re_alignment | VIDEO;

Please, for a moment, give me your attention, all of you.

My name, again, is Ashitaka. I have a request to make. Most of you don't know me very well, and I understand if you disregard this.

First, I owe you all an explanation. Where I'm from, there are gods and demons alike. Gods to guard forests and the mountains. Demons that form due to anger and hatred.

[Ashitaka undoes his sleeve, pushing it back to reveal his scarred skin.]

I was cursed by a former god turned demon where I am from. When it is done claiming my body, it will kill me. I originally asked about the spirituality of this world because I was unsure of what could help me. Lord Prima has advised that I go on a journey to the Badlands. He has given me a map and a task.

However. Lord Prima also advised that I do not venture alone. So what I ask is this: will anyone be willing to go out into the Badlands with me? It will be dangerous, so I have need of those who can defend themselves. I will be honored if you volunteer yourself, but I need to know if you can fight as well.

I also understand if you do not wish to offer your help to me. If I must go alone, I will.

Thank you.

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I'll do my best to earn it.

Will this quest cure you of your 'curse'?

No. Lord Prima said it'd only contain it so it does not kill me. It's not quite lifting the curse, but...

I just want to live, Drift.

[Drift nods. ] I had something similar when I arrived. Vector Prime could only slow the progress of the plague. But it gave me a chance.

Wanting to live is not a bad thing. Ever.

You were sick with something? I wasn't aware that was possible with your people. If you don't mind my saying, you're all a bit... impressive.

It happens. Not often. It was a first for me.

[And something he'd rather not repeat.]

What's impressive is Pharma, who manufactured a cure. All I had to do was not die.

I'm glad, at least, it was something you were able to walk away from.

I hope the same for you.

What are we doing in the Badlands?

Lord Prima said that I must go out into the Badlands and collect dark energy. It can be used, somehow, to contain my curse. I do not know how long it'll take, but I'm to receive an item from one of his acolytes accordingly so I'll be able to measure it.

It'll take some time to head out to the Badlands, so this... could be awhile.

Dark energy. [He doesn't sound dubious; something more like wonder, honestly. Spiritual energy, containing curses, it sounds unbelievable. He's fascinated.]

[He nods.] Of course. A quest like this takes commitment. [And time, and hardship.] If the task were simple, it wouldn't test you.

I guess that's true. It couldn't be too easy, could it?

I suggest getting some things in order. I want to leave fairly soon, if possible.

[Drift nods.] It doesn't matter, because we'll succeed. [If Drift has anything to say about it.]

Wing and I will get prepare what we need.

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