HOME | DD

Description
Time Trials: Round 1

Blood Stone

Quite frankly, I'm really not in the mood to give an introduction nor tell of the events that have led up until now after a series of very annoying events.  To avoid the long and drawn out tales I've gone through, I'll just give as brief of summary as to what happened.

I suppose I'll start at the beginning from I lead off last time.  Upon entering the Realm of Time, I was thoroughly abandoned by my gracious hosts and compatriots.  Honestly, it's like half of them are children or something.

Left to my own devices, I began to explore the realm on my own and perhaps gather some intelligence on my fellow contestants.  I would say it was nice not having Fiona around to consistently pester me with questions, but my luck tends to prevent me from having such fortune.  Not thirty minutes into me entering the sanctuary that housed everyone, a small cloud imp named Kyumi decided to destroy what little peace I had.

To make matters worse, she's a reporter for the bloody tournament.  Reporters; persistent little buggers.  I deal with them enough back on Junction, though it's not as bad as it could be with Captain Dervish taking care of most of the press.  Really wishing he was here to get rid of her since she's worse than any normal reporter.  I say this primarily because she acts as if she's taken a dozen caffeine pills.

Kyumi wouldn't stop following me or shut the ever-yapping hole that is her mouth.  The imp just wouldn't shut up!  I thought ignoring her would get her to leave me alone, but I was horribly, horribly wrong.  She just orbited me like a satellite and wouldn't stop shouting at the top of her tiny lungs, "Hey!  Hey!  Let me interview you!"  It was intolerable, I had to give in.

Even after the interview, she wouldn't stop pestering me and dragged me along to her next subject.  The name of said being is Father Time, our gracious host, who had just finished speaking to the Oracle by the time we came around.  Pretty sure I heard something about a stone, something I'm sure that ambiguous jerk wanted me to hear.  Nothing is ever coincidence with the Oracle.

Anyway, I managed to slip away from that little reporter as she interviewed Father Time.  I don't think I've ever been so happy to run into Father Time.  To be fair, that was technically the first time I've seen him.

As always, Fortuna tends to be a sadist towards me.  The reason being that the Oracle and what I believe is an irate bat demon, were waiting for me just outside the room.  Out of the pot and into the fire.  And now we have finally caught up to the present, where I am currently in a 'pleasant discussion' with the demon, Apaco.

"I'm a woman, you little prick!"

Um, yes.  I may have forgotten to mention that I mistook her for a man.  It's not my fault demons tend to similar physiology between genders.

"Well, I cannot help the fact that you look like a feminine, prepubescent boy, Ms. Apaco."  I'm seriously asking for trouble here.  I'm not quite certain if I should be amused or intimidated by the fact that there is steam literally coming off her head out of shear anger.

"How the hell can you even mistake me for a boy?!  Just look at my features!  100% woman!" Gesturing to herself with a hint of pride.  Not a clue as to what she's proud of, there's nothing there.

"What are you talking about?  You're a flat as a board front and back, look like you belong in grade school, and the only people who would be into you are pedophiles."  I'm probably going to die now, but it was worth it.  It was completely worth it.

"That's it, I'm gonna kill you!"  And probably would have if it weren't for the Oracle grabbing Apaco by the tail, which in turn caused her to give out a loud yelp of pain.

"Now, now, Ms. Apaco.  We cannot have you killing Mr. Spectre," the short demon glared at the Oracle with anger at being stopped and having her tail pulled.  "Especially when the tournament will officially start in about three hours.  Besides, I am quite certain you will enjoy watching his round when you find out where and when his round takes place."

This seemed to appease Apaco, or at least cause her to pause for a moment which in turn made me feel a wave of relief.  The feeling was short lived as a sadistic grin quickly grew on her face.  Dread was the best way to describe the emotion that came over me the moment I saw that grin.  This does not bode well.

"You will most certainly enjoy hearing what he finds and where it is located," the Oracle added.  Apaco's malicious grin was now like that of the Cheshire Cat, only much more evil.  "And before I forget, there is something that I need you to do during your match, Mr. Spectre."  I swear, if I weren't seeing it in person, I wouldn't have believed it was physically possible for someone to make a grin that large.

"I'll let you live today, dipshit, but only because I'm gonna enjoy watching your misery for your round.  Be glad I, the Great Apaco, am sparing your miserable life," puffing out her non-existent chest with pride.

I would retort to her boastful mantra if I weren't so sure that she'd actually make due on her word to kill me.  Oh dear Fortuna, why do you torment me so?

"Pickin' on humans again, Apaco?  That's real sad ya' know," a feminine voice mocked before a red form draped its arms around Apaco's neck.  "And he is right you know.  You're as flat as a 2x4 and have the body of a kid, despite you being way older than me.  Why the hell is that?"

"Dammit, Lina, I swear I'm going to kill you one of these days!" Apaco shouted at the top of her lungs as she swung at the taller demon girl.  Lina simply let go and jumped a few steps away to avoid the shrimp's fist.

"Aww~," the taller girl mockingly pouted.  "And here I thought we were friends, Apaco."

"We're not friends, Lina.  Besides, you're not even supposed to be here!"

"We're demons!  We're not exactly supposed to follow the rules ya' know."

"Fine then.  What did you even come here for anyway?" Apaco growled as she restrained herself from strangling Lina, or seemed to from what I could tell.

"Jeez, no need to be a grump, Apaco," she mumbled under her breath.  "I just came here to tell Dedrick here the time and place for his round."

The Oracle's words immediately came back to Apaco and myself as I could feel her malicious glare upon me.  This does not bode well for me.

"You'll be with Cortés in the siege of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, in the year 1521."  Son of a fu-  "And your objective is the Aztec Sunstone Calendar located at the center of the city."

At the center of the city?  But wasn't that where-  Oh, crap.  You must be joking.  The center of that city is the main temple where they held the damn sacrifices.  Bloody hell, this isn't good.

"F~fun," the sarcasm I projected may as well be dripping from the walls.  This is really going to bite, especially when I get to the temple.  I'm dreading the possibility of the having visions of the sacrifices.  It doesn't help that a certain midget is going to enjoy my pain like the sadist she is.

"Now I'm really gonna enjoy watching your match, Meatbag."  I wish she'd stop looking at me like that.  The malicious look of glee plastered on her face is getting rather old.

"Wow, how uncharacteristically sadistic of you, Apaco," sarcasm evident in Lina's voice as she used her shorter counterpart like an armrest.  "Thank you for helping enforcing the image that all demons are completely evil and are out to torture humans.  I so do enjoy you doing that for all of us."

To be honest, I am and always will be neutral concerning demons.  They are more than capable of doing good and evil choices as much as any other sentient.  Besides, the worlds are too damn gray to discern good and evil anyway.

"Shut your mouth, you bitch!  Like you've been any help!"

"Make me, Twerp!"

"Why you-!"

"Come, Mr. Spectre.  Let us leave these two to their squabble.  We have a few things to discuss concerning your round in the tournament," gesturing to me in its monotone voice to follow.

I was more than happy to oblige in order to avoid a potentially nasty cat fight between what I can assume are very powerful demons.  Unfortunately, I also knew that the fact the Oracle wished to speak to me in private would not bode well for me in the slightest.

I followed the Oracle as it walked out of the room and away from the fight.  We walked through several more rooms which all seemed to be parodies of M.C. Escher's work until the Oracle finally led me into what seemed to be a library.

"What is so important that you couldn't say in front of two of the judges, Oracle?"  I really wish I held sway over the Oracle or at least more control over my life since I've been feeling like a puppet the moment I first met the Oracle.

Stopping abruptly and turning to face me, it suddenly spoke to me in its ever emotionless tone, "For the very reason I brought you here, Mr. Spectre.  Why I chose you over all of the inhabitants of Junction."

"It's not to do with the watch, is it?"  I have a bad feeling about this.

"The watch is one of many reasons, but what I speak of is the primary reason which involves your skills of perception."

Crap, I knew there was more to me being here than a stupid watch.  I was really hoping I was wrong.  "Let me guess, you need me to investigate something involving the area I'm going to, am I right?"

"Correct.  The specific place and time are not mere coincidence, Mr. Spectre.  For you see, an anomaly in the timeline has been noticed by Father Time and I at that specific date and location.  We are are not entirely certain as to what it is or its objective.  Unfortunately, I cannot act upon or divulge my suspicions until proper evidence is found."

"Nothing is ever simple, is it?" I groaned as I rubbed my temples.  I really wish things would be simple for once.  "So, what do you suggest then?"

"All that can be done for the time being is prepare as you would have.  Gather information on your fellow competitors and research as much as you can on the Siege of Tenochtitlán.  Do not worry about blending in with the time period, I have already commissioned Ms. Flagith to provide you with the proper attire and equipment for your 'adventure' with the Spanish Conquistadors.  They shall be in your quarters in approximately two hours from now.  Ms. Fiona knows of the location of the room you two will be sharing and will find you at a later hour."

Yay.  I have no control over my life.  I really hate that.

"While you are in the 16th century, be sure to remove any anomalies you come across, be they of the supernatural or other.  And remember, expect the worst and remain on guard while you are there.  May Death smile upon you, Mr. Spectre."  And with that, the Oracle left without another word.

I stood in thought as I processed the information that was given to me.  I'm going to a very dangerous place during an extremely bloody conflict that is more than likely to trigger a vision for me.  Not to mention something is causing problems for two beings that are to do with time and space, and the Oracle is making me investigate said problems.  Did I forget to mention I'm basically going in blind?

Why can't life be easy for once?

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

The words of the Oracle had weighed heavily on my mind for the past three hours as Fiona and I left our room to meet Father Time and my opponent.  Going to the heart bloody conflict and investigating time abnormalities will my job all the more difficult.  I have no idea what to expect other than what I could gather in the library for a good hour, and even that wasn't much help with there being so little information of the event.

Admittedly, I did gather some useful information concerning the battle that I could use and a map that I managed to commit to memory.  Not to mention I did manage to gather information on all of the contestants and some of the judges, which I've logged in my personal notebook.  And I must admit that Ms. Cristi did a magnificent job in creating this outfit.  Hard to believe it was all drawn about an hour ago.

Speaking of my outfit, you will likely be curious as to my attire, so I'll simply satisfy your curiosity and get this out of the way.  There is something that I must clarify before I continue, the conquistadors didn't have a uniform, so my own appearance will not match that of the romanticized image that is more widely known.  And Fortuna forbid that I am dressed like Cortés himself, even I would never wear clothing that ridiculous.

I suppose I'll start from top to bottom like in the English language.  Atop my head is a simple metal helmet, not a whole lot of protection, but something is better than nothing.  Absent are my glasses as they replaced by a set of contact lenses.  Please note that I dislike wearing them, they agitate my eyes greatly, but circumstances force me to wear them to blend in.  On my upper body is a simple red doublet with a chainmail vest for protection.  And below that are a simple pair of brown pants and short sword at my hip with a pair leather boots on my feet.

What?  I told you it wouldn't fit the image that would normally think of.  Give me a break already.  Besides, we arrived at the meeting room as I was narrating to you.

In the center of the room stood Father Time with a gleeful grin on his face and small, purple gargoyle with a loincloth.  Father Time, a lovable time entity that is often perceived as a god due to his abilities, but is in actuality the personification of time.  Doesn't seem like much, but entities are much more powerful than gods, since gods can only manipulate as opposed to the being the power itself.  My opponent, Eni, a small imp that seems to have been a slave before his entrance to the Time Trials.  He keeps to himself and seems to show submissive behavior when around others, providing further evidence as to his treatment in servitude.

The thought of the way he was likely treated absolutely disgusts me.  And the scars that adorn his body, probably from the people he was enslaved to before coming here.  Such treatment to fellow sentients is absolutely appalling!  It's the kind of thing that makes me wish the Null would just erase them from existence.  I would continue ranting with my monologue if it weren't for a joyful voice interrupting my thoughts.

"Now that Dedrick and Fiona are here, we can finally begin round one for you two.  You all know your time period and objective, and there is one last thing I must say to you before we begin."  Father Time outwardly extended his hands in a dramatic fashion as he paused for dramatic effect.

I would tell him how cliché this was if it weren't for the fact that he opened a time rift around us.  In a swirl of color, the three of us found ourselves in an arid and mountainous landscape in the early hours of dawn.

"Welcome to the heart of Mexico, home of Aztec Empire!"

Description
Time Trials: Round 1

Blood Stone

Quite frankly, I'm really not in the mood to give an introduction nor tell of the events that have led up until now after a series of very annoying events.  To avoid the long and drawn out tales I've gone through, I'll just give as brief of summary as to what happened.

I suppose I'll start at the beginning from I lead off last time.  Upon entering the Realm of Time, I was thoroughly abandoned by my gracious hosts and compatriots.  Honestly, it's like half of them are children or something.

Left to my own devices, I began to explore the realm on my own and perhaps gather some intelligence on my fellow contestants.  I would say it was nice not having Fiona around to consistently pester me with questions, but my luck tends to prevent me from having such fortune.  Not thirty minutes into me entering the sanctuary that housed everyone, a small cloud imp named Kyumi decided to destroy what little peace I had.

To make matters worse, she's a reporter for the bloody tournament.  Reporters; persistent little buggers.  I deal with them enough back on Junction, though it's not as bad as it could be with Captain Dervish taking care of most of the press.  Really wishing he was here to get rid of her since she's worse than any normal reporter.  I say this primarily because she acts as if she's taken a dozen caffeine pills.

Kyumi wouldn't stop following me or shut the ever-yapping hole that is her mouth.  The imp just wouldn't shut up!  I thought ignoring her would get her to leave me alone, but I was horribly, horribly wrong.  She just orbited me like a satellite and wouldn't stop shouting at the top of her tiny lungs, "Hey!  Hey!  Let me interview you!"  It was intolerable, I had to give in.

Even after the interview, she wouldn't stop pestering me and dragged me along to her next subject.  The name of said being is Father Time, our gracious host, who had just finished speaking to the Oracle by the time we came around.  Pretty sure I heard something about a stone, something I'm sure that ambiguous jerk wanted me to hear.  Nothing is ever coincidence with the Oracle.

Anyway, I managed to slip away from that little reporter as she interviewed Father Time.  I don't think I've ever been so happy to run into Father Time.  To be fair, that was technically the first time I've seen him.

As always, Fortuna tends to be a sadist towards me.  The reason being that the Oracle and what I believe is an irate bat demon, were waiting for me just outside the room.  Out of the pot and into the fire.  And now we have finally caught up to the present, where I am currently in a 'pleasant discussion' with the demon, Apaco.

"I'm a woman, you little prick!"

Um, yes.  I may have forgotten to mention that I mistook her for a man.  It's not my fault demons tend to similar physiology between genders.

"Well, I cannot help the fact that you look like a feminine, prepubescent boy, Ms. Apaco."  I'm seriously asking for trouble here.  I'm not quite certain if I should be amused or intimidated by the fact that there is steam literally coming off her head out of shear anger.

"How the hell can you even mistake me for a boy?!  Just look at my features!  100% woman!" Gesturing to herself with a hint of pride.  Not a clue as to what she's proud of, there's nothing there.

"What are you talking about?  You're a flat as a board front and back, look like you belong in grade school, and the only people who would be into you are pedophiles."  I'm probably going to die now, but it was worth it.  It was completely worth it.

"That's it, I'm gonna kill you!"  And probably would have if it weren't for the Oracle grabbing Apaco by the tail, which in turn caused her to give out a loud yelp of pain.

"Now, now, Ms. Apaco.  We cannot have you killing Mr. Spectre," the short demon glared at the Oracle with anger at being stopped and having her tail pulled.  "Especially when the tournament will officially start in about three hours.  Besides, I am quite certain you will enjoy watching his round when you find out where and when his round takes place."

This seemed to appease Apaco, or at least cause her to pause for a moment which in turn made me feel a wave of relief.  The feeling was short lived as a sadistic grin quickly grew on her face.  Dread was the best way to describe the emotion that came over me the moment I saw that grin.  This does not bode well.

"You will most certainly enjoy hearing what he finds and where it is located," the Oracle added.  Apaco's malicious grin was now like that of the Cheshire Cat, only much more evil.  "And before I forget, there is something that I need you to do during your match, Mr. Spectre."  I swear, if I weren't seeing it in person, I wouldn't have believed it was physically possible for someone to make a grin that large.

"I'll let you live today, dipshit, but only because I'm gonna enjoy watching your misery for your round.  Be glad I, the Great Apaco, am sparing your miserable life," puffing out her non-existent chest with pride.

I would retort to her boastful mantra if I weren't so sure that she'd actually make due on her word to kill me.  Oh dear Fortuna, why do you torment me so?

"Pickin' on humans again, Apaco?  That's real sad ya' know," a feminine voice mocked before a red form draped its arms around Apaco's neck.  "And he is right you know.  You're as flat as a 2x4 and have the body of a kid, despite you being way older than me.  Why the hell is that?"

"Dammit, Lina, I swear I'm going to kill you one of these days!" Apaco shouted at the top of her lungs as she swung at the taller demon girl.  Lina simply let go and jumped a few steps away to avoid the shrimp's fist.

"Aww~," the taller girl mockingly pouted.  "And here I thought we were friends, Apaco."

"We're not friends, Lina.  Besides, you're not even supposed to be here!"

"We're demons!  We're not exactly supposed to follow the rules ya' know."

"Fine then.  What did you even come here for anyway?" Apaco growled as she restrained herself from strangling Lina, or seemed to from what I could tell.

"Jeez, no need to be a grump, Apaco," she mumbled under her breath.  "I just came here to tell Dedrick here the time and place for his round."

The Oracle's words immediately came back to Apaco and myself as I could feel her malicious glare upon me.  This does not bode well for me.

"You'll be with Cortés in the siege of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán, in the year 1521."  Son of a fu-  "And your objective is the Aztec Sunstone Calendar located at the center of the city."

At the center of the city?  But wasn't that where-  Oh, crap.  You must be joking.  The center of that city is the main temple where they held the damn sacrifices.  Bloody hell, this isn't good.

"F~fun," the sarcasm I projected may as well be dripping from the walls.  This is really going to bite, especially when I get to the temple.  I'm dreading the possibility of the having visions of the sacrifices.  It doesn't help that a certain midget is going to enjoy my pain like the sadist she is.

"Now I'm really gonna enjoy watching your match, Meatbag."  I wish she'd stop looking at me like that.  The malicious look of glee plastered on her face is getting rather old.

"Wow, how uncharacteristically sadistic of you, Apaco," sarcasm evident in Lina's voice as she used her shorter counterpart like an armrest.  "Thank you for helping enforcing the image that all demons are completely evil and are out to torture humans.  I so do enjoy you doing that for all of us."

To be honest, I am and always will be neutral concerning demons.  They are more than capable of doing good and evil choices as much as any other sentient.  Besides, the worlds are too damn gray to discern good and evil anyway.

"Shut your mouth, you bitch!  Like you've been any help!"

"Make me, Twerp!"

"Why you-!"

"Come, Mr. Spectre.  Let us leave these two to their squabble.  We have a few things to discuss concerning your round in the tournament," gesturing to me in its monotone voice to follow.

I was more than happy to oblige in order to avoid a potentially nasty cat fight between what I can assume are very powerful demons.  Unfortunately, I also knew that the fact the Oracle wished to speak to me in private would not bode well for me in the slightest.

I followed the Oracle as it walked out of the room and away from the fight.  We walked through several more rooms which all seemed to be parodies of M.C. Escher's work until the Oracle finally led me into what seemed to be a library.

"What is so important that you couldn't say in front of two of the judges, Oracle?"  I really wish I held sway over the Oracle or at least more control over my life since I've been feeling like a puppet the moment I first met the Oracle.

Stopping abruptly and turning to face me, it suddenly spoke to me in its ever emotionless tone, "For the very reason I brought you here, Mr. Spectre.  Why I chose you over all of the inhabitants of Junction."

"It's not to do with the watch, is it?"  I have a bad feeling about this.

"The watch is one of many reasons, but what I speak of is the primary reason which involves your skills of perception."

Crap, I knew there was more to me being here than a stupid watch.  I was really hoping I was wrong.  "Let me guess, you need me to investigate something involving the area I'm going to, am I right?"

"Correct.  The specific place and time are not mere coincidence, Mr. Spectre.  For you see, an anomaly in the timeline has been noticed by Father Time and I at that specific date and location.  We are are not entirely certain as to what it is or its objective.  Unfortunately, I cannot act upon or divulge my suspicions until proper evidence is found."

"Nothing is ever simple, is it?" I groaned as I rubbed my temples.  I really wish things would be simple for once.  "So, what do you suggest then?"

"All that can be done for the time being is prepare as you would have.  Gather information on your fellow competitors and research as much as you can on the Siege of Tenochtitlán.  Do not worry about blending in with the time period, I have already commissioned Ms. Flagith to provide you with the proper attire and equipment for your 'adventure' with the Spanish Conquistadors.  They shall be in your quarters in approximately two hours from now.  Ms. Fiona knows of the location of the room you two will be sharing and will find you at a later hour."

Yay.  I have no control over my life.  I really hate that.

"While you are in the 16th century, be sure to remove any anomalies you come across, be they of the supernatural or other.  And remember, expect the worst and remain on guard while you are there.  May Death smile upon you, Mr. Spectre."  And with that, the Oracle left without another word.

I stood in thought as I processed the information that was given to me.  I'm going to a very dangerous place during an extremely bloody conflict that is more than likely to trigger a vision for me.  Not to mention something is causing problems for two beings that are to do with time and space, and the Oracle is making me investigate said problems.  Did I forget to mention I'm basically going in blind?

Why can't life be easy for once?

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

The words of the Oracle had weighed heavily on my mind for the past three hours as Fiona and I left our room to meet Father Time and my opponent.  Going to the heart bloody conflict and investigating time abnormalities will my job all the more difficult.  I have no idea what to expect other than what I could gather in the library for a good hour, and even that wasn't much help with there being so little information of the event.

Admittedly, I did gather some useful information concerning the battle that I could use and a map that I managed to commit to memory.  Not to mention I did manage to gather information on all of the contestants and some of the judges, which I've logged in my personal notebook.  And I must admit that Ms. Cristi did a magnificent job in creating this outfit.  Hard to believe it was all drawn about an hour ago.

Speaking of my outfit, you will likely be curious as to my attire, so I'll simply satisfy your curiosity and get this out of the way.  There is something that I must clarify before I continue, the conquistadors didn't have a uniform, so my own appearance will not match that of the romanticized image that is more widely known.  And Fortuna forbid that I am dressed like Cortés himself, even I would never wear clothing that ridiculous.

I suppose I'll start from top to bottom like in the English language.  Atop my head is a simple metal helmet, not a whole lot of protection, but something is better than nothing.  Absent are my glasses as they replaced by a set of contact lenses.  Please note that I dislike wearing them, they agitate my eyes greatly, but circumstances force me to wear them to blend in.  On my upper body is a simple red doublet with a chainmail vest for protection.  And below that are a simple pair of brown pants and short sword at my hip with a pair leather boots on my feet.

What?  I told you it wouldn't fit the image that would normally think of.  Give me a break already.  Besides, we arrived at the meeting room as I was narrating to you.

In the center of the room stood Father Time with a gleeful grin on his face and small, purple gargoyle with a loincloth.  Father Time, a lovable time entity that is often perceived as a god due to his abilities, but is in actuality the personification of time.  Doesn't seem like much, but entities are much more powerful than gods, since gods can only manipulate as opposed to the being the power itself.  My opponent, Eni, a small imp that seems to have been a slave before his entrance to the Time Trials.  He keeps to himself and seems to show submissive behavior when around others, providing further evidence as to his treatment in servitude.

The thought of the way he was likely treated absolutely disgusts me.  And the scars that adorn his body, probably from the people he was enslaved to before coming here.  Such treatment to fellow sentients is absolutely appalling!  It's the kind of thing that makes me wish the Null would just erase them from existence.  I would continue ranting with my monologue if it weren't for a joyful voice interrupting my thoughts.

"Now that Dedrick and Fiona are here, we can finally begin round one for you two.  You all know your time period and objective, and there is one last thing I must say to you before we begin."  Father Time outwardly extended his hands in a dramatic fashion as he paused for dramatic effect.

I would tell him how cliché this was if it weren't for the fact that he opened a time rift around us.  In a swirl of color, the three of us found ourselves in an arid and mountainous landscape in the early hours of dawn.

"Welcome to the heart of Mexico, home of Aztec Empire!"