Begin To Run

[Gorilla]

TSED is editing in the opening speech!

*In the white room.

Greetings, warriors. You are some of the most skilled, the most stalwart, and the most clever beings in all of existence. You all have been specifically chosen by your sponsor for... certain traits you possess. Some of your competitors may be mightier than you, but all that matters is your survival. If you survive without the commodities of your opposition, the victory will be all the more amazing - and thus all the more rewarding.

In short, I am going to introduce you to life-or-death scenarios. You are going to perish, eventually. That is my job, after all, and I intend to go through with it. And when you die, you are out of the game. You don't want to die. But after the games are completed in their entirety, you will find yourself back in your own lives whether you perish or not, with just hazy memories of what transpired... And your reward.

Go, now. Meet your team mates and your sponsors. You will absolutely need to cooperate with your teammates, as you will find yourself depending on them just as much as you will depend on yourself. I hope your sponsor considered your personalities while choosing you...

[Gorilla]

The combatants stand in a area that looks like the bastard child of an armory and a high school locker room. Names are taped to the lockers, and the area reeks of gun oil and sweat. All the fighters are in there version of street clothes: No masks, powered armor, or hoods covers there eyes, and they are free to meet those they might die beside.

*Gorilla: Gentlemen, I have a lot to say, and ill answer all your questions, but im going to cut to the 'Why?'. Your here because want you wish most will be granted-and i picked all of you because that means your fighting for your universes, your worlds, your families and for those you love. If you win this tournament, your worlds will become and stay much better. That means, the old republic will never fall to the empire

*Obiwan- The OLD republic?

*Hellboy-Yeah man, didnt you ever see star wars?

*Gorilla-Gentlemen, let me finish my pretty words! Each of you is from a separate universe, created by the minds in part from mine. Some of yours overlap-Hellboy, i imagine you've played halo, and John here is the main character.

Hellboy-No shit, your chief thats

Gorilla- Please, let me finish. Youll have two days to talk. Each universe is created by others, simply thinking about it. Hellboy, Captain America, you both know of Star Wars and Halo. Master chief, i doubt you do, but in my world, our three worlds, you are a video game character. That DOES not mean your not real, just that how my universe sees your existence. Obi-wan, as i was saying-The republic falls. Palapatine turns it into an empire under his control, and Anakin turns on the Jedi order. He kills you years later aboard a massive space station. But it doesn't have to be that way. Success here will change it. Of course, and this something i dont understand, you guide Anakins son as a mentor, then as a...call it a force ghost.

-Turns to Cap- Captain, you will be gunned down on the steps of a court, for fighting in the superhero war. A bill is passed that makes superheros have to register, put there names down, and you fight it. YOu surrender when you realize that its hurting the common people, and are killed for it. Its my understanding you become alive again though. Im not sure how, theres a stack of comics here about you.

-Turns to Master Chief- When you destroyed guilty spark, the Forward unto Dawn was crushed in slipstream. Severed, you entered cryosleep, and so i called upon you now.

- To Hellboy- You die at the end of the second movie, but your not dead like 5 minutes later. Sorry, it was very anti-climatic.

You have 5 members, and the others have four...

*Master Chief-Cortana?

Gorilla-Yeah. Shes in your armor, i couldnt figure out the on button.

*Cap- who is Cortana?

Master Chief-Shes a friend. An AI.

Listne folks, im going to go. Be careful, and safe-you have 2 days till this show kicks off. Captain Rodgers, your in charge. If you'll take some suggestions for an old grunt-Cross train on Chiefs armor, and train obi-wan on a subgun. Your gonna need the 'inelegance' of firearms for this, and while anyone you kill doesnt stay dead, you do. Dont get kilt.

Good night gnetlemen.

[WalkerBoh]

*A young man skips lightly into the White Room.*

WB: Hey, guys! I'm Walker, and if I can chat with... *checks notes* Kagurazaka Asuna, Emperor Paul Atreides, Major Alex Louis Armstrong, and the Magus, I'll get everyone squared away.

*As Walker waits, a girl of about fifteen years walks over to him, looking nonplussed. Soon a regal man, bone thin and eyes hooded, whose every motion speaks of purpose and power, joins them, followed by a mountain of flesh and sinew in a blue greatcoat. Finally, a man with blue skin floats over, his cape and hair flowing out behind him as he levitates.*

WB: Excellent! Let's move over here. I've set for tea. Sugar? Cream? Lemon? *They walk to a small table set for five, each place already set with tea and cakes. He spoons sugar into his own cup and pours some cream.* The cakes are a tad dry, I'm afraid. Too much cinnamon, too little butter. I do apologize.

ALA: No, indeed, these are quite fine. I've never tasted their like. I'd like to get the recipe from you, if I may. I shall trade for one that has been passed down through the Armstrong family for generations! The Fudge Mountain!

WB: Ahaha! Equivalent exchange, yes? Well, let me take you up on that offer, and lay out another. I want to win this. More than anything right now, I want to win. It's a bit of an obsession with me. It's why you were chosen. I fully believe you can win this, handily. To that end, I decided on a name for this group. You are collectively The Minor Arcana.

MD: Playing cards. We're your winning hand.

WB: *laughing* And so much more! You, the king of the galaxy. Kagurazaka-san, the princess of Ostia, now technically queen. Magus, the prince of Zeal. Major Armstrong, an ace of the Ishballan War. And believe me, you match suits full well! Brought together, all you need is a ten to win. That's where I come in.

Asuna: I'm still getting used to the whole Princess deal... and I'm actually a queen?

ALA: And a lovely queen you make! Here, let me pour your tea!

WB: And I guarantee you'll have a better time of being a queen than you did as a princess. *Walker glances slyly at Magus and Alex.* No one will imprison you, forcing you to use your magic to lift them up to an unassailable position of power. Ostia will rise, no puppet-state, no puppet-ruler like they would have had you, no demon consuming the soul of the Queen. You'll be free to live, to marry, to watch your children grow up and flourish, and you'll leave your mark on history. If you want to, anyway. *Walker smiles at Paul, but continues talking to Asuna.* You can always walk away from it. Go home to Mahora, graduate with your friends, and be perhaps more free than you would be as a queen. Live a life of simple anonymity, relax with your friends, start a family... Anything you like. Your future is quite open. Honestly, you could even walk away from this gauntlet, but I don't expect any of you to. His Majesty knows why.

MD: That's why you picked us. You know what I would have given to have had the choice she has. I couldn't walk away any more than I could have chosen differently for myself.

WB: True. Major Armstrong's life was no less shackled. His home country of Amestris was founded not long after neighboring Xerxes disappeared into the night. There was a singular being responsible for that tragedy. That monster founded Amestris to be used as he used Xerxes, as a sacrifice to acquire more and greater power. Everyone that Major Armstrong has ever known, from birth onward, has been living on borrowed time. Every one of them will be slaughtered for that creature's ambition. The day of his death was set long before he was ever born. But even knowing what he's up against, even seeing the power first-hand, he hasn't faltered in his fight for his countrymen.

ALA: It is a difficult thing, hearing the story of my country so abbreviated. Fortunately, the oral histories handed down by generations of the Armstrongs will enlighten you as to our true plight! *He continues talking, telling the story of the Armstrongs through history, though no one really listens to him.*

Magus: The pattern is showing rather clearly. The black wind howls, heralding a change of fates. You're hoping that her similarity to Schala will sway me to remain at their sides?

WB: Well, partially. Also, when you and the Gurus got stranded in time, Schala was sent outside of time itself, along with part of Lavos's power. You'll need to do some lateral dimension hopping, rather than simply traveling through time, to bring her home. This place is essentially a dimensional hub. I'm hoping you'll get the chance to find her before you leave. I'm also hoping that between killing Lavos, helping out Kagurazaka-san, and finally bringing your sister home, you'll be able to let go of your guilt over being unable to prevent this in the first place.

*A look of shock comes over Magus's face, slowly softening to relief, until a great hug from the mountainous Armstrong, bawling about the beauty of Magus's devotion and love for his sister. Paul Muad'Dib merely nods, perhaps thinking of his own sister, while Asuna looks decidedly uncomfortable with Armstrong's emotional display.*

WB: Now, now, calm down, Major. You have two days to prepare yourself for what's coming ahead. I suggest listening to Paul for most of that, though I do have some suggestions. Don't hold back any secrets from each other. Death may not be permanent here, but it doesn't mean you can't suffer. See me if you need anything. I'm not allowed to tell you what's coming, but I can get you anything you need outside the scenarios. I have complete faith in the four of you.

*Walker cleans up the table, and shows the four to their rooms. He speaks a few words privately to each of them before leaving them to their rest.*

WB: Kagurazaka-san, remember what Albireo said at the Mahora Budokai. Clear your mind, and things will come more easily to you. Major Armstrong, depend on Roy, but more than that, support him. The darkest hour of Amestris will be his darkest hour as well. Magus, don't despair. Worlds collide here, and none can say for sure what will or will not be. Your Majesty, guide them well. They might have been you, in another time, another place.

[Stickboy]

*Stickboy is calmly sitting in his office, just above the stands, doing some paperwork. Patrick Danville is sitting in the corner, painting. There is a knock at the door.*

SB: Yes?

*A Yautja Security officer sticks his head in.*

YS: Sir! There is a gentleman here to see you. He looks... rather evil. Smells like organized crime.

SB: Ah, yes, he is an old friend of mine. Send him in.

*Vicious, of the Cowboy Bebop universe walks through the door.*

SB: Ah, Vicious, thank you for coming. *Stickboy rises from his seat to greet him.* I haven't seen you since the siege of Shrouded Wolf's estate. So good of you to join me.

Vicious: Yes, well, you made me a great deal of money back then. It seemed to be well worth coming around when you called. What do you need, sir?

SB: Ah, well, there is a new arbiter in town, since you were last involved in the metaplot.

Vicious: The what?

SB: Nothing important. Anyway, this new Arbiter has come up with an interesting plan. He has had us set out and build teams. He then intends to run them through gauntlets.

Vicious: I see. You have selected me, then?

SB: No, actually.

Vicious: Oh. Then what is it that you need me to do?

SB: Well, currently, I would like you to act as an intermediary. I have files here on the fighters I have selected. I would like you to go down and talk to them. Tell them why they are here. Tell them what is expected of them.

Vicious: And why do you need me to do this? You could do it. Failing that, you command an entire security force of... what the hell are those things out there?

SB: Oh, those are the Yautja. They're... interesting. Anyway, you're the best person for the job. If I go to talk to them, they will undoubtedly think I am evil and decide they don't want to fight for me. But if I send you...

Vicious: ...They will undoubtedly still think you're evil and wont want to fight for you?

SB: Precisely.

Vicious: ...Okay. You're not making mu-

SB: Listen, I'll give you 5,000 Quatloos for the job. Just tell them what needs to be said. I will not lose to that damned dirty Druid.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Vicious walks into a large, empty warehouse. His boots click across the concrete, echoing through the empty space.*

Vicious: Alright, I know they're around here somewhere...

*A giant white spirit bear walks slowly out from a corner of the warehouse. He is followed by a small child. From the other end of the warehouse, a woman in full plate and a black man in a robe walk over.*

Mace: Who are you? Why have we been brought here?

Vicious: Hello. I am Stickboy. I have had a friend bring you all here, as I have need of you. I need you to fight through a gauntlet for me, as a team.

Okku: And why should we do that, man thing?

Vicious: Well, two reasons, really. I have the means at my disposal to ensure that you go back to your homes and live out your lives as well as you can. I can make you rich, or I could simply ensure that the best possible result for your future is obtained. That is, of course, if you win.

Raz: And... if we lose? Or if we refuse to fight?

Vicious: Then you, young Rasputin, will be teleported to the bottom of the ocean, sorry to say.

Allana: So, you would kill us if we do not fight for you?

Vicious: Verily, Lioness.

Okku: And what, exactly, is stopping me from tearing off your head?

Vicious: Well, firstly, you would be stuck here, in this dimension, forever. You would never kill the Spirit Eater and fulfill your oath. *He points to Razputin* He will never save the Grand Head of the Psychonauts. *He points to Allana* She will never see her children again. *He points to Mace* And he will have to stay here forever, knowing that the Republic has fallen, the Jedi are done, and he has not done everything in his power to stop it.

Vicious: Second, I control a vast number of elite soldiers in this realm who may be upset to see that I am gone.

Allana: If you have such elite soldiers, what exactly do you need us for?

Vicious: Ah, you see, you four have been selected because you have a good deal of synergy. You will work well together, fight well together, and share similar viewpoints and morality. In short, you will make an incredible team. And you will win for me.

Okku: I see. What would you have us do?

Vicious: I have arranged quarters for you, within my hall. You will prepare for the coming trials there. You will have some warning about each of the trials, but I suggest you prepare with your team mates and ready yourselves for your trials. Thank you.

*Vicious turns around and walks out of the warehouse. The four fighters stare after him for a minute or so, then wander back to the stadium.*

*A shadowy figure scurries down the wall, reforming into a human shape on the cement floor. A man in a robe walks in through the door opposite the one everyone else left through.*

Hooded Man: And what, exactly, do you mean to accomplish with that, Stickboy? They're going to kill that poor bastard. Hasn't he been one of your lieutenants since the beginning?

Stickboy: Yes, Druid, but also one of my most expendable ones. Anyway, its all part of the game.

WalkerBoh: You know, you have no hope of winning in this.

Stickboy: We shall see, old friend. We have never competed against each other before. This should be interesting, but it will hardly be fast.

[TSEDTIKS]

Scenario 1: In The Deep End


Dearest Contestants,

Prepare yourselves. You may or may not have been contacted by your sponsor - I hope for your sake you have, else you are very likely confused. None the less, your first scenario is approaching. You have all been granted One (1) Widescreen Plasma TV, and One (1) DVD player with Lord of the Rings in it. You are not required to watch the entire movies, no, though you may if you'd like.

What you definitely should watch, because you will be dealing with it, is the Battle for Helm's Deep.

Now watch as the walls are breached. Immediately after doing so, stop watching Lord of the Rings and begin watching any of the numerous zombie movies you have been provided with - 28 Days Later, Dawn of the Dead, The Evil Dead, whatever.

I'm sure you understand what I'm getting at.


Regardless, the zombies of Helm's Deep will come at you from both sides. You'll be placed at the breach in the wall, and expected to hold out for three days, when a Deus Ex Machina shall arrive and attempt to extricate all of you. If you manage to go the three days without being zombified, you are at no risk of being zombified further, so do not worry. You do not have to hold the breach in the wall, you may go in any direction to where ever you like. You merely need to survive, and come the end of the three days, be able to board the Deus Ex Machina.

[Gorilla]

Gentlemen, it has been an honor. Seems the cakewalk has become a lie.

Mr Arbiter, are you sying that my team is going to be attacked by a pair of zombie armies?

[TSEDTIKS]

Gentlemen, it has been an honor. Seems the cakewalk has become a lie.

Mr Arbiter, are you sying that my team is going to be attacked by a pair of zombie armies?

Essentially, yes. Though the zombies are going to be the classic "mindless undead" and it should not be too much bother to outsmart them, once out of the danger zone.

Oh, watch out for that whole "armoured" bit, too. The zombies shouldn't be able to use the weapons because, you know, zombies. Still might want to watch out for the horses.

[Stickboy]

Out of Metaplot question:

Where do the teams start at the point the walls are breached? Were they fighting in the Battle before the walls were breached and had the knowledge of what was going to happen? Do they simply start on the walls at the moment the walls are breached? Or what?

[WalkerBoh]

*Walker sits, watching the movies with the team he has assembled.*

WB: Man, when he said cake-walk, I had no idea the first scenario would be this simple.

Asuna: Ugh... Zombies. They've always creeped me out. I hate zombie movies.

MD: You've seen worse things in your life. You'll have to become stronger than that, Princess. *He smiles, though on his tight features it is as much a grimace as a smile.*

ALA: A field of walking corpses, thousands strong. What manner of devil is this Arbiter?

Magus: ...An expedient fellow? One of my servants could do the same.

*Armstrong's eyes flash indignation, but Walker laughs off the question.*

WB: Well, I've never met him personally. From what I understand, he's about my age, works in a hospital, loves heavy metal, and, most terrifying of all, he may very well be... Canadian!

*OMINOUS CRASH OF THUNDER, EH!*

WB: Well, that's enough out of me. You have all the information from the Arbiter. I'll have something nice waiting for you guys when you come back!

[TSEDTIKS]

Out of Metaplot question:

Where do the teams start at the point the walls are breached? Were they fighting in the Battle before the walls were breached and had the knowledge of what was going to happen? Do they simply start on the walls at the moment the walls are breached? Or what?

My apologies for not being sufficiently clear.

They begin play immediately after the debris settles, in the breach.

Luckily, this is also when the armies zombify instantaneously. Magic of the tourney and all that. Though there's an army on both sides, it's very unlikely that either of them will mobilize against you,except for the ones close enough to notice your contestants.

[Aranfan]

OOC: What is the method of zombification?

[Gorilla]

Gorilla-Gentlemen, seems Ive got some more data for you. Intrestingly, ive heard of the fifth round, and im entirely not worried-Ive seen the challenges and youll be fine.

The first seems to trouble me more. These undead, these zombies. Hellboy knows the gig, and i think Cap might have some experience, but theres going to be a LOT of them- and you have to hold for three days. Projector? Cap, your briefing.

-A 3-d map shows itself on the table in the middle of the room-

Steve-We plan to cut our way to here*points to tower* and hole up at the top layers. Master Chief, me and obi-wan will each take one of your submachine guns. Well hold to melee whenever possible. When we have a cleared tower, well combine into shifts-that is, whoever in on guard will hold my shield and Mr. Kenobi's Lightsaber.

Honestly, only me and Mr. Kenobi are at threat, so i must request aid from you both. Master Chief, Mr. Hellboy, its likely you could be swarmed and the only problem you would have is sleeping *He smiles*. As such, at mister gorillas suggestion, weve dubbed this misson "save the squishy's ass".

Questions?

________________________________________________________________________________________

Gorilla walks into an unlit office

In the Corner sits a man that is twice as hairy and even more simian in appearance

Mr. O'Neal, i appreciate this conference.

Dun dun dun?

[Stickboy]

Out of metaplot questions 2 and 3:

Is it only the armies that zombify, or do the women and children in the caves as well?

Are the three Fellowship members there (Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas)? And are they zombies?

[No-Life King]

Another rain-drenched night in old London town, or at least it appears to be until on further examination one finds that the usually busy streets are devoid of any activity at all.

The scene switches to a lavishly appointed penthouse overlooking the River and Houses of Parliament. A figure hooded in black stands in the shadows of one corner gazing out into the distance, the Man with the Afro of Legend lays spread over a couch lazily smoking a cheap cigarette. A well toned blue 'man' sits in a mediative posture on the coffee table whilst the Major sits patiently on a lunge chair.

A spectre of a man steps through a wall and coughs loudly to attract the attentions of the assembled fighters

NLK: Gentlemen, Major, Honored Ethereal. I have gathered you here to form a team of the greatest minds and skill at arms that I could find, in order to run a series of what have been described to me as "Gauntlets." Scenarios wherein your skills and teamwork will be pushed to their limits, and possibly beyond. I regret not being able to come to you sooner, but i have other matters to attend to. The first scenario is approaching, and here is the brief; Hold out for 3 days against a horde of Zombies. The setting of your battle is on this DVD. Questions?

Maul:....

Afro: hnk

Aun'shi: How does one defeat these creatures?

NLK: Your honor blades should be quite adept at dispatching them, decapitation is a sure method and you have the reach advantage. Major, Headshots should be no trouble for you. Lord Maul, you should have the advantage of Force-precog and telekinesis. Afro, your skill with the blade should be sufficient.

NLK: I recommend that the Major be in charge of planning, once you have watched the DVD and learned the layout of the Fortress of Helms Deep. Trust me, having a computer for a brain helps alot with the cognitive capacity

[TSEDTIKS]

OOC: What is the method of zombification?

The old bite / virus cliche. It should take some time to become zombified, and the tougher the person is the longer it will take - A res could be anywhere from 1 hour to ~12 hours, B from ~12 hours to a day and a half, low Cs to ~36 hours to ~50 hours, high Cs should be fine unless they get bitten right off the bat, and higher than that shouldn't worry.

Out of metaplot questions 2 and 3:

Is it only the armies that zombify, or do the women and children in the caves as well?

Are the three Fellowship members there (Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas)? And are they zombies?

Everyone is zombied but the contestants. Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas are there. And zombies.