A/N: When you're on a roll, you're on a roll. And here we go with Chapter 5! As always Read, Review, and Enjoy! :)
Disclaimer: refer to chapter 1...
Chapter Five: A… Peculiar Start
The sun had barely touched the horizon, when Ryuki made his way toward the courtyard. It wasn't so much that he was anxious as he was bored with the pace of the Academy. Everyday was the same: either reap souls, which was a depressing chore, or do honorly activities that held no merit. The Gladiator was wasting his time here ever since Mao's father had died; however, this adventure that Asagi was going to embark on could help him find solace in his duties or at least himself.
Arriving at the courtyard, Ryuki saw that it was barren. Not surprised, he went over to the Weapon Shop and lay down on the counter. Looking at the ceiling, Ryuki thought about everything that had yesterday. Minutes went past before he heard the footsteps of someone else enter the courtyard. When they stopped, Ryuki asked, "You restless?"
"Not so much," said a familiar feminine voice. "How about you? Upset that you have to stop reaping souls for a while?"
"Nope. I'll just make do with our opponents' souls, Celeste." He looked over to the Force Knight who was resting on the statue. "Anyway, how do you think Asagi will do?"
"No clue," said Celeste as she sat down in a fetal position. Looking at Dimensional Gate, she said, "But that's fine. This'll be a change of pace, you know?"
"Yeah…"
The two sat in silence not knowing what to say to one another. It had been a while since the two had been alone, but it didn't feel awkward. This is how they always were, not having anything to say to each other, but wanting to tell each other everything. At total peace in this silence, the two didn't notice as two sets of footsteps entered the courtyard minutes later. Disrupting this peace was a voice that said in a mocking way, "Aww, aren't they so cute together?"
"Heh, looking at them makes me wanna throw something up. Listen if you're going to be in a relationship, you should just do it as many times as you can then move on to the next broad. Plain and simple!"
"The jealous and the tactless have arrived," said Ryuki in a dry tone without taking his eyes off of the ceiling. "I guess that it's only four vassals this time… Maybe a monster-type will join up with us…"
"Yeah, and once it show its worth, you can reincarnate him," said Celeste with a smile.
"Then Ryuki and the reincarnated monster could become like best friends and rivals vying for the position of second in command!" said Yui excitedly.
"Then once it's all said and done, the monster will ditch us without any regard to how we'll take it," said Reio depressingly. He glared at his comrades, "Screw trying to act like looking for a replacement for Versace will change things. He was a bum, who got lucky, then bailed. Four deep, we're better off in my opini-"
"Sorry to burst you younglings' bubbles, but I too shall participate in this expedition." Everyone, except Ryuki, looked to the source of the voice to find Aramith the Prophet. Not intimidated by their glances, the prophet hovered to the center of the group and continued, "I hope that you would treat me as though-"
Suddenly, a angered Reio walked up to Aramith with his Thrill Sucker unsheathed and yelled, "We don't need you old man! We're a four man group plus our Master! Anyone else would just be unnecessary baggage, so it'd be in your best interests to go back to where ever the hell you came from before I-"
"Shut up Reio," interrupted Ryuki, still with his eyes focused on the ceiling.
"What the hell Ryuki?! I'm not going to let some decrepit old man-"
"Again, shut up," said Ryuki, this time he sat up on the counter still looking at the ceiling. "Many fools have challenged Aramith to die before they could even see him carry out his attacks. I do agree that we don't need him, but I'm also not against him joining if he wishes to. Except for Celeste, we're heavy on the physical side, our master included, and since he's also known to know some decent healing spells, he could be an invaluable asset… Even though we are a 'four man group plus our Master'…"
Everyone was silent following Ryuki's statements, but not for long as less than a minute later, Asagi came flipping down, in magnificent fashion, into the courtyard, her pistols out, and her face and body language revealing that she was more than ready to take stage as the main character. However, a quick of her vassals, caused the Overlord to get quite upset. With everyone barring Ryuki looking at her with puzzled looks, Asagi blurted out, "Looks like this is it! It's time to begin this story right." She put two fingers in her mouth and whistled. Moments later a swordsman of the Kengou class appeared to her left. "This is Vurt Konnegut, he will be the narrator for the story!"
"Hello," said Vurt in a warm mature low voice that commanded those in range of his voice to listen.
Immediately Yui shot her hand up. "What is it er,… Yu.. Yu… you!" said Asagi, forgetting that she had chewed Yui out the day before.
"Uh, if he's the narrator and this IS a fanfic, then who's been doing the narrating up until now?" She quickly added, "By the way, my name is Yui. We've met…"
"No asking questions that'll destroy the moral fabric of this universe!" commanded Asagi. "I just got my game back, and I want everything to be perfect. So don't ruin it!" Yui nervously nodded. Pleased, Asagi looked at Vurt and said, "Well you know what to do!"
"But of course."
-Out in the Space-
[Sparkle, To Become A Star plays]
Out in the universe, there is a planet on which living beings dwell. On this planet there are companies that mass produce video games. Amongst these companies, there was a game that was supposed to destroy the very fiber on which SRPGs (Strategy Role-playing Games) were based on… And that is where this story WOULD have begun… if that game hadn't been canceled, so it goes.
[Cuts to a picture of Asagi] Our tale follows the ex-heroine Asagi, who has become well versed in the ways of the hero (After being beaten by her fair share of main characters of course). Enduring countless trials and defeats, Asagi finally proves her worth by defeating two Overlords and regaining her claim for the lead spot in a game. Now with the spotlight shining brightly, this young and beautiful human girl sets off on a quest for justice… the likes never seen before. SIN America presents Disgaea: Revenge of the Fallen.
The Cosmos hath no fury like a Main Character scorned…
-The Courtyard-
"Well?" Asagi asked her vassals who were looking at her and Vurt as though they had plungers for heads.
Ryuki jumped off of the counter and smiled at his Master. "This is going to be epic. You have charisma Master, and purpose! I believe I'm going to enjoy this."
[Capture the Universe In This Hand plays]
Enlightened by her vassals words, Asagi did a dynamic jumping spin flip, landing directly in front of the Dimensional Gate. Turning to look at her vassals, she said valiantly with her hands on her hips, "Alright everyone, it's time to avenge all of the fallen games and character designs! And to get my revenge on those 'protagonists'," she said the last word using air quotes. "Who have pitied me for years!" She faced the Dimensional Gate. "We'll face a multitude of demons and Overlords, we'll probably we overwhelmed at any moment… Will you all still accompany me?"
"Yes Ma'am!"
A single tear fell dropped from her right eye. Wiping it away, she yelled, "Alright then! Let's go!!" before running through the gate with her vassals right on her heels.
-Laharl's Castle: Front Gate-
[Lord Laharl's Hymn dimly plays]
"WOOOOOOOW!!" exclaimed Asagi at the sight of Laharl's castle. It was more… pleasant and big than the rumors said. After a minute of awe, she realized that they were directly outside of the castle. Upset, she shrugged it off, pulled out her bazooka, and blasted the gates to dust. Amused, she said slyly to herself, "Looks like your gates bit the dust."
"Well that is definitely one way to infiltrate the castle," Aramith said. "Master Asagi, perhaps you should-"
"Move it Prophet," yelled Ryuki in the distance. The group had already begun their ascent of the castle. "If you get caught, Asagi said she's going to come back to get you AFTER she fights Adell, which should be near the end of the game!" Not needing to be told twice, Aramith began to follow as their new Overlord set out for her first target, Hero Prinny!
-Laharl's Castle: Floor 19-
[Do Your Best, Girl plays]
"M-M-Master Asagi," panted Yui. "Could you… slow down a bit? You're clearing… these floors way to fast… I can't keep up!"
"What's the matter thief, got no stamina?" taunted Reio menacingly.
"N-n-no… it's not that…"
"It's not my fault," said Asagi innocently. "If they had better security other than those worthless Prinny's… Hey look at this room!" she suddenly said taking note of the room. It was blindingly beautiful with a multitude of glittery treasures everywhere, and a vibrant royal red carpet, that sat upon gold tiles, the led from both staircases. It seemed to be something that only a swine could fully appreciate.
"We're demons right?" asked Ryuki to his crew. They all replied positively. "Well with ALL this… 'worthless' stuff just sitting here, no one would care if we just… took it all with us!"
As Ryuki and his crew took steps towards the treasures a resounding "HALT You Demons!" rang throughout the room. The five demons plus an Overlord tensed up not knowing who or what to expect.
[Battle Comrade plays]
"When evil reveals itself, when all seems lost," said a red masked human proudly, who flipped to his current position, in front of Asagi and her vassals, from behind one of the piles of treasures.
"We emerge to protect the defenseless… even though recently we've been losing… A LOT…" said a blue masked human energetically who appeared just like the red one before him.
"Our five… er, I mean seven lights take to action," said a yellow masked human lazily.
"Fudo! Fudo! Leehs gooh! Transfomu!" said a mentally inclined orange masked human.
"Er, uh, umm, I'm not supposed to be here," said a violet masked hero while trembling. "I got suckered into doing this for the money and benefits… Neither have I received may I remind-"
"Neo Power Super Squad! Prism Rangers!" interrupted the remain four, while they all did their signature poses.
"Umm, not to burst your bubbles or anything," began Asagi. "But you said seven, but you only have five. Was that on purpose or what?"
"No no no no no, we have two more rangers! I-I-I swear!" stuttered Prism Red. "After Mao was taken down, I got my name back, and a mysterious but awesome Prism Pink joined our ranks! A-and Green's just sick today!"
"So, you're trying to make us believe that ya'll aren't having sausage feasts by making up some random Prism Pink broad," asked Reio.
"Yeah that's it! That's what- wait a minute that's not what I-"
"No takebacks," snapped Yui. "You guys are sad. Hey, Ryuki, how about we become Prism Rangers? I'll be Prism Black!"
"I'll be Prism Pink," said Celeste while eyeing Ryuki, which made the Gladiator blush.
"Heh, I'm Prism Green then!" roared Reio with his weapon drawn.
"I'm Prism Red!" said Ryuki and Asagi simultaneously. After a bit of arguing between the two, it was decided that Ryuki would be Prism Red, whereas Asagi would be the uber cool Prism White. Not deciding to participate in the bickering, Aramith was dubbed Prism Grey (since he was old…).
"Hey, hey you fiends!" yelled Prism Red. "You can't take our colors! That's just not nice! It's deplorable, and if Prism Pink were here she'd-"
"This is boring," sighed Asagi. She held her pistols at the ready. "Well that was nice and all, but we'll be going now!" The Overlord rushed the Prism Rangers taking all five by surprise. She fired multiple shots off at awkward angles, yet due to the amount of screams that were heard, she must have been hitting something. Seconds later, our heroine holstered her pistols and continued with her ascent, leaving the five Rangers stuck in their place before they're bodies fell to the ground like sacks of fleshy stones.
"Heh," chuckled Ryuki. "Get off your butts! Playtime's over!" He yelled as he dashed to catch up with his master.
"Well, at least we got a short break," sighed Yui as the rest of the group hurried to catch up with their leader and their Master.
-Laharl's Castle: Floor 46-
[Footsteps of a Mischievous Demon plays]
Upon arriving to the floor, the group is met by a group of five multicolored Prinnies. Ryuki, using common sense, said aloud, "Oh crap, don't tell me that they're-"
"We are Master Etna's loyal servants, dood," said the Prinny God (black).
"Well, not so much loyal, dood, as we are fearful of her," said the Gen. Prinny (yellow).
"We take down all intruders that try and steal her treats, dood," said the Col. Prinny (purple).
"Even though we have to work twenty three and a half hours a day, dood. With no days off, and no holidays, AND we get paid in fish…" said a disgruntled Cpt. Prinny.
"Even so, WE ARE," started the Pvt. Prinny.
"The Prinny Rangers! DOOOOD!!" they all said in unison.
A comedic sweat drop appeared on Ryuki's forehead. "I can't believe they actually did that…"
"It was cute," said Asagi as she pulled out a cellphone. "Unnecessary and long, but cute." She pressed a number on the phone and a few seconds later a Pvt. Prinny appeared right next to her. Turning to the new member of the group, Asagi said, "You want to be reincarnated real soon right?"
"Sure thing, dood!"
A smile appeared on the Overlord's face. "Ryuki, when we get back, reincarnate this poor soul?"
"Sure, but Asagi why would you-" All of a sudden, Asagi picked up her Pvt. Prinny and lobbed it at the Prinny Rangers. Unsure of what to do, the Prinnies started tripping and began running around in circles… That is until Asagi's Prinny finally landed and exploded, causing the Prinny Rangers to do the same. As soon as the dust cleared Ryuki hastily got Asagi's Prinny's soul and put it in the pocket with his cloak. Before he could confront his Master on what had just transpired, Asagi had begun her ascent once more…
-Laharl's Castle: Courtyard-
[Witch Hunting plays]
"Witch Hunting huh," said Asagi enthusiastically. "This means a hard fight is soon to ensue."
"Asagi hold on," said Ryuki. He was fine, but the rest of the group wasn't faring the same. "Stop rushing head first into this! What if a trap springs, and you need our help, but we can't get to you?"
"We'll think about THAT when we get to it," said the Overlord as she took out one of her pistols and pointed it at Ryuki's heart. "However, if you want to challenge me, I'm right here baby, I'll show you why when children see me, their unborn great-grandchildren piss their pants!"
"Finally, we caught up- wait Master! Ryuki! What's going on!?" yelled Reio wield his weapon, unsure of who to point it at.
"So, this is how it's gonna be, ay chumps? Guess I'll gut you now like the weak Boggarts that you…" suddenly Asagi snapped back to normal. "Uh, what was I saying…? Nevermind, let's keep going!" She began to run off.
"Wait a minute!" said Ryuki as she chased after her. He hadn't taken five steps when he was able to get a grasp on her shoulder. "Hold on! You can't keep-" The two were suddenly surrounded by a red light, then they disappeared.
"Crap! Everyone heads up, invisible Geo Panels," roared Reio to the rest of the group, who all took up arms. A few minutes later, a lone Prinny showed its face on the other side of the courtyard. "Gah! Another damn Prinny?! The hell is with the lax security?"
"Judge me not on looks, dood, but on skill," the Pvt. Prinny said.
"A Prinny's a Prinny," yelled the Marauder. "You guys suck, and I'll prove it just like my Master would!" Reio tensed up in preparation to attack.
"Hold on Reio," called out Celeste. "Don't go in without a plan! We don't want to end up like Ryuki and Master. We have to stick together!"
"HA! As if I'm going to strategize on how to beat ONE Prinny. You've been hanging around weaklings too long, Celeste."
"I am no ordinary Prinny, dood. I have been trained by one of the best ninja's out there, dood."
"A load of bull," challenged Reio.
"Hmph." The Prinny pulled out a pair or weights and put them on. "I have some things to tell you, dood. I have two unique Evilities, dood. One gives me +20% stats per each Prinny other than myself when I have less than fifty percent of my health; the other gives me a skill, dood, when I'm at less than thirty percent health."
"Big deal," said Reio, not at all frightened by the Prinny's skills.
"Also, I have one of Etna's special red scarves, so you can't throw me, dood," said the Prinny as he put on said scarf.
"Why is he telling us his abilities," wondered Yui aloud. "Won't that just give us a handicap?"
"You'll check my status anyway, dood, so this is more effencient. Anyway, you brute, are you ready?"
"I'll kill you!"
Reio made a beeline toward the Prinny, who stood still while making hand seals with his flippers. A few seconds later, once Reio was halfway across the courtyard, the Prinny finished his seals and said, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Suddenly Reio was surrounded by upwards of fifty Prinnies.
"You cheap bastard," yelled Reio as he was forced to stop his advance.
"And another thing, dood," said a Prinny among the mass of them. "All of my Prinny clones may have 1 HP, but they also have my first Evility, the +20% boost!"
"Son of a-"
"I told you to cool off," shouted Celeste to her comrade in trouble. Deciding to take charge, she said, "Yui, you stay here. They may try to destroy the Dimensional Gate leading back to the Academy, so you have to protect it." The thief nodded. "Aramith, you go out as far as you can so that you can aid both Reio and Yui if need be."
"Yes ma'am."
"Alright guys, let's finish up here so that we can help out Ryuki and Master!" declared Celeste as she, Yui, and Aramith proceeded to their positions for the battle. Making her way toward Reio, only one thought was on her mind, "If Ryuki's alive, I'll beat him up once this is done…"
-Prinnies' Quarters-
Rolling headfirst into this new area, Asagi held her head as she tried to get her wits about her. "Darn warrior," she muttered to herself. "When I see him again I'll-" She cut herself short as she saw what she had initially come to Laharl's Castle for, Hero Prinny! She walked up behind the unsuspecting Prinny with her pistols out, and said, "Long time, no see, huh coach?"
"AHHHH!!" He yelled out thinking that it was someone else. Seeing that it was Asagi, he sighed and said, "Oh… It's just you, dood…"
"Yup, it's just me," said Asagi. An vein began to pop out of her forehead. "Is that ALL you have to say to me?"
"Uh-huh, I'm kinda supposed to be working now, so-"
Asagi shot Hero Prinny pointblank in the head. "Don't try to dismiss me 'Hero'! I've gone through so much crap with you! And you thing a little thing like 'time' is going to help be forget all the times you humiliated me!" Her left eye began to twitch. "I, Asagi the Queen of Games and Overlord, hereby challenge you to the death! So get back up loser, I still have 999 of you to go!"
"I have no idea what's eating you," said the Hero Prinny who replaced the one who got shot in the head. "But if you're gonna fight me, then I'll have to-"
BANG! "998, less talking more fighting!" And thus Asagi's first major duel had already got on its way.
-Etna's Room-
[Etna Boogie plays]
"AH!" yelled Ryuki landing hard on the ground. As he slowly got up he glanced around for his Master. "Damn it, seems like she's not here," he said. "I told her that she should act more rationally…"
"What do I have here, in MY room?" said a rather familiar voice.
Ryuki slowly turned to the location of the voice and weakly smiled and waved. "Heh, hey Etna…"
"Don't you HEY me! How DARE you barge into my room! I could kill you!" The Demon Lord grabbed the Longinus spear off of her desk, and pointed it at Ryuki's… 'parts'. "But I could think of other FUN things to do to you."
(Crap…) thought Ryuki to himself as he drew his Death Scythe. (If I survive this… no I can't think like that! Etna's going down!)
"Hmmm… You're awfully quiet. You better not be scheming something!"
"Not at all! Just thinking of the title of Demon Lord," said Ryuki in a serious tone.
"Well, I'll just show you just how… skilled, you have to be!" said Etna as the two began to circle each other. (I may not show it outwardly,) thought Etna. (But I'm royally pissed at him! And barring Overlord Zenon coming and wiping out the Netherworld, I WILL KILL Ryuki!!)
To be continued...
A/N: Sorry for the lame "to be continued". Anyway a couple of things. First I lied last chapter, only one character bio this time around (but next time there SHOULD be two bios). Answering Yui's question, Vurt is the Narrator for Asagi's game, I am STILL the actual Narrator (that was obvious but necessary in my mind). Um, the songs were necessary inputs (a MUST Have! for Asagi) they gave a feel for how the game would flow IMHO. Speaking of songs Lord Laharl's Hymn, Do Your Best, Girl, Battle Comrade, Footsteps of a Mischievous Demon, Witch Hunting, and Etna Boogie are all off of the Disgaea HOD: UOST. Capture the Universe In This Hand is from the Makai Kingdom (Phantom Kingdom) OST. And Sparkle, To Become A Star, the main theme of Asagi's game, if from the Makai Senki Disgaea 2 Original Sound Track (Disc-2). Uh... now my crap is stuck in italics... anyway, um... dang I forgot. So if you have any questions comments or concerns either leave a Review or PM me (Which ever floats your boat).
Character Bio:
Aramith
Age: ??? (Rumored to be a few thousand years younger than Babylon)
Class: Demon (Prophet) [former Sword Master under Babylon]
"Many fools have challenged Aramith to die before they could even see him carry out his attacks." Ian doesn't know how true his words were. Under Overlord Babylon, he was a peerless Sword Master. In their prime, Aramith stood by Babylon as he laid waste to the cosmos. Formerly at the Overlord level, Aramith gave Babylon his manikin when "The One" caused Babylon's power to drop significantly. Since then Aramith's own power suffered greatly for thousands of years, until he started reincarnating like a maniac. With 1000+ reincarnations under his belt, the old demon decided to settle down as a Geomancer (since no one would be surprised if they lived for an abnormally long time). He's seen the rise and fall of Overlords, survived the Age of Zenon, and had mock battles against both the Most Badass Freakin' Overlord and the God of Destruction… to say a few things. Nowadays he likes to keep a low profile, but his name is on Most-Wanted lists throughout the cosmos. A knowledgable and calculating man, he minds his place and allows younglings to take center stage; but one thing is for sure, if he ever decides to get his manikin back, then the cosmos might find itself screwed from behind.
