that general doesn't show up, I believe we have a fair chance at repelling them."


"I guess I can't fault you if you were in a hurry.", Fuel says, smiling. He and Nana continue to listen, not commenting this time around.

Claus, meanwhile, starts to look a bit confused. This talking about lights, heart and darkness reminds him of something, but he can't immediately recall it.

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#329014: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:04:58 AM

Ohhh, interesting! I bet I could've been useful for that one!

Darkness and hearts, hm? Then my own darkness would've overtaken th-HEY! Says Dres, being poked in the cheek mid-boast.

Teehee, sorry Dres! I just don't like it when you're all angsty! Anyway, keep going Skippy, it's fun!

She looks confused at Claus's... confusion.

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#329015: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:10:20 AM

"I see. Aside from that, I've been keeping an eye on Steffi and making sure she doesn't get herself into trouble. Perhaps you should meet some time... or perhaps not, she can be high-maintenance."


"So, then there was only one thing left. I gathered up as many of my allies as I could find, and we went to take on the Chairman himself. But... before we fought him, he revealed the truth of his nature. He was a robot built to handle all the things Toons find icky, like corporate work and commerce and whatnot, with a smile. He was supposed to find it fun, but some rich loon tampered with his wiring and made it so he hated fun in general. So he decided he would create the Cogs and conquer Toontown... as a prank! And if that wasn't enough, he had a new plan in store for our world."

Before continuing the story, Skippy pauses and says, "Tell me, have any of you heard of Keyblades?"

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#329016: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:17:12 AM

"Perhaps I can meet her through my monitor then. Unless I can be sure that she can be trusted though, I cannot, in good conscience, let her inside the base.", Pseudo says. "I have to be strict in that regard to ensure our safety."


"That's seriously twisted.", Fuel says.

"Making someone made to find things fun hate fun is horrible.", Nana says.

"I hope whoever tampered with him got what was coming to them.", Claus says, finally saying something in regards to Skippy's story.

Then the subject of Keyblades comes up and Claus pales.

"Crap, that's what..."

Fuel and Nana, hearing him, turn to look at him, and Claus sighs.

"... well, yeah, I've... seen some before.", he admits, having kinda cornered himself.

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#329017: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:22:09 AM

No, are they keys that you can use to smack people around?

Don't be ridiculous.

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
Arachnos (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: Above such petty unnecessities
#329018: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:25:33 AM

Arachnos is grabbed by the magnet spell, causing him to lose concentration on his attack and the void orb to collapse on itself as he flails in the air.

KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#329019: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:27:15 AM

"You can trust her ethics, but not her primal instincts. She is unruly, very curious, and nosey. You would be better off communicating from afar."


Skippy folds his arms. "Apparently it was an accident and he was just being stupid. Still deserves a kick in the beak for it, if you ask me."

"So, the light and darkness in the hearts of the Chairman's forces and us freedom fighters. Together, there were seven crystals of light and thirteen of darkness, which were being invisibly drawn out shard by shard every time we defeated a Cog with authority, such as the Club President, the C.E.O., the leader of those otherworldly bots, and even the first form of the Chairman himself. Those shards of light and darkness came together to forge the first Keyblade - the χ-blade." Skippy draws the Greek letter chi (χ) in the air with his finger.

"Or, kai-blade, or ex-blade, whatever you want to call it. It's a pun. Anyway, the χ-blade can unlock the way to Kingdom Hearts, a mystical force that reshapes the world according to its summoner's wishes. Apparently it was really sought-after back in the day, which is why it ended up broken into shards of light and darkness. But the Chairman's plans resulted in it being completed in his hands. He wanted to use it to reset the Toontown universe and make it a world where everyone thinks alike and no 'bumbling fools' can mess it up, but what he did to us with it was just... vile."

Skippy puts his hands on his legs.

"He stole the light from our hearts, literally ripping it away, and turning my friends into rampaging darkness-consumed monsters that attacked each other as much as they attacked him. But my heart is pure positive energy - pure light - just as had been demonstrated to those evil purple hearts the day I arrived here. When he stole my light, I... I stopped existing. I think. I don't really know, because I was adrift in some kind of endless sea until my friends literally beat the light back out of him."

Edited by KiriK on Mar 18th 2020 at 1:28:33 PM

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#329020: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:39:08 AM

"I see. Better be safe than sorry then.", Pseudo says.

"So, what are your plans now? If you have time to stick around, you're free to go to the cafeteria and..."

He pauses.

"Hold on, do you eat and drink? Regardless of necessity, which I'm going to guess you don't have."


"What does that X sign mean?", Nana asks, not immediately realizing what it stands for due to how the name is pronounced.

"'Chi', right?", Fuel asks, prompting his friends to turn to him with a surprised expression.

"... what? I can know things too!", he says, after which he just turns back to Skippy, with Nana and Claus doing the same.

The three look pretty horrified as Skippy's story unfolds. Claus most of all, but not only because of what happened during that battle.

"Keyblades can be THAT dangerous?", he thinks to himself, suddenly even more concerned about what could have happened if Roxas had chosen to tell Lucas too much.

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
DefRevenge24601 Strongest In History from Beyond The Void (Experienced, Not Yet Jaded) Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
Strongest In History
#329021: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:45:04 AM

Vs. Data Dylan

Data Dylan puts his Keyblade up, blocking the axe attack, before putting it away... and taking out a shotgun, firing... Minecraft fire? It counters projectiles coming to him, and further allows him to toss a grenade; when it explodes, grenades will happen everywhere. Repeatedly.

Dylan is sucked into the Magnet, but Tager manages to get in front and block most of the grenades...

Dylan: "Yeah, but I'm not in a position to gove any up at the moment!"

Data Dylan simply turns around and begins walking away, dissatisfied with the fight.

Edited by DefRevenge24601 on Mar 19th 2020 at 4:36:53 AM

"DIO is the ultimate being! The being of the future! Dare you not to rival me!"
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#329022: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:53:41 AM

Oh no! Says Bokuko. That's just so awful, I... whoah, I can't even... oh whaoh... She repeats. Even Dres seems a bit surprised, and perhaps even frightened going by the sudden widening of her eyes.

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#329023: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:55:19 AM

Thor and Loki's travels eventually bring them to Red Road Pass.

"Call me paranoid if you wish, Loki, but... I have a feeling that Set is planning to blindside us the moment such an opportunity presents itself."

"The self-proclaimed god of evil and chaos might take advantage of a chaotic situation and stab us in the back whenever he gets the chance? Oh dear, you really have become paranoid, brother."


After wrapping up her training session for today, Nicole begins walking back to the Winking Skeever, removing her jacket and tying it around her waist as she does so.

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Mar 18th 2020 at 11:56:05 AM

KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#329024: Mar 18th 2020 at 11:57:49 AM

Rey has approximately two seconds of confusion before he is set ablaze and blown into the air.

"Those are fucking Borderlands 2 weapons!" he yells from down on the ground. He grunts and pulls himself to his feet.

"Dylan, can you do that? Cuz if not, I think I know what the Rogue meant by errors in your battle data."


"No," answers 42 bluntly. "However, I will go for the sake of having a look."


Skippy huffs. "So, we got our light back, I took the χ-blade from the Chairman and used it to finish him off. Felt kinda bad for him, but then we had a party, and I'm feeling better now."

Skippy holds out his right arm and manifests Laugh Track.

"I have my own Keyblade, the χ-blade, something else that I'm not sure I wanna talk about right now, and - get this one - the great wizard Yen Sid gave me the Mark of Mastery!" He stands up straight proudly and points a thumb at himself with his left hand. "As a Keyblade Master, I can unlock someone else's heart to the power of wielding, giving them the potential to manifest a Keyblade of their very own."

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#329025: Mar 18th 2020 at 12:07:54 PM

I'm so glad you were able to come back! And it's just so... good of you to still feel kinda bad for him! I'd be super upset in your place!

I take it that in dire times, you could give keyblades to allies, hm? Says Dres.

Oh, I wonder what yours would be like!

Hmph. There is no point. I don't need keyblades.

Dres turn her head to the left and close her eyes.

But it'd be a cool keyblade.

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter

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