>Chapter 13: Quest For the Truth
>
MARK <Trevor Goodchild>: I have been accused of caring nothing for the truth, but on the contrary, I value the truth so highly that I make sure it is hidden away someplace safe.
>
>
>James, Chris, and Liu Kang arrived at Eric's base in the World of Mana.
>
>"Eric, any site of Dann Zenretsu and company?" asked James.
>
>"They've regrouped at Necrosaro's base," said Eric. "The loss of Balzack sets them back
>pretty good."
>
>"That's good, so we have a few days to act before we actually have to move, good after that
>grueling battle with Balzack," said James.
>
TIFF: Yeah, we can all see how *grueled* you were.
>"James and Chris, you two can sit down and talk. I'll take Liu Kang and try to heal our
>Mortal Kombat friend.
>
>
>
>"James, why did you ever become a hero?" asked Chris. "It's such a tough life."
>
>"The road was never easy," said James, "and sometimes, being a hero doesn't always do the
>right thing. I have always tried to, but I have failed at times."
>
VID: Gee, ya think?
>"But why did you go on this life?" asked Chris.
>
MMK <James>: Because "That Life" wasn't hiring.
>"I was beaten as a child: My parents always loved to take their frustrations out on me.
>Also, everyone else in the world loved to also. I remember having the whole school against
>me at one time, Chris."
>
>"Geez," said Chris. "Is that true?"
>
>"Yes, and it eventually got to the point where I broke up with my parents.
TIFF: Not. A. Word. Snot
TBS: Actually, I wasn't going to.
>I had to keep
>myself afloat, so I went into helping people: Those less fortunate than myself, those who
>had the same troubles as me. That's how I met Dann."
>
>"He was once, in a bad boat?" asked James.
>
>"And still is. I know his parents beat him into submission and force him to do their ways
>and so do other people. That's why I trained him: Hoping he'd stand up to it; however, his
>parents were too strong. I could not turn him from the side of evil."
>
>"Is there any way you can now?" asked Chris.
>
>"Only through battle," said James, "But we cannot strike Dann. He's not the one we want to
>hurt. If we can, we want to lead him and his friends down the right direction."
>
GAVOK <Harry Potter>: Point me.
>"But how?" asked Chris.
>
>"Dann's parents struck a deal with Necrosaro. I have to bring down Necrosaro regardless of
>the cost and make sure the Demon and Demoness Zenretsu are not revived."
>
>"This is sounding like a nasty situation," said Chris. "Can't Dann do anything about it?"
>
>"Not at his age and timing," said James. "He and his friends are being treated like kings,
>and that's a big ego-maker at twelve and thirteen years old."
>
>"So you're going to save him?" asked Chris.
>
>"Even if it costs me my life," said James.
ALL: Please please please...
[They send up prayers to God, Ahura Mazda, the One True Kaphwan, or Whatever else they believe in.]
>"It's my responsibility."
>
>"James, you're crazy!" yelled Chris. "Can't you just defeat Necrosaro and call an end to
>this situation?"
>
>"If I sit back and know something evil happened, then I am just as guilty," said James.
>"It's why evil is not controlled in this world."
>
MMK <Kim>: Evil cannot be tolerated!
>"Kind of why crime rings always get away with things, right?" asked Chris.
>
>"EXACTLY!" said James. "I need the Sword of Truth so I can defeat Necrosaro and possibly
>face the Demon and Demoness Zenretsu.
>
>"James, I really have to say you're something else to stand up for what you believe in no
>matter what," said Chris. "It takes a lot of guts to do something like that."
>
GAVOK <Howard Fineman>: I'm taking notes on your technique, Chris.
>"Thanks, but it might not save my life if I have to fight the Demon and Demoness," said
>James.
>
>
>
>"James, I think it's time you started going for the Sword of Truth," said Eric Mana.
>"Necro's forces are at an all-time low because they're attending the funeral of Balzack."
>
>"You're right, Mana," said James. "Chris, are you ready?"
>
VID <Belgarath>: Are you ready?
>"Yes I am, James. I will stand by you as long as I can," replied Chris.
>
>"Then let's get this sword and put an end to all this evil!" said James. "Do you have the
>exact pinpoint location of the sword?" asked James.
>
>"Yes, I do," said Eric Mana. "The transporter is set to go."
>
>"Then, it's time that Chris and I go," said James. "Eric, hold base until we return."
>
>"Remember James, the Sword of Truth is a double-edged sword. If you tell a lie yourself,
>then the sword will come back to hurt you."
>
MMK: [sagely] The mouth of truth cuts the liar's hand.
>"I understand the risk," said James. "Without the sword, we're all doomed."
>
>James and Chris jumped into the transporter.
>
>"Destination: Coasty Isles, 2nd floor, Sword Chamber.
>
>James, are you ready?
>
>Chris are you ready?"
>
>"Yes we are," replied James.
>
>"Take-off!"
>
>James and Chris transported at light speed to the Coasty Isles.
>
GAVOK <Lone Starr>: It's Spaceball One!
MMK <Barf the Mawg>: She's gone to plaid!
>
>
>
>