~Guardian's Trial.~ (Solo)

Guardian's Trial

Medium Quest

Requirement: Must have completed Guardian of Earth.

Reward: 3,000 zeni

Kami has agreed to train you, but first you must complete a trial. He takes you deep within the bowels of the lookout into a dark dank chamber. Within the chamber there are four torches. He tells you to light. Upon lightning them you will be pulled into the Astral Realm to face the spirit in battle. Each spirit has a different strength and weakness. Defeat the four and prove yourself to Kami.

Note: Takes place after these two threads. The second place is a Solo Quest that takes place AFTER Guardian of Earth.

1-~Guardian of Earth~

2-~Story~

Al was pacing back and forth in The Kami Lookout. Mr. Popo was watching Al as he paced, studying every movement. Each movement was controlled and deliberate, and once someone studied what he was actually walking on they would understand why. Mr. Popo could train Kami's student's on his behalf when Kami was in deep meditation, communing with The Kai. Al understood that connection, it was similar to his own connection to The Omniverse. As Al walked it was soon revealed that Al was in fact walking barefoot on a bed of spikes. The spikes were cold and metallic, a carefully hidden pit that would only reveal itself at Mr. Popo's twisted command. The pit was a part of the garden that Mr. Popo oft tended to. Al was walking in a trance, carefully controlled. He was able to withstand the terrible agony of each spike touching his bare foot. There were literally hundreds of them. Al knew this was an Endurance test. As he closed his eyes in concentration, he listened to Mr. Popo's words. Each portion of the teachings of Master Kami was deliberately said slowly to irritate the young Kanassan. It was a ploy at learning patience. In combination with The Hyperbolic Time Chamber, and Master Kami's training, Al had learned a significant amount of self restraint and control.

"Remember. Young Master Cormyr. Power flows from the soul, and is connected to all things." Mr. Popo was saying. "Power can become a double-edged weapon depending on the wielder. Like all weapons, it can also strike the wielder right in the heart. Burning all that the wielder loves and holds dear." Mr. Popo was also on the spiky bed. He stood on one foot, balancing on one leg. He was lecturing Al. The two had grown fond of one another in a short time. Mr. Popo was also bare foot as Al was. "You must make your body a weapon. A weapon for Justice. The side of Light. Even now, the forces of The Dark move against us and time is running out." Mr. Popo continued. "Treat each spike as the soul of a fallen warrior. A warrior who has fallen in the name of the eternal war. The universal Judicars judge all, but only the ones who can perish." Mr. Popo continued. "I know that you have experience with The Judicars, young Master Cormyr." Mr. Popo spoke the entire time. The training had been intense and non-stop ever since Al awoke from his vision. "The Judicars will have a role to play in the coming war as well. We must train you so that you can handle the power that Cell possesses." Mr. Popo moved quickly towards Al and appeared next to him. "Each spike is unique, young Master Cormyr. It is the representation of each soul lost in this eternal war. Some of those spikes were placed there by Kanassan hands. The hands of your very Father. Michael Cormyr. Each spike is unique, it is special. Blood sweat and tears of other warriors have christened those spikes. Your spikes are unique because they are your spikes. They are ordained with your blood."

"Master Popo." Al began. There was not a hint of hesitation or agony in his voice. He was perfectly calm and at peace for the first time in his life. He had a purpose, Master Kami had ordained to him the task of defeating Cell. On that task, Al could not fail. "I must understand something." He was saying as he concentrating. "Master Kami also trained my Father, correct?"

"Your Father, Michael Cormyr, came to us a long time ago." Mr. Popo said. "You two had many similar traits when you first began the training. Quick to action, stubborn, and even a little bit hostile and rash. But you are both good men." Mr. Popo sincerely meant that. "The Kai have ordained us the task of training you so you can become one of Earth's greatest champions. Your destiny is bound up with that boy, Yamcha." Mr. Popo continued. "Yamcha trained with us for a time but he did not stay and complete the training in as dedicated a fashion as you have."

Al nodded. "I...I was wrong about Yamcha." Al said. "I acted without thought and did not get the whole story from him. We have since become decent enough friends."

"Many of us are quick to pass judgment on Warriors when we first come across them. We fear the unknown. But the wisdom of your people shines in your heart, young Master Cormyr. I see the soul you possess. The potential for kindness and forgiveness. That which separates us from the forces of The Dark." Mr. Popo said. A bell went off from a nearby location. "That is the timer. You have done well Master Cormyr." In the blink of an eye, Mr. Popo moved away from the field of spikes.

Al flexed one last time and took a deep breath. At that moment, he activated a Powered Flight, and made his way to his shoes, next to Mr. Popo's. Al landed a moment later and looked at Mr. Popo, it was then he realized how exhausted he was. "Shit." Al said as he landed on the ground like a ton of bricks. "I lost track of time, how long has it been?" Al asked.

"Without you knowing it, you have been doing Endurance Testing for about a week's time." Mr. Popo closed his eyes for a moment. "This session you did about 200 hours all together." Mr. Popo grinned. "You have great potential Al. You lasted two hours longer than your Father's first session."

"Thank you for the kind words." Al said as he looked up at the sky. He was exhausted, his feet hurt, and his body hurt. "Let me catch my breath a moment before we begin the next part of training."

"Understood." Mr. Popo said. "And whilst you recover, think about the things I have said during this session. You are learning a great deal about the kind of man that your Father is. And the kind of man that you can become." Mr. Popo tapped his foot against the ground and the spiky bed was hidden by a panel of earthy grass that covered it. Mr. Popo looked at Al the whole time. "Al you are on the path to completing the tests that Master Kami has set aside for potential Champions." Mr. Popo began. "Please understand that you are now ready to undergo the next Test as a student of Master Kami." Mr. Popo said. "Recover for now. When you are ready we will proceed."

Alberdyne Word Count=1,112

Khaos' eyes blinked a few times, his vision was still blurred. The memory of the battle with Crono still was very fresh on his mind. There were other memories there, even more fresh than the battle with Crono. A memory of what looked like a gigantic train station, a conversation with a horned giant, even a road that looked like a snake, and a strange insectoid being on a small planet. All these memories flashed every time the eyes blinked. With every blink the memories cleared, bring back the training, the moves learned, and also the fatigue that seemed to no loner wrack through his body.

Khaos was remember the feel of the stones on the road, the annoyance of the voice coming from the green being when he spoke. He also remembered the cold, in what appeared to be the planet known as hell. He remembered the feeling of being utterly powerless due to some sort of limiters. Khaos took a few moments to take some breaths, this allowed him to suppress the inner anger building within his soul. Khaos wasn't as angry with the training or anything, as he was allowing himself to die.

While Khaos was drawing in his breaths, he closed his eyes. This allowed his mind to fully grasp what the memories meant, he had learned more in a short time after his death than he had in most of the previous time he spent on this planet. It was after this realization that he had another memory pop into his mind. This one was of the training he had gone through on Earth. The things he had done for Capsule Corporation, the training with Korin, on the tower all of it flooded back into his mind like the Hoover Dam had busted completely.

Finally the whirlwinds of memories started to diminish, which made way for the memories to become more clear in perspective. The memory that his mind had stopped on was one of a very portly, black genie, with pink lips, and a damnable smile almost always on them. This genie for being so large, was quicker that Khaos had imagined and proved to be tough to lay a finger on, but eventually he had managed to pass the test. The test seemed to be to further his training with one known simply as Kami.

It was on his way to meet with this being that his battle with Crono had ensued and he had been killed. As he realized he needed to get back to the place to train, he could feel the slight pains left in his body, he tried opening his eyes again, and this time his sight was clear and unclouded. He was laying in a crater, several trees lined the top as if they had been completely blown over. His armor he had taken pride in was charred in several places, and in others there were holes in it.

His mind told him it had actually been three weeks since the battle, and that he had some how once again been resurrected on the planet earth. It was actually like his spirit and body had been separated while his body was mending from the intense blast that had caused it's pain and destruction. The pain memories came back next, the super intense heat, the feeling of flying head first, and more through rocks, trees, and coming to a stop leaving the crater he was now laying in. Khaos now attempted to move, his body tingled like it was completely asleep and it took some time but finally it reacted to his minds commands and rose to a sitting position.

He began to look around again, everything seeming brighter and more beautiful than when he had died. He wondered to himself if this was what the world looks like to a new born infant. He then attempted to rise to his feet, once again it took much of his willpower, and even more time than it took to sit up, but eventually he managed to gain his feet. As he stood he swayed and stumbled a few times until he body remembered how to stand and hold it's balance.

The next logical step was for him to remember how to walk and take steps, so he willed his legs to work, as they did he fell flat on his face. This occurred several times before he managed to remember how to walk. Finally with everything working properly Khaos allowed some of his anger to well forth and empower him, as he did a glowing red aura of ki surrounded him. The feeling was exactly what he remembered, as the fiery aura caused the earth beneath him to crack and slightly crater even further.

Khaos then used this power to lift himself off the ground, it wasn't a slow process, he lifted towards the heavens like a bolt of lightning, the training in other world had obviously paid off. He rocketed back where he last remembered seeing his friend standing. When he approached what was now an island floating in a large lake, he could still feel the energy that had been released and killed him, but there was no sign of the creator of the energy any where.

This made his mind up and he blasted skyward, his ki trailing behind him making him appear to be a comet as he blasted towards what he now knew was Kami's Look Out. Flying through the sky, going through the clouds, the wind blowing through his hair and over his skin felt very refreshing to him. It was all new to him again, just like it would be to an infant. Khaos actually slowed his flight down, to enjoy the things he had forgotten about over time.

As he neared the look out he could feel a very familiar power, but it was stronger than before. He allowed his mind to wander trying to figure out the source of this power, it was on the tip of his tongue though he could not quite place it. He shrugged this off and continued the ascent into the heavens, soon the floating disc shaped platform loomed in front of him. Khaos flew above the outer rim and landed. As he landed he expected a greeting, but neither the genie or any one emerged or came to great him.

WC:1065

As Al lay on the ground, he suddenly sensed a presence he had not detected in a very long time.

For a moment, he thought about their first meeting. The mysterious warrior named Khaos. Al wanted to stand, but could not. Mr. Popo saw Al's effort and turned to look at the hybrid Shin/Demon. Al focused on the familiar energy pattern that The Hybrid possessed. It had been a long time, but Al never forgot the battle he had with the other warrior. It was one of the few times that Al had ever known such a loss. However, times were different and Al had grown stronger. He turned his attention to Mr. Popo as the ebony toned man walked over to Khaos. Nay. Al noticed that Mr. Popo was floating. Growling, Al tried to get up. However, he was too exhausted. He looked up at the sky as he laid on the ground, carefully studying the clouds. His chest moved up and down with each pained breath. The grass felt surprisingly good and comfortable. Al closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated on his own recovery. It was only then that he realized how tired he actually was. A whole week has gone by! Al could hardly believe it.

He watched Mr. Popo approach Khaos.

"Ah. The Hybrid." Mr. Popo chuckled kindly. "So you have returned alas, after your battle with the warrior, Goku?"

Al heard that last name and found the strength to sit up. He looked at Khaos for a long moment as Mr. Popo spoke to him. "I once fought alongside Goku!" Al said in an excited sort of way. If Khaos had met Goku, then they had a mutual ally. Al growled, unable to stand. His body was burning from the intensive training. He hadn't felt so exhausted in a long time. Al looked at Khaos with a genuine sense of interest. It wasn't everyday that one encountered a Hybrid Shin and Demon kind! Khaos was most intriguing indeed. Al soon calmed himself and attempted to stand once more. He couldn't. His body was too exhausted, but he had managed to sit. That was a critical first step in recovering his strength. He studied Khaos, the warrior somehow seemed different from before. He also studied how Mr. Popo reacted to Khaos, it was apparent that they had met before. Al wondered exactly what was about to transpire.

"Master Khaos. Your returning means that you are ready to complete the training that you have started?" Mr. Popo asked. That day he wore a gold clock necklace attached to a gold chain around his neck. He kept his infamous smile, and had a gold tooth those days that was visible. Mr. Popo was apparently the livest. "I trust that is the reason you have returned to us. Master Kami is tending to a matter, but he will be with us shortly to reveal the next part of your training. Since you have also completed The First Trial, you are now ready for The Second Trial." Mr. Popo tapped his chin. The blackest man in the entire multiverse always smiled. He had lots to smile about. He thought about that girl he had just bagged...Nodding to himself he watched Khaos for a moment.

Al finally was able to stand. "Ugh that sucks." Al said to himself. "I haven't felt this bad in a while."

Mr. Popo turned so that he was able to look at both Khaos and Al. "It seems that you two have some history with one another? Am I to assume correctly?" Mr. Popo asked.

"That is correct." Answered a very familiar voice. At least, a voice that was quite familiar to Al for it was Master Kami himself. The old Namek had emerged from the temple of worship and walked towards the small group of warriors. "The two met for a brief battle. If memory serves, The Hybrid actually won that battle. I bring news from The Kai." Master Kami revealed. "It seems that the hour is upon us to commence the last few phases of the training. And oh?" Master Kami said as if he had just noticed Khaos there. "You have returned to us." Master Kami said. "We have never before had two prospective students undergo the trial at once." Master Kami said solemnly. "This shall be quite interesting indeed." Master Kami turned to look at Al. "Are you recovered you Master Cormyr?" Kami asked.

"I-I think so." Al said shakily. "It's a bit difficult to stand on wobbly knees. But I'm managing." Al said.

"So he has completed Endurance Training?" Kami asked Mr. Popo.

"He lasted several hours longer than his Father did." Mr. Popo responded with some pride in his voice.

"That's the type of studying I like to hear about." Master Kami said. He suddenly looked at Khaos. "You were recently in The Otherworld. Were you not?" He continued to ask questions of Khaos. "While you were gone, the situation has changed." Kami said carefully. "We must move quickly with training and proceed to the next phase as soon as you two are ready. As it is within my authority to do so, I am allowing you two to work together." Master Kami waved his hand elegantly, in a sweeping movement, towards Al and Khaos. "This trial will be the most difficult part of your training so far." Then he turned to Al. "And when you are ready, I will have you return to The Hyperbolic Time Chamber and continue your studies."

Al nodded silently when Master Kami spoke.

Al was eager to begin the next part of the trial as soon as he could.

Al moved towards Khaos and kept a respectful distance from him. "It's been a long time." Al said to Khaos. "I look forward to working alongside you instead of against you." Al managed a chuckle. "You are quite skilled. This should prove to be very interesting indeed." Al said. Then he turned towards Master Kami. So what is this trial that we must both conquer together?" Al inquired.

"Both of you must conquer the demons in your Atma." Master Kami said. "Within The Lookout, there is a Chamber that is built upon a lay line." Master Kami continued. "That Chamber contains a mechanism that will allow you two to enter The Astral Realm. Within the confines of that world, your test will be revealed to you. Two for you." Kami pointed to Al, and tapped his forehead. "And two for you." Kami pointed towards Khaos. "Defeat Four and your trial shall be complete!"

Alberdyne Word Count=1,106
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=2,218

It took several moments from the time Khaos landed until any motion was seen on the disk shaped platform that held one of the most powerful beings the earth had ever known. This being was a Namekian known simply as Kami. The being was known to be nice to those of pure heart, and would even help instill his vast knowledge into them, if trials were past. The first trial had already been passed by the Hybrid known as Khaos, it was a simple one in context, land a blow on the genie known as Mr. Popo.

Khaos reflected inward for the moments, as he stood silently and motionless. Khaos, what a fitting name he had been given. He was the unnatural offspring of an unholy alliance of a demonic entity and one known as a Shin. The Shin were basically the equivalent of angels, they were full of honor, and their one drive was to protect the planet they were assigned. Since his rebirth the first time onto the planet earth, it had been an inward struggle to keep his sanity and the demon at bay.

The longer he was breathing the longer the combination of spirits within him aligned and created one being. The survival instinct had driven this to hasten, during the battle where he had died, there was never a struggle, the souls inside him had combined to make each action count and a collective thought. Even in death some good had come from the battle. This thought brought a smile to his lips.

Lost in thought as he was, Khaos almost missed the approaching genie.

""Ah. The Hybrid." Mr. Popo chuckled kindly. "So you have returned at last, after your battle with the warrior, Goku?"

The question snapped Khaos out of his thoughts, and he answered with a nod. He didn't want his voice to betray how ashamed he was at being killed in a friendly battle. He could feel his cheeks flush slightly as he nodded.

"I once fought alongside Goku!" An excited voice exclaimed from behind the bulbous genie. This voice brought a smile to Khaos face, and not a half smile but a full one. The voice was instantly recognizable as Alberdyne's. This also explained the power he had felt as he approached the look out. Khaos' mind wandered to the fight on the Astral Plane with the young man. The way he had wielded a power that allowed him to control Khaos' own sword against him. The last he knew the man had been on a different planet. Apparently a lot of things had changed while he was dead.

"Is that Alberdyne Cormyr?" Khaos asked aloud, but before an answer came Mr. Popo kept on speaking.

"Master Khaos. Your returning means that you are ready to complete the training that you have started?" Mr. Popo asked. That day he wore a gold clock necklace attached to a gold chain around his neck. He kept his infamous smile, and had a gold tooth those days that was visible. Mr. Popo was apparently the livest. "I trust that is the reason you have returned to us. Master Kami is tending to a matter, but he will be with us shortly to reveal the next part of your training. Since you have also completed The First Trial, you are now ready for The Second Trial." Mr. Popo tapped his chin.

Once again all Khaos could muster was another nod in affirmation. The first trial ran through his head, how he had been showed up by what appeared to be a human. Except the human had actually cheated using a ki attack instead of his fist. Khaos remembered how hard it was landing an actual blow on the genie. Then reminded himself not to judge a book by it's cover. He had seen strange things since his first rebirth and the genie was at the top of the list.

Alberdyne was finally able to stand. "Ugh that sucks." Al said to himself, although Khaos could hear it. "I haven't felt this bad in a while." The voice and seeing the man rise was the answer to Khaos' earlier question he had asked.

Mr. Popo turned so that he was able to look at both Khaos and Al. "It seems that you two have some history with one another? Am I to assume correctly?" Mr. Popo asked.

Khaos went to answer aloud for the first time since his arrival, but was cut off by an unfamiliar voice, one he had not heard previously. The voice made Khaos instantly on guard, not knowing who it was coming from. "That is correct." The voice came from an old Namekian that had emerged from the temple of worship and walked towards the small group of warriors. "The two met for a brief battle. If memory serves, The Hybrid actually won that battle. I bring news from The Kai." Master Kami revealed. "It seems that the hour is upon us to commence the last few phases of the training. And oh?" Master Kami said as if he had just noticed Khaos there. "You have returned to us." Master Kami said. "We have never before had two prospective students undergo the trial at once." Master Kami said solemnly. "This shall be quite interesting indeed."

Khaos noticed the tone in the way the being spoke the word you toward him. It was almost as if he didn't trust him, but had no choice because he had proven to be worthy. This made him full of pride, he had known his past before he rebirth was littered with bad deeds, is it possible it had reached the sight and ears of Kami? During this inward inflection Kami had been speaking to and of Alberdyne, but Khaos wasn't listening. When his attention was regained Kami was speaking of the upcoming trial.

"Both of you must conquer the demons in your Atma." Master Kami said. "Within The Lookout, there is a Chamber that is built upon a lay line." Master Kami continued. "That Chamber contains a mechanism that will allow you two to enter The Astral Realm. Within the confines of that world, your test will be revealed to you. Two for you." Kami pointed to Al, and tapped his forehead. "And two for you." Kami pointed towards Khaos. "Defeat Four and your trial shall be complete!"

This trial was beyond anything Khaos had imagined, he had thought it would be some other sort of training, but nothing involving Atma, and demons. Khaos couldn't remember if he had ever had to fight his own kind. Let alone he had no idea what Atma was. Ley Lines, were something he had read about but didn't actually believe they existed. This thought made his hair stand up on his neck. He was going into something unfamiliar, and he wasn't comfortable with it.

He knew he had to grow stronger if he wanted to survive, he had to become at peace with doing stuff outside the box. He knew Kami was one of the best teachers he could have, and win or lose he had to try to complete every task he was given by this being.

"Master Kami" Khaos said as he bowed to the aged Namekian. "Where does this chamber lie?"

"Go through the prayer temple, take the stairs down into the look out and you shall find it, it will be the only door in the tunnel." The master responded.

Khaos then turned his attention to Alberdyne. He studied the man for several moments. It was apparent that the man had been through much since their last meeting, and fighting beside him was a good feeling.

"When ever you are ready my friend" Khaos said rising from the bow with a smile on his lips.


WC 1302
TWC 2367

"Let's go." Al said carefully.

Before that, he turned to Master Kami and Mr. Popo.

Mr. Popo's clock-like pendant seemed to shine brightly in the light.

"Master Kami." Al began. "Is there anything else we need for the test? We have to fight on The Astral Plane correct?"

"Al." Master Kami began. "The gate is sealed on an astral plane, you will have to use your own Ki to light the torches." Master Kami tapped his chin. "No other technique will work. I leave the actual practicality of lighting the torches up to you two. I'm sure between you two there's enough brain to figure it all out." Master Kami wore a grin on his face. Suddenly Kami became very serious. He wore a grim expression his face. He looked at Al carefully. "Al. The chamber reacts to what you bring with you inside your heart." He paused for a moment. The continued to speak. "You have been through more than most. You are one of the darkest Heroes I have ever trained. I don't know what challenge you will possibly face, but, I am giving you a fare warning of caution. This challenge will especially test you because of your past." Kami folded his arms across his chest. "I know you have let go of much of the negativity in your heart and atma, but there is still some residual darkness." Kami continued. "Al." Kami paused for a moment. "Not even your Father completed this test." Kami did not stop. "I know about what you feel towards your Father, Al. But if you pass this test you will have surpassed him in at least one matter." Kami said and continued the prophetic words. "You two will only get one chance at this." Kami then stopped talking and looked at Mr. Popo.

Al saw Mr. Popo nod.

Al knew what was going on between them, he was a Psionic. It didn't take a genius to figure out they were using Telepathy to commune with one another. However, he had already been inside Kami's head once. He didn't like that place and refused to go back. Al looked at Master Kami and Mr. Popo for a long moment. He saw Mr. Popo nod towards Al as if to say, "You're dismissed, soldier." Al turned and looked at Khaos. "You're with me, bro." Al said. Then he carefully walked in the general direction of the indicated chamber. Al was slowly developing his leadership skills. "This must be done." Al said. He walked and assumed Khaos would follow. Al thought about many matters, including the test he had not passed earlier. Endurance was one of the most difficult aspects of a Warrior's body to build up. Al had to go back and finish his heavy Endurance training in order to become one of the fiercest Heroes in the universe. Al had listened to everything that Master Kami had said. My Father did not pass this test. If I can survive this... He was determined. As Al walked, he took out his Hero's Mask and slid it over his face, completely covering it.

Al did that not to hide, but to transform.

Finally, after about an hour's worth of walking, Al and Khaos made it towards the chamber. Before Al there stood a locked Gate. But Al was Kanassan. Any other Warrior would have turned back at that point. Al turned to look at Khaos. "Stand back." Al ordered plainly. Al was slowly becoming the man he was destined to become. Al studied the symbols on The Gate. They were Namekian Elder Runes. He has a sense of humor. Al thought of Master Kami. Then, he saw that The Gate had a mechanism of some sort. Al had no knowledge of Arcane Science. But he had knowledge of science itself. He turned towards Khaos. "Hey. I can open this without dealing with The Seal." Al said with a slight growl to his voice.

Al then turned towards The Gate. He closed his eyes. He didn't always have to fall back on The Omniverse for those sorts of tasks. At that point in his life, Al had Psychic Powers at Rank 3 alongside The Kanassan Psychic Mastery. Moving into the stance of a storybook Wizard, Al began to concentrate. His mind expanded, and as he worked his power, he thought of many things. The words of Master Kami passed through his mind as he worked on beginning the training. This was only the first test. Kami had not mentioned anything about a Sealed Gate, but that Kami was an evil bastard at heart. Al focused as he had been for the past few months. Al knew the truth of Lookout Point by that point. It was one of the most advanced training centers on Earth. However, Al also knew a critical point. Hume tech has nothing on Kanassan tech. Al grinned behind the mask. As he stood there he focused, his body began to glow with the aura of psionic energy. Psychic powers was NOT Ki. It was a different electro magnetic field that surrounded the wielder. A green halo surrounded the young Warrior as he focused hard. He concentrated on the physical mechanism of The Gate, and not The Gate itself. He only needed to manipulate the machine itself. Al felt a tremendous amount of weight in his skull. The mechanism of The Gate was impossibly heavy.

However, Al had come a long way.

He was not the rash youth he once was a lifetime ago.

Things were more carefully planned out those days. Al had a much calmer view of life, and had become more strategy oriented than he was so long ago. In the beginning, Al had made a lot of mistakes. However, through the many events of his life, Al had learned to cope with his harsh life. Blood trickled from his nose as he focused on the mechanism behind The Gate. As he focused, he could feel the molecular weight of the gears behind The Gate. He knew he could have cheated, but he hadn't felt like getting on Kami's bad side again. Al knew how Master Kami functioned by that point, he was basically one of Kami's finest students. He had worked hard to obtain that sort of prestige with Kami. And it was then that he realized it had all paid off. Al had discipline at that point. Focusing, a few moments passed as he asserted his mind on The Gate. The Seal reacted for a moment, glowing sharply against Al's offending psychic assault.

Then it happened.

There was a loud clicking sound in the hallway they both stood at. Al began to growl as he felt the mechanism to The Gate begin to move. The lock was complicated, but not as complicated as Kanassan Gates were. Kami is trying to make this more complicated than it needs to be. Many students would never have gotten past this part of the trial... Physically, there was no immediate reaction. Al asserted himself as much as he possibly could, which was a very impressive amount. With is mastery of The Psychic Power, Al could move stationary objects at will. Furthermore, he could activate complex machines with enough concentration. The gears that were arrange to make The Gate move were complex for Hume locks. However, The Humes locks were still quite simple. Once you got past the complex gears and other portions of a single machine, it wasn't that bad as it would seem on the surface.

With the loud clicking sound, the gears began to slowly turn. Al commanded them to. It was a sight to behold. Once the gears reacted to Al's mind, they turned at an increasingly rapid pace. The Seal still shone brightly in protest, but Al had not concerned himself with The Seal. He would leave matters of arcane symbols to his superiors, as he was no Sorcerer Supreme. Al concentrated on what he could do and he did it well. The Gate, after protesting for only a few more moments, started to open of it's own accord. With Al as the catalyst, The Gate slowly moved upwards and into the structure.

Al continued to grin, and looked at his companion.

"We're here. Sorry that took so long. I don't have time for hokey religions and mysterious symbols. There are always ways around everything. Let's go." Al said and entered the chamber built on the lay line.

Alberdyne Word Count=1,421
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=3,639

Khaos was once again lost within his mind, like he had been for much of the time since his rebirth onto the mortal realm. From the outside looking in, some might thing it was a nostalgia, some would assume he was actually missing something that he had to leave behind in other world when he had been yanked from the afterlife. No one save for a select few with the ability to delve into others minds would know actually what was going through his brain.

The sight he had seen in the pool of water had unnerved him beyond anything most would ever suspect. Although he was far older than most would know from looking at him, and his souls had a vast amount of knowledge, he either couldn't remember or had never had anything every show him, or teach him of any sort of physical transformation. Let alone one that would make his appearance of a fallen angel.

"Your with me" Khaos heard his friend say, even though his mind was on other things.

Khaos hadn't let any one know this, but after the images he had seen inside the cavern, he was worried that had been or would be him eventually. The conversation with King Yemma just added to this feeling of dread, because in his heart he knew the last time he was on a planet he had allowed the evil within him to dominate his actions. The upcoming tasks, were he was basically going to have to fight his inner demons was making him frightened beyond belief.

The duo began to walk down a maze of corridors, the entire time Khaos could feel the energy emanating from the room they were walking towards. The hallways were all different in look, feel, and smell. Khaos was concentrating on them to distract himself. The one they were currently in had black and white tile all over including the walls and ceiling. It was lit by small torches dotting the walls.

The smell was something else, it had the odd air of Indian cooking, and garlic. With Khaos already being on edge, the combination of smells was actually making his stomach upset, mixed with the dizzying array of black and white, it took every ounce of willpower he had to keep from losing his lunch. Well he probably would have lost it all over the floor, had he eaten in the past 3 weeks.

The next hallway was much like a cavern in a mountain side, it was slate gray, and smelled musty and moldy. The lighting came in from some sort of natural lighting, a stone that glowed and eerie blue and white. The smells in this cavernous hallway actually calmed his stomach and nerves, although the chamber they were seeking was apparently situated in the back, a strange glowing glyph on the center of the door.

The glowing runic symbol was not recognizable to to the shin, demon hybrid, as they approached but apparently Alberdyne was full of surprised because he seemed to instantly recognize it, although apparently disspelling it was different than knowing what it was. Instead after they arrived at the door, there was several audible clicks as the locking mechanism was being picked by an unseen force.

"That must be the same way he took my sword from me" Khaos thought to himself.

As Alberdyne worked on the locking mechanism, Khaos' attention was fully on the glyph imprinted on the door, it was steadily glowing brighter with each of the locking mechanism's clicks. It didn't take long before Khaos realized that it was some sort of trap rune, it would not be long before it went off, if he didn't do something. He sat on the floor in a modified lotus position.

He started concentrating on remember anything that might help keep the trap from going off, the last thing he needed was for his friend to get hurt prior to the test. As he concentrated the shin soul inside him took notice and began to study the image as well, some how it recognized it a seal rune. The rune itself would explode causing a cave in if it wasn't disenchanted. The rune was similar to protection runes utilized by the shin, although off just a bit.

As he meditated the astral crystal inside his pocket glowed brightly, unknown to him or Alberdyne, due to them both concentrating on other things. Khaos' meditation was brought to an abrupt end when he heard a booming voice echo through the corridor, he opened his eyes, to see the being making such a thunderous tone. To his surprise Alberdyne was no longer there, but a young Namekian was standing facing him, once again it asked the question.

"Who is it that wishes to pass into the chamber" the voice boomed through the hallway.

Khaos sat quiet for a few more moments studying the being in front of him, almost instantly it clicked in his head, it was residual energy being produced by the rune on the door, the being was Kami when he first created the chamber. He was wearing the same clothes and even the speech was very similar. A smile came to Khaos' lips when this struck him like a boulder.

"It is I, Khaos, and Alberdyne Cormyr, we are here to undertake the trials that await inside the chamber." Khaos responded, his town sounding friendly.

"To enter the room safely one must pass my test, are you prepared to answer a riddle?" Kami's energy asked.

"That I am, I can answer anything you wish." Khaos responded just glad it wasn't a physical test this time.

"Here are the riddles, I have an Eye but can not see... I have a mouth, but can not eat, I can run but can not walk... What are these things?" The energy asked in his booming voice.

Khaos was still seated in a modified lotus position as he pondered the riddles. He knew time was of the essence, because with how fast Alberdyne had been working the lock it wouldn't be long before it exploded. The answers to the riddles came to Khaos, like he had been struck by lightning. The sudden epiphany caused him to jump to his feet, like a boot had connected to his behind.

"Its a needle and a river." Khaos stated his tone matter of factly.

"That is correct" the energy said as he vanished.

Suddenly the room was spinning and Khaos was spiraling back to reality and out of the astral realm. His spirit collided with his body, and it caused his physical form to shudder violently. He hadn't been prepared to be ripped from his body, or to be tossed back in, but when he came to the glyph was still present but was no longer glowing. It wasn't long before the door lifted and disappeared into the ceiling of the hallway.

The chamber lay ahead, the only light was coming from the crystals in the hallway. Although the four torches could be seen clearly. Khaos rose to his feet from the position he had been in, and waited for Alberdyne to lead the way, his guard up and senses keen ready in case any more traps lay ahead.

WC 1208
TWC 3575

Al was oblivious to everything that had happened to his friend. In the meantime, he had to concentrate on working the locks. Once the door was opened, the chamber within was revealed. He was certain he hadn't been in danger but one never knew with Master Kami. He didn't know what Runes were so he had no way of disarming them of his own power. Either way, Al had gotten the door open and that was all that mattered. Al wiped a little blood from off his face. It had trickled down his nostrils, and was a side effect of manipulating such a complex mechanism with his mind. Al kept his thoughts on the task at hand. Master Kami is going to make this very difficult for us I see. Al thought to himself as he waltzed into the chamber. Upon stepping into it, the room lit up with a tremendous power. It was the very physical manifestation of the lay line that the chamber was built on. Situated around the chamber were several torches that were not lit. Al felt incredible energy crackling through the air, and it had somehow invigorated The Warrior. He was certain it would have a similar effect on his friend.

Al saw the four torches in question. They were situated to form a perfect cross around the central portion of the room. Then, the walls began to light up with various Seals similar to the one that was encountered in front of the chamber. Al growled. "What the hell is this!?" Al had no knowledge of arcane forces. He was a Warrior, not a Sorcerer. Al turned to look at Khaos, when suddenly, the door which lead into the chamber closed of it's own accord. "Well shit." Al said. "I do not feel like trying to open that mother fucker again." Al saw several options. They needed to open a Gate into The Astral Plane, and Al was Kanassan. He wasn't exactly sure how Master Kami expected them to light the torches that would reveal the way. Al folded his arms against his chest thinking about everything he had learned from Master Kami. "We gotta light these damned things somehow." Al said to Khaos. "I presume we must use our power to light them somehow. Matches are probably out of the question." Al grinned, and then looked at the peculiar formation of the torches. Again, the thought that it formed a cross entered his mind.

Figuring that Master Kami would want them to use team-work anyway, Al nodded. "Okay." Al said. "I have an idea that just might do the trick." He continued to look at Khaos. "You take The South and the East point. I will take The North and the West point. This thing is configured like a cross. I know its probably a representation of some sort of Hume symbolism. But I think we're supposed to do this together. Also, take a look at the floor." Al had noticed the rather large Seal glowing on the ground and had guessed that point to be the center of the lay line. Things were starting to add up. Al closed his eyes and used Ki Sense to detect anymore hidden threats Master Kami might have conveniently forgotten to warn them about. Al focused and he could feel his mind expanding. The very air was latent with potent energies that Al only assumed were arcane in nature. Al had no such knowledge of the arcane arts. However, alongside the magical forces there was something he did have plenty of knowledge about.

The lay line was generating a tremendous amount of Ki. Al had two options, and he knew his friend had the same options. "I have a plan." Al said carefully. "I have just analyzed this room and it seems that the chamber itself is the lay line." Al said, and he knew how crazy that must have sounded. "I don't know shit about magical stuff. That's not my area of expertise. However, I do know about this." Focusing once more, Al activated Full Power Up. As he suspected, the potent Ki within the room began to swell around his aura. Al's body tensed subtly at such a powerful well of Ki. "The old man is crazy." Al suddenly said. "This place is like a Battery. A Lantern of Ki." Al knew that if the chamber were to fall in the wrong hands, it would be a disaster for them all. It can be used as a weapon if one were so inclined. Al decided that he needed to have a serious discussing with Master Kami. However, that would wait for a future date. "Shouldn't leave these things laying around." Al said to nobody in particular.

As he concentrated, he extended a hand forward. "I think we're supposed to use the Ki within this chamber. Not our own." Al had trained extensively under Master Kami and was beginning to understand the crazy old bastard. There was a method to his madness. Al had learned to respect the old Namek. Once he touched the Ki within the chamber, something he had not expected actually happened. A manifestation touched the very air of the room. Crackling with insane power, Al looked at a familiar figure. It was the girl; Cosmos. He had encountered her once before during the event that would herald a battle against Sigea. The girl was a beautiful blond girl dressed in elegant attire. She was regal and very graceful. Carrying herself in a very specific fashion. "You..." Al suddenly said. He had not expected to come across Cosmos again so soon. Al nodded respectfully to the free-floating entity. "I did not expect to see you again after that event." Al said.

"You fought bravely against The Forces of Discord." Cosmos said. "You kept your honour, Alberdyne Cormyr." Cosmos remained a few paces away from Al and Khaos. Al could only stare at the woman. "I come to bring you a warning." Cosmos continued. "The old man, Master Kami does not know you like I do. He has no idea of the trials you have undergone in your life." Cosmos said. "He is playing with the fabrics of Fate itself. Your challenge today, would be your undoing if you are not both careful." Cosmos looked at Khaos for a moment. "You who bare the name of my enemy." Cosmos began. "Your role will be critical in today's events." Cosmos said carefully. "You are torn between light and dark, but soon, all Warriors must decided between Harmony or Discord." Cosmos kept her gaze on the two Warriors. "I have come to warn you that once you enter The Gate in this room, the trial you will face will challenge you fully. You will face True Darkness." Cosmos observed the two Warriors with a soft smile on her face. "In order for you two to be victorious today, seek The Crystals." Cosmos kept smiling. "My time here is limited. I must go back to where I came from. But remember, Light is always with you." Cosmos said. Then, she began to fade.

Al had to say something. "Cosmos. Wait." As Cosmos flickered, she suddenly manifested once more. "What are The Crystals?" Al had to ask. He didn't like being sent on a fool's errand hunting fool's gold.

"They are your salvation. Against The Forces of Discord. To defeat The Warriors of Discord, you must harness their secrets. And when that time comes, you will know." Cosmos said. "Al." She said. "I know another like you..." She smiled.

Somehow, Al knew of who she spoke. "The Warrior of Light?" Al blinked. She nodded and faded away.

"Become a Hero." Cosmos said as she faded away, returning to Order's Sanctuary.

Al nodded. Then he looked at Khaos. "I was right." Al said. "The Old Man seeks to destroy us with ourselves..." Al continued. "However, we are already here. We gotta figure this out and use our resolve to win the day. I have never backed down from a challenge, and I do not intend to stop now." Al had managed to maintain his grasp on the Ki he had discovered. He wondered if the Ki was really a lay line at all after the unexpected appearance of Cosmos. Those were thoughts that would require further analysis at a later date. "Khaos." Al said. "I think we light the torches manipulating this energy pattern. The girl, is Cosmos. She is a friend." Al said in case Khaos was wondering who she was. Al knew that Cosmos oft spoke in a riddle like way. However, that had not deter him from siding with her. He had seen the other side, and did not like what the forces of Discord had planned for the universe. Even now, Chaos moved agaisnt them. Some would side with Chaos, and others would side with Cosmos, Al had to find other Warriors of Cosmos. Either way, Al concentrated. The Ki cascaded around his hand and was surprisingly warm. "This is Life." Al found himself saying. "Life creates this." Then it happened. As Al continued to focus, the first of the torches he had chosen lit up. He concentrated on the Ki more, and then, the light became brighter. The flame burst out from the very core of life itself. Al smiled at the very thought of that. "Arcane Machine." He said quietly, and then focused on his other torch. The energy was as a sphere, but cascaded up and down his arm.

A few moments later, Al had lit up the second torch he had chosen using the same process he had before. The more he focused on the energy within the room, the calmer he felt. Somehow, the fact that Master Kami intended to destroy them didn't seem as bad. Only the strong survive. Al thought. But he had learned much more since he had left Kanassa and arrived on Earth. He had met many noble Warriors and had made a few friends. He learned the true nature of Capsule. He also had learned that not all Humes were cowards as he had initially thought of them. He smiled. If he had to conquer himself, Al was certain he could do it. He wasn't sure what sort of Demons that Khaos would face, but he was certain he knew what he would have to confront for himself. A very difficult ordeal awaited him. He had been through more than most of the other Defenders of Earth. Kanassan way of life was a harsh and unforgiving one. They were a Warrior Tribe, not too different from The Saiyan Empire itself. Al saw the two torches light up.

Their flames were a purple hue that flowed from the torches themselves. Al could have sworn he saw a reflection of himself in the flames. "That's two Khaos." Al had only just then realized how much unlocking The Gate had cost him. He felt tired, but he knew he could not rest. The Trial awaited the two of them and once Khaos got his two torches lit, then it would commence. "The Light will reveal the way." Al walked over towards Khaos and extended his hand towards The Hybrid Warrior. In essence, Al was trying to pass the light on to his friend. "We should work together from here on in man. We will conquer whatever The Forces of Discord have waiting for us." However, Al had a doubt. Cosmos's warning did not sit well with him. He thought about everything she had said and considered it carefully. There was a clue in there somewhere, but Al would have needed to be at full capacity to really decipher the puzzle. He was a not a stupid man, but he was currently exhausted already from the previous actions he had taken. Al knew that he had to Rest. So he stood there quietly waiting for Khaos to draw on the power he intended to share with him. After all, he still considered The Hybrid to be a friend. A good one...

Alberdyne Word Count=2,033
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=5,672

(Continuing this as a Solo/Writing Khaos out.)

During the next few moments Al suddenly realized something. Khaos had not been there in the first place! Why was I seeing him this whole time, then? Al felt like an idiot for having thought that his friend was actually there, when he wasn't. Al stared at the blank space that was once Khaos, and he wondered exactly what had just happened. Damn, I haven't eaten in a few days, it might've been a hallucination! Al promised himself that he would take care of eating when he was done with The Trial, in the meantime, he held The Ki in his hand. Concentrating, he decided it was best to continue The Trial without Khaos. Alone. It was meant for a Kronith Warrior to walk the lonely walk to glory. Al pointed The Ki at the next torch, lit that in the same process he had used to light the first two. It had gotten easier, and he simply finished off the whole set. When that was done, the vast symbol on the floor began to glow brilliant, and rotate with increasing speed. Al felt tremendous power within the chamber at that point as it's secret was revealed.

"Al right." Al said to himself. "I got The Portal open. Now to venture within and see what awaits me." With that, Al stepped into The Portal and closed his eyes. He felt the fabric of time and space shifting around his person. Then, when he came to, he was indeed in The Astral Plane. Al saw a vast temple like structure that strangely reminded him of The Look Out Point. There was a shadowy figure further ahead, and Al felt he was ready. Approaching the lone figure Al was shocked at what he found. He has my face!? Al thought to himself as he looked at a slightly older version of himself. The Other Self looked at Al and smiled at him.

"It has been a long time, has it not?" The Other Self said. "You have long neglected me." It said. "Once you knew me quite well..."

"Who are you?" Al asked. "Why do you have my face?!"

"This temple is really a structure built by and older civilization. Not Hume as a matter of fact, but by Namek hands." The figure did not stand, but rather sat on a portion of the temple. He was quite relaxed. "It is built to see into The Atma of those who enter. And you my friend, have quite The Atma."

"I am here to complete a Trial of some sort." Al responded. "Might you be a part of this?"

"Awww, Al, my boy! I'm flattered. You caught on faster than the other idiots the crazy old Namek sent here." The speedy fellow jumped off his post and walked towards Al. The Other wore a grin on his face. "You might actually pass this whole thing. But here's the thing Kami never tells you idiots." The Other put on a cocky smirk. "We are here to end you. You see, as much as we are a part of you, we are also our own entities. I gotta tell you our dilemma, kid. Because of the locks in this place, we can't travel to your world and conquer like we would like. So we're stuck pestering his rejects until they give up..."

"You don't know me..." Al began.

"Boy, please..." The Other said. "You're not getting this at all. This Trial is on our terms. And even if you get lucky and defeat me, there are three other challenges you must face with an increasing level difficulty." The Other closed his eyes as if seeing something far away. "Awww, what happened to you now? You mad cause your friend wasn't really there? Thought you could tackle this thing with some help did you!?" The Other laughed. "It wouldn't have made a single difference, he would have brought his own bullshit to this place too and you would have simply got clobbered!"

"So let me get this straight." Al said. "You were put here by the old man. Correct?"

The Other clapped. "My, my, my. You're a clever one." Then he continued. "You see here's the problem. Kami kept us trapped here, but now his Seals are fading away and pretty soon we will be able to travel to your world." He was walking in a circle around Al as if studying him. "However, we want to have on last LAUGH. We have been planning to defeat the old man at his game. We've beaten all the others who have come to take this trial. And once we beat you, we will have enough strength to escape on our own. The Seals are fading. They can no longer keep us trapped in this zoo." The Other folded his arms across his chest. "Now then, I suppose you're thinking about how to stop us am I right?" The Other said.

"No, actually." Al responded. "I am not like the other students who have waltzed through here." Al became serious as he looked at The Master Thief. "They were told that you had to be defeated. It is not my intention to defeat you at all." Al suddenly cracked his knuckles. "No. No. No. It is my intention to finish what the old man has started, and I intend to put a stop to this once and for all."

"Oh really now?" The Other said. "And just how do you propose to do that?"

"If I outright destroy you, then you simply won't be able to scheme any longer. It's as simple as that. I am not here to defeat you. I am here to end you." Al already moved to a combat stance. "Patience has never been one of my strong points. I don't have to sit around here bullshitting all day long."

"Do you really believe that you can beat four of us?" The Other asked. "I like your heart, kid. You got the heart to get this shit done." The Other said. "You are much more ready than the other idiots ever were."

"I thank you for that. But I am not here for pleasantries. I have a Trial to overcome." Al's eyes narrowed. "If you are ready we can begin, and I will be the one who defeats you."

"Defeat me? You better be willing to kill." The Other said. "This is not a joke. We have destroyed the others of your kind for generations. You won't be the first to simply waltz in here with that kind of attitude--"

"You know what?" Al started. "I have heard enough. Are we gonna do this or not? I can go directly to fight the other three." Al said. "I am not here to waste my time after all the shit that the old man put me through."

"You kids never understood his game. He doesn't give a shit about you at all." The Other said.

"I know that you asshole. I don't care about Master Kami either. I'm not here for well wishes, or for someone's shoulder to fucking cry on. I am here to get more powerful, I don't need shit from him, or you!" Al became serious. "You're just some shit I have to defeat on my way to getting what I want. If you think I can't do it, why don't you put your money on the table so we can dance already. You're getting on my nerves!" Al yelled.

"But there's no fun...HOLY SHIT!" The Other yelled.

Al had attacked and The Game was on.

Alberdyne Word Count=1,279
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=6,951

"You know, it's guys like you I hate the most." Al said as he attacked The Other with a Ki Beam to the chest. "You think you're hot shit and won't shut the fuck up." He focused The Ki attack so it could be even more potent, using a significant amount of power. "So when someone puts you in your place, you cry foul. Just accept the fact that you are about to die." Al was serious. He focused the ki beam right at The Other's chest. There was no need to play around, Al wanted to get the job done. He had no mercy or remorse for creatures that were not even mortal. Furthermore, he had no mercy for those who were simply out to conquer. So in order to make the job quick and painless, he lashed out with the attack. Much to Al's surprise, he had caught The Other off guard. "Where's all your crap, now!?" Al taunted as he furiously attacked the creature. He didn't even consider the thing sentient. They were apparitions, they were not the same as living entities at all. Al thought about Cosmos, and he knew then that he had to put an end to the game.

This was no longer about Master Kami sending people to their deaths.

Once the ki beam was concluded, The Other clutched at his chest in pain. He started laughing. "Now." He said. "That was quite refreshing...I haven't had this much fun in some time..." The Other was bleeding from his mouth and had a serious injury where Al's attack struck. The Other stood up, his knees shaking. "I'll give you that, kid. You caught me off guard." The Other was grinning. "You will soon find out though, The Others are more challenging than I. I concede to your might." The Other said, and then he closed his eyes. It released a burst of energy, then, there was a powerful explosion as The Other revealed the second challenge.

Al saw that the second one had his face as well.

I guess they are me somehow. What Al saw next was incredulous. Instead of the traditional Kanassan Freedom Fighter's outfit, the second Other wore a P.T.O. Officer's uniform. He had absolute malice in his eyes.

"I am you if you would have sided with The Planetary Trade Organization. At some point or another, we know that you have had these kinds of thoughts and have wished to get away from legacy of your Father." The P.T.O. Other looked at Al the whole time. "Defeat me. If you can." He said.

"Straight to the point huh? I like you already. But I don't like what you represent." Al said.

"It doesn't matter." The Other said. "We are manifestation of your psyche." He moved into a combat position. "You have declared War on us. Son of Michael Cormyr." The Other said. "We are here to end the people you have sworn to protect. Their time is coming. They are not worthy of salvation and you know it." The Other said, accusing Al.

"Tch..." Al cursed.

"You have nothing to say?" The Other asked. "How interesting. You were quick to speak when The First of Four challenged you. He was your dark side, just like I am. He was as much a part of you as me."

"Go on..." Al found himself saying.

He actually wanted to learn more about The Trial he was undergoing and the true nature of his foe.

"So you are willing to listen to what I have to say?" The Other asked. "Most interesting. However, this is not a matter that needs to be discussed. You already know what is in your heart." The Other pointed towards the temple that awaited. "Somewhere in there is what you seek. The mission from that bitch, Cosmos." The Other said plainly. "The Crystal will light the way to the final Other you must face."

"The Crystal..." Al repeated. "Very well. I have a mission to complete." Al said.

"Good. Your will is strong, Alberdyne Cormyr." PTO Al looked at Al very carefully. "Face what you might have been without fear!"

***

Time passed and the battle had been intense.

PTO Al was gasping for air, as was Al himself.

The two Warriors had fought hard to get to that point. PTO Al had a smile on his face. "You have done well." The PTO Al said. "You have come a long way. Your Father did not pass this test."

"Kami told me." Al said. "It feels weird to be walking the same path my Father walked so long ago."

"Al." The PTO Al said. "You are not your Father. You can never be what he was."

Al blinked upon hearing that. "Why are you telling me this? I know that..."

"No." PTO Al said as he walked towards Al. "You have hatred towards Michael Cormyr. Even now. After all of this time and knowing what your Father has done. This hate will consume you if you allow it to. The Crystal will not manifest to those who are being eaten alive with hate." The Other smiled at that point. "You are a skilled Warrior. You may proceed to the next challenge..." Then PTO Al closed his eyes and the same process as before began.

Alberdyne Word Count=892
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=7,843

When the third form of The Other appeared, Al was not expecting what he saw next.

This seems to be manifestation of the dark in my heart. Everybody has both light and dark in them and is capable of both great evil and great good. They should see that, then why put me through this nonsense? Al had words planned for the old man, Master Kami. As a Kronith Warrior, Al had to make sure nobody else had to go through the kind of crap he was going through. He remembered Cosmos' warning at that point. She had seen The Dark in Al's heart. It made him nervous to find out what would be the final two portions of The Trial. He figured their leader would be last. They plan to destroy The Humes. I have to find a way to strengthen the old man's Seal so they don't escape from this place. Al thought to himself. Then, after a few more moments, The Other manifested once more. Al suddenly realized what he was looking at, and it pissed him off more than the first Other. The Humes had organized crime, and so did The Kanassans. There were factions within society that existed to attempt to destroy everything else.

"Hey,Al." Gang Leader Al said. "It has been a long time, hasn't it?"

"Yes it has." Al knew what he was looking at. During his more rebellious phase, Al had been part of a gang. By that point in this sad tale, they were a powerful Faction in their own right. Al would have been a significant leader for them. "You remembered that part of me. I'm flattered." Al said. "So I assume that you are The Third?" Al asked.

"Yes I am." The Gang Leader Al said. "We all have your face because we are all you. We are residents in your Atma."

"So you take on manifestations of The Dark within people's heart. That's a dirty, but useful trick." Al said. "It takes a lot of courage to confront that side of ourselves." Al mused. "Look. You are no Judicar. You cannot pass judgment on us just cause some of us may have made bad decisions..." Al said, a frown on his face.

"Al. You are learning well. But this is not about The Judicar or their followers. If you fail, it is our intention to use you." Gang Leader Al said. "This is not about the old man's fetish of seeing student's fail."

"Use me, huh?" Al said, closing his eyes. He had a strange sort of smile on his face. "I gotta admit. It's a pretty good plan. I would have done something similar given all the time that you guys have had here." Al tapped his chin. "If I beat you, will you tell me how to get The Crystal?" Al asked suddenly.

"I can give you a clue, at least." Gang Leader Al said. "But first, let me ask you something." Gang Leader Al said, and continued talking. "Are you happy with your life, Alberdyne Cormyr?" The Other asked. "You are a Kronith Warrior. From one of the finest Houses of their lot. Yet, you're stuck on this back-water planet defending a race you know to be cowards." The Gang Leader continued. "The Humes are going to destroy themselves, Al. Surely you must see that..."

Al suddenly stared at The Other. "They are worth saving." Al said. "The Humes are still a young race and got a lot to learn. But they are worth saving! I won't let you or anybody else dictate their destiny."

"Al. They are War Profiteers. Look at the world around you. All the trauma and death, the destruction. They are sealing their own doom."

"Not all of them are evil." Al said. "Free Will is the right of ALL Living Beings." Al had finally figured The Others out. "I have seen your kind before though too many times. You preach, yet don't have anything to sell. You get followers, yet you would consume them at the same time without mercy. You initiate Wars and other atrocities against life. You would conquer all. And I don't see you stopping with The Humes."

"Oh, really now?" Gang Leader Al asked. "You think you got this all figured out don't you?" Gang Leader Al shook his head. "You are wrong on one point." Gang Leader Al said. "It is not our mission to conquer. I can tell you one thing at his point. You have chosen to follow Cosmos." Gang Leader Al said. "Our leader is The God of Discord."

"Chaos..." Al said carefully and blinked. Al suddenly laughed. "So." He began. "The old man finds a few servants of Chaos somewhere and seals them up in The Lookout. How quaint. Now it's my task to mop up after his shoddy dirty work." Al shook his head and shrugged. "If you ask me." Al began. "I would have aborted this Fool's Quest already if I knew the score."

Gang Leader Al began to clap. "Nicely said, Alberdyne Cormyr. But you're here now. You could save yourself a lot of trouble and simply side with us. I know you hate the old man, too."

"You expect me to side with Chaos after all of this?" Al asked. "Look. I know the scheme. Your kind has nothing to offer. Power? Riches? Immortality? False promises man. You're all high and mighty thinking you manipulate the whole damn thing. You're pathetic." Al said. "You offer stuff to people and then take away their souls in the same breath. I'll have none of it!" Al yelled.

"You intend to go through with the rest of The Trial?" Gang Leader Al asked. "If I don't destroy you, The Fourth will."

"Cut the shit man." Al suddenly said. "I already said I know your game. Look. I have busted my balls to get to where I am now. I am on the side of Cosmos. I have chosen to walk this path. You can take it or leave it, but I won't be lectured to by some asshole. Not even, my Dad lectures me!" Al was angry. "Are we gonna fight or not? Cause I can go directly to look for The Crystal on my own and get this shit over with." Al said.

That caught Gang Leader Al off guard. "You would seriously just bypass me? I am hurt, man. I thought you had more respect than that."

"Look, asshole." Al said. "I don't know that you think you know about me, but I am not my Father. You don't play by the rules, so why should I? You think this whole shit about breaking and bending things works for just you? I may be on the side of Cosmos, but I am not a damned pawn." Al was serious. "I have chosen this path to become a Champion. And I will do just that." Al suddenly drew his sword. "I won't let you, or anybody else stop me. Not even The Humes I have sworn to protect."

Alberdyne Word Count=1,196
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=9,039

Staring at The Other, Al was ready.

Al watched as The Other also drew a weapon and moved into a basic sword stance.

Gang Leader Al wore a smile on his face and that caused Al to be extremely angry.

"We'll see just how far you've gotten, Son of Michael Cormyr!" Gang Leader Al said.

"You'll see." Al responded. "You'll see. I am NOT my Father. I am my own man. I walk my own path, where that may lead me. I have accepted responsibility for my own shit." Al suddenly dashed at Gang Leader Al with a Rush Attack, fully utilizing his sword. Al ran across the field with his weapon at the ready. He suddenly took a swipe at Gang Leader Al with an elegant slash. It was not powered by Ki. Al rarely fell back to using Ki moves, as he despised them. They never worked when they needed to, and most Warriors liked to dodge or counter anyway. So Al preferred doing things the old fashioned way. As Al moved, Gang Leader Al countered with a well placed parry strike against Al's sword. Al grinned. "So, you have skill." Al said. "This has been an interesting event." Al said. He held his weapon against Gang Leader Al's weapon.

"So you would say." Gang Leader Al said. "You are one of the most skilled of the brats that the old man has sent our way." Gang Leader Al wore a satisfied expression on his face. "Breaking you will be more satisfying."

The sword-lock continued as sparks flew from the edge of their weapon. "The old man is a poor judge of character." Al said. "He's been sending you nothing but punks to feed off of. I'm not them."

Gang Leader Al's sword was not as large as Al's broadsword was. The two swords were of different quality and make. Gang Leader Al's sword was a Kanassan's sword and had Kanassan aesthetics to it. Al pushed his weight against Gang Leader Al's strength. Surprisingly enough, Gang Leader Al possessed a tremendous amount of power and could hold his own agaisnt Al. Al could feel the power behind his nemesis's attack. The two interlocked swords for a few moments longer, and then, Gang Leader Al suddenly slashed downward with incredible strength! Al was not a push over, and he was almost caught completely off guard by Gang Leader's Al burst of power. Gang Leader Al slashed towards Al's body when he had freed himself from Al's grasp. Al suddenly back stepped, dodging the incoming attack to his stomach. He held the handle of his sword and pulled it with him. Gang Leader Al had struck nothing but air. Al cursed as he had barely moved. The slash had still managed to barely lick Al's skin and create a slice of flesh. Blood streaked out of the wound, but it was not serious. Al looked down for a moment as his blood was spilled. Then, he looked at Gang Leader Al.

"Nice..." Al said, anger in his voice. He felt a searing pain where his body has been cut. He was lucky he had moved just in time. Al wasn't fast, but he was not completely slow either. He put a hand against the injury and looked at Gang Leader Al. "I don't know how you just did that, but it was a good move." Al said. "But I can't loose here. Not yet. I have a mission to fulfill."

"I will say this, Al." Gang Leader Al said carefully. "You have taken your injury well in my eyes. In adherence to The Trial, I deem you worthy to pursue The Fourth. However, please know The Fourth of Four is not one of us. He is a stronger form. He is you and not you at the same time. You will need the light of your Crystal to reveal this last challenge. Al..." The Gang Leader said. "You are strong. Never loose sight of yourself."

"Hey..." Al said with a soft smile on his face. "You weren't that bad a guy either." Al smiled. "Remain strong too. I hope we can meet again someday under better circumstances..." Al said. Then started to walk slowly towards The Temple that contained The Fourth. And his Crystal.

Al knew he needed to find The Crystal first. But how?! Al thought to himself. He had already undergone a significant ordeal to get to the last point of The Trial. Not even my Father made it this far... Al felt bitter sweet about the journey ahead. He had surpassed his Father, in something. This is my story. I am a Hero now. Al thought to himself as he entered The Temple. It did not dawn on him that the structure itself was a weapon. Al was already tired and hurting, so he wasn't as analytically sharp as he normally was. It didn't even dawn on him that he could simply have used Ki Sense all along to locate The Fourth, but he wanted to pass the whole ordeal as it was meant to be done. Al was not a cheater, he didn't believe in shortcuts. He would work honestly through every challenge that life brought him. He clutched as his injury as he explored The Temple. Truth be told, Cosmos had not explained what The Crystal even was. How am I supposed to find this thing, if I don't know what it is?! Then, Al stumbled upon a large throne room. Well, at least it appeared to be a throne room. On a throne at the far end was The Fourth. He was not surprised at that point that The Fourth had his face. However, unlike the other three, this manifestation seemed completely independent of The Temple's rules. Al immediately noticed that The Fourth was significantly older than Al was, unlike the others. The Fourth had his hands clasped underneath his chin, and he had his eyes closed. Al studied him carefully. He was dressed regally, the attire of an emperor. The Fourth had a heavy beard, and his dreadlocks were platinum in colour.

The Fourth had an aura of extreme potency around him. Finally, as Al approached him The Fourth opened his eyes.

"Alberdyne Cormyr." He began. "You have done well to make it this far. I have been waiting a long time for you. Your Father, did not face this last challenge." Overlord Al said. Overlord Al stood up from his throne for a moment. "You know who our Master is." Overlord Al said. "There is no avoiding this." Overlord Al had an extreme hatred and fury in his eyes. Almost as if his eyes were storms. "You are likely wondering about The Crystal that you are supposed to find are you not?" Overlord Al asked.

"You have my face too...tch..." Al said carefully. "I am actually but The Crystal can wait. I am here to put a stop to this. Chaos's forces will not be victorious today." Al said. He had chosen his path. "As I told your servants. I am here to finish what my Father couldn't. He made a mistake in not finishing this part of the training. He would have mopped the floors with you." Al smiled, confident as ever.

"Your Father...Our Father..." Overlord Al said with a strange accent to his voice at that point. Almost a hint of sadness. "You have come to realize what we are by now, have you not?" Overlord Al asked.

"I have." Al responded. "I feel pity for your cause. It sucks to get trapped by someone like the old man. I feel you, I really do. But you intend to destroy The Humes in the process of escaping. That I cannot allow." Al said.

Overlord Al sighed for a moment. "Then it is decided." Overlord Al said. "We shall duel. However, there is one rule."

"State it." Al said.

"The one who walks out of here victorious, decides the other's Fate." Overlord said harshly.

"Still trying to write rules are you?" Al asked. "You don't understand who you are dealing with despite the fact you have my face. Tch." Al looked at Overlord Al with the most serious expression he could conjure. "I do-not accept your terms, Demon." Al began. "We fight. Then that will be that. You do not have the right to choose my fate. Others who have come through this chamber might have been suckers. But I am not them. I am Alberdyne Cormyr!" Al yelled.

Overlord Al clapped as the others had. "Most interesting. You are either very brave or very foolish, Son of Michael Cormyr." Overlord Al continued. "Very well, we shall battle to the end is decided. No fancy rules, no contracts, no bullshit. I have long awaited this moment." Overlord Al, suddenly Powered Up. "I will CONSUME YOU! And destroy every last Hume!" Overlord Al moved into a very arrogant combat stance.

Al responded in kind and moved into a basic sword stance. "You are not leaving this chamber alive, monster." Al promised.

Alberdyne Word Count=1,521
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=10,557

"You are a worm." Overlord Al said. "All the others before you were worms as well, ignorant of the truth of the matter." Overlord Al powered up and began to glow with a dark power.

Suddenly, Al started laughing. "Really?!" Al thought of everything he had faced to get up to that point, The Final Challenge. "You're the best that your people could come up with? An Overlord version of ME!? You've insulted me by thinking that I could ever side with Chaos." Al limped towards The Overlord. "You. You're fucking pathetic. You pray on the weak, but when someone like me comes your way you get all loopy on me. You don't seem to get what is at stake here." Al said. He was insulting The Overlord. "I get that somehow you guys are different sides of me. I get that. But you are not me. I AM ME!!! You worthless trash. You don't even have your own identity. I'm supposed to be impressed because you have taken a title that you have not earned?" Al shook his head. "The sad part is, you think you are hot shit, that you're scaring me somehow. You have no idea the shit I've been through." Al suddenly performed a Rush Attack with his sword at the ready towards The Overlord. "I have earned my story. You cannot and WILL not take that away from me. I won't allow you to!"

When Al was within striking distance, something happened.

Something that Al had not expected would ever occur.

The Overlord had been waiting for him and released an attack of his own. True, Al's attack did connect. Fresh ichor spilled everywhere and Al could feel it land with a heavy splash on his person. The Overlord did something that caught Al completely off guard. He had unleashed the full effects of Psychic Powers and joined their minds together with a powerful assault. Al dove face first right into it. Immediately, the world spun around Al and he found himself in The Overlord's mind. Still moving with the mechanics of a Rush Attack. Once his movement had concluded Al landed. He found himself in a ruined city of some sort and guessed that it was The Demon's Realm that he had been sucked into. Al smiled at that thought. He could feel The Overlord in his head even as the two had become as one entity. The Overlord approached Al, but to Al, it felt as though he were all around him. When The Overlord spoke, it was as if he was hearing the fellow right in his ear. Al had adopted a loose, and relaxed combat position with his sword pointing to the ground.

"Al." The Overlord said. "I brought you here because I wanted to show you something."

"Listen. You have nothing to say to me." Al responded. "But. That doesn't mean a I am a cruel animal. Go on. I am listening."

Reality flickered around the two Warriors. When it settled Al suddenly saw something he would not have wanted to see. It was Master Kami speaking with his Father; Michael Cormyr. Why are you showing me this!? Al suddenly thought out loud. There was no response. Al knew that Michael had not actually completed the training under Master Kami. Al was looking at The Overlord's memory and was floating slightly above Master Kami and Michael. They were talking, no, they were arguing. Michael appeared a lot younger than his current age. Al was hovering as he listened in on the conversation that the two were having.

"You must complete the training!" Master Kami yelled, frustrated.

"Do you think I am an idiot?" Michael said. "If you do, then you have not gotten to know me at all." Michael was pacing back and forth which was a bad habit of it when he rarely lost his temper. Al had seen his old man do it more than once. "You send these kids on a suicide mission, and expect things to be okay between you and them. Then, you are analyzing their secrets and stealing their power!" Michael clenched his fists. "This is not sitting well with me at all!" Michael yelled. "I don't accept this and I refuse your training." Michael began to walk away.

Kami suddenly reached towards Michael and grabbed his shoulder. Big mistake. Al knew his Father well. Master Kami did not know what kind of a man his Father was.

Before Kami could do anything to him, Michael smacked Kami's hand away.

"You have made your last mistake, Namek." Michael said. Al knew what that meant. Michael was gonna kill Kami. Al tensed as his Father grabbed Kami by the collar. For the first time, Al saw Master Kami actually afraid. The two stared at each other for a long moment. Then, finally, Michael released Kami. "You're not worth the effort old man. You can't stop me from leaving." Then, Michael left and Kami put his head down.

Then, the scene shifted again.

This time, it was one of Kami's memories. Al watched on as Kami confronted four figures with their leader standing ahead of the other three. Al immediately saw that the four had Kami's face at the time. A confrontation occurred and it appeared that Overlord Kami was about to defeat Kami. When suddenly, Kami called upon desperate tactic and used a secret Namekian power to seal away the four within The Astral Plane. Al had not known what Kami had actually done. But he presumed it was a Namek technique of some sort. So. Even then you did not confront these things but locked them away. Then you expect us to clean up after your messes. Tch. I can see why my Father turned his back on you, Kami. But Al was no longer as proud as his Father was. Al wanted to stand out, and walk his own path. When the vision faded he stared right at The Overlord.

"What do you want?" Al asked. "Why have you shown me this, Demon?"

"What I want is to be set free." The Overlord said. "We were imprisoned by the old man. And our time has come. Even now the locks that hold us here are weakening, the old man grows weak." The Overlord said. "I need your help, Al."

Al shook his head. "What you ask is impossible." He looked at The Overlord very carefully. "The problems I have with the old man are not your concerns. I am sorry he has done this to you." Al nodded carefully. "However, it is your fate to remain here away from The Humes. You are a fool if you thought I would sympathize with someone who wishes to destroy the people I have sworn to protect!" Al continued to stare at The Overlord. "I have come to put an end to this and succeed where my Father has failed before me." Al looked at The Overlord and saw that he had a sad expression on his face. That troubled The Kronith Hero. However, he had a mission to fulfill and he could not allow such a thing to stop him. He had chosen his fate. "It is time to end this." Al said.

"Do your worst, Hero." The Overlord responded in kind.

Alberdyne Word Count=1,231
Alberdyne TOTAL Word Count=11,788

Stepping out of the chamber, Al had gone a long way.

After he defeated The Overlord, and therefore, his subordinates, Al was victorious and passed his test.

With the death of The Overlord, there was a sudden burst of powerful energy. Al looked as his Crystal manifested. It appeared before him, and he smiled carefully looking at the brilliant light. The light filled him with it's warmth and Al took The Crystal in his hand. It was a golden hued stone of some sort, exotically shaped to represent the goodness in Al's soul. "Thank you. Cosmos." Al said, and placed The Crystal in his packs. Once that was done, there was a brilliant burst of energy that resonated from The Crystal and the old man's Seal was strengthened once more. The act would ensure that the prisoners were kept trapped in that place, where they belonged. Al felt serene and at peace. He had seen a glimpse of a younger Michael Cormyr going through some of the same stuff he had been through. For some reason, the hatred in his heart had been let go and he felt a tremendous weight lifted off his shoulders. "Is this...peace?" Al asked. Al immediately decided that he rather liked the feeling.

The Demons he had faced had all been some aspect of The Dark in Al's soul. He thought about the last few moments against The Overlord, and what it had tried to do. I can never let a Demon ever corrupt me. Al thought. This is the path I believe in. Al saw that The Gate opened up once more, and he limped out of the chamber. The cut that he had received during the battles was still bleeding and had not been cauterized. He used his sword to balance himself as he walked. Struggling. He had injuries all over, and blood freely trickled down his lips. One of his eyes was shut from the swollen injury he had received. He was in the hallway as he walked, moving towards where he knew the rejuvenation tank was. When he saw Kami and Mr. Popo up ahead. He walked towards them, and kept a distance away from Kami. Al knew what the old man was capable of doing. He had seen the old man's head and he did not want to enter it again. Al wiped some blood from his mouth.

"Is your task completed?" Master Kami asked.

Al simply nodded. "It is done."

"What about The Seal?" Master Kami suddenly said.

"Are you asking if they will escape?" Al asked in return.

"Yes...I am." Master Kami said.

"The Seal has been strengthened once more. And The Overlord is dead." Al looked at Master Kami. "I know, Kami, what you have done here."

"Oh?" Master Kami responded. "And what is it that you think you know?"

Al tapped the side of his bruised head. "It's up here, old man." Al said. "Before I killed him, The Overlord showed me a few things. Things that you would never have shown me." Al sighed. "You told me that my Father did not completed the training you offer because he was an arrogant prick. My Father is a lot of things, but a prick he is not." Al meant everything he was saying. "I saw the time you confronted my Father. You tried to do it to him, and he saw right through you. Kami. You are a bastard." Al suddenly said. "But. I am not a fool." Kami was prepared to speak, but Al cut him off. "No. You will hear what I have to say." Al continued to stare at Master Kami, the fury was in his eye. "Training Warriors is fine. But stealing their power is not. I am telling you to cease this whole business." Al then walked all the way towards Master Kami. "And Master Kami." He said, then spit blood at Kami's feet. "I am going to finish what I have started, but on MY terms. NOT yours." Then Al did the unthinkable.

Suddenly, he struck Master Kami across the head with a powerful punch.

Al soon passed after that from the injuries he had sustained.

~FIN~

Alberdyne Word Count=702
Alberdyne FINAL Word Count=12,490