Tying Up Loose Ends

CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He's walking down the stairs, around three full sets down. His feet carry him swiftly. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry enters the stairwell, listening intently to the steps being taken below. He begins to pursue Doppio, his iris's sometimes flashing a white color before quickly reverting to violet. He has a bad feeling, but it's a feeling he's going to defy. He knows there's a chance that if he lets Doppio get away, he may not be --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] able to ever get his answer. He's cautious, but quick. --
CEA: Should you step beyond that flight of stairs, Barry, you will die.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he stops at the next landing, glancing toward the stairs above. --
CEA: You will never find Truth.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] He pauses- he believes those words, so as a result he's forced himself to come to a pause. He doesn't speak just yet, rather wants to see if Doppio will say anything else just yet. Due to the position of the two, they can't see one another, but if Barry were to step down just one more flight, they would see one another --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] clear as day, and he knows it. --
CEA: All that matters to me is 'Results'. The Cause and what it takes to get there is of no consequence.
CEA: Should you move another step lower, the 'Result' will be swift.
CAA: But in the end, you could say everything was Inevitable, and you'd be right.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Plants his foot down, stepping a step lower. "Some things in this world can't be avoided, Doppio. Tell me everything you know! This is the 'Gravity' I was told about, there's a reason you and I met!" --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He stands there, his face shrouded in darkness as he leans backward. "Very well. I will show you the futility of your actions." He wouldn't even realize it, but he's already several steps lower than he was before. Standing midway down the stairs, closer to his target- atleast he would be, if his target were in the same --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] position. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] It's only after another bold step does he realize he's much lower than he remembered himself being. He thinks to himself, "What? This is only my second step, but I've taken many more than just two!? No, I've definitely got to figure out who this guy is..!" He then goes to head further down the stairs without fear, as if --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] prepared for the consequences of his actions. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] down they go, he's walking lower and lower toward the city. "On the soft gray morning, widows cry. The wisemen share a joke, you've run to grasp a truth you're incapable of reaching." --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Grits his teeth and narrows his eyes, now heading down the stairwell in a full sprint, constantly skipping steps over and over. His aura begins to flare up, but it wildly shifts in a way it never has before. The wound on his right arm begins to pain him and spread further up the limb. This is the path he's chosen, and he --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] himself knows that what he does next is what can't be avoided, it has to happen. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] His hands drop to the hem of his shirt, grasping it before he begins lifting it away. Revealing the mesh underneath. "This is a test. . ." He's aged considerably once the shirt is discarded, removed from his body and tossed unceremoniously aside, his hair lengthened and his eyes cold. Down and down they went, every --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] closer to the city. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dc/9e/45/dc9e457270b10d644758b11a4b220763.jpg --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry continues rushing downward, he's bound to not get to the bottom of the stairs in time- by the time the two reach the city, Barry will be left wondering where Doppio's gone, and instead be faced with someone much more dangerous than he's prepared for. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] And so, as the seconds tick down, they've arrived, at their fighting destination. Aperture City. #Aperture_City --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] the door swings open, and he embarks into the city street. --

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-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry's finally reached the bottom of the stairwell, but once he's reached his destination Doppio is nowhere in sight, but rather a new man stands before him. He points, aura flared up and whipping around unnaturally. "Hey, you! You seen a pink-haired kid around here? He should've came right out through this door!" --
CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He stands his ground, glancing toward Barry. "Are you prepared to face eternity?" --
CAA: Wait- where's Doppi-
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] He realized what's happened now, but he's unsure when or how. "When did you two switch places?" --
CEA: My Consigliere is unaware of how things have changed. I have arrived.
CEA: You've chosen your fate, now you have to face the final pitfall.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He leans forward, activating his Epitaph, staring into his bangs to retrieve the next ten seconds. What will you do? --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry, in the next ten seconds, will remove his shirt and move forward towards Diavolo, but will then stand right outside of his striking range, menacingly. The air around him appears to be waving, his back is rippling with muscle, and his hair is flowing freely. He won't attack for some reason- does he know? He couldn't, --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] but it's evident Barry's not taking Diavolo lightly, he's going to play this patient until he understand what's going on and what his ability does. --
CAA: One thing's for sure, Gravity brought us together. Which means more than I realized it would.
CEA: You're only going to move forward, aren't you? You're going to take exactly five steps to position yourself a short distance away- To avoid a strike.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Doesn't seem shocked at all, he doesn't freeze up or show fear as he takes five steps forward and keeps himself right outside of Diavolo's range. With his eyes of violet locked on Diavolo's of green, he says. "And you're going to be right behind me soon, aren't you?" His arms lightly outstretched at his sides before --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] raising them up slightly. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He keeps his eyes locked on Barry as he began to move. "You can predict whatever you like. As a sign of respect. . . I will show you." The world around him begins breaking down, leaving on the ground, his target, and himself. His Stand finally makes its presence known, appearing infront of him. Diavolo moves to the --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] right, taking several steps around his right side, avoiding his effective striking range, and staying just out of reach, his stand speaking as he erases the Cause and leaves only the effect. "You plan on preventing me from striking your back, warping the air around you and displaying full control over your area. Leaving your --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] guard up for as long as possible. Your body is tense, and your muscles are tight- as if anticipating a strike." And that's when his awareness would return to him. Time has been skipped. "You're unaware of what I just witnessed, aren't you?" https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a8/00/cc/a800cca080c5c9ada8212e9920943a59.jpg --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry could be seen turning around to face Diavolo as his future movements were predicted, the two were now looking at one another, yet Barry would've had no indication as to where Diavolo was going. Despite this, even though whether he would turn left or right is merely a 50/50, he managed to follow Diavolo's movements --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] perfectly, or did? With a bead of sweat building up by his forehead he says calmly "Entirely unaware." There's a big golden star on Barry's upper back, which may be a clue of where he stores his power for later, but there were three glowing orbs right above the star that looked almost like eyes. One was red, another blue, --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] and the top one white. The deep, black cracks continue to travel up his right arm, it looks almost as if the outer layer of his body were cracking like a shell. --
CAA: (This is bad, my injury is getting worse.. What is this even supposed to be? My assumption was probably wrong... But if it wasn't.......)
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] King Crimson continues talking. "You're avoiding a direct confrontation for a reason. Your weakness hasn't gone unnoticed." KC lifts its right hand in Knife Hand formation. "You may attempt to strike me when prepared." --
CAA: I'm going to strike, and when I do, my entire right side will be wide open for a counter-attack.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] Diavolo seeks to confirm, glancing into his bangs, prepared for him to strike. . . KC keeps its guard open, leaving itself seemingly defenseless, Right hand raised above its head. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry says as he sharply steps in, his right hand jetting outward, devoid entirely of any tension so that it flows freely. Red, white, and blue flames smoothly flow off of the surface of his fist. He aims to try and strike Diavolo's chin with his blow, but his committment to this jab doesn't seem to be 100%, as if he were --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] aiming to bait the King himself. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] Diavolo steps back, the king moving with, keeping eerily close to the man himself, its range is limited, incredibly so. You can judge that it can't move far at all from the King Piece. His chin jerks back narrowly avoiding the strike. He examines his right side, checking for where his guard is placed. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] His guard is placed entirely on his left side, he quickly takes another step inward and turns his body to the side, throwing out three sharp, precise flicker jabs. One for Diavolo's chest, the second for his collarbone, and the third for his gut, each strike leaves Barry's upper body wide open and obviously vulnerable. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] "King Crimson. . !" The Buildings break apart, dissolving into an astral plane as King Crimson Reactives its ability. He uses his removal from the time to sidestep the strikes, Using the small window to duck forward aiming to slam its hand into his midsection aiming to launch him backward with its immense strength. His --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] perfect counter-attack. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry's struck right in his mid-section! He wasn't able to block the attack with his hands, so he takes the full brunt of the strike. He's blown off his feet and lands on his back, rolling back once and then back up onto his feet; he can't hold his weight up, his right knee touches the ground as he's forced to kneel. The --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] punch.. Cracked him? It's a very unnatural looking wound, his body doesn't look like it's dying, moreso like it's falling apart unnaturally. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He leans back taking a single step backward. "You play games when you fight. Caring little about what result it could yield." --
CEA: I, however, do not.
CAA: H-hah.. Yeah, actually, that's pretty damn accurate..
CEA: Make your final move.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] He shoots forward towards Diavolo, spinning sharply once he's close to him- jetting out a sharp, powerful kick aimed right for the man's midsection. He's put himself into an incredible burst of rotative force- he aimed to kick all the way around himself this time to try and catch Diavolo off guard if the first part of his --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] kick missed. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] Diavolo stands strong, his hands remaining close at his side. King Crimson aims to counter striking at Barry's leg as he swings his kick, aiming to spin him back around, countering his attack with his own force. --
CID ceased responding to memo.
CEA: This is it. . !
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry's leg is struck, causing it to crack horribly- his wounds are deep, black, and no light seems to pass through them. He grits his teeth and grunts out loudly, he's now thrown off balance and wide open, barely able to keep his weight up. A shadow is cast over his eyes by this point- is this the end? It certainly feels --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] like it. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] King Crimson Follows up, moving for its game ender, a deep slice with its right hand aiming at his right shoulder. "What you're experiencing. . . Is the end. You fought with what you had, and it was commendable, no feat goes unnoticed. You have offered me a chance to grow beyond myself, and that is worth more than the --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] value I have derived from others." King Crimson's strike is utterly swift, and powerful, aiming to cut right through him with the ease of a hot knife through a cold stick of butter. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] The color in his eyes fade as the chop flows through his body, grunting and gasping out, though he quickly grits his teeth and clings to life as he knows it. He stumbles back, barely holding himself together- the fact he's made it this far is a miracle, but he continues to hold his weight up. Red, white, and blue mist --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] begins flowing from the cracks in his body. "I took this wager, because it felt like the right thing to do..." --
CAA: You aren't the only one who's grown from this, I've never died before... The moment I got this wound I knew what would come next would be 'Inevitable..'
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] The light in his eyes suddenly strengthens before fading, his body falls forward with the mist flowing out from him- something about this definitely seem right, and judging by his words not even he seems to know what's truly happened. Diavolo gets this strange, itching feeling, it's almost terrifying- he should look ahead. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] But why? His opponent has clearly retired it seems, so this feeling of needing to look ahead may throw him off guard. Was he about to be attacked? --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] A fleeting feeling. A single moment in time. He glances towards his bangs, looking into the future. What was this feeling, what was causing his anticipation. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Something from his right was slowly moving towards him. It's a silhouette shrouded in red, white, and blue fog- it reaches out towards Diavolo to try and gently clasp his shoulder. It definitely did not feel welcoming at all- just what has happened? Barry's body is noticably gone now, too. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he turns his head, KC moving to get in between its user and the moving mist of Red White and Blue. The fight was not finished, was it? --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] The silhouette went to grasp KC's shoulder menacingly, but not with the intent of directly hurting him. The fog flows off its body all at once. It has three eyes, the bottom right was red, the bottom left was blue, and the one in the middle and above the other two is white. Its got flame-like red, white, and blue patterns --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] flowing up its body, all of which are lightly highlighted with gold. A big golden star on its back, two on its chest where a human's nipples would be, white stripes flowing down its abdomen to resemble a cage. It was almost as tall as KC, it has a strong back, no mouth, and for the most part was humanoid. The shape of its --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] head was much like a star but with its tips bent backwards slightly- it had three sets of bovine-esque horns that were curled outward and down from the base of its head to the middle of its neck much like hair when it has a cowlick. It was vibrant, stylish, and has phoenix-esque, metallic feathers on the backs of its hands, --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] calves, and triceps. Barry was crouched nearby and slowly rising up, the cracks have vanished from his body- he doesn't seem to understand what's going on, in fact, he may even think he's dead at the moment. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] It was evident what Diavolo's come face to face with, it was a Stand. Barry's "death", its Phoenix-like presence and design seem to make Barry's "wager" very clear, something about the wound he received let him know that death was required for this to take place. He had suffered defeat, but not the end result. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He stares back toward AA his eyes widened. "King Crimson! --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] " And so they did it again, the world dissolving around him as he erased cause from effect moving backward, attempting to dart in close to the crouching Barry. The time to strike was now, to eliminate the threat while it was weak. He had to strike swiftly before he could grasp what his new 'ability' was. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] The Stand suddenly appeared right outside of Diavolo's field of vision- the very edge of its aura could be seen. A single strike came flying forward right for the face of the man's Stand. Diavolo could feel his heartbeat rapidly accelerating as the fist drew closer- Barry's wide open, but his Stand is acting on its own. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Though, it looks like the young man is slowly starting to come to his senses. Despite King Crimson's ability being active, the Stand was punching right for him. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he does land his blows, knocking Diavolo backward, his eyes wide. This was physically impossible. No one else can grasp the changing of time in his King Crimson. --
CURRENT newHorizon [CNH] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.
CNH: Inevitable.
CNH: Fate acts without causality, it cannot be avoided. No matter how many times you 'Erase' and 'Skip' beyond what was meant to happen, the Truth will reach you eventually.
CNH: Anyone who has cast their gaze into my eyes is destined to be defeated, but not by my user.
-- CURRENT newHorizon [CNH] The Stand continues to move forward towards King Crimson and Diavolo. "I am the Truth, and I am unstoppable. My birth was meant to happen, though to my user it seemed like sheer coincidence." --
CNH: An "Accidental" injury during his fight with his alternate self, he hurt himself on The Arrow, and as a result of him dying and being reborn, I am his noble Phoenix that will ensure nobody defies what's cut out for them.
CNH: New Horizon.
-- CURRENT newHorizon [CNH] Diavolo would feel a sinking feeling deep in his gut, it felt horrible- almost as if he were going to throw up. But, his confidence wasn't completely removed, if the Stand wasn't lying, then it was true Diavolo couldn't lose this fight. But at the same time, could he win? --
CEA: I am the dagger that will carve a new fate, nothing matters but the end result! To defy me is to defy the King of Kings!
-- CURRENT newHorizon [CNH] One thing was for sure, he absolutely had to defeat this thing here and now. If it was unable to defeat Diavolo, then his victory was assured- he couldn't possibly lose. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he gets himself to his feet, pointing toward his foe with his right hand as he activates his epitaph. He rushes forward his KC prepared as he aims to strike the new stand, once, right across the head with a savage chop. --
-- CURRENT newHorizon [CNH] The Stand punches forward, but its head is destroyed with the chop. Its body begins to fall and break apart- each piece of itself burning up into flames after it seemingly has 'died'. It seems to have a message before it goes. --
CNH: Defeat is inevitable.. In due time.. All Kings must eventually abandon the throne..
-- CURRENT newHorizon [CNH] The Stand mysteriously disappears from here, and right as it 'Dies', Barry suddenly snaps awake and shoots back up onto his feet. His Stand doesn't reassemble, nor does it come back- the whole thing was bewildering, Diavolo may even question if it had actually happened. It must've, the pain he'd be feeling from the blow --
-- CURRENT newHorizon [CNH] dealt to him earlier is 100% real. --
CNH ceased responding to memo.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry strikes himself to fix himself up using the power stored in the star on his back, but he's now realized all of his cracks are gone. He blinks- "What..?" He then looks over to Diavolo, raising his hands up. Diavolo could swear he killed the young man right in front of him, yet here he is, stood strong and on his two --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] feet. --
CAA: You're definitely messing with my memory, aren't you?
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he continues his frenzied rush, enraged beyond all measure. "King Crimson. . !" He activates its ability, moving to position himself behind the other as they see the spiraling results of their actions ahead of them. "I am Diavolo, the master of fate itself! There is not one who can stand between me and the desired result!" --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Scarily enough, while Diavolo would definitely feel as though he should've moved during the first five seconds of his ability, he simply didn't. His body locks up as if time were frozen, and then from there he could move- he would find himself positioned not behind Barry, but off to his side, though for a moment he felt --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] as though the entire world had shifted. The Stand is gone, yet his mind was running wild and that sinking feeling in his stomach has come by again. --
CEA: What. . ?
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Actions proceed as they should've, Barry looks over to Diavolo, who's now stood off to his side. --
CAA: What's wrong, is something scaring you? Why are you hesitating?
CAA: You kept your distance that time, Diavolo.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] *Doppio --
CEA: You. . . What did you do?!
CAA: Me? What did /you/ do?!
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] The two say this at the exact same time strangely enough. --
CAA: You- Just what is your ability supposed to be? Are you teleporting? What're you doing?
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he steps backward, keeping his King Crimson positioned infront of himself. Utter and pure contempt playing across its face. 200% rage. https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jm2D7ohWos0/maxresdefault.jpg its hands moving to keep an impenetrable guard up. He had to figure out what as going on. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] KEK --
CAA: You Stand Users, all of you really are incredible.. Doppio, n-no... Diavolo. I don't know how I know your name, but I know one thing.. You did something I find charitable. You congratulated my efforts and seemed to give value to my death.
CAA: It's coming back to me slowly, but I think I understand what's going on now. I really did scrape myself on that Arrow.
CEA: This can't be real. . !
CAA: I don't understand it myself, but I lost, I died. But that seemed to be what needed to happen for this power to awaken in me. I've always strived to find my balance and be able to deliver proper justice, just like a true, righteous hero should!
CAA: Diavolo, I've shown you your defeat! This will set off the chain of events...
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He moves forward, KC aiming a swing downward. Dropping the bottom of its hand like a guillotine, it aims to cut through whatever block he puts up. You have seen my face- Yadda yadda. He aims to slice right through him aiming to kill him with impunity --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry quickly closes the distance- one hand far out in front of him, with his other reeled back and by the side of his face, ready to shoot it forward to strike. "That will lead to your demise, just as it should happen!" His fist shoots forward and collides with KC's swing- completely cancelling the force of it out. The --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] big golden star on Barry's back breaks up into 47 small white stars- some power was sacrificed to prevent the force of the blow from having any effect. Barry then steps inward and lets out a partial roar as he went to try and smash his fist into Diavolo's chest with enough force to blow him right off his feet. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] KC follows up with a shift in its footing sliding itself to the right it sweeps its left foot at his legs aiming to knock him off balance to prevent his strike from landing. He has a few seconds until he can activate Erasure again, but he knows if he can zone Barry out with his stand's effective 3 meter range, he can keep --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] up Tempo. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry widens his stance right as his foot plants itself against the ground, he's thrown slightly off balance, but with his other foot he pushes sharply against the ground and throws his weight forward. He's put himself slightly off the ground, but he's now extended the range of his attack. --
CEA: You've fallen under the illusion that this ability is invincible, and that you can suddenly defeat me, is that so?
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] If his first strike lands, he'll release an explosive burst beneath his feet to try and spin and smash a kick into Diavolo's side. Aiming to get as much as he can out of this exchange- he's sure victory can be his, regardless of what was said earlier. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] KC follows up immediately with an uppercut aimed at his open midsection, ducking forward before pushing upward with the force needed to launch him. He won't be able to push through without that grounding, but in this situation a Sacrifice must be made to ensure he remains unharmed. --
CEA: You seem to believe you can still overcome all odds and defeat that which you can't understand.
CEA: It's 'useless'.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] His punch goes right over Diavolo's now ducked head, which allows him to get a strike in on Barry...'s hand, cancelling the blow out. The number of stars he has is now 44, each punch he negates seems to be taking away more stars, and no new stars seem to be forming. Barry has to ensure Diavolo doesn't catch onto how his --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Quirk works. He grips King Crimson's hand as the vibrant red, white, and blue hand of Barry's Stand reaches out and grasps it aswell, both he and his Stand buck their heads forward to try and headbutt Diavolo and King Crimson at the same time. "WRONG!" He seems to be holding on pretty well, but with how strong King Crimson --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] is there's only so much punishment Barry can deflect before he'll be forced to take the full brunt of it all. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He takes a headbutt, launching backward. KC's eyes widen as he rolls back into a kneel. KC is bleeding aaround its right eye. "Your ability. . . I believe I have all the information I need." He observes his opponent's new posture, using his Epitaph. It would become apparent to Barry that while King Crimson is a physical --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] powerhouse, it cannot take the punishment it can deal. That is its weakness. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] He notices this immediately, making a mental note. "Dio's Stand looked as strong as this one, but the blows it took from that Joestar were incredible, yet it didn't falter all that much. This man however.. I believe I can actually stand a chance against him, but I can't get cocky.. I'm down to 40 stars, meaning every --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] attack I make from here on out has to be calculated. He's soft, but he's still freakishly strong." Barry raises his hands up yet again, it's time for Time to be Skipped once again, he awaits Diavolo, he knows approaching and attacking him now would be pointless. His eyes dart around, and his body naturally tenses up from the --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] fear that momentarily fills his body. --
CEA: You're afraid. Your eyes move as though you expect something to happen.
CAA: Is it wrong for me to do that? I'm anticipating where you'll end up next.
CEA: You negate the damage I deal, don't you?
CEA: Is it selective?
CEA: Or is it any trauma. . .
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Went silent for only a moment, he felt giving an answer to that wouldn't be the smart thing to do. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] KC leans to the side, scooping up a few rocks littering the street. --
CEA: Soon enough, the answer will be evident.
CEA: Unless you make your move.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he leaves Barry the choice. He can attack head on, or attempt to tank Stones launched from that cannon of an arm. --
CEA: Your choices are not easy ones.
CAA: (I'll have to take the damage..!)
CEA: I must do what is best for my gang, you understand.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] KC winds back aiming to launch the rocks at him like a shotgun blast. The stones launching at AA with the force of a tank's blast behind it. Aiming to pierce through skin, and shatter bone. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] He lets out a deep roar as his aura flares up- he rushes inwards towards Diavolo with his left hand out in front of him, and his right hand kept back. He quickly closes the distance, prepared to try to negate at least one of the stones that could soon come his way if they were thrown early, he'll have to take damage, he's --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] already gritting his teeth, and through those gritted teeth he says. "And I have to do what's right for the world!" As he swings a right-straight forward, prepared to trade with Diavolo. He lets out a loud grunt as several of the stones pass through him like bullets, but he does manage to negate two, one of which would've --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] done serious damage to his chest- it's a good thing he kept his hand up. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Smoke flows off of him as he runs through the stones, bursting through the smoke and turning his body into the punch he's thrown forward with all the faith in the world- aimed right for Diavolo's chest, while his Stand's arm appears and sends a punch right for KC's chest. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He smirks, activating his ability. "King Crimson." Erasing himself from the flow of time, and allowing Barry to rush through his position past him. He hasn't moved, because he doesn't need to. As demonstrated during his encounter with Risotto, he needed nothing more than the time to sit there and recover. "Your ability --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] assists you from beyond the grave, and you believe that your possession of it will grant you the peace of a victory against me." --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry passes right through him, and it's during this time his Stand comes out once again to view Diavolo, but doesn't directly attack this time around. Barry, confusedly stumbling forward, quickly pivots on his feet to look over towards where Diavolo is/was depending on if he moved much during Time Skip. --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He would righ forward, to put more distance between the two of them. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry quickly punches himself, quickly forcing all of his wounds to seal shut and heal up, the amount of stars on his back drastically drops to 25. His strength hasn't diminished, but now he's running lower and lower on power, he can only gain it back by expending what he has left and starting from 0. --
CEA: You're running out of time, aren't you?
CEA: You can't last as long as I can.
CEA: That much is evident by your fervor to attack frequently, and quickly.
CEA: You're a brute force fighter, tempted more to attack than to wait for your perfect moment.
CEA: The one strike you need.
CSS ceased responding to memo.
CAA: That much is true, but what's also true is that I need to land less blows than you in order to take you down. You can't take what you can dish out, but I can!
CEA: You still seem to believe you can defeat me if you forge a path, but every action you make is predetermined.
CEA: It is all beholden to me.
CEA: You may have developed during this encounter, and for that you have gained my respect.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] he rose to his feet as King Crimson wipes around its eye with its hand. "Your placement infront of me as a test of my will, a test of fate." --
CEA: The bizarre twists and turns of fate growing nearer and nearer to you.
CEA: I will quell your rebellious spirit.
CEA: You are a slave to fate.
CEA: I chose to rise above fate, and forge my path with my own hands.
CEA: Gaining what power I could to change the outcomes that would hit me.
CEA: It is the duty of the survivor to forge the path for the future!
CEA: I will allow you this final chance.
CEA: My next strike will end your life- You may turn your head, and walk away.
CEA: I offer this chance to you, so that you may walk away.
CEA: Out of respect.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Makes a fist and holds it over his chest, while his other hand rests by his waistline, he leaned his head forward slightly as his hair begun flowing softly. His Stand slowly but surely beginning to manifest, it now draped itself over Barry with its arms crossed over his chest. "A slave? No, I wouldn't say that at all. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Maybe before, but not anymore." --
CAA: I appreciate the offer.
CAA: And I accept it.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry looks Diavolo over, the two, for the most part, aren't lethally injured. Neither of them suffered defeat, but victory wasn't at hand either. If anything, they both had small victories- the victory of living on another day. --
CEA: You may turn and walk away. Mention me not.
CEA: Or Truth will find you.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] New Horizon strikes Barry's chest as he looks over to Diavolo, staring right into and through his eyes. He then closes his eyes and turns off to the side, side-eyeing the man. New Horizon looks over towards Diavolo. The Stand then suddenly rushed over and gently struck Diavolo's chest. It was then that Barry completely --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] turned his back to the man. --
CAA: It's not my place to determine good or evil, Diavolo, but.
CAA: Even you don't deserve "that".
CEA: Hm?
CAA: It's strange, but, Fate almost seems to "repeat" itself. I filled in for someone here..
CEA: Who?
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] KC watches the stand's movement, allowing it the ability to strike its user only once. --
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Somehow says, without hesitation or error as he looks over his shoulder. "Giorno Giovanna." The blonde-haired young man could be seen stood in the same exact pose as Barry, with Golden Experience Requiem being New Horizon's "Shadow", the image of these two then fades, it was certainly a strange sight to see. --
CAA: I don't know what you, or.. Well, what you from another timeline did.
CAA: But I don't think I'd ever allow something like that to happen. I can't save you, but I can soften the blow. That's my role now it seems. See your goals through to the end.
CAA: I may have come from a world of heroes, but I walk a path that ignores "heroic" and "villainy", and simply sees things through.
CAA: I won't tell anyone about what happened here, but you've got other people to worry about.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] He squints. Giorno Giovanna. A name he hadn't heard in months. Internally, however, he continues thinking to himself. "I thought I'd made it disappear. But it would seem that the trappings of a forgotten foe wrap themselves around one's true peace, never allowing them rest. Growth being as fickle as it is, I must complete --
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] what I came here to do. Eliminate the past, and forge for a better future." --
CAA: The "past" is definitely where horror lies, but so long as you grow beyond the past, you can dominate the future. Good luck, Diavolo. You and I are both aware of Gravity, so it's 'Inevitable' we'll meet again.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry began walking away, something he wouldn't normally have done, he truly did step away from this fight. It felt right to do that, though at the same time, he feels like he should've continued. --
CEA ceased responding to memo.
CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] RIGHT NOW responded to memo.
-- CURRENT epitaphAvoided [CEA] BLEGH, Whaddid Ah Miss? --
CAA: The "past" is definitely where horror lies, but so long as you grow beyond the past, you can dominate the future. Good luck, Diavolo. You and I are both aware of Gravity, so it's 'Inevitable' we'll meet again.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Barry began walking away, something he wouldn't normally have done, he truly did step away from this fight. It felt right to do that, though at the same time, he feels like he should've continued. --
CEA: Gravity. . .
CEA: The force that pulls us all back together.
-- CURRENT americanizedAuspiciousness [CAA] Gives a.. Surprisingly casual wave over his shoulder as he heads off. --