As his heart began to ache from the power, Kurori painted another stroke, leaving what must be the millionth dimension, and returning to the indescript void that filled the inbetween of universes.  He sighed as the throbbing subsided for a few moments.  For a few seconds, he looked back at the world he was leaving this time.  It was a land with frightningly hot pink grass and many small sponge-like creatures that reeked of the decay of whatever vile liquids they must be soaking up.  There were purple things that resembled trees, but every time a rectangular leaf would fall, it sliced right through a sponge creature.  Kurori was careful not to get near for the brief moments he was there.  

  He scratched his headband and rubbed his eyes.  He couldn't remember how long it was since he had slept for even a few seconds.  It had probably been hundreds of years.  He noticed a sunset on this strange land, the first that seemed to resemble his own.  He thought about the many nights under the stars when his group was traveling Eltellia.  It was a beautiful sight, even when they were surrounded by beasts of the night.  He remembered before that, too, when he was trapped in a castle high in the sky, frozen in time.  He remembered so many beautiful nights like this, but...

  There was a crash and a rumble, and Kurori realized that it was not a sunset that was taking place.  Mountains of dust and smoke began rushing to him, and he closed the portal before the razor-sharp leaves would have a chance to reach him.  He took a deep breath and cursed.  Memories were painful things, even the beautiful ones.  His heart began to ache again, but for a different reason.  He opened yet another portal, but he stopped before entering.

  For the first time in ages, he felt an aura.  It was astoundingly strong , too.  It pulsated intensely and began to give Kurori a headache.  A young woman walked towards him, looking innocent, but reeking of this powerful aura.  Kurori felt the being pulling at his mind, trying to read his thoughts, but Seialun masked Kurori enough to prevent deep penetration.  The being obviously was unable to detect his power at the moment, and as a result was being extremely overt.  When she neared, though, she seemed to catch on and her aura dimmed in intensity to a tiny static that made the hair on Kurori's arms stand up.  She smiled sweetly at Kurori, but he did not return the favor.  Then, the woman spoke.

"It's been a long time since I've met anyone here by themselves," she said sweetly, "I thought I was the only traveler."

  Kurori noticed her muscles tense for a split moment as she talked.  It was the same sort of twitch he himself made when he shapeshifted.  He replied, "I see.  And it's been long since I've met anyone else either.  At least, anyone remotely human.  That is, if you are one."

  He then felt another tug at his mind as the woman made an annoyed gesture.  She then spat at the floor and said, "I hate the ones like you."

  The woman then faded to black as she became a tall shadow.  Kurori reached for his staff as the strong, rancid aura returned, but the apparation spoke.

"I could torment you for ages to come, feeding on your darkest memories and deepest agonies.  However, if you do a certain something for me, I will be nourished, and you may go free.  But don't be fooled: This is not a choice.  You WILL come with me."

  The apparation then handed Kurori a piece of parchment.  Kurori unrolled it, and his eyes widened as he saw the detail of runic inscriptions contained inside.  He took a handful of crystals from a pouch on his pants, and in his hands they liquefied and became a set of  four bracelets.  He put the first two on, and he felt a release of pressure upon his rib cage.  He put the others on his ankles, and knew that this meant that fighting this creature would result in a crushing defeat under these conditions.

  The apparation made a wide, ominous grin as Kurori answered.

"Alright.  I suppose I'll play your game."